Objective:To express,purify,prepare antibodies,and analyze the subcellular localization of Toxoplasma gondii thioredoxin 20(Trx20),and to provide the reference for the development of Toxoplasma gondii vaccine.Methods:Bioinformatics-related websites and software were used to perform bioinformatics analysis of the Trx20 protein;specific primers were designed to amplify the target fragment and construct the prokaryotic expression vector;the protein was expressed in vitro and purified;experimental animals were immunized to prepare antibodies;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method was used to detect the titer of the polyclonal antibodies;Western blotting method was used to verify the specificity and sensitivity of the antibodies and to determine the natural expression of the protein;immunofluorescence assay(IFA)was used to analyze the subcellular localization of the protein.Results:The bioinformatics analysis results showed that Trx20 protein was a relatively stable hydrophilic protein with a molecular formula of C2172H3412N548O616S20,containing 424 amino acids,a predicted relative molecular mass of 47 700,and a theoretical isoelectric point of 8.55;it was predicted that the protein had one signal peptide,no transmembrane region,contained one domain named"Thioredoxin like Superfamily",and had 35 phosphorylation sites,one N-glycosylation site,and 17 antigenic determinants;in the secondary structure,alpha-helices accounted for 41.51％of the total amino acids,and random coils accounted for 39.86％;the recombinant plasmids pET-28a-Trx20 and pGEX-4T-1-Trx20 were successfully constructed,and the soluble recombinant protein was expressed and purified;polyclonal antibodies were successfully prepared with a titer as high as 1:64 000,and they specifically recognized the endogenous Trx20 protein in Toxoplasma gondii;the subcellular localization results showed that Trx20 protein was widely distributed in the cytoplasm of the parasite.Conclusion:Toxoplasma gondii Trx20 protein is a secretory protein containing phosphorylation/glycosylation modification sites and a thioredoxin domain,and it is localized in the cytoplasm of the parasite.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Jia Yi Formula(composed of Trionycis Carapax,Ranunculi Ternati Radix,Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum,Trichosanthis Pericarpium,Poria,Curcumae Radix,Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus,and Albiziae Cortex)in improving anxiety symptoms of patients with hyperthyroidism(HT).Methods A total of 84 HT patients with yin deficiency with internal heat and phlegm blended with stasis syndrome accompanied by anxiety were enrolled from the Endocrinology Outpatient and Inpatient Departments of The Affiliated Guangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine between February and December of 2024.Patients were randomly divided into treatment group and control group(n=42 each)using a random number table.Both groups received conventional therapy,while the control group additionally received oral methimazole,and the treatment group received Jia Yi Formula and methimazole.The treatment duration was 12 weeks for both groups.Changes in Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)scores,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,and serum thyroid hormone levels[free triiodothyronine(FT3),free thyroxine(FT4),and thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)]were observed.The improvement in anxiety status,TCM syndrome efficacy,and drug safety were evaluated.Results(1)In terms of TCM syndrome improvement,the total effective rate was 92.86％(39/42)in the treatment group versus 71.43％(30/42)in the control group.Intergroup comparison(by Mann-Whitney U test)showed that the TCM syndrome improvement in the treatment group was superior to the control group(P＜0.05).(2)For anxiety improvement,the total effective rate was 83.33％(38/42)in the treatment group versus 69.05％(29/42)in the control group.Intergroup comparison(by Mann-Whitney U test)showed that the anxiety improvement in the treatment group was superior to the control group(P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,both groups showed significant reductions in HAMA scores and TCM syndrome scores(P＜0.01),with greater reductions observed in the treatment group(P＜0.01).(4)Thyroid hormone levels(FT3,FT4,TSH)were significantly improved in both groups(P＜0.01),with FT3 and TSH showing greater improvement in the treatment group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),while FT4 improvement did not differ significantly between groups(P＞0.05).(5)The incidence of adverse reactions was 4.76％(2/42)in the treatment group and 7.14％(3/42)in the control group.Intergroup comparison(by Fisher's exact test)showed that the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Conclusion Jia Yi Formula demonstrates significant efficacy in improving anxiety,clinical symptoms,and thyroid function in HT patients with yin deficiency with internal heat and phlegm blended with stasis syndrome,showing superior benefits when used together with methimazole compared to methimazole alone.

Objective:To screen the host interaction proteins of the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus(SFTSV)nonstructural protein(NSs)by immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry analysis,to discuss the functions,subcellular localization,and biological pathways of these interaction proteins,and to provide the basis for clarifying the replication and pathogenic mechanism of SFTSV.Methods:The eukaryotic expression vectors pSFTSV-NSs-Flag(experimental group)and Flag-CMV-3(negative group)were transfected into the human embryonic kidney 293T cells,and contorl group(no treatment)was set up.The lysates of the cells in various groups were collected,and the expression and localization of SFTSV NSs in the host cells were verified by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blotting methods.The protein lysates were treated with protein A/G and immunoprecipitation was used to enrich host proteins binding to NSs.The captured interaction proteins were initially analyzed by silver staining and Coomassie brilliant blue staining to observe the differential protein bands in various groups;liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to obtain the information of protein sequences;the reliable proteins were retained and searched by UniProt database;Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment analysis,IPR,eukaryotic orthologous groups(KOGs)functional annotation,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)signaling pathway enrichment analysis,subcellular localization,and transcription factor(TF)functional annotation were used to determine the subcellular structure,gene functions,and biological processes of the interaction proteins.Results:The immunofluorescence results showed that the SFTSV NSs expressed a single specific band at relative molecular mass 33 000 and was localized in the cytoplasm in a granular inclusion body-like manner.The silver staining and Coomassie brilliant blue staining results showed there were significant differential protein bands between experimental group and negative group.The mass spectrometry results identified 46 potential interaction proteins.The GO functional enrichment analysis,KOGs functional annotation,and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis results showed that the biological pathways related to viral translation,cellular metabolism,and protein transport were enriched with a considerable number of proteins.Eight annotated proteins had intermediate filament domains.The highest percentage of subcellular localization was cytoplasmic proteins,consistent with the NSs localization site.The TF functional annotation analysis results showed one protein from the NF-Y family.Conclusion:The interaction proteins play roles in assisting the proper protein folding,participating in the cribosome translation,and forming the cytoskeleton,which may be involved in antiviral replication.These proteins can be used as candidate proteins for further study on the replication mechanism of SFTSV.

Preeclampsia is a serious threat to maternal and fetal health and safety, and is an important cause of maternal death. At present, there is no effective treatment except termination of pregnancy. It is an important measure to identify high-risk groups for standardized management and early prevention to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia and maternal and fetal mortality. Chronic patients are at high risk of preeclampsia, and their morbidity and mortality have increased significantly. It is of great significance for chronic patients to regulate preconception guidance and formulate preconception management strategies to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia and improve maternal and infant outcomes.

Objective To investigate the incidence and risk factors of recurrence of renal calculi after intracavitary lithotripsy. Methods The clinical data of 190 patients with renal stones who underwent endoluminal lithotripsy in our hospital were retrospectively collected. Based on the results of CT, B-ultrasound, or X-ray examination of the urinary system during the 2-year follow-up period, therecurrence of renal calculi was analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of stone recurrence. Results of 190 patients, 49 patients experienced stone recurrence within 2 years after surgery, with a recurrence rate of 25.79%. Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that body mass index(BMI), diabetes, smoking, older age and hypertension were protective factors for stone recurrence. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes and smoking were risk factors for stone recurrence, while age and hypertension were protective factors for stone recurrence. Conclusion The recurrence of renal stone after intracavitary lithotripsy is common. Diabetes and smoking are risk factors for the recurrence of renal stone, while older age and hypertension are protective factors.

Objective:To study the relationship between the dynamic changes of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and surfactant protein D (SP-D) in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (pARDS) and the severity and prognosis of the disease.Methods:Using nested case-control study method, 80 children with pneumonia complicated with pARDS admitted to PICU at Fujian Maternal and Child Health Hospital from June 2018 to May 2021 were selected as pARDS group, and 19 healthy children with corresponding age were selected as control group.According to the oxygenation, the children in pARDS group were divided into three subgroups: mild group (23 cases), moderate group (32 cases) and severe group (25 cases). According to the prognosis at discharge, the children in pARDS group were divided into survival group (67 cases) and death group (13 cases). Ang-2 and SP-D were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The levels of Ang-2 and SP-D in children with pARDS of different severity on the first day were compared; The changes of Ang-2 and SP-D levels on the 1st, 3rd and 8th day of children in survival group and death group were compared, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to compare the predictive value of Ang-2 and SP-D for pARDS prognosis.Results:(1) The levels of Ang-2 and SP-D on the first day in pARDS group were significantly higher than those in control group( P<0.001). (2) The levels of Ang-2 and SP-D on the first day in children with pARDS of different severity levels were significantly different ( P<0.001), and the levels of Ang-2 and SP-D increased gradually with the increase of disease severity.(3) The levels of Ang-2 and SP-D in death group were significantly higher than those in survival group on the 1st, 3rd and 8th day ( P<0.05). (4) Prognostic efficacy of Ang-2 and SP-D levels in pARDS group at different time points: when the areas under the ROC curve predicted by Ang-2 on the 1st, 3rd and 8th day for inpatient mortality in children with pARDS were 0.808, 0.981 and 0.989, respectively; the optimal cut-off values were 6 000 pg/mL, 6 971 pg/mL and 4 171 pg/mL, respectively; the sensitivity was 84.6%, 92.3% and 92.3%, respectively; and the specificity was 76.1%, 97.0% and 98.5%, respectively.The areas under the ROC curve predicted by SP-D on the 1st, 3rd and 8th day for inpatient mortality in children with pARDS were 0.689, 0.993 and 0.983, respectively; the optimal cut-off values were 13544 pg/mL, 16003 pg/mL and 12294 pg/mL, respectively; the sensitivity was 84.6%, 100.0% and 100.0%, respectively; and the specificity was 46.3%, 98.5% and 97.0%, respectively. Conclusion:Serum Ang-2 and SP-D levels in children with pARDS increase with the aggravation of the disease.The dynamic changes of Ang-2 and SP-D in children with pARDS with different prognosis are different during the course of disease, and monitoring serum Ang-2 and SP-D during the course of disease has a certain predictive value for clinical outcome.

Objective:To investigate the role of IL-21/IL-21R-mediated CD4 + T cells in Chlamydia muridarum ( Cm) respiratory infection. Methods:C57BL/6 mice (WT mice) and IL-21R -/- mice were used to establish the models of Cm respiratory infection through intranasal inhalation of Cm. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion, number, activity and function of CD4 + T cells in lung and spleen tissues at 0, 3, 7 and 14 d after Cm respiratory tract infection. IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in spleen cell culture supernatants were detected by ELISA. Na?ve WT mice were transferred with CD4 + T cells in the spleen tissues of IL-21R -/- mice or WT mice on 7 d after infection and given Cm intranasally 2 h later. Then the mice were weighed daily and sacrificed on 14 d after infection. The bacterial load and pathological changes in lung were analyzed. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the proportions and numbers of neutrophils (CD45 + CD11b + Gr-1 high) and alveolar macrophages (CD45 + F4/80 + CD11c high)as well as the proportions of Th1 (IFN-γ + CD4 + ) and Th2 (IL-4 + CD4 + ) cells. ELISA was also performed to measure IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in spleen cell culture supernatants. Results:Compared with WT mice, IL-21R -/- mice showed elevated numbers and enhanced activation of CD4 + T cells, increased proportion of Th1 cells and decreased proportion of Th2 cells in spleen and lung tissues after Cm respiratory infection. Besides, IFN-γ levels increased, while IL-4 levels decreased in spleen cell culture supernatants of IL-21R -/- mice. After Cm infection, the na?ve WT transferred with CD4 + T cells from IL-21R -/- mice showed less body weight loss, reduced bacterial load and alleviated pathological changes in lung tissues, increased proportion of Th1 cells in lung tissue and higher IFN-γ level in spleen cell culture supernatants. Conclusions:IL-21/IL-21R-mediated CD4 + T cells could aggravate Cm respiratory infection by suppressing Th1 cell immune responses.

Objective:To evaluate the prognostic value of amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram(aEEG) on predicting long-term neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants.Methods:Literatures were searched in PubMed, the Cochrane library, Web of science, Wanfang database, CNKI and CBM database from inception to August, 2020.The studies which investigated the prognostic value of aEEG on neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants were included.Articles screening, data extraction and quality assessment were accomplished by two investigators independently, and statistical analyses were performed by Meta-disc1.4.Results:Six studies were included with 557 cases.The Meta-analysis revealed that the pooled sensitivity was 0.81 (95% CI 0.75-0.87), specificity was 0.68 (95% CI 0.63-0.73), positive likelihood ratio was 2.32(95% CI 1.52-3.52), negative likelihood ratio was 0.27(95% CI 0.19-0.37)and the area under the curve of summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.79(95% CI 0.75-0.82). Burst-suppression, continuous low voltage and flat trace were regard as a index of poor neurodevelopmental prognosis. Conclusion:aEEG is a valuable tool for predicting the outcome of long-term neurodevelopment in preterm infants.

Prostate cancer in patients with dwarfism is rarely reported. One case was reported in this article. The patient was admitted to the hospital due to the PSA elevation for more than 4 years. Due to the dwarf disease, the patient could not accommodate the transrectal ultrasound probe, and was highly suspected of prostate cancer.The prostate needle biopsy was not performed. Combined with the medical history, PSA level, preoperative MRI and PSMA-PET/CT examination, the patient was clinically diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, and radical surgical treatment was performed.

Stearoyl-ACP Δ⁹ desaturase (SAD) catalyzes the synthesis of monounsaturated oleic acid or palmitoleic acid in plastids. SAD is the key enzyme to control the ratio of saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fatty acids in plant cells. In order to analyze the regulation mechanism of soybean oleic acid synthesis, soybean (Glycine max) GmSAD family members were genome-wide identified, and their conserved functional domains and physicochemical properties were also analyzed by bioinformatics tools. The spatiotemporal expression profile of each member of GmSADs was detected by qRT-PCR. The expression vectors of GmSAD5 were constructed. The enzyme activity and biological function of GmSAD5 were examined by Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression in Nicotiana tabacum leaves and genetic transformation of oleic acid-deficient yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mutant BY4389. Results show that the soybean genome contains five GmSAD family members, all encoding an enzyme protein with diiron center and two conservative histidine enrichment motifs (EENRHG and DEKRHE) specific to SAD enzymes. The active enzyme protein was predicted as a homodimer. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that five GmSADs were divided into two subgroups, which were closely related to AtSSI2 and AtSAD6, respectively. The expression profiles of GmSAD members were significantly different in soybean roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds at different developmental stages. Among them, GmSAD5 expressed highly in the middle and late stages of developmental seeds, which coincided with the oil accumulation period. Transient expression of GmSAD5 in tobacco leaves increased the oleic acid and total oil content in leaf tissue by 5.56% and 2.73%, respectively, while stearic acid content was reduced by 2.46%. Functional complementation assay in defective yeast strain BY4389 demonstrated that overexpression of GmSAD5 was able to restore the synthesis of monounsaturated oleic acid, resulting in high oil accumulation. Taken together, soybean GmSAD5 has strong selectivity to stearic acid substrates and can efficiently catalyze the biosynthesis of monounsaturated oleic acid. It lays the foundation for the study of soybean seed oleic acid and total oil accumulation mechanism, providing an excellent target for genetic improvement of oil quality in soybean.
Fatty Acid Desaturases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Oleic Acid ; biosynthesis ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; Seeds ; chemistry ; Soybeans ; classification ; enzymology ; genetics