Effects of electroacupuncture of different frequencies on electromyography, NOS and ICC of colon in rats with slow transit constipation / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) of different frequencies on transmission function, electromyography, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) content and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) expression of colon in rat models with slow transit constipation (STC). Methods: Of the 50 healthy male Wistar rats, 10 were randomly selected as a normal group and fed with ordinary diet, and the remaining 40 rats were fed with the diet added with the compound diphenoxylate at a dose of 8 mg/(kg·bw) each day for continuous 120 d. The 40 successfully established STC rat models were randomly divided into a model group, a low-frequency EA group (2 Hz), a high-frequency EA group (100 Hz), and a variable-frequency EA group (2 Hz/100 Hz), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the normal and the model groups were not given any treatment; the low-frequency EA and the high-frequency EA groups were given EA at Tianshu (ST 25), Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhigou (TE 6) with continuous wave at the designated frequency, and the variable-frequency EA group received sparse-dense wave (2 Hz/100 Hz) EA at the same acupoints, once a day for a total of 15 d. After treatment, the colonic transmission function, electromyography, NOS content and ICC expression (calculated by the difference in the area of the C-kit positive cells) of the rats in each group were measured. Results: For the colonic transmission function, compared with the normal group, the first black stool excretion durations of rats in the other groups were significantly prolonged (all P<0.05); compared with the model group, the first black stool excretion durations of rats in the three EA groups were significantly shortened (all P<0.05), which was significantly shorter in the variable-frequency EA group than in the low-frequency EA and high-frequency EA groups (both P<0.05). For the colonic electromyography, compared with the normal group, the amplitude was significantly increased and the frequency was accelerated in rats of the other groups (all P<0.05); compared with the model group, the amplitude was significantly reduced and the frequency was slowed down in the three EA groups (both P<0.05); compared with the low-frequency EA and the high-frequency EA groups, the amplitude was reduced and the frequency was significantly reduced in rats of the variable-frequency EA group (both P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the colonic NOS contents were significantly increased in the other groups (all P<0.05); compared with the model group, the NOS contents were significantly reduced in the three EA groups (all P<0.05); compared with the low-frequency EA and the high-frequency EA groups, the content was significantly reduced in the variable-frequency EA group (all P<0.05). For the area of rat colonic C-kit-positive cells, compared with the normal group, the areas were significantly reduced in rats of other groups (all P<0.05); compared with the model group, the areas were increased significantly in the three EA groups (all P<0.05); compared with the low-frequency EA group, the area was increased significantly in the variable-frequency EA group (P<0.05). Conclusion: EA, especially EA at the 2 Hz/100 Hz variable-frequency, has a positive treatment effect on the STC model rats. It may improve rats' colonic function by regulating the electromyography, NOS content and ICC expression of colon.

Protective effects of Toona sinensis leaf extract on retinal tissue in rats with hyperlipidemia / 眼科新进展

Objective To investigate the protective effects of Toona sinensis leaf extract on the retina of rats with high-fat diet and the expression of B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated x protein (Bax).Methods Together 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group (N group),hyperlipidemia model group (HF group) and hyperlipidemia model + toona sinensis leaf extract (HF + TSLE group),and then hyperlipidemia model was induced by fed high-fat diet in the latter two groups;after 8 weeks,the model was confirmed to be successful,and the rats in HF + TSLE group were fed with TSLE solution for 4 weeks continuously,and rats in N group and HF group were given the same dose of physiological saline.At the end of the twelfth week,all rats were followed by the examination of flash electroretinogram (FERG),serum lipid total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).Then,HE staining was performed in the retinas,the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting for the analysis of the correlation between the expression level of apoptotic protein Bax and the abnormal function of FERG.Results In HF group,the content of HDL-C decreased,and the contents of TC,TG and LDL-C were higher than those in N group,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).The contents of TC,TG and LDL-C in HF + TSLE group were lower than those in HF group,but the content of HDL-C was significantly increased,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).The content of HDL-C in HF + TSLE group was lower than that in N group,while the contents of TC,TG and LDL-C were higher than those in N group,and the differences were not statistically significant (all P ＞0.05).The difference of a wave latency between the three groups was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05),and the latency of a wave in HF group was longer than that in N group,while HF + TSLE group was shorter than HF group,and the difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05),but HF + TSLE group was longer than N group,and the difference was not statistically significant (P ＞ 0.05).Moreover,there was no significant difference in the incubation period of b wave in the three groups (P ＞ 0.05);and there was no significant difference in the amplitude of a wave and b wave in the three groups (all P ＞ 0.05).In addition,HF group had lower expression level of Bcl-2 and overexpression of Bax than N group.The expression level of Bcl-2 increased and Bax expression level decreased significantly in HF + TSLE group,and the expression level of Bax was positively correlated with the latency of a wave and b wave (all P ＜ 0.05),but was not correlated with amplitude of a wave and b wave (all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion TSLE has an important role in the retina of rats with abnormal lipid metabolism,and it may play a protective role by regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax.

Overall Evaluation and Management of 8 Instruments in Emergency Laboratory Using 6σ Quality Standard / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To evaluate and improve overall quality detection of 8 instruments in emergency laboratory using 6σ quality standard.Methods In 2017,collected both internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assessment (EQA) data of 46 assay items from 8 instruments in their laboratory,and then calculated their σ values and total allowed errors ac cording to CLIA'88 standards.By comparison of their quality goal index (QGI) between first and second half year of 2017,successfully elevated assayquality using strategy (man,machine,material,method,measurment and enviroment).Results For all 46 assay items (except NT-proBNP without second EQA data),made better improvement of detection of 34 (75.6 ％ of 6σ qualified),38(84.4％ of 5σ qualified),40(88.9％ of 4σ qualified),44 (97.8％ of 3σ qualified) and 1 (2.2％ of 2～3σ qualified) items,respectively whereas there were 27 (58.7％ of 6σ qualified),30 (65.2％ of 5σ qualified),35 (76.1％ of 4σ qualified),41 (89.1％ of 3σ qualified) and 5 (10.9％ of 2～3σ qualified) items before improvement.Conclusion Using 6σ quality standard,could make more progress in the laboratory for many respects:fast and accurate clinical reports,reducing reinspection rate,and increasing patient's satisfactory,etc.

Fabrication and accuracy research on 3D printing dental model based on cone beam computed tomography digital modeling / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The aim of this study is to build a digital dental model with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), to fabricate a virtual model via 3D printing, and to determine the accuracy of 3D printing dental model by comparing the result with a traditional dental cast.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CBCT of orthodontic patients was obtained to build a digital dental model by using Mimics 10.01 and Geomagic studio software. The 3D virtual models were fabricated via fused deposition modeling technique (FDM). The 3D virtual models were compared with the traditional cast models by using a Vernier caliper. The measurements used for comparison included the width of each tooth, the length and width of the maxillary and mandibular arches, and the length of the posterior dental crest.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>3D printing models had higher accuracy compared with the traditional cast models. The results of the paired t-test of all data showed that no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Dental digital models built with CBCT realize the digital storage of patients' dental condition. The virtual dental model fabricated via 3D printing avoids traditional impression and simplifies the clinical examination process. The 3D printing dental models produced via FDM show a high degree of accuracy. Thus, these models are appropriate for clinical practice.</p>

Three new triterpenoids isolated from the aerial parts of Ilex cornuta and protective effects against HO-induced myocardial cell injury / 中国天然药物

In the present study, three new triterpenoids, 23-hydroxyurs-12, 18-dien-28-oic acid 3β-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside (1), 23-hydroxyurs-12, 18-dien-28-oic acid 3β-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside-6-O-methyl ester (2), and urs-12, 18-dien-28-oic acid 3β-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside-6-O-methyl ester (3), and a known triterpenoid, 3β-hydroxy-urs-2, 18-dien-28-oic acid (4, randialic acid B), were isolated from the aerial parts of Ilex cornuta. Their structures were identified by the spectroscopic analyses (IR, ESI-MS, HR-ESI-MS, and 1D and 2D NMR) and chemical reactions. Compound 4 showed significant cell-protective effects against HO-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury. Compounds 1-4 did not show any significant DPPH radical scavenging activity.

Antioxidant and cardioprotective effects of Ilex cornuta on myocardial ischemia injury / 中国天然药物

Previous studies have indicated that the Ilex genus exhibits antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the pharmacologic action and mechanisms of Ilex cornuta against cardiac diseases have not yet been explored. The present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant and cardioprotective effects of Ilex cornuta root with in vitro and in vivo models. The anti-oxidative effects of the extract of Ilex cornuta root (ICR) were measured by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging and MTT assays as well as immunoassay. Furthermore, a rat model of myocardial ischemia was established to investigate the cardioprotective effect of ICR in vivo. Eight compounds were isolated and identified from ICR and exhibited DPPH free-radical scavenging activities. They also could increase cell viability and inhibit morphological changes induced by HO or NaSO in H9c2 cardiomyocytes, followed by increasing the SOD activities and decreasing the MDA and ROS levels. In addition, it could suppress the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. In the rat model of myocardial ischemia, ICR decreased myocardial infarct size and suppressed the activities of LDH and CK. Furthermore, ICR attenuated histopathological alterations of heart tissues and the MDA levels, while increasing SOD activities in serum. In conclusion, these results suggest that ICR has cardioprotective activity and could be developed as a new food supplement for the prevention of ischemic heart disease.

A PKLR Gene Novel Complex Mutation in Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency Detected by Targeted Sequence Capture and Next Generation Sequencing / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the molecular mechanism of erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Targeted sequence capture and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were used to detect the regions of exon and exon-intron boundarie of PKLR gene in a clinical suspected PKD patient. The protein function of mutant gene was forecasted by the SIFT and PolyPhen-2 databank, after the mutation of PKLR gene in the patient was detected by the NGS technology, its genotype was confirmed by Sanger sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patient was found to have peculiar double heterozygous mutations: 661 G>A (Asp221Asn) of exon 5 and 1528 C>T (Arg510Ter) of exon 10, resulting in amino acid substitution Asp221Asn and Arg510Ter, these mutations were also further confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The complex mutations were infrequent and each of them was able to cause diseases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The complex mutations of both 661 G>A and 1528 C>T of PKLR gene are the molecular mechanism of PKD. Simultaneous existance of above-mentioned complex mutations in PDK patient was never been previously reported at home and abroad.</p>

Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells induced by co-culture method / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the potential differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)into epithelium-like cells by an in vitro co-culture method.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The human conjunctival epithelium was obtained by digestion with dispase2, and the MSCs were isolated by density gradient centrifugalization. All cells were identified according to their morphologies and cell-surface antigen profiles by immunocytochemical analysis. The MSCs underwent co-culture with conjunctival epithelium in the manner without cell-to-cell contract. The morphological characterizes of cells were observed under contrast microscope, and the cytokeratin-4 expressions of the differentiated cells were identified by immunocytochemistry staining, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR), and Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Immunocytochemistry showed that positive expression of CD29 and negative expression of CD34 in the in vitro cultured MSCs. Cytokeratins4(CK4)was positively expressed in the human conjunctival epithelium. After co-cultured with conjunctival epithelial for 10 days, CK4 was detected in differentiated cells by immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR, and Western blotting.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MSCs can differentiate into epithe1ium-like cells after having been co-cultured with human conjunctival epithelium.</p>

Oxidative stress and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II contribute to the development of sustained β adrenergic receptor-stimulated cardiac hypertrophy in rats / 生理学报

Sustained activation of β adrenergic receptor (βAR) leads to pathologic cardiac hypertrophy. However, the related mechanisms still remain unclear. In this study, we observe how N-acetylcysteine (NAC) affects the oxidative stress and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) expression in heart of isoproterenol (ISO)-stimulated rats, and investigate whether oxidative stress and CaMKII contribute to the development of sustained βAR-stimulated cardiac hypertrophy. Healthy male Wistar rats were randomly separated into 4 groups: control (CTRL), ISO-treated (ISO), control with NAC supplement (CTRL+NAC) and ISO-treated with NAC supplement (ISO+NAC) groups (6 rats in each group). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured in awake rats with the tail-cuff method every week for two weeks. Heart weight/body weight ratio (HW/BW) and HE staining were used for the detection of myocardial hypertrophy. Myocardial mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured by DCF fluorometry. The expressions of activated-CaMKII (p-CaMKII/CaMKII) and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX(4)) were determined by Western blot analysis. The results showed that ISO-treated (i.p., daily 3 mg/kg, 2 weeks) rats developed an obvious cardiac hypertrophy as expressed by increases of HW/BW and myocyte cross-section area. Cardiac mitochondrial ROS level was significantly enhanced in ISO group as compared to CTRL group (P < 0.05). The expressions of NOX(4) and p-CaMKII in ISO group were also up-regulated as compared to CTRL group (1.4 and 1.6 times of CTRL, respectively, P < 0.05). NAC supplement significantly suppressed the hypertrophic development of heart in ISO-stimulated rats. The cardiac mitochondrial ROS level showed a significant decrease in rats of ISO+NAC group (P < 0.05 vs ISO). In accordance with this, ISO+NAC group rats also showed marked reductions in the expressions of NOX(4) and p-CaMKII/CaMKII compared to ISO group rats (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences of the detected indices between the rats from CTRL+NAC and CTRL groups. SBP showed no differences among four groups. These results suggest that both oxidative stress and CaMKII play important roles in sustained βAR-stimulated cardiac hypertrophy. NAC may suppress ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by down-regulating the expression of activated-CaMKII, and by reducing the level of oxidative stress originated from mitochondria and NADPH oxidase pathways.

Laboratory evaluation of the molluscicidal activity of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel saponins against the snail Oncomelania hupensis / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the toxicity of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel saponins (PRS) against Oncomelania hupensis (O. hupensis).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>O. hupensis snails were exposed to 40% and 80% of 24 h LC50 of PRS for 24 h, and then choline esterase (CHE), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in cephalopodium and liver of snails were determined. Niclosamide (NIC) was used as the reference molluscicide. Zebra fish lethality test was evaluated to non-target aquatic species of PRS.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The molluscicidal activity of PRS (LC50 at 24 h: 0.48 mg/L) was similar to that of NIC (LC50 at 24 h: 0.16 mg/L). Significant alterations about CHE, ALP, and ALT activities both in the cephalopodium and the liver of snails were observed when O. hupensis was exposed to 40% and 80% LC50 of PRS or NIC for 24 h. PRS and NIC could not affect LDH activity in the cephalopodium and the liver. Lower toxicity to fish of PRS was observed up to the highest concentration tested than NIC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PRS, as compared with the reference molluscicide NIC, is thought to be used for the control of harmful vector snails safely.</p>

Comparison of the characteristics of several polymer materials used in hydrophilic matrix tablets / 药学学报

Pure and drug hydrophilic matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression method with theophylline as a model drug. The characteristics of four hydrophilic matrix polymers, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), polyethylene oxide (PEO), sodium alginate (NaAlg) and xanthan gum (XG), were compared by investigating the water absorption, swelling, erosion and gel layer strength. The sequence of water absorption rate was XG > NaAlg (H) > PEO > NaAlg (L) > HPMC; The sequence of swelling index was XG > PEO > HPMC > NaAlg; The sequence of erosion rate was NaAlg (L) > NaAlg (H) > PEO80 > PEO200 > PEO300 > XG approximately PEO400 approximately K4M > K15M > PEO600 approximately K100M; The sequence of the gel layer strength was PEO > HPMC > XG > NaAlg. For the PEO and HPMC matrix tablets, with the polymer molecular weight increased, the drug release mechanism was gradually transferred from mainly depending on the erosion to the diffusion; for SAL matrix tablets, the drug release mainly depends on erosion mechanism; and for XG matrix tablets, the drug release mainly depends on non-Fick diffusion mechanism. Comparison of the performance difference between the polymer materials will contribute to rational design and prediction of drug release behaviors from matrix tables and ultimately to achieve clinical needs.

Effects of emodin on expression of cytokines induced by lipopolysaccharide in corneal fibroblasts / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of emodin on expression of cytokines induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in cultured human corneal fibroblasts in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Primary human corneal fibroblasts of passages 4 were used in this research. Cells were treated with 10 microg/L LPS for 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours, which were pretreated with or without emodin for 30 minutes before LPS challenge. The degeneration of inhibitor of kappaB-alpha (I kappaB-alpha) and the effect of emodin on it were analyzed by Western blot analysis with a specific antibody. The cellular abundance of the mRNA of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 from corneal fibroblasts under different conditions was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with cells without LPS treatment, I kappaB-alpha level significantly decreased in every time point after LPS challenge (P < 0.01). Emodin inhibited the LPS-induced degeneration of I kappaB-alpha by corneal fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Compared with cells without LPS treatment, the expressions of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA significantly increased in every time point after LPS challenge (P < 0.01). At the same time, the expressions of the mRNA of IL-6 and IL-8 induced by LPS in corneal fibroblasts were also inhibited by emodin in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Emodin can inhibit the expressions of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA induced by LPS in corneal fibroblasts, which maybe via inhibiting the degeneration of I kappaB-alpha and suppressing the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB.</p>

Protective effect of emodin against lipopolysaccharides-induced corneal injury in rats / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of emodin on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced corneal injury in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three parallel incisions on the central surface of corneal epithelium were made and LPS was applied on them to induce corneal injury in Wistar rats. All rats were randomly divided into emodin group (n=40) and keratitis group (n=40). Rats in the emodin group received subconjunctival injection of emodin and rats in the keratitis group received its vehicle 30 minutes before LPS exposure. At different time points--1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after LPS exposure, the symptoms of all rats were observed and the severity of their ocular inflammation was examined with a slit lamp microscope, then 8 rats in each group were killed through cervical dislocation and their eyes were enucleated and prepared to observe pathological changes of corneal tissue under a light microscope. The activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) under different conditions was determined by Western blot. Immunocytochemistry staining with an antibody against intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was performed to identify positive cells in corneal tissues.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The model of acute keratitis was successfully established in Wistar rats. LPS could induce a typical corneal inflammatory response, such as hyperemia, corneal edema and opacity, which were observed in model rats. Compared with keratitis group, both ocular behaviors and damages of the corneal structure were improved in emodin group. Furthermore, the activation of NF-kappaB and the expression of ICAM-1 induced by LPS were markedly inhibited in emodin group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Emodin can inhibit the activation of NF-kappaB and the expression of ICAM-1 induced by LPS in corneas, protect against acute corneal injury, and improve symptoms in rats.</p>

Anemia status and correlation factors in rural regions of Hebei province / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate anemia status and correlation infection factors in rural regions of Hebei province and to find out evidence for preventing and controlling anemia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A random-sampling survey was conducted among 3367 houses in Hebei rural areas. The investigation involved economic levels, ages, education levels and occupations of 11,627 questionnaire. The hemoprotein and serum iron were measured. Unconditional logistic regression was performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The anemia prevalence rate was shown up to 8.4% in rural regions of Hebei province, and in men and women was 5.5% and 11.0%, respectively;mainly in infant (< 2 years old, 27.2%) child bearing age women, the anemia prevalence rate was 11.0%-16.0%. The analysis showed that the main risk factors of anemia were sex and serum iron.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The anemia prevalence is highest in infant and child bearing age women;supplying of iron should be an important measure for preventing and controlling anemia.</p>

Amides from the stems of Uvaria kweichowensis / 药学学报

Uvaria kweichowensis is a folk nongovernmental herb used to treat cure inflammation and tumour in the Southwest area of China. During the course of our investigation for antitumour agents from the stems of Uvaria kweichowensis, six amides were obtained by means of solvent extraction, chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 repeatedly. And their structures were identified as uvariadiamide (1), cepharanone (2), aristololactam A II (3), enterocarpam II (4), aristololactam A Ia (5), and 4,5-dioxodehydroasimilobine (6) on the basis of chemical methods and spectral analyses (EI-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR). Among them, compound 1 is a new compound; the other compounds were obtained from this plant for the first time.

Comparison and analysis of human dentin matrix protein 1 promoter activity in three different cells / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe and compare the luciferase activities of different length segments of human dentin matrix protein 1 promoter in human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSC), osteoblasts (OC) and Hela cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The differentlength desired DNA segments were obtained from 2 195 bp Dmp1 promoter cloned by PCR method. The amplified promoter segments with different length were cloned into luciferase report gene vector pGL3-Basic, the correct orientation of those inserts was verified by cutting with two different restrict enzymes. The luciferase activity was observed after different pGL3-PDmp1 vectors were transfected transiently into those three different-type cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>6 Dmp1 promoter segments with different-length were obtained successfully, and luciferase report gene vectors with different promoter segments were successfully constructed after identified by restriction enzymes cutting. They had different luciferase activities when they were transfected transiently into HDPSC, and the region of -505(-)-193 bp and -935(-)-505 bp could be regarded as the specific promoters of Dmp1 promoter for HDPSC and OC respectively, which could include the basic regulatory elements.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The correct clone of the upstream of human Dmp1 promoter segments with different length had been obtained, and they had strong luciferase activities in HDPSC and OC, but very low in Hela cell. These results will make an important basis for studying mineralized tissue-specific transcriptional regulation mechanisms of Dmp1.</p>

Expression of tick-borne encephalitis virus prM-E protein in insect cells and studies on its antigenicity / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>To express the prM-E protein in Sf9 cells, and lay a basis for further study on the function of the viral proteins and development of specific diagnostic reagents.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The recombinant prM-E protein of tick-borne encephalitis virus was expressed in insect cell Sf9 by RT-PCR amplification of prM-E gene, construction of donor plasmid of Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system, homologous recombination of donor plasmid with bacmid DNA at the site of Tn7 and transfection of insect cell Sf9.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Recombinant subviral particles, about 30 nm in diameter, consisting of prM-E were observed by electron microscope in the supernatant of infected cells, which indicated that infected cells released virus-like particles (VLPs) into the culture medium. The results of Western-blot and the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) showed that the recombinant proteins retained antigenic and conformational structures similar to those of native virus proteins. Using the recombinant prM-E as antigens to detect samples of patient sera by ELISA and IFA, all of 16 sera from patients with tick-borne encephalitis were positive and all of 6 sera from other patients were negative.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prM-E protein expressed in insect cells retains good antigenicity.</p>

Value of special stains and immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of renal epithelial neoplasms / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of renal epithelial neoplasms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-one cases of renal epithelial neoplasms with detailed pathologic records were enrolled. In addition to microscopic examination, Mowy's colloidal iron staining and immunohistochemical studies (CD10, vimentin and CK7) were also performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 91 cases, there were 78 (86%) clear cell renal carcinoma cases, 8 (9%) papillary renal carcinoma cases, 4 (4%) chromophobe renal carcinoma cases and 1 (1%) renal oncocytoma case. Sixty-three of the 78 clear cell renal carcinoma cases were positive for CD10 and 69 were positive for vimentin (81% and 88% respectively), with prominent cell membrane staining. The majority (74/78) of clear cell renal carcinoma were negative for CK7. All 17 clear cell renal carcinoma cases showed negative or focal coarse droplet-like staining pattern for Mowy's colloidal iron stain. All 4 chromophobe renal cell carcinoma cases showed prominent cell membrane staining for CK7 and blue reticular staining pattern for Mowy's colloidal iron stain. All of which were negative for CD10 and vimentin. The case of renal oncocytoma failed to react with antibodies to CD10, vimentin and CK7, or Mowy's colloidal iron stain.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CD10, vimentin, CK7 and Mowy's colloidal iron stains have proved to be useful in differential diagnosis of common renal tumors which may not be easily distinguished on the basis of histologic examination alone.</p>

Clinicopathological study of intermediate trophoblastic non-tumor lesions: exaggerated placental site and placental site nodule / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinicopathological features of intermediate trophoblastic non-tumor lesions, and to evaluate the position of immunohistochemistry in differential diagnoses.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical presentation and morphological study of 15 cases of exaggerated placental site (EPS) and 4 cases of placental site nodule or plaque (PSNP) were reviewed. Immunohistochemical stains for hCG, hPL, inhibin-alpha, PLAP, CK18 and Ki-67 were performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The age of patients ranged from 25 to 40 years with an average of 31.5 years for EPS and 26 to 39 years with an average of 34.3 years for PSNP. Microscopically, EPS was characterized by cords and small sheets of implantation site intermediate trophoblasts infiltrating the endometrium, myometrium and arterial walls. The general histological structures of the endometrium and myometrium were preserved. PSNP was characterized by multiple circumscribed nodular lesions consisting of so-called chorionic-type intermediate trophoblasts and hyaline-like matrix present in the endometrium. Immunohistochemical stainings for hPL and CK18 were positive in the 15 EPS cases. Immunoreactivity for CK18, Inhibin-alpha and PLAP was detected in 4 PSNP cases. The Ki-67 labeling index in 15 EPS cases was low (< or = 5%), while Ki-67 index in 4 PSNP cases was close to 0.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The clinical presentation and pathological features of EPS and PSNP differ from those of trophoblastic tumors (placental site trophoblastic tumor, epithelioid trophoblastic tumor and choriocarcinoma). Immunochemical staining is of great value in their differential diagnoses.</p>

Expression of EP-CAM, beta-catenin in the carcinogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression of EP-CAM, beta-catenin in the carcinogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expressions of EP-CAM and beta-catenin were detected with immunohistochemical stain in 14 cases of normal cervical squamous epithelium, 32 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and 38 cases of cervical invasive squamous cell carcinoma.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The over-expression rates of EP-CAM were 0, 7.1%, 20.0%, 62.5% and 55.3% for normal cervical epithelium, CINI, CINII, CINIII and carcinoma groups. The EP-CAM over-expression rates in CINIII and cervical carcinoma groups were significantly higher than those in normal epithelium and CINI groups (P < 0.001). No aberrant expression of beta-catenin was shown in normal cervical epithelium, while the aberrant expression rates of beta-catenin in CINI, CINII, CINIII and cervical carcinoma group were 28.6%, 40.0%, 62.5% and 84.2%. The aberrant expression rate of beta-catenin increased with the increase in degree of CIN and development of cervical carcinoma. The over-expression rate of EP-CAM was reversely related to the differentiation of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EP-CAM and beta-catenin may be involved in the carcinogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix. The over-expression of EP-CAM and aberrant expression of beta-catenin may serve as markers of squamous carcinogenesis of uterine cervix.</p>