Improvement effect of velvet antler polypeptide in osteoporosis model rats and its effect on SIRT1/FOXO1 signaling pathway / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To discuss the protective effect of velvet antler peptide(VAP)in the osteoporosis(OP)model rats,and to clarify the possible mechanism.Methods:Sixty 12-week-old SD rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,positive drug group(treated with 1 mg·kg-1·d-1 of alendronate sodium by gavage),low dose of VAP group(treated with 100 mg·kg-1·d-1 VAP),medium dose of VAP group(treated with 200 mg·kg-1·d-1 VAP),and high dose of VAP group(treated with 300 mg·kg-1·d-1 VAP),and there were ten rats in each group.Except for control group,the rats in the other groups were injected with dexamethasone(2 mg·kg-1)to replicate the OP rat model,while the rats in control group were injected with the equivalent volume of saline twice a week for 11 consecutive weeks.Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to detect the bone mineral density(BMD)of femur tissue of the rats in various groups;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method was used to detect the levels of serum calcium(Ca2+),phosphate(P),osteoprotegerin(OPG),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),and osteocalcin(OCN)in serum of the rats in various groups;biochemical method was used to detect the malondialdehyde(MDA)level and superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity in serum of the rats in various groups;HE staining was used to observe the pathomorphology of bone tissue of the rats in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of silent information regulator 1(SIRT1),catalase(CAT),Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2),and forkhead box protein O1(FOXO1)proteins in bone tissue of the rats in various groups.Results:Compared with control group,the BMD of femoral tissue of the rats in model group was decreased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the BMD of femur tissue of the rats in positive drug group,medium dose of VAP group,and high dose of VAP group were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with control group,the levels of Ca2+,P,OPG,and SOD activities in serum of the rats in model group were decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of ALP,OCN,and MDA were increased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the level of OPG in serum of the rats in low dose of VAP group was significantly increased(P<0.05),the levels of Ca2+,P,OPG,and activities of SOD in serum of the rats in positive drug group,medium dose of VAP group,and high dose of VAP group were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the levels of ALP,OCN,and MDA in serum of the rats in positive drug group and different doses of VAP groups were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The HE staining results showed that compared with control group,the rats in model group had fewer bone cells and disordered arrangements in the bone tissue,thinner bone trabeculae with large fractures,and an expanded marrow cavity;compared with model group,the rats in positive drug group,medium dose of VAP group,and high dose of VAP group had thicker bone trabeculae arranged more tightly.The Western blotting results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of SIRT1,CAT,RUNX2,and FOXO1 proteins in bone tissue of the rats in model group were decreased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the expression levels of SIRT1,CAT,RUNX2,and FOXO1 proteins in bone tissue of the rats in positive drug group,medium dose of VAP group,and high dose of VAP group were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:VAP has the protective effect against OP in the rats,and its mechanism may be related to mediating the antioxidant stress action through the SIRT1/FOXO1 signaling pathway.

Shikonin Inhibits APC-mutant Colon Cancer via Wnt/β-catenin Signaling / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To identify small molecule inhibitors of APC-mutant colon cancer and provide lead compounds for targeted therapy of colon cancer. Methods APC-mutant colon cancer cell lines that stably express 7*Tcf-GFP/SV40-Cherry (7TGC) dual fluorescence reporter system was constructed for small-molecule inhibitor screening. Cell viability, colony formation, EdU incorporation, and xenograft tumor assay were used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of these inhibitors on APC-mutant colon cancer in vitro and in vivo. Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation assays were used to explore the molecular mechanism. Results Four small molecules that inhibited Wnt activity in APC-mutant colon cancer cells were discovered. Shikonin exhibited significant inhibition of cell viability and proliferation while inducing apoptosis of APC-mutant colon cancer cells. Xenograft tumor assay demonstrated that shikonin significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that shikonin markedly decreased β-catenin levels. Conclusion Shikonin effectively inhibits Wnt activity and suppresses tumor growth in APC-mutant colon cancer.

Protective effect of ethyl acetate extract from Bidens bipinnata on hepatocyte damage induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress / 中国中药杂志

To explore the protective effect and mechanism of ethyl acetate extract from Bidens bipinnata on hepatocyte damage induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress. Tunicamycin was used to establish the damage model in L02 cells. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) colorimetric assay was used to investigate the survival rate of ethyl acetate extract from B. bipinnata in L02 cells injury induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress; the protein expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecule glucose regulated protein 78(GRP78), PKR-like ER kinase(PERK), eukaryotic initiation factor-2(eIF2α), activating transcription factor 4(ATF4), C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP), B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bal-2 associated X apoptosis regulator(Bax) were examined by Wes-tern blot. The expressions of the above proteins were also detected after endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor(4-phenyl butyric acid) and CHOP shRNA-mediated knockdowns were added. The expressions of GRP78, PERK, CHOP in L02 cells were observed by immunofluorescence method. The results showed that ethyl acetate extract from B. bipinnata could significantly increase the survival rate of L02 cell injury caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress in a dose and time-dependent manner(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression levels of GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP and Bax in the drug treatment groups were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05 or P<0.01), while Bcl-2 was significantly up-regulated(P<0.01). After endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor and CHOP shRNA-mediated knockdowns were added, the expression levels of GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, Bax in the drug treatment groups were significantly down-regulated(P<0.01), whereas Bcl-2 was significantly up-regulated(P<0.01). Immunofluorescence results showed that the expressions of GRP78, PERK, CHOP were consistent with the Western blot method. In conclusion, ethyl acetate extract from B. bipinnata has a significant protective effect on the damage of L02 cells caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress and the down-regulation of apoptosis in cells through the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway.

Reflections on the Requirements for Production Lines in Application of Chemical Drugs in China / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: The manufacturing site of drugs is a combination of a series of production factors to meet the requirements of drugs production, which is not only the material basis of drugs production, but also the evaluation basis for the review when applying for registration. The purpose of this paper is to preliminarily discuss the definition and extension of production lines for chemical drugs in China, and provide some references for standardizing new drug application. METHODS: The historical requirements for manufacturing site information in application materials of chemical drugs in China were briefly introduced, with daily pharmaceutical evaluation works and specific cases study. RESULTS: AND CONCLUSION: It should make clear the definition and extension of production lines in the application materials, strengthen the effective communication between different regulatory authorities, update the relevant information in time, and should pay continuing attention to the revision progress of the laws and regulations requirements on the production line in China.

Genes associated with Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility in natural populations of Culex pipiens pallens: a preliminary study / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the genes involved in Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility among three natural populations of Culex pipiens pallens in eastern China, so as to provide insights into the development of preventive and control measures for mosquito-borne diseases based on Wolbachia. Methods The cytoplasmic incompatibility was tested among three natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province and Tangkou of Shandong Province using reciprocal crosses. Wolbachia infection was detected in C. pipiens pallens using a PCR assay, and the expression of Wolbachia wsp and WD0513 genes was quantified using a fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay. Results Bidirectional compatibility was found between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province (t = 0.57 and 0.15, both P values > 0.05), while bidirectional incompatibility was seen between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Tangkou of Shandong Province and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province (t = 63.81 and 43.51, both P values < 0.01), and between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing of Jiangsu Province and Tangkou of Shandong Province (t = 39.62 and 43.12, both P values < 0.01). Wolbachia wsp gene was amplified in all three natural populations of C. pipiens pallens, and qPCR assay detected no significant difference in the Wolbachia wsp gene expression among the three natural populations of C. pipiens pallens (F = 2.15, P > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in the WD0513 gene expression between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Tangkou of Shandong Province and Nanjing of Jiangsu Province (q = 8.42, P < 0.05) or between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Tangkou of Shandong Province and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province (q = 7.84, P < 0.05); however, there was a significant difference detected in the WD0513 gene expression between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province (q = 0.40, P > 0.05). Conclusions Different Wolbachia numbers are detected in natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province and Tangkou of Shandong Province, and WD0513 gene may be involved in the Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility among three natural populations of C. pipiens pallens.

Study on insecticide resistance of Culex pipiens pallens in southwest region of Shandong Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To explore the sensitivity of Culex pipiens pallens to common chemical insecticides in the southwestern region of Shandong Province, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the development of reasonable and effective mosquito control measures. Methods The resistance of Cx. pipiens pallens larvae to 5 chemical insecticides, such as cypermethrin, deltamethrin, DDVP, propoxur, and acetofenate were tested by using the WHO biological test method in 2018, and the co-toxicity coefficients after compounding the above-mentioned insecticides were tested by using a drug compounding method. Results The resistance indexes of Cx. pipiens pallens to cypermethrin, deltamethrin, DDVP, propoxur, and acetofenate in 3 cities were 144.43–557.54, 118.17–445.33, 6.44–19.00, 2.37–8.10, and 0.88–2.98, respectively, and expect the difference between the DDVP resistances of Cx. pipiens pallens in Jining City and Heze City was not statistically significant (P > 0.05), all the other differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The synergistic coefficients of cypermethrin + DDVP, cypermethrin + propoxur, DDVP + acetofenate, and propoxur + acetofenate were 199.58 – 456.95, 190.56 – 292.37, 123.32 – 319.24, and 192.31 – 367.32, respectively. The lower synergism was observed by using the mixture of DDVP + propoxur (synergistic coefficient: 99.87–108.36) . Conclusions After decades of chemical control, Cx. pipiens pallens in the southwestern region of Shandong Province has produced different degrees of resistance to common chemical insecticides. Therefore, comprehensive control measures should be taken to control mosquito breeding and prevent the development of insecticide resistance.

Discovery of novel limonin derivatives as potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents / 中国天然药物

Novel series of limonin derivatives (V-A-1-V-A-8, V-B-1-V-B-8) were synthesized by adding various tertiary amines onto the C (7)-position of limonin. The synthesized compounds possessed favorable physicochemical property, and the intrinsic solubility of the novel compounds were significantly improved, compared with limonin. Different pharmacological models were used to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the target compounds. Compound V-A-8 exhibited the strongest in vivo activity among the novel limonin analogs; its analgesic activity was more potent than aspirin and its anti-inflammatory activity was stronger than naproxen under our testing conditions.

Analysis of population genetic diversity of mosquitoes from Shandong Provincebased on mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit Ⅰgene fragment / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To explore the characteristics of gene sequence of mtDNA-COⅠof Culex pipiens pallens from differ-ent geographical regions in Shandong Province and different resistant strains from the lab and five common mosquito species, and analyze the genetic diversity of these mosquitoes.Methods Adult mosquitoes were collected from Jinan,Jining,Qingdao cities and other places in Shandong Province.The sensitive,dichlorvos-resistant,pyrethroid-resistant and propoxur-resistant strains were reared in the lab.Five species of mosquito(Cx.pipiens pallens,Cx.tritaeniorhynchus,Anopheles sinensis,Aedes al-bopictus,and Armigeres subalbatus)were collected from Jining City and identified in the lab.mtDNA-COⅠwas specifically am-plified by PCR and sequenced.The gene sequences were compared and analyzed by the biological information systems,and the phylogenetic tree was constructed.Results The amplified mtDNA-COⅠfragments of Cx.pipiens pallens from eight different cit-ies and four different resistant strains were 528 bp in length,with 67.4% A+T contents and two mutation sites.The nucleotide se-quence homology among the different geographic strains was 99.95% and the gene sequences of the four resistant strains were the same,showing a high homogeny.The amplified mtDNA-COⅠfragments of the five species of mosquitoes were 528 bp with 408 conserved sites,120 variable sites,42 parsimony informative sites and 78 singleton sites. The A+T contents were between 65.7% and 68.0%.The nucleotide sequence homology among the different mosquito species was between 86.17% and 92.05%,and the molecular identification was consistent with the traditional morphological identification. The molecular phylogenetic study showed that the different species were clustered at their own branch at the species and genus levels,while genera Armiger-es was distantly related to the others.Conclusion mtDNA-COⅠcould not serve as the molecular marker to analyze the popula-tion genetic variation and phylogenesis of Cx.pipiens pallens from different geographical regions and different resistant strains, but it has species and genus specificities,which could be used for the identification of the mosquito species and genus.

Recovery effect of PLGA microsphere-loaded VAP combined with BMMSCs on sciatic nerve injury of rats and its mechanism / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To observe the recovery effect of polylactide-glycolic acid (PLGA) microsphere-loaded velvet antler peptide (VAP) combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) on the sciatic nerve injury of the rats, and to explore the related mechanisms. Methods: The sciatic nerve injury models were made by the cross-sectional method. A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into sciatic nerve transection control group (control group), VAP group, BMMSCs transplantation (BMC) group and VAP microsphere combined with BMMSCs transplantation (VAP-BMC) group (n=15). Seven days after modeling, the rats in control group were injected with PBS solution in the transecting sciatic nerve region, the rats in VAP group were injected with PBS solution containing PLGA microspheres loading drug, the rats in BMC group were injected with PBS solution containing BMMSCs, and the rats in VAP-BMC group were injected with PBS solution containing PLGA microspheres loading drug and BMMSCs. After three months, the neurological function of the rats in various groups were evaluated by Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) functional sports rating scale, and the morphology of sciatic nerves of the rats in various groups were detected by HE staining. The expression levels of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), glucose regulated protein-78 (GRP-78) and Caspase-12 in sciatic nerve of the rats in various groups were detected by Western blotting method. Results; The results of BBB functional sports rating scale showed that compared with control group, the BBB scores of the rats in VAP group, BMC group and VAP-BMC group were increased (P<0. 01), especially in VAP-BMC group. The results of HE staining showed that compared with control group, the sciatic nerve fibers of the rats in VAP group, BMC group and VAP-BMC group got thicker and the diameters of axon were longer (P<0. 01). The results of Western blotting showed that compared with control group, the expression levels of PDI and Caspase-12 in the sciatic nerve of the rats in VAP group, BMC group and VAP-BMC group were significantly decreased (P<0. 01), and the expression level of GRP-78 protein in the sciatic nerve of the rats in VAP-BMC group was significantly increased (P<0. 01). Conclusion: PLGA microsphere-loaded VAP combined with BMMSCs can significantly promote the repairment of injured sciatic nerves, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Discovery of novel limonin derivatives as potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents / 中国天然药物

Novel series of limonin derivatives (V-A-1-V-A-8, V-B-1-V-B-8) were synthesized by adding various tertiary amines onto the C (7)-position of limonin. The synthesized compounds possessed favorable physicochemical property, and the intrinsic solubility of the novel compounds were significantly improved, compared with limonin. Different pharmacological models were used to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the target compounds. Compound V-A-8 exhibited the strongest in vivo activity among the novel limonin analogs; its analgesic activity was more potent than aspirin and its anti-inflammatory activity was stronger than naproxen under our testing conditions.

GABA Receptor Activity Suppresses the Transition from Inter-ictal to Ictal Epileptiform Discharges in Juvenile Mouse Hippocampus / 神经科学通报·英文版

Exploring the transition from inter-ictal to ictal epileptiform discharges (IDs) and how GABA receptor-mediated action affects the onset of IDs will enrich our understanding of epileptogenesis and epilepsy treatment. We used Mg-free artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) to induce epileptiform discharges in juvenile mouse hippocampal slices and used a micro-electrode array to record the discharges. After the slices were exposed to Mg-free ACSF for 10 min-20 min, synchronous recurrent seizure-like events were recorded across the slices, and each event evolved from inter-ictal epileptiform discharges (IIDs) to pre-ictal epileptiform discharges (PIDs), and then to IDs. During the transition from IIDs to PIDs, the duration of discharges increased and the inter-discharge interval decreased. After adding 3 μmol/L of the GABA receptor agonist muscimol, PIDs and IDs disappeared, and IIDs remained. Further, the application of 10 μmol/L muscimol abolished all the epileptiform discharges. When the GABA receptor antagonist bicuculline was applied at 10 μmol/L, IIDs and PIDs disappeared, and IDs remained at decreased intervals. These results indicated that there are dynamic changes in the hippocampal network preceding the onset of IDs, and GABA receptor activity suppresses the transition from IIDs to IDs in juvenile mouse hippocampus.

Multivariate analysis of corneal endothelial cell count reduction after cataract surgery / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

·AIM:To investigate the factors related to the decrease of corneal endothelial cell number after phacoemulsification in cataract patients. ·METHODS: We selected 98 patients (120 eyes) in Ophthalmic Center from July 2014 to July 2016 underwent phacoemulsification and they were retrospectively analyzed. According to the central corneal endothelial cell density before and 2mo after the operation, they were divided into serious loss group of 52 cases (67 eyes, density of central corneal endothelial cells loss rate no less than 12.3%),the general loss group of 46 cases (53 eyes, the density of central corneal endothelial cell loss rate <12.3%). Relevant indicators of general information, operation of the two groups were compared, the influence factors of non conditional Logistic regression analysis method was used to investigate the effect for corneal endothelial cell loss in cataract patients. ·RESULTS:Serious loss group and the general group on gender, rate with hypertension, rate with diabetes, rate with high blood lipids, with shallow anterior chamber, corneal diameter and suction time comparison, had no statistically significant differences (P > 0. 05). Nuclear hardness classification of Emery lens, ultrasonic power, ultrasonic emulsification time, age between groups were significantly different(P<0.05). By using Logistic analysis method, the results showed that increased Emery lens nucleus grading, ultrasonic energy, phacoemulsification time, age were independent risk factors for corneal endothelial cells after phacoemulsification (P<0.05). ·CONCLUSION: The main factors that influence the decrease of corneal endothelial cell number after phacoemulsification are Emery lens, higher grade of nucleus of lens, increase of ultrasonic energy, longer time of phacoemulsification and increased age.

Suppression of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma via SOD1 Inhibition / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

Objective]To explore the aberrant expression of SOD1 gene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and adjacent tissues,as well as in NPC cell lines,then to observe the effect of SOD1 on NPC cells metastatic ability and investigate the intrinsic?mechanism.[Methods]Immunohistochemical technique was used to examine SOD1 expression in carcinoma tissues and adjacent tissues(n=10). Small interfering RNAs and inhibitor LCS-1 were used to knockdown of SOD1 expression and inhibit SOD1 activity, respectively. Then,wound healing test and migration assay were applied to detect cell metastatic ability in vitro. Real-time PCR and Western Blot were used to analyze the expression of EMT-related genes(E-cadherin,Vimentin,Twist).[Results]SOD1 was found to be significantly up-regulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues(n = 7 ,70%),compared to control. SOD1 was also highly expressed in highly metastatic potential NPC cell lines(CNE2,5-8F,S18)compared with low metastatic ability cell lines(6-10B). Knockdown SOD1 expression or inhibit SOD1 activity suppress cell motility in CNE2 and 5-8F cells. Finally,we demonstrate that SOD1 inhibition plays a role in induction of epithelial marker E-cadherin and has an opposite effect on mesenchymal marker vimen tin and transcriptional factor twist.[Conclusion]These results suggest that SOD1 contributes to EMT and might be important for tumor metastasis in NPC.

Epidemiological analysis of 133 malaria cases in Shanxian county, Shandong Province, China

Objective To conduct an analysis of the epidemiological changes in malaria that have occurred in Shanxian county from 2002 to 2016. Methods A retrospective study was conducted and data were collected from web-based reporting system to explore the epidemiological characteristics in Shanxian county from 2002 to 2016. All individual case information was obtained from village malaria servicers organized by the local Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases. Results A total of 133 cases were identified as malaria in Shanxian county during this period, including 124 indigenous cases (93.2%) and 9 imported cases (6.8%). The 124 indigenous malaria cases were infected with Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax), whereas 7 of the 9 confirmed imported cases were infected with Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), 1 was infected with Plasmodium ovale (P. ovale) and 1 patient was infected with P. falciparum mixed with P. vivax. The total number of malaria cases included 86 males (64.7%) and 47 females (35.3%). Age of the patients ranged from 1 to 83 years, although most (64.7%) infections occurred in the 21-to 60-year-old age group. Remarkably, 117 of the total malaria cases (98.0%) were reported from 2006 to 2011. The epidemic season was from June to October, with the peak occurring yearly from July to September. The most common occupation of the infected patients was farmer. In total, 58.1% of the cases occurred in 3 townships, namely, Fugang, Huanggang and Caozhuang. Conclusions In Shanxian county, the local malaria incidence experienced an emerge-peak-control-eliminate status. However, due to the numbers of migrant labourers returning from Africa, imported cases were continuous and presented an increasing annual trend, which became a non-negligible and a significant impediment for malaria elimination. Therefore, the need to eliminate instances of malaria reintroduction to receptive malaria-free areas should drive strategies to align with the epidemiological changes.

Epidemiological analysis of 133 malaria cases in Shanxian county, Shandong Province, China

OBJECTIVE@#To conduct an analysis of the epidemiological changes in malaria that have occurred in Shanxian county from 2002 to 2016.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was conducted and data were collected from web-based reporting system to explore the epidemiological characteristics in Shanxian county from 2002 to 2016. All individual case information was obtained from village malaria servicers organized by the local Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases.@*RESULTS@#A total of 133 cases were identified as malaria in Shanxian county during this period, including 124 indigenous cases (93.2%) and 9 imported cases (6.8%). The 124 indigenous malaria cases were infected with Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax), whereas 7 of the 9 confirmed imported cases were infected with Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), 1 was infected with Plasmodium ovale (P. ovale) and 1 patient was infected with P. falciparum mixed with P. vivax. The total number of malaria cases included 86 males (64.7%) and 47 females (35.3%). Age of the patients ranged from 1 to 83 years, although most (64.7%) infections occurred in the 21-to 60-year-old age group. Remarkably, 117 of the total malaria cases (98.0%) were reported from 2006 to 2011. The epidemic season was from June to October, with the peak occurring yearly from July to September. The most common occupation of the infected patients was farmer. In total, 58.1% of the cases occurred in 3 townships, namely, Fugang, Huanggang and Caozhuang.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In Shanxian county, the local malaria incidence experienced an emerge-peak-control-eliminate status. However, due to the numbers of migrant labourers returning from Africa, imported cases were continuous and presented an increasing annual trend, which became a non-negligible and a significant impediment for malaria elimination. Therefore, the need to eliminate instances of malaria reintroduction to receptive malaria-free areas should drive strategies to align with the epidemiological changes.

Chigger Mite (Acari: Trombiculidae) Survey of Rodents in Shandong Province, Northern China

Chigger mites are parasites of rodents and other vertebrates, invertebrates, and other arthropods, and are the only vectors of scrub typhus, in addition to other zoonoses. Therefore, investigating their distribution, diversity, and seasonal abundance is important for public health. Rodent surveillance was conducted at 6 districts in Shandong Province, northern China (114–112°E, 34–38°N), from January to December 2011. Overall, 225/286 (78.7%) rodents captured were infested with chigger mites. A total of 451 chigger mites were identified as belonging to 5 most commonly collected species and 3 genera in 1 family. Leptotrombidium scutellare and Leptotrombidium intermedia were the most commonly collected chigger mites. L. scutellare (66.2%, 36.7%, and 49.0%) was the most frequently collected chigger mite from Apodemus agrarius, Rattus norvegicus, and Microtus fortis, respectively, whereas L. intermedia (61.5% and 63.2%) was the most frequently collected chigger mite from Cricetulus triton and Mus musculus, respectively. This study demonstrated a relatively high prevalence of chigger mites that varied seasonally in Shandong Province, China.

Antioxidant activities of crude phlorotannins from Sargassum hemiphyllum / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Brown algae are well known as a source of biologically active compounds, especially those having antioxidant activities, such as phlorotannins. In this study we examined the antioxidant activities of crude phlorotannins extracts (CPEs) obtained from Sargassum hemiphyllum (SH) and fractionated according to the molecular weights. When CPEs were administrated at a dose of 30 mg/kg to Kunming mice pre-treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), the levels of oxidative stress indicators in the liver, kidney and brain were significantly reduced in vivo. All the components of various molecular weight fractions of CPEs exhibited greater scavenging capacities in clearing hydroxyl free radical and superoxide anion than the positive controls gallic acid, vitamin C and vitamin E. Particularly, the components greater than 30 kD obtained from ethyl acetate phase showed the highest antioxidant capacities. These results indicated that SH is a potential source for extracting phlorotannins, the algal antioxidant compounds.

Information coding in retinal ganglion cells / 生理学报

In vertebrate visual system, retina is the first stage for visual information processing. Retinal ganglion cells are the only output neurons of the retina, and their firing activities are dependent on visual stimuli. Retinal ganglion cells can effectively encode visual information via various manners, such as firing rate, temporal structure of spike trains, and concerted activity, etc. Adaptation is one of the basic characteristics of the nervous system, which enables retinal neurons to encode stimuli under a wide variety of natural conditions with limited range in their output. This article reviews the recent studies focused on the coding properties and adaptation of retinal ganglion cells. Relevant issues about dynamical adjustment of coding strategies of retinal ganglion cells in response to different visual stimulation, as well as physiological property and function of adaptation are discussed.

Establishment of Human Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Model in the BALB/c Nude Mice by Using MEC-1 and HG3 Cell Lines / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the the optimal condition for establishing immune deficiency mouse(BALB/c) model with CLL via subcutaneous inoculation of human chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells at different inoculative locations and different cell concentrations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Firstly, Two CLL cell lines (MEC-1-GFP and HG3-GFP)with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) were established by lentivirus system respectively, and then the MEC-1-GFP cells (5×10/ml) were inoculated into forelimb, hindlimb and abdomen to observe the tumorigenesis. Secondly, the MEC-1-GFP and HG3-GFP cells with same density (5×10/ml) were inoculated into forelimb to compare the time and rate of tumor formation. Thirdly, the MEC-1-GFP cells (1×10/ml) and HG3-GFP cells (5×10/ml) were inoculated into forelimb to compare the time and rate of tumor formation at different inoculative density. After observation for 5 weeks, the peripheral blood was collected and treated with EDTA and erythrocytolysin, then the of GFP positive cells were detected by flow cytomety. Meanwhile, the tumor-bearing mice were killed, and the tumors were isolated and cut into slices for histopathological examination.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MEC-1-GFP and HG3-GFP cell lines were successfully established, and after inocutation of MEC-1-GFP cells with 5×10/ml the xenograt tumors were formated in forelimb, hindlimb and abdomen of mice, especially in the forelimb with a higher tumorigenic rate. In addition, the inoculation of same density of MEC-1-GFP and HG3-GFP cells (5×10/ml) also resulted in xenograft in forelimb, and the tumorigenic rate reached to 80% after 5 weeks. Moreover, the inocutation of MEC-1-GFP and HG3-GFP cells with 1×10and 5×10/ml respectively also effectively resulted to xenograft tumor in forelimb. The flow cytometry showed that there was no MEC-1-GFP and HG3-GFP cells in peripheral blood, while histopathological examination demonstrated CLL cell metastasis towards peritoneal cavity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The BALB/c nude mouse model is successfully established by subcutaneous injection of MEC-1-GFP and HG3-GFP cells. This model is a useful tool to explore the pathogenic mechanism.</p>

Condylar and occlusal changes after high condylectomy and orthodontic treatment for condylar hyperplasia / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Condylar hyperplasia (CH) of human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) often occurs unilaterally, and causes occlusal disturbance and facial asymmetry. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of high condylectomy with and without postsurgical orthodontic treatment. Forty patients were diagnosed as having active CH and treated with high condylectomy. Patients in group A (n=24) took the postsurgical orthodontic therapy immediately after surgery, and those in group B (n=16) did not take orthodontic therapy. For both groups, the mandibular ramus height on the affected side was decreased significantly after surgery. Orthodontic treatment promoted maxillary alveolar remodeling significantly by depressing alveolar bone of the affected side and increasing alveolar bone of the nonaffected side. Better improvement for facial midline deviations was observed in group A than in group B. In both groups, the condylar remodeling was observed and manifested by the smoothening of condylar surface and returning of condyle to normal position in glenoid fossa. It was concluded that high condylectomy in the treatment of active CH of TMJ improved the functional occlusion and facial aesthetic. Postsurgical orthodontic therapy could more effectively enhance maxillary alveolar and condylar remodeling, and more rapidly and meticulously establish the stable occlusal and normal position of condyle than the spontaneous remodeling.