Reduction in the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy using enhanced external counter-pulsation in patients with chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of EECP in the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: A prospective trial was undertaken in the participants. A total of 280 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 who underwent percutaneous coronary artery procedures were enrolled and divided into two groups: the control group (n = 100) and the EECP group (n = 180). All patients received extracellular fluid volume expansion therapy with 0.9% normal saline, and patients in the EECP groups were also treated with EECP. The renal function indexes of the two groups were determined 48-72 h after coronary artery procedures. RESULTS: In the EECP group, the BUN and serum creatinine (Scr) after coronary artery procedures were significantly lower than those before coronary artery procedures (BUN: 8.4 ± 3.5 vs. 6.6 ± 2.7 mmol/L, p < 0.001; Scr: 151.9 ± 44.7 vs. 144.5 ± 48.3 µmol/L, p < 0.001), while the eGFR was significantly increased (43.6 ± 11.4 vs. 47.1 ± 13.9 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001). The degree of Scr elevation was lower in the EECP group than in the control group (12.4 ± 15.0 vs. 20.9 ± 24.8 µmol/L, p = 0.026). Additionally, the EECP group had a lower incidence of post-procedures Scr elevation than the control group (36.5 vs. 48.0%, p = 0.042), a higher incidence of post-procedures eGFR elevation (62.2 vs. 48.0%, p = 0.021), and a lower risk of CIN (1.1 vs. 6.0%, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: EECP therapy has a protective effect on renal function and can reduce the risk of CIN in patients with CKD.

The relationship between homocysteine and cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between homocysteine (Hcy) levels and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We also explored the relationship between Hcy levels and cardiac ultrasonography. METHODS: This study comprised 261 patients with ACS who underwent coronary angiography and PCI at Yulin First Hospital from January 2020 to June 2021. All subjects completed basic data collection, laboratory examination, CPET and cardiac ultrasonography. The CPET includes the peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), anaerobic threshold (AT), metabolic equivalents (METs), exercise load (load), oxygen pulse (O2 pulse), end-tidal CO2 partial pressure (PETCO2), ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide (VE/VCO2) and Oxygen uptake efficiency (OUES). Cardiac ultrasonography was used to evaluate the left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), interventricular septal thickness (IVST), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). A serum Hcy level ≥ 15 µmol/L was defined as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). The patients were divided into the Hcy < 15 µmol/L group (n = 189) and the Hcy ≥ 15 µmol/L group (n = 72). RESULTS: The average age of the participating patients was 58.9 ± 10.1 years. The majority of participants were male (86.6%). The CPET indices of METs, load, VO2/kg, and PETCO2 were significantly decreased in the Hcy ≥ 15 µmol/L group compared with the Hcy < 15 µmol/L group. Additionally, the CPET index of the VE/VCO2 slope and the cardiac ultrasonography indices of IVST and LVPWT were significantly increased in the Hcy ≥ 15 µmol/L group compared with the Hcy < 15 µmol/L group. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that Hcy levels were negatively correlated with METs, VO2/kg and PETCO2 and positively correlated with the VE/VCO2 slope (P < 0.05). Partial correlation analysis showed that Hcy levels were negatively correlated with METs and VO2/kg in the AT state. The correlation coefficients were - 0.172 and - 0.172, respectively (P < 0.05). Hcy levels were negatively correlated with METs, VO2/kg and PETCO2 in the peak state. The correlation coefficients were - 0.177, -0.153 and - 0.129, respectively (P < 0.05). After further adjustment for confounders, multiple linear regression analysis showed that Hcy levels were negatively correlated with METs and VO2/kg in the AT state and peak state. The standardized regression coefficients were - 0.035, -0.122, -0.048 and - 0.128, respectively (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that Hcy levels were positively correlated with the IVST and LVPWT (P < 0.05), but after adjusting for confounding factors, partial correlation analysis showed that there was no correlation between them. CONCLUSION: A high Hcy level is associated with lower METs and VO2/kg and worse cardiopulmonary function in patients with ACS after PCI.

Cardiopulmonary exercise test-based assessment of the effects of sacubitril/valsartan on the blood pressure response to exercise in patients with acute myocardial infarction during hospitalization.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) on cardiopulmonary function and blood pressure response to exercise during hospitalization in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) based on the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). METHODS: A total of 265 AMI patients were treated with either perindopril or S/V within 24 hours of admission. CPET was completed for all patients before discharge. There were 182 cases in the perindopril group and 83 cases in the S/V group. RESULTS: The proportion of exercise oscillatory ventilation (EOV) was higher in the S/V group than in the perindopril group (10.8% vs 1.6%, X2 = 11.148, P = .001). The resting heart rate (HR), resting diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and warm-up DBP were lower in the S/V group than in the perindopril group (P < .05). The resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 9.0 mmHg lower (115.7 ± 17.5 vs 106.7 ± 15.0, P < .001), the SBP during warm-up was 9.5 mmHg lower (124.8 ± 23.7 vs 115.3 ± 22.5,P = .002), the SBP at the anaerobic threshold (AT) was 10.5 mmHg lower (135.3 ± 24.8 vs 127.1 ± 25.1,P = .021),the SBP at max watts was 11.5 mmHg lower (148.9 ± 26.4 vs 137.4 ± 26.4,P = .001), and the SBP during one-minute recovery was 12.3 mmHg lower (146.5 ± 27.1 vs 134.2 ± 24.4, P = .001)in the S/V group than in the perindopril group. The S/V group had a higher oxygen ventilation equivalent and carbon dioxide ventilation equivalent (VE/VCO2) at AT and a lower oxygen uptake-work rate relationship during max watts (P < .05). The differences in the oxygen pulse, stroke volume, peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), and VE/VCO2 slope were not statistically significant between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Treatment with S/V was able to reduce the exercise blood pressure in patients with AMI during hospitalization, but did not significantly improve the VO2 peak, VE/VCO2 slope, or exercise tolerance.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel 3-(thiophen-2-ylthio)pyridine derivatives as potential multitarget anticancer agents.

A series of novel 3-(thiophen-2-ylthio)pyridine derivatives as insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) inhibitors was designed and synthesized. IGF-1R kinase inhibitory activities and cytotoxicities against HepG2 and WSU-DLCL2 cell lines were tested. For all of these compounds, potent cancer cell proliferation inhibitory activities were observed, but not through the inhibition of IGR-1R. Selected compounds were further screened against various kinases. Typical compound 22 (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50 ] values, HepG2: 2.98 ± 1.11 µM and WSU-DLCL2: 4.34 ± 0.84 µM) exhibited good inhibitory activities against fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR2), FGFR3, epidermal growth factor receptor, Janus kinase, and RON (receptor originated from Nantes), with IC50 values ranging from 2.14 to 12.20 µM. Additionally, the cell-cycle analysis showed that compound 22 could arrest HepG2 cells in the G1/G0 phase. Taken together, all the experiments confirmed that the compounds in this series were multitarget anticancer agents worth further optimizing.

The regulatory functions of piRNA/PIWI in spermatogenesis.

A class of 24-32 nt PIWI-binding small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) termed as PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have been identified in animal germline. Recent studies suggest that piRNA/PIWI pathway plays a critical role in both silencing of transposons and posttranscriptional regulation of mRNAs in animal germline. A study from Dr. Mofang Liu's lab in Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, reveals the physiological and pathological importance of PIWI metabolism (mouse PIWI as known as MIWI; human PIWI as HIWI) in mammalian spermatogenesis. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the piRNA/PIWI pathway in mammals (focusing on mouse and human), which is emerging as a fundamental component of spermatogenesis that ensures male fertility and genome integrity.

[An Epidemiological Survey on Echinococcosis in Yushu Prefecture of Qinghai Province].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of echinococcosis in Yushu Prefecture of Qinghai Province in 2012. Methods: Two to three towns were selected in each of Chengduo, Nangqian, Qu malai, Yushu, Zaduo and Zhiduo Counties from June to August in 2012. Ultrasound examination was conducted for residents aged over 1 year, and ELISA was performed to detect serum antibody against Echinococcus. Visceral dissection was performed to detect hydatid infection in rodents and livestock. ELISA was used to detect Echinococcus antigen in collected dog feces. Results: A total of 7 025 residents received ultrasound examination, of whom 319 showed hydatid cysts with a morbidity rate of 4.54%. ELISA showed a serum antibody positive rate of 16.38% （457/2 790）. The mobidity of hydatid disease was highest in Chengduo County （7.41%, 181/2 444）, and the rate of serum antibody was highest in Yushu County （23.18%, 127/548）. The morbidity and serum antibody in males were 3.91% （118/3 018） and 13.93% （172/1 235） respectively, and those in females were 5.02% （201/4 007） and 18.33% （285/1 555）. In terms of age distribution, the morbidity was relatively higher in residents of 60- （8.39%, 38/453） and 40- years （6.61%, 67/1 014）; and the rate of serum antibody was highest in residents over 70 years （33.93%, 19/56）. In terms of occupation, the morbidity was relatively higher in herdsmen （5.28%, 252/4 777）, Herdsmen-peasants （6.52%, 24/368）, and religious workers（3.37%, 11/326）, while the rate of serum antibody was relatively higher in children（24%, 6/25）, religious workers （18.79%, 31/165） and herdsmen（18.34%, 328/1 788）. In terms of education level, the morbidity and the rate of serum antibody were both highest in the uneducated（5.04%, 41/4 779; 18.34%, 359/1 958, respectively）. In terms of residential pattern, the morbidity and the rate of serum antibody were both highest in those who were settled in winter and nomadic in summer （8.25%, 227/2 753; 19.48%, 158/811, respectively）. There were significant differences in the morbidity and the rate of serum antibody in aspects of residential region, sex, age, occupation, education level and residential pattern (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In 872 rodents detected, the Echinococcus hydatid rate was 0.46% （4/872）, while in 809 cattle and sheep detected, the Echinococcus hydatid rate was 10.14% （82/809）. The fecal antigen positive rate in 838 samples of dog feces was 10.74%（90/838）. Conclusion: It shows a high morbidity of hydatid diesease and serum antibody positive rate in residents, a high Echinococcus hydatid rate in cattle and sheep, and a high fecal antigen positive rate in dogs in Yushu Prefecture.

[Survey on Echinococcosis in Maqing County of Qinghai Province].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the status of echinococcosis in Maqing County of Qinghai Province in order to facilitate echinococcosis control in this region. METHODS: Ultrasonic scanning and indirect hemagglutination assay were used to detect echinococcosis infection in residents >1 year old, according to the People's Republic of China Health Industry Standard--Diagnostic Criteria for Hydatid Disease (WS257-2006). Meanwhile, ELISA was used o detect the Echinococcus antigen in dog's feces collected in Youyun, Dangluo and Xiadawu townships. RESULTS: Ultrasonic scanning showed that the prevalence of hydatid disease in the residents was 7.4% (116/1 561), cystic hydatid disease 5.3% (82/1 561), alveolar hydatid disease 2.2% (34/1 561). The serum positive rate in human population was 23.8%(307/1 288). Of the 82 cases of cystic hydatid disease, 23 cases (28.1%) had the hydatid cyst with a diameter of >10 cm. The prevalence in males and females in the county was 5.3% (40/753) and 9.4% (76/808), respectively (P<0.05). Among populations with different occupations, the highest prevalence of hydatid disease fell into houseworkers (11/61, 18.0%), monks (5/41, 12.2%) and herdsmen (84/758, 11.1%). Among the age groups, the groups of >60 years (24/132, 18.2%) and 30-40 years (31/302, 10.3%) had higher prevalence of hydatid disease. The three townships with the higher prevalence were Youyun (29/247, 11.7%), Changmahe (6/63, 9.5%) and Dangluo (54/645, 8.4%). Of the 199 samples of dog's feces, 54 were positive for Echinococcus antigens (27.1%), with a positive rate of 40.4% (23/57) in Youyun towship, being significantly higher than in the other two (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Maqin county is a co-endemic area of cystic echinococcosis and alveolar echinococcosis. The prevalence is higher in females and those over 60 years-old.

The effects of rate pressure product at admission on cardiopulmonary function during hospitalization in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the correlation between the rate pressure product (RPP) and cardiopulmonary function during hospitalization in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: A total of 362 patients with AMI were selected for the study, and the median admission RPP was used as the cutoff point to divide the patients into a low-RPP group (n = 181) and a high-RPP group (n = 181). The relationship between the RPP at admission and the cardiopulmonary function during hospitalization was analyzed. RESULTS: The patients in the high-RPP group had a higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.014), a higher prevalence of combined hypertension and diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), a lower incidence of smoking (p = 0.044), and a higher incidence of oscillatory ventilation (6.1% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.029). The differences in RPP at rest, during warm-up, and within 1 and 4 minutes of recovery were statistically significant between the two groups (p < 0.01 on each occasion), while the differences in anaerobic threshold (AT) and watt max (Max) were not statistically significant (p > 0.05 for both). The patients in the low-RPP group had higher oxygen uptake (VO2 [AT]: 14.9 ± 3.4 vs. 14.2 ± 3.6, p = 0.048) and (VO2peak [Max]:18.2 ± 3.8 vs. 17.3 ± 3.8, p = 0.020). The RPP at admission was negatively correlated with VO2 (AT) and VO2peak (p < 0.05) using the regression Equation VO2peak = 33.682 + (-0.012 * RPP at admission/100) + (-0.105 * Age) + (-0.350 * BMI), while there was no correlation between the RPP at admission and VO2 (AT) (p = 0.149). CONCLUSION: The RPP at admission was negatively correlated with cardiopulmonary function during hospitalization in patients with AMI. Patients with a high RPP were more likely to have a combination of obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and reduced oxygen uptake during exercise, while a high RPP at admission appeared to affect their cardiovascular response indicators during exercise.

Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Glycosylated Derivatives of Silibinin as Potential Anti-Tumor Agents.

Objective: Silibinin, a natural product extracted from the seeds of the Silybum marianum, is versatile with various pharmacological effects. However, its clinical application was strongly hampered by its low bioavailability and poor water solubility. Herein, a series of glycosylated silibinin derivatives were identified as novel anti-tumor agents. Materials and Methods: The cell viability was evaluated by CCK8 assay. Furthermore, cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression were tested by flow cytometry. In addition, the pharmacokinetic assessment of compound 15 and silibinin through intravenous administration (i.v., 2 mg/kg) to ICR mice were performed. Results: The synthesized compounds showed better water solubilities than silibinin. Among them, compound 15 exhibited inhibitory activity against DU145 cells with IC50 value of 1.37 ± 0.140 µM. Moreover, it arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase and induced apoptosis in DU145 cells. Additionally, compound 15 also displayed longer half-life (T1/2 = 128.3 min) in liver microsomes than that of silibinin (T1/2 = 82.5 min) and appropriate pharmacokinetic parameters in mice. Conclusion: Overall, glycosylation of silibinin would be a valid strategy for the development of silibinin derivatives as anti-tumor agents.

Reduction in risk of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus by enhanced external counterpulsation.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) in the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with combined chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) by comparing the changes in renal function-related indicators in patients before and after coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: There were 230 subjects consecutively included in the study. Of these, 30 cases with DM underwent rehydration therapy, and 200 cases underwent EECP therapy in addition to rehydration therapy, comprising 53 patients with DM and 147 patients without. All the patients were tested to measure the renal function indicators before and after CAG/PCI. Results: The postoperative results of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), B2 microglobulin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the three groups showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). After EECP therapy, patients with DM showed a significant decrease in BUN (9.1 ± 4.2 vs. 7.2 ± 3.0, t = 3.899, P < 0.001) and a significant increase in eGFR (41.5 ± 12.7 vs. 44.0 ± 15.6, t = -2.031, P = 0.047), while the patients without DM showed a more significant difference (P < 0.001). Patients with DM showed a lower percentage of elevated Scr (66.7% vs. 43.4%, P = 0.042), a higher percentage of elevated eGFR (30.0% vs. 52.8%, P = 0.044), and a lower incidence of CIN (16.7% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.042) after EECP therapy. Conclusion: Treatment with EECP can reduce Scr in patients with combined CKD and DM post CAG/PCI, increase eGFR, and decrease the incidence of CIN.

A novel animal model of primary blast lung injury and its pathological changes in mice.

BACKGROUND: Primary blast lung injury (PBLI) is a major cause of death in military conflict and terrorist attacks on civilian populations. However, the mechanisms of PBLI are not well understood, and a standardized animal model is urgently needed. This study aimed to establish an animal model of PBLI for laboratory study. METHODS: The animal model of PBLI was established using a self-made mini shock tube simulation device. In brief, mice were randomly divided into two groups: the control group and the model group, the model group were suffered 0.5 bar shock pressures. Mice were sacrificed at 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours after injury. Lung tissue gross observation, hematoxylin and eosin staining and lung pathology scoring were performed to evaluated lung tissue damage. Evans blue dye leakage and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid examination were performed to evaluated pulmonary edema. The relative expression levels of inflammation factors were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. The release of neutrophil extracellular traps was observed by immunofluorescence stain. RESULTS: In the model group, the gross observation and hematoxylin and eosin staining assay showed the inflammatory cell infiltration, intra-alveolar hemorrhage, and damaged lung tissue structure. The Evans blue dye and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid examination revealed that the lung tissue permeability and edema was significantly increased after injury. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting assays showed that IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α were upregulated in the model group. Immunofluorescence assay showed that the level of neutrophil extracellular traps in the lung tissue increased significantly in the model group. CONCLUSION: The self-made mini shock tube simulation device can be used to establish the animal model of PBLI successfully. Pathological changes of PBLI mice were characterized by mechanical damage and inflammatory response in lung tissue.

(E)-1-[2-Hy-droxy-4,6-bis-(meth-oxy-meth-oxy)phen-yl]-3-[3-meth-oxy-4-(meth-oxy-meth-oxy)phen-yl]prop-2-en-1-one.

The title compound, C(22)H(26)O(9), crystallizes with two independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit in which the dihedral angles between the two benzene rings are 21.4 (2) and 5.1 (2)°. An intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bond occurs in each mol-ecule. Inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds stabilize the crystal structure.

Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis: an epidemiological survey in a Tibetan population in southeast Qinghai, China.

An epidemiological investigation on echinococcosis was made in Jiuzhi County of Qinghai Province, western China. Ultrasonography and an indirect hemagglutination test revealed a morbidity of 8.0% (124/1,549) and a seroprevalence of 25.8% (287/1,113), respectively, in the Tibetan population. The morbidity in herdsmen (16.6%) and Buddhist priests (15%) was significantly higher than that in other occupation groups (3.2%), and it was higher in females (9.8%) than in males (6.2%). The ultrasound images showed a coexistence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE), occupying 69 and 31% of the cases, respectively. An Echinococcus Western blot assay was performed as a serological backup test for differentiating CE and AE. The assay revealed that serum samples from most cases with a positive AE image showed a specific antibody against antigen bands at 16/18 kDa. Autopsy proved that 9 out of 12 stray dogs were infected with Echinococcus granulosus (n = 8) and E. multilocularis (n = 1). Inspection at the abattoirs demonstrated a hydatid rate of 78.5% in yaks and 82.6% in sheep. The data indicate that Jiuzhi County is an important endemic area for both CE and AE, in both human and animal populations.

[An epidemiological survey on hydatid disease in Yushu Prefecture of Qinghai Province].

Local inhabitants in 8 towns/townships of the counties Yushu, Zhiduo and Chengduo were examined with serology and ultrasound in 2006. Among 2 251 people tested by indirect hemagglutination (IHA), 207 showed anti-hydatid IgG positive (9.2%). Ultrasound examination found 106 cases out of 2581 people, with a morbidity of 4.1%. Females showed higher sero-positive rate (11.3%) and morbidity rate (5.0%) than males (6.6% and 3.0% respectively). The highest sero-positive rate was in the group of 40-49 years old (16.4%). The morbidity rate increased with age, with the highest rate (15.5%) in the group of 60 years old and above. Occupationally, those involved in semi-agriculture and semi-animal husbandry showed highest sero-positive rate and morbidity rate, 21.5% and 11.4% respectively. The survey demonstrated that the prevalence of hydatid disease in human population is at a high level in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells modulated Cx43 and Cx45 expression in rats with myocardial infarction.

At present, little is known about the influence of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation on connexin43 (Cx43) and connexin45 (Cx45) remodeling in the ischemic heart. In this study, we investigated the effect of MSC transplantation on Cx43 and Cx45 remodeling in the ischemic heart. Wistar rats were subjected to left anterior descending artery ligation to induce myocardial infarction (MI) and then randomly allocated to receive an intramyocardial injection of PBS (MI group) or 5-azacytidine-induced MSCs (MSCs group). Histological examination and western blotting were performed 4 weeks after cell transplantation. We found that the MSCs exhibited plasticity by differentiating into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Gap junction remodeling after MI was characterized by a decrease in Cx43 expression and an increase in Cx45 expression. MSC transplantation modulated the MI-induced abnormalities by up-regulating Cx43 and down-regulating Cx45 expression. MSCs exhibited plasticity by differentiating into cardiomyocyte-like cells and modulated abnormal Cx43 and Cx45 remodeling following MI.

[Genetic polymorphism of four X chromosome short temden repeats loci in Hebei Han population].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the polymorphism of loci DXS6800, DXS6797, GATA172D05, DXS986 four loci in Hebei Han population. METHODS: The genome DNA of unrelated individuals,the families and rotten materials were extracted with phenol-chloroform method and Chelex-100 method,respectively. The PCR products were detected by the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing analysis. RESULTS: Among 150 unrelated males and 150 unrelated females from Hebei Han population, 25 alleles were found in the 4 loci. One hundred and thirty-eight haplotypes of the male were detected. The haplotype diversity reached 0.9986. CONCLUSION: The findings provided the polymorphic data of DXS6800, DXS6797, GATA172D05, and DXS986 loci in Hebei Han population. The four loci are relatively abundant in polymorphic information for identification and the obtained data of Hebei Han population can be applied to the X-STR genetic data bank.

[An epidemiological survey on echinococcosis in Zhiduo County of Qinghai Province].

The survey was carried out in July, 2006 in Zhiduo County. The IHA and ELISA positive rate in human population was 4.5% (42/933) and 8.2% (76/931) respectively. Ultrasonography revealed a morbidity of 3.4% (33/979) with 3.2% Echinococcus granulosus and 0.2% of E. multilocularis respectively. Animal dissection showed an infection rate of 15.1% (14/93) in pikas with one infected by E. shiquicus proved by molecular biology. Coproantigen rate by ELISA was 62% (12/193) in dogs and 35.7% (5/14) in wolves. The results indicated that Zhiduo County is a mixed endemic area for echinococcosis.

Effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors on transcriptional regulation of the hsp70 gene in Drosophila.

Histone acetyltransferases/deacetylases contribute to the activation or inactivation of transcription by modifying the structure of chromatin. Here we examined the effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs), trichostatin A, and sodium butyrate on hsp70 gene transcriptional regulation in Drosophila. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that HDI treatments induced the hyperacetylation of histone H3 at the promoter and the transcribing regions of hsp70 gene, increased the accessibility of heat-shock factor to target heat-shock element, and promoted the RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription. Moreover, the quantitative real-time PCR confirmed that the HDI-induced hyperacetylation of histone H3 enhanced both the basal and the inducible expression of hsp70 mRNA level. In addition, the acetylation level of histone H3 at the promoter exhibited a fluctuated change upon the time of heat shock. These experimental data implicated a causal link between histone acetylation and enhanced transcription initiation of hsp70 gene in Drosophila.

[Polymorphism of five short tandem repeat loci on chromosome X in Hebei Han population].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the polymorphism of DXS6801, DXS6809, DXS7423, DXS7424, DXS9902 five loci in Hebei Han population. METHODS: The PCR products were detected by the polyacrylamide gel electrophresis and DNA sequencing analysis. RESULTS: Among 114 irrelative males and 118 irrelative females from Hebei Han population, 31 alleles were found in the 5 loci. One hundred and one haplotypes of the male were detected and the haplotype diversity reached 0.9975. CONCLUSION: The five loci are relatively abundant in polymorphic information for identification and paternity test. And the obtained data of Hebei Han population can be applied to the X-short tandem repeat genetic data bank.