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1.
Mycotoxin Res ; 39(3): 193-200, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37237114

ABSTRACT

Highland barley, also called "qingke" in Tibetan, is mainly cultivated in the Tibetan Plateau of China and has been used as a major staple food for Tibetans. Recently, Fusarium head blight (FHB) of qingke was frequently observed around the Brahmaputra River in Tibet. Considering the importance of qingke for Tibetans, the assessment of Fusarium mycotoxin contamination is essential for food safety. In this study, a total of 150 freshly harvested qingke grain samples were obtained from three regions around the Brahmaputra River in Tibet (China) in 2020. The samples were investigated for the occurrence of 20 Fusarium mycotoxins using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‒MS/MS). The most frequently occurring mycotoxin was enniatin B (ENB) (46%), followed by enniatin B1 (ENB1) (14.7%), zearalenone (ZEN) (6.0%), enniatin A1 (ENA1) (3.3%), enniatin A (ENA) (1.3%), beauvericin (BEA) (0.7%), and nivalenol (NIV) (0.7%). Due to the increase in altitude, the cumulative precipitation level and average temperature decreased from the downstream to the upstream of the Brahmaputra River; this directly correlated to the contamination level of ENB in qingke, which gradually decreased from downstream to upstream. In addition, the level of ENB in qingke obtained from qingke-rape rotation was significantly lower than that from qingke-wheat and qingke-qingke rotations (p < 0.05). These results disseminated the occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins and provided further understanding of the effect of environmental factors and crop rotation on Fusarium mycotoxins.


Subject(s)
Fusarium , Hordeum , Mycotoxins , Mycotoxins/analysis , Tibet , Fusarium/chemistry , Tandem Mass Spectrometry , Food Contamination/analysis , China , Edible Grain/chemistry
2.
Appl Opt ; 61(14): 4215-4225, 2022 May 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36256099

ABSTRACT

During 2019, an infrared camera, the compact thermal imager (CTI), recorded 15 million images of the Earth from the International Space Station. CTI is based on strained-layer superlattice (SLS) detector technology. The camera covered the spectral range from 3 to 11 µm in two spectral channels, 3.3-5.4 and 7.8-10.7 µm. Individual image frames were 26×21km2 projected on the ground, with 82 m pixel resolution. A frame time of 2.54 s created continuous image swaths with a 13% along-track image overlap. Upper limits determined on the ground and in flight for the electronic offset, read noise, and dark current demonstrated the stability of the SLS detector and camera over many months. Temperature calibration was established using a combination of preflight and in-flight measurements. A narrowband approximation of temperature as a function of photon counts produced an analytic relationship covering a temperature range of 0°-400°C. Examples of CTI images illustrate temperature retrievals over sea ice, urban and agricultural areas, desert, and wildfires.

3.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci ; 24(19): 9797-9806, 2020 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33090382

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Some patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will recur despite they have achieved clinical remission after treatment. The subclinical synovitis detected by ultrasonography (US) may be one of the main causes of the RA recurrence. The aim of this study is to establish a nomogram for predicting the outcome of RA patients with disease in clinical remission. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty-seven RA patients who achieved clinical remission and were willing to receive a 1-year follow-up were included in this study. Their demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics were recorded at baseline. 7-joints ultrasound (US7) synovitis score (simplified from US7 score) were evaluated at baseline and at the end of follow-up (or when RA recurrence confirmed). All patients were divided into recurrence group and non-recurrence group after the follow-up. Multivariable regression was applied to link the predictors that were significant at p < 0.05 in the univariate analysis and the recurrence of RA patients in clinical remission, which was served as the basis of the nomogram. RESULTS: Fifty-one RA patients were included in the recurrence group and 116 patients in the non-recurrence group. All US7 synovitis scores in this study showed excellent reproducibility. Multivariable analysis revealed that high-titer positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), simplified clinical disease activity index (SDAI), baseline grayscale ultrasound (GSUS) score, and baseline power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) score were the independent predictors for RA recurrence within 1 year. A nomogram incorporating the independent predictors was constructed to predict the risk of RA recurrence. The nomogram showed good discrimination (C-index=0.826) and good calibration. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram incorporating anti-CCP, SDAI, and subclinical synovitis helps to achieve complete remission and reduces the risk of short-term recurrence of RA patients.


Subject(s)
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/diagnostic imaging , Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Recurrence , Remission Induction , Reproducibility of Results
4.
J Biol Regul Homeost Agents ; 34(1): 93-100, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32400148

ABSTRACT

Endometriosis is a gynecological health problem for women of reproductive stage. Kallikrein 4 is a proliferative factor and has important roles in cancer development and progression. To explore the role of Kallikrein 4 in endometriosis, we detected the expression of Kallikrein 4 in ectopic and normal control endometriosis tissues. Moreover, the underlying influence of Kallikrein 4 on migration and invasion of endometrial stromal cells was investigated. Furthermore, the correlations between this gene and E-cadherin and N-cadherin were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that the expression level of Kallikrein 4 in endometrial tissues was significantly increased compared to normal endometrial tissues, and over-expression of Kallikrein 4 up-regulated expression of N-cadherin but down-regulated E-cadherin in endometrial stromal cells. The ability of migration and invasion of endometrial stromal cells in vitro was increased by up-regulating Kallikrein 4 expression, suggesting that Kallikrein 4 might be involved in the development of ovarian endometriosis.


Subject(s)
Cell Movement , Endometriosis/physiopathology , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition , Kallikreins/metabolism , Stromal Cells/cytology , Cadherins/metabolism , Cell Proliferation , Endometrium/cytology , Endometrium/pathology , Female , Humans
5.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi ; 97(43): 3401-3405, 2017 Nov 21.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29179281

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the effects of different computed high b-value on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) scores in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS v2) of prostate cancer in peripheral zone. Methods: A retrospective study of 104 cases of prostate cancer in peripheral zone was conducted, all of the patients were histopathologically confirmed by transrectal ultrasound guided saturation biopsy or radical prostatectomy in Tongji Hospital of Tongji University from January 2012 to December 2015.All MRI imaging examinations were performed by using a 3.0T Siemens Verio MRI scanner.The imaging protocol consisted of high-resolution axial and sagittal T(2) weighted imaging (T(2)WI), axial acquired diffusion weighted imaging (aDWI) with b=0, 50, 1 000 s/mm(2) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) scans.Computed diffusion weighted imaging (cDWI) images with b=1 000, 1 400, 2 000 s/mm(2) were processed by Matlab.These three groups of cDWI images were analyzed according to the PI-RADS v2 criteria, and signal intensity of ratio (SIR) of lesions were analyzed by independent t test and one-way ANOVA in each group. Results: The numbers of cases with a DWI score of 2 and 5 were similar among three groups.Nine cases (33.3%) in all 27 cases with a DWI score of 3 on b=1 000 s/mm(2) upgraded to score 4 when b-value rose to 1 400 and 2 000 s/mm(2).The ratios of SIR of lesions in cases upgraded from DWI score 3 to 4 to those unchanged cases on b=1 400 and 2 000 s/mm(2) were 1.86±0.21 to 1.61±0.27 and 2.18±0.26 to 1.75±0.30, respectively (t=2.486, t=3.671, both P<0.05). In these 9 cases who upgraded to DWI score 4, SIRs of the lesion were significantly different between groups when b=1 000, 1 400 and 2 000 s/mm(2) (F=10.907, 33.768, 8.043, all P<0.05), and their SIRs increased with the rising of b-value. Conclusions: The computed high b-value (b≥1 400 s/mm(2)) mainly affects cases with a DWI score of 3, but DWI scores would not change neither in b=1 400 s/mm(2) nor in 2 000 s/mm(2) cases. For DWI score in PI-RADS v2 of prostate cancer in peripheral zone, b=1 400 s/mm(2) is probably of more scoring value than b=1 000 or 2 000 s/mm(2).


Subject(s)
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Retrospective Studies
6.
Transbound Emerg Dis ; 63(6): 585-589, 2016 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27597166

ABSTRACT

One hundred and twenty-six blood samples were collected from healthy sheep and goats in Xinjiang, China, during July 2014. Seventy-three samples (57.93%) were bluetongue virus (BTV) serology-positive, and 39 samples (30.95%) were BTV NS1 gene-positive. BTV strain XJ1407 was isolated from the blood of BTV NS1 gene-positive animals and sequenced. Analysis of its genome sequence suggests that XJ1407 is a novel BTV serotype.


Subject(s)
Bluetongue virus/genetics , Bluetongue virus/isolation & purification , Communicable Diseases, Emerging/veterinary , Serogroup , Animals , Base Sequence , Bluetongue/virology , China , Goats , Sheep
7.
Genet Mol Res ; 15(2)2016 Apr 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27173176

ABSTRACT

Full-length cDNA of the gene checkpoint homolog 1 (Chk1) was cloned from Daphnia carinata and designated DcarChk1. DcarChk1 cDNA was 1817 bp in length and encoded a 497-amino acid polypeptide. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that DcarChk1 was most closely related to Chk1 of Daphnia pulex, followed by homologous genes of insects. Expression of DcarChk1 was higher in adult Daphnia than in larvae, and significantly higher in males than females, as determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Using whole-mount in situ hybridization techniques, DcarChk1 in parthenogenetic females was found to be expressed mainly on the head surface, capillus, and carapace valve edge. In contrast, in sexual females, DcarChk1 was expressed mainly in the joint of the second antenna, and in the thoracic limbs and capillus. These results suggest that DcarChk1 plays a significant role in both the growth and development, as well as in regulating reproductive plasticity, in D. carinata.


Subject(s)
Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics , Daphnia/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics , Animals , Cell Cycle Proteins/chemistry , Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism , Cloning, Molecular , Daphnia/growth & development , Female , Male , Organ Specificity , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/chemistry , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
8.
J Virol Methods ; 234: 28-33, 2016 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27063641

ABSTRACT

Bluetongue (BT), which is caused by the BT virus (BTV), is an important disease in ruminants that leads to significant economic losses in the husbandry industry. To detect BTV-specific antibodies in serum, a protein chip detection method based on a novel solid supporting material known as polymer-coated initiator-integrated poly (dimethyl siloxane) (iPDMS) was developed. With a threshold of 25% (signal-to-noise percentage), the sensitivity and specificity of the protein chip were 98.6% and 94.8%, respectively. Furthermore, spot serum samples obtained from six provinces of China were tested with the protein chip and a commercially available BTV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (IDEXX). Of 615 samples, BTV-specific antibodies were detected in 200 (32.52%) by the protein chip and in 176 (28.62%) by the IDEXX BTV ELISA kit. Comparison of the protein chip with the commercial IDEXX BTV ELISA kit yielded the following spot serum detection results: a total coincidence, a negative coincidence and a positive coincidence of 95.12%, 99.28% and 86.5%, respectively. With the protein chip, the BTV-specific serum antibody was detected in samples from all six provinces, and the positive rates ranged from 4.12 to 74.4%. These results indicate that this protein chip detection method based on iPDMS is useful for the serological diagnosis of BTV infection and for epidemiological investigation.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/blood , Bluetongue virus/immunology , Bluetongue/diagnosis , Protein Array Analysis/methods , Animals , Bluetongue/blood , Bluetongue/epidemiology , Bluetongue/virology , Bluetongue virus/genetics , Cattle/virology , Cattle Diseases/diagnosis , Cattle Diseases/virology , China/epidemiology , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods , Protein Array Analysis/instrumentation , Sensitivity and Specificity , Sheep/virology
9.
Andrologia ; 48(4): 406-24, 2016 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26276351

ABSTRACT

Overweight and obese males might exhibit a great risk of infertility. However, according to the current studies, the association between elevated male body mass index (BMI) and the clinical adverse results after assisted reproductive technology (ART) remains controversial. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of raised male BMI on clinical outcomes following ART. PubMed, EMBASE and three Chinese databases were used to identify relevant studies. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate. Secondary outcomes included live birth rate and sperm parameters. A total of 5262 male participants from 10 cohort studies were subjected to meta-analysis. Results indicated that overweight or obese had no significant impact on clinical pregnancy rate [in vitro fertilisation (IVF): odds ratio (OR), 0.73; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39-1.39; intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.92-1.15], live birth rate (IVF: OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.78-1.06; ICSI: OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.50-1.99) and sperm concentration (SMD, -0.28; 95% CI, -0.65 to 0.08) compared with normal weight following IVF/ICSI treatments. Exclusion of any single study and almost all the sensitivity analyses showed that our results were reliable. At present, the role of male BMI in the process of ART is only partly understood and should be further investigated.


Subject(s)
Body Mass Index , Pregnancy Rate , Reproductive Techniques, Assisted/statistics & numerical data , Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic/statistics & numerical data , Cohort Studies , Female , Fertilization in Vitro/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Infertility, Male/etiology , Infertility, Male/therapy , Live Birth/epidemiology , Male , Obesity/complications , Overweight/complications , Pregnancy , Reproducibility of Results , Sperm Count , Treatment Outcome
10.
Geophys Res Lett ; 43(10): 5450-5459, 2016 May 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32753770

ABSTRACT

Cloud observations from the CloudSat and CALIPSO satellites helped to explain the reduced total cloud cover (Ctot) in the atmospheric regional climate model HIRHAM5 with modified cloud physics. Arctic climate conditions are found to be better reproduced with (1) a more efficient Bergeron-Findeisen process and (2) more generalized subgrid-scale variability of total water content. As a result, the annual cycle of Ctot is improved over sea ice, associated with an almost 14% smaller area average than in the control simulation. The modified cloud scheme reduces the Ctot bias with respect to the satellite observations. Except for autumn, the cloud reduction over sea ice improves low-level temperature profiles compared to drifting station data. The HIRHAM5 sensitivity study highlights the need for improving accuracy of low-level (< 700m) cloud observations, as these clouds exert a strong impact on the near-surface climate.

11.
Appl Microbiol Biotechnol ; 99(2): 729-39, 2015 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25038929

ABSTRACT

The Bluetongue virus (BTV) VP7 protein represents an important group-specific antigen that can serve as a basis for diagnostic tests. Here, we report the generation of a novel BTV group-specific monoclonal antibody (Mab; herein named 4H7) that recognizes a conformational epitope in the VP7 protein. We used a phage-displayed peptide screen and site-directed mutagenesis to define the VP7 amino acid residues that most strongly contribute to the conformational epitope recognized by Mab 4H7. Amino acid residues at positions 175, 185, 186, and 278 of the BTV VP7 protein strongly contributed to Mab 4H7 binding. These key amino acid residues are conserved among all BTV serotypes, whereas related Orbiviruses possess at least one amino acid substitution at these positions. We developed a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) using Mab 4H7 and recombinant BTV VP7 protein to detect serum antibodies against this BTV group-specific VP7 epitope. The c-ELISA was used to screen 833 clinical samples collected from animals in three provinces of China. BTV seroprevalence in the three provinces ranged from 25.42 to 47.45 %. This work provides the foundation for a new diagnostic c-ELISA that can be further applied to BTV surveillance activities and informs our understanding of the structure of the BTV VP7 protein.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Bluetongue virus/immunology , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods , Animals , Antibodies, Monoclonal/blood , Antibodies, Viral/blood , China , Cloning, Molecular , Epitopes/blood , Epitopes/immunology , Goats/virology , Mutagenesis, Site-Directed , Protein Conformation , Recombinant Proteins/blood , Recombinant Proteins/immunology , Reproducibility of Results , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sheep/virology , Viral Core Proteins/blood , Viral Core Proteins/immunology
12.
Appl Microbiol Biotechnol ; 98(7): 3033-47, 2014 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24337223

ABSTRACT

VP5, the outer capsid protein of bluetongue virus (BTV), plays an important role in viral penetration and antibody-mediated viral neutralization. Therefore, VP5 represents an important target for development of vaccines and diagnostic tests. In this study, we use bioinformatic tools to predict nine antigenic B cell epitopes in the VP5 protein of a BTV serotype 4 (BTV4) isolate from China. Further, we generate five BTV4 VP5-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and define their corresponding epitopes using a set of VP5-derived peptides expressed as maltose-binding protein (MBP) fusion proteins. The five identified epitopes map to amino acids 119-134, 257-272, 286-301, 322-337, and 481-496 of the VP5 protein. Importantly, the epitopes identified using VP5-derived peptides do not correlate with our bioinformatic prediction of antibody epitopes. Identification and characterization of BTV4 VP5 protein epitopes may aid the development of diagnostic tools and provide information with which to study the structure of the BTV VP5 protein.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Capsid Proteins/genetics , Capsid Proteins/immunology , Epitope Mapping , Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/genetics , Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/immunology , Antibodies, Monoclonal/isolation & purification , Antibodies, Viral/isolation & purification , Bluetongue virus/genetics , Bluetongue virus/immunology , China , Computer Simulation
13.
Braz J Med Biol Res ; 46(8): 650-8, 2013 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23969971

ABSTRACT

Cisplatin resistance remains one of the major obstacles when treating epithelial ovarian cancer. Because oxaliplatin and nedaplatin are effective against cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer in clinical trials and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is associated with cisplatin resistance, we investigated whether overcoming cisplatin resistance by oxaliplatin and nedaplatin was associated with the STAT3 pathway in ovarian cancer. Alamar blue, clonogenic, and wound healing assays, and Western blot analysis were used to compare the effects of platinum drugs in SKOV-3 cells. At an equitoxic dose, oxaliplatin and nedaplatin exhibited similar inhibitory effects on colony-forming ability and greater inhibition on cell motility than cisplatin in ovarian cancer. Early in the time course of drug administration, cisplatin increased the expression of pSTAT3 (Tyr705), STAT3α, VEGF, survivin, and Bcl-XL, while oxaliplatin and nedaplatin exhibited the opposite effects, and upregulated pSTAT3 (Ser727) and STAT3ß. The STAT3 pathway responded early to platinum drugs associated with cisplatin resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer and provided a rationale for new therapeutic strategies to reverse cisplatin resistance.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/physiology , Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/drug therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Animals , Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/genetics , Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Migration Assays/methods , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Cisplatin/administration & dosage , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects , Gene Expression/drug effects , Humans , Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins/genetics , Organoplatinum Compounds/administration & dosage , Oxaliplatin , Oxazines/pharmacology , Rats , Survivin , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/genetics , Xanthenes/pharmacology , bcl-X Protein/genetics
14.
Braz. j. med. biol. res ; 46(8): 650-658, ago. 2013. graf
Article in English | LILACS | ID: lil-684524

ABSTRACT

Cisplatin resistance remains one of the major obstacles when treating epithelial ovarian cancer. Because oxaliplatin and nedaplatin are effective against cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer in clinical trials and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is associated with cisplatin resistance, we investigated whether overcoming cisplatin resistance by oxaliplatin and nedaplatin was associated with the STAT3 pathway in ovarian cancer. Alamar blue, clonogenic, and wound healing assays, and Western blot analysis were used to compare the effects of platinum drugs in SKOV-3 cells. At an equitoxic dose, oxaliplatin and nedaplatin exhibited similar inhibitory effects on colony-forming ability and greater inhibition on cell motility than cisplatin in ovarian cancer. Early in the time course of drug administration, cisplatin increased the expression of pSTAT3 (Tyr705), STAT3α, VEGF, survivin, and Bcl-XL, while oxaliplatin and nedaplatin exhibited the opposite effects, and upregulated pSTAT3 (Ser727) and STAT3β. The STAT3 pathway responded early to platinum drugs associated with cisplatin resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer and provided a rationale for new therapeutic strategies to reverse cisplatin resistance.


Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Rats , Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/physiology , Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/drug therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , /metabolism , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/genetics , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Migration Assays/methods , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Cisplatin/administration & dosage , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects , Gene Expression/drug effects , Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins/genetics , Organoplatinum Compounds/administration & dosage , Oxazines/pharmacology , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/genetics , Xanthenes/pharmacology , bcl-X Protein/genetics
15.
Arch Virol ; 158(5): 1099-104, 2013 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23292067

ABSTRACT

Bluetongue virus (BTV) VP2 is an important antigenic protein that can be used for the differential diagnosis of different BTV serotypes. Here, we generated a serotype-specific monoclonal antibody (mab) against BTV1. A series of peptides synthesized based on the amino acid sequence of BTV1 VP2 were screened to define (115)AQPLKVGL(122) as the minimal linear peptide epitope recognized by mab 4B6. Using an immunofluorescence assay (IFA), we found that mab 4B6 reacted strongly with BTV1, but did not react with other BTV serotypes (BTV2-24). The 4B6 will serve as a novel reagent in the development of diagnostic tests for BTV1 infection.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Bluetongue virus/immunology , Capsid Proteins/immunology , Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/immunology , Bluetongue virus/classification , Epitope Mapping , Fluorescent Antibody Technique , Serotyping
16.
Transbound Emerg Dis ; 60(4): 351-9, 2013 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22762447

ABSTRACT

The pathogenesis of highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) strain (HuN4) is poorly understood. Therefore, highly pathogenic PRRSV strain (HuN4) and its derivative strain (HuN4-F112) (obtained by propagation in MARC145 cells for 112 passages) were inoculated into a total of 48 PRRSV-sero-negative pigs (age: 4-5 weeks) by the intranasal route. Virological, pathological and in situ hybridization analyses were performed. The results exhibited that pigs infected with HuN4 showed a loss of appetite, decrease in body weight, raised body temperature and respiratory symptoms, along with interstitial pneumonia lesions. In the HuN4 group, multifocal interstitial pneumonia with macrophage infiltration was found in the lung. The lesions in the lymph node were characterized by collapsed follicles, depletion of germinal centres and reduction in lymphocytes. Perivascular cuffing and glial nodules were observed in the brains of some pigs. By comparison, the HuN4-F112 group had milder lesions. PRRSV was detected in macrophages, alveolar epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells in the tonsil and lymph nodes. The PRRSV amounts in the pigs infected with HuN4 were 10(5) -10(9) copies/ml in the blood and 10(10) -10(11) copies/g in the lung tissues, whereas the virus amounts with HuN4-F112 were 10(2.15) -10(3.13) copies/ml in the blood and 10(3.0) -10(3.6) copies/g in the lung. Our results demonstrate that the PRRS HuN4 virus infects alveolar epithelial cells, macrophages and vascular endothelial cells causing diffuse alveolar damage and lymph node necrosis. Its higher pathogenicity compared with HuN4-F112 virus may be explained in part by higher replication rate in the previously mentioned organs.


Subject(s)
Endothelium, Vascular/virology , Lung/virology , Lymph Nodes/virology , Macrophages/virology , Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome/pathology , Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus/pathogenicity , Animals , Brain/pathology , Brain/virology , Endothelium, Vascular/pathology , In Situ Hybridization , Lung/pathology , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Macrophages/pathology , Palatine Tonsil/pathology , Palatine Tonsil/virology , Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus/genetics , Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus/isolation & purification , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Viral/genetics , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Swine , Virulence , Virus Replication
17.
Vet Immunol Immunopathol ; 148(3-4): 364-8, 2012 Aug 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22824180

ABSTRACT

The present study identified a linear B-cell epitope in the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) E2 glycoprotein by screening a phage-displayed random 12-mer peptide library using an EEEV E2 specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) 7C11 and defined L/F-E/R-Y-T-W-G/R-N-H/W-P as the consensus binding motif. A sequence ((321)EGLEYTWGNHPP(332)) encompassing this consensus motif was found in the EEEV E2 glycoprotein and synthesized for further epitope confirmation. Meanwhile, the corresponding epitope peptides in E2 protein of associated alphaviruses were synthesized for specificity identification. Results showed the mAb 7C11 and murine antisera all reacted strongly against the synthesized polypeptide of EEEV antigen complex, but no reaction with Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) was detected. The knowledge and reagents generated in this study may have potential applications in differential diagnosis and the development of epitope-based marker vaccines against EEEV.


Subject(s)
Cell Surface Display Techniques/methods , Encephalitis Virus, Eastern Equine/immunology , Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/immunology , Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology , Animals , Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology , Consensus Sequence , Encephalomyelitis, Eastern Equine/immunology , Horse Diseases/immunology , Horse Diseases/virology , Horses/immunology , Horses/virology
18.
Acta Neurochir Suppl ; 101: 153-5, 2008.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18642651

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Posterolateral fusion with cages and posterior instrumentation is an accepted method in the treatment of lumbar instability associated with spinal stenosis or scoliotic deformity, but with modest results. We propose hereby an alternative, simple method to treat kyphosis due to the vertebral fracture which has brought about comparable outcomes. METHODS: Three patients with documented adjacent segment compression fractures were treated. Vertebroplasty was performed with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), either using the transpedicular route at the adjacent level or via the route of the previous transpedicular screw at the top level of the long-segment fixation construct. Outcomes were measured by the visual analogue scale of pain and the kyphotic angle of the adjacent segment. RESULTS: The maximal kyphotic angle was 30.6 degrees preoperatively and the reduction rate averaged 69.6%. The pain scale improved from the mean of 9.3 to 1.7. No further progression of compression was noted in the follow-up of more than 6 months after the vertebroplasty in these cases. CONCLUSION: Vertebroplasty at either the adjacent level or the top level of the previous internal fixation construct may be a feasible alternative to treat the adjacent level fracture after long segment internal fixation of the spine.


Subject(s)
Bone Cements/therapeutic use , Orthopedic Procedures/methods , Polymethyl Methacrylate/therapeutic use , Spinal Fractures/etiology , Spinal Fractures/therapy , Spinal Fusion/adverse effects , Aged , Female , Humans , Lumbar Vertebrae , Male , Middle Aged , Spinal Cord Diseases/surgery , Spinal Fusion/methods
19.
Arch Virol ; 152(1): 209-18, 2007 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16932982

ABSTRACT

The long terminal repeats (LTRs) of equine infectious anemia virus donkey leukocyte-attenuated virus (EIAV-DLA) were substituted with those of the wild-type EIAV-L (wt EIAV-L, the parent virus of EIAV-DLA). The resulting chimeric plasmid was designated pOK-LTR DLA/L. Purified pOK-LTR DLA/L was transfected into monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) cultures prepared from EIAV-negative, heparinized whole blood from a donkey. Eighth-passage cell cultures developed the typical cytopathogenic effects (CPE) of EIAV infection, and virions with typical EIAV profiles were observed with an electron microscope. Horses were inoculated with the chimeric virus or EIAV-DLA and challenged with the wt EIAV-L strain six months later. All of the horses inoculated with either the chimeric virus or EIAV-DLA were protected from disease, whereas the control horses died with typical EIA symptoms.


Subject(s)
Equine Infectious Anemia/virology , Infectious Anemia Virus, Equine/genetics , Infectious Anemia Virus, Equine/pathogenicity , Terminal Repeat Sequences , Animals , Antibodies, Viral/biosynthesis , Base Sequence , Chimera/genetics , DNA, Viral/genetics , Equidae , Equine Infectious Anemia/etiology , Equine Infectious Anemia/immunology , Equine Infectious Anemia/prevention & control , Horses , Infectious Anemia Virus, Equine/immunology , Molecular Sequence Data , Vaccines, Attenuated/genetics , Viral Vaccines/genetics , Virulence/genetics
20.
Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis ; 10(1): 104-8, 2007.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17043678

ABSTRACT

The relationship between chronic prostatitis and fertility has been disputed for many years. Several groups have shown infection and autoimmune response against prostate antigens could have a deleterious effect on semen quality and fertility. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that Omi/HtrA2-induced apoptosis in chronic prostatitis could be a mechanism underlying the observed clinical benefit. The Omi/HtrA2 serine protease is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein, which can be released from mitochondria into the cytosol after apoptosis stimuli, inducing apoptosis in caspase-dependent and independent manners. Forty-one patients diagnosed as suffering from chronic prostatitis were included. Healthy normal individuals were included as controls. Human spermatozoa in the semen were purified by Percoll-gradient technique to separate the seminal plasma and other round cells. Measurements for sperm concentration, motility, morphology, proinflammatory cytokines, Omi/HtrA2 mRNA and protein levels in spermatozoa of chronic protatitis patients, were performed accordingly. Significantly increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines were detected in seminal plasma from these prostatitis patients. Omi/HtrA2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in prostatitis men than in normal men. This study shows that chronic prostatitis patients present important alterations in their semen quality parameters, Omi/HtrA2 mRNA and protein levels of spermatozoa. We speculate that the inflammatory process involved may affect male fertility by release of proapoptotic protein Omi/HtrA2.


Subject(s)
Mitochondrial Proteins/metabolism , Prostatitis/physiopathology , Semen/physiology , Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism , Spermatozoa/metabolism , Adolescent , Adult , Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/metabolism , High-Temperature Requirement A Serine Peptidase 2 , Humans , Infertility, Male/etiology , Inflammation Mediators/metabolism , Male , Middle Aged
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