[Effects of β-blockers in patients with septic shock: a meta analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of β-blockers in patients with septic shock.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane central registration of controlled trials, CNKI and Wanfang Data were searched to identify relevant studies from inception to October 2015.Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12.0.The random effects model was used due to wide clinical variability across the trials.

RESULTS

After application of the inclusion criteria, 7 trials with 392 patients were included, involving 3 randomized controlled trials (RCT) and 4 quasi-experiments.The results of the meta-analysis for the quasi-experiments showed that compared with baseline, heart rates (standardized mean difference (SMD)=-2.51, 95%CI: -4.32--0.70, P=0.007) and lactate levels (SMD=-0.34, 95%CI: -0.67--0.02, P=0.039) significantly decreased, while no significant differences were seen for mean arterial pressure (SMD=0.01, 95%CI: -0.42-0.44, P=0.969), cardiac index (SMD=-0.35, 95%CI: -1.15-0.44, P=0.385) or norepinephrine requirements (SMD=-0.06, 95%CI: -0.38-0.27, P=0.726) after 24-hour therapy. Among randomized controlled trials, β-blockers, compared with standard care, was associated with reductions in heart rates (P<0.001) , 28-day mortality (RR=0.60, 95%CI: 0.48-0.75, P<0.001) and troponin I levels (P<0.001). While no differences were found between the two groups in other hemodynamic and cardiac function variables, such as mean arterial pressure, cardiac index or stroke volume index (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The currently available evidence indicates that the use of β-blockers is associated with a significant decrease in heart rate, troponin I levels and 28-day mortality in patients with septic shock, while mean arterial pressure, cardiac index and stroke volume index might remain unchanged.Large scale, muti-center RCTs need to be carried out to confirm the effects of β-blockers in patients with septic shock.

Abnormal vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression may be correlated with poor prognosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We conducted the present meta-analysis with relevant cohort studies to determine whether expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor. (VEGF) could predict the prognosis of diffuse large B.cell lymphoma. (DLBCL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MEDLINE (1966-2013), the Cochrane Library Database (Issue 12, 2013), EMBASE (1980-2013), CINAHL (1982--2013), Web of Science (1945-2013), and the Chinese Biomedical Database (1982-2013) were searched without any language restrictions. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA software (Version 12.0, Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas USA). Hazard ratios (HR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

Eight clinical cohort studies, which recruited a total 670 DLBCL patients, were included in the meta-analysis. The results of this meta-analysis indicate that DLBCL patients with positive VEGF expression had a shorter overall survival than those with negative VEGF expression. (HR = 1.58, 95% CI = 0.80-2.36, P < 0.001). Ethnicity-stratified analysis illustrates that high expression levels of VEGF may be significantly correlated with poor DLBCL prognosis among both Caucasian and Asian populations. (Caucasian: HR = 1.73, 95% CI = 0.56-2.90, P = 0.004; Asian: HR = 1.45, 95% CI = 0.41-2.50, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

The major findings of our meta-analysis reveal that the aberrant expression of VEGF may correspond to shorter overall survival of patients with DLBCL, revealing that VEGF expression could be an unbiased prognostic determinant in the management of DLBCL patients.

[Effect of gender on the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer]

Objective: To analyze the effect of gender on the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Data of 1 195 patients with NSCLC were analyzed by Chi-square, Kaplan-Meier, log-rank tests and Cox regression models. Results: Women had a longer survival than men (median overall survival 31.64 versus 22.71 months, P<0.01) in the participants of this study. Differences seen in overall survival remained the similar, after stratified by age, pathologic types, clinical stage, sizes, pleural effusion and surgery of the patients, respectively. Data from the multivariate analysis revealed that factors as smoking, clinical stage, metastatic when diagnosis was made and surgery, but not gender, were independent prognostic factors for patients with NSCLC. After adjustment for potential confounders, we found that smoking was a major confounding factor, affecting the relationship between gender and prognosis of NSCLC. Conclusion: Gender did not seem an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC patients while the survival advantages of females might be attributed to the lower prevalence of smoking in this population.

Micro RNA-550a interferes with vitamin D metabolism in peripheral B cells of patients with diabetes

The pathogenesis of diabetes is to be further investigated. Vitamin D3 (VitD3) can improve diabetes. Micro RNAs (miR) are involved in regulating cell activities. This study tests a hypothesis that miR-550a interferes with the metabolism of VitD3 in peripheral B cells. In this study, blood samples were collected from patients with diabetes and healthy persons. The B cells were isolated from the blood samples to be treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The B cells were then collected and analyzed for the expression of miR-550a and cyp27b1. The results showed that B cells from healthy subjects were capable of converting VitD metabolite calcidiol to calcitriol, which was impaired in B cells collected from diabetic patients. The diabetic patients showed lower bone mineral density than that in healthy subject. The miR-550a was negatively correlated with bone mineral density and the Levels of cyp27b1 in peripheral B cells of patients with diabetes. In vitro study showed that TNF-α increased miR-550a expression and inhibited the expression of cyp27b1 in B cells. miR-550a mediated the effects of TNF-α on inducing chromatin remodeling at the cyp27b1 gene locus. In conclusion, miR-550a mediates the TNF-α-induced suppression of cyp27b1 expression in peripheral B cells of patients with diabetes, which can be blocked by inhibition of miR-550a.

Recent advances in biotechnological applications of alcohol dehydrogenases

Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs), which belong to the oxidoreductase superfamily, catalyze the interconversion between alcohols and aldehydes or ketones with high stereoselectivity under mild conditions. ADHs are widely employed as biocatalysts for the dynamic kinetic resolution of racemic substrates and for the preparation of enantiomerically pure chemicals. This review provides an overview of biotechnological applications for ADHs in the production of chiral pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.

A case report of a patient with high β-hCG levels after operation because of primary broad ligament pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

A broad ligament pregnancy is an extremely rare condition and diagnosis is frequently missed and finally made during laparotomy. This is a case of a young patient with high serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels after operation because of broad ligament pregnancy.

CASE REPORT

A 31-year-old multipara complained of intermittent lower abdominal pain with vaginal bleeding for four months. A color ultrasonography revealed a cystic mass in the left attachment area, indicating an interstitial tubal pregnancy. However, trophoblastic disease could not be excluded. She accepted conservative treatment with methotrexate (MTX) at first, but observation showed that conservative treatment was slow and accompanied with liver function damage. Therefore, exploratory laparotomy was performed. Intraoperative situations and postoperative pathology confirmed broad ligament pregnancy. Her serum p- hCG was sustained at a high level for three months after operation. Her examinations of serum, CT, and ultrasonography could explain this situation.

CONCLUSION

Primary broad ligament pregnancy refers to pregnancy where implantation of the fertilized ovum occurs directly between the two leaves of the broad ligament. The gravid substance was removed, however serum β-hCG could not gradually re- turn to normal levels. This case should be followed-up closely to prevent adverse outcomes.

Metal–organic frameworks with 1,4-di(1H-imidazol-4-yl)benzene and varied carboxylate ligands for selectively sensing Fe(iii) ions and ketone molecules

Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) frameworks have potential for sensing Fe(iii) and ketone molecules with high selectivity and sensitivity.

Deep infiltrating endometriosis in young women

This work aimed to analyze the effect of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) in young women. Twenty-seven cases of patients (below 38-years-old) diagnosed with DIE and admitted to the present hospital from January 2008 to July 2014 were reviewed, and their pre- and postoperative states of illness were summarized. The main preoperative symptoms included dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, nodule in rectouterine fossa, and reduced level of fertility. All patients underwent surgery (17 laparoscopies and ten laparotomies). Postoperative pathological explanation confirmed DIE in lesions. DIE significantly affects the health of young women.

Studies on effect of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves in acute gout with hyperuricemia model rats by using UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS metabolomic approach

The therapeutic effects of GBE on acute gout with hyperuricemia rats were investigated by using a metabolomic approach.

[Effect of opioid receptors on acute stress-induced changes in recognition memory]

Although ample evidence has shown that acute stress impairs memory, the influences of acute stress on different phases of memory, such as acquisition, consolidation and retrieval, are different. Experimental data from both human and animals support that endogenous opioid system plays a role in stress, as endogenous opioid release is increased and opioid receptors are activated during stress experience. On the other hand, endogenous opioid system mediates learning and memory. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of acute forced swimming stress on recognition memory of C57 mice and the role of opioid receptors in this process by using a three-day pattern of new object recognition task. The results showed that 15-min acute forced swimming damaged the retrieval of recognition memory, but had no effect on acquisition and consolidation of recognition memory. No significant change of object recognition memory was found in mice that were given naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, by intraperitoneal injection. But intraperitoneal injection of naloxone before forced swimming stress could inhibit the impairment of recognition memory retrieval caused by forced swimming stress. The results of real-time PCR showed that acute forced swimming decreased the μ opioid receptor mRNA levels in whole brain and hippocampus, while the injection of naloxone before stress could reverse this change. These results suggest that acute stress may impair recognition memory retrieval via opioid receptors.

Post-transcriptional regulation of interleukin-10 in peripheral B cells of airway allergy patients

The dysfunction of peripheral immune tolerance plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Recent reports indicate that micro RNA (miR)-98 is associated with the process of aberrant immune responses. This study aims to test a hypothesis that miR-98 is associated with the pathogenesis of airway allergy via interfering with the development of regulatory B cells (Breg). In this study, patients with airway allergy were recruited into this study. The frequency of Bregs was assessed by flow cytometry. The levels of miR-98 in peripheral B cells were determined by RT-qPCR. A cell-culture model of B cells was developed to test the role of miR-98 in the repressing of interleukin (IL)-10 in B cells. The results showed that the levels of IL-10 in peripheral B cells were significantly lower in patients with airway allergy as compared with healthy subjects. High levels of miR-98 (one of the miR-98 members) were detected in peripheral B cells of patients with airway allergy, which was mimicked by stimulating B cells with IL-4. Histone acetyltransferase p300 was involved in the IL-4-induced miR-98 expression. miR-98 mediated the IL-4-inhibited IL-10 expression in B cells. In conclusion, miR-98 affects the expression of IL-10 in B cells and may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Probiotics enhance the effect of allergy immunotherapy on regulating antigen specific B cell activity in asthma patients

Immune regulatory system dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of asthma. The therapeutic effect of allergic asthma is to be improved. The immune regulatory function of probiotics has been recognized. This study tests a hypothesis that Clostridium butyricum (CB) enhances the effect of allergen specific immunotherapy (AIT) on asthma. In this study patients with allergic asthma were treated with AIT or/and CB for six months. The therapeutic effect and IgE production of the patients were observed. The results showed that administration with AIT alone alleviated the asthma symptoms; but the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13 and specific IgE were not altered, which was markedly improved by the administration with CB plus AIT. Such effects were maintained only for two months in the patients treated with AIT alone; but maintained more than 12 months in those patients treated with both AIT and CB. CB facilitated AIT to induce IL-10⁺ B cells (B10 cells) in asthma patients. AIT/CB therapy converted antigen specific B cells to antigen specific regulatory B cells. Butyrate modulated the gene transcription of IgE and IL-10 in the allergen specific B cells. In conclusion, administration of CB can enhance the therapeutic effect of AIT in the treatment of allergic asthma via facilitating generation of B10 cells.

[Association between human papillomavirus infection and lung cancer]

Objective: To investigate the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) and lung cancer. Methods: We examined a series of 83 lung cancer patients with HPV DNA in both lung tumor specimens and adjacent normal specimens from Fujian province. Twenty-one of the most clinically relevant HPV types from the highly conserved L1 region of the viral genome were analyzed, using the PCR amplification and were followed by reverse hybridization with specific probes. Chi-square test of paired design was used to test the difference of HPV positive rates between lung cancer specimens and adjacent normal specimens. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to analyze the differences of HPV positive rate of tumor specimens on factors as gender, age, histological subtype, clinical stage, smoking status and alcohol consumption. Results: HPV was detected in 7 of the 83 tumor specimens and in 6 of the paired normal lung tissues. There was no significant correlation between HPV and lung cancer (P>0.999). Neither demographic characteristics nor clinical features were found with significant differences on HPV in lung cancer tissues (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our data showed that HPV was not significantly associated with the risk of lung cancer in Fujian province.

First report of Rickettsia raoultii and R. slovaca in Melophagus ovinus, the sheep ked

BACKGROUND

Melophagus ovinus (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), a hematophagous ectoparasite, is mainly found in Europe, Northwestern Africa, and Asia. This wingless fly infests sheep, rabbits, and red foxes, and causes inflammation, wool loss and skin damage. Furthermore, this parasite has been shown to transmit diseases, and plays a role as a vector. Herein, we investigated the presence of various Rickettsia species in M. ovinus.

METHODS

In this study, a total of 95 sheep keds were collected in Kuqa County and Alaer City southern region of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwestern China. First, collected sheep keds were identified on the species level using morphological keys and molecular methods based on a fragment of the 18S ribosomal DNA gene (18S rDNA). Thereafter, to assess the presence of rickettsial DNA in sheep keds, the DNA of individual samples was screened by PCR based on six Rickettsia-specific gene fragments originating from six genes: the 17-kilodalton antigen gene (17-kDa), 16S rRNA gene (rrs), surface cell antigen 4 gene (sca4), citrate synthase gene (gltA), and outer membrane protein A and B genes (ompA and ompB). The amplified products were confirmed by sequencing and BLAST analysis ( https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi?PROGRAM=blastn&PAGE_TYPE=BlastSearch&LINK_LOC=blasthome ).

RESULTS

According to its morphology and results of molecular analysis, the species was identified as Melophagus ovinus, with 100% identity to M. ovinus from St. Kilda, Australia (FN666411). DNA of Rickettsia spp. were found in 12 M. ovinus samples (12.63%, 12/95). Rickettsia raoultii and R. slovaca were confirmed based on phylogenetic analysis, although the genetic markers of these two rickettsial agents amplified in this study showed molecular diversity.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of R. raoultii and R. slovaca DNA in M. ovinus. Rickettsia slovaca was found for the first time around the Taklimakan Desert located in China. This finding extends the geographical range of spotted fever group rickettsiae.

Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for microbial production of L-methionine

L-methionine has attracted a great deal of attention for its nutritional, pharmaceutical, and clinical applications. In this study, Escherichia coli W3110 was engineered via deletion of a negative transcriptional regulator MetJ and over-expression of homoserine O-succinyltransferase MetA together with efflux transporter YjeH, resulting in L-methionine overproduction which is up to 413.16 mg/L. The partial inactivation of the L-methionine import system MetD via disruption of metI made the engineered E. coli ΔmetJ ΔmetI/pTrcA*H more tolerant to high L-ethionine concentration and accumulated L-methionine to a level 43.65% higher than that of E. coli W3110 ΔmetJ/pTrcA*H. Furthermore, deletion of lysA, which blocks the lysine biosynthesis pathway, led to a further 8.5-fold increase in L-methionine titer of E. coli ΔmetJ ΔmetI ΔlysA/pTrcA*H. Finally, addition of Na₂ S₂ O₃ to the media led to an increase of fermentation titer of 11.45%. After optimization, constructed E. coli ΔmetJ ΔmetI ΔlysA/pTrcA*H was able to produce 9.75 g/L L-methionine with productivity of 0.20 g/L/h in a 5 L bioreactor. This novel metabolically tailored strain of E. coli provides an efficient platform for microbial production of L-methionine. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 843-851. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Notch fatigue behavior: Metallic glass versus ultra-high strength steel

Studying the effect of notch on the fatigue behavior of structural materials is of significance for the reliability and safety designing of engineering structural components. In this work, we conducted notch fatigue experiments of two high-strength materials, i.e. a Ti_32.8Zr_30.2Ni_5.3Cu₉Be_22.7 metallic glass (MG) and a 00Ni18Co15Mo8Ti ultra-high strength steel (CM400 UHSS), and compared their notch fatigue behavior. Experimental results showed that although both the strength and plasticity of the MG were much lower than those of the UHSS, the fatigue endurance limit of the notched MG approached to that of the notched UHSS, and the fatigue ratio of the notched MG was even higher. This interesting finding can be attributed to the unique shear banding mechanism of MG. It was found that during fatigue process abundant shear bands formed ahead of the notch root and in the vicinity of the crack in the notched MG, while limited plastic deformation was observed in the notched UHSS. The present results may improve the understanding on the fatigue mechanisms of high-strength materials and offer new strategies for structural design and engineering application of MG components with geometrical discontinuities.

Efficient biosynthesis of ethyl (R)-4-chloro-3-hydroxybutyrate using a stereoselective carbonyl reductase from Burkholderia gladioli

Background

Ethyl (R)-4-chloro-3-hydroxybutyrate ((R)-CHBE) is a versatile chiral precursor for many pharmaceuticals. Although several biosynthesis strategies have been documented to convert ethyl 4-chloro-3-oxobutanoate (COBE) to (R)-CHBE, the catalytic efficiency and stereoselectivity are still too low to be scaled up for industrial applications. Due to the increasing demand of (R)-CHBE, it is essential to explore more robust biocatalyst capable of preparing (R)-CHBE efficiently.

Results

A stereoselective carbonyl reductase toolbox was constructed and employed into the asymmetric reduction of COBE to (R)-CHBE. A robust enzyme designed as BgADH3 from Burkholderia gladioli CCTCC M 2012379 exhibited excellent activity and enantioselectivity, and was further characterized and investigated in the asymmetric synthesis of (R)-CHBE. An economical and satisfactory enzyme-coupled cofactor recycling system was created using recombinant Escherichia coli cells co-expressing BgADH3 and glucose dehydrogenase genes to regenerate NADPH in situ. In an aqueous/octanol biphasic system, as much as 1200 mmol COBE was completely converted by using substrate fed-batch strategy to afford (R)-CHBE with 99.9 % ee at a space-time yield per gram of biomass of 4.47 mmol∙L⁻¹∙h⁻¹∙g DCW⁻¹.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate the promising of BgADH3 in practical synthesis of (R)-CHBE as a valuable chiral synthon. This study allows for the further application of BgADH3 in the biosynthesis of chiral alcohols, and establishes a preparative scale process for producing (R)-CHBE with excellent enantiopurity.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12896-016-0301-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Association between -44G/A and +71A/G polymorphisms in the connexin 40 gene and atrial fibrillation in Uyghur and Han populations in Xinjiang, China

We aimed to elucidate the association between connexin 40 (Cx40) genetic polymorphisms and atrial fibrillation (AF) in a Chinese population in Xinjiang comprising Uyghur and Han individuals. We enrolled 275 Uyghur and 305 age- and gender-matched Han subjects, and used polymerase chain reaction to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; -44G/A and +71A/G) in the gene encoding Cx40. A mutation screening was performed by direct sequencing and calculation of genotype and allele frequencies among AF patients and control subjects to determine the relationship between these variants and this condition in Uyghur and Han populations. The two SNPs examined were significantly associated with AF in both ethnic groups. Further analysis showed the SNPs to be in perfect linkage disequilibrium in both AF and control groups among Uyghur and Han individuals. In both populations -44AA genotype and A allele frequencies among AF patients were significantly higher than those in the control group. In addition, under the dominant model (GG vs GA+AA), a significant difference in the distribution of Cx40 -44G/A genotypes was detected between patients and controls. Logistic regression analysis revealed that Cx40 genetic polymorphisms increase AF risk in Uyghur and Han residents of Xinjiang. In conclusion, both the -44G/A and +71A/G variants of the gene encoding this protein are associated with AF in Uyghur and Han populations in northern China.

Enantioselective cascade biocatalysis for deracemization of 2-hydroxy acids using a three-enzyme system

Background

Enantiopure 2-hydroxy acids are key intermediates for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. We present an enantioselective cascade biocatalysis using recombinant microbial cells for deracemization of racemic 2-hydroxy acids that allows for efficient production of enantiopure 2-hydroxy acids.

Results

The method was realized by a single recombinant Escherichia coli strain coexpressing three enzymes: (S)-2-hydroxy acid dehydrogenase, (R)-2-keto acid reductase and glucose dehydrogenase. One enantiomer [(S)-2-hydroxy acid] is firstly oxidized to the keto acid with (S)-2-hydroxy acid dehydrogenase, while the other enantiomer [(R)-2-hydroxy acid] remains unchanged. Then, the keto acid obtained reduced to the opposite enantiomer with (R)-2-keto acid reductase plus cofactor regeneration enzyme glucose dehydrogenase subsequently. The recombinant E. coli strain coexpressing the three enzymes was proven to be a promising biocatalyst for the cascade bioconversion of a structurally diverse range of racemic 2-hydroxy acids, giving the corresponding (R)-2-hydroxy acids in up to 98.5 % conversion and >99 % enantiomeric excess.

Conclusions

In summary, a cascade biocatalysis was successfully developed to prepare valuable (R)-2-hydroxy acids with an efficient three-enzyme system. The developed elegant cascade biocatalysis possesses high atom efficiency and represents a promising strategy for production of highly valued (R)-2-hydroxy acids.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12934-016-0560-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Involvement of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ in the anti-inflammatory effects of atorvastatin in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is important in the pathogenesis and/or progression of various diseases, including stroke, cardiovascular disease and acute renal injury. Increasing evidence indicates that atorvastatin exerts protective effects in I/R injury-associated diseases; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In the present study, oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)/reperfusion-stimulated. RAW264.7 murine macrophages served as a model of I/R injury. The knockdown of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) expression in these cells increased OGD/reperfusion-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and enhanced OGD/reperfusion-induced downregulation of the expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 206, at the mRNA and protein levels. Conversely, overexpression of PPARγ significantly attenuated OGD/reperfusion-induced alterations in the expression of iNOS, TNF-α, IFN-γ and CD206 at the mRNA and protein levels. Notably, atorvastatin inhibited OGD/reperfusion-induced iNOS expression and reversed OGD/reperfusion-induced downregulation of the expression of CD206 and PPARγ at the mRNA and protein levels. The results of the present study indicate that atorvastatin exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects in OGD/reperfusion-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, possibly via PPARγ regulation. The findings of the present study may reveal a novel mechanism underlying the protective effects of atorvastatin in I/R injury-associated diseases.

[Immunological mechanism of wheezing attack in children with cytomegalovirus infection]

OBJECTIVE

To study the possible immunological mechanism of wheezing attack in children with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.

METHODS

A total of 25 under-5-year-old children with wheezing following CMV infection were enrolled. The expression of serum regulatory T cells (Treg)/T helper 17 (Th17) cytokines interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, and IL-17, and peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were determined. Twenty age-matched healthy children were selected as the control group.

RESULTS

The wheezing group had a significantly reduced serum IL-10 level, significantly increased IL-6 and IL-17 levels, significantly reduced levels of natural killer cells, and significantly increased levels of CD8+ T cells and CD19+ B cells, as compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Wheezing children with CMV infection have Treg/Th17 imbalance and cellular immune dysfunction, which may be an important immunological mechanism of the development of wheezing in children after CMV infection.

A novel SoxB2 gene is required for maturation of sperm nucleus during spermiogenesis in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis

SRY-related HMG box (Sox) genes are characterized by the presence of a DNA-binding HMG domain and involved in a diverse range of developmental processes. In this study, we identified a novel Sox gene, designated as EsSoxB2-1, from the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. The EsSoxB2-1 encodes a protein of 259 amino acids, sharing the highest identity with the beetle Tribolium castaneum SOX21b. Unlike insect Sox21b, however, EsSoxB2-1 is intronless and exhibits a gonad-specific expression pattern at both mRNA and protein level. Two core promoters in 5′ flanking region were demonstrated to be essential for inducing transcriptional regulatory activity. The transcription of EsSoxB2-1 mRNA begins in spermatogonia stage, while the translation of EsSOXB2-1 protein initiates at spermiogenesis stage. Interestingly, EsSOXB2-1 protein was exclusively localized in the nucleus of spermatid and spermatozoa even at the end of acrosome reaction, and was bound to the uncondensed chromatin in nucleoplasm of mature spermatozoa. Knockdown of EsSoxB2-1 by RNAi leads to abnormal transformation of the nucleus during spermiogenesis. Together, these findings demonstrated the requirement of EsSoxB2-1 for the spermatozoa nucleus maturation and also suggested that EsSoxB2-1 would be delivered into fertilized eggs along with chromatins as a paternal transcription factor for regulating early embryonic development.