[System analysis of the ecological distribution of bacteriophages in hospital wastewater]

Phage therapy is one of the most important tools for the treatment of infections with multi-drug resistant bacteria. Such phages are usually isolated from hospital effluents, however, no systematic study on the distribution of phages in hospital effluents has been conducted so far. The aim of this study was to isolate the corresponding phages of common pathogenic bacteria isolated in the clinic as hosts, so as to assess the ecological distribution of phages in hospital wastewater and to provide a reference for the isolation and application of phages of drug-resistant bacteria in the clinic. A cross-sectional study design was used in this study. The 125 pathogenic bacteria (belonging to 16 different strains) isolated from the clinical microbiology laboratory of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from May to June 2023 were selected as the target strains, and the phages corresponding to these strains were isolated and purified from the hospital wastewater by using the double-layer plate sandwich method. At the same time, the distribution of pathogenic bacteria in the same batch of wastewater was analyzed with the help of mNGS sequencing technology, so as to preliminarily investigate the abundance correspondence between pathogenic bacteria and phages in wastewater. The results showed that a total of 56 phage strains were isolated from 125 clinical pathogens as hosts, corresponding to six pathogens, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. All six pathogenic bacteria contained strains with different degrees of drug resistance, with a higher percentage of multi-drug resistant strains in A. baumannii, Escherichia coli and P. aeruginosa. The phage acquisition rates of these six pathogens were, in descending order, Escherichia coli (80%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (75%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (70%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (66.67%), Acinetobacter baumannii (36.36%) and Staphylococcus aureus (12.5%). Preliminary mNGS sequencing results showed that the pathogenic bacteria with higher abundance in the batch of effluent were Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella michiganensis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In conclusion, phages of most common clinical Gram-negative pathogens were isolated from hospital wastewater with high isolation rates; however, phages of Gram-positive pathogens were isolated at lower rates, and only phages corresponding to Staphylococcus aureus were isolated in this study. The corresponding mNGS sequencing results showed that the distribution of Gram-negative pathogens in sewage may had a positive correlation with the ecological distribution of phages.

[Recent advances in the application of TAT, TM, t-PAIC and PIC in thromboembolism]

Thromboembolism is a crucial part of the global disease burden. It has high incidence, high mortality and disability rates, and the mechanism of occurrence and development is extremely complex. It is difficult to detect the disease in the early stage so that we have trouble with clinical prevention and treatment in general. At present, four items of blood coagulation and D-dimer have been widely used in the evaluation and auxiliary diagnosis of thromboembolism, the monitoring of effect for antithrombotic drugs and other fields. The thrombus biomarkers including thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), thrombomodulin (TM), tissue plasminogen activator-inhibitor complex (t-PAIC) and α2-plasmin inhibitor-plasmin complex (PIC) fill the gap of laboratory diagnosis before clinical symptoms appear in some degree. This article aims to explain the current application status of TAT, TM, t-PAIC and PIC in thromboembolism and explore their potential application value, so as to provide a reference for selecting appropriate early monitoring indicators for high-risk population of thromboembolism.

Effect of replacing corn straw by sweet sorghum silage or whole plant corn silage in sheep diets on rumen fermentation and bacterial flora

Sweet sorghum silage (SS; Sorghum dochna 'Dochna') has been extensively studied in recent years as a supplementary forage-to-corn silage (CS; Zea mays L.), but there are still relatively few studies on its effects on the rumen environment of sheep. Determining the short-term impact of converting roughage from corn straws to SS compared to CS on rumen fermentation and bacterial population dynamics was the main goal of the current study. Twelve female thin-tailed Han sheep (29.8 ± 1.34 kg) were randomly divided into one of two treatments: concentrate supplemented with SS or CS, respectively. During the 15-day pretest period, concentrate was fed in two separate feedings at 0800 h and 1800 h, and ensure that the animals were all consumed within an hour of being fed. Thereafter, the animals had free access to corn straw. The feeding procedures during the pretest period were the same as during the measurement period. Rumen fluid was collected via sheep esophageal tube on the last day of adaptation phase (1-7 days) and stabilisation phase (8-30 days), respectively. The results showed that there was a similarity in the total concentration of VFA (volatile fatty acid) and the proportions of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and branched-chain VFA (P > 0.05) and microbial diversity indices (P > 0.05) between the two silage groups throughout the experimental period. The concentration of Ammonia nitrogen (P = 0.001) and proportion of valerate (P = 0.028) decreased in the CS and SS groups, respectively. The abundance and predicted function of rumen bacteria in the SS group did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between the two measurement phases. However, the abundance of Prevotella_1 (P = 0.038) was higher in the CS group than in the SS group at 7 d. The abundances of Firmicutes (P = 0.005) and Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group (P = 0.002) increased, while the abundances of Bacteroidetes (P = 0.044), Proteobacteria (P = 0.046), and Prevotella_1 (P = 0.009) decreased in the CS group at 30 d. Genes related to pyruvate metabolism (P = 0.020) were significantly higher at 30 d than at 7 d, whereas purine metabolism (P = 0.007), pyrimidine metabolism (P = 0.007), and metabolic pathways (P = 0.010) were lower at 30 d in the CS group. In conclusion, this study indicated that SS maintained a steady rumen environment, while CS caused high fluctuations in bacterial abundance and predicted function for sheep.

Molecular identification of Rickettsia spp. in chigger mites in Taiwan

The genus Rickettsia is the causative agent of several rickettsial diseases that are primarily transmitted by hard ticks. The occurrence of Rickettsia in chigger mites, which are vectors of scrub typhus in the western Pacific region, has been infrequently investigated. We identified Rickettsia spp. in chiggers collected from small mammals in six counties of Taiwan. Moreover, by capitalising on parallel Rickettsia detections on small mammals and their infested ticks and fleas, we were able to identify Rickettsia spp. that suggested more intimate associations with chigger mites. Rickettsia detection rates in 318 pools of chiggers were 21.7% and 22.3% when based on the ompB and gltA gene, respectively. Overall, we identified six (based on the ompB gene) and eight (gltA gene) Rickettsia species. Approximately half of the sequenced species were most similar to Rickettsia sp. clone MB74-1 (ompB gene) and Rickettsia sp. TwKM02 (gltA gene). Furthermore, both species were either infrequently or never identified in small mammals, ticks and fleas, which suggests that chigger mites might be the primary host of both rickettsiae. Whether both species are pathogenic to humans remains to be studied. They may also be microbial endosymbionts of chigger mites, with their potential effects on the pathogenicity of the aetiologic agent of scrub typhus deserving further investigations.

[Clinical features of vestibular syncope associated with tumarkin attacks in delayed endolymphatic hydrops]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of vestibular syncope (VS) associated with drop attacks (DA) in delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH). Methods: DEH cases with complete data were retrospectively analyzed, including three DEH cases with DA and VS (VS group), and six DEH cases without DA or VS (control group). The clinical profile, the results of neurotological examinations [such as pure tone audiometry, electrocochleography (EcochG), caloric test, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP), and video head impulse test (vHIT)] and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: (1) In the VS group, there were three cases of ipsilateral DEH; in the control group, there were six cases of ipsilateral type. One case in each group had a history of migraine. (2) The prevalence of abnormal results in caloric test, vHIT, cervical VEMP, and ocular VEMP in the VS group was 3/3, 1/3, 2/2, and 2/2, respectively, and in the control group was 3/6, 0/3, 1/6, and 4/6, respectively. Two cases in each group underwent EcochG, and no identifiable waveform was elicited on the affected side, and-SP/AP ratio of unaffected side was less than 0.4. (3) Patients in both groups were initially treated with conservative medication. Two cases in the VS group subsequently received intratympanic injections of dexamethasone. No DA or VS occurred during a follow-up period lasting over one year. All patients achieved good control of vertigo during the follow-up period. Conclusions: VS may occur in the patients with DEH. The differential diagnosis of syncope in patients with otogenic vertiginous disease can help improve clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Seroepidemiological Study of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae and Identification of a Putative New Species, Rickesttsia sp. Da-1, in Gongliao, Northeast Taiwan

Tick-borne spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses were neglected in Taiwan. The study reported a seroepidemiological survey of SFG rickettsiae in residents in Gongliao District, Northeast Taiwan. Blood samples were examined for antibodies against SFG rickettsiae by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence assay. Risk factors were assessed using logistic regression. Ticks parasitizing dogs were collected within a 2 km radius from the houses of seropositive participants, and PCR was performed to detect possible tick-borne pathogens. Of 1108 participants, 75 (6.8%) had antibodies against SFG rickettsiae. Residents were more likely to be seropositive if they were older than 65 years, recruited by Dr. Enjoy’s Clinic, or resided in Jilin village. A total of 184 ticks including 5 species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Dermacentor auratus, Haemaphysalis hystricis, Haemaphysalis ornithophila) were collected. Rickettsia spp. were detected in 6.5% (12/184) of ticks. Rickettsia sp. TwKM01 was found in 6 R. sanguineus and 4 R. haemaphysaloides; while Rickettsia sp. TwKM03 was identified in 1 R. sanguineus. Moreover, gene-based pairwise analysis indicated identification of a putative new species, Rickettsia sp. Da-1, in D. auratus. These findings provided evidence of SFG rickettsiae infection in ticks and suggested SFG rickettsiae exposure in the residents.

P–522 Cervical secretion methylation profile is associated with the success of frozen-thawed embryo transfer - a proof-of-concept study

Study question

Is cervical secretion gene methylation profile different between receptive and non-receptive endometrium and associated with implantation outcome in frozen-embryo transfer (FET) cycle?

Summary answer

The combination of candidate genes methylation profiles obtained from cervical secretion showed significant associations with pregnancy outcomes.

What is known already

Implantation failure remains a black box in reproductive medicine, and the exact mechanism of how endometrial receptivity is regulated is still unknown. Epigenetic modifications play a role in the gene expression pattern and may alter the endometrial receptivity in the human endometrium. Cervical secretion containing various implantation-related cytokines, and the gene methylation change can be used as a non-invasive molecular source that reflects the endometrium condition.

Study design, size, duration

In this retrospective case-control study, sixty-two women who entered the FET cycle (30 pregnant and 32 non-pregnant women) were enrolled.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Cervical secretion was collected before embryo transfer from women enrolled in multicenter university-affiliated reproductive units. The DNA methylation status of six candidate genes was measured using quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP). The correlation between methylation change and the pregnancy outcome was analyzed.

Main results and the role of chance

The candidate genes were selected from that associated with implantation with literature review and the original genome-wide DNA methylation data from NCBI GEO DataSets (GSE90060) which processed using bioinformatics analysis. Six candidate genes whose CpG-level methylation analysis with β-value statistically higher in receptive endometrium than in a pre-receptive endometrium were selected. All six candidate genes showed different degrees of correlation with the pregnancy outcomes. Among them, PRKAG2 methylation changes showed the highest correlation with the pregnancy outcome. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the performance of a single gene or a combination of genes for implantation prediction. The results showed a statistically significant association between the methylation status of a combination of genes (PRKAG2, KRS1, HAND2) and the pregnancy outcome (p = 0.008), resulting in an optimal AUC of 0.7 (95% CI: 0.57 - 0.81) for implantation prediction.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The results obtained from a relatively small cohort size. A larger study and further comprehensive methylome investigations are warranted.

Wider implications of the findings: This study is the first proof-of-concept study that cervical secretion methylation profile is associated with implantation outcome in a FET cycle, and showed potential as a non-invasive method for implantation prediction.

Trial registration number

non applicable

Molecular detection of Rickettsia species and host associations of Laelaps mites (Acari: Laelapidae) in Taiwan

Various rickettsiae have recently been detected in Laelaps mites (Acari: Laelapidae), which are common ectoparasites of rodents; however, investigations on this topic remain very scarce, particularly in Asia. In the present study, shrews and rodents were trapped from 2006 to 2010 in eight lowland regions of Taiwan (< 500 m in elevation) to collect associated Laelaps mites, from which Rickettsia-a group of emerging pathogens-were detected and identified by assaying the gltA and ompB genes. A total of 853 Laelaps mites of at least four species were collected from a sample of 1004 small mammals that included one shrew and 10 rodent species. Rattus losea was the most common species (44.9% of total hosts) and hosted the highest percentage of mites (76.6% of total mites). Laelaps nuttalli was the most abundant mite species (51.7% of total mites), followed by Laelaps echidninus (24.2%), Laelaps sedlaceki (23.1%), and Laelaps myonyssognathus (0.2%). Notably, Rickettsia species with the highest similarity to spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae were identified from seven of the 72 pools of Laelaps mites. The presence of SFG rickettsiae in hematophagous Laelaps mites, particularly including species that are closely associated with commensal rodents in frequent contact with humans, calls for further investigation on the competence of Laelaps mites in transmitting rickettsiae.

Fleas of Shrews and Rodents in Rural Lowland Taiwan

Fleas transmit a variety of pathogens to humans but are relatively understudied in comparison to mosquitoes and ticks, including in Taiwan, where fleas in rural lowlands have never been systematically surveyed. In total, 700 fleas of four species were collected from 1,260 shrews and rodents at nine counties across lowland Taiwan. Nosopsyllus nicanus Jordan (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae) and Xenopsylla cheopis Rothschild (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) were the most abundant flea species (79.0 and 14.6% of total fleas, respectively); the former was largely limited to the islets, while the latter was restricted to the Taiwan main island. Rattus losea Swinhoe (Rodentia: Muridae) was the most common small mammal species (49.3% of total) and hosted the majority of fleas (88.3% of total). Five Rickettsia spp., including Rickettsia conorii Brumpt (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), Rickettsia felis Bouyer et al. Rickettsia japonica Uchida, Rickettsia raoultii Mediannikov, and Rickettsia rickettsii Brumpt or closely related species, were identified from 67 individually assayed fleas based on ompB and gltA genes. Rickettsia felis, mainly transmitted by fleas, was detected in one X. cheopis in southern Taiwan where a confirmed human case of infection with R. felis has been reported. The presence of R. felis, along with the other four tick-borne Rickettsia spp., demonstrates that a variety of rickettsiae circulate in rural lowland Taiwan and could pose risks to human health.

Invasive plants facilitated by socioeconomic change harbor vectors of scrub typhus and spotted fever

BACKGROUND

Ecological determinants of most emerging vector-borne diseases are understudied, particularly for neglected tropical disease. Moreover, although socioeconomic impacts can have significant downstream effects on human risks to vector-borne diseases via a change in land cover, particularly facilitating the invasion of exotic plants, related studies remains very scarce. Scrub typhus and spotted fever are neglected diseases emerging around the globe and are transmitted by chigger mites and ticks infective of Orientia tsutsugamushi and Rickettsia spp., respectively, with small mammals as the primary hosts of both vectors.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We investigated how invasions of the plant Leucaena leucocephala caused by widespread abandonment of farmlands driven by industrialization affected abundance of chiggers and ticks in Penghu Island, Taiwan. We determined ectoparasite abundance by trapping small mammals in three types of habitats (invasion site, agricultural field, human residential) every two months for a year. Based on ectoparasite burdens, invasion sites harbored more chiggers and ticks than the other two habitats. Furthermore, hosts maintained higher burdens of both vectors in early winter and burdens of chiggers were more stable across seasons in invasion sites, suggesting that sites with invasive plants could be a temporary refuge for both vectors and might help mitigate the negative influence of unfavorable climate. Infective rates of O. tsutsugamushi in chiggers and Rickettsia in ticks were also consistently not lower in invasion sites. Top soil temperature and relative humidity were similar across the three habitats, but invasion sites contained more of the rat Rattus losea, on which chiggers and ticks were more engorged than those from the most commonly trapped species (Suncus murinus shrew), indicating that abundance of the host R. losea instead of microclimate might better determine the abundance of both vectors.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

This study highlights an important but largely neglected issue that socioeconomic change can have unexpected consequences for human health induced particularly by invasive plants, which could become a hotspot for emerging infectious diseases but usually are very hard to be eradicated. In the future, a more comprehensive approach that integrates socio-economics, land use, exotic species, and human health should be considered to fully understand potential emergence of vector-borne diseases.

The extra domain A of fibronectin facilitates osteoclastogenesis in radicular cysts through vascular endothelial growth factor

AIM

To analyse the effects of the alternatively spliced fibronectin (FN) gene and its isoforms on osteoclastogenesis in radicular cysts.

METHODOLOGY

Specimens of radicular cysts were collected surgically from 22 patients whose radiolucent periapical areas were measured on digital panoramic radiographs before surgery. The associations between the radiolucent areas and FN isoforms, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression or micro-vessel density, as well as the relationships amongst them, were analysed by immunohistochemical staining using the antibodies IST-9, BC-1, P1F11, VEGF and CD34. Fibroblasts isolated from those specimens were used to induce Trap + MNCs, and the effects of induction were assessed by blocking FN containing extra domain A (EDA + FN), COX-2 or VEGF in vitro. The effects of EDA exon knockout using CRISPR/Cas system were also assessed. Quantitative PCR was used to analyse relative expression of FN isoforms and osteoclastogenic genes. Data were analysed using linear regression, Spearman's rank correlation analysis, chi-square test and Student's t-test; P < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Micro-vessel density and EDA + FN staining were positively associated with the size of radiolucent periapical areas (mm² ; P < 0.05), consistent with a positive association between Trap + MNCs and VEGF expression in fibroblasts (P < 0.05). Blocking the interaction between EDA + FN and fibroblasts inhibited Trap + MNC formation. In addition, EDA exon knockout decreased VEGF expression and inhibited Trap + MNC formation to the extent of blocking VEGF by bevacizumab, but osteoclastogenic induction was restored by recombinant VEGF. Using retrospective clinicopathological data, VEGF staining was shown to be positively associated with EDA + FN staining, micro-vessel density and the size of radiolucent areas (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In fibrous capsules of radicular cysts, the alternatively spliced isoform EDA + FN generated by fibroblasts stimulated VEGF expression via an autocrine effect and then facilitated osteoclastogenesis. Both blockage of VEGF and EDA exon knockout could be used to inhibit bone destruction.

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis in Kinmen, an offshore island of Taiwan

Background

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis, a tick-borne infection caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, has received scant attention, while scrub typhus, a mite-transmitted disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is the most common rickettsiosis in Taiwan. The clinical presentations of both diseases are characterized by undifferentiated fever, headache and malaise. Moreover, both pathogens have been detected in small mammals that serve as hosts for chiggers and ticks in the wild. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether human granulocytic anaplasmosis occurs in Taiwan.

Methodology/Principal findings

Blood samples from 274 patients suspected of having scrub typhus in Kinmen, an offshore island of Taiwan, in 2011 and 2012 were retrospectively examined by immunofluorescence assays. IgG antibodies reactive with Anaplasma phagocytophilum was found in 31.8% (87/274) of the patients. Paired serology identified 3 patients with human granulocytic anaplasmosis and 8 patients with coinfection with O. tsutsugamushi and A. phagocytophilum. Laboratory tests showed that elevated serum ALT/AST, creatinine, and BUN levels were observed in patients with anaplasmosis and coinfection, but elevated serum CRP levels, thrombocytopenia, and anemia were only observed in coinfected patients. PCR detected A. phagocytophilum 16S rDNA and p44/msp2 in 2 patients. The phylogenetic analysis suggested that the replicons of the 16S rDNA shared high sequence similarity with the reference sequences in the Korea, USA, Japan, and China. The amplicons of p44/msp2 were close to those of the human variants identified in the USA and Japan.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that A. phagocytophilum infection was prevalent but unrecognized in Taiwan.

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is a tick-borne rickettsial infection caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Although most cases resolve readily, life-threatening complications can occur without prompt antibiotic treatment. The major difficulty in diagnosing human granulocytic anaplasmosis is due to the nonspecific nature of the symptoms. Given that scrub typhus is the most frequently reported rickettsial disease in Taiwan and shares similar early clinical signs with anaplasmosis, we retrospectively examined blood samples from patients with suspected diagnoses of scrub typhus in 2011 and 2012. While serological evidence of potential past exposure was found in as many as 31.8% (87/274) of the patients, current or recent anaplasmosis was supported by seroconversion in 11 patients, including 8 patients coinfected with scrub typhus. Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was detected in acute phase samples, and the amplified fragments were phylogenetically close to those of variants in the Korea, the USA, Japan, and China. Herein, for the first time, we confirmed the presence of human granulocytic anaplasmosis in Taiwan. By reporting coinfections with anaplasmosis and scrub typhus, the study further highlighted the health risk of increasing contact with wild rodents.

[Research progress in graphene derivatives promoting bone regeneration]

Graphene derivatives are the new bioactive material with good physical and chemical properties and excellent biocompatibility. It has been found that graphene derivatives can improve the mechanical properties of biomaterials and promote the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast-related cells, so as to promote implant-bone bonding and repair of bone defects. This makes it a research hotpot in the field of bone tissue regeneration. In this paper, the mechanism of graphene derivatives promoting bone regeneration and their application in the oral field were reviewed, so as to provide theoretical basis for their application in basic and clinical research.

[Effects of ketotifen on fractional exhaled nitric oxide in patients with combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome]

Objective:To study effects of ketotifen on fractional exhaled nitric oxide in patients with combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome.Method:One hundred and twelve patients with asthma were selected from department of respiration, Affiliated Hospital of North China University of science and technology from January 2016 to 2017 in March. Eighty-four patients with allergic rhinitis were selected as the subjects, Randomly divided into two groups,including observed group(n=42) and control group(n=42).The control group was treated with antitussive,expectorant and inhaled corticosteroids, while the observed group in the control group combined with ketotifen 1 mg 2/ day oral treatment,the changes of FeNO and IL-17 in the two groups were compared after one month treament.Result:Before treatment, two groups of patients in general IL-17 and fractional exhaled nitric oxide ware no significant difference(P> 0.05).After treatment, compared to the control group, the observed group was significantly more effective,the difference was statistically significant(P <0.05);fractional exhaled nitric oxide in treatment group were lower than those in control group, the difference was statistically significant(P&lt;0.05,P< 0.01).And the observed group was lower than the control group, and the differences were statistically significant,t(P<0.05).Conclusion:Ketotifen significantly reduce the FeNO of allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome, reduce airway inflammation.

[The effect of monrustet on the exhalation of nitric oxide and inflammatory cytokines in patients with asthma combined with OSAHS]

Objective:To study the effect of monrustet on fractional exhaled nitric oxide and inflammatory cytokines in the elderly with bronchial asthma combined obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome.Method:150 cases diagnosed as asthma were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into bronchial asthma combined with OSAHS (n=72)and bronchial asthma (n=78). According to the different treatment methods , patients were divided into observation group and control group. Two groups were given common treatment with inhaled corticosteroids, and the observation group was taken orally montrast 10mg/night additionally. The fractional exhaled nitric oxide was detected before and after treatment. Serum were collected for detection of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNR-α), Creactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), according to the sleep monitoring results, the sleep apnea low ventilation index (AHI) was calculated, and the changes of FeNO level,CRP,TNR-α,IL-6 and AHI were analyzed in the two groups.Result:Before treatment, the gender, age, degree of disease, FeNO level,TNR-α, CRP,IL-6 and AHI differences were not statistically significant in the two groups (P>0.05).After treatment, both groups of FeNO, TNR-α,CRP,IL-6 and AHI decreased before treatment (P < 0.05).The observation group was lower than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (FeNO level, AHIP< 0.01,TNR-α, CRP,IL-6 P< 0.05).Conclusion::Montelukast can reduce the FeNO level, the expression of TNR-α, CRP, and IL-6 of patients of bronchial asthma combined with OSAHS. Further improvement of the patient's condition, and provide reference value for the clinical medicine of patients with asthma.

First molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in the hard tick Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides in Taiwan

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is transmitted mainly by hard ticks and can cause potentially fatal granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans, but its occurrence in ticks in Taiwan has never been investigated although this pathogen has been detected in Taiwanese rodents before. Ticks collected from small mammals in Hualien, eastern Taiwan, were assayed for Anaplasma infections; infections of Rickettsia and Apicomplexa protozoans were also studied. Of the 270 individually assayed Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides ticks, A. phagocytophilum was identified in a nymphal tick. Parasites most similar to Anaplasma bovis, Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia sp. TwKM01, and at least seven apicomplexan species (including genera Cryptosporidium, Hepatozoon, and Theileria) were also identified. This study shows that A. phagocytophilum does occur in the hard tick in Taiwan, although whether R. haemaphysaloides can vector this pathogen remains to be determined. This work also reveals a high diversity of tick-borne bacteria and protozoans circulating in a small region and calls for further research on their potential risks for human health.

Acute nutrient treatment causes alterations in intra-follicular antioxidation and AKT signaling

This study aimed to determine if short-term nutrient alteration affects (1) ovarian morphology, (2) plasma and ovarian antioxidant capability and (3) cell apoptosis and AKT signaling within the ovary. After estrus synchronization, 24 Hu sheep were assigned to three groups based on the nutrient requirement recommended for maintenance (M): 1 × M (Control), 1.5 × M (S) and 0.5 × M (R) during days 7–14 of their estrous cycle. The results indicated that undernourishment significantly increased the counts and volume of follicles <2.5 mm and decreased the counts and volume of follicles ≥2.5 mm (P < 0.05). Feed restriction altered the plasma and follicular redox balance within follicles ≥2.5 mm by inhibiting total antioxidant capacity, increasing malondialdehyde concentration (P < 0.05) and reducing the mRNA expression levels of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), as well as the activities of total SOD and GSH-PX. Feed restriction also attenuated B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) but enhanced Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) andBAX/BCL2transcription and translation levels in granulosa cells (P < 0.05). Uniform staining intensities of AKT and P-AKT-Ser473 were observed in each follicle stage, whereas weaker P-AKT-Thr308 staining in the antral follicle than in the pre-antral follicle suggested possible involvement of P-AKT-Thr308 during the beginning of follicle development. P-AKT-Ser473 levels in follicles ≥2.5 mm was significantly reduced in the R group (P < 0.05). The results presented in this study demonstrate that suppressed folliculogenesis caused by feed restriction might be associated with attenuated AKT signaling, reduced follicular antioxidant capacity and enhanced granulosa cells apoptosis.

Tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from birds in Taiwan

Background

A variety of human diseases transmitted by arthropod vectors, including ticks, are emerging around the globe. Birds are known to be hosts of ticks and can disperse exotic ticks and tick-borne pathogens. In Taiwan, previous studies have focused predominantly on mammals, leaving the role of birds in the maintenance of ticks and dissemination of tick-borne pathogens undetermined.

Methods

Ticks were collected opportunistically when birds were studied from 1995 to 2013. Furthermore, to improve knowledge on the prevalence and mean load of tick infestation on birds in Taiwan, ticks were thoroughly searched for when birds were mist-netted at seven sites between September 2014 and April 2016 in eastern Taiwan. Ticks were identified based on both morphological and molecular information and were screened for potential tick-borne pathogens, including the genera Anaplasma, Babesia, Borrelia, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia. Finally, a list of hard tick species collected from birds in Taiwan was compiled based on past work and the current study.

Results

Nineteen ticks (all larvae) were recovered from four of the 3096 unique mist-netted bird individuals, yielding a mean load of 0.006 ticks/individual and an overall prevalence of 0.13%. A total of 139 ticks from birds, comprising 48 larvae, 35 nymphs, 55 adults and one individual of unknown life stage, were collected from 1995 to 2016, and 11 species of four genera were identified, including three newly recorded species (Haemaphysalis wellingtoni, Ixodes columnae and Ixodes turdus). A total of eight tick-borne pathogens were detected, with five species (Borrelia turdi, Anaplasma sp. clone BJ01, Ehrlichia sp. BL157-9, Rickettsia helvetica and Rickettsia monacensis) not previously isolated in Taiwan. Overall, 16 tick species of five genera have been recorded feeding on birds, including nine species first discovered in this study.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the paucity of information on ticks of birds and emphasizes the need for more research on ticks of birds in Taiwan and Southeast Asia. Moreover, some newly recorded ticks and tick-borne pathogens were found only on migratory birds, demonstrating the necessity of further surveillance on these highly mobile species.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2535-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Application of polarization information to a light-controlling-light technique

Nonlinear effects of photo-induced waveguides based on isomerization photochemistry are investigated. It is found that polarization information of the controlling light can be used to control the propagation of the signal light in all-optical waveguides, and an accurate and convenient light-controlling-light scheme is proposed, that is, controlling propagation of the signal light by synergic use of the intensity information and polarization information of the controlling light. The polarization dependence of optical nonlinearity is expected to enrich the connotation of the optical nonlinear effects and has theoretical significance and practical value.

Cloning of oligopeptide transport carrier PepT1 and comparative analysis of PepT1 messenger ribonucleic acid expression in response to dietary nitrogen levels in yak () and indigenous cattle () on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau

The gastrointestinal lumen can directly absorb all di- and tripeptide protein degradation products, and oligopeptide absorption depends on the specific peptide transport carriers, which are located in gastrointestinal epithelial cells on the brush border membrane. Yak () use N more efficiently than cattle do, which implies that yak have a specific mechanism of nonprotein utilization including a peptide absorption mechanism. However, this mechanism has not been clarified. Our objective was to explore whether yak possess any adaptive mechanisms of peptide absorption to survive in the harsh foraging environment of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. Twelve castrated males of each of 2 genotypes, yak () and indigenous cattle (), were fed diets of various N levels. The yak PepT1 (yPepT1) cDNA was cloned in omasum epithelial tissue. Our results showed that the full-length yPepT1 cDNA contains 2,805 bp, and a 2,121-bp open reading frame encodes a putative protein of 707 AA residues. The yPepT1 AA sequence identified 5 putative extracellular N-glycosylation sites (Asn, Asn, Asn, Asn, and Asn), 2 putative intracellular protein kinase A sites (Ser and Thr), and 3 intracellular putative protein kinase C sites (Ser, Ser, and Ser). The yPepT1 AA sequence was 99, 95, 86, and 83% identical to PepT1 from cattle (), sheep (), pigs (), and humans (), respectively. The relative PepT1 mRNA expression for indigenous cattle was greater than yak in the rumen, omasum, duodenum, ileum, and liver ( < 0.001); however, it was lower in jejunum tissue ( < 0.01). The relative PepT1 mRNA expression in response to increasing dietary N for both genotypes were linear in the rumen and jejunum ( < 0.10); quadratic or cubic in the reticulum ( < 0.01); linear or quadratic in the duodenum, ileum, and liver ( ≤ 0.01); and linear, quadratic, or cubic in the omasum ( < 0.001). Moreover, there were significant interactions between genotype and dietary N in rumen, reticulum, omasum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and liver tissues. In conclusion, the PepT1 profile and expression in gastrointestinal epithelial cells of yak varied from those of cattle, implying that yak have evolved a peptide transport mechanism to adapt the environment of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau.

Significance of major international seaports in the distribution of murine typhus in Taiwan

Background

International seaports are hotspots for disease invasion and pathogens can persist in seaports even after ports are abandoned. Transmitted by fleas infected by Rickettsia typhi, murine typhus, a largely neglected and easily misdiagnosed disease, is known to occur primarily in large seaports. However, the significance of seaports in the occurrence of murine typhus has never been validated quantitatively.

Methodology/Principal findings

We studied the spatial distribution of murine typhus, a notifiable disease, in Taiwan. We investigated whether risk of infection was correlated with distance to international seaports and a collection of environmental and socioeconomic factors, using a Bayesian negative binomial conditionally autoregressive model, followed with geographically weighted regression. Seaports that are currently in use and those that operated in the 19^th century for trade with China, but were later abandoned due to siltation were analyzed. A total of 476 human cases of murine typhus were reported during 2000–2014 in the main island of Taiwan, with spatial clustering in districts in southwest and central-west Taiwan. A higher incidence rate (case/population) was associated with a smaller distance to currently in-use international seaports and lower rainfall and temperature, but was uncorrelated with distance to abandoned ports. Geographically weighted regression revealed a geographic heterogeneity in the importance of distance to in-use seaports near the four international seaports of Taiwan.

Conclusions/Significance

Our study suggests that murine typhus is associated with international seaports, especially for those with large trading volume. Thus, one of the costs of global trade in Taiwan might be elevated risks of murine typhus. Globalization has accelerated the spread of infectious diseases, but the burden of disease varies geographically, with regions surrounding major international seaports warranting particular surveillance.

Globalization has hastened the spread of infectious diseases, with seaports as hotspots for disease invasion. Transmitted by fleas infected with the rickettsia Rickettsia typhi, murine typhus occurs worldwide, but its significance as a common causative agent of illness in tropical regions remains largely neglected. Although it is recognized that murine typhus is prevalent primarily in large seaports, the significance of seaports in the occurrence of murine typhus has never been validated quantitatively. We thus investigated whether distribution of murine typhus in Taiwan was associated with international seaports. Notably, abandoned international seaports (abandoned in the 19^th century due to siltation) were also studied to see whether the causative agent of murine typhus might still circulate around the ports even after being abandoned. We found that infection risk of murine typhus was negatively associated with distance to operating seaports but was uncorrelated with nearness to abandoned seaports. In addition, the importance of distance to operating seaports for risk of murine typhus infection varied spatially. Our study highlights elevated disease risk as a cost of international trade and suggests particular surveillance in regions surrounding major international seaports.

[Epidemic features of dyslipidemia among Uygur, Kazakh and Han ethnic groups in Urumqi]

Objective: To analyze the epidemic features of dyslipidemia among 39 980 Uygur, Kazak and Han ethnic groups in Urumqi, and to explore the methods of prevention and treatment on dyslipidemia. Methods: The differences of blood total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of health examination population with different ethnics, genders, and ages were compared, from 2012 to 2014 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. Results: Among the Uygur, Kazak and Han ethnic groups, the positive rate was respectively 35.0%, 37.0%, 30.3% in TC; 34.5%, 30.1% and 32.0% in TG; 24.9%, 18.3%, and 18.2% in HDL-C; 30.1%, 31.6% and 23.3% in LDL-C. In the same ethnic group, the abnormality rate of blood lipid in the female was lower than that of the male (P<0.001). The blood lipid abnormality rate increased significantly in those with 30-39 years, and reached the highest value in the 50-59 years group, then it decreased in those aged over 60 years (P<0.001). Conclusion: The lipid abnormality rate of the Uygur and Kazak residents was higher than that of the Han nationality, and the abnormal levels of TC and LDL-C were particularly evident in Urumqi.

Two-beam combined 3.36 J, 100 Hz diode-pumped high beam quality Nd:YAG laser system

In this paper, we develop a diode-pumped all-solid-state high-energy and high beam quality Nd:YAG laser system. A master oscillator power amplifier structure is used to provide a high pulse energy laser output with a high repetition rate. In order to decrease the amplifier working current so as to reduce the impact of the thermal effect on the beam quality, a beam splitting-amplifying-combining scheme is adopted. The energy extraction efficiency of the laser system is 50.68%. We achieve 3.36 J pulse energy at a 100 Hz repetition rate with a pulse duration of 7.1 ns, a far-field beam spot 1.71 times the diffraction limit, and 1.07% energy stability (RMS).

Surveillance of ticks and associated pathogens in free-ranging Formosan pangolins (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla)

Chinese pangolins are critically endangered insectivorous mammals distributed in several South and Southeast Asian countries. In recent years, there has been an increase in spread of tick-borne diseases in both humans and animals worldwide. Currently, limited information is available on ticks and associated pathogens infesting pangolins. The objective of the present study was to survey ticks and associated pathogens in the Formosan pangolin population in Southeastern Taiwan. Free-ranging Formosan pangolins captured during ecological survey were examined for the presence of ticks. DNA extracted from these ticks was used to identify the tick species and also to detect the tick-borne pathogens, by molecular methods. In the present study, we found 25% (13/52) of pangolins captured during 2012-2014 infested with ixodid ticks. A total of 21 ticks were collected and 3 species were identified: Haemaphysalis hystricis (14/21), Haemaphysalis formosensis (2/21) and Amblyomma testudinarium (5/21). We detected four different tick-borne pathogens, where one was identical to Anaplasma sp. strain An.H1446 while others showed close resemblance to Rickettsia conorii subsp. caspia A-167, Ehrlichia sp. TC251-2 and Cytauxzoon spp., respectively. The present study is the first survey of ticks infesting the free-ranging Chinese pangolins and pathogens harboured by these ticks. This information is important to know the diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, and its conservation significance to pangolins and other sympatric wildlife. Important future step should be regular surveillance of ticks and tick-borne diseases at human-domestic animals-wildlife interface, which can provide a useful insight into the dynamics of these pathogens and can help control and prevent outbreak of zoonoses.

A comparison of nitrogen utilization and urea metabolism between Tibetan and fine-wool sheep

To study metabolic adaptation to harsh foraging conditions, an experiment was conducted to characterize and quantify N utilization efficiency and urea metabolism in Tibetan and fine-wool sheep fed 4 levels of dietary N (11.0, 16.7, 23.1, and 29.2 g N/kg DM) in 2 concurrent 4 × 4 Latin square designs. Urea kinetics were determined using continuous intrajugular infusions of 15N15N-urea. Urinary excretions of total N and urea N increased linearly (P < 0.001) with dietary N and were not different between breeds (P ≥ 0.37). Fecal N excretion increased with dietary N for Tibetan sheep but not for fine-wool sheep (linear dietary N × breed; P < 0.05). Nitrogen retention (both amount per day and percentage of N intake) increased with increasing dietary N concentration (P < 0.001), and the rates of increase were greater in fine-wool than in Tibetan sheep (linear dietary N × breed and cubic dietary N × breed; P < 0.05). In Tibetan sheep, N retention as a percentage of intake was greatest for diets containing 16.7 g N/kg DM, whereas it was maximal for fine-wool sheep when the diet contained 23.1 g N/kg DM. Urea N entry rate, urea N recycled to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and urea N returned to the ornithine cycle all increased with dietary N (P < 0.05), and all were greater in Tibetan than fine-wool sheep for the 11.0 g N/kg DM diet but were greater in fine-wool than Tibetan sheep for the diet with 29.2 g N/kg DM (linear dietary N × breed; P < 0.05). Urea N excreted in feces, both amount and fraction of GIT entry rate, was less in Tibetan than fine-wool sheep for the 11.0 and 16.7 g N/kg DM diets but similar for diets with 23.1 or 29.2 g N/kg DM (linear dietary N × breed; P < 0.01). For the lowest-protein diet, the fraction of urea N production recycled to the GIT was greater in the Tibetan than fine-wool sheep (88% vs. 82%), but for the diet with 29.2 g N/kg DM it was greater for fine-wool than Tibetan sheep (46% vs. 39%; linear dietary N × breed; P < 0.05). Plasma urea N increased more rapidly in response to increasing dietary N concentration for fine-wool sheep than for Tibetan sheep (linear dietary N × breed; P < 0.05). Urea tubular load and the amount and percentage of urea reabsorbed by the kidney were greater in Tibetan than fine-wool sheep (P < 0.05). These results suggest that Tibetan sheep have mechanisms that allow them to utilize N more efficiently than the fine-wool sheep when dietary N is inadequate.

Prevalence of antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. and Orientia tsutsugamushi in small mammals around harbors in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Tick-borne ehrlichiosis and mite-borne scrub typhus represent important emerging zoonotic rickettsial diseases. Although scrub typhus has been recognized by the Taiwanese public health system, information on ehrlichial infections is scarce in Taiwan. In this study, the risk of spread of ectoparasites on rodents through aerial and marine transportation was assessed in international and domestic harbors. Here, we report the first systematic surveillance of seroprevalence against Ehrlichia spp. in small mammals on the main island of Taiwan.

METHODS

In total, 1648 small mammals were trapped from 8 international ports, 18 domestic fishing harbors, and 7 local public health centers around Taiwan from November 2004 to December 2008. Sera were analyzed using indirect immunofluorescence assays to detect IgG antibodies against Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Orientia tsutsugamushi. A serum titer of ≧1:80 was considered positive.

RESULTS

Antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. and O. tsutsugamushi were detected in 3.28% and 4.92% of small mammals active around harbors, respectively. The seropositive rate against Ehrlichia was higher in northern Taiwan from 2005 to 2008. However, O. tsutsugamushi infections increased in southern Taiwan during this period. The serological evidence of ehrlichial and O. tsutsugamushi infections in all international ports were included in the study. No significant differences were found among the seropositive rates of Ehrlichia spp. and O. tsutsugamushi in small mammals trapped between international and local harbors.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall prevalence of Ehrlichia spp. and O. tsutsugamushi infections in small mammals active around harbors was 3.28% and 4.92%, respectively. The results provided serological evidence supporting the potential risks of transporting pathogens through air and maritime traffic. This study highlights serious issues of the emergence and spread of rickettsial diseases in Taiwan. The incidence of human ehrlichiosis requires further investigation.

Additional chromosomal abnormalities in core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia

Despite sharing a similar genetic abnormality, patients with core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia (CBF-AML), which is characterized by the presence of t(8;21) or inv(16)/t(16;16), show heterogeneous survival. Other molecular or cytogenetic factors are supposed to have an impact on the prognosis. We enrolled 24 CBF-AML patients to determine the impact of cytogenetic abnormality, and c-KIT, FLT3, NPM1, and CEBPA mutations on the prognosis. Only three patients had the c-KIT mutation (3/24, 12.5%) and one had the FLT3 mutation. However, over half of the patients (14/24) harbored additional cytogenetic changes, including ten with loss of sexual chromosomes (LOS) [all in the t(8;21) group], and six had additional abnormalities (two cases had both LOS and additional abnormalities). From this small-number study, no association was found between c-KIT mutation and survival and relapse rate. However, additional chromosome abnormalities had a significant association with relapse of the disease (P = 0.027). Stem cell transplant had a trend of benefitting patients after relapse (P = 0.065). This implies that chromosome abnormalities occur in CBF-AML and might take part in the heterogeneous nature of CBF-AML.

Surveillance of potential hosts and vectors of scrub typhus in Taiwan

Background

Scrub typhus is a lethal infectious disease vectored by larval trombiculid mites (i.e. chiggers) infected with Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT) and recent decades have witnessed an emergence of scrub typhus in several countries. Identification of chigger species and their vertebrate hosts is fundamental for the assessment of human risks to scrub typhus under environmental changes, but intensive and extensive survey of chiggers and their hosts is still lacking in Taiwan.

Methods

Chiggers were collected from shrews and rodents in nine counties of Taiwan and were assayed for OT infections with nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products were further sequenced to reveal probable OT strains. Rodents were assessed for OT exposure by immunofluorescent antibody assay. Lastly, incidence rate of scrub typhus in each county was associated with loads and prevalence of chigger infestations, seropositivity rate in rodents, and OT positivity rate in chiggers.

Results

Rattus losea was the most abundant (48.7 % of 1,285 individuals) and widespread (occurred in nine counties) small mammal species and hosted the majority of chiggers (76.4 % of 128,520 chiggers). Leptotrombidium deliense was the most common (64.9 % of all identified chiggers) and widespread (occurred in seven counties) chigger species but was replaced by Leptotrombidium pallidum or Leptotrombidium scutellare during the cold seasons in two counties (Matsu and Kinmen) where winter temperatures were lower than other study sites. Seropositivity rate for OT exposure in 876 assayed rodents was 43.0 % and OT positivity rate in 347 pools of chiggers was 55.9 %, with 15 OT strains identified in the 107 successfully sequenced samples. Incidence rate of scrub typhus was positively correlated with chigger loads, prevalence of chigger infestations, seropositivity rate but not OT positivity rate in chiggers.

Conclusions

Our study reveals R. losea as the primary host for chiggers and there exists a geographical and seasonal variation in chigger species in Taiwan. It also emphasizes the importance of recognition of chigger vectors and their vertebrate hosts for a better prediction of human risks to scrub typhus under rapid environmental changes.

High prevalence of Rickettsia spp. infections in small mammals in Taiwan

Surveillance for Rickettsia spp. is urgently needed due to the recent emergence of many novel rickettsioses around the globe, but previous studies in Taiwan have been limited to small areas and no investigation of infections in vertebrate hosts has ever been attempted. We surveyed rickettsial infections systematically in small-mammal hosts trapped between 2006 and 2010 throughout Taiwan. Fragments of ompB and gltA genes in the liver, spleen, and kidney of mammals were targeted by nested polymerase chain reaction. We trapped 1375 individuals of 10 species, among which Rattus losea was the most common (54.6%), followed by Suncus murinus (20.6%) and Mus caroli (10.6%). The overall rate of Rickettsia infections in the liver, spleen, or kidney of 309 assayed small mammals was 60.5%, with a rate of infection ≥50% for each mammal species. DNA nucleotide sequences of 184 successfully sequenced genes were most similar to nine Rickettsia species: Rickettsia conorii, R. felis, R. japonica, R. raoultii, R. rickettsii, Rickettsia sp. IG-1, Rickettsia sp. TwKM01, Rickettsia sp. TwKM02, and R. typhi. Our results suggest that several novel Rickettsia spp. are common and widespread across various habitats throughout Taiwan and suggest the need for further study of emerging rickettsioses in Taiwan.

A Checklist of Chigger Mites (Acari: Trombiculidae and Leeuwenhökiidae) From Taiwan, With Descriptions of Three New Species

Scrub typhus is a lethal human disease transmitted by larval trombiculid mites (i.e., chiggers) that have been infected with the rickettsia Orientia tsutsugamushi. In total, 21 chigger species are known from Taiwan. We update the checklist of chiggers of Taiwan based on an intensive survey of shrew and rodent hosts in grasslands and agricultural fields in lowland Taiwan, coupled with surveys of forests in one mountainous site and an opportunistic examination of submitted host specimens. Three new species of chiggers, Gahrliepia (Gateria) lieni sp. n., Gahrliepia (Gateria) minuta sp. n., and Gahrliepia (Gateria) yilanensis sp. n., as well as 23 newly recorded chigger species, were discovered. Accordingly, recorded chigger species of Taiwan more than doubled from 21 to 47 species. Two new species and nine newly recorded chigger species were discovered in forests in one mountainous site in northeastern Taiwan, suggesting that many more chigger species may be uncovered, particularly in mountainous Taiwan. Further studies should also investigate O. tsutsugamushi infection in different chigger species to assess its risks to human health.

Association of CRTC2 gene polymorphisms with growth and meat quality traits of Qinchuan cattle

Growth and meat quality traits play important roles in the evaluation of cattle productivity and are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. CRTC2 is a recently discovered gene related to obesity that may influence fat deposition. The aim of the current study was to detect polymorphisms of bovine CRTC2 and explore their relationships to growth and meat quality in Qinchuan cattle. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); g.3001 C>T; g.3034 G>A; and g.3467 T>C, were identified from sequencing results of 422 Qinchuan cattle. The genotypic distributions of both g.3034 G>A and g.3467 T>C mutations were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, (P < 0.05), while the T3001C mutation was not (P > 0.05), based on χ(2) test analysis. The SNPs g.3001 C>T and g.3034 G>A are missense mutations (Ser/Phe and Ser/Thr respectively). Additionally, SNPs g.3034 G>A and g.3467 T>C showed a medium polymorphism level (0.25 < PIC< 0.50), whereas g.3001 C>T showed a low polymorphism level (PIC < 0.25). These three SNPs were significantly associated with several growth and meat quality traits in the Qinchuan cattle population (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Collectively, these results demonstrate that CRTC2 is involved in the regulation of cattle growth and meat quality, and suggest that CRTC2 is a potential candidate gene for marker-assisted selection in future breeding development programs for Qinchuan cattle.

Widespread Rickettsia spp. Infections in Ticks (Acari: Ixodoidea) in Taiwan

Ticks are second to mosquitoes as the most important disease vectors, and recent decades have witnessed the emergence of many novel tick-borne rickettsial diseases, but systematic surveys of ticks and tick-borne rickettsioses are generally lacking in Asia. We collected and identified ticks from small mammal hosts between 2006 and 2010 in different parts of Taiwan. Rickettsia spp. infections in ticks were identified by targeting ompB and gltA genes with nested polymerase chain reaction. In total, 2,732 ticks were collected from 1,356 small mammals. Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides Supino (51.8% of total ticks), Haemaphysalis bandicota Hoogstraal & Kohls (28.0%), and Ixodes granulatus Supino (20.0%) were the most common tick species, and Rattus losea Swinhoe (44.7% of total ticks) and Bandicota indica Bechstein (39.9%) were the primary hosts. The average Rickettsia infective rate in 329 assayed ticks was 31.9% and eight Rickettsia spp. or closely related species were identified. This study shows that rickettsiae-infected ticks are widespread in Taiwan, with a high diversity of Rickettsia spp. circulating in the ticks. Because notifiable rickettsial diseases in Taiwan only include mite-borne scrub typhus and flea-borne murine typhus, more studies are warranted for a better understanding of the real extent of human risks to rickettsioses in Taiwan.

A case-control study on the risk factors of urinary calculus in Uyghur children in the Kashi region

The incidence of urinary calculus (UC) is very high in Uyghur children in the Kashi region of Xinjiang, China, which seriously affects the growth and life quality of these children. This study was aimed at investigating the risk factors of UC in Uyghur children in Kashi region. One hundred fifteen Uyghur children (age <7 years) with UC who were treated in First People's Hospital in Kashi were enrolled in the case group. A 1:1 case-control study with a questionnaire was performed. The results showed that, among the 115 UC patients, there were more boys (71.3%) than girls (28.7%), and most cases had an onset age of 1-3 years (75.7%). A lower than primary school education in the mother, drinking unboiled water, water intake <500 mL/day, and eating too much sweets were risk factors [odds ratio (OR) = 2.385, 9.160, 3.263, and 8.945, respectively], whereas vegetable intake and exposure to summer sunshine of <2 h/day were protective factors against UC onset (OR = 0.154 and 0.344, respectively). Analysis of UC-related factors in 99 cases of <3-year-old children revealed that breastfeeding was also a protective factor (OR = 0.007), whereas frequent cow's milk intake within 5 months (OR = 2.414) and frequent "panada" intake (OR = 2.529) were risk factors. The occurrence of UC in Uyghur children in the Kashi region is mainly affected by maternal educational background, quality of drinking water, water intake volume, and dietary pattern. Furthermore, geography may also have a role.

Polymorphisms in the SIRT5 gene and their association with body measurement and ultrasound traits in Qinchuan cattle

Silent information regulator 5 (SIRT5), a member of the Sirtuin family class III nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent protein deacetylases, plays an important role in metabolic and aging processes in mammals. We identified 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (G22010A, G22052A, G22119T, and G22245C) in the 3' untranslated regions of the SIRT5 gene from 572 Qinchuan cattle by sequencing and investigating their association with growth and ultrasound traits. The frequencies of genotype GG and allele G were high at the 4 SNPs. Based on the X(2) test, the genotypic distributions of the 4 SNPs were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Association analysis of individual SNPs and haplotype combinations revealed that the 4 loci were significantly associated with some body measurement and ultrasound traits in Qinchuan cattle, and the H1H5 (AG-GA-GG-GG) diplotypes had better performance than other combinations in Qinchuan cattle. Our results demonstrate that SIRT5 may be a candidate for marker-assisted selection in future breeding programs for Qinchuan cattle.

A simple empirical model for the clarification-thickening process in wastewater treatment plants

In wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), activated sludge is thickened in secondary settling tanks and recycled into the biological reactor to maintain enough biomass for wastewater treatment. Accurately estimating the activated sludge concentration in the lower portion of the secondary clarifiers is of great importance for evaluating and controlling the sludge recycled ratio, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of the WWTP. By dividing the overall activated sludge-thickening curve into a hindered zone and a compression zone, an empirical model describing activated sludge thickening in the compression zone was obtained by empirical regression. This empirical model was developed through experiments conducted using sludge from five WWTPs, and validated by the measured data from a sixth WWTP, which fit the model well (R² = 0.98, p < 0.001). The model requires application of only one parameter, the sludge volume index (SVI), which is readily incorporated into routine analysis. By combining this model with the conservation of mass equation, an empirical model for compression settling was also developed. Finally, the effects of denitrification and addition of a polymer were also analysed because of their effect on sludge thickening, which can be useful for WWTP operation, e.g., improving wastewater treatment or the proper use of the polymer.

The effects of mite parasitism on the reproduction and survival of the Taiwan field mice (Apodemus semotus)

Background

The effects of parasitism on host survival and reproduction can be highly complex depending on the type of parasites, host sex and life-history characteristics, and ecological conditions. In this study, we tested sex-biased parasitism from Trombiculid mites (Acarina: Trombiculidae) and their sex-specific effects on host reproduction and survival, in a natural population of the Taiwan field mouse (Apodemus semotus). We performed surveys of A. semotus and their Trombiculid mites between April 2010 and August 2011 and again between June and September 2012 in a subtropical evergreen forest in Taiwan.

Results

Contrary to the commonly reported male-biased parasitism in mammals, we did not find sex-biased parasitism in A. semotus. We found that mite abundance was negatively associated with A. semotus reproduction and survival in both males and females. The mite abundance and rodent reproduction fluctuated seasonally, and the peak reproductive season coincided with the time period of relatively low mite abundance.

Conclusions

Trombiculid mites could potentially regulate A. semotus populations through reducing their reproduction and survival. The overlapping periods of peak reproduction and low parasitism implied that A. semotus may adjust their reproductive phenology to avoid periods of high parasitism or be constrained by parasites to reproduce only during periods of low parasitism. Although our results are correlational, host breeding season has been shown to increase in response to experimental reduction of parasitism. We suggest that parasites may shape host reproduction phenology through which they may influence host population dynamics.

Isolated familial pneumothorax in a Taiwanese family with Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax usually occurs as a sporadic event, but may be clustered in certain families with an underlying inherited disorder. Birt-Hogg-Dubι (BHD) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disease accounting for familial pneumothorax. BHD syndrome, caused by mutation of the folliculin gene, is characterized by skin fibrofolliculoma, pulmonary cysts, pneumothorax, and renal cancer. We describe a BHD-affected Taiwanese family with clinical and genetic study. A rare mutation of the folliculin gene was detected in the patient and members with pulmonary cysts or pneumothorax, but no skin or renal lesions were found. This mutation was reported in a Taiwanese family and might indicate a pneumothorax-predominant phenotype. Isolated pneumothorax is an uncommon initial presentation of BHD syndrome. Family history should be carefully reviewed when managing a patient with pneumothorax.

Cladosporium cladosporioides Identified in China on Tobacco Seeds

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is a leafy, annual, solanaceous plant grown commercially for its leaves. China is the biggest single tobacco market and accounts for more than 40% of the global tobacco consumption (1). Tobacco seed harvested in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, are commonly contaminated or infected by various fungal pathogens, which can cause abnormal seedlings with dark brown lesions and stunting of roots and decayed seeds. In 2013, five samples of 500 seeds from tobacco cv. Guiyan 4 were tested for germination on moistened paper on petri dishes. On average, 35% of the seeds from all five samples developed into abnormal seedlings or were decayed and were plated onto potato dextrose agar media and grown for 5 days at 25°C in darkness to confirm the presence of a pathogen. However, one fungus was isolated from an average of 10% of the 500 seeds sampled. It was identified morphologically as Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fresen.) de Vries based on the velvety olive-brown with almost black reverse colony color and dimensions and color of conidia and conidiophores. Conidia formed in long branched chains that readily disarticulate, single celled, elliptical to limoniform, 2 to 8 (avg. 4.3) × 2 to 3 (avg. 2.1) μm. Conidia were pale to olive brown and smooth to verruculose. Ramoconidia were 0 to 1 septate, 7 to 14 (avg. 9.2) × 2 to 4 (avg. 2.6) μm, smooth or sometimes minutely verruculose. Conidiophores were pale to olive brown, macro- and micronemateus, smooth or sometimes verruculose, and of various lengths up to 320 μm long and 2 to 5 μm wide. Primer pair ITS1 and ITS4 was employed to amplify the regions of ITS1-5.8s-ITS2 of the pathogens. Sequences of all three isolates (G3, G10, and G18) (Accession Nos. KF841547, KF841554, and KF841560) were identical to each other and to four sequences in GenBank (JX230994.1, JQ768317.1, JQ768322.1, and AB763555.1). Pathogenicity of the three isolates of C. cladosporioides was verified on tobacco seedlings of 3-week-old grown on wet filter paper in the petri dishes (9 cm in diameter). For each isolate, 20 seedlings incubated in one plate were inoculated with 0.5 ml of a suspension of 10⁵ conidia/ml. Twenty seedlings were treated with sterile water as control treatment. After inoculation, the petri dishes were incubated at 25°C, 100 to 120 μEm^-2 S^-1, RH > 80%, and 16 h light per day for disease development. At 96 h after inoculation, symptoms comprising medium brown to black lesions on the roots were clearly visible on inoculated plants but not on the control plants. All seedlings inoculated died 9 days after inoculation whereas control seedlings remained symptomless. Re-isolation attempts on PDA from roots demonstrated C. cladosporioides to be present in symptomatic seedlings but not in roots of the control plants. Moreover, the characteristics of the cultured fungi were exactly the same as those originally isolated. Isolates G3, G10, and G18 (KF841547, KF841554, and KF841560) were deposited with the Tobacco Diseased Fungi, Guizhou Academy of Tobacco Sciences, Guizhou, China. Previously, C. cladosporioides has also been isolated from macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche) racemes in South Africa (4), from diseased papaya (Carica papaya L.) in Taiwan province of China (2), and from seeds of Amaranthus spp. in Poland (3). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. cladosporioides causing seed disease on tobacco in China and the disease should be considered in existing disease management practices. References: (1) British American Tobacco Annual Report, 8, 2012. (2) R. S. Chen, et al. Plant Dis. 93:426, 2009. (3) W. Pusz. Phytopathologia 54:15, 2009. (4) N. van den Berg et al. Plant Dis. 92:484, 2008.

Bayesian spatial modelling and the significance of agricultural land use to scrub typhus infection in Taiwan

Scrub typhus is transmitted by the larval stage of trombiculid mites. Environmental factors, including land cover and land use, are known to influence breeding and survival of trombiculid mites and, thus, also the spatial heterogeneity of scrub typhus risk. Here, a spatially autoregressive modelling framework was applied to scrub typhus incidence data from Taiwan, covering the period 2003 to 2011, to provide increased understanding of the spatial pattern of scrub typhus risk and the environmental and socioeconomic factors contributing to this pattern. A clear spatial pattern in scrub typhus incidence was observed within Taiwan, and incidence was found to be significantly correlated with several land cover classes, temperature, elevation, normalized difference vegetation index, rainfall, population density, average income and the proportion of the population that work in agriculture. The final multivariate regression model included statistically significant correlations between scrub typhus incidence and average income (negatively correlated), the proportion of land that contained mosaics of cropland and vegetation (positively correlated) and elevation (positively correlated). These results highlight the importance of land cover on scrub typhus incidence: mosaics of cropland and vegetation represent a transitional land cover type which can provide favourable habitats for rodents and, therefore, trombiculid mites. In Taiwan, these transitional land cover areas tend to occur in less populated and mountainous areas, following the frontier establishment and subsequent partial abandonment of agricultural cultivation, due to demographic and socioeconomic changes. Future land use policy decision-making should ensure that potential public health outcomes, such as modified risk of scrub typhus, are considered.

Elastase induced lung epithelial cell apoptosis and emphysema through placenta growth factor

Chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, however, the pathogenic factors and mechanisms are not fully understood. Pulmonary emphysema is one of the major components of COPD and is thought to result from oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, protease–antiprotease imbalance and lung epithelial (LE) cell apoptosis. In our previous studies, COPD patients were noted to have higher levels of placenta growth factor (PlGF) in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid than controls. In addition, transgenic mice overexpressing PlGF developed pulmonary emphysema and exposure to PlGF in LE cells induced apoptosis. Furthermore, intratracheal instillation of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) on to PlGF wild type mice induced emphysema, but not in PlGF knockout mice. Therefore, we hypothesized that PPE generates pulmonary emphysema through the upregulation of PlGF expression in LE cells. The elevation of PlGF then leads to LE cell apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated whether PPE induces PlGF expression, whether PlGF induces apoptosis and whether the downstream mechanisms of PlGF are related to LE cell apoptosis. We found that PPE increased PlGF secretion and expression both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, PlGF-induced LE cell apoptosis and PPE-induced emphysema in the mice were mediated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathways. Given these findings, we suggest that the increase in PlGF and PlGF-induced JNK and p38 MAPK pathways contribute to PPE-induced LE cell apoptosis and emphysema. Regulatory control of PlGF and agents against its downstream signals may be potential therapeutic targets for COPD.

Cascading effect of economic globalization on human risks of scrub typhus and tick-borne rickettsial diseases

The increase in global travel and trade has facilitated the dissemination of disease vectors. Globalization can also indirectly affect vector-borne diseases through the liberalization of cross-border trade, which has far-reaching, worldwide effects on agricultural practices and may in turn influence vectors through the modification of the ecological landscape. While the cascading effect of economic globalization on vector-borne diseases, sometimes acting synergistically with regional agricultural policy, could be substantial and have significant economic, agricultural, and public health implications, research into this remains very limited. We evaluated how abandonment of rice paddies in Taiwan after joining the World Trade Organization, along with periodic plowing, an agricultural policy to reduce farm pests in abandoned fields can unexpectedly influence risks to diseases transmitted by ticks and chiggers (larval trombiculid mites), which we collected from their small-mammal hosts. Sampling was limited to abandoned (fallow) and plowed fields due to the challenge of trapping small mammals in flooded rice paddies. Striped field mice (Apodemus agrarius) are the main hosts for both vectors. They harbored six times more ticks and three times more chiggers in fallow than in plowed plots. The proportion of ticks infected with Rickettsia spp. (etiologic agent of spotted fever) was three times higher in fallow plots, while that of Orientia tsutsugamushi (scrub typhus) in chiggers was similar in both treatments. Fallow plots had more ground cover and higher vegetation than plowed ones. Moreover, ticks and chiggers in both field types were dominated by species known to infest humans. Because ticks and chiggers should exhibit very low survival in flooded rice paddies, we propose that farm abandonment in Taiwan, driven by globalization, may have inadvertently led to increased risks of spotted fever and scrub typhus. However, periodic plowing can unintentionally mitigate vector burdens. Economic globalization can have unexpected consequences on disease risk through modification of the agricultural landscape, but the outcome may also be influenced by agricultural policies, calling for further research on vector-borne diseases and their control from broader perspectives.

Detection of Rickettsia spp. and host and habitat associations of fleas (Siphonaptera) in eastern Taiwan

Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) are two rickettsiae principally transmitted by fleas, but the detection of either pathogen has rarely been attempted in Taiwan. Of 2048 small mammals trapped in eastern Taiwan, Apodemus agrarius Pallas (24.5%) and Mus caroli Bonhote (24.4%) (both: Rodentia: Muridae) were the most abundant, and M. caroli hosted the highest proportion of fleas (63.9% of 330 fleas). Two flea species were identified: Stivalius aporus Jordan and Rothschild (Siphonaptera: Stivaliidae), and Acropsylla episema Rothschild (Siphonaptera: Leptopsyllidae). Nested polymerase chain reaction targeting parts of the ompB and gltA genes showed six fleas to be positive for Rickettsia spp. (3.8% of 160 samples), which showed the greatest similarity to R. felis, Rickettsia japonica, Rickettsia conorii or Rickettsia sp. TwKM01. Rickettsia typhi was not detected in the fleas and Rickettsia co-infection did not occur. Both flea species were more abundant during months with lower temperatures and less rainfall, and flea abundance on M. caroli was not related to soil hardness, vegetative height, ground cover by litter or by understory layer, or the abundance of M. caroli. Our study reveals the potential circulation of R. felis and other rickettsiae in eastern Taiwan, necessitating further surveillance of rickettsial diseases in this region. This is especially important because many novel rickettsioses are emerging worldwide.

In vitro cytotoxic activity of novel protoflavone analogs - selectivity towards a multidrug resistant cancer cell line

BACKGROUND

Protoapigenone (PA), a natural flavonoid possessing an unusual p-quinol moiety on its B ring, is a prospective novel lead compound against cancer currently in development, together with WYC0209, a potent synthetic PA analog. Structure activity relationships (SAR) concerning different 1'-O-alkyl side-chains were also studied on two sets of derivatives.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen 1'-O-alkyl protoflavone derivatives were synthesized from genkwanin or 4'-hydroxy-6-methylflavone, thirteen of which are new compounds. All compounds were tested for their cytotoxic effect on four human cancer cell lines, such as HepG2 and Hep3B (hepatic), A549 (lung) and MDA-MB-231 (breast) cell lines, with doxorubicin as a positive control. All compounds, as well as PA, WYC0209 and fourteen of their previously reported analogs were also tested on a multidrug-resistant (MDR) sub-cell line of L5178 mouse T-cell lymphoma and on its parental counterpart (PAR).

RESULTS

In general, derivatives bearing a free hydroxyl group at C-1' exerted the strongest activities, while C-1'-substituted compounds were found to be much weaker. Derivatives of 6-methylflavone exhibited mild, but statistically significant selectivity towards the MDR cell line.

CONCLUSION

The results are in agreement with our previous findings for fundamental SAR of protoflavones. 6-Methylated protoflavones may serve as valuable leads for developing selective compounds against MDR cancer. Identical activity of other derivatives on the PAR and MDR cell lines suggests that cancer cells cannot exhibit resistance to protoflavones by ABCB1 efflux pump overexpression.