PI3K/AKT mediated De novo fatty acid synthesis regulates RIG-1/MDA-5-dependent type I IFN responses in BVDV-infected CD8+T cells

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) has caused massive economic losses in the cattle business worldwide. Fatty acid synthase (FASN), a key enzyme of the fatty acid synthesis (FAS) pathway, has been shown to support virus replication. To investigate the role of fatty acids (FAs) in BVDV infection, we infected CD8+T lymphocytes obtained from healthy cattle with BVDV in vitro. During early cytopathic (CP) and noncytopathic (NCP) BVDV infection in CD8+ T cells, there is an increase in de novo lipid biosynthesis, resulting in elevated levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) and triglycerides (TG). BVDV infection promotes de novo lipid biosynthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with the FASN inhibitor C75 significantly reduces the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT in BVDV-infected CD8+ T cells, while inhibition of PI3K with LY294002 decreases FASN expression. Both CP and NCP BVDV strains promote de novo fatty acid synthesis by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Further investigation shows that pharmacological inhibitors targeting FASN and PI3K concurrently reduce FFAs, TG levels, and ATP production, effectively inhibiting BVDV replication. Conversely, the in vitro supplementation of oleic acid (OA) to replace fatty acids successfully restored BVDV replication, underscoring the impact of abnormal de novo fatty acid metabolism on BVDV replication. Intriguingly, during BVDV infection of CD8+T cells, the use of FASN inhibitors prompted the production of IFN-α and IFN-β, as well as the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Moreover, FASN inhibitors induce TBK-1 phosphorylation through the activation of RIG-1 and MDA-5, subsequently activating IRF-3 and ultimately enhancing the IFN-1 response. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that BVDV infection activates the PI3K/AKT pathway to boost de novo fatty acid synthesis, and inhibition of FASN suppresses BVDV replication by activating the RIG-1/MDA-5-dependent IFN response.

[A multicenter prospective study on early identification of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children]

Objective: To explore potential predictors of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) in early stage. Methods: The prospective multicenter study was conducted in Zhejiang, China from May 1st, 2019 to January 31st, 2020. A total of 1 428 patients with fever >48 hours to <120 hours were studied. Their clinical data and oral pharyngeal swab samples were collected; Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA in pharyngeal swab specimens was detected. Patients with positive Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA results underwent a series of tests, including chest X-ray, complete blood count, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and procalcitonin. According to the occurrence of RMPP, the patients were divided into two groups, RMPP group and general Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (GMPP) group. Measurement data between the 2 groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between clinical data and RMPP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyse the power of the markers for predicting RMPP. Results: A total of 1 428 patients finished the study, with 801 boys and 627 girls, aged 4.3 (2.7, 6.3) years. Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA was positive in 534 cases (37.4%), of whom 446 cases (83.5%) were diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, including 251 boys and 195 girls, aged 5.2 (3.3, 6.9) years. Macrolides-resistant variation was positive in 410 cases (91.9%). Fifty-five cases were with RMPP, 391 cases with GMPP. The peak body temperature before the first visit and LDH levels in RMPP patients were higher than that in GMPP patients (39.6 (39.1, 40.0) vs. 39.2 (38.9, 39.7) ℃, 333 (279, 392) vs. 311 (259, 359) U/L, both P<0.05). Logistic regression showed the prediction probability π=exp (-29.7+0.667×Peak body temperature (℃)+0.004×LDH (U/L))/(1+exp (-29.7+0.667×Peak body temperature (℃)+0.004 × LDH (U/L))), the cut-off value to predict RMPP was 0.12, with a consensus of probability forecast of 0.89, sensitivity of 0.89, and specificity of 0.67; and the area under ROC curve was 0.682 (95%CI 0.593-0.771, P<0.01). Conclusion: In MPP patients with fever over 48 to <120 hours, a prediction probability π of RMPP can be calculated based on the peak body temperature and LDH level before the first visit, which can facilitate early identification of RMPP.

Banxia Xiexin decoction alleviates AS co-depression disease by regulating the gut microbiome-lipid metabolic axis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Banxia Xiexin decoction (BXD) is a classic Chinese herbal formulation consisting of 7 herbs including Pinelliae Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, and Jujubae Fructus, which can exert effects on lowering lipids and alleviating depressive mood disorders via affecting gastrointestinal tract.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS) co-depression disease has not been well studied, and the current clinical treatment strategies are not satisfactory. As a result, it is critical to find novel methods of treatment. Based on the hypothesis that the gut microbiome may promote the development of AS co-depression disease by regulating host lipid metabolism, this study sought to evaluate the effectiveness and action mechanism of BXD in regulation of the gut microbiome via an intervention in AS co-depression mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To determine the primary constituents of BXD, UPLC-Q/TOF-MS analysis was carried out. Sixteen C56BL/6 mice were fed normal chow as a control group; 64 ApoE^-/- mice were randomized into four groups (model group and three treatment groups) and fed high-fat chow combined with daily bind stimulation for sixteen weeks to develop the AS co-depression mouse model and were administered saline or low, medium or high concentrations of BXD during the experimental modeling period. The antidepressant efficacy of BXD was examined by weighing, a sucrose preference test, an open field test, and a tail suspension experiment. The effectiveness of BXD as an anti-AS treatment was evaluated by means of biochemical indices, the HE staining method, and the Oil red O staining method. The impacts of BXD on the gut microbiome structure and brain (hippocampus and prefrontal cortex tissue) lipids in mice with the AS co-depression model were examined by 16S rDNA sequencing combined with lipidomics analysis.

RESULTS

The main components of BXD include baicalin, berberine, ginsenoside Rb1, and 18 other substances. BXD could improve depression-like behavioral characteristics and AS-related indices in AS co-depression mice; BXD could regulate the abundance of some flora (phylum level: reduced abundance of Proteobacteria and Deferribacteres; genus level: reduced abundance of Clostridium_IV, Helicobacter, and Pseudoflavonifractor, Acetatifactor, Oscillibacter, which were significantly different). The lipidomics analysis showed that the differential lipids between the model and gavaged high-dose BXD (BXH) groups were enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolism, and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC(20:3)(rep)(rep)) in the hippocampus and LPC(20:4)(rep) in the prefrontal cortex both showed downregulation in BXH. The correlation analysis illustrated that the screened differential lipids were mainly linked to Deferribacteres and Actinobacteria.

CONCLUSION

BXD may exert an anti-AS co-depression therapeutic effect by modulating the abundance of some flora and thus intervening in peripheral lipid and brain lipid metabolism (via downregulation of LPC levels).

[The relationship between classroom environment and myopia]

Objective: Based on a cohort and intervention study of the Eastern Chinese Student Surveillance, Cohort and Intervention Study (ES-SCI), this research aims to explore the correlation between monitor of the school environment and longitudinal data on myopia and provide evidence for the government myopia intervention strategy. Methods: This survey adopts the stratified cluster sampling method with the school as the unit. Students from grade 1 to grade 3 were selected according to the whole class to monitor the school environment in the classroom. Students will use the full-automatic computer optometer (TOPCON RM800) to conduct optometry from 2019 to 2021 under the condition of mydriasis to perform refractive eye examinations. Meantime eye axis length monitoring was also conducted. Cox proportional risk regression model was used to explore the relationship between school environmental monitoring and the occurrence and development of students' myopia. Results: From 2019 to 2021, 2 670 students from 77 classrooms participated in the observation study. The students' diopter after right/left eye mydriasis decreased in varying degrees (P<0.001), and the axial length of the right/left eye increased in various degrees (P<0.001). The weighted qualified rate of per capita area of primary school classrooms increased from 18.0% in 2019 to 26.0% in 2021, the weighted average illuminance pass rate of blackboard surface increased from 23.8% in 2019 to 26.4% in 2021, and the weighted average illuminance pass rate of classroom table decreased from 86.7% in 2019 to 77.5% in 2021. The trend chi-square test was significant (P<0.05). Cox proportional risk regression showed that after correcting for the grade, gender, parental myopia, diet, sleep, near work (sitting posture, working time, electronic mobile equipment, eye exercises), and outdoor activities, the per capita area of 1.36- m² was the protective factor of eye axis length (HR=0.778, 95%CI: 0.659-0.918, P=0.003); The average reflection ratio of blackboard 0.15-0.19 was the protective factor of eye axis length (HR=0.685, 95%CI: 0.592-0.793, P<0.001); The average illumination of the blackboard 150-, 300-, 500- lx was the protective factor of the eye axis length (HR=0.456, 95%CI: 0.534-0.761, P<0.001; HR=0.794, 95%CI: 0.705-0.895, P<0.001; HR=0.690, 95%CI: 0.619-0.768, P<0.001). The blackboard evenness 0.40-0.59 was the risk factor of eye axis length (HR=1.528, 95%CI: 1.018-2.293, P=0.041), and the blackboard evenness 0.80- was the protection factor of eye axis length (HR=0.542, 95%CI: 0.404-0.726, P<0.001). The evenness of the desktop 0.40-0.59 was the protective factor of eye axis length (HR=0.820, 95%CI: 0.698-0.965, P=0.017). The average illuminance of 150-, 300-, 500- lx was the protective factor of a diopter (HR=0.638, 95%CI: 0.534-0.761, P<0.001; HR=0.911, 95%CI: 0.848-0.978, P=0.011; HR=0.750, 95%CI: 0.702-0.801, P<0.001). The average illumination of desktop 500- lx was a protective factor of a diopter (HR=0.855, 95%CI: 0.763-0.958, P=0.007). Conclusion: School environmental monitoring indicators, such as meeting per capita area standards, passing blackboard, and desk top-related indicators, all play protective effects on myopia development in students.

[A multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial comparing ergometrine with oxytocin and oxytocin alone for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage at cesarean section]

Objective: To compare oxytocin combined with ergometrine with oxytocin alone in terms of primary prophylaxis for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) at the time of cesarean section (CS). Methods: This was a multicenter double-blind randomized controlled interventional study comparing ergometrine combined with oxytocin and oxytocin alone administered at CS. From December 2018 to November 2019, a total of 298 parturients were enrolled in 16 hospitals nationwide. They were randomly divided into experimental group (ergometrine intra-myometrial injection following oxytocin intravenously; 148 cases) and control group (oxytocin intra-myometrial injection following oxytocin intravenously; 150 cases) according to 1∶1 random allocation. The following indexes were compared between the two groups: (1) main index: blood loss 2 hours (h) after delivery; (2) secondary indicators: postpartum blood loss at 6 h and 24 h, placental retention time, incidence of PPH, the proportion of additional use of uterine contraction drugs, hemostatic drugs or other hemostatic measures at 2 h and 24 h after delivery, the proportion requiring blood transfusion, and the proportion of prolonged hospital stay due to poor uterine involution; (3) safety indicators: nausea, vomiting, dizziness and other adverse reactions, and blood pressure at each time point of administration. Results: (1) The blood loss at 2 h after delivery in the experimental group [(402±18) ml] was less than that in the control group [(505±18) ml], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). (2) The blood loss at 6 h and 24 h after delivery in the experimental group were less than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of PPH, the proportion of additional use of uterine contraction drugs, hemostatic drugs or other hemostatic measures at 2 h and 24 h after delivery, the proportion requiring blood transfusion, and the proportion of prolonged hospital stay due to poor uterine involution (all P>0.05). (3) Adverse reactions occurred in 2 cases (1.4%, 2/148) in the experimental group and 1 case (0.7%, 1/150) in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The systolic blood pressure within 2.0 h and diastolic blood pressure within 1.5 h of drug administration in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05), but the blood pressure of the two groups were in the normal range. Conclusion: The use of ergometrine injection in CS could reduce the amount of PPH, which is safe and feasible.

Gut microbiome metabolites as key actors in atherosclerosis co-depression disease

Cardiovascular diseases, mainly characterized by atherosclerosis (AS), and depression have a high comorbidity rate. However, previous studies have been conducted under a single disease, and there is a lack of studies in comorbid states to explore the commonalities in the pathogenesis of both diseases. Modern high-throughput technologies have made it clear that the gut microbiome can affect the development of the host's own disorders and have shown that their metabolites are crucial to the pathophysiology of AS and depression. The aim of this review is to summarize the current important findings on the role of gut microbiome metabolites such as pathogen-associated molecular patterns, bile acids, tryptophan metabolites, short-chain fatty acids, and trimethylamine N -oxide in depression and AS disease, with the aim of identifying potential biological targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of AS co-depression disorders.

[Advances in MRI research on extraocular muscles and pulleys]

With the continuous development of imaging technology, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to quantitatively analyze the morphological and functional status of orbital soft tissue. Changes in the morphology and function of the extraocular muscles and pulleys may be the mechanical basis of some incomitant and special patterns of strabismus. Recent MRI research advances related to the characteristics of extraocular muscles and pulleys of healthy people and strabismic patients are reviewed in this article.

[Association between the Controlling Nutritional Status score and long-term outcome in patients with acute heart failure]

Objective: To evaluate the nutritional status by the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and its association with the long-term prognosis in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Methods: This prospective monocentric study consecutively enrolled patients admitted to our hospital for AHF from April 2012 to May 2016. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the CONUT score at admission: normal (0-1), mild malnutrition (2-4) and moderate-severe malnutrition (5-12) groups. Baseline information was obtained and recorded within 24 hours after admission. All patients were followed up every 3 months by outpatient visit or telephone call until March 2019. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test were used to compare all-cause mortality between groups. Variables showing statistical significance in the univariate analysis were incorporated into multivariate Cox regression model to analyze the independent risk factors for all-cause mortality after discharge. Results: A total of 396 patients were enrolled in this study, including 114 patients with normal nutritional status, 200 patients with mild malnutrition and 82 patients with moderate-severe malnutrition. One hundred and fifty-eight patients died during a median follow-up of 34 (18, 46) months. The mortality was 32.4% (37/114), 39% (78/200) and 52.4% (43/82) in normal, mild malnutrition and moderate-severe malnutrition groups, respectively. The mortality was significantly higher in the moderate-severe malnutrition group than in normal nutrition group (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in mortality between normal and mild malnutrition group as well as between mild and moderate-severe malnutrition group (both P>0.05). Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that patients with high CONUT score group was at higher risk of all-cause mortality compared with those with low CONUT score (P=0.002). Cox proportional hazard analyses showed that the risk of all-cause mortality of moderate-severe malnutrition group was significantly higher than that of normal nutrition group (HR =1.648, 95%CI 1.021-2.660, P=0.041). Conclusions: The CONUT score of patients with AHF at admission is associated with the long-term prognosis. High CONUT score is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in AHF patients after discharge.

[On-site epidemiological investigation of a carbon monoxide poisoning incident]

Nighteen people at a restaurant experienced dizziness headaches and other discomforts in six days. According to the description method, the time and location distribution were found to be concentrated. A second Investigation was conducted at the same time as the onset of the case, the test found that the carbon monoxide concentration of second floor up to 539 mg/m(3). The on-site testing found that when 2 steam generator in snack room on the first floor turned on, the carbon monoxide concentration on the top of elevator on the second floor was 1225.0 mg/m(3). After the accident, the restaurant replaced a steam generator, the carbon monoxide concentration on the top of the new and old steam generator were 350 mg/m(3) and >1 000 mg/m(3), respectively. After the steam generators were fitted with exhaust smoke pipe and exhasust hood, the carbon monoxide concentrations of on the top of the vegetable transfer elevator and the room on the second floor were both 0.4 mg/m(3), and there were no cases of recurrence. It was determined that this was a carbon monoxide poisoning incident caused by a high concentration of carbon monoxide emitted by the steam generators, which spread to the second floor of the private room through the vegetable transfer elevator.

[A multicenter retrospective study on the etiology of necrotizing pneumonia in children]

Objective: To investigate the etiology of necrotizing pneumonia (NP) in children and the clinical characteristics of NP caused by different pathogens in China. Methods: A retrospective, case-control study was performed in children with NP who were admitted to 13 hospitals in China from January 2008 to December 2019. The demographic and clinical information, laboratory data, etiological and radiological findings were analyzed. The data were divided into three groups based on the following years: 2008-2011, 2012-2015 and 2016-2019, and the distribution characteristics of the pathogens in different period were compared. Meanwhile, the pathogens of pediatric NP in the southern and northern China were compared. And the clinical characteristics of the Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) NP and the bacterial NP were also compared. T-test or Mann-Whitney nonparametric test was used for comparison of numerical variables, and χ² test was used for categorical variables. Results: A total of 494 children with NP were enrolled, the median ages were 4.7 (0.1-15.3) years, including 272 boys and 222 girls. Among these patients, pathogens were identified in 347 cases and the pathogen was unclear in the remaining 147 cases. The main pathogens were MP (238 cases), Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) (61 cases), Staphylococcus aureus (SA) (51 cases), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13 cases), Haemophilus influenzae (10 cases), adenovirus (10 cases), and influenza virus A (7 cases), respectively. MP was the most common pathogen in all three periods and the proportion increased yearly. The proportion of MP in 2016-2019 was significantly higher than that in 2012-2015 (52.1% (197/378) vs. 36.8% (32/87), χ²=6.654, P=0.010), while there was no significant difference in the proportion of MP in 2012-2015 and that in 2008-2011 (36.8% (32/87) vs. 31.0% (9/29), χ²=0.314, P=0.575).Regarding the regional distribution, 342 cases were in the southern China and 152 in the northern China. Also, MP was the most common pathogen in both regions, but the proportion of MP was higher and the proportion of SP was lower in the north than those in the south (60.5% (92/152) vs. 42.7% (146/342), χ²=13.409, P<0.010; 7.9% (12/152) vs. 14.3% (49/342), χ²=4.023, P=0.045). Comparing the clinical characteristics of different pathogens, we found that fever and cough were the common symptoms in both single MP and single bacterial groups, but chest pain was more common (17.0% (34/200) vs. 6.1% (6/98), χ²=6.697, P=0.010) while shortness of breath and wheezing were less common in MP group (16.0% (32/200) vs. 60.2% (59/98), χ²=60.688, P<0.01; 4.5% (9/200) vs. 21.4% (21/98), χ²=20.819, P<0.01, respectively). The white blood cell count, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in the bacterial group were significantly higher than those in the MP group (14.7 (1.0-67.1)×10⁹/L vs. 10.5 (2.5-32.2)×10⁹/L, 122.5 (0.5-277.3) mg/L vs. 51.4 (0.5-200.0) g/L, 2.13 (0.05-100.00) μg/L vs. 0.24 (0.01-18.85) μg/L, Z=-3.719, -5.901 and -7.765, all P<0.01). Conclusions: The prevalence of pediatric NP in China shows an increasing trend during the past years. MP, SP and SA are the main pathogens of NP, and the most common clinical symptoms are fever and cough. The WBC count, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in bacterial NP are significantly higher than those caused by MP.

[Establishment of nutrition literacy core items for Chinese lactating women]

Objective: To establish the nutrition literacy core items for Chinese lactating women. Methods: The framework system and preliminary items of nutrition literacy were established through literature review and experts consultation. E-Delphi method was used to determine the nutrition literacy items. 11 experts in the field of maternal and child nutrition, obstetrics and gynecology, health education and nutrition and diseases were invited to score the importance of each nutrition literacy item via Email. The judgment basis and familiarity of experts towards the items, active coefficient, authority coefficient and harmony coefficient were evaluated and analyzed to generate the final list of nutrition literacy items. Results: The active coefficients of consultation in two rounds were 81.8% (9/11) and 87.5% (8/9). The authority coefficients were (0.86±0.11) and (0.85±0.06). The average scores of importance were (4.03±1.24) and (4.64±0.50)and the harmony coefficients were 0.556 (χ²=163.42, P<0.001) and 0.40 (χ²=64.41, P<0.001). After the second round of consultation, all selected items met the inclusion criteria. We identified the final list of nutrition literacy items consisting of 3 scales (basic knowledge and concept, lifestyles and dietary behaviors, and basic skills), 10 subscales (basic nutrition concept, food and nutrition knowledge, feeding knowledge, lifestyles, dietary behaviors, feeding behaviors, weight management, complementary food production, acquisition, understanding and application of nutrition information, judgement of nutrition information, and nutrition decision making) with 24 items in total. Conclusions: The framework system and core items of nutrition literacy were established for Chinese lactating women based on E-Delphi method. The experts involved in the consultation process presented a performance with good representativeness, enthusiasm and authority. All experts' opinions are coordinated and unified, which could satisfy the demand of developing nutrition literacy core items for target population.

[The current status of nutrition literacy and evaluation tools]

Nutrition literacy is one of essential components of health literacy. A relatively mature health literacy evaluation system has been established in China so far. However, the studies on nutrition literacy evaluation are still limited, especially for specific population, such as children, adolescents, older people, and maternal. The present study introduces the concept of nutrition literacy, and summarizes the evaluation tools of nutrition literacy for both general population and special population (i.e., children, adolescents, older people, and maternal) in China and foreign countries, and their dimension, reliability, validity and applicable scope. This study aim to provide evidence for the development of nutrition literacy evaluation tools for different population according to the current problem of nutrition in China.

[Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in adult residents in Jiangsu province]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in adult residents in Jiangsu province and provide evidence for the prevention and control of hypertension. Methods: A population-based cardiovascular disease screening project was conducted during 2015-2018 in Jiangsu, a total of 95 348 community-dwelling adults aged 35-75 years from 6 project areas were included in the study. The prevalence rate of hypertension and rates of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the adults with different characteristics were analyzed. Multilevel model was applied to identify the influencing factors. Results: Among 95 348 adults surveyed, 54 407 were hypertensive, the standardized prevalence rate was 48.1%. The prevalence rate was significantly higher in males than in females (62.1% vs. 54.0%, P<0.05). Among the hypertension patients, the rates of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were 56.6%, 45.3% and 12.0% (standardized rates: 52.2%, 41.0% and 11.2%), respectively, and all the rates were positively associated with age (all P<0.05). Multilevel model analysis showed that those who were males, at older age, lived in rural area, suffered from diabetes, had frequent alcohol drinking and those who were overweight/obese had higher risk for hypertension (all P<0.05). Among people with hypertension, those who had younger age, lower education level, lower household income level and those who had frequent alcohol drinking had lower awareness, treatment and control rates of hypertension (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence rate of hypertension was high, but related awareness, treatment and control rates were low in adult residents in Jiangsu province. Comprehensive measures should be taken to improve awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in whole population, especially in young adults, and those with low education or income levels.

[Comparative analysis of clinical characteristics and prognosis between bacterial necrotizing pneumonia and Mycoplasma pneumoniae necrotizing pneumonia in children]

Objective: To compare the characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae necrotizing pneumonia (MPNP) and bacterial necrotizing pneumonia (BNP), and explore the biomarkers for differentiation of MPNP from BNP. Methods: A retrospective, observational study of 52 necrotizing pneumonia (NP) cases who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2008 to December 2017 was conducted. According to the pathogen causing NP, patients were divided into two groups, BNP and MPNP, and the clinical manifestations, laboratory data, imaging findings, hospital course and prognosis between these groups were analyzed. Results: This study enrolled 19 boys and 33 girls, and the median ages of patients were 4.4 (0.1-13.8) years old. Of the totally of 52 NP patients, 19 were in the BNP group (9 boys and 10 girls), 33 were in the MPNP group (10 boys and 23 girls). The mean age of MPNP patients was much older than that of BNP patients (5.2 (2.3-13.2) years vs. 1.8 (0.1-13.8) years, Z=-0.128, P<0.01). The number of patients with tachypnea and pleural effusion septation were significantly higher in BNP patients than those in MPNP patients (15 cases vs. 4 cases, χ(2)=23.222, P<0.01; 14 cases vs. 1 case, χ(2)=29.326, P<0.01), which more needed to oxygentherapy (18 cases vs. 12 cases, χ(2)=16.833, P<0.01) and undergo chest drainage (9 cases vs. 4 cases, χ(2)=5.829, P=0.022); while the number of patients required bronchoalveolar lavage was higher in MPNP patients than that in BNP patients (5 cases vs. 32 cases, χ(2)=29.326, P<0.01). The values of white blood cell (WBC) (23.2 (5.2-67.1)×10(9)/L vs. 9.7 (6.3-18.7)×10(9)/L, Z=-4.855, P<0.01), procalcitonin (PCT) (3.69 (0.23-90.15) mg/L vs. 0.28 (0.02-1.44) mg/L, Z=-3.207, P=0.001), C reactive protein (CRP) (160 (94-220) mg/L vs. 90 (5-134) mg/L, Z=-4.337, P<0.01), interleukin (IL)-10 (11.7 (4.2-401.5) ng/L vs. 4.8 (2.0-23.4) ng/L, Z=-2.278, P=0.023), pleural fluid cell count (5 200 (120-50 000)×10(6)/L vs. 790 (68-6 920)×10(6)/L, Z=-3.125, P=0.002), pleural fluid lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) (3 990 (589-29 382) U/L vs. 2 211 (673-3 993) U/L, Z=-2.488, P=0.013) in BNP group were significantly higher than those in MPNP group; while the values of pleural fluid glucose(0.43 (0.03-18.00) mmol/L vs. 5.95 (4.27-7.87) mmol/L, Z=-2.795, P=0.005), serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (2.3 (1.0-2.8) ng/L vs. 2.6 (1.3-109.2) ng/L, Z=-2.113, P=0.035) and interferon (IFN)-γ (4.8 (2.6-7.7) ng/L vs. 11.9 (2.9-154.6) ng/L, Z=-2.455, P=0.014) were lower in BNP group than those in MPNP group. Meanwhile, the mean time from the onset of symptoms to the discovery of necrotic lesions was longer in MPNP group than that in BNP group ((20.6±6.4) days vs. (14.6±6.2) days, t=3.029, P=0.004). After treatments, all patients were discharged without death, WBC and PCT recovered more quickly in MPNP group than those in BNP group (12 (0-24) days vs. 0 (0-23) days, Z=-4.484, P<0.01; 10 (5-15) days vs. 0 (0-23) days, Z=-3.244, P=0.001). As to prognosis, 34 cases were followed up, and the results showed that patients recovered without surgical intervention, and chest lesions were resolved within 3.0 (1.0-8.0) months, and the time to necrosis disappearance was similar in the BNP group and MPNP greup (3.0 (1.0-8.0) months vs. 3.0 (1.0-8.0) months, Z=-0.128, P=0.001). In receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, the cut-off values for the age, WBC, CRP, PCT, pleural fluid cell count and pleural fluid glucose were set at 2.4 years of age, 17.2×10(9)/L, 157 mg/L, 1.505 mg/L, 2 630×10(6)/L and 3.73 mmol/L, respectively. Conclusions: NP is found to be severe and prolonged, yet, reversible through proper therapy, such as rational antibiotics application. The age, WBC, CRP, PCT, pleural fluid cell count and pleural fluid glucose could be used as biomarkers to differentiate MPNP from BNP in children.

[Expression and distribution of programmed death receptor 1 and T cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 in breast cancer microenvironment and its relationship with clinicopathological features]

Objective: To explore the expression and distribution of programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (TIM-3) in breast cancer microenvironment and analyze the their correlation with the clinicopathological features. Methods: The specimens of tumor tissue and adjacent tissues from 30 patients with infiltrative breast cancer who were diagnosed as breast cancer from June 2016 to May 2017 in The First Hospital of Jiaxing were collected, and the specimen were divided into two parts along the center. After embedding and cryosectioning, the expression and distribution of PD-1 and TIM-3 protein in tumor tissues were observed by immunofluorescence staining. Another part of the specimen was cut and digested, and non-continuous density gradient centrifugation was used to extract tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of PD-1 and TIM-3 in TILs. Meanwhile, the protein expression was determined by Western blotting. The relationship between the expression of PD-1 and TIM-3 and pathological parameters of breast cancer was analyzed with correlation analysis. Results: Immunofluorescence results showed that more PD-1 and TIM-3 positive cells were observed in the tumor tissues compared with the tumor-adjacent tissues. The qRT-PCR showed that the expression of PD-1 and TIM-3 mRNA in TILs were both significantly higher than those in paracancerous tissues (3.09±0.38 vs 1.26±0.23, 3.42±0.31 vs 1.57±0.29, t=4.16, 4.37, both P<0.05). At the protein level, the expression of PD-1 and TIM-3 in tumor tissue lymphocytes(0.66±0.08, 0.80±0.11) was significantly higher than those in cancerous tissues(0.10±0.01, 0.26±0.02) (t=6.79, 4.57, both P<0.05). There were significant differences in the expression of PD-1, TIM-3 mRNA in the TILs between the different tumor histological grades, tumor sizes, lymph node metastasis (t=2.22-2.99, all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between the expression of PD-1 and TIM-3 in tumor tissues (r=0.616, P<0.01). Conclusions: In the breast cancer microenvironment, PD-1, TIM-3-mediated signaling pathway plays an important role in the occurrence and development of breast cancer, it provides a new basis for the combination therapy of breast cancer.

[Multicenter study of human adenovirus infection in pediatric community-acquired pneumonia in China]

Objective: To investigate the predominant genotypes and epidemiological characteristics of human adenovirus (HAdV) in pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in China. Methods: This was a repeated cross sectional study. Between November 2014 and November 2016, nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) or throat swabs from each hospitalized pediatric patients diagnosed as CAP in 12 hospitals in Northern and Southern China were collected. Respiratory specimens were screened for 18 respiratory viruses including HAdV by using Luminex xTAG RVP Fast V2 multiplex Assay. Typing of HAdV and analysis for the epidemiological characteristic of HAdV were performed. Results: (1) A total of 2 723 hospitalized pediatric patients with CAP were enrolled in this study and 156 (5.7%, 156/2 723) respiratory specimens were positive for HAdV, and 74 (6.6%, 74/1 128) and 82 (5.1%, 82/1 595) were in Northern and Southern China, respectively. There was no significant difference in the positive detection rate between the Northern and Southern China. (2) In Northern China, the HAdV positive rate of children at the age of <6 months, 6 months-<1 years, 1-<3 years, 3-<5 years and ≥5 years was 5.9%(6/101), 6.7%(7/104), 10.3%(34/331), 4.1%(11/266) and 4.9%(16/326), respectively, and the incidence of HAdV infection peaked in children aged 1-3 years (χ(2)=11.511, P=0.021). While in Southern China the HAdV positive rate of children at the age of <6 months, 6 months-<1 years, 1-<3 years, 3-<5 years and ≥5 years was 2.2% (7/312), 4.6% (12/259), 6.3% (31/494), 7.3% (18/245) and 4.9%(14/285), respectively. There was no significant difference in the positive detection rate among age groups. (3) In 2015, the highest detection rate of HAdV in northern China was 12.5% (25/200) in winter, and in Southern China was 6.7% (35/525) in spring and 5.3% (19/357) in summer. (4) In 108 cases of HAdV positive specimens typing was done and 80 in cases classification was successfully performed.Totally 7 genotypes of HAdV, including HAdV-3 (n=32), HAdV-7 (n=9), HAdV-1 (n=12), HAdV-2 (n=15), HAdV-5 (n=10), HAdV-6 (n=1) and HAdV-4 (n=1), were detected. The predominant HAdV genotypes were HAdV-3 (30.8%, 8/26) and HAdV-7 (26.9%, 7/26) in Northern China, while HAdV-3 (44.4%, 24/54) and HAdV-2 (22.2%, 12/54) were the most prevalent genotypes in Southern China. Conclusions: HAdV is an important viral pathogen in pediatric CAP. The predominant HAdV genotypes and peak seasons of HAdV infections were different between Northern and Southern China. The predominant HAdV genotypes were HAdV-3 and HAdV-7 in Northern China, while HAdV-3 and HAdV-2 in Southern China. The peak season of HAdV infections was winter in Northern China. However, HAdV infections are more common in spring and summer in Southern China.

Ultra-wideband and Polarization-Insensitive Perfect Absorber Using Multilayer Metamaterials, Lumped Resistors, and Strong Coupling Effects

We theoretically and experimentally proposed a new structure of ultra-wideband and thin perfect metamaterial absorber loaded with lumped resistances. The thin absorber was composed of four dielectric layers, the metallic double split ring resonators (MDSRR) microstructures and a set of lumped resistors. The mechanism of the ultra-wideband absorption was analyzed and parametric study was also carried out to achieve ultra-wideband operation. The features of ultra-wideband, polarization-insensitivity, and angle-immune absorption were systematically characterized by the angular absorption spectrum, the near electric-field, the surface current distributions and dielectric and ohmic losses. Numerical results show that the proposed metamaterial absorber achieved perfect absorption with absorptivity larger than 80% at the normal incidences within 4.52~25.42 GHz (an absolute bandwidth of 20.9GHz), corresponding to a fractional bandwidth of 139.6%. For verification, a thin metamaterial absorber was implemented using the common printed circuit board method and then measured in a microwave anechoic chamber. Numerical and experimental results agreed well with each other and verified the desired polarization-insensitive ultra-wideband perfect absorption.

Comparison of the strength of two multi-strand tendon repair configurations in a chicken model

We sought to investigate the strength of two multi-strand tendon repair configurations in a chicken model. Fifty-six chicken flexor tendons were repaired with one to two different four-strand configurations: 1) a four-strand repair consisting of a two-strand core modified Kessler suture with a circle loop repair and 2) a four-strand core Kessler suture repair with three separate peripheral suture points. The strength of the repaired tendons were measured 2, 3 and 4 weeks after the surgical repair and were analyzed statistically. The strength of the two repair methods was not statistically different 2 weeks after surgery. The tendons repaired with the four-strand core Kessler suture repair and three separate peripheral suture points were significantly stronger than those repaired with a two-strand core modified Kessler suture and a circle loop repair at 3 weeks (P = 0.033) and 4 weeks (P = 0.039). The four-strand repair with three separate peripheral suture points had greater strength than a two-strand repair with one circle loop suture based on an in vivo chicken flexor tendon model.

[One case report of laryngeal large cell neuroendocrine carcioma]

The clinical data of large cell neuroendcrine carcinoma were analyzed retrospectively．The patient was a middle-age male,complained of throat pain for 10 years, it was misdiagnosed as chronic pharyngitis. The patient received tracheotomy, vertical laryngeal resection and left cervical lymph node dissection. Half month after surgery, the patient was transferred to the oncology department and remains under follow-up. Large cell neuroendcrine carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor, which is easily misdiagnosed. To Mastering its clinical features is important for the diagnosis and treatment.

Pterostilbene inhibits inflammation and ROS production in chondrocytes by activating Nrf2 pathway

Pterostilbene has been reported as a potential drug to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the effect of pterostilbene on chondrocytes and osteoarthritis remains to be elucidated. We sought to investigate whether pterostilbene could protect chondrocytes from inflammation and ROS production through factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. The pterostilbene toxicity on chondrocytes collected from cartilages of Sprague-Dawley rats was assessed by CCK-8 test. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting explored the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. Nrf2 expression was silenced by siRNA to evaluate the involvement of Nrf2 in the effect of pterostilbene on chondrocytes. Finally, osteoarthritis model was established by the transection of anterior cruciate ligament and partial medial meniscectomy in rats, and then these rats received pterostilbene 30 mg/kg, daily, p.o. for 8 weeks. Histology and immunohistochemistry were used to assess histopathological change and Nrf2 expression in cartilage. Nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was stimulated by pterostilbene without cellular toxicity. Pterostilbene inhibited the level of COX-2, iNOS, PGE2, and NO, as well as the mitochondrial and total intracellular ROS production induced by IL-1β in chondrocytes, partially reversed by the Nrf2 silencing. Pterostilbene prevented cartilage degeneration and promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in cartilage. These results suggest that pterostilbene could inhibit the IL-1β-induced inflammation and ROS production in chondrocytes by stimulating the nuclear translocation of Nrf2.

[Feasibility and safety of paclitaxel-eluting balloon for the treatment of de novo coronary lesions]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of treating de novo coronary lesions with paclitaxel-eluting balloon. Methods: This is a retrospective study, which enrolled 76 patients with 80 de novo coronary lesions treated with paclitaxel-eluting balloons(<30% residual stenosis and there was no blood flow limited dissection after pretreatment) from April 2015 to November 2016 in Guangdong general hospital. The data of basic characteristics,procedures,devices and follow-up information were retrieved and analyzed. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization. Results: (1)The age was (63.3±10.3) years. There were 68.4%(52/76) acute coronary syndrome patients, prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 36.8%(28/76), and 64.5%(49/76)patients with at least one high bleeding risk. (2)The lesion length was (17.4±7.6)mm, and the stenosis was (88.1±8.2)%.The reference vessel diameter≥2.75 mm accounted for 51.2% (41/80), and bifurcation stenosis accounted for 67.5%(54/80). (3)53.7%(43/80) lesions were pretreated with scoring balloon to optimize plaque modification. The paclitaxel-eluting balloon length and diameter were (22.3±5.5)mm and (2.74±0.52)mm.The residual stenosis was (12.3±10.3)%. Procedural success was 88.8%(71/80).Bail-out stenting rate was 5.0%(4/80). (4)The median follow-up duration was 12(6, 25) months. Primary endpoint occurred in 3 cases (3.9%), including 2 cardiac deaths(1 patient died of recurrent myocardial infarction, and 1 patient died of acute heart failure induced by severe mitral insufficiency), and one patient receivedtarget lesion revascularization. Conclusion: In case of no more than 30% residual stenosis and no blood flow limited dissection after lesion pretreatment,it is safe and feasible to treat de novo coronary lesionsusing paclitaxel-eluting balloon.

An ultrastructural study of chondroptosis: programmed cell death in degenerative intervertebral discs in vivo

Apoptosis has been regarded to mediate intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD); however, the basic question of how the apoptotic bodies are cleared in the avascular intervertebral disc without phagocytes, which are essential to apoptosis, remains to be elucidated. Our goals were to investigate the ultrastructure of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells undergoing chondroptosis, a variant of apoptotic cell death, in a rabbit annular needle-puncture model of IDD. Experimental IDD was induced by puncturing discs with a 16-G needle in New Zealand rabbits. At 4 and 12 weeks after puncture, progressive degeneration was demonstrated by X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging and histological staining. TUNEL staining suggested a significant increase in the apoptosis index in the degenerated NP. However, the percentage of apoptotic cells with the classic ultrastructure morphology was much less than that with chondroptotic ultrastructure morphology under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The chondroptotic cells from the early to late stage were visualized under TEM. In addition, the percentage of chondroptotic cells was significantly enhanced in the degenerated NP. Furthermore, 'paralyzed' cells were found in the herniated tissue. Western blotting revealed an increase in caspase3 expression in the degenerated NP. The expression of the Golgi protein (58K) was increased by the fourth week after puncture but decreased later. These findings indicate that chondroptosis is a major type of programmed cell death in the degenerated rabbit NP that may be related to the progressive development of IDD.

[A clinical study of fungal esophagitis in 13 patients with hematologic malignancies]

目的

提高对血液系统恶性疾病并发真菌性食管炎的认识。

方法

回顾性分析2012年1月至2015年11月河南省肿瘤医院血液科收治的279例行胃镜检查的恶性血液病患者临床资料，观察恶性血液病并发真菌性食管炎的临床特征及转归。

结果

279例患者中真菌性食管炎13例（4.66%），刷片镜检5例可见真菌孢子，3例可见真菌孢子及菌丝，5例仅见真菌菌丝。12例致病菌为白色念珠菌，1例为隐球菌。13例患者中弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤8例，外周T细胞淋巴瘤1例，急性淋巴细胞白血病2例，多发性骨髓瘤1例；6例患者伴消化道症状（咽部异物感、恶心、纳差3例，胸骨后疼痛或烧灼感2例，吞咽困难伴疼痛1例），7例患者无明显症状体征。6例患者予氟康唑注射液400 mg/d治疗14 d，均有效；7例患者予制霉菌素片（100万U，每天3次）治疗14 d, 6例有效，1例持续不缓解，调整为氟康唑注射液400 mg/d治疗7 d后症状消失。治疗相关不良反应为一过性转氨酶升高及轻度消化道不良反应。

结论

恶性血液病并发真菌性食管炎并非少见，以淋巴系统疾病患者居多，致病菌主要为白色念珠菌；其临床症状不典型，约半数以上患者无明显临床表现；氟康唑及制霉菌素单药治疗安全有效。

[Occupational hazard risk assessment of workers exposed to benzene in a petrochemical enterprise in Shanghai, China]

Objective: To investigate the exposure to benzene, methylbenzene, and dimethylbenzene in workers in a petrochemical enterprise in Shanghai, China, and to conduct occupational hazard risk assessment. Methods: The environmental monitoring data on benzene series in the workplace of this petrochemical enterprise from 2010 to 2014 were collected, as well as workers' general status. The inhalation risk assessment model developed by United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was used for risk assessment to determine the occupational hazard risk level of benzene, methylbenzene, and dimethylbenzene. Results: The pass rate of the monitoring concentration of benzene, methylbenzene, and dimethylbenzene in the workplace of this petrochemical enterprise was 100%. The results of the EPA model showed that benzene had a high carcinogenic risk, benzene and dimethylbenzene had a high non-carcinogenic risk, and methylbenzene had a low non-carcinogenic risk. Conclusion: The workers exposed to benzene in this petrochemical enterprise have a high health risk, and the EPA model can be used for occupational hazard risk assessment in chemical industry.

TM4SF5-CTD-2354A18.1-miR-4697-3P may play a key role in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer

AIMS

Our aim is to identify important lncRNAs and mRNAs which may play a key role in contributing to pathogenesis of gastric cancer.

METHODS

Different LncRNAs and mRNAs are identified by microarray in gastric cancer tissue and corresponding normal tissues. The function and relationship of different LncRNAs and mRNAs is performed by GO analysis and Pathway analysis and made code-non-code network (CNC) by Pearson correlation coefficients (PCC). Then mRNA-miRNA relationship is predicted through mRNA-miRNA relationship software (http://www.targetscan.org). Lastly, mRNA-miRNA-LncRNA network is established for further research.

RESULTS

The expression profiles of 3732 lncRNAs showed different expression (fold change (FC)≥2.0, p<0.05) in gastric cancer tissue and normal tissue and expression profiles of 3994 mRNAs also showed different expression (FC≥2.0, p<0.05) in gastric cancer and corresponding normal tissue.

CONCLUSION

The expression of TM4SF5, CTD-2354A18.1 and miR-4697-3P is in balance at physiological conditions, however, the balance is disrupted by some situations, which may contribute to gastric cancer. GO analysis and Pathway analysis also showed TM4SF5 played an important role in proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Therefore, TM4SF5-miR-4697-3P- CTD-2354A18.1 may play a key role in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (Tab. 2, Fig. 4, Ref. 30).

Adeno-associated virus-2-mediated TGF-β1 microRNA transfection inhibits adhesion formation after digital flexor tendon injury

Adhesion formation after digital flexor tendon injury greatly affects gliding function of the tendon, which is a major clinical complication after hand surgery. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) has a critical role in adhesion formation during tendon healing. Persistent regulation of TGF-β1 through application of microRNA (miRNA) specifically inhibiting the function of TGF-β1 (TGF-β1-miRNA) holds promise for treatment of such a complication. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) was used to transfer TGF-β1-miRNA to the chicken digital flexor tendons, which had been injured and surgically repaired. Four doses of AAV2-TGF-β1-miRNA (2 × 10¹¹, 2 × 10¹⁰, 2 × 10⁹ and 2 × 10⁸ vector genomes (vg)) were used to determine the transfection efficiency. At postoperative 3 weeks, we found a positive correlation between the administered AAV2-TGF-β1-miRNA doses and transfection efficiency. The transfection rate ranged from 10% to 77% as the doses increased. Production of TGF-β1 protein in the tendons decreased on increasing vector dosage. When 2 × 10¹¹ and 2 × 10¹⁰) vg were injected into the tendon, gliding excursion of the repaired tendon and work of flexion of chicken toes were significantly increased and adhesion score decreased 6 and 8 weeks later, indicating the improvement of tendon gliding and decreases in adhesion formations. However, the ultimate strength of the tendons transfected at the dose of 2 × 10¹⁰ vg was 12-24% lower than that of the control tendons. The results of this study demonstrate that application of TGF-β1-miRNA had a mixed impact on tendon healing: adhesion around the tendon is reduced but strength of the tendon healing is adversely affected. Future studies should aim at maintaining the beneficial effects of reducing tendon adhesions, while eliminating the adverse effects of decreasing the healing strength.

Identification and genetic mapping of the putative Thinopyrum intermedium-derived dominant powdery mildew resistance gene PmL962 on wheat chromosome arm 2BS

Powdery resistance putatively derived from Thinopyrum intermedium in the wheat line L962 is controlled by a single dominant gene designated PmL962 and mapped to chromosome arm 2BS. Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is a destructive disease affecting the production of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Powdery mildew resistance was putatively transferred from Thinopyrum intermedium to the common wheat line L962, which conferred resistance to multiple Chinese Bgt isolates. Genetic analysis of the powdery mildew response was conducted by crossing the resistant line L962 with the susceptible line L983. Disease assessments of the F1, F2, and F2:3 populations from the cross L983/L962 indicated that resistance was controlled by a single dominant gene. A total of 373 F2:3 lines and 781 pairs of genomic simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers were employed to determine the chromosomal location of the resistance gene. The gene was linked to four publicly available and recently developed wheat genomic SSR markers and seven EST-STS markers. The resistance gene was mapped to chromosome arm 2BS based on the locations of the linked markers. Pedigree, molecular marker and resistance response data indicated that the powdery mildew resistance gene in L962 is novel. It was temporarily designated PmL962. It is flanked by Xwmc314 and BE443737at genetic distances of 2.09 and 3.74 cM, respectively, and located in a 20.77 cM interval that is co-linear with a 269.4 kb genomic region on chromosome 5 in Brachypodium distachyon and a 223.5 kb genomic region on rice (Oryza sativa) chromosome 4. The markers that are closely linked to this gene have potential applications in marker-assisted breeding.

Effects of acrylonitrile on lymphocyte lipid rafts and RAS/RAF/MAPK/ERK signaling pathways

Acrylonitrile (ACN) is a widely used chemical in the production of plastics, resins, nitriles, acrylic fibers, and synthetic rubber. Previous epidemiological investigations and animal studies have confirmed that ACN affects the lymphocytes and spleen. However, the immune toxicity mechanism is unknown. Lipid rafts are cell membrane structures that are rich in cholesterol and involved in cell signal transduction. The B cell lymophoma-10 (Bcl10) protein is a joint protein that is important in lymphocyte development and signal pathways. This study was conducted to examine the in vitro effects of ACN. We separated lipid rafts, and analyzed Bcl10 protein and caveolin. Western blotting was used to detect mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphorylated MAPK levels. The results indicated that with increasing ACN concentration, the total amount of Bcl10 remained stable, but was concentrated mainly in part 4 to part 11 in electrophoretic band district which is high density in gradient centrifugation. Caveolin-1 was evaluated as a lipid raft marker protein; caveolin-1 content and position were relatively unchanged. Western blotting showed that in a certain range, MAPK protein was secreted at a higher level. At some ACN exposure levels, MAPK protein secretion was significantly decreased compared to the control group (P < 0.05). These results indicate that ACN can cause immune toxicity by damaging lipid raft structures, causing Bcl10 protein and lipid raft separation and restraining Ras-Raf-MAPK-extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathways.

Comparison of tetragonal and cubic tin as anode for Mg ion batteries

Using first-principles calculation based on density functional theory, diffusion of Mg atom into α- and β-Sn was investigated. The diffusion barriers are 0.395 and 0.435 eV for an isolated Mg atom in the α- and β-Sn, respectively. However, the diffusion barriers of the Mg atom decrease in the α-Sn, whereas they increase in the β-Sn, when an additional Mg atom was inserted near the original diffusing Mg atom, which is mainly due to strong binding of Mg-Mg atoms in the β-Sn. Therefore, it is better to use the α-Sn, rather than the β-Sn, as an anode material for Mg ion batteries.

Relative contribution of tissue oedema and the presence of an A2 pulley to resistance to flexor tendon movement: an in vitro and in vivo study

Increases in the resistance to tendon during movement may lead to rupture or gapping of the repaired tendon. The relative contribution of these factors-tissue oedema, tendon oedema, and the intact A2 pulley-to resistance to tendon gliding is unclear. In in vitro chicken models, we created oedema in subcutaneous tissue or tendon. The work of digital flexion (WOF) increased significantly after creation of oedema in those tissues. WOF decreased significantly after division of the A2 pulley. Preservation of the integrity of the A2 pulley significantly increased WOF at post-operative weeks 1 and 2 in the in vivo chicken model; increases in WOF were greater than those due to the presence of oedematous subcutaneous tissue. Pulley division at the time of surgery reduced WOF more drastically than the removal of volar subcutaneous tissue. Presence of an intact A2 pulley adds greater resistance to the movement of the repaired flexor tendon than volar oedematous subcutaneous tissue.

[Prokaryotic expression of HN gene of bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 and the establishment of indirect ELISA method]

The prokaryotic expression plasmid pQE30-HN of hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein gene of bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3) strain HJ-1 was expressed by IPTG induction in E. coli XL1Blue. The recombinant HN protein(rHN) was purified by electroeluting method, and used as coated antigen. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect the antibody valence of BPIV3. The best working conditions of ELISA were as follows: the antigen concentration was 6 microg/mL; the serum dilution was 1:50; the blocking reagent was 5% skimmed milk; the blocking time was 60 min at 37 degrees C; the second antibody concentration was 1:10 000; The cut-off value was 0.30. The method revealed a good specificity, no cross-reaction to the positive sera of BCV, IBRV or BRSV was observed. We applied the method to detect 323 serum samples of dairy cow in Heilongjiang Province, the seropositivity rate of BPIV3 was about 58%. The indirect ELISA established provided a technological basis for the development of ELISA kit.

A study of the anatomy and repair strengths of porcine flexor and extensor tendons: are they appropriate experimental models?

Although both porcine flexor and extensor tendons have been used in tendon repair research, no studies have specifically studied the anatomical differences and repair strengths in both types of tendons. We used 12 pig trotters to observe the anatomy of these tendons and compared the 2 mm gap and ultimate strengths of flexor and extensor tendons. There were four annular (A1, A2, A3, and A4) pulleys and one oblique pulley, which form a fibro-osseous tunnel for the flexor tendons, but the anatomy of the porcine extensor tendons was markedly different from the human flexor or extensor tendons. The diameter of flexor tendons was significantly greater than that of the extensors. The 2 mm gap and ultimate strengths of the flexor tendon with either two-strand or four-strand repairs were significantly greater than those of the extensor tendon. We conclude that the porcine flexor tendon systems are similar to those in the human, but the extensor tendons are not similar to either the flexor or extensor tendons in humans. Flexor and extensor tendons have different repair strengths which should be taken into account when interpreting findings from investigations using these tendons.

Surface nanostructuring of boron-doped diamond films and their electrochemical performance

Uniform and vertically aligned nanocone and nanopillar arrays were successfully constructed on heavily boron-doped nanocrysatlline diamond films by carrying out bias-assisted reactive ion etching in hydrogen/argon plasmas. The electrochemical properties of the nanostructured boron-doped diamond films were investigated by cyclic voltammetry using 1 mM [Fe(CN)6](3-/4-) as redox couple. Compared to the planar boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond film electrode, the surface nanostructuring of boron-doped diamond film electrodes demonstrate enhanced sensitivity due to their enlarged electro-active surface areas. The results indicated that boron-doped diamond nanocones and nanopillars are promising electrode materials which benefit to improve the efficiency, sensitivity and reproducibility of biomedical and chemical sensors.

Biomechanical comparisons of four-strand tendon repairs with double-stranded sutures: effects of different locks and suture geometry

Multi-strand repairs are often used in flexor tendon surgery. We evaluated the strength of four four-strand tendon repairs with different locks and suture geometry. Forty-eight pig flexor tendons were repaired with the following methods: a cross-lock four-strand repair; a U-shaped repair with circle-locks; a modified Kessler repair with Pennington locks (with longitudinal sutures located more centrally; and another modified Kessler (with longitudinal sutures located more laterally). The tendons were loaded to complete failure of the repairs. The two Kessler repairs showed a 35% lower 2 mm gap force, and 15% lower ultimate strength compared with the other two repairs; the differences were of statistical significance. The failure pattern was breakage of sutures in almost all tendons. These four-strand repairs differed in gapping and ultimate strengths. The Kessler-type repairs with different geometry in the longitudinal sutures produced identical strengths. The Kessler-type repairs with Pennington locks were weaker than the two repairs with either cross-locks or circle-locks.

The noggin2 gene of Gekko japonicus (Gekkonidae) is down-regulated in the spinal cord after tail amputation

The cDNA encoding noggin2 protein was obtained from the brain and spinal cord cDNA library of Gekko japonicus. The size of the noggin2 transcript and its expression in different tissues were analyzed by Northern blot analysis. In situ hybridization revealed positive hybridization signals in both gray and white matter of the spinal cord. Changes in noggin2 expression in the spinal cord after tail amputation were examined by real-time PCR. The noggin2 was expressed in the normal spinal cord and down-regulated three days after tail amputation, reaching the lowest level at two weeks, during the time course when we followed the expression levels. We concluded that the expression of noggin2 is affected by the process of spinal cord injury and regeneration.

Heritability estimates and linkage analysis of 23 short tandem repeat loci on chromosomes 2, 11, and 12 in an endemic osteochondropathy in China

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the heritability of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in first-degree relatives and to identify chromosome regions likely to contain susceptibility loci for KBD.

METHODS

A total of 331 probands with confirmed KBD in their pedigrees were selected from 9331 residents in 17 KBD villages of Linyou county, northwestern China. The heritability (h(2)) in first-degree relatives was estimated by using Falconer's formula. The segregation ratio was calculated by the Li-Mantel-Gart method. A total of 23 short tandem repeat (STR) loci on chromosomes 2, 11, and 12 were used to identify the susceptibility genes for KBD by linkage analysis using the GENEHUNTER program in 19 KBD pedigrees.

RESULTS

The general prevalence rate of KBD was 13.75% in the 17 KBD villages, lower than that of 20.88% in the first-degree relatives of the KBD probands. In the first-degree relatives, the heritability was 0.064 and the segregation ratio 35.10% (p < 0.05). Slight evidence for heritability was detected only in locus D12S1725 with a logarithm of odds (LOD) score of 1.95. However, the nonparametric linkage (NPL) scores showed no linkage between KBD and the 23 loci; the maximum NPL score was 1.59 for locus D12S1725.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that 35.10% of the heritability is attributable to genetic variation for the KBD phenotype among individuals of Linyou county, and the segregation ratio supports a multifactorial inheritance of KBD. There is no significant linkage between KBD and the 23 markers in the Linyou population examined; however, markers near the locus D12S1725 may indicate loci for further study.

[Determination of Al and ca in soil by laser micro-plasma spectroscopy]

Laser micro-spectral analyzer, coupled with CCD spectrometer, was used to determine soil elements in argon atmosphere at reduced pressure in the authors' experiment. The accuracy and availability of this method were studied. With Al I 394.40 nm and Ca II 396.85 nm as spectral analysis lines, using "the three standard samples method", the contents of Al and Ca in soil were determined. The results show that the maximum of relative standard deviation (RSD) of quantitative analysis is 5.80%; the maximum of relative difference between the quantitative analysis result and the standard value is 7.65%, suggesting that the accuracy of determination of Al and Ca in soil meets the challenge of quantitative analysis.

Structural organization and cellular localization of tuftelin-interacting protein 11 (TFIP11)

Tuftelin-interacting protein (TFIP11) was first identified in a yeast two-hybrid screening as a protein interacting with tuftelin. The ubiquitous expression of TFIP11 suggested that it might have other functions in non-dental tissues. TFIP11 contains a G-patch, a protein domain believed to be involved in RNA binding. Using a green fluorescence protein tag, TFIP11 was found to locate in a novel subnuclear structure that we refer to as the TFIP body. An in vivo splicing assay demonstrated that TFIP11 is a novel splicing factor. TFIP11 diffuses from the TFIP body following RNase A treatment, suggesting that the retention of TFIP11 is RNA dependent. RNA polymerase II inhibitor (-amanitin and actinomycin D) treatment causes enlargement in size and decrease in number of TFIP bodies, suggesting that TFIP bodies perform a storage function rather than an active splicing function. The TFIP body may therefore represent a new subnuclear storage compartment for splicing components.

Seedling and Adult Plant Resistance to Powdery Mildew in Chinese Bread Wheat Cultivars and Lines

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, is a widespread wheat disease in China. Identification of race-specific genes and adult plant resistance (APR) is of major importance in breeding for an efficient genetic control strategy. The objectives of this study were to (i) identify genes that confer seedling resistance to powdery mildew in Chinese bread wheat cultivars and introductions used by breeding programs in China and (ii) evaluate their APR in the field. The results showed that (i) 98 of 192 tested wheat cultivars and lines appear to have one or more resistance genes to powdery mildew; (ii) Pm8 and Pm4b are the most common resistance genes in Chinese wheat cultivars, whereas Pm8 and Pm3d are present most frequently in wheat cultivars introduced from CIMMYT, the United States, and European countries; (iii) genotypes carrying Pm1, Pm3e, Pm5, and Pm7 were susceptible, whereas those carrying Pm12, Pm16, and Pm20 were highly resistant to almost all isolates of B. graminis f. sp. tritici tested; and (iv) 22 genotypes expressed APR. Our data showed that the area under the disease progress curve, maximum disease severity on the penultimate leaf, and the disease index are good indicators of the degree of APR in the field. It may be a good choice to combine major resistance genes and APR genes in wheat breeding to obtain effective resistance to powdery mildew.

Analysis of hepatitis B virus-immunoglobulin isotype complexes by a novel immuno-capture polymerase chain reaction method

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be present in the circulating blood either as free virus or as a virion-immunoglobulin (Ig) complex. Presently, it remains unclear what specific role each Ig plays in the clearance of HBV. In this study, a novel method that combined immuno-capture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was used for detecting and distinguishing different HBV-Ig complexes. Three isotypes of Ig (IgM, IgG and IgA) bound to HBV were detected in the four clinically defined stages of HBV infection in 108 patients. The results showed that all the three isotypes of Ig could bind to HBV, and the patterns of HBV-Ig complexes varied according to disease categories. Interestingly, the frequency of HBV DNA-Ig complexes in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients was significantly lower than that in HBeAg-negative patients. All the data suggest that the three isotypes of HBV DNA-Ig circulating immune complex (CIC) may have different biological meanings. In summary, HBV bound to an antibody is a common feature of hepatitis B, and immuno-capture PCR is a valuable method for the analysis of the composition of the immune complexes. The detection of HBV-Ig complexes may provide new and valuable insights into HBV pathogenesis.

Efficiency and structure-activity relationship of the antioxidant action of resveratrol and its analogs

Resveratrol and its analogs, six other polyhydroxystilbenes, were synthesized and their antioxidative activities were evaluated in vitro by determination of the levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide. Results clearly exhibited that resveratrol and its analogs had various potencies in inhibiting lipid peroxidation in rat brain, kidney, and liver homogenates and rat erythrocyte hemolysis. Several polyhydroxystilbenes were found to be more active than resveratrol in these models, and structure-activity relationship studies on polyhydroxystilbenes are described in this paper.

Functional antagonism between Msx2 and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha in regulating the mouse amelogenin gene expression is mediated by protein-protein interaction

Ameloblast-specific amelogenin gene expression is spatiotemporally regulated during tooth development. In a previous study, the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) was identified as a transcriptional activator of the mouse amelogenin gene in a cell type-specific manner. Here, Msx2 is shown to repress the promoter activity of amelogenin-promoter reporter constructs independent of its intrinsic DNA binding activity. In transient cotransfection assays, Msx2 and C/EBPalpha antagonize each other in regulating the expression of the mouse amelogenin gene. Electrophoresis mobility shift assays demonstrate that Msx2 interferes with the binding of C/EBPalpha to its cognate site in the mouse amelogenin minimal promoter, although Msx2 itself does not bind to the same promoter fragment. Protein-protein interaction between Msx2 and C/EBPalpha is identified with co-immunoprecipitation analyses. Functional antagonism between Msx2 and C/EBPalpha is also observed on the stably transfected 2.2-kilobase mouse amelogenin promoter in ameloblast-like LS8 cells. Furthermore, the carboxyl-terminal residues 183-267 of Msx2 are required for protein-protein interaction, whereas the amino-terminal residues 2-97 of Msx2 play a less critical role. Among three family members tested (C/EBPalpha, -beta, and -gamma), Msx2 preferentially interacts with C/EBPalpha. Taken together, these data indicate that protein-protein interaction rather than competition for overlapping binding sites results in the functional antagonism between Msx2 and C/EBPalpha in regulating the mouse amelogenin gene expression.

Identification of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha as a transactivator of the mouse amelogenin gene

Amelogenin expression is ameloblast-specific and developmentally regulated at the temporal and spatial levels. In a previous transgenic mouse analysis, the expression pattern of the endogenous amelogenin gene was recapitulated by a reporter gene driven by a 2. 2-kilobase mouse amelogenin proximal promoter. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal expression of the amelogenin gene during odontogenesis, the mouse amelogenin promoter was systematically analyzed in mouse ameloblast-like LS8 cells. Deletion analysis identified a minimal promoter (-70/+52) containing a CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-binding site upstream of the TATA box. In transient transfection assays, C/EBPalpha up-regulated the promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner. The C/EBP-binding site was necessary for both C/EBPalpha-mediated transactivation and basal promoter activity. Electrophoresis mobility shift assays demonstrated that C/EBPalpha bound to its cognate site in the amelogenin promoter and that the binding was specific. Endogenous C/EBPalpha was detected in LS8 cells, and overexpression of exogenous C/EBPalpha in LS8 cells was able to increase the expression level of the endogenous amelogenin protein. The activity of the amelogenin promoter in rat parotid Pa-4 cells and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells was minimal, ranging from 20 to 30% of the activity in ameloblast-like cells. Transient transfection experiments showed that C/EBPalpha transactivated the mouse amelogenin reporter gene in Pa-4 cells, but not in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Taken together, these data indicate that C/EBPalpha is a bona fide transcriptional activator of the mouse amelogenin gene in a cell type-specific manner.