[Construction and identification of mouse model with conditional knockout of p75 neurotrophin receptor gene in epidermal cells by Cre-loxP system]

Objective: To construct and identify a mouse model with conditional knockout (cKO) of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR-cKO) gene in epidermis cells by Cre-loxP system. Methods: Five p75NTR(flox/flox) transgenic C57BL/6J mice (aged 6-8 weeks, male and female unlimited, the age and sex of mice used for reproduction were the same below) and five keratin 14 promotor-driven (KRT14-) Cre(+ /-) transgenic C57BL/6J mice were bred and hybridized via Cre-loxP system. Five p75NTR(flox/+) ·KRT14-Cre(+ /-) mice selected from the first generation of mice were mated with five p75NTR(flox/flox) mice to obtain the second generation hybrids. After the second generation mice were born 20-25 days, the parts of the mice tail were cut off to identify the genotype by polymerase chain reaction method. Four p75NTR gene complete cKO mice (6 weeks old) and 4 wild-type mice (6 weeks old) were selected and sacrificed respectively. The abdominal skin tissue and brain tissue were excised to observe the expression of p75NTR in the two tissue of two types of mice by immunohistochemical staining. The abdominal skin tissue of two types of mice was obtained to observe the histomorphological changes by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: (1) Twenty second generation mice were bred. The genotype of 4 mice was p75NTR(flox/flox)·KRT14-Cre(+ /-)(p75NTR(-/-)), i. e. p75NTR gene complete cKO mice; the genotype of 5 mice was p75NTR(flox/+) ·KRT14-Cre(+ /-), i. e. p75NTR gene partial cKO mice; the genotype of 5 mice was p75NTR(flox/flox)·KRT14-Cre(-/-), and that of 6 mice was p75NTR(flox/+) ·KRT14-Cre(-/-), all of which were wild-type mice. (2) The expression of p75NTR was negative in skin epidermis tissue of p75NTR gene complete cKO mice, while numerous p75NTR positive expression was observed in skin epidermis tissue of wild-type mice. Abundant p75NTR positive expression was observed in brain tissue of both wild-type mice and p75NTR gene complete cKO mice. (3) There was no abnormal growth of skin epidermis tissue in both wild-type mice and p75NTR gene complete cKO mice, with intact hair follicle structure. Conclusions: Applying Cre-loxP system can successfully construct a p75NTR-cKO mice model in epidermis cells without obvious changes in skin histomorphology.

[Outcomes and prognostic factors of myelodysplastic syndrome patients with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

目的

评价异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT）治疗骨髓增生异常综合征（MDS）的疗效，并分析预后相关因素。

方法

回顾性分析2010年1月至2018年3月接受allo-HSCT治疗的165例MDS患者，主要观察患者总体生存（OS）率、无病生存（DFS）率、复发率及非复发死亡率（NRM），并分析影响预后的危险因素。

结果

全部165例患者中，男105例，女60例，3年OS、DFS率分别为72.5%（95%CI 64.9%~80.1%）、67.4%（95%CI 59.2%~75.6%），3年累积复发率为12.1%（95%CI 7.0%~18.6%），NRM为20.4%（95%CI 14.2%~27.6%）。多因素分析显示，allo-HSCT合并症指数（HCT-CI）是影响OS的独立危险因素（P=0.042，HR=2.094，95%CI 1.026~4.274）。对于难治性贫血伴原始细胞增多（RAEB）及转化为急性髓系白血病（sAML）患者，移植前应用化疗或去甲基化治疗对总体OS无影响[（67.0±7.5）%对（57.7±10.9）%，χ²=0.025，P=0.874]。

结论

allo-HSCT是治疗MDS的有效手段，非复发死亡是影响生存的主要原因。移植前化疗或去甲基化治疗或许不能使RAEB和sAML患者获益。

[Changes of sex hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin levels in male adults with hyperthyroidism before and after antithyroid drug treatment]

Objective: To observe the changes of sex hormone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels in young male patients with hyperthyroidism before and after antithyroid drug (ATD) treatment. Methods: Between January 2015 and July 2016, forty male patients with hyperthyroidism aged 19-52 years (with an median age of 33.1 years) were enrolled in the Department of Endocrinology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Blood samples were taken before treatment and at 1 month, 2 months, 3 months and 5 months after treatment to evaluate thyroid function, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone(T), free testosterone(FT), estradiol(E2), prolactin and SHBG. Results: A total of 40 patients were enrolled but only 35 patients completed the follow-up. The patients had high levels of thyroid function, SHBG and sex hormones before treatment. Before treatment, free thyroxine (FT(4)), free triiodothyronine (FT(3)), SHBG, LH, estradiol, testosterone and free testosterone was (0.30±0.12) pmol/L, (9.68±4.73) pmol/L, (146±111) nmol/L, (8.41±3.61) U/L, (19.9±7.7) pmol/L, (29.9±9.5) nmol/L and (0.24±0.08) nmol/L, respectively. After treatment, the level of triiodothyronine, thyroxine, FT(3) and FT(4) gradually decreased to normal (all P<0.001). Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) gradually increased to normal (P<0.001). LH and estradiol levels gradually decreased (all P<0.001). FSH decreased but the difference was not statistically significant. Prolactin did not change significantly. Testosterone and SHBG levels decreased significantly while the levels of free testosterone, free testosterone percentage (FT%), bio-available testosterone (BAT), bio-available testosterone percentage (BAT%), free androgen index (FAI) gradually increased and stabilized (all P<0.001). The difference was not statistically significant between T/LH and E2/LH before and after treatment (all P>0.05). However FT/LH gradually increased and its difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: The levels of LH, estradiol, testosterone and SHBG in male patients with hyperthyroidism significantly increased, while the free testosterone level decreased, but they all gradually returned to normal with the lowering of thyroid hormone levels during ATD treatment.

[Establishment of a method for repairing extremities with extensively deep burn using fresh allogeneic scalp and autologous microskin and observation of its effect]

Objective: To establish a method for repairing extremities with extensively deep burn using large piece of fresh allogeneic scalp spliced by Meek glue combined with autologous microskin and observe its effect. Methods: Medical records of two male patients with extremely extensive deep burn admitted to our hospital from May to November in 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Two patients aged 44 and 25 years respectively, with total burn area of 90% and 97% total body surface area (TBSA) and full-thickness burn area of 85% and 70% TBSA, respectively. Preoperatively, the surgical area on the extremities was calculated to estimate the necessary amount of allogeneic scalp and Meek miniature skin. The large piece of fresh allogeneic scalp spliced by Meek glue combined with autologous microskin was prepared according to the methods described as follows. Thin medium-thickness fresh scalps with 3% TBSA and 0.30-0.35 mm in depth were harvested from each donor and spliced into a large piece with epidermis upward by spraying Meek glue. Then the spliced scalp was punched after covered with a single-layer gauze. Autologous microskin was transported onto the dermis of fresh large piece of allogeneic scalp by traditional floating method. Bilateral extremities with full-thickness burn of two patients were selected for self-control. The left upper extremity was denoted as treatment group while the right upper extremity was denoted as control group in Patient 1. The right lower extremity was denoted as treatment group while the left lower extremity was denoted as control group in Patient 2. Wounds in the treatment group were treated with fresh large piece of allogeneic scalp spliced by Meek glue and autologous microskin with expansion ratio of 1∶15 after escharectomy, while wounds in control group received grafting of Meek miniature skin with expansion ratio of 1∶6 and or 1∶9 after escharectomy. The donors of allogeneic scalp were 32 males who were the relatives or friends of the patients, aged 21-50 years, with scalp area of (548±48) cm(2). The healing conditions of donor sites of scalp were observed on post operation day 10, and were followed up within 3 months after operation to observe whether forming alopecia and hypertrophic scar or not. Wound healing condition was evaluated during follow-up in post operation week (POW) 2-5 and 4 months after operation. Wound coverage rates were calculated in both treatment and control groups in POW 2, 3, 4, and 5. Results: The donor sites of all allogeneic scalp of donors healed completely on post operation day 10. There was no alopecia or hypertrophic scar within 3 months after operation for follow-up. In POW 2, allogeneic scalp grafts basically survived in treatment group without obvious exudation, and most of the Meek miniature skin survived in control group with obvious exudation. Part of allogeneic scalp grafts dissolved and detached in treatment group in POW 3, and the surviving grafts scabbed. The eschar detached and new epithelium was observed in treatment group in POW 4 and 5. In POW 3-5, surviving Meek miniature skin in control group creeped and was incorporated, and the wounds shrank. Hypertrophic scar was observed in both treatment and control groups 4 months after operation, without obvious difference in scar as a whole. The wound coverage rates were respectively 84%-98% and 76%-92% in treatment group of two patients in POW 2-5, close to or higher than those of control group (35%-97% and 28%-81%, respectively). Conclusions: The study establishes a novel method for splicing fresh allogeneic scalps into a large piece as the covering of microskin, which has good effect for repairing extensively deep burn wounds. Considering that allogeneic skin is scarce, this method may be a new option in clinical treatment for extensively deep burn patients.

The roles of PDGFRα signaling in the postnatal development and functional maintenance of the SMC-ICC-PDGFRα+ cell (SIP) syncytium in the colon

BACKGROUND

The SIP syncytium in the gut consists of smooth muscle cells, interstitial cells of Cajal, and PDGFRα+ cells. We studied the fate of SIP cells after blocking PDGFRα receptor to explore the roles of PDGFRα signaling in the postnatal development and functional maintenance of the SIP syncytium.

METHODS

Crenolanib was administered to mice from P0, P10, or P50. The morphological changes in SIP cells were examined by immunofluorescence. Protein expression in SIP cells was detected by Western blotting. Moreover, colonic transit was analyzed by testing the colonic bead expulsion time.

KEY RESULTS

A dose of 5 mg(kg•day)^-1 crenolanib administered for 10 days beginning on P0 apparently hindered the development of PDGFRα+ cells in the colonic longitudinal muscularis and myenteric plexus without influencing their proliferative activity and apoptosis, but this result was not seen in the colonic circular muscularis. SMCs were also inhibited by crenolanib. A dose of 7.5 mg(kg•day)^-1 crenolanib administered for 15 days beginning on P0 caused reductions in both PDGFRα+ cells and ICC in the longitudinal muscularis, myenteric plexus, and circular muscularis. However, when crenolanib was administered at a dose of 5 mg(kg•day)^-1 beginning on P10 or P50, it only noticeably decreased the number of PDGFRα+ cells in the colonic longitudinal muscularis. Crenolanib also caused PDGFRα+ cells to transdifferentiate into SMC in adult mice. Colonic transit was delayed after administration of crenolanib.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Therefore, PDGFRα signaling is essential for the development and functional maintenance of the SIP cells, especially PDGFRα+ cells.

[Correlation between serum HBV DNA level and HBsAg titer in HBeAg-positive pregnant women and impact of genomic variability of hepatitis B virus pre S/S regions on their correlations]

Objective: To analyze the correlation between serum HBV DNA level and HBsAg titer in hepatitis B e antigen positive pregnant women without antiviral therapy, and investigate the impact of genomic variability of preS/S regions on their correlations. Methods: Prenatal serum samples from 882 pregnant women with chronic HBV infection who were positive for HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA and were not on antiviral therapy were included in the analysis. The Abbott i2000 and m2000 systems were used to qualitatively or quantitatively detect HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA levels, respectively. HBV genotyping was performed using a type-specific primer nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). In addition, serum samples of pregnant women with HBV DNA levels correlated with HBsAg titer and HBV DNA levels higher than HBsAg titers were used to perform preS/S region amplification by nPCR method. PCR products were directly sequenced and mutation sites were analyzed by MEGA6.0 stasticial software. Mann-Whitney U test was used for the measurement data, and 2-test test for count data. Correlations between variables were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation. Results: Serum HBsAg titer of HBeAg-positive pregnant women was positively correlated with HBV DNA level (r = 0.754, P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, mutation sites A60V (100% vs. 15.38%, χ(2) = 7.61, P < 0.01), V90A (100% vs. 30.77%, χ(2) = 4.43, P < 0.05) and I161T of HBV preS/S region (80.00% vs. 0, χ(2) = 9.14, P < 0.01) showed a significant decrease in HBsAg titer. Conclusion: Serum HBV DNA levels were positively correlated with HBsAg titer in HBeAg-positive pregnant women. Therefore, serum HBsAg titer may be used as a surrogate marker of serum HBV DNA. Single or multiple amino acid mutations sites A60V, V90A, and I161T in preS/S region may be one of the reasons that lead to a significant drop in HBsAg titer and affect its correlation with HBV DNA levels.

Five-channel tunable W-band Doppler backscattering system in the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak

A 5-channel Doppler backscattering system has been designed and installed in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). Through an I/Q-type double sideband modulator and a frequency multiplier, an array of finely spaced (Δf = 400 MHz) frequencies that span 1.6 GHz has been created. The center of the array bandwidth is tunable within the range of 75-97.8 GHz, which covers most of the W band (75-110 GHz). The incident angle can be adjusted from -4° to 12°, and the wavenumber range is 4-15 cm^-1 with a wavenumber resolution of Δk/k ≤ 0.35. Ray tracing is used to calculate the scattering location and the scattering wavenumber. This article details the hardware design, the ray tracing, and the preliminary experimental results from EAST plasmas.

[Efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy with dermatophagoides farinae drops in children with allergic rhinitis and the change of TGF-β and IL-13 mRNA level]

Objective:The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with standardized dermatophagoides farinae drops and to examine the change of TGF-β and IL-13 mRNA level after 12 months SLIT in children with allergic rhinitis (AR). Method:Ninety-two children with AR were collected and randomly divided into two groups: SLIT group (n=62) and control group (n=30). Before and after SLIT for 6 months and 12 months, total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) and total medication score (TMS) were evaluated. In addition, the mRNA expression of TGF-β and IL-13 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of AR children after immunotherapy were examined by qRT-PCR. Result:There were significant differences (P<0.01) in symptom and medication scores between the two groups after 12 months treatment. The patients in SLIT group had fewer symptoms and lower intake of medication.The rates for well controlled, partly controlled and uncontrolled children were 45.2%, 32.3% and 22.6%, respectively. Five children (5.4%) experienced local adverse events and 1 children (1.1%) experienced mild systemic adverse events. No severe adverse events happened during the treatment. Accordingly, comparing with the baseline value, the mRNA levels of TGF-β increased significantly, and IL-10 mRNA level decreased significantly in well controlled children after 12 months treatment. Conclusion:SLIT with dermatophagoides farinae drops is efficient and safe treatment for children with HDM induced AR. The change of TGF-β and IL-13 mRNA level may be considered as an indicator for evaluating the clinical efficacy of SLIT.

Relationship between sleep disorders and lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in patients with lung cancer

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep disorders and lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in patients with lung cancer undergoing radiotherapy, and to establish a theoretical foundation for predicting sleep disorders and preventing interventions in radiotherapy in lung cancer patients. Ninety-two patients with lung cancer requiring radiotherapy were selected as the study subjects. The patients' demographic data and disease-related conditions were investigated. Their quality of sleep was measured before radiotherapy, after two and four weeks of radiotherapy, and at the end of radiotherapy. According to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Number Table (PSQI), patients with PSQI score> 7 points were put into a sleep disorder group, and patients with PSQI score 0-7 were put into a normal sleep group. Lymphocyte subsets were enumerated and cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1b) were measured during these four periods. The difference in sleep disorders at four weeks between patients with or without synchronous chemotherapy was statistically significant (P less than 0.05). The levels of lymphocyte subsets in the sleep disorder group and the control sleep group showed no difference in the index of lymphocyte subsets before radiotherapy. In the sleep disorder group, CD4+ cells were lower after two weeks of radiotherapy (P less than 0.05). After four weeks of radiotherapy, CD3+, CD4+, and CD16+56+ subsets were lower (P less than 0.05). At the end of radiotherapy, there was no difference in each index. There was no significant difference in IL-6 levels between the two groups before radiotherapy, after two weeks, or after four weeks (P greater than 0.05). At the end of radiotherapy, IL-6 levels in the sleep disorder group were higher than those in the control sleep group (P less than 0.05). There was no significant difference in IL-1b between the two groups (P greater than 0.05). In conclusion, monitoring of T-lymphocyte subsets and IL-6 levels in patients is enhanced during radiotherapy. Clinically effective programs of radiotherapy for lung cancer improve the body's immune status.

[The long-term effect analysis of the tongue base traction/ hyoid suspension with Repose system in multiplanar surgery]

Objective:To explore the long-term effect of Repose bone screw system in the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea. Method:The follow-up group was divided into the short-term (<12 months, control group, 30 cases) and the long-term (more than 12 months, observation, 46 cases). And compared the operation effect of the two groups. Furthermore, the parameters and related factors of surgical efficacy of patients with different follow-up time and different surgical methods were further analyzed.Result:①There was no statistical difference in the preoperative parameters of the two groups, and the overall efficiency of the postoperative long-term observation group was 78.3%, compared with 90.0% in the short-term control group, and the inefficiencies increased from 10.0% to 21.7%. ②In the observation group, the mean of the AHI increased gradually with the follow-up time, and the blood oxygen gradually decreased. The effectiveness of the surgical treatment gradually decreased, the total efficiency of the tongue base traction group decreased from 100% to 60%, and the hyoid suspension group decreased from 94.4% to 77.8%. ③And 15 patients with a second review X-head shadow measurements,we found there are statistically significant (P<0.05) in vallecula epiglottica-lateral pharyngealwall,pharyngeal airway space. Conclusion:Repose screw system of tongue base traction/ hyoid suspension technique is positive in the treatment of severe OSAHS lingual pharyngeal plane obstruction, but short-term surgical results are not stable.

[Effects of Wnt3a on osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells]

Objective: To investigate the effect of Wnt3a on osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSC). Methods: DPSCs were subjected to different concentrations of Wnt3a (0, 5, 20, 50 and 100 μg/L) and at seven days after culture the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was tested. Mineralized nodule formation was examined by alizarin red staining. Osteogenic-related gene expression of bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN), collagen type Ⅰ (COL-Ⅰ), Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2) was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Results: After seven days of induction by DPSC, Wnt3a protein could inhibit the ALP activity (concentration 0: 1.076±0.203, 5 μg/L: 0.828±0.118, 20 μg/L: 0.505±0.044, 50 μg/L: 0.499±0.038, 100 μg/L: 0.483±0.060). The expression of OCN in 5 μg/L Wnt3a group (0.092±0.005) was lower than that in culture medium (0.858±0.190)(P<0.05). Alizarin red staining showed that 5 μg/L Wnt3a had no mineralization induction effect on DPSC. Conclusions: Wnt3a could inhibit osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells.

A systematic review on delayed absorption of subretinal fluid after scleral buckling for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is a vision-threatening disease and is treated by either scleral buckling or pars planar vitrectomy. Rapid absorption of the subretinal fluid (SRF) helps in the early recovery of the vision. The absorption of SRF after the scleral buckling procedure is rapid, provided that the retinal break or breaks are closed at or after surgery. However, in some patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, complete absorption of the SRF occur several weeks or months after the surgery. In this review, we discuss the factors influencing the rate of SRF absorption and the role of delayed absorption on visual recovery. We also discuss the therapeutic options for delayed SRF absorption and the available additional therapeutic options. Knowledge of the factors that influence the rate of SRF absorption, would enable the surgeon to predict the outcomes more accurately.

Identification of lipopeptides produced by Bacillus subtilis Czk1 isolated from the aerial roots of rubber trees

We obtained a strain of Bacillus subtilis, which we named Czk1, from the aerial roots of rubber trees. This bacterial isolate exhibits strong antagonistic activity against Ganoderma pseudoferreum, Phellinus noxius, Helicobasidium compactum, Rigidoporus lignosus, Sphaerostilbe repens, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Our earlier research has shown that the antagonistic activity of a fermentation supernatant Czk1 isolate produces a complex mixture of lipopeptides. In this study, we used methanol to extract crude lipopeptides, purified them using a Sephadex G-25 column, cloned the lipopeptide genes, and analyzed purified fractions by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) to identify the lipopeptides from B. subtilis strain Czk1. The cloned lipopeptide genes included those that encode the enzymes lpa, ituD, sfp, and fenB. The crude lipopeptides were purified and found in five fractions. Further analysis revealed that five fractions of the purified composition contained members of the surfactin, iturin, fengycin, and bacillomycin families of antibiotics. This suggests that these lipopeptides from strain Czk1 have potential as plant disease biocontrol agents.

[The radiologic study of the nasolacrimal duct decompression surgery for treatment of chronic]

Objective:To explore the possibility of endoscopic nasolacrimal duct decompression surgery for the treatment of chronic dacryocystitis.Method:①Twenty-two eyes with chronic dacryocystitis were treated with 30% iohexol injection for lacrimal sac lithography. Contrast agents were taken from the lacrimal canal reflux to stop the injection. The CT scan for the lacrimal passage was performed immediately. ②Three-dimensional reconstruction of lacrimal duct and its surrounding structures was performed with Sinuses Trachea Ⅰ software. ③The lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal canal were cut and depressed using this software simulation.Result:①The incidence of lacrimal duct obstruction were 4.5% (1/22, in lacrimal duct), 22.7%(5/22, in lacrimal sac), 13.6%(3/22, transition section), 36.4%(8/22, in nasocrimal duct), and 22.7%(5/22, in Hasner valve) separately. The transitional section, nasolacrimal duct, Hasner valve section 72.7%(16/22) totally. ②The lateral wall of the nasolacrimal duct in 3D visual model is constructed of maxillary lacrimal process. The interior wall of the nasolacrimal duct is made of drop process of lacrimal bone and ascending lacimal process of the inferior turbinate. ③Observed from the inferior meatus, hard nasolacrimal duct is surrounded by inferior turbinate bone, and forms the inside wall of openings of the lacrimal duct. ④The removal of the front parts of the inferior turbinate attached to the lateral nasal can lead to the deperession of the membranous nasolacrimal duct sufficiently, and create the efficient space to eliminate nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Conclusion:Endoscopic nasolacrimal duct decompression surgery is efficacy for the treatment of chronic dacryocystitis. The integrity of the membranous lacrimal duct was reserved, and the complication such as lacrimal sac granulation hyperplasia, lacrimal duct obstruction again caused by scar formation was avoided.

[Effect of moluodan on gastric secretion in atrophic gastritis rats]

Objective: To investigate the effect of moluodan on gastric secretion and the underlying mechanism of moluodan in treating atrophic gastritis. Method: According to the random number table, 120 healthy male specific-pathogen-free (SPF) Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, model group, moluodan low-dose group, and moluodan high-dose group, with 30 rats in each group. The control group was administered with normal saline 2 ml/d by gavage, the other three groups were administered with 2% sodium salicylate 1 ml/d, 20 mol/L sodium deoxycholate 1 ml/d, and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) 200 mg/kg for every 10 days. And 16 weeks later, the control group and model group were treated with normal saline 2 ml/d by gavage, meanwhile the moluodan low-dose group was treated with moluodan 0.9 g·kg^-1·d^-1and the high-dose group was treated with moluodan 1.8 g·kg^-1·d^-1, continuously for 12 weeks. Ten rats of each group were sacrificed at the end of 4, 8, 12 weeks. The effect of moluodan on atrophic gastritis was observed. The secretion function of gastric mucosa was assessed through detecting the numbers of gastrin-secreting cells (G cells) and somatostatin-secreting cell (D cells) in gastric mucosa using immunochemical staining, and measuring the serum levels of gastrin (GAS) and somatostatin (SS) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: After 8 weeks, the numbers of G and D cells in gastric mucosa in the moluodan high-dose group significantly increased compared with the model group[(0.617±0.114) vs (0.476±0.116) cells/mm², (0.504±0.084) vs (0.369±0.148) cells/mm^2, both P<0.05]; the numbers of G and D cells in gastric mucosa in the low-dose group increased after 12-week's treatment[(0.674±0.129) vs (0.528±0.103) cells/mm², (0.526±0.087) vs (0.371±0.058) cells/mm², both P<0.05]. The serum GAS levels increased markedly after 8 weeks in the moluodan high-dose group and after 12 weeks in the low-dose group[(1.313±0.080) ng/ml vs (0.964±0.080) ng/ml, (1.202±0.124) ng/ml vs (0.909±0.054) ng/ml, both P<0.01]; the serum SS levels in both high- and low-dose groups were significantly lower than in the model group after 8-week's treatment[(2.376±0.199) ng/ml, (2.238±0.155) ng/ml vs (2.605±0.183) ng/ml, both P<0.05]. Conclusion: Moluodan may treat atrophic gastritis by repairing G and D cells in gastric mucosa and thus increasing serum levels of GAS.

CacyBP/SIP nuclear translocation regulates p27Kip1 stability in gastric cancer cells

AIM: To investigate the mechanism of calcyclin binding protein/Siah-1 interacting protein (CacyBP/SIP) nuclear translocation in promoting the proliferation of gastric cancer (GC) cells.

METHODS: The effect of CacyBP/SIP nuclear translocation on cell cycle was investigated by cell cycle analysis. Western blot analysis was used to assess the change in expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins and proteasome-mediated degradation of p27Kip1. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) analysis was performed to examine the binding of CacyBP/SIP with Skp1. A CacyBP/SIP truncation mutant which lacked the Skp1 binding site was constructed and fused to a fluorescent protein. Subsequently, the effect on Skp1 binding with the fusion protein was examined by co-IP, while localization of fluorescent fusion protein observed by confocal laser microscopy, and change in p27Kip1 protein expression assessed by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS: CacyBP/SIP nuclear translocation induced by gastrin promoted progression of GC cells from G1 phase. However, while CacyBP/SIP nuclear translocation was inhibited using siRNA to suppress CacyBP/SIP expression, cell cycle was clearly inhibited. CacyBP/SIP nuclear translocation significantly decreased the level of cell cycle inhibitor p27Kip1, increased Cyclin E protein expression whereas the levels of Skp1, Skp2, and CDK2 were not affected. Upon inhibition of CacyBP/SIP nuclear translocation, there were no changes in protein levels of p27Kip1 and Cyclin E, while p27Kip1 decrease could be prevented by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Moreover, CacyBP/SIP was found to bind to Skp1 by immunoprecipitation, an event that was abolished by mutant CacyBP/SIP, which also failed to stimulate p27Kip1 degradation, even though the mutant could still translocate into the nucleus.

CONCLUSION: CacyBP/SIP nuclear translocation contributes to the proliferation of GC cells, and CacyBP/SIP exerts this effect, at least in part, by stimulating ubiquitin-mediated degradation of p27Kip1.

A paired case-control comparison of ziprasidone on visual sustained attention and visual selective attention in patients with paranoid schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive impairment is one of the main targets of the treatment to schizophrenia.The atypical antipsychotic was proved to improve the cognition function of the patients. There were a few of clinical trials to detect the effect of medicine treatment on attention function. But the respective changes of sustained and selective attention in the patients with treatment of ziprasidone were rarely investigated. This present study was to explore the effect of ziprasidone on visual sustained and selective attention in schizophrenia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

There were 81 patients who were treated with ziprasidone and matched with 81 healthy controls in this open-label trial. The functions were evaluated by Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and Color Word Test (CWT) at baseline and eight weeks later. Between two groups the functions were compared at the two time points, and in patients group those were compared prior to and post treatment.

RESULTS

As compared with healthy controls, the functions of the patients were worse. But after 8 weeks treatment of ziprasidone the functions improved in some degree, which were indicated by the change of CPT and CWT indexes. Furthermore, those of patients post treatment were better than prior to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with paranoid schizophrenia have visual sustained and selective attention deficits. The deficits can be improved partly with ziprasidone treatment.

Characterization of FeDREB1 promoter involved in cold- and drought-inducible expression from common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)

C-repeat-binding factor (CBF)/dehydration-responsive element (DREB) transcription factors play key roles in plant stress responses. However, little information is available on the regulation of CBF/DREB expression. In this study, we isolated and characterized the FeDREB1 promoter sequence from the common buckwheat accession Xinong 9976. To identify the upstream region of the FeDREB1 gene required for promoter activity, we constructed a series of FeDREB1 promoter deletion derivatives. Each deletion construct was analyzed through Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation in tobacco leaves treated with 4°C cold or drought stress. Promoter-beta-glucuronidase fusion assays revealed that the pCD1 (-270 bp) deletion in the upstream region of FeDREB1 could activate expression of the GUS gene at 4°C. The pCD1 (-270 bp), pCD2 (-530 bp), and pCD3 (-904 bp) deletion induced low-level GUS expression under drought stress. However, the pCD4 (-1278 bp) deletion clearly activated GUS gene expression. Our results suggest that sections pCD1 (-270 bp) and pCD4 (-1278 bp) in the FeDREB1 gene promoter are new sources of induced promoters for adversity-resistance breeding in plant genetic engineering.

Analysing codon usage bias of cyprinid herpesvirus 3 and adaptation of this virus to the hosts

The codon usage patterns of open reading frames (ORFs) in cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) have been investigated in this study. The high correlation between GC12 % and GC3 % suggests that mutational pressure rather than natural selection is the main factor that determines the codon usage and base component in the CyHV-3, while mutational pressure effect results from the high correlation between GC3 % and the first principal axis of principle component analysis (Axis 1) on the relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) value of the viral functional genes. However, the interaction between the absolute codon usage bias and GC3 % suggests that other selections take part in the formation of codon usage, except for the mutational pressure. It is noted that the similarity degree of codon usage between the CyHV-3 and goldfish, Carassius auratus (L.), is higher than that between the virus and common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., suggesting that the goldfish plays a more important role than the common carp in codon usage pattern of the CyHV-3. The study of codon usage in CyHV-3 can provide some evidence about the molecular evolution of the virus. It can also enrich our understanding about the relationship between the CyHV-3 and its hosts by analysing their codon usage patterns.

HAMI 3379, a CysLT2R antagonist, dose- and time-dependently attenuates brain injury and inhibits microglial inflammation after focal cerebral ischemia in rats

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) induce inflammatory responses by activating their receptors, CysLT1R and CysLT2R. We have reported that CysLT2R is involved in neuronal injury, astrocytosis, and microgliosis, and that intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of the selective CysLT2R antagonist HAMI 3379 protects against acute brain injury after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. In the present study, we clarified features of the protective effect of intraperitoneally-injected HAMI 3379 in rats. We found that HAMI 3379 attenuated the acute brain injury 24 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with effective doses of 0.1-0.4 mg/kg and a therapeutic window of ∼1h. It attenuated the neurological deficits, and reduced infarct volume, brain edema, and neuronal loss and degeneration 24 and 72h after MCAO. RNA interference with i.c.v. injection of CysLT2R short hairpin RNA (shRNA) attenuated the acute injury as well. Also, HAMI 3379 inhibited release of the cytokines IL-1β, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) into the serum and cerebrospinal fluid 24h after MCAO. Moreover, HAMI 3379 ameliorated the microglial activation and neutrophil accumulation in the ischemic regions, but did not affect astrocyte proliferation 72h after MCAO. In comparison, the CysLT1R antagonist pranlukast did not affect microglial activation and IFN-γ release, but inhibited astrocyte proliferation and reduced serum IL-4. Thus, we conclude that HAMI 3379 has a protective effect on acute and subacute ischemic brain injury, and attenuates microglia-related inflammation. CysLT2R antagonist(s) alone or in combination with CysLT1R antagonists may be a novel class of therapeutic agents in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

CacyBP/SIP nuclear translocation induced by gastrin promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation

AIM: To investigate the role of nuclear translocation of calcyclin binding protein, also called Siah-1 interacting protein (CacyBP/SIP), in gastric carcinogenesis.

METHODS: The expression of CacyBP/SIP protein in gastric cancer cell lines was detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence experiments were performed on gastric cancer cell lines that had been either unstimulated or stimulated with gastrin. To confirm the immunofluorescence findings, the relative abundance of CacyBP/SIP in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments was assessed by Western blot. The effect of nuclear translocation of CacyBP/SIP on cell proliferation was examined using MTT assay. The colony formation assay was used to measure clonogenic cell survival. The effect of CacyBP/SIP nuclear translocation on cell cycle progression was investigated. Two CacyBP/SIP-specific siRNA vectors were designed and constructed to inhibit CacyBP/SIP expression in order to reduce the nuclear translocation of CacyBP/SIP, and the expression of CacyBP/SIP in stably transfected cells was determined by Western blot. The effect of inhibiting CacyBP/SIP nuclear translocation on cell proliferation was then assessed.

RESULTS: CacyBP/SIP protein was present in most of gastric cancer cell lines. In unstimulated cells, CacyBP/SIP was distributed throughout the cytoplasm; while in stimulated cells, CacyBP/SIP was found mainly in the perinuclear region. CacyBP/SIP nuclear translocation generated a growth-stimulatory effect on cells. The number of colonies in the CacyBP/SIP nuclear translocation group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The percentage of stimulated cells in G1 phase was significantly lower than that of control cells (69.70% ± 0.46% and 65.80% ± 0.60%, control cells and gastrin-treated SGC7901 cells, P = 0.008; 72.99% ± 0.46% and 69.36% ± 0.51%, control cells and gastrin-treated MKN45 cells, P = 0.022). CacyBP/SIPsi1 effectively down-regulated the expression of CacyBP/SIP, and cells stably transfected by CacyBP/SIPsi1 were then chosen for further cellular assays. In CacyBP/SIPsi1 stably transfected cells, CacyBP/SIP was shown to be distributed throughout the cytoplasm, irregardless of whether they were stimulated or not. After CacyBP/SIP nuclear translocation was reduced, there had no major effect on cell proliferation, as shown by MTT assay. There had no enhanced anchorage-dependent growth upon stimulation, as indicated by colony formation in flat plates. No changes appeared in the percentage of cells in G0-G1 phase in either cell line (71.09% ± 0.16% and 70.86% ± 0.25%, control cells and gastrin-treated SGC7901-CacyBP/SIPsi1 cells, P = 0.101; 74.17% ± 1.04% and 73.07% ± 1.00%, control cells and gastrin-treated MKN45-CacyBP/SIPsi1 cells, P = 0.225).

CONCLUSION: CacyBP/SIP nuclear translocation promotes the proliferation and cell cycle progression of gastric cancer cells.

Prevalence of Clonorchis sinensis infection in freshwater fishes in northeastern China

The prevalence of Clonorchis sinensis infection in freshwater fishes was surveyed in Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China, between August 2011 and September 2013. Thirteen species of freshwater fish (n=3221) and one species of shrimp (n=93) were collected from Songhua river, Nenjiang river and other lakes or ponds in 37 sites of 15 representative cities in Heilongjiang Province. They were individually examined by digestion technique, and the C. sinensis metacercariae were identified morphologically followed by confirmation using sequences of the second internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA. Ten of the 13 examined species of freshwater fishes were infected with C. sinensis metacercariae, while all shrimps were negative. The overall prevalence of C. sinensis infection in 3221 examined freshwater fishes was 19.96%, with 42.57% (272/639) in Pseudorasbora parva, 22.55% (83/368) in Hemicculter leuciclus, 20.44% (121/592) in Carassius auratus, 17.71% (68/384) in Saurogobio dabryi, 10.85% (23/212) in Rhodeus ocellatus, 10.54% (48/455) in Phoxinus lagowskii, 8.20% (21/256) in Perccottus glehnii, 6.25% (5/80) in Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, 4.55% (1/22) in Xenocypris davidi, and 1.49% (1/67) in Cyprinus carpio. The average infection intensity in P. parva was 103.3 encysted metacercariae per gram of fish meat in Zhaoyuan city. The average prevalence of C. sinensis infection in Songhua river, Nenjiang river and lakes or ponds were 31.96% (503/1574), 11.30% (102/903) and 7.93% (59/744), respectively. The prevalence of C. sinensis infection in Zhaoyuan city (43.68%) was the highest among all sampling locations. These results revealed a high-prevalence of C. sinensis infection in freshwater fishes in Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China, posing significant public health concern.

Type I restriction-modification system and its resistance in electroporation efficiency in Flavobacterium columnare

Flavobacterium columnare, the causative agent of columnaris disease, infects freshwater fish worldwide. However, the pathogenicity of this bacterium is poorly understood due possibly to the lack of an efficient in-frame knockout technique. In order to improve electroporation efficiency, the type I restriction-modification system (R-M system) was cloned and its role in electroporation was examined in F. columnare G(4) strain. The complete sequence of type I R-M system in the bacterium, designated as Fcl, contains all three subunits of type I R-M system, named as fclM, fclS, fclR, respectively, with the identification of a hypothetical gene, fclX. Constitutive transcription of the three genes was observed in F. columnare G(4) by RT-PCR. The ORF of fclM and fclS was cloned into the plasmid pACYC184 and transformed into Escherichia coli TOP10. The resultant E. coli strain, designated as E. coli TOPmt, was transformed with the integrative plasmid pGL006 constructed for F. columnare G(4). The integrative plasmid was re-isolated from TOPmt and incubated with the lysate of F. columnare G(4). The re-isolated integrative plasmid, designated as pGL006', showed higher resistance than pGL006. With pGL006', the electroporation efficiency of the strain G(4) increased 2.6 times, while that of F. columnare G(18) was not obviously improved. Furthermore, a method to improve the electroporation efficiency of F. columnare G(4) was developed using the integrative plasmid methylated by E. coli TOPmt which contains the fclM and fclS gene of F. columnare G(4). Further analyses showed that the fcl gene cluster may be a unique type I R-M system in F. columnare G(4). It will be of significant interest to examine the composition and diversity of R-M systems in strains of F. columnare in order to set up a suitable genetic manipulation system for the bacterium.

Identification of immunogenic proteins of Flavobacterium columnare by two-dimensional electrophoresis immunoblotting with antibacterial sera from grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes)

Flavobacterium columnare is a Gram-negative bacterium causing columnaris disease of freshwater fish worldwide, and development of efficacious vaccines has been a continuous challenge in aquaculture. In this study, 14 proteins were identified from cellular components of F. columnare using an immunoblotting approach in two-dimensional electrophoresis map gels with antibacterial sera from grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes), and then anti-grass carp-recombinant Ig (rIg) polyclonal antibodies. These proteins were characterized conclusively by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS). The 14 proteins are immunogenic molecules of F. columnare, including chaperonins DnaK, GroEL and trigger factor, and translation elongation factor G, translation elongation factor Tu, 30S ribosomal subunit protein S1, dihydrolipoamide succinyltransferase, succinyl-CoA synthetase, SpoOJ regulator protein, alcohol dehydrogenase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase and two conserved hypothetical proteins. These identified immunogenic proteins may provide candidate molecules for the development of vaccines against columnaris disease.

First Report of Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Exserohilum rostratum on Pineapple in Hainan Province, China

Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) is an important perennial monocotyledonous plant that serves as an important fruit crop globally and is also produced in the Hainan Province of China where production in 2009 was 296,600 t. In July 2009, atypical symptoms of a leaf spot disease were observed on mature pineapple leaves in Chengmai County; approximately 15% of plants propagated from suckers became symptomatic after 150 to 300 days, eventually causing a 3 to 10% yield loss. In the initial infection stage, grayish white-to-yellowish white spots emerged on the leaf surfaces that ranged from 1.0 to 2.4 × 0.3 to 0.7 cm; black specks were not always present in the spots. Leaf spots also had distinctive light brown-to-reddish brown banding pattern on the edges. Several spots would often merge to form large lesions, 6.5 to 15.4 × 2.5 to 5.6 cm, covering more than 67% of the leaf surface, which can lead to death of the plant. Infected pineapple leaves collected from an orchard of Chengmai County were surface sterilized (75% ethanol for 30 s, 0.1% HgCl₂ for 2 min, and rinsed three times in sterile distilled water). Leaf pieces were placed on potato dextrose agar medium and then incubated at 25°C. The emerging fungal colonies were grayish white to brown. Similar strains were obtained from Qionghai City and Wanning City subsequently. Two isolates, ITF0706-1 and ITF0706-2, were used in confirmation of the identity of the pathogen and in pathogenicity tests. Colonies were fast growing (more than 15 mm per day at 25 to 30°C) with dense aerial mycelia. Conidia were fusiform, pyriform to oval or cylindrical, olive brown to dark brown, 3 to 10 septate (typically 5 to 8), 33.2 to 102.5 × 9.0 to 21.3 μm, with a strongly protruding hilum bulged from the basal cell, which were similar to the Type A conidia described by Lin et al. (3). The strains were subjected to PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1-5.8S-ITS2 regions with universal primer pair ITS1/ITS4. The ITS sequence comparisons (GenBank Accession Nos. JN711431 and JN711432) shared between 99.60 and 99.83% identity with the isolate CATAS-ER01 (GenBank Accession No. GQ169762). According to morphological and molecular analysis, the two strains were identified as Exserohilum rostratum (Drechs.) Leonard & Suggs. Pathogenicity experiments were conducted five times and carried out by spraying a conidial suspension (10⁵ CFU/ml) on newly matured leaves of healthy pineapple plants; plants sprayed with sterile water served as the negative control. Plants were incubated in the growth chamber at 20 to 25°C. Symptoms of leaf spot developed on test plants 7 days after inoculation while the control plants remained asymptomatic. Koch's postulates were fulfilled with the reisolation of the two fungal strains. Currently, E. rostratum is one of the most common pathogens on Bromeliads in Florida (2) and has been reported on Zea mays (4), Musa paradisiacal (3), and Calathea picturata (1) in China, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot disease caused by E. rostratum on pineapple in Hainan Province of P.R. China. References: (1) L. L. Chern et al. Plant Dis. 95:1033, 2011. (2) R. M. Leahy. Plant Pathol. Circ. No. 393. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry, 1999. (3) S. H. Lin et al. Australas. Plant Pathol. 40:246, 2011. (4) J. N. Tsai et al. Plant Pathol. Bull. 10:181, 2001.