Isolation and characterization of five novel disulfide-poor conopeptides from Conus marmoreus venom

Background: Conopeptides from cone snail venom have aroused great interest related to the discovery of novel bioactive candidates, due to their excellent prospects for the treatment of various health problems such as pain, addiction, psychosis and epilepsy. In order to explore novel biopeptides, we investigated the structure and function of five novel conopeptides isolated from the venom of Conus marmoreus from South China Sea. Methods: C. marmoreus crude venom was prepared, fractionated and purified by HPLC system. The primary sequences of the five novel disulfide-poor conopeptides Mr-1 to Mr-5 were identified by comprehensive analysis of de novo MALDI-TOF tandem mass spectrometry and Edman degradation data. In order to investigate their function, these five conopeptides were synthesized by Fmoc-SPPS chemistry, and their biological effects at several heterologous rat nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes (α1β1δε, α3β2, α3β4, α4β2) were determined by electrophysiological technique. Results: Five novel disulfide-poor conopeptides were identified and named as follows: Mr-1 (DWEYHAHPKPNSFWT), Mr-2 (YPTRAYPSNKFG), Mr-3 (NVIQAPAQSVAPP NTST), Mr-4 [KENVLNKLKSK(L/I)] and Mr-5 [NAVAAAN(L/I)PG(L/I)V]. None of them contains a disulfide bond. The sequences of conopeptides Mr-2 to Mr-5 do not belong to any category of the known disulfide-poor conopeptides. No significant activity against the above nAChR subtypes were observed for the five conopeptides at 100 µM. Conclusion: We purified and structurally characterized five novel disulfide-poor conopeptides from C. marmoreus crude venom and first investigated their nAChR inhibitory effects. This work expanded our knowledge on the structure and function of disulfide-poor conopeptides from this cone snail venom.(AU)

Delay in student pulmonary tuberculosis case finding and associated factors in Suzhou during 2011 to 2020 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To analyze delay in student pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB) case finding and associated factors in Suzhou, and to provide a reference for tuberculosis outbreak prevention and control in schools.@*Methods@#A total of 1 148 students with PTB who registered and were treated in Suzhou from 2011 to 2020 were included. Kruskal Wallis H test, 2 test and Cochran Armitage trend test were used to analyze the time trend of case finding delay. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between admission characteristics and case finding delay.@*Results@#Among the students with PTB, a total of 569 cases were found to be delayed. The rate of delay was 49.6%, and the median delay time was 26(11-49) days. From 2011 to 2020, the difference in case finding interval of students with PTB was statistically significant( Hc=54.62, P <0.05), and the difference in case finding rate was also statistically significant( χ 2=53.69, P <0.05). The rate of delay fluctuated, with an overall upward trend over time( Z=-3.67, P < 0.05). Clinical consultation( OR=5.57, 95%CI =1.91-16.27), positive etiology ( OR=1.46, 95%CI =1.14-1.86) were positively correlated with case finding delay(all P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#There are significant delays in case finding among students with PTB in Suzhou. Clinical consultation and positive etiology are associated with case finding delay. In response to the growing problems in daily school tuberculosis prevention and control, multiple departments should cooperate to implement relevant measures and to reduce the occurrence of case finding delay.

Dose-effect relationship in treatment of chronic neck pain with the direct moxibustion of small moxa cone / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effectiveness in treatment of chronic neck pain with the direct moxibustion of small moxa cone and explore the dose-effect relationship in treatment of chronic neck pain with different small moxa cones.@*METHODS@#A total of 120 patients with chronic neck pain were randomized into a 3-moxa-cone group, a 5-moxa-cone group, a 7-moxa-cone group and a sham-moxibustion group, 30 cases in each one. Fengchi (GB 20), Tianzhu (BL 10), Jingbailao (EX-HN 15), Jianzhongshu (SI 15) and Jianjing (GB 21) were selected in each of the groups. The direct moxibustion with 3, 5 and 7 moxa cones as well as the sham-moxibustion therapy were provided successively in each of the above groups. In the sham-moxibustion group, the lower 1/3 section of moxa cone (about 1.5 mm in length) was soaked in oil before used in treatment. In each group, the treatment was given twice a week, for 10 treatments totally. Separately, before treatment, after treatment and in 1-month follow-up, the scores of the Northwick Park neck pain questionnaire (NPQ), the scores of McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ) and the local pressure pain threshold (PPT) were observed in each group. After treatment and in 1-month follow-up, the therapeutic effects were evaluated in each group.@*RESULTS@#After treatment and in 1-month follow-up, NPQ scores and MPQ scores in the 3-moxa-cone group, the 5-moxa-cone group and the 7-moxa-cone group were reduced as compared with those before treatment separately (all 0.05). After treatment and in 1-month follow-up, NPQ scores and MPQ scores in the 3-moxa-cone group, the 5-moxa-cone group and the 7-moxa-cone group were lower as compared with the sham-moxibustion group separately (all 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The direct moxibustion therapy with different small-moxa-cones effectively relieves chronic neck pain. There is a trend of improvement of the therapeutic effects with increase of the numbers of moxa cones.

Clinical practice guidelines for post-stroke depression in China

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a very common complication that leads to increased physical disability, poor functional outcome, and higher mortality. Therefore, early detection and treatment are very important. Since there are currently no specific guidelines for this disorder in China, the purpose of this study was to develop PSD guidelines and provide suggestions for clinicians and related workers.

Effect of acupoint sticking at Shenque (CV 8) for preventing spleen-stomach disharmony caused by venous analgesia pump / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of acupoint sticking of Chinese medicine at Shenque (CV 8) for preventing spleenstomach disharmony caused by venous analgesia pump.Methods:A total of 120 post-surgery patients using venous analgesia pump and also conforming to the inclusion criteria were randomized into 2 groups by the random number table.There were 58 patients in the control group who received conventional post-surgery nursing care,and there were 62 patients in the treatment group who received acupoint sticking at Shenque (CV 8) on the basis of conventional nursing care.After treatment,the incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting,and abdominal bloating were measured.Results:The total incidence of nausea,vomiting and abdominal bloating in the treatment group was 11.3％,versus 39.7％ in the control group,and the difference of the incidence between the two groups showed a statistical significance (P＜0.05).In comparison of the severity of spleen-stomach dishormony which happened during 72 h after surgery,cases in the treatment group showed lower severity than those in the control group (P＜0.05).Conclusion:Acupoint sticking at Shenque (CV 8) can effectively prevent spleen-stomach disharmony caused by venous analgesia pump,which will alleviate sufferings of the patients.

Osteoclast activity of MG63 cells on silicon doped zirconia films prepared by cathodic arc deposition / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Various surface modification techniques have been utilized as an attempt to improve the osteointegration of Ti-based implants, which is a hotspot research concerning the artificial joint prosthesis. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of silicon doped zirconia film on the titanium surface on relevant factors of osteoblast-like MG63 cells. METHODS:Silicon doped zirconia and zirconia films were respectively prepared on the titanium surface by cathodic arc deposition. Osteoblast-like MG63 cells were cultured on silicon doped zirconia film, zirconia film and pure titanium, respectively. After 1, 4, 7, 10 days of incubation, samples were collected for assay. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) at mRNA and protein levels were detected using real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) At 1 day of inoculation, there was no significant difference in the OPG mRNA and protein expression among the three groups. At 4 days of inoculation, the expression of OPG mRNA and protein in the silicon doped zirconia film and zirconia film groups was significantly higher than that in the pure titanium group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the former two groups. At 7 and 10 days of inoculation, the expression of OPG mRNA and protein in the silicon doped zirconia film growp was highest among the three groups (P<0.05). (2) At 1 day of inoculation, there was no significant difference in the RANKL mRNA and protein expression among the three groups. At 4 and 7 days of inoculation, the expression of RANKL mRNA and protein in the silicon doped zirconia film group was significantly lower than that in the other two groups (P<0.05). At 10 days of inoculation, the expression of OPG mRNA and protein in the silicon doped zirconia film and zirconia film groups was significantly higher than that in the pure titanium group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the former two groups. To conclude, silicon doped zirconia film fabricated by cathodic arc deposition can enhance the expression of OPG and reduce the expression of RANKL at the same time.

Effects of gravitational traction and targeted regulation of caspase3 on the degenerative intervertebral disc cells in rabbits / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To explore the effects of gravitational traction and target regulation of caspase3 on the degenerative intervertebral disc cells in rabbits.Methods Rabbits nucleus pulposus cells transfected with caspase3 siRNA or negative control siRNA were incubated in serum-starved medium for 6 hours and 48 hours.The expression of caspase3 siRNA and cell apoptosis were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Annexin V-fluorescein staining.In order to create intervertebral disc degeneration model,the right anterior side of the annulus fibrosus of lumbar vertebrae of 35 rabbits were damaged by 16-gauge needle.After confirming the success of modeling,35 animal models were randomized into 3 groups:model group (n=10),negative siRNA group (n=10) and caspase3 siRNA group (n=5).Either negative control siRNA or caspase3 siRNA was injected into the center of nucleus pulposus using a 26-gauge needle from the left anterior side,while the model group received no injection.Nucleus pulposus tissue of 5 rabbits selected randomly from every group after 48 hours were analyzed by PCR and Western blotting for caspase3 mRNA and protein expressions.Half of the casepase3 siRNA group were selected randomly and received a routine gravitational traction using a model of our own design,30min per day for 2 weeks,while other groups received no treatment.TNF-o and IL-1β expression levels and histopathological observations were performed after intervention.Results Expression of caspase3 mRNA in rabbit nucleus pulposus cells transfected with caspase3 siRNA decreased obviously in serum-starved medium,and the apoptosis rate of cells cultured in serum-starved medium decreased significantly (P＜0.05).Caspase3 mRNA and caspase3 protein expression of nucleus pulposus injected by caspase3 siRNA down-regulated in the caspase3 siRNA group.Compared with model group and negative control siRNA group,TNF-α and IL-1β expression levels of caspase3 siRNA traction group decreased significantly (P＜0.05),but there was no statistical significance compared with caspase3 siRNA group (P＞0.05).Pathological observation revealed that viable cell number and extracellular matrix contents increased and collagenous fibers arranged regularly in caspase3 siRNA traction group.Conclusion Gravitational traction and target regulation of caspase3 can prevent apoptotic cell death and delay early intervertebral disc degeneration.

Pharmacokinetics of SN-38 in rats and tissue distribution of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin in mice after intravenous injection of irinotecan hydrochloride nanoparticles / 药学学报

The paper reported an investigation of the pharmacokinetics of SN-38 (7-ethyl-10-hydroxy-camptothecin) in rats and the tissue distribution in mice after injection of irinotecan hydrochloride nanoparticles (CPT-11) via tail veins. An LC-MS/MS method was established to determine the concentrations of SN-38 in whole blood of rats and in different tissues of mice. The pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of SN-38 were compared after the intravenous injection of CPT-11 NPs and CPT-11 solution. Compared with irinotecan solution, the elimination half-life of SN-38 was prolonged from 2.17 h to 2.67 h after the intravenous injection of CPT-11 NPs, but its AUC had little change. After the injection of CPT-11 NPs in mice, over time, the concentrations of CPT-11-metabolized SN-38 in CPT-11 NPs were significantly higher in the whole blood, colon and lungs than those in CPT-11 solution, followed by in the spleen and liver, but those in the heart and brain had no change. However, the amount of SN-38 in the kidneys was reduced with time. CPT-11 NPs could prolong SN-38's (one of its metabolites) blood circulation time in rats and significantly increased the concentration of CPT-11-metabolized SN-38 in the whole blood, colon and lungs of mice. CPT-11 NPs made SN-38 efficiently target-bind to the colon and lungs of mice.

Study on quality assessment of Polygalae Radix based on HPLC-DAD fingerprint / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish an HPLC fingerprint to evaluate the quality of Polygalae Radix, root xylem, and those collected in different growth ages or harvest time.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Separation was performed at 30 °C on a Kromasil C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 μm); the mobile phases was acetonitrile and 0.05% H3PO4 water in the gradient elution; the flow rate was set at 1.0 mL · min(-1) and the detection wavelength at 314 nm; the quality discriminant analyses were accomplished by means of similarity analysis, cluster analysis, principal component analysis and neural network model.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>In 26 batches of Polygalae Radix, 24 batches fingerprint similarities were above 0.8. In 5 different growth or harvest time batches, 4 batches were above 0.8; in 8 batches root xylem samples, the similarities were all above 0.875. The similarity analysis was in accord with the quality discriminant analysis of cluster analysis, principal component analysis and neural network model.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Fingerprint combined with chemical pattern recognition technique can effectively evaluate the quality of Polygalae Radix. The active substance species are all similar in cultivated, wild, different growth or harvest time Polygalae Radix and polygala root xylem, but the chromatography peak areas are different. The effective material contents are similar between wild and cultivated Polygalae Radix, but each chromatographic peak area of the root xylem is much smaller than that of Polygalae Radix. The chemical substance accumulation mainly depends on harvest month, but little growth time in Polygalae Radix.</p>

Co-occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders and influence factors among Chinese auto workers / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the prevalence and risk factors of multiple musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in auto workers and the associations between MSDs at different sites.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 3998 workers, who were selected from a Chinese auto corporation by cluster random sampling, using the revised Nordic MSDs standard questionnaire; 3800 completed questionnaires were returned. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors for multiple MSDs. The logbinomial model was used to calculate the prevalence ratios (PRs) of MSDs at different sites and evaluate the associations between MSDs at different sites.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 3800 subjects, 2452 (64.5%) had MSDs at two or more sites, and 469 (12.3%) had MSDs at one site. The PRs varied from 1.5 to 6.7, with significant differences among different sites (P < 0.01). Relatively close associations were found between the MSDs at neck and shoulders, back and shoulders/waist, elbows and wrists/hands, waist and neck, wrists/hands and waist, hip and waist, knees and waist, and ankles/feet and elbows. The multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that the highest risk factor for MSDs was poor posture, including often working in an uncomfortable posture, neck bending forward, and neck twisting (ORs = 3.39, 1.93, and 1.38), followed by labor organization, in which break between tasks could decrease the risk of MSDs at three or more sites to 31%, staff shortage, which could increase the risk of MSDs by 75%, and pushing and pulling heavy objects (> 20 kg) (OR = 1.76).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Most auto workers with MSDs have multiple sites affected, and there are high associations between the MSDs at different sites. The major risk factors for multiple MSDs in auto workers include poor posture, labor organization, and heavy physical labor.</p>

Pharmacokinetic interaction of pioglitazone hydrochloride and atorvastatin calcium in Beagle dogs / 药学学报

The object of this study is to investigate the pharmacokinetic interaction of pioglitazone hydrochloride and atorvastatin calcium in healthy adult Beagle dogs following single and multiple oral dose administration. A randomized, cross-over study was conducted with nine healthy adult Beagle dogs assigned to three groups. Each group was arranged to take atorvastatin calcium (A), pioglitazone hydrochloride (B), atorvastatin calcium and pioglitazone hydrochloride (C) orally in the first period, to take B, C, A in the second period, and to take C, A, B in the third period for 6 days respectively. The blood samples were collected at the first and the sixth day after the administration, plasma drug concentrations were determined by LC-MS/MS, a one-week wash-out period was needed between each period. The pharmacokinetic parameters of drug combination group and the drug alone group were calculated by statistical moment method, calculation of C(max) and AUC(0-t) was done by using 90% confidence interval method of the bioequivalence and bioavailability degree module DAS 3.2.1 software statistics. Compared with the separate administration, the main pharmacokinetic parameters (C(max) and AUC(0-t)) of joint use of pioglitazone hydrochloride and atorvastatin calcium within 90% confidence intervals for bioequivalence statistics were unqualified, the mean t(max) with standard deviation used paired Wilcoxon test resulted P > 0.05. There was no significant difference within t1/2, CL(int), MRT, V/F. Pioglitazone hydrochloride and atorvastatin calcium had pharmacokinetic interaction in healthy adult Beagle dogs.

Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of irinotecan hydrochloride nanoparticles / 药学学报

To investigate the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) in rats and the tissue distribution of CPT-11 in mice after injection of irinotecan hydrochloride nanoparticles (CPT-11 NPs) via tail veins, separately, a LC-MS/MS method was established to determine the concentration of CPT-11 in whole blood of rats and in different tissues of mice. The pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of CPT-11 were compared after the intravenous injection of CPT-11 NPs and CPT-11 solution. Compared with CPT-11 solution, the elimination half-life of CPT-11 was prolonged from 2.28 h to 3.95 h after the intravenous injection of CPT-11 NPs, and its AUC was 1.47 times than that of CPT-11 solution. After the injection of CPT-11 NPs in mice, the concentrations of CPT-11 loaded in CPT-11 NPs were significantly higher in the whole blood, colon and lungs than those in CPT-11 solution, but lower in the spleen, liver, kidney and heart, but the least in brain. CPT-11 NPs could improve CPT-11 's AUC, and help CPT-11 to reach long circulation activity.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the clinical and SLC2A1 gene mutation characteristics of glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The detailed clinical manifestations of six cases were recorded. The laboratory tests including EEG, MRI, blood chemistry, and lumbar puncture were performed. SLC2A1 gene mutations were analyzed by PCR, DNA sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Patient 1, 2 and 3 had classical clinical symptoms including infantile onset seizures, development delay. Patient 4, 5 and 6 had non-classical clinical symptoms including paroxysmal behavior disturbance, weakness, ataxia, lethargy, especially after fasting or exercise, without severe seizures. The plasma glucose levels were normal. The CSF glucose levels decreased in all the six cases, ranged from 1.10 mmol/L to 2.45 mmol/L, the mean level was 1.68 mmol/L. The CSF glucose/plasma glucose ratios decreased, ranged from 0.16 to 0.51, the mean ratio was 0.34. Four patients had normal EEG. Two patients had focal and diffuse epileptiform discharge, and one of them also had paroxysmal occipital or generalized high-amplitude slow waves during awake and sleep time. MRI abnormalities were found in three patients, patient 1 with mild brain atrophy, patient 3 with bilateral ventricle plump, and patient 4 with high signals in T2 in the frontal and occipital white matter, interpreted as hypomyelination. SLC2A1 gene mutations were found in six cases. Patient 1 has large scale deletion in exon 2. In patient 2 to 6, the mutations were c.741 G>A (E247K), 599delA, 761delA, c.1148 C>A (P383H), c.1198 C>T (R400C) respectively. Two patients were treated with ketogenic diet. The seizures disappeared and development became normal. Three patients responded to frequent meals with snacks. One patient refused any treatments, the symptoms continued to exist.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The clinical manifestations of glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome are varied. The common symptoms included infantile onset seizures and various paroxysmal events. These neurologic symptoms generally fluctuated and were influenced by factors such as fasting or fatigue. This feature could be a very important clue for the diagnosis of GLUT1-DS. Lumbar puncture is recommended in patients with episodic CNS symptoms especially after fasting. GLUT1-DS is a treatable neurometabolic disorder, early diagnosis and treatment may improve the prognosis of the patients.</p>

Effects of DNAX-associated protein 12 signal pathways on differentiation of mouse monocytes RAW264.7 into osteoclasts by tensile strain / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of DNAX-associated protein 12 (DAP12) pathway on the transformation from mouse monocytes RAW264.7 to osteoclasts induced by tensile strain.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>DAP12shRNA plasmid was constructed and introduced to RAW264.7 cells. Then we supplied tensile strain to RAW264.7 cells by four-point bending system. The mRNA or protein expression of DAP12, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), tyrosine kinases Btk and Tec and nuclear facior of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) was measured by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blotting respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of DAP12 mRNA (0.112 ± 0.025) and protein (0.193 ± 0.015) both declined sharply after plasmid being introduced into monocytes RAW264.7 (P < 0.05). After silencing DAP12 expression in RAW264.7 cells by RNA interference, tensile strain-induced TRAP mRNA expression of RAW264.7 cells increased at 6 h (0.671 ± 0.031) and 12 h (0.800 ± 0.043) (P < 0.05), but it was weaker than non-RNA-interference-groups at each time point (P < 0.05). After silencing DAP12 expression in RAW264.7 cells by RNA interference, the expressions of Btk, Tec, NFATc1 increased as time passed (6, 12 h) (P < 0.05), but the expressions on corresponding time decreased sharply compared with those in control groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>DAP12 pathway play an important role in regulating osteoclast differentiation induced by tensile strain.</p>

Modulating effects of chlorogenic acid on lipids and glucose metabolism and expression of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha in golden hamsters fed on high fat diet / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on lipid and glucose metabolism under a high dietary fat burden and to explore the possible role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) in these effects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty male golden hamsters were randomly divided into CGA treatment group (n=10, given peritoneal injection of CGA solution prepared with PBS, 80 mg CGA/kg body weight daily), and control group (n=10, given PBS i.p. at the average volume of the treatment group). Animals in both groups were given 15% high fat diet. Eight weeks after treatment with CGA, the level of biochemical parameters in fasting serum and tissues and the expression of hepatic mRNA and protein PPAR-alpha were determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eight weeks after treatment with CGA, the levels of fasting serum triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), glucose (FSG), and insulin (FSI) were significantly lower in the GGA treatment group than in the control group. CGA also led to higher activity of hepatic lipase (HL), lower contents of TG and FFA in liver, and lower activity of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, CGA significantly elevated significantly elevated the expression level of mRNA and protein expression in hepatic PPAR-alpha.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CGA can modify lipids and glucose metabolism, which may be attributed to PPAR-alpha facilitated lipid clearance in liver and improved insulin sensitivity.</p>

The study of EEG Higher Order Spectral Analysis technology / 中国医疗器械杂志

The basic theory of Higher Order Spectral Analysis and the most generally used Bispectrum are introduced in the paper. By certain experiments of EEG signal acquisition and bispectrum analysis, it is showed that the Higher Order Spectrum has an advantage over power spectrum, which is based on Second Order Statistics, in processing non-linear signal and restraining Gauss noise signal.

Cohort mortality study of workers in an automobile foundry factory / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the major causes of death in automobile foundry workers and investigate casting manipulations hazards to health.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cohort study of 3529 foundry workers registered in one big automobile factory in Shiyan city of China was performed. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for the main causes of death by using Chinese national mortality rates as reference.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The cohort mortality was traced from 1980 to the end of 2005 with an accumulation of 84 999 person-years, revealed 265 deaths. The results of this study showed that the standardized mortality ratio for all subjects was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.85 approximately 1.08), which was very close to that expected on the basis of the China national mortality rates. The SMR increased with age, the SMR became greater than 1 in all groups of age 50 and higher. The results showed that malignant neoplasm (3.43%), accidents (1.16%), cerebro-vascular diseases (1.08%), cardio-vascular diseases (0.79%) were the first four illnesses that threatened workers' life span. Statistically significant mortality of malignant neoplasm (SMR = 7.87), accidents (SMR = 2.70), cardio-vascular diseases (SMR = 2.68) and digestive diseases (SMR = 2.79) were found in the foundry workers. The relative risk of malignant neoplasm for first line workers to assistant workers was 1.99 (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The occupational hazards in foundry factory have harmful impact on the workers' health and life span.</p>

Expression and Antigenic Characterization of the Epitope-G1 of the Bovine Ephemeral Fever Virus Glycoprotein in Pichia pastoris / 中国病毒学

The epitope-G1 gene of Bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) glycoprotein was synthesised by PCR and cloned into expression vector pPIC9K to construct recombinant plasmid pPIC9K-G1. Then the pPIC9K-G1 was linearized and transformed into Pichia pastoris GS 115. The recombinant P. pastoris strains were selected by a G418 transformation screen and confirmed by PCR. After being induced with methanol, an expressed protein with 26 kDa molecular weight was obtained, which was much bigger than the predicted size (15.54 kDa). Deglycosylation analysis indicated the recombinant G1 was glycosylated. Western blot and ELISA tests, as well as rabbit immunization and specificity experiments indicated that the target protein had both higher reaction activity and higher immunocompetence and specificity. The recombinant G1 protein could be used as a coating antigen to develop an ELISA kit for bovine ephemeral fever diagnosis.

Methods of extracting AEP for monitoring the anesthetic depth / 中国医疗器械杂志

Many researches have proved that auditory evoked potentials (AEP) can indicate the depth of anesthesia in the clinical practice. This paper introduces two methods of extracting AEP: the moving time average (MTA) model and the autoregressive model with exogenous input (ARX). In our study we used both the MTA model and the ARX model to extract AEP and the results show that using the ARX model can get the results significantly faster than using the MTA model, and the ARX model is more suitable for the real-time monitoring of the anesthetic depth.

A uniform design based PCA-SVM model for predicting optimum pH in chitinase / 生物工程学报

The principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the data processing in training sets, the new principal components were then used as input data for support vector machine model. A prediction model for optimum pH of chitinase was established based on uniform design. When The regularized constant C, epsilon and Gamma were 10, 0.7 and 0.5 respectively, the calculated pHs fitted the reported optimum pHs of chitinase very well and the MAPEs (Mean Absolute Percent Error) was 3.76%. At the same time, the predicted pHs fitted the reported optimum pHs well and the MAE (Mean Absolute Error) was 0.42 pH unit. It was superior in fittings and predictions compared to the model based on back propagation (BP) neural network.