Hepatitis B is a serious infectious disease worldwide, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the direct cause of this disease. In recent years, as an essential part of its evolutionary process, HBV mutation has been extensively studied domestically and globally. However, the study on the conserved sequences in HBV sequences is still in its infancy. In this study, we applied multiple EM for motif elicitation (MEME) algorithm to discover HBV motif and proposed a new metric, conservative index (CI), to carry out phylogenetic analysis based on HBV sequences. Then, the constructed phylogenetic tree was subjected to reliability assessment. The results demonstrated that the new metric CI combined with the MEME algorithm can effectively help to discover motifs in HBV sequences and construct a phylogenetic tree based on them and to analyze the evolutionary relationship between HBV sequences; in addition, the possible ancestral sequences of samples may be obtained by conservative analysis. The proposed method is valuable for the exploratory study on large HBV sequence data sets.
Computational Biology ; Conserved Sequence ; Evolution, Molecular ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; Humans ; Nucleotide Motifs ; Phylogeny ; Reproducibility of Results

AIM:To establish a method for evaluating the principle components of Herba Artemisiae Annuae from different habitats.METHODS:Using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry(FTIR),the characteristic peaks of fingerprints of samples from 12 habitats were recognized and compared.RESULTS:The samples from 12 habitats were obviourly different in number,frequency and intensity of peaks.CONCLUSION:FTIR is applied to analysis of principle components of Herba Artemisiae Annuae from different habitats and an operable method of quality control and discrimination for them is provided.

ObjectiveTo test the effect of visual compensation on balance function of post-stoke hemiplegic patients with the static balancer.Methods50 hemiplegic patients and 40 healthy volunteers were tested with the static balancer. Four sets of data, including load difference of the lower limbs, standard deviation of the balance center, deviation percentage, and average rebalance time under modes with eyes open or closed were collected and analyzed.ResultsThere was a significant difference in load difference of the lower limbs of hemiplegic patients between eyes open and closed modes (P<0.05), and standard deviation of the balance center, deviation percentage, and average rebalance time had more significant difference (P<0.001). There were also significant differences between data of hemiplegic patients and healthy volunteers (P<0.001).ConclusionThe effect of visual compensation on balance function of post-stoke hemiplegic patients can tested by the static balancer objectively and quantificationally.

In this article, an acetone-enhanced negative photoionization (AENP) source based on a 10. 6 eV vacuum ultraviolet ( VUV) lamp was developed and coupled to a home-made time-of-flight mass spectrometer for rapid detection of trace explosives. In the AENP source, acetone molecules absorbed 10. 6 eV photons and were ionized by single photon ionization to emit photoelectrons. The photoelectrons reacted with O2 , CO2 , etc. in the atmosphere to produce mainly CO-3 negative reactant ions. With this ionization source, common explosives, N-nitrobiz ( 2-hyolorolroxy ethyl )-amine dinitrate ( DINA ) , Tetryl, trinitrotoluene ( TNT ) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), could be detected sensitively, and the limit of detection of 2 pg ( TNT) with a linear range of 3 orders of magnitude was achieved. The simple structure, high sensitivity characteristics make the AENP source as a promising ionization source for mass spectrometry.

Forensic Psychiatry ; Homicide ; Humans

A series of nitrogen-containing benzoheterocyclic derivatives were synthesized and tested for their antipsychotic activities. Their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR and HR-MS. Preliminary in vitro pharmacological trials showed that most of the target compounds have high affinity with D2 and 5-HT(2A) receptors. Among the tested compounds, 20 exhibited the highest affinity and D2 partial agonist activity. In vivo studies showed 20 has potent antipsychotic activities on apomorphine mice model, which is a chance to find a better precursor of D2 partial agonist for further optimization.
Animals ; Antipsychotic Agents ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Dopamine Agonists ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Drug Design ; Isoquinolines ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Receptors, Dopamine D2 ; Structure-Activity Relationship

Hepatitis B is one of the most serious global threats to human health. Phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) can reveal the evolutionary relationship between HBV sequences and thus provide a basis for the prediction and treatment of hepatitis B and other aspects. In this study, we performed sequence analyses on the HBV sequences of five clinical HBV samples and the HBV sequences retrieved from the GenBank, EMBL, and DDBJ to construct a phylogenetic tree and analyze sequence structures. The experimental results revealed that the C gene of one cloned sequence had a recombinant structure of HBV B/ C subtype. Moreover, the phylogenetic results proved the existence of a newly found subtype HBV/B6 in Xishuangbanna of Yunnan Province, China. The experimental conclusion represents certain value for phylogenetic studies of HBV in Yunnan ethnic minority groups.
DNA, Recombinant ; genetics ; Genes, Viral ; genetics ; Genotyping Techniques ; Hepatitis B virus ; classification ; genetics ; Humans ; Phylogeny

OBJECTIVETo explore changes of B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), malondialdehyde (MDA) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, and the effect of Xinfeng Capsule (XFC) on them.

METHODSTotally 120 AS patients were assigned to two groups according to random digit table method, the XFC group (3 XFC pills each time, 3 times a day) and the SASP group (4 SASP tablets each time, twice a day), 60 in each group. All patients were treated for 3 months. Another 60 healthy subjects were recruited as a healthy control group. The expression frequency and activation levels of BTLA were detected using flow cytometry. Serum oxidative stress indices (such as SOD and CAT, TAOC, ROS, RNS, MDA) and contents of cytokines [tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-10] were detected using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was detected using Westergren method. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) was detected using HITACHI 7060 type automatic biochemical analyzer. Clinical efficacies of ASAS 20 and BASDAI50 were assessed using VAS. Correlation analysis between scoring for quality of life and BTLA expression frequency was performed.

RESULTS(1) Clinical efficacies of ASAS 20 and BASDAI50 were significantly better in the XFC group than in the SASP group (P < 0.01). (2) Compared with the healthy control group, BTLA expressions in the peripheral blood of AS patients decreased significantly (P <0. 05); SOD, CAT, and TAOC values significantly decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); ROS, RNS, and MDA values significantly increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); TNF-α, IL-1β, ESR, and Hs-CRP values significantly increased (P < 0.01); IL-4 and IL-10 values decreased significantly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). (3) Compared with pre-treatment in the same group, BTLA/CD19 + B, BTLA/CD24 + B, SOD, TAOC, IL-4, SF-36 [physical functioning (PF), social functioning (SF), role limitation due to physical problems (RP), role limitation due to emotional problems (RE), body pain (BP), mental health (MH), vitality (VT), general health (GH)] were significantly elevated; ROS, MDA, TNF-α, ESR, Hs- CRP, VAS, BASDAI and BASFI, BAS-G were significantly lower in the peripheral blood of the two groups after treatment (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Better effect was shown in the XFC group in elevating BTLA/CD19+ B, BTLA/CD24 + B, SOD, TAOC, IL-10, BP, MH, VT, and SF; and lowering ROS, IL-1β, MDA, TNF-α, ESR, Hs-CRP, VAS, BASDAI, BASFI, and BAS-G (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). (4) Pearson correlation analysis showed, BTLA/CD19 + B expression of the peripheral blood was positively correlated with SOD, CAT, TAOC, IL-4, IL-10, GH, RP, BP, and SF (r = 0.431, 0.325, 0.318, 0.316, 0.348, 0.314, 0.358, 0.318, 0.326, respectively, P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while it was negative correlated with ROS, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, ESR, VAS, and BASDAI (r = -0.342, -0.368, -0.334, -0.354, -0.324, -0.372, -0.342, respectively, P < 0.05, P < 0.01). BTLA/CD24 B expression of the peripheral blood was positively correlated with SOD, TAOC, IL-4, IL-10, GH, RP, BP, SF, RE, MH, VT (r = 0.358, 0.352, 0.372, 0.436, 0.435, 0.326, 0.352, 0.345, 0.326, 0.343, 0.332, respectively, P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while it was negative correlated with ROS, RNS, MDA, ESR, Hs-CRP, VAS, BASDAI, and BASFI (r = -0.447, -0.336, -0.405, -0. 395, -0. 358, -0.436, -0.338, -0.425, respectively, P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONXFC could improve BTLA expression in the peripheral blood of AS patients, negatively regulate activation and proliferation of B cells, and reduce abnormal immune responses and oxidative stress injury, thereby effectively alleviating joint stiffness and pain.

B-Lymphocytes ; physiology ; Blood Sedimentation ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Capsules ; Catalase ; metabolism ; Cytokines ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-1beta ; metabolism ; Interleukin-4 ; metabolism ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; Quality of Life ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing ; drug therapy ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; T-Lymphocytes ; physiology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

Objective:To explore the mechanism of cardiac function decreasing in patients with ankylosing spondylitis based on Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway .Methods:Experiment group included 140 ankylosing spondylitis ( AS) patients and control group included 60 healthy individuals .Echocardiography ( UCG) was used to detect cardiac function parameters .Enzyme-linked immunosor-bent assay(ELISA) was adopted to determine serum proteins ,oxidative stress indicators and cytokines .Erythrocyte sedimentation and plasma C reactive protein ,immunoglobulin were detected with Westergren method and Hitachi 7060 automatic biochemical analyzer re-spectively.Results:(1)Compared with the normal control group , character of AS group in active stage:cardiac function parameters(E peak,EF,E/A),antioxidant indicators(SOD,CAT,TAOC),cytokines(IL-4,IL-10)decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05 all).A peak, Keap1,Nrf2,oxidation index(ROS,RNS,MDA),cytokines(IL-1,TNF-α),inflammatory indicators(ESR,CRP)increased(P<0.01 or P<0.05 all).(2)Compared with the normal control group, character of AS group in stable stage: cardiac function parameters(E peak,E/A),Keap1,antioxidant indicators(SOD,CAT,TAOC),cytokines(IL-4,IL-10)decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05 all).A peak, Nrf2,oxidation index(ROS,RNS,MDA),cytokines(TNF-α),inflammatory indicators(ESR,CRP) increased(P<0.01 or P<0.05 all).(3)Compared with AS group in stable stage , character of AS group in active stage:cardiac function parameters(E peak,EF,E/A),antioxidant indicators(SOD,TAOC),cytokines(IL-10)decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05 all).Keap1,Nrf2,oxidation index(ROS, RNS,MDA),cytokines(IL-1β,TNF-α),inflammatory indicators(ESR,CRP),clinical evaluation indicators (VAS,BASDAI,BASFI, BASMI,BAS-G)increased(P<0.01 or P<0.05 all).(4)Compared with AS patients with normal Keap1 or Nrf2 of peripheral blood, A peak increased while E peak and E/A decreased in AS patients with abnormal Keap1 or Nrf2 of peripheral blood (P<0.01 or P<0.05).(5)Spearman correlation analysis showed:AS parameters of cardiac function in patients with E peak and antioxidant indicators (SOD,CAT,TAOC),cytokines(IL-4,IL-10)showed significant positive correlation.E peak and Keap1, Nrf2,oxidation index(ROS, RNS,MDA),cytokines(IL-1β,TNF-α),inflammatory indicators(ESR,CRP),clinical evaluation indicators (VAS,BASDAI,BASFI, BASMI,BAS-G),IgG,course of the disease were significantly negatively correlated .A peak and Nrf2,oxidation index ( ROS,RNS, MDA) ,cytokines ( IL-1β,TNF-α) ,clinical evaluation indicators , Palpitation showed significant positive correlation .A peak and antiox-idant indicators(SOD,CAT,TAOC),cytokines(IL-4,IL-10)were significantly negatively correlated .E/A and Keap1,antioxidant indi-cators(SOD,CAT,TAOC),cytokines(IL-4,IL-10)showed significant positive correlation.E/A and oxidation index(ROS,RNS, MDA) ,cytokines ( TNF-α) ,cxcinical evaluation indicators ,course of the disease were significantly negatively correlated .EF and course of the disease were significantly negatively correlated .FS and Keap1 showed significant negative correlation .Conclusion:Cardiac func-tion decreasing in patients with ankylosing spondylitis is 33.56%.The characteristic performance is that E peak , E/A decreased while A peak increased.E peak,E/A and antioxidant indicators ,anti-inflammatory cytokines show significant positive correlation .E peak,E/A and Keap1,oxidation index,pro-inflammatory cytokines,inflammatory indicators are significantly negatively correlated .A peak and Keap1,oxidation index ,pro-inflammatory cytokines show significant positive correlation .A peak and antioxidant indicators ,anti-inflam-matory cytokines are significantly negatively correlated .The rising of Keap1 expression cause activate the Keap 1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway .After the signaling pathway is activated ,the body's antioxidant ability decreased , pro-inflammatory cytokines imbalanced , in-flammation index increased .When the body is long be in unbalance condition , the number of abnormal immune complex deposition in-creased.In the end,the result is that AS is caused and cardiac function is decreased .

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as a common systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease, affects approximately 1 in 100 individuals. Effective treatment for RA is not yet available because current research does not have a clear understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of RA. Xinfeng Capsule, a patent Chinese herbal medicine, has been used in the treatment of RA in recent years. Despite its reported clinical efficacy, there are no large-sample, multicenter, randomized trials that support the use of Xinfeng Capsule for RA. Therefore, we designed a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Xinfeng Capsule in the treatment of RA.