Transcriptomic Analysis of Wuzi Yanzongwan on Testicular Spermatogenic Function in Semi-castrated Male Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo screen out the transcriptomes related to the intervention of Wuzi Yanzongwan on the spermatogenic function of semi-castrated male mice， and to explore its potential mechanism in the intervention of the progress of low spermatogenic function. MethodBalb/c mice were randomly divided into sham-operated group， model group， testosterone propionate group（0.2 mg·kg-1·d-1， intramuscular injection） and Wuzi Yanzongwan group（1.56 g·kg-1·d-1， intragastric administration） according to body weight， with 12 mice in each group. The right testicle and epididymis were extracted from the model group and the drug administration group to construct the semi-castrated model of low spermatogenic function， while the fur and the right scrotum of the sham-operated group were only cut and immediately sterilized and sutured. At the end of the intervention， hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining was used to observe the histopathology of testis， enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） was used to detect the levels of serum testosterone（T）， luteinizing hormone（LH） and follicle stimulating hormone（FSH）. The sperm count and motility of epididymis were measured by automatic sperm detector of small animal. Transcriptomic microarray technology was used to detect the mRNA expression level of testicular tissue in each group， the transcriptome of genes related to the regulation of Wuzi Yanzongwan was screened， and three mRNAs were selected for Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） to verify the transcriptome data. Through the annotation analysis of Gene Ontology（GO） and the signaling pathway analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes（KEGG）， the related functions of drugs regulating transcriptome were analyzed. ResultCompared with the sham-operated group， the testicular tissue of mice in the model group showed spermatogenic injury， contraction and vacuolization of the seminiferous tubules， reduction of spermatogenic cells at all levels， widening of the interstitial space， obstruction of spermatogonial cell development and other morphological abnormalities， and serum T significantly decreased， LH significantly increased（P<0.01）， and FSH elevated but no statistically significant difference， the count and vitality of epididymal sperm significantly decreased（P<0.01）. There were 882 differentially expressed mRNAs in the testicular tissues， of which 565 were up-regulated and 317 were down-regulated. Cluster analysis showed that these differentially expressed mRNA could effectively distinguish between the sham-operated group and the model group. Compared with the model group， the damage to testicular tissue in the Wuzi Yanzongwan group was reduced， the structure of the seminiferous tubules was intact， vacuolization was reduced， and the number of spermatogenic cells at all levels was significantly increased and arranged tightly. The serum T significantly increased， LH significantly decreased（P<0.01）， and FSH decreased but the difference was not statistically significant. The count and vitality of sperm in the epididymis were significantly increased（P<0.01）. Moreover， Wuzi Yanzongwan could regulate 159 mRNA levels in the testes of semi-castrated mice， of which 32 were up-regulated and 127 were down-regulated， and the data of the transcriptome assay was verified to be reliable by Real-time PCR. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the transcriptome functions regulated by Wuzi Yanzongwan were involved in the whole cell cycle process of sperm development such as sex hormone production of interstitial cells in testis， renewal， differentiation， metabolism， apoptosis and signal transduction of spermatogenic cells， and were closely related to the biological behaviors of signaling pathways such as spermatogenic stem cell function， endoplasmic reticulum protein processing and metabolic program. ConclusionWuzi Yanzongwan can effectively improve the low spermatogenic function of semi-castrated male mice， and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of testicular transcriptional regulatory network， the synthesis of sex hormones in testicular interstitial cells， the function of spermatogenic stem cells， the whole cell cycle process of spermatogenesis， as well as the expression of endoplasmic reticulum protein processing and metabolic program related genes transcription.

Effect of Shenfu Yixin Granules on Mitochondrial Dynamics in Rats with Heart Failure After Myocardial Infarction / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo prepare a rat model of heart failure after myocardial infarction by ligation of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery， and to observe the effect of Shenfu Yixin granules on the mitochondrial dynamics of rats with heart failure. MethodFifty SD male rats were randomly taken ten as the sham operation group and the rest as modeling group. The rat model of heart failure after myocardial infarction was prepared by ligation of anterior descending branch of left coronary artery. According to the left ventricular ejection fraction（LVEF） on the 28th day after operation， the model rats were randomly divided into the model group， Shenfu Yixin granule low-dose and high-dose groups（3.011， 15.055 g·kg-1） and sacubitril valsartan sodium group（20.83 mg·kg-1）. Each administration group was gavaged daily with the corresponding dose of drug solution， while the sham operation group and model group were given the same amount of normal saline once a day for 28 days， with 6 rats in each group. Ultrasound was used to detect the cardiac function parameters， rat heart mass and body mass were weighed to calculate the cardiac mass index， enzyme linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） was used to detect serum brain natriuretic peptide（BNP） and soluble growth stimulation expressed gene 2 protein（sST2） levels. Hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the myocardium. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of mitochondrial fusion protein 1/2（Mfn1/2）， optic atrophy protein 1（Opa1）， dynamin-related protein 1（Drp1） and fission protein 1（Fis1）. ResultCompared with the sham operation group， the mRNA and protein expression of LVEF， Mfn1， Mfn2， Opal in the model group decreased（P<0.05）， while BNP， sST2， cardiac mass index， Drp1， Fis1 mRNA and protein levels increased（P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the expression of LVEF， Mfn1， Mfn2， Opal mRNA and protein increased in Shenfu Yixin granule high-dose and sacubitril valsartan sodium groups（P<0.05）， while BNP， sST2， cardiac mass index， Drp1， Fis1 mRNA and protein levels decreased（P<0.05）. Pathological observation showed that compared with the sham operation group， the model group had disordered arrangement of myocardial cells， inflammatory cell infiltration and myocardial fibrosis. Compared with the model group， the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration， myocardial or interstitial fibrosis was improved and alleviated in all administered groups. ConclusionShenfu Yixin granules can resist heart failure， reduce cardiac mass index， decrease BNP and sST2 contents， and improve cardiac function. Its mechanism may be related to the adjustment of mitochondrial dynamics.

Development of Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction Technology and Its Progress in Disease Detection / 分析化学

Digital polymerase chain reaction(dPCR)is a PCR technology that realizes accurate quantification of single-copy nucleic acid molecules by dividing the reaction system into tens of thousands of independent PCR reaction units for single-molecule-level amplification and integrating Poisson distribution.Due to its single-copy sensitivity and accurate quantification without the need of standard curves,dPCR has been widely used in disease diagnosis.By introducing technologies such as stepped emulsification and three-dimensional imaging,dPCR has been greatly improved in terms of accuracy,multiplexability and turnaround time,significantly enhancing its performance in clinical disease diagnosis.Based on this,this paper traced the technological development history of dPCR,gave an overview of its application in detection of tumors,infections and other diseases,and further discussed the challenges and opportunities of the development of dPCR,with the aim of providing a reference for the development and utilization of dPCR in the future,and promoting the high-quality development of molecular technology in clinical testing.

Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in prevention and control of infection in solid organ transplantation / 器官移植

Organ transplantation has become an effective treatment for multiple end-stage diseases. However, the recipients of organ transplantation need to take immunosuppressive drugs for a long time after operation, which leads to low immune function and relatively high incidence of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Traditional microbial detection methods, such as pathogen culture, immunological detection and polymerase chain reaction, have been widely applied in infection detection, whereas these methods may cause problems, such as long detection time and presumed pathogens. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing has been widely adopted in infection prevention and control in organ transplantation in recent years due to high detection rate and comprehensive detection of pathogen spectrum. In this article, the application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the prevention and control of infection in solid organ transplantation was reviewed, aiming to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of transplantation-related infection.

Significance of high-sensitivity polymerase chain reaction in detecting hepatitis B virus in chronic hepatitis B patients with a very low viral load / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the significance of high-sensitive polymerase chain reaction （PCR） in detecting hepatitis B virus （HBV） among the population with a very low viral load （HBV DNA 10‍ — ‍99 IU/mL）. MethodsThis study was conducted among the chronic hepatitis B （CHB） patients who were treated with nucleos（t）ide analogues for ≥48 weeks in The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from September 2019 to February 2022 and had an HBV DNA load below the lower limit of ordinary-sensitivity detection （100 IU/mL）. Then high-sensitivity HBV DNA detection was performed for all patients， and according to these results， the patients were divided into very low viral load group （VLVL group with an HBV DNA load of 10‍ — ‍99 IU/mL） and complete virologic response group （CVR group with an HBV DNA load of <10 IU/mL or without HBV DNA detected）. The two groups were compared in terms of general characteristics， serum virological indicators， biochemical parameters， and noninvasive fibrosis markers； the value of related serum virological indicators in predicting the results of high-sensitivity HBV DNA above the lower limit of detection were assessed； the influencing factors for failure to achieve CVR were analyzed. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups； the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was used to investigate the value of related serum virological indicators in predicting the results of high-sensitivity HBV DNA above the lower limit of detection， and a binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for failure to achieve CVR. ResultsA total of 106 CHB patients were enrolled， with 24 in the VLVL group and 82 in the CVR group. Compared with the CVR group， the VLVL group had a significantly younger age （P=0.004） and significantly higher quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen （qHBsAg） level （P=0.002）， HBeAg positive rate （P=0.002）， pgRNA positive rate （P=0.010）， and alanine aminotransferase level （P=0.017）. The qHBsAg level had an area under the ROC curve of 0.717 （P=0.002） in predicting the results of high-sensitivity HBV DNA above the lower limit of detection （>10 IU/mL）， with an optimal cut-off value of 1 214.5 IU/mL， a sensitivity of 95.5%， and a specificity of 53.9%. Positive HBeAg （odds ratio ［OR］=3.654， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.162‍ —‍ ‍11.489， P=0.027） and qHBsAg （OR=2.985， 95%CI： 1.058‍ — ‍8.422， P=0.039） were independent influencing factors for failure to achieve CVR. ConclusionSome CHB patients have an HBV DNA load of <100 IU/mL by ordinary-sensitivity detection， but with the presence of VLVL determined by high-sensitivity PCR. The VLVL group had significantly higher level of inflammatory damage and positive rates of pgRNA and HBeAg. Positive HBeAg and high qHBsAg level are independent influencing factors for failure to achieve CVR. Clinicians should not ignore the presence of VLVL in CHB patients， and high-sensitivity HBV DNA detection should be performed in a timely manner.

Outbreak investigation of a campus bacterial dysentery by water source pollution in Lhasa City / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate risk factors and the nature of the outbreak of bacillary dysentery in Lhasa City, so as to customize targeted prevention and control measures.@*Methods@#Using on site epidemiological investigation, the suspected, probable and confirmed cases of bacillary dysentery in one school and one kindergarten in Lhasa City from June 26 to July 1, 2022 were collected, and additional cases were identified through interview from school staffs and family members, reviewing morning examination records and tracking records of school illness related absence. A case control study was conducted to investigate suspicious meals and drinking raw water, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect Shigella line nucleic acid fragment in the patients feces, anal swabs, retained food, and terminal water.@*Results@#A total of 55 cases were found in two schools, with the prevalence rate of 15.41% in total and 16.71% in students ( n =53), 7.5% in staff ( n =2). The epidemic curve was suggestive of a point source exposure. The prevalence rate among students who walk to school and students who live in the school showed no difference (16.10%，17.09%)( χ 2=0.05, P >0.05), and the prevalence rate was higher among elementary school students than kindergarten students (19.83%，6.67%)( χ 2=7.13, P <0.05). Case control comparisons showed a direct association between drinking raw water and morbidity in the case and control groups during June 24-26 ( OR=4.01, 95%CI =1.75-9.19, P < 0.05). A total of 23 fecal Shigella nucleic acid positives were detected from the two schools, two from the end water in front of the cafeteria door, and two from sludge in the sewage pipe around the wellhead.@*Conclusions@#The outbreak of bacillary dysentery is caused by the contamination of the pipe network water. Health administrative departments should improve the supervision and management of drinking water health safety, and schools should strengthen the management of water supply facilities for effectively prevent of waterborne infectious disease outbreaks.

Specific PCR for Identification of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus Seeds， A. membranaceus Seeds， and Adulterants / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo establish a method based on specific polymerase chain reaction （PCR） that can accurately and rapidly identify Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus （AMM） seeds and A. membranaceus （AM） seeds. MethodThe Chloroplast Genome Information Resource （CGIR） and IdenDSS were used to obtain the characteristic DNA fragments of AMM and AM， and the specific single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） sites of AMM and AM were screened out， on the basis of which the specific primers MG-F/MG-R of AMM and MJ-F/MJ-R of AM were designed. The specific PCR method for identifying AMM and AM was established and optimized， and the specificity and applicability of the method were investigated. ResultThe specific PCR conditions for the identification of AMM were primers MG-F/MG-R， annealing at 62 ℃， and 28 cycles. After PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis， the specific band appeared at about 220 bp， with no band for the seeds of AM or adulterants. The specific PCR conditions for identifying the AM were primers MJ-F/MJ-R， annealing at 58 ℃， and 28 cycles. After PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis， the band appeared at about 150 bp， with no band of AMM or adulterants. ConclusionThe specific PCR method established in this study can accurately and quickly identify the seeds of AMM and AM， which provides a basis for the classification and accurate identification of Astragalus seeds and adulterants.

A Rapid PCR-RFLP Method for Assessing Heterozygosity of Murraya paniculata Germplasm / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo establish a rapid method for evaluating the heterozygosity of Murraya paniculata germplasm materials and provide as a foundation for developing germplasm breeding and innovation measures for M. paniculata. MethodSingle nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） were screened from the genome resequencing data of 65 plants of M. paniculata. A self-written script was used to transform 20 SNPs into restriction fragment length polymorphism （RFLP） markers. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism （PCR-RFLP） was employed to detect the 20 RFLP markers in 12 M. paniculata germplasm accessions， and the heterozygosity of M. paniculata germplasm accessions was calculated based on the number of enzyme-cutting bands at the 20 RFLP marker sites. Plink was used to calculate the whole genome heterozygosity of 12 M. paniculata germplasm accessions， and the results obtained with different methods were compared. ResultThere was no significant difference in the heterozygosity calculated by the PCR-RFLP method and the genome resequencing method. The PCR-RFLP and genome resequencing methods identified 8 and 9 germplasm accessions， respectively， with a heterozygosity level less than 30%. Seven germplasm accessions with heterozygosity less than 30.00% were calculated by both methods. ConclusionThe PCR-RFLP method established in this study for evaluating the heterozygosity of M. paniculata germplasm demonstrates the precision of 87.5% and the accuracy of 77.8%. This method serves as a reference for developing heterozygosity evaluation methods in other medicinal plant germplasm resources.

Identification of Original Plants of Lycii Cortex by Multiplex Allele-specific PCR / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo identify Lycium chinense and L. barbarum as the original plants of Lycii Cortex simply and efficiently by multiple allele-specific polymerase chain reaction （PCR）. MethodThe chloroplast genome sequences of L. chinense and L. barbarum were downloaded from the Chloroplast Genome Information Resource （CGIR）， and then IdenDSS was employed to screen out the specific single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） sites between the two plants. Primer 5.0 was used to design the specific primers， including primers GQ-F/R for identifying L. chinense and primers NX-F/R for identifying L. barbarum. Furthermore， the primer concentration ratio， annealing temperature， cycles， and Taq enzyme were optimized to establish the optimal PCR system and conditions for plant identification. Finally， the applicability of the established method was examined with the plant samples collected from different regions. ResultThe PCR with GQ-F/R∶NX-F/R concentration ratio of 2∶1 at the annealing temperature at 59 ℃ and for 30 cycles showed specific bands at 183 bp and 295 bp， respectively， for L. chinense and L. barbarum samples from different regions. ConclusionThe established PCR approach can simply， rapidly， and efficiently identify the original plants of Lycii Cortex， serving as a new method for the discrimination between L. chinense and L. barbarum. Moreover， the method provides technical support for the research and development of classic famous prescriptions containing Lycii Cortex.

PCR-RFLP for Distinguishing Periplocae Cortex from Acanthopanacis Cortex and Lycii Cortex / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo establish a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism （PCR-RFLP） method for rapid distinguishing Periplocae Cortex from Acanthopanacis Cortex and Lycii Cortex， so as to avoid the influence of genetic confusion on drug safety. MethodThe DSS-tagged sequences of Periplocae Cortex were obtained from the Chloroplast Genome Information Resource （CGIR） and analyzed to find the enzymatic cleavage sites that were different from those of Acanthopanacis Cortex and Lycii Cortex. The specific enzymatic cleavage site， Cla I， of Periplocae Cortex was selected， on the basis of which the primers for PCR-RFLP were designed. Furthermore， the factors such as annealing temperature， number of cycles， Taq enzyme， PCR instruments， and enzymatic treatment time that may influence PCR-RFLP were studied. The established PCR-RFLP method was applied to the identification of Periplocae Cortex， Acanthopanacis Cortex， and Lycii Cortex samples produced in different regions. ResultThe PCR-RFLP at the annealing temperature of 59 ℃ and with 40 cycles showed clear bands of the samples. When the enzyme digestion time was 30 min. The reaction produced the target bands at about 140 bp and 290 bp for both Periplocae Cortex and its original plant and only a band at about 430 bp for Acanthopanacis Cortex， Lycii Cortex， and their original plants. The method can accurately distinguish Periplocae Cortex from its confounders Acanthopanacis Cortex and Lycii Cortex. ConclusionThe PCR-RFLP method for distinguishing Periplocae Cortex from Acanthopanacis Cortex and Lycii Cortex was established. It has high stability， sensitivity， and applicability， providing a reference for the quality control of Periplocae Cortex， Acanthopanacis Cortex， and Lycii Cortex.

Identification of Scolopendra Dispensing Granules by Allele-specific PCR / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo establish an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction （PCR） method for identifying Scolopendra dispensing granules， so as to ensure the quality and therapeutic effects of Scolopendra and its preparations. MethodThe primer interval suitable for the PCR was selected based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 3（COX-3） gene sequence of Scolopendra， and the single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） loci of Scolopendra and its adulterants were mined from the interval for the design of specific primers. The samples of Scolopendra and its adulterants were collected. The PCR system was established and optimized regarding the annealing temperature， cycles， Taq enzymes， DNA template amount， PCR instruments， and primer concentrations， and the specificity and applicability of this method were evaluated. ResultThe PCR system was composed of 12.5 μL 2×M5 PCR Mix， 0.4 μL forward primer （10 μmol·L-1）， 0.4 μL reverse primer （10 μmol·L-1）， 2.5 μL DNA template， and 9.2 μL sterile double distilled water. PCR parameters： Pre-denaturation at 94 ℃ for 3 min， 30 cycles （94 ℃ for 20 s， 62 ℃ for 20 s， 72 ℃ for 45 s）， and extension at 72 ℃ for 5 min. After PCR amplification with the system and parameters above， the electrophoresis revealed a bright band at about 135 bp for Scolopendra and no band for the adulterants. ConclusionThe established allele-specific PCR method can accurately identify the medicinal materials， decoction pieces， and standard decoction freeze-dried powder of Scolopendra， as well as the intermediates and final products of Scolopendra dispensing granules， which is of great significance for ensuring the quality and clinical efficacy of Scolopendra and its preparations.

Clinico-pathological assessment of virulent Newcastle Disease Virus in ducks / Avaliação clínico-patológica do Vírus da Doença de Newcastle em patos

Abstract Newcastle disease (ND) is an infectious, highly contagious and lethal disease of avian species. It is considered that ducks are natural reservoir or carrier for Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and are resistant against different strains of NDV. Current study was designed to evaluate the pathogenesis of Newcastle disease in domestic ducks through histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and serum biochemical changes. For this purpose, eighty ducks were reared for 42 days and divided in two groups A and B. Ducks in group A were challenged with (NDV) at rate of 0.1 ml of ELD50 (virus titer 107.32/100µl) on second week of age, whereas Group B was control negative. Splenomegaly, atrophy of thymus and necrotic lesion in kidney were observed on 9th day of post infection. Hepatic degeneration and mononuclear cell infiltration were noticed in proventriculus and intestine in challenged ducks. Viral antigen detected in lungs, intestine, proventriculus and lymphoid organs of infected ducks through IHC. Albumin and total protein values were significantly low in infected groups A as compared to control group B. ALT, AST, and ALP values were significantly high in infected group A. On 5th and 7th day of post infection oropharyngeal swabs were negative for NDV and cloacal swabs were positive for NDV through Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. It is concluded that ducks are susceptible to NDV and virulent strain of NDV caused disease in ducks.

Resumo A doença de Newcastle (DN) é uma doença infecciosa, altamente contagiosa e letal de espécies aviárias. Considera-se que os patos são reservatórios ou portadores naturais do vírus da doença de Newcastle (VDN) e são resistentes a diferentes cepas de VDN. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a patogênese da DN em patos domésticos por meio de histopatologia, imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) e alterações bioquímicas séricas. Para este propósito, 80 patos foram criados por 42 dias e divididos em dois grupos A e B. Os patos do grupo A foram submetidos ao VDN a uma taxa de 0,1 ml de ELD50 (título viral de 107,32 / 100 µl) na segunda semana de idade, enquanto o Grupo B foi controle negativo. Esplenomegalia, atrofia do timo e lesão necrótica no rim foram observadas no 9º dia pós-infecção. Degeneração hepática e infiltração de células mononucleares foram observadas no proventrículo e intestino em patos infectados. Antígeno viral foi detectado em pulmões, intestino, proventrículo e órgãos linfoides de patos infectados por IHQ. Os valores de albumina e proteína total foram significativamente baixos no grupo A infectado em comparação com o grupo B. Os valores de ALT, AST e ALP foram significativamente altos no grupo A. No 5º e no 7º dia após a infecção, os esfregaços orofaríngeos foram negativos para VDN, enquanto os esfregaços cloacais foram positivos para VDN por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase via transcriptase reversa. Conclui-se que os patos são suscetíveis ao VDN e à cepa virulenta de VDN que causou doenças em patos.

SARS-CoV-2 and the ocular surface: test accuracy and viral load / SARS-CoV-2 e a superfície ocular: acurácia dos testes e carga viral

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the pre-sence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in the ocular surface of individuals clinically suspected of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and determine the accuracy of different approaches of molecular testing on the ocular surface based on the nasopharyngeal positivity status for COVID-19. Methods: A total of 152 individuals with suspected COVID-19 symptoms who simultaneously underwent nasopharyngeal and two different tear film collection techniques for quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were included. Tears were collected and randomized: one eye had the filter strip for the Schirmer test and the contralateral eye had conjunctival swab/cytology in the inferior fornix. All patients underwent slit lamp biomicroscopy. The accuracy of various ocular surface collection techniques used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was determined. Results: Of the 152 patients enrolled in the study, 86 (56.6%) had COVID-19 confirmed by nasopharyngeal PCR. Both tear film collection techniques detected viral particles: the Schirmer test was positive in 16.3% (14/86) and the conjunctival swab/cytology in 17.4% (15/86), with no statistically significant differences. No positive ocular tests were found among those with negative nasopharyngeal PCR tests. The overall agreement of the ocular tests was 92.7%, and in combination, the sensitivity would increase to 23.2%. The mean cycle threshold values in the nasopharyngeal, Schirmer, and conjunctival swab/cytology tests were 18.2 ± 5.3, 35.6 ± 1.4, and 36.4 ± 3.9, respectively. Compared with the nasopharyngeal test, the Schirmer (p=0.001) and conjunctival swab/cytology (p<0.001) tests had significantly different Ct values. Conclusion: The Schirmer (16.3%) and conjunctival swab (17.4%) tests were comparably capable of detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the ocular surface by RT-PCR accurately based on nasopharyngeal status and demonstrated indistinct sensitivity and specificity. Simultaneous specimen sampling and processing from the nasopharyngeal, Schirmer, and conjunctival swab/cytology tests demonstrated significantly lower viral load in both ocular surface approaches than in the nasopharyngeal test. Ocular manifestations detected by slit lamp biomicroscopy were not associated with ocular RT-PCR positivity.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a presença de RNA de coronavírus 2 causador de síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SARS-CoV-2) na superfície ocular de indivíduos clinicamente suspeitos com COVID-19 e determinar a precisão de diferentes abordagens de testes moleculares na superfície ocular com base no status de positividade do RT-qPCR de nasofaringe para COVID-19. Métodos: 152 indivíduos com sintomas suspeitos para a COVID-19 foram submetidos a coleta de reação em cadeia da polimerase de nasofaringe simultaneamente a duas técnicas diferentes de coleta de filme lacrimal para RT-qPCR: aleatoriamente, um olho com a tira filtro do teste de Schirmer e, o olho contralateral, com citologia (swab) conjuntival no fórnice inferior. Todos os indivíduos foram submetidos à biomicroscopia com lâmpada de fenda. Resultados: Dos 152 pacientes, 86 (56,6%) tiveram a COVID-19 confirmada por PCR de nasofaringe. Ambas as técnicas de coleta detectaram partículas virais: o teste de Schirmer foi positivo em 16,3% (14/86) e a citologia conjuntival em 17,4% (15/86), sem diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Não houve testes oculares positivos entre aqueles com reação em cadeia da polimerase de nasofaringe negativo. A concordância geral dos testes oculares foi de 92,7% e, em combinação, a sensibilidade aumentaria para 23,2%. Os valores médios do limiar de ciclo nos testes de nasofaringe, Schirmer e citologia conjuntival foram 18,2 ± 5,3, 35,6 ± 1,4 e 36,4 ± 3,9, respectivamente. Conclusão: Os testes de Schirmer (16,3%) e swab conjuntival (17,4%) foram igualmente capazes de detectar RNA de SARS-CoV-2 na superfície ocular por RT-PCR e demonstraram sensibilidade e especificidade indistintas. A coleta simultânea de amostras ao processamento dos testes de RT-PCR de nasofaringe, Schirmer e citologia (swab) conjuntival demonstraram carga viral significativamente menor em ambas as abordagens da superfície ocular em comparação com o teste de nasofaringe. As manifestações oculares detectadas pela biomicroscopia com lâmpada de fenda não foram claramente associadas à positividade do RT-PCR ocular.

Clinico-pathological assessment of virulent Newcastle Disease Virus in ducks

Abstract Newcastle disease (ND) is an infectious, highly contagious and lethal disease of avian species. It is considered that ducks are natural reservoir or carrier for Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and are resistant against different strains of NDV. Current study was designed to evaluate the pathogenesis of Newcastle disease in domestic ducks through histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and serum biochemical changes. For this purpose, eighty ducks were reared for 42 days and divided in two groups A and B. Ducks in group A were challenged with (NDV) at rate of 0.1 ml of ELD50 (virus titer 107.32/100µl) on second week of age, whereas Group B was control negative. Splenomegaly, atrophy of thymus and necrotic lesion in kidney were observed on 9th day of post infection. Hepatic degeneration and mononuclear cell infiltration were noticed in proventriculus and intestine in challenged ducks. Viral antigen detected in lungs, intestine, proventriculus and lymphoid organs of infected ducks through IHC. Albumin and total protein values were significantly low in infected groups A as compared to control group B. ALT, AST, and ALP values were significantly high in infected group A. On 5th and 7th day of post infection oropharyngeal swabs were negative for NDV and cloacal swabs were positive for NDV through Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. It is concluded that ducks are susceptible to NDV and virulent strain of NDV caused disease in ducks.

Resumo A doença de Newcastle (DN) é uma doença infecciosa, altamente contagiosa e letal de espécies aviárias. Considera-se que os patos são reservatórios ou portadores naturais do vírus da doença de Newcastle (VDN) e são resistentes a diferentes cepas de VDN. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a patogênese da DN em patos domésticos por meio de histopatologia, imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) e alterações bioquímicas séricas. Para este propósito, 80 patos foram criados por 42 dias e divididos em dois grupos A e B. Os patos do grupo A foram submetidos ao VDN a uma taxa de 0,1 ml de ELD50 (título viral de 107,32 / 100 µl) na segunda semana de idade, enquanto o Grupo B foi controle negativo. Esplenomegalia, atrofia do timo e lesão necrótica no rim foram observadas no 9º dia pós-infecção. Degeneração hepática e infiltração de células mononucleares foram observadas no proventrículo e intestino em patos infectados. Antígeno viral foi detectado em pulmões, intestino, proventrículo e órgãos linfoides de patos infectados por IHQ. Os valores de albumina e proteína total foram significativamente baixos no grupo A infectado em comparação com o grupo B. Os valores de ALT, AST e ALP foram significativamente altos no grupo A. No 5º e no 7º dia após a infecção, os esfregaços orofaríngeos foram negativos para VDN, enquanto os esfregaços cloacais foram positivos para VDN por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase via transcriptase reversa. Conclui-se que os patos são suscetíveis ao VDN e à cepa virulenta de VDN que causou doenças em patos.

Application of WHO molecular classification in endometrial cancer(2020)and its clinicopathological significance / 临床与实验病理学杂志

Purpose To explore the application and clini-copathological significance of molecular classification in endome-trial cancer(EC)of WHO(2020)tumors of the female repro-ductive system.Methods Sixty-two EC patients were collected and categorized into four subgroups,namely POLE mutation type,mismatch repair deficient(MMRd)type,non-specific molecular spectrum(NMSP)type,and p53 mutation type,based on WHO molecular classification tested by PCR and im-munohistochemistry.The correlation among four molecular sub-groups and their clinicopathological features were analyzed.Re-sults The molecular classification was distributed as follows:3(4.8％)cases were POLE-mutated,15(24.2％)cases MMRd,36(58.1％)cases NSMP and 8(12.9％)cases p53 abnormal expression.There were no significant differences a-mong POLE-mutated and infiltration depth,grade,lymph vascu-lar space invasion and other pathological factors such as lymph node metastasis and FIGO stage(P＞0.05).Among 15 patients with MMRd,the proportion of FIGO stage Ⅱ+Ⅲ significantly increased.One case showed abnormal overexpression of p53 pro-tein,while two cases showed complete loss of expression in MMRd subgroup.36 cases of NSMP were associated with low histopathological grade(Grade Ⅰ+Ⅱ)(P＜0.05),and no significant differences were observed among NSMP and other clinicopathological factors(P＞0.05).The p53 abnormal ex-pression in 8 cases was related to high histopathological grade(Grade Ⅲ)(P＜0.05),and the rate of lymph node metastasis and FIGO stage Ⅱ+Ⅲ significantly increased in patients with p53 abnormal expression,and although the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Conclusion The molecu-lar subgroups of EC have certain clinical application value,the cases with MMRd and p53 abnormal expression may have poor prognosis than these with POLE-mutated and NSMP.

Accuracy of Polymerase Chain Reaction Based Assays for Trichomonas Vaginitis:A Meta-Analysis / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the accuracy of polymerase chain reaction(PCR)based assays for Trichomonas Vaginitis.Methods The research literature on the detection of TV based on PCR method since the establishment of the database to May 30,2023 was retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,VIP Database and PubMed Database.After literature screening and data extraction,Meta-analysis was performed using software RevMan 5.4.1 and web service Meta-Disc 2.0.Results A total of 36 literatures and 16 454 clinical samples were included.The results of meta-analysis showed that the combined sensitivity and specificity of polymerase chain reaction for the detection of TV were 0.972(0.943,0.987)and 0.979(0.968,0.986),respectively,the diagnostic odds ratio was 1 643.398(673.168,4 012.008),the positive likelihood ratio was 46.209(30.549,69.897),and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.028(0.013,0.059).Subgroup analysis showed that clinical samples of different genders would not affect the accuracy of polymerase chain reaction,but the accuracy of different PCR detection methods was different.Conclusion The accuracy of polymerase chain reaction in the detection of TV was high and it has good application value.

Development of a typing detection method for high-risk human papillomavirus and related tumor suppressor genes p53 and RB1 based on two-dimensional PCR technology / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To establish a single-tube, one-step method for detecting and identifying 16 high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) subtypes (HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 73, 82) and genotyping p53 (rs1042522) and RB1 (rs3092905) in cervical cells, using high-throughput two-dimensional PCR (2D-PCR) technology. Methods:Applied Research. Specific primers were designed according to the DNA sequences of the 16 different HR-HPV subtypes, p53, and RB1 genes, with the target genes p53 and RB1 serving as internal references to assess the success of sample collection and PCR amplification. In three fluorescent detection channels, upstream primers labeled with corresponding tags were used for different HR-HPV subtypes, p53, and RB1, constructing a comprehensive 2D-PCR detection system. Using this method, 804 cervical brush samples collected from the gynecology outpatient department of Changzhou First People′s Hospital from December 2022 to August 2023 were tested. The test results were compared for consistency with PCR-reverse dot blot assay, flow cytometric fluorescence hybridization assay, and single-plex real-time quantitative PCR assay, respectively. Meanwhile, the genotypes of p53 and RB1 were detected using Sanger sequencing. The Kappa test was applied to determine the consistency between 2D-PCR method and other methods. Results:2D-PCR accurately discriminated and identified the genotypes of 16 HR-HPV types and p53, RB1 through characteristic melting valleys in the FAM, HEX, and Alexa Fluor568 channels. 2D-PCR showed high consistency with PCR-reverse dot blot assay, with a Kappa value of 0.699, even higher consistency with flow cytometric fluorescence hybridization assay, with a Kappa value of 0.793, and the highest consistency with single-plex quantitative PCR, with a Kappa value of 0.880 (95% CI 0.862-0.907). Using Sanger sequencing as the gold standard, the accuracy of 2D-PCR method in detecting p53 and RB1 genotypes is 100%. The distribution frequencies of the three genotypes (G/G, G/C, and C/C) at the p53 rs1042522 locus were 32.09% (258/804), 49.88% (401/804) and 18.03% (145/804), respectively, while all detected genotypes at the RB1 rs3092905 locus were A/A. Conclusion:This study successfully developed a 2D-PCR method for the identification and genotyping of high-risk human papillomavirus types and related tumor suppressor genes p53 and RB1 for cervical cancer.

Role of the IL8 rs4073 polymorphism in central nervous system toxicity in patients receiving multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment / Papel do polimorfismo rs4073 do gene IL8 na toxicidade do sistema nervoso central em pacientes em tratamento para tuberculose multirresistente

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the role of the IL8 rs4073 polymorphism in predicting the risk of central nervous system (CNS) toxicity in patients receiving standard pharmacological treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Methods: A cohort of 85 consenting MDR-TB patients receiving treatment with second-line antituberculosis drugs had their blood samples amplified for the IL8 (rs4073) gene and genotyped. All patients were clinically screened for evidence of treatment toxicity and categorized accordingly. Crude and adjusted associations were assessed. Results: The chief complaints fell into the following categories: CNS toxicity; gastrointestinal toxicity; skin toxicity; and eye and ear toxicities. Symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity were reported by 59% of the patients, and symptoms of CNS toxicity were reported by 42.7%. With regard to the genotypes of IL8 (rs4073), the following were identified: AA, in 64 of the study participants; AT, in 7; and TT, in 11. A significant association was found between the dominant model of inheritance and CNS toxicity for the crude model (p = 0.024; OR = 3.57; 95% CI, 1.18-10.76) and the adjusted model (p = 0.031; OR = 3.92; 95% CI, 1.13-13.58). The AT+TT genotype of IL8 (rs4073) showed a 3.92 times increased risk of CNS toxicity when compared with the AA genotype. Conclusions: The AT+TT genotype has a tendency to be associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical features during MDR-TB treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar o papel do polimorfismo rs4073 do gene IL8 na previsão do risco de toxicidade do sistema nervoso central (SNC) em pacientes em tratamento farmacológico padrão para tuberculose multirresistente (TBMR). Métodos: Amostras de sangue de uma coorte de 85 pacientes com TBMR que assinaram um termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido e que estavam recebendo tratamento com medicamentos antituberculosos de segunda linha foram amplificadas para o gene IL8 (rs4073) e genotipadas. Todos os pacientes foram avaliados clinicamente quanto a evidências de toxicidade do tratamento e categorizados de acordo com os achados. Foram avaliadas as associações brutas e ajustadas. Resultados: As principais queixas enquadraram-se nas seguintes categorias: toxicidade do SNC; toxicidade gastrointestinal; toxicidade cutânea; e toxicidade ocular e ototoxicidade. Sintomas de toxicidade gastrointestinal foram relatados por 59% dos pacientes, e sintomas de toxicidade do SNC foram relatados por 42,7%. Foram identificados os seguintes genótipos de IL8 (rs4073): AA, em 64 dos participantes; AT, em 7; TT, em 11. Houve associação significativa entre o modelo dominante de herança e toxicidade do SNC no modelo bruto (p = 0,024; OR = 3,57; IC95%: 1,18-10,76) e no ajustado (p = 0,031; OR = 3,92; IC95%: 1,13-13,58). O genótipo AT+TT do gene IL8 (rs4073) apresentou risco 3,92 vezes maior de toxicidade do SNC que o genótipo AA. Conclusões: O genótipo AT+TT tende a se associar a um maior risco de características clínicas adversas durante o tratamento da TBMR.

Genetic variants in miR-146a and miR-196a2 in endometriosis: a Brazilian study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the polymorphisms, rs2910164 miR-146a and rs11614913 miR-196a2, by investigating their association with endometriosis. METHODS: This is a case-control study performed with approximately 120 women. The polymorphisms were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. For the statistical analysis, the chi-square and logistic regression tests were used. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of rs2910164 and rs11614913 between cases and controls. The frequencies in both polymorphisms are in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium regarding miR-146a (patients: χ2=1.64, p=0.20; controls: χ2=0.25, p=0.62) and miR-196a2 (patients: χ2=0.58, p=0.44; controls: χ2=2.78, p=0.10). No relationship was observed between rs2910164 and rs11614913 and endometriosis in the inheritance models analyzed. CONCLUSION: In this study, our results show that the studied polymorphisms are not implicated in the development of endometriosis.

Chlamydia psittaci—related pleuro-myocarditis

ABSTRACT Chlamydia psittaci - related community-acquired pneumonia associated to acute myocarditis was diagnosed in a young man with no medical history, and a professional exposition to birds. The diagnosis was confirmed with positive specific polymerase chain reaction in bronchoalveolar lavage. The patient was treated with spiramycin for two weeks with anti-inflammatory treatment for myocarditis for three months. Clinical and biological improvement was rapidly observed followed by normalization of electrocardiogram and chest CT scan. No relapse was reported for over a two-year follow-up.