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Bladder cancer is the most common urological cancer with higher incidence rate in the endemic areas of blackfoot disease (BFD) in southern Taiwan. Urine, a blood filtrate produced by the urinary system, is readily collected and is an important source of information for bladder cancers because it is directly exposed to bladder epithelium. Global analysis of the human urinary proteome is important for understanding urinary tract diseases. The aim of this chapter was to utilize the proteomic approach to establish urinary protein patterns of bladder cancer. The experimental results showed that most patients with bladder cancer had proteinuria or albuminuria. In the proteomic analysis, the urinary proteome was identified by nano-high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (nano-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) followed by peptide fragmentation pattern analysis. ADAM28, identified by proteomic approaches and confirmed by ELISA, showed significant differences compared with normal individuals. The upregulation of urinary ADAM28 in bladder cancer was revealed, so it may be a biomarker of bladder cancer.

To investigate the molecular mechanism of sex reversal in a 46,XY female patient.Clinical data was collected. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were cultured for G-banding chromosomal analysis and DNA extraction. Sex-determining region of Y-chromosome (SRY) gene was analyzed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing .Although the patient has a female appearance, he has a karyotype of 46,XY. The SRY gene can be detected in all samples. The 6th base of SRY gene coding region was deleted, resulting in a frameshifting mutation and premature termination of protein translation.The sex reversal of the patient is probably due to abnormal embryonic development caused by the SRY gene mutation.

Background Samples originating from body fluids often contain a complex mixture of inorganic salts, buffers, chaotropic agents, surfactant/detergents, preservatives, and other solubilizing agents. The presence of those contaminants often precludes direct analysis by mass spectrometry. Urine, a blood filtrate produced by the urinary system, is an ideal bio-sample and a rich source of biomarkers for diagnostic information. Methods To enhance our understanding of urinary proteome, the urine proteins were prepared by magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) combined with MACS separation column system and then identified by reverse phase nano-high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (RP-nano-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) followed by peptide fragmentation pattern. Results Experimental results have revealed that the better protein identification for the demonstration of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in artificial urine. Using this cleanup approach, a total of 542 peptides, corresponding to 282 unique proteins, were identified from human urine samples, in which 54 proteins have higher confidence levels. Indeed, this study has revealed that some biological factors might be increased along with aging, such as up-regulation of immunoproteins. Conclusions The present study was designed to establish optimal techniques to develop a proteomic map of urinary proteins, and a cleanup method that greatly simplifies this sample preparation process was proposed.

To analyze the clinical evaluation of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients receiving integrated Chinese and Western medicine therapy. One hundred and twenty patients were enrolled and randomly allocated to a control group or treatment group. Patients in the two groups received placebo and Bushen Huoxue Granule (补肾活血颗粒, BHG), respectively. Both groups received baseline levodopa and benserazide (Madopar). The effects of treatment were assessed monthly during the 9-month treatment. Means of evaluation included Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores (II and III), sleep scale score, 10 m turn back test (getting up time, 10 m×2 times, and turning time), timing motor test (TMT)-left and TMT-right, which were treated as the dependent variables; and age, sex, duration of PD, Hoehn and Yahr (H-Y) stage and Madopar dosage of admitted PD patients were as the independent variables. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze these factors. H-Y stage significantly affected UPDRS II score, UPDRS III score, and getting up time (P

The cell responses to biopolymer surface at the early adhesion stages can be critical for cell survival. The purpose of this research was to assess formation of hyaluronic acid (HA) biopolymer surface, the fibroblasts were used as an experimental model to evaluate the responses of cellular proteins induced by biopolymer materials using a mass spectrometry-based profiling system. Surfaces were covered by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT), chitosan (CS), and HA to increase the surface area, enhance the adhesion of biopolymer and promote the rate of cell proliferation. The amount of adhered fibroblasts on CNT/CS/HA electrodes of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) were greatly exceeded those on other surfaces that were consistent with cell-count technique. Moreover, analyzing differential protein expressions of adhered fibroblasts on those biopolymer surfaces by proteomic approaches identified CD36, CD44, PP2A, and CDK9 as key proteins. To validate the influences of those four proteins on adhesions of fibroblasts on biopolymers, the cells were blocked by antibodies of the proteins and the adhesions of cells on the tested biopolymer surfaces were examined using a QCM technique, flow cytometric analysis and morphological observations. The results of significantly decreasing the weights and densities of the blocked fibroblasts adhering to CNT/CS/HA surfaces were obtained, and validate those proteins found by proteomic approaches. Utilizing mass spectrometry-based proteomics to evaluate cell adhesions on biopolymers is proposed.

To study the effects of "Attenuation and Synergia" for Bushenhuoxue Granules (BSHXG) on Parkinson's patients.120 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups randomly, the control group were treated with placebo and treatment group with BSHXG, both groups based on Madopar treatment. Double-blinded clinical trial was adopted in treatment period. Follow-up period for 6 months. Usage of Madopar and score of treatment complications were adopted to measure related motor complications before and after treatment.Usage of Madopar and score of treatment complications in treatment group were decreased (P0.05). No adverse effects were found in this trial.BSHXG can decrease the side-effects of Madopar and put off the development of PD. The effects of "Attenuation and Synergia" of BSHXG becomes clear with time.

To determine the distribution of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene ApaI and BsmI polymorphism in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the association with SLE in Chinese Han patients.Genomic DNA from 244 Chinese SLE patients and 162 sex and ethnically matched controls were typed for VDR ApaI and BsmI polymorphism combination by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Clinical characteristics were analyzed between different ApaI and BsmI genotypes.There was no significant difference between the distribution frequencies of allelic gene A and a in SLE patients and the controls, but the distribution frequency of genotypes heterozygote Aa in SLE patients was higher than that in the controls (38.9% vs 22.2%, χ(2) = 12.442, P = 0.000). There was no significant difference between the distribution frequency of allelic gene and genotypes of BsmI in SLE patients and the controls (P0.05). However, there was significant difference between the distribution frequencies of ApaI and BsmI genotypes combination in SLE patients and the controls (χ(2) = 18.226, P = 0.006). The distribution frequency of genotypes Aa-bb in SLE patients was higher than that in the controls (32.4% vs 17.9%, χ(2) = 10.449 P = 0.001), while the distribution frequency of genotypes Aa-bb in SLE patients was lower than that in the controls (30.3% vs 42.0%, χ(2) = 5.808, P = 0.016). Furthermore, analyzing the effect of VDR ApaI and BsmI polymorphism combination to the symptoms of SLE, significant difference was observed in SLE patients carrying Aa-bb genotypes involved in serositis (P = 0.003), hematological system disorder (P = 0.021), and anti-Sm antibodies (P = 0.01) compared with other genotypes.There is significant association between ApaI and BsmI gene polymorphism Aa-bb genotypes and the incidence of SLE in the Han population of China, and genotype Aa-bb is more involved in serositis, hematological system disorder and has a positive effect on production of antibodies.

BACKGROUND The main clinical symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD) are resting tremor, muscle rigidity and bradykinesia. There is currently no effective treatment for PD, and dyskinesia symptoms affect the quality of life of patients with PD. The Chinese medicine therapy used for reinforcing kidney and activating blood circulation in treatment of PD was reported to achieve good clinical effects. OBJECTIVE To study the effects of Bushen Huoxue Granule, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on the quality of life of patients with PD. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS A total of 120 patients were enrolled from General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army in China and divided into two groups randomly. Patients in the control group were treated with a placebo and in the treatment group with Bushen Huoxue Granule based on treating with levodopa. A double-blinded clinical trial was adopted over a 3-month treatment with a follow-up period lasting 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale II (UPDRS II), questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) and Parkinson's disease sleep scale (PDSS) were adopted to measure the quality of life at baseline, after 3 months of treatment and at a 6-month follow-up. RESULTS Bushen Huoxue Granule showed a higher efficacy than the control in improving life quality of patients with PD by improving scores of UPDRS II, PDQ-39 and PDSS (P

To study the effects of Bushenhuoxue Granules on Parkinson's disease sleep scale (PDSS) score in Parkinson's patients.120 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups randomly,the control group were treated with placebo and treatment group with Bushenhuoxue Granules, both group based on Madopar treatment. Double-blinded clinical trial was adopted in treatment period. Follow-up period for 6 months, PDSS was adopted to measure sleep condition of PD patients at baseline time, after 3 months and after 9 months.Bushenhuoxue Granules treatment group showed a higher efficacy than the placebo group in relieving the sleep disorders of Parkinson disease patients,both in treatment and follow-up period (P0.01). No adverse effects were found in this trial.Bushenhuoxue Granules can markedly improve sleep disorders in Parkinson's patients. The effects are stable and obvious along with the process of treatment.

To explore the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Bushen Huoxue Decoction (BHD), a traditional Chinese medicinal preparation, on dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) in the brain of rat models of Parkinson's disease (PD).A total of 120 SD rats were randomized into normal control group, saline model group and BHD-treated group. In the latter two groups, PD rat models were established by direct injection of 6-OHDA to destruct the substantia nigra compact part (SNC) with corresponding treatments. The behavioral changes of the rats were observed. Radioimmunoassay was employed to determine the changes in the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) and maximal binding capacity (B(max)) of DRD2, and immunohistochemistry was used to observe the number of the DRD2-positive cells in the brain of the rats.BHD can markedly improve the behavioral abnormalities of PD model rats. Compared with those in the saline model group, the B(max) of DRD2 in the damaged hemisphere increased while the Kd of BHD decreased significantly after BHD treatment (P0.01). The number of DRD2-positive cells in BHD-treated group was significantly higher than that in the model group (80.9∓13.59 vs 11.15∓6.78, P0.01), but showed no significant difference from that in the normal control group (P0.05).BHD can improve the behavioral abnormalities and increase the cerebral expression and affinity of DRD2 in PD rat models.

To observe the clinical curative effect of Chinese medicine Bushen Huoxue Granule(补肾活血颗粒, BHG) on Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with depressive state.Sixty-two PD patients with depressive state were randomly assigned to two groups by using a random number table, 31 in each group. Madopar was given to all as the conventional treatment. The fluoxetine hydrochloride dispersible tablet was given to the patients in the control group and BHG was given to those in the treatment group. The therapeutic course for all was 12 weeks. Before and after treatment, Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) was applied to judge the curative effect, and the changes of cerebral neurotransmitters levels in the brain of patients were detected by encephalofluctuograph technique.The scores of HAMD in the two groups were decreased markedly after 12-week treatment. It was lower in the treatment group than that in the control group with significant difference (P0.01). The contents of norepinephrine (NE) and 5-serotonin (5-HT) in the PD patients were obviously lower than normal value. There was no significant difference between the two groups before treatment (P0.05). The contents of NE and 5-HT were all increased in the two groups after treatment (P0.05), with significant differences between the two groups (P0.01).BHG could increase the contents of NE and 5-HT in PD patients' brain to improve the depressive state of PD patients.

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene is a candidate gene for susceptibility to autoimmune disorders. Association studies of VDR polymorphisms and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have often produced conflicting results in different ethnic backgrounds. The aim of this study is to test the association between VDR gene BsmI polymorphism and the genetic susceptibility to SLE in a Han Chinese population. Three hundred and thirty-seven patients with SLE and 239 healthy controls were genotyped for the VDR gene BsmI polymorphism (rs1544410) by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in this study, after which the relationship between BsmI polymorphisms and the mRNA expression of VDR, as well as clinical manifestations in patients with SLE, was evaluated. It was found that the frequency of B allele was significantly increased in SLE relative to the control group (χ2 = 4.681, p = 0.031), although the distribution of VDR BsmI polymorphism genotype frequencies did not differ significantly between patients and controls (χ2 = 4.098, p = 0.129). Moreover, VDR B allele was found to be associated with lupus nephritis ( p = 0.027) and also with production of anti-nucleosome antibodies ( p = 0.037). The mRNA of VDR was markedly down-regulated in patients with VDR B allele compared with that in patients without B allele ( p = 0.016). Our results indicate a possible role of genetic factors (the VDR B allele) in influencing disease susceptibility in Han Chinese patients. Also, VDR B allele is associated with the development of nephritis and the down-regulation of VDR mRNA expression in SLE.

Bladder cancer is the most common urological cancer with higher incidence rate in the endemic areas of Blackfoot disease (BFD) in southern Taiwan. The aim of this study was to utilize the proteomic approach to establish urinary protein patterns of bladder cancer. The experimental results showed that most patients with bladder cancer had proteinuria or albuminuria. The urine arsenic concentrations of bladder cancer patients in BFD areas were significantly higher than those patients from non-BFD areas. In the proteomic analysis, the urinary proteome was identified by nano-high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (nano-HPLC/ESI-MS/MS) followed by peptide fragmentation pattern analysis. We categorized 2782 unique proteins of which 89 proteins were identified with at least three unique matching peptide sequences. Among these 89 proteins, thirteen of them were not found in the control group and may represent proteins specific for bladder cancer. In this study, three proteins, SPINK5, ADAM28 and PTP1, were also confirmed by Western blotting and showed significant differential expression compared with the control group. ADAM28 may be used as a possible biomarker of bladder cancer.

To observe the effect of Bushen Huoxue Granule (BHG) on dopamine (DA) neurotransmitter and dopamine transporter (DAT) in the brain of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) as an adjunctive therapy.Ninety-four PD patients were randomly assigned to two groups, 47 in each group. Madopar was given to all as the basic treatment group. The placebo was given to those in the control group while BHG was given to those in the treatment. The therapeutic course for all was three months. Before and after treatment DA levels in the brain of patients were detected by encephalofluctuograph (EFG) technique. Changes of DAT in the striatum of patients in the treatment group were detected by positron emission tomography (PET) and region of interest (ROI) analysis.(1) Before treatment the DA level was lower in the two groups than the normal value, showing significant difference (P0.01), but with no significant difference between the two groups (P0.05). After treatment the DA level obviously increased in the two groups, showing significant difference from that before treatment (P0.01). No significant difference existed in the DA level in the two groups when compared with the normal value (P0.05), but with significant difference between the two groups (P0.05). Better results were obtained in the treatment group than in the control group. (2) The DAT radioactive accumulation inside the striatum increased obviously in the treatment group after treatment. ROI analysis showed the total ratio of striatum/cerebellum before and after treatment was 1.86 +/- 0.32 and 2.61 +/- 0.53 respectively, showing statistical difference (P0.05).BHG could improve the DA level of PD patients, and increasing DAT contents in the striatum, thus playing a role in effectively treating PD.

To investigate the relationship of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene Fok I polymorphism with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to observe VDR mRNA levels in Chinese Han SLE patients.Genomic DNAs from 271 Chinese SLE patients and 130 healthy controls were determined for Fok I polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and VDR mRNA levels from 48 Chinese SLE patients and 38 healthy controls were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Gene frequencies of allelic F and f were significantly different between the SLE patients and the controls (P=0.001).The relative risk of SLE in the presence of allelic gene F was 1.630 (95%CI=1.210-2.196, P=0.001). The frequency of homozygote FF in the SLE patients was higher than that in the controls (42.8% vs 25.4%, x(2);=11.417, P=0.001). Serositis, anti-dsDNA antibody, anti-Sm antibody and anti-histone antibody in the SLE patients carrying homozygote FF and heterozygote Ff were higher than those in the SLE patients carrying homozygote ff (P=0.001, P=0.001, P=0.047, P=0.001, respectively). The VDR mRNA was decreased in the SLE patients, with a delta;Ct value of 9.26 ± 2.37 (P=0.026), as compared with a delta;Ct value of 7.82 ± 3.05 in the controls (the bigger of the delta;Ct value, the lower of VDR mRNA expression). The delta;Ct value of VDR mRNA in the SLE patients carrying FF and Ff was bigger than that in the SLE patients carrying ff (10.54 ± 1.88 vs 7.15 ± 3.78, P=0.019).VDR gene Fok I polymorphism is associated with SLE in the Han population of southern China. The SLE patients carrying F allel ± are more likely to have serositis and produce anti-dsDNA antibody, anti-Sm antibody and anti-Histone antibody, presumably as a result of down-regulation of VDR mRNA.

This study was purposed to investigate the mechanism of thrombocytopenia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through detecting anti-megakaryocyte antibodies in SLE patients. The serum anti-megakaryocyte antibodies in 36 SLE cases with thrombocytopenia were detected by using indirect immunofluorescence, the detected results were compared with detected results of 30 SLE cases without thrombocytopenia and 30 healthy persons. The results showed that the positive incidences of anti-megakaryocyte antibody in serum of 36 SLE cases with thrombocytopenia, 30 SLE cases without thrombocytopenia and 30 healthy persons were 19.4% (7/36), 6.7% (2/30) and 3.3% (1/30) respectively. As compared with SLE patients without thrombocytopenia and healthy persons, SLE patients with thrombocytopenia had higher incidence of anti-megakaryocyte antibodies, moreover there was significant difference between SLE patients with thrombocytopenia and healthy persons (p0.05), while there was no significant difference between SLE patients with or without thrombocytopenia (p0.05). It is concluded that autoantibodies against megakaryocytes exist in SLE patients and may partially contribute to the incidence of thrombocytopenia in SLE patients. The detection of anti-megakaryocyte antibodies with a enough case number is needed to make a final conclusion on thrombocytopenia pathogenesis in SLE.

Human urine contains a large number of proteins and peptides (the urinary proteome). Global analysis of the human urinary proteome is important for understanding urinary tract diseases. Bladder cancer is the most common urological cancer with higher incidence rates in endemic areas of Blackfoot disease (BFD) in southern Taiwan. The aim of this study was to use the proteomic approach to establish urinary protein biomarkers of bladder cancer. ADAM28, identified by proteomic approaches and confirmed by Western blotting, showed significant differences compared with normal individuals, so it may be a biomarker of bladder cancer.

The mechanical behavior of bridge pile foundation were complicated because overlaying mantle rock always has lateral thrust on piles foundation and free face of slope would have an influence on distribution of lateral resistance. The factors mentioned above could make it significantly different for piles foundational mechanical characteristics in slope from flat ground. Based on model tests on piles foundation in slope, the distribution of thrust, lateral resistance and its influence scope were discussed. According to the study of piles foundation stress in different loads combination and pier-column length, the mechanical characteristics of bridge foundation in slope were analyzed. The tests results show slope thrust distribution shape was simplified as a parabola. Approaching to certain depth of pile foundation, thrust would decrease with depth. Due to the existence of free face of slope, the lateral resistance was small and lateral resistance could be fully exerted when soil layer thickness is five or six times that of pile diameter. With an increase of the pier-column length, the moment of piles foundation has greatly increased and P-Δ effect of piles foundation in slope was more significant than in flat ground.

To evaluate the operative outcome of associated acetabular fractures through single Kocher-Langenbeck (K-L) approach and investigate the relationship between the quality of fracture reduction and long-term joint function.A total of 116 associated acetabular fractures were treated through single K-L approach at our department from October 1993 to December 2004. All cases were evaluated retrospectively. And 80 cases (81 hips) were followed up, including 5 hips of T-shaped fractures, 53 hips of associated transverse and posterior wall fractures, 18 hips of associated posterior column and posterior wall fractures, 4 hips of both column fractures and 1 hip of the associated anterior and posterior hemitransverse fractures. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated. And the functional results and complications were tracked.The average duration of follow-up was 51.7 months. Anatomical reduction was achieved in 39, satisfactory in 31 and unsatisfactory reduction in 11 hips. The clinical outcome was excellent and good in 62 (76.5%) hips. All fractures were healed without infection. And 24 hips showed post-operative heterotopic ossification. The incidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis was 22.5% (18 hips). There were 5 hips with the palsies of sciatic nerve. And the avascular necrosis of femoral head was found in 6 hips.Associated posterior column and posterior wall fractures, most transverse and posterior wall fractures, certain T shape fractures and both column fractures may be treated through a single K-L approach. Excellent reductions and satisfactory functional outcome can be achieved. The satisfactory joint function is based on a perfect fracture reduction.

To observe the effect of Liangxuehuoxue Recipe (LXHXF), a compound traditional Chinese medicinal preparation, on the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the lung tissue of rats exposed to X-ray radiation.Seventy-two Wistar rats were randomized into exposure group (group A, without treatment) and small-, middle- and high-dose LXHXF groups (groups B, C, and D treated with LXHXF at the daily doses of 9, 18, and 36 g/kg, respectively). After X-ray exposure of the right lung at 3 Gy twice a week for 5 consecutive weeks, the rats were sacrificed at the end of the 5th, 12th and 26th weeks, and the lung tissues were taken for immunohistochemistry of the expressions of TNF-α and TGF-β.In group A, the expression of TNF-α reached the peak level at 5 weeks and TGF-β expression was the highest at 12 and 26 weeks. LXHXF, especially at the middle and high doses, obviously inhibited the expression of TNF-α at 5 weeks; the treatments also resulted in significantly lowered expressions of TGF-β at all the time points of observation as compared with those in group A (P0.01). The high- and middle-dose groups exhibited no significant difference in the expression levels of TNF-α and TGF-β in the experiment (P0.05).Treatment with LXHXF can effectively inhibit TNF-α expression in the lung tissue in the early stage following radiation exposure, causing even more obvious inhibitory effect on TGF-β in the later stages. A higher dose of LXHXF produces more significant inhibitory effects on TNF-α and TGF-β expressions.

To observe the effects of Bushenhuoxue Yin (BSHXY), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels in the brain of a mouse model of Parkinson disease (PD).Forty-five C57BL/6 mice were randomized into MPTP-induced PD model group, BSHXY treatment group and normal control group. The contents of NO and the two cytokines in the brain tissue of the mice were determined by spectroscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.The concentration of NO in the brain tissue of the PD model group was 5.93 ∓ 0.79 µmol/g.protein, significantly higher than that in BSHXY group (P0.01) and normal control group (P0.01). The levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the PD model group were 0.36 ∓ 0.11 ng/L and 0.83 ∓ 0.25 ng/L, respectively, also higher than those in the other two groups (P0.01 or 0.001). But BSHXY group and the normal control group showed no significant differences in the levels of NO, TNF-α and IFN-γ (P0.05).The therapeutic effect of BSHXY on PD is partially attributed to decreased content of NO, TNF-α and IFN-γ in the brain.

BACKGROUND angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphism is considered a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the associations of ACE gene and protein level to AD are undetermined among Taiwanese. METHODS this study investigated 257 Taiwanese cases with AD and 137 ethnically matched controls using ACE gene indel genotype association methods with logistic regression adjusted for other variables. Besides, 65 out of 257 AD patients, 11 with D/D genotype, 28 with I/I genotype and 26 with I/D genotype were recruited. Their plasma ACE protein levels were measured by enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay and compared for their corresponding ACE gene indel polymorphism. RESULTS patients with ACE-I/I homozygote were less likely to be associated with AD, compared with both I/D and D/D (OR: 0.601; 95% CI: 0.372-0.969; P = 0.037), or only I/D genotype (OR: 0.584; 95% CI: 0.349-0.976; P = 0.040). There were significantly different plasma ACE protein levels among these three different genotype groups (P = 0.023). The I/I genotype group had significantly lower ACE plasma levels [114.79 ± 31.32 ng/ml (mean ± SD)], compared with D/D (164.07 ± 86.36 ng/ml; P = 0.010), but not I/D (141.45 ± 51.50 ng/ml; P = 0.064). CONCLUSION ACE-I/I homozygote corresponds to lower plasma ACE protein level and it is independently but less likely to be associated with AD. These findings signal the importance of ACE indel polymorphisms to their corresponding protein levels and to AD.

The purpose of this paper was to characterize proteins secreted from the human nonpigmented ciliary epithelial (HNPE) cells, which have differentiated a rat retinal ganglion cell line, RGC-5. Undifferentiated RGC-5 cells have been shown to express several marker proteins characteristic of retinal ganglion cells. However, RGC-5 cells do not respond to N-methyl-D aspartate (NMDA), or glutamate. HNPE cells have been shown to secrete numbers of neuropeptides or neuroproteins also found in the aqueous humor, many of which have the ability to influence the activity of neuronal cells. This paper details the profile of HNPE cell-secreted proteins by proteomic approaches. The experimental results revealed the identification of 132 unique proteins from the HNPE cell-conditioned SF-medium. The biological functions of a portion of these identified proteins are involved in cell differentiation. We hypothesized that a differentiation system of HNPE cell-conditioned SF-medium with RGC-5 cells can induce a differentiated phenotype in RGC-5 cells, with functional characteristics that more closely resemble primary cultures of rat retinal ganglion cells. These proteins may replace harsh chemicals, which are currently used to induce cell differentiation.

To explore the culture method of rat hepatocyte between two collagen gel layers on a sandwich configuration and observe the function and morphological characteristics of the hepatocyte, which will be used in evaluation the effect of traditional Chinese Medicine on cytochrome P450.Rat hepatocyte were isolated by two-step in situ collagenase perfusion method; the hepatocyte were seeded in dishes coated with type I rat tail collagen, culture medium was added and changed daily after gelation. The morphological characteristics of the hepatocyte were observed and biochemical index were tested. The drug effect on the expression of CYP3A was determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Rat hepatocytes were successfully attached in gel. BUN and Alb excretion from cell could be tested in the culture period, however, the release of LDH content were lower than the culture system without collagen gel. The typical cellular morphological characteristics of cultured hepatocytes could be observed. PCN increased CYP3A mRNA expression in dose-dependent manner, while the expression of GAPDH wasn't affected.Rat hepatocyte sandwich culture can maintenance the cell function and activity, which simulate the environment that more closely in vivo, especially the activity of drug metabolism enzymes.

To evaluate the effect of traditional Chinese medicine preparations on bronchial hyperesponsiness (BHR)-induced cough.Sixty patients with cough due to BHR (shown by positive bronchial provocation test) were randomly divided into Chinese medicine group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) to receive Bufeishenqingre decoction twice a day and 100 mg theophylline sustained-release capsules twice a day for one month, respectively. The changes of the clinical symptoms were observed during the treatment and bronchial infrared imaging was performed before and after the treatment.The symptoms of patients in the Chinese medicine group were more effectively alleviated than those of the control group (P0.05). The difference in the temperature between the bronchial lesions and the surrounding normal mucosa changed more obviously in the Chinese medicine group (P0.01).Bufeishenqingre decoction can relieve the symptoms and improve the abnormalities in infrared imaging of patients with BHR-induced cough.

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on coinage metallic material can provide versatile modeling systems for studies of interfacial electron transfer, biological interactions, molecular recognition and other interfacial phenomena. Recently, a bio-sensing system has been produced by analysis of the attachment of antibody using alkanethiols, to form SAMs on the face of Au-quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) surfaces. In this study, the attachment of anti-α-fetoprotein monoclonal antibody to a SAMs surface of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid was achieved using water-soluble N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride and N-hydroxysuccinimide as coupling agents. Surface analyses were utilized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The quantization of immobilized antibody was characterized by the frequency shift of QCM and the radioactivity change of ¹²⁵I labeled antibody. The limit of detection and linear range of the calibration curve of the QCM method were 15 ng/ml and 15-850 ng/ml. The correlation coefficients of α-fetoprotein concentration between QCM and radioimmunoassay were 0.9903 and 0.9750 for the standards and serum samples, respectively. This report illustrates an investigation of SAMs for the preparation of covalently immobilized antibody biosensors.

To report and evaluate the results of subtalar distraction bone block fusion in the treatment of malunited calcaneus fracture.From September 2004 to January 2008, 32 cases of malunited calcaneus fracture were treated, among which 28 cases were classified type II and 4 cases type III by Stephens-Sander's classification. Preoperative X-ray and CT examination demonstrated a talocalcaneal angle of 18.1 degrees ± 2.3 degrees , and an AOFAS score of 36.3 ± 4.1. Subtalar distraction bone block fusion was performed in all cases in this series. Regular follow-up was done with talocalcaneal angle measurement and AOFAS scoring.All the 32 patients had been followed-up of 34 months, ranging from 24 to 65 months, only to reveal a primary wound healing without infection in all but one, in which superficial skin necrosis occurred postoperatively and healed after dressing-changes. Bone healing at the fusion site was seen 3 months after operation in all cases. At the final follow-up, the talocalcaneal angle was 22.9° ± 1.9° and the AOFAS score 77.5 ± 4.1, both demonstrating a significant difference (P0.05), when compared with those before operation.Subtalar distraction bone block fusion, together with the lateral wall decompression, can correct the main deformity and reduce major symptoms induced by the malunion of calcaneus fractures, being a convenient and practical option for the treatment of malunited calcaneus fracture.

To study the effect of Kidney-Tonifying plus Blood-Promoting Recipe on the expression of CD11b/CD18 and Bcl-2/Bax in elderly patients with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Sixty elderly patients with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were randomized into two groups. Patients in the treatment group received Kidney-Tonifying plus Blood-Promoting Recipe, and those in the control group receive no treatment. The expression of CD11b/CD18, Bcl-2/Bax, D-Dimeride, CD62p, PAC-I and the rate of platelet aggregation in peripheral blood leukocytes before and after the treatment were examined using flow cytometry in both groups.The Recipe significantly decreased the levels of CD11b/CD18, D-Dimeride, CD62p, PAC-I and the rate of platelet aggregation (P0.01), and increased the levels of Bcl-2/Bax (P0.01).Kidney-Tonifying plus Blood-Promoting Recipe regulates CD11b/CD18 and Bcl-2/Bax expression in blood leukocytes and improves microcirculatory status, which can be one of the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effect in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND The main clinical symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are resting tremor, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, and so on. There is no effective treatment for PD yet, and dyskinesia symptoms affect the life qualities of PD patients. The therapy used for reinforcing kidney and activating blood circulation in treatment of PD can achieve good clinical effects. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bushen Huoxue Granule (BSHXG), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine for reinforcing kidney and activating blood circulation in treatment of PD. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was undertaken. A total of 120 PD patients from Outpatient Department of General Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Xijing Hospital and Tangdu Hospital in Xi'an, were randomly divided into BSHXG group and placebo group. There were 55 cases in BSHXG group, for 5 cases lost to follow-up, and 51 cases in placebo group, for 1 case was excluded and 8 cases lost to follow-up. The patients in two groups were all treated for three months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The movement scale, exercise testing, and muscle tension were observed before and after treatment to make a comprehensive evaluation for clinical efficacy. One month follow-up was also made. RESULTS At three different times (one, two and three months) after treatment, the score of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III, rise time of 10-meter back and forth exercise and resting muscle tension in BSHXG group were improved as compared with before treatment (P

HLA-G is a non-classical HLA-class Ib molecule with multiple immunoregulatory properties. A 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the HLA-G gene has been suggested to influence the expression of HLA-G and to associate with certain pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases. We investigated the influence of the 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the HLA-G gene on disease susceptibility in systemic lupus erythematosus by genotyping this polymorphism in 231 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 367 healthy controls and analyzing the levels of soluble HLA-G in a subset of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and healthy subjects from a Han Chinese population. No statistically significant differences were observed in the frequencies of the 14-bp insertion/deletion HLA-G alleles or genotypes between controls and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. However, a significant increased expression of soluble HLA-G was noted in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (mean value = 230.2 U/ml vs 118.3 U/ml in controls, p = 0.0001). Moreover, patients with high levels of soluble HLA-G presented with higher disease activity and had more neurological involvement. Our results do not support the HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism as a genetic factor influencing systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility. It is possible that the expression of soluble HLA-G in systemic lupus erythematosus is enhanced as part of a mechanism to try to restore the tolerance process towards auto-antigens and to counteract inflammation. However, the participation of this molecule in the pathological process of the disease also could not be excluded. Lupus (2009) 18, 1259—1266.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry is used to rapidly characterize the human neutrophil peptides - HNP 1, 2, and 3 - in saliva. The saliva excreted from the parotid and sublingual/submandibular glands of 70 individuals were collected and examined using MALDI-TOF. The MALDI approach requires no sample pretreatment other than mixing the saliva-absorbing material with the matrix and drying under ambient conditions. Tissue paper was the best material for collecting the saliva samples because of its strong texture and high absorbance, and sinapinic acid was the best MALDI matrix for the analysis of the HNPs. HNPs were detected in almost all the samples collected from the parotid glands, with no obvious differences among age or gender. In contrast, the distribution of the HNPs in the samples collected from the sublingual/submandibular glands was age-dependent: no HNPs were detected for those collected from individuals younger than 30, but the HNPs were present in all of the samples collected from those older than 60 years. The increased probability of detecting saliva HNPs with age suggests that HNPs may function as a biomarker for aging.

In the summer of 2008, serious illnesses and deaths of babies in China were linked to melamine-tainted powdered infant formula. Melamine contains several metabolites, such as ammeline, ammelide, and cyanuric acid, and has been used for the adulteration of foods or milk to increase their apparent protein content. It is assumed that melamine and its metabolites are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and precipitate in the kidney to form crystals. A new tolerable daily intake of 0.2 mg kg(-1) body weight was adapted by the World Health Organization in 2008. This paper reviews the variety of analytical methods that have been used for the analysis of melamine in food. The limit of detection of these various methods is 0.05-100 ppm. The maximum acceptable concentration in food has been set at 50 ppb by the US FDA. A fast and ultrasensitive procedure for screening, detection, and characterization of melamine and its derivative compounds needs to be established. Currently, mass-spectrometry technologies provide an alternative to derivatization for regulatory analysis of food.

To determine the levels of CC chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) in serum and synovial fluid (SF) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their relations with disease activity and medication.CCL5 in serum and SF was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 28 RA patients and 21 osteoarthritis (OA) patients. In RA patients, the correlations of CCL5 levels in serum and SF with disease activity were analyzed. Meanwhile, the serum CCL5 levels among RA patients treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), Tripterygium Glucosides, and other Chinese herbs without disease-modifying effects were also compared.CCL5 levels in both serum and SF of RA patients were significantly higher than those of OA patients (P0.05). Moreover, the level of CCL5 was higher in SF than that in serum of RA patients (P0.01). Serum CCL5 level was correlated significantly with the number of swollen joints (r = 0.3329, P0.05), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.4001, P0.05), and C reactive protein (r = 0.3735, P0.01). In addition, the level of CCL5 had a trend of lower in patients treated with DMARDs or Tripterygium Glucosides than those treated with other Chinese herbs, although the difference was not significant among those patients due to the small number of patients in each group.In RA patients, the expression of CCL5 increases and correlates with some clinical and laboratory parameters of RA, which indicate that CCL5 plays an important role in RA and may serve as a useful marker of disease activity. DMARDs and Tripterygium Glucosides might exert their clinical effects through reducing CCL5 production in RA.

To explore the effect of Bushen Huoxue Decoction (BHD) on the orphan receptor (Nurr1) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the brain of rats with Parkinson's disease (PD).One hundred and twenty SD rats were divided into 100 in the model group and 20 in the normal control group, fifty-eight SD rats from the model group, established into PD model successfully by injuring their substantia nigra (SSN) with 6-hydroxydopamine, were divided equally into the model group and the test group, and they were treated with saline and BHD, respectively, for eight successive weeks. The change in the rats' behavior before and after treatment was observed by counting the cycles of rotation induced by apomorphine injection; the pathology of neurons, level of Nurr1 mRNA expression, and amount of TH positive cells in SSN were observed after treatment.The rats' behavior was improved in the tested group significantly, the rotation cycle after treatment being 84.0 ± 20.0 cycles/40 min, which was significantly lower than that in the model group (377.0 ± 62.3 cycles/40 min, P0.01). Besides, the Nurr1 mRNA expression and TH positive cell in the test group were 0.97 ± 0.15 and 49.40 ± 14.72, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the model group, 0.22 ± 0.03 and 5.45 ± 2.58, respectively (all P0.01).BHD could treat PD by enhancing the Nurr1 mRNA expression, increasing the TH content in brain, and promoting the repairing of injured neuron in cerebral SSN.

To evaluate the clinical effect of surgical resection of the severe heterotopic ossification (HO) after the open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of acetabular fractures.Five cases of severe HO after the ORIF of acetabular fractures were treated by surgical resection from October 2005 to April 2007. All patients were male, the average age was 34 years (22 to 45 years). The average time of HO after ORIF of acetabular fractures was 14.2 months (3 to 30 months). The original surgical approaches were: Kocher-Langenbeck approach as 4, ilioinguinal combined K-L approach as 1. According to the Brooker classification, there were 4 patients with IV degree and 1 with III degree. The average total movement for all the 5 patients was 8 degrees. All patients received one time radiation therapy before or after operation, the dosage was 7-8 Gy. The surgical approach was Kocher-Langenbeck for all patients. During operation the nerve stimulator was used to explore the sciatic nerve and carefully protected it, resected all HO bone and removed all implants. For one patient, because of confusion between femoral head and acetabulum, total hip replacement were performed. The joint exercise (passively and actively) began from the second day after operation, and at the same time, all patients took the indomethacin to prevent the occurrence of HO.All patients were followed up for 4 to 22 months. There was no recurrence of HO, the average total movement for all the 5 patients was 160 degrees.Early surgical resection and combined with radiation and indomethacin for the severe HO after the ORIF of acetabular fractures can obtain excellent results.

Trans, trans-2,4-decadienal (tt-DDE), a specific type of dienaldehyde, is abundant in heated oils or cooking oil fumes. Ingestion of heated oils and exposure to cooking oil fumes has been suggested to have a great health impact in a variety of organs, including the lungs. Previous studies have demonstrated that acute exposures to high doses of tt-DDE have induced oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity in human lung cells. The objective in utilizing proteomic techniques of this study was to identify protein biomarkers associated with tt-DDE-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in human bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B. Experimental results suggested that DJ-1 and cofilin proteins were protein biomarkers for tt-DDE-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in lung cells. DJ-1 was especially an early biomarker for tt-DDE exposure.

To research the effects of Siwu tang on serum protein of blood deficiency using proteomic technique and further explore its potential molecular mechanism to cure blood deficiency.The sera of normal, blood deficiency and cured group were collected. Proteomic protocol involving the high resolution two-dimensional polyacryamide gel electrophoresis, the computer-assisted image analysis, and the mass spectrometry was used to detect regulated protein by Siwu tang.Compared with normal group, there were 15 proteins changed, in which 11 increased and 4 decreased expressed proteins in sera could be recovered by Siwu tang. The up-regulated proteins involved haptoglobin, clusterin, complement component C4B and GTP binding protein 2, while the down-regulated proteins involved transthyretin and heamoglobin beta.Siwu tang could regulate serum protein, which include immunology, apoptosis, DNA injury repair, and blood ingredients. This might be the mechanism of Siwu tang to cure blood deficiency.

A new spectrophotometric complexometric titration method coupled with chemometrics for the determination of mixtures of metal ions has been developed. In the method described here, the titrant is a mixture of EDTA and two indicators. In the process of titration, both the volumetric addition of titrant and the progress of titration reaction can be characterized simultaneously by chemometric calculation with the absorption spectra, and then the titration curves can be obtained. With the titration curves, a matrix equation can be established, and thus the concentration of each component in the mixture of metal ions can be calculated with principal component regression. The method only needs the information of absorption spectra to obtain the analytical results, and is free of volumetric measurements. So the method is simple, convenient and precise, and has been applied to the simultaneous determination of mixtures of calcium and magnesium using malachite green and Cu-PAN as indicators with satisfactory results.

Purpose Changes in the expression of water channels or aquaporins (AQP) have been reported in several diseases. However, such changes and mechanisms remain to be evaluated for retinal injury. This study was designed to analyze changes in the expression of AQP4 following elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) and after intravitreal endothelin-1 injection and the potential involvement of the ubiquitin-dependent proteasome. Methods Retinal injuries were induced by the elevation of intraocular pressure in rat eyes using the Morrison model or following endothelin-1 intravitreal injection. Immunohistochemistry using a combination of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and aquaporin-4 antibodies were employed to follow changes in the optic nerve head astrocytes. Real-time quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) was used for measuring changes in AQP4, ubiquitin hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), and β-actin messages. Changes in AQP4, caspase-3, thy-1, ubiquitination, and GFAP expression were also followed in total retinal extracts using western blotting. An S5a column was used to purify ubiquitinated proteins. Results In retinas of both injury models, there was an upregulation of GFAP (a marker of astrogliosis), caspase-3, and downregulation of thy-1, a marker for retinal ganglion cell stress, and decreased retinal AQP4 mRNA and protein levels as determined by Q-PCR, and western blotting, respectively. By contrast, IOP enhanced expression and co-localization of GFAP and AQP4 in optic nerve astrocytes. AQP4 was detected in affinity-purified ubiquitinated proteins using S5a column, suggesting that AQP4 is a target for degradation by the ubiquitin-dependent proteasome. While elevation of IOP induced an increase in ubiquitination in retinal extracts, it decreased ubiquitination in optic nerve extracts as detected by western blotting. Enhanced ubiquitination and decreased ubiquitination appear to correlate with AQP4 expression. IOP decreased UCH-L1 (or protein gene protein [PGP9.5]) in retinal extracts as judged by Q-PCR. Conclusions The enhanced expression of AQP4 in optic nerve astrocytes following elevation of IOP may explain the astrocytic hypertrophy normally seen in glaucoma patients and may involve alteration in the activity of ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation system. The decreased ubiquitination in the optic nerve may lead to increased levels of proapoptotic proteins known to be degraded by the proteasome, and thus to axonal degeneration in glaucoma.

Background: Arteriole spasm (AS) served as a common pathogenesis of many diseases. Tongxinluo (TXL), a traditional Chinese formula, has been proved to benefit patients with diseases associated with AS. However, the effect of TXL on AS has not been elucidated, especially on the hemorheology of microcirculation. The aim of this study was to assess the protective function of TXL against AS on microcirculation in rats’ mesentery.Materials and Methods: Arteriole spasm model was established by local administration of norepinephrine in rats’ mesentery. Rats were randomized divided into five groups: sham group (local administration of normal saline), arteriole spasm group, TXL0.4+AS group, TXL0.8+AS group, TXL1.6+AS group. Drugs were administered orally daily for 7 days before modeling. Microcirculation was observed using an upright microscope and recorded to study the hemorheology changes, including spasm time, diameter changes, and arteriole blood flow. Mast cell degranulation was identified by vital staining with topical application of 0.1% toluidine blue. The serum samples were collected for detect of NO and ET-1.Results: Pre-administration of TXL markedly decreased arteriole spasm time, and indicated a dose-dependent effect. Pre-administration of TXL also indicates dose-dependent effect to maintain arteriole diameter in the presence of AS. Pretreatment with TXL significantly inhibited mast cell degranulation induced by AS, TXL also exert great beneficial protection on arteriole blood flow against AS. The serum level of NO and ET-1 had no obvious changes among each groups.Conclusion: AS caused microvascular dysfunction in rats’ mesentery. TXL had a beneficial effect against AS in the perspective of protecting microvascular function, indicated that TXL fight against AS through regulation on microcirculation.Keywords: Arteriole spasm; Tongxinluo; Rat mesentery; Norepinephrine; Theory of TCMAbbreviations: Tongxinluo (TXL); Arteriole spasm (AS); Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); Coronary artery spasm (CAS); Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

The aim of this study has been designed to identify the tuberculosis (TB)-related proteins in pericardial effusion by proteomic approaches. TB is one of the major infectious diseases causing pericardial effusion. This study details protein profiles in pericardial effusion from three TB patients and three heart failure patients. Pericardial effusions were analyzed using 2-DE combined with the nano-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Eleven protein spots with differential expression in pericardial effusion were identified between the two groups of TB and heart failure patients (the control group). Seven protein spots were upregulated and four were downregulated. The composition of the pericardial effusion proteome may reflect the pathophysiological conditions affecting the progression of tuberculous pericarditis. The proteins in the tuberculous pericardial effusion with differential expression may serve as new and direct indicators of drug treatment. A possible conclusion is indicated that fibrinogen may play an important role for fibrin assembly in tuberculous pericardial effusion.

To investigate the production of membrane-expressed urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (muPAR) and cytoplasmic-expressed uPAR (cuPAR) in synovial tissue from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and analyze their relationship with the severity of synovial inflammation in RA.MuPAR and cuPAR were measured with indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and immunoperoxidase histochemical analysis of the synovial tissue sections from 18 patients with RA, 10 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and 4 healthy subjects. The association of uPAR expression with the severity of synovitis in RA was then analyzed.MuPAR positive cells were detected in approximately (66.0+/-9.4)% of the RA synovial cells, distributed predominantly in vascular endothelial cells and fibroblast cells. While cuPAR positive cells were found in about (61.0+/-5.8)% of the RA synovial cells, including subsynovial and interstitial macrophage-like cells, mononuclear leukocytes and fibroblast cells. Both the muPAR and cuPAR expression were much more increased in RA synovial tissue than those in OA synovial tissue. Furthermore, the number of muPAR (r=0.672, P0.01) and cuPAR (r=0.649, P0.01) positive cells in synovial tissue was also found to be correlated significantly with the severity of synovial inflammation in RA patients.The up-regulated expression of muPAR in synovial vascular endothelial cells suggests an important role of this molecule in angiogenesis in RA and the increased production of cuPAR in synovial inflammatory cells indicates the involvement of cuPAR in the inflammatory process in RA.

To study the clinical and molecular genetic features of 17alpha-hydroxylase deficiency and treatment of femoral neck fracture complicated therein.A patient with 17alpha-hydroxylase deficiency with femoral neck fracture, with social sex as female, aged 19, underwent thorough clinical assessment, including history collection, physical examination, and laboratory test. Hormonal replacement therapy was applied and closed replacement was performed on the fractured femoral neck. Molecular genetic method was adopted to explore the gene mutation.The patient was diagnosed as 17alpha-hydroxylase deficiency according to clinical assessment. Under spinal anesthesia, the displaced femoral neck was reduced closely and fixed using 3 cannulated screws. Ten-month follow-up showed that the function of the injured hip was recovered. Genetic examination showed homozygous mutation in the exon 6: 6436 - 6438 (TAC--AA), causing amino acid missense mutation Y329K and 418X.Femoral neck fracture in 17alpha-hydroxylase deficiency patient can be treated successfully by operative method. 6436 - 6438 (TAC--AA) mutation in CYP17A1 gene may be a prevalent mutation causing 17alpha-hydroxylase deficiency in China.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant liver tumor. Analysis of human serum from HCC patients using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) combined with nano-high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (nano-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) identified fourteen different proteins differentially expressed between HCC patients and the control group. Twelve proteins were up-regulated and two down-regulated. By using nano-HPLC-MS/MS system to analyze proteome in human serum, 317 proteins were identified, twenty-nine of which to high confidence levels (protein matched at last two unique peptide sequences). Of these twenty-nine proteins, six were present only in HCC patients and may serve as biomarkers for HCC.

The water channel, Aquaporin-9 (AQP9) is enriched in selected neuronal populations and is unique its ability to act as a lactate-glycerol channel supplying neurons with alternative fuel under ischaemic conditions. AQP9 was detected in RGC-5 cells, a retinal ganglion cell-line, primary RGCs, and retina by Western blotting, real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. RGC-5 cells subjected to a hypotonic stress increased their cell volume that was blocked by known inhibitor of AQP9 (phloretin (40 microM)). RGC-5 cells subjected to hypoxia, showed an up-regulation in AQP9 expression as judged by Western blotting and RT-PCR. Similarly, hypotonic shock (50%) increased AQP9 expression as determined by RT-PCR. AQP9 is involved in energy balance as a glycerol-lactate channel and also appears to regulate cell volume in retinal ganglion neurons. This water channel may play a key role in retinal ganglion pathology.

A 24-GHz frequency modulation continuous-wave radar sensor with a novel type, low-profile, and low cost array antenna, is presented. A Gunn voltage-controlled oscillator and the driver amplifier MMIC act as transmitter and a rat-race hybrid mixer act as receiver, respectively, connected by a hexaferrite microstrip circulator. A 100-patch microstrip antenna array with a high gain and a narrow beam width operates at radar system in k-band. This antenna is made by 10/spl times/10 elements (90/spl times/90mm/sup 2/), the E-plane has the 3dB beam-width /spl plusmn/3.5/spl deg/, and H-plane has a slightly broader beam-width /spl plusmn/7/spl deg/. The gain measured at 24GHz is 22dB.

To observe the pathological changes and the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in lung tissue of rats with radiation injury for exploring the mechanism of blood-activating and stasis-dissipating drugs in radiation injury prevention and treatment.One hundred and thirty SD female rats were randomly allocated into the simple irradiation group (n=60), the TCM herbs treatment group (n=60) and the blank control group (n=10). The right lung of all rats except those in the blank control group were irradiated by linear accelerator, 3 Gy each time, twice weekly, the maximum accumulated dose being 30 Gy. Ten rats in the two groups were randomly sacrificed at each of the 6 time points (1, 3, 5, 8, 12 and 26 weeks after repeated irradiation), their lung was harvested out, sliced and dyed with HE stain. The histological changes, levels of TNF-alpha and TGF-beta expression in the lung tissue were then observed by immunohistochemical technique.The most serious acute radiation pneumonia was seen in the 5th week and pulmonary fibrosis was remarkable in the 26th week in the simple irradiation group, with the expressions of TNF-alpha and TGF-beta at different time phases enhanced significantly (P0.01). While in the TCM herbs treatment group, the pneumonia was milder, pulmonary fibrosis in late stage was not so obvious, and the expressions of TNF-alpha and TGF-beta significantly lower than those in the simple irradiation group (P0.01).Blood-activating and stasis-dissipating drugs can inhibit expression of inflammation-inducing factors and fibrosis-inducing factors to lessen the inflammatory reaction of early radiation pneumonia, prolong the progression of radiation lung fibrosis, showing preventive and treating action on radiation lung injury.