Zishen Qingre Lishi Huayu recipe promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of GCs of PCOS via KLF4-C/EBPβ pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zishen Qingre Lishi Huayu recipe (ZQLHR) is a herbal recipe created on the basis on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine and clinical practice, and is mainly used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the underlying mechanism for this fact has not been clearly elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To verify whether ZQLHR regulates granulosa cells (GCs) proliferation and apoptosis through the Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) - CCATT enhancer-binding proteinβ (C/EBPβ) pathway, and to provide in vitro molecular mechanism supporting for the effects of ZQLHR to enhance follicular development and treat patients with PCOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on previous experiments, we performed the following experiments. Firstly, we treated KGN cells (a steroidogenic human granulosa-like tumor cell line) for 48 h using different concentrations of ZQLHR in order to observe apoptosis in each group. Secondly, the mRNA and protein expression levels of KLF4 and C/EBPβ in KGN cells after administrated with ZQLHR were examined by quantitative real-time PCR(q-PCR) and Western blot assay. Thirdly, after knocking down KLF4 and C/EBPβ using siRNAs, the relationship between KLF4 and C/EBPβ in KGN cells was detected. Further, cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry were used to verify whether ZQLHR promotes proliferation and facilitates apoptosis in KGN cells through the KLF4-C/EBPβ pathway. Finally, q-PCR and Western blot were used to test whether ZQLHR mediated proliferation and apoptosis-related factors such as B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X (BAX), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cleaved caspase-3 to affect the proliferation and apoptosis of KGN cells through the KLF4-C/EBPβ pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

ZQLHR, containing 0.2% by volume, administered to KGN cells resulted in the lowest rate of apoptosis. The expression levels of KLF4 and C/EBPβ were increased in KGN cells following ZQLHR treatment. Additionally, ZQLHR promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of KGN cells by modulating proliferation and apoptosis-related factors via the KLF4-C/EBPβ pathway. Furthermore, we confirmed that KLF4 and C/EBPβ regulate each other in KGN cells. These findings indicate that ZQLHR enhances the proliferation of GCs and suppresses their apoptosis, which constitutes a therapeutic mechanism for treating patients with PCOS.

Anti-OX40 Antibody Combined with HBc VLPs Delays Tumor Growth in a Mouse Colon Cancer Model

Objective

Combination immunotherapy strategies targeting OX40, a co-stimulatory molecule that can enhance antitumor immunity by modulating the proliferation, differentiation, and effector function of tumor-infiltrating T cells, have attracted much attention for their excellent therapeutic effects. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of combined anti-OX40 and hepatitis B core virus-like particles (HBc VLPs) therapy using a mouse colon cancer model.

Methods

Humanized B-hOX40 mice were injected subcutaneously with MC38 colon tumor cells and treated with HBc VLPs+anti-hOX40 antibody. Tumor growth was monitored. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to evaluate the populations of T cell subsets in the tumors.

Results

The combination of anti-OX40 with HBc VLPs resulted in a significant delay in tumor growth, suggesting that a potent antitumor immunity was induced by the combination therapy. Further studies revealed that HBc VLPs+anti-OX40 treatment induced a significant increase in effector T cells (Teffs) and a significant decrease in regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which accounted for the synergistic antitumor effect of anti-OX40 in combination with HBc VLPs.

Conclusion

Combination therapy of anti-hOX40 and HBc VLPs provides synergistic antitumor activity in colon cancer-bearing mice, which may represent a potential design strategy for cancer immunotherapy.

Targeted Therapy of Acute Liver Injury via Cryptotanshinone-Loaded Biomimetic Nanoparticles Derived from Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Driven by Homing

Acute liver injury (ALI) has the potential to compromise hepatic function rapidly, with severe cases posing a considerable threat to human health and wellbeing. Conventional treatments, such as the oral administration of antioxidants, can inadvertently lead to liver toxicity and other unwanted side effects. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can target therapeutic agents directly to inflammatory sites owing to their homing effect, and they offer a promising avenue for the treatment of ALI. However, the efficacy and feasibility of these live cell products are hampered by challenges associated with delivery pathways and safety concerns. Therefore, in this work, MSC membranes were ingeniously harnessed as protective shells to encapsulate synthesized PLGA nanoparticle cores (PLGA/MSCs). This strategic approach enabled nanoparticles to simulate endogenous substances and yielded a core-shell nano-biomimetic structure. The biomimetic nanocarrier remarkably maintained the homing ability of MSCs to inflammatory sites. In this study, cryptotanshinone (CPT)-loaded PLGA/MSCs (CPT@PLGA/MSC) were prepared. These nanoparticles can be effectively internalized by LO2 cells. They reduced cellular oxidative stress and elevated inflammatory levels. In vivo results suggested that, after intravenous administration, CPT@PLGA/MSCs significantly reduced uptake by the reticuloendothelial system and immune recognition compared to PLGA nanoparticles without MSC membrane coatings, subsequently resulting in their targeted and enhanced accumulation in the liver. The effectiveness of CPT@PLGA/MSCs in alleviating carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in a mouse model was unequivocally demonstrated through comprehensive histological examination and liver function tests. This study introduces a pioneering strategy with substantial potential for ALI treatment.

Clinical Research of Lupus Retinopathy: Quantitative Analysis of Retinal Vessels by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Lupus retinopathy, an ocular manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is the major pathology attributed to retinal vasculopathy. Our study is to analyze the changes in retinal vessels in patients with SLE by optical coherence tomography angiography.

METHODS

A total of 61 SLE patients without obvious retinal manifestation and 71 healthy people were included. The SLE patients were further divided into a lupus nephritis (LN) group and a non-LN group. The changes in central macular thickness (CMT) and the retinal vessel densities were compared between the two groups, and the correlation between retinal vascular changes and disease activity was analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy control, the CMT and the retinal vascular densities in both superficial and deep retina were decreased significantly in SLE patients. There was no significant difference in retinal vascular densities between LN groups and non-LN groups.

CONCLUSION

The CMT and retinal vessel densities were decreased in SLE patients without clinical manifestations, which might serve as a sensitive biomarker for early changes of lupus retinopathy in SLE patients.

DARESOME enables concurrent profiling of multiple DNA modifications with restriction enzymes in single cells and cell-free DNA

5-Methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) are the most abundant DNA modifications that have important roles in gene regulation. Detailed studies of these different epigenetic marks aimed at understanding their combined effects and dynamic interconversion are, however, hampered by the inability of current methods to simultaneously measure both modifications, particularly in samples with limited quantities. We present DNA analysis by restriction enzyme for simultaneous detection of multiple epigenomic states (DARESOME), an assay based on modification-sensitive restriction digest and sequential tag ligation that can concurrently perform quantitative profiling of unmodified cytosine, 5mC, and 5hmC in CCGG sites genome-wide. DARESOME reveals the opposing roles of 5mC and 5hmC in gene expression regulation as well as their interconversion during aging in mouse brain. Implementation of DARESOME in single cells demonstrates pronounced 5hmC strand bias that reflects the semiconservative replication of DNA. Last, we showed that DARESOME enables integrative genomic, 5mC, and 5hmC profiling of cell-free DNA that uncovered multiomics cancer signatures in liquid biopsy.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals that the anti-PCOS effects of Zishen Qingre Lishi Huayu recipe may involve pathways and genes related to autophagy, steroidogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in granulosa cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zishen Qingre Lishi Huayu recipe (ZQLHR) is a Chinese medicine compound composed of nine herbs for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is used to nourish kidneys, clear heat, reduce dampness and dissipation blood stasis by promoting diuresis and blood circulation, dredging the meridians and harmonizing menstruation in the treatment of PCOS. Several clinical studies have shown that ZQLHR is effective in the treatment of PCOS, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we researched on the effects and mechanism of action of ZQLHR during treatment of human granulosa cells (hGCs) obtained from PCOS patients in order to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of ZQLHR in the treatment of PCOS, emphasize the importance of some genes that have been reported to play a role in the pathogenesis or therapeutic mechanisms of PCOS from the perspective of disease treatment, and identify some new genes and signaling pathways that may play an important role in the treatment of PCOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

KGN cells (a granulosa cell-like tumor cell line) were subjected to a cell counting kit-8 assay to explore the appropriate intervention concentration and duration of ZQLHR. Treated with or without ZQLHR (ZQLHR and control groups), the hGCs obtained from PCOS patients were sequenced using RNA sequencing, and the genes thus detected were further analyzed through Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, and individuation gene analysis. These genes were also compared with PCOS-related genes in other databases. To further verify the authenticity of the differentially expressed genes between the two groups, the expression of eight randomly selected vital genes and three proteins of interest was verified through real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot experiment respectively.

RESULTS

The best intervention concentration and duration for ZQLHR to promote the proliferation of KGN cells were 0.2% and 48 h respectively in this experiment. Multiple signaling pathways and 55 focus differentially expressed genes, both related to autophagy, steroidogenesis, oxidative stress-related longevity, inflammation, and complications of PCOS, may play an important role in the therapeutic mechanism of action of ZQLHR. The expression of eight genes is consistent with the result of RNA sequencing, and the expression of three proteins of interest is the same as expected.

CONCLUSIONS

The promotion of hGCs proliferation upon treatment with ZQLHR may be a manifestation of ZQLHR in the treatment of PCOS patients. The positive effects of ZQLHR against PCOS may involve pathways and genes related to autophagy, steroidogenesis, oxidative stress-related longevity, and inflammation in hGCs. Some components of ZQLHR applied for the treatment of PCOS may also be effective for the treatment of some complications of PCOS.

Ribosomal proteins regulate 2-cell-stage transcriptome in mouse embryonic stem cells

A rare sub-population of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), the 2-cell-like cell, is defined by the expression of MERVL and 2-cell-stage-specific transcript (2C transcript). Here, we report that the ribosomal proteins (RPs) RPL14, RPL18, and RPL23 maintain the identity of mESCs and regulate the expression of 2C transcripts. Disregulation of the RPs induces DUX-dependent expression of 2C transcripts and alters the chromatin landscape. Mechanically, knockdown (KD) of RPs triggers the binding of RPL11 to MDM2, an interaction known to prevent P53 protein degradation. Increased P53 protein upon RP KD further activates its downstream pathways, including DUX. Our study delineates the critical roles of RPs in 2C transcript activation, ascribing a novel function to these essential proteins.

Bioinformatic Analysis Revealed the Essential Regulatory Genes and Pathways of Early and Advanced Atherosclerotic Plaque in Humans

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a lipid-induced, chronic inflammatory, autoimmune disease affecting multiple arteries. Although much effort has been put into AS research in the past decades, it is still the leading cause of death worldwide. The complex genetic network regulation underlying the pathogenesis of AS still needs further investigation to provide effective targeted therapy for AS. We performed a bioinformatic microarray data analysis at different atherosclerotic plaque stages from the Gene Expression Omnibus database with accession numbers GSE43292 and GSE28829. Using gene set enrichment analysis, we further confirmed the immune-related pathways that play an important role in the development of AS. We are reporting, for the first time, that the metabolism of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs; leucine, isoleucine, and valine) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA; propanoate, and butanoate) are involved in the progression of AS using microarray data of atherosclerotic plaque tissue. Immune and muscle system-related pathways were further confirmed as highly regulated pathways during the development of AS using gene expression pattern analysis. Furthermore, we also identified four modules mainly involved in histone modification, immune-related processes, macroautophagy, and B cell activation with modular differential connectivity in the dataset of GSE43292, and three modules related to immune-related processes, B cell activation, and nuclear division in the dataset of GSE28829 also display modular differential connectivity based on the weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Finally, we identified eight key genes related to the pathways of immune and muscle system function as potential therapeutic biomarkers to distinguish patients with early or advanced stages in AS, and two of the eight genes were validated using the gene expression dataset from gene-deficient mice. The results of the current study will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms in the progression of AS. The key genes and pathways identified could be potential biomarkers or new drug targets for AS management.

VGLUT3 neurons in median raphe control the efficacy of spatial memory retrieval via ETV4 regulation of VGLUT3 transcription

The raphe nucleus is critical for feeding, rewarding and memory. However, how the heterogenous raphe neurons are molecularly and structurally organized to engage their divergent functions remains unknown. Here, we genetically target a subset of neurons expressing VGLUT3. VGLUT3 neurons control the efficacy of spatial memory retrieval by synapsing directly with parvalbumin-expressing GABA interneurons (PGIs) in the dentate gyrus. In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD mice), VGLUT3→PGIs synaptic transmission is impaired by ETV4 inhibition of VGLUT3 transcription. ETV4 binds to a promoter region of VGLUT3 and activates VGLUT3 transcription in VGLUT3 neurons. Strengthening VGLUT3→PGIs synaptic transmission by ETV4 activation of VGLUT3 transcription upscales the efficacy of spatial memory retrieval in AD mice. This study reports a novel circuit and molecular mechanism underlying the efficacy of spatial memory retrieval via ETV4 inhibition of VGLUT3 transcription and hence provides a promising target for therapeutic intervention of the disease progression.

Effectiveness of Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccines Against Illness Caused by the B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant During an Outbreak in Guangdong, China : A Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Real-world evidence on inactivated COVID-19 vaccines against the highly transmissible B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant of SARS-CoV-2 is limited, leaving an important gap in the evidence base about inactivated COVID-19 vaccines for use by immunization programs.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate inactivated vaccine effectiveness (VE) against the B.1.617.2 variant.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

The study was based on the first outbreak of the B.1.617.2 variant in mainland China that was discovered and traced in Guangdong in May and June 2021.

PARTICIPANTS

10 805 adult case patients with laboratory-confirmed infection and close contacts.

MEASUREMENTS

Participants were categorized as unvaccinated, partially vaccinated (1 dose), and fully vaccinated (2 doses). We estimated VE against the primary outcome of pneumonia and the secondary outcomes of infections, symptomatic infections, and severe or critical illness associated with the B.1.617.2 variant.

RESULTS

Results are reported in the order of outcome severity. Of 10 805 participants, 1.3% contracted infections, 1.2% developed symptomatic infections, 1.1% had pneumonia, and 0.2% had severe or critical illness. The adjusted VEs of full vaccination were 51.8% (95% CI, 20.3% to 83.2%) against infection, 60.4% (CI, 31.8% to 88.9%) against symptomatic infection, and 78.4% (CI, 56.9% to 99.9%) against pneumonia. Also, full vaccination was 100% (CI, 98.4% to 100.0%) effective against severe or critical illness. By contrast, the adjusted VEs of partial vaccination against infection, symptomatic infection, and pneumonia were 10.7% (CI, -41.2% to 62.6%), 6.8% (CI, -47.4% to 61.0%), and 11.6% (CI, -42.6% to 65.8%), respectively.

LIMITATION

Observational study with possible unmeasured confounders; insufficient data to do reliable subgroup analyses by age and vaccine brand.

CONCLUSION

Full vaccination with inactivated vaccines is effective against the B.1.617.2 variant. Effort should be made to ensure full vaccination of target populations.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

National Natural Science Foundation of China and Key-Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province.

Key Phytochemicals and Biological Functions of Chuanxiong Rhizoma Against Ischemic Stroke: A Network Pharmacology and Experimental Assessment

Presently, the treatment options for ischemic stroke (IS) are limited due to the complicated pathological process of the disease. Chuanxiong Rhizome (CR), also known as Conioselinum anthriscoides "Chuanxiong" (rhizome), is the most widely used traditional Chinese medicine for treating stroke. This study aimed to uncover the key phytochemicals and biological functions of CR against IS through a network pharmacology approach combining with IS pathophysiology analysis. We employed permanent unilateral common carotid artery ligation to construct a mouse model of global cerebral ischemia and found that cerebral ischemia injuries were improved after 7 days of gavage treatment of CR (1,300 mg/kg/day). CR exerts protective effects on neurons mainly by acting on targets related to synaptic structure, synaptic function, neuronal survival and neuronal growth. A total of 18 phytochemicals from CR based on UHPLC-MS/MS that corresponded to 85 anti-IS targets. Coniferyl ferulate, neocnidilide and ferulic acid were identified as the key phytochemicals of CR against IS. Its brain protective effects involve anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and anti-cell death activities and improves blood circulation. Additionally, the two most important synergistic effects of CR phytochemicals in treating IS are prevention of infection and regulation of blood pressure. In brain samples of Sham mice, L-tryptophan and vanillin were detected, while L-tryptophan, gallic acid, vanillin and cryptochlorogenic acid were detected in IS mice by UHPLC-MS/MS. Our findings provide a pathophysiology relevant pharmacological basis for further researches on IS therapeutic drugs.

[Analysis on characteristics and influencing factors of COVID-19 confirmed cases with viral nucleic acid re-positive after discharge in Guangdong Province]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of COVID-19 confirmed cases with viral nucleic acid re-positive in anal and/or throat swabs after discharge during the domestic imported epidemic stage in Guangdong Province in early 2020. Methods: The COVID-19 confirmed cases with the onset time before March 1, 2020 in Guangdong Province were collected to analyze the demographic data, epidemiological characteristics, and specimen collection and testing data after discharge. Logistic regression model was used for influencing factors analysis of re-positive cases. Results: A total of 1 286 COVID-19 confirmed cases were included, the M(Q₁,Q₃) of age was 44(32,58)years, 617 cases were male, 224 cases were re-positive in anal and/or throat swabs with the re-positive rate 17.42%. The M(Q₁,Q₃) of age of re-positive cases was 35(23, 50) years, which was younger than that of re-negative cases age was those 46(33, 59) years (P<0.001). With the increase of age, re-positive rate decreased (χ²_trend=52.73, P<0.001). 85.27% (191/224) of re-positive cases were found in 14 d after discharge, the duration time of re-positive status was 13(7, 24) d, and 81.69% (183/224) of re-positive cases were re-tested negative in 28 d after re-positive date. No fever and other symptoms had been observed among re-positive cases during the whole follow-up. No secondary infectious cases had been found among close contacts after 14 d of centralized isolation and sampling screening. Univariate logistic regression model analysis revealed that the influencing factors of the re-positive cases included age, occupation, clusters, clinical types, and admission time. Multivariate logistic regression model analysis revealed that age was an independent risk factor. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 viral nucleic acid re-positive is found in COVID-19 confirmed cases after discharge in Guangdong Province. Most re-positive cases are confirmed among 14 d after discharge and re-test to negative among 28 d after re-positive date. Age is an risk factor for re-positive cases after discharge.

Alveolar Bone Marrow Gli1+ Stem Cells Support Implant Osseointegration

Osseointegration is the key issue for implant success. The in vivo properties of cell populations driving the osseointegration process have remained largely unknown. In the current study, using tissue clearing-based 3-dimensional imaging and transgenic mouse model-based lineage tracing methods, we identified Gli1+ cells within alveolar bone marrow and their progeny as the cell population participating in extraction socket healing and implant osseointegration. These Gli1⁺ cells are surrounding blood vessels and do not express lineage differentiation markers. After tooth extraction and delayed placement of a dental implant, Gli1⁺ cells were activated into proliferation, and their descendants contributed significantly to new bone formation. Ablation of Gli1⁺ cells severely compromised the healing and osseointegration processes. Blockage of canonical Wnt signaling resulted in impaired recruitment of Gli1⁺ cells and compromised bone healing surrounding implants. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that Gli1⁺ cells surrounding alveolar bone marrow vasculature are stem cells supporting dental implant osseointegration. Canonical Wnt signal plays critical roles in regulating Gli1⁺ stem cells.

[Deep learning reconstruction algorithm for coronary CT angiography in assessing obstructive coronary artery disease caused by calcified lesions: the clinical application value]

Objective: To investigate the image quality of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) subjected to deep learning-based reconstruction algorithm (DLR) method and its diagnostic performance for stenosis caused by coronary calcified lesions. Methods: We enrolled 33 consecutive patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent CCTA and subsequently invasive coronary angiography (ICA) within 1 month in the department of radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital between February 2020 and February 2021. Among them, there are 26 males and 7 females, age range from 45 to 86 (61.9±9.0) years. The CCTA images were reconstructed with DLR and hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR). Image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated on the aorta root, left main artery, proximal left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary artery of the CCTA images and were used to evaluate the objective image quality (IQ). Subjective IQ score was graded using Likert four-point scale (1 for excellent and 4 for poor). The diagnostic performance of obstructive coronary artery disease caused by calcified lesions on CCTA subjected to DLR and HIR methods were evaluated using ICA as the reference standard. Results: A total of 123 lesions in 33 patients were included in the analysis. Image noise of DLR image was significantly lower than that on HIR image(defined as the standard deviation of the attenuation values in the aortic root: 18.12±3.66 vs 24.19±5.71, P<0.001), CNR and SNR of DLR image in the aortic root were higher (CNR:43.83±23.73 vs 26.38±9.69, P<0.001,SNR:26.66±7.83 vs 21.23±8.65, P<0.001). Subjective scores of DLR was better than HIR image (1.12±0.41 vs 1.46±0.60,P<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of DLR and HIR images for diagnosing obstructive coronary artery disease caused by calcified lesions were 100.0%, 77.4%, 78.9% and 100.0%, 63.5%, 65.9%%, respectively. The number of false positive cases on DLR image decreased by 38% compared with HIR. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence based DLR can significantly reduce the image noise and improve the image quality of CCTA. DLR helps to improve the diagnostic performance of CCTA in assessing obstructive coronary artery disease caused by calcified lesions, which may have good clinical application value.

The mechanism of Annexin A1 to modulate TRPV1 and nociception in dorsal root ganglion neurons

BACKGROUND

Annexin A1 (ANXA1) exerts anti-nociceptive effect through ANXA1 receptor formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2/ALX (receptor for lipoxin A4), FPR2) at the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) level. However, the mechanisms remain elucidated. By using radiant heat, hot/cold plate, tail flick, von Frey, and Randall-Selitto tests to detect nociception in intact and chemical (capsaicin, menthol, mustard oil, formalin or CFA) injected AnxA1 conditional knockout (AnxA1^-/-) mice, applying calcium imaging and patch clamp recordings in cultured DRG neurons to measure neuronal excitability, conducting immunofluorescence and western blotting to detect the protein levels of TRPV1, FPR2 and its downstream molecules, and performing double immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation to investigate the interaction between Calmodulin (CaM) and TRPV1; we aim to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms of ANXA1's role in antinociception.

RESULTS

AnxA1^-/- mice exhibited significant sensitivity to noxious heat (mean ± SD, 6.2 ± 1.0 s vs. 9.9 ± 1.6 s in Hargreaves test; 13.6 ± 1.5 s vs. 19.0 ± 1.9 s in hot plate test; n = 8; P < 0.001), capsaicin (101.0 ± 15.3 vs. 76.2 ± 10.9; n = 8; P < 0.01), formalin (early phase: 169.5 ± 32.8 s vs. 76.0 ± 21.9 s; n = 8; P < 0.05; late phase: 444.6 ± 40.1 s vs. 320.4 ± 33.6 s; n = 8; P < 0.01) and CFA (3.5 ± 0.8 s vs. 5.9 ± 1.4 s; n = 8; P < 0.01). In addition, we found significantly increased capsaicin induced Ca²⁺ response, TRPV1 currents and neuronal firing in AnxA1 deficient DRG neurons. Furthermore, ANXA1 mimic peptide Ac2-26 robustly increased intracellular Ca²⁺, inhibited TRPV1 current, activated PLCβ and promoted CaM-TRPV1 interaction. And these effects of Ac2-26 could be attenuated by FPR2 antagonist Boc2.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective deletion of AnxA1 in DRG neurons enhances TRPV1 sensitivity and deteriorates noxious heat or capsaicin induced nociception, while ANXA1 mimic peptide Ac2-26 desensitizes TRPV1 via FPR2 and the downstream PLCβ-Ca²⁺-CaM signal. This study may provide possible target for developing new analgesic drugs in inflammatory pain.

BONE DEVELOPMENT AND FRACTURE HEALING IS NORMAL IN MICE THAT HAVE A DEFECT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Ectopic lymphatics form in bone and promote bone destruction in diseases such as Gorham-Stout disease, generalized lymphatic anomaly, and kaposiform lymphangiomatosis. However, the role lymphatics serve in normal bone development and repair is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to characterize bone development and fracture healing in mice that have a defect in the development of the lymphatic vasculature. We found that bones in wild-type adult mice and mouse embryos did not have lymphatics. We also found that bone development was normal in Vegfr3Chy/Chy embryos. These mice do not have lymphatics and die shortly after birth. To determine whether lymphatics serve a role in postnatal bone development and fracture healing, we analyzed bones from Vegfr3wt/Chy mice. These mice are viable and have fewer lymphatics than wild-type mice. We found that postnatal bone development and fracture healing was normal in Vegfr3wt/Chy mice. Taken together, our results suggest that lymphatics do not play a major role in normal bone development or repair.

Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RBD with a built in T helper epitope induces strong neutralization antibody response

Without approved vaccines and specific treatments, COVID-19 is spreading around the world with above 26 million cases and approximately 864 thousand deaths until now. An efficacious and affordable vaccine is urgently needed. The Val308 – Gly548 of spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 linked with Gln830 – Glu843 of Tetanus toxoid (TT peptide) (designated as S1-4) and without TT peptide (designated as S1-5) were expressed and renatured. The antigenicity and immunogenicity of S1-4 were evaluated by Western Blotting (WB) in vitro and immune responses in mice, respectively. The protective efficiency was measured preliminarily by microneutralization assay (MN50). The soluble S1-4 and S1-5 protein was prepared to high homogeneity and purity. Adjuvanted with Alum, S1-4 protein stimulated a strong antibody response in immunized mice and caused a major Th2-type cellular immunity supplemented with Th1-type immunity. Furthermore, the immunized sera could protect the Vero E6 cells from SARS-CoV-2 infection with neutralizing antibody titer 256. Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RBD with a built in T helper epitope could stimulate both strong humoral immunity supplemented with cellular immunity in mice, demonstrating that it could be a promising subunit vaccine candidate.

Transcriptomic, Morphological, and Developmental Comparison of Adult Honey Bee Queens (Apis mellifera) Reared From Eggs or Worker Larvae of Differing Ages

Queens and workers are very distinct phenotypes that develop from the same genome. Larvae from worker cells up to 3.5 d old can be transferred to larger queen cells and will subsequently be reared as queens and develop into functional queens. This has become a very popular queen rearing practice in contemporary apiculture. Here we used RNA-Seq to study the consequences of rearing queens from transplanted worker larvae on the transcriptome of the adult queens. We found that queens reared from transferred older larvae developed slower, weighted less, and had fewer ovarioles than queens reared from transferred eggs, indicating queens were cryptically intercaste. RNA-Seq analysis revealed differentially expressed genes between queens reared from transferred larvae compared with queens reared from transferred eggs: the older the larvae transferred, the greater the number of differentially expressed genes. Many of the differentially expressed genes had functions related to reproduction, longevity, immunity, or metabolism, suggesting that the health and long-term viability of queens was compromised. Our finds verify the previous studies that adult queens reared from older transferred larvae were of lower quality than queens reared from transferred eggs or younger larvae.

Transgenerational accumulation of methylome changes discovered in commercially reared honey bee (Apis mellifera) queens

Whether a female honey bee (Apis mellifera) develops into a worker or a queen depends on her nutrition during development, which changes the epigenome to alter the developmental trajectory. Beekeepers typically exploit this developmental plasticity to produce queen bee by transplanting worker larvae into queen cells to be reared as queens, thus redirecting a worker developmental pathway to a queen developmental pathway. We studied the consequences of this manipulation for the queen phenotype and methylome over four generations. Queens reared from worker larvae consistently had fewer ovarioles than queens reared from eggs. Over four generations the methylomes of lines of queens reared from eggs and worker larvae diverged, accumulating increasing differences in exons of genes related to caste differentiation, growth and immunity. We discuss the consequences of these cryptic changes to the honey bee epigenome for the health and viability of honey bee stocks.

Effectiveness of remdesivir for the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 persons: A network meta-analysis

Several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that investigated the effectiveness of remdesivir for the treatment of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) have generated inconsistent evidence. The present study aimed to synthesize available RCT evidence using network meta‐analyses (NMAs). Both blinded and open‐label RCTs in PubMed database from inception to 7 June 2020 that contained “remdesivir”, “Covid‐19”, and “trial” in the abstracts conducted on hospitalized COVID‐19 persons were identified and screened. The studies must have at least one remdesivir arm and evaluated one of the pre‐specified outcomes. The outcomes were clinical improvement between days 10 to 15 after randomization and clinical recovery during the follow‐up period. The identified literature was supplemented with relatively recent studies that were known to the researchers if not already included. Frequentist NMAs with random effects were conducted. Both 10‐day and 5‐day remdesivir regimens were associated with higher odds of clinical improvement (odds ratio [OR] of 10‐day regimen: 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09‐1.67); OR of 5‐day regimen: 1.81, 95% CI, 1.32‐2.45, and higher probabilities of clinical recovery (relative risk [RR] of 10‐day regimen: 1.24, 95% CI, 1.07‐1.43; RR of 5‐day regimen: 1.47, 95% CI, 1.16‐1.87 compared with placebo. Remdesivir may have clinical benefits among hospitalized COVID‐19 persons.

Remdesivir has benefit of clinical improvement and clinical recovery among hospitalized Covid‐19 patients. Remdesivir may be recommended among hospitalized Covid‐19 patients. Evidence on mortality benefit and safety profiles of remdesivir is needed in future.

Estimating diet costs: Bridging the gap between food supply price databases and dietary intake data

Introduction

The cost of food is a key influence on diet. The majority of diet cost studies match intake data from population-based surveys to a single source of food supply prices such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Our aim was to examine the nutritional significance of using food supply data to price dietary intakes in Canada.

Methods

We examined food groups and nutrients in dietary intakes captured by the CPI. For prices, we used 2015 Canadian CPI average monthly item prices. For dietary intakes, we used reported intakes from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)-Nutrition, 1st 24-hour recall (n = 20,487). i) 2015 CPI item prices ($/g) were matched to the 156 food items from the 2015 CCHS-Nutrition as full, partial, or non-match; ii) CPI capture (full or partial match) per total intake (g), without water, was calculated for each respondent; iii) descriptive statistics and quantile regression (α = 0.05) were used to compare intakes of Canadian Nutrient File food groups and nutrients by quantile of CPI capture.

Results

The CPI captured on average 74% of total dietary intake (g) without water. A greater proportion of protein and fat intake was captured by the CPI as compared to carbohydrate, sodium, fibre, and sugar intake. Intakes of beef, poultry, sausages, pork, and breakfast foods had among the best match; snack foods, nuts, veal, and alcoholic beverages had among the worst. Individuals in the poorest CPI capture quantile consumed the greatest fibre (g), carbohydrates (g), total sugar (g), fat (g), protein (g), and energy (kcal) as compared to those with best CPI capture.

Conclusions

The poorest quantile of CPI capture reflects individuals with high intakes of nutrients of concern including fat, carbohydrates, and sugar; potential bias in estimating fibre and protein intake was also detected. Researchers and decision makers should attend to differential misclassification bias and opportunities for tailored datasets to price dietary intakes.

Key messages

Given the proliferation of diet cost studies using food supply prices, this novel study highlights the importance of understanding the biases in using food supply data to price dietary intakes. Nutrition researchers and decision makers can use these findings to strengthen food supply price data to support the monitoring of diet costs in relation to diet quality and health outcomes.

[Analysis on the cluster epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 in Guangdong Province]

Objective: Analysis of clustering characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Guangdong Province. Methods: The COVID-19 cases in Guangdong Province onset from January 1 to February 29, 2020 were collected from Chinese information system for disease control and prevention and Emergency Public Reporting System. Obtain the epidemiological survey data of the cluster epidemic situation, and clarify the scale of cluster epidemic situation, the characteristics of the index cases, family and non-family subsequent cases. Calculate serial interval according to the onset time of the index cases and subsequent cases, secondary attack rate based on the close contacts tracking results, the characteristics of different cases in the clustered epidemic were compared. Results: A total of 283 cluster were collected, including 633 index cases, 239 subsequent cases. Families are mainly clustered, the total number involved in each cluster is in the range of 2-27, M (P₂₅, P₇₅) are 2.0 (2.0, 4.0). During January 15 to February 29, the secondary attack rate is 2.86% (239/8 363) in Guangdong Province, the family secondary attack rate was 4.84% (276/3 697), and the non-family secondary attack rate was 1.32% (61/4 632). According to the reporting trend of the number of cases in Guangdong Province, it can be divided into four stages, the rising stage, the high platform stage, the descending stage and the low level fluctuation period. The secondary attack rate of the four stages were 3.5% (140/3 987), 2.3% (55/2 399), 2.6% (37/1 435), 1.3% (7/542), respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P=0.003). Conclusion: COVID-19 cluster mainly occurs in families in Guangdong Province. The scale of the clustered epidemic was small; the serial interval was short; and the overall secondary attack rate was low.

Novel multiparameter correlates of Coxiella burnetii infection and vaccination identified by longitudinal deep immune profiling

Q-fever is a flu-like illness caused by Coxiella burnetii (Cb), a highly infectious intracellular bacterium. There is an unmet need for a safe and effective vaccine for Q-fever. Correlates of immune protection to Cb infection are limited. We proposed that analysis by longitudinal high dimensional immune (HDI) profiling using mass cytometry combined with other measures of vaccination and protection could be used to identify novel correlates of effective vaccination and control of Cb infection. Using a vaccine-challenge model in HLA-DR transgenic mice, we demonstrated significant alterations in circulating T-cell and innate immune populations that distinguished vaccinated from naïve mice within 10 days, and persisted until at least 35 days post-vaccination. Following challenge, vaccinated mice exhibited reduced bacterial burden and splenomegaly, along with distinct effector T-cell and monocyte profiles. Correlation of HDI data to serological and pathological measurements was performed. Our data indicate a Th1-biased response to Cb, consistent with previous reports, and identify Ly6C, CD73, and T-bet expression in T-cell, NK-cell, and monocytic populations as distinguishing features between vaccinated and naïve mice. This study refines the understanding of the integrated immune response to Cb vaccine and challenge, which can inform the assessment of candidate vaccines for Cb.

Parallel bimodal single-cell sequencing of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility

Joint profiling of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility within single cells allows for the deconstruction of the complex relationship between transcriptional states and upstream regulatory programs determining different cell fates. Here, we developed an automated method with high sensitivity, assay for single-cell transcriptome and accessibility regions (ASTAR-seq), for simultaneous measurement of whole-cell transcriptome and chromatin accessibility within the same single cell. To show the utility of ASTAR-seq, we profiled 384 mESCs under naive and primed pluripotent states as well as a two-cell like state, 424 human cells of various lineage origins (BJ, K562, JK1, and Jurkat), and 480 primary cord blood cells undergoing erythroblast differentiation. With the joint profiles, we configured the transcriptional and chromatin accessibility landscapes of discrete cell states, uncovered linked sets of cis-regulatory elements and target genes unique to each state, and constructed interactome and transcription factor (TF)–centered upstream regulatory networks for various cell states.

The biological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein Pro330-Leu650

SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 that has been characterized as a pandemic by the WHO. Since the first report of COVID-19 on December 31, 2019, 179,111 cases were confirmed in 160 countries/regions with 7426 deaths as of March 17, 2020. However, there have been no vaccines approved in the world to date. In this study, we analyzed the biological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, Pro330-Leu650 (SARS-CoV-2-SPL), using biostatistical methods. SARS-CoV-2-SPL possesses a receptor-binding region (RBD) and important B (Ser438-Gln506, Thr553-Glu583, Gly404-Aps427, Thr345-Ala352, and Lys529-Lys535) and T (9 CD4 and 11 CD8 T cell antigenic determinants) cell epitopes. High homology in this region between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV amounted to 87.7%, after taking the biological similarity of the amino acids into account and eliminating the receptor-binding motif (RBM). The overall topology indicated that the complete structure of SARS-CoV-2-SPL was with RBM as the head, and RBD as the trunk and the tail region. SARS-CoV-2-SPL was found to have the potential to elicit effective B and T cell responses. Our findings may provide meaningful guidance for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine design.

Development of a novel hybrid method combining finite difference method and dissipative particle dynamics to simulate thrombus formation on orifice flow

In our previous works, the transport of activated platelets (APs) on orifice flow has been simulated by finite difference method (FDM). And the distribution of AP concentration on the flow was obtained. However, the effect of platelet aggregation on the distribution of AP concentration can't be investigated by FDM because FDM can't simulate platelet aggregation. On the other hand, platelet aggregation has been simulated by dissipative particle dynamics (DPD). In this paper, a hybrid method combining FDM and DPD is proposed to investigate the effect of platelet aggregation on the distribution of AP concentration. And the hybrid method is used to simulate thrombus formation on orifice flow. As for the effect of platelet aggregation, it is found that the distribution of AP concentration in the hybrid method is different from the distribution in FDM at the places of platelet aggregation. It is considered that the difference is induced by platelet aggregation. As for the distribution of thrombus, higher AP concentration and more aggregated APs are found around the reattachment point and in the recirculation area. It is considered that thrombus is mainly distributed at these places in the simulation. And according to our previous experimental results, thrombus is mainly distributed around the reattachment point and in the recirculation area. It is concluded that the effect of platelet aggregation on the distribution of AP concentration can be investigated by the hybrid method, and the computational results agree with our previous experimental results.

20-Hydroxyecdysone receptor-activated Bombyx mori CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein gamma regulates the expression of BmCBP and subsequent histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation in Bo. mori

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP or CREBBP) plays important roles in regulating gene transcription and animal development. However, the process by which CBP is up-regulated to impact insect development is unknown. In this study, the regulatory mechanism of Bombyx mori CBP (BmCBP) expression induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) was investigated. In the Bo. mori cell line, DZNU-Bm-12, 20E enhanced BmCBP transcription and histone H3K27 acetylation. BmCBP RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in decreased histone H3K27 acetylation. Additionally, the luciferase activity analysis revealed that the transcription factor, Bo. mori CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein gamma (BmC/EBPg), activated BmCBP transcription, which was suppressed by BmC/EBPg RNAi and promoted by BmC/EBPg overexpression. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation results demonstrated that BmC/EBPg could bind to the C/EBP cis-regulatory elements in two positions of the BmCBP promoter. Moreover, BmC/EBPg transcription was enhanced by the 20E receptor (BmEcR), which bound to the BmC/EBPg promoter. BmEcR RNAi significantly inhibited the transcriptional levels of BmC/EBPg and BmCBP in the presence of 20E. Furthermore, the BmEcR-BmC/EBPg pathway regulated the acetylation levels of histone H3K27. Altogether, these results indicate that BmEcR enhances the expression of BmC/EBPg, which binds to the BmCBP promoter, activates BmCBP expression and leads to histone H3K27 acetylation.

Adaptation of plants to high-calcium content kart regions: possible involvement of symbiotic microorganisms and underlying mechanisms

Rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes can help their hosts absorb nutrients and regulate the levels of plant hormones. Moreover, they can modulate the expressions of host genes, assist hosts in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secreting volatile organic compounds. Therefore, rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes are considered as determinant factors driving processes involved in the growth of host plants. However, the physiological and ecological functions, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying the behavior of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes in their role in the adaptive capacity of host plants in the karstic high-calcium environment have not been systematically studied. This review summarizes the physiological and molecular mechanisms of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes which help host plants to adapt to various kinds of adverse environments. The adaptive capacities of plants growing in adverse environments, partly, or totally, depends on microorganisms co-existing with the host plants.

Watershed, climate, and stable isotope data (oxygen-18 and deuterium) for 50 boreal lakes in the oil sands region, northeastern Alberta, Canada, 2002-2017

Watershed data, climate and stable data collected over a 16-year period from a network of 50 lakes in northeastern Alberta, are provided to allow for broader incorporation into regional assessments of environmental impacts, particularly hydrologic and geochemical processes under changing climate and land use development. Oxygen-18 and deuterium analyses of water samples are provided from late summer surveys of 50 lakes with varying land cover and permafrost conditions. Six sub-groups of lakes are represented, including Stony Mountains, West Fort McMurray, Northeast Fort McMurray, Birch Mountains, Caribou Mountains and Shield. This dataset includes 1582 isotopic analyses made on 791 water samples and 3164 isotope mass balance model outputs, as well as 800 lake/watershed parameters, 5600 climate parameters, and 800 modelled values for isotopic composition of precipitation used in the computations. Model data are provided to facilitate evaluation of transferability of the model for other applications, and to permit more sophisticated spatial analysis and intercomparison with geochemical and biological datasets. Details and further discussion on the isotope mass balance approach are provided in “Regional trends in water balance and runoff to fifty boreal lakes: a 16-year isotope mass balance assessment including evaluation of hydrologic drivers” [1]. Overall, the data are expected to be useful, in comparison with local and regional datasets, for water resource management and planning, including design of monitoring networks and environmental impact assessments for oil sands projects.

Chloroquine pretreatment attenuates ischemia-reperfusion injury in the brain of ob/ob diabetic mice as well as wildtype mice

Chloroquine, a prototype anti-malaria drug, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, chloroquine pretreatment could improve DNA damage repair. It is therefore reasonable to hypothesize that chloroquine pretreatment could attenuate ischemia/reperfusion injury in the brain. Considering the fact that chloroquine could also improve glucose metabolism, we speculated that the potential effects of chloroquine on ischemia/reperfusion injury might be particularly pronounced in diabetic mice. In this study, chloroquine pretreatment protected neurons from Oxygen Glucose Deprivation (OGD) induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. In vivo, Ob/ob mice and wildtype (WT) mice were pretreated with chloroquine for 3 weeks. Then, ischemic stroke was induced by 60 min Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO). We found that chloroquine pretreatment normalized blood glucose in diabetic ob/ob mice, and reduced cerebral damage after ischemic stroke especially for diabetic mice. In addition, chloroquine pretreatment reduced High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) content in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum and lowered myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and inflammatory cytokines gene expression both in the ob/ob diabetic mice and WT mice. Moreover, harmful DNA damage-signaling responses, including PARP activation and p53 activation, were also attenuated by chloroquine pretreatment in these two kinds of mice. In conclusion, chloroquine pretreatment could reduce cerebral damage after ischemic stroke especially in diabetic mice through multiple mechanisms, which include reducing neural cell DNA injury, restoring euglycemia and anti-inflammatory effects. The findings may provide potential for the development of chloroquine in the prevention and treatment of stroke in diabetic high-risk patients.

Re-entering the pluripotent state from blood lineage: promises and pitfalls of blood reprogramming

Blood reprogramming, in which induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are derived from haematopoietic lineages, has rapidly advanced over the past decade. Since the first report using human blood, haematopoietic cell types from various sources, such as the peripheral bone marrow and cord blood, have been successfully reprogrammed. The volume of blood required has also decreased, from around tens of millilitres to a single finger-prick drop. Besides, while early studies were limited to reprogramming methods relying on viral integration, nonintegrating reprogramming systems for blood lineages have been subsequently established. Together, these improvements have made feasible the future clinical applications of blood-derived iPSCs. Here, we review the progress in blood reprogramming from various perspectives, including the starting materials and subsequent reprogramming strategies. We also discuss the downstream applications of blood-derived iPSCs, highlighting their clinical value in terms of disease modelling and therapeutic development.

Effect of age at menarche on microvascular complications among women with Type 1 diabetes

AIM

To test the hypothesis that delayed menarche is associated with an increased microvascular complication risk among women with Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

We studied the female participants of an ongoing prospective study of childhood-onset Type 1 diabetes diagnosed during the period 1950-1980. Of 325 women, we included data from 315 who had reached menarche by the study baseline (1986-1988) and who self-reported their age at menarche. Both cross-sectional and prospective analyses over the 25-year follow-up were used to assess the relationship of age at menarche with the prevalence, incidence and cumulative incidence of microvascular complications, comprising overt nephropathy, proliferative retinopathy and confirmed distal symmetric polyneuropathy.

RESULTS

In cross-sectional analyses at baseline, the odds of overt nephropathy increased 1.24 times (P=0.02) with each annual increase in age at menarche, and 3.2 times (P=0.009) in those with delayed menarche compared with women with normal menarche onset, after adjustment. Similarly, the cumulative incidence of overt nephropathy increased 1.16 times (P=0.01) with each older year of menarche and women with delayed menarche were at twofold increased risk of overt nephropathy (hazard ratio 2.30, P=0.001) compared with women with normal menarche onset. However, age at menarche was not significantly associated with either proliferative retinopathy or confirmed distal symmetric polyneuropathy after adjusting for covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Age at menarche was significantly associated with the prevalence and cumulative incidence of overt nephropathy, but not with proliferative retinopathy or confirmed distal symmetric polyneuropathy in Type 1 diabetes. Women with delayed menarche may therefore be targeted for early screening and timely interventions to prevent the development of nephropathy.

Intranasal Immunization Using CTA1-DD as a Mucosal Adjuvant for an Inactivated Influenza Vaccine

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of intranasal immunization with CTA1-DD as mucosal adjuvant combined with H3N2 split vaccine.

METHODS

Mice were immunized intranasally with PBS (negative control), or H3N2 split vaccine (3 μg/mouse) alone, or CTA1-DD (5 μg/mouse) alone, or H3N2 split vaccine (3 μg/mouse) plus CTA1-DD (5 μg/mouse). Positive control mice were immunized intramuscularly with H3N2 split vaccine (3 μg/mouse) and alum adjuvant. All the mice were immunized twice, two weeks apart. Then sera and mucosal lavages were collected. The specific HI titers, IgM, IgG, IgA, and IgG subtypes were examined by ELISA. IFN-γ and IL-4 were test by ELISpot. In addition, two weeks after the last immunization, surivival after H3N2 virus lethal challenge was measured.

RESULTS

H3N2 split vaccine formulated with CTA1-DD could elicit higher IgM, IgG and hemagglutination inhibition titers in sera. Furthermore, using CTA1-DD as adjuvant significantly improved mucosal secretory IgA titers in bronchoalveolar lavages and vaginal lavages. Meanwhile this mucosal adjuvant could enhance Th-1-type responses and induce protective hemagglutination inhibition titers. Notably, the addition of CTA1-DD to split vaccine provided 100% protection against lethal infection by the H3N2 virus.

CONCLUSION

CTA1-DD could promote mucosal, humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, which supports the further development of CTA1-DD as a mucosal adjuvant for mucosal vaccines.

[Health-related quality of life and health-adjusted life expectancy among patients with chronic non-communicable diseases, in Guangdong province]

Objective: To estimate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) which were associated with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in people from Guangdong province of China. Methods: Data on both NCDs prevalence and EuroQol-5 Dimensions-3 Levels measured HRQOL were gathered from the Fifth National Health Survey in Guangdong province, 2013. Logistic regression model and multiple linear regression model were employed to explore the impact of NCDs on HRQOL. Life expectancy (LE) and HALE were used to evaluate the comprehensive impact of chronic diseases on population health. Results: A total of 68 550 inhabitants were included in the analysis. Graded logistic regression showed that the impact of chronic diseases on all dimensions of quality of life was statistically significant after adjusting for social demographic characteristics. The greatest health impact was on the pain/discomfort health dimension [OR=4.48 (95%CI:4.20-4.77)], followed by anxiety/depression[OR=3.95 (95%CI: 3.62- 4.31)], daily activities [OR=3.69 (95%CI: 3.37-4.04)], mobility [OR=3.63 (95%CI: 3.34-3.94)]and ability on self-care [OR=3.30 (95%CI: 2.98-3.66)]. Losses of LE and HALE caused by NCDs were 12.7 and 14.6 years respectively while the overall expected gain was 3.8 years in HALE, when NCDs were taken away. Conclusions: Our data showed that NCDs had shortened the healthy life span of patients through reducing the HRQOL and also causing heavy disease burden on both patients with NCDs and the communities. Health-care related policies on NCDs need to be developed, for the elderly, in particular.

Health Selectivity and Rural-Urban Migration in China: A Nationwide Multiple Cross-Sectional Study in 2012, 2014, 2016

Background: China is undergoing an unprecedented rural-urban migration, which may deeply influence the health of internal migrants. Previous studies suggested that migrants are a selectively healthier population. This paper examines the evidence for and the changes of health selectivity among Chinese internal migrants. Methods: We use data from the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey (CLDS), a nationally representative survey conducted in 2012, 2014, and 2016, respectively. The health statuses of four groups of research subjects (out-migrants, returned migrants, rural residents, and urban residents) are measured by general health, physical health, and emotional health. Results: By comparing the health status of migrants with that of rural residents, we find supportive evidence for the Healthy Migrant Hypothesis that migrants exhibit better health than rural residents in their hometown. We also add strength to the Salmon Bias Hypothesis that migrants returning to their hometowns are less healthy than those still being outside. However, migrants present worse emotional health in both comparisons. The general and physical health gaps between migrants, rural residents, and returnees widened in all three rounds of the survey, which implies a possibly increasing trend of health selectivity. This study also suggests that bringing family to the destination requires better general and physical health, but not emotional health. Conclusions: Migrants are positively selected on general and physical health. The health selectivity in 2012–2016 is highly likely to increase, which means that there are increasing number of obstacles for migrants to overcome. Family migration’s high requirement for health might also contribute to it. It is urgent to establish and improve primary health care service systems in rural areas in current circumstances.