Advances in methods and applications of single-cell Hi-C data analysis / 生物医学工程学杂志

Chromatin three-dimensional genome structure plays a key role in cell function and gene regulation. Single-cell Hi-C techniques can capture genomic structure information at the cellular level, which provides an opportunity to study changes in genomic structure between different cell types. Recently, some excellent computational methods have been developed for single-cell Hi-C data analysis. In this paper, the available methods for single-cell Hi-C data analysis were first reviewed, including preprocessing of single-cell Hi-C data, multi-scale structure recognition based on single-cell Hi-C data, bulk-like Hi-C contact matrix generation based on single-cell Hi-C data sets, pseudo-time series analysis, and cell classification. Then the application of single-cell Hi-C data in cell differentiation and structural variation was described. Finally, the future development direction of single-cell Hi-C data analysis was also prospected.

Epidemiology of HIV in pregnant women and its relationship with the period of the COVID-19 pandemic / Epidemiología del VIH en mujeres embarazadas y su relación con el período de la pandemia de COVID-19 / Epidemiologia do HIV em gestantes e sua relação com o período da pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze, in the light of the Social Ecological Theory, the progression of reported cases of HIV during pregnancy in a Brazilian state and their relationship with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Retrospective study, with a sample consisting of all reports of gestational HIV in the state of Ceará - Brazil from 2017 to 2021, on the IntegraSUS platform. Data collection was carried out in January 2022. The analyzed variables were organized according to the theoretical levels: macrosystem, exosystem, mesosystem, and microsystem. Results: A total of 1,173 cases of HIV in pregnant women were recorded. When comparing the pre- and post-pandemic period, a reduction in the disease detection rate (from 231 to 122.67 pregnant women) was observed, as well as 1.82 times more chances of women not using antiretrovirals during childbirth after the start of the pandemic. There was a 55% reduction in vaginal births and 39% in cesarean sections among women diagnosed with HIV after the start of the pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic had an epidemiological and care impact, leading to a reduction in the number of notifications and in the detection rate of pregnant women living with HIV in the state of Ceará. Therefore, the need to ensure health care coverage is emphasized, with early diagnosis actions, guaranteed treatment, and quality prenatal care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar, a la luz de la Teoría Ecológica Social, la evolución de los casos notificados de VIH durante el embarazo en un estado brasileño y su relación con el inicio de la pandemia de COVID-19. Método: Estudio retrospectivo, con una muestra compuesta por todos los informes de VIH gestacional en el estado de Ceará - Brasil de 2017 a 2021, en la plataforma IntegraSUS. La recolección de datos se realizó en enero de 2022. Las variables analizadas se organizaron según los niveles teóricos: macrosistema, exosistema, mesosistema y microsistema. Resultados: Se registraron 1.173 casos de VIH en gestantes. Al comparar el período pre y pospandemia, hubo una reducción en la tasa de detección de la enfermedad (de 231 a 122,67 mujeres embarazadas) y 1,82 veces más posibilidades de que las mujeres no usaran antirretrovirales durante el parto después del inicio de la pandemia. Hubo una reducción del 55% en los partos vaginales y del 39% en las cesáreas entre las mujeres diagnosticadas con VIH después del inicio de la pandemia. Conclusión: La pandemia de COVID-19 tuvo un impacto epidemiológico y asistencial, lo que provocó una reducción en el número de notificaciones y en la tasa de detección de mujeres embarazadas que viven con el VIH en el estado de Ceará. Por lo tanto, se refuerza la necesidad de asegurar la cobertura de salud, con acciones de diagnóstico temprano, tratamiento garantizado y atención prenatal de calidad.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar, à luz da Teoria Social Ecológica, a evolução dos casos notificados de HIV na gestação em um estado brasileiro e sua relação com o início da pandemia de COVID-19. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, com amostra composta por todas as notificações de HIV gestacional do estado do Ceará - Brasil no período de 2017 a 2021, na plataforma IntegraSUS. A coleta de dados foi realizada em janeiro de 2022. As variáveis analisadas foram organizadas de acordo com os níveis teóricos: macrossistema, exossistema, mesossistema e microssistema. Resultados: Foram registrados 1.173 casos de HIV em gestantes. Ao comparar o período pré e pós-pandemia, observou-se redução da taxa de detecção da doença (de 231 para 122,67 gestantes) e 1,82 vezes mais chances de as mulheres não usarem antirretrovirais no parto após o início da pandemia. Houve redução de 55% de partos vaginais e de 39% de cesarianas das mulheres com diagnóstico de HIV após o início da pandemia. Conclusão A pandemia de COVID-19 causou impacto epidemiológico e assistencial, levando a uma redução do número de notificações e taxa de detecção de gestantes que vivem com HIV no estado do Ceará. Logo, reforça-se a necessidade de assegurar a cobertura de atenção à saúde, com ações de diagnóstico precoce, garantia de tratamento e uma assistência pré-natal de qualidade.

Nuclear peripheral chromatin-lamin B1 interaction is required for global integrity of chromatin architecture and dynamics in human cells

The eukaryotic genome is folded into higher-order conformation accompanied with constrained dynamics for coordinated genome functions. However, the molecular machinery underlying these hierarchically organized three-dimensional (3D) chromatin architecture and dynamics remains poorly understood. Here by combining imaging and sequencing, we studied the role of lamin B1 in chromatin architecture and dynamics. We found that lamin B1 depletion leads to detachment of lamina-associated domains (LADs) from the nuclear periphery accompanied with global chromatin redistribution and decompaction. Consequently, the inter-chromosomal as well as inter-compartment interactions are increased, but the structure of topologically associating domains (TADs) is not affected. Using live-cell genomic loci tracking, we further proved that depletion of lamin B1 leads to increased chromatin dynamics, owing to chromatin decompaction and redistribution toward nucleoplasm. Taken together, our data suggest that lamin B1 and chromatin interactions at the nuclear periphery promote LAD maintenance, chromatin compaction, genomic compartmentalization into chromosome territories and A/B compartments and confine chromatin dynamics, supporting their crucial roles in chromatin higher-order structure and chromatin dynamics.

The protective effects of salvianolic acid B, ginsenoside Rgl and notoginsenoside R1 on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation and reoxygenation of astrocytes / 中国药理学通报

eration-toxicity test kit was used to detect the cell viability of astrocytes, and flow cytometry to detect mitochondrial membrane potential, KOS release and intracellular calcium concentration.KT-PCK was employed to detect the niHNA expression of BDNF, NGF, KtFIcx in astrocytes.Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation of PI3K, ART and STA'13 protein in astrocytes.Results OGD/K significantly decreased cell viability.HOS release and intracellular calcium ion concentration of astrocytes, mitochondrial membrane potential and p-STAT3 , p-PI3K, p-AKT ex¬pression decreased in OGD/R group.Sal 15, Rgl and HI significantly increased the viability of damaged cells, and regulated KOS release, calcium ion concen¬tration and mitochondrial membrane potential to varying degrees.Sal B and Rgl increased the expression of p- STA'13 and p-AKT.Hie expression of BDNF and NGF niRNA in OGD/R group significantly decreased, and Sal B, Hgl and HI could significantly increase the ex¬pression of BDNF niHNA in damaged cells.Hgl could increase NGF niRNA expression.Sal B increased the expression of IGFla niRNA.Conclusions Sal B, Kgl, and HI reduce the oxidative stress response of astrocytes after OGD/R injury by regulating the PI3K/ ART and STA'13 signaling pathway, reduce intracellu¬lar calcium overload, and play a protective role in as-trocytes, increase the release of astrocyte neurotrophic factor, which may further play a protective role in neu¬rons.

Monitoring of adverse reaction of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine in Songjiang District， Shanghai / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo determine the reporting rate of adverse reaction of Haemophilus influenzae type b （Hib） containing vaccine in Songjiang District from 2016 to 2020， so as to provide evidence for the inclusion of Hib vaccine in children's immunization planning and safety monitoring. MethodsThe adverse reaction data of Hib vaccination were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System and presented by descriptive methods. ResultsFrom 2016 to 2020， the reporting rate of adverse reaction of various Hib-containing vaccines in Songjiang District was determined to be 747.76/105 doses， among which the rates of general reaction and abnormal reaction were 734.31/105 doses and 13.45/105 doses， respectively. The reporting rate of general reaction was significantly higher than that of abnormal reaction （χ2=1 400.18，P<0.001）. Moreover， the reporting rate of adverse reaction did not differ significantly by sex or registered residence， whereas it differed significantly by age groups （χ2=366.07，P<0.001）. Children ≥12 months old had the highest reporting rate， which was caused by higher rate of general reaction （χ2=360.48，P<0.001） compared with other age groups； in contrast， there was no difference in the reporting rate of abnormal reactions across age groups. The reporting rate of adverse reaction differed significantly across four Hib-containing vaccines （χ2=508.51，P<0.001）， among which the reporting rate of pentavalent vaccine was the highest， followed by tetravalent vaccine， and Hib vaccine and meningococcal HI vaccine. This difference was mainly caused by general reaction （χ2=499.19，P<0.001）. The reporting rate of booster Hib-containing vaccines was significantly higher than that of basic immunization （χ2=462.85，P<0.001）. Furthermore， the reporting rate differed between DTaP-Hib vaccine and DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine by injection sites（χ2=13.63，P=0.001；χ2=78.48， P<0.001）； the reporting rate on the thigh was lower than that on the hip or upper arm. Among the 1 501 reported adverse reactions， 97.21% of the general reactions and 85.19% of the abnormal reactions occurred within 72 hours following immunization. Principal clinical diagnosis was fever， redness and nodules （n=1 454）， accounting for 96.87% of the total reported adverse event following immunization（AEFI）， followed by allergic rash. ConclusionThe four types of Hib-containing vaccines have high safety. Health care practitioners at points of vaccination should improve the pre-examination， standardized operation and full notification in strict accordance with the requirements. It also warrants strengthening the AEFI monitoring， investigation and response， so as to effectively reduce the incidence and severity of adverse reactions.

Short- and long-term effects of antiretroviral therapy on peripheral regulatory CD4+/CD25hi/CD127low T lymphocytes in people living with HIV/AIDS

ABSTRACT The effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on CD4+/CD25hi/CD127low T lymphocyte changes in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is still a matter of debate. From October 2015 to December 2019, peripheral blood from 70 cases of PLWHA were collected for the detection of CD4+/CD25hi/CD127low T lymphocytes by flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was performed to detect changes of CD4+/CD25hi/CD127low T lymphocytes in patients with different duration of ART and different treatment effects. We found that the number of CD4+/CD25hi/CD127low T lymphocytes in ART-naive PLWHA were lower than those in healthy volunteers (10.3±٦.٠ cells/uL vs 31.7±8.0 cells/uL, P < 0.05). CD4+/CD25hi/CD127low T lymphocyte counts increased to 17.8±٤.٠ cells/uL 6 months post-ART and 25.0±١١.٩ cells/uL 9 months post-ART, respectively (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in CD4+/CD25hi/CD127low T lymphocyte counts between PLWHA who reached a complete immune reconstruction after ART and healthy volunteers. The growth of CD4+/CD25hi/CD127low T lymphocyte counts in patients who had baseline CD4 > 200 cells/uL was greater than those who had baseline CD4 ≤ 200 cells/uL (12.6±٤.٦ cells/uL vs 5.6±٥.٠ cells/uL, P = 0.027). CD4+/CD25hi/CD127low T lymphocyte counts were positively correlated with CD4+ T lymphocyte counts (r = 0.923, P < 0.001) and CD4+/CD8+ ratio (r = 0.741, P < 0.001), but were negatively correlated with HIV-VL (r = −0.648, P = 0.000). In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that changes in CD4+/CD25hi/CD127low T lymphocyte counts can be used to assess the effect of ART in PLWHA.

Facilitating access to pneumococcal vaccine for people living with HIV: an experience report / Como facilitar el acceso a la vacuna neumocócica a las personas que viven con el VIH: informe de una experiencia / Facilitando o acesso à vacina pneumocócica para pessoas vivendo com HIV: relato de experiência

ABSTRACT The article describes a strategy to facilitate access to pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 13 (PCV-13) for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: report on the experience regarding the organization of a care service for PLHIV in the city of São Paulo to facilitate access to PCV-13 in the framework of the 2020 influenza vaccination campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: through the integration between a PLHIV care service and an Immunization Center (CRIE in Portuguese), it was possible to offer PCV-13 to PLHIV at the point of care, reducing physical barriers to access to immunization. Thus, of the 1,906 PLHIV who passed through the service during the period March 23-July 31, 2020, 84.4% (1,609) received the influenza vaccine, PCV-13 or both. Of the 1609 vaccinated, 50.6% (814) were eligible and received PCV-13. Conclusion: offering the vaccine at the point of care and orienting PLHIV on the importance of vaccination as a disease prevention strategy, identifying those eligible to receive it, was an important action carried out by the institution together with the nursing team, as a strategy to facilitate access to vaccination.

RESUMEN El artículo describe una estrategia para facilitar el acceso a la vacuna neumocócica conjugada 13 (PCV-13) a las personas que viven con VIH/SIDA (PVVS) durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Método: relato de experiencia sobre la organización de un servicio de atención a las PVVS en la ciudad de São Paulo, para facilitar el acceso a la PCV-13 en el marco de la campaña de vacunación contra la gripe de 2020, durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Resultados: a través de la integración entre un servicio de atención a las PVVS y un Centro de Inmunización (CRIE), fue posible ofrecer la PCV-13 a las PVVS en su punto de atención, reduciendo las barreras físicas para el acceso a la inmunización. Así, de las 1.906 PVVS que pasaron por el servicio durante el periodo comprendido entre el 23 de marzo y el 31 de julio de 2020, el 84,4% (1.609) recibieron la vacuna de la gripe, la PCV-13 o ambas. De los 1609 vacunados, el 50,6% (814) eran elegibles y recibieron la PCV-13. Conclusión: ofrecer la vacuna en el lugar de atención y orientar a las PVVS sobre la importancia de la vacunación como estrategia de prevención de enfermedades, identificando a las personas elegibles para recibirlas, fue una acción importante realizada por la institución junto con el equipo de enfermería, como estrategia para facilitar el acceso a la vacunación.

RESUMO Descrever uma estratégia para facilitar o acesso à vacina conjugada pneumocócica 13-valente (PCV-13) para pessoas vivendo com HIV (PVHIV), durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Método: relato de experiência sobre a organização de um serviço de atendimento para PVHIV na cidade de São Paulo, para facilitar o acesso à PCV-13 no decorrer da campanha de vacinação de influenza de 2020, durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Resultados: por meio da integração entre um serviço de atendimento para PVHIV e um Centro de Imunizações (CRIE) foi possível oferecer a PCV-13 para as PVHIV em seu local de atendimento, diminuindo barreiras físicas de acesso à imunização. Dessa forma, das 1906 PVHIV que passaram pelo serviço durante o período de 23 de março a 31 de julho de 2020, 84,4% (1609) receberam a vacina influenza, PCV-13 ou ambas. Dos 1609 vacinados, 50,6% (814) foram elegíveis e receberam a PCV-13. Conclusão: oferecer a vacina em seu local de tratamento e orientar as PVHIV sobre a importância da vacinação como estratégia de prevenção de doenças, identificando os elegíveis a recebê-las, foi uma importante ação realizada pela instituição em conjunto com a equipe de enfermagem, como estratégia de facilitar o acesso à vacinação.

3D organization profiling of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line PLC/PRF/5 in comparison with normal human liver cell line L02 by in situ Hi-C / 生物工程学报

Genetic and epigenetic alterations accumulate in the process of hepatocellular carcinogenesis, but the role of genomic spatial organization in HCC is still unknown. Here, we performed in situ Hi-C in HCC cell line PLC/PRF/5 compared with normal liver cell line L02, together with RNA-seq and ChIP-seq of SMC3/CTCF/H3K27ac. The results indicate that there were significant compartment switching, TAD shifting and loop pattern altering in PLC/PRF/5. These spatial changes are correlated with abnormal gene expression and more opening promoter regions of the HCC cell line. Thus, the 3D genome organization alterations in PLC/PRF/5 are important in epigenetic mechanisms of HCC tumorigenesis.

Para-Bombay phenotype identification and transfusion strategy / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the serological and molecular biological characteristics of para-Bombay phenotype. 【Methods】 ABO blood type, H antigen and Lewis blood type in one blood sample with discrepancy between forward and reverse blood typing were detected by serological method. Antibody screening and identification and cross-match test were also performed by serological method. ABO blood group genes were detected by PCR-SSP, and FUT1 and FUT2 genes were sequenced. 【Results】 The serological test showed that the Para-Bombay phenotype was Ah secretion. The ABO blood group gene was AO2. FUT1 sequencing revealed two mutations: 235G>C and 881_882delTT. While FUT2 sequencing showed only one mutation 357C>T. 【Conclusion】 The discovery and accurate identification of blood groups is necessary to ensure the safety of blood transfusion. Blood donors of rare blood groups should be informed and recruited to the team of rare blood donors.

Magnetic resonance imaging predictors of outcome after surgical intervention for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Background: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a commonly seen spinal cord disease. There are no well-defined indications and optimal timing for surgical intervention. Therefore, defining predictors for outcome after surgical intervention will have great advantage in taking decisions for interventions.Methods: A consecutive series of all patients having signs and symptoms of cervical spondylotic myelopathy admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram who underwent decompressive surgery with or without stabilization in one year were studied. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were correlated with post-operative surgical outcomes (Nurick grade) after 3 months of follow up. The pattern of spinal cord signal intensity was classified as: group A (MRI N/N) - no SI T1WI or T2WI, group B (MRI N/Hi) - no SI T1WI and high SI on T2WI and, group C (MRI Lo/Hi) - low SI T1WI and high SI on T2WI. CSM clinical outcomes were evaluated using Nurick grading system, which was used pre- and post-operatively (pre op and post op).Results: Post operatively improvement was seen in 75% of group A and 61.35 % of group B patients, but among group C only 25% patient improved according to Nurick grading pre op and post op.Conclusions: Patients with high intramedullary signal intensity on T2WI may experience a good surgical outcome. A less favorable surgical outcome is predicted by the presence of low intramedullary signal on T1WI.

Malformaciones urológicas en niños, en el Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica del Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga. Enero 2014 ­ Diciembre 2018 / Urinary Tract Abnormalities, in Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga Pediatric Surgery Department. January 2014- December 2018

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las malformaciones congénitas urogenitales son diversas y pueden afectar las distintas estructuras que conforman el mencionado sistema. La importancia del diagnóstico oportuno de estas alteraciones radica en evitar un daño sobre el riñón pediátrico. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la frecuencia de las diferentes malformaciones urogenitales en pacientes pediátricos, en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital José Carrasco, durante el período enero 2014 ­ diciembre 2018. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo transversal, con un universo de 230 casos de niños con diagnóstico confirmado de malformación congénita urogenital confirmada, del Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital José Carrasco del IESS ­ Cuenca, durante el período enero 2014 ­ diciembre 2018. Se excluyeron 47 niños con registro médico incompleto. Se estudiaron en total 183 pacientes. RESULTADOS: La frecuencia de malformaciones urológicas fue 2.73% (n=183), con predominio en lactantes con el 56%, en el sexo masculino con el 57%. 26.78% de los pacientes presentaron clínica relacionada con infección de las vías urinarias. Se realizó ecografía al 95% de niños, uretrocistografía 55% y gammagrafía renal 31%. El hallazgo prenatal se hizo en el 34.97% de los casos. La malformación más frecuente fue la hidronefrosis transitoria 70%, seguida de reflujo Vesico-Ureteral (RVU) 16.39% (n=30), estenosis pieloureteral 5.46% (n=10), megauréter 6.55% (n=12) y displasia renal 1.63% (n=3). CONCLUSIÓN: Las malformaciones urológicas son comunes entre las malformaciones genéticas, la mayoría son asintomáticas; en nuestro medio debido a un bajo diagnóstico prenatal se detectan en los primeros 24 meses de vida. La hidronefrosis transitoria es la malformación más frecuente. La infección urinaria es el punto de partida en este grupo de pacientes; ante la sospecha de la malformación, la ecografía está indicada siempre.(au)

BACKGROUND: Congenital urinary tract abnormalities are diverse, and can affect different structures of this system. The importance of early diagnosis is avoiding kidney damage in the children. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of urinary tract abnormalities in pediatric patients, in Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga Pediatric Surgery Department, from January 2014 to December 2018. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study. The universe were 230 pediatric patients with confirmed diagnosis of congenital urinary tract abnormalities, from Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga Pediatric Surgery Department, from January 2014 to December 2018. Incomplete medical charts were excluded (n=47 children). 183 children were part of the this study. . La malformación más frecuente fue la hidronefrosis transitoria 70%, seguida de reflujo Vesico-Ureteral (RVU) 16.39% (n=30), estenosis pieloureteral 5.46% (n=10), megauréter 6.55% (n=12) y displasia renal 1.63% (n=3). RESULTS: The frequency of urological abnormalities was 2.73% (n = 183), predominately infants with 56%, and 57% male. 26.78% presented with symptoms related to urinary tract infection. Ultrasound was performed in 95% of the children, urethrocistography in 55% and renal scintigraphy in 31%. Prenatal findings were found in 34.97%. The most frequent abnormality was transient hydronephrosis (70%), followed up by vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) 16.39% (n = 30), pyeloureteral stenosis 5.46% (n = 10), megaureter 6.55% (n = 12) and renal dysplasia 1.63% (n = 3). CONCLUSION: Urological malformations are common between genetic abnormalities, most of them are asymptomatic; locally due to the low rate of prenatal diagnosis, they are diagnosed in between 24 months of age. Transient hydronephrosis is the most frequent abnormality. Urinary tract infections are commonly the starting line in this groups of patients; when malformations are suspected, ultrasound is always suitable.(au)

Hiperpigmentación cutánea secundaria a déficit de vitamina B12 en un lactante / Cutaneous hyperpigmentation secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency in an infant

La hiperpigmentación cutánea es una manifestación clínica poco frecuente del déficit de vitamina B12 (cobalamina). Su causa no se conoce con exactitud, y existen varias teorías en su etiopatogenia.Se presenta a una niña de 8 meses de edad, con antecedentes de retraso neuromadurativo, hipotonía, anemia y neutrope-nia, derivada a nuestro Servicio por hiperpigmentación cutá-nea del dorso de las manos y los pies de 3 meses de evolución. Ante la sospecha clínica de déficit de vitamina B12, se realizó un análisis de laboratorio, en el que se constató una marcada disminución de los niveles séricos de cobalamina, por lo que se indicó tratamiento sustitutivo con esta.Se destaca la importancia de la presunción diagnóstica de déficit de vitamina B12 como causa de hiperpigmentación cutánea y su resolución luego de la instauración del tratamiento adecuado.

Cutaneous hyperpigmentation is a rare clinical feature of vi-tamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency. The cause is unknown and there are different hypothesis about the pathogenesis of the hyperpigmentation.We report the case of an 8-month-old girl, with history of neu-romadurative delay, hypotonia, anemia and neutropenia, who was referred to our Service by brownishhyperpigmentation on her hands and feet of 3 months of evolution. Based on the clinical suspicion of vitamin B12 deficiency, we performed a laboratory dosage that showed decreased levels of cobalamin, reason for which replacement therapy was indicated.It highlights the importance of the presumption of vitamin B12 deficiency as a cause of cutaneous hyperpigmentation and its rapid resolution after the establishment of the appro-priate treatment.

Whole-genome sequencing and analysis of the Chinese herbal plant

Background@# () (2n = 2x = 16) is genus of flowering plants belonging to the Gelsemicaeae family.@*Method@#Here, a high-quality genome assembly using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platform and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture techniques (Hi-C) were used.@*Results@#A total of 56.11 Gb of raw GridION X5 platform ONT reads (6.23 Gb per cell) were generated. After filtering, 53.45 Gb of clean reads were obtained, giving 160 × coverage depth. The genome assemblies 335.13 Mb, close to the 338 Mb estimated by k-mer analysis, was generated with contig N50 of 10.23 Mb. The vast majority (99.2%) of the assembled sequence was anchored onto 8 pseudo-chromosomes. The genome completeness was then evaluated and 1338 of the 1440 conserved genes (92.9%) could be found in the assembly. Genome annotation revealed that 43.16% of the genome is composed of repetitive elements and 23.9% is composed of long terminal repeat elements. We predicted 26,768 protein-coding genes, of which 84.56% were functionally annotated.@*Conclusion@#The genomic sequences of could be a valuable source for comparative genomic analysis in the Gelsemicaeae family and will be useful for understanding the phylogenetic relationships of the indole alkaloid metabolism.

Anti-breast cancer mechanism of transcriptome analysis of ebracteolatain A / 中草药

Objective: To research the mechanism of ebracteolatain A against breast cancer cells, screening the genes with significant changes using second-generation sequencing, and explore the anti-breast cancer mechanism of action of ebracteolatain A at the transcriptomics level. Methods: The acetyl phloroglucinol compound ebracteolatain A was extracted from Euphorbia ebracteolata, interferencing with MCF7 cells (luminal A type of breast cancer cells) to observe differential gene expression between the interfered cells and normal cells. High-throughput transcriptome sequencing and data analysis were performed on three groups of control groups and three experimental groups using Illumina Hi-Seq sequencing technology. Results: A total of 123 656 848, 123 974 262 available reads were obtained in the control group and experimental group, respectively, the reads on the reference genome were 119 762 214, 119 881 622, respectively, accounting for 96.85% and 96.69% of the total; Two groups of transcriptome controls were available: the total number of differential genes was 1 695, of which 770 were up-regulated, 925 were down-regulated, and 3 874 genes were clearly annotated. Bio-enrichment analysis was carried out by using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). GO analysis found that these 3 874 genes mainly involved in biological processes (1 270), cell composition (1 322) and molecular function (1 282), 45 subcategories of three major categories, including cell growth and development, signaling protein activity, membrane and regulation of gene expression. KEGG analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes involved 263 signaling pathways; The main metabolic pathways were: PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, carbohydrate metabolism, myocardial system and cellular reproductive system and etc. Conclusion: The results showed that 1 695 differential genes were screened and identified by Illumina Hi-Seq sequencing technology, and the relationship between the genes of ebracteolatain A and MCF7 cells was further understood, which provided some theoretical cornerstones for breast cancer treatment.

Study of Different Risk Factors for Canine Parvovirus infection by Haemagglutination Assay

Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis in canine is caused by different etiological agents like canine parvovirus, E.coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Coccidia and Giardia, among these agents canine parvovirus is the most important. Canine parvovirus binds to the sialic acid receptors which are present on the RBC’s, so haemagglutination test is used to detect canine parvovirus. In this study a total (n=102) of faecal samples from canines having haemorrhagic gastroenteritis were taken. All the 102 samples were subjected to haemagglutination assay and the prevalence of CPV was studied. Host associated risk factors like age, sex, breed, vaccination and seasons responsible for occurrence of canine parvovirus infection are recorded. Out of the 102 samples haemagglutination assay detected 41 samples as positive and a percent positivity of (40.19%) was recorded by this diagnostic test. Age wise prevalence was (69.23%) in (0-6 month) age group which is more than (7-12 month) (13.33%) and more than a year group (5%). Sex wise prevalence was more in males (47.94%) than in females (20.78%). Breed wise prevalence was more in Labrador (78.57%) followed by Doberman Pinscher (62.50%) lower prevalence was reported in Pomerarian and German shephered breeds. Non vaccinated canines showed a high prevalence of (42.70%) and in vaccinated canines no disease prevalence was detected. In the season wise prevalence, spring season showed more prevalence (54.76%) followed by summer season which showed (37.5%) prevalence and the least prevalence of (11.11%) was recorded in the winter season. Study showed that Haemagglutination assay is a good diagnostic test for the study of canine parvovirus where modern facilities of molecular diagnosis and the costly faecal ELISA test kits are not available.

Ruptura aguda de quiste hidatídico hepático hacia tórax / Acute rupture of a liver hydatid cyst into the thorax

El quiste hidatí­dico es una enfermedad parasitaria humana causada por el estado quí­stico del parasito Echinococcus granulosus. En el Perú hay zonas hiperendémicas de hidatidosis humana. Los quistes hidatí­dicos hepáticos son los más frecuentes, y la ruptura hacia el tórax es rara, siendo menor de 1% de los casos. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con quiste hidatí­dico hepático roto agudamente hacia tórax que es una patologí­a de difí­cil abordaje y de alto riesgo para el paciente y como fue resuelto en forma multidisciplinaria. (AU)

Hydatid cyst is a human parasitic disease caused by the cystic stage of Echinococcus granulosus. There are hyperendemic areas of hydatidosis in Peru. Liver involvement is the common affection of the disease, rupture of liver cysts into the thorax is rare (less than 1% of cases). We present the case of a female patients who presented with a liver cyst rupture to the thorax, a multidisciplinary approach was needed to cure the patient. (AU)

Antibody responses after vaccination against equine influenza in Korea in 2016–2018 / 대한수의학회지

Equine influenza (EI) is the main cause of respiratory illness in equines across the globe and is caused by equine influenza A virus (EIV-A), which has impacted the equine industry internationally because of the marginal mortality and high morbidity. In the present study, the immune responses after equine influenza vaccination were evaluated in 4,144 horses in Korea using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. The equine influenza virus (EIV), A/equine/South Africa/4/03 (H3N8), was used as the antigen in the HI assay. The mean seropositive rates were 89.2% (97.4% in 2016, 77.6% in 2017, and 92.4% in 2018). This paper highlights the advances in understanding the effects of vaccines and control strategies for mitigating the emerging menace by EIV.

Encapsulation of Lactobacillus acidophilus and different prebiotic agents by external ionic gelation followed by freeze-drying / Encapsulação de Lactobacillus acidophilus e diferentes agentes prebióticos por gelificação iônica externa seguida de liofilização

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the addition of prebiotics rice bran, inulin and hi-maize, on the survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus in alginate microparticles obtained by external ionic gelation followed by freeze-drying. The microparticles size ranged from 127.5μm to 234.6μm. Microparticles added from the different prebiotics demonstrated an increase in the protection of the microorganism, which presented greater viability against the gastrointestinal simulation. As for storage under different conditions, rice bran treatment at 25ºC kept probiotics viable for 30 days. Under storage conditions -18°C and 7°C, treatments containing prebiotics hi-maize and rice bran maintained viable probiotic microorganisms for a period of 60 days.

RESUMO: O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar a influência da adição dos prebióticos farelo de arroz, inulina e hi-maize, na sobrevivência de Lactobacillus acidophilus em micropartículas de alginato obtidas por gelificação externa seguida de liofilização. Analisou-se o tamanho das micropartículas, a viabilidade, em simulação gastrointestinal e estabilidade, durante armazenamento. O tamanho das micropartículas variou de 127.5µm a 234.6µm. As micropartículas adicionadas dos diferentes prebióticos demonstraram um aumento na proteção do microrganismo, que apresentou maior viabilidade frente à simulação gastrointestinal. Quanto ao armazenamento em diferentes condições, a 25ºC o tratamento farelo de arroz manteve os probióticos viáveis por 30 dias. Nas condições de armazenamento -18ºC e 7°C os tratamentos contendo os prebióticoshi-maize e farelo de arroz mantiveram os microrganismos probióticos viáveis por um período de 60 dias.

Levels of Non-Essential (Cd, Pb and Hg) Elements in Muscle Tissues of A. bicolor bicolor, McClelland 1844 from Kedah and A. bengalensis bengalensis, Gray 1831 from Perak and Human Consumption Risks / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#A study on heavy metals accumulation and human health risk assessment in the consumption of two tropical freshwater eel species (A. bengalensis bengalensis) from the Sungai Perak at Kuala Kangsar, Perak and (A. bicolor bicolor) from the Air Hitam irrigation canal, Kampung Kuala Sanglang, Kedah was carried out. Specimens were examined and analyzed for Pb and Cd concentrations using ICP-MS while the total Hg concentration was measured using a direct mercury analyzer (MA-3000). The range for the total concentrations (µg/g wet wt.) in A. bicolor bicolor were 0.01-0.4 (Cd), 0.03-0.77 (Pb) and 0.36-0.94 (Hg) while for A. bengalensis bengalensis, they were 0.76-1.23 (Cd), 0.01-0.10 (Pb) and 0.27-1.5 (Hg). A. bengalensis bengalensis (Sungai Perak) showed a significant strong relationship between Hg/Pb (r = .771, P < 0.05) and A. bicolor bicolor (Air Hitam irrigation canal) with Cd/Pb (r = -.895, P < 0.05) in muscle tissues and the results indicated Hg and Pb were introduced from point and non-point sources, therefore it is of concern. Interspatial comparison with the findings of previous local and international studies showed both species of freshwater eels accumulated Hg to high levels, exceeding the safe limits stipulated in the Malaysian Food Act of 1984, Food Regulations (1985) and USEPA (1997). However, the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) indicated that both freshwater eel spp. from the studied sites are safe to consume as there is no risk posed from consumption based on the health risk assessment results as Pb, Cd and Hg concentrations were under the permissible limits of nutrient intake.

Molecular mcchanism of deguelin-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in lung cancer cells in vitro / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore whether deguelin can block cell cycle and cell migration, inhibit the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer cells.Methods H1299 cells were treated with 1.562 5, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 μmol·L-1 deguelin for different time(24, 48, 72 h); cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay, and cell migration ability was tested by scratch assay.H1299 cells were treated with 1.5, 3, 6 μmol·L-1 deguelin for 24 h.Flow cytometry with PI single staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining experiment were used to evaluate cell cycle and apoptosis.qPCR was used to detect the regulatory effects of deguelin and its carbamate derivative on the Cyclin D-CDK4/6 complex at the gene level.Results Deguelin inhibited cell growth and the IC50 value of deguelin was(5.47±0.97),(4.01±0.45),(2.86±0.19)μmol·L-1 when treated with 24, 48, 72 h respectively.Deguelin also inhibited the healing ability of H1299 cells and the migration of H1299 cells significantly(P<0.05).Deguelin could block H1299 cell cycle in G1 phase.Flow cytometry combined with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining showed that deguelin could induce apoptosis of H1299 cells.qPCR experiments showed that deguelin could down-regulate the expression of CDK4, CDK6 and Cyclin D1 genes significantly(P<0.05).Conclusions Deguelin may regulate cell cycle by down-regulating CDK4, CDK6 and Cyclin D1 genes in the cell cycle regulation system, and reduce the migration ability of tumor cells to induce apoptosis.