Detection of astrovirus infection in pigeons (Columbia livia) during an outbreak of diarrhoea

Avian astrovirus infections are widespread in many countries, and infections have been linked to enteritis and increased mortality in young poultry. Although pigeons are treated as an important poultry product in some countries, their diseases are often poorly understood and astrovirus infection in pigeons has not been reported. In the present study, faecal samples were collected during an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness in a population of Shanghai pigeons. The samples were examined for astroviruses by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Eighty-nine per cent (40/45) and 4% (2/45) were found to be positive for avian nephritis virus (ANV) and chicken astrovirus, respectively. One positive sample indicated a co-infection with both ANV and chicken astrovirus. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial polymerase gene sequence and full-length capsid protein from published avian astrovirus sequences in GenBank revealed that the pigeon viruses detected in this study were evolutionarily closely related to chicken ANV. The present study provided evidence for the presence of astrovirus in pigeons and suggests that cross-infection between pigeons and commercial chickens was likely. Whether the astroviruses in pigeons were responsible for the diarrhoea remains to be determined.

Critical role of γ4 chain in the expression of functional Vγ4Vδ1 T cell receptor of gastric tumour-infiltrating γδT lymphocytes

Vγ4Vδ1 T cell receptor (TCRγ4δ1)-expressing γδT cells were the most dominant subset in gastric tumour-infiltrating γδT cells (γδTIL) we recently analyzed. To study the essential roles of γ and δ chains in assembly and function of TCRγ4δ1, we sequenced and constructed them into lentiviral vectors for the reconstitution of TCRγ4δ1 using different modalities of transduction. We were able to efficiently reconstitute TCRγ4δ1 with functional activities when both γ4 and δ1 chains are coexpressed in TCR-negative J.RT3-T3.5 cells. However, the expression of δ1 chain is greatly diminished when γ4 expression is absent, suggesting that the coexpressing γ4 is critical in maintaining the folding and stability of δ1 product. To functionally study the reconstituted TCRγ4δ1, we examined the cytolytic activity of TCRγ4δ1-reconstituted J.RT3-T3.5 cells and cytokine secretion and found the receptors are fully functional, but their functionality also requires the presence of γ4. Our results demonstrated that γ4 is critical for the stability of δ1 and the function of TCRγ4δ1.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Enhance Bone Regeneration in Vascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head in the Rabbit

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head was induced in rabbits by intramuscular injection of methylprednisolone and vascular occlusion of the capital femoral epiphysis by electrocoagulation. Eight weeks later the animals received no treatment (group A), core decompression by drilling a hole (diameter 1.2 mm) from the outer cortex 2.5 cm distal to the proximal end of the greater trochanter (group B), or injection of 107 autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) directly into the femoral head (group C). Eight weeks later, microcomputed tomography scans indicated that bone and trabecular volume and density were significantly higher in group C than in other groups. Histology indicated more new bone formation in group C than in other groups. Group C showed strong osteocalcin immunoreactivity in subchondral bone osteoblasts in the necrotic femoral head, whereas few osteocalcin-positive cells were found among osteoblasts in other groups. Thus, autologous ADSC transplantation improved osteogenesis and the microstructure of vascular deprivation-induced osteonecrotic tissue.

Isolation and characterization of 19 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the topmouth gudgeon, Pseudorasbora parva

The Asiatic topmouth gudgeon, Pseudorasbora parva, is recognized as one of the most invasive fish species in many countries outside of Asia. We isolated and characterized 19 microsatellite loci from P. parva. The polymorphism of these 19 loci was tested on 40 individuals of P. parva sampled from a wild population located in Ezhou, Hubei province of China. The loci had 5 to 11 alleles, with a mean of 7.7 at each locus; 11 loci conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.237 to 0.973 and from 0.647 to 0.914, respectively. All microsatellite loci were in linkage equilibrium. These microsatellite markers are potentially useful for the assessment of population genetic structure during invasion and dispersal of P. parva in new habitats.

Intravenous zanamivir in critically ill patients due to pandemic 2009 (H1N1) influenza A virus

INTRODUCTION

The 2009 (H1N1) influenza A pandemic started in April 2009 and has since spread globally. We have noticed that critically ill patients with confirmed pandemic 2009 (H1N1) influenza A require mechanical ventilation. This paper describes the use of intravenous zanamivir in this group of patients.

METHODS

Patients who had severe pneumonia with 2009 (H1N1) influenza A and required intravenous zanamivir were referred to the Infectious Diseases Department of our institution. Clinical data was collected from these patients. Clinical samples were sent to the National Public Health Laboratory for sequencing.

RESULTS

A total of five patients used intravenous zanamivir from April 8 to May 8, 2010. Only one death was reported. There were no side effects attributable to the use of intravenous zanamivir. H275 mutation, which confers resistance to oseltamivir, was seen in a subpopulation of the virus in one case.

CONCLUSION

Physicians can consider using intravenous zanamivir for the treatment of critically ill patients with 2009 (H1N1) influenza A infection.

Increased detection in Australia and Singapore of a novel influenza A(H1N1)2009 variant with reduced oseltamivir and zanamivir sensitivity due to a S247N neuraminidase mutation

A novel influenza A(H1N1)2009 variant with mildly reduced oseltamivir and zanamivir sensitivity has been detected in more than 10% of community specimens in Singapore and more than 30% of samples from northern Australia during the early months of 2011. The variant, which has also been detected in other regions of the Asia-Pacific, contains a S247N neuraminidase mutation. When combined with the H275Y mutation, as detected in an oseltamivir-treated patient, the dual S247N+H275Y mutant had extremely high oseltamivir resistance.

Increased detection in Australia and Singapore of a novel influenza A(H1N1)2009 variant with reduced oseltamivir and zanamivir sensitivity due to a S247N neuraminidase mutation

A novel influenza A(H1N1)2009 variant with mildly reduced oseltamivir and zanamivir sensitivity has been detected in more than 10% of community specimens in Singapore and more than 30% of samples from northern Australia during the early months of 2011. The variant, which has also been detected in other regions of the Asia-Pacific, contains a S247N neuraminidase mutation. When combined with the H275Y mutation, as detected in an oseltamivir-treated patient, the dual S247N+H275Y mutant had extremely high oseltamivir resistance.

An interval-based regret-analysis method for identifying long-term municipal solid waste management policy under uncertainty

In this study, an interval-based regret-analysis (IBRA) model is developed for supporting long-term planning of municipal solid waste (MSW) management activities in the City of Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province, China. The developed IBRA model incorporates approaches of interval-parameter programming (IPP) and minimax-regret (MMR) analysis within an integer programming framework, such that uncertainties expressed as both interval values and random variables can be reflected. The IBRA can account for economic consequences under all possible scenarios associated with different system costs and risk levels without making assumptions on probabilistic distributions for random variables. A regret matrix with interval elements is generated based on a matrix of interval system costs, such that desired decision alternatives can be identified according to the interval minimax regret (IMMR) criterion. The results indicate that reasonable solutions have been generated. They can help decision makers identify the desired alternatives regarding long-term MSW management with a compromise between minimized system cost and minimized system-failure risk.

Sequence analyses of the representative Chinese-prevalent strain of avian nephritis virus in healthy chicken flocks

Avian nephritis virus (ANV), which belongs to the Astroviridae family, has been associated with acute nephritis in chickens. Cases of ANV infection have been recorded in Japan and in several European countries. However, related studies have never been performed in China. Thus, this study isolated ANV in Chinese chicken flocks. ANV RNA was detected by reverse transcription-PCR in stool samples collected from healthy layer chickens in the Sichuan Province of China in 2009. Of the 192 stool specimens collected, 32.3% (62/192) were positive for ANV infection. The whole genome of ANV-Sichuan54, the first representative Chinese strain, was 6941 nucleotides in length, including the 5' untranslated region, three open reading frames (ORFs), a 3' UTR, and a poly-(A) tail. Comparative and phylogenetic analyses based on partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (ORF1b) demonstrated that the majority of ANV investigations were more closely related to the U.S. ANV strain (DQ324827-324836) than to the G-4260 (AB033998).

In vivo study of four preparative extracts of Clematis terniflora DC. for antinociceptive activity and anti-inflammatory activity in rat model of carrageenan-induced chronic non-bacterial prostatitis

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Clematis terniflora DC. extracts and fractions and to further support its traditional use as Chinese folk medicine in treatment of urinary infections, especially the disease of prostatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antinociceptive activity of its water extract (WE), 70% ethanol extract (EE), water eluted part of EE from AB-8 macroporous resin (WEPMR) and 70% ethanol eluted part of EE from AB-8 macroporous resin (EEPMR) was conducted using mice writhing test with different doses. Then the anti-inflammatory activity of the four parts was evaluated on rat models of carrageenan-induced chronic non-bacterial prostatitis (CNP). Preliminary study was taken to determine the phytochemical compositions of the four preparative extracts.

RESULTS

Significant writhing inhibitory effect was found with EE at small (7.5 g/kg body wt.), moderate (15 g/kg body wt.) and large (30 g/kg body wt.) doses (doses here are presented as crude herbs) as well as EEPMR at moderate and large doses by oral administration (OA) (p≤0.01). Data from prostatic index, lecithin microsome density and white blood cell level showed that moderate dose of EE and EEPMR both had significant (p≤0.05 or p≤0.01) inhibition effect on carrageenan-induced inflammation in rat prostate. The HPLC analytical results showed that flavonoids were the main active compounds in WE, EE and EEPMR. And most flavonoids were accumulated into the part of EEPMR by AB-8 macroporous resin leaving only few compounds in WEPMR. No acute toxicity was identified in oral administration of the four parts at a dose of 100g/kg body wt.

CONCLUSIONS

The results described here suggest that extracts of the aerial part of Clematis terniflora DC. might be of therapeutic interest in the treatment of prostatitis.

Study of brain asymmetries in sporadic and familial first episode patients with schizophrenia

Introduction

Although the deviations of brain volume deficits in sporadic and familial first-episode schizophrenia patients (FEP) had been presented, the difference of brain asymmetries remained unidentified.

Objectives

To assess the potential differences of volumetric asymmetries of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) between groups.

Aims

To find out the different injury alteration of sporadic FEP and familial FEP.

Methods

42 sporadic and 30 familiar drug-naïve FEP with and 72 matched normal controls (NC) were recruited. Participants were assessed with neuropsychological tests and scanned by a 3.0T MRI to obtain T1-weighted and DTI images. Lateralization distribution maps of GM and WM volume were generated by employing optimized voxel-based morphometry. The asymmetries were analyzed by comparing calculating Laterality Index (LI) voxel by voxel.

Results

All three groups showed similar overall brain torque. Familiar FEP have more regional extensive GM asymmetry brain lesions compared to sporadic FEP. There was no shared regional lesion between two groups. LIGM and LIWM in right superior temporal were negatively correlated. Significant negative correlations were also found between LIGM of left superior parietal lobule and LIWM of right superior parietal lobule, and between LIGM of right inferior parietal lobule and LIWM of left inferior parietal lobule. The asymmetry in distinct brain regions were related to cognitive deficits especially in the domains of language and memory.

Conclusions

The two patient groups had different alteration in injuries of brain asymmetry. Familiar FEP has more GM extensive asymmetry brain region, which may correlate with their high genetic burdens.

Assessment of white matter abnormalities in paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar mania patients from Chengdu, China

Introduction

White matter abnormalities have been repeatedly reported in both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD) diseases from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies respectively, while the empirical evidences about the diagnostic specificity of white matter abnormalities in these disorders are still limited.

Objectives

25 patients with paranoid schizophrenia and 18 patients with bipolar mania were recruited from the in-patient unit of the Mental Health Centre, West China Hospital, China.

Patients were diagnosed according to the criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Version IV (DSM- IV). 30 healthy controls were recruited from the community by means of leaflets distributed throughout Chengdu city.

Aims

This study sought to investigate the alterations in fractional anisotropy (FA) in white matter throughout the entire brain of patients from Chengdu, China with paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar mania.

Methods

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to assess white matter integrity in patients with paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar mania, as well as in normal controls. The differences in FA were measured by use of voxel-based analysis.

Results

Reduced FA was found in the left posterior corona radiate (PCR) in patients with bipolar mania and paranoid schizophrenia compared to the controls. Patients with bipolar mania also showed a significant reduction in FA in right posterior corona radiate and in right anterior thalamic radiation (ATR).

Conclusions

Common abnormalities in the left PCR might imply an overlap in white matter pathology of both diseases and might be related to the shared risk factors for both disorders.

A new pandemic influenza A(H1N1) genetic variant predominated in the winter 2010 influenza season in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore

Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus is of global health concern and is currently the predominant influenza virus subtype circulating in the southern hemisphere 2010 winter. The virus has changed little since it emerged in 2009, however, in this report we describe several genetically distinct changes in the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus. These variants were first detected in Singapore in early 2010 and have subsequently spread through Australia and New Zealand. At this stage, these signature changes in the haemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins have not resulted in significant antigenic changes which might make the current vaccine less effective, but such adaptive mutations should be carefully monitored as the northern hemisphere approaches its winter influenza season.

Human parechovirus infections in monkeys with diarrhea, China

Information about human parechovirus (HPeV) infection in animals is scant. Using 5' untranslated region reverse transcription-PCR, we detected HPeV in feces of monkeys with diarrhea and sequenced the complete genome of 1 isolate (SH6). Monkeys may serve as reservoirs for zoonotic HPeV transmissions and as models for studies of HPeV pathogenesis.

Human parechovirus infections in monkeys with diarrhea, China

Information about human parechovirus (HPeV) infection in animals is scant. Using 5′ untranslated region reverse transcription–PCR, we detected HPeV in feces of monkeys with diarrhea and sequenced the complete genome of 1 isolate (SH6). Monkeys may serve as reservoirs for zoonotic HPeV transmissions and as models for studies of HPeV pathogenesis.