A 1 270 bp full-length cDNA fragment was obtained from the Schistosoma japonicum (Chinese strain) adult cDNA library after the '3' and 5' ends of the incomplete expression sequence tag (EST) of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase of Schistosoma japonicum (SjHGPRT) were amplified by the anchored PCR with 2 pairs of primer that were designed according to the published incomplete SjHGPRT EST and the sequence of multiclone sites of library λgt1 1 vector. Sequence analysis indicated that this fragment, with an identity of 82% to hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase ofSchistosoma mansoni (SmHGPRT), contained a complete open reading frame(ORF). The deduced amino acid sequence showed 83% identity to that of SmHGPRT. This fragment was cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pQE30, and subsequently sequenced and expressed in Escherichia coli. SDS-PAGE revealed that M of the recombinant protein was about 28 ku. Western-blot analysis showed that the recombinant protein was recognized by the polyclonal antisera from rabbits immunized with Schistosoma japonicum adult worm antigen. Mice vaccinated with recombinant protein revealed significant worm burden, liver eggs per gram (LEPG), fecal eggs per gram (FEPG) and intrauterine eggs of the female worms reduction percentage, compared with the controls. Taken together, the SjHGPRT full-length cDNA can be cloned and expressed in E. coli as a recombinant protein that elicited immunity against the challenge infection with Schistosoma japonicum, indicating its potential as a partia1 protection vaccine candidate.

The experimental SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (Con group),diabetic ulcer model group (DM group) and Celastrol group (Cel group).Except the control group,diabetic ulceration rat models were established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin along with skin scald.And then,each group was treated by spraying the saline solution on the affected skin with (Cel group) or without (Con group and DM group) Cel (q.d.×14 d).Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabonomic analysis was applied to detect metabolic characteristics,accompanied by healing rate calculation and HE and Masson staining to study therapeutic effect of celastrol on accelerated healing of skin wounds of diabetic ulceration rats,which could be used to elucidate therapeutic effects of celastrol on the rat diabetic ulceration and its mechanism.The results showed that celastrol could induce epithelial regeneration of the rat ulcer wound,regulate the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the distribution of collagen fibers,and promote the healing of the ulcer wound.About 20 endogenous potential differential metabolites were screened and identified by partial least square analysis.Metabolic pathway analysis was carried out to show that celastrol can significantly recovery the level of the tricarboxylic acid cycle,promote its energy supply,accelerate the protein synthesis,improve mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress,and accelerate the self-repair ability of skin tissue.Celastrol can promote the healing of ulcers skins of the diabetic rats,which contribute to experimental basis of the drugs for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive monitoring of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) by measuring abdominal wall tension (AWT) was effective and feasible in previous postmortem and animal studies. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of the AWT method for noninvasively monitoring IAP in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: In this prospective study, we observed patients with detained urethral catheters in the ICU of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital between April 2011 and March 2013. The correlation between AWT and urinary bladder pressure (UBP) was analyzed by linear regression analysis. The effects of respiratory and body position on AWT were evaluated using the paired samples t test, whereas the effects of gender and body mass index (BMI) on baseline AWT (IAP<12 mmHg) were assessed using one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients were studied. A significant linear correlation was observed between AWT and UBP (R=0.986, P<0.01); the regression equation was Y=–1.369+9.57X (P<0.01). There were significant differences among the different respiratory phases and body positions (P<0.01). However, gender and BMI had no significant effects on baseline AWT (P=0.457 and 0.313, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant linear correlation between AWT and UBP and respiratory phase, whereas body position had significant effects on AWT but gender and BMI did not. Therefore, AWT could serve as a simple, rapid, accurate, and important method to monitor IAP in critical y il patients.

A 1 270 bp full-length cDNA fragment was obtained from the Schistosoma japonicum (Chinese strain) adult cDNA library after the 3′ and 5′ ends of the incomplete expression sequence tag (EST) of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase of Schistosoma japonicum (SjHGPRT) were amplified by the anchored PCR with 2 pairs of primer that were designed according to the published incomplete SjHGPRT EST and the sequence of multiclone sites of library ?gt11 vector. Sequence analysis indicated that this fragment, with an identity of 82% to hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase of Schistosoma mansoni (SmHGPRT), contained a complete open reading frame(ORF). The deduced amino acid sequence showed 83% identity to that of SmHGPRT. This fragment was cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pQE30, and subsequently sequenced and expressed in Escherichia coli. SDS-PAGE revealed that M of the recombinant protein was about 28 ku. Western-blot analysis showed that the recombinant protein was recognized by the polyclonal antisera from rabbits immunized with Schistosoma japonicum adult worm antigen. Mice vaccinated with recombinant protein revealed significant worm burden, liver eggs per gram (LEPG), fecal eggs per gram (FEPG) and intrauterine eggs of the female worms reduction percentage, compared with the controls. Taken together, the SjHGPRT full-length cDNA can be cloned and expressed in E.coli as a recombinant protein that elicited immunity against the challenge infection with Schistosoma japonicum, indicating its potential as a partial protection vaccine candidate.

Objective:To explore the inhibitory effect of moxibustion on tumor growth and metastasis, and also its possible mechanism, in gastric tumor-bearing rats by investigating the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Methods:Fifty healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (half male and half female) were routinely housed for 1 week. A total of 20 rats were randomly divided into a blank group and a sham operation group, with 10 rats in each group. The remaining 30 rats were used to make gastric cancer models by implantation of ascites-type Walker-256 cancer cells. After successful modeling, rats were randomly divided into a model group, a moxibustion group and an infrared group, with 10 rats in each group. From the day of modeling, the body weight of each group was weighed every 4 days. Warm moxibustion was alternately performed at two-group acupoints [Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4) and bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) in one group, and bilateral Pishu (BL 20) and Weishu (BL 21) in another group] in the moxibustion group. The body surface projection area of the stomach was irradiated with short-wave infrared rays in the infrared group, once a day, 20 min per time for 21 d. At the end of the treatment, the gastric tumor was completely dissected, and the tumor volume and tumor growth inhibition rate were calculated. Then the gastric tumor cell metastasis was recorded. The levels of VEGF and EGF in rat gastric tumor tissues were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results:Compared with the blank group, the body weight of the model group decreased significantly after modeling (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the rats in the moxibustion group had increased body weight during the middle and late stages (bothP<0.05). The tumor volumes of rats in the moxibustion group and the infrared group were smaller than the volume in the model group (bothP<0.05). The tumor growth inhibition rate in the moxibustion group was significantly higher than that in the infrared group (P<0.05). The case number of tumor metastasis in the moxibustion group was smaller than that in the model group and the infrared group. The VEGF level in the tumor tissues of the model group was statistically significantly higher than that in the blank group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the VEGF levels in the moxibustion group and the infrared group were statistically significantly lower (bothP<0.05). The EGF levels in the tumor tissues of the model group was statistically significantly lower than that in the blank group (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the EGF levels in the moxibustion group and the infrared group were statistically significantly increased (bothP<0.05). Conclusion:Moxibustion can increase the body weight, inhibit the tumor growth, invasion and metastasis in gastric tumor-bearing rats, which may be related to the regulation of VEGF and EGF expressions in tumor tissues.

Objective: To understand the serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) and identify the related influencing factors of thyroid dysfunction in drug users. Methods: From June to August 2018, a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted in 788 male drug users in a drug rehabilitation center in Jiangsu province to collect their socio-demographic information. Then, venous blood sample was collected from each participant for the detection of various hematological indicators, such as thyroid hormones. Results: The abnormal rates of T3, T4, FT3, FT4 and TSH were 4.57%, 1.27%, 0.51%, 0.38% and 0.89%, respectively, in the male drug users. HCV infection was an influencing factor for abnormal T3 level in the male drug users (OR=8.52, 95%CI: 2.36-30.74, P=0.001). And serum T3 (P<0.001) and T4 (P=0.048) levels increased with increasing HCV viral load. Conclusions HCV infection was an influencing factor for the abnormality of serum T3 level in drug users. Therefore, thyroid-related knowledge should be added in the health education for drug users, and the monitoring of thyroid function should be strengthened for drug users infected with HCV.

OBJECTIVETo investigate subtype and genetic analysis of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1).

METHODSDNA sequences were amplified by nested-PCR from uncultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from 100 HIV-1 patients from Guangdong Province. The C2 to V3 region of the envelope glycoprotein gp120 of HIV-1 was sequenced directly. The analysis of the gene-based phylogenetic tree and variation of amino acid were carried out by using Wisconsin software package or genetics computer group (GCG).

RESULTSDNA fragments were amplified from 75 PBMC samples by using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequence analysis showed that there were 3 HIV-1 subtypes or circulating recombinant forms (CRF): CRF01-AE (n = 44), CRF-BC (n = 27) and B' (n = 4).

CONCLUSIONSThree HIV-1 subtypes or circulating recombinant forms: CRF01-AE, CRF-BC and B' might be circulating in Guangdong Province. Findings from this study suggested that several subtypes might exist in Guangdong Province and the epidemic situation of AIDS be serious. It should be a challenge for Guangdong Province in treating patients, preventing and controlling AIDS in the future.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; blood ; epidemiology ; virology ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Base Sequence ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; DNA, Viral ; Female ; HIV-1 ; classification ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Protein Isoforms

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effects of estrogen on the mitochondria in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs).

METHODSHUVECs were exposed to H2O2 at 250 micromol/L for 4 h with or without pretreatment with 17-estradiol (E2) and ICI182780. Complex IV activity of the cells was measured with chromometry, and 2, 7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) was used to determine intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level was quantified with a luciferin- and luciferase-based assay.

RESULTSCompared to the blank control group, H2O2 caused a decrease in complex IV activity, intracellular ATP level, and the cell viability, but elevated intracellular ROS. E2 pretreatment of cells significantly attenuated these effects of H2O2 exposure. ICI182780 administered prior to E2 pretreatment antagonized the protective effects of E2 against H2O2 exposure.

CONCLUSIONE2 offers mitochondrial protective effects on HUVECs, which is mediated by the estrogen receptors.

Cells, Cultured ; Cytoprotection ; drug effects ; Electron Transport Complex IV ; metabolism ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Estrogens ; pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; pharmacology ; Mitochondria ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Pregnancy ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo provide an ideal method for flap prefabrication.

METHODSThe superficial temporal fascial flap has been elevated based on the superficial temporal vessels during the first-stage procedure. A subcutaneous tissue pocket with appropriate site was formed in the retroauricular and mastoid process region. The fascial flap was transferred into the pocket and fixed properly. The tissue expander was placed under the fascial flap. When the expanding process has been finished, the expander was removed and the expanded induced prefabricated skin flap of the retroauricular and mastoid process region pedicled on the superficial temporal vascular bundle was elevated and transferred to repair the facial skin defect.

RESULTSThere were nine cases in the group. Facial defects after resection of the melanotic nevus was repaired in 2 cases and facial defects after resection of the facial haemangioma and scar were repaired in 2 and 5 cases respectively. Pedicle length of the superficial temporal fascial flap was ranged from 5.5 cm to 7 cm (mean length 6.2 cm). The size of the fascial flaps was ranged from 4 cm x 3 cm to 7 cm x 7 cm (mean size 5.7 cm x 4.9 cm). The size of the prefabricated skin flaps was ranged from 5 cm x 5 cm to 8.0 cm x 7.5 cm (mean size 6.4 cm x 6.1 cm). The average time of the tissue expansion process is 16.1 weeks. All flaps survived postoperatively and the donor sites of the flaps were appropriated directly in 5 cases. The split-thickness skin grafting was used to recover the donor site defects in 4 cases.

CONCLUSIONSThe superficial temporal fascial flap owns the following advantages: the vascular pedicle is much longer and vascular supply is plentiful, and it is convenient to transfer. Meanwhile, the skin of the retroauricular and mastoid process region is most similar to that of the face in texture, color and depth. For the patients selected strictly, the technique mentioned above is somewhat an ideal method for facial defect repair.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Ear, External ; surgery ; Facial Injuries ; surgery ; Fascia ; transplantation ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; surgery ; Surgical Flaps ; Tissue Expansion ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo apply the scapular free flap extended to the upper arm for resurfacing the face and neck, as well as the upper lip in one stage.

METHODSThe scapular free flap was designed with extended portion to the posterior and interior part of the upper arm. Then the free flap was transferred to resurface the face and neck with the routine portion and to resurface the upper lip with the extended portion.

RESULTS6 cases with extensive upper lip, facial and cervical burn scar were treated with the extended scapular free flaps. The flap size ranged from 22 cm x 11 cm to 40 cm x 9.5 cm (36.57 cm x 10.20 cm in average) for the routine portion and from 7 cm x 4 cm to 12 cm x 4 cm (10.32 cm x 3.67 cm in average) for the extended portion. All flaps survived completely.

CONCLUSIONSThere are direct communicating branches ("choke vessel") between the circumflex scapular artery (CSA) and the posterior humeral circumflex artery (PHCA). When the blood supply of PHCA is cut off, the CSA can provide blood supply through the communicating branches to the upper arm skin area previously nourished by PHCA. So the blood supply of the extended portion of the scapular free flap is not only from the branches of CSA, but also from the direct communicating branches between the CSA and PHCA. The extended scapular free flap has a reliable blood supply and can be applied to construct the facial and cervical scar contraction with the extended portion to resurface the upper lip. The satisfactory result can be expected.

Adult ; Arm ; surgery ; Cicatrix ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Neck ; Scapula ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Young Adult