Objective To establish HPLC-UV fingerprints of genuine Radix Polygalae from Hebei Province and get the control fingerprint.To compare the fingerprints of genuine Radix Polygalae collected from different habitats with the control fingerprint so as to establish a specific method for the quality con- trol of genuine Radix Polygalae.Methods The fingerprints of 19 batches of genuine Radix Polygalae were obtained from Waters 1525 pump.The chromatographic procedure was carried out with Diamonsil~(TM) C_(18)(250 mm)?4.6 mm,5?m)as an analytic column and a mixture consisting of acetonitrile and 0.2% formic acid in gradient as mobile phase.The detection wavelength was 316 nm.The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min.The temperature of column was 35 C.Results The control fingerprint of HPLC-UV was set up.The fingerprints of genuine Radix Polygalae from different habitats were compared.Conclusion The operation of this method is simple,quick,accurate,and could be used for the identification and quality control of genuine Radix Polygalae.

OBJECTIVETo construct luxS mutant aften luxS gene of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) was knocked out, and examine their ability of biofilm formation.

METHODSA recombinant plasmid containing the flanking fragment of luxS of S. mutans was transformed into S. mutans UA159, and selected by brain heart infusion (BHI) agar medium with kanamicin. The luxS mutant further confirmed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the autoinducer-2 (AI-2) bioluminescence assay of Vibrio harveyi (V. harveyi), and ability of luxS mutant and S. mutans UA159 biofilm formation was examined in different phases, in BHI medium with 1% sucrose and 1% glycose by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTSLuxS-deficient S. mutans strains were successfully constructed. Compared with S. mutans UA159, the luxS mutant maintained in BHI medium containing 1% sucrose displayed an apparent defect in biofilm formation, while they showed no significant deviation in BHI medium containing 1% glycose.

CONCLUSIONluxS gene in S.mutans can play a role in dental plaque biofilm formation, and the luxS gene is possible to regulate sucrose-dependent biofilm formation.

Bacterial Proteins ; Biofilms ; Carbon-Sulfur Lyases ; Culture Media ; Dental Plaque ; Homoserine ; analogs & derivatives ; Humans ; Lactones ; Streptococcus mutans

BACKGROUNDWound infection following spinal instrumented surgery is a frequent complication. The optimal treatment of acute deep wound infection following spinal instrumentation fusion remains controversial because of variability in cohort identification, definition of an infection, and the instrument used to measure outcomes. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical curative effect for postoperative spinal infection after instrumented spine fusion with extensive debridement, or implant removal.

METHODSFrom January 2004 to October 2009, 851 patients were identified who underwent surgical treatment of spinal diseases. The medical records of patients who developed infections were reviewed in detail.

RESULTSOf 851 patients, 41 (4.9%) developed an infection. Thirty-three were acute, and eight were delayed. Acute infected cases were managed with antibiotic therapy, and aggressive debridement of the wound and soft tissues leaving all instrumentation in situ in all but one patient. The most common symptoms of acute infection included: posterior incisional drainage (26 of 33 patients), back pain (22 of 33 patients) and fever (13 of 33 patients). Among patients with delayed onset infection, five of eight patients had local pain, four of eight patients had incision drainage, and one patient had a prolonged period of intermittent fever. The most frequent causative organism for postoperative spinal infection following spine surgery is Staphylococcus aureus. Pseudarthrosis was noted in long-term follow-up in four of 41 patients.

CONCLUSIONSWe recommend irrigation and debridement, no instrumentation removal, and, if necessary, repeat debridement followed by delayed primary closure for the treatment of acute deep infection with instrumentation.

Debridement ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Surgical Wound Infection ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; prevention & control ; surgery

OBJECTIVETuberculosis remains a severe public health issue, and the Beijing family of mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is widespread in East Asia, especially in some areas in China, like Beijing and Tianjin. This study aimed at determining the mutation patterns of drug-resistant Beijing strains of M. tuberculosis isolated from Tianjin, China.

METHODSA total of 822 M. tuberculosis isolates were screened for drug resistance by an absolute concentration method and the genotype was identified by PCR. 169 drug-resistant isolates of the Beijing family were analyzed for the potential mutations in the rpoB, katG, inhA promoter region and in rpsL, rrs and embB genes, which are associated with resistance to rifampin (RFP), isoniazid (INH), streptomycin (SM) and ethambutol (EMB) respectively by PCR and DNA sequencing.

RESULTSFifty-eight out of 63 RFP-resistant isolates were found to carry the mutations within the 81-bp RFP resistance determining region (RRDR) of the rpoB gene and the most frequent mutations occurred at codon 531 (44.4%), 526 (28.6%), and 516 (7.9%) respectively. 16 mutation patterns affecting 12 different codons around the RRDR of rpoB were found. Of 116 INH-resistant isolates, 56 (48.3%) had the mutation of katG 315 (AGC-->ACC) (Ser-->Thr), 3 (2.6%) carried S315N (AGC-->AAC) and 27 (16.0%) had the mutation of inhA-15A-->T. 84 out of 122 SM-resistant isolates (68.9%) displayed mutations at the codons 43 or 88 with AAG-->AGG (Lys-->Arg) of the rpsL gene and 22 (18.0%) with the mutations at positions 513A-->C, 516C-->T or 905 A-->G in the rrs gene. Of 34 EMB-resistant isolates, 6 had mutation with M306V (ATG-->GTG), 3 with M306I (ATG-->ATT), 1 with M306I (ATG-->ATA), 1 with D328Y (GAT-->TAT), 1 with V348L (GTC-->CTC), and 1 with G406S (GGC-->AGC) in the embB gene.

CONCLUSIONThese novel findings extended our understanding of resistance-related mutations in the Beijing strains of M. tuberculosis and may provide a scientific basis for development of new strategies for diagnosis and control of tuberculosis in China and other countries where Beijing strains are prevalent.

Base Sequence ; China ; DNA Primers ; Drug Resistance, Microbial ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

Objective To study the AIDS related high risk behaviors and psychological appearances among men who have sex with men (MSM) who ever experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA).Methods Target sampling for a cross-sectional study was developed and valid anonymous questionnaires were adopted to compare the differences of high risk behaviors related to AIDS and psychological appearances betwen those with or without CSA experiences among 2147 MSM from nine cities.Results Compared to corresponding ones without CSA experience,CSA group had a significant larger numbers in the following events: total sexual partners,anal sex episodes with same sex,female sexual partners and anal sex in the previous six months,with the figures of median as 20.0,10.0,3.0,3.0 respectively.In the previous year,30.8% of them had ever participated in 'group sex',19.2% ever exchanged money for sex,36.7% bled while having sexual intercourse,37.3% had sex with male partners away from his own region.All the above said figures were higher than non-CSA group,with significant differences.It also appeared that CSA experience had an impact on significant lower rate of condom use (67.3%) in the last anal sex.Those with CSA experience had more psychological problems which appeared as: 75.6% considered they would suffer from serious discrimination if their sexual orientation ever disclosed,34.7% had a strong intention of suicide and 24.3% ever having had suicidal attempts.The differences of the two groups showed statistical significance.Condusion CSA experience not only increased the number of AIDS related high risk behaviors in adulthood,but also had negative impact on their psychological appearances.It is of urgent need to carry out psychological intervention approaches to target on MSM with CSA experiences while childhood sexual education and rights assurance towards juvenile population should also not be neglected.

Objective To investigate the AIDS-related high risk behaviors of men who havesex with men (MSM) who ever exchanged money for the same sex. Methods Target sampling forcross-sectional study and valid anonymous questionnaires were adopted to compare the differences ofAIDS-related high risk behaviors between MSM with the experience of exchanging money for thesame sex and those without that experience. 1959 rstadied samples were recruited in nine cities. SPSS13.0 was used and t, x 2 and Mann-Whitney tests were taken for statistical analysis. ResultsCompared to corresponding ones without "buying" the same sex experience, MSM who ever engagedin "buying" sex had the characteristics of being prone to in marriage and living in larger cities witholder age and higher income (P＜0.01). They also had a significant larger number in the followingevents: total sexual panners, anal sex and oral sex episodes with same sex, number of sexualpartners, anal sex and oral sex in the previous six months, with the figure of median 50.0, 20.0,20.0, 5.0,4.0,5.0 respectively. 31.5% had ever participated in 'group sex', 48.0% had sex with malepartners away from his own region in the previous year, 70.5% had sexual intercourse withstrangers at MSM avenues in the last six months. The OR (95% CI) values were 2.288( 1.702-3.077), 3.231 (2.462-4.241 ), 2.840 (2.140-3.770). All the above mentioned figures werehigher than those without the experience, with significant differences. They had a significant lower rate of 45.7% of condom use while having sex with female partners (P＜0.05). Conclusion MSM with the experience of exchanging money for the same sex would have more AIDS-related high risk behaviors, AIDS preventative measures should be taken to target different subgroups.

Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22 ; DiGeorge Syndrome ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Humans ; Infant ; Male

OBJECTIVETo explore the existence of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in ovarian carcinoma and its correlationship with the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of the tumor.

METHODSA total of 84 ovarian carcinoma cases were collected with complete clinical and prognostic data. CD31 immunohistochemistry and PAS special stain were used to investigate VM in the tumor tissue. Immunohistochemical staining of VEGF, MMP-2, MMP-9, E-cadherin, beta-catenin, and Vimentin were used to explore the pathogenesis of VM.

RESULTSTotally 36 of 84 cases exhibited evidence of VM. FIGO classification, pathologic grades and histological types were significantly different between the VM and non-VM groups. Expression of VEGF, MMP-2, MMP-9, E-cadherin and beta-catenin were higher in the VM group than in the non-VM group. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that cases of the VM group had a lower survival rate than that of the non-VM group (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONSVasculogenic mimicry exists in ovarian carcinoma. Ovarian carcinomas with a high grade malignancy have a high incidence of VM formation, a higher incidence of metastases and a lower survival rate. High expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 may contribute to the formation of VM in the ovarian cancer.

Cadherins ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Endometrioid ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cystadenocarcinoma, Mucinous ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; metabolism ; pathology ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Survival Rate ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; beta Catenin ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of activated AKT on murine myeloid precursor cells (32D cells), and the effects of IFN-γ on 32D cells and its mechanisms.

METHODSPlasmid transduction was used to enhance the expression of AKT on 32D cells. After the transfected cells treated with IFN-γ for 24 hours, proliferation rate was tested by WST-1, apoptosis by flow cytometry, expression of phosphorylated Erk1/2, Stat3 and phosphorylated Stat3 was determined by Western blot.

RESULTS(1) IFN-γ at low concentration (100 U/ml) enhanced the growth and proliferation of 32D cells, while at high concentration (1000 U/ml) suppressed them. (2) Compared with control groups, low concentration IFN-γ increased (1124 ± 13) Stat3 phosphorylation in 32D-cell, while it high concentration IFN-γ decreased (601 ± 13). 32D cells transfected with activated Akt grew rapidly (0.287 ± 0.010) and had a low apoptotic rate [(9.57 ± 0.17)% (P < 0.05)]. (3) The expression of p-Erk1/2 in transfected 32D-cell was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). (4) Apoptosis rate of IFN-γ treated group was significantly decreased in transfected 32D cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSIFN-γ has dual effects on 32D cells, namely, at low concentration enhanced the growth and proliferation of 32D cells, while at high concentration suppressed them. Its mechanisims is possibly through Stat3 pathway. Activated Akt can significantly promote the growth and proliferation of 32D cell and significantly inhibit apoptosis and IFN-γ can regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis through AKT. AKT activation can inhibit the Erk signal pathway, which may be affected by inhibition the modificaton of Raf1.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Phosphorylation ; drug effects ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the phenotype, frequency and function of CD4+ T cell subsets and the relevant cytokines, as well as the relationship between these cells and appearance of pneumonia of novel (H1N1) influenza A patients.

METHODS68 healthy people, 53 confirmed novel A(H1N1) influenza patients without pneumonia and 16 confirmed severe novel A (H1N1) influenza patients with pneumonia were enrolled in this study. Viral load in nasopharyngeal swabs specimens was measured by real time PCR assay. The phenotype and percentage of CD4+ T cell subsets including Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells were measured by Flow cytometry analysis. The relevant cytokines in plasma including TGF-beta, IL-6 and IFN-gamma were measured by ELISA. Data was analyzed by one way ANOVA.

RESULTSIt was found that peak viral load and viral shedding period of severe patients with pneumonia was significantly increased compared with mild patients without pneumonia (P < 0.05). The percentage of Th17 cells of severe patients with pneumonia was significantly diminished compared to that of healthy subjects and mild patients without pneumonia (P < 0.05). However, Th1, Th2, Treg cells frequencies had no significant differences (P > 0.05) among these three groups. The level of TGF-beta in plasma for the severe patients with pneumonia was also significantly decreased compared to that of healthy subject and mild patients without pneumonia (P < 0.05). The viral shedding period inversely correlated with the frequency of Th17 cells (r = - 0.38, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONH1N1 influenza A virus can inhibit Th17 cells to differentiate, particularly more extent in patients with pneumonia. Impaired Th17 cells may correlate with viral clearance and pneumonia of novel H1N1 influenza A patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; immunology ; Cytokines ; immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; immunology ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; immunology ; Influenza, Human ; immunology ; Male ; Pneumonia, Viral ; immunology ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets ; immunology