Transcriptome changes upon in vitro challenge with Mycobacterium bovis in monocyte-derived macrophages from bovine tuberculosis-infected and healthy cows

As innate immune cells, macrophages are expected to respond to mycobacterial infection equally in both Mycobacterium bovis-infected cows and healthy cows. We previously found that monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from M. bovis-infected cows respond differently than MDMs from healthy cows when exposed to in vitro M. bovis challenge. We have now used the Agilent™ Bovine Gene Expression Microarray to examine transcriptional differences between these MDMs. At a high multiplicity of infection (10), in vitro challenge led to changes in several thousands of genes, with dysregulation at multiple orders of magnitude. For example, significant changes were seen for colony stimulating factor 3 (granulocyte) (CSF3), colony stimulating factor 2 (granulocyte-macrophage) (CSF2), and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20). Classical macrophage activation was also observed, although to a lesser degree in interleukin 12 (IL12) expression. For macrophages, kallikrein-related peptidase 12 (KLK12) and protease, serine, 2 (trypsin 2) (PRSS2), as well as a secreted protein, acidic, cysteine-rich (osteonectin) (SPARC)-centered matricellular gene network, were differentially expressed in infected animals. Finally, global transcriptome fold-changes caused by in vitro challenge were higher in healthy cows than in tuberculosis-positive cows, suggesting that healthy macrophages responded marginally better to in vitro infection. Macrophages from healthy and already infected animals can both be fully activated during M. bovis infection, yet there are differences between these macrophages: distinct expression pattern in matricellular proteins, and their different responses to in vitro infection.

An outbreak of type π vaccine-derived poliovirus in Sichuan province, China: emergence and circulation in an under-immunized population

BACKGROUND

During August 2011-February 2012, an outbreak of type Π circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPVs) occurred in Sichuan Province, China.

METHODS

A field investigation of the outbreak was conducted to characterize outbreak isolates and to guide emergency response. Sequence analysis of poliovirus capsid protein VP1 was performed to determine the viral propagation, and a coverage survey was carried out for risk assessment.

RESULTS

One clinical compatible polio case and three VDPV cases were determined in Ngawa County, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Case patients were unimmunized children, 0.8-1 years old. Genetic sequencing showed that the isolates diverged from the VP1 region of the type Π Sabin strain by 5-12 nucleotides (nt) and shared the same 5 nt VP1 substitutions, which indicate single lineage of cVDPVs. Of the 7 acute flaccid paralysis cases (all>6 months) reported in Ngawa Prefecture in 2011, 4 (57.1%) cases (including 2 polio cases) did not receive oral attenuated poliovirus vaccine. Supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) were conducted in February-May, 2012, and the strain has not been isolated since.

CONCLUSION

High coverage of routine immunization should be maintained among children until WPV transmission is globally eradicated. Risk assessments should be conducted regularly to pinpoint high risk areas or subpopulations, with SIAs developed if necessary.

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Watts G, Watts S, Waugh BM, Webb S, Weber MS, Weber SW, Webster JS, Weidberg AR, Weigell P, Weinert B, Weingarten J, Weiser C, Weits H, Wells PS, Wenaus T, Wendland D, Weng Z, Wengler T, Wenig S, Wermes N, Werner M, Werner P, Wessels M, Wetter J, Whalen K, White A, White MJ, White R, White S, Whiteson D, Wicke D, Wickens FJ, Wiedenmann W, Wielers M, Wienemann P, Wiglesworth C, Wiik-Fuchs LAM, Wijeratne PA, Wildauer A, Wildt MA, Wilkens HG, Will JZ, Williams HH, Williams S, Willis C, Willocq S, Wilson A, Wilson JA, Wingerter-Seez I, Winklmeier F, Winter BT, Wittgen M, Wittig T, Wittkowski J, Wollstadt SJ, Wolter MW, Wolters H, Wosiek BK, Wotschack J, Woudstra MJ, Wozniak KW, Wright M, Wu M, Wu SL, Wu X, Wu Y, Wulf E, Wyatt TR, Wynne BM, Xella S, Xiao M, Xu D, Xu L, Yabsley B, Yacoob S, Yakabe R, Yamada M, Yamaguchi H, Yamaguchi Y, Yamamoto A, Yamamoto K, Yamamoto S, Yamamura T, Yamanaka T, Yamauchi K, Yamazaki Y, Yan Z, Yang H, Yang H, Yang UK, Yang Y, Yanush S, Yao L, Yao WM, Yasu Y, Yatsenko E, Yau Wong KH, Ye J, Ye S, Yeletskikh I, Yen AL, Yildirim E, Yilmaz M, Yoosoofmiya R, Yorita K, Yoshida R, Yoshihara K, Young C, Young CJS, Youssef S, Yu DR, Yu J, Yu JM, Yu J, Yuan L, Yurkewicz A, Yusuff I, Zabinski B, Zaidan R, Zaitsev AM, Zaman A, Zambito S, Zanello L, Zanzi D, Zeitnitz C, Zeman M, Zemla A, Zengel K, Zenin O, Ženiš T, Zerwas D, Zevi della Porta G, Zhang D, Zhang F, Zhang H, Zhang J, Zhang L, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Zhao Z, Zhemchugov A, Zhong J, Zhou B, Zhou L, Zhou N, Zhu CG, Zhu H, Zhu J, Zhu Y, Zhuang X, Zhukov K, Zibell A, Zieminska D, Zimine NI, Zimmermann C, Zimmermann R, Zimmermann S, Zimmermann S, Zinonos Z, Ziolkowski M, Zobernig G, Zoccoli A, zur Nedden M, Zurzolo G, Zutshi V, Zwalinski L. Search for contact interactions and large extra dimensions in the dilepton channel using proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

A search is conducted for non-resonant new phenomena in dielectron and dimuon final states, originating from either contact interactions or large extra spatial dimensions. The LHC 2012 proton-proton collision dataset recorded by the ATLAS detector is used, corresponding to 20 fb[Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text] = 8 TeV. The dilepton invariant mass spectrum is a discriminating variable in both searches, with the contact interaction search additionally utilizing the dilepton forward-backward asymmetry. No significant deviations from the Standard Model expectation are observed. Lower limits are set on the [Formula: see text] contact interaction scale [Formula: see text] between 15.4 TeV and 26.3 TeV, at the 95 % credibility level. For large extra spatial dimensions, lower limits are set on the string scale [Formula: see text] between 3.2 TeV to 5.0 TeV.

Measurement of distributions sensitive to the underlying event in inclusive Z-boson production in [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text] TeV with the ATLAS detector

A measurement of charged-particle distributions sensitive to the properties of the underlying event is presented for an inclusive sample of events containing a [Formula: see text]-boson, decaying to an electron or muon pair. The measurement is based on data collected using the ATLAS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of [Formula: see text] TeV with an integrated luminosity of [Formula: see text] fb[Formula: see text]. Distributions of the charged particle multiplicity and of the charged particle transverse momentum are measured in regions of azimuthal angle defined with respect to the [Formula: see text]-boson direction. The measured distributions are compared to similar distributions measured in jet events, and to the predictions of various Monte Carlo generators implementing different underlying event models.

Phase II trial of recombinant human endostatin in combination with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with stage III non-small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Endostar combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC were treated with Endostar (7.5mg/m(2)/d) for 7days at weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7, while two cycles of docetaxel (65mg/m(2)) and cisplatin (65mg/m(2)) were administered on days 8 and 36, with concurrent thoracic radiation to a dose of 60-66Gy. Primary end points were short-term efficacy and treatment-related toxicity.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were enrolled into the study, and 48 were assessable. Of the 48 patients, 83% had stage IIIB and 65% had N3 disease. Median follow-up was 25.0months. Overall response rate was 77%. The estimated median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.9months, and the estimated median overall survival (OS) was 24.0months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year local control rates were 75%, 67%, and 51%, PFS rates were 48%, 27%, and 16%, and OS rates were 81%, 50%, and 30%, respectively. All toxicities were tolerable with proper treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of Endostar with CCRT for locally advanced NSCLC patients was feasible and showed promising survival and local control rates.

Significance of expression of RIN1 and SIAH2 proteins in gastric carcinoma

AIM: To examine the expression of Ras and Rab interactor 1 (RIN1) and seven in absentia homologue 2 (SIAH2) proteins in gastric carcinoma and to analyze their relationship with clinicopathological factors.

METHODS: The expression of RIN1 and SIAH2 was detected by immunohistochemistry in 80 gastric carcinoma and 40 normal gastric tissues.

RESULTS: The positive rates of RIN1 and SIAH2 protein expression were significantly higher in gastric carcinoma than in normal gastric tissues (61.2% vs 32.5%, 60.0% vs 27.5%, P < 0.05 for both). In gastric carcinoma, RIN1 expression was related to tumor size, clinical stage, histopathological grade, lymph node metastasis and depth of invasion (P < 0.05 for all), but not to patients' age or gender (P > 0.05 for both); SIAH2 expression was related to clinical stage, histopathological grade, lymph node metastasis and depth of invasion (P < 0.05 for all), but not to tumor size (P > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the expression of RIN1 and SIAH2 in gastric carcinoma (r = 0.607, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: The overexpression of RIN1 and SIAH2 might play an important role in the progression, invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma, and they may be used as early diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for gastric carcinoma.

Minifish mtDNA has abundance of repeat sequences and inefficient replication in vitro

Paedocypris is a newly described minifish genus endemic to Southeast Asia. Besides a tiny adult size of ~8 mm in length, minifish feature fragmentary habitats of acidic peat blackwater swamps, an unusual reproduction mode, truncated development and one of the smallest known genomes. A complete sequence is absent for the minifish mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Here we report the complete mtDNA sequence and its unusual feature in the minifish P. progenetica (Pp). We show that the Pp mtDNA is a circular molecule of 17,382 bp in length and has the same number of similarly oriented genes as in other vertebrates. Specifically, it comprises 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 1 D-loop. Surprisingly, the D-loop is elusive for amplification by standard PCR conditions. The D-loop possesses a 28-bp dinucleotide TA repeat and more intriguingly, up to 25 copies of a 34-bp tandem repeat sequence. These tandem repeats predict the formation of paired regions. Hence, besides a generally conserved mtDNA with other vertebrates, the Pp mtDNA features an unusual D-loop and compromised DNA replication in vitro.

Analysis of mitochondrial respiratory-related genes reveals nuclear and mitochondrial genome cooperation in allotetraploid hybrid

An allotetraploid hybrid lineage derived from the distant hybridization of red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var., ♀, 2n =100) × common carp (Cyprinus carpio L., ♂, 2n =100) was investigated for its mitochondrial and nuclear genome inheritance patterns. Based on liver transcriptomic data for this hybrid, red crucian carp, and common carp, we identified 94, 136, and 86 contigs corresponding to 41, 46, and 37 mitochondrial respiratory chain nuclear genes, respectively. Mitochondrial respiratory chain nuclear gene sequences from red crucian carp and common carp were both detected in the allotetraploid hybrid, indicating that both parental nuclear genomes were participated in the synthesis of mitochondrial respiratory protein complexes in the hybrid. For mitochondrial respiratory related genes, high sequence similarity (>90%) and a low nucleotide divergence rate (<0.2) between red crucian carp and common carp could be a critical factor allowing cooperation of the three genomes (red crucian carp mitochondrial genome, red crucian and common carp nuclear genomes) in the allotetraploid hybrid lineage. Interestingly, gene duplication events were identified in the allotetraploid hybrid, red crucian and common carp, as confirmed by analysis of orthologous gene trees for these fish. Our findings provide valuable information with which to study cooperation between the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of other hybrids, and will provide basic genetic information of relevance to mitochondrial-related diseases in humans and animals.

A measurement of the ratio of the production cross sections for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] bosons in association with jets with the ATLAS detector

The ratio of the production cross sections for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] bosons in association with jets has been measured in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] with the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. The measurement is based on the entire 2011 dataset, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of [Formula: see text]. Inclusive and differential cross-section ratios for massive vector bosons decaying to electrons and muons are measured in association with jets with transverse momentum [Formula: see text] and jet rapidity [Formula: see text]. The measurements are compared to next-to-leading-order perturbative QCD calculations and to predictions from different Monte Carlo generators implementing leading-order matrix elements supplemented by parton showers.

Orlistat-induced fulminant hepatic failure

Orlistat was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998 and has been shown to be superior to placebo in achieving weight loss. It is generally well tolerated. However, severe liver injury has been reported. We present a case of hepatic failure in a patient taking orlistat. A 54-year-old African-American woman with hypertension presented with hepatic failure. She had noticed increasing fatigue, jaundice and confusion. She used alcohol sparingly and denied tobacco or illicit drug use, but had been taking over-the-counter orlistat for the past two months. Physical examination revealed scleral icterus, jaundice, asterixis and slow speech. Laboratory testing showed markedly abnormal liver function tests with coagulopathy. Acute viral and autoimmune serologies were negative, as was toxicology screen. Liver biopsy showed necrotic hepatic parenchyma likely secondary to drug toxicity. Based upon her clinical presentation and time course, the pattern of liver injury seen on liver biopsy and lack of an alternative plausible explanation, her liver failure was most likely associated with orlistat use. She continued to deteriorate and ultimately underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. Fourteen cases of severe liver injury associated with orlistat use have been reported, four of which are detailed in the literature. This is the second published case of liver failure associated with over-the-counter orlistat usage. Clinicians should be aware of the growing number of cases associating liver injury and orlistat use and carefully monitor their patients on this medication for signs of hepatic dysfunction.

Use and prescription of antibiotics in primary health care settings in China

IMPORTANCE

Appropriate antibiotic use is a key strategy to control antibacterial resistance. The first step in achieving this is to identify the major problems in antibiotic prescription in health care facilities, especially in primary health care settings, which is where most patients receive medical care.

OBJECTIVE

To identify current patterns of antibiotic use and explore the reasons for inappropriate prescription in primary health care settings in China.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 48 primary health care facilities in China were randomly selected from 6 provinces at various levels of economic development. Data for the years 2009 through 2011 from 39 qualifying facilities (23 city and 16 rural primary health care centers) were analyzed retrospectively. The study sample consisted of prescription records for 7311 outpatient visits and 2888 inpatient hospitalizations.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

General health center information, drug usage, disease diagnoses, and antibiotic use by outpatients and inpatients were surveyed. Cases of inappropriate antibiotic prescription were identified.

RESULTS

Most staff in the primary health care facilities had less than a college degree, and the medical staff consisted primarily of physician assistants, assistant pharmacists, nurses, and nursing assistants. The median (range) governmental contribution to each facility was 34.0% (3.6%-92.5%) of total revenue. The facilities prescribed a median (range) of 28 (8-111) types of antibiotics, including 34 (10-115) individual agents. Antibiotics were included in 52.9% of the outpatient visit prescription records: of these, only 39.4% were prescribed properly. Of the inpatients, 77.5% received antibiotic therapy: of these, only 24.6% were prescribed properly. Antibiotics were prescribed for 78.0% of colds and 93.5% of cases of acute bronchitis. Of the antibiotic prescriptions, 28.0% contained cephalosporins and 15.7% fluoroquinolones. A total of 55.0% of the antibiotic prescriptions were for antibiotic combination therapy with 2 or more agents. In nonsurgical inpatients in cities, the mean (SD) duration of antibiotic therapy was 10.1 (7.8) days. Of the surgical patients, 98.0% received antibiotics, with 63.8% of these prescriptions for prophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Antibiotics are frequently prescribed in Chinese primary health care facilities, and a large proportion of these prescriptions are inappropriate. Frequent and inappropriate use of antibiotics in primary health care settings in China is a serious problem that likely contributes to antimicrobial resistance worldwide.

Estrogen alone or in combination with parathyroid hormone can decrease vertebral MEF2 and sclerostin expression and increase vertebral bone mass in ovariectomized rats

The study is about the regulatory effects of estrogen and parathyroid hormone (PTH) on sclerostin, a protein that inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The results indicate that estrogen may down-regulate sclerostin expression and that estrogen displays synergistic action with PTH. These results provide a new perspective on the relationship between estrogen and bone.

PURPOSE

To investigate whether estrogen can down-regulate SOST and MEF2 (myocyte enhancer factor 2) expression and whether co-treatment with estrogen and PTH has a stronger effect on suppressing SOST than PTH applied alone in ovariectomized rats.

METHODS

Forty-three-month-old virgin female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were ovariectomized and divided into four groups (n = 10). Another ten age-matched rats received sham operations as controls. After allowing 8 weeks for the development of vertebral osteopenia, the rats were administered the drug intervention. For this intervention, the estrogen group was subcutaneously injected with 17β-estradiol at 25 μg/kg body weight, the PTH group was injected with 80 μg/kg synthetic human PTH (1-34), and the co-treatment group was concurrently treated with PTH and estrogen at the above dosage. The OVX group and sham group were treated with vehicle. The drug treatment was conducted for 12 weeks. After the lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) was measured, the rats were sacrificed, and the lumbar spine and blood were collected for qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and other tests.

RESULTS

Estrogen can down-regulate MEF2 and sclerostin expression, and co-treatment with estrogen and PTH has a stronger effect on suppressing MEF2 and SOST mRNA than PTH alone. The co-treatment group displayed slightly higher bone mass and biomechanical properties than the PTH group, but the differences were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Estrogen appears to be a regulator of sclerostin, and the effect may involve suppressing MEF2s. Combined treatment with PTH and estrogen is not more beneficial for vertebral bone mass and strength than treatment with PTH alone in ovariectomized rats.

[Effect of comprehensive prevention and control of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Runzhou District of Zhenjiang City]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of comprehensive prevention and control of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Runzhou District, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province from 1997 to 2012.

METHODS

The comprehensive prevention and control measures included the helminthicide, health education, improvement of water supplier and harmless toilets, and these measures were implemented continuously. At the same time, the infection rates of soil-transmitted nematodes, the local economic indicators, and the coverage rates of tap water and harmless toilets were surveyed.

RESULTS

The mass chemotherapy was performed for 202 100 person-times and the diagnosed chemotherapy was performed for 2 006 person-times in Runzhou District from 1997 to 2012. The awareness rates of health knowledge were 57.18% in 1997, and 95.62% in 2012. The coverage rates of tap water and harmless toilets were 10.14% and 10.21% in 1997, and 100.0% and 90.38% in 2012, respectively. There were negative correlations between the awareness rate of per capita GDP, per capita net income, coverage rates of tap water, coverage rates of harmless toilets, health knowledge and the infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes, respectively (r(per capitaGDP) = -0.526, P < 0.05; r(per capita net income) = -0.671, P < 0.01; r(coverage rates of tap water) = -0.936, P < 0.01; r(coverage rates of harmless toilets) = -0.922, P < 0.01; r(awareness) = -0.774, P < 0.01). The statistical analysis showed that the infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes had a downward trend as an exponential curve in Runzhou District from 1997 to 2012 (y = 42.031 7e(-0.357 6x), R2 = 0.803 6, F = 57.28, P = 0.000). The infection rate of degradation by an annual rate was 29.18%. The infection rate in farmers was significantly higher than that in students (χ2 = 17.998, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between men and women in the infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes (χ2 = 3.627, P = 0.057).

CONCLUSION

The comprehensive prevention and control measures and the development of social economy contribute to the steady decline of soil-transmitted nematode infections.