A high-power long lifetime beam dump for the Thomson scattering diagnostic system in the XuanLong-50 experiment.

The Energy iNNovation's XuanLong-50 is a spherical torus experiment with up to 10 s plasma operation duration. A 3 J/50 Hz pulsed laser is used in the Thomson scattering diagnostic system that is developed to measure the time evolutions of plasma electron temperature and density profiles. The expected laser pulse number is about 7.5 × 106/year with a power load of 150 W. To meet at least 1-year lifetime requirement, a Chevron type beam dump with polished molybdenum plates is designed and fabricated, which absorbs the laser beam energy in a 3D structure to reduce the laser fluence deposited on the material surface. To prevent the backscattered stray light from interfering with the Thomson scattering measurements, a 7.5 m beam path with folding mirrors is set between the beam dump and the plasma scattering volumes. Details of the beam dump design procedure including the laser beam profile control, multi-pulse laser damage threshold, heat dissipation, Zemax modeling, folding mirror selection, and beam path enclosure are presented together with the testing results.

Thomson scattering diagnostic system for the XuanLong-50 experiment.

A 15-point Thomson scattering diagnostic system is developed for ENN's spherical torus experiment XuanLong-50 (EXL-50). A BeamTech laser with 3 J/pulse (1064 nm wavelength) at 50 Hz repetition rate is chosen for measurements during EXL-50 plasma operations. To enable measurements at low density (∼0.5 × 1018 m-3) plasma operations, the opto-mechanical subsystems are carefully designed to maximize the collection and transmission of the scattered light and to minimize the stray light level. In addition, the high bandwidth trans-impedance amplifiers and segmented high speed waveform digitizers allow for the application of muti-pulse averaging to further improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Details of the diagnostic system are described and initial experimental results are presented.

Randomized controlled study of a diagnosis and treatment plan for moderate coronavirus disease 2019 that integrates Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of a diagnosis and treatment plan for moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that integrates traditional Chinese (TCM) and western medicine. METHODS: One hundred twenty patients with moderate COVID-19 were randomized 1∶2 to the control group ( = 40) and experimental group ( = 80). Both groups received conventional western medicine treatment, and the experimental group also received TCM decoction. Over a 2-week period from diagnosis, we observed the time to clinical recovery (TTCR), rate of improvement on lung computed tomography (CT) imaging, time to defervescence, cough remission time, hospital discharge rate, average hospitalization stay, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale score, clinical cure rate, laboratory findings, incidence of progression to severe or critical disease, and adverse events. RESULTS: Among 120 enrolled patients, 108 completed the study. The baseline data did not differ between the experimental and control groups (all > 0.05). After treatment, the TTCR, rate of lung CT imaging improvement, time to defervescence, cough remission time, hospital discharge rate, average hospitalization stay (among discharged patients), mMRC scale score, clinical cure rate, and rates of normal values for laboratory findings were better in the experimental group than in the control group ( < 0.05 or < 0.01). The incidence of progression to severe or critical disease and the incidence of adverse events did not differ between the two groups ( > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and treatment plan integrating Chinese and western medicine showed improved clinical efficacy compared with western medicine alone for patients with moderate COVID-19 and is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

[The relationship between fasting blood glucose level and thromboembolism events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation].

Objective: To explore the relationship between fasting blood glucose level and thromboembolism events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods: This was an observational study based on data from a multicenter, prospective Chinese atrial fibrillation registry cohort, which included 18 703 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in 31 hospitals in Beijing from August 2011 to December 2018. Patients were divided into 5 groups according to status of comorbid diabetes and fasting glucose levels at admission: normal blood glucose (normal glucose group), pre-diabetes group, strict glycemic control group, average glycemic control group and poor glycemic control group. Patients were followed up by telephone or outpatient service every 6 months. The primary follow-up endpoint was thromboembolic events, including ischemic stroke and systemic embolism. The secondary endpoint was the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death and thromboembolic events. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multifactorial Cox regression were used to analyze the correlation between fasting glucose levels and endpoint events. Results: The age of 18 703 patients with NVAF was (63.8±12.0) years, and there were 11 503 (61.5%) male patients. There were 11 877 patients (63.5%) in normal blood glucose group, 2 023 patients (10.8%)in pre-diabetes group, 1 131 patients (6.0%) in strict glycemic control group, 811 patients in average glycemic control group and 2 861 patients(4.3%) in poor glycemic control group. Of the 4 803 diabetic patients, 1 131 patients (23.5%) achieved strict glycemic control, of whom 328 (29.0%) were hypoglycemic (fasting blood glucose level<4.4 mmol/L at admission). During a mean follow-up of (51±23) months (up to 82 months), thromboembolic events were reported in 984 patients (5.3%). The survival curve analysis of Kaplan Meier showed that the incidence rates of thromboembolic events in normal glucose group, pre-diabetes group, strict glycemic control group, average glycemic control group and poor glycemic control group were 1.10/100, 1.41/100, 2.09/100, 1.46/100 and 1.71/100 person-years, respectively (χ²=53.0, log-rank P<0.001). The incidence rates of composite endpoint events were 1.86/100, 2.17/100, 4.08/100, 2.58/100, 3.16/100 person-years (χ²=72.3, log-rank P<0.001). The incidence of thromboembolic events and composite endpoint events in the other four groups were higher than that in the normal blood glucose group (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that compared with normal glucose group, the risk of thromboembolism increased in pre-diabetes group(HR=1.23, 95%CI 1.00-1.51, P=0.049), strict glycemic control group(HR=1.32, 95%CI 1.06-1.65, P=0.013) and poor glycemic control group(HR=1.26, 95%CI 1.01-1.58, P=0.044). Conclusion: Both high or low fasting glucose may be an independent risk factor for thromboembolic events in patients with NVAF.

Differential antibody responses in sows and finishing pigs naturally infected with African swine fever virus under field conditions.

Antibody profile of pigs naturally infected with a virulent African swine fever virus (ASFV) strain under field conditions was studied. Twenty-three serum samples were collected from pigs surviving a natural ASFV infection: 17 samples from finishing pigs (∼7 months old) and 6 samples from sows (between 12 and 36 months old). Additionally, 24 serum samples were collected from ASFV-naïve pigs to serve as negative controls. All sera from ASFV-surviving pigs tested positive while all sera from control pigs tested negative by two different commercial ELISA kits. Antibody reactivity of each serum sample was simultaneously measured against six selected ASFV antigens including p12, p32, p54, pp62, C-type lectin and CD2v. All ASFV-surviving pigs had antibody against p32, p54 and pp62 while 91.3% surviving pigs had antibody against p12. Only small portions of ASFV-surviving pigs exhibited antibodies against C-type lectin (34.8%) and CD2v (26.1%). While antibodies against p12, p32, p54 and pp62 were similarly detected in both finishing pigs and sows, antibodies against C-type lectin and CD2v were mainly detected in sows but not in finishing pigs. These results suggest a differential humoral immune response to ASFV infection in sows and finishing pigs. Further studies are needed to better understand the nature of immune responses to ASFV infection in different pig populations.

[Feasibility and safety of intracardiac ultrasound-assisted atrial septal puncture during radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation].

Objective: To explore the feasibility and safety of intracardiac ultrasound-assisted atrial septal puncture (ASP) during radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. Methods: We enrolled 241 consecutive patients scheduled to radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from July to September 2020. Inclusion criteria: patients aged over 18 years with a clear electrocardiogram record of atrial fibrillation. Patients were divided into 2 groups: ASP with ultrasound-assisted X-ray (ultrasound group, n=123), ASP under X-ray alone (X-ray group, n=118). Clinical features of patients including age, sex, percent of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and repeat ablation, CHA2DS2-VASc score and past history (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), valve diseases) and echocardiographic parameters (left atrial dimension, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension) were obtained and compared. The first-pass rate, radiation exposure time, duration of ASP, and complications of ASP were also compared between the two groups. Results: The age of patients in this cohort was (62.5±8.0) years, and the proportion of males was 57.0% (n=138). Among them, the proportion of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was 56.0% (n=135), and the ratio of repeat ablation was 17.8% (n=43). Age, sex, percent of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus were similar between the two groups. The first-pass rate was significantly higher in the ultrasound group than in the X-ray group (94.3% (116/123) vs. 79.7% (94/118), P=0.001); the exposure time of X-ray was significantly shorter in the ultrasound group than in the X-ray group ((31.3±7.9) s vs. (124.8±35.7) s, P<0.001), while the duration of ASP was longer in the ultrasound group ((10.1±1.8) minutes vs. (8.2±1.3) minutes, P<0.001). In terms of complications, the incidence of puncture into the pericardium was lower in the ultrasound group (0 vs.3.4% (4/118), P=0.039); the rate of transient ST-segment elevation post ASP was similar between the ultrasound group and X-ray group (2.4% (3/123) vs. 1.7% (2/118), P=0.999). Conclusion: Intracardiac ultrasound-assisted atrial septal puncture can effectively improve the accuracy of atrial septal puncture, shorten the radiation exposure time, and reduce the complications related to atrial septal puncture.

MiR-126 on mice with coronary artery disease by targeting S1PR2.

OBJECTIVE: To screen the differentially expressed micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in the serum of coronary atherosclerosis patients, and to investigate their possible mechanisms of action. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The differentially expressed serum miRNAs were screened from 3 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and 3 healthy controls using miRNA expression profiles, which were verified using low-throughput quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. 60 apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-/- mice were divided into model group, agomir-126 group, agomir-control (con) group, and antagomir-126 group using a random number table. They were fed with high-fat diets (21% fat and 0.15% cholesterol) ad libitum for 15 weeks to establish the mouse model of CAD. Then, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was applied to detect the impact of miR-126 expression level on the tissue morphology in the thoracic aortic region. The influences of miR-126 expression level on the secretion levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), and IL-10 were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blotting assay was performed to examine the effects of miR-126 expression level on the expression levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VACM-1) in the tissues of the thoracic aortic region of the mice. The correlation between miR-126 expression level and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) in the serum of CAD patients and animal models was analyzed by the Pearson correlation coefficient method. The targets of miR-126 were predicted using the bioinformatics method, and the direct targets were verified through investigations. Western blotting assay and ELISA were adopted to detect the impacts of miR-126 expression level on the expression and secretion levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-10 in S1P + oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Lentivirus-small hairpin RNA (shRNA) was utilized to knock down the expression level of S1RP2 to determine whether miR-126 affected the increase in the inflammation level in S1P + ox-LDL-induced HUVECs by targeting S1RP2. RESULTS: Compared with those in control group, 4 miRNAs (miR-126, miR-206, miR-4297, and miR-3646) in the serum of CAD patients exhibited the most significant expression differences, which increased by 6.72, 7.11, 13.57, and 21.22 times, respectively. The verification results of low-throughput RT-qPCR assay indicated that there were remarkable changes in the expression levels of the 4 selected miRNAs with differential expressions in comparison with those in control group, displaying statistically significant differences (p<0.01). The results of HE staining manifested that the coronary atherosclerotic plaques were reduced markedly in agomir-126 group, while notably more coronary atherosclerotic plaques were formed in the thoracic aortic region in antagomir-126 group. Meanwhile, the elevated expression level of miR-126 evidently lowered the expressions of serum TNF-α and IL-1ß, but significantly increased the expression of IL-10 in the mouse model of CAD. According to the analysis results of the Pearson correlation coefficient method, the miR-126 expression level was negatively correlated with S1PR2 expression level in the serum of both CAD patients and animal models (r=-0.6123, r=-5.37). It was shown in bioinformatics prediction and luciferase reporter gene assay that miR-126 negatively regulated the S1PR2 expression by targeting the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of S1PR2 messenger RNA (mRNA). In the in vitro inflammation model, the increased expression level of miR-126 could relieve the inflammation in cells induced by S1P + ox-LDL. Based on the results of both Western blotting assay and ELISA, the differences in the expression and secretion levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-10, as well as the expression levels of signaling molecules of the NF-κB signaling pathway, in the cells were not statistically significant among miR-126 mimic treatment group, sh-S1PR2 group, and miR-126 mimic + sh-S1PR2 group, indicating that miR-126 affects the inflammation level in HUVECs by targeting S1PR2. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-126 represses the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in the mice by binding to S1PR2. The results of this research may propose a new mechanism of miR-126 in exerting its therapeutic effects and possess potential value for the treatment of CAD in the future.

Oncolytic Viruses for Tumor Precision Imaging and Radiotherapy.

In 2003 in China, Peng et al. invented the recombinant adenovirus expressing p53 (Gendicine) for clinical tumor virotherapy. This was the first clinically approved gene therapy and tumor virotherapy drug in the world. An oncolytic herpes simplex virus expressing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (Talimogene laherparepvec) was approved for melanoma treatment in the United States in 2015. Since then, oncolytic viruses have been attracting more and more attention in the field of oncology, and may become novel significant modalities of tumor precision imaging and radiotherapy after further improvement. Oncolytic viruses carrying reporter genes can replicate and express genes of interest selectively in tumor cells, thus improving in vivo noninvasive precision molecular imaging and radiotherapy. Here, the latest developments and molecular mechanisms of tumor imaging and radiotherapy using oncolytic viruses are reviewed, and perspectives are given for further research. Various types of tumors are discussed, and special attention is paid to gastrointestinal tumors.

[Molluscicidal effect of suspension concentrate of niclosamide ethanolamine salt].

Objective To evaluate the molluscicidal effect of suspension concentrate of niclosamide ethanolamine salt (SCNE) against Oncomelania hupensis snails in laboratory and field. Methods The experiment of SCNE against the snails by using the immersing and spraying methods was performed in laboratory and field, with control groups of wettable powder of niclosamide ethanolamine salt (WPN). Results In the laboratory, LC50(s) of SCNE for 24, 48 h and 72 h by using the immersion method were 0.092 6, 0.062 9 mg/L and 0.054 9 mg/L, respectively. The mortality rates of snails for 24, 48 h and 72 h by using the immersion method were all 100% with the concentrations of 0.25 mg/L. The mortality rates of snails were all 100% while spraying SCNE for 3 d in the laboratory with the concentrations of 0.25 g/m2. In Jiangling County, except 0.5 g/m3 SCNE immersing the snails for 24 h, the mortality rates of snails by using SCNE with the immersing method were all 100%. While the concentration of SCNE was 0.5 g/m3 or above, the mortality rates were all 100% after the use of it with the immersion method for 2 d in Gong'an County. In Jiangling County, the mortality rates of snails by using SCNE 0.5 g/m3 for 1 d, 3 d, and 7 d with the spraying method were 87.5%, 92.82% and 97.40% respectively. While the concentration of SCNE was 0.5 g/m3, the mortality rates were 85.94%, 86.78% and 94.21% respectively after the use of it with the spraying method for 1 d, 3 d, 7 d in Gong'an County, and the molluscicidal effect of SCNE (1.0 g/m2) was higher than that of WPN. Conclusion SCNE has a high molluscicidal effect in the laboratory and field, and it is a novel and simple formulation of niclosamide.

The surgical treatment of three young chronic subdural hematoma patients with different causes.

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), which rarely happens in the young, is thought to be a disease of the elderly. Whereas unspecific symptoms and insidious onset in juveniles and young adults, as a result of its relative low morbidity, CSDH is usually neglected even undertreated in the young. Through the three cases and review of the current literature on this subject, we tried to illustrate the clinical and etiopathological characteristics of this entity and find out the most appropriate treatment strategy. We report three young CSDH patients with different but similar symptoms. The present histories, tests and examinations revealed different predisposing factors accounting for the genesis of CSDH. Their preoperative symptoms were all resolved with burr hole and drainage operation. Juveniles and young adults suffering from CSDH differ from that of their elderly counterparts in their clinical and etiopathological characteristics. Although trauma is the most important risk factor in young and old CSDH patients, some other predisposing factors may exist. Burr hole and drainage surgery could resolve the problem most of the time. But further tests and examinations even specific management should be made in some cases.

The Surgical Treatment of Three Young Chronic Subdural Hematoma Patients with Different Causes

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), which rarely happens in the young, is thought to be a disease of the elderly. Whereas unspecific symptoms and insidious onset in juveniles and young adults, as a result of its relative low morbidity, CSDH is usually neglected even undertreated in the young. Through the three cases and review of the current literature on this subject, we tried to illustrate the clinical and etiopathological characteristics of this entity and find out the most appropriate treatment strategy. We report three young CSDH patients with different but similar symptoms. The present histories, tests and examinations revealed different predisposing factors accounting for the genesis of CSDH. Their preoperative symptoms were all resolved with burr hole and drainage operation. Juveniles and young adults suffering from CSDH differ from that of their elderly counterparts in their clinical and etiopathological characteristics. Although trauma is the most important risk factor in young and old CSDH patients, some other predisposing factors may exist. Burr hole and drainage surgery could resolve the problem most of the time. But further tests and examinations even specific management should be made in some cases.

P2X7 purinoceptors contribute to the death of Schwann cells transplanted into the spinal cord.

The potential to use Schwann cells (SCs) in neural repair for patients suffering from neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases is well recognized. However, significant cell death after transplantation hinders the clinical translation of SC-based therapies. Various factors may contribute to the death of transplanted cells. It is known that prolonged activation of P2X7 purinoceptors (P2X7R) can lead to death of certain types of cells. In this study, we show that rat SCs express P2X7R and exposure of cultured SCs to high concentrations of ATP (3-5 mM) or a P2X7R agonist, 2'(3')-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)ATP (BzATP) induced significant cell death rapidly. High concentrations of ATP and BzATP increased ethidium uptake by SCs, indicating increased membrane permeability to large molecules, a typical feature of prolonged P2X7R activation. SC death, as well as ethidium uptake, induced by ATP was blocked by an irreversible P2X7R antagonist oxidized ATP (oxATP) or a reversible P2X7R antagonist A438079. oxATP also significantly inhibits the increase of intracellular free calcium induced by minimolar ATP concentrations. Furthermore, ATP did not cause death of SCs isolated from P2X7R-knockout mice. All these results suggest that P2X7R is responsible for ATP-induced SC death in vitro. When rat SCs were treated with oxATP before transplantation into uninjured rat spinal cord, 35% more SCs survived than untreated SCs 1 week after transplantation. Moreover, 58% more SCs isolated from P2X7R-knockout mice survived after being transplanted into rat spinal cord than SCs from wild-type mice. This further confirms that P2X7R is involved in the death of transplanted SCs. These results indicate that targeting P2X7R on SCs could be a potential strategy to improve the survival of transplanted cells. As many other types of cells, including neural stem cells, also express P2X7R, deactivating P2X7R may improve the survival of other types of transplanted cells.

Anionic polymer compound bioflocculant as a coagulant aid with aluminum sulfate and titanium tetrachloride.

The objectives of this study are to investigate the impacts of anionic polymer compound bioflocculant (CBF) as a coagulant aid on coagulation performance and floc characteristics with titanium tetrachloride (TiCl(4)) and aluminum sulfate (Al(2)(SO(4))(3)). The effect of dosing sequence was also investigated. Floc size, breakage, regrowth and floc fractal dimension were examined using a laser diffraction instrument. The results showed that CBF with TiCl(4) or Al(2)(SO(4))(3) coagulants exhibited synergistic effects by promoting dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal. For both TiCl(4) and Al(2)(SO(4))(3), the floc recoverability was improved by CBF addition, and the flocs formed by TiCl(4) and the corresponding dual-coagulants showed weaker recovery ability than those by Al(2)(SO(4))(3) and the corresponding dual-coagulants. Fractal dimension analysis demonstrated that the floc fractal dimension values increased with the increasing coagulant dose. The effect of CBF on fractal dimension of the flocs generated by TiCl(4) was different from that of Al(2)(SO(4))(3).

Two cytokine signaling molecules co-operate to promote axonal transport and growth.

The neuropoietic cytokines and their cytoplasmic signaling molecules contribute to axotomy-induced events in the nerve cell body that are beneficial to axonal regeneration. Previous studies have revealed a paradox in that, in vivo, suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS3) is induced in axotomized primary sensory neurons which are in a growth mode but, in vitro, SOCS3 strongly inhibits neurite growth from the same neurons. The present studies in cell lines with immuno-precipitation and western blotting, and Förstner resonance energy transfer showed that SOCS3 binds to the C terminus of C-Jun N-terminal kinase-interacting protein-1 (JIP1), increases its serine phosphorylation, and increases its binding to kinesin. Axonal transport was studied in vitro in adult rat primary sensory neurons by analyses of recovery of fluorescence after photobleaching and of the velocity and direction of movement of organelles. Over-expression of SOCS3 in addition to JIP1 had two consequences. First, recovery of fluorescence after photobleaching was more rapid and, second, JIP1-containing organelles moved more quickly and more frequently in retrograde direction. With respect to neurite outgrowth, SOCS3 alone was, as expected, strongly inhibitory but, in the presence of excess JIP1 augmented the stimulatory activity of the latter. The observations indicate that interactions between JIP1 and SOCS3 influence favorably axonal transport and growth in vitro.

Antisense oligonucleotides targeted against asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 block human hepatitis B virus replication.

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major worldwide public health problem. Better therapeutics and treatment strategies are urgently needed because of ineffective clinical treatment. Our previous study showed that asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGPR1) was upregulated by HBV but downregulated by lamivudine in HepG2.2.15 cells. It has also been reported that ASGPR is a candidate receptor for HBV attachment to hepatocytes. Therefore, as a major subunit of ASGPR, ASGPR1, might be a potential target for anti-HBV drugs. To validate this hypothesis, antisense oligonucleiotides (ASODNs) were used to downregulate ASGPR1 level in HepG2.2.15 cells. By using the MFOLD web server and BLAST searches, five ASODNs theoretically targeting ASGPR1 were selected. After 72 h post-transfection, HBV-DNA level in cell medium were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ASGPR1 mRNA and protein level were measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR and Western blot analysis respectively. The results showed that ASODN2 significantly downregulated ASGPR1 level. It also reduced HBV-DNA, HBsAg and HBeAg level in cell medium as observed with lamivudine. In contrast, the sense sequence and scrambled sequence of ASODN2 had no effect on ASGPR1 and HBV markers in HepG2.2.15 cells. This indicated that ASODN2 could specifically reduce HBV replication in vitro. Additionally, cell proliferation and apoptosis assay suggested that downregulation of ASGPR1 did not affect cell viability. We, therefore, proposed that ASODNs targeted against ASGPR1 could block HBV replication without the influence of other changes, and ASGPR1 could be targeted for anti-HBV drug development.

Double-antigen sandwich ELISA for detection of antibodies to SARS-associated coronavirus in human serum.

The study presented here was conducted to evaluate the performance of a double-antigen sandwich ELISA to detect antibodies in human serum against the coronavirus associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). A recombinant partial nucleocapsid protein of SARS-associated coronavirus was used as a serodiagnostic antigen in the ELISA. A total of 2892 clinical serum samples were tested with the ELISA kit, which positively identified 25 of 35 (71.4%) samples of patients with confirmed SARS infection, 286 of 407 (70%) samples of patients suspected of having SARS, 229 of 302 (75.8%) samples of convalescent SARS patients, and 0 of 544 samples obtained from healthcare workers; only 1 of 1604 clinical samples obtained from patients with other diseases demonstrated a weakly positive result. These results indicate that the double-antigen sandwich ELISA is an effective screening method for the serodiagnosis of SARS-associated coronavirus.

Differentially expressed cellular genes following HBV: potential targets of anti-HBV drugs?

The aim of the study was to screen for cellular genes that are differentially expressed following hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, in an attempt to identify potential targets of anti-HBV drugs. An oligonucleotide microarray containing 231 virus-infection-associated genes was prepared. Differential gene expression in HepG2.2.15 cells compared to control with HepG2 cells was analysed by this in-house microarray. The change in gene expression in HepG2.2.15 cells treated by lamivudine on days 4 and 8 after exposure was also studied. Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to comfirm the differentially expressed genes induced by HBV and lamivudine. There were 31 upregulated and four downregulated genes in HepG2.2.15 cells compared with the HepG2 control cells. Eleven genes were consistently altered by lamivudine at both time points. Of the 31 genes that were upregulated in HepG2.2.15 cells, there were seven genes which were downregulated by lamivudine. Of the four downregulated genes, there was one gene which was upregulated by lamivudine. Of the differentially expressed genes induced by HBV and lamivudine, the expression of five genes was confirmed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. These results shed new light on the effects of HBV and lamivudine on cellular gene expression. Differentially expressed genes induced by HBV and lamivudine could potentially become new anti-HBV drug targets in novel therapies.