Positive association between chlorinated paraffins and the risk of allergic diseases in children and adolescents

Contaminants may induce immune response polarization, leading to immune diseases, such as allergic diseases. Evidence concerning the effects of chlorinated paraffins (CPs), an emerging persistent organic pollutant, on immune system is scarce, particularly for epidemiological evidence. This study explores the association between CPs exposure and allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, atopic eczema, and allergic conjunctivitis) in children and adolescents in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in China. Herein, 131,304 children and adolescents from primary and secondary schools in the PRD were included and completed the questionnaire survey. The particulate matter (PM) samples were collected in the PRD and the PM2.5-bound CP concentrations were analyzed. In the multivarious adjustment mixed effect model (MEM), an IQR increase in ∑CPs was significantly associated with allergic diseases (rhinitis, eczema, and conjunctivitis) with the estimated odds ratios (ORs) for 1.11 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.13), 1.17 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.19), and 1.82 (95% CI: 1.76, 1.88), respectively. Interaction analysis indicated that overweight and obese individuals might have greater risk. Similar effect estimates were observed in several sensitivity analyses. This study provided epidemiological evidence on the immunotoxicity of CPs. More studies to confirm our findings and investigate mechanisms are needed.

Casp11 Deficiency Alters Subgingival Microbiota and Attenuates Periodontitis

Periodontitis (PD) is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g), a keystone pathogen, has been identified as a crucial contributor to this process. Pyroptosis activation in PD is acknowledged, with accumulating evidence underscoring the crucial role of Caspase-11 (described as Caspase-4/5 in humans)-mediated noncanonical pyroptosis. However, the mechanism behind its impact on PD remains unclear. In this study, we delved into the interplay between the Caspase-11-mediated noncanonical pyroptosis, subgingival microbiota alteration, and macrophage polarization. Clinical samples from PD patients revealed heightened expression of Caspase-4, gasdermin-D, and their active fragments, pointing to the activation of the noncanonical pyroptosis. Single-cell sequencing analysis linked Caspase-4 with gingival macrophages, emphasizing their involvement in PD. In vitro cell experiments confirmed that P.g-induced pyroptosis was activated in macrophages, with Casp11 deficiency attenuating these effects. In an experimental PD mouse model, Casp11 deficiency led to an alteration in subgingival microbiota composition and reduced alveolar bone resorption. Casp11-/- mice cohousing with wild-type mice confirmed the alteration of the subgingival microbiota and aggravated the alveolar bone resorption. Notably, Casp11 deficiency led to decreased M1-polarized macrophages, corresponding with reduced alveolar bone resorption, uncovering a connection between subgingival microbiota alteration, macrophage M1 polarization, and alveolar bone resorption. Taken together, we showed that Caspase-11 fulfilled a crucial role in the noncanonical pyroptosis in PD, potentially influencing the subgingival microbiota and linking to M1 polarization, which was associated with alveolar bone resorption. These findings underscored the pivotal role of the Caspase-11-mediated noncanonical pyroptosis in PD pathogenesis and may provide critical insights into potential therapeutic avenues for mitigating PD.

LDLR is used as a cell entry receptor by multiple alphaviruses

Alphaviruses are arboviruses transmitted by mosquitoes and are pathogenic to humans and livestock, causing a substantial public health burden. So far, several receptors have been identified for alphavirus entry; however, they cannot explain the broad host range and tissue tropism of certain alphaviruses, such as Getah virus (GETV), indicating the existence of additional receptors. Here we identify the evolutionarily conserved low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) as a new cell entry factor for GETV, Semliki Forest virus (SFV), Ross River virus (RRV) and Bebaru virus (BEBV). Ectopic expression of LDLR facilitates cellular binding and internalization of GETV, which is mediated by the interaction between the E2-E1 spike of GETV and the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of LDLR. Antibodies against LBD block GETV infection in cultured cells. In addition, the GST-LBD fusion protein inhibits GETV infection both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, we identify the key amino acids in LDLR-LBD that played a crucial role in viral entry; specific mutations in the CR4 and CR5 domain of LDLR-LBD reduce viral entry to cells by more than 20-fold. These findings suggest that targeting the LDLR-LBD could be a potential strategy for the development of antivirals against multiple alphaviruses.

Risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 replicating and evolving in animals

The retransmissions of SARS-CoV-2 from several mammals - primarily mink and white-tailed deer - to humans have raised concerns for the emergence of a new animal-derived SARS-CoV-2 variant to worsen the pandemic. Here, we discuss animal species that are susceptible to natural or experimental infection with SARS-CoV-2 and can transmit the virus to mates or humans. We describe cutting-edge techniques to assess the impact of a mutation in the viral spike (S) protein on its receptor and on antibody binding. Our review of spike sequences of animal-derived viruses identified nine unique amino acid exchanges in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that are not present in any variant of concern (VOC). These mutations are present in SARS-CoV-2 found in companion animals such as dogs and cats, and they exhibit a higher frequency in SARS-CoV-2 found in mink and white-tailed deer, suggesting that sustained transmissions may contribute to maintaining novel mutations. Four of these exchanges, such as Leu452Met, could undermine acquired immune protection in humans while maintaining high affinity for the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Finally, we discuss important avenues of future research into animal-derived viruses with public health risks.

Mutation and codon bias analysis of the spike protein of Omicron, the recent variant of SARS-CoV-2

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant is a heavily mutated virus and designated as a variant of concern. To investigate the codon usage pattern of this new variant, we performed mutation and codon bias analysis for Omicron as well as for its sub-lineages BA.1 and BA.2 and compared them with the original SARS-CoV-2 and the Delta variant sequences obtained in this study. Our results indicate that the sub-lineage BA.1 and BA.2 have up to 23 sites of difference on the spike protein, which have minimal impact on function. The Omicron variant and its sub-lineages have similar codon usage patterns and A/U ending codons appear to be preferred over G/C ending codons. The Omicron has a lower degree of codon usage bias in spite of evidence that natural selection, mutation pressure and dinucleotide abundance shape the codon usage bias of Omicron, with natural selection being more significant on BA.2 than the other sub-lineages of Omicron. The codon usage pattern of Omicron variant that we explored provides valid information for a clearer understanding of Omicron and its sub-lineages, which could find application in vaccine development and optimization.

Newly identified lineages of porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus exhibit respiratory phenotype

Swine pathogens have a long history of zoonotic transmission to humans, occasionally leading to sustained outbreaks or pandemics. Through a retrospective epidemiological study of swine populations in China, we describe novel lineages of porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (PHEV) complex coronaviruses (CoVs) that cause exclusively respiratory symptoms with no signs of the neurological symptoms typically associated with classical PHEV infection. Through large-scale epidemiological surveillance, we show that these novel lineages have circulated in at least eight provinces in southeastern China. Phylogenetic and recombination analyses of twenty-four genomes identified two major viral lineages causing respiratory symptoms with extensive recombination within them, between them, and between classical PHEV and the novel respiratory variant PHEV (rvPHEV) lineages. Divergence times among the sampled lineages in the PHEV virus complex date back to 1886-1958 (mean estimate 1928), with the two major rvPHEV lineages separating approximately 20 years later. Many rvPHEV viruses show amino acid substitutions at the carbohydrate-binding site of hemagglutinin esterase (HE) and/or have lost the cysteine required for HE dimerization. This resembles the early adaptation of human CoVs, where HE lost its hemagglutination ability to adapt to growth in the human respiratory tract. Our study represents the first report of the evolutionary history of rvPHEV circulating in swine and highlights the importance of characterizing CoV diversity and recombination in swine to identify pathogens with outbreak potential that could threaten swine farming.

Zoonotic risk assessment among farmed mammals

Farmed mammals may act as hosts for zoonotic viruses that can cause disease outbreaks in humans. This SnapShot shows which farmed mammals, and to what extent, are of particular risk of harboring and spreading viruses from viral families that are commonly associated with zoonotic disease. It also discusses genome surveillance methods and biosafety measures. To view this SnapShot, open or download the PDF.

The diversity of the glycan shield of sarbecoviruses related to SARS-CoV-2

Animal reservoirs of sarbecoviruses represent a significant risk of emergent pandemics, as evidenced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Vaccines remain successful at limiting severe disease and death, but the potential for further coronavirus zoonosis motivates the search for pan-coronavirus vaccines. This necessitates a better understanding of the glycan shields of coronaviruses, which can occlude potential antibody epitopes on spike glycoproteins. Here, we compare the structure of 12 sarbecovirus glycan shields. Of the 22 N-linked glycan attachment sites present on SARS-CoV-2, 15 are shared by all 12 sarbecoviruses. However, there are significant differences in the processing state at glycan sites in the N-terminal domain, such as N165. Conversely, glycosylation sites in the S2 domain are highly conserved and contain a low abundance of oligomannose-type glycans, suggesting a low glycan shield density. The S2 domain may therefore provide a more attractive target for immunogen design efforts aiming to generate a pan-coronavirus antibody response.

Progress in vaccine development for infectious diseases-a Keystone Symposia report

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many things, among the most important of which is that vaccines are one of the cornerstones of public health that help make modern longevity possible. While several different vaccines have been successful at stemming the morbidity and mortality associated with various infectious diseases, many pathogens/diseases remain recalcitrant to the development of effective vaccination. Recent advances in vaccine technology, immunology, structural biology, and other fields may yet yield insight that will address these diseases; they may also help improve societies' preparedness for future pandemics. On June 1-4, 2022, experts in vaccinology from academia, industry, and government convened for the Keystone symposium "Progress in Vaccine Development for Infectious Diseases" to discuss state-of-the-art technologies, recent advancements in understanding vaccine-mediated immunity, and new aspects of antigen design to aid vaccine effectiveness.

Broadly neutralizing anti-S2 antibodies protect against all three human betacoronaviruses that cause deadly disease

Pan-betacoronavirus neutralizing antibodies may hold the key to developing broadly protective vaccines against novel pandemic coronaviruses and to more effectively respond to SARS-CoV-2 variants. The emergence of Omicron and subvariants of SARS-CoV-2 illustrates the limitations of solely targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein. Here, we isolated a large panel of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) from SARS-CoV-2 recovered-vaccinated donors, which targets a conserved S2 region in the betacoronavirus spike fusion machinery. Select bnAbs showed broad in vivo protection against all three deadly betacoronaviruses, SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV, which have spilled over into humans in the past two decades. Structural studies of these bnAbs delineated the molecular basis for their broad reactivity and revealed common antibody features targetable by broad vaccination strategies. These bnAbs provide new insights and opportunities for antibody-based interventions and for developing pan-betacoronavirus vaccines.

Early Genomic Surveillance and Phylogeographic Analysis of Getah Virus, a Reemerging Arbovirus, in Livestock in China

Getah virus (GETV) mainly causes disease in livestock and may pose an epidemic risk due to its expanding host range and the potential of long-distance dispersal through animal trade. Here, we used metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to identify GETV as the pathogen responsible for reemerging swine disease in China and subsequently estimated key epidemiological parameters using phylodynamic and spatially-explicit phylogeographic approaches. The GETV isolates were able to replicate in a variety of cell lines, including human cells, and showed high pathogenicity in a mouse model, suggesting the potential for more mammal hosts. We obtained 16 complete genomes and 79 E2 gene sequences from viral strains collected in China from 2016 to 2021 through large-scale surveillance among livestock, pets, and mosquitoes. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that three major GETV lineages are responsible for the current epidemic in livestock in China. We identified three potential positively selected sites and mutations of interest in E2, which may impact the transmissibility and pathogenicity of the virus. Phylodynamic inference of the GETV demographic dynamics identified an association between livestock meat consumption and the evolution of viral genetic diversity. Finally, phylogeographic reconstruction of GETV dispersal indicated that the sampled lineages have preferentially circulated within areas associated with relatively higher mean annual temperature and pig population density. Our results highlight the importance of continuous surveillance of GETV among livestock in southern Chinese regions associated with relatively high temperatures. IMPORTANCE Although livestock is known to be the primary reservoir of Getah virus (GETV) in Asian countries, where identification is largely based on serology, the evolutionary history and spatial epidemiology of GETV in these regions remain largely unknown. Through our sequencing efforts, we provided robust support for lineage delineation of GETV and identified three major lineages that are responsible for the current epidemic in livestock in China. We further analyzed genomic and epidemiological data to reconstruct the recent demographic and dispersal history of GETV in domestic animals in China and to explore the impact of environmental factors on its genetic diversity and its diffusion. Notably, except for livestock meat consumption, other pig-related factors such as the evolution of live pig transport and pork production do not show a significant association with the evolution of viral genetic diversity, pointing out that further studies should investigate the potential contribution of other host species to the GETV outbreak. Our analysis of GETV demonstrates the need for wider animal species surveillance and provides a baseline for future studies of the molecular epidemiology and early warning of emerging arboviruses in China.

The diversity of the glycan shield of sarbecoviruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2

The animal reservoirs of sarbecoviruses represent a significant risk of emergent pandemics, as evidenced by the impact of SARS-CoV-2. Vaccines remain successful at limiting severe disease and death, however the continued emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, together with the potential for further coronavirus zoonosis, motivates the search for pan-coronavirus vaccines that induce broadly neutralizing antibodies. This necessitates a better understanding of the glycan shields of coronaviruses, which can occlude potential antibody epitopes on spike glycoproteins. Here, we compare the structure of several sarbecovirus glycan shields. Many N-linked glycan attachment sites are shared by all sarbecoviruses, and the processing state of certain sites is highly conserved. However, there are significant differences in the processing state at several glycan sites that surround the receptor binding domain. Our studies reveal similarities and differences in the glycosylation of sarbecoviruses and show how subtle changes in the protein sequence can have pronounced impacts on the glycan shield.

Entanglement-Enhanced Quantum Metrology in Colored Noise by Quantum Zeno Effect

In open quantum systems, the precision of metrology inevitably suffers from the noise. In Markovian open quantum dynamics, the precision can not be improved by using entangled probes although the measurement time is effectively shortened. However, it was predicted over one decade ago that in a non-Markovian one, the error can be significantly reduced by the quantum Zeno effect (QZE) [Chin, Huelga, and Plenio, Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 233601 (2012)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.109.233601]. In this work, we apply a recently developed quantum simulation approach to experimentally verify that entangled probes can improve the precision of metrology by the QZE. Up to n=7 qubits, we demonstrate that the precision has been improved by a factor of n^{1/4}, which is consistent with the theoretical prediction. Our quantum simulation approach may provide an intriguing platform for experimental verification of various quantum metrology schemes.

The Effects of an mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine Booster on Immune Responses in Cancer-Bearing Veterans

Immunocompromised cancer patients are at significant risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. A method to identify those patients at highest risk is needed so that prophylactic measures may be employed. Serum antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are important markers of protection against COVID-19 disease. We evaluated total and neutralizing antibody levels pre and post third booster vaccine and compared responses among different cancer-bearing and healthy veterans. This as a prospective, single site, comparative cohort observational trial. The setting was the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center cancer center. All veterans received a third SARS-CoV-2 mRNA booster. The main outcomes were anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG and neutralizing antibodies to wild-type, and B.1.617, BA1, BA2, and BA4/5 variants were measured. Disease type and therapy, COVID-19 infection, and anti-CD20 antibody treatments were documented. The third mRNA vaccine booster increased the mean blood anti-spike IgG five-fold. The second anti-spike level was equal or greater than the first in 129/140 veterans. All the groups except the myeloma group, had post-booster antibody levels significantly higher than pre-booster with 4-fold, 12-fold, 4-fold, 6-fold and 3.5-fold increases for the control, solid tumor, CLL, B cell lymphoma and all B cell malignancy cohorts. The myeloma set showed only a non-significant 1.7-fold increase. Recently anti-CD20 antibody-treated patients were shown to have approximately 200-fold less anti-S IgG production after vaccine booster than other patients. There was a 2.5-fold enhancement of wild-type virus mean neutralizing antibodies after a third mRNA booster and mean neutralization of Delta and Omicron variants increased 2.2, 6.5, 7.7, and 6.2-fold versus pre-boost levels. B cell malignancies failed to show increased post-booster neutralization. The third SARS CoV-2 booster increased total anti-spike IgG and neutralizing antibodies for most subjects. Veterans with B cell malignancies particularly myeloma and those receiving anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies had the weakest humoral responses. Neutralizing antibody responses to Omicron variants were less than for wild-type virus. A subset of patients without humoral immunity post-booster should be considered for prophylactic antibody or close monitoring.

Targeted isolation of diverse human protective broadly neutralizing antibodies against SARS-like viruses

The emergence of current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) and potential future spillovers of SARS-like coronaviruses into humans pose a major threat to human health and the global economy. Development of broadly effective coronavirus vaccines that can mitigate these threats is needed. Here, we utilized a targeted donor selection strategy to isolate a large panel of human broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) to sarbecoviruses. Many of these bnAbs are remarkably effective in neutralizing a diversity of sarbecoviruses and against most SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, including the Omicron variant. Neutralization breadth is achieved by bnAb binding to epitopes on a relatively conserved face of the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Consistent with targeting of conserved sites, select RBD bnAbs exhibited protective efficacy against diverse SARS-like coronaviruses in a prophylaxis challenge model in vivo. These bnAbs provide new opportunities and choices for next-generation antibody prophylactic and therapeutic applications and provide a molecular basis for effective design of pan-sarbecovirus vaccines.

Virome characterization of game animals in China reveals a spectrum of emerging pathogens

Game animals are wildlife species traded and consumed as food and are potential reservoirs for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. We performed a meta-transcriptomic analysis of 1,941 game animals, representing 18 species and five mammalian orders, sampled across China. From this, we identified 102 mammalian-infecting viruses, with 65 described for the first time. Twenty-one viruses were considered as potentially high risk to humans and domestic animals. Civets (Paguma larvata) carried the highest number of potentially high-risk viruses. We inferred the transmission of bat-associated coronavirus from bats to civets, as well as cross-species jumps of coronaviruses from bats to hedgehogs, from birds to porcupines, and from dogs to raccoon dogs. Of note, we identified avian Influenza A virus H9N2 in civets and Asian badgers, with the latter displaying respiratory symptoms, as well as cases of likely human-to-wildlife virus transmission. These data highlight the importance of game animals as potential drivers of disease emergence.

Phylogeography reveals association between swine trade and the spread of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in China and across the world

The ongoing SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)-CoV (coronavirus)-2 pandemic has exposed major gaps in our knowledge on the origin, ecology, evolution, and spread of animal coronaviruses. Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a member of the genus Alphacoronavirus in the family Coronaviridae that may have originated from bats and leads to significant hazards and widespread epidemics in the swine population. The role of local and global trade of live swine and swine-related products in disseminating PEDV remains unclear, especially in developing countries with complex swine production systems. Here, we undertake an in-depth phylogeographic analysis of PEDV sequence data (including 247 newly sequenced samples) and employ an extension of this inference framework that enables formally testing the contribution of a range of predictor variables to the geographic spread of PEDV. Within China, the provinces of Guangdong and Henan were identified as primary hubs for the spread of PEDV, for which we estimate live swine trade to play a very important role. On a global scale, the United States and China maintain the highest number of PEDV lineages. We estimate that, after an initial introduction out of China, the United States acted as an important source of PEDV introductions into Japan, Korea, China, and Mexico. Live swine trade also explains the dispersal of PEDV on a global scale. Given the increasingly global trade of live swine, our findings have important implications for designing prevention and containment measures to combat a wide range of livestock coronaviruses.

Emergence and adaptive evolution of influenza D virus

As a novel member of the Orthomyxoviridae, influenza D virus (IDV) was firstly isolated from swine. However, cattle were found to serve as its primary reservoir. The study of IDV emergence can shed light into the dynamics of zoonotic infections and interspecies transmission. Although there is an increasing number of strains and sequenced IDV strains, their origin, epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics remain unclear. In this study, we reconstruct the diversity and evolutionary dynamics of IDVs. Molecular detection of swine tissue samples shows that six IDV positive samples were identified in the Eastern China. Phylogenetic analyses suggest three major IDV lineages designated as D/Japan, D/OK and D/660 as well as intermediate lineages. IDVs show strong association with geographical location indicating a high level of local transmission, which suggests IDVs tend to establish a local lineage of in situ evolution. In addition, the D/OK lineage widely circulates in swine in Eastern China, and all of the Chinese virus isolates form a distinct sub-clade (D/China sub-lineage). Furthermore, we identified important amino acids in the HEF gene under positive selection that might affect its receptor binding cavity relevant for its broader cell tropism. The combined results highlight that more attention should be paid to the potential threat of IDV to livestock and farming in China.

A Rapid Assay for SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies That Is Insensitive to Antiretroviral Drugs

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike pseudotyped virus (PSV) assays are widely used to measure neutralization titers of sera and of isolated neutralizing Abs (nAbs). PSV neutralization assays are safer than live virus neutralization assays and do not require access to biosafety level 3 laboratories. However, many PSV assays are nevertheless somewhat challenging and require at least 2 d to carry out. In this study, we report a rapid (<30 min), sensitive, cell-free, off-the-shelf, and accurate assay for receptor binding domain nAb detection. Our proximity-based luciferase assay takes advantage of the fact that the most potent SARS-CoV-2 nAbs function by blocking the binding between SARS-CoV-2 and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. The method was validated using isolated nAbs and sera from spike-immunized animals and patients with coronavirus disease 2019. The method was particularly useful in patients with HIV taking antiretroviral therapies that interfere with the conventional PSV assay. The method provides a cost-effective and point-of-care alternative to evaluate the potency and breadth of the predominant SARS-CoV-2 nAbs elicited by infection or vaccines.

Cross-reactive serum and memory B-cell responses to spike protein in SARS-CoV-2 and endemic coronavirus infection

Pre-existing immunity to seasonal endemic coronaviruses could have profound consequences for antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, induced from natural infection or vaccination. A first step to establish whether pre-existing responses can impact SARS-CoV-2 infection is to understand the nature and extent of cross-reactivity in humans to coronaviruses. Here we compare serum antibody and memory B cell responses to coronavirus spike proteins from pre-pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 convalescent donors using binding and functional assays. We show weak evidence of pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 cross-reactive serum antibodies in pre-pandemic donors. However, we find evidence of pre-existing cross-reactive memory B cells that are activated during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Monoclonal antibodies show varying degrees of cross-reactivity with betacoronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and endemic coronaviruses. We identify one cross-reactive neutralizing antibody specific to the S2 subunit of the S protein. Our results suggest that pre-existing immunity to endemic coronaviruses should be considered in evaluating antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2.

Site-specific steric control of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycosylation

A central tenet in the design of vaccines is the display of native-like antigens in the elicitation of protective immunity. The abundance of N-linked glycans across the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is a potential source of heterogeneity between the many different vaccine candidates under investigation. Here, we investigate the glycosylation of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins from five different laboratories and compare them against infectious virus S protein. We find patterns which are conserved across all samples and this can be associated with site-specific stalling of glycan maturation which act as a highly sensitive reporter of protein structure. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a fully glycosylated spike support s a model of steric restrictions that shape enzymatic processing of the glycans. These results suggest that recombinant spike-based SARS-CoV-2 immunogen glycosylation reproducibly recapitulates signatures of viral glycosylation.

Genomic Epidemiology, Evolution, and Transmission Dynamics of Porcine Deltacoronavirus

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has shown once again that coronavirus (CoV) in animals are potential sources for epidemics in humans. Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging enteropathogen of swine with a worldwide distribution. Here, we implemented and described an approach to analyze the epidemiology of PDCoV following its emergence in the pig population. We performed an integrated analysis of full genome sequence data from 21 newly sequenced viruses, along with comprehensive epidemiological surveillance data collected globally over the last 15 years. We found four distinct phylogenetic lineages of PDCoV, which differ in their geographic circulation patterns. Interestingly, we identified more frequent intra- and interlineage recombination and higher virus genetic diversity in the Chinese lineages compared with the USA lineage where pigs are raised in different farming systems and ecological environments. Most recombination breakpoints are located in the ORF1ab gene rather than in genes encoding structural proteins. We also identified five amino acids under positive selection in the spike protein suggesting a role for adaptive evolution. According to structural mapping, three positively selected sites are located in the N-terminal domain of the S1 subunit, which is the most likely involved in binding to a carbohydrate receptor, whereas the other two are located in or near the fusion peptide of the S2 subunit and thus might affect membrane fusion. Finally, our phylogeographic investigations highlighted notable South-North transmission as well as frequent long-distance dispersal events in China that could implicate human-mediated transmission. Our findings provide new insights into the evolution and dispersal of PDCoV that contribute to our understanding of the critical factors involved in CoVs emergence.

[Verification of clinical applicability of the non-special perioperative administration for enhanced recovery after surgery of gastric cancer patients: a Chinese single-center observational report]

Objective: To verify clinical applicability of the non-special perioperative administration for enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) proposed by Japanese scholars in Chinese gastric cancer patients. Methods: The main measures of the non-special perioperative administration for ERAS are as follows: (1) discussion of multiple disciplinary team before surgery; (2) rehabilitation education for patients; (3) no routine bowel preparation before surgery; (4) placement of nasogastric tube for decompression routinely before operation and removal as early as 24 hours after surgery; (5) appropriate rehydration; (6) antibiotic prophylaxis before surgery; (7) place abdominal drainage tubes when necessary; (8) epidural patient-controlled analgesia and oral medication for postoperative pain management; (9) start low-molecular-weight heparin injection 48h after surgery and ambulation every day to prevent deep vein thrombosis; (10) postoperative dietary management and supplement with parenteral nutrition intermittently; (11) remove Foley catheter about 24 hours after surgery. A retrospective cohort study was performed, including 203 patients undergoing radical gastrectomy at Department of Gastroenterology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from January 2017 to December 2018. Inclusion criteria were patients who were ≤75 years old without distant metastasis by preoperative examination, were diagnosed as gastric adenocarcinoma by postoperative histopathology and had complete clinicopathological and follow-up data. Patients with history of other malignancies and gastrectomy, extensive implantation of the abdominal cavity or malignant ascites by intraoperative exploration, death within 1 month after surgery, and residual gastric cancer were excluded. The perioperative management methods were chosen by patients. There were 123 patients who followed non-special perioperative administration for ERAS (non-special preparation group) and 80 patients who underwent traditional perioperative management (traditional method group). The primary outcomes (postoperative hospital stay, time to the first flatus, time to the first fluid diet, time to the first ambulatory activity, morbidity of postoperative complication, mortality, and readmission rate) and secondary outcomes (operative time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative pain score) were compared between the two groups. Results: Compared to the traditional method group, the non-special preparation group had shorter time to the first flatus [(3.6±1.1) days vs. (4.8±1.4) days, t=3.134, P=0.003], shorter time to the first liquid diet [(2.6±0.9) days vs. (5.5±1.6) days, t=15.105, P<0.001], shorter time to the first ambulatory activity [(1.9±0.5) days vs. (4.1±1.1) days, t=8.543, P<0.001] and shorter postoperative hospital stay [(9.6±2.3) days vs. (12.9±2.3) days, t=5.020, P<0.001]. Besides, incidences of pancreatic leakage [6.5% (8/123) vs. 16.3% (13/80), χ(2)=4.964, P=0.026], lymphatic leakage [1.6% (2/123) vs. 13.8% (11/80), χ(2)=11.887, P=0.001], peritoneal effusion [2.4% (3/123) vs. 10.0% (8/80), χ(2)=4.032, P=0.045], and gastroparesis [0.8% (1/123) vs. 7.5% (6/80), χ(2)=4.657, P=0.031] in the non-special preparation group were significantly lower. The overall morbidity of postoperative complications and incidences of pulmonary infection and intestinal adhesion were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). As for the secondary outcomes, compared to the traditional method group, the non-special preparation group had less intraoperative blood loss [(80.4±24.4) ml vs. (100.5±19.4) ml, t=3.134, P=0.003] and lower postoperative pain score [postoperative day 1: (4.4±0.3) vs. (5.3±0.8), t=2.504, P=0.037],while the difference in operative time was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: The non-special perioperative administration for ERAS proposed by Japanese scholars is effective and safe, which has certain clinical applicability and value for Chinese patients with gastric cancer.

Isolation of potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and protection from disease in a small animal model

Antibodies produced by survivors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be leveraged to develop therapies. A first step is identifying neutralizing antibodies, which confer strong protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Rogers et al. used a high-throughput pipeline to isolate and characterize monoclonal antibodies from convalescent donors. Antibodies were selected for binding to the viral spike protein, which facilitates entry into host cells by binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Most isolated antibodies bound to regions of the spike outside of the receptor binding domain (RBD); however, a larger proportion of the RBD-binding antibodies were neutralizing, with the most potent binding at a site that overlaps the ACE2 binding site. Two of the neutralizing antibodies were tested in Syrian hamsters and provided protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Science, this issue p. 956

Countermeasures to prevent and treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are a global health priority. We enrolled a cohort of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)–recovered participants, developed neutralization assays to investigate antibody responses, adapted our high-throughput antibody generation pipeline to rapidly screen more than 1800 antibodies, and established an animal model to test protection. We isolated potent neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) to two epitopes on the receptor binding domain (RBD) and to distinct non-RBD epitopes on the spike (S) protein. As indicated by maintained weight and low lung viral titers in treated animals, the passive transfer of a nAb provides protection against disease in high-dose SARS-CoV-2 challenge in Syrian hamsters. The study suggests a role for nAbs in prophylaxis, and potentially therapy, of COVID-19. The nAbs also define protective epitopes to guide vaccine design.

Rapid isolation of potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and protection in a small animal model

The development of countermeasures to prevent and treat COVID-19 is a global health priority. In under 7 weeks, we enrolled a cohort of SARS-CoV-2-recovered participants, developed neutralization assays to interrogate serum and monoclonal antibody responses, adapted our high throughput antibody isolation, production and characterization pipeline to rapidly screen over 1000 antigen-specific antibodies, and established an animal model to test protection. We report multiple highly potent neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and show that passive transfer of a nAb provides protection against high-dose SARS-CoV-2 challenge in Syrian hamsters. The study suggests a role for nAbs in prophylaxis, and potentially therapy, of COVID-19. The nAbs define protective epitopes to guide vaccine design.

COVID-19: Epidemiology, Evolution, and Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan turned into a public health emergency of international concern. With no antiviral drugs nor vaccines, and the presence of carriers without obvious symptoms, traditional public health intervention measures are significantly less effective. Here, we report the epidemiological and virological characteristics of the COVID-19 outbreak. Originated in bats, 2019-nCoV/ severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 likely experienced adaptive evolution in intermediate hosts before transfer to humans at a concentrated source of transmission. Similarities of receptor sequence binding to 2019-nCoV between humans and animals suggest a low species barrier for transmission of the virus to farm animals. We propose, based on the One Health model, that veterinarians and animal specialists should be involved in a cross-disciplinary collaboration in the fight against this epidemic.

Efficient quantum key distribution against collective noise using polarization and transverse spatial mode of photons

Channel noise is the main issue which reduces the efficiency of quantum communication. Here we present an efficient scheme for quantum key distribution against collective-rotation channel noise using polarization and transverse spatial mode of photons. Exploiting the two single-photon Bell states and two-photon hyperentangled Bell states in the polarization and the transverse spatial mode degrees of freedom (DOFs), the mutually unbiased bases can be encoded for logical qubits against the collective-rotation noise. Our scheme shows noiseless subspaces can be made up of two DOFs of two photons instead of multiple photons, which will reduce the resources required for noiseless subspaces and depress the photonic loss sensitivity. Moreover, the two single-photon Bell states and two-photon hyperentangled Bell states are symmetrical to the two photons, which means the relative order of the two photons is not required in our scheme, so the receiver only needs to measure the state of each photon, which makes our protocol easy to execute in experiment than the previous works.

Adaption and parallel evolution of human-isolated H5 avian influenza viruses

Avian-to-human transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) and their subsequent adaptation to humans are of great concern to public health. Surveillance and early warning of AIVs with the potential to infect humans and pandemic potential is crucial. In this study, we determined whether adaptive evolution occurred in human-isolated H5 viruses. We evaluated all available genomes of H5N1 and H5N6 avian influenza A virus. Firstly, we systematically identified several new mutations in H5 AIV that might be associated with human adaptation using a combination of novel comparative phylogenetic methods and structural analysis. Some changes are the result of parallel evolution, further demonstrating their importance. In total, we identified 102 adaptive evolution sites in eight genes. Some residues had been previously identified, such as 227 in HA and 627 in PB2, while others have not been reported so far. Ten sites from four genes evolved in parallel but no obvious positive selection was detected. Our study suggests that during infection of humans, H5 viruses evolved to adapt to their new host environment and that the sites of adaptive/parallel evolution might play a role in crossing the species barrier and are the response to new selection pressure. The results provide insight to implement early detection systems for transitional stages in H5 AIV evolution before its potential adaptation for humans. Author summary line The prerequisite of surveillance and early warning of avian influenza viruses with the potential to infect humans depends on the identification of human-adaptation related mutations. In this study, we used a novel approach combining both phylogenetic and structural analysis to identify possible human-adaptation related mutations in H5 AIVs. Previous studies reported human-adaptation related mutations and some novel mutations exhibiting parallel evolution. Our result provides new insights into how AIVs adapt to humans by point mutations.

Development of a TaqMan-probe-based multiplex real-time PCR for the simultaneous detection of emerging and reemerging swine coronaviruses

With the outbreak of the recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019, coronaviruses have become a global research hotspot in the field of virology. Coronaviruses mainly cause respiratory and digestive tract diseases, several coronaviruses are responsible for porcine diarrhea, such as porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), and emerging swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV). Those viruses have caused huge economic losses and are considered as potential public health threats. Porcine torovirus (PToV) and coronaviruses, sharing similar genomic structure and replication strategy, belong to the same order Nidovirales. Here, we developed a multiplex TaqMan-probe-based real-time PCR for the simultaneous detection of PEDV, PDCoV, PToV, and SADS-CoV for the first time. Specific primers and TaqMan fluorescent probes were designed targeting the ORF1a region of PDEV, PToV, and SADS-CoV and the ORF1b region of PDCoV. The method showed high sensitivity and specificity, with a detection limit of 1 × 102 copies/μL for each pathogen. A total of 101 clinical swine samples with signs of diarrhea were analyzed using this method, and the result showed good consistency with conventional reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). This method improves the efficiency for surveillance of these emerging and reemerging swine enteric viruses and can help reduce economic losses to the pig industry, which also benefits animal and public health.

[Clinical observation on the therapeutic effect of warm acupuncture on endometrial cavity fluid from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical effect of warm acupuncture on endometrial cavity fluid (ECF) from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and to explore the mechanism of warm acupuncture on ECF.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients who were prepared for IVF-ET from 2016 to 2019 and whose transplantation was cancelled due to ECF found by vaginal B-ultrasound examination were divided into an observation group (14 cases) and a control group (15 cases) according to random number table method. The warm acupuncture was applied at Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Guilai (ST 29), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) after the end of menstruation in the observation group, the treatment lasted for 60 min, once a day, 5 times as a course, with 2 days interval between the courses and 3 consecutive courses of treatment were given, until the embryo transfer was performed in the IVF assisted pregnancy cycle. After the end of menstruation, fresh leonurus japonicus capsule was given in the control group, 3 times a day, 0.8 g each time, 7 days as a course, and 3 courses of continuous treatment were received, until the embryo transfer was performed in the IVF assisted pregnancy cycle. The changes of ECF before and after treatment, the time required to prepare for embryo transfer during IVF assisted pregnancy cycle, and the clinical outcome of embryo transfer were observed in the two groups.

RESULTS

The decrease of ECF in the observation group was more significant than that in the control group (P<0.05). The time required for the embryo transfer in the IVF assisted pregnancy cycle in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate in the observation group was 42.9% (6/14), which was significantly higher than 26.7% (4/15) in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Warm acupuncture may improve the clinical pregnancy rate by raising the local temperature of the lower abdomen, accelerating the blood circulation around the uterus and appendages, promoting the absorption of ECF, improving the uterine environment and endometrial receptivity.

[Analysis of influencing factors on hepatic encephalopathy in patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension]

Objective: To investigate the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) and to explore its risk factors. Methods: The incidence rate of HE in 150 cases with NCPH was evaluated in two hospitals, and 188 cases of compensated cirrhosis patients were taken as control. Logistic regression was used to screen for independent risk factors for HE in patients with NCPH. Results: The incidence of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) in patients with NCPH was not statistically significantly different from that in patients with cirrhosis (4.7% vs. 6.9%, P = 0.682). The incidence of mild hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) was significantly lower than that of cirrhosis patients (32.7% vs. 46.3%, P < 0.05). The presence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, infection and portosystemic venous shunt were the main independent factors for HE in NCPH patients (OR > 1, P < 0.05). Conclusion: HE is one of the important complications of NCP, and may be influenced by factors such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, infection and portosystemic venous shunt.

[Study of epidemiological characteristics and viral sources of dengue fever outbreak in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 2014]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics and viral sources of dengue fever outbreak in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi) in 2014. Methods: A combined analysis of epidemiological characteristics and genetic characteristics were performed in this study. The time, population and area distributions of the cases were analyzed. Serum samples were collected from dengue fever cases to detect NS1 antigen by using commercial ELISA kits according to the guideline of the manufacture. RT-PCR assay was conducted to detect dengue virus in NS1 positive samples. Phylogenetic tree based on E gene sequence of dengue virus were further analyzed. Results: During September-December 2014, an outbreak of dengue fever caused by dengue virus type 1 and 2 occurred in Guangxi, a total of 854 cases were reported without death, including 712 laboratory confirmed cases and 142 clinical diagnosed cases, in which 79.63% (680/854) occurred during 22 September-21 October 2014. All the cases had typical dengue fever symptoms. Most cases occurred in Nanning and Wuzhou, in which 83.61% (714/854) were in age group 15-59 years; 46.60% (398/854) were staff or people engaged in commercial service. A total 526 serum samples were tested for dengue virus serotype by RT-PCR assay. Among 414 positive samples, 345 were positive for dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1) and 69 were positive for dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2), no DENV-3 and DENV-4 were detected. The results of phylogenetic analysis of E gene sequence indicated that the sequences of 99.12%(113/114) of DENV-1 strains in Nanning in China shared 100.00% homology with the isolate (SG EHI D1/529Y13) from Singapore in 2013, which belonged to the genotype Ⅰ; All the DENV-2 isolates from Wuzhou shared 99.80% homology with the isolate (D14005) from Guangdong province, which belonged to genotype Cosmopolitan. Conclusions: The outbreak was caused by DENV-1 from Singapore and DENV-2 from Guangdong province in China. It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance and early warning for imported dengue fever, conduct vector control and improve the diagnosis of suspected dengue fever cases for the effective control of dengue fever outbreak.

Protein kinase D at the Golgi controls NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Zhang et al. show that Golgi-mediated protein kinase D (PKD) signaling is required and sufficient for NLRP3 inflammasome activation. PKD at the Golgi phosphorylates NLRP3 to release it from mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes, allowing for assembly of the mature inflammasome in the cytosol.

The inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes sensing tissue damage and infectious agents to initiate innate immune responses. Different inflammasomes containing distinct sensor molecules exist. The NLRP3 inflammasome is unique as it detects a variety of danger signals. It has been reported that NLRP3 is recruited to mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) and is activated by MAM-derived effectors. Here, we show that in response to inflammasome activators, MAMs localize adjacent to Golgi membranes. Diacylglycerol (DAG) at the Golgi rapidly increases, recruiting protein kinase D (PKD), a key effector of DAG. Upon PKD inactivation, self-oligomerized NLRP3 is retained at MAMs adjacent to Golgi, blocking assembly of the active inflammasome. Importantly, phosphorylation of NLRP3 by PKD at the Golgi is sufficient to release NLRP3 from MAMs, resulting in assembly of the active inflammasome. Moreover, PKD inhibition prevents inflammasome autoactivation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients carrying NLRP3 mutations. Hence, Golgi-mediated PKD signaling is required and sufficient for NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Construction and characterization of recombinant adenovirus carrying a mouse TIGIT-GFP gene

Recombinant adenovirus vector systems have been used extensively in protein research and gene therapy. However, the construction and characterization of recombinant adenovirus is a tedious and time-consuming process. TIGIT is a recently discovered immunosuppressive molecule that plays an important role in maintaining immunological balance. The construction of recombinant adenovirus mediating TIGIT expression must be simplified to facilitate its use in the study of TIGIT. In this study, the TIGIT gene was combined with green fluorescent protein (GFP); the TIGIT-GFP gene was inserted into a gateway plasmid to construct a TIGIT-GFP adenovirus. HEK 293A cells were infected with the adenovirus, which was then purified and subjected to virus titering. TIGIT-GFP adenovirus was characterized by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence, and its expression in mouse liver was detected by infection through caudal vein injection. The results showed the successful construction of the TIGIT-GFP adenovirus (5 x 10(10) PFU/mL). Co-expression of TIGIT and GFP was identified in 293A and liver cells; synthesis and positioning of TIGIT-GFP was viewed under a fluorescence microscope. TIGIT-GFP was highly expressed on liver cells 1 day (25.53%) after infection and faded 3 days (11.36%) after injection. In conclusion, the fusion of TIGIT with GFP allows easy, rapid, and uncomplicated detection of TIGIT translation. The construction of a TIGIT-GFP adenovirus, mediating TIGIT expression in vitro and in vivo, lays the foundation for further research into TIGIT function and gene therapy. Moreover, the TIGIT-GFP adenovirus is a helpful tool for studying other proteins (which could replace the TIGIT gene).

[Relation of intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels with ability of proliferation, migration, invasion and IgE secretion of multiple myeloma cells]

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of the intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (IKCa1) channels on the proliferation, migration, invasion ability and monoclonal immunoglobulin (IgE) secretion of multiple myeloma (MM) cells. Trypan blue exclusion was used to evaluate the impact of clotrimazole (CLO, an inhibitor of the KCa1) on the survival ability of MM cell line U266; transwell chamber and matrigel experiments were used to evaluate the impact of CLO on the ability of the migration and invasion of U266 cells; the influence of CLO on IgE secretion in U266 cells was detected by ELISA. The results showed that small dose of CLO ( ≤ 1.0 µmol/L) could not inhibit the viability of U266 cells. The Transwell and Matrigel invading tests displayed that the cell number moving into lower chamber of transwell decreased after U266 cells treated with small dose of CLO ( ≤ 1.0 µmol/L). After treating the cells with 1.00 µmol/L CLO for 24 h and 48 h, the concentration of IgE in cell supernatant was (4.98 ± 0.39) and (4.38 ± 0.32) ng/ml, while those in control group were (15.41 ± 1.88) and (19.73 ± 2.01) ng/ml, respectively, suggesting significant difference between them(P < 0.05). It is concluded that CLO can decrease the ability of migration and monoclonal immunoglobulin secretion of multiple myeloma cells by blocking the IKCa1, thus this study provides a new think for the targeted therapy of MM.

pelo is required for high efficiency viral replication

Viruses hijack host factors for their high speed protein synthesis, but information about these factors is largely unknown. In searching for genes that are involved in viral replication, we carried out a forward genetic screen for Drosophila mutants that are more resistant or sensitive to Drosophila C virus (DCV) infection-caused death, and found a virus-resistant line in which the expression of pelo gene was deficient. Our mechanistic studies excluded the viral resistance of pelo deficient flies resulting from the known Drosophila anti-viral pathways, and revealed that pelo deficiency limits the high level synthesis of the DCV capsid proteins but has no or very little effect on the expression of some other viral proteins, bulk cellular proteins, and transfected exogenous genes. The restriction of replication of other types of viruses in pelo deficient flies was also observed, suggesting pelo is required for high level production of capsids of all kinds of viruses. We show that both pelo deficiency and high level DCV protein synthesis increase aberrant 80S ribosomes, and propose that the preferential requirement of pelo for high level synthesis of viral capsids is at least partly due to the role of pelo in dissociation of stalled 80S ribosomes and clearance of aberrant viral RNA and proteins. Our data demonstrated that pelo is a host factor that is required for high efficiency translation of viral capsids and targeting pelo could be a strategy for general inhibition of viral infection.

[Surveillance of filariasis in some vulnerable areas in Guangxi after filariasis elimination]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the measures for continuing surveillance of filariasis.

METHODS

Selecting some vulnerable spots for focal surveillance, double-slide biood sampling for microfilaria examination, dissecting vectors for detecting the mosquitoes infected with filarial larva, using IFAT for detecting antifilarial antibody.

RESULTS

27,938 persons were examined for microfilaria and 4,454 mosquitoes were dissected for filaria larva, all were negative. 3,606 serum samples were examined for antifilarial antibody average positive rate was 1.35%(0.39-4.97%).

CONCLUSION

The results of surveillance showed that the achievement of filariasis control in Guangxi after filariasis elimination is consolidated.

[The role of theophylline in the improvement of scop-induced learning and memory impairment]

Adenosine and ACh contents in hippocampus, striatum region around the nucleus of basal meynert (NBM) and the frontal and temporal parts of rat cortex were measured by a high performance liquid chromotography-electronic detector (HPLC-ECD). Adenosine content in 18~20 month-old rats was significantly higher than that of 3~6 month-old rats, while ACh content in 18~20 month-old rats was lower than that of 3~6 month-old ones. Learning and memory impairment models were established by induction of SD rats with scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, ip), which were injected with an adenosine receptor antagonist theophylline (1.0 mg/5 microliter, icv), and the step-down test was performed. The error frequency in the step-down test decreased significantly (P<<0.05), and the retention time was longer than that of control. Furthermore, ACh content increased in all the three different brain regions. The above results suggest that adenosine may play an important role in senile learning and memory impairment, and theophylline may improve scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment by increasing ACh content. In consequence, theophylline could be a promising drug for ameliorating senile learning and memory impairment.

Pre- and post-operative hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroidal axis function in patients with prolactinoma, growth hormone tumour and ACTH tumour

Pre- and postoperative hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis function was studied in 38 patients with pituitary adenomas (PRL, GH and ACTH tumours), of whom 35 were surgically confirmed and three diagnosed by clinical signs, CT scanning and hormone assessments. About ten days after operation, the same study was repeated in 10 patients with prolactinoma and 7 with growth hormone (GH) tumour. The preoperative abnormal serum TSH response to TRH was found in 8/20 patients with prolactinoma, 9/16 with GH tumour, and 2/2 with Cushing's disease due to ACTH microadenoma. The incidence of abnormal TSH response to TRH was not significantly increased in patients with larger adenoma in either PRL or GH tumour group. In 8 cases of prolactinoma, metoclopramide (MCP, 10 mg, P.O.) test was also performed and there was a significant positive correlation between TSH responses to TRH and to MCP. Serum TT3 in the GH tumour group was within normal ranges, but significantly higher than that of the normal and prolactinoma groups. After operation, TT3 was significantly decreased as compared with that before operation and there were marked changes in TSH response to TRH. In conclusion, there were some abnormalities in TSH control in patients with non-TSH pituitary tumour, and in serum TT3 control in patients with GH tumour. The surgical treatment of pituitary adenoma can lead to transient decrease in TSH reserve and serum TT3 level probably resulting from both stress and/or destruction of thyro-trophs by the operation.