[Epidemiological characteristics and serum antibody detection of a COVID-19 aggregated outbreak in vaccinated population].

An epidemiological investigation was conducted on a cluster epidemic of COVID-19 in the vaccinated population in Beijing in 2022, and serum samples were collected from 21 infected cases and 61 close contacts (including 20 cases with positive nucleic acid in the isolation observation period). The results of antibody detection showed that the IgM antibody of two infected persons was positive, and the IgG antibody positive rates of patients who were converted, not converted to positive and infected persons were 36.84% (7/19), 63.41% (26/41) and 71.43% (15/21), respectively. About 98.78% of patients had been vaccinated with the SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine. The positive rate of IgG antibody in patients immunized with three doses of vaccine was 86.00% (43/50), which was higher than that in patients with one or two doses [16.12% (5/31)]. The antibody level of M (Q1, Q3) in patients immunized with three doses was 4.255 (2.303, 7.0375), which was higher than that in patients with one or two doses [0.500 (0.500, 0.500)] (all P values<0.001). The antibody level of patients who were vaccinated less than three months [7.335 (1.909, 7.858)] was higher than that of patients vaccinated more than three months after the last vaccination [2.125 (0.500, 4.418)] (P=0.007). The positive rate and level of IgG antibody in patients who were converted to positive after three doses were 77.78% (7/9) and 4.207 (2.216, 7.099), respectively, which were higher than those in patients who were converted after one or two doses [0 and 0.500 (0.500, 0.500)] (all P values<0.05).

PVT1 protects diabetic peripheral neuropathy via PI3K/AKT pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Plasmacytoma Variant Translocation 1 (PVT1) could regulate the occurrence and progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) via activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes model in rats was constructed by streptozotocin (STZ) injection. PVT1 expression in diabetic rats and control rats was detected by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Rats were injected with PVT1 overexpression lentivirus or vector, respectively, followed by determination of mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT), thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV). Cell apoptosis of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) was accessed by TUNEL. Western blot was performed to detect the expressions of neurodegeneration-related genes and neurogenesis-related genes. The regulatory effect of PVT1 on the PI3K/AKT pathway was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: PVT1 was downregulated in diabetic rats compared with that of controls. Diabetic rats presented higher MWT, TWL and SNCV. Cell apoptosis of DRG was pronounced in diabetic rats. The amount of inflammation-related glial cells increased in diabetic rats. PVT1 overexpression remarkably decreased MWT and TWL. PVT1 downregulated expressions of neurodegeneration-related genes and upregulated neurogenesis-related genes. Western blot results suggested that PI3K/AKT pathway in diabetic rats was blocked, which was reversed by PVT1 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: PVT1 is lowly expressed in diabetic rats, leading to decreased mechanical withdrawal threshold, thermal withdrawal latency and sensory nerve conduction velocity. PVT1 protects diabetic peripheral neuropathy via PI3K/AKT pathway.

A clinical study on the effects of recombinant human colony stimulating factor on the expression of Bcl-2 in serum of patients with basal ganglia hemorrhage and its clinical significance.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of the colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1) on Bcl-2 expression in serums of patients with basal ganglia hemorrhage and subsequently, its clinical significance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression levels of Bcl-2 in serums of patients with basal ganglia hemorrhage were analyzed, and the effects of the CSF-1 on Bcl-2 expression were observed. Samples of peripheral blood were taken from 120 patients with basal ganglia hemorrhage admitted to the Neurology Department and 120 healthy people undergoing a physical examination at Xiangyang Central Hospital between May 2013 to December 2014. The detection of Bcl-2 levels in serums of patients was performed using the ELISA method, and patients were divided into two groups, the colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1) group and the control group. The CSF-1 group was treated with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor after routine treatment, while the control group was treated only with routine treatment. The two groups of patients were followed up for observation of treatment effects. RESULTS: Before treatment, serum Bcl-2 levels in both the CSF-1 and control group showed no significant differences; however, their levels were significantly higher than those of the healthy cohort (p<0.05). After treatment, serum Bcl-2 levels of the CSF-1 group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p<0.05). However, compared to the healthy control group, the levels remained significantly higher and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). When compared to the recovering conditions of patients in the CSF-1 group and the control group, we found that the average hospitalization time and occurrences of complications in the CSF-1 group were significantly less than those in the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CSF-1 is clinically effective in improving the serum Bcl-2 levels after a basal ganglia hemorrhage, and it can be used as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of basal ganglia hemorrhage.

SSR-based association mapping of salt tolerance in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

The identification of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers associated with salt tolerance in cotton contributes to molecular assisted selection (MAS), which can improve the efficiency of traditional breeding. In this study, 134 samples of upland cotton cultivars were selected. The seedling emergence rates were tested under 0.3% NaCl stress. A total of 74 SSR markers were used to scan the genomes of these samples. To identify SSR markers associated with salt tolerance, an association analysis was performed between salt tolerance and SSR markers using TASSEL 2.1, based on the analysis of genetic structure using Structure 2.3.4. The results showed that the seedling emergence rates of 134 cultivars were significantly different, and 27 salt-sensitive and 10 salt-tolerant cultivars were identified. A total of 148 loci were found in 74 SSR markers involving 246 allelic variations, which ranged from 2 to 7 with an average of 3.32 per SSR marker. The gene diversity ranged from 0.0295 to 0.4959, with the average being 0.2897. The polymorphic information content ranged from0.0290 to 0.3729, with the average being 0.2381. This natural population was classified into two subgroups by Structure 2.3.4, containing 89 and 45 samples, respectively. Finally, eight SSR sites associated with salt tolerance ware found through an association analysis, with the rate of explanation ranging from 2.91 to 7.82% and an average of 4.32%. These results provide reference data for the use MAS for salt tolerance in cotton.

Analysis of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) response to Verticillium dahliae inoculation by transcriptome sequencing.

Verticillium wilt is one of the main diseases in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), severely reduces yield and fiber quality, and is difficult to be con-trolled effectively. At present, the molecular mechanism that confers resistance to this disease is unclear. Transcriptome sequencing is an important method to detect resistance genes, explore metabolic pathways, and study resistance mechanisms. In this study, the transcriptome of a disease-resistant inbred cot-ton line inoculated with Verticillium dahliae was sequenced. A total of 126,402 unigenes were obtained using de novo assembly and data analysis, 99,712 (78.88%) of which were annotated into the Nr, Nt, Swiss-Prot, KEGG, COG, and GO databases. The expression patterns of 16 candidate disease-resis-tance genes showed that some genes were upregulated soon after V. dahliae inoculation and others were upregulated later, which may indicate instanta-neous basal defense and lagged specific defense, respectively. We conducted a preliminary analysis of the transcriptome database, which will contribute to further research regarding the cloning of disease-resistance genes.

Propofol suppresses proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells by upregulating microRNA-133a expression.

Propofol is a commonly used intravenous anesthetic. We evaluated its effects on the behavior of human pancreatic cancer cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The effects of propofol on Panc-1 cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, caspase-3 activity measurement, and Matrigel invasion assay. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to assess microRNA-133a (miR-133a) expression. Anti-miR-133a was transfected into Panc-1 cells to assess the role of miR-133a in propofol-induced antitumor activity. Propofol significantly inhibited Panc-1 cell proliferation and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. Propofol also efficiently elevated miR-133a expression. Moreover, transfection of anti-miR-133a reversed the effects of propofol on the biological behavior of Panc-1 cells. Propofol can effectively inhibit proliferation and invasion, and induce apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells, at least partly through the upregulation of miR-133a expression.

Propofol suppresses proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells via downregulation of microRNA-221 expression.

Propofol is one of the extensively and commonly used intravenous anesthetic agents. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of propofol on the behavior of human gastric cancer cells and the molecular mechanisms of this activity. The effects of propofol on SGC7901 and AGS cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion were detected by MTT assay, flow cytometric analysis, and matrigel invasion assay. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to assess microRNA (miR)-221 expression. miR-221 mimics were transfected into SGC7901 and AGS cells to assess the role of miR- 221 in propofol-induced anti-tumor activity. Propofol significantly inhibited cell proliferation and invasion and promoted apoptosis of SGC7901 and AGS cells. Propofol also efficiently reduced miR-221 expression. Moreover, transfection of miR-221 mimics reversed the effects of propofol on the biological behavior of gastric cancer cells. Propofol can effectively inhibit proliferation and invasion and induce apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through, at least partly, downregulation of miR-221 expression.

Changes in peripheral blood natural killer T cells in hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B patients and efficacy prediction after pegylated interferon therapy.

We examined the expression of peripheral blood natural killer T (NKT) cells in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and predicted its efficacy after pegylated interferon α-2a (Peg-INFα-2a) therapy. Sixty-three cases of HbeAg-positive CHB inpatients and outpatients, treated in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January to December 2010, were administrated Peg-INFα-2a 18 myriad international unit intramuscularly once per week for 48 weeks. The number of peripheral NKT cells, 5 quantitative indicators of hepatitis B, and hepatitis B virus DNA capacity were detected at each time point. Forty-eight weeks after Peg-INFα-2a treatment, 26 HBeAg-positive CHB patients exhibited significant effects, 21 cases exhibited effects, and 16 cases showed no effects. The ratio of peripheral blood NKT cells in T lymphocytes before and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment in the significant effect group was significantly increased compared to the effect group and no effect group (P < 0.01); at the 48th week of treatment and 24 weeks after the drug was withdrawn, NKT cell expression in the significant effect group was significantly higher than that in the effect group (t = 32.0, P < 0.01; t = 27.6, P < 0.01, respectively). A total of 27 patients showed HBeAg seroconversion until the 24th week after drug withdrawal. During treatment with Peg-INFα-2a in HBeAg-positive CHB patients, expression of peripheral blood NKT cells could be used to predict efficacy.

Differential expression patterns of growth-related microRNAs in the skeletal muscle of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

MicroRNA (miRNA) are a class of small, single-stranded, non-coding RNA that regulate mRNA expression at the post-transcriptional level and play important roles in many fundamental biological processes. There is emerging evidence that miRNA are critical regulators of widespread cellular functions, such as differentiation, proliferation, and migration. At present, little is known about miRNA expression profiles related to skeletal muscle growth in aquatic organisms. This study aimed to investigate the phenotypic variation in the body growth of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and to identify and quantify the differential expression levels of selected growth-related transcriptomic miRNA in the skeletal muscle of this fish. To this end, we performed next-generation sequencing to define the full miRNA transcriptome in muscle tissue from Nile tilapia and to detect differentially expressed miRNA between 2 strains of Nile tilapia. These tilapia strains exhibited significant (P < 0.05) phenotypic variation with respect to growth-related traits (body length and BW), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype diversity, and the differential expression of selected growth-related genes. The results obtained from the transcriptome analysis and real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed significant differences in miRNA expression between fast-growing and control strains of tilapia. Digital gene expression (DGE) profiling was performed based on the obtained read abundance, and we identified down-regulated miRNA, including let-7j, miR-140, miR-192, miR-204, miR-218a, miR-218b, miR-301c, and miR-460, and up-regulated miRNA, including let-7b, let-7c, miR-133, miR-152, miR-15a, miR-193a, miR-30b, and miR-34, associated with body growth in tilapia. These results were further validated using real-time qRT-PCR and microarray profiling. In summary, the up- and down-regulation of miRNA involved in the GH/IGF-1 axis signaling pathway suggests that the differential expression levels of growth-related miRNA may serve as molecular markers that are predictive of specific functional and diagnostic implications. The obtained data on genetic polymorphisms in miRNA-target interactions are particularly useful for Nile tilapia breeding programs.

Pulmonary sparganosis mansoni: a case report.

Pulmonary sparganosis mansoni is uncommon in general clinical practice, but prevalent in endemic foci. Pulmonary sparganosis mansoni shares some clinical and radiologic similarities that mimic other common pulmonary pathogens. Delayed diagnosis of pulmonary sparganosis mansoni can pose a significant hazard to the patient. Indeed, a history of ingesting uncooked stone cracks in endemic areas is strongly suggestive of the possibility of pulmonary sparganosis mansoni. We report a case of a 43-year-old male peasant infested with pulmonary sparganosis mansoni who had been misdiagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Phase I study of concurrent selective lymph node late course accelerated hyper-fractionated radiotherapy and pemetrexed, cisplatin for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

The optimized concurrent chemoradiotherapy has not been established for patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of concurrent chemotherapy and selective lymph node (SLN) late course accelerated hyperfractionated (LCAF) intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for the patients with thoracic SCC. Twelve patients with T3-4N0-1M0-1a thoracic esophageal SCC were included. The total dose of SLN LCAF IMRT was 59.6 Gy/34 fractions in 5.4 weeks. The concurrent chemotherapy protocol was as following: cisplatin 10 mg/m(2) on days 1-5 and 22-26, pemetrexed in escalating doses, from the base level of 500 mg/m(2) once every 21 days. The primary objectives were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended dose (RD), and dose limiting toxicities (DLTs). Secondary end point included determination of preliminary radiographic response rates. As a result, three patients were enrolled in dose level 1 with pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) and nine patients in dose level 0 with 400 mg/m(2) , respectively. At dose level 1, DLTs occurred in two of three patients. However, only two of nine patients in Level 0 developed DLTs. The complete response and partial response were observed in eight and four patients, respectively. Furthermore, no patient experienced cancer progression with a median follow-up of 9 months. In conclusion, the concurrent SLN LCAF IMRT and chemotherapy is feasible. The MTD of pemetrexed in this regimen was 500 mg/m(2) and RD was 400 mg/m(2) . Although toxicities were common, the protocol was safe, well tolerated, and achieved an encouraging outcome.

Hepatocyte nuclear factors-1alpha, -1beta, and -3beta expressed in the gonad of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus).

Hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNFs) are upstream regulators of many liver-specific genes and are involved in many cellular functions in the body, but their existence, expression, and function in gonads are still poorly understood. Here we report on the first cloning of partial cDNAs of HNF-1alpha and -1beta and full HNF-3beta cDNA from a tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) liver cDNA library. The deduced amino acid sequence of tilapia HNF-3beta has a 90 to 96% identity with those of other fishes (dwarf gourami, medaka, and zebrafish), 74% with mammals (human, rat, and mouse), and 82% with Xenopus. RT-PCR detected IGF-I and -II and HNF-1alpha, -1beta, and -3beta in both liver and gonads and the identity of the PCR fragments was confirmed by PCR hybridization. Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting also detected all three HNF proteins in both liver and gonads. Expression of HNFs in the gonads of the tilapia suggests that multi-HNFs may form a cascade to regulate gonadal physiology in the bony fish.

Cloning and characterization of zfBLP1, a Bcl-XL homologue from the zebrafish, Danio rerio.

The importance of the Bcl-2 family proteins in normal vertebrate embryogenesis is being recognized; however, their regulatory mechanism is poorly understood. We report here the cloning and characterization of a novel zebrafish Bcl-2 family protein, zfBLP1. The zfBLP1 cDNA is 1942 nucleotides long, encoding a polypeptide of 238 amino acids. The primary sequence of zfBLP1 shares 50% identity to human Bcl-XL, and contains all four conserved BH domains of the Bcl-2 family proteins. Primary sequence analysis identified a consensus ER retention signal at the C-terminal end of zfBLP1. Northern blot analysis indicated that there were two major and two minor zfBLP1 mRNA species expressed during embryonic development. Among the two major mRNA species, the short one, approx. 3 kb in size, was expressed throughout embryonic development, while the long one, approx. 7 kb long, was not detectable until the gastrula stage. These results suggest that zfBLP1 is a novel Bcl-2 family protein under complicated regulations, and is likely to play an important role in zebrafish oogenesis and embryogenesis.

[Effects of prostaglandin E1 on hepatic function and hepatofibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B].

To search for an effective drug to cure patients with chronic hepatitis B. Twenty eight patients with chronic hepatitis B were treated with prostaglandin E1. The comprehensive indexes, including glutamic pyruric tranasaminase (GPT), serum total bilirubin (TBIL), total bile acid (TBA), hyaluronic acid (HA) and precollagen type III (PCIII), were examined before and after treatment. The levels of GPT, TBIL, TBA, HA, PCIII after 1 month of the treatment were significantly lower than those before the treatment (P < 0.05), there were significant differences between the treated and the controlled group patients with chronic hepatitis B (P < 0.05). The results suggest that the treatment with PGE1 might improve hepatic function, and resist the hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Cloning and characterization of a novel nuclear Bcl-2 family protein, zfMcl-1a, in zebrafish embryo.

The importance of the Bcl-2 family proteins in normal vertebrate embryogenesis is being recognized; however, their regulatory mechanism is poorly understood. To elucidate the embryonic roles of Bcl-2 family proteins, we cloned and characterized the first zebrafish Bcl-2 family protein, zfMcl-1a. Zebrafish Mcl-1a shows the highest homology to rat Mcl-1 and contains several conserved BH domains of the Bcl-2 family proteins. It also contains a nuclear localization signal (NLS). Using EGFP reporter analysis, we verified the nuclear localization of zfMcl-1a. Deletion of the NLS resulted in distribution of the fusion protein in the cytoplasm. Northern blot analysis indicated that zfMcl-1a mRNA is 1.5 kb and was expressed in oocytes and throughout embryonic development. Notably, the expression of zfMcl-1a transcript was significantly downregulated during gastrulation. These results suggest that zfMcl-1a is a novel nuclear Bcl-2 family protein and is likely to play an important role in zebrafish oogenesis and embryogenesis.

[Effects of cordyceps sinensis on T lymphocyte subsets and hepatofibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B].

In order to find an effective drug to cure patients with chronic hepatitis B, cordyceps sinensis had been used to treat 25 patients with chronic hepatitis B. The comprehensive index, including T lymphocyte subsets (CD4, CD8), hyaluronic acid(HC) and precollagen type III(PC III), were observed before and after treatment. After 3 months of treatment, CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio increased significantly(P < 0.05), while HA and PC III decreased significantly(P < 0.05) compared with the control. The results suggest that the beneficial effects might be obtained by using cordyceps sinensis to adjust the T lymphocyte subsets level and to treat hepatic fibrosis on patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Effect of electrochemical therapy on immune functions of normal and tumour-bearing mice.

The effect of electrochemical therapy (ECT) on immune functions of normal and tumour-bearing mice was studied. In normal mice, ECT had no obvious effect on delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) or on the mononuclear phagocytic system, but significantly reduced the production of agglutinin antibodies. In tumour-bearing mice, ECT enhanced the DTH reaction, increased the production of agglutinin antibodies and enhanced the clearance of Congo red. In conclusion, in tumour-bearing mice, ECT enhanced both cellular immune functions of T- and B-lymphocytes and non-specific immune functions of the phagocytic system.

Ultrastructural immunocytochemical localization of elastin in normal human trabecular meshwork.

Previous studies have suggested that hydrophobic moieties within the aqueous outflow channels might interact with certain aqueous components to retard outflow. While elastin is among the most hydrophobic proteins in the trabecular meshwork, it reacts poorly with conventional ultrastructural staining methods, so its potential role in regulating outflow could not be assessed. It was our goal to specifically localize elastin ultrastructurally using polyclonal antibodies against alpha elastin and its soluble precursor, tropoelastin. Human aorta served as a positive control. Preadsorption of the primary antibodies or their substitution with either normal rabbit serum or Tris buffer resulted in negligible labelling. With either antibody, only the electron-lucent elements in the center of elastic fibers of the trabecular meshwork were labelled, indicating that only these elements truly represent elastin. The pattern of elastin distribution within these fibers is most consistent with that found in tendons elsewhere in the body.