ObjectiveTo explore the effect of precocious puberty on glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism in female rats. MethodsSixty two-day-old female rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. When aged 5 days， the precocious puberty group and normal group were given a single subcutaneous injection of danazol and solvent soybean oil respectively. The vaginal opening of rats was monitored from their 21 days of age. After 12 hours of fasting， all successful modeling rats were randomly executed within 3 days after vaginal opening， when aged 7 and 12 weeks. Then we measured the rats’ body weight and length， determined the concentrations of glucose， insulin， blood lipids， estradiol， leptin and adiponectin with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and observed the pathological changes of perirenal fat， uterus and ovary. ResultsFor body weight and length， rats in the precocious puberty group were smaller than those in the normal group within 3 days after vaginal opening， but which did not affect their subsequent growth and development， and there was no significant difference between the two groups at 7 and 12 weeks of age. Within 3 days after vaginal opening， insulin levels had significant difference between the two groups （P = 0.001）， the precocious group showed hyperinsulinemia and increased number of perirenal adipocytes. At three execution times， no significant difference was noted in estradiol， leptin and adiponectin levels between the two groups. The same was true in the ratios of ovary or uterus to body weight between the two groups. ConclusionsPrecocious puberty makes earlier onset of pubertal development and allows body maladaptation to the sudden changes of the internal environment. However， the changes due to precocious puberty are temporary and reversible， and they may become normal in adulthood.

The GapC protein of Streptococcus uberis located on the surface of bacteria is a protein with glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. It participates in cellular processes and exhibits a variety of biological activities. In addition, it has good antigenicity. The aim of this study was to predict the possible B-cell epitopes of the GapC protein and verify the immunogenicity of candidate epitope peptides. The gapC gene of S. uberis isolate RF5-1 was cloned into a recombinant expression plasmid pET-28a-GapC and inducibly expressed. The purified protein was used to immunize experimental rabbits to produce anti-GapC polyclonal antibodies. The three-dimensional structure and three-dimensional location of the GapC B-cell epitopes and the homology comparison of the GapC protein and its B-cell epitopes were carried out using bioinformatics softwares. The results showed that the 44-kDa GapC protein had a good immunological reactivity. Six linear and 3 conformational dominant B-cell epitopes against the GapC protein were selected and synthesized. Three dimensional analysis indicated that the selected peptides have better antigen epitope formation potential. Rabbit anti-GapC polyclonal antibodies were generated after immunized with the purified GapC protein, and the polyclonal antibodies were used to identify the epitope peptide by an indirect ELISA. The ELISA results showed that all of the 9 epitope peptides could react with anti-GapC polyclonal antibodies with varying titers. Among them, the epitope polypeptide ²⁶⁶AANDSYGYTEDPIVSSD²⁸² reacted with the polyclonal antibodies significantly stronger than with other epitope peptides. This study laid an experimental foundation for in-depth understanding of the immunological properties and utilizing effective epitopes of the GapC protein of S. uberis.
Animals ; Antigens, Bacterial/genetics* ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics* ; Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/genetics* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Rabbits ; Streptococcus

Objective To assess the contribution of contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) in detecting breast carcinoma of dense breasts. Methods To retrospectively analyze the imaging and clinical data of 52 female patients with breast carcinoma which were confirmed by pathology in Tai'an Central Hospital of Shandong Province from April 2017 to April 2018.All cases classified as dense or uneven dense breasts by DM examination underwent Ultrasound (US), digital mammography (DM), CESM, dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI).The breast imaging report and data system (BI-RADS) and breast density classification were both evaluated using the 5th edition of BI-RADS. The efficacy of US, DM, DM+CESM, DCE-MRI in detecting breast carcinoma (BI-RADS 5) was evaluated by χ2 test. Results Histopathology confirmed that 87 lesions were malignant and 35 lesions were benign. The sensitivity of US, DM, DM +CESM, DCE-MRI were 66.67％(58/87), 64.37％(56/87), 100.00％(87/87), 100.00％(87/87) and the specificity were 94.28％(33/35), 74.28％(26/35), 85.71％(30/35), 51.43％(18/35), respectively. There was statistically significant difference in specificity (χ2=9.545, P=0.002) and BI-RADS 5 category, detection 39.08％(34/87), 22.99％(20/87), respectively (χ2=5.263, P=0.022) between the DM + CESM group and DCE-MRI group. Conclusion In dense breasts, CESM has a high application value in breast carcinoma diagnosis.

OBJECTIVETo analyze a fetus with abnormal sonographic features and correlated its genotype with phenotype.

METHODSG-banding analysis, single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed for the fetus. Karyotyping and FISH were also carried out for the parents.

RESULTSSNP array detected a 4.4 Mb deletion at 1q44 and a 10.4 Mb duplication at 17q24.3q25.3 in the fetus. Based on the results of SNP array and FISH analysis, the father was diagnosed with a cryptic t(1;17)(q44;q24.3) translocation. The fetus has inherited a der(1)t(1;17)(q44;q24.3) from its father.

CONCLUSIONThe 1q44 deletion and 17q24.3q25.3 duplication may have contributed to the abnormal sonographic features presented by the fetus.

Adult ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1 ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17 ; Female ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Pregnancy ; Translocation, Genetic ; Trisomy ; genetics ; Ultrasonography, Prenatal

OBJECTIVETo analyze the correlation between atypical neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1) microdeletion and fetal phenotype.

METHODSFetal blood sampling was carried out for a woman bearing a fetus with talipes equinovarus. G-banded karyotyping and single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) were performed on the fetal blood sample. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to confirm the result of SNP array analysis. FISH assay was also carried out on peripheral blood specimens from the parents to ascertain the origin of mutation.

RESULTSThe karyotype of fetus was found to be 46, XY by G-banding analysis. However, a 3.132 Mb microdeletion was detected in chromosome region 17q11.2 by SNP array, which overlaped with the region of NF1 microdeletion syndrome. Analyzing of the specimens from the fetus and its parents with FISH has confirmed it to be a de novo deletion.

CONCLUSIONTalipes equinovarus may be an abnormal sonographic feature of fetus with atypical NF1 microdeletion which can be accurately diagnosed with SNP array.

Adult ; Chromosome Banding ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17 ; genetics ; Craniofacial Abnormalities ; diagnosis ; embryology ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Deletion ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability ; diagnosis ; embryology ; genetics ; Karyotyping ; Learning Disorders ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Male ; Neurofibromatoses ; diagnosis ; embryology ; genetics ; Neurofibromatosis 1 ; diagnosis ; embryology ; genetics ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo analyze a fetus with increased nuchal translucency and nuchal fold, and to assess the recurrence risk for her family and provide a basis for prenatal diagnosis.

METHODSG-banded karyotyping and single nucleotide polymorphism-based array (SNP-Array) analysis were used to analyze the fetus and her parents.

RESULTSSNP-Array analysis has detected a 41.04 Mb duplication at Xp22.33p11.4 and a 30.51 Mb duplication at 13q31.3q34 in the fetus. G-banding karyotyping indicated that the fetus had a karyotype of 46,X,der(X)(13qter-13q31::Xp11.4-Xp22.3::Xp22.3-Xqter). Her parents had normal results for both G-banding karyotyping and SNP-Array analysis, suggesting that the fetus has carried a de novo derivative chromosome X.

CONCLUSIONSNP-Array combined with G-banding karyotyping is helpful to confirm the composition and connection type of de novo derivative chromosome, which can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and is valuable for the evaluation of recurrence risk.

Adult ; Chromosome Banding ; Chromosome Duplication ; Chromosomes, Human, X ; genetics ; Female ; Fetus ; abnormalities ; metabolism ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Male ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; methods ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; methods ; Sex Chromosome Aberrations

To analyze the immunogenicity and protective ability of recombinant IgG-binding protein (EAG) of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and to evaluate its value when used as equine vaccine antigen, EAG gene was amplified by PCR and inserted into pET-28a vector. The EAG recombinant proteins were expressed and purified to immune mice. The serum antibody and challenge protection were tested. The purified recombinant protein of EAG was 26 kDa, and the protein reacted specifically with positive serum of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. The mice antibody level for EAG immunization group was 1∶8 100. The immunological protection result showed that the protection rate of the EAG recombinant protein was 90%. The results suggested that the EAG protein has good immunogenicity and immunological protection, and it can effectively increase the humoral immune response and immunological protection of mice.
Animals ; Antibodies, Bacterial ; blood ; Antigens, Bacterial ; immunology ; Bacterial Proteins ; immunology ; Bacterial Vaccines ; immunology ; Immunity, Humoral ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Mice ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Protein Binding ; Recombinant Proteins ; immunology ; Streptococcal Infections ; prevention & control ; Streptococcus equi ; Vaccination

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between fetal lateral ventriculomegaly and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) abnormalities.

METHODSFifty fetuses with lateral ventriculomegaly detected by ultrasound and a normal karyotype were included. Forty four fetuses were classified as mild ventriculomegaly (MVM), in which the lateral ventricular atrium was 10-15 mm. Six had severe ventriculomegaly (SVM), with the lateral ventricularatrium being ≥ 15 mm. The fetuses were also divided into isolated (n= 21) and non-isolated groups (n= 29) based on whether they are associated with other anomalies.

RESULTSThirteen (26%) of the fetuses were found to be abnormal by CMA. For the 44 cases with MVM, 9 (20.9% ) were found to be abnormal, while for the 6 cases with SMV, 4 (66.7%) were found to be abnormal (P>0.05). CMA abnormalities were found in 2 (9.5%) of the 21 fetuses with isolated ventriculomegaly group and 11 (37.9%) of the 29 fetuses with non-isolated ventriculomegaly group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONChromosome microdeletions and microduplications are the most common abnormalities found in fetal lateral ventriculomegaly. When ventriculomegaly is associated with other anomalies, the incidence of CMA abnormally is much higher. Prenatal diagnosis is necessary for fetuses with lateral ventriculomegaly.

Adult ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosome Duplication ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; genetics ; Lateral Ventricles ; abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; Microarray Analysis ; methods ; Pregnancy ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Ultrasonography, Prenatal ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo analyze a fetus with heart defects and to assess the recurrence risk for her family.

METHODSSingle nucleotide polymorphism-based arrays (SNP-Array) analysis using Affymetrix Genome Wide Human SNP CytoHD was performed to analyze the fetus and her parents. Karyotype analysis was also carried out.

RESULTSSNP-Array has detected a 14.5 Mb duplication at 9p and a 14.7 Mb deletion at 11q. Karyotype analysis indicated that the fetus' mother has a karyotype of 46, XX, t(9;11) (p23;q24). Therefore, the fetus has inherited a derivative chromosome 11 derived from the maternal translocation, and her karyotype was 46, XX, der(11) t(9;11) (p23;q24) mat.

CONCLUSIONSNP-Array combined with high resolution GTG banding has confirmed that the fetus has a derivative chromosome 11 derived from her mother's balanced translocation, resulting in partial 9p trisomy and partial 11q monosomy. This couple therefore have a high recurrence risk. SNP-Array is capable of detecting small chromosomal imbalance in abnormal fetuses and can pinpoint the breakpoints. It therefore has the advantage for the detection of unbalanced translocation which is difficult to detect with GTG banding, which is important for assessment the recurrence risk for cryptic balanced translocation carriers.

Adult ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11 ; Female ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; genetics ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Male ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; methods ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Translocation, Genetic

To compare immunological characteristics of Extracellular fibrinogen-binding protein (Efb) and Clumping factor A (CfA) of Staphylococcus aureus, we constructed two prokaryotic expression vector pET28a-Efb and pET28a-ClfA. After prokaryotical expression and purification, Efb and ClfA were used to immunize experimental animal. After the second immunization the antisera were collected and the antibody titers, the bacteria binding activity and adhesion inhibition activity of these antisera were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, adhesion inhibition assay and challenge. Both Efb and ClfA had Fibrinogen binding activity whereas the former had better Fibronectin binding activity. The bacteria binding capability of antisera of rabbits immunized with ClfA was better than that with Efb (P < 0.01). Both antisera of Efb and ClfA could inhibit adherence activity of Staphylococcus aureus to Fibrinogen and Fibronectin adherence compare to the control group (P < 0.01), and Efb had better adhesion inhibition activity than ClfA. The antibody titer of immunized group could reach 1:40 500. After the second immunization, both Efb and ClfA had good protective efficacy. This result constitutes a good foundation for Staphylococcus aureus subunit vaccine development.
Animals ; Antibodies, Bacterial ; blood ; Bacterial Adhesion ; Bacterial Proteins ; immunology ; Cattle ; microbiology ; Coagulase ; immunology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Fibrinogen ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; Immune Sera ; immunology ; Immunization ; Rabbits ; Staphylococcal Infections ; immunology ; Staphylococcus aureus