[Role of MAIT cells in immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis]

Mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells) are a class of innate immune-like T cells that are widely distributed in the human body. During infection, antigens such as vitamin B metabolites synthesized by microorganisms are presented to MAIT cells by MR1 (major histocompatibility complex class Ⅰ-like molecule), and MAIT cells are activated and exert antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer and tissue repair effects by releasing cytokines and cytotoxic molecules. Animal and in vitro studies have shown that the number of MAIT cells in the peripheral blood of patients with active tuberculosis is reduced and the cells exhibit a functional exhaustion phenotype. MAIT cells are activated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens and produce inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IFN-γ and cytotoxic molecules such as granzyme B to exert anti-tuberculosis effects that are MR1-dependent and cytokine-dependent. In addition, MAIT cells can also act as a bridge between innate and acquired immunity by initiating a conventional T-cell response. Currently, there are also relevant experimental studies on vaccines and drugs targeting MAIT cells, which show great potential in the prevention and control of tuberculosis. In this article, we will review the discovery and grouping, development and activation of MAIT cells, their role in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, and their application in tuberculosis prevention and treatment, in order to provide new immunological targets for tuberculosis prevention and treatment.

Renal Interstitial Inflammation Predicts Nephropathy Progression in IgA Nephropathy: A Two-Center Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Renal interstitial inflammation often presents in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), but its predictive role in kidney disease progression remains controversial.

METHODS

This retrospective two-center cohort study included 1,420 adult IgAN patients between January 2003 and May 2018 followed for a median of approximately 7 years at two Chinese hospitals. The predictor was renal interstitial inflammation within the total cortical interstitium (none/mild [0-25%], moderate [26-50%], or severe [>50%]). For the further propensity score matching analyses, the participants with moderate and severe level of interstitial inflammation were pooled to match those with none/mild level of interstitial inflammation. The outcomes included the rate of kidney function decline, and the composite kidney endpoint event defined as a >40% reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate, end-stage kidney disease. Linear regression and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to examine the association between interstitial inflammation and the outcomes. The predictive performance of the model also assessed using multivariate logistic regression analyses with the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Reclassification was assessed using the continuous net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement adapted for censoring for the assessment of the model with or without interstitial inflammation.

RESULTS

For the check of reproducibility, the kappa statistic was 0.71, and intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.77. After adjustment for relating covariates, a higher level of interstitial inflammation was associated with a faster rate of kidney function decline (eGFR slope [mL/min/1.73 m2] of 1.34 [95% CI: -2.56 to 5.23], 3.50 [95% CI: -0.40 to 7.40], and 7.52 [95% CI: 3.02 to 12.01]) in the patients with none/mild, moderate, and severe interstitial inflammation, respectively, in the multivariable linear regression models and with an increased risk of kidney disease progression (HR for moderate vs. none/mild, 1.85; 95% CI: 1.10-3.13; HR for severe vs. none/mild, 2.95; 95% CI: 1.52-5.73) in the multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Analyses in the propensity score-matched cohort, subgroups, and the sensitive analyses yielded consistent results. The receiver operating curves indicated a higher area under the curve of 0.83 in the model with interstitial inflammation compared with 0.81 in that without interstitial inflammation. In addition, incorporating interstitial inflammation into the International IgAN Risk Prediction Tool improved the diagnostic power of the algorithm to predict risk of progression.

CONCLUSION

Interstitial inflammation is a reproducible pathologic parameter that may be adopted as a predictor for kidney disease progression in patients with IgAN.

Emerging Strategies in TCR-Engineered T Cells

Immunotherapy of cancer has made tremendous progress in recent years, as demonstrated by the remarkable clinical responses obtained from adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of patient-derived tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells (CAR-T) and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells (TCR-T). TCR-T uses specific TCRS optimized for tumor engagement and can recognize epitopes derived from both cell-surface and intracellular targets, including tumor-associated antigens, cancer germline antigens, viral oncoproteins, and tumor-specific neoantigens (neoAgs) that are largely sequestered in the cytoplasm and nucleus of tumor cells. Moreover, as TCRS are naturally developed for sensitive antigen detection, they are able to recognize epitopes at far lower concentrations than required for CAR-T activation. Therefore, TCR-T holds great promise for the treatment of human cancers. In this focused review, we summarize basic, translational, and clinical insights into the challenges and opportunities of TCR-T. We review emerging strategies used in current ACT, point out limitations, and propose possible solutions. We highlight the importance of targeting tumor-specific neoAgs and outline a strategy of combining neoAg vaccines, checkpoint blockade therapy, and adoptive transfer of neoAg-specific TCR-T to produce a truly tumor-specific therapy, which is able to penetrate into solid tumors and resist the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We believe such a combination approach should lead to a significant improvement in cancer immunotherapies, especially for solid tumors, and may provide a general strategy for the eradication of multiple cancers.

[Diagnostic value of FCGR1B gene transcription level in active tuberculosis]

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic potential of Fc fragment of IgG receptor 1b gene (FCGR1B) transcription level in active tuberculosis. Methods: From February to September of 2018, we collected peripheral blood from patients with active tuberculosis, latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), cured patients with tuberculosis, healthy people and patients with pneumonia in the Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated for total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. The expression of FCGR1B mRNA in PBMCs was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR). Nonparametric test was used to compare the differential expression of FCGR1B mRNA between patients with active tuberculosis and control groups, and the relationships between FCGR1B mRNA expression and patient's illness condition and inflammatory indexes were analyzed by Correlation analysis. The potential of FCGR1B mRNA as a diagnostic marker for active tuberculosis was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Results: The expression of FCGR1B mRNA in PBMCs from patients with active tuberculosis was significantly increased when compared with non-tuberculosis controls, including individuals with LTBI, healthy people, cured patients with tuberculosis and patients with pneumonia (u=2 081, P<0.001). The expression of FCGR1B mRNA was higher in patients with tuberculosis who had more bacteria(H=12.35, P=0.015), and was correlated with the C-reactive protein (CRP) (r=0.30, P=0.008). ROC analysis showed that FCGR1B mRNA could distinguish active tuberculosis from non-tuberculosis with area under curve (AUC) of 0.849. The sensitivity and specificity were 71.43% and 84.17% respectively. The AUC of FCGR1B mRNA in distinguishing extra-pulmonary tuberculosis from controls was 0.906. The sensitivity and specificity were 84.62% and 91.89%, respectively. Conclusion: FCGR1B mRNA is a potential molecular marker for diagnosis of active tuberculosis.

Effects of treadmill exercise on anxiety-like behavior in association with changes in estrogen receptors ERα, ERβ and oxytocin of C57BL/6J female mice

Exercise can reduce the incidence of stress-related mental diseases, such as depression and anxiety. Control group was neither exposed to CVMS nor TRE (noCVMS/noTRE). Females were tested and levels of serum17-beta-oestradiol (E₂), estrogen receptors α immunoreactive neurons (ERα-IRs), estrogen receptors β immunoreactive neurons (ERβ-IRs) and oxytocin immunoreactive neurons (OT-IRs) were measured. The results showed there's increased anxiety-like behaviors for mice from CVMS/noTRE, CVMS/higher speed TRE (CVMS/HTRE) and noCVMS/HTRE groups when they were put in open field and elevated maze tests. They had lower serum E₂ levels than mice from CVMS/low-moderate speed TRE (CVMS/LMTRE), noCVMS/LMTRE and noCVMS/noTRE groups. The three groups of CVMS/noTRE, CVMS/HTRE and noCVMS/HTRE mice had more ERα-IRs and less ERβ-IRs in the medial preoptic area (mPOA), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and medial amygdala (MeA), hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON). The number of OT-IRs in PVN and SON of CVMS/noTRE, CVMS/HTRE and noCVMS/HTRE mice was also lower than that of mice from CVMS/LMTRE, noCVMS/LMTRE and noCVMS/noTRE groups. Interestingly, CVMS/LMTRE and noCVMS/LMTRE mice were similar to noCVMS/noTRE mice in that they did not show anxiety, while CVMS/HTRE and noCVMS/HTRE mice did not, which were similar to the mice in CVMS/noTRE. We propose that LMTRE instead of HTRE changes the serum concentration of E₂. ERβ/ERα ratio and OT level in the brain may be responsible for the decrease in anxiety-like behavior in female mice exposed to anxiety-inducing stress conditions.

The Association of Low Hemoglobin Levels with IgA Nephropathy Progression: A Two-Center Cohort Study of 1,828 Cases

AIM

To investigate the relationship between hemoglobin levels and the progression of IgA nephropathy (IgAN).

METHODS

In a two-center cohort of 1,828 cases with biopsy-proven IgAN, we examined the association of hemoglobin levels with the primary outcome of a composite of all-cause mortality or kidney failure defined as a 40% decline in eGFR, or ESKD (defined as eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or need for kidney replacement therapy including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplantation), or the outcome of kidney failure, assessed using Cox and logistic regression models, respectively, with adjustment for confounders.

RESULTS

At baseline, mean age, eGFR, and hemoglobin levels were 33.75 ± 11.03 years, 99.70 ± 30.40 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 123.47 ± 18.36 g/L, respectively. During a median of approximately 7-year follow-up, 183 cases reached the composite outcome. After adjustment for demographic and IgAN-specific covariates and treatments, a lower quartile of hemoglobin was nonlinearly associated with an increased risk of the primary outcome or kidney failure in the Cox proportional hazards models (primary outcome: HR for quartile 3 vs. 4, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.83-2.25; HR for quartile 2 vs. 4, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.68-2.07; HR for quartile 1 vs. 4, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.15-3.17; kidney failure: HR for quartile 3 vs. 4, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.84-2.31; HR for quartile 2 vs. 4, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.68-2.11; HR for quartile 1 vs. 4, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.09-3.07) in the fully adjusted model. Then, hemoglobin levels were transformed to a binary variable for fitting the model according to the criteria for anemia of 110 g/L in the women and 120 g/L in men in China. The participants in the anemia group had an increased risk of developing outcomes compared with the nonanemia group in both genders (primary outcome: male: HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.01-2.68; female: HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.02-2.76; kidney failure: male: HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 0.97-2.64; female: HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 0.95-2.61) in the fully adjusted model.

CONCLUSIONS

A low level of hemoglobin was nonlinearly associated with IgAN progression. The anemic IgAN patients presented a higher risk of developing poor outcomes compared with the nonanemic patients.

Apoptosis of mesenchymal stem cells is regulated by Rspo1 via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and possible mechanism of action of roof plate-specific spondin1 (Rspo1) in the apoptosis of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

Methods

Osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs was identified by Alizarin Red and Oil Red O staining, respectively. BMSC surface markers (cluster of differentiation 29 [CD29], CD90, and CD45) were detected using flow cytometry. BMSCs were transfected with an adenoviral vector encoding Rspo1 (BMSCs-Rspo1 group). The expression levels of Rspo1 gene and Rspo1 protein in the BMSCs-Rspo1 group and the two control groups (untransfected BMSCs group and BMSCs-green fluorescent protein [GFP] group) were analyzed and compared by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The occurrence of apoptosis in the three groups was detected by flow cytometry and acridine orange-ethidium bromide (AO-EB) double dyeing. The activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was evaluated by measuring the expression levels of the key proteins of the pathway (β-catenin, c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK], and phospho-JNK).

Results

Osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation was confirmed in cultured BMSCs by the positive expression of CD29 and CD90 and the negative expression of CD45. Significantly increased expression levels of Rspo1 protein in the BMSCs-Rspo1 group compared to those in the BMSCs (0.60 ± 0.05 vs. 0.13 ± 0.02; t=95.007, P=0.001) and BMSCs-GFP groups (0.60 ± 0.05 vs. 0.10 ± 0.02; t=104.842, P=0.001) were observed. The apoptotic rate was significantly lower in the BMSCs-Rspo1 group compared with those in the BMSCs group ([24.06 ± 2.37]% vs. [40.87 ± 2.82]%; t = 49.872, P = 0.002) and the BMSCs-GFP group ([24.06 ± 2.37]% vs. [42.34 ± 0.26]%; t = 62.358, P = 0.001). In addition, compared to the BMSCs group, the protein expression levels of β-catenin (2.67 ± 0.19 vs. 1.14 ± 0.14; t = −9.217, P = 0.000) and JNK (1.87 ± 0.17 vs. 0.61 ± 0.07; t = −22.289, P = 0.000) were increased in the BMSCs-Rspo1 group. Compared to the BMSCs-GFP group, the protein expression levels of β-catenin (2.67 ± 0.19 vs. 1.44 ± 0.14; t = −5.692, P = 0.000) and JNK (1.87 ± 0.17 vs. 0.53 ± 0.06; t = −10.589, P = 0.000) were also upregulated in the BMSCs-Rspo1 group. Moreover, the protein expression levels of phospho-JNK were increased in the BMSCs-Rspo1 group compared to those in the BMSCs group (1.89 ± 0.10 vs. 0.63 ± 0.09; t = −8.975, P = 0.001) and the BMSCs-GFP group (1.89 ± 0.10 vs. 0.69 ± 0.08; t = −9.483, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway could play a vital role in the Rspo1-mediated inhibition of apoptosis in BMSCs.

Uric Acid as a Predictor of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy Progression: A Cohort Study of 1965 Cases

BACKGROUND

The role of serum uric acid (SUA) level in the progression of Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) remains controversial.

METHODS

In a cohort of 1,965 cases with biopsy-proven IgAN, we examined the associations of SUA concentration with the primary outcome of a composite of all-cause mortality or kidney failure (defined as a reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] by 40% from baseline, requirements for dialysis and transplantation), or the outcome of kidney failure alone, assessed using Cox and logistic regression models, respectively, with adjustment for confounders.

RESULTS

At baseline, the mean age was 33.37 ± 11.07 years, eGFR was 101.30 ± 30.49 mL/min/1.73 m2, and mean uric acid level was 5.32 ± 1.76 mg/dL. During a median of 7-year follow-up, 317 cases reached the composite outcome of all-cause mortality (5 deaths) or kidney failure (36 cases of dialysis, 5 cases of renal transplantation, and 271 cases with reduction of eGFR by 40% from baseline). After adjustment for demographic and IgAN specific covariates and treatments, a higher quartile of uric acid was linearly associated with an increased risk of the primary outcome (highest versus lowest quartile, hazard ratio [HR] 2.39; 95% CI 1.52-3.75) and kidney failure (highest versus lowest quartile, HR 2.55; 95% CI 1.62-4.01) in the Cox proportional hazards regression models. In the continuous analysis, a 1 mg/dL greater uric acid level was associated with 16% increased risk of primary outcome (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07-1.25) and 17% increased risk of kidney failure (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.08-1.27), respectively, in the fully adjusted model. The multivariate -logistic regression analyses for the sensitive analyses drew consistent results. In the subgroup analyses, significant interactions were detected that patients with mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 90 mm Hg or mesangial hypercellularity had a higher association of SUA with the incidence of the primary outcome than those with MAP ≥90 mm Hg or those without mesangial hypercellularity respectively. Hyperuricemia was not significantly associated with the risk of developing the primary outcome in elder patients (≥32 years old), patients with eGFR < 90 mL/min or with tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

SUA level may be positively associated with the progression of IgAN. It was noticeable that the association of hyperuricemia with IgAN progression was less significant in patients with elder age, lower eGFR, or tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis, which may be due to some more confounders in association with the IgA progression in these patients. Future prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Analysis of differentially expressed proteins in Muscovy duck embryo fibroblasts infected with virulent and attenuated Muscovy duck reovirus by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Muscovy duck reovirus (MDRV) belongs to the Orthoreovirus genus of the Reoviridae family, which is a significant poultry pathogen leading to high morbidity and mortality in ducklings. However, the pathogenesis of the virus is not well understood. In the present study, two-dimensional (2D) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) combined with LC-MS-MS was used to identify differentially expressed proteins between Muscovy duck embryo fibroblasts (MDEF) infected with virulent (MV9710 strain) and attenuated (CA strain) MDRV and non-infected MDEFs. A total of 115 abundant protein spots were identified. Of these, 59 of differentially expressed proteins were detected, with functions in metabolism and utilization of carbohydrates and nucleotides, anti-stress, and regulation of immune and cellular process. GO analysis of the identified proteins showed that they belonged to the classes molecular function (141 proteins), cellular component (62 proteins), and biological process (146 proteins). The results were validated by qRT-PCR, which suggests that the analysis method of 2D PAGE combined with LC-MS-MS used in this study is reliable. This study lays a foundation for further investigation of the biology of MDRV infection in MDEF.

Investigation of silk fibroin nanoparticle-decorated poly(l-lactic acid) composite scaffolds for osteoblast growth and differentiation

Attempts to reflect the physiology of organs is quite an intricacy during the tissue engineering process. An ideal scaffold and its surface topography can address and manipulate the cell behavior during the regeneration of targeted tissue, affecting the cell growth and differentiation significantly. Herein, silk fibroin (SF) nanoparticles were incorporated into poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) to prepare composite scaffolds via phase-inversion technique using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2). The SF nanoparticle core increased the surface roughness and hydrophilicity of the PLLA scaffolds, leading to a high affinity for albumin attachment. The in vitro cytotoxicity test of SF/PLLA scaffolds in L929 mouse fibroblast cells indicated good biocompatibility. Then, the in vitro interplay between mouse preosteoblast cell (MC3T3-E1) and various topological structures and biochemical cues were evaluated. The cell adhesion, proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and their relationship with the structures as well as SF content were explored. The SF/PLLA weight ratio (2:8) significantly affected the MC3T3-E1 cells by improving the expression of key players in the regulation of bone formation, ie, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC) and collagen 1 (COL-1). These results suggest not only the importance of surface topography and biochemical cues but also the potential of applying SF/PLLA composite scaffolds as biomaterials in bone tissue engineering.

[Long-term Effect of the Treatment of IgA Nephropathy by Tonifying Shen, Activating Blood Stasis, Dispelling Wind-Dampness Combined with Western Medicine]

Objective To observe the long-term effect of tonifying Shen, activating blood stasis, dispelling wind-dampness (TSABSDWD) combined with Western drugs (WD) for IgA nephropathy. Methods A single center retrospective case-control study was used. The clinical and laboratory examinations, pa- thology of renal biopsy, and treatment programs of IgA nephropathy were obtained from primary IgA ne- phropathy patients (confirmed from renal biopsy at authors' hospital) from Jan 1st, 2008 to Dec 31 , 2008. Patients were assigned to Group A (basic treatment +Chinese herbs) and Group B (basic treatment +Chi- nese herbs + glucocorticoid and/or immune inhibitors). A follow-up visit started from the confirmation of re- nal biopsy to Dec 31, 2008, for at least 12 months. The end point event was defined as entering end stage renal disease (ESRD), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decreased by more than 50%, or SCr was doubled. The differences in clinical manifestations, lab indicators and etc. were compared between be- fore treatment and after 1 year of treatment/till the end of follow-ups. The accumulative kidney survival rate was calculated using Kaplan-Meier method. The curve for accumulative kidney survival rate was drawn. Re- sults A total of 219 cases were included, 49 in Group A and 170 in Group B. In Group A, there were 7 pa- tients (14.0%) with Shen deficiency syndrome, 21 cases (43.0%) with Shen deficiency blood stasis syn- drome, 8 (16. 0%) with Shen deficiency wind-dampness syndrome, 13 cases (27. 0%) with Shen deficien- cy blood stasis wind-dampness syndrome. In Group B there were 12 patients (7.1%) with Shen deficiency syndrome, 47 cases (27. 6%) with Shen deficiency blood stasis syndrome, 22 (12.9%) with Shen defi- ciency wind-dampness syndrome, 89 cases (52.4%) with Shen deficiency blood stasis wind-dampness syndrome. No statistical difference in age, sex, or follow-up period between the two groups (P >0.05). Compared with Group A, the disease courser was shorter, 24 h urination increased more, levels of SCr and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased higher, plasma albumin decreased lower in Group B (P <0. 05). Compared with before treatment, 24 h urination and counts of urinary red blood cells (RBCs) decreased more in the two groups after 1-year treatment, and decreased further till the end of follow-up (P <0. 05). The total effective rate was 89. 0% (1951219). The total effective rate of Group A was 89. 8% (44/49), with no patient entry into endpoint event. The total effective rate of Group B was 88. 8%(151/170). Totally 5 pa- tients arrived at endpoint event in Group B, 4 in ESRD, 1 with eGFR decreased by more than 50%, or SCr doubled. Compared with Group B, the complete relief rate was higher in Group A (P <0. 01). The accumulative kidney survival rate was 100. 0%, 100. 0%, 98. 0% and 96. 1% in the 219 patients at year 1 , 3, 5, 7, re- spectively using Kaplan-Meier method. Conclusions Programs based on theory of Shen disease wind- dampness in CM and in integrative medicine could be used in treating IgA nephropathy according to differ- ent conditions. Long-term observation showed this program could significantly improve patients' conditions. The 7-year accumulative kidney survival rate was 96. 1%.

Resonance energy transfer, pH-induced folded states and the molecular interaction of human serum albumin and icariin

Icariin is a flavonol glycoside with a wide range of pharmacological and biological activities. The pharmacological and biological functions of flavonoid compounds mainly originate from their binding to proteins. The mode of interaction of icariin with human serum albumin (HSA) has been characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy and far- and near-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy under different pH conditions. Fluorescence quenching studies showed that the binding affinity of icariin with HSA in the buffer solution at different pH values is: Ka (pH 4.5) > Ka (pH 3.5) > Ka (pH 9.0) > Ka (pH 7.0). Red-edge excitation shift (REES) studies revealed that pH had an obvious effect on the mobility of the tryptophan microenvironment and the addition of icariin made the REES effect more distinct. The static quenching mechanism and number of binding sites (n ≈ 1) were obtained from fluorescence data at three temperatures (298, 304 and 310 K). Both ∆H(0) < 0 and ∆Ѕ(0) < 0 suggested that hydrogen bonding and van der Waal's interaction were major driving forces in the binding mechanism, and this was also confirmed by the molecular simulation results. The distance r between the donor (HSA) and the acceptor (icariin) was calculated based on Förster non-radiation energy transfer theory. We found that pH had little impact on the energy transfer between HSA and icariin. Far- and near-UV CD spectroscopy studies further indicated the influence of pH on the complexation process and the alteration in the protein conformation upon binding.

Clinical characteristics of IgA nephropathy associated with low complement 4 levels

OBJECTIVE

C4 deficiency is the most commonly inherited immune disorder in human. The present study investigated the characteristics of the IgAN patients with low serum C4 levels.

METHODS

We performed a prospective observational study. Clinical as well as histopathologic parameters were assessed. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed concerning the primary outcome defined as the serum creatinine increased 1.5-fold from baseline. The prognostic significances of clinical and histopathologic parameters were determined using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Five-hundred twelve biopsy proven IgAN cases were available for analysis with a median follow-up of 38.4 months. Ninety-nine cases (19.34%) presented with low C4 levels (LowC4 group) and the other 413 cases did not (NlowC4 group). At the time of renal biopsy, renal injury was lighter in the LowC4 group compared with the NlowC4 group. Renal C4 deposition was significantly decreased while IgM deposition was increased in the LowC4 group. A correlation analysis shows that lower C4 levels were associated with better renal presentations at biopsy. However, the risk of developing the primary outcome was significantly greater in those with low C4 levels. Specifically, during the follow-up period, the risk of developing primary outcome was nearly ten folds higher in those with low C4, compared to those without low C4.

CONCLUSION

There is a high prevalence of low C4 levels in IgAN patients. These patients with low C4 levels exhibited better renal presentations at the time of renal biopsy, whereas might be associated with a poor prognosis.

Genetic characterization of a potentially novel goose parvovirus circulating in Muscovy duck flocks in Fujian Province, China

We report a novel goose parvovirus (MDGPV/PT) isolated from an affected Muscovy duck in Fujian Province, China. In this study, the NS1 sequence analyses indicated a close genetic relationship between MDGPV/PT and Muscovy duck parvovirus (MDPV) strains, although MDGPV/DY, which was isolated from a Muscovy duck in 2006 in Sichuan Province, could be divided into GPV-related groups. Phylogenetic analysis showed that except for differences in the NS1 gene, MDGPV strains PT and DY are closely related to a parvovirus that infects domestic waterfowls. This is the first demonstration of recombination between goose and Muscovy duck parvoviruses in nature, and MDGPV/PT might have led to the generation of a novel waterfowl parvovirus strain circulating in Muscovy duck flocks in China.

[The isolation and identification of novel duck reovirus]

The virus strains were isolated from the liver and spleen of the dead young ducks characterized with symptoms of hemorrhagic-necrotic hepatitis. These isolates could cause the death of muscovy duck-embryo and chick-embryo. 1-day-old birds infected with these isolates had the same character with clinically dead birds and the virus could be isolated from artificially infected birds. These isolates could proliferate in MDEF and result in CPE. The virus could proliferate in the cytoplasm in order of crystals and arranged in the latlic-like. The viron was shown spherical, icosahedron, cubic symmetry, no-envelope, with double-layered capsid, about 70 nm in diameter by electron microscopy. The genome segments of the virus were consisted of L1-3, M1-3 and S1-4, which were similar to that of avian reovirus (ARV). Compared to 68.2%, 69.3% - 70.1%, respectively. The system evolution analysis showed that S3 gene coding sigmaB protein was placed in different branch of MDRV and ARV, indicating that S3 gene of the virus was different from ARV and MDRV. The main clinical symptoms and lesions of ducklings caused by the virus were different from the diseases caused by MDRV and ARV. It was concluded that the virus was a Novel duck reovirus belonging to Orthoreovirus genus of the Reoviridae family.

Emodin inhibits extracellular matrix synthesis by suppressing p38 and ERK1/2 pathways in TGF-β1-stimulated NRK-49F cells

Emodin has been demonstrated to inhibit the fibrotic process in chronic renal disease, but its mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of emodin on extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis in TGF-β1-stimulated NRK-49F cells. NRK-49F cells stimulated with TGF-β1 were incubated with various concentrations of emodin. ECM proteins, including collagen type III and fibronectin, were detected using ELISA. ERK1/2, p38 and JNK phosphorylation were measured by Western blotting. p38, ERK1/2 and JNK were respectively inhibited with the specific inhibitors SB203580, PD98059 and SP600125. Emodin slightly inhibited the expression of fibronectin and collagen type III in NRK-49F cells without TGF-β1 treatment, and significantly suppressed fibronectin and collagen type III secretion in TGF-β1-stimulated NRK-49F cells. ERK1/2 and p38 specific inhibitors, but not JNK inhibitor, suppressed the TGF-β1-induced expression of fibronectin and collagen type III. Our previous study demonstrated that there was no crosstalk between ERK1/2, p38 and JNK signals in TGF-β1-stimulated NRK-49F cells. Here, we found that emodin inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 significantly, but did not suppress the phosphorylation of JNK. In summary, emodin suppresses fibronectin and collagen type III expression via the inhibition of ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation in TGF-β1-stimulated NRK-49F cells.

[Sulfuration character of individual particulates of PM10]

SEM/EDX was used to analyze the component and sulfuration characteristics of individual mineral particulates of PM10, which were collected at different times in summer of Harbin. The results indicate that, the 29 species of mineral were identified in summer of Harbin, in which the proportion of clay minerals is over 40%; There are almost no changes in sulfuration in the noon-time period samples, however, the samples collected in the morning and evening show universal sulfuration. In all samples, clay minerals have the highest sulfuration incidence, the average ratio of S/Ca value is 1.0, which is 73 times of noon-sample S/Ca value. The sulfuration degree of samples at different times and meteorological condition show different mechanism of sulfuration. According to different content of mineral elements, mineral grains could be divided into five types: "Si-rich", "Ca-rich", "S-rich", "Fe-rich", "Mg-rich", respectively, showing that the mineral particles mainly come from the crust source; The mineral particles at different times have homology, which indicates that the atmospheric secondary chemical reaction could be the only reason leading to the S rich in morning or evening periods samples, and rule gypsum particles was formed mainly by sulfuration of calcium carbonate mineral salt such as calcite minerals, etc.

[Suppressive effect of gypenosides on murine leukemia L1210 cell lines]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the suppressive effect of gypenosides (Gyp) on murine leukemia L1210 cells.

METHODS

The growth inhabitation of murine leukemia L1210 cell was detected by MT assay. The production of reactive oxygen species and the change of mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by flow cytometry. The change of nuclear and DNA damage of murine leukemia L1210 cells were detected by DAPI staining and single cell gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Gyp (100-500 microg/mL) inhibited the growth of murine leukemia L1210 cells. The concentration of Gyp (350 microg/mL) treated murine leukemia L1210 cells at different time points, the mitochondrial membrane potential decrease obviously. L1210 cells were treated with Gyp (350 microg/mL) for 4 h, the highest production of reactive oxygen species was induced. DNA damage were detected after Gyp (350 microg/mL) treated for 4, 12, 24 h. The change of nuclear was treated by Gyp (350 microg/mL) with time-dependent.

CONCLUSION

Gypenosides has effects on cell viability, induce reactive oxygen species and decreases mitochondrial membrane potential, and can induce morphological changes and DNA damage.

All-metal self-supported THz metamaterial--the meta-foil

Modern metamaterials face functional constraints as they are commonly embedded in or deposited on dielectric materials. We provide a new solution by microfabricating a completely free-standing all-metal self-supported metamaterial. Using upright S-string architecture with the distinctive feature of metallic transverse interconnects, we form a locally stiff, globally flexible space-grid. Infrared Fourier transform interferometry reveals the typical double-peak structure of a magnetically excited left-handed and an electrically excited right-handed pass-band that is maintained under strong bending and heating, and is sensitive to dielectrics. Exploiting UV/X-ray lithography and ultimately plastic moulding, meta-foils can be mass manufactured cost-effectively to serve as optical elements.

Probing the binding sites and the effect of berbamine on the structure of bovine serum albumin

Berbamine, a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Berberis sp., is the active constituent of some Chinese herbal medicines and exhibits a variety of pharmacological activities. The effects of berbamine on the structure of bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated by circular dichroism, fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy under physiological conditions. Berbamine caused a static quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA, and the quenching data were analyzed by application of the Stern-Volmer equation. There was a single primary berbamine-binding site on BSA with a binding constant of 2.577x10(4)Lmol(-1) at 298K. The thermodynamic parameters, enthalpy change (DeltaH(0)) and entropy change (DeltaS(0)) for the reaction were -76.5kJmol(-1) and -173.4Jmol(-1)K(-1) according to the van't Hoff equation. The results showed that the hydrogen bond and van der Waals interaction were the predominant forces in the binding process. Competitive experiments revealed a displacement of warfarin by berbamine, indicating that the binding site was located at Drug sites I. The distance r between the donor (BSA) and the acceptor (berbamine) was obtained according to the Förster non-radiation energy transfer theory. The results of three-dimensional fluorescence spectra, UV-vis absorption difference spectra and circular dichroism of BSA in the presence of berbamine showed that the conformation of BSA was changed. The results provide a quantitative understanding of the effect of berbamine on the structure of bovine serum albumin, providing a useful guideline for further drug design.

Free-standing THz electromagnetic metamaterials

Using micromanufactured S-shaped gold strings suspended in free space by means of window-frames, we experimentally demonstrate an electromagnetic meta-material (EM(3)) in which the metallic structures are no longer embedded in matrices or deposited on substrates such that the response is solely determined by the geometrical parameters and the properties of the metal. Two carefully aligned and assembled window-frames form a bi-layer chip that exhibits 2D left-handed pass-bands corresponding to two different magnetic resonant loops in the range of 1.4 to 2.2 THz as characterized by Fourier transform interferometry and numerical simulation. Chips have a comparably large useful area of 56 mm(2). Our results are a step towards providing EM(3) that fulfill the common notions of a material.

[Effect of Yishen Tiaojing Recipe on hypogonadism induced by Tripterygium glycosides in women patients with nephropathy]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of Yishen Tiaojing Recipe (YSTJR) on sex gland and kidney in nephropathy patients with hypogonadism induced by Tripterygium glycosides (TG).

METHODS

Fifty-eight women patients with chronic glomerular disease were assigned to two groups, the 34 patients in the treated group were given TP 20 mg three times a day plus YSTJR, one dose daily, while the 24 in the control group were given TP 20 mg three times a day alone. The course of treatment lasted for 3 months. Serum levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteotrophic hormone (LH), as well as urinary protein and red blood cell (RBC) count in urine were determined before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Level of E2 decreased, FSH and LH increased in the control group after treatment (P < 0.05), while those indexes unchanged in the treated group. Quantity of urinary protein decreased in both two groups after treatment (P < 0.05), but the decrement was more significant in the treated group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Differences of all the above-mentioned indexes between the two groups after treatment were significant (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

YSTJR could prevent the injury of TP on sex gland in women patients with nephropathy, and is benificial for the treatment of primary chronic renal glomerular diseases.

The prediction of variability occurring in fluidized bed coating equipment. II. The role of nonuniform particle coverage as particles pass through the spray zone

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the relative importance of particle circulation and particle-to-particle mass coating distribution on the overall mass coating distribution obtained in a Wurster process. A series of batch coating experiments was carried out over a range of operating conditions, in order to evaluate the particle-to-particle variation in the mass distribution of coating material deposited during batch coating operations. Results showed that the major component of variance was due to the variation in the amount of coating received per particle per pass through the spray zone. The variation in the number of times a particle passed through the spray zone was considerably less important. Two models were developed to explain the results of the experimental program. The first model categorized particles moving through the spray zone as either receiving coating or not. Thus, the distribution of coating material per particle per pass is described by a Bernoulli probability distribution. Using this picture of the spray process, the number of particles receiving coating during any given pass through the spray zone was found to vary between 2 and 6%. A second model was developed to explain the major cause of variation. This model explains the variation in terms of the hindering or sheltering effect that particles close to the source of the spray have on particles farther away. Although the agreement of model predictions with experimental results is only fair, it is believed that this model captures the main cause of particle-to-particle variation occurring in batch coating operations and thus is the first model to explain this phenomenon.

The prediction of variability occurring in fluidized bed coating equipment. I. The measurement of particle circulation rates in a bottom-spray fluidized bed coater

The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect that changes in design and process variables had on the movement of particles around a fluidized bed coating apparatus. To measure the mean and variance of the particle cycle time distribution (CTD), the number of passages taken by a magnetic tracer particle through the spray zone was measured by a detector coil wound around the partition. The reproducibility of the measurement technique was tested by taking repeated measurements of the tracer particle movement, using similar bed operating conditions, and the method was found to give reproducible results. A series of experiments was carried out by varying operating conditions such as the partition gap, fluidizing air rate, and partition diameter and length, and measuring the change in the rate at which the tracer particle circulated in the coating device. The results of the experiments showed that, over the range of parameters tested in this work, the partition gap had the strongest influence on the rate of particle circulation. Moreover, for the 6-in.-diameter Wurster process used in the current work, the mean circulation time for the 1.1-mm-diameter Nu-Pareil particles was found to vary over the range of 2.2-10.4 sec. In addition, the mean and standard deviation of the CTD could be linearly correlated over a wide range of operating conditions, with a correlation coefficient of 0.80. Finally, an estimate of the variability in mass coating uniformity was made based on the results from the cycle time distributions. It was concluded that the effect of variability in the CTD could account for only a small fraction of the variability in the observed mass coating distribution.

[Clinical study on niaodujing in treating chronic renal failure]

One hundred and five chronic renal failure patients were divided randomly into two groups, 75 cases of Niaodujing (NDJ) treatment group and 30 cases of control group treated with aldehyde coated oxystarch. The effects were compared between two groups and within the same group before and after the entry. Results indicated that the total effective rate and markely effecive rate of NDJ group (74.1% and 44.0%) were better than those of the control group (56.6% and 23.3%) respectively (P < 0.05). The serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and middle molecular substance were decreased and creatinine clearance rate was increased significantly after NDJ treatment as compared with before treatment (P < 0.05-0.01). In comparison of two groups, the decrement of creatinine clearance rate and middle molecular substance and the increment of creatinine in NDJ group were higher than that in control group (P < 0.05-0.01). NDJ was especially effective in patients with azotemia or early renal failure.

[Protection of common peony from scarab damages]

The key to the protection of common peony from insect pests in the field is to control the damage done by Holotrichia oblita. An experimental study has been carried out on the prevention of adult pests in the field as well as on the prevention of pest larvae before planting and throughout the growing period of common peony. As a result a technological program for this particular pest prevention and elimination is proposed.

Automated measurement method for 360 degrees profilometry of 3-D diffuse objects

An automated measurement method for 360 degrees surface topography of 3-D diffuse objects is presented. The method is based on the simple principle of triangulation with structured illumination. The geometric specifications of the structured light module used in the system are analyzed on a computer. Using an advantageous data acquisition schedule, high data acquisition rates and measuring accuracy can be achieved. The system comprises a structured lighting projector, a 2-D detector array, and a microcomputer for control and processing. Experimental results for 3-D objects are offered.

Red plaque formation of Coxiella burnetii and reduction assay by monoclonal antibodies

A red plaque technique for C. burnetii which utilizes primary chicken embryo cells, is described. Red plaques could be consistently detected as early as 6 days, usually 8 days post inoculation (p.i.), reflecting that C. burnetii proliferated within the phagolysosomes of host cells. Incubation with phase II monoclonal antibodies or inactivated immune sera containing phase I and phase II antibodies or phase II antibodies only, markedly reduced phase II C. burnetii red plaques. On the other hand, red plaques from phase I organisms increased several times when phase I cells were mixed with phase I monoclonal antibodies or inactivated immune sera containing phase I and phase II antibodies. By indirect red plaque reduction assay red plaque production by phase II cells could be reduced as well.

[Transmission of Anhui fritillary rot by Rhizoglyphus robini Clapareded and its control]

The bulb mite is the main transmitter of anhui fritillary rot, and damages the fritillary seriously. Control of this mite can be effected satisfactorily by proper rotation of crops, exposure of ploughed fields to the sun, selection of healthy bulbs for planting and treatment of soil and bulbs with pesticides.

Early vascular grafting to prevent upper extremity necrosis after electrical burns: II. Experience with wound infection management

Since May 1972, vein grafts have been used to restore circulation in electrical injuries of the upper extremity when the wrist has been the centre of electrical injury associated with obstructed blood supply. Saphenous vein grafts were used in fifteen limbs in fourteen patients where electrical injuries at the wrist threatened complete loss of the hand. Ten of the hands were free of necrosis with motion basically recovered. The other four cases (five limbs) failed in operation for various reasons, resulting in forearm amputations. Clinical practice showed that successful operations depend upon whether secondary infection is effectively controlled, particularly in those who were brought to the hospital late with wound infection and gangrene of the fingers. This paper reviews the measures for controlling postoperative infections in vascular grafting to restore blood flow at the wrist, and the clinical experience gained in treating these patients (six injured limbs of six cases), and preventing amputation. We hope the method could be improved and its use broadened.