Objective To analyze the infectious indicators,HBV s gene mutations and changes in bioinformatics char-acteristics of HBV DNA+/HBsAg-blood donor.Methods A sample of HBV DNA+/HBsAg-was screened by PCR meth-od,and HBsAg/HBsAb/HBeAg/HBeAb/HBcAb of HBV in the sample were detected by ELISA and chemiluminescence methods.The mutation of the HBVs gene fragment in the sample was sequenced and analyzed,and the bioinformatics analy-sis was performed using analysis software.Results The sample showed HBV DNA+,HBsAg-,HBsAb+,HBeAg+,HBe-Ab-and HBcAb+,with an amino acid unit point mutation(P151L)occurred in the HBV s gene,and the spatial structure changed.Conclusion The spatial structural changes in the gene sequence of HBVs may be the reason for the appearance of serological HBsAg-/HBsAb+/HBV DNA+in the test results.

Objective To study the effect of miR-143-3p on pyroptosis of HCT-116 cells induced by LPS+ATP.Methods The targeting relationship between miR-143-3 p and TLR2 gene was detected by dual luciferase.The pyroptosis model was established after transfection of miR-143-3p mimic.Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry,and the activity of Caspase-1 and LDH was detected by biochemical method.The levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were detected by ELISA.The mRNA levels of NF-κB,TLR2,NLRP3 and GSDMD were detected by q-PCR.The expression of NLRP3 and ASC was detected by immunofluorescence.The protein expressions of TLR2,GS-DMD,p-NF-κB p65 and cleave Caspase-1 were detected by Western blot.Results Dual luciferase assay showed that miR-143-3p targeted TLR2 expression.The expressions of NF-κB,TLR2,NLRP3,GSDMD mRNA and TLR2,GSDMD,p-NF-κB p65,cleave Caspase-1,ASC,NLRP3 protein in miR-143-3p mimic group and si TLR2 group were lower than those in model group.The activity of Caspase-1 and the content of LDH,IL-1β and IL-18 decreased.Conclusion miR-143-3p regulates pyroptosis of ulcerative colitis cells by targeting TLR2 gene and regulating NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.

Objective:To preliminarily evaluate the immunogenicity and efficacy of two novel tuberculosis vaccine candidates (a fusion multicomponent protein EPDPA015f and a mixed multicomponent protein EPDPA015m) and to provide a new antigen combination for the development of tuberculosis vaccines.Methods:Recombinant plasmids for the expression of EPDPA015f and EPDPA015m proteins were constructed. Six-week-old BALB/c mice were immunized with EPDPA015f or EPDPA015m in combination with aluminium adjuvant (50 μg/mouse) for three times with an interval of 10 d. The mice were sacrificed 10 d after the last immunization to collect blood and spleen samples. Serum antibody titers and cytokine levels were measured by ELISA, Luminex technique and enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT). Mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) was used to detect the ability of mouse splenocytes to inhibit the growth of Mtb in vitro. One-way analysis of variance and t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results:Both EPDPA015f and EPDPA015m could induce the production of various cytokines and IgG antibodies at a high level. The levels of cytokines related to Th1 (IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ), Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) and Th17 (IL-17) as well as other proinflammatory cytokines (GM-CSF, IL-12) were higher in the EPDPA015f group than in the adjuvant group ( P<0.05). The titer of IgG antibody induced by EPDPA015f was as high as 1∶4×10 6. The results of MGIA showed that the numbers of Mtb (lgCFU) in the PBS, adjuvant, EPDPA015f and EPDPA015m groups were 3.46±0.11, 3.51±0.06, 2.98±0.09 and 3.19±0.08, respectively. The number of colonies in the EPDPA015f group was the least as compared with that in the other three groups ( P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.01). Conclusions:The vaccine candidate EPDPA015f could elicit more comprehensive and high-level cellular and humoral immune responses, and exhibited superior in vitro inhibitory activity against the growth of Mtb. EPDPA015f had the potential to be used as a preventive vaccine or a booster vaccine

Lumican is a member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family, which is involved in cell processes related to tumorigenesis and development, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell proliferation, migration, invasion and adhesion. The expression of Lumican in different tumors is positively or negatively correlated with tumor progression, and can be used as a reference for tumor prognosis and efficacy evaluation. Further study of the correlation and potential mechanism between Lumican and tumor therapy resistance can provide new ideas for predicting clinical therapeutic efficacy.

Objective:To evaluate the immunogenicity and protective effect of a multicomponent recombinant protein vaccine EPRHP014 constructed independently and provide a scientific basis for developing new tuberculosis (TB) vaccine and effective prevention and control of TB.Methods:Three full-length Mycobacterium ( M.) tuberculosis protein antigens (EsxH, Rv2628, and HspX) and two epitope-predicted and optimized epitope-dominant protein antigens (nPPE18 and nPstS1) were selected, from which five protein antigens were used to construct a protein antigen composition EPRHP014, including a fusion expression multi-component protein antigen (EPRHP014f) and a multi-component mixed protein antigen (EPRHP014m) formed with the five single protein using clone, purification, and purification respectively. Multicomponent protein vaccines EPRHP014f and EPRHP014m were prepared with aluminum adjuvant, and the BCG vaccine was used as a control. ELISA detected the titer of serum-specific antibodies, the secretion of various cytokines was detected by ELISpot and Luminex, and immune protection was observed by the M.tuberculosis growth inhibition test in vitro. The results were statistically analyzed by t-test or rank sum test, and P<0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. Results:Mice Immunized with EPRHP014m and EPRHP014f could produce highly effective IgG antibodies and their subtypes IgG1 and IgG2a, and the antibody titers were similar to those of mice immunized with BCG, with no statistical significance ( P>0.05). The number of spot-forming cells (SFC) secreting IFN-γ and IL-4 induced by EPRHP014f group was significantly higher than those by EPRHP014m group and BCG group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the number of SFC for IFN-γ and IL-4 induced between EPRHP014m group and BCG group ( P>0.05). The secretion levels of GM-CSF and IL-12p70 induced by the EPRHP014m group were higher than those of the BCG group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the levels of IL-6 and IL-10 induced between EPRHP014m group and BCG group ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the secretions of IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and GM-CSF between the EPRHP014f and BCG groups ( P>0.05). EPRHP014m group, EPRHP014f group, and BCG group had obvious antibacterial effects in vitro, and the difference was insignificant ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Both EPRHP014f and EPRHP014m can induce strong humoral and cellular immune responses in mice after immunization, and have a strong ability to inhibit the growth of M. tuberculosis in vitro, indicating that the antigen composition EPRHP014 has good potential in the development and application of TB vaccine.

Objective:To establish SKH-1 mouse models of subcutaneously transplanted B16F10 melanoma and of lung-metastasized B16F10 melanoma.Methods:Seven SKH-1 mice and seven C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously inoculated with 5 × 10 6 B16F10 cells on the back, and the survival duration of mice was observed and recorded. The tumor volume was measured by using a precision vernier caliper every 3 days. Mice were considered as ethically dead when the tumor length was more than 15 mm, or when cachexia or ulceration occurred. In addition, 5 SKH-1 mice were injected with 5 × 10 6 B16F10 cells via the tail vein, and the activity, nutritional status and survival duration of the mice were observed. The mice were sacrificed after the observation, and the lungs were weighed after dissection. Histopathological examination was performed on the lungs of all mice. All the experiments were repeated 3 times. Results:On day 6 after the subcutaneous inoculation, black spots appeared at the skin inoculation site in the SKH-1 mice, and gradually developed into round black nodules, then progressed into ulcerative and hemorrhagic tumors until the death of mice, and the time to ethical death ranged from 20 to 33 days. In the C57BL/6 mice, small black nodules measuring 2 - 3 mm in length appeared at the skin inoculation site on day 4 after the subcutaneous inoculation, and the time to ethical death ranged from 12 to 18 days. The survival duration of SKH-1 mice was 26.57 ± 4.03, 27.86 ± 4.53, and 27.43 ± 5.32 days in the 3 times of experiments respectively, and there was no significant difference ( F = 0.14, P = 0.87) ; on day 27 after the subcutaneous inoculation, the tumor volume was 1 367.9 ± 150.2, 1 452.0 ± 50.1, and 1 490.3 ± 69.0 mm 3 in the 3 times of experiments respectively, and there was also no significant difference ( F = 0.92, P = 0.46). SKH-1 mice had shown decreased activity and anorexia since day 25 after tail vein injections of B16F10 cells, and dullness, emaciation, ascites and death had been observed since day 31, and the time to ethical death ranged from 31 to 40 days; multiple black nodules were observed in the lung after dissection, and the survival duration was 34.20 ± 2.58, 36.40 ± 2.60, and 34.80 ± 2.38 days in the 3 times of experiments respectively, which did not differ among the 3 times of experiments ( F = 1.01, P = 0.39) ; there was also no significant difference in the lung weight among the 3 times of experiments (156.1 ± 18.5, 164.0 ± 19.6, and 172.0 ± 17.2 mg, respectively, F = 3.18, P = 0.72). All the mice developed tumors, and histopathological examinations of subcutaneous tumor masses and lung tissues confirmed the diagnosis of melanoma. Conclusion:In this experiment, the SKH-1 mouse models of subcutaneously transplanted B16F10 melanoma and of lung-metastasized B16F10 melanoma were successfully established, which showed high tumor formation rates and favorable stability in tumor formation.

Objective To demonstrate the changes in flexor digitorum and extensor digitorum tension in the affected hands with shear-wave elastography (SWE) before and after manual digitorum sensory stimulation (MDSS) in hemiplegic patients with stroke. Methods A total of 51 hemiplegic post-stroke inpatients in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine in Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University from April to June, 2020, underwent MDSS completed by a researcher who used a bare thumb and index finger to squeeze each nail bed as well as the sides of each fingertip in the affected hand. The stimulation intensity was the minimum that could cause finger extension without obvious pain, and the interval between two stimulations was five to ten seconds. Muscular tension of the flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor digitorum profundus, flexor pollicis longus and extensor digitorum were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and shear-wave velocity (SWV) of SWE on the affected side before and immediately after MDSS. MAS score was -1 as low muscular tension. Results The MAS scores of all the muscles significantly reduced after MDSS (|Z| > 2.843, P < 0.001); while the changes of SWV were not significantly in all the muscles with initially MAS score of 0 or -1 (t < 1.052, P > 0.05), and it reduced in those muscles with initial MAS scores of one to three (t > 2.672, P < 0.05). The SWV were positively correlated with the MAS scores both before and after MDSS (r > 0.334, P < 0.05). Conclusion MDSS can effectively, immediately, and safely relieves muscle spasms of the flexor digitorum and facilitate active finger extension in the affected hand for hemiplegic patients with stroke. SWE is useful for quantitatively and objectively evaluating muscular tension in the affected hand for hemiplegic patients with stroke.

Bacillus spp. are probiotics and can secrete a variety of natural antimicrobiol active substances, of which lipopeptides are an important class. Up to now, about 90 lipopeptides have been identified, and most of them are cyclic lipopeptides. surfactin, iturin, fengycin, bacillomycin and polymyxins are widely studied, and the first three have huge potential for application due to their properties of surfactants and anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory functions. In this paper, the research progress in the structure, function, synthesis regulation, separation, purification and production of surfactin, iturin and fengycin was reviewed. Synthetic biology is a vital means to increase the yield of lipopeptides, and in the future, lipopeptides can be used in crop cultivation, animal farming, food, medicine and petroleum industries as well as environmental protection. Future research should be strengthened on the discovery of new lipopeptides, synthesis of high-activity lipopeptides, economical production of lipopeptides on a large scale and their safety evaluation.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology* ; Bacillus ; Bacillus subtilis ; Lipopeptides/pharmacology* ; Peptides, Cyclic/pharmacology*

Objective:To understand the molecular transmission characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS) patients in the mountainous area of southwest Zhejiang Province(Lishui city).Methods:A total of 147 blood samples were collected from newly-diagnosed HIV-1 infected who received no antiviral therapy, and pol gene was amplified, followed by sequencing. MEGA6.0 software was used to construct phylogenetic tree and determine gene subtypes. HIVDB online was used to analyze drug resistance mutation, then the pairwise genetic distance(GD) was calculated and the opitimal threshold of GD was selected, finally the molecular transmission network was constructed by Cytoscape3.7.0 software. Chi-square or Fisher′s exact probability method was used for statistical analysis. Results:A total of 134 sequences were obtained successfully, and nine subtypes were detected. The dominant subtypes were CRF08_BC (34.33%, 46/134), CRF01_AE (29.85%, 40/134) and CRF07_BC (23.88%, 32/134). It also found that age, registered residence, education level and transmission route had significant differences in distribution of subtypes ( P<0.05). Nineteen drug resistance individuals were found, and the total drug resistance rate was 14.18% (19/134). The HIV-1 molecular transmission network was plotted based on 1.2% GD threshold. A total of 15 transmission clusters (cluster size ranging from 2 to 29) were found. The network access rate was 49.25% (66/134), mainly including male (75.76%, 50/66), heterosexual (81.82%, 54/66) and patientsrinfected with CRF08_ BC (50.00%, 33/66). A transmission cluster including two cases of female sex workers and seven cases of drug resistance was identified, in which the average age of the patients was 57.21 years old and the average degree value was 22.7, and the cases were mainly infected through heterosexual contact (96.55%, 28/29). The highest homology of the sequences in the cluster was in Yunnan. Conclusions:The HIV-1 subtypes were diverse in the mountainous area of southwest Zhejiang Province(Lishui city). Drug resistant transmission had reached a moderate epidemic level. There were molecular transmission clusters with the aggregation characteristics of elderly clients in specific regions. It was urgent to formulate and implement precise intervention strategies to curb the spread of HIV.

Objective:To compare the clinical value of early and deferred empirical antifungal strategies in febrile neutropenic children with acute leukemia.Methods:A total of 101 cases of febrile neutropenic children with acute leukemia hospitalized in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 2019 to June 2021 were divided into two groups according to different empirical antifungal strategies.There were 41 cases in early group in which antifungal therapy was given within 4 days of fever, and 60 cases in deferred group in which antifungal therapy was not given within 4 days of fever.Outcomes such as time to stable defervescence, positive diagnosis rate of invasive fungal disease, incidence of severe pneumonia, rate of transference to PICU, exposure time and costs of antifungal agents, and infection-related hospitalization days were compared between two groups.Results:There were no significant differences in time to stable defervescence[5 (4, 7) days vs.5 (3, 7) days, P=0.986], positive diagnosis rate of invasive fungal disease[9.8%(4/41) vs.8.3%(5/60), P=1.000], incidence of severe pneumonia[19.5%(8/41) vs.10.0%(6/60), P=0.174], and rate of transference to PICU[2.4%(1/41)vs.0(0/60), P=0.406] between two groups.Exposure time of antifungal agents was longer in early group than that in deferred group[10 (6, 12)days vs.0 (0, 6)days, P<0.001]. Costs of antifungal agents were higher in early group than those in deferred group[0.78(0.51, 0.95)ten thousand yuan vs.0(0, 0.44)ten thousand yuan, P<0.001]. Infection-related hospitalization days were longer in early group than those in deferred group[16 (10, 21) days vs.9(6, 13)days, P<0.001]. Conclusion:For febrile neutropenic children with acute leukemia, clinical effect of early empirical antifungal strategy is not superior to that of deferred empirical antifungal strategy.Pediatricians should make reasonable antifungal decisions according to overall situation of patients.