DNA Methylation and Transcription of HLA-F and Serum Cytokines Relate to Chinese Medicine Syndrome Classification in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the molecular bases of Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome classification in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in terms of DNA methylation, transcription and cytokines.@*METHODS@#Genome-wide DNA methylation and 48 serum cytokines were detected in CHB patients (DNA methylation: 15 cases; serum cytokines: 62 cases) with different CM syndromes, including dampness and heat of Gan (Liver) and gallbladder (CHB1, DNA methylation: 5 cases, serum cytokines: 15 cases), Gan stagnation and Pi (Spleen) deficiency (CHB2, DNA methylation: 5 cases, serum cytokines: 15 cases), Gan and Shen (Kidney) yin deficiency (CHB3, DNA methylation: 5 cases, serum cytokines: 16 cases), CHB with hidden symptoms (HS, serum cytokines:16 cases) and healthy controls (DNA methylation: 6 cases). DNA methylation of a critical gene was further validated and its mRNA expression was detected on enlarged samples. Genome-wide DNA methylation was detected using Human Methylation 450K Assay and furthered verified using pyrosequencing. Cytokines and mRNA expression of gene were evaluated using multiplex biometric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based immunoassay and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), respectively.@*RESULTS@#Totally 28,667 loci, covering 18,403 genes were differently methylated among CHB1, CHB2 and CHB3 (P<0.05 and |Δβ value| > 0.17). Further validation showed that compared with HS, the hg19 CHR6: 29691140 and its closely surrounded 2 CpG loci were demethylated and its mRNA expressions were significantly up-regulated in CHB1 (P<0.05). However, they remained unaltered in CHB2 (P>0.05). Levels of Interleukin (IL)-12 were higher in CHB3 and HS than that in CHB1 and CHB2 groups (P<0.05). Levels of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α and MIP-1β were higher in CHB3 than other groups and leukemia inhibitory factor level was higher in CHB1 and HS than CHB2 and CHB3 groups (P<0.05). IL-12, MIP-1α and MIP-1β concentrations were positively correlated with human leukocyte antigen F (HLA-F) mRNA expression (R2=0.238, P<0.05; R2=0.224, P<0.05; R=0.447, P<0.01; respectively). Furthermore, combination of HLA-F mRNA and differential cytokines greatly improved the differentiating accuracy among CHB1, CHB2 and HS.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Demethylation of CpG loci in 5' UTR of HLA-F may up-regulate its mRNA expression and HLA-F expression was associated with IL-12, MIP-1α and MIP-1β levels, indicating that HLA-F and the differential cytokines might jointly involve in the classification of CM syndromes in CHB.@*REGISTRATION NO@#ChiCTR-RCS-13004001.

Effect and mechanism of Mahuang Tang against influenza A/H1N1 virus / 中国中药杂志

To study the effect and underlying mechanism of Mahuang Tang against influenza A virus ， the influenza virus-infected Madin-Darby canine kidney(MDCK) cells were used as the carrier in this study to detect the median tissue culture-infective dose(TCID₅₀) of influenza A virus strains(A/PR8/34) on MDCK cells with cytopathic effect(CPE) assay. Blocking influenza virus invading host cells and anti-influenza virus biosynthesis were used as two different administration methods， and then the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) assay was utilized to determine the antiviral effective rate(ER)， median efficacious concentration(EC₅₀) and therapeutic index(TI) of Mahuang Tang. The quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was used to measure virus load and the mRNA expression levels of TLR4， TLR7， MyD88 and TRAF6 in MDCK cells at 24， 48 h after the treatment. The experiment results indicated that TCID₅₀ of A/PR8/34 for MDCK cells was 1×10-4.32/mL. The EC₅₀ values of two different treatment methods were 4.92，1.59 g·L⁻¹ respectively， the TI values were 12.53， 38.78 respectively， and when the concentration of Mahuang Tang was 5.00 g·L⁻¹， ER values were 50.21%， 98.41% respectively， showing that Mahuang Tang can block influenza virus into the host cells and significantly inhibit their biosynthesis. Meanwhile， as compared with the virus group， the virus load was significantly inhibited in Mahuang Tang groups， and Mahuang Tang high and middle doses had the significant effect on decreasing the mRNA expression of TLR4， TLR7，MyD88 and TRAF6 at 24， 48 h after the treatment. It can be demonstrated that the mechanisms of Mahuang Tang against influenza A virus are related to the inhibition of influenza virus replication and the mRNA expression of correlative genes in TLR4 and TLR7 signaling pathways.

Immunologic mechanisms of Yinhua Pinggan granule and San-ao decoction against influenza virus / 中国中药杂志

This paper aimed to investigate the effect of Yinhua Pinggan granule and San-ao decoction on the immunologic mechanisms of influenza viral pneumonia mice , in order to study the activity of the combined administration of different formulas on influenza A/H1N1 virus. The model of pneumonia was established in mice through nasal dropping influenza virus, and then divided randomly into five groups: normal control group, influenza virus model group, oseltamivir control group, Yinhua Pinggan granule group, and San-ao decoction group. The animals were put to death at the 5th day after gavage administration with the corresponding drugs. The contents in mice serum of TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ were respectively measured by ELISA. The mRNA expressions of TLR3/7, MyD88, JNK, p38MAPK and NF-κB p65 in lung tissues were respectively detected by RT-PCR. The protein expressions of JNK, p38MAPK and NF-κB p65 in lung tissues were determined by immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. According to the results, Yinhua Pinggan granule and San-ao decoction could significantly decrease the levels of TNF-α and IL-6, increase the level of IFN-γ in mice serum of lung tissues, significantly reduce the gene expressions of TLR3/7, MyD88, JNK, p38MAPK and NF-κB p65 in influenza virus-infected mice lung tissues, and significantly reduce the protein expressions of JNK, p38MAPK and NF-κB p65 in lung tissues. Furthermore, the regulatory effect of Yinhua Pinggan granule was superior to that of San-ao decoction. In conclusion, Yinhua Pingan granule and San-ao decoction have the therapeutic effect on pneumonia mice infected by H1N1 virus . The anti-influenza mechanisms of Yinhua Pinggan granule and San-ao decoction may be the results of interactions by regulating the immunologic function of influenza virus-infected mice and TLR3/7 signaling pathway with multiple links of the gene and protein expressions. Moreover, the combined administration of warm-natured and cold-natured Yinhua Pinggan granule with the effects of detoxification and exhalation has a better effect than the single administration of warm-natured San-ao decoction.

Effect of Yinghua Pinggan granule against influenza A/H1N1 virus in vivo / 中国中药杂志

To study the effect of Yinghua Pinggan granule (YHPG) against influenza A/H1N1 virus in vivo and on the immunologic function of infected mice. The intranasal influenza virus infection was adopted in ICR mouse to establish the influenza virus pneumonia model. At the 3rd and 7th day after the infection, the lung index and pathologic changes in lung tissues of mice were detected. Realtime PCR and flow cytometry were employed to observe the virus load in lung tissues and the levels of CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ in peripheral blood. The result showed that at the 3rd and 7th day after the infection, YHPG (15, 30 g x kg(-1)) can significant decrease in the lung index and virus load in lung tissues of mice infected with influenza virus, alleviate the pathologic changes in lung tissues, significantly increase the levels of CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratio and reduce the levels of CD8+ in whole blood. This indicated that YHPG can inhibit the influenza virus replication, alleviate pulmonary damage and adjust the weak immunologic function of infected mice, with a certain therapeutic effect on mice infected by H1N1 virus in vivo.

Variations on hemagglutinin gene of Zhejiang measles virus strains and differences with measles strains circulated both at home and abroad / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the variations on hemagglutinin (H) gene of measles virus (MV) in Zhejiang province, and to analyze the differences with strains circulated both at home and abroad.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In total, 33 MV strains isolated in Zhejiang province between 1999 and 2011 were collected.RNA of the isolated MV strains was extracted and the complete sequences on H gene were amplified using RT-PCR assay. The products were compared with the Chinese vaccine strain Shanghai-191, which was downloaded from GenBank, and other 95 different MV strains from all over the world.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>33 MV strains, isolated from the throat swab specimens collected from MV patients in Zhejiang province during 1999 to 2001, were used to conduct phylogenetic analysis with MV strains circulated in other areas of China during 1993 to 2007. The phylogenetic tree based on H gene sequences showed that all the Zhejiang MV strains located in H1a cluster, and no apparent time series and geographic restrictions were observed. Compared to the referenced vaccine strain Shanghai-191, the average variation rate on nucleotides and amino acids, and the evolutionary rate of H1a viruses from China during 2003 to 2011 were separately 5.15%, 4.44% and 5.81%, which were higher than the rates of H1a viruses during 1965 to 1993 (4.75%, 3.86% and 5.30%), and the rates of viruses during 1994 to 2002 (4.80%, 4.08% and 5.37%).However, the dn/ds ratios of strains within the three time periods were 0.19,0.21 and 0.23 respectively, which indicated that no evidence of positive selection was found on H1a MV strains during 1993 to 2011. A 24 stable amino acid variation sites on H gene was found between H1a viruses during 2003 to 2011 and the vaccine strain Shanghai-191. The largest variation occurred between vaccine and H1a strains, with 0.053 of the p-distance and 26-28 of amino acid mutations.However, only 15 stable amino acid variations were found between vaccine strain and genotype B3 or D4 strains.In addition, significant differences were found between H1a viruses and genotype B or D viruses, with 0.074 and 0.071 of p-distance and 27-33 of amino acid differences.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Significant differences were found on H gene between MV strains subtype H1a and vaccine strains and other genotype strains. The variations were enlarged with the time coursing; therefore, the surveillance on variation of Chinese MV strains should be taken into account.</p>

Analysis of genetic variation of hemagglutinin and three internal genes of influenza B virus isolated in Zhejiang province from 1999 to 2012 / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the characteristics of the genetic variation of hemagglutinin( HA) and three internal genes coding for the nucleoprotein ( NP) , matrix protein ( M) and nonstructural protein ( NS) of influenza B virus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 31 strains of influenza B virus were isolated in Zhejiang province from 1999 to 2012, and then were amplified and sequenced the genes of HAl , NP, M and NS. The phylogenetic tree was constructed, the nucleotide substitution rate of the above individual gene was estimated and the variation sites of amino acids were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 31 isolated strains of influenza B virus were divided into two distinct lineages Victoria and Yamagata in the phylogenetic tree of HAl gene,represented by B/Victoria/2/87 and B/Yamagata/16/88. Phylogenetic analysis of the NP gene showed that the NP gene of Victoria-like influenza B strains which were isolated after 2010 was highly homologous with Yamagata-like isolates, and thereby they were found to be on the same branch of the phylogenetic tree of the NP gene. Nucleotide substitution rates of HAl , NP, M and NS genes were estimated to be 2. 29 x 10 -3 ,1. 39 X 10-3 ,1. 78 X 10-3 ,1. 30 X 10-3 /site per year, respectively. Variations of amino acid of HAl domain of Victoria-like isolates mainly included K48E ,L58P ,N75K,K80R,K129N/S,N165K,S172P ,Sl97N/D and A202V; while those in Yamagata-like isolates were R48K, S1501, N166Y, N203S, G230D and D233N. Determined amino acid sequences of NP of Victoria-like influenza B isolates were similar to Yamagata-like isolates after 2010 and variations happened on four characteristic amino acid sites, naming A60D, I233V, N513S and V5341, compared with previous Victoria-like influenza B isolates.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Significant variation was found among influenza B strains isolated in Zhejiang province from 1999 to 2012. The surface HAl gene evolved more rapidly than internal genes. Gene reassortment and gene mutation were the main evolutionary mechanism of influenza B virus.</p>

Study on the complete sequence of CA24 variant isolated during the acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis outbreaks in Zhejiang province during 2002 to 2010 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To analyze the genetic characteristics of the complete sequence of coxsackievirus A24 variant(CA24v) isolated from acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) outbreaks in Zhejiang province during 2002 to 2010.Methods Complete sequences of CA24v epidemic strains isolated in different years were amplified under the RT-PCR assay,while the sequences of whole genome,VP1,and 3C region of Zhejiang strains were compared with epidemic strains isolated in other areas of China and abroad.Results The whole genome of Zhejiang CA24v strains isolated in 2002 and 2010 was 7456-7458 bp in length,encoding a polyglutamine protein which containing 2214 amino acid residues.There was a insertion with T on site 97 and 119 within 5' non-coding region between epidemic strain Zhejiang/08/10 and strains isolated in 2002.The rates of amino acid homology among Zhejiang/08/10 and other strains isolated since 2002 were between 94.7％ and 100.0％.Compared with the representative strains circulated within the recent 60 years,the largest average amino acid variations had been occurred on region 2A and 3A,with the ratios as 8.4％ and 7.3％ respectively.The smallest variation happened in region 3D,with the ratio only as 1.9％.The rates of stable amino acid variation on the whole genome between strains isolated since 1987 and 2002 were 38 and 20.P-distance within groups appeared that region 3C was more stable than VP1 of strains isolated in 2002-2010,and the 3D of early strain Jamaica/10628/87 might have had a nature of recombination but not observed on those epidemic strains in recent years.Conclusion Within the evolution of CA24v strains,the time course was more significant than the geographical differences.There had been sporadic epidemics of AHC caused by CA24v in Zhejiang province since 2002.

Molecular evolution of two lineages related to influenza B virus based on HA1 gene / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To study the evolutionary characteristics and rules of two lineages on influenza B virus.Methods A total of 126 HA1 sequences of strains isolated during 1940 to 2012were downloaded from the GenBank.Time of the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) and divergence of the two lineages were calculated based on the data from phylogenetic analysis of HA1gene,using Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (Bayesian-MCMC) and molecular clock method.Results The average amino acid variant ratios were ranged from 5.4％ to 10.2％ within the strains of influenza B virus isolated during 1978 to 2010.Compared with the Victoria-like strains,all Yamagatalike strains showed an amino acid deletion at 163th site,while some of them showing a deletion at position 166.HA1 gene of influenza B virus seemed not have been affected by positive selection except a few sites.The evolutionary average rate on HA1 gene was 2.138 × 10-3 substitutions/site/year (95％HPD:1.833 × 10-3-2.437 × 10-3 substitutions/site/year).The estimated dates for TMRCA of the two lineages of influenza B virus could be dated back to 1971 (95％ HPD:1969-1972),while the divergence times of the two lineages were 1973 (95％ HPD:1971-1974) and 1977 (95％ HPD:1975-1978) respectively.Conclusion Significant differences were found on HA1 gene between earlier and recent identified strains of Victoria and Yamagata lineage.Differences between the two lineages increased and showing the potential of dividing themselves into different subtypes in the future.More attention should be paid to these trends and the related epidemiological significance.

Etiological and molecular-epidemiological analysis on enterovirus associated encephalitis in Zhejiang, 2008-2012 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective In order to investigate etiology and molecular-epidemiological characteristics of enterovirus associated encephalitis (EAE) in Zhejiang,2008-2012.Method Cerebrospinal fluid and stool specimens were collected from suspected EAE patients,who were admitted to our hospitals.RD and Hep-2 cell lines were used to isolate enterovirus (EV).Serotypes of these EV isolates were identified through neutralization test by using serotype specific anti-sera.VP 1 genes of these isolates were sequenced,compared and used for the construction of phylogenetic tree.Results 127 (20.6％) human enterovirus (HEV) strains were isolated from 616 samples,which were collected from 610 patients.Serotypes of these EV isolates,including 60 coxsackievirus (CV),and 67 Echovirus (E) appeared to be CVA9,CVB1,CVB3-5,E3,E4,E6,E9,El4,E25 and E30,respectively.Predominant EV serotypes on EAE from 2008 to 2012 were seen as CVB3,CVB5,E6,E30 and E30,respectively.The full length of VP1 genes from different EV isolates was between 834 and 918 nucleotides.The VP1 gene similarities between these isolates and the reference strains were from 76.7％ to 85.0％ (nucleotides level) and 91.1％ to 97.9％ (amino acids level).The VP1 genes from E6 serotype isolates appeared most diverged,reaching 20.4％ (nucleotides level) attd 4.8％ (amino acids level).Based on the generated phylogenetic tree,all the EV isolates were fallen on the same branch of HEV-B,and the isolates in the same serotype formed one sub-branch,suggesting there existed geographical and temporal effects.E6 isolates diverged into two branchlets.Conclusion EVs from HEV-B were the etiologic agents for EAE in Zhejiang province from 2008 to 2012.All these EV isolates showed 12 serotypes,with predominant isolates varied every year.E30 was determined as the most dominant serotype while serotype E6 diverged into two sub-genetypes.

Genomic sequences of human infection of avian-origin influenza A(H7N9)virus in Zhejiang province / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the etiology and genomic sequences of human infection of avian-origin influenza A(H7N9)virus from Zhejiang province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Viral RNA was extracted from patients of suspected H7N9 influenza virus infection and real-time RT-PCR was conducted for detection of viral RNA. All 8 segments of influenza virus were amplified by one-step RT-PCR and genomic sequences were assembled using the sequencing data. All the currently available HA and NA genes of the novel H7N9 virus, some other HAs from H7 subtype and NAs from N9 subtype were downloaded from public database for phylogenetic analysis, using the Mega 5.1 software. Mutations and variations were analyzed, using the genomic sequence data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Reactions for influenza type A, subtype H7 and subtype N9 were all positive and all the genomic fragments were amplified for sequencing. After alignment, sequences were subjected for phylogenetic analysis. The results revealed highest homology with A/duck/Zhejiang/12/2011(H7N3)in HA gene and with A/wild bird/Korea/ A14/2011(H7N9)in NA gene of the H7N9 influenza virus. All 6 genes coding for internal proteins shared highest identities with H9N2 avian influenza which were circulated in the Chinese mainland, in the last two years. The sequenced virus showed Q226L mutation in HA protein, but E627K was not presented in PB2 protein of this virus. The E627K mutation was shared by all the other novel H7N9 viruses resulted in human infections through analysis on the currently available sequences.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Using the clinical samples, both detection of the viral genes and amplification of all 8 segments of the novel H7N9 influenza virus were accomplished. High homology of the novel H7N9 influenza viruses was observed by phylogenetic test, using the currently available sequences. The virus showed Q226L mutation on HA protein but E627K did not present on PB2 protein of this virus.</p>

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the 6 confirmed human cases with novel influenza A (H7N9) virus infection in Zhejiang / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical spectrum, geographic location of human H7N9 avian influenza as well as the characteristics of population at high risk of infection, in order to develop strategies for the prevention and control of the infection. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics on the 6 confirmed human cases in Zhejiang were also analyzed.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to test the nucleic acid of human H7N9 avian influenza infection, from pharyngeal swabs of the patients and their close contacts. Face to face interview and descriptive method were used to collect related clinical and epidemiological data. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 17.0.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Six confirmed cases were distributed in Hangzhou and Huzhou cities. The 6 confirmed human cases, including 5 males and 1 female were all confirmed with novel influenza A (H7N9) virus infection, with an average age as 60.83 years (with median as 64.50 years). Cough was the most common initial symptom to be noticed. The clinical manifestations would include fever, dizziness, pain of muscles, coughing, expectoration and short of breath. All the X-ray chest films showed severe pneumonia, and 5 of them having had other chronic diseases. None of the cases admitted to have had a history of exposure to ill/death avians. However, all of the cases had been frequently exposed to the agricultural-byproduct-trading-markets where the positive rate of novel influenza A (H7N9) virus in environmental specimens was up to 43.21%. 32 of the 375 close contacts (8.53%) to the 6 cases appeared abnormal symptoms, but no positive result related to novel influenza A (H7N9) virus nucleic acid was detected from their throat swabs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acute infection on the respiratory system seemed the main clinical manifestation. Elderly men, especially those with chronic diseases were under high risk of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza. The source of infection might be associated with the exposure to poultry. There was still lack of evidence to confirm the route of person to person transmission on H7N9 avian influenza.</p>

Study on the genome sequence of measles viruses circulated in Zhejiang province during 1999 to 2011 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To study the genetic variations between measles vaccinc strain S191 and strains that circulated in Zhejiang province causing the epidemics during 1999 to 20 1 1.Methods Complete sequence of the nine Zhejiang measles strains were amplified by RT-PCR assay.Products were sequenced and the obtained sequences were aligned and analyzed with vaccine strains S191 and the major epidemic strains isolated in foreign countries.Results The homology of amino acid among the nine Zhcjiang strains were 98.77％-99.89％.The strains were not affected by positive selection and the variations on each gene were still in random drift.Compared to vaccine strain S191,there were 135 to 159 amino acid changes in Zhejiang measles virus,in which 113 points were common variable positions,resulting in mutations on five glycosylation sites.At the nucleotide level,the biggest differences between the Zhejiang strains and the vaccine strain S191 were found on N gcne,with the average divergent ratio as 5.5％,while the biggest one was P protein,in the amino acid level,with the average mutation rate as 7.7％.In addition,with the complete genome sequences,the genetic distance between Zhcjiang epidemic strains and vaccine strains was greater than the distances between epidenic strains of genotype D4,B3 and vaccine strains (t=-9.76,P＜0.05；t=-12.39,P＜0.05).Conclusion There were significant differcnccs found in the each of the genes between Zhejiang epidemic strains and the vaccine strain S191.The differences between the current vaccine strains and H genotypc epidemic strains were much larger than the differences between the vaccine and the forcign epidemic strains (genotype D4,B3).Therefore,wc should pay close attcntion to this trend,and to develop candidates for the dcvclopnent of vaccines,as early as possible.

Comparative analysis on the complete genome sequence of mumps epidemic strain and mumps vaccine strain S79 isolated in Zhejiang province, China between year 2005 and 2010 / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the differences in the complete genome sequence between mumps epidemic strain and mumps vaccine strain S79 isolated in Zhejiang province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 4 mumps epidemic strains, which were separated from Zhejiang province during 2005 to 2010, named as ZJ05-1, ZJ06-3, ZJ08-1 and ZJ10-1 were selected in the study. The complete genome sequences were amplified using RT-PCR. The genetic differences between vaccine strain S79 and other genotype strains were compared; while the genetic-distance was calculated and the evolution was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The biggest difference between the 4 epidemic strains and the vaccine strain S79 was found on the membrane associated protein gene; whose average nucleotide differential number was 42.5 +/- 3.0 and the average variant ratio was 13.6%; while the mean amino acid differential number was 12.8 +/- 1.5 and the average variant ratio was 22.4%. The smallest difference among the 4 epidemic strains and the vaccine strain was found in stromatin genes, whose average nucleotide differential number was 73.8 +/- 2.5 and the average variant ratio was 5.9%; while the mean amino acid differential number was 3.0 +/- 0.8 and the average variant ratio was 0.8%. The dn/ds value of the stromatin genes of the 4 epidemic strains reached the highest, as 0.6526; but without any positive pressure (dn/ds < 1, chi2 = 0.87, P > 0.05). There were mutations happened on the known antigen epitope, as 8th amino acid of membrane associated protein genes and on the 336th and 356th amino acid of hemagglutinin/neuraminidase proteins. Compared with the vaccine strain, the glycosylation sites of ZJ05-1, ZJ06-3, ZJ08-1 and ZJ10-1 increased 1, 1, 2 and 2 respectively. The complete amino acid sequence of all strains showed that there were 17 characteristic sites found on the genotype-F mumps strain. Within the complete genome, the genetic-distance between epidemic strains and vaccine strains in Zhejiang province (0.071) was significantly larger than the genetic-distance between strains in Yunnan province (0.013); the difference showing statistical significance (t = 4.14, P < 0.05). Except nucleocapsid protein genes, all the genes shared similar evolution tree.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There were significant differences found in the genes between mumps epidemic strain and mumps vaccine in Zhejiang province.</p>

Molecular epidemiological study on rubella virus strains isolated in Zhejiang province, China,2005-2010 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To analyze the molecular epidemiological characteristic of rubella virus strains isolated in Zhejiang province from 2005 to 2010, to provide basic data for rubella prevention and control. Methods Rubella virus strains were isolated on Vero cells from the suspected patients' specimens collected in Zhejiang province during 2005 to 2010. Partial fragments of the structural gene of Zhejiang rubella strains were amplified, using nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The amplified products were sequences and analyzed.Results In total, 7 rubella strains were isolated from 52 clinical specimens, of which six were classified as genotype I E and only one was characterized as genotype 2B. In the phylogenetic tree, the Zhejiang IE genotype rubella strains were located in the same branches with Hongkong or Hainan isolates respectively, but the Zhejiang 2B genotype strain were located in the same branch with oversea strain BuenosAires.ARG/46.08. Through p-distance analysis, results also showed that the Zhejiang 2B genotype strain was closer to the 2B strains isolated from overseas (0.011 ) than those strains from other provinces of China (0.023). Compared with Chinese vaccine strain BRD Ⅱ, the homology on three structural genes was C＞E2＞E1, but the homology of deduced amino acid sequence was E1 ＞ C ＞ E2, with corresponding 3,11 and 23 amino acid mutations. There was only one amino acid on E1 gene with entropy value higher than 0.600, but seven sites on E2 gene with entropy value appeared higher than 0.600 and one with entropy value higher than 1.000. Conclusion Two genotypes of rubella virus had circulated in Zhejiang province during 2005 to 2010. Genotype IE appeared to be the predominant genotype and 2B being an imported one. Amino acid sequence of E1 gene from Zhejiang rubella strains was comparatively conserved, but E2 gene was hypervariable.Study on rubella virus E2 and C gene should be conducted in the epidemiological surveillance program of rubella.

Study on the mutations within the whole genome of influenza virus subtype A/H3N2 strains circulated in Zhejiang province from 1998 to 2009 / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the consistency of evolution condition between HA gene and the whole genome of influenza virus subtype A/H3N2 strains isolated in Zhejiang province from 1998 to 2009, and to study the potential antigenic region on the whole genome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The sequences of whole genome of 19 Zhejiang influenza virus isolates circulated from 1998 to 2009, which conserved by influenza laboratory of Zhejiang Provincial Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, were amplified using RT-PCR assays. The obtained sequences were used to conduct phylogenetic analysis with 10 contemporaneous vaccine strains. Three methods, including comparison of the amino acid substitutions, calculation of the entropy value and the filtering of positive selection sites, were used to confirm the mutable sites on each gene.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The whole genome of influenza virus subtype A/H3N2 was 4466 amino acids in length, with 137 stable mutations. The 144, 158 aa of HA gene mutate four and three times respectively; 93, 143, 307, 370, 372 aa of NA gene and 450 aa of NP gene mutate twice, and there were 29% (12/41) and 77% (24/31) mutations of HA and NA genes occurred on the non-epitope regions respectively. Analysis of the entropy value suggest that many amino acid sites on the non-epitope regions were prone to mutation, including 3, 225, 361 aa of HA gene; 93, 143, 147, 150, 372 aa of NA gene; 113, 576, 586 aa of PB1 gene; 101,256, 382, 421, 437 aa of PA; 377, 450 aa of NP gene; 218 aa of M1 gene and 31 aa of M2 gene.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Based on the whole genome of influenza virus subtype A/H3N2 strains isolated in Zhejiang province in 1998 to 2009, there may be several unknown or new antigen sites existing on the non-epitope regions of HA and NA genes and parts of internal genes. The phylogenetic tree constructed based on the complete sequence was more comprehensive than on the HA gene to reflect the genetic relationship and law of evolution among the influenza virus strains.</p>

Study on the pathological and molecular characteristics of AHC epidemic in Zhejiang Province in 2010 / 病毒学报

To identify and trace the pathogen of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) epidemic in Zhejiang Province in 2010. Viral nucleic acid of Enterovirus (EV) and Coxsackievirus A24 variant (CA24v) were directly detected by real-time RT-PCR from the conjunctival swab collected from suspected patients. The virus was isolated from the swab samples using Hep-2 cell. The viral RNAs were extracted from the isolated viruses and followed by RT-PCR to amplify VP1 gene and 3C protease region(3C). The amplified fragments were sequenced and phylogenetic trees were also constructed. Eight out of 13 swab samples from suspected patients were both positive for EV and CA24v RNA (61.5%), 6 CA24v strains were isolated (46.2%). The complete VP1 genes of CA24v in 4 sequenced virus strains were 915 nt in length and the complete 3C genes were 549 nt in length. All VP1 and 3C genes were confirmed without any insertion or deletion. The identity of nucleotide and amino acid in 3C between the 2010 isolated strains and the prototype strain EH24/70 were 85.2%-85.8% and 96.2%-96.7%, and that between the 2010 Zhejiang strains and the Zhejiang,Yunnan and Guangdong CA24v strains isolated between 2007-2008 were 93.4%-93.8% and 96.7%-97.3%, respectively. The phylogenetic tree of 3C indicated that the isolated CA24v viruses of Zhejiang in 2010 located in the CA24v IV genotype cluster 4 (GIV-C4) and all the VP1 genes located in the human Enterovirus C (EV-C) CA24v. These findings indicated that AHC epidemic in Zhejiang Province in 2010 was caused by CA24v GIV-C4 viruses and they most likely evolved from CA24v viruses circulating locally in external environment from 2002.

Molecular characteristics of norovirus in 3 outbreak-episodes of gastroenteritis in Zhejiang from 2008 to 2009 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To study the molecular characteristic of norovirus in 3 outbreaks of gastroenteritis in Zhejiang province. Methods During January 2008 and December 2009, fecal specimens of patients were collected from 3 outbreaks of acute viral gastroenteritis. Noroviruses were detected by Real-time RT-PCR. Part of the positive samples were randomly selected and detected by RT-PCR. PCR products were sequenced. Sequence analysis was undertaken based on partial sequence of RNA dependent RNA polymerase(RdRp)and capsid protein gene. Some positive samples were amplified by 3' RACE(rapid amplification of cDNA 3' ends), 3200 bp in length. The exact whole ORF2, ORF3 and 3' untranslation regions(UTR)gene of norovims were identified. Results There were in total 3 outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis caused by norovirus being reported. A total of 62 stools were obtained from cases with acute gastroentefitis. Noroviruses were detected in 41 cases including 27 strains of genogroup Ⅰ norovirus and 9 strains of genogroup Ⅱ norovirus, 5 strains of genogroup Ⅰ + Ⅱ norovirus. Four genotypes including G Ⅰ .8, G Ⅱ .b, G Ⅰ .2/0 Ⅰ .6 recombination together with co-infection of G Ⅰ .8 and G Ⅱ .b were detected. Conclusion Norovirus was confirmed as the major cause of outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis in Zhejiang province and multiple genotype of norovirus were identified from the outbreaks. It was the first time to have found a recombinant of G Ⅰ .6 capsid and G Ⅰ .2 polymerase norovims as well as the co-infection of G Ⅰ .8 and G Ⅱ .b norovirus in the same sample.

Study on the pathological and molecular characteristics of viral meningitis outbreaks in Linhai county, Zhejiang province, 2004 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective In order to confirm the causes of viral meningitis outbreaks in Linhai county,Zhejiang province in 2004,and to analyze the relationship between hereditary variation and evolution of the pathogen.Methods 60 cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)specimens were collected from the suspected patients.Virus strains from the specimens were isolated with RD and Hep-2 cell lines,and identified through neutralization test.VP1 and VP4/VP2 genes of the isolated viruses were sequenced.Both phylogcnetic and homological trees were also constructed.Results 19 Echovirus type 30(E30)strains were isolated from 60 CSFs,in which E30 accounted for 31.7％.All of the complete VP1 genes in 4 sequenced virus isolates of E30 were composed of 876 nt,encoding 292 amino acids(aa).The identity of nucleotide and amino acid in VP1 gene were 82.4％-84.1％ and 93.5％-94.2％ between the 4 Linhai strains and the prototype strain Bastianni of E30,were 87.1％-99.9％ and 97.9％-100.0％ among the 4 virus strains of E30 from Linhai,respectively.The 4 Linhai strains could be classified into two classes.The diversity of nt and aa was minimal in the same class but obvious between the two classes,with the range of diversities as 12.9％ and 2.1％,respectively.The Linhai E30 strains had maximum similarity with the Zhejiang E30 strains in 2002-2003.The 4 Linhai strains of E30 in the phylogenetic tree of the VP1 gene were attributed into two branches of the G and H genotype,respectively.The G branch also included the E30 strains from Zhejiang,Jiangsu and Shangdong in 2003,while the H branch including E30 strains from Zhuji,Zhejiang in 2002.The phylogenetic tree of VP4/VP2 genes was similar to that of VP1 gene.Conclusion The outbreak of viral meningitis in Linhai county in 2004 was caused by the two classes of E30 strains with G and H genotype existed simultaneously.The Linhai E30 strains had maximum genetic relations to the Zhejiang,Jiangsu and Shangdong strains of E30.The H genotype was inferred to be a new variant strain,which was first isolated in Zhejiang province in 2002.

Study on the etiological and molecular characteristics of aseptic meningitis epidemic in Zhejiang Province in 2002-2004 / 病毒学报

In order to confirm the cause of the outbreak of aseptic meningitis in Zhejiang Province in 2002-2004, trace the pathogen and analyze the molecular characteristics, 271 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and faeces specimens were collected from suspected patients. The virus strains from the specimens were isolated with RD and Hep-2 cell lines. The VP1 and VP4/VP2 genes of the isolated viruses were sequenced, and their phylogenetic and homology trees were also constructed. Of the total 271 samples, 78 Echovirus type 30 (E30) strains were isolated. All of the complete VP1 genes in 31 sequenced virus isolates of E30 were composed of 876 nt without any insertion or deletion, encoding 292 amino acids (aa). The identity of nucleotide and amino acid in VP1 gene were 84.7%-86.3% and 92.1%-94.2% between the 31 Zhejiang strains and the prototype strain Bastianni of E30, and 87.1%-99.4% and 96.2%-100% among the 31 Zhejiang strains, respectively. The Zhejiang strains of E30 in the phylogenetic tree of the VP1 gene were attributed into two branches of the G and H genotype, respectively. In G genotype, the Shangdong and Jiangsu E30 strains in 2003 among domestic strains and Ukraine E30 strain in 1999 among overseas strains had maximum similarity with the Zhejiang strains, while H genotype had maximum similarity with the Korea E30 strains in 2008. The phylogenetic tree of the VP4/VP2 genes was similar to that of VP1 gene. The results indicated that the outbreak of aseptic meningitis in Zhejiang Provinec in 2002-2004 was caused by the G and H genotypes of E30 strains existing simultaneously. The H genotype was a new variant strain, which was first isolated in Zhejiang Province in 2002.

Genetic variation of the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase of influenza B viruses isolated in Zhejiang province during 1999-2010 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To Characterize the genetic diversity of hemagglutinin(HA)and neuraminidase(NA)of influenza B viruses isolated in Zhejiang province during 1999-2010.Methods Respiratory specimens were collected from patients with flu-like syndrome during the influenza outbreaks or from the hospitals which carrying out influenza surveillance project in Zhejiang province.Samples were detected by real-time RT-PCR and isolated for influenza virus.HA1 and NA genes of influenza B virus isolates were amplified and sequenced.Phylogenetic comparison and genetic diversity analysis were performed using the bioinformation software.Results A total of 34 influenza B viruses were evolved in this study including Victoria-like and Yamagata-like strains according to the results of the HI test.The mutation rate of Victoria-like HA1 gene was 4.5% and Yamagata-like HA1 gene was 3.4%,respectively.The Victoria-like influenza B isolates had appeared to be all re-assortants having a Victoria lincage HA and Yamagata lineage NA since 2004.The predominant type of influenza virus isolates in 2010 was also influenza B virus after the H1N1 flu pandemic in Zhejiang province.The isolated strains were antigenicaily and genetically similar to B/Brisbane/60/2008--the vaccine strain proposed for 2009-2010.Many difierences of HA1 and NA amino acids existed in the current isolates when compared to previous influenza B strains.Conclusion Significant diversity was generated among influcnza B virus isolated from 1999 to 2010 in Zhejiang province.Genetic re-assortment and antigenic drift seemed the main evolutionary mechanism on influenza B virus.