Infliximab treatment in two Chinese patients with psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a rheumatoid factor (RF)-seronegative systemic inflammatory disorder associated with psoriasis. Current treatment for PsA in China is still focused on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In this paper, we report two Chinese patients with active longstanding PsA treated with infliximab, a human-mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The results show that infliximab acted quickly and effectively in relieving peripheral and axial symptoms and refractory skin lesions, even in recombinant human TNF-α receptor (rhTNFR)-resistant case. The take-home message from our cases is that infliximab is a useful therapeutic option for refractory PsA, especially when a patient has a combination of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Further local evidence and experience must be accumulated in order to make anti-TNF-α therapy more accessible to PsA patients in China.     

The Prevalence Of β-Thalassemia Mutations in South Western Maharashtra

Thalassemia has been recognized by the World Health Organization as important inherited disorders principally impacting on the populations of low income countries. In this report, the prevalence of common β-thalassemia mutations in India was defined in 126 β-thalassemia carrier subjects in a western Indian population mainly from the south-western Maharashtra. The six most common β-thalassemia mutations were detected, which included IVS I-5 (G–C), IVS I-1 (G–T), codon 8–9 (+G), codon 41/42 (–TCTT), Codon 15 (G–A), and 619 bp deletion at 3′ end of β-globin gene. These mutations accounted for 93.66 % in 126 β-thalassemia carrier subjects and 6.34 % remained uncharacterized. Out of 126, 82 (65.07 %) showed the most common (prevalent) type of mutation, IVS I-5 (G–C), followed by IVS I-1 (G–T) showed by 12 (9.52 %) subjects. Three (2.38 %) subjects showed 619 bp deletion, codon 8/9 (+G) and codon 15 (G–A) mutations were present in eight subjects each (6.34 %). Only five (3.96 %) subjects showed codon 41/42 (–TCTT). There were eight (6.34 %) subjects where mutation was not any of the six mutations studied. This study provides the pattern of β thalassemia mutations from south-western Maharashtra, which will help to prevent β-thalassemia using prenatal diagnosis and proper counseling.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12291-012-0230-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Impact of Chronic Lead Exposure on Selected Biological Markers

Lead poisoning remains a major problem in India due to the lack of awareness of its ill effects among the clinical community. Blood lead, δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) concentrations are widely used as biomarkers for lead toxicity The present study was designed to determine the impact of chronic lead exposure on selected biological markers. A total of 250 subjects, of both sexes, ranging in age from 20 to 70 years, were recruited. On the basis of BLLs, the subjects were categorized into four groups: Group A (BLL: 0–10 μg/dl), Group B (BLL: 10–20 μg/dl). Group C (BLL: 20–30 μg/dl) and Group D (BLL: 30–40 μg/dl) having BLLs of 3.60 ± 2.71 μg/dl, 15.21 ± 2.65 μg/dl, 26.82 ± 2.53 μg/dl and 36.38 ± 2.83 μg/dl, respectively. Significant changes in biological markers due to elevated BLLs were noted. The relation of BLL and biological markers to demographic characteristics such as sex, habits, diet and substances abuse (smoking effect) were also studied in the present investigation. Males, urban population, non-vegetarians, and smokers had higher blood lead levels. δ-ALAD activity was found to be significantly lower with increased BLL (P < 0.001), while the ZPP level was significantly higher with increased BLL (P < 0.001). Further, BLL showed a negative correlation with δ-ALAD (r = −0.425, P < 0.001, N = 250) and a positive correlations with ZPP (r = 0.669, P < 0.001, N = 250). Chronic lead exposure affects the prooxidant-antioxidant equilibrium leading to cellular oxidative stress.     

无线网络在大学图书馆网络建设中的应用设计--以四川大学图书馆为例

简介了无线网络的技术基础，井以四川大学图书馆为例，结合图书馆网络现状，阐述了基于IEEE802．11b标准建立符合大学图书馆服务要求的无线网络建设方案和应注意的关键问题。     

无线局域网在图书馆的应用

无线局域网是利用无线通信技术实现网络互联，与有线网络相比，无线局域网最主要的优势在于可以不受布线条件的限制，在有线网络所不能达的地方也能提供方便地网络接入。2002年4月清华大学图书馆采用符合 IEEE 802.11b标准的产品建立了无线局域网。本文介绍了清华大学图书馆无线局域网的建立及用户使用情况，并且讨论在图书馆建立无线网
络的特点和发展趋势。     

基于802.11b的社区无线信息终端的设计与实现

介绍了基于IEEE 802.11b无线局域网标准和PCMCIA无线网卡设计社区无线信息终端,并以Motorola最新推出的高速超低功耗微控制器MC9S08GB32作为社区无线信息终端的控制器。     

细胞色素c与富勒烯衍生物的吸附相互作用

细胞色素c是一种广泛存在在细胞线粒体中的富电子蛋白。它在与纳米材料相互作用的过程中引发自由基的生成,扩大纳米材料的生物毒性。为了在分子尺度上理解其与纳米材料的相互作用,通过分子动力学模拟研究细胞色素c与富勒烯衍生物体系（富勒醇、三丙二酸富勒烯）。分析吸附后体系的能量、均方回转半径、接触原子数以及细胞色素c中的Fe原子到富勒烯衍生物质量中心的距离,进而揭示细胞色素c与富勒烯衍生物相互作用机理。     

Ibn Baṭṭūṭa on Shedding of Blood in the Delhi Sultanate

Ibn Ba??ū?a's longest sojourn (734–748/1333-ca. 1347) in his famous world travels was in the domains of the Delhi sultanate ruled by Mu?ammad b. Tughluq. He presents a vivid picture of court life in Delhi and a portrait of the sultan, whom Ibn Ba??ū?a describes in contrasting terms of generosity and violence. This essay examines the latter phenomenon, first by briefly noting the contribution of two contrasting studies on the complex nature of violence itself (Part One), followed by Ibn Ba??ū?a's depiction of Ibn Tughluq's accession to power (Part Two), and then his perception of the sultan's use of capital punishment during his reign (Part Three). The last section (Part Four) adds further detail on the sultan's policy and then briefly compares Ibn Ba??ū?a's perception of the sultan's violence with that of another contemporary witness, the historian ?iyā? al-Dīn Baranī. The result suggests that Ibn Ba??ū?a's representation of violence is as nuanced as the phenomenon of violence itself.     

不同溶剂提取法对赤胫散中总黄酮含量的影响

分别以80%乙醇、甲醇为提取溶剂,芦丁为标准品,用分光光度法于510nm处测定不同溶剂提取时赤胫散中总黄酮含量分别为3.46%、3.17%。     

Activated Carbon Fabric Mask Reduces Lead Absorption and Improves the Heme Biosynthesis and Hematological Parameters of Battery Manufacturing Workers

Activated carbon fabrics (ACF) mask prevents the absorption of lead and reduce its adverse effects of human health. Aim of this study to know the blood lead level and its effects on heme biosynthesis and hematological parameters after using 2 months activated carbon fabric mask of battery manufacturing workers (BMW). Blood lead level, heme biosynthesis and hematological parameters were measured by using standard method. Blood lead level (P < 0.001, − 13.5%) was significantly decreased, activated δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (P < 0.001, 11.97%) and non-activated δ- aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (P < 0.001, 23.17%) enzyme activity were significantly increased, however, the ratio of activated to Non-activated δ- ALAD (P < 0.001, − 10.13%) was significantly decreased, urinary excretion of δ- aminolevulinic acid (P < 0.001, − 10.49%) and porphobilinogen (P < 0.001, − 7.38%) were significantly decreased after using 2 months ACF mask as compared to before using mask of BMW. Hematological parameters i.e Hb (P < 0.05, 13.42%), PCV (P < 0.05, 7.23%), MCV (P < 0.05, 1.9%) were significantly increased and total WBC count (P < 0.05, − 5.18%) was significantly decreased after using 2 months ACF mask as compared to before using mask of BMW. Two months using ACF mask reduces the blood lead level and improves the δ-ALDH activity and hematological parameters, decreases the urinary excretion of δ-ALA, PBG of battery manufacturing workers. Therefore, the regular using of ACF mask is beneficial to prevent the lead absorption and its adverse effects on human health.