Advancements in pharmacological therapy for transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis and its comorbidities / 中国药房

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis myocardiopathy （ATTR-CM） is an infiltrative cardiomyopathy characterized by the deposition of amyloidogenic material in the myocardial interstitium due to the misfolding of monomers following the dissociation of unstable transthyretin （TTR） tetramers. Previous treatments for ATTR-CM lacked specificity，primarily targeting symptomatic management of heart failure and arrhythmias. In recent years，researchers have developed two major classes of drugs addressing the pathogenesis of ATTR-CM. The first class stabilizes TTR tetramer structure （such as tafamidis and acoramidis）， while the second class interferes with TTR synthesis （such as patisiran）. Among these，tafamidis has been confirmed as the only currently effective treatment for ATTR-CM，while other drugs are still in clinical trial stages with limited clinical evidence. Concerning the management of comorbidities in ATTR-CM，treatment mainly focuses on common cardiac comorbidities （such as heart failure and arrhythmias）. Traditional drugs used to improve heart failure prognosis （such as β-blockers and renin-angiotensin- receptor blocker），have not demonstrated prognosis improvement in ATTR-CM patients and may even lead to adverse reactions. For ATTR-CM patients with concurrent atrial fibrillation，anticoagulation therapy is recommended to prevent thrombus formation，and amiodarone can be used for rhythm control. Despite significant advancements in pharmaceutical treatments for ATTR-CM，the overall prognosis remains poor，necessitating further research into the pathogenesis and target development to enhance the prognosis of ATTR-CM patients.

Application of blended learning in the teaching of clinical clerkship of cardiovascular internal medicine / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of three teaching methods of case-based learning (CBL), problem-based learning (PBL) and blended learning (CBL+PBL) on the teaching of clinical clerkship of cardiovascular internal medicine among medical students.Methods:A total of 175 third-year medical students were divided into three groups (CBL, PBL and CBL+PBL). They entered the clinical clerkship in batches, and then received written examination and questionnaire survey after the teaching. The data were processed by SPSS 19.0 and were compared by one-way ANOVA or chi-square test (R × C) among groups.Results:The total average scores of students in CBL, PBL and CBL+PBL groups were 15.34±2.88, 14.67±2.98 and 17.13±2.82, respectively ( P<0.05), and the proportion of students with "excellent" scores were 27.4%(17/62), 14.5%(9/62) and 58.1%(36/162), respectively. Most students in CBL group did not agree that CBL helped to train literature access skills [70.7%(41/58)] or teamwork ability [82.8%(48/58)], compared with which 70.9%(39/55) in PBL group thought it helped to train literature access skills but only 7.3%(4/55) well accepted PBL. In addition, majority of students in CBL+PBL group believed it was helpful to gain learning interest [64.3%(36/56)] and train team cooperation ability [62.5%(35/56)], and [53.6%(30/56)] favored this teaching method. Conclusion:Compared with traditional CBL, PBL fails to attract students or improve teaching performance; while blended learning is benefited for the students and can improve teaching quality.

Clinical characteristics of fulminant Type 1 diabetes mellitus / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#To compare the differences in clinical characteristics between Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and fulminant Type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM), and to reduce the missed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and mistreatment of FT1DM by medical staff.@*METHODS@#A total of 101 hospitalized patients with T1DM (including 8 cases of FT1DM) were enrolled in this study from Changsha Central Hospital between June 2012 and December 2018. Clinical characteristics of the 8 FT1DM patients were collected and compared with all T1DM patients.@*RESULTS@#All FT1DM patients were adult with the average age of (30.25±5.28) years old, accompanied by severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurred within 1 week after onset. Moreover, pancreatic beta cells in these patients were destroyed and the islet-related antibodies were negative, while the serum pancreatic enzyme levels were increased. Compared with classic T1DM patients, the plasma glucose levels in FT1DM patients were much higher [(41.89±12.54) mmol/L vs (22.57±9.74) mmol/L], but glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting C peptide levels were significantly lower [(6.08±0.41)% vs (10.87±2.46%)%, @*CONCLUSIONS@#The onset time of FT1DM patients is very urgent via driving DKA. These patients have higher blood glucose concentration than classic T1DM patients, accompanied by electrolyte disturbances, impaired renal function, partially impaired liver function, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms and elevated trypsin. Most FTDM patients are adolescents and adults with no gender difference, especially pregnant women who are at high risk. Lifelong insulin dependence in FT1DM patients should be paid more attention in clinical treatment.

Current situation and improvement of cardiovascular clinical teaching / 中华医学教育探索杂志

There are some problems in clinical teaching of cardiovascular medicine, such as insuf-ficient attention to the "three bases" skills, not teaching trainees in accordance with their aptitude ade-quately, monotonous instructional mode, and assessment becoming a mere formality. Aiming at these prob-lems, we have explored the training methods of medical talents adapted to the modern medical model, and improved the clinical basic skills and thinking of the students and the quality of teaching through such measures as paying close attention to basic skills training, standardizing ward rounds, paying attention to teaching students in accordance with their aptitude, and reforming teaching methods and assessment modes.

Analysis for Risk Factors of Death in Atrial Fibrillation Patients With or Without Heart Failure / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To explore the risk factors of death in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with or without heart failure (HF). Methods: A total of 2015 emergency AF patients from 20 hospitals in China from 2008-11 to 2011-10 were consecutively enrolled. Based on existing HF, the patients were divided into 2 groups: HF group, n=753 and Non-HF group, n=1263. The baseline condition and in-hospital treatment were recorded, patients were followed-up for 1 year to document all-cause death and the relevant risk factors were studied by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results: Compared with Non-HF group, HF group had less male, lower heart rate (HR) and body mass index (BMI), less patients with previous histories of hypertension and hyperthyreosis, lower application rates of calcium antagonists and amiodarone, all P<0.05; HF group had the higher CHADS2score, more patients with previous histories of myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease (HD), valvular HD, rheumatic HD, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, smoking, LV dysfunction, cognitive disorder,pneumonectasis/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), valvular surgery and major bleeding; higher application rates of diuretics, ACEI, digoxin, aspirin and warfarin, all P<0.05. 1991 patients finished follow-up study and during that period, compared with Non-HF group, HF group showed the lower usage rates of rhythm-control drugs and clopidogrel, while higher usage rates of ventricular-control drugs and warfarin, all P<0.05; higher incidences of death and major bleeding, all P<0.05. Cox regression analysis indicated that HF was the risk factor for 1 year mortality in AF patients (HR=1.50, 95% CI 1.17-1.92, P=0.001). In Non-HF group, age (HR=1.09, 95% CI 1.07-1.11, P<0.001), heart rate (HR=1.011, 95% CI 1.005-1.017, P<0.001), primary diagnosis (HR=1.63, 95% CI 1.13-2.35, P=0.01) and COPD (HR=2.18, 95% CI 1.47-3.22, P<0.001) were related to 1 year death. In HF group, age (HR=1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07, P<0.001), BMI (HR=0.92, 95% CI 0.88-0.96, P<0.001), systolic blood pressure (HR=0.991, 95% CI 0.984-0.998, P=0.012) and primary diagnosis (HR=2.50, 95% CI 1.48-4.21, P=0.001) were related to 1 year death. Conclusion: Baseline condition and in-hospital treatment were different in AF patients with or without HF. HF was the risk factor for 1 year mortality and the other risk factors were different in AF patients with or without HF.

Clinical Characteristics and Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Outcomes in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

PURPOSE: Studies have shown that diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including atrial fibrillation (AF); however, the clinical characteristics and prognostic impact of DM in patients with nonvalvular AF have not been well understood in China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included were 1644 consecutive patients with nonvalvular AF. Endpoints included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, stroke, major bleeding, and combined endpoint events (CEE) during a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: The prevalence of DM was 16.8% in nonvalvular AF patients. Compared with non-diabetic AF patients, diabetic AF patients were older and tended to coexist with other cardiovascular diseases. Most patients with DM (93.5%) were eligible for anticoagulation, as determined by CHADS2 scores. However, only 11.2% of patients received anticoagulation. During a 1-year follow-up, the all-cause mortality and CEE rate in the DM group were significantly higher than those of the non-DM group, while the incidence of stroke was comparable. After multivariate adjustments, DM was still an independent risk factor for 1-year all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR)=1.558; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.126-2.156; p=0.007], cardiovascular mortality (HR=1.615; 95% CI 1.052-2.479; p=0.028), and CEE (HR=1.523; 95% CI 1.098-2.112; p=0.012), yet not for stroke (HR=1.119; 95% CI 0.724-1.728; p=0.614). CONCLUSION: DM is a common morbidity coexisting with nonvalvular AF and is associated with an increased risk of 1-year all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and CEE. However, no increased risk of stroke was found during a 1-year follow-up in patients with AF and DM.

Effect of two surgical treatments for primary angle-closure glaucoma combined with cataract / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To compare the effect of trabeculectomy and combined surgery of glaucoma and cataract treating primary angle-closure glaucoma ( PACG) with cataract. METHODS: It was retrospectively reviewed that 80 patients (90 eyes) with PACG and cataract were treated in our hospital from January 2012 to October 2013. They were divided into observation group ( combined surgery of glaucoma and cataract group, 45 eyes ) and control group ( trabeculectomy group, 45 eyes) . Postoperatively, all the patients were followed up for 6mo. Intraocular pressure ( IOP ) , visual acuity and complications were observed. RESULTS: Compared to preoperative IOP, postoperative IOP was significantly reduced in both observation group and control group, while IOP was reduced more greatly in observation group (P=0. 003). Visual acuity was significantly improved in observation group, while it was not improved significantly in control group ( P = 0. 036 ). Compared to control group, complications such as shallow anterior chamber with hypotony, macular edema and anterior chamber inflammation were less observed in observation group, with significant statistical difference ( P=0. 002, P=0. 003, P=0. 001). CONCLUSION: For patients with PACG and cataract, combined surgery of glaucoma and cataract is an effective surgery that can improve visual acuity and reduce IOP with fewer complications.

Relationship Between Platelet Counts at Admission and In-hospital Mortality in Patients With Type A Acute Aortic Dissection / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To explore the relationship between platelet counts at admission and in-hospital mortality in patients with type A acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: We investigated 183 consecutive patients with CT conifrmed diagnosis of type A AAD treated in our hospital from 2012-02 to 2013-05. There were 126 (68.9%) male and the patients were divided into 3 sets of groups.①In-hospital surviving group,n=157 and In-hospital death group,n=26.②According to platelet counts, the patients were divided into 5 groups: Q1 group, platelet counts ≤ 119×109/L,n=36, Q2 group, platelet (120-149) ×109/L,n=37, Q3 group, platelet (150-173)×109/L, n=36, Q4 group, platelet (174-228)×109/L,n=37, Q5 group, platelet >228×109/L,n=37.③At admission, platelet ≤ 119×109/L,n=36 and platelet >119×109/L,n=147. In addition, the patients were further divided into another 4 groups based on operative condition: platelet ≤ 119×109/L with operation,n=18, without operation,n=18; platelet > 119×109/L with operation,n=96, without operation,n=51. The basic information at admission including platelet counts, WBC and D-dimer were studied in all groups, the primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Results: The overall in-hospital mortality was 14.3%. Compared with In-hospital surviving group, the In-hospital mortality group had decreased platelet counts, lower blood pressure and higher level of D-dimer. The mortality in Q1 group (38.9%) was higher than those in Q2, Q3, Q4 and Q5 groups (10.8%, 11.1%, 8.1% and 2.7%), allP<0.001. The risk of death in Q5 group was higher than Q1 group (HR=11.2, 95% CI 2.13-123.3,P=0.007). With adjusted age, gender and other relevant factors, when platelet counts ≤ 119×109/L, the risk of in-hospital mortality with Cox multivariate model I analysis was (HR3.90, 95% CI 1.67-9.09,P=0.002), with Cox model II was (HR=2.67, 95% CI 1.15 -6.19,P=0.023). Conclusion: AAD patients with admission platelet counts ≤ 119×109/L had the high risk of in-hospital death, even with operation, lower platelet counts was still related to in-hospital death.

The impact of hypertension history and baseline blood pressure levels on the cardiovascular outcomes in Chinese emergency atrial fibrillation patients / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the impact of hypertension history and baseline blood pressure levels on cardiovascular outcomes in Chinese emergency atrial fibrillation patients during 1 year follow-up.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This prospective study consecutively enrolled patients presenting to an emergency department with atrial fibrillation from 20 hospitals in China during November 2008 to October 2011. Baseline data and treatment regimen were recorded, all patients were followed up for one year, and major cardiovascular events (MACE including cardiovascular death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and non central nervous systemic embolism) were recorded. Patients were divided into hypertension history group and non-hypertension history group. Univariate Cox analysis was evaluated hypertension history, baseline blood pressure on major cardiovascular events. Multivariate Cox analysis recognized risk factors for major cardiovascular events.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 2016 atrial fibrillation patients were enrolled, and the average systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were (131.9 ± 23.3)mm Hg(1 mm Hg = 0.133kPa), (79.9 ± 14.7)mm Hg respectively. 1118 patients (55.5%) had a history of hypertension, and about 91.1% hypertension patient received antihypertensive treatment. Major cardiovascular events occurred in 314 cases (15.6%) among 1 year follow up, and 191 cases (17.1%) among hypertension group and 123 cases (13.7%) among non-hypertension group. Univariate Cox regression analysis of prognostic factors for major cardiovascular events showed that hypertension history and baseline systemic blood pressure were risk factors (HR = 1.269, 95%CI: 1.012-1.592, P = 0.039; HR = 1.005, 95%CI: 1.000-1.010, P = 0.042). Multivariate Cox regression model analysis, adjusted others risk factors, showed that hypertension history, baseline systolic pressure levels, and baseline diastolic blood pressure did not have independent predictive value for major cardiovascular events. Moreover, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, history of heart failure, history of stroke were independent prognostic factor for one year follow-up of major cardiovascular events in atrial fibrillation patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Age, history of heart failure, history of stroke were independent predictor for 1 year major cardiovascular events in Chinese emergency atrial fibrillation patients.</p>

Myocardial injury and inflammatory response after interventional therapy in children with congenital heart disease / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study myocardial injury and inflammatory response within 7 days after interventional therapy in children with congenital heart disease (CHD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 77 children with CHD, including 12 cases of ventricular septal defect (VSD), 14 cases of atrial septal defect (ASD), 14 cases of pulmonary stenosis (PS) and 37 cases of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), were enrolled. The levels of myocardial enzyme (AST, CK and CKMB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and CRP in serum were measured before operation, immediately after operation, and 6 hrs, 24 hrs, 72 hrs and 7 days after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serum AST levels in the VSD group were significantly higher than the other CHD groups immediately after operation, and 6 hrs and 24 hrs after operation (P<0.05). There were significant differences in serum CK and CKMB levels among the four CHD groups immediately and 6 hrs after operation (P<0.05), and the highest serum CK and CKMB levels were found in the VSD group. Serum CRP levels in the PDA group were significantly higher than the other CHD groups 72 hrs and 7 days after operation (P<0.05). Compared with before operation, serum AST levels increased significantly in all four CHD groups 6 and 24 hrs after operation groups (P<0.05). Serum CK and CKMB levels increased significantly in the VSD group immediately and 6 hrs after operation (P<0.05). Serum cTnI levels increased significantly in the VSD, PDA and PS groups immediately and 6 hrs after operation (P<0.05). The PDA group showed increased CRP levels 24 hrs, 72 hrs and 7 days after operation (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Minor myocardial injury can be noted within 7 days after interventional therapy in children with CHD and mainly occurs between immediately and 24 hrs after operation. The injury is more significant in VSD cases. The interventional therapy does not cause significant inflammation.</p>

Relationships between serum resistin, adiponectin levels and bone mineral density in Chinese men: Data analysis of 232 volunteers / 中国组织工程研究

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the correlation of serum resistin and adiponectJn Ievels with bone mineral density(BMD)in 232 healthy male volunteers in Changsha area.METHODS:A totaI of 232 healthy Chinese men of Han population were selected randomly from Changsha area.All subjects gave their informed consent to participate in this study.Subjects were excluded from the study if they had conditions or received treatment that affecting bone metabolism.Serum adiponectin and resistin levels were determined by ELISA.BMD was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in total body,lumbar spine,and total hip.Body fat mass and lean body mass were measured by the whole body scanning.The correlation of serum adiponectin and resistin levels with fat mass and BMD at various sites were analyzed;the predictors of BMD at various sites was assayed using multiple linear stepwise regression analysis.RESULTS:Adiponectin was negatively correlated with fat mass(r=-0.216.P＜0.05),while resistin had no correlation with fat mass.The correlation disappeared after adjustment for age and fat mass(r=-0.006,P＞0.05).The significant negative correlations between adiponectin and BMD were found,and remained significant after adjustment for age and fat mass.There was no correlation between resistin and BMD at various sites.In the multiple linear stepwise regression analysis.adiponectin was an independent predictor of BMD in men.CONCLUSION:Resistin js not correlated with fat mass and BMD at various sites.Adiponectin is correlated with fat mass,and has a negative correlation with BMD at various sites,it is an independent predictor of BMD in Chinese men.

Effect of adiponectin on the expression of osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand in osteoblasts / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: The main role that the osteoprotegedn (OPG) plays in bone tissues is to inhibilate the formation and the activity of osteoclast, while as for the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), it is to stimulate the differentiation and the activity of osteoclast. Both OPG and RANKL are important for the regulation of osteoclastic function. Recent studies have found the stimulative effects of adiponectin on the proliferation and the differentiation of osteoblast, as well as the coupling between adiponectin and bone metabolism. But effects of adiponectin on osteoclast remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of adiponectin on the expression of OPG and RANKL in osteoblast, and to further analyze its effects on the formation of osteoclast. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A contrast observational experiment was conducted in the laboratory of Institute of 2008.MATERIALS: Cancellous bone in anterior superior lilac spine was obtained from adult normal by surgery for cell incubation. Clinical samples were provided by the Xiangya Hospital. METHODS: Human osteoblast was incubated with different doses of adiponcetin (0, 3, 10 and 30 mg/L) for 48 hours, after which OPG and RANKL mRNA and protein expression level was determined. In addition, adiponcetin was added into the co-culture system of osteoblast and peripheral blood monouclear cells for examing its effects on osteoclast formation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: OPG and RANKL mRNA and protein expression in human osteoblast was determined using fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Osteoclast was detected by antitartaric acid acid phosphatase staining. RESULTS: Adiponcetin inhibited osteoblast OPG mRNA and protein expression in a dose-dependent way (P < 0.05). Adiponcetin promoted osteoblast RANKL mRNA and protein expression in a dose-dependent way (P < 0.05). Adiponectin induced the osteoclasts formation in the co-culture system of osteoblast and peripheral blood monouclear cells. CONCLUSION: Adiponectin has the effect of inducing osteoclast formation via stimulating RANKL expression and inhibiting OPG

Variations of brain magnetic resonance imaging among manganese-exposed workers / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Variations of the signal intensities in the magnetic resonance (MR) T(1)-weighted image (T(1)WI) of globus pallidus among manganese(Mn)-exposed workers were explored to provide a scientific basis for exposed biomarker of manganese-injured central nervous system (CNS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The brain MR T(1) and T(2) WI in eighteen male asymptomatic Mn-exposed, eight manganism and nine healthy control workers were examined routinely by adopting a 1.5 Tesla signal superconducting system. The SIGP and the signal intensity in frontal white matter (SIFWM) in the same side were determined, then pallidal index (PI) was calculated. Concentration of MnO(2) in workplaces and content of manganese in red blood cell (MnRBC) among workers were respectively determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrophotometry (ICP-AES). The follow-up investigation in the eight high Mn-exposed workers was made one year later.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results showed that the median of air MnO(2) in smelting workplace was 0.64 mg/m(3)(0.07 - 5.40 mg/m(3)), which were respective 0.56 mg/m(3)(0.09 - 1.71 mg/m(3)) in power distribution room (low Mn-exposure) and 0.89 mg/m(3) (0.07 - 5.40 mg/m(3)) in furnace (high Mn-exposure). PI in the Mn-exposed and high Mn-exposed workers were both higher than those of the manganism and control workers(116.4 +/- 8.2, 119.0 +/- 7.9, 105.3 +/- 8.4 and 102.2 +/- 1.5, respectively. Mn vs control, t' = 7.146, P = 0.000; Mn vs manganism, t = 3.181, P = 0.004. High Mn-exposure vs control, t' = 7.446, P = 0.000; high Mn-exposure vs manganism, t = 3.763, P = 0.001). The increased signal in T(1)WI of globus pallidus was observed in Mn-exposed workers, especially in high Mn-exposed workers. The content of manganese in red blood cell of Mn-exposed and control workers was significantly higher than those of the manganism workers [(151.6 +/- 40.5) ng/ml, (149.2 +/- 21.3) ng/ml, (154.5 +/- 46.6) ng/ml, (144.4 +/- 14.2) ng/ml, (20.8 +/- 7.4) ng/ml respectively. The difference was significant in statistics. Manganism vs control, t = 20.206, P = 0.000; manganism vs Mn, t' = 13.144, P = 0.000; manganism vs low and high Mn, t' = 12.964, 9.957, respectively, P = 0.000]. Only a decreased median of air MnO(2) in furnace was found one year later (0.89, 0.31 mg/m(3), Z = -2.142, P = 0.032). The difference was significant in statistics.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our data suggests that SIGP of MR T(1)WI among workers was obviously increased by manganese-exposure. PI may be taken as the signal of CNS injury which was induced by manganese-exposure.</p>

Construction of eukaryotic recombinant vector and expression in COS7 cell of LipL32-HlyX fusion gene from Leptospira serovar Lai / 生物医学工程学杂志

This study was conducted to construct eukaryotic recombinant vector of LipL32-HlyX fusion gene from Leptospira serovar Lai and express it in mammalian cell. Both of LipL32 gene and HlyX gene were amplified from Leptospira strain O17 genomic DNA by PCR. Then with the two genes as template, LipL32-HlyX fusion gene was obtained by SOE PCR (gene splicing by overlap extension PCR). The fusion gene was then cloned into pcDNA3.1 by restriction nuclease digestion. Having been transformed into E. coli DH5alpha, the recombiant plasmid was identified by restriction nuclease digestion, PCR analysis and sequencing. The recombinant plasmid was then transfected into COS7 cell whose expression was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis. RT-PCR amplified a fragment about 2000 bp and Western blotting analysis found a specific band about 75 KD which was consistent with the expected fusion protein size. In conclusion, the successful construction of eukaryotic recombinant vector containing LipL32-HlyX fusion gene and the effective expression in mammalian have laid a foundation for the application of Leptospira DNA vaccine.

Eukaryotic expression and DNA immunization of hemolysin HlyX gene from Leptospira serovar Lai / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To study on the expression of the eukaryotic recombinant vector carrying HlyX gene of Leptospira serovar Lai in mammalian cell and explore the humoral immune response in BALB/c mice immunized with the recombinant plasmid. Methods The HlyX gene was amplified from Leptospira serovar Lai genomic DNA by PCR and inserted into pcDNA3.1 vector. After transformed into E. coli DH5α,the recombinant plasmid was assayed for identification by PCR analysis,restriction nuclease enzyme digestion and sequencing. The recombinant plasmid was transfected into COS-7 cells,then RT-PCR and Western blot were performed to test the expression of the target gene. The recombinant plasmid was injected intramuscularly into BALB/c mice for three times at intervals of two weeks,and the antibody titer was measured by ELISA. Results PCR showed the full length HlyX gene was about 1100 bp. PCR analysis,restriction nuclease enzyme digestion and sequencing indicated the recombinant vector was constructed successfully. After the plasmid Was transfected into COS-7 cells,a fragment about 1100 bp was found by RT-PCR and a specific band relative molecular mass(Mr)about 40×103,which was consistent with the expected size of the target proteins was showed by Western blot. ELISA showed the antibody titer in BALB/c mice immunized by the HlyX gene of Leptospira serovar Lai can elicit high-titer antibody in BALB/c mice,which has laid the foundation for the application of the DNA vaccine.

Study on the associated risk factors of rheumatic pain: a ILAR-China, WHO COPCORD Shantou study / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To validate the difference on the prevalence of rheumatic symptoms between north and south parts of the country and to study the associated risk factors of rheumatic complaints in Shantou city, China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total number of 10 638 people at above 16 years of age from four samples, were surveyed in 1987, 1992, 1995, and 1999. Protocol of International League Against Rheumatism (ILAR)-China collaborative study or WHO-ILAR community oriented program for control of rheumatic disease(COPCORD) core questionnaire was implemented. Data on related rheumatic symptoms were collected and analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prevalence rate of rheumatic complaints had been increasing in Shantou area during the last decade (in 1987 11.6%, 1992 12.5%, 1995 16.0% and 1999 19.8%) but still lower than that seen in Beijing, China in 1987(40.0%). Rheumatic symptoms were more prevalent in females than in males, in elderly than in young people with most frequently involved site happened in low back area, followed by knee and neck. Lumbar pain was more frequent among rural residents, while neck pain was more prevalent in urban school students. Prevalence of knee pain was significantly higher in people living in multi-storey buildings without elevator than those living in single-storey houses. The peak values of Bone Mineral Density in Shantou population were (0.839 +/- 0.085) g/cm2 in men, and (0.723 +/- 0.064) g/cm2 in women, significantly higher than that reported in 13 other provinces and cities including Beijing. The sense of seeking for medical help was higher in population with higher prevalence of rheumatic symptoms than that in lower complaints group. However, no significant difference was found in the rates of disability among the different populations.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prevalence rate of rheumatic complaints was lower in Shantou than that in Beijing. Socio-economic status, environment, sex, age, occupation, ergonomics, bone mineral density, and awareness of seeking medical care might have been the associated risk factors to the prevalence of rheumatic complaints.</p>

Analyses of Streptomyces coelicolor inner membrane proteome by multidimentional protein identification technology / 生物工程学报

Streptomyces coelicolor is the model species among streptomycetes. Until now, proteomic analyses of S. coelicolor have been conducted using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry method, few integral membrane proteins were identified due to the hydrophobic and low-abundance nature of these proteins. In this work, 154 possible inner membrane proteins from S. coelicolor were identified using high pH-proteinase K sample preparation method and multidimensional protein identification technology, among them 44 are integral membrane proteins containing at least one transmembrane domain, most peptides and their corresponding proteins were identified experimentally for the first time.