A human serum albumin-binding-based fluorescent probe for monitoring hydrogen sulfide and bioimaging.

In this work, a fluorescent probe, TPABF-HS, was developed for detecting hydrogen sulfide (H2S) using a human serum albumin (HSA)-binding-based approach for amplifying the fluorescence signal and extending the linear correlation range. Compared to the most recent probes for H2S, the most interesting feature of the detection system developed herein was the especially wide linear range (0-1000 µM (0-100 eq.)), which covered the physiological and pathological levels of H2S. TPABF-HS could be used in applications high sensitivity and selectivity with an LOD value of 0.42 µM. Further, site-competition experiments and molecular docking simulation experiments indicated that signal amplification was realized by the binding of the TPABF fluorophore to the naproxen-binding site of HSA. Moreover, the extension of the measurement span could allow for applications in living cells and Caenorhabditis elegans for imaging both exogenous and endogenous H2S. This work brings new information to the strategy of signal processing by exploiting fluorescent probes.

A structural optimized fluorescent probe for monitoring hydrogen sulfide in cells and zebrafish.

In this work, we reported a fluorescent probe Fur-SH, a derivative of benzofuranone, which was used to detect H2S in living cells and zebrafish. Based on the three structural characteristics of the probe, the effects of different structural modifications on the optical properties of the fluorophore were compared. Then, the fluorophore Fur-OH was synthesized by modifying diethylamino group with benzofuranone as the main skeleton. With 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene as the recognition group and diethylamino as the electron donor, the push-pull electron effect occurred with nitro group, which led to fluorescence quenching, and an openable fluorescent probe Fur-SH was formed. The probe Fur-SH (λex = 510 nm; λem = 570 nm) had the advantages of smaller full width at half maxima, rapid response (5 min) and wide pH window. The quantitative properties of the probe were excellent, reaching saturation at 50 equivalents of substrate. The probe Fur-SH showed high sensitivity to H2S, with LOD of 48.9 nM and LOQ of 50 nM. At present, the probe Fur-SH had been applied to fluorescence imaging of MCF-7 cells and zebrafish. By comparing the effects of different structures on the optical properties of fluorophores, this work was expected to be helpful to the development of fluorescent probes in the future.

Progressive necrosis of lipid: A case report / 北京大学学报(医学版)

A 61-year-old woman was referred to our department with a 11-year-erythra. In the anterior tibia of both lower extremities, we could see large dark red infiltrating erythema, waxy luster, clear boundary, slight central atrophy, depression and capillary dilatation. He was diagnosed with "dermatitis contusiformis" in local hospitals, but the treatment of traditional Chinese medicine and external drugs was not effective. She had normal laboratory findings for blood routine test, biochemical indexes, C reactive protein(CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)．Furthermore, autoimmune antibodies were all negative. The skin pathology showed degeneration and necrosis of collagen fibers, chronic granulomatous inflammation in the dermis, and there were more acute and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration around the small vessels and in the wall of the tube. We eventually diagnosed it as necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) according to the history, erythra morphology and skin pathology. After treatment of low dose hormone and thalidomide for 1 year, the color and range of skin lesions gradually alleviated. NL was a rare chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease. There appeared to be a predominance in females. The incidence of NL was higher in patients with diabetes mellitus, although this asscoiation was currently questioned. NL might also be connected with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The pathological changes of the tissue were mainly in the dermis, including necrotic type, granulomatous type or mixed type. NL typically presented on the pretibial surface of lower extremities. Less typical locations included the face, scalp, vulva and upper limbs. Leisions usually began with small papules and nodules that gradually infiltrated into brownyellow patches and developed central wax-like atrophy. The diagnosis is often based on clinical examination and skin biopsy. NL is rare and easy to be misdiagnosed. For rheumatologists, we should carefully compare with the nodular erythema, the microscopic polyangitis and allergic purpura. It is significant for differential diagnosis to perform skin biopsy. Lacking of randomized controlled trials, no specific treatment has proven to be the gold standard. First-line therapy mainly consists of intralesional and systemic corticosteriods. Additionally, other reported treatment options include immunomodulator, biological agent, antiplatelet aggregation drug and plateletrich plasma. These patients need long term follow up continuously for progression of the disease, ulcerations, and possibility of malignant tranformation.

Subspace mixed rational time-frequency multiwindow Gabor frames and their Gabor duals.

For a usual multiwindow Gabor system, all windows share common time-frequency shifts. A mixed multiwindow Gabor system is one of its generalizations, for which time-frequency shifts vary with the windows. This paper addresses subspace mixed multiwindow Gabor systems with rational time-frequency product lattices. It is a continuation of (Li and Zhang in Abstr. Appl. Anal. 2013:357242, 2013; Zhang and Li in J. Korean Math. Soc. 51:897-918, 2014). In (Li and Zhang in Abstr. Appl. Anal. 2013:357242, 2013) we dealt with discrete subspace mixed Gabor systems and in (Zhang and Li in J. Korean Math. Soc. 51:897-918, 2014) with L 2 ( R ) ones. In this paper, using a suitable Zak transform matrix method, we characterize subspace mixed multiwindow Gabor frames and their Gabor duals, obtain explicit expressions of Gabor duals, and characterize the uniqueness of Gabor duals. We also provide some examples, which show that there exist significant differences between mixed multiwindow Gabor frames and usual multiwindow Gabor frames.

A time domain characterization of vector-valued subspace weak Gabor bi-frames.

The construction of bi-frames is a fundamental problem in frame theory. Due to their wide applications, the study of vector-valued frames and subspace frames has interested many mathematicians in recent years. In this paper, we introduce the weak Gabor bi-frame (WGBF) in vector-valued subspaces, characterize WGBFs on the time domain, and present some examples.

Influence of L-carnitine combined coenzyme Q10 on hsCRP,cTnI and BNP levels in patients with chro-nic heart failure / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective:To explore influence of L-carnitine combined coenzyme Q10 on levels of high sensitive C reac-tive protein(hsCRP),cardiac troponin I(cTnI)and brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:A total of 100 CHF patients were randomly and equally divided into routine treatment group(received metoprolol tartrate + losartan + spironolactone treatment)and combined treatment group(re-ceived L-carnitine + coenzyme Q10 based on routine treatment),and both groups were treated for four weeks. Levels of hsCRP,cTnI and BNP and heart function were compared between two groups before and after treatment. Results:Total effective rate of combined treatment group was significantly higher than that of routine treatment group(94.0% vs.70.0%,P=0.002).Compared with before treatment,there were significant reductions in levels of hsCRP,cTnI and BNP and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension(LVEDd),and significant rise in left ventricu-lar fractional shortening(LVFS)and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)after treatment in two groups,P<0.01 all;compared with routine treatment group after treatment,there were significant reductions in levels of hsCRP[(3.44 ± 0.15)mg/L vs.(2.82 ± 0.31)mg/L],cTnI[(0.25 ± 0.03)μg/L vs.(0.17 ± 0.01)μg/L],BNP [(259 ± 34)ng/L vs.(215 ± 37)ng/L]and LVEDd[(57.9 ± 10.1)mm vs.(47.4 ± 9.2)mm],and significant rise in LVFS[(29.1 ± 4.7)% vs.(32.9 ± 8.9)%]and LVEF[(60.1 ± 9.7)% vs.(65.8 ± 4.9)%]in combined treat-ment group after treatment,P<0.05 or <0.01. Second hospitalization rate within one year of combined treatment group was significantly lower than that of routine treatment group(4.7% vs.18.6%), P=0.044.Conclusion:L-carnitine combined coenzyme Q10 can significantly reduce levels of hsCRP,cTnI and BNP,improve heart function with definite therapeutic effect and it can improve prognosis in CHD patients.

Influence of metoprolol combined Wenxin granule on vascular endothelial function and levels of MCF-6 and PGI2 in patients with chronic heart failure / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective: To observe influence of metoprolol combined Wenxin granule on vascular endothelial function, plasma levels of mitochondrial coupling factor-6 (MCF-6) and prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: A total of 164 CHF patients treated in our hospital were selected. They were randomly and equally divided into metoprolol group and combined treatment group (received metoprolol combined Wenxin granule treatment), both groups were treated for 10 weeks. Cardiac function, vascular endothelial function and levels of MCF-6 and PGI2 were measured and compared between two groups before and after treatment. Results: Compared with before treatment, after treatment, there were significant improvement in cardiac function and vascular endothelial function, significant reduction in MCF-6 level and significant rise in PGI2 level in two groups, P=0. 001 all; compared with metoprolol group, there were significant reductions in heart rate [(74. 6±3. 5) beats/ min vs. (67. 5±3. 2) beats/min], left ventricular end-diastolic dimension [(55. 3±5. 1) mm vs. (51. 3± 4. 2) mm], levels of resistin [(29. 5±2. 7) μg/L vs. (23. 3±1. 9) μg/L], endothelin 1 [(71. 0±6. 2) mg/L vs. (56. 7± 5. 3) mg/L]and MCF-6 [(305. 0±27. 7) pg/ml vs. (265. 8±25. 3) pg/ml], and significant rise in left ventricular ejection fraction [(46. 6±4. 4) ％ vs. (50. 7±5. 1) ％], levels of calcitonin gene related peptide [(42. 2±3. 6) mg/ L vs. (51. 4±6. 3) mg/L], nitric oxide [(73. 3±6. 9) mg/L vs. (89. 4±7. 6) mg/L]and PGI2 [(20. 6±3. 5) pg/ ml vs. (24. 3±3. 6) pg/ml]in combined treatment group, P=0. 001 all. Conclusion: Metoprolol combined Wenxin granule can significantly improve cardiac function and vascular endothelial function, inhibit release of plasma mitochondrial coupling factor-6 and increase prostaglandin level in patients with chronic heart failure.

Plasma mannan?binding lectin and MBL?associated serine protease 2 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the plasma levels of mannan?binding lectin (MBL) and MBL?associated serine protease?2 (MASP-2) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explore their role in the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The plasma levels of MBL and MASP?2 were detected by enzyme?linked immunosorbent assay in 64 HCC patients and 30 healthy control subjects. The correlation of MBL and MASP?2 with the clinical parameters of HCC patients were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The plasma levels of MBL (P=0.014) and MASP?2 (P=0.002) were significantly higher in HCC patients than in the healthy controls, but the MBL?to?MASP?2 ratio did not differ significantly between the two groups. In HCC patients, plasma MBL level was positively correlated with vascular invasion (r=0.253, P=0.047) and total bilirubin level (r=0.283, P=0.024). The plasma level of MASP?2 was positively correlated with TNM stage (r=0.276, P=0.027) and negatively correlated with plasma albumin level (r=0.?0.317, P=0.015). ROC curve analysis revealed an area under curve of 0.665 for MBL (P=0.010) and 0.694 for MASP?2 (P=0.003). The sensitivities of MBL and MASP?2 were 50% and 89.1% in the diagnosis of HCC, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MBL and MASP?2 are associated with the inflammatory state and disease progression in patients with HCC.</p>

Some new inequalities for continuous fusion frames and fusion pairs.

This paper addresses continuous fusion frames and fusion pairs which are extensions of discrete fusion frames and continuous frames. The study of equalities and inequalities for various frames has seen great achievements. In this paper, using operator methods we establish some new inequalities for continuous fusion frames and fusion pairs. Our results extend and improve ones obtained by Balan, Casazza and Gavruta.

Prevention and treatment effect of total flavonoids in Stellera chamaejasme L. on nonalcoholic fatty liver in rats.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been increasing worldwide in parallel with the obesity epidemic. This study aims to investigate the effects of the total flavonoids in Stellera chamaejasme L. (TFSC) on the experimental NAFLD in high fat diet fed (HFD) rats. METHODS: NAFLD model was induced in male Wistar rats by high-fat diet, and the rats in NAFLD group were randomized into NAFLD group (n = 20) and TFSC-treated group (n = 60). Both groups were given high-fat diet, and the normal group (n = 20) was given normal diet. In addition, the TFSC treated group was administered TFSC orally once a day at a low dose of 100 mg/kg (n = 20), medium dose of 200 mg/kg (n = 20), and high dose of 400 mg/kg (n = 20) for 6 weeks. Subsequently, the rats were sacrificed and body weight changes, lipid profiles in plasma and liver pathology were examined. The relative levels of fatty acid synthesis and ß-oxidation gene expression in hepatic tissues were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: After the HFD administration for 4 weeks, the body weight,serum TC and TG levels in the rat of model group were significantly higher than in normal group (P < 0.05), and which Showed that the experimental NAFLD model was successfully established. While continual feeding with HFD deteriorated NAFLD and hyperlipidemia, and treatment with the different doses of TFSC effectively improved serum and liver lipid metabolism and liver function. A linear relationship between the dose of TFSC and blood lipid level was observed. The mRNA expression of hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), Leptin (LEP) and sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1c as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) -γ were significantly lower in high-dose group compared to the positive control group (P < 0.05). The hepatic mRNA expression of Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase1 (CYP7A1), Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) -α were significantly higher in the high-dose group compared to the positive control group (P < 0.05). However, no difference was detected in the middle-dose group or the low-dose group compared to the positive control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: TFSC treatment effectively improved NAFLD-related hyperlipidemia and inhibited liver steatosis in rats, and accompanied by modulating the expression of genes for regulating lipid metabolism.

Human soluble dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin inhibits phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus by immature dendritic cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect and mechanism of soluble dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin (sDC-SIGN) on the phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by immature dendritic cells (imDCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Flow cytometry was employed to examine the effect of sDC-SIGN on the phagocytosis of S. aureus by imDCs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyze the binging of sDC-SIGN to S. aureus, lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and investigate the effect of the ligands mannan and LTA and anti-DC-SIGN antibodies 1C6 and 4H3 on the binging of sDC-SIGN to S. aureus.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>sDC-SIGN inhibited the phagocytosis of S. aureus by imDCs. sDC-SIGN bound to S. aureus in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. sDC-SIGN concentration-dependently bound to LTA, but not to LTA, and the binging of sDC-SIGN to S. aureus was blocked by mannan, LTA, 1C6 and 4H3.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>sDC-SIGN preferentially binds to the carbohydrate constituents on S. aureus to affect the binding between membrane-bound DC-SIGN and S. aureus, thus suppressing the phagocytosis of S. aureus by imDCs.</p>

Association between various rs501120 genotypes and progress of unstable coronary atherosclerotic plaque in diabetes mellitus complicated with acute coronary syndrome / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the association between single nucleotide polymorphism rs501120 and progress of unstable coronary atherosclerotic plaque in diabetes mellitus complicated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nine hundred and two patients with diabetes complicated with acute coronary syndrome were enrolled. The genotype of rs501120 was determined with TaqMan-MGB probes. Two hundred and five cases of TT genotype, 205 age-and sex-frequency-matched cases of TC genotype and 205 age- and sex-frequency-matched cases of CC genotype were chosen and followed up for 3 years. Clinical data and re-occurrences of ACS were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Patients with TT genotype had a significantly higher incidence of recurrence of ACS than those with CC genotype (TT vs. CC: OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.1-2.7, P= 0.02). And the significance has remained even after adjusting for conventional risk factors by logistic regression (OR 1.6, 95% CI1.05-3.6, P= 0.03). Patients with TT genotype had a significantly higher incidence of myocardial infarction than those with CC genotype(TT vs. CC: OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.2, P= 0.007).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results has suggested an association between the rs501120 polymorphism and progress of unstable coronary atherosclerotic plaque.</p>

Identification of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in small mammals from Hengduan Mountains of Southwest China / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in small mammals from the forest area of Hengduan Mountains in southwestern China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Small mammals captured from Gaoligong and Xianggelila mountainous area of Yunnan province were detected by PCR amplification. The sequences of 16S rRNA and Msp4 gene fragments from positive samples were compared with corresponding sequences deposited in GenBank.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total number of 436 small animals, which belongs to 5 orders 18 genera 35 species were tested, 32 (7.34%) were positive in 6 genera 11 species. There were 8.64% (26/301) positive in 25 species at Goligong mountainous areas, and 4.44% (6/135) were positive in 19 species at the Xianggelila mountainous areas. Positive small mammals were most rodents. The nucleotide sequences of A.phagocytophilum 16S rRNA gene amplified from small mammals varied from 99% - 100% and were 99% - 100% similar with the corresponding segments of A. phagocytophilum from Jilin deposited in GeneBank. The sequences of A. phagocytophilum Msp4 gene showed that there was 95% - 97% similarity with the corresponding sequences registered in GenBank.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A. phagocytophilum was firstly identified in 6 genera 11 species small mammals from a forest area of Hengduan Mountainous areas in southwestern China. Rodents might serve as the primary hosts indicating the potential risk to the domestic animals and human beings in this area.</p>

Prokaryotic expression of Balb/C mouse MBL-A carbohydrate recognition domain / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To express the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of Balb/C mouse mannan binding lectin A (MBL-A) in E.coli.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The target gene fragment was obtained by PCR from the plasmid pmMBL-A harboring mouse MBL-A gene. The PCR product was recombined with the prokaryotic expression vector pET-41a(+) and the resulting recombinant plasmid was identified by PCR, restriction analysis and sequencing before transformation into E.coli BL21(DE3) cell for expression of the target protein. After washing and renaturation, the protein was purified on GST-Tag purification resins and analyzed by SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A DNA fragment of about 450 bp was amplified by PCR and the recombinant plasmid pET41a-mMBL-A-CRD was constructed by linking the fragment with pET41a(+) vector. The result of restriction enzyme analysis and sequencing of the selected clones were consistent with those by computer analysis. The recombinant vector was expressed in E.coli BL21(DE3), and the expressed protein existed mainly as inclusion bodies, whose relative molecular mass was about 47,000 by SDS-PAGE analysis. After washing, renaturation and purification, the purity of recombinant protein was about 90%. Western blotting suggested immunoreactivity of the purified protein with anti-GST antibody, and its sugar binding activity was verified by ELISA.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>We have successfully obtained mouse MBL-A CRD protein, which provides the base for further functional study of the MBL-A molecule.</p>

Gene cloning, optimized expression and immunogenicity evaluation of tetanus toxin fragment C / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To obtain highly purified tetanus toxin fragment C (TTC) with good immunogenicity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The gene fragment encoding TTC was amplified from Clostridium tetani plasmid DNA by PCR, inserted into the vector pET43.1a (+) and expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3)plysS. After purification using Ni2+-chelate affinity chromatography, the expressed fusion protein was digested by thrombin and the resultant TTC protein was purified with Ni2+-chelate affinity chromatography followed by identification with SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. The purifed TTC protein was then used to immunize mice to test its immunogenecity.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 1373-bp gene fragment encoding TTC was obtained, and the constructed recombinant expression vector pET43.1a (+)-TTC was successfully expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3)plysS. SDS-PAGE identified a recombinant fusion protein with relative molecular mass (Mr) of 117 000, which accounted for 22% of the total bacterial protein. The TTC protein with Mr of 50 000 was obtained after purification of the thrombin digestion products of the fusion protein, with a purity reaching 95.5%. Both the fusion protein and TTC protein could be recognized by anti-tetanus toxin antibody as shown by Western blotting. The titer of the anti-serum from mice immunized with the TTC protein was 1:25 600, and the anti-serum could specifically bind to tetanus toxin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Highly purified and immunogenetic TTC protein has been successfully obtained, which provides a good model antigen for studying antigen presentation and immune responses in vivo.</p>

Preparation of anti-mouse PGRP-L single-epitope polyclonal antibody / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To prepare a single-epitope polyclonal antibody against mouse long peptidoglycan recognition protein (mPGRP-L).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>B cell dominant epitopes of mPGRP-L predicted by bioinformatics were synthesized, and the immunogen was prepared by conjugation of the synthetic peptide and the carrier protein key-hole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) by MBS method. The single-epitope polyclonal antibody was obtained by immunizing rabbits with the KLH-peptide conjugate, purified by SPG affinity columns or antigenic peptide affinity columns, and identified by ELISA and Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS AND CONCLUSION</b>A dominant epitope in N-terminal region of mPGRP-L, with amino acid sequence of NH(2)-(C)DPHSLSPELQALISEVAQHD-COOH, was chosen and synthesized. The titer of anti-serum of the rabbits immunized with the KLH-peptide conjugate was 1:256,000. The polyclonal antibody purified with SPG affinity columns and antigenic peptide affinity columns were named as mPGRP-Ln1 and mPGRP-Ln2, respectively. Western blotting demonstrated that the antibody mPGRP-Ln1 could recognize the recombined N-terminal fragment of mPGRP-Ln with a clear band at relative molecular mass of about 29,000, suggesting the successful preparation of the single-epitope polyclonal antibody against the N-terminal region of mPGRP-L.</p>

Relationship of plasma nitric oxide concentration and the activity of nitric oxide synthase with coronary heart disease / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the levels of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and nitric oxide (NO) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), and the factors affecting them.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Concentrations of NO and the activities of NOS in plasma in 136 patients and 206 controls using the corresponding Kits were measured. The data were analyzed using covariance and multiple linear regression analysis with SAS 8.1.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of NO [(217.05 +/- 153.31) micromol/L] and NOS [(14.09 +/- 7.14) U/ml] in patients were significantly higher than that in the healthy controls [(140.69 +/- 90.96) micromol/L, (7.75 +/- 3.79) U/ml, respectively, P < 0.01]. Smoking and drinking were the independent risk factors for NOS, while sex was the independent risk factor for NO (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The levels of plasma NO and NOS are closely related with coronary heart disease.</p>

Risk of tuberculosis in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis patients treated with tumor necrosis factor antagonists / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To study the risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients before and after treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antago- nists.Methods RA and AS patients treated with TNF antagonists infliximab and etanercept between 2003 and 2006 were followed up for the risk of TB infection.The protein purified derivative (PPD) test and chest anteroposterior and lateral view X-ray were done at screening for all these patients.Results Among 67 RA patients screened,1 was PPD positive.One patient developed right supraclavicular lymph node TB 4 months after study completion.Among 203 AS patients screened,27 patients were PPD positive,2 had calcified pul- monary TB foci and 2 had pulmonary TB.PPD positive rates and calcified TB foci or active TB found in RA and AS patients screened were significantly lower than national TB infection rates and prevalence (P＜0.01). Conclusion In this short-term clinical observation,increased risk of TB infection was not found after TNF antagonists treatment in RA and AS patients.However,it is necessary to screen patients for signs of TB infec- tion before TNF antagonists treatment.

ASAS20 at week 2 predicts subsequent improvement as well as the rate of relapse of ankylosing spondylitis infused with three pulses of infliximab / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical parameters that can predict whether a patient can get significant improvement at the 10th week,or whether a patient can have an extended length of remission after discontinuing the infusion in ankylosing spondylitis(AS)patients treated with three standard infusions of in- fliximab.Methods Sixty-three AS patients were given three infusions of 5 mg/kg of infliximab at week 0,2 and 6;and were evaluated serially before each infusion and week 10.Afterwards.patients were followed by telephone interview until their disease activity was≥60% of the baseline level.At that point,disease was con- sidered to relapse.Clinical parameters at baseline as well as at week 2 were used to identify factors which might predict an improvement at week 10,or predict a delayed relapse.A predictor was regarded as being use- ful if the area under the curve(AUC)more than 0.75 when analyzed by receiver operator calculations(ROC). Results No parameters at baseline have sufficient predictive value.However,ASAS20(Assessment in Anky- losing Spondylitis International working Group criteria)at week 2 predicts improvement at week 10.and also duration of remission after discontinuing the infliximab at week 6.Conclusion The response to one pulse of infliximab is the best predictor of subsequent response as well as rate of relapse after discontinuing the inflix- imab.

Diagnostic significance of detection of anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To assess the diagnostic value of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody(an- ti-CCP),rheumatoid factor,anti-perinuclear factor(APF)and anti-keratin antibody(AKA)for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis(JRA)and compare it with rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Methods Anti-CCP was determined by ELISA in 54 serum samples of JRA patients,31 from patients with other rheumatic diseases and 116 RA patients.RF was determined in the same samples by latex agglutination test.APF and AKA were determined by indirect immunofluorescent assay.Results The sensitivity of anti-CCP,RF,APF and AKA was 61.1%, 57.4%,37.0% and 18.5% and their specificity was 96.8%,93.6%,96.8% and 100%,respectively for the diag- nosis of JRA.The sensitivity of anti-CCP resembleed that of RF,Anti-CCP was more sensitivity than APF and AKA in JRA.The sensitivity of anti-CCP,RF,APF and AKA was 82.3%,78.3%,48.7% and 25.4% and their specificity was 95.7%,73.7%,91.6%,94.0% respectively,for the diagnosis of RA.Anti-CCP,RF,APF and AKA were less sensitive in JRA than in RA.There was no statistical significance in specificity of these anti- bodies for the diagnosis of JRA and RA.Conclusion The detection of anti-CCP,RF,APF and AKA are use- ful for the diagnosis of JRA,but are less sensitive than in adults RA.