A new diterpenoid acid from the rosin of Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis (A.Chev.) Gaussen ex Bui / 药学学报

One undescribed diterpenoid acid and six compounds were isolated from the 95% ethanol fraction of Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis (A.Chev.) Gaussen ex Bui resin by using various chromatographic methods, including MCI Gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS, silica gel and semi-preparative HPLC. The planar structures were identified by spectroscopy methods (1D, 2D NMR, UV, IR, MS, etc.), and the absolute configuration of the new compound was determined by ECD calculation. Compound 1 is a new compound, and compounds 2, 5-7 were isolated from Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis (A.Chev.) Gaussen ex Bui for the first time.

Pharmacological Mechanism of Wumeiwan in Treating Lung Metastasis of Breast Cancer / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the potential target and mechanism of Wumeiwan in the treatment of lung metastasis of breast cancer by network pharmacological analysis and experimental verification. Method:The databases of active ingredients and targets of Wumeiwan were established through Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology（TCMSP） Database and Analysis Platform，and the targets of lung metastasis of breast cancer were established through the GeneCards database and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man（OMIM） database，and the data of Chinese medicine targets and disease targets were matched. Cytoscape 3.6.0 software was used to establish the network analysis of traditional Chinese medicine-active ingredients-therapeutic targets，and the interaction relationship between key target proteins was analyzed by STRING database. Target gene ontology（GO） analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes（KEGG） signal pathway enrichment analysis were performed by using the Biological Information Annotation Database. Result:A total of 108 possible important targets for Wumeiwan in the treatment of lung metastasis of breast cancer were found，including interleukin 6（IL6），cysteine aspartate-specific protease-3（CASP3），vascular endothelial growth factor A（VEGFA），epidermal growth factor receptor（EGFR），mitogen-activated protein kinase（MAPK8）， and others. GO enrichment analysis yielded 29 cell components（CC），1 218 biological processes（BP） and 125 molecular functions（MF） related to lung metastasis of breast cancer，and KEGG enrichment analysis yielded 118 pathways related to lung metastasis of breast cancer（<italic>P<</italic>0.05），including MAPK signaling pathway and apoptosis pathway. <italic>In vitro</italic> experiments showed that cinnamaldehyde， the active ingredient of Wumeiwan， could induce apoptosis，inhibit proliferation and migration of MCF7 cells，partially validating the predicted results of network pharmacology to a certain extent. Conclusion:The therapeutic effect of Wumeiwan on lung metastasis of breast cancer may be multi-target，multi-pathway and multi-mechanism. The results of this study provide more evidence for the clinical application of Wumeiwan.

A new diarylheptane dimer from Zingiber officinale peel / 药学学报

Three diarylheptanoids were isolated from the n-butanol fraction of Zingiber officinale peel by MCI Gel CHP-20, Sephadex LH-20, ODS and semipreparative high performance liquid chromatography. Their structures were identified by MS and NMR spectroscopy techniques: (2S,2'S,3R,3'R,4R,4'R,6R,6'R)-6,6'-bis((S)-1-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl)-2,2'-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)octahydro-2H,2'H-[3,3'-bipyran]-4,4'-diol (1), (E)-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)hept-4-en-3-one (2), and alpinin B (3). Compound 1 is a new compound, and compounds 2-3 were obtained from Zingiber officinale peel for the first time.

Two new monoterpenoids of Zingiber officinale peel / 药学学报

The chemical constituents of Zingiber officinale peel were isolated and purified by various chromatographic separation techniques such as Diaion HP-20, MCI Gel CHP-20, Sephadex LH-20, ODS, silica gel and semi-preparative HPLC. Seven terpenoids were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data: (4R,6S)-1-(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en-4-ol (1), 4-(hydroxymethyl)-1-isopropylcyclohex-2-ene-3,4-diol (2), 3,5,6-trihydroxy-7-megastigmen-9-one (3), 3-(3-hydroxybutyl)-2,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one (4), angelicoidenol (5), grasshopper ketone (6), and dihydrophaseic acid (7), in which compounds 1, 2 are new compounds, named: (4R,6S)-1-(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en-4-ol and 4-(hydroxymethyl)-1-isopropylcyclohex-2-ene-3,4-diol, and compounds 3-7 were obtained from this plant for the first time.

Comparison of immunohistochemical stain and 14C urea breath test in the diagnosis of helicobacter pylori associated gastritis / 临床与实验病理学杂志

Purpose To evaluate the value of immunohistochemical stain (IHC) in the diagnosis of helicobacter pylori (HP) -associated gastritis with gastric biopsy tissue. Method239 cases of gastric biopsy were selected. All patients had14 C urea breath test (UBT) at the time of gastric biopsy. IHC for HP was performed with the biopsy tissues. The results were compared with gold standard results. Gold standard was established according to the Chinese Fourth National Consensus report on HP infection with modification. It was considered positive if two or more of the three test results were positive, including IHC, UBT, and HE. Results 239 gastric biopsy specimens fit the criteria. Compared with the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity value of IHC stains were 97.3％ and 100.0％ respectively, higher than 91.1％, 81.9％ of 14 C UBT, and 80.4％, 92.9％ of HE stain respectively. The14 C UBT showed 9.6％ false positive rate, and 4.2％ false negative rate. Conclusion IHC is a valuable test in the diagnosis of HP-associated gastritis, and it should be recommended for routine histopathologic diagnostic workup if HP gastritis is clinically suspected or chronic active gastritis is identified in the biopsy tissue.

Selection of the sites for microsurgical vasoepididymostomy: A report of 56 cases of epididymal obstructive azoospermia / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the prediction of the site for microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (VE) in the treatment of epididymal obstructive azoospermia (OA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study involved 56 infertile men with confirmed OA whose obstruction was suspected to be in the epididymis. Based on their medical history and results of preoperative physical examination and ultrasonography, we predicted the sites for VE. We performed surgical scrotal exploration for the status of epididymal obstruction, conducted palpation and microscopic observation for the epididymal tubules to be anastomosed, and finally decided on the sites for VE by making sure of the presence of motile sperm in the epididymal fluid of the patients. After surgery, we followed up the patients for the rate of pregnancy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients received bilateral scrotal ultrasonography and surgical scrotal exploration, totaling 112 procedures, including 98 VE procedures. The accuracy rate of the predicted sites for VE was 80.5% (153/190) by medical history and physical examination, 80.3% (90/112) based on the results of ultrasonography, and 87.4% (90/103) according to the first selected epididymal tubules. Of the 28 patients followed up for more than 12 months, motile sperm were found in 19 (67.9% ) at 2 to 12 months and spontaneous pregnancies were achieved in 10 (35.7%), all with the anastomotic sites in the corpus or cauda.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Medical history and physical examination contribute to the selection of anastomotic sites and non-invasive scrotal ultrasonography is effective and practical for positioning epididymal obstruction. The epididymal tubules with motile sperm for anastomosis could be easily obtained from the most dilated ones in indurated epididymides.</p>

On-demand versus on-time dosing of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction: a prospective multi-center study / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the safety and efficacy of tadalafil on demand and on time in men with erectile dysfunction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We conducted a multi-centered randomized controlled study on 120 ED males, who were assigned to take tadalafil at 10 mg/ 20 mg on demand before sexual activity and at the same dose on time twice a week for 8 weeks. Before and at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment, and 1 month after withdrawal, we obtained the scores on IIEF-5, ED Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) and the short form of Psychological and Interpersonal Relationship Scales (SF-PAIRS) , and compared the safety and efficacy of medication between the two groups of patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Totally, 110 patients accomplished the trial, 56 in the on-time and 54 in the on-demand group. At 4 and 8 weeks of medication and 1 month after withdrawal, the IIEF-5 scores were improved in both the on-time and on-demand groups, even more significantly in the former than in the latter at 8 weeks of treatment (21.6 +/- 2.9 vs 18.5 +/- 1.7) and 1 month after withdrawal (20.9 +/- 2.1 vs 17.9 +/- 2.3) (P < 0.05). The EDITS scores were significantly higher in the on-time than in the on-demand group at 8 weeks of treatment (31.7 +/- 6.9 vs 28.6 +/- 5.8) and 1 month after withdrawal (30.6 +/- 4.7 vs 27.9 +/- 6.5) (P < 0.05). The scores on the sexual self-confidence, spontaneity and time-concern domains of SF-PAIRS were remarkably improved after medication as compared with the baseline (P < 0.05), even more significantly in the on-time than in the on-demand group at 1 month after withdrawal. Both dosing schedules were well tolerated and no significant differences were observed in safety between the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>On-time dosing of tadalafil is efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of ED, and has an even better effect than on-demand dosing at 8 weeks of medication and 1 month after withdrawal.</p>

Post-thaw sperm functions of high- and low-fertility sperm donors: a comparative study of 40 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate sperm function indexes that can be used to effectively evaluate the sperm donors' fertility so as to select healthy post-thaw semen samples and improve the success rate of assisted reproductive technology.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>According to the pregnancy outcomes, we divided 40 donor semen samples into a high-fertility group (n = 20) and a low-fertility group (n = 20). We measured and compared the concentration, progressive motility, morphology, acrosome intactness, DNA integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of the post-thaw sperm between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were statistically significant differences between the high- and low-fertility groups in the percentages of morphologically normal sperm ([18.50 +/- 6.10]% vs [14.42 +/- 6.44]%, P < 0.01), acrosome intactness ([86.17 +/- 4.49]% vs [80.04 +/- 7.52]%, P < 0.05) and DNA fragmentation index ([9.21 +/- 3.22]% vs [15.72 +/- 8.20]%, P < 0.05), but not in MMP ([56.75 +/- 18.80]% vs [52.23 +/- 18.86]%, P > 0.05). A significantly positive correlation was found between MMP and sperm motility (r = 0.760, P < 0.05), but not between other sperm functions and sperm concentration and motility.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Sperm concentration, motility, morphology, acrosome intactness rate and DNA integrity contribute effectively to the evaluation of the fertilization capacity of post-thaw donor semen samples.</p>

An epidemiological investigation on a food-born outbreak of noroviru caused by Sydney 2012 G II.4 strain / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the source of infection, route of transmission and risk factors related to a cluster of acute gastroenteritis cases in a university of Guangzhou.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cases were identified according to the definition. Descriptive epidemiological approaches and case-control study designs were employed in the analysis. All the samples were tested for norovirus by RT-PCR. Positive samples were subjected to both nucleotide sequence and homology analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 141 cases related to norovirus gastroenteritis were identified in January 8 to 21, 2013, with the attack rate as 8.5 per thousand (141/16,600). The peak in morbidity was seen on January 8 to 9. No clustering was found in different classes or dormitories. Results from the case-control study revealed that early cases were infected in Restaurant A (OR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.07-11.16) and the cold shredded chicken set meal (OR = 17.82, 95% CI: 4.46-78.17) served at lunch (OR = 4.34, 95% CI: 1.18 -17.37) on January 7 was under suspicion. A total of 266 samples, including rectal swabs from the patients and kitchen wokers, leftover food and environmental swabs, were collected. Twenty-one samples (collected from 17 persons) were positive for norovirus by RT-PCR. About 29.6% (8/27) of the kitchen workers in the Restaurant A were tested positive for the virus. The pathogen was identified as the new norovirus genotype II.4 variant, termed Sydney 2012. The virus strains isolated from the patients among student and staff and the kitchen workers were 100% identical in their nucleotide sequence.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This was the first reported acute gastroenteritis outbreak caused by the new norovirus genotype II.4 variant, Sydney 2012, which showed that the food was contaminated by the asymptomatic kitchen workers who carried the virus.</p>

Effect of transplantation of bone marrow stem cells on myocardial infarction size in a rabbit model / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: Intravenous transplantation has been regarded as a most safe method in stem cell therapies. There is evidence showing the homing of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) into the injured sites, and thus these cells can be used in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (MI). This study aimed to investigate the effect of intravenous and epicardial transplantion of BMSCs on myocardial infarction size in a rabbit model. METHODS: A total of 60 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: control group, epicardium group (group I) and ear vein group (group II). The BMSCs were collected from the tibial plateau in group I and group II, cultured and labeled. In the three groups, rabbits underwent thoracotomy and ligation of the middle left anterior descending artery. The elevation of ST segment>0.2 mV lasting for 30 minutes on the lead II and III of electrocardiogram suggested successful introduction of myocardial infarction. Two weeks after myocardial infarction, rabbits in group I were treated with autogenous BMSCs at the infarct region and those in group II received intravenous transplantation of BMSCs. In the control group, rabbits were treated with PBS following thoracotomy. Four weeks after myocardial infarction, the heart was collected from all rabbits and the infarct size was calculated. The heart was cut into sections followed by HE staining and calculation of infarct size with an image system. RESULTS: In groups I and II, the infarct size was significantly reduced after transplantation with BMSCs when compared with the control group (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the infarct size between groups I and II (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Transplantation of BMSCs has therapeutic effect on MI. Moreover, epicardial and intravenous transplantation of BMSCs has comparable therapeutic efficacy on myocardial infarction.

Risk evaluation on H7N9 avian influenza in Guangzhou, China / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>We conducted both quick surveillance and evaluation programs within one week after the novel H7N9 influenza cases had been released by the Ministry of Health (MOH), to get the basic information on H7N9 virus in Guangzhou.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We sampled live birds from food markets and the natural habitat of birds to detect H7N9, H5 and H9 viruses. We interviewed workers from both markets and natural habitats. We also reviewed records on pneumonia patients with unknown causes from the surveillance system, to find clues related to the identification of severe pneumonia.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We sampled 300 specimens from 49 stalls in 13 food markets and a natural habitat but none showed H7N9 positive result. A chopping block was detected positive of carrying H5 avian influenza virus, while another 4 specimens including a chicken cage, a duck cage, a chopping block and a pigeon cage were detected positive of carrying H9 avian influenza virus. In the past month, no sick, dead birds or ILI cases among the workers were discovered. 21.2% (7/33) of the stalls did not follow the set regulations for prevention. 10.3% (4/39) of the stalls had the cages cleaned, 4 days after the inspection. 3.7% (2/54) of the workers wore masks and 40.7% (22/54) of them wore gloves during the slaughtering process. 102 bird feces specimens were tested negative on H7N9 virus. No pneumonia cases with unknown reason were identified. From April 3(rd) to 17(th), we found 26 severe pneumonia cases but with negative results on influenza A (H7N9).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>According to the data and information from 1) lab tests, 2) pneumonia cases with unknown reasons under the surveillance system, 3) the identification of severe pneumonia cases, and 4) preventive measures and actions taken by the workers, we inferred that no H7N9 virus or related cases were found prior to April in Guangzhou. However, the risk of H7N9 epidemic does exist because of the following reasons:1) improper market management process, 2) negligent behavior of the workers and 3) potential trend of the national situation, suggesting strategies related to poultry markets management, health education and preventive measures against the avian influenza need to be strengthened.</p>

The molecular epidemiology characteristics of norovirus in environment and clinical samples in Guangzhou from 2009 to 2011 / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the molecular epidemiological characteristics of norovirus in Guangzhou from 2009 to 2011.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 183 water samples, 1162 seafood samples and 1066 diarrhea stool specimens were collected from January 2010 to May 2011, June 2009 to June 2011 and July 2009 to December 2010 respectively in Guangzhou. Norovirus was detected by real time reverse transcript-PCR (qRT-PCR). The partial polymerase gene was amplified from norovirus positive samples, then sequenced and compared with the sequences of norovirus in GenBank. The phylogenetic tree was created.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rate was 19.67% (36/183), 8.26% (96/1162) and 37.05% (395/1066) in water samples, seafood and diarrhea patients respectively. Noroviruses from positive samples could be divided into 10 representative strains, in which 7 representative strains of genotype of 208 samples was type G2-4. The sequences from water, seafood and stool specimens were highly homologous with the similarity of 94% - 100%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In Guangzhou, the predominant Norovirus genotype was G2-4 and the positive rate of samples was high.</p>

Investigation on the source of infection regarding an avian influenza (H5N1) case in Hong Kong that returning from Guangzhou / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective We conducted an epidemiologic investigation to determine the source of infection on an avian influenza (H5N1) case who returned from Guangzhou,in Hong Kong.Methods Data related to epidemiologic investigation,medical observation on close contacts,Syndromic Surveillance on poultry salesmen,emergency monitoring,detection of the samples,source tracing on potential Avian influenza virus (H5,H7,H9) infected people,situation on environment pollution by avian influenza virus in the markets etc.were gathered.The determination of infection source was through comparing the different genes between the case and positive environmental samples.Results The infected case witnessed the procedure of how a live duck was killed,in market A in Guangzhou during May 17th to 19th.The case was diagnosed as respiratory tract infection in 2 Third-grade-Class A hospitals in Guangzhou on May 23th and 24th.The diagnosis was made as Avian influenza cases on May 26th after going back to Hong Kong.23 close contacts and 34 markets poultry salesmen did not show any ILI related symptoms.However,2 poultry salesmen from the markets nearby the place where the Avian influenza case stayed,were detected having positive H9 avian influenza antibody,with the H9 positive rate as 6.06％ (2/33).Among the environmental samples in the 2 markets nearby home of the patient,chopping block was found to have carried H5,with positive rate as 9.8％(5/51) while poultry cage was found to carry H9,with the positive rate as 2.0％(1/51).A H5 positive sample was found with clade 2.3.2.1,same to the case,from a chopping block at the market B where the sources of poultry was the same as market A.Conclusion The source of infection seemed to come from the markets in Guangzhou,that calling for the strengthening of poultry market management,for avian influenza prevention.History related to contact of poultry should be gathered when a diagnosis of respiratory tract infection was made.Timely sampling and testing should be made to improve the sensitivity of diagnosis.

Relation between clinical detection rates of the novel influenza virus A/H1N1 RNA in confirmed patients in Guangzhou and the disease course / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the relation of the detection rates of the novel influenza virus A/H1N1 RNA in clinically confirmed patients in the 2009 pandemic with the age distribution of the patients and the disease course.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 151 clinical patients with H1N1 infection were enrolled in this study, from whom 833 dynamic throat swab samples were obtained for detecting the H1N1 RNA using real-time PCR. A statistical analysis of the age distribution was performed among the patients with different disease courses. Chi-square for trend test was used to study the correlation between the detection rates of H1N1 RNA and the time of disease onset.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The majority of patients were young with their ages ranging from 10 to 20 years (57.26%) and 20 to 30 years (22.18%). Chi-square for trend test revealed that the positivity rates of the throat swabs in the patients decreased with the prolongation of the disease course (chi(2)=9.784, P=0.002).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Most of the H1N1 patients are young within the age range of 10-30 years, and the longest disease course can exceed 10 days. The positivity rates of throat swabs from the H1N1 patients decreases with the prolongation of the disease course.</p>

Investigation on a seasonal influenza accompanying with the first locale novel A/H1N1 influenza outbreak in China / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To timely summarize past experience and to provide more pertinent reference for control and prevention in A/H1N1 cases in influenza season.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>During May 25 to 31, 2009, 2 secondary community cases caused by a influenza A/H1N1 imported case. In the close contacts of 3 A/H1N1 cases, 14 had some aspirator symptoms onset, such as fever (> or = 37.5 degrees C), cough, sore throat and etc. Laboratory tests excluded the infection of A/H1N1 influenza. For throat swab test for the 14 cases, 7 were tested for seasonal influenza virus. A face-to-face or telephone interview was conducted by CDC staff to collect information of 62 close contacts.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 14 fever cases, there was no significant by differences by age[15-age group: 19.2% (5/26), over 25-age group: 25.0% (9/36); chi(2) = 0.287, P = 0.592]; by sex group [24.0% (6/25) for male and 21.6% (8/37) for female; chi(2) = 0.048, P = 0.826], by working units [dressing and design, photograph, saleroom and others, consumer group: 42.1% (8/19), 27.3% (3/11), 12.5% (2/16) and 6.3% (1/16); chi(2) = 7.653, P = 0.054], by dormitory style [dormitory style = 33.3% (4/12), non-dormitory style = 29.4% (10/34); chi(2) = 0.699, P = 0.403]. All the cases had fever (37.5 - 37.9 degrees C), no case had diarrhea. One in 3 A/H1N1 cases had diarrhea. All the 14 cases were negative result for A/H1N1 RNA. Six from 7 cases were positive for seasonal influenza test.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This was a seasonal influenza outbreak happened in the close contacts of first confirmed A/H1N1 cases in community in mainland China. It showed that we should exclude the seasonal influenza in the investigation of A/H1N1 cases in the seasonal influenza period in some time. It is necessary to take effective measure to strengthen the control and prevention of seasonal influenza.</p>

Epidemiological characteristic of first case of locally identified A/H1N1 secondary cases caused by imported source of infection in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To study the first locally identifcd A/HINI secondary cases outbreak in China. Methods Interview and field investigation were integrated to describe the whole process of transmission on each case and to illustrate the relationships between the onset of the disease and the retated factors. Results Two contact persons appearanced fever and whose throat swabs were tested positive to H1N1 viral nucleic acid. The two had a history of contact in a short distance with the initial imported case without any protective measure in the poor air ventilation. The patients clinical situation was slight. The incubation was between 37 hours and 57 hours. No other new case was found after intervention as isolation and antisepsis were taken. Conclusion This event was proved to be an outbreak of local A/H1N1 secondary cases caused by the imported case. The main mode of transmission was personal contact in a short distance without protection, through air and droplet. The locus with poor air ventilation was high risk place. Contact persons should be observed seven days and tested continuously.Infectivity and pathogenicity of the A/H1N1 virus were limited and appeared weakened by generations. Patient's condition was related with persistence and frequency of contact with the infection sources. Enhancing management of contact persons, health education, early diagnose, early treatment and early insulation were effective measures of controling and prenventing the spread A/H1N1.

Risk assessment of H5N1 human infection after an outbreak of avian influenza in water fowl / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the risk of human infection after the outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 in animals, and probe the possibility for virus transmission.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>By means of field epidemiological study, molecular epidemiology, serology and emergency surveillance, persons who had ever closely contacted with sick or dead poultry were observed. While, the RT-PCR and gene sequencing method were used to detect H5 nucleic acid from environmental swabs from 4 epidemic spots, and hemagglutination inhibition assay was also used to detect H5 antibody.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 22 environmental swabs detected from 4 epidemic spots, one was positive for H5 nucleic acid, and the homogeneity was 95.9% as compared with H5N1 virus A/China/GD01/2006 (H5N1) found in Guangzhou in 2006 by gene sequence analysis. 62 environmental swabs from live poultry stalls of food markets near epidemic spot were detected negative. Six of 68 blood samples of contacts were positive for H9 antibody, and all were negative for H5 antibody. 68 throat swabs of contacts were detected negative for H5 nucleic acid. No close contact was found abnormal after 7 days medical observation. 337 influenza-like cases were reported in emergency surveillance, and no suspicious case was found.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The current outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in water fowls has not yet caused further transmission, and human avian influenza case has not been observed. It indicates that the ability of H5N1 virus to transmit to human is not strong yet, and the risk of human infection for H5N1 is still low.</p>

Application of pulse-field gel electrophoresis analysis in the source-tracking of cholera epidemics / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To apply pulse-field gel electrophoresis analysis(PFGE) in the analysis of cholera outbreak events and to determine the molecular epidemiological characteristics of Vibrio cholerae ( V. cholerae) isolates.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PFGE using restriction enzyme Not I was employed in the molecular subtyping of forty-one strains of V. cholerae isolated in cholera outbreak events from 2003 to 2005 in Guangzhou area and PFGE patterns were analyzed by BioNumerics Version 4.0 software to perform cluster analysis. Pattern profiles were compared by utilizing of Dice coefficient and UPGMA(unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages). Comparison of PFGE typing results was performed with phage-biological typing and pathogenicity-associated genes typing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In cholera outbreak events, PFGE could discriminate epidemiologically related and unrelated strains, having more discriminatory power than phage-biological typing and pathogenicity-associated genes-typing.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Molecular sub-typing by PFGE could disclose the epidemiological relationships of strains from humans and the environment, providing molecular epidemiological evidence and support for the source-tracking of cholera outbreak events.</p>

Study on human case of avian influenza in Guangzhou 2006 without causing human-to-human transmission among close contacts / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>UNLABELLED</b>Study on human case of avian influenza in Guangzhou 2006 without causing human-to-human transmission</p><p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the possibility of transmission from a human case of avian influenza to his close contacts.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Close contacts of the human case of avian influenza in Guangzhou 2006 were found out according to the definition and methods publicized by the Ministry of Health, People's Republic of China. Epidemiological investigation and medical observation were carried out. Serum antibodies were tested in some of the close contacts.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The avian influenza patient had never left Guangzhou in the month prior to disease onset. No contact history with dead or diseased poultry was found. A total of 56 close contacts, including his girl friend, relatives, friends and medical staff who had taken care of him, were brought under medical observation for 7 days but none of them showed signs of infection.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Unlike SARS, direct contact with patient contracted with avian influenza at the end of incubation period and in the stage of illness through flying droplets, saliva, mucous membrane and skin injuries will not lead to human-to-human transmission, indicating the virus' ability to pass from human to human is limited.</p>

Analysis of characteristics of major pathogenicity-related genes of Vibrio cholerae isolated in Guangzhou area from 2001 to 2005 / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To apply multiplex polymerase chain reaction (MPCR) assay and sequencing in study of the carrying status of four pathogenicity-related genes of Vibrio cholerae (V.cholerae) and the variation of ctxA.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Primers targeting cholera toxin sub-unit A gene (ctxA), toxin-coregulated pilus gene (tcpA), accessory cholera enterotoxin gene (ace), zonula occludens toxin gene (zot) were designed and the MPCR method was applied to detect the pathogenicity-related genes of 276 strains of V.cholerae isolates. The amplified fragments of ctxA gene were sequenced and the genetic homology of the amplified fragments of ctxA was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 276 strains of V.cholerae, 93.9% strains from human sources belong to the pathogenicity-related genes type A (ctxA(+)tcpA(+)ace(+)zot(+) type) and 6.1% belong to pathogenicity-related genes type C (ctxA(-)tcpA(-)ace(-)zot(-) type). Type A strains from clinical sources were isolated from patients with mild to severe symptom and carriers, among which 68.5% were isolated from patients with mild symptom and 21.9% from carriers. All 63.6% of type C strains from clinical sources were isolated from patients with mild symptom and 36.4% from carriers. The proportion of type C strains that caused mild symptom was higher than that of type A strains. Of the 78 strains isolated from the environment, 9.0% strains belong to pathogenicity-related type A and 35.9% belong to the pathogenicity-related genes type B (ctxA(-)tcpA(-)ace(+)zot(+) type), while 55.1% belong to pathogenicity-related genes type C. The sequencing results showed little genetic variation among the amplified fragments for ctxA.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MPCR disclosed the polymorphic status of pathogenicity-related gene patterns in V.cholerae isolates of Guangzhou, providing effective means for further study on evolution of pathogenicity-related genes among V.cholerae isolates from human and environmental sources. This study also offers significant guidance for effective prevention, control and warning against cholera epidemic in local area.</p>