Background: Inactivated vaccines are limited in preventing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) due to safety problems. Recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) are an excellent candidate for a novel vaccine for preventing FMD, given that VLPs have similar immunogenicity as natural viruses and are replication- and infection-incompetent. Objectives: The 3C protease and P1 polyprotein of type O FMD virus (FDMV) was expressed in yeast Hansenula polymorpha to generate self-resembling VLPs, and the potential of recombinant VLPs as an FMD vaccine was evaluated. Methods: BALB/c mice were immunized with recombinant purified VLPs using CpG oligodeoxynucleotide and aluminum hydroxide gel as an adjuvant. Cytokines and lymphocytes from serum and spleen were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, enzyme-linked immunospot assay, and flow cytometry. Results: The VLPs of FMD were purified successfully from yeast protein with a diameter of approximately 25 nm. The immunization of mice showed that animals produced high levels of FMDV antibodies and a higher level of antibodies for a longer time. In addition, higher levels of interferon-γ and CD4 + T cells were observed in mice immunized with VLPs. Conclusions The expression of VLPs of FMD in H. polymorpha provides a novel strategy for the generation of the FMDV vaccine.

Exploring the genetic basis of human infertility is currently under intensive investigation.However,only a handful of genes have been validated in animal models as disease-causing genes in infertile men.Thus,to better understand the genetic basis of human spermatogenesis and bridge the knowledge gap between humans and other animal species,we construct the FertilityOnline,a data-base integrating the literature-curated functional genes during spermatogenesis into an existing sper-matogenic database,SpermatogenesisOnline 1.0.Additional features,including the functional annotation and genetic variants of human genes,are also incorporated into FertilityOnline.By searching this database,users can browse the functional genes involved in spermatogenesis and instantly narrow down the number of candidates of genetic mutations underlying male infertility in a user-friendly web interface.Clinical application of this database was exampled by the identifi-cation of novel causative mutations in synaptonemal complex central element protein 1(SYCE1)and stromal antigen 3(STAG3)in azoospermic men.In conclusion,FertilityOnline is not only an integrated resource for spermatogenic genes but also a useful tool facilitating the exploration of the genetic basis of male infertility.

Background/Aims: Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients often exhibit peritoneal metastasis, which negatively impacts their prognosis. CD31 and D2-40 have recently been suggested to be predictors of breast cancer prognosis, but their role in colorectal peritoneal metastasis (CRPM) remains unknown. Methods: The expression profiles of CD31 and D2-40 were analyzed in CRC patients with or without CRPM and in CRC cell lines with increasing metastatic potential. Overexpression and short hairpin RNA knockdown assays were performed in CRC cells, and the effects of these alterations on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro, growth of xenograft tumors in vivo, and peritoneal metastasis potential in a mouse model of CRPM were examined. Results: The expressions of CD31 and D2-40 were upregulated in CRC tumor tissues and was elevated further in tumor tissues from patients with CRPM. CD31 and D2-40 expression levels exhibited increasing trends parallel to the EMT potential of CRC cells. CD31 and D2-40 are essential for CRC cell EMT in vitro as well as for xenograft tumor growth and peritoneal metastasis in vivo. Conclusions CD31 and D2-40 contribute to CRPM by promoting EMT and may serve as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for CRC, particularly in patients with peritoneal metastasis.

Objective To investigate the clinical correlative factors and CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) characteristics of secondary changes of chest in different types of acute pulmonary embolism. Methods One hundred and fifty-two cases with acute pulmonary embolism diagnosed by CTPA between January 2015 and October 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.They were divided into central(70 cases)and peripheral (82 cases) groups according to the embolization site. The clinical characteristics (including gender, age, risk stratification, etc.), laboratory findings (including D-dimer, etc.) and secondary imaging findings(including enlargement of the main pulmonary artery and enlargement of right heart,etc.)of the two groups were recorded. The parameters including patient age, body mass index, length of hospital stay and laboratory findings between the two groups were compared using independent sample t test or Mann-Whitney U test. The other variables including the clinical characteristics such as gender, smoking history, etc. and secondary imaging findings between the two groups were analyzed by χ2 test and Fisher exact test.Results The high,moderate and low-risk patients were 7,33,30 cases,respectively in the central group,and 2,16, 64 cases, respectively in the peripheral group. The percentages of moderate and high-risk patients in the central group were higher than peripheral group,the difference of risk stratification between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.001).In the choice of clinical treatment,there were 5 cases of thrombolytic therapy in the central group and 0 cases in the peripheral group, and the difference was statistically significant (P= 0.019). The other differences of clinical characteristics such as gender and age were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The cardiac troponin I was 0.03(0.01,0.11)μg/L in the central group and 0.01 (0,0.04) μg/L in the peripheral group, and the difference was statistically significant (Z=-2.799, P=0.005).The other laboratory findings such as D-dimer were not statistically significant between the two groups (P>0.05). Among the various secondary changes of the chest on CTPA, the cases of enlargement of the main pulmonary artery,enlargement of right heart,pulmonary infarction,mosaic perfusion were 47,41, 23, 24 cases, respectively in the central group, and 20, 11, 11, 15 cases, respectively in the peripheral group.The percentages of these signs were higher in the central group than peripheral group,the differences were statistically significant (χ2= 28.002,34.214,8.221,5.064, P<0.05). Conclusions Central acute pulmonary embolism is more dangerous and more likely to cause a series of secondary changes.Determining the type of embolism has certain value for clinical doctors to judge the prognosis and choose the treatment.

Objective To investigate changes in the intraocular pressure(IOP) and anterior chamber angle in patients with chronic renal failure before and after hemodialysis. Methods Fifty?eight patients(116 eyes) with chronic renal failure were measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer and anterior segment optical coherence tomograph. The patients were divided into three groups based on gonioscopy results:the narrow angle group(22 eyes),the Iris neovascular group(3 eyes)and the open angle group(91 eyes). IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometer in patients in the three groups before and after hemodialysis. Anterior chamber angle opening distance (AOD) was detected by anterior segment optical coherence tomograph before and after hemodialysis. The blood urea nitrogen,creatinine,albumin were also determined before and after hemodialysis. All changes in the parameters were analyzed with a paired t test. Results The IOP in narrow angle eyes and in neovascular eyes increased significantly after hemodialysis ,while the IOP in open angle eyes showed no significant changes. The AOD decreased significantly after hemodialysis. The blood urea nitrogen and creatinine decreased significantly in 58 patients,while albumin increased after hemodialysis. Conclusion The IOP in narrow angle eyes and in neovascular eyes increased after hemodialysis ,correlating with the resistance increase of aqueous outflow pathway and the change of plasma osmotic pressure. As a result ,it is recommended that the condition of eye of patients with chronic renal failure should be checked ,and patients should receive appropriate controlling measure or treatment before hemodialysis.

Objective To observe the clinical curative effects of Changwei Shu combined with conventional western medicine therapy in treating the sepsis patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction.Methods A total of 120 cases of sepsis patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction were randomly divided into treatment group and control group,60 patients in each group.The control group was given conventional western medicine therapy,and the treatment group was given Changwei Shu combined with conventional western medicine therapy.After treatment for 7 days,the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated by observing the changes in white blood cell (WBC) count,procalcitonin (PCT) level,intra-abdominal pressure (IAP),gastrointestinal dysfunction scores,and scores of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE Ⅱ).Results (1) For one case dropped out and one was excluded from the treatment group,and 4 cases dropped out and 2 were excluded from the control group,a total of 58 cases in the treatment group and 54 in the control group were included into the study at the end of the trial.(2) The total effective rate of the treatment group was 91.38％ and that of the control group was 88.89％,the difference being significant (P ＜ 0.05).(3) After treatment,WBC count,PCT level and IAP of the two groups were improved (P ＜ 0.01 compared with those before treatment),and the improvement of the treatment group was superior to that of the control group (P ＜ 0.01).(4) After treatment,gastrointestinal dysfunction scores and APACHE Ⅱ scores of the two groups were decreased(P ＜ 0.01 compared with those before treatment),and the decrease of the treatment group was superior to that of the control group (P ＜ 0.01).(5) During the treatment,4 cases from the treatment group had nausea,and 5 cases from the control group had nausea and abdominal distention,and the symptoms disappeared spontaneously one week later.No obvious changes were found in the hepatic and renal function of the two groups.Conclusion Changwei Shu exerts an effect on reducing the inflammation,improving the gastrointestinal function,and relieving the illness severity of sepsis patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Objective To explore the predictive ability of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) before,during,and 2 months after radiotherapy with concomitant/adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ).Methods GBM patients,admitted to our hospital from January 2011 to January 2016 and confirmed by pathology,were chosen in our study;all patients underwent postoperative three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy with concomitant/adjuvant TMZ.And 3D-MRS was performed before,during,and 2 months after radiotherapy,the levels of N-acetyl-aspartic acid (NAA),choline (Cho) and creatine (Cr),and ratios of Cho/NAA,Cho/Cr and NAA/Cr in the GBM/edge of surgery side and the normal brain tissues were observed.The survival curve,median overall survival (mOS) and median progression free survival (mPFS) of patients with standardized Cho decreased＜30％ and patients with standardized Cho decreased＞30％ 2 months after radiotherapy were compared.Results Twenty-one patients finished the scheduled MRS for 3 times.Until the end of our study,16 patients died and 5 survived.Standardized Cho gradually decreased before,during,and 2 months after radiotherapy (2.08±0.22,1.45 ±0.21 and 1.16±0.18),with significant differences (P＜0.05).Standardized Cho after radiotherapy was significantly decreased as compared with that before radiotherapy (P＜0.05).Ratios of Cho/NAA and Cho/Cr in the GBM/edge of surgery side were significantly higher than those in the normal brain tissues (P＜0.05),and ratio of NAA/Cr in the GBM/edge of surgery side was significantly lower than that in the normal brain tissues (P＜0.05).Ratio of Cho/NAA gradually decreased before,during,and 2 months after radiotherapy,with significant differences (P＜0.05).As compared with patients with standardized Cho decreased＜30％ 2 months after radiotherapy,patients with standardized Cho decreased＞30％ 2 months after radiotherapy had significantly decreased rates of OS and PFS,and statistically shorter mPFS and mOS (4.5 vs.13.5,10.9 vs.25.3,P＜0.05).Conclusion The changes of standardized Cho 2 months after radiotherapy have high prognostic significance for PFS and OS.

Objective To investigate the clinical application of temporary balloon occlusion of the common iliac artery in performing cesarean section for patients with pernicious placenta previa and placenta accreta.Methods A total of five cases with ultrasound or MRI diagnosed pernicious placenta previa and placenta accreta were analyzed retrospectively.One of the cases was diagnosed Rh(-)blood type.Prophylactic temporary balloon implantation in bilateral common iliac arteries were carried out before cesarean section.Digital subtraction angiography ensured the position of balloon catheter and the catheter was fixed.The balloon was inflated immediately after the removal of the fetus.The balloon was removed at 6-8 hours after the cesarean section.The amount of blood loss,transfusion requirement,cesarean hysterectomy rate, and X-ray exposured time and dose during the procedure were recorded.Results Temporary balloon implantation in bilateral common iliac arteries in all five patients were obtained successfully.The blood loss was seen <500 mL in one patient and 500-1 000 mL in other four patients.Because of placenta implantation over depth of serosa and placenta percreta in one case,massive intractable hemorrhage occurred in short time,partial hysterectomy had to be carried out.The uterus was retained in other four cases.Conclusion The temporary balloon occlusion of the common iliac artery in performing cesarean section is a safe and effective technique,and it can reduce the amount of blood loss,transfusion requirement and secondary risk due to uncontrollable bleeding during surgery.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of the self-retaining laryngeal microsurgical operation in the treatment of Reinke ’ s edema of vocal cords . Methods There were 24 cases of Reinke ’ s edema who were treated with self-retaining laryngoscope mucosal stripping surgery of vocal cords from January 2004 to December 2009 ( traditional group ) , while another group of 32 cases of Reinke ’ s edema were treated with self-retaining laryngoscopic microsurgery lateral submucosal incision micro-flap operation of vocal cords from January 2010 to December 2015 ( laryngeal microsurgery group ) .The two groups were executed with electronic laryngoscopy and subjective voice evaluation GRBAS ( The Speech and Language Institute of Japanese in 1979, G: Grade, R:Roughness, B:Breathness, A:Asthenia, S:Strain) in pre-operation and post-operation (1 week, 3 weeks, 8 weeks).The wound healing time of vocal cords , hoarseness improved time and voice improvement were retrospectively compared between the two groups . Results The patients in laryngeal microsurgery group had earlier voice hoarse improvement and more rapid mucosal epithelial of vocal cords recovery time in post-operation as compared with the patients in the traditional group [voice improving time, (7.3 ±1.9) d vs. (11.3 ±2.7) d, t=-6.481, P=0.000;mucosal epithelial of vocal cords recovery time , (12.2 ±3.1) d vs.(20.1 ±3.4) d, t=-9.062, P=0.000].The results of pre-operative voice evaluation with GRBAS showed no significant differences between the two groups, but the results of post-operative evaluation of each session (1 week, 3 weeks, 8 weeks) showed that the main data were statistically different.The GRBAS score of laryngeal microsurgery group was lower than that of traditional group in post -operation, especially after 8 weeks (8 weeks after post-operation, G:1.0 ±0.8 vs.1.6 ±0.2, t=-3.584, P=0.000; R:1.0 ±0.9 vs. 1.5 ±0.4, t=-2.536, P=0.014;B:1.0 ±0.6 vs.1.4 ±0.5, t=-2.647, P=0.011).In laryngeal microsurgery group, 24 cases were cured , 5 cases were effective and 3 cases were invalid , contrasting in the traditional group with 11 cases of cured , 7 cases of effective and 6 cases of invalid respectively, with a significant difference (Z=-2.239, P=0.025).No significant difference in effective rate between the two groups [90.6%(29/32) vs.75.0%(18/24),χ2 =1.459, P=0.227]. Conclusion The clinical efficacy of self-retaining laryngoscope microsurgery in the treatment of Reinke ’ s edema of vocal cords is faster and better comparing traditional operation , with a more significant pronunciation quality improvement .

The accessory proteins (3a, 3b, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9b and ORF14), predicted unknown proteins (PUPs) encoded by the genes, are considered to be unique to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) genome. These proteins play important roles in various biological processes mediated by interactions with their partners. However, very little is known about the interactions among these accessory proteins. Here, a EYFP (enhanced yellow fluorescent protein) bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay was used to detect the interactions among accessory proteins. 33 out of 81 interactions were identified by BiFC, much more than that identified by the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system. This is the first report describing direct visualization of interactions among accessory proteins of SARS-CoV. These findings attest to the general applicability of the BiFC system for the verification of protein-protein interactions.