[Clinical application and research progress of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration in the treatment of gastric varices with decompensated liver cirrhosis]

Gastric varices are one of the serious complications of liver cirrhotic portal hypertension. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO), as an interventional treatment method, can effectively prevent and control gastroesophagel variceal bleeding. Simultaneously, it has an obvious effect in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy and liver function improvement. This article reviews the clinical application and research progress of BRTO at home and abroad in recent years, with a view to provide reference for clinical treatment.

MicroRNA-126 Attenuates the Effect of Chemokine CXCL8 on Proliferation, Migration, Apoptosis, and MAPK-Dependent Signaling Activity of Vascular Endothelial Cells Cultured in a Medium with High Glucose Concentration

We studied the mechanisms by which microRNA-126 regulates proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cultured in a medium with high glucose concentration and treated with chemokine CXCL8. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration were analyzed by the CCK-8 assay, Annexin V-PI staining, and Transwell assay, respectively. The ratios of p-ERK/ERK, p-P38/P38, p-JNK/JNK were determined by ELISA. HUVEC cells cultured in the presence of high glucose concentration (30 mmol/ml) and treated with CXCL8 (50 ng/ml) demonstrated more intensive proliferation, migration, and p-ERK/ERK, p-P38/P38, and p-JNK/JNK ratios and significantly lower apoptosis rate than control cells (high glucose, no treatment) and cells treated with CXCL8 and transfected with microRNA-126-mimic. Thus, microRNA-126 regulates proliferation and migration of HUVEC cells cultured in the presence of high glucose concentrations and treated with CXCL8 through inhibition of MAPK signaling pathway.

[Effects of direct antiviral agent on the frequency of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and their activating factors sCD14s and CD163 in patients with chronic hepatitis C]

Objective: To explore the effects of direct antiviral agent (DAAs) on the frequency of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and their activating factors sCD14s and CD163 in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Methods: Data of 15 treatment-naive chronic hepatitis C patients and 10 healthy controls were collected. Patients with chronic hepatitis C were treated with DAAs for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected at 0, 4 and 12 weeks respectively, and blood samples of healthy controls were used as controls. Flow cytometry was used to detect the frequency of classical CD14(++)CD16(-) mononuclear cells and pro-inflammatory CD14(+)CD16(+) mononuclear cells in peripheral blood. Serum sCD14s and sCD163 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The comparison between the two groups was performed by t-test. The comparison between multiple groups was performed by analysis of variance, and further pairwise comparison was performed by LSD-t test. Results: Prior DAAs treatment, peripheral blood CD14(+)CD16(+) mononuclear cell frequency (18.49% ± 1.54% vs. 10.65% ± 0.83%), serum sCD14s [(64 407.38 ± 5778.49) pg/ml vs. (28 370.76 ± 2 357.68 ) pg/ml] and sCD163 [(22 853.80 ± 4 137.61) pg/ml vs. (2 934.41 ± 223.31) pg/ml] were all higher than healthy controls (P < 0.05), while the frequency of CD14(++)CD16(-) mononuclear cells in peripheral blood was lower than healthy controls (59.14%±0.54% vs. 72.75%±1.31%, P < 0.01). During DAAs treatment, CD14(+)CD16(+) mononuclear cells frequency, serum sCD14 and sCD163 were all decreased significantly. After 12 weeks of treatment, CD14(+)CD16(+) mononuclear cells had decreased to nearly normal level (12.42% ± 1.60% vs. 10.65% ± 0.83%, P > 0.05), and serum sCD14 and scd163 were still higher than those of healthy controls [sCD14: (44 390.06 ± 3 330.17) pg / ml vs. (28 370.76 ± 2 357.68) pg/ml, Scd163: (11 494.79 ± 1 836.97) pg / ml vs. (2 934.41 ± 223.31) pg / ml, P < 0.01], while the frequency of CD14(++)CD16(-)mononuclear cells had gradually increased during the course of treatment and neared healthy control level after 12 weeks of treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (71.54) % ± 2.99% vs. 72.75% ± 1.31%, P > 0.05). Conclusion: DAAs therapy can reduce the activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

[Airway parameters and reference value range of high-resolution CT reconstruction in general population]

Objective: To investigate the measurement of small airways by high-resolution CT and image post-processing software. Screen and analyze the reconstructed airway parameters in order to find the best imaging biomarker parameters of small airway changes and calculate the reference value range; meanwhile, explore its influencing factors. Methods: From a water plant and a medical school, 169 cases of the general population aged 20 to 60 were selected as research objects, and questionnaire surveys and CT tests were performed, and CT data were reconstructed with image post-processing software. The reference value range of the general population was evaluated, and a linear mixed effect model was used to adjust the age, gender, height, BMI, and smoking status, and analyze the influencing factors of airway parameters. Results: The ratio of sixth-grade tracheal wall area to total tracheal area in the Left B1+2 to carina was (53.01±13.35) %, Left B9 to carina was (50.44±12.98) %, Right B1 to carina was (52.73±12.22) %, and Right B9 to carina was (52.93±11.85) %. The ratio of nineth-grade tracheal wall area to total tracheal area in the Left B1+2 to carina was (44.08±14.66) %, Left B9 to carina was (42.44±15.89) %, Right B1 to carina was (46.51±14.03) %, and Right B9 to carina is (43.54±15.87) %. BMI affect the area of the tracheal wall, all p value<0.05. Conclusion: High-resolution CT small airway morphology can make a preliminary assessment of the susceptible population of small airway-related diseases based on a range of reference values, and prevent and control it in combination with influencing factors.

[Prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis infections among primary school students in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis infections among primary school students in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City.

METHODS

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among students sampled from a primary school in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City on April, 2018, and their stool samples were collected for microscopic examinations, in vitro culture and PCR assays to analyze the prevalence of Blastocystis infections and subtype of the parasite. In addition, the risk factors of Blastocystis infections among primary school students were identified using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 466 primary students were surveyed, and the subjects had a mean age of (9.81±1.66) years and included 236 males (50.64%) and 230 females (49.36%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infections was 15.24% (71/466) among the study students, and there was no significance difference in the prevalence between male and fe- male students (16.52% vs. 13.91%; χ2 = 0.616, P = 0.433). In addition, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of Blastocystis infections among grade 1 (6.35%, 4/63), grade 2 (5.17%, 3/58), grade 3 (21.74%, 15/69), grade 4 (25.30%, 21/83), grade 5 (10.19%, 11/108) and grade 6 students (20.00%, 17/85) (χ2 = 15.410, P = 0.009). There were four Blastocystis subtypes characterized (ST1, ST3, ST6 and ST7), in which ST6 was the most common subtype (45.07%, 32/71), followed by ST3 (25.35%, 18/71). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that minority ethnicity [odds ratio (OR) = 4.259, 95% confidential inter- val (CI) : (1.161, 15.621)] and low maternal education level (primary school and below) [OR = 9.038, 95% CI: (1.125, 72.642)] were identified as risk factors of Blastocystis infection among primary school students in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high prevalence of Blastocystis infections detected among primary school students in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City, and ST6 and ST3 are predominant subtypes. Minority ethnicity and low maternal education level (primary school and below) are risk factors for Blastocystis infections in primary school students.

[Prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infection in inpatients in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infection in inpatients in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community hospital in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City, and the inpatients were surveyed by questionnaires. After obtaining the informed consent from the inpatients or legal guardians, the stool and blood samples were collected and examined by microscopy and PCR from April 17 to May 1, 2018. The univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors of the B. hominis infection.

RESULTS

A total of 198 hospitalized patients were investigated, and the infection rate of B. hominis was 10.61% (21/198), and the infection rate of the females (12.10%) was higher than that of the males (8.11%), but the difference was not statistically significant. The highest rate of infection was 19.23% in the age group of 10 to 20 years, followed by 17.74% in the age group of 60 years and above, and the lowest rate was 2.38% in the age group of 20 to 40 years. The difference in infection rates of B. hominis among the different age groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The infection rate of B. hominis in the people who used dry pail latrines was 33.30%, which was higher than that of the people who used water flush toilets (9.10%) (P < 0.05). The genotypes of B. hominis were ST1, ST3, ST6 and ST7, and ST6 and ST3 being the most predominant genotypes which accounted for 47.62% (10/21) and 38.10% (8/21) respectively, and among the infected males, the genotypes were only ST3 and ST6. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that among the factors affecting B. hominis infection, only keeping pets was a risk factor [OR = 3.798, 95% CI (1.245, 11.581), P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of B. hominis infection is found in the inpatients in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City, the predominant genotypes are ST6 and ST3, and keeping pets may be one of the main risk factors.

[Study on the effect of curculigoside on osteoporosis]

Objective: To investigate the regulation of curculigoside on osteogenic differentiation of MG63 and the protective effect on osteoporosis model mice. Methods: The effects of curculigoside on the survival rate of dexamethasone or H(2)O(2) treated MG63 were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). The specimens were divided into six groups: blank control group, blank administration group, model group (dexamethasone or H(2)O(2) treatment group), low dose group (dexamethasone or H(2)O(2)+1.0 μmol/L curculigoside), medium dose group (dexamethasone or H(2)O(2)+2.5 μmol/L curculigoside) and high dose group (dexamethasone or H(2)O(2)+5.0 μmol/L curculigoside), the sample size of each group was 10. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins [type Ⅰ collagen, integrin β1, osteoblast-specific transcription factor (Osterix), osteocalcin and osteopontin] in MG63 cells after 1, 7 and 14 days incubated with 0, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 μmol/L of curculigoside. The sample size for each group at each time point was six. The experimental mice were divided into 4 groups: blank group, model group (dexamethasone treatment group), curculigoside low-dose group (dexamethasone+5 mg/kg curculigoside) and high-dose group (dexamethasone+45 mg/kg curculigoside), twenty each. After treatment, the tibia of the mice in each group were subjected to sacral HE staining. The number of osteoclasts was counted, and the levels of oxidative related factors in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The MTT results showed that compared with the blank control group [(100±3.7)%], the cell survival rate decreased to (44.1±5.7)% after treatment with dexamethasone, and the survival rate increased to (79.7±3.8)% after treatment with 5.0 μmol/L of curculigoside. The cell survival rate decreased to (59.1±4.7)% after H(2)O(2) treatment, and the survival rate increased to (80.8±3.5)% after treatment with 2.5 μmol/L of curculigoside. The results of Western blotting showed that the expression of type Ⅰ collagen and integrin β1 in MG63 cells was significantly increased after 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 μmol/L of curculigoside for 1, 7 and 14 days compared with 0 μmol/L of curculigo side for the same period. After increasing (P<0.05), the expression of Osterix and osteocalcin was significantly increased after 1 day of incubation (P<0.05). However, compared with 0 μmol/L curculigoside treatment, the expression of osteopontin in MG63 cells was not significantly different after incubation with 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 μmol/L of curculigoside for 7 and 14 days (P>0.05). Compared with the blank group, the number of tibia osteoclasts in the osteoporosis model group increased. In the low-dose and high-dose groups of curculigoside, the tibia cortex was more continuous and the number of osteoclasts decreased. Compared with the blank group, the activity of oxygen in the osteoporosis model group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and superoxide dimutase and catalase were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusions: Curculigoside promotes the differentiation of MG63 cells by increasing the expression of osteoblast differentiation-related proteins, and has a certain therapeutic effect on dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis mice.

[The influence of two calculation methods on the outcomes of Toric intraocular lenses]

Objective: To evaluate the influence of Barrett calculator and AcrySof calculator on astigmatism correction effect. Methods: This is a randomized prospective study. A total of 64 cases (81 eyes) who planed to undergo phacoemulsification at Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital during January 2017 and March 2018 were enrolled and divided into two groups randomly, including of the Barrett calculator group of 34 cases (41 eyes) and the AcrySof calculator group of 30 cases (40 eyes). Preoperative ocular biological parameters were measured using Lenstar LS900. The Toric intraocular lenses (IOL) plans were determined based on Barrett calculator and the AcrySof calculator for the two groups respectively. Subjective optometry was performed by phoropter and Toric IOL alignment was detected by slitlamp examination at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was taken with the data of 29 cases (35 eyes) in the Barrett calculator group and 26 cases (35 eyes) in the AcrySof calculator group, there were 20 males (25 eyes) and 35 females (45 eyes) with an average age of (72±10) years. The difference between the predicted residual astigmatism by the two calculators and the residual astigmatism obtained by postoperative optometry is the error of refractive astigmatism (ERA). The magnitude error is the algebraic difference of ERA. Vector error(VE) is a vector difference of ERA. Statistical analysis of magnitude error and VE between the two groups were taken by student's t test or rank sum test. Results: At 1 months and 3 months, the magnitude error absolute value of Barrett calculator group were (0.19±0.16)D, (0.28±0.24)D, and those of AcrySof calculator group were (0.36±0.28)D, (0.46±0.41)D, and the differences were statistically significant (t=-3.050, -2.036, both P<0.05). At 1 month postoperatively, the overall, with-the-rule astigmatism, and against-the-rule astigmatism VE of the Barrett calculator group were (0.30±0.21)D, (0.26±0.22)D, (0.37±0.26)D respectively, and those of the AcrySof calculator group were (0.47±0.33)D, (0.51±0.34)D and (0.52±0.38)D respectively, the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (t=-2.533, -2.436, -2.150, all P<0.05). At 3 months postoperatively, the overall, with-the-rule astigmatism, and against-the-rule astigmatism VE of the Barrett calculator group were (0.37±0.28)D, (0.29±0.17)D, (0.35±0.27)D respectively, and those of the AcrySof calculator group were (0.59±0.46)D, (0.54±0.37)D, (0.64±0.52)D respectively, the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (t=-2.142, -2.038, -2.481, all P<0.05).The difference of X(EV) between the Barrett calculator group and the AcrySof calculator group was statistically significant[-0.13(-0.36-0.80)D vs. 0.19(-1.01-0.71)D, Z=-2.965,P<0.01], and the difference of Y(EV) was statistically significant [-0.02(-0.51-0.64)D vs. -0.15(-0.88-1.10)D, Z=-2.076, P<0.05] at 1 months. There was no significant difference in X(EV) and Y(EV) (both P>0.05) at 3 months. Conelusion: As compared to AcrySof Toric calculator, the application of Barrett calculator in selecting Toric IOL may reduce ERA and improve Toric IOL correction outcomes. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55:208-213).

Knockdown of CERB expression inhibits proliferation and migration of glioma cells line U251

BACKGROUND

Glioma is a type of tumor that occurs in the brain and accounts for almost 30 % of all brain and central nervous system tumors and 80 % of all malignant brain tumors. In this study, we investigate the role of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the progression of glioma.

METHODS

Tissue samples from glioma patients were collected and examined for expression of CREB and its correlation with tumor grades. CREB was then knocked down via siRNA to see if reduced expression of CREB affects cell proliferation and migration. Factors involved in cell cycles, adhesion and apoptosis were examined as well. Moreover, CRESP/CAS9 mediated knockout of CREB was conducted and athymic Nude mice model was used to investigate CREB's role in vivo.

RESULTS

The evaluated expression level of CREB in glioma patients was correlated with tumor grades. Knockdown of CREB via siRNA in glioma cell line U251 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. Moreover, CyclinD1 and Bcl-2 expression were reduced, as well as phosphorylation of IRK1/2 and AKT. Additionally, knockout of CREB via CRESP/CAS9 inhibited tumor formation of U251 cells in athymic Nude mice model.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our data suggest that over expression of CREB may contribute to progression of glioma and knockdown of CREB expression may serve as a novel target for therapy (Tab. 1, Fig. 6, Ref. 25).

Evaluation and comparison of the diagnostic performance of routine blood tests in predicting liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B infection

Background & aims: Biopsy is the gold standard for staging liver fibrosis, but it may be accompanied by complications. As an alternative, non-invasive markers such as transient elastography (for liver fibrosis) and certain combinations of routine blood markers (liver function tests, full blood count) have been developed although their clinical significance remains controversial. Here, we compare the diagnostic values of non-invasive markers for liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Methods: Transient elastography and routine laboratory tests were performed in 196 patients. Diagnostic performances were compared and were assessed based on the area under the curve (AUC) of a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: Elevated GGT to platelet ratio (GPR), the fibrosis index FIB-4 [based on age, AST, platelets and ALT], platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and total bilirubin were independent predictors of liver stiffness defined by transient elastography (all P < 0.001). The AUCs of GPR in predicting both advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis were significantly larger than that of FIB-4 (P = 0.037 and P = 0.008, respectively) and AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) (P = 0.008 and P = 0.005). FIB-4, APRI and red cell volume distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RPR) had similar diagnostic values in discriminating different levels of liver fibrosis. Conclusions: GPR showed the best diagnostic value and RPR and PLR are easily available and inexpensive markers in evaluating fibrosis and cirrhosis. The diagnostic values of these laboratory markers are useful in diagnosing advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, and in confirming the different levels of liver fibrosis.

Energy enhancement of the target surface electron by using a 200 TW sub-picosecond laser

One order of magnitude energy enhancement of the target surface electron beams with central energy at 11.5 MeV is achieved by using a 200 TW, 500 fs laser at an incident angle of 72° with a prepulse intensity ratio of 5×10^-6. The experimental results demonstrate the scalability of the acceleration process to high electron energy with a longer (sub-picosecond) laser pulse duration and a higher laser energy (120 J). The total charge of the beam is 400±20  pC(E>2.7  MeV). Such a high orientation and mono-energetic electron jet would be a good method to solve the problem of the large beam divergence in fast ignition schemes and to increase the laser energy deposition on the target core.

[Trends study of diet consulting for discharged patients with acute myocardial infarction in China from 2001 to 2011]

Objective: To describe trends in diet consulting at discharge for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in China from 2001-2011. Methods: A representative sample of patients in China admitted to hospital for AMI was created from a two-stage sampling approach; profiles for patients with AMI were retrospectively abstracted through their medical records.The study described the overall trends in diet consulting for patients with AMI in China, the rates of diet consulting among patients with hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, and the variation in diet consulting across different regions. Results: We sampled 162 hospitals and included 16 100 patients with AMI in total.The weighted rates of diet consulting at AMI discharge in China was 16.5%, 28.8%, and 40.8% in 2001, 2006 and 2011, respectively (P for trend <0.001). The rates and trends among patients with hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia were similar to those among all patients with AMI (hypertension: 16.4%, 31.4%, and 41.1% in 2001, 2006 and 2011, respectively; diabetes: 18.2%, 32.2%, and 42.8%; hyperlipidemia: 18.6%, 31.4%, and 41.5%; all P for trend <0.001). The rates has not changed much for those in central rural region over the decade (19.2%, 19.4%, and 22.8% in 2001, 2006 and 2011, respectively; P for trend=0.09); meanwhile, the rates of diet consulting in other four regions increased over years (all P for trend<0.001). Conclusions: From 2001 to 2011, the rates of diet consulting at discharge for patients with AMI has increased in China; however, there are still substantial rooms for improvement, especially for central rural region.Dietitian could work with clinician and be involved in diet consulting for AMI at discharge in order to improve prognosis for patients with AMI.

Effects of graded removal of lysine from an intravenously infused amino acid mixture on lactation performance and mammary amino acid metabolism in lactating goats

To investigate responses of milk protein synthesis and mammary AA metabolism to a graded decrease of postruminal Lys supply, 4 lactating goats fitted with jugular vein, mammary vein, and carotid artery catheters and transonic blood flow detectors on the external pudic artery were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment. Goats were fasted for 24 h and then received a 9-h intravenous infusion of an AA mixture plus glucose. Milk yield was recorded and samples were taken in h 2 to 8 of the infusion period; a mammary biopsy was performed in the last hour. Treatments were graded decrease of lysine content in the infusate to 100 (complete), 60, 30, or 0% as in casein. Lysine-removed infusions linearly decreased milk yield, tended to decrease lactose yield, and tended to increase milk fat to protein ratio. Milk protein content and yield were linearly decreased by graded Lys deficiency. Mammary Lys uptake was concomitantly decreased, but linear regression analysis found no significant relationship between mammary Lys uptake and milk protein yield. Treatments had no effects on phosphorylation levels of the downstream proteins measured in the mammalian target or rapamycin pathway except for a tended quadratic effect on that of eukaryotic initiation factor 2, which was increased and then decreased by graded Lys deficiency. Removal of Lys from the infusate linearly increased circulating glucagon and glucose. Removal of Lys from the infusate linearly decreased arterial and venous concentrations of Lys. Treatments also had a significant quadratic effect on venous Lys, suggesting mechanisms to stabilize circulating Lys at a certain range. The 2 infusions partially removing Lys resulted in a similar 20% decrease, whereas the 0% Lys infusion resulted in an abrupt 70% decrease in mammary Lys uptake compared with that of the full-AA mixture infusion. Consistent with the abrupt decrease, mammary Lys uptake-to-output ratio decreased from 2.2 to 0.92, suggesting catabolism of Lys in the mammary gland could be completely prevented when the animal faced severe Lys deficiency. Mammary blood flow was linearly increased, consistent with the linearly increased circulating nitric oxide by graded Lys deficiency, indicating mechanisms to ensure the priority of the mammary gland in acquiring AA for milk protein synthesis. Infusions with Lys removed increased mammary clearance rate of Lys numerically by 2 to 3 fold. In conclusion, the decreased milk protein yield by graded Lys deficiency was mainly a result of the varied physiological status, as indicated by the elevated circulating glucagon and glucose, rather than a result of the decreased mammary Lys uptake or depressed signals in the mTOR pathway. Mechanisms of Lys deficiency to promote glucagon secretion and mammary blood flow and glucagon to depress milk protein synthesis need to be clarified by future studies.

A novel laser-collider used to produce monoenergetic 13.3 MeV (7)Li (d, n) neutrons

Neutron energy is directly correlated with the energy of the incident ions in experiments involving laser-driven nuclear reactions. Using high-energy incident ions reduces the energy concentration of the generated neutrons. A novel "laser-collider" method was used at the Shenguang II laser facility to produce monoenergetic neutrons via (7)Li (d, n) nuclear reactions. The specially designed K-shaped target significantly increased the numbers of incident d and Li ions at the keV level. Ultimately, 13.3 MeV neutrons were obtained. Considering the time resolution of the neutron detector, we demonstrated that the produced neutrons were monoenergetic. Interferometry and a Multi hydro-dynamics simulation confirmed the monoenergetic nature of these neutrons.

Development and characterization of Rift Valley fever virus-like particles

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute, febrile zoonotic disease that is caused by the RVF virus (RVFV) and spread by arthropod vectors. RVF is currently prevalent in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and causes substantial economic losses. Furthermore, this disease poses a serious threat to animal and human health in regions worldwide, making it a serious public health concern. However, RVFV vaccines for human use are still unavailable, and hence there is an urgent need for novel efficient vaccines against RVFV. Vaccine preparation techniques have become a crucial factor in developing new vaccines. In the current study, the N and G protein genes of RVFV were inserted into the pFastBacDual baculovirus expression vector downstream of the pP10 and pPH promoters. The resultant recombinant vector, pFastBacDual-S-M, was transfected into Sf9 insect cells by lipofection. The recombinant baculovirus, named rBac-N-G, was retrieved and infected into Sf9 insect cells to generate RVFV virus-like particles (VLPs). Using polyclonal antibodies against RVFV proteins in immunofluorescence and western blot analyses, we positively identified the presence of the RVFV proteins in VLP preparations. Sucrose density gradient centrifugation and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the morphology of the RVFV VLPs was consistent with previous reports of RVFV virions. This study describes a technique for efficient production of RVFV VLPs, and has laid the foundation for future VLP-based RVFV vaccines.

Changes in serum adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and normal pregnant women during mid- and late pregnancy

Aims/Introduction

To observe the longitudinal changes in serum adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein (AFABP), carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism parameters in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during mid‐ and late pregnancy periods, as well as to identify whether there is any association between AFABP and development of GDM.

Materials and Methods

A total of 40 GDM and 240 normal glucose tolerance participants were enrolled at 24–28 weeks and completed the study. The clinical features, serum AFABP, other adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, retinol‐binding protein 4), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and lipid profiles were measured in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Results

Compared with the normal glucose tolerance group, the GDM group showed greater levels of AFABP, leptin and retinol‐binding protein 4; and a decreased level of adiponectin (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) during mid‐ and late pregnancy periods. Prepregnancy body mass index was the independent factor impacting serum AFABP levels in the second (β = 0.567, P = 0.004) and third trimesters (β = 0.619, P = 0.001). Furthermore, GDM was independently associated with AFABP concentrations in multiple regression analysis in the second and third trimester (all P < 0.01). Serum AFABP, leptin and retinol‐binding protein 4 are risk factors for GDM; adiponectin is a protective factor for GDM (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The GDM group had a higher level of AFABP during mid‐ and late stages of pregnancy; prepregnancy body mass index and GDM were the independent factors with respect to serum AFABP. AFABP might be closely related to obesity, insulin resistance and leptin resistance in pregnancy, and is a major risk factor for GDM.

A nanostructured hematite film prepared by a facile “top down” method for application in photoelectrochemistry

Nanostructured hematite films on iron foil have been successfully prepared by using a facile “top down” method for application in photoelectrochemistry.

Neutron yield enhancement in laser-induced deuterium-deuterium fusion using a novel shaped target

Neutron yields have direct correlation with the energy of incident deuterons in experiments of laser deuterated target interaction [Roth et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 044802 (2013) and Higginson et al., Phys. Plasmas 18, 100703 (2011)], while deuterated plasma density is also an important parameter. Experiments at the Shenguang II laser facility have produced neutrons with energy of 2.45 MeV using d (d, n) He reaction. Deuterated foil target and K-shaped target were employed to study the influence of plasma density on neutron yields. Neutron yield generated by K-shaped target (nearly 10(6)) was two times higher than by foil target because the K-shaped target results in higher density plasma. Interferometry and multi hydro-dynamics simulation confirmed the importance of plasma density for enhancement of neutron yields.

Note: Pre-pulse characterization of femtosecond laser pulse by filamentation in transparent media

A new method and associating system has been presented to characterize pre-pulses of femtosecond laser using laser filamentation in transparent media. Pre-pluses of the laser system has been measured experimentally and it is in good agreement with the results obtained by third order cross-correlator. This method can be used for fast detection of temporal laser intensity relatively in order to avoid formation of pre-plasmas before laser matter interaction experiments.

Generation of quasi-monoenergetic electron beams with small normalized divergences angle from a 2 TW laser facility

We report the generation of a 6 pC, 23 MeV electron bunch with the energy spread ± 3.5% by using 2 TW, 80 fs high contrast laser pulses interacting with helium gas targets. Within the optimized experimental condition, we obtained quasi-monoenergetic electron beam with an ultra-small normalized divergence angle of 92 mrad, which is at least 5 times smaller than the previous LPA-produced bunches. We suggest the significant decrease of the normalized divergence angles is due to smooth transfer from SM-LWFA to LWFA. Since the beam size in LPA is typically small, this observation may explore a simple way to generate ultralow normalized emittance electron bunches by using small-power but high-repetition-rate laser facilities.

Three-dimensional fast magnetic reconnection driven by relativistic ultraintense femtosecond lasers

Three-dimensional fast magnetic reconnection driven by two ultraintense femtosecond laser pulses is investigated by relativistic particle-in-cell simulation, where the two paralleled incident laser beams are shot into a near-critical plasma layer to form a magnetic reconnection configuration in self-generated magnetic fields. A reconnection X point and out-of-plane quadrupole field structures associated with magnetic reconnection are formed. The reconnection rate is found to be faster than that found in previous two-dimensional Hall magnetohydrodynamic simulations and electrostatic turbulence contribution to the reconnection electric field plays an essential role. Both in-plane and out-of-plane electron and ion accelerations up to a few MeV due to the magnetic reconnection process are also obtained.