Objective To explore the prevalence rates of disabilities among the ethnic minority people in China. Methods Utilizing stratified, multiphase, and cluster probability sampling design, 2 526 145 persons were investigated and screened by trained interviewers,including 297 761 persons with ethnic minority backgrounds. Respondents scoring positive for potential problems were referred to physician for further diagnosis on disability and on scale measurement.Results The overall prevalence rate of disability for both ethnic minority and Han population were 6.24% (95%CI:6.16%-6.51% ) and 6.41% (95% CI: 6.38%-6.51% ) respectively. The total aggregate age-adjusted prevalence rate of disability was 7.31% for persons with ethnic minority. The prevalence rate of disabilities in male was significantly higher than that in females (7.31% vs. 6.75% ). The ranking of prevalence rates on different type of disabilities were: physical disability 1.90% (95%CI:1.89%-1.91%), hearing disability 1.34%(95%CI: 1.33%-1.35%), multiple disability 1.14%(95%CI:1.13%-1.15% ), vision disability 0.99% (95%CI: 0.97%-1.01% ), psychiatric disability 0.38%(95%CI:0.37%-0.40% ), intellectual disability 0.38% (0.37%-0.39%) and speech disability 0.12% (0.11%-0.13% ). Cerebral Palsy, genetic diseases, tympanitis, cerebral disease and mental retardation (not including unknown items) were the major causes for disabled children with ethnicity background.Degenerated diseases, including osteoarthropathy, cerebrovascular disease, elderly-related deafness or cataract were most important causes for ethnic minority persons aged 60 or over. Injury, including traffic accident was important disabled-related factor for persons with minority ethnicity aged 15-59.The main causes and ranking of causes for ethnical minority were similar with that for Han population.Conclusion The prevalence rate of disability for ethnic minority persons was significantly higher than that for Han population in China. Prevention for different types of disability should be provided accordingly to persons with ethnic minority, in different age groups.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of decreased expression of high mobility group Box-1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of HepG2 cells.

METHODSThree specific siRNAs of HMGB1 were designed and synthesized, and were transiently transfected into HepG2 cells by Lipofectamine 2000. The HMGB1 expression in HepG2 cells was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting respectively. The proliferation activity in vitro was assessed by MTT assay. In situ apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay.

RESULTSAll of these specific HMGB1-siRNAs (1, 2, 3) efficiently and specifically inhibited the expression of the HMGB1 gene, and the levels of HMGB1 mRNA were 1.147+/-0.024, 1.014+/-0.042, 0.435+/-0.055, respectively, in HMGB1-siRNAs transfection group, which were significantly lower than that in Lipofectamine 2000 alone group (1.411+/-0.065, P < 0.01). Correspondingly, all of these specific HMGB1-siRNAs (1, 2, 3) could efficiently and specifically inhibit the expression of the HMGB1 protein, and the levels of HMGB1 protein were 0.369+/-0.035, 0.340+/-0.028, 0.097+/-0.020, respectively, in HMGB1-siRNAs transfection group, which were significantly lower than that in Lipofectamine 2000 alone group (0.553+/-0.051, P < 0.01). Of the 3 specific HMGB1-siRNAs, HMGB1-siRNA-3 (siRNAH3) had the highest inhibition rate (80%). The proliferation of HepG2 cells was markedly inhibited by siRNAH3 transfection. Compared to mock-transfection, siRNAH3 transfection dramatically suppressed the proliferation of HepG2 cells (P < 0.01). Moreover, siRNAH3 can induce apoptosis (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONsiRNA targeting HMGB1 mRNA can specifically reduce HMGB1 gene and protein expression. siRNAH3 can effectively suppress the proliferation and induce apoptosis of HepG2 cells.

Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; HMGB1 Protein ; genetics ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; RNA, Small Interfering

OBJECTIVETo analyze the Y chromosome microdeletions in the family of the infertile male and to study on the vertical transmission of Y chromosome microdeletions from father to son.

METHODSThe peripheral blood of infertile patients' family male members was extracted and analyzed with modified multiplex PCR. The infertile family tree was drawn according to the results.

RESULTSTwo cases in twelve investigated families had azoospermia factor (AZFc) microdeletion heredity. The others had no heredity.

CONCLUSIONAZFc microdeletion of the Y chromosome can be transmitted to the male offspring naturally,and the same deletion can result in different phenotypes in different individuals.

Adult ; Aged ; Azoospermia ; genetics ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Y ; genetics ; Family Health ; Female ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pedigree ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo obtain the monoclonal antibody against hexon protein of human adenovirus.

METHODSBALB/c mice were immunized with purified recombinant hexon protein, and the spleen cells of the mice were isolated and fused with myloma cells. Four hybridoma cell strains were screened by indirect ELISA and cultured, and the sensitivity, specificity and virus neutralizing activity were analyzed with ELISA, Western blotting and neutralizing test.

RESULTSThe mouse ascites produced by these hybridoma cells contained specific monoclonal antibodies against hexon protein of human adenovirus as identified by ELISA and Western blot, and the antibody generated by 4C6 strain showed human adenovirus type 3-neutralizing activity.

CONCLUSIONThe monoclonal antibodies against hexon protein with high specificity have been successfully obtained, and these antibodies can be useful in developing assays for early diagnosis of HAdV3 infection and also in study of therapeutic drugs of the infection.

Adenoviruses, Human ; chemistry ; immunology ; Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; biosynthesis ; immunology ; Antibodies, Viral ; biosynthesis ; immunology ; Blotting, Western ; Capsid Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Humans ; Hybridomas ; secretion ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; immunology

AIMTo observe the effects of ouabain on vascular smooth muscle (VSM) of the guinea pig and its interactions with Ca2+ and norepinephrine (NE).

METHODSUsing isolated thoracic aortic ring of the guinea pig, the degrees of contractile activity of drugs were recorded.

RESULTSOuabain showed a direct contractile effect in a concentration-dependent manner on thoracic aortic ring of guinea pig. Ouabain shifted the NE dose-response curve to the left without changing in the maxium response. Ouabain shifted the CaCl2 dose-response curve to the left and upward, increased the maximum response to Ca2+; In Ca(2+)-free medium, the ouabain induced contraction was abolished, an increase in extracellular Ca2+ restored the response; nifedipine and verapamil abolished the ouabain induced contraction.

CONCLUSIONThe ouabain induced contraction is mainly dependent on the extracellular Ca2+ concentration, independent on the presence of endothelia of aorta, suggesting that Ca2+ antagonist may treat the hypertension induced by ouabain. Ouabain, NE and CaCl2 have synergetic contractile effects, suggesting that the synergetic contractile effects of ouabain and NE may contribute to the generation and development of hypertension.

Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; drug effects ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Calcium Channel Blockers ; pharmacology ; Calcium Chloride ; pharmacology ; Drug Synergism ; Female ; Guinea Pigs ; Male ; Muscle Contraction ; drug effects ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; drug effects ; Nifedipine ; pharmacology ; Norepinephrine ; pharmacology ; Ouabain ; pharmacology ; Verapamil ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of strychnos alkaloids on the proliferation of adult rat neuroprogenitor cells.

METHODSStrychnos alkaloids free of strychnine and brucine were extracted from Strychnos nux vomica, and the effects of Strychnos alkaloids on the survival of HEK293 and PC12 cells were evaluated using MTT assay. In vitro cultured adult rat neuroprogenitor cells isolated from the hippocampus were treated with different concentrations of Strychnos alkaloids for 2 days, and the cell proliferation was assessed using BrdU incorporation assay.

RESULTSAt the concentration above 0.5 mg/ml, Strychnos alkaloids produced toxic effect against HEK293 cells (P<0.0001), while for PC12 cells, Strychnos alkaloids inhibited the cell survival at the concentration as low as 5 microg/ml (P<0.0001). After 2 days of exposure to 50 microg/ml Strychnos alkaloids, the neuroprogenitor cells showed significantly decreased number of BrdU-positive cells (P<0.01), but the total cell number remained stable when compared with that of the control cells (P>0.05), whereas at the concentration of 100 microg/ml, Strychnos alkaloids produced obvious cytotoxicity against the neuroprogenitor cells.

CONCLUSIONStrychnos alkaloids can significantly inhibit the proliferation of adult rat neuroprogenitor cells, and this effect is probably selective, suggesting the potential of Strychnos alkaloids as a new drug for treatment of neurocytoma.

Alkaloids ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Hippocampus ; cytology ; Humans ; Neurons ; cytology ; PC12 Cells ; cytology ; Rats ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; Strychnos ; chemistry

Objective To evaluate the mid-to long-term survival benefits of preoperative sandwich-like neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).Methods A total of 45 LARC patients who underwent neoadjuvant sandwich CRT in the form of XELOX regimen prior to,concurrently with,and following volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) in 2012 were enrolled in this study.VMAT was given at a gross tumor volume dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions,and a clinical target volume dose of 45-46 Gy in 25 fractions.Total mesorectal excision was performed 6 to 8 weeks after completion of VMAT.The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were determined by the Kaplan-Meier method,and survival comparison and univariate prognostic analysis were performed using the log-rank test.Results The median follow-up time was 46.7 months.There was no local recurrence detected among the patients.The 3-year distant metastasis (DM) rate was 18%,and the 3-year OS and DFS were 96% and 84%,respectively.Univariate analysis indicated that perineural invasion,N1-N2 pathology (pathological stage Ⅲ),and Ca-199>35 U/ml before treatment were risk factors for DM (P=0.000,0.000,and 0.013,respectively).Conclusions The significant short-term efficacy of preoperative sandwich-like neoadjuvant CRT can be extended to a positive mid-term survival in LARC patients.However,further phase Ⅲ clinical studies will be needed to confirm this finding.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of endovascular deployment of metallic Z-type self- expandable stents in treating the patients with inferior vena eava(IVC)obstruction caused by hepatic malignant tumour.Methods One hundred and fifty six patients with IVC obstruction due to malignant compression were enrolled.Venography was performed via femoral vein before and after metallic Z-type self-expandable stent deployment across the stenotic segment of IVC.The diameter of stenotic segment,collateral vessels,venous pressures and the scores of patients IVC syndrome were compared before and after stent placement.Results One hundred and seventy nine stents were implanted in 156 patients successfully.The average obstructive length of IVC was(6.1?2.2)cm.The pressure gradient of stenotie segments of IVC declined from(2.1?0.5)kPa to (0.5?0.11)kPa.The diameters of stenotic segment of IVC increased from(0.33?0.11 )cm to(1.6?0.4) cm.After operations,the main clinical symptoms and physical signs relieved quickly.During 2～24 month follow-up,the pateney of IVC stents reached 86.7%.Conclusion Endovascular deployment of metallic Z-type self-expandable stent is an effective palliative treatment for patients with malignant obstruction of IVC.

Objective To analyze the key factors on long-term effect for comprehensive interventional therapy of primary liver cancer.Methods The clinical data,therapeutic protocols and follow-up of 56 patients with primary liver cancer survived for more than 5 years after comprehensive interventional therapy were analyzed retrospectively.Results Before TACE,20 patients were in clinical stageⅠ,35 were in stageⅡand one was in stageⅢ,including hepatic function of grade A(36 cases),grade B(20 cases),and grade C (0 case).The tumor patterns were consisted of mononodular type(32 cases),multinodular type(24 cases),and diffuse type(0 cases).The diameter of tumor demonstrated less than 3 cm(10 cases),3-5 cm(20 cases), 5-10 cm(19 cases)and more than 10 cm(7 cases).Thirty-three cases(58.9%)were treated by only TACE for the original lesions,while 23 cases(41.1%)were treated by TACE combined other treatment including TACE combined PEt(11 cases),TACE combined RFA(4 eases),TACE combined radiotherapy(one case),and TACE combinedⅡ-staged resection(7 cases).During follow-up,24 patients with hepatic recurrence and 17 cases of distal metastasis were treated by TACE and other anti-tumor treatment.Complications after interventional therapy in 20 cases were also treated.All cases survived for more than 5 years after interventional therapy including 3 more than 10 years.Conclusions Tumor factors,liver function, standardized TACE,combination of TACE with other anti-tumor therapy,treatment of hepatic recurrence and distal metastasis and complications are the key points to improve the long-term survival rate for primary liver cancer treated by comprehensive interventional therapy.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety and efficiency of epirubicin in the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ).

METHODSThirty-nine patients with diagnosis of MOJ, whose serum total bilirubin (TB) had not dropped to normal level after stent placement or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, received trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE). During TACE, epirubicin emulsion containing pharmorubicin at dose of 30 mg/m(2) was used. The toxicity and hepatic injury was observed according to WHO anticancer drug toxicity criterion and Child-Pugh classification criterion, respectively. The time of jaundice recurrence and survival were also observed during follow-up.

RESULTSMedian total serum bilirubin in 39 patients was 72.7 micromol/L (range: 52.1 - 91.4 micromol/L) before TACE. The dose of pharmorubicin was 40 - 60 mg with a median of 55.0 mg and the amount of lipiodol was 2 - 25 ml. Decrease in white blood cell count was observed: grade I in 41.0% of patients, grade II in 35.9% and grade III - IV in 15.4%. Grade III - IV nausea and vomiting developed in 100% of the patients. Hepatic injury became aggravated in 8 from A to B class patients, in one from A to C class, and in 3 from B to C class according to Child-Pugh classification criterion. No cardiac toxicity was observed in this series. The median survival time was 6.0 months with a range of 2 to 72 months. Jaundice recurred in 19 patients (48.7%) with a medium jaundice recurrence time of 9.0 months (range: 2 - 20 months).

CONCLUSIONEpirubicin-lipiodol emulsion at a dose of 30 mg/m(2) is safe and efficient in the management of patients with malignant obstructive jaundice with total serum bilirubin between 51 and 100 micromol/L after biliary drainage.

Adult ; Aged ; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic ; administration & dosage ; Bile Duct Neoplasms ; complications ; Bilirubin ; blood ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; complications ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; Epirubicin ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Iodized Oil ; administration & dosage ; Jaundice, Obstructive ; etiology ; therapy ; Liver Neoplasms ; complications ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence ; Survival Rate