OBJECTIVETo obtain the data of the genotypes and allele frequencies of 9 short tandem repeat (STR) foci (D18S1364, D12S391, D13S325, D6S1043, D2S1772, D11S2368, D22-GATA198B05, D8S1132, and D7S3048) in Chinese subjects of Li and Han nationalities in Hainan Province.

METHODSA total of 154 randomly selected unrelated subjects of Li nationality and 112 unrelated local Han subjects from Hainan Province, along with 125 Han subjects recent immigrated to Hainan were enrolled in this investigation. Venous blood samples were obtained from the subjects to determine the allele frequencies at the 9 STR loci using multiplex primer extension assay. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the observed heterozygosities (Hobs), polymorphism information content (PIC), individual identification probability (Dp), accumulated power of discrimination, and cumulative rate of exclusion. The genetic polymorphisms of the 9 STR loci was analyzed to acquire the population genetics data.

RESULTSThe genotype and frequency distributions of the 9 STR loci were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The Hobs, PIC, Dp, cumulative rate of individual identification (CDP), and cumulative chance of exclusion (CCE) showed no significant difference between the 9 foci.

CONCLUSIOND18S1364, D12S391, D13S325, D6S1043, D2S1772, D11S2368, D22-GATA198B05, D8S1132, and D7S3048 STR loci in Chinese Li and Han population in Hainan Province show a high probability of personal identification without obvious difference between the populations, suggesting their value in forensic science and population genetics.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; China ; ethnology ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetics, Population ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Young Adult

200 citrinin mutants were screened with the inhibition zone method from the transformants library of Monascus ruber M-7 by Agrobacterium-mediate DNA transfer, which contains more than 5,000 transformants.Then 53 mutants, whose citrinin contents ranged from 0.04?g/g to 154.57?g/g in the red fermented rice (RFR), were achieved by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).Color values of RFR prepared by these mutants were also detected.The results showed that there was a positive correlation between the citrinin content and the color value among the mutants.These results provide materials and research bases for ferrther studying the relationship between the production of citrinin and pigment of Monascus ruber at molecular level.

Objective To evaluate the effect of a novel orthopedic biomaterial,graded composite zireonia(ZrO2)hydroxyapatite(HAP)on activity of rat osteoblast ceils(OB)cultured in vitro. Methods The pure zirconia material was used as control to measure surface roughness of the composite material that was examined by using scanning electron microscope(SEM)and X-ray diffraetometer (XRD).The rat osteoblast cells were cultured on the two materials.Alkali phosphatase(ALP)of the two groups was measured and ELISA was used to detect IL-6 and TGF-?eoncentration of the supematant of OB cells.Tumor growth factor-?(TGF-?)mRNA was detected by RT-PCR.SEM was used to observe OB cells on the two materials.The extract of the composite material was used for a eytotoxicity test to cal- culate the relative proliferation rate(RGR)and classify the toxicity.Results The surface roughness of the gradual composite materials was significantly higher than that of the control materials(P＜0.01). The ALP of the gradual material group was markedly higher than that of the control group at different in- tervals.There was significant difference of the IL-6 and TGF-?concentrations 2-4 days after culture be- tween two groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The mRNA level of TGF-?of the two OB groups also showed marked statistical difference(P＜0.01).The ossification of the OB cells on the composed material was marked after 14 days.The MTT color experiments showed no statistic significance between materials group and negative group,with the toxicity at levelⅠand 0(P＜0.05).Conclusion Graded composite ZrO2 HAP can significantly promote proliferation and differentiation of OB cells cultured in vitro and has good biocompatibility.

AIM:To observe the effects of trimetazi- dine on myocardial ischemia and heart rate variability (HRV)in patients with non ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome(NSTEACS).METHODS:74 patients with NSTEACS were chosen and randomly assigned into two groups:one group was given conventional therapy with as- pirin,isosorbide mononitfate,fluvastatin and metoprolol, trimetazidine was added on the base of conventional thera- py in the other group.The total observation time of thera- py was 8 weeks.The heart rote,blood pressure,frequen- cy and persistence time of chest pain,numbers of times of using Nitroglycerin every day,the extent anti degree of myocardial isehemia,HRV of patients were observed be- fore and after treatment.RESULTS:The therapeutic ef- fect of trimetazidine treatment group(with the effective rate 94.4%,excellence rate 72.2%)was obviously bet- ter than that of the conventional treatment group(with the effective rate 65.8%,excellence rate 36.8%)(P

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of memantine in the treatment of patients with Alzheimer' s disease (AD).Methods This was a 16-week,multi-center,randomized,double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (Study 10116).A total of 258 AD patients (MMSE score 5—18) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into either memantine 10—20 mg/day (MEM,n=128) or placebo (PBO,n= 130) group for 16 weeks.Efficacy was primarily assessed in terms of changes of severe impairment battery (SIB) score in patients from baseline up to SIB assessment in the 16th week (16-week completers set, CS16).While ehanges of MMSE,ADCS-ADL_(19),and NPI (neuropsychiatric inventory) were evaluated as secondary efficacy parameters on both CSI6 and full-analysis set (FAS).Safety was assessed by physical examination,lab assays,ECG,and adverse events.Results 236 subjeets (CS16:MEM n=117,PBO n=119) were eligible for the efficacy assessment.No statistically significant difference between the treatments was observed on the primary and seeondary efficacy analysis,although both treatment groups had a slight increase from baseline in SIB total score.Post hoe evaluation of the data identified two bias factors that had a significant impact on the results of the pre-protoeol specified primary and secondary analyses.In a re-analysis of the data (CS16_(modified),MEM n=94,PBO n=95) excluding patient data affeeted by these factors,memantine-treated patients showed a statistically significant improvement related to placebo in the 16th week on the SIB (MEM 2.2 vs PBO 0.3,P=0.04),MMSE (MEM 1.0 vs PBO 0.1,P=0.03),and ADL (MEM 0.1 vs PBO-1.6,P=0.02) scales,indicating that memantine improved the cognitive function of AD patients and stabilized the activity of daily life.Memantine was well tolerated with an adverse event profile similar to that of placebo.Conclusion This study provides further support for pre-existing data,showing that memantine is efficacious,safe,and well-tolerated in patients with moderate to severe AD.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of the fat flap tissues after delay operation on free fat-graft survival rate and duration.

METHODSThe delay operation of fat flaps was performed in the inguinal region of a rabbit. Expression of VEGF was assayed using Elisa method after 12 hours of flap delay. The fat flaps were harvested and cut into pieces after 21 days. A subdermal pocket was created in each side of the dorsal midline of a rabbit, the fat pieces were grafted randomly into a pocket and the normal fat pieces into the other pocket as control. After 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of implantation, the grafted fats were harvested, gross observation, weight measurement and histology were carried out. Number of the vessels stained with anti-CD34 antibody was counted out.

RESULTSVEGF concentrations in flaps were significantly higher (P < 0.05). The density of vessels in experimental groups increased significantly compared with that in control groups at 1 and 3 months, respectively (P < 0.01), and no significant differences in the survival rate of fat tissues between experimental and control groups were observed at 1 and 3 months (P > 0.05). The fat cells from the flaps survived after 12 months of fat plantation, while those in control groups disappeared after 6 months.

CONCLUSIONSThe survival rate and duration of grafted fat could be increased implanting the fat tissues from delayed fat flap, which may provide researchers with a new method for fat graft.

Adipocytes ; transplantation ; Adipose Tissue ; transplantation ; Animals ; Graft Survival ; Male ; Rabbits ; Surgical Flaps

OBJECTIVETo evaluate clinical results of an interspinous stabilization system (Wallis) in treating lumbar degenerative disease in the short-term.

METHODSFrom August 2007 to June 2010,48 patients with lumbar degenerative disease who were treated with interspinous stabilization system, the data of patients were analyzed retrospectively. In all of the 48 cases, there were 30 males and 18 females with an average age of 54.2 years (ranged, 40 to 68 years). Forty-four cases were with single segment and 4 cases with two segments. Of them, 4 cases were in L3, 4, 40 cases were in L4, 5, 4 cases were in L3, 4 and L4, 5. The radiographic data of patients were analyzed. Clinical effects were evaluated by Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score system and low back pain disability questionnaire (Oswestry) and Odom method.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up from 1 to 2 years with an average of 18 months. According to Odom's criteria, 20 cases obtained excellent results, 24 good, 4 fair. JOA score increased from 12.4 +/- 2.7 preoperatively to 26.1 +/- 2.0 postoperatively (P < 0.01). Oswestry score decreased from 14.1 +/- 2.9 preoperatively to 5.5 +/- 1.8 postoperatively (P < 0.01). The posterior height of intervertebral space and height of nerve root canal increased compared with that of preperative height.

CONCLUSIONThe treatment of lumbar degenerative disease with interspinous stabilization system can obtain satisfactory effects in the near future. It can retain dynamic stable of corresponding segments, expand volume of vertebral canal, and is safe and feasible.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Stenosis ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo observe the morphological characteristics of sacral fracture under different impact loads.

METHODTen fresh pelvic specimens were loaded in dynamic or static state. A series of mechanical parameters including the pressure strain and velocity were recorded. Morphological characteristics were observed under scanning electron microscope.

RESULTSThe form of sacral fracture was related to the impact energy. Under low energy impact loads, ilium fracture, acetabulum fracture and crista iliaca fracture were found. Under high energy impact loads, three types of sacral fracture occurred according to the classification of Denis: sacral ala fracture, Type I fracture; sacral foramen cataclasm fracture, Type II fracture; central vertebral canal fracture, Type III fracture. Nerve injury of one or two sides was involved in all three types of sacral fracture. The fracture mechanism of sacrum between the dynamic impact and static compression was significantly different. When the impact energy was above 25 J, sacral foramen cataclasm fracture occurred, involving nerve root injury. When it was below 20 J, ilium and sacral fracture was most likely to occur. When it was 20 approximately 25 J, Type I fracture would occur. While in the static test, most of the fracture belonged to ilium or acetabulum fracture. The cross section of sacrum was crackly and the bone board of Haversian system was brittle, which could lead to separation of bone boards and malposition of a few of cross bone boards.

CONCLUSIONSIn dynamic state, sacrum fracture mostly belongs to Type I and Type II, and usually involves the nerve roots. Sacrum fracture is relevant to the microstructures, the distribution of the bone trabecula, the osseous lacuna and the Haversian system of sacrum. The fracture of ilium and acetabulum more frequently appears in static state, with slight wound of peripheral tissues.

Biomechanical Phenomena ; Humans ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Sacrum ; injuries ; pathology ; Spinal Fractures ; pathology ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Spinal Nerve Roots ; injuries

OBJECTIVE: To determine the therapeutic effect of spirulina platensis in allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: Ovalbumin sensitized white rats used as AR animals were treated with spirulina platensis (SPP). At the end of the treatment, the differences in the behavior science were observed; the changes in the nasal mucosa and mast cell degranulation were studied pathologically; and the levels of serum histamine and total immunoglobulin (Ig) E were determined by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. RESULTS: The behavior science score of the SPP treatment group was lower than that of the negative control group (P < 0.01 ) ; inflammatory reaction of nasal mucosa in the SPP treatment group were remarkably relieved; the number of nasal mucosa mastocyte and mast cell degranulation in the SPP treatment group were lower than that of the negative control group (P <0.01 ). The levels of serum histamine and total IgE in the SPP treatment group were lower than that of the negative control group (P <0.01 ). It had no significant difference in the positive control group and the SPP treatment group and the blank control group (P > 0.05 ). CONCLUSION Spirulina platensis can prevent and treat AR in rats, which implies the possibility of using spirulina platensis for AR patients in the future.
Animals ; Eukaryota ; Male ; Ovalbumin ; Phytotherapy ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; chemically induced ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVECoronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common causes of death in the world. Some studies suggested that CHD begins in childhood. Obesity and dyslipidemia are important risk factors of coronary heart disease. Apolipoprotein (apo)E gene associated with dyslipidemia and coronary heart disease. The present study was designed to investigate the expression status of apoE gene in peripheral blood monocyte and association of apoE gene expression with lipids in children with obesity.

METHODSAmong 32 children with obesity and 32 healthy children without obesity or overweight, ApoE gene expressions were determined by competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood monocyte. The concentrations of plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), apoA I, apoB(100) and apoE were measured.

RESULTSExpression of apoE gene was detected in peripheral blood monocyte. Expression of apoE gene was significantly reduced in children with obesity as compared with control group (0.29 +/- 0.14 moles/mole GAPDH mRNA vs. 0.36 +/- 0.10 moles/mole GAPDH mRNA, t = 2.15, P < 0.05). The more severe was the degree of obesity, the more significantly reduced the expression of apoE gene; the degree of obesity was negatively correlated with the levels of expression of apoE gene (correlation coefficient = -0.40, P < 0.05). Compared with control group, the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and apoB(100) were higher, and those of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apoA I and apoE were lower in children with obesity [(1.68 +/- 0.50) mmol/L vs. (0.99 +/- 0.54) mmol/L, (4.47 +/- 0.91) mmol/L vs. (3.33 +/- 0.90) mmol/L, (2.23 +/- 0.71) mmol/L vs. (1.13 +/- 0.96) mmol/L, (94.48 +/- 9.97) mg/dl vs. (83.81 +/- 15.64) mg/dl, (1.47 +/- 0.39) mmol/L vs. (1.73 +/- 0.36) mmol/L, (112.71 +/- 27.86) mg/dl vs. (134.80 +/- 45.36) mg/dl, (24.50 +/- 10.92) mg/L vs.(35.07 +/- 9.79) mg/L, respectively, P < 0.05]. ApoE gene expression was associated with plasma lipids metabolism in children with obesity. The quantity of apoE gene expression was inversely associated with low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, positively correlated with apoE (correlation coefficient = -0.33, 0.35, respectively, P < 0.05). The quantity of apoE gene expression was not associated with total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), apoA I, and apoB(100) (correlation coefficient = -0.19, -0.11, 0.16, 0.09, 0.18, 0.22, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONExpression of apoE gene was significantly reduced in peripheral blood monocyte in children with obesity. The quantity of apoE gene expression was associated with degree of obesity and abnormality of blood lipids.

Apolipoproteins E ; genetics ; Child ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cholesterol, HDL ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Gene Expression ; genetics ; Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; metabolism ; Male ; Obesity ; blood ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Triglycerides ; blood