Comparative transcriptome analysis of normal and CD44-deleted mouse brain under chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii is a globally-distributed intracellular parasitic protozoon with wide host range. Chronic infection is the most prevalent form of T. gondii infection, which can lead to significant damage. CD44 plays an important role in body's immune response, however, little is known about the function and mechanism of CD44 in T. gondii infection until now. In the present study, total RNA isolated from four groups including C57BL/6 mouse (C57), C57BL/6△CD44 mouse(C57△CD44), C57BL/6 mouse infected with T. gondii (C57-TG) and C57BL/6△CD44 infected with T. gondii (C57△CD44-TG)were subjected to comparative transcriptome analyses using RNA-seq techniques to explore the possible function of CD44 in mouse brain during chronic Toxoplasma infection. The results indicated a total of 35,908, 54,428, 51,473 and 22,387 unigenes were annotated in KOG, Swissprot, GO and KEGG databases by transcriptome analysis, respectively, and all the databases shared 9,833 unigenes. Subsequently, differentially expressed GO terms and enriched KEGG Pathways showed 20,303 unigenes were annotated belonging to three main GO categories (namely biological process, cellular component and molecular function) and six main KEGG categories (cellular processes, environmental information processing, genetic information processing, human diseases, metabolism and organismal systems) between normal C57 and C57△CD44 mice, as well as for C57-TG and C57△CD44-TG mice. For up-regulated genes, Mid1, Ttr and Cd4 were significantly up-regulated in the C57△CD44 mouse compared with the C57 mouse, and Pcp2, Ppp1r17 and Nrk were significantly up-regulated in the C57△CD44-TG mouse compared with the C57-TG mouse. As to down-regulated genes, AC114588.1, Cbln3 and Pmch were significantly down-regulated in the C57△CD44 the mouse compared with the C57 mouse, and down-regulated genes were enriched for immunoglobulins, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens, chemokines ligands and interferon (IFN)-inducible GTPase families in the C57△CD44-TG mouse compared with the C57-TG mouse. The present study is the first trial for exploring the function of CD44 in the mouse brain during chronic infection with T. gondii at the transcriptional level, which can provide a basis for the study of the host immune defense mechanism against T. gondii infection.

[Looking for the roots of Wa Na Qi]

Wa Na Qi(), is a traditional-curing male impotence medicinal. We have made several conclusions through a field investigation to Antarctica, material medica literature research, and current market investigation. Throughout history, Wa Na Qi (also known ashaigou shen) was a word of vague connotation which was not the meaning of a specific product. However, the most common meaning of Wa Na Qi was the penises of several different species of seals. The name Wa Na Qi was adapted from a foreign word, and it is believed to sound like walrus, which has also been credited as a source for Wa Na Qi. In Chinese, Wa Na was a reference to the roundness of the walrus but eventually became a general description of heaviness. Later, it became a name for fur seals. The Song Dynasty Materia Medica Bencao Tujing(, Illustration of Materia Medica) and the Ming Dynasty Materia Medica Bencao Pinhui Jingyao(, Collected Essentials of Species of Materia Medica) both had animal illustrations resembling fur seals. The illustrations in the Compendium of Materia Medica, or Bencao Gangmu, Jinling edition also had characteristics of a fur seal. However, in the Buyi Leigong Paozhi Bianlan(, Lei Gong's Guide to Drug Preparation with Addenda) and later materia medica works, the animal illustrations became distorted and almost myth-like. After a field investigation in Antarctica, we learned that historically, name Wa Na Qi probably originated from seals, such as fur seals. This information matches the current medicines available on the market.

SAT0326 SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS WITHOUT ANTINUCLEAR ANTIBODIES: A MULTI-CENTER STUDY OF EUSTAR COHORT IN CHINA

Background:

The presence of circulating antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) is a hallmark of immune dysregulation and malfunction in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc)[1]. A variety of ANAs[2], including anti-centromere antibody, anti-topoisomerase I antibody, and anti-RNA polymerase III antibody, are associated with unique sets of disease manifestations and widely used in routine clinical practice for diagnosis, clinical subgrouping, risk stratification and prediction of future organ involvements and prognosis in SSc patients[3,4].

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of SSc patients with negative ANAs in a European League Against Rheumatism Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) and Chinese Rheumatism Data Center (CRDC) multi-center cohort in China.

Methods:

Patients were prospectively recruited between April 2008 and June 2019 based on the EUSTAR database and CRDC multi-center cohort from 154 clinical centers nationwide, all of whom fulfilled the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for systemic sclerosis. Antinuclear antibody testing result was intensively collected. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were compared between ANA-positive SSc patients and those with negative ANAs. T-test and chi-square analysis were performed in the comparisons.

Results:

Antinuclear antibodies were detected in 2129 out of 2809 systemic sclerosis patients enrolled in the multi-center cohort and 4.2% of them were negative. There was significant difference between patients with negative and positive ANAs based on gender (29/60 vs 294/1746, p<0.001). The presence of Raynaud’s phenomenon is less common (71.8% vs 99.8%, p<0.001) in the ANA-negative patients. In addition, compared with ANA-positive patients, the incidence of certain critical organ involvements, including gastroesophageal reflux (5.6% vs 18.5%, p=0.002), interstitial lung disease (65.2% vs 77.9%, p=0.015) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (11.5% vs 29.0%, p=0.006) were significantly lower in ANA-negative patients than in the positive group. The proportion of IgG elevation, an indicator of disease activity and severity of inflammation, was significantly lower in the ANA-negative patients than that in the positive group (14.3% vs 41.2%, p<0.001), while no significant differences were found in other inflammatory indicators and skin scores.

Conclusion:

This study describes the clinical features of SSc patients with negative ANAs, which have been rarely mentioned or focused in existing studies. Antinuclear antibody is proved to be strongly associated with the clinical manifestations of systemic sclerosis patients and ANA-negative SSc patients tend to be in relatively milder conditions, including a less common involvement of critical organs and a more temperate inflammatory severity.

References:

[1]Seri, Jeong, Dahae, et al. Diagnostic value of screening enzyme immunoassays compared to indirect immunofluorescence for anti-nuclear antibodies in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [J]. Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism, 2018.

[2]Hesselstrand, R. The association of antinuclear antibodies with organ involvement and survival in systemic sclerosis[J]. Rheumatology, 2003, 42(4):534-540.

[3]Behmanesh F, Amin R, Khajedaluee M, et al. Autoantibody Profile in Systemic Sclerosis[J]. Acta Medica Iranica, 2010, 48(1):12-20.

[4]Hachulla E, Dubucquoi S. Nuclear auto-antibodies: a useful tool for the diagnosis, the classification and the prognosis of systemic sclerosis. [J]. La Revue de Médecine Interne, 2004, 25(6):442-447.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Molecular analysis and clinical diversity of distal hereditary motor neuropathy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Distal hereditary motor neuropathies (dHMNs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders. The purpose of this study was to identify the genetic distribution of dHMNs in a large cohort of Chinese patients and provide insight into the underlying common pathophysiology of dHMNs.

METHODS

Multi-gene panel testing or whole-exome sequencing was performed in 70 index patients with clinically diagnosed dHMN between January 2007 and December 2018. The clinical features, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathy scores and electrophysiological data at diagnosis were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-four causative mutations were identified in 70 index patients with dHMN (34.3%). Mutation in the HSPB1 gene was the most common cause of dHMN. Some CMT genes (MPZ, SH3TC2, GDAP1) were found to be related to dHMN with minor sensory involvement. Patients with a dHMN-plus phenotype (distal motor neuropathy and additional neurological deficits) carried variants in genes related to hereditary spastic paraplegia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy (FUS, KIF5A, KIF1B, ZFYVE26, DNAJB2).

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive genetic testing of dHMN patients allows for identification of the pathogenic mutation in one-third of cases. Pure motor neuropathies and motor neuropathies with minor sensory involvement share many genes with CMT disease. Causes for dHMN-plus phenotypes overlap with motor neuron disease.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between psoriasis and hypertension with adjustment for covariates

BACKGROUND

Several studies have shown a relationship between psoriasis and hypertension, but no meta-analysis has been restricted to studies that adjusted for confounders. The aim of the study was to estimate the association between psoriasis and hypertension with adjustment for covariates.

METHODS

A systematic literature search in the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane databases, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant studies which reported the association of psoriasis with the risk of hypertension published up to November 2018 in English. Data analysis was performed with Stata V.12, and Begg adjusted rank correlation test and Egger regression asymmetry test were used to detect publication bias.

RESULTS

A total of 16 adjusted-for-covariates studies, involving 50,291 cases with hypertension in 255,132 psoriasis patients and 76,547 cases with hypertension in 814,631 controls (no psoriasis), were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that psoriasis was associated with an increased risk of hypertension compared to those without psoriasis, and the prevalence of hypertension in severe psoriasis patients was higher than that in mild psoriasis patients, and the risk of hypertension in psoriasis patients was higher than that in nonpsoriasis patients in Europe and Asia.

CONCLUSION

We conducted this meta-analysis using the adjusted-for-covariates odds ratio, demonstrating that psoriasis was associated with an increased risk of hypertension compared to those without psoriasis.

Antibiotic resistance genes removal and membrane fouling in secondary effluents by combined processes of PAC/BPAC-UF

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), as emerging environmental contaminants, are becoming a threat to human health. In this study, the combined processes of powdered activated carbon (PAC)/biological PAC (BPAC)-ultrafiltration (UF) were adopted to reduce the levels of ARGs in secondary effluents from a wastewater treatment plant. The removal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and the change of normalized flux in the UF process were investigated. In addition, the structural characteristics of the microorganisms of the BPAC were analyzed. The results showed that the appropriate dosage of PAC and BPAC was 40 mg/L. At this dosage, PAC/BPAC-UF combined processes could effectively remove the ARGs in secondary effluents by 1.26-2.69-log and 1.55-2.97-log, respectively; and the removal rates of DOC would be 60.7% and 54.1%, respectively. Relative to the direct UF, the membrane fluxes of the two combined processes were increased by 15.6% and 25.1%, respectively. Significant removal correlations were found between ARGs, intI1, DOC and 16SrDNA. These results revealed that the PAC/BPAC-UF combined process might play a promising role in ARG reduction in secondary effluents from wastewater treatment plants.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Cardiospermum halicacabum and its anticancer activity in human melanoma cells (A375) through the modulation of apoptosis pathway

Metallic nanoparticles were extensively examined to explore their impending exploitations over pharmaceutical purposes. Current work attempting to explores the cytotoxic capacity of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles besides to human melanoma cell line (A375). Viability of cells was resoluted, and the promising cytotoxicity potential was exhibited by zinc oxide nanoparticles. Cellular adhesion and morphology was determined by propidium iodide assay. Characterization studies like UV-Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation, transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) Spec, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) examination confirms the accessibility of measurement, form and volume. The mRNA expression of apoptotic genes like caspase 3, 8 and 9 was elevated followed by the exposure to ZnO nanoparticles and it was narrowly proved that ZnO nanoparticles stimulates the apoptotic cell necrosis at the transcriptional stage. Cardiospermum halicacabum down regulated the apoptotic gene expressions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was augmented at concentration reliant mode, that changed normalize numerous indicator pathways and manipulate the kinetic cellular actions. ZnO nanoparticle synthesized Cardiospermum halicacabum might persuades programmed cell necrosis via elevated ROS levels in cells. CH-ZnONPs was further stimulates the markers of apoptosis and aggravates necrosis of cancerous cells, toxicity to cells, and accretion of ROS. With sourced on above whole data, this might accomplished that CH-ZnONPs amalgamated Cardiospermum halicacabum appreciably possessed a toxicity to human melanoma cells (A375) via provoking the apoptotic cell necrosis, entailed feasible efficacy of CH-ZnONPs besides malignancy management.

5033Effect of intraoperative hybrid surgery on incidence of CPB-AKI in children Congenital heart disease patients: a propensity score matched study

Objective

Cardiopulmonary bypass-associated acute kidney injury (CPB-AKI) is a frequent complication after cardiac surgery in children patients. Intraoperative hybrid cardiac surgery (IPH) is a new technique which needed contrast administration. Contrast was also reported to induce AKI. Therefore, we hypothesized that the IPH would increase the occurrence of CPB-AKI in children Congenital heart disease patients.

Methods

A total of 1509 consecutive patients (age≤3 year) undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery were enrolled in this study from November, 2017 to May, 2018. Multivariate logistic regression was performed in this retrospective study. Propensity score matched analysis was applied for confounding factors. Perioperative and interoperative characteristics and outcomes in IHP group with or without AKI are compared. CPB-AKI was determined by serum Creatinine (SCr) increased twice as much as preoperative or need dialysis within 7 days postoperatively.

Result

IPH was found to be an independent risks factor in the development of CPB-AKI development (OR 2.798, 95% CI 1.823–4.296, p<0.001). Other independent risk factors for CSA-AKI were: CPB time >100 min (OR 2.068, 95% CI 1.521–2.811, P<0.001), weight≤5 kg (OR 3.409, 95% CI 2.192–5.302, P<0.001). Cohort analysis revealed that AKI occurred more frequently in the IPH group before and after matching (30.4% vs. 12.97%, P<0.001; 32.2% vs. 18.3% %, P=0.015, respectively). IPH group also had higher prolonged length of postoperative stay in the hospital (11 vs 7.5, P<0.001; 10.9 vs 7.7, p=0.01), and higher length of mechanical ventilation support (27 vs 10, P<0.001; 26 vs 16, <0.001) before and after matching. Perioperative and interoperative characteristics and outcomes of patients with or without AKI are compared. Only CPB duration was an independent factor for AKI in IPH group.

Comparison of outcomes Variablesa Without PSM PSM IPH group (n=128) No IPH group (n=1381) P IPH group (n=117) No IHP group (n=117) P Median LOSPHOS (days) 11 (8.0, 13.0) 7.4 (6.5, 10.6) <0.001d 11.0 (8.0, 13.0) 7.5 (6.5, 14.7) <0.001d Median LOSMV (hours) 27 (19.0, 71.0) 10 (5, 24) <0.001d 27.0 (18.0, 71.0) 17 (3.0, 49.0) <0.001d Overall mortality n (%) 0 (0%) 14 (1.0%) 0.252c 0 (0%) 2 (1.7%) 0.156c Dialysis, n (%) 3 (2.4%) 23 (1.6%) 0.573c 3 (2.6%) 6 (2.6%) 1.000c AKI, n (%) 39 (30.4%) 176 (12.7%) <0.001b 37 (31.6%) 21 (17.9%) 0.015b aLOSPOHOS: length of postoperative stay in hospital; LOSMV: length of mechanical ventilation; CPB: cardiopulmonary bypass. bχ2 test. cFisher's exact test. dRank sum test.

Study flow

Conclusion

IPH was associated with a higher incidence of CPB-AKI.

Flotillin 1 is differentially expressed in human epithelial ovarian tumors

Although Flotillin 1 (FLOT1) is highly expressed in various human cancers, its relationship with ovarian cancer (OC) remains unknown. This study determines FLOT1 expression in human ovarian tumors and examines its effect on OC   cell proliferation. FLOT1 protein expression was assessed in a tissue microarray by immunohistochemical staining. We found that 81.48% malignant and 50% borderline tumors were FLOT1 protein-positive, whereas benign tumors and normal ovarian tissues were negative. The staining was strongest in serous malignant tumor and transitional cell carcinoma and weakest in mucinous tumor. Differentially expressed FLOT1 in freshly isolated serous tumors was confirmed by Western blot and we then evaluated FLOT1 expression association with OC patients' clinical characteristics. Histological typing established that FLOT1 protein expression was significantly associated with serous tumor (P Keywords: cell proliferation, epithelial ovarian cancer, FLOT1, miRNA, therapeutic target, tumorigenesis.

[The Correlation Between Serum Hcy Level and Clinical Indicators in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the serum homocysteine (Hcy) level and its influence factors in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

METHODS

90 SLE patients were included in the study. According to the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) score, 41 patients were in active stage (> 9 scores), 49 patients were in inactive stage (≤9 scores), while 46 healthy individuals were selected as controls. Total cholesterol (TC), triacylglyceride (TG), serum creatinine (Ser), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum cystatin (cystin c, CysC) and Hcy level were measured. Analysis on the relationship between Hcy level and SLEDAI score, as well as serum indicators was conducted.

RESULTS

The levels of Hcy, TG, TC, CRP and CysC in SLE patients were higher than healthy controls (P < 0.05), and the serum level in active SLE patients was higher than inactive SLE patients (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in Ser level among the active SLE patients, inactive SLE patients and healthy controls (P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between Hcy level and SLEDAI score (r=0.698 3, P < 0.01), as well as CysC (r=0.597 5, P < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between Hcy level and CRP, TC, TG and Ser levels (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The Hcy level in SLE patients was higher than healthy controls. The level of Hcy was positively correlated with the degree of disease activity. The Hcy level and SLEDAI score can be used as indicators to evaluate the activity of SLE.

Association between phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors use and risk of melanoma: a meta-analysis

This meta-analysis aimed to clarify the actual association between the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) use and the risk of melanoma in erectile dysfunction (ED) patients. A systematic literature search was conducted in online databases in October, 2016 to identify studies focusing on the association between PDE5-Is use and the risk of melanoma. Summarized multivariate adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of associations. A total of six clinical trials containing more than one million participants were included. ED patients  using PDE5-Is shared a significant high risk of melanoma (RR=1.12, 95% CI=1.03-1.21, p=0.006). Positive associations were observed in all kinds of prescriptions: single prescription (RR=1.20, 95% CI=1.06-1.35, p=0.003), medium number of prescription (RR=1.15, 95% CI=1.01-1.30, p=0.03), and high number of prescription (RR=1.18, 95% CI=1.05-1.34, P=0.006). Additionally, PDE5-Is were also found to be significantly associated with increased risk of basal cell carcinoma (RR=1.14, 95% CI=1.09-1.19, p<0.00001). Our study indicates that PDE5-Is use could significantly increase the risk of melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. However, the risk of melanoma did not rise significantly with the increased number of prescriptions. Consequently, owing to the lack of information about other potential synergistic factors, it is difficult for us to make a solid conclusion that application of PDE5-Is is the direct cause of increased risk of melanoma. Their relationship needs to be validated by further evidences.

The removal of antibiotic resistance genes in secondary effluent by the combined process of PAC-UF

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), as emerging environmental contaminants, have become a threat to human health. Here, we use the combined process of powdered activated carbon (PAC) and ultrafiltration (UF) to investigate the removal of ARGs, the class I integron (intI1), 16S rDNA and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in wastewater effluent. Additionally, the removal mechanisms of ARGs by PAC-UF were investigated. Our results show that a higher PAC concentration might increase DOC and ARGs removal. The maximum removal of DOC and ARGs was 63.2% and 1.35-log-3.35-log, respectively. At the same time, the ARGs are positively correlated with DOC, intI1 and 16S rDNA, indicating that reducing their concentration would contribute to the reduction of ARGs. We also found that the optimal PAC dose could effectively increase membrane flux, reduce membrane fouling resistance and alleviate membrane fouling. This study demonstrates that the PAC-UF process is a potential deep water purification process and control technology for reducing ARGs risk.

Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles from Abies spectabilis extract and its anticancer activity on bladder cancer T24 cells

In recent times, Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized from plant extracts and their anticancer activity have attracted significant attention. We report the green approach for the synthesis of AuNPs using extract from Abies spectabilis plant. In this study, the reaction parameters were optimized to control the size of the nanoparticle, which was confirmed by Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM). Various characterization technique such as SAED pattern, UV visible spectroscopy, EDX, FTIR, and AFM were employed to analyze the synthesized AuNPs obtained from A. spectabilis plant extract. Furthermore, we investigated the anticancer activities using T24 cell lines. Interestingly, the results of extensive screening on the applications of newly synthesized AuNPs were tested for their cytotoxicity effects on anticancer activity against T24 cells by MTT assay. The cell apoptosis was studied using TUNEL, DAPI, caspase activity, cell invasion and migration. Nanoparticles at different concentrations ranging from 1 to 25 μg/ml exhibited a dose dependent cytotoxicity for 24 h. Condensation and DNA fragmentation are characteristic of apoptosis by DAPI, TUNEL staining, and the significant up regulations of Beclin-1, Bax and caspase 3, whereas the expressions of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bid were down regulated. However, this study, therefore attempts to report the synthesis, characterization, and anticancer activity of gold nanoparticles of A. spectabilis plant extract beneficial for cancer therapeutics.

[Molecular transmission clusters on HCV genotypes among newly reported HIV/HCV co-infection in Dehong Dai and Jingpo autonomous prefecture of Yunnan province, 2016]

Objective: To understand the characteristics on major strain subtypes of hepatitis C virus among HIV/HCV co-infected patients, so as to explore the molecular transmission clusters and related risk factors of HCV strains. Methods: A total of 336 newly reported HIV-infected patients were diagnosed as HIV/HCV co-infection in Dehong Dai and Jingpo autonomous prefecture (Dehong) in 2016. We used Nested PCR to amplify CE1 and NS5B genes among 318 samples with plasma levels above 200 μl, before using the combining phylogenetic tree and constructing molecular propagation network method to analyze the related data. Results: A total of 267 HIV/HCV co-infection patients who had met the HCV genotyping requirements were screened the gene subtypes were diversified. Among these genotypes, proportions of 3b, 6n, 6u, 1a, 3a and other subtypes appeared as 32.6% (87/267), 18.4% (49/267), 15.7%(42/267), 13.1%(35/267), 11.2%(30/267) and 9.0%(24/267) respectively. Molecular transmission network of five major HCV genotypes was constructed with a clustering rate of 39.1% (95/243). The clustering rate of subtype 1a was the highest, as 71.4% (25/35). Results from the multivariate logistic regression showed that ethnic minorities other than the Yi and Jingpo (vs. the Han, OR=0.17, 95%CI: 0.04-0.71), the married spouses (vs. the unmarried, OR=0.42, 95%CI: 0.18-0.94), the 6n and 3a subtype (vs. the 3b subtype, OR=0.34, 95%CI: 0.12-0.95; OR=0.22, 95%CI: 0.05-0.93) were more difficult to form transmission clusters. However, the 6u and 1a subtype (vs. the 3b subtype, OR=3.10, 95%CI: 1.21-7.94; OR=4.00, 95%CI: 1.32-12.11) seemed more likely to form the transmission clusters. Conclusion: Ethnicity, marital status and genetic subtypes were factors significantly associated with the formation of transmission clusters related to the major HCV gene subtypes among newly reported HIV/HCV co-infection in Dehong.

A Novel AMELX Mutation, Its Phenotypic Features, and Skewed X Inactivation

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a group of genetic disorders of defective dental enamel. Mutation of AMELX encoding amelogenin on the X chromosome is a major cause of AI. Here we report a Chinese family with hypoplastic and hypomineralized AI. Whole exome analysis revealed a novel mutation c.185delC in exon 5 of AMELX causing the frame shift p.Pro62ArgfsTer47 (or p.Pro62Argfs*47). By sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products and T-vector clones, the mutation was confirmed as homozygous in the proband, hemizygous in her father, and heterozygous in her mother. The proband and her father had small and yellowish teeth with thin and rough enamel that was radiographically indistinguishable from the underlying dentin. Scanning electronic microscopy of 1 maternal tooth showed cracks and exposed loosely packed enamel prisms in affected areas. Consistent with a 25:75 skewing of X inactivation in the peripheral blood DNA as measured by androgen receptor allele methylation, the surface of the mother’s tooth had alternating vertical ridges of transparent normal and white chalky enamel in a 34:66 ratio. In summary, this study provides one of the few phenotypic comparisons of hemizygous and homozygous AMELX mutations and suggests that the skewing of X inactivation in AI contributes to the phenotypic variations in heterozygous carriers of X-linked AI.

Large-Displacement Vertical Electrostatic Microactuator Dynamics using Duty-Cycled Softening/Stiffening Parametric Resonance

Electrostatic microactuators with large vertical scanning range (several hundred microns) at high frequency (hundreds to thousands of hertz) and chips sizes compatible with endoscopic microscopy have recently been demonstrated based on parametric resonance. This paper examines the use and modeling of mixed softening/hardening dynamics to help produce large ranges of motion in this class of mirrors. Origin of spring stiffening behavior in actuator design is described, followed by non-dimensional analysis of actuator motion trends. Experimental results are presented for a sample actuator design with up to 480 μm displacement at 1225 Hz and 60 V. Comparison to predicted trends and comments on benefits and limitations of modeling are provided.

[Analysis on the short-term outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating cardiogenic shock due to left main disease]

Objective: To investigate the short-term outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating cardiogenic shock due to left main disease. Methods: A total of 24 patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating cardiogenic shock due to left main artery disease hospitalized in Fuwai hospital from June 2012 to May 2018 were included. The clinical data were analyzed,and the patients were divided into survivor group (11 cases) and death group (13 cases) according to survival status at 28 days post the diagnosis of shock. The patients were further divided into thrombolysis in myocardial infarction(TIMI) flow grade 0-2 group (11 cases) and TIMI flow grade 3 group (13 cases) according to TIMI flow grade after the procedure. The patients were then divided into non-three-vessel lesions group (14 cases) and three-vessel lesions group (10 cases) according to coronary angiography results. Results: Compared with survivor group, patients in death group presented with lower worst systolic blood pressure within 24 hours after admission (50(48, 70) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs. 73(70, 80) mmHg, P<0.01), lower worst diastolic blood pressure with in 24 hours after admission ((33.5±12.4) mmHg vs. (48.9±9.4) mmHg, P<0.01), higher respiratory rates ((27.3±2.5) times/min vs. (21.5±4.0) times/min, P<0.01), less 24 hours urine output ((422±266) ml vs. (1 680±863) ml, P<0.01), lower platelet counts ((161.9±81.9)×10(9)/L vs. (241.6±94.0)×10(9)/L, P=0.03), higher serum creatinine ((250.0±36.8) μmol/L vs. (132.7±34.2) μmol/L, P<0.01), higher alanine aminotransferase (288(76,846) IU/ml vs. 81(42, 109) IU/ml, P=0.04), lower artery pH (7.11±0.17 vs. 7.39±0.09, P<0.01), higher lactic acid ((10.29±3.62) mmol/L vs. (4.21±2.85) mmol/L, P<0.01), higher incidence of invasive ventilation (7/13 vs. 2/11, P=0.02), higher scores of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ (35.4±6.8 vs. 18.7±1.7, P<0.01) and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) Ⅱ (73.5±17.4 vs. 47.0±4.3, P<0.01), and higher incidence of target vessel TIMI flow grade 0-2 (10/13 vs. 1/11, P<0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that survival rate at 28 days post the diagnosis of shock in TIMI flow grade 3 group was higher than that in TIMI flow grade 0-2 group (76.9% vs. 9.1%, log-rank test, P<0.01), and mortality rate was similar at 28 days post the diagnosis of shock between non-three-vessel lesions group and three-vessel lesions group (35.7% vs. 60.0%, log-rank test, P=0.14). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with TIMI flow grade 0-2 group, the OR value of death at 28 days post the diagnosis of shock in TIMI flow grade 3 patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating cardiogenic shock due to left main disease was 0.030(95%CI 0.003-0.340, P<0.01). Conclusion: Short-term outcomeof patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating cardiogenic shock due to left main disease remains poor, and final flow of TIMI grade 3 is confirmed as independent protective factor of death at 28 days post the diagnosis of shock in these patients.

[HIV-1 drug resistance transmission threshold survey in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province, 2015]

Objective: To study the HIV-1 drug resistance transmission level in HIV infected persons receiving no antiviral therapy in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province in 2015. Methods: A total of 72 plasma samples were collected from recently reported HIV-infected persons aged 16-25 years in Dehong from January to July 2015 for drug resistance gene detection. Results: Forty eight samples were successfully sequenced and analyzed. Among them, 31.2% (15/48) were from Chinese, and 68.8% (33/48) were from Burmese. Based on pol sequences, HIV genotypes included URF (52.08%, 25/48), CRF01_AE (16.67%, 8/48), RF07_BC (10.42%, 5/48), subtype B (6.25%, 3/48), subtype C (6.25%, 3/48), CRF57_BC (6.25%, 3/48) and CRF08_BC (2.08%, 1/48). One drug resistant mutation site to non-nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and two drug resistant mutation site to nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) were detected in four sequences. Based on the statistical method of HIV drug resistance threshold survey, the prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistant strain was 5%-15%. Conclusions: The proportion of Burmese among newly reported HIV-infected individuals aged 16-25 years in Dehong in 2015 was higher. HIV-1 genetic diversity was found in Dehong. The prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistant strain had reached a moderate level in Dehong.

[Estimating HIV incidence among female sex workers and injection drug users in Dehong Prefecture, 2009-2017]

Objective: To obtain HIV incidence among injection drug users (IDU) and female sex workers (FSW) in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province during 2009-2017. Methods: We recruited drug users and female sex workers from all sentinel surveillance sites across Dehong Prefecture during 2009-2017. A total of 10 480 IDU and 18 126 FSW in Dehong Prefecture were recruited by fingerprint technique. Data about drug uses, commercial sexual behavior, sociodemographic characteristics was collected by structured questionnaire. HIV-positive patients who were long-term infected or with CD4(+) T cell count was ≤200 were not included for further HIV incidence testing. Also, those who self-identified as on antiretroviral treatment (ART) or AIDS cases were also excluded. A total of 841 and 157 plasma specimens from IDU and FSW that met the inclusion criterion were finally included, respectively. Limiting antigen avidity enzyme immunoassay(LAg-Avidity EIA) were performed to calculate the HIV incidence among these two sub-populations. Results: A total of 3 444 IDU were HIV-positive, among which 884 (25.7%) were Burmese with age of (30.4±7.7), and 2 560 were Chinese with age of (36.6±7.3). Among 228 HIV-positive FSW, 109 (47.8%) were Burmese with age of (27.1±6.3), 119 (52.5%) were Chinese with age of (29.9±11.1). For IDU, the estimated HIV incidence among Burmese in 2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2015-2017 was 4.20% (95%CI: -0.55%-8.95%), 7.75% (95%CI: 2.95%-12.55%), 11.79% (95%CI: 5.38%-18.20%), 10.30% (95%CI: 5.67%-14.94%), respectively, while Chinese were 3.11% (95%CI: 1.59%-4.64%), 0.03% (95%CI: -0.03%-0.08%), 1.55% (95%CI: 0.54%-2.57%), 0.58% (95%CI: -0.06%-1.04%), respectively. In 2009-2011, 2012-2014, 2015-2017, estimated HIV incidence among Burmese FSW was 0.22% (95%CI: -0.21%-0.64%), 1.24%(95%CI: 0.15%-2.32%), 0.55%(95%CI: 0.01%-1.08%). Whereas, estimated HIV incidence among Chinese FSW was 0.62% (95%CI: 0.25%-0.98%), 0.11% (95%CI: -0.04%-0.26%), 0.22% (95%CI: 0-0.44%). Conclusion: HIV incidences among Chinese IDU and FSW are on the downward trend, while Burmese IDU and FSW seem to be gaining momentum.