[Objective] This study aimed to establish a real-time PCR method for de- tecting stx2 gene in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). [Method] According to the known STEC stx2 gene sequences published in GenBank, PCR ...[Objective] This study aimed to establish a real-time PCR method for de- tecting stx2 gene in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). [Method] According to the known STEC stx2 gene sequences published in GenBank, PCR primers and probes were designed based on the conserved region to construct recombinant plasmid as a positive template, thus optimizing the reaction conditions and establishing the real- time PCR method. [Result] A standard curve was established based on the opti- mized real-time PCR system, indicting a good linear correlation between the initial template concentration and Ct value, with the correlation coefficient F^e of above 0.995. The established method had a good specificity, without non-specific amplifica- tion for 10 non-STEC intestinal bacterial strains; the detection limit of initial template was 1.0x102 copies/μI, indicating a high sensitivity; furthermore, the coefficients of variation within and among batches were lower than 1% and 5% respectively, sug- gesting a good repeatability. [Conclusion] In this study, a real-time PCR method was successfully established for detecting STEC stx2 gene, which provided technical means for rapid detection of STEC in samples.展开更多
Background Heart failure (HF) is a common disease with complex pathophysiological causes. The diagnosis of HF commonly relies on comprehensive analyses of medical history and symptoms, and results from echocardiogra...Background Heart failure (HF) is a common disease with complex pathophysiological causes. The diagnosis of HF commonly relies on comprehensive analyses of medical history and symptoms, and results from echocardiography and biochemical tests. Galectin-3, a rela-tively new biomarker in HF, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2010 as a marker in the stratification of risk for HF. We assessed galectin-3 as a biomarker for HF diagnosis in patients with preserved ejection fraction (pEF) and compared its performance with that of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Methods Thirty-five pEF patients with HF (HFpEF group) and 43 pEF patients without HF (control group) were enrolled. Plasma levels of galectin-3 and BNP in HFpEF and control subjects were determined. Sensitivity, specificity, pre dictive values, and accuracy of galectin-3 and BNP as markers for HF diagnosis were calculated and compared. Results Levels of galec- tin-3 and BNP were 23.09 ±6.97 ng/mL and 270.46 ± 330.41 pg/mL in the HFpEF group, and 16.74 ± 2.75 ng/mL and 59.94 ± 29.93 pg/mL in the control group, respectively. Differences in levels of galectin-3 and BNP between the two groups were significant (P 〈 0.01). As a bio- marker for HF diagnosis in study subjects, galectin-3 showed sensitivity and specificity of 94.3% and 65.1%, respectively, at a cutoff value of 17.8 ug/mL. BNP showed sensitivity and specificity of 77.1% and 90.7%, respectively, at a cutoff value of 100 pg/mL. Galectin-3 was a significantly more sensitive (P 〈 0.05) but less specific (P 〈 0.01) biomarker compared with BNP. Differences in positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy between galectin-3 and BNP markers were not significant (P 〉 0.05). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) were 0.891 (0.808-0.974) and 0.896 (0.809-0.984) for galectin-3 and BNP, respec- tively, with no significant difference between the two values (P 〉 0.05). Conclusions The level of galectin-3 is significantly elevated in patients with HF. Galectin-3 and BNP are useful biomarkers for the diagnosis of HF in patients with pEF.展开更多
Barrett's esophagus (BE) confers a significant increased risk for development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), with the pathogenesis appearing to progress through a "metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma" (M...Barrett's esophagus (BE) confers a significant increased risk for development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), with the pathogenesis appearing to progress through a "metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma" (MDC) sequence. Many of the genetic insults driving this MDC sequence have recently been characterized, providing targets for candidate biomarkers with potential clinical utility to stratify risk in individual patients. Many clinical risk factors have been investigated, and associations with a variety of genetic, specific gastrointestinal and other modifiable factors have been proposed in the literature. This review summarizes the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in neoplastic progression of BE to EAC and critically appraises the relative roles and contributions of these putative risk factors from the published evidence currently available.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the association between serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), osteocalcin, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels with the etiology and clinical condition of patients with chronic liver di...AIM: To investigate the association between serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), osteocalcin, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels with the etiology and clinical condition of patients with chronic liver disease. METHODS: Eighty children with hepatocellular damage were divided into 3 groups according to the etiology of disease infection: bilharziasis (9 patients), hepatitis B virus (HBV, 12 patients) and hepatitis C virus (HCV, 29 patients). The Child score index was found as A in 24 patients, B in 22 patients, C in 4 patients. Thirty healthy children served as control group.HBsAg, HBcAbIgM, HBcAbIgG, and anti-HCV were detected using ELISA technique. HCV-RNA was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Antibllharzial antibodies were detected by indirect haemagglutination test. Liver function tests were performed using autoanalyser. Serum IGF-1, osteocalcin and PTH levels were measured by ELISA technique. Abdominal ultrasonography was also conducted. RESULTS: Serum IGF-1 level was significantly lower in all patient groups with liver diseases, while serum osteocalcin and PTH levels were significantly elevated in patients with HBV and HCV infections compared with the control group. Serum osteocalcin and PTH concentrations were measured with the severity of liver disease from Child A to C. Child A patients unexpectedly showed significantly reduced IGF-1 levels in comparison to patients staged as Child B or C. Serum osteocalcin level was negatively correlated with albumin (14.7 ± 0.54 vs 3.6 ± 0.10, P 〈 0.05), while that for PTH was positively correlated with total protein (70.1 ± 2.17 vs 6.7 ± 0.10, P 〈 0.05) in patients with HCV infection.展开更多
Objective: The aim of this study was to study the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) on metabolism of afiatoxin B1 (AFB1) in Wistar rats. Methods: Seventy one Wistar rats were assigned at random to groups ...Objective: The aim of this study was to study the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) on metabolism of afiatoxin B1 (AFB1) in Wistar rats. Methods: Seventy one Wistar rats were assigned at random to groups A, B and C. Rats in groups A, B were injected with AFB1 (intraperitoneal, 100-200 ug/kg body weight, 1-3 times/week). Group C was normal control. Rats in group B were fed in food with EGb761, while rats in groups A, C were given normal food. Blood samples were collected and liver biopsies were performed on the 14th, 28th and 42nd week. All the rats were sacrificed on the 64th week. The incidence of hepatocarcinoma was investigated. The hepatic phase I drug-metabolizing enzyme Cytochrome-P450 (CYP450) and phase II metabolizing enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) were analyzed with spectrometry. Serum AFB1- lysine adduct levels were assessed with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The expression of 8-hydroxydeoxy- guanosine (8-OHdG) was measured with immunohistochemistry. Results: The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in group B was significantly lower than that in group A (26.92% vs 76.00%, P 〈 0.001). No HCC developed in group C. EGb761 showed no effects on the activities of CYP450 and GST in rat liver tissues. The level of AFB1-lysine adduct reached the peak (4356.01 pg/mg albumin) at the 14th week in group A. EGb761 significantly inhibited the formation of AFB1-lysine adduct in serum by 13.07% at the 14th week (P = 0.033), and 73.63% at the 42nd week (P = 0.002). The expression of 8-OHdG protein in rat liver tissues in group B was significantly lower than that in group A at the 28th, 42nd, and 64th week (P 〈 0.05). Conclusion: The main mechanism underlying the effect of EGb761 in blocking hepatocarcinogenesis induced by AFB1 may not be fully attributable to its influence on the activity of liver phase I and phase II metabolizing enzymes. EGb761 inhibits the production of AFB1-lysine adducts, decreases the expression of 8-OHdG protein, and finally alleviates the DNA oxidative injury, which may be one of the mechanisms for the effects of EGb761 in inhibiting or delaying AFB1-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.展开更多
Activation of the phosphoinositide 3 kinase(PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) pathway is common in breast cancer. There is preclinical data to support inhibition of the pathway, and phase Ⅰ to Ⅲ trials i...Activation of the phosphoinositide 3 kinase(PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) pathway is common in breast cancer. There is preclinical data to support inhibition of the pathway, and phase Ⅰ to Ⅲ trials involving inhibitors of the pathway have been or are being conducted in solid tumors and breast cancer. Everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, is currently approved for the treatment of hormone receptor(HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-negative breast cancer. In this review, we summarise the efficacy and toxicity findings from the randomised clinical trials, with simplified guidelines on the management of potential adverse effects. Education of healthcare professionals and patients is critical for safety and compliance. While there is some clinical evidence of activity of mTOR inhibition in HR-positive and HER2-positive breast cancers, the benefits may be more pronounced in selected subsets rather than in the overall population. Further development of predictive biomarkers will be useful in the selection of patients who will benefit from inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR(PAM) pathway.展开更多
Interferon (IFN) is a cytokine with various biological functions, including antivirus, immunoregulation and anti- tumor. It has been wildly used in many anti-cancer therapies, including malignant melanoma, hepatocel...Interferon (IFN) is a cytokine with various biological functions, including antivirus, immunoregulation and anti- tumor. It has been wildly used in many anti-cancer therapies, including malignant melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, ad- vanced renal-cell carcinoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. However, its effective dose is always very high, which may bring some serious side effects, nevertheless, not all patients can benefit from the IFN therapy. So a problem we have faced is that how to improve the efficiency and sensitivity of IFN? To solve this problem, many studies have been launched to find the effective prognostic factors and individual biomarkers for guiding the treatment better. In addition, further clarifying the anti-tumor mechanisms of IFN is benefit for explaining how the biomark- ers predict prognosis of patients. In recent studies, many IFN associated genes and proteins predicting sensitivity of IFN therapy have been found, which may associate with the progression of cancer, such as IFN regulatory factor (IRF), IFNAR2 mRNA, microRNA, IFITM-I. Some factors in peripheral blood are easier to detect and have the potential to been popularized in clinical practice, such as CD8^high CD57^+ lymphocyte levels in malignant melanoma, serum IFNAR2 mRNA in mCRC. This review briefly summarized the advances of antitumorally individual markers of IFN.展开更多
AIM:To develop lymph node metastasis(LNM)-associated biomarkers for colorectal cancer(CRC) using quantitative proteome analysis.METHODS:Differences in protein expression between primary CRC with LNM(LNM CRC) and witho...AIM:To develop lymph node metastasis(LNM)-associated biomarkers for colorectal cancer(CRC) using quantitative proteome analysis.METHODS:Differences in protein expression between primary CRC with LNM(LNM CRC) and without LNM(non-LNM CRC) were assessed using methyl esterification stable isotope labeling coupled with 2D liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry(2D-LC-MS/MS).The relationship to clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of candidate biomarkers was examined using an independent sample set.RESULTS:Forty-three proteins were found to be differentially expressed by at least 2.5-fold in two types of CRC.S100A4 was significantly upregulated in LNM CRC compared with non-LNM CRC,which was confirmed by Western blotting,immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Further immunohistochemistry on another 112 CRC cases showed that overexpression of S100A4 frequently existed in LNM CRC compared with non-LNM CRC(P < 0.001).Overexpression of S100A4 was significantly associated with LNM(P < 0.001),advanced TNM stage(P < 0.001),increased 5-year recurrence rate(P < 0.001) and decreased 5-year overall survival rate(P < 0.001).Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that S100A4 expression was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence and survival of CRC patients(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:S100A4 might serve as a powerful biomarker for LNM and a prognostic factor in CRC.展开更多
On the basis of TCM diferentiation, the authors have treated 359 adult female cases of non-obesity with undesirable body shape by combined application of body acupuncture and moxibustion and auricular acupuncture, and...On the basis of TCM diferentiation, the authors have treated 359 adult female cases of non-obesity with undesirable body shape by combined application of body acupuncture and moxibustion and auricular acupuncture, and achieved quite good remoulding and orthopedic results, suggesting that acupuncture and moxibustion can very effectively regulate the somatotypic indexes of body weight, circumference of the chest, loin, hip and thigh, the ratio of the loin to hip, sebum thickness, obesity degree, body mass index and body fat percentage of the cases in the overweight group and orthopedic groups 1,2. It is therefore concluded that acupuncture and moxibustion is a good therapy for obtaining a graceful body shape.展开更多
The mature Shiga toxin B (StxB) gene was optimized and generated by overlapping PCR. Recombinant expression vector pQE40-DHFR/StxB was constructed when the gene was cloned into pQE fusion expression vector. Induced ...The mature Shiga toxin B (StxB) gene was optimized and generated by overlapping PCR. Recombinant expression vector pQE40-DHFR/StxB was constructed when the gene was cloned into pQE fusion expression vector. Induced by Isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG), the DHFR/StxB fusion protein was highly expressed to the level of 41.36% in E. coli MI5 cells. The 35 kDa fusion protein with a 6 His-tag was one-step purified from inclusion bodies using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography column under denaturing conditions, and was refolded by dialyzing with a decreasing urea gradient. Purified DHFR/StxB fusion protein was used to immunize Kunming mice for generating the ascitic polyclonal antibody against recombinant StxB protein by injecting sarcoma 180 cells and the titer ofascitic polyclonal antibody is up to 1: 1× 10^6 detected by the indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assy (ELISA). Western immunoblotting analysis revealed that the ascitic polyclonal antibody against StxB had a specific affinity for a 70 kDa shiga toxin protein of Shigella dysenteriae type 1. It is a new simple and quick method to produce a large amount of ascitic polyclonal antibody. The antibody is used to develop immunological method for detecting shiga toxin.展开更多
Objective: The aim of this study was to use lung cancer targeting binding polypeptide ZS-9 to screen cDNA library of human lung cancer and obtain ZS-9 specific ligand to confirm tumor marker of non small-cell lung can...Objective: The aim of this study was to use lung cancer targeting binding polypeptide ZS-9 to screen cDNA library of human lung cancer and obtain ZS-9 specific ligand to confirm tumor marker of non small-cell lung cancer. Methods: Artificially synthesize biotin labeled peptide ZS-9, anchored ZS-9 in the enzyme label plate coupled by avidin, used ZS-9 as probe to screen cDNA library of human lung cancer, after screening, obtained bacteriophage clone specifically binding with anchored polypeptide ZS-9. Extracted plasmid of bacteriophage and performed sequencing after amplified by PCR. Results: It was demonstrated by bioinformatic analysis on the sequence of ligand binded by lung cancer specific peptide ZS-9 that the ligand was the cytoskeletal protein periplakin on the surface of lung cancer cells, suggesting that periplakin might be a new marker for non-small-cell lung cancer in lung cancer. Conclusion: Use specific lung cancer binding peptide to screen new tumor marker periplakin in lung cancer and further studies on its biologic functions in genesis and development of lung cancer are still needed.展开更多
Background: Despite their utility in accessing ambulatory movement, pedometers have not been used consistently to monitor physical activity in U.S. surveillance systems. This study was designed to determine the feasib...Background: Despite their utility in accessing ambulatory movement, pedometers have not been used consistently to monitor physical activity in U.S. surveillance systems. This study was designed to determine the feasibility of using pedometers to assess daily steps taken in a sub-sample of adults from Maricopa County who completed the 2014 Arizona Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey.Methods: Respondents were sent an Omron HJ324 U pedometer, a logbook to record steps taken, and a walking questionnaire. The pedometer was worn for 7 days. Feasibility was assessed for acceptability(interest in study), demand(procedures followed correctly), implementation(time to complete study), and practicality(cost).Results: Acceptability was modest with 23.9%(830/3476) agreeing to participate. Among those participating(92.9%; 771/830), 50.1%(386/771)returned the logbook. Demand was modest with 39.3%(303/771) of logbooks returned with valid data. Implementation represented 5 months to recruit participants. The cost to obtain valid step-count data was USD61.60 per person. An average of 6363 ± 3049 steps/day were taken with most participants classified as sedentary(36.0%) or low active(35.6%).Conclusion: The feasibility of using pedometers in a state-based surveillance system is modest at best. Feasibility may potentially be improved with easy-to-use pedometers where data can be electronically downloaded.展开更多
This paper presents the results of determining trace elements and δ 13C, δ 18O in Gyraulus sibirica shell continuously preserved in Xingcuo Lake sediments in the recent 50 years. By coupling these indexes and instru...This paper presents the results of determining trace elements and δ 13C, δ 18O in Gyraulus sibirica shell continuously preserved in Xingcuo Lake sediments in the recent 50 years. By coupling these indexes and instrumental meteorological data on its basin to determine the relations among them, we probed quantitatively the climatic signals recorded in Xingcuo Lake sediments. The results showed that gastropod shells in Xingcuo Lake were formed in warm seasons; that trace elements, and stable isotope in shells just recorded the climatic signals of the warm seasons instead of that of the whole year; that Mg/Ca ratio and δ 18O proxy had certain correlation with air temperature in warm seasons, when the δ 18O proxy was more sensitive; with the average ratio of them being 0.28×10 -3/℃ and the variation rate dδ 18O/dT being 1.64×10 -3/℃; that the Sr/Ca ratio and δ 13C proxy, especially Sr/Ca ratio, had close correlation; and that dSr/Ca/dP was -0.045/mm.展开更多
A contrast study on the effects of manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture wasconducted in 60 cases of chronic hepatitis B carriers.The results demonstrated that theimmunological functions,both cellular and humoral,...A contrast study on the effects of manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture wasconducted in 60 cases of chronic hepatitis B carriers.The results demonstrated that theimmunological functions,both cellular and humoral,were markedly regulated asevidenced by the negative turnover rates of HBsAg,HBeAg,anti-HBc and HBcAg,as wellas the positive turnover rate of anti-HBe.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the etiology of Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli (SLTEC) in children with diarrhea. Methods We designed and synthesized 3 pairs of primers located in the SLT1, SLT2, and eaeA genes of ...Objective To evaluate the etiology of Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli (SLTEC) in children with diarrhea. Methods We designed and synthesized 3 pairs of primers located in the SLT1, SLT2, and eaeA genes of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), while the virulent genes SLT1, SLT2, and eaeA from E.coli species were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results One strain of EHEC with SLT1, SLT2, and eaeA in 29 reference strains of diarrhea-causing E.coli (DCEC) and 10 strains of other enterobacteria detected by PCR had positive reactions, while all other DCEC and enterobacteria were negative. Of 474 strains of E. coli isolated from 1032 children with diarrhea and detected by PCR, 20 strains of SLT1 producing E. coli (4.2%) positive, and 7 strains of SLT2 producing E.coli (1.5%) positive; while of 74 strains of entero-SLTs-producing and invasive Escherichia coli (ESIEC), 15 strains of SLT1 (20.3%) and 5 strains of SLT2 (6.8%) were positive. Conclusion Shiga-like toxin E. coli has been identified as a major etiologic agent of children with diarrhea in Taiyuan, China.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To investigate serum bone biomarkers in rats with intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR)in order to determine the effects of puerarin on bone metabolism.METHODS:A rat model of IUGR was induced using a low pro...OBJECTIVE:To investigate serum bone biomarkers in rats with intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR)in order to determine the effects of puerarin on bone metabolism.METHODS:A rat model of IUGR was induced using a low protein diet during pregnancy.The offspring were given puerarin or an identical volume of saline via subcutaneous abdominal injection.All rats were studied at 1,3,and 8 weeks of age.Serum biomarkers of bone formation,including insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1),bone-specific alkaline phosphatase(BALP),osteocalcin(OC),osteoprotegerin(OPG),receptor-activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL),as well as blood levels of calcium and phosphorus were measured.RESULTS:Serum BALP,OPG,IGF-1,and OC levels,as well as the OPG/RANKL ratio,were lower in the IUGR group compared with the control group at 1week of age(P=0.024,0.011,0.014,0.004,and0.002,respectively).At 3 weeks of age,the serum BALP and OC levels were higher in the protein-re-stricted group compared with the control group(P=0.003 and 0.001,respectively).A comparison between the IUGR plus puerarin intervention group and the IUGR group revealed differences in the levels of BALP and IGF-1 at 3 weeks of age(P=0.008 and 0.003,respectively).In addition,serum OPG and OC levels and the OPG/RANKL ratio were higher at 8 weeks of age(P=0.044,0.007,and0.016,respectively).No differences in serum calcium and phosphorus levels were observed among the three groups.CONCLUSION:Our study demonstrates that the bone microenvironment of the fetus can be altered by a low protein maternal diet and that puerarin can reverse these effects.These results indicate that the nutritional environment plays an important role in early skeletal development and that the bone turnover of IUGR rats can be altered by puerarin treatment.展开更多
基金Supported by Agricultural Science and Technology Support Program(Social Development)of Jiangsu Province(BE2011771)~~
文摘[Objective] This study aimed to establish a real-time PCR method for de- tecting stx2 gene in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). [Method] According to the known STEC stx2 gene sequences published in GenBank, PCR primers and probes were designed based on the conserved region to construct recombinant plasmid as a positive template, thus optimizing the reaction conditions and establishing the real- time PCR method. [Result] A standard curve was established based on the opti- mized real-time PCR system, indicting a good linear correlation between the initial template concentration and Ct value, with the correlation coefficient F^e of above 0.995. The established method had a good specificity, without non-specific amplifica- tion for 10 non-STEC intestinal bacterial strains; the detection limit of initial template was 1.0x102 copies/μI, indicating a high sensitivity; furthermore, the coefficients of variation within and among batches were lower than 1% and 5% respectively, sug- gesting a good repeatability. [Conclusion] In this study, a real-time PCR method was successfully established for detecting STEC stx2 gene, which provided technical means for rapid detection of STEC in samples.
文摘Background Heart failure (HF) is a common disease with complex pathophysiological causes. The diagnosis of HF commonly relies on comprehensive analyses of medical history and symptoms, and results from echocardiography and biochemical tests. Galectin-3, a rela-tively new biomarker in HF, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2010 as a marker in the stratification of risk for HF. We assessed galectin-3 as a biomarker for HF diagnosis in patients with preserved ejection fraction (pEF) and compared its performance with that of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Methods Thirty-five pEF patients with HF (HFpEF group) and 43 pEF patients without HF (control group) were enrolled. Plasma levels of galectin-3 and BNP in HFpEF and control subjects were determined. Sensitivity, specificity, pre dictive values, and accuracy of galectin-3 and BNP as markers for HF diagnosis were calculated and compared. Results Levels of galec- tin-3 and BNP were 23.09 ±6.97 ng/mL and 270.46 ± 330.41 pg/mL in the HFpEF group, and 16.74 ± 2.75 ng/mL and 59.94 ± 29.93 pg/mL in the control group, respectively. Differences in levels of galectin-3 and BNP between the two groups were significant (P 〈 0.01). As a bio- marker for HF diagnosis in study subjects, galectin-3 showed sensitivity and specificity of 94.3% and 65.1%, respectively, at a cutoff value of 17.8 ug/mL. BNP showed sensitivity and specificity of 77.1% and 90.7%, respectively, at a cutoff value of 100 pg/mL. Galectin-3 was a significantly more sensitive (P 〈 0.05) but less specific (P 〈 0.01) biomarker compared with BNP. Differences in positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy between galectin-3 and BNP markers were not significant (P 〉 0.05). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) were 0.891 (0.808-0.974) and 0.896 (0.809-0.984) for galectin-3 and BNP, respec- tively, with no significant difference between the two values (P 〉 0.05). Conclusions The level of galectin-3 is significantly elevated in patients with HF. Galectin-3 and BNP are useful biomarkers for the diagnosis of HF in patients with pEF.
文摘Barrett's esophagus (BE) confers a significant increased risk for development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), with the pathogenesis appearing to progress through a "metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma" (MDC) sequence. Many of the genetic insults driving this MDC sequence have recently been characterized, providing targets for candidate biomarkers with potential clinical utility to stratify risk in individual patients. Many clinical risk factors have been investigated, and associations with a variety of genetic, specific gastrointestinal and other modifiable factors have been proposed in the literature. This review summarizes the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in neoplastic progression of BE to EAC and critically appraises the relative roles and contributions of these putative risk factors from the published evidence currently available.
基金Supported by the National Research Centre during the research plan from 2001-2004 by projects 5/4/5 and 5/5/5 in collaboration with National Liver Institute of Menoufyia University
文摘AIM: To investigate the association between serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), osteocalcin, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels with the etiology and clinical condition of patients with chronic liver disease. METHODS: Eighty children with hepatocellular damage were divided into 3 groups according to the etiology of disease infection: bilharziasis (9 patients), hepatitis B virus (HBV, 12 patients) and hepatitis C virus (HCV, 29 patients). The Child score index was found as A in 24 patients, B in 22 patients, C in 4 patients. Thirty healthy children served as control group.HBsAg, HBcAbIgM, HBcAbIgG, and anti-HCV were detected using ELISA technique. HCV-RNA was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Antibllharzial antibodies were detected by indirect haemagglutination test. Liver function tests were performed using autoanalyser. Serum IGF-1, osteocalcin and PTH levels were measured by ELISA technique. Abdominal ultrasonography was also conducted. RESULTS: Serum IGF-1 level was significantly lower in all patient groups with liver diseases, while serum osteocalcin and PTH levels were significantly elevated in patients with HBV and HCV infections compared with the control group. Serum osteocalcin and PTH concentrations were measured with the severity of liver disease from Child A to C. Child A patients unexpectedly showed significantly reduced IGF-1 levels in comparison to patients staged as Child B or C. Serum osteocalcin level was negatively correlated with albumin (14.7 ± 0.54 vs 3.6 ± 0.10, P 〈 0.05), while that for PTH was positively correlated with total protein (70.1 ± 2.17 vs 6.7 ± 0.10, P 〈 0.05) in patients with HCV infection.
文摘Objective: The aim of this study was to study the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) on metabolism of afiatoxin B1 (AFB1) in Wistar rats. Methods: Seventy one Wistar rats were assigned at random to groups A, B and C. Rats in groups A, B were injected with AFB1 (intraperitoneal, 100-200 ug/kg body weight, 1-3 times/week). Group C was normal control. Rats in group B were fed in food with EGb761, while rats in groups A, C were given normal food. Blood samples were collected and liver biopsies were performed on the 14th, 28th and 42nd week. All the rats were sacrificed on the 64th week. The incidence of hepatocarcinoma was investigated. The hepatic phase I drug-metabolizing enzyme Cytochrome-P450 (CYP450) and phase II metabolizing enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) were analyzed with spectrometry. Serum AFB1- lysine adduct levels were assessed with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The expression of 8-hydroxydeoxy- guanosine (8-OHdG) was measured with immunohistochemistry. Results: The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in group B was significantly lower than that in group A (26.92% vs 76.00%, P 〈 0.001). No HCC developed in group C. EGb761 showed no effects on the activities of CYP450 and GST in rat liver tissues. The level of AFB1-lysine adduct reached the peak (4356.01 pg/mg albumin) at the 14th week in group A. EGb761 significantly inhibited the formation of AFB1-lysine adduct in serum by 13.07% at the 14th week (P = 0.033), and 73.63% at the 42nd week (P = 0.002). The expression of 8-OHdG protein in rat liver tissues in group B was significantly lower than that in group A at the 28th, 42nd, and 64th week (P 〈 0.05). Conclusion: The main mechanism underlying the effect of EGb761 in blocking hepatocarcinogenesis induced by AFB1 may not be fully attributable to its influence on the activity of liver phase I and phase II metabolizing enzymes. EGb761 inhibits the production of AFB1-lysine adducts, decreases the expression of 8-OHdG protein, and finally alleviates the DNA oxidative injury, which may be one of the mechanisms for the effects of EGb761 in inhibiting or delaying AFB1-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.
文摘Activation of the phosphoinositide 3 kinase(PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) pathway is common in breast cancer. There is preclinical data to support inhibition of the pathway, and phase Ⅰ to Ⅲ trials involving inhibitors of the pathway have been or are being conducted in solid tumors and breast cancer. Everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, is currently approved for the treatment of hormone receptor(HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-negative breast cancer. In this review, we summarise the efficacy and toxicity findings from the randomised clinical trials, with simplified guidelines on the management of potential adverse effects. Education of healthcare professionals and patients is critical for safety and compliance. While there is some clinical evidence of activity of mTOR inhibition in HR-positive and HER2-positive breast cancers, the benefits may be more pronounced in selected subsets rather than in the overall population. Further development of predictive biomarkers will be useful in the selection of patients who will benefit from inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR(PAM) pathway.
文摘Interferon (IFN) is a cytokine with various biological functions, including antivirus, immunoregulation and anti- tumor. It has been wildly used in many anti-cancer therapies, including malignant melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, ad- vanced renal-cell carcinoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. However, its effective dose is always very high, which may bring some serious side effects, nevertheless, not all patients can benefit from the IFN therapy. So a problem we have faced is that how to improve the efficiency and sensitivity of IFN? To solve this problem, many studies have been launched to find the effective prognostic factors and individual biomarkers for guiding the treatment better. In addition, further clarifying the anti-tumor mechanisms of IFN is benefit for explaining how the biomark- ers predict prognosis of patients. In recent studies, many IFN associated genes and proteins predicting sensitivity of IFN therapy have been found, which may associate with the progression of cancer, such as IFN regulatory factor (IRF), IFNAR2 mRNA, microRNA, IFITM-I. Some factors in peripheral blood are easier to detect and have the potential to been popularized in clinical practice, such as CD8^high CD57^+ lymphocyte levels in malignant melanoma, serum IFNAR2 mRNA in mCRC. This review briefly summarized the advances of antitumorally individual markers of IFN.
基金Supported by Shanghai Momentous Program,Grant No.07dz19505Shanghai Rising-star Program from the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality,No.10QA1401400,China
文摘AIM:To develop lymph node metastasis(LNM)-associated biomarkers for colorectal cancer(CRC) using quantitative proteome analysis.METHODS:Differences in protein expression between primary CRC with LNM(LNM CRC) and without LNM(non-LNM CRC) were assessed using methyl esterification stable isotope labeling coupled with 2D liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry(2D-LC-MS/MS).The relationship to clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of candidate biomarkers was examined using an independent sample set.RESULTS:Forty-three proteins were found to be differentially expressed by at least 2.5-fold in two types of CRC.S100A4 was significantly upregulated in LNM CRC compared with non-LNM CRC,which was confirmed by Western blotting,immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Further immunohistochemistry on another 112 CRC cases showed that overexpression of S100A4 frequently existed in LNM CRC compared with non-LNM CRC(P < 0.001).Overexpression of S100A4 was significantly associated with LNM(P < 0.001),advanced TNM stage(P < 0.001),increased 5-year recurrence rate(P < 0.001) and decreased 5-year overall survival rate(P < 0.001).Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that S100A4 expression was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence and survival of CRC patients(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:S100A4 might serve as a powerful biomarker for LNM and a prognostic factor in CRC.
文摘On the basis of TCM diferentiation, the authors have treated 359 adult female cases of non-obesity with undesirable body shape by combined application of body acupuncture and moxibustion and auricular acupuncture, and achieved quite good remoulding and orthopedic results, suggesting that acupuncture and moxibustion can very effectively regulate the somatotypic indexes of body weight, circumference of the chest, loin, hip and thigh, the ratio of the loin to hip, sebum thickness, obesity degree, body mass index and body fat percentage of the cases in the overweight group and orthopedic groups 1,2. It is therefore concluded that acupuncture and moxibustion is a good therapy for obtaining a graceful body shape.
文摘The mature Shiga toxin B (StxB) gene was optimized and generated by overlapping PCR. Recombinant expression vector pQE40-DHFR/StxB was constructed when the gene was cloned into pQE fusion expression vector. Induced by Isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG), the DHFR/StxB fusion protein was highly expressed to the level of 41.36% in E. coli MI5 cells. The 35 kDa fusion protein with a 6 His-tag was one-step purified from inclusion bodies using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography column under denaturing conditions, and was refolded by dialyzing with a decreasing urea gradient. Purified DHFR/StxB fusion protein was used to immunize Kunming mice for generating the ascitic polyclonal antibody against recombinant StxB protein by injecting sarcoma 180 cells and the titer ofascitic polyclonal antibody is up to 1: 1× 10^6 detected by the indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assy (ELISA). Western immunoblotting analysis revealed that the ascitic polyclonal antibody against StxB had a specific affinity for a 70 kDa shiga toxin protein of Shigella dysenteriae type 1. It is a new simple and quick method to produce a large amount of ascitic polyclonal antibody. The antibody is used to develop immunological method for detecting shiga toxin.
基金Supported by grants from the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province (No. 2010B031600066 No. 2010B031500034+2 种基金 No. 2008B030303008)the Key Scientific Subject Foundation of Ministry of Education of China (No. 208105)the National Science and Technology Major Projects for New Drugs (No. 2011zx09102-001-31)
文摘Objective: The aim of this study was to use lung cancer targeting binding polypeptide ZS-9 to screen cDNA library of human lung cancer and obtain ZS-9 specific ligand to confirm tumor marker of non small-cell lung cancer. Methods: Artificially synthesize biotin labeled peptide ZS-9, anchored ZS-9 in the enzyme label plate coupled by avidin, used ZS-9 as probe to screen cDNA library of human lung cancer, after screening, obtained bacteriophage clone specifically binding with anchored polypeptide ZS-9. Extracted plasmid of bacteriophage and performed sequencing after amplified by PCR. Results: It was demonstrated by bioinformatic analysis on the sequence of ligand binded by lung cancer specific peptide ZS-9 that the ligand was the cytoskeletal protein periplakin on the surface of lung cancer cells, suggesting that periplakin might be a new marker for non-small-cell lung cancer in lung cancer. Conclusion: Use specific lung cancer binding peptide to screen new tumor marker periplakin in lung cancer and further studies on its biologic functions in genesis and development of lung cancer are still needed.
基金partially supported under a contract from Mc King Consulting(#4568)with the U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(200-2012-F-53729)to assist with pedometer distribution
文摘Background: Despite their utility in accessing ambulatory movement, pedometers have not been used consistently to monitor physical activity in U.S. surveillance systems. This study was designed to determine the feasibility of using pedometers to assess daily steps taken in a sub-sample of adults from Maricopa County who completed the 2014 Arizona Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey.Methods: Respondents were sent an Omron HJ324 U pedometer, a logbook to record steps taken, and a walking questionnaire. The pedometer was worn for 7 days. Feasibility was assessed for acceptability(interest in study), demand(procedures followed correctly), implementation(time to complete study), and practicality(cost).Results: Acceptability was modest with 23.9%(830/3476) agreeing to participate. Among those participating(92.9%; 771/830), 50.1%(386/771)returned the logbook. Demand was modest with 39.3%(303/771) of logbooks returned with valid data. Implementation represented 5 months to recruit participants. The cost to obtain valid step-count data was USD61.60 per person. An average of 6363 ± 3049 steps/day were taken with most participants classified as sedentary(36.0%) or low active(35.6%).Conclusion: The feasibility of using pedometers in a state-based surveillance system is modest at best. Feasibility may potentially be improved with easy-to-use pedometers where data can be electronically downloaded.
文摘This paper presents the results of determining trace elements and δ 13C, δ 18O in Gyraulus sibirica shell continuously preserved in Xingcuo Lake sediments in the recent 50 years. By coupling these indexes and instrumental meteorological data on its basin to determine the relations among them, we probed quantitatively the climatic signals recorded in Xingcuo Lake sediments. The results showed that gastropod shells in Xingcuo Lake were formed in warm seasons; that trace elements, and stable isotope in shells just recorded the climatic signals of the warm seasons instead of that of the whole year; that Mg/Ca ratio and δ 18O proxy had certain correlation with air temperature in warm seasons, when the δ 18O proxy was more sensitive; with the average ratio of them being 0.28×10 -3/℃ and the variation rate dδ 18O/dT being 1.64×10 -3/℃; that the Sr/Ca ratio and δ 13C proxy, especially Sr/Ca ratio, had close correlation; and that dSr/Ca/dP was -0.045/mm.
文摘A contrast study on the effects of manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture wasconducted in 60 cases of chronic hepatitis B carriers.The results demonstrated that theimmunological functions,both cellular and humoral,were markedly regulated asevidenced by the negative turnover rates of HBsAg,HBeAg,anti-HBc and HBcAg,as wellas the positive turnover rate of anti-HBe.
文摘Objective To evaluate the etiology of Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli (SLTEC) in children with diarrhea. Methods We designed and synthesized 3 pairs of primers located in the SLT1, SLT2, and eaeA genes of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), while the virulent genes SLT1, SLT2, and eaeA from E.coli species were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results One strain of EHEC with SLT1, SLT2, and eaeA in 29 reference strains of diarrhea-causing E.coli (DCEC) and 10 strains of other enterobacteria detected by PCR had positive reactions, while all other DCEC and enterobacteria were negative. Of 474 strains of E. coli isolated from 1032 children with diarrhea and detected by PCR, 20 strains of SLT1 producing E. coli (4.2%) positive, and 7 strains of SLT2 producing E.coli (1.5%) positive; while of 74 strains of entero-SLTs-producing and invasive Escherichia coli (ESIEC), 15 strains of SLT1 (20.3%) and 5 strains of SLT2 (6.8%) were positive. Conclusion Shiga-like toxin E. coli has been identified as a major etiologic agent of children with diarrhea in Taiyuan, China.
基金Supported by the Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Hunan Province(Effect of Puerarin on Low Birth Weight Associated with Adulated Osteoporosis,No.201110)
文摘OBJECTIVE:To investigate serum bone biomarkers in rats with intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR)in order to determine the effects of puerarin on bone metabolism.METHODS:A rat model of IUGR was induced using a low protein diet during pregnancy.The offspring were given puerarin or an identical volume of saline via subcutaneous abdominal injection.All rats were studied at 1,3,and 8 weeks of age.Serum biomarkers of bone formation,including insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1),bone-specific alkaline phosphatase(BALP),osteocalcin(OC),osteoprotegerin(OPG),receptor-activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL),as well as blood levels of calcium and phosphorus were measured.RESULTS:Serum BALP,OPG,IGF-1,and OC levels,as well as the OPG/RANKL ratio,were lower in the IUGR group compared with the control group at 1week of age(P=0.024,0.011,0.014,0.004,and0.002,respectively).At 3 weeks of age,the serum BALP and OC levels were higher in the protein-re-stricted group compared with the control group(P=0.003 and 0.001,respectively).A comparison between the IUGR plus puerarin intervention group and the IUGR group revealed differences in the levels of BALP and IGF-1 at 3 weeks of age(P=0.008 and 0.003,respectively).In addition,serum OPG and OC levels and the OPG/RANKL ratio were higher at 8 weeks of age(P=0.044,0.007,and0.016,respectively).No differences in serum calcium and phosphorus levels were observed among the three groups.CONCLUSION:Our study demonstrates that the bone microenvironment of the fetus can be altered by a low protein maternal diet and that puerarin can reverse these effects.These results indicate that the nutritional environment plays an important role in early skeletal development and that the bone turnover of IUGR rats can be altered by puerarin treatment.