布鲁氏菌延胡索酸水合酶与纤连蛋白和纤连蛋白溶酶原的结合活性

依据牛型布鲁氏菌(Brucella abortus)延胡索酸水合酶(fumarate hydratase classⅠ,Fumhy)基因序列设计1对特异性引物,以牛型布鲁氏菌A19株基因组为模板,通过PCR扩增Fumhy基因的开放阅读框,连接到pMD18-T Simple载体上后进行序列测定和分析;将Fumhy定向克隆到表达载体pET-28a中,构建重组表达质粒pET28a-Fumhy,并转化至大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中,在IPTG诱导下,进行Fumhy蛋白的表达,对表达的Fumhy蛋白进行免疫原性、与纤连蛋白和纤连蛋白溶酶原结合活性检测,研究Fumhy蛋白的免疫原性及相关的生物学活性。测序结果表明,Fumhy基因全长1 620bp,编码539个氨基酸;成功获得带有His标签的Fumhy重组蛋白His-Fumhy,大小为59ku,与预期结果相符合。Western-blot检测结果表明Fumhy蛋白具有免疫原性,且具有与纤连蛋白和纤连蛋白溶酶原结合活性。由此推测Fumhy蛋白可能参与布鲁氏菌在体内的感染过程。     

Centre of protective custody, 6th mile Kuching-Serian road,Kuching/Sarawak

This paper begins with a theoretical perspective on privatisation which links it with systemic tendencies towards over-accumulation in the global capitalist economy. To analyse health system dynamics, the health system is conceptualised as an articulation of component sub-systems (provision, financing, treatment accessories, support services, research and product development, education and training, etc.). These sub-systems are increasingly brought within the circuit of capital, in the process re-configuring the fine structure of the system along with its built-in incentives and disincentives which interactively modulate the system's overall operating characteristics. The rest of the paper provides an update on the evolving role of the Malaysian state as provider, as financier, as investor and as regulator of the health system.     

Sudden Collapse due to Medullary and Cervical Cord Infarction—An Unusual Presentation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer worldwide with a great potential for metastatic spread. Hepatocellular carcinoma often arises in people with underlying viral hepatitides or liver cirrhosis and may present in various ways including abdominal pain, liver mass, and signs of hepatocellular decompensation. Many tumors may have metastasized to other organs such as the lungs, lymph nodes, bone, and adrenal glands at the time of diagnosis. However, it is uncommon for HCC to present purely due to its metastasis, such as spinal cord compression from vertebral metastasis. Here, an unusual presentation of a sudden cardiovascular collapse due to medullary and cervical cord infarction from compression of the cervical cord is presented. The importance of clinical investigations, the usefulness of postmortem computed tomography scans, and the examination of the cervical spine and cervical cord in people with no obvious cause of death after standard autopsy procedures are emphasized.     

Liberal Patriotism in Hong Kong

Since Hong Kong's reunification with the People's Republic of China in 1997, debates about patriotism have erupted from time to time in Hong Kong. Considering Hong Kong's socio-political background, the feelings and attachment of Hongkongers towards their motherland are unsurprisingly complex. We therefore need a multidimensional concept to capture the complexities of Hong Kong patriotism. Based on survey data, we propose that the term ‘liberal patriotism’ best describes the type of patriotism in Hong Kong society, which is that love of the homeland and the state are qualified by liberal democratic values.     

North Korean Refugees and International Refugee Law

The severe food crisis of the 1990s forced thousands of NorthKoreans to leave their country in search of food. Most of themcrossed the border into China, to which the Government of thePeople's Republic of China (the PRC) responded by forcibly repatriatingdefectors to North Korea, thus placing many of them at riskof being subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment and,at times, even death. This article provides an overview of thesituation of North Korean asylum seekers and analyses the legalprotection available to North Korean defectors under internationallaw. The article focuses specifically on the situation of NorthKoreans in mainland China and China's obligations under internationalhuman rights and refugee law. The aim of the article is to contributeto the elaboration of durable solutions for the plight of NorthKorean asylum seekers and to develop a range of recommendationsfor law reform and policy change.     

Stewardship of quality of care in health systems: Core functions,common pitfalls,and potential solutions

National Ministries of Health in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) have a key role to play as stewards of the quality agenda in their health systems. This paper uses a previously developed six‐point framework for stewardship (strategy formulation, intersectoral collaboration, governance and accountability, health system design, policy and regulation, and intelligence generation) and identifies specific examples of activities in LMICs in each of these domains, pitfalls to avoid, and possible solutions to these pitfalls. Many LMICs now have quality strategies with clear vision statements. There are good examples of quality agencies and donor collaboration councils to coordinate activities across different sectors. There are multiple options for accountability, including public reporting, community accountability structures, results‐based payment, accreditation, and inspection. To improve health system design, available tools include decision support tools, task‐shifting models, supply chain management, and programs to train quality improvement staff. Policy options include legislation on disclosure of adverse events, and regulations to ensure skills of health care providers. Lastly, health information tools include patient registries, facility surveys, hospital discharge abstracts, standardized population and patient surveys, and dedicated agencies for reporting on quality. Policy‐makers can use this article to identify options for driving the quality agenda and address anticipated implementation barriers.