Natural history of serum HBV-RNA in chronic HBV infection

Virus-like particles encapsulating HBV-RNA represent a serum biomarker for assessing viral replication activity in clinical practice. However, baseline levels of serum HBV-RNA and their associations with viral replicative intermediates and liver disease in phases of chronic hepatitis B remain unknown. In this cross-sectional study, 102 patients were categorized into immune-tolerant (IT), HBeAg-positive immune active (HBeAg+IA), inactive carrier (IC) and HBeAg-negative immune active (HBeAg-IA) phases. HBV-RNA in serum samples and in 66 paired liver biopsies were quantified and correlated with serum ALT levels, histopathological scores and the levels of other viral replicative intermediates. Mean levels of serum HBV-RNA differed among phases, with the highest levels among IT (6.78 ± 0.83 log₁₀ copies mL^-1 ) patients, followed by HBeAg+IA (5.73 ± 1.16 log₁₀ copies mL^-1 ), HBeAg-IA (4.52 ± 1.25 log₁₀ copies mL^-1 ) and IC (2.96 ± 0.40 log₁₀ copies mL^-1 ) patients. Serum HBV-RNA levels correlated with HBV DNA in all phases, although correlations with other viral replicative intermediates weakened or disappeared when cases were stratified into phases. Distinct compositions of viral products were found among phases: the ratio of HBsAg to serum HBV-RNA was highest in IC patients, while the ratio of serum HBV-RNA to intrahepatic HBV-RNA and the ratio of intrahepatic HBV-DNA to intrahepatic HBV-RNA were significantly higher in IT patients. In conclusion, baseline levels of HBV-RNA and the composition of viral replicative intermediates differ significantly across the natural course of chronic HBV infection. These findings shed light on the nature of viral replication and pathogenesis of disease among different phases of chronic HBV infection.

An effective diagnostic index for lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS) is a highly fatal immune disorder. Poor prognosis is partly attributed to under diagnosis or delayed diagnosis.

AIM

Early identification of LAHS patients based on the laboratory findings could improve the outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cross-sectional study.

METHODS

From January 2011 to June 2016, 282 adult patients with hemophagocytosis in bone marrow were enrolled, and 114 hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) patients with definite underlying cause were finally included for analysis. The HLH patients were further divided into LAHS (76 out of 114) and non-malignancy-associated HLH (38 out of 114) groups.

RESULTS

Compared to non-malignancy-associated HLH, LAHS patients had significantly elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, increased thickness of spleen, higher proportion of patients with lymphadenopathy and significantly decreased peripheral blood cell count. In multivariate logistic regression model analysis, thickness of spleen ≥5 cm (OR = 17.9, 95%CI 1.35-236.6; P = 0.028), IL-6 level ≥55.1 pg/ml (OR = 12.01, 95%CI 1.03-138.9; P = 0.047) and IL-10 level ≥425.9 pg/ml (OR = 51.18, 95%CI 2.53-1035.1; P = 0.010) were independent predictors of LAHS diagnosis. Based on the regression parameters, we established a diagnostic index with weighted risk scores of 1 assigned to thickness of spleen and IL-6 level respectively, and a score of 3 assigned to IL-10 level. A diagnostic index ≥ 2 points had the best AUC value (0.889) with 84.2% of sensitivity and 93.7% of specificity for predicting LAHS.

CONCLUSIONS

LAHS can be considered when HLH patients have a diagnostic index ≥2 points, so actively looking for evidence of lymphoma and effective chemotherapy may be necessary.

Isoflurane enhances the malignant potential of glioblastoma stem cells by promoting their viability, mobility in vitro and migratory capacity in vivo

BACKGROUND

Isoflurane is one of the most common general anaesthetics used during surgical procedures, including tumour resection. However, the effects of isoflurane on the viability and migration capacity of cancer cells, specifically in the context of brain cancer cells, remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence that isoflurane has on the function of glioblastoma stem cells (GCSs) in regards to cell proliferation, survival and migration.

METHOD

U251-GSCs were exposed to isoflurane at clinically relevant concentrations and incubation times. The effects on proliferation, survival and migration capacities of the cells were evaluated in vitro. The potential risk was assessed in mice by intracranial injection of U251-GSCs pretreated with isoflurane. Furthermore, the average tumour volume and migration distance of U251-GSCs from the tumour centre were calculated.

RESULTS

Exposure of U251-GSCs to 1.2% isoflurane for 6 h resulted in increased proliferation (P<0.05) and decreased apoptosis rate (P<0.05) when compared with the control group. In addition, isoflurane exposure caused increased migration capacity in vitro (P<0.05) and the distance migrated was increased in vivo (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Clinically relevant concentrations and incubation times of isoflurane could promote the viability and mobility of U251-GSCs, suggesting this general anaesthetic may have detrimental effects in glioblastoma by facilitating its growth and migration.

Clofazimine improves clinical outcomes in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

We carried out a randomized multicentre study in China to investigate whether the clofazimine would improve the efficacy of the standardized regimen in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

METHODS

Patients with MDR-TB managed in 17 TB specialist hospitals in China between September 2009 and September 2011 were randomly assigned to the treatment groups at enrolment. In the intervention group, 100 mg clofazimine per day was added to the standardized regimen. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with successful outcomes.

RESULTS

From the 156 patients that were screened, 74 were assigned to the control group and 66 to the clofazimine group. Of the 66 cases analysed for clinical outcome in the clofazimine group, 36 patients were cured, and seven completed treatment, yielding a favourable outcome rate of 65.1%. The proportion of patients with favourable outcomes receiving the control regimen was 47.3% (35/74), which was significantly lower than that in the clofazimine group (p 0.034, relative risk 0.661, 95% CI 0.243-0.949).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of clofazimine to the standard regimen improved the treatment of MDR-TB.

[Clinical features of acute diffuse pulmonary exudative disorders]

Objective: To analyze the clinical features of acute diffuse pulmonary exudative disorders. Methods: The data were collected from patients who were hospitalized in respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital affiliated to the Capital Medical University during January 2009 to December 2011, and had acute clinical course with imaging findings of diffuse pulmonary infiltrated shadows (similar to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)). The causes of disease and clinical features were analyzed. Results: A total of 86 patients with acute diffuse pulmonary exudative disorders were included. Sixty-two (72.1%) were males, with a mean age of (58.6±16.4) years old; 24(27.9%) were females, with a mean age of (48.2±18.3) years old. The duration of the disease before administration was (11.5±5.2) days, and RICU stay was (15.5±9.5) days, with hospital mortality of 40.7% and the average hospitalization cost of 101 thousand RMB. The main cause was infection, which occurred in 53 cases (61.6%) (virus in 21 cases, bacteria in 14 cases, fungus in 11 cases, pneumocystis in 15 cases and others in 3 cases, mixed infection in 11 cases). Interstitial pneumonia occurred in 12 cases (idiopathic interstitial pneumonia in 9 cases: cryptogenic organizing pneumonia in 3 cases, the acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 3 cases, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia in 1 case, acute interstitial pneumonia in 2 cases, and connective tissue disease in 3 cases), aspiration pneumonia in 10 cases, acute left heart failure in 6 cases, and exogenous pulmonary ARDS in 5 cases. Conclusions: The main cause of acute diffuse pulmonary exudative disorders is pulmonary infection, followed by interstitial pneumonia. The hospital mortality and hospitalization cost are high.

[Facial symmetry after conservative treatment of unilateral condylar fracture in children: a three-dimensional study]

Objective: To investigate the influence of condylar fractures on the growth of condylars after conservative treatments by three-dimensional measurement. Methods: Twenty three children with unilateral condylar fracture followed-up for at least 1 year in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital were included from June 2016 to March 2017. CT scans were performed for each patient. Three-dimensional virtual skulls were reconstructed and measuring points were defined with Simplant 11.04 software. The depth of glenoid fossa, height of articular eminence, width, height and depth of condylar, deviation of pogonion were measured. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess difference between the bifid group and the normal group. Results: No difference was observed in the vertical position of crest of the articular eminence between two groups (P=0.110). The vertical position of roof of the glenoid fossa in bifid side was significantly superior than the one in normal side (P=0.010). Bifid side had a shorter (P=0.002) and wider(P=0.002) condylar than normal side did. No difference was observed in the depth of condylar between two groups (P=0.071). The average deviation of pogonion was (0.69±1.75) mm (P=0.072) from sagittal plan. Conclusions: This short-termed study indicates that children's growth potential of condylar is under average after conservative treatments. Because the bone hyperosteogeny of glenoid fossa compensates the hypotrophy of condylar, no deviation of pogonion is detected.

Genomic signatures reveal selection of characteristics within and between Meishan pig populations

The Chinese Meishan pig breed is well known for its high prolificacy. Moreover, this breed can be divided into three types based on their body size: big Meishan, middle Meishan (MMS) and small Meishan (SMS) pigs. Few studies have reported on the genetic signatures of Meishan pigs, particularly on a genome-wide scale. Exploring for genetic signatures could be quite valuable for revealing the genetic architecture of phenotypic variation. Thus, we performed research in two parts based on the genome reducing and sequencing data of 143 Meishan pigs (74 MMS pigs, 69 SMS pigs). First, we detected the selection signatures among all Meishan pigs studied using the relative extended haplotype homozygosity test. Second, we detected the selection signatures between MMS and SMS pigs using the cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity and F_ST methods. A total of 111 398 SNPs were identified from the sequenced genomes. In the population analysis, the most significant genes were associated with the mental development (RGMA), reproduction (HDAC4, FOXL2) and lipid metabolism (ACACB). From the cross-population analysis, we detected genes related to body weight (SPDEF, PACSIN1) in both methods. We suggest that rs341373351, located within the PACSIN1 gene, might be the causal variant. This study may have achieved consistency between selection signatures and characteristics within and between Meishan pig populations. These findings can provide insight into investigating the molecular background of high prolificacy and body size in pig.

Temperature- and field-driven spin reorientations in triple-layer ruthenate Sr4Ru3O10

Sr₄Ru₃O₁₀, the n = 3 member of the Ruddlesden-Popper type ruthenate Sr_n+1Ru_nO_3n+1, is known to exhibit a peculiar metamagnetic transition in an in-plane magnetic field. However, the nature of both the temperature- and field-dependent phase transitions remains as a topic of debate. Here, we have investigated the magnetic transitions of Sr₄Ru₃O₁₀ via single-crystal neutron diffraction measurements. At zero field, we find that the system undergoes a ferromagnetic transition with both in-plane and out-of-plane magnetic components at T_c ≈ 100 K. Below T ^* = 50 K, the magnetic moments incline continuously toward the out-of-plane direction. At T = 1.5 K, where the spins are nearly aligned along the c axis, a spin reorientation occurs above a critical field B_c, giving rise to a spin component perpendicular to the plane defined by the field direction and the c axis. We suggest that both the temperature- and field-driven spin reorientations are associated with a change in the magnetocrystalline anisotropy, which is strongly coupled to the lattice degrees of freedom. This study elucidates the long-standing puzzles on the zero-field magnetic orders of Sr₄Ru₃O₁₀ and provides new insights into the nature of the field-induced metamagnetic transition.

Large-scale screening and characterisation of Lemna aequinoctialis and Spirodela polyrhiza strains for starch production

Duckweed is considered a promising feedstock for bioethanol production due to its high biomass and starch production. Selection of duckweed strains with high starch accumulation is essential for application of duckweeds to bioethanol production. Geographic differentiation had a large influence on genetic diversity of duckweeds. Biomass production, starch content and starch amount in geographically isolated strains of 20 Lemna aequinoctialis and Spirodela polyrhiza were calculated to evaluate their potential for bioethanol production. The influence of different collection time, culture medium and NaCl concentration on starch accumulation of the best strains were analysed. The results showed that biomass production, starch content and starch production of duckweeds demonstrated clonal dependency. The best strain was L. aequinoctialis 6000, with biomass production of 15.38 ± 1.47 g m^-2 , starch content of 28.68 ± 1.10% and starch production of 4.39 ± 0.25 g m^-2 . Furthermore, starch content of L. aequinoctialis 6000 was highest after 8 h of light, tap water was the best medium for starch induction, and NaCl did not induce starch accumulation. This study suggests duckweed biomass production and starch production demonstrate clonal dependency, indicating that extensive clonal comparisons will be required to identify the most suitable isolates for duckweed selective breeding for bioethanol.

Field-induced magnetic phase transitions and memory effect in bilayer ruthenate Ca3Ru2O7 with Fe substitution

Bilayer ruthenate Ca3(Ru1-x Fe x )2O7 (x  =  0.05) exhibits an incommensurate magnetic soliton lattice driven by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. Here we report complex field-induced magnetic phase transitions and memory effect in this system via single-crystal neutron diffraction and magnetotransport measurements. We observe first-order incommensurate-to-commensurate magnetic transitions upon applying the magnetic field both along and perpendicular to the propagation axis of the incommensurate spin structure. Furthermore, we find that the metastable states formed upon decreasing the magnetic field depend on the temperature and the applied field orientation. We suggest that the observed field-induced metastability may be ascribable to the quenched kinetics at low temperature.

Clinical features and outcomes in secondary adult hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

BACKGROUND

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by an infrequent but immune-mediated life-threatening disease, with confusing clinical manifestations, rapidly deteriorating health, high morbidity and mortality and challenging diagnosis.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to improve the recognition and understanding of HLH.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Data were collected for all cases of adult patients diagnosed with HLH in a large cohort managed at a single medical center from January 2011 to December 2015.

RESULTS

The median age was 52 years (range 18-90 years) and 123 (60.0%) were male. Over 95% patients manifested fever, hyperferritinemia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Underlying triggers of HLH were as follows: 119 (58.0%) malignancies, 83 (40.5%) infections, 14 (6.8%) unknown triggers and 14 (6.8%) autoimmune disorders. The median overall survival was 55 days. And elderly patients (age ≥60 years) had a markedly worse survival compared with young patients (age <60 years) (median overall survival 24 days vs. 159 days, respectively; P <0.001). In a multivariable analysis, platelet <40 × 109/l (HR = 2.534; 95% CI 1.152-5.573; P = 0.021), PT prolonged >3 s (HR = 1.909; 95% CI 1.127-3.234; P = 0.016) and malignancy (HR = 1.614; 95% CI 1.008-2.582; P = 0.046) were correlated with poor survival.

CONCLUSION

HLH adult patients had very complex clinical manifestations as well as underlying diseases. Patients with PLT <40 ×109/l, PT prolonged >3 s and malignancy had inferior survival. It is of great importance to improve our understanding of this syndrome.

Unusual interlayer quantum transport behavior caused by the zeroth Landau level in YbMnBi2

Relativistic fermions in topological quantum materials are characterized by linear energy-momentum dispersion near band crossing points. Under magnetic fields, relativistic fermions acquire Berry phase of π in cyclotron motion, leading to a zeroth Landau level (LL) at the crossing point, a signature unique to relativistic fermions. Here we report the unusual interlayer quantum transport behavior resulting from the zeroth LL mode observed in the time reversal symmetry breaking type II Weyl semimetal YbMnBi2. The interlayer magnetoresistivity and Hall conductivity of this material are found to exhibit surprising angular dependences under high fields, which can be well fitted by a model, which considers the interlayer quantum tunneling transport of the zeroth LL's Weyl fermions. Our results shed light on the unusual role of zeroth LLl mode in transport.The transport behavior of the carriers residing in the lowest Landau level is hard to observe in most topological materials. Here, Liu et al. report a surprising angular dependence of the interlayer magnetoresistivity and Hall conductivity arising from the lowest Landau level under high magnetic field in type II Weyl semimetal YbMnBi2.

[Analysis of infection and drug-resistance in 6 107 cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Chengdu area]

Objective: To analyze the infection and drug resistance of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, in order to provide useful references for prevention and treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Methods: A total of 6 107 suspected cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, including lymph node, pleural, peritoneal, meningeal, urinary tract, and bone tuberculosis, were collected retrospectively from January 2013 to December 2015 in Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu. There were 4 033 male and 2 074 female patients, and the average age was 37 years.The epidemiological data, infection and drug resistance were analyzed statistically. Results: There were 21 036 cases of mycobacterial culture from January 2013 to December 2015, of which 7 119 were positive(33.8%). Extrapulmonary tuberculosis was found in 6 107 cases, of which 896 were positive, accounting for 12.6% of the positive cases(896/7 119). Culture-positive cases of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis showed a rising trend from 2013 to 2015 (n=174, 310, 421, respectively), and the annual average increasing rate was over 50%.Cases were distributed at younger ages (21-40 years), with an average age of 34 years.There were more male patients, with a male to female ratio of 2.1∶1. The most common site of extrapulmonary tuberculosis was the bone(62/243, 25.5%), followed by lymph node(283/1 297, 21.8%), pleural(289/1 840, 15.7%), urinary tract(63/452, 13.9%), peritoneum(41/303, 13.5%), meningeal(156/1 915, 8.1%)and other types of tuberculosis(2/57, 3.5%). Drug sensitivity test of 896 extrapulmonary tuberculosis strains showed that the resistance rate (from high to low) was in the order of isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, capreomycin and ethambutol. Multidrug-resistant(MDR)and extremely-drug resistant (XDR) rate was 9.7 %(87/896)and 2.0%(17/896)respectively. Conclusions: Cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis sent for bacterial culture and the positive rate showed a rising trend by years in Chengdu area.The drug resistance level was higher than that reported both in China and abroad.The prevention and treatment of extrapulmonary tuberculosis should be strengthened in this area.

[DNA damage associated genetic variants contribute to lung cancer susceptibility in a Han Chinese population]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between DNA damage-related genetic variants and lung cancer susceptibility in a Han Chinese population.

METHODS

This case-control study enrolled patients from the Cancer Hospital of Jiangsu Province and Jiangsu Province Hospital from 2003 to 2009. Controls were randomly selected from individuals who visited the same hospital or a community-based health examination program during the same time period. A 5 ml venous blood sample was obtained from each participant and epidemiological information was collected on a standard questionnaire. Illumina Infinium(®) BeadChip was used for genotyping of 35 DNA damage-related single nucleotide variations (SNVs), which were identified in our previous study. Multivariate and binary logistic regressions were used to calculate the OR and 95%CI for lung cancer risk. HaploReg V4.1 and Regulome DB were used to understand functional annotation on important SNV.

RESULTS

The distributions of age (61.06±10.15) vs. (61.32±11.07) years; t=-0.72, P=0.473) and sex (χ(2)=1.81, P=0.179) were similar between cases and controls. However, the case group had a higher frequency of smokers (61.08% vs. 48.54%; χ(2)=50.04, P<0.001) and heavy smokers (42.28% vs. 24.07%; χ(2)=122.32, P<0.001). Among the 34 SNVs that passed quality control, two SNVs were significantly associated with lung cancer risk after adjustments for age, sex and cumulative smoking dose: rs9267576 C>A (CA genotype/CC genotype, OR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.01-2.40) and rs3130683 A>G (AG genotype/AA genotype, OR=1.87, 95%CI: 1.13-3.09). After step-wise logistic regression analysis, only the rs3130683 SNV was retained in the model, indicating that the association between rs9267576 and lung cancer may be due to the effect of rs3130683. Functional annotation indicated that rs3130683 was located in the promoter and enhancer regions, and was an expression quantitative trait loci of HLA. The Cancer Genome Atlas indicated that expression of HLA-C, DQB1, DRB1 and DRB5 in lung cancer tissue was significantly lower than in paired normal tumor-adjacent tissue, with down-regulation of the four respective genes in 81.3%, 88.8%, 90.7% and 90.7% of lung cancer tissues (P-values were 6.68×10(-15), 2.21×10(-13), 2.20×10(-16), 2.58×10(-13), respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The SNV rs3130683 (A>G) was associated with the risk of lung cancer in a Han Chinese population. This SNV may affect the risk of lung cancer by regulating HLA expression.

Impact of gain-of-function mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) on glucose and lipid homeostasis

LRP5 loss-of-function mutations have been shown to cause profound osteoporosis and have been associated with impaired insulin sensitivity and dysregulated lipid metabolism. We hypothesized that gain-of-function mutations in LRP5 would also affect these parameters. We therefore studied individuals with LRP5 gain-of-function mutations exhibiting high bone mass (HBM) phenotypes and found that while there was no detected change in insulin sensitivity, there was a significant reduction in serum LDL.

INTRODUCTION

Wnt signaling through LRP5 represents a newly appreciated metabolic pathway, which potentially represents a target for drug discovery in type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Studies in animal models suggest a physiologic link between LRP5 and glucose and lipid homeostasis; however, whether it plays a similar role in humans is unclear. As current literature links loss-of-function LRP5 to impaired glucose and lipid metabolism, we hypothesized that individuals with an HBM-causing mutation in LRP5 would exhibit improved glucose and lipid homeostasis. Since studies in animal models have suggested that Wnt signaling augments insulin secretion, we also examined the effect of Wnt signaling on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion on human pancreatic islets.

METHODS

This was a matched case-control study. We used several methods to assess glucose and lipid metabolism in 11 individuals with HBM-causing mutations in LRP5. Affected study participants were recruited from previously identified kindreds with HBM-causing LRP5 mutations and included 9 males and 2 females. Two subjects that were being treated with insulin for type 2 diabetes were excluded from our analysis, as this would have obscured our ability to determine the impact of gain-of-function LRP5 mutations on glucose metabolism. The mean age of the evaluated study subjects was 55 ± 7 with a mean BMI of 27.2 ± 2.0. Control subjects were matched and recruited from the general community at an equivalent ratio, with 18 males and 4 females (mean age 56 ± 4; mean BMI 27.2 ± 1.0). Study testing was conducted at an academic medical center.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between affected and matched control populations for HbA1c (p = 0.06), eAG (p = 0.06), insulin (p = 0.82), HOMA-B (p = 0.34), or HOMA-IR (p = 0.66). The mean Insulin Sensitivity Index (ISI) was also similar between control and affected individuals. Total cholesterol (p = 0.43), triglycerides (TG) (p = 0.56), and HDL (p = 0.32) were not different between the same two groups. In a small subset of studied subjects, intramyocellular and hepatic lipid content were similar in the affected individuals and controls when quantified by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). However, the mean value for serum LDL was significantly lower (p = 0.04) in affected individuals. In primary human islets, there were no differences between control and Wnt treatment groups for insulin secretion measured as area under the curve (AUC) for first phase (p = 0.17) or second phase (p = 0.33) insulin secretion.

CONCLUSIONS

Although our sample size was small, our data do not support the hypothesis that HBM-causing LRP5 mutations, associated with increased Wnt signaling, improve glucose metabolism in humans. However, it does appear that LRP5 variants may affect LDL metabolism, a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. The molecular mechanisms underpinning this effect warrant further study.

Effect of PM2.5 mediated oxidative stress on the innate immune cellular response of Der p1 treated human bronchial epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of stimulation of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells (HBEC) by Der p1 and PM2.5 on the expression of innate immune cell factors to find new therapeutic targets for treatment of bronchial asthma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Der p1 antigen exposure model in the HEBC line, 16HBE-14o, was established in vitro. PM2.5 at a concentration of 50 µM/cm2, was added to these cells for 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h and 3 h. Cells were treated with the following reagents for the indicated times: 300 ng/mL Der p1 for 21 h, 50 µM/cm2 PM2.5 for 3 h, 10 mM Nac for 3 h and PM2.5 contamination for 3 h. The experiment was divided into five groups: control (group A), Der p1 exposure group (group B), PM2.5 treated group (group C), PM2.5+Der p1 exposure group (group D), Nac+PM2.5+Der p1 exposure group (group E). ELISA method was adopted to test the expression levels of malondialdehyde, IL-25, IL-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and Real-time RT-PCT was used to measure IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP mRNA.

RESULTS

The protein and mRNA levels of malondialdehyde, IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP in group D were significantly higher than those in the other groups, while the protein and mRNA levels of malondialdehyde, IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP in group E were significantly lower than those in group D (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PM2.5 can enhance the Der p1 antigen-induced HBEC innate immune response through the expression of IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP, which may exacerbate the occurrence rate of bronchial asthma.

Genetic variation and genetic structure of five Chinese indigenous pig populations in Jiangsu Province revealed by sequencing data

In this study, we investigated the genetic variants, including SNPs and indels (short insertions or deletions, less than 50 bp in length), in the genomes and genetic structures of five pig populations (in the northern Taihu Lake region, Jiangsu Province) using the genotyping by genome reducing and sequencing (GGRS) approach. A total of 581 million good reads with an average depth of 11× and an average coverage of 2.16% were used to call variants. In general, 202 106 SNPs and 34 415 indels were obtained, of which 2690 SNPs and 224 indels were capable of inducing protein‐coding changes. The genes containing these variants were extracted for functional annotation. The results of gene enrichment analysis revealed that the SNPs under investigation may be associated with reproduction, disease resistance, meat quality and adipose tissue traits, whereas the indels were associated mainly with adipose tissue and disease. Analysis of the genetic structure showed that each population displayed comparable, large differentiations from the others, indicating their uniqueness. In conclusion, the results of our study provide the first genomic overview of the genetic variants and population structures of five Chinese indigenous pig populations.

Immune complexes induce TNF-α and BAFF production from U937 cells by HMGB1 and RAGE

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effects of immune complexes (ICs) on tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and B cell-activating factor (BAFF) production from U937 cells and further explored the mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

U937 cells were incubated with necrosis supernatant or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) sera alone, or their combination. The expression of TNF-α and BAFF was determined by Real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High mobility group box protein 1(HMGB1) A-box was produced by gene recombination. HMGB1 A-box and anti-receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) antibody were adopted in the blocking experiments. The importance of DNA for cytokine induction was investigated by DNase treatment.

RESULTS

The combination of necrosis supernatant and SLE sera induced the expression of TNF-α and BAFF significantly increased compared to necrosis supernatant or SLE sera alone. Recombinant HMGB1 A-box protein was purified, and TNF-α and BAFF production, which were induced by this combination, was blocked via HMGB1 A-box and anti-RAGE antibody. Moreover, we found that DNA component is important for the immunostimulatory activity of this combination.

CONCLUSIONS

ICs containing DNA can promote TNF-α and BAFF production in U937 cells, and this process can be mediated by HMGB1 and RAGE. One possible mechanism of increasing BAFF production in SLE is proposed in this study whereby B cell activation, antibody production and ICs stimulated monocytes may create a vicious cycle that leads to B cell hyperactivity, which can be of importance for SLE etiopathogenesis.

[MRI analysis of the effect on mandibular retrusion with anterior disc displacement treated by using Herbst appliance]

Objective: To investgate the effect of Herbst appliance on the growth and remodeling of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in class Ⅱ patients with mandibular retrusion by using MRI. Methods: Between December 2010 and October 2014, 12 class Ⅱ patients (11-16 years old) with mandibular retrusion were chosen. The patients were divided into two groups. The control group included 7 patients (14 joints) with normal disc condyle relationship and the anterior disc displacement (ADD) group included 5 patients (10 joints) with anterior disc displacement. The MRI images of TMJ were measured, including condylar height, joint space index and disc position ratio, before and after the treatment. Results: The condylar height of the patients in the control group was significantly increased (P<0.001) after treatment, and no significant difference in joint space index (P=0.821) and disc position ratio (P=0.146) was found. The joint space index of the patients ([-14.70±8.82]% and [4.90±11.35]%) in ADD group changed significantly (P<0.001) after treatment, and no significant difference in condylar height (P=0.294) and disc position ratio (P=0.120) was found. Conclusions: The normal disc condyle relationship was beneficial to the reconstruction of the condylar process, and the increase of the condylar height. The condyle moved forward in patients with anterior disc displacement after treatment.

[The microbiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in different phenotype of peripheral blood eosinophils]

Objective:To investigate the association between immune status and microbial community in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in different phenotype of peripheral blood eosinophils (PBEOS).Method:Retrospective analysis of clinical data of 125 patients with CRSwNP and and 49 control subjects was performed. According to the proportion of peripheral blood eosinophils, the patients with CRSwNP were divided into PBEOS normal group and PBEOS elevated group. The samples of nasal secretions in middle meatus were collected, and then isolated and identified by microbial culture. Differences of microbial colonization rate between the groups were analyzed. SPSS 19.0 software was used to analyze the data.Result:There were 61 cases in PBEOS normal group (0<PBEOS≤ 5%), 64 cases in PBEOS elevated group (PBEOS> 5%) and 49 control subjects.In patient with CRSwNP, the positive rate of microbial culture was 84.4%, and the main microorganisms were Gram positive Aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. The most common bacteria were coagulase negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) and Corynebacterium. The average positive rate of Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) was 10.4%, and S. epidermidis was 20.0%. The positive rate of S. aureus in the elevated group was higher than that in the normal group (17.2%, 3.3%), and the rate of S. epidermidis was lower (10.9%, 29.5%). The positive rate of S. epidermidis in the elevated group was also lower than that in control subjects (10.9%, 30.6%).Conclusion:In different PBEOS phenotypes, the colonization rate of S. aureus and S. epidermidis showed the opposite trend. In contrast to the normal goup, the colonization rate of S. aureus in the elevated group increased, and the rate of S. epidermidis decreased. At the same time, the colonization rate of S.epidermidis decreased in elevate group in contrast to the control subjests. This suggests that S. aureus may promote eosinophilic inflammatory response and S. epidermidis may promote noneosinophilic inflammatory response, which plays protective role.

Continuous blood purification treatment for endotoxin-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome

This study aimed to explore the effects of continuous blood purification (CBP) treatment in pigs affected with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A total of 12 healthy male pigs, weighing 12±1.8 kg, were randomly and equally assigned to the control and experimental groups. The ARDS pig model was prepared by intravenous injections of endotoxin (20 µg/kg). The control group was given conventional supportive therapy, while the experimental group was given continuous veno-venous hemofiltration therapy. During the treatment process, the variations in dynamic lung compliance, oxygenation index, hemodynamics, and urine volume per hour at different times (Baseline, 0, 2, 4, and 6 h) were recorded. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-10 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The histomorphological changes of the lung, heart, and kidney were visualized using a light microscope. The nuclear factor κB p65 protein content of the heart, lung, and kidney tissues was also detected using western blot. The experimental group outperformed the control group in both respiratory and hemodynamic events. CBP treatment cleared TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 partially from serum and BALF. The pathological examination of the heart, lung, and kidney tissues revealed that the injury was less severe in the experimental group. CBP treatment can improve the organ functions of pigs affected with endotoxin-induced ARDS and protect these organs to some extent.

Genetic diversity of the nucleocapsid protein gene of hippeastrum chlorotic ringspot virus from Hymenocallis littoralis in southern China

Hymenocallis littoralis growing in southern China has been recently extensively damaged by virus-like symptoms of necrosis, chlorosis, and ringspot. Of 44 plant samples collected from Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, and Fujian provinces in southern China, 32 were infected with hippeastrum chlorotic ringspot virus (HCRV). Phylogenetic analysis based on the N gene divided the virus samples into two branches suggesting a geographic distribution attributed to the initial stage of a founder effect. The N gene was under purifying selection pressure and most of the deleterious mutants had been removed. Both the population dynamics and genetic analyses suggested that populations of HCRV in southern China are spreading.