DNA Methylation and Transcription of HLA-F and Serum Cytokines Relate to Chinese Medicine Syndrome Classification in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the molecular bases of Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome classification in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in terms of DNA methylation, transcription and cytokines.@*METHODS@#Genome-wide DNA methylation and 48 serum cytokines were detected in CHB patients (DNA methylation: 15 cases; serum cytokines: 62 cases) with different CM syndromes, including dampness and heat of Gan (Liver) and gallbladder (CHB1, DNA methylation: 5 cases, serum cytokines: 15 cases), Gan stagnation and Pi (Spleen) deficiency (CHB2, DNA methylation: 5 cases, serum cytokines: 15 cases), Gan and Shen (Kidney) yin deficiency (CHB3, DNA methylation: 5 cases, serum cytokines: 16 cases), CHB with hidden symptoms (HS, serum cytokines:16 cases) and healthy controls (DNA methylation: 6 cases). DNA methylation of a critical gene was further validated and its mRNA expression was detected on enlarged samples. Genome-wide DNA methylation was detected using Human Methylation 450K Assay and furthered verified using pyrosequencing. Cytokines and mRNA expression of gene were evaluated using multiplex biometric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based immunoassay and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), respectively.@*RESULTS@#Totally 28,667 loci, covering 18,403 genes were differently methylated among CHB1, CHB2 and CHB3 (P<0.05 and |Δβ value| > 0.17). Further validation showed that compared with HS, the hg19 CHR6: 29691140 and its closely surrounded 2 CpG loci were demethylated and its mRNA expressions were significantly up-regulated in CHB1 (P<0.05). However, they remained unaltered in CHB2 (P>0.05). Levels of Interleukin (IL)-12 were higher in CHB3 and HS than that in CHB1 and CHB2 groups (P<0.05). Levels of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α and MIP-1β were higher in CHB3 than other groups and leukemia inhibitory factor level was higher in CHB1 and HS than CHB2 and CHB3 groups (P<0.05). IL-12, MIP-1α and MIP-1β concentrations were positively correlated with human leukocyte antigen F (HLA-F) mRNA expression (R2=0.238, P<0.05; R2=0.224, P<0.05; R=0.447, P<0.01; respectively). Furthermore, combination of HLA-F mRNA and differential cytokines greatly improved the differentiating accuracy among CHB1, CHB2 and HS.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Demethylation of CpG loci in 5' UTR of HLA-F may up-regulate its mRNA expression and HLA-F expression was associated with IL-12, MIP-1α and MIP-1β levels, indicating that HLA-F and the differential cytokines might jointly involve in the classification of CM syndromes in CHB.@*REGISTRATION NO@#ChiCTR-RCS-13004001.

Clinical application of dynamic locking screw in treating humeral shaft fracture / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare clinical effect of dynamic locking screws and common screws in treating humeral shaft fractures.@*METHODS@#From January 2016 to October 2018, clinical data of 46 patients with humeral shaft fracture were retrospectively analyzed, which were divided into dynamic locking screw internal fixation group (treatment group) and ordinary screw internal fixation group (control group). In treatment group, there were 14 males and 10 females, aged from 20 to 61 years old with an average of (36.8±10.9) years old;22 patients in control group, there were 13 males and 9 females, aged from 19 to 60 years old with an average of (35.9±12.8) years old. Length of incision, operation time, amount of bleeding, fracture healing time and complications were compared between two groups, Constant-Murley score of shoulder joint and Mayo score of elbow joint at 3 and 9 months after operation were compared to evaluate clinical effect.@*RESULTS@#Forty six patients were followed up from 9 to 43 months with an average of (18.6±7.9) months. There were no statistical differences in length of incision, operation time, amount of bleeding between two groups (>0.05);fracture healing time in treatment group was (12.2±3.2) weeks, and (15.6±4.7) weeks in control group;there was difference between two groups (0.05);One patient occurred neural paralysis in treatment group;1 patient occurred delayedunion, 2 patients occurred bone nonunion and 1 patient occurred broken nail in control group;while there was no statistical difference between two groups in complication.@*CONCLUSION@#Both of dynamic locking screws and ordinary screws could effectively treat humeral shaft fractures. dynamic locking screws has an advantage in fracture healing time, and recovery of early shoulder and elbow function. However, the active time of this technology is not too long in China, further study on long-term efficacy of large samples is needed.

Effect of Shenqi Fuzheng Injection in Improving Sensitivity of Human Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cells to Cisplatin Through Tumor Associated Macrophages / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To investigate the effect of Shenqi Fuzheng injection on the sensitivity of cisplatin through immunomodulation, in order to explore its mechanisms. Method::The cell survival was measured by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT), the rate of apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins were detected by Western blot, and the expression level of cytokines was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Result::Shenqi Fuzheng injection 1, 10, 100 mL·L-1 significantly inhibited the growth of co-cultured cells, and the cell survival rate was 71.8%and 59.9%at the concentration of 10, 100 mL·L-1 respectively.Shenqi Fuzheng injection 10 mL·L-1 combined with cisplatin significantly increased the sensitivity of co-cultured cells to cisplatin.The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin was reduced from 30 to 15 μmol·L-1.The rate of apoptosis induced by the combined treatment increased by 15.5%compared with that of cisplatin 15 μmol·L-1 (P<0.05). The expressions of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma-w (Bcl-w) and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xl) were inhibited, and the expressions of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and protein induced by BH3 domain (Bid) apoptosis were increased (P<0.05). Shenqi Fuzheng injection reduced the release of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induced by cisplatin (P<0.05). Conclusion::Shenqi Fuzheng injection improves the sensitivity of MDA-MB-231 to cisplatin by regulating immune cells, and plays a synergistic role in inhibiting the proliferation of breast cancer cells.This study provides experimental basis for the prevention and treatment of tumors with Yiqi Fuzheng method, and experimental reference for the study of traditional Chinese medicine in alleviating drug resistance of tumors.

Identification and antibiotics sensitivity analysis of Herbaspirillum huttiense in catheter-related bloodstream infection / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the identification and antibiotics susceptibility of Herbaspirillum in catheter-related bloodstream infection, and improve the awareness and attention of the rare pathogenic microorganisms for clinicians and microbiologists. Methods:The bacterium was isolated from a positive blood culture of a hemodialysis patient with chronic renal failure. The smear of isolate was prepared, stained and observed by microscope. The single colonies were identified by mass spectrometry and VITEK 2 Compact identification and antibiotics sensitivity analysis system, respectively. Then, 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was amplified and sequenced, and bacterial genome was sequenced.Results:The gram-negative bacilli was found in the positive blood culture bottle. After incubated on blood agar for 16 hours, milky white, bulging and non-haemolytic colonies were observed. The identification result was Burkholderia cepacian by VITEK 2_Compact and antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed resistance to aztreonam and polymyxin but sensitive to other drugs in N335 card. The isolate could not be identified by VITEK MS with clinical database. However, it was identified as Herbaspirillum huttiense/Herbaspirillum aquaticum with research database. The 16S rDNA of the strain was consistent with Herbaspirillum huttiense and Herbaspirillum aquaticum (more than 99%). High-throughput bacterial genome sequencing revealed that the isolate in this case shared 100% homology with Herbaspirillum huttiense subsp putei IAM 15032 in Genbank database, which confirmed that the isolate was Herbaspirillum huttiense. Conclusions:There are more and more environmental microorganisms evolved into human pathogenic bacteria. Herbaspirillum species are easy to be misidentified because its biochemical characteristics are similar to other strains.

Research Methods of Compatibility of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulas and Its Advances / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Traditional Chinese medicine formulas (TCMF) is composed of several Chinese herbal medicines based on the theory of TCM. It plays a synergistic role under the appropriate dosage ratio to achieve the overall adjustment and treatment of TCM. It is of great significance to study the compatibility of TCMF in promoting the modernization, development and clinical application of TCM. The compatibility law is the core of TCMF theory. In recent years, based on the seven compatible relations and monarch-minister-assistant-guide principles, the composition, pharmacological activity and pharmacokinetic properties of the TCMF and their compounds were studied by new techniques and new methods, and the scientific connotation of compatibility of TCMF was discussed from different perspectives. In addition, the establishment of a variety of mathematical methods and models, the development and application of network pharmacology and data mining methods also provide great help to the research on compatibility of TCMF. The development of research methods has promoted the scientific research on the compatibility of TCMF, but it is the main task of the research on the TCMF compatibility to establish the suitable research methods for the complex relationship of pharmacodynamic substances, to clarify the internal roles of TCMF and their compounds/components compatibility, and to construct a new modern TCMF.

Regulation of T cell immunity by cellular metabolism / 医学前沿

T cells are an important adaptive immune response arm that mediates cell-mediated immunity. T cell metabolism plays a central role in T cell activation, proliferation, differentiation, and effector function. Specific metabolic programs are tightly controlled to mediate T cell immune responses, and alterations in T cell metabolism may result in many immunological disorders. In this review, we will summarize the main T cell metabolic pathways and the important factors participating in T cell metabolic programming during T cell homeostasis, differentiation, and function.

Liver Tissue-related Metabolic Mechanism of Different Infusion Volumes for Hemorrhagic Shock / 法医学杂志

Objective To investigate the curative effects of various infusion volumes on liver-related metabolic mechanism in the treatment of hemorrhagic shock.Methods A severe hemorrhagic shock rabbit model was established in 30 rabbits.The rabbits were randomly divided into three groups:non-infusion group (A), conventional infusion group (B), and excessive infusion group (C) (n=10 in each group).Taking group B as the control, groups A and C were observed for the damage of non-infusion and excessive infusion, respectively.The outcomes in the three groups and their relations with liver tissue metabolism changes were analyzed with gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS).Results The mortality in groups A, B, and C group were 80％, 0％, and 70％, respectively.The liver tissue metabolic profile in group B showed statistically significant difference compared with that in groups A and B.In group C, the levels of 21 metabolites were lower than those in group B, and the levels of8 metabolites were lower than those in group A.The relative contents of various metabolites were correlated with infusion volumes, and the succinic acid content was associated with death events (P＜0.05).Conclusion The conventional infusion has significant curative effect on hemorrhagic shock.The metabolites of liver tissues with excessive infusion are generally decompensated and have longer survival time than those in non-infusion group, which may caused by the excessive infusion-induced blood volume increase after hemorrhagic shock.Tissue fluid dilution is an important cause of death.

Clinical observation of corneal collagen cross-linking and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for refractive error / 眼科新进展

Objective To observe the clinical outcomes of corneal collagen cross-linlIng (CLX) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for refractive error.Methods Together 100 patients (200 eyes) with myopia and/or astigmatism who underwent LASIK were admitted from December 2015 to January 2016,and divided into treatment group (50 patients,100 eyes),in which patient received CXL-LASIK,and control group (50 patients,100 eyes),in which the controls were given LASIK alone.Then the optical variables,including visual acuity,diopter,cornea endothelium cell counting,corneal transparency,corneal collagen cross-linking line,were examined and analyzed before operation and 1 week,1 month,3 months,6 months and 12 months after opera tion.Results As for postoperative time points,the uncorrected visual acuity after operation was better than the best corrected visual acuity before surgery in the two groups,but the differences in diopter between the two groups were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in diopter 1 month and 12 months postoperatively in the treatment group (t =0.021,P =0.070),while its difference in the control group 1 month and 12 months postoperatively(t =4.857,P =0.010).The differences of the cornea endothelium cell counting in the treatment group between before and after surgery were not statistically significant (F =1.163,P =0.327).Moreover,slightly opacification apPeared in anterior corneal stromal in the early stage after surgery in the treatment group,and the average thickness of corneal collagen cross-linking line was 210.00-340.00 (270.48 + 37.80) μm 1 month postoperatively,accounting for 63％ of the central cornea thickness.There were not flap-related complications in the treatment group,but the control group had corneal flap wrinkle in 3 eyes and displacement in 1 eye in the controls.Conclusion Corneal collagen cross-linlIng and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for refractive error can obtain better outcomes,including sound uncorrected visual acuity and stable diopter after surgery,without the loss of the corneal endothelial cells.

Postmortem interval estimation by time-dependent changes of morphology and biomechanical properties in brain tissues / 医用生物力学

Objective To explore the regularity of time-dependent changes in morphology and biomechanical properties of brain tissues in pigs, and value the feasibility of deducing the postmortem interval (PMI). Methods Brain tissues were taken from 42 pigs and kept in an artificial climate chamber with the temperature of 25 ℃ and humidity of 75%. The samples were collected from telencephalon at sequential time intervals (0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 h；n=6) according to the principle of predefined time, position, direction, ratio, quantity and shape. The samples fixed with formaldehyde were then immediately tested by mechanical testing machine to obtain their biomechanical parameters and the histological sections were prepared. Results With the extension of PMI (0-60 h), brain tissues gradually became discolored, weak, mudding and liquefied under the influence of autolysis and putrefaction. Both clearance area of the white matter and its integrated optical density (IOD) significantly increased during 0-48 h. Biomechanical properties of brain tissues including the limit load, average force, elastic modulus and fracture energy all presented a declining tendency at the interval of 12-60 h. The limit load was considered highly statistically significant, and statistical differences were found in average force, elastic modulus and fracture energy. Conclusions There exists a significantly negative structure-activity relationship between the morphology of brain tissues and biomechanical properties. The limit load of postmortem brain tissues in 60 h is the optimum in the window period, which can be used as a new method for estimating PMI.

An overview of epigenetics in Chinese medicine researches / 中国结合医学杂志

Chinese medicine (CM) has contributed to human health care for several thousand years and is still popular in Asian countries. But the mechanisms underlying CM remain obscure, and need to be clarifified by modern biological subjects and methods. Recently, CM researches on epigenetics have gained obvious improvement following rapidly developed molecular technologies. In this review, we revealed mutual characteristics of epigenetics and CM, such as holism, yin-yang dynamic nature, reversibility and balance, and visceral manifestation. Moreover, epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone post-transcriptional modifications, micro RNA interference, etc. may help explore the molecular basis of CM syndrome classifification, and mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), CHM compounds and Chinese herbal formulae activities. Meanwhile, CM and epigenetics might promote each other and jointly develop following the continuous progress of epigenetics in CM researches.

Clinical observation of corneal collagen cross-linking and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for refractive error / 眼科新进展

Objective To observe the clinical outcomes of corneal collagen cross-linlIng (CLX) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for refractive error.Methods Together 100 patients (200 eyes) with myopia and/or astigmatism who underwent LASIK were admitted from December 2015 to January 2016,and divided into treatment group (50 patients,100 eyes),in which patient received CXL-LASIK,and control group (50 patients,100 eyes),in which the controls were given LASIK alone.Then the optical variables,including visual acuity,diopter,cornea endothelium cell counting,corneal transparency,corneal collagen cross-linking line,were examined and analyzed before operation and 1 week,1 month,3 months,6 months and 12 months after opera tion.Results As for postoperative time points,the uncorrected visual acuity after operation was better than the best corrected visual acuity before surgery in the two groups,but the differences in diopter between the two groups were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in diopter 1 month and 12 months postoperatively in the treatment group (t =0.021,P =0.070),while its difference in the control group 1 month and 12 months postoperatively(t =4.857,P =0.010).The differences of the cornea endothelium cell counting in the treatment group between before and after surgery were not statistically significant (F =1.163,P =0.327).Moreover,slightly opacification apPeared in anterior corneal stromal in the early stage after surgery in the treatment group,and the average thickness of corneal collagen cross-linking line was 210.00-340.00 (270.48 + 37.80) μm 1 month postoperatively,accounting for 63％ of the central cornea thickness.There were not flap-related complications in the treatment group,but the control group had corneal flap wrinkle in 3 eyes and displacement in 1 eye in the controls.Conclusion Corneal collagen cross-linlIng and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for refractive error can obtain better outcomes,including sound uncorrected visual acuity and stable diopter after surgery,without the loss of the corneal endothelial cells.

Postmortem interval estimation by time-dependent changes of morphology and biomechanical properties in brain tissues / 医用生物力学

Objective To explore the regularity of time-dependent changes in morphology and biomechanical properties of brain tissues in pigs,and value the feasibility of deducing the postmortem interval (PMI).Methods Brain tissues were taken from 42 pigs and kept in an artificial climate chamber with the temperature of 25 ℃ and humidity of 75％.The samples were collected from telencephalon at sequential time intervals (0,12,24,36,48,60 h;n =6) according to the principle of predefined time,position,direction,ratio,quantity and shape.The samples fixed with formaldehyde were then immediately tested by mechanical testing machine to obtain their biomechanical parameters and the histological sections were prepared.Results With the extension of PMI (0-60 h),brain tissues gradually became discolored,weak,mudding and liquefied under the influence of autolysis and putrefaction.Both clearance area of the white matter and its integrated optical density (IOD) significantly increased during 0-48 h.Biomechanical properties of brain tissues including the limit load,average force,elastic modulus and fracture energy all presented a declining tendency at the interval of 12-60 h.The limit load was considered highly statistically significant,and statistical differences were found in average force,elastic modulus and fracture energy.Conclusions There exists a significantly negative structure-activity relationship between the morphology of brain tissues and biomechanical properties.The limit load of postmortem brain tissues in 60 h is the optimum in the window period,which can be used as a new method for estimating PMI.

Three-dimensional Fluoroscopy-based Navigation for the Pedicle Screw Placement in Patients with Primary Invasive Spinal Tumors / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Although pedicle screw placement (PSP) is a well-established technique for spine surgery, the treatment of patients with primary invasive spinal tumor (PIST) has high surgical risks secondary to destroyed pedicles. Intraoperative three-dimensional fluoroscopy-based navigation (ITFN) system permits safe and accurate instrumentation of the spine with the advantage of obtaining intraoperative real-time three-dimensional images and automatic registration. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of PSP using ITFN system for patients afflicted with PIST in the thoracic spine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-one patients diagnosed with PISTs were retrospectively analyzed, and 157 pedicles screws were implanted in 23 patients using the free-hand technique (free-hand group) and 197 pedicle screws were implanted in 28 patients using the ITFN system (ITFN group). Modified classification of Gertzbein and Robbins was used to evaluate the accuracy of PSP, and McCormick classification was applied for assessment of neurological function. Demographic data and factors affecting accuracy of screw insertion were compared using independent t-test while comparison of accuracy of screw insertion between the two groups was analyzed with Chi-square test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 51 patients, 39 demonstrated improved neurological status and the other 12 patients reported that symptoms remained the same. In the free-hand group, 145 screws (92.4%) were Grade I, 9 screws (5.7%) were Grade II, and 3 screws (1.9%) were Grade III. In the ITFN group, 192 screws (97.4%) were Grade I, 5 screws (2.6%) were Grade II, and no Grade III screw was detected. Statistical analysis showed that the accuracies of pedicle screws in the two groups are significantly different (χ2 = 4.981, P = 0.026).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The treatments of PISTs include total tumor resection and reconstruction of spine stability. The ITFN system provides a high accuracy of pedicle screw placement.</p>

Research advances in traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in cancer patients / 中西医结合学报

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome, also known as TCM ZHENG or TCM pattern, is an integral and essential part of TCM theory that helps to guide the design of individualized treatments. A TCM syndrome, in essence, is a characteristic profile of all clinical manifestations in one patient that can be readily identified by a TCM practitioner. In this article, the authors reviewed the presentations of TCM syndromes in seven common malignancies (liver, lung, gastric, breast, colorectal, pancreatic and esophageal cancers), the objectivity and the standardization of TCM syndrome differentiation, the evaluation of TCM syndrome modeling in cancer research, and syndrome differentiation-guided TCM treatment of cancers. A better understanding of TCM syndrome theory, as well as its potential biological basis, may contribute greatly to the clinical TCM diagnosis and the treatment of cancer.

Efficacy of the arthroscopic suture in meniscus anterior horn injury / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical efficacy of the arthroscopic Mender II stapler for the treatment of patients with meniscus anterior horn injury needing meniscal suture repair.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Among 47 patients with meniscus anterior horn injury, 29 patients were male and 18 patients were female, ranging in age from 12 to 31 years old, with a mean age of (20.53± 4.12) years old. The duration of disease ranged from 3 to 35 days, and the average duration was (12.43±5.74) days. The Mender II stapler was used to carry out arthroscopic suture from outside to inside. The Lysholm knee scoring system was used to evaluate and analyze preoperative and postoperative symptoms, such as pain, limping embolism and so on.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Forty-six patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 12 to 48 months, with a mean of (20.53±4.12) years. The incision healed at the first stage without important vessels and nerves injuries. The symptoms of the locked knee joint disappeared, and symptoms such as pain, limp, swelling and limitation of activity improved. The Lysholm score increased from preoperative 52.33±7.31 to postoperative 86.74±6.92.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Using Mender II stapler to treat patients with meniscus anterior horn injury who were treated with arthroscopic suture from outside to inside is effective to improve symptoms, and to obtain good short-term results.</p>

The association study on the polymorphisms of estrogen receptor α and β genes and systemic lupus erythematosus in Chinese Han cohort of Yunnan Province / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To analyze the association of polymorphisms of estrogen receptor (ER) α and β genes with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Chinese Han cohort of Yunnan Province.Methods XbaⅠ and Pvu Ⅱ of ERα gene,Rsa Ⅰ and Alu Ⅰ of ERβ gene were typed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 697 SLE patients and 638 healthy controls.The frequency distribution of the alleles and genotypes were analyzed by Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test and x2 test.Results ① For ERα gene,the frequency of minor allele of Pvu Ⅱ C in SLE patients was significantly higher than healthy controls (x2=15.427,P=0.001);the allele frequencies of XbaⅠ in SLE patients showed no significant difference compared with healthy controls (P＞0.05).The frequency of minor genotype of Pvu Ⅱ CC in SLE patients was significantly higher than healthy controls (x2=17.371,P=0.011).The frequency of two locus haplotype AATT in SLE patients was significantly lower than healthy controls (x2=6.333,P=0.012);the frequency of the two locus haplotype AACC in SLE patients was significantly higher than healthy controls (x2=7.771,P=0.038).② For ERβ gene,the frequency of minor allele RsaⅠ A in SLE patients was significantly lower than healthy controls (x2=12.595,P=0.013);the allele frequencies of Alu Ⅰ in SLE patients showed no significant differences compared with the healthy controls (P＞0.05).The frequency of minor genotype AA of Rsa Ⅰ in SLE patients was significantly higher than healthy controls (x2=41.456,P=0.000).The frequency of two locus haplotype AAGG in SLE patients was significantly higher than healthy controls (x2=37.063,P=0.000).The frequency of the two locus haplotype AAGA in SLE patients was significantly lower than healthy controls(x2=21.086,P=0.001).③ Pvu Ⅱ C was related with splenomegaly (x2=4.212,P＜0.05).The two locus haplotype AGTC of Xba Ⅰ and Pvu Ⅱ was related with edema (x2=7.898,P＜0.05).Conclusion There are associations between the polymorphisms of ERα and ERβ genes and SLE.The ERα and ERβ genes may be the susceptible genes for SLE in Yunnan Han Chinese Cohort.

Hematological parameters in high altitude residents: Tibetan natives versus Han migrants / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Aim of our study was to compare hematological parameters in Tibetan natives with those in Han migrants living on the Tibet plateau in order to determine the potential effects of age, gender, and ethnicity on hematological response to hypoxia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Blood hemoglobin (Hb, g/dl), hematocrit (Hct, %), red blood cells (RBC,10(6)/mm3) were measured in 3 588 healthy Tibetan natives and 3 371 Han migrants ranging in age from 5 to 72 years, living at a mean altitudes of 2 664 m, 3 813 m, 4 525m and 5 226 m.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration analysis was made by multiple regression equations relating hemoglobin to altitude and age. For 2 093 Han males, Hb = 9.612+ 0.001440xaltitude+ 0.06148xage. For 1 948 Tibetan males, Hb =12.202+ 0.000462xaltitude+ 0.02893xage. For 1 278 Han females, Hb = 10.858+ 0.000939xaltitude+ 0.02632xage. For 1 640 Tibetan females, Hb = 11.402+ 0.000626xaltitude+ 0.00412xage. Each of the four equations was statistically significant (P < 0.001), and had variance (r2) of 0.86 or more, indicating that altitude and age accounted for at least 85% of the variation in hemoglobin levels. The coefficients for altitude and for age were higher (P < 0.05) in Han males than in Tibetan males and higher (P < 0.05) in Han females than in Tibetan females. The Tibetan postmenopausal females had higher Hb values than premenopausal females only presented at altitude above 4 000 m while this phenomenon was beginning at altitude of 2 664 m among Han females.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>We conclude that gender and increasing age in Tibetans are associated with lower hemoglobin values than those in Han at high altitude, and we speculate that genetic factors seems to be important.</p>

Advances in mesenchymal stem cells combined with traditional Chinese medicine therapy for liver fibrosis / 中西医结合学报

Liver fibrosis is a primary cause of liver cirrhosis, and even hepatocarcinoma. Recently, the usage of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been investigated to improve liver fibrosis. It has been reported that the differentiation, proliferation and migration of MSCs can be regulated by traditional Chinese medicine treatment; however, the mechanisms are still unclear. In this article, the authors review the characteristics of MSCs such as multidirectional differentiation and homing, and its application in animal experiments and clinical trials. The authors also list areas that need further investigation, andlook at the future prospects of clinical application of MSCs.

A genetic adaptive pattern-low hemoglobin concentration in the Himalayan highlanders / 中国应用生理学杂志

Mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of about 3 500 subjects derived from 17 studies of Himalayan highlanders (Tibetans, Sherpas, and Ladakhis) was compared with lowlanders (Chinese Han, Indian Tamils) lived in the Himalayas, and European climbers during Everest expeditions as well as Andean natives. The results found that Hb concentration in Himalayan highlanders was systemically lower than those reported for Andean natives and lowland immigrants. These comparative data demonstrated that a healthy native population may successfully reside at high altitude without a significant elevation in Hb, and the lower Hb levels of Himalayan highlanders than those of migrated lowlanders and Andean natives are an example of favourable adaptation over the generations. In addition, excessive polycythemia has frequently been used as a marker of chronic mountain sickness (CMS). Altitude populations who have a higher Hb concentration also have a higher incidence of CMS. The low Hb in Himalayans suggested as showing adaptation over many generations in Tibetan stock. Recent work in Tibet, suggested that Tibetans there may have adapted to high altitude as a result of evolutionary pressure selecting for genes which give an advantage at altitude. All of the population genomic and statistical analysis indicated that EPAS1 and EGLN1 are mostly likely responsible for high altitude adaptation and closely related to low Hb concentration in Tibetans. These data supported the hypothesis that Himalayan highlanders have evolved a genetically different erythropoietic response to chronic hypoxia by virtue of their much longer exposure to high altitude.

Characterization of a novel podoviridae-phage infecting Serratia marcescens isolated in China / 病毒学报

Serratia marcescens jn01 was employed as the host for the isolation of phages from environmental sewage. One strain of phage named SmPjn was purified by picking transparent plaque with 2mm diameter and clear edge on the double-layer agar repeatedly. Electron micrographs indicated that the phage head was icosahedral with head size and tail length of (58 +/- 2.16) x (55 +/- 0.47) nm and (7 +/- 1.25) nm, respectively. On the basis of the morphology, this phage belongs to the family Podoviridae. Host-range determination revealed that the phage was capable of infecting the other two isolates of S. marcescens, P25 and CMCC41002. The optimal multiplicity of infection was 1. A one-step growth curve of SmPjn indicated that the latent period and burst size were estimated at 50 min and 1,125 pfu/cell, respectively . Genomic DNA of SmPjn was above 27kb in size and could be digested by Hind Ill and EcoR I into 11 and 9 visible fragments after electrophoresis, respectively. A novel Podoviridae-phage infecting S. marcescens was firstly reported in China.