Objective:To observe the effect of acupuncture on blood oxygen concentration in the brain of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS),thus to reveal the mechanisms of acupuncture in intervening the brain function of PTSD rats.Methods:Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,a grasping group,a paroxetine group and an acupuncture group,with 12 rats in each group.Except the blank group,rats in the other groups all received incarceration plus electric shock for 7 d to prepare the PTSD animal model.One hour before the stress model was established,rats in each group received the designated intervention:rats in the blank group and the model group did not receive any intervention;rats in the grasping group received grasping and fixation;rats in the paroxetine group received paroxetine hydrochloride solution by intragastric administration;and rats in the acupuncture group received acupuncture.Six-day treatment was a course,with 2 courses of treatment conducted for a total of 12 d.After the modeling,rats in each treatment group received intervention for 5 d,and the fNIRS system was used to collect and record the changes in the concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2),deoxygenated hemoglobin (d-Hb) and total hemoglobin (t-Hb) of the involved rat's brain regions,and also to assess the brain function.Results:Compared with the blank group,the concentration of HbO2 was significantly increased,the concentration of d-Hb was significantly decreased,and the concentration of t-Hb was significantly increased in the model group and the grasping group after the intervention,and the differences were statistically significant (all P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the concentrations of HbO2,d-Hb and t-Hb in the grasping group did not change significantly (all P＞0.05).Compared with the grasping group,the concentration of HbO2 was significantly decreased,the concentration of d-Hb was significantly increased,and the concentration of t-Hb was significantly decreased in the paroxetine group and the acupuncture group,and the differences were statistically significant (all P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the concentrations of HbO2,d-Hb and t-Hb between the paroxetine group and the acupuncture group (all P＞0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture can regulate the blood oxygen concentration in the brain of PTSD model rats,which may be an important mechanism of acupuncture in intervening the brain function in PTSD rats.

Objective:To observe the effect of liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method on the resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) in rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),and to provide evidence for the effect mechanism study and clinical application of acupuncture intervention for PTSD.Methods:Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group,a model group,a grasping group,a paroxetine group and an acupuncture group,with 12 rats in each group.Except for rats in the blank control group,rats in the other groups were subjected to preparing the PTSD models using 'incarceration plus electric shock' method.After interventions,changes in rat behavior of each group were observed;changes in resting-state EEG were collected and analyzed with multichannel EEG acquisition and analysis system,and image analysis and statistical processing were performed.Results:Compared with the blank control group,the average escape latency in the model group was significantly longer (P＜0.05),and the times of crossing the platform and the effective areas were all significantly reduced (P＜0.01).Compared with the grasping group,the average escape latencies in the paroxetine group and acupuncture group were significantly shortened (P＜0.05),and the times of crossing the platform and the effective areas were all significantly increased (P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the average escape latency,the times of crossing the platform and the effective areas between the acupuncture group and paroxetine group (all P＞0.05).Compared with the blank control group,the α-wave power spectrum value in the model group was significantly decreased,and the power spectrum values of β-wave,δ-wave and a-wave were significantly increased (all P＜0.01);compared with the grasping group,α-wave power spectrum values in the paroxetine group and acupuncture group were significantly increased (both P＜0.01),and the power spectrum values of β-wave,δ-wave and a-wave were decreased significantly (all P＜0.01).The power spectrum values of α-wave,β-wave,δ-wave and (e)-wave of rats in the acupuncture group were not significantly different from those in the paroxetine group (all P＞0.05).Conclusion:Liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method can significantly improve the abnormal EEG activity in PTSD rats,which may be one mechanism of liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method in effectively affecting the brain function in PTSD rats.

PURPOSE: Numerous studies have assessed the association of SP110 gene variants with tuberculosis (TB), but the results were inconsistent. Through a comprehensive review and meta-analysis, our study aimed to clarify the nature of genetic risks contributed by 11 polymorphisms for the development of TB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through searching PubMed, web of science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases, a total of 11 articles including 13 independent studies were selected. The pooled odd ratios (ORs) along with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for allelic comparisons, additive model (homozygote comparisons; heterozygote comparisons), dominant model and recessive model. We also assessed the heterogeneity across the studies and publication bias. RESULTS: The results of combined analysis revealed a significantly increased risk of TB for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs9061 in all five comparisons (allelic comparisons: OR=1.28, 95% CI=1.14–1.44, p<0.0001; homozygote comparisons: OR=2.84, 95% CI=1.84–4.38, p<0.00001; heterozygote comparisons: OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.05–1.43, p=0.009; dominant model: OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.14–1.53, p=0.0003; recessive model: OR=2.26, 95% CI=1.18–4.34, p=0.01). In subgroup analysis, the risk of TB associated with SNP rs9061 appeared to be increased. Moreover, increased risk of TB was also found in Asian subgroup of SNP rs11556887, while decreased risk of TB appeared in large sample size subgroup of SNP rs1135791. No significant association was observed between other SNPs and the risk of TB. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggested that the variant of SNP rs9061 might be a risk factor for TB.
Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/genetics ; China ; Confidence Intervals ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Heterozygote ; Homozygote ; Humans ; Minor Histocompatibility Antigens/*genetics ; Nuclear Proteins/*genetics ; Odds Ratio ; *Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Risk Factors ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/*genetics

Child, Preschool ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Nutritional Status ; Rural Population

OBJECTIVETo prepare and characterize monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and polyclonal antibodies against nucleocapsid (N) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and to establish antibodies-based sandwich ELISA for detecting N protein of SARS-CoV, which might apply to early diagnosis of patients with SARS-CoV infection.

METHODSBALB/c mice were immunized with purified recombinant N protein of SARS-CoV for producing mAbs, and New Zealand white rabbits were immunized for producing polyclonal antibodies. The identification of antibodies was performed using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect fluorescent-antibody assay (IFA), and Western immunoblotting. Capturing and detecting antibodies were selected by pairing the mAbs and polyclonal antibodies one by one and an antibodies-based sandwich antigen capture ELISA was used for detecting N antigen of SARS-CoV.

RESULTSNine mAbs and hyperimmune rabbit polyclonal antibodies, specifically against SARS-CoV nucleocapsid protein were obtained. Using paired ELISA assay, three mAbs N1E8, N8E1 and N10E4 were selected as capturing antibody and rabbit polyclonal antibodies as detecting antibody then triple antibodies-based sandwich ELISA was established following horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G. The recombinant N protein was used as a standard to establish a detection sensitivity of approximated 50 pg/ml with this assay. When tested with 420 serum specimens from serologically confirmed SARS patients, the positive rates of serum N protein were 90.1%, 23% and 0%, in which sera collected from 1 to 10 days, 11 to 20 days and beyond 21 days respectively after the onset of symptoms. The specificity of the assay was 99.86% in 715 control serum specimens. There was no cross-reaction with other respiratory viruses and coronaviruses.

CONCLUSIONSpecific and high affinity mAbs and rabbit polyclonal antibodies were obtained. By paired and optimized sandwich ELISA, a sensitive and specific antigen capture ELISA was established for detecting N antigen of SARS-CoV, which might apply to early diagnosis, source tracing and epidemiological studies of SARS.

Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; biosynthesis ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Nucleocapsid ; immunology ; Rabbits ; SARS Virus ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; virology

Antigens, Surface ; analysis ; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ; CD28 Antigens ; analysis ; CD56 Antigen ; analysis ; HIV Infections ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Humans ; Killer Cells, Natural ; immunology ; Lectins, C-Type ; analysis ; NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B ; NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D ; analysis ; Receptors, Immunologic ; analysis ; Receptors, KIR

OBJECTIVETo collect background information on drug resistance mutations in treatment-naïve HIV-1 infected individuals in Liaoning Province.

METHODSSamples from 91 antiretroviral therapy-naïve patients were collected. The entire protease gene and 1-290 amino acids of the reverse transcriptase gene were amplified by nested PCR from provirus DNA and sequenced. The results were analyzed with HIVdb-Drug Resistance Algorithm, and genotypic resistance mutations were determined to particular anti-HIV drugs.

RESULTSTotally 91 sequences were obtained, 3 of which displayed M46I mutations in the protease gene. Minor resistance mutation rate to protease inhibitors was 100%, including types of L63P (60.4%), V77I (60.4%), M36I/V (31.9%), A71V/T (22.0%), L10I (8.8%), and K20R (6.6%). Only one sequence carried reverse transcriptase related resistance mutations M184I.

CONCLUSIONSAbout 4.4% of HIV-1 infected individuals in Liaoning Province carried strains with drug resistance mutations. Most treatment-naïve HIV-1 infected individuals in Liaoning Province were sensitive to the currently available antiviral medicines, but antiviral treatment must be in accordance with the strict procedures to keep better adherence and avoid the prevalence of drug-resistant strains.

Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Drug Resistance, Viral ; genetics ; Female ; HIV Infections ; drug therapy ; epidemiology ; HIV Protease ; genetics ; HIV Reverse Transcriptase ; genetics ; HIV-1 ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Mutation ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the basic principles and important rules of forensic identification of adverse drug events and to accumulate basic data and to provide references for forensic identification of similar cases. METHODS: Thirty-three cases of adverse drug events in our forensic identification files were retrospectively reviewed, analyzed, and summarized. RESULTS: There were 27 live and 6 dead victims included in this study. Our study showed a gradually increasing numbers of adverse drug cases in forensic identification year by year with a slight female predominance (20/33 cases, 60.6%). Of the 33 victims, nearly two-thirds (21/33, 63.6%) were due to hospital errors including only one case of drug overdose (1/21, 4.8%), whereas the rest were not related to the hospital errors. Eight cases (8/33, 24.2%) were caused by illegal medical practitioners due to improper use of medication. CONCLUSION Investigators need to pay more attention to the characteristics and complexities of adverse drug events on a case by case basis encountered in increasing numbers of more and more such forensic identification.
Adult ; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions ; Expert Testimony ; Female ; Forensic Medicine ; Health Services Administration/legislation & jurisprudence* ; Humans ; Male ; Malpractice/statistics & numerical data* ; Medical Errors/prevention & control* ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Sex Distribution ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDOveractive bladder (OAB) can be caused by many factors such as inflammation, bladder outlet obstruction, neurogenic factors. We performed an intraperitoneal (ip) injection of cyclophosphamide to induce cystitis in rats, which causes their detrusors to overact, to provide a valuable disease model for discussing OAB pathogenesis and to study effective curing methods.

METHODSFemale Sprague-Dawley rats were induced to form cystitis by cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg, ip). The day after the injection, two catheters were inserted into each rat's bladder to study its urodynamics. The BL-410 model bio-function experimental system was used to monitor bladder pressure while the rats were conscious. Unstable detrusor contractions appear in the urine storage period as a standard to determine OAB, and the positive rate was calculated. Urodynamic parameters such as bladder basal pressure (BP), maximum voiding pressure (MVP), intercontraction interval (ICI), spontaneous activity (SA), maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), and bladder compliance (BC) were recorded in each group, and a light microscope was used to observe the pathological changes in the rat bladder tissue.

RESULTSThe detrusor instability rate of the model group was 83.33%. The MVP, MCC and BC of rats in the model group were lower than the control group (P < 0.01), and the BP, ICI and SA of the model group rats were higher than the control group (P < 0.01). The difference between the control group and the model group is statistically significant. The model group rats' bladder walls swelled and bled, the submucosa thickened and leukocyte infiltration became serious.

CONCLUSIONSAcute cystitis and OAB symptoms can be induced by ip injections of cyclophosphamide in rats. This can provide a valuable animal model to study OAB in human beings.

Animals ; Consciousness ; Cyclophosphamide ; toxicity ; Female ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Urinary Bladder, Overactive ; chemically induced ; physiopathology ; Urodynamics ; physiology

BACKGROUNDStudies on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccines have recently focused on targeting the conserved neutralizing epitopes 2F5 and 4E10, and hence it is important to understand the extent of mutations in these two viral epitopes. Here, we investigated the amino acid mutations in epitopes of 2F5 (ELDKWA, HIV-1 HXB2 env 662 - 667 aa) and 4E10 (NWFDIT, HIV-1 HXB2 env 671 - 676 aa) in the membrane proximal-external region of gp41 from clade B' HIV-1-infected individuals living in Henan province, China. We also examined the frequency of a mutation and its relation to disease progression.

METHODSA cohort of 54 treatment-naïve HIV-1-infected individuals was recruited in this study, and 16 individuals were selected for a short-term longitudinal study on sequence evolution. The HIV-1 env gp41 gene was amplified, cloned, and sequenced, and predicted amino acid sequences were aligned for analysis.

RESULTSThe mutations E662A and K665E on the 2F5 epitope and N671S and T676S on the 4E10 epitope were seen. Simultaneous RNA sequencing showed some discrepancies with proviral DNA sequences. In our longitudinal study, mutation levels of these two neutralizing epitopes were low but diverse and persistent. The frequencies of mutations within the 4E10 peptide NWFDIT in slow progressors were noticeably lower than those in AIDS patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAntigenic variation of the neutralizing epitopes 2F5 and 4E10 is limited in subtype B' infection, and that 4E10 peptide mutation is correlated with disease progression. Monitoring epitope mutations will offer useful data for development of the candidate 2F5-like and 4E10-like antibodies to prevent and treat AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; drug therapy ; Adult ; Antibodies, Neutralizing ; genetics ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Disease Progression ; Epitopes ; genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; HIV Antibodies ; genetics ; HIV Envelope Protein gp41 ; immunology ; HIV-1 ; immunology ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; RNA, Viral ; blood ; chemistry