Objective To study the effects of inorganic arsenic on the activities of GS and AChE in the central nervous system of the offspring rats. Methods Wistar rats were exposed to arsenitc through drinking water at doses of 10, 50 and 100 mg/L respectively from gestation day 6 until F1 pups 42 days old. The activities of AChE, GS in rat brain regions such as cortex and hippocampus were separately determined in F1 pups 0, 28, 42 days old. Results On the postnatal day 0, there were not any significant changes in AChE and GS activities in arsenic group rats compared with the control rats. An increase of AChE in 100 mg/L arsenic group rats hippocampus was showed on the postnatal day 28.These changes also appeared on the postnatal day 42. Conclusion Consecutive arsenic exposure from embryo to postnatal may induce the activity changes of GS,AChE in the pups brain,which may cause results in the related neurotransmitter concentration changes.

Objective To explore the effects of air pollution on children's nonspecific immune function,and find the sensitive indexes reflecting the earlier damages of human health induced by air pollution.Methods The data on air pollution were provided by Benxi and Shenyang environment protective bureaus. 300 children in grade 1 and grade 6,half for girls and half for boys were selected from area with slight air pollution and area with heavy air pollution in Shenyang and Benxi respectively by cluster sampling method.The contents of SIgA and the activities of bacteriolytic enzyme in saliva of children were measured by radioimmunoassay and agar spread assay respectively.Results The difference of the contents of saliva SIgA was observed in children in grade 1 between area with heavy air pollution(70.60 ?g/ml)and area with slight air pollution(97.77 ?g/ml),P

Objective To observe the effect of nerve growth factor(NGF) on CCL4‐induced hepatic fibrosis in mice .Methods The hepatic fibrosis model was induced by subcutaneous injection of CCL 4 in mice .Thirty female Kunming mice were equally and randomly divided into three groups :fibrosis model group (A) ,NGF intervention group (B) and normal saline control group (C) .At 8 weeks following the initiation of experiment ,the samples were collected to measure ALT ,AST ,TBIL ,ALB by the fully automativ biochemical analyzer ,an the liver fibrosis indices (HA ,LN ,PC Ⅲ ) by radioimmunoassay .The Ishaki scoring system was adopted to assess the severity of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis degree .Results Serum levels of ALT ,AST ,HA and LN in the group A and B were significantly higher than those in the group C (F= 111 .45 ,658 .80 ,157 .43 ,167 .99 ;P< 0 .05) ,the levels of ALT 、AST and LN in the group B were significantly lower than those in the group A (P< 0 .05) .The HE staining ,reticular fiber staining and Masson staining showed that the liver fibrosis degree and the liver tissue inflammation in the group A were most obvious ,the liver tissue inflamation in the group B were significantly alleviated as compared with the group A .No fibrous septum was formed and the fiber tissues were fine and short .No obvious inflammatory cells infiltration and fibers formation were found in the liver tissue of the group C .The scores of liver inflamation grade and fibrosis staging in the group C were higher than those in the group B and C ,moreover the scores of liver inflammation grade and fibsosis had statstical differences among 3 groups (P < 0 .05) .Conclusion NGF can block hepatic fibrosis induced by CCL4 and relieve the liver inflammation .

Objective To evaluate the value of enzyme-linked immunospot assay (TB ELISPOT) combined with serum latex agglutination test (LA) for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis plus pulmonary cryptococcosis.Methods Serum and biopsy specimens of 76 patients, who were suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis and/or pulmonary cryptococcosis based on clinical and imaging features, were collected from March 2006 to September 2008 in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center. TB ELISPOT assay, LA and histopathological examination were performed in all the patients. Results Histopathological and pathogenic examination confirmed pulmonary cryptococcosis in 15 cases and pulmonary tuberculosis in 22 cases, pulmonary tuberculosis plus pulmonary cryptococcosis in 8 cases. The sensitivity and specificity of TB ELISPOT were 91% and 94.4%. The sensitivity and specificity of LA were both 100%. TB ELISPOT assay and LA test were both positive in the 8 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis plus pulmonary cryptococcosis.Conclusions The value of enzyme-linked immunospot assay combined with serum latex agglutination test is high for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis plus pulmonary cryptococcosis.

BACKGROUND:At present, col agen as a material in periodontal tissue engineering has some disadvantages such as poor mechanical strength and rapid degradation speed. Col agen combined with chitosan can improve above-mentioned problems.
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the biocompatibility of a novel chitosan-col agen scaffold in vitro.
METHODS:Cytotoxicity of the extract of chitosan-col agen scaffold in different concentrations (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%) was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Human periodontal ligament cel s at 4-6 passages were cocultured with the chitosan-col agen scaffold. Cel growth on the scaffold was observed. Changes in alkaline phosphatase activity were detected in periodontal ligament cel s before and after coculture.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The novel chitosan-col agen scaffold was made up of double layers with one dense layer and another loose layer. The grade of the cytotoxicity of the scaffold was from 0 to 1. Scanning electron microscope and histological observation demonstrated that cel s grew wel on the chitosan-col agen scaffold;the dense layer could prevent cel s to migrate into the scaffold. There were no significant differences in alkaline phosphatase activity in human periodontal ligament cel s before and 24 hours after combined culture (P>0.05). Alkaline phosphatase activity in human periodontal ligament cel s was greatly higher at 48 and 72 hours after combined culture compared with that before culture (P<0.05). Above results indicated that the novel chitosan-col agen scaffold has a good biocompatibility and barrier function, and potential as a scaffold for periodontal tissue engineering.

Objective: To investigate whether diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and motor evoked potentials (MEP) can be used as biomarkers to assess the degree of motor dysfunction of stroke survivors. Methods: Sixty partially-paralyzed stroke survivors were given Fugl-Meyer assessments (FMAs) and MEP tests and assessed using DTI seeking any correlations among the results. The receiver operating characteristics curves (ROCs) were prepared to determine the tests′ efficacy in assessing severe motor dysfunction. Results: ① Asymmetry in the fractional anisotropy (aFA) of the peduncles cerebra as measured by DTI was negatively correlated with the FMA scores of the upper and lower limbs on the affected side. The aFA values of the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC) were negatively correlated with the FMA scores of the affected upper limb, but not with the FMA scores of the affected lower limbs. The abnormalities in central motor conduction time and motor threshold, which are MEP parameters, were negatively correlated with the FMA scores of the affected limbs. ② The ROCs showed that the aFA value of the PLIC was the best indicator for assessing severe upper limb motor dysfunction, with a cut-off value of 0.167 giving the best discrimination. MEP waveform loss could also be used. It has high sensitivity but low specificity. ③ A combination of DTI and MEP can improve specificity in assessing severe motor dysfunction in the upper limbs. Conclusion DTI and MEP can both be used to evaluate motor dysfunction in stroke survivors. They have high clinical value for assessing severe motor dysfunction of the upper limbs.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of Cardi-O-fix patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder and Amplatzer PFO occluder for the treatment of patients with PFO. Methods: A total of 246 consecutive patients (105 males and 141 females) with PFO were prospectively enrolled from May 30, 2013 to March 30, 2015 in our hospital. PFO interventional closure was applied according to the anatomical structure of the disease and patients′ wishes.Cardi-O-fix PFO occluder was used in 180 cases (COF group), Amplatzer PFO occluder was used in the remaining 66 cases (Amp group). Post-procedure safety including recurrent stroke, transient ischemic attack, death, and complete closure rate, and efficacy including procedure related complications of different devices were compared during the 12 months follow-up. Results: (1) Rate of transient ischemic attack was similar between COF group and Amp group at 12 months after procedure(1.1%(2/180) vs. 1.5%(1/66), P=1.000). There was no recurrent stroke and death during the 12 months follow-up period.Complete closure rate was similar between COF group and Amp group at 12 months after the procedure(90.6%(163/180)vs. 86.4%(57/66), P=0.355). (2) Three cases(1.7%) of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were observed in COF group during the 12 months follow-up period, 1 patient converted spontaneously to sinus rhythm and 2 patients received successful pharmacologic conversion and converted to sinus rhythm. One patient(1.5%)developed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and was pharmacologically converted to sinus rhythm in the Amp group. There was no significant difference in rate of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation between the two groups(P=1.000). There was no complications such as occluder translocation, erosion, pericardial effusion and puncture site bleeding in the 2 groups during the 12 months follow-up. Conclusion Efficacy and safety are similar for PFO treatment with Cardi-O-fix PFO occluder or Amplatzer PFO occluder in this patient cohort.

Objective:To study the clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in neonates.Methods:From December 2022 to January 2023, neonates with PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the Department of Neonatology of our hospital were retrospectively studied.The clinical data including epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, laboratory results, treatment and prognosis were analyzed.Results:A total of 174 neonates were enrolled, including 152(87.4%) with clear exposure to SARS-CoV-2 patients prior to onset. 73 cases (42.0%) were mild type, 72(41.4%) were moderate type, 26(14.9%) were severe type and 3(1.7%) were critically severe type. 109 cases had fever, 118 had respiratory symptoms including cough, nasal congestion and spitting up bubbles, 56 had gastrointestinal symptoms including decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea and 35 had neurological symptoms including drowsiness, poor response and irritability. All 174 patients had positive nucleic acid test. White blood cell (WBC) was normal in 151 cases, decreased in 14 and increased in 9. 8 cases showed elevated C-reactive protein(CRP). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was increased in 74 cases, creatine kinase (CK) increased in 22 cases and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased in 3 cases. Chest X-ray or CT scan showed 102 cases with pneumonia. 26 cases required nasal cannula oxygen therapy and 4 cases required respiratory support (3 invasive and 1 non-invasive). 173 cases were discharged fully recovered and 1 died after withdrawal of treatment for total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (TAPVD) .Conclusions:Neonates are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2.Most patients have a history of exposure prior to disease onset. 83.3% of all cases are mild and moderate types.Respiratory symptoms are common. Symptomatic treatments are effective with an overall good prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for detecting fetal chromosomal microdeletion/microduplication syndromes by carrying out prenatal diagnoses for two fetuses with Xp22.31 microdeletion indicated by NIPT. METHODS: Two pregnant women suspected for fetal Xp22.31 microdeletion syndrome who presented at Zaozhuang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital on December 5, 2017 and October 15, 2020 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data of the two women were collected, and peripheral venous blood samples were collected for NIPT testing. Amniotic fluid samples were taken for G-banding chromosomal karyotyping analysis and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) for fetus 1, while G-banding chromosomal karyotyping and single nucleotide polymorphism microarray analysis (SNP array) were carried out for fetus 2. Peripheral venous blood samples of couple 1 were collected for CNV-seq to verify the origin of copy number variation . RESULTS: NIPT indicated that fetus 1 had harbored a 1.3 Mb deletion in the Xp22.31 region, while G-banding chromosomal karyotyping had found no abnormality. CNV-seq analysis verified the fetus to be seg[GRCh37]del(X)(p22.31)chrX:g.6800001_7940000del, with a 1.14 Mb deletion at Xp22.31, which was derived from its mother. NIPT indicated that fetus 2 had harbored a 1.54 Mb deletion in the Xp22.31 region, while G-banding chromosomal karyotyping had found no abnormality. SNP array analysis indicated arr[GRCh37]Xp22.31(6458940_8003247)×0, with a 1.54 Mb deletion in Xp22.31 region. CONCLUSION NIPT not only has a good performance for detecting fetal trisomies 21, 18 and 13, but also has the potential for detecting chromosomal microdeletion/microduplications. For high risk fetuses indicated by NIPT, prenatal diagnosis needs to be carry out to verify the chromosomal abnormalities.
Child ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Humans ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Down Syndrome/diagnosis* ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Fetus

Breach rhythm was firstly described in 1979, and is considered as a rare benign variant of electroencephalogram. The etiology, electroencephalogram features and evaluation of breach rhythm, and so on, are discussed in this article.