Variants in CSMD2 and CSMD3, genes involved in synaptogenesis, are associated with epilepsies.

Objective: The CSMD genes, including CSMD1, CSMD2, and CSMD3, encoding synaptic transmembrane proteins, play important roles in neuronal maturation, growth of dendrites, and processes of synapses. Our recent study showed that CSMD1 was associated with developmental epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) and generalized epilepsy. The significance of CSMD2 and CSMD3 in human disease is unknown.

CHD4 variants are associated with childhood idiopathic epilepsy with sinus arrhythmia.

Aims: CHD4 gene, encoding chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 4, is a vital gene for fetal development. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between CHD4 variants and idiopathic epilepsy.

Methods: Trios-based whole-exome sequencing was performed in a cohort of 482 patients with childhood idiopathic epilepsy.

[Observation on mitosis of Trichomonas vaginalis cultivated in vitro using modified Giemsa staining].

The observation showed that the percentage of Trichomonas vaginalis trophozoites at the stages of interphase, binary fission and multiple fission was 66.5%, 24.1% and 9.

Negative regulation of Toll-like receptor signaling pathway.

TLRs are primary sensors of invading pathogens, recognizing conserved microbial molecules and activating signaling pathways that are pivotal to innate and adaptive immune responses. However, a TLR signaling pathway must be tightly controlled because its excessive activation can contribute to the pathogenesis of many human diseases. This review provides a summary of the different mechanisms that are involved in the negative regulation of TLR signaling pathways.

Cyclin G associated kinase interacts with interleukin 12 receptor beta2 and suppresses interleukin 12 induced IFN-gamma production.

Interleukin 12 receptor beta1 (IL-12Rbeta1) and beta2 (IL-12Rbeta2) constitute the functional and high-affinity receptor complex for interleukin 12 (IL-12) and mediate important functions in activated T cells. In this study, we identified cyclin G associated kinase (GAK) as a new IL-12Rbeta2-interacting protein using yeast two-hybrid system and confirmed it by coimmunoprecipitation assays. Overexpression of GAK in activated T cells suppresses IL-12 induced IFN-gamma production but has no detectable effects on its proliferation, whereas knockdown of GAK by RNA interference (RNAi) increases IFN-gamma production.

[Study on the geographic information system databases regarding the control of schistosomiasis in Zhongxiang, Hubei province, China].

Objective: Using geographic information system (GIS) and the remote sensing techniques (RS), we developed a schistosomiasis database and geographic distribution map in Zhongxiang city,Hubei province in order to display and analyze the endemic situation longitudinally after the water conservancy project is completed.

Methods: Epidemiological data of schistosomiasis and the correlated climate and hydrology data for the last 30 years were collected and the relevant GIS databases were established under Artificial Neural Networks(ANN) and network training of Landsat TM images.

Results: GIS database of schistosomiasis in Zhongxiang city, Hubei province and its vicinity areas were developed including 1 maps regarding the epidemic situation of schistosomiasis.

[Observation on moving patterns of Oncomelania snails in rivers and canals].

Objective: To understand the moving patterns of Oncomelania snails, intermediate host of S. japonicum, in the water bodies.

Methods: Based on the biological features of the snails, methods and techniques in relation to hydraulics and silt engineering were adopted to investigate the active scrawl ability and passive movement of the snails.