Objective To investigate the biological function of IFN-λ in 7 human esophageal carcinoma cells. MethodsThe gene expression of IL-28α, IL-10β and antiviral molecule was examined with PCR. The MHC molecules expression and the profiles of cell cycle were analyzed with flow cytometer. Cell proliferation was evaluated with MTT assay. ResultsAll of esophageal carcinoma cells express the gene of II-28α and IL-10β. IFN-λ induced or augmented the gene expression of antiviral molecules, 2′5′-OAS and MxA. IFN-λ enhanced the MHC class Ⅰ molecule expression. IFN-λ inhibited the growth of esophageal carcinoma cells through the regulation of cell cycle distribution. ConclusionEsophageal carcinoma cells express the IFN-λ receptor complex. IFN-λ has the antiviral, anti-proliferative and immunoregulation activity.

Objective To compare 16-slice multi-detector spiral computed tomography (MDCT) and breathhold 3D magnetic resonance (MR) coronary angiography in the visualization of coronary arteries and the accuracy of detecting significant (＞ 50%) coronary stenoses in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Methods Forty patients were examined by 16-slice CT (GE, Lightspeedl6)and MR (GE,Twinspeed) within 3 days; 31 of them underwent conventional coronary angiography (CAG) within 2 weeks after CT and MR scan. CT was performed with 16× 1.25 mm detector collimation, 0.5 s rotation time and images were reconstructed at 60%-75% of the cardiac cycle. MR was performed with breath hold 3D FIESTA (TR4.0 ms, TE1.7 ms, flip angle 65, slice thickness 3 mm, FOV 280 mm, matrix 256× 192). Mean heart rate was 63 ± 5.8 bpm and β-blocker was used in 24 patients. MR and CT image quality was evaluated in 9 coronary segments (RCA1, RCA2, RCA3, LM, LAD1, LAD2, LAD3, LCX1, LCX2) using a four-point grading scale.Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated for detection of significant stenosis using CAG as the gold standard. Results 16-slice CT showed higher image quality in most coronary segments except RCA2.Forty-three segments were diagnosed as significant stenosis by CAG, 36 and 27 of these were correctly detected by CT and MR respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 16-slice CT and MR for detecting significant stenosis were 83 %, 84 %, 49 %, 97 % and 63 %, 90 %, 55 %, 93 %, respectively. Conclusion Sixteen-slice CT showed higher image quality in most coronary segments excepted for middle RCA. 16-slice CT had higher sensitivity than MR for detection of coronary significant stenosis, whereas MR had higher specificity than CT. Both CT and MR showed high negative predictive value,which is useful for excluding coronary stenosis in symptomatic patients.

50%) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.Methods Both coronary MDCT angiography (CTA) and MR angiography (MRA) was performed within 3 days in 40 patients with suspected coronary artery disease, and conventional coronary angiography (CAG) was performed within 2 weeks after MDCT and MR scan in 31 patients. CTA was performed with a 16-MDCT scanner. MRA was performed on a 1.5 T MR scanner with breathhold 3D fast imaging employing steady state acquisition sequence. CTA and MRA image quality was evaluated in 9 coronarysegments by two experienced radiologists in concensus using a four-point grading scale. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for detection of significant stenosis on a segmental basis using CAG as reference and gold standard. Results MDCT showed higher image quality in most coronary segments except middle RCA (P

Abstract: Objective To understand the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of Yersinia pestis strains isolated from Himalayan marmot natural focus area and domestic rat plague focus area in southern China, and provide reference for mastering the pathogenic characteristics of Yersinia pestis of two plague foci. Methods A total of 412 of Yersinia pestis strains isolated from Himalayan marmot plague focus and domestic rat plague focus of southern China were subjected to to sorbitol fermentation assays, virulence factor, different region (DFR) typing, and clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) typing. Results The biochemical types of Y. pestis from the two plague foci showed distinct regional distribution features. Five biochemical phenotypes were identified in Yersinia pestis isolated from Himalayan marmot natural focus area, while only one biochemical phenotype was identified in strains isolated from the domestic rat plague focus of Southern China. Most of the Yersinia pestis isolated from the two plague foci were capable of producing the virulence factors of Fl and PstI. Among the strains from Himalayan marmot focus, 70.53% (201/285) were VW-positive, 75.09% (214/285) were Pgm-positive, 20.00% (57/285) of the strains were Pgm-negative, and 5.26% (15/285) were Pgm mixed-type strains. Among strains from domestic rat plague focus of southern China, 37.80% (48/127) were VW-positive, 29.13% (37/127) were Pgm-positive, 58.27% (74/127) were Pgm-negative, and 12.60% (16/127) were Pgm mixed-type strains. DFR typing revealed 22 genotypes of Y. pestis from the Himalayan marmot plague focus, with the main genotypes being type 5, 7, 8, 10, 19, 32 and 49. All strains from domestic rat plague focus area in southern China belonged to type 9. CRISPR typing revealed that all strains from the Himalayan marmot natural focus were classified into 7 CRISPR gene clusters and 14 CRISPR genotypes, with the main genotypes being G7, G22, G26-a1'and G22-A1'. All strains from domestic rat plague focus area in southern China belonged to CRISPR genotype G30, with the gene cluster being Ca8. Conclusions The phenotypes and genotypes of the Yersinia pestis of Himalayan marmot plague focus are diverse, with an obvious characteristics of geographical distribution. The phenotype and genotype of the Yersinia pestis of domestic rat plague focus of Southern China are single. DFR and CRISPR genotyping methods with phenotypic characteristics can effectively identify the Yersinia pestis isolated from the two plague foci, thereby meeting the needs of identification and traceability research.

Objective To understand the epidemic trend of Tibetan sheep plague in Guoluo Prefecture,Qinghai Province,we detected the plague F1 antibody in Tibetan sheep serum in this area.Methods Indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) and colloidal gold immunochromatography (GICA) were applied to test serum samples of Tibetan sheep which were separated from 5 ml whole blood drew from jugular vein in Maqin County,Maduo County,Gande County,Banma County,Jiuzhi County and Dari County in 2014 and 2015.Results We collected 1 481 serum samples,566 from Maqin County,315 from Maduo County,150 from Gande County,150 from Banma County,150 from Jiuzhi County and 150 from Dari County.Totally 14 serum samples showed F1 antibody positive,the positive rate was 0.95％ (14/1 481),and they were all from Maqin County.Conclusions This area has the prevalence of Tibetan sheep plague.Therefore,the monitoring work of Tibetan sheep plague should be strengthened.

Objective To study the biological characteristics and epidemiological significance of Yersinia pestis in Chengduo County of Qinghai Province,in order to provide scientific basis for plague prevention and control in this area.Methods Thirty one strains of Yersinia pestis isolated from Chengduo County of Qinghai Province from 1980 to 2011 were selected as study subjects.Biochemical test,virulence factors evaluation [Fra1 (F1),pesticin Ⅱ (Pst Ⅱ),virulence antigen (VW),pigmentation (Pgm)] and different region (DFR) genotyping were carried out.Nineteen of the 31 strains Yersinia pestis were selected according to different time,different areas and different hosts to determine their toxicity in mice,MLD ≤ 10 000 was strong toxic strain,10 000 ＜ MLD ＜ 100 000 was moderate toxic strain.Results Among thirty one strains of Yersinia pestis,23 strains were isolated from human,the Himalaya marmot and its fleas and lice,and their biological type was classical,biochemical type was Qinghai-Tibet plateau;21 strains genotype was type 5,1 was type 16,1 was type 32,and they contained all four kinds of virulence factors (F1,Pgm,Pst Ⅱ,VW),and toxicity test showed all strains (14) were strong toxic strains.The rest 8 strains of Yersinia pestis isolated from the Microtus fuscus and its fleas,and their biological type was Microtus,biochemical type was Chuanqing plateau;they could produce F1 and Pgm,of which 87.5％ (7/8) strains could produce Pst Ⅱ,but could not produce VW antigen factor,the genotype was 14,and the toxicity results showed that they were strong (3)and moderate (2) toxic strains.Conclusion The strains separated in Chengduo County of Qinghai Province from 1980 to 2011 have the pathogen characteristics of Qinghai-Tibet plateau plague,they are mainly strong toxic strains;the work on prevention and control of plague should not be neglected.

Objective: To investigate the CRISPR genotypes (clusters) and regional distribution of Yersinia pestis in Qinghai-plateau. Methods: One hundred and two isolates of Y. pestis isolated from human plague patients, host animal and insect vectors from Qinghai-plateau were selected. The DNAs were extracted using the traditional sodium dodecyl sulfate decomposition and phenol-chloroform method. Three CRISPR loci YPa, YPb and YPc of 102 isolates of Y. pesits were amplified and sequenced, and then the CRISPR sequence analysis was carried out by comparing the latest published CRISPR spacer dictionary and the NCBI database to identify the spacer and spacer array. CRISPR genotyping of isolates of Y. pesits were finally conducted according to the polymorphism of the spacer arrays and the regional distribution pattern of isolates of Y. pesits in Qinghai-plateau was described. Results: Forty spacers including 22 of YPa, 13 of YPb and 5 of YPc were observed among 102 isolates of Y. pestis in Qinghai-plateau, of which 5 spacers (a1', a103, a104, b4'' and b4''') were firstly identified. Meanwhile, 16, 10, and 5 different spacer arrays were obtained in YPa, YPb and YPc respectively, including 11 new spacer arrays detected in this study. One hundred and two isolates were divided into 24 CRISPR genotypes and classified into 9 CRISPR clusters (Cb4, Cb4', Cb2, Ca37, Ca7, Ca7', CaΔ5', Ca35' and Cc3'). Each dominant cluster presented significant aggregation geographically: Ca7 were found in Yushu, Nangqian, Chenduo, Zaduo, Zhiduo and Qumalai countries. Ca7' were found in Xunhua, Tongren, Zeku, Tongde, Maqin and Guinan countries. CaΔ5' were restricted to Qilian, Gangcha, Menyuan and Datong countries. CaΔ35' were found in Huangyuan, Haiyan, Gangcha, Tianjun, Delingha, Wulan, Doulan, Gonghe, Xinghai, Guide and Tongde countries. Conclusion CRISPR-based genotyping analyses showed complicated population of Y. pestis in Qinghai-plateau. Four clusters, Ca7, Ca7', CaΔ5' and Ca35' were the most epidemic dominant four clusters and presented obvious regional distribution patterns, which instructed us to strengthen the surveillance and prevention and control by CRISPR-genotyping technique.

Theileria annulata is a tick-borne intracellular protozoan parasite that causes tropical theileriosis, a fatal bovine lymphoproliferative disease. The parasite predominantly invades bovine B lymphocytes and macrophages and induces host cell transformation by a mechanism that is not fully comprehended. Analysis of signaling pathways by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) could be a highly efficient means to understand this transformation mechanism. However, accurate analysis of qPCR data relies on selection of appropriate reference genes for normalization, yet few papers on T. annulata contain evidence of reference gene validation. We therefore used the geNorm and NormFinder programs to evaluate the stability of 5 candidate reference genes; 18S rRNA, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), ACTB (β-actin), PRKG1 (protein kinase cGMP-dependent, type I) and TATA box binding protein (TBP). The results showed that 18S rRNA was the reference gene most stably expressed in bovine PBMCs transformed and non-transformed with T. annulata, followed by GAPDH and TBP. While 18S rRNA and GAPDH were the best combination, these 2 genes were chosen as references to study signaling pathways involved in the transformation mechanism of T. annulata.
Animals ; B-Lymphocytes/parasitology ; Cattle ; Cell Line ; Cells/*parasitology ; Cells, Cultured ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Host-Parasite Interactions/*genetics ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/*veterinary ; Reproducibility of Results ; Signal Transduction/*genetics ; Theileria annulata/physiology ; Theileriasis/*physiopathology

Objective:To compare the effectiveness, safety and postoperative recurrence of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with Holmium laser for upper urinary calculi in Uyghur and Han pediatric patients.Methods:The data of 123 Uyghur and 71 Han pediatric patients with upper urinary calculi admitted to First People's Hospital of Kashgar, Xinjiang and Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University respectively, from August 2018 to August 2023, were retrospectively reviewed. The gender [males 73 (59.3%) vs.46 (64.8%) ], laterality (single/bilateral: 94/29 vs. 59/12), hydronephrosis [115 (93.5%) vs. 63 (88.7%)] and anatomical abnormalities [2(1.6%) vs. 5(7.0%)] of Uyghur and Han children were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Uyghur children were older than Han children [5 (3, 7) vs. 3 (2, 6) years old], with a higher proportion of emaciated children [27 (21.9%) vs. 6 (8.5%) cases], a larger maximum stone diameter [(2.30±0.78) vs. (1.96±1.50) cm] and a lower proportion of multiple stones [46 (37.4%) vs. 52 (73.2%) cases] (all P<0.05). All the patients were treated with Holmium laser PCNL. The channels of the procedures in this study include F12-18 small channels and visual puncture channels. The operation datas, stone-free rate (SFR), complication rate (CR) and stone recurrence rate of the two groups were compared. Meanwhile, multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors influencing these indicators. Results:The operation time for Uyghur children was significantly longer than that of Han children [75.0 (58.0, 93.0) vs. 30.0 (20.0, 48.8) min]. Additionally, a greater proportion of Uyghur children underwent PCNL with F12-18 small channels than Han children [119 (96.7%) vs. 49(69.0%) cases]. The SFR [89.4%(110/123)vs.88.7%(63/71)], and postoperative CR [31.7%(39/123)vs. 26.8%(19/71)] in Uyghur and Han patients were not significantly different (all P>0.05). The recurrence rate in Uyghur children was higher than that observed in Han children [28.1%(25/89) vs. 15.6%(10/64), P=0.033]. The multivariate logistic regression analysis results indicated that the maximum stone diameter was an independent risk factor for SFR in both groups ( OR=0.401, 95% CI 0.191-0.842, P=0.016). Similarly, maximum stone diameter ( OR=1.896, 95% CI 1.088-3.304, P=0.024) and multiple stones ( OR=3.225, 95% CI 1.409-7.384, P=0.024) were identified as independent risk factors for CR. Ethnicity was not independent risk factor for SFR( OR=0.679, 95% CI 0.215-2.140), CR( OR=1.047, 95% CI 0.495-2.215) and stone recurrence rate( OR=0.820, 95% CI 0.285-2.356, all P>0.05). Conclusions:In comparison to Han pediatric patients during the same period, Holmium laser PCNL had similar SFR and CR for treating Uyghur children with upper urinary calculi, who were older, more emaciated and had larger average stone diameters. The higher postoperative recurrence rate of Uyghur children is likely to be associated with higher stone burden. The multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that ethnicity was not an influential factor in SFR, complication rates, and stone recurrence rates. The findings need to be further validated in larger prospective cohort studies.