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ZHANG Zhongjing's Zhenwutang is a classic formula for warming Yang and excreting water. It is composed of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Poria, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix Alba, and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens. Physicians of later generations have inherited and developed this formula by detailed recording and application. This paper adopted bibliometrics method to analyze Zhenwutang in terms of history, indications, dosage, drug processing, usage, and modification. The results showed that Zhenwutang was most widely used in Ming and Qing dynasties. Many physicians have inherited ZHANG Zhongjing's theory regarding the application of Zhenwutang in disease treatment, and a few physicians have used it to treat diphtheria and water-related diseases. Some physicians modified this formula to treat maculae, intermittent dysentery, jaundice and so on. Zhenwutang was mainly used to treat diseases of the circulatory system, respiratory system and urinary system in modern clinical practice. The processing of herbal medicines in this formula was clear. Specifically, the raw material of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata needed to be processed and peeled, while those of Poria, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix Alba, and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens can be used directly. Although being different, most of the dosages were consistent with those in Treatise on Febrile Diseases. According to the textual research, it is suggested that the reference dosage of this prescription in clinical practice is 41.25 g for Poria, Paeoniae Radix Alba, and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, respectively, 27.5 g for Atractylodes macrocephala, and 15 g for Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata. The medicinal materials should be decocted in 1 600 mL water to reach a volume of 600 mL. After removal of the residues, the decoction should be taken warm with 140 mL each time, three times a day. The textual research of Zhenwutang is expected to provide a theoretical reference for the clinical application and formulation of Zhenwutang.
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italic>Cirsium souliei (Asteraceae) is a perennial medicinal herb of Cirsium with important medicinal and ecological values. Here, we sequenced the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. souliei based on high-throughput sequencing technology, then assembled and annotated it, and analysed the structure and characteristics of the cp genome. The result indicated that the cp genome of C. souliei was a typical quadripartite circular structure of 152 470 bp in length, and GC content was 37.7%. The cp genome of C. souliei encoded 134 genes, including 89 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. Meanwhile, we detected 188 simple sequence repeats (SSR) loci in the cp genome, which were mainly composed of mononucleotide repeats. Codon bias analysis showed that leucine (Leu) was the highest amino acids with frequency (10.51%), and there were 30 codons with the value of relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) above one, of which mostly ended with A/U. Additionally, the result from phylogenetic analysis based on 46 cp genomes of Carduoideae showed that C. souliei and C. vulgare were sister species, and had the closest relationship with 100% bootstrap within Cirsium. This study provides theoretical basis for future studying genetic diversity, population genetic structure, systematics and evolution, and speciation mechanism.
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Objective:To investigate the changes of connexin 43 (Cx43) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) after X-ray irradiation and its influence on the stiffness of irradiated cells.Methods:Western blot was used to detect the expression of Cx43 in HUVEC cells at different time points (0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h) after different doses of X-ray irradiation (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 Gy), and the phosphorylation levels of three phosphorylation sites (Ser279/282, Ser368 and Tyr265) of Cx43 at different time points (3, 6, 24 and 48 h) after 0, 5 and 10 Gy irradiation. The distribution of Cx43 protein in the irradiated HUVEC cells was detected by immunofluorescence. The stiffness changes of cells were detected by atomic force microscopy (AFM) at the depths of 50, 100 and 200 nm.Results:The expression of Cx43 in HUVEC cells was reduced at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after 10 Gy X-ray irradiation( t=3.262, 3.708, 3.686, 6.825, P<0.05)and this decrease had a dose dependent manner at 24 h after 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 Gy irradiation ( t=3.034, 10.720, 13.130, 13.650, P<0.05). At 24 h after 5, 10 and 20 Gy X-ray irradiation, the distribution of Cx43 in HUVEC cells was transported from intercellular gap junctions to nucleus and perinuclear region. At 24-48 h after irradiation, the phosphorylation level of Ser368 at Cx43 increased and in a dose dependent manner. At 24 h after irradiation, the stiffness of the irradiated cells decreased significantly under the conditions of 100 and 200 nm ( t=3.362, 5.122, P<0.05), and recovered with overexpression of Cx43 ( t=2.674, 4.398, P<0.05). Conclusions:X-ray irradiation leads to the phosphorylation of Ser368 at Cx43, which promotes the degradation and nucleus/perinuclear translocation of Cx43 and reduces the stiffness of HUVEC. Increasing the expression level of Cx43 is helpful to the stiffness recovery of irradiated vascular endothelial cells, suggesting that Cx43 may be a potential target for regulating radiation injury of vascular endothelial cells.
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Objective:To investigate the drug resistance and pathogenic mechanism of a uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strain UPEC132 at the genome-wide level. Methods:The susceptibility of UPEC132 strain to 16 antimicrobial agents was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. The UPEC132 strain was genotyped by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The three-generation sequencing platform was used to sequence and assemble the whole genome of the UPEC132 strain. Drug resistance and virulence gene function annotations were predicted by Prodigal software and screened by using genome database. Genome sequences of the UPEC132 strain and 23 other UPEC strains collected from GenBank were phylogenetically analyzed, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed by RAxML software.Results:The UPEC132 strain was resistant to ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, tetracycline, erythromycin, chloramphenicol and cefazolin. Its genotype was ST10522 by MLST. The whole genome of the UPEC132 strain included one complete genome (chromosome) and two plasmid sequences. The sequence sizes of the chromosome and plasmids 1 and 2 were 5 234 468 bp, 117 139 bp and 101 356 bp, and the guanine-cytosine (GC) content was 50.48%, 49.05%, and 54.04%, respectively. There were 4 856, 140 and 116 genes annotated in the chromosome and plasmids 1 and 2, respectively. Drug resistance genes were mainly distributed in the chromosomal genome, mainly including the multidrug resistance efflux pump gene clusters. Only blaTEM-1 and tetG genes were carried in the plasmid 2. Virulence genes were also mainly distributed in the chromosome genome, including nine pilus adhesins, five iron uptake systems and three secretory toxins. Gene clusters encoding Afa and type Ⅳ fimbriae were located on plasmids 1 and 2, respectively. The phylogenetic tree showed that the UPEC132 strain was not in the same branch with either of the 23 UPEC strains. Conclusions:The UPEC132 strain belonged to ST10522, which was a newly named ST type of Escherichia coli and first reported at home and abroad. The genome-wide genetic information of the UPEC132 strain was fully revealed. The multidrug resistance genes and virulence genes carried by the UPEC132 strain were associated with its drug resistance and pathogenicity.
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Objective:To study the characteristics and influence factors of laboratory test results of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Tianjin.Methods:Sample collection was conducted based on the standard operating procedure. Tianlong automatic magnetic bead nucleic acid extraction reagent was used for RNA extraction. Real-time RT-PCR was performed using four approved COVID-19 nucleic acid detection kits. Related epidemiological data of the cases were collected. One-way analysis of variance and non-parametric test for inter-group differences analysis were conducted using SPSS25.0 software.Results:A total of 162 PCR tests were completed for novel coronavirus nucleic acid detection in 123 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Eleven PCR results were positive for a single target gene and 10 of which were positive for nucleocapsid protein (N) gene. Nineteen cases were tested with two kinds of nucleic acid detection kits and the results of different detection kits were different. Different types of samples were collected form 13 cases for nucleic acid detection and the results showed that the Ct value of sputum sample was lower than that of throat swab sample. No significant difference in Ct values of throat swab samples was observed among patients with different clinical symptoms ( PCt-N=0.797, PCt-ORF1a/b=0.551). The 123 cases were divided into different groups according to the time interval between the onset date and the date of the first positive detection of viral nucleic acid. No significant difference in Ct values of throat swab samples was observed among different time interval groups ( PCt-N=0.373, PCt-ORF1a/b=0.058). Conclusions:Sputum samples were better than upper respiratory tract samples for viral nucleic acid detection. The sensitivity of N gene detection was higher, but re-sampling was needed when the result was positive for the single target N gene. Appropriate detection kits should be selected according to the actual needs, and samples should be collected at multiple time points, in multiple types and form multiple sites for detection.
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Objective:To retrospectively analyze the test results of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in different samples (throat swab, sputum and feces) collected from recovered COVID-19 patients in order to provide a more reliable basis for discharge and reduce the risk of recurrence after discharge.Methods:Throat swabs and sputum were sampled in pairs from 78 patients before discharge and sampled in pairs twice from 54 cases with an interval of 1-5 d. Real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect the virus in the two types of samples. Throat swab, sputum and fecal samples of six patients were tested for 2019-nCoV during follow-up.Results:The detection rate of viral nucleic acid was 46.15% in throat swabs and 50.00% in sputum samples. Test results of the second paired samples showed that the detection rate of viral nucleic acid was 25.93% in throat swabs and 46.30% in sputum samples, and the difference between the two types of samples was statistically significant ( P<0.05). During follow-up, 2019-nCoV nucleic acid could be detected in the fecal samples of the six patients, but not in their throat swab and sputum samples. Their fecal samples remained positive up to 52 d. Conclusions:In the late convalescence, the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 patients gradually disappeared with the improvement of clinical symptoms. Moreover, the virus might enter the gastrointestinal tract from respiratory tract, and could long-term exist in recovered patients and be excreted in feces. In order to reduce the rate of missed detection and avoid false negative results, it was suggested to test the viral nucleic acid in different types of samples before a COVID-19 patient was discharged.
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Objective@#To evaluate the immune responses and protection against human metapneumovirus (hMPV) conveyed by influenza virus vectors carrying multiple epitope antigens of hMPV.@*Methods@#Two recombinant influenza viruses (rFLU/hMPV/B and rFLU/hMPV/CTL+ Th) carrying hMPV multi-epitope gene segments in NS gene were generated by reverse genetic techniques of eight-plasmid system. BALB/c mice were immunized intranasally with rFLU/hMPV/B and rFLU/hMPV/CTL+ Th twice at a two-week interval. Virus-specific antibody titers and splenocyte cytokines were detected two weeks after the boost immunization. Viral loads in lung tissues and turbinates were detected with digital PCR after the immunized mice were challenged with hMPV and influenza virus. Moreover, HE staining was used to observe lung injuries.@*Results@#Specific antibodies against both the influenza virus and hMPV were induced in mice immunized intranasally with rFLU/hMPV/B, while the influenza virus-specific antibody response and hMPV-specific cytotoxic lymphocyte response (significant IFN-γ secretion) were detected in mice immunized with rFLU/hMPV/CTL+ Th. Additionally, balanced Th1/Th2 responses were elicited by rFLU/hMPV/B and rFLU/hMPV/CTL+ Th. Both rFLU/hMPV/B and rFLU/hMPV/CTL+ Th conveyed effective protection against subsequent influenza virus and hMPV challenges with significantly alleviated histopathological damages and reduced viral loads.@*Conclusions@#Both rFLU/hMPV/B and rFLU/hMPV/CTL+ Th can induce specific humoral immune response against hMPV and/or the influenza virus. Moreover, rFLU/hMPV/CTL+ Th can also elicit hMPV-specific CTL immune response. These two recombinant strains can also protect BALB/c mice from the challenges with hMPV and influenza virus, suggesting that they are promising vaccine candidates.
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Objective To investigate and analysis the epidemiological characteristics of a cluster epidemic of COIVD-19 in a collective workplace in Tianjin, evduate the prevention and control measures based on limited evidence and experience in early period of COVID-19 epidemic. Methods Descriptive research method was used to describe the distribution and other epidemiological characteristics of the cluster cases of COVID-19. Results Since the onset of the first index case on January 15, ten confirmed COVID-19 cases had occurred in the workplace, and the epidemic had spread from the workplace to 4 families, infecting 7 family members. The median age of 17 cases was 55 (19-79) years. All the 10 employee cases were males, and in 7 family cases, 3 were males and 4 were females. Of the employee cases, 8 worked in CW workshop and 2 worked in administrative office building. The median exposure-onset interval of all the cases was 4 (0-12) days, and the median exposure-onset interval was 4.5 days in the employee cases and 4 days in the family cases. The median onset-medical care seeking interval was 4 days in the non-isolated cases, 2.5 days in the cases with home isolation after onset, and 0.5 day in the cases with home isolation before onset. Conclusion The clustering of COVID-19 cases was observed in this workplace in Tianjin, which affected 4 families. In the early stage of the epidemic, accurate and rapid blocking and control measures can completely prevent the large-scale spread of COVID-19.
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Objective To evaluate the immune responses and protection against human metapneu-movirus ( hMPV) conveyed by influenza virus vectors carrying multiple epitope antigens of hMPV. Methods Two recombinant influenza viruses ( rFLU/hMPV/B and rFLU/hMPV/CTL+Th ) carrying hMPV multi-epitope gene segments in NS gene were generated by reverse genetic techniques of eight-plasmid system. BALB/c mice were immunized intranasally with rFLU/hMPV/B and rFLU/hMPV/CTL+Th twice at a two-week interval. Virus-specific antibody titers and splenocyte cytokines were detected two weeks after the boost immunization. Viral loads in lung tissues and turbinates were detected with digital PCR after the immunized mice were challenged with hMPV and influenza virus. Moreover, HE staining was used to observe lung inju-ries. Results Specific antibodies against both the influenza virus and hMPV were induced in mice immu-nized intranasally with rFLU/hMPV/B, while the influenza virus-specific antibody response and hMPV-spe-cific cytotoxic lymphocyte response ( significant IFN-γ secretion ) were detected in mice immunized with rFLU/hMPV/CTL+Th. Additionally, balanced Th1/Th2 responses were elicited by rFLU/hMPV/B and rFLU/hMPV/CTL+Th. Both rFLU/hMPV/B and rFLU/hMPV/CTL+Th conveyed effective protection against subsequent influenza virus and hMPV challenges with significantly alleviated histopathological dama-ges and reduced viral loads. Conclusions Both rFLU/hMPV/B and rFLU/hMPV/CTL+Th can induce spe-cific humoral immune response against hMPV and/or the influenza virus. Moreover, rFLU/hMPV/CTL+Th can also elicit hMPV-specific CTL immune response. These two recombinant strains can also protect BALB/c mice from the challenges with hMPV and influenza virus, suggesting that they are promising vaccine candi-dates.
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OBJECTIVE@#Pyroptosis is an inflammatory form of programmed cell death. This phenomenon has been recently reported to play an important role in radiation-induced normal tissue injury. Connexin43 (Cx43) is a gap junction protein that regulates cell growth and apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of Cx43 on X-ray-induced pyroptosis in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).@*METHODS@#HUVECs, Cx43 overexpression, and Cx43 knockdown strains were irradiated with 10 Gy. Proteins were detected using western blot analysis. Cell pyroptosis was evaluated using the fluorescence-labeled inhibitor of caspase assay (FLICA) and propidium iodide staining through flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Cell morphology and cytotoxicity were detected by scanning electron microscopy and lactate dehydrogenase release assay, respectively.@*RESULTS@#Irradiation with 10 Gy X-ray induced pyroptosis in the HUVECs and reduced Cx43 expression. The pyroptosis in the HUVECs was significantly attenuated by overexpression of Cx43 as it decreased the level of active caspase-1. However, interference of Cx43 expression with siRNA significantly promoted pyroptosis by increasing the active caspase-1 level. Pannexin1 (Panx1), a gap junction protein regulates pyroptosis, and its cleaved form is used to evaluate channel opening and active state. The level of cleaved Panx1 in the HUVECs and Cx43 knockdown strains increased in the presence of X-ray, but decreased in the Cx43 overexpression strains. Furthermore, interference of Panx1 with siRNA alleviated the upregulation of pyroptosis caused by Cx43 knockdown.@*CONCLUSION@#Results suggest that single high-dose X-ray irradiation induces pyroptosis in the HUVECs. In addition, Cx43 regulates pyroptosis directly by activating caspase-1 or indirectly by cleaving Panx1.
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Humans , Caspase 1 , Genetics , Metabolism , Connexin 43 , Genetics , Metabolism , Connexins , Genetics , Metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation , Radiation Effects , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells , Physiology , Radiation Effects , Nerve Tissue Proteins , Genetics , Metabolism , Pyroptosis , X-RaysABSTRACT
Objective To construct and rescue recombinant influenza virus strains expressing hu-man metapneumovirus ( hMPV) epitopes. -ethods B cell, CTL and Th epitopes predicted by bioinformat-ics software were coupled together in different combinations. These different array genes were inserted into the NS1 gene of influenza virus strain A/PR/8/34 ( PR8 ) , respectively. Recombinant PR8 influenza virus vectors expressing different hMPV antigenic epitopes were rescued by reverse genetics using eight-plasmid system. Sequencing analysis was conducted to verify whether the rescued viruses carried the chimeric hMPV epitopes. Hemagglutination ( HA) titers, half tissue culture infection dose ( TCID50 ) and growth curves were detected. Results Interval sequences GPGPG and KK were introduced into hMPV epitope combinations to construct multi-epitope antigens (MEA). These MEA were inserted into the PR8 NS gene, respectively. Using 8 plasmid system, three recombinant influenza virus strains were rescued successfully. After cultured for three passages in Madin-Darby canine kidney ( MDCK) cells and one in eggs, these three recombinant strains could proliferate steadily. Whole genome sequencing verified that the three recombinant strains car-ried the chimeric MEA sequences, named as rFLU/hMPV/B, rFLU/hMPV/CTL-Th and rFLU/hMPV/B-Th. HA titers of the recombinant strains were 128, 128 and 256 using turkey erythrocyte, respectively. Their TCID50 were 107. 0/ml, 106. 8/ml and 107. 0/ml, respectively. Growth curve tests also verified that the recombinant strains could proliferate steadily in MDCK cells. Conclusions Three recombinant influenza vi-rus vector strains carrying the B cell, CTL and Th epitopes of hMPV were rescued successfully. This study lays the foundation for further evaluation of the immune effects of these recombinant viruses and their poten-tial application value in vaccine development.
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Objective To study the role of Cx43 in X-ray induced apoptosis of HUVEC cells and its mechanism.Methods Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of HUVEC cells at 48-96 h after 10 Gy X-ray irradiation and at 72 h after irradiation of different doses.Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of Cx43 and cleaved caspase-3 in HUVEC cells at 72 h after 0,5,10 and 20 Gy irradiation.Small interfering RNA was transfected into HUVEC cells to silence Cx43 expression,the Cx43 bearing plasmid was transfected into cells to overexpress Cx43.The effect of Cx43 knockdown or overexpression on apoptosis induction and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression were detected by flow cytometry and Western blot,respectively.Results The apoptosis of HUVEC increased significantly from 48 h to 96 h after X-ray irradiation and in a dose-dependent manner at 72 h after irradiation.The expression of Cx43 protein was negatively correlated with the dose but the expression of cleaved caspase-3 was positively correlated with the dose in the range of 0-20 Gy.After Cx43 silencing,the proportion of early apoptosis and apoptosis combined with dead cells were significantly higher than that of the siRNA control group(t =3.674,6.375,P < 0.05).After Cx43 overexpression,the proportion of early apoptosis and apoptosis combined with dead cells were significantly lower than that of vector control group(t =9.399,11.190,P < 0.05).The expression of cleaved caspase-3 in the Cx43 silencing group was higher than that in the siRNA control group,but this protein in the Cx43 overexpressed group was lower than that in the vector control group.Conclusions Cx43 may protect X-ray irradiated HUVEC cells from apoptosis by down-regulating the activation of caspase-3.
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BACKGROUND: Preliminary experimental study found that the human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs)transplantation can improve nerve injury symptoms of rats with cerebral infarction.OBJECTIVE: To observe the survival, colonization and differentiation of hAMSCs in the infarct area of cerebralinfarction rats.METHODS: Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into hAMSCs transplantation, model or shamoperation groups (n=20/group). Animal models of middle cerebral artery occlusion were produced in the model andtransplantation groups by Zea-Longa method. One day after modeling, rats in the hAMSCs transplantation groupwere given in situ transplantation of 10 μL of hAMSCs (2×106) into the damaged striatum and cortex, while those inthe model and sham operation group were given the same volume of PBS. Within 1 week after transplantation, ratneurological defects were assessed and changes in their body mass were continuously monitored. Two weeks aftertransplantation, TTC staining was used to observe cerebral infarct size, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used forpathological observation of brain tissues, and immunofluorescent staining was used to detect expression ofneuron-specific nuclear protein.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: With time, weight loss was increased while neurologic deficit scores were graduallyreduced in the hAMSCs and model groups. Compared with the model group, the weight loss and neurologic deficitscores were lower in the hAMSCs group,; however, there was a significant difference in the neurologic deficit scoresbut not in the weight loss between the two groups. Additionally, the hAMSCs significantly reduced infarct size,attenuated pathologic injury, and decreased the number of inflammatory cells. Immunofluorescence stainingshowed that the hAMSCs were observed at 1 week after transplantation under inverted luorescence microscope,and gradually differentiated into nerve cells at 2 weeks after transplantation. In conclusion, transplanted hAMSCsmay migrate to and survive in the cerebral infarct region, and differentiate into nerve cells in situ in rats with cerebralinfarction.
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Objective To observe the effect and the mechanisms of ferulic acid on radiationinduced damage of mice peripheral blood and bone marrow hematopoietic function.Methods Ninety-six mice were randomly divided into sham irradiation group,irradiation group,positive drug group and 10,30,90 mg·kg-1 ·d-1 ferulic acid group,16 mice per group.Mice were exposed to 3.5 Gy γ-rays 24 h after first drug taken.Then,mice were given drugs for 7 d after irradiation.White blood cells in peripheral blood of 10 mice per group were counted 2 d before irradiation and 3,7,10,15 and 22 days after irradiation.The bone narrow of the other six mice was taken to detect the micronuclei frequency of polychromatic erythrocyte,the hematopoietic progenitor cell colony formation capacity,Thbd and HMGB1 protein expressions in mice bone marrow on the seventh day after irradiation.Results Compared with the irradiation alone group,the treatment of mice with ferulic acid 90 mg· kg-1 · d-1 increased the number of white blood cells in peripheral blood at 3,10,15 and 22 d after irradiation (t =2.267,2.399,1.945,2.828,P < 0.05).Treatment with mice with ferulic acid 90 mg· kg-1 · d 1 decreased the micronuclei rate of erythrocytes in irradiated bone marrow (t =4.013,P < 0.05),increased the clone numbers of CFU-E,BFU-E and CFU-GM of hematopoietic progenitor cells (t =2.366,2.953,3.115,P <0.05),improved the relative expression of the Thbd protein in bone marrow and the HMGB1 protein in nuclear (t =17.75,23.39,P < 0.01).Conclusions Ferulilc acid could protect the bone marrow hematopoietic of mice exposed to irradiation by regulating the expressions of Thbd and HMGB1 protein,and then accelerate the peripheral cells recovery.
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In this study, ITS sequences of the nuclear ribosomal DNA were conducted for six putative species of Orinus (O. alticulmus, O. anomala, O. kokonorica, O. longiglumis, O. thoroldii and O. tibeticus) with 572 individuals from 73 populations. The results found that the six species formed two monophyletic groups: the one (O. anomala Keng ex Keng f. and L. Liou) with O. alticulmus, O. anomala and O. kokonorica, and another (O. thoroldii (Stapfex Hemsl.) Bor) with O. longiglumis, O. thoroldii and O. tibeticus. The taxonomic data from ITS sequences were not congruent with those from morphological characteristics, likely resulting from rapid speciation trigged by the uplifts of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and its adjacent regions and the extensive selection pressure under the alpine environments. The ITS data suggest that the classification of the six species within the genus Orinus should be reduced to two species. We include a complete taxonomic revision of the genus and a key to distinguish the two species. Therefore, it is very necessary to make the comprehensive revision and arrangement of these taxa, strictly regulate the taxa confusion of genus and species order, and do new reports on belonging to the genus taxa.
Neste estudo, sequências ITS do DNA ribossômico nuclear foram conduzidas para seis espécies putativas de Orinus (O. alticulmus, O. anomala, O. kokonorica, O. longiglumis, O. thoroldii and O. tibeticus) com 572 indivíduos de 73 populações. Os resultados revelaram que as seis espécies formaram dois grupos monofiléticos: o primeiro (O. anomala Keng ex Keng f. and L. Liou) com O. alticulmus, O. anomala and O. kokonorica, e o segundo (O. thoroldii (Stapfex Hemsl.) Bor) com O. longiglumis, O. thoroldii and O. tibeticus. Os dados taxonômicos das sequências ITS não foram congruentes com aqueles das características morfológicas, provavelmente resultantes da rápida especiação provocada pelas elevações do Planalto do Tibete e das suas regiões adjacentes e da grande pressão de seleção nos ambientes alpinos. Os dados ITS sugerem que a classificação das seis espécies dentro do gênero Orinus deveriam ser reduzidas para duas espécies. Nós incluímos uma revisão taxonômica completa do gênero e uma chave para distinguir as duas espécies. Portanto, é absolutamente necessário fazer uma revisão abrangente e um arranjo destes táxons, regular estritamente a confusão de táxons de gêneros e ordem de espécies, e fazer novos relatórios sobre pertencer aos táxons de gêneros.
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Phylogeny , DNA, Ribosomal , DNA, Chloroplast , PoaceaeABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the levels and distribution of radon concentrations in groundwater in some representative cities in China,and estimate the effective dose from inhaled radon released from domestic groundwater.Methods A total of 12 cities in 7 provinces (municipalities) were selected,including Beijing,Inner Mongolia,Ningxia,Shaanxi,Henan,Liaoning and Heilongjiang.In total,73 water samples from groundwater supply were taken.Radon concentrations in water samples were determined by using a continuous radon monitor with air-water exchanger.Results The average radon content in groundwater for drinking was 11.8 Bq/L in 12 cities in 7 provinces,ranging from 1.0 to 63.8 Bq/L.The radon concentrations in 37% water samples exceeded 1 1.1 Bq/L,the safe limit recommended for drinking water by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).The radon contents in all of the water samples was lower than the reference level 100 Bq/L recommended by World Health Organization (WHO).The average annual effective dose arising from inhaled radon released from groundwater was 29 μSv (2.4 to 160 μSv).Conclusions Generally,the effective dose from inhaled radon released from groundwater is negligibly low.However,in some areas dominated by granite bedrock,the dose contribution from radon released from groundwater to residents should be routinely monitored.
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Objective To find the best model parameters through Monte Carlo simulation of 6 MV flattening-filter-free (FFF) beams in TrueBeam accelerator, and establish the foundation for the further study of the clinical dosimetry on 6 MV FFF X-rays.Methods Using the BEAMnrc and DOSXYZnrc codes, the percentage depth dose (PDD) and the off-axis ratio (OAR) curves of field ranges from 4 cm ×4 cm to 40 cm × 40 cm were simulated for 6 MV FFF X-ray by adjusting the incident beam energy, radial intensity distribution and angular spread, respectively.The simulation results and measured data were compared, where the optimal Monte Carlo model input parameters were acquired.Results The simulation was most comparable to the measurement when the incident electron energy, full width at half maximum (FWHM) and the spread angle were set as 6.1 MeV, 0.75 mm and 0.9°, respectively.The deviation of 1 mm (position)/1% (local dose) could be met by the PDD of all tested field sizes and by the OAR when the fields sizes were no larger than 30 cm ×30 cm.The OAR of 40 cm ×40 cm field sizes fulfilled criteria of 1 mm (position)/1.5% (local dose).Conclusions Monte Carlo simulation agrees well with the measurement and the proposed model parameters, which can be used for further clinical dosimetry studies of 6 MV FFF X-rays.
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Objective To investigate the public's perception and attitudes on the development of nuclear power, assess their knowledge about nuclear power and radiation, and to build a database on the public's perception for the purpose of providing better public health service, associate technical support and give suggestions for decision-makers.Methods In total of 1 440 local residents who live within 30 kilometers of a proposed nuclear power were chosen for in-person interviews.Questionnaires comprised of 49 questions designed to assess the public's knowledge of radiation and nuclear power, their attitudes to the development of nuclear power, their evaluation of local government and their informational environment.ANOVA was used to compare the influence of different factors on cognitive level.Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the main factors affecting the level of public awareness.Comparison among groups (respondents in this survey vs.other comparable surveys) was conducted using x2 test.Results Of the respondents, 29.7% and 39.5% of respondents knew about nuclear power and radiation, respectively, 24.2% supported the construction of a nuclear power plant in their own area, which was lower than the average national support for construction of nuclear power plants (29.0%) (x2 =8.71 ,P < 0.05).When queried about safety cncerns 36.8% of respondents worried about the safety of nuclear power plant and 78.5% of respondents were afraid of the damage to their health, while 34.1% of respondents held the belief that the nuclear power plant could bring harmful effect even under normal operation.Regarding the informational environment, 90.0% of the respondents could not or barely got access to knowledge on nuclear power plants, 71.1% hoped to acquire the knowledge on nuclear power plants, 48.4% hoped to acquire this knowledge by television programs, and 62.4% mostly trusted information given by experts from universities or institutes.In comparison to other findings acquired in similar surveys on the Tianwan and Qinshan nuclear power plants before the Fukushima accident, the findings indicated that safety assessment of nuclear power plant were lower (x2 =20.49,56.96, P < 0.05).Conclusions The public's knowledge level on nuclear power and radiation directly influenced their attitude on nuclear power.The related agencies should strengthen publicity and education in order to increase the public's knowledge on nuclear power and radiation.The communication platform between the related agencies and the public should be established.Active and continued risk communication should be carried out to increase public acceptance of nuclear power.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the immune response triggered by an in-house constructed hu-man metapneumovirus multi-epitope antigen ( MEA) in a mouse model .Methods Female SPF BALB/c mice at age 4-6 weeks were used in the study and divided into 7 groups.Mice in the five groups including MEA+oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs ( CpG ODN) intraperitoneal injection ( i.p.) treatment group, MEA+Alum i.p.treatment group, MEA+Alum+CpG ODN i.p.treatment group, MEA+CpG ODN intranasal (i.n.) treatment group and MEA+Alum+CpG ODN i.n.treatment group were immunized three times on days 0, 14 and 21, and those in the other experimental group were immunized intramuscularly with MEA+Quickantibody5W on days 0 and 21.A control group without treatment was set up accordingly .All mice were sacrificed two weeks after the last immunization .Antibodies including IgG , IgG1, IgG2a and IgA in serum samples were detected by ELISA .MTS assay was performed to analyze the proliferation of lympho-cytes.The cytotoxicity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) was measured by LDH assay.Flow cytometry was used to detect T lymphocyte subsets .The cytokines secreted by T helper cells ( Th1 and Th2) were analyzed with Bio-Rad Liquid Chips.Results High titers of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies were produced in MEA treated mice except for those in intranasal treatment groups .Serum samples from three groups including the MEA+Alum i.p., MEA+Alum+CpG ODN i.p.and MEA+Quickantibody5W i.m.treatment groups were positive for IgA antibody .The highest titer of IgA antibody was detected in mice from the MEA+Alum+CpG ODN i.p.treatment group, which was 2.15×103.Compared with the control group, significantly enhanced proliferation of lymphocytes was observed in the MEA+Alum i.p., MEA+Alum+CpG ODN i.p.and MEA+Quickantibody5W i.m.treatment groups (P<0.05).Enhanced cytotoxic activities of CTL were observed in mice with ip.and i.m.treatments as compared with those in control group (P<0.05).The levels of CD4+/CD8+T cells were slightly increased in mice from the MEA+CpG ODN i.p., MEA+Alum+CpG ODN i.p. and MEA+Quickantibody5W i.m.treatment groups as compared with those in control group (P<0.05).In-creased secretion of IL-2, IFN-γand Th2-type cytokines including IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 were detected in mice from the MEA+CpG ODN i.p.treatment group.The MEA+Alum i.p.treated mice showed a slightly increased secretion of IFN-γand significantly increased secretions of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10.Significantly in-creased secretions of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 were detected in mice from the MEA+Alum+CpG ODN i.p.treatment group.Significantly increased secretions of IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-10 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were detected in mice from the MEA+Quickantibody5W i.m.treatment group.Conclusion MEA together with different adjuvants could stimulate high titers of specific antibodies , increase the proliferation of lymphocytes and enhance the cytotoxic activities of CTL .CpG ODN could bal-ance the Th1/Th2-mediated immune responses , and the balance could be enhanced when using CpG ODN in combination with Alum .A similar effect could be achieved by using the commercial adjuvant Quickanti -body5w.This study has paved the way for further investigation on the development of hMPV epitope vaccines and diagnostic reagents for hMPV as well as the epidemiological study of hMPV .