Animals ; Borrelia burgdorferi Group ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; China ; Genotype ; Lyme Disease ; microbiology ; transmission ; Rats ; Ticks ; microbiology

Abstract: Objective　To understand the density changes and seasonal fluctuation of larvae and adults of Aedes albopictus in Hainan Province from 2017 to 2021, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of dengue fever and other vector-borne diseases in Hainan Province. Methods　The Breteau index method was used to monitor the larvae of Aedes mosquitoes, and the breeding sites of all small indoor and outdoor water containers and their larvae was checked and recorded. The adult mosquitoes were monitored by double lamination and light trap. Results　A total of 1 962 adult female Aedes albopictus mosquitoes were captured in Hainan Province from 2017 to 2021, accounting for 2.17% of the total captured mosquitoes. There were significant differences in mosquito species composition in different habitats in different years (χ2=312.258, P<0.01). In 2017, the density of mosquitoes in livestock sheds was the highest (9.71 per lamp·night), but the composition ratio of Aedes albopictus was the lowest (1.29%). In 2020, the mosquito density in hospitals was the lowest (2.22 mosquitoes per lamp·night), and in 2019, the proportion of Aedes albopictus in residential areas and hospitals was the highest (3.27% on average).The mosquito density in different habitats was the lowest in 2020. The proportion of Aedes albopictus in residential areas and livestock sheds showed an increasing trend from 2017 to 2021, while the proportion of other habitats showed significant fluctuations. The proportion of Aedes albopictus in hospitals showed an obvious decreasing trend in 2020. From 2017 to 2021, the average mosquito density was 5.97, 4.26, 3.82, 3.39 and 3.68 mosquitoes per lamp·night, respectively, showing a decreasing trend year by year except 2021. Except for 2019, the lure index also showed a decreasing trend, with an average value of 1.5/(hour·net), showing a decreasing trend year by year. From 2017 to 2021, the annual average density of Aedes albopictus in Hainan Province was 0.09 mosquitoes per lamp·night, showing obvious seasonal fluctuation. The Breteau index showed a slow decline from 2017 to 2021, and its annual peak was between June and August, which was 1-2 months later than the peak of adult mosquito density. Conclusions　The population density of Aedes albopictus in Hainan shows obvious seasonal characteristics. Mosquito control activities should be carried out according to the seasonal characteristics of mosquitoes to reduce the risk of dengue fever and other infectious diseases.

OBJECTIVETo understand the feeding status of Tibetan children aged below three years old.

METHODSCross-sectional study and randomly sampling were used. The information on complementary food was obtained through the recollection from mother of the child. Data of complementary food of Tibet children was compared with those of the children from the surveys of nine cities in China and 40 poor counties in western China.

RESULTSOne thousand six hundred and fifty-five children were studied. The findings indicated that the age of introduction of Zanba (a kind food of mixture of highland barley flour and butter) was 1.98 months after birth and the age of introduction of egg and meat was about 8 - 9 months. Boys were fed with Zanba earlier than girls but there was no significant difference in the introduction of other complementary food between sexes. Urban children were introduced with complementary food earlier than rural children, and children in the agricultural region earlier than those in the pasturing region. The proportion of no introduction of any complementary food by the age of 4 months was about 10.6% for urban children, but 21.7% for rural children while 14.2% for children in the agricultural region and 30.9% for children in the pasturing region. The proportion of no introduction of complementary food was 11.5% for Tibetan children compared with 45.2% for the children of 40 poor counties in western China. The proportions of introduction of the following complementary foods were 89.1% for Zanba, 22.1% for egg, 29.1% for fresh milk, 23.5% for meat, 17.5% for vegetable, 0.75% for bean products, 1.03% for fish and 3.35% for chicken respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe main complementary foods for Tibetan children included Zanba, milk, mutton and beef. There was a small amount of vegetable in diet. The introduction of bean, chicken and fish was not common. Early and monotony seemed to be the character of introduction of complementary food for Tibetan children. Improving introduction of complementary food is important in enhancing the nutritional status of Tibetan children.

Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Child, Preschool ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Food ; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Male ; Nutrition Surveys ; Sampling Studies ; Tibet

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between the loss of heterozygosity(LOH) at 14 microsatellites in esophageal cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

METHODSHPV-16,18 DNA was examined in 112 tumor specimens using fluorescence quantitative PCR. 112 tumor specimens and their matched blood DNAs were analyzed for LOH at 14 microsatellites by PCR and fluorescence-based DNA sequencing technology. The frequencies of LOH at 14 microsatellites were compared between HPV positive and negative specimens.

RESULTSHigh frequency of LOH was observed among chromosome arms 3p, 9p, 13q, 17p and 17q. The frequency of LOH was significantly higher at loci D13S260 and D6S497 in HPV positive specimens, comparing with HPV negative ones.

CONCLUSIONThe findings regarding loci with allele loss indicated that widespread chromosome instability might have existed in esophageal cancer. HPV positive specimens with higher frequency of LOH than negative ones at locus D13S260 and D6S497 suggesting that the target of HPV in esophageal cancer might serve as candidate genes at these two loci. In addition,this result also indicated that HPV might be a high-risk factor for esophageal cancer in Sichuan area with a high incidence of this cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Chromosomal Instability ; genetics ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; etiology ; genetics ; virology ; Female ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Loss of Heterozygosity ; genetics ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Papillomavirus Infections ; physiopathology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and the influencing factors of Japanese encephalitis (Abbreviated JE) at different periods in Hainan province, and to provide evidence for JE control strategies. Methods Data on JE had been collected since 1952 and related incidence, mortality, fatality rates of JE and the rate of JE vaccination were calculated for four periods: the natural epidemic period (1952-1978), period for inactivated JE vaccine promotion (1979-1986), national immunization program period (1987-1990) and the promotion of live-attenuated JE vaccine period (1991-2007). History on the immunity of JE and data from the monitoring programs on cases and insect vectors were also analyzed. Results The average annual incidence in natural epidemic period was 7.12/100 000, which was also the highest among the 4 periods with the mortality rate as 0.89/100 000. The average annual incidence was 0.11/100 000 which was the lowest while the mortality rate was 0.01/100 000 in the period when live-attenuated JE vaccination was under promotion. Since the establishment of JE surveillance system was set up in Hainan province in 2002, the specimen collection rate of JE reported suspected cases had reached 92.8%, while the incidence of confirmed JE cases fluctuated between 0.05/100 000 and 0.2/100 000. Of the confirmed cases, 86% did not have clear history of JE vaccination. The annual average protective rate reached 95.69% in 2004-2007. The density of insect vectors was high in Hainan province. The infection rate of JE in host animal swine, kept rising from April to October, and in some surveillance points, the rate reached 99.3%. The density of insect vector plotted in trans-curve with the infection of host animals. Conclusion The application of live-attenuated JE vaccine was found to have had significant protective effect on JE in susceptible children. It helped reducing the incidence and controlling the epidemics of JE. It appears feasible to include live-attenuated JE vaccine into the expanded immunization program.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of total astragalosides (TA) on proliferation and apoptosis in human leukemia NB4 cells in vitro.

METHODSThe NB4 cells were treated with TA at different concentrations for 48 h in culture. Growth inhibition rates were measured by CCK-8 method. Flow cytometry was used to explore the cell apoptosis and the activity of NF-κB and Akt during apoptosis.

RESULTSTA at different concentrations (200, 400, 600, 800 mg/L) inhibited proliferation of NB4 cells in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), and the inhibitory rates of TA on NB4 cells were (14.54 ± 3.20)%, (24.79 ± 3.98)%, (57.28 ± 4.71)% and (88.28 ± 4.65)%, respectively. In terms of the induction of apoptosis, there was a significant difference between the TA group and blank control [(1.80 ± 1.24)%, P < 0.05]. At TA doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/L, the apoptotic rates of NB4 cells were (10.03 ± 3.31)%, (14.87 ± 3.65)%, (23.45 ± 1.90)%, respectively. Besides, TA induced apoptosis of NB4 cells in a dose-dependent manner in the groups of 200 mg/L, 400 mg/L, 600 mg/L (P < 0.05). But there was no significant difference in apoptotic rates between the groups of 800 mg/L and 600 mg/L [(23.45 ± 1.90)%, P > 0.05]. In the group of 800 mg/L, the necrotic cells increased highly and the necrotic rate reached (45.65 ± 3.16)%. After TA treatment of NB4 cells at different concentrations (200, 400, 600 mg/L), the expression of NF-κB protein was significantly decreased compared with that of the blank control (9.79 ± 0.95, P < 0.05), while Akt protein was not significantly decreased (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTA can inhibit the growth of NB4 cells and induce apoptosis in NB4 cells through an Akt-independent NF-κB signaling pathway.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Astragalus membranaceus ; chemistry ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute ; metabolism ; pathology ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; metabolism ; Saponins ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological characteristics of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from the umbilical cord blood (UCB), and to evaluate their oncogenicity after long-term culture in vitro. METHODS: The mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from the UCB and cultured in MCDB131 medium supplemented with 20% FBS, VEGF and other growth factors. Morphology of the EPCs was observed, and the growth curve of the EPCs was investigated. Surface antigens of the EPCs were analyzed by the flow-cytometer. The capability of intaking the acetylated low-density lipoprotein (acLDL) of the EPCs was detected using fluoresencent chemical method. The vasoformative capability and genetic stability of EPCs were cultured in matrigel, and examined by karyotype analysis. The oncogenicity of EPCs was verified by the tumorigenesis test in athymic mouse and soft agar. RESULTS: EPCs were successfully derived from the UCB, and could be passaged to at least 42(nd) generation and had strong abilities of proliferation, acLDL intake and vasoformation, but there was not oncogenicity. They expressed endothelial cell-surface antigens and maintained normal karyotype. CONCLUSION The EPCs with proliferative potential can be isolated from the UCB. They can be passaged in long-term cultures without oncogenicity, and can maintain normal karyotype. The EPCs can be served as a new type of cells in cell and gene therapy.
Animals ; Antigens, Surface ; analysis ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Flow Cytometry ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; pharmacology ; Karyotyping ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasms, Experimental ; pathology ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; pharmacology

Not Abstract.

OBJECTIVETo identify the genotype of RET gene in one multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) kindred.

METHODSGenome DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes. The DNA sequence of gel-purified polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products was determined with the previously reported 6 pairs of primers of PCR amplification of 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 exons of RETgene.

RESULTSNo abnormalities were found in exon 10, 13, 14, 15, and 16. C to G replacement in nucleotide 14 996 of exon 11 was identified in DNA samples obtained from both peripheral blood of 2 affected brothers. This missense point mutation arisen in heterozygosity and caused a substitution of Cys to Trp residue at codon 634 ( Cys 634 Trp) in RET protein.

CONCLUSIONThe genotype of the family is identified as Cys 634 Trp substitution of RET gene.

Adult ; Exons ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2a ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Point Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the development and operation on measles surveillance system.

METHODSTo formulate surveillance program, and then establish surveillance system on measles in Hainan province before the case surveillance was conducted. Descriptive epidemiological method was used to analyze the measles cases reported through the notifiable diseases epidemic situation report system and measles surveillance system during 2004 - 2008 in Hainan province.

RESULTSFrom 2004 to 2008, through surveillance system, 3040 suspected measles cases were reported which was 96.00% higher than that from the notifiable diseases epidemic situation report system. When the measles surveillance system was first established in 2004, the number of cases reported by the surveillance system was less than that from the epidemic report system, however, the sensitivity of the surveillance system had been increasing since 2005. In 2008, the number of suspected cases reported by surveillance system was 19.12 times more than from the epidemic report system. The proportion of confirmed cases in the total suspected cases was decreasing annually, from 90.34% to 4.48%, along with the increase of the sample collection rate, from 22.73% to 99.12%. The proportion of laboratory confirmed cases in the total confirmed cases increased from 7.55% to 86.97%. With suspected cases, the IgM antibody positive rate on measles and rubella were 31.57% and 34.52%, respectively. In Hainan, the epidemic pattern of measles had been sporadic, except for 2006 as there occurred several outbreaks in that year. The of disease incidence had an obvious seasonal peaks, from March to June. Measles mainly attacked children under 15 years of age, accounted for 86.68% of the age group. Children with no immunity or unknown immune history accounted for 85.67%.

CONCLUSIONThe sensitivity of surveillance system had been increasing annually since it was developed and the incidence had been dropping to its lowest level. These achievements had built a solid foundation for the eventual elimination of measles.

China ; epidemiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Incidence ; Measles ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Population Surveillance