[The cases of tracing the source of patients infected with Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 based on wastewater-based epidemiology in Shenzhen]

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is an emerging discipline, which has been applied to drug abuse tracking and infectious disease pathogen surveillance. During the COVID-19 epidemic, WBE has been applied to monitor the epidemic trend and SARS-CoV-2 variants etc. In order to detect hidden COVID-19 cases and prevent transmission in the community, wastewater surveillance system for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 RNA was developed in Shenzhen. The sewage sampling sites were set up in key places such as the port areas, urban villages and residential communities of Futian, Nanshan, Luohu and Yantian districts. From July 26 to November 30, 2022, a total of 369 sewage sampling sites were set up, covering 1.93 million people. Continuous sampling was carried out for 3 hours in the peak period of water use every day. Sewage virus enrichment and SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection were carried out by polyethylene glycol precipitation method and RT-qPCR, and a positive water sample disposal process was molded. This article aims to introduce the case of source tracing of COVID-19 infected patients based on urban sewage in Shenzhen. The sewage monitoring of Honghu water treatment plant in Luohu District played an early warning role, and the source of infection was traced. In the disposal of positive water samples in Futian South Road, Futian District, the important experience of monitoring point layout was obtained. In the sewage monitoring of Nanshan village, Nanshan District, the existence of occult infection was revealed. Sharing the experience of tracing the source of COVID-19 patients to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in the community based on wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Shenzhen, and summarizing the advantages and application prospects of sewage surveillance can provide new ideas for monitoring emerging or re-emerging pathogens that are known to exhibit gastrointestinal excretion in the future.

[Tumor Mechanomedicine]

Malignant tumors represent a significant health challenge, critically impacting human well-being. Historically, the focus has been on leveraging the biochemical cues of tumors for both diagnosis and treatment. While valuable, this strategy does not capture the full complexity of tumor diagnosis and management. Recently, the integration of biomechanics and mechanobiology with oncology has highlighted the importance of mechanical cues, which have emerged as new hallmarks of tumors, opening potential novel routes for cancer diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Despite the advances, a thorough literature review suggests a pronounced gap in our understanding of the mechanical properties of tumors. The clinical community has not yet completely recognized the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance of the mechanical cues of tumors. To bridge this knowledge gap, we propose and introduce the paradigm of "Tumor Mechanomedicine". We provide a comprehensive overview of the multi-scale mechanical characteristics of tumors, exploring their influence on tumor biology, from the aspects of tumor biomechanics, tumor mechanobiology, tumor mechanodiagnostics, and tumor mechanotherapeutics. By elucidating the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of these mechanical cues, we aim to furnish the oncology community with fresh insights, paving the way for innovative solutions to persistent clinical conundrums.

Transcriptomics Reveal the Effects of Breeding Temperature on Growth and Metabolism in the Early Developmental Stage of Platax teira

The growth, development, and survival of fish, especially in the early stages of development, is influenced by a complex of environmental factors, among which temperature is one of the most important. Although the physiological effects of environmental stress in fish have been extensively studied, the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. However, recent advances in transcriptomic techniques have facilitated the study of the molecular mechanisms of environmental stress responses in aquatic species. Here, we aimed to elucidate the effects of breeding temperatures (21, 24, 27, and 30 °C) on the growth and nutrient metabolism in the early developmental stage of Platax teira, using transcriptomic techniques. Transcriptomic analysis identified 5492, 6937, and 4246 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the 21 vs. 24 °C, 27 vs. 24 °C, and 30 vs. 24 °C comparisons, respectively, most of which were involved in cell processes, single organism, metabolism, catalytic activity, and cell part, based on gene ontology (GO) functional annotations. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in pathways related to metabolism of matter and energy, protein digestion and absorption, and glucose and lipid metabolism. Additionally, the expression of genes related to energy, lipid, and glucose metabolism in the fish liver was upregulated under a low-temperature condition (21 °C), although increasing the temperature within the acceptable threshold improved nutrient metabolism and growth in the fish. Meanwhile, nutrient metabolism and growth were suppressed by an extremely high temperature (30 °C) owing to oxidative stress. Overall, it was shown that nutrient metabolism pathways were involved in thermal stress responses in P. teira, and the optimal breeding temperature range was 24-27 °C. Through transcriptomics, the regulatory mechanism of larval development in P. teira under different growth temperatures was elucidated, with the goal of establishing a theoretical basis for industrial breeding.

[A case of poisoning caused by head and face bite of Deinagkistrodon acutus]

Snake bites kill and maim many people every year. Head and face venomous snake bite is rare, easy to misdiagnose and miss diagnosis, and the fatality rate is high. In this paper, 1 case of head and face venomous snake bite poisoning was reported and 10 similar cases were reviewed. The clinical characteristics of head and face venomous snake bite poisoning were summarized to provide guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Head and face venomous snake bites may lead to airway injury, edema, and airway obstruction is the main cause of early death. Timely intubation or tracheotomy to maintain oxygen supply and early use of antivenin can improve prognosis.

Characteristics of microplastic pollution in golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) aquaculture areas and the relationship between colonized-microbiota on microplastics and intestinal microflora

Microplastic (MPs) pollution is a global marine environmental problem. The effects of MPs on the gut microbiota of aquatic organisms have received considerable attention. For example, microbes colonizing MPs in pond cultures alter the structure and function of the intestinal microbes of shrimp and fish. It was hypothesized that bacteria on MPs in natural mariculture areas also interact with the intestinal flora of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) because biofilms can form on the surface of MPs during long-term floating in seawater. To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate MPs pollution in T. ovatus aquaculture. DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis confirmed the effect of microbial colonization of MPs on the intestinal flora of T. ovatus. The MPs detected in the gut wet weight (w.w.) of golden pompano (546 ± 52 items/g) were mainly pellets and fragments of blue or green, whereas the sediment MPs dry weight (d.w.) (4765 ± 116 items/kg) were mainly black fibers. The MPs richness in the sediment gradually increased from the open-sea aquaculture area to the estuarine aquaculture area and was positively correlated with the MPs richness in the intestinal tract of golden pompano. MPs 20-200 μm were the most common in the gut and sediment. The intake of MPs increased the abundance of Proteobacteria and decreased that of Firmicutes in the intestinal flora. The functional compositions of MP-colonizing microbes and gut microbiota were similar, suggesting that the two communities influence each other. Network analysis further confirmed this and revealed that Vibrio plays a key role in the intestinal flora and surface microorganisms of MPs. Overall, the intake of MPs by aquatic animals not only affects the intestinal flora and intestinal microbial function, but also poses potential risks to aquaculture.

The combined effects of microplastics and the heavy metal cadmium on the marine periphytic ciliate Euplotes vannus

Microplastics could be grazed by marine organisms and possibly transferred to higher trophic levels along the microbial loop. Due to their size and capacity to concentrate heavy metals that trigger joint toxic effects, microplastics (MPs) have already become a severe threat to marine organisms. The detrimental effects of MPs on large marine organisms have been studied, but the combined toxicity of MPs and cadmium (Cd) on protozoan ciliates remains unclear. In the present study, we selected different diameters and concentrations of polystyrene microspheres (PS-MPs) and Cd²⁺ as model MPs and heavy metals to evaluate their single and combined effects on the periphytic marine ciliate Euplotes vannus in relation to carbon biomass and oxidative stress. The MPs were indeed ingested by Euplotes vannus and significantly reduced the abundance and carbon biomass of ciliate populations. Combined exposure to MPs and Cd²⁺ not only increased the bioaccumulation of Cd²⁺ in ciliates but also exacerbated the decrease in ciliate biomass by increasing oxidative stress and membrane damage. In comparison, the effects of nano-sized plastics (0.22 μm) were more harmful than those of micro-sized plastics (1.07 μm, 2.14 μm and 5.00 μm). A smaller size represents a higher potential for penetrating biological members and a stronger adsorption capacity for cadmium. These results provide new insight into the combined toxicity of microplastics and heavy metals on ciliated protozoa and lay a foundation for higher trophic levels and ecosystems.

Effects of acute ammonia exposure and recovery on the antioxidant response and expression of genes in the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway in the juvenile golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus)

Continuous exposure to high levels of ammonia can cause oxidative damage to fish tissues and organs. To date, the mechanism by which juvenile golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) are poisoned by ammonia exposure has not been thoroughly elucidated. although the mechanisms of ammonia toxicity are not well described for the pompano, many other studies presented these effects to other fish species. So an overview would be given. First, an acute ammonia nitrogen toxicity experiment on juvenile golden pompano obtained a 96-h half-lethal concentration (96 h LC50) of 26.9 mg/L. In the ammonia exposure experiment, fish were sampled at 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h after exposure to ammonia water (26.93 mg/L). The results showed that with the prolonged ammonia nitrogen exposure, plasma cortisol (COR), total cholesterol (TC), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT), glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (AST) and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels continued to rise, while glucose (GLU) levels first increased and later gradually decreased after 12 h. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the liver and the mRNA expression levels of antioxidant genes (SOD, CAT, and GPX) first increased and subsequently decreased with increasing exposure time. Through microscopic observation, it was found that the degree of liver damage increased with increasing stress time and was most serious at 96 h. In the post-poison recovery experiment, the fish exposed to ammonia were transferred to clean water, and samples were taken at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h after recovery. The results showed that with the increasing recovery time, each index recovered to the initial level to varying degrees, but the recovery time of 96 h was not enough for the fish to return to the normal level. We also examined the regulation of the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway by the molecular mechanism of the antioxidant defense system. The results of this analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between Nrf2 and liver antioxidant gene expression levels, while there was a negative correlation between Keap1 and liver antioxidant gene expression levels, which may be observed because Nrf2 plays a key role in inducing antioxidant genes, and Keap1 may hinder the response to Nrf2. These results may provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the impact of ammonia exposure on fish and help to provide a foundation for managing the healthy reproduction of juvenile fish.

Gill oxidative damage caused by acute ammonia stress was reduced through the HIF-1α/NF-κb signaling pathway in golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus)

This study aimed to investigate the intoxication mechanism of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) exposed to high ammonia levels and the effects on the immune and antioxidant mechanisms of gills. Juvenile golden pompano was exposed to ammonia (total ammonia: 26.9 mg/L) to induce 96 h of ammonia stress, and a 96 h recovery experiment was performed after poisoning. Then, we evaluated hematological parameters, the histological structure and the expression of related genes. In this experiment, continuous exposure to high levels of ammonia led to a significant increase in plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (P < 0.05), and the levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of antioxidant genes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) increased (P < 0.05). These results indicate that ammonia activates the active osmotic regulatory mechanism of fish gills and participates in defense and immune responses. However, with prolonged exposure to ammonia, the balance of the defense system is disrupted, leading to oxidative damage and inflammation of the gill tissue. This research not only helps elucidate the intoxication mechanism of golden pompano by ammonia at the molecular level but also provides a theoretical basis for further research on detoxification mechanisms.

[Analysis of local reactions and efficacy of CD19 chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells therapy in recurrent/refractory B-cell lymphoma with >7.5 cm lesions]

目的

观察病灶>7.5 cm的复发/难治B细胞非霍奇金淋巴瘤（R/R NHL）患者CD19嵌合抗原受体T细胞（CAR-T细胞）治疗的肿瘤局部反应及疗效。

方法

以2018年8月至2020年5月接受CD19 CAR-T细胞治疗的病灶>7.5 cm的32例R/R NHL患者为研究对象，流式细胞仪检测CD19CAR-T细胞的体内扩增情况；酶联免疫吸附测定法检测患者外周血中细胞因子水平；观察全身不良反应及肿瘤局部反应，分析总有效率（ORR）及总生存（OS）情况。

结果

① 32例患者CAR-T细胞治疗后，13例获得完全缓解（CR）（40.63％），10例获得部分缓解（PR）（31.25％），ORR为71.88％。② 23例有效患者均发生细胞因子释放综合征（CRS），其中1～2级13例，3～4级10例；而疾病稳定+疾病进展（SD+PD）组9例患者CRS均为1～2级（P＝0.030）。③共15例（46.9％）患者发生肿瘤局部反应，其中CR 9例、PR 5例、SD 1例，肿瘤局部反应包括：浅表肿物直径增大且伴红肿热痛；深部肿物表现为腹痛、腹胀、憋气以及肿瘤局部疼痛、烧灼，瘤体增大或伴局部水肿；肿瘤局部出现渗出性病变，可见于腹腔、胸膜腔等。④有效组CD19 CAR-T细胞峰值高于SD+PD组［16.8％（5.3％～48.2％）对2.9％（1.5％～5.7％），z＝−4.297，P<0.001］，有效组中出现肿瘤局部反应患者CD19 CAR-T细胞峰值高于未出现肿瘤局部反应患者［22.2％（10.5％～48.2％）对12.6％（5.3％～21.6％），z＝−3.213，P＝0.001］，多发肿块组CD19 CAR-T细胞峰值高于单发肿块组［35.8％（1.5％～48.2％）对16.8％（10.5％～18.5％），z＝−2.023，P＝0.040］。⑤肿瘤局部反应出现和瘤体缩小时间，均较全身不良反应时间延迟。⑥有效患者中出现肿瘤局部反应者OS率高于未出现肿瘤局部反应者，但差异无统计学意义（75.0％对34.6％，P＝0.169）。

结论

病灶>7.5 cm的R/R NHL患者CD19 CAR-T细胞治疗，近一半出现肿瘤局部反应，发生时间迟于全身不良反应开始的时间。临床试验注册：中国临床试验注册中心（ChiCTR1800018059）

[In vitro studies on the transfer of CAR into leukemia cells due to their residue in the autologous CAR-T cell preparation system for acute B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics and cytotoxicity in vitro of the residual leukemia cells in the culture system that caused the accidental transfer of CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) into leukemia cells during the preparation of autologous CD19 CAR-T cells of relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Methods: ①Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 30 patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic anemia (R/R B-ALL) who accepted CD19 CAR-T cell therapy and six healthy volunteers were collected. ②The residual leukemia cells were analyzed by flow cytometry in the system after the PBMCs of R/R B-ALL patients were sorted by CD3 magnetic beads. ③ CD3(+) T cells from patients and healthy volunteers were transfected with CD19 CAR and CD22 CAR lentivirus to prepare CD19 CAR-T and CD22 CAR-T cells. ④The Nalm-6 cell line was resuscitated and the Nalm-6 cells with CD19 CAR lentivirus were transfected to prepare CD19 CAR-Nalm-6 cells. The patient's primary ALL cells were transfected with CD19 CAR lentivirus at the same time. ⑤The transfection rates were analyzed by flow cytometer, the cell proliferation was analyzed by the CCK-8 method, and the cell-killing activities were detected by the lactate dehydrogenase method. Results: ① Among the 30 R/R B-ALL patients who received CD19 CAR-T cell therapy, two patients had 2.04% and 3.32% residual leukemia cells in CD3(+) T cells. After 4 days in culture, the residual leukemia cells disappeared and could not be detected by a flow cytometer with prolonged cultivation in vitro. ② The proliferation of CD19 CAR-Nalm-6 cells was higher than that of the Nalm-6 cells. ③ The killing activity of the CD19 CAR-T cells on Nalm-6 cells was higher than that of the CD19 CAR-Nalm6 cells at a target ratio of 1∶1 on 24, 48, 72 h, respectively. The cytotoxicity of CD22 CAR-T cells on CD19 CAR-Nalm-6 cells was significantly higher than that of CD19 CAR-T cells. ④ The cytotoxicity of CD22 CAR-T alone on CD19 CAR-Nalm-6 cells was higher than that of CD19 CAR-T combined with CD22 CAR-T at the same target ratio. Conclusion: The residual leukemia cells in the culture system in the preparation of CD19 CAR-T cells may lead to the introduction of CD19 CAR into leukemia cells and results in the failure of the CD19 CAR-T cell therapy. Detecting the residual leukemia cells in the culture system via flow cytometry before transfection with CD19 CAR lentivirus is needed. Thus, CD22 CAR-T cell therapy could be used as one of the salvage treatments.

[Clinical analysis of three cases with beta-thalassemia]

Objective: To study the diagnostic strategy of β-thalassemia through retrospective analysis of 3 cases of β-thalassemia. Methods: Three patients were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2014 to June 2015. The clinical manifestations, hemoglobin electrophoresis and gene detection of these patients and their parents were analyzed, diagnostic ideas and key points were discussed when beta thalassemia gene detection did not explain clinical manifestations or hemoglobin electrophoresis. Results: Case 1, boy, 5 years old, was diagnosed as compound heterozygotes of β41-42 and IVS-Ⅱ-654 with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin(HPFH) according to the clinical manifestations of mild anemia, normal size of liver and spleen, 92.8% fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and gene analysis. Case 2, girl, 3 years old, was confirmed the diagnosis of thalassemia intermedia with β41-42 heterozygote compound and ααα^anti3.7 heterozygote in accordance with the manifestations of severe anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, 8.6% HbF, 4.1% hemoglobin A₂(HbA₂) and gene analysis. Case 3, girl, 3 years old, with severe anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, 51.2% HbF and 3.7% HbA₂, was diagnosed as thalassemia major with compound heterozygotes of PolyA (T→C) and β17 by DNA sequencing. Conclusion: The diagnosis of β-thalassemia should be confirmed by clinical manifestations of hemolytic anemia, hemoglobin electrophoresis, gene diagnosis and family survey.

The VicRK System of Streptococcus mutans Responds to Oxidative Stress

In Streptococcus mutans, virulence and cariogenicity may be modulated via the two-component regulatory system VicRK. Environmental signals, sensed by VicK, inducing this modulation are still unclear, however, and were investigated in the present study. We found that VicRK displays homology with protein-domains that, in other bacteria, are involved in redox-sensing. After constructing a VicRK-promoter GFP-reporter strain, we showed increased fluorescence intensity under oxidative stress. Potential interference of alternative signals and experimental conditions on GFP expression was excluded by the use of negative and positive control strains. Finally, we constructed a clean vicK knockout mutant, which proved to be more sensitive to H2O2 than the wild-type. In conclusion, this study showed that the VicRK system responds to and protects against oxidative stress. As a result, a link between oxidative/redox stress and the cariogenic nature of S. mutans can be hypothesized.

A replicating plasmid-based vector for GFP expression in Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyopneumoniae) causes porcine enzootic pneumonia (PEP) that significantly affects the pig industry worldwide. Despite the availability of the whole genome sequence, studies on the pathogenesis of this organism have been limited due to the lack of a genetic manipulation system. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to generate a general GFP reporter vector based on a replicating plasmid. Here, we describe the feasibility of GFP reporter expression in M. hyopneumoniae (strain 168L) controlled by the p97 gene promoter of this mycoplasma. An expression plasmid (pMD18-TOgfp) containing the p97 gene promoter, and origin of replication (oriC) of M. hyopneumoniae, tetracycline resistant marker (tetM), and GFP was constructed and used to transform competent M. hyopneumoniae cells. We observed green fluorescence in M. hyopneumoniae transformants under fluorescence microscopy, which indicates that there was expression of the GFP reporter that was driven by the p97 gene promoter. Additionally, an electroporation method for M. hyopneumoniae with an efficiency of approximately 1 x 10(-6) transformants/μg plasmid DNA was optimized and is described herein. In conclusion, our data demonstrate the susceptibility of M. hyopneumoniae to genetic manipulation whereby foreign genes are expressed. This work may encourage the development of genetic tools to manipulate the genome of M. hyopneumoniae for functional genomic analyses.

Expression of recombinant myostatin propeptide pPIC9K-Msp plasmid in Pichia pastoris

Myostatin propeptide can inhibit the biological activity of myostatin protein and promote muscle growth. To express myostatin propeptide in vitro with a higher biological activity, we performed codon optimization on the sheep myostatin propeptide gene sequence, and mutated aspartic acid-76 to alanine based on the codon usage bias of Pichia pastoris and the enhanced biological activity of myostatin propeptide mutant. Modified myostatin propeptide gene was cloned into the pPIC9K plasmid to form the recombinant plasmid pPIC9K-Msp. Recombinant plasmid pPIC9K-Msp was transformed into Pichia pastoris GS115 by electrotransformation. Transformed cells were screened, and methanol was used to induce expression. SDS-PAGE and western blotting were used to verify the successful expression of myostatin propeptide with biological activity in Pichia pastoris, providing the basis for characterization of this protein.

Function Clustering Self-Organization Maps (FCSOMs) for mining differentially expressed genes in Drosophila and its correlation with the growth medium

The central task of this study was to mine the gene-to-medium relationship. Adequate knowledge of this relationship could potentially improve the accuracy of differentially expressed gene mining. One of the approaches to differentially expressed gene mining uses conventional clustering algorithms to identify the gene-to-medium relationship. Compared to conventional clustering algorithms, self-organization maps (SOMs) identify the nonlinear aspects of the gene-to-medium relationships by mapping the input space into another higher dimensional feature space. However, SOMs are not suitable for huge datasets consisting of millions of samples. Therefore, a new computational model, the Function Clustering Self-Organization Maps (FCSOMs), was developed. FCSOMs take advantage of the theory of granular computing as well as advanced statistical learning methodologies, and are built specifically for each information granule (a function cluster of genes), which are intelligently partitioned by the clustering algorithm provided by the DAVID_6.7 software platform. However, only the gene functions, and not their expression values, are considered in the fuzzy clustering algorithm of DAVID. Compared to the clustering algorithm of DAVID, these experimental results show a marked improvement in the accuracy of classification with the application of FCSOMs. FCSOMs can handle huge datasets and their complex classification problems, as each FCSOM (modeled for each function cluster) can be easily parallelized.

Apoptosis induced by lipid-associated membrane proteins from Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in a porcine lung epithelial cell line with the involvement of caspase 3 and the MAPK pathway

Lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs) are important in the pathogenicity of the Mycoplasma genus of bacteria. We investigated whether Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae LAMPs have pathogenic potential by inducing apoptosis in a St. Jude porcine lung epithelial cell line (SJPL). LAMPs from a pathogenic strain of M. hyopneumoniae (strain 232) were used in the research. Our investigation made use of diamidino-phenylindole (DAPI) and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) analysis, and Annexin-V-propidium iodide staining. After LAMP treatment for 24 h, typical changes were induced, chromosomes were concentrated, apoptotic bodies were observed, the 3'-OH groups of cleaved genomes were exposed, and the percentage of apoptotic cells reached 36.5 ± 11.66%. Caspase 3 and caspase 8 were activated and cytochrome c (cyt c) was released from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm; poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) was digested into two fragments; p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was phosphorylated; and the expression of pro-apoptosis protein Bax increased while the anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2 decreased. LAMPs also stimulated SJPL cells to produce nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide. This study demonstrated that LAMPs from M. hyopneumoniae can induce apoptosis in SJPL cells through the activation of caspase 3, caspase 8, cyt c, Bax, and p38 MAPK, thereby contributing to our understanding of the pathogenesis of M. hyopneumoniae, which should improve the treatment of M. hyopneumoniae infections.

Comparative analysis of mucosal immunity to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in Jiangquhai porcine lean strain and DLY piglets

The Jiangquhai porcine lean strain (JQHPL) is a new pork meat-type strain that has been developed in recent years from the parent lines Duroc, Fengjing, and Jiangquhai pigs (DurocxFengjing pigxJiangquhai pig). Enzootic pneumonia (EP) in pigs induced by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyopneumoniae) is a chronic respiratory disease of pigs, generating high economic losses in the swine industry. Here, we investigated the degree of resistance to M. hyopneumoniae for the Jiangquhai porcine lean strain and the Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire (DLY) pigs, which are Western commercial pigs that have been introduced in China. A total of 209 DLY piglets and 221 JQHPL piglets from 19 Landrace x Yorkshire and 22 JQHPL M. hyopneumoniae positive gestating sows with different expected dates of confinement were selected and raised in the same M. hyopneumoniae positive farrowing barn. When the oldest suckling piglets were 37 days old, nasal swabs were collected from all the piglets (ranging from 4 to 37 days old) to detect the M. hyopneumoniae pathogen using n-PCR and M. hyopneumoniae specific SIgA using ELISA. Positive M. hyopneumoniae infection rates in both the strains increased with age; however, positive rates for JQHPL were lower compared to DLY at 14 to 35 days old. The level of the specific SIgA rose rapidly in JQHPL respiratory tracts, particularly in piglets 21 to 35 days in age compared to DLY piglets of the same age; however, the level of the specific SIgA in DLY also marginally increased. In conclusion, JQHPL pigs exhibits higher resistance to M. hyopneumoniae compared to DLY. It is possible that this characteristic is caused by the faster and stronger mucosal immunity phenotype of the JQHPL strain.

Spironolactone prevents dietary-induced metabolic syndrome by inhibiting PI3-K/Akt and p38MAPK signaling pathways

OBJECTIVES

Aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of spironolactone (SPL) on indexes of metabolic syndrome (MS) and further investigate the mechanisms underlying its protective effects.

METHODS

A rat model of MS was established by administering a fat- and salt-enriched diet (FS diet). The occurrence of MS was examined by measurement of blood pressure (BP), aldosterone (ALD) content, blood lipid (BL), glucose and insulin levels. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Pancreatic gland tissue injury was assessed by β-cell apoptosis. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activity, phosphatidylinositol 3- kinase/Akt (PI3-K/Akt), and phosphorylation of p38MAPK (Pp38MAPK) in pancreatic gland tissue were evaluated by western blot analysis.

RESULTS

SPL prevented hypertension, and dyslipidemia during MS induced by the intake of FS diet, but had no effect on K+ and Na+ disturbances. Furthermore, SPL significantly attenuated ALD and MR expression levels after FS diet. Finally, SPL inhibited phosphorylation protein kinase B (p- PKB) activation in the pancreatic gland tissue, a downstream target of PI3-K, and phosphorylation of p38MAPK pathway, critical for cellular apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that SPL exerts a protective effect on hypertension and dyslipidemia. This protective effect may depend, at least in part, on MAPK and PI3-K pathways.

Improved tolerance of maize (Zea mays L.) to heavy metals by colonization of a dark septate endophyte (DSE) Exophiala pisciphila

Dark septate endophytes (DSE) are ubiquitous and abundant in stressful environments including heavy metal (HM) stress. However, our knowledge about the roles of DSE in improving HM tolerance of their host plants is poor. In this study, maize (Zea mays L.) was inoculated with a HM tolerant DSE strain Exophiala pisciphila H93 in lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) contaminated soils. E. pisciphila H93 successfully colonized and formed typical DSE structures in the inoculated maize roots. Colonization of E. pisciphila H93 alleviated the deleterious effects of excessive HM supplements and promoted the growth of maize (roots and shoots) under HM stress conditions, though it significantly decreased the biomass of inoculated maize under no HM stress. Further analysis showed that the colonization of E. pisciphila H93 improved the tolerance of maize to HM by restricting the translocation of HM ions from roots to shoots. This study demonstrated that under higher HM stress, such a mutual symbiosis between E. pisciphila and its host (maize) may be an efficient strategy to survive in the stressful environments.

Mature teratomas of the adrenal gland: imaging features

BACKGROUND

We describe the imaging features of three, histologically confirmed, mature teratomas of the adrenal gland not described previously in the radiologic literature and discuss the differential diagnosis of lipomatous tumors of the adrenal gland.

METHODS

Computed tomographic (n = 3), magnetic resonance imaging (n = 1), and sonographic (n = 1) features were reviewed retrospectively and the findings correlated with gross pathology and histology.

RESULTS

There were two females (age 8 and 18 years) and one male (age 17 years). Tumor size ranged from 5 to 11 cm (mean = 7.3 cm). All tumors were well circumscribed and contained fat components. Calcification was demonstrated in two tumors and was the predominant component in one. Only one was cystic.

CONCLUSION

The radiologic features of these tumors were typical of mature teratomas occurring elsewhere in the body. This should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lipomatous tumors of the adrenal gland, especially in children and adolescents.

[Probe into the virtual medical instruments]

With the use of 3DSMAX and AUTO CAD 2000, we have practiced the dynamic simulation of the virtual medical instrument, which is very useful in design. The engineer and doctor can watch a product and change it before making so as to save the time of design and to improve the quality.

Computed tomography of retroperitoneal paragangliomas

More than 10% of retroperitoneal paragangliomas are malignant. Histopathological appearance is unreliable in distinguishing benign from malignant paragangliomas. In this study the computed tomography (CT) features of retroperitoneal paragangliomas were analysed to determine if benign neoplasms could be distinguished from malignancy by their appearance at imaging. We reviewed the clinical profiles and CT scans of 27 benign and seven malignant retroperitoneal paragangliomas in 32 patients to determine the presence of any characteristic appearances of benign and malignant neoplasms. Extra-adrenal paragangliomas were more frequently malignant (50%) than adrenal neoplasms (12.5%). Benign lesions were generally smaller (average 6.1 cm) than malignant lesions (average 7.9 cm). Benign tumours were more likely to be homogeneous (46.2%) and have well-defined margins (92.3%) than malignant tumours (25 and 12.5% respectively). Larger tumours were more frequently necrotic. Malignant retroperitoneal paragangliomas infiltrated adjacent liver, pancreas, bowel, lymph nodes, blood vessels, or metastasized to bone and liver. Malignant retroperitoneal paragangliomas are frequently extra-adrenal, large and heterogeneous, with ill-defined margin and necrosis. CT is useful for delineating the location, extent and nature of these tumours. Infiltration of surrounding tissues or organs, metastases, and resectability are accurately assessed by CT.

Magnetic field tomography of cortical and deep processes: examples of "real-time mapping" of averaged and single trial MEG signals

Magnetic field tomography (MFT) provides 3-dimensional estimates of brain activity, from non-contact, non-invasive measurements of the magnetic field generated by coherent electrical activity in the brain. MFT analysis of averaged auditory "odd-ball" data show cortical and deep activation, presumably from the amygdala and hippocampus. These results are compared with MFT estimates obtained from a patient who had undergone lobectomy which removed these structures. The variability from subject to subject is confounded by variability between trials for the same subject; the relationship between the averaged and single trials is probed by bi-hemispheric simultaneous measurements performed under the same odd-ball paradigm and by MFT analysis of auditory evoked data and interictal epileptic activity.

Activation sequence of discrete brain areas during cognitive processes: results from magnetic field tomography

Magnetic field tomography is a technique for extracting 3-dimensional estimates of current density in the brain, from non-contact, non-invasive measurements of the magnetic field generated by the brain. It allows visualisation of both cortical and subcortical focal activation patterns at millisecond intervals, and the relative time difference between active cortical areas. We have used this technique to study the activation history of discrete brain regions associated with the preparation for, initiation and inhibition of movement, and movement itself in a CNV paradigm. The strongest focal activities are found within well defined cortical regions, namely the auditory (A1), sensorimotor (SM1), medial parietal area (MPA) and anterior supplementary motor area (SMA). For the movement condition, activation history differs for the warning stimulus and the stimulus initiating movement.

Stent of shape-memory alloy for urethral obstruction caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia

Dilation and positioning a stent in the prostatic urethra have become important alternatives for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but both have significant drawbacks, namely the need to repeat the treatment in the former case and the conflict between the introducing means and the generation of sufficient expansile force in the latter case. A spiral of a Chinese titanium-nickel alloy with shape memory was implanted in 25 patients with BPH using a self-made coaxial sheath. With a follow-up of 3 to 20 months, the success rate is 92%. There has been no encrustation or migration of the spirals. We deem the spiral of this shape-memory alloy to be a good alternative in patients with BPH who are unfit for surgery.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of valproate analogues in rats. IV. Anticonvulsant action and neurotoxicity of octanoic acid, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, and 1-methyl-1-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid

We examined the pharmacodynamics of valproate (VPA) and three structural analogues, octanoic acid (OA), cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (CCA), and 1-methyl-1-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (MCCA) in rats. A pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) infusion seizure model was used to determine threshold convulsive doses of PTZ; the increase in PTZ threshold dose after administration of test compound was taken as an index of anticonvulsant activity. Each of the compounds investigated antagonized PTZ-induced seizures, with MCCA evidencing the highest potency. Both CCA and MCCA appeared to have an approximate twofold advantage relative to VPA in protective index (i.e., the ratio of concentrations that produce toxicity to concentrations that produce anticonvulsant effect), based on a rotorod assay of neurotoxicity. Examination of the time course of PTZ antagonism indicated that there was significant dissociation between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of VPA, with a marked delay in production of maximal anticonvulsant activity. In contrast, only a slight delay in production of maximal protection against PTZ-induced seizures was observed for MCCA, and no delay was evident for CCA. The data indicate that the dynamics of anticonvulsant action differ between these low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids despite their similar chemical structures.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of valproate analogs in rats. II. Pharmacokinetics of octanoic acid, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, and 1-methyl-1-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid

The pharmacokinetics of valproic acid (VPA) and three structural analogs, octanoic acid (OA), cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (CCA), and 1-methyl-1-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (MCCA), were examined in female Sprague-Dawley rats. All four carboxylic acids evidenced dose-dependent disposition. A dose-related decrease in total body clearance was observed for each test compound, suggesting the presence of saturable elimination processes. Furthermore, the apparent volume of distribution for these compounds was, with the exception of CCA, dose-dependent, indicating that binding to proteins in serum and/or tissues may be saturable. Both VPA and MCCA exhibited enterohepatic recirculation, although the degree of recirculation appeared to be dose- and compound-dependent. Significant quantities of both VPA and MCCA were excreted in the urine as base-labile conjugates, presumably representing glucuronides. In contrast, OA and CCA were not excreted in the urine as base-labile conjugates and did not evidence enterohepatic recirculation. CCA displayed apparent Michaelis-Menten kinetics, although the calculated Km was dose-dependent. The results suggest that relatively minor changes in chemical structure have a marked influence on the metabolism and disposition of low molecular weight carboxylic acids.

[Antithrombotic effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum]

Human blood samples were investigated in vitro to observe the antithrombotic effect of water extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP). The results showed that GP could inhibit significantly the platelet aggregation induced by ADP and compound agonists (P < 0.05), accelerate obviously the disaggregation (P < 0.05) and inhibit effectively the experimental thrombosis (P < 0.05). The delayed effects of GP on KPTT, PT, TT, AT, RVV-RT, RVV-CT suggested that this drug could decrease the activity of multiple coagulation factors. And it showed that GP could accelerate the erythrocyte electrophoresis rate. This study revealed that GP is an antithrombotic agent affecting the links of thrombotic chain which is worthwhile to be studied further.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of valproate analogs in rats. III. Pharmacokinetics of valproic acid, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, and 1-methyl-1-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid in the bile-exteriorized rat

The pharmacokinetics of valproic acid (VPA) and its structural analogs cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (CCA) and 1-methyl-1-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (MCCA) were examined in bile-exteriorized rats. A 0.52 mmol/kg dose (equivalent to 75 mg/kg VPA) of test compound (N = 4 rats per compound) was administered as an intravenous bolus. VPA, CCA, and MCCA concentrations in serum, bile, and urine were determined by gas chromatography before and after incubation in sodium hydroxide to hydrolyze base-labile conjugates. Concentration-time profiles of these compounds in serum displayed apparent Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Serum concentrations of base-labile conjugates were similar to parent concentrations for VPA, were an order of magnitude lower than parent concentrations for CCA, and were undetectable for MCCA. Urinary recovery of base-labile (apparently glucuronide) conjugates in the bile-exteriorized rat was 28.8%, 12.0%, and 25.2% of the administered dose for VPA, CCA, and MCCA, respectively. In contrast, more than 50% of the dose for VPA and MCCA was recovered in bile as the base-labile conjugate, with less than 5% of the CCA dose recovered via this excretory route. Bile flow was stimulated significantly by VPA and MCCA, but not by CCA; changes in bile flow correlated with the biliary excretion rate of base-labile conjugates rather than with excretion of the parent compounds themselves.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Small integrating meter for assessing long-term exposure to magnetic fields

A small, lightweight meter has been developed for magnetic-field measurements, particularly those needed for exposure-assessment purposes. This meter, known as the AMEX-3D, continuously measures all three axes of magnetic-flux density and electronically combines the data into a single estimate of cumulative exposure to the root-mean-square (rms) resultant flux density. The AMEX-3D weighs about 120 g, measures 2.7 cm x 5.1 cm x 10.2 cm, and is battery powered. Two panel-mounted jacks are provided for measuring battery voltage and for reading cumulative exposure data from the unit. The instrument has, within 3 dB, a flat response to magnetic flux densities at all frequencies in its 30-1,000 Hz bandwidth. A detailed analysis of error sources in the AMEX-3D leads to an estimate of +/- 20% as the accuracy of the instrument over its dynamic range, which extends from 0.02 to 15 microT. The AMEX-3D was tested in the field by asking electric-utility distribution linemen to wear AMEX-3D and EMDEX meters simultaneously while working. Agreement between the two measures of exposure was excellent.

Expression of type 8 capsular polysaccharide and production of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 are associated among vaginal isolates of Staphylococcus aureus

A colony immunoblot method was developed for serotyping the capsular polysaccharides expressed by Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The method was rapid and specific and was performed with either polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies specific for each of the capsule types. S. aureus isolates were obtained from patients with toxic shock syndrome (TSS) or other staphylococcal infections and from asymptomatic women with vaginal colonization. Among the vaginal isolates of S. aureus, expression of the type 8 capsule was significantly (P less than 0.001) more frequent among strains that produced TSS toxin 1 (TSST-1) than it was among TSST-1-negative strains. In contrast, the frequency of type 8 capsule expression was similar among both TSST-1-positive and -negative strains of S. aureus from patients with nonvaginal TSS. When all vaginal and nonvaginal isolates were compared, TSST-1-negative S. aureus strains were equally distributed among the type 5 and 8 and nontypeable capsule groups, whereas TSST-1-positive strains were predominantly capsule type 8.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of valproate analogues in rats. I. Spiro[4.6]undecane-2-carboxylic acid

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the spiro carboxylic acid, spiro[4.6]undecane-2-carboxylic acid (SUCA, ADD 93024), were investigated in rats and compared with those of the standard anticonvulsant carboxylic acid, valproate (VPA). The clearance of SUCA was dose-dependent, although the observed nonlinearity did not appear to be due to classical saturable elimination. The change in clearance across doses was consistent with end-product inhibition or cosubstrate depletion. The volume of distribution of the spiro compound also evidenced nonlinearity, possibly due to concentration-dependent binding to serum proteins. In contrast, the dose-dependent clearance displayed by VPA was composed of both saturable and nonsaturable components. Furthermore, the disposition of VPA was characterized by a significant enterohepatic recirculation, whereas no such recirculatory process was apparent for SUCA. Both compounds afforded significant protection from pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures, and the time course of anticonvulsant effect did not correspond to that of drug concentrations in serum for either anticonvulsant. The apparent dissociation between the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of VPA may be a function of the mechanism of antiepileptic action and not due to the presence of active metabolites of the drug.