Gastrointestinal Tract ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Infection ; physiopathology ; Sepsis ; physiopathology ; Shock, Septic ; physiopathology

Aim To develop the in vitro and in vivo models induced by shrimp tropomyosin( ST) and mono-clonal tropomyosin-specific murine IgE antibody ( anti-ST-IgE mAb) . Methods ST was purified from Metap-enaeusensis by an isoelectric precipitation method. The anti-ST-IgE mAb was obtained from hybridomas. After RBL-2 H3 cells were sensitized with anti-ST-IgE mAb and challenged with ST,β-hexosaminidase release was determined. Passive systemic anaphylaxis ( PSA ) was induced in mice and the rectal temperature was recor-ded after ST challenge within 30 min by a thermal probe. Results A significant increase ofβ-hexosamin-idase was observed in sensitized cells after ST chal-lenge. The average temperature drop after ST challenge was 1. 44℃ in PSA mice within 30 min. Conclusion The in vitro and in vivo models induced by ST and anti-ST-IgE mAb are established as an improvement of pres-ent models of type Ⅰ allergy.

Dendritic Cell Sarcoma, Follicular ; pathology ; Dendritic Cell Sarcoma, Interdigitating ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the pathoanatomize histological and biochemical characteristics of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by use of old dogs with spontaneous BPH as animal models.

METHODSOld dogs aged 6 to 13 years were recruited after anus check, B-ultrasonic examination by recta spy and measurement under surgical exploration. Ten dogs with notable prostatic hyperplasia were used as models, and 6 with non-hyperplasia prostate as control. Serum testosterone (T), estrogen (E2), ACP and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) were analyzed, and prostates were checked histologically.

RESULTSProstate volume of the BPH group was significantly bigger than those of the control group, (14.7 +/- 2.3) and (13.8 +/- 1.9) cm3 vs (8.4 +/- 1.0) and (8.4 +/- 1.9) cm3, P < 0.01. Serum T [(14.3 +/- 2.9) vs (16.4 +/- 4.0) nmol/L] and E2 [(137.6 +/- 70.8) vs (164.4 +/- 82.0) pmol/L] were not different between the two groups (P > 0.05). ACP of the BPH group was higher than that of the control group [(6.63 +/- 2.76) vs (4.92 +/- 2.19) U/L], but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There was significant difference between the BPH group and the control group in PSA level [(5.6 +/- 0.78) vs (3.1 +/- 0.54) microgram/L, P < 0.01]. The tissue slides of the BPH prostates showed hyperplasia with raised height of epithelium, and many long and offsetting mammillae in the gland cavity due to epithelium hyperplasia.

CONCLUSIONOld dogs with spontaneous BPH are useful animal models for the etiological and pharmacological researches of human BPH.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dog Diseases ; pathology ; Dogs ; Male ; Prostate ; pathology ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; blood ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; pathology ; veterinary

OBJECTIVETo understand the state of health of the middle-aged and old males in Jiangsu Province.

METHODSA total number of 3 551 middle-aged and old males aged 46 approximately 69 years were randomly selected from 13 counties of Jiangsu Province. All of them received physical examinations, including laboratory tests of liver and kidney function, sugar and cholesterols, radioimmunoassay of testosterone and free testosterone levels in the serum, and B-ultrasonic examination of the prostate volume and remaining urine. They also underwent inquiries according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and the questionnaire for PADAM (partial androgen deficiency of the aging male).

RESULTSThe prostate volume differed significantly (P < 0.05), while the testosterone level showed no significant difference in different age groups (P > 0.05). The level of the free testosterone in the serum descended with the increase of age. The incidence of ED and PADAM was also correlated with the increase of age.

CONCLUSIONIn the old and middle-aged population of males, with the increase of age, sexual function decreases, the prostate volume enlarges, and the incidence of ED and PADAM obviously increases (P < 0.001).

Aged ; Androgens ; deficiency ; China ; epidemiology ; Erectile Dysfunction ; epidemiology ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostate ; diagnostic imaging ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Testosterone ; blood ; Ultrasonography

Abstract: Objective　To analyze the association between drug resistance and the risk of latent tuberculosis infection and disease among household contacts of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, and to explore whether the compensatory mutation of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis will enhance its pathogenicity or transmission ability. Methods　The English and Chinese databases, including PubMed, web of science, EMBASE, Cochrane library database, CNKI and Wanfang database, were searched by computer from the time of establishment of the database to January 2022. Cohort studies on the risk of infection and disease among household contacts of patients with drug-resistant and sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis were searched and screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data were extracted and evaluated by NOS scale, using stata16.0 software meta-analysis to calculate the combined effect of tuberculosis infection and disease risk of family contacts, and carry out heterogeneity test, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis. Results　A total of 7 cohort studies involving 9653 TB index cases and 29, 734 house contacts were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis patients, the risk of tuberculosis infection in house contacts of drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis patients was increased (OR=1.56, 95%CI=1.25-1.96, P<0.001), but there was no difference in the risk of incidence (RR=1.06, 95%CI=0.80-1.41, P=0.67>0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that the risk of latent tuberculosis infection in house contacts was affected by the study area, and the size of family contacts had an impact on the risk of TB . Sensitivity analysis showed that the results of meta-analysis were robust. Conclusion　Compared with drug sensitive TB patients, household contacts with drug-resistant TB patients had a higher risk of tuberculosis, but there was no difference in the risk of TB among the two groups.

OBJECTIVETo assess and compare the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) detection efficiency and the potential clinical utility of PCR sequencing-based technology.

METHODSFour HPV consensus primer sets (GP5+/6+, MGP, MY09/11, and PGMY09/11) were used in order to amplify a broad spectrum of HPV types for HPV infection in 325 cervical samples and the PCR products were sequenced afterwards for the HPV genotyping.

RESULTSThe HPV-positive rate was 75.4%, of which 35.5% harbored more than one HPV genotype. A total of 36 different genotypes was found, with HPV 16 (24.1%) being the most prevalent, followed by HPV 58 (13.3%) and HPV 52 (9.6%). There were substantial to almost perfect agreements between different primer sets regarding HPV detection efficiency, with the kappa value varying from 0.751 to 0.925, MGP, and PGMY09/11 were the most effective in detecting multiple infections (P < 0.001). With each of the primer sets, a board range of HPV types could be identified, though there were several differences for a few genotypes.

CONCLUSIONThe substantial agreement between PCR-sequencing and HC2 for the detection of high-risk HPV (kappa=0.761) indicated that PCR-sequencing is also suitable for routine HPV screening.

Adult ; Aged ; Alphapapillomavirus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Papillomavirus Infections ; virology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVESepsis and septic shock remain a common problem that results in significant mortality and morbidity in pediatric intensive care units (PICU). According to literature, the use of more physiologic steroid replacement therapy is associated with hemodynamic and survival benefits in adult patients with relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) and catecholamine-resistant septic shock. But little information is available in children. The aim of the current prospective study was to determine the prevalence of adrenal insufficiency in children with sepsis and septic shock using a low-dose adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test (1 microg/1.73 m2) in children.

METHODSThe authors performed cortisol estimation at baseline and after low-dose (1 microg/1.73 m2) ACTH stimulation at 30 mins in children during the first 24 hours in patients with sepsis or septic shock admitted to our PICU. Adrenal insufficiency was defined as a response < or = 90 microg/L. Absolute adrenal insufficiency (AAI) was further defined as baseline cortisol (T0) < 200 microg/L and RAI insufficiency by T0 > or = 200 microg/L.

RESULTSSixty-two consecutive cases with sepsis and septic shock admitted to PICU of Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Children's Hospital from April, 2006 to March, 2007. The median age was 37.6 months (range, 2 - 168 months), and their gender distribution was 42 (67.7%) males and 20 (32.3%) females, 53 cases had sepsis (85.5%) and 9 had septic shock (14.5%). The mean pediatric critical illness score (PCIS) was 79.3 +/- 9.2 and median pediatric risk of mortality score (PRMSIII) 11.3 (5 - 19), respectively. Overall mortality of sepsis and septic shock was 27.42%. The evaluation of adrenal insufficiency was conducted as follows. (1) The mean cortisol levels at baseline (T0) and 30 mins after ACTH stimulation (T1) were (318.6 +/- 230.4) microg/L, (452.3 +/- 230.7) microg/L and (454.7 +/- 212.7) microg/L, (579.3 +/- 231.9) microg/L in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock group, respectively. There were no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). (2) The proportion of patients with adrenal insufficiency in the study population was 40.3% as defined by a response < or = 90 microg/L post test. The proportion of patients with adrenal insufficiency in sepsis and septic shock were 39.6% and 44.4%, respectively (chi2) = 0.073, P > 0.05). (3) The serum T0 and T1 levels were (320.5 +/- 223.9) microg/L, (462.3 +/- 212.0) microg/L and (384.3 +/- 258.3) microg/L, (500.7 +/- 470.6) microg/L, respectively, and the proportion of patients with adrenal insufficiency were 37.8% and 47.1% in the survivors and the dead (P > 0.05). The levels of T0 and T1 were related to the PCIS (P < 0.05). The morbidity of adrenal insufficiency was not related to the PCIS, PRISMIII, and number of organ that developed functional insufficiency (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAdrenal insufficiency may occur in patients with sepsis and septic shock in children. ACTH stimulation test may be helpful to determine whether corticosteroid therapy has a survival benefit in patients with relative adrenal insufficiency. A low-dose ACTH stimulation test can be used to evaluate the adrenal function status of severe sepsis and septic shock in children.

Adolescent ; Adrenal Insufficiency ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; metabolism ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Intensive Care Units, Pediatric ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Sepsis ; physiopathology ; Shock, Septic ; physiopathology ; Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether 5alpha-reductase inhibitor and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) play a role in spermatogenesis in male rats.

METHODSThirty-two male rats were divided into 4 groups (Groups C, T, F and FT). Group C received plant oil injection and oral starch perfusion, Group T testosterone undecanoate (TU, 20 mg/kg) injection and oral starch perfusion, Group F plant oil injection and oral Finasteride perfusion, and Group FT TU (20 mg/kg) injection and oral Finasteride perfusion. Data on serum T and DHT, sperm count, sperm mobility and reproductive function were collected and analysed.

RESULTS(1) 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, Finasteride and TU reduced the weight of the testis and epididymis in the experiment groups compared with the negative control (Group C), but TU increased the weight of the prostate while Finasteride decreased it compared with the positive control (Group T). TU combined with Finasteride could counteract the effect of the weight increase of the prostate, but not that of the testis. (2) Finasteride, or Finasteride combined with TU, reduced the DHT but increased the testosterone level in comparison with the control group. (3) Both Finasteride and TU could inhibit epididymal sperm count and reproductive function compared with the control, but the effect was less significant in Group FT than in Group F.

CONCLUSIONHigh dosages of 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, Finasteride, can suppress male reproductive function, but the inhibiting effect could be counteracted by administration of 5alpha-reductase inhibitor along with TU.

Animals ; Cholestenone 5 alpha-Reductase ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Dihydrotestosterone ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Finasteride ; pharmacology ; Male ; Organ Size ; Prostate ; drug effects ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spermatogenesis ; drug effects ; Testis ; drug effects ; pathology ; Testosterone ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVEShen Yan Ling Tablet is an innovative compound of traditional Chinese medicine, scientifically prepared with Tripterygium wilfordii, Radix Astragali, and others, with precise efficacy on renal diseases and reduced adverse effects of Tripterygium wilfordii. Based on the Guiding Principles for New Drug Toxicity Research Before Clinical Application, we investigated the long-term toxicity of Shen Yan Ling Tablet and its effect on the reproductive function in rats.

METHODSAccording to the clinical therapeutic dose and the results of the acute toxicity test of Shen Yan Ling Tablet, we equally divided 80 rats (males and females half-and-half) into a low-dose (1.25 g/kg body wt), a medium-dose (2.50 g/kg body wt), a high-dose (5.00 g/kg body wt) and a control group. After a 3-month medication, we conducted standardized long-term toxicity tests and observed the effects of Shen Yan Ling on the serum sexual hormones and epididymal sperm count.

RESULTSAfter 3 months of treatment with Shen Yan Ling, no death occurred, the general status remained unchanged, and the parameters of blood cytology and biochemistry fluctuated within the normal range, without any significant changes (P > 0.05). Some blood parameters, RBC, WBC, HGB, AST and TBIL, showed statistic changes (P < 0.05), but with no clinical significance. There were no significant differences in the mass coefficients of the main organs between the medication and control groups. The high-dose group exhibited slight hepatic and pulmonary pathological changes and significantly reduced sperm counts in the epididymis, but no significant changes in serum sexual hormones (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThree-month medication of Shen Yan Ling at 1.25 - 5.00 g/kg produced no significant accumulated toxicity on rats, but it had a negative effect on their reproductive function at a higher dose of > or = 5.00 g/kg.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; toxicity ; Epididymis ; drug effects ; Female ; Male ; Nephritis ; drug therapy ; Organ Size ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spermatozoa ; drug effects ; Tablets ; Toxicity Tests, Acute ; Tripterygium