ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicity of reduced dose idarubicin and cytarabine,semustine(IAS) regimen as induction therapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.MethodsA total of fifty-eight newly acute myeloid leukemia(AML) patients were randomly divided into 2 groups,including 30 cases with IAS regimen,28 cases with DA regimen The IAS regimen was treated with reduced dose idarubicin (8 ～ 10 mg/m2,days 1 to 3) and cytarabine( 100 ～ 150 mg/m2,days 1 to 7),semustine(200mg,d0).The DA regimen was treated with daunorubicin(40 ～60 mg/m2,days 1 to 3) and cytarabine ( 100 ～ 150 mg/m2,days 1 to 7).The responses ( CR and overall response rate ) were compared between the 2 groups.Results Complete remission(CR) rate in IAS and DA groups were 24 of 30( 80.0％ ) and 16 of 28 (57.1％ ) respectively,while the overall response rate were 26 of 30 ( 86.7％ ) and 18 of 28 ( 64.3％ ) respectively.There was significant difference in CR rate and overall response rate between IAS group and DA group( P ＜ 0.05 ).Myelosuppression and infections due to neutropenia were the most frequent adverse effects,severe nonhematologic toxicity was not observed.The incidence rates of toxicities in the 2 groups were not significantly different ( P ＞ 0.05 ).Conclusion The effect of reduced dose idarubicin and cytarabine,semustine regimen in the treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is superior to that of DA regimen,and the toxicities are tolerable.IAS regimen can be as the optional induction therapy in newly patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

OBJECTIVETo study the genetic etiology of an autosomal dominant dentinogenesis imperfecta in a Chinese family.

METHODSThe molecular change of the disease in the family was analyzed through the clinical examination, linkage analysis, mutational screening of the DSPP gene and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

RESULTSThe disease related gene was completely linked with microsatellite marker D4S1534. We found a novel mutation in the first exon of the DSPP gene (c.49C>T, p.Pro17Ser). All patients in the family had the mutation, while this mutation was not observed in the normal individuals of this family and 100 unrelated controls.

CONCLUSIONThe p.Pro17Ser identified in the family was a new pathogenic mutation. Our finding provided further understanding of the molecular mechanism of dentinogenesis imperfecta.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Dentinogenesis Imperfecta ; genetics ; Exons ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Phosphoproteins ; Sialoglycoproteins ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the genetic pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis (MG) caused by cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) gene polymorphisms and regulation function of transcription factor.

METHODSELISA assay was used to determine the expression level of serum sCTLA-4 in MG. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CTLA-4 at exon 1 +49, promoter -318, -1661, -1772 were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Transcription factor nuclear factor 1(NF-1) and c/EBPbeta binding site were confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation(CHIP) assay.

RESULTSIt was found that the frequencies of the GG+49 genotype and G+49 allele are higher in MG patients with thymoma than those in patients of thymic hyperplasia and normal thymus subgroups. T/C-318 is not correlated with MG. The frequency of CT-1772 genotype is significantly higher in MG patients, especially in MG patients with thymoma, when compared with that in healthy controls. Meanwhile, the frequency of the G-1661 allele and GG-1661 genotype is lower in MG patients. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between each SNPs in promoter -1772, -1661, -318 and coding sequence 1 (CDS 1) +49 is apparent. sCTLA-4 levels in patients' sera are correlated with the haplotype and genotype. T/C-1772 and A/G-1661 SNPs change the sequence of transcription factor NF-1 and c/EBPbeta binding sites. DNA variants lose site-specific binding activity of transcription factor regulated by lectin ConA and PHA.

CONCLUSIONThere are strong positive linkages among four SNPs. C/T-1772 and A/G-1661 polymorphisms can result in inefficient transcription of CTLA-4 gene. T>C-1772 mutation also affects gene splicing. These SNPs may constitute a factor of susceptibility to disease.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antigens, CD ; Antigens, Differentiation ; blood ; genetics ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta ; genetics ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; CTLA-4 Antigen ; Exons ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myasthenia Gravis ; genetics ; immunology ; NFI Transcription Factors ; Point Mutation ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Thymoma ; genetics ; Thymus Hyperplasia ; genetics ; Thymus Neoplasms ; genetics ; Transcription Factors ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo analyze the impact of depletion of the twin arginine translocation (TAT) system on virulence and physiology of Yersinia enterocolitica for a better understanding of its pathogenicity.

METHODSWe constructed a DeltatatC::SpR mutant of Yersinia enterocolitica by P1 phage mediated transduction using Escherichia coli K-12 DeltatatC::SpR strain as a donor.

RESULTSA P1-mediated genetic material transfer was found between the two species of enterobacteria, indicating a great potential of acquisition of antibiotic resistance in emergency of a new threatening pathogen by genetic material exchanges. Periplasmic trimethylamine N-oxidase reductase activity was detected in the wild type Y. enterocolitica strain and translocation of this enzyme was completely abolished by the DeltatatC::SpR mutation. In addition, the DeltatatC::SpR mutation showed a pleiotropic effect on the metabolism of Y. enterocolitica. However, the tat mutation did not seem to affect the mobility and virulence of Y. enterocolitica under the conditions used.

CONCLUSIONUnlike other pathogenic bacteria studied, the TAT system of Y. enterocolitica might play an important role in the pathogenic process, which is distinct from other pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7.

Drug Resistance, Microbial ; genetics ; Genes, Bacterial ; Mutation ; Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors ; metabolism ; Transduction, Genetic ; Virulence ; Yersinia enterocolitica ; enzymology ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathogenicity

OBJECTIVEThis study was undertaken to observe the change in the local level of angiotensin II (Ang II) and the expression of its corresponding receptors AT1 and AT2 during wound healing, and explore the possible role of Ang II in wound healing .

METHODSA model of full-thickness cutaneous wound was developed on the back of C57/BL6 mice. Specimens were taken from the wound of each mouse on the day 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 after wounding. The change in the generation of Ang II in wounded tissue during the healing process was detected with ELISA. The proliferation and the apoptosis of cells were detected by bromodeoxyuridine (Brdu) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) method in wounded skin during the healing process, respectively. The cellular localization and the mRNA level change of Ang II receptors in wounded tissue during healing were detected with immunostaining and RT-PCR.

RESULTSAng II produced in wounded skin was increased in the first 7 days to reach the peak, and then gradually decreased during wound healing. BrdU labeling index was increased gradually in the first 7 days to reach the peak, and then gradually decreased during wound healing. The number of TUNEL-positive cells was increased slowly in the first 7 days after wounding. The increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells was more markedly after epithelization of the wound. In normal mice, AT1 and AT2 receptor were found positively expressed in the whole epidermal layer, while positive expression was only found in the endothelial cells of the capillary vessels within the dermal layer, and positive expression was also found in appendages of the skin, i. e. hair follicle, sweat gland and sebaceous gland respectively. Positive staining signal of both AT1 and AT2 receptors were increased in the first 7 days to reach the peak, then gradually decreased. Expression of AT2R was increased again following the epithelization of wound. The result of RT-PCR showed that the expression of both AT1 and AT2 receptors was detectable, and AT1 receptor was increased in the first 7 days to the peak, and then gradually decreased during wound healing, while AT2 receptor expression reached its peak value on day 7, then gradually decreased, and increased again following the epithelization of wound.

CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that Ang II participate in wound repair and related to remolding in the late stage of wound healing through the change in production of angiotensin II and expression of AT1 and AT2 receptors. AT1 receptor might be closely associated with cell proliferation, while AT2 receptor might play a role in cell apoptosis and remolding during wound healing.

Angiotensin II ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Receptors, Angiotensin ; genetics ; metabolism ; Skin ; injuries ; metabolism ; pathology ; Wound Healing ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the epidemiological and molecular typing features of the pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica strains isolated in China,using pulsed field gel electrophoresis(PFGE) and standardized PFGE method as well as typing database of Yersinia enterocolitica.

METHODSPFGE analysis was performed as Laboratory Directions for molecular subtyping of Salmonella by PFGE (PulseNet,USA) with some modifications and the results of PFGE were analyzed by BioNumerics soft (Version 4.0, Applied Maths BVBA, Belium).

RESULTS114 O:3 Yersinia enterocolitica strains were typed by 25 patterns to have found that K6GN11C30012 (50 strains), K6GN11C30015(19 strains) and K6GN11C30016(10 strains) were the major patterns. K6GNllC30012 had 92.2% cluster similarity with K6GN11C30009-K6GN11C30023. This clone included 91.23% strains of 114 0:3 Yersinia enterocolitica strains. 51 0:9 Yersinia enterocolitica strains were typed by 14 patterns; K6GN11C90004 (22 strains) and K6GN11C90010 (13 strains)were the major patterns. K6GN11C90004 had 81.8% cluster similarity with K6GN11C90010 patterns. The major patterns of 0:3 and 0:9 serotypes were quite different.

CONCLUSIONO:3 Yersinia enterocolitica strains might originate from the same clone and had very few variation in different years and provinces but O:9 Yersinia enterocolitica strains from two different clones with some changes.

China ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field ; Humans ; Yersinia enterocolitica ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification

BACKGROUNDSubthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) is effective against advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), allowing dramatic improvement of Parkinsonism, in addition to a significant reduction in medication. Here we aimed to investigate the long-term effect of STN DBS in Chinese PD patients, which has not been thoroughly studied in China.

METHODSTen PD patients were assessed before DBS and followed up 1, 3, and 5 years later using Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (UPDRS III), Parkinson's Disease Questionnatire-39, Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale-Chinese Version, Mini-mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale. Stimulation parameters and drug dosages were recorded at each follow-up. Data were analyzed using the ANOVA for repeated measures.

RESULTSIn the "off" state (off medication), DBS improved UPDRS III scores by 35.87% in 5 years, compared with preoperative baseline (P < 0.001). In the "on" state (on medication), motor scores at 5 years were similar to the results of preoperative levodopa challenge test. The quality of life is improved by 58.18% (P < 0.001) from baseline to 3 years and gradually declined afterward. Sleep, cognition, and emotion were mostly unchanged. Levodopa equivalent daily dose was reduced from 660.4 ± 210.1 mg at baseline to 310.6 ± 158.4 mg at 5 years (by 52.96%, P < 0.001). The average pulse width, frequency and amplitude at 5 years were 75.0 ± 18.21 μs, 138.5 ± 19.34 Hz, and 2.68 ± 0.43 V, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSSTN DBS is an effective intervention for PD, although associated with a slightly diminished efficacy after 5 years. Compared with other studies, patients in our study required lower voltage and medication for satisfactory symptom control.

Aged ; China ; Deep Brain Stimulation ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Parkinson Disease ; therapy ; Quality of Life ; Subthalamic Nucleus ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the diagnostic utility of Warthin-Starry silver stain, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy in the detection of human Bartonella henselae infection and pathologic diagnosis of cat scratch disease (CSD).

METHODSThe paraffin-embedded lymph node tissues of 77 histologically-defined cases of cat scratch disease collected during the period from January, 1998 to December, 2008 were retrieved and studied using Warthin-Starry silver stain (WS stain) and mouse monoclonal antibody against Bartonella henselae (BhmAB stain). Five cases rich in bacteria were selected for transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTSUnder electron microscope, the organisms Bartonella henselae appeared polymorphic, round, elliptical, short rod or bacilliform shapes, ranged from 0.489 to 1.110 microm by 0.333 to 0.534 microm and often clustered together. Black short rod-shaped bacilli arranged in chains or clumps were demonstrated in 61.0% (47/77) of CSD by WS stain. The organisms were located outside the cells and lie mainly in the necrotic debris, especially near the nodal capsule. In 72.7% (56/77) of the cases, dot-like, granular as well as few linear positive signals were observed using BhmAB immunostain and showed similar localization. Positive results for both stains were identified in 59.7% (46/77) of the cases. When applying both stains together, Bartonella henselae was observed in 74.0% (57/77) of the case. The difference between the results obtained by WS stain and BhmAB immunostain was of statistical significance (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBartonella henselae is the causative pathogen of cat scratch disease. WS stain, BhmAB immunostain and transmission electron microscopy are helpful in confirming the histologic diagnosis. Immunostaining using BhmAB can be a better alternative than WS stain in demonstrating the organisms.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies, Bacterial ; blood ; Bartonella henselae ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; ultrastructure ; Cat-Scratch Disease ; diagnosis ; microbiology ; pathology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; methods ; Infant ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Middle Aged ; Paraffin Embedding ; Staining and Labeling ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the distribution of Yersinia enterocolitica and its virulence factors in Nantong, Jiangsu.

METHODSYersinia strains were isolated from livestock and poultry. Conventional PCR was used to detect the virulence factors of all strains and strain 0:8 was analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis(PFGE).

RESULTSThe combined isolation rate of Yersinia enterocolitica from livestock and poultry was 31.06% and the gene distribution characters were: 39.57% of them were ail-, ystA- , ystB-, yadA- , virF-; 60.43% were ail- , ystA- , ystB + , yadA- , virF- respectively. The two reference strains from America and Denmark showed similar electrophoresis patterns but were significantly different with O:8 strains isolated from China while the serotypes of Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 and O:9 which were the main epidemic strains in China, were not found in this area.

CONCLUSIONThe pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitis O:3 and O:9 were not found in Nantong,Jiangsu province.

Animals ; Animals, Domestic ; microbiology ; China ; Electrophoresis ; Poultry ; microbiology ; Virulence Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Yersinia enterocolitica ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; pathogenicity

OBJECTIVE: To explain the clinicobiological heterogeneity of NPM1 mutated (NPM1^mut) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by analyzing the association between next-generation sequencing (NGS) profiles and MICM characteristics in patients with this AML subtype. METHODS: Data of 238 NPM1^mut patients with available NGS information on 112 genes related to blood disease was collected, and χ² test and nonparametric test were used to analyze the distribution association between NGS-detecting mutations and conventional MICM parameters. RESULTS: In entire NPM1^mut cohort, totaling 240 NPM1 mutation events were identified, of whom 10 (10/240, 4.2%) were missense mutations, which did not involve any W288 or W290 locus and were found exclusively in NPM1^mut/FLT3-ITD^- group. All but one of these missense mutations (9/10, 90%) were accompanied by AML subtype-defining recurrent cytogenetic or molecular abnormalities, of which 7 cases were in the low risk and 2 in the high risk. NPM1^mut occurred solely as an insertion/deletion (indel) type in the NPM1^mut/FLT3-ITD⁺ group. The incidence of favorable plus unfavorable karyotypes in NPM1^mut/FLT3-ITD^- group was higher than in NPM1^mut/FLT3-ITD⁺ group (6.4% vs. 0, P=0.031). The positive rates of CD34 and CD7 in NPM1^mut/FLT3-ITD⁺ group were significantly higher than in NPM1^mut/FLT3-ITD^- group (CD34: 47.9% vs. 20.6%, P<0.001; CD7: 61.5% vs. 29.9%, P<0.001). Logistic analysis showed that FLT3-ITD independently predicted for CD34⁺ and CD7⁺ [odds ratio (OR)=5.29, 95%CI: 2.64-10.60, P<0.001; OR=3.47, 95%CI: 1.79-6.73, P<0.001; respectively]. Ras-pathway mutations independently predicted for HLA-DR⁺ (OR=4.05, 95%CI: 1.70-9.63, P=0.002), and KRAS mutation for MPO^- (OR=0.18, 95%CI: 0.05-0.62, P=0.007). TET2/IDH1 mutations independently predicted for CD34^- and CD7^- (OR=0.26, 95%CI: 0.11-0.62, P=0.002; OR=0.30, 95%CI: 0.14-0.62, P=0.001; respectively), and MPO⁺ (OR=3.52, 95%CI: 1.48-8.38, P=0.004). DNMT3A-R882 independently predicted for CD7⁺ and HLA-DR⁺ (OR=3.59, 95%CI: 1.80-7.16, P<0.001; OR=13.41, 95%CI: 4.56-39.45, P<0.001; respectively), and DNMT3A mutation for MPO^-(OR=0.35, 95%CI: 1.48-8.38, P=0.004). CONCLUSION Co-existing FLT3-ITD in NPM1^mut AML independently predicts for CD34⁺ and CD7⁺, co-existing Ras-pathway mutation for HLA-DR⁺ and MPO^-, co-existing TET2/IDH1 mutation for CD34^-, CD7^-, and MPO⁺, and co-existing DNMT3A mutation for HLA-DR⁺, CD7⁺, and MPO^-, thereby providing a new mechanism explanation for the immunophenotypic heterogeneity of these AML patients.
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics* ; Mutation ; Nuclear Proteins/genetics* ; Nucleophosmin ; Prognosis ; fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3/genetics*