[Epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus in influenza-like illness in Shenzhen City from 2019 to 2023].

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) among cases presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) in Shenzhen City from 2019 to 2023. Methods: Respiratory specimens were collected from two national sentinel hospitals in Shenzhen from March 2019 to December 2023, specifically targeting cases of ILI. The real-time PCR method was used for the detection and genotyping of HRSV. Basic demographic information was collected and used for the epidemiological analysis. Results: A total of 9 278 respiratory specimens of influenza-like cases were collected and detected, with a total positive rate of 4.77% (443/9 278) for HRSV. In 2021 (8.48%, 167/1 970), the positive rate of HRSV was significantly higher than in 2019 (3.35%, 52/1 552), 2022 (1.80%, 39/2 169), and 2023 (4.49%, 133/2 960), and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=102.395, P<0.001). The prevalence of HRSV was mainly in summer and early autumn (September), and there was an abnormal increase in the positive rate of HRSV in winter 2022. The highest positive rate of HRSV was in children under five years old (9.84%, 330/335). The typing results showed that in 2022, the prevalence of HRSV-A was predominant (71.79%, 28/39), and in 2023, HRSV-A and HRSV-B subtypes coexisted. Conclusions: The prevalence of HRSV in Shenzhen from 2019 to 2023 has obvious seasonality, mainly in summer and early autumn. Children under five years old are the main population of HRSV infections.

[Feasibility study of using bridging temporary permanent pacemaker in patients with high-degree atrioventricular block after TAVR].

Objective: To determine the feasibility of using temporary permanent pacemaker (TPPM) in patients with high-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as bridging strategy to reduce avoidable permanent pacemaker implantation. Methods: This is a prospective observational study. Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR at Beijing Anzhen Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2021 to February 2022 were screened. Patients with high-degree AVB and TPPM were included. Patients were followed up for 4 weeks with pacemaker interrogation at every week. The endpoint was the success rate of TPPM removal and free from permanent pacemaker at 1 month after TPPM. The criteria of removing TPPM was no indication of permanent pacing and no pacing signal in 12 lead electrocardiogram (EGG) and 24 hours dynamic EGG, meanwhile the last pacemaker interrogation indicated that ventricular pacing rate was 0. Routinely follow-up ECG was extended to 6 months after removal of TPPM. Results: Ten patients met the inclusion criteria for TPPM, aged (77.0±11.1) years, wirh 7 females. There were 7 patients with third-degree AVB, 1 patient with second-degree AVB, 2 patients with first degree AVB with PR interval>240 ms and LBBB with QRS duration>150 ms. TPPM were applied on the 10 patients for (35±7) days. Among 8 patients with high-degree AVB, 3 recovered to sinus rhythm, and 3 recovered to sinus rhythm with bundle branch block. The other 2 patients with persistent third-degree AVB received permanent pacemaker implantation. For the 2 patients with first-degree AVB and LBBB, PR interval shortened to within 200 ms. TPPM was successfully removed in 8 patients (8/10) at 1 month without permanent pacemaker implantation, of which 2 patients recovered within 24 hours after TAVR and 6 patients recovered 24 hours later after TAVR. No aggravation of conduction block or permanent pacemaker indication were observed in 8 patients during follow-up at 6 months. No procedure-related adverse events occurred in all patients. Conclusion: TPPM is reliable and safe to provide certain buffer time to distinguish whether a permanent pacemaker is necessary in patients with high-degree conduction block after TAVR.

[Application of ultra-short echo time-T2* component analysis technology in monitoring morphological and biochemical changes of achilles tendon in amateur marathon athletes].

Objective: To explore the value of ultra-short echo time (UTE)-T2* component analysis techniques in dynamic monitoring the morphological and biochemical changes in amateur marathon athletes' achilles tendon before and after the marathon. Methods: Twenty-nine amateur marathon runners were recruited between October 2020 and March 2021 in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, including 25 males and 4 females, aged from 24 to 50 (40±6) years old. All volunteers underwent bilateral achilles tendon MRI examination 1 week before the marathon, 48 hours after the race, and 1 month after the race. The shape and signal of the achilles tendon were evaluated by routine T1-weighted, proton density weighted with fat saturation sequence and different echo time (TE) UTE sequence, and the changes of achilles tendon after running was quantitatively analyzed by UTE-T2* sequence. The values of single-component analysis (T2*M), short T2* components (T2*S), and long T2* components (T2*L) and Fraction values were obtained using UTE-T2* sequence. The value of the whole achilles tendon was measured on the sagittal images of achilles tendon, and the Achilles tendon was equally divided into three subregions [muscle-tendon junction (MTJ), middle (MID), and insertion (INS)]. The region of interest was delineated by two radiologists independently. The intra-group correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the consistency of the data measured by two radiologists. Nonparametric Friedman M test was used to compare the differences of T2*M, T2*S, T2*L and Fraction values in different time points and different subregions. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare the difference between 48 h post-race and pre-race T2*S values (ΔT2*S) of different distance, different running posture, different pace and different amount of training, in which ΔT2*S equals the T2*S value of 48 h post-race minus the T2*S value of pre-race. Results: On the sequence of short TE (TE≤0.6 ms), achilles tendinopathy can manifest as scattered punctate hypointensity in areas of high signal intensity. The two radiologists showed a good consistency in measuring the T2*M, T2*S, T2*L and Fraction values of the achilles tendon, and the ICC values ​​were 0.96, 0.94, 0.83 and 0.94, respectively. The T2*s values was significantly higher in the whole Achilles tendon, MTJ and MID segment at 48 h post-exercise compared to pre-exercise, and decreased after 1 month of exercise, [0.49 (0.45, 0.59) vs 0.54 (0.49, 0.59) vs 0.53 (0.49, 0.57), 0.48 (0.44, 0.54) vs 0.53 (0.47, 0.58) vs 0.50 (0.46, 0.57), 0.48 (0.43, 0.58) vs 0.54 (0.47, 0.59) vs 0.52 (0.46, 0.57); respectively, all P<0.05]. The changes in T2*M, T2*L and Fraction values are not statistically significant (all P>0.05). In different running gestures, the ΔT2*S of achilles tendon who using the postures of front-middle feet is higher than that using the postures of back feet (0.03(-0.05, 0.07) vs -0.03(-0.17, 0.11), P=0.001). Conclusion: The Bi-component analysis of UTE-T2* technology is superior to single component analysis in monitoring the dynamic changes of achilles tendon before and after exercise, and T2*S is a more sensitive sequence to evaluate the subtle changes in the chemical composition of achilles tendon.

Specific PCR-based detection of Phomopsis heveicola the cause of leaf blight of Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in China.

Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is currently grown in many tropical and subtropical areas countries and is a major traded commodity for the developing world. Coffee leaf blight, caused by Phomopsis heveicola, is one of the most important fungal diseases dangerous to coffee crops in China. This study aimed to develop a PCR-based diagnostic method for detecting P. heveicola in planta. Specific primers (CPHF/CPHR) were designed based on sequence data of region of internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 and ITS4) of P. heveicola. The efficiency and specificity of CPHF/CPHR were established by PCR analysis of DNA from P. heveicola strains isolated from China and fungal isolates of other genera. A single amplification product of 318 bp was detected from DNA P. heveicola isolates. No amplification product was observed with any of the other fungal isolates tested. The specific primers designed and employed in PCR detected P. heveicola up to 3 pg from DNA isolated. This is the first report on the development of a species-specific PCR assay for identification and detection of P. heveicola. Thus, the PCR-based assay developed was very specific, rapid and sensitive tool for the detection of pathogen P. heveicola.

[Comparison of interventional and surgical treatment of paravalvular leak after cardiac valve replacement].

Objective: To assess the immediate and mid-term outcomes and hospital costs of patients who underwent trans-catheter closure (TC) or surgical closure (SC) of perivalvular leakage (PVL). Methods: Patients who underwent treatment of TC and SC of PVL in our center between January 2016 and December 2019 were enrolled. Baseline characteristics, procedure success, in-hospital and mid-term outcomes and hospital costs were compared. Results: A total of 141 patients were enrolled (TC, n=65 and SC, n=76). The patients in TC group were elder ((56.8±12.8) years vs (50.1±12.8) years, t=-3.124, P=0.002). Technical success was significant higher in the SC group (83.1% vs 98.7%, χ²=10.960, P<0.001). And the residual PVLs were less in SC group (33.3% vs 13.3%, χ²=-2.525, P=0.012). One patient in SC group had procedure-related death. Procedure room time ((93±38) min vs (395±132) min, t=19.065, P<0.001), intensive care unit time (0 h vs 28 (21, 74)h, Z=-10.738, P<0.001), length of stay from hospitalization to discharge (7 (4, 10) days vs 21 (15, 25) days, Z=-8.075, P<0.001) and costs (¥46 073 (36 837, 52 448) vs ¥130 798 (104 048, 186 188), Z=-10.059, P<0.001) were significantly less in TC group. After risk adjustment, there was no significant difference in 30 days survival between TC group and SC group. At a median follow-up of 21 months, there was a trend towards reduced all-cause death following TC versus SC (OR = 0.054, 95%CI: 0.07 to 0.445, P= 0.007). Conclusions: SC for PVL is associated with higher technical rates and less residual shunt compared with TC approach. But, the shorter length of stay and lower resources use with TC group significantly reduce hospital costs. In addition, TC achieve a better mid-term results in survival.

[Long-term outcome of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy post percutaneous transluminal septal ablation].

Objective: To evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy(HOCM) after percutaneous transluminal septal ablation(PTSMA). Methods: HOCM patients who underwent PTSMA and surgical myectomy at the Chest Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University from April 2001 to February 2019 were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into PTSMA group and surgical myectomy group. In addition, patients undergoing PTSMA were further divided into HOCM-PTSMA non-survivor group and HOCM-PTSMA survivor group. The general clinical information, procedural/surgical information and complications during hospitalization were compared between groups. Multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors for all-cause death in HOCM patients after PTSMA. Results: A total of 104 patients with HOCM who underwent PTSMA were enrolled. Mean age of the patients was (54±15) years old, including 41 females (38.7%). The follow-up time was 37.5(14.3, 76.8) months. At the last follow-up, 12 patients died (HOCM-PTSMA non-survivor group) and 92 were alive(HOCM-PTSMA survivor group). The proportion of patients with NYHA function class Ⅲ/Ⅳ was higher(P=0.036), and the posterior wall of the left ventricle was thicker(P=0.006) in the HOCM-PTSMA non-survivor group than in the HOCM-PTSMA survivor group. The immediate success rate of PTSMA in this cohort was 66%(70/104). The amount of absolute alcohol during the operation in the HOCM-PTSMA non-survivor group was (2.9±0.8) ml, which tended to be higher as compared to that in the HOCM-PTSMA survivor group((2.4±1.0)ml, P=0.056). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that patients with HOCM who underwent PTSMA had an all-cause mortality-free survival rate of 90.1%, 78.3%, and 56.9% at 5, 10 and 15 years, and a HOCM-free survival rate of 91.3%, 79.4% and 57.7% at 5, 10 and 15 years, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age≥ 65 years was an independent risk factor for all-cause death after PTSMA in patients with HOCM (HR=2.697, 95%CI 1.292-18.977, P=0.020). There were 32 patients in the surgical myectomy group. The proportion of patients with NYHA function class Ⅲ/Ⅳ was higher than that in the PTSMA group(P<0.001), while age, gender, and major comorbidities(atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes) as well as the left atrium dimension were all similar between the two groups(all P>0.05). Patients in the surgical myectomy group were followed up for 38.0(17.6, 64.2)months, and no deaths occurred during the follow-up period. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that there were no statistically significant differences in all-cause-free and HOCM-free survival rates between patients in PTSMA group and surgical myectomy group(P=0.089 and 0.110, respectively). Conclusion: PTSMA is safe and effective for the treatment of patients with HOCM, and the long-term survival rate of patients after PTSMA is similar as patients undergoing classical surgical myectomy surgery.

[Preliminary application value of ultrasound contrast agent with enteral nutritional suspension as mixed medium in locating indwelling nasointestinal tube in critically ill patients].

Objective: To evaluate the value of ultrasound contrast agent with enteral nutrition suspension as mixed medium in locating indwelling nasointestinal tube in critically ill patients. Methods: Total of 45 critically ill patients had nasointestinal tube indwelled were collected from June 1,2018 to April 1,2019 in the Intensive Care Unit of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, including 30 males and 15 females, with an average age of (63±17) years.Enteral nutritional suspension Peptisorb Liquid was used as research medium,with the ultrasonic imaging performance of it confirmed by in vitro and in vivo experiments.The optimal mixing ratio of microbubble ultrasound contrast agent and Peptisorb Liquid was confirmed by in vitro experiment, then the mixture was quietly placed and its stability was dynamically observed. The nasointestinal tube was confirmed in the digestive tract by conventional ultrasound and then the ultrasound contrast mode turned on. Ultrasound contrast agent with Peptisorb Liquid as mixed medium was injected into the nasointestinal tube and the tube direction and end position were observed and recorded in real time. Abdominal X-ray examination or CT was used as the gold standard for verifying the location of the nasointestinal tube and the same result represented successful positioning. Results: The in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that Peptisorb Liquid had good ultrasound imaging uniformity and penetrating power, which could clearly show the range and boundary of the filling intestine cavity; the in vitro experiment showed that the ultrasound contrast agent prepared with the microbubble ultrasound contrast agent and Peptisorb Liquid by the ratio of 1∶1 000 and 1∶500 which had the best imaging effect and the best distribution uniformity, with the best stability within 10 minutes after quietly placed. Nasointestinal tubes were successfully located by using ultrasound contrast agent with enteral nutritional suspension as mixed medium in 95.6%(43/45) of the patients collected in this study,including success at one attempt in 39 cases, the operating time was (1.6±0.5) minutes and 4 cases were successfully located after multiple operations with (5.1±0.5) minutes, the tube bent in the stomach in one case and flexed back into the stomach from the descending duodenum in another. The operation failed in 2 cases (4.4%). No significant complications occurred during the examination. Conclusion: The ultrasound contrast agent with enteral nutritional suspension as mixed medium has the advantages of both, which can conveniently, safely and effectively locate the direction and end position of nasointestinal tube in critically ill patients.

[Feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous closure of paravalvuar leak in patients after heart valve replacement surgery using Amplatzer vascular plug â ¢].

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous closure of paravalvuar leak (PVL) in patients after heart valve replacement surgery using Amplatzer vascular plug Ⅲ (AVP Ⅲ). Methods: In this retrospective study, consecutive PVL patients after heart valve replacement surgery receiving percutaneous closure with AVP Ⅲ in Beijing Anzhen hospital between March 2017 and October 2018 (n=21) were enrolled.The preoperative and intraoperative data and short-and mid-term outcome results were analyzed. Results: Theage of patients in this cohort was (54.9±11.7) years, and there were 12 (57.1%) male patients. There were 8 patients (38.1%) post mitral valve replacement, 4 patients (19.0%) post aortic valve replacement and 9 patients (42.9%) post double valves replacements.There were 14 cases (66.7%) of mitral valve PVL,6 cases (28.6%) of aortic valve PVL, and 1 case (4.8%) of double valves PVL.Successful device deployment was accomplished in 18 defects from 17 PVL patients. Technical successful rate of mitral valve PVL closure and aortic valve PVL closure was 12/15 and 6/7,respectively. One patient received surgical repair due to procedure-induced femoral pseudoaneurysm.There were 17 cases of severe PVL and 1 case of moderate PVL before procedure, and there were 2 cases of moderate PVL, 6 cases mild PVL, and PVL disappeared in 10 cases after procedure (P<0.01 vs. pre-procedure). The follow-up time was (8.3±4.7) months. There were 10 cases (58.8%) of New York Heart Association (NYHA) function grade Ⅲ and 7 cases (41.2%) of NYHA function grade Ⅳ before procedure, and there were 12 cases of NYHA function grade Ⅰ(70.6%) and 5 cases (29.4%) of NYHA function grade Ⅱ post procedure (P<0.01). Post procedure, there was no displacement of the occluder and heart valve movement was not affected,and there was no new hemolysis or hemolysis worsening. Conclusion: Percutaneous closure of PVL in patients after heart valve replacement surgery with AVP Ⅲ is feasible, and associated with favorable short-and mid-term clinical outcomes.

Short-term combined treatment with exenatide and metformin is superior to glimepiride combined metformin in improvement of serum testosterone levels in type 2 diabetic patients with obesity.

Men with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity are often characterised by low testosterone (T). We aimed to determine whether exenatide (EXE) combined metformin (MET) treatment has a better effect on serum total testosterone (TT) levels than glimepiride (GLI) combined MET treatment in men with T2D and obesity. In a multicentre, 12-week observational study, 176 obese T2D men with failed glycaemic control were included in the study: ninety men (mean age, 43.00 ± 8.50 years) in EXE + MET group and 86 men (mean age, 44.00 ± 7.00 years) in GLI + MET group. Serum TT levels were more significantly increased in EXE + MET group than GLI + MET group (121.72 ± 56.73 ng/dl versus 34.67 ± 16.30 ng/dl). The increasement of TT levels in those patients who lost body weight ≥5% was significantly greater than those who lost weight <5% in the two groups. The changes in TT levels are closely related to the changes in waist circumference (r = -.443, p < .001). Sexual function assessment of EXE + MET group was more significantly improved than GLI + MET group (p < .001). No serious adverse events were observed. In conclusion, short-term combined treatment with EXE and MET is superior to GLI combined MET treatment in the improvement of serum TT levels, which could lead to an improvement of sexual hypofunction in patients with obesity and T2D.

[Clinical and imaging features of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease and pulmonary capillary hemangioma].

Objective: To improve the diagnosis and treatment of the pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) and pulmonary capillary hemangioma (PCH). Methods: The clinical features, radiological findings, laboratory testing and treatment in 8 cases of PVOD/PCH which was diagnosed from 2013 to 2017 were described. Results: PVOD/PCH was rare. The clinical symptoms were easily confused with IPAH, but the decrease of hypoxemia, clubbing, D(L)CO were more obvious, and the imaging features of HRCT were helpful for PVOD/PCH diagnosis. Combined with gene testing, it was helpful to diagnose PVOD/PCH and avoid the risk of surgical biopsy. Conclusion: PVOD and PCH are rare type of pulmonary vascular diseases. According to clinical manifestations, physical examination, pulmonary function test results, HRCT imaging, CPET and gene detection results, PVOD or PCH can be diagnosed.

[Feasibility and efficacy of transcatheter closure of anastomotic leakage after aortic surgery using Amplatzer Vascular Plug â ¢].

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of transcatheter closure of anastomotic leakage after aortic surgery using Amplatzer Vascular Plug Ⅲ (AVP Ⅲ). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in 5 patients with anastomotic leakage after aortic surgery, who underwent transcatheter closure in our hospital from January to June 2017 using AVP Ⅲ. Surgeries were performed in 3 cases of Standford type A dissection, 1 case of ascending aortic aneurysm and 1 case of persistent truncus.There were 3 males,and age was (43.8±13.1) years old. Anastomotic leakages located at the ascending aorta in 4 patients, and the other one located between the aortic arch and the stent-graft.Three of them had aorta-right atrium fistula and patients suffered from progressive heart failure. False aneurysm between aorta and pulmonary artery was formed in 1 patient, and patent aortic false lumenwas found in the other patient. All the AVP Ⅲ were deployed based on a femoral arteriosus loop. Patients were followed up after transcatheter closure to observe the clinical results. Results: Six AVP Ⅲ were successfully implanted in the 5 patients. Trivial residual shunt was seen in 1 patient after closure. The patients were followed up 6 (1, 6) months. The cardiac function improved from NYHA class Ⅱ-Ⅳ to class Ⅰ-Ⅱ after the procedure in 3 congestive heart failure patients.The right atrium systolic pressure was significantly reduced after the procedure((8.7±1.8) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs. (24.3±2.3) mmHg, P=0.03). The diameter of the false aneurysm reduced in 1 patient after the procedure. Complete thrombosis formation of the thoracic false lumen was observed in 1 patient. Conclusion: Transcatheter closure of anastomotic leakage after aortic surgery using AVP Ⅲ is feasible and effective according to our primary experience.

[Effect of emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair in patients with acute traumatic thoracic aortic injury].

Objective: To investigate the effect of emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with acute traumatic thoracic aortic injury. Method: From January 2014 to December 2016, a total of 35 patients with acute traumatic thoracic aortic injuries were treated with emergency TEVAR in our hospital, their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively in this study. Results: The patients were 42 (34, 55) years old,and there were 31 males.All cases were diagnosed by emergency aorta computed tomography angiography (CTA),and 5 cases were diagnosed as aortic transaction, 13 cases were diagnosed as aortic pseudoaneurysm, 7 cases were diagnosed as aortic dissection, and 10 cases were diagnosed as aortic intramural hematoma combined hemothorax.The concomitant injuries included cerebral contusion (3 cases, 8.6%), pulmonary contusion with rib fracture (31 cases, 88.5%), long bone fracture (7 cases, 22.5%), contusion of viscera or internal organs (3 cases, 8.6%).Emergency TEVAR were performed with vascular suture system preset under local anesthesia after diagnosis,and combined injury was treated in related departments.CTA was repeated after 1, 3 and 6 months and yearly thereafter. One patient died before transferring to catheter room,and 34 (97.1%) patients underwent TEVAR procedure successfully.Time from door to operating room was (88.6±26.6) minutes,and the procedure time was (52.0±9.4) minutes. A total of 69 Perclose Proglide vascular suture system were used,and 2 cases underwent surgical suture because of hematoma and pseudoaneurysm formation in femoral arteries.The involved length of thoracic aorta was (44.5±7.4)mm. A total of 46 stent-grafts were implanted, the length of stent-graft was (164.3±15.2)mm,and the proximal oversize rate was (22.3±8.6)%. The follow-up time was 24 (12,24) months, and there were no procedure related complication such as endoleak and paraplegia. Complete aortic remodeling was observed in 14 cases. Fully thrombolization at stent segments were observed in 7 cases. Fully thrombalization of pseudoaneurysms were observed in 13 cases. One patient complained mild left upper limb weakness due to left subclavian artery occlusion. Conclusion: Emergency TEVAR is safe and effective procedure for the treatment of patients with acute traumatic thoracic aortic injury.

Epidemics and aetiology of hand, foot and mouth disease in Xiamen, China, from 2008 to 2015.

Over the past 8 years, human enteroviruses (HEVs) have caused 27 227 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Xiamen, including 99 severe cases and six deaths. We aimed to explore the molecular epidemiology of HFMD in Xiamen to inform the development of diagnostic assays, vaccines and other interventions. From January 2009 to September 2015, 5866 samples from sentinel hospitals were tested using nested reverse transcription PCR that targeted the HEV 5' untranslated region and viral protein 1 region. Of these samples, 4290 were tested positive for HEV and the amplicons were sequenced and genotyped. Twenty-two genotypes were identified. Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackieviruses A16, A6 and A10 (CA16, CA6 and CA10) were the most common genotypes, and there were no changes in the predominant lineages of these genotypes. EV71 became the most predominant genotype every 2 years. From 2013, CA6 replaced CA16 as one of the two most common genotypes. The results demonstrate the vast diversity of HFMD pathogens, and that minor genotypes are able to replace major genotypes. We recommend carrying-out long-term monitoring of the full spectrum of HFMD pathogens, which could facilitate epidemic prediction and the development of diagnostic assays and vaccines.

Identification of lipopeptides produced by Bacillus subtilis Czk1 isolated from the aerial roots of rubber trees.

We obtained a strain of Bacillus subtilis, which we named Czk1, from the aerial roots of rubber trees. This bacterial isolate exhibits strong antagonistic activity against Ganoderma pseudoferreum, Phellinus noxius, Helicobasidium compactum, Rigidoporus lignosus, Sphaerostilbe repens, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Our earlier research has shown that the antagonistic activity of a fermentation supernatant Czk1 isolate produces a complex mixture of lipopeptides. In this study, we used methanol to extract crude lipopeptides, purified them using a Sephadex G-25 column, cloned the lipopeptide genes, and analyzed purified fractions by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) to identify the lipopeptides from B. subtilis strain Czk1. The cloned lipopeptide genes included those that encode the enzymes lpa, ituD, sfp, and fenB. The crude lipopeptides were purified and found in five fractions. Further analysis revealed that five fractions of the purified composition contained members of the surfactin, iturin, fengycin, and bacillomycin families of antibiotics. This suggests that these lipopeptides from strain Czk1 have potential as plant disease biocontrol agents.

[DeSUMOylation of protein kinase B1 inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the effect of AKT1 deSUMOylation induced by Ubc9 silencing on the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Methods: The Ubc9 gene was silenced using RNA interference, and the expression levels of Ubc9, SUMO1 and AKT1 protein were detected by Western blot. Cell proliferation and cell cycle was analyzed by MTT and flow cytometry. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to detect the cell migration ability. Furthermore, the xenograft model was established, and tumor growth curves were drawn. The in situ apoptotic rates was measured using TUNEL Apoptosis Assay. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Results: Knockdown of Ubc9 gene significantly decreased the protein expression levels of Ubc9, conjugated SUMO1, free SUMO1 and AKT1 in HCC cells (P<0.05 for all). In control, siR-neg and siR-Ubc9 groups, the cell proliferation indexes were 53.19%, 54.25% and 39.17%, respectively. Moreover, cell migration distance and migrating cells per low power field for all these three groups were (59.47±4.66) µm and 89.44±8.36, (56.56±5.37) µm and 93.84±8.79, as well as (34.57±6.61) µm and 41.67±5.39, respectively. In the xenograft model, the weights of subcutaneous tumors for these three groups were (3.78±0.69) g, (3.72±0.72) g and (2.09±0.61) g, respectively. The corresponding apoptotic cell rates were (7.79±2.21)%, (6.45±2.48)% and (33.59±5.44)%, respectively. The expression levels of PCNA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein were significantly decreased in siR-Ubc9 group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Ubc9 silencing in HCC cells induces AKT1 deSUMOylation, and then inhibits the proliferation and metastasis. These results provide a new therapeutic strategy for liver cancer in the future.

[High resolution diffusion-weighted imaging for characterising nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of high resolution diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) using readout segmentation of long variable echo trains (RESOLVE ) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: A total of 131 with newly diagnosed NPC patients from the 5th Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were included in this study from October 2013 to April 2016.DWI using RESOLVE technique was performed. The signal intensity (SI(lesion)), and mean(ADC(mean)), maximum(ADC(max)), minimum (ADC(min))ADCs of NPC were calculated. The signal intensity (SI(normal))and ADC (ADC(normal))of normal nasopharyngeal tissue were calculated. These quantitative parameters of NPC and normal nasopharyngeal tissue were compared.Statistical difference of ADC(mean), ADC(max) and ADC(min) between the clinical tumor stages were assessed. Results: On the DWI, all NPCs were clearly shown as high signal intensity relative to the surrounding normal nasopharyngeal structure(F=70.019, P=0.000). The ADC(mean)(F=20.442, P=0.000), ADC(max)(F=35.374, P=0.000), ADC(min)(F=61.534, P=0.000) in the carcinoma were significantly lower compared with that of normal nasopharyngeal structure. There was no statistically significant difference of ADC(mean), ADC(max) and ADC(min) (P>0.05)in different clinical stages of NPC. Conclusion: NPC can be clearly detected by RESOLVE-DWI, but the ADC(mean), ADC(max) and ADC(min) can not be used for differentiating the clinical stage of NPC.

Cloning and characterization of the dehydration-responsive element-binding protein 2A gene in Eruca vesicaria subsp sativa.

Eruca vesicaria subsp sativa is one of the most tolerant Cruciferae species to drought, and dehydration-responsive element-binding protein 2A (DREB2A) is involved in responses to salinity, heat, and particularly drought. In this study, a gene encoding EvDREB2A was cloned and characterized in E. vesicaria subsp sativa. The full-length EvDREB2A cDNA sequence contained a 388-bp 5'-untranslated region (UTR), a 348-bp 3'-UTR, and a 1002-bp open reading frame that encoded 334 amino acid residues. The theoretical isoelectric point of the EvDREB2A protein was 4.80 and the molecular weight was 37.64 kDa. The genomic sequence of EvDREB2A contained no introns. Analysis using SMART indicated that EvDREB2A contains a conserved AP2 domain, similar to other plant DREBs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that EvDREB2A and DREB2As from Brassica rapa, Eutrema salsugineum, Arabidopsis thaliana, Arabidopsis lyrata, and Arachis hypogaea formed a small subgroup, which clustered with DREB2Bs from A. lyrata, A. thaliana, Camelina sativa, and B. rapa to form a larger subgroup. EvDREB2A is most closely related to B. rapa DREB2A, followed by DREB2As from E. salsugineum, A. thaliana, A. hypogaea, and A. lyrata. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction indicated that EvDREB2A expression was highest in the leaves, followed by the roots and hypocotyls, and was lowest in the flower buds. EvDREB2A could be used to improve drought tolerance in crops.

[Efficacy of endovascular repair in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm complicating acute aortic syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of simultaneous thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients complicating acute aortic syndrome (AAS). METHODS: Data of 17 patients (16 men, mean age (65.2±6.9) years old) , who underwent simultaneous TEVAR and EVAR between September 2010 and June 2015 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, were retrospectively reviewed.All patients were diagnosed with concomitant AAA and AAS by preoperative CTA.All abdominal aortic lesions were AAA and all thoracic aortic lesions were AAS.Under local anesthesia, simultaneous TEVAR and EVAR were performed and emergent simultaneous endovascular repair was performed in 2 patients.Follow up was made at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and yearly after the procedure.Procedure success rate, procedure related complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Procedure was successful in all patients.The length of thoracic coverage was (21.0±4.6) cm.The operation time was 150(120, 170) min, and the hospitalization time was 7 (6, 12) d. After a mean of 27.0(5.5, 44.5) months follow up, there were no acute cardiopulmonary complications and contrast induced nephropathy.One patient developed spinal cord ischemia and resolved after treatment.One patient was died for aneurysm rupture at 6 months post operation.One patient developed type Ⅰb endoleak for expansion of right iliac artery at 9 months post operation and was successfully sealed by iliac stent-graft extension. CONCLUSIONS: Combined TEVAR and EVAR can be performed successfully in patients with AAA complicating AAS.When anatomically feasible, simultaneous TEVAR and EVAR can be considered as a effective and safe therapy alternative to patients with multilevel aortic diseases.

Zhi-Long-Huo-Xue-Tong-Yu modulates mitochondrial fission through the ROCK1 pathway in mitochondrial dysfunction caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetic kidney injury.

Zhi-Long-Huo-Xue-Tong-Yu (ZLHXTY) is a defined mixture of 5 herbs developed by Professor S.J. Yang according to the Buyang Huanwu decoction method, which has been recorded in the Yilingaicuo. This study investigated the renoprotective effects of ZLHXTY on mitochondrial dysfunction induced by diabetic kidney injury in a diabetic rat model. Diabetes was induced by a single intravenous injection of streptozotocin. Rats were daily fed either ZLHXTY or vehicle beginning in the 1st week after injection. Levels of mitofusin 2 (mfn2), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), caspase-9, and rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) were detected using Western blotting. Levels of intracellular calcium and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An electron microscopic examination of kidney tissue was performed. The levels of mfn2 and ATP in the diabetes and ZLHXTY groups decreased from the 4th week after modeling. The expression levels of Drp1, ROCK1, and caspase-9 increased in the diabetes group but decreased in the ZLHXTY group from the 4th week after modeling. Compared with the diabetes group, ZLHXTY treatment decreased the mesangial expansion index and proteinuria levels, and improved the pathological changes typical of diabetic kidney injury. Furthermore, ZLHXTY treatment inhibited the activation of ROCK1 and expression of Drp1 and caspase-9, but did not affect the expression of mfn2. This study indicates that ZLHXTY treatment could protect kidney tissue from diabetic injury through the ROCK1 pathway response to mitochondrial dysfunction induced by diabetes.