Objective To investigate the clinical value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and red blood cell distribution width in discriminating disease activity of rheumatoid athritis.Methods Eighty-nine rheumatoid arthritis out-patients of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University from Jan.2012 to Mar.2013 were recruited into this study.The disease activity index,such as swollen joint count and tender joint count were made by rheumatologists,and laboratory parameters（blood cell analysis,erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein) were measured as well.The enrolled patients were divided into the active RA group and remission RA group based on the DAS28 definition.Differences of NLR,PLR and RDW among groups were analyzed by t test and relations between variables were assessed by Spearman correlation analysis.The t test,non-parametric test and Spearman analysis were used for statistical analysis.Results The levels of NLR (3.2±2.0,2.4±0.9,respectively) and PLR (167±70,133±43,respectively) in active RA group were higher than that of the RA remission group (t=2.28 and 2.50,P=0.02 and 0.01).The level of RDW [(13.9±2.5)％,(13.9±2.4)％,respectively] was not significantly different between the active RA group and the RA remission group (t=0.14,P=0.89).However,compared with healthy controls,the level of RDW [(13.9±2.5)％,(13.2±0.2)％,respectively] was significantly increased in RA patients (t=2.74,P=0.006 9).NLR and PLR were positively correlated with DAS28 (r=0.23,P=0.03;r=0.26,P=0.04,respectively),ESR (r=0.28,P=0.03;r=0.43,P＜0.01,respectively) and CRP (r=0.33,P=0.006;r=0.41,P＜0.01,respectively).However,there was no association between RDW and DAS28 (r=0.01,P=0.93),ESR (r=0.20,P=0.15) and CRP (r=0.05,P=0.71).Areas under curve of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for assessing disease activity of rheumatoid athritis by NLR and PLR were 0.802 and 0.753 respectively.The cut-off values for discriminating active/remission RA were 2.86 and 143.05,with the sensitivity as 0.66 and 0.63,specificity as 0.72 and 0.65.Conclusion NLR and PLR are significantly associated with the disease activity of RA and can be useful to understand the activity state of the illness.

Objective:To investigate the differentially expressed miRNAs in serum collected post operation and compared these miR-NAs with those collected pre-surgery among patients suffering from glioblastoma multiform (GBM) and undergoing regular clinical fol-low-up. These miRNAs may be potential biomarkers for the post-operative evaluation of patients with GBM. Methods:Forty-eight pa-tients with GBM and clinical pathological diagnosis were enrolled in this study. In the initial biomarker screening stage, total RNAs were extracted and subjected to Solexa sequencing to select miRNAs with significantly altered expression pre-and post-operation. Some of these differentially expressed miRNAs were chosen and verified through TaqMan probe-based qRT-PCR assay. A t-test was performed to determine the miRNAs that satisfied the two criteria, namely, fold change>2 and P<0.05. All of the patients were fol-lowed-up, and survival data were collected. The patients were then classified into two groups, namely, long-and short-survival groups, on the basis of the median of the miR-30e expression levels in the sera collected post-operation. Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test (SPSS version 19.0, IBM) were employed to determine the possible relationships between miR-30e expression levels in the sera collected post-operation and patients' overall survival. Results: Solexa revealed 63 differentially expressed miRNAs. Four miRNAs, namely, miR-26b, miR-30e, miR-129-3p, and miR-206, were selected on the basis of previous and present findings. These miRNAs were then verified in the RT-qPCR phase. Among these miRNAs, only miR-30e was significantly upregulated post-operation. The serum miR-30e expression level post-operation was not significantly associated with the overall survival of the patients. A low miR-30e expression level corresponded to prolonged survival. Conclusion:miR-30e was upregulated in the sera collected post-operation from patients with GBM. This miRNA may be negatively related to the tumor load of these patients. The miR-30e expression level in the serum col-lected post-surgery serum was not significantly associated with overall survival. Therefore, miR-30e may serve as a novel potential non-invasive biomarker for the post-operative evaluation of patients with GBM.

We conducted the detection the Francisella spp.nucle acid from Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum that main distribution is on railway line area from China-Kazakhstan border.The free-living ticks were collected and then identified by morphological and molecular methods.After species identification,they were detected by PCR targeting 16S rRNA and sdhA of Francisella spp.The amplified products were sequenced and the sequences was analyzed by using the Blast.A phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA 6 software.A total of 243 fleas were identified as H.asiaticum asiaticum.Only 35 samples were detected for Francisella spp.positive and the positive rate was 14.4％.Sequence analysis showed that two different sequences (seql and seq2) and all belong to Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs).Phylogenetic analyses showed that two FLEs were belong to the same cladd.This is first detection of FLEs nucleic acid from H.asiaticum Railway line area of China-Kazakhstan border.

Objective To evaluate the effects of ulinastatin on hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation ( HS∕R)?induced acute lung injury in rats. Methods Fifteen SPF adult Sprague?Dawley rats, aged 2-3 months, weighing 300-400 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=5 each) using a random number table:sham operation group ( group S ) , HS∕R group and ulinastatin group ( group U ) . Carotid arteries were cannulated for blood pressure monitoring and blood?letting. HS∕R was induced by blood?letting and maintained for 1 h, followed by resuscitation with autologous blood transfusion and infusion of normal saline. After cannulation of carotid arteries ( T0 ) , at 5 min after hemorrhagic shock ( T1 ) , before resuscitation ( T2 ) , at 5 min after the expected blood pressure was achieved following resuscitation ( T3 ) , and at 30 min, 1?5 h and 2?5 h after resuscitation ( T4?6 ) , arterial blood samples were collected for determination of interleukin?6 ( IL?6 ) and tumor necrosis factor?α ( TNF?α) concentrations ( by enzyme?linked immunosorbent assay) . Arterial blood samples were collected at T0 , T2 and T6 for blood gas analysis. The pH value, partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide ( PaCO2 ) , HCO-3 and base excess ( BE) value were recorded, and oxygenation index ( PaO2∕FiO2 ) was calculated. Lungs were removed at T6 , and pulmonary specimens were obtained for examination of pathological changes which were scored, and nucleus was extracted for determination of nuclear factor?kappa B ( NF?κB ) p65 expression by enzyme?linked immunosorbent assay. Results Compared with group S, the pH values, HCO-3 , BE values and OI were significantly decreased, and PaCO2 , plasma IL?6 and TNF?α concentrations, expression of NF?κB p65 in lung tissues, and pathological scores were increased in U and HS∕R groups. Compared with group HS∕R, the plasma concentrations of IL?6 and TNF?α, expression of NF?κB p65 in lung tissues, and pathological scores were significantly decreased, and no significant changes were found in parameters of blood gas analysis in group U. Conclusion Although ulinastatin can alleviate HS∕R?induced acute lung injury, it is insufficient to improve lung oxygenation in rats.

Objective To explore the distributional differences of the gene frequencies of 22 short tandem repeats loci on Y Chromosome(Y?STRs) between offenders with Initiative?aggressive behavior and impulsive?aggressive behavior,and to probe into the genetic factors of initiative?aggressive behavior and im?pulsive?aggressive behavior. Methods Biological samples of 271 offenders with initiative?aggressive behav?ior and 271 offenders with impulsive?aggressive behavior were collected and PCR compound amplification was carried out with the aid of PowerPlex Y23 System. Then the PCR products were subjected to electrophoresis and gene detection with AB3500xL gene analysis system so as to calculate and compare the alleles and haplo?types of 22 Y?STRs gene frequency in the two groups. Results The distribution of allele frequency were sig?nificantly difference in locus DYS437(P=0.022) between two groups,not in the other 21 Y?STRs loci( all P>0.05) . Univarite analysis showed significant differences at allelle 14 in locus DYS437 between both groups ( initiative?aggressive behavior group:69. 37%;impulsive?aggressive behavior group:58. 67%; P=0. 009 ) . Conclusion Loci DYS437 may be associated with aggressive behavior. In the group of aggressive behavior, allelle 14 on locus DYS437 may be the susceptible factor of initiative?aggressive behavior and the resistant factor of impulsive?aggressive.

Objective To investigate the infection state and genotype of Babesia from tick at Alataw port,the China-Kazakhstan border.Methods Drag-flag method and animal body surface method were used to collect ticks at Ebinur Lake wetland,Alataw port.18s rRNA gene of Babesia was tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR),the sequence analysis was conducted with Blast and phylogenetic analysis was conducted with Mega 6.0.Results The positive rate of Babesia gene in ticks was 12.65％ (32/253) at Alataw port.By sequencing,32 sequences were divided in ALSK174,ALSK191,ALSK019 three groups.Analysis of Blast showed that ALSK174 had the highest homology with Babesia caballi (EU888904,South Africa),it was 99.72％ (356/357);ALSK191 had the highest homology with Babesia occultans (KP745626,Turkey),it was 99.72％ (350/351);ALSK019 had 95.76％ (339/354) homology with Babesia odocoilei (KC460321,Canada).Conclusion In this study,we have first reported that the Babesia is infected from ticks at Alataw port,the China-Kazakhstan border.

OBJECTIVETo discuss the protective effect of alkaloids from Piper longum (PLA) in rat dopaminergic neuron injury of 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson's disease and its possible mechanism.

METHODThe rat PD model was established by injecting 6-OHDA into the unilateral striatum with a brain solid positioner. The PD rats were divided into the PLA group (50 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), the madorpa group (50 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and the model group, with 15 rats in each group. All of the rats were orally given drugs once a day for 6 weeks. Meanwhile, other 15 rats were randomly selected as the sham operation group, and only injected with normal saline in the unilateral striatum. The behavioral changes were observed with the apomorphine (APO)-induced rotation and rotary rod tests. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells in rat substantia nigra and the density of TH-positive fibers in striatum were detected by tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry. The content of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rat substantia nigra and striatum were measured by the spectrophotometric method.

RESULTAfter being induced by APO, PD rats showed obvious rotation behaviors, with decreased time stay on rotary rod and significant reduction in the number of TH-positive cells in sustantia nigra and the density of TH-positive fibers in striatum. The activities of SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, the content of GSH and the total antioxidant capacity significantly decreased, whereas the activities of NOS and the content of MDA, NO significantly increased. PLA could significantly improve the behavioral abnormality of PD rats and increase the number of TH-positive cells in sustantia nigra and the density of TH-positive fibers in striatum. It could up-regulate the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, the content of GSH and the total antioxidant capacity, and decrease the content of NOS and the content of MDA, NO.

CONCLUSIONAlkaloids from P. longum shows the protective effect in substantia nigra cells of 6-OHDA-induced PD model rats. Its mechanism may be related with their antioxidant activity.

Administration, Oral ; Alkaloids ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Apomorphine ; pharmacology ; Catalase ; metabolism ; Dopamine Agonists ; pharmacology ; Dopaminergic Neurons ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Glutathione ; metabolism ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Motor Activity ; drug effects ; Neostriatum ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; metabolism ; Oxidopamine ; Parkinson Disease, Secondary ; chemically induced ; physiopathology ; prevention & control ; Piper ; chemistry ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Substantia Nigra ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVE: To investigate pathological conditions that act as sources of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cytotoxic substances to examine telomere length (TL) in patients with either early (duration of illness [DI] ≤5 years) or chronic (DI >5 years) psychosis using T lymphocytes. METHODS: Based on these factors and the important role that T lymphocytes play in inflammation, the present study measured the TL of T lymphocytes in patients with either early or chronic psychosis. Additionally, smoking, metabolic syndrome, depression, and cognitive functioning were assessed to control for confounding effects. RESULTS: TL was significantly longer in patients with early and chronic psychosis than in healthy control subjects and, moreover, the significance of these findings remained after controlling for age, smoking, metabolic syndrome, DI, chlorpromazine-equivalent dose, and cognitive functioning (F=9.57, degree of freedom=2, p<0.001). Additionally, the DI, chlorpromazine-equivalent doses, and the five-factor scores of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale were not significantly correlated with the TL of T lymphocytes in either all patients or each psychosis group. CONCLUSION: Possible mechanisms underlying the effects of antipsychotic medications on telomerase are discussed in the present study, but further studies measuring both telomerase activity and TL using a prospective design will be required.
Antipsychotic Agents ; Cytokines ; Depression ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Prospective Studies ; Psychotic Disorders* ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Smoke ; Smoking ; T-Lymphocytes* ; Telomerase ; Telomere*

To establish a method for detecting microdialysis recovery of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and ferulic acid (FA) and investigating the influencing factors, providing the basis for further in vivo microdialysis experiments. The concentration of FA and TMP in dialysates were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography ( HPLC) and probe recovery were calculated respectively. The influence of the flow rates, medium concentration, temperature and in vivo probe stability on the recovery of FA and TMP were investigated by using concentration difference method (incremental method and decrement method). The recovery obtained by incremental method were similar to by decrement method. The in vitro recovery rate of FA and TMP decreased with the increase of 1-2.5 μL min(-1), and increased obviously with the temperature of 25-42 degrees C under the same conditions. The concentration of FA and TMP had no obvious effect on the probe recovery under the same flow rate. In addition, the recovery of TMP and FA remained stable and showed similar trends under the condition of four concentration cycles, indicating that the intra day reproducibility of the concentration difference method was good. The recovery of brain microdialysis probes in vivo 8 h maintained a relatively stable, but certain differences existed between different brain microdialysis probes, demonstrating that each probe was required for recovery correction in vivo experiment. Microdialysis sampling can be used for the local brain pharmacokinetic study of FA and TMP, and retrodialysis method can be used in probe recovery of FA and TMP in vivo.
Animals ; Brain ; metabolism ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Coumaric Acids ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacokinetics ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Humans ; Microdialysis ; methods ; Pyrazines ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacokinetics ; Rats

The Alataw Pass, near the Ebinur Lake Wetland (northwest of China) and Taldykorgan (east of Kazakhstan), is a natural habitat for wild rodents. To date, little has been done on the surveillance of Bartonella spp. and Wolbachia spp. from fleas in the region. Here we molecularly detected Bartonella spp. and Wolbachia spp. in wild rodent fleas during January and October of 2016 along the Alataw Pass-Kazakhstan border. A total of 1,706 fleas belonging to 10 species were collected from 6 rodent species. Among the 10 flea species, 4 were found to be positive for Wolbachia, and 5 flea species were positive for Bartonella. Molecular analysis indicated that i) B. rochalimae was firstly identified in Xenopsylla gerbilli minax and X. conforms conforms, ii) B. grahamii was firstly identified in X. gerbilli minax, and iii) B. elizabethae was firstly detected in Coptopsylla lamellifer ardua, Paradoxopsyllus repandus, and Nosopsyllus laeviceps laeviceps. Additionally, 3 Wolbachia endosymbionts were firstly found in X. gerbilli minax, X. conforms conforms, P. repandus, and N. laeviceps laeviceps. BLASTn analysis indicated 3 Bartonella species showed genotypic variation. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 3 Wolbachia endosymbionts were clustered into the non-Siphonaptera Wolbachia group. These findings extend our knowledge of the geographical distribution and carriers of B. rochalimae, B. grahamii, B. elizabethae, and Wolbachia spp. In the future, there is a need for China-Kazakhstan cooperation to strengthen the surveillance of flea-borne pathogens in wildlife.
Bartonella ; Ecosystem ; Lakes ; Rodentia ; Siphonaptera ; Wetlands ; Wolbachia ; Xenopsylla