Study on the excision and integration mediated by class 1 integron in Streptococcus pneumoniae

As a novel antibiotic resistance mobile element, integron was recognized as a primary source of antibiotic genes among Gram-positive organisms for its excision and integration of exogenous genes. In this study, Streptococcus pneumoniae was subjected to investigate the excision and integration of class 1 integron with eight different plasmids. As the results indicated, excision in both att site and gene cassettes were successfully observed, which was further confirmed by integration assays and PCR amplification. The observation of class 1 integron mediated excision and integration of various exogenous antibiotics resistance genes may raise the attention of integrons as novel antibiotic resistance determinant in Gram-positive bacteria, especially in Streptococcus.

Comparing effects of cervical anterior approach and laminoplasty in surgical management of cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament by a prospective nonrandomized controlled study

INTRODUCTION

The laminoplasty has been the most widely used surgical method for OPLL. In recent years, increasing attention has been drawn to the anterior operative approaches for surgical treatment of cervical OPLL. However, which method is the optimum selection for therapy of cervical OPLL is still obscure. Therefore, we performed this prospective nonrandomized clinical study in patients with multilevel cervical myelopathy due to OPLL and compare the therapeutic efficiency of laminoplasty and anterior approach (cervical discectomy and/or cervical corpectomy) in the management of multilevel cervical OPLL.

HYPOTHESIS

There is no difference in clinical effects between anterior cervical spine surgery and laminoplasty in the treatment of multilevel cervical OPLL.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 150 consecutive patients with multilevels of cervical OPLL underwent anterior approaches (ACDF, ACCF and HDF) from July 2010 to June 2014, which were enrolled in this study. During the same period, one hundred and two patients receiving the laminoplasty were enrolled in the study. The clinical effects, alignment and range of motion (ROM) of cervical spine in patients of the anterior group and posterior group were assessed, respectively. The effects of high signals in T2 weighed MRI scans and percentage of spinal canal stenosis in these patients were also evaluated. Finally, postoperative complications regarding each group were analyzed.

RESULTS

Although significant differences in types of OPLL and preoperative sagittal alignment of cervical spine occurred in the two groups (P<0.05), clinical effects of the two groups were similar (P>0.05). The cervical curvature in laminoplasty group showed significant decrease at final follow-up (P<0.05). For ROM of cervical spine, no significant alteration was observed in both groups. The high T2 weighed signals and rate of spinal canal stenosis can influence clinical effects of both anterior group and laminoplasty group. In addition, significantly higher complication rate was observed in laminoplasty group compared with anterior group (P<0.05).

DISCUSSION

Both anterior and laminoplasty approaches can be considered effective and safe procedures in the treatment of the multilevel OPLL. However, the anterior approach with relatively lower incidence of postoperative complications is a better choice for cases with poor cervical curvature and serious spinal canal stenosis.

TYPE OF STUDY AND LEVEL OF PROOF

Level 3 nonrandomized, controlled clinical trials.

Targeted antimicrobial therapy in the microbiome era

Even though the oral microbiome is one of the most complex sites on the body it is an excellent model for narrow‐spectrum antimicrobial therapy. Current research indicates that disruption of the microbiome leads to a dysbiotic environment allowing for the overgrowth of pathogenic species and the onset of oral diseases. The gram‐negative colonizer, Porphyromonas gingivalis has long been considered a key player in the initiation of periodontitis and Streptococcus mutans has been linked to dental caries. With antibiotic research still on the decline, new strategies are greatly needed to combat infectious diseases. By targeting key pathogens, it may be possible to treat oral infections while allowing for the recolonization of the beneficial, healthy flora. In this review, we examine unique strategies to specifically target periodontal pathogens and address what is needed for the success of these approaches in the microbiome era.

The application of a delayed expansion technique for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation in dental implantation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of delayed expansion of the alveolar ridge in dental implantation. This method avoids the need to harvest autogenous bone and the requirement to fix a block with screws, and could help prevent the uncontrolled fracture and avascular necrosis that may result from the traditional alveolar split. Eighteen patients and 43 implants were included in this retrospective study. The width of the alveolar ridge was measured before implantation, immediately after implantation, and after the final restoration. The width increased significantly after the insertion of implants and decreased slightly after bone remodelling. Overall, the width of the alveolar ridge increased by 2.37±1.44mm on average, ranging from -0.20mm to 5.75mm. The results suggest the use of delayed expansion for horizontal alveolar bone augmentation; however, the maxillary premolar area may not be a suitable site.

[Factors associated with lost of follow-up of men who have sex with men in a gay bathhouse cohort study in Tianjin, 2012-2015]

Objective: To understand the rate of follow-up lost in men who have sex with men (MSM) in a gay bathhouse cohort study in Tianjin and the associated factors. Methods: The open cohort study in gay bathhouse was launched in 2012 in Tianjin, and the MSM for baseline survey were recruited from January to June 2012, while the follow up was carried out every six months. A questionnaire survey and HIV test were conducted in the study. The MSM who were HIV negative in the baseline survey in 2012 were used for follow up lost analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify the factors associated with the lost of follow-up. Results: A total of 658 gay bathhouse patrons were recruited in the baseline survey, at the end of 42-month follow-up period, 173 of them dropped out (26.3%). Multivariate analysis showed that the MSM who were local residents (OR=0.552, 95%CI: 0.377-0.808), in Han ethnic group (OR=0.197, 95% CI: 0.066-0.593), having received HIV test in the last year (OR=0.481, 95% CI: 0.326-0.710), were male sex workers (OR=0.127, 95% CI: 0.028-0.585), and believed to be at high risk for HIV infection (OR=0.285, 95% CI: 0.125-0.647). They were more likely to receive follow-up but the MSM who were aged ≥35 years (OR=1.891, 95%CI: 1.022-3.500) were more likely to be lost in the follow-up. Conclusion: The lost rate of follow-up in MSM in the gay bathhouse cohort was high in Tianjin. Age, household registration, history of HIV test, the awareness of the risk to be infected with HIV and commercial homosex were factors associated with the follow-up rate in the MSM. It is necessary to conduct similar cohort study in targeted population on the basis of findings of this study.

Direct bacterial loop-mediated isothermal amplification detection on the pathogenic features of the nosocomial pathogen - Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains with respiratory origins

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification based detection assays using bacterial culture or colony for direct detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) had been developed and evaluated, followed by its extensive application on a large scale of clinical MRSA isolated from respiratory origins, including nasal swabs and sputums. Six primers, including outer primers, inner primers and loop primers, were specifically designed for recognizing eight distinct sequences on four targets: 16SrRNA, femA, mecA and orfX. Twenty-seven reference strains were used to develop, evaluate and optimize this assay. Then, a total of 532 clinical MRSA isolates were employed for each detected targets. And the results were determined through both visual observation of the color change by naked eye and electrophoresis. The specific of each primer had been confirmed, and the optimal amplification was obtained under 65 °C for 40 min. The limit of detections (LOD) of bacteria culture LAMP assays were determined to be 10⁴ CFU/ml for 16S rRNA, femA, as well as orfX and 10⁵ CFU/ml for mecA, respectively. The established novel assays on MRSA detection may provide new strategies for rapid detection of foodborne pathogens.

[Cloning and expression analysis of two pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and its receptor, IL-1R2, in the Asian swamp eel Monopterus albus]

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is the prototypic pro-inflammatory cytokine, whose functions are mediated through interaction with its receptors (IL-1R1 and IL-1R2). Herein, we cloned the full-length cDNA and genomic DNA of IL-1β and IL-1R2 in the Asian swamp eel (Monopterus albus). The eel IL-1β cDNA encodes a putative polypeptide of 246 amino acids. The protein sequence includes a typical IL-1 family signature, but lacked an interleukin-converting enzyme cleavage site. The genomic DNA of eel IL-1β was 2520 bp and comprised five exons and four introns. The eel IL-1R2 cDNA encoded a putative propeptide of 423 amino acid residues, comprising a signal peptide, a transmembrane region and two Ig-like domains in the extracellular region. Similar to other vertebrates, the genomic DNA of the eel IL-1R2 has nine exons and eight introns. Real-time PCR analysis indicated that IL-1β and IL-1R2 were constitutively expressed in all tissues, especially in the liver and immune-related organs. After infection with Aeromonas hydrophila, the transcript levels of IL-1β and IL-1R2 were induced in the head kidney and spleen, reaching their highest levels at 6 h post injection. In vitro, IL-1β and IL-1R2 mRNA levels were also upregulated rapidly at 1h post infection with A. hydrophila. Furthermore, acanthocephalan Pallisentis (Neosentis) celatus could induce the expression of both genes in the head kidney and intestine. In infected intestines, the transcript levels of IL-1β and IL-1R2 were increased by 21.4-fold and 20.8-fold, respectively, relative to the control. The present study indicated that IL-1β and IL-1R2 play an important role in inflammation and host defense, especially in the antiacanthocephalan response.

Downregulation of PCK2 remodels tricarboxylic acid cycle in tumor-repopulating cells of melanoma

For cancer cells to proliferate, a balance must be built between biomass-forming, glucose-metabolized intermediates and ATP production. How intrinsic glucose carbon flow regulates this balance remains unclear. Here we show that mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK2), the hub molecule linking tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis by conversion of mitochondrial oxaloacetate (OAA) to phosphoenolpyruvate, regulates glucose carbon flow direction in stem-like cells that repopulate tumors (tumor-repopulating cells (TRCs)). PCK2 downregulation accelerated biosynthesis and transportation of citrate from mitochondria to the cytosol, leading to cytosolic glucose carbon flow via OAA-malate-pyruvate and acetyl-CoA-fatty acid pathways in TRCs. On the other hand, downregulating PCK2 hindered fumarate carbon flows in TCA cycle, leading to attenuated oxidative phosphorylation. In pathological terms, PCK2 overexpression slowed TRC growth in vitro and impeded tumorigenesis in vivo. Overall, our work unveiled unexpected glucose carbon flows of TRCs in melanoma that have implications for targeting metabolic aspects of melanoma.

[Application of means of surfaces with nonhomogeneity in estimating the incidence of pneumoconiosis]

Objective: To investigate the value of means of surfaces with nonhomogeneity (MSN) in esti-mating the incidence of pneumoconiosis. Methods: Based on the principal component analysis, all counties (districts) of Hebei Province, China, were divided into three categories according to the degree of pneumoconiosis hazards and the MSN model was used to estimate the incidence rate of pneumoconiosis and the number of pneu-moconiosis cases using the data of the incidence of pneumoconiosis in 2010. Results: With reference to the appli-cation requirements of the MSN model, results of the principal component analysis, and expert experience, the 172 counties (districts) in Hebei Province were divided into three categories with mild, moderate, and severe pneumoconiosis hazards. There were 74, 61, and 49 counties in the above categories, respectively, and 12, 12, and 25 counties were selected from them, respectively. The estimated number of pneumoconiosis cases in Hebei Province was 2105, and the incidence rate was 261.5 per hundred thousand, with a standard error of esti-mation of 389.9 per hundred thousand. Conclusion: The MSN model provides a new thought and method for es-timating the number of pneumoconiosis cases.

[Quality of life and its related factors among HIV/AIDS patients from HIV serodiscordant couples in Zhoukou of Henan province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the quality of life and its related factors among HIV/AIDS patients from HIV serodiscordant couples in Zhoukou city of Henan province.

METHODS

During January to May in 2015, by the convenience sample, World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire for Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) (Chinese version) and a self-edited questionnaire were used to investigate 1 251 HIV/AIDS patients who were confirmed with HIV positive by local CDC, registered in"HIV serodiscordant family" and agreed to participate in a face-to-face interview with above 18 year-old based on the local CDC , township hospitals and village clinics of 9 counties and 1 district of Zhoukou city, excluding the HIV/AIDS patients who were in divorce, death by one side, unknowing about his HIV status, with mental illness and disturbance of consciousness, incorrectly understanding the content of the questionnaire, and reluctant to participate in this study. The scores of quality of life of physical, psychological, social relations, and environmental domain were calculated. The related factors of the scores of different domains were analyzed by Multiple Two Classification Unconditioned Logistic Regression.

RESULTS

The scores of investigation objects in the physical, psychological, social relations, and environmental domain were 12.00± 2.02, 12.07 ± 2.07, 11.87 ± 1.99, and 11.09 ± 1.84, respectively. The multiple Unconditioned Logistic Regression analysis indicated that age <40 years, on ART and no other sickness in last two weeks were beneficial factors associated with physical domain with OR (95%CI): 0.61 (0.35-1.06), 0.52 (0.30-0.90), and 1.66 (1.09-2.52), respectively. The possibility of no poverty and no other sickness in last two weeks increased to 0.15(0.09-0.26) and 1.57(1.06-2.33) times of those who was in poverty and with other sickness in last two weeks in physical domain. The possibility of participants who were below 40 years old and with children increased to 0.58 (0.34-0.98) and 0.37 (0.23-0.57) times of who were above 40 years old and without children in psychological domain. The factors of with AIDS related symptoms, no children and with other sickness in last two week were found to be significantly associated with environmental domain with OR (95%CI): 0.65 (0.48-0.88), 0.66 (0.51-0.85), and 0.65 (0.51-0.84), respectively .

CONCLUSION

The scores of every domain of quality of life in HIV serodiscordant couples of Zhoukou city were good. Age, whether having AIDS related symptoms, whether to accept ART , children, status of poverty, and whether suffering from other diseases in last two weeks were the main factors associated with the quality of life.

Different expression of sodium-iodide importer (NIS) between lactating breast and thyroid tissues may be due to structural difference of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR)

OBJECTIVE

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) binds TSH receptor (TSHR) on thyroid cell membranes, which will lead activation of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate/protein kinase A signaling pathway. Through this pathway, TSHR regulates the expression of sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) to complete iodine intake. In recent studies, it is found that TSHR is widely expressed in a variety of extra-thyroidal tissues. TSHR expressions as well as distribution in normal mammary gland tissues have not been reported. The physiological mechanism of the TSHR in the extra-thyroidal tissues has also been controversial.

METHODS

In this study, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to characterize the expression distribution of TSHR protein in lactating breast. DNA sequence of TSHR cDNA from mice lactating breast was determined and then compared with TSHR cDNA from mice thyroidal tissue.

RESULTS

A 173 amino acid (AA) fragment deletion was found in the extra-cellular domain of lactating breast TSHR. The expression levels of NIS mRNA were compared between two tissues, and the level of NIS mRNA in lactating breasts was lower than the one in thyroidal tissues.

CONCLUSION

The lower expression of NIS in lactating breast may be due to the 173 AA deletion in the TSHR resulting the lower binding of TSH to the TSHR. For the first time, this finding may explain the reason of the lower NIS expression in lactating breast.

The associations of TERT-CLPTM1L variants and TERT mRNA expression with the prognosis of early stage non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified TERT-CLPTM1L as plausible causative locus for lung cancer development. This study aimed to investigate the associations of genetic variations in TERT-CLPTM1L and the expression level of TERT with the survival of early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We selected three single-nucleotide polymorphisms of TERT-CLPTM1L (rs2853669, rs2736108 and rs31490) and genotyped in 140 early stage NSCLC patients by TaqMan assay. Associations between these variations and survival outcome of early stage NSCLC patients were further investigated. We also used TCGA data to evaluate the associations of TERT messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and survival outcome of early stage NSCLC patients. Survival analysis showed that, compared with early NSCLC patients carrying TERT rs2853669 TT+TC genotypes, patients with rs2853669 CC genotype had significantly longer median survival time (MST=102.2 vs 52.4 months; log-rank P=0.028) and lower death risk [hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI))=0.38(0.17-0.82), P=0.014]. Early NSCLC patients carrying TERT rs2736108 AA genotype had significantly shorter MST (MST=29.0 vs 63.3 months; log-rank P=0.020) and increased death risk [HR (95% CI)=2.22(1.01-5.80), P=0.046], when compared with patients carrying rs2736108 GG genotypes. TCGA data revealed that early NSCLC patients with higher expression level of TERT mRNA in lung tumor tissues had a longer MST and decreased death risk than those with low expression level of TERT mRNA [MST=54.4 vs 49.0 months; log-rank P=0.041; adjusted HR (95% CI)=0.68(0.50-0.94)]. These findings may add potential evidence to understand the prognostic value of TERT and provide a new prospect of individualized prevention and treatment for early stage NSCLC.

Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor expression levels in cervical cancer and their effects on tumor cell proliferation

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) play important roles in angiogenesis, wound healing, embryonic development, and endocrine signaling pathways. Increasingly, recent studies have reported aberrant FGF expression in various malignancies. However, the involvement of FGFs in cervical carcinoma pathogenesis remains unclear. We aimed to investigate expression of acidic (aFGF) and basic FGF (bFGF) in patients with this disease, and assess their effects on cervical cancer cell proliferation. Twenty cervical cancer patients and 10 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) patients were recruited, and 10 cancer-free individuals were included as controls. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were employed to detect FGF mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Furthermore, HeLa cells were treated with FGFs and subjected to thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide assays to quantify proliferation. Compared with CIN and normal cervical tissues, aFGF and bFGF mRNA and protein levels were significantly elevated in cervical carcinomas (P < 0.05). CIN tissues exhibited higher expression of these FGFs than normal tissues (P < 0.05). Moreover, their mRNA levels were increased in advanced cancer stages (P < 0.05), although no significant difference was detected between tumors of different differentiation grades in this regard (P > 0.05). HeLa cell proliferation increased in an aFGF- and bFGF-dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), the latter exerting a more potent proliferative influence, with its effect peaking at 75 ng/mL. aFGF and bFGF were highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues and their levels positively correlated with clinical stage. Both facilitate proliferation of cervical carcinoma cells and are implicated in cancer pathogenesis and progression.

[Use of alveolar bone mucosa-periosteal bone flap in dental implantation]

To introduce a method of increasing the width of alveolar bone. The patient, who needed dental implantation and had narrow alveolar bone, was selected. The preparation of mucosa-periosteal bone flap included two surgeries. The first surgery was corticotomy, which made a square cortex cut on narrow alveolar bone region. The second surgery was performed four weeks after the first one, which split the alveolar bone and inserted implants. Artificial bone and/or autologous bone was filled between inner and outer bone plate, and collagen membrane and platelet-rich fibrin membrane were used to cover the wound. This technique maintained the blood supply of labial(buccal) alveolar bone completely. Artificial bone and/or autologous bone graft contacted with cancellous bone directly and led to better bone growth and bone formation. Alveolar bone mucosa-periosteal bone flap can maintain the labial(buccal) alveolar bone effectively and avoid bone resorption.

Operation of bolometer system using Pt foil on SiN substrate detector for EAST tokamak

The foil resistive bolometer diagnostic on experimental advanced superconducting tokamak has been upgraded partly with a new generation of detectors. The new detectors have faster response time. However, the microwave interference is still a serious issue for the bolometer system. The system response to microwave is tested, and the test results show that the closed Wheatstone bridge circuit in the detector is the most sensitive component to high power microwave field. Simulation results of microwave transmission by the high frequency structure simulator software and shielding design are also presented.

[Application of principal component analysis in comprehensive indicator screening for pneumoconiosis in different regions]

Objective: To investigate the application of principal component analysis in comprehensive indicator screening for pneumoconiosis in different regions. Methods: A principal component analysis was performed for the data of 11 factors associated with the prediction of pneumoconiosis hazard and collected in the investigation on occupational health status conducted in 172 counties (districts) in Hebei, China. The degree of pneumoconiosis hazard in different regions was obtained and intuitively presented by GIS. Results: The eigenvalues of 5 principal components of pneumoconiosis were 4.103, 2.341, 0.981, 0.943, and 0.726, respectively, and the contribution values were 37.299%, 21.286%, 8.919%, 8.572%, and 6.596%, respectively. According to the comprehensive value of principal components, GIS Natural Breaks was used to divide the degree of pneumoconiosis hazard in 172 counties (districts) in Hebei into mild, moderate, and severe grades. Of all the counties, 46 had severe pneumoconiosis hazard, 69 had moderate pneumoconiosis hazard, and 57 had mild pneumoconiosis hazard, and the ranges of the score of principal components were 0.30-1.15, -0.24 to 0.27, and -0.69 to -0.25, respectively. Conclusion: Principal component analysis can optimize the comprehensive indicators for the evaluation of regional pneumoconiosis. The comprehensive score of principal components can quantify and intuitively show the degree of pneumoconiosis hazard in different regions. Tangshan, Chengde, Shijiazhuang, and Handan have the most severe pneumoconiosis hazard.

[Reconstruction of postburn facial scar contracture deformity with expanded flap containing cervical cutaneous branch of transverse cervical artery]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of expanded flap containing cervical cutaneous branch of transverse cervical artery (TCA) on reconstruction of postburn facial scar contracture deformity.

METHODS

Six patients with postburn facial scar contracture deformity, hospitalized from September 2011 to January 2016, with the scar area ranging from 12 cm×10 cm to 20 cm×15 cm, were reconstructed with expanded flap containing cervical cutaneous branch of TCA. One expander of 300 mL or 350 mL implanted in anterior pectoral area was injected for excessive expanding; one patient was conducted with expansion in both sides of the anterior pectoral area. The volume of expansion varied from 1 260 to 2 010 mL after 6 to 15 months. Two flaps were delayed for their poor blood supply. After expansion, the flaps with the area ranging from 20 cm×7 cm to 25 cm×9 cm were transferred with no tension to cover the wounds after scar excision. The donor site was closed directly. Three to four weeks later, the vascular pedicle was dissected combined with local reconstruct surgery.

RESULTS

All the flaps survived, with two wounds suffered delayed healing. During the follow-up for 4 to 15 months, the flaps were thin and soft with good sensation and color close to the facial skin.

CONCLUSIONS

Expanded flap containing cervical cutaneous branch of TCA is a good choice for reconstruction of postburn facial scar contracture deformity because of its good texture and color, thin thickness, as well as it can provide large avaliable area while causing less injury to the donor site.

Scheme for generating distillation-favorable continuous-variable entanglement via three concurrent parametric down-conversions in a single χ(2) nonlinear photonic crystal

We propose to generate a single-mode-squeezing two-mode squeezed vacuum state via a single χ⁽²⁾ nonlinear photonic crystal. The state is favorable for existing Gaussian entanglement distillation schemes, since local squeezing operations can enhance the final entanglement and the success probability. The crystal is designed for enabling three concurrent quasi-phase-matching parametric-down conversions, and hence relieves the auxiliary on-line bi-side local squeezing operations. The compact source opens up a way for continuous-variable quantum technologies and could find more potential applications in future large-scale quantum networks.

Correlation of serum albumin with the clinical features and prognosis of preterm neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical significance of serum albumin (ALB) levels in the early evaluation and prognosis of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors collected and retrospectively analyzed complete clinical records of preterm infants admitted to the NICU from July 2012 to March 2013. The cases were divided into three groups according to their ALB levels: ≥ 30 g/L, 25-30 g/L, and ≤ 25 g/L.

RESULTS

The mean gestational age in the ≤ 25 g/L ALB group was significantly higher than that in the ≥ 30 g/L ALB group [(33.41 ± 2.15) weeks] (p < 0.05). The prealbumin, blood platelet, and blood urea nitrogen in the ≤ 25 g/L ALB group were significantly lower than those in the ≥ 30 g/L ALB group (p < 0.05). In addition, serum lactate in the ≤ 25 g/L ALB group was significantly higher than that in the ≥ 30 g/L ALB group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Serum ALB level increased with increasing gestational age. Lower ALB levels were associated with more perinatal complications, damage to multiple organs, more severe cases, and mechanical ventilation, which resulted in longer hospital stays and poorer prognoses.

Late gestational liver dysfunction and its impact on pregnancy outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of late gestational liver dysfunction and its impact on pregnancy outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patients hospitalized for liver dysfunction in their late pregnancy between 2010-2012 were set as the observation group, and the pregnant women with normal liver function at the same period were randomly selected and set as the control group. The impacts towards the pregnancy outcomes were compared between these two groups and the impacts of different-degree transaminase increasing towards the pregnancy outcome were analyzed.

RESULTS

The incidence rates of cesarean section, post-partum hemorrhage, fetal distress, premature birth, premature rupture of membranes (PROM) of the observation group and the transaminase-severely-increased group (the severe group) were higher, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.01 or < 0.05); while only the cesarean rate of the mild and moderate group was significantly different from the control group (p < 0.01 or < 0.05). The ratios of intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy (ICP), gestational hypertension + HELLP syndrome, acute fatty liver in pregnancy (AFLP) of the severe group were higher than the mild and moderate group, and the differences were statistically significant; the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) group and the unknown cause group mainly showed a mildly increased transaminase; the distributions of viral hepatitis in pregnancy (VHP), post-viral-hepatitis-B cirrhosis, biliary tract disease, and infected toxic liver dysfunction in different-degree increased transaminase groups had no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver dysfunction in later pregnancy, especially with severe transaminase increase, might significantly increase the risk of adverse maternal events. The major causes of severe liver dysfunction in late pregnancy were ICP, gestational hypertensive disorders, and AFLP.

Screening potential SSR markers of the anadromous fish Coilia nasus by de novo transcriptome analysis using Illumina sequencing

RNA-Seq technology has been widely applied to transcriptomics, genomics, molecular marker development, and functional gene studies. In the genome, microsatellites are simple sequence repeats (SSR) with a high degree of polymorphism that are used as DNA markers in many molecular genetic studies. Using traditional methods such as magnetic bead enrichment, only a few microsatellite markers have been isolated. Coilia nasus is an anadromous, small-to-moderately sized fish species that is famous as an important fishery resource. Here, we have identified a large number of microsatellites from the fish brains by using Illumina sequencing. About 20 million Illumina reads were assembled into 148,845 unigenes. A total of 13,038 SSR motifs were identified via analysis of 3,958,293,117 (3.96 Gb) nucleotides to produce a comprehensive transcript dataset for the C. nasus brain, including mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, and penta-repeat motifs. The most abundant type of repeat motif was di-nucleotide (42.97%), followed by mono-nucleotide (38.86%), tri-nucleotide (16.21%), tetra-nucleotide (1.83%), and penta-nucleotide (0.05%) repeat units, which is similar to the results obtained in studies in other species. These data provide a base of sequence information to improve molecular-assisted markers to study C. nasus genetic diversity.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats in Jinzhou, Northeastern China

In the present study, serum samples from 402 sheep and 216 goats were collected from 5 counties in Jinzhou from August to October 2012 and antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were detected by modified agglutination test (MAT). Overall, 104 (16.8%) had antibodies to T. gondii with antibody titres of 1:25 to 1:800. Seropositive samples were distributed in all the 5 counties and seroprevalences of T. gondii varied significantly with flock size, age and rearing system, but not with breed, gender and farm location. The seroprevalences in small farms (18.3%, 95/518, 95% confidence interval [CI], 15.0-21.7%) were statistically higher than that in large farms (9%, 9/100, 95% CI, 3.4-14.6%) (P < 0.05), older animals were statistically higher than that in younger animals (P < 0.01). The prevalence in extensively and semi intensively raised samples was statistically higher than that in intensively raised animals (P < 0.01). Small flock size and extensive rearing system are the potential risk factors for the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in sheep and goats in Jinzhou. This is the first report of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats in Jinzhou, northeastern China, and of an association of seropositivity to T. gondii and the risk factors.

Changes in the fatty acid composition and regulation of antioxidant enzymes and physiology of juvenile genetically improved farmed tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.), subjected to short-term low temperature stress

We evaluated the effect of cold shock on the fatty acid composition, antioxidant enzymes, and physiological responses of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT). Experimental GIFT tilapia, a warm-water teleost, were initially acclimated at 28°C and then transferred directly to 13°C. Stress responses were monitored for 120h. There was a significant change in all parameters in response to the cold stressor (P<0.05). Serum cortisol levels increased from 336.93ng/ml to a peak of 1165.31ng/ml 24h after the initial cold shock, and declined rapidly thereafter. Serum glucose and cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the low temperature group than the control group at 120h (P<0.05). Acute low temperature stress enhanced superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione levels in the liver of GIFT tilapia. The GIFT tilapia were able to selectively metabolize fatty acids for energy needs during the early period of exposure to low-temperature stress. During this time, they primarily used saturated fatty acids for energy. However as the duration of the stressor and loss of muscle fat increased, the fish began to metabolize long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Increased malondialdehyde was produced by oxidation of these fatty acids leading to oxidative damage. Our results provide insight into the changes in fatty acid metabolism physiology that allow GIFT tilapia juveniles to adapt to short-term cold stress.

Changes in the physiological parameters, fatty acid metabolism, and SCD activity and expression in juvenile GIFT tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared at three different temperatures

We evaluated the effects of rearing temperature on the composition of fatty acids and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) activity and gene expression in GIFT (genetically improved farmed tilapia) tilapia. Three triplicate groups of fish were reared for 40 days at 22, 28, or 34 °C. At the end of the trial, the final body weight of juveniles reared at 28 °C was higher than that of fish reared at 22 or 34 °C. Feed intake, feed efficiency, and the protein efficiency ratio were also higher at 28 °C. The fatty acid composition of muscle tissue differed significantly (P < 0.05) among the treatment groups. The content of SFA decreased with decreasing temperature, whereas the UFA content increased. We observed high levels of PUFA, particularly n-3 PUFAs, in fish reared at the lower temperature. Rearing at low temperature significantly (P < 0.05) increased the expression and activity of the SCD gene. Increased SCD activity and gene expression can increase the biosynthesis of MUFAs in GIFT tilapia muscle. Additionally, cold acclimation can decrease the content of TC and TG in GIFT tilapia, which can help increase cold tolerance.

[Two Elovl5-like elongase genes in Cyprinus carpio var. Jian: Gene characterization, mRNA expression, and nutritional regulation]

Elovl5 elongase is a critical enzyme involved in the highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) biosynthesis. There is very little information on the evolution and functional characterization of Elovl5-a and Elovl5-b genes in common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian). In the present study, the genomic sequences and structures of two putative Elovl5-like elongase genes in the common carp genome were obtained. The mRNA expression patterns of Elovl5-a and Elovl5-b in tissues, hatching carp embryos, and juveniles under nutritional regulation were investigated. The results show that the two Elovl5 elongase genes have similar organization, coding 8 exons of high identity and introns of distinct size and sequence composition. They are not allelic variants of a single gene. Both Elovl5 elongase genes are highly expressed in liver, intestine (pyloric caeca) and brain. Elovl5-a and Elovl5-b mRNAs showed increased expression from newly hatched to 20 days after hatching. The regulation of Elovl5-a and Elovl5-b in response to dietary fatty acid composition was determined in liver, brain and intestine (pyloric caeca) of common carp fed with diets: (i) fish oil (FO) rich in n-3 HUFA, (ii) corn oil (CO, 18:2n-6) or (iii) linseed oil (LO, 18:3n-3). Also the differential expression of Elovl5-a and Elovl5-b genes in liver, brain and intestine in common carps fed with different oil sources was studied. Further work aimed at the determination of the mechanisms of differential expression of the Elovl5-a and Elovl5-b in different tissues and the roles of transcription factors in regulating HUFA synthesis is in progress.

Genetic parameters for different growth scales in GIFT strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Body weight, length, width and depth at two growth stages were observed for a total of 5015 individuals of GIFT strain, along with a pedigree including 5588 individuals from 104 sires and 162 dams was collected. Multivariate animal models and a random regression model were used to genetically analyse absolute and relative growth scales of these growth traits. In absolute growth scale, the observed growth traits had moderate heritabilities ranging from 0.321 to 0.576, while pairwise ratios between body length, width and depth were lowly inherited and maximum heritability was only 0.146 for length/depth. All genetic correlations were above 0.5 between pairwise growth traits and genetic correlation between length/width and length/depth varied between both growth stages. Based on those estimates, selection index of multiple traits of interest can be formulated in future breeding program to improve genetically body weight and morphology of the GIFT strain. In relative growth scale, heritabilities in relative growths of body length, width and depth to body weight were 0.257, 0.412 and 0.066, respectively, while genetic correlations among these allometry scalings were above 0.8. Genetic analysis for joint allometries of body weight to body length, width and depth will contribute to genetically regulate the growth rate between body shape and body weight.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs in Jilin Province, Northeastern China

In the present study, a total of 1,235 porcine serum samples were collected from 9 counties in Jilin Province (40°52'~46°18'N,121°38'~131°19'E), northeastern China from August to October 2013, and the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection was tested by indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA). The results showed that antibodies to T. gondii were found in 19.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.9% to 21.3%), with higher seroprevalence in the breeding boars (28.6%, 95% CI, 20.0% to 37.2%), and breeding sows (32.0%, 95% CI, 25.2% to 38.9%). No significant difference was found among the slaughter pigs, fattening pigs and the piglets. These results indicated that infection with T. gondii in pigs is widespread in Jilin province, and is of public health concern.

Orbital angular momentum entanglement via fork-poling nonlinear photonic crystals

We report a compact scheme for the generation and manipulation of photon pairs entangled in the orbital angular momentum (OAM) from the fork-poling quadratic nonlinear crystal. The χ⁽²⁾-modulation in this crystal is designed for fulfilling a tilted quasi-phase-matching geometry to ensure the efficient generation of entangled photons as well as for transferring of topological charge of the crystal to the photon pairs. Numerical results show that the OAM of photon pair is anti-correlated and the degree of OAM entanglement can be enhanced by modulating the topological charge of crystal, which indicates a feasible extension to high-dimensional OAM entanglement. These studies suggest that the fork-poling nonlinear photonic crystal a unique platform for compact generation and manipulation of high-dimensional and high-order OAM entanglement, which may have potential applications in quantum communication, quantum cryptography and quantum remote sensing.