Suppress Sampling Truncation Artifacts in Constant-time Type Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Experiments Using Iterative Soft Thresholding Method / 分析化学

Sampling truncation, i. e. sampling ends before signal decays to zero, introduces wiggle-like artifacts that impair the quality of nuclear magnetic resonance ( NMR) spectra. In multidimensional ( mD) NMR experiments, the first few hundred or less data points are commonly sampled in the indirect dimension, and the truncation is unavoidable. Apodization can suppress truncation artifacts with cost of line-broadening. Linear prediction is also beneficial to the reduction of truncation artifacts. The worst situation is in the constant time ( CT) type experiments, where the signal doesn ' t decay at all in the CT evolution dimension. In this contribution we proposed that, although iterative soft thresholding ( IST) was rarely used due to the difficult parameter tuning, it was particularly suitable to suppress the truncation artifacts in the CT type NMR experiments. The simulation and experiments were performed to show the performance of this method. And the processing result was compared with a method proposed recently.

Analysis of human BRIT1 expression and its clinical significance in cervical cancer / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To detect the expression of BRIT1 in cervical cancer tissues and cervical noncancer tissues ,and to analyze the differences between the two tissues .Methods The expression of BRIT1 mRNA and protein in cervical cancer tissues and the paired cervical noncancer tissues was evaluated by RT‐PCR and immmunohistochemistry .Its correlation with the clinicopathological parameters including age ,tumor types ,size ,tumor pathological grade and clinical stage was analyzed .Results RT‐PCR results showed that the BRIT1 mRNA level in cervical cancer tissues was significantly lower than that in the paired cervical noncancer tis‐sues ,the difference was statistically significant (P<0 .05) .The immmunohistochemistry results showed that the BRIT 1 protein ex‐pression level in 44 cases of 63 (69 .8% ) samples wa slower than that in the paired cervical noncancer tissues ,the difference was statistically significant(P<0 .05);In high pathological grades and high clinical stages ,the decrease of BRIT1 protein expression was more significant .Conclusion The difference of the BRIT1 expression between the cervical cancer tissues and cervical noncancer tis‐sues suggests that BRIT1 may play a certain role in the occurrence and development of cervical cancer .

Preparation of antibodies against phosphorylated YB-1 and investigation of the clinical value as a biomarker to monitor hepatocellular carcinoma with pulmonary metastasis / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To prepare antibodies (pAbs) against phosphorylated Y-box binding protein 1 (pYB-1), perform qualitative detection of the ascites/pYB-1 ratio in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with pulmonary metastasis (HCC-PM), and assess the clinical significance of the ascites/pYB-1 ratio as a diagnostic biomarker for HCC-PM.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Bioinformatic prediction and chemical synthesis was used to identify and generate the YB-1 polypeptide with phosphorylation at serine position 102 (KYLRSVGDG). Rabbits were immunized with the YB-1 polypeptide coupled to a carrier protein. Protein A affinity chromatography was used to prepare highly-purified pAbs.ELISA and SDS-PAGE were used to determine concentration and purity of the pAbs. A total of 109 ascites specimens were collected from patients (36 cases of HCC,44 cases HCC-PM, and 29 cases of liver cirrhosis) and concentrated to obtain the pYB-1. Western blotting was used to qualitatively detect pYB-1 in ascites. Regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to assess the qualitative data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prepared pAbs had a concentration of more than or equal to 1:1 * 106 and high purity. The pAbs/YB-1S102 specifically recognized endogenous pYB-1S102. The pYB-1S102 detected in ascites specimens from patients with HCC and HCC-PM, and the positive rate of detection was 30.6% and 77.3% respectively (P < 0.01).The pYB-1S102 showed sensitivity of 77.3% and a accuracy rate of 73.8% for diagnosis of HCC-PM.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Detection of pYB-1S102 in ascites could be a useful biomarker for diagnosis and metastasis monitoring in patients with HCC.</p>

To investigate the opportunity of entecavir treatment for HBeAg-negative acute-on-chronic liver / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore relations between the opportunities and effects of internal general treatment added Entecavir on acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B in different score ranges of acute-on-chronic liver failure severity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 108 ACLF of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients with different ACLF severity score were treated with internal general treatment added Entecavir. The liver failure severity scores, HBV-DNA loads during the initiation of therapy, recovery phase and in deathbed phase, courses of Entecavir administration and mortalities were studied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>For 19 patients with high ACLF score (> or = 12), the difference in ACLF score between pre and post-treatment was not significant. The difference in HBV-DNA load between pre and post-treatment was not significant and the mortality was 18/19. For 30 patients with higher intermediate ACLF score (8-11), the difference in ACLF score between pre and post-treatment was not significant. The difference in HBV-DNA load between pre and post-treatment was significant, and the mortality was 66.67% (20/30). For 36 patients with lower intermediate ACLF score (5-7), the difference in ACLF score between pre and posttreatment was not significant. The difference in HBV-DNA load between pre and post-treatment was significant, and the mortality was 30.56% (11/36). For 23 patients with low ACLF score (< or = 4), the difference in ACLF score between pre and post-treatment was significant. The difference in HBV-DNA load between pre and post-treatment was significant, and the mortality was 8.70% (2/23).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>A novel acute-on-chronic liver failure scoring system can syllabify differentiate the relations between the opportunities and efficacies on the Entecavir treatment for HBeAg-negative ACLF.</p>

Efficacy of sequential or combined amphotericin B and fluconazole therapy in non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related cryptococcal meningitis / 中华传染病杂志

Objective To explore the efficacy of sequential or combined amphotericin B (AmB) and fluconazole (FCZ) therapy on a 5 flucytosine based regimen in non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related cryptococcal meningitis.Methods A tatal of 117 cases of non-AIDS-related cryptococcal meningitis treated with 5-flurocytosine-based regimens were retrospectively divided into five groups:AmBgroup (n=38),FCZ group (n=25),FCZ and AmB sequential group (n=18),AmB and FCZ sequential group (n=15),AmB and FCZ combination group (n=21).The number in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the five groups were compared.Statistical analyses included t test,oneway analysis of variance,K-independent samples test and chi-square test.Results Intracranial pressure of AmB group,FCZ group,FCZ and AmB sequential group,AmB and FCZ sequential group,AmBandFCZ combination group were (208.6±75.1),(191.5±94.5),(185.0±76.3),(201.9±69.7) and (223.1±89.3) mm H2O (1 mm H2O=0.0098 kPa),respectively,and the differences were not statistically significant (F=0.611,P =0.656).Median cryptococcus counts in CSF of the five groups were 0,10,0,3 and 0/mL,respectively,with no statistical significance (x2 =7.638,P-0.090).CSF protein levels of the five groups were 0.55,0.69,0.67,0.53 and 0.96 g/L,respectively,with no significant differences among groups (F=7.063,P=0.133).The cure rates of the five groups were 55.3％ (21/38),32.0％ (8/25),9/18,6/15 and 47.6％ (10/21),respectively;progression rates or mortality of the five groups were 28.9％ (11/38),44.4％ (11/25),5/18,4/15and 23.8％ (5/21),respectively; and the differences among cure rates (x2 =3.638,P=0.457) and progression rates or mortality (x2-2.785,P =0.604) were not statistically significant.Conclusion FCZ or AmB alone,sequential or combined therapy were all effective in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis.

Hepatitis B virus X promotes HepG2 cell cycle progression and growth via downregulation expression of p16 protein / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects and related mechanisms of hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein on cell cycle and growth in hepatocellular carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A human hepatocyte HepG2 cell line stably expressing a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged HBx (HepG2/GFP-HBx cells) was used for the experiment, and HepG2 parental and HepG2/GFP cells was used as the controls. Effect of HBx on cell growth was evaluated by the MTT cell proliferation assay and on cell cycle progression by flow cytometry analysis of cells with or without treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR; 5 pmol/L). Effect of HBx expression on promoter methylation status of the p16INK4A tumor-suppressor gene was detected by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and on p16 protein level was analyzed with western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The HepG2/GFP-HBx cells showed significantly higher cell proliferation at 72 hrs of culture (3.225+/-0.038 A490) than either control (HepG2: 2.012+/-0.022 A490, t = -46.86, P less than 0.001; HepG2/GFP: 2.038+/-0.029 A490, t = 42.51, P less than 0.001). The HepG2/GFP-HBx cells also showed significantly lower proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase (16.45%+/-0.45%) than either control (HepG2: 44.81%+/-1.36%, t = -34.202, P less than 0.001; HepG2/GFP: 42.76%+/-1.58%, t = -28.88, P less than 0.001). However, 5-Aza-CdR treatment did lead to a significant amount of HepG2/GFP-HBx cells being arrested in the G0/G1 phase (33.25%+/-0.79%, t = 31.85, P less than 0.001). The p16INK4A promoter was methylated in the HepG2/GFP-HBx cells, and became demethylation after treatment with 5-Aza-CdR. However, no methylation of p16INK4A promoter was observed in both HepG2 and HepG2/GFP cells. The p16 protein level was significantly lower in the HepG2/GFP-HBx (vs. HepG2 and HepG2/GFP cells) and this level increased after treatment with 5-Aza-CdR.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HBx protein promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell cycle progression and growth by shortening the G0/G1 phase, and the underlying mechanism may involve inducing p16INK4A promoter methylation and downregulating p16 protein expression.</p>

Small interfering RNA targeting to hepatitis B virus X gene and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidineon inhibited growth of the subcutaneous implanted tumor of hepatocellular carcinoma in nude mice / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the anti-tumor effect of small interfering RNA targeting to HBV X gene (X-siRNA) and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) on HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>X-siRNA and control siRNA were synthesized. HepG2/GFP-HBx cells were treated with X-siRNA, and the levels of HBV X mRNA were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Nude mice were inoculated with HepG2/GFP and HepG2/GFP-HBx cells subcutaneous respectively to establish implant models of hepatocellular carcinoma, and were treated with X-siRNA, 5-aza-dC alone or in combination, and tumor growth was observed. The methylation of p16 gene promoter was detected by methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>RT-PCR showed the expression of HBV X mRNA in HepG2/GFP-HBx cells was inhibited markedly by X-siRNA. The nude mice experiment showed that the gross tumor volume was much bigger in HepG2/GFP-HBx group than that in HepG2/GFP group (P < 0.05). The growth of palpable tumors in X-siRNA or 5-aza-dC treatment group notably decreased (P < 0.05). MSP analysis showed that p16 gene methylation was observed in HepG2/ GFP-HBx-caused palpable tumors, while no methylation was detected in HepG2/GFP group. However, after treatment with X-siRNA or 5-aza-dC, p16 gene methylation reduced.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HBV X-siRNA and methylation inhibitor can inhibit the growth of hepatoma cells via reversing p16 methylation.</p>

Prognostic analysis and establishment of a prognostic model for patients with liver failure with hepatorenal syndrome / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the factors that may influence the prognosis of patients with hepatorenal syndrome and try to establish a prognostic model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data of 126 patients with hepatorenal syndrome were analyzed and 56 indexes that might affect the prognosis were focused on, involving history, symptoms, signs and lab findings. Cox model and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Many factors were found to affect the prognosis independently, including hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and its degree, gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), blood neutrophil count (N1) and serum creatinine (Cr). The prognosis model was established as the following equation where PI represents prognosis index: PI = 0.711HE + 0.836GIB + 0.052N1 + 0.002Cr (GIB: no = 0, yes = 1; HE: no = 0, phase I = 1, phase II = 2, phase II = 3, phase IV = 4). When PI < 1, the average survival time was 42 days; when 1 < or = PI < or = 3, the average survival time was 15 days; when PI > 3, the average survival time was 2 days.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results obtained from this study may help in estimation of diagnosis, analysis of illness state and evaluation of therapy in clinical work.</p>

Lamivudine versus entecavir for patients with HBeAg-negative acute-on-chronic liver failure / 中华传染病杂志

Objective To evaluate the short-term efficacy of lamivudine versus entecavir for patients with HBeAg-negative acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) with different pretreatment liver failure degrees.MethodsA total of patients with HBeAg-negative ACLF were enrolled into this retrospective study.Seventy-two cases were treated with lamivudine 100 mg daily,while 93 cases were treated with entecavir 0.5 mg daily.Biochemical items,model for end-stage liver disease (MELD)score,hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level and mortality were observed.The efficacies of the two drugs were analyzed in patients with different degrees of liver failure.The comparison of rates was done using chi-square test and the measurement data were compared by t test.ResultsAmong the patients with pretreatment MELD scores above 30,the post-treatment HBV DNA levels in lamivudine group and entecavir group were (3.6 ± 1.1) lg copy/mL and (3.7 ± 1.4) lg copy/mL,respectively (t=0.181,P=0.859) and the mortalities were 92.0％ and 91.8％,respectively (χ2 =0.002,P=0.680).For the patients with pretreatment MELD scores from 23 to 30,the post-treatment HBV DNA levels in two groups were (3.2± 1.1) lg copy/mL and (3.2±2.3) lg copy/mL,respectively (t=0.760,P=0.455) and the mortalities were 42.9％,54.1％,respectively (χ2 =0.799,P=0.455).In patients with pretreatment MELD scores below 23,the post-treatment HBV DNA levels in two groups were (3.1±1.0) lg copy/mL and (2.8±1.5) lg copy/mL,respectively (t=-0.740,P=0.464) and the mortalities were 3/19 and 6.3％,respectively (χ2=1.227,P=0.455).In lamivudine group,the mortalities were significantly different among patients with three different ranges of pretreatment MELD scores (χ2 =26.967,P =0.000).The similar differences were also found in entecavir group (χ2 =41.260,P=0.000).ConclusionsAmong treatment na?ve patients with HBeAg-negative ACLF,the short-term efficacy of lamivudine versus entecavir is equal if the degree of pretreatment liver failure is similar.Meanwhile,the degrees of pretreatment liver failure significantly affects the outcome of the treatment.

The 10-year clinical analysis of cryptococcal meningitis treated with fluconazole and flucytosine / 中华传染病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects of patients with non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ( AIDS )-related cryptococcal meningitis treated with fluconazole and flucytosine.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted including 52 cases of non-AIDS-related cryptococcal meningitis,which were divided into two groups:the amphotericin B combined with flucytosine group (n =32) and the fluconazole combined with flucytosine group (n =20 ). The comparison between groups was done by t test and chi-square test.ResultsThe intracranial pressure of the amphotericin B combined with flucytosine group and the fluconazole combined with flucytosine group were (221.9±76.2) and (213.4±99.2) mm H2O,respectively (t=0.302,P＞0.05) ; the cryptococcus counts in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were (351 ± 1180) and (508 ± 943)/mL,respectively (t=- 0.473,P＞0.05) ; the CSF protein levels were (0.754 ± 0.726) and (0.649 ±0.308) g/L,respectively (t=0.578,P＞0.05) ; the CSF white blood cell (WBC) counts were (16±25) × 106/L and (28±32) × 106/L,respectively (t=-1.348,P＞0.05).The cured rates were 59.38％ (19/32) and 35.00％ (7/20),respectively in the amphotericin B combined with flucytosine group and the fluconazole combined with flucytosine group,and the improved rates were 6.25％(2/32)and 25.00％ (5/20),respectively,the uncured or mortality rates were 34.38％ (11/32) and 40.00％ (8/20),respectively,and the difference were not significant of cured rates (x2 =2.925,P＞0.05) and uncured or mortality rates (x2 =0.168,P＞0.05) between two groups.ConclusionFluconazole combined with flucytosine also has a good effect on the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis.

Discussion on the meaning of MELD score in the opportunity of the entecavir treatment of HBeAg-negative acute-on-chronic liver failure / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the opportunity and effect of internal general treatment added entecavir on acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients in different ranges of MELD score.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 101 ACLF of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients treated with internal general treatment added entecavir were divided into three groups according to the MELD score. The mortalities and HBV DNA loads during the initiation of therapy, recovery phase and in deathbed phase were studied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>20 of patients with high MELD score (> or = 30) received (14.6 +/- 14.1) days treatment. The difference in MELD score between pre-(36.03 +/- 5.01) and post-treatment (39.86 +/- 5.95) was significant (t = - 2.994, P = 0.007). There was no significant difference in HBV DNA load between pre-[(4.454 +/- 1.714) copies log10/ml] and post-treatment [(3.979 +/- 1.947) copies log10/ml] (t = 2.212, P = 0.051), the mortality was 100% (20/20). 47 of patients with moderate MELD score (22-30) received (51.5 +/- 41.6) days treatment. There was no significant difference in MELD score between pre-(25.71 +/- 2.47) and post-treatment (26.18 +/- 13.32) (t = - 0.263, P = 0.794). The difference in MELD score between pre-[(6.084 +/- 1.795) copies log10/ml] and post-treatment [(3.378 +/- 2.156) copies log10/ml] was significant (t =7.148, P = 0.000), the mortality was 53.19% (25/47). 34 of patients with low MELD score (< or = 22) received (67.2 +/- 40.9) days treatment. The difference in MELD score was significant between pre-(< or = 18.85 +/- 2.72) and post-treatment (11.68 +/- 7.23) (t = 5.983, P = 0.000). There was significant difference in HBV DNA load between pre-[(5. 945 +/- 1.635) copies log10/ml] and post-treatment [(2.725 +/- 1.194) copies log10/ml] (t = 9.962, P = 0.000), the mortality was 2.94% (1/34).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The ACLF of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients with a low score of MELD score (< or = 22) mostly survive with internal general treatment added entecavir. The mortality of the patients with a MELD score (22-30) is 53.19% (25/47). The patients with high MELD score (> or = 30) which almost lack the opportunity of treatment, is associated with fatal liver failure and need for emergency liver transplantation.</p>

Diversity and aboveground biomass of lianas in the tropical seasonal rain forests of Xishuangbanna, SW China

Lianas are important components of tropical forests and have significant impacts on the diversity, structure and dynamics of tropical forests. The present study documented the liana flora in a Chinese tropical region. Species richness, abundance, size-class distribution and spatial patterns of lianas were investigated in three 1-ha plots in tropical seasonal rain forests in Xishuangbanna, SW China. All lianas with = 2 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) were measured, tagged and identified. A total of 458 liana stems belonging to 95 species (ranging from 38 to 50 species/ha), 59 genera and 32 families were recorded in the three plots. The most well-represented families were Loganiaceae, Annonceae, Papilionaceae, Apocynaceae and Rhamnaceae. Papilionaceae (14 species recorded) was the most important family in the study forests. The population density, basal area and importance value index (IVI) varied greatly across the three plots. Strychnos cathayensis, Byttneria grandifolia and Bousigonia mekongensis were the dominant species in terms of IVI across the three plots. The mean aboveground biomass of lianas (3 396 kg/ha) accounted for 1.4% of the total community aboveground biomass. The abundance, diversity and biomass of lianas in Xishuangbanna tropical seasonal rain forests are lower than those in tropical moist and wet forests, but higher than those in tropical dry forests. This study provides new data on lianas from a geographical region that has been little-studied. Our findings emphasize that other factors beyond the amount and seasonality of precipitation should be included when considering the liana abundance patterns across scales. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (1-2): 211-222. Epub 2009 June 30.

Las lianas son componentes importantes de los bosques tropicales y tienen importantes impactos en la diversidad, la estructura y la dinámica de los bosques tropicales. El presente estudio documenta la flora de lianas en una región tropical estacional china. La riqueza de especies, abundancia, clases de tamaño y patrones espaciales de distribución de las lianas fueron investigados en tres parcelas de una hectárea de bosque tropical estacional lluvioso, en Xishuangbanna, SW China. Todas las lianas con = 2 cm de diámetro a la altura del pecho (DAP) fueron medidas, etiquetadas e identificadas. Un total de 458 tallos de lianas pertenecientes a 95 especies (que van de 38 a 50 especies/ha), 59 géneros y 32 familias se registraron en las tres parcelas. Las familias mejor representadas fueron Loganiaceae, Annonceae, Papilionaceae, Apocynaceae y Rhamnaceae. Papilionaceae (14 especies registradas) fue la de mayor importancia. La densidad de población, área basal y el índice de valor de importancia (IVI) varió mucho a través de las tres parcelas. Strychnos cathayensis, Byttneria grandifolia y Bousigonia mekongensis fueron las especies dominantes en términos de IVI en las tres parcelas. La media de la biomasa aérea de lianas (3 396 kg/ha) representó el 1.4% de la biomasa aérea total de la comunidad. La abundancia, biomasa y diversidad de lianas en bosques tropicales estacionales de Xishuangbanna son inferiores a los de zonas tropicales y bosques húmedos, pero superiores a los de los bosques tropicales secos. Este estudio proporciona nuevos datos sobre las lianas de una región geográfica que ha sido poco estudiada. Los resultados enfatizan que otros factores, además de la cantidad y la estacionalidad de la precipitación, deben ser considerados al examinar los patrones de la abundancia de lianas.

In vitro MR imaging of Fe2O3-arginine labeled heNOS gene modified endothelial progenitor cells / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the feasibility of in vitro magnetic resonance imaging on Fe2O3-arginine labeled heNOS gene modified endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fe2O3 was incubated with arginine to form Fe2O3-arginine complex. Rabbit peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated and EPCs were isolated by adherence method, expanded and modified with heNOS gene using Lipofectamine 2000. After 48 hours, genetically modified EPCs were incubated with Fe2O3-arginine for 24 hours. Intracellular iron was detected by Prussian blue stain. The expression of heNOS gene was detected by Western blot. MTT assay was used to evaluate cell survival and proliferation of Fe2O3-arginine labeled heNOS-EPCs. Flow cytometry was used to measure cell apoptosis. The cells underwent in vitro MR imaging with various sequences.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Iron-containing intracytoplasmatic vesicles could be clearly observed with Prussian blue staining, and the labeling rate of labeled heNOS-EPCs were similar to that of labeled EPCs (around 100%). Survival and apoptosis rates obtained by MTT and flow cytometry analysis were similar among labeled heNOS-EPCs, labeled EPCs and unlabeled EPCs with Fe2O3-arginine. The signal intensity on MRI was equally decreased in labeled heNOS-EPCs and labeled EPCs compared with that in unlabeled cells. The percentage change in signal intensity (DeltaSI) was most significant on T2*WI and DeltaSI was significantly lower in cells labeled for 7 days than that labeled for 1 days.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The heNOS gene can be successfully transfected into rabbit peripheral blood EPCs using Lipofectamine2000. The heNOS-EPCs can be labeled with Fe2O3-arginine without significant change in viability and proliferation capacity. The labeled heNOS-EPCs can be imaged with standard 1.5 T MR equipment. The degree of MR signal intensity may indirectly reflect the cell count, growth and division status.</p>

Status of vaccination against hepatitis B among postgraduate students in medical higher education institutions in Guangzhou / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the status of vaccination against hepatitis B among postgraduate students of medical institutions of higher education in Guangzhou.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HBsAg and anti-HBs in the serum samples from 1139 postgraduate students were detected by ELISA. Data on hepatitis B vaccine inoculation were investigated by using a questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed by using SAS software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The HBsAg positive rate among the 1139 postgraduate students was 2.90 percent. The HBsAg positive rates in hepatitis B vaccine inoculated (1.15 percent) and non- inoculated (21.69 percent) postgraduate students were significantly different (x2=119.11, P<0.0001). The positive rates of HBsAb between the two groups were also significantly different (x2=62.05, P<0.0001). Among the hepatitis B vaccine inoculated students, 17.31 percent were negative for HBsAb. The positive rate of HBsAb among those inoculated the vaccine within the past 3 years was higher than that among those inoculated the vaccine earlier (0-3 years vs. 4-6 year, P=0.0089) (0-3 years vs. 7-9 years, P=0.0172) (0-3 years vs. >9 years, P=0.0474). The positive rate of HBsAb among the students who received hepatitis B vaccine booster dose was higher than that of the students who did not receive any booster dose (P=0.0093).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>With the increase of ages, the effect of vaccination for hepatitis B decreased. Male populations may be more susceptible to hepatitis B virus than female. It is necessary to monitor HBsAb levels for those who were inoculated with HBV vaccine more than 3 years ago to give booster dose in time to prevent HBV infection.</p>

In vitro MR imaging of Fe(2)O(3)-PLL labelled rabbit peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To perform in vitro magnetic resonance imaging on magnetic iron oxide (Fe(2)O(3)-PLL) labeled rabbit peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fe(2)O(3) was incubated with PLL for 2 hours to form Fe(2)O(3)-PLL. Rabbit peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated and EPCs were selected by adherence method, expanded and incubated with Fe(2)O(3)-PLL. Intracellular iron was detected by Prussian blue stain and under electron microscope. MTT assay was used to evaluate cell survival and proliferation of Fe(2)O(3)-PLL labeled EPCs. Flow cytometry was used to analysis cell cycle and apoptosis. The cells underwent in vitro MR imaging with various sequences.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Iron-containing intracytoplasmatic vesicles could be observed clearly with Prussian blue staining and electron microscope observation. Survival, life cycle and apoptosis values obtained by MTT and flow cytometry analysis were similar among unlabelled EPCs and EPCs labeled with various concentrations Fe(2)O(3)-PLL. The signal intensity on MRI was significantly decreased in labeled cells compared with that in unlabeled cells. The percentage change in signal intensity (DeltaSI) was most significant on T(2)*WI and DeltaSI was significantly lower in cells labeled for 7 days than that labeled for 1 day.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The rabbit peripheral blood EPCs can be labeled with Fe(2)O(3)-PLL without significant change in viability and proliferation. The labeled EPCs can be imaged with standard 1.5 T MR equipment. The degree of MR signal decreasing may indirectly reflect the cells count, growth state and division.</p>

Discussion on Teaching Methods of Practical Physical Diagnostics / 中华医学教育探索杂志

The research is focused on the current situation and shortcomings in teaching of practical physical diagnostics.In the experimental group regular teachers are in charge of teaching and strengthening the physical examination training of students,and in the contrast group the teaching missions are distributed to different teachers in different departments,and the differences of the teaching effects between the two groups are thus discussed.The result reveals that the scores of the physical examination test in the experimental group is better than that in the contrast group,and the difference is significant(P

Local transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells to reduce restenosis after angioplasty in rabbit model / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To investigate homografting vascular endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs)for preventing restenosis formation of carotid artery in New Zealand white rabbit models.Methods EPCs of New Zealand white rabbits were isolated,confirmed and expanded though the injured carotid arterial endothelium of rabbit model induced by dilatation with a 2.5 F balloon;and then EPCs were transplanted into the injured endothelium of the cells transplantation group(n=13,3 of them were transplanted with fluorencently-labeled- EPCs),while equal volume of saline without EPCs was injected into the injured endothelium in the control group(n=8).Histopathology was performed at 4 days after transplantation for the 2 rabbits,with fluorencently-labeled-EPCs.All of the rest remained rabbits were killed 4 weeks later for histological examinations.Results The histopathological slides showed that the fluorescence-positive expression existed in the injured endothelium 4 days after transplantation.At 4 weeks after the EPCs transplantation,there were less restenosis and less vascular wall thickening in the rabbits of cells transplantation group than those of the control group(P＜0.01).Conclusion The local interventional homografting heterogeneous endothelial progenitor cells can prevent restenosis after the carotid artery angioplasty in New Zealand White rabbit model. (J Intervent Radiol,2007,16:95-98)

Investigation on the function and morphometrics of cultured primary rat ~hepatocytes / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM: To investigate the function and morphological changes of long-term cultured primary rat hepatocytes. METHODS: Rat primary hepatocytes were isolated by two-step in situ collagenase perfusion method, and then were purified by density and grade centrifugal method with Percoll. Cell viability was observed by 0.4% trypan blue. The hepatocytes were seeded into 6 wells plate with HepatoZYME-SFM medium. ALT, AST, albumin and urea levels in the supernatant were measured, CYPⅠA1 was detected with EROD method. RESULTS: (2-3)?108 cells per whole liver were obtained with viability and purity above 90% after purified with Percoll. Hepatocytes cultured in HepatoZYME-SFM grew well with normal hepatocyte morphometrics. ALT, AST levels in the supernatant decreased after 3-day culture, and kept at a stable level after 6-9 days. Albumin secretion and urea synthesis were maintained at high levels in 18 days, while CYPⅠA 1 enzyme activity was only detected in 3-6 days. CONCLUSIONS: Percoll was used to increase the viability and purity of freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. Hepatocyte morphometrics and their biological synthesized function are effectively maintained in HepatoZYME-SFM medium.