Syncytin is a captive retroviral envelope protein involved in human placental morphogenesis

Many mammalian viruses have acquired genes from their hosts during their evolution. The rationale for these acquisitions is usually quite clear: the captured genes are subverted to provide a selective advantage to the virus. Here we describe the opposite situation, where a viral gene has been sequestered to serve an important function in the physiology of a mammalian host. This gene, encoding a protein that we have called syncytin, is the envelope gene of a recently identified human endogenous defective retrovirus, HERV-W. We find that the major sites of syncytin expression are placental syncytiotrophoblasts, multinucleated cells that originate from fetal trophoblasts. We show that expression of recombinant syncytin in a wide variety of cell types induces the formation of giant syncytia, and that fusion of a human trophoblastic cell line expressing endogenous syncytin can be inhibited by an anti-syncytin antiserum. Our data indicate that syncytin may mediate placental cytotrophoblast fusion in vivo, and thus may be important in human placental morphogenesis.

Nitric oxide is involved in phosphorus deficiency-induced cluster-root development and citrate exudation in white lupin

*White lupin (Lupinus albus) forms specialized cluster roots characterized by exudation of organic anions under phosphorus (P) deficiency. Here, the role of nitric oxide (NO) in P deficiency-induced cluster-root formation and citrate exudation was evaluated. *White lupin plants were treated with the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and scavenger or inhibitor of NO synthase under conditions of P deficiency (0 muM) or P sufficiency (50 muM). *Phosphorus deficiency enhanced NO production in primary and lateral root tips, with a greater increase in cluster roots than in noncluster roots. NO concentrations decreased with cluster root development from the pre-emergent stage, through the juvenile stage, to the mature stage. The P deficiency-induced increase in NO production was inhibited by antagonists of NO synthase and xanthine oxidoreductase, suggesting the involvement of these enzymes in NO production. SNP markedly increased the number of cluster roots. Citrate exudation from different root segments in P-deficient roots was positively correlated with endogenous root NO concentrations. *These findings demonstrate differential patterns of NO production in white lupin, depending on root zone, developmental stage and P nutritional status. NO appears to play a regulatory role in the formation of cluster roots and citrate exudation in white lupin under conditions of P deficiency.

Effects of protein I of Neisseria gonorrhoeae on neutrophil activation: generation of diacylglycerol from phosphatidylcholine via a specific phospholipase C is associated with exocytosis

Upon engagement of chemoattractant receptors, neutrophils generate inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol (DG) by means of a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) which is regulated by a GTP-binding protein(s). We have previously reported (Reibman, J., H. M. Korchak, L. B. Vosshall, K. A. Haines, A. M. Rich, and G. Weissmann. 1988. J. Biol. Chem. 263:6322-6328) a biphasic rise in DG after exposure of neutrophils to the chemoattractant FMLP: a rapid (less than or equal to 15 s) phase ("triggering") and a slow (greater than or equal to 30 s) phase ("activation"). These derive from distinct intracellular lipid pools. To study the source of rapid and slow DG, we have used a unique probe, protein I, a porin that is the major outer membrane protein of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Treatment of neutrophils with protein I inhibits exocytosis and homotypic cell adhesion provoked by FMLP without inhibiting assembly of the NADPH oxidase responsible for O2-. generation. DG turnover in PMN labeled with [3H]arachidonate and [14C]glycerol was profoundly altered by protein I. Whereas the rapid peak of DG was only modestly diminished (FMLP vs. FMLP plus protein I = DG labeled with [3H]arachidonic acid (3H-a.a.-DG): 142 +/- 14% SEM vs. 125 +/- 22%; DG labeled with the glycerol backbone with [14C]glycerol (D-14C-G): 125 +/- 10% SEM vs. 107 +/- 8.5% SEM), the slow rise in both 3H-a.a.-DG and D-14C-G was essentially abolished. Moreover, treatment of neutrophils with 4-4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), which, like protein I, inhibits exocytosis without affecting O2-. generation also inhibited slow DG. However, protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation (47phox, 66phox) were unaffected in the absence of slow DG. To determine the source of the slow DG, we have analyzed radiolabeled phospholipid (PL) turnover after FMLP +/- protein I (P.I.). Treatment of PMN with FMLP (0.1 microM) resulted in breakdown of phosphatidylcholine (PC), beginning at 30 s, and reaching a nadir at 60 s (3H-PC = 59 +/- 10.2% SEM of resting, 14C-PC = 57 +/- 6.4%). Protein I (0.25 microM) significantly inhibited PC turnover after FMLP ([3H]PC = 95 +/- 5.6% and [14C]PC = 86 +/- 8.4% of resting at 60 s), but failed to alter the metabolism of 3H- or 14C-phosphatidylinositol after FMLP (91 +/- 19.6 and 88 +/- 16.5% vs. 92 +/- 9.2 and 91 +/- 16% at 60 s).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Screening and isolation of an organic solvent-tolerant bacterium for high-yield production of organic solvent-stable protease

Forty-three strains were screened from crude oil-contaminated samples by toluene and cyclohexane enrichment in medium. Ten of these strains demonstrated high protease activity on skim-milk agar. Among them, the PT121 isolate, identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was selected based on its extracellular protease stability in the presence of hydrophilic organic solvents. The crude protease also retained most of its activity up to at least 14 days in the presence of various organic solvents at 50% concentration, and the protease activity in production medium was 10,876U/ml after 72h incubation. This protease showed high activity as a catalyst for aspartame precursor Cbz-Asp-Phe-NH2 synthesis in the presence of 50% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO).

Upregulation of leptin pathway correlates with abnormal expression of SERCA2a, phospholamban and the endothelin pathway in heart failure and reversal by CPU86017

Emerging evidence indicates that leptin may be a potential new target in chronic heart failure (CHF) treatment. We hypothesized that hyperleptinemia may correlate with abnormal expression of SERCA2a, PLB (phospholamban), and the endothelin (ET) pathway in CHF. An activated ET pathway is involved in CHF that is suppressed by CPU86017 (p-chlorobenzyltetrahydroberberine chloride), a complex class III antiarrhythmic agent with an antioxidant effect. Thus, relief of CHF may be mediated by a reversal of abnormalities of the leptin system, the ET-reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway, SERCA2a, and PLB by CPU86017. CHF was produced by coronary artery ligation for 6 weeks in rats. The rats were divided into 3 groups: sham, CHF untreated, and CHF+CPU86017 (4 mg/kg per day, s.c.). Hemodynamic changes, cardiac morphology, serum biochemistry, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression of the leptin pathway, ET pathway, and redox were measured. In CHF rats, hemodynamic abnormalities, cardiac remodeling, and histological changes with features of cardiac failure were associated with hyperlipidemia accompanied by oxidative stress and upregulated OB-Rb, ECE, pp-ET-1, ET(A)R, and ET(B)R mRNA expression in the myocardium. Protein expression of leptin and ET(A)R in the myocardium was markedly increased in CHF rats. An activated leptin pathway was associated with downregulation of SERCA2a and upregulation of PLB in mRNA and protein expression in CHF. CPU86017 downregulated the leptin system and reversed the above changes in the myocardium. An activated leptin pathway correlates with abnormal expression of SERCA2a and PLB and an activated ET-ROS system in the affected myocardium. The multi-ion-channel-blocking and antioxidative effects of CPU86017 downregulate the leptin pathway and ET system, resulting in reversal of the abnormalities of expression of SERCA2a and PLB and cardiac performance in CHF.

12 novel atypical porcine pestivirus genomes from neonatal piglets with congenital tremors: A newly emerging branch and high prevalence in China

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV), a newly discovered member of the genus Pestivirus, is considered to be associated with congenital tremors (CT) in piglets. From June 2016 to January 2018, 440 serum and tissue samples from CT-affected piglets in Anhui, Guangdong and Guangxi provinces were collected to detect APPV. The results showed a high level of 63.4% preference for APPV in 27 swine farms and complicated co-infection cases between APPV and other 12 swine viruses. Meanwhile, 12 novel APPV genomes were screened and identified. Results showed that complete genomes, N^pro and NS5A genes of these novel 12 APPV sequences revealed 80.5%-99.8%, 78%-100% and 76.9%-99.8% nucleotide identities, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of full-length genomes, N^pro and NS5A genes of APPV indicated three well-defined clades including a newly emerging branch in China. This study provides novel epidemiological information of APPV in China.

The extracellular vesicular pseudogene LGMNP1 induces M2-like macrophage polarization by upregulating LGMN and serves as a novel promising predictive biomarker for ovarian endometriosis recurrence

STUDY QUESTION

How does ectopic endometrial stromal cell (Ecto-ESC)-derived extracellular vesicular Legumain pseudogene 1 (EV-LGMNP1), a newly identified pseudogene of Legumain (LGMN), contribute to M2-phenotype macrophage polarization, and does it predict recurrence in patients with ovarian endometriosis (EMs)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

EV-LGMNP1, which is abundant in Ecto-ESCs and serum from ovarian EMs, can direct macrophages towards an M2 phenotype by upregulating LGMN expression and is a promising biomarker for predicting ovarian EMs recurrence.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can mediate cell-to-cell crosstalk to promote disease progression via cargo molecule transport. Recently, LGMNP1, a newly identified pseudogene of LGMN, has been reported to promote cancer progression by upregulating LGMN. LGMN is a well-studied protein that can induce M2-like polarization.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

An in vitro study was conducted with Ecto-ESCs isolated from ectopic endometrial samples, collected from two patients with ovarian EMs (diagnosed by laparoscopy and histological analysis). A clinical retrospective cohort study of 52 ovarian EMs patients and 21 controls with available preoperative serum samples was carried out (2013-2017). The follow-up period ended either at the time of recurrence or on 31 December 2018.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Ecto-ESC-derived EVs (EV/Ecto-ESCs) were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy and western blotting. EV internalization by THP-1 cells, which are the most widely used primary human macrophages model, was detected by fluorescence labelling. After EV treatment, THP-1 cell polarization was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot analyses of CD86 (M1-related marker) and CD206 (M2-related marker). LGMNP1 mRNA expression level in EVs from both primary ectopic endometrioc stromal cells and serum was examined using qRT-PCR. Additionally, the expression of LGMN, the downstream target gene of LGMNP1, in THP-1 cells was evaluated using qRT-PCR and western blotting. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to evaluate the independent predictive factors of EMs recurrence-free survival. A novel nomogram model based on serum EV-LGMNP1 was then formulated to predict EMs recurrence.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

In vitro assays demonstrated that EV/Ecto-ESCs drove macrophages towards an M2-like phenotype. Moreover, LGMNP1 contributed to EV/Ecto-ESC-induced M2 macrophage polarization by upregulating LGMN mRNA expression levels. Clinically, serum EV-LGMNP1 was more highly expressed in recurrent EMs patients than in controls and EMs patients without recurrence. Survival analysis and our novel nomogram reconfirmed that serum EV-LGMNP1 was a novel promising and meaningful non-invasive biomarker for predicting EMs recurrence.

LARGE SCALE DATA

N/A.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

In vitro experiments were only performed on samples from two patients with ovarian endometriosis, and a larger sample size is needed. ESCs isolated from the eutopic endometrium of EMs and non-EMs patients should be studied in the future. Additionally, in vitro experiments should be performed using endometrial epithelium cells and further in vivo experiments, such as using mice endometriotic models to investigate whether EV/Ecto could induce M2 macrophage polarization, should be conducted. Moreover, multicentre, large-sample data are needed to validate our predictive nomogram model.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our study provides novel insights into the mechanism of M2 polarization involved in ovarian EMs progression mediated by an 'EV-shuttled pseudogene LGMNP1' mode. In addition, serum EV-LGMNP1 may serve as a novel non-invasive biomarker for predicting recurrence, providing a new therapeutic target for ovarian EMs.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This project was supported by funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81971361), the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai Science and Technology (19ZR1406900), the Shanghai 'Rising Stars of Medical Talent' Youth Development Program (AB83030002019004), the Clinical Research Plan of SHDC (SHDC2020CR4087), the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (202040498), the Research and Innovation Project of the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (2019-01-07-00-07-E00050) and the Clinical Research Plan of SHDC (SHDC2020CR1045B). There are no competing interests to declare.

Enzyme-enzyme interaction in the chloroplast: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, triose phosphate isomerase and aldolase

Apparent physical interaction between pea chloroplast (Pisum sativum L.) glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.13) and aldolase (EC 4.1.2.13) is seen in phase-partitioning, fluorescent-anisotropy and isoelectric-focusing experiments. Similarly, results obtained in phase-partitioning and isoelectric-focusing experiments indicate physical interaction between aldolase and triose-phosphate isomerase (EC 5.3.1.1). Kinetic experiments suggest that both aldolase-bound glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate can act as substrate for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. These results are consistent with the notion that there is interaction between these three enzymes both during photosynthetic CO2 fixation and during glycolysis in the chloroplast.

Effects of Sophy β-glucan on growth performance, carcass traits, meat composition, and immunological responses of Peking ducks

The response of Peking ducks to supplements of Sophy β-glucan was studied. A total of 160 healthy 1-d-old mixed-sex ducklings were randomly allocated to 3 groups: Sophy β-glucan (n = 80), bacitracin zinc (n = 40), and control (n = 40), which received the same antibiotics-deficient diet supplemented with 1% β-glucan, 5% bacitracin zinc, or nothing, respectively. During 2 mo of the study, growth performance, carcass composition, and meat quality of Peking ducks were evaluated. Additionally, a separate immunological study was conducted with a total of 105 healthy male Peking ducks in 7 groups (n = 15) and immunized with different doses of β-glucan (0, 0.5, 2.5, 12.5, and 62.5 μg/duck) and BSA (200 μg/duck). Blood was taken for detection of anti-BSA-IgG antibody and peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation assays. Groups subjected to different dietary treatments showed almost no differences in growth performance and slaughter traits except breast muscle percentage and intestinal length. These 2 indicators were significantly higher in the bacitracin zinc group than in the control and β-glucan groups (P < 0.05). Similarly, chemical compositions, fatty acids, and amino acids of breast muscle were not significantly influenced by the diet. Ducks immunized with Sophy β-glucan did not have enhanced level of anti-BSA-IgG antibodies but had significant peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation compared with unchallenged ducks (P < 0.01). With an increase in the glucan concentration, the proliferative responses approximately linearly increased. These findings indicate that 1% Sophy glucan did not improve duck growth performance, carcass composition, and meat quality significantly under the conditions of the present experiment and mainly had regulatory or enhancing properties on poultry nonspecific cellular immunity.

Allergic inflammation is exacerbated by allergen-induced type 2 innate lymphoid cells in a murine model of allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) represent a new innate effector leukocyte population that mediates type-2 immune response. However, the contribution of ILC2s to allergic rhinitis (AR) is currently not well defined.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential existence and function of allergen-induced ILC2s in the experimental AR.

METHODS

We established a murine model of AR using ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminium hydroxide. The OVA-induced ILC2s were sorted and purified from the mouse nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT). Then, we assessed ILC2s responses to mouse recombinant interleukin (rmIL)-25, anti-IL17RB antibody and CC chemokine ligand (CCL) 25 in the culture. After that, we adoptively transferred the NALT-derived ILC2s alone or plus rmIL-25 or anti-IL17RB antibody to the murine model of AR to investigate their role in the nasal allergic inflammation.

RESULTS

We showed that ILC2s could be induced by OVA in the NALT of AR model. They were induced to secrete IL-5 and IL-13 by rmIL-25, and blocking of IL17RB contributed to the decreased production of these cytokines in the culture. We found that CCL25 induced the NALT-derived ILC2s migration through CC chemokine receptor 9 on ILC2s in vitro. Numbers of sneezing and nasal rubbing as well as counts of invasive eosinophils were all enhanced after the adoptive transfer of cultured ILC2s in vitro. The expressions of IL-5, IL-13, IL-25 and CCL25 in the NLF of allergic mice were also increased.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that ILC2s play a proinflammatory role in the murine AR model, and also highlight ILC2s as a new target in the future AR therapy.

Formation of MTBE-DNA adducts in mice measured with accelerator mass spectrometry

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a gasoline oxygenate and antiknock additive substituting for lead alkyls currently in use worldwide. Previous studies have shown that MTBE at very high doses induces tumors in rodents. The aim of the present study was to examine directly the binding ability of MTBE onto DNA, demonstrating its potential genotoxicity. MTBE-DNA adducts and their decay kinetics in mice have been measured by using doubly 14C-labeled MTBE with an advanced, ultrasensitive technique: accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). It was found that MTBE definitely formed adducts with DNA in mouse lung, liver, and kidney in a log/log linear dose-response relationship. The distribution sequence of DNA adducts in these tissues is: lung > liver > kidney. The level of MTBE-DNA adducts peaked at 12 h postadministration in the lung and peaked at 6 h postadministration in the liver. Then the adducts declined rapidly until 5 days postadministration and thereafter declined much more slowly. To our knowledge, this is the first report on DNA adduction with MTBE in vivo. The mechanism of the formation of MTBE-DNA adducts also is discussed.

Supercritical water oxidation of acrylic acid production wastewater

Supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) of wastewater from an acrylic acid manufacturing plant has been studied on a continuous flow experimental system, whose reactor was made of Hastelloy C-276. Experimental conditions included a reaction temperature (T) ranging from 673 to 773K, a residence time (t) ranging from 72.7 to 339s, a constant pressure (P) of 25 MPa and a fixed oxidation coefficient (alpha) of 2.0. Experimental results indicated that reaction temperature and residence time had significant influences on the oxidation reaction, and increasing the two operation parameters could improve both degradation of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). The COD removal efficiency could reach up to 98.73% at 25 MPa, 773 K and 180.1 s, whereas the destruction efficiency of NH3-N was only 43.71%. We further carried out a kinetic analysis considering the induction period through free radical chain mechanism. It confirms that the power-law rate equation for COD removal was 345 exp(-52200/RT)[COD]1.98[O2]0.17 and for NH3-N removal was 500 exp(-64492.19/RT)[NH3-N]1.87 [O2]0.03. Moreover, the induction time formulations for COD and NH3-N were suspected to be exp(38250/RT)/173 and exp(55690/RT)/15231, respectively. Correspondingly, induction time changed from 2.22 to 5.38 s for COD and 0.38 to 1.38 s for NH3-N. Owing to the catalysis of reactor inner wall surface, more than 97% COD removal was achieved in all samples.

Investigation on the association between IL-10 C819T gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to gastric cancer

We conducted a case-control study to investigate the association between the interleukin-10 (IL-10) C819T polymorphism and susceptibility to gastric cancer in a Chinese population. A total of 157 patients with gastric cancer and 249 controls were consecutively enrolled from the Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital between October 2012 and February 2015. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was used to genotype for IL-10 C819T. As determined by χ²-test, there was a significant difference in genotype distributions of IL-10 C819T between gastric cancer patients and controls (χ² = 7.09; P = 0.03). Based on unconditional logistic regression analysis, the TT genotype of IL-10 C819T was significantly associated with increased risk of gastric cancer when compared with that of the CC genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 2.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.17-4.26; P = 0.008]. In a dominant model, we found that the CT + TT genotype of IL-10 C819T was associated with susceptibility to gastric cancer compared to that of the CC genotype (OR = 1.63; 95%CI = 1.02-2.64). In a recessive model, the TT genotype of IL-10 C819T was correlated with a higher risk of gastric cancer when compared with that of the CC + CT genotype (OR = 1.75; 95%CI = 1.01-3.02). In conclusion, our study suggests that the IL-10 C819T polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer in co-dominant, dominant, and recessive models.

Aerosol lead and associated elements in Beijing, China

The relative importance of local and regional sources of lead and associated elements in fine and coarse aerosol particles of an urban atmosphere was assessed by means of a two-day study, July 20 and 30, 1980 in Beijing, China. Five near-ground locations were selected for aerosol sampling by cascade impactors and elemental analysis by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE): the imperial palace courtyard, a park, near two streets, and a mid-street traffic island. These sites, ranked in order of increasing traffic intensity and fugitive surface dust, showed that concentrations of major dust constitutents, represented by coarse particle (>2 μm diameter) Si, Al, and Ca, increased correspondingly. Pb, as well as Zn, As, and Cu, were present mainly in fine (<2 μm) particles; their concentrations were unrelated to traffic, indicating they resulted mainly from regional combustion or other sources. However, these elements also were present in coarse particles at concentrations that varied with the major dust elements and were relatively enriched, compared to average earth crust rock material, by factors of more than 100 (Pb), 50 (Zn), and 10 (Cu). Nonurban Beijing shows much smaller coarse aerosol enrichments of Pb, Zn, and Cu, indicating urban contamination of surface dust. Published data from St. Louis, USA show both fine and coarse aerosol Pb and Zn. Compared with Beijing, fine and coarse concentrations in St. Louis are similar for Pb, but lower for Zn, Ca, and Fe. Both Pb and Zn are enriched relative to earth crust composition to a greater degree in St. Louis than Beijing in both fine and coarse particle size ranges. The results suggest that heavy metals from combustion occur in the air as fine particles and, after deposition on the surface, as reentrained coarse particles of fugitive dust. Both many contribute to human exposures of these heavy metals.

The antibacterial effect and physical performance of pit and fissure sealants based on an antibacterial core-shell nanocomposite

The application of pit and fissure sealants is a well-established method to prevent and treat early childhood caries. Resin-based sealants with antibacterial properties provide additional benefits for caries prevention in a cariogenic oral environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an antibacterial core-shell AgBr/cationic polymer nanocomposite (AgBr/BHPVP) on the properties of a resin-based pit and fissure sealant. A commercialized pit and fissure sealant without fluoride, Concise (3M, ESPE, USA), was used as the parent material and negative control. Experimental antibacterial sealants were formulated by the addition of AgBr/BHPVP nanoparticles at mass fractions of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt% to the parent material. A fluoride-releasing sealant, Clinpro (3M, ESPE), was used as the positive control. Bacterial colony-forming unit (CFU) counts, metabolic activity tests, field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observations were used to evaluate the antibacterial properties of AgBr/BHPVP-modified sealants against Streptococcus mutans before and after five months of aging. The Vickers microhardness, degree of conversion, and microleakage level of the sealants were also investigated. According to the results of CFU counts and metabolic tests, sealants containing AgBr/BHPVP showed better contact-killing bactericidal activity against S. mutans than the two commercial sealants, irrespective of aging conditions (both P < 0.05). The AgBr/BHPVP-modified sealants also showed a significant inhibitory effect on the planktonic S. mutans around the cured sealant surfaces. In addition, the Vickers microhardness, degree of conversion, and microleakage level of the parent material were not damaged by modification with AgBr/BHPVP (P > 0.05). AgBr/BHPVP-modified pit and fissure sealant with a dual bactericidal mechanism is a promising option for the prevention of pit and fissure caries.

[Visual-spatial and temporal characteristics related to infectious Tuberculosis epidemics in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 2012-2015]

Objective: To study the spatial and temporal mode of infectious TB transmission in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi). Methods: Data related to infectious TB case (Include smear and/or culture positive patients) in Guangxi were collected from the National Notifiable Disease Reported System (NNDRS) from 2010 to 2015. Spatial-temporal analysis and prediction were performed by SaTScan 7.0.2, GeoDa 1.8.12, R program v 3.3.1 and SPSS 19.0 software, using the time series model, Moran's I global and local spatial autocorrelation (Empirical Bayes adjustment). Kulldorff 's space-time scan statistics displayed by R software was used to identify the temporal and spatial trend of TB. Results: The total number of infectious TB cases, collected from NNDRS was 76 151, and showing a decreasing trend on annual incidence (value of Chi-square for Linear trend=3 464.53, P-value=0.000). The forecast value of TB cases in 2016 was 7 764 (4 971-10 557), with peak in March, analyzed through the Winters'multiplicative model. The Moran's I global Statistics was greater than 0 (0.257-0.390). TB cluster seemed to have been existed for several years. The most significant hot spots seemed to be mainly located in the central and western parts of Guangxi, shown by local spatial autocorrelation statistics and the result from space-time scanning.Counties or districts that located in the east parts of Guangxi presented the low-low relation (significant cold spots). The situation of infectious TB seemed migratory. Conclusions: Our data showed an annual decreasing trend of incidence on infectious TB with temporal concentration in spring and summer. Main clusters (hot spots) were found to be located in the central and western parts of Guangxi. Hopefully, our findings can provide clues to uncover the real mode of TB transmission at the molecular-biological level.

[Effect of BCYRN1 on proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells in rat model of asthma]

Objective: To detect the effect of brain cytoplasmic RNA 1 (BCYRN1) on the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in rat model of asthma. Methods: Male SD rats were randomly divided into control group and asthma group (n=10 each). The ovalbumin (OVA) model was constructed in asthma group. Real time-qPCR was performed to detect the level of BCYRN1 in the ASMCs separated from the airway tissue of these rats. Then 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2, 4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (WST-1) assay, roche real-time cell analyzer assay and Transwell cell migration assay were performed to detect the viability/proliferation and migration of ASMCs which were transfected with Ad-BCYRN1.Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB was used to treat ASMCs to induce proliferation and migration, and the level of BCYRN1 was examined.The viability/proliferation and migration of ASMCs treated with PDGF-BB and transfected with si-BCYRN1 were detected. Inspiratory resistance and expiratory resistance were measured in rats with BCYRN1 knockdown.Briefly, rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (group A), sensitization + Ad-GFP (group B), sensitization + AdSM22α-siBCYRN1 (group C), control + Ad-SM22α-siBCYRN1 (group D) (n=10 each). The corresponding adenovirus vectors were sent to lung of group B, group C and group D through nasal spray. The OVA model was constructed in group B and group C. The rats in group A and group D were treated with saline.After 24 h of the last treatment with OVA or saline, rats of each group were given tracheal intubation, connected with breathing machine. Rats were injected with methacholine to measure the inspiratory resistance and expiratory resistance. Results: The level of BCYRN1 in ASMCs separated from rats in asthma group and in ASMCs treated with PDGF-BB was 3.60±0.45 and 3.53±0.35, respectively, significantly higher than those of the corresponding control (both P<0.01). Ad-BCYRN1 significantly increased the expression of BCYRN1 in ASMCs. The cell viability and proliferation rates of ASMCs transfected with Ad-BCYRN1 increased 1.75-and 1.47-fold compared to those of the control group, respectively (P<0.01); mobility increased 2.42-fold compared to that of the control group (all P<0.01). BCYRN1 knockdown reversed the increasing proliferation and migration of ASMCs induced by PDGF-BB. The cell proliferation rate and cell migration number in the PDGF-BB treatment group were (4.87±0.21)% and 80.00±5.00, respectively, which were significant higher than those in the si-BCYRN1 transfected group ((3.63±0.21)% and 25.33±2.52, all P<0.01). BCYRN1 knockdown reduced the inspiratory resistance and expiratory resistance in sensitization + Ad-SM22α-siBCYRN1 group. When the concentration of acetylcholine reached 1 mg/kg, the inspiratory resistance in the group A, group B, group C, and group D were 8.27±0.21, 25.40±0.56, 12.07±0.67 and 8.40±0.46 cmH₂O·s·ml^-1, and expiratory resistance were 13.30±0.56, 38.37±1.33, 16.40±0.56 and 13.40±0.46 cmH₂O·s·ml^-1, respectively (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Overexpression of BCYRN1 promotes the proliferation and migration of ASMCs in rat model of asthma.

[A major histocompatibility complex class Ⅱ deficiency case report and literature review]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize and report the clinical characteristics and laboratory results of a case and those reported in literature with MHC class Ⅱ deficiency.

METHOD

The clinical features, laboratory results and gene mutation analysis of an infant with MHC class Ⅱ deficiency, who was diagnosed and treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital since December 2013, were retrospectively analyzed."Major histocompatibility complex class Ⅱ deficiency"or"bare lymphocyte syndrome"were used as keywords in order to retrieve reports from CNKI (from its establishment to October 2015) and Wanfang Database (from its establishment to October 2015), PubMed Database (from its establishment to October 2015) was searched. The characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis were summarized by reviewing related articles.

RESULT

The patient was a 8-month-old boy. Since the fourth month of life, he started to have repeated fever, susceptible to a variety of pathogens, immune hemolytic anemia, severe malnutrition, and finally diagnosed as MHC class Ⅱ deficiency disease when he was 20-month-old.No related reports were retrieved from CNKI and Wanfang database, there were 20 articles and 179 patients were reported worldwide in the past 10 years. Patients exhibit an extreme vulnerability to infections(resptratory infection(82%, 146/178), inpection of gastroin testinal(76%, 135/178)). The common laboratory examinations showed hypogammaglobulinemia, CD4(+) lymphopenia(93%, 107/115) etc. Diagnosis relies on the flow-cytometric analysis and genetic analysis.

CONCLUSION

It is considered necessary for patients with young onset age, manifestation of clinically opportunistic infection as immune deficient disease, including the MHC class Ⅱ deficiency disease, especially long-term diarrhea, poor development and cryptosporidium infection. This disease could coexist with autoimmune disorders.

[Three-dimensional finite element study on the effects of maxillary anterior two-step retraction and en-masse retraction with clear aligners]

Objective: To investigate the effects of two-step retraction and en-masse retraction on tooth movement pattern of anterior teeth and posterior anchorage with clear aligners using three-dimensional finite element analysis. Methods: A finite element model of maxillary first premolar extraction case undergoing clear aligner treatment was established based on maxillofacial cone-beam CT data of a 24-year-old adult male with individual normal occlusion, who visited Department of Oral Surgery, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine for impacted mandibular third molar in June, 2022. The initial tooth displacement of five anterior retraction protocols (two-step with canine retraction, two-step with incisor bodily retraction, two-step with incisor retraction-overtreatment, en-masse bodily retraction, and en-masse retraction-overtreatment) were evaluated. Results: Two step with canine retraction caused distal tipping of the canine and labial tipping of the incisors (0.18° for central incisor and 0.13° for lateral incisor). Two step with incisor retraction caused mesial tipping of the canine. In two step with bodily retraction protocol, uncontrolled lingual tipping was found in central incisor (0.29°) and lateral incisor (0.32°). In two-step with incisor retraction-overtreatment protocol, the movement pattern of the incisors didn't change, but the inclinations reduced to 0.21° and 0.18°. En-masse retraction caused distal tipping of the canine. In en-masse bodily retraction protocol, uncontrolled lingual tipping was also found in central incisor (0.19°) and lateral incisor (0.27°). In en-masse retraction-overtreatment protocol, the central incisor showed controlled lingual tipping (0.02°) and the lateral incisor showed palatal root movement (0.03° labial inclination). Posterior teeth exhibited mesial tipping in all five protocols. Conclusion: En-masse retraction with incisor overtreatment was beneficial to incisor torque control in clear aligner treatment.

Vortices, circumfluence, symmetry groups, and Darboux transformations of the (2+1) -dimensional Euler equation

The Euler equation (EE) is one of the basic equations in many physical fields such as fluids, plasmas, condensed matter, astrophysics, and oceanic and atmospheric dynamics. A symmetry group theorem of the (2+1) -dimensional EE is obtained via a simple direct method which is thus utilized to find exact analytical vortex and circumfluence solutions. A weak Darboux transformation theorem of the (2+1) -dimensional EE can be obtained for an arbitrary spectral parameter from the general symmetry group theorem. Possible applications of the vortex and circumfluence solutions to tropical cyclones, especially Hurricane Katrina 2005, are demonstrated.

Quality assurance in the biological monitoring of lead exposure in China

Based on the statistical data of the nationwide occupational diseases reporting in 1986-1988, lead poisoning stood the first place of chronic occupational poisonings in China. Biological monitoring of lead exposure is of paramount importance in both occupational and environmental health. In order to ensure lead testing data valid enough for taking actions of prevention and control, a quality assurance scheme including selection of reliable analytical techniques, establishing reference laboratory, application of standard reference materials, and conducting internal and external quality control program was implemented in China. Since the rigid assurance procedure was conducted during studies on "background levels of lead in non-exposure population" and "revision of the diagnostic criteria for lead", compatible and reliable results were obtained.

[Prevalence of diabetes and its associated factors in Blang ethnic adults]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of diabetes and prediabetes in Blang ethnic adults in Menghai county. Methods: A cross-sectional survey including 3 365 Blang ethnic adults (aged 18 and above from 5 administrative villages) was conducted from February 2017 to March 2017 in Menghai county. A questionnaire, physical examination, and blood assays were included in the survey. Finally, a total of 3 237 adults with complete data were selected into this analysis. Results: The standardized prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in Blang ethnic adults were estimated based on the sixth national census in 2010. According to the 1999 WHO criteria, the overall standardized prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes were 8.5% (men: 10.2%, women: 6.8%) and 16.1% (men: 18.0%, women: 14.1%), in which the standardized prevalence of newly diagnosed diabetes among the total population was 7.3% (men: 8.7%, women: 5.8%). Multivariable multinominal logistic regression analyses showed that age, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and central obesity were significantly positively associated with both diabetes and prediabetes, with the corresponding odds ratios of 1.74 and 1.37, 2.39 and 2.02, 2.30 and 1.34, 2.55 and 1.73, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetes is relatively high in Blang ethnic adults in Menghai county. Improving knowledge of diabetes among the local population is one of key steps in the prevention of diabetes.

Determination of acrylamide metabolite, mercapturic acid by high performance liquid chromatography

A HPLC Assay was developed to identify and measure the metabolite of acrylamide, mercapturic acid, N-Acetyl-s-(propionamide)-cysteine (APC) in urine. O-phthalaldehyde (OPA) was utilized as a precolumn derivatizing agent in the assay. This derivative was isolated with a good selectivity by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) employing reversed phase ODS columns. The quantitation of the mercapturic acid derivative was reproducible and with a detection limit of 1 pmol. The average coefficient of variation for the runs carried out on the same day was approximately 4.6% at the range of 80-160 mumol.L-1 of APC, and the mean analytical recovery from urine samples was 94%. The metabolite of urine of workers exposed to acrylamide was identified as N-acetyl-s-(propionamide)-cysteine by HPLC chromatography and fluorescence scan and HPLC-Mass spectra. All results were identical with the authentic synthesized compound.

[Clinical features and spinal lesions in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome]

Objective: To analyze the clinical features and spinal lesions related to micturitionin of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome(CP/CPPS) patients. Methods: Patients with CP/CPPS were enrolled to this study at the outpatient department of Tongji Hospital between January and June 2019. The data of clinical features was collected and analyzed, including lower urinary tract symptoms(LUTS), bowel syndrome and pain over different parts of body, as well as lower urinary tract dysfunction, spinal lesions and pelvic organ morphological changes demonstrated by MRI. The potential role of spinal lesions in the development of CP/CPPS syndrome was investigated. Results: A total of 126 CP/CPPS patients were included, with an age［M（Q₁，Q₃）］of 41(31,53) years and a course of disease of 2(1,20) years. Among them, 126 (100.0%) were complicated with LUTS, 72(57.1%) with bowel dysfunction and 88(69.8%) with pain. MRI showed the cervical central disc herniation(126 cases, 100.0%), the ischemic changing in the cervical area of visceral efferant pathway(82 cases, 65.1%), the lumbar central disc herniation(65 cases, 51.6%), and the sacral nerve cysts(97 cases, 77.0%) are commonly seen. In addition, the morphological changes in the visceral organs containing smooth muscle were demonstrated, including thickened bladder wall(91 cases, 72.2%), distended seminal vesicles(70 cases, 55.6%) and distended sigmoid colon/rectum(59 cases, 46.8%). Conclusions: CP/CPPS patients were characterized by the co-existence of LUTS, bowel dysfunction and somatic pain in one individual. The presence of multi-organ symptoms, combined with the high prevalence of spinal lesions associated with micturition reflex, suggesting the potential role of the spinal lesions in the development of CP/CPPS.