Haplotype diversity at fusarium head blight resistance QTLs in wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB) reduces grain yield and quality in common and durum wheat. Host FHB resistance is an effective control measure that is achieved by stacking multiple resistance genes into a wheat line. Therefore, breeders would benefit from knowing which resistance sources carry different resistance genes. A diverse collection of FHB-resistant and -susceptible wheat lines was characterized with microsatellite markers linked to FHB resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosomes 2DL, 3BS (distal to the centromere), 3BSc (proximal to the centromere), 4B, 5AS and 6BS identified in wheat lines Maringa, Sumai 3 and Wuhan 1. Putative Sumai 3 QTLs were commonly observed in advanced breeding lines, whereas putative Maringa and Wuhan 1 QTLs were relatively rare. Marker data suggested the 3BS, 3BSc and 5AS QTLs in the Brazilian cv. Maringa were derived from Asian germplasm and not from Frontana or other Brazilian lines. Haplotype diversity was reduced near the 5AS QTL, which might impact the deployment of this QTL. Finally, Brazilian germplasm was not closely related to other resistance sources and might be useful for pyramiding with Asian wheat-derived FHB resistance.

Effect of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide directed to NF-kappa B-RelA on Bcl-XL mRNA in extended drug resistance leukemia cell line HL-60/E6

To explore the effect of NF-kappa B on bcl-x gene transcription in extended drug resistance leukemia cell line HL-60/E6, drug-resistant subline HL-60/E6 was derived by intermittently exposing HL-60 cells to 6 ng/ml epirubicin. Indirect immunofluorescence was used to demonstrate the location of NF-kappa B-RelA in HL-60/E6 cells. FCM analysis and RT-PCR were used to detect the efficiency of liposome-mediated ODN transfection and the change of bcl-XL mRNA levels after 5 mumol/L phosphorothioate (PS)-derivatized antisense (AS) oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) directed to RelA was transferred into HL-60/E6 cells. The results showed that RelA remained persistently active and located at the nuclei of HL-60/E6 cells, but in the cytoplasm of HL-60 cells, the efficiency of liposome-mediated ODN transfection was significantly higher than that of null ODN (P < 0.01 in 4 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h). Exposure of HL-60/E6 cells to 5 mumol/L AS-PS-ODN directed to RelA led to a maximal 40% decline of bcl-XL mRNA levels within 8 h. The inhibition rate of bcl-XL mRNA was (15 +/- 1.79)%, (28 +/- 2.34)%, (40 +/- 3.47)%, (20 +/- 1.54)%, in 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, 15 h, respectively, but it was less than 15% in control group. It was concluded that NF-kappa B was involved in regulating bcl-x transcription. It was suggested that NF-kappa B was an important factor for drug resistance in leukemia cells.

Adrenoceptors, uncoupling proteins, and energy expenditure

Interest in the biology of adipose tissue has undergone a revival in recent years with the discovery of a host of genes that contribute to the regulation of satiety and metabolic rate. The catecholamines have long been known to be key modulators of adipose tissue lipolysis and the hydrolysis of triglyceride energy stores. However, more recent efforts to understand the role of individual adrenergic receptor subtypes expressed in adipocytes and their signal transduction pathways have revealed a complexity not previously appreciated. Combined with this interest in the modulation of adipocyte metabolism is a renewed focus upon brown adipose tissue and the mechanisms of whole body thermogenesis in general. The discovery of novel homologs of the brown fat uncoupling protein (UCP) such as UCP2 and UCP3 has provoked intensive study of these mitochondrial proteins and the role that they play in fuel metabolism. The story of the novel UCPs has proven to be intriguing and still incompletely understood. Here, we review the status of adipose tissue from inert storage depot to endocrine organ, interesting signal transduction pathways triggered by beta-adrenergic receptors in adipocytes, the potential of these receptors for discriminating and coordinated metabolic regulation, and current views on the role of UCP2 and UCP3 based on physiological studies and gene knockout models.

[The role of p21 (wafl/cip1) in human colorectal carcinoma cell apoptosis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of basal expression p21 and stress-stimulated p21 in preventing apoptosis of human colorectal carcinoma cells DLD1 after treatment of adriamycin, roentgenotherapy and gene therapy of p53.

METHODS

A human colorectal carcinoma cell line DLD1 whose p21 expression can be controlled by isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) was established. The morphology, DNA fragmentation and survival rates of two kinds of DLD1 cells expressing or not expressing p21 were observed after treatment with adriamycin, X-ray and transient transfection of p53. The cells in S stage were incubated with [3H] thymidine so as to examine the relationship between apoptosis and cell cycle.

RESULTS

(1) p21 may be one of the most important stress-stimulated proteins in the cells, which can be induced by the p53-dependent pathway and the p53-independent pathway as well. (2) Basal expression of p21 plays an important antiapoptosis role in carcinoma cells after stress-treatment. In contrast, stress-stimulated p21 plays a minor role in preventing apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Basal expression of p21 plays a more important antiapoptosis role than stress-stimulated p21 in carcinoma cells.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibition of weibel-palade body release in cardiac transplant rejection

BACKGROUND

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS, or NOS2) reduces the severity of accelerated graft arteriosclerosis (AGA) in transplanted organs, although the precise mechanism is unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We transplanted wild-type murine hearts into either wild-type or NOS2-null recipient mice; we then measured cardiac allograft survival and analyzed tissue sections by immunohistochemistry. We have confirmed that NOS2 increases cardiac allograft survival. We now show that there is less inflammation of cardiac allografts in wild-type hosts than in NOS2-null hosts. Furthermore, staining for von Willebrand factor reveals that the presence of NOS2 is correlated with the presence of Weibel-Palade bodies inside endothelial cells, whereas the absence of NOS2 is correlated with the release of Weibel-Palade bodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Weibel-Palade bodies contain mediators that promote thrombosis and inflammation. Therefore, nitric oxide (NO) may stabilize the vessel wall and prevent endothelial activation in part by inhibiting the release of the contents of Weibel-Palade bodies. Prevention of Weibel-Palade body release might be a mechanism by which NO protects the vessel wall from inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis or graft arteriosclerosis.

Three new glycosides from Sinopodophyllum emodi (Wall.) Ying

Tow new aryltetralin-type lignan glycosides: methyl epipodophyllate 7'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), 4-demethylepipodophyllotoxin 7'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), and a new phenyl ethanol glycoside: phenyl ethanol 4-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), along with three known compounds: junipetriolosides (4), 3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl ethanol (5), and 4-hydroxy-phenyl ethanol (6) were isolated and identified from the n-butanol extract of the roots and rhizomes of Sinopodophyllum emodi (Wall.) Ying. The structures of the above were established by means of spectral data and chemical methods.

Protection of photoreceptor cells in adult rats from light-induced degeneration by adaptation to bright cyclic light

Light history has been shown to affect the susceptibility of the albino rat retina to the damaging effects of constant light exposure. Retinas of animals raised in relatively bright cyclic light are protected against light-induced degeneration compared with dim-reared animals. These effects were observed in animals raised from birth in bright cyclic light and are part of an adaptive response that protects photoreceptors from stress-induced degeneration. To determine if retinas of adult animals are capable of such adaptive changes or flexibility by switching between different light environments which do not pathologically damage photoreceptor cells, albino rats were maintained in less than 250 lux cyclic light for more than 3 weeks. At 12-13 weeks of age, they were placed into 800 lux cyclic light for 1 week, after which they were exposed to constant illumination of 1500-lux for 1, 3 or 7 days. Retinal function was evaluated by electroretinography and photoreceptor cell death was quantified by measuring outer nuclear layer thickness. After 1 week in bright cyclic light, the retinas were completely protected against 1 day constant light exposure that significantly damaged retinas of animals without 800 lux cyclic light adaptation. Significant protection was also observed in 3 day constant light exposed animals; limited protection occurred after 7 days exposure. These results indicate that the retinas of adult rats adapted to bright cyclic light within certain ranges that did not significantly damage photoreceptor cells are protected from constant light challenge. This phenomenon is a post-developmental response that demonstrates a remarkable plasticity of the retina. The mechanism(s) underlying the ability of this adaptation/flexibility in protecting photoreceptors could involve endogenous molecules that encompass many aspects of retinal cell and molecular biology and physiology. Identification of these molecules may provide insight into the development of therapeutic approaches to treat retinal degeneration.

Utilization of potatoes for life support in space. V. Evaluation of cultivars in response to continuous light and high temperature

Twenty-four potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars from different regions of the world were evaluated in terms of their responses to continuous light (24 h photoperiod) and to high temperature (30 C) in two separate experiments under controlled environments. In each experiment, a first evaluation of the cultivars was made at day 35 after transplanting, at which time 12 cultivars exhibiting best growth and tuber initiation were selected. A final evaluation of the 12 cultivars was made after an additional 21 days of growth, at which time plant height, total dry weight, tuber dry weight, and tuber number were determined. In the continuous light evaluation, the 12 selected cultivars were Alaska 114, Atlantic, Bintje, Denali, Desiree, Haig, New York 81, Ottar, Rutt, Snogg, Snowchip, and Troll. In the high temperature evaluation, the 12 selected cultivars were Alpha, Atlantic, Bake King, Denali, Desiree, Haig, Kennebec, Norland, Russet Burbank, Rutt, Superior, and Troll. Among the cultivars selected under continuous irradiation, Desiree, Ottar, Haig, Rutt, Denali and Alaska showed the best potential for high productivity whereas New York 81 and Bintje showed the least production capability. Among the cultivars selected under high temperature, Rutt, Haig, Troll and Bake King had best performance whereas Atlantic, Alpha, Kennebec and Russet Burbank exhibited the least production potential. Thus, Haig and Rutt were the two cultivars that performed well under continuous irradiation and high temperature conditions, and could have maximum potential for adaptation to varying stress environments. These two cultivars may have the best potential for use in future space farming in which continuous light and/or high temperature conditions may exist. However, cultivar responses under combined conditions of continuous light and high temperature remains for further validation.

Increased distribution of collagen type III and reduced expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 in patients with diverticular disease

Diverticular disease is an increasingly common clinical problem especially in Western industrialized countries, but the mechanism by which the disease develops remains unclear. Based on studies showing a structural change in the colonic wall in these patients, we examined whether there are any disorders concerning the collagen metabolism in patients with diverticular disease. Samples of colonic tissue from 13 patients with diverticulitis were compared to 14 controls. We performed a Sirius red test for the overall collagen content and immunohistochemical studies facing differentiation between collagen type I and type III and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 13. In the bowel sections of patients with diverticulitis there were decreased levels of mature collagen type I (1.37+/- 0.32 vs. 1.59 +/- 0.31) and increased levels of collagen type III (1.61+/- 0.32 vs. 1.42 +/- 0.42), with a resulting lower collagen ratio I/III. The expression of MMP-I was reduced significantly in the diverticulitis group (4.83 +/- 0.92 vs. 6.02 +/- 1.98) while expression of MMP-13 did not differ significantly between the two groups (1.03 +/- 0.11 vs. 1.04 +/- 0.12). Our findings support the theory of structural changes in the colonic wall as one of the major pathogenic factors in the development of diverticular disease. Further studies must focus on the complex interactions of several extracellular matrix components.

Myosin light chain kinase- and PKC-dependent contraction of LES and esophageal smooth muscle

In smooth muscle cells enzymatically isolated from circular muscle of the esophagus (ESO) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES), ACh-induced contraction and myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation were similar. Contraction and phosphorylation induced by purified MLC kinase (MLCK) were significantly greater in LES than ESO. ACh-induced contraction and MLC phosphorylation were inhibited by calmodulin and MLCK inhibitors in LES and by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors in ESO. Contraction of LES and ESO induced by the PKC agonist 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (DG) was unaffected by MLCK inhibitors. Caldesmon and calponin concentration-dependently inhibited ACh-induced contraction of ESO and not LES. In ESO, caldesmon antagonist GS17C reversed caldesmon- but not calponin-induced ACh inhibition. GS17C caused contraction of permeabilized ESO but had much less effect on LES. GS17C-induced contraction was not affected by MLCK inhibitors, suggesting that MLCK may not regulate caldesmon-mediated contraction. DG-induced contraction of ESO and LES was inhibited by caldesmon and calponinin, suggesting that these proteins may regulate PKC-dependent contraction. We conclude that calmodulin and MLCK play a role in ACh-induced LES contraction, whereas the classical MLCK may not be the major kinase responsible for contraction and phosphorylation of MLC in ESO. ESO contraction is PKC dependent. Caldesmon and/or calponin may play a role in PKC-dependent contraction.

Multiple cleavage activities of endonuclease V from Thermotoga maritima: recognition and strand nicking mechanism

Endonuclease V is a deoxyinosine 3'-endonuclease which initiates removal of inosine from damaged DNA. A thermostable endonuclease V from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima has been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The DNA recognition and reaction mechanisms were probed with both double-stranded and single-stranded oligonucleotide substrates which contained inosine, abasic site (AP site), uracil, or mismatches. Gel mobility shift and kinetic analyses indicate that the enzyme remains bound to the cleaved inosine product. This slow product release may be required in vivo to ensure an orderly process of repairing deaminated DNA. When the enzyme is in excess, the primary nicked products experience a second nicking event on the complementary strand, leading to a double-stranded break. Cleavage at AP sites suggests that the enzyme may use a combination of base contacts and local distortion for recognition. The weak binding to uracil sites may preclude the enzyme from playing a significant role in repair of such sites, which may be occupied by uracil-specific DNA glycosylases. Analysis of cleavage patterns of all 12 natural mismatched base pairs suggests that purine bases are preferrentially cleaved, showing a general hierarchy of A = G > T > C. A model accounting for the recognition and strand nicking mechanism of endonuclease V is presented.

Improved ultrasonic spectroscopy methods for characterization of dispersive materials

Transmission ultrasonic spectroscopy method has been successfully implemented for the characterization of piezoceramics at high frequencies. There are, however, still some intrinsic error sources that limit the accuracy of the method. In this paper, two improved ultrasonic spectroscopy methods are presented, which can reduce the number of pre-required parameters and reduce another error source. The two improved methods were used to measure the frequency dispersion of phase velocity and attenuation of doped piezoceramic lead zirconate titanate (PZT-5A); results were compared with those obtained from the conventional method. The advantages and limitations of each method are discussed.

Protective effect of XY99-5038 on hydrogen peroxide induced cell death in cultured retinal neurons

XY99-5038 is a preparation from a specific formula provided by Dr. Yan Xin, a renowned Traditional Chinese Medicine specialist. This formulation has proven to be effective without side effects but has not been studied under rigorous laboratory conditions. In order to investigate the role of XY99-5038 in protecting neurons from degeneration, we used retinal neuronal culture as a model system to study the protective effects of XY99-5038 against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced cytotoxicity. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a potent neurotrophic factor, was employed as comparable agent. Retinas of 0-2 days old Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated, dissociated, and the neurons maintained for 2 weeks in a synthetic serum-free media. Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT (3,(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) and LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase) assays, whereas apoptotic cell death was evaluated by the TUNEL (TdT-mediated digoxigenin-dUTP nick-end labeling) assay. Treatment with H2O2 significantly induced death of retinal neurons. Pretreatment with XY99-5038 prior to insult greatly inhibited or attenuated H2O2 induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. These effects were shown to be dose-dependent. Our data also show that the protective effect of XY99-5038 is more potent than that of bFGF. Our data suggest that XY99-5038 could be a potential agent in the treatment of disorders associated with oxidative damage.

In vivo protection of photoreceptors from light damage by pigment epithelium-derived factor

PURPOSE

To determine whether pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) exhibits neurotrophic and neuroprotective activities in vivo for photoreceptor cells.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley albino rats were injected intravitreally with 2 microg PEDF or a mixture of 1 microg basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)/1 microg PEDF in a volume of 1 microl phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Animals were exposed to constant light for different periods at an illuminance level of 1200 to 1500 lux. The electroretinogram (ERG) waveforms of both eyes in the same animal were simultaneously recorded to evaluate functional protection. The morphologic protection was evaluated by quantitative histology.

RESULTS

Intravitreal injection of PEDF before exposure to constant light resulted in significant morphologic and functional protection of photoreceptor cells in the retina of light-damaged rats. This protection depended on the duration and severity of light damage. The protection was eliminated by extending the light exposure to 10 days. Injection of PEDF at 0, 1, and 2 days after constant light exposure did not provide significant protection above that seen in PBS-injected eyes. Combination of PEDF with bFGF improved functional protection of photoreceptor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The data demonstrate that PEDF protected photoreceptor cells against light damage. This is significant, because it may open new avenues for the study of molecular mechanisms underlying degenerative processes. This, in turn, may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of degenerative diseases of the retina.

[New progress of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic studies on a gold electrode in a nonaqueous system]

Based on a highly sensitive new generation confocal microprobe Raman system, the adsorption behavior of thiocyanate (SCN-) on a gold electrode in methanol solution was investigated by SERS for the first time. Preliminary results demonstrated that the interaction between SCN- and the electrode is so strong that its SERS signal can be detected in the whole research potential region (-0.1 V(-)-1.4 V). The orientation change may occur in the potential range -0.6 V-0.7 V. From -0.1 V to -0.6 V SCN- is adsorbed mainly through S end onto Au surface while in the potential range of -0.7 V to -1.2 V it is oriented mainly through N end. The potential dependence of the Raman frequency of nu CN resulted in two different values of electrochemical Stark effect, suggesting the existence of molecular orientation change.

beta-Adrenergic activation of p38 MAP kinase in adipocytes: cAMP induction of the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) gene requires p38 MAP kinase

Because of increasing evidence that G protein-coupled receptors activate multiple signaling pathways, it becomes important to determine the coordination of these pathways and their physiological significance. Here we show that the beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (beta(3)AR) stimulates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) via PKA in adipocytes and that cAMP-dependent transcription of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) promoter by beta(3)AR requires p38 MAPK. The selective beta(3)AR agonist CL316,243 (CL) stimulates phosphorylation of MAP kinase kinase 3/6 and p38 MAPK in a time- and dose-dependent manner in both white and brown adipocytes. Isoproterenol and forskolin mimicked the effect of CL on p38 MAPK. In all cases activation was blocked by the specific p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 (SB; 1-10 microm). The involvement of PKA in beta(3)AR-dependent p38 MAPK activation was confirmed by the ability of the PKA inhibitors H89 (20 microm) and (R(p))-cAMP-S (1 mm) to block phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Treatment of primary brown adipocytes with CL or forskolin induced the expression of UCP1 mRNA levels (6.8- +/- 0.8-fold), and this response was eliminated by PKA inhibitors and SB202190. A similar stimulation of a 3.7-kilobase UCP1 promoter by CL and forskolin was also completely inhibited by PKA inhibitors and SB202190, indicating that these effects on UCP1 expression are transcriptional. Moreover, the PKA-dependent transactivation of the UCP1 promoter, as well as its sensitivity to SB202190, was fully reproduced by a 220-nucleotide enhancer element from the UCP1 gene. We similarly observed that increased phosphorylation of ATF-2 by CL was sensitive to both H89 and SB202190, while phosphorylation of cAMP-response element-binding protein was inhibited only by H89. Together, these studies illustrate that p38 MAPK is an important downstream target of the beta-adrenergic/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in adipocytes, and one of the functional consequences of this cascade is stimulation of UCP1 gene expression in brown adipocytes.

Water penetration and binding to ferric myoglobin

Flash photolysis investigations of horse heart metmyoglobin bound with NO (Mb(3+)NO) reveal the kinetics of water entry and binding to the heme iron. Photodissociation of NO leaves the sample in the dehydrated Mb(3+) (5-coordinate) state. After NO photolysis and escape, a water molecule enters the heme pocket and binds to the heme iron, forming the 6-coordinate aquometMb state (Mb(3+)H2O). At longer times, NO displaces the H2O ligand to reestablish equilibrium. At 293 K, we determine a value k(w) approximately 5.7 x 10(6) s(-1) for the rate of H2O binding and estimate the H2O dissociation constant as 60 mM. The Arrhenius barrier height H(w) = 42 +/- 3 kJ/mol determined for H2O binding is identical to the barrier for CO escape after photolysis of Mb(2+)CO, within experimental uncertainty, consistent with a common mechanism for entry and exit of small molecules from the heme pocket. We propose that both processes are gated by displacement of His-64 from the heme pocket. We also observe that the bimolecular NO rebinding rate is enhanced by 3 orders of magnitude both for the H64L mutant, which does not bind water, and for the H64G mutant, where the bound water is no longer stabilized by hydrogen bonding with His-64. These results emphasize the importance of the hydrogen bond in stabilizing H2O binding and thus preventing NO scavenging by ferric heme proteins at physiological NO concentrations.

Development of normal and injury-induced gene expression of aFGF, bFGF, CNTF, BDNF, GFAP and IGF-I in the rat retina

Focal mechanical injury to the retina substantially increases basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) mRNA expression, accompanied by a transient increase in FGFR-1 mRNA, and this response is thought to protect photoreceptors near the injury site from inherited and light-induced retinal degenerations. We have now examined retinal gene expression of the principal survival factors involved in the response to injury in normal rats as a function of postnatal age both in normal and injured retinas. Sprague-Dawley rats were injured in one eye by needle incision through the retina at postnatal day (P) 10, 22, 35, 60, 90, 120 and 180. The other eye was uninjured and served as the control. Retinas were taken 1 day post-injury. Northern blot analysis was performed to determine the mRNA expression of the following factors and receptors: bFGF and acidic fibroblast growth factors (aFGF) and FGF receptor-1 (FGFR-1); CNTF and CNTF receptor alpha (CNTFR-alpha); brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor trk B; and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR); glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and opsin. In the uninjured control eyes, mRNA expression of most of the factors increased with postnatal age, with little expression at P10 and maximal expression levels reached at P22 (opsin), P35 (aFGF), P60 (BDNF) or P90 (bFGF, FGFR-1, CNTF and GFAP). In contrast, IGF-1 mRNA rapidly decreased from a high level of expression at P10 to about 55% of that level by P22, reaching a stable 45-50% of the P10 level at P35 and thereafter. The response to injury of bFGF, FGFR-1, CNTF and GFAP mRNAs increased with postnatal age. Unexpectedly, only minimal increases in bFGF, FGFR-1, CNTF and GFAP over those seen in the control eyes were observed before P35. Thereafter, the increase of bFGF mRNA after injury reached a maximum of three-fold at P60, maintained this level to P120, and slightly decreased to 2.5-fold by P180. Expression of FGFR-1 mRNA showed a maximum increase of 2.6-fold at P90. Expression of CNTF and GFAP mRNAs followed a time course similar to that of bFGF. Mechanical injury did not alter the mRNA levels of aFGF, BDNF, IGF-I, and receptors, CNTFR-alpha, trk B and IGF-IR. These data show that the response to injury is minimal at early postnatal ages but increases with age and peaks at P60-90 for most potential survival factors.

[Investigations on Human ehrlichia infectious people in Daxingan Mountains]

OBJECTIVE

In order to investigate the prevalence of Human ehrlichia infectious people in Daxingan Mountains.

METHODS

Using PCR detection, followed by sequence analysis to detect EC and Human granulocytic ehrlichia from people in Daxingan Mountains applying the 16S rRNA gene primers of the two agents.

RESULTS

Specific 16S rRNA gene sequences of EC and HGE agent were amplified from human blood specimens of tick-bitted patients and woodsmen. The detected HGE agent 16S rRNA gene (1 433 bp) amplified from a blood specimen of a tick-bitted patient differed in only one base compared with that of an American HGE agent strain.

CONCLUSION

It was considered that Human ehrlichia infectious people did exist in Daxingan Mountains.

[Cost-effectiveness analysis of hepatitis B vaccination in People's Liberation Army]

OBJECTIVE

To select an optimal vaccination approach and provide basis for decision-making on the control of hepatitis B infection in PLA.

METHODS

Decision trees were constructed. The yearly new infection rate in susceptible cohort, using a catalytic model, was estimated. Disability-adjusted life year (DALY) was used to assess the effectiveness. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) was then calculated.

RESULTS

Compared with no vaccination, DALY of immediate vaccination and vaccination after screening were 61.89 and 57.18 with CER 392.70 and 251.90 respectively. After weighting with actual age construction of PLA population, the CERs of vaccination after screening and immediate vaccination were 251.90 and 392.70 respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that screening followed by vaccination was superior to immediate vaccination approach. The younger the vaccination was carried out, the more cost-effective was shown by vaccination.