Characterization, expression analysis and localization pattern of toll-like receptor 1 (tlr1) and toll-like receptor 2 (tlr2) genes in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella.

In this study, the toll-like receptor 1 (tlr1) and toll-like receptor 2 (tlr2) genes of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella were cloned and characterized. tlr1 and tlr2 were found to be highly expressed in immune system organs such as spleen, middle kidney and heart kidney. The expression level of tlr1 and tlr2 was found to be up-regulated at the later stage of viral challenge process. Moreover, subcellular localization indicated that Tlr1 and Tlr2 shared similar localization pattern and both of them may locate in the plasma membrane of transfected cells.

[Incidence, bacterial spectrum and predictive risk factors for stent associated respiratory tract infection].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence, bacterial spectrum and predictive risk factors for stent associated respiratory tract infection (SARTI). METHODS: A prospective nested case-control study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of SARTI and the predictive risk factors for SARTI. Respiratory symptoms, sputum bacterial culture, electronic bronchoscopy investigation, bacterial culture obtained from protective bronchoscopic brushing, and chest radiographs were evaluated before and after stent implantation. RESULTS: (1) Between January, 2011 and March, 2015, a total of 103 patients were included. The incidence of SARTI was 27.2% (28/103). (2) The incidence of SARTI was similar in subgroups with different stent types (metal stent or silicon stent) and different stent shapes (straight, L or Y shape). (3)Staphylococcus aureus (50.0%, 14/28) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (35.7%, 10/28) were the dominant pathogens. The infection of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans occurred 7 (4-60) days, 53 (15-67) days and 63 (28-90) days after stent implantation, respectively. (4) Binary logistical regression model analysis showed that female gender(OR=0.178, P=0.011) and age below 50 years (OR=3.91, P=0.036) were favorable predictive risk factors for SARTI. CONCLUSIONS: SARTI occurs in a quarter of the patients. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the dominant pathogens. Female gender and younger age are favorable predictive factors for SARTI.

A SNP in the miR-27a gene is associated with litter size in pigs.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 20-25 nt, endogenous non-coding RNA molecules that act by binding to the complementary sequence of target messenger RNAs. Many evidences showed that miRNAs were involved in the process of germ proliferation and differentiation. In the present study, miR-27a gene was selected as a candidate gene for litter size due to its biological function, its location near a mummified pigs QTL, and its differentially expressed profile in Large White and Chinese Erhualian PMSG-hCG stimulated preovulatory ovaries. By comparative sequencing of miR-27a gene in Large White and Chinese Meishan pigs, one SNP (T/C) which created an additional HpaII site was detected. Then associations of this SNP with litter size traits were assessed in Large White (n=142) and DIV (n=140) pig populations. The statistical analysis demonstrated that AA differed from AB (P<0.01) and BB (P<0.05) for total number of piglets born in the first parities, and also differed from AB (P<0.01) for the number of piglets born alive in all parities (P<0.05) in DIV pigs. No significant difference was observed between different genotypes in Large White pigs.

Isolation, sequence analysis, and characterization of androgen receptor in Southern catfish, Silurus meridionalis.

Androgen receptor (AR), the mediator of androgen, plays important roles in the androgen signal pathway. In the present study, we isolated and analyzed the cDNA sequence and tissue distribution of androgen receptor in Southern catfish (scAR). The full-length cDNA of scAR contains 3,116 bp with an open reading frame (ORF) of 2,415 bp, encoding a protein of 804 amino acids (aa). Tissue distribution analysis of scAR revealed that it was expressed in all tissues examined, with no sexual dimorphism in the ovary and testis. Phylogenetic analysis and multiple amino acids sequence alignment indicated the close relationship and high similarity of scAR with ARs from cypriniform species. In addition, partial sequences of ARs from 7 other siluriform species were also isolated. Comparison of catfish ARs with those from other vertebrates revealed that an extra C-terminal tail of about 20aa exists in all the ARs from siluriform fishes investigated, but not in other ARs. The extra sequence was resulted from a 4-bp insertion before the stop codon of other vertebrate ARs, and it was identical in ARs from siluriform species of the same genus but different among ARs from species of different genera. We report here for the first time that the ARs from siluriform species are longer in C-terminal than those from other vertebrates and it might be useful in reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationship among siluriform fishes. The significance of the extra C-terminal tail for AR function remains elusive.

[A cross-sectional survey of receiving no methadone maintenance treatment in HIV infected injecting drug users in Dehong Dai and Jingpo autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province].

Objective: To understand the current status of receiving no methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) and influencing factors in HIV infected injecting drug users (IDUs) in Dehong Dai and Jingpo autonomous prefectures, Yunnan province. Methods: Data of survival of IDUs with AIDS in Dehong were collected from " Chinese National Comprehensive HIV/AIDS and Care Information System" in December, 2014. Results: There were 987 IDUs who should receive MMT, the majority of them were males (94.6%, 934/987), aged 35-44 years (53.0%, 523/987) and farmers (77.2%, 762/987). Among the 987 IDUs, 60.2% (592/987) received no MMT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being female (OR=2.66, 95%CI: 1.21-5.87), in Jingpo ethnic group (OR=3.05, 95% CI: 1.97-4.71) were the major risk factors for receiving no MMT; not being farmers (OR=0.46, 95%CI: 0.31-0.70), in Dai ethnic group (OR=0.53, 95%CI: 0.36-0.79), diagnosed HIV infection history ≥10 years (OR=0.60, 95%CI: 0.45-0.81) were the major protective factors for receiving no MMT. The reasons for receiving no MMT included long distance journey (289, 48.8%), fear of exposure (124, 20.9%), poor daily medication compliance (59, 10.0%), fear of side effects (47, 7.9%), others (73, 12.3%). Conclusions: The proportion of receiving no MMT in IDUs with AIDS in Dehong was high. Being female and farmer, in Jingpo ethnic group, low educational level, short diagnosed HIV infection history were influencing factors for receiving no MMT. The effective intervention measures should be taken to further improve MMT coverage according to the different characteristics of the patients.

Efficacy of ivermectin for control of microfilaremia recurring after treatment with diethylcarbamazine. I. Clinical and parasitologic observations.

We compared the efficacy of a single dose of ivermectin with that of a standard course of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) for the control of microfilaremia in 60 patients with bancroftian filariasis who had developed recurrent microfilaremia after each of three or more prior treatments with DEC. The study was done as a randomized, double-blind trial. Complete, but in some cases, transient clearance of microfilaremia was observed in both treatment groups. At one year, recurrent microfilaremia was present in seven patients treated with ivermectin and in five treated with DEC. Pretreatment levels of microfilaremia were significantly higher in patients who relapsed within one year after treatment than in those who remained amicrofilaremic. Side effects with both treatments were common, but mild. Febrile reactions were more frequent in the ivermectin group; localized reactions consistent with a flare-up of acute filarial disease occurred mostly in the DEC group. We conclude that ivermectin is an effective and practical alternative to DEC for treatment of recurrent microfilaremia due to bancroftian filariasis.

Efficacy of ivermectin for control of microfilaremia recurring after treatment with diethylcarbamazine. II. Immunologic changes following treatment.

We compared the effect of a single dose of ivermectin with that of a standard course of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) on several parameters of the host's antifilarial immune response in 60 patients with bancroftian filariasis enrolled in a double-blind drug trial. All participants had measurable serum levels of antifilarial antibodies and parasite antigens at the onset of the study. Drug-induced clearance of microfilaremia was associated with a temporary increase in HC 11 antigenemia and a decrease in serum levels of antibodies to soluble filarial antigens. Antigenemia progressively declined in patients who remained amicrofilaremic after treatment, but declined and then increased in persons with recurrent microfilaremia. Treatment triggered a sustained increase in serum levels of interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-6 in all patients studied. Although ivermectin and DEC are believed to exert their antiparasite activity via different mechanisms, the same pattern of serologic changes was observed in patients treated with either drug.

Macronodular multi-organs tuberculoma: CT and MR appearances.

The case of a 21-year-old woman presenting with macronodular multi-organs tuberculoma is reported. She was examined for pulmonary tuberculosis on a chest X-ray film in January, 1995, and admitted with a cough, anorexia, and abdominal pain in July, 1996. Computed tomography revealed multiple calcified nodules with peripheral hypodense areas in the brain, and calcified hypodense masses in the liver and spleen. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed hypointense masses in the liver and spleen on T1-weighted spin echo images and a hypointense mass with a hyperintense area on T2-weighted spin echo images. On contrast-enhanced dynamic MR images, the liver and spleen masses were unenhanced and hypointense with slight rim enhancement. T2-weighted spin echo images showed a round hypointense nodule in the right kidney and hydronephrosis and enlargement in the left kidney. Antituberculous treatment was started with a gradual improvement in her signs and symptoms. Her temperature became normal. However, she was systemically treated with antituberculous chemotherapy 10 months later, her condition worsened again. She died from increased intracranial pressure in August, 1997.

[Efficacy of ivermectin for control of microfilaremia recurring after treatment with diethylcarbamazine: immunological observation].

We compared the effect of a single dose of ivermectin (100 micrograms/kg) with that of a standard course of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) (6 mg/kg) on several parameters of the host's antifilarial immune response in 60 patients with bancroftian filariasis enrolled in a double-blind drug trial. All participants had measurable serum levels of antifilarial antibodies and parasite antigens. Drug-induced clearance of microfilaremia was associated with a temporary increase in HC11 antigenemia and a decrease in serum levels of antibodies to soluble filarial antigens. Antigenemia progressively declined in patients who remained a microfilaremic after treatment, but declined and then rose in persons with recurrent microfilaremia. Treatment triggered a sustained increase in serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, TNF alpha and IFN gamma in all patients. Although Ivermectin and DEC are believed to exert their antiparasite activity via different mechanisms, the same pattern of serological changes was observed in patients treated with either drug.

[Efficacy of ivermectin for control of microfilaremia recurring after treatment with diethylcarbamazine. I. Clinical and parasitological observations].

We compared the efficacy of a single dose of ivermectin with that of a standard course of deithylcarbamazine (DEC) for the control of microfilaremia in 60 patients with banrroftian filariasis who had developed recurrent microfilaremia after each of three or more prior treatments with DEC. The study was done as a randomized, double-blind trial. Complete, but transient clearance of microfilaremia was observed in both treatment groups. One year later, recurrent microfilaremia was present in 7 patients treated with ivermectin and in 5 treated with DEC. Pretreatment levels of microfilaremia were significantly higher in patients who relapsed within one year after treatment than in those who remained amicrofilaremia. Side effects of either treatment were common but mild. Febrile reactions were more frequent in the ivermectin group: while localized reactions consistent with a flare up of acute filarial disease occurred mostly in the DEC group. We conclude that ivermectin is an effective and practical alternative to DEC for treatment of recurrent microfilaremia due to bancroftian filariasis.

Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of two ibuprofen sustained-release formulations after single and multiple doses in healthy chinese male volunteers.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the bioavailability of 2 ibuprofen sustained-release formulations after single and multiple doses. METHODS: It was conducted on 19 healthy Chinese male volunteers according to an open, randomized, single-blind, 2-way crossover study. Plasma concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a non-compartment model. RESULTS: In the single-dose study, the values of Cmax, tmax, t1/2, AUC0-τ, AUC0-∞ for test and reference formulations were 12.59±2.29 and 12.84±2.79 µg/mL, 4.5±1.1 and 4.3±0.7 h, 4.15±1.37 and 4.03±0.86 h, 83.71±21.01 and 86.32±23.42 µg · h/mL, 86.05±21.37 and 88.99±25.33 µg · h/mL, respectively. In the multiple-dose study, the values of Cmax, Cmin, tmax, t1/2, AUCss, DF for test and -reference formulations were 14.46±3.08 and 14.00±2.61 µg/mL, 0.47±0.21 and 0.63±0.45 µg/mL, 4.0±0.9 and 4.3±0.9 h, 4.69±1.61 and 4.99±2.16 h, 89.11±19.04 and 89.23±20.56 µg · h/mL, 3.25±0.50 and 3.06±0.71, respectively. Single-dose relative bioavailability were 97.8±10.5% for AUC0-τ and multiple-dose relative bioavailability were 100.6±9.4% for AUCss. The 90% confidence intervals of the T/R-ratios of logarithmically transformed data were in the generally accepted range of 80-125%. CONCLUSIONS: This means that the test formulation is bioequivalent to the reference formulation.

A C/T mutation in microRNA target sites in BMP5 gene is potentially associated with fatness in pigs.

Bone morphogenetic protein 5 (BMP5) gene was suggested to be a potential positional candidate gene for fatness trait QTLs on SSC7. Here by comparative sequencing of BMP5 gene in Meishan (MS) and Large White (LW) pigs, one SNP *131C>T in 3' un-translated region was detected. Association analysis results in 322 LW×MS F(2) pigs showed that CC pigs had thinner back fatness and heavier ham than TC (P<0.05 or P<0.1), and had a higher fat percentage and a lower lean meat percentage (P<0.1) than TT. Moreover, this C/T transition was predicted to alter BMP5 interaction with let-7c and miR-184 by using RNA22 and RNAhybrid. The negative expression of BMP5 gene with let-7c and miR-184 detected from miRNAs overexpression in swine fibroblast, indicating these 2 miRNAs might participate in the translational inhibition of BMP5 gene. Overall, SNP *131C>T might be a good marker for fatness traits.

The distribution of amino acids in the genetic code.

By introducing a mutational deterioration function MD and a principle of approximate minimum of the function, we have deduced the distribution of amino acids in genetic code, which includes the degeneracy rule of codons, the global extreme of genetic code from codon interactions and the hydrophobicity domain of the prevalent (standard) code.

The degeneracy rule of genetic code.

The degeneracy rules of genetic code including the distribution of terminators have been deduced through the minimization of mutational deterioration (MD). The MD of a given group of codons is divided into three parts: transitional, transversional and wobble's. The averaged mutational deteriorations (AMD) of various amino acids have been proved in order of their degrees of irreplaceability.

The statistical correlation of nucleotides in protein-coding DNA sequences.

The statistical correlation of nucleotides in a DNA sequence is described by a set of redundancies D1, D2, D3, . . . . By calculation of [Dn] of 2341 coding regions of nucleic acid sequences it is demonstrated that about 2/3 of sequences has correlation length less than or equal to 2, 10% of sequences--correlation with 3-periodicity and others--long range aperiodic correlations. The implications of the results from the interactions of random mutation and natural selection are discussed briefly.

A statistical theory of amino acid mutation.

Assuming that the observed mutation frequency of an amino acid depends on two factors. The first is mutation coefficient which describes the rate of the nucleotide substitution stochastically and the second is the similarity of amino acids which represents the fitness of a mutant under the selective pressure. A statistical theory is proposed and 380 mutation frequencies are calculated, only 10 of which disagree obviously with the observed data.

Informational parameters of nucleic acid and molecular evolution.

From the point of view of information theory, a statistical analysis of 2000 nucleic acid sequences (732 coding regions and 1177 non-coding regions) is given. The sequences are grouped into 20 categories. The probability-order-difference (POD) matrix is defined which is used to analyse the evolutionary distance of any two categories of sequences. The informational parameters D1, D2 and X = (1 + D1/D2)-1 and F are calculated for each sequence and averaged in each category. The statistical dependence of these parameters on molecular evolution is discussed. It is found that [X] is a good statistical quantity which describes the vocabulary compositions as well as the grammatical constructions of the genetic language. From the statistical analysis it is shown that [X] may play an important role in investigating the evolutionary level of nucleic acid molecules.