In the reductive branch, glycerol is first dehydrated to 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde that is then reduced to 1,3-PD under the consumption of reducing power (NADH). If over-expression of the gene dhaB encoding glycerol dehydrase is achieved,the reducing power will be scarce and 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde will be accumulated,which is disadvantage to produce 1,3-propanediol.The structure gene yqhD from E.coli encoding 1,3-propanediol oxidoreductase isoenzyme[under the consumption of reducing power (NADPH)]and the gene dhaB encoding glycerol dehydrase from Klebsiella pneumoniae was amplified using PCR method.The two gene were transferred into expression vector pEtac to construct a novel recombinant Klebsiella pneumoniae (pEtac-dhaB-tac-yqhD).Over-expression of yqhD and dhaB in Klebsiella pneumoniae was achieved with pEtac-dhaB-tac-yqhD.The fermentation result on aerobic conversion showed the increase of 20% of 1,3-propanediol yield by Klebsiella pneumoniae(pEtac-dhaB-tac-yqhD) was obtained compared with Klebsiella pneumoniae.The main by-products,acetic acid and butanediol decreased estrogen receptors 30% obviously.

AIMTo explore the molecular biological mechanism of hemoglobin with high oxygen affinity in Tibetans by determining the sequence of globin cDNA in Tibetans living at high altitude.

METHODSTotal RNA was isolated from human bone marrow samples of three Tibetans who live in Qinghai-Tibet plateau. cDNA fragments coding for alpha and beta genes of human hemoglobin were obtained through RT-PCR and were ligated to plasmid pGEM-T easy vectors, and then the ligation liquid were transformed to Escherichia coli and cloned and sequenced. Nucleotide sequences were compared with GenBank data by BLAST method.

RESULTSsequence of a globin cDNA in Tibetans were the same with the registering globin genes in the GenBank, and Hb Abruzzo (beta143 (H21), His- > Arg) gene mutation, a high oxygen affinity beta globin mutation, was found in one Tibetan' beta goblin coding gene (CAC- > CGC).

CONCLUSIONThis hemoglobin gene mutation may be associated with high altitude adaptation of Tibetans living at high altitude.

Adult ; Altitude ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Cloning, Molecular ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Hemoglobins, Abnormal ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; RNA ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Tibet ; alpha-Globins ; genetics ; beta-Globins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate quality of surveillance and emendate rates of birth and death of population of the Three Gorges area.

METHODSData on the two samples collected were designed based on principle of capture-recapture method. An investigation of missing report of birth and death was conducted in 7061 families selected through stratified random sampling method. We collected and registered the data of birth and death in every family investigated and checked with correlative records reported in disease surveillance system of the Three Gorges area. The missing report rates and the 95% confidence intervals of birth rate and death rate were calculated.

RESULTSThe underreporting rates of birth and death were 13.91% and 15.60% and death of infant was 33.33%. The emended birth rate was 8.92 per thousandth and the 95% confidence interval of birth rate was 8.38 per thousandth-9.45 per thousandth. The emended report rate of death was 6.88 per thousandth and the collectivity 95% confidence interval was 6.37%-7.38 per thousandth.

CONCLUSIONResults showed that the quality of birth and death in the disease surveillance reporting system of Three Gorges area was competent to the quality level of the standard set for national disease surveillance system. The birth and death rates of population in the Three Gorges area were under 10.00 per thousandth.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Birth Rate ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Mortality ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mortality ; Population Surveillance ; methods

Solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for Aspergillus infections. However, the cases of Aspergillus spondylodiscitis are rare and mostly resulted from the hematogenous spread of invasive pulmonary Aspergillosis. Here, we report a case of primary spondylodiscitis in a liver transplant recipient. Six months after transplantation, a chronic and progressive lumbar back pain was presented. The patient had no fever and the white blood cell count was normal. High plasma (1→3)-beta-d-glucan (BDG) level was detected at the time of back pain. The pathogen was Aspergillus flavus. Clinical and radiological healing was achieved through posterior only debridement and voriconazole therapy.
Adult ; Aspergillosis ; blood ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Discitis ; blood ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Humans ; Liver Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Male

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of snail control through soil pasting mixed with niclosamide.

METHODSFour sites were selected in different epidemic areas in Sichuan province. Soil pasting mixed with niclosamide was carried on, and the dosage was 0 g/m2, 4 g/m2, 6 g/m2, 8 g/m2 and 10 g/m2 respectively. The mortality rate of snail and the density of snail were observed after 7, 15, 30, 90 and 180 days.

RESULTSThe mortality rate of snail was more than 43.3% in blank group after 30 days. The mortality rate of snail was from 75.3% to 100.0% at 4 g/m2 group after 30 days. The mortality rate of snail in 4 g/m2 group was significantly higher than that in the blank group (chi2 = 31.27, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mortality rate of snail among all study groups (chi2 = 1.07, P > 0.05). The decrease rate of snail density was more than 90%. The mortality rate of snail was about 30% higher in Chantu group than Qutu group. The unit cost of Pasting-Mixing Drug with Soil was from 5 to 7 times of spray method, but the total cost was similar for the. two methods at the endpoint of the snail control.

CONCLUSIONThe effect of soil pasting mixed with niclosamide is good, and the dosage of 4-6 g/m2 is suggested in snail control.

Animals ; Molluscacides ; Niclosamide ; Pest Control ; Schistosomiasis ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Snails ; Soil

OBJECTIVEThis study was to clarify E-cadherin expressions in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its correlation with patients' prognosis.

METHODSTissue microarrays (TMAs) containing specimens from 365 different NSCLC were constructed, covering all stages and almost all histological types of this disease. Slides were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies against E-cadherin. Expression pattern of the protein was analyzed with relation to the clinicopathological. Correlations of the results with patients' overall survival were also examined.

RESULTSImmunohistochemical staining revealed that E-cadherin protein was localized mainly on membranes and the cytoplasm of NSCLC tumors cells. Reduced E-cadherin expression was evident in 32.1%. Reduced E-cadherin expression significantly correlated with lymph nodes metastasis (chi(2) = 16.430, P = 0.001), histological dedifferentiation (chi(2) = 9.243, P = 0.010) and advanced clinical stage (chi(2) = 9.421, P = 0.024). There was no significant difference in E-cadherin expression between squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. E-cadherin reduced expression correlated with a poor prognosis (P < 0.0001) in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed a significantly lower survival probability for patients with reduced E-cadherin (P < 0.001), and E-cadherin was an independent prognostic factor for survival of NSCLC patients.

CONCLUSIONSIt suggests that dysfunction of E-cadherin has an important impact in the progression of lung cancer. As an independent prognostic factor, expression of E-cadherin can predict outcome of different group, together with conventional prognostic factors, and subsequently make appropriate management.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cadherins ; biosynthesis ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; metabolism ; mortality ; secondary ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; mortality ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo study the molecular mechanism of TAp63gamma-induced cell apoptosis.

METHODSTranscription and protein expression of apoptosis inducing factor and p63 were investigated by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR in human esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line EC9706 respectively. Twenty-four hours after transfection with pcDNA3.1-TAp63gamma, the apoptosis and translocation of apoptosis inducing factor in EC9706 cells were studied by flow cytometry, laser confocal microscopy and mitochondrial/cytosol/nuclear extraction analysis respectively. Down-regulation of apoptosis inducing factor protein was achieved by RNAi and pretreatment with caspase inhibitor zVAD.fmk of EC9706 cells.

RESULTSPresence of protein expressions of apoptosis inducing factor and absence of TAp63gamma was observed in the cytoplasm of untransfected cells. RT-PCR verified the subtype of p63 in EC9706 cells was DeltaNp63. After 24 hours of transfection, both nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of apoptosis inducing factor protein were observed in cells transfected with TAp63gamma and p53 expression vectors, but not in cells transfected with control vector. Cell apoptosis rates were 1.37%, 13.64%, 4.52%, 4.03% and 1.91% in the pcDNA3.1 transfection group, pcDNA3.1-TAp63gamma transfection group, apoptosis inducing factor siRNA and pcDNA3.1-TAp63gamma transfection group, zVAD.fmk treatment group, and the group receiving apoptosis inducing factor siRNA, plus zVAD.fmk treatment and pcDNA3.1-TAp63gamma transfection, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSApoptosis inducing factor of EC9706 cells is released from mitochondria into both the cytoplasm and nucleus during TAp63gamma induced apoptosis. Down-regulation of apoptosis inducing factor inhibits TAp63gamma-induced apoptosis. Overall, TAp63gamma-induced apoptosis is dependent on the expression of apoptosis inducing factor and caspase.

Amino Acid Chloromethyl Ketones ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; Apoptosis Inducing Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Caspase Inhibitors ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Nucleus ; metabolism ; Cytoplasm ; metabolism ; Down-Regulation ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Mitochondria ; metabolism ; Plasmids ; Protein Transport ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Trans-Activators ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transcription Factors ; Transfection ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo prepare an inclusion complex of daidzein and hydropropyl-beta-cyclodextrin to enhance the solubility of daidzein.

METHODThe inclusion complex of daidzein was prepared by the solution stirring method. The binary system of daidzein and HP-beta-CD was confirmed by differential thermal, thermogravimetry analysis, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry.

RESULTThe drug content in the inclusion complex was 6. 76% and the solubility was 13.68 mg x mL(-1). The identification results showed that the inclusion complex was formed.

CONCLUSIONThe preparation method of the inclusion complex of daidzein and hydropropyl-beta-cyclodextrin is simple and available, with a increased solubility of daidzein.

2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin ; Differential Thermal Analysis ; Drug Compounding ; methods ; Isoflavones ; chemistry ; Solubility ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; X-Ray Diffraction ; beta-Cyclodextrins ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo explore and develop three-dimension (3D) virtual reality (VR) liver model and convert computed tomography data into a fully 3D VR environment for display, measure and manipulation.

METHODS3D-reconstruction of liver was restored from spiral computed tomography (CT) data by using LiVirtue software. Dextrobeam was used to view the 3D model in the VR environment. The liver and its anatomic structure were reconstructed to illuminate the location of the tumor and its related vessels.

RESULTS3D models of liver, tumor and their relative vessels were reconstructed successfully. These models could be viewed and manipulated in the VR environment on personal computer.38 patients underwent liver resection, including 21 right hemihepatectomy, 14 left hemihepatectomy and 3 extended right hemihepatectomy. The intraoperative contrast with preoperative simulation confirmed the reliability of our 3D operative planning system.

CONCLUSIONSThe preoperative simulation in 3D VR facilitated liver resection by the ability to view tumor and its relative vessels. This preoperative estimation from 3D model of liver benefits a lot to complicated liver resection.

Computer Simulation ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Liver Neoplasms ; surgery ; Software ; User-Computer Interface

OBJECTIVETo observe the influence of therapy with Chinese medicine Lirukang Granule (, LRKG) combined with psychological intervention on anxiety states and sex hormones in patients with cyclomastopathy and menoxenia.

METHODSA total of 470 subjects were randomly assigned to three groups by the net-central randomization system, the treatment group (161 patients, treated with LRKG and psychological intervention), the Chinese medicine group (157 patients, treated with LRKG), and the psychological intervention group (152 patients, treated with psychological intervention). The dose of LRKG was 12 g three times per day; psychological intervention included establishing relations, cognitive intervention and psychological persuasion, 30-40 min per session, once a week. The therapy duration for all groups was three months. The efficacy was compared and anxiety state/State-Trait Anxiety Invertory (STAI) scoring was measured before and after treatment. The serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), prolactin (PRL) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels of 60 patients selected randomly from each group during the luteal phase were measured before and after treatment, and a group of 20 healthy women were evaluated for comparison. A follow-up was arranged for one year after treatment.

RESULTSThirty subjects were lost to follow-up. (1) Comparison of efficacy: the markedly effective rate and the total effective rate of the treatment group were 86.67% (131/150) and 98.00% (147/150), respectively; of the Chinese medicine group, 64.58% (93/144) and 90.27% (130/144), respectively; and of the psychological intervention group, 0% (0/146) and 3.42% (5/146), respectively. The markedly effective rate and the total effective rate in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the Chinese medicine and psychological intervention groups (P < 0.05). (2) Comparison of STAI scoring: STAI scoring was decreased dramatically in the treatment group after treatment compared with that of the Chinese medicine group (P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference compared with the psychological intervention group. (3) Comparison of levels of sex hormones: E2, P, PRL and FSH of the three patient groups were disordered before treatment, and significantly different from healthy women (P < 0.01). After treatment, the levels of P and FSH of the treatment group were significantly increased (P < 0.01), E2 and PRL were significantly reduced, which were also significantly decreased compared with the psychological intervention groups (P < 0.01). (4) FOLLOW-UP: the markedly effective rate and the total effective rate of the treatment group remained higher than those of the other two groups after one year of treatment (P < 0.05). (5) Adverse reactions: no obvious adverse reactions were found among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONSTherapy with Chinese medicine combined with psychological intervention was effective for short-term and long-term treatment of cyclomastopathy and menoxenia. The mechanism might be related to the regulation of sex hormones.

Adult ; Behavior Therapy ; methods ; Breast Diseases ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Menstrual Cycle ; Menstruation Disturbances ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Psychotherapy ; methods ; Risk Assessment ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult