[Early history of medicine and health career in Harbin]

Harbin, located in the northeast of China, was still an agricultural region dominated by traditional natural economy in the late 19th century. Harbin became the"Eurasia land bridge"and the transportation junction of the northeast railway network, along with the building of Mid-east railway in 1898, which sped up the development of the city. With the influx of foreign workers and capital, in the 1930s, Harbin has become a city with 19 countries' consulates and nearly 100, 000 people from more than 20 foreign countries. In this international multicultural city, the rapid introduction and spread of western medicine showed the great effect for the development of medicine and health career, ranking the top in China.

Building Virtual Watersheds: A Global Opportunity to Strengthen Resource Management and Conservation

Modern land-use planning and conservation strategies at landscape to country scales worldwide require complete and accurate digital representations of river networks, encompassing all channels including the smallest headwaters. The digital river networks, integrated with widely available digital elevation models, also need to have analytical capabilities to support resource management and conservation, including attributing river segments with key stream and watershed data, characterizing topography to identify landforms, discretizing land uses at scales necessary to identify human-environment interactions, and connecting channels downstream and upstream, and to terrestrial environments. We investigate the completeness and analytical capabilities of national to regional scale digital river networks that are available in five countries: Canada, China, Russia, Spain, and United States using actual resource management and conservation projects involving 12 university, agency, and NGO organizations. In addition, we review one pan-European and one global digital river network. Based on our analysis, we conclude that the majority of the regional, national, and global scale digital river networks in our sample lack in network completeness, analytical capabilities or both. To address this limitation, we outline a general framework to build as complete as possible digital river networks and to integrate them with available digital elevation models to create robust analytical capabilities (e.g., virtual watersheds). We believe this presents a global opportunity for in-country agencies, or international players, to support creation of virtual watersheds to increase environmental problem solving, broaden access to the watershed sciences, and strengthen resource management and conservation in countries worldwide.

Post-translational modification of cortical GluA receptors in rodents following spinal cord lesion

Previous studies investigating the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain caused by injury to the spinal cord suggest that pain may result, at least in part, from maladaptive plasticity in the somatosensory cortex and associated pain networks. However, little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to maladaptive plasticity in the cortex and how they contribute to the development of neuropathic pain. AMPA-type glutamate receptors (GluARs) mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the mammalian brain and play an important role in pain processing. Here we used an electrolytic lesion model of spinal cord injury in animals to study the expression and phosphorylation of GluA1 and 2 in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Experiments in rats and mice revealed that maladaptive plasticity and hypersensitivity after spinal cord lesion (SCL) are associated with a reduction in the fraction of GluA1 subunits that are phosphorylated at serine 831 (S831) in the hindlimb representation of S1 (S1HL). Manipulations that reduce the fraction of phosphorylated S831 in S1HL of non-lesioned animals, including low-frequency electrical stimulation and viral-mediated gene transfer of mutant S831, were associated with the development of hypersensitivity. Taken together, these findings suggest that phosphorylation of GluA1 at S831 plays an important role in the development of hypersensitivity after SCL.

Molecular identification of the traditional herbal medicines, Arisaematis Rhizoma and Pinelliae Tuber, and common adulterants via universal DNA barcode sequences

Methods to identify Pinelliae Tuber and Arisaematis Rhizoma are required because of frequent reciprocal substitution between these two herbal medicines and the existence of several closely related plant materials. As a result of the morphological similarity of dried tubers, correct discrimination of authentic herbal medicines is difficult by conventional methods. Therefore, we analyzed DNA barcode sequences to identify each herbal medicine and the common adulterants at a species level. To verify the identity of these herbal medicines, we collected five authentic species (Pinellia ternata for Pinelliae Tuber, and Arisaema amurense, A. amurense var. serratum, A. erubescens, and A. heterophyllum for Arisaematis Rhizoma) and six common adulterant plant species. Maturase K (matK) and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) genes were then amplified using universal primers. In comparative analyses of two DNA barcode sequences, we obtained 45 species-specific nucleotides sufficient to identify each species (except A. erubescens with matK) and 28 marker nucleotides for each species (except P. pedatisecta with rbcL). Sequence differences at corresponding positions of the two combined DNA barcodes provided genetic marker nucleotides that could be used to identify specimens of the correct species among the analyzed medicinal plants. Furthermore, we generated a phylogenetic tree showing nine distinct groups depending on the species. These results can be used to authenticate Pinelliae Tuber and Arisaematis Rhizoma from their adulterants and to identify each species. Thus, comparative analyses of plant DNA barcode sequences identified useful genetic markers for the authentication of Pinelliae Tuber and Arisaematis Rhizoma from several adulterant herbal materials.

Population genetic structure and migration patterns of Liriomyza sativae in China: moderate subdivision and no Bridgehead effect revealed by microsatellites

While Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae), an important invasive pest of ornamentals and vegetables has been found in China for the past two decades, few studies have focused on its genetics or route of invasive. In this study, we collected 288 L. sativae individuals across 12 provinces to explore its population genetic structure and migration patterns in China using seven microsatellites. We found relatively low levels of genetic diversity but moderate population genetic structure (0.05 < F ST < 0.15) in L. sativae from China. All populations deviated significantly from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium due to heterozygote deficiency. Molecular variance analysis revealed that more than 89% of variation was among samples within populations. A UPGMA dendrogram revealed that SH and GXNN populations formed one cluster separate from the other populations, which is in accordance with STRUCTURE and GENELAND analyses. A Mantel test indicated that genetic distance was not correlated to geographic distance (r = -0.0814, P = 0.7610), coupled with high levels of gene flow (M = 40.1-817.7), suggesting a possible anthropogenic influence on the spread of L. sativae in China and on the effect of hosts. The trend of asymmetrical gene flow was from southern to northern populations in general and did not exhibit a Bridgehead effect during the course of invasion, as can be seen by the low genetic diversity of southern populations.

Mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanospheres with a high specific surface area as electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors

Ternary nickel cobaltite has attracted more and more attention as a promising electrode material for high performance supercapacitors (SCs) due to its high theoretical capacity, unique crystal structure and excellent electronic conductivity.

Epidemiological transition and distribution of stroke incidence in Tianjin, China, 1988-2010

OBJECTIVES

To examine the trends in epidemiological transition of stroke over the last two decades in Tianjin, and investigate the subtypes of stroke.

STUDY DESIGN

A population-based epidemiological study using data from the Stroke Incidence Surveillance System of the Tianjin Centres for Disease Control and Prevention from 1988 to 2010.

METHODS

Almost 500,000 cases were analysed to examine changes in the incidence of stroke between 1988 and 2010 by age, sex, subtype, year and urban/rural status.

RESULTS

The incidence of stroke amongst males increased from 136.8/100,000 in 1988 to 387.0/100,000 in 2010, and the incidence amongst females increased from 65.9/100,000 in 1988 to 249.7/100,000 in 2010. Over the study period, the proportion of haemorrhagic strokes decreased and the proportion of ischaemic strokes increased sharply in both men and woman; the differences were significant.

CONCLUSION

The distribution of stroke subtypes changed dramatically over the study period. Changes in trend and subtypes of stroke have raised new challenges and there is a need for adjustment for stroke prevention in Tianjin.

Clinical analysis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with liver metastasis, compared with primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to study the clinicopathologic features, grading, treatment protocols, and prognostic of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) with liver metastasis and primary hepatic NET.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical data of 34 patients with hepatic NET were retrospectively reviewed. According to the primary tumor location and 2010 World Health Organization classification, the cases were categorized to analyze the clinicopathologic features, treatment condition, and prognostic factors.

RESULTS

There was a marked male predominance either in gastroenteropancreatic NET liver metastasis group or primary group. Primary hepatic NET is mostly single nodule located in the right lobe of liver, and the metastatic hepatic NET is mostly from pancreas with multiple nodules and metastasizes to both lobes of the liver, with a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. There are 17 cases (50%) of NET and 17 cases (50%) of neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) in all the 34 patients of this study. The mitotic figure and Ki-67 proliferation index are both higher in NEC group than in NET group, which indicated highly malignancy of the NEC. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates for primary group and metastatic group were 30% and 40%, respectively (P > 0.05), while the 5-year survival rates were 35% and 66%, respectively (P > 0.05). Different tumor grade was found closely associated with 5-year DFS (P < 0.05) and overall survival (OS) (P < 0.05) in both groups. Furthermore, we found 5-year DFS of patients with primary site of the tumor located in the gastrointestinal tract was much lower than that located in pancreas (P < 0.05), while the 5-year OS showed no significant differences between two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery is an effective method for the treatment of hepatic NET; tumor grading is an important determinant factor of prognosis.

Efficient enrichment of glycopeptides using metal-organic frameworks by hydrophilic interaction chromatography

Selective enrichment of glycopeptides from complicated biological samples is critical for glycoproteomics to obtain the structure and glycosylation information of glycoproteins using mass spectrometry (MS), which still remains a great challenge. Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC)-based strategies have been proposed for selective isolation of glycopeptides via the interactions between the glycan of glycopeptides and the matrices. However, the application of these methods is limited by the medium selectivity of HILIC matrices. In this study, hydrophilic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were fabricated and used as a HILIC matrix. The cross-linked CD-MOFs (LCD-MOFs) were facilely prepared with γ-cyclodextrin as ligand and possessed nano-sized cubic structure, superior hydrophilicity, and bio-compatibility. The LCD-MOFs performance for the selective enrichment of glycopeptides from the complex biological samples were investigated with a digested mixture of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) that was used as standard samples. In the selectivity assessment, the non-glycopeptides causing ion suppression to the glycopeptides were effectively removed, the signal of glycopeptides were enhanced significantly by LCD-MOFs, and twenty glycopeptides were identified with 67 fmol of IgG digest. In addition, the resulting LCD-MOFs demonstrated the lower detection limit (3.3 fmol) with a satisfactory recovery yield (84-103%) for glycopeptide enrichment from a digest of IgG. Furthermore, a promising protocol was developed for the selective enrichment of glycopeptides from mouse liver, and 344 unique N-glycosylation sites that mapped to 290 different glycoproteins were identified in a single MS run. The results clearly demonstrated that when used in a HILIC matrix, LCD-MOFs have great potential for identifying and enriching low-abundant glycopeptides in complex biological samples.

Nitric oxide stimulates early egress of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites from Human foreskin fibroblast cells

BACKGROUND

Egress is a vital step in the life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii which attracts attentions of many groups. Previous studies have shown that exogenous nitric oxide (NO) stimulates the early egress of T. gondii from infected peritoneal macrophages, a kind of immune cells. However, because Toxoplasma forms cysts in brain and muscle tissues, the development of autonomous immunity in non-immune cells is vital for limiting parasite burden and cyst formation. Therefore, we attempted to investigate whether exogenous NO could induce the early egress of T. gondii from infected non-immune cells.

METHODS

T. gondii tachyzoites were cultured in human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells and were then treated with NO released by sodium nitroferricyanide (III) dihydrate (SNP). The egressed parasites were analysed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The results showed that NO induced the early egress of parasites from HFF cells before completing their intracellular life cycles. We also found that the occurrence of egress was dependent on intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) levels and the mobility of the parasite. Compared with freshly isolated tachyzoites, the developmental ability and virulence of egressed tachyzoites presented no difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our findings demonstrate a novel assay for the analysis of egress signalling mechanisms and an avenue of parasite clearance by hosts of T. gondii.

Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) Guideline for CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 Genotypes and Dosing of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are primary treatment options for major depressive and anxiety disorders. CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms can influence the metabolism of SSRIs, thereby affecting drug efficacy and safety. We summarize evidence from the published literature supporting these associations and provide dosing recommendations for fluvoxamine, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline based on CYP2D6 and/or CYP2C19 genotype (updates at www.pharmgkb.org).

Estradiol modulates visceral hyperalgesia by increasing thoracolumbar spinal GluN2B subunit activity in female rats

BACKGROUND

We previously reported estrogen modulates spinal N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor processing of colorectal pain through changes in spinal GluN1 subunit phosphorylation/expression. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether spinal GluN2B containing NMDA receptors are involved in estrogen modulation of visceral pain processing.

METHODS

Behavioral, molecular, and immunocytochemical techniques were used to determine spinal GluN2B expression/phosphorylation and function 48 h following subcutaneous injection of estradiol (E2) or vehicle (safflower oil, Saff oil) in ovariectomized rats in the absence or presence of colonic inflammation induced by mustard oil.

KEY RESULTS

E2 increased the magnitude of the visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distention compared to Saff oil in non-inflamed rats. Intrathecal injection of the GluN2B subunit antagonist, Ro 25-6981, had no effect on the VMR in non-inflamed E2 or Saff oil rats. Colonic inflammation induced visceral hyperalgesia in E2, but not Saff oil rats. Visceral hyperalgesia in E2 rats was blocked by intrathecal GluN2B subunit selective antagonists. In inflamed rats, E2 increased GluN2B protein and gene expression in the thoracolumbar (TL), but not lumbosacral (LS), dorsal spinal cord. Immunocytochemical labeling showed a significant increase in GluN2B subunit in the superficial dorsal horn of E2 rats compared to Saff oil rats.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

These data support the hypothesis that estrogen increases spinal processing of colonic inflammation-induced visceral hyperalgesia by increasing NMDA receptor activity. Specifically, an increase in the activity of GluN2B containing NMDA receptors in the TL spinal cord by estrogen underlies visceral hypersensitivity in the presence of colonic inflammation.

Effects of intravenous analgesia with combined dezocine and butorphanol on postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients

The aim of this study was to observe the analgesic effects of the combination of dezocine and butorphanol on postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients. Forty elderly patients undergoing upper abdominal surgeries or thoracotomies with general anesthesia were randomly divided into the dezocine and butorphanol group or the butorphanol group (20 patients per group). A visual analog scale was used to evaluate analgesia and the degree of malignant vomiting. The Ramsay scoring method was used to evaluate sedation. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to evaluate cognitive function. Forty-eight hours after the operation, the pain score of the dezocine and butorphanol group (means ± SD, 1.75 ± 0.44) was lower than that of the butorphanol group (2.25 ± 0.79; P < 0.05), and the nausea and vomiting score of the dezocine and butorphanol group (0) was lower than that of the butorphanol group (0.70 ± 1.30; P < 0.05). Six hours after the operation, the sedative score of the butorphanol group (3.75 ± 0.79) was higher than that of the dezocine and butorphanol group (2.15 ± 0.75; P < 0.05). Compared to 1 day before the operation, the MMSE scores of both groups decreased 6 h after the operation, and the MMSE score of the butorphanol group (15.00 ± 2.00) was lower than that of the dezocine and butorphanol group (20.95 ± 1.54; P < 0.05). Dezocine and butorphanol analgesia had transient effects on postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients, and the effect of the combination was superior than butorphanol only.

Preliminary characterization and expression of Vasa-like gene in Schistosoma japonicum

The Vasa gene is a vital germline marker to study the origin and development of germ cells and gonads in many organisms. Until now, little information was available about the characteristics of the Vasa gene in Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum). In this study, we cloned the open reading frame (ORF) of the S. japonicum Vasa-like gene (Sj-Vasa). The expression pattern and tissue localization of Sj-Vasa were also analyzed. Our results showed that Sj-Vasa shared the general feature of DEAD-box family member proteins. Sj-Vasa was transcribed and expressed throughout the S. japonicum life cycle with transcription exhibiting high levels at day 24 in both male and female worms, and the expression level in the female was always higher than that in the male. Sj-Vasa protein was localized in a variety of tissues of adult schistosomes, including the gonads (ovary, vitellarium, and testes), the subtegument, and some cells of the parenchyma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of preliminary characterization and expression of the Vasa-like gene that may play an important role in the development of the worm, especially in reproductive organs of S. japonicum.

The International SSRI Pharmacogenomics Consortium (ISPC): a genome-wide association study of antidepressant treatment response

Response to treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) varies considerably between patients. The International SSRI Pharmacogenomics Consortium (ISPC) was formed with the primary goal of identifying genetic variation that may contribute to response to SSRI treatment of major depressive disorder. A genome-wide association study of 4-week treatment outcomes, measured using the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17), was performed using data from 865 subjects from seven sites. The primary outcomes were percent change in HRSD-17 score and response, defined as at least 50% reduction in HRSD-17. Data from two prior studies, the Pharmacogenomics Research Network Antidepressant Medication Pharmacogenomics Study (PGRN-AMPS) and the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study, were used for replication, and a meta-analysis of the three studies was performed (N=2394). Although many top association signals in the ISPC analysis map to interesting candidate genes, none were significant at the genome-wide level and the associations were not replicated using PGRN-AMPS and STAR*D data. The top association result in the meta-analysis of response represents SNPs 5′ upstream of the neuregulin-1 gene, NRG1 (P = 1.20E - 06). NRG1 is involved in many aspects of brain development, including neuronal maturation and variations in this gene have been shown to be associated with increased risk for mental disorders, particularly schizophrenia. Replication and functional studies of these findings are warranted.

Effect of Tanshinone IIA intrathecal injections on pain and spinal inflammation in mice with bone tumors

The study aimed to investigate the effect of intrathecal injections of Tanshinone IIA on thermal hyperalgesia in a mouse model of bone cancer-pain. Spinal IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α expression levels were analyzed. C3H/HeNCrlVr male mice were assigned to groups that either received dose-dependent injections of Tanshinone IIA, or the DMSO + Sham, Tanshinone IIA + Sham, DMSO + Tumor, and Control groups. Paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) was measured with a radiant heat stimulus and mRNA expression levels were determined using real-time PCR. Fourteen days post-injection, PWTL in the DMSO + Tumor group was lower than that in the controls (P < 0.05). Twenty-one days post-injection, compared with the Control group, there was no significant difference in PWTL and IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α expression levels between the Tanshinone IIA + Sham and DMSO + Sham groups (P > 0.05). PWTL in the DMSO + Tumor group was significantly lower than the Control group (P < 0.05), while the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly higher than controls. Compared with the DMSO + Tumor group, PWTLs were higher in the Tanshinone IIA - 20-μg and 40-μg groups, while expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly lower (P < 0.05). These measures were not significantly different between the Tanshinone IIA 10 μg and the DMSO + Tumor groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, Tanshinone IIA may inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines, such as, IL-1 β, IL-6 α, TNF-α.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate vs adefovir dipivoxil in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B after 48 weeks: a randomized controlled trial

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) has demonstrated long-term efficacy and a high barrier to resistance in multiple chronic hepatitis B (CHB) populations outside of China. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TDF compared with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) in Chinese patients with CHB during 48 weeks of treatment (ClinicalTrial.gov number, NCT01300234). A Phase 3, multicentred, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of TDF with ADV in Chinese patients with CHB. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with HBV DNA <400 copies/mL in each treatment group at Week 48, using an unpooled Z-test for superiority. Secondary endpoints included viral suppression, serologic response, histological improvement, normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and the emergence of resistance mutations. A total of 509 patients, 202 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and 307 HBeAg-negative, with HBV DNA ≥10(5) copies/mL received either TDF 300 mg od or ADV 10 mg od. At Week 48, TDF demonstrated superior viral suppression compared with ADV in both HBeAg-positive (76.7% vs 18.2%, P < 0.0001) and HBeAg-negative (96.8% vs 71.2%, P < 0.0001) patients. The majority of patients in both treatment arms achieved ALT normalization (>85%). No resistance to TDF was observed. The frequency of adverse events was comparable between treatment arms (TDF 3.9% vs ADV 4.8%). In this double-blind, randomized, clinical trial, TDF demonstrated superiority over ADV with respect to viral suppression in Chinese patients with CHB at 48 weeks of treatment and without the development of resistance.