[Changes in epidemic intensity of influenza during 2014-2020 in Shanghai]

Objective: To evaluate the performance of the influenza surveillance network and compare the epidemic intensity of influenza during 2014-2020 in Shanghai. Methods: Based on the weekly reports of influenza-like illness (ILI) and laboratory-confirmed influenza cases from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2020. This study first evaluated the data reporting and specimen collection of ILI cases for each sentinel hospital, and then calculated the percentage of ILI (ILI%), the proportion of specimens tested positive for influenza, and the incidence of influenza among all ILI outpatient and emergency visits to measure the epidemic intensity of influenza. Finally, seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was applied to quantify the changes in epidemic intensity of influenza in 2020. Results: The proportion of influenza surveillance sentinel hospitals with a score of less than 5 in the evaluation of ILI data reporting and samples collection were 9.68% and 21.05% in 2020 in Shanghai, respectively. ILI% was estimated to be 1.51% (95%CI: 1.50%-1.51%) and 2.31% (95%CI: 2.30%-2.32%), respectively for 2014-2019 and 2020; the proportion of specimens tested positive was 24.27% (95%CI: 24.02%- 24.51%) and 7.15% (95%CI: 6.78%-7.54%), respectively; and the incidence of influenza was 3.66‰ (95%CI: 3.62‰-3.70‰) and 1.65‰ (95%CI: 1.57‰-1.74‰), respectively. ARIMA model showed that ILI% was increased by 45.25% in 2020 in Shanghai, and the proportion of specimens tested positive and the incidence of influenza were reduced by 78.45% and 51.80%, respectively. Conclusions: In 2020, the performance of influenza surveillance system has changed, ILI% has increased, the proportion of specimens tested positive and the incidence of influenza has decreased in Shanghai. The change in the quality of influenza surveillance is also a potential factor affecting the epidemic intensity of influenza. In the future, the quality control of influenza surveillance network still needs to be further strengthened.

Simultaneous amplification of DNA in a multiplex circular array shaped continuous flow PCR microfluidic chip for on-site detection of bacterial

Based on time to place conversion, continuous flow polymerase chain reaction (CF-PCR) can realize a rapid amplification of DNA by running the PCR reagent in a serpentine microchannel but a larger space is required for each sample, which greatly reduces the efficiency of the CF-PCR. Herein, we propose a multiplex circular array shaped CF-PCR microfluidic chip for on-site detection of bacteria. There were 12 serpentine microchannels which were distributed on the disc in an annular form, and each microchannel consisted of an inlet for sample injection, and an outlet for the detection of the PCR products based on fluorescence. Samples could be simultaneously driven into each inlet by a one-to-twelve diverter through a syringe. Moreover, the method of adding fluorescent dyes at the end of the microchannel can solve the inhibition effect of excessive fluorescent dyes on the PCR reaction. The process finished with simultaneous amplification of 12 different target genes from Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, and Escherichia coli, and on-site detection of their corresponding positives within 23 min. The fastest detectable PCR reaction time was 5.38 ± 0.2 min at a flow rate of 1 mL h^-1. For E. coli, the minimum detectable concentration was 2.5 × 10^-3 ng μL^-1 in this microfluidic system. Such a system can increase the throughput of CF-PCR for point-of-care testing of pathogens.

Lower fluidic resistance of double-layer droplet continuous flow PCR microfluidic chip for rapid detection of bacteria

BACKGROUND

Rapid diagnosis of harmful microorganisms demonstrated its great importance for social health. Continuous flow PCR (CF-PCR) can realize rapid amplification of target genes by placing the microfluidic chip on heaters with different temperature. However, bubbles and evaporation always arise from heating, which makes the amplification not stable. Water-in-oil droplets running in CF-PCR microfluidic chip with uniform height takes long time because of the high resistance induced by long meandering microchannel. To overcome those drawbacks, we proposed a double-layer droplet CF-PCR microfluidic chip to reduce the fluidic resistance, and meanwhile nanoliter droplets were generated to minimize the bubbles and evaporation.

RESULTS

Experiments showed that (1) fluidic resistance could be reduced with the increase of the height of the serpentine microchannel if the height of the T-junction part was certain. (2) Running speed, the size and the number of generated droplets were positively correlated with the cross-sectional area of the T-junction and water pressure. (3) Droplet fusion happened at higher water pressure if other experimental conditions were the same. (4) 0.032 nL droplet was created if the cross-sectional area of T-junction and water pressure were 1600 μm² (40 × 40 μm) and 7 kPa, respectively. Finally, we successfully amplified the target genes of Porphyromonas gingivalis within 11'16″ and observed the fluorescence from droplets.

SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY

Such a microfluidic chip can effectively reduce the high resistance induced by long meandering microchannel, and greatly save time required for droplets CF-PCR. It offers a new way for the rapid detection of bacterial.

The Mitigation Effect of Park Landscape on Thermal Environment in Shanghai City Based on Remote Sensing Retrieval Method

The mitigation effects of park green space on Urban Heat Island (UHI) have been extensively documented. However, the relative effects of the configuration of park components on land surface temperature (LST) inside the park and indicators (i.e., park cooling intensity and distance) surrounding the park is largely unknown. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to explore the quantitative impacts of configuration and morphology features under different urban park scales on the cooling effect. In this study, based on Landsat-8 OLI/TIRS images on 3 August 2015 and 16 August 2020 during summer daytime, the LSTs of Shanghai City were retrieved by atmospheric correction method. Then, the relationships of park landscape features with LSTs in the park and typical indicators representing cooling efficiency of 24 parks on different grades were analyzed. The results showed that the average temperature in urban parks was, respectively, 1.46 °C and 1.66 °C lower than that in the main city of Shanghai in 2015 and 2020, suggesting that urban parks form cold islands in the city. The landscape metrics of park area (PA), park perimeter (PP), green area (GA) and water area (WA), were key characteristics that strong negatively affect the internal park LSTs. However, the park perimeter-to-area ratio (PPAR) had a significant positive power correlation with the park LSTs. Buffer zone analysis showed that LST cools down by about 0.67 °C when the distance from the park increases by 100 m. The Maximum Cooling Distance (MCD) for 2015 and 2020 had a significant correlation with PA, PC, PPAR, GA and WA, and increased sharply within the park area of 20 ha. However, the medium park group had the largest Maximum Cooling Intensity (MCI) in both periods, followed by the small park group. There could be a trade-off relationship between the MCD and MCI in urban parks, which is worth pondering to research. This study could be of great significance for planning and constructing park landscapes, alleviating Urban Heat Island effect and improving urban livability.

A continuous flow PCR array microfluidic chip applied for simultaneous amplification of target genes of periodontal pathogens

The concept of time to place conversion makes using a continuous flow polymerase chain reaction (CF-PCR) microfluidic chip an ideal way to reduce the time required for amplification of target genes; however, it also brings about low throughput amplicons. Although multiplex PCR can simultaneously amplify more than one target gene in the chip, it may easily induce false positives because of cross-reactions. To circumvent this problem, we herein fabricated a microfluidic system based on a CF-PCR array microfluidic chip. By dividing the chip into three parts, we successfully amplified target genes of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g), Tannerella forsythia (T.f) and Treponema denticola (T.d). The results demonstrated that the minimum amplification time required for P.g, T.d and T.f was 2'07'', 2'51'' and 5'32'', respectively. The target genes of P.g, T.d and T.f can be simultaneously amplified in less than 8'05''. Such a work may provide a clue to the development of a high throughput CF-PCR microfluidic system, which is crucial for point of care testing for simultaneous detection of various pathogens.

Long non-coding RNA DLX6-AS1 acts as an oncogene by targeting miR-613 in ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been extensively studied for their role in tumor progression. This work explored the role of lncRNA DLX6-AS1 in mediating the development of ovarian cancer (OC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

DLX6-AS1 expression was detected by Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) in OC tissues. Moreover, wound healing assay and transwell assay were performed to detect the effect of DLX6-AS1 on the metastasis of OC. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism of DLX6-AS1 in mediating the progression of OC was explored through the Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP).

RESULTS

DLX6-AS1 expression was higher in OC samples than that in the adjacent ones. Moreover, cell migration and invasion were suppressed after DLX6-AS1 knockdown in vitro. Conversely, cell migration and invasion were promoted by overexpressed DLX6-AS1. Moreover, the expression of microRNA-613 (miR-613) was upregulated via knockdown of DLX6-AS1, but was downregulated after overexpression of DLX6-AS1. Furthermore, the Luciferase reporter gene assay and RIP assay showed that miR-613 was a direct target of MIAT in DLX6-AS1 in OC tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

DLX6-AS1 could enhance migration and invasion of OC cells via targeting miR-613, which might serve as a potential therapeutic target in OC.

Long non-coding RNA DLX6-AS1 acts as an oncogene by targeting miR-613 in ovarian cancer

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "Long non-coding RNA DLX6-AS1 acts as an oncogene by targeting miR-613 in ovarian cancer, by Q. You, H.-Y. Shi, C.-F. Gong, X.-Y. Tian, S. Li, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019;23 (15): 6429-6435-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201908_18524-PMID: 31378881" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/18524.

Comparison of functional outcomes and health-related quality of life one year after treatment in patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer treated with three different reconstruction methods

We evaluated the functional outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of 117 patients (who had had primary operations for oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma) using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire version 4 (UW- QOL V4), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire version 3 (EORTC QLQ-C30 v3) and Head and Neck version 1 (EORTC H&N35 v1). The patients were divided into groups according to the reconstruction techniques used: primary closure, submental island pedicled flap (SIPF), and radial forearm free flap (RFFF). Patients who had reconstruction with RFFF had better HRQoL as measured by swallowing, mastication, speaking, and overall score, than the primary closure group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the RFFF and SIPF groups in overall QOL one year postoperatively. The HRQoL of the SIPF group was also better than that of the primary closure group in terms of mastication, speaking, and loss of appetite. Swallowing, mastication, and speaking are major factors that affect the HRQoL of patients one year after operation for oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Flap reconstruction can improve patients' QoL postoperatively. They can regain their ability to speak and swallow through training, and the importance of this issue must be addressed postoperatively.

Validation of a revised Mandarin Chinese language version of the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale

The aim of the study was to validate a revised Mandarin version of the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale (PostopQRS) and to apply the revised version in a Chinese population. In a prospective design, bilingual volunteers completed the scale at baseline, day one, day seven, and day 14 in both languages, with the order of language and parallel forms randomised. In addition, lung cancer patients undergoing open or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) completed the Mandarin version prior to surgery, day one, day three, day seven, day 14, one month, and three months postoperatively. Sixty-eight volunteers participated in the validation part of the study and in the clinical application, 93 lung cancer patients were included. The scores in the Mandarin version were equal to the English version in all domains at all timepoints including the word generation task, when the Mandarin morpheme was included in any part of the Mandarin word. However, Mandarin scores were lower in the word generation task if the morpheme was only included in the first part of the word. In addition, the Mandarin version was able to identify lower rates of overall recovery (<i>P</i> <0.01), nociceptive (<i>P</i> <0.01), emotive (<i>P</i> <0.01), and activities of daily living recovery (<i>P</i>=0.02) after open surgery compared to after VATS. The revised Mandarin version is equivalent to the English version for the cognitive domain, if morpheme substitution for the word generation task is allowed as any part of the word, and it is able to discriminate quality of recovery in Chinese patients.

In vitro bioassessment of the immunomodulatory activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae components using bovine macrophages and Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its components are used for the prevention and treatment of enteric disease in different species; therefore, they may also be useful for preventing Johne's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP). The objective of this study was to identify potential immunomodulatory S. cerevisiae components using a bovine macrophage cell line (BOMAC). The BOMAC phagocytic activity, reactive oxygen species production, and immune-related gene (IL6, IL10, IL12p40, IL13, IL23), transforming growth factor β, ARG1, CASP1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression were investigated when BOMAC were cocultured with cell wall components from 4 different strains (A, B, C, and D) and 2 forms of dead yeast from strain A. The BOMAC phagocytosis of mCherry-labeled MAP was concentration-dependently attenuated when BOMAC were cocultured with yeast components for 6 h. Each yeast derivative also induced a concentration-dependent increase in BOMAC reactive oxygen species production after a 6-h exposure. In addition, BOMAC mRNA expression of the immune-related genes was investigated after 6 and 24 h of exposure to yeast components. All yeast components were found to regulate the immunomodulatory genes of BOMAC; however, the response varied among components and over time. The in vitro bioassessment studies reported here suggest that dead yeast and its cell wall components may be useful for modulating macrophage function before or during MAP infection.

Resveratrol transcriptionally regulates miRNA-18a-5p expression ameliorating diabetic nephropathy via increasing autophagy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of resveratrol on autophagy in the chronically diabetic nephropathy and to study the effects of the different expression of microRNAs after resveratrol (RSV) treated in db/db mice (diabetic mice).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Db/m (non- diabetic) and db/db mice were randomly divided into intra gastric RSV treatment group or control group. Renal tissues were prepared for HE/PAS staining. In vitro, mouse podocytes cell lines were grown in different mediums with different dose of resveratrol treatment. microRNA (miRNA) gene chips assay was performed for differentially expressed miRNAs screening. Western blot was used to detect protein levels.

RESULTS

In vivo, RSV significantly decreased urinary albumin, serum creatinine, mesangial area and glomerular size in db/db mice. After RSV treatment, LC3-II/LC3-I and synaptopodin were increased while cleaved-caspase 3 was decreased in kidney tissues. In vitro, podocytes treated with RSV exhibited significantly increased LC3-II/LC3-I and decreased cleaved caspase 3. Moreover, this effect of RSV can be enhanced by rapamycin (RAPA, an activator of autophagy) but partially reversed by 3-MA (an autophagy inhibitor). Further, we found that miR-18a-5p was significantly upregulated after RSV treatment in db/db mice. Overexpression of miR-18a-5p in podocytes resulted in significant inhibition of cleaved-caspase 3 protein, and increased the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I. Dual luciferase report assay validated that Atactic telangiectasis mutation (ATM) was a target of miR-18a-5p. In podocytes, downregulation of cleaved caspase 3 and the enhanced ratio of protein LC3-II/LC3-I were detected in cells transfected with ATM siRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Role of miRNA-18a-5p in the regulation of autophagy via targeting ATM may represent a promising therapeutic target for preventing and attenuating diabetic nephropathy.

Surgical treatment and optical coherence tomographic evaluation for accidental laser-induced full-thickness macular holes

PurposeTo report OCT appearance and surgical outcomes of full-thickness macular holes (MHs) accidentally caused by laser devices.Patients and methodsThis retrospective case series included 11 eyes of 11 patients with laser-induced MHs treated by pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, and gas or silicone oil tamponade. Evaluations included a full ophthalmic examination, macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and fundus photography. Main outcome measures is MH closure and final visual acuity; the secondary outcome was the changes of retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor layer evaluated by sequential post-operative SD-OCT images.ResultsFive patients were accidentally injured by a yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser and six patients by handheld laser. MH diameters ranged from 272 to 815 μm (mean, 505.5±163.0 μm) preoperatively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from a mean of 0.90 logMAR (range, counting finger-8/20) preoperatively to a mean of 0.34 logMAR (range, a counting finger-20/20) postoperatively (P=0.001, t=4.521). Seven of 11 patients (63.6%) achieved a BCVA better than 10/20. Ten patients had a subfoveal hyperreflectivity and four patients had a focal choroidal depression subfoveal preoperatively. At the last follow-up, all 11 eyes demonstrated the following: closure of the macular hole, variable degrees of disruption of external limiting membrane (ELM) and outer photoreceptor ellipsoid and interdigitation bands. In 10 eyes, the disruption was in the form of focal defects in the outer retina. After surgery, the subfoveal hyperreflectivity and focal choroidal depression remained.ConclusionAccidental laser-induced full-thickness macular holes can be successfully closed with surgery. Inadvertent retinal injury from laser devices, especially handheld laser injury has occurred with increasing frequency in recent years. However, there is a paucity of data regarding these types of injuries, mostly in the form of case reports. We hereby reported 11 eyes of 11 patients with laser-induced macular holes treated by vitrectomy. All the macular holes closed after surgery and the corresponding visual acuities significantly improved postoperatively.

Short communication: Ovine leukocyte telomere length is associated with variation in the cortisol response to systemic bacterial endotoxin challenge

Stress has been associated with biological aging and numerous age-related diseases. This may be due, in part, to accelerated shortening of telomeres, which are critical genomic structures that cap and protect chromosomal ends. Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may indirectly contribute to telomere shortening if an animal reacts too strongly or weakly to a stressor, leading to accelerated biological aging. In this study, outbred Rideau-Arcott sheep were stress challenged with Escherichia coli endotoxin and classified as high, middle, or low cortisol responders to investigate a potential relationship between cortisol response and age, and telomere length. In the present study, no association was found between age and telomere length. The study, however, revealed shorter telomeres in high and low cortisol responders compared with the middle cortisol responders, which suggests that health and longevity may be compromised in extreme high- and low-stress-responding sheep.

IGFBP-3 A-202C and C2133G polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk: a meta-analysis of case-control studies

Recent evidence suggests that genetic variations in the IGFBP-3 gene may impact susceptibility to colorectal cancer, but individually published results are inconclusive. Our meta-analysis was aimed at providing a more precise estimation of these associations. An extensive literature search was conducted for appropriate articles published before May 1, 2013. This meta-analysis was performed using the STATA 12.0 software. The crude odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Eleven case-control studies were included with a total of 11,895 colorectal cancer patients and 17,147 healthy controls. Our meta-analysis indicated that the G variant of IGFBP-3 C2133G polymorphism may be associated with increased colorectal cancer risk. However, no statistically significant association was noted between IGFBP-3 A-202C polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk. No publication bias was detected in this meta-analysis. The current meta-analysis suggests that the IGFBP-3 C2133G polymorphism may confer susceptibility to colorectal cancer. The G variant of the IGFBP-3 C2133G polymorphism may serve as a useful biomarker for predicting the risk of colorectal cancer.

Efficacy of early bundle therapy on moderate to severe aspiration pneumonia after cervical esophagogastrostomy for esophageal cancer

AIM

The aim of this paper was to investigate the methodology and clinical efficacy of early bundle therapy for complicated moderate to severe aspiration pneumonia after cervical esophagogastrostomy for esophageal cancer.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data from 49 patients who developed complicated moderate to severe aspiration pneumonia after cervical esophagogastrostomy for esophageal cancer. Among them, 27 patients underwent a bundle therapy-tracheostomy followed by ventilator-assisted breathing with reverse trendelenburg position, early goal-directed hemodynamic support, enteral nutrition by nasointestinal tube, effective antibiotic usage and large doses of expectorants in addition to the conventional treatments. The remaining 22 patients underwent conventional treatment (controls). The hospital fatality rates, incidence of serious complications, mechanical ventilation time and ICU length of stay of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Patients in the bundle therapy group had higher cure rate of pneumonia than the control group (P=0.041), significantly lower fatality rate than the controls (P=0.005), lower incidence of complications than the controls (P<0.05), shorter ICU length of stay than the control group (P=0.017), significantly shorter mechanical ventilation time (P=0.032), lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II Score (P=0.036) and lower Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (P=0.047).

CONCLUSION

Early bundle therapy can effectively improve the treatment efficacy for moderate to severe aspiration pneumonia after cervical esophagogastrostomy for esophageal cancer.

HIF1A gene Pro582Ser polymorphism and susceptibility to digestive tract cancers: a meta-analysis of case-control studies

Many existing studies have demonstrated that common polymorphisms in the hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1A) may contribute to the development of digestive tract cancers, but individually published studies showed inconclusive results. This meta-analysis aimed to derive a precise estimation of the relationships between HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism and the risk of digestive tract cancers. We searched CISCOM, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and CBM databases from inception through May 1, 2013. Meta-analysis was performed using the STATA 12.0 software. We assessed 6 case-control studies that included a total of 911 digestive tract cancer patients and 2774 healthy controls. Our meta-analysis indicated that HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of digestive tract cancer. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity suggested that HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism might increase an individual's susceptibility to digestive tract cancer in Asian populations. However, similar association was not observed in Caucasian populations. In conclusion, our findings suggest that HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism may contribute to the risk of digestive tract cancers, especially in Asian populations.

Outcome and prognosis for patients younger than thirty with primary lung cancer

AIM

Aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical and pathological features of surgical treatment for primary bronchogenic carcinoma in adolescent patients.

PATIENTS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinico-pathological records documenting surgical outcomes and prognostic factors in 68 lung cancer patients aged less than 30 years old enrolled in our hospital between March 1980 and December 2009.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients were identified (38 male, 30 female) with a mean age of 22±5 years (range 8 to 29 years). Preoperative clinical manifestations were present in 82.4% (56/68) of the patients and 26.5% (16/68) of patients were initially misdiagnosed. Fifty-two patients had undergone radical surgery, 4 palliative surgery, 9 had exploratory thoracotomies, and 3 had thoracoscopic lung biopsies. Eight patients were classified (TNM) stage Ia, 7 stage Ib, 9 stage IIa, 13 stage IIb, 17 stage IIIa, 10 stage IIIb, and 4 stage IV. Postoperative atelectasis was observed in 4.41% (3/68) of the patients, and 1.47% (1/68) died of respiratory failure 5 days after exploratory thoracotomy. The overall 5-year survival rate in very young people was 31%, while those who underwent radical surgery was slightly higher at 36.7%. Five-year survival rates were correlated with the surgical procedures and pTNM stage (P <0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that the TNM stage is the only independent prognostic factor (P=0.000).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that radical surgeries, the predominant comprehensive therapies are the best choice for primary lung cancer patients younger than 30 years of age.

Effects of dietary fish meal and soybean meal on the ovine innate and acquired immune response during pregnancy and lactation

In recent years, livestock producers have been supplementing animal diets with fish meal (FM) to produce value-added products for health conscious consumers. As components of FM have unique neuroendocrine-immunomodulatory properties, we hypothesize that livestock producers may be influencing the overall health of their animals by supplementing diets with FM. In this study, 40 pregnant ewes were supplemented with rumen protected (RP) soybean meal (SBM: control diet) or RP FM, commencing gestation day 100 (gd100), in order to evaluate the impact of FM supplementation on the innate and acquired immune response and neuroendocrine response of sheep during pregnancy and lactation. On gd135, half the ewes from each diet (n = 10 FM, n = 10 SBM) were challenged iv with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate a systemic bacterial infection and the febrile, respiratory and neuroendocrine responses were monitored over time; the other half (n = 10 FM, n = 10 SBM) of the ewes received a saline injection as control. On lactation day 20 (ld20), all ewes (n = 20 FM, n = 20 SBM) were sensitized with hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) and the serum haptoglobin (Hp) response was measured over time. The cutaneous hypersensitivity response (CHR) to HEWL challenge was measured on ld30 (n = 20 FM, n = 20 SBM), and blood samples were collected over time to measure the primary and secondary immunoglobulin G (IgG) response to HEWL. There was an attenuated trend in the LPS-induced febrile response by the FM treatment when compared with the SBM treatment (P = 0.06), as was also true for the respiratory response (P = 0.07), but significant differences in neuroendocrine function (serum cortisol and plasma ACTH) were not observed between treatments. Basal Hp levels were significantly lower in the FM supplemented ewes when compared with the SBM supplemented ewes (P < 0.01), and the Hp response to HEWL sensitization differed significantly over time between treatments (P < 0.01). The CHR to HEWL was also significantly attenuated in the FM treatment compared with the SBM (P < 0.01); however, treatment differences in the primary and secondary IgG responses to HEWL were not observed. These results indicate that FM supplementation differentially affects the innate and acquired immune responses in pregnant and lactating sheep compared with a typical SBM diet of commercial flocks. The long-term implications of this immunomodulation warrant further investigation.

Pseudoangiosarcomatous squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

Pulmonary pseudoangiosarcomatous squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is a rare aggressive variant of squamous cell carcinoma. Histopathologically, PSCC is characterized by interanastomosing cords and channels, lined by atypical cells, with spaces containing erythrocytes or floating tumour cells. PSCC mimics angiosarcoma, so careful attention should be paid to immunohistochemical differences. Two PSCC cases are described here: in a 79-year-old male, bronchoscopy revealed mucosal swelling and hypertrophy and an adrenal mass was found 1 month later; in a 76-year-old male, computed tomography revealed rib destruction due to a non-calcified soft-tissue tumour and, although the tumour resembled an angiosarcoma, endothelial markers were negative and cytokeratin and p63 markers were positive. Immunohistochemical analyses may be helpful in establishing an accurate diagnosis. PSCC had a progressive course in both patients, who died ≤ 3 months postdiagnosis.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms alter the promoter activity of bovine MIF

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a unique pro-inflammatory cytokine whose chief functions include modulating TLR4 expression, and suppressing the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids. Not surprisingly, MIF is involved in a number of inflammatory diseases and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been implicated in modulating disease severity. The objective of the present study was to determine if SNPs in 5' region of bovine MIF affects its promoter activity. Three SNPs were identified, -1078A>G, -395A>G, and -400G>C, all of which fall within predicted transcription factor binding regions. Reporter gene assays indicate that the identified SNPs have a significant effect of modulating MIF promoter activity. Finally, gene association analysis suggests a significant relationship of -395A>G with the susceptibility to Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis infection, the causative agent of Johne's disease. Given the relationships revealed in the current study, it is clear that the role of MIF in bovine diseases such as Johne's disease merits further investigation.

Bovine PGLYRP1 polymorphisms and their association with resistance to Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis

Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes a chronic, granulomatous inflammatory condition of the intestines in ruminants and wild-type species. It causes significant economic losses to the dairy and beef industries owing to reduced productivity, premature culling and mortality. Bovine peptidoglycan recognition protein 1 is an important pattern recognition molecule that is capable of directly killing microorganisms. The goal of this study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding bovine peptidoglycan recognition protein 1 and to assess their association with susceptibility to MAP infection in dairy cattle. Blood and milk samples were collected from Holsteins in Southwestern and Eastern Ontario and tested for MAP infection using blood and milk ELISAs. A resource population consisting of 197 infected (S/P > 0.25) and 242 healthy (S/P < 0.10) cattle was constructed. Sequencing of pooled DNA was used to identify three SNPs (c.102G>C, c.480G>A and c.625C>A) that were genotyped in the resource population. Statistical analysis was performed using a logistic regression model fitting the additive and dominance effects of each SNP in the model. SNP c.480G>A (P = 0.054) was found to be associated with susceptibility to MAP infection. Cows with a copy of the major allele 'G' at this locus had an odds ratio of 1.51 (95% CI: 0.99-2.31) for being infected with MAP.

YKL-40 protein levels and clinical outcome of human endometrial cancer

The secreted glycoprotein YKL-40 is a member of the chitinase family and elevated serum YKL-40 levels have been reported to be associated with reduced survival in several malignancies, including endometrial cancer. This study investigated immunoreactivity to YKL-40 protein and its prognostic implications in endometrial cancer. Levels of YKL-40 protein in normal endometrium (n = 42), endometrial hyperplasia (n = 40) and endometrial adeno carcinoma (n = 68) were examined using immunohistochemistry. YKL-40 immunoreactivity was significantly higher in endometrial adenocarcinoma compared with hyperplastic and normal endo metrium. In addition, high immuno reactivity of YKL-40 protein was associated with advanced stage, high histological grade, lymph node metastasis and lympho vascular invasion. Moreover, positive immunoreactivity for YKL-40 was a significant predictor of poor prognosis, as measured by estimated progression-free survival and estimated overall survival, compared with negative immunoreactivity. In conclusion, high YKL-40 immuno reactivity in endometrial cancer may be associated with poor prognosis.

The biological characteristics of human third trimester amniotic fluid stem cells

Third trimester amniotic fluid (AF)-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be greatly expanded in vitro and induced to differentiate into multiple mesenchymal cell types. This study aimed to investigate the biological characteristics of MSCs from third trimester AF as a new source of therapeutic stem cells. Forty third trimester AF samples were obtained from healthy women who underwent elective caesarean section for breech presentation. A simple culture protocol for MSCs was used. A cell growth curve was drawn, and cell surface antigens and cytokines were analysed by immunofluorescent staining, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry. MSCs from third-trimester AF were successfully isolated, cultured and enriched. MSCs expanded extensively without feeders, they were not tumourigenic and were induced to differentiate into osteocytes. Surface antigens were analysed and found to express the pluripotency marker Oct-4. Considering the great feasibility of biomedical engineering using MSCs, third trimester AF may provide a rich source for investigation of human MSCs.

Prevalence and associations of epiretinal membranes in adult Chinese: the Beijing eye study

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence of epiretinal membranes in the adult Chinese population.

METHODS

The Beijing Eye Study, a population-based, cross-sectional cohort study, included 4439 subjects out of 5324 subjects invited to participate (response rate 83.4%) with an age of 40+ years. The present investigation consisted of 4378 (98.6%) subjects for whom readable fundus photographs (30 degrees nonstereoscopic colour images) were available. Assessing the fundus photographs, we differentiated two membrane types: cellophane maculopathy and premacular fibrosis.

RESULTS

Prevalence rate of epiretinal membranes was 2.2+/-0.2% (mean+/-SE) (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9,2.5) per eye or 2.2+/-0.2% (95% CI: 1.8,2.7) per subject. In binary logistic regression analysis, the prevalence of epiretinal membranes was significantly associated with age (P<0.001; 95% CI: 1.07,1.12), visual field loss (P<0.001; 95% CI: 1.03,1.07), hyperopia (P=0.02; 95% CI: 1.01,1.18), and higher education (P<0.001; 95% CI: 1.29,1.74). Cellophane maculopathy showed a prevalence rate of 1.11+/-0.1% (95% CI: 0.9,1.3) per eye and 1.8+/-0.2% (95% CI: 1.4,2.2) per subject. Its prevalence was significantly associated with age (P<0.001; 95% CI: 1.08,1.13), higher education (P<0.001; 95% CI: 1.26,1.92), and visual field loss (P=0.009; 95% CI: 1.01,1.07). Premacular fibrosis had a prevalence rate of 1.06+/-0.1% (95% CI: 0.9,1.3) per eye and 1.8+/-0.2% (95% CI: 1.4,2.2) per subject. It was significantly associated with age (P<0.001; 95% CI: 1.06,1.11), higher level of education (P<0.001; 95% CI: 1.15,1.74), and visual field loss (P=0.001; 95% CI: 1.02,1.08).

CONCLUSION

In adult Chinese in Greater Beijing, epiretinal membranes including cellophane maculopathy and premacular fibrosis occur in a relatively low frequency which may be lower than in Western countries. Epiretinal membranes including its subtypes of cellophane maculopathy and epiretinal fibrosis were associated with age and hyperopic refractive error.

[The study of Fagopyrum tataricum complex prescription on type II diabetes rats]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of Fagopyrum tatarium complex prescription on insulin resistance and indexes of blood stasis such as TG, TCh in type II diabetes rats.

METHOD

To obtain type II diabetes rat model, rats were injected 25 mg/kg STZ and fed on high energy feed.

RESULTS

Fagopyrum tataricum complex prescription (FTCP) was close or super to glyburide on relieving symptoms, preventing obesity, decreasing blood glucose level, improving insulin-sensitivity and blood stasis symptoms. FTCP could also prevent chronic complication of diabetes. No toxicity or side effect of FTCP was found.

Successful expression of human factor IX following repeat administration of adenoviral vector in mice

Adenoviral vectors can direct high-level expression of a transgene, but, due to a host immune response to adenoviral antigens, expression is of limited duration, and repetitive administration has generally been unsuccessful. Exposure to foreign proteins beginning in the neonatal period may alter or ablate the immune response. We injected adult and neonatal (immunocompetent) CD-1 mice intravenously with an adenoviral vector expressing human blood coagulation factor IX. In both groups of mice, expression of human factor IX persisted for 12-16 weeks. However, in mice initially injected as adults, repeat administration of the vector resulted in no detectable expression of the transgene, whereas in mice initially injected in the neonatal period, repeat administration resulted in high-level expression of human factor IX. We show that animals that fail to express the transgene on repeat administration have developed high-titer neutralizing antibodies to adenovirus, whereas those that do express factor IX have not. This experimental model suggests that newborn mice can be tolerized to adenoviral vectors and demonstrates that at least one repeat injection of the adenoviral vector is possible; the model will be useful in elucidating the immunologic mechanisms underlying successful repeat administration of adenoviral vectors.

Contribution of individual base pairs to the interaction of TFIIIA with the Xenopus 5S RNA gene

The effects of a series of point mutations within the Xenopus borealis somatic-type 5S RNA gene on transcription factor IIIA (TFIIIA) binding affinity were quantified. These data define a critical sequence-dependent contact region within the classical box C promoter element from base pair 80 to 91. Substitution of GC base pairs at positions 81, 85, 86, 89, and 91 significantly reduce TFIIIA binding affinity. Base pairs located at other positions within the box C contact region provide a moderate contribution to TFIIIA-5S gene interaction. In contrast to the extensive set of sequence contacts within the box C element, TFIIIA interaction is localized primarily to two GC base pairs at positions 70 and 71 within the intermediate promoter element. A selected amplification and binding assay (SAAB) was performed with a synthetic internal control region (ICR) randomized from base pair 78 to 95 to identify box C promoter sequences bound with high affinity by TFIIIA. The wild-type 5S RNA gene sequence from 79 to 92 is strongly selected. These results are consistent with the critical role of the box C element in sequence-dependent promoter recognition by TFIIIA.