Chloroplast-based expression system is promising for the hyper-expression of plant-derived recombinant therapeutic proteins and vaccines. To verify the feasibility of obtaining high-level expression of the SARS subunit vaccine and to provide a suitable plant-derived vaccine production platform against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), a 193-amino acid fragment of SARS CoV spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD), fused with the peptide vector cholera toxin B subunit (CTB), was expressed in tobacco chloroplasts. Codon-optimized CTB-RBD sequence was integrated into the chloroplast genome and homoplasmy was obtained, as confirmed by PCR and Southern blot analysis. Western blot showed expression of the recombinant fusion protein mostly in soluble monomeric form. Quantification of the recombinant fusion protein CTB-RBD was conducted by ELISA analysis from the transplastomic leaves at different developmental stages, attachment positions and time points in a day and the different expression levels of the CTB-RBD were observed with the highest expression of 10.2% total soluble protein obtained from mature transplastomic leaves. Taken together, our results demonstrate the feasibility of highly expressing SARS subunit vaccine RBD, indicating its potential in subsequent development of a plant-derived recombinant subunit vaccine and reagents production for antibody detection in SARS serological tests.
Chloroplasts ; metabolism ; Cholera Toxin ; Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; SARS Virus ; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus ; biosynthesis ; Tobacco ; metabolism ; Vaccines, Subunit ; biosynthesis

Objective To investigate the effects of cyclopamine (CYP) on endometrial carcinoma (HEC-1A) cell survival and on induction of cell apoptosis .Methods HEC-1A cells were treated with various doses of CYP (0, 5,10, 20 and 40 μmol/L) for 24 h respectively .Then,the inverted microscope was used to observe cell morphology .Cell proliferation and apoptosis were tested by CCK-8 assay and AO/EB bi-labelling assay.The apoptosis rate of HEC-1A was analyzed using flow cytometric analysis , and the key gene expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was detected by quantitative PCR .Results The HEC-1A cells exhibited dramatic morphological changes after treatment with CYP and in a dose-dependent manner .CYP significantly inhibited HEC-1A cell proliferation using CCK8 assays(P<0.05), and induced cell death by AO/EB bi-labelling assay.Moreover,flow cytometry analysis showed that CYP treatment resulted in HEC-1A cell apoptosis, and that a higher concentration of CYP induced severer cell apoptosis (P<0.05).Meanwhile, CYP treated HEC-1A cells exhibited up-regulated expression of Bax and down-regulated expression of Bcl-2 according to Q-PCR.Conclusion Our findings indicatee that CYP can inhibit HEC-1A cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis .

Objective:Taking Chongyang county of Hubei Province as an example, the paper describes the in-tegration of the maternal and child health ( MCH) and family planning ( FP) service system and analyses the key ele-ments to provide reference for promoting integration. Methods: qualitative interviews and quantitative questionnaire were used to collect data. The software QSR Nvivo 8. 0 and SPSS 17. 0 were used for qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Results:Based on the correct understanding of integration, Chongyang implements the supporting policies actively, maintains the original compensation mode unchanged, follows the principle of“no reducing headcounts and no downsizing” strictly, promotes the merger of institutions rapidly, adjusts the service contents and methods reasona-bly, and integrates the maternal and child and family planning information platform. Conclusion:The correct concept of integration, appropriate staffing, and stable funding in Chongyang provide rich experiences for future research. However, there is room for improvement in staffing, incentive mechanisms, service content, and forms.

OBJECTIVE To study the molecular mechanism of cisplatin(DDP)by which HeLa cell growth and proliferation are inhibited. METHODS Cultured HeLa cells were treated with DDP 0.02-75 μmol · L-1 for 24 or 48 h. CCK-8 assay was used to determine the cell proliferation. The wound scratch assay was used to detect the cell migration and invasion. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle arresting. q-PCR was used to test the expression of metastasis suppressor gene 1 (MTSS1)mRNA. Western blot was used to determine protein levels of MTSS1,phosphorylated-extra?cellular signal-regulated kinase(p-ERK) and phosphorylated-serine-threonine kinase(p-AKT). RESULTS Following the treatment with DDP for 24 or 48 h,the proliferation of HeLa cells was inhibited significantly (P<0.05),the value of the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cells was 4.14 and 11.82 μmol · L-1. Migration and invasion activity of HeLa cells were reduced according to the wound scratch assay(P<0.05). Flow cytometry results showed that the cell cycle was arrested at S phase. q-PCR results showed that MTSS1 mRNA expression changed with DDP in a concentration-dependent manner (r24 h=-0.965,P<0.01;r48 h=-0.953,P<0.01). Western blot showed that the protein levels of MTSS1,p-ERK and p-AKT expression declined significantly with the increase in DDP concentrations(p-ERK:r24 h=-0.875,P<0.01;r48 h=-0.966,P<0.01. p-AKT:r24 h=-0.831,P<0.01;r48 h=-0.863,P<0.01. MTSS1:r24 h=-0.969,P<0.01;r48 h=-0.988,P<0.01). CONCLUSION DDP treatment inhibits HeLa growth and proliferation by interfering with the MTSS1 expression and disturbing the activation of ERK and AKT signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND:Santoni put forward the cortical bone trajectory technology by changing the traditional pedicle screw placement for lumbar internal fixation in order to obtain better control of the screw and bone in 2009. OBJECTIVE:To analyze biomechanical stability of cortical bone trajectory system in the lumbar fusion. METHODS:Twenty fresh newborn calf L3/4, L5/6 motion segment specimens were obtained, and their ranges of motion were detected under different states, as normal controls. Subsequently, twenty samples were divided into cortical bone trajectory screw group and traditional pedicle screw group, which underwent cortical bone trajectory screw fixation combined with posterior lumbar fusion and traditional pedicle screw fixation combined with posterior lumbar fusion, respectively. Without destruction, ranges of motion were detected under different states in both groups. In the revision group, after the test in the traditional pedicle screw group, screw was withdrawn, and cortical bone trajectory screw was used to detect its range of motion under different states. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Ranges of motion at bending to the left and right, anteflexion, posterior extension and axial rotation were significantly lower in the cortical bone trajectory screw group and traditional pedicle screw group than in the normal control group (P<0.05). No significant difference in bending to the left and right, anteflexion, posterior extension and axial rotation was detected between the cortical bone trajectory screw and revision groups and traditional pedicle screw group (P>0.05). These results confirmed that cortical bone trajectory technology combined with posterior lumbar fusion can obtain identical stability as the traditional pedicle screw fixation combined with posterior lumbar fusion. Simultaneously, it is a new choice for revision after traditional pedicle screw fixation.

Objective To analyze the impact of Helicobacter pylori standard strain (Hp P12) and its virulence factor vacuolating cytotoxin A ( VacA) on DNA damage and homologous recombination ( HR) repair in a human gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1). Methods Strains of Hp P12 and vacA gene knock-out Hp P12 ( Hp P12 ΔvacA) were respectively used to infect GES-1 cells at a multiplicity of infection of 100. GES-1 cells treated with etoposide (50μmol/L) or mitomycin (0. 5μg/ml) for 2 h were used as posi-tive control. Western blot and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the expression of DNA damage marker protein γH2AX and key HR repair proteins (Rad51, pMRE11, CtIP and pCtIP) and the recruitment of them at DNA damage sites. Human embryonic kidney HEK-293 ( DR-GFP) cells were infected with Hp P12 and Hp P12 ΔvacA strains to verify the impact of VacA on HR repair efficiency. Results The expres-sion and recruitment of γH2AX and key HR repair proteins ( Rad51, pMRE11, CtIP and pCtIP) were in-creased in Hp P12-infected cells as compared with that in uninfected and Hp P12 ΔvacA-infected cells ( all P<0. 05). To evaluate the HR repair efficiency, I-SceⅠ plasmid-transfected HEK-293 (DR-GFP) cells were infected with Hp P12 and Hp P12 ΔvacA and the results showed that green fluorescent protein ( GFP)-positive cells were decreased after infection, especially in Hp P12 ΔvacA-infected cells (both P<0. 05). Conclusions Hp P12 infection could cause DNA damage and promote HR repair in GES-1 cells, in which the virulence factor VacA played an important role.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the genetic diagnosis, low-depth copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) and prenatal finding in 7 fetuses with 2p16.3 deletions only involving the NRXN1 gene. METHODS: The 7 fetuses have all been found to have loss of heterozygosity at 2p16.3 by CNV-seq, which were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Specific regions of NRXN1 gene deletions were identified, and the CNVs were verified in their parents. Outcome of the pregnancies were followed up. RESULTS: Among 16 502 prenatal samples, 7 fetuses were found to harbor a 120 kb ~ 900 kb microdeletion in the 2p16.3 region, which yielded a prevalence of 0.424‰. The deleted region mainly involved 50 200 000-51 880 000 positions of chromosome 2 and involved only the NRXN1 gene. All of the 7 fetal CNVs were confirmed by qPCR, including 2 cases with heterozygous deletion of exons 1 to 6, 1 with heterozygous deletion of exons 1 to 19, 1 with heterozygous deletion of exons 19 to 22, and 3 with heterozygous deletion of introns 6 to 7 of the NRXN1 gene. Verification in the parents had found that one deletion was inherited from the father, 1 was from the mother, 2 cases were de novo in origin, whilst the remaining 3 had refused parental verification. After genetic counseling, one couple had elected induced abortion, 1 case has not been born yet, whilst the other 5 cases were born healthy. Follow up had identified no mental abnormalities among the children. CONCLUSION Seven fetuses with heterozygous 2p16.3 deletions only involving the NRXN1 gene were detected by CNV-seq. The specific deletion of the NRXN1 gene was verified by qPCR. Prenatal genetic counseling and fertility guidance has been provided to the particular family by combining the results of CNV testing, pedigree analysis and pregnancy outcome.
Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Calcium-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal/genetics* ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules/genetics* ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Infant, Newborn

Objective: Based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model theory, the structural equation model(SEM)was used to analyze the effect of using new media to carry out AIDS health education among young students. Methods: Stratified random cluster sampling method was used to select 2 561 students from four colleges in Yantai to conduct a questionnaire survey, and to carry out various forms of new media AIDS health education for the intervention group. Data were analyzed with structural equation model. Results: After intervention，the awareness rate of AIDS were 85.9% and 94.0% respectively(χ2=46.67，P<0.01). The structural equation model fits well, and the fitted indices were: RMSEA=0.04, GFI=0.97, AGFI=0.96, IFI=0.97, CFI=0.98. The direct effects of new media interventions on prevention information and prevention motivation were 0.30 and 0.65 respectively. The influence of information and motivation on preventive behavior was mainly reflected through the indirect effect of behavioral skills. The overall effects of standardization were 0.09 and 0.29 respectively. The overall effect of behavioral skills on preventive behavior was 0.80, which was the main factor affecting HIV prevention behavior. Conclusion The use of new media to carry out AIDS health education among young students had a significant effect. Motivation promotion should be used as a new breakthrough point for future work, and information, motivation, and behavioral skills should be used to promote the prevention of AIDS prevention among young students.

Objective: To investigate the value of single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) for fetuses with abnormal ultrasound findings. Method: A total of 904 fetuses with abnormal ultrasound findings were enrolled in this study from May 2015 to November 2017, and 434 (48.0%) cases received conventional karyotyping analysis at the same time. According to different abnormal ultrasound category, 904 cases were divided into 5 groups: 280 cases (31.0%) in single system structural anomalies, 31 cases (3.4%) in multiple system structural anomalies, 331 cases (36.6%) in single ultrasound soft marker abnormalities without structural anomalies, 107 cases (11.8%) in multiple soft marker abnormalities and 155 cases (17.2%) in structural abnormalities combined with soft markers abnormalities. Abnormal detection rates by SNP-array among 5 groups of abnormal ultrasound category were calculated. Result: (1) Total SNP-array results: 171 (19.0%) cases out of 904 cases analyzed by SNP-array, presented chromosomal abnormalities. Pathogenic copy number variants were detected in 27 cases (3.0%) and variants of unknown significance were detected in 81 cases (7.8%) . In addition, 7 cases (26.0%) were found with new mutation by parental validation. (2) SNP-array of 5 groups: among the 5 groups of abnormal ultrasound category, chromosomal abnormalities were identified by SNP-array in 19.3% (54/280) with single system structural abnormalities, 25.8% (8/31) with multiple system structural abnormalities, 13.9% (46/331) with single nonstructural anomalies, 19.6% (21/107) with multiple nonstructural anomalies and 27.1% (42/155) with structural abnormalities combined with nonstructural anomalies. The differences were significant (P=0.010) . No chromosome abnormalities was identified in single soft marker abnormalities, such as choroid plexus cysts, echogenic foci in the heart, single umbilical artery and pyelectasis. (3) Chromosomal abnormalities: the abnormal detection rate of aneuploidy chromosomal abnormalities by SNP-array increased with the maternal age, decreased with the gestational weeks (all P<0.05) . However, the pathogenic copy number variants and variants of unknown significance rates did not change with maternal age and gestational weeks (all P>0.05) . (4) SNP-array and karyotyping: 434 cases were analyzed by conventional karyotyping and SNP-array respectively, 10.3% (43/419) of which presented chromosomal abnormalities by conventional karyotyping and 18.7% (81/434) of which presented chromosomal abnormalities by SNP-array. Conclusions SNP-array could be a useful genetic analysis method in prenatal diagnosis for fetuses with abnormal ultrasound findings. For different abnormal ultrasound category, SNP-array has different detection rate. Compared with conventional karyotyping analysis, SNP-array can improve the detection rates for chromosomal abnormalities and find the chromosome abnormalities which can′t be detected by conventional karyotyping analysis. In clinical prenatal genetic counseling, SNP-array should be selected rationally in combination with the various abnormal ultrasound category.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence and characteristics of chromosomal abnormalities in abortuses during early pregnancy with single nucleotide polymorphism microarray (SNP-array). METHODS: For 520 abortuses, copy number variations (CNVs) in chorionic villi were analyzed with SNP-array. RESULTS: In 510 (98.1%) of the samples, the analysis was successful. Among these, 57.6% (294/510) of the samples were found to harbor clinically significant chromosomal abnormalities. 38.8% of the samples (198/510) had a normal result. 2.4% (12/510) of the samples harbored benign CNVs, and 1.2% (6/510) harbored variants of uncertain significance (VOUS). Aneuploidies, polyploidies, pathogenic CNVs and uniparental disomies (UPD) had accounted for 75.2% (221/294), 13.9% (41/294), 8.2% (24/294), and 2.7% (8/294) of the samples, respectively. 45,XO was the most common finding, which was followed by trisomy 16 and trisomy 22. 69,XXY was the most common polyploidy. CONCLUSION Chromosomal abnormalities are the main cause for early miscarriage, among which aneuploidies are most common. The prevalence of aneuploidies is significantly increased among women over 35. SNP-array analysis has the advantage of high success rate, high resolution and great accuracy, but the clinical significance of microdeletions/microduplications found by SNP-array can be difficult for interpretation.
Chorionic Villi ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Chromosome Disorders ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Pregnancy