Preparation and immunogenicity evaluation of mRNA vaccine against porcine epidemic diarrhea / 生物工程学报

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is a highly contagious disease that causes high mortality in suckling piglets. Although several licensed inactivated and live attenuated vaccines were widely used, the infection rate remains high due to unsatisfactory protective efficacy. In this study, mRNA vaccine candidates against PED were prepared, and their immunogenicity was evaluated in mice and pregnant sows. The mRNA PED vaccine based on heterodimer of viral receptor binding region (RBD) showed good immunogenicity. It elicited robust humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, and the neutralizing antibody titer reached 1:300 after a single vaccination. Furthermore, it induced neutralizing antibody level similar to that of the inactivated vaccine in pregnant sows. This study developed a new design of PED vaccine based on the mRNA-RBD strategy and demonstrated the potential for clinical application.

A Phase Ⅲ Clinical Observation of Yishen Yangxin Anshen Tablets in Treatment of Insomnia with Deficiency of Heart Blood and Insufficiency of Kidney Essence / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo confirm the clinical efficacy and safety of Yishen Yangxin Anshen tablets in the treatment of insomnia （heart-blood deficiency and kidney-essence insufficiency syndrome）. MethodA randomized block， double-blind， placebo-controlled， multi-center clinical trial design method was adopted， and a total of 480 patients with insomnia due to deficiency of heart blood and insufficiency of kidney essence （treatment group-control group 3∶1） from seven hospitals （Guang'anmen Hospital， China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences， The First Clinical Hospital， Jilin Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine（TCM）， The Second Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of TCM， The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine， Henan Province Hospital of TCM， Hebei General Hospital， The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine） were enrolled. The treatment group was given Yishen Yangxin Anshen tablets and the control group received placebo tablets （4 tablets/time， 3 times/day， 4 weeks of administration， 4 weeks of follow-up after drug withdrawal）. The sleep dysfunction rating scale （SDRS） score， pittsburgh sleep quality index （PSQI） score， TCM， polysomnography （PSG） indicators from four hospital （Guang'anmen Hospital， China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences， Henan Province Hospital of TCM， Hebei General Hospital， The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine）， and other efficacy indicators were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Through general physical examination， laboratory examination， and observation of adverse events， the safety of the drugs was evaluated. ResultThe baseline indexes of the two groups showed no significant difference and thus the two groups were comparable. After treatment， the total score of SDRS in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group （P<0.01）. After drug withdrawal for 4 weeks， the total score of SDRS demonstrated no significant change in the treatment group as compared with that at the end of treatment， indicating that the rebound change of curative effect was not obvious. After treatment， the total score of PSQI in the treatment group decreased as compared with that in the control group （P<0.01）， and the change of total score of PSQI in the treatment group was statistically significant （P<0.05） after drug withdrawal for 4 weeks but small， indicating that the rebound change of curative effect was not obvious. After treatment， the total effective rate about the TCM symptoms in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group （χ2=137.521，P<0.01）. After treatment， the disappearance rates of single indexes in the treatment group， such as difficulty in falling asleep， easily waking up after sleeping， early awakening， short sleep time， dreamfulness， palpitation， forgetfulness， dizziness， mental fatigue， and weakness of waist and knee， increased compared with those in the control group （P<0.01）. After treatment， the treatment group demonstrated fewer awaking times （AT）， longer total sleep time （TST）， lower ATA/TST ratio， and higher sleep efficiency （%） than the control group （P<0.05）. No abnormal value or aggravation related to drugs was observed in either group. The incidence of adverse events in the treatment group and the control group was 5.57% and 8.40% respectively. No serious adverse events or adverse events leading to withdrawal happened in either group. ConclusionYishen Yangxin Anshen tablets is effective and safe for patients with insomnia of deficiency of heart-blood and insufficiency of kidney-essence.

Screening for scoliosis and associated factors among primary and middle school students in Shanghai / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the prevalence and influencing factors of scoliosis among primary and middle school students in Shanghai, so as to provide reference for the prevention and control strategies of scoliosis in children and adolescents.@*Methods@#From September to December 2021, a total of 4 531 students from grade four of primary school to grade three of junior high school from 16 primary and middle schools in 4 districts of Shanghai were selected by multi stage stratified cluster sampling to carry out scoliosis screening and questionnaire survey. Independent sample t-test, Chi-squared test, Fisher s exact probability method and nonparametric Mann Whitney U-test were used for statistical analysis, and multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of scoliosis.@*Results@#The on the spot detection rate of scoliosis abnormality was 7.4% and the prevalence was 2.2%, mainly for thoracolumbar scoliosis (60.4%) and the scoliosis angle of 10° -<20°(88.1%). The results showed that the detection rate of scoliosis in boys was 1.6% and in girls was 3.3%, with a statistically significant difference ( χ 2=11.84, P < 0.01). There were significant differences in weight and BMI between scoliosis students and students with negative initial screening( t = -3.77, -5.30, P <0.01). And there was a statistically significant difference in the detection rate of scoliosis with different frequency of classroom seating arrangements ( Z =2.02, P <0.05). The results of multivariate Logistic regression showed that the risk of scoliosis in girls was higher than that in boys ( OR =1.87, 95% CI =1.21-2.88). BMI ( OR =0.89, 95% CI =0.83-0.95) and frequency of classroom seating arrangements ( OR =0.49, 95% CI =0.25-0.93) were correlated with lower rate of scoliosis. After stratification by sex, the frequency of classroom seating arrangements ( OR =0.26, 95% CI =0.10-0.67) in boys and the educational stage ( OR =2.35, 95% CI =1.26-4.41) in girls ( P <0.05) was correlated with higher rate of scoliosis, while BMI ( OR =0.86, 95% CI =0.79-0.94) in girls were correlated with lower rate of scoliosis.@*Conclusion@#Regular screening of scoliosis is an effective method for early detection of scoliosis. Girls in junior high school and low BMI should be paid close attention to. According to the occurrence and influencing factors of scoliosis, comprehensive prevention and control based on family, school, society, and other aspects can be carried out.

Yield， Quality， and Soil Microecology of Panax ginseng Under Different Forests / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the forest type and soil environment suitable for Panax ginseng. MethodThe yield， quality， soil chemical properties， soil enzyme activity， and soil microbial metabolism of 9-year-old P. ginseng under different forests were investigated. ResultThe quality of P. ginseng was significantly different among forest types. To be specific， P. ginseng under the Quercus mongolica forest had the highest quality， with the total saponin content of 2.27% which was 51.89% higher than that in P. ginseng under Larix gmelinii forest. The yield of P. ginseng under Q. mongolica forest and L. gmelinii forest （30 g·m-2） was the highest， 62.5% higher than that under Betula platyphylla forest. The soil content of organic matter， Cu， and Zn， and activity of sucrase and urease under Q. mongolica forest were lower than those under other forest types. The utilization rate of D-galacturonic acid by soil microorganisms under Q. mongolica forest was higher than that under other forest types， but the utilization rate of L-phenylalanine was lower than that under other forest types. The utilization rate of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid by soil microorganisms of B. platyphylla forest was significantly lower than that under other forest types. There was a negative correlation between soil Zn and ginsenoside Rb1 and Rc， and between soil K and ginsenoside Rb2 and Rb3. Mn and Cu were positively correlated with most saponins. The results of redundancy analysis showed that the soil microorganisms using carbon sources of amino acids， esters， acids， and sugars were the main factors causing the differences in P. ginseng among different forest types. ConclusionThe yield and quality of P. ginseng under Q. mongolica forest were the best， followed by the forest with different tree species， and coming in last was the B. platyphylla forest. This study is expected to provide theoretical support for the improvement of P. ginseng yield and quality and the improvement of ecological planting technology.

Methodological study on eliminating nucleic acid contamination in molecular diagnostic laboratory / 生物工程学报

Nucleic acid detection technique has good sensitivity and specificity and is widely used in in vitro diagnosis, animal and plant commodity quarantine, forensic identification, and other fields. However, it is susceptible to carryover contamination during the operation and leads to false-positive results, which seriously affects the detection accuracy. Therefore, finding an effective solution to prevent and eliminate nucleic acid carryover contamination has become particularly urgent. This study compared several different methods for removing nucleic acid contamination and confirmed that sodium hypochlorite solution and PCRguard reagent could effectively eliminate nucleic acid carryover in the liquid and on surfaces of different materials. Besides, the combination of sodium hypochlorite solution and PCRguard can solve the nucleic acid aerosol contamination. This study proposes solutions for the routine prevention of carryover contamination and removal of aerosol that has occurred in molecular diagnostic laboratories.

Development and characterization of serotype-specific monoclonal antibodies against Dengue virus NS1 / 生物工程学报

Dengue virus (DENV) is the most widely transmitted arbovirus in the world. Due to the lack of diagnostic technology to quickly identify the virus serotypes in patients, severe dengue hemorrhagic fever cases caused by repeated infections remain high. To realize the rapid differential diagnosis of different serotypes of DENV infection by immunological methods, in this study, four DENV serotype NS1 proteins were expressed and purified in mammalian cells. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against NS1 protein were obtained by hybridoma technology after immunizing BALB/c mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indirect immunofluorescence assay, dot blotting, and Western blotting were used to confirm the reactivity of MAbs to viral native NS1 and recombinant NS1 protein. These MAbs include not only the universal antibodies that recognize all DENV 1-4 serotype NS1, but also serotype-specific antibodies against DENV-1, DENV-2 and DENV-4. Double antibody sandwich ELISA was established based on these antibodies, which can be used to achieve rapid differential diagnosis of serotypes of DENV infection. Preparation of DENV serotype-specific MAbs and establishment of an ELISA technology for identifying DENV serotypes has laid the foundation for the rapid diagnosis of DENV clinical infection.

Study on the correlation between COX-2, ER, PR and the formation of endometrial polyps and the increased malignant change rate of endometrial polyps after menopause / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the correlation between cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor(PR) and the formation of endometrial polyps and the increased malignant rate of postmenopausal endometrial polyps.Methods:From January 2018 to January 2019, a total of 160 postmenopausal women treated in the People's Hospital of Changxing County were selected and divided into endometrial polyps group(83 cases) and oothectomy group(42 cases), normal menopause group(35 cases) according to different diseases.The levels of COX-2, ER, PR in the three groups were measured.The expression of COX-2 in mesenchymal cells and glandular epithelial cells, the expression of ER in mesenchymal cells and glandular epithelial cells, the expression of PR in mesenchymal cells and glandular epithelial cells in the three groups were compared, and the correlation between COX-2, ER, PR and increased malignant rate of endometrial polyps was analyzed.Results:The positive expression rates of COX-2 in mesenchymal cells and glandular epithelial cells in the endometrial polyps group(16.9%, 30.1%) were higher than those in the normal menopause group(0.0%, 11.4%) and the oothectomy group(4.8%, 7.1%)(χ 2=4.568, 5.806, all P<0.05 ). There were no statistically significant differences in the expression of ER in mesenchymal cells and glandular epithelial cells among the three groups(χ 2=1.333, 1.412, all P>0.05). The expression of PR in mesenchymal cells and glandular epithelial cells in the endometrial polyps group was lower than that in the normal menopause group and the oothectomy group(χ 2=4.890, 5.022, all P<0.05). COX-2 was positively correlated with the increase in malignant rate of endometrial polyps( r=4.335, P<0.05), PR was negatively correlated with an increase in the malignant rate of endometrial polyps( r=-4.256, P<0.05), and ER had no significant correlation with an increase in the malignant rate of endometrial polyps( r=1.203, P>0.05). Conclusion:COX-2 and PR are significantly related to the formation of endometrial polyps and the increase in malignant rate of postmenopausal endometrial polyps, but there is no significant expression of ER.Therefore, the detection of COX-2 and PR levels is beneficial to provide a certain scientific basis for clinical treatment.

A rapid and quantitative fluorescent microsphere immunochromatographic strip test for detection of antibodies to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

A fluorescent microsphere-based immunochromatographic strip test (FICT) was developed for the rapid, sensitive, and quantitative detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antibodies at the pen-side. The assay was based on the formation of a sandwich immune-complex (anti-pig IgG-PRRSV antibodies-NSP7/N), which was validated by a comparison with IDEXX-ELISA using 3325 clinical specimens. The diagnostic specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of FICT were 97.28, 93.41, and 94.95%, respectively. FICT showed a good correlation with the virus neutralization assay. Overall, a promising pen-side diagnostic tool was developed for the rapid and quantitative detection of PRRSV antibodies within 15 min.

Progress of immune functions of T helper cells 17 and regulatory T cells and their immunomodulatory effect on non-small cell lung cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Under the regulation of various cytokines and different concentrations of cytokines, primary CD4 + T cells can differentiate into different Th subgroups. T helper cells 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are research hotspots in recent years. They play diverse immunomodulatory roles by secreting various target cytokines. Th17 and Treg cells are different from each other but connect with each other, their regulatory mechanism is complex, and they play important roles in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This paper reviews the progress of the differentiation, the development and the immunological function of Th17 and Treg cells and their immunomodulatory effect on the NSCLC.

Strategies for vaccine development of COVID-19 / 生物工程学报

An epidemic of acute respiratory syndrome in humans, which appeared in Wuhan, China in December 2019, was caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). This disease was named as "Coronavirus Disease 2019" (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 was first identified as an etiological pathogen of COVID-19, belonging to the species of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronaviruses (SARSr-CoV). The speed of both the geographical transmission and the sudden increase in numbers of cases is much faster than SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). COVID-19 is the first global pandemic caused by a coronavirus, which outbreaks in 211 countries/territories/areas. The vaccine against COVID-19, regarded as an effective prophylactic strategy for control and prevention, is being developed in about 90 institutions worldwide. The experiences and lessons encountered in the previous SARS and MERS vaccine research can be used for reference in the development of COVID-19 vaccine. The present paper hopes to provide some insights for COVID-19 vaccines researchers.

Cumulative inactivated vaccine exposure and allergy development among children: a birth cohort from Japan

BACKGROUND@#Adjuvants used in inactivated vaccines often upregulate type 2 immunity, which is dominant in allergic diseases. We hypothesised that cumulative adjuvant exposure in infancy may influence the development of allergies later in life by changing the balance of type 1/type 2 immunity. We examined the relationship between immunisation with different vaccine types and later allergic disease development.@*METHODS@#We obtained information regarding vaccinations and allergic diseases through questionnaires that were used in The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), which is a nationwide, multicentre, prospective birth cohort study that included 103,099 pregnant women and their children. We examined potential associations between the initial vaccination before 6 months of age and symptoms related to allergies at 12 months of age.@*RESULTS@#Our statistical analyses included 56,277 children. Physician-diagnosed asthma was associated with receiving three (aOR 1.395, 95% CI 1.028-1.893) or four to five different inactivated vaccines (aOR 1.544, 95% CI 1.149-2.075), compared with children who received only one inactivated vaccine. Similar results were found for two questionnaire-based symptoms, i.e. wheeze (aOR 1.238, 95% CI 1.094-1.401; three vaccines vs. a single vaccine) and eczema (aOR 1.144, 95% CI 1.007-1.299; four or five vaccines vs. a single vaccine).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our results, which should be cautiously interpreted, suggest that the prevalence of asthma, wheeze and eczema among children at 12 months of age might be related to the amount of inactivated vaccine exposure before 6 months of age. Future work should assess if this association is due to cumulative adjuvant exposure. Despite this possible association, we strongly support the global vaccination strategy and recommend that immunisations continue.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#UMIN000030786 .

Progress of immune functions of T helper cells 17 and regulatory T cells and their immunomodulatory effect on non-small cell lung cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Under the regulation of various cytokines and different concentrations of cytokines, primary CD4+ T cells can differentiate into different Th subgroups. T helper cells 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are research hotspots in recent years. They play diverse immunomodulatory roles by secreting various target cytokines. Th17 and Treg cells are different from each other but connect with each other, their regulatory mechanism is complex, and they play important roles in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This paper reviews the progress of the differentiation, the development and the immunological function of Th17 and Treg cells and their immunomodulatory effect on the NSCLC.

Mutation analysis in a pedigree with Rothmund-Thomson syndrome / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective@#To detect gene mutations in a pedigree with Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS) .@*Methods@#Clinical data were collected from two patients (an older sister and a younger brother) and their family members in a Chinese pedigree of Han nationality with RTS. Blood samples were obtained from the two patients, their unaffected older brother, their parents and 100 unrelated healthy controls. DNA was extracted, and all the exons in the encoding area of the RECQL4 gene were amplified by PCR. Gene mutations were detected by a skin-targeted next-generation sequencing panel, and verified by Sanger sequencing.@*Results@#Two heterozygous mutations were identified in the RECQL4 gene of the two patients, including a splice site mutation c.2886-1G>A and an insertion mutation c.1013_1014insC, which were inherited from the father and mother of the patients respectively. Meanwhile, neither of the two mutations was observed in 100 unrelated healthy controls or the older brother of the patients.@*Conclusion@#The splice site mutation c.2886-1G>A and the insertion mutation c.1013_1014insC in the RECQL4 gene may contribute to the clinical phenotype of the patients in this pedigree with RTS.

Effects of Zhibitai capsule on blood lipids,blood glucose and the adipocytokine omentin in hyperlipidemic rats / 中国基层医药

Objective To study the effect of Zhibitai capsule on blood lipids,blood glucose and omentin in hyperlipidemic rats. Methods Thirty SPF male rats were randomly divided into control group,model group and Zhibitai group. The control group was fed with common diet,while the rest rats were fed with high - fat diet. After the model was successfully established,the Zhibitai group was orally administered 8mg/ kg Zhibitai capsule powder twice daily,the rats in the control group and the model group were given the same amount of normal saline respectively. After 4 weeks,the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),high density lipoprotein (HDL - C),low density lipoprotein (LDL - C),blood glucose and omentin were evaluated. Results Compared with the model group, the serum levels of TC[(3. 97 ± 0. 62) mmol/ L vs. (6. 33 ± 1. 10) mmol/ L,t = 5. 910,P < 0. 01],TG[(1. 51 ± 0. 47)mmol/ L vs. (2. 18 ± 0. 64)mmol/ L,t = 2. 472,P < 0. 05]and LDL - C[(0. 30 ± 0. 04)mmol/ L vs. (0. 48 ± 0. 16)mmol/ L,t = 3. 451,P < 0. 01)] of the Zhibitai group were significantly decreased,the HDL - C level was significantly increased[(1. 35 ± 0. 28) mmol/ L vs. (1. 06 ± 0. 31) mmol/ L,t = 2. 195,P < 0. 05],blood glucose decreased significantly[(5. 04 ±0. 82)mmol/ L vs. (6. 43 ± 1. 10)mmol/ L,t = 3. 204,P < 0. 01],and the concentration of omentin was significantly increased[(68. 59 ± 24. 82) ng/ L vs. (46. 86 ± 20. 12) ng/ L,t = 2. 151,P < 0. 05]. Conclusion Zhibitai capsule can effectively reduce the serum levels of TC,TG and LDL - C of hyperlipidemic rats and increase the content of HDL - C,effectively reduce blood sugar,and can increase the content of omentin.

Effects of Zhibitai capsule on blood lipids,blood glucose and the adipocytokine omentin in hyperlipidemic rats / 中国基层医药

Objective To study the effect of Zhibitai capsule on blood lipids,blood glucose and omentin in hyperlipidemic rats.Methods Thirty SPF male rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and Zhibitai group.The control group was fed with common diet,while the rest rats were fed with high－fat diet.After the model was successfully established,the Zhibitai group was orally administered 8mg/kg Zhibitai capsule powder twice daily,the rats in the control group and the model group were given the same amount of normal saline respectively. After 4 weeks,the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),high density lipoprotein (HDL－C),low density lipoprotein (LDL－C),blood glucose and omentin were evaluated.Results Compared with the model group, the serum levels of TC[(3.97 ± 0.62) mmol/L vs.(6.33 ± 1.10) mmol/L,t =5.910,P <0.01],TG[(1.51 ± 0.47)mmol/L vs.(2.18 ± 0.64)mmol/L,t=2.472,P<0.05]and LDL－C[(0.30 ± 0.04)mmol/L vs.(0.48 ± 0.16) mmol/L, t =3.451, P <0.01)] of the Zhibitai group were significantly decreased,the HDL －C level was significantly increased[(1.35 ± 0.28) mmol/L vs.(1.06 ± 0.31) mmol/L,t =2.195,P <0.05],blood glucose decreased significantly[(5.04 ± 0.82)mmol/L vs.(6.43 ± 1.10)mmol/L,t=3.204,P<0.01],and the concentration of omentin was significantly increased[(68.59 ± 24.82) ng/L vs.(46.86 ± 20.12) ng/L,t =2.151,P <0.05]. Conclusion Zhibitai capsule can effectively reduce the serum levels of TC,TG and LDL－C of hyperlipidemic rats and increase the content of HDL－C,effectively reduce blood sugar,and can increase the content of omentin.

Phellodendron amurense inhibited replication of herpes simplex virus type I / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

Objective@#To study the effects of Phellodendron amurense on herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and cytokines, and to explore the mechanism of Phellodendron amurense inhibiting HSV-1 virus through multiple channels.@*Methods@#Viruses were inoculated into medicine treated HeLa cells. The proliferation of virus was observed by fluorescence microscopy. The transcriptional levels of glycoprotein gD and functional protein US1 on the surface of virus envelope were detected by quantitative (q) PCR. After incubating HeLa cells for 24 h, qPCR was used to detect the expression of intrinsic immune factors such as IP-10, IL-12, IFN-gamma and transcription factor NF-kappa B (P65). The expression and nuclear location of NF-kappa B (P65) protein were detected by immunofluorescence.@*Results@#Fluorescence showed that the proliferation of virus decreased significantly at 8 and 40 ng/ml (P<0.01), and the transcription levels of viral protein gD and US1 decreased (P<0.05). After incubation for 24 hours, the transcription levels of IP-10, IL-12 and IFN-gamma in HeLa cells increased significantly (P<0.01). The transcription level of transcription factor NF-kappa B (P65) also increased (P<0.05), and immunofluorescence showed that the nuclear penetration rate of p65 subunit of NF-kappa B (P65) in each group increased (P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#Phellodendron amurense extract can inhibit HSV-1 by inhibiting the transcription of viral functional protein and promoting the expression of cellular immune factors.

Mutation analysis in a pedigree with Rothmund-Thomson syndrome / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To detect gene mutations in a pedigree with Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS).Methods Clinical data were collected from two patients (an older sister and a younger brother)and their family members in a Chinese pedigree of Han nationality with RTS.Blood samples were obtained from the two patients,their unaffected older brother,their parents and 100 unrelated healthy controls.DNA was extracted,and all the exons in the encoding area of the RECQL4 gene were amplified by PCR.Gene mutations were detected by a skin-targeted next-generation sequencing panel,and verified by Sanger sequencing.Results Two heterozygous mutations were identified in the RECQL4 gene of the two patients,including a splice site mutation c.2886-1G＞A and an insertion mutation c.1013_1014insC,which were inherited from the father and mother of the patients respectively.Meanwhile,neither of the two mutations was observed in 100 unrelated healthy controls or the older brother of the patients.Conclusion The splice site mutation c.2886-1G＞A and the insertion mutation c.1013_1014insC in the RECQL4 gene may contribute to the clinical phenotype of the patients in this pedigree with RTS.

A novel carbon nanoparticle probe-based ultrasensitive lateral flow assay for rapid detection of Ebola virus / 生物工程学报

Ebola virus (EBOV) is an extremely contagious pathogen first discovered in Africa associated with severe hemorrhagic disease in humans and nonhuman primates, which has resulted in at least 28 500 suspected cases and 11 300 confirmed deaths in 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa. Rapid and sensitive detection of EBOV is the key to increasing the probability of survival and reducing infection rates in pandemic regions. Here, we report an ultrasensitive and instrument-free EBOV detection assay based on colloidal carbon immunochromatography. Carbon nanoparticle-labeled rabbit anti-EBOV-VP40 IgG were concentrated in the conjugate pad, monoclonal antibody (McAb, 4B7F9) against EBOV-VP40 and goat anti-rabbit IgG were immobilized on the nitrocellulose membrane with 2 μL/cm at a concentration of 1 mg/mL as test and control lines, respectively. Then the sample application pad, conjugate release pad, nitrocellulose membrane and absorbent pad were assembled into a lateral flow test strip. The test strip shows strong specificity against related viruses that share similar clinical symptoms and geographic range with EBOV, including marburg virus, influenza virus, yellow fever virus and dengue virus. In addition, 1 500 negative serums were tested with false-positive rate of 1.3‰ which significantly lower than that of ReEBOV™ colloidal gold test kit recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). The sensitivity of this strip was analyzed using inactivated EBOV with detection limit of 100 ng/mL (10⁶ copies/mL) which clearly higher than that of ReEBOV™ dipstick (10⁸ copies/mL). Furthermore, the strip showed excellent thermal stability characteristics in room temperature and could be as a point-of-care (POC), ultra-sensitive and specific promising candidate for EBOV serological screening in rural Africa or entry/exit ports.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty combined with granulated allogeneic bone grafting for thoracolumbar compressive fractures: the completeness and stability of fractured vertebrae / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Percutaneous vertebroplasty is mainly used to treat senile osteoporotic compressive fractures,while for young patients,pedicle screw internal fixation is usually applied,but heavy trauma,nail broken,secondary surgery and other problems can be found occasionally.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty combined with granulated allogeneic bone grafting for thoracolumbar compressive fractures.METHODS:Twenty-one patients suffering thoracolumbar compressive fractures were recruited,and underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty combined with granulated allogeneic bone grafting.The Visual Analogue Scale scores,height ratio of fractured vertebrae and Cobb angle were detected before and after surgery.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Compared with baseline,the Visual Analogue Scale scores were improved significantly at 1 day and 6 months postoperatively (P ＜ 0.05).(2) The height ratio of fractured vertebrae at 1 day and 6 months postoperatively was significantly higher than that before treatment (P ＜ 0.05).(3) The Cobb angle of fractured vertebrae at 1 day and 6 months postoperatively was significantly less than that before treatment (P ＜ 0.05).(4) The mean operation time was (52±12.3) minutes,and the mean blood loss was (11.5±1.5) mL.(5) These results suggest that percutaneous vertebroplasty combined with granulated allogeneic bone grafting can effectively restore the anterior fractured vertebral height,eliminate the cavity in the fractured vertebrae,renew the completeness and stabilization of the fractured vertebrae,which keep the spinal range of motion;therefore,it is a minimal invasive method in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.

Clinical research of osteoporosis and osteoporosis combined with hyponatremia in elderly inpatients / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To survey a prevalence of osteoporosis and prevalence of osteoporosis combined with hyponatremia in elderly hospitalized patients,and their risk factors.Methods We enrolled 2496 elderly hospitalized patients with detected plasma levels of sodium,calcium,25 (OH) D3,PTH,plasma PINP,and β-CTX.At the same time,sex,age,height,weight,smoking history,drinking history and BMI(kg/m2) in form of a questionnaire were recorded and calculated.The risk factors for osteoporosis were analyzed using multivariate Logistic regression method.Results The osteoporosis prevalence was 12.2％ (305/2496 inpatients)with 31.5 ％ (96/305)in male,68.5％ (209/305)in female(x2 =4.651,P=0.031).The prevalence of osteoporosis with hyponatremia was 27.5 ％ (84/305),with 24.8 ％ (21/84) in male and 75.2 ％ (63/84) in female(x2 =9.251,P=0.025).As compared with three groups of non-osteoporosis,normal serum Na+ with and without osteoporosis,the osteoporosis patients with hyponatremia were more aged,in a higher proportion of women and smokers,in lower BMI,and in low levels of serum sodium,BMD 25(OH)D3 (F=13.783,0.861,7.146,24.520,0.548,x2 =15.113、4.472;P =0.001,0.000,0.021,0.015,0.003,0.021,0.005).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that aging,female,low BMI,smoking history,drinking history,low plasma 25(OH)D3 level,low plasma PINP level,and high plasma β-CTX level were the risk factors for osteoporosis(OR 4.215,2.271,3.176,2.013,1.237,3.987,1.843,1.972;all P＜0.05).Conclusions The osteoporosis prevalence is high in elderly patients,especially in old women.The risk factors for osteoporosis are diverse,and clinical conditions of osteoporosis patients with hyponatremia are much more severe than the others.More efforts should be given to them and need to be focused on the complications of osteoporosis.