50 days),whereas third party skin grafts were vigorously rejected.Conclusion Blockade of CD28-B7 and CD40-CD40 ligand interactions resulted in long-term allograft survival and donor-specific tolerance in mouse cardiac transplantation without chronic rejection.

OBJECTIVETo investigate PTCH gene mutations in odontogenic keratocysts (OKC).

METHODSPCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing were used to analyze the PTCH gene mutations in 12 OKCs, including 10 sporadic and 2 nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) associated OKC.

RESULTSFour mutations were identified in 4 cysts, among which two germline mutations were associated with NBCCS and 2 somatic mutations were in 2 unrelated sporadic cases. In addition, eight previously reported polymorphisms in the PTCH gene were also found in 10 cases.

CONCLUSIONThe present study indicated that both sporadic and NBCCS-related OKCs could carry PTCH gene mutation. Thus, mutational inactivation of PTCH gene may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of OKC.

Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome ; Female ; Humans ; Mutation ; Odontogenic Cysts ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Single-Stranded Conformational ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo understand the laws and characteristics of silicosis incidence of the workers exposed to the uranium dust from 1956 to 2002.

METHODSThe length of employment, age of occurrence of silicosis, and its duration and death age were compared between the uranium miners and uranium geological prospecting teams, and also between the miners exposed to uranium dust and those exposed to mixed uranium dust by single factor analysis method.

RESULTSWith time going on, the length of employment, age of occurrence of disease and its duration and death age were prolonged respectively in the workers exposed to uranium dust. The length of employment and age of occurrence of disease in uranium geological prospecting teams [(10.15 +/- 5.95) and (40.60 +/- 9.86) years respectively] were shorter than those in uranium miners [(14.23 +/- 8.12) and (41.38 +/- 10.98) years], but the duration (P(50)) and death age were longer [(14.29 years vs 12.52 years), (53.69 +/- 10.04) years vs (51.45 +/- 10.85) years respectively]. The length of employment and age of occurrence of disease in those exposed to uranium dust only [(11.78 +/- 8.06) and (38.04 +/- 9.89) years] were shorter than those exposed to mixed uranium dust [(12.74 +/- 6.29) years, (41.40 +/- 10.67) years], but the duration (P(50)) and death age were longer than the mixed uranium dust ones [(14.59 years vs 13.20 years), (53.93 +/- 10.60) years vs (51.82 +/- 10.20) years].

CONCLUSIONThe difference in the occurrence of silicosis in the workers exposed to uranium dust may be attributed to the physical and chemical character of the uranium dust and the different working circumstance.

Age of Onset ; Humans ; Mining ; Occupational Exposure ; Retrospective Studies ; Silicosis ; epidemiology ; mortality ; Uranium

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of electroencephalograph(EEG)biofeedback on clinical symptoms and cognitive function of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).Methods Twenty children aged(10.4?2.2)years old who were diagnosed as ADHD according to American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders the 4th ed received EEG biofeedback treatment.The treatment was administered by Autogenic A620 machine,? wave(4-8 Hz)was suppressed and sensory motor rate wave was strengthened(12-15 Hz)at the same time.The treatment was total 40 times.Before and after treatment,Conner's Behavior Rating Scale-parent questionnaire was administered to assess the clinical symptoms,wechsler memory scale(WMS)to assess the long-term memory,short-term memory and instantaneous memory,number cancellation test and stroop test were used to assess the cognitive process speed and selective attention,and continuous performance test(CPT)was administered to assess the attention and impulsiveness.The children in healthy control group who compared with ADHD children by one to one came from the primary or middle school near the hospital,the age difference between ADHD child and healthy control group was within 6 months.All the measurements were administered to the healthy control group.Results After the EEG biofeedback treatment,the score of behavior factor in Conners Scale decreased significantly(P0.05).Conclusions Forty sessions EEG biofeedback can improve clinical symptoms,attention,memory,selective attention and cognitive process speed of ADHD children significantly,some indicators even become normal.

Objective To explore the early diagnosis of Alport′s syndrome(AS).Methods Renal and skin biopsy was carried out in 5 patients who manifested with isolated hematuria and nephritic syndrome(NS).By using indirect immunofluorescence method,the expression of type Ⅳ collagen ? chains was detected on epidermal basement membrane(EBM) and glomerular basement membrane(GBM).Results ?_1 chains on EBM and GBM were expression in all patients,but ?_5 chains on EBM and ?_3,?_5 chains on GBM form 2 female patients were segmental expression.Thus the goal for early diagnosis was achieved.Conclusions ? chains for EBM type Ⅳ collagen and GBM type Ⅳ collegan should be investigated if condition permits for those patients with isolated hematuria,NS(steroid-resistant) and thinned GBM in electron microscopy.It can be useful for diagnosis and differenial diagnosis of AS.

Objective To investigate changes in serum levels of antinuclear antibody(ANA), anti?double?stranded DNA(dsDNA)antibody and anti?extractable nuclear antigen(ENA)antibody before and after anti?tumor necrosis factor?α(TNF?α)therapy in psoriatic patients. Methods Clinical data obtained from 32 patients with psoriasis were analyzed retrospectively. Of the 32 patients, 13 received intravenous injection of 5 mg/Kg infliximab at week 0, 2, 6 for 3 sessions, then once every 8 weeks(infliximab group), while other 19 received subcutaneous injection of 25 mg etanercept twice every week(etanercept group). The treatments in the 2 groups both lasted more than 3 months. Serum levels of ANA, anti?dsDNA antibody and anti?ENA antibody and changes of clinical symptoms were detected and observed respectively before each treatment in the infliximab group, as well as every 3- 6 months in the etanercept group. The 75%reduction in psoriasis area and severity index(PASI75)and disease activity score of 28 joints(DAS28) were used to evaluate clinical efficacy. Serum levels of ANA, anti?dsDNA antibody and anti?ENA antibody were measured by indirect immunofluorescence(IIF)assay, Western blot analysis combined with enzyme?linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results After 3?month treatment, the 32 patients achieved clinical remission to different extents. Of 32 patients receiving anti?TNF?αtherapy, 7(21.9%)developed new autoantibodies. Concretely speaking, 4 patients in the infliximab group developed autoantibodies in 8.3 ± 5.1 months, including 3 cases positive for ANA and 3 for anti?ENA antibody. Three patients in the etanercept group developed autoantibodies in 9.0 ± 3.0 months, including 3 cases positive for ANA and 1 for anti?ENA antibody. Conclusion Partial patients with psoriasis may develop autoantibodies after anti?TNF?αtherapy.

Objective To investigate the spectrum,diagnosis,time of therapy and management of the congeni-tal heart disease(CHD)in patients with Down′s syndrome(DS).Methods A retrospective report was undertaken of 96 cases in children with DS accompanied by CHD in Department of Pediatric Cardiology,Beijing Anzhen Hospital Af-filiated to Capital Medical University.Data were collected and analyzed about their clinical characteristics,and types of cardiovascular abnormalities,and the important laboratory examinations such as echocardiography and catheterization as well as the procedures of diagnosis and treatments were summarized.Then the interventions,complications and prognosis of different patients were estimated.Results (1)Single congenital heart disease was found in 33 cases (34.38%),a-mong which ventricular septal defect was the most common (14 cases,14.58%),followed by atrioventricular septal de-fect and atrial septal defect (equally,7 cases,7.29%).Multi -cardiovascular abnormalities were discovered in 63 ca-ses,and patent ductus arteriosus turned out to be the most common (42 cases,66.67%).(2)Cat-heterization was car-ried out in 18 cases of serious pulmonary arterial hypertension,and 8 cases were proved resistant pulmonary arterial hy-pertension without operation opportunity.The other 8 cases were estimated as high pulmonary arterial hypertension and medical therapy was suggested before reassessment to reduce surgical risks.(3)Operations were undertaken in 61 ca-ses,among which percutaneous interventional occlusion was performed in 7 cases and surgical interventions were per-formed in 54 patients,in which perioperation complications and death were found in 5 cases and 4 cases,respectively. Conclusions Operation interventions are practicable and most cases recovered well with systematic examinations and assessment in patients with DS and cardiovascular malformations.Early diagnosis and timely interventions are highly suggested.Also close attentions should be paid to follow -up and re -estimation after medical therapy.

The fruit of Lycium ruthenicum is a common folk medicine in China. Now it is popular for its antioxidative effect and other medical functions. The adulterants of the herb confuse consumers. In order to identify a new adulterant of L. ruthenicum, a research was performed based on NCBI Nucleotide Database ITS Sequence, combined analysis of the origin and morphology of the adulterant to traceable varieties. Total genomic DNA was isolated from the materials, and nuclear DNA ITS sequences were amplified and sequenced; DNA fragments were collated and matched by using ContingExpress. Similarity identification of BLAST analysis was performed. Besides, the distribution of plant origin and morphology were considered to further identification and verification. Families and genera were identified by molecular identification method. The adulterant was identified as plant belonging to Berberis. Origin analysis narrowed the range of sample identification. Seven different kinds of plants in Berberis were potential sources of the sample. Adulterants variety was traced by morphological analysis. The united molecular identification-origin-morphology research proves to be a preceding way to medical herbs traceability with time-saving and economic advantages and the results showed the new adulterant of L. ruthenicum was B. kaschgarica. The main differences between B. kaschgarica and L. ruthenicum are as follows: in terms of the traits, the surface of B. kaschgarica is smooth and crispy, and that of L. ruthenicum is shrinkage, solid and hard. In microscopic characteristics, epicarp cells of B. aschgarica thickening like a string of beads, stone cells as the rectangle, and the stone cell walls of L. ruthenicum is wavy, obvious grain layer. In molecular sequences, the length of ITS sequence of B. kaschgarica is 606 bp, L. ruthenicum is 654 bp, the similarity of the two sequences is 53.32%.
Berberis ; classification ; cytology ; genetics ; China ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; methods ; DNA, Plant ; chemistry ; genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer ; chemistry ; genetics ; Drug Contamination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; standards ; Lycium ; classification ; cytology ; genetics ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Species Specificity

AIMTo observe the effects of Ca2+ -activated K+ channel of primary cultured fetal SD rat cortex neurons in the veratridine triggered neuronal damage.

METHODSThe patch clamp technique of cell-attach and inside-out mode for these two kinds of single channel recordings were used.

RESULTSExtracellular veratridine activated the Kca. In Ca2+ bath solution of cell-attach mode, Vp + 30 mV, when the concentration (micromol/L) of veratridine were 15,25,50 and 75, the open probabilities of the channel were 0.014 +/- 0.003, 0.085 +/- 0.010, 0.132 +/- 0.016 and 0.059 +/- 0.006 (P < 0.01) respectively. It appeared concentration-dependent within 50 micromol/L veratridine. In Ca2+ free bath solution of cell-attach mode, Vp = +50 mV, when the concentration (micromol/L) of veratridine were 15, 40,60 and 100, the open probabilities of the channel were 0.014 +/- 0.010, 0.113 +/- 0.006, 0.141 +/- 0.004 and 0.295 +/- 0.009 (P < 0.05) respectively. In the 6 cases of inside-out mode patch clamp, Vp = +40 mV, when the concentration of veratridine were 0, 25 micromol/L and 50 micromol/L, the open probabilities of the channel were 0.011 +/- 0.008, 0.010 +/- 0.010 and 0.012 +/- 0.007 (P > 0.05) respectively. There were no significant difference on open probabilities, average open/close times and amplitudes at different intracellular veratridine concentration.

CONCLUSIONVeratridine can affect the activation of the Kca channel through regulating the concentration of cytoplasmic free Ca2+. The opening of Kca activated by increase of intracellular Ca2+ during the early stage of anoxia may be a protection reaction of ischemic neurons.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Neurons ; cytology ; drug effects ; physiology ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Veratridine ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo preliminarily investigate the influence of hypoxia on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract 50 (GBE50) on it.

METHODSFlow cytometry, TUNEL, RT-PCR, Western blot, etc. were applied, to study the effect of hypoxia and GBE50 on endothelial cells.

RESULTSAfter being interfered by hypoxia for 24 h, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HUVECs and the apoptotic rate either in the early or in the late stage significantly increased, and accompanied with the increased levels of endothelin-1 mRNA (ET-1) and endothelial oxide synthase (eNOS) protein. However, when HUVECs were pretreated with GBE50 (25 [microg/ml) 4 h before hypoxia, the apoptotic rate in the early or late stage and expression of ET-1 mRNA significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the heightened ROS level and eNOS expression partially decreased (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHypoxia can induce endothelial dysfunction, which could be partially or significantly reversed by GBE50, it shows a certain protective effect on hypoxia induced endothelial dysfunction.

Blotting, Western ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Endothelin-1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Endothelium, Vascular ; drug effects ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Free Radical Scavengers ; pharmacology ; Ginkgo biloba ; chemistry ; Humans ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction