Serological surveillance of GI norovirus reveals persistence of blockade antibody in a Jidong community-based prospective cohort, 2014-2018

Introduction

Herd immunity against norovirus (NoV) is poorly understood in terms of its serological properties and vaccine designs. The precise neutralizing serological features of genotype I (GI) NoV have not been studied.

Methods

To expand insights on vaccine design and herd immunity of NoVs, seroprevalence and seroincidence of NoV genotypes GI.2, GI.3, and GI.9 were determined using blockade antibodies based on a 5-year longitudinal serosurveillance among 449 residents in Jidong community.

Results

Correlation between human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) and GI NoV, and dynamic and persistency of antibodies were also analyzed. Seroprevalence of GI.2, GI.3, and GI.9 NoV were 15.1%-18.0%, 35.0%-38.8%, and 17.6%-22.0%; seroincidences were 10.0, 21.0, and 11.0 per 100.0 person-year from 2014 to 2018, respectively. Blockade antibodies positive to GI.2 and GI.3 NoV were significantly associated with HBGA phenotypes, including blood types A, B (excluding GI.3), and O+; Lewis phenotypes Leb+/Ley+ and Lea+b+/Lex+y+; and secretors. The overall decay rate of anti-GI.2 antibody was -5.9%/year (95% CI: -7.1% to -4.8%/year), which was significantly faster than that of GI.3 [-3.6%/year (95% CI: -4.6% to -2.6%/year)] and GI.9 strains [-4.0%/year (95% CI: -4.7% to -3.3%/year)]. The duration of anti-GI.2, GI.3, and GI.9 NoV antibodies estimated by generalized linear model (GLM) was approximately 2.3, 4.2, and 4.8 years, respectively.

Discussion

In conclusion, enhanced community surveillance of GI NoV is needed, and even one-shot vaccine may provide coast-efficient health benefits against GI NoV infection.

[Association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in the elderly population]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in the elderly population. Methods: A total of 14 355 elderly persons aged ≥65 years, who participated in the annual physical examination in Kailuan Group in 2006 were included in this prospective cohort study. According to HDL-C level, the participants were divided into 4 groups: low-level group (HDL-C<1.30 mmol/L), intermediate-level group (1.30 mmol/L ≤HDL-C≤1.54 mmol/L), medium-high-level group (1.55 mmol/L ≤HDL-C≤1.80 mmol/L), high-level group (HDL-C≥1.81 mmol/L). Baseline data such as age, sex and blood lipid levels were collected and compared. Inpatient medical records and death information were obtained through the social security system, and CVD and all-cause mortality were analyzed. After adjusting for confounding factors, the medium-high-level group was used as the reference group. Cox proportional risk regression model was used to evaluate the impact of HDL-C on CVD and all-cause mortality events. The linear or nonlinear relationship between HDL-C level and CVD and all-cause mortality events was evaluated by restricted cubic spline regression model. Death competitive risk analysis was conducted, and sensitivity analysis was performed after excluding subjects with CVD or all-cause mortality within 1 year of follow-up and female participants. Results: The average age of this cohort was (71.5±5.5) years and follow-up time was (10.9±3.3) years. Compared with medium-high-level group, Cox proportional risk regression analysis showed that the HR (95%CI) of CVD and all-cause mortality in low-level group were 1.21 (1.06-1.38) (P<0.05) and 1.02 (0.95-1.11) (P>0.05), respectively; the HR (95%CI) of CVD events in high-level group was 1.17 (1.03-1.33) (P<0.05), and there was a marginal significant association with all-cause mortality, the HR (95%CI) was 1.07 (1.00-1.16) (0.05<P<0.1). The restricted cubic spline regression analysis showed that HDL-C was nonlinearly correlated with CVD (nonlinear correlation P<0.1), and presented a U-shaped curve trend, while HDL-C was linearly correlated with all-cause mortality (nonlinear correlation P>0.1). Conclusions: In the elderly population, the risk of CVD is lowest when the HDL-C level is 1.55-1.80 mmol/L, either high or low HDL-C is a risk factor for CVD. High HDL-C tends to be related to increased risk of all-cause mortality and low HDL-C is not related to increased risk of all-cause mortality.

[Time distribution of positive nucleic acid detection in imported cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 in China]

Objective: To analyze the time distribution of the first positive nucleic acid detection in imported cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 reported nationwide in China and provide references for further improvement of the prevention and control of COVID-19 in international travelers. Methods: The data of imported cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 reported by provinces from 24 July 2020 and 23 July 2021 were collected for the analysis on the time distribution of the first positive nucleic acid detection after entering China. Results: A total of 7 199 imported cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 were reported in 28 provinces during 24 July 2020 to 23 July 2021. The median interval (Q₁, Q₃) from the entry to the first positive nucleic acid detection of SARS-CoV-2 was 1 (0, 5) day. The imported cases who had the first positive nucleic acid detections within 14 days and 14 days later after the entry accounted for 95.15% (6 850/7 199) and 4.85% (349/7 199) respectively. Among these cases, 3.65% (263/7 199), 0.88% (63/7 199) and 0.32% (23/7 199) had the first positive nucleic acid detections within 15-21 days, 22-28 days and 28 days later after the entry respectively. The proportion of asymptomatic infections were 47.24% (3 236/6 850) and 63.61% (222/349) among the cases who had the first positive nucleic acid detections within 14 days and 14 days later after the entry respectively. A total of 39.54% (138/349) of cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 with the first positive nucleic acid detections 14 days later after the entry had inter-provincial travel after the discharge of entry point isolation. Conclusions: About 5% of the imported cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 were first positive 14 days later after the entry. In order to effectively reduce the risk of domestic COVID-19 secondary outbreaks caused by imported cases, it is suggested to add a nucleic acid test on 8^th -13^th day after the entry.

[The prevalence rate and influencing factors of cough in children under 5 years old in Yiwu city, Zhejiang Province in 2019]

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of cough and its influencing factors in community children under 5 years old. Methods: From October to December 2019, we selected 3 102 community children under the age of 5 from 50 natural villages/residential communities in 14 towns/streets of Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, using multi-stage random sampling method. A face-to-face and on-site questionnaire survey was conducted among child caregivers to collect demographic data and information about children's cough in the last 1 month. Multiple logistic regression model was used to analyze children's cough and the influencing factors of different cough states. Results: Multivariate logistic regression model analysis results showed that compared with 0-1 year old, dispersed, caregivers with education level below high school, families with 1 child under 5 years old, Cough risk was higher in 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 years old, nurseries, caregivers with education level of high school or above, and families with more than 2 children under 5 years old. OR (95%CI) values were 1.52(1.19-1.92), 1.65(1.29-2.10), 1.86(1.36-2.54), 2.59(1.99-3.38), 1.48(1.26-1.74) and 1.35(1.13-1.62), respectively. Further analysis of the influencing factors of different states of cough, multivariate logistic regression model analysis results showed that preschool status, the number of children under 5 years old in the family and the education level of caregivers were the influencing factors of acute, prolonged and chronic cough. Age was only an influencing factor of acute and persistent cough. Conclusions: The disease burden of cough in children under 5 years old community was heavy, and the cough was related to children's age, education level of caregivers, number of children under 5 years old in the family and childcare status.

[Distribution and infectious characteristics of re-positive cases infected with SARS-CoV-2]

Domestic and foreign literatures related to the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and the re-positive cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 were reviewed, and the characteristics and infectivity of the re-positive cases were analyzed to provide scientific evidence for the improvement of case management and the development of measures to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Existing studies have shown that re-positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 ranged from 2.4% to 19.8%, the median of interval between re-positive detection and discharge was 4-15 days. Following the second course of the disease, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM, IgG and IgA positive rates of the cases were 11.11%-86.08%, 52.00%-100.00% and 61.54%-100.00% respectively, the total antibody and neutralizing antibody positive rates were 98.72% and 88.46%. The viral load of the re-positive cases was lower than that of in the initial infection. At least 3380 re-positive cases have been reported globally. SARS-CoV-2 strains were isolated from the samples of 3 re-positive cases (1 immunodeficiency case and 2 cases with abnormal pulmonary imaging). There were close contacts that were infected by an asymptomatic case taking immunosuppressive agents. In conclusion, the infectivity of re-positive cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 is generally very low. Rare re-positive cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 might cause further transmission. The management approach for the re-positive cases can be based on the assessment of the individual transmission risk according to the pathogen detection results.

[Investigation of incidence of acute respiratory infection and healthcare-seeking behavior in period of COVID-19 epidemic]

Objective: To analyze the incidence of acute respiratory infection (ARI) and related healthcare seeking behaviors in population in the period of COVID-19 epidemic in China. Methods: According to the province specific cumulative incidence rates of COVID-19 reported as of March 31, 2020, the low, medium and high-risk areas were classified. In these areas, a stratified two stage cluster random sampling method was used to select participants for face-to-face questionnaire surveys. Data on the incidence of ARI and related healthcare seeking behaviors in community residents during COVID-19 epidemic period were collected to calculate the attack rate of ARI and related healthcare seeking rate. Logistic regression method was used to explore the influencing factors for ARI incidence and healthcare seeking behavior. Results: A total of 34 857 community residents were surveyed, in whom 647 (1.9%) reported that they had ARI symptoms during the COVID-19 epidemic period, and 241 (37.2%) had healthcare seeking behaviors. In terms of the incidence of COVID-19-related ARI, in high-risk area, the risk of COVID-19-related ARI was 1.36 times (95%CI: 1.12-1.65) than that in low-risk area; among different age groups, the risk of COVID-19-related ARI in age groups 20-39 years, ≥60 years was 1.80 times (95%CI: 1.29-2.59) and 1.63 times (95%CI: 1.14-2.40) than that in age group 1-9 years; the risk of COVID-19-related ARI in people with underlying diseases was 1.53 times (95%CI: 1.23-1.89) than that in those without underlying diseases; the risk of COVID-19-related ARI in people with contacts with confirmed cases of COVID-19 and people with fever or respiratory symptoms was 1.53 times (95%CI: 1.01-2.27) and 6.60 times (95%CI: 5.05-8.53) than those in people without these contacts. The healthcare seeking rate in COVID-19-related ARI patients with exposures to those with fever or respiratory symptoms was 1.68 times (95%CI: 1.05-2.70) than that in such patients without the exposures. Conclusions: The attack rate of COVID-19-related ARI was affected by the local epidemic level of COVID-19, and in high-risk area, the attack rate of COVID-19-related ARI was also high. The healthcare seeking rate in patients with COVID-19-related ARI was low. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage the healthcare seeking in people with ARI in COVID-19 pandemic period.

[Progress in research of specific antibody dynamic characteristics in patients with COVID-19]

COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. After the infection of the virus, the host immune system is stimulated to produce multifarious specific antibodies to decrease or eliminate effects of the pathogen. Study of the specific antibodies dynamic characteristics in patients with COVID-19 is very important for the understanding and diagnosis of the disease, research and development of vaccine, and planning of prevention and control strategy. This paper reviews and summarizes the domestic and oversea research on dynamic characteristics of specific antibodies of COVID-19 patients, including the antibody producing, duration and level, and its possible influencing factors in order to improve the understanding of the immunological characteristics of COVID-19.

[Advance on the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 infection at different stages]

The studies on infectiousness of person infected with SARS-CoV-2 at different stages of illness are an important basis for making effective prevention and control measures such as investigating the infectious source, determining the scope of close contacts and the timing of case isolation. This review discusses the infectiousness of cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the incubation period, symptomatic period and convalescent period by reviewing national and international literatures, technical and professional guidelines. Existing researches suggest that the infectious viruses could be isolated at the end of the incubation period as well as since illness onset, and viral load in upper respiratory tract swabs reached the peak on day 4-6 after illness onset and thereafter began to decline, implying the infectiousness was relatively strong at the end of incubation period and within one week after illness onset. Although there were a few cases who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 after recovery, no evidence was found to indicate these cases can cause the transmission.

Ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE)/POSS nanocomposite films: compatibility, piezoelectricity, energy harvesting performance, and mechanical and atomic oxygen erosion

Poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymers as the polymers with the highest piezoelectric coefficient have been widely used as sensors and generators. However, their relatively low performances limit their applications in some harsh environments. In this work, piezoelectric poly(vinylidene-trifluoroethylene) P(VDF-TrFE) matrices with different amounts of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) were prepared by a low temperature solvent evaporation method and thermal poling. The morphology, surface performance, crystalline phase, and piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of the nanocomposites were investigated and the influence of POSS on these performances was studied. POSS had good compatibility with P(VDF-TrFE) and did not affect the crystalline phase formation of the matrix. The composites presented good piezoelectric properties. Piezo- and triboelectric nanogenerators were designed and fabricated. The voltage and current outputs were analyzed and the polarization effect was evaluated. The average output voltage and the current density of the matrix were 3 V and 0.5 μA cm⁻² when subjected to a force of 38 N on an area of 1 cm². The mechanical properties of P(VDF-TrFE)/POSS nanocomposites were also studied by the nanoindentation test. The hardness and modulus of samples increased 20% and 17% with a low addition of POSS. Atomic oxygen erosion properties of the composites were numerically simulated by the Monte Carlo method. The erosion cavity shape and depth were compared and studied. The influence of POSS addition on the P(VDF-TrFE) matrix and the associated reinforcing mechanism were analyzed.

Poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymers as the polymers with the highest piezoelectric coefficient have been widely used as sensors and generators.

[Study on maternal-fetal status of Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Mn and Se elements and transplacental transfer efficiency]

Objective: To understand the levels of Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Mn, and Se in maternal and umbilical cord blood, and to explore the transplacental transfer efficiency (TTE). Methods: From September 2010 to December 2013, a total of 773 pregnant women and their newborns (Laizhou Bay Birth Cohort) were recruited from a second grade hospital in the south bank of Laizhou Bay, Bohai, Shandong Province. According to different detection methods, the six measured elements are classified into three groups including the Hg measurement group (595 mother-newborn pairs), the Pb measurement group (534 mother-newborn pairs), and the Cd, As, Mn and Se measurement group (244 mother-newborn pairs). The demographic characteristics of pregnant women and their newborns were obtained by the questionnaire. The concentrations of elements in maternal and umbilical cord blood were detected and the TTE of each element (elemental concentration in cord blood/elemental concentration in maternal blood) was calculated. The correlation of elements between maternal and cord blood was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results: The mean±SD of maternal age, gestational week and newborn birth weight of 773 mother-infant pairs were (28.34±4.50) years, (39.47±1.39) weeks and (3 419.47±497.39) g respectively. The median concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Mn and As in maternal and cord blood were 31.12 and 30.02, 1.19 and 0.47, 8.05 and 6.03, 0.69 and 1.26, 100.70 and 105.55, 127.25 and 115.00 μg/L, respectively. The TTE of Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Mn, and Se was 0.98, 0.41, 0.73, 1.73, 0.96 and 0.91, respectively. Pb, Cd, Hg, Mn, and Se showed a significant positive correlation between maternal blood and cord blood, with Spearman correlation coefficients of 0.397, 0.298, 0.698, 0.555, and 0.285 (all P values<0.001). Conclusion: Each element was commonly detected in maternal blood and cord blood. The TTE of Hg was the highest.

Multiresidue Gas Chromatographic Method for Determining Synthetic Pyrethroid Pesticides in Agricultural Products: Collaborative Study

Fourteen laboratories from 6 countries and regions participated in an international collaborative study to evaluate a multiresidue gas chromatographic (GC) method for determining 8 synthetic pyrethroid pesticides in grains, fruits, and vegetables. The study design was based on Youden’s matched-pairs principle for collaborative tests of analytical methods. Each laboratory analyzed 12 collaborative samples of wheat, oranges, and tomatoes as blind samples. Wheat samples were extracted with acetonitrile–water (2 + 1), while orange and tomato samples were extracted with acetone. Residues were partitioned into hexane, evaporated to dryness with a rotary evaporator, and then dissolved in hexane. The hexane extract was partitioned with acetonitrile and cleaned up on a 5% water-deactivated Florisil column with 6% ethyl ether in hexane as eluant. Residue concentrations were determined by GC with electron capture detection with split-less injection by comparison with single-point calibration standards. The appropriate standard concentration was determined by screening sample extracts before analysis. The multiresidue method was tested over the concentration range of 0.0951.909 mg/kg depending on the 8 different of pesticides and agricultural products analyzed in the collaborative study. Statistical analysis of data from 13 laboratories showed weighted average recoveries for 8 pyrethroids in wheat, oranges, and tomatoes at 0.105–1.909,0.095–1.909, and 0.105–0.954 mg/kg, respectively, ranging from 91.8 to 100.2%, from 88.1 to 100.6%, and from 88.2 to 101.5%, respectively. Reproducibility relative standard deviation values ranged from 6.46 to 17.74%, from 5.94 to 18.13%, and from 5.59 to 10.48%, respectively. Repeatability relative standard deviation values ranged from 6.34 to 10.84%, from 5.19 to 11.72%, and from 3.20 to 8.09%, respectively. The multiresidue GC method for determining synthetic pyrethroid pesticides in agricultural products has been adopted first action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL.

[Comparison of arterial stiffness in non-hypertensive and hypertensive population of various age groups]

Objective: To investigate the impact of blood pressure and age on arterial stiffness in general population. Methods: Participants who took part in 2010, 2012 and 2014 Kailuan health examination were included. Data of brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) examination were analyzed. According to the WHO criteria of age, participants were divided into 3 age groups: 18-44 years group (n=11 608), 45-59 years group (n=12 757), above 60 years group (n=5 002). Participants were further divided into hypertension group and non-hypertension group according to the diagnostic criteria for hypertension (2010 Chinese guidelines for the managemengt of hypertension). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the association between systolic blood pressure (SBP) with baPWV in the total participants and then stratified by age groups. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influence of blood pressure on arterial stiffness (baPWV≥1 400 cm/s) of various groups. Results: (1)The baseline characteristics of all participants: 35 350 participants completed 2010, 2012 and 2014 Kailuan examinations and took part in baPWV examination. 2 237 participants without blood pressure measurement values were excluded, 1 569 participants with history of peripheral artery disease were excluded, we also excluded 1 016 participants with history of cardiac-cerebral vascular disease. Data from 29 367 participants were analyzed. The age was (48.0±12.4) years old, 21 305 were males (72.5%). (2) Distribution of baPWV in various age groups: baPWV increased with aging. In non-hypertension population, baPWV in 18-44 years group, 45-59 years group, above 60 years group were as follows: 1 299.3, 1 428.7 and 1 704.6 cm/s, respectively. For hypertension participants, the respective values of baPWV were: 1 498.4, 1 640.7 and 1 921.4 cm/s. BaPWV was significantly higher in hypertension group than non-hypertension group of respective age groups (P<0.05). (3) Multiple linear regression analysis defined risk factors of baPWV: Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that baPWV was positively correlated with SBP(t=39.30, P<0.001), and same results were found in the sub-age groups (t-value was 37.72, 27.30, 9.15, all P<0.001, respectively) after adjustment for other confounding factors, including age, sex, pulse pressure(PP), body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), smoking, drinking, physical exercise, antihypertensive medications, lipid-lowering medication. (4) Multivariate logistic regression analysis of baPWV-related factors: After adjustment for other confounding factors, including age, sex, PP, BMI, FBG, TC, smoking, drinking, physical exercise, antihypertensive medication, lipid-lowering medication, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that risks for increased arterial stiffness in hypertension group were higher than those in non-hypertension group, the OR in participants with hypertension was 2.54 (2.35-2.74) in the total participants, and same results were also found in sub-age groups, the ORs were 3.22(2.86-3.63), 2.48(2.23-2.76), and 1.91(1.42-2.56), respectively, in each sub-age group. Conclusion: SBP is positively related to arterial stiffness in different age groups, and hypertension is a risk factor for increased arterial stiffness in different age groups. Clinical Trial Registry Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-TNC-11001489.

[Epidemiological characteristics of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli among diarrhea outpatients in China, 2012-2015]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of diarrheagenic Escherichia (E.) coli (DEC) among diarrhea outpatients in China. Methods: Diarrhea surveillance program was conducted in outpatient and emergency departments from 170 hospitals that under the sentinel programs in 27 provinces, from 2012-2015. Clinical and epidemiological data regarding diarrhea patients were collected, with fecal specimens sampled and tested for DEC in 92 network-connected laboratories. Results: Among all the 46 721 diarrhea cases, 7.7% of them appeared DEC positive in those with geographic heterogeneity. In 2 982 cases (6.4%) with available data on PCR subtypes of DEC, enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC, 1 205 cases, 40.4%) appeared the most commonly seen pathogens, followed by enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC, 815 cases, 27.3%), and enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC, 653 cases, 21.9%). The highest positive rate of DEC was observed in outpatients of 25-34 years old (10.1%), living in the warm temperate zones (11.1%), and with mucous-like stool (9.4%). The positive rate of DEC showed a strong seasonal pattern, with peaks in summer, for all the subtypes. Conclusions: DEC seemed easy to be detected among diarrhea outpatients in China, with EAEC, EPEC and ETEC the most commonly identified subtypes. Epidemiological characteristics regarding the heterogeneities of DEC appeared different, in regions, age groups and seasons. Long-term surveillance programs should be strengthened to better understand the epidemiology of DEC, in China.

[The correlation of brachial ankle pulse wave velocity with arterosclerosis at different estimated levels of glomerular filtration rate]

To explore the relationship between brachial ankle artery pulse wave velocity of the (baPWV) in different estimation GFR (eGFR) groups and atherosclerosis.In 2010, 2012 and 2014, eGFR and baPWV were detected in 1 427 healthy persons.As eGFR level decreased, baPWV increased accordingly with higher proportion of baPWV ≥1 400 cm/s.The percentage of eGFR lower than 60 ml·min^-1·1.73 m^-2 was similar in subgroups with different baPWV.However, the proportion of eGFR reduction≥30% decreased according to the elevation of baPWV.Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated the lower the eGFR, the higher the risk of atherosclerosis.Low eGFR is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Effects of mutant TDP-43 on the Nrf2/ARE pathway and protein expression of MafK and JDP2 in NSC-34 cells

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons and lacks an effective treatment. The disease pathogenesis has not been clarified at present. Pathological transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ALS. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is found in a mutant TDP-43 transgenic cell model, but its downstream antioxidant enzyme expression is decreased. To elucidate the specific mechanism of Nrf2/ARE (antioxidant responsive element) signaling dysfunction, we constructed an ALS cell model with human mutant TDP-43 using the NSC-34 cell line to evaluate the impact of the TDP-43 mutation on the Nrf2/ARE pathway. We found the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, but the expression of total Nrf2, cytoplasmic Nrf2, and downstream phase II detoxifying enzyme (NQO1) was decreased in NSC-34 cells transfected with the TDP-43-M337V plasmid. Besides, TDP-43-M337V plasmid-transfected NSC-34 cells were rounded with reduced neurites, shortened axons, increased levels of intracellular lipid peroxidation products, and decreased viability, which suggests that the TDP-43-M337V plasmid weakened the antioxidant capacity of NSC-34 cells and increased their susceptibility to oxidative damage. We further showed that expression of the MafK protein and the Jun dimerization protein 2 (JDP2) was reduced in TDP-43-M337V plasmid-transfected NSC-34 cells, which might cause accumulation of Nrf2 in nuclei but a decrease in NQO1 expression. Taken together, our results confirmed that TDP-43-M337V impaired the Nrf2/ARE pathway by reducing the expression of MafK and JDP2 proteins, and provided information for further research on the molecular mechanisms of TDP-43-M337V in ALS.

[Monitoring and research on pathogen spectrum in patients with acute diarrhea from sentinel hospital of Zhejiang Province during 2009 to 2014]

Objective: To explore pathogen spectrum constitution of acute diarrhea in outpatient and emergency of Zhejiang Province, and provide basis for treatment, prevention and control of the disease. Methods: During January 2009 to December 2014, we selected seven sentinel hospitals in different regions of Zhejiang, monitored and researched on pathogen spectrum in patients with acute diarrhea from outpatient and emergency. We recorded patients' personal basic information, the main symptoms and signs, and collected stool samples (5 g). Eight kinds of bacteria (Vibrio cholerae, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Diarrheagenic E. coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Yersinia enterocolitica and Plesiomonas shigelloides) and five kinds of viruses (Rotavirus, Norovirus, Sappovirus, Astrovirus and Adenovirus) were detected. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact probability method were used to compare different characteristics of patients with single bacterial infection, single virus infection and multiple infection (bacteria-bacteria, bacteria-viruses, virus-virus). Results: During 2009 to 2014, 9 364 fecal samples from acute diarrhea patients were collected and tested, among which 3 500 cases were tested positive, with total positive rate of 37.38%. Positive rates of bacteria and viruses were 13.14% (1 230 cases) and 20.75% (1 943 cases), respectively. Mixed infection positive rate of multiple pathogens was 3.49% (327 cases). Positive rate of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (5.96% , 558 cases) was the highest among bacterial pathogens, followed by pathogenic Escherichia coli (3.86%, 361 cases). Viruses were mainly Norovirus (10.73%, 1 005 cases) and rotavirus (8.35%, 782 cases). A big difference existed in diarrheogenic pathogen spectrum between patients less than 15 years old and patients equal or older than 15 years old. Pathogens for patients less than 15 years old were mainly virus, with the positive rate of 32.69% (1 014 cases). However, the positive rate of bacteria was 16.86% (1 056 cases) in patients equal or older than 15 years old. Single bacterial infection was highest in age group of 25-34 years old (18.62%, 302 cases) , single virus infection was highest in age group of 1-4 years old (41.12%, 435 cases) , and mixed infections of multiple pathogens were mainly existed in age group of 1-4 years old (7.37%, 78 cases) . Pathogen positive rate were increasing year by year. Pathogen positive rate of patients with acute diarrhea has obvious seasonality, with single bacterial infection being highest during July to September and single virus infection being highest during December to March. Pathogen spectrum of outpatient and emergency patients with acute diarrhea in Zhejiang Province changed a little from 2009 to 2014, mainly rotavirus (22.34% (782/3 500)), norovirus (28.71% (1 005/3 500)), vibrio parahaemolyticus (15.92% (558/3 500)) and Escherichia coli (10.31% (361/3 500)). However, pathogen spectrums in different years owned different features. Conclusion: Common pathogens in outpatient and emergency patients with acute diarrhea in Zhejiang Province were tested with significant seasonal epidemic law. The composition of pathogenic spectrum was variant in different age group. Constitutes of major pathogen spectrum in different years differed a little.

[Cluster analysis of the clinical presentations in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and its significance]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze subtypes of the clinical presentation of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) by cluster analysis and to explore its significance.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of adult moderate-to-severe OSAS patients, which were diagnosed in Respiratory Department, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from October 2012 to October 2015. Fifteen kinds of clinical presentations were included in the cluster analysis, and analysis of characteristic of each cluster was then performed after category.

RESULTS

Patients were classified as three distinct clusters. They were identified as "daytime sleepiness group" , "night insomnia group" and "minimally symptomatic group" , consisting of 450 cases (44.64%), 351 cases (34.82%) and 207 cases (20.54%) of the entire cohort. Members in daytime sleepiness group had the highest probability of daytime sleepiness, tiredness, irritableness and the highest Epworth Sleeping Scale score[329 cases (73.11%), 280 cases (62.22%), 223 cases (49.56%) and (13.50±4.93) points], members in night insomnia group had the highest probability of complaining of insomnia, nocturia, night sweats, apnea and awakening[177 cases (50.43%), 157 cases (44.73%), 130 cases (37.04%), 296 cases (84.33%), 182 cases (51.85%)], the probability of having typical symptoms above was the lowest in minimally symptomatic group, but these patients were more likely to have related comorbidities: hypertension, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease[118 cases (57.00%), 41 cases (19.81%), 44 cases (21.26%), 34 cases (16.43%), 38 cases (18.36%)]; all above results were significantly higher than the other two groups (P<0.012 5). The rate of diabetes in minimally symptomatic group[28 cases (13.53%)]was also higher but the difference was not statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Cluster analysis contributes to classify multiple clinical presentations of OSAS patients, which has important significance for recognizing disease heterogeneity and early diagnosis.

Commissioning and operation of the deuteron injector for PKUNIFTY project

PKUNIFTY (PeKing University Neutron Imaging FaciliTY), a thermal neutron imaging facility based on a 2 MeV RFQ accelerator, has been constructed at Peking University. Its deuteron injector, which consists of a 2.45 GHz permanent magnet electron cyclotron resonance (PMECR) deuteron ion source and a two-solenoid low energy beam transport (LEBT), aims at producing and delivering 50 mA, 50 keV deuteron beam with a duty factor of 10% (1 ms, 100 Hz). In the preliminary tests of RFQ accelerator, the ECR ion source and LEBT are required to operate at various duty factors (from 1% to 10%). The deuteron ion source has been tested with different pulse widths for this reason. In order to optimize the transmission parameters, the beam current at the exit of RFQ as a function of solenoids tuning and steering magnets tuning are carefully studied. The beam emittance at the entrance of RFQ has been measured with space charge compensation by different argon gas (RG) pressure from 1.6 × 10(-4) Pa to 4.7 × 10(-3) Pa. The measuring results show the best compensating pressure is 3.5 × 10(-3) Pa with a minimal normalized rms emittance of 0.12 pi mm mrad. During the commissioning, we found the purity of deuteron gas is an important factor which severely affects ECR discharge and plasma intensity inside the ion source chamber. The detailed experimental results obtained during the commissioning are discussed in this paper.

QSAR of acute toxicity of halogenated phenol to green fluorescent protein by using density functional theory

A novel approach was established to predict toxicity of environmental pollutants by using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as bio-marker. In the approach, recombinant Escherichia coli was constructed to express GFP. The toxicity values (-lgEC (50)) of 14 halogenated phenols to recombinant E. coli with GFP gene were measured. And optimized calculation was carried out at B3LYP/6-31G* level using density functional theory method. Based on the MTLSER model, the obtained parameters were taken as theoretical descriptors to establish the novel QSAR model for predicting -lgEC (50) (R (2) = 0.922). The model includes two variables (standard entropy (S (θ)) and the most negative atomic net charges of the molecule (q (-))). The results of cross-validation test (q (2) = 0.868) indicate the model of this study has optimum stability, which shows that it is feasible to predict to toxicity of chemistry utilizing recombinant E. coli with GFP gene.

Deuteron injector for Peking University Neutron Imaging Facility project

The deuteron injector developed for the PKUNIFTY (Peking University Neutron Imaging Facility) has been installed and commissioned at Peking University (PKU). The injector system must transfer 50 keV 50 mA of D(+) ion beam to the entrance of the 2 MeV radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) with 10% duty factor (1 ms, 100 Hz). A compact 2.45 GHz permanent magnet electron cyclotron resonance (PMECR) ion source and a 1.36 m long low energy beam transport (LEBT) line using two solenoids was developed as the deuteron injector. A φ5 mm four-quadrant diaphragm was used to simulate the entrance of RFQ electrodes. The beam parameters are measured after this core with an emittance measurement unit (EMU) and a bending magnet for ion fraction analysis at the end of injector. During the commissioning, 77 mA of total deuteron beam was extracted from PMECR and 56 mA of pure D(+) beam that passed through the φ5 mm four-quadrant diaphragm was obtained at the position of RFQ entrance with the measured normalized rms emittance 0.12-0.16π mm mrad. Ion species analysis results show that the deuteron fraction is as high as 99.5%. All of the parameters satisfy PKUNIFTY's requirements. In this paper, we will describe the deuteron injector design and report the commissioning results as well as the initial operation.

Abstract P3-02-05: Evaluation of Gene Transcripts in Primary Tumors at Time of Diagnosis and Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) at Time of Metastatic Disease

Introduction: The enumeration of CTCs has already shown to bear clinical relevance as a prognostic and predictive factor in metastatic breast cancer. In addition to enumeration, isolation of CTCs enables their molecular characterization and thus holds great promise to establish association of their genetic profile with patient outcome and to identify potential drugable targets. In this study we established epithelial-specific mRNA and microRNA profiles in CTCs of patients with metastatic breast cancer, compared these profiles to the profiles measured in corresponding primary tumors, and determined their association with clinical parameters.

Study design:

For this study we included 50 breast cancer patients, of which 32 presented themselves with over 5 CTCs at the time of metastatic disease. From 14 of these patients with more than 5 CTCs at the time of metastatic disease also the primary tumor at time of breast cancer diagnosis was evaluated. Total RNA was extracted 1) from blood of the 50 patients with metastatic disease after EpCAM-based enrichment of 7.5 mL whole blood with the CellSearch™ Profile Kit [Veridex LCC], 2) from 14 unprocessed whole blood preparations from healthy blood donors, and 3) from 14 primary tumors. Gene transcript levels of CTC-specific and potentially clinically relevant mRNAs and microRNAs were compared in CTCs isolated at time of metastatic disease and the corresponding primary tumors. In addition, the association of these transcript levels with clinical data was assessed.

Results:

We identified 24 mRNA and 14 microRNAs more abundantly expressed in CellSearch-enriched fractions from patients with at least 5 CTCs compared with those without CTCs and/or compared with unprocessed whole blood prior to CellSearch enrichment (Mann-Whitney U-test P&lt;0.05). In addition, when comparing transcript levels present in CTCs during metastatic disease and those measured in the corresponding primary tumor, potentially clinically relevant discrepancies were observed. Findings of interest included changes in transcript levels of genes such as ESR1, ERBB2, TOP2A and MGB1, and in genes associated with proliferation and EMT. Finally, associations were observed between transcript levels measured in CTC preparations and clinical data like nodal status and size of the primary tumor.

Conclusion:

Our results show that molecular characterization of CTCs is feasible and has potential for a more tailored clinical approach above CTC enumeration in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer patients.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-02-05.

The deuteron injector progress of the Peking University Neutron Imaging Facility project

A deuteron radio frequency quadrupoles injector h has been developed at Peking University. A permanent magnetic electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source is used in the injector system. A 50 keV 100 mA proton beam has been extracted from the ECR ion source and the measured normalized rms emittance is 0.11-0.14pi mm mrad. A deuteron beam has also been extracted at 50 kV with 83 mA total current and its emittance is less than 0.18pi mm mrad. The proton beam transmission has been investigated on a low energy beam transport test bench, and up to 93% transmission can be reached. The new injector with two solenoids has been designed and is being constructed. All the development results will be presented in this paper.

Preliminary studies on space charge compensation by analyzing residual argon gas ion signals

An experimental method is related to research the space charge compensation (SCC) effect in low energy intense proton beams by analyzing residual gas (RG) ion signals. The signal curves were measured with an energy spectrometer under the RG pressure from 1.2x10(-3) to 1.6x10(-2) Pa. Most of the data showed a similar trend with our theoretical predicts. From the RG ion energy spectra the potential distribution in the beam was calculated both with and without the SCC effect. Moreover, as a preliminary result, a best compensating point is achieved for the low energy beam transport transmission of 40 KeV, 60 mA H(+) beam in Peking University.

Upgrade of the extraction system of permanent magnet electron cyclotron resonance ion source

A set of new ion extraction electrodes have been designed for the permanent magnetic electron cyclotron resonance ion source at Peking University to improve beam quality and transmission. PBGUNS has been used to optimize the extraction electrodes and simulate the beam behavior at the extraction region. The experiments showed that with the new system, the beam half divergence angle can be less than 40 mrad and the normalized rms emittance is about 0.13pi mm mrad when the extracted current is 100 mA at 50 keV in pulse mode. The voltage of the suppression electrode has great effect on beam divergence. The effect of the microwave power and gas flow is also studied.

The influence of magnetic field configuration on an electron cyclotron resonance ion source

In an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source, the magnetic field along the axis of the plasma chamber and extraction system is a key parameter. At Peking University, a new 2.45 GHz ECR ion source (PMECR III), dedicated to proton production, has been developed to investigate the influence of the magnetic field on the gas discharge and beam characteristics. The magnetic configuration is provided by two permanent magnet rings independently tunable along the source axis. Moreover, the beam extraction position changes by moving the whole magnetic system along the source axis and by using different lengths of plasma electrode. A brief description of the source is reported and the magnetic field influence results are presented.

Experimental results of an electron cyclotron resonance oxygen source and a low energy beam transport system for 1 MeV integral split ring radio frequency quadruple accelerator upgrade project

To meet the requirements of developing separated function radio frequency quadruple (rfq) and upgrading the 1 MeV integral split ring rfq accelerator, an electron cyclotron resonance O(+) ion source and low energy beam transport (LEBT) system have been developed. Using two Einzel lenses to focus the beam, more than 6 mA O(+) peak beam current with energy of 22 keV can be easily obtained at the end of LEBT when the duty faction is at 1/6. The normalized root-mean-square emittance of 90% of the beam is about 0.12pi mm mrad. By changing the focusing power of lenses, the beam waist can be shifted from 80 mm before the beam diaphragm 2 to 80 mm after it. The experimental results will be presented in this article.

Study on proton fraction of beams extracted from electron cyclotron resonance ion source

A permanent magnet electron cyclotron resonance ion source PMECR II is used to generate proton ions for radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) injection at Peking University (PKU). The proton fractions of the extracted beam were measured at the positions both after extraction system of ion source and the end of low energy beam transport line (LEBT). Experiments show that the proton fraction has a rise time within a beam pulse, and its value varies with pulse width and microwave power. The proton fractions measured at different positions are comparable.

Sequence Analysis of the Bam HI-J Fragment of the Spodoptera litura Multicapsid Nucleopolyhedrovirus

The BamHI-J fragment located at 25.8--9.9 map units of the Spodoptera litura multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpltMNPV) genome was sequenced. The fragment contained four ORFs, one partial ORF potentially encoding C-terminal of chitinase gene and one partial homologous region (hr). The four ORFs included lef-8 gene, J domain protein gene (bjdp gene), ORF570 and ORF165. The ORF570 revealed 31% identity to the helicase-2 of Lymantria dispar MNPV. The ORF165 was unique to the SpltMNPV. The bjdp gene, reported here for the first time in baculoviruses, was one of J domain family protein genes, and the predicated amino acid sequence possessed a characteristic of J domain protein of other DnaJ proteins at its N-terminus. The lef-8 showed high identities to the homologs of reported baculovirus genomes. As a component of virus-encoded RNA polymerase, the LEF-8 of SpltMNPV had the conserved motif GIKICGIHGQKG near the C-terminal end. Analysis of the LEF-8 phylogenic tree demonstrated SpltMNPV was very closely related to SpliMNPV.

Focal inflammation in the brain: role in Alzheimer's disease

We hypothesize that amyloid (Abeta) peptide-containing neuritic plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease represent chronic inflammatory foci mediated by the actions of the complement system and proinflammatory cytokines. In support of this, in vitro studies show that the (Abeta) peptide is a potent complement activator and that such complement activation leads to the formation of covalent (Abeta)-C3 activation fragment complexes, the generation of the chemokine-like C5a complement activation peptide, and the formation of the proinflammatory C5b-9 complex in functionally active form able to insert into neuronal cell membranes. Other studies show that C5a, together with (Abeta), synergistically augments the release of proinflammatory cytokines from human monocytes. These studies, which provide in vitro support for the hypothesis, are being pursued in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease.

Molecular cloning of the C6A form cDNA of the mouse sixth complement component: functional integrity despite the absence of factor I modules

The sixth complement component (C6) is an essential component of the biologically active C5b-9 membrane attack complex of the complement system. The multimolecular C5b-9 complex is an important mediator of the biological effects of the activated complement system through its prominent cell signaling and cytolytic functions. To begin to provide essential information and reagents needed to analyze the functions of the complement system in mouse models of human diseases, the cDNA of the A form of mouse C6, which is present in all mouse strains, was cloned and characterized structurally and functionally. Although strikingly homologous in deduced amino acid sequence and modular structure to human C6 (75% identity), mouse C6 is substantially smaller due to the absence of the two carboxyl-terminal factor I modules (FIMs) found in human C6. Various approaches, including studies with antibody generated to recombinant mouse C6, failed to reveal evidence for FIMs in this form of mouse C6. Despite the absence of these modules in C6A, reported to be important for interactions with C5 in the human system, mouse C6A is functionally active and is readily incorporated into the mouse C5b-9 complex.

[Determination of residues of 20 kinds of organochlorinated pesticides in oils, fruits and vegetables by wide-bore capillary gas chromatographic column]

A rapid and high performance gas chromatographic method for the determination of 20 organchlorinated pesticides in oils, fruits and vegetables has been developed. The samples of fruits and vegetables were extracted with petroleum ether-acetone, while those of oils were extracted with acetonitrile-hexane. The extract was purified by Florisil column with ethyl ether-hexane(15:85, V/V) or ethyl ether-petroleum ether(15:85, V/V) as eluent. Chromatographic analysis was performed on wide-bore capillary column with ECD detector. Satisfactory separation and detection of these organchlorinated pesticides are presented with the proposed method. The detection limits of this method were 1.0 ng/g-20.0 ng/g(S/N = 5), the recoveries 83.2%-106.8% and the relative standard deviations 2.0%-9.5%.

RIZ1, but not the alternative RIZ2 product of the same gene, is underexpressed in breast cancer, and forced RIZ1 expression causes G2-M cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis

The retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc finger gene RIZ maps to the distal short arm of human chromosome 1 (1p36), a region thought to harbor tumor suppressor genes for a variety of human cancers including breast cancer. The RIZ gene normally produces two protein products of different length, RIZ1 and RIZ2. RIZ2 is generated by an internal promoter and lacks an NH2-terminal motif of RIZ1, the PR domain conserved in a subfamily of zinc finger genes that function as negative regulators of tumorigenesis. We have here studied whether the RIZ gene may play a role in human neoplasia. We found that expression of RIZ1 is commonly decreased or at undetectable levels in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Decreased RIZ1 expression was also found in other tumor types including neuroblastoma and lung cancer. Remarkably, RIZ2 is normally expressed in all cases examined, suggesting that the abnormality observed for RIZ1 is specific. Forced RIZ1 expression in breast cancer cells caused cell cycle arrest in G2-M and/or programmed cell death. These observations suggest an exclusive negative selection for RIZ1 but not RIZ2 in breast cancer and a role for RIZ1 in tumor suppression.

Structure and chromosomal localization of the human prostasin (PRSS8) gene

Prostasin, denoted as PRSS8, is a newly identified human serine proteinase that shares high sequence identity with acrosin, plasma kallikrein, and hepsin (Yu et al., 1994, 1995). In the present study, a full-length PRSS8 gene has been isolated and characterized. A 7-kb PRSS8 gene fragment has been sequenced, including a 1.4-kb 5'-flanking region, the 4.4-kb PRSS8 gene, and a 1.2-kb 3'-flanking region. The gene consists of six exons and five introns based on comparison with its cDNA sequence. The sizes of these exons are 417, 18, 163, 272, 167, and 899 bp, while those of the introns are 243, 1763, 271, 85, and 92 bp. A number of potential regulatory elements have been revealed in the 5'-flanking region, including an AP2 site, two erythroid-specific promoter elements, and a sterol regulatory element. In addition, there are a variant GC box and a variant AP1 site in the promoter region. The transcription initiation site of the PRSS8 gene has been defined at the G residue and its adjacent A residue in a sequence CTCATGACT, which is similar to an initiator element CTCANTCT. Between the transcription initiation site and these putative regulatory elements, there is an AC-rich repetitive sequence that spans over 300 bp. Human PRSS8 is a single-copy gene and has been localized on chromosome 16p11.2 by in situ hybridization.

Molecular cloning, tissue-specific expression, and cellular localization of human prostasin mRNA

We have purified a novel human serine proteinase, designated as prostasin, from seminal fluid (Yu et al., 1994). In the present study, we have cloned and characterized the full-length cDNA encoding prostasin and identified its tissue-specific expression and cellular localization. A cDNA fragment was obtained by polymerase chain reaction using degenerate oligonucleotide primers derived from the NH2-terminal and internal amino acid sequences. A full-length cDNA sequence encoding prostasin was obtained by amplification of the 5'- and 3'-ends of the cDNA. It contains a 1,032-base coding region, a 572-base 3'-noncoding region and a 138-base 5'-noncoding sequence. Prostasin cDNA encodes a protein of 343 amino acids, which consists of a 32-amino acid signal peptide and a 311-amino acid proprostasin. Proprostasin is then cleaved between Arg12 and Ile13 to generate a 12-amino acid light chain and a 299-amino acid heavy chain, which are associated through a disulfide bond. The deduced amino acid sequence of the heavy chain has 34-42% identity to human acrosin, plasma kallikrein, and hepsin. A potential N-glycosylation site at Asn127 and the catalytic triad of His53, Asp102, and Ser206 have been identified. The deduced prostasin has a unique 19-amino acid hydrophobic portion at the COOH terminus, which makes it suitable to anchor in the cell membrane. Carboxyl-terminal sequencing of purified prostasin indicates that the hydrophobic portion is removed and that there is a cleavage between Arg290 and Pro291 during secretion. Southern blot analysis, following a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, indicates that prostasin mRNA is expressed in prostate, liver, salivary gland, kidney, lung, pancreas, colon, bronchus, renal proximal tubular cells, and prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells. Cellular localization of prostasin mRNA was identified within epithelial cells of the human prostate gland by in situ hybridization histochemistry.

Prostasin is a novel human serine proteinase from seminal fluid. Purification, tissue distribution, and localization in prostate gland

A novel serine proteinase, designated as prostasin, has been purified from human seminal fluid to apparent homogeneity by DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B and aprotinin-affinity chromatography. The purified protein migrates as two close bands with an apparent molecular mass of 40 kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions. It can be labeled with [14C]diisopropyl fluorophosphate and has a pI ranging from 4.5 to 4.8. Sequence analysis reveals that the two protein bands have an identical NH2-terminal amino acid sequence which is different from any known protein sequence in the SwissPro or GenBank data base. The NH2-terminal 20-amino acid sequence shares 50-55% identity with human alpha-tryptase, elastase 2A and 2B, chymotrypsin, acrosin, and the catalytic chains of hepsin, plasma kallikrein, and coagulation factor XI. Prostasin has trypsin-like activity with a pH optimum of 9.0, hydrolyzing peptidyl fluorogenic substrates: D-Pro-Phe-Arg-MCA, D-Phe-Phe-Arg-MCA, D-Val-Leu-Arg-MCA, and Z-Gly-Pro-Arg-AFC. It is inhibited by aprotinin, antipain, leupeptin, and benzamidine. The tissue distribution of prostasin was determined by a newly developed radioimmunoassay. Linear displacement curves for immunoreactive prostasin in body fluids and tissues were parallel with the standard curve of purified prostasin, indicating their immunological identity. Immunoreactive prostatin levels were 8.61 +/- 0.42 microgram/ml in the seminal fluid and 0.201 +/- 0.029 microgram/ml in urine. Prostasin is present at high levels in the prostate gland (143.7 +/- 15.9 ng/mg protein), moderate levels (2-6 ng/mg protein) in colon, lung, kidney, pancreas, salivary gland, liver, and bronchi, but it is not detected in the brain, muscle, testis, ventricle, atrium, and aorta. Immunohistochemical localization reveals that prostasin is present in epithelial cells and ducts of the prostate gland. These studies indicate that prostasin purified from seminal fluid is a novel serine proteinase and originates from the prostate gland.

[Treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasms with methotrexate and citrovorum factor rescue: analysis of 43 cases]

From Jan. 1979 to Nov. 1987, 38 patients with invasive mole and 5 patients of choriocarcinoma were primarily treated with methotrexate and citrovorum factor (MTX-CF) rescue. Thirty-two patients had non-metastatic disease (stage I) and 11 had metastatic disease (stage IIA in 5 cases, stage IIB in 3 cases and stage IIIA in 3 cases). Complete remission was achieved in 28 (87.5%) of 32 patients with non-metastatic disease and in 9 (81.8%) of 11 patients with metastatic disease. Six patients with MTX-CF resistant tumors subsequently achieved complete remission with intravenous infusion of KSM and/or AT 1258. All patients were followed up periodically, 22 of them have been followed up for over 2 years, the longest duration of follow-up being 7 years. Seven of the 14 patients with preserved uterus became pregnant after recovery. All children grew up normally.