Objective To verify the antibacterial activity of the conserved domain derived from the novel human antimicrobial peptide-hGlyrichin .Methods Bioinformative analysis was performed and two peptides derived from hGlyrichin were synthesized which contained the conserved domain .Results Analysis of antimicrobial activities showed that these two peptides exhibited strong antibacterial activity which was inversely proportional to the length of the peptide within an eligible range.Despite the effective inhibition and killing of bacteria , the synthetic peptide segments had no hemolytic effect on human red blood cells .Conclusion These results indicate that a conserved domain exists in hGlyrichin , and that the peptides which contain this domain have strong antibacterial activity but are not toxic to human somatic cells .

OBJECTIVETo explore the association of -1195G > A genetic variant in the promoter region of cyclooxygenase 2 genetic (COX2) with the genetic susceptibility of lung cancer and its interaction with smoking.

METHODSTotally, 956 lung cancer patients recruited between January 2000 and December 2008 at Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science as the case group, and 994 frequency-matched controls were randomly selected from a pool of cancer-free subjects recruited from a nutritional survey. All subjects were ethnic Han Chinese. There was no sex, age restrictions. Case group and control group were matched. Informed consent was obtained and 2 ml peripheral blood was collected from each subject. All samples were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method, smoking status of the subjects was surveyed.While the OR and 95% CI were estimated by logistic regression to evaluate the relation of COX2 -1195G > A variant and the risk of lung cancer.

RESULTSThe genetic allele COX2 -1195AA of control group and case group were 24.9% (247/994) and 28.3% (271/956) . Case-control analysis showed an increased risk of developing lung cancer for -1195AA genotype carriers (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.03-1.79), compared with -1195GG carriers. When stratified by smoking status, the significant increased risk of lung cancer was found among smokers with COX2-1195AA genotype, with the OR (95%CI) was 1.56 (1.08-2.25); while among non-smokers, difference of lung cancer risk was not found among different genotypes (OR = 1.17; 95%CI: 0.77-1.61). Among heavy smokers (pack-year >20), -1195AA and -1195AG genotype carriers have significant increased risk of lung cancer with 1.85 (1.16-2.95) and 1.62(1.08-2.43) of OR (95%CI), respectively; among light smokers (pack-year ≤ 20), the OR (95%CI) of lung cancer risk in -1195AG and -1195AA genotype carriers were 0.78 (0.47-1.30) and 1.08 (0.60-1.94), respectively.

CONCLUSIONGenetic polymorphism in the promoter of COX2 gene interacting with smoking factor plays an important role in the development of lung cancer.

Aged ; Alleles ; Case-Control Studies ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Smoking ; adverse effects

OBJECTIVESTo construct small interfering (siRNA) Sox9 expression plasmid and transfer it into human chondrosarcoma cells HTB-94, and to check the mRNA and protein expression of Sox9 and cell growth and apoptosis of HTB-94 human chondrosarcoma cells.

METHODSsiRNA(Sox9) expression plasmid was designed and synthesized. And it was transferred into HTB-94 human chondrosarcoma cells. Then the expression of the mRNA and protein of Sox9, cell growth and apoptosis in transferred HTB-94 human chondrosarcoma cells were checked.

RESULTSThe recombinant plasmid was confirmed by enzyme digestion analysis and DNA sequencing. The expression of the mRNA and protein expression of Sox9 in transferred HTB-94 were significantly reduced. The cell growth of HTB-94 was inhibited, and the apoptosis of HTB-94 was remarkably increased.

CONCLUSIONsiRNA (Sox9) expression plasmid could be transferred into HTB-94 human chondrosarcoma cells. And it can reduce the mRNA and protein expression of the HTB-94, inhibit the cell growth and cause the apoptosis of the tumor cells.

Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; Chondrosarcoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Plasmids ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; SOX9 Transcription Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

A new viral sampling concentration device was designed which was equipped with a new cationic filter membrane-Nanoceram suitable for field sampling. Norovirus Genegroup II was detected from environmental water with the aid of this device. The effects on virus recovery of prefiltration, various second-concentration methods, and different eluants were investigated through pre-experiment. The concentration optimized process, and the optimal concentration process were then determined. The results showed that the prefiltration had a profound effect on virus recovery, and two second-concentration method: PEG-NaC1 precipitation and celite adsorption, had almost the same concentration effects. The Na2 HPO4 solution of 0.15 mol/L was selected as the final eluant to elute the adsorbed Nuorovirus from the celite. The virus recovery of Nanoceram was determined to be 3.02%. Finally, successful detection of Norovirus GII in sewage from Yangqiao River, Fengtai District, Beijing was acheived. All these data had shown that the Naneceram filter concentration method could concentrate Norovirus from environmental water with a steady effects.
Filtration ; instrumentation ; methods ; Fractional Precipitation ; instrumentation ; methods ; Genotype ; Norovirus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Rivers ; virology ; Water Microbiology

Objective To investigate the modulation effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) implantation on the myofibroblasts congregating in the infarct region after myocardial infarction (MI).Methods MI was induced in SD rats by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation,and the experimental animals were assigned randomly into the sham group,MI + PBS group and MI + MSC group (myocardial injection of 0.1 ml 2 × 107/ml in four locations in the infarct region).Echocardiography,hemodynamic examinations and Masson trichrome staining were performed.Implanted MSC differentiation and myofibroblasts congregating in infarct region were investigated by immunofluorescence staining.TGF-β1-Smad2 signaling pathway was examined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot.Results (1) Four weeks late,heart-weight/body-weight ratio [(3.04 ± 0.16) mg/g vs.(3.34 ± 0.14) mg/g,P ＜ 0.01] and myocardial infarction size [(38.72 ± 2.38) ％ vs.(46.36 ± 2.81) ％,P ＜ 0.01] were significantly reduced in MI + MSC group than in MI + PBS group,while scar thickness of infarct region was thicker [(0.93 ±0.17) mm vs.(0.65 ±0.16) mm,P=0.01],and LVEF was higher [LVEF:(32.5 ±5.9)％ vs.(26.5 ±4.5) ％,P =0.03] in MI + MSC group than in MI + PBS group.(2) Myofibroblasts congregating in the infarct region was significantly enhanced in MI + MSC group compared with MI + PBS group [(196 ± 20) cells/mm2 vs.(89 ± 25) cells/mm2,P ＜ 0.01],and part of implanted MSC expressed α-SMA +.(3) TGF-β1 expression and the phosphorylating of Smad2 in the infarct region were significantly upregulated in MI + MSC group compared with MI + PBS group (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions MSC could improve myocardial function and promote myofibroblasts congregating in the infarct region via activating the TGF-β1-Smad2 signaling pathway in this model.

Objective: On the basis of traditional experience identification,and appearance characteristics and intrinsic index components of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces,a comprehensive evaluation was carried out to explore the method of grading Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces and establish grading standards. Method: Based on the investigation of 44 batches of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces,including their properties,glycyrrhizin content and ammonium glycyrrhizinate content,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces were classified according to the market grading to establish the grading standards. Result: Based on the above data,the Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces were classified into four grades. First-class:average diameter>1.66 mm,average weight>0.54 g,glycyrrhizin content>1.10%,glycyrrhizic acid content>2.12%. Second-class:the average diameter is between 1.40-1.66 mm,the average weight is between 0.42-0.54 g,the content of glycyrrhizin is between 0.74%-1.10%,and the content of glycyrrhizic acid is between 1.95%-2.12%. Third-class:the average diameter is between 1.07-1.40 mm,the average weight is between 0.29-0.42 g,the content of glycyrrhizin is between 0.65%-0.74%,and the content of glycyrrhizic acid is between 1.88%-1.95%. Substandard:the average diameter<1.07 mm,average weight<0.29 g,content of glycyrrhizin<0.65%,content of glycyrrhizic acid<1.88%. Conclusion: This experiment combines the traditional experience and modern analysis method,in order to develop a scientific,reasonable and accurate classification method.

OBJECTIVETo study the imageology change of the intervertebral foramen degenerative intervertebral disc in different degrees and explore its clinical significance.

METHODSThe imageology data (MRI and CT) of 37 patients with degenerative disc disease of L4,5 (male 23, female 14, age from 28 to 62 years with an average of 41.6 years)were investigated. The patients were divided into three groups depending on the mean signal intensity rate of degenerative disc and cerebrospinal fluid:light degenerative group (group A) of 11 cases, intermediate degenerative group (group B) of 13 cases, and severe degenerative group (group C) of 13 cases. The extreme altitude, maximum width and areas of the intervertebral foramen were measured from the CT 1.25 mm scan reconstitution. The changes of the intervertebral foramen were analyzed.

RESULTS(1) 1. The extreme altitude and areas of the intervertebral foramen gradually diminished among the light degenerative group, intermediate degenerative group and severe degenerative group, there was no significant deviation between intermediate degenerative group and the light degenerative group (P > 0.05), there was statistical significance between severe degenerative group and intermediate degenerative group (P < 0.05), there was statistical significance between severe degenerative group and light degenerative group (P < 0.01). (2) There was no statistical significance of the maximum width of intervertebral foramen among three groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe extreme altitude and areas of the intervertebral foramen gradually diminished when the disc are differently degenerative. But there was not significant correlation to width of the intervertebral foramen; the dimin height and area of intervertebral foramen should result in root compression.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc ; chemistry ; diagnostic imaging ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ; diagnostic imaging ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo study the imageology changes of degenerative cartilage endplate to different degree, and to explore its clinical significances.

METHODSThe imageology data (MRI or CT) of 58 patients with degenerative disc disease of L4, 5 (including 34 patients with lumbar disc herniation). The patients were divided into three groups depending on the mean signal intensity rate of degenerative disc and cerebrospinal fluid: light degenerative group of 17 cases, intermediate degenerative group of 17 cases, and severe degenerative group of 24 cases. The signals of intervertebral disks on T2WI of sagittal magnetic resonance imaging were inputted into the computer and the concave angles of endplate were measured. Anteroposterior diameter and transverse diameter of the endplate were measured from the CT scan of L4, 5, and then the relative curvature of endplate was got. The change patterns of the concave angle and the relative curvature of vertebral endplates were analyzed when the lumbar disc was differently degenerative.

RESULTS(1) The concave angle of endplate (L4 inferior endplate, L5 superior endplate) gradually increased among the light degenerative group, intermediate degenerative group and severe degenerative group (P < 0.01). (2) The relative curature of endplate (L4 inferior endplate, L5 superior endplate) gradually increased. There was significant difference between the light degenerative group and intermediate degenerative group (P < 0.0l), and there was significant difference between the light degenerative group and severe degenerative group (P < 0.0l). There were no significant difference between intermediate degenerative group and severe degenerative group (P < 0.05). (3) The concave angle of endplate had positive correlation with relative circularity (r = 0.786, 0.490).

CONCLUSIONThe concave angle and relative curvature of endplate generate corresponding changes when the lumbar disc are differently degenerative. The changes of concave angle and relative curvature of endplate are important factors of lumbar disc hernia and lower back pain, which may evaluate the probability of intervertebral disk hernia.

Adult ; Cartilage ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; pathology ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility whether the bovine jugular venous conduit (BJVC) can be fixed with polyepoxy compound (PC). METHODS: Twenty-four BJVCs were divided into 3 groups and fixed with polyepoxy compound (PC group, n = 8), glutaraldehyde (GA group, n = 8), and unfixed group (Control group, n = 8), respectively. The morphologic and mechanical properties of BJVCs in the 3 groups, including thickness, diameter, moisture content, denaturation temperature, tensile strength, elongation at break, and fixation index were measured. The rat subcutaneous model for the assessment of tissue calcification was used. The calcium content in bovine jugular vein patches and valves was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: There was no difference in the wall thickness, diameter, and tissue water content between PC and the control group, but significant difference was found between GA and PC groups. The mechanical properties of PC group and GA group were not significantly different, but they were better than those of the control group. GA-fixed BJVC samples showed clear calcification, while PC fixed BJVC were calcified significantly less. CONCLUSION PC is an effective and suitable choice for the treatment of BJVC since it can effectively preserve the structure and the anti-reflow function of valves in bovine jugular vein and it has better anti-calcification properties.
Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; Bioprosthesis ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis ; Cattle ; Cross-Linking Reagents ; pharmacology ; Epoxy Compounds ; pharmacology ; Jugular Veins ; Polymers

BACKGROUNDDominantly inherited spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders. This study was to further assess the frequency of SCA1 (spinocerebellar ataxia type 1), SCA2, SCA3/MJD (spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph disease), SCA6, SCA7, SCA8, SCA10, SCA12, SCA14, SCA17 and DRPLA (dentatorubro-pallidoluysian atrophy) in mainland Chinese, and to specifically characterize mainland Chinese patients with SCA6 in terms of clinical and molecular features.

METHODSUsing a molecular approach, we investigated SCA in 120 mainland Chinese families with dominantly inherited ataxias and in 60 mainland Chinese patients with sporadic ataxias. Clinical and molecular features of SCA6 were further characterized in 13 patients from 4 families.

RESULTSSCA3/MJD was the most common type of autosomal dominant SCA in mainland Chinese, accounting for 83 patients from 59 families (49.2%), followed by SCA2 [8 (6.7%)], SCA1 [7 (5.8%)], SCA6 [4 (3.3%)], SCA7 [1 (0.8%)], SCA8 (0%), SCA10 (0%), SCA12 (0%), SCA14 (0%), SCA17 (0%) and DRPLA (0%). The genes responsible for 41 (34.2%) of dominantly inherited SCA families remain to be determined. Among the 60 patients with sporadic ataxias in the present series, 3 (5.0%) was found to harbor SCA3 mutations while none was found to harbor SCA6 mutations. In the 4 families with SCA6, significant anticipation was found in the absence of genetic instability on transmission.

CONCLUSIONA geographic cluster of families with SCA6 subtype was initially identified in a mainland Chinese population.

Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Calcium Channels ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genes, Dominant ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinocerebellar Ataxias ; genetics ; Trinucleotide Repeats