A case of gynandromorphism in Hyalomma anatolicum (Ixodida: Ixodidae).

We present a field-collected Hyalomma anatolicum gynandromorph in Xinjiang, China. Compared to the normal H. anatolicum, the gynandromorphic tick was a typical bipartite protogynander: half of the tick body displayed normal female traits, whereas the other side showed normal male traits. The engorged gynandromorphic tick laid hundreds of eggs, and the eggs looked normal.

Efficacy of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in a family with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: A case report.

Introduction: Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a common autosomal dominant hereditary ataxia, which is caused by a cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeat expansion on the causative gene ATXN3, usually with lower extremity ataxia as the first symptom, and effective treatment is scarce. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive technique that regulates the cerebellum and the neural network connected to it. Methods: Herein, we report familial cases of SCA3 in two nephews and their aunt, each of whom was treated with high-frequency (5 Hz) rTMS. The rTMS treatment lasted 2 weeks, once daily for 5 consecutive days a week, about 20 minutes each session. The Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) examination were evaluated before and after rTMS treatment. Results: We found that the ICARS scores improved significantly (p = 0.04), and the NAA/Cr values were elevated in vermis and both cerebellar hemispheres after rTMS treatment. Conclusion: Our study suggested that high-frequency rTMS therapy can contribute to the improvement of cerebellar NAA/Cr value of SCA3 patients, and improve posture and gait as well as limb kinetic function in SCA3 patients.

Targeted delivery of nuclear targeting probe for bladder cancer using cyclic pentapeptide c(RGDfK) and acridine orange.

PURPOSE: Both cyclic pentapeptide c(RGDfK) and acridine orange (AO) exhibit antitumor effects and cell permeability. This study aimed to evaluate the nuclear targeting efficiency and safety of the nuclear targeting probe for bladder cancer (BCa) synthesized by c(RGDfK) and AO. METHODS: The nuclear targeting probe AO-(cRGDfK)2 was synthesized from AO hydrochloride, azided c(RGDfK), and a near-infrared skeleton synthesized via click chemistry reactions. The effect of the AO-(cRGDfK)2 probe on cell viability was assessed in BCa 5637 cells. The tumor cell targeting efficacy of the AO-(cRGDfK)2 probe was evaluated in BCa cells in vitro and in tumor-bearing mice in vivo. Nuclear-specific accumulation of fluorescence probe in BCa tumor cells was evaluated using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to detect histopathological changes in the spleen, heart, liver, and kidney. RESULTS: The AO-(cRGDfK)2 probe did not cause a significant reduction in cell viability. LSCM analysis showed that AO-(cRGDfK)2 exhibited nuclear-specific ambulation in BCa cells and was not accumulated in 293T cells. Also, this probe efficiently targeted tumor cells in the serum and urine samples. In vivo imaging system of tumor-bearing mice showed that ~ 80% percent of fluorescence signal was accumulated in the tumor sites. The probe did not change histopathology in the heart, liver, spleen, and kidney in tumor-bearing mice after the 21-day treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The AO-(cRGDfK)2 probe exhibited nuclear-specific accumulation in BCa cells without cytotoxicity, which provides an innovative alternative to improve anticancer therapy for BCa.

Identification and analysis of microRNA editing events in recurrent bladder cancer based on RNA sequencing: MicroRNA editing level is a potential novel biomarker.

Background: With the continued advancement of RNA-seq (RNA-sequencing), microRNA (miRNA) editing events have been demonstrated to play an important role in different malignancies. However, there is yet no description of the miRNA editing events in recurrent bladder cancer. Objective: To identify and compare miRNA editing events in primary and recurrent bladder cancer, as well as to investigate the potential molecular mechanism and its impact on patient prognosis. Methods: We examined the mRNA and miRNA transcriptomes of 12 recurrent bladder cancer cases and 13 primary bladder cancer cases. The differentially expressed mRNA sequences were analyzed. Furthermore, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in recurrent bladder cancer. The Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analyses on DEGs and gene set enrichment analysis were performed. The consensus molecular subtype (CMS) classification of bladder cancer was identified using the Consensus MIBC package in R (4.1.0); miRNA sequences were then further subjected to differentially expressed analysis and pathway enrichment analysis. MiRNA editing events were identified using miRge3.0. miRDB and TargetScanHuman were used to predict the downstream targets of specific differentially edited or expressed miRNAs. The expression levels of miR-154-5p and ADAR were validated by RT-qPCR. Finally, survival and co-expression studies were performed on the TCGA-BLCA cohort. Results: First, the mRNA expression levels in recurrent bladder cancer changed significantly, supporting progression via related molecular signal pathways. Second, significantly altered miRNAs in recurrent bladder cancer were identified, with miR-154-5p showing the highest level of editing in recurrent bladder cancer and may up-regulate the expression levels of downstream targets HS3ST3A1, AQP9, MYLK, and RAB23. The survival analysis results of TCGA data revealed that highly expressed HS3ST3A1 and RAB23 exhibited poor prognosis. In addition, miR-154 editing events were found to be significant to CMS classification. Conclusion: MiRNA editing in recurrent bladder cancer was detected and linked with poor patient prognosis, providing a reference for further uncovering the intricate molecular mechanism in recurrent bladder cancer. Therefore, inhibiting A-to-I editing of miRNA may be a viable target for bladder cancer treatment, allowing current treatment choices to be expanded and individualized.

Mitochondrial morphology and synaptic structure altered in the retina of parkin-deficient mice.

Mutations in the PRKN gene are the major cause of autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease (PD). However, studies of parkin-/- mice did not show the loss of dopaminergic neurons and motor phenotypes at a young age. Whether pathological changes are associated with nonmotor symptoms of PD remains unclear. Visual impairment is one common nonmotor symptom in patients with PD. This study aimed to examine the effects of parkin-/- on mitochondria and synaptic structures in the retina of 6-month-old mice. Compared with wild-type mice, parkin-/- mice exhibited a slightly thickened retina. Also, the number of normal mitochondria (mito-5 grade) in rod spherules (RSs) significantly decreased (p < 0.01), the average area of mitochondria was significantly larger (p < 0.001), and the number of ribbons in RSs significantly decreased (p = 0.02). The RSs of parkin-/- mice showed severe swelling after flicker stimulation. Our study implicated that parkin-/- led to the impairment of mitochondria and abnormality of the synaptic structure in mouse retina at a young age, which damaged the synaptic transmission between photoreceptors and second-order retinal neurons and resulted in visual impairment.

DISTRIBUTION PREDICTION OF HYALOMMA ASIATICUM (ACARI: IXODIDAE) IN A LOCALIZED REGION IN NORTHWESTERN CHINA.

Hyalomma tick species are considered the competent vector tick species that carry and transmit Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) to humans and animals. Hyalomma asiaticum is one of the major tick species widespread in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China. To determine the potential prevalence of H. asiaticum in XUAR, species distribution modeling was performed using MaxEnt algorithm assembled with bioclimatic variables and curated tick presence records. The results indicate that potential habitats of H. asiaticum mainly cover the northern and western XUAR. The suitable habitats included the west rim of the Taklimakan Desert, Turpan Basin, and Junggar Basin. The models show a mean area under the curve of 0.865 ± 0.068 for H. asiaticum based on 10-fold cross-validation. Despite limited tick presence records used in the study, this work describes the potential distribution and the association of important bioclimatic variables that are crucial for the survival of H. asiaticum in many arid areas in XUAR. The model could be helpful in tick distribution study and surveillance of CCHFV in the region.

Application of Ultrasonic Intelligent Imaging in L-Selectin Regulating Embryo Implantation in Mongolian Sheep Endometrium.

In order to explore the practical application of ultrasonic imaging in the pregnancy stage of Mongolian sheep and the role of L-selectin in the embryo implantation process of Mongolian sheep, this paper systematically observed the early embryonic development by B-mode ultrasonic imaging wave diagnostic instrument with 5 MHz rectal probe and detected the expression of sLex and L-selectin in embryonic cells (jar cells) and endometrial cells (RL95-2 cells) by immunoassay to show the role of L-selectin in embryonic adhesion. The results were as follows: the correct rate of fetal sex determination by ultrasound imaging increased with the increase of pregnancy days and reached 93% at 84 days; sLex/L-selectin on the surface of Jar/RL95-2 cells is involved in the adhesion between embryo and endometrium; and when the concentration of L-selectin was 30 µg/ml, the implantation success rate of fertilized eggs and embryos was the highest, reaching 95%. It is proved that ultrasonic intelligent imaging exploration can summarize the imaging characteristics of the early development law of sheep fetus, which provides a basis for B-ultrasound to monitor fetal growth and predict fetal age. While discussing the molecular mechanism of implantation, it provides a new idea and means for the clinical intervention of contraception and pregnancy assistance with oligosaccharide as the target.

De novo assembly and analysis of the transcriptome of the Dermacentor marginatus genes differentially expressed after blood-feeding and long-term starvation.

BACKGROUND: The ixodid tick Dermacentor marginatus is a vector of many pathogens wide spread in Eurasia. Studies of gene sequence on many tick species have greatly increased the information on tick protective antigen which might have the potential to function as effective vaccine candidates or drug targets for eco-friendly acaricide development. In the current study, RNA-seq was applied to identify D. marginatus sequences and analyze differentially expressed unigenes. METHODS: To obtain a broader picture of gene sequences and changes in expression level, RNA-seq was performed to obtain the whole-body transcriptome data of D. marginatus adult female ticks after engorgement and long-term starvation. Subsequently, the real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was applied to validate the RNA-seq data. RESULTS: RNA-seq produced 30,251 unigenes, of which 32% were annotated. Gene expression was compared among groups that differed by status as newly molted, starved and engorged female adult ticks. Nearly one third of the unigenes in each group were differentially expressed compared to the other two groups, and the most numerous were genes encoding proteins involved in catalytic and binding activities and apoptosis. Selected up-regulated differentially expressed genes in each group were associated to protein, lipids, carbohydrate and chitin metabolism. Blood-feeding and long-term starvation also caused genes differentially expressed in the defense response and antioxidant response. RT-qPCR results indicated 6 differentially expressed transcripts showed similar trends in expression changes with RNA-seq results confirming that the gene expression profiles in transcriptome data is in consistent with RT-qPCR validation. CONCLUSIONS: Obtaining the sequence information of D. marginatus and characterizing the expression pattern of the genes involved in blood-feeding and during starvation would be helpful in understanding molecular physiology of D. marginatus and provides data for anti-tick vaccine and drug development for controlling the tick.

Sequence identification and expression profile of seven Dermacentor marginatus glutathione S-transferase genes.

Dermacentor marginatus is a widespread tick species and a vector of many pathogens in Eurasia. Due to the medical importance of D. marginatus, control measures are needed for this tick species. Currently tick control approaches rely mostly on acaricide application, whereas wrong and irrational acaricide use may result in drug resistance and residue problems. Vaccination as an alternative approach for tick control has been proven to be effective towards some tick species. However, immunization against D. marginatus has not yet reached satisfactory protection. The effort of in silico based analysis could predict antigenicity and identify candidates for anti-tick vaccine development. We carried out an in silico analysis of D. marginatus glutathione S-transferases (DmGSTs) in order to identify blood-feeding induced GSTs as antigens that can be used in anti-tick vaccine development. Phylogenetic analysis, linear B-cell epitope prediction, homology modeling, and conformational B-cell epitope mapping on the GST models were performed to identify highly antigenic DmGSTs. Relative gene expressions of the seven GSTs were profiled through real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to outline GSTs up-regulated during blood feeding. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the seven GSTs belonged to four classes of GST, including one in epsilon-class, one in zeta-class, one in omega-class, and four in mu-class. Linear B-cell epitope prediction revealed mu-class GSTs share similar conserved antigenic regions. The conformational B-cell epitope mapped on the homology model of the GSTs displayed that GSTs of mu-class showed stronger antigenicity than that of other classes. RT-qPCR revealed DmGSTM1 and DmGSTM2 were positively related to blood feeding. In sum, the data suggest that DmGSTM1 and DmGSTM2 could be tested for potential anti-tick vaccine trials.

MaxEnt Modeling of Dermacentor marginatus (Acari: Ixodidae) Distribution in Xinjiang, China.

Dermacentor marginatus Sulkzer is a common tick species found in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China, and is a vector for a variety of pathogens. To determine the potential distribution of this tick species in Xinjiang, a metadata containing 84 D. marginatus presence records combined with four localities from field collection were used for MaxEnt modeling to predict potential distribution of this tick species. Identification of tick samples showed 756 of 988 (76%) were D. marginatus. MaxEnt modeling results indicated that the potential distribution of this tick species was mainly confined to northern XUAR. Highly suitable areas included west side of Altay mountain, west rim of Junggar basin, and Yili River valley in the study area. The model showed an AUC value of 0.838 ± 0.063 (SD), based on 10-fold cross-validation. Although tick presence records used for modeling were limited, this is the first regional tick distribution model for D. marginatus in Xinjiang. The model will be helpful in assessing the risk of tick-borne diseases to human and animals in the region.

Association between the hydrogenase level and the occurrence of remote diffusion-weighted imaging lesions after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

To explore the influence of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level on remote diffusion-weighted imaging lesions (rDWILs) after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). A consecutive cohort of 160 patients with spontaneous ICH who had brain MRI within 4 weeks of ICH onset were collected and analyzed retrospectively. rDWILs showed high signal on diffusion-weighted image (DWI) while low signal on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and at least 20 mm away from the hemorrhage focus. The blood samples were obtained within 24 h after ICH onset from all patients. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in blood were collected from serum biochemical tests. We use multivariate logistic regression analyses to investigate the association between serum LDH level and rDWILs after ICH. The average serum LDH level was 186.5 ± 35.6 U/L. And this level was higher in patients who presented rDWILs than in those without rDWILs. With the best cut-off value of 191 by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, elevated LDH was associated with the presence of rDWILs independently (OR = 1.024, 95%CI = 1.011-1.037, P < 0.001) in the bivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, sex, previous ischemic stroke/TIA, smoker, SBP on admission, hematoma volume, and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) of LDH ≥ 191 U/L for rDWILs were 70.4%, 72.2%, 33.9%, 94.2%, respectively. Our study suggests serum LDH level has a significant correlation with rDWILs after spontaneous ICH. Patients with higher serum LDH level in 24 h after ICH onset may be a useful predictor for rDWILs occurrence.

Caracterization of glutathione S-transferase of Dermacantor marginatus and effect of the recombinant antigen as a potential anti-tick vaccine.

Dermacentor marginatus is one of the main tick species in northwestern China, and is a vector of various tick-borne pathogens. Tick control method largely depends on chemical agents, but the disadvantages of using such approach would cause environmental damage and the risk of developing tick resistance to acaricides. Vaccination of tick protective antigen is an eco-friendly approach which is an alternative and promising method to mitigate tick infestation in livestock. In the study, a mu-class glutathione S-transferase (GST) sequence of D. marginatus was cloned and the recombinant protein (rDmGST) was expressed. Transcriptional level of the GST was measured together with native GST activity of the tick. Finally, A vaccine trial on rabbits against D. marginatus was proceeded to evaluate the anti-tick effect of rDmGST. Results reveled that the CDs of the D. margiantus glutathione S-transferase mu 1 gene has 669 base pair nucleotide sequence encoding a 223 amino acid. The deduced GST protein sequence had over 95 % similarity with that of D. variabilis. The rDmGST was efficiently expressed soluble and purified by His trap affinity chromatography. Enzyme activity of native GST and transcriptional profiles of the GST showed up-regulation in different stages and organs of D. marginaus during blood feeding. Polyclonal antibody reacted with rDmGST in Western blotting. Tick challenge on rDmGST inoculated rabbits showed reductions in adult female engorgement rate, total egg mass and egg hatching rate with an overall vaccine efficacy of 43.69 %. The results of the experiment indicated the GST has potential value to be an effective protective antigen of D. marginatus.

The Regulatory Roles of ncRNA Rli60 in Adaptability of Listeria monocytogenes to Environmental Stress and Biofilm Formation.

Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative anaerobic Gram-positive bacterium. It is well adapted to external environments and able to infect both humans and animals. To understand the impacts of ncRNA Rli60 on the adaptability of L. monocytogenes to environmental stresses and biofilm formation, a rli60 deletion strain of L. monocytogenes (LM-Δrli60) was constructed using splicing by overlap extension PCR (SOE-PCR) and homologous recombination and then compared it with wild-type strain L. monocytogenes EGD-e in the aspects of adaptability to environmental stresses by measuring their growth under stresses of different temperatures, and acidic, alkaline, hypertonic and alcoholic conditions, and capability of biofilm formation by using crystal violet staining, as well as the transcriptional levels of genes (gltB and gltC) related to the biofilm formation by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). The results showed that (1) the growth of LM-Δrli60 strain was significantly slower under environmental stresses of low temperature (30 °C), high temperature (42 °C), as well as alkaline and alcoholic conditions, (2) the amount of biofilm formed by LM-Δrli60 was attenuated, and (3) the transcriptional levels of gltB and gltC genes at 24 h and 48 h in LM-Δrli60 revealed a significant reduction. Overall, the results confirmed that ncRNA Rli60 plays important roles in regulating the adaptability of L. monocytogenes to environmental stresses and biofilm formation possibly through impacting the expression of gltB and gltC genes.

The roles of noncoding RNA Rli60 in regulating the virulence of Listeria monocytogenes.

BACKGROUND: Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is an important zoonotic foodborne pathogen. Noncoding RNA (ncRNA) has an important role in regulating its virulence. As a member of ncRNA, however, the function of Rli60 in regulating LM virulence remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Rli60 in regulating LM virulence. METHODS: Using a homologous recombination method, a LM EGD-e rli60 gene deletion strain (LM-Δrli60) was constructed and compared with a LM EGD-e strain in the following respects: (1) adhesiveness, invasion ability, intracellular survival, proliferation, and transcription of virulence genes in the mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7; (2) 50% lethal dose (LD50) to the BALB/c mouse; and (3) the amount in the mouse liver and spleen and the effects on pathology of mouse liver, spleen, and kidney after inoculation. RESULTS: The LM-Δrli60 strain had a significantly higher adhesion rate and lower invasion rate with significantly lower intracellular survival and proliferation rates in the RAW264.7 cell line, compared to the LM EGD-e strain. Inoculation with LM-Δrli60 strain significantly affected the transcription of virulence genes. The LD50 of LM-Δrli60 to BALB/c mouse was increased by 2.12 logarithmic magnitude, which indicated that the virulence in LM-Δrli60 is significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The amount of LM-Δrli60 in the liver and spleen was significantly lower than the amount of LM EGD-e in these organs (p < 0.05). The pathological damage due to LM-Δrli60 infection in the mouse liver, spleen, and kidney was lower than the damage due to LM EGD-e infection. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that the rli60 deletion could significantly affect LM virulence, adhesion, invasion, survival, and proliferation. This suggests that Rli60 has an important role in regulating LM virulence.

Mutation analysis of parkin and PINK1 genes in early-onset Parkinson's disease in China.

A series of 69 Han Chinese PD patients (including 66 index cases and 3 relatives) with early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) were studied to assess the frequency of parkin and PINK1 gene mutations. Mutation analysis of the parkin gene was performed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR), denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) and DNA sequencing. For the PINK1 gene, DHPLC and DNA sequencing were used. Nineteen patients (including one relative) had mutation in the parkin gene, and the c.2T > C (p.M1T) was not reported previously. No mutation of the PINK1 gene was found. The onset age of the patients with mutations in the parkin was earlier than that of those without mutation (p < 0.05). We concluded that mutations in parkin gene are common in Chinese EOPD patients, and mainly are exon rearrangements, while mutation in PINK1 might be not common in Chinese EOPD patients.