To explore the action target of praziquantel (PZQ) and its underlying mechanism of action, adult male worms of Schistosoma japonicum were collected from the hepatic vein of Kunming mice infected at least 6 or more weeks previously with single-sex cercariae of S.japonicum by perfusion method. These worms were subjected to the action of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) or actin depolymerizing/stabilizing agents interfering with function of the calcium channel. The adult male worms in DMEM culture medium were co-cultivated with near-lethal dose of PZQ(14 μmol/L) overnight(16 hours).Then, the parasites were washed 3 times with sterile physiologic saline next morning after cultivation, re-suspended in new and drug-free medium and then observed under stereo-microscopy during the following 5 days. The experimental results showed that majority of adult male worms of S.japonicum were killed by the action of PZQ in a dose of 14 μmol/L in vitro under normal condition; while the worms pre-incubated with the actin depolymerizing agent cyto chalasin D (CyD) were able to survive in the condition containing 14 μmol/L of PZQ with a survival rate of 100%, and the worms pre-incubted with CCBs, such as nitrendipine and nifedipineu showed a survival rate of about 50% under the same condition. The results of this study suggest that the calcium channel of Schistosomes may be involved in the action target of PZQ and its underlying mechanism.

Purpose To oberve the dynamics of liver granuloma and the relative changes of Thl/Th2cytokine levels in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum, and investigate the role of Th1/Th2 in S.japontcum granuloma formation and regulation. Methods Liver granuloma measurement were performedby histological examination and the ELISA were used for the quantitative determination of IL-2, IFNr andIL-4 in murine serum and spleen lymphocyte culture medium at 0,4,6,8,10 and 12 wk after infection.Results At 6 wk liver granuloma formation appeared and at 8 wk liver granuloma peaked. After 12 wk livergranuhoma diminished obviously. Meanwhile, at 4 - 6 wk IL-2, IFNr and IL-4 began to rise, at 8 wk thelevels of Th1 cytokines IL-2 and IFNγ peaked and then declined, and at 8 wk the levels of Th2 cytokines IL-4 were rapidly enhanced and increased obviously with a prolongation of the infection duration.Conclusions The Th1cytokines IL-2 and IFNγ were correlated well with S. japonicum granulomaformation and vigour, and the Th2 cytokines IL-4 might play an important role in down-regulating egggranuloma reaction at chronic schistosomiasis by inhibiting the Th1cytokines.

To determine immune responses and immunopathology in ICOSL knockout (ICOSL KO) mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum,ICOSL- KO mice and wild-type C57BL/6J mice were used as experimental models for Schistosoma japonicum infection.The splenic lymphocytes were isolated from the mice the day before infection (0 week) as well as 4,7,12,16 and 20 weeks post infection,and stimulated with SEA for 72 hours in culture.The concentrations of Th1 cytokines (IFN-γand IL- 12) and Th2 cytokines (IL- 4,IL-10 and IL-13) in the culture supernatants were measured by sandwich ELISA.The levels of SEA-specific IgG antibody and its subtypes (IgG1 and IgG2a) were measured in mouse sera by ELISA.Pathological changes of hepatic granuloma in mice were determined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.After the infection,the levels of Th1 cytokines,IFN- γ and IL 12,in ICOSL- KO mice were higher than those in wild-type C57BL/6J mice.However,the levels of Th2 cytokines (IL- 4,IL- 10 and IL- 13) were significantly decreased in ICOSL-KO mice compared to those in wild-type C57BL/6J mice.The levels of SEA-specific IgG antibody and its subtypes (IgG1 and IgG2a) in the sera of ICOSL- KO mice were also significantly lower than those of wild -type C57BL/6J mice.Moreover,the Th2 differentiation index was lower in ICOSL- KO mice than in wild-type C57BL/6J mice at 4,7,12,16 and 20 weeks post-infection.Similarly,the ratio of IgG1/IgG2a in ICOSL-KO mice was significantly lower than that in wild- type C57BL/6J mice at 7,12 and 16 weeks post- infection.Furthermore,throughout the course of disease progression,the volume of hepatic egg granuloma in ICOSL- KO mice was significantly smaller than that in wild-type C57BL/6J mice.In conclusions,there is a substantially down-regulated Th2 immune response in ICOSL- KO mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum,thus results in an attenuated hepatic lesion caused by egg granulomas.The findings indicate that the ICOS ICOSL co-stimulatory pathway plays an important role in the hepatic egg granuloma formation of schistosomiasis.

Objective To discuss the main points of abdominal enhancement scanning on the 64-row spiral CT.Methods 200 patients with CT scan were selected .For patients with abdominal CT scan ,the contrast agent was used in accordance with the 1.5mL/kg,handle and dorsal vein with high pressure syringe injection ,the pressure of 300 pounds,flow rate of 2.5mL/s,note medicine before scanning ,note after the drug was not phase scanning 2-3 times at the same time.Results 180 cases showed the abdominal aorta ,hepatic artery,splenic artery,hepatic portal vein branch,portal vein,and inferior vena cava.In 20 cases,the results were not ideal,and 3 cases failed.Conclusion The upper abdomen enhancement scan of the 64-row CT scan can obtain satisfactory images to meet clinical needs .

【Objective】 To analyze the composition of urinary calculi in Longnan, Gansu province, and the relationship between the composition and clinical characteristics of patients, so as to provide reference for the prevention and treatment of this disease. 【Methods】 The composition of 500 cases of urinary calculi hospitalized in our department during Apr. 2021 and Feb.2023 were analyzed using the infrared spectrum stone composition analyzer. The clinical characteristics of the patients were evaluated and analyzed. 【Results】 The male-to-female ration of patients was 2.70∶1. Most patients aged 21 to 60 years (437, 87.4%). Most cases were ureteral calculi (72.8%), followed by renal calculi (22.2%), and bladder calculi (5.0%). There were 166 cases of calcium oxalate calculi, 293 cases of calcium oxalate + carbonated apatite calculi, 24 cases of calcium oxalate + carbonated apatite + hydroxyl apatite calculi, 4 cases of calcium oxalate + calcium bicarbonate calculi, 7 cases of urate calculi, 6 cases of carbonated apatite + struvite calculi. Oxalate calculi were the most common in all age groups, and urate calculi were the most common in the 21 to 40 age group. Calcium oxalate calculi were most common in the ureter (127, 76.5%), significantly higher than in other sites (χ²=3.222, P=0.020). Calcium oxalate + calcium hydrogen phosphate calculi was the least common in the bladder, significantly different from the other parts (χ²=2.092, P=0.037). Magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate and/or calcium carbonate or calcium oxalate calculi were the most common in the kidney (50.0%), significantly different from the other parts (χ²=9.448, P=0.007). 【Conclusion】 In Longnan area, the incidence of urinary calculi is significantly higher in male than in female. Ureteral calculi are mainly composed of calcium oxalate + carbonated apatite and calcium oxalate. According to different risk factors, individual prevention programs should be developed.