Disulfide stabilization reveals conserved dynamic features between SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 spikes.

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) is structurally dynamic and has been observed by cryo-EM to adopt a variety of prefusion conformations that can be categorized as locked, closed and open. The locked conformations feature tightly packed trimers with structural elements incompatible with RBD in "up" position. For SARS-CoV-2 S, it has been shown that the locked conformations are transient under neutral pH. Probably due to their transience, locked conformations remain largely uncharacterized for SARS-CoV-1 S. Intriguingly, locked conformations were the only conformations captured for S proteins of bat and pangolin origin SARS-related coronaviruses. In this study, we introduced x1, x2, and x3 disulfides into SARS-CoV-1 S. Some of these disulfides have been shown to preserve rare locked conformations when introduced to SARS-CoV-2 S. Introduction of these disulfides allowed us to image a variety of locked and other rare conformations for SARS-CoV-1 S by cryo-EM. We identified bound cofactors and structural features that are associated with SARS-CoV-1 S locked conformations. We compare newly determined structures to other available spike structures of Sarbecoviruses to identify conserved features and discuss their possible functions.

Structures and function of locked conformations of SARS-CoV-2 spike

The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 has been observed in three distinct pre-fusion conformations: locked, closed and open. Of these, the function of the locked conformation remains poorly understood. Here we engineered a SARS-CoV-2 S protein construct "S-R/x3" to arrest SARS-CoV-2 spikes in the locked conformation by a disulfide bond. Using this construct we determined high-resolution structures confirming that the x3 disulfide bond has the ability to stabilize the otherwise transient locked conformations. Structural analyses reveal that wild-type SARS-CoV-2 spike can adopt two distinct locked-1 and locked-2 conformations. For the D614G spike, based on which all variants of concern were evolved, only the locked-2 conformation was observed. Analysis of the structures suggests that rigidified domain D in the locked conformations interacts with the hinge to domain C and thereby restrains RBD movement. Structural change in domain D correlates with spike conformational change. We propose that the locked-1 and locked-2 conformations of S are present in the acidic high-lipid cellular compartments during virus assembly and egress. In this model, release of the virion into the neutral pH extracellular space would favour transition to the closed or open conformations. The dynamics of this transition can be altered by mutations that modulate domain D structure, as is the case for the D614G mutation, leading to changes in viral fitness. The S-R/x3 construct provides a tool for the further structural and functional characterization of the locked conformations of S, as well as how sequence changes might alter S assembly and regulation of receptor binding domain dynamics.

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein arrested in the closed state induces potent neutralizing responses

The majority of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in use or in advanced clinical development are based on the viral spike protein (S) as their immunogen. S is present on virions as pre-fusion trimers in which the receptor binding domain (RBD) is stochastically open or closed. Neutralizing antibodies have been described that act against both open and closed conformations. The long-term success of vaccination strategies will depend upon inducing antibodies that provide long-lasting broad immunity against evolving, circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains, while avoiding the risk of antibody dependent enhancement as observed with other Coronavirus vaccines. Here we have assessed the results of immunization in a mouse model using an S protein trimer that is arrested in the closed state to prevent exposure of the receptor binding site and therefore interaction with the receptor. We compared this with a range of other modified S protein constructs, including representatives used in current vaccines. We found that all trimeric S proteins induce a long-lived, strongly neutralizing antibody response as well as T-cell responses. Notably, the protein binding properties of sera induced by the closed spike differed from those induced by standard S protein constructs. Closed S proteins induced more potent neutralising responses than expected based on the degree to which they inhibit interactions between the RBD and ACE2. These observations suggest that closed spikes recruit different, but equally potent, virus-inhibiting immune responses than open spikes, and that this is likely to include neutralizing antibodies against conformational epitopes present in the closed conformation. Together with their improved stability and storage properties we suggest that closed spikes may be a valuable component of refined, next-generation vaccines.

Analysis of related factors of poor prognosis in children with parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To explore the related factors affecting the prognosis of children with parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC).Methods:Twenty children with PNAC admitted to Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2014 to December 2020 were selected as research objects by retrospective study. According to prognosis, children were divided into good (15 cases) and poor prognosis group (5 cases). Clinical data such as general condition, intravenous nutrition duration, related biochemical examination indexes and main treatment methods of children in the two groups were collected. Spearman correlation analysis was used to quantify the correlation between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and poor prognosis. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the prognosis of children with PNAC, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of ALT on the prognosis of children.Results:There were no significant differences in gender, body weight, gestational age, age, feeding mode, duration of intravenous nutrition, direct bilirubin (DBil), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), total protein (TP), serum albumin (Alb), globulin (GLB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), platelet count (PLT), white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), lymphocyte count (LYM), urine culture, AST/PLT ratio (APRI) and main treatment methods between the two groups. Total bilirubin (TBil), ALT, neutrophil count (NEU) and monocyte count (MONO) in the good prognosis group were significantly lower than those in the poor prognosis group [TBil (μmol/L): 120.00±48.63 vs. 175.26±29.14, ALT (U/L): 73.25±44.29 vs. 145.30±74.33, NEU (×10 9/L): 2.55±1.29 vs. 5.08±4.10, MONO (×10 9/L): 1.23±0.87 vs. 2.13±0.60, all P < 0.05]. Logistic regression analysis showed that ALT was the risk factor affecting the prognosis of children with PNAC, when ALT increased by 1 U/L, the probability of poor prognosis increased by 3.6% [odds ratio ( OR) = 1.04, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 1.00-1.07, P = 0.04]. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the incidence of poor prognosis was positively correlated with ALT ( r = 0.49, P = 0.03). ROC analysis showed that ALT had certain predictive value for the prognosis of children with PNAC [area under ROC cure (AUC) = 0.83, 95% CI was 0.00-1.00, P = 0.03]; when the cut-off value was 121.50 U/L, its sensitivity was 80% and specificity was 93%, suggesting that ALT could be used as the main indicator for clinical prediction of poor prognosis for PNAC. Conclusion:ALT is an independent risk factor of poor prognosis in children with PNAC.

Structural basis for broad coronavirus neutralization

Three highly pathogenic {beta}-coronaviruses crossed the animal-to-human species barrier in the past two decades: SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 has infected more than 64 million people worldwide, claimed over 1.4 million lives and is responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We isolated a monoclonal antibody, termed B6, cross-reacting with eight {beta}-coronavirus spike glycoproteins, including all five human-infecting {beta}-coronaviruses, and broadly inhibiting entry of pseudotyped viruses from two coronavirus lineages. Cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography characterization reveal that B6 binds to a conserved cryptic epitope located in the fusion machinery and indicate that antibody binding sterically interferes with spike conformational changes leading to membrane fusion. Our data provide a structural framework explaining B6 cross-reactivity with {beta}-coronaviruses from three lineages along with proof-of-concept for antibody-mediated broad coronavirus neutralization elicited through vaccination. This study unveils an unexpected target for next-generation structure-guided design of a pan-coronavirus vaccine.

Critical care workers have lower seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG compared with non-patient facing staff in first wave of COVID19.

With the first 2020 surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, many health care workers (HCW) were re-deployed to critical care environments to support intensive care teams to look after high numbers of patients with severe COVID-19. There was considerable anxiety of increased risk of COVID19 for staff working in these environments. Using a multiplex platform to assess serum IgG responses to SARS-CoV-2 N, S and RBD proteins, and detailed symptom reporting, we screened over 500 HCW (25% of the total workforce) in a quaternary level hospital to explore the relationship between workplace and evidence of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Whilst 45% of the cohort reported symptoms that they consider may have represented COVID-19, overall seroprevalence was 14% with anosmia and fever being the most discriminating symptoms for seropositive status. There was a significant difference in seropositive status between staff working in clinical and non-clinical roles (9% patient facing critical care, 15% patient facing non-critical care, 22% nonpatient facing). In the seropositive cohort, symptom severity increased with age for men and not for women. In contrast, there was no relationship between symptom severity and age or sex in the seronegative cohort reporting possible COVID-19 symptoms. Of the 12 staff screened PCR positive (10 symptomatic), 3 showed no evidence of seroconversion in convalescence. ConclusionThe current approach to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appears highly effective in protecting staff from patient acquired infection in the critical care environment including protecting staff managing interhospital transfers of COVID-19 patients. The relationship between seroconversion and disease severity in different demographics warrants further investigation. Longitudinally paired virological and serological surveillance, with symptom reporting are urgently required to better understand the role of antibody in the outcome of HCW exposure during subsequent waves of COVID-19 in health care environments.

Combined point of care nucleic acid and antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2: a prospective cohort study in suspected moderate to severe COVID-19 disease.

BackgroundRapid COVID-19 diagnosis in hospital is essential for patient management and identification of infectious patients to limit the potential for nosocomial transmission. The diagnosis of infection is complicated by 30-50% of COVID-19 hospital admissions with nose/throat swabs testing negative for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid, frequently after the first week of illness when SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses become detectable. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of combined rapid antibody point of care (POC) and nucleic acid assays for suspected COVID-19 disease in the emergency department. MethodsWe developed (i) an in vitro neutralization assay using a lentivirus expressing a genome encoding luciferase and pseudotyped with spike (S) protein and (ii) an ELISA test to detect IgG antibodies to nucleocapsid (N) and S proteins from SARS-CoV-2. We tested two lateral flow rapid fingerprick tests with bands for IgG and IgM. We then prospectively recruited participants with suspected moderate to severe COVID-19 and tested for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in a combined nasal/throat swab using the standard laboratory RT-PCR and a validated rapid POC nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) test. Additionally, serum collected at admission was retrospectively tested by in vitro neutralisation, ELISA and the candidate POC antibody tests. We evaluated the performance of the individual and combined rapid POC diagnostic tests against a composite reference standard of neutralisation and standard laboratory based RT-PCR. Results45 participants had specimens tested for nucleic acid in nose/throat swabs as well as stored sera for antibodies. Using the composite reference standard, prevalence of COVID-19 disease was 53.3% (24/45). Median age was 73.5 (IQR 54.0-86.5) years in those with COVID-19 disease by our reference standard and 63.0 (IQR 41.0-72.0) years in those without disease. The overall detection rate by rapid NAAT was 79.2% (95CI 57.8-92.9%), decreasing from 100% (95% CI 65.3-98.6%) in days 1-4 to 50.0% (95% CI 11.8-88.2) for days 9-28 post symptom onset. Correct identification of COVID-19 with combined rapid POC diagnostic tests was 100% (95CI 85.8-100%) with a false positive rate of 5.3-14.3%, driven by POC LFA antibody tests. ConclusionsCombined POC tests have the potential to transform our management of COVID-19, including inflammatory manifestations later in disease where nucleic acid test results are negative. A rapid combined approach will also aid recruitment into clinical trials and in prescribing therapeutics, particularly where potentially harmful immune modulators (including steroids) are used.

Structures, conformations and distributions of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimers on intact virions

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virions are surrounded by a lipid bilayer from which spike (S) protein trimers protrude. Heavily glycosylated S trimers bind the ACE2 receptor and mediate entry of virions into target cells. S exhibits extensive conformational flexibility: it modulates the exposure of its receptor binding site and later undergoes complete structural rearrangement to drive fusion of viral and cellular membranes. The structures and conformations of soluble, overexpressed, purified S proteins have been studied in detail using cryo-electron microscopy. The structure and distribution of S on the virion surface, however, has not been characterised. Here we applied cryo-electron microscopy and tomography to image intact SARS-CoV-2 virions, determining the high-resolution structure, conformational flexibility and distributions of S trimers in situ on the virion surface. These results provide a basis for understanding the conformations of S present on the virion, and for studying their interactions with neutralizing antibodies.

A thermostable, closed, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimer.

The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 mediates receptor binding and cell entry and is the dominant target of the immune system. S exhibits substantial conformational flexibility. It transitions from closed to open conformations to expose its receptor binding site, and subsequently from prefusion to postfusion conformations to mediate fusion of viral and cellular membranes. S protein derivatives are components of vaccine candidates and diagnostic assays, as well as tools for research into the biology and immunology of SARS-CoV-2. Here we have designed mutations in S which allow production of thermostable, crosslinked, S protein trimers that are trapped in the closed, pre-fusion, state. We have determined the structures of crosslinked and non-crosslinked proteins, identifying two distinct closed conformations of the S trimer. We demonstrate that the designed, thermostable, closed S trimer can be used in serological assays. This protein has potential applications as a reagent for serology, virology and as an immunogen.

Are COVID-19 infected children with gastrointestinal symptoms different from those without symptoms? A comparative study of the clinical characteristics and epidemiological trend of 244 pediatric cases from Wuhan

ObjectiveCOVID-19 patients presenting with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms occur in both adults and children. To date, however, no large sample size study focusing on gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric cases has been published. We analyzed COVID-19 infected children in Wuhan who presented with initial GI symptoms to determine the GI characteristics and epidemiological trend of the disease. DesignWe retrospectively analyzed 244 children patients confirmed with COVID-19 at Wuhan Childrens Hospital from 21 Jan to 20 Mar 2020. Symptomatic cases were divided into two groups according to whether the patients presented with or without GI symptoms on admission. Demographic, epidemiological, symptoms, and laboratory data were compared. We also analyzed the respective trends of case number changes of GI cases and asymptomatic cases. Results34 out of 193 symptomatic children had GI symptoms. They had lower median age and weight, a higher rate of fever, a longer length of stay and more hematological and biochemical abnormalities than patients without GI symptoms. There was no significant difference in chest CT findings or stool SARS-CoV-2 test positive percentages between the two groups. The number of patients admitted with GI symptoms showed an overall downward trend with time. At the time of writing, 242 patients were discharged, one died, and one critically ill patient was still in the intensive care unit. ConclusionCOVID-19 infected children with GI symptoms are prone to presenting with more clinical and laboratory abnormalities than patients without GI symptoms. More attention and timely hospital admission are needed for these patients. Significance of this studyO_LSTWhat is already known on this subject?C_LSTO_LICOVID-19 is now a pandemic with more than 1.6 million people infected worldwide C_LIO_LIAlthough attacking the respiratory tract mostly, both adult and children infected with COVID-19 can present with GI symptoms C_LI O_LSTWhat are the new findings?C_LSTO_LIInfants younger than two years old and presence of fever are the two risk factors of presenting with GI symptoms C_LIO_LIA high proportion of patients without GI symptoms and asymptomatic patients will have positive RT-PCR for the virus in stool C_LIO_LIEarlier testing through contact screening of family members means more COVID-19 infected children are diagnosed when completely asymptomatic C_LI O_LSTHow might it impact on clinical practice in the foreseeable future?C_LSTO_LIThe presence of COVID-19 in stool in infected children will have a major implication for parents and carers of young infants C_LIO_LIIncreasing number of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients who are detected through screening could provide a useful lesson for other countries still experiencing the rise and peak of the pandemic C_LI

Visualization analysis on treatment of coronavirus based on knowledge graph / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To discuss the research progress in the field of coronavirus (CoVs) treatment based on the visualization analysis of knowledge graph.Methods:The related literatures in the field of CoVs treatment were retrieved from the establishment of Web of Science core collection database to February 15th, 2020, and the literature analysis tool of Web of Science database was used to count the annual trend of published literatures. The VOSviewer software was used to analyze the relationship among countries, institutions, authors, clustering and density of subject words. The HistCite software was used to screen important documents and to draw the evolution process of hot spots. The CiteSpace software was used to analyze the breakout points of subject words, so as to find the front and hot spots in this field.Results:A total of 1 747 data were retrieved, with the exception of 17 duplicate data, and 1 730 data were retained for visualization analysis. In terms of literature volume, the literatures on CoVs therapy rose after 2003 and 2012, and the number of published literatures had remained high since 2014. In terms of countries, the main countries that carried out the research on the treatment of CoVs were the United States ( n = 613), China ( n = 582), Germany ( n = 122), Canada ( n = 99), etc., and the cooperation among countries was close. In terms of institutions, the number of papers issued by Chinese Academy of Sciences in the field of CoVs treatment ranked first ( n = 82), followed by University of Hong Kong of China ( n = 74) and Chinese University of Hong Kong of China ( n = 58), followed by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ( n = 37), and the cooperation among various institutions was close. In terms of literature authors, there were two high-yielding authors in the United States [Ralph S. Baric ( n = 21) and Kuochen Chou ( n = 17)], two Chinese authors [Yuen Kwok-yung ( n = 17) and Jiang Shibo ( n = 16)] and one Dutch author [Eric J. Snijder ( n = 17)]. In terms of the cluster analysis of authors, the authors were closely related in reverse genetics, respiratory infection, receptor binding domain, etc., and the 15 top-cited papers came mainly from China, the United States, Netherlands and other countries, and the literature content represented the frontiers and hot spots in different periods. The treatment hot spots focused on preventing virus adsorption, inhibiting the virus gene nucleic acid replication, transcription and translation. The main subject words were divided into three main categories, namely, CoVs epidemiology, basic research and drug development, in which basic research and drug development were strongly correlated. In the subject words breakthrough analysis, there were time-related breakthrough points in 1991, 1996 and 2002, and the "diagnosis" and "sequence" were continuous hot spots. Conclusions:Through the visualization analysis of knowledge graph, the development trend and hot spots of CoVs therapy research could be well observed. In this study, the degree of attention in the field of CoVs treatment showed periodic changes, related to the outbreak of new CoVs, and the country, institutions and the author were closely related. The treatment hot spots focused on preventing virus adsorption, inhibiting the virus gene nucleic acid replication, transcription and translation in order to develop new targets of drug.

Therapeutic effects of emodin on acute choiestatic hepatitis and mechanism in rats / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of emodin on acute cholestatic hepatitis and mec-hanism thereof. Methods Fifty Sprague - Dawley (SD)rats were randomly divided into 5 groups and were treated with emodin,ursodeoxycholic acid,dexamethasone,or normal saline respectively for 4 days. On the fifth day gastric perfusion of alpha - naphthylisothiocyanate(ANIT)was performed to establish models of choiestatic hepatitis. Four to six hours after the establishment of model the above mentioned agents were given continuously. Forty - eight hours after the model establishment blood samples were collected from abdominal aorta to examine the total bilirubin(TB),direct bilirubin (DB),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),total bile acid(TBA),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alkaline phosphatase (ALP),gamma glutamine transferase(GGT). Specimen of liver was collected to undergo pathological examination. Real - time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of farnesoid X receptor(FXR),small heterodimer partner (SHP ),bile salt export pump (BSEP ),uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 2 family polypeptide B4 (UGT2B4). Results The serum levels of total bilirubin (TB),direct bilirubin (DB),alanine aminotransferase (ALT),total bile acids (TBA),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)of the model group were respectively (68. 1 ± 26. 1)μmol/ L,(46. 3 ± 20. 1)μmol/ L,(483 ± 228)U/ L,(159. 1 ± 57. 9)μmol/L,(2. 0 ± 0. 5)U/ L,(996 ± 382)U/ L,(324 ± 120)U/ L. The levels of TB,DB,ALT,TBA,AST,ALP of the emodin group were respectively (15. 0 ± 8. 7)μmol/ L,(10. 8 ± 3. 9)μmol/ L,(147 ± 71)U/ L,(60. 1 ± 22. 7)μmol/ L, (295 ± 104)U/ L,(222 ± 59)U/ L,and were all significantly lower than those of the model group (all P < 0. 05). The levels of TB,DB,ALT,TBA,AST,GGT,ALP of the emodin group were all significantly lower than those of the ursode-oxycholic acid group (all P < 0. 05). The levels of TB,DB,ALT,TBA,GGT,AST were all significantly lower than those of the dexamethasone group (all P < 0. 01). The expression levels of FXR,SHP,BSEP,UGT2B4 mRNA in the emodin group (1. 087 ± 0. 285,0. 892 ± 0. 390,0. 902 ± 0. 149,1. 785 ± 0. 403)were all significantly higher than those of the model group (0. 152 ±0. 088,0. 559 ±0. 194,0. 561 ±0. 123,0. 177 ±0. 039,all P <0. 05). Conclusions By decreasing the levels of TB,DB,ALT,TBA,AST,ALP and reducing pathological changes,emodin has a protective effect on cholestatic hepatitis. It has better effects than ursodeoxycholic acid and dexamethasone. These effects may be due to promoting FXR,SHP,BSEP and UGT2B4 expression.

The regulation effect of emodin on human embryonic hepatocyte L02 cell strain Farnesoid X receptor / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To investigate the regulation effect of emodin on human embryonic liver L02 cells strain farnesoid X receptor (FXR) pathways.Methods By using Guggulsterones,FXR genes were intervened with in L02 cells as model group,in three different concentrations of emodin (50.0 μ mol/L,25.0 μmol/L,12.5 μmol/L) of emodin in the model group cells,FXR,small heterodimer parter (SHP),UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B4 (UGT2 B4),bile salt export pump(BSEP) mRNA and protein expressions were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blot test.Results (1) The relative expressions of FXR mRNA and protein in the model group (0.240 ± 0.021,0.385 ±0.119) decreased significantly than those of control group (1.000 ± 0.088,1.000 ± 0.223),the differences were statistically significant (t =14.62,4.21,all P ＜ 0.01).Compared with the model group,the relative expressions of FXR mRNA in the high,the middle and the low-dose emodin groups (0.755 ±0.083,0.817 ±0.097,0.547 ± 0.080) were significantly higher (t =10.42,10.03,6.39,all P ＜ 0.01).The relative expressions of FXR protein in the medium-dose group (0.865 ± 0.203) increased significantly (t =3.53,P ＜ 0.01).The relative expressions of FXR mRNA in the high and the medium-dose groups (0.755 ± 0.083,0.817 ± 0.097) were higher than those in the low-dose group (0.547 ± 0.080),the differences were statistically significant (t =3.11,3.70,all P ＜ 0.01).(2)The relative expressions of SHP,UGT2B4,BSEP mRNA and protein in the model group (0.148 ±0.025,0.205 ± 0.039,0.184 ± 0.020;0.458 ± 0.130,0.255 ± 0.170,0.303 ± 0.100) were significantly lower than those in the control group (1.000 ±.0.099,1.000 ±0.104,1.000 ±0.125;1.000 ±0.129,1.000 ±0.157,1.000 ±0.162),the differences were statistically significant (t =14.50,12.44,11.19,5.13,5.57,6.33,all P ＜ 0.01).The relative expressions of SHP,UGT2B4 and BSEP mRNA in the high,the middle and the low-dose groups (0.610 ± 0.058,0.514 ± 0.041,0.707 ± 0.062;0.755 ± 0.108,0.800 ± 0.086,0.727 ± 0.076;0.470 ± 0.070,0.582 ± 0.050,0.500±0.108) were significantly lower than those in the model group (0.148 ± 0.025,0.205 ± 0.039,0.184 ± 0.020),the differences were statistically significant (t =12.75,9.38,13.94,9.46,10.90,11.96,7.53,10.31,5.00,all P ＜0.01).The relative expressions of SHP,UGT2B4 and BSEP mRNA in the high and the middle-dose emodin group (0.658 ±0.091,0.624 ±0.113,0.607 ±0.097;0.868 ±0.194,0.883 ±0.099,0.913 ±0.131) were significantly higher than those in the low-dose group (0.458 ±0.130,0.255 ±0.170,0.303 ±0.100),the differences were statistically significant (t =2.18,3.13,3.78,3.05,5.53,6.41,all P ＜ 0.01).The relative expression of SHP and BSEP protein in the low-dose group (0.645 ±0.135,0.572 ±0.076) increased,the differences were statistically significant (t =1.73,P ＜ 0.05,t =3.72,P ＜ 0.01).The relative expression of BSEP protein in the high and the medium-dose groups (0.607 ±0.097,0.913 ± 0.131) was significantly higher than those in the low-dose group (0.572 ± 0.076),the differences were statistically significant (t =1.99,3.90,all P ＜ 0.01).The relative expressions of SHP and UGT2B4 mRNA in the high and the low-dose group (0.610 ±0.058,0.470 ±0.070;0.514 ± 0.041,0.582 ± 0.050) were significantly lower than those in the medium-dose group (0.800 ± 0.086),the differences were statistically significant (t =3.75,6.47,3.83,3.42,all P ＜ 0.01).The expression levels of UGT2B4 and BSEP in the high and the low-dose groups (0.624 ± 0.113,0.644 ± 0.097;0.607 ± 0.097,0.572 ± 0.076) were significantly lower than those in the medium-dose group (0.883 ± 0.099,0.913 ± 0.131),the differences were statistically significant (t =4.27,2.98,6.30,3.90,all P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions Guggulsterones can inhibit FXR and downstream genes SHP,UGT2B4,BSEP expressions in L02,and emodin can enhance FXR gene expression,promote SHP,UGT2B4,BSEP gene expression,inhibit cholestasis pathway,protection of liver cell,which shows a dosage discreapancy.

Clinical characteristics of children with pertussis syndrome and attention to the effect of gastroesophageal reflux caused by gastric volvulus on small infants with pertussis syndrome: an analysis of 807 cases / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To observe the clinical characteristics of infants with pertussis syndrome and the influence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) on pertussis syndrome in small infants, and provide experience for improving curative effect. Methods ① The clinical data of 807 infants with pertussis syndrome treated at Wuhan Children's Hospital from January 2015 to June 2017 were retrospectively analyzed, in which their clinical characteristics including symptoms, signs and related physical and chemical examinations were summarized. ② Prospective randomized controlled trials were performed at the Children's Hospital of Wuhan from June 2017 to June 2018, there were 120 infants with ages < 6 months diagnosed as pertussis syndrome and simultaneously accompanied by gastric volvulus (GV) and GER, and they were randomly divided into a study group and a control group according to the date sequence of definite diagnosis, 60 cases in each group. The control group was given conventional medical treatment, while in the study group, additionally the infants received massage to restore gastric proper position and anti-reflux therapy. The clinical efficacies of two groups were observed. Results ① Retrospective analysis showed that clinically, pertussis syndrome commonly occurred in infants of ages < 6 months, accounting for 88.30% (713 cases); all cases had spastic cough, and 60.00% (484 cases) infants' coughing was severer at night. In laboratory examinations, 83.27% (672 cases) of the infants had elevated platelets (PLT), 25.03% (202 cases) had abnormal myocardial zymograms, and 70.38% (568 cases) had elevated white blood cells (WBC). In the pathogen examination, only were pathogens found in 34.8% infants, mainly single pathogen infection, accounting for 86.12%. Chest radiographs suggested 71.50% of infants with pneumonia, and 73.00% of infants with GER, among which 77.92% of infants were accompanied by GV. ② The prospective study showed that in the treatment of infants with pertussis syndrome accompanied by GV and GER, manual massage should be used timely to correct GV and simultaneously anti-reflux therapy should be given, in the aspects of time required to improve cough symptoms (days: 5.36±1.40 vs. 6.59±1.56, P < 0.01) and shortening of the hospital stay (days: 6.50±1.41 vs. 8.09±1.63, P < 0.01) in the study group were superior to those in the control group; the case of respiratory failure in the study group was lower than that in the control group [2 cases vs. 8 cases, P < 0.05]. Conclusions In pertussis syndrome, lymphocytes occupy the main proportion of WBC elevation that is an important differential criterion between pertussis syndrome and infantile pneumonia with gastric volvulus and gastroesophageal reflux. PLT elevation in pertussis syndrome suggests that attention should be paid to the elevation as that might be related to the disease prognosis. It is necessary to further investigate whether the positive pathogen discovered in the course of pertussis syndrome is a pathogenic one, and attention should also be paid to the medical examination of GV and GER in the small infants with pertussis syndrome, since early proper intervention to correct GV and GER can significantly improve their clinical efficacies.

Clinical features of neonatal intra-hepatic cholestasis caused by citrin defects and observation on therapeutic effect of Linda mixture for treatment of the disease / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Linda mixture self made by combination of disease with syndrome pattern for treatment of neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis disease caused by Citrin defects (NICCD) and to provide an experience in early diagnosis and treatment of NICCD.Methods The clinical features of 20 patients with NICCD was confirmed by NICCD common genetic loci detection during hospitalization admitted to the Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Wuhan Children Hospital from June 2012 to June 2015 were retrospectively analysed.The clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine Linda mixture for treatment of NICCD,before and after treatment,the index changes of liver function and coagulation function were observed and Color Doppler ultrasound was used to detect the situation of hepatosplenomegaly in the patients.Results There were 20 cases all their pathological jaundice occurring within 3 months old,after treatment,15 cases of them obtained clinical recovery and 5 cases were getting better,the average length of stay in hospital was (14.67 ± 1.56) days.After the treatment,the levels of serum total bilirubin (TBil),direct bilirubin (DBil),alanine aminotransferase (ALT),total bile acid (TBA) were markedly lower compared with those before treatment [TBil (μmol/L):64.0 ± 39.5 vs.173.5 ± 54.1,DBil (μmol/L):37.7±24.8 vs.80.9±46.4,ALT (U/L):42.1±25.8 vs.55.0±32.2,TBA (μnol/L):67.5±20.3 vs.195.0±61.3,all P ＜ 0.05],albumin (Alb) and total albumin (GLB) were significantly higher compared with those before treatment [Alb (U/L):37.9 ± 4.7 vs.33.1 ± 4.7,GLB (g/L):17.3 ± 4.0 vs.14.6 ± 2.8,both P ＜ 0.05],activated partial thromboplastin time (AP'TT) of coagulation function was significantly reduced (s:38.2± 8.3 vs.63.1±24.0,P ＜ 0.05).Color Doppler ultrasound examination showed that hepatosplenomegaly was shrunk after treatment [hepatomegaly (cm):2.12 ± 0.70 vs.3.04 ± 0.25,splenomegaly (cm):0.25 ± 0.03 vs.0.58 ± 0.32,both P ＜ 0.05].After 1 month of follow up,the infants' body weights were almost normal,the average increase in weight being (1.01±0.32) kg,the color and frequency of stool were distinctly better compared with those before treatment,the stool color in 15 cases was golden,pale yellow in 5 cases and no one,pottery clay in color.The stool frequencies of 18 cases were kept under 5 times,and fatty diarrhea situation was ameliorated.Conclusion Using Chinese medicine for treatment of NICCD can obtain significant clinical effects.

Clinical research of neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by Citrin deficiency in Hubei Province / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To explore the clinical manifestations and the characteristics of neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by Citrin deficiency(NICCD)in Hubei province. Methods The biochemical indicators including liver function,blood lipid,lactic acid,blood ammonia,total bile acid,alpha feto protein,coagulogram,blood amino spec-trum,acylcrnitine spectrum,urine organic acid and SLC25A13 gene analysis of 20 cases with NICCD,who came from Wuhan Children's Hospital,during September 2010 to January 2013,were collected before treatment,then followed up for 1 year. Results Laboratory results of NICCD patients showed high blood bilirubin,elevated liver enzymes and bile acid,hyperlipidemia,high alpha feto protein,high lactic acidosis,high ammonia,hypoalbuminemia,hypoglycemia,disor-der of blood coagulation mechanism,variety of amino acids increase,mainly citrulline rose. Mainly long - chain acyl carnitine increased among acyl of carnitine. Abnormal increase of urine 4 - hydroxy benzene acetic acid,4 - hydroxy benzene lactic acid and 4 - hydroxy benzene pyruvic acid. Six mutations were detected in SLC25A13 gene analysis,and L477R,G639S of them were novel mutations,851del4,1638ins23,IVS6 + 5G ﹥ A were hot mutation. All the patients were eased in jaundice before they were 1 year old. Conclusions The early clinical criterion of the patients is disor-der. Hyperlipidemia has been detected in the early course of the disease,and L477R,G639S are the novel mutations.

Molecular diagnosis of SLC25A13 gene mutation in neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency / 临床儿科杂志

Objective To investigate SLC25A13gene mutation in neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin defi-ciency (NICCD). Method A total of 17 children with NICCD were collected. PCR-RFLP method was used to analyze the most common eight mutations of SLC25A13 gene in Chinese populations and results were analyzed together with routine laboratory examinations. Results In the 17 NICCD patients, there were six cases of homozygous mutation, three cases of compound heterozy-gous mutation and eight cases of single heterozygous mutation in SLC25A13 gene. Three kinds of mutations detected were 851del4 (73.1%), 1638ins23 (11.5%) and IVS6+5G>A (15.4%). The seventeen cases showed classical NICCD symptoms of low birth weight, pathological jaundice. And laboratory data suggested liver dysfunction, hyperbilirubinemia, hyperbileacidemia, hy-poproteinemia, hypoglycemia, coagulation disorders, hyperlactacidemia and hyperammonemia. Conclusions 851del4, 1638ins23 and IVS6+5G>A are hot spots of SLC25A13 gene mutation in Chinese populations. PCR-RFLP is a rapid, convenient and reliable technology for NICCD molecular diagnosis.