Characterization of a Novel Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella michiganensis Strain Coharboring the blaSIM-1, blaOXA-1, blaCTX-M-14, qnrS, and aac(6')-Ib-cr Genes.

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella michiganensis (CRKM) and Klebsiella oxytoca (CRKO) strains have occasionally been reported to cause severe infections. However, SIM-producing K. michiganensis strains have never been described. In this study, we phenotypically and genetically characterized 6 CRKM and CRKO strains isolated over the past 10 years at a Chinese tertiary hospital. All six strains were positive for the mCIM test, and five were positive for the MBL test. Carbapenemase-encoding genes (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-51, and blaOXA-58) and another 12 resistance genes were screened by PCR, and blaKPC, blaNDM, and blaIMP were identified in five strains. However, the CRKM strain KM41, which was resistant to IPM and MEM with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 4 µg/ml and 16 µg/ml, respectively, had positive mCIM and MBL results but lacked the eight carbapenemase-encoding genes. Whole-genome sequencing of the KM41 strain revealed more than 20 drug resistance genes; in particular, blaSIM-1, blaOXA-1, blaCTX-M-14, qnrS, aac(6')-Ib-cr, aadA17, and aar-3 were found to be located in a single plasmid. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of a K. michiganensis strain coharboring blaSIM-1, blaOXA-1, blaCTX-M-14, qnrS, and aac(6')-Ib-cr in China.

Aberrant histone methylation in the patients with immune thrombocytopenia.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate alterations in histone methylation in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Global histone H3K4/H3K9 methylation in CD4+ T cells from 35 ITP patients and 15 healthy controls were measured using the EpiQuik(TM) global histone H3K4/H3K9 methylation assay kits. The mRNA expression of SUV39H1, SUV39H2 and EZH2 were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that global histone H3K9 hypomethylation in CD4+ T cells of active ITP, compared with ITP in remission and controls, while the global histone H3K4 methylation were not significantly different between ITP patients and healthy controls. The expression of EZH2 and SUV39H2 were significantly down-regulated in active ITP patients, when compared with ITP in remission and controls. There were not different between ITP patients and controls in the expression SUV39H1. In conclusion, the aberrant histone methylation was involved in the pathogenesis of ITP.

A rare case of schizophrenia coexistence with antiphospholipid syndrome, ß-thalassemia, and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

A patient with schizophrenia who was treated with chlorpromazine developed lupus anticoagulant (LA) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). On protein electrophoresis, a monoclonal immunoglobulin A peak was seen in this patient, defining a condition of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Additionally, ß-thalassemia was diagnosed with the CD41-42 genotype. This condition is extremely rare, particularly in patients with schizophrenia and APS. We present a case of a patient with schizophrenia and secondary APS who had a positive LA, a significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, endogenous coagulation factor deficiency and inhibitor, no bleeding, and an unexpected finding of ß-thalassemia and monoclonal IgA. Following that, a literature review on the disorders was presented.

Chromosomes 4 and 8 implicated in a genome wide SNP linkage scan of 762 prostate cancer families collected by the ICPCG.

BACKGROUND: In spite of intensive efforts, understanding of the genetic aspects of familial prostate cancer (PC) remains largely incomplete. In a previous microsatellite-based linkage scan of 1,233 PC families, we identified suggestive evidence for linkage (i.e., LOD ≥ 1.86) at 5q12, 15q11, 17q21, 22q12, and two loci on 8p, with additional regions implicated in subsets of families defined by age at diagnosis, disease aggressiveness, or number of affected members. METHODS: In an attempt to replicate these findings and increase linkage resolution, we used the Illumina 6000 SNP linkage panel to perform a genome-wide linkage scan of an independent set of 762 multiplex PC families, collected by 11 International Consortium for Prostate Cancer Genetics (ICPCG) groups. RESULTS: Of the regions identified previously, modest evidence of replication was observed only on the short arm of chromosome 8, where HLOD scores of 1.63 and 3.60 were observed in the complete set of families and families with young average age at diagnosis, respectively. The most significant linkage signals found in the complete set of families were observed across a broad, 37 cM interval on 4q13-25, with LOD scores ranging from 2.02 to 2.62, increasing to 4.50 in families with older average age at diagnosis. In families with multiple cases presenting with more aggressive disease, LOD scores over 3.0 were observed at 8q24 in the vicinity of previously identified common PC risk variants, as well as MYC, an important gene in PC biology. CONCLUSIONS: These results will be useful in prioritizing future susceptibility gene discovery efforts in this common cancer.

Outbreak of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST15 strains in a Chinese tertiary hospital: resistance and virulence analyses.

Introduction. Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is a major cause of clinical infection. However, K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing K. pneumoniae ST15 strains are occasionally identified and have seldom been reported to cause hospital outbreaks in PR China.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. In this study, we describe nosocomial outbreaks caused by KPC-producing K. pneumoniae ST15 strains in a Chinese tertiary hospital.Aim. To characterize the molecular relationship, resistance and virulence factors of the 32 KPC-producing K. pneumoniae ST15 strains isolated in a Chinese hospital.Methodology. A total of 102 non-repetitive carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) strains were collected from a Chinese tertiary hospital in 2018. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were performed to characterize the clonal relationship of the K. pneumoniae isolates, and the ST15 strains were selected for further study. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the broth microdilution method and interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Fifteen carbapenem resistance genes, bla KPC genetic structures and 12 virulence factors were detected by PCR. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed using next-generation sequencing combined with single-molecule real-time sequencing.Results. Thirty-two K. pneumoniae ST15 strains were characterized, and 31 of them presented a PFGE similarity of >92 %, indicating clonal spread. In 81.3 % (26/32) of strains, the imipenem (IPM) and meropenem (MEM) MICs were ≤8 and≤16 µg ml-1, while only 1 isolate (KP18069) exhibited ≥64 µg ml-1 for both agents. The bla KPC-2 gene embedded in the Tn3-Tn4401 chimaera and synonymous mutations of the ompK35 gene were detected in all the strains. However, a nonsense mutation at amino acid position 248 (K248X) of OmpK36 was found in the highly carbapenem-resistant strain KP18069. No virulence gene was detected in any of the ST15 strains. WGS analyses further confirmed the genetic characteristics of the K. pneumoniae KP18069 strain.Conclusion. Nosocomial outbreaks caused by the clonal spread of K. pneumoniae ST15 strains were characterized in a Chinese tertiary hospital, and strict monitoring of highly resistant CRKP is required.

Characterization of a carbapenem-resistant Citrobacter amalonaticus coharbouring bla IMP-4 and qnrs1 genes.

Introduction. Members of the genus Citrobacter are facultative anaerobic Gram-negative bacilli belonging to the Enterobacterales [Janda J Clin Microbiol 1994; 32(8):1850-1854; Arens Clin Microbiol Infect 1997;3(1):53-57]. Formerly, Citrobacter species were occasionally reported as nosocomial pathogens with low virulence [Pepperell Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2002;46(11):3555-60]. Now, they are consistently reported to cause nosocomial infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, bone, peritoneum, endocardium, meninges, intestines, bloodstream and central nervous system. Among Citrobacter species, the most common isolates are C. koseri and C. freundii, while C. amalonaticus has seldom been isolated [Janda J Clin Microbiol 1994; 32(8):1850-1854; Marak Infect Dis (Lond) 2017;49(7):532-9]. Further, Citrobacter spp. are usually susceptible to carbapenems, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines and colistin [Marak Infect Dis (Lond) 2017;49(7):532-9].Hypothesis/Gap Statement. As C. amalonaticus is rare, only one clinical isolate, coharbouring carbapenem resistance gene bla IMP-4 and quinolone resistance gene qnrs1, has been reported.Aim. To characterize a carbapenem-resistant C. amalonaticus strain from PR China coharbouring bla IMP-4 and qnrs1.Methodology. Three hundred and forty nonrepetitive carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) strains were collected during 2011-2018. A carbapenem-resistant C. amalonaticus strain was detected and confirmed using a VITEK mass spectrometry-based microbial identification system and 16S rRNA sequencing. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for clinical antimicrobials were obtained by the broth microdilution method. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed for antibiotic resistance gene analysis, and a phylogenetic tree of C. amalonaticus strains was constructed using the Bacterial Pan Genome Analysis (BPGA) tool. The transferability of the resistance plasmid was verified by conjugal transfer.Results. A rare carbapenem-resistant C. amalonaticus strain (CA71) was recovered from a patient with cerebral obstruction and the sequences of 16S rRNA gene shared more than 99 % similarity with C. amalonaticus CITRO86, FDAARGOS 165. CA71 is resistant to ß-lactam, quinolone and aminoglycoside antibiotics, and even imipenem and meropenem (MICs of 2 and 4 mg l-1 respectively), and is only sensitive to polymyxin B and tigecycline. Six antibiotic resistance genes were detected via WGS, including the ß-lactam genes bla IMP-4, bla CTX-M-18 and bla Sed1, the quinolone gene qnrs1, and the aminoglycoside genes AAC(3)-VIIIa, AadA24. Interestingly, bla IMP-4 and qnrs1 coexist on an IncN1-type plasmid (pCA71-IMP) and successfully transferred to Escherichia coli J53 via conjugal transfer. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CA71 is most similar to C. amalonaticus strain CJ25 and belongs to the same evolutionary cluster along with seven other strains.Conclusion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a carbapenem-resistant C. amalonaticus isolate coharbouring bla IMP-4 and qnrs1.

Development of GPC3 and EGFR-dual-targeting chimeric antigen receptor-T cells for adoptive T cell therapy.

Adoptive transfer of T cells expressing specific anti-glypican-3 (GPC3) chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has demonstrated therapeutic potential against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, normal tissues with low expression of neoplasm-associated antigens often show on-target, off-tumor toxicity. Previous studies have revealed that the development of HCC xenografts in mice could be inhibited effectively by GPC3-targeting CAR-T cells. However, these studies did not provide information regarding on-target, off-tumor toxicity. We hypothesized that on-target, off-tumor toxicity may decrease in dual-targeting CAR-T cells that co-express GPC3 with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted CARs characterized by CD3ζ and 28BB expression. Our research confirmed that dual-targeting CAR-T (CARgpc3-egfr) cells exhibited similar proliferative ability and cytotoxicity to CARgpc3 T cells against GPC3+EGFR+ HCC in vitro. However, EGFR-targeting CAR-T (CARegfr) cells showed poor proliferation activity and cytotoxicity against GPC3+EGFR+ HCC cells, similar to mock CAR-T cells. CARgpc3 and CARgpc3-egfr T cells showed enhanced cytokine secretion compared to CARegfr and mock CAR-T cells in vitro. In vivo, tumor growth suppression was better for CARgpc3-egfr T cells than for CARgpc3 T cells in GPC3+EGFR+ HCC, while it was not observed for CARegfr or mock CAR-T cells. Taken together, our data indicated that dual-targeting CAR-T cells with two CARs against GPC3 and EGFR may maintain relatively effective anti-neoplasm functions in GPC3+EGFR+ HCC in vitro and in vivo, a strategy that may reduce off-tumor toxicity.

[Rapid determination of benzidine, picric acid, carbaryl, atrazine, and deltamethrin in surface water by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].

A method requiring no pre-treatment steps other than filtration, using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), has been developed and applied for the rapid determination of benzidine, picric acid, carbaryl, atrazine, and deltamethrin residues in surface water. Water samples were filtered with a 0.2-µ m syringe filter for particle removal and injected directly into the UPLC instrument. The separation was performed on a Waters Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column utilizing a gradient elution program of methanol (containing 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate) and water (containing 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate) as the mobile phases at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The detection was accomplished by multiple-reaction monitoring scanning in positive/negative ion-switching electrospray ionization mode. Good linearity was observed in the range 0.10-10.0 µ g/L or 1.00-100 µ g/L for different targets with correlation coefficients of 0.996-0.999. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.01-0.22 µ g/L. The recoveries ranged between 81.4% and 113% at three spiked levels with relative standard deviations (n=6) between 0.84% and 14.0%. The developed method was applied to the analysis of surface waters (river water and reservoir water) from Hangzhou; atrazine and deltamethrin were detected in part of the analyzed samples. This proposed method was characterized by high sensitivity and precision, extensive analytical range, and a high analytical rate, and showed suitability for the analysis of the five named pollutants in surface water.

[Pollution Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Semi-volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) in Qiantang River's Hangzhou Section During a Water Odor Pollution Event].

For surface water samples collected from the Hangzhou section of Qiantang River (before, during, or after the occurrence of a water odor pollution event), 125 kinds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs)were quantitatively determined via purge&trap-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid-liquid extraction-gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Then, the pollution characteristics of the VOCs and SVOCs were analyzed, and the health risk of these compounds was assessed. The results showed that 17 VOCs and SVOCs in the surface water samples of 4 monitoring sections were detected, in a concentration range of 0.01-1.21 µg·L-1, which is a low pollution level. The concentration of dichloromethane was the highest of 17 VOCs and SVOCs, accounting for 36.3%, and it was thus clear that dichloromethane was the main contributing factor. During the water odor pollution event, the concentrations of VOCs and SVOCs were significantly higher than they were in the three months before or after the occurrence of the event, by 2.1-4.6 times, reflecting the strong external source input. In addition, human health risk assessment of ingestion through drinking water and absorption through skin contact was performed using US EPA recommended methods. It indicated that the total non-carcinogenic and total carcinogenic risks (∑HI and ∑R) caused by VOCs and SVOCs are 2.4×10-3-3.6×10-2 and 1.9×10-7-1.0×10-6, respectively, both of which belong to the acceptable risk level. Therefore, although ∑HI and ∑R during the occurrence of the odor event were significantly higher than those in the three months before or after the event, the VOCs and SVOCs detected will not cause obvious non-carcinogenic nor carcinogenic health effects on humans.

[Simultaneous determination of nine perfluorinated compound precursors in atmospheric precipitation by solid phase extraction and ultra performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry].

A high-throughput detection method has been developed for the determination of nine perfluorinated compound precursors (PFCPs) in atmospheric precipitation by solid phase extraction-ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The atmospheric precipitation samples were concentrated and purified with HLB solid phase extraction cartridges. The UPLC separation was performed on an HSS T3 column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.7 µm) utilizing a gradient elution program of methanol and water as the mobile phases at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The MS/MS detection was performed under negative electrospray ionization (ESI-) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Good linearity was observed in the range of 0.05-5.00 µg/L, 0.50-50.0 µg/L or 5.00-500 µg/L with correlation coefficients from 0.9921 to 0.9995. The limits of detection (LODs) for the nine perfluorinated compound precursors were in the ranges of 0.05-7.9 ng/L. The recoveries ranged from 76.0% to 106% with the relative standard deviations between 0.72% and 13.7%. This method is characterized by high sensitivity and precision, extensive analytical range and quick analytical rate, and can be applied for the analysis of perfluorinated compound precursors in atmospheric precipitation.

[Perfluorinated Compounds in Snow from Downtown Hangzhou, China].

Snow samples were collected from the snow event on January 20-22, 2016 from 11 sites in downtown Hangzhou to explore the occurrence of sixteen perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in the atmosphere. All samples were prepared by solid-phase extraction with Oasis WAX cartridges and analyzed using ultra performance liquid chromatography interfaced with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The results showed that seven medium- and short-chain PFCs including C4 and C8 perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs) and C4-C6, C8, and C9 perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were detected in the snow samples. Total PFC concentrations ranged from 2.85 to 35.1 ng·L-1, whereas perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) dominated, with ranges of 2.15-23.0 ng·L-1, and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was detected at lower levels, ranging from 0 to 0.46 ng·L-1. As compared to the results from other studies, the PFOA concentrations of the study region were at mid-level and the PFOS concentrations were relatively low. The spatial distribution of PFCs varied, and the pollutant concentrations of the snow samples from the sampling sites located in the urban areas were higher than those in the rural areas. The greatest total PFC concentrations were detected in Fuyang, whereas the lowest concentrations were detected in Jiande and Chun'an. In this study, the high concentrations of PFCs dominated by PFOA that were measured in the Hangzhou snow samples emphasize the importance of atmospheric wet deposition as one of the sources of PFC contamination in this ecological system and should be addressed. The occurrence of PFCs in the air, indicated by their presence in the snow, suggests that the atmospheric environment may be an important contributor in human and ecological exposure to PFCs by local residents.

CRF receptor type 1 mediates continual hypoxia-induced CRF peptide and CRF mRNA expression increase in hypothalamic PVN of rats.

We demonstrated previously that hypoxia activated CRF and CRF mRNA in PVN, and CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) mRNA in rat pituitary. The aim of the study is to test whether the hypoxia-activated CRF and CRF mRNA is associated with triggering CRFR1. Rats were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia at altitude of 2 and 5 km. CRF and CRF mRNA were assayed by immunostaining and in situ hybridization. CRFR1 mRNA was assayed by RT-PCR. Results showed that 5 km continual hypoxia increased CRF and CRF mRNA in PVN, CRFR1 mRNA in pituitary, and plasma corticosterone. The hypoxia-increased CRF, CRF mRNA, CRFR1 mRNA, and corticosterone were blocked by CRFR1 antagonist (CP-154,526), suggesting that CRFR1 in PVN and pituitary are responsible for the hypoxia-increased CRF and CRF mRNA in PVN.

[Residue Concentration and Distribution Characteristics of Perfluorinated Compounds in Surface Water from Qiantang River in Hangzhou Section].

This study studied the pollution characteristics of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in Qiantang River in Hangzhou section (QR). Surface water samples, collected in July 2014 and January 2015 from 14 sites in QR were analyzed for 16 PFCs. All samples were prepared by solid-phase extraction with Oasis WAX cartridges and analyzed using the ultra performance liquid chromatography interfaced to tandem mass spectrometry ( UPLC-MS/MS). The results showed that 8 medium-and short-chain PFCs including C4 and C8 perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs) and C4-C9 perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were detected in the surface waters. The total concentrations of PFCs ranged from 0.98 to 609 ng · L⁻¹, while perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) dominated, with range of 0.59-538 ng L⁻¹, and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was detected at lower levels, ranging from 0 to 2.48 ng · L⁻¹. The spatial distribution of PFCs varied, and the pollutant concentrations at the sampling sites located in upstream of the river such as Lanjiangkou and Jiangjunyan were relatively high, PFCs concentration showed a decreasing trend from the upstream to the downstream. According to the ratio of feature components, PFCs in surface water of QR originated largely from the input of direct sewage emissions. Taken together, the PFCs pollution was highly correlated with the upstream of Qiantang River valley's industry distribution, and most of the mass load in the investigated river was attributed to upstream running water with a minor influence from the wastewater discharges along the river basin. Overall, the results presented here indicated that greater attention should be given to the contamination of PFCs, especially for PFOA in water body of QR.

Has-mir-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and risk of immune thrombocytopenia.

The purpose of this study was to determine the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the has-mir-146a (miR-146a) genes with the risk for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The genotyping of miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. In the patients with ITP, the frequencies of GG, GC and CC genotypes and G and C alleles were 12.5%, 47.9%, 39.6%, 36.4% and 63.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference in genotype and alleles distribution between the ITP patient and the controls (p = 0.77 and 0.51, respectively). No significant differences were found between the two groups when stratified by the age and disease course including acute adult, chronic adult, acute childhood and chronic childhood. In conclusion, there was no association between the SNP of miR-146a and the susceptibility to ITP in a Chinese population.

[Simultaneous determination of sixteen perfluorinated organic compounds in surface water by solid phase extraction and ultra performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry].

A high-throughput detection method has been developed for the determination of sixteen perfluorinated organic compounds (PFCs) in surface water by solid phase extraction-ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The water samples were concentrated and purified through WAX solid phase extraction cartridges. The UPLC separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column utilizing a gradient elution program of methanol (containing 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate) and water (containing 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate) as the mobile phases at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The MS/MS detection was performed under negative electrospray ionization ( ESI ) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Good linearities were observed in the range of 0.5-100 gg/L or 1.0 - 100 microg/L with correlation coefficients from 0.998 7 to 0.999 9. The limits of detection (LODs) for the sixteen perfluorinated organic compounds were in the range of 0.06-0.46 ng/L. The recoveries ranged from 67.6% to 103% with the relative standard deviations between 2.94% and 12.0%. This method was characterized by high sensitivity and precision, extensive range and high speed, and can be applied for the analysis of PFC contaminants in surface water.

Interleukin-18 gene promoter--607 A/C polymorphism and the risk of immune thrombocytopenia.

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a T helper 1 cytokine, which is postulated to play a role in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The aim of this study was to determine whether IL-18 promoter gene -607 A/C polymorphism was associated with ITP. Three-hundred and fifty-four Chinese ITP patients and 300 Chinese healthy individuals were enrolled. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was used to genotype the DNA samples for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-607. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared between the case-control groups by the chi-square test. The results showed that the frequencies of the CC, CA and AA genotypes and C and A allele were 32.4, 47.8, 19.8, 56.4 and 43.6% in ITP patients and 32.3, 50.4, 17.3, 57.5 and 42.5% in the controls, respectively. There was no significant difference in either genotypes or allelic distribution between ITP patients and the controls. Furthermore, stratified analysis by the platelet count, age and disease course including ITP with severe thrombocytopenia (sITP), non-sITP, acute adult, chronic adult, acute childhood and chronic childhood revealed no significant difference in genotype and alleles distribution. In conclusion, this polymorphism was almost equally distributed between ITP patients and the controls. These data showed that this SNP may not be used as a stratification marker to predict the susceptibility to Chinese ITP.

[Pollution characteristics and health risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the water of Lake Qiandao and its major input rivers].

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were quantitatively determined by GC in several surface water samples collected in July 2011 and November 2011 from Lake Qiandao (Xin'an River Reservoir) and its major input rivers. Then the component characteristics and source apportionment of HCHs and DDTs were confirmed, and the health risk assessment was evaluated. The results showed that 8 OCPs were found to be in trace amount, and p,p'-DDT, a-HCH and p,p'-DDE were the highest frequently detected OCPs. The concentrations of total OCPs in surface water of the studied Lake ranged from 1.9 to 7.6 ng-L-1 , which were at lower pollution level, and 1.2-212 ng.L-1 in the samples from its three major input rivers. The spatial distribution of OCPs in the water of lake was varying, and Xin'an River, the mainstream of the lake, was the main input source of OCPs. Also, different contamination patterns among sampling seasons were found, the concentrations of OCPs in surface water collected in wet period were higher than those in dry season, which display the characteristics of nonpoint source pollution. According to the ratio of feature components, the OCPs in surface water from the Lake Qiandao originated largely from long distance transmission or degradation of technical HCHs, while additional sources of DDTs existed in the region. In addition, human health risk assessment of ingestion through the drinking water and skin contact absorption was performed using EPA recommends methods, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks caused by OCPs were 0. 06 x 10(-7)-23. 2 x 10(-7) and 3.43 x 10(-5) -6.01 x 10(-3), respectively. According to the acceptable risk level, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of the chemicals investigated can be considered negligible in water body of Lake Qiandao.

Interleukin-27 rs153109 polymorphism and the risk for immune thrombocytopenia.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the interleukin-27 (IL-27) genes with the risk for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). In this case-control study, the genotyping of IL-27 rs153109 polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In ITP patients, the frequencies of GG, GA and AA genotypes, and G and A alleles were 9.7%, 58.5%, 31.8%, 38.9% and 61.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference in genotype and alleles distribution between the ITP patient and the healthy controls (p = 0.68 and 0.80, respectively). Similar results were found between the two groups when stratified by the age and disease course including non-chronic adult, chronic adult, non-chronic childhood, and chronic childhood. In conclusion, the IL-27 polymorphism may not be involved in susceptibility to ITP in a Chinese population.