OBJECTIVETo establish a method to test citrinin (CIT) in monascus products by immuno-affinity chromatography (IAC)-high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and to detect the content of CIT in monascus products in Fujian province.

METHODSIAC-HPLC was applied to detect the CIT content in monascus products. The conditions to use HPLC were as follows: C(18) reversed-phase chromatographic column, 150.0 mm×4.6mm×3 µm; mobile phase: the volume ratio of acetonitrile and 0.1% phosphoric acid solution at 65:35; isocratic elution; column temperature: 28°C; flow velocity: 0.8 ml/min; fluorescence detector, excitation wavelength (λ(ex)) was 331 nm and emission wavelength (λ(em)) was 500 nm. The standard curved was established by the linear regression of peak area (Y) to CIT content (X, ng/ml). The accuracy and precision of the method would then be verified. And 32 kinds of monascus products were determined and their color values were compared by this method.

RESULTThe standard curve established in this study was Y = 4634.8X-136.42, r = 1.000; whose limits of detection was 20 µg/kg and the limits of qualification was 64 µg/kg. In the range between 200 and 800 µg/kg, the standard recovery rate was 98.9% - 110.0% (n = 3), and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 0.51% - 1.76%. Out of the 32 samples, CIT was detected from 11 samples of monascus rice, 9 samples of monascus powder and 5 samples of monascus pigments, the content was around 0.212 - 14.500 mg/kg. 4 out of 7 functional monascus samples were detected out CIT, whose content at 0.142 - 0.275 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONThe method to detect CIT in monascus products by IAC-HPLC has been established.

Chromatography, Affinity ; methods ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Citrinin ; analysis ; Drug Contamination ; Monascus

OBJECTIVES: We established a Wistar rat model of asthma caused by toluene diisocyanate (TDI) exposure, and investigated the relationship between TDI exposure concentrations and respiratory hypersensitivity, airway inflammation, and cytokine secretions in animals, to better understand the mechanism of TDI induced occupational asthma. METHODS: Wistar rats were exposed to two different concentrations of TDI vapor four hours a day for five consecutive days. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed, and differential leucocytes from the BAL fluid were analyzed. Lung histopathological examination was carried out to investigate the inflammatory status in the airways. Production of cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 productions in the BAL fluid in vivo was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS: The TDI-exposed rats exhibited greater airway hypersensitivity symptoms than the control rats. The BAL differential cell count and lung histopathological examination demonstrated that inflammation reactions were present in both the central and peripheral airways, characterized with marked infiltration of eosinophils in the TDI-exposed rats. The cytokine assay showed that IL-4 and IL-5 were predominantly produced in the BAL fluid in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: These findings imply that TDI exposure concentrations may greatly affect the occurrence and extent of inflammatory events and that Th2 type cytokines may play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of TDI-induced occupational respiratory hypersensitivity.
Animals ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/chemistry/cytology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Eosinophils/cytology/immunology ; Female ; Gases/chemistry ; Hypersensitivity/pathology ; Interleukin-4/*analysis ; Interleukin-5/*analysis ; Lung/*drug effects/pathology/secretion ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate/*toxicity

In order to characterize the molecular epidemiology of HFMD-associated Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) in Fujian Province, a total of 1340 specimens from non-EV71 non-CVA16 HFMD patients were collected during 2011-2013. Isolated virus strains were identified and subtyped. Full-length coding regions for the VP1 gene of the predominant serotype CVA6 isolates were amplified and sequenced. Among the 375 non-EV71 non-CVA16 HFMD cases confirmed by virus isolation and molecular subtyping, 182 (48.5%) were found to be caused by CVA6, accounting for 7.9%, 16.2% and 39.6% HFMD-associated enteroviruses in FujianProvince during 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively. Compared with general features observed in the HFMD epidemic, no difference in CVA6-specificity or severity rates was observed between geographical origins, gender, or age groups. Nucleotide sequence analyses of VP1 genes revealed high diversity levels of 16.2%-18.6% among CVA6 strains from Fujian Province, in contrast to the prototype CVA6 strain, and showed low levels of diversity in the amino acid sequences (4.3%-6.2%). Phylogenetic analysis also indicated that CVA6 isolates from Fujian Province were distinct from the prototype strain and other isolates from abroad; however, it was homologous to domestic strains, although the Fujian isolates clustered into multiple branches. These results suggested that significant changes in the pathogenic spectrum of HFMD in Fujian Province occurred during 2011-2013, as CVA6 was one of the predominant serotypes of HFMD. CVA6 isolates from Fujian Province were co-circulating and co-evolving with other domestic strains as multiple closely related CVA6 transmission chains were observed in Fujian Province overall and within each prefecture.
Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Enterovirus A, Human ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Evolution, Molecular ; Female ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease ; epidemiology ; virology ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny

Objective: To investigate the effect and related mechanism of homocysteine (Hcy) on calcium overload in neonatal rat atrial cells (NRICs). Methods: NRICs were assigned to 9 groups after culture for 3 days: (1) control group; (2) Hcy group (0, 50, 100, 200, 500 μmol/L for 48 hours); (3) antioxidant group (NAC, 10 μmol/L for 24 hours); (4) Hcy+NAC group (500 μmol/L Hcy for 48 hours, then treated with 10 μmol/L NAC for 24 hours); (5) calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase Ⅱδ (CaMKⅡδ) inhibitor group (KN-93, 3 μmol/L KN-93 for 5 hours); (6) specific sodium current inhibitor group (ELE, 1 μmol/L ELE for 5 hours); (7) Hcy+KN-93 group (500 μmol/L Hcy for 48 hours, then treated with 3 μmol/L KN-93 for 5 hours); (8) Hcy+ELE group (500 μmol/L Hcy for 48 hours, then treated with 1 μmol/L ELE for 5 hours; (9) Hcy+KN-93+ELE group (500 μmol/L Hcy for 48 hours, then treated with 3 μmol/L KN-93 and 1 μmol/L ELE for 5 hours). Moreover, NRICs were also treated with CaMKⅡδ-siRNA lentivirus, and Nav1.5-siRNA lentivirus, negative lentivirus carrier containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) for 24 hours. The MOI values of the three groups were 10. Infection efficiency of lentivirus was determined by observing the percentage of GFP fluorescence under inverted fluorescence microscope after transfection for 24 hours, and cultured regularly with simultaneous Puro screening, then cells were grouped as Hcy+CaMKⅡδ-siRNA group, Hcy+Nav1.5-siRNA group and Hcy+negative group. The concentration of Ca²⁺ in NRICs ([Ca²⁺]i) of various groups was detected through Fluo-4/AM fluorescence probe, then 2', 7'- two chlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) was used as a probe to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) in NRICs by flow cytometry. The malondialdehyde (MDA) was detected by the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and xanthine oxidase was detected by thiobarbituric acid colorimetry. The protein and mRNA expression level of CaMKⅡδ and Nav1.5 in NRICs were detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR. Results: (1) ROS, MDA and SOD were similar between NAC group and control group, ROS and MDA were significantly increased, while SOD was significantly reduced in Hcy group in a concentration-dependent manner. (2) [Ca²⁺]i: The level of [Ca²⁺]i was (155.57+7.25), (187.43+13.07), (248.98+27.22) and (307.36+15.09) nmol/L in 50, 100, 200 and 500 μmol/L Hcy groups, which was significantly higher than that in the control group ((123.18+7.24) nmol/L, P<0.01). In addition, the level of [Ca²⁺]i in Hcy+NAC group ((222.87+23.71)nmol/L) was significantly lower than that in Hcy 500 μmol/L group ((305.15+39.45) nmol/L, P<0.05), while [Ca²⁺]i level was similar between NAC group and the control group. (3) The protein expression of CaMKⅡδ and Nav1.5 was significantly upregulated in Hcy groups than in the control group. The protein expression level of CaMKⅡδ-Thr287 was significantly lower in NAC group than in Hcy 500 μmol/L group (P<0.01), however, there was no significant difference on the protein expression levels of CaMKⅡδ-Thr287 and Nav1.5 between NAC group and control group (all P>0.05). (4) The protein expression levels of CaMKⅡδ-Thr287 and the concentration of [Ca²⁺]i were significantly lower in Hcy+KN-93 group and Hcy+KN-93+ELE group than in Hcy 500 μmol/L group (P<0.05). [Ca²⁺]i concentration was significantly lower in Hcy+KN-93 group, Hcy+ELE group and KN-93+ELE+Hcy group than in Hcy 500 μmol/L group (P<0.05). (5) The mRNA and protein expression levels of CaMKⅡδ and Nav1.5 in each group infected with lentivirus: the GFP expression was ideal post lentivirus transfection for 24 hours (up to 90%), which was significantly lower in the CaMKⅡδ-siRNA group and Nav1.5-siRNA group than in the negative infection group (all P<0.05), which was similar between negative infection group and control group (P>0.05). Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression levels of CaMKⅡδ and CaMKⅡδ-Thr287 was significantly lower in Hcy+Nav1.5-siRNA group than in Hcy+negative infection group (P<0.05). The protein and mRNA levels of Nav1.5 were similar between Hcy+CaMKⅡδ-siRNA group and Hcy+negative infection group (P>0.05). Conclusions Hcy can induce calcium overload in NRICs by increasing oxidative stress, upregulating the sodium channel protein, and activating the late sodium current and phosphorylating CaMKⅡδ.

BACKGROUNDTo isolate and identify pathogen of atypical pneumonia in Guangdong.

METHODSPathogens were isolated from variety of samples collected from atypical pneumonia patient by using MDCK cells, and identified with serological and molecular methods.

RESULTSA novel coronavirus was isolated from patients with atypical pneumonia, from which an RNA fragment of 279 nt was amplified by nested RT-PCR. And sequence assay showed that only 39-65 percent of sequence of the virus was homogenous to known coronavirus, but almost 100% homogenous (with one base exception, 12a to t) to SARS-associated coronavirus isolated from patients outside Guangdong, such as in Beijing, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Germany, Italy and so on. Indirect immunofluorescence test showed a specific antigen-antibody reactivity between the coronavirus and convalescent-phase sera of SARS patients.

CONCLUSIONThe pathogen of the atypical pneumonia in Guangdong province was a novel type of coronavirus, which could be isolated by using MDCK cells.

Animals ; Base Sequence ; Cell Line ; China ; Dogs ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Pneumonia, Viral ; virology ; SARS Virus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; virology

OBJECTIVES: In Fujian Province, China, gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among all malignant tumors. Nanjing county and Minqing county are located in inland Fujian and have similar general demographics. However, the adjusted mortality rate of gastric cancer in Minqing was found to be much higher than that in Nanjing. We sought to explore factors associated with this increased risk of gastric cancer between the two counties. METHODS: We recruited 231 and 224 residents from Nanjing and Minqing, respectively, and analyzed differences between their dietary habits, Helicobacter pylori infection rates, and concentrations of serum pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II, gastrin-17, and ratio of pepsinogen I:II. RESULTS: Subjects in Minqing had more first-degree relatives who had been diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal tumor, more unhealthy dietary habits, a higher Helicobacter pylori positive rate, and greater proportion of abnormal serum gastrin-17 than those in Nanjing did. CONCLUSIONS: The factors that differed between these two counties might indicate that residents in Minqing have a higher risk for developing gastric cancer than those in Nanjing do.
Adult ; Aged ; China/epidemiology ; Female ; Food Habits ; Gastrins/blood ; Helicobacter Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/pathology ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pepsinogen A/blood ; Pepsinogen C/blood ; Risk Factors ; Stomach Neoplasms/*diagnosis

OBJECTIVES: In Fujian Province, China, gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among all malignant tumors. Nanjing county and Minqing county are located in inland Fujian and have similar general demographics. However, the adjusted mortality rate of gastric cancer in Minqing was found to be much higher than that in Nanjing. We sought to explore factors associated with this increased risk of gastric cancer between the two counties. METHODS: We recruited 231 and 224 residents from Nanjing and Minqing, respectively, and analyzed differences between their dietary habits, Helicobacter pylori infection rates, and concentrations of serum pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II, gastrin-17, and ratio of pepsinogen I:II. RESULTS: Subjects in Minqing had more first-degree relatives who had been diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal tumor, more unhealthy dietary habits, a higher Helicobacter pylori positive rate, and greater proportion of abnormal serum gastrin-17 than those in Nanjing did. CONCLUSIONS: The factors that differed between these two counties might indicate that residents in Minqing have a higher risk for developing gastric cancer than those in Nanjing do.
Adult ; Aged ; China/epidemiology ; Female ; Food Habits ; Gastrins/blood ; Helicobacter Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/pathology ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pepsinogen A/blood ; Pepsinogen C/blood ; Risk Factors ; Stomach Neoplasms/*diagnosis

This study aims to investigate the characteristics of genomic variation of pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza virus isolated in Fujian Province, China. Complete genome sequence analysis was performed on 14 strains of pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza virus isolated from Fujian during 2009-2012. All virus strains were typical low-pathogenic influenza viruses, with resistance to amantadine and sensitivity to neuraminidase inhibitors. Eight genome fragments of all strains were closely related to those of A/California/07/2009 (H1N1) vaccine strain, with > or = 98.2% homology. Compared with the vaccine strain, the influenza strains from Fujian had relatively large variation, and variation was identified at 11 amino acid sites of the HA gene of A/Fujiangulou/SWL1155/2012 strain, including 4 sites (H138R, L161I, S185T, and S203T) involved inthree antigen determinants (Ca, Sa, and Sb). In conclusion, the influenza vaccine has a satisfactory protective effect on Fujian population, but the influenza strains from Fujian in 2012 has antigenic drift compared with the vaccine strain, more attention should therefore be paid to the surveillance of mutations of pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza virus.
Antiviral Agents ; pharmacology ; China ; epidemiology ; Drug Resistance, Viral ; genetics ; Genome, Viral ; genetics ; Genomics ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; drug effects ; genetics ; immunology ; physiology ; Influenza, Human ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Pandemics ; prevention & control ; Viral Vaccines ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo determine the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of an ovarian mass which are most predictive of malignancy and assess the value of intravenous gadolinium administration in the characterization of an ovarian mass.

METHODSTotally 74 consecutive patients with a clinically or sonographically indeterminate adnexal mass underwent MR imaging, of whom 59 had subsequent surgical resection of 70 adnexal masses. These 59 patients formed the study population. MR imaging studies were prospectively and independently reviewed by a senior and a junior radiologist. The senior radiologist also reevaluated the studies in a blind fashion after a minimum 6 months interval. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of contrast-enhanced and unenhanced MR imaging were evaluated.

RESULTSThe most predictive MR imaging findings for malignancy were presence of vegetations in a cystic lesion and presence of necrosis in a solid lesion. The odds ratio was even higher when the ancillary finding of peritoneal metastasis or ascites was present. Contrast media contributed significantly to lesion characterization. Total 70 ovarian masses were detected by contrast-enhanced MR imaging including 37 malignant ovarian masses and 33 benign ovarian masses with 87% (61/70) accuracy, 86% (32/37) sensitivity, 88% (29/33) specificity, 89% (32/36) positive predictive value, and 85% (29/34) negative predictive value, whereas 70 ovarian masses were detected by unenhanced MR imaging with 74% (52/70) accuracy, 73% (27/37) sensitivity, 76% (25/33) specificity, 77% (27/35) positive predictive value, and 71% (25/35) negative predictive value. There were significant differences in accuracy (P < 0.01), sensitivity (P < 0.01), specificity (P < 0.01) between contrast-enhanced and unenhanced MR imaging.

CONCLUSIONContrast-enhanced MR imaging is highly accurate in detection and characterization of complex adnexal masses.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Cystadenoma, Mucinous ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Image Enhancement ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Teratoma ; diagnosis ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of the epidermal growth factor on the mRNA expression of endothelin-1 and its receptors (ET(A)R, ET(B)R) in hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) PC-3 cell lines.

METHODSPC-3 cells were cultured in vitro. After the treatment with EGF, the mRNA expressions of endothelin-1, ET(A)R and ET(B)R were detected by RT-PCR in PC-3 cell lines. The levels of the mRNA expression of endothelin-1 and its receptors were examined at different time points by RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe expressions of endothelin-1 and ET(A)R mRNA but not the mRNA expression of ET(B)R was observed in PC-3 cell lines. After 24 hours of treatment with EGF, the expressions of endothelin-1 and ET(A)R in PC-3 cell lines were both up-regulated and there was significant difference (P < 0.05) between the experimental and control groups. Different expression levels of endothelin-1 and ET(A)R mRNA were noted at different time points of EGF intervention, up-regulated with the increase of treatment time, and with significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONEGF can up-regulate the mRNA expressions of endothelin-1 and ET(A)R in PC-3 cell lines and play a great role in prostate cancer progression, which may offer a substructure of molecular biology for the treatment of HRPC.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Endothelin-1 ; genetics ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Receptor, Endothelin A ; genetics ; Receptor, Endothelin B ; genetics ; Receptors, Endothelin ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction