Triplex qRT-PCR with specific probe for synchronously detecting Bovine parvovirus, bovine coronavirus, bovine parainfluenza virus and its applications

Bovine parvovirus (BPV), bovine coronavirus (BCoV) and bovine parainfluenza virus (BPIV) are common etiologies causing gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in dairy herds. However, there are few reports on the synchronous detection of BPV, BCoV and BPIV. The present article aimed to develop a quick and accurate RT-PCR assay to synchronously detect BPV, BCoV and BPIV based on their specific probes. One pair universal primers, one pair specific primers and one specific probe was designed and synthesized. After the concentrations of primer and probe and annealing temperature were strictly optimized, the specificity, sensitivity and repeatability of the established triplex probe qRT-PCR were evaluated, respectively. The results showed the recombinant plasmids of pMD18-T-BPV, pMD18-T-BCoV and pMD18-T-BPIV were 554bp, 699bp and 704bp, respectively. The optimal annealing temperature was set at 45.0°C for triplex qRT-PCR. The triplex probe qRT-PCR can only synchronously detect BPV, BCoV and BPIV. Detection sensitivities were 2.0×102, 2.0×102 and 2.0×101 copies/μL for BPV, BCoV and BPIV, being 1000-fold greater than that in the conventional PCR. Detection of clinical samples demonstrated that triplex probe qRT-PCR had a higher sensitivity and specificity. The intra-assay and inter-assay coefficient of variation were lower than 2.0%. Clinical specimens verified that the triplex qRT-PCR had a higher sensitivity and specificity than universal PCR. In conclusion, this triplex probe qRT-PCR could detect only BPV, BCoV and BPIV. Minimum detection limits were 2.0×102 copies/μL for BPV and BCoV, and 2.0×101 copies/μL for BPIV. The sensitivity of this triplex probe qRT-PCR was 1000-fold greater than that in the conventional PCR. The newly qRT-PCR could be used to monitor or differentially diagnose virus infection.

Analysis of associations of FBXL19-AS1 with occurrence, development and prognosis of acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to explore the association between F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 19-antisense ribonucleic acid 1 (FBXL19-AS1) and acute pancreatitis (AP) and its role in prognostic evaluation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

According to the severity of AP, the patients were classified into mild group, moderate-severe group, and severe group, and the expression of FBXL19-AS1 was compared among the three groups. The associations of FBXL19-AS1 with Atlanta classification, computed tomography severity index (CTSI), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score, bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) and Ranson score were analyzed. The optimal cut-off point of severe hyperlipidemia-induced AP was predicted by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Then, the incidence rates of local and systemic complications were compared among AP patients with different levels of FBXL19-AS1. After overexpression of FBXL19-AS1 in AP cells, the quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) results showed that significantly upregulated the mRNA level of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-6. The opposite results were obtained after the knockdown of FBXL19-AS1 in cells.

RESULTS

There were no statistical differences in the basic data among the three groups. The FBXL19-AS1 level was increased in severe group than the moderate-severe group and mild group. The area under the curve (AUC) of FBXL19-AS1 in predicting severe AP was 0.9177 (p<0.001). According to the Spearman correlation analysis, the FBXL19-AS1 level had significant positive correlations with the predictive scores of AP severity. The incidence rate of shock, liver dysfunction, and pancreatic necrotic tissue infection was significantly higher in FBXL19-AS1 high-expression group than that in FBXL19-AS1 low-expression group. FBXL19-AS1 could promote the upregulation of inflammatory indexes.

CONCLUSIONS

FBXL19-AS1 is highly expressed in the serum of AP patients, and it is positively correlated with the severity of AP. FBXL19-AS1 mediates the inflammatory response and promotes the occurrence and development of pancreatitis, harming the prognosis of patients.

Translatable mitochondria-targeted protection against programmed cardiovascular dysfunction

The prenatal origins of heart disease in offspring have been established. However, research in species with developmental milestones comparable to humans is lacking, preventing translation of this knowledge to clinical contexts. Using sheep and chickens, two species with similar cardiovascular developmental milestones to humans, we combined in vivo experiments with in vitro studies at organ, cellular, mitochondrial, and molecular levels. We tested mitochondria-targeted antioxidant intervention with MitoQ against cardiovascular dysfunction programmed by developmental hypoxia, a common complication in human pregnancy. Experiments in sheep determined in vivo fetal and adult cardiovascular function through surgical techniques not possible in humans, while those in chicken embryos isolated effects independent of maternal or placental influences. We show that hypoxia generates mitochondria-derived oxidative stress during cardiovascular development, programming endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in adult offspring. MitoQ treatment during hypoxic development protects against this cardiovascular risk via enhanced nitric oxide signaling, offering a plausible intervention strategy.

Systemic anti-inflammatory therapy aided by double-headed nanoparticles in a canine model of acute intraocular inflammation

Novel approaches circumventing blood-ocular barriers in systemic drug delivery are lacking. We hypothesize receptor-mediated delivery of curcumin (CUR) across intestinal and ocular barriers leads to decreased inflammation in a model of lens-induced uveitis. CUR was encapsulated in double-headed polyester nanoparticles using gambogic acid (GA)-coupled polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA). Orally administered PLGA-GA₂-CUR led to notable aqueous humor CUR levels and was dosed (10 mg/kg twice daily) to adult male beagles (n = 8 eyes) with induced ocular inflammation. Eyes were evaluated using a semiquantitative preclinical ocular toxicology scoring (SPOTS) and compared to commercial anti-inflammatory treatment (oral carprofen 2.2 mg/kg twice daily) (n = 8) and untreated controls (n = 8). PLGA-GA₂-CUR offered improved protection compared with untreated controls and similar protection compared with carprofen, with reduced aqueous flare, miosis, and chemosis in the acute phase (<4 hours). This study highlights the potential of PLGA-GA₂ nanoparticles for systemic drug delivery across ocular barriers.

[Analysis of the relationship between the changes of lung function and serum proinflammatory cytokines in workers occupationally exposed to toluene diisocyanate]

Objective: To analyze the correlation between the changes of lung function and serum proinflammatory cytokines in workers occupationally exposed to toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and to explore the evaluation index of respiratory toxicity of TDI. Methods: In October 2014, 61 male workers engaged in TDI synthesis process, purification process, packaging process and the above production process in a TDI factory in western China were selected as TDI exposure group; 62 male enterprise managers who were not exposed to TDI and other known allergenic chemicals were selected as control group, which were matched at the age of workers in exposure group. The questionnaire survey obtained information such as gender, length of service, age, occupational history, exposed length of service and so on. The lung function indexes [forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC] and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1 β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, macrophage inflammatory factor-1 β, monocyte chemoattractant factor-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor were measured. The urine was collected after the weekend shift, and the concentration of (TDA), the metabolite of TDI, was determined as the index of internal exposure. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between cytokines and lung function indexes, and multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the changes of lung function indexes and cytokines with TDI exposure concentration and time. Results: The median age (P₅-P₉₅) of the exposed group and the control group was 36.5 (24.0-51.0) and 38.0 (24.0-50.0) years, respectively. In the exposed group, the median length of service (P₅-P₉₅) was 6.94 (0.97-26.33) years, and the median concentration of TDA in urine was 15.56 (2.28-112.16) ng/ml. The three indexes of lung function, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC and the levels of serum IL-8 and TNF-α were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). With the increase of exposure concentration and exposure time, the level of serum TNF-α, FVC and FEV1 decreased, and showed a good dose-effect and time-effect relationship (all P_trend values< 0.05). Serum IL-8 and TNF-α were positively correlated with FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC (all P values<0.01). Conclusion: The levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-8 and TNF-α in worker exposed to TDI are related to lung function indexes, which can be used as early evaluation indexes of respiratory toxicity induced by TDI.

Maternal and fetal cardiometabolic recovery following ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound placental vascular occlusion

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive method of selective placental vascular occlusion, providing a potential therapy for conditions such as twin–twin transfusion syndrome. In order to translate this technique into human studies, evidence of prolonged fetal recovery and maintenance of a healthy fetal physiology following exposure to HIFU is essential. At 116 ± 2 days gestation, 12 pregnant ewes were assigned to control (n = 6) or HIFU vascular occlusion (n = 6) groups and anaesthetized. Placental blood vessels were identified using colour Doppler ultrasound; HIFU-mediated vascular occlusion was performed through intact maternal skin (1.66 MHz, 5 s duration, in situ I_SPTA 1.8–3.9 kW cm⁻²). Unidentifiable colour Doppler signals in targeted vessels following HIFU exposure denoted successful occlusion. Ewes and fetuses were then surgically instrumented with vascular catheters and transonic flow probes and recovered from anaesthesia. A custom-made wireless data acquisition system, which records continuous maternal and fetal cardiovascular data, and daily blood sampling were used to assess wellbeing for 20 days, followed by post-mortem examination. Based on a comparison of pre- and post-treatment colour Doppler imaging, 100% (36/36) of placental vessels were occluded following HIFU, and occlusion persisted for 20 days. All fetuses survived. No differences in maternal or fetal blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, metabolic status or oxygenation were observed between treatment groups. There was evidence of normal fetal maturation and no evidence of chronic fetal stress. There were no maternal injuries and no placental vascular haemorrhage. There was both a uterine and fetal burn, which did not result in any obstetric or fetal complications. This study demonstrates normal long-term recovery of fetal sheep from exposure to HIFU-mediated placental vascular occlusion and underlines the potential of HIFU as a potential non-invasive therapy in human pregnancy.

Transcriptomic changes in the nasal epithelium associated with diesel engine exhaust exposure

BACKGROUND

Diesel engine exhaust (DEE) exposure causes lung cancer, but the molecular mechanisms by which this occurs are not well understood.

OBJECTIVES

To assess transcriptomic alterations in nasal epithelium of DEE-exposed factory workers to better understand the cellular and molecular effects of DEE.

METHODS

Nasal epithelial brushings were obtained from 41 diesel engine factory workers exposed to relatively high levels of DEE (17.2-105.4 μg/m3), and 38 unexposed workers from factories without DEE exposure. mRNA was profiled for gene expression using Affymetrix microarrays. Linear modeling was used to identify differentially expressed genes associated with DEE exposure and interaction effects with current smoking status. Pathway enrichment among differentially expressed genes was assessed using EnrichR. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to compare gene expression patterns between datasets.

RESULTS

225 genes had expression associated with DEE exposure after adjusting for smoking status (FDR q < 0.25) and were enriched for genes in pathways related to oxidative stress response, cell cycle pathways such as MAPK/ERK, protein modification, and transmembrane transport. Genes up-regulated in DEE-exposed individuals were enriched among the genes most up-regulated by cigarette smoking in a previously reported bronchial airway smoking dataset. We also found that the DEE signature was enriched among the genes most altered in two previous studies of the effects of acute DEE on PBMC gene expression. An exposure-response relationship was demonstrated between air levels of elemental carbon and the first principal component of the DEE signature.

CONCLUSIONS

A gene expression signature was identified for workers occupationally exposed to DEE that was altered in an exposure-dependent manner and had some overlap with the effects of smoking and the effects of acute DEE exposure. This is the first study of gene expression in nasal epithelial cells of workers heavily exposed to DEE and provides new insights into the molecular alterations that occur with DEE exposure.

Effects of bamboo leaf extract on growth performance, meat quality, and meat oxidative stability in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary bamboo leaf extract (BLE) on growth performance, meat quality, oxidative stability, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) related gene expression of breast meat in broilers. A total of 576 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were divided into 6 groups. The control group (CTR) was fed basal diet, while BLE1, BLE2, BLE3, BLE4, and BLE5 were fed basal diet supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 g BLE per kg feed, respectively. Compared with the CTR group, BLE2 and BLE5 increased average daily feed intake from 1 to 21 D and 22 to 42 D (P < 0.05), BLE1 and BLE2 improved average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain ratio from 22 to 42 D (P < 0.05). Throughout the trial period, the highest body weight and favorable ADG and feed to gain ratio were observed in the BLE2 group. The drip loss at 24 h and pH at 45 min postmortem of breast meat were linearly improved by BLE supplementation (P < 0.05). Shear force was significantly lower in BLE2 and BLE3 than that in CTR group. Increasing supplementation of BLE linearly improved free radical scavenging capacity and decreased malondialdehyde content of breast meat during 12 D of storage (P < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity were linearly increased by BLE supplementation (P < 0.05). Compared with the CTR group, the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and glutathione peroxidase in BLE3, BLE4, and BLE5 groups was significantly promoted, and glutathione S-transferase gene expression was increased in BLE2, BLE4, and BLE5 (P < 0.05). The highest (P < 0.05) heme oxygennase-1 gene expression was observed in BLE5. In conclusion, broiler supplemented with BLE improved growth performance and meat quality, BLE supplementation might activate Nrf2 pathway to alleviate lipid oxidation and increase antioxidant capacity of breast meat. The dosage of 2.0 to 3.0 g/kg BLE in broiler diet was recommanded.

Sulfur dioxide induces vascular relaxation through PI3K/Akt/eNOS and NO/cGMP signaling pathways in rats

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a common exogenous atmospheric pollutant. Studies have shown that SO₂ can cause vasodilation as a gas signaling molecule, but the specific signaling pathways are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism behind the effects of SO₂ on vasodilation of isolated rat aorta. The results showed that when the dose of SO₂ was 30 μM, the vasodilation of endothelium-intact rings was partially suppressed by LY294002 and N^G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, and the protein levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), p-Akt, and p-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS) were significantly increased. When the dose of SO₂ was 300 μM or 1500 μM, the vasodilation of endothelium-denuded rings did not change after application of the inhibitor, but the protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-eNOS were significantly decreased, and the activity of NOS and the level of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were significantly increased. We speculate that the mechanism of SO₂-induced vasodilatation likely involved the endothelial PI3K/Akt/eNOS and NO/cGMP signal pathways. In addition, at the concentration of 1500 μM, SO₂ markedly increased the level of caspase-3 and caspase-9. The results suggest that high concentrations of SO₂ may cause damage to blood vessels. This study will help to further inform the etiologies of SO₂-related cardiovascular disease.

Protection of forensic scene investigation and postmortem examination during the epidemic period of COVID-19

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor pathway promotes osseointegration and CD31hiEMCNhi endothelium expansion in a mouse tibial implant model: an animal study

AIMS

It is increasingly appreciated that coordinated regulation of angiogenesis and osteogenesis is needed for bone formation. How this regulation is achieved during peri-implant bone healing, such as osseointegration, is largely unclear. This study examined the relationship between angiogenesis and osteogenesis in a unique model of osseointegration of a mouse tibial implant by pharmacologically blocking the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An implant was inserted into the right tibia of 16-week-old female C57BL/6 mice (n = 38). Mice received anti-VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) antibody (25 mg/kg) and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) antibody (25 mg/kg; n = 19) or an isotype control antibody (n = 19). Flow cytometric (n = 4/group) and immunofluorescent (n = 3/group) analyses were performed at two weeks post-implantation to detect the distribution and density of CD31^hiEMCN^hi endothelium. RNA sequencing analysis was performed using sorted CD31^hiEMCN^hi endothelial cells (n = 2/group). Osteoblast lineage cells expressing osterix (OSX) and osteopontin (OPN) were also detected with immunofluorescence. Mechanical pull-out testing (n = 12/group) was used at four weeks post-implantation to determine the strength of the bone-implant interface. After pull-out testing, the tissue attached to the implant surface was harvested. Whole mount immunofluorescent staining of OSX and OPN was performed to determine the amount of osteoblast lineage cells.

RESULTS

Flow cytometry revealed that anti-VEGFR treatment decreased CD31^hiEMCN^hi vascular endothelium in the peri-implant bone versus controls at two weeks post-implantation. This was confirmed by the decrease of CD31 and endomucin (EMCN) double-positive cells detected with immunofluorescence. In addition, treated mice had more OPN-positive cells in both peri-implant bone and tissue on the implant surface at two weeks and four weeks, respectively. More OSX-positive cells were present in peri-implant bone at two weeks. More importantly, anti-VEGFR treatment decreased the maximum load of pull-out testing compared with the control.

CONCLUSION

VEGF pathway controls the coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis in orthopaedic implant osseointegration by affecting the formation of CD31^hiEMCN^hi endothelium. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(7 Supple C):108-114.

Altered autonomic control of heart rate variability in the chronically hypoxic fetus

KEY POINTS

Fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) has long been recognised as a powerful predictor of fetal wellbeing, and a decrease in FHRV is associated with fetal compromise. However, the mechanisms by which FHRV is reduced in the chronically hypoxic fetus have yet to be established. The sympathetic and parasympathetic influences on heart rate mature at different rates throughout fetal life, and can be assessed by time domain and power spectral analysis of FHRV. In this study of chronically instrumented fetal sheep in late gestation, we analysed FHRV daily over a 16 day period towards term, and compared changes between fetuses of control and chronically hypoxic pregnancy. We show that FHRV in sheep is reduced by chronic hypoxia, predominantly due to dysregulation of the sympathetic control of the fetal heart rate. This presents a potential mechanism by which a reduction in indices of FHRV predicts fetuses at increased risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality in humans. Reduction in overall FHRV may therefore provide a biomarker that autonomic dysregulation of fetal heart rate control has taken place in a fetus where uteroplacental dysfunction is suspected.

ABSTRACT

Although fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) has long been recognised as a powerful predictor of fetal wellbeing, the mechanisms by which it is reduced in the chronically hypoxic fetus have yet to be established. In particular, the physiological mechanism underlying the reduction of short term variation (STV) in fetal compromise remains unclear. In this study, we present a longitudinal study of the development of autonomic control of FHRV, assessed by indirect indices, time domain and power spectral analysis, in normoxic and chronically hypoxic, chronically catheterised, singleton fetal sheep over the last third of gestation. We used isobaric chambers able to maintain pregnant sheep for prolonged periods in hypoxic conditions (stable fetal femoral arterial P O 2 10-12 mmHg), and a customised wireless data acquisition system to record beat-to-beat variation in the fetal heart rate. We determined in vivo longitudinal changes in overall FHRV and the sympathetic and parasympathetic contribution to FHRV in hypoxic (n = 6) and normoxic (n = 6) ovine fetuses with advancing gestational age. Normoxic fetuses show gestational age-related increases in overall indices of FHRV, and in the sympathetic nervous system contribution to FHRV (P < 0.001). Conversely, gestational age-related increases in overall FHRV were impaired by exposure to chronic hypoxia, and there was evidence of suppression of the sympathetic nervous system control of FHRV after 72 h of exposure to hypoxia (P < 0.001). This demonstrates that exposure to late gestation isolated chronic fetal hypoxia has the potential to alter the development of the autonomic nervous system control of FHRV in sheep. This presents a potential mechanism by which a reduction in indices of FHRV in human fetuses affected by uteroplacental dysfunction can predict fetuses at increased risk.

Oncologic outcomes of nephron-sparing surgery in patients with T1 multifocal renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

This study is performed to explore the pathological characteristics and oncologic outcomes of T1 multifocal renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

METHODS

The clinical data of 600 patients (442 males and 158 females) between the age of 29 and 73 years, diagnosed with T1 RCC were collected from three hospitals in China, out of which 421 cases had undergone nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) and 179 cases had undergone radical nephrectomy (RN) between December 2010 and January 2015.

RESULTS

Tumor was identified with multifocality in 32 patients (5.33%), out of which 21 were set to receive NSS, and 11 to receive RN, respectively; 21 cases of clear cell tumor, 8 cases of papillary tumor, 1 case of chromophobe tumor and 2 cases of Xp.11.2 translocation RCC. Among 568 cases of monofocal tumors, 400 patients underwent NSS, and the remaining 168 patients underwent RN, respectively. After a median follow-up of 5 years, 13 patients were found with recurrent tumors out of those who had undergone NSS, 11 with monofocal tumors and 2 with multifocal tumors containing satellite tumor nodules (p = 0.13). Out of the 32 individuals with multifocal RCC, 4 cases were reported to have died of cancer, 2 of NSS and 2 of RN. From these findings, the cancer-specific survival for NSS and RN was estimated to be 90.48% and 81.82%, respectively (p = 0.48).

CONCLUSION

The findings from the study suggested that there were pathological differences in multifocal renal tumors, and that papillary carcinoma may be more common than clear cell carcinoma. The recurrence rate and survival rate of multifocal RCC were similar to monofocal tumors. Tumor recurrence may be related to satellite tumor nodules, which can only be detected once surgery is performed.

Mild Hypothermia Pretreatment Attenuates Liver Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Through Inhibiting c-Jun NH2-terminal Kinase Phosphorylation in Rats

BACKGROUND

Mild hypothermia is known to be protected against ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury. But the exact mechanisms of protection have not yet been fully understood and its usage has been limited. Mild hypothermia pretreatment (MHP) is used to investigate the mechanisms of the protective effects against liver IR injury.

METHODS

Anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups including the normal group (N), sham group (S), MHP group, normothermia pretreatment (NP) + IR group, and the MHP + IR group. In the pretreatment groups, mild hypothermia (32.2 ± 0.3°C) and normothermia (37 ± 0.5°C) pretreatment were applied for 2 hours, respectively. Then the IR groups suffered partial (70%) hepatic ischemia for 1 hour and reperfusion for 6 hours. At last, hepatic injury, apoptosis, and protein expression were assessed.

RESULTS

Levels of serum alanine transaminase, hepatic injury, hepatocyte apoptosis, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation were significantly higher in the IR groups. But when compared to NP, all these changes induced by IR were markedly attenuated by MHP. Serum alanine transaminase levels were 383.4 ± 13.1U/L in the MHP + IR group and 951.3 ± 39.4 U/L in the NP + IR group. The histologic score of liver injury in the MHP + IR group was 4.83 ± 1.17, whereas in the NP + IR group it was 10.5 ± 1.05. The proportion of apoptotic cells in the MHP + IR group was 11.58 ± 0.60, but in the NP + IR group, it was 44.95 ± 1.61. The phosphorylation of JNK was also significantly reduced in the MHP + IR group. All these differences are statistically significant (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

MHP could markedly reduce liver IR injury, and these protective effects may be mainly exerted via inhibition of JNK phosphorylation.