[Constructing the Bayesian network models to explore the factors related to glomerular and tubular injury]

Objective: To construct Bayesian network (BN) models to explore the factors related to glomerular injury (GI) and tubular injury (TI). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. From April to November 2019, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital performed an opportunistic screening for chronic kidney disease in 10 counties of Shanxi Province. The general data and laboratory results of blood and urine samples were collected. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to explore the related factors of GI and TI, which were included in the construction of BN models with max-min hill-climbing (MMHC) algorithm. Results: A total of 12 269 participants were included, there were 5 198 males and 7 071 females, with a median age of 58 (40-91) years. The prevalence of GI and TI was 12.7% (1 561/12 269) and 11.6% (1 425/12 269), respectively. The BN model consisted of 8 nodes and 10 edges for GI, and 11 nodes and 17 edges for TI, respectively. BN models showed that age and glycated hemoglobin were direct related factors for GI, while gender and fasting blood glucose were indirect related factors for GI. Age, gender, fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin were direct related factors for TI. Additionally, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.761 (95%CI: 0.746-0.777) and 0.753 (95%CI: 0.736-0.769) for GI and TI BN models, respectively. Conclusions: BN models allow for identifying the complex network relationships among the factors related to GI and TI. Meanwhile, Bayesian risk reasoning can provide reference value for the clinical prevention of GI and TI.

[Epidemiological investigation on the local epidemic situation in Zhengzhou High-Tech Zone caused by SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant]

This study collected epidemic data of COVID-19 in Zhengzhou from January 1 to January 20 in 2022. The epidemiological characteristics of the local epidemic in Zhengzhou High-tech Zone caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant were analyzed through epidemiological survey and big data analysis, which could provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of the Delta variant. In detail, a total of 276 close contacts and 599 secondary close contacts were found in this study. The attack rate of close contacts and secondary close contacts was 5.43% (15/276) and 0.17% (1/599), respectively. There were 10 confirmed cases associated with the chain of transmission. Among them, the attack rates in close contacts of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth generation cases were 20.00% (5/25), 17.86% (5/28), 0.72% (1/139) and 14.81% (4/27), 0 (0/57), respectively. The attack rates in close contacts after sharing rooms/beds, having meals, having neighbor contacts, sharing vehicles with the patients, having same space contacts, and having work contacts were 26.67%, 9.10%, 8.33%, 4.55%, 1.43%, and 0 respectively. Collectively, the local epidemic situation in Zhengzhou High-tech Zone has an obvious family cluster. Prevention and control work should focus on decreasing family clusters of cases and community transmission.

[Long-term therapeutic effects and liver fibrosis changes with direct-antiviral therapy in HIV/HCV co-infected patients]

Objective: To investigate the long-term characteristic changes of virus, immune status, and liver fibrosis markers in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infected patients after receiving direct-antiviral agents (DAAs). Methods: HIV/HCV co-infected patients who visited the Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University from May 2014 to December 2019 were selected as the research subjects. The changes of virological response rate, peripheral blood CD4(+)T lymphocyte level and serological markers of liver fibrosis (APRI score and FIB-4 index) were observed during 144 weeks of follow-up course after the end of DAAs treatment. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for statistical approach. Results: A total of 103 cases were included in the study. There were 87 males (87.5%), with a median age of 44 years. Sustained virological response rate at 12 weeks (SVR12) after DAAs treatment was 97.6%, and the SVR during the entire follow-up period was at least 95.9%. Compared with baseline, CD4(+)T lymphocyte count were significantly increased equally at 12 weeks (Z = -2.283, P = 0.022), 24 weeks (Z = -3.538, P < 0.001), 48 weeks (Z = -3.297, P = 0.001), 96 weeks (Z = -3.562, P < 0.001), and 144 weeks (Z = -2.842, P = 0.004). APRI score (Z = -6.394, P < 0.001) and FIB-4 index (Z = -2.528, P = 0.011) were significantly lower than baseline at week 4 of DAAs treatment, and thereafter remained at a low level, without further declination. Conclusion: HIV/HCV co-infected patients can maintain high SVR for a long time, acquire good immune reconstitution, and significantly improve liver fibrosis after DAAs treatment.

[Research on the causes of death associated with combined effects of HBV and HCV infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]

Objective: To investigate the combined effects of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus (HBV/HCV) infection on the cause of death in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Methods: The causes of death of 111 cases of AIDS with HBV/HCV (combined infection group) and 210 AIDS patients (single infection group) admitted to our hospital from 2012 to 2016 data were compared using chi-square test. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in gender composition and age in the combined infection groups (P > 0.05). The main causes of death in the combined infection group were severe pneumonia (44.1%), end-stage liver disease (18.9%), and central nervous system infection (14.4%). The main causes of death in the single infection group were severe pneumonia (47.6%) and central nervous system infection (14.3%) and tumor (13.3%). There was no case of end-stage liver disease. The ratio of end-stage liver disease in the former group was significantly higher than that in the latter group (χ(2) = 42.511, P < 0.001). The main cause of death in 12 HIV/HBV/HCV triple-infected patients was end-stage liver disease, accounting for 41.7%, which was significantly higher than 18.9% of end-stage liver disease in HIV/HBV or HIV/HCV dual infection (99 cases). And the difference was statistically significant (χ(2) = 4.539, P = 0.033); however, the ratio of end-stage liver disease in 50 HIV/HBV co-infected patients and 49 HIV/HCV co-infected patients was 16.0% vs. 16.3%, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (χ(2) = 0.002, P = 0.965). In the co-infected group, 36 patients had CD4(+) cell counts >100/μl, the primary cause of death was end-stage liver disease, accounting for 38.2%. 75 patients with CD4(+) ≤ 100/μl died due to end-stage liver disease, accounting for 9.3% and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2) = 13.852, P < 0.05). Conclusion: End-stage liver disease is the main cause of death in patients with AIDS combined with HBV or HCV, especially triplet infection and CD4(+) cell count > 100/μl. An early diagnosis and treatment of HBV or HCV infection should commence as soon as possible.

[Discussion on optimal duration of pegylated interferon α combined with ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C in HIV-infected patients]

Objective: To investigate the optimal duration of pegylated-alpha interferon (Peg-INFα) combined with ribavirin (RBV) in treating chronic hepatitis C infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Methods: A multicenter prospective study was conducted. The study subjects were divided into two groups; HIV/HCV co-infections (Group A, n = 158) and control with HCV-monoinfections (Group B, n = 60). All recruited patients received standard Peg-INFα plus RBV therapy. Group A was divided into 3 subgroups according to CD4(+) cell counts: A1 subgroup, 79 cases, CD4(+) counts > 350 cells /μl, who received anti-HCV before combination antiretroviral therapy(cART); A2 subgroup, 45 cases, CD4(+) counts between 200 and 350 cells/μl, who did not start anti-HCV until they could tolerate cART well; A3 subgroup, 34 cases, CD4(+) counts < 200 cells /μl, cART was administered first, and anti-HCV therapy was started when CD4(+) counts > 200 cells/μl. The anti-HCV efficacy of two groups and 3 subgroups were compared. Statistical analysis for normal distribution and homogeneity of variance data was calculated by t-test and the counting data was analyzed by χ (2) test. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for non-normal data. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the comparison of multiple groups, followed by SNK method. Multiple independent samples were used for non-parametric tests. Results: There was no significant difference in age and baseline HCV RNA levels between groups and subgroups (P > 0.05). By an intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis, in Group A, the ratio of complete early virological response (cEVR) rate was 75.3% (119/158), the ratio of end of treatment virological response (eTVR) rate was 68.4% (108/158), and the ratio of sustained virological response (SVR) rate was 48.7% (77/158); in Group B, the ratio of cEVR rate was 93.3% (56/60), the ratio of eTVR rate was 90.0% (54/60), and the ratio of SVR rate was 71.7% (43/60); The therapeutic index of Group A were lower than those of Group B (P≤0.05). By per-protocol (PP) analysis, the ratio of cEVR rate in Group A [75.2% (88/112)] was still lower than that in Group B [93.3% (56/60)], but no significant differences were found in the ratio of eTVR rate and SVR rate between 2 groups (P > 0.05). Comparing the efficacy of subgroups (A1, A2 and A3) by ITT analysis, the ratios of cEVR rate were respectively 78.5% (62/79), 75.6% (34/45) and 67.6% (23/34); the ratios of eTVR rate were respectively 68.4%(54/79), 80.0%(36/45)and 52.9%(18/34); and the ratios of SVR rate were respectively 41.8%(33/79), 64.4%(29/45)and 44.1%(15/34). The ratio of eTVR in subgroup A2 was obviously higher than that in subgroup A3 and the ratio of SVR in subgroup A2 was statistically higher than that of subgroup A1(P≤0.05). However, by PP analysis, no significant differences of the therapeutic indexes were found among the respective subgroups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: HIV-HCV co-infected patients would have better anti-HCV efficacy with Peg-INFα-2a plus RBV than HCV- monoinfected patients. The best time for initiating anti-HCV therapy in HIV-HCV co-infected patients is when CD4(+) counts 200 cells/ μl.

[Characteristics of cognitive impairment and the resting state functional MRI in patients with leukoaraiosis]

Objective: To investigate the features of cognitive impairment and potential physiopathologic mechanism using neuropsychological assessment and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) in patients with leukoaraiosis (LA). Methods: A total of 13 patients with LA (LA group) and 13 healthy controls (NC group) from Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital between January and June 2016 were recruited. The two groups were matched for age, sex, education, and vascular risk factors. All the subjects underwent neuropsychological assessment and the scan of rs-fMRI. The neuropsychological scores and the brain areas had significant differences of cerebral spontaneous activity in resting state of the two groups were compared, and the relationship between the scores and the amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) were evaluated in these areas. Results: LA group was associated with comprehensive cognitive impairment, including minimum mental state examination (MMSE) (LA group: 23.3±10.7 vs NC group: 29.7±0.6), montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) (22.7±10.7 vs 29.5±0.7), digit span test (DS) forwards (6.5±3.2 vs 8.7±1.1) and backwards (4.2±2.2 vs 6.2±0.9), trail making test (TMT) part A (168±136 vs 47±10), immediate memory (6.1±3.5 vs 11.0±2.2) and delayed memory (4.7±2.8 vs 11.0±2.4) of auditory verbal learning test (AVLT), Stroop B (60±34 vs 32±7) and C (127±72 vs 48±12), verbal similarity test (16.5±8.1 vs 23.1±2.5) (all P<0.05). Compared with the NC group, patients with LA showed decreased ALFF in areas of the right posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), precuneus_R, cuneus, postcentral_R, precentral_R, calcarine_R (all P<0.05). After adjustment for the influences of age, sex and education, the correlation analysis showed that right PCC, precuneus_R, cuneus, postcentral_R, etc, were closely related with cognitive impairment. Conclusions: Patients with LA exhibits significant cognitive impairment, such as executive function, memory, attention and information processing speed. And cognitive impairment of LA is related to abnormal cerebral spontaneous activity, especially in areas of right PCC, precuneus_R, cuneus, etc.

[Clinical efficacy of pegylated interferon in patients co-infected with HIV and HCV who failed standard interferon therapy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG-INF-α) combined with ribavirin in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) who failed prior standard interferon therapy.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed to analyze HCV RNA load, liver function, and CD4+ count at weeks 0 (baseline), 12, 24, and 48 of treatment and at 24 weeks after drug discontinuation in 20 patients co-infected with HIV and HCV who failed standard interferon therapy and were then treated with PEG-INF-αand ribavirin.

RESULTS

Among the 20 patients, 14 were infected with HCV genotype 1b, 3 with HCV genotype 2a, and 3 failed sequencing. At baseline, the mean CD4(+)count, mean CD8(+)count, and mean CD4(+)/CD8(+)ratio were 406.45 ± 210.83 cells/ml, 1 076.45 ± 716.18 cells /ml, and 0.43 ± 0.17, respectively; the mean HCV RNA load was 6.01 ± 1.13 log10IU/ml; 12 patients (60%) had abnormal liver function. A total of 14 patients (70%) achieved complete early virologic response, 15 (75%) achieved end-of-treatment virologic response, 7 (35%) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR), and 8 (40%) experienced recurrence. The incidence rate of drug-related adverse events during the treatment was 50% (10/20); no serious adverse events occurred, and no patient withdrew from the treatment due to adverse events. At week 48, both CD4(+)and CD8(+)counts of all patients declined significantly compared with the baseline values (P= 0.001 and 0.001), but the CD4(+)/CD8(+)ratio increased significantly (P= 0.032). The SVR group had a significantly lower mean baseline HCV RNA load than the non-SVR group (4.95 ± 1.18 log10IU/ml vs 6.59 ± 0.53 log10IU/ml,t= 3.49,P= 0.009).

CONCLUSION

In the patients co-infected with HIV and HCV who failed standard interferon therapy, PEG-INF-αcombined with ribavirin has good efficacy and safety, and the patients with a low baseline HCV RNA load are more likely to achieve SVR.

Fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of Brtri1, a gene controlling trichome development in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp pekinensis)

Trichomes are derived from the epidermis and constitute an ideal system for studying cell division in plants. Here, a Chinese cabbage doubled haploid (DH) line (FT) without trichomes was crossed with another DH line (PurDH-1) with trichomes to develop an F₂ population for fine mapping of trichome control genes. Genetic analysis showed that the trichome phenotype was controlled by a single dominant gene, Brtri1. Using 1226 glabrous individuals in the F₂ segregation population, Brtri1 was localized to a 16.84 kb region between markers Pur6-31 and Pur6-39 on chromosome A06. One of the four complete open reading frames within the mapping region, Bra025311, encodes a MYB transcription factor and is highly homologous to the trichome regulatory gene GL1 in Arabidopsis thaliana. It was thus regarded as a candidate gene for Brtri1. Comparative sequencing showed a 5-bp deletion in the third exon of Bra025311 in FT, resulting in a frame-shift mutation. No expression of Bra025311 was detected in FT. A co-dominant indel marker close to this mutation site was developed for marker-assisted selection in Chinese cabbage breeding.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hepatitis B virus in HIV-infected patients in Guangdong, China

This study investigated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in HIV-infected adults at the time of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in Guangdong province, China. A total of 2793 HIV-infected adults were enrolled between January 2004 and September 2011. Demographic data and laboratory parameters were collected, HBV-DNA levels were measured, and HBV genotypes were identified before ART initiation. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in HIV-infected patients was 13.2%. A total of 266 HIV/HBV co-infected patients and 1469 HIV mono-infected patients were recruited. The median alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels of HIV/HBV co-infected patients were higher than HIV mono-infected patients (32 U/L vs. 22 U/L, p < 0.001 and 35 U/L vs. 24 U/L, p < 0.001, respectively), whereas the median CD4 cell count of HIV/HBV co-infected patients was lower than HIV mono-infected patients (59 cells/mm(3) vs. 141 cells/mm(3), p < 0.001). The level of CD4 cell count was lower in hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-positive co-infected patients than HBeAg-negative patients (36 cells/mm(3) vs. 69 cells/mm(3), p = 0.014). A similar result was found in high level of HBV-DNA and low level of HBV-DNA groups (33 cells/mm(3) vs. 89 cells/mm(3), p < 0.001). HBV genotypes were classified as genotypes B and C. Patients infected with genotypes B and C differed significantly in terms of proportion of those who were HBeAg-positive (40.5% vs. 62.2%, p = 0.014). This study indicates a high prevalence of HBsAg in HIV-infected adults in Guangdong. The level of CD4 cell count in HIV/HBV co-infected patients was much lower than HIV mono-infected patients, especially in patients who were HBeAg-positive and had a high level of HBV-DNA. The predominant HBV genotype in HIV/HBV co-infected patients is genotype B.

Influence of Amino Acid Compositions and Peptide Profiles on Antioxidant Capacities of Two Protein Hydrolysates from Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) Dark Muscle

Influence of amino acid compositions and peptide profiles on antioxidant capacities of two protein hydrolysates from skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) dark muscle was investigated. Dark muscles from skipjack tuna were hydrolyzed using five separate proteases, including pepsin, trypsin, Neutrase, papain and Alcalase. Two hydrolysates, ATH and NTH, prepared using Alcalase and Neutrase, respectively, showed the strongest antioxidant capacities and were further fractionated using ultrafiltration and gel filtration chromatography. Two fractions, Fr.A3 and Fr.B2, isolated from ATH and NTH, respectively, showed strong radical scavenging activities toward 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals (EC₅₀ 1.08% ± 0.08% and 0.98% ± 0.07%), hydroxyl radicals (EC₅₀ 0.22% ± 0.03% and 0.48% ± 0.05%), and superoxide anion radicals (EC₅₀ 1.31% ± 0.11% and 1.56% ± 1.03%) and effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation. Eighteen peptides from Fr.A3 and 13 peptides from Fr.B2 were isolated by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography, and their amino acid sequences were determined. The elevated antioxidant activity of Fr.A3 might be due to its high content of hydrophobic and aromatic amino acid residues (181.1 and 469.9 residues/1000 residues, respectively), small molecular sizes (3–6 peptides), low molecular weights (524.78 kDa), and amino acid sequences (antioxidant score 6.11). This study confirmed that a smaller molecular size, the presence of hydrophobic and aromatic amino acid residues, and the amino acid sequences were the key factors that determined the antioxidant activities of the proteins, hydrolysates and peptides. The results also demonstrated that the derived hydrolysates and fractions from skipjack tuna (K. pelamis) dark muscles could prevent oxidative reactions and might be useful for food preservation and medicinal purposes.

First Report of Neofusicoccum parvum Causing Panicle Blight and Leaf Spot on Vitis heyneana in China

The climbing vine, Vitis heyneana Roem. & Schult, is a member of the grape family endemic to Asia. Its fruits are used in wine production, and its roots, stems, and leaves can be used in medicinal materials. This plant is grown in Southwest China, as well as in India, Bhutan, and Nepal. Mulao Autonomous County in Guangxi Province is the only artificial cultivation area in China. During the summer of 2013, a panicle blight and leaf spot were detected on V. heyneana on four farms in Mulao Autonomous County. The symptoms were observed from the onset of florescence through fruit harvest. Brown lesions initially appeared at the base of a panicle and then extended to the whole panicle, finally causing the panicle to die and fruit to drop. When the disease developed on leaves, the symptom initially appeared as small dark brown circular spots, later enlarging into irregular spots (average diameter 6 mm) with a light brown center and dark brown rim. With severe disease, some individual leaves were affected by numerous spots, leading to premature senescence. Small sections of diseased tissue excised from 10 panicle and 10 leaf samples were plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 28°C. Fungal colonies developed, initially with abundant white aerial mycelium, which turned olivaceous gray after 5 days and formed black pycnidia after 25 days. The conidia were hyaline, ellipsoidal to fusiform, externally smooth, thin-walled, and nonseptate. Thirty conidia were measured; the dimensions were 12.0 to 17.5 × 4.0 to 6.0 μm. Morphological characteristics of the isolates were similar to the descriptions of Neofusicoccum parvum (3). The isolate MPT-1 was selected as a representative for molecular identification. Genomic DNA was extracted and used for PCR to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α) gene, using primers ITS1/ITS4 and EF1-728F/EF1-986R, respectively. The obtained ITS sequence (GenBank Accession No. KJ599627) and EF1-α sequence (KM921768) showed >99% homology with several GenBank sequences of N. parvum. Morphological and molecular results confirmed the isolate as N. parvum. For pathogenicity tests, detached, young healthy panicles and leaves of V. heyneana were surface-sterilized, wounded by sterile needle, and inoculated with mycelial plugs (3 mm in diameter) of four N. parvum isolates. Ten panicles and 10 leaves were used for every isolate. Control panicles and leaves were treated with sterile PDA plugs. All the samples were placed in a humid chamber (RH 90%, 28°C, 12 h of light) for 3 days. Symptoms similar to those observed in the field developed on all panicles and leaves inoculated with N. parvum isolates. N. parvum was reisolated from all inoculated, symptomatic tissues. The controls remained symptomless. N. parvum has been reported to cause trunk canker on V. vinifera (2), dieback on Cupressus funebris (3), and a leaf spot on Myristica fragrans (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. parvum causing panicle blight and leaf spot on V. heyneana in China. Panicle blight caused a large number of fruits to drop and reduced the yield seriously. Some effective measures should be taken to control this disease. References: (1) V. Jayakumar et al. New Dis. Rep. 23:19, 2011. (2) J. Kaliternam et al. Plant Dis. 97:1656, 2013. (3) S. B. Li et al. Plant Dis. 94:641, 2010.

Purification and characterization of three antioxidant peptides from protein hydrolyzate of croceine croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) muscle

Three antioxidant peptides were purified from protein hydrolysate of croceine croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) muscle prepared using pepsin and alcalase, and identified as Tyr-Leu-Met-Ser-Arg (PC-1), Val-Leu-Tyr-Glu-Glu (PC-2), and Met-Ile-Leu-Met-Arg (PC-3) with molecular weights of 651.77, 668.82, and 662.92Da, respectively. PC-1 exhibited the highest scavenging activities on DPPH (EC50 1.35mg/ml), superoxide (EC50 0.450mg/ml), and ABTS (EC50 0.312mg/ml) radicals, but PC-2 exhibited the strongest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (EC50 0.353mg/ml) among the three peptides. PC-1 also showed effective inhibition on lipid peroxidation in the model system. The good activities of isolated peptides might be benefit from the smaller size and hydrophobic and/or aromatic amino acids within their sequences.

Antioxidant and functional properties of collagen hydrolysates from Spanish mackerel skin as influenced by average molecular weight

In the current study, the relationships between functional properties and average molecular weight (AMW) of collagen hydrolysates from Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorous niphonius) skin were researched. Seven hydrolysate fractions (5.04 ≤ AMW ≤ 47.82 kDa) from collagen of Spanish mackerel skin were obtained through the processes of acid extraction, proteolysis, and fractionation using gel filtration chromatography. The physicochemical properties of the collagen hydrolysate fractions were studied by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), gel filtration chromatography, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicated that there was an inverse relationship between the antioxidant activities and the logarithm of the AMW of the hydrolysate fractions in the tested AMW range. However, the reduction of AMW significantly enhanced the solubility of the hydrolysate fractions, and a similar AMW decrease of the hydrolysate fractions negatively affected the emulsifying and foaming capacities. This presented as a positive correlation between the logarithm of AMW and emulsion stability index, emulsifying activity index, foam stability, and foam capacity. Therefore, these collagen hydrolysates with excellent antioxidant activities or good functionalities as emulsifiers could be obtained by controlling the effect of the digestion process on the AMW of the resultant hydrolysates.

First Report of Corynespora cassiicola Causing Leaf Spot on Akebia trifoliate

Akebia species have been used for centuries in medicinal practices in a few Asian countries such as China and Japan. The dried stems of Akebia trifoliata are known as mutong in the Chinese pharmacopoeia (4) and mokutsu in Kampo, the traditional Chinese medicine developed in Japan (2). In China, the plant is grown in the provinces of Shandong, Hebei, Shanxi, Henan, Gansu, and some provinces in the south of the Yangtze River basin. During the summer of 2012, a leaf spot disease was detected on A. trifoliata grown in Nanning, Guangxi, China. The disease occurred and spread rapidly in July under conditions of high temperature and high humidity. The symptoms appeared on three sites that we inspected; disease incidences were higher than 80%. Initial symptoms consisted of small (less than 5 mm in diameter), circular, purple-brown leaf spots. Spots later enlarged and became elliptical, circular, or irregular with gray-white centers and dark brown rims. The centers were slightly concave. The spots could coalesce with each other, resulting in leaf desiccation and wilting. A fungal isolate was obtained from symptomatic leaf tissue that taken from a field (22°50'N, 108°22'E) in Nanning, Guangxi, China. Single-spore culture of the isolate was incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) for 7 days in the dark at 28°C. Conidiophores were straight to slightly curved, unbranched, and pale brown. Conidia (19.0 to 140.5 μm long and 7.0 to 11.0 μm wide) were formed singly or in chains, obclavate to cylindrical, straight or curved, pale brown, with a rounded apex and truncate base, and 1 to 13 pseudosepta. Morphological characteristics of the isolate were similar to the descriptions of Corynespora cassiicola (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) C.T. Wei (1). Genomic DNA of the isolate was extracted and used for PCR amplification of rDNA-ITS (internal transcribed spacer) sequence with primers ITS1 and ITS4. The PCR products were purified and sequenced. The sequence (GenBank Accession No. KC977496) was used in BLAST searches to interrogate GenBank for sequence similarity. High sequence similarity of 100% was obtained with several C. cassiicola strains. Pathogenicity of the isolate was investigated to demonstrate Koch's postulate. Young, healthy, fully expanded green leaves of A. trifoliata were surface sterilized. Fifteen leaves were inoculated with 10-μl drops of conidia suspension (10⁵ conidia per ml) and 10 leaves were inoculated with the same volume of sterile water to serve as controls. All the leaves were placed in a humid chamber for 5 days. Spots with similar symptoms to those observed in the field developed on all inoculated leaves. The pathogen was reisolated and identified as C. cassiicola. The controls remained symptomless. According to previous reports, A. trifoliata was infected by Alternaria tenuissima in China and by Colletotrichum acutatum in Japan (3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. cassiicola found on Akebia species worldwide. Furthermore, this new disease primarily affects plantations and reduces the quality and yield of the medicine. Some effective measures should be taken to control this disease. References: (1) M. B. Ellis and P. Holliday. CMI Description of Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria, 303, 1971. (2) F. Kitaoka et al. J. Nat. Med. 63:374, 2009. (3) Y. Kobayshi et al. J. Gen. Plant Pathol. 70:295, 2004. (4) L. Li et al. HortScience 45:4, 2010.

Association between carbamazepine-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions and the HLA-B*1502 allele among patients in central China

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between carbamazepine (CBZ)-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions (cADRs) and the HLA-B*1502 allele among patients from central China. Eight patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), 28 with mild maculopapular eruptions (MPEs), 50 CBZ-tolerant controls, and 71 healthy volunteers were recruited. HLA genotyping was performed using the polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing (SBT) method. As a result, the HLA-B*1502 allele was observed at the following rates: (1) 100% (8/8) among those with CBZ-induced SJS/TEN, (2) 10.7% (3/28) among those with CBZ-induced MPEs; (3) 8.0% (4/50) among CBZ-tolerant controls; (4) 8.5% (6/71) among healthy volunteers. The eight patients with SJS/TEN positive for the HLA-B*1502 allele had an odds ratio (OR) of 184 compared with CBZ-tolerant controls. There was no significant difference in frequency between patients with MPEs and CBZ-tolerant controls (P>0.05). Thus, CBZ-induced SJS/TEN, but not MPEs, is strongly associated with HLA-B*1502. Testing for HLA-B*1502 should be recommended for patients from central China prior to initial CBZ treatment.

Convergent evolution of perenniality in rice and sorghum

Annual and perennial habit are two major strategies by which grasses adapt to seasonal environmental change, and these distinguish cultivated cereals from their wild relatives. Rhizomatousness, a key trait contributing to perenniality, was investigated by using an F(2) population from a cross between cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) and its wild relative, Oryza longistaminata. Molecular mapping based on a complete simple sequence-repeat map revealed two dominant-complementary genes controlling rhizomatousness. Rhz3 was mapped to the interval between markers OSR16 [1.3 centimorgans (cM)] and OSR13 (8.1 cM) on rice chromosome 4 and Rhz2 located between RM119 (2.2 cM) and RM273 (7.4 cM) on chromosome 3. Comparative mapping indicated that each gene closely corresponds to major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling rhizomatousness in Sorghum propinquum, a wild relative of cultivated sorghum. Correspondence of these genes in rice and sorghum, which diverged from a common ancestor approximately 50 million years ago, suggests that the two genes may be key regulators of rhizome development in many Poaceae. Many additional QTLs affecting abundance of rhizomes in O. longistaminata were identified, most of which also corresponded to the locations of S. propinquum QTLs. Convergent evolution of independent mutations at, in some cases, corresponding genes may have been responsible for the evolution of annual cereals from perennial wild grasses. DNA markers closely linked to Rhz2 and Rhz3 will facilitate cloning of the genes, which may contribute significantly to our understanding of grass evolution, advance opportunities to develop perennial cereals, and offer insights into environmentally benign weed-control strategies.

Neuroactive ring A-reduced metabolites of progesterone in human plasma during pregnancy: elevated levels of 5 alpha-dihydroprogesterone in depressed patients during the latter half of pregnancy

Progesterone and its 5 alpha reduced metabolite, 5 alpha-dihydroprogesterone, rise greatly in pregnancy. Both are known to have anesthetic properties, as do a number of other ring A-reduced progesterone metabolites. The possible significance of these steroids with respect to the mood changes that are common in pregnancy and in the puerperium has not been explored. In this study, pregnenolone, progesterone, and five neuroactive progesterone metabolites: the 5 alpha and 5 beta dihydroprogesterones (DHP), and three tetrahydroprogesterones (THP)-3 alpha,5 alpha-THP, 3 beta,5 beta-THP, and 3 beta,5 alpha-THP-were studied at various stages of pregnancy and in the early postpartum period. Levels of all of the steroids rose greatly during pregnancy (P < 0.001), being highest for progesterone (562-fold the follicular level), 5 alpha-DHP (161-fold), 3 beta,5 alpha-THP (56-fold), 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP (37-fold), pregnenolone (30-fold), 5 beta-DHP (16-fold) and 3 beta,5 beta-THP (16-fold) at 37 wk of gestation. During the period 2-7 d postpartum, the level of progesterone fell precipitously, whereas those of pregnenolone and the metabolites fell more slowly and mean levels were still elevated compared with follicular levels 2 wk after delivery. By 7 wk postpartum, only 3 alpha,5 alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone and 3 beta,5 beta-tetrahydroprogesterone remained slightly elevated (P < or = 0.012 and 0.007, respectively). Mean levels of the progesterone metabolites tended to be higher in depressed patients compared with controls, and this difference reached significance for 5 alpha-dihydroprogesterone both at 27 wk (P = 0.04) and at 37 wk (P = 0.02) of gestation (combined, P = 0.003). These results show that all five of these metabolites rise markedly during pregnancy and suggest that alterations in progesterone metabolites may be involved in the mood changes of pregnancy and the puerperium.

Hospital services for people with HIV infection in Flanders: patients' satisfaction

Two questionnaire surveys about satisfaction with hospital services were carried out among HIV-infected people in Flanders. In a first survey (CIRCA '93 study) between 1993 and 1995, before highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) was available, questionnaires were distributed by HIV treatment centres, general practitioners and HIV support organizations: 315 people with HIV infection completed the questionnaire. The level of patient satisfaction was generally higher with services at university hospitals than at general hospitals. Most patients preferred to be hospitalized in a ward specialized in HIV care. Contact with other HIV-infected patients was generally experienced as supportive. The second survey included 34 patients with HIV-infection and 83 patients with lung disease. They were admitted to the same ward at the Antwerp University Hospital, between July 1996 and July 1997. Patients with HIV infections were expecting more services than patients with lung disease. Both studies showed that HIV-infected patients wanted to be actively involved in diagnostic and treatment decisions. The multidisciplinary approach, offered by the Antwerp University Hospital, was widely appreciated by patients and could be used as an example for organizing patient care for other diseases.

Metabolism of progesterone by human lymphocytes: production of neuroactive steroids

Although it has long been recognized that lymphocytes have the capacity to reduce cortisol at the C3, C5, and C20 positions, the specificity and the physiological variation of these reactions have received little attention. We have shown that such reactions also occur with progesterone. Lymphocytes were isolated from whole blood using Percoll density gradient centrifugation. The cells were incubated for 20 h with tritiated progesterone as radioactive tracer. After extractions into ethyl acetate, the residue was subjected to high performance liquid chromatography, and the radioactivities of the separated compounds were determined. Without cells, 95-97% of the tracer added was recovered in the progesterone peak, while in the presence of 4 x 10(6) lymphocytes, this was reduced to 45-90%. The metabolites obtained included at least 10 different compounds, including those corresponding in their retention times to the neuroactive 5 alpha and 5 beta dihydroprogesterones and their 3 alpha- and 3 beta- tetrahydroprogesterone derivatives. The conversion decreased with the addition of other steroids such as testosterone, cortisol, and corticosterone, suggesting that these steroids are metabolized by the same enzymes. When the cells from two pregnant patients were combined and incubated with tracer, and with and without nonradioactive progesterone, no peaks were detected by two progesterone radioimmunoassays in the absence of added nonradioactive progesterone, while in its presence three peaks corresponding to 5 alpha-dihydroprogesterone, 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnane-20-dione and 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnane-20-dione eluted before the P peak. Their identities were confirmed using the two different progesterone radioassays that cross-reacted with these metabolites. The highest mean conversion (44.7% +/- 3.2 SE) was found with the lymphocytes of pregnant women and with that of one lactating woman (50%). Conversions by lymphocytes of women in the follicular phase (29.3% +/- 1.3 SE) were significantly lower than those in pregnancy (P = 0.014) but did not differ significantly (P > or = 0.05) from those of women in the luteal phase (22.2% +/- 3.4 SE), those of postmenopausal women (23.5% +/- 4.9 SE), or of men (22.5% +/- 2.4 SE). Lymphocytes appear to provide a hitherto unrecognized but possibly important source of neuroactive steroids.

Establishment of stable CD8+ suppressor T cell clones and the analysis of their suppressive function

Stable CD8+ suppressor T cell (Ts) clones were established by a relatively simple method. Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-primed spleen cells from C3H mice were depleted of B cells and CD4+ T cells by panning and cytotoxic treatment, and the resulting CD8+ T cells were periodically stimulated with antigen and irradiated syngeneic spleen cells followed by manifestation in interleukin-2 (IL-2) containing medium. T cell clones with a definite suppressor function were established by limiting dilution. They were defined as classical effector type Ts of CD8+ phenotype as they had constant and definite suppressor functions in antigen-induced T cell proliferation and specific antibody response against T cell-dependent antigens without detectable cytotoxic activity against both antigen presenting cells (APC) and helper T cells (Th). They showed no helper activity for B cells and produced no detectable helper type lymphokines such as IL-2 and IL-4. CD8+ Ts clones were able to inhibit the antigen-induced IL-2 production of normal and cloned T cells. Their suppressive activity was antigen-nonspecific and major histocompatibility complex-unrestricted. CD8+ Ts clones were also able to suppress the proliferative response of Th clones induced by immobilized anti-T cell receptor (TcR) and anti-CD3 mAbs but not the response induced by concanavalin A (ConA) and IL-2. All the CD8+ T cell clones established independently utilized the TcR V beta 8 gene. Syngeneic antigen presenting cells could induce proliferation of these CD8+ clones, which was blocked by anti-CD8 and anti-I-Ak monoclonal antibody (mAb) but not by anti-class I mAbs. The stimulation of CD8+ Ts clones with immobilized anti-CD3 resulted in the release of a suppressor factor(s) that potently inhibited the antigen-induced proliferation of CD4+ Th clones and the in vitro secondary antibody formation.

Molecular events in the T cell-mediated suppression of the immune response

To understand the mechanism of T cell-mediated suppression, we have established a number of suppressor T cell (Ts) clones of both CD4+ and CD8+ phenotypes that exert a definite suppressive effect on antigen-induced proliferative response of normal and cloned CD4+ helper T cells (Th). When an antigen-activated Ts clone was added to Th clones that were subsequently stimulated with antigen and APC, the increase of intracellular Ca2+ in the latter was greatly inhibited. The suppression was unidirectional where Ts suppressed Th but not vice versa. A Ts clone could not suppress other Ts clones. Exactly the same suppression of Ca2+ response could be induced by the treatment of T cells with an anti-I-J antibody. The anti-I-J suppressed the Ca2+ response of Th clones induced by antigen-pulsed APC and anti-TcR alpha beta antibody, whereas the responses to anti-CD3 and Con A were not inhibited. The difference in the effect of anti-TcR alpha beta and anti-CD3 suggests that the suppression is caused by a functional uncoupling of TcR alpha beta and CD3. The stimulation of Ts clones with anti-CD3, on the other hand, induced a unique suppressor factor that potently inhibits the antigen- and anti-TcR induced proliferation of CD4+ Th clones.