Acute heat stress alters the expression of genes and proteins associated with the unfolded protein response pathway in the liver of broilers.

1. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of acute heat stress on serum hormone levels and the expression of genes and proteins related to the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway and apoptotic process in the liver of broilers.2. A total of 144 Arbor Acres broilers (35-d-old) were randomly allocated to 4 different environmental-controlled chambers for acute heat exposure. The temperature of the 4 environmental chambers was adjusted to 26°C (control), 29°C, 32°C, and 35°C within 1 h, respectively. The blood and liver samples were collected after 6 h of constant heat exposure at set temperatures.3. The results showed that 6 h of acute heat stress increased serum hormone levels and up-regulated the expression of heat shock protein. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers, GRP78 and GRP94, in the liver of broilers were significantly upregulated at the mRNA and protein levels. The PERK, IRE1, and XBP1 genes, which are involved in the unfolded protein response signalling, were significantly up-regulated at the mRNA levels. However, other pro-apoptotic genes showed no significant changes in the liver of broiler chickens in all groups except for upregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene BCL-xl.4. The results suggested that broilers have tolerance to acute heat stress to a certain extent. The UPR activation can alleviate ER stress and further prevent apoptosis in the liver of broilers under short-term exposure to high ambient temperatures.

[Analysis of genotype and hematological phenotype of 14 patients with coinheritance HKαα and South-East deletion thalassemia].

Objective: To analyze the genotype-phenotype correlations among those thalassemia samples with the presence of -α(3.7,) --(SEA) and normal α(2) alleles on their α-globin gene clusters. Methods: Fourteen patients(including 1fetus, 4 males and 9 females, aged 0- 56 years old)who were suspected diagnosed by hematologic analysis and genetic testing among 16 080 participants in our laboratory since from August 2011 to August 2016, were enrolled. Complete blood cell count was performed on XE4000i automatic hemocyte analyzer. HbA0, HbF and HbA2 were tested by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Gap-PCR was adopted to detect three common deletional thalassemia deletions. Reverse dot-blot (RDB) assay was applied for detecting 17 common ß-globin gene mutations and three common non-deletional α(2) gene mutations. Two-round nested PCR assay was established to detect the genotype of HKαα in α-thalassemia. Results: Fourteen cases were identified as HKαα/--(SEA) (14/16 080), including a pedigree and a rare case of HKαα/--(SEA) co-inheritance with IVS-Ⅱ-654(C→T) heterozygote. In HKαα/--(SEA) thalassemia group, mean cell volume(MCV) was (69.54±5.92)fl, and mean cell hemoglobin(MCH) was(22.11±2.22)pg and hemoglobin(Hb) was (117.64±18.14) g/L. Compared with normal group, MCV, MCH and Hb in HKαα/--(SEA) thalassemia group, was significantly decreased(P<0.05). There were no significant differences between α-thalassemia control group(--(SEA) /αα) in most hematological parameters (P>0.05). Conclusion: The two-round nested PCR could effectively detect the HKαα/--(SEA) genotype. The hematologic characteristics changed significantly in HKαα/--(SEA) group compared with HbH thalassemia and normal group. The genotype and phenotype non-correlation in patients with α-thalassemia should especially be causious to avoid a misdiagnosis of genetic tests, especially in prenatal diagnosis.

[Analysis of haematological phenotype and mutation spectrum of δ-globin gene from Guangdong area in Chinese Han prenatal population].

Objective: To analyze the genotype-phenotype correlations among southern Chinese Han prenatal population in Guangdong area with δ-globin gene mutation, so as to enrich the delta-thalassemia gene mutations data. Methods: A total of 33 cases were selected in 7 580 patients during prenatal thalassemia trait screening, from January 2012 to May 2015(including 10 males and 23 females, aged 22-48 years old). Complete blood cell count was performed on a XE 4000i automatic hemocyte analyzer. Hb, HbF and HbA2 were tested by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood samples using a whole blood genomic DNA extraction kit. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify three different fragments corresponding to the exons and the regulatory sequences using three different couples of primers for the δ-globin gene. Results: Twenty one of the 33 samples were positive for the δ-globin gene defects. Four previously known mutations were detected: including 12 cases for -77(T>C)[HBD c. -127 (T>C)](57.14%), 4 cases for -30 (T>C)[HBD c. -80 (T>C)](19.05%), 1 case for codon 10 (-G) (HBD c. 31delG)(4.76%), and 1 case for HBD c. 244 C>T(4.76%). Three new δ-globin gene defects which had not yet been reported in database were detected, including 1 case for HBD c. 22_24delGAG(4.76%), 1 case for HBD c. 347 C>T(4.76%), and one case for HBD c. 349 C>G(4.76%). Conclusions: -77 (T>C) is the most common mutation in Chinese southern prenatal population. Three new HBD gene mutations are referred in this report, which provide the valuable information for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in Guangdong area.

Down-regulation of miR-1246 in cervical cancer tissues and its clinical significance.

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of mRNAs by binding to their 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs). Accumulating evidences show that miRNAs are involved in tumorigenesis such as lung cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, and cervical cancer. In this study, we focused on the expression of miR-1246 in clinical cervical cancer tissues as well as the relationship between miR-1246 and HPV16E6 infection status. METHODS: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction technology was used to detect the expression of miR-1246 in 68 cervical cancer tissues and 52 normal tissues. The expression of miR-1246 also was tested in HPV16E6 negative cervical cell line (SiHa) or HPV16E6 positive cell line (C33A). Western blot was performed to detect the expression of DYRK1A after knocking down HPV16E6. RESULTS: Our data showed that the expression of miR-1246 was dramatically decreased in cervical cancer tissue, compared with normal control group (p=0.0012), and miR-1246 was negatively correlated with clinical stage and HPV16E6 infected status (p=0.0410), but no correlation was observed with age, tumor diameter, cervical invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, or vascular invasion (p>0.05). Knock down of HPV16E6 significantly raised DYRK1A protein expression targeted by miR-1246. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of miR-1246 is negatively correlated with cervical cancer procedure as well as HPV16E6 infection status and the miR-1246 may act as a diagnostic biomarker for cervical cancer. In addition, HPV16E6 infection may be a major reason leading to decrease the expression of miR-1246 in cervical cancer. This finding contributes to deep understanding of the miR-1246 function in cervical carcinogenesis.

Prediction of pregnancy outcomes with combined ultrasound scanning of yolk sacs and serum CA125 determinations in early threatened abortion.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the predictive value of the combination of ultrasound scanning, yolk sacs and CA125 levels for pregnancy outcomes in early threatened abortion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 196 pregnant women at less than 12 weeks gestation were enrolled. They were assigned into: (A) normal pregnancy (n = 61); (B) early threatened abortion but with favorable outcomes after active treatment (n = 56); (C) pregnancy with spontaneous miscarriage and threatened abortions (n = 79). The yolk sacs were examined and serum CA125 levels were measured. RESULTS: The visualization rate in groups A and B were significantly higher than that in group C. For the mean yolk sac diameter, there was a statistically significant difference between groups A and C (p < 0.05), B and C (p < 0.05), but no statistically significant differences were observed between A and B (p > 0.05). The mean serum CA125 levels were significantly different (p < 0.05) among three groups. The sensitivity, specificity, and Youden Index for predicting adverse outcomes using irregular shape, abnormal size, or non-visualization of the yolk sac were 81.01%, 85.71%, and 0.67, respectively. CONCLUSION: The combination of ultrasound scanning of yolk sacs and measurement of serum CA125 levels is of great value for predicting pregnancy outcomes.

Complete nucleotide sequence and taxonomy of Sugarcane streak mosaic virus, member of a novel genus in the family Potyviridae.

The complete genomic sequence of a Pakistani isolate of Sugarcane streak mosaic virus (SCSMV-PAK) is determined to be 9782 nucleotides in length, excluding the 3' poly(A) tail, and it comprises a large open reading frame encoding a polyprotein of 3130 amino acid residues. The deduced polyprotein is likely to be cleaved at nine putative protease sites by three viral proteases to ten mature proteins. Conserved motifs of orthologous proteins of other potyviruses are identified in corresponding positions of SCSMV-PAK. The genomic organization is virtually identical to the genera Ipomovirus, Potyvirus, Rymovirus, and Tritimovirus in the family Potyviridae. Sequence analyses indicate that the SCSMV-PAK genomic sequence is different from those of Sugarcane mosaic virus and Sorghum mosaic virus, two viruses with very similar symptoms and host range to SCSMV-PAK. SCSMV-PAK shares 52.7% identity with Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) and 26.4-31.5% identities with species of the existing genera and unassigned viruses in the Potyviridae at the polyprotein sequence level. Phylogenetic analyses of the polyprotein and deduced mature protein amino acid sequences reveal that SCSMV, together with TriMV, forms a distinct group in the family at the genus level. Therefore, SCSMV should represent a new genus, Susmovirus, in the Potyviridae.

Identification and Pathogenicity of Chrysoporthe cubensis on Eucalyptus and Syzygium spp. in South China.

The genus Chrysoporthe includes important pathogens of plantation-grown Eucalyptus spp. and has been reported from several tree genera in the order Myrtales in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. During disease surveys in South China, fruiting structures typical of Chrysoporthe spp. were observed on cankers on Eucalyptus spp. and Syzygium cumini trees. The aim of this study was to confirm the identity of the Chrysoporthe cubensis infecting the Eucalyptus spp. and S. cumini and to test the pathogenicity of the fungus. Following glasshouse trials to select virulent isolates, field inoculations were undertaken to screen different commercial Eucalyptus genotypes for their susceptibility to the fungus. Isolates were characterized based on their morphology and DNA sequence data for the ß-tubulin and internal transcribed spacer regions of the ribosomal DNA. Results showed that the putative pathogen represented the Asian form of C. cubensis, which occurred on numerous different Eucalyptus spp. and hybrid clones as well as S. cumini. Field inoculations showed that all six of the Eucalyptus genotypes tested are susceptible to infection by C. cubensis. Significant differences were observed between them, providing prospects to select disease-tolerant planting stock in the future.

[Current status of standardization of basic public health services and standardization strategy of service equalization in China].

To systematically analyze the status of the standardization of basic public health services, the project of basic public health service equalization and the first round of national pilot projects of the standardization of basic public services are carried out to provide support for the promotion of the standardization and equalization of basic public health services. The information about above-mentioned three aspects related to national basic public health services were collected, and a systematic comparison of standardization of basic public health services with the 14 specifications in the National Basic Public Health Service Specification (the 3(th) Edition) and the 51 pilot projects in the Notice of Carrying Out the Pilot Work of National Basic Public Service Standardization was conducted. The current public health standards are basically in line with the requirement of the resident health record management service specifications. However, the public health standards related to public health projects in other 13 service specifications and national basic public health service standardization pilot projects are incomplete or absent. The current public health standards cannot fully meet the requirements of the implementation of national basic public health services. In the process of promoting the equalization of basic public health service, it is urgent to develop targeted public health standards in related fields.

Biomarkers of thrombosis, fibrinolysis, and inflammation in patients with severe sepsis due to community-acquired pneumonia with and without Streptococcus pneumoniae.

BACKGROUND: Severe Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneum) pneumonia has historically been associated with an acute presentation and increased mortality. Using data from patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and severe sepsis, we investigated: (1) the baseline patient characteristics and biomarkers of thrombosis, fibrinolysis, and inflammation in patients with CAP due to S. pneum infection (S. pneum CAP) or CAP due to infection with other or unidentified organisms (non-S. pneum CAP); (2) the behavior of these biomarkers over time and during treatment with drotrecogin alfa (activated) (DrotAA, recombinant activated protein C). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from the PROWESS (Recombinant Human Activated Protein C Worldwide Evaluation on Severe Sepsis) trial were retrospectively analyzed by treatment (DrotAA or placebo) in patients with CAP. RESULTS: Patients with S. pneum CAP (n = 157) tended to be younger and had fewer comorbid conditions than patients with non-S. pneum CAP (n = 445). Overall disease severity (median APACHE II scores) was not significantly different between the two groups at baseline. However, there were significant baseline differences in protein C and markers of coagulation, fibrinolysis, and inflammation. Although thrombosis markers were not different at baseline, D-dimer levels significantly increased from baseline to day 4 in placebo-treated patients with S. pneum compared to those with non-S. pneum. DrotAA treatment was associated with statistically significant improvements in protein C and markers of thrombosis in patients with S. pneum. In addition, the proportion of patients with severe protein C deficiency (

Molluscicidal activity of the plant Eupatorium adenophorum against Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host snail of Schistosoma japonicum.

The potential molluscicidal activities of aqueous extracts of Eupatorium adenophorum have recently been evaluated against Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host snail of Schistosoma japonicum. The snails were continuously exposed to extracts of the leaves, roots or stems [each at concentrations of 0.27%, 0.50% and 0.86% (w/v)], with survival recorded 6, 12, 24, 30, 36, 48, 52, 58, 70, 76, 82 and 96 h after the start of the exposure. Even at the lowest concentration tested (0.27%), the leaf extract caused mortality in excess of 50% after 58 h and 100% mortality after 82 h. This extract was significantly more effective against O. hupensis than the stem or root extract (P<0.05) but there was no statistically significant difference between the root and stem extracts in their molluscicidal effects (P>0.05). These preliminary results indicate that E. adenophorum may potentially provide a new molluscicide that could give effective and environmentally-friendly control of schistosomiasis in humans and livestock. The toxicity of E. adenophorum extracts, or molluscicidal compounds isolated from such extracts, to other snail hosts of human parasites and to non-target species of aquatic life will be investigated.

[Multi-disciplinary cooperative treatment and management experience of 35 patients with extremely severe burns involved in August 2nd Kunshan factory aluminum dust explosion accident].

On August 2nd, 2014, 35 patients with extremely severe burns involved in August 2nd Kunshan factory aluminum dust explosion accident, including 18 males and 17 females, aged from 21 to 50 years, were admitted to our unit. According to the patient's condition, the rescue members divided the participants into groups according to their characteristics, and used the multi-disciplinary cooperative treatment and management mode of integrating critical care medicine, anesthesia, traditional Chinese medicine, rehabilitation, and nursing led by burn medicine. Totally 27 patients were successfully treated, with a success rate of 77.14%.

[Reflection on rescue and treatment of mass burn patients involved in August 2nd Kunshan factory aluminum dust explosion accident].

The treatment of mass burn patients is related to social stability, life saving, and disability reducing. It is also an important opportunity to accumulate, summarize, and improve clinical rescue and treatment experience. Aiming at August 2nd Kunshan factory aluminum dust explosion, this article reviews and summarizes experience and problems about rescue reserve, first-aid system, multidisciplinary cooperation, and integration of usual time and emergent time treatment, so as to propose corresponding strategies and provide reference for the treatment of mass burn patients and critically burned patients.

Effects of dietary fiber on growth performance, slaughter performance, serum biochemical parameters, and nutrient utilization in geese.

We investigated the effects of dietary fiber on growth performance, slaughter performance, serum biochemical parameters, and nutrient utilization in geese. A total of 468 one-day-old healthy male Yangzhou goslings with similar body weight were randomly divided into 3 groups with 6 replicates per group and 26 geese per replicate. The geese were then raised for 70 days on diets with a dietary fiber level of 2.5% (Group I), 6.1% (Group III), or 4.3% for d one to 28 and 6.1% for d 29 to 70 (Group II). The geese in Groups II and III had higher body weight, higher average daily gain, and lower ratio of feed to gain compared with those in Group I (P < 0.05 for each comparison). The geese in Groups II and III had greater body-size measurements (half-diving length, body length, keel length, and shank circumference), heavier viscera (heart, gizzard, proventriculus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum), greater slaughter yield (semi-eviscerated carcass yield, eviscerated carcass yield, and breast yield), lower serum levels of alanine transaminase, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen, and higher serum levels of glucose and high-density lipoprotein compared with those in Group I (P < 0.05 for each comparison). The geese in Groups II and III exhibited greater utilization of energy and crude protein compared with those in Group I (P < 0.05). Taken together, the results suggest that the low-fiber diet had negative effects on growth performance, slaughter performance, serum biochemical parameters, and nutrient utilization. As herbivorous poultry, geese depend on dietary fiber for normal performance. Dietary fiber is thus an essential nutrient for geese.

Hereditary characteristics of enzyme deficiency and dermatoglyphics in congenital color blindness.

The hereditary characteristics of enzyme deficiency and dermatoglyphics in congenital color blindness (CCB) were studied. We propose that there is a linkage between the two loci on the X-chromosome determining CCB and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), based on our study of a high incidence of G6PD deficiency in 156 male cases with CCB. The CCB gene is closely linked with that of G6PD deficiency from our pedigree investigations. The rise in the frequency of eight or more whorls, the low value of atd angle and the presenting rate of real palmar patterns of the thenar, hypothenar and I, areas presented the hereditary traits of congenital color blindness.

[Studies of transgene segregation and integration in maize].

The segregation, integration and stability of the transgene-Bt (Bacillus thuringensis) in eight transformants created by three ways of transformation were studied by means of PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) and DNA molecular hybridization. The results are as follows: (1) The transgene-Bt in most of the progenies of the transformants showed simple Mendelian segregation. Although some deviation from Mendelian fashion existed in the early generations, the normal Mendelian segregation would be found after R3 generations and the transgene could fix in the populations. (2) The integration patterns of the transgene varied to the some extent in the different transformants, but they were characterized by either smaller band and copy numbers or cascade integration or closely linked integration in all transformants. (3) Changes of the Southern land pattern were found in some families of some transformants, especially, in the two families of Ding 4R5.

[Immunohistochemical observation on the proliferative activity of rat liver in early hepatocarcinogenesis].

Anti-BrdU immunoperoxidase staining was used for cytogenetic investigation of altered foci and nodules in rat liver induced by a procedure including intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEM), feeding of 2-acetoaminoflurene (2-AAF) and 2/3 hepatectomy. Variation in number and size of the altered foci as well as the number of BrdU-positive hepatocytes inside and outside the foci were clearly observed in the early stage of hepatocarcinogenesis. A predominant distribution of BrdU-positive cells was obtained in the peripheral zone of the altered nodules favorable in explaining the phenomenon of monoclonal origin of the altered hepatocytes inside the nodules. This study also indicated that BrdU-immunoperoxidase staining is a reliable and convenient method in studying the dynamic change of DNA-replication in the process of active hepatocellular proliferation.

Novel species of Calonectria associated with Eucalyptus leaf blight in Southeast China.

Leaf blight caused by Calonectria spp. is an important disease occurring on Eucalyptus trees grown in plantations of Southeast Asia. Symptoms of leaf blight caused by Calonectria spp. have recently been observed in commercial Eucalyptus plantations in FuJian Province in Southeast China. The aim of this study was to identify these Calonectria spp. employing morphological characteristics, DNA sequence comparisons for the ß-tubulin, histone H3 and translation elongation factor-1α gene regions and sexual compatibility. Four Calonectria spp. were identified, including Ca. pauciramosa and three novel taxa described here as Ca. crousiana, Ca. fujianensis and Ca. pseudocolhounii. Inoculation tests showed that all four Calonectria spp. found in this study were pathogenic on two different E. urophylla × E. grandis hybrid clones, commercially utilised in eucalypt plantations in China.