[Analysis of the impact of health management measures for entry personnel on imported Dengue fever in Guangdong Province, 2020-2022].

Objective: To explore the impact of health management measures for entry personnel (entry management measures) against COVID-19 on the epidemiological characteristics of imported Dengue fever in Guangdong Province from 2020 to 2022. Methods: Data of imported Dengue fever from January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2022, mosquito density surveillance from 2016 to 2021, and international airline passengers and Dengue fever annual reported cases from 2011 to 2021 in Guangdong were collected. Comparative analysis was conducted to explore changes in the epidemic characteristics of imported Dengue fever before the implementation of entry management measures (from January 1, 2016 to March 20, 2020) and after the implementation (from March 21, 2020 to August 31, 2022). Results: From March 21, 2020, to August 31, 2022, a total of 52 cases of imported Dengue fever cases were reported, with an imported risk intensity of 0.12, which were lower than those before implementation of entry management measures (1 828, 5.29). No significant differences were found in the characteristics of imported cases before and after implementation of entry management measures, including seasonality, sex, age, career, and imported countries (all P>0.05). 59.62% (31/52) of cases were found at the centralized isolation sites and 38.46% (20/52) at the entry ports. However, before implementation of entry management measures, 95.08% (1 738/1 828) of cases were found in hospitals. Among 51 cases who had provided entry dates, 82.35% (42/51) and 98.04% (50/51) of cases were found within seven days and fourteen days after entry, slightly higher than before implementation [(72.69%(362/498) and 97.59% (486/498)]. There was significant difference between the monthly mean values of Aedes mosquito larval density (Bretto index) from 2020 to 2021 and those from 2016 to 2019 (Z=2.83, P=0.005). There is a strong positive correlation between the annual international airline passengers volume in Guangdong from 2011 to 2021 and the annual imported Dengue fever cases (r=0.94, P<0.001), and a positive correlation also existed between the international passenger volume and the annual indigenous Dengue fever cases (r=0.72, P=0.013). Conclusions: In Guangdong, the entry management measures of centralized isolation for fourteen days after entry from abroad had been implemented, and most imported Dengue fever cases were found within fourteen days after entry. The risk of local transmission caused by imported cases has reduced significantly.

PRINS Long Noncoding RNA Involved in IP-10-Mediated Allograft Rejection in Rat Kidney Transplant.

BACKGROUND: Previously, high levels of CXCR3+ T-cell recruitment was demonstrated in the prolonged ischemia-accelerated acute allograft rejection in rat kidney transplant. In the present study, the effect of chemokine IP-10 was investigated and the expression of chemokine-related PRINS (Psoriasis susceptibility-related RNA gene induced by stress) lncRNA determined in the allografts subjected to ischemia. METHODS: F344-to-Lewis rat kidney transplantation was performed, and renal grafts were stored for 2 hours or 16 hours. Samples were removed at 24 hours and 7 days after operation. Cellular infiltration was determined with the use of immunohistochemistry, and messenger RNA expression was assessed with the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The 16-hour-ischemia kidney displayed acute tubule damage and up-regulation of PRINS lncRNA expression. On day 7, IP-10 expression and CD3-positive T cells were increased in allografts compared with control samples, which were inhibited by the IP-10 antibody treatment accompanied by reduced serum creatinine. CONCLUSIONS: These observations provide evidence for IP-10 in a regulatory role in cold ischemia-elicited acute allograft rejection and in PRINS lncRNA expression. Our data enhance the understanding of the mechanism underlying between prolonged ischemia and acute rejection.

Expression of BAFF and BR3 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the expression of B cell activating factor (BAFF) and BAFF receptor in patients with disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Real-time RT-PCR was used to examine BAFF mRNA expression in peripheral blood monocytes of active and stable SLE patients and healthy controls. The percentage of BAFF receptor 3 (BR3) on B lymphocytes was measured by flow cytometry. Soluble BAFF levels in serum were assayed by ELISA. Microalbumin levels were assayed by an automatic immune analysis machine. BAFF mRNA and soluble BAFF levels were highest in the active SLE group, followed by the stable SLE group, and controls (P<0.01). The percentage of BR3 on B lymphocytes was downregulated in the active SLE group compared with the stable SLE group and controls (P<0.01). BAFF mRNA levels and soluble BAFF levels were higher in patients who were positive for proteinuria than in those who were negative (P<0.01). The percentage of BR3 on B lymphocytes was lower in patients who were positive for proteinuria than in those who were negative (P<0.01). The BAFF/BR3 axis may be over-activated in SLE patients. BAFF and BR3 levels may be useful parameters for evaluating treatment.

Expression of BAFF and BR3 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the expression of B cell activating factor (BAFF) and BAFF receptor in patients with disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Real-time RT-PCR was used to examine BAFF mRNA expression in peripheral blood monocytes of active and stable SLE patients and healthy controls. The percentage of BAFF receptor 3 (BR3) on B lymphocytes was measured by flow cytometry. Soluble BAFF levels in serum were assayed by ELISA. Microalbumin levels were assayed by an automatic immune analysis machine. BAFF mRNA and soluble BAFF levels were highest in the active SLE group, followed by the stable SLE group, and controls (P<0.01). The percentage of BR3 on B lymphocytes was downregulated in the active SLE group compared with the stable SLE group and controls (P<0.01). BAFF mRNA levels and soluble BAFF levels were higher in patients who were positive for proteinuria than in those who were negative (P<0.01). The percentage of BR3 on B lymphocytes was lower in patients who were positive for proteinuria than in those who were negative (P<0.01). The BAFF/BR3 axis may be over-activated in SLE patients. BAFF and BR3 levels may be useful parameters for evaluating treatment.

N-type calcium current, Cav2.2, is enhanced in small-diameter sensory neurons isolated from Nf1+/- mice.

Major aspects of neuronal function are regulated by Ca(2+) including neurotransmitter release, excitability, developmental plasticity, and gene expression. We reported previously that sensory neurons isolated from a mouse model with a heterozygous mutation of the Nf1 gene (Nf1+/-) exhibited both greater excitability and evoked release of neuropeptides compared to wildtype mice. Furthermore, augmented voltage-dependent sodium currents but not potassium currents contribute to the enhanced excitability. To determine the mechanisms giving rise to the enhanced release of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in the Nf1+/- sensory neurons, the potential differences in the total voltage-dependent calcium current (ICa) as well as the contributions of individual Ca(2+) channel subtypes were assessed. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from small-diameter capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons demonstrated that the average peak ICa densities were not different between the two genotypes. However, by using selective blockers of channel subtypes, the current density of N-type (Cav2.2) ICa was significantly larger in Nf1+/- neurons compared to wildtype neurons. In contrast, there were no significant differences in L-, P/Q- and R-type currents between the two genotypes. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction measurements made from the isolated but intact dorsal root ganglia indicated that N-type (Cav2.2) and P/Q-type (Cav2.1) Ca(2+) channels exhibited the highest mRNA expression levels although there were no significant differences in the levels of mRNA expression between the genotypes. These results suggest that the augmented N-type (Cav2.2) ICa observed in the Nf1+/- sensory neurons does not result from genomic differences but may reflect post-translational or some other non-genomic modifications. Thus, our results demonstrate that sensory neurons from Nf1+/- mice, exhibit increased N-type ICa and likely account for the increased release of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide that occurs in Nf1+/- sensory neurons.

Ras signaling pathways mediate NGF-induced enhancement of excitability of small-diameter capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons from wildtype but not Nf1+/- mice.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) activates multiple downstream effectors, including Ras, phosphoinositide-3 kinase, and sphingomyelins. However, pathway mediating the NGF-induced augmentation of sensory neuronal excitability remains largely unknown. We previously reported that small-diameter sensory neurons with a heterozygous mutation of the Nf1 gene (Nf1+/-) exhibited increased excitability. The protein product of the Nf1 gene is neurofibromin, a guanosine triphosphatase-activating protein (GAP) for p21ras (Ras) that accelerates the conversion of active Ras-GTP to inactive Ras-GDP. Thus, Nf1+/- cells have augmented basal and stimulated Ras activity. To investigate whether NGF-induced increases in excitability of small-diameter sensory neurons are dependent on Ras signaling, an antibody that blocks the activation of Ras, Y13-259, was perfused into the cell. Under these conditions, the enhanced excitability produced by NGF was suppressed in wildtype neurons but the excitability of Nf1+/- neurons was unaltered. In addition, expression of a dominant-negative form of Ras abolished the ability of NGF to increase the excitability of small-diameter sensory neurons. These results demonstrate that NGF enhances excitability of small-diameter sensory neurons in a Ras-dependent manner while the consequences of decreased expression of neurofibromin cannot be restored by blocking Ras signaling; suggesting that Ras-initiated signaling pathways can regulate both transcriptional and posttranslational control of ion channels important in neuronal excitability.

Augmented sodium currents contribute to the enhanced excitability of small diameter capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons isolated from Nf1+/⁻ mice.

Neurofibromin, the product of the Nf1 gene, is a guanosine triphosphatase activating protein (GAP) for p21ras (Ras) that accelerates conversion of active Ras-GTP to inactive Ras-GDP. Sensory neurons with reduced levels of neurofibromin likely have augmented Ras-GTP activity. We reported previously that sensory neurons isolated from a mouse model with a heterozygous mutation of the Nf1 gene (Nf1+/⁻) exhibited greater excitability compared with wild-type mice. To determine the mechanism giving rise to the augmented excitability, differences in specific membrane currents were examined. Consistent with the enhanced excitability of Nf1+/⁻ neurons, peak current densities of both tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium current (TTX-R I(Na)) and TTX-sensitive (TTX-S) I(Na) were significantly larger in Nf1+/⁻ than in wild-type neurons. Although the voltages for half-maximal activation (V(0.5)) were not different, there was a significant depolarizing shift in the V(0.5) for steady-state inactivation of both TTX-R and TTX-S I(Na) in Nf1+/⁻ neurons. In addition, levels of persistent I(Na) were significantly larger in Nf1+/⁻ neurons. Neither delayed rectifier nor A-type potassium currents were altered in Nf1+/⁻ neurons. These results demonstrate that enhanced production of action potentials in Nf1+/⁻ neurons results, in part, from larger current densities and a depolarized voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation for I(Na) that potentially leads to a greater availability of sodium channels at voltages near the firing threshold for the action potential.

Preparation and characterization of straight and zigzag AlN nanowires.

Hexagonal single-crystal AlN nanowires with straight or zigzag morphologies were successfully synthesized by the reaction of aluminum alloy in an ammonia/nitrogen atmosphere at 1100 degrees C. It is found that the crystal tropism of the nanowires is along [0001], whereas the growth directions of the zigzag nanowires shift between [2111] and [2111].

[Relationship between hemolymph phenol oxidase and melanization of oocysts of Plasmodium yoelii in Anopheles stephensi].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the hemolymph phenol oxidase and melanization of oocysts. METHODS: Anopheles stephensi-Plasmodium yoelii system was used to determine the activity of monophenol oxidase (MPO) and o-diphenol oxidase (o-DPO) in the hemolymph collected from 4 groups of mosquitoes by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) followed by density scanning. The 4 groups of mosquitoes were: non-blood-fed (N), normal-blood-fed (B), infected-blood-fed (I) and nitroquine-administrated (D), respectively. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the activities of MPO and o-DPO between groups N and B. The activities of MPO and o-DPO were not obviously modified in group I, but were significantly increased on day 10 and decreased on day 15 after blood feeding in the group D as compared with those in the groups N and B. CONCLUSION: The alteration in the mosquito hemolymph PO activity coincided at each time point with the melanization of Plasmodium yoelii oocysts.

[Analysis of Pagumogonimus skrjabini antigen and its application in serodiagnosis].

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the soluble antigens of different developmental stages of Pagumogonimus skrjabini and develop a specific and sensitive serodiagnostic method for pagumogonimiasis. METHODS: The soluble antigens of P. skrjabini of various stages were separated by SDS-PAGE. The specific antigen of the adult fluke was recognized immunologically by immunoblot assay. The protein bands between 10-30 kDa purified by SDS-PAGE and electrophoretic elution were used in dot-ELISA. RESULTS: Using dot-ELISA, the soluble antigens of adult were recognized by sera infected with P. skrjabini. More reactive bands appeared at 10-30 kDa, but major protein bands were at 22, 24 and 26 kDa. However, using sera from patients infected with other trematodes including schistosome and Clonorchis, cross-reaction bands appeared within 60 to 90 kDa. When compared with ELISA of crude adult antigens for detecting 28 suspected patients, there was no significant difference between the two methods. The sera of 38 patients with other diseases were also detected by the two tests. No cross-reaction occurred with the purified adult antigen dot-ELISA while 13.2% (5/38) of the sera cross-reacted in ELISA of crude adult antigens. CONCLUSION: Dot-ELISA using 10-30 kDa antigen might be a specific and sensitive serodiagnostic method for diagnoing pagumogonimiasis.

[Observation on the persistence period and transmission of residual microfilaremia with medium and higher density].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the persistence period of medium and higher density of microfilaremia and its role in the transmission of filariasis in areas with filariasis basically eradicated. METHODS: The residual microfilaremia was followed up and the population were regularly examined by thick blood film assay. Culex quinquefaciatus were dissected to determine the natural infection rate and density of filarial larvae. The filarial antibody levels were detected by using IFAT. RESULTS: Two cases with medium and higher density of microfilaremia were found to be microfilaremia positive for twelve years. The natural infection rate and density of filarial larvae in Culex quinquefasciatus dropped down year by year, one case of new microfilaremia was found in the sixteenth year. CONCLUSION: The persistence period of residual medium and higher density of microfilaremia lasted for more than twelve years. The individual residual medium and higher density of microfilaremia cases still possess the potential for transmission of filariasis.

[Treatment of chronic renal failure with Oenothera beinnis L in rats with subtotal nephrectomy].

The effect of orally administered Oenothera Biennis L on chronic renal failure was studied in the partially nephrectomized rats. As compared with the control groups, the group treated with Oenothera showed the following features. 1) Urine protein excretion was reduced; 2) Level of serum cholesterol decreased; 3) Scr maintained the same level as before treatment; 4) Level of PGE1 and PGE2 increased both in renal cortex and medulla; 5) 6-keto PGF1 alpha increased in cortex; 6) Increased TXB2 production was only observed 4 weeks after nephrectomy; 7) Glomerular lesions were more severe in control group. It is concluded that Oenothera Biennis L has beneficial effect on the remnant kidney and may be useful as a kind of conservative treatment for chronic renal failure.

[Effect of Poly I:C on the sporozoite invasion and the development of exoerythrocytic forms of Plasmodium yoelii yoelii in rats].

When Wistar rats were given intravenously with Poly I:C 5 mg/kg 18 h before sporozoite inoculation, the density of exoerythrocytic forms (EEF) in the rat liver 42 h after inoculation was markedly decreased, the sporozoite viability being only 5-12% of that of the controls. However, the size and maturation rate of EEF were all normal. When Poly I:C was given 2 h after sporozoite inoculation, the sporozoite viability and the size and the maturation rate of EEF were similar to those of the controls. When the sporozoites were inoculated with rat serum containing interferon for 40 min before inoculation, no detrimental effect on the sporozoite invasion and the development of EEF could be found. These findings suggested that the target of antimalarial action of interferon might not be the EEF itself. It is possible that interferon could minimize the sporozoite number by enhancing the phagocytosis and the biocidal activity of macrophages, especially the Kupffer cells.

[Epidemiological characteristics and control of filariasis in Hunan Province].

Of 98 counties or cities in Hunan Province, 55 were endemic areas of filariasis. The average microfilaria rate was 5.64% (180,046/3,194,102), and the incidence of advanced filariasis, including elephantiasis and hydrocele was 3.29%. The number of filariasis patients in the whole province was estimated to be 1.63 million, comprising 1.25 million of microfilaremia cases, Culex fatigans and Anopheles hyrcanus sinensis were the major vectors of bancroftian and malayan filariasis respectively in the province. Control strategies concentrated on the elimination of infection source were implemented on the basis of extensive investigations, and the ensuing examination and treatment of filariasis cases in pilot areas prior to the implementation of province-wide filariasis control. Repeated blood examinations and medications for 3-4 times were carried out in hypo-endemic areas of malayan filariasis, whereas mass treatment with hetrazan-medicated salt containing 0.2% to 0.5% DEC was carried out in meso- and hyper-endemic areas of bancroftian filariasis as well as those situated in remote mountainous regions for six months. Subsequent evaluation and clearance checking showed that microfilaria rate of the whole province has already dropped to less than 1%. That filariasis was basically eliminated in Hunan was recognized by the Evaluation Mission Group sent by the Ministry of Public Health in 1986.