Dynamic flyer in barrel imaging via high intensity short-pulse laser.

The thin flyer is a small-scale flying object, which is well known as the core functional element of the initiator. Understanding how flyers perform has been a long-standing issue in detonator science. However, it remains a significant challenge to explore how the flyer is formed and functions in the barrel of the initiator via tabletop devices. In this study, we present dynamic and unprecedented images of flyer in barrel via high intensity short-pulse laser. Advanced radiography, coupled with a high-intensity picosecond laser X-ray source, has enabled the provision of state-of-the-art radiographs in a single-shot experiment for observing micron-scale flyer formation in a hollow cylinder in nanoseconds. The flyer was clearly visible in the barrel and was accelerated and restricted differently from that without the barrel. This first implementation of a tabletop X-ray source provided a new approach for capturing dynamic photographs of small-scale flying objects, which were previously reported to be accessible only via an X-ray phase-contrast imaging system at the advanced photon source. These efforts have led to a significant improvement of radiographic capability and a greater understanding of the mechanisms of "burst" of exploding foil initiators for this application.

Design of a mutation-integrated trimeric RBD with broad protection against SARS-CoV-2.

The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants highlights the need of developing vaccines with broad protection. Here, according to the immune-escape capability and evolutionary convergence, the representative SARS-CoV-2 strains carrying the hotspot mutations were selected. Then, guided by structural and computational analyses, we present a mutation-integrated trimeric form of spike receptor-binding domain (mutI-tri-RBD) as a broadly protective vaccine candidate, which combined heterologous RBDs from different representative strains into a hybrid immunogen and integrated immune-escape hotspots into a single antigen. When compared with a homo-tri-RBD vaccine candidate in the stage of phase II trial, of which all three RBDs are derived from the SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain, mutI-tri-RBD induced significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers against the Delta and Beta variants, and maintained a similar immune response against the prototype strain. Pseudo-virus neutralization assay demonstrated that mutI-tri-RBD also induced broadly strong neutralizing activities against all tested 23 SARS-CoV-2 variants. The in vivo protective capability of mutI-tri-RBD was further validated in hACE2-transgenic mice challenged by the live virus, and the results showed that mutI-tri-RBD provided potent protection not only against the SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain but also against the Delta and Beta variants.

Long non­coding RNA 00858 knockdown alleviates bladder cancer via regulation of the miR­3064­5p/CTGF axis.

The long non-coding RNA 00858 (LINC00858) has been reported to be an oncogene for various cancer diseases, including osteosarcoma and colorectal cancer. However, the expression pattern and function of LINC00858 in bladder cancer remain largely unknown. The expression level of LINC00858 was measured in tumor tissues and cell lines by RT-qPCR. The role of LINC00858 in bladder cancer cells were studied by gain- and loss-of-function strategies in vitro. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell chamber assays. At the molecular level, dual luciferase reporter and RNA RIP assays were performed to identify the interaction among LINC00858, microRNA (miR)-3064-5p and cellular communication network factor 2 (CTGF). The results revealed that the expression level of LINC00858 was upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines including T24, J82 and 5637. Moreover, knockdown of LINC00858 suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Mechanistically, LINC00858 functioned as a competitive RNA to increase the expression level of oncogene CTGF by sequestering miR-3064-5p. In conclusion, LINC00858 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells via regulation of the miR-3064-5p/CTGF axis.

[Predictive value of comprehensive preoperative evaluation for the outcome of TURP].

Objective: To evaluate preoperative comprehensive examinations of the IPSS-voiding to storage subscore ratio (IPSS-V/S), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) in predicting the outcome of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for BPH. METHODS: This retrospective study included 103 cases of BPH treated by TURP in Yixing People's Hospital from December 2018 to December 2019. The patients averaged 71.92 ± 7.73 years of age, with a mean prostate volume of (58.34 ± 15.59) ml, preoperative IPSS of 23.38 ± 3.36, voiding score of 14.38 ± 2.69, storage score of 9 (8－10), V/S ratio of 1.67 (1.43－1.88), Qmax of 7 (5－8) ml/s, IPP of 4 (0－5) mm, and PVR of (117.03 ± 20.51) ml. The TURP operations were completed by the same surgeon, with mean operation time of (83.65 ± 14.31) min and intraoperative blood loss of (55.32 ± 18.92) ml. The patients were followed up for 3 months after surgery for evaluation of the outcomes based on the IPSS and quality of life (QOL) scores. RESULTS: The postoperative IPSS was significantly improved in all the patients compared with the baseline (5.36 ± 1.95 vs 23.38 ± 3.36, P < 0.05). Based on the criteria of IPSS < 7 and general satisfaction with QOL, satisfactory results were achieved in 71 (68.93%) of the patients (aged 71.04 ± 7.23 years, prostate volume: ï¼»59.68 ± 15.79ï¼½ ml, IPSS: 23.87 ± 3.42, voiding score: 14.87 ± 2.34, storage score: 9 ï¼»8－10ï¼½, V/S ratio: 1.67 ï¼»1.47－1.86ï¼½, Qmax: 6 ï¼»4－7ï¼½ ml/s, IPP: 5 ï¼»0－6ï¼½ mm, PVR: 110.53 ± 17.69 ml, operation time ï¼»85.37 ± 12.28ï¼½ min, intraoperative blood loss: ï¼»58.08 ± 14.61ï¼½ ml), and unsatisfactory results in the other 32 (31.07%) (aged 76.91 ± 8.25 years, prostate volume: ï¼»55.38 ± 14.73ï¼½ ml, IPSS: 22.53 ± 3.25, voiding score: 13.53 ± 3.21, storage score: 9 ï¼»8－12ï¼½, V/S ratio: 1.36 ï¼»1.03－1.95ï¼½, Qmax: 8 ï¼»7－9ï¼½ ml/s, IPP: 0 ï¼»0－5ï¼½ mm, PVR: ï¼»129.61 ± 20.62ï¼½ ml, operation time: ï¼»78.85 ± 10.04ï¼½ min, intraoperative blood loss: 48.76 ± 12.19 ml). CONCLUSIONS: TURP yields better results in younger BPH patients, with baseline IPSS dominantly in urinary symptoms, greater IPP, lower PVR, and lower Qmax.

Synthesis of Stannole-Containing π-Conjugated Polymers by Post-Element Transformation of Organotitanium Polymer.

The synthesis of stannole-2,5-diyl-containing π-conjugated polymers by the post-element transformation of a regioregular organotitanium polymer is described. For example, a 1,1-diphenylstannole-containing polymer is obtained in 83% yield by the reaction of a regioregular organotitanium polymer, which is prepared from 1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyloxy)-2,5-diethynylbenzene and a low-valent titanium complex with diphenyltin dichloride at -50 °C to ambient temperature. The number-average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution (Mn and Mw /Mn ) of the stannole-containing polymer are estimated as 4800 and 1.8, respectively. The obtained polymer is found to have the extended π-conjugated backbone and relatively low-lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level (-3.12 eV), which is supported by its UV-vis absorption spectrum and cyclic voltammetric (CV) analysis. In addition, the stannole-containing polymer is found to be applicable to a chemosensor for fluoride anion where the color and photoluminescence intensity of the polymer solution exhibits a distinct change in the presence of a fluoride anion.

Low expression of PDK1 inhibits renal cell carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition through inhibition of the PI3K-PDK1-Akt pathway.

As the most commonly occurring form of primary renal tumor, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a malignancy accompanied by a high mortality rate. 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) has been established as a protein target and generated considerable interest in both the pharmaceutical and academia industry. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of si-PDK1 on the RCC cell apoptosis, proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in connection with the PI3K-PDK1-Akt pathway. Microarray analysis from the GEO database was adopted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to RCC, after which the positive expression of the PDK1 protein in tissue was determined accordingly. The optimal silencing si-RNA was subsequently selected and RCC cell lines 786-O and A498 were selected and transfected with either a si-PDK1 or activator of the PI3K-PDK1-Akt pathway for grouping purposes. The mRNA and protein expressions of PDK1, the PI3K-PDK1-Akt pathway-, EMT- and apoptosis-related genes were then evaluated. The effect of si-PDK1 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration was then analyzed. Through microarray analysis of GSE6344, GSE53757, GSE14762 and GSE781, PDK1 was examined. PDK1 was determined to be highly expressed in RCC tissues. Si-PDK1 exhibited marked reductions in relation to the mRNA and protein expression of PDK1, PI3K, AKT as well as Vimentin while elevated mRNA and protein expressions of E-cadherin were detected, which ultimately suggested that cell migration, proliferation and invasion had been inhibited coupled with enhanced levels of cell apoptosis. While a notable observation was made highlighting that the PI3K-PDK1-Akt pathway antagonized the effect of PDK1 silencing. Taken together, the key observations of this study provide evidence suggesting that high expressions of PDK1 are found in RCC, while highlighting that silencing PDK1 could inhibit RCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT by repressing the PI3K-PDK1-Akt pathway.

Effects of Involved Laser Photons on Radiation and Electron-Positron Pair Production in one Coherence Interval in Ultra Intense Lasers.

Electron radiation and γ photon annihilation are two of the major processes in ultra intense lasers (UIL). Understanding their behavior in one coherence interval (CI) is the basis for UIL-matter interaction researches. However, most existing analytic formulae only give the average over many CIs. Present understanding of these two multi-photon processes in one CI usually assume that they emit forward and their spectra have a cutoff at the energy of the electron/γ. Such assumptions ignore the effects of involved laser photons (EILP). We deduced the formulae for these two processes in one CI with EILP included and give the conditions for the EILP to be significant. Strong EILP introduces new behaviors into these two processes in one CI, such as large angle emission and emit particles above the usually assumed cutoff. Simulations show that the EILP would be significant when laser intensity reaches 2 × 1022 W/cm2, which is within the reach of state-of-art lasers.

Left iliac vein compression is not associated with infrainguinal deep venous thrombosis but is associated with iliac vein involvement.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether left iliac vein (LIV) compression had similar correlation with the risk of left iliac deep venous thrombosis (DVT; iliac vein involvement) and infrainguinal DVT (without iliac vein involvement). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of records and enhanced computed tomography images was conducted of 278 patients with left-sided DVT (iliac DVT, 228 patients; infrainguinal DVT, 50 patients) and 232 control patients without DVT on either side. The influences of LIV compression on the risk of left iliac DVT and infrainguinal DVT were investigated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Mean percentage compression of the LIV in left iliac DVT (74.64% ± 0.99%) patients was significantly higher than in non-DVT patients (53.42% ± 1.49%; P < .01). However, mean percentage compression of the LIV in left infrainguinal DVT patients (45.37% ± 2.71%) was significantly lower than in non-DVT patients (53.42% ± 1.49%; P < .01). LIV compression was associated with increased odds of left iliac DVT (odds ratio, 1.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.64-2.15; P < .01) for each 10% increase in percentage compression of the LIV. However, LIV compression was not associated with increased odds of infrainguinal DVT (odds ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-1.03; P = .126). CONCLUSIONS: Left iliac DVT patients had more severe LIV compression than left infrainguinal DVT patients did. LIV compression was not associated with development of left infrainguinal DVT, but it did correlate with the presence of left-sided DVT with iliac vein involvement.

Effects of CYP3A5 polymorphisms on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in pediatric kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: CYP3A5 genetic polymorphisms have been reported to be strongly associated with the tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in adult kidney transplantation. However, there is no published meta-analysis in the influence of CYP3A5 variants on the requirements of the tacrolimus dose in pediatric renal-transplant recipients (RTRs). We wished to determine the effects of CYP3A5 polymorphisms on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in pediatric RTRs. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to include relevant articles by searching PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Pharmacokinetic-associated parameters such as dose administration, as well as concentrations and dose-adjusted concentrations of tacrolimus were extracted and the meta-analysis undertaken. RESULTS: The meta-analysis involved four studies and one study series involving 268 pediatric RTRs. A significant difference was observed in the mean trough concentration/dose of tacrolimus between recipients carrying CYP3A5* 3/*3 variants (referred to as "non-expressers") and those carrying CYP3A5*1 (referred to as "expressers") [standard mean difference (SMD)=-1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.92 to -0.25, P=0.011]. Moreover, significance was observed in the mean daily dose of tacrolimus between non-expressers and expressers in pediatric RTRs (SMD=0.44, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.68, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis identified a positive correlation between CYP3A5 genotypes and tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in pediatric RTRs.

Sulforaphane attenuates di-N-butylphthalate-induced reproductive damage in pubertal mice: Involvement of the Nrf2-antioxidant system.

di-N-butylphthalate (DBP) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant used for plastic coating and in the cosmetics industry. It has toxic effects on body health, especially the male reproductive system. Here, we investigated the effects of DBP on the male reproductive system of pubertal mice and explored the protective role of sulforaphane (SFN). The results showed that DBP significantly reduced the anogenital distance, testicular weight, sperm count and motility, and plasma and testicular testosterone levels and significantly increased the oxidative stress, sperm abnormalities, and testicular cell apoptosis. SFN supplementation ameliorated these effects. After DBP stimulation, the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was adaptively increased together with its target genes, such as HO-1 and NQO1. Upregulation of Nrf2 by SFN reduced the DBP-mediated intracellular oxidative toxicity and also increased testosterone secretion and spermatogenesis, which were decreased by DBP. These findings indicate that SFN can attenuate DBP-induced reproductive damage in pubertal mice via Nrf2-associated pathways.

Multivariate model for predicting semen cryopreservation outcomes in a human sperm bank.

Semen cryopreservation is widely used in assisted reproductive technologies, but it reduces sperm quality dramatically. The aim of this study was to develop a model using basal semen quality to predict the outcome of postthaw semen parameters and improve the efficiency of cryopreservation in a human sperm bank. Basal semen parameters of 180 samples were evaluated in the first stage, and a multiple logistic regression analysis involving a backward elimination selection procedure was applied to select independent predictors. After a comprehensive analysis of all results, we developed a new model to assess the freezability of sperm. Progressive motility (PR), straight-line velocity (VSL) and average path velocity (VAP) were included in our model. A greater area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was obtained in our model when compared with other indicators. In the second stage of our study, samples that satisfied the new model were selected to undergo freeze-thawing. Compared with the first stage, the rate of good freezability was increased significantly (94% vs 67%, P = 0.003). By determining basal semen quality, we have developed a new model to improve the efficiency of cryopreservation in a human sperm bank.

Good laboratory practices guarantee biosafety in the Sierra Leone-China friendship biosafety laboratory.

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa between 2014 and 2015 was the largest EDV epidemic since the identification of Ebola virus (EBOV) in 1976, and the countries most strongly affected were Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia. FINDINGS: The Sierra Leone-China Friendship Biological Safety Laboratory (SLE-CHN Biosafety Lab), a fixed Biosafety Level 3 laboratory in the capital city of Sierra Leone, was established by the Chinese government and has been active in EBOV detection since 11 March 2015. Complete management and program documents were created for the SLE-CHN Biosafety Lab, and it was divided into four zones (the green, yellow, brown, and red zones) based on the risk assessment. Different types of safe and appropriate personnel protection equipment (PPE) are used in different zones of the laboratory, and it fully meets the Biosafety Level 3 laboratory standards of the World Health Organization. CONCLUSION: Good preparedness, comprehensive risk assessment and operation documents, appropriate PPE, effective monitoring and intensive training, together with well-designed and reasonable laboratory sectioning are essential for guaranteeing biosafety.

Ischemic heart disease deaths, disability-adjusted life years and risk factors in Fujian, China during 1990-2013: Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013.

OBJECTIVES: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a large public health problem and is associated with a number of modifiable risk factors. The aim of this study was to estimate the IHD burden and attributable to risk factors in Fujian, China during 1990 to 2013. METHODS: IHD deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and attributable to risk factors were estimated as part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2013 Study. Statistical models were employed to produce comprehensive results of IHD deaths, DALYs and attributable to risk. Means and 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) were calculated for mortality and DALYs. The median of the percent change and 95% UI were determined for the period between 1990 and 2013. RESULTS: The age-standardized IHD deaths rate increased by 15.3% from 1990 [74.7 (95% UI 62.9-99.1) per 100,000] to 2013 [82.7 (56.5-95.5) per 100,000]. The age-standardized IHD DALYs has slightly decreased 8.8% from 1990 to 2013[from 1356.2 (1134.3-1732.1) to 1202.7 (879.6-1404.6) per 100,000]. All risks combined account for 94.7% (92.9%- 96.0%) of IHD DALYs for all ages in 2013. The five leading risk factors for all ages IHD DALYs were high systolic blood pressure, high total cholesterol, smoking, diet high in sodium, and high fasting plasma glucose. CONCLUSION: Despite decreased age-standardized IHD deaths and DALY rate since 1990, population growth and aging led to a higher global burden of IHD in 2013. Behavioral, environmental, and metabolic risks can explain most of the IHD DALYs providing many opportunities for prevention.

[Efficacy and safety of Saw Palmetto Extract Capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of Saw Palmetto Extract Capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We conducted a multi-centered open clinical study on 165 BPH patients treated with Saw Palmetto Extract Capsules at a dose of 160 mg qd for 12 weeks. At the baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of medication, we compared the International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), prostate volume, postvoid residual urine volume, urinary flow rate, quality of life scores (QOL), and adverse events between the two groups of patients. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, both IPSS and QOL were improved after 6 weeks of medication, and at 12 weeks, significant improvement was found in IPSS, QOL, urinary flow rate, and postvoid residual urine. Mild stomachache occurred in 1 case, which necessitated no treatment. CONCLUSION: Saw Palmetto Extract Capsules were safe and effective for the treatment of BPH.

Differences in limb, age and sex of Chinese deep vein thrombosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, the differences in age or sex of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) patients have been widely debated. However, close analyses of the differences in limb, age and sex of Chinese DVT patients have been scarcely reported. The purpose of this research is to study the differences in limb, age and sex of DVT patients. METHODS: A total of 783 consecutive DVT patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with an acute presentation of DVT were diagnosed by means of compression ultrasonography or venography. Clinical characteristics and provoked risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: There were three frequency peaks including two smaller peaks at age 20-24 and 70-74 years, and the largest peak at age 45-59 years. The most significant risk factors affecting different age groups were as follows: pregnancy/puerperium for age ≤ 39; fracture and hysterectomy for age 40-64; fracture and malignancy for age ≥ 65. DVT frequency rate provoked by malignancy was higher in right DVT than left DVT (15.8% vs. 4.6%; p < 0.001). Left DVT was more common than right DVT (582 vs. 158). Left DVT tended to occur in females (male:female, 40.5%:59.5%), and right DVT in males (male:female, 74.7%:25.3%). DVT provoked by pregnancy/puerperium (56/63, 88.9%) or hysterectomy (27/30, 90.0%) was mostly located in left limb. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to pay more attention to thromboprophylaxis for patients with the risk factors of pregnancy/puerperium, hysterectomy, fracture and malignancy, especially those over the age of 65. And further research into the cause of limb, age and sex differences in DVT occurrence is needed.

[Detection of human parvovirus B19, human bocavirus and human parvovirus 4 infections in blood samples among 95 patients with liver disease in Nanjing by nested PCR].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the infection of human parvovirus B19, human bocavirus (HBoV) and human parvovirus 4 (PARV4) in blood samples among patients with liver disease in Nanjing by molecular detection. METHODS: Nested PCR assays were designed and validated to detect B19, HBoV and PARV4, respectively. The assays were used to screen three parvoviruses in blood samples from 95 patients with different liver disease in Nanjing. The parvovirus infection was analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The detection limits were 10 copies of genomic DNA equivalents per reaction for each assays and the good specificity were observed. The frequency of B19 and HBoV were 2/95 (2.1%) and 9/95 (9.5%) in blood samples respectively. No PARV4 was detected. HBoV was detected in 3/5 patients with drug-induced hepatitis. CONCLUSION: Both B19 and HBoV infection were detected in blood from patients with liver disease.

[Prokaryotic expression and characterization of two recombinant receptor-binding domain(RBD) proteins of human coronavirus NL63(HcoV-NL63)].

The receptor-binding domain(RBD) protein of HCoV-NL63 is a major target in the development of diagnostic assay and vaccine, it has a pivotal role in receptor attachment, viral entry and membrane fusion. In this study, we prepared 2 purified recombinant HCoV-NL63 RBD proteins using in E. coli system and identified the proteins by Western blotting. We first optimized codon and synthesized the RL (232-684aa)coding gene, then amplified the RL or RS(476-616aa) coding gene via PCR using different primers . The RL or RS coding gene was cloned into the pM48 expression vector fused with TrxA tag. The RBD (RL and RS) of HCoV-NL63 were expressed majorly as inclusion body when expressed in E. coli BL21pLys S under different conditions. The expressed products were purified by affinity chromatography then analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Our results showed that the recombinant RBD proteins were maximally expressed at 37 degrees C with 0. 8mM IPTG induction for 4h. RL or RS protein with 95 % purity was obtained and reacted positively with anti-sera from mice immunized with the recombinant vaccinia virus (Tiantan strain) in which HCoV-NL63 RL or RS protein was expressed. In conclusion, the purified recombinant RBD proteins(RL and RS)derived from E. coli were first prepared in China and they might provide a basis for further exploring biological role and vaccine development of HCoV-NL63.

Compression of left common iliac vein is independently associated with left-sided deep vein thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: Left-sided lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is more common than right-sided DVT. This difference was found to be caused by the compression of the left iliac common vein (LCIV). To evaluate and compare LCIV compression in unilateral DVT patients and the normal population and investigate the association of LCIV compression with the risk of left-sided DVT. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of records and computed tomography imaging was conducted in 19 right DVT, 60 left DVT, and 218 control subjects. The influences of LCIV diameter and stenosis on the risk of left DVT were investigated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In control subjects, 51.8% had greater than 50% compression of the LCIV, and 24.3% had greater than 70% compression. Mean LCIV diameter was smaller in left DVT (2.39 mm) than in right DVT (6.18 mm) or normal control (5.39 mm). Mean LCIV stenosis was higher in left DVT (77.57%) than in right DVT (38.01%) or normal control (49.31%). The odds of left DVT increased by a factor of 2.69 for each millimeter decrease in LCIV diameter and 2.78 for each 10% increase in LCIV stenosis. With LCIV stenosis >75%, the risk of left DVT was associated with an 11-fold increase, and with LCIV diameter <2.5 mm, the risk was associated with a 13.5-fold increase. Unprovoked and provoked left DVT patients had similar LCIV compression, and left DVT patients had more significant LCIV compression than right DVT patients. CONCLUSIONS: LCIV compression was a normal anatomical pattern with an increased risk of left DVT. LCIV compression might be the essential and prereqisite factor for left DVT. Patients with severe LCIV compression should receive more emphasis on left DVT prophylaxis because they are the high-risk population of left DVT.

[Antigenicity characterization of six different fragments of SARS-CoV N protein expressed in E. coli].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the antigen characteristics of different fragments of SARS-CoV N protein expressed in E. Coli and their application in the serological diagnosis. METHODS: Based on preliminary analysis of 39 different segments of the N protein, We choosed six purified N protein for further antigenicity characterization in this study, including that PN360 (1 -360aa), PN301 (1-301aa), PN199 (30-228aa), PN185 (30-214aa), PN155b (60-214aa), and PN125 (90-214aa). We developed Western-Bolt and ELISA to detect antibody reactivity between truncated N fragments with sera from SARS-CoV-negative normal adults or SARS-CoV patient convalescent sera. RESULTS: Western-Bolt results show that all the six fragments have reacted with the SARS patient convalescent sera, but the PN360 and PN301 showed obvious cross-reaction with sera from SARS-CoV-negative normal adults; sensitivity analysis using an ELISA coating with PN199, PN185, PN155b, PN125 as antigen showed that the PN185 and PN155b are better than PN125. CONCLUSION: Truncated N protein PN185 and PN155b expressed in E. Coli are better antigen candidates used for detection of SARS-CoV specific antibody.

[Molecular detection assays for 2012 identified novel human coronavirus (HCoV) and probe modification with locked nucleic acid (LNA)].

OBJECTIVE: To develop and optimize the molecular detection assays for recently identified human coronavirus (HCoV) infection. METHODS: Based on the 208 base pair(bp) sequence of novel HCoV reported by HPA of UK, we designed and obtained several pairs of primer (F-1, R-1; F-2, R-2) and Taqman probes (TZ1,TZ2) for detection of novel HCoV. Two of probes were modified with LNA (LNA-TZ1, LNA-TZ2). Then, RT-PCR and various real time RT-PCR assays were developed and optimized in this study. We also compared our assays with the real time RT-PCR assays reported recently by Europe team based on upE or ORF1b target. RESULTS: The RT-PCR or real time RT-PCR assays for novel HCoV were developed without cross-reactivity with other HCoV and several common respiratory viruses using clinical specimen panel. The analytical sensitivity of assays were less than 50-500 copies per reaction and the detection was improved when Taqman probe modified with LNA-tagged, compared to no LNA-tagged in real time RT-PCR assays. The upE and LNA-TZ1 based assays were better than others. CONCLUSION: The molecular detection sensitivity and specificity of TaqMan-based real time PCR assay could be improved when probe tagged with LNA. The upE or LNA-TZ1 based real time RT-PCR assay was recommend for detection of novel HCoV. This study laid a foundation for improving the performance of novel HCoV detection.