Influenza poses a great threat to life and health in populations worldwide. Studies regarding the protein components of influenza viruses will facilitate the research and development of vaccines and diag nostic reagents. The influenza virus contains both structural and non-structural proteins. From the outset, it has been accepted that an influenza A virus possesses eight gene segments that encode eight corresponding viral proteins, respectively. Research has demonstrated that the M gene encodes the M2 ion channe! protein and the NS gene encodes the non-structural protein, NS2. In recent years, several novel viral proteins have been identified from influenza A viruses. This article will briefly describe the state of current research into PA-related proteins of influenza A viruses.
Animals ; Humans ; Influenza A virus ; enzymology ; genetics ; Influenza, Human ; virology ; RNA Replicase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Viral Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To explore the danger of lead exposure in newborns who accepted the blood stored in blood bank for blood change treatment.Methods The lead level of blood was examined before and after blood change treatment for 37 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia who accepted 53 cases blood stored in blood bank during Jun.to Dec.2006.The level of blood lead was measured by graphite stove atom absorb spectrum method.Results The average lead level of 53 cases blood stored in blood bank was 101.02 ?g/L,which had attained the level of lead poisoning.There were 15 cases(28.5%) whose blood lead levels was very high(≥100 ?g/L),3 cases whose blood lead level ≥200 ?g/L.After blood change treatment,the percentage of the blood lead level ≥100 ?g/L rose from 2.9% to 19.0%.The average level of blood lead after blood change treatment was higher than before(P

A GeXP based multiplex PCR assay was developed to simultaneously detect six different chicken respiratory viruses including H5, H7, H9 subtypes of avian influenza virus(AIV), new castle disease virus (NDV), infectious bronchitis virus(IBV) and infectious laryngotracheitis virus(ILTV). According to the conserved sequences of genes of each pathogen, seven pairs of specific primers were designed, and the reaction conditions were optimized. The specificity and accuracy of GeXP were examined using samples of single and mixed infections of virus. The sensitivity was evaluated by performing the assay on serial 10-fold dilutions of cloned plasmids. To further evaluate the reliability, thirty-four clinical samples were detected by GeXP. The corresponding specific fragments of genes were amplified. The detection limit of GeXP was 10(2) copies/microL when all of 7 pre-mixed plasmids containing target genes of six chicken respiratory viruses were present. In the detection of thirty-four clinical samples, the results of GeXP were accorded with the viral isolation completely. In conclusion, this GeXP assay is a rapid, specific, sensitive and high-throughput method for the detection of chicken respiratory virus infections. It can be applied in rapid differential diagnosis for clinical samples, and also provide an effective tool to prevent and control chicken respiratory diseases with similar clinical symptoms.
Animals ; Chickens ; Influenza A virus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; physiology ; Influenza in Birds ; diagnosis ; virology ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Poultry Diseases ; diagnosis ; virology ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; diagnosis ; veterinary ; virology

Objective To discuss the technique and technique-related issues of percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP).Methods The study involved 69 vertebrae in 51 cases of painful osteoporotic vertebral compressive fractures.Under X-ray fluoroscopy monitoring,the fractured vertebral bodies were treated by kyphonplasty with inflatable balloon.The preoperative and postoperative vertebral height and Cobb angle in radiography were measured and analyzed.Results All patients tolerated the procedure well with dramatic pain relief within 72 hours after the procedure.No clinical complication was found.The loss heights of the anterior and mid portion of the vertebral body reduced from 15?4mm and 11?4mm preoperatively to 10? 4mm and 6?3mm postoperatively,respectively.Cobb angle corrected averagely from 22??6? preoperatively to 12??4?.There was significant difference between preoperative and postoperative measures (P

BACKGROUNDSeveral studies have shown that coronary stenting reduces the frequency of clinical and angiographic restenosis in patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency. However, less is known about the long-term benefits of stent use in this population. This study was aimed to determine the impact of coronary stenting on extended (5 years) long-term outcomes of patients with chronic renal insufficiency.

METHODSThe study included 602 consecutive patients who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting. Renal insufficiency was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml x min(-1) x 1.73 m(-2). The major adverse cardiac events were compared for patients with (n = 160) and without (n = 442) renal insufficiency.

RESULTSAfter the third year of follow-up, nonfatal myocardial infarction and revascularization rates were significantly increased in patients with renal insufficiency compared with those without renal dysfunction (16.9% vs 7.7%, P = 0.001; 29.4% vs 15.8%, P < 0.001). In patients who had recurrent cardiovascular events, a significantly higher rate of de novo stenosis revascularization was found in patients with renal insufficiency than without renal insufficiency (57.7% vs 22.7%, P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in target lesion revascularization between the groups (51.9% vs 43.6%, P = 0.323). Multivariate analysis demonstrated an independent impact of the presence of renal insufficiency on the major adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio: 1.488, 95% confidence interval: 1.051 - 2.106, P = 0.025) and de novo stenosis (hazard ratio: 5.505, 95% confidence interval: 2.151 - 14.090, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONSThe late major adverse cardiac events, after successful coronary stenting, is increased in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml x min(-1) x 1.73 m(-2). This might be associated with increased risk of de novo stenosis in this population.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; adverse effects ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Restenosis ; pathology ; therapy ; Female ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Renal Insufficiency ; pathology ; therapy ; Stents

In order to visually detect H1, N1 and N2 subtype of avian influenza virus (AIV), three reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assays were developed. According to the sequences of AIV gene available in GenBank, three degenerate primer sets specific to HA gene of H1 subtype AIV, NA gene of N1 and N2 subtype AIV were designed, and the reaction conditions were optimized. The results showed that all the assays had no cross-reaction with other subtype AIV and other avian respiratory pathogens, and the detection limit was higher than that of conventional RT-PCR. These assays were performed in water bath within 50 minutes. Without opening tube, the amplification result could be directly determined by inspecting the color change of reaction system as long as these assays were fin-ished. Fourteen specimens of H1N1 subtype and eight specimens of H1N2 subtype of AIV were identified from the 120 clinical samples by RT-LAMP assays developed, which was consistent with that of virus isolation. These results suggested that the three newly developed RT-LAMEP assays were simple, specific and sensitive and had potential for visual detection of H1, N1 and N2 subtype of AIV in field.
Animals ; Chickens ; DNA Primers ; genetics ; Ducks ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza A Virus, H1N2 Subtype ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza A virus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza in Birds ; diagnosis ; virology ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques ; methods ; Poultry Diseases ; diagnosis ; virology ; Reverse Transcription ; Turkeys

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinicopathological value of the expression and amplification of P21-activated kinase 1 gene (PAK1) in colorectal carcinoma(CRC).

METHODSImmunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling(TUNEL) methods were used to examine the protein expression, amplification of PAK1 and cell apoptosis in 80 cases of CRC and 30 cases of colorectal adenoma by tissue microarray.

RESULTSIHC showed an overexpression of PAK1 protein in 26% of colorectal adenomas and 62% of CRCs. Significant association was found between expression of PAK1 and tumor histological grade as well as tumor clinical stage(P<0.05). In poor-differentiated(G(3)) CRCs, PAK1 expression in 90% carcinoma was up-regulated, which was significantly higher than that in tumors of G(1/2)(51%). Overexpression of PAK1 was detected in 78% of CRCs in later clinical stages (Dukes C, D), which was significantly higher than that in early clinical stages (Dukes A,B, 53%). In addition, negative correlation between PAK1 overexpression and cell apoptosis was observed in these CRC cohorts(P<0.05). FISH revealed that amplification of PAK1 gene was examined in only 3% CRCs.

CONCLUSIONSOverexpression of PAK1 protein may play an important role in development and progression of colorectal neoplasms and it is closely associated with the malignant histological and invasive phenotype of CRCs. The expression of PAK1 in CRC may be used as one of the new molecular markers in predicting tumors malignant potential and progression.

Apoptosis ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; p21-Activated Kinases ; genetics

BACKGROUNDRecently, bilateral transpedicular kyphoplasty with a single balloon was performed for osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures (OVCFs) to reduce the fees of the operation, but the time of operation and radiation exposure are longer. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of a single balloon cross-midline expansion via unipedicular approach in kyphoplasty for OVCFs.

METHODSThirty-six patients with painful OVCFs (61 vertebrae) were enrolled in this research. Unilateral transpedicular puncture was performed under the fluoroscopy monitoring of an oblique angle down the pedicle. A single balloon was introduced through unipedicular approach. The final balloon position was in the midline of the vertebral body with the balloon cross-midline expansion and bone cement filled. Clinical outcomes were determined by comparison of the preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Radiographic assessment included restoration of vertebral height and correction of kyphosis. Follow-up was conducted for 6 - 12 months (mean 9.2 months).

RESULTSThirty-six consecutive patients with 61 vertebrae were successfully operated on with a mean operation time of 37.4 minutes per vertebra. All patients had dramatic pain relief and functional recovery within 96 hours after the procedure with no surgery or device-related complications. VAS score improved from 7.27 +/- 1.02 preoperatively to 2.71 +/- 0.75 postoperatively (P < 0.01). ODI score was decreased from (71.14 +/- 10.94)% preoperatively to (26.56 +/- 6.35)% postoperatively. The average loss of anterior body height was (14.33 +/- 2.76) mm before procedure and (10.03 +/- 1.83) mm after procedure (P < 0.01), while the average loss of middle body height was (10.15 +/- 2.70) mm before procedure and (5.89 +/- 1.83) mm after procedure (P < 0.01). The kyphotic deformity was corrected from (23.43 +/- 5.00) degree to (16.16 +/- 2.77) degree (P < 0.01). The pain relief and functional recovery were substantial and maintained to the last follow-up without any re-collapse or adjacent level fracture.

CONCLUSIONSA single-balloon cross-midline expansion via unipedicular approach in kyphoplasty for OVCFs is an effective and safe procedure with less cost, less operation time and less radiation exposure when compared with the conventional kyphoplasty technique.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Fractures, Compression ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoporosis ; complications ; Spinal Fractures ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Vertebroplasty ; methods

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety and efficacy of Qianliean Suppository in the treatment of chronic prostatitis of damp-heat and blood-stasis syndrome.

METHODSWe conducted a randomized, single-blind, parallel-controlled, multi-centered clinical trial among 467 subjects, who were assigned to a trial group (n = 349) and a control group (n = 118), the former treated with Qianliean Suppository anally one pill per night for 28 days and the latter given Yejuhua Suppository in the same way. The efficacy was evaluated by the TCM syndrome, NIH-CPSI, main clinical symptoms and WBC count in EPS.

RESULTSAfter the treatment, the total rates of recovery, excellence and effectiveness for the TCM syndrome were 4.4%, 58.0% and 90.7% respectively in the trial group, significantly higher than 0.9%, 33.1% and 70.4% in the control group (P < 0.025). Remarkable decreases were observed in the NIH-CPSI total score and the scores on pain and discomfort, voiding symptoms and quality of life in the former group compared with the latter (P < 0.025). The trial group also showed a marked alleviation of such main chronic prostatitis symptoms as urgent micturition and perineal pain and discomfort (P < 0.05), as well as an obvious improvement (55.2%) of the WBC count in EPS as compared with 32.4% in the control group (P < 0.05). No serious adverse events occurred in either of the two groups (0.56% [2/349 ] vs 0.83% [1/118]).

CONCLUSIONSQianliean Suppository is safe and effective for the treatment of chronic prostatitis of damp-heat and blood-stasis syndrome.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Chronic Disease ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Prostatitis ; drug therapy ; Single-Blind Method ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

A total of 16 Taenia multiceps isolates collected from naturally infected sheep or goats in Gansu Province, China were characterized by sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. The complete cox1 gene was amplified for individual T. multiceps isolates by PCR, ligated to pMD18T vector, and sequenced. Sequence analysis indicated that out of 16 T. multiceps isolates 10 unique cox1 gene sequences of 1,623 bp were obtained with sequence variation of 0.12-0.68%. The results showed that the cox1 gene sequences were highly conserved among the examined T. multiceps isolates. However, they were quite different from those of the other Taenia species. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete cox1 gene sequences revealed that T. multiceps isolates were composed of 3 genotypes and distinguished from the other Taenia species.
Animals ; China ; Cluster Analysis ; Cysticercosis/parasitology/veterinary ; DNA, Helminth/chemistry/genetics/isolation & purification ; DNA, Mitochondrial/chemistry/genetics/isolation & purification ; Electron Transport Complex IV/*genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Goat Diseases/parasitology ; Goats ; Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Protein Subunits/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Sheep ; Sheep Diseases/parasitology ; Taenia/*classification/genetics/*isolation & purification