Chinese parents' intention to vaccinate their 0-5-year-old children with the EV-71 vaccine against hand, foot, and mouth disease and willingness-to-pay

Background

This study aimed to determine the intention and willingness-to-pay (WTP) of Chinese parents/guardians to vaccinate their children with the EV-71 vaccine. Knowledge levels about hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and the EV-71 vaccine were also investigated.

Methods

A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey was conducted between November 2022 and March 2023. A stratified multi-stage random sampling method was used to recruit parents/guardians of children aged 0-5 years in southeastern China.

Results

A total of 3,626 complete responses were received. The mean knowledge score of HFMD was 9.99 (±4.23) out of a total of 14 points. The majority of the participants reported a somewhat willing intent (58.8%), followed by an extremely willing intent (28.9%). Participants who did not consider the EV-71 vaccine expensive (OR = 2.94, 95%CI 2.45-3.53) perceived that the EV-71 vaccine is effective (OR = 2.73, 95%CI 1.52-4.90), and a high knowledge level of HFMD (OR = 1.90, 95%CI 1.57-2.29) had the highest significant odds of having an extremely willing intent to vaccinate their children with the EV-71 vaccine. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of WTP for the EV-71 vaccine was CNY¥200/USD$28 (IQR CNY¥100-400/USD$14-56). The highest marginal WTP for the vaccine was mainly influenced by the perceived high cost of the vaccine. Those participants who did not consider the EV-71 vaccine expensive had more than 10 times higher odds of vaccinating their children (OR = 10.86, 95%CI 8.49-13.88). Perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers were also significant influencing factors in the highest marginal WTP.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate the importance of improving health promotion and reducing the barriers to EV-71 vaccination. Therefore, it is important to improve health promotion and reduce the barriers to EV-71 vaccination.

[Identification and preliminary validation of potential biomarkers in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of atopic dermatitis]

Objective: To explore the difference of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) transcripts between atopic dermatitis (AD) and healthy controls, and to screen and preliminarily validate potential biomarkers of AD. Methods: From January 2021 to May 2022, blood samples from 9 AD patients and 10 healthy controls were collected from the Dermatology and Cosmetic Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, ribonucleic acid-sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to determine the transcriptome and relative expression of PBMC, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) analysis, and the potential biomarkers were identified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: The age of patients in the AD group [M (Q1, Q3)] was 26.50 (22.75, 30.50) years old, and the course of disease [M (Q1, Q3)] was 15 (10, 20) years,and the age of the healthy control group [M (Q1, Q3)] was 37.00 (27.75, 40.25) years old. Compared with healthy controls, 1 044 DEGs were detected in PBMC samples in AD group, including 668 up-regulated genes and 376 down-regulated genes. Differential variable splicing (AS) showed that mutually exclusive exons (46.74%) and skipped exon (31.01%) accounted for a large proportion. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that AD is closely linked to DEGs implicated in the inflammatory response and cytokine interaction and signal pathway. Comprehensive enrichment analysis and PPI analysis selected the expression of 8 candidate genes (CCL4, CCR3, CXCR5, NFKBIA, CXCL1, IL-1B, CCL20, LY96), which was confirmed by qRT-PCR and were consistent with that of RNA-seq. Conclusions: CCL4, CCR3, CXCR5, NFKBIA, CXCL1, IL-1B, CCL20 and LY96 might be potential biomarkers of AD, participating in the occurrence and development of AD.

[Multicenter clinical epidemiological analysis of elderly atopic dermatitis in China]

Objective: To investigate and analyze the clinical features of elderly atopic dermatitis (AD) in China. Methods: Based on the National Clinical Research and Homogeneous Diagnosis and Treatment Project for Type 2 Inflammation Dermatosis, a total of 2 281 patients aged 65 years or older were enrolled from 172 grade A tertiary hospitals who were diagnosed as atopic dermatitis from June 2021 to February 2023, and their demographics, clinical feature, and disease severity, etc. were collected. Elderly AD patients were divided into groups based on gender, history of allergic diseases (with or without a personal or family history of allergic diseases), and clinical features (site of onset, AD signs) and scales were compared within the groups. Median (Q1, Q3) was used for quantitative data. Results: The age of 2 281 elderly AD patients was 73.02 (68.83, 79.62) years old, among whom there were 1 649 males (72.29%) and 632 females (27.71%). A total of 2 244 cases were recorded with the information of the onset stage, of whom 1 713 cases (76.34%) occurred in the elderly stage. A total of 2 136 cases were recorded with the information of personal or family history of allergic diseases, of which 1 076 cases (50.37%) had a personal or family history of allergic diseases, and 1 060 (49.63%) had no history of allergic diseases. Skin lesions were predominantly involved in the waist, back, buttocks, and AD signs were mainly eczema-like skin lesions on the cheek and/or scalp and/or limb extension. Patients with moderate to severe AD accounted for 60.58% (1 327 cases), moderate to severe itching accounted for 81.32% (1 781 cases). Patients with anxiety and depression accounted for 46.14% (1 011 cases) and 39.27% (860 cases), respectively. Men had a higher EASI score than women [9.67 (4.77, 19.28) vs 8.45 (3.98, 17.11), P=0.040]. EASI, HADS-anxiety and WI-NRS scores were higher in patients with history of allergic diseases than those without allergy history [ (9.79 (4.84, 19.96) vs 8.96 (4.05, 18.31), P=0.015; 7.22 (3.49, 10.00) vs 6.81 (3.12, 9.33), P=0.012; 7.64 (5.62, 9.07) vs 7.38 (5.35, 8.91), P=0.036]. Conclusion: Elderly AD patients have their own exclusive clinical manifestations, and the understanding of these characteristics is beneficial for guiding clinical development of targeted management plans. Elderly AD patients are mostly senile onset, and male patients are more than female patients, skin lesions are mainly distributed on the extended side, and the disease burden is heavy.

Dehydration Accelerates Cytogenesis and Cyst Growth in Pkd1-/- Mice by Regulating Macrophage M2 Polarization

Adult autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) has been shown to be related as a "third hit" to the occurrence of acute or chronic kidney injury. Here, we examined whether dehydration, as a common kidney risk factor, could cause cystogenesis in chronic-onset Pkd1-/- mice by regulating macrophage activation. First, we confirmed that dehydration accelerated cytogenesis in Pkd1-/- mice and that macrophages infiltrated the kidney tissues even earlier than macroscopic cyst formation. Then, microarray analysis suggested that glycolysis pathway may be involved in macrophage activation in Pkd1-/- kidneys under conditions of dehydration. Further, we confirmed glycolysis pathway was activated and lactic acid (L-LA) was overproduced in the Pkd1-/- kidney under conditions of dehydration. We have already proved that L-LA strongly stimulated M2 macrophage polarization and overproduction of polyamine in macrophage in vitro, and in the present study, we further discovered that M2 polarization-induced polyamine production shortened the primary cilia length by disrupting the PC1/PC2 complex. Finally, the activation of L-LA-arginase 1-polyamine pathway contributed to cystogenesis and progressive cyst growth in Pkd1-/- mice recurrently exposed to dehydration.

[Effect of different abutment materials on the expression of genes and proteins related to hemidesmosome adhesion in human gingival epithelial cells]

Objective: To investigate the effects of polyetheretherketone, zirconium dioxide, and titanium abutment materials on the expression of genes and proteins related to hemidesmosome adhesion in human gingival epithelial cells, in order to screen out abutment materials that are easier for epithelial adhesion. Methods: Forty-eight specimens were prepared in each of the three materials, polyetheretherketone, zirconium oxide, and pure titanium specimens. The surface morphology of each group of specimens was observed by scanning electron microscopy, the surface roughness was measured by the white light interferometer, and the contact angle was measured by optical contact angle measuring instrument. The early adhesion status of human gingival epithelial cells on the surface of each group of specimens was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the proliferation ability of human gingival epithelial cells on the surface of each group of specimens was assessed by using a cell counting kit, and the expression levels of genes and proteins related to the adhesion of human gingival epithelial cells on the surface of each group of specimens were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results: The surface morphology of the three groups of specimens was flat and smooth. The mean roughness (Ra value) of the polyetheretherketone, zirconia, and pure titanium groups were (95.63±2.06), (37.93±3.56), and (134.2±4.62) nm (F=368.16, P<0.001), respectively, and the mean maximum height (Rz value) was (2.42±0.22), (0.87±0.10) and (3.77±0.28) nm (F=91.95, P<0.001), with statistical significance (P<0.05). The contact angles were 81.23°±0.91°, 82.08°±2.10°, and 80.47°±1.85°, respectively, with no statistically significant overall difference (F=0.45, P=0.658). Human gingival epithelial cells showed irregular shapes such as flattened and extended polygons and polygons on the surface of the three groups of specimens, exhibiting a typical paving stone pattern. The differences in cell proliferation among the three groups at 1 and 3 d of culture were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Cell proliferation in the polyetheretherketone group was significantly greater those those in the zirconia and pure titanium groups at 5 and 7 d of culture (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels and protein expression levels of laminin α3, integrin β4, and collagen ⅩⅦ in the polyetheretheretherketone group at 3 and 7 d of incubation were significantly greater than those in the zirconium oxide and pure titanium groups at the same time points (P<0.05). Conclusions: Polyetheretherketone is more conducive to the adhesion of hemidesmosome in human gingival epithelial cells than zirconium dioxide and pure titanium abutment materials.

Immune Efficacy of the EV71 Vaccine in Fujian Province, China: A Real-World Analysis of HFMD

EV71 vaccine immunization mainly protects the human population against severe and fatal HFMD and has a positive effect on reducing the overall incidence rates of HFMD and of hospitalized cases. In the analysis of data collected over 4 years, we compared HFMD's incidence rate, severity, and etiological changes in a target population before and after vaccine intervention. The incidence rate of HFMD decreased from 39.02‱ in 2014 to 11.02‱ in 2021, with a decrease rate of 71.7%, and the decrease was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The number of hospitalized cases decreased by 68.88%, the number of severe cases dropped by 95.60% and the number of deaths dropped to 0. The proportion of cases caused by the EV71 virus in different populations decreased significantly after the intervention, specifically, by 68.41% among individuals 0-4 years of age, by 74.32% among kindergarten children, by 86.07% in severe cases and by 100% with respect to the number of deaths.

Comparative and phylogenetic analysis of the complete chloroplast genomes of six Polygonatum species (Asparagaceae)

Polygonatum Miller belongs to the tribe Polygonateae of Asparagaceae. The horizontal creeping fleshy roots of several species in this genus serve as traditional Chinese medicine. Previous studies have mainly reported the size and gene contents of the plastomes, with little information on the comparative analysis of the plastid genomes of this genus. Additionally, there are still some species whose chloroplast genome information has not been reported. In this study, the complete plastomes of six Polygonatum were sequenced and assembled, among them, the chloroplast genome of P. campanulatum was reported for the first time. Comparative and phylogenetic analyses were then conducted with the published plastomes of three related species. Results indicated that the whole plastome length of the Polygonatum species ranged from 154,564 bp (P. multiflorum) to 156,028 bp (P. stenophyllum) having a quadripartite structure of LSC and SSC separated by two IR regions. A total of 113 unique genes were detected in each of the species. Comparative analysis revealed that gene content and total GC content in these species were highly identical. No significant contraction or expansion was observed in the IR boundaries among all the species except P. sibiricum1, in which the rps19 gene was pseudogenized owing to incomplete duplication. Abundant long dispersed repeats and SSRs were detected in each genome. There were five remarkably variable regions and 14 positively selected genes were identified among Polygonatum and Heteropolygonatum. Phylogenetic results based on chloroplast genome strongly supported the placement of P. campanulatum with alternate leaves in sect. Verticillata, a group characterized by whorled leaves. Moreover, P. verticillatum and P. cyrtonema were displayed as paraphyletic. This study revealed that the characters of plastomes in Polygonatum and Heteropolygonatum maintained a high degree of similarity. Five highly variable regions were found to be potential specific DNA barcodes in Polygonatum. Phylogenetic results suggested that leaf arrangement was not suitable as a basis for delimitation of subgeneric groups in Polygonatum and the definitions of P. cyrtonema and P. verticillatum require further study.

Macrophages promote heat stress nephropathy in mice via the C3a-C3aR-TNF pathway

Heat-stress nephropathy (HSN) is associated with recurrent dehydration. However, the mechanisms underlying HSN remain largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated the role of dehydration in HSN and kidney injury in mice. Firstly, we found that complement was strongly activated in the mice that were exposed to dehydration; and among complement components, the interaction between C3a and its receptor, C3aR, was more closely associated with kidney injury. Then two-month-old mice were intraperitoneally injected with 2% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or the C3aR inhibitor SB290157 during dehydration. DMSO-treated mice exhibited excessive macrophage infiltration, renal cell apoptosis, and kidney fibrosis. In contrast, SB290157-treated mice had no apparent kidney injury. By fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), we found that SB290157 treatment in mice remarkably inhibited macrophage infiltration and suppressed CCR2 expression in macrophages. In addition, C3a binding to C3aR promoted macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype and increased the production of TNF-α, which induced renal tubular epithelial cell (RTEC) apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Interestingly, C3a treatment failed to directly induce TNF-α production and apoptosis in RTECs. However, TNF-α production in response to C3a treatment was significantly elevated when RTECs were cocultured with macrophages, suggesting that macrophages rather than RTECs are the target of C3a-C3aR interaction. At last, we proved that infusion of macrophages which highly expressed TNF-α would significantly deteriorate HSN in TNF-KO mice when they were exposed to recurrent dehydration. This study uncovers a novel mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of HSN, and a potential pathway to prevent kidney injury during dehydration.

Safety of primary immunization using inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (CoronaVac®) among population aged 3 years and older in a large-scale use: A multi-center open-label study in China

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety of primary immunization using CoronaVac® among population aged 3 years and above in a large-scale use.

METHOD

A multi-center open-label study was carried out in 11 provinces of China. Individuals aged 3 years and older who had no history of COVID-19 vaccination or had received only one dose of CoronaVac® were enrolled in this study. Adults and elderly with or without underlying medical conditions(UMCs) were also recruited. Eligible participants received one or two doses of CoronaVac® with an interval of 28 days. Demographic information, vaccination and the occurrence of adverse events were recorded by participants or guardians using data collection system designed for this study. All adverse events occurred within 6 months after the second dose of vaccination were collected. The incidence of adverse events that cannot be ruled out as being caused by the vaccine were calculated to assess the safety of CoronaVac®. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials. Gov (NCT04911790 and NCT04992208).

RESULTS

A total of 162,691 participants have been included in this study and 89.50 % had finished primary immunization. Among adults and elderly, people with UMCs accounted for 25.85 %, with the top five disease being hypertension, diabetes, chronic gastritis, coronary heart disease(CHD) and kidney stone. The overall incidence of adverse reactions (ARs) within 6 months after the second vaccination was 2.70 %, with incidence for children and adolescents, adults, and elderly being 2.03 %, 3.46 %, and 1.90 %, respectively. Most ARs were mild (grade 1). Pain at the injection sites, fatigue, induration/swelling, and headache were the most common symptoms, occurring in 1.64 %, 0.46 %, 0.31 % and 0.24 %, respectively. No serious adverse events related to vaccines were reported. No adverse events of special interest (AESIs) were identified. For children and adolescents, children aged 3-5 years had the highest incidence of ARs of 3.29 %. The incidence of ARs among those aged 18 years and older with and without UMCs were 2.81 % and 2.99 %, respectively, with no statistical significance between two groups(P = 0.089). And people with coronary heart disease had higher AR incidence compared to those with other UMCs, but the most common symptoms was pain at the injection site.

CONCLUSION

CoronaVac® is safe in a large-scale use and shows well-tolerance for children and adolescents and people with underlying medical conditions. Further studies need to be conducted to explore the relation of ARs incidence to age or different kinds of UMCs.

Safety and Immunogenicity of Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) in Hypertensive and/or Diabetic People Aged over 60 Years: A Prospective Open-Label Study

AIMS

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection may increase the risk of developing dangerous symptoms among the elderly with underlying medical conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine (Vero) in patients over 60 years of age with hypertension and/or diabetes.

METHODS

An open-label, multi-center, prospective clinical trial was conducted at three medical sites in Fujian, China. Participants aged 60 years and above with hypertension, diabetes, and healthy controls were included in four groups: hypertension, diabetes, combined disease, and healthy controls. Volunteers received two doses of the inactivated SARS-COV-2 vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) on days 0 and 21. Adverse events were recorded for 21 days after each dose. Blood samples were taken before the first vaccination and 28 days after the second vaccination to detect the serum conversion rate and geometric mean titer (GMT) of neutralizing antibodies.

RESULTS

A total of 480 participants (110 hypertension, 110 diabetes, 100 combined hypertension and diabetes, and 160 healthy controls) were recruited. The incidences of adverse events in the four groups were 10 (9.1%) in the hypertension group, 19 (17.3%) in the diabetes group, 11 (11.0%) in the combined disease group, and 11 (6.9%) in healthy controls, with no statistical significance (P > 0.05). At 28 days after the second vaccination, the positive conversion rates of serum neutralizing antibody in the four groups were 97.3%(107/110), 97.3% (107/110), 100.0% (99/99),and 98.7%(155/157), respectively, and the GMTs were 75.28 (95% CI 64.03-88.50), 69.4 (95% CI 59-81.63), 77.21 (95% CI 66.68-89.41), and 78.64 (95% CI 69.87-88.50), respectively. There was no significant difference in neutralizing antibody responses among the four groups (P > 0.05). Additionally, the GMT after immunization was higher in females than in males (OR = 2.59, 95% CI 1.31-5.12).

CONCLUSIONS

The BBIBP-CorV vaccine is safe and elicits an adequate antibody response in patients over 60 years of age with hypertension and/or diabetes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT05065879.

Genome analysis of human respiratory syncytial virus in Fujian Province, Southeast China

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the main causes of acute respiratory infections (ARI) leading to a heavy disease burden. Reports on RSV in China are limited, especially in Fujian Province, and RSV whole-genome sequences in Fujian Province are not reported. This study aimed to explore the genomic characteristics of RSV to provide evidence for the development of vaccines and medicines.

METHODS

Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to amplify and obtain the attachment (G) gene and whole-genome fragments from the positive samples. Genetic evolution as well as nucleotide and amino acid homology analyses of the virus sequences were conducted to identify any amino acid mutations.

RESULTS

A total of 72 RSV-positive cases were collected, and 53 G gene sequences were obtained using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The ON1 and BA11 genotypes were found to be dominant using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) on the NCBI website. The 40 genotype ON1 sequences had high nucleotide identity (95.3%-99.8%) and amino acid similarity (92.5%-100%), whereas the 13 BA11 genotype sequenceshad 97.3% - 99.6% nucleotide identity and 94.8% - 99.7% amino acid similarity. Compared to the ON1 prototype (JN257693) and BA11 prototype (AY333364), the obtained sequences had no nucleotide insertions or deletions, indicating high similarity among the samples. A total of 17 RSV whole genome sequences were obtained, 10 of which were genotype ON1 and seven were genotype BA11. Certain amino acid mutations were found in the antigen site and epitope of the fusion (F) protein but not in the G protein. Glycosylation analyses of specific RSV genes revealed high positive selection rates for the gene, and the N- and O-linked glycosylation sequences in the F gene were relatively conserved.

CONCLUSIONS

From July 2018 to January 2020, ON1 and BA11 were the most prevalent RSV genotypes in Fujian Province. A high nucleotide identity and amino acid similarity were observed between the reference strain and the obtained strains, as well as among the sequences of the obtained isotypes. Certain amino acid mutations occur at the antigen site and the epitope of the F protein.

[Preparation and characterization of a recombinant poly-epitopic vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) against cystic echinococcosis based on the linker GSGGSG]

OBJECTIVE

To perform prokaryotic expression and preliminary characterization of the recombinant poly-epitope vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) against cystic echinococcosis.

METHODS

The recombinant poly-epitope vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) against Echinococcus granulosus based on the linker GSGGSG was subjected to structural three-dimensional (3D) modeling using immunoinformatics to analyze the structural changes and evaluate the antigenicity of the vaccine. The pET30a-EgG1Y162-2 (4) recombinant plasmid was generated using double digestion with EcoR I and Sal I, and then transformed into competent cells. Following protein induction with isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG), the prokaryotic expression proteins were characterized using Western blotting, and the antigenicity of the recombinant protein was analyzed using sera from cystic echinococcosis patients and health volunteers.

RESULTS

The four EgG1Y162-2 proteins coupled by the 3D structure of the recombinant vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) presented independent and effective expression and good antigenicity. The highest protein expression was detected in the supernatant following induction of the recombinant plasmid pET30a-EgG1Y162-2 (4) by 0.2 mmol/L IPTG at 37 °C for 4 h, and a pure protein component was seen following elution with 60 mmol/L imidazole. Western blotting analysis of the recombinant multiepitope protein HIS-EgG1Y162-2 (4) showed a band at approximately 39 kDa, and this band was recognized by sera from cystic echinococcosis patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A recombinant poly-epitope vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) against cystic echinococcosis has been successfully constructed, which provides a preliminary basis for researches on recombinant multi-epitope vaccine against cystic echinococcosis.

Evaluation of Immunogenicity and Safety of Vero Cell-Derived Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccine in Older Patients with Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus

Background: To evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine (Vero cell), inactivated, in a population aged ≥60 years with hypertension or(/and) diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 1440 participants were enrolled and divided into four groups, 330 in the hypertension group, 330 in the diabetes group, 300 in the hypertensive combined with diabetes group (combined disease group), and 480 in the healthy population group. Two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (Vero cell), inactivated, were administered at a 21-day interval and blood samples were collected before vaccination and 28 days after the second dose to evaluate the immunogenicity. The adverse events and changes in blood pressure and blood glucose levels after vaccination were recorded. Results: The seroconversion rate of the COVID-19 neutralizing antibodies was 100% for all participants. The post-inoculation geometric mean titer (GMT) in the four groups of the hypertension, diabetes, combined disease, and healthy populations were 73.41, 69.93, 73.84, and 74.86, respectively. The seroconversion rates and post-vaccination GMT in the hypertension, diabetes, and combined disease groups were non-inferior to the healthy population group. The rates of vaccine-related adverse reactions were 11.93%, 14.29%, 12.50%, and 9.38%, respectively. No serious adverse events were reported during the study. No apparent abnormal fluctuations in blood pressure and blood glucose values were observed after vaccination in participants with hypertension or(/and) diabetes. Conclusions: The COVID-19 vaccine (Vero cell), inactivated, showed good immunogenicity and safety in patients aged ≥60 years suffering from hypertension or(/and) diabetes mellitus.

[Molecular epidemiological investigation on Theileria in yellow cattle from Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture of Hunan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and genetic variation of Theileria in yellow cattle in Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture of Hunan Province.

METHODS

A total of 184 blood specimens were collected from Fenghuang, Huanyuan and Baojing counties of Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture during the period from August 2018 through August 2019, and were detect using PCR assay with the specific 18S ribosomal rRNA (18S rRNA) gene targeting Theileria. The gene sequences of positive specimens were aligned with the sequences recorded in GenBank, and a phylogenetic tree was created with Plasmodium ovale 18S rRNA as an outgroup.

RESULTS

A total of 143 blood samples were positive for Theileria, with a mean detection rate of 77.7%. Theileria was prevalent in the blood samples from yellow cattle in all three counties, with detection rates of 85.0% in Fenghuang County, 88.3% in Huayuan County and 61.0% in Baojing County, respectively. There was no significant difference in the detection rate of Theileria between Xiangxi yellow cattle and normal yellow cattle (77.2% vs. 79.5%; χ² = 0.08, P > 0.05), while the detection of Theileria was significantly lower in the housed yellow cattle than in free-range cattle (68.9% vs. 89.7%; χ² = 22.36, P < 0.01). A total of 18 PCR positive samples were randomly selected for sequencing and analysis, and all samples showed more than 99.0% homology with T. luwenshuni isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 18 positive samples were clustered into the same branch with T. luwenshuni, but were far away from other isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of Theileria is high in yellow cattle from Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture of Hunan Province, and T. luwenshuni may be the dominant parasite species.

The comparative safety of human papillomavirus vaccines: A Bayesian network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The safety of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, one of the major challenges to public vaccination, has been controversial. This study assessed the adverse reactions of various HPV vaccines, including bivalent HPV (2vHPV), quadrivalent HPV (4vHPV), and 9-valent HPV (9vHPV) vaccines.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Central databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the comparative safety of HPV vaccines. A network meta-analysis was performed based on the Bayesian framework random-effects model.

RESULTS

This study included 23 RCTs. Analysis across these reports indicated that the 2vHPV vaccine was associated with significantly more systemic adverse events than the 4vHPV vaccine (risk ratio [RR]: 1.28, 95% credible interval [CrI]: 1.14-1.44), 9vHPV vaccine (RR: 1.25, 95% CrI: 1.06-1.49), and placebo (RR: 1.31, 95% CrI: 1.18-1.46). However, there were no statistically significant differences in serious adverse events between the vaccinated and placebo groups. For injection-site adverse events, there were substantial inconsistencies between the direct and indirect effects; therefore, the analysis results of the safety were presented only for systemic and serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2vHPV vaccine resulted in more systemic adverse events than other vaccines and placebo. No significant differences in serious adverse events were observed. Further studies are needed to obtain more information regarding the safety of HPV vaccines.

Hyperlipidemia Impairs Osseointegration via the ROS/Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

The influence of hyperlipidemia on titanium implant osseointegration and the underlying mechanisms is not well understood. This study investigates the changes in osseointegration and explores the potential mechanisms in hyperlipidemia conditions. In vivo, specialized titanium implants were implanted in the femurs of diet-induced or genetic hyperlipidemia mice. In vitro, primary murine osteoblasts were cultured on the titanium surface in high-fat medium. Results showed that hyperlipidemia led to poor osseointegration in both types of mice in vivo, and high-fat medium impaired the osteogenic differentiation of primary osteoblasts on the titanium surface in vitro. In addition, high-fat medium caused significant overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in osteoblasts. Both N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC, an ROS antagonist) and Wnt3a (an activator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway) attenuated the poor osteogenic ability of osteoblasts. In addition, NAC reactivated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in osteoblasts under high-fat stimulation. These results demonstrate that hyperlipidemia impairs osseointegration via the ROS/Wnt/β-catenin pathway and provide support for the ROS or Wnt/β-catenin pathway as a promising therapeutic target for the development of novel drugs or implant materials to improve the osseointegration of implants in hyperlipidemic patients.

[Extraction and Separation of Sinapine from Rapeseed Cake and the Mode of Action of Melanin Production Inhibition]

Brassica campestris L. is the important oil-bearing crop in China. Rapeseed cake is the main byproduct of rapeseed oil extraction. As the main active ingredient in rapeseed cake, sinapine has several important biological activities. Therefore, the inhibitory activity of sinapine on tyrosinase in vitro and its free radical-scavenging rate were determined. Tyrosinase activity in A-375 human melanocytes was also investigated and the effects of sinapine on the melanin content and its antioxidant effects on melanin biosynthesis were studied. The results showed that sinapine had significant antioxidant activity. Sinapine significantly inhibited A-375 human melanocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Sinapine inhibited melanin synthesis in A-375 cells by downregulating the mRNA and protein expression of TRP-1, TRP-2, and MITF factors. The results showed that rapeseed cake sinapine inhibited melanin production and could be used as a potential active ingredient in the development of whitening agents.

[Application of diffusion weighted imaging in accurate diagnosis of middle ear cholesteatoma]

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI-MRI) combined with high resolution temporal bone CT (HRCT) in the location diagnosis of middle ear cholesteatoma and its value in the postoperative follow-up. Methods: 134 patients with inital cholesteatoma and 22 patients with suspected recurrent cholesteatoma were selected for HRCT, conventional MRI and DWI examination. Based on the intraoperative and pathological diagnosis, DWI and HRCT images were combined to evaluate the consistency between the lesion location and invasion area of the initial cholesteatoma and intraoperative lesions. The results of HRCT and DWI in the diagnosis of recurrent middle ear cholesteatoma were statistically analyzed to evaluate their diagnostic efficacy. Results: The accuracy rate of DWI combined with HRCT was 90.3%.The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of HRCT and DWI in the diagnosis of recurrent middle ear cholesteatoma were 27.8%, 75.0%, 83.3%, 18.8% and 100%, 75.0%, 94.7% and 100%, respectively, and the Kappa values consistent with the pathological results were 0.024 and 0.843, respectively. Chi-square test confirmed that there were differences in the diagnosis between groups (P<0.001). Conclusions: Combined with the high sensitivity of DWI and the high resolution of HRCT, the accuracy of preoperative positioning of the newly diagnosed cholesteatoma can be improved and surgery strategy can be guided. DWI is also of high diagnostic value for recurrent cholesteatoma in the middle ear.

[A large scale cohort study on the immunization effect of hepatitis B vaccine in Fujian province]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccination in Fujian province. Methods: Based on the hepatitis B immunization strategy of China, a cohort study was designed, involving the population in Fujian province. The population under study was divided into natural exposure birth cohort before 1992 and the immunization birth cohort after 1992 (including voluntary vaccination cohort and standardized vaccination cohort). By cleaning the database of hepatitis B cases which directly reported through network and looked into the incidence and related death outcomes of acute hepatitis B from 2004 to 2017, the incidence levels of hepatitis B and immunization effects were analyzed and evaluated among different birth cohorts. Results: During the observation period, the overall prevalence of hepatitis B in Fujian province was 44.594 per 100 000, with mortality rate as 0.010 per 100 000. The incidence of natural exposure cohort of birth was 56.885 per 100 000. The incidence of voluntary vaccination cohort of birth was 14.502 per 100 000. Compared with the voluntary vaccination cohort, the risk of hepatitis B increased significantly in the natural exposed cohort (RR=3.923), and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.000 7), with attributable risk as 42.383 per 100 000. The attributable risk ratio was 74.507. The population attributable risk ratio was 70.967%. The population attributable risk was 35.448 per 100 000. The attributable rate in standardized vaccination cohorts born after 2002 was 2.336 per 100 000. Compared with the cohorts born before 1992, the RR was 24.347 (P=0.000 0), the attributable risk was 54.549 per 100 000, and the attributable risk ratio was 95.893%, the population attributable risk ratio was 95.300%, the population attributable risk was 47.371 per 100 000, comparing to the natural exposed population. Conclusions: The effectiveness of hepatitis B immunization program had been remarkable in Fujian province since 1992. However, further studies on the persistency of hepatitis B vaccine immunization and its public health significance still needed to be carried out.

Analysis of the relationship between ribosomal DNA ITS sequences and active components in Rhodiola plants

Rhodiola plants are a valuable resource in traditional Chinese medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and the three active components in Rhodiola plants. For this, we determined ITS sequence polymorphisms and the concentrations of active components salidroside, tyrosol, and gallic acid in different Rhodiola species from the Tibetan Plateau. In a total of 23 Rhodiola samples, 16 different haplotypes were defined based on their ITS sequences. Analysis of the active components in these same samples revealed that salidroside was not detected in species with haplotypes H₄, H₅, or H₁₀, tyrosol was not detected with haplotypes H₃, H₅, H₇, H₁₀, H₁₄, or H₁₅, and gallic acid was detected in with all haplotypes except H₁₄ and H₁₅. In addition, the concentrations of salidroside, tyrosol and gallic acid varied between samples with different haplotypes as well as those with the same haplotype, implying that no significant correlation exists between haplotype and salidroside, tyrosol or gallic acid concentrations. However, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed for among these three active components.

Diversity of arthropod community in transgenic poplar-cotton ecosystems

Poplar-cotton agro-ecosystems are the main agricultural planting modes of plain cotton fields in China. Here, we performed a systematic survey of the diversity and population of arthropod communities in four different combination of poplar-cotton eco-systems, including I) non-transgenic poplar and non-transgenic cotton fields; II) non-transgenic poplar and transgenic cotton fields [Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton]; III) Bt transgenic poplar (high insect resistant strain Pb29) and non-transgenic cotton; and IV) transgenic poplar and transgenic cotton fields, over a period of 3 years. Based on the statistical methods used to investigate community ecology, the effects of transgenic ecosystems on the whole structure of the arthropod community, on the structure of arthropods in the nutritive layer, and on the similarity of arthropod communities were evaluated. The main results were as follows: the transgenic poplar-cotton ecosystem has a stronger inhibitory effect on insect pests and has no impact on the structure of the arthropod community, and therefore, maintains the diversity of the arthropod community. The character index of the community indicated that the structure of the arthropod community of the transgenic poplar-cotton ecosystem was better than that of the poplar-cotton ecosystem, and that system IV had the best structure. As for the abundance of nutritional classes, the transgenic poplar-cotton ecosystem was also better than that of the non-transgenic poplar-cotton ecosystem. The cluster analysis and similarity of arthropod communities between the four different transgenic poplar-cotton ecosystems illustrated that the structure of the arthropod community excelled in the small sample of the transgenic poplar-cotton ecosystems.

RPA1 expression in esophageal carcinoma and its influence on radiosensitivity of esophageal carcinoma TE-1 cells

AIM

To determinate the RPA1 expression in esophageal carcinoma and the paired tumor-adjacent tissue, and to explore the influence of RPA1 on radiosensitivity of esophageal carcinoma TE-1 cells.

METHODS

Firstly, the RPA1 expression of 40 cases esophageal carcinoma and their adjacent tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Secondly, The esophageal carcinoma cell subline-radiation resistance model (TE-1R) was constructed by radiation-induction, the RPA1 expression and proliferation activity of TE-1 and TE-1R cells were detected by Western blot and MTT assay respectively. After radiation, the expression of RPA1 and cell apoptosis were detected by Western blot and FACS respectively. Cell clone formation and survival rate were detected by clonogenic assay. Thirdly, Inhibiting RPA1 expression by siRNA in TE-1 cells, the expression of RPA1 was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, Cell proliferation inhibition ratio and cell apoptosis after radiation were detected by MTT assay and FACS respectively.

RESULTS

The RPA1 expression in esophageal carcinoma was significantly higher than that in the tumor-adjacent tissues, which was associated with tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis. The RPA1 expression in TE-1R cells was higher than that in TE-1 cells, while the proliferation activity of TE-1R cells was lower than that of TE-1 cells, and the apoptosis rate of TE-1R cells after radiation was less than that of TE-1 cells. In addtion, the clone formation and survival rate of TE-1R cells were higher than that of TE-1 cells. Moreover, inhibiting RPA1 expression by siRNA-RPA1 could promoted proliferation inhibition ratio and apoptosis rate of TE-1 cells after radiation.

CONCLUSION

The over-expression of RPA1 in esophageal carcinoma was related with progression and metastasis. Moreover, radiation induced the excessive expression RPA1 in TE-1 cells, and the radiosensitivity of TE-1R cells was less than that of TE-1 cells. Furthermore, inhibiting RPA1 expression could increase radiosensitivity of TE-1 cells. Overall, RPA1 could influence radiosensitivity and might be one important mechanism of radiation resistance in TE-1 cells.

Impacts of transgenic poplar-cotton agro-ecosystems upon target pests and non-target insects under field conditions

Poplar-cotton agro-ecosystems are the main agricultural planting modes of cotton fields in China. With increasing acres devoted to transgenic insect-resistant poplar and transgenic insect-resistant cotton, studies examining the effects of transgenic plants on target and non-target insects become increasingly important. We systematically surveyed populations of both target pests and non-target insects for 4 different combinations of poplar-cotton eco-systems over 3 years. Transgenic Bt cotton strongly resisted the target insects Fall webworm moth [Hyphantria cunea (Drury)], Sylepta derogata Fabrieius, and American bollworm (Heliothis armigera), but no clear impact on non-target insect cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii). Importantly, intercrops containing transgenic Pb29 poplar significantly increased the inhibitory effects of Bt cotton on Fall webworm moth in ecosystem IV. Highly resistant Pb29 poplar reduced populations of the target pests Grnsonoma minutara Hubner and non-target insect poplar leaf aphid (Chaitophorus po-pulialbae), while Fall webworm moth populations were unaffected. We determined the effects of Bt toxin from transgenic poplar and cotton on target and non-target pests in different ecosystems of cotton-poplar intercrops and identified the synergistic effects of such combinations toward both target and non-target insects.

Sequence variation and molecular evolution of BMP4 genes

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) regulates skeletogenesis, osteoblastic differentiation, and the induction of hair follicles. Its protein-coding region contains a signal peptide, prodomain (which regulates post-translational synthesis), and a mature domain (which mediates gene function). Previous studies considered this gene to be conserved. By reanalyzing the coding region of BMP4 in 16 mammalian species, we found that the mature domain is conserved in mammals. A comparison of the putative amino acid sequence demonstrates that BMP4 is relatively conserved. Two domains in BMP4 are connected by a random coil. The protein conformation differs between the Muridae family and other species, which might be associated with the body type of the former group.

Composition and structure of microbial communities associated with different domestic sewage outfalls

The diversity of microbiota in waste waters has not been thoroughly examined, despite the potential impact of microbes on effluent quality. Wastewater microbial communities harbor pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites. To study microbial communities in domestic sewage outfalls, 454 pyrosequencing technology was used to investigate the composition of microbial communities associated with municipal wastewater during different seasons sampled over the course of one year. A total of 195,103 16S rRNA gene sequences were obtained from 20 samples. The R software was used to calculate the number of indices describing the alpha diversity associated with each bacterial assemblage. In this study, the a-diversity index (H', D, J), in which higher numbers represent more diversity, was found to change with seasonal cycle. The diversity of bacterial assemblages was high in all samples, indicating that species diversity was also very high. The taxonomic composition of the assemblages varied considerably among samples, with some dominated by Proteobacteria, while others were dominated by Bacteroidetes or Firmicutes. In 2 samples, the relative prevalence of Proteobacteria exceeded 90%. α-Proteobacteria, b-proteobacteria, and g-proteobacteria represented 90% or more of all Proteobacteria. The present characterization of wastewater from five sewage outfalls indicated the presence of some pathogenic bacteria. The g-Proteobacteria in sewage wastefalls identified in this study included Enterobacteriaceae, Vibrionaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Salmonella, Yersinia, Vibrio, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Functional characterization of genetic variants in the porcine TLR3 gene

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) recognizes double-stranded RNA, which is a molecular signature of viruses, and plays a pivotal role in host defense against viral invasion. Polymorphisms in the human TLR3 gene have been shown to affect the receptor function and to be associated with a variety of diseases, suggesting correlations between TLR3 polymorphisms and the disease resistance/susceptibility in pigs. In this study, 5 known non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding sequences of the porcine TLR3 gene - c.800C>T (p.T267M), c.933A>G (p.I311M), c.1116A>T (p.K372N), c.2129C>G (p.T710S), and c.2160T>G (p.I720M) - were analyzed for their effect on receptor function in transiently transfected PK-15 cells by using a luciferase reporter assay. In addition, the distribution of SNP c.933A>G was analyzed among pig populations. SNP c.933A>G significantly decreased the response to poly(I:C) (P < 0.05), as represented by the weaker induction of firefly luciferase relative to that achieved by wild-type TLR3. SNP c.933A>G results in the alteration of conserved amino acids in the highly conserved segment of the 12th leucine repeat region and is conserved among TLR3 orthologs from fishes to primates. Moreover, together with the results of previous studies, the results of the present study revealed that SNP c.933A>G is found solely in local Chinese pig breeds. These results suggested that SNP c.933A>G plays a role in porcine disease resistance/susceptibility.

Spectrophotometric study on the supramolecular interactions of nile blue sulphate with nucleic acids

The supramolecular interaction of nile blue sulphate (NBS) with nucleic acids was studied by investigating the characteristics of the interaction absorption spectra on the basis of the drug binding process in organic system in which small amount of drug interacting with large amount of biological macromolecules involves, and an accordingly binding model for organic dyes with large amount of macromolecules was established. At pH 7.40 and ionic strength 0.004, the H-aggregation of NBS occurs with increasing NBS concentration. The NBS aggregates can be bound to both calf thymus DNA and fish sperm DNA by the ratio of each nucleotide residue with a molecule of NBS if the concentration of DNAs is more than 15-fold excessive. The corresponding binding constant for the interaction of NBS with DNAs is about 10(3) order, with which thermodynamic parameters for the interactions, such as the change of free energy, enthalpy and entropy at 25 degrees C, were calculated. It was found that the binding of NBS with thermally denatured DNA is similar to that with native yeast RNA, which indicates H-aggregation of NBS can be encouraged by single stranded nucleic acids.

HSF is the most important transcriptional factor for porcine MC4R promoter

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is involved in feed intake regulation. It is significantly associated with growth and fatness traits in most breeds and crosses. To understand the essential transcriptional regions of the porcine MC4R promoter, eleven primer pairs were designed to amplify different segment lengths of the MC4R promoter. The PCR products were then ligated along with the Firefly luciferase reporter gene into the PGL3-basic vector. The results showed that a 90 bp fragment could contain the essential regions for control of transcription. Further research found that a short sequence "AGAAAGAAG" (the recognition site of transcription factor HSF) was the most important sequence for supporting activity of the pig MC4R promoter.

[Determination of process variable pH in solid-state fermentation by FT-NIR spectroscopy and extreme learning machine (ELM)]

Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy was attempted to determine pH, which is one of the key process parameters in solid-state fermentation of crop straws. First, near infrared spectra of 140 solid-state fermented product samples were obtained by near infrared spectroscopy system in the wavelength range of 10 000-4 000 cm(-1), and then the reference measurement results of pH were achieved by pH meter. Thereafter, the extreme learning machine (ELM) was employed to calibrate model. In the calibration model, the optimal number of PCs and the optimal number of hidden-layer nodes of ELM network were determined by the cross-validation. Experimental results showed that the optimal ELM model was achieved with 1040-1 topology construction as follows: R(p) = 0.961 8 and RMSEP = 0.104 4 in the prediction set. The research achievement could provide technological basis for the on-line measurement of the process parameters in solid-state fermentation.

Physiological effects of superoxide dismutase on altered visual function of retinal ganglion cells in db/db mice

Background

The C57BLKS/J db/db (db/db) mouse is a widely used type 2 diabetic animal model, and this model develops early inner retinal neuronal dysfunction beginning at 24 weeks. The neural mechanisms that mediate early stage retinal dysfunction in this model are unknown. We evaluated visual response properties of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) during the early stage of diabetic insult (8, 12, and 20 wk) in db/db mice and determined if increased oxidative stress plays a role in impaired visual functions of RGCs in 20 wk old db/db mice.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In vitro extracellular single-unit recordings from RGCs in wholemount retinas were performed. The receptive field size, luminance threshold, and contrast gain of the RGCs were investigated. Although ON- and OFF-RGCs showed a different time course of RF size reduction, by 20 wk, the RF of ON- and OFF-RGCs were similarly affected. The LT of ON-RGCs was significantly elevated in 12 and 20 wk db/db mice compared to the LT of OFF-RGCs. The diabetic injury also affected contrast gains of ON- and OFF-RGCs differently. The generation of reactive oxidative species (ROS) in fresh retina was estimated by dihydroethidium. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (300 unit/ml) was applied in Ames medium to the retina, and visual responses of RGCs were recorded for five hours. ROS generation in the retinas of db/db mice increased at 8wk and continued to progress at 20 wk of ages. In vitro application of SOD improved visual functions in 20 wk db/db mice but the SOD treatment affected ON- and OFF-RGCs differently in db/m retina.

Conclusions/Significance

The altered visual functions of RGCs were characterized by the reduced RF center size, elevated LT, and attenuated contrast gain in 12 and 20 wk db/db mice, respectively. These altered visual functions could, at least partly, be due to oxidative stress since in vitro application of SOD effectively improves visual functions.

Pancreatic-derived factor promotes lipogenesis in the mouse liver: role of the Forkhead box 1 signaling pathway

Pancreatic-derived factor (PANDER) is a pancreatic islet-specific cytokine that cosecretes with insulin and is important for β cell function. Here, we show that PANDER is constitutively expressed in hepatocytes, and its expression is significantly increased in steatotic livers of diabetic insulin-resistant db/db mice and mice fed a high-fat diet. Overexpression of PANDER in the livers of C57Bl/6 mice promoted lipogenesis, with increased Forkhead box 1 (FOXO1) expression, whereas small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of hepatic PANDER significantly attenuated steatosis, with reduced FOXO1 expression in db/db mice. Hepatic PANDER silencing also attenuated insulin resistance and hyperglycemia in db/db mice. In cultured hepatocytes, PANDER overexpression induced lipid deposition, increased FOXO1 expression, and suppressed insulin-stimulated Akt activation and FOXO1 inactivation. Moreover, FOXO1 overexpression increased PANDER expression in cultured hepatocytes and mouse livers.

CONCLUSION

PANDER promotes lipogenesis and compromises insulin signaling in the liver by increasing FOXO1 activity. PANDER may represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of fatty liver and insulin resistance.

[Multilayer analysis of signal transduction and cell cycle control in GIST. Identifying new interaction partners with differential regulation]

To identify new interactions as well as diagnostically, prognostically and therapeutically relevant differences in the regulation of gene expression in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), we analyzed the methylation status, mRNA expression, microRNA expression, protein expression and protein phosphorylation in parallel in identical tumor tissue samples. The data were analyzed in a multilayer approach and were correlated to each other and to clinico-pathological parameters. Differentially regulated genes were mapped to signal transduction pathways which are already known to play a major role in GISTs. A functionally orientated overview of the different data layers was constructed, which enabled new insights into gene regulation in GISTs.

Proteomics analysis reveals diabetic kidney as a ketogenic organ in type 2 diabetes

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. To date, the molecular mechanisms of DN remain largely unclear. The present study aimed to identify and characterize novel proteins involved in the development of DN by a proteomic approach. Proteomic analysis revealed that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) synthase 2 (HMGCS2), the key enzyme in ketogenesis, was increased fourfold in the kidneys of type 2 diabetic db/db mice. Consistently, the activity of HMGCS2 in kidneys and 24-h urinary excretion of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) were significantly increased in db/db mice. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and real-time PCR studies further demonstrated that HMGCS2 was highly expressed in renal glomeruli of db/db mice, with weak expression in the kidneys of control mice. Because filtered ketone bodies are mainly reabsorbed in the proximal tubules, we used RPTC cells, a rat proximal tubule cell line, to examine the effect of the increased level of ketone bodies. Treating cultured RPTC cells with 1 mM β-HB significantly induced transforming growth factor-β1 expression, with a marked increase in collagen I expression. β-HB treatment also resulted in a marked increase in vimentin protein expression and a significant reduction in E-cadherin protein levels, suggesting an enhanced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in RPTCs. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that diabetic kidneys exhibit excess ketogenic activity resulting from increased HMGCS2 expression. Enhanced ketone body production in the diabetic kidney may represent a novel mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of DN.

[Role of increased activity of carbohydrate response element binding protein in excessive lipid accumulation in the liver of type 2 diabetic db/db mouse]

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of the carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) in excessive lipid deposition in the liver of db/db mouse.

METHODS

The deposition of neutral lipids in the liver was evaluated by Oil Red O staining. Immunohistochemical assay was utilized to determine the localization of ChREBP protein expression in mouse liver. The expressions of ChREBP and its target genes including acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase 1 (Acc-1), fatty acid synthase (Fas), glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (Gpat) were analyzed by Real-time PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

Significant lipid droplet deposition was detected in the livers of db/db mice. ChREBP was diffusely expressed in heptocytes with relative higher expression levels around portal and central veins. ChREBP was predominantly located in the cytosol in non-diabetic db/m mice, but was translocated to the nucleus in db/db mice. Nuclear ChREBP protein levels were 8.2-fold higher in db/db mice than in db/m mice(P<0.01). In contrast, another lipogenic transcription factor, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1(SREBP-1), remained unchanged. Consistent with increased nuclear ChREBP levels, expressions of ChREBP target genes involved in lipogenesis including Acc-1, Fas and Gpat were upregulated by 2-fold(P<0.05),1.7-fold (P<0.05) and 4.2-fold(P<0.05), respectively, in db/db mice.

CONCLUSION

The db/db mouse exhibits significantly higher liver ChREBP activity, which may be associated with the development of hepatic steatosis frequently occurring in type 2 diabetes. Targeting ChREBP might represent a new intervention strategy for fatty liver.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and renal diseases

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors. Three isoforms of PPAR, i.e., PPAR-a, -d, and -?, have been identified and are differentially expressed in various tissues, including the kidney. The target genes of PPARs are involved in diverse biological processes, including adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, inflammatory response, reproduction, and cell growth and differentiation. PPARs have been reported to protect against renal injury through indirect systemic effects and/or direct renal effects in diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, renal cell carcinoma, acute renal failure and chronic renal disease. In this review, we summarize the role of the three identified PPAR isoforms, PPARa, -d, and -?, in renal physiology and discuss the renoprotective effects of PPAR ligands in various kidney diseases.

[High glucose downregulates the expression of podocalyxin protein in glomerular podocytes of mice]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the expression of podocalyxin protein in glomerular podocytes by long-term high glucose exposure in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical staining and computer image analysis were applied to detect the expression of podocalyxin protein in glomeruli from db/db mice and Wt mice. The effects of high glucose on the expression of podocalyxin protein were analyzed by Western blotting. The activation of MAPKS signaling pathway (ERK, p38 and JNK) by high glucose was also examined.

RESULTS

The expressions of podocalyxin protein in db/db mice were obviously less than that in Wt mice [(0.18+/-0.07) vs (0.25+/-0.05),P<0.05] assessed by immunostaining and semiquantitative analysis. Basal levels of podocalyxin protein were observed in cultured mouse podocytes. The level of podocalyxin protein declined at each time point by high glucose incubation, reached the lowest level on the 6th day (5.5% of control group, P<0.01), but no significant changes were observed in normal glucose and mannitol glucose incubation groups. High glucose medium induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 as early as 30 minutes, reached the peak at hour 6; maintained the activation from hour 12 to 24, and declined to the basal level at hour 48. However, activation of ERK1/2 was not detected in normal glucose and mannitol glucose groups. Blockade of activation of ERK1/2 with PD98059, a specific ERK1/2 activation inhibitor, attenuated the high glucose-induced expression of podocalyxin protein on the 6th day.

CONCLUSION

High ambient glucose decreases the protein level of podocalyxin by podocyte in vitro and in vivo, and the decrease in podocalyxin protein is ERK1/2jdependent in cultured podocytes.

META-controlled env-initiated transcripts encoding superantigens of murine Mtv29 and Mtv7 and their possible role in B cell lymphomagenesis

Spontaneous germinal center (GC)-derived B cell lymphomas of SJL mice (RCS) transcribe a 1.8-kb Mtv-29 mRNA under control of the META-env promoter. The encoded vSAg29 stimulates syngeneic Vbeta16(+) CD4(+) T cells, thereby acquiring T cell help necessary for RCS growth. Other strains of B cell lymphoma-prone mice include Mtv29(+) C57L and MA/MyJ, and the Mtv29(-) Mtv7(+)-recombinant inbred strain, SW x J-1. The lymphomas of these mice produce similar mouse mtv-vSAg-encoding mRNA, as characterized by Northern blotting, PCR, and RNase protection. A 1.8-kb mRNA in C57L/J and MA/MyJ lymphomas hybridized with an Mtv29-specific oligonucleotide, whereas SW x J-1 lymphomas produced 1.8-kb transcripts hybridizing with an Mtv7-specific oligonucleotide. Similar META-env-initiated transcripts were absent from LPS-activated B cells from any strain examined but were detected in Peyer's patch RNA from SJL mice. Like typical SJL-derived RCS, all these lymphomas stimulated syngeneic CD4(+) T cells and Vbeta16(+) T hybridoma cells. Immunohistochemical staining of primary tumors showed the presence of peanut agglutinin binding (PNA(+)) highly mitotic lymphoblasts, suggesting their GC derivation. The findings indicate that this novel mRNA for Mtv29 is present in B cell lymphomas from several Mtv29(+) mouse strains. Additionally, this is the first description of the ability of Mtv7 to produce transcripts that are controlled and spliced identically to those of Mtv29 and that are expressed in SW x J-1, I-A(s+), lymphomas that also stimulate Vbeta16(+) T cells. Our results suggest an important role for mouse mtv-vSAgs and Vbeta16 T cell stimulation in the development of GC-derived murine B cell lymphomas.

The potential for vaccine development against chlamydial infection and disease

Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae appear to share a common immunobiology with about 80% of their protein coding genes being orthologs. Progress in DNA vaccine development for C. trachomatis suggests that such a subunit approach may prove useful for C. pneumoniae. The recent finding that it is possible to select for chlamydiae with targeted mutations in key metabolic genes together with the new knowledge of the chlamydia genome also suggests that it may be possible to develop live attenuated strains of chlamydiae for use as vaccine.

Characterization of immune responses following intramuscular DNA immunization with the MOMP gene of Chlamydia trachomatis mouse pneumonitis strain

Studies were carried out to characterize the cellular and humoral immune responses evoked by intramuscular DNA vaccination with the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) gene of Chlamydia trachomatis mouse pneumonitis strain. The data demonstrate that DNA vaccinated mice develop antigen-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity, lymphocyte proliferation and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production. Serum antibody responses (mainly immunoglobulin G2a; IgG2a) were evoked in two-thirds of the mice. We conclude that intramuscular DNA immunization with the MOMP gene evokes cellular and humoral immune responses suggestive of a T helper 1 (Th1) bias.

Effect of serum-clot contact time on clinical chemistry laboratory results

The effect of serum-clot contact time on laboratory results was studied by dividing each blood specimen into four blood collection tubes. The control sera were separated from the clot within 30 min of the collection. The other tubes were incubated at 32 degrees C, and the sera were separated at 3, 6, and 24 h. The sera were stored at 4 degrees C and analyzed at the same time. The stability of the tests was determined by comparing the results of the 3-, 6-, and 24-h samples with the values from the 30-min samples. The acceptable limits around the 30-min values were derived from the analytical and intraindividual biological variation of the tests. A total of 63 analytes were studied. Potassium, phosphorous, and glucose were the least stable, and the serum should be separated from the clot within 3 h for these analytes. Albumin, bicarbonate, chloride, C-peptide, HDL-cholesterol, iron, LDL-cholesterol, and total protein should be separated within 6 h. The other analytes were stable for 24 h of serum-clot contact.

Performance of predispensed reagent and noncentrifugation methods for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol measurement

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol methods with predispensed reagent (SPINPRO, ISO Spin, Vitros, and One Shots) and noncentrifugation separation (Magnetic-HDL) compared with traditional high-density lipoprotein cholesterol methods (PBI Plus, Boehringer-Mannheim, and Abbott).

DESIGN

Precision was evaluated by running two concentrations of frozen human sera and two concentrations of lyophilized quality control material according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards document EP5-T2. Accuracy was evaluated by comparing sample results achieved by each method with those by the Cholesterol Reference Method Laboratory Network Designated Comparison Method and the Lipid Research Clinics' heparin-Mn++ method. Sera from donors with high triglyceride levels were used to challenge the ability of each method to measure lipemic samples for each method.

SETTING

Outpatient clinic and university medical center.

PATIENTS

Forty-two ambulatory donors with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ranging from 30 to 102 mg/dL, cholesterol levels ranging from 107 to 679 mg/dL, and triglyceride levels ranging from 20 to 2450 mg/dL.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Precision, accuracy, linearity, and ability to measure lipemic samples.

RESULTS

Imprecision varied from CV 1.4% to 8.6%. The mean absolute bias for each method versus the Designated Comparison Method ranged from 2.6% to 13.3%. Deming regression analysis of all methods versus the heparin-Mn++ method gave slopes from 0.88 to 1.08 and intercepts from -4.5 to 0.0 mg/dL. All methods met the current 22% total error for individual specimens recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program. Not all methods could measure high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the presence of high concentrations of triglycerides.

CONCLUSIONS

Performance of all methods met the current recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program. Not all methods met the 1998 performance goals.

Control of endogenous mouse mammary tumor virus superantigen expression in SJL lymphomas by a promoter within the env region

SJL mouse lymphomas (reticulum cell sarcomas, or RCSs) of germinal center B cell origin express an endogenous mouse mammary tumor virus (mtv-29) superantigen (vSAg) that stimulates Vbeta16+ T cells to produce cytokines essential for RCS growth. Normal or LPS-activated SJL/J B cells contain two to three larger mRNAs for mouse mammary tumor virus-long terminal repeat (LTR) but not the 1.8-kb mRNA, which is prominent in RCS cells and encodes the vSAg-29. mRNAs from RCS and normal lymphoid cells were characterized by Northern hybridization using DNA probes from various regions of mtv-29, as well as by reverse transcription PCR, RNase protection, and primer extension. The larger mtv-29 transcripts, coding for envelope protein, are initiated in the 5' LTR, as expected. Surprisingly, the 1.8-kb mRNA, encoding the open reading frame of the LTR, is initiated in the middle of the env region and spliced in the 3' env. This is the first report of an mtv-vSAg transcript that is not controlled by promoter(s) located in the 5' LTR. The env initiation site appears identical to that of the mouse mammary tumor virus env transcriptional activator-directed PMA-induced defective LTR transcript in the C57BL6 T cell lymphoma, EL-4. The stimulus independence, B lymphoma specificity, and absence of deletions within either the 5' or 3' LTR regions of mtv-29 in RCS distinguish the situation in RCS cells from that in EL-4. These findings suggest that the novel mtv-29-vSAg transcript reflects an RCS-cell-specific regulation of transcription.

Control of endogenous mouse mammary tumor virus superantigen expression in SJL lymphomas by a promoter within the env region

SJL mouse lymphomas (reticulum cell sarcomas, or RCSs) of germinal center B cell origin express an endogenous mouse mammary tumor virus (mtv-29) superantigen (vSAg) that stimulates Vbeta16+ T cells to produce cytokines essential for RCS growth. Normal or LPS-activated SJL/J B cells contain two to three larger mRNAs for mouse mammary tumor virus-long terminal repeat (LTR) but not the 1.8-kb mRNA, which is prominent in RCS cells and encodes the vSAg-29. mRNAs from RCS and normal lymphoid cells were characterized by Northern hybridization using DNA probes from various regions of mtv-29, as well as by reverse transcription PCR, RNase protection, and primer extension. The larger mtv-29 transcripts, coding for envelope protein, are initiated in the 5' LTR, as expected. Surprisingly, the 1.8-kb mRNA, encoding the open reading frame of the LTR, is initiated in the middle of the env region and spliced in the 3' env. This is the first report of an mtv-vSAg transcript that is not controlled by promoter(s) located in the 5' LTR. The env initiation site appears identical to that of the mouse mammary tumor virus env transcriptional activator-directed PMA-induced defective LTR transcript in the C57BL6 T cell lymphoma, EL-4. The stimulus independence, B lymphoma specificity, and absence of deletions within either the 5' or 3' LTR regions of mtv-29 in RCS distinguish the situation in RCS cells from that in EL-4. These findings suggest that the novel mtv-29-vSAg transcript reflects an RCS-cell-specific regulation of transcription.

Construction of shuttle expression plasmid and stable expression of foreign gene in mycobacteria and E. coli

By employing the pUC19 as a backbone, the regulatory and signal sequences which encode kanamycin resistance, and mycobacterial plasmid origin of replication (oriM) were cloned into the pUC19. The recombinant E. Coli-mycobacteria shuttle expression plasmid pBCG-8000 was constructed. The pBCG-8000 was able to replicate in both E. Coli and mycobacteria (including BCG) systems, and to confer stable kanamycin resistance upon transformants. The study should facilitate the development of BCG and other mycobacteria into multivalent vaccine vectors.