Serum samples were tested for IgG antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence assays. We then analyzed associated risk factors. Serum samples were considered positive when reactive at a dilution of more than 1:320. Differences between groups and risk factors associated with exposure were statistically analyzed using Chi-square tests and the generalized linear model. 122 of 1,260 samples (9.68%) were positive for infection. The infection rate ranged from 0% to 30.43% and differed significantly among age groups ( < 0.01); infection rate in the 50-59 years group was significantly higher than that in other age groups. The seroprevalence of varied significantly among sites within the four provinces, and the infection rate of field workers was significantly higher than that of urban workers.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the mutation type of non-muscle myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) gene and investigate the clinical features of a pedigree affected with MYH9 gene-related disease. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples of the proband and his family members were collected. Routine blood tests were performed, which included platelet counting and Wright's staining to observe the granulocyte inclusions and giant platelets. PCR was used to amplify exons 2, 17, 27, 31, 39 and 41 of the MYH9 gene, and the mutation site was determined by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: All patients from the pedigree presented a typical triad of thrombocytopenia, giant platelets, and inclusion bodies in leukocytes. In addition, two patients had nephritis and cataract. All affected members carried a heterozygous missense mutation of c.5521G>A (p.glu1841Lys) in exon 39 of the MYH9 gene. The same mutation was not found among healthy members of the pedigree and the controls. CONCLUSION The c.5521G>A (p.Glu1841Lys) mutation in the MYH9 gene probably underlies the MYH9-related disease in this pedigree.
Female ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Motor Proteins ; genetics ; Mutation ; Myosin Heavy Chains ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Thrombocytopenia

BACKGROUND: Clinical remission is the treatment target in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to investigate clinical remission and related factors in a large cohort of patients with RA. METHODS: This study composed of 342 patients with RA. Data were collected by face-to-face interview of 1049 patients with RA who visited the Department of Rheumatology of three teaching hospitals from September 2015 to May 2016. The patients with RA were clinically assessed by rheumatologists and a four-page questionnaire was completed on site. Subsequently, patients fulfilled remission criteria were further analyzed. The practicability of different definitions of remission of RA was rated by a panel of rheumatologists. Sustained intensive disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment was defined as a combination treatment with two or more DMARDs for at least 6 months. RESULTS: In this cohort of 342 patients with RA, the proportions of patients achieving remission were 38.0%, 29.5%, 24.9%, 21.1%, 19.0%, 18.1%, and 17.0%, based on criteria of disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) using CRP (DAS28-CRP), DAS28 using ESR (DAS28-ESR), routine assessment of patient index data 3 (RAPID-3), Boolean, simplified disease activity index (SDAI), clinical disease activity index, and the newly described clinical deep remission (CliDR), respectively. Boolean and CliDR are the best in practicability scored by rheumatologists (7.5 and 8.0, respectively). Compared with the non-sustained intensive group, sustained intensive treatment with DMARDs yielded higher remission rates of 25.6%, 23.8%, and 21.3% in patients with RA based on Boolean (χ = 3.937, P = 0.047), SDAI (χ = 4.666, P = 0.031), and CliDR criteria (χ = 4.297, P = 0.038). The most commonly prescribed conventional synthesized DMARDs (csDMARDs) in patients with RA was leflunomide, followed by methotrexate, and hydroxychloroquine. Compared with the non-remission group, patients achieving remission had a longer median duration of DMARDs (45.0 [22.8-72.3] months, Z = -2.295, P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS The findings in this study indicated that clinical deep remission is achievable in patients with RA. Sustained intensive DMARD treatment is needed to achieve a better outcome in RA.
Adult ; Aged ; Antirheumatic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Hydroxychloroquine ; therapeutic use ; Leflunomide ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Methotrexate ; therapeutic use ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the detrimental effects of shortwave exposure on rat hippocampal structure and function and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: One hundred Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (25 rats per group) and exposed to 27 MHz continuous shortwave at a power density of 5, 10, or 30 mW/cm2 for 6 min once only or underwent sham exposure for the control. The spatial learning and memory, electroencephalogram (EEG), hippocampal structure and Nissl bodies were analysed. Furthermore, the expressions of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits (NR1, NR2A, and NR2B), cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB) and phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) in hippocampal tissue were analysed on 1, 7, and 14 days after exposure. RESULTS: The rats in the 10 and 30 mW/cm2 groups had poor learning and memory, disrupted EEG oscillations, and injured hippocampal structures, including hippocampal neurons degeneration, mitochondria cavitation and blood capillaries swelling. The Nissl body content was also reduced in the exposure groups. Moreover, the hippocampal tissue in the 30 mW/cm2 group had increased expressions of NR2A and NR2B and decreased levels of CREB and p-CREB. CONCLUSION Shortwave exposure (27 MHz, with an average power density of 10 and 30 mW/cm2) impaired rats' spatial learning and memory and caused a series of dose-dependent pathophysiological changes. Moreover, NMDAR-related CREB pathway suppression might be involved in shortwave-induced structural and functional impairments in the rat hippocampus.
Animals ; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; Electroencephalography ; radiation effects ; Hippocampus ; radiation effects ; Male ; Memory ; radiation effects ; Nissl Bodies ; physiology ; radiation effects ; Radio Waves ; adverse effects ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate ; genetics ; metabolism ; Spatial Learning ; radiation effects

Objective To mastered the distribution characteristics of Haemaphysalis longicornis in the Tumen River basin along the border between Russia, Korea and Northeast China, and understand the status of Haemaphysalis longicornis carrying the virus of fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), then, isolate the virus and analyze its genetic characteristics. Method Ticks were collected from Hunchun, Tumen, Helong and Longjing cities in the Tumen River basin of Jilin Province from April to September, 2017. Haemaphysalis longicornis was selected and grouped. SFTS virus was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Virus isolation was carried out in Vero cells, besides, S,M,L gene segments were amplified . The homology of S, M and L gene segments was compared, phylogenetic tree was established, and their gene characteristics were analyzed. Result Haemaphysalis longicornis mainly distributed in Hunchun and Tumen City in the lower reaches of Tumen River. It was the dominant species in the two counties, reaching 71.85% and 87.62% respectively. A virus named YBHC-TICK2-2017/CHINA was isolated from Haemaphysalis longicornis collected in Hunchun. The sequences of S segment (1 746 bp), M segment (3 336 bp) and L segment (6 376 bp) of the virus were 98.00%-99.00%, homologous to those of SFTS virus isolates from China and Korea recorded in National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gen Bank. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the S segment gene sequence of the virus strain was divided into a cluster with Jilin strain (KT890282) in China, and M segment and L segment gene sequence with Jiangsu strain (KR230781) in China. Conclusions Haemaphysalis longicornis are widely distributed in the lower reaches of the Tumen river. It was the first time that SFTS virus was isolated from Haemaphysalis longicornis in this area, suggesting that this area is important for SFTS prevention.

Objective To understand the condition of tick carrying CRT(Candidatus rickettsia tarasevichiae) and compound infection with SFTSV(Sever fever thrombocytopenia syndrome virus) in Yanbian area of Jilin province. Methods Free ticks were collected from 6 counties including Yanji, Wangqing, Hunchun, Dunhua, Antu and Helong in the Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Jilin Province(Yanbian Prefecture) by using the flagging, and they were classified morphologically. The CRT and SFTSV in ticks were detected by Nest PCR(Nested polymerase chain reaction) and Real Time RT-PCR(Real-time Quantitative polymerase chain reaction) methods. Target DNA sequencing was performed for CRT positive products, and the homology of gene sequence and phylogenetic relationship were analyzed. Results A total of 1032 ticks were collected in this study, including ixodes persulcatus (35.56%) and dermacenter silvarum (20.64%). haemaphysalis japonica (20.45%), haemaphysalis longicornis (10.47%), haemaphysalis concinna (8.33%),others( 4.55%). The CRT was detected from the Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Haemaphysalis japonica Dermacentor silvarum. The MIR(Minimum infection rate per 100 ticks) of CRT was 10.47%.The SFTSV was detected from the Haemaphysalis-concinna, Haemaphysalis-japonica,Ixodes-persulcatus,Haemaphysalis-longicornis,Dermacentor-silvarum. The MIR of SFTSV was 2.52 %. Three species of ticks, including Ixodes persulcatus(2.45%), Haemaphysalis japonica(1.42%), and dermacentor silvarum(0.47%), had CRT and SFTSV compound infections, and the MIR of two pathogens compound infections was 1.26 %. In this study, the gene sequence of CRT positive PCR products ompA and 17kDa with nucleotide sequence of Xinyang plant of HeNan XinYang strain (KX365196.1),had homology of 100%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CRT ompA and the HeNan XinYang strain (KX365196.1) gene sequences formed a cluster in Yanbian, while the 17 kDa gene formed an independent branch. Conclusions For the first time, CRT was detected from free ticks in Yanbian area of Jilin Province, and it was found that Ixodes persulcatus may be the main medium of transmission of the pathogen. At the same time, it was found that CRT and SFTSV have compound infection in ticks of Yanbian area. Therefore, it can be clearly identified that Yanbian area in Jilin Province is the natural source of CRT, and there are two pathogenic compound infections in the local ticks.

Using column chromatographic and preparative HPLC technologies, we isolated a new sesquiterpene glycoside from the stem of Dendrobium nobile. With spectroscopic techniques including NMR and MS, the new compound was identified as cadalene-12-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. This type of compound was dehydrogenated from cadinane sesquiterpene to achieve a naphthalene ring, and it is rare from a natural resource.

Background:: Clinical remission is the treatment target in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to investigate clinical remission and related factors in a large cohort of patients with RA. Methods:: This study composed of 342 patients with RA. Data were collected by face-to-face interview of 1049 patients with RA who visited the Department of Rheumatology of three teaching hospitals from September 2015 to May 2016. The patients with RA were clinically assessed by rheumatologists and a four-page questionnaire was completed on site. Subsequently, patients fulfilled remission criteria were further analyzed. The practicability of different definitions of remission of RA was rated by a panel of rheumatologists. Sustained intensive disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment was defined as a combination treatment with two or more DMARDs for at least 6 months. Results:: In this cohort of 342 patients with RA, the proportions of patients achieving remission were 38.0%, 29.5%, 24.9%, 21.1%, 19.0%, 18.1%, and 17.0%, based on criteria of disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) using CRP (DAS28-CRP), DAS28 using ESR (DAS28-ESR), routine assessment of patient index data 3 (RAPID-3), Boolean, simplified disease activity index (SDAI), clinical disease activity index, and the newly described clinical deep remission (CliDR), respectively. Boolean and CliDR are the best in practicability scored by rheumatologists (7.5 and 8.0, respectively). Compared with the non-sustained intensive group, sustained intensive treatment with DMARDs yielded higher remission rates of 25.6%, 23.8%, and 21.3% in patients with RA based on Boolean (χ²=3.937, P=0.047), SDAI (χ²=4.666, P=0.031), and CliDR criteria (χ²=4.297, P=0.038). The most commonly prescribed conventional synthesized DMARDs (csDMARDs) in patients with RA was leflunomide, followed by methotrexate, and hydroxychloroquine. Compared with the non-remission group, patients achieving remission had a longer median duration of DMARDs (45.0 [22.8–72.3] months, Z=-2.295, P=0.022). Conclusions: The findings in this study indicated that clinical deep remission is achievable in patients with RA. Sustained intensive DMARD treatment is needed to achieve a better outcome in RA.

Objective: To investigate the levels of vitamin D and the correlation between DPN and vitamin D in elderly patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN). Methods: A total of 849 patients aged 60 years and over admitted into endocrinology department from June 2016 to September 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective case-control study.According to DPN diagnostic criteria, patients were divided into the non-DPN group(n=542)and the DPN group(n=307). The 25(OH)-vitamin D[25(OH)D]level and blood biochemical parameters were determined and compared between the two groups.The risk factors for DPN were analyzed using logistic regression analysis and plotting receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves. Results: The mean of serum 25(OH)D level in the 849 patients was 43.9±19.4 nmol/L.Serum 25(OH)D level was lower in the DPN patients than in the non-DPN patients[(40.9±20.4)nmol/L vs.(45.7±18.6)nmol/L, P<0.05]. The incidence of 25(OH)D deficiency was higher in the DPN group than in the non-DPN group(72.3% or 222/307 vs. 64.6% or 350/542, P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that 25(OH)D was a protective factor for DPN(OR=0.980, 95% CI: 0.964~0.995, P<0.05)and the disease duration was a risk factor for DPN(OR=1.048, 95% CI: 1.027~1.070, P<0.001). ROC analysis indicated that the diagnostic cut-off value of serum 25(OH)D for predicting DPN was 37.5nmol/L, with a Youden index of 0.17, sensitivity of 0.65 and specificity of 0.52. Conclusions The 25(OH)D level is much lower in diabetic patients, especially in DPN patients.Higher 25(OH)VD level might be a protective factor for DPN, and vitamin D might be one of potential biomarkers for DPN in diabetic patients.

Objective:To explore the influence of high altitude hypoxia on the phagocytosis and killing functions of peritoneal macrophages in mice by establishing mouse model in high altitude hypoxic environment.Methods:①After exposure of mice to an altitude of 4 200 m,2 200 m and 400 m for 30 d respectively,flow cytometry was used to detect the phagocytosis and killing functions of peritoneal macrophages on staphylococcus aureus labeled with FITC.②The respiratory burst level of the cultured macrophage in mice was detected in 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probe method. ③The concentration of NO2- as a stable oxidative metabolite of NO in the supernatant of the cultured macrophages was measured with ELISA kits;④The release level of IL-6 and TNF-α in the cultured mice macrophage supernatant was also determined with ELISA kits.Results:After exposed under high altitude hypoxia for 30 d,compared with the control group (400 m),the phagocytosis,respiratory burst level and NO release in high altitude groups (4 200 m and 2 200 m) were all than those in the control group(400 m) (P<0.05).While the concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α in the Mφ cultured supernatant showed an obvious increase (P<0.05).Conclusion:Exposure under high altitude hypoxia (at altitude of 4 200 m and 2 200 m) for 30 d compromised the phagocytosis and oxygen dependent cytolyticactivity functions,and also raised the cytokines secretion level of IL-6 and TNF-α in Mφ,thereby affecting the innate immune response ability of Mφ in body.