[Primary pulmonary NUT carcinoma: a clinicopathological analysis of seven cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of primary pulmonary NUT carcinoma. Methods: A total of 7 cases of primary pulmonary NUT carcinoma were collected from Fujian Provincial Hospital (n=5), Fuzhou Taijiang Hospital (n=1) and Binzhou City People's Hospital of Shandong Province (n=1) from January 2021 to April 2023. The clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features were analyzed, and NUT rearrangement were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with break-apart probes. Results: Seven cases were all male with age ranging from 32 to 73 years. The main clinical manifestations were cough, expectoration and chest tightness. Microscopically, NUT carcinoma was composed of monotonous proliferation of primitive-appearing small-to-medium round cells, with few eosinophilic cytoplasm, arranged in solid sheets, nests or clusters. Abrupt keratinization was typically observed in 4 cases (4/7), with high mitotic activities and necrosis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed that the tumors were positive for NUT (7/7), CK7 (4/4), CK5/6 (5/6), p40 (6/7). Ki-67 index were 30%-80%. NUT gene segregation (7/7) was detected by FISH break probes. Conclusions: Primary pulmonary NUT carcinoma is rare and highly malignant. Diagnosis depends on histopathology and IHC, with molecular detection as an adjunct for diagnosis. Pathologists should be aware of the clinicopathological characteristics to avoid misdiagnosis.

How to recognize and respond to monkeypox 2022 outbreak in non-endemic countries: a narrative review

In May 2022, cases of monkeypox were reported in non-monkeypox endemic countries such as Europe and the United States. As of 26 May, a cumulative total of 257 laboratory-confirmed cases and approximately 120 suspected cases had been reported to WHO from non-monkeypox endemic countries. This event immediately caused great concern and alarm to the WHO and national virologists. This paper aims to summarize the epidemiological and clinical features of previous monkeypox virus infections and the current local outbreaks in non-monkeypox endemic countries and propose countermeasures to control the current localized infections in non-monkeypox endemic areas as soon as possible. We reviewed the literature and websites related to monkeypox. We searched Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and African Journals Online using the medical subject terms "monkeypox", "monkeypox virus", "monkeypox outbreak", "non-monkeypox endemic areas", "clinical features", "epidemiology", "transmission", and "infection". We found that monkeypox is a zoonotic disease of forest animals that has occurred mainly in West and Central Africa since the first case was reported in the Congo in 1970, with occasional cases spreading to countries such as the United States and Europe. It is common among students, housekeepers, hunters, farmers and housewives. It is more common in males than females, occurs below middle age, and is more common in children under 10. The incubation period is 5 to 21 days, and the rash usually appears within 1 to 3 days after the onset of fever. Clinical manifestations include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle pain and unusual weakness. Most patients have mild symptoms that last from 2 to 4 weeks. The source of the sudden outbreak in Europe and the United States is currently unknown and occurs mostly in homosexuals who have sex with men (MSM). Outbreaks of monkeypox virus infection in non-monkeypox endemic areas have received widespread attention and focus. We believe that a scientific response to the transmission route of monkeypox virus and, where necessary, vaccination of high-risk groups against the monkeypox smallpox will control infection in non-monkeypox endemic areas.

[Development of a risk assessment scale and test of its validity and reliability for venous thromboembolism in adult burn patients]

Objective: To develop a venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment scale for adult burn patients and to test its reliability and validity. Methods: The scale research method and multi-center cross-sectional survey method were used. Based on the results of literature analysis method and brain-storming method, the letter questionnaire for experts was formulated. Then 27 experts (9 doctors of burn department, 9 vascular surgeons, and 9 nurses) were performed with two rounds of correspondences by Delphi method, and the reliability of the experts was analyzed. The weight of each item was determined by optimal sequence diagram method and expert importance evaluation to form the VTE Risk Assessment Scale for Adult Burn Patients. A total of 223 adult burn inpatients, who were admitted to 5 tier Ⅲ grade A general hospitals including the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, and the Second People's Hospital of Yibin City from October 1st 2019 to January 1st 2020, were selected as respondents by convenience sampling method. The first assessment was performed with the VTE Risk Assessment Scale for Adult Burn Patients within 24 hours of admission of patients, and real-time assessment was performed as the patients' condition and treatment changed. The highest value was taken as the result. Correlation coefficient method and critical ratio method were used for item analysis; Cronbach's α coefficient was used to test the internal consistency of scale; content validity index was used to analyze the content validity of the scale, and receiver's operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to test the predictive validity of the scale. Data were statistically analyzed with chi-square test, Pearson correlation analysis, independent sample t test, and Z test. Results: As four questionnaires in the first round of correspondence were rejected as unqualified, and another 4 experts were selected for the 2 rounds of correspondence. Most of them were aged 41 to 50 years with postgraduate degrees, engaging in the current profession for 11 to 30 years, and all of them had professional titles of associate senior or above. The scale, constructed through literature analysis, group brainstorming, and two rounds of correspondence, includes 3 primary items and 50 secondary items. In the first round of correspondence, the recovery rate of valid questionnaires and the ratio with expert opinions were 85.2% (23/27) and 47.8% (11/23), respectively. In the second round of correspondence, the recovery rate of valid questionnaires and the ratio with expert opinions were 100% (27/27) and 11.1% (3/27), respectively. The average collective authority coefficients of experts were both 0.90 in the 2 rounds of correspondence. The mean values of importance assignment, full score rate, and selection rate above 4 were 4.21, 52.5%, and 77.2%, respectively, in the first round of correspondence, and 4.28, 45.2%, and 85.8%, respectively, in the second round of correspondence. The mean coefficients of variation and the mean value of Kendall's coefficient of harmony for each item were 0.21 and 0.30 in the first round of correspondence, respectively, and 0.16 and 0.36 in the second round of correspondence, respectively. In the first and second rounds of correspondence, the Kendall's coefficients of harmony of 3 primary items (age and underlying diseases, burn injury factors, and burn treatment factors) and total secondary items were statistically significant (with χ2 values of 121.46, 107.09, 116.00, 331.97, 169.97, 152.12, 141.54, and 471.70, P<0.01). The weights of primary items for age and underlying diseases, burn injury factors, and burn treatment factors were 0.04, 0.05, and 0.07, respectively. The weights of secondary items ranged from 0.71 to 0.99, with assigned values of 3 to 6. The total burn area of 223 patients ranged from 1% to 89% total body surface area, and the patients were aged from 19 to 96 years, with the risk assessment score from 0 to 98. Nine patients developed VTE, with a risk assessment score of 41 to 90. The scores of 37 items were significantly positively correlated with the total score of scale (with r values of 0.14 to 0.61, P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the items were retained. There were 36 secondary items with statistically significant differences between the patients in high-score group and low-score group (with Z values of -4.88 to -2.09, t values of -11.63 to -2.09, P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the items were retained. The total Cronbach's α coefficient of scale was 0.88. The total content validity index of scale was 0.95. The optimal threshold of the scale for the diagnosis of VTE was 40, at which the sensitivity was 88.9%, the specificity was 87.4%, the Youden index was 0.87, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.96 (with 95% confidence interval of 0.93 to 0.99, P<0.01). Conclusions: The age and underlying diseases, burn injury factors, and burn treatment factors are the risk factors for VTE in adult burn patients. The VTE risk assessment scale for adult burn patients developed based on these factors has good reliability and validity, and provide good reference value for clinical VTE risk assessment.

Assembly of Ultralong Hydroxyapatite Nanowires into Enamel-like Materials

To develop dental restorative materials with enamel-like structures, ultralong hydroxyapatite (HA) nanowires were synthesized by a hydrothermal method, followed by functionalization with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH-570). The mixture of HA nanowires, KH-570, and light initiator was stirred and centrifuged. The precipitate was vacuum filtered to remove excessive KH-570 and then pressured under cold isostatic pressing (10 MPa × 24 h). Finally, the block was polymerized by lighting. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that HA nanowires with aspect ratios >1,000 were assembled into enamel rod-like microstructures and evenly dispersed in the polymerized KH-570 silane matrix to form enamel-like structures. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the content of HA nanowires reached 72 wt% in the composite. The enamel-like composite showed a similar hardness, frictional property, and acid-etching property to those of enamel and a comparable or even better diametral tensile strength and compressive strength than some commercial composite resins in mechanical tests in vitro. In addition, the enamel-like composite had good cytocompatibility. Such enamel-like composites may have the potential to be used in biomimetic tooth restorations in the future.

How to deal with the transmission of SARS-COV-2 on the surface of Cold-chain foods to people: a review

OBJECTIVE

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in 2020 has become the world's largest public health event, causing global attention and concern. Despite national efforts to control this emerging infectious disease, it still cannot be contained. China, which reported the disease early, was able to control the outbreak quickly, but there is the problem of imported infections abroad. This review aims to summarize SARS-CoV-2 detected on the outer packaging of imported cold chain food and lead to the transmission of novel coronavirus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed information on SARS-COV-2 detected on the outer packaging of imported cold chain food and relevant literature.  We searched the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and CNKI. search terms were "2019 nCoV", "SARS-CoV-2", "COVID-19", "cold-chain", "item surface", "spread", "people".

RESULTS

We found that SARS-CoV-2 survives on the surface of cold-chain food for a long period of time and these active viruses can be transmitted to humans.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that while strictly preventing and controlling the importation of infected patients, we should strengthen the management of imported cold-chain food and its workers to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans on the surface of cold-chain food objects.

Negative viral nucleic acid test of induced sputum: an additional criteria for COVID-19 patient's discharge

OBJECTIVE

Concerns have been raised that patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are still infectious with a re-positive nucleic acid test of the pharyngeal swab after hospital discharge. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical relevance of induced sputum as an additional indicator for the current clinical discharge criteria of COVID-19 patients to prevent virus recurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-one COVID-19 patients who met the national clinical discharge criteria were discharged from the hospital and tested daily for the presence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid in their pharyngeal swabs and every other day for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in their induced sputum. Once the patient's induced sputum was negative after two consecutive tests, testing was discontinued.

RESULTS

Among 21 discharged patients from COVID-19, the first pharyngeal swab and induced sputum tests for viral nucleic acid were positive in 3 (14.3%) and 8 (38.1%) patients respectively. Induced sputum was significantly more positive than pharyngeal swab (p < 0.05). In our cohort, all pharyngeal swabs became negative at day 7, and all induced sputa turned negative at day 11 after discharge. Interestingly, patients with negative pharyngeal swabs experienced viral relapse, whereas patients with negative induced sputum did not revert to positivity.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection rate of positive viral nucleic acid in induced sputum was high. Patients with negative induced sputum nucleic acid tests did not have a relapse of SARS-COV-2, indicating that viral nucleic acid testing of induced sputum should be used as an additional criterion for patients with national clinical discharge criteria COVID-19.

No infectious risk of COVID-19 patients with long-term fecal 2019-nCoV nucleic acid positive

OBJECTIVE

It has recently been reported that some COVID-19 patients have long-term positive fecal nucleic acid after discharging from the hospital with negative nucleic acid in the respiratory tract, but it is unclear whether COVID-19 patients with positive long-term fecal nucleic acid tests have the risk of self-infection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 25, 2020 to March 9, 2020, 5 COVID-19 patients with negative respiratory tract nucleic acid and positive fecal nucleic acid were observed and studied to explore whether these patients can re-infect themselves. Five patients with COVID-19 accompanied by diarrhea as the main gastrointestinal symptoms were carefully observed through clinical symptoms, imaging and other auxiliary examinations. The RT-PCR technology was used to continuously detect fecal and respiratory viral nucleic acids. The IgM antibody was detected on the 7th day of admission and IgM/IgG at the time of discharge.

RESULTS

All 5 patients had symptoms of fever and diarrhea upon admission. The fecal nucleic acid was positive, as well as the throat swab was positive. All COVID-19 patients had positive IgM antibodies on the 7th day of admission and positive IgM and IgG at the time of discharge, and there were no abnormalities in the gastrointestinal examination on discharge. All 5 fecal nucleic acid tests were positive at the time of discharge. After continuous dynamic follow-up for 3-15 days, no clinical symptoms recurred, and the last nucleic acid test was negative.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no risk of self-infection for COVID-19 patients with long-term 2019-nCoV nucleic acid positive in feces.

4111Association of DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors with cardiovascular events stratified by renal function: a network meta-analysis

Background

Chronic kidney disease is a frequent co-morbidity in patients with diabetes and is associated with poor outcomes and elevated cardiovascular risk. Several novel oral antidiabetic therapies have been shown to be efficacious in reducing cardiovascular events. However, the impact of baseline renal function on cardiovascular efficacy is not well-established.

Purpose

To assess the cardiovascular efficacy of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i), Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RA) and Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) stratified by renal function.

Methods

Cardiovascular outcome trials enrolling at least 1000 patients with type 2 diabetes for >12 months' duration were included if they reported on a composite outcome of cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction and nonfatal stroke and stratified outcome data by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of >60 mL/min/1.73m2 or <60 mL/min/1.73m2. Studies enrolling patients with recent acute coronary events were excluded. Treatment and interaction effect estimates were aggregated by random-effects Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Results

9 studies were included (2 DPP-4i; 4 GLP-1RA; 3 SGLT-2i), enrolling 92,626 patients accounting for 315,167 patient-years of follow-up. The eGFR was <60 mL/min/1.73m2 in 21,302 patients (23.0%) and >60 mL/min/1.73m2 in 71,324 patients (77.0%). The mean eGFR was 64.8 mL/min/1.73m2 in DPP-4i trials, 78.6 mL/min/1.73m2 in GLP-1RA trials and 78.6 mL/min/1.73m2 in SGLT-2i trials.

Compared to placebo, DPP4i were not associated with reductions in the primary outcome (HR 1.00, 95% credible interval [CrI] 0.89–1.13). No reductions in the primary outcome were present for either strata of renal function (eGFR >60: HR 1.00, 95% CrI 0.77–1.29; and eGFR <60: HR 0.99, 95% CrI 0.81–1.20), with no significant interaction between renal function subgroups (interaction coefficient 1.00, 95% CrI 0.72–1.41).

GLP-1RA were associated with reductions in the primary outcome overall (HR 0.85, 95% CrI 0.77–0.93). There was no significant interaction between renal function subgroups (eGFR <60: HR 0.87, 95% CrI 0.70–1.06; and eGFR >60: HR 0.83, 95% CrI 0.71–0.94; interaction coefficient 1.05, 95% CrI 0.83–1.35). Similarly, SGLT-2i were associated with reductions in the primary cardiovascular composite outcome (HR 0.88, 95% CrI 0.79–0.97), with no significant interaction between renal function subgroups (eGFR <60: HR 0.82, 95% CrI 0.65–1.05; and eGFR >60: HR 0.91, 95% CrI 0.78–1.06; interaction coefficient 0.92, 95% CrI 0.69–1.21).

Conclusions

Both SGLT-2i and GLP-RA are associated with reductions in a composite cardiovascular outcome with no evidence of interaction by renal function, while DPP-4i were not associated with reductions in events, with no evidence of interaction by renal function. These data suggest that cardiovascular efficacy of these medications is not affected by baseline renal status.

[The expression of KLK7 in pancreatic cancer and the effects on the biological behavior of pancreatic cancer cells]

Objective: To investigate the expression of KLK7 in pancreatic cancer and its clinical significance. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of KLK7 protein in pancreatic cancer tissue microarray with 92 samples. Statistical analysis of the relationship between KLK7 and clinicopathological characteristics was finished. Pancreatic cancer cell lines were infected with lentiviuses in order to get cells with KLK7 stable overexpression.KLK7-siRNA was transfected into pancreatic cancer cells to knock down KLK7.Cell proliferation and chemosensitivity were detected by CCK-8 assay; Cell invasion and migration abilities were detected by Transwell assay. At the same time, subcutaneous xenograft tumor models were established in nude mice to observe the effect of KLK7 on tumor growth in nude mice. Data were statistically analyzed by rank sum test, χ(2) test and Logistic regression analysis. Results: The expression level of KLK7 in pancreatic cancer tissues was higher than that in paired adjacent tissues (P<0.05). KLK7 expression was correlated with vascular invasion(χ(2)=7.535, P<0.05). Further univariate and multivariate analysis showed that KLK7 expression was an independent risk factor for vascular invasion of pancreatic cancer(χ(2)=7.535, P<0.05). The overexpression of KLK7 in pancreatic cancer cell lines BxPC-3 and CFPAC can increase their proliferation abilities, reduce the chemosensitivity and promote their migration and invasion behaviour; The results of in vivo experiments showed that the volume of subcutaneously transplanted tumors in the overexpressing KLK7 group was significantly larger than that in the control group (t=4.479, P<0.05). The group of overexpressing KLK7 showed greater tumor weight than the control group(t=2.831, P<0.05). Conclusions: The expression level of KLK7 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was higher than that in paired adjacent tissues and it is an independent risk factor for vascular invasion of pancreatic cancer.KLK7 can promote the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells, reduce the chemosensitivity and increase the invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells.

[Efficacy of Yisaipu tapering in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis]

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Yisaipu tapering in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: A total of 87 cases of AS patients from Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital who were treated with Yisaipu and celecoxib were retrospectively analyzed from February 2013 to April 2017.All patients received full dose Yisaipu and celecoxib in the initial 12 weeks.After that, the patients in the full dose group maintained Yisaipu (50 mg/w) treatment from the 13(rd) to 24(th) week, while tapering group received Yisaipu 50 mg subcutaneous injection once every other week.By using AS disease activity score (ASDAS), Bath AS functional index (BASFI) and magnetic resonance (MR) score of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) plus recording adverse events, differences of efficacy and safety between groups were compared. Results: ASDAS and BASFI of tapering group were 1.1±0.7 and 1.3±1.1, while those of full dose group were 1.0±0.7 and 1.1±1.0, respectively.No significant difference of ASDAS or BASFI was found between groups.Besides, the MR scores of tapering and full dose groups were 8±7 and 8±6 respectively before therapy, while they were significantly lower in the 24(th) week (4±4 and 4±3, P<0.05). However, changes of MR score between groups were similar (P>0.05). Conclusion: Dose tapering of Yisaipu subcutaneous injection might be effective for keeping stable of disease activity and function in patients with AS.Its efficacy is similar to those of full dose Yisaipu.

Ginsenoside Rg1 protects human renal tubular epithelial cells from lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis and inflammation damage

Ginsenoside Rg1, one of the most notable active components of Panax ginseng, has been widely reported to exert anti-inflammatory actions. This study aimed to reveal whether ginsenoside Rg1 also exhibits beneficial roles against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis and inflammation in human renal tubular epithelial cells, and to evaluate the potential role of the component on tubulointerstitial nephritis treatment. HK-2 cells were treated with various doses of ginsenoside Rg1 (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μM) in the absence or presence of 5 μg/mL LPS. Thereafter, CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, western blot, migration assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and ELISA were carried out to respectively assess cell viability, apoptosis, migration, ROS activity, and the release of inflammatory cytokines. As a result, ginsenoside Rg1 protected HK-2 cells from LPS-induced injury, as cell viability was increased, cell apoptosis was decreased, and the release of MCP-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was reduced. Ginsenoside Rg1 functioned to HK-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and the 150 μM dose exhibited the most protective functions. Ginsenoside Rg1 had no significant impact on cell migration and ROS activity, while it alleviated LPS-induced ROS release and migration impairment. Furthermore, the down-regulations of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and up-regulations of PTEN, p-IκBα, p-p65, Bcl-3 induced by LPS were recovered to some extent after ginsenoside Rg1 treatment. In conclusion, ginsenoside Rg1 protects HK-2 cells against LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis via activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and suppression of NF-κB pathway.

[Relationship between hypertension and body mass index, waist circumference and waist-hip ratio in middle-aged and elderly residents]

Objective: To assess the relationship between hypertension and BMI, waist circumference and waist-hip ratio in middle-aged and elderly residents in Luzhou, Sichuan province. Methods: A total of 2 033 middle-aged and elderly local residents aged 35-69 years were enrolled from Luzhou through stratified cluster sampling from March 27 to April 20, 2015. A face-to-face questionnaire survey and physical examination were conducted by trained investigators. Results: The overall prevalence rate of hypertension was 43.48%. The overweight rate, obesity rate, centrality obesity (calculated according to waist circumference) and centrality obesity (calculated according to waist-hip ratio) were 42.5%, 14.6%, 48.4% and 74.0%, respectively. The multivariate logistic analysis showed that gender and age were related to the prevalence of hypertension. Compared with age group <40 years, the OR values were 2.066 and 4.756 respectively in age groups 45-60 and ≥60 years. After control the confounding effect of gender and age, overweight, obesity and centrality obesity (calculated according to waist circumference) were risk factors for hypertension, waist-hip ratio was not used in the regression equation. BMI and waist circumference or waist-hip ratio had combined effect on the prevalence of hypertension. Compared with the normal adults, the risk for hypertension increased as the increase of the level of overweight and obesity [OR from 1.524 (95%CI: 1.044-2.226) to 4.461 (95%CI: 3.405-6.326) and OR from 1.569 (95%CI: 1.134-2.171) to 5.468 (95%CI: 3.797-7.876)]. Conclusions: The influences of BMI, waist circumference and waist-hip ratio on the prevalence of hypertension were significant, but the influence of waist circumference on hypertension was greater than waist-hip ratio. Keeping normal bodyweight might be one of the effective hypertension prevention measures.

[Correlation between miR-1178 expression and clinicopathological significance in human pancreatic cancer]

Objective: To test the expression of miR-1178 in pancreatic cancer and study its clinicopathological significance and mechanism. Methods: The expression of miR-1178 in 87 paired paraffin pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma specimens and adjacent non- cancerous pancreatic tissue diagnosed by Pathology Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital was detected by hybridization in situ. The relationship between the expression of miR-1178 and clinicopathological characters was analyzed.miR-1178 mimics and inhibitor were used to further detect the close relationship among miR-1178 and cancer invasion. Establish a nude mice subcutaneously transplanted tumor model, 4 weeks after vaccination for tumor volume and weight measurement.Student t-test, rank sum test, and χ(2) test was used respectively to compare the data between two groups. Cox regression was adopted to improve the single factor and multiple factors analysis. Results: The results of hybridization in situ showed the expression of miR-1178 was increased in 72 cases with pancreatic cancer compared to that in paired normal pancreatic tissues (50/72 vs. 11/72, χ(2)=43.26, P<0.05). miR-1178 expression was positively associated with tumor lymph node stage (χ(2)=4.189, P=0.041). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that miR-1178 was an independent adverse prognostic indicator for patients with pancreatic cancer (HR=2.364, 95%CI: 1.114-5.019, P=0.025). Transwell assay indicated the over-expression of miR-1178 increased the number of AsPC-1 cells that penetrated the ECM-coated membrane (177.0±19.8 vs. 119.7±15.9)(χ(2)=8.21, P<0.05). For the in vivo experiment, overexpression of miR-1178 significantly promoted tumor growth, compared with control group (tumor volume: (5 122.4±760.2)mm(3) vs. (1 976.8±601.8)mm(3), t=2.413, P<0.05; tumor weight: (1.55±0.21)g vs. (0.67±0.17)g, t=2.960, P<0.05). Over-expression of miR-1178 down-regulated the expression of Stub1 and elevated the expression of FAK/MMP-9 signal pathway(P<0.05). Conclusions: MiR-1178 is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer, and is effective for predicting patients' prognosis. MiR-1178 regulate Stub1/FAK/MMP-9 signal pathway and promote the invasion of AsPC-1 cells.

Comparison of the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel benzene sulfonate and clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate in stable coronary heart disease

Clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate (CHS) is a thienopyridine, which can be used to prevent cardiovascular complications alone or in combination with acetyl salicylic acid as an important antiplatelet agent. Clopidogrel benzene sulfonate (CB) is a special clopidogrel salt that can be used as a conventional drug for antiplatelet effects, but the mechanism is still unknown. This study aimed to compare the antiplatelet effects of CHS and CB in stable coronary artery disease patients. Stable coronary artery disease patients (N = 119) were randomly divided into two groups receiving CHS (N = 67) or CB (N = 52). The patients were administered the drugs (600 mg dosage) and monitored for 12 to 14 h to detect antiplatelet effects. Antiplatelet response was evaluated by the P2Y12 response unit (PRU) and P2Y12 suppression percentage. In addition, all patients' CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3, and CYP3A5 polymorphisms were studied. Similar clinical manifestations were observed in the two groups. No obvious difference was detected in the platelet levels of patients given CHS or CB. The antiplatelet response (PRU and P2Y12 evaluation) of the patients using CHS and CB was not significantly different. In the two groups, the CYP2C19*2 polymorphic heterozygote number and antiplatelet response were similar. CB and CHS presented similar antiplatelet effects in stable coronary artery disease patients, and there was no difference in the CYP2C19*2 heterozygous polymorphism.

Rapid and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of domperidone in human plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic study

In this study, a simple, rapid and sensitive ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method is described for determination of domperidone in human plasma samples using oxcarbazepine as the internal standard (IS). Sample preparation was accomplished through protein precipitation with methanol, and chromatographic separation was performed on an Acquity BEH C18 column (2.1 mm×50 mm, 1.7 μm) with gradient profile at a flow of 0.45 mL/min. Mass spectrometric analysis was performed using a QTrap5500 mass spectrometer coupled with an electro-spray ionization (ESI) source in the positive ion mode. The MRM transition of m/z 426.3→175.2 was used to quantify for domperidone. The linearity of this method was found to be within the concentration range of 0.25-100.0 ng/mL for domperidone in human plasma. Only 1.5 min was needed for an analytical run. The method herein described was superior to previous methods and was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of domperidone in healthy Chinese volunteers after oral administration.

UPLC-MS/MS determination of phentolamine in human plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study

A sensitive and rapid ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed to determine phentolamine in human plasma. Sample preparation was accomplished through a simple liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. Chromatographic separation was carried out on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column using an isocratic mobile phase system composed of acetonitrile and 1% formic acid in water (33:67, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.45 mL/min. Mass spectrometric analysis was performed using a QTrap5500 mass spectrometer coupled with an electro-spray ionization (ESI) source in the positive ion mode. The MRM transitions of m/z 282.1 → 212.0 and m/z 237.1 → 194.2 were used to quantify for phentolamine and carbamazepine (internal standard, IS), respectively. The linearity of this method was found to be within the concentration range of 0.5-100.0 ng/mL with a lower limit of quantification of 0.5 ng/mL. Only 1.0 min was needed for an analytical run. This fully validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of 60 mg phentolamine to 20 Chinese healthy male volunteers.

Effects of unprocessed vs. cooked-processed Gastrodia elata on cytochrome P450 enzymes in rats

CONTEXT

Gastrodia elata Blume (GE) has been used as a traditional herb and is considered one of the most important medicinal plants in Oriental countries since centuries.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to find out the differences between the effects of unprocessed and cooked-processed GE (CGE) on rat cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C9 and CYP3A4) by using cocktail probe drugs in vivo.

METHODS

A cocktail solution at a dose of 5 mL/kg, which contained phenacetin (20 mg/kg), tolbutamide (5 mg/kg) and midazolam (10 mg/kg), was orally administration to rats treated with GE or CGE for 14 days orally. Blood samples were collected at a series of time-points and the concentrations of probe drugs in plasma were determined by HPLC-MS/MS. The corresponding pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by the software of DAS 2.0.

RESULTS

Both GE and CGE did not have significant influences on the pharmacokinetic parameters of phenacetin (P>0.05). In addition, CGE decreased the t1/2, Cmax, AUC(0-∞) of tolbutamide (P<0.05) and it increased CL significantly (P<0.01). Furthermore, the trend in CGE was similar but far more significant than GE on t1/2, Cmax, AUC(0-∞), and other parameters of midazolam (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, GE and CGE had no effects on rat CYP1A2. GE did not affect CYP2C9 activity, but CGE induced the CYP2C9 activity. Moreover, CGE was more potent than GE for inhibitory effect on CYP3A4 activity. These results provide useful scientific data for the safe clinical application of either extract of GE or in combination with other drugs, which should lack the side effects induced by other herb-drug interactions.

Nimodipine improves regional cerebral blood flow and suppresses inflammatory factors in the hippocampus of rats with vascular dementia

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of nimodipine on hippocampal regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and proinflammatory cytokines in rats with experimental vascular dementia.

METHODS

Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 15/group): sham operated controls (group A); focal cerebral ischaemia (group B); vascular dementia (group C); and vascular dementia treated with 20 mg/kg nimodipine daily (group D). The Morris water maze test evaluated learning and memory, and magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging was used to measure rCBF. Hippocampal levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were measured.

RESULTS

Compared with group C, rats in group D demonstrated significantly improved learning ability and significantly increased hippocampal rCBF. The levels of NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly lower in group D than in group C. Hippocampal nerve cell morphology was abnormal in group C but near normal in group D.

CONCLUSIONS

Nimodipine improved the symptoms of cognitive impairment, increased rCBF, reduced hippocampal cytokine levels and alleviated neuronal injury in the hippocampus of rats with experimental vascular dementia.

Thalidomide attenuates graft arteriosclerosis of aortic transplant in a rat model

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of thalidomide on graft arteriosclerosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Lewis rats received abdominal aorta grafts from male Brown-Norway rats. The animals were divided into 4 groups: no treatment controls, a low-dose group that received thalidomide (50 mg/kg per day), a middle dose group that received thalidomide (100 mg/kg per day), and a high-dose group that received thalidomide (200 mg/kg per day) by daily intragastric administration. Rats were humanely killed at 60 days after surgery. The grafted aortas were analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis. The serum was analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The neointimal thickness of the thalidomide treated aortas was significantly thinner compared with that of no treatment aortas (P < .05). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor, and intracellular adhesian molecule (ICAM-1) protein expression in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < .05). Moreover, thalidomide significantly inhibited the production of VEGF and ICAM-1 in serum (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggested that thalidomide can attenuate graft arteriosclerosis so as to protect aortic grafts.

Genetic variation in the COX-2 gene and the association with prostate cancer risk

COX-2 is a key enzyme in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The prostaglandins produced by COX-2 are involved in inflammation and pain response in different tissues in the body. Accumulating evidence from epidemiologic studies, chemical carcinogen-induced rodent models and clinical trials indicate that COX-2 plays a role in human carcinogenesis and is overexpressed in prostate cancer tissue. We examined whether sequence variants in the COX-2 gene are associated with prostate cancer risk. We analyzed a large population-based case-control study, cancer prostate in Sweden (CAPS) consisting of 1,378 cases and 782 controls. We evaluated 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the entire COX-2 gene in 94 subjects of the control group. Five SNPs had a minor allele frequency of more than 5% in our study population and these were genotyped in all case patients and control subjects and gene-specific haplotypes were constructed. A statistically significant difference in allele frequency between cases and controls was observed for 2 of the SNPs (+3100 T/G and +8365 C/T), with an odds ratio of 0.78 (95% CI=0.64-0.96) and 0.65 (95% CI=0.45-0.94) respectively. In the haplotype analysis, 1 haplotype carrying the variant allele from both +3100 T/G and +8365 C/T, with a population frequency of 3%, was also significantly associated with decreased risk of prostate cancer (p=0.036, global simulated p-value=0.046). This study supports the hypothesis that inflammation is involved in prostate carcinogenesis and that sequence variation within the COX-2 gene influence the risk of prostate cancer.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist haplotype associated with prostate cancer risk

IL1-RN is an important anti-inflammatory cytokine that modulate the inflammation response by binding to IL1 receptors, and as a consequence inhibits the action of proinflammatory cytokines IL1alpha and IL1beta. In this study, we hypothesise that sequence variants in the IL1-RN gene are associated with prostate cancer risk. The study population, a population-based case-control study in Sweden, consisted of 1383 prostate cancer case patients and 779 control subjects. We first selected 18 sequence variants covering the IL1-RN gene and genotyped these single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 96 control subjects. Gene-specific haplotypes of IL1-RN were constructed and four haplotype-tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (htSNPs) were identified (rs878972, rs315934, rs3087263 and rs315951) that could uniquely describe >95% of the haplotypes. All study subjects were genotyped for the four htSNPs. No significant difference in genotype frequencies between cases and controls were observed for any of the four SNPs based on a multiplicative genetic model. Overall there was no significant difference in haplotype frequencies between cases and controls; however, the prevalence of the most common haplotype (ATGC) was significantly higher among cases (38.7%) compared to controls (33.5%) (haplotype-specific P = 0.009). Evaluation of the prostate cancer risk associated with carrying the 'ATGC' haplotype revealed that homozygous carriers were at significantly increased risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2-2.2), compared to noncarriers, while no significant association was found among subjects heterozygous for the haplotype (OR = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.8-1.2). Restricting analyses to advanced prostate cancer strengthened the association between the 'ATGC' haplotype and disease risk (OR for homozygous carriers vs noncarriers 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3-2.5). In conclusion, the results from this study support the hypothesis that inflammation has a role of in the development of prostate cancer, but further studies are needed to identify the causal variants in this region and to elucidate the biological mechanism for this association.

Polymorphisms of the ADAM33 gene are associated with accelerated lung function decline in asthma

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a genetically complex disease characterized by respiratory symptoms, intermittent airway obstruction and airway hyper-responsiveness due to airway inflammation and remodelling. The ADAM33 gene is associated with asthma and airway hyper-responsiveness and is postulated as a gene for airway remodelling.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether polymorphisms of the ADAM33 gene are associated with accelerated lung function decline in patients with asthma.

METHODS

In a cohort of 200 asthma patients followed over 20 years, eight single nucleotide polymorphisms of the ADAM33 gene were analysed to estimate their effect on annual FEV(1) decline.

RESULTS

The rare allele of the S_2 polymorphism was significantly associated with excess decline in FEV(1) (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that a variant in ADAM33 is not only important in the development of asthma but also in disease progression, possibly related to enhanced airway remodelling.

Hereditary prostate cancer in African American families: linkage analysis using markers that map to five candidate susceptibility loci

African American men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world. Despite this statistic, linkage studies designed to localise prostate cancer susceptibility alleles have included primarily men of Caucasian descent. In this report, we performed a linkage analysis using 33 African American prostate cancer families from two independent research groups. In total, 126 individuals (including 89 men with prostate cancer) were genotyped using markers that map to five prostate cancer susceptibility loci, namely HPC1 at 1q24–25, PCAP at 1q42.2–43, CAPB at 1p36, HPC20 on chromosome 20, and HPCX at Xq27–28. Multipoint mode-of-inheritance-free linkage analyses were performed using the GENEHUNTER software. Some evidence of prostate cancer was detected to HPC1 using all families with a maximum NPL Z score of 1.12 near marker D1S413 (P=0.13). Increased evidence of linkage was observed in the 24 families with prostate cancer diagnosis prior to age 65 years and in the 20 families with male-to-male transmission. Some evidence of prostate cancer linkage was also detected at markers mapping to PCAP, HPC20, and HPCX. Continued collection and analysis of African American prostate cancer families will lead to an improved understanding of inherited susceptibility in this high-risk group.

Polymorphisms in the CYP1B1 gene are associated with increased risk of prostate cancer

CYP1B1 has been evaluated as a candidate gene for various cancers because of its function in activating environmental procarcinogens and catalysing the conversion of oestrogens to genotoxic catechol oestrogens. To test the hypothesis that genetic polymorphisms in the CYP1B1 gene may associate with the risk for prostate cancer (CaP), we compared the allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies of 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP1B1 among 159 hereditary prostate cancer (HPC) probands, 245 sporadic CaP cases, and 222 unaffected men. When each of the SNPs was analysed separately, marginally significant differences were observed for allele frequencies between sporadic cases and controls for three consecutive SNPs (−1001C/T, −263G/A, and −13C/T, P=0.04–0.07). Similarly, marginally significant differences between sporadic cases and controls in the frequency of variant allele carriers were observed for five consecutive SNPs (−1001C/T, −263G/A, −13C/T, +142C/G, and +355G/T, P=0.02–0.08). Interestingly, when the combination of these five SNPs was analysed using a haplotype approach, a larger difference was found (P=0.009). One frequent haplotype (C-G-C-C-G of −1001C/T, −263G/A, −13C/T, +142C/G, and +355G/T) was associated with an increased risk for CaP, while the other frequent haplotype (T-A-T-G-T) was associated with a decreased risk for CaP. These findings suggest that genetic polymorphisms in CYP1B1 may modify the risk for CaP.

Linkage and association of CYP17 gene in hereditary and sporadic prostate cancer

Androgens are essential for prostate development, growth and maintenance and the association between androgen levels and prostate cancer is well established. Since the CYP17 gene encodes the enzyme cytochrome P450c17alpha, which mediates 17alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase activities in the androgen biosynthesis pathway, sequence variations in the gene and association with increased risk to prostate cancer has been studied. In particular, several groups have studied the association between a polymorphism in the 5' promoter region and prostate cancer using a population-based association approach. However, the results from these studies were inconclusive. To further study this polymorphism and its possible role in hereditary prostate cancer (HPC), we performed a genetic linkage analysis and family-based association analysis in 159 families, each of which contains at least 3 first-degree relatives with prostate cancer. In addition, we performed a population-based association analysis to compare the risk of this polymorphism to hereditary and sporadic prostate cancer in 159 HPC probands, 249 sporadic prostate cancer patients and 211 unaffected control subjects. Evidence for linkage at the CYP17 gene region was found in the total 159 HPC families (LOD = 1.3, p = 0.01, at marker D10S222). However, family-based association tests did not provide evidence for overtransmission of either allele of the CYP17 polymorphism to affected individuals in the HPC families. The allele and genotype frequencies of the polymorphism were not statistically different among the HPC probands, sporadic cases and unaffected control subjects. In conclusion, our results suggest that the CYP17 gene or other genes in the region may increase the susceptibility to prostate cancer in men; however, the polymorphism in the 5' promoter region has a minor role if any in increasing prostate cancer susceptibility in our study sample.

Toward designed assembly of microporous coordination networks constructed from silver(I)-hexamethylenetetramine layers

Eight interesting microporous networks based on 2-D [Ag(mu(3)-hmt)] (hmt = hexamethylenetetramine) layers were obtained via rational synthetic strategies. Out of these products isolated and structurally characterized, six present a metal-to-hmt molar ratio of 1:1 and contain 2-D coordination layers assembled by 2-D Ag(I)-hmt networks with aromatic monocarboxylates, which are [Ag(mu(3)-hmt)(p-nba)].2.5H(2)O (1), [Ag(mu(3)-hmt)(m-nba)].2.5H(2)O (2), [Ag(mu(3)-hmt)(dnba)] (3), [Ag(mu(3)-hmt)(alpha-hna)](EtOH) (4), [Ag(mu(3)-hmt)(beta-hna)](EtOH) (5), and [Ag(mu(3)-hmt)(noa)](H(2)O)(EtOH) (6) (p-nba = 4-nitrobenzoate, m-nba = 3-nitrobenzoate, dnba = 3,5-dinitrobenzoate, alpha-hna = 1-hydroxy-2-naphthate, beta-hna = 3-hydroxy-2-naphthate, and noa = 2-naphthoxyacetate), and two present a metal-to-hmt molar ratio of 2:1 and contain 3-D microporous networks constructed from the 2-D Ag-hmt layers and linear dicarboxylates as molecular pillars, which are [Ag(2)(mu(3)-hmt)(2)(fa)].4H(2)O (7) and [Ag(2)(mu(3)-hmt)(2)(adp)].8H(2)O (8) (fa = fumarate and adp = adipate). The result shows that the pore sizes may be tuned with different carboxylates. Gas adsorption measurements were performed to confirm the microporosity of these coordination open frameworks.

Evidence for a prostate cancer linkage to chromosome 20 in 159 hereditary prostate cancer families

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy diagnosed in men in the US. Genetic susceptibility to prostate cancer has been well documented. A region at chromosome 20q13 (HPC20) has been reported to be linked to a prostate cancer susceptibility gene. To confirm this finding, we genotyped 16 markers spanning approximately 95 cM on chromosome 20 in 159 hereditary prostate cancer (HPC) families. Positive (but not statistically significant) linkage scores were observed from 20pter to 20q11, with the highest non-parametric linkage (NPL) score for the complete dataset of 1.02 (P=0.15) being observed at D20S195 at 20q11. Evidence for linkage from parametric analyses with a dominant or a recessive model was weak. Interestingly, consistent with the original findings of linkage to 20 g higher linkage scores were observed in the subsets of families with a later age at diagnosis (> or =65 years; n=80, NPL=1.94, P=0.029 at D20S186), fewer than five affected family members (n=69, NPL=1.74, P=0.037 at D20S889), or without male-to-male disease transmission (n=60, NPL=1.01, P=0.15 at D20S117). The region with positive linkage scores spanned approximately 60 cM from 20pter to 20q11 in these subsets of families. Our results are consistent with a prostate cancer susceptibility locus on chromosome 20.

Linkage of prostate cancer susceptibility loci to chromosome 1

Three prostate cancer susceptibility genes have been reported to be linked to different regions on chromosome 1: HPC1 at 1q24-25, PCAP at 1q42-43, and CAPB at 1p36. Replication studies analyzing each of these regions have yielded inconsistent results. To evaluate linkage across this chromosome systematically, we performed multipoint linkage analyses with 50 microsatellite markers spanning chromosome 1 in 159 hereditary prostate cancer families (HPC), including 79 families analyzed in the original report describing HPC1 linkage. The highest lod scores for the complete dataset of 159 families were observed at 1q24-25 at which the parametric lod score assuming heterogeneity (hlod) was 2.54 (P=0.0006) with an allele sharing lod of 2.34 (P=0.001) at marker D1S413, although only weak evidence was observed in the 80 families not previously analyzed for this region (hlod=0.44, P=0.14, and allele sharing lod=0.67, P=0.08). In the complete data set, the evidence for linkage across this region was very broad, with allele sharing lod scores greater than 0.5 extending approximately 100 cM from 1p13 to 1q32, possibly indicating the presence of multiple susceptibility genes. Elsewhere on chromosome 1, some evidence of linkage was observed at 1q42-43, with a peak allele sharing lod of 0.56 (P=0.11) and hlod of 0.24 (P=0.25) at D1S235. For analysis of the CAPB locus at 1p36, we focused on six HPC families in our collection with a history of primary brain cancer; four of these families had positive linkage results at 1p36, with a peak allele sharing lod of 0.61 (P=0.09) and hlod of 0.39 (P=0.16) at D1S407 in all six families. These results are consistent with the heterogeneous nature of hereditary prostate cancer, and the existence of multiple loci on chromosome 1 for this disease.

Major genes regulating total serum immunoglobulin E levels in families with asthma

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) has a major role in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders and asthma. Previous data from 92 families, each identified through a proband with asthma, showed evidence for two major genes regulating total serum IgE levels. One of these genes mapped to 5q31-33. In the current study, the segregation analysis was extended by the addition of 108 probands and their families, ascertained in the same manner. A mixed recessive model (i.e., major recessive gene and residual genetic effect) was the best-fitting and most-parsimonious one-locus model of the segregation analysis. A mixed two-major-gene model (i.e., two major genes and residual genetic effect) fit the data significantly better than did the mixed recessive one-major-gene model. The second gene modified the effect of the first recessive gene. Individuals with the genotype aaBB (homozygous high-risk allele at the first gene and homozygous low-risk allele at the second locus) had normal IgE levels (mean 23 IU/ml), and only individuals with genotypes aaBb and aabb had high IgE levels (mean 282 IU/ml). A genomewide screening was performed using variance-component analysis. Significant evidence for linkage was found for a novel locus at 7q, with a multipoint LOD score of 3. 36 (P=.00004). A LOD score of 3.65 (P=.00002) was obtained after genotyping additional markers in this region. Evidence for linkage was also found for two previously reported regions, 5q and 12q, with LOD scores of 2.73 (P=.0002) and 2.46 (P=.0004), respectively. These results suggest that several major genes, plus residual genetic effects, regulate total serum IgE levels.

Self-assembly of two- and three-dimensional coordination networks with hexamethylenetetramine and different silver(I) salts

Interesting two-dimensional networks with square or hexagonal cavities, and three-dimensional networks with different channels, have been obtained by varying the counterions, the molar ratio of metal to hmt (hmt = hexamethylenetetramine) and the pH values of the initial solutions. Among the eleven products isolated and structurally characterized, two have a metal-to-hmt molar ratio of 2:1 and are the first examples of Ag-hmt square networks, namely [Ag2(mu4-hmt)(NO2)2] (1) and [Ag2(mu4-hmt)(SO4)(H2O)].4H2O (2), two have a metal-to-hmt molar ratio of 1:1 and are 2-D networks with hexagonal cavities, namely [Ag(micro3-hmt)(NO2)] (3) and [Ag2(micro3-hmt)2](S2O6).2H2O (4), and seven present the metal-to-hmt molar ratios of 3:1, 2:1, 3:2, or 4:3 and are 3-D networks of novel topologies and with different channels, namely [Ag2(mu4-hmt)(micro4-ox)] (5), [Ag3(micro4-hmt)2(H2O)2](SO4)(HSO4). 2H2O (6), [Ag2(mu4-hmt)(mu2-O2CMe)](MeCO2).4.5 H2O (7), [Ag2(mu4-hmt)(mu3-maleate)].5H2O (8), [Ag3(mu4-hmt)(mu2-O2CPh)3] (9), [Ag4(mu4-hmt)3(H2O)](SO4)(NO3)2.3H2O (10), and [Ag12(mu4-hmt)6(mu3-HPO4)(mu2-H2PO4)3(H2PO4)7(H2O)](H3PO4).10.5H2O (11).

Aetiologic study on an influenza-like epidemic in horses in China

About thirty thousands horses were affected and hundreds of them died in an epidemic caused by equine 2 influenza virus (H3N8) in China. The estimated morbidity and mortality accounted for 81% and 2%, respectively. The viral protein and RNA electrophoresis patterns revealed that the new isolates were antigenically different from the prototype strain influenza A/eq/Miami/1/63(H3N8). Therefore, the representative strain of the equine 2 subtype of influenza A virus recommended for producing reference reagents, vaccines, and for serological diagnosis must have been altered by antigenic drift.

Comparative studies of the antigenic polypeptide species VP4, VP6, and VP7 of three strains of bovine rotavirus

Three bovine rotavirus strains belonging to two distinct serotype groups, serotype 6 (NCDV and B641) and B223, distinct from the other six mammalian rotavirus serotypes but not yet assigned to a serotype group, were compared with each other and with canine rotavirus (K9, serotype 3) by studying the properties of their cognate polypeptide species VP4, VP6, and VP7. The three viruses showed distinct differences in the polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic migration rates of protein species VP4 and VP7, with minor differences in VP6. Differences were also observed among the migration patterns of genome segments 4, 6, and the 7-8-9 triplet, which encode VP4, VP6, and VP7, respectively. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to B223, which were directed against VP4 or VP7, showed homologous specificity for neutralization and immunofluorescence (IF), although one MAb reactive with VP4 also reacted by IF and by immunoprecipitation (IP) with all four viruses and weakly neutralized B641 and K9. This MAb may react with the epitope responsible for the B223-induced one-way neutralizing and protection response of calves against B641 observed in earlier studies. MAbs reactive with VP6 by IP showed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and IF reactivity with all three bovine viruses and the canine virus. The two serotype 6 viruses could be distinguished by the two B641 MAbs, B641-N2b reacting by neutralization and IF with both viruses and B641-N1 reacting with B641 and the serotype 3 canine rotavirus but not with NCDV. One nonneutralizing B641 MAb reacted by IP and IF with VP7 of all four rotaviruses examined, and one B223 MAb neutralized B223 and, to low titer, B641 and K9 although reacting by IP and IF with all four viruses. Three MAb-resistant mutants were selected by passage of B223 in the presence of one of three selected B223 MAbs at concentrations which only neutralized approximately 90% of the infectious virions. The resulting mutants were 100% resistant to neutralization with their respective MAb but remained neutralizable by the same selection of MAbs as the parent B223 virus.

Isolation of a bovine rotavirus with a "super-short" RNA electrophoretic pattern from a calf with diarrhea

A rotavirus with a "super-short" RNA electropherotype was isolated from a calf with diarrhea and was designated VMRI strain. Segments 10 and 11 of this rotavirus migrated more slowly than did those of bovine rotavirus strains NCDV, B641, and B223. The electrophoretic pattern of the VMRI strain was similar to that reported for rotaviruses with super-short RNA electropherotypes from humans and rabbits. Northern (RNA) blot hybridization indicated that gene 11 of the VMRI strain was altered and migrated between gene segments 9 and 10. The subgroup of the VMRI strain was shown to be subgroup I. The VMRI strain of bovine rotavirus was neutralized by antisera containing polyclonal antibodies to rotavirus serotype 6 (bovine rotavirus serotype I) strains NCDV and B641 and by ascitic fluid containing monoclonal antibodies directed to VP7 of serotype 6 rotavirus. The VMRI strain was not neutralized by either polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies to strain B223 (bovine rotavirus serotype II). Collective data on the neutralization of the VMRI strain with monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antibodies suggest that this virus is a member of the NCDV group (serotype 6) of rotaviruses (bovine rotavirus serotype I).

Protection between different serotypes of bovine rotavirus in gnotobiotic calves: specificity of serum antibody and coproantibody responses

In a previous study, different U.S. isolates of bovine rotavirus were studied for their serotypes and cross-protective properties (G. N. Woode, N. E. Kelso, T. F. Simpson, S. K. Gaul, L. E. Evans, and L. Babiuk, J. Clin. Microbiol. 18:358-364, 1983). Three viruses belonging to two different serotype groups were used as vaccines in gnotobiotic calves, which were subsequently challenged with B641 or B223, representing the two bovine serotypes. In the present work, the experiments were repeated with more calves and the specificity of their antibody responses was measured and compared with the results of the protection studies. Protection between different serotypes occurred under both homologous and heterologous conditions but was not directly serotype dependent. B223 virus showed both homologous and heterologous protection against B223 and B641 challenge viruses. This was a one-way reaction, as B641 did not induce protection against B223. Neonatal calf diarrhea virus vaccine produced neither homologous (against B641) nor heterologous (against B223) protection. The plaque reduction neutralization titers of serum antibody and coproantibody did not predict a state of protection against the challenge virus. Calves vaccinated with neonatal calf diarrhea virus or B641 developed neutralizing antibodies to their respective heterologous challenge viruses but were not protected. After challenge, the boosted coproantibody plaque reduction neutralization response to the original vaccine virus was greater than that to the challenge virus.