Objective To study the dynamic changes of soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and to assess its role in the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic fever(HFRS) with renal syndrome. Methods A total of 30 patients with HFRS(case group) and 20 healthy subjects (control group) from Worker Hospital of Finance & Commerce of Qiqihar city were included in the study during 2006 - 2007. Double-antibody sandwich ELISA method was used to measure the level of sICAM-1 in serum samples. Results The serum levels of sICAM-1 in patients with HFRS in early stage, critical stage, convalescent stage were(47.56±6.51), (94.23±15.36), (54.19±8.42)ng/L,respectively. The serum level of sICAM-1 in control group was (22.63±3.40)ng/L. The above values were compared between any two groups, differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.01). The serum level of urea nitrogen in patients with HFRS in early stage, critical stage, convalescent stage were (5.16±0.12), (33.84±9.24),(8.20±1.30)mmol/L, respectively. The serum level of urea nitrogen in control group was (4.20±0.56)mmol/L.The above value were compared between any two groups, the differences were statistically significant (all P< 0.01). Conclusions sICAM-1 is involved in the pathogenesis of HFRS as protective factors. Cellular immune playes an important role in the pathogenesis of HFRS.

OBJECTIVETo study the association of FCGR2A gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1801274 with Kawasaki disease (KD) susceptibility and the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy in Han Chinese children.

METHODSThirty-five KD children and 25 age-and gender-matched healthy children (control group) were enrolled in the study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene sequence analysis were applied to detect SNP of FCGR2A gene rs1801274. These KD patients were classified into two subgroups based on the presence of coronary artery lesion (CAL) following IVIG therapy: CAL (n=13) and non-CAL (n=22).

RESULTSFCGR2A gene SNP rs1801274 was detected in all subjects, including three genotypes (AA, AG and GG). For FCGR2A gene SNP rs1801274, there were significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies between the KD and control groups (P<0.05), and significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies were also found between the CAL and non-CAL subgroups (P<0.05). A allele and AA genotype were linked to an increased risk of KD susceptibility (A allele: OR=3.39, 95%CI:1.53-7.50; AA genotype: (OR=4.93, 95%CI:1.61-15.1). Both AG (OR=5.43, 95%CI:1.06-27.8) and G allele (OR=4.88, 95%CI:1.44-16.5) were linked to an increased risk of CAL in KD children.

CONCLUSIONSPolymorphism of the FCGR2A gene SNP rs1801274 is one of the important factors probably influencing susceptibility to KD and efficacy of IVIG therapy on KD in Han Chinese children.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Receptors, IgG ; genetics

Adult ; Electrocoagulation ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Injections ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; therapy ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ozone ; administration & dosage ; Radio Waves ; therapeutic use

Brown-Sequard Syndrome ; etiology ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; complications ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged

Steroidal saponins have a wide range of pharmacological effects and biological activities, such as anti-tumor, antifungal, hypoglycemic, immune regulation, insecticides, etc. In the last ten years, some new structures of steroidal saponins compounds were found from natural plants, they have some new and different activities. In order to accelerate the research on the drug innovation of steroidal saponins, we summarized the new progress of the research on such compounds.
Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; Antifungal Agents ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; pharmacology ; Saponins ; pharmacology ; Steroids ; pharmacology

With more and more attention and investment on acupuncture scientific researches, considerable outcomes and achievements has been acquired, but the shortcoming of low transformation rate of acupuncture research achievements is gradually exposed. Nowadays there is no related report on this problem, so based on achievement translational research in other areas and practical situation of acupuncture, the existing problems and solutions are analyzed. As a result, the existing problems include (1) the research content is mainly basic research and clinical research but less acupuncture device research, leading to limited transformation efficiency; (2) the evaluation system and transformation pattern are still needed to be perfect. The solutions are (1) to properly evaluate the research achievements of acupuncture, (2) to advocate the concept and method of translational medicine, (3) to reform the policy and system, and (4) to establish valid platforms covering research, outcomes and transformation.
Acupuncture ; economics ; legislation & jurisprudence ; manpower ; Biomedical Research ; Biotechnology ; economics ; legislation & jurisprudence ; manpower ; China ; Humans ; Technology Transfer

A 29-year-old woman was admitted to the Department of Rheumatology,Peking Union Medical College Hospital due to intermittent rashes,fever and headache.Palpable purpura were symmetrically distributed on the extremities and trunk.Other manifestations included headache with nausea and vomiting.Elevated white blood cell (WBC) count,platelet (PLT) count,erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein were the main laboratory findings.Antinuclear antibodies and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were negative.Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed high intracranial pressure,while routine cytology and biochemical tests of CSF were normal.Head MRI scan and PET-CT did not detect remarkable findings.A diagnosis of systemic vasculitis was confirmed by the biopsy of skin lesion which showed inflammatory infiltration of the muscular vessel wall.Combination therapy of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide lead to a rapid improvement in clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters.The patient was in stable remission till 6 month follow-up.

Organic solvent tolerant microorganism(OSTM) is a novel extremophile and it hasn't been systematically studied until 1980s.Relying on certain mechanisms,the OSTM is able to effectively de-fend and decrease the toxicity from organic solvents,which enable the OSTM to be potentially applied in the industrial fields such as whole-cell catalysis and environmental treatment,etc.The comprehen-sively understanding of the mechanisms involved in organic solvent tolerance of OSTM could be com-bined with genetic engineering in order to modify and optimize the various specifications of OSTM,and further broaden its application in other industrial areas.Latest studies on the tolerant mechanisms of OSTM,in this paper,will be reviewed from four aspects such as vesicle exocytosis and changes of phos-pholipid composition in membrane,etc.Besides,the application of OSTM in whole-cell catalysis and other fields will be introduced.

ObjectiveTo determine the utility of the simple body weight support training apparatus used to improve ambulatory function in patients with hemiplegia or paraplegia.Methods38 cases with hemiplegia or paraplegia were randomly divided into control(C,n=10),regular body weight support treadmill training group(R,n=14),simple body weight support training group(S,n=14).All the patients received comprehensive rehabilitation for 6 months.Function Independence Measured(FIM),10 meters ambulatory velocity,Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA),Barthel Index(BI) were used to evaluate the effect of training.ResultsThe FIM scores and ambulatory velocity of the patients in group R and S improved significantly compared with that of group C.There was no difference of FIM scores and ambulatory velocity between group R and S.ConclusionThe effect of simple body weight support training on improving the ambulatory function is similar to regular body weight support treadmill.

Brain Stem ; pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neurosurgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; Postoperative Complications ; Subdural Effusion ; complications