[Role of neoadjuvant rectal score in prognosis and adjuvant chemotherapy decision-making in locally advanced rectal cancer following neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy]

Objectives: To assess the prognostic impact of the neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score following neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), as well as its value in guiding decisions for adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: Between August 2015 and August 2018, patients were eligible from the STELLAR phase III trial (NCT02533271) who received short-course radiotherapy plus consolidation chemotherapy and for whom the NAR score could be calculated. Based on the NAR score, patients were categorized into low (＜8), intermediate (8-16), and high (＞16) groups. The Kaplan-Meier method, log rank tests, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the impact of the NAR score on disease-free survival (DFS). Results: Out of the 232 patients, 24.1%, 48.7%, and 27.2% had low (56 cases), intermediate (113 cases), and high NAR scores (63 cases), respectively. The median follow-up period was 37 months, with 3-year DFS rates of 87.3%, 68.3%, and 53.4% (P＜0.001) for the low, intermediate, and high NAR score groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the NAR score (intermediate NAR score: HR, 3.10, 95% CI, 1.30-7.37, P=0.011; high NAR scores: HR=5.44, 95% CI, 2.26-13.09, P＜0.001), resection status (HR, 3.00, 95% CI, 1.64-5.52, P＜0.001), and adjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 3.25, 95% CI, 2.01-5.27, P＜0.001) were independent prognostic factors for DFS. In patients with R0 resection, the 3-year DFS rates were 97.8% and 78.0% for those with low and intermediate NAR scores who received adjuvant chemotherapy, significantly higher than the 43.2% and 50.6% for those who did not (P＜0.001, P=0.002). There was no significant difference in the 3-year DFS rate (54.2% vs 53.3%, P=0.214) among high NAR score patients, regardless of adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusions: The NAR score is a robust prognostic indicator in LARC following neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy, with potential implications for subsequent decisions regarding adjuvant chemotherapy. These findings warrant further validation in studies with larger sample sizes.

Vascular epiphyte populations with higher leaf nutrient concentrations showed weaker resilience to an extreme drought in a montane cloud forest

Leaf stoichiometry can characterize plant ecological strategies and correlate with plant responses to climate change. The role of vascular epiphytes in the ecosystem processes of tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems cannot be ignored. Vascular epiphytes are very vulnerable to climate change, however, the relationship between the response of epiphytes to climate change and leaf stoichiometry is not well understood. We present data for 19 vascular epiphyte species that were collected during four consecutive censuses (in 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020) over 15 years in a subtropical montane cloud forest. We assessed the relationships between the population dynamics and leaf stoichiometry of these vascular epiphytes. Experiencing an extreme drought, 14 of the 19 epiphyte species showed an obvious decrease in the number of individuals, and all species showed negative growth in the number of populations. Subsequently, the total number of individuals gradually recovered, increasing from 7,195 in 2010 to 10,121 in 2015, then to 13,667 in 2020. The increase in the number of vascular epiphyte individuals from 2010 to 2015 was significantly negatively correlated with leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentration, and was significantly positively correlated with the leaf carbon-nitrogen ratio. Vascular epiphyte populations with higher leaf nutrient concentrations exhibited weaker resilience to the extreme drought, which demonstrated that a resource-conservative strategy was advantageous for the recovery of epiphyte populations. Our findings suggest that ecological stoichiometry can be a useful framework for forecasting the dynamics of vascular epiphyte populations in response to climate change.

[Analysis of non-bacterial respiratory pathogens in children in Ningbo City from 2019 to 2021]

Objective: To investigate the distribution characteristics of respiratory non-bacterial pathogens in children in Ningbo from 2019 to 2021. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 23 733 children with respiratory tract infection who visited the department of pediatrics of Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital from July 2019 to December 2021. There were 13 509 males (56.92%) and 10 224 females (43.08%), with an age range of 1 day to 18 years old. There were 981 cases in the neonatal group (younger than 1 month old), 5 880 cases in the infant group (1 month to younger than 1 year old), 6 552 cases in the toddler group (1 to younger than 3 years old), 7 638 cases in the preschool group (3 to younger than 7 years old), and 2 682 cases in the school-age group (7 to 18 years old). Thirteen respiratory pathogens were detected by multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on capillary electrophoresis, and SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis of the results, the count data were expressed as percentages, and the χ² test was used for comparison between groups. Results: Of the 23 733 specimens, 13 330 were positive for respiratory pathogens, with a total positive rate of 56.17%. The positive rates of human rhinovirus (HRV) 24.05% (5 707/23 733), human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) 10.45% (2 480/2 3733) and mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) 7.03% (1 668/23 733) were in the first three. The positive rates of pathogens in the male and female children were 57.47% (7 763/13 509) and 54.45% (5 567/10 224), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=21.488, P<0.001). The positive rates in the neonatal group, infant group, toddler group, preschool group, and school-age group were 31.80% (312/981), 54.71% (3 217/5 880), 63.23% (4 143/6 552), 59.83% (4 570/7 638), 40.57% (1 088/2 682), respectively, and the difference among the groups was statistically significant (χ²=681.225, P<0.001). The single infection rate was 47.43% (11 256/23 733), the mixed infection rate of two or more pathogens was 8.74% (2 074/23 733), most of which were mixed infections of two pathogens. HRV, HADV, HCOV, Ch disseminated in the whole year. HRSV, HMPV, Boca, HPIV occurred mostly in fall and winter. The positive rates of FluA, FluB, Mp were at a low level after the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic (2020 and 2021). The positive rates of FluA, H1N1, H3N2, FluB, HADV, Mp in 2020 were significantly lower than in 2019 (P<0.05). The positive rates of HPIV, HRV, HCOV, Ch in 2020 were significantly higher than in 2019 (P<0.05). The positive rates of FluA, H1N1, H3N2, HPIV, HCOV, Mp, Ch in 2021 were significantly lower than in 2020 (P<0.05). The positive rates of Boca, HMPV, HRSV in 2021 were significantly higher than in 2020 (P<0.05). Conclusion: From 2019 to 2021, the main non-bacterial respiratory pathogens of children in Ningbo City were Mp and HRV, and the detection rates of respiratory pathogens varied among different ages, seasons and genders.

High-Altitude Exposure and Time Interval Perception of Chinese Migrants in Tibet

High-altitude exposure can negatively impact one’s ability to accurately perceive time. This study focuses on Chinese migrants who have traveled to the Tibetan plateau and explores the effects of high-altitude exposure on their time interval judgment abilities based on three separate studies. In Study 1, it was found that exposure to high altitudes negatively impacted the time interval judgment functions of the migrants compared with a low-altitude control group; they exhibited a prolonged response time (540 ms: p = 0.006, 95% CI (−1.70 −0.32)) and reduced accuracy (1080 ms: p = 0.032, 95% CI (0.06 1.26)) in certain behavioral tasks. In Study 2, the results showed that high-altitude exposure and sleepiness had an interactive effect on time interval judgment (1080 ms) (p < 0.05, 95% CI (−0.83 −0.40)). To further verify our interaction hypothesis, in Study 3, we investigated the time interval judgment of interactions between acute high-altitude exposure and sleepiness level. The results revealed that the adaptation effect disappeared and sleepiness significantly exacerbated the negative effects of high-altitude exposure on time interval judgment (p < 0.001, 95% CI (−0.85 −0.34)). This study is the first to examine the effects of high-altitude exposure on time interval judgment processing functions and the effects of sleep-related factors on individual time interval judgment.

[Research Advances on the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome --Review]

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is clinically rare, with high mortality and case fatality rates. In recent years, the research on HUS has been intensified and the pathophysiological mechanism has been continuously improved. At present, the main mechanism of pathogenesis is the excessive activation of complement alternative pathways mediated by complement-related gene mutations or the existence of antibodies. The treatment methods and strategies are also constantly updated, mainly including complement-blocking drugs such as Eculizumab, Lavalizumab, and Ravulizumab. In this review, the new developments in the pathogenesis and treatment of HUS is summarized, and provide references for the clinical treatment of HUS.

[Stereotactic body radiation therapy for patients with lung and liver oligometastases from colorectal cancer: a phase Ⅱ trial]

Objective: To explore the safety and effectiveness of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for oligometastases from colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: This is a prospective, single-arm phase Ⅱ trial. Patients who had histologically proven CRC, 1 to 5 detectable liver or lung metastatic lesions with maximum diameter of any metastases ≤5 cm were eligible. SBRT was delivered to all lesions. The primary endpoint was 3-year local control (LC). The secondary endpoints were treatment-related acute toxicities of grade 3 and above, 1-year and 3-year overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test. Results: Petients from 2016 to 2019 who were treated in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College. Forty-eight patients with 60 lesions were enrolled, including 37 liver lesions and 23 lung lesions. Forty-six patients had 1 or 2 lesions, with median diameter of 1.3 cm, the median biologically effective dose (BED(10)) was 100.0 Gy. The median follow-up was 19.5 months for all lesions. Twenty-five lesions developed local failure, the median local progression free survival was 15 months. The 1-year LC, OS and PFS was 70.2% (95% CI, 63.7%~76.7%), 89.0% (95% CI, 84.3%~93.7%) and 40.4% (95%CI, 33.0%~47.8%). The univariate analysis revealed that planning target volume (PTV) and total dose were independent prognostic factors of LC (P<0.05). For liver and lung lesions, the 1-year LC, OS and PFS was 58.7% and 89.4% (P=0.015), 89.3% and 86.5% (P=0.732), 30.5% and 65.6% (P=0.024), respectively. No patients developed acute toxicity of grade 3 and above. Conclusion: SBRT is safe and effective treatment method for oligometastases from CRC under precise respiratory motion management and robust quality assurance.

[Effect of Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst fluid protein on allergic rhinitis induced by ovalbumin in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect of Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst fluid protein (HCFP) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) in mice.

METHODS

Twenty-four BALB/c mice at ages of 8 to 10 weeks, each weighing approximately 20 g, were randomly divided into four groups, including groups A (blank control group), B (blank intervention group), C (AR model group) and D (AR+HCFP intervention group), with 6 mice in each group. On days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, mice in groups A, B, C and D were injected with 200 μL sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS), 200 μL sterile PBS containing 20 μg HCFP, 200 μL sterile PBS containing 50 μg OVA and 5 mg Al(OH)₃ gel, and 200 μL sterile PBS containing 50 μg OVA, 5 mg Al(OH)₃ gel and 20 μg HCFP, respectively. On days 14 to 20, mice in groups A, B, C and D were administered with 40 μL sterile PBS, 40 μL sterile PBS containing 20 μg HCFP, 40 μL sterile PBS containing 2 mg OVA and 40 μL sterile PBS containing 2 mg OVA and 20 μL HCFP by nasal drop, respectively. Mouse behavioral changes were observed and behavioral scores were estimated. The serum levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and OVA-specific IgE antibody (OVA-sIgE) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the pathological changes of mouse nasal mucosa were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining.

RESULTS

The mean behavioral score was significantly greater in Group C (6.83 ± 0.50) than in groups A (1.17 ± 0.52) and B (1.33 ± 0.52) (P < 0.05), while a lower mean behavioral score was estimated in Group D (3.50 ± 0.50) than in Group C (P < 0.05). There were significant differences among the groups in terms of serum IFN-γ (F = 4.08, P < 0.05), IL-4 (F = 275.90, P < 0.05), IL-5 (F = 96.82, P < 0.05), IL-10 (F = 77.67, P < 0.05), TGF-β (F = 9.98, P < 0.05) and OVA-sIgE levels (F = 44.69, P < 0.05). The serum IFN-γ level was significantly lower in Group C than in groups A, B and C (P < 0.05), and the serum levels of IL-4, IL-5 and OVA-sIgE were significantly higher in Group C than in groups A, B and C (P < 0.05), while the serum IL-10 and TGF-β levels were significantly greater in Group D than in Group C (P < 0.05). Microscopy showed apparent loss of nasal mucosa cilia, increased number and enlargement of goblet cells, interstitial edema and submucous vascular dilation in Group C, while the pathological changes of nasal mucosa were alleviated in Group D relative to Group C.

CONCLUSIONS

E. granulosus HCFP has a protective activity against OVA-induced allergic rhinitis in mice.

[Neurological complications after three-column osteotomy in spinal deformity patients with different magnetic resonance imaging -based classification of spinal cord shape]

Objective: To compare the incidences of neurological complications after three-column osteotomy based on the magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-based classification of spinal cord shape and cerebrospinal fluid in patients with severe thoracic kyphoscoliosis. Methods: A total of 112 patients (52 males, 60 females, age (M(Q₁,Q₃)) 13.5 years (9.0-38.5 years)) with thoracic kyphoscoliosis who underwent three-column osteotomy in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from August 2015 to August 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The radiographic parameters including spinal cord morphology at apex, Cobb angle of main curve, distance between C₇ plumb line and center sacral vertical line (C₇PL-CSVL), global kyphosis (GK) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured, retrospectively. The Frankel scoring system was used for the evaluation of neurological status at pre-operation, post-operation and the last follow-up. Results: The spinal cord morphologies at apex were classified into type Ⅰ in 8 (7.1%) patients, type Ⅱ in 58 (51.8%), and type Ⅲ in 46 (41.1%), respectively. The patients were followed-up for (28.5±3.4) months. Compared with pre-operation, the Cobb angle of main curve, C₇PL-CSVL, GK and SVA showed significantly improvement at post-operation (all P<0.05) and with no significant correction loss at the last follow-up (all P>0.05). New neurological complications were detected in 3 patients with type Ⅱ spinal cord shape, of whom the neurological scores were Frankel D at post-operation. For patients with type Ⅲ spinal cord shape, new neurological complications were detected in 6 patients including 1 Frankel C and 5 Frankel D. In addition, deterioration of neurological status from Frankel D to Frankel C was found in 3 patients with type Ⅲ spinal cord shape. The incidence of new or deteriorating neurological complications in patients with type Ⅲ spinal cord shape was higher than that in type Ⅱ patients (19.6% vs 5.2%, P=0.037). Conclusions: The MRI-based classification is associated with post-operative neurological complications in patients with severe kyphoscoliosis undergoing three-column osteotomy. Patients with type Ⅲ spinal cord shape are at higher risk of post-operative neurological complications.

Recovery patterns in patients undergoing revision surgery of the primary knee prosthesis

Purpose

Despite good survival rates of revised knee prostheses, little is known about recovery trajectories within the first 12 months after surgery. This retrospective observational study explored recovery trajectories in terms of pain, function and quality of life in patients after revision knee arthroplasty over 12 months.

Methods

Eighty-eight revision knee arthroplasty patients rated changes in daily physical functioning using the anchor question (0: very much worsened; 7: very much improved). Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) of pain (range 0–10), function (Oxford Knee Score) and quality of life (EQ-5D-3L) were assessed preoperatively, at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Four recovery trajectories were identified using the anchor question at 3 and 12 months postoperatively: no improvement, late improvement, early improvement, and prolonged improvement. Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted with recovery trajectories as dependent variable and PROM assessments as independent variables.

Results

Sixty percent reported improvement in daily physical functioning at 12 months postoperatively. Age and reason for revision differed between groups. Pain, function and EQ-5D-3L differed between groups over time. Late and prolonged improvement groups improved on all PROMs at 12 months. The early improvement group did not report improvement in daily physical functioning at 12 months, while improvements in function and pain during activity were observed.

Conclusions

Different recovery trajectories seem to exist and mostly match PROMs scores over time. Not all patients may experience beneficial outcome of revision knee arthroplasty. These findings are of importance to provide appropriate information on possible recovery trajectories after revision knee arthroplasty to patients.

Level of evidence

III

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40634-021-00436-w.

[Analysis of components of proteins from Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the components of proteins from Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid using the shotgun method, and to identify the active components with potential regulatory effects for immune dysregulation diseases.

METHODS

The E. granulosus cyst fluid was collected aseptically from the hepatic cysts of patients with cystic echinococcosis, and characterized by liquid chromatography (LC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) following digestion with trypsin. The protein data were searched using the software MaxQuant version 1.6.1.0 and the cellular components, molecular functions, and biological processes of the identified proteins were analyzed using the Gene Ontology (GO) method.

RESULTS

The E. granulosus cyst fluid separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) had a relative molecular mass of 25 to 70 kDa. LS-MS/MS analysis identified 37 proteins, including 32 known proteins and 5 unknown proteins. At least 4 proteins were preliminarily found to exhibit potential regulatory effects for immune dysregulation diseases, including antigen B, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), thioredoxin peroxidase (TPX) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH). GO enrichment analysis showed that the identified proteins had 149 molecular functions and were involved in 341 biological processes.

CONCLUSIONS

E. granulosus cyst fluid has a variety of protein components, and four known proteins are preliminarily identified to be associated with immune dysregulation diseases.

[Comparison of preoperative chemotherapy with concurrent chemoradiotherapy combined with TME for 305 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer]

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the long-term efficacy and prognostic factors of preoperative chemotherapy (PCT) or chemoradiotherapy (PCRT) combined with total mesorectal excision in locally advanced rectal cancer. Methods: Clinical pathology data of 305 patients with localized advanced rectal cancer admitted to the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2006 to 2018 were collected, of whom 246 patients received PCRT (PCRT group), 59 patients received PCT (PCT group). Kaplan-Meier and Log rank test were used for the survival analysis, Cox regression model was used for multivariate analysis, and the prognosis of two groups of patients were compared by the propensity score matching (PSM). Results: In the whole group of 305 patients, 20 cases of tumors located in the upper part of the rectum and at the junction of rectum and colon, 96 cases in the middle of the rectum and 189 cases in the lower part of the rectum. PCRT group included 38 cases of cT2-3 phase, 11 cases of cT4a stage, 10 cases of cT4b stage, while the cases in PCT group were 184, 0 and 62 cases, respectively, the difference is statistically significant (P<0.05). The R0 excision rates of PCRT group and PCT group were 100% (246/246) and 96.6% (57/59), respectively, and the total pathological remission rates were 13.4% and 3.3%, respectively (P<0.05). After PSM, the 3-year survival rates of PCRT group and the PCT group were 86.6% and 89.9% (P>0.05), respectively, and the progression-free survival rates were 74.6% and 77.2% (P>0.05), local recurring free survival rates were 100% and 92.3% (P>0.05), distant metastasis free survival rate were 75.6% and 77.3% (P>0.05). Pre-treatment N-positive, N-degeneration and MRF-positive were all associated with total survival (P<0.05). Conclusion: In the PCRT group, with a higher proportion of patients with stage T4b and lower rectal cancer, the long-term efficacy of PCRT was similar to that of PCT, and higher R0 excision rate and pathological complete response rate could be obtained.

Comparative study on the bacterial diversity and antibiotic resistance genes of urban landscape waters replenished by reclaimed water and surface water in Xi'an, China

Pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in urban landscape waters may pose a potential threat to human health. However, the investigation of their occurrence in the urban landscape waters replenished by reclaimed water (RW) and surface water (SW) is still insufficient. The water samples collected from six urban landscape waters replenished by RW or SW were used to analyze bacterial diversity using high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and to detect 18 ARGs and 2 integron-integrase genes by means of quantitative PCR array. Results indicated that Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum in all six urban landscape waters. The bacterial species richness was lower in urban landscape waters replenished by RW than that by SW. Sulfonamide resistance genes (sulI and sulIII) were the major ARGs in these urban landscape waters. No significant difference in the relative abundance of sulfonamide resistance genes, tetracycline resistance genes, and most of beta-lactam resistance genes was observed between RW-replenished and SW-replenished urban landscape waters. By contrast, the relative abundance of bla_ampC gene and qnrA gene in RW-replenished urban landscape waters was significantly higher than that in SW-replenished urban landscape waters (p < 0.05), which suggested that use of RW may increase the amount of specific ARGs to urban landscape waters. Interestingly, among six urban landscape waters, RW-replenished urban landscape waters had a relatively rich variety of ARGs (12-15 of 18 ARGs) but a low relative abundance of ARGs (458.90-1944.67 copies/16S × 10⁶). The RW replenishment was found to have a certain impact on the bacterial diversity and prevalence of ARGs in urban landscape waters, which provide new insight into the effect of RW replenishment on urban landscape waters.

[Preliminary study of the relationship between novel coronavirus pneumonia and liver function damage: a multicenter study]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of cases of novel coronavirus pneumonia and a preliminary study to explore the relationship between different clinical classification and liver damage. Methods: Consecutively confirmed novel coronavirus infection cases admitted to seven designated hospitals during January 23, 2020 to February 8, 2020 were included. Clinical classification (mild, moderate, severe, and critical) was carried out according to the diagnosis and treatment program of novel coronavirus pneumonia (Trial Fifth Edition) issued by the National Health Commission. The research data were analyzed using SPSS19.0 statistical software. Quantitative data were expressed as median (interquartile range), and qualitative data were expressed as frequency and rate. Results: 32 confirmed cases that met the inclusion criteria were included. 28 cases were of mild or moderate type (87.50%), and four cases (12.50%) of severe or critical type. Four cases (12.5%) were combined with one underlying disease (bronchial asthma, coronary heart disease, malignant tumor, chronic kidney disease), and one case (3.13%) was simultaneously combined with high blood pressure and malignant tumor. The results of laboratory examination showed that the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin (ALB), and total bilirubin (TBil) for entire cohort were 26.98 (16.88 ~ 46.09) U/L and 24.75 (18.71 ~ 31.79) U/L, 39.00 (36.20 ~ 44.20) g/L and 16.40 (11.34 ~ 21.15) μmol/L, respectively. ALT, AST, ALB and TBil of the mild or moderate subgroups were 22.75 (16.31 ~ 37.25) U/L, 23.63 (18.71 ~ 26.50) U/L, 39.70 (36.50 ~ 46.10) g/L, and 15.95 (11.34 ~ 20.83) μmol/L, respectively. ALT, AST, ALB and TBil of the severe or critical subgroups were 60.25 (40.88 ~ 68.90) U/L, 37.00 (20.88 ~ 64.45) U/L, 35.75 (28.68 ~ 42.00) g/L, and 20.50 (11.28 ~ 25.00) μmol/L, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this multicenter retrospective study suggests that novel coronavirus pneumonia combined with liver damage is more likely to be caused by adverse drug reactions and systemic inflammation in severe patients receiving medical treatment. Therefore, liver function monitoring and evaluation should be strengthened during the treatment of such patients.

[Short-term effects of air pollution on lung function of school-age children in Hangzhou]

A total of 1 685 school-age children selected from Hangzhou received lung function testing to evaluate the short-term effects of air pollution on their lung function. The results showed that in every 10 μg/m(3) increase of average concentration of PM(2.5) and PM(10) on the day of the test and the day before the test,peak expiratory flow (PEF) decreased 0.039 (95%CI: 0.012-0.067) L/s and 0.031 (95% CI:0.011-0.051) L/s,respectively. When the average concentration of SO(2) increased 10 μg/m(3) on the day of test and the day prior to the test, PEF and 75% of the forced vital capacity that has not been exhaled (MEF(75)) decreased 0.437 (95%CI: 0.217-0.658) L/s and 0.396 (95%CI: 0.180-0.613) L/s. After being adjusted for NO(2),with every 10 μg/m(3) increase of average concentration of PM(2.5) and PM(10) on the day of the test and the day before the test,PEF and MEF(75) decreased 0.056 (95%CI: 0.028-0.085), 0.053(95%CI: 0.027-0.081) and 0.047 (95%CI: 0.026-0.068) L/s,0.044 (95%CI: 0.023-0.065) L/s on the day before the test, respectively. The results indicate that air pollution have short-term and lag effects on lung function of school-age children in Hangzhou.

[Screening of periodontal and salivary parameters in patients with frequent acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Objective: To screen the risk factors of patients with frequent acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by detecting the clinical indicators of periodontitis and the level of bacterial and inflammatory markers in saliva. Methods: Thirty-eight COPD patients in their stable period were recruited and detected from Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital,Capital Medical University during December 2016 to May 2017. The periodontal index were recorded. The levels of inflammatory factors in saliva samples were examined by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The bacteria composition in the saliva samples were identified by using 16SrRNA gene pyrosequencing. All patients were followed up and monitored for acute exacerbation of COPD for 12 months. The patients were divided into frequent acute exacerbation group (≥2 times/year, n=10) and non frequent acute exacerbation group (<2 times/year, n=28). Results: In univariate analysis, the patients' average age of frequent acute exacerbation group (69.0±7.3) was significantly older than that of non-frequent acute exacerbation group (61.8±8.3) (P=0.02). The numbers of remaining teeth ≤26 [100% (10/10)] was significantly higher and plaque index ≤2.5 (2/10) in frequent acute exacerbation group was significantly lower compared with the remaining teeth ≤26 [43% (12/28)] and the plaque index ≤2.5 [71% (21/28)] in non-frequent acute exacerbation group (P=0.02, P=0.01). The proportions of salivary inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) level ≤60 ng/L (10%),C-reactive protein (CRP) level ≤1 550 μg/L (30%), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) level ≤140 μg/L (30%) and fibrinogen level ≤90 mg/L (30%) in frequent acute exacerbation group were significantly lower compared with salivary inflammatory factors IL-6 level ≤60 ng/L (71%),CRP level ≤1 550 μg/L (71%), MMP-8 level ≤140 μg/L (86%) and fibrinogen level ≤90 mg/L (71%) in non-frequent acute exacerbation group (P<0.05). The differences of relative abundances of salivary bacteria,such as species of Chloroflexi, Anaerolineae, Anaeroales, Corynebacteriales, Anaerolineaceae, Tissierellaceae, Leptotrichiaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Leptotrichia, Moryella, Lachnoanaerobaculum and Corynebacterium between frequent acute exacerbation group and non-frequent acute exacerbation group were significantly different (P<0.05). In multivariate logistics regression analysis,the level of IL-6 >60 ng/L and the relative abundance of Corynebacteriales >0.2 had significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusions: The level of IL-6 and the relative abundance of Corynebacteriales might be the markers of frequent acute exacerbation in COPD patients.

APC promoter methylation is correlated with development and progression of bladder cancer, but not linked to overall survival: a meta-analysis

The clinical role of APC promoter methylation in patients with bladder cancer remains to be determined. The relevant databases (PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCO, Wangfang, CNKI and Cochrane Library) were searched to get eligible studies. The overall odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to assess the effects of APC promoter methylation on bladder cancer risk and clinicopathological features. 2214 patients with bladder cancer and 665 controls were identified. APC promoter methylation was significantly higher in bladder cancer than in nonmalignant tissue and urine samples (tissue: OR = 11.14, 95% CI = 4.29-28.91, P < 0.001; urine: OR = 24.31, 95% CI = 6.26-94.38, P < 0.001), but not in blood samples (P = 0.242). The relationship was observed between APC promoter methylation and gender (male vs. female: OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 0.96-2.22, P = 0.074), tumor stage (stage T2-T4 vs. Ta-T1: OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.66-5.42, P < 0.001), and tumor grade (grade 3-4 vs. grade 1-2: OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.15-3.42, P = 0.013). But no correlation was found between APC promoter methylation and age, lymph node status, and tumor number (P > 0.1). APC gene was not associated with overall survival of bladder cancer. Our findings indicate that APC promoter methylation may be associated with the development and progression of bladder cancer and may serve as a promising noninvasive biomarker using urine samples for the detection of bladder cancer.

S-1 chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy after D1/D2 lymph node dissection in patients with node-positive gastric cancer: a phase I/II study

BACKGROUND

This phase I/II clinical trial investigated S-1 administered with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) as adjuvant therapy for node-positive gastric cancer. Patients had undergone radical resection and D1/D2 lymph node dissection.

METHODS

In phase I, patients received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy of IMRT (45 Gy in 25 fractions) with concurrent S-1 administered on a dose-escalation schedule to determine the recommended dose (RD). In phase II, the safety and efficacy of the RD of S-1 combined with IMRT were assessed.

RESULTS

We consecutively enrolled 73 patients (56 men; median age, 53 years; range, 29-73 years) and the phase I portion of the study included 27 patients. The RD of S-1 administered concomitantly with IMRT was 80 mg m^-2 day^-1 orally, twice daily. The phase II analysis included 52 patients (46 new patients plus 6 from phase I). 8 patients (15.4%) developed grade 3 or 4 toxicities. There were 21 recurrence events and 15 deaths (1 bowel obstruction, 14 gastric cancer). Three-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 62.2% (95% confidence interval (CI), 48.5-75.9) and 70.0% (95% CI, 56.3-83.7), respectively. The median time to recurrence was 17.5 months (range, 3.8-42.0). The median time from recurrence to death was 7.0 months (range, 1.5-28.7).

CONCLUSIONS

S-1 combined with IMRT adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is safe and efficacious for advanced gastric cancer.

[The analysis of the value of spontaneous nystagmus in peripheral vestibular hypofunction]

Objective:To study the characteristics and clinical value of spontaneous nystagmus in patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction.Method:Sixty cases with acute unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction were studied.All were diagnozed as vestibular neuritis(VN) . The relationship between SN and disease duration,DP and UW were analyzed.Result:SN was present in49 patients(81.7%)and absent in the remaining 11(18.3%).The intensity of SN ranged from 0.5°/s-20.4°/s and had negative correlation with the disease duration(r=-0.478，P<0.01). The patients were divided into 3 groups (mild,medium and severe) according to SN intensity,with median duration of disease being 6.5 d，5 d and 3 d respectively. The difference between groups was statistically significant(χ²=9.071，P<0.01).The result of the caloric test were as following：caloric test revealed DP in 44 cases（89.8%） of SN ;DP values were normal in 8 cases（10.2%）;SN intensity was positively correlated with DP value（r=0.513,P<0.01） ;unilateral weakness was found in 35 cases（71.4%）,with the direction of SN towards the weakness side in 4 cases and towards the opposite direction in the remaining 31 cases; 7 cases（14.3%）had bilateral weakness and 7 cases（14.3%）normal. There were no relationship between the intensity of SN and UW value（r=-0.321,P>0.05）.The UW value of patients with SN (40.9±26.3）% was compared to the group without SN（29.9±18.2）% . The difference was statistically significant (F=4.497,P<0.05).Conclusion:The intensity of SN in patients with acute unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction was often moderate and severe. The intensity of SN waned as the disease progressed or the direction reversed,The vestibular injury in patient with SN was more severe than those without. SN is useful in clinical assessment of vestibular injury and compensatory status.

[The distribution characteristics of etiology of chronic cough in Lanzhou]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the distribution characteristics of etiology and clinical feature of chronic cough in Lanzhou.

METHODS

Based on the guidelines of the diagnostic process of chronic cough in China, data of medical history and physical examinations were collected, and chest X-ray, pulmonary function plus airway hyperresponsiveness, induced sputum eosinophils, sinus X-ray or CT, 24 h esophageal pH monitoring, chest high-resolution CT and bronchoscopy were performed accordingly for outpatients with chronic cough. The cause of chronic cough was identified by the test results and treatment response. The results were compared with those reported previously in other areas of China.

RESULTS

A total of 173 patients with completed data were collected, including 90 males and 83 females.The causes were as follows: 45 cases (26.01%) of cough variant asthma, 35 (20.23%) upper airway cough syndrome, 20 (11.56%) allergic cough, 17 (9.83%) chronic pharyngitis, 14 (8.09%) gastroesophageal reflux, 14 (8.09%)postinfectious, 13 (7.51%) eosinophilic bronchitis, 8 (4.62%) chronic bronchitis, 4 (2.31%) cough associated with ACEI, 3 (1.73%) bronchial tuberculosis, 2 (1.16%) pulmonary fibrosis and bronchiectasis repectively. The causes of the remaining 14 patients (8.09%)were unknown. The causes of chronic cough were identified in 159 patients (91.91%), of which 141 (88.68%) with a single cause and 18(11.32%)with more than 2 etiological factors.The percentage of cough variant asthma in our series was significantly higher than that reported in Guangzhou (13.6%, χ(2)=5.60, P=0.018, P<0.05), but lower than that reported in Shenyang (39.4%, χ(2)=7.91, P=0, 004, P<0.01). The percentage of allergic cough was higher than that reported in Beijing (3.3%, χ(2)=6.66, P=0.010, P<0.05), and that of eosinophilic bronchitis was lower than those reported in Guangzhou(22.4%, χ(2)=22.38, P=0.000, P<0.01) and Shenyang (12.5%, χ(2)=8.09, P=0.005, P<0.01). The percentage of esophageal reflux cough was lower than that reported in Beijing (20.3%, χ(2)=9.40, P=0.002, P<0.01) but higher than that reported in Shenyang (1.9%, χ(2)=3.98, P=0.036, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

In Lanzhou, cough variant asthma, upper airway cough syndrome, allergic cough, chronic pharyngitis and gastroesophageal reflux were the main causes of chronic cough, and the etiological distribution was different from Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenyang and other areas.

[Immunomodulatory effect of oyster peptide on immunosuppressed mice]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the immunomodulating effect of oyster peptide on immunosuppressed mice.

METHODS

ICR mice injected with cyclophosphamide (CTX) were adopted as the module group, with mice without treatment as the control group, and different dosages of oyster peptide (0.5 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg, and 2.0 g/kg) were given to the low, middle, and high groups for 15 days. The body weight, spleen, and thymus weight of the mice, structures under the microscope of the immune organs, numbers of white blood cells, ratios of T lymphocyte subsets, immune cytokines and numbers of nuclear cells, and DNA content in bone marrow were all assessed.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the structures of thymus and spleen of the mice in the CTX group appeared obscure and shrunk when observed under microscope, the number of their white blood cells declined (P=0.04), the proportion of their CD3(+) T cells in peripheral blood declined (P=0.003), the proportion of their CD8(+) T cells in peripheral blood declined (P=0.002), the concentration of their IL-5 in peripheral blood significantly increased (P<0.01), the concentration of their nucleated cells and DNA density in bone marrow decreased (P=0.04, P<0.01). Oyster could improve the structures of thymus and spleen of the immunosuppressed mice. Compared with the CTX group, the number of white blood cells in 2.0 g/kg group increased (P=0.003), the proportion of CD3(+) T cells in peripheral blood in 1.0 g/kg group (P=0.04) and 2.0 g/kg group (P=0.02) increased, the proportion of CD8(+) T cells in peripheral blood in 2.0 g/kg group increased (P=0.002), the concentration of IL-5 in peripheral blood in all the oyster treated groups increased (P<0.01 in 0.5 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg, and 2.0 g/kg groups), the concentration of IL-17 in peripheral blood in 2.0 g/kg group decreased (P=0.03), the concentration of nucleated cells in bone marrow of all the oyster treated groups increased (0.5 g/kg vs. CTX, P=0.04; 1.0 g/kg vs. CTX, P=0.02; 2.0 g/kg vs. CTX P=0.01), the DNA content in bone marrow of all the oyster treated groups increased (P<0.01 in the 0.5 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg, and 2.0 g/kg groups).

CONCLUSION

Oyster peptide could improve the structures of immune organs of the CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice, recover the imbalances of T lymphocyte subsets, improve the immune cytokines and increase numbers of nucleated cells and DNA content in bone marrow, thus improving the immunologic function.

Coherent population transfer between uncoupled or weakly coupled states in ladder-type superconducting qutrits

Stimulated Raman adiabatic passage offers significant advantages for coherent population transfer between uncoupled or weakly coupled states and has the potential of realizing efficient quantum gate, qubit entanglement and quantum information transfer. Here we report on the realization of the process in the superconducting Xmon and phase qutrits—two ladder-type three-level systems in which the ground state population is coherently transferred to the second excited state via the dark state subspace. We demonstrate that the population transfer efficiency is no less than 96% and 67% for the two devices, which agree well with the numerical simulation of the master equation. Population transfer via stimulated Raman adiabatic passage is significantly more robust against variations of the experimental parameters compared with that via the conventional resonant π pulse method. Our work opens up a new venue for exploring the process for quantum information processing using the superconducting artificial atoms.

Quantum state engineering necessitates transfer between quantum states. Here the authors demonstrate coherent population transfer between un- or weakly-coupled states of solid state systems, superconducting Xmon and phase qutrits, using stimulated Raman adiabatic passage and microwave driving.

Resolving intravoxel fiber architecture using nonconvex regularized blind compressed sensing

In diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, accurate and reliable estimation of intravoxel fiber architectures is a major prerequisite for tractography algorithms or any other derived statistical analysis. Several methods have been proposed that estimate intravoxel fiber architectures using low angular resolution acquisitions owing to their shorter acquisition time and relatively low b-values. But these methods are highly sensitive to noise. In this work, we propose a nonconvex regularized blind compressed sensing approach to estimate intravoxel fiber architectures in low angular resolution acquisitions. The method models diffusion-weighted (DW) signals as a sparse linear combination of unfixed reconstruction basis functions and introduces a nonconvex regularizer to enhance the noise immunity. We present a general solving framework to simultaneously estimate the sparse coefficients and the reconstruction basis. Experiments on synthetic, phantom, and real human brain DW images demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach.

Advances in the research of AMPK and its subunit genes

AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) is a heterotrimeric complex composed of three subunits and is the core energy sensor of the cell. The AMPK activity is important for survival during periods of stress and starvation and also has implications in type II diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, longevity and cancer, etc. The activation of AMPK is triggered through binding of Adenosine Monophosphate Activated Proteins (AMP) to the Bateman domains of the gamma subunit, leading to increased phosphorylation of the threonine 172 on the alpha subunit by inducing allosteric activation and inhibiting dephosphorylation. AMPK and its subunits have been the focuses of many researchers dealing with genetic and metabolic issues. The study makes a comprehensive review on the structure, function, distribution, enzyme activity, the genetic mutation and other aspects of AMPK and its subunit genes, with the aim to outline main aspects of present researches on AMPK and its subunits in animal genetics.

Interactions of several single nucleotide polymorphisms and high body mass index on serum lipid traits

The interactions between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and high body mass index (BMI) on serum lipid profiles are limited. This study was undertaken to detect the interactions of 10 SNPs and high BMI on serum lipid traits in an isolated population. A total of 978 normal BMI (< 24 kg/m2) and 751 high BMI (≥ 24 kg/m2) subjects of Bai Ku Yao were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotypes of rs2066715, rs1044925, low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) Ava||, rs2070895, rs2000813, rs1801133, rs3757354, rs505151, rs2016520, and rs5888 SNPs were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing. The interactions were detected by factorial design covariance analysis. The genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs2070895 and rs505151 were different between normal and high BMI subjects, the genotypic frequency of rs2000813 and allelic frequency of rs3757354 were also different between normal and high BMI subjects (P < 0.01). The levels of total cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 (rs2066715); TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), ApoA1, ApoB, and ApoA1/ApoB (rs2070895); triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and ApoA1 (rs2000813); TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, ApoA1, and ApoB (rs1801133); HDL-C and ApoA1 (rs3757354) in normal BMI subjects were different among the genotypes (P < 0.01). The levels of LDL-C, ApoB, and ApoA1/ApoB (rs2066715); HDL-C, ApoA1, ApoB, and ApoA1/ApoB (rs2070895); TC, HDL-C, ApoA1, and ApoB (rs2000813); TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, ApoA1, and ApoB (rs1801133); TC, TG, and ApoB (rs3757354); TG (rs505151); TG and ApoA1 and ApoB (rs2016520); and TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, ApoA1, and ApoB (rs5888) in high BMI subjects were also different among the genotypes (P < 0.01). The SNPs of rs2066715 (LDL-C and ApoA1/ApoB); rs2070895 (TC, LDL-C, ApoA1, and ApoB); rs2000813 (ApoB); rs1801133 (TC, TG, and LDL-C); rs3757354 (TC and TG); rs505151 (TG, HDL-C, ApoB, and ApoA1/ApoB); rs2016520 (TG and ApoA1/ApoB); and rs5888 (TG, ApoA1, and ApoB) interacted with high BMI to influence serum lipid levels (P < 0.01). The differences in serum lipid levels between normal and high BMI subjects might partly result from different interactions of several SNPs and high BMI.

Several genetic polymorphisms interact with overweight/obesity to influence serum lipid levels

Background

Information about the interactions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and overweight/obesity on serum lipid profiles is still scarce. The present study was undertaken to detect ten SNPs and their interactions with overweight/obesity on serum lipid levels.

Methods

A total of 978 normal weight and 751 overweight/obese subjects of Bai Ku Yao were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Normal weight, overweight and obesity were defined as a body mass index (BMI) < 24, 24–28, and > 28 kg/m²; respectively. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 and ApoB levels were measured. Genotyping of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA-1) V825I, acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1) rs1044925, low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) AvaII, hepatic lipase gene (LIPC) -250G>A, endothelial lipase gene (LIPG) 584C>T, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T, the E3 ubiquitin ligase myosin regulatory light chain-interacting protein (MYLIP) rs3757354, proprotein convertase subtilisin-like kexin type 9 (PCSK9) E670G, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARD) +294T>C, and Scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SCARB1) rs5888 was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing. The interactions were detected by factorial design covariance analysis.

Results

The genotypic and allelic frequencies of LIPC and PCSK9 were different between normal weight and overweight/obese subjects, the genotypic frequency of LIPG and allelic frequency of MYLIP were also different between normal weight and overweight/obese subjects (P < 0.05-0.001). The levels of TC, ApoA1 (ABCA-1); TC, LDL-C, ApoA1, ApoB and ApoA1/ApoB (LIPC); TG, HDL-C, and ApoA1 (LIPG); TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, ApoA1 and ApoB (MTHFR); HDL-C and ApoA1 (MYLIP) in normal weight subjects were different among the genotypes (P < 0.01-0.001). The levels of LDL-C, ApoB and ApoA1/ApoB (ABCA-1); HDL-C, ApoA1, ApoB and ApoA1/ApoB (LIPC); TC, HDL-C, ApoA1 and ApoB (LIPG); TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, ApoA1 and ApoB (MTHFR); TC, TG and ApoB (MYLIP); TG (PCSK9); TG, ApoA1 and ApoB (PPARD); and TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, ApoA1 and ApoB (SCARB1) in overweight/obese subjects were different among the genotypes (P < 0.01-0.001). The SNPs of ABCA-1 (LDL-C and ApoA1/ApoB); LIPC (TC, LDL-C, ApoA1 and ApoB); LIPG (ApoB); MTHFR (TC, TG and LDL-C); MYLIP (TC and TG); PCSK9 (TG, HDL-C, ApoB and ApoA1/ApoB); PPARD (TG and ApoA1/ApoB); and SCARB1 (TG, ApoA1 and ApoB) interacted with overweight/obesity to influence serum lipid levels (P < 0.05-0.001).

Conclusions

The differences in serum lipid levels between normal weight and overweight/obese subjects might partly result from different genetic polymorphisms and the interactions between several SNPs and overweight/obesity.

Interactions of several lipid-related gene polymorphisms and cigarette smoking on blood pressure levels

The interactions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and cigarette smoking on blood pressure levels are limited. The present study was undertaken to detect nine lipid-related SNPs and their interactions with cigarette smoking on blood pressure levels. Genotyping of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA-1) V825I, acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1) rs1044925, low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) AvaⅡ, hepatic lipase gene (LIPC) -250G>A, endothelial lipase gene (LIPG) 584C>T, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T, proprotein convertase subtilisin-like kexin type 9 (PCSK9) E670G, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARD) +294T>C, and Scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SCARB1) rs5888 was performed in 935 nonsmokers and 845 smokers. The interactions were detected by factorial regression analysis. The frequencies of genotypes (ACAT-1 and LIPG), alleles (ABCA-1), and both genotypes and alleles (LDL-R, LIPC, PPARD and SCARB1) were different between nonsmokers and smokers (P < 0.05-0.001). The levels of pulse pressure (PP, ABCA-1), and systolic, diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) and PP (LIPC) in nonsmokers were different among the genotypes (P < 0.01-0.001). The levels of SBP (ABCA-1, ACAT-1, LIPG and PCSK9), DBP (ACAT-1, LDL-R, LIPC, PCSK9 and PPARD), and PP (LIPC, LIPG, MTHFR and PCSK9) in smokers were different among the genotypes (P < 0.01-0.001). The SNPs of ABCA-1, ACAT-1 and PCSK9; ACAT-1, LDL-R, MTHFR and PCSK9; and ABCA-1, LIPC, PCSK9 and PPARD were shown interactions with cigarette smoking to influence SBP, DBP and PP levels (P < 0.05-0.001); respectively. The differences in blood pressure levels between the nonsmokers and smokers might partly result from different interactions of several SNPs and cigarette smoking.

Interactions of the LIPG 584C>T polymorphism and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels

Both endothelial lipase gene (LIPG) 584C>T (rs2000813) polymorphism and alcohol consumption modulate serum lipid levels. But their interactions on serum lipid profiles are not well known. The present study was undertaken to detect the interactions of LIPG 584C>T polymorphism and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels. Genotyping of the LIPG 584C>T was performed in 763 unrelated nondrinkers and 520 drinkers aged 15-85 years. The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein (Apo) AI, and the ratio of ApoAI to ApoB were higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers (P<.01 for all). There were no significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between nondrinkers and drinkers. The levels of TC, HDL-C, and ApoAI in nondrinkers were different among the three genotypes (P<.05-.01), the subjects with CT genotype had higher TC, HDL-C, and ApoAI levels than the subjects with CC genotype. The levels of HDL-C and ApoAI in drinkers were different among the three genotypes (P<.001 and P<.05; respectively), the individuals with TT genotype had higher HDL-C and ApoAI levels than the individuals with CT and CC genotypes. The interactions between LIPG 584C>T genotypes and alcohol consumption on serum HDL-C (P<.01) and ApoAI levels (P<.05) were also detected by using a factorial regression analysis after controlling for potential confounders. The levels of TC in nondrinkers were correlated with LIPG 584C>T alleles (P<.05), whereas the levels of TG and HDL-C were associated with LIPG 584C>T alleles (P<.05) and genotypes (P<.05), respectively. These results suggest that the subjects with TT genotype benefit more from alcohol consumption than the subjects with CT and CC genotypes in increasing serum HDL-C and ApoAI levels.

Interactions of the apolipoprotein A5 gene polymorphisms and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the interactions of apolipoprotein (Apo) A5 gene polymorphisms and alcohol consumption on serum lipid profiles. The present study was undertaken to detect the interactions of ApoA5-1131T>C, c.553G>T and c.457G>A polymorphisms and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

A total of 516 nondrinkers and 514 drinkers were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), ApoA1 and ApoB were higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers (P<0.05-0.001). The genotypic and allelic frequencies of three loci were not different between the two groups. The interactions between -1131T>C genotypes and alcohol consumption on ApoB levels (P<0.05) and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio (P<0.01), between c.553G>T genotypes and alcohol consumption on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (P<0.05) and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio (P<0.05), and between c.457G>A genotypes and alcohol consumption on TG levels (P<0.001) were detected by factorial regression analysis after controlling for potential confounders. Four haplotypes (T-G-G, C-G-G, T-A-G and C-G-T) had frequencies ranging from 0.06 to 0.87. Three haplotypes (C-G-G, T-A-G, and C-G-T) were significantly associated with serum lipid parameters. The -1131T>C genotypes were correlated with TG, and c.553G>T and c.457G>A genotypes were associated with HDL-C levels in nondrinkers (P<0.05 for all). For drinkers, the -1131T>C genotypes were correlated with TC, TG, LDL-C, ApoB levels and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio (P<0.01 for all); c.553G>T genotypes were correlated with TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C levels (P<0.05-0.01); and c.457G>A genotypes were associated with TG, LDL-C, ApoA1 and ApoB levels (P<0.05-0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in some serum lipid parameters between the drinkers and nondrinkers might partly result from different interactions of the ApoA5 gene polymorphisms and alcohol consumption.

Low density lipoprotein receptor gene Ava II polymorphism and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations

BACKGROUND

Several common genetic polymorphisms in the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) gene have associated with modifications of serum total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, but the results are not consistent in different populations. Bai Ku Yao is a special subgroup of the Yao minority in China. The present study was undertaken to detect the association of LDL-R gene Ava Ⅱ polymorphism and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.

METHODS

A total of 1024 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 792 participants of Han Chinese were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the LDL-R gene Ava Ⅱ polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.

RESULTS

The levels of serum TC, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-C, apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 and the ratio of ApoA1 to ApoB were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < 0.01 for all). The frequency of A⁻ and A+ alleles was 65.5% and 34.5% in Bai Ku Yao, and 80.7% and 19.3% in Han (P < 0.001); respectively. The frequency of A⁻A⁻, A⁻A+ and A+A+ genotypes was 42.6%, 45.9% and 11.5% in Bai Ku Yao, and 64.9%, 31.6% and 3.5% in Han (P < 0.001); respectively. There was also significant difference in the genotypic frequencies between males and females in Bai Ku Yao (P <0.05), and in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between normal LDL-C (≤ 3.20 mmol/L) and high LDL-C (> 3.20 mmol/L) subgroups in Bai Ku Yao (P < 0.05 for each) and between males and females in Han (P < 0.05 for each). The levels of LDL-C in males and TC and HDL-C in females were different among the three genotypes (P < 0.05 for all) in Bai Ku Yao, whereas the levels of HDL-C in males and HDL-C and ApoA1 in females were different among the three genotypes (P < 0.05-0.001) in Han. The subjects with A+A+ genotype had higher serum LDL-C, TC, HDL-C or ApoA1 levels than the subjects with A-A+ and A⁻A⁻ genotypes. Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed that the levels of LDL-C in Bai Ku Yao and HDL-C in Han were correlated with genotypes (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01; respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The association of LDL-R gene Ava Ⅱ polymorphism and serum lipid levels is different between the Bai Ku Yao and Han populations. The discrepancy might partly result from different LDL-R gene Ava Ⅱ polymorphism or LDL-R gene-environmental interactions.

Stimulatory effect of LPS and feedback effect of PGE2 on IL-27 production

Interleukin (IL)-27 is a new member of the IL-6/IL-12 family, composed of two subunits, the Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) and p28 chains (p28), and produced by activated monocytes and dendritic cells. IL-27 plays an important role in the regulation of differentiation of naive T helper cells and has diverse effects on innate immune cells. However, the pro-inflammatory mechanisms of IL-27 are still not well known. In this study, we investigated the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the production of IL-27. We found that LPS-stimulated IL-27 production was in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner in THP-1 cells. We have also shown that IL-27 induced PGE2 production and COX-2 gene expression at the level of mRNA as well as protein. Moreover, we found feed back effect of PGE2 on the production of IL-27 in THP-1 cells. The results suggest that PGE2 significantly inhibits LPS-induced IL-27 production, without affecting basal IL-27 expression. Further experiment suggests that PGE2 and LPS regulate IL-27 through NF-κB pathway. Our findings may have wide implication for IL-27 in inflammatory diseases.

Association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations

Background

The association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism and serum lipid profiles is still controversial in diverse ethnics. Bai Ku Yao is an isolated subgroup of the Yao minority in China. The aim of the present study was to eveluate the association of MTHFR C677T polymorphism and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.

Methods

A total of 780 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 686 participants of Han Chinese were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the MTHFR C677T was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.

Results

The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein (Apo) AI and ApoB were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < 0.05-0.001). The frequency of C and T alleles was 77.4% and 22.6% in Bai Ku Yao, and 60.9% and 39.1% in Han (P < 0.001); respectively. The frequency of CC, CT and TT genotypes was 58.7%, 37.3% and 4.0% in Bai Ku Yao, and 32.6%, 56.4% and 11.0% in Han (P < 0.001); respectively. The levels of TC and LDL-C in both ethnic groups were significant differences among the three genotypes (P < 0.05-0.01). The T allele carriers had higher serum TC and LDL-C levels than the T allele noncarriers. The levels of ApoB in Han were significant differences among the three genotypes (P < 0.05). The T allele carriers had higher serum ApoB levels as compared with the T allele noncarriers. The levels of TC, TG and LDL-C in Bai Ku Yao were correlated with genotypes (P < 0.05-0.001), whereas the levels of LDL-C in Han were associated with genotypes (P < 0.001). Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with sex, age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and blood pressure in the both ethnic groups.

Conclusions

The differences in serum TC, TG, LDL-C and ApoB levels between the two ethnic groups might partly result from different genotypic and allelic frequencies of the MTHFR C677T or different MTHFR gene-enviromental interactions.

Association of the LIPG 584C > T polymorphism and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations

BACKGROUND

Endothelial lipase (EL) is a major determinant of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) metabolism, but the association of endothelial lipase gene (LIPG) polymorphism and serum HDL-C levels is scarce and conflicting in diverse populations. Bai Ku Yao is an isolated subgroup of the Yao minority in China. This study was designed to detect the association of LIPG 584C > T (rs2000813) polymorphism and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.

METHODS

A total of 645 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 638 participants of Han Chinese were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the LIPG 584C > T was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.

RESULTS

The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein (Apo) AI and ApoB were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < 0.05 - 0.001). The frequency of C and T alleles was 73.5% and 26.5% in Bai Ku Yao, and 67.9% and 32.1% in Han (P < 0.01); respectively. The frequency of CC, CT and TT genotypes was 50.4%, 46.2% and 3.4% in Bai Ku Yao, and 41.4%, 53.1% and 5.5% in Han (P < 0.01); respectively. Serum HDL-C levels in both ethnic groups were different among the three genotypes (P < 0.05 for each). Serum TC levels in both ethnic groups were also different between the CC and CT/TT genotypes (P < 0.05 for each). The T allele carriers had higher serum HDL-C and TC levels than the T allele noncarriers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of HDL-C and ApoB were correlated with genotypes in Bai Ku Yao (P < 0.05 for each), whereas the levels of TC and HDL-C were associated with genotypes in Han Chinese (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with several environmental factors in the both ethnic groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of LIPG 584T allele is lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han Chinese. The LIPG 584T allele is associated with increased serum HDL-C, TC and ApoB levels. The differences in serum HDL-C, TC and ApoB levels between the two ethnic groups might partly result from different genotypic and allelic frequencies of LIPG 584C > T or different LIPG-enviromental interactions.

Halobacillus dabanensis sp. nov. and Halobacillus aidingensis sp. nov., isolated from salt lakes in Xinjiang, China

Two moderately halophilic spore-forming bacteria were isolated from salt lakes in the Xinjiang region of China. The two strains, designated AD-6T and D-8T, were aerobic, Gram-positive, rod-shaped and motile by means of peritrichous flagella. Strains AD-6T and D-8T grew in the presence of 0·5–20 % and 0·5–25 % (w/v) NaCl in complex medium, respectively. Their cell-wall peptidoglycan was of the l-orn–d-Asp type. The major menaquinone found in both strains was menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The fatty acid profile contained a large amount of branched fatty acids; the main fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strains D-8T and AD-6T was 41·4 and 42·2 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains D-8T and AD-6T were located in the genus Halobacillus. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the isolated strains and the type strains of Halobacillus species were in the range 96·2–99·5 %. DNA–DNA relatedness values of 17·0–52·2 % were found between the two strains and other Halobacillus species. The DNA–DNA relatedness value between D-8T and AD-6T was 50·6 %. On the basis of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties, phylogenetic analysis and genomic distinctiveness, strains D-8T and AD-6T should be placed in the genus Halobacillus as two novel species, for which the names Halobacillus dabanensis sp. nov. (type strain=JCM 12772T=CGMCC 1.3704T) and Halobacillus aidingensis sp. nov. (type strain=JCM 12771T=CGMCC 1.3703T) are proposed, respectively.

Structural and functional studies of cinnamomin, a new type II ribosome-inactivating protein isolated from the seeds of the camphor tree

Cinnamomin is a new type II ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP). Its A-chain exhibits RNA N-glycosidase activity to inactivate the ribosome and thus inhibit protein synthesis, whereas the glycosylated B-chain is a lectin. The primary structure of cinnamomin, which exhibits approximately 55% identity with those of ricin and abrin, was deduced from the nucleotide sequences of cDNAs of cinnamomin A- and B-chains. It is composed of a total of 549 amino-acid residues: 271 residues in the A-chain, a 14-residue linker and 264 residues in the B-chain. To explore its biological function, the cinnamomin A-chain was expressed in Escherichia coli with a yield of 100 mg per L of culture, and purified through two-step column chromatography. After renaturation, the recovery of the enzyme activity of the expressed A-chain was 80% of that of native A-chain. Based on the modeling of the three-dimensional structure of the A-chain, the functional roles of five amino acids and the only cysteine residues were investigated by site-directed mutagenesis or chemical modification. The conserved single mutation of the five amino-acid residues led to 8-50-fold losses of enzymatic activity, suggesting that these residues were crucial for maintaining the RNA N-glycosidase activity of the A-chain. Most interestingly, the strong electric charge introduced at the position of the single cysteine in A-chain seemed to play a role in enzyme/substrate binding.

[Two new glycosides from Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents from the upground part of Erigeron breviscapus.

METHOD

The compounds were separated and purified by column chromatography with silica gel, and identified by IR, MS, NMR and 2D-NMR.

RESULT

Two new compounds were isolated and identified as 5,4'-dihydroxy flavonod-7-O-beta-D-pyranglycuronate buthyl ester(VI) and 3,5-dimethoxy benzene carbonic acid-4-O-beta-D-pyranglucose(VII).

CONCLUSION

Compounds VI and VII were new compounds.

[Studies on chemical constituents of Bletilla striata (Thunb) Reichb. f]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents of Bletilla striata.

METHOD

The constituents were separated and purified by column chromatography with silica gel, and identified by NMR, MS and physical data.

RESULT

Three compounds were isolated and identified as hexacosanoic alcohol 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzol)-trans-acryliceylenate(1), physcion(2) and cyclobalanol(3).

CONCLUSION

Compound 1 was a new compound and compound 3 was isolated from this plant for the first time.

Addressing cultural orientations in fear appeals: promoting AIDS-protective behaviors among Mexican immigrant and African American adolescents and American and Taiwanese college students

Fear appeals threatening the individual have been shown to be powerful persuasive devices in the cultures where they have been studied. However, most fear appeal research has been conducted with members of individualist cultures. Individualist cultures place self-needs above group concerns, while collectivist cultures place group needs above self-concerns. Little is known about the effectiveness of fear appeals (or other persuasive strategies) in collectivist cultures. Two studies assessed the effectiveness of AIDS-prevention fear appeals threatening the self versus fear appeals threatening the group (i.e., family) on members of individualist and collectivist cultures. The first study focuses on African American and Mexican immigrant junior high school youth. The second study focuses on U.S. and Taiwanese college undergraduates. The results indicated that fear appeals should address cultural orientation (i.e., individualist versus collectivist orientation) to achieve maximum effectiveness. The results also indicate that one cannot assume cultural orientation based on ethnicity.

The structure dependent electrochemical-response of novel 1-(4-mercaptobutyl)-4-(2-ferrocenylvinyl)pyridinium bromide SAMs on an au electrode

The 1-(4-mercaptobutyl)-4-(2-ferrocenylvinyl)pyridinium bromide (1-HS(CH2)(4)-4-[(E)-FcCH=CH]C5H4N)+Br- and its hydrogenated product [1-HS(CH2)(4)-4-(-FcCH2CH2)C5H4N]+Br- were synthesized and assembled on an Au electrode to form self-assembled monolayers which showed a structure-dependent electrochemical-response in phosphate buffer aqueous solutions (pH = 7).

Exploration of RNA 3' terminal locations in rat ribosome

The locations of the 3' ends of RNAs in rat ribosome were studied by a fluorescence-labeling method combined with high hydrostatic pressure and agarose electrophoresis. Under physiological conditions, only the 3' ends of 28 S and 5.8 S RNA in 80 S ribosome could be labeled with a high sensitive fluorescent probe - fluorescein 5-thiosemicarbazide (FTSC), indicating that the 3' termini of 28 S and 5.8 S RNA were located on or near the surface of 80 S ribosome. The 3' terminus of 5 S RNA could be attacked by FTSC only in the case of the dissociation of the 80 S ribosome into two subunits induced by high salt concentration (1 M KCl) or at high hydrostatic pressure, showing that the 3' end of 5 S RNA was located on the interface of two subunits. However, no fluorescence-labeled 18 S RNA could be detected under all the conditions studied, suggesting that the 3' end of 18 S RNA was either located deeply inside ribosome or on the surface but protected by proteins. It was interesting to note that modifications of the 3' ends of ribosomal RNAs including oxidation with NaIO4, reduction with KBH4 and labeling with fluorescent probe did not destroy the translation activity of ribosome, indicating that the 3' ends of RNAs were not involved in the translation activity of ribosome.

Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 can bind to the synthetic oligoribonucleotide that mimics sarcin/ricin domain of rat 28S ribosomal RNA

Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) catalyzes the translocation of peptidyl-tRNA from the A site to P site by binding to the ribosome. In this work, the complex formation of rat liver eEF2 with a synthetic oligoribonucleotide (SRD RNA) that mimics sarcin/ricin domain of rat 28S ribosomal RNA is invested in vitro. Purified eEF2 can specifically bind SRD RNA to form a stable complex. tRNA competes with SRD RNA in binding to eEF2 in a less extent. Pretreatment of eEF2 with GDP or ADP-ribosylation of eEF2 by diphtheria toxin can obviously reduce the ability of eEF2 to form the complex with the synthetic oligoribonucleotide. These results indicate that eEF2 is likely to bind directly to the sarcin/ricin domain of 28S ribosomal RNA in the process of protein synthesis.

Non-specific deadenylation and deguanylation of naked RNA catalyzed by ricin under acidic condition

Ricin A-chain catalyzes the hydrolysis of the N-glycosidic bond of a conserved adenosine residue at position 4324 in the sarcin/ricin domain of 28S RNA of rat ribosome. The GAGA tetraloop closed by C-G pairs is required for recognition of the cleavage site on 28S ribosomal RNA by ricin A-chain. In this study, ricin A-chain (reduced ricin) exhibits specific depurination on a synthetic oligoribonucleotide (named SRD RNA) mimic of the sarcin/ricin domain of rat 28S ribosomal RNA under neutral and weak acidic conditions. Furthermore, the activity of intact ricin is also similar to that of ricin A-chain. However, under more acidic conditions, both enzymes lose their site specificity. The alteration in specificity of depurination is not dependent on the GAGA tetraloop of SRD RNA. A higher concentration of KCl inhibits the non-specific N-glycosidase activity much more than the specific activity of ricin A-chain. In addition, characterization of depurination sites by RNA sequencing reveals that under acidic conditions ricin A-chain can release not only adenines, but also guanines from SRD RNA or 5S ribosomal RNA. This is the first report of the non-specific deadenylation and deguanylation activity of ricin A-chain to the naked RNA under acidic conditions.

[Biliary tract reconstruction after cystectomy of congenital choledochal cyst]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the operative methods of biliary tract reconstruction after cystectomy of congenital choledochal cyst(CCC).

METHODS

One hundred and six cases with CCC underwent cystectomy and biliary tract reconstruction in our hospital from July 1984 to December 1999 were followed up. Among them, there were three kinds of procedures in biliary tract reconstruction: with single Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy in 48 cases, with intussusceptive valve to the line of Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy in 37 cases, with rectangular valve to the line of Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy in 21 cases.

RESULTS

Fifty nine cases were followed up for 4.68 years in average. There were 3 cases with ascending cholangitis after single Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy. And the symptom disappeared in 2 cases underwent reoperation with an intussueceptive valve plasty to the line of Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy. No patients suffered from ascending cholangitis in the precautionary valve plasty group.

CONCLUSION

It suggests that the postoperative ascending cholangitis can be prevented effectively if standard cystectomy and prophylactic intussusceptive valve added to the line of Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy are carried out. The procedure should be performed as soon as possible providing the child is tolerable.

[Structural elucidation of a new tetrahydroxystilbene of Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata and study on its cardiovascular activity]

AIM

To investigate the cardiovascular active constituents of Radix Polygoni multiflori Preparata.

METHODS

Compounds were isolated from the water soluble extract with column chromatography of Sephadex, ODS and HPLC. The compounds were identified on the basis of spectral analysis (IR, EI-MS, FAB-MS, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, 2D-NMR) and phytochemical properties. Its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of bovine vascular smooth muscle cells were bioassayed in vitro.

RESULTS

One compound was isolated and identified as: 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-(6"-O-alpha-D- glucopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside.

CONCLUSION

Compound I is a new compound with cardiovascular activity.

Use of prawn blood agar hemolysis to screen for bacteria pathogenic to cultured tiger prawns Penaeus monodon

A newly developed prawn blood agar consisting of 1 ml of tiger prawn hemolymph in medium containing 200 ppm Rose Bengal was used to determine the hemolytic activity of 35 isolates of bacteria obtained from cultured tiger prawns Penaeus monodon and their rearing water. For comparison, the hemolytic activity of these isolates was also determined in sheep blood agar. Nine isolates (25.7% of total) showed different hemolytic reactions on prawn blood agar and sheep blood agar. From the 35 isolates, 8 with various hemolytic characteristics were selected and the relationship between the type of hemolytic activity and pathogenicity was determined and compared. Four isolates that showed hemolytic activity in prawn blood agar caused high mortality to cultured tiger prawns. By contrast, a significantly lower mortality rate was observed for tiger prawns injected with 4 isolates that did not exhibit hemolytic activity on prawn blood agar. Results further showed that mortality did not correlate with hemolytic activity determined using sheep blood agar. Prawn blood agar containing P. monodon hemocytes was faster and more accurate for determining prawn hemolytic activity of bacterial isolates.

Structural studies of the glycopeptides of B-chain of cinnamomin--a type II ribosome-inactivating protein by nuclear magnetic resonance

Cinnamomin is a plant type II ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) isolated from the seeds of Cinnamomum camphora. It consists of two nonidentical polypeptide chains (A- and B-chain) held together through one disulfide linkage. Its A- and B-chain contain 0.3% and 3.9% sugars respectively. The B-chain of cinnamomin was digested by pronase E and then the liberated glycopeptides were separated from non-glycopeptides by gel filtration chromatography on a Bio-Gel P-4 column. Three crude glycopeptides were obtained by continuing chromatography over anion-exchange resin (AG1-X2) in the buffer of 2% pyridine-acetic acid (pH 8.3) with a polygradient elution system. Through further purification by the gel filtration chromatography and HPLC, three major glycopeptides, GP1, GP2 and GP3 were obtained. Mainly by two-dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) including TOCSY, DQF-COSY, NOESY, HMQC and HMBC, their primary structures were analyzed as: Man\balpha1,3Man\balpha1,6(Man\balpha1,3)(Xyl\bbeta1,2)Man\bbeta1,4GlcNAc\bbeta1,4GlcNAc\bbeta1-(Gly-)Asn-Asn-Thr(GP1), Man\balpha1,6(Man\balpha1,3)(Xyl\bbeta1,2)Man\bbeta1,4GlcNAc\bbeta1,4(Fuc\balpha1,3)GlcNAc\bbeta1-Asn-Ala-Thr(GP2),Man\balpha1,6(Man\balpha1,3)Man\balpha1,6(Man\balpha 1,2 Man\balpha1,3)Man\bbeta1,4GlcNAc\bbeta1,4GlcNAc\bbeta1-(Ala-)Asn-Gly-Thr(GP3).