Hunan University of Chinese Medicine has improved the implementation of animal ethics education from the aspects of carrying out elective courses, emphasizing the implementation of pre-class learning, integrating ethics education into experimental teaching, cultivating students' good medical literacy in a subtle way, and further deepening their learning by offering elective courses of animal ethics. The results show that the opening of elective courses and the enforcement of experimental animal ethics education in experimental classes have greatly strengthened the students' experimental animal ethics, which is conducive to the formation of students' medical literacy.

Objective To investigate the expression of the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) gene in the peripheral blood leukocyte of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),and to evaluate the relationship between the gene expression and the disease activity.Methods The clinical data of 100 SLE patients,40 non-SLE patients with rheumatic diseases,and 40 normal controls were collected.Total RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood and then reverse transcribed into cDNA.Sybr green dye based real-time quantitative PCR method was used to compare the expression levels (indicated as 2-△Ct value) of PKR in the three groups.Results (1) The 2-△Ct value of PKR expression level in the SLE patients was (14.69 ± 7.62),which was significantly higher than those in the non-SLE patients (5.09 ±4.73,P =0.012) and normal controls (4.79 ± 3.49,P =0.005).(2) The 2-△Ct value of PKR expression level in the SLE patients with severe activity was (22.57 ±2.61),which was significantly higher than those in the SLE patients with mild activity and no activity(12.94±2.41,P =0.000 ;8.85 ± 2.17,P =0.000).(3) The 2 △Ct value of PKR expression level in the SLE patients with lupus nephritis was significantly higher than that in the SLE patients without lupus nephritis (16.85 ± 7.32 vs 8.35 ± 2.04,P =0.034).(4) The 2-△Ct value of PKR was correlated with the systemic lupus erythematosus index(SLEDAI) scores(r =0.32,P =0.000),WBC (r =0.46,P =0.000),Hb (r =-0.22,P =0.035),the quantitation of urine protein in 24 hours (r =0.21,P =0.000),HDL-C (r =0.21,P =0.022),and anti-RNP antibody (rs =-0.21,P =0.025).Conclusions The expression of PKR in the SLE patients is up-regulated,especially in those with severe activity.The expression level of PKR gene is associated with SLE disease activity.

Objective To evaluate association of plasma levels of homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 as well as genetic polymorphisms of homocysteine with ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods Three hundred and ten consecutive patients with UC and 936 healthy controls were recruited.Polymorphisms of methylenetetrahyrdofolate reductase (MTHFR, C677T and A1298C), methionine synthase (MTR) A2756G and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) A66G were genotyped using PCR-RELP methods. Eighty eight patients and one hundred healthy controls were randomly selected for determination of plasma levels of homocysteine by enzymatic cycling assay, and concentrations of folate and vitamin B12 were measured by corpuscle immune chemiluminescence assay. Results The variant allele and genotype frequencies of MTHFR 1298C, MTR 2756G and MTRR 66G were significantly higher in UC patients than in the healthy controls (P＜0. 01). Moreover, plasma homocysteine level was obviously higher in UC patients than in controls [(21.73±6.59) mmol/L vs(12.47±5.01)mmol/L,P<0.01).Whereas both folate F(11.25±6.19)nmol/L] and vitamin B12 [(322.81±128.47)pmol/L] concentrations were significantly lower in UC patients than in controls [(15.28±7.72)nmol/L and (422.59±129.36)pmol/L,respectively,P<0.01].Logistic analysis revealed that abnormal levels of homocysteine,folate and vitamin B12 were independent risk factors for UC(P<0.01).Conclusions Plasma levels of homocysteine,folate and vitamin B12 as well as the related genetic polymorphisms of homocystein are correlated with UC,which provides a theoretical basis for supplement of folate and vitamin B12 in treatment of UC patients.

Objectives The present study aimed to investigate the associations between genetic polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR) G1793A, plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels, vitamin status and ulcerative colitis ( UC) in a cohort of patients in Hubei Han nationality. Methods Two hundred and ninty-nine UC patients and 764 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited in this study. Polymorphism of MTHFR G1793A was examined using a PCR-RELP method.Plasma levels of Hcy, folate and vitamin B12 were determined by enzymatic cycling assay and corpuscle immune chemiluminescence assay, respectively.Results Both variant allele and genotype frequencies in MTHFR G1793A gene were significantly higher in the UC patients compared to the controls (22.24% vs 14.20% , P<0.001 ;42.81% vs 26.97%, P < 0.001, respectively).Plasma Hcy levels were increased in UC patients compared to the controls [(20.67 ±6.42)mmol/L vs (13.21 ±5.11)mmol/L, P <0.001] while folate and vitamin B12 concentrations were significantly decreased [(11.37±6.34) nmol/L vs (14.89±7.21) nmol/L, P < 0.001; (324.15±127.53 ) pmol/L vs (421.54±128.45 ) pmol/L, P < 0.001, respectively].Furthermore, hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy) and folate deficiency were also more prevalent in the UC patients (32.44% vs 25.78% , P = 0.029; 23.41% vs 17.01%, P =0.016, respectively).Conclusions Genetic polymorphism of MTHFR G1793A Wag strongly associated with UC.HHcy,folate deficiency and low vitamin B12 concentration were common phenomena in the UC patients of Hubei Han nationality.Our findings demonstrate that the genes relmed to Hey metabolism may play an important role in the pathogenesis of UC.

This paper summarized the recent 30 years research progress of the chemical constituents from Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix. The chemical constituents from Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix mainly consist of coumarins, polyene-polyacetylenes, sesquiterpenes, phenolic acids, while steroids and flavonoids were less reported. All constituents were confirmed and corrected through SciFinder. We also checked the Chinese name and English name and listed the CAS number of each compound. It can provide some guidelines for the research, development and utilization of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix in the future. Whether there is columbianin in the Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix need to be further researched.
Apiaceae ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Rhizome ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo summarize the workflow, strategy and experience of prenatal genetic test for deafness based on the 6-year clinical practice.

METHODSThere were 213 families who received prenatal test from 2005 to 2011. Among the 213 families, 205 families had had one deaf child, including 204 couples with normal hearing and one couple of the deaf husband and normal wife, 8 families including 6 couples with normal hearing and 2 deaf couples, had no child before test. Genomic and mitochondrial DNA of each subject was extracted from whole blood. The etiology and recurrent risks in 212 families were confirmed by means of the genetic test of GJB2, SLC26A4 and mtDNA 12sRNA, but one family carried POU3F4 c.647G > A heterozygous mutation causing X-linked hereditary hearing impairment confirmed by pedigree study. The prenatal test was carried out during the pregnancy of all mothers from 11 to 30 weeks, and the following genetic information and counseling were supplied based on the results.

RESULTSThe recurrent risk was 25% in 209 families, including 204 families with one deaf child and 5 families without child, among which all couples were GJB2 or SLC26A4 mutation carriers and deaf children were caused by homozygous or compound GJB2/SLC26A4 mutations; The recurrent risk was 50% in 3 families, the father and his child in one family had compound SLC26A4 mutations and the mother with heterozygous SLC26A4 mutation, the wife had POU3F4 c.647G > A heterozygous mutation in another one family, and the husband with compound SLC26A4 mutations and the wife with mtDNA A1555G mutation and heterozygous SLC26A4 mutation simultaneously happened in the rest one family; The recurrent risk was 100% in one family of the deaf couple who were both found to carry homozygous or compound GJB2 mutations, and the deaf wife got pregnant by artificial insemination with the sperm from the local Human Sperm Bank. 226 times of prenatal test were applied in all 213 families that 11 families of them received prenatal test twice, and one family received three times. 46 times of prenatal testing showed that the fetuses carried parental mutations simultaneously or the same mutations with probands; while 180 times of prenatal test showed that the fetuses carried only one parental mutation or did not carry any mutation from parents. The following visit showed that all of these 180 families had given birth to babies who were all revealed to have normal hearing by new born hearing screening test.

CONCLUSIONSPrenatal diagnosis for deafness assisted by genetic test can provide efficient information about offspring's hearing condition, and the normative workflow and precise strategy highly guarantee the safe and favorable implementation of prenatal diagnosis.

Connexins ; genetics ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; Deafness ; diagnosis ; genetics ; prevention & control ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Infant ; Pedigree ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis

OBJECTIVEAnalyzed the molecular pathogenesis of probands by means of genetic test and assisted the local Family Planning Institute by providing prenatal genetic counseling and instruction for deaf families who eager to have more baby.

METHODSTotal of forty-three deaf families were recruited by two institutes for family planning from Guangzhou and Weifang. Forty-two families had one deaf child with normal hearing parents. One family was that parents and their child were all deaf. Genetic testing of GJB2, SLC26A4 and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 12SrRNA were firstly performed in probands and their parents, following medical history, physical examination, auditory test and CT scan of temporal bone were completed. And then the genetic information and instruction were provided to each deaf family.

RESULTSFifteen of these 43 families had positive results of genetic test. In fifteen families, one family was confirmed that the parents and their child all carried homozygous GJB2 mutations and the recurrence risk was 100%. Twelve families were confirmed that the probands carried homozygous/compound GJB2 or SLC26A4 mutations while their parents were GJB2 or SLC26A4 carriers, and the recurrence risk was 25%. One family was confirmed that the proband, diagnosed with enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome (EVAS) by CT scan, carried heterozygous SLC26A4 mutation from the mother, and the recurrence risk was still 25% based on the hereditary pattern of EVAS although another SLC26A4 mutation from the father was not found. One family was confirmed that the proband carried a heterozygous GJB2 mutation from the mother and the possibility to be GJB2 carrier for offsprings was 50%. The rest 28 families were that all probands and their parents did not carry GJB2, SLC26A4 and mtDNA 12SrRNA pathological mutation.

CONCLUSIONSGenetic testing can provide more accurate and useful prenatal genetic counseling and instruction to deaf families. Meanwhile, it is an ideal way to develop a cooperative relationship with the institute for family planning.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Connexin 26 ; Connexins ; genetics ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Counseling ; Hearing Loss ; genetics ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Transport Proteins ; genetics

Objective To evaluate the effects of the strategy of transmission interruption of schistosomiasis in Runzhou Dis-trict,Zhenjiang City,Jiangsu Province.Methods The comprehensive prevention and control strategy was carried out in Run-zhouDistrict,Zhenjiang City,Jiangsu Province.The strategy was relied mainly on the Oncomelania hupensis snail control,ex-tended chemotherapy of schistosomiasis in residents and the health education.The infection rate of schistosomiasis in residents,area with snails,area with snails controlled,and the rates of awareness and correct behavior of schistosomiasis were as evalua-tion indexes.Results The area with snails controlled was 7 091.50 hm2in Runzhou District,Zhenjiang City from 2001 to 2016.The area with snails reduced year by year from 2001 to 2016.There was a negative correlation between the coverage intensity of snail control and the area with snails(r=-0.874,P=0).There were 1 703 serum positive and 199 fecal positive people of schis-tosomiasis in the permanent residents from 2001 to 2016.These serum and fecal positive people of schistosomiasis were all treat-ed with praziquantel.The serum positive rate of schistosomiasis in the permanent residents dropped to below 1.0％after 2005.The fecal positive patients were not found in 2004 and later.Totally 189 639 people received the questionnaire survey for the knowledge of schistosomiasis control from 2001 to 2016.The rates of awareness and correct behavior of schistosomiasis were raised in the residents year by year.The goal of the transmission interruption of schistosomiasis came to true in Runzhou Dis-trict,Zhenjiang City in 2016.Conclusion The comprehensive prevention and control strategy including mainly the snail con-trol,extended chemotherapy of schistosomiasis and health education could achieve the goal of transmission interruption of schis-tosomiasis in the areas of marshland along the Yangtze River.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the nutrition status, breast feeding and complementary feeding among children under 2 years of age in Beijing.

METHODSA stratified cluster randomly sampling method was used. After having got the compliance a questionnaire survey was carried out to 422 children < 2 year-old in total 18 districts of Beijing.

RESULTSThe average infant birth weight was 3325 g, the rate of weight (2500 g and > or = 4000 g were 2.8% and 13.0% respectively. The rate of exclusive breast-feeding, partial breast-feeding, bottle-feeding of infant under 4 months was 56.6%, 33.9% and 9.5% respectively. The average weaning time was 7.4 months. The rate of complementary feeding of infant up to 6 months was 99.4%. The average ages for addition of complementary feeding such as cereal, vegetable and fruit, egg, oil, nutrients in rural areas were later than those in urban.

CONCLUSIONIt is important to promote breast feeding and improve complementary feeding by education and intervention.

Bottle Feeding ; statistics & numerical data ; Breast Feeding ; statistics & numerical data ; China ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Food ; statistics & numerical data ; Infant, Newborn ; Nutrition Surveys ; Rural Population ; statistics & numerical data ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Urban Population ; statistics & numerical data

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the relationship between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 (PPARγ2) Pro12Ala polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Chinese Han population.

METHODSPubMed, Chinese Biomedicine Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang database were searched for all relevant articles investigating the association between PPARγ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism and T2DM that were available from January, 1990 to June, 2011. A total of 29 relevant articles were selected. A Meta-analysis was performed to estimate heterogeneity and the pooled odds ratio (OR) to evaluate the relationship between PPARγ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism and T2DM. The sensitivity analysis was also assessed.

RESULTSA total of 21 qualified articles including 3870 patients with T2DM and 3333 healthy controls were analyzed in the study. The frequencies of the allele Ala12 in T2DM and control groups were 4.13% (320/7740) and 4.56% (304/6666), respectively. There were not heterogeneity (χ(2) = 25.96, P = 0.17) among the 21 qualified articles. The pooled OR (95%CI) value of the frequencies of the PPARγ2 genotype (PA + AA)/PP calculated by fixed effects model was 0.96 (0.81 - 1.14) (P = 0.64). There was not heterogeneity among the remaining articles after excluding the article with the largest weight and the article with larger frequencies of the allele Ala12 respectively (χ(2) values were 24.23, 16.87 respectively, both P values > 0.05). The pooled OR (95%CI) value of the frequencies of the PPARγ2 genotype (PA + AA)/PP of the remaining articles were 1.01 (0.84 - 1.21) and 1.07 (0.89 - 1.28) after excluding the article with the largest weight and the article with larger frequencies of the allele Ala12 (both P values > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPPARγ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism was not associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese Han population.

Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; China ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; genetics ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; PPAR gamma ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide