OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of the basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) to regenerate an autologous tissue-engineered cartilage in vitro.

METHODSThe Cells were harvested from the elastic auricular cartilage of swine,and were plated at the concentration of 1 x 10(4) cells/cm2 , studied in vitro at two different media enviroments: Group I contained Ham's F-12 with supplements and b-FGF, Group II contained Ham's F-12 only with supplements. The passage 2 cells (after 12.75 +/- 1.26 days) were harvested and mixed with 30% pluronic F-127/Ham's F-12 at the concentration of 50 x 10(6) cells/ml. It was injected subcutaneously at 0.5 ml per implant. The implants were harvested 8 weeks after the vivo culture and examined with the histological stains.

RESULTSThe chondrocytes displayed morphologically similar to the fibroblasts in the media containing basic-FGF. The number of cell doublings (after 12.75 +/- 1.26 days) in vitro culture was as the following: Group I, 70; Group II, 5.4. Eight 8 weeks after the vivo autologous implantation, the average weight (g) and volume (cm3) in each group was as the following: Group I, 0.371 g/0.370 cm3 Group II, 0.179 g/0.173 cm3 (P < 0.01). With the b-FGF in vitro culture, the cells were expanded by 70 times after 2 weeks. Histologically, all of the engineered cartilage in the two groups were similar to the native elastic cartilage.

CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that the basic-FGF could be used positively to enhance the quality and quantity of the seeding cells for the generation of the well-engineered cartilage.

Animals ; Cartilage ; cytology ; drug effects ; physiology ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Chondrocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Female ; Fibroblast Growth Factors ; pharmacology ; physiology ; Male ; Regeneration ; drug effects ; Swine ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Transplantation, Autologous

OBJECTIVETo explore the association between genetic polymorphism of serum amyloid protein A1 (SAA1) with carotid intima media thickness in a healthy Han Chinese population of Xinjiang.

METHODSA total of 449 healthy Han Chinese participating the cardiovascular risk survey between June 2007 and September 2009 were included, the genotypes of the SAA1 were detected by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The mean IMT of the right and left common carotid arteries were measured by B-mode ultrasonography.

RESULTS(1) There was strong linkage disequilibrium between rs12218 and rs2229338 (D' = 0.89). (2) The carotid common IMT (CC-IMT) and the carotid bulb IMT (CB-IMT) were similar between the AA genotype (wild genotype) and the GGFAG genotype (mutational genotype) in rs2229338 of SAA1 gene. (3) CC-IMT [(0.081 ± 0.071) cm vs (0.068 ± 0.019) cm, P = 0.01] was significantly thicker in CC + CT genotype (mutational genotype) group than in TT genotype (wild genotype) of rs12218 group and the difference remains significant after adjustment for age, gender, blood pressure, waist circumference, creatinine and high density lipoprotein cholesterol. CB-IMT [(0.085 ± 0.038) cm vs. (0.081 ± 0.052) cm, P = 0.36] was similar between CC + CT genotype and TT genotype of rs12218 groups.

CONCLUSIONOur results suggested that the genetic polymorphism of SAA1 might be linked with IMT and rs12218 mutation could serve as a promoting factor for IMT in Han Chinese people.

Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness ; Female ; Humans ; Linkage Disequilibrium ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Serum Amyloid A Protein ; genetics

BACKGROUNDHomoharringtonine (HHT) is effective in treating late stage chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML), but little is known about long term maintenance during complete cytogenetic response. Long term efficacy and toxicity profiles of low dose HHT were evaluated in this study.

METHODSOne hundred and six patients with CML received 1.5 mg/m(2) of HHT alone by continuous daily infusion for seven to nine days every four weeks. Of 79 patients in the control group, 31 were treated with interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) and 48 with hydroxycarbamide. For 17 patients who failed to achieve cytogenetic response within 12 months' treatment of IFN-alpha, HHT was administered. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect the BCR-ABL mRNA expression in 36 Philadelphia positive CML patients enrolled after 2007. Haematological and cytogenetic responses were evaluated in all patients at the 12th month of follow-up. Long term efficacy was assessed in a follow-up with a median time of 54 months (12 months-98 months).

RESULTSAfter 12 months of therapy, cytogenetic response rate of the HHT, IFN-alpha and hydroxycarbamide groups were 39/106, 14/31 and 3/48, and corresponding molecular cytogenetic response rates 6/18, 3/8 and 0. Of the 17 patients who received HHT as salvage treatment, 6 achieved cytogenetic response (3 major). At the 48 months' follow-up, cytogenetic response was maintained in 32/39 patients treated with HHT. Patients who had cytogenetic response in HHT group or treated with IFN-alpha also showed longer median chronic durations, which were 45 months (12 months-98 months) and 49 months (12 months-92 months) respectively, indicating a longer survival time.

CONCLUSIONSLow dose HHT alone showed considerable short term and long term efficacy in the treatment of late stage CML. It may also be a good choice for patients who have failed imatinib, IFN-alpha treatment or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation or cannot afford these treatments.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl ; genetics ; Harringtonines ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; drug therapy ; genetics ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of the combined method of abdominal axial flap transposition and penile elongation for the treatment of the remnant penis.

METHODSFifty-two cases of the remnant penis treated with the combined method from 1984 April to February 2004 were analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up ranged from 0.5 to 20 years postoperatively.

RESULTSThe lengths (both in normal and erectile conditions) and the circumferences of the penis gained after operation were (5.6 +/- 1.4) cm, (6.8 +/- 2.5 cm and (6.9 +/- 2.3) cm respectively. The recovery rates of the sensory function were 94.2% and 100% in the glans (immediately and 3 months after operation) and 32.7%, 51.9% and 75% in the flap area (3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively). The two-point distinguishing sense in the glans and the flap area was (5.1 +/- 0.9) mm and(7.9 +/- 1.3) mm 5 years after operation. Early complications included distant flap necrosis (3 cases), disruption of the wound (2 cases), part necrosis of the skin graft in the abdominal wall (2 cases) and poor contours occurred in 4 cases in the later period because of the thickness of the flaps. All of them were corrected with satisfactory results.

CONCLUSIONThe combined method of abdominal axial flap transposition and penile elongation was recommendable for the treatment of the remnant penis because of its positive effects and less complications.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Penis ; injuries ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Retrospective Studies ; Surgical Flaps

OBJECTIVETo clone the cDNA sequence of squalene synthase gene from Paris polyphylla, and characterize the biological features of the obtained SQS.

METHODUsing homology cloning and RACE technique, a full-length cDNA sequence of PpSQS gene was isolated from P. polyphylla. The obtained sequence was analyzed by bioinformatics softwares. A plasmid [named pET-30b (+)-PpSQS] was constructed for prokaryotic expression the recombinant PpSQS.

RESULTThe full-length cDNA of PpSQS gene is 1 498 bp, which contains a 1 212 bp ORF. Sequence analysis indicated that PpSQS encoded 403 amino acids residues with a calculated molecular weight (MW) of 46.36 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.83. SDS-PAGE results showed that the recombinant PpSQS was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) by inducing with 1 mmol x L(-1) IPTG.

CONCLUSIONThe full-length cDNA sequence of PpSQS gene was obtained from P. polyphylla, and its molecular features were consisted with classic SQS in plant. The recombinant PpSQS was successfully expressed in E. coli.

Cloning, Molecular ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Farnesyl-Diphosphate Farnesyltransferase ; genetics ; Liliaceae ; enzymology ; Phylogeny ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis

Objective To investigate the prevalence and distributing feature of overweight and obesity in Han, Uygur and Hazakh population in adults from Xinjiang. Methods Four-stage selected random samples with maternal age at 35 or over were used to analyze the prevalence and distributing feature of self-reported congestive heart failure in different nationalities, age, sex. The sampled adult population were collected from 6 localities(Urumqi, Kelamayi, Fukang, the Turfan Basin locality, Hetian locality, Yili Hazakh autonomous prefecture), 23 municipalities and 7 locality and 5 autonomous counties in Xinjiang. Results 16 460 people were surveyed. The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 36.1% and 26.9% in Han, Uygur and Hazakh population in Xinjiang,respectively from February, 2007. The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 41.4% and18.4% in Han population, 34.9% and 28.9% in Uygur population, but 32.8% and 40.1% in Hazakh population. The prevalence rate of overweight and obesity was higher in males(x2= 135.00, P＜0.05).The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were different between different ethnic groups(x2=338.232, P＜0.05). The prevalence of overweight was highest in Han population, with the highest seen in Hazakh population. The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were increasing with age (x2=246.80,P＜0.05). The overweight rate in 45-54 year olds and the obesity rate in 55-64 year olds reached their peak values. Results from logistic regression model analyses indicated that the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Xinjiang were statistically associated with age, educational level, jobs, smoking and alcohol consumption. Conclusion The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were much higher in the population of Xinjiang but different among ethnicities. The prevalence of overweight was the highest in Han male population and the rate of obesity in Hazakh male population was the highest.

OBJECTIVETo investigate carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and the correlated risk factors in Han, Uygur, Hazakh residents over 35 years old of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

METHODCross-sectional and cluster sampling random selected method was carried out for residents over 35 years old in Han, Uygur, Hazakh population of Xinjiang to investigate IMT and correlated risk factors.

RESULTSIMT of Han, Uygur, Hazakh residents over 35 years old of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region was (0.0761 ± 0.0283) cm, (0.0663 ± 0.0262) cm, and (0.0781 ± 0.0274) cm, respectively. There were significantly difference between various nationality (all P < 0.05). IMT was thicker in male Han people than in female Han people [(0.0807 ± 0.0288) cm vs. (0.0717 ± 0.0270) cm, P < 0.01] and in male Uygur than in female Uygur residents [(0.0706 ± 0.0270) cm vs. (0.0633 ± 0.0252) cm, P < 0.01] and in male Hazakh and female Hazakh residents [(0.0794 ± 0.0280) cm vs. (0.0768 ± 0.0268) cm, P < 0.01]. Linear correlation analysis showed that age (r = 0.176, P < 0.05), systolic blood pressure (r = 0.168, P < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.167, P < 0.05), fasting blood glucose (r = 0.053, P < 0.05), total cholesterol (r = 0.097, P < 0.05) and ankle brachial index (r = 0.067, P < 0.05) were significantly correlated with IMT.

CONCLUSIONSOur results showed that IMT was thicker in Hazakh residents than in Han and Uygur residents. IMT was closely related to known cardiovascular risk factors including age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol and ankle brachial index level.

Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; epidemiology ; pathology ; Carotid Arteries ; pathology ; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Tunica Intima ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the genetic polymorphisms of rs2229338 and rs12218 loci of serum amyloid protein A1 (SAA1) gene in healthy Chinese Han and Uighur populations of Xinjiang.

METHODSThe genotypes of the SAA1 gene were detected in 316 Uighur and 362 Han healthy individuals by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTSThe genotype distributions of both populations were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (both P>0.05). The frequencies of AA, AG and GG genotypes of the rs2229338 locus were 76.6%, 23.4%, and 0 in the Uighurs, and 91.7%, 7.7% and 0.6% in the Hans. There was significant difference in distribution of genotypes between the two populations (P<0.01). The frequencies of CC, CT and TT genotypes of the rs12218 locus were 10.1%, 47.5%, and 42.4% in Uighurs, and 3.3%, 34.3% and 62.4% in Hans. There was also significant difference in distribution of genotypes between the two populations (P<0.01). The A-C and G-T haplotypes were more frequent in the Uighur but the A-T haplotype was more common in the Han population, respectively (both P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe mutational frequencies of the tagging SNPs in rs2229338 and rs12218 loci of theSAA1 gene in the Uighurs may be higher than those in Hans.

Alleles ; Amyloid ; genetics ; metabolism ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Ethnic Groups ; genetics ; Gene Frequency ; ethics ; Genotype ; Haplotypes ; ethics ; genetics ; Humans ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Protease Nexins ; genetics ; Serum Amyloid A Protein ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence and distributing feature of chronic heart failure (CHF) in adult population of Xinjiang.

METHODSFour-stage random sampling method was used to analyze the prevalence and distributing feature of self-reported congestive heart failure among different nationalities in adult (35 years and over) population of Xinjiang. Sampling was collected from 6 localities (Urumqi, Kelamayi, Fukang, Turfan Basin, Hetian, Yili Hazakh).

RESULTSA total of 8459 adults were surveyed. The prevalence of CHF was 1.26% in this cohort. The prevalence of CHF was 0.89%, 1.11% and 2.14%(*) in Han, Uygur and Hazakh population, respectively ((*)P < 0.05 vs. Han and Uygur). The risk of CHF was higher in the males than in the females (1.61% vs. 0.93%, u = 2.79, P < 0.05). The prevalence of CHF increased in proportion with aging and was 0.29%, 0.60%, 1.32%, 2.55% and 4.10% in 35 - 44, 45 - 54, 55 - 64, 65 - 74, 75 years and over age groups, respectively. Common complications of CHF were hypertension (63.55%), coronary heart disease (42.99%), diabetes (18.69%), valvular heart disease (5.61%) and atrial fibrillation (4.67%).

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of CHF in Xinjiang was higher than the average level in China (0.9%) and was the highest in the Hazakh population.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; China ; epidemiology ; Chronic Disease ; Female ; Heart Failure ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence

Objective To investigate the relationship between stroke and ankle-brachial index (ABI), pulse wave velocity (PWV) in Han, Uighur, and Kazakh populations of Xinjiang. Methods Data was from the investigation of cardiovascular risk survey (CRS) program among different nationalities in Xinjiang from October 2007 to March 2010. A total of 14 618 samples aged over 35 with complete data dimension were surveyed. Results ( 1 ) There were 633 patients with stroke, including 258 Hans (4.48%), 247 Uighurs (5.18%), and 128 Kazakhs (3.13%). The incidence of stroke was significant different in the three ethnic groups (P＜0.001). (2)Compared to the Han population, the incidence of stroke was higher ( OR= 1.304) in Uighur but lower (OR=0.794) in Kazakh. (3) PWV was significant different between stroke and non-stroke patients. After adjustment for age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride, total cholesterol and other risk factors, the difference remained significant, indicating that PWV (OR=1.001, P＜0.001) might associate with the occurrence of stroke. Conclusion The results of this study showed that the incidence of stroke was significantly different in the three ethnic groups. PWV might associate with the occurrence of stroke.