Comparison of milk protein concentrate, micellar casein, and whey protein isolate in loading astaxanthin after the treatment of ultrasound-assisted pH shifting.

Milk proteins can be used as encapsulation walls to increase the bioavailability of active compounds because they can bind hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and charged compounds. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of astaxanthin (ASTA) encapsulation and the functional properties of milk protein and ASTA nanocomposites by an ultrasound-assisted pH-shifting treatment of different milk proteins, including milk protein concentrate (MPC), micellar casein (MCC), and whey protein isolate (WPI). The ultrasound-assisted pH-shifting treatment of milk protein helped to improve the encapsulation rate of ASTA. Therein, MCC showed great improvement of encapsulating ASTA after co-treatment with the raised encapsulated rate of 5.11%, followed by WPI and MPC. Furthermore, the nanocomposites of ASTA with milk protein exhibit improved bioavailability, antioxidant capacity, and storage stability. By comparison, MCC-encapsulated ASTA has the best storage stability, followed by MPC, and WPI-encapsulated ASTA has the least stability over a 28-d storage period. The results of intrinsic fluorescence and surface hydrophobicity showed that milk protein underwent fluorescence quenching after binding to ASTA, which was due to the hydrophobic sites of the protein being occupied by ASTA. In general, the nanocomposites of milk protein and ASTA fabricated by using an ultrasound-assisted pH-shifting treatment have the potential to be better nano-delivery systems for ASTA in functional foods, especially MCC, which showed excellent performance in encapsulation after treatment technique.

Unintrusive multi-cancer detection by circulating cell-free DNA methylation sequencing (THUNDER): development and independent validation studies.

BACKGROUND: Early detection of cancer offers the opportunity to identify candidates when curative treatments are achievable. The THUNDER study (THe UNintrusive Detection of EaRly-stage cancers, NCT04820868) aimed to evaluate the performance of enhanced linear-splinter amplification sequencing, a previously described cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation-based technology, in the early detection and localization of six types of cancers in the colorectum, esophagus, liver, lung, ovary, and pancreas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A customized panel of 161 984 CpG sites was constructed and validated by public and in-house (cancer: n = 249; non-cancer: n = 288) methylome data, respectively. The cfDNA samples from 1693 participants (cancer: n = 735; non-cancer: n = 958) were retrospectively collected to train and validate two multi-cancer detection blood test (MCDBT-1/2) models for different clinical scenarios. The models were validated on a prospective and independent cohort of age-matched 1010 participants (cancer: n = 505; non-cancer: n = 505). Simulation using the cancer incidence in China was applied to infer stage shift and survival benefits to demonstrate the potential utility of the models in the real world. RESULTS: MCDBT-1 yielded a sensitivity of 69.1% (64.8%-73.3%), a specificity of 98.9% (97.6%-99.7%), and tissue origin accuracy of 83.2% (78.7%-87.1%) in the independent validation set. For early-stage (I-III) patients, the sensitivity of MCDBT-1 was 59.8% (54.4%-65.0%). In the real-world simulation, MCDBT-1 achieved a sensitivity of 70.6% in detecting the six cancers, thus decreasing late-stage incidence by 38.7%-46.4%, and increasing 5-year survival rate by 33.1%-40.4%, respectively. In parallel, MCDBT-2 was generated at a slightly low specificity of 95.1% (92.8%-96.9%) but a higher sensitivity of 75.1% (71.9%-79.8%) than MCDBT-1 for populations at relatively high risk of cancers, and also had ideal performance. CONCLUSION: In this large-scale clinical validation study, MCDBT-1/2 models showed high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of predicted origin in detecting six types of cancers.

[Epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in Motuo County, Tibet Autonomous Region from 2012 to 2021].

To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Motuo County from 2012 to 2021 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of PTB. A total of 223 cases of PTB were reported from 2012 to 2021 in Motuo County, with an average annual reported incidence rate of 171.39/100 000. Joinpoint regression model analysis showed that the average decline rate was 9.2% (P<0.001) from 2012 to 2021. Among the various types of PTB patients reported from 2012 to 2021, there were 69 cases of etiologic-positive cases which increased from 28.57% to 52.63%. Results from the circular distribution methods showed that there was no obvious peak time of PTB in Motuo County. There was no statistical difference in the average annual incidence of PTB between different genders (χ2=0.108, P=0.743). Among all age groups, the 20-29 years group had the highest proportion (26.91%, 60/223). The Monpa ethnic group (153 cases, 68.61%) had the largest number of cases, followed by the Lhoba people (44 cases, 19.73%) and the Tibetan (22 cases, 9.87%). Farmers (168 cases, 75.34%) had the highest occupational composition ratio, followed by students (40 cases, 17.94%). The main detection methods of PTB were clinical consultation and transferring consultation. Overall, the incidence rate of PTB decreased from 2012 to 2021. The majority of PTB patients were young adults with high transmission risk. It is necessary to pay more attention to the key populations and strengthen the comprehensive prevention and control for reducing the risk of PTB.

[Clinical observation on the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis].

To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in China. A small sample self-controlled study before and after treatment was conducted to retrospective analysis patients with moderate to severe AD treated with dupilumab in the department of dermatology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from July 2020 to March 2022. Dupilumab 600 mg was injected subcutaneously at week 0, and then 300 mg was injected subcutaneously every 2 weeks. The condition was evaluated by SCORAD(severity scoring of atopic dermatitis), NRS(numerical rating scale), DLQI(dermatology life quality index) and POEM(patient-oriented eczema measure). The improvement of SCORAD, NRS, DLQI and POEM was analyzed by paired t test and non-parametric paired Wilcoxon. The results showed that a total of 67 patients with moderate to severe AD received dupilumab treatment, of which 41 patients (the course of treatment was more than 6 weeks) had reduced the severity of skin lesions, improved quality of life and reduced pruritus. A total of 23 patients completed 16 weeks of treatment. At 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks, SCORAD, NRS, DLQI and POEM decreased compared with the baseline, and the differences were statistically significant. SCORAD (50.13±15.19) at baseline, SCORAD (36.08±11.96)(t=6.049,P<0.001) at week 4,SCORAD (28.04±11.10)(t=10.471,P<0.001) at week 8, SCORAD (22.93±9.72)(t=12.428,P<0.001) at week 12, SCORAD (16.84±7.82)(t=14.609,P<0.001) at week 16, NRS 7(6,8) at baseline, NRS 4(3,5)(Z=-3.861,P<0.001) at week 4, NRS 2(1,4)(Z=-4.088,P<0.001) at week 8, NRS 1(0,2)(Z=-4.206,P<0.001) at week 12, NRS 2(0,2)(Z=-4.222,P<0.001) at week 16, DLQI (13.83±5.71) at baseline, DLQI (8.00±4.02)(t=6.325,P<0.001) at week 4, DLQI (5.61±3.50)(t=8.060,P<0.001) at week 8, DLQI (3.96±1.99)(t=8.717,P<0.001) at week 12, DLQI (2.70±1.89)(t=10.355,P<0.001) at week 16, POEM (18.04±6.41) at baseline, POEM (9.70±4.70)(t=7.031,P<0.001) at week 4, POEM (7.74±3.48)(t=8.806,P<0.001) at week 8, POEM (6.35±3.33)(t=10.474,P<0.001) at week 12, POEM (4.26±2.51)(t=11.996,P<0.001) at week 16. In the 16th week, 100%(23 patients), 91.3%(21 patients), 34.8%(8 patients) and 8.7%(2 patients) of 23 patients reached SCORAD30, SCORAD50, SCORAD70, and SCORAD90 statuses, respectively. There were 82.6%(19 patients), 95.7%(22 patients) and 95.7%(22 patients) of 23 patients with NRS, DLQI and POEM improved by≥4 points compared with baseline. Twelve patients with AD who continued to receive dupilumab after 16 weeks showed further improvement in skin lesions. The adverse events were conjunctivitis and injection site reaction. In conclusion, dupilumab is an effective and safe treatment for moderate and severe AD. However, the longer-term efficacy and safety require further studies involving larger sample sizes and a longer follow-up time.

Association between cerebral blood flow changes and blood-brain barrier compromise in spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage.

AIM: To quantitatively evaluate blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in the perihaematomal region of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and investigate the association between the alterations in cerebral blood flow and BBB permeability around the haematoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Spontaneous ICH patients underwent unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and CT perfusion (CTP) simultaneously. Haematoma volume was measured on CT. The values of cerebral haemodynamic parameters including cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), mean transit time (MTT), time to peak (TTP), and permeability-surface area product (PS) were measured in the perihaematomal region and the contralateral mirror region, and then relative values were calculated for statistical analysis. Linear regression was used to evaluate associations between BBB permeability and variables. RESULTS: A total of 87 ICH patients were included in this study. The focally elevated BBB permeability was observed in the perihaematomal region in ICH patients. Linear regression showed that reduced rCBF (ß = -0.379, p=0.001) and increased rCBV (ß = 0.412, p=0.000) correlated independently with increased relative PS (rPS) value in deep ICH, while only increased rCBV (ß = 0.423, p=0.071) correlated to increased rPS value in patients with lobar ICH. CONCLUSIONS: BBB permeability is focally elevated in the region around the haematoma. Cerebral haemodynamic alterations are associated with increased BBB permeability. Cerebral hypoperfusion may aggravate BBB compromise, and a compensatory increase in CBV may lead to reperfusion injury on BBB.

[Influence of vascular risk factors on seasonality of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo].

Objective: To investigate the seasonal changes of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) onset, and explore the relationship between vascular risk factors and the seasonal patterns of BPPV. Methods: Data of 3 886 patients subjected to vestibular function examination and diagnosed with BPPV who underwent manipulation or instrumental repositioning from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019 in the Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic information and medical history of the patients were recorded. Weather temperature data of Beijing were obtained and monthly averages were calculated. The relationship between the BPPV onset and temperature and seasonality was investigated. Meanwhile, the influence of vascular risk factors on the seasonal patterns of BPPV was determined. Results: BPPV is more common in women (n=2 667). The male to female ratio of patients was approximately 1∶2, with a mean age of (55±13) years. The cases of BPPV in spring (March-May), summer (June-August), autumn (September-November) and winter (December-February) were 1 000 (25.7%), 911 (23.4%), 808 (20.8%) and 1 167 (30.0%), respectively. The peak incidence of BPPV occurred in December (n=491) and the lowest occurred in September (n=251). The number of BPPV cases diagnosed monthly was inversely correlated with mean temperature (R2=0.317; P<0.001). Patients with ≥2 vascular risk factors were at higher risk of developing BPPV in spring or winter than those without risk factors (OR=1.32, 95%CI: 1.13-1.53,P<0.001). Proportion of onset in spring or winter increased with each additional risk factor (P trend<0.001). Conclusions: BPPV often occurs in the months with low temperature (spring and winter) and the number of cases is inversely correlated with temperature. Compared with those with no vascular risk factors, patients with more vascular risk factors are more likely to develop BPPV in spring and winter.

[Study of the inhibitory effect of cell entry inhibitory ezetimibe on hepatitis B virus in vitro].

Objective: To study the inhibitory effect of ezetimibe in an experimental model of human hepatoma cell line (HepaRG) infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive human serum in vitro. Methods: Mature HepaRG cells were divided into a treatment group (received drugs) and a control group (did not receive drugs). In the ezetimibe prevention experiment, the cells in the treatment group was treated with drugs 2 h before infection and 24 h during infection. In the ezetimibe treatment experiment, the cells in the treatment group were treated with drugs for 6 ~ 10 days continuously after 24 hours of HBV infection. The expression of HBV DNA and intracellular cccDNA in the supernatant was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) content in the cell supernatant were detected by chemiluminescence. Analysis of variance was used to compare the differences between multiple groups. Pairwise comparisons among groups were followed by t- test with normal distribution. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Ezetimibe prevention experiment showed that compared with control group, the treatment group was added with 20, 60, and 100 µmol/L ezetimibe before and during infection, and the HBV DNA content in the supernatant 2 days before was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the treatment group. Compared with the control group, the HBsAg expression level 2 days before was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) with the addition of 60 µmol/L ezetimibe in the treatment group. Compared with the control group, the expression level of intracellular cccDNA was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) after 10 days with the addition of 100µmol/L ezetimibe in the treatment group. Ezetimibe treatment experiment showed that cccDNA content in the cells were significantly lowered with the immediate addition of 60µmol/L ezetimibe 24 hours after infection for 10 days when compared to control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Ezetimibe, as a cytosolic inhibitor, has a certain inhibitory effect on hepatitis B virus infection in both prevention and treatment experiment.

Recurrent fungal infections in a Chinese patient with CARD9 deficiency and a review of 48 cases.

Deficiency of CARD9 (caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9) has been reported in individuals with recurrent and invasive fungal infections. We report on a patient who first had Trichosporon asahii affecting the skin then Candida albicans infections involving the digestive tract and knee joint, along with elevated serum IgE. After stimulation with C. albicans, peripheral blood mononuclear cells of this patient produced less tumour necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ and interleukin-17 than those of healthy controls. Furthermore, the serum IgE levels of this patient were positively correlated with the severity of fungal infection during the course of treatment. Sanger sequencing identified one homozygous frameshift mutation (p.D274fsX60) in CARD9. We further performed a review including 48 cases with CARD9 deficiency. According to the data published previously, CARD9-deficient patients demonstrated obviously elevated IgE in serum (median 1300 IU mL-1 ), which could distinguish them from otherwise healthy people with fungal infections (area under the curve 0·94, P < 0·001). Patients carrying the mutations Q289X and Q295X had a higher mortality rate (24% vs. 0%, P < 0·05). Patients with the mutations R18W, R35Q, R70W, G72S or Y91H in the CARD domain, and the nonsense mutation Q295X in the coiled-coil domain, seemed to be more prone to Candida infections (90% vs. 20%, P < 0·005) and central nervous system infections (60% vs. 12%, P < 0·005).

[A new exploration and consideration of Type A fracture of distal femur based on finite element biomechanical analysis].

Objective: To investigate the changes of internal fixation stress under different angles of interior fracture line and different screw placement modes in the case of A-type distal femoral fracture. Methods: A 24-year-old healthy male volunteer was recruited to collect the right femur data. CATIA V5R21 software produced a 10 mm fracture gap at the external side of the femur 6.5 cm proximal to the joint line and different angle fracture lines were generated on the internal of the femur at the same height. Based on the actual measured dimensions, the three-dimensional (3D) model of the locking plate and screw was reconstructed using CATIA V5R21 software, ignoring the screw surface threads and then the assembly of the internal fixation of the titanium plate, screws and femur was done. All models were meshed using Hypermesh 13.0 software. The assembled 3D model was input into ABAQUS 6.14 to generate a finite element model. Preliminary finite element biomechanical analysis was performed using the four medial fracture line angles and the stress distribution of the internal fixation under the three screw placement modes, and then the analysis was continued after the optimal screw placement method was re-determined. Results: Under an axial loading of 700 N, with the increase of the angle of the fracture line, the stress of the lateral internal fixation gradually increased, and the displacement of the proximal end of the fracture gradually increased. The sequential screw placement method was superior to the leaping screw placement method. The placement of the first screw at the proximal end of the fracture was critical to the distribution of the internal fixation stress. Conclusions: The operation plan of the type A of distal femoral fracture needs to be confirmed according to the internal and external fracture's condition. When the fracture line is at a excessive positive angle or a negative angle, a simple lateral fixation may not provide a stable fracture fixation so that other fixation methods are needed.

[Pilot study of the relationship between clinical classification of gallbladder cancer and prognosis: a retrospective multicenter clinical study].

Objectives: To propose a novel clinical classification system of gallbladder cancer, and to investigate the differences of clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis based on patients who underwent radical resection with different types of gallbladder cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 1 059 patients with gallbladder cancer underwent radical resection in 12 institutions in China from January 2013 to December 2017 were retrospectively collected and analyzed.There were 389 males and 670 females, aged (62.0±10.5)years(range:22-88 years).According to the location of tumor and the mode of invasion,the tumors were divided into peritoneal type, hepatic type, hepatic hilum type and mixed type, the surgical procedures were divided into regional radical resection and extended radical resection.The correlation between different types and T stage, N stage, vascular invasion, neural invasion, median survival time and surgical procedures were analyzed.Rates were compared by χ(2) test, survival analysis was carried by Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank test. Results: Regional radical resection was performed in 940 cases,including 81 cases in T1 stage,859 cases in T2-T4 stage,119 cases underwent extended radical resection;R0 resection was achieved in 990 cases(93.5%).The overall median survival time was 28 months.There were 81 patients in Tis-T1 stage and 978 patients in T2-T4 stage.The classification of gallbladder cancer in patients with T2-T4 stage: 345 cases(35.3%)of peritoneal type, 331 cases(33.8%) of hepatic type, 122 cases(12.5%) of hepatic hilum type and 180 cases(18.4%) of mixed type.T stage(χ(2)=288.60,P<0.01),N stage(χ(2)=68.10, P<0.01), vascular invasion(χ(2)=128.70, P<0.01)and neural invasion(χ(2)=54.30, P<0.01)were significantly correlated with the classification.The median survival time of peritoneal type,hepatic type,hepatic hilum type and mixed type was 48 months,21 months,16 months and 11 months,respectively(χ(2)=80.60,P<0.01).There was no significant difference in median survival time between regional radical resection and extended radical resection in the peritoneal type,hepatic type,hepatic hilum type and mixed type(all P>0.05). Conclusion: With application of new clinical classification, different types of gallbladder cancer are proved to be correlated with TNM stage, malignant biological behavior and prognosis, which will facilitate us in preoperative evaluation,surgical planning and prognosis evaluation.

[The progress and prospect of ophthalmological research on cerebral visual impairment in children].

With the rapid development of global perinatal medicine and neonatal medicine, the survival rate of high-risk neonates (premature, and those who suffer neurologic lesion during or shortly after birth, et al.) improved significantly, however the incidence of cerebral visual impairment (CVI) also rose, which has become the most common cause of visual impairment in children in developed countries. Studies found that visual abnormalities of patients with CVI can be various. Since children's cognition and motor development are inseparable from visual functions, children with CVI are usually characterized by abnormalities in sensory perception, cognition and even movement, other than visual impairment itself. Due to the characteristics of CVI, such as early onset, complex etiology, difficulty in diagnosis and treatment, and involvement with ophthalmology, pediatrics, rehabilitation medicine, genetic epidemiology and other multi-disciplinary content, current domestic research on CVI is limited. From the perspective of ophthalmologist, this paper reviews the progress of ophthalmology diagnosis and treatment in children with CVI in recent years, aiming to have better early recognition and individualized intervention, so as to help pediatrician and rehabilitation physicians to improve survival skills for CVI children and their quality of life. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55:469-474).

[The association of lipid profile and bleeding in patients with minor stroke or transient ischemic attack on antiplatelet therapy: subgroup analysis of CHANCE].

Objective: Abnormalities of lipid profile were considered as risk factors of hemorrhage after ischemic stroke. We aimed to determine the relationship between lipid levels and bleeding in minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients receiving antiplatelet therapy. Methods: Serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride were tested in a subgroup of 3 044 consecutive patients from Clopidogrel in High-risk patients with Acute Non-disabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE) trial. Patients were randomized to clopidogrel plus aspirin group or single aspirin group. The primary endpoint was any bleeding within 90 days. The secondary endpoint was severe bleeding according to the Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO) definition. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the associations of lipid levels and outcomes. Results: A total of 59 (1.9%) bleeding events occurred at 90 days. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (adjusted HR=2.16; 95%CI 1.17-4.00, P=0.014) and age (adjusted HR=1.04; 95%CI 1.01-1.06, P=0.006) were significantly associated with any bleeding. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was also associated with severe bleeding (adjusted HR=3.05; 95%CI 1.39-6.68, per 1 mmol/L increase). No correlations between outcomes and levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride were found. There was no interaction of any lipid component level with randomized antiplatelet therapy. Conclusions: Elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is independently associated with any bleeding and severe bleeding in the patients with acute minor stroke or high-risk TIA on antiplatelet therapy.

[Clinical and prognostic significance of ABO promotor methylation level in adult leukemia and myelodydysplastic syndrome].

Objective: To investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of ABO promotor methylation level in adult patients with leukemia and myelodydysplastic syndrome(MDS). Methods: ABO promoter methylation level of 182 malignant hematological disease patients and 68 normal controls were detected by bisulfite sequencing PCR.Then clinical features and outcome were compared between hypermethylation group and hypomethylation group. Results: The median methylation rate of ABO promoter in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) were 46.98% and 11.01% respectively, which were both higher than that in controls (2.30%, P<0.05). The methylation rates in remission AML and ALL were 1.58% and 2.30% respectively, which were comparable with that in normal group (P>0.05). As to relapse AML and ALL, methylation rates were 41.26% and 17.50% respectively, also significantly higher than that in controls (P<0.05).In patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) chronic phase, the median methylation rate was 1.00%, which was similar to normal group. But a CML patient who transformed to ALL hadextremely high methylation rate 92.56%. The median methylation rate in patients with MDS significantly elevated as 5.81% compared with that in controls (P<0.05). The median overall survival (OS) of ALL and AML (non-M3) patients with hypermethylation were 12.5 months and 15.3 months, which were significantly shorter than those with hypomethylation (24.0 months and 20.0 months)(P<0.05).The median disease-free survival (DFS) of ALL and AML (non-M3) patients with hypermethylation were 9.9 months and 12.0 months, which were significantly shorter than those with hypomethylation (22.3 months and 18.5 months), (P<0.05). Multivariable analysis suggested that ABO promoter methylation level was an independent predictive factor of OS and DFS in ALL and AML (non-M(3)) patients. Conclusion: ABO promoter hypermethylation is closely related to genesis, development and prognosis of leukemia and MDS. Hypermethylationis related to a clinical poor prognosis compare with hypomethylation.

[Difference of one year death and stroke recurrence in ischemic stroke patients with anterior and posterior circulation intracranial atherosclerosis].

Objective: To explore the differences of one year death and stroke recurrence between ischemic stroke patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis or occlusion of anterior circulation and those of posterior circulation. Methods: All the patients were from the Chinese Intracranial Atherosclerosis Study (CICAS), between October 2007 and June 2009; patients with extracranial stenosis or occlusion, patients without acute infarction by diffusion weighted image, and patients with intracranial atherosclerosis of both anterior and posterior circulation were excluded.All the enrolled patients were divided into three groups: no significant intracranial atherosclerosis group (n=964), anterior circulation intracranial atherosclerosis group (n=440), posterior circulation intracranial atherosclerosis group (n=233). One year outcome was evaluated by any cause of death and stroke recurrence. Results: Of the 1 637 patients, 30 cases were died and 58 cases had stroke recurrence within one year.Compared with : no significant intracranial atherosclerosis group, adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of one-year death for anterior and posterior circulation intracranial atherosclerosis group were 1.349 (0.311-5.851), 4.542 (1.227-16.813), respectively.Adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of one year stroke recurrence were 1.663 (0.620-4.460) and 2.464 (0.935-6.493), respectively. Conclusions: Ischemic stroke patients with intracranial atherosclerosis of posterior circulation has higher risk of one year death. One year stroke recurrence risk for patients with intracranial atherosclerosis of anterior and posterior circulation needs to be further evaluated.

Relatively stable response of fruiting stage to warming and cooling relative to other phenological events.

The timing of the fruit-set stage (i.e., start and end of fruit set) is crucial in a plant's life cycle, but its response to temperature change is still unclear. We investigated the timing of seven phenological events, including fruit-set dates during 3 yr for six alpine plants transplanted to warmer (approximately +3.5°C in soils) and cooler (approximately -3.5°C in soils) locations along an altitudinal gradient in the Tibetan area. We found that fruit-set dates remained relatively stable under both warming and cooling during the 3-yr transplant experiment. Three earlier phenological events (emergence of first leaf, first bud set, and first flowering) and two later phenological events (first leaf coloring and complete leaf coloring) were earlier by 4.8-8.2 d/°C and later by 3.2-7.1 d/°C in response to warming. Conversely, cooling delayed the three earlier events by 3.8-6.9 d/°C and advanced the two later events by 3.2-8.1 d/°C for all plant species. The timing of the first and/or last fruit-set dates, however, did not change significantly compared to earlier and later phenological events. Statistical analyses also showed that the dates of fruit set were not significantly correlated or had lower correlations with changes of soil temperature relative to the earlier and later phenological events. Alpine plants may thus acclimate to changes in temperature for their fruiting function by maintaining relatively stable timings of fruit set compared with other phenological events to maximize the success of seed maturation and dispersal in response to short-term warming or cooling.

[Analysis on the polymorphisms of human B cell epitopes of 5 specificity antigens in Mycobacterium tuberculosis in China].

OBJECTIVE: To study the diversities of human B cell epitopes of five proteins (Mpt83, Mpt70, LpqH, PstS3, GroES) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from China. METHODS: We selected 179 strains isolated from patients with tuberculosis in different regions of China, and cultured these strains by L-J medium. The gene sequences of these 5 proteins were amplified and sequenced by PCR. The variations (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNP) of the DNA sequences were compared and analyzed according to the immune epitope database (IEDB). The synonymous mutation rate (dS), non-synonymous mutation rate (dN) and dN/dS values were calculated with MEGA6 software. RESULTS: Among the 179 clinical MTBC isolates, 7 SNP mutations were found in the mpt83gene. The dN/dS value of the whole mpt83 gene was 0.88. One SNP mutation was found in the mpt70 gene. The dN/dS values of the whole pstS3 gene and non-B epitopes areas were 1.74 and 1.40 respectively. But no mutation was found in the groES gene. CONCLUSION: The mpt83, lpqH and pstS3 genes of 179 MTBC strains contain gene SNPs and human B cell epitopes diversities, while the coding gene and human B cell epitopes of protein mpt70 and groES were conservative.

Impaired function of CD19(+) CD24(hi) CD38(hi) regulatory B cells in patients with pemphigus.

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus is an organ-specific autoimmune bullous disease. OBJECTIVES: To determine the role of regulatory B cells (Bregs) in patients with pemphigus. METHODS: The frequency of the occurrence of CD19(+) CD24(hi) CD38(hi) Bregs was detected from 34 patients with pemphigus and 20 healthy controls. Interleukin (IL)-10 secretion was processed after stimulating B cells. Specific antidesmoglein antibody (Ab) titres and their subclasses were also measured. Ab response and cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with or without Bregs were analysed. RESULTS: The number of Bregs was significantly increased in patients with pemphigus compared with healthy controls (15 ± 7% vs. 9 ± 3%; P < 0·01) and the proportion of Bregs in the active groups (newly diagnosed and chronic active patients) was significantly higher than in remittent individuals (16 ± 7% vs. 13 ± 8%; P = 0·04). The IL-10-producing B cells were significantly increased upon stimulation both in patients and in healthy controls. However, the increase ratio of IL-10-producing B cells between short- and long-term stimulation was significantly lower in patients with pemphigus (1·0-fold vs. 2·6-fold increase in control group; P < 0·01). Strikingly, Bregs from the controls were able to suppress interferon (IFN)-γ expression and T helper cell 1 (Th1) immune response (26% inhibition rate), while the suppressive function of Bregs from patients with pemphigus was significantly decreased (9% inhibition rate). There was no difference in Ab levels from PBMCs with or without Bregs after stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Bregs in patients with pemphigus are elevated but with defective regulatory function on Th1 cells.

Field evidence for earlier leaf-out dates in alpine grassland on the eastern Tibetan Plateau from 1990 to 2006.

Worldwide, many plant species are experiencing an earlier onset of spring phenophases due to climate warming. Rapid recent temperature increases on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) have triggered changes in the spring phenology of the local vegetation. However, remote sensing studies of the land surface phenology have reached conflicting interpretations about green-up patterns observed on the TP since the mid-1990s. We investigated this issue using field phenological observations from 1990 to 2006, for 11 dominant plants on the TP at the levels of species, families (Gramineae-grasses and Cyperaceae-sedges) and vegetation communities (alpine meadow and alpine steppe). We found a significant trend of earlier leaf-out dates for one species (Koeleria cristata). The leaf-out dates of both Gramineae and Cyperaceae had advanced (the latter significantly, starting an average of 9 days later per year than the former), but the correlation between them was significant. The leaf-out dates of both vegetation communities also advanced, but the pattern was only significant in the alpine meadow. This study provides the first field evidence of advancement in spring leaf phenology on the TP and suggests that the phenology of the alpine steppe can differ from that of the alpine meadow. These findings will be useful for understanding ecosystem responses to climate change and for grassland management on the TP.

[Preliminary evaluation of immunogenicity and protective effect of multicomponent recombinant protein vaccine EPRHP014 against tuberculosis].

Objective: To evaluate the immunogenicity and protective effect of a multicomponent recombinant protein vaccine EPRHP014 constructed independently and provide a scientific basis for developing new tuberculosis (TB) vaccine and effective prevention and control of TB. Methods: Three full-length Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis protein antigens (EsxH, Rv2628, and HspX) and two epitope-predicted and optimized epitope-dominant protein antigens (nPPE18 and nPstS1) were selected, from which five protein antigens were used to construct a protein antigen composition EPRHP014, including a fusion expression multi-component protein antigen (EPRHP014f) and a multi-component mixed protein antigen (EPRHP014m) formed with the five single protein using clone, purification, and purification respectively. Multicomponent protein vaccines EPRHP014f and EPRHP014m were prepared with aluminum adjuvant, and the BCG vaccine was used as a control. ELISA detected the titer of serum-specific antibodies, the secretion of various cytokines was detected by ELISpot and Luminex, and immune protection was observed by the M. tuberculosis growth inhibition test in vitro. The results were statistically analyzed by t-test or rank sum test, and P<0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. Results: Mice Immunized with EPRHP014m and EPRHP014f could produce highly effective IgG antibodies and their subtypes IgG1 and IgG2a, and the antibody titers were similar to those of mice immunized with BCG, with no statistical significance (P>0.05). The number of spot-forming cells (SFC) secreting IFN-γ and IL-4 induced by EPRHP014f group was significantly higher than those by EPRHP014m group and BCG group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the number of SFC for IFN-γ and IL-4 induced between EPRHP014m group and BCG group (P>0.05). The secretion levels of GM-CSF and IL-12p70 induced by the EPRHP014m group were higher than those of the BCG group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the levels of IL-6 and IL-10 induced between EPRHP014m group and BCG group (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the secretions of IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and GM-CSF between the EPRHP014f and BCG groups (P>0.05). EPRHP014m group, EPRHP014f group, and BCG group had obvious antibacterial effects in vitro, and the difference was insignificant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Both EPRHP014f and EPRHP014m can induce strong humoral and cellular immune responses in mice after immunization, and have a strong ability to inhibit the growth of M. tuberculosis in vitro, indicating that the antigen composition EPRHP014 has good potential in the development and application of TB vaccine.