[Expression changes of RNA m6A regulators in mouse cerebellum affected by hypobaric hypoxia stimulation]

Objective: To investigate the role of RNA m6A methylation in mediating cerebellar dysplasia through analyzing the phenotypes of the mouse cerebella and the expression of several key m6A regulators upon hypobaric hypoxia treatment. Methods: Five-day old C57/BL6 mice were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 9 days. The status of mouse cerebellar development was analyzed by comparing the body weights, brain weights and histological features. Immunostaining of cell-type-specific markers was performed to analyze the cerebellar morphology. Real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect the expression of key m6A regulators in the mouse cerebella. Results: Compared with the control, the body weights, brain weights and cerebellar volumes of hypobaric hypoxic mice were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The expression of specific markers in different cells, including NeuN (mature neuron), Calbindin-D28K (Purkinje cell) and GFAP (astrocyte), was decreased in hypobaric hypoxic mouse cerebella (P<0.01), accompanied with disorganized cellular structure. The expression of methyltransferase METTL3 was significantly down-regulated in the cerebella of hypobaric hypoxic mice (P<0.05). Conclusions: Hypobaric hypoxia stimulation causes mouse cerebellar dysplasia, with structural abnormalities in mature granular neurons, Purkinje cells and astrocytes. Expression of METTL3 is decreased in hypobaric hypoxic mice cerebellum compared with that of normobaric normoxic mice, suggesting that its mediated RNA m6A methylation may play an important role in hypobaric hypoxia-induced mouse cerebellar dysplasia.

Sequential Immunizations with Influenza Neuraminidase Protein Followed by Peptide Nanoclusters Induce Heterologous Protection

Enhancing cross-protections against diverse influenza viruses is desired for influenza vaccinations. Neuraminidase (NA)-specific antibody responses have been found to independently correlate with a broader influenza protection spectrum. Here, we report a sequential immunization regimen that includes priming with NA protein followed by boosting with peptide nanoclusters, with which targeted enhancement of antibody responses in BALB/c mice to certain cross-protective B-cell epitopes of NA was achieved. The nanoclusters were fabricated via desolvation with absolute ethanol and were only composed of composite peptides. Unlike KLH conjugates, peptide nanoclusters would not induce influenza-unrelated immunity. We found that the incorporation of a hemagglutinin peptide of H2-d class II restriction into the composite peptides could be beneficial in enhancing the NA peptide-specific antibody response. Of note, boosters with N2 peptide nanoclusters induced stronger serum cross-reactivities to heterologous N2 and even heterosubtypic N7 and N9 than triple immunizations with the prototype recombinant tetrameric (rt) N2. The mouse challenge experiments with HK68 H3N2 also demonstrated the strong effectiveness of the peptide nanocluster boosters in conferring heterologous protection.

[A case report of bronchial granular cell tumor]

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a relatively rare tumor that develops in soft tissues at various sites in the body, and GCT originating in the bronchus is rather rare. Here, we reported a case of primary GCT of the bronchial to improve the understanding of this disease.

Boost immunizations with NA-derived peptide conjugates achieve induction of NA inhibition antibodies and heterologous influenza protections

Neuraminidase is suggested as an important component for developing a universal influenza vaccine. Targeted induction of neuraminidase-specific broadly protective antibodies by vaccinations is challenging. To overcome this, we rationally select the highly conserved peptides from the consensus amino acid sequence of the globular head domains of neuraminidase. Inspired by the B cell receptor evolution process, a reliable sequential immunization regimen is designed to result in immuno-focusing by steering bulk immune responses to a selected region where broadly protective B lymphocyte epitopes reside. After priming neuraminidase protein-specific antibody responses in C57BL/6 or BALB/c inbred mice strains by immunization or pre-infection, boost immunizations with certain neuraminidase-derived peptide-keyhole limpet hemocyanin conjugates significantly strengthened serum neuraminidase inhibition activities and cross-protections. Overall, this study provides proof of concept for a peptide-based sequential immunization strategy for achieving targeted induction of cross-protective antibody response, which provides references for designing universal vaccines against other highly variable pathogens.

[Gastric cancer-derived mesenchymal stem cells regulate the M2 polarization of macrophages within gastric cancer microenvironment via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway]

Objective: To investigate the role and mechanism of tumor-derived mesenchymal stem cells in regulating the M2 polarization of macrophages within gastric cancer microenvironment. Methods: Gastric cancer tissues and the adjacent non-cancerous tissues were collected from patients underwent gastric cancer resection in the First People's Hospital of Lianyungang during 2018. In our study, THP-1-differentiated macrophages were co-cultured with gastric cancer-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GC-MSCs). Then, the M2 subtype-related gene, the markers expressed on cell surface and the cytokine profile were analyzed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), flow cytometry and Luminex liquid chip, respectively. The key cytokines mediating the inducing effect of GC-MSCs on macrophage polarization into the M2 subtype were detected and screened by Luminex liquid chip, which were further confirmed by the neutralizing antibody test. The expressions of macrophage proteins involved in M2 polarization-related signaling pathways under the different co-culture conditions of GC-MSCs were detected by western blot. Results: In Mac+ GC-MSC-culture medium (CM) group, the expression levels of Ym-1 and Fizz-1 (1.53±0.32 and 13.22±1.05, respectively), which are markers for M2 subtype, were both significantly higher than those of Mac group (1.00±0.05 and 1.21±0.38, respectively, P<0.05). The level of iNOS in Mac+ GC-MSC-CM group (0.60±0.41) was significantly lower than that of Mac group (1.06±0.38, P=0.023). In Mac+ GC-MSC-Transwell (TW) group, the expression levels of Ym-1 and Fizz-1 (1.47±0.09 and 13.16±2.77, respectively) were both significantly higher than those of Mac group (1.00±0.05 and 1.21±0.38, respectively, P<0.05). The level of iNOS in Mac+ GC-MSC-CM group (0.56±0.03) was significantly lower than that of Mac group (1.06±0.38, P=0.026). The ratios of CD163(+) /CD204(+) cells in Mac+ GC-MSC-CM and Mac+ GC-MSC-TW groups (3.80% and 4.40%, respectively) were both remarkably higher than that of Mac group (0.60%, P<0.05). The expression levels of IL-10, IL-6, MCP-1 and VEGF in Mac+ GC-MSC-CM group were (592.60±87.52), (1 346.80±64.70), (11 256.00±29.03) and (1 463.90±66.67) pg/ml, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of Mac group [(41.03±2.59), (17.35±1.79), (5 213.30±523.71) and (267.12±12.06) pg/ml, respectively, P<0.05]. The levels of TNF-α, IP-10, RANTES and MIP-1α were (95.57±9.34), (410.48±40.68), (6 967.30±1.29) and (1 538.70±283.04) pg/ml, which were significantly lower than those of Mac group [(138.01±24.31, (1 298.60±310.50), (14 631.00±4.21) and (6 633.20±1.47) pg/ml, respectively, P<0.05]. The levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in GC-MSCs [(11 185.02±2.82) and (12 718.03±370.17) pg/ml, respectively] were both strikingly higher than those of MSCs from adjacent non-cancerous gastric cancer tissues [(270.71±59.38) and (106.04±32.84) pg/ml, repectively, P<0.05]. The ratios of CD86(+) cells in Mac+ IL-6-blocked-GC-MSC-CM and Mac+ IL-8-blocked-GC-MSC-CM groups (28.80% and 31.40%, respectively) were both higher than that of Mac+ GC-MSC-CM group (24.70%). Compared to Mac+ GC-MSC-CM group (13.70%), the ratios of CD204(+) cells in Mac+ IL-6-blocked-GC-MSC-CM and Mac+ IL-8-blocked-GC-MSC-CM groups (9.90% and 8.70%, separately) were reduced. The expression levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3, which are proteins of macrophage M2 polarization-related signaling pathway, in Mac+ GC-MSC-CM group (0.86±0.01 and 1.08±0.01, respectively) were significantly higher than those of Mac group (0.50±0.01 and 0.82±0.01, respectively, P<0.05). The expression levels of p-JAK2 in Mac+ IL-6-blocked-GC-MSC-CM group (0.47±0.02) were significantly lower those that of Mac+ GC-MSC-CM group (0.86±0.01, P<0.05). The expression levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in Mac+ IL-8-blocked-GC-MSC-CM group (0.50±0.01 and 0.85±0.01, respectively) were both significantly lower than those of Mac+ GC-MSC-CM group (0.86±0.01 and 1.08±0.01, P<0.05). The expression levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in Mac+ IL-6/IL-8-blocked-GC-MSC-CM group (0.37±0.01 and 0.65±0.01, respectively) were both significantly lower than those of Mac+ GC-MSC-CM group (0.86±0.01 and 1.08±0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion: GC-MSCs promote the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in macrophages via high secretions of IL-6 and IL-8, which subsequently induce the macrophage polarization into a pro-tumor M2 subtype within gastric cancer microenvironment.

[Detection of circulating tumor cells with chromosomes 7 and 8 polysomy in non-small cell lung cancer and its correlation with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in cancer tissue]

Objective: To investigate the value of chromosomes 7 and 8 polysomy in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) for the diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer, and the correlation of CTCs with clinical pathological characteristics and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in cancer tissue. Methods: Fifty-seven patients with non-small cell lung cancer and 21 patients with benign lung diseases were enrolled at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China from November 2017 to October 2020. Negative enrichment combined with immunofluorescence in situ hybridization (imFISH) was used to identify CTCs polysomy on chromosomes 7 and 8. EGFR mutations in 56 lung cancer patients was detected using ARMS-PCR. Results: CTCs were detected in 93.0% (53/57) of non-small cell lung cancers and 28.6% (6/21) benign lung lesions. The difference between lung cancer patients and the control cohort was statistically significant (P<0.01). Receive operator curve (ROC) analyses showed that, when the cut-off value was 1 cell/3.2 mL, Youden index had the highest sensitivity of 93.0% and specificity of 71.4% (AUC=0.906, 95%CI:0.833-0.980, P<0.01). The positive rate of CTCs in stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ cancers was significantly higher than that in stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ (P=0.023). No significant correlation was observed between positive rate of CTCs or chromosome polysomy and age, gender, smoking status, pathologic types and EGFR mutation status. The number of CTCs in EGFR mutated group was higher than that in the non-mutated group (6.5±1.1 vs. 3.7±0.7, P=0.045). The detection rate for CTCs ≥5 in the EGFR mutated group was also higher than the EGFR non-mutated group (52.0% vs. 19.4%,P=0.010). Conclusion: Detection of CTCs with chromosomes 7 and 8 polysomy has potential value in auxiliary diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer, and the number of CTCs is correlated to TNM stage and EGFR gene mutation status.

[Effects of p-Phenylene diamine on liver and kidney functions of occupational exposed workers]

Objective: To study the effect of p-phenylenediamine (PPD) on liver and kidney function in occupational exposed workers. Methods: Workers in a hair dye production enterprise which used p-phenylenediamine as a raw material for production were selected as the main research population. Then we conducted a questionnaire survey on the basic conditions of workers and conducted occupational health checkups on general health status, liver and kidney function. Occupational health examination assessment results were tested in Taizhou Cancer Hospital. All data was built using EpiData 3.1 software, and statistical analysis was performed using software SPSS 20.0. Results: The liver function indicators including direct bilirubin, prealbumin, total protein, and white protein, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamyl transpeptidase, and total bilirubin in the workers exposed to high concentration of PPD were at high normal values, and these indicators were significantly different from low PPD concentration group (P<0.05) . The serum creatinine and serum uric acid in the renal function index were significantly higher in workers exposed to PPD than in workers exposed to low concentrations and in the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Occupational exposed to PPD may have a hazard to the workers' liver and kidney function. Long-term occupational exposure to PPD may lead to increased cumulative exposure of workers, which may cause potential chronic liver and kidney damage in occupationally exposed populations.

[Clinical features and MYH9 gene variant in two Chinese siblings with Fechtner syndrome]

Objective: To summarize the clinical data and molecular characteristics of two siblings with Fechtner syndrome. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data, laboratory tests and genetic test results of two siblings with Fechtner syndrome in a family who were followed up in the Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from April 2018 to August 2018. Results: Both siblings showed proteinuria, microscopic hematuria and thrombocytopenia. Giant platelets and leucocyte inclusions were easily seen in peripheral blood smears and bone marrow cells, but the results of renal function, hearing and ophthalmologic examinations were normal. The father of the siblings presented with proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, and hearing loss. At the age of 26 years, he developed uremia and now requires hemodialysis. The renal biopsy of the elder sister suggested focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Gene analysis showed that the siblings and their father MYH9 gene 25 exon c.3195_c.3215 delCGAGCTCCAGCCCAGATCGC (p.A1065_A1072 del) deletion mutation. The elder sister was treated with benazepril hydrochloride for 4 months and the proteinuria was improved. Her younger brother was given tacrolimus for 3 months, but the proteinuria did not improve significantly, then benazepril hydrochloride was given for 1 month and proteinuria improved. Conclusions: Fechtner syndrome is characterized by nephritis, thrombocytopenia, giant platelets and leucocyte inclusions. The variant of MYH9 gene is the cause of Fechtner syndrome. The deletion mutation of p.A1065_A1072del is the second international report. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may be effective in reducing proteinuria in patients with Fechtner syndrome.

[Determination of p-Phenylene diamine in workplace air by elution solution-liquid chromatography]

Objective: To establish a elution solution-liquid chromatography method for determination of p-Phenylene diamine (PPD) in workplace air. Methods: p-Phenylene diamine (PPD) in the air of workplace was collected with glass fiber filters coated with dilute sulfuric acid and extracted with an aqueous EDTA solution. The target toxicant was separated with the C(18) column and analyzed with UV detector, identified by retention time, and quantified by peak area. Results: The linear range of PPD in the air of workplace was 2.00~10.00 μg/ml, with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 96. The limit of detection was 0.07 μg/ml. The lower limit of quantification was 0.23 μg/ml. The minimum detectable concentration was 0.003 1 mg/m(3) under 45.0 L sampling volume and 2.0 ml extraction solution volume. The within-run precision of different PPD concentrations was 0.15%~2.3% and the between-run precisions was 1.4%~2.6%; The extraction efficiencies was 91.4%~95.4%; The average collection efficiencies was 96.6%; The samples could be stored for 7 days isolation of air. The potential coexistence of m-Phenylene diamine and o-Phenylene diamine with p-Phenylene diamine (PPD) in the air did not interfere with the results of determination. Conclusion: This method has high sensitivity, precision, accuracy and lower limit of detection and it is applicable for determination of p-Phenylene diamine (PPD) in workplace air.

Connect the Thermodynamics of Bulk and Confined Fluids: Confinement-Adsorption Scaling

A fluid (a gas or a liquid) adsorbed in a porous material can behave very differently from its bulk counterpart. The advent of various synthesized materials with nanopores and their wide applications have provided strong impetus for studying fluids in confinement because our current understanding is still incomplete. From a large number of Monte Carlo simulations, we found a scaling relation that allows for connecting some thermodynamic properties (chemical potential, free energy per particle, and grand potential per particle) of a confined fluid to the bulk ones. Upon rescaling the adsorbed fluid density, the adsorption isotherms for many different confining environments collapse to the corresponding bulk curve. We also reveal the intimate connection of the reported scaling relation to Gibbs theory of inhomogeneous fluids and morphological thermodynamics. The advance in our understanding of confined fluids, gained from this study, also opens attractive perspectives for circumventing experimental difficulty for directly measuring some fluid thermodynamic properties in nanoporous materials.

[Curcumin induces apoptosis and protective autophagy in human gastric cancer cells with different degree of differentiation]

Objective: To investigate the effect of curcumin on the apoptosis and autophagy of human gastric cancer cells with different degree of differentiation. Methods: Gastric cancer cell lines BGC-823 and MKN-28 were treated with curcumin at different concentrations. The effect of curcumin on cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Autophagy status was analyzed by acridine orange staining. The expression levels of apoptotic and autophagy-related proteins were detected by Western blot. Results: The cell viability of BGC-823 and MKN-28 was inhibited by curcumin in a time- and dose-dependent manner. At 48 h after treatment, the IC(50) value of BGC-823 (15.18 μmol/L) was close to that of MKN-28 (15.84 μmol/L), and the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.513). Meanwhile, flow cytometry showed that curcumin induced the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot results showed that the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins bax, active-caspase-3 and active-caspase-9 was significantly increased in BGC-823 and MKN-28 cells, whereas that of the anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 was strikingly reduced. In addition, the formation of acidic vesicular organelles in cytoplasm, conversion of LC3-Ⅰ to LC3-Ⅱ and increased levels of autophagy-related proteins Beclin1, Atg7 and Atg5-Atg12 were observed in curcumin-treated cells. Moreover, activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was also significantly suppressed after curcumin treatment. Blocking autophagy by adding the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) significantly promoted the apoptotic cell death induced by curcumin. Conclusions: Curcumin induces apoptosis and protective autophagy in human gastric cancer cells in vitro. Curcumin combined with autophagy inhibitor may provide a more effective strategy for its clinical application.

Isodon eriocalyx and its bioactive component Eriocalyxin B enhance cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer, associated with poor prognosis and low survival rate, has been the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the US. Although gemcitabine (Gem) is the first-line chemotherapeutic drug in the management of pancreatic cancer, the median survival extension is only 1.5 months, indicating unsatisfactory clinical results. Therefore, exploring agents that can enhance the anti-cancer activity of Gem would be an attractive strategy.

PURPOSE

Our previous studies have demonstrated that eriocalyxin b (EriB), an ent‑kaurane diterpenoid isolated from Isodon eriocalyx (Dunn.) Hara, possesses anti-pancreatic cancer effects, thus acting as a potential therapeutic agent. In this study, we further investigated whether EriB or the ethanol extract of I. eriocalyx (Isodon) could potentiate the cytotoxic activity of Gem in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. In addition, the mechanism associated with their effects was also studied.

METHODS

The anti-proliferation effect was assessed by MTT assay and Ki-67 immunostaining. The combination effect (addition, synergism and antagonism) of various agents was calculated by the Calcusyn software (Biosoft), utilizing the T.C. Chou Method. Apoptosis was detected using Annexin V and PI double staining followed by quantitative flow cytometry. Protein expression regulated by various treatments was analyzed by western blotting.

RESULTS

The combination index revealed that Gem and EriB (or Isodon extract) had synergistic anti-proliferative effect. Both cellular apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects of Gem were significantly increased after combination with EriB (or Isodon extract). The underlying mechanisms involved in the combination effects were elucidated, which include: (1) increased activation of the caspase cascade; (2) reduction of PDK1 and AKT phosphorylation; (3) induction of JNK phosphorylation by Isodon and Gem combination.

CONCLUSION

Gem and EriB (or Isodon extract) taken together in combination regulated PDK1/AKT1/caspase and JNK signaling and promoted apoptosis synergistically, which may contribute to the much increased anti-proliferative activity compared to either agent alone.

[Surveillance data on typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever in 2015, China]

Objective: Through analyzing the surveillance data on typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever in 2015 to understand the related epidemiological features and most possible clustering areas of high incidence. Methods: Individual data was collected from the passive surveillance program and analyzed by descriptive statistic method. Characteristics on seasonal, regional and distribution of the diseases were described. Spatial-temporal clustering characteristics were estimated, under the retrospective space-time method. Results: A total of 8 850 typhoid fever cases were reported from the surveillance system, with incidence rate as 0.65/100 000. The number of paratyphoid fever cases was 2 794, with incidence rate as 0.21/100 000. Both cases of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever occurred all year round, with high epidemic season from May to October. Most cases involved farmers (39.68%), children (15.89%) and students (12.01%). Children under 5 years showed the highest incidence rate. Retrospective space-time analysis for provinces with high incidence rates would include Yunnan, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan and Guangdong, indicating the first and second class clusters were mainly distributed near the bordering adjacent districts and counties among the provinces. Conclusion: In 2015, the prevalence rates of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever were low, however with regional high prevalence areas. Cross regional transmission existed among provinces with high incidence rates which might be responsible for the clusters to appear in these areas.

Fluids in porous media. IV. Quench effect on chemical potential

It appears to be a common sense to measure the crowdedness of a fluid system by the densities of the species constituting it. In the present work, we show that this ceases to be valid for confined fluids under some conditions. A quite thorough investigation is made for a hard sphere (HS) fluid adsorbed in a hard sphere matrix (a quench-annealed system) and its corresponding equilibrium binary mixture. When fluid particles are larger than matrix particles, the quench-annealed system can appear much more crowded than its corresponding equilibrium binary mixture, i.e., having a much higher fluid chemical potential, even when the density of each species is strictly the same in both systems, respectively. We believe that the insight gained from this study should be useful for the design of functionalized porous materials.

Scaled Particle Theory for Multicomponent Hard Sphere Fluids Confined in Random Porous Media

The formulation of scaled particle theory (SPT) is presented for a quite general model of fluids confined in a random porous media, i.e., a multicomponent hard sphere (HS) fluid in a multicomponent hard sphere or a multicomponent overlapping hard sphere (OHS) matrix. The analytical expressions for pressure, Helmholtz free energy, and chemical potential are derived. The thermodynamic consistency of the proposed theory is established. Moreover, we show that there is an isomorphism between the SPT for a multicomponent system and that for a one-component system. Results from grand canonical ensemble Monte Carlo simulations are also presented for a binary HS mixture in a one-component HS or a one-component OHS matrix. The accuracy of various variants derived from the basic SPT formulation is appraised against the simulation results. Scaled particle theory, initially formulated for a bulk HS fluid, has not only provided an analytical tool for calculating thermodynamic properties of HS fluid but also helped to gain very useful insight for elaborating other theoretical approaches such as the fundamental measure theory (FMT). We expect that the general SPT for multicomponent systems developed in this work can contribute to the study of confined fluids in a similar way.

Water-soluble metal nanoparticles stabilized by plant polyphenols for improving the catalytic properties in oxidation of alcohols

Plant polyphenols extracted from plants are one of the most abundant biomasses in nature, which are typical water soluble natural polymers. Herein, we reported a facile approach for the synthesis of platinum nanoparticle (PtNP) aqueous colloid by utilizing black wattle tannin (BWT, a typical plant polyphenol) as amphiphilic stabilizer. The phenolic hydroxyls of BWT provide the PtNPs with enough hydrophilicity, and their reduction ability could protect the PtNPs from deactivation caused by oxygen atmosphere. Additionally, the hydrophilic nature of BWT could efficiently promote the oxidation of alcohols in water, meanwhile, the hydrophobic and rigid backbones of plant polyphenols are able to suppress the PtNPs from aggregating, thus ensuring the high dispersion of the PtNPs during reactions. Under mild aerobic conditions, the as-prepared BWT-Pt colloid catalyst exhibited high activity in a series of biphasic oxidation of aromatic alcohols and aliphatic alcohols. As for the cycling stability, the BWT-Pt catalyst showed no obvious decrease during the 7 cycles, revealing superior cycling stability as compared with the counterparts using PVP or PEG as the stabilizer.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) polymorphism gene and coronary artery disease risk: a meta-analysis

We studied the association between aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) polymorphism and coronary artery disease (CAD) and clarified the mechanisms underlying this association. We searched the ISI, Medline (Ovid), PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and Weipu Databases. Statistical analysis was performed using Revman 5.0 and Stata12.0 softwares. A total of 3305 cases and 5016 controls in 12 case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis. Variant A allele carriers showed a 48% increased risk of CAD compared with homozygote A allele [odds ratio (OR) = 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.18-1.87 for AA + AG vs GG]. In subgroup analysis by gender, significantly elevated risks were found in the mixed group (OR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.42-2.22) but not in males (OR = 1.12, 95%CI = 0.79-1.57). In subgroup analysis by disease type, significant elevated risks were associated with A allele carriers in myocardial infarction [OR = 1.69, 95%CI = (1.05-2.71)], in coronary heart disease (OR = 1.36, 95%CI = 1.00-1.86), but not in coronary heart disease plus diabetes mellitus subjects (OR = 1.57, 95%CI = 0.58-4.29). Moreover, those with the GG genotype consumed significantly more alcohol than those with the AA/AG genotypes (standard mean deviation: 6.32 g, 95%CI = 2.09-10.55, P = 0.000). ALDH2 polymorphisms may be risk factors for CAD. Moreover, CAD patients with ALDH2 genotypes AG and AA consumed significantly less alcohol than those with GG. To further evaluate gene-gene and gene-environment interactions between ALDH2 polymorphisms and the risk of CAD, more studies with larger groups of patients are required.

A novel mutation links to von Hippel-Lindau syndrome in a Chinese family with hemangioblastoma

Hemangioblastoma of the central nervous system occurs as sporadic tumors or as a part of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, an autosomal dominant hereditary tumor syndrome caused by a germline mutation in the VHL tumor suppressor gene. We screened a Chinese family with VHL for mutations in the VHL gene and evaluated a genetic test for diagnosing VHL disease and clinical screening of family members. DNA extracted from the peripheral blood of all live members and from tissue of deceased family members with VHL disease was amplified by polymerase chain reaction to 3 VHL gene exons. Mutations in the amplification products were compared against the Human Gene Mutation Database. The involvement of multiple organs among the kindred with VHL disease was confirmed by medical history and radiography. Of the 12 members of the 4-generation family, 5 were diagnosed with VHL disease. Patient age at the initial diagnosis was 26-36 years (mean = 31 years). The mean time was 15 (11-19 months) from symptom appearance to the first patient visit to the hospital. Sequence analysis revealed that the frameshift mutation 327del C (p.Gly39Alafs*26) in exon 1 affected all family members, but not the healthy individuals or 16 unrelated controls. Members without gene mutation showed no clinical manifestation of VHL disease. We detected a conserved novel frameshift mutation in the VHL gene of the family members that contributes to VHL. DNA analysis of VHL is advantageous for VHL diagnosis. We developed a quick and reliable method for VHL diagnosis.

Universal primers to amplify the complete mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene in marine fish species

A pair of new universal 12S mitochondrial rRNA gene primers was designed through multiple alignment analysis of the mitochondrial tRNA(Phe) and the 5' region of 16S mitochondrial rRNA genes of different kinds of fishes. The primers were successfully used to amplify an expected product fragment of about 1.2 kb from various marine fish species, and the amplified DNA fragment was recognized to contain the complete 12S mitochondrial rRNA and tRNA(Val) genes, as well as a partial 16S mitochondrial rRNA gene of about 146 bp in length. The primers would facilitate the study of the species discrimination, population and evolution in marine fish species.

Enhanced uptake of heavy metals in municipal solid waste compost by turfgrass following the application of EDTA

Enhancement of multiple heavy metal uptake from municipal solid waste (MSW) compost by Lolium perenne L. in a field experiment was investigated with application of EDTA. EDTA was added in solution at six rates (0-30 mmol kg( - 1)) after 50 days of plant growth. Two weeks later, plants were harvested for the first crop and then all the turfgrasses were mowed. After another 30 days of growth, EDTA was added again at above six rates to the corresponding sites and the second crop was harvested 2 weeks later. The results showed that EDTA significantly increased heavy metal accumulation in both crops of L. perenne. For the first crop, the concentrations of Mn, Ni, Cd, and Pb in the shoots increased remarkably with increasing EDTA supply, peaked at 25 mmol kg( - 1) EDTA, and shoots of 0-5 cm height (shoots from medium surface to 5 cm height) had higher metal concentrations than 5-10 cm and >10 cm shoots. The highest concentration of Mn, Ni, Cd, and Pb was 2.3-, 2.3-, 2.6-, and 3.2-fold, respectively, in 0-5 cm shoots higher than control. For the second crop, the concentrations of Mn, Cu, and Pb in shoots were, in general, less than those in the first crop. However, the second crop was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the first crop in dry biomass, so the total amount of metals removed by the second crop was more than the first crop. In addition, EDTA significantly increased the translocation ratios of most heavy metals from roots to shoots. For the first crop, 38% of the total Zn, 51% of Cd, 49% of Pb, 60% Mn, 55% Ni, and 45% Cu taken up by the plant was translocated in the shoots of 0-5 cm height. Turfgrass would have potential for use in remediation of heavy metals in MSW compost or contaminated soils.

Fluids in porous media. I. A hard sponge model

The morphology of many porous materials is spongelike. Despite the abundance of such materials, simple models which allow for a theoretical description of these materials are still lacking. Here, we propose a hard sponge model which is made by digging spherical cavities in a solid continuum. We found an analytical expression for describing the interaction potential between fluid particles and the spongelike porous matrix. The diagrammatic expansions of different correlation functions are derived as well as that of grand potential. We derived also the Ornstein-Zernike (OZ) equations for this model. In contrast to Madden-Glandt model of random porous media [W. G. Madden and E. D. Glandt, J. Stat. Phys. 51, 537 (1988)], the OZ equations for a fluid confined in our hard sponge model have some similarity to the OZ equations of a three-component fluid mixture. We show also how the replica method can be extended to study our sponge model and that the same OZ equations can be derived also from the extended replica method.

Location and phylogenetic analysis of the region immediately upstream of the granulin gene of the Clostera anachoreta granulovirus

The region immediately upstream of the granulin gene from Clostera anachoreta granulovirus (ClanGV) was identified from hybridization experiments and sequenced. The sequence of 5122nt EcoRI restriction fragment was presented and compared with the equivalent area in other GVs. Database searches showed that this region contained three open reading frames (ORFs) similar to the baculovirus genes (egt, fgf and me53, respectively) and four ORFs unique to ClanGV genome. Phylogenetic trees of the baculovirus genes egt and me53 were constructed. These analyses indicated that ClanGV genes may be more closely related to CfGV, CpGV, ClGV, PoGV and AoGV than to PxGV and XcGV.

[Establishment of Z-HL16C cell line.]

BACKGROUND

To establish and study the nature and the application of Z-HL16C cell line.

METHODS

The cell line was continuously passed, frozen stored and recovered. Its application was expanded and the cell type was identified.

RESULTS

The cell line had an epithelial-cell-like shape, the size appeared uniform, the cell boundary was distinct. It has been continuously passed, frozen stored and recovered for ten years. Its recovery rate was about 90%. It has been proved to be sensitive to the tested viruses which were enteroviruses (Polio, Cox, Echo), influenza viruses, parainfluenzaviruses, adenoviruses, measles virus. This cell line has been identified as a cancerization cell.

CONCLUSION

The cell line Z-HL16C has been stably established, it has a broad spectrum in sensitivity for culturing viruses.

Characterization of the RNA-binding domain in the Dendrolimus punctatus cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus nonstructural protein p44

Dendrolimus punctatus cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (DpCPV-1) belongs to the Cypovirus genus in the Reoviridae family. The ORF of genome segment 8 (S8) of DpCPV-1 was cloned into vector pMAL-c2X and used to express a 44kDa protein (p44) in E. coli, which was detected by Western blotting. The gel mobility shift assays showed that p44 had ssRNA-binding activity. Competitive assay indicated that this protein only bind to ssRNA and could not interact with DNA and dsRNA. The binding of p44 to ssRNA is sequence non-specific. To identify the domain(s) important for RNA binding of the protein, a number of deletions were made. These truncated proteins were expressed in E. coli and purified. The affinity of each truncated protein towards ssRNA was then assayed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and northwestern blot. The results indicated that glutamic acid-rich domain in the central region of p44 from residues 104 to 201 was the ssRNA-binding domain.

Mapping the RNA-binding domain on the DpCPV VP4

The RNA-binding properties of VP4 protein of Dendrolimus punctatus cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (DpCPV) VP4 were analyzed. VP4 was expressed in E. coli and assayed for RNA binding activity by gel mobility shift assay. VP4 was found to bind RNA (ssRNA and dsRNA) in a sequence-independent manner, but did not interact with DNA. To identify the domain(s) of the protein important for RNA binding, a number of deletions were made and tested by gel mobility shift assays and northwestern blot. The central region of VP4 from amino acid residues 77 to 155 was found to contain the RNA binding domain.

Nucleotide sequences of genome segments S6, S7 and S10 of Dendrolimus punctatus cypovirus 1

The nucleotide sequences of genome segments S6, S7 and S10 of Dendrolimus punctatus cypovirus 1 Hunan I (DpCPV-HN(I)) and DpCPV-HN(I)-Se(3) (DpCPV-HN(I) passed three times in Spodoptera exigua) were determined. Segment S10 was 944 nucleotides in length and encoded a polyhedrin of 248 amino acids (28,439 Da). Only two nucleotide mutations were found between DpCPV-HN(I) S10 and DpCPV-HN(I)-Se3 S10, and the deduced amino acid sequences of the polyhedrin proteins were identical. Segment S7, 1 501 nucleotides, encoded a protein of 448 amino acids ( approximately 50 kDa; p50). Thirty-one nucleotide mutations were found between DpCPV-HN(I) S7 and DpCPV-HN(I)-Se3 S7, but these resulted in only four amino acid changes. DpCPV-HN(I) S6 encoded a protein of 561 amino acids (63,688 Da; p64). The amino acid sequence of p64, had a high leucine content (10%), and contained a leucine zipper motif and one ATP/GTP-binding site motif.

Genomic sequence analyses of segments 1 to 6 of Dendrolimus punctatus cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus

The complete nucleotide sequences of genomic segments S1 to S6 from Dendrolimus punctatus cypovirus 1 (DpCPV-1) have been determined. Each segment of S1 to S6 possess a single open reading frame. Conserved motifs 5' (AGUAA) and 3'(GUUAGCC) were found at the ends of each segment. Comparison of the proteins of DpCPV with those of other members in the family Reoviridae lead us to suggest that S1, S3, S4 and S6 encode the viral structural protein VP1, VP2, VP3 and VP4, respectively. S5 encoded viral non-structural protein p100 and S2 encodes an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Motif analysis shows that VP3 is similar to the methyltransferase of Methanosarcina mazei Goe1, VP4 has motifs for leucine zipper and ATP/GTP-binding sites, and p100 is remarkably similar to foot-and-mouth disease virus 2A protease (FMDV 2Apro). Phylogenetic analysis of RdRps from nine viruses of the family Reoviridae indicates that DpCPV is a type 1 cypovirus, more related to Bombyx mori cypovirus (BmCPV) than to other cypovirus species. DpCPV is more related to Rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV) than to other members of different genera of the family Reoviridae, which seems to confirm the previous hypothesis that plant reoviruses originated from insect reoviruses.

Molecular characterization of segments 7-10 of Dendrolimus punctatus cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus provides the complete genome

The nucleotide sequences of genomic segments S7-S10 from Dendrolimus punctatus cypovirus strain Hunan (DpCPV-Hn) have been determined. This provides the complete genome sequences of DpCPV-Hn. Each segment of S7-S10 possess a single segment each. Homology searches showed that the nucleotide sequences and the deduced amino acid sequences of DpCPV S7-10 had high level of identities with those of Bombyx mori cypovirus (BmCPV) S7-10, respectively. While the amino acid sequences of the proteins encoded by DpCPV S7 and S8 have low identities with those of the proteins encoded by type 14 Lymantria dispar cypovirus S7 and S8, respectively. DpCPV S7 encodes viral structural protein VP5, S8 and S9 encode viral non-structural proteins, and S10 encodes polyhedrin gene, according to the function of the genome segments of BmCPV. There are glutamic-acid-rich and proline-rich domains in the central region of DpCPV S8 encoded protein. A nuclear localization signal was found in the protein encoded by DpCPV S9. Phylogenetic analysis of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases from nine viruses of the family Reoviridae and polyhedrin from eight viruses of the genus Cypovirus indicate that DpCPV is a type 1 cypovirus, more closely related to BmCPV than to other cypovirus species. These results also support the classification of CPV groups based on the electrophoretic migration of genomic dsRNA.

[The expression and distribution of Smad 2 in human tooth germ]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of Smad 2 gene in human tooth germ,and the possible function of Smad 2 during human tooth germ development.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical staining on prepared specimens of different stages of developing human tooth germ.

RESULTS

Smad 2 expression had specific temporal-spatial pattern during tooth germ development, which was similar to TGF-beta.

CONCLUSION

The expression of Smad 2 gene in tooth germ was detected in different stages of human tooth germ. The results suggest that Smad 2, one of the intracellular downstream molecules of TGF-beta, and as an inductive signal mediating epithelial-mesenchymal interaction, may regulate the differentiation of ameloblast and odontoblast cells, and modulate dentinogenesis and amelogenesis.

Tillage and nutrient source effects on surface and subsurface water quality at corn planting

This study quantified the effects of tillage (moldboard plowing [MP], ridge tillage [RT]) and nutrient source (manure and commercial fertilizer [urea and triple superphosphate]) on sediment, NH4+ -N, NO3- -N, total P, particulate P, and soluble P losses in surface runoff and subsurface tile drainage from a clay loam soil. Treatment effects were evaluated using simulated rainfall immediately after corn (Zea mays L.) planting, the most vulnerable period for soil erosion and water quality degradation. Sediment, total P, soluble P, and NH4+ -N losses mainly occurred in surface runoff. The NO3- -N losses primarily occurred in subsurface tile drainage. In combined (surface and subsurface) flow, the MP treatment resulted in nearly two times greater sediment loss than RT (P < 0.01). Ridge tillage with urea lost at least 11 times more NH4+ -N than any other treatment (P < 0.01). Ridge tillage with manure also had the most total and soluble P losses of all treatments (P < 0.01). If all water quality parameters were equally important, then moldboard plow with manure would result in least water quality degradation of the combined flow followed by moldboard plow with urea or ridge tillage with urea (equivalent losses) and ridge tillage with manure. Tillage systems that do not incorporate surface residue and amendments appear to be more vulnerable to soluble nutrient losses mainly in surface runoff but also in subsurface drainage (due to macropore flow). Tillage systems that thoroughly mix residue and amendments in surface soil appear to be more prone to sediment and sediment-associated nutrient (particulate P) losses via surface runoff.

Immunogenicity and safety of purified Vero-cell rabies vaccine in severely rabies-exposed patients in China

The immunogenicity and safety of a purified Vero-cell rabies vaccine (PVRV, VERORAB; Aventis Pasteur, France) were evaluated in 171 patients treated for severe exposure to rabies (WHO category III contacts) at the Shandong Provincial Antiepidemic Station in Jinan and an EPI center in Ping Yin, China. Post-exposure treatment consisted of a single dose of equine rabies immunoglobulin (ERIG, 40 IU/kg body weight) on Day (D) 0, and intra-muscular administration of PVRV on D 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28. Antirabies antibody levels were evaluated on D 0, 7, 14, 28, 90 and 180 using the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test. By D 14 all subjects had seroconverted (> or = 0.5 IU/ml), with a geometric mean titer of 50.3 IU/ml. Antibody titers remained above the seroprotection threshold in all patients for 3 months, and in 98.2% of subjects for 6 months. All patients were still alive 6 months after the start of treatment. PVRV and ERIG were shown to be well tolerated and no serious adverse events were observed. Following PVRV administration, 12 patients (7.0%) had at least one local reaction (mostly pruritus, erythematous rash and pain). Fourteen patients (8.2%) developed local reactions at the site of ERIG administration. Twelve patients (7.0%) developed systemic reactions following post-exposure treatment, the most frequent of which were pruritus, rash and vertigo. This study demonstrates that PVRV is immunogenic and safe in Chinese patients treated according to WHO recommendations for severe rabies exposure.

[Cost-benefit analysis on immunization of newborns with hepatitis B vaccine in Jinan City]

The decision tree model cost-benefit analysis method was used to analyse the strategies and economic benefits of immunization of newborns with hepatitis B vaccines in Jinan City. The results showed that all the three vaccination strategies could all produce positive benefits. Their BCR were 42.41 to 48.01. Through the decision analysis, it concluded that stress should be laid on the blocking of mother-to-infant transmission, and that if there are sufficient HB vaccines, all newborns should be vaccinated. In addition, the results of sensitivity analysis indicate that the benefits of HB vaccination are outstanding and quite stable.

[Immune function of rheumatoid arthritis treated by medicated-bath therapy in Tibetan medicine]

The changes of the immune function of rheumatoid arthritis before and after the Tibetan medicated-bath was observed. It showed a higher level of the rheumatoid factor (RF) titre, immunoglobulin (Ig) G, M, A and CD4 cells, but the CD8 cells was obviously lower before the treatment. Clinical data indicated that the medicated-bath had significant effective rate. In order to elucidate the mechanism of the medicated-bath upon rheumatoid arthritis the RF titre, Ig level, complement C3, 3H-TdR incorporated with lymphocytes transformation and CD3, CD4, CD8 cell level were assayed. Results showed that RF titre decreased after the bath and the negative transforming rate reached 70.6%, Ig level obviously dropped as well as the number of CD4 cells while CD8 cell level increased. The transforming stimulation index of lymphocyte cells obviously decreased. All of the above mentioned showed that there was a higher concentration of the enhancing factor of interleukin-2 (IL2-EF) involved in lymphocyte culture of rheumatoid arthritis patients. They suggested that the Tibetan medicated-bath had an immunomodulating effect on rheumatoid arthritis patients through increasing the level of CD8 cells and reducing CD4 cells.

[Effects of plant hormone on germination of Bupleurum falcatum L. seeds]

The germinant rate of Bupleurum falcatum can be raised by soaking the seeds in BA or GA3 solution. The effect of BA is better than that of GA3. BA and GA3 cannot be used together, otherwise the effect on germination will be decreased or checked. BA or GA3 should be used before the natural sowing time, for after this time they will be useless or even harmful.

[Preservation of cytomegalovirus by lyophilization]

The preservation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) by lyophilization was first developed in China. In 4 to 10 days the typical CPE was up to + in the HEL cell line which was inoculated only 0.2 ml suspension of lyophilized strain AD169 or CMV isolated from milk breast. After preserved for 1 year the lyophilized cytomegalovirus strain still contained 1.5-2.0 lgTCID50/0.1 ml in titer of viral infection. The lyophilized strains have been used in the preparation of diagnostic antigen of cytomegalovirus in our department, also the strains were supplied to the whole country.

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis: recovery of non-stained and stained proteins from gel slices

Following electrophoresis or isoelectric focusing in gels of polyacrylamide the protein band of interest is cut out and placed above a sucrose gradient column, containing carrier ampholytes (Pharmalyte). By electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing or displacement electrophoresis the proteins migrate out of the gel slice and into the isoelectric focusing column for concentration and further purification. From this column, the proteins can be withdrawn and their isoelectric points determined. Even after staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue at least some proteins can be recovered by this technique and used for further analyses, for instance amino acid determinations. The focusing in a pH gradient by carrier ampholytes can be replaced by an electrophoresis in a conductivity gradient column. However, in comparison with isoelectric focusing, this concentration technique has the drawback of not permitting further purification of the eluted protein.