Significance of cancer testis?associated antigens (SPAG9 and FBXO39) in colon cancer

Background: Cancer testis antigens (CTA) are normally expressed in immune privileged tissues such as the testis. They are considered tumor-associated antigens because they are specifically expressed in different cancers. Their distinct nature rendered them appealing targets for cancer diagnosis, prognosis. and immunotherapy. We aimed to identify the association of two CTA genes with colon cancer (CC) in a cohort of Egyptian patients. Methods: We measured the relative gene expression levels of two CTAs: SPAG9 and FBXO39 in colonic tumor tissue and adjacent normal-appearing mucosa in 50 newly diagnosed colon cancer patients by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Gene expression was also studied in relation to demographic and pathological criteria. Results: SPAG9 and FBXO39 were overexpressed in 22% and 40% of cases, respectively. Overexpression of both genes was evident in 14% of cases. We report the significant expression of FBXO39 (P < 0.01) in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue. SPAG9 was significantly increased in large sized tumors compared to smaller sized tumors. Otherwise, there was no significant association between gene expression and the evaluated clinicopathological features (P > 0.05). Conclusions: SPAG9 and FBXO39 are possible CC diagnostic biomarkers. Further studies are warranted to validate our findings.

Differential gene expression profile of miRNAs in mouse models with renal ischemia-reperfusion injury / 器官移植

To screen the differentially-expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in mouse models with renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI),aiming to offer foundation for unraveling the molecular mechanism of the incidence and progression of IRI.Methods The mouse models with acute IRI were established by renal artery clamping.Fifteen mice were divided into the IRI group and sham surgery group (E group).The animals in the IRI group were subdivided into the A group (45 min ischemia followed by 24 h reperfusion),B group (25 min ischemia followed by 24 h reperfusion),C group (45 min ischemia followed by 4 h reperfusion) and D group (25 min ischemia followed by 4 h reperfusion) (n=3 for each group).The severity ofIRI was evaluated by histological changes and renal function.The differentially-expressed miRNAs in the IRI mouse models at different ischemia time (25 and 45 min) and reperfusion time (4 and 24 h) were screened by using cluster analysis of miRNAs microarray data.The differential expression of miR-695 and miR-145 was validated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).Results Both histological changes and renal function confirmed that the IRI mouse models were successfully established.Compared with the sham surgery group,71 differentially-expressed miRNAs were detected in the IRI group including 30 down-regulated miRNAs and 40 up-regulated miRNAs.The results of qRT-PCR demonstrated that if the standardized expression level of miRNAs in the E group was 1,the relative expression levels of miR-695 and miR-145 were 11.82 and 0.31 in the IRI group (both P＜0.05),which were consistent with the chip results.Conclusions After renal IRI,different changes occur in the gene expression profile of miRNAs.These differentially-expressed miRNAs act as molecular biomarkers for renal IRI with potential clinical and scientific research values.

Application of transcription mediated amplification and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in detection of human immunodeficiency virus RNA / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To observe the sensitivity of transcription mediated amplification (TMA),and to compare its performance with real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) in detecting human immunodeficiency virus RNA (HIV RNA).Methods:TMA system was established with TaqMan probes,specific primers,moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) reverse transcriptase,T7 RNA polymerase,and reaction substrates.The sensitivity of TMA was evaluated by amplifying a group of 10-fold diluted HIV RNA standards which were transcribed in vitro.A total of 60 plasma of HIV infected patients were measured by TMA and Cobas Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor test to observe the positive rate.The correlation and concordance of the above two technologies were investigated by linear regression and BlandAltman analysis.Results:TMA system was established successfully and HIV RNA transcribed standards at concentration of equal or more than 10 copies/mL could be detected by TMA technology.Among 60 samples of plasma from HIV infected patients,46 were positively detected and 12 were negatively amplified by both TMA and Cobas reagents;2 samples were positively tested by Cobas reagent but negatively tested by TMA system.The concordance rate of the two methods was 97.1％ and the difference of positive detection rate between the two methods was not statistically significant (P＞0.05).Linear regression was used for 46 samples which were positively detected by both TMA and Cobas reagents and showed an excellent correlation between the two reagents (r=0.997,P＜0.001).Bland-Altma analysis revealed that the mean different value ofHIV RNA levels for denary logarithm was 0.02.Forty-four samples were included in 95％ of credibility interval of concordance.Conclusion:TMA system has the potential of high sensitivity.TMA and real-time RT-PCR keep an excellent correlation and consistency in detecting HIV RNA.

Effects of inducible hypothermia on expressions of PGC-1 and SHP in rat model of hemorrhagic shock / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of inducible hypothermia on expressions of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1) and small heterodimer partner (SHP) in rat model of hemorrhagic shock.Methods SD rats were randomly (random number) divided into three groups:control (C),normothermia (N) and hypothermia (H).Exsanguination was carried out in rats by continuously drawing out venous blood (25 mL/kg) over 15 minutes to establish hemorrhagic shock model.Then,rectal temperatures of rats were maintained by body surface cooling to 32℃ in H group and by body surface warming to 38℃ in N group,respectively.After a shock period of 60 minutes,rats received the infusion of whole blood of their own and lactated Ringer's solution (1 ∶ 2) treatment for 60 min.Rats were warmed to 38℃ by body surface warming and monitored for 3 h after resuscitation.Hematocrit (Hct),base excess (BE),lactate (Lac),and glucose (Glu) were recorded before modeling and after different lengths of hemorrhagic shock period (HSP).The expressions of PGC-1 mRNA and SHP mRNA and the levels of their protein in liver were tested by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting,respectively.Results The H group had lower lactate levels and higher BElevels than the N group [(6.3±2.1) vs.(10.4±1.5) and (-4.7±2.5) vs.(-9.0±3.2)] (P＜ 0.05).At 72 hours after modeling,there were four survivors in the N group and seven survivors in the H group (P ＜ 0.05,Log Rank).The expressions of PGC-1 mRNA and SHP mRNA increased in N group.Hypothermia resuscitation down-regulated PGC-1 mRNA expression,meanwhile,increased expression of SHP mRNA.Both Hypothermia and Normothermia resuscitation increased SHP protein levels,but decreased PGC-1 protein levels.Conclusions Inducible hypothermia ameliorated acidosis and energy metabolism imbalance through adaptive regulation in PGC-1 and SHP.

Performance Evaluation of the PowerChek MERS (upE & ORF1a) Real-Time PCR Kit for the Detection of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus RNA

BACKGROUND: Molecular detection of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) using real-time reverse transcription (rRT)-PCR assays is the method of choice for diagnosis of MERS. We evaluated the performance of the PowerChek MERS (upE & ORF1a) real-time PCR Kit (PowerChek MERS assay; Kogene Biotech, Korea) a one-step rRT-PCR assay for the qualitative detection of MERS-CoV. METHODS: We evaluated PowerChek MERS assay performance in comparison with nested RT-PCR and sequencing of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and N genes. To evaluate diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, 100 clinical specimens (50 positive and 50 negative for MERS-CoV) were simultaneously tested by using the PowerChek MERS and sequencing assays. Assay performance, including limit of detection and precision, was evaluated in vitro by using MERS-CoV RNA transcripts. Analytical specificity was evaluated with a diverse collection of 16 respiratory virus–positive clinical specimens and 14 respiratory bacterial isolates. RESULTS: The 95% limits of detection of the PowerChek MERS assay for the upE and the open rading frame (ORF)1a were 16.2 copies/µL and 8.2 copies/µL, respectively. No cross-reactivity was observed. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the PowerChek MERS assay were both 100% (95% confidence interval, 91.1–100%). CONCLUSIONS: The PowerChek MERS assay is a straightforward and accurate assay for detecting MERS-CoV RNA. The assay will be a useful tool for the rapid diagnosis of MERS and could prove especially important for MERS outbreak control.

Analytical and Clinical Validation of Six Commercial Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus RNA Detection Kits Based on Real-Time Reverse-Transcription PCR

BACKGROUND: During the 2015 outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), six different commercial MERS-CoV RNA detection kits based on real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) were available in Korea. We performed analytical and clinical validations of these kits. METHODS: PowerChek (Kogene Biotech, Korea), DiaPlexQ (SolGent, Korea), Anyplex (Seegene, Korea), AccuPower (Bioneer, Korea), LightMix (Roche Molecular Diagnostics, Switzerland), and UltraFast kits (Nanobiosys, Korea) were evaluated. Limits of detection (LOD) with 95% probability values were estimated by testing 16 replicates of upstream of the envelope gene (upE) and open reading frame 1a (ORF1a) RNA transcripts. Specificity was estimated by using 28 nasopharyngeal swabs that were positive for other respiratory viruses. Clinical sensitivity was evaluated by using 18 lower respiratory specimens. The sensitivity test panel and the high inhibition panel were composed of nine specimens each, including eight and six specimens that were positive for MERS-CoV, respectively. RESULTS: The LODs for upE ranged from 21.88 to 263.03 copies/reaction, and those for ORF1a ranged from 6.92 to 128.82 copies/reaction. No cross-reactivity with other respiratory viruses was found. All six kits correctly identified 8 of 8 (100%) positive clinical specimens. Based on results from the high inhibition panel, PowerChek and AccuPower were the least sensitive to the presence of PCR inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: The overall sensitivity and specificity of all six assay systems were sufficient for diagnosing MERS-CoV infection. However, the analytical sensitivity and detection ability in specimens with PCR inhibition could be improved with the use of appropriate internal controls.

Isolation and characterization of drought-responsive genes from peanut roots by suppression subtractive hybridization

Background Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important economic and oilseed crop. Long-term rainless conditions and seasonal droughts can limit peanut yields and were conducive to preharvest aflatoxin contamination. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which peanut responds and adapts to water limited conditions, we isolated and characterized several drought-induced genes from peanut roots using a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technique. Results RNA was extracted from peanut roots subjected to a water stress treatment (45% field capacity) and from control plants (75% field capacity), and used to generate an SSH cDNA library. A total of 111 non-redundant sequences were obtained, with 80 unique transcripts showing homology to known genes and 31 clones with no similarity to either hypothetical or known proteins. GO and KEGG analyses of these differentially expressed ESTs indicated that drought-related responses in peanut could mainly be attributed to genes involved in cellular structure and metabolism. In addition, we examined the expression patterns of seven differentially expressed candidate genes using real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and confirmed that all were up-regulated in roots in response to drought stress, but to differing extents. Conclusions We successfully constructed an SSH cDNA library in peanut roots and identified several drought-related genes. Our results serve as a foundation for future studies into the elucidation of the drought stress response mechanisms of peanut.

Antiviral drug profile of human influenza A & B viruses circulating in India: 2004-2011.

background & objectives: Recent influenza antiviral resistance studies in South East Asia, Europe and the United States reveal adamantane and neuraminidase inhibitor (NAIs) resistance. This study was undertaken to evaluate antiviral resistance in influenza viruses isolated from various parts of India, during 2004 to 2011. methods: Influenza viruses were analyzed genetically for known resistance markers by M2 and NA gene sequencing. Influenza A/H1N1 (n=206), A/H3N2 (n=371) viruses for amantadine resistance and A/H1N1 (n=206), A/H3N2 (n=272) and type B (n=326) for oseltamivir resistance were sequenced. Pandemic (H1N1) (n= 493) isolates were tested for H274Y mutation by real time reverse transcription (rRT)-PCR. Randomly selected resistant and sensitive influenza A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 viruses were confirmed by phenotypic assay. results: Serine to asparagine (S3IN) mutation was detected in six isolates of 2007-2008.One dual-resistant A/H1N1 was detected for the first time in India with leucine to phenylalanine (L26F) mutation in Mm2 gene and H274Y mutation in NA gene. A/H3N2 viruses showed an increase in resistance to amantadine from 22.5 per cent in 2005 to 100 per cent in 2008 onwards with S3IN mutation. Fifty of the 61 (82%) A/H1N1 viruses tested in 2008-2009 were oseltamivir resistant with H274Y mutation, while all A/H3N2, pandemic A/H1N1 and type B isolates remained sensitive. Genetic results were also confirmed by phenotypic analysis of randomly selected 50 resistant A/H1N1 and 40 sensitive A/H3N2 isolates. Interpretation & conclusions: Emergence of influenza viruses resistant to amantadine and oseltamivir in spite of negligible usage of antivirals emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring of antiviral resistance.

Effects of dihydroartemisinin on the expression level of Alpha-7 .3 giardin mRNA in C2 Giardia lamblia / 中国人兽共患病学报

Effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on the expression level of Alpha-7 .3 giardin mRNA in C2 Giardia lam-blia was investigated in this study to explore the damage to skeleton protein of C 2 Giardia lamblia .Giardia lamblia was culti-vated respectively for 2 ,4 ,8 ,and 12 hours with modified TYI-S-33 medium containing 100 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL DHA , while the control group performed in the same experimental conditions without DHA .The expressive quantity of Alpha-7 .3 gi-ardin mRNA was determined by using real-time reverse transcription PCR ,and then we found that the expressive quantities of Alpha-7 .3 giardin mRNA with DHA were significantly lower than those in the control group .It’s suggested that dihydroarte-misinin has obvious inhibitory effect on the expression level of Alpha-7 .3 giardin mRNA in C2 Giardia lamblia .The actions of dihydroartemisinin on skeleton protein of C2 Giardia lamblia are effective .

Detection of serum HCV RNA in patients with chronic hepatitis C by transcription mediated amplification and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To observe the stability and sensitivity of transcription mediated ampliifcation (TMA) system, and to compare it with real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in amplifying serum HCV RNA in HCV infected patients. Methods: TMA system was established by moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) reverse transcriptase, T7 RNA polymerase and 2 speciifc primers ifrstly,and then its stability and repeatability were compared at different storage temperatures by the correlation change of HCV RNA amplification curve. The sensitivity difference between TMA and RT-PCR was evaluated by amplifying a group of 10-fold diluted HCV RNA samples which were transcribed in vitro. A total of 101 serums of chronic HCV infected patients were measured by TMA system and RT-PCR to observe the positive rate and their correlation. Linear correlation and linear regression were used to observe the correlation of the two methods. Results:TMA system was successfully established. TMA system was not stable when stored at 20℃ (placed for 24 hours only), but it was stable for 6 days when stored at 4℃ or within 6 months when stored at-20 ℃. Compared with RT-PCR whose reagent was made by Hunan Sansure Biotechology Corporation, TMA system showed 20 positive samples and 11 negative samples in a total of 31 samples. So was the RT-PCR kit of the Sansure Biotechology Corporation, and the concordance rate of the two methods was 100%. Advanced quantitative study of the 20 positive samples found that the two methods had good correlation and consistency (r=0.91,P0.05). Advanced quantitative study of 29 positive samples found that the two methods had good correlation and consistency (r=0.96,P<0.01). Conclusion:The stability and repeatability of TMA system are good within 6 months when stored at-20 ℃ storage temperature. Both TMA and RT-PCR HCV RNA can detect serum HCV RNA well, and the two methods have good correlation and consistency.

Behavioral meaningful opioidergic stimulation activates kappa receptor gene expression

The periaqueductal gray (PAG) has been reported to be a location for opioid regulation of pain and a potential site for behavioral selection in females. Opioid-mediated behavioral and physiological responses differ according to the activity of opioid receptor subtypes. The present study investigated the effects of the peripheral injection of the kappa-opioid receptor agonist U69593 into the dorsal subcutaneous region of animals on maternal behavior and on Oprk1 gene activity in the PAG of female rats. Female Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g at the beginning of the study were randomly divided into 2 groups for maternal behavior and gene expression experiments. On day 5, pups were removed at 7:00 am and placed in another home cage that was distant from their mother. Thirty minutes after removing the pups, the dams were treated with U69593 (0.15 mg/kg, sc) or 0.9% saline (up to 1 mL/kg) and after 30 min were evaluated in the maternal behavior test. Latencies in seconds for pup retrieval, grouping, crouching, and full maternal behavior were scored. The results showed that U69593 administration inhibited maternal behavior (P < 0.05) because a lower percentage of kappa group dams showed retrieval of first pup, retrieving all pups, grouping, crouching and displaying full maternal behavior compared to the saline group. Opioid gene expression was evaluated using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A single injection of U69593 increased Oprk1 PAG expression in both virgin (P < 0.05) and lactating female rats (P < 0.01), with no significant effect on Oprm1 or Oprd1 gene activity. Thus, the expression of kappa-opioid receptors in the PAG may be modulated by single opioid receptor stimulation and behavioral meaningful opioidergic transmission in the adult female might occur simultaneously to specific changes in gene expression of kappa-opioid receptor subtype. This is yet another alert for the complex role of the opioid ...

Estandarización de un método de detección molecular del virus influenza (H5N1) de alta patogenicidad / Standardization of a molecular detection method of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1)

El virus de la influenza aviar H5N1 de alta patogenicidad mantiene el alerta mundial debido a su potencial zoonótico y pandémico. Surge entonces la necesidad de contar con herramientas para la detección temprana y de esta forma reducir el impacto potencial a la salud humana y animal. En este estudio se estandarizó un método de detección molecular de los genes de la matriz (M), hemaglutinina (H5) y neuraminidasa (N1) del virus de la influenza aviar H5N1 de alta patogenicidad de linaje asiático, mediante transcripción-reversa y reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real (RRT-PCR). A partir de un ARN viral de referencia cepa A/Vietnam/1203/2004 (H5N1) se construyeron controles positivos mediante clonación de productos de PCR. Los estándares de naturaleza plasmídica se emplearon en la obtención de curvas estándar para determinar los límites de detección de la técnica. La sensibilidad observada para todos los genes analizados fue de 10² copias de ADN/μL. Las curvas mostraron una eficiencia superior al 90%, y R²>0,99. Este método puede ser útil en las campañas de monitoreo del virus en aves migratorias, así como para el tamizaje de muestras clínicas de humanos, en una emergencia de salud.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) H5N1 is a global threat due to its zoonotic and pandemic potential. Then, concern arises and the need to have early detection tools to minimize the impact on human and animal health. In this work, a molecular detection method was implemented to detect matrix (M), hemagglutinin (H5) and neuraminidase (N1) genes of HPAI avian influenza virus H5N1, based on real time RT-PCR (RRT-PCR). Positive controls were constructed from reference RNA viral A/Vietnam/1203/2004 (H5N1), cloned into plasmidic vectors and sequenced. Assay detection sensitivity was assessed with standard curves for each gene. Assay sensitivity was 10² DNA copies/μl in all cases. Curves showed amplification efficiency higher than 90% and R²>0.99. This method could be useful for bird monitoring campaigns and as a screening procedure for clinical samples.

Development and evaluation of TaqMan-based one-step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of Japanese encephalitis virus / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To establish a TaqMan based real-time reverse transeription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for the detection of Japanese encephalitis virus. Methods The gene sequences of Japanese encephalitis virus downloaded from the GenBank was aligned, using the biologic software. Specific primers and probes were designed in the conserved region of the C gene for Japanese encephalitis virus. The real-time RT-PCR reactive condition was optimized and the sensitivity, specificity and the stability of the assay were evaluated. Mosquitoes collected from Zhejiang province were detected by this assay. Results Mg2+, primer and probe were optimized at 5 mmol/L, 0.2 μmol/L and 0.1 μmol/L respectively. The specificity of the assay was high and there were no cross reactions with dengue virus, rabies virus, seoul virus or hantan virus. The detection limits of the assay was 0.1 TCID50. Results from preliminary application showed that TaqMan RT-PCR for Japanese encephalitis virus was sensitive, easier and faster to perform the process of traditional virus isolation and identification. It took only three hours to extract viral RNA and perform the real-time RT-PCR. Conclusion This TaqMan-based one-step RT-PCR assay was a quick, sensitive and specific tool for molecular diagnosis of Japanese encephalitis virus.

Reference genes selection in mRNA analysis of aging rat tissues / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the proper inner control genes suitable for mRNA expression level comparison of aging rat tissues.Methods Real-time reverse transcription PCR was used to examine in aging rat tissues the expression level of G3pd(glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase),ACTB(?-actin),H3f3b(H3 histone,family 3B),Arbp(acidic ribosomal phosphoprotein P0)and 18S(18S ribosomal RNA).Results The most stably expressed housekeeping gene in aging rat kidney was ACTB,in heart and lung G3pd showed the minimum variation;Arbp expression was the most stable one in different tissues.Conclusion For aging rat intra-tissue mRNA normalization at least two housekeeping genes should be used: one is the ribosomal RNA gene 18S and another one is Arbp.

Significance of Expression of Interferon ? Inducible Protein 10 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Children with Kawasaki Disease / 实用儿科临床杂志

0.05).Conclusions The expression of PBMC IP-10 mRNA increases in KD.IP-10 may participate in the pathogenesis of KD and CAL in KD.Perhaps the inhibition to the expression of PBMC IP-10 mRNA is one of the mechanisms of IVIG.

Survivin variants' expression in gastric cancer cells and its relationshiop with proliferation and apoptosis / 中华消化杂志

Objective To study the expression of three survivin splicing variants in gastric cancer and normal gastric mucosa and to evaluate relationship among the survivin variants' expression and proliferation, apoptosis in gastric cancer. Methods Real time quantitative RT-PCR was used to analyze survivin variants expression in 77 paired tumors and normal gastric mucosa in frozen samples at the mRNA level. The cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by Ki-67 immunoln's to chemical analysis and TUNEL method in paraffin-embedded block of same cases, respectively. Results The sarvivin splicing variants were remarkably up-regulated in gastic cancers compared with those in normal tissues (P

Detection Wilm′s Tumor Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood and Its Clinical Significance of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Children / 实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To establish a real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method for detecting WT1 and to understand the expression levels of WT1 in acute lymphocytic leukemia(ALL) of children through examining peripheral blood of leukemia children.Methods Thirty ALL patients, 13 non-leukemia Children and 18 normal children were included in this study. The method of real time RT-PCR detecting the expression of WT1 was established. The expression levels of WT1 gene were tested by this method.Results The expression levels of WT1 in 13 ALL with newly diagnosed patients were (105-106)copies/?g RNA, 12 with partial remission were (102-104)copies/?g RNA and 12 with complete remission were (0-102)copies/?g RNA.Conclusions Significant expression levels of WT1 in ALL are higher than those in non-leukemias and normal children.WT1 could be a marker for detecting minimal residual disease and evaluating therapy efficacy in ALL.