Reentrance of interface superconductivity in a high-Tc cuprate heterostructure

Increasing the carrier density in a Mott insulator by chemical doping gives rise to a generic superconducting dome in high temperature superconductors. An intriguing question is whether a second superconducting dome may exist at higher dopings. Here we heavily overdope La2-xSrxCuO4 (0.45 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) and discover an unprecedented reentrance of interface superconductivity in La2-xSrxCuO4 /La2CuO4 heterostructures. As x increases, the superconductivity is weakened and completely fades away at x = 0.8; but it revives at higher doping and fully recovers at x = 1.0. This is shown to be correlated with the suppression of the interfacial charge transfer around x = 0.8 and the weak-to-strong localization crossover in the La2-xSrxCuO4 layer. We further construct a theoretical model to account for the sophisticated relation between charge localization and interfacial charge transfer. Our work advances both the search for and control of new superconducting heterostructures.

White Matter Hyperintensity as a Vascular Contribution to the AT(N) Framework

The AT(N) framework enables the classification of an individual within the biological Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum by pairing the cognitive stage with the biomarker status of amyloid-beta (Aβ, A), tau (T) and neurodegeneration (N). AD is a multifactorial disease that may involve different pathogenic mechanisms such as cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, biomarkers of these mechanisms can be added to the AT(N) framework to enhance the biomarker characterization of individuals within the AD continuum. In AD, white matter hyperintensities (WMH) which are postulated to develop as a result of chronic ischemia from small vessel CVD are shown to play a role in the aetiology. However, the interplay of WMH with Aβ and tau pathophysiology in AD remains unclear. In this review, we summarized the studies that evaluated the associations between WMH and AD pathophysiology (Aβ and tau). We found that the evidence supporting the association of WMH with Aβ was mixed, and this may be explained by the relative contributions of WMH due to its differential load and anatomical distribution. More studies are also needed to determine the association of WMH with tau pathology. Future longitudinal studies with harmonized methodologies to quantify WMH and account for the anatomical differences of WMH are required to validate the relationship between WMH and AT(N) biomarkers. This will allow a clearer understanding of the utility of WMH as a vascular biomarker in the AT(N) framework. Novel CVD biomarkers will also have the potential to further elucidate the contributions of CVD to the AD pathophysiology.

[Spatiotemporal changes of COVID-19 outbreak in Shanghai]

Objective: To clarify the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering dynamics of COVID-19 in Shanghai in 2022. Methods: The COVID-19 data presented on the official websites of Municipal Health Commissions of Shanghai during March 1, 2022 and May 31, 2022 were collected for a spatial autocorrelation analysis by GeoDa software. A logistic growth model was used to fit the epidemic situation and make a comparison with the actual infection situation. Results: Pudong district had the highest number of symptomatic and asymptomatic infectants, accounting for 29.30% and 35.58% of the total infectants. Differences in cumulative attack rates and infection rates among 16 districts (P<0.001) were significant. The rates were significantly higher in Huangpu district than in other districts. The attack rate of COVID-19 from March 1, 2022 to May 31, 2022 had a global spatial positive correlation (P<0.05). Spatial distribution of COVID-19 attack rate was different at different periods. The global autocorrelation coefficient from March 16 to March 29, April 6 to April 12 and May 18 to May 24 had no statistical significance (P>0.05). Our local autocorrelation analysis showed that 22 high-high clustering areas were detected in eight periods.The high-risk hot-spot areas have experienced a "less-more-less" change process. The growth model fitting results were consistent with the actual infection situation. Conclusion: There was a clear spatiotemporal correlation in the distribution of COVID-19 in Shanghai. The comprehensive prevention and control measures of COVID-19 epidemic in Shanghai have effectively prohibited the growth of the epidemic, not only curbing the spatially spread of high-risk epidemic areas, but also reducing the risk of transmission to other cities.

Oral Vaccination With Recombinant Pichia pastoris Expressing Iridovirus Major Capsid Protein Elicits Protective Immunity in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Largemouth bass iridovirus (LMBV) can cause high mortality and lead to heavy economic loss in the cultivation of largemouth bass, but there was no effective treatment. Here, the present study constructed a recombinant Pichia pastoris expressing LMBV major capsid protein (MCPD). The recombinant GS115-pW317-MCPD was then used to immunize largemouth bass via oral administration, and mucosal immune response mediated by immunoglobulins (Igs) was measured after oral immunization. Serum antibody levels were measured by ELISA, neutralizing antibody titers were determined by serum neutralization test (SNT), antigen presentation-related gene expressions were detected by RT-PCR, and the histopathological characteristics of immunized fish were assessed after challenging with 0.1 ml 107.19 TCID50/ml LMBV. The relative percentage survival (RPS) was also determined. Our results showed that the serum antibody titers of immunized fish were significantly higher than that of control groups (P &lt; 0.05). IgT and IgM expressions in gut were increased significantly after vaccination with GS115-pW317-MCPD; however, much stronger response in gut was observed as compared with gill. The expression levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II, CD8, and T-cell receptor (TCR) were significantly elevated in GS115-pW317-MCPD group (P &lt; 0.05), while CD4 and MHC I transcription levels remained unchanged after oral immunization (P &gt; 0.05). The RPS of fish orally immunized with 1.0 × 108 CFU/g GS115-pW317-MCPD was reached up to 41.6% after challenge with 0.1 ml 109.46 TCID50/ml LMBV. Moreover, orally immunizing with GS115-pW317-MCPD can relieve the pathological damage caused by LMBV. Therefore, GS115-pW317-MCPD showed a promising potential against LMBV.

Deep small RNA-Seq reveals microRNAs expression profiles in lactating mammary gland of 2 sheep breeds with different milk performance

Micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA) is a type of noncoding RNA, and it has been revealed to play important roles in the activity of the mammary gland (MG) in some species. However, the function of miRNAs in MG of sheep is poorly understood. In the study, Gansu Alpine Merino (GAM; n = 9) and Small-tailed Han sheep (STH; n = 9) with different milk production traits were investigated. Microstructures and the expression profile of miRNAs of MG tissues at peak lactation were studied. Mature alveolar lumens of MG in appearance were larger in STH than GAM. The expression levels of CSN2 and the content of rough endoplasmic reticulum were also higher in STH ewes than GAM ewes. A total of 124 mature miRNAs were expressed, and 18 of these were differentially expressed between the 2 breeds. The KEGG analysis results showed that the targeted genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly involved in some metabolic pathways and signaling pathways related to MG development, milk protein, and fat synthesis. The findings in the study can improve our understanding of the roles of miRNAs in the development and lactation of MG in sheep.

Successful resolution of skin ulceration by itraconazole in an immunocompetent elderly patient

A 63-year-old patient was presented with faciocervical erythema and ulcers of 3 months duration. Pathological examination showed infiltration of inflammatory cells. Pathogenic microorganism cultivation was negative. However, empirical therapy with itraconazole proved effective.

Effect of Bacillus velezensis on Aeromonas veronii-Induced Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function Damage and Inflammation in Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus)

Aeromonas veronii is an emerging aquatic pathogen causing hemorrhagic septicemia in humans and animals. Probiotic is an effective strategy for controlling enteric infections through reducing intestinal colonization by pathogens. Here we report that the consumption of Bacillus velezensis regulated the intestinal innate immune response and decreased the degree of intestinal inflammation damage caused by the A. veronii in Crucian carp. In this study, we isolated four strains of B. velezensis, named C-11, S-22, L-17 and S-14 from apparently healthy Crucian carp, which exerted a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity inhibiting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria especially the fish pathogens. B. velezensis isolates showed typical Bacillus characteristics by endospore staining, physiological and biochemical test, enzyme activity analysis (amylase, protease, and lipase), and molecular identification. Here, Bacillus-containing dietary was orally administrated to Crucian carp for 8 weeks before A. veronii challenge. Immunological parameters and the expression of immune-related genes were measured at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks post-administration. The results showed that B. velezensis was found to promote the increase in the phagocytic activities of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and head kidney leukocytes (HKLs), as well as the increase in interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) concentration of serum. Lysozyme levels (113.76 U/mL), ACP activity (25.32 U/mL), AKP activity (130.08 U/mL), and SOD activity (240.63 U/mL) were maximum (P < 0.05) in the B. velezensis C-11 treated group at 8 week. Our results showed that Crucian carp fed with the diet containing B. velezensis C-11 and S-22 developed a strong immune response with significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of IgM in samples of serum, mucus of skin and intestine compared to B. velezensis L-17 and S-14 groups. Moreover, B. velezensis spores appeared to show no toxicity and damage in fish, which could inhabit the gut of Crucian carp. B. velezensis restrained up-regulation of pro-inflammation cytokines (IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) mRNA levels in the intestine and head kidney at final stage of administration, and the expression of IL-10 was increased throughout the 10-week trial. A. veronii infection increased the population of inflammatory cells in the intestinal villi in the controls. In contrast, numerous goblet cells and few inflammatory cells infiltrated the mucosa in the B. velezensis groups after challenge with A. veronii. Compared with A. veronii group, B. velezensis could safeguard the integrity of intestinal villi. The highest post-challenge survival rate (75.0%) was recorded in B. velezensis C-11 group. The present data suggest that probiotic B. velezensis act as a potential gut-targeted therapy regimens to protecting fish from pathogenic bacteria infection.

IMPORTANCE

In this work, four Bacillus velezensis strains isolated from apparently healthy Crucian carp, which exhibited a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity especially the fish pathogens. Administration of B. velezensis induced the enhancement of the intestinal innate immune response through reducing intestinal colonization by pathogens. The isolation and characterization would help better understand probiotic can be recognized as an alternative of antimicrobial drugs protecting human and animal health.

[Clinical application of computed tomography angiography and three-dimensional reconstruction in repairing high-voltage electrical burn wounds in necks, shoulders, axillas, and upper arms with tissue flaps]

Objective: To explore the application value of computed tomography angiography (CTA) and three-dimensional reconstruction in repairing high-voltage electrical burn wounds in necks, shoulders, axillas, and upper arms with tissue flaps. Methods: From December 2014 to December 2018, 12 patients with high-voltage electrical burns in necks, shoulders, axillas, and upper arms were hospitalized. The size of wounds ranged from 13 cm×10 cm to 32 cm×15 cm after complete debridement. Before tissue flap repair, the subclavian artery-axillary artery-brachial artery and their branches were examined by CTA. The main target vessels and their branches were conducted by three-dimensional reconstruction, and the development of the axis vessels for the tissue flaps planning to dissect and their branches were observed. For wounds in upper arms, amputation stump bone exposed wounds, and wounds in axillas and the anterior, the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is the first choice for repair, if the thoracodorsal artery and internal and external branches are well developed according to CTA examination. Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were used in 6 patients with the area of myocutaneous flap ranging from 16 cm×12 cm to 32 cm×17 cm. All the donor sites were covered by split-thickness skin graft of thighs. For large wounds in occiputs, necks, and scapulas, the contralateral lower trapezius myocutaneous flap is the first choice for repair, if the superficial descending branch and deep branch of the contralateral transverse cervical artery are well developed according to CTA examination. For small wounds in necks and scapulas, the ipsilateral lower trapezius myocutaneous flap can be used for repair, if the superficial descending branch of the ipsilateral transverse cervical artery is well developed according to CTA examination. Lower trapezius myocutaneous flaps were used in 4 patients with the area of myocutaneous flap ranging from 18 cm×12 cm to 25 cm×17 cm. The donor site of one patient was sutured directly and the donor site of the other 3 patients was covered by split-thickness skin graft of thighs. For wounds in the posteromedial side of upper arms and the anterior side of axillas, the lateral thoracic skin flaps can be used for repair, if the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap can not be utilized for reasons of back burn or no muscle is needed for dead space, when the blood supply of side chest skin is reliable according to CTA examination. Lateral thoracic skin flaps were used in 2 patients with the area of skin flap ranging from 16 cm×12 cm to 17 cm×14 cm. The donor site of one patient was sutured directly and the donor site of the other one patient was covered by split-thickness skin graft of thigh. Results: During the operation of tissue flap repair in 12 patients, the orientation and starting position of the axis vessels were consistent with those observed by CTA examination before operation. All the tissue flaps survived after operation. During follow-up of 1 to 24 months, the patients were satisfied with no serious scar contracture affecting the function nor secondary infection or chronic ulcer. Conclusions: CTA and its three-dimensional reconstruction technique can clearly reconstruct the subclavian artery-axillary artery-brachial artery and their branches before repair of high-voltage burn wounds in necks, shoulders, axillas, and upper arms. It can be used to observe whether the vessels are embolized or not and the starting position and orientation of blood vessels, which can provide an important reference for the selection of tissue flap transplantion.

[Study on the application of dexmedetomidine combined with remifentanil in dressing change of conscious patients with non-intubation in burn intensive care unit]

Objective: To observe the analgesic and sedative effect and safety of application of dexmedetomidine combined with remifentanil in dressing change of conscious patients with non-intubation in burn intensive care unit. Methods: Forty patients conforming to the study criteria hospitalized in our burn intensive care unit from April 2015 to April 2017 were selected. Prospective, randomized, and double-blind method was used for the design. Patients were divided into dexmedetomidine group and dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group according to the random number table, with 20 cases in each group. Patients in the two groups were respectively given corresponding drugs during dressing change. The frequency and time of dressing change, Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) score of patients during dressing change (at drug administration for 25 minutes) and after dressing change (25 min after dressing change), Ramsay Sedation Score (RSS) during dressing change, satisfaction level for anesthesia of the patients and physicians after dressing change, dosage of remifentanil, and various adverse effects during and after dressing change were recorded. The heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), respiratory rate, and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂) before drug administration and at 10, 15, and 25 minutes after drug administration were also recorded. Data were processed with analysis of variance for repeated measurement, t test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact probability test. Results: (1) Totally 38 patients completed the trial. There were no statistically significant differences between patients in two groups in gender, American Association of Anesthesiologist Grading, age, weight, and total burn area (χ²=0.230, 0.146, t=0.224, 0.351, 0.367, P>0.05). (2) The frequency of dressing change of patients in two groups were both 48 times. The time of dressing change and VRS scores during dressing change of patients in two groups were similar (t=0.821, 1.522, P>0.05). The VRS score of patients in dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group after dressing change was (3.1±0.4) points, obviously lower than (3.8±0.8) points in remifentanil group (t=2.213, P<0.05). The RSS, satisfaction level scores for anesthesia of the patients and physicians after dressing change in dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group were (3.13±0.32), (3.44±0.41), and (3.13±0.25) points, respectively, obviously better than (1.82±0.24), (2.71±0.23), (2.53±0.41) points in remifentanil group (t=2.226, 2.684, 7.702, P<0.01). The dosage of remifentanil of patients in dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group was (282±19) μg, obviously less than (340±31) μg in remifentanil group (t=9.896, P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between patients in two groups in rates of respiratory inhibition and hypotension (χ²=0.211, 0.154, P>0.05). Compared with those in remifentanil group, the rates of nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms of patients in dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group were obviously reduced (P<0.05), but the rate of bradycardia was obviously increased (χ²=6.008, P<0.05). (3) There were no statistically significant differences between patients in two groups in heart rate, MAP, respiratory frequency, and SpO₂ before drug administration (t=0.444, 0.892, 1.059, 1.039, P>0.05). The heart rates of patients in dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group at 10, 15, and 25 minutes after drug administration were (83±11), (78±10), and (82±14) times per minute, respectively, significantly lower than (95±10), (87±12), and (89±12) times per minute in remifentanil group (t=5.592, 3.992, 2.630, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The MAP of patients in dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group at 15 and 25 minutes after drug administration were (69.4±3.1) and (73.8±2.2) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), respectively, significantly lower than (75.4±3.0) and (78.1±3.5) mmHg in remifentanil group (t=9.181, 7.206, P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between patients in two groups in respiratory frequency at each time point after drug administration (t=1.489, 1.862, 1.963, P>0.05). The SpO₂ of patients in dexmedetomidine+ remifentanil group at 15 minutes after drug administration was 0.972±0.018, obviously lower than 0.979±0.015 in remifentanil group (t=2.070, P<0.05). Conclusions: Application of remifentanil with small dosage has effective analgesia for conscious burn patients with non-intubation during dressing changes, however, adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting are likely to occur. Remifentanil combined with dexmedetomidine not only guarantee the analgesic effect, but also reduce the dosage of analgesics, improve the sedative effect and satisfaction of the patients for anesthesia, and reduce various adverse effects. However, it will increase the incidence of bradycardia and has some inhibition effect on circulation at the same time.

[Effects of arnebia root oil on wound healing of rats with full-thickness skin defect and the related mechanism]

Objective: To observe the effects of arnebia root oil on wound healing of rats with full-thickness skin defect, and to explore the related mechanism. Methods: Eighty SD rats were divided into arnebia root oil group and control group according to the random number table, with 40 rats in each group, then full-thickness skin wounds with area of 3 cm×3 cm were inflicted on the back of each rat. Wounds of rats in arnebia root oil group and control group were treated with sterile medical gauze and bandage package infiltrated with arnebia root oil gauze or Vaseline gauze, respectively, with dressing change of once every two days. On post injury day (PID) 3, 7, 14, and 21, 10 rats in each group were sacrificed respectively for general observation and calculation of wound healing rate. The tissue samples of unhealed wound were collected for observation of histomorphological change with HE staining, observation of expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) with immunohistochemical staining, and determination of mRNA expressions of VEGF and bFGF with real time fluorescent quantitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design, t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) On PID 3, there were a few secretions in wounds of rats in the two groups. On PID 7, there were fewer secretions and more granulation tissue in wounds of rats in arnebia root oil group, while there were more secretions and less granulation tissue in wounds of rats in control group. On PID 14, most of the wounds of rats in arnebia root oil group were healed and there was much red granulation tissue in unhealed wounds, while part of wounds of rats in control group was healed and there were a few secretions and less granulation tissue in unhealed wounds. On PID 21, wounds of rats in arnebia root oil group were basically healed, while there were still some unhealed wounds of rats in control group. (2) On PID 3 and 7, the wound healing rates of rats in arnebia root oil group were (39±5)% and (46±4)% respectively, which were close to (34±3)% and (44±4)% of rats in control group (with t values respectively 0.807 and 0.481, P values above 0.05). On PID 14 and 21, the wound healing rates of rats in arnebia root oil group were (76±4)% and (90±3)% respectively, which were significantly higher than (60±6)% and (73±5)% of rats in control group (with t values respectively 2.308 and 3.072, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (3) On PID 3, 7, and 14, granulation tissue, fibroblasts, and nascent capillaries in unhealed wound tissue of rats in the two groups both gradually increased, and more ranulation tissue, fibroblasts, and nascent capillaries were seen in unhealed wound tissue of rats in arnebia root oil group. On PID 21, granulation tissue, fibroblasts, and nascent capillaries in unhealed wound tissue of rats in the two groups both gradually decreased. (4) On PID 3, 7, and 14, the numbers of VEGF positive cells and bFGF positive cells in unhealed wound tissue of rats in the two groups both gradually increased; there were more VEGF positive cells and bFGF positive cells in unhealed wound tissue of rats in arnebia root oil group than those in control group. On PID 21, positive expressions of VEGF and bFGF both decreased in unhealed wound tissue of rats in the two groups. (5) On PID 3, 7, and 14, mRNA expressions of VEGF in unhealed wound tissue of rats in arnebia root oil group were higher than those of control group (with t values from 2.967 to 4.173, P values below 0.01). On PID 21, mRNA expression of VEGF in unhealed wound tissue of rats in arnebia root oil group was lower than that of control group (t=-4.786, P<0.001). From PID 3 to 21, mRNA expressions of bFGF in unhealed wound tissue of rats in arnebia root oil group were higher than those of control group (with t values from 2.326 to 4.702, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: Arnebia root oil can promote wound healing of rats with full-thickness skin defect, which may relate to increasing expressions of VEGF and bFGF.

Proteomic analysis of differentially expressed proteins in the two developmental stages of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

Ichthyophthirius is a severe disease of farmed freshwater fish caused by the parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich). This disease can lead to considerable economic loss, but the protein profiles in different developmental stages of the parasite remain unknown. In the present study, proteins from trophonts and theronts of Ich were identified by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). A total of 2300 proteins were identified in the two developmental stages, of which 1520 proteins were differentially expressed. Among them, 84 proteins were uniquely expressed in the theronts stage, while 656 proteins were expressed only in trophonts. The differentially expressed proteins were catalogued (assorted) to various functions of Ich life cycle, including biological process, cellular component, and molecular function that occur at distinct stages. Using a 1.5-fold change in expression as a physiologically significant benchmark, a lot of differentially expressed proteins were reliably quantified by iTRAQ analysis. Two hundred forty upregulated and 57 downregulated proteins in the trophonts stage were identified as compared with theronts. The identified proteins were involved in various functions of the I. multifiliis life cycle, including binding, catalytic activity, structural molecule activity, and transporter activity. Further investigation of the transcriptional levels of periplasmic immunogenic protein, transketolase, zinc finger, isocitrate dehydrogenase, etc., from the different protein profiles using quantitative RT-PCR showed identical results to the iTRAQ analysis. This work provides an effective resource to further our understanding of Ich biology, and lays the groundwork for the identification of potential drug targets and vaccines candidates for the control of this devastating fish pathogen.

Live recombinant Lactococcus lactis vaccine expressing immobilization antigen (i-Ag) for protection against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in goldfish

The parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) has been reported in various freshwater fishes worldwide and results in severe losses to both food and aquarium fish production. Lactobacillus strains have a number of properties that make them attractive candidates as delivery vehicles for the presentation to the mucosa of compounds with pharmaceutical interest, in particular vaccines. Here, the present study was conducted to evaluate a live recombinant Lactococcus lactis vaccine expressing immobilization antigen (IAG-52X) in protection against I. multifiliis. A 1266 bp gene fragment containing a potential antigenic epitope of the 48 kDa immobilization antigen of I. multifiliis was assembled from six synthetic ohgonucleotides and cloned into pSIP409 and electrotransformed into Lactobacillus plantarum NC8. The recombinant vaccine candidate was then orally fed into goldfish. The expression of immune-related genes: complement component 3 (C3), MHC I, IgM gene in blood from goldfish at different time points after immunization were evaluated. Immunized fish were than challenged with a lethal dose of infectious I. multifiliis. The cumulative mortality and relative percentage survival (RPS) were also determined. Our results showed that the antibody level in the blood and skin of the immunized fish was statistically significant (P < 0.05) in relation to the control groups. Goldfish orally immunized with NC8-pSIP409- IAG-52X had high serum antibody titers that ranged from 32 to 256 after 28d post immunization, while fish fed with NC8-pSIP409 or PBS had no detectable immobilizing antibody response. Expression of IgM, C3, MHC I genes in the group immunized with IAG-52X were significantly (P < 0.05) up regulated as compared with control group, indicating that different immune cells were actively involved in cellular immune response. The results showed that the average survival rate of fish orally immunized with 10⁸ and 10⁶NC8-pSIP409-IAG-52X was 60% and 50% respectively. Therefore, NC8-pSIP409-IAG-52X could become a promising oral vaccine candidate against I. multifiliis.

HER 2/neu protein expression in gastric cancer is associated with poor survival

Mol Med Rep 2: [Related article:] 943–946, 2009; DOI: 10.3892/mmr_00000196 After the publication of the article, the authors noted that there was an error regarding the author list on the Pubmed website. J.Y. Shen was erroneously omitted from the data submitted for publication on the Pubmed website. We apologize for the oversight and possible misunderstanding. The correct author list is the list that was published in PDF format on the Spandidos Publications website and in print, which is as follows: S.D. Xie1*, C.Y. Xu1,3*, J.G. Shen1, Z.N. Jiang2,3, J.Y. Shen1 and L.B. Wang1.

Evaluation of nystatin isolated from Streptomyces griseus SDX-4 against the ciliate, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

The present study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antiparasitic efficacy of active compounds from the bacterial extracellular products of Streptomyces griseus SDX-4 against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation of compounds with antiparasitic activity were performed on n-butanol extract of S. griseus yielding a pure bioactive compound, nystatin (Nys), identified by comparing spectral data (EI-MS, (1)H NMR, and (13)C NMR) with literature values. Results from in vitro antiparasitic assays revealed that Nys could be 100% effective against I. multifiliis theronts and encysted tomonts at the concentration of 6.0 mg L(-1), with the median effective concentration (EC50) values of 3.1 and 2.8 mg L(-1) for theronts and encysted tomonts (4 h), respectively. Results of in vivo test demonstrated that the number of I. multifiliis trophonts on the gold fish treated with Nys was markedly lower than the control group at 10 days after exposed to theronts (p < 0.05). In the control group, 85.7% mortality was observed owing to heavy I. multifiliis infection at 10 days after the exposure. On the other hand, only 23.8% mortality owing to parasite infection was recorded in the groups treated with the Nys (4.0 and 6.0 mg L(-1)). In addition, our results showed that the survival and reproduction of I. multifiliis tomont exited from the fish were significantly reduced after treated with the 6.0 mg L(-1) Nys. The median lethal dose (LD50) of Nys for goldfish was 16.8 mg L(-1). This study firstly demonstrated that Nys has potent antiparasitic efficacy against I. multifiliis, and it can be a good candidate drug for chemotherapy and control of I. multifiliis infections.

[Rapid detection of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus isolated in China by a reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay combined with a lateral flow dipstick method]

White coloration of the muscle of the giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is a serious problem in China. The Macrobrachium rosenbergii Nodavirus (MrNV) has been confirmed to be the pathogen that causes this disorder. To develop a rapid, sensitive and specific technology for the detection of Macrobrachium rosenbergii Nodavirus isolated from China (MrNV-China), a reverse-transcription loop- mediated isothermal amplification assay combined with a lateral flow dipstick (RT-LAMP-LFD) assay method is described. A set of four primers and a labeled probe were designed specifically to recognize six distinct regions of the MrNV RNA2 gene. Results showed the sensitivity of the RT-LAMP-LFD assay was ten-times higher than the reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (RT-LAMP) with agarose gel electrophoresis. The assay was conducted with one-step amplification at 61°C in a single tube within 45 min. No product was generated from shrimps infected with other viruses, including DNA viruses (infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV); white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)) and RNA viruses (Taura syndrome virus (TSV); infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV); yellow head virus (YHV)). Results were visualized by the LFD method. Therefore, the described rapid and sensitive assay is potentially useful for MrNV detection.

HER 2/neu protein expression in gastric cancer is associated with poor survival

The presence of HER 2/neu has been reported in gastric cancer, but its impact on patient survival remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of HER 2/neu in gastric cancer. A total of 218 paired resected gastric cancer and corresponding normal specimens were collected. HER 2/neu protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. The correlation between HER 2/neu expression and patient clinicopathological parameters was evaluated and the prognostic significance of HER 2/neu expression was assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Forty-one out of 218 (18.8%) gastric cancer specimens showed HER 2/neu-positive expression. No relationship was found between membranous HER 2/neu expression and clinicopathological parameters. However, HER 2/neu expression was correlated with poorer overall survival (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, HER 2/neu expression was a significant independent prognostic predictor of gastric cancer (p<0.001), and was associated with poor survival in gastric cancer patients. These data indicate that HER 2/neu may play a major role in the therapeutic management of gastric cancer.

In vivo anthelmintic activity of chelidonine from Chelidonium majus L. against Dactylogyrus intermedius in Carassius auratus

Dactylogyrus intermedius is one of the most common and serious cause of parasitic diseases of freshwater fish in aquaculture, and can cause morbidity and high mortality in most species of freshwater fish worldwide. To attempt controlling this parasite and explore novel potential antiparasitic agents, the present study was designed to ascertain the anthelmintic activity of Chelidonium majus L. whole plant and to isolate and characterize the active constituents against D. intermedius. The ethanol extract from C. majus whole plant showed significant anthelmintic activity against D. intermedius [EC(50) (median effective concentration) value = 71.5 mg L(-1)] and therefore subjected to further isolation and purification using various chromatographic techniques. A quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid exhibited significant activity against D. intermedius was obtained and identified as chelidonine. In vivo anthelmintic efficacy tests exhibited that chelidonine was 100% effective against D. intermedius at a concentration of 0.9 mg L(-1), with EC(50) value of 0.48 mg L(-1) after 48 h of exposure, which is more effective than the positive control, mebendazole (EC(50) value = 1.3 mg L(-1)). In addition, the 48-h median lethal concentration (LC(50)) for chelidonine against the host (Carassius auratus) was 4.54 mg L(-1). The resulting therapeutic index for chelidonine was 9.46. These results provided evidence that chelidonine might be potential sources of new antiparasitic drugs for the control of Dactylogyrus.

Activity of the chelerythrine, a quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid from Chelidonium majus L. on Dactylogyrus intermedius

Dactylogyrus intermedius is a significant monogenean parasite on the gills of cyprinid fishes and can cause severe economic losses in aquaculture and ornamental fish breeding. In the present study, bioactivity-guide fractionation was employed to identify active compound from Chelidonium majus L. against D. intermedius. In vivo anthelmintic activity of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and n-butanol extracts of C. majus were tested. Among them, only the n-butanol extract exhibited promising anthelmintic efficacy, and therefore subjected to the further isolation and purification using various chromatographic techniques. A compound showing potent activity was obtained and identified by hydrogen, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum and electron ionization mass spectrometry as chelerythrine. In vivo anthelmintic efficacy tests exhibited that chelerythrine was 100% effective against D. intermedius at a concentration of 1.60 mg L(-1), with LC(50) values of 0.68 mg L(-1) after 48 h of exposure. The 48-h LC(50) value (acute toxicity tests) of chelerythrine was found to be 3.59 mg L(-1) for grass carp. These results provided evidence that chelerythrine can be selected as a lead compound for the development of new drugs against D. intermedius.

Prognostic role of estrogen receptor alpha and estrogen receptor beta in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The presence of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) have been reported in cell and tissue level in gastric cancer, but its impact on patients' survival remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the expression level of ERalpha and ERbeta and to assess clinical significance of ERalpha and ERbeta expression in gastric cancer.

METHODS

The expression level of ERalpha and ERbeta were assessed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 35 surgically resected gastric cancer and corresponding normal tissues and by immunohistochemical staining in 211 surgically resected gastric cancer and match normal tissues.

RESULTS

The expression level between ERalpha mRNA expression in gastric cancer tissues and match normal tissues had no statistically significant difference. The ERbeta mRNA level in normal tissues was significantly higher than that observed in gastric cancer tissues (P = 0.001). Neither ERalpha nor ERbeta mRNA expression levels had significant correlation with clinicopathologic parameters. Forty-eight of 211 (22.7%) gastric cancer tissues showed positive expression of ERalpha and ERbeta detected in gastric cancer. ERalpha-positive expression correlated with poorer overall survival (P = 0.014), as did the absence of ERbeta expression in patients with gastric cancer (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the positive expression of ERalpha and the absence of ERbeta were significant independent prognostic factors for overall survival (hazard ratio 2.159, P = 0.013, and hazard ratio 2.016, P = 0.025 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that ERalpha and ERbeta were expressed in both gastric cancer and corresponding normal tissues. ERalpha expression and the absence of ERbeta expression are associated with poor survival.

Ulcer size as a novel indicator marker is correlated with prognosis of ulcerative gastric cancer

AIMS

The objective of this study was to assess the significance of ulcer size for the survival of gastric cancer patients.

METHODS

A total of 260 patients with ulcerative gastric cancer who had undergone curative resection were reviewed. The diameter of the malignant ulcer was measured. Patients were divided into group U1 (< or =3 cm) and group U2 (>3 cm) according to the diameter of the ulcer. The prognostic significance of ulcer size was assessed by uni- and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Patient survival was correlated with age, gender, tumor location, tumor size, ulcer size, serosal invasion, node involvement and synchronism distant metastasis. The 5-year overall survival rate in U1 patients was 84.3% as compared with 67.5% in U2 patients (p < 0.001), and the 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 82.9% for group U1 and 62.5% for group U2 (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that ulcer size is an independently significant predictive factor for survival rates (overall: hazard ratio 1.222, p = 0.003; recurrence-free: hazard ratio 1.205, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Ulcer size might be a potential indicator for advanced disease and the use of minimal local treatments must be considered carefully in larger ulcer size patients.

Is Aeromonas hydrophila the dominant motile Aeromonas species that causes disease outbreaks in aquaculture production in the Zhejiang Province of China?

The significance of Aeromonas hydrophila in association with disease outbreaks in aquaculture production in the Zhejiang province of China was investigated. Bacteriological examination of moribund fish and crabs resulted in 95 bacterial isolates: 88 bacterial isolates from fish and 7 isolates from crabs. PCR and traditional biochemical methods were used for identification of A. hydrophila. Out of 69 motile aeromonads, 35 isolates were identified as A. hydrophila by biochemical tests. However, 6 of those were not identified as A. hydrophila by a species specific PCR method. Serotyping revealed 2 dominant serotypes (O9 and O97) among A. hydrophila isolates. The data presented show that approximately 42% of the motile aeromonads isolated from disease outbreaks among various fish species were A. hydrophila. It is noteworthy that A. hydrophila accounted for more than 50% of the isolated aeromonands isolated from crucian carp Carassius carassius and Wuchang bream Megalobrama amblycephala with haemorrhagic septicaemia. Although this species was the most frequently isolated organism from internal organs of diseased fish and crabs in the present study, other motile Aeromonas spp. were also found. The PCR assay was useful in preventing misidentification of A. hydrophila, which may occur when only phenotypic tests are employed.

Pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus

A prospective echocardiographic and clinical study was performed on 84 Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 99 controls to investigate the prevalence and the mechanism of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in SLE. Comparison between Doppler estimation and catheterization measurement was made in 12 cases to validate the predictive method. Compared to normal subjects, lupus patients had significantly increased systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) (29.59 +/- 12.52 vs 19.64 +/- 5.82, P < 0.001), mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) (15.11 +/- 7.36 vs 10.21 +/- 4.72, P < 0.001) and total pulmonary resistance (TPR) (315.85 +/- 190.65 vs 220.37 +/- 55.92, P < 0.001). Nine of the 84 patients presented PH, defined as SPAP < 30 mmHg and MPAP > 20 mmHg. Pulmonary hypertensive patients had higher serum endothelin (ET) than non-pulmonary hypertensive patients, were more commonly in active stages, and presented Raynaud's phenomenon and rheumatoid factors. ET level was correlated with echocardiographic pulmonary pressure. Pulmonary hypertension commonly occurs in Chinese patients with SLE (11%), and it correlates with the lupus activity and the elevation of serum endothelin.

Antiapoptotic but not antiviral function of human bcl-2 assists establishment of Japanese encephalitis virus persistence in cultured cells

Upon infection of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were killed by a mechanism involved in apoptosis. While readily established in a variety of cell lines, JEV persistence has never been successfully instituted in BHK-21 and CHO cells. Since stable expression of human bcl-2 in BHK-21 cells has been shown to delay JEV-induced apoptosis, in this study we investigated whether JEV persistence could be established in such cells. When constitutively expressing bcl-2, but not its closest homolog, bcl-XL, following a primary lytic infection, approximately 5 to 10% of BHK-21 and CHO cells became persistently JEV infected during a long-term culture. From the persistent bulks, several independent clones were selected and expanded to form stable cell lines that continuously produced infectious virus without marked cytopathic effects (CPE). Among these stable cell lines, the truncated nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) was also detected and was indistinguishable from the NS1 truncations previously observed in JEV-persistent murine neuroblastoma N18 cells. However, the stable expression of NS1 alone, regardless of whether it was truncated or full length, failed to render the engineered cells persistently infected by JEV, implying that aberrant NS1 proteins were likely a consequence of, rather than a cause for, the viral persistence. Enforced bcl-2 expression, which did not affect virus replication and spread during the early phase of cytolytic infection, appeared to attain JEV persistence by restriction of virus-induced CPE. Our results suggest that it is the antiapoptotic, rather than the antiviral, effect of cellular bcl-2 which plays a role in the establishment of JEV persistence.

Real-time pattern recognition system based on a bipolar winner-take-all model with a threshold

A threshold is added to recognize an input pattern that has too few similarities to be one of the memory patterns. A real-time pattern recognition system based on the improved model is given. The unipolar optical pattern recognition system has all the characteristics of a fully bipolar winner-take-all model and has illumination invariance. A liquid-crystal spatial light modulator is used as a real-time input device, and a mask and a lens array perform the threshold and weighted sums of the input pattern. Some experimental results are also shown.

Electrophysiological and pathological observations on experimental coxsackie B-3 viral myocarditis in mice

Electrophysiological action of right ventricular myocardium examined by standard intracellular microelectrode technique and real-time microcomputer data processor system and histological and ultrastructural changes of myocardium in BALB/c mice infected with coxsackie B-3 virus from 3 days to 9 months were observed. It was found that electrophysiologic parameters of action potential changed very quickly at the early stage (3 days to 1 month) of the disease. Those abnormalities became most apparent by the 5-30th day, and 7 patterns of abnormal action potential occurred frequently within the same period. These changes were basically parallel to the myocardial lesions. At the late stage (3-9 months) the electrophysiological parameters were nearly normal, while the myocardial lesions decreased gradually. However, the abnormal patterns of action potential were still detected, even though they were improved gradually. The results suggest that myocardial damages caused by viral infection may lead to changes of cardiac electric action, which may be one of the factors in arrhythmias in the episode of viral myocarditis.

Effect of dexamethasone on Coxsackievirus B2-infected rat beating heart cells in culture

The effects of dexamethasone on cultured rat beating heart cells experimentally infected with coxsackievirus B2 were investigated at an early stage (1-3 days) post challenge. Changes in the release of the cardiac enzyme, aspartate amino-transferase (AST), beating %, cytopathic effect (CPE), virus titre, ultrastructure and alterations of the electrical activity were evaluated. The protective effects of dexamethasone on infected cells were abolished except the release of AST at 5 days post infection. These results suggest that steroids may benefit patients with severe myocarditis if conventional therapy for protection of the myocardium and modulation of immunologic function are concomitantly given.

[Effect of dexamethasone on Coxsackie B-2 virus-infected rat beating heart cells in culture]

The effects of dexamethasone (Dex) on cultured rat beating heart cells infected with 100 TCID-50 Coxsackie virus B-2 (CB2V) were observed. The beating % began to decrease in the infected group 2 or 3 d post-challenge. Meanwhile, the cytopathic effect (CPE) appeared rapidly from 1+ to 3+. In the infected and Dex-treated group 1 h after inoculation, the beating % and CPE in the whole flask were significantly higher and less, respectively, than that in the group infected (P less than 0.05) at the same intervals. At 5 d after challenge, the beating % in the whole flask was significantly higher than that in the infected group. The cardiac enzyme-aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the infected group was higher than that in the infected and Dex-treated group (P less than 0.01) through 3-5 d post-challenge. Moreover, the AST levels in these 2 groups were also higher than that in the uninfected group, Dex control group at the same intervals (P less than 0.01). Ultrastructural findings were parallel to the results of CPE through 1-5 d post-challenge in these 4 groups. It is suggested that the protective effect of Dex on cultured beating heart cells infected with CB2V occurred in the early stages after infection. It is surmised that steroids can probably save the lives of patients with severe myocarditis if the conventional therapy for protecting the myocardium and improving immunity were administered together.

[Cytotoxic effects of changrolin, lidocaine and amiodarone on ultrastructure of cultured rat beating cardiac myocytes]

Ultrastructural and morphological alterations of cultured rat beating cardiac myocytes treated with changrolin (CRL), lidocaine (Lid), and amiodarone (Ami) were studied. After the cultures were treated with CRL 100 micrograms/ml for 24 h, the beating of the myocytes stopped, the configuration and fine structure were destroyed, while the nuclei showed pyknotic deformation and reduced in size. The membrane and structures of mitochondria were disrupted and myofibrils fragmented and disrupted. In addition, a lot of vacuoles with characteristic dense particles were found in the cytoplasm. Similar alterations were seen when Lid 1000 micrograms/ml and Ami 50 micrograms/ml were added to the cultures. Normal beating networks of myocytes were examined under inverted microscopy after the cultured cells were treated with CRL 25 micrograms/ml, Lid 250 micrograms/ml or Ami 6.25 micrograms/ml. The ultrastructure of some regions of the myocytes showed very slight damage. The results indicated that the dosage of CRL and Lid generally used in anti-arrhythmic therapy basically exerted no harm to myocytes. However, caution should be taken when Ami was given intravenously, since its effective serum concentration was close to the dosage which could cause slight damage to the ultrastructure of cultured cells.

Immunohistology of tuberculous adenitis in symptomatic HIV infection

Monoclonal antibodies and immunoperoxidase staining were used to characterize the cellular subpopulations in lymph nodes from 10 patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis, seven of whom had symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. CD4+ cells were significantly fewer in nodes of patients with HIV infection than in those of immunocompetent patients. CD8+ cells were distributed throughout the granuloma in patients with HIV infection, but confined to the periphery in normal hosts. Blastoid Ta1+ cells, putatively antigen-reactive T lymphocytes, were seen in immunocompetent patients but not in those with HIV infection, suggesting that these cells fail to mature appropriately in the latter group. The immunopathological features noted above provide preliminary evidence that the cell-mediated immune response to tuberculosis is abnormal in patients with HIV infection, and may in part explain both the severe and the unusual manifestations of tuberculosis in these individuals.

Treatment of chronic erythema nodosum leprosum with cyclosporine A produces clinical and immunohistologic remission

We have treated three leprosy patients suffering from chronic, steroid-dependent erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) with cyclosporine A (CsA). Excellent results were obtained in two patients. Extra-cutaneous manifestations of the reactional state were completely suppressed, and the development of new skin lesions was sharply curtailed. Immunohistologic abnormalities characteristic of active ENL were corrected. Lymphocyte subpopulations and anti-mycobacterial antibody levels in peripheral blood were unaffected. The third patient showed only a partial response to CsA, but satisfactory blood levels were never obtained in this individual because of dose-related gastrointestinal toxicity. The effectiveness of CsA in the treatment of ENL is consistent with the hypothesis that aberrant activation of a subset of T-helper cells is involved in the pathogenesis of this reaction. CsA may have a role in the treatment of chronic ENL that has failed to respond to conventional therapeutic modalities.

In situ identification of activated Ta1+ T lymphocytes in human leprosy skin lesions

Using a monoclonal antibody, anti-Ta1, that identifies antigen-activated T lymphocytes in vitro, we sought to identify activated T lymphocytes in leprosy skin lesions. Greater numbers of Ta1 positive T lymphocytes were observed in tuberculoid leprosy, lepromin skin tests, and reversal reactions as compared with lepromatous leprosy or erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) (p less than 0.001). With a double-staining technique, we found that the majority of these activated T lymphocytes were of the helper/inducer phenotype. No differences of Ta1 positive lymphocytes were observed in the peripheral blood. The defective cell-mediated immune response in lepromatous and ENL patients correlates with, and may be related to the failure of T-helper/inducer activation or proliferation in the presence of Mycobacterium leprae.