Objective To explore the feasibility of using digital imaging processing (DIP)to extract EUS image parameters for the differential diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP)and chronic pancreati-tis (CP).Methods A total of 81 patients with AIP and 100 patients with CP diagnosed from May 2005 to January 2013 were recruited to this study.A total of 105 parameters of 9 categories were extracted from the region of interest by using computer-based techniques.Then the distance between class algorithm and se-quential forward selection (SFS)algorithm were used for a better combination of features.A support vector machine (SVM)predictive model was built,trained,and validated.Results Overall,25 parameters of 5 categories were selected as a better combination of features when the incidence of accurate category was max (90.08%).A total of 181 sample sets were randomly divided into a training set and a testing set by using two different algorithms and 200 random tests were performed.The average accuracy,sensitivity,specificity, the positive and negative predictive values of AIP based on the half-and-half method were (86.04 ± 3.15)%,(83.66 ±6.57)%,(88.54 ±4.37)%,(85.96 ±4.44)% and (87.12 ±4.39)%,respective-ly.Conclusion Computer-aided diagnosis of EUS images is objective and non-invasive,which can improve the accuracy in differentiating AIP from CP.This technology provides a new valuable diagnostic tool for the clinical determination of AIP.

The 5' region of the cell wall protein(CWP) gene containing multiple tandem promoters and the signal peptide-coding sequence was isolated by PCR from Br. brevis 50, and used to construct the shuttle vector pBKE50, which included the replication origin of pUB110 and the erythromycin-resistance gene of pGK12. The alpha-amylase gene of Bacillus subtilis 168 was ligated to pBKE50, producing plasmid pBKE50/alpha-amy. After the resulting plasmid was introduced into Br. brevis 50, soluble and biologically active alpha-amylase was secreted directly into the culture medium. The expression level of alpha-amylase in the recombinant Br. brevis 50 was twice higher than that of the donor strain.
Bacillus ; drug effects ; genetics ; Cloning, Molecular ; Drug Resistance, Microbial ; genetics ; Erythromycin ; pharmacology ; Escherichia coli ; drug effects ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; alpha-Amylases ; genetics ; metabolism

Child ; Electrocardiography ; Humans ; Male ; Ventricular Fibrillation ; physiopathology

AX15 is a mutein of naturally occurring human ciliary neurophic factor (hCNTF), with improved biological activity, stability and solubility. AX15 is susceptible to protease degradation when expressed in Pichia pastoris. Amino acid sequencing revealed the degradation was occurred behind position 12 and 13 amino acid residues, which constitute a dibasic site, RR. Based on the substrate specificity of KEX2, a KEX2 resistant mutein of AX15-AX15 (R13K) was constructed, in which RR was replaced by RK. It was demonstrated that the stability of AX15 (R13K) improved significantly, as no degradation was detected even after 120 hours of induction. AX15 (R13K) was purified to homogeneity by ultrafiltration and gel filtration. TF-1 cell survival bioassay showed AX15 (R13K) had equivalent specific activity to AX15. The protease resistant mutein of AX15 may have greater in vivo stability and thus have superior therapeutic potential.
Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Mutant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Mutation ; Peptide Hydrolases ; chemistry ; Pichia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification

Objective To observe the effect ofberberine chloride on microglia activation and expression of peroxisome prolifcrator-activated receptor gamma(PPAR γ)in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods Eighteen adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into normal control,β-amyloid 4o(Aβ40)and Aβ40+berberine chloride groups(n=6).Rat models of AD were established by injection of Aβ40(5 μg)into the bilateral hippocampus,and in Aβ40+berberine chloride group,berberine chloride(50 mg/kg)was given intragastrically once daily for 14 days.Immunohistochemistry,real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expressions of CD11b and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPAR γ)in the rats.Results The numbers of CD11b positive cells were 74.0±13.4,121.5±19.9 in the Aβ40 and Aβ40+berberine chloride groups,respectively,and the relative copy numbers of CD11b mRNA 4.08±2.43,5.52±1.83,which were significantly increased compared those with normal control group.The numbers of PPARγ positive cells were 42.5+5.6,31.7±8.7,the relative copy numbers of PPARγ mRNA 16.3±13.5,10.8±7.5,and the relative expression of PPARγ protein 0.18±0.08,0.09±0.05,which were significantly decreased compared those with normal control group(93.2±11.3,40.6±17.1,0.31±0.11).Berberine further increased CD11b expression and decreased PPARγ expression in the hippocampus.Conclusion Berberine can increase microglia activation in AD rats by inhibiting the expression of PPARγ.

OBJECTIVETo prepare ITP plasma IgG and its F(ab')2 fragments and investigate their immunoreactivity to platelet GPIIb/IIIa and/or GPIb/IX and their effects on platelet aggregation function.

METHODSThe ITP patients having inhibitory autoantibody to the platelet aggregation were selected by modified MAIPA and platelet aggregation test with turbidimetry. Plasma IgG and its F(ab')2 fragments were prepared by streptococcal protein A affinity column and pepsin digestion. The immunoreactivity and the effects on platelet aggregation function of the whole antibody and its fragments were detected by modified MAIPA and platelet aggregation test, respectively.

RESULTS(1) Anti-platelet GPIIb/IIIa and/or GPIb/IX autoantibodies were detected in 34 of 68 (53.6%) ITP patients' plasmas and that from 5 patients significantly inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by ADP or ristocetin. (2) By using protein A column combined with protease digestion, pure IgG and its F(ab')2 fragments were successfully obtained. (3) The purified IgG and its F(ab')2 fragments retained the ability to bind to their respective glycoproteins and inhibited the platelet aggregation function, whereas the IgG depleted plasma lost the ability of binding to the platelet GPs.

CONCLUSIONSF(ab')2 fragment of the IgG antibody is a functional fragment, which not only has the binding ability to the platelet GPs but also inhibits the platelet aggregation function in a dose-dependent manner.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments ; immunology ; Immunoglobulin G ; immunology ; Integrin beta3 ; immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Platelet Aggregation ; Platelet Membrane Glycoprotein IIb ; immunology ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; immunology ; physiopathology ; Young Adult

Human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) was highly expressed in Escherichia coli by inserted the synthesized whole hPTH cDNA into the vectors pBV220 and pET22b. After expression and disruption, the purified product was acquired through cation exchange chromatography and reverse phase chromatography. From the results of N-terminal sequencing and MALDI-TOF-MS analysis the recombiant prtein was indentified as intact hPTH. In in vitro Bioassays the recombinant hPTH stimulated adenylate cyclase as the standard did. In ovariectomized rats the recombinant hPTH markedly increased the femoral bone mass and bone mineral density.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Bone Density ; drug effects ; Chromatography, Ion Exchange ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Ovariectomy ; Parathyroid Hormone ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Sequence Alignment ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the difference of efficacy, side-effects and quality of life in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with oxaliplatin plus vinorelbine or cisplatin plus vinorelbine.

METHODSEligible patients were randomly assigned to NL (oxaliplatin + vinorelbine) group and NP (cisplatin + vinorelbine) group in a 2:1 ratio. In the NL group, 70 evaluable cases were treated with oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) i.v. on day 2, and vinorelbine 25 mg/m(2) i.v. on days 1 and 8 in 21 days per cycle. In the NP group, 32 evaluable cases were treated with cisplatin 80 mg/m(2) i.v. divided to 2 - 3 days dosing, 21 days per cycle, and vinorelbine administered by the same way as in the NL group. The response rate, time to progression (TTP), one-year survival, side-effects and the quality of life were observed.

RESULTSThe response rate was 35.7% vs. 43.8% (P = 0.4), median TTP was 4.7 months vs. 5.5 months (P = 0.6), one-year survival rate was 38.5% vs. 58.6% (P = 0.07) in the NL and NP groups, respectively. Grade I-II neuro-sensory toxicity occurred significantly more frequent in NL group than in NP group (68.4% vs. 36.4%, P = 0.0017). However, Grade I-II granulocytopenia was significantly less occurred in NL group than in NP group (49.4% vs. 70.6%, P = 0.037). There was no statistically difference between the two groups regarding quality of life.

CONCLUSIONDue to good efficacy and tolerability, the NL regimen offered a new candidate for treating advanced NSCLC.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Organoplatinum Compounds ; administration & dosage ; Quality of Life ; Treatment Outcome ; Vinblastine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety of recombinant human interferon alpha-2b for nasal spray for the prevention of SARS and other upper respiratory viral infections.

METHODSField epidemiologic evaluation was conducted, the design was randomized and had a synchronously parallel control group. In the study, the drugs were given for five days and all subjects were followed up for ten days.

RESULTSDuring the period of using interferon, body temperature of the experimental group was normal compared to the control group. Experimental group had more influenza-like symptoms than the control group (P < 0.05), such as headache (4.83%-7.09%), dizziness (7.17%-11.63%), lassitude (8.55%-15.06%), muscular soreness (4.43%-7.09%), pharynx dryness (12.10%-17.85%), angina (6.25%-8.72%), abdominal pain (2.30%-5.50%) and diarrhea (2.45%-5.66%). Most of side effects reached their peak with in the first 3 days. Except for pharynx dryness, the incidences of all other side effects declined after completion of the use of the trial drug, and incidences of some symptoms in experimental group were lower than those of the control group. There were no significant differences in the symptoms of cough and expectoration between the experimental group and the control group. The incidence of exanthem in the control group was significantly higher than that in the experimental group. The side effect of bloody nasal mucus was not observed in experimental group, which had been reported by other authors in several volunteer studies.

CONCLUSIONUsing recombinant human interferon alpha-2b for nasal spray could lead to some influenza-like symptoms, however, all those symptoms were mild , reversible, and relieved after completion of the use of the trial drug. No serious side effects were found during the period of following up. The authors conclude that the drug is safe.

Abdominal Pain ; chemically induced ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Dizziness ; chemically induced ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Headache ; chemically induced ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Recombinant Proteins ; SARS Virus ; drug effects ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; prevention & control ; virology ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the hemostatic effect of spleen-invigorating, qi-replenishing and blood-containing formula on simvastatin-induced zebrafish hemorrhage model, and to compare with the effect of clearing heat and cooling blood formula.

METHODSZebrafishes from breed A B line were treated with 0.5 µmol/L simvastatin for 24 hours to establish zebrafishes hemorrhage model. Under strict blinded experimental conditions, the above mentioned zebrafishes were then treated with experimental drug of different concentrations at the maximum non-lethal dose. The intervention effect of spleen-invigorating, qi-replenishing and blood-containing formula was comprehensively assessed by examining the main observational parameters, such as bleeding reduction rate and hemostasis rate while referring to additional parameters, such as blood flow, improvement rate of blood flow, velocity of movement, improvement rate of motion, which are characteristics of spleen qi deficiency.

RESULTSWhen the hemostatic effect of experimental drug B1 at the concentrations of 500 and 1 000 µg/ml, zebrafish bleeding rates were 30% and 15%, the hemostatic rate was 60% and 80%, respectively; when the experimental drug B2 at concentration of 500 and 1 000 µg/ml, Zebrafish bleeding rates were 45% and 40%, the hemostatic rate was 40% and 47%, respectively, showing that experimental drug B1 was superior to B2 in terms of decreasing bleeding rate and improving hemostatic effect in zebrafish. In the equal concentration, the experimental drug B1 was superior to B2 in terms of increasing and improving the blood flow of hemorrhagic zebrafish. Promotion and improvement of motion: in equal concentration, experimental drug B1 was superior to B2 in terms of promoting the motion velocity and increasing the improving rate of motion in zebrafish.

CONCLUSIONThe spleen-invigorating, qi-replenishing and blood-containing formula displays a good hemostatic effect on simvastatin-induced hemorrhage of zebrafish. It also boosts the blood flow and motion velocity in hemorrhagic zebrafish, therefore, providing an experimental basis for the treatment of syndrome of spleen failing to control blood by spleen-invigorating, qi-replenishing and blood-containing formula.