AMPK activation attenuates central sensitization in a recurrent nitroglycerin-induced chronic migraine mouse model by promoting microglial M2-type polarization.

BACKGROUND: Energy metabolism disorders and neurogenic inflammation play important roles in the central sensitization to chronic migraine (CM). AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an intracellular energy sensor, and its activation regulates inflammation and reduces neuropathic pain. However, studies on the involvement of AMPK in the regulation of CM are currently lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the mechanism underlying the involvement of AMPK in the central sensitization to CM. METHODS: Mice with recurrent nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced CM were used to detect the expression of AMPK protein in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC). Following intraperitoneal injection of the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxyamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) and inhibitor compound C, the mechanical pain threshold, activity level, and pain-like behaviors in the mice were measured. The expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and cytokines, M1/M2 microglia, and NF-κB pathway activation were detected after the intervention. RESULTS: Repeated NTG injections resulted in a gradual decrease in AMPK protein expression, and the negative regulation of AMPK by increased ubiquitin-like plant homeodomain and RING finger domain 1 (UHRF1) expression may counteract AMPK activation by increasing ADP/ATP. AICAR can reduce the hyperalgesia and pain-like behaviors of CM mice, improve the activity of mice, reduce the expression of CGRP, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in the TNC region, and increase the expression of IL-4 and IL-10. Moreover, AMPK in TNC was mainly located in microglia. AICAR could reduce the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in M1 microglia and increase the expression of Arginase 1 (Arg1) in M2 microglia by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS: AMPK was involved in the central sensitization of CM, and the activation of AMPK reduced neuroinflammation in NTG-induced CM mice. AMPK may provide new insights into interventions for energy metabolism disorders and neurogenic inflammation in migraine.

Whole-genome sequencing-based analysis of antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors, and genetic diversity in Yersinia isolated in Wenzhou, China 2020.

Yersinia spp. vary significantly in their ability to cause diseases that threaten public health. Their pathogenicity is frequently associated with increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and various virulence factors. The aim of the study was to investigate the AMR genes, virulence factors, and genetic diversity of Yersinia strains isolated from meats and fish in Wenzhou in 2020 by using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). A total of 50 isolates were collected. The phylogenetic relationships among the Yersinia species were also analyzed using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), core genome multi-locus sequence typing (cgMLST), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. According to the results, all the strains could be classified into five species, with most isolated from beef, followed by poultry, pork, and fish. AMR genes were identified in 23 strains. And the qnrD1 genes were all located in the Col3M plasmid. Virulence genes, such as yaxA, ystB, pla, and yplA, were also found in the 15 Y. enterocolitica strains. And this study also found the presence of icm/dot type IVB-related genes in one Yersinia massiliensis isolate. MLST analysis identified 43 sequence types (STs), 19 of which were newly detected in Yersinia. Moreover, cgMLST analysis revealed that no dense genotype clusters were formed (cgMLST 5341, 5344, 5346-5350, 5353-5390). Instead, the strains appeared to be dispersed over large distances, except when multiple isolates shared the same ST. Isolates Y4 and Y26 were closely related to strains originating from South Korea and Denmark. This study showed considerable diversity in Yersinia spp. isolated from local areas (Wenzhou City). The data generated in our study may enrich the molecular traceability database of Yersinia and provide a basis for the development of more effective antipathogen control strategies.

Efficient fabrication of infrared antireflective microstructures on a curved Diamond-ZnS composite surface by using femtosecond Bessel-like beams.

Antireflective microstructures fabricated using femtosecond laser possess wide-ranging applicability and high stability across different spectral bands. However, due to the limited aspect ratio of the focused light field, traditional femtosecond laser manufacturing faces challenges in efficiently fabricating antireflective microstructures with high aspect ratio and small period, which are essential for antireflection, on curved surfaces. In this study, we present a robust and efficient method for fabricating high-aspect-ratio and basal surface insensitive antireflective microstructures using a spatially shaped Bessel-like beam. Based on theoretical simulation, a redesigned telescopic system is proposed to flexibly equalize the intensity of the Bessel beam along its propagation direction, facilitating the fabrication of antireflective subwavelength structures on the entire convex lens. The fabricated microstructures, featuring a width of less than 2 µm and a depth of 1 µm, enhance transmittance from 75% to 85% on Diamond-ZnS composite material (D-ZnS) surfaces. Our approach enables the creation of high aspect ratio subwavelength structures with a z-position difference exceeding 600 µm. This practical, efficient, and cost-effective method is facilitated for producing antireflective surfaces on aero-optical components utilized in aviation.

Genomic insights into Cronobacter spp. recovered from food and human clinical cases in Zhejiang province, China (2008-2021).

AIMS: Cronobacter spp. are emerging food-borne pathogens capable of causing life-threatening illness via several distinct routes. Although endeavors to reduce the incidence of Cronobacter infections are implemented, potential risk of these microorganisms on food safety remains poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the genomic features of clinical Cronobacter and the possible food reservoirs of these infections. METHODS AND RESULTS: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of all human clinical cases (n = 15) during 2008-2021 in Zhejiang were used and compared to sequenced Cronobacter genomes (n = 76) representing various food products. Cronobacter strains exhibited a high degree of genetic diversity by WGS-based subtyping. A variety of serotypes (n = 12) and sequence types (n = 36) were identified, including six novel STs (ST762-ST765, ST798, and ST803) first-time described in this study. Nine clinical clusters representing 12/15 (80%) patients match a potential food source. Genomic insights into virulence genes revealed species/hosts specificity signatures associated with autochthonous populations. Resistance to streptomycin, azithromycin, sulfanilamide isoxazole, cefoxitin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, and chloramphenicol, as well as multidrug resistance, was noted. WGS data can be used to predict resistance phenotypes in amoxicillin, ampicillin, and chloramphenicol, which were extensively used in clinical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The wide dissemination of pathogenic potential and antibiotic-resistant strains in multiple food sources emphasized the importance of rigorous food safety policies to reduce Cronobacter contamination in China.

The Alpha-1 Subunit of the Na+/K+-ATPase (ATP1A1) Is a Host Factor Involved in the Attachment of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is an acute and severe atrophic enteritis caused by porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) that infects pigs and makes huge economic losses to the global swine industry. Previously, researchers have believed that porcine aminopeptidase-N (pAPN) was the primary receptor for PEDV, but it has been found that PEDV can infect pAPN knockout pigs. Currently, the functional receptor for PEDV remains unspecified. In the present study, we performed virus overlay protein binding assay (VOPBA), found that ATP1A1 was the highest scoring protein in the mass spectrometry results, and confirmed that the CT structural domain of ATP1A1 interacts with PEDV S1. First, we investigated the effect of ATP1A1 on PEDV replication. Inhibition of hosts ATP1A1 protein expression using small interfering RNA (siRNAs) significantly reduced the cells susceptibility to PEDV. The ATP1A1-specific inhibitors Ouabain (a cardiac steroid) and PST2238 (a digitalis toxin derivative), which specifically bind ATP1A1, could block the ATP1A1 protein internalization and degradation, and consequently reduce the infection rate of host cells by PEDV significantly. Additionally, as expected, overexpression of ATP1A1 notably enhanced PEDV infection. Next, we observed that PEDV infection of target cells resulted in upregulation of ATP1A1 at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, we found that the host protein ATP1A1 was involved in PEDV attachment and co-localized with PEDV S1 protein in the early stage of infection. In addition, pretreatment of IPEC-J2 and Vero-E6 cells with ATP1A1 mAb significantly reduced PEDV attachment. Our observations provided a perspective on identifying key factors in PEDV infection, and may provide valuable targets for PEDV infection, PEDV functional receptor, related pathogenesis, and the development of new antiviral drugs.

Genome-Wide mRNA and Long Non-Coding RNA Analysis of Porcine Trophoblast Cells Infected with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Associated with Reproductive Failure.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a vertically transmitted reproductive disorder that is typically characterized by miscarriage, premature birth, and stillbirth in pregnant sows after infection. Such characteristics indicate that PRRSV can infect and penetrate the porcine placental barrier to infect fetus piglets. The porcine trophoblast is an important component of the placental barrier, and secretes various hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, to maintain normal pregnancy and embryonic development during pregnancy. It is conceivable that the pathogenic effects of PRRSV infection on porcine trophoblast cells may lead to reproductive failure; however, the underlying detailed mechanism of the interaction between porcine trophoblast (PTR2) cells and PRRSV is unknown. Therefore, we conducted genome-wide mRNA and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) analysis profiling in PRRSV-infected PTR2. The results showed that 672 mRNAs and 476 lncRNAs were significantly different from the control group after viral infection. Target genes of the co-expression and co-location of differential mRNAs and lncRNAs were enriched by GO (gene ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis, revealing that most of the pathways were involved in cell nutrient metabolism, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Specifically, the estrogen signaling pathway, the PI3K (PhosphoInositide-3 Kinase)-Akt (serine/threonine kinase) signaling pathway, and the insulin secretion related to embryonic development were selected for analysis. Further research found that PRRSV inhibits the expression of G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1), thereby reducing estrogen-induced phosphorylation of AKT and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The reduction in the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR blocks the activation of the GPER1- PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, consequently restraining insulin secretion, impacting PTR2 cell proliferation, differentiation, and nutrient metabolism. We also found that PRRSV triggered trophoblast cell apoptosis, interrupting the integrity of the placental villus barrier. Furthermore, the interaction network diagram of lncRNA, regulating GPER1 and apoptosis-related genes, was constructed, providing a reference for enriching the functions of these lncRNA in the future. In summary, this article elucidated the differential expression of mRNA and lncRNA in trophoblast cells infected with PRRSV. This infection could inhibit the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway and trigger apoptosis, providing insight into the mechanism of the vertical transmission of PRRSV and the manifestation of reproductive failure.

Characteristics of headache during and/or after coronary intervention: A prospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Headache during and/or after coronary intervention is common but has received little attention from cardiologists and neurologists. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and possible mechanism of coronary intervention-related headache. METHODS: Using a prospective observational design, we identified consecutive patients with coronary intervention from May 2020 to August 2020. Patients were followed up with questionnaires immediately after coronary intervention and 24 h, 72 h, 1 week and 2 weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: In total, 94 patients were enrolled, and 71 patients ultimately completed the 2-week follow-up. Among 71 patients, headache developed during and/or after coronary intervention in 18 (25.4%) patients. Two different types of headache related to coronary intervention were observed: One during and another after coronary intervention. Headache characteristics are described in detail. A history of previous headache was an independent risk factor for coronary intervention-related headache (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary intervention-related headache has an incidence of 25.4%, and previous headache history was an independent risk factor. Moreover, considering that there are no relevant diagnostic criteria, it is suggested that the definition of coronary intervention-related headache should be established in the International Classification of Headache Disorders.

Methodological challenges in pragmatic trials in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: Opportunities for improvement.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We need more pragmatic trials of interventions to improve care and outcomes for people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. However, these trials present unique methodological challenges in their design, analysis, and reporting-often, due to the presence of one or more sources of clustering. Failure to account for clustering in the design and analysis can lead to increased risks of Type I and Type II errors. We conducted a review to describe key methodological characteristics and obtain a "baseline assessment" of methodological quality of pragmatic trials in dementia research, with a view to developing new methods and practical guidance to support investigators and methodologists conducting pragmatic trials in this field. METHODS: We used a published search filter in MEDLINE to identify trials more likely to be pragmatic and identified a subset that focused on people living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias or included them as a defined subgroup. Pairs of reviewers extracted descriptive information and key methodological quality indicators from each trial. RESULTS: We identified N = 62 eligible primary trial reports published across 36 different journals. There were 15 (24%) individually randomized, 38 (61%) cluster randomized, and 9 (15%) individually randomized group treatment designs; 54 (87%) trials used repeated measures on the same individual and/or cluster over time and 17 (27%) had a multivariate primary outcome (e.g. due to measuring an outcome on both the patient and their caregiver). Of the 38 cluster randomized trials, 16 (42%) did not report sample size calculations accounting for the intracluster correlation and 13 (34%) did not account for intracluster correlation in the analysis. Of the 9 individually randomized group treatment trials, 6 (67%) did not report sample size calculations accounting for intracluster correlation and 8 (89%) did not account for it in the analysis. Of the 54 trials with repeated measurements, 45 (83%) did not report sample size calculations accounting for repeated measurements and 19 (35%) did not utilize at least some of the repeated measures in the analysis. No trials accounted for the multivariate nature of their primary outcomes in sample size calculation; only one did so in the analysis. CONCLUSION: There is a need and opportunity to improve the design, analysis, and reporting of pragmatic trials in dementia research. Investigators should pay attention to the potential presence of one or more sources of clustering. While methods for longitudinal and cluster randomized trials are well developed, accessible resources and new methods for dealing with multiple sources of clustering are required. Involvement of a statistician with expertise in longitudinal and clustered designs is recommended.

Temporal characteristics of astrocytic activation in the TNC in a mice model of pain induced by recurrent dural infusion of inflammatory soup.

BACKGROUND: Astrocytic activation might play a significant role in the central sensitization of chronic migraine (CM). However, the temporal characteristics of the astrocytic activation in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) and the molecular mechanism under the process remain not fully understood. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the duration and levels change of astrocytic activation and to explore the correlation between astrocytic activation and the levels change of cytokines release. METHODS: We used a mice model induced by recurrent dural infusion of inflammatory soup (IS). The variation with time of IS-induced mechanical thresholds in the periorbital and hind paw plantar regions were evaluated using the von Frey filaments test. We detected the expression profile of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the TNC through immunofluorescence staining and western blot assay. We also investigated the variation with time of the transcriptional levels of GFAP and ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) through RNAscope in situ hybridization analysis. Then, we detected the variation with time of cytokines levels in the TNC tissue extraction and serum, including c-c motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), c-c motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5), c-c motif chemokine ligand 7 (CCL7), c-c motif chemokine ligand 12 (CCL12), c-x-c motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), c-x-c motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), interleukin 1beta (IL-1ß), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 17A (IL-17A). RESULTS: Recurrent IS infusion resulted in cutaneous allodynia in both the periorbital region and hind paw plantar, ranging from 5 d (after the second IS infusion) to 47 d (28 d after the last infusion) and 5 d to 26 d (7 d after the last infusion), respectively. The protein levels of GFAP and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of GFAP and Iba1 significantly increased and sustained from 20 d to 47 d (1 d to 28 d after the last infusion), which was associated with the temporal characteristics of astrocytic activation in the TNC. The CCL7 levels in the TNC decreased from 20 d to 47 d. But the CCL7 levels in serum only decreased on 20 d (1 d after the last infusion). The CCL12 levels in the TNC decreased on 22 d (3 d after the last infusion) and 33 d (14 d after the last infusion). In serum, the CCL12 levels only decreased on 22 d. The IL-10 levels in the TNC increased on 20 d. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the astrocytic activation generated and sustained in the IS-induced mice model from 1 d to 28 d after the last infusion and may contribute to the pathology through modulating CCL7, CCL12, and IL-10 release.

The applicability research of the diagnostic criteria for 6.7.2 angiography headache in the international classification of headache disorders-3rd edition.

BACKGROUND: Angiography headache (AH) is common but not negligible, and the criteria for AH have been based on only a few studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, risk factors and possible mechanism of AH and reappraise the diagnostic criteria for AH in the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3 (ICHD-3). METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-nine patients completed this prospective, non-randomized study, including 107 patients who underwent cerebral angiography, 101 patients who underwent coronary intervention and 71 patients who underwent extremities arterial intervention. Patients were followed up with questionnaires immediately after the procedure and 24 h, 72 h, 1 week and 2 weeks after the procedure. RESULTS: The incidence of headache was 22.4% (24/107) in cerebral angiography group, 23.8% (24/101) in coronary intervention group, and 16.9% (12/71) in extremities arterial intervention group. Headache still occurred in 12.1% (13/107), 14.9% (15/101) and 11.3% (8/71) of patients 24 h after the procedure in the three groups, respectively. Two types of headache were observed in cerebral angiography group and coronary intervention group, one during and one after the procedure, while only postoperative headache was observed in extremities arterial intervention group. Previous headache history was a risk factor for headache in the three groups (p = 0.003 in cerebral angiography group, p = 0.006 in coronary intervention group, and p = 0.016 in extremities arterial intervention group). In addition, female (p = 0.008) was a risk factor for cerebral angiography group. Headache characteristics were described in detail. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic criteria for 6.7.2 angiography headache in ICHD-3 may miss a number of cerebral AH with onset later than 24 h after the procedure. Therefore, it is recommended to revise it according to the literature and further studies. The incidence of headache was high during and after angiography and interventional procedure. It was suggested that the definition of headache due to coronary intervention and headache due to extremities arterial intervention should be added in ICHD.

Prostaglandin D2 synthase/prostaglandin D2/TWIST2 signaling inhibits breast cancer proliferation.

Though the past few years have witnessed exciting achievements in targeted and immunotherapeutic treatments of all breast cancer subtypes, yet the decline in breast cancer mortality has been slowed, urging the need for further expanding options of high-quality treatments. Prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGDS)/prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) play important roles in a variety of cancer types and show tissue-specificity, however, there are limited relevant reports in breast cancer. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of PTGDS/PGD2 in breast cancer by large-scale bioinformatic analysis and in vitro experiments conducted on human breast cancer cell lines. Results of our study indicated that patients with high levels of PTGDS expression showed a reduced potential of tumor proliferation. PGD2 treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells, which was mediated by the reduced expression of TWIST2. Overexpression of TWIST2 reversed the inhibitory effects of PGD2 on breast cancer cell proliferation. These results provided the novel evidence that PTGDS may play a significant role in modulating breast cancer growth, with implications for its potential use in treating breast cancer.

A strain of highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus: genomic characterization, pathogenicity, and construction of an infectious full-length cDNA clone.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), which inflicts major economic losses on the global pig farming industry. Based on its similarity to highly pathogenic strains, the GDzj strain isolated in this study was predicted to be highly pathogenic. We therefore analyzed the pathogenicity of this strain experimentally in piglets. All piglets challenged with this virus experienced fever or high fever, loss of appetite, decreased food intake, daily weight loss, shortness of breath, and listlessness, and the necropsy results showed that they had experienced severe interstitial pneumonia. We then used the BAC system to construct a full-length cDNA infectious clone of GDzj, and the rescued virus displayed in vitro proliferation characteristics similar to those of the parental PRRSV strain. In summary, we successfully isolated a highly pathogenic PRRSV strain and constructed a full-length infectious cDNA clone from it, thereby providing an effective reverse genetics platform for further study of viral pathogenesis.

Porcine circovirus type 3 capsid protein induces NF-κB activation and upregulates pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in HEK-293T cells.

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) has been widely detected throughout the world since it was first discovered on pig farms in 2015. PCV3 is closely associated with cardiac and multisystem inflammation, respiratory disease, congenital tremors, myocarditis, diarrhea, encephalitis and neurologic disease, and periarteritis. However, there have been few reports on the relationship between PCV3 and inflammatory pathways. The NF-κB signaling pathway plays an important role in the defense against viral infection. Here, we demonstrate that the capsid protein (Cap) of PCV3 plays a key role in the activation of NF-κB signaling in HEK-293T cells. Furthermore, PCV3 Cap promotes the mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL6 and TNFα. In addition, PCV3 Cap promotes RIG-I and MDA5 mRNA expression in RIG-like receptor (RLR) signaling and MyD88 mRNA expression in Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling but does not influence TRIF mRNA expression in TLR signaling. These results show that PCV3 Cap activates NF-κB signaling, possibly through the RLR and the TLR signaling pathways. This work illustrates that PCV3 Cap activates NF-κB signaling and thus may provide a basis for the pathogenesis of PCV3 and the innate immunity of the host.

Genetic variation analysis of Type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in Guangdong Province from 2016 to 2018.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a notable threat to the pig industry. Long-term epidemiological investigations and genetic variation analyses of PRRSV isolates benefit PRRSV prevention and control. In our study, 43 PRRSV strains were  successfully isolated from the lungs of sick pigs, and the genetic variations of these isolates were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates belonged to PRRSV2 and that lineage 8 (8.7) subgroup III strains remained the dominant type circulating in South China. In addition, sequence alignment analysis identified many novel deletions and mutations in the Nsp2 and GP5 genes. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis showed that highly frequent recombination events of PRRSV between different lineages might occur in Guangdong Province. These results may help to elucidate the epidemiology and genetic variation of PRRSV isolates in Guangdong Province. Keywords: GP5; Nsp2; phylogenetic analysis; sequence alignment; porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV).

Genome-wide analysis of long noncoding RNA profiles in Vero cells infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is an acute enteric disease caused by porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). In China, variant PEDV causes severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration in piglets, leading to very high morbidity and mortality. However, the pathogenesis of PEDV is still not fully understood. In our study, we analyzed the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA expression profiles of PEDV GDgh16 in infected Vero cells at 60 h postinfection. A total of 61,790 annotated mRNAs, 14,247 annotated lncRNAs and 1290 novel lncRNAs were identified. A total of 227 annotated lncRNAs and 13 novel lncRNAs were significantly and differentially expressed after viral infection. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) databases were used to identify genes adjacent to the lncRNAs, and it was found that these lncRNAs were enriched in pathways related to immune and antiviral responses. Next, we selected candidate lncRNAs and their predicted target genes for study. RT-qPCR demonstrated that these lncRNAs and genes were differentially expressed after PEDV infection. Our study investigated the function of lncRNAs involved in PEDV infection, providing new insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of PEDV.

Prevalence and genetic characteristics of Cronobacter spp. from food and human clinical stool samples in Wenzhou, China 2008-2018.

Pathogenic Cronobacter species are responsible for life-threatening illness in neonates. A ten-year comprehensive survey was conducted to examine the population structure and antimicrobial resistant patterns of Cronobacter isolates from food (n = 78) and clinical (n = 12) sources in Wenzhou, China. A total of 90 (4.4%) isolates were recovered from 2051 collected samples. The occurrence of Cronobacter spp. was highest in spices with a rate of 22% (26/119), whereas the lowest contamination rate of 1% was found in powered infant and toddler formula (7/494), special medical infant formula (1/95) and human stool samples (12/1024). Cronobacter strains revealed a high degree of genetic diversity among the isolates tested. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) distinguished 75 clonal groups, and the biggest cluster consisted of four strains. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) method displayed 43 sequence types (STs), of which ST1, ST4, ST8, ST64, ST148 and ST201 were most frequently identified. Meanwhile, two new sequence types were discovered and added to the PubMLST international database. Resistance to ceftriaxone, cefotaxiv, amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefoxitin, tetracycline, streptomycin, azithromycin, chloramphenicol, as well as multidrug resistance, was noted. Taken together, this large-scale surveillance study highlights the wide dissemination and diverse molecular features of Cronobacter spp. in Wenzhou China.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus nsp4 induces pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression inhibiting viral replication in vitro.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes severe economic loss in the pig industry each year. To better understand the relationship between cytokines and PEDV replication, in this study, pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression profiles in Vero cells infected with PEDV were analyzed. Real-time quantitative PCR assay indicated that IL-1α, IL-1ß, TNF-α, CCL2, CCL5 and CXCL8 expression levels were significantly upregulated. Moreover, overexpression and siRNA silencing assays showed that overexpression of IL-1α, IL-1ß, TNF-α, CCL2, CCL5 and CXCL8 could significantly inhibit PEDV replication, while silencing of IL-1α, IL-1ß, TNF-α, CCL2, CCL5 and CXCL8 could significantly promote PEDV replication. Finally, a dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that nsp4 contributed to the expression of IL-1α, IL-1ß, TNF-α, CCL2, CCL5 and CXCL8 via the NF-κB pathway. Together, these data determined that PEDV nsp4 could upregulate pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression, inhibiting viral replication in vitro. These results provided novel insights for understanding the roles of cytokines in PEDV replication.

Isolated lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the central nervous system: A case report and literature review.

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is an angiocentric and angiodestructive lymphoproliferative disease which can involve multiple organs of the body and is most common in the lungs. Its pathological features are proliferation of large atypical B-cells related to Epstein-Barr virus, T-cell infiltration and tissue necrosis. This disease is rare, and LYG which uniquely involves the central nervous system (CNS) is extremely rare. In this paper, we report a case of isolated lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the CNS (iCNS-LYG) diagnosed by histological biopsy and we review the clinical features of all similar cases reported in the past 46 years. A total of 49 cases of iCNS-LYG have been reported to date. The clinical, imaging and pathological features of iCNS-LYG are discussed in combination with a literature review.

Genetic Analysis of Neisseria meningitidis Sequence Type 7 Serogroup X Originating from Serogroup A.

Neisseria meningitidis causes meningococcal disease, often resulting in fulminant meningitis, sepsis, and death. Vaccination programs have been developed to prevent infection of this pathogen, but serogroup replacement is a problem. Capsular switching has been an important survival mechanism for N. meningitidis, allowing the organism to evolve in the present vaccine era. However, related mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. Genetic analysis of capsular switching between diverse serogroups would help further our understanding of this pathogen. In this study, we analyzed the genetic characteristics of the sequence type 7 (ST-7) serogroup X strain that was predicted to arise from ST-7 serogroup A at the genomic level. By comparing the genomic structures and sequences, ST-7 serogroup X was closest to ST-7 serogroup A, whereas eight probable recombination regions, including the capsular gene locus, were identified. This indicated that serogroup X originated from serogroup A by recombination leading to capsular switching. The recombination involved approximately 8,540 bp from the end of the ctrC gene to the middle of the galE gene. There were more recombination regions and strain-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms in serogroup X than in serogroup A genomes. However, no specific gene was found for each serogroup except those in the capsule gene locus.

Genetic characterization of 11 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus isolates in South China from 2014 to 2015.

BACKGROUND: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has leaded to an enormous loss per year to the swine industry, its etiology porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a highly mutated virus in pigs. To fully understand the genetic characteristics of PRRSV genome in South China, this study collected the lung samples infected with PRRSV in Guangdong and Hainan province from 2014 to 2015 and tried to isolate the PRRSV. Finally, the complete genomes of isolated strains were sequenced and analyzed. METHODS: Virus isolation was performed in MARC-145 cells. The 13 fragments of PRRSV genome were amplified by RT-PCR and the complete PRRSV genome sequence was obtained by SeqMan program of DNASTAR7.0 software. Nucleotide and deduced amino acid (AA) sequences of NSP2 and ORF5 were aligned using the MegAlign program of DNASTAR7.0 software to determine sequence homology. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA5.2 software with the neighbor-joining method to analyze the evolutionary relationship. RESULTS: 11 PRRSV strains were isolated in South China from 2014 to 2015. All the isolated strains clustered into subgenotype V along with the HP-PRRSV representative strains JXA1, HuN4 and JXwn06. The subgenotype V was furtherly divided into two groups. AA sequence alignment analysis indicated that all the isolated strains had 1 AA deletion and 29 AA continuous deletion at position 481 and 533-561. Notably, GDHY strain had another 120 AA continuous deletion at position 629-748. All the isolated strains had an A137S mutation in the residue A137 of GP5 which was considered to differentiate vaccine strains. All the isolated strains had a L39I mutation in the primary neutralizing epitope (PNE) of GP5. Except GDHZ had a N34T mutation, all the other isolated strains had conserved N30, N44 and N51 glycosylation sites in the four potential N-glycosylation sites (N30, N34, N44 and N51) of GP5. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the prevalent strains in this region were highly pathogenic PRRS virus-like. Moreover, one new strain having another 120 amino acids continuous deletion except the discontinuous 30 (29+1) amino acids deletion in NSP2 region had emerged. Besides, the isolated strains had extensive amino acids substitutions in the putative signal, extravirion and intravirion regions of GP5. These results showed that PRRSV has undergone extensive variation in South China, providing some theoretical basis for researching effective vaccince to better controling the PRRSV in this area.