AIM: DNA vaccines expressing protective domain of surface protective antigen A（spaA）of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae have been relatively ineffective at generating high-titer, long-lasting, neutralizing antibodies in murine models. METHODS: This paper report using a DNA vaccine expressing a fusion of the spaA protein and various elements, such as a secretion leader sequence from the highly expressed human gene encoding α1-antitrypsin (AAT), a highly soluble and stably folded domain from the rat cartilage oligomerization matrix protein (COMP), and three copies of the complement component, C3d3, to enhance the titers of neutralizing spaＡ-specific antibody. RESULTS: Analysis of titers of the antibody raised in vaccinated mice at different time points indicated that immunizations with the DNA expressing pcDNA3-AAT-COMP-spaAN-3C3d((pcD-ACSC)) had higher titers than pcDNA3-spaA_N(pcD-S) at weeks 4. Furthermore, the immune protective efficacy of the spaA-chimeras was demonstrated by lethal challenge with a virulent homologous strain 1249 against immunized mice. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that using a plasmid vector containing a strong heterologous signal sequence that mediate efficient antigen secretion in vivo and a fused piece of sequence improving antigens solubility, as well as C3d3, genetic adjuvant, could enhance the antibody responses level. This approach might be an efficient way to improve the antibody level of spaA_N DNA vaccination.

Objective : To evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients managed by communities in Tongxiang in the next 10 years,and to provide evidence for the development of cardiovascular disease prevention strategies. Methods: The information about hypertensive patients managed by communities was collected from Tongxiang resident health records management system. The risk of ischemic cardiovascular disease（ICVD）in the next 10 years was assessed by the Assessment Scale of 10-Year ICVD Risk in Chinese. Results: A total of 27 173 hypertensive patients managed by communities with complete data were recruited,including 11 868 males,accounting for 43.68%,and 15 305 females,accounting for 56.32%. The median（inter-quartile range）of the total scores of 10-year ICVD risk in hypertensive patients was 8.00（3.00）,with 9.00（2.00）in males and 8.00（2.00）in females. The total scores of 10-year ICVD risk in males was significantly higher than those in females（P<0.05）. A total of 8 764 patients had high 10-year ICVD risk,accounting for 32.25%. The proportion of high10-year ICVD risk in females with hypertension was higher than that in males（P<0.05）. The weights of ICVD risk factors in males were 54.58% in age,17.42% in systolic blood pressure,14.27% in smoking,7.77% in body mass index,4.51% in total cholesterol and 1.45% in diabetes;the ones in females were 63.57% in age,14.63% in systolic blood pressure,9.81% in body mass index,6.00% in total cholesterol,5.88% in diabetes and 0.11% in smoking. Conclusion The ICVD risk of hypertensive patients managed by communities in Tongxiang is higher in the next 10 years. Male patients should focus on the control of blood pressure and smoking,while female patients should focus on the control of blood pressure and body weight.

Mammalian zona pellucida 3(ZP3) plays an important role in the induction of capacitating sperm acrosome reaction. In this study, we obtained the soluble mZP3 fusion protein and identified its immunoreactivity. mZP3 cDNA was cloned into plasmid pMAL-p2x, and the recombinant plasmid was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21. To get the soluble mZP3 fusion protein, we tried to optimize the expression conditions, including additives, IPTG concentrations, temperatures and induction duration. Then, Western blotting and ELISA were used to identify the immunoreactivity of the purified protein. Based on the optimization experiments, we concluded that the best soluble expression conditions for the mZP3 fusion protein involved incubation to an A600 of 0.6, addition of glucose to a final concentration of 0.02 mol/L, addition of IPTG to a final concentration of 0.6 mmol/L and then further incubation for 4 h at 25 degrees C. Western blotting and ELISA showed that the mZP3 fusion protein retained immunoreactivity. The fusion protein can be used as solubility antigens for developing the immunocontraception vaccines of mZP3 and detecting the immune effects of the vaccine.
Animals ; Egg Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; Mice ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; Solubility ; Vaccines, Contraceptive ; immunology ; Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins

OBJECTIVETo discuss the video head impulse tests (vHIT) application values in assessment of the vestibular nerves, function in sudden deafness patients with vertigo.

METHODSThere were 60 cases (120 ears) of healthy volunteers as control group, and 182 cases (182 ears) of sudden deafness with vertigo patients as study group. The study group received vHIT and caloric test, and the control group received vHIT. Functions of vestibular superior and inferior nerves were analyzed by the gains of vHIT and the nystagmus, s unilateral weakness of caloric test, with SPSS17.0 software.

RESULTSThe values of vHIT-G of the six semicircular canals in the control group were normal distribution and no statistical significance among them (F = 0.005, P = 1.000). The vHIT-G averages of both sides of anterior, horizontal and posterior semicircular canals were (15.20 ± 11.00) %, (15.30 ± 13.30) %, and (15.15 ± 14.72) % respectively. In the study group, the vHIT-G of the affected side were (21.73 ± 14.84) %, (21.20 ± 28.24) %, and (19.22 ± 23.50) %, with normal distribution, and in which statistical significance was detected comparing with those in the control group (P < 0.05). The positive rates were 26.9% (49/182) in vHIT, 70.3% (128/182) in caloric test. Significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between vHIT and caloric test examined by chi-square test. According to the results of vHIT, there were 15 cases (8.2%) damaged vestibular superior and inferior nerves areas, 19 cases (10.4%) damaged the superior vestibular nerve area, and 15 cases (8.2%) damaged the inferior vestibular nerve area. In combination with caloric test results, it was shown that there were 29 cases (15.9%) damaged vestibular superior and inferior nerves areas, 101 cases (55.5%) damaged the superior vestibular nerve area, and 1 case (0.5%) damaged the inferior vestibular nerve area.

CONCLUSIONSvHIT can assess the function of six semicircular canals and illustrate high frequency of vestibular nerves. Caloric test combined with vHIT have more advantages to comprehensive assess vestibular damage of sudden deafness patients with vertigo.

Caloric Tests ; Case-Control Studies ; Head Impulse Test ; Hearing Loss, Sudden ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Nystagmus, Pathologic ; physiopathology ; Semicircular Canals ; pathology ; Vertigo ; diagnosis ; Vestibular Nerve ; pathology ; Vestibule, Labyrinth ; pathology

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) on semicircular canal function.

METHODSBy means of a series prospective study at Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of our hospital, the study was performed on 77 patients suffering from OSAHS in a period from 2012 to 2014, who underwent polysomnography (PSG) and caloric test. The maximal slow-phase velocity (SPV) and unilateral weakness (UW) were used to measure the vestibular function. Severity of OSAHS was evaluated by the lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO₂) and apnea hypopnea index (AHI). The SPV after cool was signed, warm test was performed for each ear, and the sum of left ear SPV were calculated, and then, the SPV of right ear was counted as the same way. Finally, the relationships between LSaO₂, AHI, age, BMI, and SPV of caloric test were analyzed.

RESULTSCaloric vestibular tests in the 77 OSAHS patients demonstrated abnormal findings in 52 patients (67.5%) and normal vestibular functions in the remaining 25 patients (32.5%). Of the 52 patients with an abnormal test result, 16 (20.8%) patients had unilateral vestibular hyporeflexia and 36 (46.7%) patients revealed a bilateral vestibular hyporeflexia. There was no linear relationship between AHI, age, BMI with SPV of caloric test (P > 0.05). The SPV had significant difference between Lower LSaO₂group (LSaO₂< 50%) and higher LSaO₂group (LSaO₂≥ 80%) (P < 0.05). LSaO₂was lower in patients undertaken bilateral vestibular hyporeflexia.

CONCLUSIONSOSAHS patients with long-term intermittent hypoxia can disturb the vestibular organs and reduce semicircular canal function. The heavier hypoxemia will lead to the lower reflex of semicircular canal, with the heavier degree of hypoxemia, and the bilateral horizontal semicircular canal involvement may also be higher at the same time. Due to the effect of vestibule centre compensatory, OSAHS patients lack of dizziness and symptoms from balance disturbances such as typically acute vestibular damage.

Caloric Tests ; Humans ; Hypoxia ; complications ; Polysomnography ; Prospective Studies ; Semicircular Canals ; physiopathology ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; Vertigo ; complications

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical values of Sensory Organization Test (SOT) of dynamic posturography in the diagnosis of peripheral vertigo.

METHODSA total of 112 patients with peripheral vertigo were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients firstly underwent the inspection of SOT followed by caloric test. The results were conducted a comparative analysis. Assessments of SOT evaluated the patient's effective use of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory information for balance control during a variety of changing task conditions. The unilateral weakness was selected as assessment parameter of caloric test. Fourty-two healthy subjects were selected as control group underwent the dynamic posturography.

RESULTSAmong the 42 cases of control group, results of SOT in dynamic posturography were normal. The SOT composite scores owned a significant difference between control and peripheral vertigo subjects. Among the 112 cases with peripheral vertigo, results of SOT in dynamic posturography were abnormal in 37 cases, with a sensitivity of 33.0%; caloric test was abnormal in 72 cases, with a sensitivity of 64.3%. There existed a significant difference between dynamic posturography and caloric test.

CONCLUSIONSOT is a key test in dynamic posturography that reflects the balance reconstruction after peripheral injury, and provides information about the integration and proportion of the visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular components of balance.

Caloric Tests ; Case-Control Studies ; Humans ; Postural Balance ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Vertigo ; diagnosis ; Vestibular Diseases ; diagnosis ; Vestibule, Labyrinth ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo explore the association between sleep duration and stroke in adults.

METHODSBaseline data of 57 704 subjects who were aged 30-79 years and enrolled into China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study from Tongxiang county, Zhejiang province were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the putative association between sleep duration and stroke after adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTSThe mean age of the subjects was (53.15 ± 10.20) years in males and (51.72 ± .69) years in females, respectively. There were 14.43% of males and 15.30% of females reporting sleep durations ≤ 6 hours per day and 5.39% of males and 5.95% of females reporting long duration of sleep (≥ 10 hours per day). The prevalence of stroke was 0.92% in males compared with 0.44% in females. The prevalence of stroke showed a U-shaped distribution with sleep duration. Compared with 7 hours sleep duration per day, long sleep duration (≥ 10 hours per day) was associated with stroke. The odds ratios (OR) were 2.11 (95%CI: 1.32-3.37) for males and 2.13 (95%CI: 1.24-3.65) for females after adjusting for age, socioeconomic status, health behaviors and health status. No statistical significant association was found between short sleep duration and stroke. Meanwhile, frequent sleep snoring was found to be associated with stroke in females (OR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.11-2.40).

CONCLUSIONLonger sleep duration was found to be associated with higher risk of stroke in both males and females. Frequent sleep snoring would increase the risk of stroke in females.

Adult ; Aged ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Odds Ratio ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Sleep ; Snoring ; Stroke ; epidemiology ; Time Factors

Objective: To evaluate the data of unilateral centrifugation subjective visual vertical (UC-SVV) in healthy young people.To study the function of utricle. Methods: Between Decem ber 2017 and May 2018, thirty-two healthy young volunteers were tested by static subjective visual vertical(SVV) and low velocity UC-SVV with Neuro Kinetics Inc I-portal 6.0 Video nystagmus recording system and NOTC rotating chair system.The static SVV preset angle were -15.00°, 15.00°, -20.00°, 20.00°, -12.00° and 12.00° respectively.UC-SVV test parameters: rotating chair′s peak speed was 60°/s.The shift time from the middle to the lateral position was 30 s and the displacement was 3.85 cm.The chair rotated at 60 s at left, right and middle positions.Subjects underwent SVV during this period.SPSS 17.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: The mean and standard deviation of static SVV deviation in 32 volunteers was 0.21°±0.17°, 95%CI (-0.14°, 0.55°). The mean and standard deviation of UC-SVV in the left, middle and right positions of the clockwise was 0.24°±0.25°, -0.10°±0.27°, -0.63°±0.26°, 95%CI(-0.26°, 0.74°), (-0.65°, 0.44°), (-1.16°, -0.10°). The mean and standard deviation of UC-SVV in the left, middle and right positions of the counter clockwise was 0.03°±0.27°, -0.11°±0.26°, -0.23°±0.26°, 95%CI(-0.52°, 0.59°), (-0.65°, 0.42°), (-0.76°, 0.30°). There was significant difference in the deviation between the left and the right side of counter clockwise rotation of UC-SVV(t=2.432, P<0.05), however, there was no significant difference in the angle of deviation between the left and right sides and the median position(t value was 0.951, -1.400, both P>0.05). There was no significant difference among each position in clockwise rotation of UC-SVV(F=0.253, P>0.05). Conclusion UC-SVV test with peak speed of 60°/s can cause vertical line deviation in the left and right lateral position, but the angle is small and the value of clinical application is limited.

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of nystagmus of horizontal semicircular canal cupulolithiasis(HSC-Cup) in Roll test and Dix-Hallpike test. Methods: Between December 2016 and December 2017, a total of 164 patients with BPPV from Tianjin First Center Hospital, 124 HSC-Can BPPV and 40 HSC-Cup BPPV, were involved.The induced nystagmus in Roll test and Dix-Hallpike test were recorded by video-nystagmograph(VNG), whose direction and intensity characteristics were compared in various BPPV. Results: HSC-Can patients were induced a horizontal nystagmus with Roll test, the nystagmus intensity of the disease and healthy side were (41.3±20.1)°/s (mean standard deviation)and(21.9±9.4)°/s respectively, the difference was statistically significant (t=6.709, P<0.05). HSC-Cup patients were induced a horizontal nystagmus that was opposite to the direction of the Roll test, the nystagmus intensity of the disease and the healthy side were (12.9±6.4)°/s and(29.1±9.3)°/s respectively, with significant difference (t=9.066, P<0.05). Among 124 cases of HSC-Can patients, 120 cases of horizontal nystagmus were recorded in the left and right sides of the Dix-Hallpike test in the same direction as the turning direction, the horizontal nystagmus intensity of the disease and the healthy sides were (15.1±10.0)°/s and(9.4±7.4)°/s respectively, the difference was statistically significant (t=2.365, P<0.05). And 40 cases of HSC-Cup patients were recorded at the head of the Dix-Hallpike test in the opposite direction to the horizontal eye earthquake.The horizontal nystagmus intensity of the disease and the healthy side were (5.3±2.8)°/s and(13.9±4.4)°/s respectively, the difference was statistically significant (t=10.579, P<0.05). Conclusions Characteristic horizontal nystagmus can be induced by HSC-Cup in both roll test and Dix-Hallpike test. Preliminary localization of Dix-Hallpike Test can also be used for HSC-Cup.

Objective: To investigate the characteristics and clinical utility of vestibular autorotation test (VAT) in patients with vestibular migraine(VM). Methods: This study included two groups, a VM group (441 patients from Tianjin First Center Hospital between January 2015 and May 2016) and a control group (65 healthy subjects). Both groups undertook VAT; the parameters evaluated were horizontal gain/phase, vertical gain/phase and asymmetry. The differences in VAT results between the two groups were investigated. Results: There were statistically significant differences in VAT results between the VM and the control group, namely elevated horizontal gain at frequency 2, 3, 4 and 5 Hz, delay horizontal phase at frequency 2, 4, 5 and 6 Hz, elevated vertical gain at frequency 2-6 Hz and delay vertical phase at frequency 4-6 Hz. There was no significant difference in asymmetric values between the VM group and the control group. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that VM patients have elevated horizontal gain and vertical gain, and delay horizontal phase and vertical phase. It is suggested that VAT represents a useful diagnostic tool which may provide objective evidence for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of VM.