Objective To explore the change and clinical significance of serum Cystain-C in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura(HSP).Methods Thirty-three children diagnosed HSP according to the domestic criteria hospitalized in department of pediatrics were enrolled in patient group and 31 children outpatients during the corresponding time period as controls.Venous blood of each child in 2 groups was collected in the day of admission,serum Cystain-C was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,plasma D-dimer was measured by gold standard double antibody sandwich method,and blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and serum creatinine(Scr) were detected by automatic biochemistry analyzer.At the same time each child undertook routine urine examination.Data was analyzed by Stata 8.0 software.Results 1.BUN and Scr of 2 groups were both normal.2.Proteinuria or hematuria was found in 15 of all 33 patients through routine urianlysis,and the detection rate was 45%.3.The pre-and post-therapy level of serum cystain-C[(3.83?0.83) mg/L,(3.76?1.02) mg/L] and plasma D-dimer [(1.93?2.05) mg/L,(0.77?0.79) mg/L] in HSP group were higher than that in controls [(1.21?0.43) mg/L,(0.13?0.07) mg/L] significantly (P0.05).5.In HSP group,the level of plasma D-dimer pretherapy was significantly higher than that of post-therapy(P0.05).Conclusion The level of serum Cystain-C can act as the significant indicator of early diagnosis and continuous observation of HSP nephritis.

Amyloid fibrils belong to a category of abnormal aggregations of natural proteins, which are closely related to many human diseases. Recently, some critical peptide sequences have been extensively studied for clarifying the molecular mechanism of natural proteins to form amyloid fibrils. In the present study, we designed a short peptide GGAAVV (GAV-6) composed of hydrophobic amino acids glycine (G), alanine (A) and valine (V) and studied its ability to form amyloid fibrils. As characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), the peptide could self-assemble into smooth nanofibers without branches. Congo red staining/binding and thioflavin-T (ThT) binding experiments show that the nanofibers formed by GAV-6 shared identical properties with typical amyloid fibrils. These results show that the designed peptide GAV-6 could self-assemble into typical amyloid fibrils, which might make it a useful model molecule to clarify the mechanism for the formation of amyloid fibrils in the future.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Amyloid ; chemistry ; Humans ; Microscopy, Atomic Force ; Models, Molecular ; Nanofibers ; chemistry ; Peptides ; chemistry

Objective To investigate the expression of transforming growth factor?1(TGF-?1)in human colorectal carcinoma and its value for predicting the prognosis.Methods The expression of TGF-?1 and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)was measured in specimens of 52 coloreetal cancers by immunohistoehemistry.The features of clinical pathology were analyzed and the follow-up of all patients were conducted.The correlation between the expression of TGF-?1 and the survival time was studied with Log-rank test.Results Of 52 patients,no expression of TGF-?1 and VEGF was observed in 11 and 14 patients,and the expression was noticed in 41 and 38 patients,respectively.There was a signifi- cant positive correlation between expression of TGF-?1 and expression of VEGF(x~2＝0.633,P＜0.01). Furthermore,the expression of TGF-?1 was significantly correlated with Dukes staging(x~2＝19.866,P＜0.01)and metastasis of lymph nodes(x~2＝13.152,P＜0.01).The 3-year overall survival rates(OSR)in all patients was 49.1% and the 3-year OSR of patients with and without expression of TGF-?1 were 20.5% and 69.2% respectively(x~2＝11.64,P＝0.0006).Conclusion The expression of TGF-?1 could be served as an important predicator for prognosis of coloreetal carcinoma.

ObjectiveTo explore the mental health level of family members of stroke patient and related factors.Methods34 stroke patients' family members were tested with the Symptom Checklist-90(SCL-90), and compared with norms; SCL-90 factor scores, which were higher than that of norms, were analyzed for related factors.ResultsScores of 4 factors in the SCL-90 (somatization, depression, anxiety and phobia) were higher than norms in the family members of stroke patients. Scores of somatization factor correlated with the education background; depression factor correlated with the family income variable; anxiety factor correlated with the cognitive impairment variable of patients. In the correlation analysis with patient's activities of daily living (ADL) scores, somatization factor negatively correlated with total score of ADL and hygiene, feeding, bowel management, locomotion, bathing scores; both depression factor scores and positive item numbers negatively correlated with feeding and bowel management scores; phobia anxiety factor scores with hygiene, feeding, bowel management, communication, locomotion, bathing and total scores.ConclusionThe mental health level of family members of stroke patient is lower, and it is related to family income reduction, patient's cognitive impairment, and especially with the patient\s ADL level.

Objective To investigate the effect of curcumin an extract of a Chinese medical herb on the sensitivity of CD133 + rectal cancer cells to radiotherapy.Methods In vitro experiments:CD133 +cells were purified with immunomagnetic beads from HRT-18 cell line and divided into curcumin group,radiotherapy group and curcumin plus radiotherapy group.MTT assay and Annexin V/PI staining were used to measure the proliferation and apoptosis of the cells.In vivo experiments:Transplanted rectal tumor was established in 46 nude mice and randomly divided into curcumin group,radiotherapy group and curcumin plus radiotherapy group.Tumor size and apoptosis were detected by daily observation and TUNEL staining respectively.Results Curcumin inhibited proliferation and apoptosis of CD133 + rectal cancer cells when combined with radiotherapy.It also significantly increased the growth inhibition of rectal tumor and promoted the apoptosis of rectal cancer in vivo.MTT assay showed that after 24 hours,compared with that of radiotherapy group(14.6％ ± 1.0％),curcumin plus radiotherapy group (18.7％ ± 1.7％) inhibited the growth of the tumor(P ＜ 0.01).Annexin V/PI showed that curcumin plus radiotherapy group (28.8％ ±3.7％) was significantly different from the radiotherapy group(13.1％ ± 1.4％) in cell apoptosis (P ＜0.01).In vivo,after 6 days,tumor volume (521 ± 79) mm3 in curcumin plus radiotherapy group was significantly lower than that of radiotherapy group(717 ± 134) mm3 (P ＜ 0.01) ; TUNEL staining results indicated that the RCST in curcumin plus radiotherapy group (26.1％ ± 3.3％) were higher than that in radiotherapy group (12.0％ ± 2.1％) (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions Curcumin significantly enhances the radiosensitizing effect for CD133 + rectal cancer cells.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and accuracy of length measurement of in vivo teeth by using cone beam CT (CBCT).

METHODSBefore orthodontic extraction, 109 vital premolars from 40 participants were scanned by using CBCT and reconstructed by using InVivoDental software. Buccal-lingual sectional images along the long axis of teeth were then acquired, and the crown, root, and tooth length were measured separately. After careful extraction and fixation, the corresponding length of the same tooth was measured by using a digital caliper. CBCT measurement accuracy was then verified by using physical measurements as reference.

RESULTSCBCT and the physical method did not obtain significantly different measurements of the root, crown, and tooth length of experimental teeth (P=0.790, P=0.621, P=0.657, respectively), and the measurements were found to be consistent. The 95% limits of agreement of root, crown, and tooth length were -1.10 mm to 1.13 mm, -1.00 mm to 0.96 mm, and -1.00 mm to 1.05 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe difference between CBCT and the physical method was not significant, and good consistency was shown. CBCT could be applied in noninvasive measurement of in vivo teeth.

Bicuspid ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Humans ; Tooth ; Tooth Root

Objective To observe the sub-chronic effects of low doses of arsenic poisoning in rabbits exposed to different periods on some of the serum enzymes and biochemical indicators, and to provide the basis for screening of meaningful hematologic indicators for early diagnosis of arsenic poisoning. Methods Twelve adult rabbits,weighing 2.0 - 3.5 kg, were randomly divided into four groups, 3 in each group, and they were fed with drinking water containing sodium arsenite 0(control),0.01,0.05,0.25 mg/L, respectively. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transacylase (y-GT), total protein(TP), albumin(ALB), globulin(GLP), and ALB/GLP of rabbit were measured by SYSMEX-180 automated biochemistry analyzer after 8 weeks and 12 weeks exposure. Results The results showed that ALT in 0.05 mg/Lgroup of 12 week[(60.00 ± 4.14)U/L]increased significantly compared with the control[(41.50 ± 2.12)U/L, P ＜0.05];AST in 0.25 mg/L group of 8 week and 12 week[(46.50 ± 3.21 ), (52.33 ± 3.81 )U/L]increased significantly compared with the control[(21.33 ± 3.53), (29.50 ± 3.23 )U/L, all P ＜ 0.05];ALP in 0.05 mg/L and 0.25 mg/L group of 12 week [(78.68 ± 4.85 ), ( 103.00 ± 7.83 ) U / L]increased significantly compared with the control [(45.50 ± 5.50)U/L, all P ＜ 0.05];γ-GT in 0.05 mg/L group of 12 week[(19.33 ± 7.50)U/L]increased significantly compared with the contro1[(8.50 ± 3.53)U/L, P＜ 0.05]. TP, ALB, GLP, ALB/GLP of different groups of 8 week and 12 week were not significantly different statistically(F= 0.77,0.02,0.16,3.14 and 0.51,0.29,0.41,0.52, all P ＞ 0.05). Conclusions Zero point zero five mg/L and higher doses of sub-chronic arsenic exposure has some major damage to the liver. Compared with other serum enzymes and the biochemical indexes, serum AST is a early sensitive indicator of liver injury of the arsenic poisoning.

Objective To compare the ability of the fourth and the third generation HIV assay kits available in Chinese market to detect early HIV infection.Methods 8 BBI HIV seroconversion panels (PRB924,930,940,942,943,944,946 and 948) and 2 National AIDS Reference Lab's HIV seroconversion panels (2004XJ727 and 20505217) were respectively detected with one HIV antigen assay kit,2 fourth generation HIV assay kits and 4 third generation HIV assay kits.The ability of these kits to detect early HIV infection was analyzed and compared.Results For every panel,the fourth generation HIV assay kits could detect HIV-1 infection 4 to 8 days earlier than the third generation kits,and 2 to 4 days later than the antigen kit.The detection ability of different brands of kits was different.Conclusions The fourth generation HIV assay kits could reduce the window period to detect HIV infection.It's meaningful for diagnosing early HIV infection,blood safety and etc.

ObjectiveTo discuss the relationships among spastic paralysis and motor function, balance function and other clinical variables after stroke.MethodsAssessed the clinical spastic index of hemiplegic lower limbs with CSI scale, motor function with Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and balance function with Berg Equilibrium Scale, respectively. And then analyzed the relationship between clinical spasm index with motor function, balance function of the hemiplegic lower limbs with Pearson correlation analysis. Finally, ascertained which was the most important factor affecting the clinical spasm index of spastic lower limbs with stepwise regression analysis.ResultsThere is negative correlation between clinical spasm index with motor function and balance function, respectively. Tendon reflex, muscular tension and clonus are the deciding factors to motor function(P<0.05) and balance function(P<0.05) of the hemiplegic lower limbs.ConclusionThe clinical spasm index of hemiplegic limbs can affect the recovery of motor function and balance function significantly. So, assessing and improving the clinical spasm index of paralytic lower limbs can optimize the rehabilitation program to stroke patients.

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of MMP-2 (TIMP-2) in the pathogenesis, development and prognosis of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).

METHODSIn situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were utilized for MMP-2/TIMP-2 mRNA and protein detection in normal chorion of women with early gestation, hydatidiform mole, invasive mole, or choricarcinoma.

RESULTSThe results revealed that specific staining for mRNA and protein of MMP-2 and the expression of TIMP-2 was reduced in normal chorion of early gestation. In GTD ranging from hydatidiform mole, invasive mole to choricarcinoma, MMP-2 expression tended to increase while TIMP-2 expression underwent an invert change. The positivity rate of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in gestational trophoblastic tumor group was higher than that of the normal chorion of early gestation group and hydatiform mole group (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONA disrupted balance between the activation and inhibition of MMP-2 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis, progression and metastasis of GTD.

Choriocarcinoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Gestational Trophoblastic Disease ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hydatidiform Mole ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hydatidiform Mole, Invasive ; genetics ; metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Hybridization ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Pregnancy ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Trophoblasts ; metabolism ; Uterine Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism