Microtus fortis (reed vole) is the only mammal known to have natural resistance to Schistosomiasis japonica. Originating from schistosomiasis endemic and non-endemic areas, as well as laboratory bred voles have the same resistance to Schistosoma japonicum. After more than 30 years of laboratory cultivation of wild reed vole, a series of progress have been made in laboratory animalization. A detailed study was conducted on biological traits including growth and development, reproductive physiology, serum biochemistry, hematological indicators and tissue anatomy. At the same time, the anti-schistosomiasis characteristics and anti-schistosomiasis mechanisms of Microtus fortis were studied. The closed Dongtinghu population of Microtus fortis (S: DTMF) cultivated by Shanghai Laboratory Animal Research Center was recognized as a Chinese laboratory animal resource by the Experimental Animal Resources and Evaluation Working Committee of the Chinese Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences in 2021. This review focuses on summarizing the research progress in the biological characteristics, standardization research, genome and anti-schistosomiasis mechanism of reed vole in the past decade, especially in the implementation of the key project in the National Science and Technology Pillar Program.

Objective To determine the interference effect of H. hepaticus infection on the functional characteris-tics of dendritic cell ( DC) surface molecules and immune response in mice. Methods Male BALB/c mice were inocula-ted with H. hepaticus (ATCC 51450). Murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DC) were isolated and co-cultured which were stimulated by GM-CSF and IL-4 at the fifth month after the last inoculation. Then the DCs were subjected to FACS analysis for surface markers (CD11c, CD40, CD80 and MHCII) detection. On this basis, virus suspension of New-castle disease virus( NDV) ZJ1 strain was inoculated into the mice. Serum was collected for detection of the NDV antibody titer in serum weekly to explore the difference of antibody titer between the two groups. Results The expression rates of CD40 and MHCII on the mouse DCs in experimental group were higher than that in the control group. The NDV antibody ti-ter of experimental group was slightly lower than that in the control group in the first week. During the 2nd to 5th weeks, the titer was higher than that in the control group, with a very significant difference. In the 6th week, the titer of both the two groups tended to fall. Conclusions H. hepaticus infection can promote bone marrow DC maturation in mice, stimulate the expression rates of MHC II and CD40, and enhance the NDV antibody levels.

Objective To compare the efficiency of bacteria culture and PCR assays for detection of Staphylococcus aureus ( S.aureus) , Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P.aeruginosa) and Klebsiella pneumoniae ( K.pneumoniae) in laboratory rats and mice.Methods Bacteria culture combined with biochemical identification and PCR assay were used to detect 78 SPF rats and 422 SPF mice and the results of the two methods were compared .Results All the 78 rats were negative .Of the 422 mice, the positive rate by culture was 7.11%(30/422), of which, 10 were S.aureus, 22 were P.aeruginosa, and 2 were K.pneumoniae.The positive rate by PCR was 7.58%(32/422), of which, 10 were S.aureus, 25 were P. aeruginosa, and 2 were K.pneumoniae.Conclusions The high sensitivity , rapid procedure and easy to operate of PCR assay makes it valuable for rapid bacteria diagnosis and large-scale screening in laboratory animals .

Objective To investigate the risk factors of hepatitis B virus(HBV) re-infection after orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT)and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of hepatitis B immunoglobulin(HBIG)combined with nucleos(t)ide analogues. Methods The study included 160 patients with HBVrelated liver diseases who underwent OLT in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from October 2003 to Augest 2007, 117 of whom were treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues before OLT;and all patients were received HBIG i. m and nucleos(t)ide analogues treatment after OLT. Preoperative data of the patients were retrospectively reviewed, and HBV re-infection was assessed prospectively. Independent t test was used to compare normally distributed data and Fisher's exact test was used for the comparison of rates among groups. Results HBV re-infection Was observed in 19 patients after OLT with a rate of 11. 88%(19/160), which was not correlated with HBV DNA loads, HBeAg and the duration of antiviral therapy before OLT(r=0.108, 0.127 and 0.033, P>0.05). Of 19 patients with HBV re-infection, 17 were treated with lamivudine after OLT, and HBV YMDD mutants were detected in 8. The YMDD positive group had a higher HBV DNA level than YMDD negative group(7.0 ± 2.0 log copies/mL vs 3.2 ± 2.5 log copies/mL, t = 3.531, P=0.003). Among above 17 patients, 12 received adefovir add-on treatment, and3 received entecavir instead of lamivadine; all achieved satisfactory responses. Conclusions Low dose of HBIG combined with long-term use of nucleos(t)ide analogues can effectively prevent HBV re-infection after OLT. HBV YMDD mutation may be the primary reason for HBV re-infection in the patients treated with lamivudine after OLT.

Objective To evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients with HBV-related decompensated cirrhosis after treatment with nucleos (t) ide analogues. Methods Totally 94 patients with HBV-related decompensated cirrhosis were enrolled, 53 in nucleos(t) ide group, 41 in control group, and both received routine treatments. Patients in nucleos (t)ide analogue group also received lamivudine ( 100 mg/d), or adefovir ( 10 mg/d), or entecavir (0.5 rag/d). The follow-up was terminated for those who developed hepatocellular carcinoma, received liver transplantation, died or refused the treatment. Serum biochemical markers, Child-Pugh grades and clinical outcomes were compared between two groups at the end of following up. Results After nucleos (t) ide analogues therapy, ALT, AST, globulin ( Glb), and TBil decreased, while Alb and cholinesterase (CHE) increased in the nucleos(t)ide group, and Chiid-Pugh scores decreased in 43 (81.1%) patients. While in the control group, ALT, AST, Glb and TBil did not show significant changes, but the CHE was significantly lower than before ( t = 5. 225, P < 0. 01 ). More patients in nucleos (t)ide group showed improvements in Child-Pugh grades, and there was significant difference between the two groups (X2 = 52.16, P <0.01). The incidence of HCC is lower in nucleos(t) ide group (0%) than that in the control group ( 19.5% ) ( X2 = 23.07, P < 0.01 ). The incidence of death and liver transplantation between two groups did not show siguificant difference. Conclusions Nucleos(t) ide analogues therapy can significantly improve biochemical status of liver functions in patients with HBV-related decompensated cirrhosis. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma may decline and the long-term prognosis can be improved.

Objective To obtain the full-length cDNA sequences of CYP2E1,CYP2D5,ECHS1,which may be related with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,from Microtus fortis.Methods To construct Microtus fortis liver cDNA plasmid library using SMART technique,to get the purposed colonies through screening libraries by PCR,and to obtain their full-length cDNA sequences by sequencing with pBluescript II SK universal primers M13R.Results Three full-length cDNA sequences of Microtus fortis,CYP2E1,CYP2D5 and ECHS1 were obtained.The CYP2E1 cDNA was 1685 bp in length and contained a 1482 bp open reading frame(ORF) encoding a 494 amino acids.The CYP2D5 cDNA was 1690 bp in length,and contained a 1514 bp ORF encoding 504 amino acids.The ECHS1 cDNA was 1013 bp in length,and containsed an 873 bp ORF encoding 290 amino acids.Sequence analysis revealed that the identity of the three cDNA sequences and deduced amino acids among Microtus fortis,Homo sapiens,Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus was high.Conclusion The full-length cDNA sequences of CYP2E1,CYP2D5,ECHS1 were obtained from Microtus forti,liver cDNA library.and the gene sequences have been deposited in GenBank (GQ507485,GQ507486,GQ845171),which may lay the foundation for researchies of pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Microtus fortis models.

Objective To establish a scoring system for evaluating the severity of hepatitis B patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure and to compare the validity of this system with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD). Methods MELD score was used in hepatitis B patients with acuteon-chronic liver failure who were divided into survival group (203 cases) and death group (196 cases).Seven clinical relative indices, including prothrombin activity, serum creatinine, hepatic encephalopathy, accompanying infections, serum total bilirubin, the dimension of liver, the amount of ascites, were selected for evaluating the severity. Each index was graded with 1 to 4 points based on the severity. Then the total score was counted by adding up scores of each index. T test and area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were used to evaluate the difference and similarity of the two systems. Results According to the new scoring system, the total score was 8. 07±3. 14 in the survival group and 16. 91 ±3. 54 in the death group. There was a statistically significant difference between these two groups (t = 26.125. P<0.01). In 81.32% of survival patients, their scores ranged from 3.91 to 12.23, while in 81.32% of dead patients, their scores ranged from 12.23 to 21.60. The two ranges overlapped at 12.23. According to the MELD system, the total score was 26. 43 ±5. 58 in the survival group and 40. 16 ±10. 22 in the death group. The difference between the two groups was statistically different (t = 16. 566, P<0. 01). In 61.02% of survival patients, the MELD scores ranged from 21. 49 to 31. 19, while in 61. 02% of the dead patients, the MELD scores ranged from 31. 19 to 48. 94. The two ranges overlapped at 31.19. The areas under ROC of the new scoring system and MELD system were 0.960 (95% CI: 0. 944-0. 977) and 0.886 (95% C/;0. 852 - 0. 920). No overlap was found in these two 95%CJ and there was a statistically significant difference. Conclusions The new scoring system is applicable for evaluating the severity and prognosis of acute-on-chronic liver failure in hepatitis B patients. The sensitivity of this new scoring system is approximate to the MELD system.

Objective To grasp the epidemic features of Kaschin-Beck disease in different ecotypic areas in Gansu Province,in order to provide ecological basis for Kashin-Beck disease control.Methods Totally 37 counties with Kashin-Beck disease were divided into four ecological areas,villages with historical serious condition in township and townships with historical serious condition in county were investigated.Clinical examination and Xray of right hand of all 7-12-year-old children in the villages were carried out,while investigation of prevention and control measures was performed.Results Among 27 966 children from four ecological areas,the clinical detection rate was 0.05％ (14/27 966) and the X-ray positive rate was 1.26％ (353/27 966),metaphyseal rate was 1.25％ (350/27 966),bone-side positive rate was 0.01％ (3/27 966) and no case of epiphyseal and carpal were discovered.The clinical detection rate in children in the four ecological areas was not statistically significant (x2() =7.757,P ＞0.05),the Loess Plateau-gully region of Longdong [0.09％ (10/11 604)] ＞ the Anyon area of Qinling of Longnan [0.04％ (3/7 969)] ＞ Alpine grassland meadow area of Gannan [0.02％ (1/4 021)] ＞ the Loess Plateau-hills region of Longzhong [0 (0/4 372)].The detected rate of X-ray in four ecological areas was statistically significant (x2 =18.133,P ＜ 0.05),the Anyon area of Qinling of Longnan [1.49％ (119/7 969)] ＞ the Loess Plateau-gully region of Longdong [1.41％ (164/11 604)] ＞ the Loess Plateau-hills region of Longzhong [0.89％ (39/4 372)] ＞ Alpine grassland meadow area of Gannan [0.77％ (31/4 021)].Comprehensive prevention and control measures on Kaschin-Beck disease were different in different ecotypic areas.Relocation,long-distance education and selenium supplement measures had not been implemented in the four ecological areas.Conclusion The epidemic situation of Kaschin-Beck disease is different in different ecotypic areas in Gansu Province,which maybe related to ecological environment,but is under a state of control.

Objective To assess the application of a new scoring system for severity evaluation of acute-on-chronic liver failure induced by hepatitis B.Methods A total of 399 patients (203 survivals and 196 deaths) with acute-on-chronic liver failure induced by hepatitis B were collected from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University during January 2003 and June 2008.All patients were graded with the new scoring system and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) at critical stage (survivals) or terminal stage (deaths).The survival rates and fatality rates of patients who were graded by two scoring systems were analyzed and compared.Results With MELD system,the fatality rate was 11.89％ (17/143) in patients with scores of 15-26,64.68％ (141/218) with scores of 27-48,and 100％ (38/38) with scores of 49-69.No score range with fatality rate of 0 was found.While with the new scoring system,the survival rate was 99.2％ (126/127) when the severity scores were between 2 to 8,and patients with scores 2,3,4,5,6 and 8 were all survived; the fatality rates were gradually raised from 4.2％ (1/24) with scores of 9-17 to 100％ (82/82) with scores of 18 and above.Conclusion The new scoring system is more objective,simple and sensitive than MELD system,which can be used for severity evaluation of acute-onchronic liver failure induced by hepatitis B.

Objective To observe the condition of Keshan disease (KSD) in Gansu Province in order to provide a scientific basis for prevention and control of the disease. Methods In 2011, according to “The national Keshan Disease Monitoring Program (trial edition)”, based on searching of KSD cases, 12 villages of 12 towns in 6 counties of Gansu Province, were selected as surveillance sites. All the residents in surveillance sites were clinically examined and given 12-lead ECG tracings; suspected cases were taken anterior chest X-rays in the distance of 2 meters, while staple food and life conditions of the residents were surveyed. Diagnosis of KSD was based on“Keshan Disease Diagnostic Criteria”(WS/T 210-2011). Results Among investigated 5 484 residents, the incidence of abnormal electrocardiogram was 15.41%. Of the 196 X-ray films, 61 cases had enlarged heart(in which 22 of mild, 21 of moderate and 18 of severe). Two hundred and forty-three cases of KSD were detected, the general detection rate was 4.43%, in which 31 cases of chronic, the detection rate was 0.56%; 212 cases of potential, the detection rate was 3.87%. In all cases, 47 cases were under the age of 30, including 46 cases of potential and 1 case of chronic. The major abnormal electrocardiogram change of KSD cases was ST-T changes[22.68%(71/313)], followed by complete right bundle branch block[16.29%(51/313)], low voltage[12.46%(39/313)], and left anterior fascicular block[6.71%(21/313)]. Per-capita annual income in surveillance site was 1 763 Yuan;and the major staple food was flour, accounted for 87%, and the staple food rice accounted for 5%. Conclusion The detection rate of KSD in Gansu Province is mainly to potential, and there is a cosiderable portion of patients under the age of 30;monitoring and investigation should also be strengthened in the younger age of KSD cases detected village.