Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus against clinically isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae: an in vitro study

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae are Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen, belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae that can cause severe nosocomial infections particularly in immuno-compromised individuals. They exhibit co-resistance to multiple antibiotics which emphasize the need for non-antibiotic therapies. The goal of the presented study was to investigate the antimicrobial ability of probiotic Lactobacilli on clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, antimicrobial activities of probiotic L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus on K. pneumoniae were evaluated by Agar overlay interference technique. Clear zone around Lactobacilli were taken as positive inhibition. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of K. pneumoniae were determined by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, analyzed using interpretive standards of CLSI M100-S33 and categorized into MDR, XDR and Non MDR groups. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard error and inferential statistics such as ANOVA single factor. Results: K. pneumoniae exhibited positive inhibition with both the probiotic strain. On comparing the zone of inhibition of L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus (both treated-pH adjusted and untreated), L. acidophilus had greater zone of inhibition against K. pneumoniae but concluded that statistically the values are insignificant (p>0.05). Based on antibiotic susceptibility pattern of K. pneumoniae, 63% of isolates were XDR, 3% were MDR and 34% were Non MDR Conclusions: It can be concluded that L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus had significant inhibitory effect against K. pneumoniae in vitro and should be further studied for their human health benefit.

Gingivitis crónica y otros campos de interferencia en pacientes con artritis del hombro

Introducción: La odontología holística es parte de la medicina biológica o neurofocal, dirigida a la prevención, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento relacionados con las enfermedades del sistema estomatognático en correlación con otras estructuras anatómicas, a fin de tratar al paciente de manera integral, en cuerpo, mente y alma. Objetivo: Identificar la presencia de gingivitis crónica y de otros campos de interferencia en pacientes con artritis del hombro. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 24 pacientes con artritis del hombro, pertenecientes al área de salud del Policlínico Docente Carlos Juan Finlay en Santiago de Cuba, quienes fueron atendidos en la Clínica Estomatológica Provincial Docente Mártires del Moncada, desde noviembre del 2021 hasta mayo del 2022. Resultados: En la serie predominaron el sexo femenino (62,5 %) y el grupo etario de 35-59 años (75,0 %). De igual modo, la mayoría de los pacientes padecía gingivitis crónica (87,5 %), en tanto, los otros campos de interferencia mayormente hallados fueron la placa dentobacteriana (100 %) y la caries dental (58,3 %), que figuraron en todos los molares según el holograma del microsistema de dientes alemán. Conclusiones: Los campos de interferencia identificados con más frecuencia en la casuística fueron la gingivitis crónica grave, la placa dentobacteriana y la caries dental, los cuales estuvieron asociados a la artritis del hombro que aquejaba a los pacientes.

Introduction: Holistic dentistry is part of the biological or neurofocal medicine, directed to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment related to the diseases of the stomatognatic system in correlation with other anatomical structures, in order to treat the patient in an integral way, in body, mind and soul. Objective: To identify the presence of chronic gingivitis and other interference fields in patients with shoulder arthritis. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of 24 patients with shoulder arthritis was carried out, who belonged to the health area of Carlos Juan Finlay Teaching Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba. They were assisted in Mártires del Moncada Teaching Provincial Stomatological Clinic, from November, 2021 to May, 2022. Results: In the series there was a prevalence of the female sex (62.5%) and the 35-59 age group (75.0%). In a same way, most of the patients suffered from chronic gingivitis (87.5%), as long as the other mostly found interference fields were the dentobacterial plaque (100%) and dental cavity (58.3%) that were in all the molars according to the hologram of the German teeth microsystem. Conclusions: Severe chronic gingivitis, dentobacterial plaque and dental cavity were the most frequently identified interference fields in the case material, which were associated to the shoulder arthritis in patients.

Interferencia positiva de las paraproteínas en la determinación de bilirrubina total y su rol en el diagnóstico de gammapatías monoclonales / Positive interference of paraproteins in the determination of total bilirubin and its role in the diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathies / Interferência positiva de paraproteínas na determinação da bilirrubina total e seu papel no diagnóstico de gamopatias monoclonais

Resumen La interferencia por paraproteínas en los análisis clínicos ha sido extensamente informada a nivel mundial. Si bien se han propuesto estrategias metodológicas para evitar el informe de datos erróneos asociados a interferencias (p. ej. confirmación manual, sistema de alerta), en pocos casos se ha propuesto su detección como herramienta diagnóstica de patologías no sospechadas desde la clínica. A partir del trabajo conjunto de dos hospitales de la provincia de Buenos Aires se describió: i) la presencia de interferencia positiva de paraproteínas en la determinación de bilirrubina total con reactivos y autoanalizadores Wiener, y ii) su contribución, en un período inferior a los seis meses, a la detección de cuatro gammapatías no sospechadas (tres monoclonales). Se recomienda dar difusión de esta inferencia a nivel nacional y se propone un esquema de trabajo en laboratorio para identificar la interferencia así como un perfil mínimo de determinaciones para evaluar la existencia de gammapatías desconocidas.

Abstract Paraprotein interference in clinical biochemistry has been widely reported around the world. Methodological strategies have been proposed to avoid reporting erroneous data due to interferences (i.e. manual check, alert system); however, few cases have suggested its use as a diagnostic tool for unsuspected pathologies. Based on the joint work of two hospitals from Buenos Aires Province, the following has been described: i) the presence of positive interference of paraproteins in the assessment of total bilirubin with Wiener chemistry and autoanalizers, and ii) its contribution, in less than six months, to the diagnosis of four gammophaties previously unsuspected (three monoclonal ones). Sharing the occurrence of this interference in our country is recommended. An interference identification workflow is also propose, as well as a set of biochemical assays to evaluate the occurrence of unsuspected gammophaties.

Resumo A interferência da paraproteína na bioquímica clínica tem sido amplamente relatada em todo o mundo. Embora estratégias metodológicas para evitar a comunicação de dados errôneos associados a interferências tenham sido propostas (p. ex., verificação manual, sistema de alerta), em poucos casos sugerem seu uso como ferramenta diagnóstica para patologias não suspeitas a partir da clínica. Com base no trabalho conjunto de dois hospitais da Província de Buenos Aires, foi descrita: i) a presença de interferência positiva de paraproteínas na determinação da bilirrubina total com reagentes e autoanalisadores Wiener e ii) sua contribuição, em um período inferior aos seis meses, para o diagnóstico de quatro gamopatias não suspeitas (três monoclonais). Recomenda-se difundir essa interferência em nível nacional e se propõe um esquema de trabalho em laboratório para identificar a interferência bem como um perfil mínimo de determinações para avaliar a ocorrência de gamopatias desconhecidas.

Research Progress on Interference of Endogenous Factors in Detection of Serum Cardiac Troponin I by Sandwich Antibody Immunoassay and Its Solutions / 现代检验医学杂志

Cardial troponin I(cTnI)is the preferred serological marker for the diagnosis of myocardial injury.cTnI detection is based on antibody sandwich immunoassay.The epitopes of cTnI antigen targeted by detecting and capturing antibodies in different detection reagents are inconsistent,which easily leads to the heterogeneity of cTnI detection results.Endogenous interfering factors such as cTnI autoantibody,heterophile antibody,rheumatoid factor,ect,which can seriously interfere with the results of cTnI detection,and affecting the clinical diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of myocardial injury diseases.In this paper,the research progress of antibody sandwich immunoassay for cTnI and interference of endogenous factors on cTnI detection and solutions are reviewed to provide theoretical basis for differential diagnosis of abnormal cTnI detection results in clinical practice.

Pathogenesis of Spleen and Stomach Diseases and Therapeutic Effect of Banxia Xiexintang Based on Theory of "Mutual Interference of Clear and Turbid Qi" in Huangdi Neijing / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Based on the theory of "mutual interference of clear and turbid Qi" in Huangdi Neijing（《黄帝内经》）， this study explored the pathogenesis of spleen and stomach diseases and the therapeutic effects of Banxia Xiexintang on them. It suggested that "mutual interference of clear and turbid Qi" represents a pathological state of Yin and Yang disturbance and imbalance in Qi circulation due to the mixture of clear and turbid Qi， which can elucidate the pathogenesis of spleen and stomach diseases. According to this theory， the pathogenesis of spleen and stomach diseases was summarized as Qi disorder in spleen and stomach， disharmony between Ying Qi and Wei Qi， and conflict between cold and heat. Banxia Xiexintang， as a crucial prescription for treating spleen and stomach diseases， achieves its therapeutic effects by dispersing stagnation with pungent flavor， descending adverse Qi with bitterness， regulating Ying Qi and Wei Qi， and harmonizing cold and heat. By regulating Qi circulation， balancing internal and external factors， and addressing deficiency and excess， it can rectify the pathological state of "mutual interference of clear and turbid Qi" of spleen and stomach diseases. Modern research reveals that Banxia Xiexintang can modulate gastrointestinal motility， restore mucosal immune barrier function of the digestive system， and exhibit optimal therapeutic effects when combined with both cold-cool and warm-hot medicines， aligning with its therapeutic role under the theory of "mutual interference of clear and turbid Qi". By delving into the essence of the "mutual interference of clear and turbid Qi" theory and exploring the pathogenesis of spleen and stomach diseases and the therapeutic effects of Banxia Xiexintang based on this theory， this study further elucidated the inherent connection between spleen and stomach diseases and the "mutual interference of clear and turbid Qi" theory， offering insights and theoretical references for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of spleen and stomach diseases.

Non-coding RNAs in the brain: new class of prospective biomarkers and therapeutics

The human genome encrypts around 20,000 protein coding genes, constituting around 1% of the total human genome sequence. The rest of it initially labeled as a “junk DNA” is transcribed to a distinct class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) which do not code for any protein in the cell and their presence was quite intriguing to the researchers. The recent studies, however, have surprisingly revealed the vital roles of these ncRNAs in regulating an array of diverse cellular and biological processes in different organs including brain. The dysfunction of these regulatory ncRNAs in human brain causes certain neurological disorders and brain tumors which earlier have been widely linked to various risk factors such as oxidative stress, genetic mutations, aberrant protein degradation and dysfunctional neural network. This review provides an overview of different types of ncRNAs, their regulatory roles in brain functions and neurological disorders along with their prospects to be used as potential biomarkers and therapeutics.

Cortical suspensory endobutton versus aperture interference screw fixation for arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring graft: a prospective study

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament injury is a common injury which occurs in sports with an annual incidence of 68.6% per 100,000 population. Anatomic arthroscopic reconstruction remains the main stay treatment of ACL injury. Fixation of graft is classified as direct and indirect. To compare the stability of knee joint, complications in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by aperture interference screw fixation versus suspensory device fixation in femur. Methods: The randomized control study was conducted in department of orthopedics, The Oxford Medical College Hospital and RC from 2020-2021. 30 knees were operated, Ethical clearance taken and patient is followed up for six months. Results: The preoperative Tegner Lysholm knee score was poor in both groups. Post-op in interference screw group, 12 patients 80% had excellent functional outcome, 3 patients 20% had good outcome. In the Endbutton group, 11 patients (73%) had excellent outcome while 4 patients (27%) had good outcome. Conclusions: Suspensory device fixation gives equivalent results when compared to aperture screw fixation. complications of screw fixation were graft rupture cyst formation; complications of suspensory devices were loosening of graft and bungee cord effect. Hence, Both the techniques showed no statistical difference in post operative outcome.

Bioabsorbable screws versus metallic interference screw fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring autograft: comparative analysis of functional outcome

Background: This prospective comparative study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of bioabsorbable screws versus titanium interference screws for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring autograft. Methods: The study included 30 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with a quadrupled hamstring graft; 15 were fixed with titanium interference screws and 15 with bioabsorbable screws. The patients were followed up for six months post-surgery. The functional outcomes were evaluated using the Lysholm score. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: There was no significant difference in the functional outcomes between the two groups at the six-month follow-up. Conclusions: Our study shows that there was no difference in functional outcome whether bioabsorbable or titanium interference screw was used. The success of ACL reconstruction depends on the correct technique used for the surgery, precise placement of graft and rehabilitation methods than on type of graft fixation device used, neither titanium nor bioabsorbable screws.

Cortical suspensory endobutton versus aperture interference screw fixation for arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring graft: a prospective study

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament injury is a common injury which occurs in sports with an annual incidence of 68.6% per 100,000 population. Anatomic arthroscopic reconstruction remains the main stay treatment of ACL injury. Fixation of graft is classified as direct and indirect. To compare the stability of knee joint, complications in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by aperture interference screw fixation versus suspensory device fixation in femur. Methods: The randomized control study was conducted in department of orthopedics, The Oxford Medical College Hospital and RC from 2020-2021. 30 knees were operated, Ethical clearance taken and patient is followed up for six months. Results: The preoperative Tegner Lysholm knee score was poor in both groups. Post-op in interference screw group, 12 patients 80% had excellent functional outcome, 3 patients 20% had good outcome. In the Endbutton group, 11 patients (73%) had excellent outcome while 4 patients (27%) had good outcome. Conclusions: Suspensory device fixation gives equivalent results when compared to aperture screw fixation. complications of screw fixation were graft rupture cyst formation; complications of suspensory devices were loosening of graft and bungee cord effect. Hence, Both the techniques showed no statistical difference in post operative outcome.

Bioabsorbable screws versus metallic interference screw fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring autograft: comparative analysis of functional outcome

Background: This prospective comparative study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of bioabsorbable screws versus titanium interference screws for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring autograft. Methods: The study included 30 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with a quadrupled hamstring graft; 15 were fixed with titanium interference screws and 15 with bioabsorbable screws. The patients were followed up for six months post-surgery. The functional outcomes were evaluated using the Lysholm score. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: There was no significant difference in the functional outcomes between the two groups at the six-month follow-up. Conclusions: Our study shows that there was no difference in functional outcome whether bioabsorbable or titanium interference screw was used. The success of ACL reconstruction depends on the correct technique used for the surgery, precise placement of graft and rehabilitation methods than on type of graft fixation device used, neither titanium nor bioabsorbable screws.

Concurrent silencing of TBCE and drug delivery to overcome platinum-based resistance in liver cancer

Platinum-based chemotherapy resistance is a key factor of poor prognosis and recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, RNAseq analysis revealed that elevated tubulin folding cofactor E (TBCE) expression is associated with platinum-based chemotherapy resistance. High expression of TBCE contributes to worse prognoses and earlier recurrence among liver cancer patients. Mechanistically, TBCE silencing significantly affects cytoskeleton rearrangement, which in turn increases cisplatin-induced cycle arrest and apoptosis. To develop these findings into potential therapeutic drugs, endosomal pH-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) were developed to simultaneously encapsulate TBCE siRNA and cisplatin (DDP) to reverse this phenomena. NPs (siTBCE + DDP) concurrently silenced TBCE expression, increased cell sensitivity to platinum treatment, and subsequently resulted in superior anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo in orthotopic and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Taken together, NP-mediated delivery and the co-treatment of siTBCE + DDP proved to be effective in reversing chemotherapy resistance of DDP in multiple tumor models.

Nucleic acid nanoassembly-enhanced RNA therapeutics and diagnosis

RNAs are involved in the crucial processes of disease progression and have emerged as powerful therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. However, efficient delivery of therapeutic RNA to the targeted location and precise detection of RNA markers remains challenging. Recently, more and more attention has been paid to applying nucleic acid nanoassemblies in diagnosing and treating. Due to the flexibility and deformability of nucleic acids, the nanoassemblies could be fabricated with different shapes and structures. With hybridization, nucleic acid nanoassemblies, including DNA and RNA nanostructures, can be applied to enhance RNA therapeutics and diagnosis. This review briefly introduces the construction and properties of different nucleic acid nanoassemblies and their applications for RNA therapy and diagnosis and makes further prospects for their development.

Anti-oxidative Stress Effect and Mechanism of Huangqintang on Caco-2 Cells Through Nrf2 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo verify the anti-oxidative stress effect of Huangqintang based on the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） signaling pathway by using Caco-2 cells as a carrier and RNA interference （RNAi） technology with in vitro experiments. MethodThe Caco-2 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were transfected with siRNA to construct siRNA Caco-2 cells. After normal Caco-2 cells and siRNA Caco-2 cells were incubated with Huangqintang of different doses， RNA and protein were extracted. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1）， NAD（P）H quinone oxidoreductase 1 （NQO1）， glutathione S-transferase （GST）， Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 （Keap1）， and Nrf2. Meanwhile， the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD） and GSH-Px， as well as the expression levels of malondialdehyde （MDA） and reactive oxygen species （ROS）， were detected by the colorimetric method and the probe method. ResultCompared with the results in the normal group， only the 400 mg·L-1 Huangqintang group and the sulforaphane （SFN） group could reduce the content of ROS and MDA in Caco-2 cells （P<0.01）， while the activities of SOD and GSH-Px in the cells of the Huangqintang groups and the SFN group showed an upward trend. Furthermore， there were significant differences in the 400 mg·L-1 Huangqintang group/the SFN group and the normal group （P<0.01）. Meanwhile， the protein and mRNA expression levels of HO-1， GST， Keap1， NQO1， and Nrf2 showed an upward trend in all groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. After transfection， compared with the normal group， the model group showed increased content of MDA and ROS， blunted activities of GSH-Px and SOD， and reduced protein and mRNA expression of HO-1， GST， Keap1， and NQO1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. After drug incubation， compared with the model group， the SFN group showed potentiated SOD activity， and the SFN group and the Huangqintang groups showed enhanced GSH-Px activity （P<0.01）. Moreover， the activities of SOD and GSH-Px in the 400 and 200 mg·L-1 Huangqintang groups and the SFN group showed an upward trend （P<0.01）， and the content of MDA in the 400 mg·L-1 Huangqintang group and the SFN group showed a downward trend. ROS decreased in all groups with drug intervention （P<0.01）， and the protein and mRNA expression of HO-1， GST， Keap1， NQO1， and Nrf2 increased to varying degrees （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionHuangqintang can play an anti-oxidative stress role by regulating the Nrf2 pathway.

Mitigating of the interference of anti-CD47 monoclonal antibody on transfusion compatibility detection / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To evaluate the interference of anti-CD47 monoclonal antibody on transfusion compatibility detection, in order to establish methods for removing interference and evaluate its efficacy. 【Methods】 Blood samples from 8 patients in our clinical trial who were treated with anti-CD47 monoclonal antibody from Tianjing and Xinda were collected. ABO and Rh blood group antigen identification, direct anti-human globulin test, unexpected antibody screening test and cross-matching test were performed by ZZAP, Gamma-clone(an anti-globulin reagent lacking IgG4) and Immucor Capture-R solid phase agglutination kit. 【Results】 ABO blood group identification of 5 subjects were interfered after treatment with anti-CD47 monoclonal antibody. All 8 subjects showed 2+ to 4+ agglutination intensity on direct anti-human globulin test and 3+ to 4+ on unexpected antibody screening. The results of unexpected antibody screening by Gamma-clone and Immucor Capture-R solid phase agglutination kit were all negative, while the cross-matching test were compatible. Patients with anemia caused by CD47 monoclonal antibody treatment were transfused with 2 U suspension red blood cells, and the evaluation showed that the transfusion was effective. 【Conclusion】 The CD47 monoclonal antibody can interfere with transfusion compatibility detection, and the use of antiglobulin reagents lacking IgG4 and Immucor Capture-R solid phase agglutination kit can remove the interference, with good transfusion efficacy in patients.

Strategies for exogenous RNA delivery in RNAi-mediated pest management / 生物工程学报

Plant diseases and insect pests threaten the safety of crop production greatly. Traditional methods for pest management are challenged by the problems such as environmental pollution, off-target effects, and resistance of pathogens and insects. New biotechnology-based strategies for pest control are expected to be developed. RNA interference (RNAi) is an endogenous process of gene regulation, which has been widely used to study the gene functions in various organisms. In recent years, RNAi-based pest management has received increasing attention. The effective delivery of the exogenous interference RNA into the targets is a key step in RNAi-mediated plant diseases and pest control. Considerable advances were made on the mechanism of RNAi, and various RNA delivery systems were developed for efficient pest control. Here we review the latest advances on mechanisms and influencing factors of RNA delivery, summarize the strategies of exogenous RNA delivery in RNAi-mediated pest control, and highlight the advantages of nanoparticle complexes in dsRNA delivery.

Multiplex gene editing and regulation techniques based on CRISPR/Cas system / 生物工程学报

The CRISPR/Cas systems comprising the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and its associated Cas protein is an acquired immune system unique to archaea or bacteria. Since its development as a gene editing tool, it has rapidly become a popular research direction in the field of synthetic biology due to its advantages of high efficiency, precision, and versatility. This technique has since revolutionized the research of many fields including life sciences, bioengineering technology, food science, and crop breeding. Currently, the single gene editing and regulation techniques based on CRISPR/Cas systems have been increasingly improved, but challenges still exist in the multiplex gene editing and regulation. This review focuses on the development and application of multiplex gene editing and regulation techniques based on the CRISPR/Cas systems, and summarizes the techniques for multiplex gene editing or regulation within a single cell or within a cell population. This includes the multiplex gene editing techniques developed based on the CRISPR/Cas systems with double-strand breaks; or with single-strand breaks; or with multiple gene regulation techniques, etc. These works have enriched the tools for the multiplex gene editing and regulation and contributed to the application of CRISPR/Cas systems in the multiple fields.

Prokaryotic expression, polyclonal antibody preparation, spatio-temporal expression profile and functional analysis of c-Myc of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) / 生物工程学报

c-Myc protein encoded by c-Myc (cellular-myelocytomatosis viral oncogene) gene regulates the related gene expression through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and has received extensive attention in recent years. The purpose of this study was to express Helicoverpa armigera c-Myc gene (Ha-c-Myc) by using prokaryotic expression system, prepare the polyclonal antibody, examine the spatio-temporal expression profile of Ha-c-Myc, and investigate the possible function of Ha-c-Myc in regulating H. armigera sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2) gene expression. The Ha-c-Myc gene was amplified by PCR and cloned into a prokaryotic expression plasmid pET-32a(+). The recombinant plasmid pET-32a-Ha-c-Myc was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21. IPTG was used to induce the expression of the recombinant protein. Protein was purified by Ni2+-NTA column and used to immunize New Zealand rabbits for preparing the polyclonal antibody. The Ha-c-Myc expression levels in different developmental stages (egg, larva, prepupa, pupa, and adult) of H. armigera and different tissues (midgut, fat body, head, and epidermis) of the prepupa were determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Ha-c-Myc siRNA was synthesized and transfected into H. armigera Ha cells. The relative mRNA levels of Ha-c-Myc and HaSCP-2 in Ha cells were detected by qRT-PCR. Results showed that the pET-32a-Ha-c-Myc recombinant plasmid was constructed. The soluble Ha-c-Myc protein of about 65 kDa was expressed in E. coli. The polyclonal antibody was prepared. Western blotting analysis suggested that the antibody had high specificity. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that the titer of the antibody was high. Ha-c-Myc gene expressed at all developmental stages, with high levels in the early and late instars of larva, and the prepupal stage. Tissue expression profiles revealed that Ha-c-Myc expressed in various tissues of prepupa, with high expression level in the midgut, but low levels in the epidermis and fat body. RNAi results showed that the knockdown of Ha-c-Myc expression significantly affected transcription of HaSCP-2, leading to a 50% reduction in HaSCP-2 mRNA expression level. In conclusion, the Ha-c-Myc was expressed through a prokaryotic expression system, and the polyclonal anti-Ha-c-Myc antibody was obtained. Ha-c-Myc may promote the expression of HaSCP-2 and play an important role in the lipid metabolism of H. armigera. These results may facilitate further study on the potential role and function mechanism of Ha-c-Myc in H. armigera and provide experimental data for exploring new targets of green pesticides.

Effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme on reproduction of Culex pipiens pallens / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the reproduction of Culex pipiens pallens, so as to provide insights into selection of targets for controlling mosquito vector populations. Methods Cx. pipiens pallens was collected from Tangkou County, Shandong Province in 2009. Female and male mosquitoes were selected at 72 hours post-eclosion, and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qPCR) assay was used to detect the expression of ACE gene in the whole body and reproductive tissues of male mosquitoes and fertilized female mosquitoes before (0 h) and after blood meals (24, 48, 72 h), respectively. Then, 150 female and 150 male mosquitoes at 0 to 4 hours post-eclosion were selected and divided into the wild-type group (WT group), small interfering RNA-negative control group (siNC group) and small interfering RNA-ACE group (siACE group), of 50 mosquitoes in each group. Mosquitoes in the WT group were given no treatment, and mosquitoes in the siNC and siACE groups were given microinjection of siNC and siACE into the hemolymph at a dose of 0.3 μg per mosquito. The knockdown efficiency was checked using qPCR assay, and the reproductive phenotype of mosquitoes was observed. Results The relative ACE gene expression was higher in the whole body of male mosquitoes (5.467 ± 1.006) relative to females (1.199 ± 0.241) (t = 5.835, P = 0.004) at 72 h post-eclosion, and the highest ACE expression was seen in reproductive tissues of male mosquitoes (199.100 ± 24.429), which was 188.3 times higher than in remaining tissues (1.057 ± 0.340) (t = 6.602, P = 0.002). Blood meal induced high ACE expression in all body tissues of fertilized female mosquitoes, with peak expression at 24 h after blood meals (14.957 ± 2.815), which was 14.8 times higher than that before blood meals (1.009 ± 0.139) (P = 0.002). The transcriptional level of ACEs continued to increase in the ovaries of female mosquitoes after blood meals during the vitellogenesis phase, peaking at 48 h after blood meals (5.500 ± 0.734), which was 5.1 times higher than that before blood meals (1.072 ± 0.178) (P = 0.002). Small RNA interference targeting ACE resulted in a 57.2% reduction in ACE expression in female mosquitoes in the siACE group (0.430 ± 0.070) relative to the siNC group (1.002 ± 0.070) (P = 0.001), and a 41.1% reduction in male mosquitoes in the siACE group (0.588 ± 0.067) relative to the siNC group (1.008 ± 0.131) (P = 0.016). Knockdown of ACE expression resulted in a 48.0% decrease in the number of eggs laid by female mosquitoes in the siACE group [(94.000 ± 27.386) eggs] relative to the siNC group [(180.800 ± 27.386)] (P < 0.001), and a 45.0% decrease in the number of eggs laid by wild female mosquitoes mated with males in the siACE group [(104.500 ± 20.965) eggs] relative to the siNC group [(190.050 ± 10.698) eggs] (P < 0.001). Conclusions Reduced ACE expression may inhibit the fecundity of male and female mosquitoes, and ACE may be as a potential target for mosquito vector population suppression.

Effects of the expression of miR-375 on the proliferation and invasion of choroidal melanoma cells / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the effect of the expression of miR-375 on the proliferation and invasion of choroidal melanoma(CM)MUM-2B cells.METHODS: MUM-2B cells were cultured and were transfected with miR-375 mimic sequence(mimic group), miR-375 inhibitor sequence(inhibitor group), negative control group and no treatment(blank group). The qRT-PCR, CCK-8, apoptosis and Transwell experiments were used respectively to detect the expression of miR-375, cell proliferation activity, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion.RESULTS: Compared with the negative control group(1.01±0.10)and the blank group(1.03±0.07), the expression level of miR-375 in the cells of the mimic group(2.65±0.15)was increased, while the expression level of miR-375 in the cells of the inhibitor group(0.28±0.06)was decreased(P&#x003C;0.05). Compared with the blank group and negative control group, the OD values of the cells in the mimic group at 24, 48, 72, and 96h were decreased(P&#x003C;0.05), while the OD values of the cells in the inhibitor group at 24, 48, 72, and 96h were increased(P&#x003C;0.05). Compared with the apoptosis rates in the blank group and negative control group, which were(20.54±4.01)% and(22.80±4.28)%, the apoptosis rate in the mimic group(39.11±3.37)% was increased(P&#x003C;0.05), while it was decreased in the inhibitor group(10.13±2.17)%(P&#x003C;0.05). Compared with the blank group and negative control group, the number of migration cell and the number of invasion cell in the mimic group were decreased(P&#x003C;0.05), while the number of migration cell and the number of invasion cell in the inhibitor group were increased(P&#x003C;0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Up-regulating the expression of miR-375 in MUM-2B cells can reduce cell proliferation activity, accelerate cell apoptosis, and inhibit cell migration and invasion, while down-regulating the expression of miR-375 has the opposite effect. It indicates that miR-375 may play the function of tumor suppressor in the course of CM.

Rapid identification and correction of the interference of cold agglutinins by using RET channel red blood cell parameters / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To assess the role of Delta-RBC parameters in the automated hematocrit analyzer RET channel for the recognition of cold agglutinins (CA) and to explore the value of RET channel optical method parameters in correcting interference with CA.Methods:This is a retrospective study. The Cas group included 68 samples with Cas interference and the control group included 45 samples without CA interference. All specimens were collected from Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Outpatient Department from January 2022 to January 2023. Specimens in both the CA and Control group were examined using the CBC+RET channel at room temperature. Recorded and calculated the Impedance method test parameters RBC-I, HGB, HCT-I, MCH-I, MCV-I, MCHC-I and the Optical method test parameters RBC-O, HCT-O, MCH-O, R-MFV, MCHC-O, Delta-RBC. Examined the specimens in the CA group using the CBC channel after prewarmed at 37 ℃ for 2 h, and Impedance method parameters RBC-I 37 ℃ 2 h, HGB 37 ℃ 2 h, HCT-I 37 ℃ 2 h, MCH-I 37 ℃ 2 h, MCV-I 37 ℃ 2 h, MCHC-I 37 ℃ 2 h were recorded. The ROC curves were used to analyze the discrimination efficacy of Delta-RBC in identifying CA interference, and the Bland-Altman method was used to analyze the consistency between the results of the optical method RBC parameters at room temperature and the results of the impedance method after prewarming. The correlation analysis was performed using Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis to analyze the results of the RBC parameters before and after prewarming in the CA group. Result:If Delta-RBC was used as diagnostic indicators for the identification of CA interference, the best cut-off value was 1.065, with AUCs of 0.998. In the CA group, the correlation coefficients between RBC-O, HCT-O, R-MFV, MCH-O, MCHC-O, and RBC-I 37 ℃ 2 h, HCT-I 37 ℃ 2 h, MCV-I 37 ℃ 2 h, MCH-I 37 ℃ 2 h, MCHC-I 37 ℃ 2 h were 0.985, 0.981, 0.729, 0.870, and 0.649, respectively. The percentages within the limits of agreement of the percentage differences between the results of the two methods were 95.6%, 92.6%, 95.6%, 94.1%, and 95.6%, respectively. Conclusions:The RBC parameter Delta-RBC from RET channel optical method can be used as an indicator to effectively assist in the clinical determination of the presence of CA. Reporting results using the optical method RBC parameters of the RET channel can correct the interference of CA without specimen pre-treatment and obtain more correct results of complete blood counts.