[Epidemiological distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of hepatitis B virus in 15 ethnic groups in China]

Objective: To understand the distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV in different ethnic groups in China. Methods: The HBsAg positive samples were selected by stratified multi-stage cluster sampling from the sample base of national HBV sero-epidemiological survey in 2020 for the amplification of S gene of HBV by nested PCR. A phylogeny tree was constructed to determine the genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV. The distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV were analyzed comprehensively by using laboratory data and demographic data. Results: A total of 1 539 positive samples from 15 ethnic groups were successfully amplified and analyzed, and 5 genotypes (B, C, D, I and C/D) were detected. The proportion of genotype B was higher in ethnic group of Han (74.52%, 623/836), Zhuang (49.28%, 34/69), Yi (53.19%, 25/47), Miao (94.12%, 32/34), Buyi (81.48%, 22/27). The proportions of genotype C were higher in ethnic groups of Yao (70.91%, 39/55). Genotype D was the predominant genotype in Uygur (83.78%, 31/37). Genotype C/D were detected in Tibetan (92.35%,326/353). In this study, 11 cases of genotype I were detected, 8 of which were distributed in Zhuang nationality. Except for Tibetan, sub-genotype B2 accounted for more than 80.00% in genotype B in all ethnic groups. The proportions of sub-genotype C2 were higher in 8 ethnic groups, i.e. Han, Tibetan, Yi, Uygur, Mongolian, Manchu, Hui and Miao. The proportions of sub-genotype C5 were higher in ethnic groups of Zhuang (55.56%, 15/27) and Yao (84.62%, 33/39). For genotype D, sub-genotype D3 was detected in Yi ethnic group and sub-genotype D1 was detected in both Uygur and Kazak. The proportions of sub-genotype C/D1 and C/D2 in Tibetan were 43.06% (152/353) and 49.29% (174/353). For all the 11 cases of genotype I infection, only sub-genotype I1 was detected. Conclusions: Five genotypes and 15 sub-genotypes of HBV were found in 15 ethnic groups. There were significant differences in the distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV among different ethnic groups.

[Self-awareness rate and its influencing factors of their infection status among hepatitis B surface antigen-positive persons aged 15-69 years in China]

Objectives: To understand the awareness rate and its influencing factors of their HBV infection status among HBsAg-positive persons aged 15-69 years in China. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to conduct a questionnaire survey on the awareness of their infection status among HBsAg-positive persons aged 15-69 years who were identified in the 2020 national hepatitis B seroepidemiology survey. The awareness rate of the whole respondent and respondents with different characteristics were described, and the differences were compared with the χ² test. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing the awareness rate. Results: The overall awareness rate among the respondents was 43.10% (1 828/4 241). The awareness rate was lower in males than in females (41.30% vs. 44.65%). The awareness rate was lower in the 60-69-years-old age group than in other age groups (30.38% vs. 36.77%-57.58%). The awareness rate was lower in rural areas than in urban areas (39.43% vs. 47.32%). The awareness rate was lower in regions with a per capita gross domestic product (GDP) below RMB 54 000 than in regions with a per capita GDP of RMB 54 000 and above (36.81% vs. 41.61%-50.30%). The awareness rate was lower in respondents without other liver diseases than with other liver diseases (41.52% vs. 60.68%). The awareness rate was lower in respondents without a family history of hepatitis B-related disease or unknown family history than with a family history (43.58% vs. 68.26%; 24.71% vs. 68.26%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male [odds ratio (OR)=0.841, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.734-0.964], high school and below [primary school and below, junior middle school, high school/technical secondary school, OR (95%CI): 0.247 (0.190-0.321), 0.451 (0.352-0.577), 0.634 (0.486-0.827)], rural areas (OR=0.822, 95%CI: 0.715-0.945) and regions with a per capita GDP below RMB 80 000 [54 000-80 000, OR (95%CI): 0.810 (0.688-0.954), below RMB 54 000, OR (95%CI): 0.793 (0.669-0.941)] were the negative factors influencing the awareness rate. While 30-39-years-old (OR=2.089, 95%CI: 1.626-2.683) and 40-49-years-old (OR=1.590, 95%CI: 1.250-2.023) age groups, with other liver diseases (OR=2.244, 95%CI: 1.754-2.871) and family history related to hepatitis B (OR=2.688, 95%CI: 2.242-3.223) were the positive factors influencing the awareness rate. Conclusion: The overall awareness rate of their infection status among HBsAg-positive persons aged 15-69 years is 43.10% in China. Health promotion and coverage expansion on HBV screening should be further strengthened to achieve the proposed World Health Organization's target of 90% HBV infection diagnosis rate by 2030.

[Differentiation of prostatitis and clinically significant prostate cancer in peripheral zone using the prostate imaging-reporting and data system]

Objective: To determine whether clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa) and prostatitis in the peripheral zone can be distinguished using prostate imaging reporting and data system version 1 (PI-RADS V1) and version 2(PI-RADS V2). Methods: Between September 2010 and August 2016, mpMRI data of 77 patients with PCa and 29 prostatitis obtained at 3.0 T were collected in Zhangjiagang Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University. Every lesion was scored according to PI-RADS (V1 and V2), as well as a sum score and a PI-RADS V2 score. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess differences between PCa and prostatitis regarding PS3, PS4 and PI-RADS V2 score. The diagnostic performance of PI-RADS V1 and V2 for detection of prostatitis in peripheral zone was compared by analyzing ROC curve. Results: The PI-RADS V1 score for PS3, PS4 and the PI-RADS V2-score were all significantly higher for PCa (PS3:12.1±2.1; PS4:16.2±2.9; V2:4.6±0.8) than for prostatitis (PS3:8.0±0.7; PS4:10.6±1.0; V2:3.0±0.5) (all P<0.01). Of these parameters, PS4 achieved the highest predictive value for the presence of prostatitis with an AUC of 0.937, sensitivity and specificity were 87.0%, 97.0% with a threshold of 12.5. Conclusion: Prostatitis can be differentiated from clinically significant PCa in peripheral zone on mpMRI using PI-RADS system, PS4 achieved better results compared to PS3 and V2.

[Comparative analyze on hepatitis B seroepidemiological surveys among population aged 1-29 years in different epidemic regions of China in 1992 and 2014]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of hepatitis B prevention and control by comparative analysis on the results of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc prevalence from national hepatitis B seroepidemiological surveys in 1992 and 2014 in different epidemic regions of China. Methods: Data was from the national seroepidemiological surveys of hepatitis B conducted in 1992 and 2014. The survey in 1992 was conducted in 145 disease surveillance points of 30 provinces (excluding Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan province) in China. The survey in 2016 was conducted in 160 disease surveillance points of 31 provinces (excluding Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan province) in China. In the two surveys, face-to-face interviews with the subject by door to door or on the investigation site were conducted by trained staff using standard questionnaires to obtain basic information including birth date, gender, ethnicity, resident place and so on. And then 5 ml venous blood was collected to test the sero-markers of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc. We analyzed unweighted point prevalence and 95% CI of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc in 1992 which had no design weighting, and analyzed weighted point prevalence and 95%CI of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc in 2014 which had design weighting. Results: 34 291 and 31 713 people aged 1-29 years were involved in 1992 and 2014 national serosurveys of China, respectively. For the people aged 1-29 years, HBsAg prevalence was 2.64% (95%CI: 2.28%-3.06%) in 2014 and decreased by 73.92% as compared with the rate 10.13% (95% CI: 9.81%-10.45%) in 1992. Anti-HBc prevalence was 13.01% (95%CI: 12.09%-14.00%) in 2014 and decreased by 71.61% as compared with the rate 45.84% (95% CI: 45.31%-46.37%) in 1992. Anti-HBs prevalence was 57.79% (95%CI: 56.33%-59.25%) in 2014 and ascended by 127.41% as compared with the rate 25.41% (95% CI: 24.95%-25.87%) in 1992. In high, medium and low epidemic region, for the people who born during 1992-2001 when hepatitis B vaccine was introduced in routine immunization management, HBsAg prevalence was 4.74% (95%CI: 3.79%-5.69%), 1.59% (95%CI: 1.09%-2.10%) and 2.53% (95%CI: 1.66%-3.39%), respectively, and anti-HBs prevalence was 64.25% (95% CI: 62.11%-66.39%), 56.34% (95% CI: 54.50%-58.57%), 54.49% (95%CI: 51.75%-57.23%), respectively, and anti-HBc prevalence was 15.16% (95%CI: 13.56%-16.76%), 11.07% (95%CI: 9.80%-12.33%), 7.61% (95%CI: 6.15%-9.07%), respectively. In high, medium and low epidemic region, for the people who born during 2002-2013 the duration which hepatitis B vaccine was integrated in expanded immunization program born during when HBsAg prevalence was 0.88% (95%CI: 0.66%-1.11%), 0.37% (95%CI: 0.24%-0.49%)and 0.71% (95%CI: 0.48%-0.94%), respectively, and anti-HBs prevalence was 60.74% (95%CI: 59.57%-61.90%), 59.46% (95%CI: 58.44%-60.49%), 52.56% (95% CI: 51.20%-53.92%), respectively, and anti-HBc prevalence was 3.30% (95% CI: 2.87%-3.72%), 1.91% (95%CI: 1.63%-2.20%), 2.25% (95%CI: 1.85%-2.66%), respectively. Conclusion: China had made great achievement in hepatitis B prevention and control. HBsAg prevalence among people aged 1-29 years old in 2014 decreased dramatically as compared with that in 1992. Since hepatitis B vaccine was integrated into expanded immunization program, China reduced HBsAg prevalence to less than 1% among people aged 1-12 years in 2014 in different epidemic region.

[Epidemiological characteristics of children aged 1-4 years without timely birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine vaccination in China, 2014]

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of the children aged 1-4 years without timely birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB(1)) vaccination. Methods: Based on the data from 160 disease surveillance points in 31 provinces of China, two-stage cluster random sampling was used to select the target population aged 1-4 years. A standard questionnaire was used to collect the information about the birth date, gender, ethnic group, place of birth, HepB immunization history of the children selected. A blood sample (3 ml) was taken from each subject for HBsAg testing. SAS software (Version 9.4) was used in our study. We analyzed the age, gender, ethnic group, area specific distributions of the children aged 1-4 years without timely HepB(1) vaccination and the influencing factors, and the relationship between the HepB(1) vaccination time and HBsAg prevalence rate. Results: A total of 12 587 children aged 1-4 years were analyzed and the non-timely HepB(1) vaccination rate was 10.12%. The place of birth, ethnic group, urban/rural area, eastern/central/western area, age were the main influencing factor of the non-timely HepB(1) vaccination. The non-timely HepB(1) vaccination rate was higher in 3-4 years old children (11.13%) than in 1-2 years old children (8.97%), in rural area (12.05%) than in urban area (8.19%), in western area (13.41%) than in central area (9.27%) and eastern area (7.72%), in minority ethnic group (18.06%) than in Han ethnic group (8.77%) and in children born outside hospital (57.66%) than in children born in hospital (9.27%). The HBsAg prevalence rate among 1-4 years children was 0.31%. The HBsAg prevalence rate of the children with timely HepB(1) vaccination (0.25%) was lower than that of the children without timely HepB(1) vaccination (0.89%). Conclusions: In China, the HBsAg prevalence rate among 1-4 years children with HepB vaccination decreased to <0.5% and the timely HepB(1) vaccination rate reached to 90%. We should strengthen the timely HepB(1) vaccination for the children in minority ethnic groups, in western area, in rural area as well as those born outside hospitals.

Single-copy gene detection using branched DNA (bDNA) in situ hybridization

We have developed a branched DNA in situ hybridization (bDNA ISH) method for detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in whole cells. Using human cervical cancer cell lines with known copies of HPV DNA, we show that the bDNA ISH method is highly sensitive, detecting as few as one or two copies of HPV DNA per cell. By modifying sample pretreatment, viral mRNA or DNA sequences can be detected using the same set of oligonucleotide probes. In experiments performed on mixed populations of cells, the bDNA ISH method is highly specific and can distinguish cells with HPV-16 from cells with HPV-18 DNA. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the bDNA ISH method provides precise localization, yielding positive signals retained within the subcellular compartments in which the target nucleic acid sequences are localized. As an effective and convenient means for nucleic acid detection, the bDNA ISH method is applicable to the detection of cancers and infectious agents. (J Histochem Cytochem 49:603-611, 2001)

[A study on physical characteristics of porous plates for water sublimator]

Objective. To investigate the development method of porous plate, the key part of water sublimator, and its main physical characteristics. Method. Technical parameters of porous plates used in water sublimator were analyzed. On the basis of this, porous plates made of different materials were developed by making use of sintered powder technology. A tester for testing the physical characteristics of porous plate was designed. All around physical characteristic tests for porous plates were conducted. Result. Main factors affecting performance of porous plates were tested. These provided basis for performance test of sublimator, established porous plate criterion and optimized porous plate. Conclusion. Porous plates developed by making use of sintered powder technology could meet requirements of performance of water sublimator.

[Research progress of thermal control system for extravehicular activity space suit]

New research progress of thermal control system for oversea Extravehicular Activity (EVA) space suit is presented. Characteristics of several thermal control systems are analyzed in detail. Some research tendencies and problems are discussed, which are worthwhile to be specially noted. Finally, author's opinion about thermal control system in the future is put forward.

Critical role of AT1 receptor expression after ischemia/reperfusion in isolated rat hearts: beneficial effect of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed at AT1 receptor mRNA

To examine the relevance of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) expression in the determination of myocardial function after ischemia/reperfusion, Sprague-Dawley rats were treated intravenously with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODNs) directed at AT1R mRNA (100 microg/rat, n=9) or scrambled antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (Scr-ODNs, 100 microg/rat, n=6). Both AS-ODNs and Scr-ODNs were given along with 300 microg/rat of liposome DOTAP/DOPE, a positive electron carrier (wt:wt= 1:1). The hearts from AS-ODN- or Scr-ODN-treated rats were excised 24 hours later, perfused in vitro, and subjected to 25 minutes of global ischemia followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. Parallel groups of rats were given the specific AT1R antagonist losartan (10 mg/kg IV, n=6) or saline (n=7) 4 to 6 hours before excising the hearts. Ischemia/reperfusion resulted in a significant increase in myocardial AT1R expression (autoradiography and binding assay) and myocardial dysfunction, indicated by increases in coronary perfusion pressure and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and a decrease in developed left ventricular pressure (all P<0.01 versus baseline) in the saline-treated group. AT1R protein and mRNA levels also increased in ischemic/ reperfused myocardial tissues. Administration of AS-ODNs or losartan, but not Scr-ODNs, preserved myocardial function and blocked the increased AT1R binding after ischemia/reperfusion (both P<0.01). Myocardial AT1R mRNA levels were not affected by either AS-ODNs or losartan, and the AT1R protein levels were significantly reduced by AS-ODN, but not losartan, treatment. Plasma angiotensin II levels increased after administration of losartan but not after administration of AS-ODNs. These observations imply a critical role of AT1R upregulation in determining myocardial function immediately after ischemia/reperfusion. AS-ODNs to AT1R mRNA may be more beneficial than losartan, because losartan does not affect the plasma angiotensin II level. The sustained increase in AT1R mRNA, but diminished protein expression, in rat hearts treated with AS-ODNs suggests that AS-ODNs block AT1R at the translational level.

Increased immune activation precedes the inflection point of CD4 T cells and the increased serum virus load in human immunodeficiency virus infection

The temporal relationship of serum levels of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA and of immune activation products in 10 HIV-seropositive persons who showed an accelerated decline (inflection point) in CD4 T cell counts and went on to develop AIDS and in 10 matched controls without inflection point were examined. Cases and controls did not differ statistically at the baseline time point for this study. CD4 cell inflection points occurred 18-30 months before AIDS development. Serum levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II, soluble interleukin-2 receptor, beta2-microglobulin, and neopterin increased significantly > or = 6 months before the CD4 cell inflection point. In contrast, increases in mean HIV RNA levels occurred at the time of the CD4 cell inflection point. These data are consistent with the view that in vivo immune activation precedes the increases in virus load and is followed by an accelerated and rapid loss of CD4 lymphocytes.

Quantification of cytokine mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using branched DNA (bDNA) technology

Changes in the patterns of cytokine expression are thought to be of central importance in human infectious and inflammatory diseases. As such, there is a need for precise, reproducible assays for quantification of cytokine mRNA that are amenable to routine use in a clinical setting. In this report, we describe the design and performance of a branched DNA (bDNA) assay for the direct quantification of multiple cytokine mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Oligonucleotide target probe sets were designed for several human cytokines, including TNFalpha, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IFNgamma. The bDNA assay yielded highly reproducible quantification of cytokine mRNAs, exhibited a broad linear dynamic range of over 3-log10, and showed a sensitivity sufficient to measure at least 3000 molecules. The potential clinical utility of the bDNA assay was explored by measuring cytokine mRNA levels in PBMCs from healthy and immunocompromised individuals. Cytokine expression levels in PBMCs from healthy blood donors were found to remain relatively stable over a one-month period of time. Elevated levels of IFNgamma mRNA were detected in PBMCs from HIV-1 seropositive individuals, but no differences in mean levels of TNFalpha or IL-6 mRNA were detected between seropositive and seronegative individuals. By providing a reproducible method for quantification of low abundance transcripts in clinical specimens, the bDNA assay may be useful for studies addressing the role of cytokine expression in disease.

Quantification of cytomegalovirus DNA in peripheral blood leukocytes by a branched-DNA signal amplification assay

Quantification of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in blood may aid in the identification of patients at highest risk for developing CMV disease, the evaluation of new therapeutics, and the prompt recognition of drug-resistant CMV strains. A branched-DNA (bDNA) assay was developed for the reliable quantification of CMV DNA in peripheral blood leukocytes. The bDNA assay allowed for the highly specific and reproducible quantification of CMV DNA in clinical specimens. Furthermore, the bDNA assay was at least as sensitive as culture techniques and displayed a nearly 3 log10 dynamic range in quantification. Changes in CMV DNA levels measured by the bDNA assay in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive patient undergoing therapy were consistent with CMV culture, antigen, and genotype results and correlated with disease progression and resistance markers. The bDNA assay for the quantification of CMV DNA may provide a useful tool that can be used to aid physicians in monitoring disease progression, evaluating therapeutic regimens, and recognizing viral resistance and drug failure.

Increase in angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression immediately after ischemia-reperfusion in isolated rat hearts

BACKGROUND

Myocardial ischemia is known to upregulate the systemic renin-angiotensin system, which influences myocardial ischemic events by affecting hemodynamics and hemostatic activity. This study was designed to examine whether angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor expression in the myocardium is altered immediately after ischemia-reperfusion.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Isolated buffer-perfused Sprague-Dawley rat hearts were subjected to continuous perfusion (control, n=5) or to 25 minutes of global ischemia followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion (n=10). Autoradiographic analysis for Ang II receptors of multiple myocardial sections was performed. Whereas continuous perfusion of hearts resulted in minor changes in coronary perfusion pressure (CPP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), and developed left ventricular pressure (dLVP=LVSP-LVEDP), ischemia-reperfusion caused a marked increase in CPP and LVEDP and a decrease in dLVP, indicating severe cardiac dysfunction. Concurrently, total myocardial Ang II receptor expression was greater (P<.05) in hearts subjected to ischemia-reperfusion than in the continuously perfused control hearts. Most of the increase in Ang II receptor expression was due to an increase in type 1 receptor (AT1) expression (34.6+/-6.5 versus 18.2+/-4.4 fmol/g, P<.05), because Ang II type 2 receptor expression was unaffected. To examine the importance of AT1 receptor expression, another group of isolated rat hearts (n=5) was perfused with buffer containing losartan (10(-5) mol/L) and subjected to ischemia followed by reperfusion. Perfusion of hearts with losartan attenuated the ischemia-reperfusion-induced cardiac dysfunction. Perfusion of hearts with losartan also blocked the ischemia-reperfusion-induced increase in myocardial AT1 binding.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations indicate that myocardial AT1 expression increases immediately after ischemia-reperfusion and contributes to cardiac dysfunction.

Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) polyradiculopathy and documentation of in vivo anti-CMV activity in cerebrospinal fluid by using branched DNA signal amplification and antigen assays

Branched chain DNA assay (bDNA), cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigen assay, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) viral culture were studied for their utility in the diagnosis of CMV polyradiculopathy and for documenting in vivo antiviral effects. CMV was demonstrated in 15 of 16 patients by bDNA assay, 15 of 16 by CMV antigen assay, and 11 of 15 by CSF culture. When clinical criteria and results of the other two assays were used as reference standards, the sensitivity of bDNA was 94% and 100% and the specificity 95.2% and 100%; the CMV antigen assay sensitivity was 94% and 100% and specificity was 85.7% and 100%. Nine (90%) of 10 patients with polyradiculopathy and follow-up CSF culture showed a drop in CMV DNA after treatment; however, only 2 (20%) improved clinically. These results suggest that bDNA and antigen assays may be useful methods for the diagnosis of CMV polyradiculopathy, but treatment failures may not be due to inadequate antiviral activity.

A branched DNA signal amplification assay for quantification of nucleic acid targets below 100 molecules/ml

The branched DNA hybridization assay has been improved by the inclusion of the novel nucleotides, isoC and isoG, in the amplification sequences to prevent non-specific hybridization. The novel isoC, isoG-containing amplification sequences have no detectable interaction with any natural DNA sequence. The control of non-specific hybridization in turn permits increased signal amplification. Addition of a 14 site preamplifier was found to increase the signal/noise ratio 8-fold. A set of 74 oligonucleotide probes was designed to the consensus HIV POL sequence. The detection limit of this new HIV branched DNA amplifier assay was approximately 50 molecules/ml. The assay was used to measure viral load in 87 plasma samples of HIV- infected patients on triple drug therapy whose RNA titers were <500 molecules/ml. In all 11 patients viral load eventually declined to below the detection limit with the new assay.

Relationship of plasma HIV-RNA levels and levels of TNF-alpha and immune activation products in HIV infection

The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between plasma human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) load and cytokine expression. HIV-RNA plasma levels were determined in 34 HIV-seropositive (HIV+) asymptomatic subjects [range: 0.5 to 211 kiloequivalents (kEq)/ml HIV-RNAJ, by a modified branched-DNA (bDNA) assay. Plasma HIV-RNA levels were positively correlated with increased plasma levels of TNF-alpha, soluble TNF receptor type II, soluble IL-2 receptor, beta 2-microglobulin, and neopterin, but not with plasma IL-6 levels. In contrast, increased viral load and diminished CD4 counts correlated weakly. TNF-alpha mRNA levels, as determined by bDNA technology, were not significantly increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from HIV-infected subjects, compared to HIV-seronegative (HIV-) subjects, and were not correlated with plasma levels of HIV-RNA, cytokines, or activation markers. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that a self-reinforcing mechanism exists between TNF-alpha production and generalized immune activation on one hand with HIV replication on the other.

Circulating CD8 T cells show increased interferon-gamma mRNA expression in HIV infection

IFN-gamma mRNA levels were measured in unstimulated PBMC and purified cell subpopulations, utilizing branched DNA assays, to characterize the cell type(s) that contribute to the in vivo increase in IFN-gamma gene expression seen in HIV infection. PBMC and CD8 T cells from HIV-seropositive subjects (HIV+) showed 2.5-fold increases in mean IFN-gamma mRNA levels compared to HIV-uninfected subjects (HIV-). Within individuals, CD8 T cells showed the highest IFN-gamma expression regardless of HIV status, which suggests that HIV infection enhances the IFN-gamma gene expression in CD8 T cells rather than inducing a shift to and/or increasing expression of IFN-gamma mRNA in other cell types. HIV+ subjects with increased PBMC IFN-gamma mRNA had elevated plasma levels of HIV RNA, neopterin, and beta 2-microglobulin. No differences in IFN-gamma mRNA levels were seen among HIV+ stratified by CD4 T cell number. Increased IFN-gamma may result from or be a contributing factor to increased viral load.

Purification of E. coli-synthesized Pan proteins and development of a Pan-specific monoclonal antibody

The helix-loop-helix (HLH) transcription factors, Pan-1 (E47) and Pan-2 (E12), are produced by the mechanism of alternative transcript splicing. Pan-1 and Pan-2 were expressed in Escherichia coli, and a purification scheme was developed. Purified Pan-2 was used to immunize Smith-Webster mice and a hybridoma was generated that produced a monoclonal antibody (Yae) that specifically recognized both native and denatured Pan-1 and Pan-2. Deletion mapping and sequence transfer studies have localized the determinant recognized by the Yae antibody to the region 195-208 of Pan-2. This region is conserved in Pan-1 and Pan-2. The Yae antibody recognized in vitro-synthesized ITF-1, a third E2A (Pan) gene product also produced by the mechanism of alternative RNA splicing, but did not recognize the related HLH proteins, ITF-2, REB alpha, or REB beta. By Western blot assay of pancreatic acinar cells, the Yae antibody detected a single protein species of 72 kD that comigrated with in vitro-synthesized Pan-1 and Pan-2.

Pan: a transcriptional regulator that binds chymotrypsin, insulin, and AP-4 enhancer motifs

Two cDNAs were cloned that encode proteins (Pan-1 and Pan-2, with predicted molecular masses of 67.4 and 67.7 kD, respectively) that bind to a conserved transcriptional regulatory element present in pancreatic exocrine genes. The cDNAs are virtually identical in the region that encodes the amino-terminal 525 amino acids; they differ only by a 3-nucleotide insertion that results in the addition of a single amino acid. The cDNAs, however, code for related, but divergent, carboxy-terminal regions. Expression of the cloned cDNAs in HeLa cells activates expression of a cotransfected chimeric gene containing multimers of the pancreatic conserved element linked to a minimal promoter. Pan-1 and Pan-2 bind to the consensus sequence CAC/GCTGT/C, the CACCTGTC motif, which is present in transcriptional control elements of several genes. Both Pan-1 and Pan-2 bind to related motifs present in the rat insulin enhancer as well as a DNA segment containing the SV40 AP-4 element. The Pan-1 and Pan-2 cDNAs display extensive sequence identity with partial cDNA clones encoding E12 and E47, which bind to the immunoglobulin kappa E2 cis-active element, and may be derived from the same gene. These factors belong to a set of genetically distinct molecules, including AP-4 and MLTF, that bind to the CACCTGTC motif or related sequences. The Pan/E12,E47 proteins also show structural similarity with the Drosophila daughterless protein, MyoD, Myogenin, and Myf-5.

Isolation and nucleotide sequence determination of a gene encoding a heat-stable enterotoxin of Escherichia coli

An enterotoxin-producing strain of E. coli has been isolated from an infant patient in Shanghai Children Hospital and the gene of its heat-stable enterotoxin has been cloned and sequenced. The pre-pro-STI was composed of 72 amino acid residues corresponding to the encoding of 216 base pairs. There was only one nucleotide difference in the pro-part between this STI gene and the STIb gene reported in the literature. A guanosine base in our STI gene was substituted for a cytosine base in STIb gene resulting in a replacement of proline by alanine. Hence, the STI genes from different human sources are highly conserved though mutagenesis still occurs.

The complete nucleotide sequence of the cloned DNA of hepatitis B virus subtype adr in pADR-1

The complete nucleotide sequence of the cloned hepatitis B virus DNA subtype adr in pADR-1 was determined by Maxam and Gilbert's method. It is 3215 base pairs in size, which is 27 bp longer than the sequence of the adr pHBr330, as reported by Ono et al. The nucleotide difference between pADR-1 and adr pHBr330 is about 2% while those between pADR-1 and adw as well as ayw are 9.3% and 9.7% respectively. In this paper, the heterogeneity and homogeneity of the S gene, the C gene and the other coding regions in pADR-1 and in the other subtypes are compared and discussed.

Mapping polypeptide hormone genes in the mouse: somatostatin, glucagon, calcitonin, and parathyroid hormone

Mouse-Chinese hamster hybrids segregating mouse chromosomes were analyzed by Southern hybridization techniques to map the genes for somatostatin (Smst), glucagon (Gcg), calcitonin (Calc), and parathyroid hormone (Pth). The mouse gene for somatostatin, detected on a 20-kb EcoRI fragment, is located on mouse chromosome 16. Glucagon cDNA hybridized to a 14-kb EcoRI fragment residing on chromosome 2. Calcitonin and parathyroid hormone genes, detected on 7.8-kb HindIII and 6.0-kb BamHI fragments, respectively, were on mouse chromosome 7. The calcitonin and parathyroid hormone genes appear to be part of a larger linkage group which has been conserved in mouse and man.

The expression of HBsAg gene in yeast under GAL-10 promoter control

The surface antigen gene of HBV (adr subtype) is inserted into the YEP 1 which is replicated and selected in E. coli and baker yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The HBsAg gene can be expressed in yeast under GAL-10 promoter control. The protein synthesized in yeast is assembled into particles that have the same size and shape as particles isolated from plasma. One microgram surface antigen can be yielded in 100 ml culture.

The nucleotide sequence of surface antigen gene of hepatitis B virus subtype adr

The nucleotide sequence of the XhoI-BamHI fragment (1279bp), which contains the surface antigen gene (S gene) of HBVadr, was determined by Maxam and Gilbert's method. By comparing the differences both of the nucleotide sequence in the S gene and its coded amino acid sequence between adr and those reported for adw, ayw and adyw, some new variation sites were discovered. The differences were mainly distributed in the two hydrophilic regions. However, at those sites which might show biological function, there were no variations among different subtypes, they are relatively conservative in heredity and evolution. Comparing the variation of the nucleotide sequence in the S gene region with that in the non-S gene region, it is shown that the frequency of variation in the non-S gene region doubled that in the S gene region. The S gene region is more conservative.

Sequence of the human somatostatin I gene

Two human genomic DNA fragments containing alleles for the gene coding for somatostatin I were isolated and sequenced. This gene contains a single intron that interrupts the coding sequence in the propeptide portion of the somatostatin moiety. The site of initiation of transcription of the gene was located by transcription experiments in HeLa cell extracts, and the putative regions for controlling the initiation of transcription were identified.

Polymorphic human somatostatin gene is located on chromosome 3

Somatostatin is a 14-amino-acid neuropeptide and hormone that inhibits the secretion of several peptide hormones. The human gene for somatostatin SST has been cloned, and the sequence has been determined. This clone was used as a probe in chromosome mapping studies to detect the human somatostatin sequence in human-rodent hybrids. Southern blot analysis of 41 hybrids, including some containing translocations of human chromosomes, placed SST in the q21 leads to qter region of chromosome 3. Human DNAs from unrelated individuals were screened for restriction fragment polymorphisms detectable by the somatostatin gene probe. Two polymorphisms were found: (i) an EcoRI variant located at the 3' end of the gene, found in Caucasian, U.S. Black, and Asian populations with a frequency of approximately 0.10 and (ii) a BamHI variant in the intron, which occurs in Caucasians at a frequency of 0.13.

Human somatostatin I: sequence of the cDNA

RNA has been isolated from a human pancreatic somatostatinoma and used to prepare a cDNA library. After prescreening, clones containing somatostatin I sequences were identified by hybridization with an anglerfish somatostatin I-cloned cDNA probe. From the nucleotide sequence of two of these clones, we have deduced an essentially full-length mRNA sequence, including the preprosomatostatin coding region, 105 nucleotides from the 5' untranslated region and the complete 150-nucleotide 3' untranslated region. The coding region predicts a 116-amino acid precursor protein (Mr, 12.727) that contains somatostatin-14 and -28 at its COOH terminus. The predicted amino acid sequence of human somatostatin-28 is identical to that of somatostatin-28 isolated from the porcine and ovine species. A comparison of the amino acid sequences of human and anglerfish preprosomatostatin I indicated that the COOH-terminal region encoding somatostatin-14 and the adjacent 6 amino acids are highly conserved, whereas the remainder of the molecule, including the signal peptide region, is more divergent. However, many of the amino acid differences found in the pro region of the human and anglerfish proteins are conservative changes. This suggests that the propeptides have a similar secondary structure, which in turn may imply a biological function for this region of the molecule.

Comparison of the nucleic acid sequence of anglerfish and mammalian insulin mRNA's from cloned cDNA's

Anglerfish (Lophius americanus) insulin complementary DNA was cloned in bacterial plasmids, and its sequence was determined. Fish insulin messenger RNA is larger (1.5 times) than the messenger RNA encoding mammalian (rat and human) insulin, in part because of a larger C peptide (an additional six amino acids or 18 nucleotides in length) but mainly because of increases in the 5' and 3' untranslated regions. Comparison of the fish, rat, and human insulin messenger RNA (from the complementary DNA) reveals that, in addition to the regions coding for the A and B peptides, sequence conservation is limited to a segment within the 5' untranslated region which may be involved in ribosomal binding, two small segments of the signal peptide, and two stretches of sequence in the 3' untranslated region.