Personalized surgical effect of labia minora hypertrophy / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To explore an optimal surgical approach for different types of labia minora hypertrophy and to design a better personalized surgical treatment plan for patients.Methods:From October 2017 to October 2020, 71 patients with labia minora hypertrophy were treated in the plastic surgery department of Sichuan Provincial People＇s Hospital, aged 18-38 years, with an average of 26 years. According to the type and degree of hypertrophy, the appropriate surgical method was selected. The wound healing and complications were observed after operation, and the shape of labia minora was followed up.Results:Among the 71 patients, 1 patient had postoperative hematoma and no flap necrosis after active treatment. 1 patient had poor healing of distal labia minora incision and improved after dressing change. The other patients had good blood supply of labia minora, no necrosis, no postoperative infection, hematoma and other complications. The patients were followed up for 1-6 months. The appearance of labia minora was natural, bilateral symmetry, and the incision scar was hidden. The improvement was significant compared with that before operation. The patients were satisfied with the shape and function.Conclusions:According to the degree of hypertrophy of the labia minora, the specific shape and the psychological expectation of patients, we can choose the appropriate operation method, which can achieve the aesthetic standard of symmetry and beautiful shape of the labia minora, and meet the normal physiological function and aesthetic requirements of patients.

Application of orbicularis oculi muscle shaping in lower blepharoplasty / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical application and effect of orbicularis oculi muscle shaping in lower blepharoplasty.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 32 cases of flabby blepharoplasty patients admitted to the Orthopedic Surgery Clinic of Sichuan people＇s Hospital from October 2018 to September 2019. At the same time of transcutaneous blepharoplasty, 32 patients were treated with orbicularis oculi muscle shaping to remove the relaxed orbicularis oculi muscle, to reconstruct the annular strength and shape of the orbicularis oculi muscle, to strengthen the supporting structure of the lower eyelid, to reset the relationship between the external canthus orbicularis muscle and the skin, and then to reconstruct the soft tissue filling degree of the lower eyelid margin. The safety, efficacy and stability of the operation were evaluated by Barton grading, postoperative complications and scoring before and after operation and satisfactory analysis based on patients＇ satisfaction scale after operation.Results:All the patients were free of postoperative infection and healed at stage I. There were 2 cases of ecchymosis, 3 cases of ocular foreign body sensation, and no cases of infection, lower eyelid retraction, lower eyelid ectropion, or retrobulbous hematoma. The mean Barton score of all patients before surgery was 1.88±0.49, and the mean Barton score after surgery was 0.53±0.51. The t-test showed that the difference was statistically significant ( t=15.75, P<0.05), and the postoperative lacrimal groove deformity was improved. According to the score of satisfaction scale, 7 people were basically satisfied (21.88%) and 25 people were very satisfied (78.12%). Conclusions:Forming in the orbicularis oculi muscle relaxation eyelid bag type of prosthesis, in addition to the part of the orbicularis oculi muscle relaxation, deformation, and widely shed canthus outside skin and orbicularis connection, make the next eyelid edge to reproduce the full shape, obviously the bulging under the eyelid relaxation, the shape of the degree of repair, lateral canthus wrinkles tail department have also improven, restoring the full eyelid platform. The operation has strong pertinence, simple procedures, less complications and better long-term effect.

Guidelines for diagnosis and nutritional intervention of mild to moderate non-IgE mediated cow′s milk protein allergy in Chinese infants / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Cow′s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common presentations of food allergy seen in early childhood.It is an abnormal immune response caused by cow′s milk protein.CMPA can be clinically subdivided into either immediate-onset IgE mediated or delayed onset non-IgE mediated, or both.At present, concerns regarding the early and timely diagnosis of CMPA have been high-lighted over the years and there are many expert consensus on CMPA in China, but these consensus did not distinguish IgE mediated or non-IgE mediated CMPA.In view of the obvious clinical differences between the two type of CMPA and non-IgE mediated CMPA is more common in infancy, experts focus on pediatric gastroenterology, allergy/immunology, dermatology, nutrition and child healthcare convened by the Allergy Prevention and Control Professional Committee of Chinese Preventive Medicine Association present this guideline to help practitioners in primary care settings to early recognize and make suitable management of non-IgE mediated CMPA in China.The guideline incorporates the cutting-edge international guidance and the actual situation of Chinese children describing in detail the types, clinical features, diagnosis and nutritional intervention of non-IgE mediated CMPA.There are 42 recommendations in 7 categories in total referring to the common questions related to non-IgE mediated CMPA.

Antitumor activity of interleukin-18 on A549 human lung cancer cell line

Objective: In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity of interleukin (IL)-18 on A549 human lung cancer cell line and evaluated the potential of IL-18 therapy in lung cancer. Materials and Methods: We generated a human IL-18 lentiviral expression vector and examined three groups of A549 cells, including nontransduced cells and cells transduced with either IL-18 or an empty lentiviral expression vector. IL-18 expression, cell proliferation, and apoptosis were examined using Western blotting, methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of the T helper 1 (Th1) cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and Th2 cytokine IL-4 was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Compared to the other groups of cells, A549 cells transduced with the IL-18 lentiviral expression vector exhibited significant increases in IL-18 expression, apoptosis, and the fraction of cells in G0 and G1 phases of the cell cycle and significant decrease in proliferation. Furthermore, ELISA results showed that IFN-γ expression increased significantly and IL-4 decreased in A549 cells transfected with IL-18 lentivirus expression vector. Conclusion: Using a lentiviral expression vector, IL-18 was expressed stably and efficiently in A549 cells, which showed attenuated proliferation and tumor cell growth, and enhanced tumor cell apoptosis. IL-18 expression also induced the secretion of IFN-γ, while decreasing the production of IL-4, therefore restoring the balance between Th1/Th2 cell subsets. These findings further demonstrated the antitumor activity of IL-18 and might open new therapeutic avenues for the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.

Comparison of the effects of different growth standards on infants in Urban Shanghai: a cluster-randomized controlled trial / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#The Shanghai growth standards are higher than World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards, which may influence the feeding practices of the caregivers and increase the risk of overweight in these infants. This study aimed to compare the effects of different growth standards on childhood obesity in Shanghai metropolitan area.@*METHODS@#This was a cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in 2 downtown areas with 19 community health service centers in Shanghai from November 2013 to December 2015. Randomization was done at the level of the community. Infants (health newborns) were assessed and monitored by the Shanghai growth standards (S-group) and the 2006 WHO growth standards (W-group), respectively. Measurements were taken at 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 9.0 and 12.0 months of age during follow-up period. Based on the values of length and weight measurements, according to the group's growth standards, doctors provided the caregivers with corresponding clinical consultation. Changes in weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), length-for-age z-score (LAZ), and weight-for length z-score (WLZ) between 2 groups were assessed using mixed regression models. Overweight was compared between 2 group at all follow-up measurements.@*RESULTS@#A total of 6509 infants (52.1% were boys) were in the W-group, and 8510 infants (51.4% were boys) were in the S-group. The overweight ratios between two groups were distinct at 9 months of age (3.4% in W-group and 4.3% in S-group) and 12 months of age (2.2% in W-group and 3.8% in S-group), and the differences were statistically significant (P = 0.020 and P < 0.001, respectively). Compared to W-group, the increase in WAZ (coefficient = 0.04, P = 0.004) and WLZ (coefficient = 0.09, P < 0.001) were significantly greater, and the LAZ was lower (coefficient = -0.04, P = 0.047) in S-group (W-group values were used as reference in mixed regression models).@*CONCLUSION@#Compared to the Shanghai growth standards, the adoption of WHO 2006 growth standards would reduce the risk of infant overweight in Shanghai metropolitan area up to 1 year of age.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER@#ChiCTR1800015371, http://www.chictr.org.cn/ Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.

Laparoscopic splenectomy: a new approach

OBJECTIVES: To introduce a new laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) approach. METHODS: Sixteen patients underwent LS with general anaesthesia and carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum. The details of the surgery are as follows: 1. The omentum was incised along the greater curvature and retracted as much as possible to expose the pancreatic body and tail. 2. The right arteriovenous root in the gastric omentum was ligated to sufficiently expose the pancreatic body and tail. 3. The pancreatic capsula was opened along the inferior margin of the pancreatic tail, elevated and separated until the superior margin of the pancreas was grasped. The entire splenic pedicle was retracted using a string. The branching blood vessels in the splenic hilus were ligated using clamps and separated. The splenogastric and splenophrenic ligaments were transected proximally using an ultrasonic knife, and the thick short gastric blood vessels were clamped. This procedure allows complete exposure of the area above the pancreatic tail where the splenic hilus is located. The splenoportal vasculature was suspended using a 7-0 silk suture to easily manipulate this tissue. The splenic portal vessels were dissected using an ultrasonic knife, and the portal vessels were isolated individually using vascular clamps and transected. The splenogastric and lienorenal ligaments were also transected. The spleen was then placed into a bag, and the surgical port was slightly enlarged. Finally, the spleen was sectioned for removal. RESULTS: Fifteen surgeries were successfully performed from March 2015 to January 2016. One patient underwent laparotomy. No patients developed postoperative intra-abdominal haemorrhage or infection. One patient developed subcutaneous emphysema, and one developed a wound infection. No deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Active exposure of the area dorsal to the pancreatic tail is a safe and simple splenectomy method.

Vitamin D Insufficiency and Its Association with Biochemical and Anthropometric Variables of Young Children in Rural Southwestern China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>With recognition of the important roles of Vitamin D (VitD) in various physiological processes, increasing attention has been drawn to the status of VitD in early life. However, the VitD status of young children and the related factors in rural areas of Southwestern China remain unclear. This study aimed to explore VitD status and its seasonal variation in 18-month-old children living in rural Southwestern China. The association of VitD with biochemical and anthropometric variables was also investigated.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 177 18-month-old children in a rural area of Yunnan Province, Southwestern China, were enrolled. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy Vitamin D (25(OH)D) were measured through high-performance liquid chromatogram-tandem mass spectrometry. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured with a chemiluminescence assay. Serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were also measured. Anthropometric data and the outdoor activity time of each participant were collected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The serum 25(OH)D concentration was 26.61 ± 7.26 ng/ml; concentrations lower than 30 ng/ml accounted for 70.6% of the participants and concentrations lower than 20 ng/ml accounted for 16.4%. The level of serum 25(OH)D was not significantly different among four seasons (P >0.05). A positive relationship was found between 25(OH)D concentration and the time of outdoor activities (r = 0.168, P < 0.05). Serum PTH concentration was negatively correlated with 25(OH)D concentration (r = -0.163, P < 0.05). A positive relationship was found between the serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and calcium (r = 0.154, P < 0.05). No significant association was observed between 25(OH)D and ALP, phosphorus, or anthropometric variables.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The prevalence of VitD insufficiency is high among young children in the rural Southwestern China regardless of the seasons. VitD supplementation is still essential to maintain VitD sufficiency for children living in rural area.</p>

Sequential Treatment with Lamivudine and Peg-interferon Therapy in Patients with E-positive Chronic Hepatitis B and High Viral Load.

Background: Patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) who are positive for e antigen (HBeAg) and have a high viral load are considered to be poor therapeutic responders to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN). The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic response of sequential therapy, lamivudine (LAM) followed by PEG-IFN, in these cases. Methods: Chronic HBV patients who were HBeAg positive, with HBV DNA over 107 IU/ml and ALT 2-10 times the upper normal limit, and who were treatment naive were included in our study. Those with concurrent hepatitis C or HIV infection, liver cirrhosis or decompensated cirrhosis, or pregnancy were excluded. The enrolled cases received therapy with PEG-IFN monotherapy for 48 weeks (PEG-IFN group) or sequential therapy with lamivudine (LAM) for 4 weeks followed by PEG-IFN therapy for 48 weeks (LAM/ PEG-IFN group). Results: There were 10 patients in each group, and there were no differences in age, gender, HBV genotype, pre-treatment ALT, and HBV DNA levels between the two groups. The biochemical, virological and serologic responses within 24 weeks after treatment were 40%-60%, 30-50%, and 40-50%, respectively, in the PEG-IFN group, compared with 70%, 20-40%, and 20-40%, respectively, in the LAM/PEG-IFN group. The rates of positive EOT were 30% and 10% in the PEG-IFN group and the LAM/PEG-IFN group, respectively, with rates of 40% and 10% in the SVR-12-week subgroup, and 30% and 20%, respectively, in the SVR-24-week subgroup. The therapeutic responses between the two groups showed no differences. Conclusion: In chronic HBV patients who were positive for HBeAg positive and with a high viral load at baseline, similar therapeutic responses were noted between the sequential LAM/PEG-IFN therapy group and the PEG-IFN monotherapy group. Further research with a higher number of patients and a prolonged LAM course are needed to confirm the efficacy of this approach.

Establishment of a rat model of oral food allergy / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a food allergy model in Brown Norway (BN) rats by gavage of ovalbumin (OVA) without any adjuvant, and to evaluate this model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 20 male BN rats aged 3 weeks were randomly divided into allergy group and control group (n=10 each). BN rats in the allergy group were given OVA 1 mg per day by gavage, and all the rats were treated for 41 days continuously. On day 42, the rats in the allergy group were given OVA 100 mg by gavage for challenge. The rats in the control group were given normal saline of the same volume by gavage. Differences in body length, body weight, and food intake were compared between the two groups on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42. ELISA was used to measure the serum OVA-IgE level and plasma histamine level after challenge on day 42, and the changes in rats' appearance and fecal properties were observed. The model of food allergy was considered successful when the serum OVA-IgE level in the allergy group was no less than the mean serum OVA-IgE level + 3 standard deviation in the control group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no significant differences in body length, body weight or food intake between the allergy and control groups at all time points (P>0.05). On day 21, the control group had a significantly higher food intake than the allergy group (P<0.05). On day 42 after challenge, the allergy group showed significantly higher serum OVA-IgE and plasma histamine levels than the control group (P<0.05). The sensitization rate (rate of successful modeling) was 90%. The fecal properties showed no significant differences between the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>OVA by gavage without any adjuvant can successfully establish the model of food allergy in BN rats and has a high success rate. Food allergy induced by OVA may reduce food intake within a short period of time, but no influence on rats' body length or body weight has been observed.</p>

Subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy (Leigh syndrome) in pediatric patients: a retrospective study.

Background: The clinical manifestations of Leigh Syndrome (LS) are heterogeneous and its diagnosis is often based on information acquired from multiple levels of inquiry. To identify LS, Oral Glucose Lactate Stimulation Test (OGLST) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) have been used as additional tools for evaluation of this metabolic disorder. The objective of the study was to report the clinical manifestations, neuroimaging assessments, and multidisciplinary approaches of lactate in pediatric patients with LS. Methods: We performed a retrospective charts review of pediatric patients with LS, which underwent the investigations using laboratory tests and Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI)/MRS of the brain. Results: The distributions of the lesions on the MRI of the brain studies were as the following: basal ganglia (7/8), brainstem (7/8), and cortex (3/8). Despite all of the patients showed disorient neurological manifestations and symmetrical lesions over the basal ganglion and brainstem on MRI, elevated levels of serum lactate were detected in 6 of 8 patients by either random serum sample obtained for lactate or OGLST. Subsequently, the remaining 2 cases were demonstrated with lactate peak over the affected areas by MRS. Cranial MRS showed lactate duplex and decreased N-acetylaspartate/creatine ratio over the affected areas in the 5 of 6 patients. Conclusions: The study shows the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in the diagnosis of LS. Approach of LS may not only depend on the elevation of the value of random serum lactate but also can be further aided by OGLST or MRS to evaluate metabolic disorder in such patients.

Effects of acute cold exposure on pulmonary proinflammatory cytokine of rat / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of acute cold exposure on the inflammation and pathologic injuries in pulmonary of rats, and explore the mechanism induced by cold stress.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups(n = 8): control group (23 ± 2) °C 2.5 h, -25°C 0.5 h group, -25°C 1 h group, -25°C 2 h group and -25°C 2.5 h group. Rats were exposed to cold at -25°C and no wind by keeping them in a low temperature chamber except control group. Rectal temperatures of the rats were measured before and after cold exposure. The morphological changes of pulmonary were observed by the optics microscope. The levels of tumer necrosis factor-α(TNF- α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-β (IL-1β) in lung tissue homogenate were measured by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to the control group, body core temperatures of the -25°C 1 h group, -25°C2 h group and -25°C 2.5 h group were decreased significantly, and the D-values of rectal temperature were increased before and after cold exposure (P < 0.05). The infiltration of inflammatory cells and alveolar edema fluid appeared in the lung tissue of the -25°C 2.5 h group. The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and inter- leukin-1β (IL-1β) in lung tissue homogenate were increased significantly in -25°C l h group, -25°C 2 h group and -25C° 2.5 h group (P < 0. 05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The infiltration of inflammatory cells and the increase in proinflammatory cytokine from pulmonary may lead to the lung tissue injury after acute cold exposure.</p>

Research advances in the role of fecal calprotectin in intestinal development and diseases among children / 中国当代儿科杂志

Calprotectin is a calcium- and zinc-binding protein of the S100 family expressed mainly by neutrophils with important extracellular activity. This paper reviews current findings concerning the relationship between faecal calprotectin and intestinal development among children, influencing factors of fecal calprotectin and the implication of faecal calprotectin in the diagnosis, follow-up, assessment of relapses, and response to treatment in pediatric intestinal diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal infection, celiac disease and allergy. Further studies are required to provide insights into the actual role of calprotectin in physiological and pathological processes in pediatrics.

Application on small incision extracapsular cataract extraction in large - scale vision recovery action in Shaanxi Province / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

To investigate the characteristics of scale cataract operations and the effects and experiences of small incision extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens ( lOL) implantation in large - scale vision recovery action. ●METHODS: Four thousand eight hundred ninety - two cases ( 4892 eyes ) of cataract were treated by small incision non-phacoemulcification cataract extraction from March 2010 to November 2011 in our hospital ( Fuming No. 1 surgery car of Shaanxi Province ) which were retrospectively analyzed. Visual acuity, intraoperative and postoperative complications, the recovery of postoperative inflammation were observed. ●RESULTS: Visual acuity reached 0. 3 or more in 4521 eyes (92. 42%) at 1d after the operation, at 3d after the operation in 4571 eyes (93. 44%), there were 4887 eyes with lOL implantation, implantation rate was 99. 90%. All the cases had lesser intraoperative and postoperative complications, and the postoperative inflammation recovered quickly. ●CONCLUSlON: Small incision extracapsular cataract extraction with lOL implantation is simple, effective, economical, safe and adapting for large - scale vision recovery action.

A cross-sectional study on related risk factors of type II diabetes among rural residents / 预防医学

Objective ToexaminetheriskfactorsoftypeIIdiabetesinruralareaofHainingcityinordertoprovidebasis fordiseasecontrolandprevention.Methods Residentsagedover18infourtownswereselectedthroughmulti-stage stratified cluster random sampling method,and a questionnaire investigation,physical examination and blood biochemical indicatortestingwereconducted.Results TheadjustedprevalenceoftypeIIdiabetesinHainingcitywas5.17%overall with 5.81% in men and 4.56% in women.The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR=1.78),overweight (OR=1.71),family history of diabetes (OR=16.05)were risk factors (all P<0.05).Conclusion The prevalence of type II diabetes is considerably high in rural area of Haining city. Risk factor monitoring and comprehensive intervention should strongly be advocated.

The adjuvant effect of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in dengue virus and hepatitis C virus DNA vaccines / 病毒学报

To investigate the adjuvant effect of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in Flaviviridae virus DNA vaccines. After DNA immunization, the antibody levels of serum from mice were detected by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence assay. Co-immunization of GM-CSF suppressed the immune responses induced by DV1 and DV2 candidate vaccines whereas enhanced the immune response induced by HCV C and E1 DNA vaccines. As genetic adjuvant for DNA vaccines, GM-CSF might display complex diversity on the immune responses: an augmentation or suppression due to different immunogens. Therefore, GM-CSF should be used with some cautions in clinic.

Intestinal inflammation-induced child growth failure: immunologic and endocrine mechanisms / 中国当代儿科杂志

Faltering linear growth is commonly encountered in children with intestinal inflammation. Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are important regulators of postnatal longitudinal bone growth. Inhibition of GH/IGF axis will result in growth failure in young children. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) abnormally increase in children with intestinal inflammation, and may affect linear growth both systemically and locally at the level of the growth plate though disturbing the GH/IGF axis.

Key parameters and formulas for approximate average height and weight of normal Chinese children under 7 years of age / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>In order to understand the normal physical growth of Chinese children, data of children aged from 0 to 7 years from urban and rural areas of nine Chinese cities in 2005 were analyzed.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The original data of height and weight were drawn into growth curves charts by Graphpad Prism 5.0 software according to the different age groups. The children were classified into five age groups: 0-3 months, 4-6 months, 7-12 months, 13-24 months, and 2-7 years.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average birth weight was 3.3 kg and the height averaged 50 cm. The average monthly weight gain was 1.0-1.2 kg and the average monthly increase of height was 4 cm in the 0-3 months group. By 3 months of age, the weight and height averaged 6.6 kg and 62 cm, respectively. In the 4-6 months group, the growth rate was reduced to a half of the 0-3 months group, with an average monthly weight and height gain was 0.5-0.6 kg and 2 cm respectively. The growth rate in the 7-2 months group was a half of the 4-6 months group. By 12 months of age, the weight and height average 9.9 kg and 75 cm, respectively. The average monthly weight and height gain in the 13-24 months group was 0.2 kg and 1 cm respectively, with an average weight and height of 12 kg and 87 cm respectively by 24 months of age. A steady growth was found in the 2-7 years group, with a yearly average weight and height increment of about 2 kg and 7 cm respectively. The formulas for approximate average weight and height in children between 2 and 7 years were as follows: age (yr)*2+8 (kg) (weight); age (yr)*7+75 (cm) (height).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The approximate weight and height of normal Chinese children under 7 years of age can be evaluated by the key parameters and formulas above mentioned.</p>

Molecular cloning and expression of extremely thermostable and acid-stable amylase gene in Pichia pastoris / 生物工程学报

The gene encoding a extremely thermostable and acid-stable alpha-Amylase was amplified by PCR using hyperthermophilic archaebacterium pyrococcus furiosus genomic DNA as template. Then the gene was cloned into the vector of pPIC9K. The recombinant vector pPIC9K-amy was then transformed into E. coli DH5alpha strain. Sequencing test showed that the a-amylase gene cloned consisted of 1305 base pairs and the mature protein encoded by the gene consisted of 435 amino acids. The recombinant vector was transformed into chromosome of methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris GS115 strain. Regulated by the alpha-Factor, promoter of AOX1 gene and termination signal of yeast genomic, the recombinant a-Amylase was expressed and excreted out of the cells. The expression of the recombinant alpha-amylase was strictly induced by methanol. As induction time increased, the activity of amylase per milliliter medium went up accordingly. After 7 days induction, the activity of the amylase reached the max. The recombinant alpha-amylase exhibited maximal activity at 90 to approximately 100 degrees C and at pHranging from 4.5 to 5.0. The enzyme is so thermostable that after disposed at 100 degrees C for 5 hours over 60% of activity was retained.

Hereditary angioedema: a family study.

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, life-threatening, autosomal dominant disease characterized by recurrent episodes of angioedema, and caused by a deficiency of the plasma protein C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). Clinical manifestation of HAE may first develop during childhood but typically presents around puberty with nonpruritic and non-pitting edema of the subcutaneous and mucosal tissues. Up to now, there has been no published report of HAE case in Taiwan. We reported a 33 year-old female patient who had recurrent painful swelling of face and hands since 27 years of age. She first suffered from sudden onset of painful swelling of the eyelids and lips in August 1998 when she was pregnant for the first time. Subsequently, similar episodes recurred for a few times. Her blood test disclosed that her C3 and C4 were 125 mg/dl and 6 mg/dl, respectively. Her uncle died of laryngeal edema at the age of 30 years. Her father and elder brother also had the similar history of recurrent facial and hand swelling. The C4 levels of her elder brother were 6 mg/dl and 13.3 mg/dl on two separate occasions. The C1-INH antigen serum level and functional assay of the index patient and ten other family members were studied. A total of seven members of the family were confirmed to have type 1 HAE as evidenced by the low C4 and low C1-INH antigenic level and functional activity. Two of the seven cases were asymptomatic up to the date of our report.

Surveillance on hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Jiangsu province from 1996 to 2000 / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the incidence rate, animal hosts, and human inapparent infection rate from surveillance data collected in Jiangsu province from 1996 to 2000 and the risk factors of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data on the incidence rate was collected from the whole province to describe the epidemiologic characteristics of HFRS. Data on the density of rats, proportion of rats with virus, index of rats with virus and the human inapparent infection rate were collected in special areas according to the standardised protocol in the project.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidence rate of HFRS reduced continuously in Jiangsu province, with a 42.17% reduction from 1996 to 2000. The ratio between the incidence rate of autumn-winter peak and spring peak had also reduced. The main host in spring was Rattus norvegicus (with a density of 3.07%), while that in autumn was Apodemus agrarius (with a density of 4.64%). The density of main hosts and mixed species of rats had all reduced during the five years of observation. The proportions of Rattus norvegicus, Apodemus agrarius, Mus musculus with virus were relatively high in spring and autumn. The index of Rattus norvegicus and Mus musculus with virus in spring were 0.025 5 and 0.028 4 respectively, while that of Apodemus agrarius with virus in autumn was 0.030 2. The average human inapparent infection rate was 4.73% in the five years.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The incidence rate of HFRS in Jiangsu reduced significantly from 1996 to 2000, but the risk factors still widely existed. Suggesting that the surveillance program needs to be carried out steadily in Jiangsu.</p>