[Clinical and imaging features of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia: an analysis of 48 cases in China].

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics, imaging findings, laboratory tests and treatment strategies for Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia. Methods: From January 1, 2019 to January 20, 2021, 48 cases of Psittacosis from 11 hospitals in China were diagnosed via metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS). The data of all patients on occupational history, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, chest computed tomography(CT)findings, treatment outcomes and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among the 48 patients, there were 29 males and 19 females, with a mean age of (57.1±10.3) years. Thirty patients had a confirmed history of exposure to poultry. The onset to admission interval was (6.5±3.2) days, and hospital stay was (12.4±4.8) days. Clinical manifestations included fever (100%, 48/48), relative bradycardia (71%, 34/48), cough (54.2%, 26/48), sputum (27.1%, 13/48), fatigue (16.7%, 8/48), headache and delirium (20.8%, 9/48), and gastrointestinal symptoms (16.7%, 8/48). Laboratory data showed that white blood cells were (8.0±3.8)×109/L, and the proportion of neutrophils increased in 44 patients. The level of C-reactive protein was (155.3±74.1)mg/L, and that of procalcitonin (PCT)in 59.5% of patients was more than 0.5 µg/L. Percentages of patients with increased lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase were 82.9% and 45.2%, respectively. Chest CT scans showed unilateral lung involvement in 34 cases(70.8%) and single lobe involvement in 27 cases(56.3%).The most common imaging change was consolidation, with 38 cases (79.2%) showing lobar consolidation. In terms of treatment, 25 patients were treated with fluoroquinolones alone, 6 patients with doxycycline alone, and 13 patients with combined treatment. The combined-treatment group and the doxycycline alone group were similar in the course of defervescence. The combined treatment group and the doxycycline alone group were both superior to the fluoroquinolones alone group. However, 11 patients were admitted to ICU, all of them received artificial ventilation, and 5 cases developed shock, and one died. Conclusions: Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia is an animal-derived infectious disease with unique features in clinical symptoms, laboratory tests and chest imaging. Appropriate treatment is able to significantly shorten the course of disease and improve the prognosis.

Positive-Parity Linear-Chain Molecular Band in

An inelastic excitation and cluster-decay experiment ^{2}H(^{16}C,^{4}He+^{12}Be or ^{6}He+^{10}Be)^{2}H was carried out to investigate the linear-chain clustering structure in neutron-rich ^{16}C. For the first time, decay paths from the ^{16}C resonances to various states of the final nuclei were determined, thanks to the well-resolved Q-value spectra obtained from the threefold coincident measurement. The close-threshold resonance at 16.5 MeV is assigned as the J^{π}=0^{+} band head of the predicted positive-parity linear-chain molecular band with (3/2_{π}^{-})^{2}(1/2_{σ}^{-})^{2} configuration, according to the associated angular correlation and decay analysis. Other members of this band were found at 17.3, 19.4, and 21.6 MeV based on their selective decay properties, being consistent with the theoretical predictions. Another intriguing high-lying state was observed at 27.2 MeV which decays almost exclusively to ^{6}He+^{10}Be(∼6 MeV) final channel, corresponding well to another predicted linear-chain structure with the pure σ-bond configuration.

The relationship between atherosclerosis and bone mineral density in patients with type 2 diabetes depends on vascular calcifications and sex.

It is unknown whether a relationship exists between bone mineral density (BMD) and atherosclerosis with or without vascular calcification. In our study, a negative correlation between carotid atherosclerosis and BMD was found in female T2DM patients with vascular calcification, but not in those without calcification and males. INTRODUCTION: Atherosclerosis is considered associated with low bone mineral density (BMD). However, most previous studies focus on patients with arterial atherosclerosis with vascular calcification. It is still unknown whether a relationship exists between atherosclerosis and BMD in patients without calcification. It is also unknown if sex plays a role in this relationship. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study, which included 1459 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients (648 males ≥ 50 years old, and 811 postmenopausal females). They were assigned to three groups: group 1 (patients without carotid plaques and without carotid calcification), group 2 (patients with carotid plaques but without carotid calcification), and group 3 (patients with carotid plaques and with carotid calcification). Clinical characteristics and BMD were compared. The relationship between atherosclerosis and BMD was determined by binary logistic regression analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0. RESULTS: Significant differences were only observed in women. The percentage of osteoporosis was higher in group 3 (43.64%) than in groups 1 (34.82%) and 2 (32.14%) (P = 0.016). Low BMD was found in the lumbar (P = 0.032), hip (P < 0.001), and femoral neck (P < 0.001). The odds ratio for osteoporosis increased significantly in a score-dependent manner in postmenopausal female patients with calcified atherosclerosis, but not in uncalcified patients. In men, no differences or relationships were identified. CONCLUSION: A negative correlation between carotid atherosclerosis and BMD was found in female T2DM patients with vascular calcification, but not in those without calcification. A similar relationship was not observed in male patients with or without calcification. Thus, the relationship between atherosclerosis and bone mineral density in patients with type 2 diabetes depends on vascular calcifications and sex.

MiR-378a-5p inhibits angiogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma by targeting KLK4.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still a leading cause of cancer death owing to distant metastasis, which is largely facilitated by tumor angiogenesis. MicroRNA (miR)-378a-5p and Kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4) participate in tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis according to previous studies, yet the exact role they play in tumor angiogenesis remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of miR-378a-5p and KLK4 on angiogenesis of OSCC. MTT assay showed that the expression level of miR-378a-5p was negatively correlated with the proliferation of OSCC cells. ELISA and Western blot assay showed that down-regulation of miR-378a-5p promotes VEGF expression. Tube formation and in vivo chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay showed that inhibition of miR-378a-5p reduced tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and newly formed microvessel. On the contrary, over-expression of KLK4 enhanced angiogenesis of OSCC cells with increased VEGF expression, tube formation activity of HUVECs and newly formed microvessel. Moreover, the dual-luciferase assay validated that KLK4 was a target gene of miR-378a-5p. MiR-378a-5p silencing induced tube formation was suppressed by the downregulation of KLK4. Besides, the activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in miR-378a-5p antagomir transfected cells was also blocked by the KLK4 shRNA. To sum up, our study suggests that miR-378a-5p suppressed angiogenesis of OSCC at least partly by the regulation of KLK4.

Sevoflurane inhibits migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by regulating microRNA-34a/ADAM10 axis.

Sevoflurane is frequently used volatile anesthetic in cancer surgery. It has been suggested that treatment with sevoflurane could suppress migration and invasion of several human cancer cells in vitro. However, the effects of sevoflurane on colorectal cancer (CRC) remains largely unclear. In this study, CRC HCT116 and SW480 cells were treated by various concentrations of sevoflurane. MTT assay and Transwell assay were applied to evaluate the cell viability, migration and invasion abilities of CRC cell lines, respectively. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to examine the expression level of miR-34a, and western blot assay was employed to detect the protein level of ADAM10. The target interaction between miR-34a and ADAM10 was verified through bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter gene assay system. We found Aberrant inhibitory effects induced by sevoflurane on the cell viability, migration and invasion abilities of HCT116 and SW480 cells in a dose-dependent manner were observed. Up-regulation of miR-34a strikingly suppressed the cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of the two cell lines. Sevoflurane could facilitate the miR-34a expression and its suppressor effects on CRC cells was reversed by pre-treatment with miR-34a inhibitors. ADAM10 was identified as a downstream gene of miR-34a, and down-regulated by miR-34a. Overexpression of ADAM10 reverted both miR-34a and sevoflurane-induced repression in the cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of CRC cells. Our data showed Sevoflurane inhibits the migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by regulating microRNA-34a/ADAM10 axis.

[Benzoquinone induce autophagy in HL60 cells and the role of reactive oxygen species in induced autophagy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether autophagy can be induced by 1, 4-benzoquinone (1, 4-BQ) in HL60 cells, as well as the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in induced autophagy. METHODS: In order to determine a suitable 1, 4-BQ treatment concentration for autophagy detection in HL60 cells, the cell vitality were examined by CCK8 assay. Logarithmic-growth-phased cells were divided into control group, 1, 4-BQ group (10µmol/L 1, 4-BQ, 24 h) , NAC group (antioxidant n-acetyl cysteine, 5mmol/L, 24 h) and the 1, 4-BQ+NAC group (5 mmol/L NAC were preincubated for 1h prior to the treatment with 10 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ for 24 h). The autophagic acidic vesicle were inspected by acridine orange staining, LC3 were detected by immunofluorescence staining, and expressions of LC3 and Beclin1 were quantitatively detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The results from cell viability test indicated that 1, 4-BQ exhibited a dose-dependent toxicity to HL60 cells. Compared with control group.the cell viability in 20.0、40.0µmol/L concentration were decreased obviously, and the differences had statistical significance (P<0.05). Compare with contrd group acidic vesicle, LC3II, LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1 protein expressions were increased in 1, 4-BQ group, after both respectively 12.4% and 27%, the differences had statistital significance. While 1, 4-BQ+NAC group was observed that acidic vesicle, LC3 and Beclin1 protein level were markedly lower than 1, 4-BQ group, after both decreased 12.6% and 22.6% respectively, both the difference were statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: 1, 4-BQ can induce autophagy in HL60 cells, the induction of autophagy is at least partly resulted from ROS. Antioxidant can effectively suppress the occurrence of induced autophagy.

Effect of an on-hip load-carrying belt on physiological and perceptual responses during bimanual anterior load carriage.

Manual load carriage continues to be a major contributor of musculoskeletal injury. This study investigates the physiological and subjective effects of an on-hip load-carrying belt (HLCB) during bimanual anterior load carriage. Fifteen healthy male participants walked on a level ground treadmill at 4.5 km/h for 5 min carrying 5, 10 and 15 kg loads with hands and arms in front of the body, with and without using the HLCB (WD and ND). Heart rate, normalized oxygen uptake, minute ventilation and, central and peripheral ratings of perceived exertion were the dependent variables. The mean heart rate, normalized oxygen uptake, minute ventilation and peripheral rating of perceived exertion increased significantly with load under both WD and ND conditions. At a load of 15 kg, the mean heart rate, normalized oxygen uptake, minute ventilation and peripheral rating of perceived exertion were significantly lower by 6.6%, 8.0%, 11.8% and 13.9% respectively in WD condition when compared to the ND condition. There was no significant difference between WD and ND conditions with 5 or 10 kg load. It can be concluded that the HLCB could reduce a person's physiological and peripheral perceptual responses when walking on a level ground treadmill at 4.5 km/h with a load of 15 kg. Using a HLCB or similar device is therefore recommended for bimanual anterior load carriage for loads of 15 kg or probably larger.

Phylogenetic analysis of canine parvovirus isolates from Sichuan and Gansu provinces of China in 2011.

Canine parvovirus causes serious disease in dogs. Study of the genetic variation in emerging CPV strains is important for disease control strategy. The antigenic property of CPV is connected with specific amino acid changes, mainly in the capsid protein VP2. This study was carried out to characterize VP2 gene of CPV viruses from two provinces of China in 2011. The complete VP2 genes of the CPV-positive samples were amplified and sequenced. Genetic analysis based on the VP2 genes of CPV was conducted. All of the isolates screened and sequenced in this study were typed as CPV-2a except GS-K11 strain, which was typed as CPV-2b. Sequence comparison showed nucleotide identities of 98.8-100% among CPV strains, whereas the Aa similarities were 99.6-100%. Compared with the reference strains, there are three distinctive amino acid changes at VP2 gene residue 267, 324 and 440 of the strains isolated in this study. Of the 27 strains, fourteen (51.85%) had the 267 (Phe-Tyr) and 440 (Thr-Ala) substitution, all the 27 (100%) had 324 (Tyr-Ile) substitution. Phylogenetically, all of the strains isolated in this study formed a major monophyletic cluster together with one South Korean isolate, two Thailand isolates and four Chinese former isolates.

Genetic typing of classical swine fever virus isolates from China.

The E2 genes of 73 classical swine fever virus (CSFV) originated from CSF suspected cases in different regions of China were genetically characterized and compared with reference CSF viruses. All Chinese viruses that characterized were segregated into two major groups and subdivided into four subgroups. Most of isolates (61.6%) belonged to group 2 and were further divided into three subgroups: subgroup 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3. Subgroup 2.1 was the largest subgroup which contained 46.6% of isolates, while subgroup 2.3 was the smallest subgroup which contained only one isolate (1.4%). The remaining 38.4% of isolates were classified into subgroup 1.1 within group 1. However, no group 3 and subgroups 1.2 and 1.3 viruses were found in this study. This study has provided epidemiological information useful for assessing the virus origin and establishing a national prevention and control strategy against the disease.

Enhanced T cell immunity by B7-H4 downregulation in nonsmall-cell lung cancer cell lines.

OBJECTIVES: T cell immunity plays a critical role in host immune surveillance of tumour cell growth and metastatic spread. This study used small hairpin (sh)RNA-mediated gene silencing to target VTCN1 (B7-H4) expression in a nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line (A549) and evaluated the effects on T cell immune activity using an in vitro coculture system. METHODS: VTCN1-specific shRNA-expressing plasmid was transfected into A549 cells. Mock transfected and empty plasmid-transfected A549 cells served as controls. VTCN1 expression in A549 cells was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for VTCN1 mRNA and Western blotting for B7-H4 protein. Transfected A549 cells were cocultured with Jurkat cells. Jurkat cells were examined for proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution and intracellular cytokine mRNA and protein levels. RESULTS: VTCN1-specific shRNA efficiently knocked down VTCN1 mRNA and B7-H4 protein levels in A549 cells. This downregulation led to enhanced Jurkat cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, stimulated cell cycle progression and elevated production of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-2. CONCLUSIONS: B7-H4 negatively regulates T cell-mediated antitumour immunity in NSCLC.

Immunolocalization of aquaporins in rat brain.

The aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of homologous water channels expressed in many tissues. In this study, the expression and immunolocalization of different AQP subtypes in rat brains were investigated by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The data showed that AQP1 was expressed in the subpial processes of astrocytes, choroid plexus and ependyma. AQP3, AQP5 and AQP8 had similar distribution patterns in piriform cortex, choroid plexus, hippocampus and dorsal thalamus. AQP4 and AQP9 were widely expressed in the rat brain and distributed in the subpial processes of astrocytes, ependyma, dorsal thalamus, hippocampus, white matter, suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and supraoptic nucleus. AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, AQP8 and AQP9 were found in the Bergmann glial cells of cerebellum, cochlear nucleus and trapezoid nuclei. The distinct localization of various AQPs in cerebrum and the similarities of distribution patterns within cerebellum, cochlear nucleus and trapezoid nuclei suggest that AQPs may play an important role in maintaining the specific microenvironments of the brain.

Thermal characterization of lowly Nd3+ doped disordered Nd:CNGG crystal.

Thermal properties of a lowly Nd(3+)-doped disordered Nd:CNGG crystal have been symmetrically investigated. At room temperature, the specific heat, thermal diffusion coefficient and density were determined to be 0.595 J/g.K, 1.223 mm(2)/s and 4.718 g/cm(3), corresponding the thermal conductivity of 3.43 W/m.K. By measuring the thermal lens at different pump power, the thermal-optical coefficient was calculated to be 9.2x10(-6) K(-1) for the first time to our knowledge. All the thermal properties recovered that this material can be used in the moderate and even high pump power.

Expression of the water channel protein aquaporin-9 in human astrocytic tumours: correlation with pathological grade.

This study investigated the expression of the water channel protein aquaporin-9 (AQP9) in 100 cases of human astrocytic tumour compared with normal brain tissue. AQP9 mRNA and protein were assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The expression of both AQP9 mRNA and protein in astrocytic tumours was significantly greater than in normal brain tissue and was positively correlated with pathological grade. No significant correlations were found between the level of AQP9 mRNA or protein expression and gender, age, tumour size or tumour site. This study indicates that AQP9 may play an important role in the malignant progression of brain astrocytic tumours and may, therefore, be useful as a biomarker in its diagnosis and as a new target for gene therapy. The molecular mechanisms by which AQP9 affects the proliferation and apoptosis of astrocytic tumours need to be studied further.

Morphological and chemical changes in the attached cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as primary biofilms develop on aluminium and CaF2 plates.

AIMS: To investigate the morphological and chemical changes in attached cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 14886) at different stages of biofilm development on two different types of substrata. METHODS AND RESULTS: The development of primary biofilm on aluminium plates representing metals and on CaF(2) discs representing dielectric materials was monitored by FTIR microscopy, ESEM, EDAX and protein analysis by SDS-PAGE. A unique cellular feature similar in morphology to pili was observed on the surface of P. aeruginosa adhering on aluminium but not on CaF(2). Results derived from FTIR analysis confirm on both substrata the successive importance of polysaccharides and proteins during the biofilm development. These results also revealed that the increase of the ratio of carboxylates to amide I was higher with the aluminium plates than with the CaF(2) discs. The number of cells adhered and the amount of oxygen incorporated in adhered cells on the latter materials were, respectively, less and almost nil in comparison with the former. Protein analysis of the lysates of cells by SDS-PAGE revealed that expression of one protein with a molecular weight of 45 kDa, was greatly enhanced in attached cells on both substrata. However, expression of another protein with molecular weight of 35 kDa was up-regulated only in cells adhering on CaF(2) but not in those on aluminium. CONCLUSION: Depending on the nature of the surface, new proteinaceous complexes and cellular features were formed in the attachment process of P. aeruginosa. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The pattern of P. aeruginosa cells adhering onto CaF(2) discs and aluminium plates is different. Formation of biofilm is more difficult on CaF(2) than on aluminium.

[Genetic analysis on litter size in pigs].

Genetic analysis was conducted on the data of 3 populations with 1,686 litters including Erhualian pig, Large White and first cross. The results indicated that the heritability estimates for the total number of piglets born, the number of piglets born alive, the number of piglets at 20 d and at 45 d were 0.081, 0.156, 0.402 and 0.419, respectively. The major gene index analysis indicated that the prolificacy of Erhualian pig was influenced by major genes.

An anatomical study of the recurrent laryngeal nerve: its branching patterns and relationship to the inferior thyroid artery.

The aim of this study was to provide information about the morphology and topography of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), its external features and branches, as well as its relationship to the inferior thyroid artery, the inferior horn of the thyroid cartilage and the thyroid gland. The RLNs in 50 adult cadavers (100 sides) were dissected and analyzed. A communicating loop connecting one branch of the RLN to another or a twig originating from the cervical sympathetic trunk was present in 13 of 100 sides. A double left RLN appeared in 2 sides; a right non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve appeared in one side. All of the RLNs, including looped ones, bifurcated into laryngeal branches and extralaryngeal branches, with most of the former further dividing into the anterior and posterior branches entering the larynx. The relations of the RLN to the inferior thyroid artery, the inferior horn of the thyroid cartilage and the thyroid gland were inconstant. The information gained from this study will be of value in thyroid surgery.

[A rapid method for the identification of four different features of gouqizi by FTIR spectrometry].

In this article, a method of using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry to identify four Lyeium barbarum L. (Gouqizi) in turn of colour, shape, taste and water content. The four features (include color is red or black, shape is round or long, quality is dry or wet, taste is sweet or bitter) are related with the FTIR absorption peaks, this is based on the chemical components and their relative contents are different in various Gouqizi. These differences can be reflected in the FTIR spectra. So a new idea is brought up in the research area of identification of traditional Chinese medicine. Alao, FTIR is proved to be a rapid, simple, reliable and non-destructive qualification method.

[Studies of black roller pen inks by NIR FT-Raman spectrometry].

36 kinds of black roller pen inks collected from Chinese market were analyzed by NIR FT-Raman spectroscopic technique and they were divided into 10 groups (from A to J group) according to their characteristic Raman spectra. Based on studying main component of roller pen inks and peculiarity of Raman spectrum by documents, the main Raman peaks of each group of roller ball inks were interpreted particularly. It have also been investigated that the influence factors from paper matrix, humidity of the samples, laser power and writing time, especially the forth item showed some relationships of the peak intensity ratio with the relative age of inks. This method is speediness, convenience, high sensitivity and no ink-extraction process. The insufficiency of the method is that fluorescence and heat background comes forth when a few samples were irradiated by laser.

Alterations in extracellular substances during the biofilm development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on aluminum plates.

The chemical moieties during biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on aluminium plates were examined for a period of 17 days. The effect of fluid shearing upon biofilm formation has also been investigated. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of the biofilm taken on the fifth day showed significant differences compared with the spectrum of the unattached bacterial cells, indicating that structural changes or modifications of the cell envelope had taken place during the development of the biofilm. Major changes were also observed in the spectrum during the subsequent development of the biofilm from day 5 to day 17. The increasing intensity of a band corresponding to the symmetric stretching mode of the carboxyl group indicated interactions between the carboxyl group and the aluminium surface. Increased bacterial colonization was also observed at the air-water interface of the aluminium plates when compared with the middle and the bottom parts. Changes in FTIR spectra of the biofilm at the bottom, at the middle, and at the air-water interface suggest that the mechanisms of bacterial attachment differed by a -COO(-) interaction at the air-water interface, and by both -COO(-) and NH3(+) groups beneath the water surface.