Dual therapy with lopinavir/ritonavir plus lamivudine could be a viable alternative for antiretroviral-therapy-naive adults with HIV-1 infection regardless of HIV viral load or subgenotype in resource-limited settings: A randomised, open-label and non-inferiority study from China

Backgrounds: This randomised controlled, open-label, non-inferiority trial was conducted in antiretroviral-na飗e HIV-1-infected patients to assess the efficacy and safety of 48-week dual therapy of LPV/r plus 3TC (DT group) compared with Chinese first-line triple-therapy regimen (TT group). Methods: 198 were randomised to DT (n = 100) or TT (n = 98). Results: Ninety-two DT patients (92%) and 88 TT patients (89.8%) achieved HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/ml at week 48 (P = 0.629). Moreover, the safety profile was similar between two groups, and no secondary HIV resistance was observed. Conclusion: The results suggest that dual therapy of LPV/r plus 3TC is non-inferior to the first-line triple-therapy regimen in China.

The Application Methods of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Signal Pathway Inhibitors SP600125 and SB203580 in Long-term in Vivo Experiments / Métodos de aplicación de los inhibidores SP600125 y SB203580 de la vía de señalización de la proteína quinasa activada por mitógeno en experimentos in vivo a largo plazo

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the application methods of mitogen-activated protein kinase signal pathway inhibitors SP600125 and SB203580 in long-term in vivo experiments. Methods: A total of 55 healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into blank control group, model control group, SP low dose group, SP high dose group, SP blank group, SB low dose group, SB high dose group, SB blank group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control group, DMSO blank group, and positive control group. Since the first day of the experiment, each group was administered the corresponding treatment for four weeks continuously. Then, the myocardial c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the total protein of p38, protein phosphorylation and its gene expression levels were detected. Results: After intravenous treatment with adriamycin, the myocardial phosphorylate-JNK (p-JNK) and phosphorylate-p38 (p-p38) levels in all groups were increased to varying degrees, of which the model control group increased the most significantly (p < 0.05). Compared with the model control group, the myocardial p-JNK and p-p38 increased more slowly in the SP low dose group, SP high dose group, SB low dose group, SB high dose group and positive control group (p < 0.05), of which the increase in the SP high dose group and the SB high dose group was the slowest (p < 0.05). After four weeks, the total protein and messenger ribonucleic acid of the myocardial JNK and p38 in all groups had no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The continuous intravenous injection of SP600125 and SB203580 for four weeks significantly reduced the protein phosphorylation levels of JNK and p38, which provides a practical avenue for the long-term study in vivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Explorar los métodos de aplicación de los inhibidores SP600125 y SB203580 de la vía de señalización de la proteína quinasa activada por mitógeno en experimentos in vivo a largo plazo. Métodos: Un total de 55 conejos sanos de Nueva Zelandia fueron divididos aleatoriamente en los grupos siguientes: grupo de control en blanco, grupo de control modelo, grupo de dosis baja SP, grupo de dosis alta SP, grupo en blanco SP, grupo de dosis baja SB, grupo de dosis alta SB, grupo en blanco SB, grupo de control dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO), grupo en blanco DMSO, y grupo de control positivo. Desde el primer día del experimento, a cada grupo se le administró el tratamiento correspondiente por cuatro semanas continuas. Entonces, se detectaron la quinasa c-Jun N-terminal (JNK) miocárdica y la proteína p38 total, así como la fosforilación proteica y sus niveles de expresión génica. Resultados: Después del tratamiento intravenoso con adriamicina, los niveles de fosfo-JNK (p-JNK) y fosfo-p38 (p-p38) del miocardio aumentaron en todos los grupos en diversos grados, siendo el aumento del grupo de control modelo el más significativo (p < 0.05). En comparación con el grupo de control modelo, p-JNK y p-p38 miocárdicos aumentaron más lentamente en el grupo de dosis baja SP, el grupo de dosis alta SP, el grupo de dosis baja SB, el grupo de dosis alta SB, y el grupo de control positivo (p < 0.05). De estos, el aumento en el grupo de dosis alta SP y el grupo de dosis alta SB fue el más lento (p < 0.05). Después de cuatro semanas, la proteína total y el ácido ribonucleico mensajero de JNK y p38 miocárdicos en todos los grupos, no tuvieron diferencias significativas (p > 0.05). Conclusión: La inyección intravenosa continua de SP600125 y SB203580 durante cuatro semanas redujo significativamente los niveles de fosforilación proteica de JNK y p38, lo que proporciona una vía práctica para el estudio a largo plazo in vivo.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of upper thoracic versus lower thoracic upper instrumented vertebrae for adult scoliosis: a meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of upper thoracic (UT) versus lower thoracic (LT) upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) for adult scoliosis by meta-analysis. We conducted a literature search in three databases to retrieve related studies up to March 15, 2017. The preliminary screened studies were assessed by two reviewers according to the selection criteria. All analyses were carried out using the statistical software package R version 2.31. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to describe the results. The I2 statistic and Q statistic test were used for heterogeneity assessment. Egger's test was performed to detect publication bias. To assess the effect of each study on the overall pooled OR or standardized mean difference (SMD), sensitive analysis was conducted. Ten trials published between 2007 and 2015 were eligible and included in our study. Meta-analysis revealed that the UT group was associated with more blood loss (SMD=0.4779, 95%CI=0.3349-0.6209, Z=6.55, P<0.0001) and longer operating time (SMD=0.5780, 95%CI=0.1971-0.958, Z=2.97, P=0.0029) than the LT group. However, there was no significant difference in Oswestry Disability Index, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) function subscores, radiographic outcomes including sagittal vertical axis, lumbar lordosis, and thoracic kyphosis, length of hospital stay, and revision rates between the two groups. No evidence of publication bias was found between the two groups. Fusion from the lower thoracic spine (below T10) has as advantages a shorter operation time and less blood loss than upper thoracic spine (above T10) in posterior long-segment fixation for degenerative lumbar scoliosis.

Effect of microRNA-21 on the proliferation of human degenerated nucleus pulposus by targeting programmed cell death 4

This study aims to explore the effect of microRNA-21 (miR-21) on the proliferation of human degenerated nucleus pulposus (NP) by targeting programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) tumor suppressor. NP tissues were collected from 20 intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) patients, and from 5 patients with traumatic spine fracture. MiR-21 expressions were tested. NP cells from IDD patients were collected and divided into blank control group, negative control group (transfected with miR-21 negative sequences), miR-21 inhibitor group (transfected with miR-21 inhibitors), miR-21 mimics group (transfected with miR-21 mimics) and PDCD4 siRNA group (transfected with PDCD4 siRNAs). Cell growth was estimated by Cell Counting Kit-8; PDCD4, MMP-2,MMP-9 mRNA expressions were evaluated by qRT-PCR; PDCD4, c-Jun and p-c-Jun expressions were tested using western blot. In IDD patients, the expressions of miR-21 and PDCD4 mRNA were respectively elevated and decreased (both P<0.05). The miR-21 expressions were positively correlated with Pfirrmann grades, but negatively correlated with PDCD4 mRNA (both P<0.001). In miR-21 inhibitor group, cell growth, MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expressions, and p-c-Jun protein expressions were significantly lower, while PDCD4 mRNA and protein expressions were higher than the other groups (all P<0.05). These expressions in the PDCD4 siRNA and miR-21 mimics groups was inverted compared to that in the miR-21 inhibitor group (all P<0.05). MiR-21 could promote the proliferation of human degenerated NP cells by targeting PDCD4, increasing phosphorylation of c-Jun protein, and activating AP-1-dependent transcription of MMPs, indicating that miR-21 may be a crucial biomarker in the pathogenesis of IDD.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 improves insulin resistance in vitro through anti-inflammation of macrophages

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a kind of gut hormone, is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Emerging evidence indicates that GLP-1 has anti-inflammatory activity. Chronic inflammation in the adipose tissue of obese individuals is a cause of insulin resistance and T2D. We hypothesized that GLP-1 analogue therapy in patients with T2D could suppress the inflammatory response of macrophages, and therefore inhibit insulin resistance. Our results showed that GLP-1 agonist (exendin-4) not only attenuated macrophage infiltration, but also inhibited the macrophage secretion of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-β, IL-6, and IL-1β. Furthermore, we observed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage conditioned media could impair insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. This effect was compensated by treatment with the conditioned media from macrophages treated with the combination of LPS and exendin-4. It was also observed that exendin-4 directly inhibited the activation of NF-κB in macrophages. In conclusion, our results indicated that GLP-1 improved inflammatory macrophage-derived insulin resistance by inhibiting NF-κB pathway and secretion of inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Furthermore, our observations suggested that the anti-inflammatory effect of GLP-1 on macrophages can contribute to GLP-1 analogue therapy of T2D.

Putative role of ischemic postconditioning in a rat model of limb ischemia and reperfusion: involvement of hypoxia-inducible factor-1? expression

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is one of the most potent angiogenic growth factors. It improves angiogenesis and tissue perfusion in ischemic skeletal muscle. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that ischemic postconditioning is effective for salvaging ischemic skeletal muscle resulting from limb ischemia-reperfusion injury, and that the mechanism involves expression of HIF-1α. Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=36 each): sham-operated (group S), hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion (group IR), and ischemic postconditioning (group IPO). Each group was divided into subgroups (n=6) according to reperfusion time: immediate (0 h, T0), 1 h (T1), 3 h (T3), 6 h (T6), 12 h (T12), and 24 h (T24). In the IPO group, three cycles of 30-s reperfusion and 30-s femoral aortic reocclusion were carried out before reperfusion. At all reperfusion times (T0-T24), serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, as well as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations, were measured in rats after they were killed. Histological and immunohistochemical methods were used to assess the skeletal muscle damage and HIF-1α expression in skeletal muscle ischemia. In groups IR and IPO, serum LDH and CK activities and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 concentrations were all significantly increased compared to group S, and HIF-1α expression was up-regulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In group IPO, serum LDH and CK activities and TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations were significantly decreased, IL-10 concentration was increased, HlF-1α expression was down-regulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the pathological changes were reduced compared to group IR. The present study suggests that ischemic postconditioning can reduce skeletal muscle damage caused by limb ischemia-reperfusion and that its mechanisms may be related to the involvement of HlF-1α in the limb ischemia-reperfusion injury-triggered inflammatory response.

Inhibitory effect of liposomal quercetin on acute hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis induced by concanavalin A

Immune response plays an important role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of quercetin on hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis induced by immunological mechanism. In the acute hepatitis model, quercetin (2.5 mg/kg) was injected iv into mice 30 min after concanavalin A (Con A) challenge. Mice were sacrificed 4 or 24 h after Con A injection, and aminotransferase tests and histopathological sections were performed. Treatment with quercetin significantly decreased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Consistent with this observation, treatment with quercetin markedly attenuated the pathologic changes in the liver. A hepatic fibrosis model was also generated in mice by Con A challenge once a week for 6 consecutive weeks. Mice in the experimental group were treated with daily iv injections of quercetin (0.5 mg/kg). Histopathological analyses revealed that treatment with quercetin markedly decreased collagen deposition, pseudolobuli development, and hepatic stellate cells activation. We also examined the effects of quercetin on the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathways by immunohistochemistry and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). NF-κB and TGF-β production was decreased after treatment with quercetin, indicating that the antifibrotic effect of quercetin is associated with its ability to modulate NF-κB and TGF-β production. These results suggest that quercetin may be an effective therapeutic strategy in the treatment of patients with liver damage and fibrosis.

Association between the c.910A>G genetic variant of the XRCC1 gene and susceptibility to esophageal cancer in the Chinese Han population

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common malignancy worldwide. The X-ray repair cross-complementing 1 gene (XRCC1) is one of the most important candidate genes for influencing susceptibility to EC. This study aimed to investigate the effect of XRCC1 genetic variants on susceptibility to EC. A total of 383 EC patients (males: 239, females: 144, mean age: 56.62) and 387 cancer-free controls (males: 251, females: 136, mean age: 58.23) were enrolled in this study. The c.910A>G genetic variant of the XRCC1 gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing methods. The allele and genotype frequencies indicated statistical differences between EC patients and cancer-free controls. The c.910A>G genetic variant was statistically associated with increased susceptibility to EC [GG vs AA: odds ratio (OR)=1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.12-2.86, P=0.014; GG vs AG/AA: OR=1.76, 95%CI=1.13-2.75, P=0.013; G vs A: OR=1.25, 95%CI=1.01-1.55, P=0.041]. The allele G and genotype GG could contribute to the increased susceptibility to EC. Our findings suggest that the c.910A>G genetic variant is associated with susceptibility to EC in the Chinese Han population, and might be used as a molecular marker for detecting susceptibility to EC.

Apigenin inhibits cell migration through MAPK pathways in human bladder smooth muscle cells

Apigenin, a nonmutagenic flavonoid, has been shown to possess free radical scavenging activities, anticarcinogenic properties, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Recently, apigenin was reported to cause gastric relaxation in murine. To assess possible effects of apigenin on migration of bladder smooth muscle (SM) cell, we isolated SM cells from peri-cancer tissue of human bladder and established a cell model that was capable to overexpress transiently MEKK1 (MEK kinase 1). Results showed that overexpression of active human MEKK1 by adenoviruses infection induced migration of human bladder smooth muscle (hBSM) cells and phosphorylation of MAPKs, ERK, JNK and p38, which are the downstream molecules of MEKK1. Then, hBSM cell overexpressing MEKK1 were exposed to apigenin (50 microM). Our data indicated that apigenin inhibited significantly activation/phosphorylation of MAPKs and migration of hBSM cells induced by MEKK1 overexpression. Besides, apigenin inhibited actin polymerization, which underlines muscle contraction and cell migration. The results suggest that apigenin inhibits activation of MAPKs and thereby the cell migration. The mechanism might be that apigenin blocks signal transmission from MEKK1 to MAPKs.

The survey of HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitude and behaviour among migrant peasant workers in Middle City in China / Encuesta de conocimientos, actitudes, y comportamientos en relación con el VIH/SIDA entre los trabajadores campesinos migratorios de la Ciudad Media en China

OBJECTIVES: To explore HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitude and behaviour among migrant peasant workers in Changsha, which is a inland city in central China, and to provide evidence that educating this population may help to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in China. METHODS: A total of 1782 migrant peasant workers participated in the study. A questionnaire was used to determine their knowledge ofHIV/AIDS and related attitude and behaviour items. RESULTS: The majority of the respondents had a rather low level of overall HIV/AIDS knowledge and its prevention, had what constituted risky behaviour in this regard and a generally low acceptance of HIV-infected persons. Furthermore, their behaviour and attitude were analysed with respect to their educational level, occupational class and score ofHIV/AIDS related knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this investigation will help healthcare professionals develop a sensitive and specific educational programme for migrant peasant workers. Educating this population will be a very important aspect ofHIV/AIDS prevention in China.

OBJETIVOS: Explorar los conocimientos, las actitudes, y el comportamiento en relación con el VIH/SIDA, entre los trabajadores campesinos migratorios en Changsha - una ciudad del interior en China central -y proporcionar evidencias en cuanto al hecho de que educar a esta población puede ayudar a prevenir la diseminación del VIH/SIDA en China. MÉTODOS: Un total de 1782 trabajadores campesinos migratorios participó en el estudio. Se usó un cuestionario a fin de determinar sus conocimientos sobre el VIH/SIDA, así como aspectos relacionados con la actitudy el comportamiento hacia este último. RESULTADOS: La mayoría de los encuestados tenían un nivel bastante bajo de conocimientos generales sobre el VIH/SIDA y su prevención, poseían lo que pueden considerarse como una conducta riesgosa al respecto, y manifestaban una aceptación generalmente baja de las personas infectadas con el VIH. Además, se analizaron su comportamiento y actitud con respecto a su nivel educacional, clase ocupacional y puntuación en cuanto a conocimientos en relación con el VIH/SIDA. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de esta investigación ayudarán a los profesionales de la salud a desarrollar un programa educativo sensible y específico para los trabajadores campesinos migratorios. Educar a esta población será un aspecto muy importante para la prevención del VIH/SIDA en China.

Significance of mutation in the D-loop region in cervical cancer / Importancia de la mutación en la región D-loop en el cáncer cervical

AIM: To investigate the mutation in the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA in cervical cancer and its influence on the changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell cycle. METHODS: The D-loop region was amplified by PCR and sequenced. Reactive oxygen species and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry in 40 specimens from cervical cancer and adjacent normal tissues. According to the sequence results, gastric cancer tissue was divided into mutation group and control group. Reactive oxygen species, apoptosis and proliferation in the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Among the 40 cervical cancer specimens, 21 mutations were identified in 12 patients, the mutation rate being 30%. There were four microsatellite instabilities in the mutations. No mutation was found in the adjacent tissues. Reactive oxygen species, apoptosis and proliferation in the mutation group were all significantly higher than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: Mutation in the D-loop region plays a role in the genesis and development of cervical cancer.

OBJETIVO: Investigar la mutación en la región D-loop del ADN mitocondrial en el cáncer cervical y su influencia en los cambios de las especies reactivas de oxígeno (ROS) y el ciclo celular. MÉTODOS: La región D-loop fue amplificada mediante PCR y secuenciada. Las especies reactivas de oxígeno y el ciclo celular fueron descubiertos mediante citometría de flujo en 40 espécimenes de cáncer cervical y los tejidos normales adyacentes. Según los resultados de la secuencia, el tejido canceroso gástrico fue dividido en un grupo de mutación y un grupo control. Se compararon las especies reactivas de oxígeno reactivo, la apoptosis y la proliferación en los dos grupos. RESULTADOS: Entre los 40 especimenes de cáncer cervical, se identificaron 21 mutaciones en 12 pacientes, para una tasa de mutación del 30%. En las mutaciones se presentaron cuatro inestabilidades de microsatélite. No se encontró mutación alguna en los tejidos adyacentes. Las especies reactivas de oxígeno, la apoptosis y la proliferación en el grupo de mutación fueron todas significativamente mayores a las del grupo de control. CONCLUSIÓN: La mutación en la región D-loop desempeña un papel en la génesis y desarrollo del cáncer cervical.

Duodenal gastric metaplasia and Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with diffuse nodular duodenitis

Whether the regression of gastric metaplasia in the duodenum can be achieved after eradication of Helicobacter pylori is not clear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between H. pylori infection and gastric metaplasia in patients with endoscopic diffuse nodular duodenitis. Eighty-six patients with endoscopically confirmed nodular duodenitis and 40 control patients with normal duodenal appearance were investigated. The H. pylori-positive patients with duodenitis received anti-H. pylori triple therapy (20 mg omeprazole plus 250 mg clarithromycin and 400 mg metronidazole, all twice daily) for one week. A control endoscopy was performed 6 months after H. pylori treatment. The H. pylori-negative patients with duodenitis received 20 mg omeprazole once daily for 6 months and a control endoscopy was performed 2 weeks after treatment. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 58.1 percent, and the prevalence of gastric metaplasia was 57.0 percent. Seventy-six patients underwent endoscopy again. No influence on the endoscopic appearance of nodular duodenitis was found after eradication of H. pylori or acid suppression therapy. However, gastric metaplasia significantly decreased and complete regression was achieved in 15/28 patients (53.6 percent) 6 months after eradication of H. pylori, accompanied by significant improvement of other histological alterations. Only mild chronic inflammation, but not gastric metaplasia, was found in the control group, none with H. pylori infection in the duodenal bulb. Therefore, H. pylori infection is related to the extent of gastric metaplasia in the duodenum, but not to the presence of diffuse nodular duodenitis.

Cytotoxicity of Marchantia convoluta leaf extracts to human liver and lung cancer cells

The cytotoxicity of three extracts (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) from a plant used in folk medicine, Marchantia convoluta, to human non-small cell lung carcinoma (H1299) and liver carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines was tested. After 72-h incubation of lung and liver cancer cell cultures with varying concentrations of extracts (15 to 200 æg/mL), cytotoxicity was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and reported in terms of cell viability. The extracts that showed a significant cytotoxicity were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis to identify the components. The ethyl acetate, but not the petroleum ether or n-butanol extract, had a significant cytotoxicity against lung and liver carcinoma cells with IC50 values of 100 and 30 æg/mL, respectively. A high concentration of ethyl acetate extract (100 æg/mL) rapidly reduced the number of H1299 cells. At lower concentrations of ethyl acetate extract (15, 30, and 40 æg/mL), the numbers of HepG2 cells started to decrease markedly. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the ethyl acetate extract revealed the presence of several compounds such as phytol (23.42 percent), 1,2,4-tripropylbenzene (13.09 percent), 9-cedranone (12.75 percent), ledene oxide (7.22 percent), caryophyllene (1.82 percent), and caryophyllene oxide (1.15 percent). HPLC analysis result showed that there were no flavonoids in ethyl acetate extract, but flavonoids are abundant in n-butanol extract. Further studies are needed regarding the identification, toxicity, and mechanism of action of active compounds.

Field performance of VAQTA (inactivated, purified hepatitis a vaccine) in Chinese children in Jiangsu.

In Jiangsu, 30% of children between the ages of 5 and 8 years test seropositive for hepatitis A. The safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a 2-dose regimen (0, 6 months) of VAQTA (0.5 ml of 25U) administered IM in 50 healthy children aged 5 to 8 years without prior serological screening was evaluated. Blood samples were collected prior to the first dose and after each additional dose of VAQTA to determine the initial anti-HAV serostatus and response rates to the vaccine. Twelve children (24%) were initially seropositive and 38 (76%) were initially seronegative. Four weeks after the primary dose of VAQTA, 34 of the 38 subjects (89.5%, 95% CI 75 to 97) were anti-HAV seropositive. The geometric mean titer was 33.1 mIU/ml (95% CI 22.4 to 49.0). After the booster dose at 6 months, all the subjects were seropositive (37/37), giving a seroconversion of 100% (95% CI: 90, 100). The geometric mean titer was 7585.8 mIU/ml (95% CI: 5623.4 to 10,471.3). Adverse experiences were generally mild and transient. Results of this study are consistent with results from a previous double-blind randomized trial of this vaccine and confirm that VAQTA is highly immunogenic, and generally well-tolerated.

Prediction of elimination of leprosy in leprosy endemic areas of China.

A study was carried out based upon the data from the National System for Leprosy Surveillance and using appropriate mathematical models. The results showed that of 337 counties where the national goal of basic eradication of leprosy had not been reached and in 40 counties where the WHO goal of leprosy elimination had not been achieved in 1996, the detection rates in calendar years followed exponential models with significant goodness-of-fit. In the 67 counties with downward trends of detection rates, the national goal can be met in terms of detection rate in 6% of counties before the year 2000 or 34.4% before the year 2010, or, in terms of prevalence rate in 31.3% before the year 2010. In the 11 counties with downward trends of the detection rates, the WHO target can be met in eight to ten counties within this century when the duration of disease was determined with the WHO definition. If the MB proportion among new cases increased by 10%, the target would be met one year later. However, at the same MB proportion, the change of fixed treatment schedules from PB six months and MB two years to PB nine months and MB three years will cause achievement of the goal to be postponed by two to ten years.

Use of PCR/DNA probes to identify circumsporozoite genotype of Plasmodium vivax in China.

The paper reports the result of identifying cirumsporozoite (CS) genotype of Plasmodium vivax by using PCR/DNA probe labeled with biotin. The sensitivity of this method to detect patient blood samples was 0.2 parasite/microl and also with high specific to P. vivax. CS genes from 52 blood samples collected from patients with P. vivax in Hainan and Yunnan Provinces were amplified by PCR and 49 were positive by gel-e electrophoresis analysis, positive rate was 94%. Then the amplified CS genes further were probed with special oligoprobes (PV210 and PV247) that hybridized with the predominant CS repeat region and the variant CS repeat region. The results showed 46 (88.5%) PV210 positive and 6 (11.5%) PV247 positive; 2 hybridized with both probes. The variant genotype was present only in samples from Yunnan Province. The above results showed that the PCR/DNA probe labeled with biotin was highly sensitive and specific to P. vivax and found a CS variant genotype of P. vivax in Yunnan Province of China.

Baculovirus expression of the major surface antigen of Toxoplasma gondii and the immune response of mice injected with the recombinant P30.

The major surface antigen (P30) of the Toxoplasma gondii was expressed by an insect cell culture system infected with recombinant baculovirus. About 750 microg of purified (95% purity) P30 was obtained from a culture of 10(8) insect Sf21 cells. The recombinant P30 was used to immunize mice to induce immune response. Mice injected with the recombinant protein produced specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Immunization with P30 also prolonged the period of survival of mice infected by Toxoplasma. The average survival time of control group is 13.25+/-1.16 days, but are 16.13+/-2.1 days, 19.50+/-3.21 days, 20.38+/-3.38 days in different immunized groups, respectively.