Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in people in southeast Hubei province, China

@# Toxoplasma gondii is a world-widely spread zoonotic parasite. However, scarce knowledge is known about the prevalence of T. gondii infection in people in Hubei province, China. This study herein was to perform epidemiological investigation of T. gondii infection in people in this region. A total 12527 blood samples were obtained during 2015-2018, and were assayed for T. gondii antibodies of IgG and IgM, respectively by employing an indirect hemagglutination test (IHA). The results discovered that the prevalence of T. gondii in people was 2.44% and 6.1%, respectively based on antibodies of IgG and IgM, respectively. The prevalence was ranged from 0.3% to 5.4% during 2015-2018 based on IgM antibodies. For genders, the prevalence was 0.7% and 2.6% in males and females, respectively based on IgM antibodies. In different years, the prevalence was ranged from 4.9% to 14.0% based on IgG antibodies. The prevalence of T. gondii was 4.9% and 6.6% in males and femalesy based on IgG antibodies. The current results may be helpful for the implementation of preventive measures against Toxoplasma infection among people living in this region.

Renal-type clear cell carcinoma of prostate: A case report and review of literature

We analyzed the clinicopathological features of renal-type clear cell carcinoma (RTCCC) in the prostate and its diagnosis according to the example in our hospital and review of the literature. Clinicopathological features of RTCCC in the prostate were observed in a patient from our hospital combining with a review of the literature. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of cells with abundant and translucent cytoplasm, arranged in the form of the vesicular nest or glandular structure. Therefore, it was necessary to distinguish between metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma and primary RTCCC in the prostate. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of this case showed tumor cells were positive expression for cytokeratin (CKpan), low-molecular weight cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), P504S, prostate-specific membrane antigen and partial positive expression for vimentin and CD10. The tumor cells displayed negative expression of high molecular weight cytokeratin, cytokeratin 7 (CK7), CK34, PAX8, and renal cell carcinoma. The morphological and immunohistochemical features of this tumor were in correspondence with RTCCC of the prostate. This tumor is a rare variant of the prostate carcinomas. To the best of our knowledge, this type of extrarenal tumor has only been reported in six previous studies. Combination of histology, IHC, imaging, and serum PSA is needed to perform a suitable diagnosis.

Cáncer en mama axilar: revisión de la literatura a propósito de un caso / Axillary breast cancer: clinical case and literature review

El tejido mamario ectópico se desarrolla debido a la involución incompleta de la cresta mamaria, de localización más frecuente en la axila y más común en mujeres. Este tejido sufre cambios fisiopatológicos similares a los de la mama normal, entre los cuales se encuentra la malignización. El carcinoma primario de este tejido es infrecuente, y su manifestación más común es la masa palpable. Al igual que en la mama normal, la histología más frecuente del cáncer de mama ectópica es el Carcinoma Ductal Infiltrante y, por su localización atípica, suele diagnosticarse tardíamente, y tendría un curso más agresivo y de peor pronóstico, dado por la mayor cercanía a ganglios, piel y pared torácica. Debido a los pocos datos publicados, el diagnóstico y tratamiento no están bien establecidos, pero los esquemas disponibles son similares a los utilizados en el cáncer de mama normal. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 41 años, con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama ectópica en la región axilar derecha, sin invasión a distancia, tratada con cirugía, quimioterapia y radioterapia, que evoluciona favorablemente, sin metástasis ni recidivas durante seguimiento.

Ectopic mammary tissue develops due to the incomplete involution of the mammary crest, which is more frequently located in the axilla and more common in women. This tissue undergoes pathophysiological changes similar to those of the normal breast, among which malignancy is found. The primary carcinoma of this tissue is infrequent and its most common manifestation is the palpable mass. As in the normal breast, the most frequent histology of ectopic breast cancer is the Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma and, because of its atypical location, it is usually diagnosed late and it would have a more aggressive course and a worse prognosis, due to the greater proximity to lymph nodes, skin and chest wall. Because of the few published data, the diagnosis and treatment are not well established, but the available schemes are similar to those used in normal breast cancer. We present the case of a 41yearsold female patient with a diagnosis of ectopic breast cancer in the right axillary region, without distant invasion, treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, whoevolves favorably, without metastasis or relapses during follow-up.

PCR-DGGE test for direct identification of intestinal bacterial flora in blood feeding ticks in China

Ticks are vectors of diseases that affect humans and animals worldwide. In current study, the intestinal bacterial flora associated with the blood feeding ticks (Haemaphysalis flava, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Boophilus microplus and Dermacentor sinicus) were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and then sequenced. The five ticks were collected from cattle, dog, hedgehog and goats in Fujian, Shandong, Henan, Jiangxi, Hunan, Shanxi and Guangxi provinces, China. Our results show that nine distinct DGGE bands were found using PCR-DGGE method. Sequences analyses indicated that they belonged to Rickettsia peacockii, Rickettsia raoultii, Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia tarasevichiae, Coxiella sp., Erwinia sp., Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginos. The present results indicate that zoonotic pathogens are present in ticks in many provinces of China. This useful information will aid in the epidemiology of tick-borne zoonotic diseases in China as well as in raising awareness to avoid tick bites is an important measure to prevent the infection and transmission of zoonotic pathogens.

Construction of a fusion plasmid containing the PSCA gene and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and its anti-tumor effect in an animal model of prostate cancer

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is a negative regulator of T cell activation, which competes with CD28 for B7.1/B7.2 binding, and which has a greater affinity. Fusion of specific antigens to extracellular domain of CTLA4 represents a promising approach to increase the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. In this study, we evaluated this interesting approach for CTLA4 enhancement on prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA)-specific immune responses and its anti-tumor effects in a prostate cancer mouse model. Consequently, we constructed a DNA vaccine containing the PSCA and the CTLA-4 gene. Vaccination with the CTLA4-fused DNA not only induced a much higher level of anti-PSCA antibody, but also increased PSCA-specific T cell response in mice. To evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of the plasmids, murine models with PSCA-expressing tumors were generated. After injection of the tumor-bearing mouse model, the plasmid carrying the CTLA4 and PSCA fusion gene showed stronger inhibition of tumor growth than the plasmid expressing PSCA alone. These observations emphasize the potential of the CTLA4-fused DNA vaccine, which could represent a promising approach for tumor immunotherapy.

Quinalizarin, a specific CK2 inhibitor, reduces cell viability and suppresses migration and accelerates apoptosis in different human lung cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Protein kinase CK2 is widely expressed in eukaryotic cells, and plays an important role in cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, etc. The aim of the current study is to explore how Quinalizarin, a specific CK2 inhibitor, affects the cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of different pathological and genetic types of human lung cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MTT assays were performed to evaluate the cell viability after being treated by Quinalizarin. Transwell migration assays were used to assess whether Quinalizarin could suppress cell migration. Flow cytometry was employed to test the apoptosis rate of different cells. RESULTS: After being treated by Quinalizarin, the viability of different pathological types of lung cancer cells (H446, H460, A549) were significantly suppressed in a time and dose‑dependent manner. More interestingly, in a serial of human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines with different epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status, Quinalizarin was shown to have a much better ability to reduce the viability of cells with EGFR sensitive mutation than those with resistance mutations. Meanwhile, we also found that the cell migration of different pathological types of lung cancer cells (H446, H460, A549) was significantly decreased by Quinalizarin dose‑dependently. In addition, the apoptosis rates in those cells were proved to be increased after exposed to Quinalizarin. CONCLUSIONS: Quinalizarin, the specific CK2 inhibitor, could reduce cell viability with emphasis on adenocarcinoma cells harboring EGFR sensitive mutation, suppresses migration, and accelerates apoptosis in different human lung cancer cell lines.

Caffeic acid improves cell viability and protects against DNA damage: involvement of reactive oxygen species and extracellular signal-regulated kinase

Hormesis is an adaptive response to a variety of oxidative stresses that renders cells resistant to harmful doses of stressing agents. Caffeic acid (CaA) is an important antioxidant that has protective effects against DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, whether CaA-induced protection is a hormetic effect remains unknown, as is the molecular mechanism that is involved. We found that a low concentration (10 μM) of CaA increased human liver L-02 cell viability, attenuated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-mediated decreases in cell viability, and decreased the extent of H2O2-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). In L-02 cells exposed to H2O2, CaA treatment reduced ROS levels, which might have played a protective role. CaA also activated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signal pathway in a time-dependent manner. Inhibition of ERK by its inhibitor U0126 or by its specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) blocked the CaA-induced improvement in cell viability and the protective effects against H2O2-mediated DNA damage. This study adds to the understanding of the antioxidant effects of CaA by identifying a novel molecular mechanism of enhanced cell viability and protection against DNA damage.

A morphometric study of the lumbar spinous process in the Chinese population

Our goal was to analyze the anatomical parameters of the lumbar spine spinous process for an interspinous stabilization device designed for the Chinese population and to offer an anatomical basis for its clinical application. The posterior lumbar spines (T12-S1) of 52 adult cadavers were used for measuring the following: distance between two adjacent spinous processes (DB), distance across two adjacent spinous processes (DA), thickness of the central spinous processes (TC), thickness of the superior margin of the spinous processes (TS), thickness of the inferior margin of the spinous processes (TI), and height of the spinous processes (H). Variance and correlation analyses were conducted for these data, and the data met the normal distribution and homogeneity of variance. DB decreased gradually from L1-2 to L5-S1. DA increased from T12-L1 to L2-3 and then decreased from L2-3 to L4-5. The largest H in males was noted at L3 (25.45±5.96 mm), whereas for females the largest H was noted at L4 (18.71±4.50 mm). Usually, TS of the adjacent spinous process was lower than TI. Based on the anatomical parameters of the lumbar spinous processes obtained in this study, an “H”-shaped coronal plane (posterior view) was proposed as an interspinous stabilization device for the Chinese population. This study reports morphometric data of the lumbar spinous processes in the Chinese population, which provides an anatomical basis for future clinical applications.

Attentional bias modulation by reappraisal in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: an event-related potential study

Affective states influence subsequent attention allocation. We evaluated emotional negativity bias modulation by reappraisal in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) relative to normal controls. Event-related potential (ERP) recordings were obtained, and changes in P200 and P300 amplitudes in response to negative or neutral words were noted after decreasing negative emotion or establishing a neutral condition. We found that in GAD patients only, the mean P200 amplitude after negative word presentation was much higher than after the presentation of neutral words. In normal controls, after downregulation of negative emotion, the mean P300 amplitude in response to negative words was much lower than after neutral words, and this was significant in both the left and right regions. In GAD patients, the negative bias remained prominent and was not affected by reappraisal at the early stage. Reappraisal was observed to have a lateralized effect at the late stage.

Feasibility and safety of early chest tube removal after complete video-assisted thoracic lobectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of early chest tube removal after complete video‑assisted thoracic lobectomy (CVATL). METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on effects of chest tube removal on patients with lung cancer after pulmonary lobectomy between November 2013 and October 2014. 154 eligible patients included 97 cases for CVATL and 57 cases for open thoracic lobectomy. Patients with CVATL were divided randomly into experimental group (EG) and control group (CG), in which 51 patients in EG had chest tube removal on the 2nd day after operation; 46 patients in CG had the tube removal when the drainage volume <100 ml/day. Patients in open thoracic lobectomy group (OG) had the tubes removal as CG. The drainage volumes of the 1st and 2nd 24 h after operation, duration of chest tubes, cases of pain alleviation, and recurrent pleural effusions requiring reintervention were measured. RESULTS: The average drainage volume of the 1st 24 h after operation of CVATL group from EG and CG was significantly reduced than that in OG (260.41 ml vs. 353.16 ml, P < 0.001). The average drainage volume of the 2nd 24 h after operation of CG was significantly reduced than that in OG (163.91 ml vs. 222.98 ml, P < 0.001). The average duration of chest tube of CG for 2.98 days showed significant different compared with OG for 3.81 days (P < 0.001). Chest tube removal in CVATL group increased more chest pain alleviation than OG (80.4% vs. 56.1%, P = 0.001). The frequencies of recurrent pleural effusions requiring reintervention were 5.88% (3/51), 4.35% (2/46) and 5.26% (3/57), respectively, which had no significant differences between three groups (P = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: Complete video‑assisted thoracic lobectomy brings less drainage volume after operation. Early removal of chest tube in CVATL shows feasible and safe and demonstrates that it may reduce postoperative pain and help fast recovery.

Short term curative effect of video assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for early-stage lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility, safety and short term efficacy of video assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy for patients with earlystage lung cancer. METHODS: We reviewed clinical data of 138 consecutive patients with early stage lung cancer who underwent lobectomy in the First People’s Hospital of Jining during the January 2010 to May 2012. Of them, 71 cases were performed complete VATS, male 39 cases, female 32 cases, age (57.9 ± 10.6) years old; 67 cases were performed thoracotomy, male 36 cases, female 31 cases, age (60.3 ± 8.2) years old. Clinical features were collected and compared. RESULTS: Operations of two groups were successfully finished. Compared with thoracotomy group, the differences in intraoperative blood loss (147 ± 113 ml vs. 146 ± 91 ml), number of lymph node dissection group (3.1 ± 1.3 vs. 3.4 ± 1.3), the number of lymph node dissection (9.9 ± 3.6 vs. 10.0 ± 3.6), and vision analog score (VAS) of postoperative 1st and 3rd day in VATS group were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Statistical differences were observed in operation time (119 ± 27 min vs. 135 ± 29 min), the thoracic drainage tube time (3.0 ± 0.9 d vs. 3.8 ± 1.2 d), postoperative hospital stay (8.0 ± 2.1 d vs. 10.2 ± 5.4 d), postoperative VAS of 30th day (2.6 ± 0.7 vs. 3.2 ± 1.1), and postoperative complications (8.5% vs. 19.4%) between the two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Video assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for early lung cancer is safe and effective, with fewer traumas, fewer complications, faster postoperative recovery, milder chronic chest pain, and other advantages. At the same time, the lymph node dissection of VATS lobectomy is similar to that of thoracotomy.

Computed tomography-guided iodine-125 interstitial implantation as an alternative treatment option for lung cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim was to evaluate the safety, feasibility and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)‑guided percutaneous interstitial brachytherapy using radioactive iodine‑125 (125I) seeds for the treatment of lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included in this study were 45 male and 35 female patients aged 52–85 years (mean 72‑year) who were diagnosed with lung cancer. Of the 80 cases of lung cancer, 38 were pathologically confirmed as squamous cell carcinoma, 29 as adenocarcinoma, 2 as small cell lung cancer, and 11 as metastatic lung cancer. Percutaneous interstitial implantation of radioactive 125I seeds was performed under CT guidance. The treatment planning system was used to reconstruct three‑dimensional images of the tumor to determine the quantity and distribution of 125I seeds to be implanted. Under CT guidance, 125I seeds were embedded into the tumor, with the matched peripheral dose set at 100–130 Gy. Follow‑up CT scan was done in 2‑month to explore the treatment efficacy. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all patients. No major procedure‑associated death occurred. The duration of follow‑up was 6‑month. Complete response (CR) was seen in 38 cases (47.5%), partial response (PR) in 27 cases (33.75%), stable disease (SD) in 10 cases (12.5%), and progressive disease in 5 cases (6.25%), with a local control rate (CR + PR + SD) of 93.75%. The 2‑, 4‑ and 6‑month overall response rate (CR + PR) was 78%, 83% and 81%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Implantation of CT‑guided 125I seeds is a safe and effective alternative option for the treatment of lung cancer.

In vitro proliferation and differentiation of hepatic oval cells and their potential capacity for intrahepatic transplantation

Hepatic oval cells (HOCs) are recognized as facultative liver progenitor cells that play a role in liver regeneration after acute liver injury. Here, we investigated the in vitro proliferation and differentiation characteristics of HOCs in order to explore their potential capacity for intrahepatic transplantation. Clusters or scattered HOCs were detected in the portal area and interlobular bile duct in the liver of rats subjected to the modified 2-acetylaminofluorene and partial hepatectomy method. Isolated HOCs were positive for c-kit and CD90 staining (99.8% and 88.8%, respectively), and negative for CD34 staining (3.6%) as shown by immunostaining and flow cytometric analysis. In addition, HOCs could be differentiated into hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells after leukemia inhibitory factor deprivation. A two-cuff technique was used for orthotopic liver transplantation, and HOCs were subsequently transplanted into recipients. Biochemical indicators of liver function were assessed 4 weeks after transplantation. HOC transplantation significantly prolonged the median survival time and improved the liver function of rats receiving HOCs compared to controls (P=0.003, Student t-test). Administration of HOCs to rats also receiving liver transplantation significantly reduced acute allograft rejection compared to control liver transplant rats 3 weeks following transplantation (rejection activity index score: control=6.3±0.9; HOC=3.5±1.5; P=0.005). These results indicate that HOCs may be useful in therapeutic liver regeneration after orthotopic liver transplantation.

Anatomical Study of Position of the Rib Head for Placing Anterior Vertebral Body Screws in a Chinese Population / Estudio Anatómico de la Posición de la Cabeza de la Costilla para Colocar Tornillos en la Zona Anterior del Cuerpo Vertebral en una Población China

Instrumentation of anterior vertebral body screws has become an important approach for treatment of unstable fracture or curvature of the spine, but little attention has been paid to the starting point of placing the screws and variability of the rib head position. We analyzed the variability of rib head position in a Chinese population in terms of the spinal canal and vertebral body using computed tomography (CT). Images from transverse CT scan of the T4-T12 vertebral bodies of 30 normal individuals were 3D reconstructed, and analyzed for measurement of parameters, which included: 1) distance between the left (or right) anterior border of the rib head and the posterior (or anterior) margin of the vertebral body [L(R )ARHP(A)VB], 2) left (or right) transverse dimension [L(R)TD], 3) left (or right) posterior (or anterior) safe angle [L(R)P(A)SA], and 4) distance between the inferior border of the left (or right) rib head and the superior (or inferior) end-plate in the sagittal plane [IL(R)RHS(I)EP]. The ARHPVB, PSA, and IRHIEP gradually decrease, but ARHAVB, TD, ASA, and IRHSEP gradually increase from T4 to T12, indicating that the position of the rib head changes from a more anterior position to a more posterior position and from a more superior position to a more inferior position as the number of the vertebra increases. Our study has provided comprehensive reference guide for accurate and safe instrumentation of vertebral body screws in treating related spine diseases.

La instrumentación del cuerpo anterior vertebral con tornillos ha sido una vía importante para el tratamiento de las fracturas inestables y curvaturas de la columna, pero se ha prestado poca atención a la zona de colocación de los tornillos y la variabilidad de la posición de la cabeza costal. Se analizó la variabilidad de la posición de la cabeza de la costilla en una población de China en relación al canal vertebral y cuerpo vertebral mediante tomografía computarizada (TC). Imágenes de cortes transversales de TC correspondientes a los cuerpos vertebrales T4-T12 de 30 individuos normales fueron reconstruidos tridimensionalmente, y se analizó la medida de algunos parámetros: 1) la distancia entre el margen anterior izquierdo (o derecho) de la cabeza de la costilla y el margen posterior (o anterior) del cuerpo vertebral [L(R)ARHP(A)VB], 2) Dimensión transversa izquierda (o derecha) [L(R)TD], 3) ángulo de seguridad izquierdo (o derecho) posterior (o anterior) [L(R)P(A)SA], y 4) la distancia entre el margen inferior de la cabeza de la costilla izquierda (o derecha) y la placa terminal superior (o inferior) en el plano sagital [IL(R)RHS(I)EP]. El ARHPVB, PSA, y IRHIEP disminuyeron gradualmente, pero ARHAVB, TD, ASA, y IRHSEP aumentaron gradualmente de T4 a T12, lo que indica que la posición de la cabeza de la costilla cambia desde una posición más anterior a una posición más posterior y de una posición más superior a una posición más inferior a medida que aumenta el número de vértebras. Nuestro estudio ha proporcionado completa guía de referencia para la instrumentación precisa y segura de tornillos en el cuerpo vertebral para el tratamiento de enfermedades relacionadas con la columna vertebral.

Mechanism of the transforming growth factor-â induction of fibronectin expression in hepatic stem-like cells

Transforming growth factor-â1 (TGF-â1) plays an important role in the fibrogenic process in the liver. The aim of the present study was to explore the action of TGF-â1 on fibronectin expression in rat hepatic stem-like cells and the underlying mechanisms. The level of fibronectin expression was determined in hepatic stem-like cells (WB cells) before and after TGF-â1 stimulation by RT-PCR and Western blot methods. Using immunogold transmission electron microscopy and the Western blot method, we observed the result of the expression and the distribution of cAMP, phosphorylated Smad3 and Smad7 before and after TGF-â1 treatment. The levels of fibronectin expression in both mRNA and protein increased 4- to 5-fold after TGF-â1 stimulation, reaching an optimum level after 8 h and then gradually falling back. Similarly, TGF-â1 stimulation resulted in an increase of cAMP in WB cells, peaking at 8 h. After treatment with TGF-â1 for 24 h, the expression of cAMP gradually decreased. In addition, we found that TGF-â1 treatment also contributed to the increased expression and to changes in cellular distribution of phosphorylated Smad3 (translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus) and Smad7 (translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm) in WB cells. The present study demonstrates that TGF-â is involved in the fibrogenic process in hepatic stem cells through up-regulation of fibronectin expression, and the mechanisms underlying this process may be associated with the activation of cAMP and Smad pathways.

International clinical trials of HIV vaccines: II. phase I trial of an HIV-1 synthetic peptide vaccine evaluating an accelerated immunization schedule in Yunnan, China.

A Phase 1, double-blind, placebo controlled trial was conducted in Longchuan County, China, to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a prototype HIV-1 synthetic peptide vaccine in a target population at risk for HIV infection, and to establish the infrastructure for future large-scale HIV vaccine efficacy trials. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive 100 microg or 500 microg of vaccine or alum placebo, and were given three injections at an accelerated 0, 1, and 2 month schedule. The vaccine was well tolerated with no significant local or systemic reactions observed in any subjects. Fifty-five percent (100 microg dose) and 64% (500 microg dose) of subjects who received the vaccine produced binding antibody to the immunogen as determined by ELISA. However, HIV-1 (MN) neutralizing antibody was detected in only 23% (3/13) of subjects with detectable HIV-1 specific binding antibody. It was concluded that this prototype HIV-1 synthetic peptide vaccine was well tolerated, safe and immunogenic, and that a 0, 1, 2 month schedule was not as effective in stimulating HIV-1 specific neutralizing antibodies compared with previous trials utilizing a 0, 1, 6 month schedule. Finally, this trial demonstrated that well-designed HIV vaccine trials can be performed at this clinical trials site in Yunnan, China, and that this site should be considered for conducting larger safety, immunogenicity and efficacy trials of candidate HIV vaccines.

Laboratory evaluation on the toxic effects of bednets impregnated with permethrin against malaria mosquitos.

In the laboratory, bednets impregnated with 250mg ai/m2 and 500mg ai/m2 permethrin caused respectively the mean mortalities of 86.6% within 13 months and 87.2% within 17 months on laboratory-bred An. sinensis, while they caused average mortalities of 58.3% within 4 months and 73.8% within 10 months on An. dirus respectively. The bioassay results of KT50 and LT50 on the two species showed that KT50 is shorter than LT50 after exposure to the treated bednets. The ratio is 1:2.16 - 1:3.05. It was observed Anopheles had obviously secondary knocked down after exposure to the treated bednets and there is obvious resurgent after Anopheles have been knocked down. When the temperature goes up the resurgence gets shorter, the resurgence rate gets higher and the mortality gets lower. It showed that permethrin has stronger knocking down effect than killing effect.

Dengue vector mosquitos at a tourist attraction, Ko Samui, in 1995.

On Ko Samui, Thailand there were two epidemics of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in 1966 and 1967, followed by endemics up to 1994. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were the vectors. From January to July 1995, 51 cases of DHF were reported, out of these were many foreigners who still suffer from dengue fever and return home with negative impression. We carried out an entomological survey around the island and collected the mosquitos to detect dengue virus by digoxigenin-cDNA probe. The data revealed that Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus still were abundant and some were infected with dengue virus. Visual larval survey indices (HI, CI and BI) were 90.4, 61.3 and 301.3 respectively. Biting rate (BR) of Aedes mosquitos was high, the average indoor and outdoor BR were 9.7 and 100.8 mosquitos/man-hour. From 13 pools of mosquitos, 8 strains of dengue virus were detected (61.5%). The results may encourage the local authorities to improve vector surveillance and control before the famous island becomes an unpleasant island.

Regulation of expression of cell surface neolacto-glycolipids and cloning of embryonic chicken brain GalT-4 (UDP-Gal: GlcNAc-R beta 1-4 galactosyltransferase).

The biosynthesis of GM1 ganglioside (Gal beta 1-3GalNAc beta 1-4 (NeuAc alpha 2-3) Gal beta 1-4Glc-Cer) and nLcOse4Cer is catalyzed by two different beta-galactosyltransferases GalT-3 (UDP-Gal: GM2 beta 1-3GalT) and GalT-4 (UDP-Gal: Lc3 beta 1-4GalT) respectively. Solubilized GalT-3 and GalT-4 have been purified 3,000-fold and 22,000-fold, respectively, from 11-19-day-old embryonic chicken brain. The purified GalT-3 transfers galactose to GM2 very actively (Km 33 microM), whereas acetyl GM2 is not an active substrate (Km 350 microM), GalT-3 and GalT-4 are classified as HYCARS (hydrophobic recognition site) and CARS (carbohydrate recognition sites), respectively. An anion-transport inhibitor DIDS (diisothiocyanato stilbene 4,4'-disulphonate), irreversibly inhibits both GalT-3 and GalT-4 activities by binding to a UDP binding site. Polyclonal antibodies against purified GalT-3 and GalT-4 inhibited these two purified activities and showed no cross reactivity on the western blots. RNA-PCR of 11-day-old embryonic chicken brain mRNA with PCR primers designed from the homologous coding regions of cloned sequences of beta 1-4 GalT of human, bovine, and murine-tissues produced a -600 bp cDNA fragment. Dideoxy-sequences of this fragment reveals it to be 74% similar to the nucleotide sequences of the cloned beta 1-4GalT from human liver. The cloned-600 bp cDNA was used to identify two mRNA transcripts (1.4 and 2.3 kb) from ECB by Northern blot analysis and four genomic DNA EcoRI fragments (18.6, 12.9, 10.5 and 3.7 kb) on a Southern blot analysis.