Genetic variability and phylogeny of the high‐risk HPV‐31, ‐33, ‐35, ‐52, and ‐58 in central Brazil

More than 100 HPV types have been described, 13 of which are classified as high‐risk due to their association with the development of cervical cancer. The intratype genomic diversity of HPV‐16 and ‐18 has been studied extensively, while little data have been generated for other less common high‐risk types. The present study explores the nucleotide variability and phylogeny of the high‐risk HPV‐31, ‐33, ‐35, ‐52, and ‐58, in samples from Central Brazil. For this purpose, the LCR and the E6 and L1 genes were sequenced. Several variants of these HPV types were detected, some of which have been detected in other parts of the world. Furthermore, new variants of all types examined were characterized in a total of 13 new variants. Based on the E6 and L1 sequences, variants were described comprising conservative and non‐conservative amino acid changes. For phylogenetic tree construction, samples characterized in this study were compared to others described and submitted to GenBank previously. The phylogenetic analysis of HPV‐31, ‐33, ‐35, and ‐58 isolates did not reveal ethnic or geographical clustering as observed previously for HPV‐16 and ‐18. HPV‐35 analysis showed a dichotomic branching characteristic of viral subtypes. Interestingly, four clusters relative to the analysis of HPV‐52 isolates were identified, two of which could be classified as Asian and European branches. The genomic characterization of HPV variants is crucial for understanding the intrinsic geographical relatedness and biological differences of these viruses and contributes further to studies on their infectivity and pathogenicity. J. Med. Virol. 81:685–692, 2009 © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, IL‐10, HSP‐60, Anti‐HSP‐60 Antibodies,and Anti‐sperm Antibodies,in Semen of Men with Leukocytes and/or Bacteria

Citation Martínez‐Prado E, Bermúdez MIC. Expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, IL‐10, HSP‐60, anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies, and anti‐sperm antibodies, in semen of men with leukocytes and/or bacteria. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 233–243 Problem Different cellular and biochemical markers have been proposed as indicators of infection‐inflammation of male genital tract. Method of study Semen samples from 80 men attending an andrologic clinic were evaluated to determine the presence of leukocyte, bacteria, antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis, levels of IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNF‐α, HSP‐60, anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies, and anti‐sperm antibodies. Results Leukocytes in semen significantly correlated with an increase in IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α. The simultaneous presence of pathogens and leukocytes was associated with high levels of IL‐8 and TNF‐α, whereas IL‐6 was more associated with the presence of leukocytes. Anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies positively correlated with IL‐6 and IL‐8. The presence of anti‐sperm antibodies highly associated with an increase in anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies. Conclusions The type of cytokines present in the semen will depend on the single or simultaneous presence of leukocytes and/or pathogens. Chronic male genital tract infections could be associated with the development of anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies and anti‐sperm antibodies.     

Laboratory testing of SARS‐CoV,MERS‐CoV,and SARS‐CoV‐2 (2019‐nCoV): Current status,challenges, and countermeasures

Emerging and reemerging infectious diseases are global public concerns. With the outbreak of unknown pneumonia in Wuhan, China in December 2019, a new coronavirus, SARS‐CoV‐2 has been attracting tremendous attention. Rapid and accurate laboratory testing of SARS‐CoV‐2 is essential for early discovery, early reporting, early quarantine, early treatment, and cutting off epidemic transmission. The genome structure, transmission, and pathogenesis of SARS‐CoV‐2 are basically similar to SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV, the other two beta‐CoVs of medical importance. During the SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV epidemics, a variety of molecular and serological diagnostic assays were established and should be referred to for SARS‐CoV‐2. In this review, by summarizing the articles and guidelines about specimen collection, nucleic acid tests (NAT) and serological tests for SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV, and SARS‐CoV‐2, several suggestions are put forward to improve the laboratory testing of SARS‐CoV‐2. In summary, for NAT: collecting stool and blood samples at later periods of illness to improve the positive rate if lower respiratory tract specimens are unavailable; increasing template volume to raise the sensitivity of detection; putting samples in reagents containing guanidine salt to inactivate virus as well as protect RNA; setting proper positive, negative and inhibition controls to ensure high‐quality results; simultaneously amplifying human RNase P gene to avoid false‐negative results. For antibody test, diverse assays targeting different antigens, and collecting paired samples are needed.     

Three‐dimensional localisation of NANOG,OCT4, and E‐cadherin in porcine pre‐ and peri‐implantation embryos

The expression patterns of NANOG and OCT4 have previously been reported to differ markedly between mammalian species indicating distinct species‐specific roles during development. We investigate the three‐dimensional expression pattern of NANOG and OCT4 in porcine pre‐ and peri‐implantation embryos. The expression of NANOG differed remarkably from that reported in other species. NANOG was not detected in the inner cell mass of hatched porcine blastocysts, but later appeared in the epiblast and hypoblast of spherical blastocysts where Rauber's layer had disintegrated. In pre‐gastrulating, filamentous embryos NANOG was localised to nuclei in a minor portion of the epiblast cells in which E‐CADHERIN seemed to be up‐regulated and OCT4 down‐regulated. Later NANOG was restricted to the potential PGCs. OCT4 was detected in inner cell mass, epiblast, and mesoderm, and we found that OCT4 expression, in contrast to earlier speculations, at least in hatched blastocysts, resembles the expression pattern in the mouse embryo. Developmental Dynamics, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The HLA Dictionary 2004: a summary of HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1/3/4/5 and ‐DQB1 alleles and their association with serologically defined HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DR and ‐DQ antigens

This report presents serological equivalents of HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, ‐DRB3, ‐DRB4, ‐DRB5 and ‐DQB1 alleles. The dictionary is an update of that published in 2001. The data summarize equivalents obtained by the World Health Organization Nomenclature Committee for Factors of the HLA System, the International Cell Exchange (UCLA), the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), recent publications and individual laboratories. This latest update of the dictionary is enhanced by the inclusion of results from studies performed during the 13th International Histocompatibility Workshop and from neural network analyses. A summary of the data as recommended serological equivalents is presented as expert assigned types. The tables include remarks for alleles, which are or may be expressed as antigens with serological reaction patterns that differ from the well‐established HLA specificities. The equivalents provided will be useful in guiding searches for unrelated haematopoietic stem cell donors in which patients and/or potential donors are typed by either serology or DNA‐based methods. The serological DNA equivalent dictionary will also aid in typing and matching procedures for organ transplant programmes whose waiting lists of potential donors and recipients comprise mixtures of serological and DNA‐based typings. The tables with HLA equivalents and a questionnaire for submission of serological reaction patterns for poorly identified allelic products will be made available through the WMDA web page ( http://www.worldmarrow.org ) and, in the near future, also in a searchable form on the IMGT/HLA database.     

The HLA Dictionary 2001: a summary of HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1/3/4/5 and ‐DQB1 alleles and their association with serologically defined HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DR and ‐DQ antigens

This report presents the serological equivalents of 123 HLA‐A, 272 HLA‐B and 155 HLA‐DRB1 alleles. The equivalents cover over 64% of the presently identified HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 alleles. The dictionary is an update of the one published in 1999 (^<1>Schreuder et al., 1999, Tissue Antigens, 54 , 409) and also includes equivalents for HLA‐C, DRB3, DRB4, DRB5 and DQB1 alleles. The data summarize information obtained by the WHO Nomenclature Committee for Factors of the HLA System, the International Cell Exchange (UCLA), the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) and individual laboratories. In addition, a listing is provided of alleles that are expressed as antigens with serological reaction patterns that differ from the well‐established HLA specificities. The equivalents provided will be useful in guiding searches for unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donors in which patients and/or potential donors are typed by either serology or DNA‐based methods. These equivalents will also serve typing and matching procedures for organ transplant programmes where HLA typings from donors and from recipients on waiting lists represent mixtures of serological and molecular typings. The tables with HLA equivalents and a questionnaire for submission of serological reaction patterns for poorly identified allelic products will also be available on the WMDA web page: www.worldmarrow.org     

Occupational exposure to trichloroethylene and serum concentrations of IL‐6, IL‐10, and TNF‐alpha

To evaluate the immunotoxicity of trichloroethylene (TCE), we conducted a cross‐sectional molecular epidemiology study in China of workers exposed to TCE. We measured serum levels of IL‐6, IL‐10, and TNF‐α, which play a critical role in regulating various components of the immune system, in 71 exposed workers and 78 unexposed control workers. Repeated personal exposure measurements were taken in workers before blood collection using 3 M organic vapor monitoring badges. Compared to unexposed workers, the serum concentration of IL‐10 in workers exposed to TCE was decreased by 70% (P = 0.001) after adjusting for potential confounders. Further, the magnitude of decline in IL‐10 was >60% and statistically significant in workers exposed to <12 ppm as well as in workers with exposures ≥ 12 ppm of TCE, compared to unexposed workers. No significant differences in levels of IL‐6 or TNF‐α were observed among workers exposed to TCE compared to unexposed controls. Given that IL‐10 plays an important role in immunologic processes, including mediating the Th1/Th2 balance, our findings provide additional evidence that TCE is immunotoxic in humans. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 54:450–454, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Relationships between self‐consistency,trauma‐centred identity,and post‐traumatic adjustment

Background: Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) models suggest that trauma‐centred self‐change is motivated by self‐consistency. Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between self‐consistency, trauma‐centred identity, and PTSD symptoms. Method: University students (n = 134) completed measures of trauma‐centred identity (Centrality of Events Scale), self‐consistency, and post‐traumatic stress symptoms (Impact of Events Scale—Revised, Centre for Epidemiological Studies—Depression Scale). Results: A significant positive correlation was found between trauma‐centred identity and post‐traumatic symptoms. However, self‐consistency was not related to post‐traumatic symptoms or trauma‐centred identity. Given the relationship between depressive symptoms and self‐consistency, the correlations were also conducted controlling for depression. When the effects of depressive symptoms were partialled out, both self‐consistency and trauma‐centred identity were positively correlated with intrusion symptoms. Discussion and Conclusion: The implications for PTSD models, which suggest self‐change is motivated by self‐consistency, are discussed and implications for clinical treatments are considered.     

Bisfuran‐s‐Tetrazine‐Based Conjugated Polymers: Synthesis,Characterization, and Photovoltaic Properties

Bisfuran‐s‐tetrazine (FTz) and its copolymers with cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene (CPDT) and benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) (PCPDTFTz and PBDTFTz) are prepared with the alternating s‐tetrazine and CPDT or BDT units bridged by a furan ring. Their optical and electrochemical properties are studied and compared with their thiophene analogs (PCPDTTTz‐out and PCPDTTTz‐in), in which the bridging unit is 4‐hexylthiophene or 3‐hexylthiophene, respectively. Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells fabricated from these polymers with PC₇₁BM have a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.8%, which is much lower than that from the PCPDTTTz‐out analog (3.2%), due to the low steric hindrance of the furan polymers in the absence of alkyl substitution on the furan ring.     

Thermo‐ and pH‐Sensitivities of Thiosemicarbazone‐Incorporated,Fluorescent and Amphiphilic Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)

Summary: Novel hydrophobic comonomer (p‐methacrylamido)acetophenone thiosemicarbazone was synthesized and polymerized with N‐isopropylacrylamide to get a series of amphiphilic copolymers. The self‐aggregation behavior and thermo‐sensitive character of the (co)polymers were confirmed by TEM observation, fluorescence spectra, and cloud point measurement. Fluorescence emission of copolymer was significantly strengthened or switched off at an excitation wavelength of 320 nm upon the addition of acid or base, respectively. Thermo‐sensitivity, pH‐sensitivity, and pharmacologically versatile thiosemicarbazone groups were integrated into these novel fluorescent and amphiphilic copolymers, which will develop the novel applications of amphiphilic copolymer and environment‐responsive materials.

Fluorescence intensity at 393 nm of polymer 2 in water at 18 °C excited at 320 nm upon addition of acid and base.     

Analysis of high‐resolution HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐Cw, ‐DRB1, and ‐DQB1 alleles and haplotypes in 718 Chinese marrow donors based on donor–recipient confirmatory typings

High‐resolution human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A, ‐B, ‐Cw, ‐DRB1, and ‐DQB1 alleles and haplotype frequencies were analysed from 718 Chinese healthy donors selected from the Chinese Marrow Donor Program registry based on HLA donor–recipient confirmatory typings. A total of 28 HLA‐A, 61 HLA‐B, 30 HLA‐Cw, 40 HLA‐DRB1 and 18 HLA‐DQB1 alleles were identified, and HLA‐A*1101, A*2402, A*0201, B*4001, Cw*0702, Cw*0102, Cw*0304, DRB1*0901, DRB1*1501, DQB1*0301, DQB1*0303 and DQB1*0601 were found with frequencies higher than 10% in this study population. Multiple‐locus haplotype analysis by the maximum‐likelihood method revealed 45 A–B, 38 Cw–B, 47 B–DRB1, 29 DRB1–DQB1, 24 A–B–DRB1, 38 A–Cw–B, 23 A–Cw–B–DRB1, 33 Cw–B–DRB1–DQB1 and 22 A–Cw–B–DRB1–DQB1 haplotypes with frequencies >0.5%. The most common two‐, three‐, four‐ and five‐locus haplotypes in this population were: A*0207–B*4601 (7.34%), Cw*0102–B*4601 (8.71%), B*1302–DRB1*0701 (6.19%), DRB1*0901–DQB1*0303 (14.27%), A*3001–B*1302–DRB1*0701 (5.36%), A*0207–Cw*0102–B*4601 (7.06%), A*3001–Cw*0602–B*1302–DRB1*0701 (5.36%), Cw*0602–B*1302–DRB1*0701–DQB1*0202 (6.12%) and A*3001–Cw*0602–B*1302–DRB1*0701–DQB1*0202 (5.29%). Presentation of the high‐resolution alleles and haplotypes data at HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐Cw, ‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1 loci will be useful for HLA matching in transplantation as well as for other medical and anthropological applications in the Chinese population.     

Self‐compassion,self‐forgiveness,suicidal ideation,and self‐harm: A systematic review

Self‐compassion has been implicated in the aetiology and course of mental health with evidence suggesting an association between greater self‐compassion and lower emotional distress. However, our understanding of the nature and extent of the relationship between self‐compassion and self‐harm (self‐injury regardless of suicidal intent) or suicidal ideation remains unclear. This review, therefore, aimed to critically evaluate the extant literature investigating this relationship. To do so, a systematic search, including terms synonymous with self‐compassion, was conducted on three main psychological and medical databases (Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Medline). Only studies investigating self‐compassion or self‐forgiveness and self‐harm or suicidal ideation were found to be relevant to the review. Eighteen studies were included in the final narrative synthesis. Heterogeneity of studies was high, and the majority of studies were quantitative and cross‐sectional (n = 16) in design. All studies reported significant associations between higher levels of self‐forgiveness or self‐compassion and lower levels of self‐harm or suicidal ideation. Several studies suggested that self‐compassion or self‐forgiveness may weaken the relationship between negative life events and self‐harm. In conclusion, this review highlights the potential importance of self‐compassion in the aetiology of suicidal thoughts and self‐harm. We discuss the clinical and research implications.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Evaluation of Amine‐Terminated Cycloaliphatic‐Substituted Polysiloxanes

Cyclopentyl‐ and cyclohexyl‐substituted polysiloxanes terminated with amino groups were prepared. Initially, the cycloalkene and dichlorosilane were reacted at high pressure (approx. 250 psi) and high temperature (120 °C) to yield the cycloaliphatic dichlorosilane in a two‐step process. Both the mono‐ and disubstituted chlorosilane monomers underwent an oligomerization to produce cyclic oligomers of low molecular weight (≈2 000 g · mol^?1). Amine‐terminated polysiloxanes were produced via a base‐catalyzed ring‐opening polymerization of the cyclic oligomers with 1,3‐bis(3‐aminopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane to yield low molecular weight polysiloxanes (≈9 000 g · mol^?1, amine equivalent weight = ≈4 300 g · equiv.^?1). The polysiloxanes were characterized by ¹H and ²⁹Si NMR, and Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The amine‐terminated polysiloxane was mixed with a cycloaliphatic epoxy‐functionalized cycloaliphatic polysiloxane in order to produce crosslinked epoxy–amine films. The mechanical and physical properties of the film were evaluated and afford a glass transition of the material was 29.5 ± 0.7 °C for the cyclopentyl‐substituted polysiloxane and 38.6 ± 0.7 °C for the cyclohexyl‐substituted polysiloxane. Evaluation of pull‐off adhesion indicated that 0.5 MPa of normal force was required to remove the epoxy/amine film from an aluminum substrate.

     

Novel Soluble N‐Phenyl‐Carbazole‐Containing PPVs for Light‐Emitting Devices: Synthesis,Electrochemical, Optical,and Electroluminescent Properties

Summary: Novel PPV derivatives (PCA8‐PV and PCA8‐MEHPV) containing N‐phenyl‐carbazole units on the backbone were successfully synthesized by the Wittig polycondensation of 3,6‐bisformyl‐N‐(4‐octyloxy‐phenyl)carbazole with the corresponding tributyl phosphonium salts in good yields. The newly formed and dominant trans vinylene double bonds were confirmed by FT‐IR and NMR spectroscopy. The polymers (with of 6 289 for PCA8‐PV and 7 387 for PCA8‐MEHPV) were soluble in common organic solvents and displayed high thermal stability (T_gs are 110.7 °C for PCA8‐PV and 92.2 °C for PCA8‐MEHPV, respectively) because of the incorporation of the N‐phenyl‐carbazole units. Cyclic voltammetry investigations (onsets: 0.8 V for PCA8‐PV and 0.7 V for PCA8‐MEHPV) suggested that the polymers possess enhanced hole injection/transport properties, which can be also attributed to the N‐phenyl‐carbazole units on the backbone. Both the single‐layer and the double‐layer light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) that used the polymers as the active layer emitted a greenish‐blue or bluish‐green light (the maximum emissions located 494 nm for PCA8‐PV and 507 nm for PCA8‐MEHPV, respectively). Compared with those of the single‐layer devices, the emission efficiencies of the double‐layer devices, in which an electron‐transporting layer (Alq₃) was added, were enhanced by a factor of 10, implying that the better hole‐electron balance is achieved because of the incorporation of the electron‐transporting layer.

The N‐phenyl‐carbazole‐containing polymers synthesized.     

Polymorphism of HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐DRB1, ‐DQA1 and ‐DQB1 haplotypes in a Croatian population

We describe for the first time extended haplotypes in a Croatian population. The present study gives the HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐DRB1, ‐DQA1 and ‐DQB1 allele and haplotype frequencies in 105 families with at least two offspring. All individuals were studied by conventional serology for HLA class I antigens (A and B), while class II alleles (DRB1, DQA1, DQB1) were typed using the PCR–SSOP method. HLA genotyping was performed by segregation in all 105 families. For extended haplotype analysis, 420 independent parental haplotypes were included. Fourteen HLA‐A, 18 HLA‐B, 28 DRB1, 9 DQA1 and 11 DQB1 alleles were found in the studied population. Most of the DRB1 alleles in our population had an exclusive association with one specific DQA1‐DQB1 combination. This strong linkage disequilibrium within the HLA class II region is often extended to the HLA‐B locus. A total of 10 HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐DRB1, ‐DQA1, ‐DQB1 haplotypes were observed with a frequency ≤ 1.0%. The three most frequent haplotypes were HLA‐A1, B8, DRB1*0301, DQA1*0501, DQB1*0201; HLA‐A3, B7, DRB1*1501, DQA1*0102, DQB1*0602 and HLA‐A24, B44, DRB1*0701, DQA1*0201, DQB1*02. These results should provide a useful reference for further anthropological studies, transplantation studies, and studies of associations between HLA and diseases.     

Expression of ezrin,Bcl‐2, and Ki‐67 in chondrosarcomas

Söderström M, Palokangas T, Vahlberg T, Böhling T, Aro H, Carpen O. Expression of ezrin, Bcl‐2, and Ki‐67 in chondrosarcomas. APMIS 2010; 118: 769–76. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the expression of ezrin, a membrane‐cytoskeleton linker and regulator of cellular signaling, is associated with clinical features of chondrosarcoma. For this purpose, we studied the expression of ezrin in 54 chondrosarcomas by immunohistochemistry and correlated the expression with other tumor characteristics, markers of proliferation, apoptosis and with clinical parameters. The intensity of ezrin staining increased with the histologic grade, and a significant positive association existed between the tumor grade and ezrin expression (p = 0.0475). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the expression of ezrin and Bcl‐2, an anti‐apoptotic protein (r = 0.83, p < 0.0001), as well as between ezrin expression and increased proliferation as measured by Ki‐67 index (r = 0.70, p < 0.0001). The positive correlation of ezrin expression with Bcl‐2 and Ki‐67 as well as with tumor grade suggests that an aggressive behavior of chondrosarcoma may be related to activation of ezrin and that ezrin inhibitors could provide a much needed adjuvant therapy in chondrosarcomas. In conclusion, our results indicate that high ezrin expression correlates with aggressive features of chondrosarcomas. Further analyses on the pathways downstream of ezrin are warranted.