A preliminary research on transcultural capacity in global public health: from the view of public health professionals.

BACKGROUND: Transcultural capacity is a key component of consolidated global public health assistance cooperation (GPHAC). The aim of this study is to investigate the transcultural capacity perceptions of public health professionals from China's disease control and prevention system after relative training in order to provide a reference for enhancing transcultural capacity during the practice of GPHAC. METHODS: A cross sectional qualitative survey in which self-administrated questionnaire with 5 open ended questions was used. The questionnaire was disseminated on the completion of an online training for China's senior public health professions on transcultural capacity in GPHAC. Descriptive statistics, word frequency analysis and content analysis were used to analyze the questionnaire data. RESULTS: Totally, 45 participants took part in this training, 25 of them voluntarily participated in this survey. The participants demonstrated the need for transcultural competence in public health services and suggested improvement in the course content arising from their wealth of knowledge and practical experience in the field. 96% of the participants considered that the training course was "very necessary" and "meaningful". The most interested topics were "Overview of transcultural adaptation and GPHAC", "Transcultural adaptation and response" and "African culture and health". The contents about "Country-specific analysis on cultural factors in public health", "rapid transcultural adaptation" and "more specific practical experiences in diverse cultural backgrounds" were suggested to be added in future training. The participants considered that transcultural capacity ensured the smooth progress of GPHAC and they both could complement each other, transcultural adaptation was the premise of gaining trust and reaching cooperation, it can be conducive to the health assistance professionals to integrate into local cultural life, facilitating their foreign assistance work to be effective and efficient, and impart experiences well. The participants hoped to put the concept into action. CONCLUSION: The importance of transcultural competence in GPHAC is becoming a consensus of public health professionals. Enhanced transcultural competence reflected in the attitude of public health as well as other health workers would promote GPHAC and would foster efficient emergency health response management among many countries.

Research Progress on Epidemiological Trend and Risk Factors of Female Breast Cancer / 肿瘤防治研究

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women all over the world, and it is also the main cause of cancer death in women. In 2018, there were about 2.09 million of new breast cancer cases and 630 thousand of death cases worldwide. The incidence rate of breast cancer varies in different regions of the world, but all of them were on the rise. Although the incidence (36.1/105) and mortality (8.8/105) of female breast cancer in China were relatively low worldwide, the number of female breast cancer cases and deaths in China ranks first in the world. Moreover, the incidence and mortality of female breast cancer in China are increasing in recent year. Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease, mainly including genetic factors, environmental factors and behavioral lifestyle factors, etc. This review aims to explore the epidemiology and related risk factors of breast cancer in the world, so as to understand the prevalence of breast cancer and provide help for the prevention, intervention and early detection of breast cancer.

Familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: The First Reported Kindred from South-East Asia.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) belongs to a group of prion disease that is caused by abnormally folded proteins and is clinically characterized by rapidly progressive cognitive decline, gait abnormalities, and myoclonus. Familial CJD is very rare and is described only in few families around the world. We report a case with rapidly progressive cognitive decline, ataxia, and myoclonus, with a history of several members of his family developing similar symptoms and succumbing to it. Clinical presentation and neuroimaging were suggestive of CJD. On genetic analysis, our index case and two of his family members (younger brother and younger son) were found to have D178N mutation in PRNP gene. The polymorphism of the 129th amino acid was V/V. We report the first kindred familial CJD from South-East Asia with genetically proven D178N-129V haplotype.

The role of CA153 in breast cancer immunotherapy / 实用肿瘤学杂志

Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor in women,and immunotherapy is one of the treatments with a good clinical prognosis. CA153 can activate immune response as a specific antigen in breast cancer immune response;participate in T cell activation;target binding peptide vaccine;enhance immune response;induce dendritic cell maturation,and eliminate cancer cells in vi-vo. Therefore,CA153 plays an important role in the immune response and treatment of breast cancer,and can be used as a new target for breast cancer immunotherapy.

Differential proteomic analysis of human genetic prion disease patients in frontal lobe tissues / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

Objective@#To search for biomarkers for human familial prion disease.@*Methods@#Two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) proteomic analysis has been performed in frontal lobe tissues of 3 patients suffering from human familial prion disease (PrP) and 3 age-and sex-matched patients suffering from sudden death due to heart failure without neurological disease.@*Results@#The maps revealed 14 polypeptide chains differentially modulated in the PrP samples, among those, 7 could be identified upon digestion and MALDI-TOF/MS analysis, of which 6 appeared to be up-regulated, 1 being down-regulated.@*Conclusions@#We highlight Galectin-1(Gal-1), ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2), ubiquitin, Rab-interacting lysosomes protein-like protein 1 (RILPL-1) profillin 2 (PFN2), in the differential map. These proteins are related to neurogenesis, the clearance of misfolded proteins, stasis of calium channel, myoclonus and so on. These proteins are potential biomarkers or targets for treatment of prion disease.

Alterations of CaM pathway in the brains of scrapie infected mice / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

Objective@#To analysis the alterations of CaM and its downstream factors in the brains of scrapie infected mice.@*Methods@#Using the methods of Western blot and immunohistochemistry assay to detect the levels and distributions of CaM, as well as the expressing alterations of the downstream substrates of CaM in the brains of mice infected with scrapie.@*Results@#Compared with the normal controls, the levels of CaM are significantly increased in the brains of scrapie-infected mice and particularly distributing in the regions of cortex, thamalus and cerebellum. Remarkable high levels of CaMKII, p-CaMKII and p-CaMKIV are observed in the brain homogenates of scrapie-infected mice. The regulatory protein of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and p-CERB are also increased, while the levels of BDNF which is regulated by p-CREB are obeviously downregulated.@*Conclusions@#The synthesis of BDNF may be influenced by the prion replication in neuron and further attenuates its neuronal protective features.

Clinical application of five kinds of antihypertensive drugs in department of cardiology / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To study and analyze the clinical application of five kinds of antihypertensive drugs in Department of cardiology. Methods In our hospital from January 2015 to December 2016 treated 100 cases of oral antihypertensive drugs in cardiovascular disease patients as the research object of this study, retrospective analysis of clinical data of patients, medication of patients, the system analysis of selected patients with medication, including patient name and the category, record the daily dose and the drug combination. Evaluation was made by using frequency index and index of utilization of drugs. The standard of rational drug use is drug utilization index (<1). Results After the corresponding analysis, the number of available urine drugs was 32 cases, the utilization rate was 32%. The number of use of beta blocking drugs was 28, with a utilization rate of 28%. The number of use cases of calcium antagonists was 20 cases, and the utilization rate was 20%. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors were used in 14 cases, with a utilization rate of 14%. The use of angiotensin receptor Ⅱ blockers was 6 cases, with a utilization rate of 6%. Five of the three antihypertensive drugs were diuretic drugs, beta blockers and calcium antagonists. The highest frequency of use of metoprolol was 25%. The number of cases with furosemide was 13, and the frequency of medication was 13%. The number of drugs used in Extended Release Nifedipine Tablets was 12 cases, and the frequency was 12%. After the research, we can conclude that the combination of two or triple drugs is more effective in the combined use of hypertension. The utilization index of Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets and amlodipine tablets was greater than 1, and the other drugs met the standard of rational use. Conclusion The rational use of antihypertensive drugs can guarantee the effect of treatment to some extent, help patients to stabilize blood pressure, improve the quality of life of patients.

Effect of Comprehensive Chinese Medical Therapy of Chinese Herbal Medicine Fumigation, Massage and Quadriceps Exercise on Contents of Visfatin and Chemerin in Joint Fluid of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To study the effect of comprehensive Chinese medicine therapy,including Chinese herbal medicine fumigation,massage,and quadriceps exercise,on adipokines of visfatin and chemerin content in joint fluid of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA),and to explore its possible therapeutic mechanism for KOA.Methods A total of 60 cases of KOA patients were randomly divided into treatment group and control group,30 cases in each group.The treatment group was treated with comprehensive Chinese medicine therapy,and the control group was treated with Chinese medicine fumigation alone.After treatment for 2 weeks,the clinical efficacy of both groups was evaluated,and the changes in the scores of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC)were observed.Moreover,the contents of visfatin and chemerin in jointfluid were examined.Results (1) The total effective rate of the treatment group was 96.7％ and that of the control group was 83.3％,the difference being significant (P ＜ 0.01).(2) After treatment,WOMAC scores of both groups were obviously decreased(P ＜ 0.01 compared with those before treatment),and the decrease in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group (P ＜ 0.01).(3) The contents of visfatin and chemerint in joint synovial fluid of both groups were decreased (P ＜ 0.01 compared with those before treatment),and the decrease in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group(P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The comprehensive Chinese medicine therapy of Chinese herbal medicine fumigation,massage and quadriceps exercise is effective for the treatment of KOA,and can decrease the contents of visfatin and chemerin in joint fluid of KOA patients,which may be one of its therapeutic mechanisms.

Isolation and identification of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus strain LN-2015-1 and its S gene mutation analysis / 中国兽医学报

In order to understand the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) origin and variant characteristics in Liaoning province,diagnosed by PCR,separated by Vero cell,and identified by cell pathological observation,RT-PCR and S gene sequence analysis,1 PEDV strains (LN-2015-1) was successfully isolated from a pig farm of Liaoning province.Analysis of S gene sequence showed that compared withCV777 strain,there were the longest 9 bp insertion,6 bp deletion and 13 bp continuous mutation in addition to point mutation.There also were the longest 3 AA insert,2 AA deletion,and 3 AA or more continuous mutation.The epitope analysis showed that there were 16AA mutations in the 5 epitope regions.Homology analysis show that it had the highest sequence similarity of 99.2％ with HB-HA2015 strain,higher sequence similarity of 98.5％-98.8％ with the domestic and foreign representative strains isolated since 2010,and lower sequence similarity of 93.2％-95.6％ with the traditional strain isolated before 2010;the phylogenetic analysis showed that LN-2015-1 was clustered into the same group with home and abroad variation strain in recent years,and formed a small subgroup with HB-HA2015 at the same time.The evolutionary distance was far from the traditional strains.

Analysis of demand for talents in primary medical and health institutions of Chongqing City / 重庆医学

Objective To analyze the demands of Chongqing municipal medical and health institutions at grass-roots level for the graduates of clinical medicine,pharmacy and medical laboratory science and biotechnology.Methods The Chongqing medical and health institutions at grass-roots level served as the objects and their professionals and administrators were randomly performed the talents demands investigation by adopting the questionnaire investigation as the principal thing assisted by the interview on the spot or informal discussion.Results In the aspect of talents demands,the demands for internist,general practitioner and clinical examination staff were greater,which reached to 36.54％,30.77％and 78.10％respectively;in the aspect of professional knowledge demands,the demands for clinical diagnosis,general practice,clinical medication,clinical laboratory and blood test were greater.Con clusion The school talents cultivation does not understand the true requirements of medical and health institutions at grass-roots level and is inconsistent with the practical demands.

Establishment of Quality Control System of Nucleic Acid Detection for Ebola Virus in Sierra Leone-China Friendship Biological Safety Laboratory / 病毒学报

The quality control process throughout the Ebola virus nucleic acid detection in Sierra Leone-China Friendship Biological Safety Laboratory (SLE-CHN Biosafety Lab) was described in detail, in order to comprehensively display the scientific, rigorous, accurate and efficient practice in detection of Ebola virus of first batch detection team in SLE-CHN Biosafety Lab. Firstly, the key points of laboratory quality control system was described, including the managements and organizing, quality control documents and information management, instrument, reagents and supplies, assessment, facilities design and space allocation, laboratory maintenance and biosecurity. Secondly, the application of quality control methods in the whole process of the Ebola virus detection, including before the test, during the test and after the test, was analyzed. The excellent and professional laboratory staffs, the implementation of humanized management are the cornerstone of the success; High-level biological safety protection is the premise for effective quality control and completion of Ebola virus detection tasks. And professional logistics is prerequisite for launching the laboratory diagnosis of Ebola virus. The establishment and running of SLE-CHN Biosafety Lab has landmark significance for the friendship between Sierra Leone and China, and the lab becomes the most important base for Ebola virus laboratory testing in Sierra Leone.

Clinical evaluation of multimodality analgesia for patients undergoing radical resection of colon cancer / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of multimodality analgesia for patients undergoing radical resection of colon cancer.Methods Seventy patients aged 46-75 years old,undergoing the radical resection of colon cancer were divided randomly into two groups:the trial group (parecoxib preemptive analgesia and ropivacaine local analgesia combined with sufentanil patient-controlled intravenous analgesia) and the control group (sufentanil patient-controlled intravenous analgesia only),each group of 35 patients.The visual analogue scale (VAS) and the usage amount of sufentanil were recorded at 12,24,48 h after operation.The number of unsatisfied demand and the number of successfully delivered doses,sufentanil consumption at 12 h and 24 h after operation,the patients' global evaluation of the postoperative analgesia and adverse effects related to analgesia were recorded and compared between the two groups.Results The VAS scores at 12,24 h after operation in trial group were lower than those in control group [(3.1 ± 1.0) scores vs.(4.0 ± 1.3) scores,(2.8 ± 1.4) scores vs.(3.7 ± 1.2) scores].The degree of satisfaction in trial group was higher than that in control group(P ＜ 0.05).The demand and the number of successfully delivered doses and the usage amount of sufentanil in trail group were significantly lower than those in control group (P ＜ 0.05).The incidence of respiratory depression,nausea and vomitting in trial group were significantly lower than those in control group[0 vs.5.7％(2/35),2.9％(1/35) vs.11.4％ (4/35)] (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Multimodality analgesia may have the good analgesic effect in the patients undergoing radical resection of colon cancer,and with fewer adverse events.

Effects of Two Curcuminoids on Candida albicans / 中草药·英文版

Objective To investigate and compare the action of curcuminoids on the causal pathogens of Candida albicans growth.Methods The effects of curcumin (CUR) and demethoxycurcumin (DMC) on C.albicans growth were first investigated and compared by microcalorimetry coupled with multiple analytical methods.The quantitative thermo-kinetic parameters obtained from these curves were analyzed to show difference of the actions.Results By analyzing the main parameters screened from principal component analysis together with 50％ inhibiting concentration values,it was demonstrated that both CUR and DMC showed good antifungal activities and CUR was stronger.It was further concluded from structure-activity relationship that the existence of methoxy group might enhance lipophilicity of the mother nucleus,which made it easier for the molecular to enter into the cell membrane of fungi to inhibit its growth.Conclusion This study provides a new method for screening new antifungal agents with high efficacy and low toxicity.Meanwhile,it contributes to the application of curcuminoids as food additive,colorant,and drug.Microcalorimetry is real-time,online,and dynamic,and it could be used to characterize the subtle difference among the effects of synthetic and natural products on the vital process of fungi.

Structural comparison of the granted projects at Chinese Center for Desease Control and Prevention with its scientific develonment plan during the 11th 5-year period / 中华医学科研管理杂志

From 2006 to 2010,381 national or provincial projects were granted to Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese CDC).According to the development plan of key dsciplines made by Chinese CDC, this study stratified the granted projects and analyzed their distribution in the four units (including 37 subunits),namely,infection disease,health,chronic disease and general technology platform. The results indicated that most of the important topics proposed by our center received financial support from the government,and the supported projects were mostly in the field of infectious disease and health.The results also revealed that the key projects proposed by Chinese CDC meet the practical requirements of disease control,and those projects covered the key scientific topics and key technologies.Meanwhile,the result reflected that Chinese CDC is very competitive as far as scientific research is concerned,but the research structure is not balanced among the 4 units.

Immune responses in wild-type mice against prion proteins induced using a DNA prime-protein boost strategy / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To break immune tolerance to prion (PrP) proteins using DNA vaccines.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Four different human prion DNA vaccine candidates were constructed based on the pcDNA3.1 vector: PrP-WT expressing wild-type PrP, Ubiq-PrP expressing PrP fused to ubiquitin, PrP-LII expressing PrP fused to the lysosomal integral membrane protein type II lysosome-targeting signal, and PrP-ER expressing PrP locating the ER. Using a prime-boost strategy, three-doses of DNA vaccine were injected intramuscularly into Balb/c mice, followed by two doses of PrP protein. Two weeks after the last immunization, sera and spleens were collected and PrP-specific humoral and cellular immune responses evaluated by ELISA and ELISPOT tests.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Higher levels of serum PrP antibodies were detected in mice vaccinated using the strategy of DNA priming followed by protein boosting. Of these, WT-PrP, Ubiq-PrP, and PrP-LII induced significantly higher humoral responses. ELISPOT tests showed markedly increased numbers of IFN-γ-secreting T cells in mice vaccinated using the strategy of DNA priming followed by protein boosting after stimulation with recombinant PrP23-90 and PrP23-231. PrP-ER induced the strongest T-cell response.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Prion vaccines can break tolerance to PrP proteins and induce PrP-specific humoral and cellular immune responses.</p>

Cytotoxicity of human doppel protein and Dpl-like protein PrPΔ32-121 to SH-SY5Y cells / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To observe the biological activities of human doppel (Dpl) protein transiently expressed and Dpl-like protein PrPΔ32-121 on a human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. Methods Recombinant mammalian expression plasmids containing human PRND gene and truncated PrPΔ32-121 fragment were generated by PCR. The expression and location of Dpl and PrPΔ32-121 post-transfection were observed by IFA. The cytotoxicity was measured by MTT analysis. Cellular apoptosis was investigated by flow cytometry and Western blot. Results Both Dpl and PrPΔ32-121 protein were expressed and mainly located on the cell membrane. Remarkable cytotoxicity was detected on SH-SY5Y cells after 24 h transfection. Meanwhile, more Annexin V/PI positively-stained cells as well as lower levels of cellular pro-caspase-3 and Bel-2 were detected in the cells receiving Dpl and PrPΔ32-121 expressing plasmids. Conclusion Dpl protein transiently expressed and PrPΔ32-121 can lead to the similar neural cytotoxicity, probably triggering the cell apoptosis program.

Effects of traditional chinese medicine Fructus psoraleae on differentiation of mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-e1 cell in vitro / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Fructus psoraleae on the differentiation of cultured osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cell isolated from neonatal mouse's calvarium.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>F. psoraleae preparation was extracted with distilled water. A mouse osteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1 was used as a cell model for screening potency. Cultured MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were divided into 4 groups: control and F. psoraleae extract 0.02, 0.2, 2 (crude drug) g x L(-1), change the medium and extract every 3 days. The content of ALP and type I collagen were measured. The expression of ALP, type I collagen and osteocalcin mRNA in MC3T3-E1 cell was detected by real-time PCR.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The activity of ALP was stimulated by extract of F. psoralea at doses 0.2 g x L(-1), and the content of type I collagen was encouraged at doses 0.2 g x L(-1) . The extract of F. psoralea enhanced the expression of ALP, type I collagen and osteocalcin mRNA in MC3T3-E1 cell. The expression of ALP mRNA was enhanced by extract of F. psoralea at doses 0.2 g x L(-1) for 7-14 d, and the expression of type I collagen and osteocalcin mRNA was enhanced at doses 0.2 g x L(-1) for 14-21 days.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>F. psoralea can stimulate the differentiation of osteoblasts in vitro. It will offer a reference for the active mechanism research.</p>

Fibrin glue/bone morphogenetic protein complex plus slow-release gentamicin for repairing infected bone defects in rabbits / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Chronic osteomyelitis is difficult to manage clinically, and two or more operations were commonly needed. No satisfactory method for one-stage repair has been currently available.OBJECTIVE: To examine the possibility of using fibrin glue(FG) as the common carrier for both bone morphogenetic protein(BMP) and gentamicin for one-stage repair of infected bone defects.DESIGN: A completely randomized controlled experiment.SETTING: Center of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lanzhou General Hospital of Lanzhou Area Command of of Chinese PLA.MATERIALS: The experiment was conducted using 48 healthy adult Chinchilla rabbits of either sex on normal diet with body mass of 1.9 to 2.4 kg,provided by the Institute of Biological Products, Lanzhou, Gansu Province.INTERVENTIONS: Animal models of chronic osteomyelitis were established in 48 Chinchilla rabbits, and after thorough debriding of the wounds,an elongated semicircular bone defect was induced 1.5 cm to the medial proximal metaphysis in the tibias. Three treatments were subsequently given with FG, MP and gentamicin complex(Group A), FG/BMP complex(Group B), and nothing(control group, Group C), respectively.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The general conditions of the rabbits were observed postoperatively. Bacterial culture of the bone specimen, bacterial counting, X-ray and histological examination were performed.RESULTS: Rabbits in Group A exhibited obviously better infection control and greater regenerated bone mass than those in Group B, and no significant difference was noted in infection control between Groups B and C, the latter group showing poor bone defect repair.CONCLUSIONS: FG, BMP and gentamicin complex helps to control infection and promotes bone formation, and can be used to repair bone defects caused by infection and open injury with severe contamination.

Complete genome sequences of the SARS-CoV: the BJ Group (Isolates BJ01-BJ04) / 基因组蛋白质组与生物信息学报·英文版

Beijing has been one of the epicenters attacked most severely by the SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus) since the first patient was diagnosed in one of the city's hospitals. We now report complete genome sequences of the BJ Group, including four isolates (Isolates BJ01, BJ02, BJ03, and BJ04) of the SARS-CoV. It is remarkable that all members of the BJ Group share a common haplotype, consisting of seven loci that differentiate the group from other isolates published to date. Among 42 substitutions uniquely identified from the BJ group, 32 are non-synonymous changes at the amino acid level. Rooted phylogenetic trees, proposed on the basis of haplotypes and other sequence variations of SARS-CoV isolates from Canada, USA, Singapore, and China, gave rise to different paradigms but positioned the BJ Group, together with the newly discovered GD01 (GD-Ins29) in the same clade, followed by the H-U Group (from Hong Kong to USA) and the H-T Group (from Hong Kong to Toronto), leaving the SP Group (Singapore) more distant. This result appears to suggest a possible transmission path from Guangdong to Beijing/Hong Kong, then to other countries and regions.

Establishment of a sandwich ELISA method for detection of reporter chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>To establish a sandwich ELISA method for detection of reporter chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The full length sequence of CAT gene was amplified with PCR using plasmid pBLCAT6 as template, and inserted into the prokaryotic expression plasmid Pgex-2T. The purified fusion protein was emulsified with complete or incomplete Freund adjuvant and injected subcutaneously into rabbits. The antibody was labeled with biotin, and a sandwich ELISA technique with biotin streptavidin amplify system was established. Several CAT reporter plasmids containing different HPV 16 LCR sequences were generated and transfected transiently to monolayer cells in vitro. The cytoplasm proteins were extracted and the expressions of CAT were evaluated with the newly established ELISA assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>SDS-PAGE displayed that the molecular weight of the expressed fusion protein was about 54,000. The prepared antiserum was able to recognize the CAT protein expressed by mammalian cells or prokaryote cells. Under the control of different promoters and their regulate sequences,two to eight folds CAT expression increased were evaluated in transiently transfected mammalian cells by the newly established sandwich ELISA method.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The established method could sensitively reflect the activities of the upstream promoters, as well as the influence of exchanges of nucleotides within the regulate region on the promoter activities. Therefore, it proposes a convenient assay for the studies using CAT as the reporter gene.</p>