In order to develop monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) against the gp90 protein of reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV), the His-tagged gp90 protein of REV was used to immunize BALB/c mice. Hybridomas were generated by fusing mouse myeloma cells SP2/0 with the splenocytes from the immunized mice. After screening and 3 rounds of cloning process, 3 hybridomas (3G5-B8, 3G5-A10 and 1G12) that stably secreted McAbs against the REV-gp90 were obtained. The isotypes of the McAbs were determined to be IgG1, IgG1 and IgG2b. The McAbs specifically bound to gp90 in REV-infected DF-1 cells, as demonstrated by Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence assay. The recognition regions on gp90 that were recognized by 3G5-B8/3G5-A10 and 1G12 were located between amino acids 200 to 245 and 230 to 235, respectively, as demonstrated by Western blotting analysis. These McAbs will be useful in the diagnosis and pathogenesis study of REV.
Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; biosynthesis ; Antibody Specificity ; Blotting, Western ; Epitope Mapping ; Hybridomas ; Immunoglobulin G ; biosynthesis ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Reticuloendotheliosis virus ; immunology ; Viral Envelope Proteins ; immunology

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) VP4 plays an important role in immunosuppression of host. In order to develop monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) against VP4, we vaccinated BALB/c mice with His-VP4, screened and subcloned positive clones. We established 4 hybridoma cell lines that stably secreted McAbs against VP4 and named these cell lines 3B3, 3H11, 4C8 and 4G6, respectively. We tested the dissociation constant (Kd) of these McAbs, and found that their K(d)s were 4.61 x 10(-11), 1.71 x 10(-10), 4.26 x 10(-11), 5.02 x 10(-11), respectively. The isotypes of these McAbs were determined to be IgG1, IgG1, IgG2b and IgG1. These McAbs specifically bound to VP4 in IBDV infected DF-1 cells as demonstrated by Western blotting analysis and fluorescence antibody assay. These McAbs would help to detect IBDV infection and to analyze the biological activities of IBDV VP4.
Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; biosynthesis ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Hybridomas ; Infectious bursal disease virus ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Viral Structural Proteins ; immunology

In China, the control and prevention programs on any disease has always been based on comprehensive strategies. Take influenza as an example, related contents would include: strengthening the surveillance, recommendation and promotion of vaccination, rational use of antiviral drugs, conducting outbreak investigation and control, and publicizing individual protective measures, etc. In terms of the response to challenges, specific proposals would include: adjustment of case reports, optimization of surveillance systems, reinforcement of vaccination recommendation by health care workers, improvement of access to vaccination, development of rapid diagnostic reagents, and rational use of antiviral drugs, etc.
Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use* ; China/epidemiology* ; Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control* ; Health Personnel ; Humans ; Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage* ; Influenza, Human/prevention & control* ; Primary Prevention/organization & administration* ; Program Development ; Seasons ; Vaccination

Objective: To understand the molecular characteristics of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) as well as the disease risk of influenza virus A H7N9 in Guizhou province. Methods: RNAs were extracted and sequenced from HA and NA genes of H7N9 virus strains obtained from 18 cases of human infection with H7N9 virus and 6 environmental swabs in Guizhou province during 2014-2017. Then the variation and the genetic evolution of the virus were analyzed by using a series of bioinformatics software package. Results: Homology analysis of HA and NA genes revealed that 2 strains detected during 2014-2015 shared 98.8%-99.2% and 99.2% similarities with vaccine strains A/Shanghai/2/2013 and A/Anhui/1/2013 recommended by WHO, respectively. Two strains detected in 2016 and 14 strains detected in 2017 shared 98.2%-99.3% and 97.6%-98.8% similarities with vaccine strain A/Hunan/02650/2016, respectively. Other 6 stains detected in 2017 shared 99.1%-99.4% and 98.9%-99.3% similarities with strain A/Guangdong/17SF003/2016, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the strains were directly evolved in the Yangtze River Delta evolution branch, but they were derived from different small branch. PEVPKRKRTAR↓GLF was found in 6 of 24 strains cleavage site sequences of HA protein, indicating the characteristic of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. Mutations A134V, G186V and Q226L at the receptor binding sites were found in the HA. All the strains had a stalk deletion of 5 amino acid residue "QISNT" in NA protein, and drug resistance mutation R294K occurred in strain A/Guizhou-Danzhai/18980/2017. In addition, potential glycosylation motifs mutations NCS42NCT were found in the NA of 9 of 24 strains. Conclusions: HA and NA genes of avian influenza A (H7N9) virus showed genetic divergence in Guizhou province during 2014-2017. The mutations of key sites might enhance the virulence of the virus, human beings are more susceptible to it. Hence, the risk of infection is increasing.
Animals ; Base Sequence ; Birds ; China/epidemiology* ; Genome, Viral ; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology* ; Hemagglutinins/genetics* ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/isolation & purification* ; Influenza in Birds ; Influenza, Human/virology* ; Neuraminidase/genetics* ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Viral/genetics* ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

INTRODUCTION: We investigated sex and ethnic differences in the incidence, clinical characteristics and 1-year mortality of patients with newly diagnosed AF in a multi-ethnic population. METHOD: This retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with AF from 2008 to 2015 was based on medical claims, casemix and subvention data submitted to the Ministry of Health. Patients with AF were matched with controls without AF for age (3-year bands), sex and ethnicity, and categorised as middle-aged (45-64 years) or elderly (≥65 years) among major ethnic groups in Singapore (Chinese, Malay and Indian). RESULTS: Among 40,602 adults with AF (elderly 74%), Malays had the highest age-standardised incidence rate of AF, followed by Chinese and Indians; and the rate was higher in men. Despite having the worst cardiovascular risk profile, Indians had the lowest prevalence and incidence of AF. The 1-year mortality rate after newly diagnosed AF was 22-26 deaths per 100 people. Newly diagnosed AF was independently associated with increased 1-year all-cause mortality among middle-aged (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 9.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.36-11.20) and elderly adults (AOR 3.60, 95% CI 3.40-3.80) compared with those without AF. Sex differences in mortality among patients with AF were limited to elderly adults (men: AOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.11-1.24), while Indians were associated with a 30% increased odds of mortality compared with Chinese regardless of age (middle-aged: AOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.09-1.548 elderly: AOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.22-1.45). CONCLUSION Variations in incidence, clinical profile and 1-year mortality of patients with AF in a nationwide cohort were influenced by sex and ethnicity. Newly diagnosed AF portends a worse prognosis and is a marker of high mortality within the first year.
Adult ; Aged ; Atrial Fibrillation/complications* ; Ethnicity ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Singapore/epidemiology*

Objective: To understand prevalence and transmission of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) among HIV infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tianjin from 2014 to 2017. Methods: A total of 225 blood samples were collected from HIV infected MSM in Tianjin from 2014 to 2017. Pol gene fragments were obtained by viral RNA extraction and nested PCR amplification. Phylogenetic and drug resistance analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 205 samples were successfully sequenced and analyzed. Based on pol sequences, 53.2% (109/205), 28.8% (59/205), 10.2% (21/205), 4.9% (10/205) and 2.9% (6/205) of the samples were positive for HIV subtypes CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, B, CRF55_01B and unique recombinant forms (URFs). Twenty transmission clusters, including 75 sequences, were identified and 62.5% (10/16) of sequences with TDR were in 5 clusters. The prevalence of TDR was 7.8% between 2014 and 2017. The annual prevalence rate increased from 3.9% (2/51) in 2014, 5.7% (3/53) in 2015, 9.6% (5/52) in 2016 to 12.2%(6/49) in 2017, the difference was not significant (χ(2)=2.504, P=0.127). CRF01_AE and B strains had high TDR prevalence (3.4%, 7/205) and (2.9%, 6/205), respectively. The TDR mutation was mainly NNRTIs, the TDR prevalence was 6.3% (13/205). In contract, the TDR prevalence of NRTIs and PIs were 1.5% (3/205) and 1.0% (2/205) respectively. Conclusion: Results from this study suggested that the prevalence of HIV-1 TDR strains in MSM was serious in Tianjin. It is necessary to take effective prevention and control measures.
China ; Drug Resistance, Viral/genetics* ; Genes, pol ; Genotype ; HIV Infections/transmission* ; HIV Reverse Transcriptase/genetics* ; HIV Seropositivity/genetics* ; HIV-1/isolation & purification* ; Homosexuality, Male/statistics & numerical data* ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevalence ; RNA, Viral/genetics* ; pol Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/genetics*

Objective: To study the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and related factors in female greenhouse workers. Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 851 female greenhouse workers in Shandong province in 2015. Results: The incidence of MSDs among the female greenhouse workers was 82.79%. For the MSDs in female greenhouse workers, the top four affected body sites were low back (65.82%), knees (49.10%), neck (25.75%) and shoulder (23.47%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥50 years (OR=2.098, 95%CI: 1.353-3.252), working years ≥20 (OR=1.703, 95%CI: 1.116-2.599), repetitive work (OR=1.903, 95%CI: 1.183-3.061), standing for prolonged time (OR=2.902, 95%CI: 1.183-7.120) and frequent slightly bending down (OR=2.979, 95%CI: 1.823-4.867) were the main risk factors for MSDs in female greenhouse workers. Aiding tools was the protective factor (OR=0.400, 95%CI:0.229-0.697). Conclusions: The findings showed a relatively higher prevalence of MSDs in female greenhouse workers. It is necessary to take appropriate measures to prevent and control the incidence of MSDs in female greenhouse workers.
Agriculture ; China/epidemiology* ; Female ; Humans ; Musculoskeletal Diseases/ethnology* ; Occupational Diseases/ethnology* ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of Tiantai No.1, a compound Chinese herbal preparation, for the prevention and reduction of neurotoxicity induced by beta-amyloid peptides (Abeta) in vitro and its effects on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB) pathways using the gene transfection technique.

METHODSB104 neuronal cells were used to examine the effects of Tiantai No.1 on lowering the neurotoxicity induced by Abeta. The cells were pre-treated with Tiantai No.1 at doses of 50, 100, 150, or 200 micro g/mL respectively for 3 days and co-treated with Tiantai No.1 and beta-amyloid peptide1-40 (A beta 1-40, 10 micro mol/L) for 48 h or post-treated with Tiantai No.1 for 48 h after the cells were exposed to beta-amyloid peptides25-35 (A beta 25-35) for 8 h. In gene transfection assays, cells were treated with Tiantai No.1 at 50 micro g/mL and 150 micro g/mL for 5 days or co-treated with Tiantai No.1 and A beta 1-40 (5 micro mo/L) for 3 days after electroporation for the evaluation of NF-kappa B and CREB expression.

RESULTSPre-treating and co-treating B104 neuronal cells with Tiantai No.1 lowered the neurotoxicity induced by Abeta, and post-treating with Tiantai No.1 reduced or blocked B104 neuronal apoptotic death induced by Abeta (P<0.05, P<0.01). With a dose-dependent relationship, the same treatments increased the expression of NF-kappa B or CREB in B104 neuronal cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). Meanwhile, Tiantai No.1 reduced A beta -40 induced inhibition on NF-kappa B expression (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSTiantai No.1 can protect neurons against the neurotoxicity induced by Abeta. The neuroprotective mechanisms may be associated with the activation of NF-kappa B and cAMP cellular signal pathways.

Amyloid beta-Peptides ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein ; analysis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Electroporation ; Luciferases ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; NF-kappa B ; analysis ; Neurons ; drug effects ; Rats ; Transfection

This is the case of a 71 year old male who developed multiple myeloma (MM) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) within a two year period. The patient initially presented with osteolytic lesions of the lumbar spine, and following the initial work-up a diagnosis of multiple myeloma with an IgG kappa paraproteinemia was made and appropriate treatment was given. Two years later the patient developed a progressively worsening leukocytosis which was found to be due to Philadelphia Chromosome (Ph1) positive CML. The occurrence in the same patient of two distinct hematologic malignancies suggests a neoplastic transformation of a pluripotent stem cell. A review of the literature appears to support the existence of a relationship between MM and CML as well as a relationship between MM and the myeloproliferative disorders.
Aged ; Case Report ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells/pathology ; Human ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic/*pathology ; Male ; Multiple Myeloma/*pathology

OBJECTIVETo compare the feeding pattern of preterm infants between two hospitals in China and the United States.

METHODSA retrospective cohort study was conducted. Infants <32 weeks were enrolled from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Center Cincinnati University Hospital (CCHMC group) between January 2011 and January 2012 and Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH group) between January 2011 and May 2012. Enteral and parenteral feeding data of the two groups was compared.

RESULTSEighty-two infants in the CCHMC group and 74 infants in the PUMCH group were enrolled. The gestational age and birth weight of infants in the CCHMC group were smaller than the PUMCH group (P<0.01). The total dosage of amino acid (58±30 g/kg vs 24.0(19.6, 32.8) g/kg; P<0.01) and fat [35±16 g/kg vs 14.0(11.0, 22.5) g/kg; P<0.01], in the PUMCH group were higher than the CCHMC group. The duration of parenteral nutrition in the PUMCH group was longer than the CCHMC group[(24±10 d vs 8.0(6.0, 11.0) d; P<0.01]. The breast feeding rate in the CCHMC group was higher (94% vs 10%; P<0.01) than in the PUMCH group. The time for achieving full enteral feeding in the CCHMC group was shorter [12.0(10.0, 14.0) d vs 22.4±9.3 d, P<0.01] than in the PUMCH group. The incidences of necrotizing enterocolitis (13% vs 3%; P<0.05) and sepsis (32% vs 12%; P<0.01) in the CCHMC group were higher than in the PUMCH group.

CONCLUSIONSPreterm infants in the PUMCH group have a prolonged duration of parenteral nutrition and an increased incidence of sepsis compared to the CCHMC group. Fortified human milk feeding and more aggressive enteral feeding proposal in PUMCH is recommended.

Breast Feeding ; China ; Enteral Nutrition ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Male ; Parenteral Nutrition ; United States