Inflammation and epigenetics of sporotrichosis disease

Sporotrichosis, a fungal disease, is caused by exposure to soil that harbors Sporothrix schenckii or through inhalation of fungal spores. Skin is the most frequently exposed organ making sporotrichosis a primarily dermal disease. Many described reports in the literature suggest a connection of sporotrichosis with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with some connection between initial sporotrichosis diagnosis and treatment followed by development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma at the very site. Conversely, there is also evidence for sporotrichosis subsequent to skin cancer diagnosis, even after cancer chemotherapy, which points towards weakening of immune response by cancer chemotherapy leading to attack and infection by Sporothrix schenckii. We also propose and focus on inflammation as the connection between sporotrichosis, cancer and even the metastatic spread of cancer. Inflammation-associated IL-6, IFN-γ, natural killer cells and M2-macrophages possibly mechanistically link sporotrichosis with cancer, particularly cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. These inflammation related factors/cells are regulated epigenetically raising the possibility of epigenetic regulation of sporotrichosis, which has not been described yet in the available literature. Clinical management of inflammation may thus be effective strategy not just against sporotrichosis but also the related onset of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and possibly its metastasis to lymph nodes.

[Discussion on the status quo and problems of health risk management of hand-transmitted vibration in the workplace]

The risk management in workplace is an important measure to effectively prevent and control the harm of hand-transmitted vibration. Based on the relevant developments at home and abroad, this paper expounds the risk of manual vibration operation in workplace by taking contact assessment and hazard assessment as an example. On this basis, the limit management and hierarchical management related to risk management are discussed, and the existing problems are analyzed.

[Association between remnant cholesterol levels and incident diabetic retinopathy in middle-aged and older patients with diabetes]

Objective: To investigate the association between remnant cholesterol (RC) and the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in middle-aged and older individuals with diabetes. Methods: Based on the Shanghai Nicheng Cohort Study database, the data of 1 255 individuals with diabetes aged 55-70 years at baseline (2013-2014) with complete fundus photographs and serum cholesterol data in Nicheng, Shanghai, were analyzed. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to evaluate risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between baseline RC level and incident DR. Results: The median age of the subjects was 61.9 years, and 60.4% were women. After a 4.6-year follow-up, 79 (6.3%) patients developed DR, including 50 (4.0%) mild non-proliferative DR and 29 (2.3%) referable DR (RDR). Multivariable logistic regression showed that each mmol/L increase of RC was associated with a 40% higher risk of RDR (RR=1.40, 95%CI 1.03-1.90). Compared with the lowest tertile of RC (<0.63 mmol/L), the risk of RDR in the highest tertile (≥0.85 mmol/L) increased by 4.59 times (RR=5.59, 95%CI 1.51-20.73). Conclusion: The RC level may help identify individuals at high risk of incident RDR in middle-aged and older Chinese adults with diabetes.

Bowman capsule rupture in children with myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis predicts poor renal survival

Background

Recent developments indicated that Bowman capsule rupture (BCR) is observed in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis (AAGN). We aimed to explore the relationship between BCR and clinical manifestations, pathological changes, and prognosis in children with myeloperoxidase (MPO)-AAGN.

Methods

A total of 56 children with MPO-AAGN were divided into BCR (+) and BCR (-) groups according to the status of Bowman's capsule. Clinical and histological features and renal outcomes were compared, and the predictive value of BCR for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) of MPO-AAGN was evaluated.

Results

After retrospective analysis of the data, 24 children (42.9%) were found to have BCR. The results showed that BCR positively correlated with intrarenal immune cell infiltrates, obsolescence and crescents in glomeruli, tubulointerstitial inflammation, tubulitis, and tubular atrophy negatively correlated with normal glomeruli and immunoglobulin G deposition in the kidney. The clinical features and kidney pathological changes were more severe in the BCR (+) group than BCR (-) group, and the renal survival rate was significantly poorer in the BCR (+) group than BCR (-) group (χ2 = 5.45, p = 0.02). Moreover, estimated glomerular filtration rate (≤15 mL/min/1.73 m2), BCR and ANCA renal risk score (ARRS) were independent risk factors for the development of ESKD in children with MPO-AAGN. After combining BCR with the Berden classification and ARRS, our data suggested that the Berden classification + BCR and ARRS + BCR showed better predictive values for ESKD than those of the Berden classification and ARRS, respectively.

Conclusion

BCR is an important pathological lesion that correlates with severe clinical manifestations, pathological changes, and poor prognosis in children with MPO-AAGN.

[Construction and prospect of healthy enterprises in the new era]

The construction of health enterprises practice the concept of big health. It is an important solution to protect the overall health of occupational groups in the new era, which is of great significance to promoting a healthy city and helping to build a healthy China. This paper clarifies the connotation of healthy enterprises in the new era, discusses the key points of healthy enterprise construction around the "four in one" construction content, "PDCA" construction procedures, and evaluation methods of healthy enterprises. It focuses on the progress of healthy enterprise construction, analyzes the problems faced by the construction of health enterprises in China, and puts forward suggestions to improve the construction efficiency, with a view to providing ideas for further promoting the construction of health enterprises in China.

[Countermeasures for the construction of occupational health information standard system]

As an important part of health information standard system, occupational health information standard system is the foundation and guarantee of promoting the construction of occupational health information. This article is based on the literature research about current situation of domestic and foreign health information standards and occupational health information standard system, thus take "the National Health Information Standardization System" and "the National Public Health Information Construction Standards and Norms" into account, focus on the requirements of occupational health information construction and related work. Thus, put forward suggestions on the construction of occupational health information standard system, to accelerate the occupational health information construction, data collection, transmission and application.

[Research on emergency management and legal system of occupational disease accidents in China]

A great deal of work has carried out and get some achieved in the construction of emergency management and legal system for dealing with occupational disease accidents in China, however, the governance of occupational disease accidents is still weak in occupational health management. Based on the analysis of the situation of occupational disease accident emergency management and legal system construction at home and abroad, this paper summarizes the problems existing in the governance of occupational disease accidents, such as the need to further define the connotation and extension, the need to improve the regulations and policies, and the need to establish and improve the emergency management system. It is considered that it is very important to carry out research on the scientific definition, classification and management of occupational disease accidents.

AgZDS, a gene encoding ζ-carotene desaturase, increases lutein and β-carotene contents in transgenic Arabidopsis and celery

ζ-Carotene desaturase (ZDS) is one of the key enzymes regulating carotenoids biosynthesis and accumulation. Celery transgenic efficiency is low and it is difficult to obtain transgenic plants. The study on ZDS was limited in celery. Here, the AgZDS gene was cloned from celery and overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana and celery to verify its function. The AgZDS has typical characteristic of ZDS protein and is highly conserved in higher plants. Phylogenetic analysis showed that AgZDS has the closest evolutionary relationship with ZDSs from Solanum lycopersicum, Capsicum annuum and Tagetes erecta. Overexpression of AgZDS gene in A. thaliana and celery resulted in increased accumulations of lutein and β-carotene and up-regulated the expression levels of the genes involved in carotenoids biosynthesis. The contents of lutein and β-carotene in two lines, AtL1 and AgL5, were the highest in transgenic A. thaliana and celery, respectively. The relative expression levels of 5 genes (AtPDS, AtZISO, AtZEP, AtNCED3, and AtCCD4) were up-regulated compared to the wild type plants. The relative expression levels of most genes in carotenoids biosynthesis pathway, such as AgPDS, AgCRTISO1, and AgZISO, were up-regulated in transgenic celery plants. The antioxidant capacity of A. thaliana and photosynthetic capacity of celery were also enhanced. This research is the first report on the function of structure gene related to carotenoid biosynthesis in transgenic celery plants. The findings in this study demonstrated the roles of AgZDS in regulating carotenoids metabolism of celery, which laid a potential foundation for quality improvement of celery.

The Accumulation of Lutein and β-Carotene and Transcript Profiling of Genes Related to Carotenoids Biosynthesis in Yellow Celery

Carotenoids are the general term of natural pigments. The formation of plant color is probably related to the components of carotenoids. As the yellow variety of celery, it is rich in the composition and content of carotenoids. However, the transcript profiling and roles of the genes related to carotenoids biosynthesis in yellow celery remain unclear. In this study, three yellow celery cultivars at different growth stages were used to analyze the content and composition of carotenoids and transcriptional changes of carotenoid biosynthesis-related genes. The lutein and β-carotene were detected in yellow celery cultivar, while α-carotene and lycopene were not detected. The contents of lutein and β-carotene were higher in leaf blades than in petioles. During the growth and development, the contents of lutein and β-carotene gradually decreased in celery. Compared with the other two cultivars, the contents of lutein and β-carotene were the highest in 'Huangtaiji' of 65 days after sowing (DAS) and 85 DAS and 'Liuhehuangxinqin' of 105 DAS, respectively. The expression levels of AgLCYB and AgPSY2 genes were significantly correlated with lutein and β-carotene contents. This work provided a reference for the further study on carotenoid metabolisms in yellow celery and also made sense on the way of cultivating yellow celery with high carotenoids content.

CD4+ T cells apoptosis and conversion of Th1/Th2-type cytokines promote the progress of sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis is a fungal disease of the human and other mammals, caused by a complex of Sporothrix schenckii. The disease follows the traumatic inoculation to lead to fixed lesions, regional lymphangitic lesions, or even disseminated lesions including internal involvement, which depends on host immunological status and strain virulence. In this work, we observed the role of CD4⁺ T cells apoptosis and conversion of Th1/Th2-type cytokines in the cellular immunity regulation on mice model sporotrichosis. The experiments showed that there was more CD4⁺ T cells apoptosis, by endogenous apoptosis signaling pathway (P < .05), and more conversions of Th1/Th2-type cytokines in more severe and longer duration groups (P < .05). Meanwhile, the trends of the conversions of Th1/Th2-type cytokines were almost consistent with the CD4 + T cell's apoptosis in the corresponding groups. These findings suggest that CD4+ T cells apoptosis and conversion of Th1/Th2-type cytokines are contributing to promoting the progress of sporotrichosis.

AgNAC1, a celery transcription factor, related to regulation on lignin biosynthesis and salt tolerance

The NAC transcription factor participates in various biotic and abiotic stress responses and plays a critical role in plant development. Lignin is a water-insoluble dietary fiber, but it is second only to cellulose in abundance. Celery is the main source of dietary fiber, but its quality and production are limited by various abiotic stresses. Here, AgNAC1 containing the NAM domain was identified from celery. AgNAC1 was found to be a nuclear protein. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants hosting AgNAC1 have longer root lengths and stomatal axis lengths than the wide type (WT). The evidence from lignin determination and expression levels of lignin-related genes indicated that AgNAC1 plays a vital role in lignin biosynthesis. Furthermore, the results of the physiological characterization and the drought and salt treatments indicate that AgNAC1-overexpressing plants are significantly resistive to salt stress. Under drought and salt treatments, the AgNAC1 transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants presented increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and size of stomatal apertures relatively to the WT plants. The AgNAC1 served as a positive regulator in inducing the expression of stress-responsive genes. Overall, the overexpressing AgNAC1 enhanced the plants' resistance to salt stress and played a regulatory role in lignin accumulation.

[Serum exosomes of rats with hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury induce the damage of hippocampus and cerebral cortex]

The paper was aimed to explore the role of serum exosomes induced by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in the damage of hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats. The male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham operation group (S), hepatic I/R injury group (I/R), serum exosomes from S group treatment group (ES) and serum exosomes from I/R group treatment group (EI). In ES group and EI group, 100 μL serum exosomes from S group and I/R group were injected into the normal rats through tail vein respectively. Another three normal rats were injected intravenously with serum exosomes labeled with PKH26 red fluorescence, and then the expression of fluorescence in the brain tissues was observed by immunofluorescence microscope. The morphology and size of exosomes were observed by transmission electron microscope, the expression of exosomes markers CD63 and CD9 was detected by Western blot, and the damage of liver and brain, levels of apoptosis and oxidative stress response in hippocampus and cerebral cortex were observed by serological and histological indexes. The results showed that the exosomes were a group of round or ovoid membranous vesicles, sized in 30-100 nm. Compared with that in S group, the content of serum exosomes in I/R group was increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, serum exosomes could go through the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain tissue freely through blood circulation. The index of liver function in I/R group was significantly higher than that in S group (P < 0.05). There was no significance in the degree of brain damage, apoptosis and oxidative stress in hippocampus and cerebral cortex between S group and ES group. Compared with those in S group and ES group, the serum levels of brain injury markers, apoptosis index (AI) and oxidative stress in hippocampus and cerebral cortex increased in I/R group and EI group (P < 0.05). Whereas, compared with those in I/R group, the above indicators in EI group decreased (P < 0.05). Therefore, hepatic I/R injury can lead to the damage of hippocampus and cerebral cortex, and the increased serum exosomes induced by hepatic I/R plays an important role.

An alternative pathway for cellular protection in BRAF inhibitor resistance in aggressive melanoma type skin cancer

Oncogenic alterations in the BRAF gene are identified in an estimate of 50% of melanomas and cause melanoma development. BRAF kinase inhibitors (BRAFi), including vemurafenib and dabrafenib, were discovered and used in the clinical treatment of BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma. Though, BRAFi's therapeutic advantages are short term and short-lived associated with drug resistance. Although a few pathways of developed BRAFi resistance have also been established, in approximately 40% of melanomas, the cause for inherited resistance remains unclear. Recognizing a new process of developed BRAFi resistance might provide new possibilities to successfully treat BRAF mutant melanoma. In this study, we are exploring the compensatory alternative pathway followed by BRAFi/MEKi treated resistant cell for maintaining the long-term integrity and survival.

[Surgical technique and outcomes of uteri retrieval from brain-dead multi-organ donors: a preclinical research of human uterine transplantation]

Objective: To evaluate the surgical technique and outcomes of uteri retrieval from brain-dead multi-organ donors.This study is a preclinical research of human living uterine transplantation. Methods: From May, 2015 to May, 2017, four uteri retrieval procedures, characterized with radical hysterectomy and uterine vascular pedicles dissection, were performed in multi-organ brain-dead donors.The uterus was the third authorized organ after the kidney and liver retrieval procedures in the first two cases.The uterine pedicles included the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, the upper one-third of the vagina and internal iliac vessels or external iliac vessels.The perfusion of the uterus was conducted after the retrieval for evaluating the availability, followed by histopathological examination of the uterine issues per 30 minutes. Results: Since the uterine vein was quite difficult to identify and dissect in the first two case, which result in the rupture of triple uterine veins.Therefore, the uterine venous vessels including uterine vein connected with internal iliac vein and internal iliac arteries were selected as vascular grafts and dissected successfully in the last two cases, which could be perfused with the mixture of 4 ℃ heparinized physiological saline through each artery because of shortening the surgical time and arranging the uterine procurement as the first authorized organ procedure.Mean (SD) operative time was 152.5±39.0 min (115-215 min, n=4). Conclusion: Our preliminary experience indicated that the uterus could be retrieved from the brain-dead multi-organ donors and transplanted to the recipient.The attempt of skeletonizing the uterine veins should be replaced by dissection of internal iliac vein.

Effects of Elevated Ozone on Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) with Variegated Leaves

In this study, impacts of O₃ on four cultivars ('Rose', 'Pink', 'Blush' and 'White') of the polka dot plant with variegated leaves were investigated for the first time. Ozone fumigation [(120 ± 20 ppb) for 14 days (8 h day^-1, from 8:30 to 16:30)] resulted in visible foliar injuries, decreased contents of pigments (chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoid), the inhibition of photosynthesis, the increase of quantum yield of non-regulated heat dissipation and fluorescence emission (Y(NO)), and the damage of cell membrane. Elevated O₃ increased the content of anthocyanin (Ant). 'White' showed the highest, and 'Rose' the lowest amount of injured leaf area, indicating that the former was the most sensitive, and the latter the most tolerant to O₃ stress. After O₃ exposure, the highest Ant content was found in 'Rose', followed by 'Pink', 'Blush', and 'White'. Levels of Ant were likely responsible for the different sensitivities to O₃ due to their roles in photoprotection.

Design of pH-sensitive peptides from natural antimicrobial peptides for enhancing polyethylenimine-mediated gene transfection

BACKGROUND

Poor endosomal release is a major barrier of polyplex-mediated gene transfection. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are commonly used to improve polyethylenimine (PEI)-mediated gene transfection by increasing endosomal release. In the present study, we designed novel pH-sensitive peptides that highly enhance transfection efficiency compared to their parent peptides.

METHODS

Two analogues of melittin (Mel) and RV-23 (RV) were synthesized by replacing the positively-charged residues in their sequences with glutamic acid residues. The pH-sensitive lysis ability of the peptides, the effect of the peptides on physicochemical characteristics, the intracellular trafficking, the transfection efficiency, and the cytotoxicity of the polyplexes were determined.

RESULTS

The acidic peptides showed pH-sensitive lytic activity. The hemolytic activity of acidic peptides at pH 5.0 was higher than that at pH 7.4. The incorporation of acidic peptides did not affect the DNA binding ability of PEI but affected the physicochemical characteristics of the PEI/DNA polyplexes, which may be beneficial for endosomal release and gene transfection. The incorporation of acidic peptides into PEI/DNA polyplexes enhanced the PEI-mediated transfection efficiency corresponding to up to 42-fold higher luciferase activity compared to that of PEI alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study indicate that replacement of positively-charged residues with glutamic acid residues in the AMP sequence yields pH-sensitive peptides, which enhance the transfection efficiency of PEI/DNA polyplexes in various cell lines.

Wuzi Yanzong pill, a Chinese polyherbal formula, alleviates testicular damage in mice induced by ionizing radiation

BACKGROUND

Chinese medicine Wuzi Yanzong pill (WZYZP) was firstly documented in ancient Chinese medical works "She Sheng Zhong Miao Fang" by Shi-Che Zhang in 1550 AD. The traditional herbal formula is widely used in treating nephrasthenia lumbago, prospermia, erectile dysfunction and male sterility. The present study was to explore the effects of WZYZP on ionizing irradiation-induced testicular damage in mice.

METHODS

The pelvic region of male mice was exposed to X-rays for inducing testicular damage. The effects of WZYZP on testicular damage were evaluated in terms of testes weight, sperm quantity and motility, testes oxidative status and serum hormone levels. The alterations in testicular structure were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Additionally, changes in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression of testes were explored by western blot.

RESULTS

Pelvic exposure to x-ray induced reduction in testes weight and sperm quality, along with oxidative stress and abnormal testicular architecture in testes. Oral administration of WZYZP for 3 weeks markedly increased testes weight, sperm quantity and motility, and attenuated testicular architecture damage. Meanwhile, WZYZP treatment significantly reversed the reduction of serum testosterone, and decreased testes malondialdehyde (MDA) and Oxidative stress index (OSI) relative to the radiated mice. Additionally, WZYZP effectively prevented the downregulation of PCNA expression in testes induced by x-ray irradiation.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest WZYZP exhibits ameliorating effects against ionizing irradiation-induced testicular damage in mice, which may be related to its antioxidation.

[Cross-sectional study of family drug stockpile and children medication in China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the current situation of family medicine stockpile and children medication in China, analyze the existing problems and provide the rationalized suggestions.

METHODS

The questionnaire was designed and convenient sampling survey was performed in 20 children hospitals in China. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the survey results.

RESULTS

A total of 13 940 completed questionnaires were returned, 98.33% of the families had medicine stockpile, the top three types of the medicine for children were cold medicine(73.95%), oral paregoric/febrifuge(48.01%)and external used drugs for skin disease(wound)(41.10%). The medicine was bought according to physician's prescription and guide(71.18%). Drug poisoning occurred in children of 238 families(1.71%), overdose use was the first cause(44.96%). 22.33% of the parents didn't read the specification carefully before medicine use. The non-appropriate medication for children were mainly the use of adult medicine(32.70%), untimely medication(30.90%), non-rational or unneeded use of febrifuge(26.35%).

CONCLUSIONS

In China, the families mainly store common medicine for their children. The parents bought medicine mainly according to physician' s prescription and paid attention to the safety and efficiency of the medicine, but non-appropriate use of medicine was still common. It is necessary to improve the rational use of medicine for children through expert counsel and guidance.

Macular Thickness in Myopia: An OCT Study of Young Chinese Patients

PURPOSES

To investigate macular thickness (MT) in young myopic Chinese patients using Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to assess its association with gender, axial length (AL), spherical equivalent (SE), and intraocular pressure (IOP).

METHODS

Included in this study were 133 myopic Chinese patients, aged 18-30 years. All underwent complete ophthalmic examinations and Spectralis OCT. Inner, central, and outer foveal regions of the macula were measured.

RESULTS

The central fovea was the thinnest of the three macular regions (mean thickness, 250.1 ± 15.3 μm). Women had consistently thinner MTs than did men, except in the outer superior and inferior areas. Central foveal thickness (CFT) was positively correlated with AL and negatively correlated with SE. In the inner and outer regions, MT was positively correlated with SE. AL was negatively correlated with MT in all quadrants of the inner and outer sectors, but not the inner superior and outer nasal areas. No macular measurement was significantly correlated with age or IOP in either gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Variables affecting MT should be considered when evaluating SD-OCT data in young myopic Chinese patients, with and without retinal diseases.

Changes in central corneal thickness and refractive error after thin-flap laser in situ keratomileusis in Chinese eyes

BACKGROUND

Refractive stability is influenced by alterations in corneal curvature and corneal thickness after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). The aim of this study was to analyze the changes of central corneal thickness (CCT) and refractive error following thin-flap LASIK surgery in Chinese eyes.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-eight myopic patients (302 eyes) who underwent thin-flap LASIK surgery were prospectively evaluated. CCT was measured by non-contact specular microscopy before, and 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months following surgery. Age, refractive error, and optic zone diameter were also recorded.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, the mean CCT was 531.6 ± 24.3 μm. At 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, mean CCTs were 431.4 ± 38.4 μm, 422.6 ± 3 7.8 μm, 427.2 ± 38.0 μm, 434.4 ± 38.2 μm, and 435.6 ± 38.0 μm, respectively. Significant changes were detected in CCT values at each time point after thin-flap LASIK treatment (P < 0.05). The mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was -5.73 ± 2.30 diopters (D). At 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, it was 0.26 ± 0.58 D, 0.54 ± 0.52 D, 0.49 ± 0.53 D, 0.45 ± 0.49 D, and 0.37 ± 0.42 D, respectively. The spherical equivalent refraction at 6 months postsurgery was close to the predicted value (0.34 ± 0.30 D). The changes in CCT within 6 months (4.06 ± 9.99 μm) were negatively correlated with age, preoperative refractive error, and optical zone diameter, respectively (r = -0.180, P < 0.05; r = -0.187, P < 0.001; r = -0.171, P < 0.05, respectively). No significant correlation was found between CCT changes and SE changes at different time points, postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

CCTs decreased significantly at 1 day after surgery, and continued to decline at 1 week after surgery, then increased over time. From postoperative 1 week, SE over time continually shifted to the myopic side.

Orbital characters and electronic correlations in KCo2Se2

We report a comprehensive study of the tridimensional nature and orbital characters of the low-energy electronic structure in KCo2Se2, using polarization- and photon energy-dependent angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We observed one electron-like Fermi surface (FS) at the Brillouin zone (BZ) center, four electron-like FSs centered at the BZ corner, and one hole-like FS at the BZ boundary. The FSs show weak dispersion along the kz direction, indicating the near-two-dimensional nature of FSs in KCo2Se2. In combination with the local-density approximation calculations, we determined the orbital characters of the low-energy electronic bands, which are mainly derived from the Co 3d orbital, mixed with part of the Se 4p states. The [Formula: see text] orbital gives a significant contribution to the band crossing the Fermi level. A band renormalization of about 1.6 is needed to capture the essential dispersive features, which suggests that electronic correlations are much weaker than that in KyFe2-xSe2.

[Research on the characteristics of Ulva prolifera in Shandong Peninsula during 2008-2012 based on MODIS data]

In the present study, the MODIS data were used to monitor the situation of Ulva prolifera in the Shandong Peninsula waters during the period of 2008-2012. Those studies mainly calculate the area of NDVI, and get the information of the time, area , scope , floating path of Ulva prolifera by using threshold segmentation method. The feasibility of monitoring Ulva prolifera information based on MODIS data and the macroscopic regularity of the outburst of Ulva prolifera was elementally studied. The results showed that Ulva prolifera first generated in the middle of May or early June, the time, area, scope of Ulva prolifera reached a maximum, but the relative crowding density was earlier or later when Ulva prolifera developed into a outburst. Finally, Ulva prolifera died away after existing for 71 days in the late July or the early August. Wholly, the floating path moved to the northwest from off the coast to offshore. Based on those aspects above, the outburst of Ulva prolifera in 2008 and 2009 was more serious than others.

Retinal microvascular abnormalities are associated with early carotid atherosclerotic lesions in hospitalized Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Controversies concerning the association of retinal microvascular abnormalities (RMAs) with atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes exist. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between RMAs and carotid atherosclerotic lesions in Chinese inpatients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved 2870 type 2 diabetic patients including 1602 men aged 15-90 years and 1268 women aged 17-88 years. Both retinal arteriosclerosis (RA) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) were determined by digital fundus photography using a standardized protocol. RMAs are defined as the presence of either RA or DR. Carotid atherosclerotic lesions including carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), carotid atherosclerotic plaque and stenosis were assessed and compared between patients with and without RMAs based on Doppler ultrasound. The association of RMAs with carotid atherosclerotic lesions was analyzed by linear and binary logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

The CIMT values in both male and female diabetics with RMAs were significantly greater than in those without RMAs after controlling for age (0.88±0.21 vs. 0.77±0.20 mm for men, p=0.002; and 0.84±0.19 vs. 0.76±0.21 mm for women, p=0.002). The prevalence of carotid plaque was also markedly higher in patients with RMAs than in those without RMAs after adjusting for age (54.3% vs. 23.9% for men, p<0.001; 48.4% vs. 32.0% for women, p=0.046). However, no significant difference was observed in the prevalence of carotid stenosis in either men or women with or without RMAs. After controlling for multiple confounding factors, RMAs were independently associated with increased CIMT in both men (β: 0.067, 95% CI: 0.026-0.269, p=0.018) and women (β: 0.087, 95% CI: 0.058-0.334, p=0.005) with type 2 diabetes, and they were also closely associated with the presence of carotid plaque (OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.54-3.05, p<0.001 for men; OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 0.91-2.08, p=0.129 for women) in men with type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

RMAs were closely associated with early carotid atherosclerotic lesions in hospitalized Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Our results suggested that changes in retinal microvasculature may play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and may be used as an indicator of early atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.

[Studies on the biological and genetic characteristics of a highly neurovirulent Japanese encephalitis virus strain SA4]

The biological and genetic characteristics of a highly neurovirulent JE virus strain SA4 were studied. Mice were inoculated intracerebrally with strain SA4 and SA14, and observed for 14 days, respectively. On different days, mice brains were harvested for titrations of the virus content in the brains. Full-length genome of SA4 was sequenced and compared with SA14 as well as other JE virus strains in the world. The results indicated that the mice inoculated by SA4 induced sickness and death more rapidly (24 hours faster) than those induced by the SA14. The virus titers in the brains of mice infected with SA4 were 0.5-1.0 lg PFU/mL higher than that infected with SA14. The sequence comparison indicated that the nucleotide and amino acid homology between SA4 and the other 21 JE strains were 84.6%-99.0% and 95.2%-99.7% respectively. Comparison with strain SA14 revealed that there were 17 amino acid differences between the two strains, of which 5 were in the E protein region. The results demonstrate that strain SA4 is a highly neurovirulent strain. The substitutions of the 17 amino acids in the SA4 strain can be the molecular basis for the biological characteristics of high neurovirulence.

[Cerebral lymphatic blockage aggravates apoptosis of cortical neurons after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats in vivo]

This present study was performed to investigate the influence of cerebral lymphatic blockage (CLB) on apoptosis of cortical neurons after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rats in vivo. Healthy adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group, SAH group and SAH+CLB group. SAH model was made by double injection of autologous blood into the cisterna magna. On the third day after the second cisternal injection, morphological changes of cortical cells were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) combined with propidium iodide (PI) staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was applied to determine in situ apoptosis in the cerebral cortex. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect the expression of Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in cortical neurons. HE and PI staining showed that cortical neurons of SAH rats were partly shrinkable; the nuclei showed wavy, folded or wrinkled appearance, and some nuclei had the shape of crescent. The cortical neurons in SAH+CLB group distributed sparsely and the nuclear fragmentation, apoptotic bodies were found, surrounded by the formation of vacuoles. The numbers of TUNEL-positive cells in SAH group and SAH+CLB group were higher than that in the normal control group, while the number in SAH+CLB group was significantly higher than that in the SAH group. Caspase-3 expressions in SAH group and SAH+CLB group were higher than that in the normal control group, while the expression in SAH+CLB group was significantly higher than that in the SAH group. Bcl-2 expressions in SAH group and SAH+CLB group were higher than that in the normal control group, while the expression in the SAH+CLB group was significantly lower than that in SAH group. The results obtained suggest that CLB exacerbates the apoptosis of cortical neurons in rats after SAH by up-regulating Caspase-3 expression and down-regulating Bcl-2 expression.

Protective effects of green tea extracts on photoaging and photommunosuppression

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate whether the sunscreen-containing 2-5% green tea extracts (GTEs) protect ultraviolet irradiation (UVR)-induced photoaging and photoimmunosuppression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty volunteers were exposed to repetitive solar-simulated UVR (ssUVR) on the upper back at a dosage of 1.5 minimal erythema doses (MED) per day for four consecutive days. Thirty minutes before each UVR and 6, 24, and 48 h after the last UV exposure, the products containing vehicle, and 2-5% GTEs were applied onto five sites on the dorsal skin, respectively. The skin biopsies were obtained 72 h after the last UVR. The thickness of the stratum corneum and epidermis was measured under the microscope and the expression of cytokeratins (CK)-5/6, CK16, metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and the CD1a(+) Langerhans cells (LCs) were determined using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Our results showed that UVR substantially induced cutaneous erythema, thickening of the epidermis, overexpression of CK5/6, CK16, MMP-2, MMP-9, and depletion of CD1a(+) LCs. The sunscreens containing different concentrations of GTEs conferred significant protection against the photoaging and photoimmunology-related biological events. Interestingly, the protective effects were not parallel to the concentrations of GTEs, with 2% and 3% GTEs showing the most efficacious photoprotection.

CONCLUSIONS

GTEs-containing sunscreens have potential photoprotective effects on UVR-induced photoaging and photoimmunosuppression.

[Cerebral lymphatic blockage aggravates apoptosis of hippocampal neurons induced by cerebrospinal fluid from experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage]

This work was performed to determine the role of cerebral lymphatic drainage pathway in the development of neural injury following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). SAH and cerebral lymphatic blockage (CLB) models in adult New Zealand rabbits were used. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was obtained from experimental animals 5 d after modeling and was added into cultured rat hippocampal neurons. The neurons were randomly divided into blank control, normal CSF, SAH, and SAH+CLB groups. At different points of time, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage was detected by colorimetric method. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of neurons. Expressions of Bax and heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) were determined by immunohistochemical staining. LDH leakage detection revealed that, compared with blank control group, CSF from normal rabbit did not damage the neurons, whereas the leakage of LDH increased in SAH group and SAH+CLB group. The increasing effect was more obvious in SAH+CLB group than that in SAH group. Normal CSF did not induce the apoptosis of neurons, whereas neuron apoptosis was found in SAH group and the apoptosis was even more severe in SAH+CLB group. Bax and Hsp70 protein expressions were found in both SAH and SAH+CLB groups. Expression of Bax protein in SAH+CLB group was stronger than that in SAH group in a time-dependent manner. At 0.5 h and 1 h, the expression of Hsp70 protein in SAH+CLB group was stronger than that in SAH group, whereas the expression became weaker at 2 h and 4 h. These results suggest that blockage of cerebral lymphatic drainage pathway deteriorates the damage of neurons treated with CSF from SAH, indicating this pathway may act as an endogenous protective role in SAH.

[Study on safety and effect of purified inactivited Japanese encephalitis vaccine (primary hamster kidney cell, PHK)]

OBJECTIVE

In order to observe the safety and neutralizing antibody response to purified inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine (primary hamster kidney cell, PHK).

METHODS

Phase I, II, III field trials were performed and 943 healthy volunteers aged from 6 months to 10 years were administrated the JEV-I (PHK) vaccine at day 0 and day 7 respectively.

RESULTS

The vaccine did not cause any severe systemic and local adverse reactions. In phase I, 40 healthy volunteers were inoculated and the total reaction rate was 2.5%. In phase II and III, 903 healthy volunteers were inoculated JEV-I (PHK) and 101 healthy volunteers were inoculated with the Vero cell-derived JEV vaccine, the total adverse reaction rates were 6.2% and 14.2% respectively. The positive sero conversion rates of neutralizing antibody to the test and the control vaccine in antibody negative group were 96.9% (Geometric Mean Titers, GMT1:32.8) and 84.0% (GMT1:43.9) respectively and in antibody positive group were 93.1% (GMT1:167.2) and 100% (GMT1:181.0) respectively.

CONCLUSION

The JEV-I (PHK) vaccine is safe and effective. Trial Registration National Food drugs surveillance administrative bureau, "Medicine Clinical Experiment Written Directive from a Superior" number: 2003L00429.

[Prevalence of and risk factors associated with diabetic retinopathy in pre-diabetic and diabetic population in Shanghai community]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and impaired glucose regulation (IGR) population in Shanghai Community.

METHODS

DR screening after the epidemiologic study of metabolic syndrome in Huayang and Caoyang Community, Shanghai was conducted among 1300 patients with DM or IGR during June 2005 and March 2006, Digital non-mydriatic fundus photography was performed for each eye in all subjects. Other factors, including diabetes related history, BMI, WHR, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, serum lipid and blood pressure were also assessed. 642 patients, 312 males and 330 females, aged 65 +/- 13, with complete data were enrolled into the analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of DR was 19.9% in the diabetic population, and the prevalence of mild, moderate, severe non-proliferative retinopathy and proliferative retinopathy was 12.0%, 5.1%, 2.3% and 0.5%, respectively; the prevalence of DR in IGR reached 8.0%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that HbA1c level and diabetes duration were both independently associated with diabetic retinopathy.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of DR was high in both DM and IGR population. Bad blood glucose control and long diabetes duration both increased occurrence of DR.

[Study on the phenotypic characteristics of Japanese encephalitis virus strains isolated from different years]

In order to reveal the phenotypic characteristics of 17 JE virus strains isolated from different years, plaque sizes, mice neurovirulence and mice neuroinvasiveness of the isolates were studied and compared. BHK21 cell monolayers were used for testing the plaque sizes. The virus neurovirulence was tested in 9-11g mice inoculated intracerebrally and the virus neuroinvasiveness was tested in 9-11g and 14-16g by subcutaneous inoculation. Results showed that all the viruses produced clear plaques on the BHK21 cell monolayers with different sizes and all the virus strains appeared high neurovirulence in the mice with higher than lg8. 0/0.03 mL virus titers, while no apparent difference among them. The neuroinvasiveness (subcutaneous virulence) tested in the 9-11g mice had shown a little difference, but when tested in the 12-14 g mice,the difference was apparent. The results demonstrated that JEV in nature were highly neurovirulent with no apparent difference. However the neuroinvasiveness of the JEV in nature was greatly different, which didn't relate to the years of isolation and genotypes, but most of the viruses isolated from patients showed higher neuroinvasiveness.

ShRNA-mediated Ku80 gene silencing inhibits cell proliferation and sensitizes to gamma-radiation and mitomycin C-induced apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma lines

To investigate the effects of Ku80 depletion on cell growth and sensitization to gamma-radiation and MMC-induced apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma lines. Six human carcinoma cell lines (LNcaP, K562, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, EC9706, and K150) and normal HEK293 cell line were examined for basal levels of Ku80 protein by western blotting analysis. The suppression of Ku80 expression was performed using vector-based shRNA in EC9706 cells. Cell proliferation was determined with MTT assay and colony formation assay and tumorigenicity in a xenograft model in vitro and in vivo. Sensitivity of EC9706 cells treated with shRNA vector to gamma-radiation and MMC was determined with colony formation assay and MTT assay. The cell cycle distribution was determined by Flow cytometry. Apoptosis induced by gamma-radiation and MMC was analyzed using GENMED-TUNEL FACS kit. Ku80 showed higher basal levels in six carcinoma cell lines than in HEK293. The suppression of Ku80 expression decreased cellular proliferation, colony formation and inhibited tumorigenicity in a xenograft model. Furthermore, it sensitized apoptosis of the cancer cells induced by gamma-radiation and MMC. Ku80 plays an important role not only in tumorigenesis but also in radiation resistance and chemotherapy resistance in esophageal cancer cells. Hence Ku80 may serve as a promising therapeutic target, particularly for recurrent esophageal tumors.

[Construction and application of subgenomic replicon vectors of Japanese encephalitis virus]

Based on the infectious clone of JEV vaccine SA14-14-2, the subgenomic replicons pCTCJEV, pCTMJEV with large deletions in the structural region were constructed. Then they were transfected into BHK-21 cell, the RNA replication of JEV subgenome can be monitored by RT-PCR and the non-structural protein can be found expressed in the cell by IFA. To explore the possibility of using a reporter gene assay to monitor synthesis of the positive-strand and the negative-strand JEV RNA, we inserted an enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) gene into the 3'-UTR of pCTCJEV, pCTMJEV under the control of the internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) of encephalomyelocarditis virus RNA. After transfection, the EGFP fluorescence could be seen under the fluorescence microscope 1 day later,and maintained for more than a week with no apparent cytopathic effect. The constructed JEV replicons would provide valuable tools to provide a possible vector for a long-lasting RNA virus expression system.

[Cause analysis and management of severe dislocated or subluxated intraocular lenses in the capsular bag]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the causes of severe dislocated and subluxated intraocular lenses (IOL) in capsular bag and the relevancy with abnormal capsular constitution.

METHODS

The abnormality of capsular and the position of IOL were retrospectively analyzed by slit lamp and microscope in dilated pupil. Surgeries were performed in all of 31 cases in order to exchange or reposit the dislocated or subluxated lOL.

RESULTS

Among 31 cases, there were 20 cases with the dislocated or subluxated IOL in the earlier postoperative period and 11 cases in the later postoperative period. The subluxated IOL in 5 cases (16.1%) were caused by the large rupture of the posterior capsular, and by the rupture of the posterior capsular in 9 cases (29.0%). A upward subluxated IOL developed in one case (3.2%) as the result of small rupture in the equater capsular. The subluxatd IOL in the anterior chamber in two cases (6.5%) was induced by the radial rupture of residual anterior capsular. The size of the IOLs in 2 cases were not matched to the diameter of the capsule bag. The dislocated IOL into the vitreous in 2 cases was caused by the rupture of the superior capsular. The subluxated IOL in 2 cases (6.5%) was caused by the zonal finers rupture due to trauma. The severe disfiguration of the IOL haptic was found in one case. The dislocated IOL in 6 cases (19.4%) was caused by asymmetric capsular shrinkage. A subluxated IOL in one case was resulted from the zonular defects with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. The postoperative corrected visual acuity was 0.5 - 1.0 in 24 eyes, 0.1 - 0.4 in 6 eyes, and 0.05 in one eye.

CONCLUSIONS

There are several causes for the dislocated or subluxated IOL. The correction of the IOL position should depend on the cause for the dislocated or subluxated IOL.

Immunogenicity of live attenuated SA14-14-2 Japanese encephalitis vaccine--a comparison of 1- and 3-month immunization schedules

Live attenuated SA14-14-2 Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine has been safe and effective in >100 million immunized children, but its current administration schedule of two doses given a year apart does not lend itself to inclusion in established Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) schedules of childhood immunization. Immune responses to immunization at shorter intervals were compared in middle-school-aged children immunized with two doses separated by 1 month (n = 116) or 2.5 months (n = 115). Two vaccine lots were compared. Seroconversion to the vaccine was observed in 100% of vaccinees immunized in the 1-month schedule and in 94% (lot 2) and 100% (lot 1) of vaccinees immunized in the 2.5-month schedule. Geometric mean titers were almost 2-fold higher with the longer schedule. The routine administration of JE SA14-14-2 vaccine to infants in an EPI schedule should be possible using either interval.

Application of enzyme immunoassay on infected cells (EIA-IC) for arboviruses

Comparative titrations of alpha-, flavi- and Bunyamwera viruses were made by EIA-IC and according to cytopathic effect (CPE). Specific enzymatic reactions appeared earlier and in higher titres than CPE. The titres of dengue type 1, Mayaro, Powassan and Langat viruses measured by EIA-IC were comparable to those measured by intracerebral inoculation of mice. The cross-reactivity testing of EIA-IC among alphaviruses (Chikungunya, Sindbis and Mayaro), flaviviruses (Japanese encephalitis, Murray valley encephalitis, Kunjin, West Nile, yellow fever and louping ill, Powassan, Langat) and Bunyamwera arboviruses using polyclonal immune ascitic fluids confirmed the high specificity of EIA-IC. Homologous reactions mostly showed higher titres than heterologous ones. No cross-reactivity was seen between alpha-, flavi- and bunyaviruses, among the three alphaviruses, between mosquito-borne and tick-borne flaviviruses, or between JE complex and YF viruses. However, a cross-reactivity to different extent was observed among the four JE complex viruses and among louping ill, Powassan and Langat viruses. The results of EIA-IC cross tests showed that this method can distinguish togavirus group- or species-specific antigens, more precisely than conventional ELISA.