Smu_195c is a protein with 86 amino acids in Streptococcus mutans, a primary pathogen for human dental caries. The specific function of Smu_195c is still unknown and there are no conserved domains in it. In order to find out its function, the gene encodes Smu_195c was cloned and expressed in E. coli as N-terminally 6*His tagged recombinant protein. Two crystal forms were obtained by the hanging drop method. Form Ⅰ belongs to space group P6122 or P6522 with the unit cell parameters a = b = 62.93 (A), c= 90.63 (A), γ=120° and form Ⅱ belongs to the space group P41212 or P43212 with the unit cell parameters a =b=57.97 (A), c = 103.51 (A).Crystals from the protein with His-tag belong to form Ⅰ, however, crystals from the protein without His-tag belong to both.

Objective: To assess the status of handgrip strength of elderly population from longevity areas in China, and to analyze the correlative factors of handgrip strength of elderly people. Methods: Data from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in 2012 was used, from which1 967 participants aged ≥60 years old with valid data of grip strength value from 8 Chinese longevity areas were included. Information on demographics characteristic, life style and health status was collected using questionnaires. The handgrip strength of both left and right hands were measured by grip dynamometer. The different characteristics of group of participants with different grip strength were compared and then analyzed by adopting the Cumulative odds Logistic regression model to identify main factors associated with hand grip strength. Results: The P₅₀ (P₂₅-P₅₀) of hand grip strength of elderly people from the eight longevity areas was 20 (11-28) kg; The hand grip strength of males was 26 (18-34) kg, which was higher than that of females(14 (9-20) kg) (P<0.001). Cumulative odds Logistic regression model showed that the hand grip strength of females was lower than males, whose β value (95%CI) was-1.22 (-1.43--1.00). The elderly who was at a higher age, smoking, drinking or with anemia, had a comparatively lower handgrip strength, whose β (95%CI) value were separately-0.08(-0.09~-0.07),-0.29(-0.56~-0.02),-0.54(-0.80~-0.28), and-0.41(-0.62~-0.20). And the elderly who had a higher boby mass index, drinking tea and outdoor activities, had a comparatively higher handgrip strength, whose β(95%CI) value were separately 0.28 (0.15-0.40), 0.25(0.03-0.47) and 0.51(0.30-0.71). Conclusion Age and gender were the main correlative factors, lifestyles and physical conditions might also be correlative factors of hand grip strength of the elderly from longevity areas in China.

Deoxycytidylate (dCMP) deaminase is an enzyme belonged to dCMP cyt deam family. The dCMP deaminase from Streptococcus mutans UA159 was cloned and expressed in E. coli, and purified to homogeneity. The FPLC size exclusion chromatography analysis reveals that the S. mutans dCMP deaminase forms hexamer in solution. The protein was crystallized using hanging drop vapour-diffusion method and diffracted to a resolution of 3.1 (A). The diffraction data were collected at BSRF beamline3W1A. The crystals belong to P213 space group, with unit cell parameters a = b = c = 113.2(A), α =β = γ = 90°. Assuming there are two subunits per asymmetric unit, the Matthews coefficient is 3.6 (A)3 ·Da-1. This is the first crystallization report of the wild-type deoxycytidylate deaminase.

Deoxycytidylate (dCMP) deaminase is an enzyme belonged to dCMP cyt deam family. The dCMP deaminase from Streptococcus mutans UA159 was cloned and expressed in E. coli, and purified to homogeneity. The FPLC size exclusion chromatography analysis reveals that the S. mutans dCMP deaminase forms hexamer in solution. The protein was crystallized using hanging drop vapour-diffusion method and diffracted to a resolution of 3.1 ?. The diffraction data were collected at BSRF beamline 3W1A. The crystals belong to P213 space group, with unit cell parameters a = b = c = 113.2 ?, ? = ? = ? = 90?. Assuming there are two subunits per asymmetric unit, the Matthews coefficient is 3.6 ?3?Da-1. This is the first crystallization report of the wild-type deoxycytidylate deaminase.

Objective: To explore the association between biomarkers and activities of daily living (ADL) in the elderly over 65 years old from longevity areas in China. Methods: A total of 2 439 people from 8 longevity areas were included in our baseline survey in 2012. Using questionnaires, body measurements, and blood biochemical examinations, information on demographics characteristic, life style, ADL, blood pressure and biomarkers were collected. Based on these six items of ADL (bathing, dressing, indoor activities, toileting, eating, bowel and bladder control), we constructed a dichotomous indicator for ADL. A respondent was defined as ADL disabled if any difficulty in one or more of the above six activities was reported. Information were collected in the follow-up in 2014 using the same questionnaires and examinations. We excluded information on the elderly who lacked ADL or biomarkers test results or with ADL disability at baseline study. Finally 938 elderly people over 65 years old were included in this analysis. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influence factors of ADL disability. Results: During the 2-year follow-up, 100 (10.7%) participants developed into ADL disability, with a rate at 10.7%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that each year increase in age or each 1 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) would cause the risk of ADL disability to increase 9% or 1%, whose OR (95%CI) were separately 1.09 (1.06-1.12), 1.01 (1.00-1.02). Han nationality or cognitive impairment increased the risk of ADL disability, whose OR (95%CI) values were separately 4.90 (1.13-21.24), 2.47 (1.44-4.25), while increased lymphocyte count (>1.60×10⁹/L), being married, or participating in recreational activities decreased the risk of ADL disability, whose OR (95%CI) values were separately 0.51 (0.31-0.82), 0.52 (0.28-0.96), 0.43 (0.23-0.80). Conclusion In the elderly elevated lymphocyte count was associated with lower risk of ADL disability. In addition, incresed age, increased SBP, unmarried, Han nationality or cognitive impairment were associated with the increasing risk of ADL disability in older people, while participating in recreational activities would reduce the risk.

Objective: To investigate the influence factors of survival outcome among elderly aged ≥80 years old. Methods: In baseline survey in 2009, 930 participants aged ≥80 years old were enrolled from 7 longevity areas, to collect the information of socioeconomic factors, life style, cognitive function, activities of daily living and diseases, as well as physical examination to test biomarkers of blood and urine. The survival status was followed up at 2012 and 2014 survey. Stepwise Cox proportional hazards models were used to screen influence factors of 5-year survival. Results: During 5 years of follow-up, 571 participants died, 133 participants were lost to follow up, and the all-cause mortality was 63.4%. In stepwise Cox proportional hazards models, male, unmarried, self-reported poor life quality, disability in daily life, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, chronic kidney diseases were risk factors for elderly survival outcome, with the HR (95%CI) at 1.75 (1.40-2.12), 1.49 (1.10-2.03), 1.40 (1.16-1.69), 1.37 (1.11-1.70), 1.51 (1.22-1.88), 1.62 (1.18-2.23) and 1.48 (1.23-1.77) respectively. Each 1 year increase in age corresponded to 4% increase in mortality risk (HR (95%CI)=1.04 (1.02-1.05)); each 1 kg/m² increase in BMI corresponded to 5% increase in mortality risk (HR (95%CI)=0.95 (0.93-0.98)); each 1.0×10⁹/L increase in total lymphocyte count (TLC) corresponded to 13% increase in mortality risk (HR (95%CI)=0.87 (0.76-0.99)). Additionally, the mortality risk decreased 19% (HR (95%CI)=0.81 (0.66-0.98)) in participants with regularly physical exercise compared to those without; and the mortality risk decreased 41% (HR (95% CI)=0.59 (0.40-0.88)) in participants with elevated triglycerides (TG, ≥2.26 mmol/L) compared to those without. Conclusion In Chinese longevity areas, some nutritional and immune indices such as relatively higher level of BMI, TLC and TG were independent protective factors for 5-year survival outcome, which was different from general adults and younger elderly.

Objective:A nested-PCR assay is developed to detect and identify the genomic DNA of Brucella vaccine A19 strain. Methods:The whole genomic sequences of Brucella vaccine A19 strain and other Brucella spp. strains were compared and analyzed. The primers were designed by nucleotide difference sites. The nested-PCR assay was established to detect and identify Brucella vaccine A19 strain. The genomic DNA of Brucella vaccine A19 strain was extracted and diluted. The diluted template DNA was tested for sensitivity of using nested-PCR assay. And the specificity of nested-PCR assay was tested for the genomic DNA of other Brucella spp. strains and non- Brucella spp. strains. Results:The minimum detection limit of the nested-PCR assay was 3.43 fg. The nested-PCR assay established for amplification of Brucella vaccine A19 strain showed 246 bp electrophoresis bands, while other Brucella spp. strains showed 314 bp electrophoresis bands, and non- Brucella spp. strains did not produce electrophoresis bands. Conclusions:The nested-PCR assay established has the characteristics of high sensitivity and specificity. It can be detected when there is one copy of Brucella vaccine A19 strain genomic DNA in the reaction system. This method is particularly suitable for the detection and identification of trace genomic DNA of Brucella vaccine A19 strain in sample.

Objective:To establish a quantitative real-time PCR detection system for Brucella S2 vaccine strain. Methods:Based on the differences in the entire genome sequence between Brucella S2 vaccine strain and other reference strains of Brucella, primers and probes were designed to establish a quantitative real-time PCR detection system for Brucella S2 vaccine strain. The DNA of 22 reference strains of Brucella and 8 non- Brucella control strains were obtained from the National Institute for Infectious Disease Control and Prevention of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. At the same time, environmental samples were obtained from the brucellosis vaccine manufacturers, and bacterial DNA from environmental samples was extracted using a blood/tissue genomic DNA extraction kit. The obtained DNA was pre-amplified by conventional PCR, and then subjected to quantitative real-time PCR secondary amplification (nested fluorescence quantitative PCR) using the amplified PCR product as a template. The specific fluorescence curve and corresponding number of cycles (Ct value) were observed, and the sensitivity was tested. Results:The quantitative real-time PCR detection system established did not detect specific fluorescence curves (without Ct values) for 21 reference strains of Brucella and 8 non- Brucella control strains, except for S2 vaccine strains. The established detection system had a minimum detection limit of 4.34 fg (genomic DNA) for detecting the DNA of Brucella S2 vaccine strain; DNA of Brucella S2 vaccine strain was detected in 3 of the 14 environmental samples collected. Conclusion:The quantitative real-time PCR detection system established can detect Brucella S2 vaccine strain in samples, with good sensitivity and specificity.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) with dexmedetomidine mixed with subanesthetic dose of ketamine on anxiety and depression in the patients with advanced cancer pain.Methods:Sixty patients of either gender with advanced cancer pain, aged 24-82 yr, with poor analgesic effect or obvious adverse reactions after three-step analgesic treatment, were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups ( n=30 each) using a random number table method: routine treatment group (group R) and dexmedetomidine mixed with ketamine group (group DK). The initial dose of morphine for PCIA was 1/3 of the oral dose in group R. In group DK, ketamine 5.4 mg/kg (90 μg·kg -1·h -1) and dexmedetomidine 6 μg/kg (0.1 μg·kg -1·h -1) were added on the basis of group R. Tropisetron 8 mg was added to analgesics and diluted to 200 ml with normal saline in both groups.The analgesic pump was programmed to deliver 4 ml with an initial dose of 4 ml, lockout interval of 15 min and background infusion at 4 ml/h.The numerical rating scale score, Ramsay sedation score, Chinese version of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score and Beck Depression Inventory-Ⅱ score were recorded before PCIA and at 4, 12, 24 and 48 h of PCIA.The development of effective analgesia and satisfactory sedation, occurrence and degree of depression, score for patient's quality of life and satisfaction score, consumption of morphine and adverse reactions such as constipation, nausea and vomiting, agitation and respiratory depression were recorded within 48 h of PCIA. Results:Compared with group R, the NRS score was significantly decreased, the rate of effective analgesia was increased, Beck Depression Inventory-Ⅱscore and Chinese version of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score were decreased, the incidence and degree of depression were decreased, incidence of nausea and vomiting and constipation, consumption of morphine and pressing times of PCIA pump were decreased, and the score for patient's quality of life and satisfaction score were increased in group DK ( P<0.05). Conclusion:PCIA with dexmedetomidine mixed with subanesthetic dose of ketamine can significantly enhance the analgesic effect, improve anxiety and depression, and raise the quality of life when used for the patients with advanced cancer pain.

Objective:To analyze the differences in whole blood selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and iron (Fe) levels of rural older adults among areas with different soil selenium levels, and explore the main factors associated with the six nutrient elements status, so as to provide a basis for further evaluating the health risks of people in areas with different soil selenium levels.Methods:Four administrative villages were randomly selected from the Se-deficient (soil Se content < 0.175 mg/kg), Se-sufficient (soil Se content 0.175 - < 0.400 mg/kg), Se-rich (soil Se content 0.400 - < 3.000 mg/kg) and Se-excessive (soil Se content ≥3.000 mg/kg) areas, respectively, in Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (Enshi Prefecture) of Hubei Province in 2017 - 2018. And 100 elderly people aged 60 years or older (half male and half female) were randomly selected as the survey subjects in each servey site. The basic information such as general demography and lifestyle was collected through face-to-face questionnaires. Physical examination was performed and fasting venous blood was collected in the morning. The contents of blood Se, Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca, and Fe were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The main factors associated with the six nutrient elements status were analyzed.Results:A total of 416 subjects were included, including 208 males and 208 females, whose average age was (72.43 ± 5.25) years, and body mass index (BMI) was (22.67 ± 3.49) kg/m 2. There were significant differences of blood Se, Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca and Fe levels between the areas with different Se levels ( Z/F = 288.30, 3.24, 14.81, 29.14, 131.28, 3.37, P < 0.05). Compared with Se-deficient and Se-sufficient areas, blood Se level was higher in Se-rich and Se-excessive areas and blood Zn level was lower in Se-excessive area ( P < 0.05); compared with Se-sufficient area, blood Cu level was lower in Se-deficient, Se-rich and Se-excessive areas, but blood Mg and Ca levels were higher ( P < 0.05), and the blood Fe level was lower in Se-excessive area ( P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the deficiency rates of Se, Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca and Fe among the elderly in different Se level areas (χ 2 = 140.83, 15.39, 31.90, 17.49, 157.60, 30.33, P < 0.01). There were significant differences in blood Zn, Cu, Ca and Fe levels between two gender groups ( P < 0.05); the blood Zn and Fe levels of the smokers were higher than those of the non-smokers, and the blood Cu level was lower than that of the non-smokers ( P < 0.05); the blood Zn and Fe levels of the drinkers were higher than those of the non-drinkers ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:The levels of six nutrient elements in the whole blood of the elderly in areas with different soil Se levels are different. To assess the health risks of the population in areas with different soil Se levels, it is necessary to consider the levels of multiple nutrient elements at the same time.