[Epidemiological characteristics of typhoid fever in Fujian Province, 2011-2022]

Objective: To analyze the incidence trend and epidemiological characteristics of typhoid fever in Fujian Province from 2011 to 2022, and understand the high-incidence population and hotspot areas, and provide evidences to develop more targeted prevention and control measures. Methods: The surveillance data of typhoid fever during 2011-2022 in Fujian Province were obtained from the National Disease Reporting Information System and analyzed with SAS 9.4. The spatial autocorrelation analysis of typhoid fever incidence at county/district levels was performed with ArcGlS 10.8. Results: A total of 5 126 cases of typhoid fever were reported in Fujian Province from 2011 to 2022, with an average annual incidence rate of 1.10/100 000. The average annual incidence rate was 0.96/100 000 from 2011 to 2015, 1.49/100 000 from 2016 to 2019, and 0.81/100 000 from 2020 to 2022. The disease occurred all the year round, with high epidemic season from May to September. A total of 23.59% (1 209/5 126) of the cases occurred at the age of 0-4, and 9.62% (493/5 126) at the age of 5-9. The male to female ratio of the cases was 0.97∶1 (2 524∶2 602) for the whole population, 1.19∶1 (925∶777) for people under 10 years old, 0.75∶1 (1 060∶1 404) for people between 10 and 54 years old, and 1.28∶1 (539∶421) for people over 55 years old. Cases in Ningde City accounted for 30.65% (1 571/5 126) of the total cases. Most hotspots were occurred in Ningde City. Recurrent and clustered cases were found in family members. Conclusions: Typhoid fever was prevalent at a low level in Fujian Province during 2011-2022, indicating that strengthening the prevention and control measures should target key areas and populations. The incidence of typhoid fever in Fujian Province showed spatial aggregation phenomenon, and most cases gathered in Ningde City. Intensive study for the influencing factors of spatial clustering should be conducted.

[Incidence of leptospirosis in Fujian province, 2015-2020]

Objective: To analyze the incidence of leptospirosis in Fujian province from 2015 to 2020 and provide the scientific evidences for the risk assessment, prevention and control of leptospirosis. Methods: The incidence data of leptospirosis in Fujian during 2015-2020 were collected from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention for a descriptive analysis, and software ArcGIS 10.3.1 was used for spatial autocorrelation analysis, and rats were captured in 17 surveillance areas during the same period, and the rat organs were collected for pathogen culture, the level of Leptospira antibody was detected in serum samples of rats, healthy population and the serum samples of patients sent by the hospitals. The infection status of Leptospira in human and rats were analyzed. Results: The incidence of leptospirosis in Fujian showed a downward trend from 2015 to 2020. A total of 176 cases of leptospirosis were reported. There were obvious seasonality and bimodal distribution. The majority of cases were farmers, accounting for 49.43% (87/176). Most cases were aged 30-69 years (85.80%, 151/176). The male to female ratio of the cases was 3.51∶1 (137∶39). Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that leptospirosis had high or low clustering areas. From 2015 to 2020, the average capture rate of rats in 17 surveillance areas was 6.96% (1 519/21 838), Rattus losea, Rattus flavipectus and Niviventer fulvescens were the main species. The average positive rate of Leptospira antibody in rats was 28.64% (252/880). Java and Autumnalis were the predominant serogroups, accounting for 56.75% (143/252) and 17.46% (44/252), respectively. The average positive rate of Leptospira antibody in healthy population was 16.13% (254/1 575), and Autumnalis and Australis were the predominant serogroups, accounting for 71.65% (182/254). The confirmation rate of leptospirosis in patient serum samples sent by the hospitals was 2.23% (188/8 431), Autumnalis (56.38%, 106/188) and Hebdomadis (19.68%, 37/188) were the major serogroups. Conclusions: The incidence of leptospirosis in Fujian showed a downward trend from 2015 to 2020, there were obvious area clustering and seasonality. The high clustering areas were mainly distributed in northern, western and central Fujian. Java and Autumnalis were the predominant serogroups in rats. The infection rate in healthy population decreased year by year. Autumnalis and Hebdomadis were the main serogroups in population in Fujian.

[Analysis on repetitive reporting of hepatitis B in Fujian province, 2016-2020]

Objective: To analyze the repetitive reporting of hepatitis B in Fujian province during 2016-2020, and provide evidence for the improvement of hepatitis B surveillance. Methods: The reporting cards from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention were collected and divided into repetitive reporting cards and non-repetitive reporting cards from the report cards collected according to the valid ID number on the cards, and the proportion of repetitive report cards and related factors were analyzed by using software SAS 9.4. Results: A total of 314 551 hepatitis B reporting cards were submitted in Fujian from 2016 to 2020, in which 90.93% (286 020/314 551) were included in the analysis. The repetitive reporting cards accounted for 10.48% (29 982/286 020). The annual proportion of the repetitive reporting cards from 2016 to 2020 was between 2.98% and 3.71%, showing an overall increasing trend year by year (Z=2.26, P=0.024). The proportions of the repetitive reporting cards in 1-5 years were 3.17%, 5.40%, 7.74%, 9.27% and 10.48%, respectively, showing an increase trend with year (Z=128.16, P<0.001). The proportions of the repetitive reporting cards in 10 areas of Fujian ranged from 5.44% to 13.48% with significant difference (χ²=2 050.41, P<0.001) and increased with the increase of reported incidence of hepatitis B (Z=26.92, P<0.001). There were significant differences in relationships between repetitive reporting proportion and sex, age and type of the cases between the areas with high incidence and low incidence of hepatitis B. Conclusions: The reported incidence of hepatitis B was seriously affected by the repetitive reporting in Fujian from 2016 to 2020. A cross-year and cross-area surveillance mechanism for hepatitis B should be established and targeted measures should be taken to strengthen the control of the repetitive reporting and improve the surveillance for hepatitis B.

[Evaluation and embolization strategy by ASITN/SIR grade for injured internal carotid artery of nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective: To study the strategy of endovascular treatment for patients with the risks of internal carotid artery (ICA) rupture and bleeding during the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) based on American Society of Intervention and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology (ASITN/SIR) grade of collateral circulation. Methods: A total of 56 patients (45 males and 11 females, aged from 28 to 76 years old) diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University from July 2018 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 cases of ASITN/SIR grade 4, 24 cases of ASITN/SIR grade 3, 5 cases of ASITN/SIR grade 2, 5 cases of ASITN/SIR grade 1, and 7 cases of ASITN/SIR grade 0. The events of stroke and death were analyzed statistically. Results: ALL patients with ASITN/SIR grade 4 or 3 and some of patients with ASITN/SIR grades 2-0 passed balloon occlusion test and electrophysiological monitoring. ICA pseudoaneurysm was found in 35 patients, and one-stage ICA embolization was performed in 29 patients after evaluation. Among them, 8 cases of ASITN/SIR grade 4 and 10 cases of ASITN/SIR grade 3 with obvious posterior circulation compensation obtained successful one-stage ICA embolization without cerebral ischemia; cerebral ischemic events occurred in 5 (55.6%) of 9 patients with ASITN/SIR grade 3 and in 1(50.0%) of 2 patients with ASITN/SIR grade 2. The total incidence of ischemic events was 20.7% (6/29) and 1 case was disabled (1/29, 3.4%). Among patients with ASITN/SIR 3, there were statistically significant differences in stroke event rate between patients with obvious posterior circulation compensation and patients with slight or without posterior circulation compensation (0/10 vs. 5/9, χ(2)=4.95, P=0.026). Follow-up time was 10.1±7.8 months, and 46 patients were survival (46/56, 82.1%) and 10 patients died (10/56, 17.9%) with a mean survival time of 2.6±1.4 months. Conclusions: For NPC patients with ICA invasion, ASITN/SIR based on DSA can simplify the assessment process of cerebral blood flow compensation. ICA can be embolized directly in patients with ASITN/SIR 4 or 3 with obvious posterior communicating compensation.

[Analysis on association between incidence of hand foot and mouth disease and meteorological factors in Xiamen, 2013-2017]

Objective: To study the influence of meteorological factors on the incidence of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Xiamen, Fujian province, and provide scientific evidence for the early warning, prediction, prevention and control of HFMD. Methods: Correlation analysis and distribution lag nonlinear models (DLNM) analysis of meteorological factors such as daily average pressure, daily average relative humidity, daily average temperature and sunshine hours and the incidence of HFMD in Xiamen during 2013 to 2017 were conducted by using R3.4.3 software. Results: A total of 36 464 cases of HFMD were reported in Xiamen during 2013-2017, and the incidence showed an upward trend (F=40.359, P=0.008). The daily average relative humidity, daily average temperature and sunshine hours were positively correlated with the incidence of HFMD (r>0), and the daily average site pressure was negatively correlated with the incidence of HFMD (r<0). In the case of a lag of 0-5 days, when the daily average pressure of the station was higher than 1 005 hPa, the risk of HFMD gradually increased with the increase of air pressure, and the risk of disease decreased with the increase of lag days. The risk was highest when air pressure was 1 017 hPa and at the lag of 0 day (RR=1.14, 95%CI: 0.67-1.94). When the relative humidity was higher than 95%, the risk of HFMD gradually increased with the increase of relative humidity, and the lag time ranged from 0 day to 10 days, which was most obvious on the 4(th) and 5(th) days. The risk was highest when relative humidity was 100% and at the lag of 5 days (RR=1.32, 95%CI: 1.02-1.71). When the air temperature was >28 ℃ and <8 ℃, the risk of HFMD existed, but the lag time was inconsistent. The relative risk was highest during 15-20 days at low air temperature, and the lag time at high air temperature was mainly during 5-15 days. The risk was highest when air temperature was 28 ℃ and at the lag of 4 days (RR=1.10, 95%CI: 0.94-1.29). The sunshine time was >12 h and lag of 0-3 days was a risk factor for the incidence of HFMD. The risk was highest when sunshine time was 13 h and the lag of 0 day (RR=1.20, 95%CI: 1.05-1.36). Conclusion: Meteorological factors such as daily average pressure, daily average relative humidity, daily average temperature and sunshine hours were associated with the incidence of HFMD with certain lag in Xiamen. So, it is suggested to use these data in the early warning system of HFMD.

[Survey of HIV infection in men who have sex with men living for 5 years or less in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province]

Objective: To assess the prevalence of HIV infection and related factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) living for ≤5 years in Wenzhou of Zhejiang province. Methods: MSM who were aged ≥16 years, had lived in Wenzhou for ≥3 months and had anal sex and/or oral sex with men in the last 12 months were recruited through respondent-driven sampling (RDS) from February to October in 2015. The MSM recruited completed a questionnaire for the information collection on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behavior, awareness of HIV and related intervention, mental health status. Blood samples were collected from them for serological detection of HIV and syphilis antibodies. Software SPSS 18.0 was used to analyze HIV infection and related factors. Results: A total of 454 MSM were investigated, 108 of them (23.7%) were HIV positive. There were 267 MSM who lived in Wenzhou for ≤5 years, and 73 of them (27.3%) were HIV positive. Most of them were workers and commercial servants aged ≥25 years with personal monthly income <4 000 yuan and educational level of junior high school or below. According to multiple logistics regression analysis, age of 25-68 years old (OR=12.19, 95%CI: 2.29-65.02), heterosexual behavior in recent 6 months (OR=0.42, 95%CI: 0.18-0.96), believing it was possible to be infected with HIV (OR=0.06, 95%CI: 0.01-0.95), believing it was impossible to be infected with HIV (OR=0.03, 95%CI: 0.01-0.35) and syphilis status (OR=3.32, 95%CI: 1.05-10.52) were the risk factors associated with HIV infection. Conclusion: Compared with MSM who lived in Wenzhou for >5 years, MSM who lived in Wenzhou for ≤5 years had higher HIV infection rate and higher prevalence of risk behavior. It is necessary to conduct targeted intervention among them.

ACTH-induced stress in weaned sows impairs LH receptor expression and steroidogenesis capacity in the ovary

BACKGROUND

Stress has been proved to impair the porcine reproduction soundly. Endocrine disruption, which is closely related to the persistent follicles, is possibly one of the results of stress, although the mechanism is unclear. Since the expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) in ovarian follicular wall and concentrations of steroid hormone in follicular fluid are related to the development of persistent follicles, this study is designed to evaluate the effect of administered adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) to weaned pigs on their ovarian steroidogenesis capacity and LHR expression.

METHODS

Ten multiparous sows were weaned and randomly divided into two groups (n = 5 each). Sows received 1 IU/kg ACTH (ACTH group) or saline (control group) every 8 h from days 3-9 after jugular vein intubation. Blood samples were collected throughout the experiment, and ovaries were collected after slaughter on day 10. Follicular fluid (FF) was used to determine the steroid hormone concentrations. The ovarian follicle wall was obtained and stored in liquid nitrogen to detect mRNA levels.

RESULTS

The plasma cortisol concentration was significantly (P < 0.01) elevated after ACTH injection. The estradiol (E₂) and androstenedione (ASD) concentrations in FF were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the ACTH group than in the control group. The LHR, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom), and cytochrome P450 17a-hydroxylase (P450c17) mRNA levels were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the ACTH group. The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) level and cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc) was lower in the ACTH group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Immunostaining results revealed 3β-HSD,P450c17, and LHR expression in theca cells, and P450arom expression in granulosa cells. Immunohistochemical staining showed significant differences in the distribution of 3β-HSD, P450c17, LHR, and P450arom between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that ACTH significantly diminished the LHR expression and steroidogenesis capacity of the ovaries of weaned sows.

Association between the 8q24 rs6983267 T/G polymorphism and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Recent studies have indicated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the 8q24 region may be a risk factor for prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between the 8q24 rs6983267 T/G polymorphism and PCa risk. A systematic literature search was carried out in multiple electronic databases independently by two investigators. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for 8q24 rs6983267 T/G and PCa were calculated using a fixed-effect model (the Mantel-Haenszel method). In total, 24 case-control studies from 19 articles were included in our meta-analysis. Our analysis indicated that there is a significant PCa risk associated with the rs6983267 polymorphism in a dominant model (GG vs GT+TT, pooled OR = 1.298, P < 0.001); recessive model (GG+GT vs TT, pooled OR = 1.302, P < 0.001); and homozygote comparison (GG vs TT, pooled OR = 1.494, P < 0.001). Similarly, in a subgroup analysis of European and Asian descent, our results revealed that there are associations between rs6983267 T/G polymorphism and PCa susceptibility with the dominant model (GG vs GT+TT), recessive model (GG+GT vs TT), and homozygote comparison (GG vs TT). To investigate the association between rs6983267 and risk of PCa under different clinical conditions, further analyses were conducted regarding different clinical characteristics including the Gleason score, tumor stage, and PSA level to provide a more comprehensive view of PCa risk and this SNP. Publication bias was assed using the Begg test and the Egger test, and none was detected.

Cloning and prokaryotic expression of the porcine lipasin gene

Lipasin has recently been demonstrated to be involved in lipid metabolism. In this study, two specific primers were used to amplify the lipasin open reading frame from porcine liver tissue. The polymerase chain reaction product was cloned to a pGEM®-T Easy Vector, digested by SalI and NotI, and sequenced. The lipasin fragment was then cloned to a pET21(b) vector and digested by the same restriction enzyme. The recombinant plasmid was transferred to Escherichia coli (BL21), and the lipasin protein was induced with isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside. The protein obtained was identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blotting. A pET-lipasin prokaryotic recombinant expression vector was successfully constructed, and a 25.2-kDa protein was obtained. This study provides a basis for further research on the biological function of porcine lipasin.

Design of Silk-Vaterite Microsphere Systems as Drug Carriers with pH-responsive Release Behavior

Improving the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy remains a key goal for cancer therapy. Various passive and active targeting strategies have been developed to facilitate drug release targeted to cancer lesions, but actively designing tunable drug release behavior for these needs remains a challenge. As a step towards this need, silk-vaterite microspheres were fabricated and utilized as carriers to tune drug release. Doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded on the microspheres with high efficiency and the release behavior was regulated by tuning the microspheres via thermal processing. In vitro cell inhibition results showed that the drug-loaded microspheres had different cytotoxic efficiencies depending on the DOX release rates. Better efficacy at lower drug doses suggests options to optimize anticancer effects while minimizing toxic side effects. The tunable drug release capacity combined with the inherent passive targeting property of vaterite-based carriers based on pH sensitivity suggests a promising system for enhanced efficacy of chemotherapy.

Lactoferrin mRNA expression in mouse mammary glands during pregnancy and lactation

Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding glycoprotein that is produced by mucosal epithelial cells in mammals. Lf has non-immune natural defense functions and biological functions in addition to and distinct from its role in regulating inflammatory responses. Lf also improved some physiological and immunological parameters. Lf is a biomarker for monitoring medical treatment in inflammatory bowel diseases. Current LF research focuses on iron absorption, antimicrobial activity, and the modulation of iron metabolism during inflammation. No systematic research about Lf expression levels in mouse mammary glands during pregnancy and lactation exists. We investigated Lf mRNA expression levels in mouse mammary glands by collecting samples on days 1, 6, 12, and 18 of pregnancy and lactation (six mice per group). The expression levels of Lf mRNA were measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using GAPDH as an internal control. Lf mRNA was not expressed in mammary glands on days 1, 6, and 12 of pregnancy, but it was expressed on day 18 (IOD: integrated optical density; Lf(IOD)/GAPDH(IOD) = 0.46). Lf expression levels were higher during lactation stages than during pregnancy stages, and it stabilized at 0.71-0.73 (Lf(IOD)/GAPDH(IOD)) from day 1 to 12 of lactation; however, the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). At day 18 of lactation, Lf expression began to decline (Lf(IOD)/GAPDH(IOD) = 0.61), but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Based on these results, the variation in Lf expression levels during developmental stages may be related to its regulatory role in mouse mammary gland immunity.

Molecular characteristics and cloning of two pepper genes AN2 and UPA20

The complete coding sequences (CDSs) of "Yunnan Purple Pepper No.1" (Capsicum annuum L.) AN2 and UPA20 genes were amplified using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on the basis of the conserved sequence information of some Solanaceae plants and known highly homologous pepper expressed sequence tags. The nucleotide sequence analysis of these 2 genes revealed that pepper AN2 gene encoded a protein of 263 amino acids that has high homology with the AN2-like protein of 4 species: tobacco, tomato, potato, and petunia. The UPA20 gene encoded a protein of 341 amino acids that has high homology with the proteins of 3 species: tobacco, petunia, and tomato. The tissue expression analysis indicated that the pepper AN2 gene was overexpressed in the pericarp and placenta; moderately in stems, flowers, and seeds; and weakly in the roots, leaves, and pericarp. The pepper UPA20 gene was overexpressed in the flowers and seeds; moderately expressed in the roots and stems; and weakly expressed in the leaves and placenta. Our findings might form the basis for further research on these 2 pepper genes.

Cloning and bioinformatic analysis of full-length novel pepper (Capsicum annuum) genes TAF10 and TAF13

We isolated two TATA-binding protein-associated factor (TAF) genes, TAF10 and TAF13, from pepper (Capsicum annuum). The complete coding sequences were amplified using reverse transcriptase-PCR on the basis of conserved sequence information of eggplant and several other plant species. Nucleotide sequence analysis of these two genes revealed that the pepper TAF10 gene encodes a protein of 103 amino acids that belongs to the TAF10 superfamily. The pepper TAF10 gene was highly expressed in the pericarp and placenta, moderately expressed in the stems, flowers, seeds and leaves, and weakly expressed in roots. The TAF13 gene was found to encode a protein of 130 amino acids that belongs to the TAF13 superfamily. The TAF13 gene was highly expressed in the stems, flowers and pericarp, moderately expressed in the leaves, placenta and seeds, and weakly expressed in roots.

Carnitine and carnitine orotate affect the expression of the prolactin-releasing peptide gene

Carnitine is involved in fatty acid metabolism in mammals and is widely used as a nutritional supplement; carnitine orotate is a more absorbable form of carnitine. We investigated the effects of carnitine and carnitine orotate on mouse prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) mRNA expression. Twenty-four female mice were randomly divided into four groups of six; control mice were orally drenched with physiological saline solution (250 mg/kg body weight) and treatment mice were orally drenched with carnitine (250 mg/kg) or carnitine orotate (250 or 750 mg/kg), once a day, for 20 days from parturition. The carnitine or carnitine orotate was dissolved in saline solution before administration. The hypothalamus, pituitary and ovary were sampled on day 21 after parturition, and PrRP mRNA levels in these tissues were measured by semi-quantitative PCR, with glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase as a control. Expression of PrRP in mice treated with carnitine and carnitine orotate was significantly increased in the ovary and significantly reduced in the pituitary gland. Compared with the control, hypothalamus PrRP mRNA increased significantly in the carnitine and low-dose carnitine orotate groups and decreased significantly in the high-dose carnitine orotate group. We conclude that carnitine and carnitine orotate regulate expression of PrRP in the pituitary gland and ovaries.

Prolactin-releasing peptide mRNA expression in mouse medulla remains relatively stable during pregnancy and lactation

We compared levels of prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) mRNA expression in mouse medulla at different stages of pregnancy and lactation. Mouse medulla samples were collected on days 6, 12 and 18 of pregnancy and lactation, respectively (six per group), for mRNA. Expression levels of PrRP mRNA in the medulla were measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, with glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase as a control. PrRP mRNA was highly expressed in mouse medulla oblongata on day 6 of pregnancy (0.53), followed by 0.43 at lactation day 6, and 0.42 at lactation day 12. The expression level of PrRP mRNA on days 12 and 18 of pregnancy and day 18 of lactation shared the same value of 0.36. PrRP mRNA levels during lactation decreased slightly compared with that during pregnancy, but the differences between them were not significant. In summary, PrRP mRNA levels in the medulla oblongata remain relatively stable during pregnancy and lactation. This is evidence that medulla PrRP is not involved in the regulation of prolactin secretion.

mRNA abundance and expression of SLC27A, ACC, SCD, FADS, LPIN, INSIG, and PPARGC1 gene isoforms in mouse mammary glands during the lactation cycle

The functions of distinct isoforms of solute carrier family 27 transporters (SLC27A1-6), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACACA, ACACB), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1-4), fatty acid desaturase (FADS1-3), LPIN (LPIN1-3), insulin-induced gene (INSIG1, 2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator1 (PPARGC1A, B) were studied in the mouse mammary gland from pregnancy to lactation. The relative mRNA abundance and percent change in real-time PCR were determined. mRNA expression of SLC27A3 and SLC27A4 was 37- and 1.4-fold more upregulated at 12 days of lactation, respectively (P < 0.01). Transcripts of SCD isoforms were the most abundant, accounting for 59% of all genes measured, and PPARGC1 isoforms were the least (0.06% of all genes measured). The mRNA abundance from ACC, FADS and LPIN accounted for 29, 9 and 2.6%, respectively. INSIG1 mRNA expression was 32-fold more upregulated (P < 0.05), while PPARGC1B was 0.18-fold downregulated at 18 days of lactation (P < 0.01). We concluded that mRNA abundance and expression of these isoforms are affected by the stage of lactation.

Selection and use of reference genes in mouse mammary glands

Obtaining quantitative data concerning gene expression is important for understanding milk synthesis in mammary glands. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is an efficient tool to calculate gene expression; however, it is necessary to find valid reference genes for normalization of qRT-PCR data. We applied the geNorm software to eight commonly used reference genes to identify the most stable and optimal genes for the mouse mammary gland. Based on this analysis, HPRT, RPL and GAPDH are the most appropriate reference genes for data normalization. We tested the expression of the alpha-lactalbumin and fatty acid synthase genes using these three reference genes, both normalized and non-normalized. The normalized mRNA expression ratio was significantly different from the non-normalized ratio. We recommend the use of these three reference genes for the normalization of qRT-PCR data in gene expression studies of mouse mammary glands.

The Long-term Effect of Autologous Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Peripheral Blood Implantation on Infarcted Myocardial Contractile Force

This study was designed to evaluate the long-term effect of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) implantation in acute myocardial infarction in Sprague-Dawley rats after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Autologous EPCs from peripheral blood were purified and implanted into an acute myocardial infarct site. Specimens and muscle strip were harvested at 3 and 6 weeks, and at 6, 8 and 12 months for contractile force assessment and, by immunohistology, for expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and factor VIII. Expression of VEGF and bFGF, and microvessel counts and contractile force in the cell implantation group were significantly higher than in the control group up to 8 months after implantation. Beyond 8 months following implantation, however, no further improvement occurred. The EPCs showed an ability to improve contractile performance in infarcted myocardium by means of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, and the results seemed to persist long-term.

Preparation of bioelectret collagen and its influence on cell culture in vitro

Collagen extracted from pigskin was corona-charged negatively by a specifically designed device. Different charging voltages, temperatures and times were applied to prepare collagen bioelectret. The decline of the surface potential of the bioelectret under different treatment was then determined. The data showed that the surface potential was markedly varied with the charging conditions. The optimal values of three parameters for charging collagen coatings were defined as follows: voltage, 8 KV; temperature, 40 degrees Celsius; time, 25 min. Treatment of the bioelectret with distillated water, or saline solution (0.9%) or culture medium induced a sharp decrease of the surface potential. In addition, we investigated the effects of the charged collagen on cell growth and intracellular calcium level of three types of cultured mammalian cell lines, including Chinese hamster ovary CHO cells, human cervix uteri tumor HeLa cells and human promyelocytic HL-60 cells. Cell growth and the intracellular calcium level were determined by MTT reagent-based assay and a fluorescent probe Fura-2, respectively. The results showed that negatively charged collagen stimulated the growth of CHO or HL-60 cell line but inhibited the growth of HeLa cell line. Furthermore, after attaching to the charged collagen, the intracellular calcium level of CHO cells increased, while that of HeLa cells decreased. Thus we proposed for the first time that collagen bioelectret could differentially modulate the growth of different cells, by an unknown mechanism that probably involves a role of intracellular calcium.

N-desulfated non-anticoagulant heparin inhibits leukocyte adhesion and transmigration in vitro and attenuates acute peritonitis and ischemia and reperfusion injury in vivo

OBJECTIVE

Heparin, a highly sulfated proteoglycan, is known to have strong anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory activities. Here we sought to generate a heparin derivative, which had a significantly lower anticoagulant activity while retaining its strong anti-inflammatory activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Heparin was chemically modified and this discrete set of the heparin derivatives was tested for their anticoagulant activities, such as activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and anti-inflammatory activities, such as leukocyte adhesion and transmigration in vitro and acute peritonitis and ischemia and reperfusion injury in vivo.

RESULTS

We found that an N-desulfated heparin had 188-fold (compared to heparin) and 32-fold (compared to low molecular weight heparin; LMWH) reductions of APTT. The N-desulfated heparin inhibited adhesion of human promyeloid HL-60 cells to the stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under a physiological shear stress. It also prevented the transmigration of human neutrophils through the monolayers of the stimulated HUVECs. Further, intravenous administration of this compound attenuated the peritoneal infiltration of neutrophils in a mouse model of acute peritonitis, and reduced tissue edema and leukocyte deposition in a rabbit ear model of ischemia and reperfusion injury.

CONCLUSION

It is to our best knowledge that the N-desulfated heparin has the lowest anticoagulant activity among LMWH and chemically modified heparin derivatives, while preserving a potent anti-inflammatory activity. These combined properties appear to suggest it as a safer medicine for treatment of inflammation.

Photo-induced cytotoxicity of malonic acid [C(60)]fullerene derivatives and its mechanism

The biological activities of fullerenes have attracted extensive attention in recent years. The aim of this paper is to study the relation of the photo-induced cytotoxicity of fullerene derivatives to their chemical structures as well as the possible cellular mechanism involved in the photocytotoxicity. Three C(60) derivatives with two to four malonic acid groups (DMA C(60), TMA C(60) and QMA C(60)) were prepared and the cytotoxicity of these compounds against HeLa cells was determined by MTT. Cell cycle was measured by flow cytometry. The results showed that the cytotoxicity of the malonic acid C(60) derivatives was irradiation- and dose-dependent. The sequence of their photo-induced growth inhibition was DMA C(60)>TMA C(60)>QMA C(60). Hydroxyl radical quencher mannitol (10mM) was not able to prevent cells from the damage induced by irradiated DMA C(60). DMA C(60), together with irradiation, was found to have an ability of inducing a decrease in the number of G(1) cells from 63 to 42% and a rise in that of G(2)+M cells from 6 to 26%. These data indicated that the number of malonic acid molecules added to C(60) played an important role in the phototoxicity, and the blockage of cell cycle might be a mechanism of this activity.

Effects of extracts from sporoderm-broken spores of Ganoderma lucidum on HeLa cells

The effects of extracts from Ganoderma lucidum spores on the growth of human cervix uteri tumor HeLa cells as well as on the cell cycle and intracellular calcium level were investigated. Alcohol extracts were prepared from sporoderm-broken and sporoderm-nonbroken spores (termed extract I and extract II) of G. lucidum. Extract I was then subjected to silica gel chromatography to obtain extract III. Cytotoxicity was examined by means of trypan blue exclusion and MTT tests. It was found that extract I and extract III, but not extract II strongly inhibited the growth of HeLa cells, and that extract III was more effective than extract I. Moreover, extract III was shown to be capable of blocking the cell cycle at the transition from G1 to S phase and inducing a marked decrease of intracellular calcium level, determined by flow cytometry and the specific fluorescent calcium probe Fura-2, respectively. These results imply that (1) the breaking of G. lucidum spores improves the release of cytotoxic activity and (2) the effective extract might influence the cell cycle and cellular signal transduction by altering the calcium transport system.

[Extraction and separation of antitumor components from Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the variation of alcohol extraction rates of Ganoderma lucidum spores with different rates of wall-wrack, and analyze the antitumor components of alcohol extract by chromatography.

METHOD

The G. lucidum spores were soaked and extracted with absolute alcohol. The alcohol extract was chromatographed on a silica gel column and HPLC in proper order, and the antitumor activity of every eluted fraction was represented by its cytotoxicity towards Hela cells.

RESULT

Extraction rates 5%, 25% and 33% corresponded to wall-wrack rates 0%, 60%-80% and 99% respectively. The alcohol extract from spores with the highest wall-wrack rate was chromatographed on a silica gel column, eluting successfully with CHCl3, EtOAc and CH3OH in order. The CHCl3 fraction had not any antitumor activity, while this activity of CH3OH fraction was 34 times greater than that of EtOAc fraction. HPLC analysis found out that two mixtures(II1 and II3) possess significant antitumor activity in vitro.

CONCLUSION

The weight of alcohol extract from spores with wall-wrack was far greater than that of spores without. The antitumor components of G. lucidum spores could be analyzed with methanol-water on a reverse HPLC.

Modified Wicomb's apparatus for preservation of heart for 24 hours

To prolong the time of heart preservation, we modified the Wicomb's perfusion apparatus, in which oxygen flow acts as the source of power and provides oxygenation for the perfused myocardium. Ten adult porcine hearts which had been preserved for 24 hours were resuscitated successfully and continued to beat steadily for more than 1.5-3 hours after reperfusion. Myocardial ultrastructure was observed at the end of preservation and 15-120 minutes after reperfusion. The damages of the myocardial ultrastructure at the end of preservation were reversible.

[Surgical treatment of infective endocarditis]

Nineteen patients with infective endocarditis underwent surgery. Congenital heart disease was found in 6 patients, valve disease in 13. Seven patients had history of rheumatism. Congestive heart failure was noted in 17 patients, arterial embolism in 3, and pulmonary infarction in 1. Blood culture was positive in 36.8%, while vegetations were detected echocardiographically in 58.8% of the patients. Selective surgery was performed in 17 patients and emergency operation in the rest two. There was no operative death. Follow-up for 3-109 months after operation showed no evidence of recurrent endocarditis. We suggest that early surgical treatment is mandatory for intractable infective endocarditis if excellent result is expected.

A microprocessor-based data-acquisition system for measuring plantar pressures from ambulatory subjects

We have developed a portable microprocessor-based data-acquisition system to measure discrete plantar pressures within the shoe from ambulatory subjects. The system offers improved accuracy, repeatability, portability, and flexibility not available in current commercial systems. It consists of 14 conductive polymer pressure sensors, 14 analog amplifiers, an 8-bit analog-to-digital converter, a microprocessor, 120 kbytes of memory space, and a parallel I/O interface. Seven pressure sensors are embedded within each insole and located at the posterior heel, anterior heel, the four metatarsal heads, and hallux of each foot. The system is capable of continuously sampling 14 channels of pressure data for 7 min at a 20-Hz sample rate. The recorded data are downloaded into a microcomputer for further processing, analysis, and display. Foot pressures have been acquired from a sensate subject during multiple walking trials.

Foot pressure distribution during walking and shuffling

The insensate foot is vulnerable to tissue damage from areas of repetitive, excessive pressures. It has been previously stated that a shuffling gait with short steps would increase the period of foot flat and thus minimize any excessive local plantar pressures. This theory was quantitatively evaluated with a portable, in-shoe pressure data-acquisition system. Seven pressure sensors were located in the left and right insoles under the metatarsal heads, hallux, and posterior and anterior heels. Plantar pressure data were acquired from ten able-bodied subjects during four minutes of continuous shuffling and walking at a metronome-controlled cadence. Peak pressures, foot-to-floor contact durations, and pressure-time integrals under each sensor during shuffling and walking were analyzed and compared. Peak pressures were decreased at all sensor sites during a shuffling gait. The greatest decreases were noted at the first and second metatarsals (up to 57.8%) and hallux (up to 63.2%). A 41.6% decrease in overall summated peak plantar pressures during shuffling was found. Foot-to-floor contact durations during shuffling were increased from 22.0% to 76.9% at all 14 sensor locations. Pressure-time integrals during shuffling were increased at the heels (up to 78.9%) and decreased at the metatarsal heads and great toes (up to 26.7%). There was a 3.3% increase in the overall summated pressure-time integral during shuffling. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a shuffling gait increases the period of foot flat and the area of weight bearing, resulting in lower peak plantar pressures on any one area.

An umbilical data-acquisition system for measuring pressures between the foot and shoe

We have developed an umbilical data-acquisition system for measuring pressures between the foot and shoe during walking. It consists of pressure sensors in the insoles of shoes, amplifier circuits, umbilical cables, an analog-to-digital converter, and a graphics display card in an IBM PC for real-time data collection and display. The applied pressure on a sensor decreases its resistance, which causes the output voltage of the amplifier circuit to increase. We attach seven sensors to the surface of each insole of a pair of extra-depth shoes and calibrate all the sensors in the insole before and after each test using a load cell as a reference. The IBM PC samples the outputs from the sensor and the load cell and stores a piecewise linear lookup table for use in compensation for the nonlinearity of the sensor. On the PC's graphics display, two programs provide displays of foot pressures as real-time bar graphs or as analog pressure versus time curves.

A noninvasive diagnostic method for aortic regurgitation by detecting carotid blood flow with bidirectional Doppler ultrasound

This paper reports a safe, noninvasive and accurate method for estimating aortic regurgitation. It is possible to detect some quantitative features of the disease from the velocity information obtained from the common carotid artery with the bi-directional velocimeter (model F1) developed by the authors. The diastolic murmur over the aortic region is a quantitative feature of the disease. With the theory of quantification I, both qualitative and quantitative variables were processed. A prediction formula was obtained to assess the degree of aortic regurgitation. The results of such predictions in 15 normal subjects and 25 patients are given. All the patients underwent retrograde aortography or operation to provide comparison with the ultrasonic measurements.