Selectable marker genes that usually encode antibiotic or herbicide resistances are widely used for the selection of the transgenic plants, but they become unnecessary and undesirable after transformation selection. An important strategy to improve the transgenic plants' biosafety is to eliminate the marker genes after successful selection. In the FLP/frt site-specific system of the 2 microm plasmid of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the FLP enzyme efficiently catalyzes recombination between two directly repeated FLP recombination target (frt) sites, eliminating the sequence between them. By controlled expression of the FLP recombinase and specific allocation of the frt sites within transgenic constructs, the system can be applied to eliminate the marker genes after selection. Through a series of procedures, the plant FLP/frt site-specific recombination system was constructed, which included the frt containing vector pCAMBIA1300-betA-frt-als-frt and the FLP expression vector pCAMBIA1300-hsp-FLP-hpt. The FLP recombinase gene was introduced into transgenic (betA-frt-als-frt) tobacco plants by re-transformation. In re-transgenic plants, after heat shock treatment, the marker gene als flanked by two identical orientation frt sites could be excised by the inducible expression of FLP recombinase under the control of hsp promoter. Excision of the als gene was found in 41% re-transgenic tobacco plants, which indicated that this systerm could make a great contribution to obtain the marker free transgenic plants.
Base Sequence ; DNA Nucleotidyltransferases ; metabolism ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Recombination, Genetic ; Tobacco ; genetics

Objective To prepare and identify the andrographolide-hydroxypropyl-?-cyclodextrin(an- drographolide-HP-?-CD)inclusion compound.The tool ratio between andrographolide and HP-?-CD and the thermodynamic constants in inclusion were studied simultaneously.Methods The andrographolide- HP-?-CD inclusion compound was prepared with lyophilization technique.Meanwhile,the inclusion com- pound was identified by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)methods,infrared spectrometry(IR),and X-ray diffraction(XRD),respectively.The tool ratio between host and guest moleculars and the thermo- dynamic constants during the inclusion process were also researched by phase solubility method.Results An 1:1 molar ratio inclusion complex of andrographolide with HP-?-CD could be formed at 25,35,and 45 C.The phase diagram was A_L type and the procedure of inclusion was a heat release process.Conclusion The solubility of andrographolide-HP-?-CD inclusion compound can be increased obviously by the above- mentioned preparing techniques.

[Objective] To observe the effects of autophagy induced by different doses of ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation on the apeptosis in human skin fibroblasts.[Methods] Skin fibroblasts were isolated from the circumcision specimen of a 23-year-old healthy male,and subjected to a primary culture.After 3 to 10 passages,the cells were collected and applied in the following experiment.Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was performed to evaluate the proliferation of some fibroblasts treated with different concentrations (0,0.5,2.0,5.0and 10.0 mmol/L) of 3-methyladenine (3-MA).To qualitatively and quantitatively detect the autophagy in fibroblasts treated with different concentrations of 3-MA and in fibroblasts treated with 3-MA of 0.5 mmol/Lfollowing UVB irradiation,monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining was carried out,and immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain (LC3).Some fibroblasts were classified into 8 groups to remain untreated,be irradiated with UVB of 30,50 and 100 mJ/cm2 alone,treated with 3-MA of 0.5 mmol/L alone,or treated with 0.5 mmol/L 3-MA following irradiation with UVB of 30,50 and 100 mJ/cm2,respectively,then,cell apoptosis was qualitatively detected by Hoechst and propidium iodide (PI)staining,and quantitatively detected by flow cytometry with annexin V and PI.[Results] The percentage of autophagic cells was (63.037 ± 5.876) ％ in fibroblasts treated with starvation condition,significantly decreased to (34.425 ± 5.183) ％ in fibroblasts treated with 3-MA of 0.5 mmol/L.The expression of LC3 showed a gradually increasing trend from untreated fibroblasts,to fibroblasts irradiated with UVB of 30,50 and 100 mJ/cm2,while the increase was attenuated by the 4-hour treatment with 3-MA immediately after the irradiation.Compared with the other concentrations,the 3-MA of 0.5 mmol/L showed the least influence on the viability of fibroblasts.The addition of 3-MA of 0.5 mmol/L increased the percentage of cells both positive for Hoechst and PI staining in fibroblasts irradiated with UVB of 50 mJ/cm2,but decreased that in fibroblasts irradiated with UVB of 100 mJ/cm2.Similarly,the percentage of middle and late apoptotic cells was significantly higher in fibroblasts irradiated with UVB of 50 mJ/cm2 followed by treatment with 3-MA of 0.5 mmol/L than in those irradiated with UVB of 50 mJ/cm2alone ((10.933 ± 0.839) ％ vs.(7.267 ± 0.473) ％,t =5.20,P＜ 0.05),but lower in fibroblasts irradiated with UVB of 100 mJ/cm2 followed by treatment with 3-MA of 0.5 mmol/L than in those irradiated with UVB of 100 mJ/cm2alone ( (7.100 ± 0.781 ) ％ vs.( 1 0.133 ± 0.681 ) ％,t =6.29,P ＜ 0.05 ).[Conclusion]s The irradiation with UVB of 50 mJ/cm2 may protect fibroblasts by inducing autophagy and suppressing apoptosis,while the high level of autophagy induced by UVB of 100 mJ/cm2 may lead to autophagic cell death in fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVETo detect potential mutations of COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes with polymerase chain reaction-high-resolution melting analysis(PCR-HRMA) in a proband diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI).

METHODSPeripheral blood samples were collected from the proband and members of his family as well as healthy controls. The mutations were detected by PCR-HRMA and confirmed by direct sequencing. Potential effects of the mutations were predicted using softwares including PolyPhen, SIFT and Align GVGD.

RESULTSThe PCR-HRMA has indicated mutations in exon 45 of the COL1A1 gene in the proband as well as his parents, which were presented as the difference in the melting curves between the patients and the control samples. Sequencing analysis confirmed that the proband has carried two heterozygous mutations (c.3235G>A, p.Gly1079Ser and c.3247G>A, p.Ala1083Thr) in exon 45 of the COL1A1 gene. Among them, c.3235G>A was predicted to have impeded alpha helix structure domain, which was inherited from the father who also had OI. c.3247G>A was inherited from mother who had a normal phenotype. All three softwares predicted that the c.3235G>A mutation can interfere with the function of the protein, while the c.3247G>A may have a benign effect by PolyPhen analysis.

CONCLUSIONThe study identified two mutations (c.3235G>A and c.3247G>A) occurred simultaneously in COL1A1 gene in a case. The case is the first reported in human collagen mutation database. As identified,mutation of c.3235G>A may be the major cause of the disease in the proband.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Collagen Type I ; genetics ; Exons ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation ; Osteogenesis Imperfecta ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Point Mutation

Objectives To investigate the relationship between fluorosis polymorphisms in collagen type Ⅰ alpha 2 (COL1A2) and osteocalcin (OC) gene, and serum calciotropic hormone levels. Methods The children between 8 and 12 years of age in Kaifeng and Tongxu cities of Henan Province were chosen to be the object of observation. Accoding to situation of dental fluorosis, they were divided into three groups: dental fluorosis group, non-dental fluorosis group from high fluoride areas, and control group form the control areas. The Pvu Ⅱ and Rsa Ⅰ markers of COL1A2 gene as well as HindⅢ marker of OC gene were genotyped by PCR-RFLP procedure. Calcitonin and osteocalcin levels in serum were measured using radioimmunassays. Results The frequency distribution of COL1A2 PvuⅡ genotype was pp 49.3%(37/75), Pp 32.0%(24/75), PP 18.7%(14/75) in children with fluorosis; pp 43.5% (30/69), Pp 52.2% (36/69), PP 4.3%(3/69) in children without fluorosis from high fluoride areas; and pp 43.8% (42/96), Pp 40.6% (39/96), PP 15.6% (15/96) in the children without fluorosis from control areas respectively. Childrens with the homozygous genotype PP of COL1A2 Pvu Ⅱ had a significantly increased risk of dental fluorosis(OR=4.85, 95%CI: 1.22-19.32) compared to children with the homozygous genotype pp in anendemic fluorosis area. The frequency distribution of COLIA2 Rsa Ⅰ genotype was rr 50.7% (38/75), Rr 36.0% (27/75), RR 13.3%(10/75) in children with fluorosis; rr 46.4%(32/69), Rr 46.4%(32/69), RR 7.2%(5/69) in children without fluorosis from high fluoride areas, and rr 45.8% (44/96), Rr 45.8% (44/96), RR 8.3% (8/96) in the children without fluorosis from control areas respectively. There were no significant differences in the three groups (P>0.05). The frequency distribution of OC Hind Ⅲ genotype was hh 48.0% (36/75), Hh 34.7% (26/75), HH 17.3% (13/75) in children with fluorosis; hh 43.5% (30/69), Hh 43.5% (30/69), HH 13.0% (9/69) in children without fluorosis from high fluoride areas, and hh 47.9%(46/96), Hh 40.6%(39/96), HH 11.5%(11/96) in children without fluorosis from control areas respectively. There were no significant differences in the three groups (P>0.05). Additionally, fluoride levels in urine and OC levels inserum were found to be significantly lower in controls from non-endemic areas compared to cases(P<0.05). However, the differences in urine fluoride and serum OC levels were not observed when cases were compared to controls from high fluoride areas(P>0.05). Conehlsions This study provides the evidence of an association between polymorphisms in the COL1A2 gene with dental fluorosis in populations exposed to high fluoride. There were no correlation between OC Hind Ⅲ genotype and the dental fluorosis.

Objectives To explore the relationship between polymorphism in estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)gene Xba I and child dental fluorosis.Methods Qiulou township of Kaifeng and Sunying township of Tongxu counties of Henan province were chosen as the investigation spots in 2006.An area of water drinking endemic fluorosis(high fluoride area)and a non-endemic area(control area)were chosen in every spot,where dental fluorosis of children aged 8 to 12 years old were examined and diagnosed by using the Dean method.The children in the high fluoride areas were divided into dental fluorosis group and control group of the endemic areas according to dental fluorosis status,and the children in the control areas as control gruop of non-endemic areas.The Xba I polymorphism in the ERα gene was genotyped using the PCR-RFLP procedure.The fluoride levels in the urine samples from the three groups were detected by fluoride ion selective electrode and over standard rate of the urine was counted.Results The prevalence rate of dental fluorosis in high fluoride areas was 51.7%(74/143)and the community fluorosis index was 1.310.No dental fluorosis case was checked out in the control and the community fluorosis index was 0.021.The over standard rate of urine fluoride in dental fluorosis group[84.6%(121/143)]was significantly higher than that of control in non-endemic area[9.6%(9/94);χ2=125.95,P<0.01].The frequency distribution of ERα Xba I genotype was XX 6.8%(5/74),xx 36.5%(27/74),xx 56.8%(42/74)in dental fluorosis group;XX 15.9%(11/69),Xx 37.7%(26/69),xx 46.4%(32/69)in the eontrol of the endemic areas;XX 14.9%(14/94),Xx 43.6%(41/94),xx 41.5%(39/94)in children from the control in non-endemic area,respectively.No significant difference was found among the three groups(χ2= 3.450, P > 0.05). Allele frequency of ERα Xba I genotypes was X 22.7%(30/132), x 77.3%(102/132) in dental fluorosis group and X 35.5%(39/110),x 64.5% (71/110) in the control in endemic area when urine fluorosis of children was exceeding standard and significant difference was found in this two groups(χ2 = 4.768, P < 0.05; OR = 0.535,95% CI:0.305 - 0.941). Conclusion Children who carried X allele frequency of ERα Xba I genotypes have a lower risk of dental fluorosis when children with high-loaded fluoride status.

OBJECTIVETo summarize methods for repair of claw hand deformity after burn.

METHODSNinety-seven patients with 136 claw hands after burn hospitalized from May 1992 to May 2007 were repaired with skin grafting (104 hands) and transposition of skin flap (32 hands), among which 21 hands were minor-grade, 92 hands moderate, 23 hands severe. The metacarpophalangeal joint was repaired after scar release in dorsum of hand with manual extraction reduction, release of collateral ligament and joint capsula, separation of adhesion in joint, tendon lengthening for obvious contracture. Restitution of finger flexion deformity, lysis of adhesion and grafting among first web and finger webs, repair of central slip extensor tendon or phalangeal arthrodesis were performed according to the abnormal condition after lysis of dorsal scar of hand. The metacarpophalangeal joint from 31 patients were not repaired with above methods for severe finger flexion deformity, their palmar scar were loosened and transplanted firstly, then scar in dorsum of hand were loosened, metacarpophalangeal joint were repaired, flap or skin were transferred or transplanted. General rehabilitation were performed routinely after operation.

RESULTSThe ending of flaps (4 hands) due to the scar were necrosis after transposition and healed through dressing change, other skins or flaps all survived. Most articular deformities were corrected completely or basically. Functions including palmar opposition, grasp were also recovered with satisfactory results.

CONCLUSIONSkin transplantation and transferring of skin flap with overall planning and individual isatin are the key points for repair of claw hand after burn.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Burns ; complications ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cicatrix ; etiology ; surgery ; Female ; Hand Deformities, Acquired ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Skin Transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study transcription, expression, and bioactivity of expressive protein of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF(165)) gene, after bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were transferred by VEGF(165) gene mediated by adenovirus vector ex vivo.

METHODSBMSCs were Isolated and cultured by gradient centrifugation method. The cells cultured are transferred by recombinant adenovirus vector that carry VEGF(165) gene. Transcription and expression of VEGF(165) gene in BMSCs and secretion of VEGF protein in culture medium were measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. The activity of VEGF protein in culture media was detected by proliferation effects on vascular endothelial cells.

RESULTSWhen Ad. VEGF(165) transferred into BMSCs, there was an effective transcription and expression. The expressed product in the media of transferred cells had highly biological activity on proliferation of rat aortic vascular endothelial cells (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSAdenovirus vector can be transferred into BMSCs efficiently and safely. Adenovirus mediated VEGF(165) gene transferred into BMSCs could express VEGF protein with highly biological activity, which provided foundation on BMSCs based gene therapy for ischemic disease.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Genetic Vectors ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; pharmacology ; Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology

Uterine leiomyosarcoma is an uncommon malignant neoplasm of smooth muscle origination and is associated with a poor prognosis. We report two cases of uterine leiomyosarcoma that presented with pulmonary metastases. 2-deoxy-2-(¹⁸F)fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) was performed to identify the primary carcinoma and found the focus located in the uterus. The follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis was uterine leiomyosarcoma.
Adult ; Female ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Humans ; Leiomyosarcoma ; diagnosis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Uterine Neoplasms ; diagnosis

Objective Compared with digital subtraction angiography(DSA),to evaluate the value of high-resolution contrast-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography(3D MRA) in defining hepatic arterial anatomy.Methods The data about abdominal high-resolution contrast-enhanced 3D MRA and DSA of 26 patients (24 patients with primary liver cancer,2 patients with metastatic liver tumor) was retrospectively analyzed.The display quality of different segmental hepatic artery was scored with 4 grades and the agreement between high-resolution 3D MRA and DSA was determined with the weighted Kappa statistic.The depiction of hepatic arterial anatomy/anomalies and vascular pathology on high- resolution 3D MRA was assessed and compared with DSA.Results With respect to display quality,there was good or fair correlation between high-resolution 3D MRA and DSA for the common hepatic artery (the mean score respectively was 3.96,3.96 and Kappa value 0.99),gastroduodenal artery (the mean score respectively 3.85,3.88 and Kappa value 0.85 ),right hepatic artery(the mean score respectively 3.92, 3.96 and Kappa value 0.65 ),left hepatic artery (the mean score respectively 3.77,3.92 and Kappa value 0.43 ),left gastric artery(the mean score respectively 3.73,3.85 and Kappa value 0.43 ),right anterior artery (the mean score respectively 3.35,3.70 and Kappa value 0.53),right posterior artery (the mean score respectively 3.31,3.73 and Kappa value 0.46)and 1V segment artery (the mean score respectively 2.92,3.46 and Kappa value 0.51 );Poor correlation was found for the Ⅱsegment artery (the mean score respectively 2.15,3.35 and Kappa value 0.18)and Ⅲsegment artery (the mean score respectively 2.19, 3.35 and Kappa value 0.21 ).Compared with DSA,18 normal hepatic arterial anatomy and 7 arterial anomalies were accurately demonstrated(accuracy ratio 96.1% (25/26)),the obliteration of gastroduodenal artery correctly depicted in 1 patient on high-resolution 3D MRA image.Conclusions High-resolution 3D MRA can provide accurate evaluation of hepatic artery and has the capacity of depicting hepatic segment artery.