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Objective:To develop a rapid, simple and cost-effective quantitative TaqMan RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) that could be used as an alternative to sequencing for the detection of Omicron variants and to evaluate its performance.Methods:Primers and TaqMan probes targeting the conserved domains of SARS-CoV-2 ORF1ab and the high-frequency mutation sites in the S gene of Omicron variants were designed. Then a RT-qPCR for the detection of Omicron variants was established. The consistency of the method was verified using samples identified by whole-genome sequencing. The specificity and sensitivity of the method were also evaluated.Results:The established RT-qPCR could distinguish Omicron variants from early epidemic A strains and Alpha and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2, and the results were consistent with those of whole-genome sequencing with a coincidence rate of 100% (28/28). There was no cross-reactivity with other six respiratory viruses or coxsackievirus group A16. For RNA standards, this method showed good linearity in the range of 10 9-10 3 copies/μl with a correlation coefficient ( R2) greater than 0.99 and detection sensitivity of 10 3 copies/μl. Conclusions:The RT-qPCR designed in this study for Omicron variant detection had good sensitivity and specificity and could be easily performed in laboratories, which would greatly facilitate the monitoring of Omicron variants.
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Objective:To document any effect of combining respiratory-muscle resistance training with feedback respiratory electrical stimulation in rehabilitating the diaphragm function and lung function of stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty hemiplegic stroke survivors were randomly assigned to an observation group or a control group, each of 30. Both groups were given conventional rehabilitation, including respiratory-muscle resistance training. The observation group additionally received feedback respiratory electrical stimulation twice a day, six days a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment, ultrasound was used to measure the end-inspiratory and end-expiratory thickness of the diaphragm. Diaphragm movement during quiet breathing and deep breathing was also observed, and the diaphragm thickening fraction was calculated. The incidence of diaphragm dysfunction on the affected and healthy sides of the two groups before and after the treatment was also analyzed and compared.Results:Diaphragm dysfunction on either side had decreased significantly more in the observation group than in the control group after the treatment. The observation group also showed significantly greater average improvement in the thickening functions and in diaphragm movement on both the affected and healthy sides during quiet breathing and deep breathing. All of the pulmonary function indicators improved significantly in both groups after the treatment, but those of the observation group were, on average, significantly better than the control group′s averages.Conclusions:Combining 3 weeks of respiratory muscle resistance training with electrical stimulation feedback can effectively increase the bilateral thickness of the diaphragm and diaphragm movement in deep breathing of hemiplegic stroke survivors. That reduces the incidence of diaphragm dysfunction.
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Objective:To observe any short-term effect of combining respiratory muscle training with feedback respiratory electrical stimulation on the pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength of stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty stroke survivors were randomly divided into an observation group ( n=30) and a control group ( n=30). Both groups were given conventional rehabilitation 6 days a week for 3 weeks, but the observation group also received respiratory muscle training with feedback electrical stimulation. Before and after the treatment, both groups′ pulmonary functioning and respiratory muscle strength were measured, and also their trunk control, skill in the activities of daily living and fatigue level. The trunk impairment scale (TIS), modified Barthel index (MBI) and fatigue severity scale (FSS) were used. The incidence of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) was also compared between the two groups. Results:After the treatment, average forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, maximum voluntary ventilation, peak expiratory flow, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, as well as the average TIS and MBI scores of both groups had improved significantly, and there was a significant decrease in the average FSS scores. After the intervention, all of the average measurements of the experimental group were significantly better than the control group′s averages except their MBI scores. There was no significant difference in the incidence of SAP.Conclusions:Three weeks of respiratory muscle training combined with electrical stimulation feedback can effectively improve the pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and inspiratory muscle endurance of stroke survivors, resulting in better coughing ability, trunk control and reduced fatigue.
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Objective:To explore the effects of IGF-1 on cognitive function in REM sleep deprivation model mice and its possible mechanism.Methods:C57BL/6J mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into 4 groups with 6 mice in each group.They were Normal control group (CC group), REM sleep deprivation 5d group (SD group), REM sleep deprivation 5d+ Intraperitoneal injection of IGF-1 group (SD+ IGF-1 group), and REM sleep deprivation 5d+ Intraperitoneal injection of PBS group (SD+ PBS group). The Morris water maze was used to test the cognitive function of all mice.The content of IGF-1 in mice hippocampus was detected by Elisa, and the expression level of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA in mice in hippocampus was determined by RT-qPCR.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of p-GSK3β, GSK3 beta, p-Akt, Akt, Bcl-2 and Caspase-9 in mice hippocampus of each group.Results:The time in the target quadrant and the number of times across the platform of the SD group ((11.87±1.67)s, (12.50±5.54) times, respectively)was lower than that of the CC group((19.40±1.75)s, (22.17±8.21) times, respectively), the difference was statistically significant( t=8.71, 2.26, both P<0.05). The time in the target quadrant and the number of times across the platform of the SD+ IGF-1 group ((18.11±1.12)s, (21.83±10.26) times), which were higher than those in the SD+ PBS group ((10.60±1.36)s, (11.50±3.94) times). The difference was statistically significant( t=8.69, 2.42, both P<0.05). The expression of IGF-1 protein in the hippocampus of SD group ((579.38±55.95) pg/mg) was lower than that of CC group ((729.13±79.46)pg/mg), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.83, P<0.05). The expression of IGF1 protein in the hippocampus of SD+ IGF-1 group((665.50±55.21)pg/mg) was significantly higher than that of SD+ PBS group ((563.40±76.33)pg/mg), the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.61, P<0.05). The expression of p-GSK3 beta protein (1.51±0.02) in mice hippocampus of SD group was higher than that of CC group (1.47±0.03), and the expression of p-Akt (0.92±0.04) was lower than that of CC group (1.18±0.05), The difference was statistically significant ( t=3.07, t=10.85, both P<0.05). The expression of Caspase-9 in mice hippocampus of SD group(0.65±0.03)was higher than that of CC group (0.60±0.02). The expression of Bcl-2 in mice hippocampus of SD group (0.93±0.03) was lower than that of CC group (1.00±0.04), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.65, 3.98, both P<0.05). The expression of p-Akt and p-GSK3β protein in mice hippocamps of SD+ IGF-1 group( (1.20±0.04), (1.57±0.03)) was increased compared with those of SD+ PBS group ((0.92±0.05), (1.51±0.03)), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.98, 11.49, both P<0.05). The expression of Caspase-9 in mice hippocamps of SD+ IGF-1 group (0.60±0.03) was decreased compared with that of SD+ PBS group (0.67±0.02). The expression of Bcl-2 in mice hippocampus of SD+ IGF-1 group (1.00±0.03) was increased compared with SD+ PBS group (0.93±0.02), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=5.19, 3.83, both P<0.05). The expression level of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 mRNA in mice hippocampus of SD group ((3.36±0.67), (2.00±0.40), (4.63±0.72)) were increased compared with CC group with statistically significant differences ( t=8.58, 6.15, 2.37, all P<0.05). The expression level of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 mRNA in mice hippocampu of SD+ IGF-1 group ((1.21±0.25), (1.08±0.33), (0.98±0.47)) were lower than those of SD+ PBS group ((3.86±0.79), (2.11±0.30), (4.43±0.67)), with statistically significant differences ( t=7.81, 5.76, 10.39, all P<0.05). Conclusion:The cognitive function of mice decreased after REM sleep deprivation and improved after IGF-1 supplementation, which may be related to the activation of PI3K / Akt signal pathway by IGF-1, thus reducing apoptosis related signal transduction and inflammatory factor expression.
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Objective To evaluate the role of miR-146a in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ( BMSCs)-induced reduction of acute lung injury ( ALI ) in rats. Methods A total of 105 clean-grade healthy male Wistar rats, weighing 170-190 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=21 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), phosphate buffer solution group (group P), group ALI, BMSC group ( group B) and BMSC plus miR-146a inhibitor group ( group BM) . ALI was induced by intra-peritoneally injecting 5 mg∕kg lipopolysaccharide ( LPS) 0. 5 ml in anesthetized rats. Phosphate buffer solu-tion 0. 5 ml was injected via the tail vein in group P. In group B, 1×104 cells∕ml BMSC 0. 5 ml was injected via the tail vein after establishing the model. In group BM, miR-146a inhibitor 50 mg∕kg was injected via the tail vein after establishing the model, and 2 h later 1×104 cells∕ml BMSC 0. 5 ml was injected via the tail vein. Group C received no treatment. Blood samples were obtained from the abdominal aorta for blood gas a-nalysis at 6, 24 and 48 h after injection of BMSC ( T1-3 ) , the chest was immediately opened, and the lung tissues were obtained for microscopic examination of pathologic changes and for determination of the wet∕dry lung weight ratio ( W∕D ratio) , expression of IRAK-1, nuclear factor kappa B ( NF-κB) and interleukin-6 ( IL-6) ( by Western blot) and expression of miR-146a and IRAK-1 mRNA ( by quantitative real-time poly-merase chain reaction). Results Compared with group C, the pH value and PO2 were significantly de-creased, PCO2 and W∕D ratio were increased, and the expression of IRAK-1, NF-κB, IL-6 and miR-146a was up-regulated at each time point ( P<0. 05) , and the pathological changes of lung tissues were aggrava-ted in ALI, B and BM groups. Compared with group P, the pH value and PO2 were significantly decreased, PCO2 and W∕D ratio were increased, and the expression of IRAK-1, NF-κB, IL-6 and miR-146a was up-regulated at each time point (P<0. 05), and the pathological changes of lung tissues were aggravated in ALI, B and BM groups. Compared with group ALI, the pH value and PO2 were significantly increased, PCO2 and W∕D ratio were decreased, and the expression of IRAK-1, NF-κB, IL-6 and miR-146a was down-regulated at each time point ( P<0. 05 ) , and the pathological changes of lung tissues were attenuated in group B. Compared with group B, the pH value and PO2 were significantly decreased, PCO2 and W∕D ratio were increased, and the expression of IRAK-1, NF-κB, IL-6 and miR-146a was up-regulated at each time point ( P<0. 05) , and the pathological changes of lung tissues were aggravated in group BM. Conclusion miR-146a is involved in BMSCs-induced reduction of ALI in rats.
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We investigated and analyzed the first case of human infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) virus in Yunnan Province,China,so as to provide a better basis for preventing and controlling human infections with viruses of animal origin in the future.We carried out the field epidemiological survey among the patient,close contacts and the live poultry markets,detected and analyzed the samples from patient and the outdoor environment.Results showed that the 9-month-old boy was a case of human infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) virus with the history of live poultry markets exposure and the results of nucleic acid detection and virus isolation.There was a lot of contamination of the avian influenza virus in the live poultry markets.The second generation cases have not occurred.The monitoring of pneumonia of unknown etiology and influenza like cases in medical institutions is the important means to find timely cases of human infected with avian influenza.Regular disinfection and closing-down of live poultry markets are key measures to reduce the exposure opportunity.
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Objective To investigate the mutation of hemagglutinin gene and amino acid variation of influenza B.Methods Influenza B virus was isolated from throat swab samples in sentinel surveillance of Yunnan province from 2009 to 2014.HA1 gene sequence analysis was applied to determine 12 randomly-selected strains of influenza B virus.The results were analyzed,MEGA software was used to do homology comparison and HA gene phylogenetic tree was established.Results Differences on the serotype and genotype identification of influenza strains were found and it might be caused by inadequate gene mutation accumulation.Amino acid variations were found in 3 important regions of antigenic determinants in HA1 protein:ring 120,ring 150 and ring 160.The amino acid variation of position 131 in ring 120 was N131K,and in position 137 was N137H.Two strains had P187S mutation in position 187.Conclusion There are some important variations in the hemagglutinin gene of influenza B strains in Yunnan Province,with some variations being the same as vaccine strains and some being not.
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To analyze influenza pathogen spectrum in Yunnan province during 2009-2014 years, and analyze HA and NA genes of influenza A H1N1. Analysis was made on the monitoring date of influenza cases in Yunnan province in recent 6 years, 23 strains of influenza virus of HA and NA gene was sequenced and analyzed by MEGA 5 software to construct phylogenetic tree. 4 times of influenza AH1N1 epidemic peak were monitored from 2009-2014 years in Yunnan Province, as the nucleic acid detection results of influenza A H1N1 accounted for 28.8% of the total. The sequencing result showed that HA and NA gene were divided into 3 groups, one was detected with H275Y mutation strains. Influenza A H1N1 is one of the important subtypes in Yunnan province and their genes have divided into three branches during the period of 2009-2014 years, the vast majority of influenza a H1N1 are still sensitive to neuraminidase inhibitors.
Subject(s)
Humans , China , Epidemiology , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus , Genetics , Metabolism , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Classification , Genetics , Influenza, Human , Epidemiology , Virology , Molecular Sequence Data , Mutation , Neuraminidase , Genetics , Metabolism , Phylogeny , Viral Proteins , Genetics , MetabolismABSTRACT
Objective To observe pathological features of liver injury induced by Helicobacter hepaticus ( H.hepaticus) and the difference between male and female BALB/cCr mice.Methods Fifty SPF-class BALB/cCr mice (25 males and 25 females) were administrated by gavage with 0.2 mL bacterial suspension (1 ×108 CUF/ml) of H.hepaticus standard strain ATCC 51450 for 3 times with 48 h intervals. The control group (25 males and 25 females) received same volume of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Mice were sacrificed in batches ( n=5) after fasting for 12 h at month 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA) was used to determine the serum level of H.hepaticus IgG antibodies.Liver tissue samples were taken for histopathology examiantion, micro-aerobic bacteria isolation, culture and identification.t test was used to analyze the differences in serum levels of H.hepaticus IgG antibody and liver histopathologic scores between different time points and groups. Results The seroprevalance of H. hepaticus-IgG antibody in male BALB/cCr mice infected with H.hepaticus were all positive, peaked at 6 month, and then gradually declined.H.hepaticus-IgG antibody levels at 3, 6, 9 and 12 month were higher than that at 1 month (t=2.828, 4.300, 3.536 and 4.500, P0.05).Conclusion Compared with female mice, H.hepaticus colonization and histopathologic changes in liver are more significant in male BALB/cCr mice infected with H.hepaticus, and the histological scores are increased as infection time extended.
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Objective To evaluate the effects of dezocine on diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP ) and expression of NMDA receptor subunit 2B (NR2B) in the spinal dorsal horns of rats .Methods Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats , aged 4 weeks , weighing 150-170 g , with DNP induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (STZ) 50 mg/kg (successful induction of diabetes was defined as blood glucose >16.7 mmol/L) , were randomly divided into 2 groups ( n=24 each) using a random number table:DNP group and dezocine group (group D) .Twenty-four normal rats were chosen and served as normal control group (group C) .In group D , dezocine 2.52 mg/kg was injected intramuscularly once a day for 7 consecutive days starting from 2nd week after STZ injection ,while the rats in DNP and C groups received the equal volume of normal saline .Paw withdrawl threshold (PWT) to mechanical stimulation was measured before dezocine injection (T0 ) ,and on 1st ,3rd ,5th and 7th days after dezocine injection (T1-4 ) and on 7th day after the end of dezocine injection (T5 ) .Twelve rats in each group were sacrificed after measurement of PWT at T4 ,and T5 .The lumbar segments of the spinal cord were removed for determination of NR2B protein expression (by immuno-histochemistry and Western blot ) and NR2B mRNA expression (by RT-PCR ) in the spinal dorsal horns .Results Compared with group C ,the PWT at T0-5 in group DNP and at T0 and T5 in group D was significantly decreased , and the expression of NR2B protein and mRNA at T4 ,5 in DNP group and at T5 in D group was up-regulated ( P0.05) . The PWT was significantly lower at T0 and T5 ,and the expression of NR2B protein and mRNA was higher at T5 than at T4 in group D ( P<0.05 ) .Conclusion Dezocine can effectively relieve DNP in rats and inhibition of NR2B expression in the spinal dorsal horns is involved in the mechanism .
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Objective To understand the viral etiology of acute respiratory infection in Kunming area. Methods We collected the nasopharyngeal swab of patients with acute respiratory tract infection,and used multiple reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method to detect 15 kinds of respiratory viral pathogens. Results Among the 600 samples,144 strains of viruses were detected, the positive rate was 24%,among which the highest positive rate was RSV (49/600,8.2%),followed by PIV (32/600,5.3%) HRV (27/600,4.5%) and IFV27 (27/600,4.5%) . The respiratory virus infection situation was different in every age group, groups of the highest virus positive rate was ≤1 age group (72/216, 33.3%);The respiratory virus infection situation in different seasons was different, the virus positive rate of the first quarter was the highest (85/144, 59%) . Conclusion RSV was the main virus pathogen of acute respiratory tract infections in Kunming area in 2011 years, the detection rate in sick children was the highest among all patients;the detection rate in the first quarter was higher than other quarters.
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Objective To study the role of endothelial cells on the inflammatory cytokine release in septic shock through the septic shock serum stimulating human primary endothelial cells (HPAEC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC).Methods PBMC isolated from healthy people by density gradient centrifugation.HPAEC cell surface markers CD144 and von Willebrand factor(vWF) molecule expression by RT-PCR and Western blot.Serum levels of IL-6,TNF-α,MCP-1 from septic shock patients and healthy human detected by ELISA.HPAEC and PBMC were stimulated with the isolated serums and LPS,respectively.ELISA was used to detect the supernatant IL-6,TNF-α,MCP-1 levels.HPAEC membrane molecules ICAM-1 expression was detected by flow cytometry with serum shock and LPS stimulation.Supernatant levels of IL-6,TNF-α,MCP-1 of HPAEC with S1P1 receptor agonist CYM-5442 pretreatment was detected by ELISA after shock serum stimulation.Results Endothelial cell markers CD144 and vWF molecules could be detected in the HPAEC.Levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6,TNF-α,MCP-1 in patients with septic shock serum were significantly higher than healthy people (P＜0.01).PBMC and HPAEC with LPS or shock serum treatment respectively,compared with normal group,levels of inflammatory cytokines in the culture supernatant were significantly higher(P＜0.01).For PBMC,the level of inflammatory cytokines between shock group and LPS group were not significantly different (P＞0.05).But for HPAEC,levels of inflammatory cytokines in the supernatant of the shock group compared to the LPS group was significantly higher (P＜0.01).Similarly,when two cells after LPS stimulation,IL-6,TNF-α levels of HPAEC's supernatant were significantly lower than PBMC' s (P＜0.01),MCP-1 levels was no difference (P＞ 0.05).But when the stimulation of shock serum,HPAEC of IL-6,TNF-α levels and PBMC no significant difference (P ＞0.05).MCP-1 was significantly increased (P＜0.01).Shock patients serum stimulation S1P1 receptorspecific agonist CYM-5442 pretreatment of HPAEC with pretreatment of S1P1 receptor specific agonist CYM-5442,the culture supernatant of inflammatory cytokines IL-6,TNF-α,MCP-1 levels were significantly lower (P＜0.01).Conclusion Endothelial cells may play a central role on the release of inflammatory cytokine during septic shock.