[Expression changes of RNA m6A regulators in mouse cerebellum affected by hypobaric hypoxia stimulation]

Objective: To investigate the role of RNA m6A methylation in mediating cerebellar dysplasia through analyzing the phenotypes of the mouse cerebella and the expression of several key m6A regulators upon hypobaric hypoxia treatment. Methods: Five-day old C57/BL6 mice were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 9 days. The status of mouse cerebellar development was analyzed by comparing the body weights, brain weights and histological features. Immunostaining of cell-type-specific markers was performed to analyze the cerebellar morphology. Real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect the expression of key m6A regulators in the mouse cerebella. Results: Compared with the control, the body weights, brain weights and cerebellar volumes of hypobaric hypoxic mice were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The expression of specific markers in different cells, including NeuN (mature neuron), Calbindin-D28K (Purkinje cell) and GFAP (astrocyte), was decreased in hypobaric hypoxic mouse cerebella (P<0.01), accompanied with disorganized cellular structure. The expression of methyltransferase METTL3 was significantly down-regulated in the cerebella of hypobaric hypoxic mice (P<0.05). Conclusions: Hypobaric hypoxia stimulation causes mouse cerebellar dysplasia, with structural abnormalities in mature granular neurons, Purkinje cells and astrocytes. Expression of METTL3 is decreased in hypobaric hypoxic mice cerebellum compared with that of normobaric normoxic mice, suggesting that its mediated RNA m6A methylation may play an important role in hypobaric hypoxia-induced mouse cerebellar dysplasia.

[Effects of RNA M6A demethylase ALKBH5 gene deficiency on morphology and function of cerebellum in aged mice]

Objective: To investigate the effects of RNA m6A demethylase ALKBH5 gene deficiency on cerebellar morphology and function in the aged mice, and to explore the role of ALKBH5 in cerebellar degeneration. Methods: Western blot was performed to detect the protein level of ALKBH5 in the cerebellum of wild-type mice of various ages. The expression of NeuN, Calbindin-D28K, MAP2, GFAP and other proteins in the cerebella of middle-aged (12-month-old) and aged (18-month-old) wild-type mice and ALKBH5^-/- mice was examined using immunohistochemistry. The balance beam test and gait analysis were performed to test the balance ability and motor coordination of the mice. Results: With aging of the mice, the expression of ALKBH5 in the cerebellum increased gradually in an age-dependent manner. In the aged mice, but not middle-aged mice, the body weight, whole brain weight and cerebellum weight of ALKBH5^-/- mice decreased by 15%, 10% and 21%, respectively (P<0.05). The expression of ALKBH5 in the Purkinje cells was much higher than that in other types of neural cells. Correspondingly, ALKBH5-deficiency caused 40% reduction in the number of Purkinje cells, as well as the length and density of neuronal dendrites in the aged mice (P<0.01). In addition, the time for the aged ALKBH5^-/- mice to pass the balance beam was 70% longer than that of the wild type mice of the same age, with unstable gaits (P<0.01). Conclusions: Gene deficiency of RNA m6A demethylase ALKBH5 causes cerebellar atrophy, Purkinje neuron loss and damage in the aged mice. These changes eventually affect mice's motor coordination and balance ability. These results suggest that imbalanced RNA m6A methylation may lead to neurodegenerative lesions in the cerebellum of mice.

Clinical Outcomes of Conservative Treatment for Low-Risk Ductal Carcinoma in Situ: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis

AIMS

The current gold standard of treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is surgical resection with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. However, the increased detection and radical treatment of DCIS did not result in a declined incidence of invasive breast cancers, leading to the debate if DCIS has been overtreated. While ongoing randomised controlled trials on active surveillance of DCIS are still in progress, this systematic review aims to evaluate the best evidence on conservative treatment for DCIS from the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic review was conducted in line with the PRISMA statement. We included all relevant studies published up to June 2022 for analysis. The primary outcomes were overall survival and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) of conservative treatment for DCIS.

RESULTS

Three studies, with a total of 34 007 women with low-risk DCIS, were included in the analysis. Active and conservative treatments both resulted in excellent 10-year BCSS, with no statistically insignificant difference (98.6% versus 96.0%, 31 478 women). One study comparing 5-year BCSS of active and conservative treatments only in subjects aged over 80 years also reported [AQ1]an insignificant difference (98.2% versus 96.0%, 2529 women). One study measuring 5- and 10-year overall survival between the treatment groups also reported [AQ1]an insignificant difference (5-year: 96.2% versus 92.4%; 10-year: 85.6% versus 86.7%, 31 106 women).

CONCLUSION

BCSS between active and conservative treatment for women with low-risk DCIS is both excellent and comparable, suggesting that conservative treatment is a possible alternative without compromising survival.

[Toll-like receptors link atopic march and hygiene hypothesis]

The atopic march reveals that infants with atopic dermatitis are prone to food allergy, allergic rhinitis and asthma later in life. The hygiene hypothesis holds that the cleaner the personal hygiene and environment, the higher the incidence rate of asthma and allergy. It is believed that Toll like receptors (TLRs) are the bridge between innate immunity and adaptive immunity, playing an important role in inflammatory and immune diseases. More and more evidence shows that TLRs, involved in the pathophysiology of atopic march, connect atopic march with hygiene hypothesis as a potential therapeutic target for asthma and allergy.

LINC00665 knockdown protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

LINC00665 has been reported to participate in several human diseases. However, the role of LINC00665 in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI/R) is still unknown. This study is designed to investigate the role of LINC00665 in rats with CI/R injury. We established middle cerebral artery occlusion/ reperfusion (MCAO/R) rats model in vivo. PC12 cells treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) were used to establish in vitro I/R model. RT-qPCR assay was adopted to assess the mRNA expression of LINC00665 and miR-744-5p. MTT assay was used to determine cell viability. The protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by Western blot assay. The relationship between LINC00665 and miR-744-5p was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP). In this study, we found that LINC00665 was sharply up regulated in MCAO/R rats and PC12 cells treated with I/R. Functionally, LINC00665 knockdown attenuated oxidative damage in PC12 cells treated with I/R. Moreover, LINC00665 knockdown promoted cell viability, while inhibited cell apoptosis in PC12 cells treated with I/R. In addition, miR-744-5p was confirmed to be a target of LINC00665. LINC00665 knockdown was validated to project CI/R injury by sponging miR-744-5p expression.

[Relationship between circular RNA and liver disease]

CircRNA is a new endogenous non-coding RNA(ncRNA ) and a member of the competitive endogenous RNA(ceRNA) family. Some researches have found that circRNA exists widely in organisms and interacts with miRNA, which has certain influence on the occurrence and development of liver diseases. This article reviews the research progress of circRNA and its biological functions, as well as the relationship between circRNA and liver disease, in order to expound the role of circRNA in liver diseases and guide clinical practice better.

[Qualitative and quantitative analysis of major cholic acids in Suis Fellis Pulvis]

This study is to establish a qualitative method for rapid identification of bile acids in Suis Fellis Pulvis based on UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS technology,and an HPLC-ELSD internal standard method for the quantitative determination of two glycine-conjugated BAs in Suis Fellis Pulvis.The chromatographic separation of the UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS qualitative analysis was achieved on a Waters Acquity UPLC HSS T_3column(2.1 mm×100 mm,1.8μm),with 0.2%formic acid aqueous solution(A)-acetonitrile(B)as mobile phase ingradient elution.Electrospray ionization(ESI)source was applied and operated in negative ion mode.Quantitative analysis was performed at 30℃on a Diamonsil-C_(18)column(4.6 mm×250 mm,5μm).The mobile phase consisted of 0.2%formic acid solution and acetonitrile with gradient elution and the flow rate was 1.0 m L·min~(-1).An ELSD was used with a nitrogen flow-rate of1.4 L·min~(-1)at a drift tube temperature of 60℃and the gain was 1.A total of 14 bile acids in Suis Fellis Pulvis were characterized based on the accurate mass measurements,fragmentation patterns,chromatographic retention times,and reference materials.For the quantitative analysis method,the glycohyodeoxycholic acid and glycochenodeoxycholic acid had good linear relationship in the range of26.52-265.20 mg·L~(-1)(r=0.999 8)and 19.84-198.40 mg·L~(-1)(r=0.999 1),respectively.The average recoveries(n=6)were104.1%and 103.1%,and the RSD were 2.0%and 2.4%.The UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS technology provides a fast and efficient qualitative analysis method for identification of bile acids in Suis Fellis Pulvis.The HPLC-ELSD internal standard method is accurate and reliable,which has reference value for the quality control of Suis Fellis Pulvis.

Effect of compatible herbs on the pharmacokinetics of effective components of Panax notoginseng in Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule

Fufang Xueshuantong (FXT) is a well-known Chinese herbal formula which has been used to treat cardiovascular and ophthalmic diseases, especially diabetic retinopathy. Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H. Chen (PN) is the main herb of FXT, whose major bioactive constituents are ginsenosides. However, the scientific basis of the compatibility of FXT is still ambiguous. The present study investigated the scientific basis of the compatibility of FXT by comparing the pharmacokinetics of marker compounds after oral administrations of PN and FXT. A high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method was developed for simultaneous detection of notoginsenoside R1 (NR1), ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1), and ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) in rat plasma. The pharmacokinetic studies of FXT and PN were performed using the established method with the pharmacokinetic parameters being determined by non-compartmental analysis. The results showed that the pharmacokinetic parameters (maximum concentration, area under the curve (AUC_0-t), clearance, and mean residence time) of NR1, GRg1, and GRb1 were significantly different after oral administration of FXT (P<0.05) compared with PN. The AUC_0-t values of GRg1 and GRb1 were 1.7- and 3.4-fold greater, respectively, in FXT than in PN. The compatible herbs of FXT could prolong the retention time and increase the systemic exposure of NR1, GRg1, and GRb1 compared with PN in vivo, providing some scientific basis for the compatibility and clinical use of FXT.

[Metabolic fingerprint analysis of RAW264.7 inflammatory cell model by using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS]

In order to reveal the properties of polar metabolome in inflammatory cells, we selected LPS-induced RAW264.7 inflammatory cell models as the carrier for the research of metabolic fingerprint analysis. In this study, an ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS)-based metabolomics protocol was optimized for the extraction of polar metabolites from RAW264.7 cell line. Then orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to process the metabolic data, and finally, a total of 17 metabolites were selected and identified. The results showed that MeOH-CHCl3-H2O (8∶1∶1) was chosen as the optimal extraction solvent to achieve higher number of chromatographic peaks, with the best relative extraction efficiency and stability. Comparing with the normal cells, the inflammatory cells presented an abnormal metabolism in protein, carbohydrate, nucleotide and phospholipids. In this study, a UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based metabolomics protocol for the polar metabolites from RAW264.7 cell line was developed, which may provide important information for the study of mechanism of inflammation and the anti-inflammatory drugs.

Impact of E × B shear flow on low-n MHD instabilities

Recently, the stationary high confinement operations with improved pedestal conditions have been achieved in DIII-D [K. H. Burrell et al., Phys. Plasmas 23, 056103 (2016)], accompanying the spontaneous transition from the coherent edge harmonic oscillation (EHO) to the broadband MHD turbulence state by reducing the neutral beam injection torque to zero. It is highly significant for the burning plasma devices such as ITER. Simulations about the effects of E × B shear flow on the quiescent H-mode (QH-mode) are carried out using the three-field two-fluid model in the field-aligned coordinate under the BOUT++ framework. Using the shifted circular cross-section equilibriums including bootstrap current, the results demonstrate that the E × B shear flow strongly destabilizes low-n peeling modes, which are mainly driven by the gradient of parallel current in peeling-dominant cases and are sensitive to the E_r shear. Adopting the much more general shape of E × B shear ([Formula: see text]) profiles, the linear and nonlinear BOUT++ simulations show qualitative consistence with the experiments. The stronger shear flow shifts the most unstable mode to lower-n and narrows the mode spectrum. At the meantime, the nonlinear simulations of the QH-mode indicate that the shear flow in both co- and counter directions of diamagnetic flow has some similar effects. The nonlinear mode interaction is enhanced during the mode amplitude saturation phase. These results reveal that the fundamental physics mechanism of the QH-mode may be shear flow and are significant for understanding the mechanism of EHO and QH-mode.

Intrathecal Administration of Flavopiridol Promotes Regeneration in Experimental Model of Spinal Cord Injury

AIM

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition of the central nervous system and it affects the quality of life and even hampers the day-to-day activity of the patient. In the current study, we investigated the efficacy of intrathecal administration of flavopiridol in an experimental animal model of SCI. The study also aimed at exploring the physiological effects of flavopiridol on neurons, astrocytes and cell cycle regulatory proteins.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In vitro scratch wound experiments were performed on female Sprague-Dawley rats (n=23). A complete hemisection to the right of T10 was made, and flavopiridol solution (200 mM, 0.8 nmol flavopiridol/animal) was delivered topically to the lesion site. Cell viability assay, in vitro scratch injury assay, cell cycle analysis using flow cytometry and behavioural assessments were performed.

RESULTS

The local delivery of flavopiridol reduced cavity formation and improved regeneration of neurons with improvement in physiological performance. Flavopiridol also inhibited the migration and proliferation of astrocytes, and at the same time, promoted the survival of neurons.

CONCLUSION

Intrathecal administration of flavopiridol can be a promising treatment strategy in patients with SCI and it needs to be validated in patient setting.

[Differential expression of microRNA in eutopic endometrium tissue during implantation window for patients with endometriosis related infertility]

OBJECTIVE

To predict the genes that affect endometrial receptivity through the differential expression of microRNA (miRNA) in eutopic endometrial tissues during implantation window in patients with endometriosis infertility.

METHODS

Among infertile patients that received treatments at the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital between May and December 2013, patients with endometriosis infertility were selected as endometriosis group (among the selected 17 cases, there were 6 cases with follicular phase endometrium and 11 cases with implantation window phase endometrium), and patients with tubal factor infertility were selected as control group (among the selected 19 cases, there were 7 cases with follicular phase endometrium and 12 cases with implantation window phase endometrium). (1)Implantation window phase endometrium was selected from 3 cases in each group. Using miRNA and mRNA joint gene sequencing and database for forecast results, as well as using the negative regulatory relationship between miRNA and mRNA, the intersection of target gene that negatively correlates with miRNA expression were obtained. The co-expression network of miRNA-mRNA wae constructed. Combined with the genes associated with endometrial receptivity found through bioinformatics method, the miRNA with core regulatory functionwas found. (2) Expand sample size to 14 cases for endometriosis group and 16 cases for control group.Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR technique was utilized to detect the expression of miR- 142- 5p, miR- 146a- 5p and miR- 543 in endometrial tissues, and verify miRNA microarray results.

RESULTS

(1) miRNA and mRNA microarray screening results showed that, among the endometrial tissues of patients with endometriosis infertility and with implantation window phase, 6 differentially expressed miRNA were indentified, among which miR-142-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-1281, miR-940, miR-4634 showed significantly enhanced expression and miR- 543 showed significantly inhibited expression. Sixty- three differentially expressed mRNA were indentified, among which 58 mRNA such as CADM1, IL-10RA, ITGAL and LPAR5 had significantly enhanced expression. Five mRNA such as HLA- DRB1,3,4,5 and SOHLH2 showed significantly inhibited expression. Thirty- six taget genes were found in consideration of negatively correlated miRNA expression with the genes, miRNA-mRNA co-expression network were constructed. The miR-543 was found at the core of the network. Targetscan and other database predicted that miR-142-5p, miR- 146a- 5p and miR- 543 could act on various types of endometrial receptivity molecular corresponding marker genes such as HOX10, ITGAV, ITGB3, OPN, LIF, ESR, PGR, CDH1 and MMP. (2) RT- PCR test showed that the average levels of expression of miR-142-5p and miR-146a-5p in implantation window phase endometrium in endometriosis group were 8.3±10.6 and 1.9±0.8 respectively; the average levels of that in control group were 1.1±0.6 and 0.9±0.4, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P=0.027, P=0.015), and was consistent with results from miRNA microarray test. The expression of miR-543 in tissues of follicular phase endometrium in endometriosis group (2.3±1.0) was significantly higher than that in control group (1.0 ± 0.4), and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.008). However, when comparing the expression of miR-543 implantation window phase endometrium in endometriosis group (1.2±0.6) with that in control group (1.5±1.0), the difference was not statistical significant (P=0.890).

CONCLUSIONS

There are multiple differential expressions of miRNA in the implantation window phase endometrium tissues of endometriosis infertility patients, among which miR-142-5p and miR-146a-5p show significantly enhanced expression and may affect embryo implantation by acting on a variety of endometrial receptivity marker molecules. The expression of miR- 543 in implantation window phase endometrium of endometriosis infertility patients is lower than that in the follicular phase, forewarned changes in the pattern of cyclic variation of miR-543, and may be the reason for affecting endometrial receptivity.

Bifurcation and hysteresis of plasma edge transport in a flux-driven system

Transition dynamics and mean shear flow generation in plasma interchange turbulence are explored in a flux-driven system that resembles the plasma edge region. The nonlinear evolution of the interchange mode shows two confinement regimes with different transport levels. Large amplitude oscillations in the phase space of turbulence intensity and mean flow energy are observed and investigated. Both clockwise and counterclockwise oscillations occur during the transition between the two regimes. The Reynolds stress gradients are shown to play a critical role in the generation of mean sheared flows in the edge region. Both the forward and back transitions are simulated self-consistently and a significant hysteresis is found.

Protective effects of tumor necrosis factor-α blockade by adalimumab on articular cartilage and subchondral bone in a rat model of osteoarthritis

We aimed to investigate the effects of an anti-tumor necrosis factor-α antibody (ATNF) on cartilage and subchondral bone in a rat model of osteoarthritis. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated group (n=8); anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)+normal saline (NS) group (n=8); and ACLT+ATNF group (n=8). The rats in the ACLT+ATNF group received subcutaneous injections of ATNF (20 μg/kg) for 12 weeks, while those in the ACLT+NS group received NS at the same dose for 12 weeks. All rats were euthanized at 12 weeks after surgery and specimens from the affected knees were harvested. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and Mankin score assessment were carried out to evaluate the cartilage status and cartilage matrix degradation. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the cartilage molecular metabolism. Bone histomorphometry was used to observe the subchondral trabecular microstructure. Compared with the rats in the ACLT+NS group, histological and Mankin score analyses showed that ATNF treatment reduced the severity of the cartilage lesions and led to a lower Mankin score. Immunohistochemical and histomorphometric analyses revealed that ATNF treatment reduced the ACLT-induced destruction of the subchondral trabecular microstructure, and decreased MMP-13 expression. ATNF treatment may delay degradation of the extracellular matrix via a decrease in MMP-13 expression. ATNF treatment probably protects articular cartilage by improving the structure of the subchondral bone and reducing the degradation of the cartilage matrix.

Differentiation of bel-7402 human hepatocarcinoma cells induced by aqueous extracts of fresh gecko (AG) and its anti-tumor activity in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gecko, a kind of reptile, has been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat various diseases including cancer in China for thousands of years. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-tumor effect of AG (aqueous extracts of fresh gecko) on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell Bel-7402 in vitro and mouse H22 hepatocellular in vivo. Further to underlie the molecular mechanism of AG inducing the differentiation of Bel-7402 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

AG was obtained by water extracting method and qualitatively analyzed through High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The total protein concentration of AG was measured by BCA (bicinchoninic acid disodium) assay. The anti-tumor activities in vivo were analyzed through H22 (mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cell line H22) tumor xenografts mice. The cytotoxic activity of AG on Bel-7402 cells was evaluated by MTT assays. AFP (alpha fetoprotein) was detected by radioimmunoassay. ALB (albumin), ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and γ-GT (γ-glutamyl transpeptidase) were detected by biochemical methods with commercial kits. While morphological changes were observed through an inverted microscope. Moreover, the expression level of the proteins involved in MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signal pathway which was closely related to cellular differentiation was assessed by Western blot.

RESULTS

AG showed obviously anti-tumor activity in vivo and anti-proliferative activity on Bel-7402 cells in vitro both dose-dependently. The number of clones of Bel-7402 cells treated with AG reduced and the cells were displaying differentiation state such as relatively bigger size and dispersed growth. The biochemical function markers of the cells were significantly changed after being treated with AG. The data showed that AFP secretion of the cells decreased 42.5%, ALB secretion increased 58.9%, the activity of ALP and γ-GT markedly decreased 67.0% and 48.5% separately when the concentration of AG was 10μl/ml, and those effects were all in a dose-dependent manner. The major original and phosphorylated signal proteins (ERK1/2 (extracellular sigal-regualted kinase 1/2), P38 (p38 MAPK) and JNK1/2 (c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2)) involved in MAPK signal pathway were measured and the results showed that AG activated the ERK1/2 of Bel-7402 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

AG has anti-tumor activity in vivo and inhibits Bel-7402 cell proliferation in vitro through inducing cell differentiation, and the mechanism involves the activation of ERK1/2.

[Study on index components and fingerprints of crude and processed Siegesbeckia Herbs]

The change of kirenol, darutigenol and darutoside in Siegesbeckia and its first to ninth processed products were studied, and the ten fingerprints were compared, which provided the experimental basis for the study of Siegesbeckia processing tech- nology. The samples were analysed by HPLC on a SunFire-C18 column (4.6 mm x 150 mm, 5 μm) with gradient elution of acetonitrile (0.1% formic acid)-water (0.1% formic acid) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1). Column temperaturewas 30 °C and the detected wavelength was 215, 320 nm. The calibration curves of kirenol, darutigenol and darutoside were linear in the range of 2.180-26.16, 2.900-34.80, and 1.012-6.072 mg x L(-1), respectively, and the average recoveries were 96.4%, 97.2% and 96.3% wit RSD 2.2%, 1.7% and 2.4%. This method was simple, the result was stable and had good repeatability, recovery and precision. The re- sult was the basis of the chemical contents variation in the processing of Siegesbeckia Herbs and further clarifying the effect of the changing.

Molecular characteristics and cloning of two pepper genes AN2 and UPA20

The complete coding sequences (CDSs) of "Yunnan Purple Pepper No.1" (Capsicum annuum L.) AN2 and UPA20 genes were amplified using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on the basis of the conserved sequence information of some Solanaceae plants and known highly homologous pepper expressed sequence tags. The nucleotide sequence analysis of these 2 genes revealed that pepper AN2 gene encoded a protein of 263 amino acids that has high homology with the AN2-like protein of 4 species: tobacco, tomato, potato, and petunia. The UPA20 gene encoded a protein of 341 amino acids that has high homology with the proteins of 3 species: tobacco, petunia, and tomato. The tissue expression analysis indicated that the pepper AN2 gene was overexpressed in the pericarp and placenta; moderately in stems, flowers, and seeds; and weakly in the roots, leaves, and pericarp. The pepper UPA20 gene was overexpressed in the flowers and seeds; moderately expressed in the roots and stems; and weakly expressed in the leaves and placenta. Our findings might form the basis for further research on these 2 pepper genes.

Cloning and bioinformatic analysis of full-length novel pepper (Capsicum annuum) genes TAF10 and TAF13

We isolated two TATA-binding protein-associated factor (TAF) genes, TAF10 and TAF13, from pepper (Capsicum annuum). The complete coding sequences were amplified using reverse transcriptase-PCR on the basis of conserved sequence information of eggplant and several other plant species. Nucleotide sequence analysis of these two genes revealed that the pepper TAF10 gene encodes a protein of 103 amino acids that belongs to the TAF10 superfamily. The pepper TAF10 gene was highly expressed in the pericarp and placenta, moderately expressed in the stems, flowers, seeds and leaves, and weakly expressed in roots. The TAF13 gene was found to encode a protein of 130 amino acids that belongs to the TAF13 superfamily. The TAF13 gene was highly expressed in the stems, flowers and pericarp, moderately expressed in the leaves, placenta and seeds, and weakly expressed in roots.

[Quality survey of different species of clematidis radix et rhizoma]

Quality survey of different species of Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma was made by determining the content of hederagenin and oleanolic acid from Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma. The result showed that only a few samples of Clematis chinensis met the quality standard for Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2010 Edition.

Comparative genome-wide gene expression analysis of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are complex diseases. Studies and treatment of RA and OA have mainly focused on individual factors. However, there is still no clear understanding of their causes and adequate treatment alternatives are still being sought. We applied gene set-enrichment analysis to microarray datasets of RA and OA to look for regulatory mechanisms. We found 32 highly significant pathways, including 18 downregulated and 14 upregulated pathways associated with RA. We also identified 18 highly significant pathways, including 7 downregulated and 11 up-regulated pathways associated with OA. Several such pathways were found in both RA and OA, including an upregulated PPAR signaling pathway and downregulated leukocyte transendothelial migration. Regulatory mechanisms in RA seem to be more complex than in OA. This information could be useful for diagnosis and treatment of these two diseases.

Emerging resistance in Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi in Hong Kong

A total of 182 Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi isolated from three hospitals in Hong Kong from 1986 to 1992 were tested for their susceptibility to 21 antimicrobial agents. Four percent or less were resistant to chloramphenicol, ampicillin, some of the cephalosporins, nalidixic acid, tetracycline and trimethoprim and 6% to 1024 mg/l sulfamethoxazole. All were susceptible to the aminoglycosides and the 4-quinolones. Nineteen isolates were resistant to at least 1, and up to 9, antibiotics. Of 8 chloramphenicolor multiply-resistant isolates studied, only 3 could transfer their resistances while resistance of one could only be mobilized. Four of 5 ampicillin-resistant strains produced a beta-lactamase of pI 5.5. Antibiotic resistances were mediated by plasmids of 106, 116 or 221 kb of incompatibility groups H, I1 and K. Three resistant isolates did not harbour any plasmid. A total of 43 (24%) S. Typhi harboured plasmids ranging in size from 4.3 to 221 kb. Plasmids of 106 kb and 8.5 kb were found in 17 and 10 isolates, respectively. Restriction enzyme digestion of these two plasmids showed that each could be differentiated into 3 types. Of 89 isolates that were phage typed, 38% were untypable, while 17% and 12% were of phage types E1 and A, respectively, and the rest belonged to 17 other types.

Modification of the TUBEX typhoid test to detect antibodies directly from haemolytic serum and whole blood

The TUBEX test for typhoid fever detects serum antibodies in a simple and rapid assay system based on the inhibition of binding between two types of reagent particles - magnetic particles coated with an antigen (Salmonella O9 LPS) and coloured indicator particles coated with an anti-O9 mAb. A magnet is used to separate the colour indicator particles bound to the magnetic particles from the unbound indicator particles. Specific colour changes following magnetic separation are indicative of antibodies in the patient's serum; however, because results are interpreted based on changes in the colour red, haemolytic or icteric specimens cannot be used. This study describes a simple modification of the protocol to accommodate such specimens, including whole blood. This involves the addition of a quick and simple washing step after mixing the specimen with the antigen-bound magnetic particles. This modification has the advantage of allowing larger sample volumes to be used, thus enhancing the assay sensitivity, and also enables cases considered to be borderline positive by the original method to be re-assessed.

TB surveillance in correctional institutions in Hong Kong, 1999-2005

OBJECTIVE

To understand the epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) inside the prison system of Hong Kong.

METHOD

Prospective territory-wide TB surveillance was conducted among prisoners in 24 correctional institutions.

RESULTS

From 1999 to 2005, 622 prevalent TB cases diagnosed before or within 3 months of incarceration and 214 incident cases diagnosed after 3 months were reported by prison staff to a paper-based central prison TB registry. Both crude prevalence and incidence were falling (chi(2) for trend, both P < 0.001), despite a higher sex- and age-adjusted prison TB incidence as compared to the general population (indirectly standardised rate [ISR] 280.6 vs. 108.0/100000, P < 0.001). Illegal immigrants (odds ratio [OR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-7.4) and drug addicts (OR 2.04, 95%CI 1.13-3.7) were two major risk groups. The TB incident risk disappeared after their exclusion (ISR 117.1 vs. 108.0/100000, P = 0.52). No significant difference in the multidrug-resistant rate was found when comparing the group with the general population (3.5% vs. 1.0%, OR 3.6, 95%CI 0.5-28.4). No extensively drug-resistant (XDR) cases were identified.

CONCLUSION

TB remains a significant disease in local prisons. Further strengthening of TB control programmes in prisons, especially targeting the higher risk groups, is recommended.

[Effect ofAangong Niuhuang pill and heavy metal constituents on EcoG of brain damage caused by LPS in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To probe the mechanism of EEG activation and Xingnao Kaiqiao, evaluate the actions of cinnabaris and realgar in Xingnao Kaiqiao of Angong Niuhuang pill, guess the significance of cinnabaris and realgar in specific indication treatment of Angong Niuhuang pill, and provide experimental bases for the rationality of Angong Niuhuang pill building-up.

METHOD

Seventy SD rats were divided into seven groups: the control, the model, the Angong Niuhuang pill (0.4 g x kg(-1)), the Angong Niuhuang pill without cinnabaris and realgar (0.32 g x kg(-1)) , the cinnabaris and realgar (0.08 g x kg(-1)), the realgar (0.04 g x kg(-1)), and the cinnabaris (0.04 g x kg(-1)). Rats in the control and model groups were given distilled water. After three days of administration, the brain damage model was made by Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) injection through caudal vein and the catecholamine (CA) and its metabolites levels in cerebral cortex, included noradrenaline (NE), adrenaline (E), 3-methocy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), dopamine (DA), Homovanlic acid (HVA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detector (HPLC-ECD). Influences of Angong Niuhuang pill, Angong Niuhuang pill without cinnabaris and realgar, cinnabaris and realgar on monoamine transmitters were observed in brain damage rats caused by LPS.

RESULT

LPS could raise NE, 5-HT, 5-HIAA levels and reduce E, DOPAC levels, but had no influence on HVA, DA, MHPG levels. Angong Niuhuang pill had the trend of raising E, DOPAC levels and reducing NE level, and could reduce 5-HIAA level obviously comparing with models. But Angong Niuhuang pill without cinnabaris and realgar was different, NE level was significantly higher compared to models and Angong Niuhuang pill, DA level was also significantly higher compared to all groups. Cinnabaris and realgar had the same action trends with Angong Niuhuang pill, and separate realgar could obviously reduce 5-HT.

CONCLUSION

Influence on CA and its metabolites levels in cerebral cortex may be one of the mechanisms of Angong Niuhuang pill's EEG activation, and cinnabaris and realgar have the same action on CA levels in cerebral cortex. The results of the present work allow us to put forward the hypothesis that cinnabaris and realgar are most likely one of the important material basis in Xingnao Kaiqiao of Angong Niuhuang pill.

Extremely low exposure of a community to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus: false seropositivity due to use of bacterially derived antigens

Estimates of seropositivity to a new infectious agent in a community are useful to public health. For severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the figures are conflicting. Herein, we screened 12,000 people in a community stricken by SARS 10 months previously and found 53 individuals (0.44%) who had immunoglobulin G antibodies to the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) nucleocapsid (N) produced in bacteria. However, only seven of these (group 1) had sera which also reacted with the native N antigen expressed in SARS-CoV-infected Vero cells, N-transfected 293T cells, and tissues of infected SARS patients. Of these, six individuals had had SARS previously. The remaining person, as well as the 46 other individuals (group 2), were healthy and had no history of SARS. Group 1 antibodies recognized epitopes located slightly differently in N from those of group 2 antibodies, and a mouse hybridoma antibody resembling the former type was generated. Unusually, group 2 antibodies appeared to recognize cross-reactive bacterial epitopes that presumably were posttranslationally modified in eukaryotes and hence were probably not induced by SARS-CoV or related coronaviruses but rather by bacteria. The N antigen is thus highly unique. The extremely low rate (0.008%) of asymptomatic SARS infection found attests to the high virulence of the SARS-CoV virus.

[GC-MS analysis of the fatty components of pollen Typhae before and after being carbonized]

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes of the fatty components of Pollen Typhae before and after being carbonized.

METHOD

Pollen Typhae and Pollen Typhae carbonisatus were extracted with petroleum ether (60-90 degrees C) respectively. The two kinds of extracts were analyzed by GC-MS after saponificated and methanolized, and their constituents were searched through NIST. The contents of the constituents were determined by method of normalization.

RESULT

Either in Pollen Typhae or in Pollen Typhae carbonisatus, 32 components were identified, among which 20 components were the same and 6 were different respectively. Among the same components, the relative contents of 3-methyl-2-butenoic acid-2-phenylethyl ester, hexanedioic acid-dimethyl ester, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diphenylamine, sebacic acid dimethyl ester, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, ethyl methyl ester, methyl-2-ethylhexyl phthalate and diisooctyl phthalate etc. increased obviously, and the relative contents of nonanedioic acid-dimethyl ester, diisobutyl phthalate and stigmastan-3,5-dien etc. decreased greatly. Among the different components, 8-hydroxy-octanoic acid-methyl ester, 9-hydroxy-nonanoic acid-methyl ester, 10-octadecenoic acid-methyl ester, m-hydroxycinnamic acid-methyl ester,3-[4-( acetyloxy)-3-methoxyphenyl]2-propenoic acid-methyl ester and 11-octadecenoic acid-methyl ester were detected in Pollen Typhae, 3-hydroxyspirost-8-en-11-one, benzenepropanoic acid-methyl ester, 2,4-dimethylhexanedioic acid; 2,4-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-phenol, undecanedioic acid-dimethyl ester and 9,10-dihydroxy-octadecanoic acid-methyl ester were detected in Pollen Typhae carbonistatus.

CONCLUSION

The species and contents of the fatty components in Pollen Typhae changed before and after being carbonized, but their chemical types didn't change too much.

[Studies on the nasal epithelium toxicity of adjuvants and recombination hirudin (rHV2) nasal spary]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the nasal epithelium toxicity of adjuvants and rHV2 nasal spary(HVS).

METHOD

Ciliary movement were evaluated with in situ toad palate model; The histology assessment of nasal epithelium were carried out after long-lasting and repeated use of HVS.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

Adjuvants included SDS, Brij 35, azone, lecithin, EDTA, menthol, nipagin and thiomersal were able to significantly inhibited the ciliary movement, while tween80, glycyrrhizic acid monoammonium salt, benzalkonium bromide, sodium benzoate and adhensive materials investigated had less influence on it. HVS was able to damaged the nasal epithelium, but this effect recovered soon after stopping administration. It was demonstrated that SDS, Brij 35, azone,lecithin, EDTA, menthol, nipagin and thiomersal. It had significant cilitoxity, while tween80, glycyrrhizic acid monoammonium salt, benzalkonium bromide, sodium benzoate and adhensive materials investigated had no significance; Chitosan co-administration with some adjuvants may make the cillitoxity severer; It is available that rHV2 be administered by nasal spary.

Evaluation of a recombinant nucleocapsid protein-based assay for anti-SARS-CoV IgG detection

A high throughput accurate assay for anti‐SARS‐CoV IgG detection is needed for large‐scale epidemiological studies. The evaluation of a commercial recombinant nucleocapsid protein‐based microtitre plate enzyme immunoassay, ELISARS™ is described. The results on 150 sera from SARS patients and 450 sera from non‐SARS controls showed that this assay had a high level of sensitivity (96.2% for late serum samples) and specificity (97.8%). The performance and setup of this assay fulfills the requirement as a screening test for large‐scale studies. A vast majority of SARS patients developed antibodies against the nucleocapsid protein. In some patients (10/45), a high level of anti‐nucleocapsid antibody appeared very early in the course of the illness. In contrast, a minority (4 of 105 patients) never developed these antibodies. The implication of differences in antibody response to the nucleocapsid protein deserves further investigation. J. Med. Virol. 75:181–184, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

[Determination of cineole in banxiaxiexintang decoction different combinations of by GC]

OBJECTIVE

To the amount of 1,8-cineole in Banxiaxiexintang Decoction different combinations were determined by GC.

METHOD

An OV-101 column (30 m x 0.32 mm) was used at 90 degrees C.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

The amount of cineole was 2-3 times in each combination than that in the separate Rhizoma Zingiberis.

Strand bias in Ig somatic hypermutation is determined by signal sequence within the variable region

Ig genes undergo hypermutation with a nucleotide preference of A over T for mutation on the coding strand. As only with concomitant strand bias can such nucleotide bias be observed, Ig gene hypermutation is generally accepted as a strand-specific process, for which the mechanistic basis remains unknown. It has previously been shown that different non-Ig sequences replacing the LVJ region of an Ig transgene to various extents are targeted for hypermutation with similar mutation frequencies. However, the nucleotide bias characteristic of Ig hypermutation was not found in two of the three such sequences studied. To test whether it is the DNA sequences of the non-Ig substrates that determine the pattern of nucleotide bias in hypermutation or whether the LVJ sequence may contain element(s) that confer strand bias, we have added back all the replaced LVJ sequences to one of the transgenes, L(kappa)-Vgpt*, that expresses no strand bias in hypermutation and studied the outcome. The results show that the gpt sequence in the presence of the complete LVJ sequence hypermutates differently from the same sequence in L(kappa)-Vgpt* where 84% of the LVJ was replaced. The main difference is the resumption of strand bias characteristic of Ig hypermutation. Thus, whether or not a substrate sequence manifests strand bias in hypermutation is not inherently determined by the substrate DNA sequence. This indicates the presence of special element(s) within the LVJ that confer strand bias.

Identification of Mycobacterium neoaurum isolated from a neutropenic patient with catheter-related bacteremia by 16S rRNA sequencing

A rapidly growing pigmented mycobacterial strain with an ambiguous biochemical profile was isolated from the blood culture taken through the Hickman catheter of a 9-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Whole-cell fatty acid analysis showed that the best match profile was that of Mycobacterium aurum, but the similarity index was only 0.217, meaning that there were no good matches between the isolate and the organisms in the database of the Microbial Identification System. The 16S rRNA gene of the mycobacterial strain was amplified, agarose gel purified, and sequenced. There were 44 base differences between the gene sequence of the isolate and that of M. aurum but only one base difference between the sequence of the isolate and that of Mycobacterium neoaurum, showing that the isolate was indeed a strain of M. neoaurum by using this "gold standard." This represents the first case of M. neoaurum infection documented by 16S rRNA sequencing.

[Determination of baicalin in banxiaxiexintang decoction different combinations of the by PR-HPLC]

OBJECTIVE

To the amount of baicalin in Banxiaxiexintang Decocted of different combinations were determined by PR-HPLC.

METHOD

An YWG C18 column was used with a mobile phase of MeOH-H2O-H3PO4(47:53:0.05) and an UV detector at the wavelength of 274 nm.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

The amount of baicalin decreases when Radix Scutellariae is decocted with Rhizoma Coptidis, Rhizoma Pinelliae and Rhizoma Zingiberis.

cDNA cloning and expression of a novel estrogen receptor beta-subtype in goldfish (Carassius auratus)

We have isolated a second goldfish estrogen receptor (ER) beta-subtype (gfER-beta2) cDNA which is distinct from the liver-derived ER-beta (gfER-beta1) cDNA reported previously. The 2650-bp cDNA, isolated from a goldfish pituitary and brain cDNA library, encodes a 610 amino acid (aa) protein which shows only a 53% aa sequence identity with gfER-beta1 in overall structure. RT-PCR analysis showed that mRNA of gfER-beta2, in contrast to that of gfER-beta1, was predominantly expressed in pituitary, telencephalon and hypothalamus as well as in liver of female goldfish. The existence of a second distinct ER-beta subtype opens new dimensions for studying tissue-specific regulation of gene expression by estrogen in the tetraploid goldfish.

Structural analysis of a phosphorylcholine-binding antibody which exhibits a unique carrier specificity for Trichinella spiralis

A phosphorylcholine (PC)-binding IgG (Mab2) antibody produced by a hybridoma derived from a BALB/c mouse which had been immunized against Trichinella spiralis was found to bind to the immunizing antigen (TSC) but not to other PC-associated antigens such as pneumococcal antigen (PNC) and PC-conjugated ovalbumin (PC-OVA). Sequence analysis of the protein revealed the presence of a heavy chain (VH) which was very similar (differing in only four amino acids) to that of the M511 myeloma protein, and a light chain (VL) which was completely identical to that of the M167 myeloma protein. Several M511/M167+ proteins, including the prototypic M511 protein and PC-binding proteins of other families (TEPC 15 and W3207), were examined in their binding to the various PC-associated antigens. These were found to be largely indiscriminate although subtle differences were observed for some antigens with some of the antibodies. A comparison of the VH sequences of Mab2 and these proteins revealed that of the differences seen, the single most important substitution in Mab2 which could contribute to the unique specificity of the molecule is the glycine residue at 49H. None of the other proteins, including other PCV-binding proteins published to-date, which utilize the same VH segment (99 in total), has this substitution.

A synthetic alanyl-initiator tRNA with initiator tRNA properties as determined by fluorescence measurements: comparison to a synthetic alanyl-elongator tRNA

Two synthetic tRNAs have been generated that can be enzymatically aminoacylated with alanine and have AAA anticodons to recognize a poly(U) template. One of the tRNAs (tRNA(eAla/AAA)) is nearly identical to Escherichia coli elongator tRNA(Ala). The other has a sequence similar to Escherichia coli initiator tRNA(Met) (tRNA(iAla/AAA)). Although both tRNAs can be used in poly(U)-directed nonenzymatic initiation at 15 mM Mg2+, only the elongator tRNA can serve for peptide elongation and polyalanine synthesis. Only the initiator tRNA can be bound to 30S ribosomal subunits or 70S ribosomes in the presence of initiation factor 2 (IF-2) and low Mg2+ suggesting that it can function in enzymatic peptide initiation. A derivative of coumarin was covalently attached to the alpha amino group of alanine of these two Ala-tRNA species. The fluorescence spectra, quantum yield and anisotropy for the two Ala-tRNA derivatives are different when they are bound to 70S ribosomes (nonenzymatically in the presence of 15 mM Mg2+) indicating that the local environment of the probe is different. Also, the effect of erythromycin on their fluorescence is quite different, suggesting that the probes and presumably the alanine moiety to which they are covalently linked are in different positions on the ribosomes.

Multichannel far-infrared laser interferometer for electron density measurements on the tokamak fusion test reactor

A ten-channel far-infrared laser interferometer which is routinely used to measure the spatial and temporal behavior of the electron density profile on the tokamak fusion test reactor is described, and representative results are presented. This system has been designed for remote operation in the very hostile environment of a fusion reactor. The possible expansion of the system to include polarimetric measurements is briefly outlined.

Serologic study of toxoplasmosis in Taiwan

Toxoplasma gondii antibody titers as determined by either the indirect hemagglutination test or the methylene blue dye test were determined for a group of aborigines and for Chinese as well as for swine, cats, rats, dogs and one bovine, all resident on the island of Taiwan. None of the 194 aborigines and only 3 (1.97%) of the 152 Chinese were found to be positive. Of 433 swine tested 132 (30.5%) were positive. Thirteen (27.7%) of 47 domestic pet cats were positive while none of 11 feral cats were positive. None of the 29 rats, 3 dogs or the one bovine were positive. Possible reasons for the lack of infection in Chinese is discussed.

The effect of vaccination with a live attenuated strain of Japanese encephalitis virus on stillbirths in swine in Taiwan

Since an excellent candidate strain (M) for live virus vaccination of swine against Japanese encephalitis was developed, a number of large vaccination programmes have been implemented in Japan with the aim of controlling Japanese encephalitis epidemics in man by reducing the population size of nonimmune swine. Encouraging results have been obtained but no studies have been made on the benefits of live-virus vaccination to the industry. In order to determine the effect of vaccination upon the number of stillbirths occurring in the Japanese encephalitis post-emergence season, a total of 74 vaccinated, and subsequently mated, gilts at a large breeding farm in subtropical Taiwan were subjected to follow-up observations in comparison with a control group. The total incidence of litter stillbirths in the vaccinated group (1/74) was significantly lower than that in the control group (21/68). Over 92% of the newborn piglets from the vaccinated gilts were healthy, while 31.6-54.1% of the newborn piglets in the control groups were stillborn. The litter size of vaccinated gilts was larger than that of the control gilts. The vaccine was shown by tests in 22 swine to have an adequate degree of safety. Four weeks after vaccination with either 10(5.6) or 10(8.0) smicLD(50) of virus, all the swine developed an adequate level of antibody. The results indicate that live virus vaccination could benefit the industry in addition to achieving the main aim of controlling Japanese encephalitis viraemia in swine.