Cloning and sequence analysis of the LOC339524 gene in Sprague-Dawley rats.

We cloned the LOC339524 gene in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and analyzed the structure and function of the protein encoded by it. Based on the known human LOC339524 gene sequences, the full-length coding sequence of the LOC339524 gene in SD rats was cloned and amplified by the polymerase chain reaction using the complementary DNA of SD rats as a template. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the length of the cloned LOC339524 gene (GenBank accession No. KM224520) was 831 bp and it encoded a deduced protein of 276 amino acids. Sequence analysis revealed that the coded protein was identical to that produced in humans and its functional domain was located in the 138-236 amino acid fragments, a proline-rich region. Our results suggest that the encoded protein may be a significant regulator of the inflammatory response and may provide sufficient information to justify an in-depth investigation of the role of the LOC339524 gene.

[One case of refractory gout with high fever].

On 17th June 2017, a 50 years old man with refractory gout was admitted in our hospital. During the treatment, he was accompanied by intermittent fever (39 to 40 ℃) of unknown origin for 60 days and gastrointestinal bleeding, with difficult wound repair. After comprehensive treatment of thorough debridement, vacuum sealing drainage, skin graft, skin flap repair, and drug administration, the patient was discharged fully recovered on post hospitalization day 104.

[Wet cement skin burns].

Under certain condition, wet cement can cause skin chemical burns, which belongs to alkaline burns. As the symptoms are insidious in onset, the patients may be initially unaware of the injury until several hours later. It often causes full-thickness burns especially in knees, the lower limbs, and ankles. The prevalence of wet cement burns may be hugely underestimated. This article reviews the definition, occurrence, progress of injury and pathogenesis, clinical characteristics and diagnosis, and treatment and prevention of wet cement skin burns, in order to promote its prevention.

Relationship between levels of inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood and the severity of depression and anxiety in patients with Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate the relationship between expression of inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood and the severity of depression and anxiety in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and December 2015, 62 PD patients admitted to our institution were included in the PD group, and 62 healthy subjects seeking health check-up at our institution during the same period of time were enrolled in the control group. Levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1b, IL-6, interferon-g (INF-g), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R), were measured by using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were used to assess the severity of depression and anxiety, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 124 subjects were included into PD group and control group, 62 for each. No significant differences were observed in the gender, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking history and alcohol history between two groups (p > 0.05). Levels of IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a, hsCRP and sIL-2R were significantly higher in patients of PD group than those in the control group (p < 0.05). HAMD and HAMA scores in PD group were significantly higher than those in the control group [(22.74 ± 6.34), (20.90 ± 5.86) vs. (2.17±3.46), (3.79 ± 3.55), p < 0.05]. HAMD and HAMA scores were positively correlated with the levels of TNF-a, hsCRP and sIL-2R in the peripheral blood of PD patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Expression of inflammatory cytokines are elevated in the peripheral blood of PD patients, and the severity of depression and anxiety is correlated with levels of TNF-a, hsCRP and sIL-2R in the peripheral blood of these patients.

Expressions of serum inflammatory cytokines and their relationship with cerebral edema in patients with acute basal ganglia hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to investigate expressions of inflammatory cytokines and their relationship with cerebral edema in the patients with acute basal ganglia hemorrhage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2015 and March 2016, 94 patients with acute basal ganglia hemorrhage admitted to our institution were included in the present study. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and conditions of cerebral edema were evaluated using head CT upon admission, 1d after admission and 3d after admission, respectively. RESULTS: Serum levels of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 peaked 1d after admission and decreased 3d after admission with statistical significance (p <0.05); the IL-10 level was continuously increased after admission and peaked 3 days after admission with statistical significance (p<0.05). Cerebral edema was not observed in any of these patients upon admission, while occurred with a maximal edema volume 1 day after admission and the volume decreased 3 days after admission with statistical significance (p <0.05). Correlation analysis showed that levels of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 were positively correlated with severity of cerebral edema (r=0.324, 0286, 0.305, p <0.05 respectively), whereas IL-10 level was negatively correlated with severity of cerebral edema (r=-0.336, p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 are positively correlated while the IL-10 level is negatively correlated with the severity of the cerebral edema in patients with acute basal ganglia hemorrhage.