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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants and young children and mediates substantial morbidity and mortality in the elderly and immunocompromised globally. The development of a safe and effective RSV vaccine and an optimized neutralizing antibody (NAb) with strong virus‐neutralizing activity is appealing. To gain some detailed knowledge of the humoral immune response to RSV subgroup A (RSV‐A) and RSV‐B, we investigated the seroprevalence of pre‐existing NAbs by using the microneutralization assay in healthy adult from Guangzhou, southern China. We found that the overall seropositive rate was 84.86% for anti‐RSV NAbs. Furthermore, the seropositive rates were 68.47% and 73.61% for anti‐RSV‐A NAbs and anti‐RSV‐B NAbs, respectively. In addition, although the seropositive rates and NAb levels were not associated with the blood type, type AB individuals displayed higher seropositive rates for anti‐RSV‐A NAbs with high titer (≥ 288) and anti‐RSV‐B NAbs, especially those with moderate titer (≥ 72 to < 288). The seropositive rates and titers were comparable between anti‐RSV‐A NAbs and anti‐RSV‐B NAbs in the AB blood type group. Interestingly, only when the NAb titer of the serum to RSV‐A was not less than 288, was it not less than 18 to RSV‐B, and vice versa. These results would be helpful for a better understanding of the human serum NAb responses to RSV‐A and RSV‐B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The micro‐neutralization assay is a fundamental test in virology, immunology, vaccine assessment, and epidemiology studies. Since the SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak at the end of December 2019 in China, it has become extremely important to have well‐established and validated diagnostic and serological assays for this new emerging virus. Here, we present a micro‐neutralization assay with the use of SARS‐CoV‐2 wild type virus with two different methods of read‐out. We evaluated the performance of this assay using human serum samples taken from an Italian seroepidemiological study being performed at the University of Siena, along with the human monoclonal antibody CR3022 and some iper‐immune animal serum samples against Influenza and Adenovirus strains. The same panel of human samples have been previously tested in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a pre‐screening. Positive, borderline, and negative ELISA samples were evaluated in neutralization assay using two different methods of read‐out: subjective (by means of an inverted optical microscope) and objective (by means of a spectrophotometer). Our findings suggest that at least 50% of positive ELISA samples are positive in neutralization as well, and that method is able to quantify different antibody concentrations in a specific manner. Taken together, our results confirm that the colorimetric cytopathic effect‐based microneutralization assay could be used as a valid clinical test method for epidemiological and vaccine studies. Highlights: High sensitivity of the Micro‐Neutralization assay for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibodies detection in serum samples.CPE‐based (Subjective) and Colorimetric‐based (Objective) Micro‐Neutralization read out are comparable in terms of results provided.50% of S1 ELISA positive serum samples present neutralizing antibodies against wild type SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma are common allergic diseases. The pattern of dominant allergens depends on the degree of urbanization and the geographic region. The present study characterized the allergens of patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma in Ningxia region of China. Methods: A total of 309 patients were enrolled in this study. Western blotting assays were performed of the serum samples to evaluate allergen‐specific IgE antibody for inhaled and ingested allergens. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the positive rate among different subgroups. Results: Among the 309 patients, 221 of them had positive test results. There were 157 positive cases for ingested allergens and 174 positive cases for inhaled allergens. No significant differences in positive rates were found between the ingested and inhaled allergens. Among the inhaled allergens, Artemisia was the most frequent allergen, followed by fungi and dog hair. Cashew was the most common ingested allergen, followed by crab, mango, and beef. Further analysis showed no significant differences in positive rate between males and females. However, significant differences in positive rate of inhaled and ingested allergens were found between children (1‐13 years old) and adults (above 18 years old) (P <.05), while no significant differences were found between the children and teenagers (14‐18 years old). For the comparison between teenagers and adults, significant difference in positive rate was found only in the ingested allergen. Conclusion: This study provided the characteristics of allergens in Ningxia population, providing clinical and epidemiological data for prevention and treatment of the diseases in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to retrospectively investigate the clinical significance of anti‐rods and rings (anti‐RR) antibodies in antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) test samples of western China. Between January 2016 and November 2018, the laboratory data and clinical details of patients with positive anti‐RR antibodies were collected and analysed. The results showed that total of 197 227 patients tested, 109 453 patients presented with positive ANAs (55.50%), but only 107 patients with positive anti‐RR antibodies (0.10%), including 51 females and 56 males. Diagnose were established in 51 of 107 patients: 25 were hepatopathy (HCV 8/25, HBV 12/25); 13 were autoimmune diseases (AID); and 7 were renal insufficiency; 6 were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We make the conclusions that anti‐RR antibodies have a low prevalence, and there is no gender difference. Anti‐RR antibodies exist other diseases besides hepatitis C, such as HBV, some autoimmune diseases, renal insufficiency and COPD, which we need further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, reflected by aberrantly increased levels of various serological antibodies, has been suggested to be an early indicator of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) onset and progression. We have previously suggested that certain lifestyle and dietary factors were associated with elevated serological levels of the antibody against various EBV antigens namely VCA, Zta, EBNA1, and oral EBV DNA loads among healthy population. It remains unclear whether these potential environmental factors would also influence EBV serological antibodies in NPC patients. We conducted an epidemiological study to evaluate the associations between such environmental factors and EBV antibody levels among 1701 NPC patients in South China. Pretreatment serums were collected and examined for VCA‐IgA and EA‐IgA by immunoenzymatic assays and antienzyme rate (AER) of EBV DNase‐specific neutralizing antibody. We found that consumption of Canton‐style herbal tea was significantly correlated with increased serological antibody levels of VCA‐IgA and EA‐IgA, with adjusted ORs of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.03‐1.76) and 1.32 (95% CI: 1.01‐1.73), respectively, in the weekly intake frequency stratum, while not related to AER of EBV DNase‐specific neutralizing antibody. Smoking was found to be not only an apparent risk factor for higher antibody levels of AER in stage III‐IV patients (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.11‐2.30), but also associated closely with NPC stage at diagnosis (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.47‐3.22), with dose‐response effects. In conclusion, we found consumption of Canton‐style herbal tea and cigarette smoking were in positive associations with elevated EBV antibodies in NPC patients, which may be of public health significance for the primary prevention of EBV‐associated diseases especially NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unexpected antibodies are frequently associated with hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) and hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs), and screening for those unexpected antibodies is critical for the safety and effectiveness of transfusion. Different populations differ in the prevalence of significant antibodies and also the low-frequency red blood cell (RBC) antigens. In China, antibody screening has been a common practice for pretransfusion testing for more than 10 years. However, there has been no national guidelines regarding the minimum antigens on the screening cells, thus making the antibody screening tests unsatisfactory.Study Design and Methods: By a literature review, we systematically searched major databases from their inception to 2014, for publications regarding unexpected RBC antibodies, HTRs, and HDFNs in Chinese people, to explore the frequencies and clinical significance of unexpected RBC antibodies.Results: The overall prevalence of unexpected antibodies was approximately 0.2% (14,095/6,102,361). A total of 2241 patients suffered HTRs (693 patients) or HDFN (1548 patients). Among all the reported antibodies, antibodies of the Rh blood group system were the most, followed by MNS, Lewis, Kidd, Duffy, Diego, and Kell systems. Several rare but clinically significant unexpected antibodies were reported: four anti-Le(x) , three anti-Lu(a) , one anti-Tj(a) , and one anti-Hm .Conclusion: All the commonly seen RBC antibodies are reported in Chinese people. However, anti-K is very rare. Besides, anti-Mur, anti-Di(a) are clinically significant. We propose that in China, the antigens on the antibody screening cells should include those recommended by the AABB and British Committee for Standards in Haematology, as well as Di(a) and Mur antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Liver transplantation ( LT) for hepatitis B virus ( HBV)-related disease can be complicated by HBV recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors, prophylaxis treatment, and histological characteristics of HBV recurrence after LT when using long-term, low-dose hepatitis B immunoglobulin ( HBIG) plus nucleoside analog (lamivudine [ LAM] or entecavir [ ETV]). Methods Retrospective data from 253 adult LT patients using long-term, low-dose HBIG plus nucleoside analog after LT, for a mean treatment duration of 1-72 months, were collected from a single center in Beijing, China. Univariate analyses were conducted to determine the association among gender, age, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis B e antigen-positive status, HBV- DNA level and tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate (YMDD) mutations on HBV recurrence in these patients. Results Overall, the HBV recurrence rate was 6.32% (16/253). There was no significant difference in the survival rate between the HBV recurrence and non-recurrence groups. Risk factors for HBV recurrence were: hepatitis B e antigen positivity, HBV- DNA > 105 copies/ mL, hepatocellular carcinoma, and YMDD mutation. Sixteen patients receiving LAM had HBV recurrence (16/169; mean treatment duration: 61.8 ± 18.3 months). No HBV recurrence occurred in patients receiving ETV after LT (0/84; mean treatment duration: 57.1 ± 15.9 months). Differences in rate of mortality and HBV recurrence were not significant between the two groups. Conclusions LT is an effective treatment for HBV-related end-stage liver disease. The combination of ETV and intramuscular HBIG for HBV recurrence prophylaxis after LT was more effective than LAM, especially in Chinese patients with HBV recurrence risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors predicting the response to allergen-specific immunotherapy ( ASIT) in children with asthma. Methods The case notes of children with asthma who received ASIT for 2 years were retrospectively reviewed. The cases were then divided into an effective clinical response group, defined as absence of asthma symptoms without requirement for medication for at least 6 months during follow up; and an ineffective clinical response group. At the time of initiating treatment, blood was collected for analysis of serum total IgE. Family history of atopy, history of passive smoking, onset age of wheezing and so on was obtained from each patient. Ten factors that may influence children's response were analyzed on logistic regression analysis and compared between groups. Results A total of 99 children with asthma received ASIT s.c. for 2 years during September 2007- February 2010. The average age was 8.66 ± 0.30 years. Good response to ASIT was found in 72 cases, while an inadequate response was found in 27 cases. Of the 10 factors tested for correlation with clinical response to ASIT, a significant correlation was found with onset age of wheezing and airway hyperresponsiveness ( AHR). The odds ratio for the onset age of wheezing was 2.81 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.40-5.65, P = 0.004) and that for AHR was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.04-1.70, P = 0.021). Conclusion Potential predictors for the response to ASIT in children with asthma were identified. Onset age of wheezing and AHR may influence response to ASIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research conducted in Beijing, China to confirm that the diseased Orychophragmus violaceus were infected by Potato virus X (PVX). Samples of the plant were tested by ACP-ELISA with the use of polyclonal antibodies against several viruses like cucumber mosaic virus, tobacco mosaic virus among others, and the samples reacted positively only with antibodies against PVX. The test was further confirm when the total RNA of the infected plant was extracted and performed with RT-PCR using potexviruses-specific degenerate primers Potex 1RC and Potex 5.

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease. There have been few detailed reports of the clinical evaluation of Chinese patients with AD. Objectives To give a profile of the clinical features of Chinese AD patients in a university hospital setting. Methods A total of 1008 cases met Hanifin and Rajka diagnostic criteria of AD were recruited at Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, China. Results In our survey, 22.7% patients were mild, 66.6% were moderate and 10.7% were severe according to the SCORAD index. Both the frequency and severity of the male patients were slightly higher. The frequency of asthma among the AD patients was 16.7% and it was increased with the age ( χ2 = 205.20, P = 0.000). The frequencies of objective minor signs were demonstrated with age-related changes. Besides, three localized variants including eyelid eczema (49.8%), scalp dermatitis (49.7%), infra-auricular and retroauricular fissuring (44.8%) were commonly observed, especially in the infantile phase ( P < 0.01). It was showed significant differences in serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels of different age groups. The positive rate of Phadiatop was raised after 3 years old and that of the common food allergens were decreased after 6 years old. Conclusions More males than females had ongoing AD in our survey. Most AD debuted in the first year of the cases. High incidence of the three clinical signs: eyelid eczema, scalp dermatitis and infra-auricular and retroauricular fissuring among the patients suggests it can be a potential valuable diagnostic clue to AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B48, an antigen within 7C CREG (cross-reacting group) ( Steiner et al., 2001 ) that cross-reacts frequently with HLA-B40 (i.e. HLA-B60 and -B61) group of antibodies serologically, can be found in Alaskan Natives ( Leffell et al., 2002 ), Amerindians ( Martinez-Naves et al., 1997 ), African Americans, Caucasians, and Oriental ethnicities ( Mori et al., 1997 ; Schipper et al., 1997 ; Cao et al., 2001 ; Middleton et al., 2004 ; Hong et al., 2005 ; Itoh et al., 2005 ; Lee et al., 2005 ; Ogata et al., 2007 ). Sequencing investigations demonstrated that the common allele encoding the B48 antigen is B*4801 ( Belich et al., 1992 ). To date, there are at least 16 WHO recognized B*48 alleles according to the most recent report from the WHO nomenclature committee ( Marsh et al., 2005 ). Here we report a newly discovered allele B*480102, a variant of B*4801, detected in a 55-year-old Taiwanese patient of Minan origin (southern China). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti‐centrosome antibodies are rare findings with undefined clinical significance in clinical research. We aimed at investigating the prevalence and clinical significance of anti‐centrosome antibodies in Chinese population. Testing results of total of 281,230 ANA‐positive sera were retrospectively obtained from West China Hospital Sichuan University in China between 2008 and 2017. We retrospectively collected and analysed the clinical and laboratory data of the patients with positive anti‐centrosome antibody. Of the 356 453 patients tested, 281 230 patients had positive antinuclear antibodies (ANAs, 78.9%), but only 78 patients with positive anti‐centrosome antibodies (0.022%), of which 74.4% are females. Diagnoses were established in 69 of 78 patients: 37 cases were autoimmune diseases, mainly including undifferentiated connective tissue diseases (UCTD, 9/37), rheumatoid arthritis (RA, 6/37), Sjögren's syndrome (SS, 5/37) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC, 5/37), and the remaining were other autoimmune conditions. The most frequent clinical symptoms of the anti–centrosome‐positive patients were arthralgia and eyes and mouth drying. Additionally, 86.7% of anti‐centrosome antibodies were not associated with other ANA profiles; however, when associated, the most frequent ANA was anti‐U1RNP. Anti‐centrosome antibodies are featured by a low prevalence and female gender predominance. They are correlated with some specific diseases, both autoimmune diseases, especially UCTD, RA, SS and PBC, and non‐autoimmune diseases, such as infection and cancer, which suggests that they might be potential supporting serological markers of these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventy-six serum samples of Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Trionyx sinensis) were collected at Jiangsu Province, China. The neutralization test (NT) was performed with the sera, Testudo herpesvirus (THV) and turtle heart cells (THC). Neutralizing antibodies were detected in five of 76 samples and the titres were 1:10–1:20. Having optimized the conditions, the dot-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Dot-ELISA) was developed and eight serum samples exhibited positive results. Five samples were positive by both NT and Dot-ELISA. The percentage of positive samples was only 6.6 % (NT) and 11 % (ELISA). It is suggested that THV infection is not a serious problem for the Chinese soft-shelled turtle culture in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]