Matrine induces mitochondrial apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells via suppression of β-catenin/survivin signaling.

Matrine is an alkaloid isolated from Sophora flavescens and shows anticancer activities. The present study was carried out to determine the cytotoxic effects of matrine on cisplatin-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and the associated molecular mechanisms. Parental and cisplatin-resistant A549 and H460 NSCLC cells were treated with 1 or 2 g/l of matrine for 48 h, and cell viability and apoptosis were assessed.

Arctigenin enhances chemosensitivity to cisplatin in human nonsmall lung cancer H460 cells through downregulation of survivin expression.

Arctigenin, a dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan, enhances cisplatin-mediated cell apoptosis in cancer cells. Here, we sought to investigate the effects of arctigenin on cisplatin-treated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) H460 cells. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and annexin-V/propidium iodide staining were performed to analyze the proliferation and apoptosis of H460 cells.

[Construction and characterization of EGFP reporter gene labeled Sindbis virus].

Objective: To construct and characterize EGFP reporter gene labeled Sindbis virus (SINV).

Methods: The reporter gene EGFP was inserted into the genome of infectious clone pBR-XJ160 by using multi-fusion long fragment PCR method. Then apply reverse genetic manipulation technique to rescue and obtain EGFP labeled SINV.

[Preparation and identification of a recombinant hepatitis C virus (HCV) based on sindbis virus vector].

Objective: To construct the recombinant virus-like particles containing HCV envelope glycoprotein E1E2 based on sindbis virus vector.

Methods: The gene encoding HCV envelope glycoprotein E1E2 was cloned into sindbis virus vector to construct recombinant plasmids pBR-XJE1E2 and pVA-XJE1E2, and transfect them into BHK-21 cells to obtain recombinant virus-like particles. The expression of E1 and E2 protein were verified by Western Blot and indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA).

Emergence of genotype I of Japanese encephalitis virus as the dominant genotype in Asia.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen, is one of the major causes of viral encephalitis worldwide. Previous phylogenetic studies based on the envelope protein indicated that there are four genotypes, and surveillance data suggest that genotype I is gradually replacing genotype III as the dominant strain. Here we report an evolutionary analysis based on 98 full-length genome sequences of JEV, including 67 new samples isolated from humans, pigs, mosquitoes, midges.

[FAIMS of trace volatile organic compounds].

FAIMS is a fast and high sensitive technique for detecting trace volatile organic compounds. Spectra of acetone, benzene and toluene were obtained on a homemade high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer and they can be easily separated in the spectra. Three xylene isomeric compounds were also successfully separated in FAIMS.

[IL-1β can promote proliferation and migration of Hepa1-6 cells and impair IFNα-induced cell growth inhibition in vitro].

Aim: To analyze the effect of recombinant IL-1β on proliferation, migration, and the effect on IFNα induced cell growth inhibtion.

Methods: The vector pLIVE-mIL-1β was transfected into Hepa1-6 cells mediated by transIT-LT1. Gene expression level of IL-1β was analyzed by RT-PCR and Sandwich ELISA.

[The expression of O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase and p53 in non-small cell lung cancer and the association with the prognosis].

Objective: To investigate the expression and role of O(6)-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and p53 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the association with prognosis.

Methods: Immunohistochemical method was used to investigate the expression of MGMT and p53 in NSCLC specimens from 110 cases and in 20 cases of benign lung diseases as the control. The association of their expression with the prognosis of the 110 patients was evaluated.

Isolation and full-length sequence analysis of Armigeres subalbatus totivirus, the first totivirus isolate from mosquitoes representing a proposed novel genus (Artivirus) of the family Totiviridae.

During an investigation of arboviruses in China, a novel dsRNA virus was isolated from adult female Armigeres subalbatus. Full genome sequence analysis showed the virus to be related to members of the family Totiviridae, and was therefore named 'Armigeres subalbatus totivirus' (AsTV). Transmission electron microscopy identified icosahedral, non-enveloped virus particles with a mean diameter of 40 nm.

[Isolation and identification of Banna virus from mosquito for the first time in Inner Mongolia].

Objective: To identify the virus isolated from a mosquito Culex modestus collected from Tongliao city of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Methods: A strain of virus isolated from mosquito in Tongliao city was identified by serological and molecular biological methods. The nucleotides of the virus isolate were amplified by RT-PCR, and the products were purified and sequenced.

[Establishment of AFP promoter operated murine IL-1beta recombinant vector and its expression in H22 cells].

Aim: To establish a hepatoma specific murine IL-1beta (mIL-1beta) expression vector operated by AFP promoter and analysis its expression in H22 cell.

Methods: The chimeric operating sequence composed of the minimal AFP promoter and CMV enhancer(ECMV) was prepared through SOE-PCR. The sequence was inserted to replace the conventional enhancer and promoter in pIRES2-EGFP to establish the novel hepatoma specific vector p(afp)IRES2-EGFP.

[The first report of Kadipiro virus isolation in China].

5 strains of virus isolated from Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Anopheles sinensis and Armigeres subalbatus, which caused cytopathic effect in C6/36 cells, had been obtained in the survey of arboviruses in Northwestern Yunnan Province. China. The virus particles displayed 70 nanometers diameter (n=7) with no envelope but spikes on the surfaces.

[Isolation and primary identification of viruses in mosquitoes in the south of Xinjiang].

Objective: To isolate viruses from mosquitoes in the south of Xinjiang and identify these viruses primarily.

Methods: A total of 13 491 mosquitoes were collected in the south of Xinjiang from Jul to Aug, 2005. These mosquitoes were divided into 130 groups and grinded respectively.

[A new member of Brevidensovirus, 0507JS11 virus isolated from Culex mosquitoes collected in Xinjiang].

Objective: To probe the primary characteristic of 0507JS11 virus isolated from Culex sp. and determine the classification of 0507JS11 virus in taxonomy.

Methods: 0507JS11 virus was cultured in Aedes albopictus C6/36 cells and cytopathic effects (CPEs) were recorded.

[0507JS60 virus isolated in Xinjiang was identified as Liaoning virus].

0507JS60 virus was isolated from a pool of Culex sp. collected in Kashi, Xinjiang, which could be propagated stably on C6/36 cells and caused cytopathic effects continuously. Viral particles had no envelope and appeared round with diameter of about 55nm (n = 10).

[New type of cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus isolated from mosquitoes in China].

0507BS3 virus was isolated from a mixed pool of Culex sp. and Anopheles sp. collected in Kashi, Xinjiang, China.

[Isolation and identification of Japanese encephalitis virus in Tanghe County, Henan Province].

Objective: To isolate Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) from mosquitoes collected in Tanghe County, Henan province and analyze the genotype of the newly isolated JEV strains and the characteristics of amino acid in the E gene.

Methods: Viruses were isolated from mosquitoes collected in 2004 and identified by biological, serological and molecular biologic methods. PrM and E segments of the newly isolated JEV were amplified by RT-PCR, the PCR products were purified and sequenced.

Complete sequence characterization of isolates of Getah virus (genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae) from China.

Ten virus isolates belonging to species Getah virus (GETV) have been obtained during surveys for arboviruses in China since 1964. Seven of these isolates (YN0540, YN0542, SH05-6, SH05-15, SH05-16, SH05-17 and GS10-2) were obtained during the current study. The full-length sequences of three Chinese isolates (M1, isolated in 1964; HB0234, isolated in 2002; YN0540, isolated in 2005) were determined.

[Isolation and identification of arboviruses in Hebei Province].

Background: To study the arboviruses carried by mosquitoes collected in Hebei Province.

Methods: Samples were collected from mosquito active sites and stored in liquid nitrogen till use. Pools of 20 to 30 mosquitoes were ground after sterilization, centrifugal supernant was inoculated onto C6/36 cell, cytopathic effect was observed for three sequential passages.

[Detection of Banna virus-specific nucleic acid with TaqMan RT-PCR assay].

Background: To develop a rapid and more sensitive TaqMan RT-PCR assay specific for Banna virus.

Methods: Total RNA of strains of Banna virus and other arboviruses were extracted and reverse transcribed to cDNAs. With the cDNAs as templates, the TaqMan RT-PCR assay was developed and optimized on ABI 7300 apparatus for specific-detection of Banna virus.

[Molecular biological identification of Batai virus isolated in China].

Background: To study the molecular characteristics of YN92-4 strain isolated from mosquitoes in Yunnan Province and define its classification.

Methods: The S segment of YN92-4 strain was amplified and sequenced by 2 different sets of primers. The phylogenic tree of S fragment was constructed by Phylip bio-software.

[Genotyping of the Chinese isolates of coltivirus].

Objective: To classify the Chinese isolates of Coltiviruses.

Methods: Three sets of primers were selected among them two were specific to the 9th and 12th segments of subgroup B2, and one was for the 12th segment of subgroup B1-All the Chinese isolates of Coltivirus selected in the experiment were classified according to the lengths of different amplicons of the reverse transcriptase-polymerase Chain reaction (RT-PCR). The homogenicity of the nucleic acids of the isolates BJ95-75 and YN-6 was also compared with other Coltivirus strains belonging to subgroup B2.

[Investigation of Arboviruses in Lancang river down-stream area in Yunnan province].

Objective: To investigate the epidemic state of arboviruses in the downstream area of Lancang river in Yunnan province.

Methods: Mosquitoes were collected from Lancang river downstream area (including Lancang county and Simao city) during summer in 1998 and stored in liquid nitrogen after classification. The mosquito pools were homogenized and centrifuged, then the supernatant was inoculated into C6/36 cells for virus isolation.