OBJECTIVETo analyze the inherent quality of articles published in our journal enjoying high citation rate, and to explore strategies on improving impact of papers.

METHODSScientific papers published in Chinese Journal of Burns from February 2000 to December 2009, with citation rate equal to or higher than 20 times were collected for classification according to their publication year, publication form, subject distribution, regional and institutional distribution, frequency of authors appeared in those published papers, frequency of winning prizes, and sources of fund (national, ministerial, or provincial). Data were processed by Microsoft Excel software.

RESULTSAltogether 64 scientific papers with high citation rate were published from 2000 to 2006. Original articles and expert forum accounted for 55 (86.0%). Twenty-one articles of clinical study were cited frequently, among them one was cited for 79 times. Articles dealing with subjects with popular interest or cutting-edge problems were cited frequently. Most articles winning high citation rate were originated from institutions located in Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an, etc. Those scientific papers which were instructed by specialists, with high level foundation and won prizes were cited with high frequency. The top 20 articles were mainly cited by excellent doctoral dissertations and master theses originated from 11 institutions for higher education, and source journals of Chinese Scientific and Technical Papers and Citations Database.

CONCLUSIONSAuthors should emphasize subject planning in order to compose papers with high quality. The editorial board should make arrangements with influential specialists with related skills for their contributions based on subjects of popular interest concerning the cutting-edge problems of the specific specialty, and pay close attention to papers on clinical study and those with funding from high levels, to improve impact of the articles.

Bibliometrics ; Burns ; China ; Periodicals as Topic ; statistics & numerical data

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of water extracts of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus (CREF) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human gastric carcinoma cells (SGC-7901) and determine the optimal proportion of Coptidis rhizoma to Evodiae fructus.

METHODSThe growth inhibition of SGC-7901 cells treated with the water extracts of CREF of varying proportions was tested with MTT assay. The cell apoptotic rate and mitochondrial membrane potential were analyzed with flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe water extract of CREF with Coptidis Rhizoma: Evodiae Fructus proportions at 1:6, 2:5, 3:4, 4:3, 5:2, and 6:1 all significantly inhibited the growth of SGC-7901 cells after a 24-h or 48-h treatment (P<0.05). The growth inhibition and cell death ratio both exhibited a dose-dependent pattern of Coptidis Rhizoma. Flow cytometry analysis showed that, after treatment of the cells with CREF at the proportions of 1:6, 2:5, 3:4, 4:3, 5:2, and 6:1, the apoptotic rate were (8.50 ∓ 1.59)%, (9.90 ∓ 1.01)%, (17.15∓1.68)%, (21.55 ∓ 1.97)%, (34.10 ∓ 1.06)% and (34.40 ∓ 1.02)%, respectively, all significantly higher than that in the control group [(1.69 ∓ 1.91)%, P<0.05]. JC-1 Kit staining showed that mitochondrial membrane potential of SGC-7901 cells was decreased and the ratio of green to red fluorescence increased significantly after incubation with CREF.

CONCLUSIONCREF can inhibit the growth and induce apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells, and the strongest effect is achieved at the optimal proportion of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus at 6:1.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; Drug Compounding ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Evodia ; chemistry ; Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the distribution of serum mannose binding lectin (MBL) levels in Han ethnic group children.

METHODSThe concentrations of MBL in serum were measured by ELISA in 268 umbilical cord blood specimens from Chongqing, Wuhan and Urumqi as well as in serum of 470 normal children aged from 0 to 6 years and 87 adults in Chongqing.

RESULTSThe distribution of serum MBL levels in children (28 days to 6 years) was abnormal but there was no significant difference in MBL serum levels in subjects of different ages and genders. The median concentration of MBL in serum was significantly lower in newborns (median: 1597 microg/L, range: 884 - 1825 microg/L), cord blood group (median: 1462 microg/L, range: 0 - 4604 microg/L) than in other groups (children group median: 2536 microg/L, range 0 - 7860 microg/L; adult group median: 2920 microg/L, range 98 - 6495 microg/L). While among the other sub-groups aged from 28 days-6 years (28 day group median 2299 microg/L, range 214 - 4195 microg/L; 6 months-group median 2622 microg/L, range 5 - 4637 microg/L; 2 years-6 years group 2585 microg/L, range 198 - 7860 microg/L), there was no statistically significant difference. The median serum MBL level in normal children aged from 28 days to 6 years was 2563 microg/L and the P(2.5)-P(97.5) was 171 - 5079 microg/L.

CONCLUSIONSThe distribution of serum MBL levels in children (28 days to 6 years) was abnormal type but there was no statistically significant difference among different age and sex groups. The reference value of P(2.5)-P(97.5) in children (28 days-6 years) was 171 - 5079 microg/L.

Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Mannose-Binding Lectin ; blood ; Reference Values ; Serologic Tests ; statistics & numerical data ; Young Adult

Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides ( DNA or RNA ) selected through a technology termed "Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment" ( SELEX ) . In addition to high affinity and high specificity for their target molecules, aptamers have some advantages such as low molecular weight, easy synthesis, high chemical stability, low immunogenicity, and convenient modification. Based on the Cell-SELEX technique, a panel of aptamers which can specifically recognize target cell lines has been generated. By targeting specific membrane proteins in their native state, these aptamers can identify subtle molecular differences among different cell lines, thus have attracted a broad interest in biomedical research. In this review, we summarized the development of aptamers and their use in detection, profiling and imaging of tumor cells. Also, their perspectives were discussed.

Protein-protein interactions(PPI)with large and shallow interfaces are generally undruggable targets. Many PPI in-volved in vital biological processes are mediated by helixes,therefore PPI can be easily targeted by helical epitope mimics. However, the application of peptide was limited by its conformational flexibility and low stability until the significant work was done by Arora ,et al who applied nucleation and crosslinking strategies to lock peptides in helical conformation. The conformation-locked strategies helps to improve peptide stability,cell permeability,and afterwards target intracellular PPI. At present,the conformation-locked strategies of peptides have achieved great development,and have become a hot spot in peptide research field. In this paper,the recent develop-ment,centering nucleation strategies,applications and bright prospects of helical conformation-locked peptides,are reviewed in order to provide theoretical basis for drug design based on PPI.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the possible risk factors of congenital malformations in cities of Guangxi.

METHODSA case-control study was carried out on 281 cases of congenital malformations and 730 controls. Analysis of simple factor and multiple factors unconditional logistic regression were done.

RESULTSThe analysis of simple factor and multiple factors showed that main risk factors of congenital malformations as multiple pregnancies (OR = 2.6), pregnancy complications (OR = 3.2), exposure to chemical substances before or during pregnancy (OR = 3.0), taking sedatives (OR = 10.2), hormone drug (OR = 9.4) or Chinese herbal medicines (OR = 2.5) during the early stage of pregnancy, mothers' blood type as AB (OR = 3.5) or A (OR = 2.2), mothers' emotion being nervous and melancholy (OR = 2.6), mothers' occupation being workers (OR = 3.8) or peasants (OR = 3.0), fathers' exposure to noise (OR = 5.7) or suffering from chronic diseases (OR = 2.8).

CONCLUSIONSSome risk factors were identified as having important effect on perinatal congenital malformations, including taking sedatives, hormone drug or Chinese herbal medicines during the early stage of pregnancy, mothers' emotion being nervous and melancholy, multiple pregnancies, pregnancy complications, exposure to chemical substances before or during pregnancies, mothers' blood type as AB or A, mothers' occupation being workers or peasants, fathers' exposure to noise or suffering from chronic diseases.

Case-Control Studies ; Congenital Abnormalities ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo developed a multiplex RT-PCR assay for simultaneous screening of type A, B and novel A (H1N1) influenza viruses.

METHODSTwo pairs of universal primers in were designed for amplifying the M gene and NS gene of type A and B influenza viruses, respectively. A pair of specific primers of HA gene was designed to detect novel A (H1N1) influenza virus. A one-step method was used to establish the multiplex RT-PCR system. A blinded experiment was carried out to validate the accuracy of this assay in comparison with the results of real-time fluorescence RT-PCR. The clinical practicability and efficacy of this assay was also evaluated.

RESULTSThe RT-PCR products were analyzed using agarose gel electrophoresis, which yielded distinct bands of the target fragments without non-specific reactions, suggesting the high efficiency and specificity of the multiplex RT-PCR. Blinded study of 50 samples demonstrated a concordance rate of 100%.

CONCLUSIONThis multiplex RT-PCR assay allows one-step simultaneous detection of type A, B and novel A (H1N1) influenza viruses rapidly and accurately, and provides a valuable low-cost screening technique for influenza epidemic monitoring and early diagnosis.

Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza B virus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Time Factors ; Viral Matrix Proteins ; genetics ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo develop a 96-microwell plate DNA diagnostic chip for simultaneous detection of 9 major foodborne bacteria.

METHODSType-specific PCR primers labeled with biotin and oligonucleotide probes were designed according to the conservative genes of 9 major foodborne bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7 (Stx1 and Stx2), Shigella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Yersinia enterocolitica, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. A one-tube multiplex PCR system for simultaneous amplification of these bacteria was established, and the DNA probes were spotted and immobilized in the wells of the plate in 5x5 array format. Stable hybridization system between PCR products and oligonucleotide probes in the microwell was established after condition optimization. Alkaline phosphatase-conjugated streptavidin and NBT/BCIP were used to detect the hybridized PCR products.

RESULTSTwenty standard bacteria strains were used to validate the 96 microwell plate DNA diagnostic chip and highly specific and stable experiment results were obtained. Using this chip assay, the causal pathogen Staphylococcus aureus was identified within 12 h after the sampling from an incident of food poisoning, and the result was consistent with that obtained using conventional bacterial culture and biochemical identification.

CONCLUSIONThe novel 96 microwell plate DNA diagnostic chip allows rapid, accurate, automated and high-throughput bacterial detection and is especially valuable for quick response to such public health emergencies as food poisoning.

Bacteria ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; DNA, Bacterial ; analysis ; Food Contamination ; analysis ; Food Microbiology ; methods ; Foodborne Diseases ; microbiology ; Humans ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; methods

To study the molecular epidemiological characteristics of norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks in Guangdong, we collected fecal and anal swabs specimens from 24 outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis from 2005 to 2008 to detect norovirus. Specimens were detected by RT-PCR and then sequenced. The descriptive data were also collected. According to our research, 19 of 24 outbreaks of gastroenteritis were positive for norovirus. The occurrence time was from October to next February mainly. The strains in 2005 belonged to G II-3 genotype and all outbreaks occurred in kindergarten and school. But from autumn of 2006, the outbreaks were all caused by G II-4/2006b variant and occurred in universities and community. The number of outbreaks in 2007 increased greatly and covered all over province. The nucleotide sequences of Guangdong strains in some sites showed high regional identity. Our results showed that with the shift of genotype from G II-3 to G II-4, occurrence of norovirus outbreaks increased greatly. The outbreaks of norovirus caused by G II-4/2006b variant spreaded widely and the involved population covered children and adult, indicating the strong invasiveness of this variant.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Base Sequence ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases ; genetics ; Disease Outbreaks ; Gastroenteritis ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Norovirus ; classification ; enzymology ; genetics ; Phylogeny ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the genetic aberrations of ocular extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type occurring in patients from southern China.

METHODSFifty seven paraffin-embedded ocular MALT lymphoma specimens from patients in southern China were studied by interphase fluorescence-in-situ hybridization (FISH) for genetic aberrations including t(11;18)(q21;q21)/API2-MALT1, t(1;14)(p22;q32)/IgH-bcl-10, t(14;18) (q32;q21)/IgH-MALT1 and bcl-6/FOXP1 gene translocations.

RESULTSAmongst the 57 cases studied, 9 cases (15.8%) showed chromosome translocations, including 4 cases (7.0%) of t(11;18)(q21;q21)/API2-MALT1, 1 case (1.8%) of t(14;18) (q32;q21)/IgH-MALT1, 1 case (1.8%) of bcl-6 gene-related chromosome translocation and 3 cases (5.3%) of IgH-unknown translocation partner. FISH revealed 17 cases (29.8%) with 3 copies of bcl-6 gene, 21 cases (36.8%) with 3 copies of MALT1 gene and 12 cases (21.1%) with 3 copies of both genes.

CONCLUSIONSThe MALT lymphoma-associated chromosome translocations t(11;18)(q21;q21)/API2-MALT1 and t(14;18) (q32;q21)/IgH-MALT1 are demonstrated in ocular MALT lymphomas of southern Chinese patients. The prevalence is significantly different from that reported in northern Chinese and northern American patients, indicating a geographic heterogeneity in the MALT lymphoma-associated genetic aberrations. The presence of 3 copies of bcl-6 and MALT1 genes is the commonest genetic abnormalities observed in ocular MALT lymphomas, suggesting a possible role in MALT lymphomagenesis.

Caspases ; genetics ; metabolism ; China ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11 ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14 ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18 ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 3 ; genetics ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Eye Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Translocation 1 Protein ; Neoplasm Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6 ; Translocation, Genetic ; Trisomy