Nanostructures in Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) for potential therapy.

With its long clinical history, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained acceptance for its specific efficacy and safety in the treatment of multiple diseases. Nano-sized materials study of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) leads to an increased understanding of assessing TCM therapies, which may be a promising way to illustrate the material basis of CHMs through their processing and extraction. In this review, we provide an overview of the nanostructures of natural and engineered CHMs, including extracted CHMs, polymer nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, and nanofibers. Subsequently, the applications of these CHM-derived nanostructures to particular diseases are summarized and discussed. Additionally, we discuss the advantages of these nanostructures for studying the therapeutic efficacy of CHMs. Finally, the key challenges and opportunities for the development of these nanostructures are outlined.

Features of different contemporary acupuncture and moxibustion schools in the treatment of post-stroke spastic paralysis / 中国针灸

Acupuncture and moxibustion has certain advantages in the treatment of post-stroke spastic paralysis，but the treatment methods and diagnosis and treatment ideas are complicated. This paper sortes out the representative contemporary acupuncture and moxibustion schools in the treatment of post-stroke spastic paralysis, analyzes their academic origins，summarizes and compares the theory，acupoint selection and technique characteristics of different schools in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease，so as to provide some references for guiding optimal treatment schemes selection in clinic.

Genetic Subtypes and Pretreatment Drug Resistance in the Newly Reported Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Men Aged≥50 Years Old in Guangxi / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To analyze the genetic subtypes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the prevalence of pretreatment drug resistance in the newly reported HIV-infected men in Guangxi. Methods The stratified random sampling method was employed to select the newly reported HIV-infected men aged≥50 years old in 14 cities of Guangxi from January to June in 2020.The pol gene of HIV-1 was amplified by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and then sequenced.The mutation sites associated with drug resistance and the degree of drug resistance were then analyzed. Results A total of 615 HIV-infected men were included in the study.The genetic subtypes of CRF01_AE,CRF07_BC,and CRF08_BC accounted for 57.4% (353/615),17.1% (105/615),and 22.4% (138/615),respectively.The mutations associated with the resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI),non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI),and protease inhibitors occurred in 8 (1.3%),18 (2.9%),and 0 patients,respectively.M184V (0.7%) and K103N (1.8%) were the mutations with the highest occurrence rates for the resistance to NRTIs and NNRTIs,respectively.Twenty-two (3.6%) patients were resistant to at least one type of inhibitors.Specifically,4 (0.7%),14 (2.3%),4 (0.7%),and 0 patients were resistant to NRTIs,NNRTIs,both NRTIs and NNRTIs,and protease inhibitors,respectively.The pretreatment resistance to NNRTIs had much higher frequency than that to NRTIs (2.9% vs.1.3%;χ2=3.929,P=0.047).The prevalence of pretreatment resistance to lamivudine,zidovudine,tenofovir,abacavir,rilpivirine,efavirenz,nevirapine,and lopinavir/ritonavir was 0.8%, 0.3%, 0.7%, 1.0%, 1.3%, 2.8%, 2.9%, and 0, respectively. Conclusions CRF01_AE,CRF07_BC,and CRF08_BC are the three major strains of HIV-infected men≥50 years old newly reported in Guangxi,2020,and the pretreatment drug resistance demonstrates low prevalence.

Supramolecular Engineering Strategy to Construct BODIPY-Based White Light Emission Materials.

Two kinds of 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) dyads BDP-OH containing 4-hydroxystyrene groups and BDP-PY bearing pyridinyl units were prepared. In addition, a naphthalene derivative NAP-PY modified by pyridinyl moieties substituent was made. The above three dyads could be used to construct white-light emission (WLE) material by a supramolecular engineering strategy due to their three primary colors of blue, green and red. The supramolecular correlations between the hydroxyl group of BDP-OH and the pyridinyl groups of NAP-PY and BDP-PY were confirmed by 1 H NMR titration, 2D NOESY and FTIR. A fluorescence monitor application was carried out based on the realization of WLE. This work might be useful for designing other WLE supramolecular systems and image display.

Bioprospecting of a novel endophytic Bacillus velezensis FZ06 from leaves of Camellia assamica: Production of three groups of lipopeptides and the inhibition against food spoilage microorganisms.

Food contamination caused by microorganisms has become a threat to consumers' health. Exploring antagonistic endophytes from plants of food raw-material and applying bioactive metabolites to inhibit the contamination has been an alternative and safer solution. In this study, we isolated and screened potential antagonistic endophytes from fresh Camellia assamica leaves, which were widely used in tea beverage production. We focused on a strain that showed visible inhibitory activity to Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi. It was identified as a member of Bacillus velezensis and named FZ06. The results of genome analysis showed the strain FZ06 had 167 single-copy specific genes, much higher than those of most related strains. Also, 11 potential gene clusters of antimicrobial metabolites were found. Three groups of lipopeptides (surfactin, iturin, and fengycin) were identified by UPLC-MS/MS in purified antimicrobial methanol fraction of strain FZ06. The results of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test proved the lipopeptide extract showed significant inhibitory effect on food spoilage bacteria (MIC 512-2048 µg/mL) and toxigenic fungi (MIC 128-256 µg/mL). In conclusion, this study suggests that the endophytic B. velezensis FZ06 and its lipopeptide extract hold great potential applications in the inhibition of food spoilage bacteria and toxic fungi in food industry.

Using a novel polysaccharide BM2 produced by Bacillus megaterium strain PL8 as an efficient bioflocculant for wastewater treatment.

In this study, the purification and characterization of a novel polysaccharide-based bioflocculant BM2 produced by a bacterium Bacillus megaterium strain PL8 with self-flocculating property were investigated. The results showed that BM2 was an acidic polysaccharide composed of Gal, GalUA, Glc, GlcUA and Man at a molar ratio of 45.1: 33.8:9.3:9.2:2.4, respectively. The molecular weight of BM2 was 4.55 × 106 Da. BM2 had high flocculation efficiencies across a wide pH ranged from 4 to 11 and a wide temperature ranged from 20 to 100 °C towards kaolin clay. BM2 was a cation-independent bioflocculant which could achieve high flocculation activity without the addition of other cations. Adsorption bridging was the main mechanism in the flocculation process of BM2 towards kaolin clay. The BM2 also displayed a high removal efficiency in terms of Congo red (88.14%) and Pb2+ ions (82.64%). These results suggested that BM2 had a great potential as an efficient bioflocculant candidate in wastewater treatment.

A novel polysaccharide from the roots of Millettia Speciosa Champ: preparation, structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity.

A novel polysaccharide fraction (MSCP2) was extracted and isolated from the roots of Millettia Speciosa Champ. Structural characterization revealed that MSCP2 had an average molecular weight of 2.85 × 104 Da and was composed of fucose, arabinose, galactose, glucose and xylose with a ratio of 2.20: 2.52: 4.04: 87.29: 3.96. Methylation analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis showed that the main glycosidic linkage types of MSCP2 were proved to be α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4)-α-D-Xylp-(1→, →6)-ß-D-Galp-(1→, α-L-Araf-(1→, →3,4)-ß-L-Fucp-(1→ and →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→. The immunomodulatory assay suggested that MSCP2 could significantly improve the pinocytic capacity and increase the secretion of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines by regulating the corresponding mRNA expression in RAW 264.7 cells. The data from the membrane receptor assay demonstrated that the potential mechanisms of MSCP2-induced macrophage activation were mainly through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), scavenger receptor type A (SRA) and glucan receptor (GR)-mediated signaling pathways. These results suggested that MSCP2 can be developed as a promising immunomodulatory agent in functional foods.

Highly enantioselective resolution of racemic 1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol to (S)-1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol by Kurthia gibsonii SC0312 in a biphasic system.

The asymmetric resolution of racemic 1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol (PED) to (S)-PED by Kurthia gibsonii SC0312 (K. gibsonii SC0312) was conducted in a biphasic system comprised of an organic solvent and aqueous phosphate buffer. The impacts of organic solvents on the whole cell catalytic activity, metabolic activity, membrane integrity, and material distribution were first evaluated. The results showed that all organic solvents, except for dibutyl phthalate, showed a detrimental effect on the metabolic activity of the cells, especially for those with low log P values. All organic solvents were capable of changing the membrane permeability and membrane integrity of the cells. Moreover, some organic solvents showed a good extraction of the oxidation product. Finally, a high yield of 47.7 % of (S)-PED was obtained by the asymmetric resolution of racemic PED using K. gibsonii SC0312 in a biphasic system under the optimal conditions: racemic PED 120 mM, temperature 35 °C, reaction time 6 h, 180 rpm, and a volume ratio of dibutyl phthalate to aqueous phosphate buffer of 1:1. The optical purity of (S)-PED increased from 51.3 % to >99 %. This work described an efficient approach to improve reaction efficiency, and constructed a highly effective biphasic reaction system for the fabrication of (S)-PED via K. gibsonii SC0312.

Retrospective analysis on pesticide poisoning cases in Zhejiang Province / 预防医学

Objective To explore the regularity and characteristics of pesticide poisoning in Zhejiang Province and to provide scientific basis for pesticide poisoning prevention. Methods The cases of pesticide poisoning in Zhejiang Province from 2007 to 2016 were collected through the occupational diseases and occupational health information monitoring system. The district, types of pesticides, time, gender and age of poisoning were analyzed. Results There were 46 671 cases of pesticide poisoning in Zhejiang Province from 2007 to 2016, 14.91% of which were productive exposure poisoning, while 85.09% were non-productive exposure poisoning. There were 2 735 death cases, so the fatality rate was 5.86%. There was no obvious change trend in the mortality rate of productive poisoning(P>0.05), which was 0.88%. The mortality rate of non-productive poisoning was much higher, which was 6.73%(P<0.05), with a decreasing trend in this decade(P<0.05). The pesticide poisoning occurred more from July to September than other months, with a total number of 16 806 cases, which was 36.01% of the 46 671 cases. Hangzhou, Taizhou and Huzhou reported the largest number of cases. The number of organophosphorus pesticide poisoning cases was the highest, accounting for 56.89% of the total poisoning cases. The highest incidence of poisoning was among 35-64 years old ones 51.44% of the cases). The number of death cases in groups older than 75 years was the largest, accounting for 11.44% of the total number of deaths. The cases of suicide poisoning accounted for 77.07% of non-productive pesticides poisoning, and the fatality rate was 8.11%. The mortality rate increased with age(P<0.05). The mortality rate of suicide poisoning in male patients was 9.82%, which was higher than that of female(6.59%)(P<0.05). Conclusion The pesticide poisoning in Zhejiang Province is mainly caused by non-productive self-service poisoning. The mortality rate of pesticide poisoning in the elderly population is high.

Application of two health risk assessment models in the occupational health risk assessment of chemicals in different industries / 预防医学

Objective To explore the applicability of Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment mode and Romania risk assessment model in occupational health risk assessment. Methods We employed two risk assessment models to evaluate the risk of key positions in papermaking factories, electroplating factories, and chemical factories. Then we compared the results with occupational exposure limits, classification of occupational hazards and literature reports. Results The results of Singapore model showed that the total risk ratio was 0.40 ±0.16. The risk levels of papermaking factories, electroplating factories, and chemical factories were low-medium, negligible-low and low-very high, respectively. The risk ratio of three industries were 0.42±0.04, 0.31±0.10 and 0.62±0.15. The results of Romania model showed that the total risk ratio was 0.43 ±0.11. The risk levels of papermaking factories, electroplating factories, and chemical factories were respectively low-high, minimal-low and low-very high. The risk ratio of three industries was 0.46±0.13, 0.38±0.08 and 0.52±0.11, respectively. The risk levels of electroplating factories were higher than papermaking factories and chemical factories (P<0.05) . There was no significant difference between risk levels of papermaking factories and chemical factories (P>0.05) . There was significant difference between the occupational health risk levels assessed by the two models (P >0.05) . Conclusion These findings suggest that Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model and Romania risk assessment model both can be applied for the occupational health risk assessment of different workplaces, such as papermaking factories,electroplating factories, and chemical factories. The risk assessment results of the two methods are basically identical.

An analysis on the direct economic loss and its influencing factors of pneumoconiosis in Zhejiang province / 预防医学

Objective To explore the characteristics and their influencing factors of economic burden for pneumoconiosis disease,and to provide a baseline to develop the prevention measures and to reduce the economic burden of pneumoconiosis. Methods The retrospective epidemiological method was used to investigate the general information of pneumoconiosis cases,frequency of outpatient and hospitalization per year,medical expenditure. Direct economic loss and its influencing factors of pneumoconiosis patients were analyzed. Results A total of 421 pneumoconiosis cases were investigated. All subjects were male,including 306 inpatients. The average medical expenditures of outpatient and inpatient were 594. 53 ± 336. 23 and 32 266. 06 ± 28 130. 67 Yuan,respectively. The annual average expenditures of outpatient and inpatient were 2 907. 25 and 48 721. 75 Yuan,respectively. In terms of health care costs,the highest proportion of western medicine was 44. 08% ,followed by traditional Chinese medicine(12. 62% ). With an increase in pneumoconiosis stage,the annual frequency of outpatient and hospitalization,as well as total expenditure increased accordingly. The average annual cost of pneumoconiosis inpatient with complications and non - complication inpatient were 55 822. 20 and 23 532. 21 Yuan,respectively. The annual average cost of outpatient with complications and without complications were 4 236. 41 and 882. 31 Yuan, respectively. The expenditures for pneumoconiosis disease with complications among outpatient and inpatient were significantly higher than those of pneumoconiosis patients without complications(P < 0. 05). Conclusion Direct economic loss of pneumoconiosis disease is relatively high. The disease stage and complications of pneumoconiosis are the main factors influencing the direct economic loss of pneumoconiosis.

Review of the regulations for clinical research in herbal medicines in USA.

In 2012, USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 39 new drugs, however, there are only two botanical drugs (one topical and one oral) approved by FDA since the publication of the FDA's industry guidelines for the botanical drug product in June 2004. The approval shows the Western guideline can be used for herbal medicines, authors investigate current regulation on herbal medicine clinical research, identify challenges conducting clinical trials, and seek to produce some guidance for potential investigators and sponsors considering a clinical trial in this area. Key words were formulated for searching on Medline and FDA website to locate relevant regulations for clinical research in herbal medicines to understand current environment for herbal medicine usage and examine the barriers affecting herbal medicine in clinical trials. Authors critically explore case study of the 1st FDA approved botanical drugs, Veregen (sinecatechins), green tea leaves extract, a topical cream for perianal and genital condyloma. In consideration of current regulation environment in USA, based on the findings and analysis through the literature review and Veregen case study, authors produce and propose a Checklist for New Drug Application of Herbal Medicines for potential investigators and sponsors considering in a herbal medicine clinical trial.

A study on engineering protection measures and risk assessment of an oil terminal project / 预防医学

Objective To analyze and evaluate the occupational hazards,engineering protection measures and risk levels in an oil terminal project.Methods Engineering analysis,occupational health survey,inspecting -testing and semi -qualitative semi-quantitative evaluation method (MES method)were used to analyze the production process,the type of occupational hazards,characteristics and concentrated/strong degrees and engineering protection measures of the project. Also,the occupational health risk and the effect of engineering protection were assessed.Results The main occupational hazards of this project were dust,solvent naphtha,benzene,toluene,xylene,hexane,non -methane hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide,carbon dioxide,manganese and its inorganic compounds,hydrochloric acid,hydrogen sulfide,noise, high temperature,power frequency electric field,welding electric arc and so on.Approximately,16.67%of noise samples and 66.67% of high temperature samples exceeded the Chinese National Occupational Health Standards.Except for noise of the fuel pump shed and high temperature of 100000 tons pier and fuel tank,the occupational hazards of other jobs were in line with the national occupational health standards.In normal conditions,the occupational risk levels of all positions were 5 (slightly hazardous),while in special conditions,the occupational risk level of repair welders was 5 (slightly hazardous),of pier operators and tank farm operators were 1 (extremely dangerous),of sewage treatment workers,boiler room operators and electricians were 3 (significant risk ).Conclusion This project can take effective engineering protective measures to control occupational hazards and risk management of special conditions need to be strengthened.

A Study on Application of Inhalation Risk Assessment Model of USEPA in Occupational Health Risk Assessment / 预防医学

Objective To evaluate the applicability of inhalation risk assessment model provided by US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA ) in occupational health risk assessment in paper -making,chemical and electroplating industries.Methods A total of 1 1 factories in paper-making,chemical and electroplating industries were investigated. The risk assessment model of USEPA was used to assess occupational health risk levels,including cancer and non-cancer risks.These results were compared with occupational exposure limits,classification of occupational hazards and related literatures.Results The hazard quotient (HQ)of nasal lesions of the olfactory mucosa caused by hydrogen sulfide in paper-making industry was 36.3.The HQs of hyperplasia of nasal mucosa larynx and trachea caused by hydrogen chloride and cerebellar lesions caused by methyl chloride in organosilicon synthesis factory were 8.2 and 1.4 respectively.The HQs of decreased pulmonary function or increased severity of rhinitis and pneumonia caused by ammonia in pesticide factory were 1.2 and 1 .5 respectively.The HQ of impaired motor coordination caused by xylenes in chemical solvent factory was 2.4. The HQs of hyperplasia of nasal mucosa larynx and trachea caused by hydrogen chloride and nasal septum atrophy caused by hexavalent chromium in electroplating industry were 2.3-75.3 and 1 92.5 -25 675 respectively .The risk levels of paper-making,chemical and electroplating industries were all identified as high on the basis of evidence showing that HQs were all higher than 1 .The risk of lung cancer caused by hexavalent chromium in electroplating industry was 0.001 -0.1 647.The results of risk assessment were consistent with the reported literature.Conclusion Inhalation risk assessment model provided by USEPA can be used to assess the occupational health risks of paper -making, chemical and electroplating industries and have better identification ability.

[Impact of microbial aggregating agents on soil aggregate stability under addition of exogenous nutrients].

In this study, we investigated the effects of biological aggregating agents (fungal hyphae and microbial extracellular polysaccharides) soil aggregate (with different sizes) stability under addition of exogenous nutrients. The exogenous nutrients included glucose and ammonium nitrate. Experiments were conducted in a 30 d incubation period with three treatments: (1) the control (0.5 mg x g(-1) soil); (2) CN5 (0.5 mg x g(-1) soil, 0.1 mg x g(-1) soil, C/N = 5); (3) CN10 (0.5 mg x g(-1) soil, 0.05 mg x g(-1) soil, C/N = 10). Results showed that soil respiration rates were not significantly different among the three treatments, with maximums being about 3.10 mg x (h x kg)(-1), indicating that the impact of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer was not obvious in a short term. Aside from 5 d, macroaggregates amount of CK (15.67%) was observably lower than those of CN5 (25.32%) and CN10 (24.63%), there were no remarkable discrepancies among 3 treatments in other incubation period. The insignificant difference in the aggregate amounts among the three treatments suggested that the influence of glucose on microbial activities surpassed the inorganic nitrogen fertilizer in shortterm in the study.

Polymorphism of XRCC1 and chromosome damage in workers occupationally exposed to benzene / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between the polymorphisms of DNA repair gene (XRCC1 194, 280 and 399) and the chromosomal damage induced by benzene.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The chromosomal damage of the peripheral lymphocytes in 459 workers occupationally exposed to benzene and 88 non-exposed controls were detected with cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. PCR-RFLP technique was used to measure polymorphisms in XRCC1 194, 280 and 399.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>It was found that the MN frequency (2.12‰ ± 1.88‰) of the exposed group was significantly higher than that (1.19‰ ± 1.68‰) of the control group (P < 0.05), in the exposed group, the MN frequency (3.00‰ ± 2.76‰) of older workers (> 35 years) was significantly higher than that (2.02‰ ± 1.71‰) of younger workers (≤ 35 years) (P < 0.05). The effect of genetic polymorphisms of XRCC1 on CBMN was not found. The haplotypes AAA/BAA, AAB/AAB, ABA/ABA, ABB/ABB could associated with the increased frequencies of total micronucleus (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Benzene exposure could result in chromosome damage. Age of workers and diplotypes of XRCC1 could associated with chromosomal damage induced by benzene.</p>

Expressions of MMP-2 and COX-2 mRNA in bladder transitional cell carcinoma and their correlation / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the levels of MMP-2 and COX-2 mRNA in bladder transitional cell carcinoma tissues and explore their relationship.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We enrolled in this study 42 patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma, including Ta-T1 (n = 18), T2-T4 (n = 24), G1 (n = 12), G2 (n = 19), G3 (n = 11), metastasis (n =26) and non-metastasis (n = 16). Another 5 cases of normal bladder tissues were taken as controls, and the levels of MMP-2 and COX-2 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The relative expressions of COX-2 mRNA were 1.038 +/- 0. 484 in Ta-T1, 1.489 +/- 0.584 in T2-T4, 0.920 +/- 0.442 in G1, 1.338 +/- 0.584 in G2 and 1.632 +/- 0.515 in G3, all significantly higher than that of the controls (0.460 +/- 0.224, P < 0.05). And the corresponding relative levels of MMP-2 mRNA were 1.107 +/- 0.384, 1.604 +/- 0.425, 0.971 +/- 0.370, 1.445 +/- 0.378 and 1.755 +/- 0.387, also significantly higher than that of the latter group (0.423 +/- 0.227, P < 0.05). The COX-2 and MMP-2 mRNA levels in the tumor tissues with and without metastasis were 1.591 +/- 0.455 vs 0.815 +/- 0.430 and 1.676 +/- 0.339 vs 0.927 +/- 0.228, (P < 0.01), respectively, with a positive correlation between the mRNA level of COX-2 and that of MMP-2 (r = 0. 703, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MMP-2 and COX-2 mRNA are highly expressed in bladder transitional cell carcinoma tissues and their expressions are positively correlated with the degree of malignancy. MMP-2 and COX-2 might play a synergetic role in the pathogenesis and progression of bladder transitional cell carcinoma.</p>

Immunogenetic analysis of human leukocyte antigen DRB1, DQB1 locus among Han ethnic children with Helicobacter pylori infection in Kunming / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the immunogenetic features of human leukocyte antigen DRB1, DQB1 locus and children with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Han ethnic population in Kunming and its association with digestive diseases and H. pylori to better understand the immunogenetic features of the H. pylori infection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) method was used to study the HLA-DRB1, DQB1 allelic frequency distribution on 35 children with H. pylori infection and 37 healthy controls in Han ethnic population in Kunming.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Allelic frequencies of HLA-DRB1 * 0901, DQB1 * 03032 in the H. pylori infection group were lower than those of the healthy control group (7.14% vs. 31.08%, chi(2) = 13.16, Pc < 0.012; 5.71% vs. 25.68%, chi(2) = 10.68, Pc = 0.007) but the rest alleles' frequencies did not show significant differences.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These result suggested that HLA-DRB1 * 0901, DQB1 * 03032 might protect the H. pylori infection in Han ethnic population in Kunming.</p>

Possible association between HLA-HRB1 and DQB1 genes frequency and susceptibility or resistance to Helicobacter pylori infection in Kunming Yi ethnic group children / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study if there is any association between frequency of HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 genes and susceptibility or resistance to Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection among children of Yi ethnic group in Kunming for understanding the immunogenetic features of the digestive diseases associated with Hp infection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Peripherial blood samples were collected from 156 children of Yi ethnic group in a primary school in Kunming city by cluster sampling and the blood Hp-IgG tests (ELISA) were performed. The samples were divided into two groups (Hp-IgG-positive group and Hp-IgG-negative group) according to the blood Hp-IgG test results. There were 61 children in Hp-IgG-positive group and 95 children in Hp-IgG-negative group. Forty children who were chosen from each group by simple random sampling underwent (13)carbon-urea breath test ((13)C-UBT). Thirty-three children who were Hp-IgG-positive and (13)C-UBT-positive were defined as currently Hp- infected group; 39 children who were Hp-IgG-negative and (13)C-UBT-negative were defined as Hp-non-infected group. DNA specimens were extracted from the lymphocytes of their peripheral blood samples. HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 DNA typing was performed by using polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP). HLA-DRB1, DQB1 allelic frequency distribution among currently Hp infected and non-infected children was compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HLA-DRB1 * 12 gene frequency among children in Hp non-infected group was higher than that in the currently Hp-infected group (42.31% vs. 14.52%, P < 0.001, Pc < 0.012); however, HLA-DRB1 * 11 gene frequency in the Hp-non-infected group was lower than that in the currently Hp-infected group (3.85% vs. 12.9%, P < 0.05, Pc > 0.05). HLA-DQB1 * 0301 gene frequency in the Hp non-infected group was higher than that in the currently Hp-infected group (55.13% vs. 32.26%, P < 0.007, Pc < 0.05); however, HLA-DQB1 * 04 gene frequency in the Hp non-infected group was lower than that in currently Hp infected group (2.56% vs. 11.29%, P < 0.05, Pc > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HLA-DRB1 * 12 and HLA-DQB1 * 0301 gene may be associated with protection against Hp infection in Kunming Yi ethnic group children. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to clarify if HLA-DRB1 * 11 and HLA-DQB1 * 04 are associated with susceptible gene to Hp infection.</p>

Analysis on molecular characteristic of VP7 and NSP4 / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the molecular characteristics and molecular variation of human rotavirus (HRV) strains and to understand the relationship between clinical characteristics and epidemiology of different HRV-VP7 and NSP4.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Double-strand RNA of rotavirus extracted from stool samples was used as the template for reverse transcription of gene VP7, which was followed by nested PCR for VP7 typing. NSP4 genes from 22 epidemic strains of human rotavirus isolated in Kunming in 2002 and 2003 were amplified with RT-PCR. Then cDNAs were sequenced and compared with 4 human rotavirus NSP4 (Wa, KUN, AU-1, Hochi)) and 3 animal rotavirus NSP4 (EW, OSU, SA11) available in the GenBank while the epidemic strains of human rotavirus isolated in different areas of China were compared, using the Clustal-mp, DNAssist, MEGA2 software. The G serotype of VP7 was analysed by PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serotype G1 was prevalent in 2002 while serotype G3 was the prevalent in Kumming in 2003. The NSP4 genes from 22 epidemic strains of human rotavirus isolated in Kunming in 2002 and 2003 belonged to Wa with highly conservative amino acid. Samples isolated in the same years but not in the same area shared higher homology. Symptoms associated with heavy diarrhea did not seem to be associated with NSP4 molecular variation (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Obvious variations of VP7 typing were seen in the same season, as well as in different areas and years. Due to the stable nature of NSP4, it seem to be a better candidate for vaccine production, than VP7.</p>