Objective To investigate the protective immunity in mice immunized with recombinantBifidobacteria bifidum(Bb)-Eg95 vaccine of Echinococcus granulosus (Eg) and challenged with Eg protoscoleces.Methods Fifty-six female BALB/c mice 12-14 weeks old and weighed 20-25 g were vaccinated with the recombinant Bb-Eg95 vaccine subcutaneously,intramuscularly,intranasally and orally,respectively,with blank vector,Bb and medium of solution(MRS) as control,8 mice in each group.Mice were challenged with Eg protoscoleces on week 8 after immunization and killed on week 25 after infection.The weight of hydatid cyst was measured and the decreased larva rate was calculated.Sera were collected to determine the levels of IgE,IgG and its subclasses by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Splenocytes were collected and cultivated to test the proliferation of splenocytes using methyltetrazolium (MTT) assay under EgAg and concanavalin A (ConA) stimulation.The results were compared with analysis of variance and the comparison between two groups was performed with LSD-t test.Results There was significant difference in the weight of hydatid cyst between groups (F =11.062,P ＜ 0.05).Compared with MRS control group[(0.075 ± 0.019)g],the hydatid cyst weight decreased in subcutaneous group [(0.050 ± 0.013)g],intramuscular group[(0.050 ± 0.019)g],intranasal group[(0.028 ± 0.016)g] and oral group [(0.031 ± 0.018)g,all P ＜ 0.01).Compared with subcutaneous and intramuscular groups,the hydatid cyst weight decreased in intranasal and oral groups(all P ＜ 0.05).The decreased larva rate was inversely proportional to the weight of hydatid cyst.There was significant difference in the levels(obsorbancy,A) of IgG,IgG2a,IgG2b,IgG1,IgG3 and IgE between these groups(F =21.774,36.977,27.071,14.746,10.131,9.444,P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).Compared with MRS control group (0.015 ± 0.002,0.002 ± 0.001,0.003 ± 0.001),the levels of IgG,IgG2a and IgG2b increased in subcutaneous group(0.022 ± 0.004,0.007 ± 0.002,0.008 ± 0.002),intramuscular group (0.023 ± 0.003,0.008 ± 0.002,0.007 ± 0.002),intranasal group(0.032 ± 0.007,0.012 ± 0.002,0.013 ± 0.004)and oral group(0.028 ± 0.006,0.010 ± 0.003,0.010 ± 0.002,P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).Compared with subcutaneous and intramuscular groups,the levels of IgG,IgG2a and IgG2b increased in intranasal and oral groups(P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).Compared with MRS control group(0.009 ± 0.001,0.009 ± 0.002,0.009 ± 0.001),the levels of IgG1,IgG3 and IgE decreased in subcutaneous group(0.022 ± 0.004,0.007 ± 0.002,0.008 0.002),intramuscular group(0.004 ± 0.001,0.004 ± 0.001,0.004 ± 0.002),intranasal group(0.005 ± 0.002,0.005 ± 0.003,0.005 ± 0.002)and oral group(0.005 ± 0.001,0.004 ± 0.002,0.004 ± 0.003,all P ＜ 0.01).There was significant difference in the proliferation of splenocytes in the supernatant of cultured splenocyte,of cultured splenocyte + EgAg and of cultured splenocyte + ConA(F =63.975,359.833,167.399,P ＜ 0.01).There was significant difference in the proliferation of splenocytes inside groups(F =6741.955,4953.667,869.320,201.235,175.413,139.653,169.994,all P ＜0.01).Compared with the cultured splenocyte the proliferation of splenocytes increased in the cultured splenocyte +EgAg and splenocyte + ConA (all P ＜ 0.01).Compared with the cultured splenocyte + EgAg,the proliferation of splenocytes increased in the cultured splenocyte + ConA(P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion An effective and protective immunity is induced by the recombinant Bb-Eg95 vaccine of Eg in mice.

Twenty-six eyes which appeared rejection after allograft penetrating keratoplasty between April 2003 and April 2004 in Shandong Shi'erming Eye Hospital were collected, including 16 males and 10 females, 9 cases were repeated relapsing viral keratitis, 8 cases were traumatic posterior corneal leucoma, 5 cases were corneal decompensation caused by various intraocular surgery, 2 cases were congenital leucoma, and 2 cases had other symptom. The rejection occurred at 2 month to 2.5 years after operation. Among them 19 cases were transferred to our hospital and asked adding traditional Chinese therapy because western medicine was ineffective in other hospital. All cases were received local treatment with hormone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eyedrop, some cases applied systemic administration with glucocorticoid, mainly based on eye black immunosuppression decoction, potion daily, twice per day, the average time of medication was 11-42 days. Clinical symptoms were served as observation indexes, results showed that the total effective rate of the 26 cases were 100%. The bulbar conjunctiva hyperemia and edema was reduced, corneal opacity became light, and rejection was complete response in 9 cases, 5 of 19 cases which were transferred to our hospital were exempted from operation, and the average vision was improved three lines. It was found that purging liver and eliminating dampness compound Chinese medicine can rapidly reduce anterior chamber's inflammatory response and backoff corneal neovascularization in clinical practice.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Conjunctival Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orbital Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo evaluate preliminarily the efficacy on functional constipation treated with electroacupuncture of different acupoint prescriptions.

METHODSOne hundred and four patients were randomized into a front-mu and back-shu points group (19 cases), a he-sea points group (34 cases), a he-sea, front-mu and back-shu points group (26 cases) and a western medication control group (25 cases). In the front-mu and back-shu points group, electroacupuncture was applied at bilateral Tianshu (ST 25) and Dachangshu (BL 25). In the he-sea points group, electroacupuncture was applied at bilateral Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37). In the he-sea, front-mu and back-shu points group, electroacupuncture was applied at unilateral Tianshu (ST 25), Dachangshu (BL 25), Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37). In the three groups above, the treatment was given 5 times a week in the first two weeks and 3 times a week in the next two weeks. In the western medication control group, mosapride citrate tablets were prescribed for oral administration, 1 table (5 mg) each time, 3 times a day, continuously for 4 weeks. The period of research was 9 weeks, including 1 week for baseline evaluation, 4 weeks for treatment and 4 weeks for follow-up. The weekly defecation frequency was taken as primary index, while the defecation difficulty and life quality score were taken as the secondary indices for the efficacy evaluation after treatment and in follow-up.

RESULTSAccording to the intention-to-treat (ITT) analytic principle, 104 cases were all enrolled in the final analysis. (1) After treatment, the weekly frequency of defecation was all increased significantly in the four groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The efficacy of the three electroacupuncture groups was similar to that of western medication control group (P > 0.05). In follow-up, the increasing effect on the weekly frequency of defecation was maintained in the he-sea points group (P < 0.01), superior to the front-mu and back-shu points group and the western medication control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); the weekly frequency of defecation was not improved in the rest three groups (P > 0.05). (2) After treatment, defecation difficulty was relieved in the he-sea points group, the he-sea, front-mu and back-shu points group and the western medication control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In follow-up, the improvements were still significant in the he-sea points group and the he-sea, front-mu and back-shu points group (both P < 0.01). (3) After treatment, the life quality score was significantly improved in the patients of the he-sea points group (P < 0.05). The difference was not significant in the rest three groups as compared with that before treatment (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe weekly frequency of defecation is increased effectively after treatment in the three electroacupuncture groups and the efficacy is similar to mosapride citrate tablets. The bilateral Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) in he-sea acupoints increase significantly the weekly frequency of defecation, relieve defecation difficulty and improve life quality. Acupuncture efficacy is sustained for 4 weeks. This acupoints prescription is the best in the treatment of functional constipation.

Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Aged ; Constipation ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Defecation ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the expression of p-p38 MAPK protein and the number of astrocytes expressing p-p38 MAPK in CA1 hippocampus in rats during the induction of brain ischemic tolerance induced by intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IH) preconditioning.

METHODSThirty healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 5 in each group): sham 0 min group, IH + sham 0 min group, sham 7 d group, IH + sham 7 d group, Ischemia (Is) 7 d group, and IH + Is 7 d group. Neuropathological evaluation was performed by thionine staining in CA1 hippocampus in rats. The expression of p-p38 MAPK in CA1 hippocampus was observed by immunohistochemical staining. And the number of astrocytes expressing p-p38 MAPK was observed by immunofluorescent double labeling.

RESULTSThe results showed that IH preconditioning induced brain ischemic tolerance successfully. At the same time, IH preconditioning obviously up-regulated the expression of p-p38 MAPK protein in CA1 hippocampus, and also increased the number of astrocytes expressing p-p38 MAPK.

CONCLUSIONIt might be concluded that IH preconditioning induced brain ischemic tolerance by up-regulating the expression of p-p38 MAPK protein in pyramidal neurones and astrocytes.

Animals ; Astrocytes ; enzymology ; pathology ; Brain Ischemia ; enzymology ; pathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hippocampus ; enzymology ; Hypoxia ; Ischemic Preconditioning ; methods ; Male ; Phosphorylation ; Pressure ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism

The rate of corneal graft rejection is still high for high-risk keratoplasty although immune suppression drug is routinely used.The role of traditional Chinese medicine in corneal transplantation is concerned gradually.Heijingpaichitang on the prevention and treatment of rats with high-risk corneal allograft rejection needs further study.Objective This study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of heijingpaichitang on high-risk corneal transplantation immune rejection in rats.Methods Sixteen female SD rats were used as the donors and 32female Wistar rats were served as recipients.The high-risk corneal trasplantation models were established by corneal suture in 32 Wistar rats,and then homogeneity variant SD-Wistar corneal transplantation was performed.The recipients were randomized into model control group,cyclosporinc A (CsA)group,heijingpaichitang group and CsA +heijingpaichitang group.CsA,heijingpaichitang and CsA + heijingpaichitang was orally administered 4 days after operation once per day for 15 days,and normal saline solution was used at the same way in the model control group.Ocular anterior segment reaction was examined under the slit lamp and corneal opacification,edema and neovasculation were scored based on Larkin' s criteria.Rejection index of the corneal graft was recorded and the graft survival time was calculated.The pathological examination of the corneal graft was carried out in all rats,and the inflammatory cells in the corneas and CD4+ cells in the periphery blood were assayed using flow cytometry.The use of the animals complied with ARVO Statement.Results Corneal graft rejection occurred in 10 days after operation in the model control group,12-13 days in the CsA group and heijingpaichitang group and 22 days in the CsA +heijingpaichitang group.Compared with model control group,the scores of the corneal opacification,corneal edema and neovascularization were significantly lower in the CsA group,heijingpaichitang group and CsA+heijingpaichitang group (P＜0.05),and all the scores were declined in the CsA+ heijingpaichitang group compared with CsA group and heijingpaichitang group(P＜0.01),but no significant differences were seen in the scores between the CsA group and heijingpaichitang group(P＞0.05).The mean survival time of grafts was (10.38 ±1.69)days in the model control group,(22.50 ± 3.07) days in the CsA + heijingpaichitang group,with the significant difference (t =-9.790,P =0.000).The pathological examination of graft showed that the lymphocytes and new blood vessels were less in the CsA+heijingpaichitang group compared with CsA group and heijingpaichitang group 15 days after operation.Flow cytometry verified that the number of lymphocytes in graft,CD4+cells and CD4+/CD8+ in periphery blood were significantly lower in the heijingpaichitang group,CsA group and CsA+heijingpaichitang group compared with model control group (P＜0.05).Conclusions Heijingpaichitang can inhibit immune rejection to certain extent in high-risk corneal transplantation rat and has a similar effect to 0.1％ CsA.Heijingpaichitang and 0.1％ CsA have a synergistic effect.

Objective To study the ultrasonic features and outcomes of VACTERL association fetuses. Methods From Jan 2003 to Sep 2013 in Shenzhen Maternity&Child Healthcare Hospital there were 55 fetuses diagnosed as VACTERL association, the prenatal ultrasonographic characteristics and outcomes were summarized. Results Ultrasonography showed that the incidence of 6 VACTERL association anomalies were:vertebral defects were 45.5%(25/55), anal atresia were 30.9%(46/55), cardiac malformations were 81.8%(45/55), tracheoesophageal ifstula/esophageal atresia were 32.7%(18/55), renal anomalies were 60.0%(33/55) and limb anomalies were 83.6%(17/55). All the 55 fetuses had 3 or more VACTERL association malformations and the characteristic ultrasonic features were as follows:(1) There were 39 cases (70.9%, 39/55) co-occur with three VACTERL malformations, the more common malformations were limb anomalies (33/39), cardiac malformations (31/39) and renal anomalies (21/39). (2) There were 13 cases (23.6%, 13/55) co-occur with four VACTERL malformations, the more common malformations were cardiac malformations (11/13), limb anomalies(10/13), renal anomalies (9/13) and tracheoesophageal ifstula/esophageal (8/13). (3) There were 3 cases (5.5%, 3/55) co-occur with ifve VACTERL malformations, they were all with anal atresia, cardiac malformations, renal anomalies and limb anomalies (3/3), and two were co-occur with vertebral defects (2/3). (4) No fetus co-occur with six VACTERL malformations. There were 29 cases (52.7%, 29/55) co-occur with other malformations, of which 21 cases (38.2%, 21/55) with single umbilical artery. All the 55 cases underwent labor induction. The results of postmortem appearance of 55 cases and autopsies of 9 cases were all consistent with prenatal ultrasound scan. Conclusions Fetuses with VACTERL association had characteristic prenatal ultrasound imaging, multiple malformations can be found and limb anomalies, cardiac malformations and renal anomalies are more common. Scanning the fetal structures from higher incidence to lower incidence of VACTERL association can be helpful to improve the diagnostic coincidence rate of VACTERL association. Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of VACTERL association can provide guidance for clinical obstetrical management.

Objective To summarize and analyze prenatal ultrasound and postnatal autopsy ifndings in fetuses with urorectal septum malformation sequence (URSMS). Methods An analysis of prenatal ultrsound ifndings and postnatal autopsy features was performed on eleven cases of fetuses with URSMS that were identiifed by ultrasonography at Shenzhen Maternity&Child Healthcare Hospital in the period of January 2003 to December 2012. Results Prenatal ultrasonography showed a large abdominal cystic mass concomitant with imperforate anus in eleven fetuses with URSMS. The cyst contained unilocular or bilocular cystic structures in two fetuses, and trilocular cystic structures in nine fetuses. The cyst was demonstrated as clear acoustic transmission in three fetuses and unclear in eight fetuses. Out of them, seven fetuses had kidney abnormalities, six had ascites, and three had enterolithiasis. The associated systemic abnormalities included tethered cord in two fetuses, single umbilical artery in two fetuses, sacrococcygeal dysplasia in one fetus, and myocardial noncompaction in one fetus. 21-trisomy was found in one fetus by chromosome examination. Eleven cases were all identiifed as female fetuses by autopsy ifndings, including a single perineal opening and ambiguous genitalia with clitoral hypertrophy and labial fusion. The internal genital abnormalities included double vagina or longitudinal vaginal septum in nine fetuses, double uterus or uterus bicornis in ten fetuses and vaginal dysplasia in one fetus. Conclusions URSMS is a complex congenital malformation, which includes abnormalities of the urinary system, reproductive system and gastrointestinal track. An abdominal cystic mass visualized by prenatal ultrasonography might be the distinctive lesion in female with URSMS, and have an important diagnostic value. The kidney abnormalities and ambiguous genitalia can contribute to the diagnosis of URSMS.

ObjectiveTo summarize prenatal ultrasound image features of Cantrell′s syndrome (Cantrell′s pentalogy).MethodsFrom January 2007 to December 2013 in Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, there were twenty cases diagnosed and conifrmed by postmortem as Cantrell′s syndrome. The prenatal ultrasound image features and outcomes were analyzed.ResultsAmong the twenty cases, eighteen were singleton and two were twins with the other normal fetus. Prenatal ultrasound image: two obvious ultrasound image features of ectopic heart and hight omphalocele (seventeen cases) or gastroschisis (three cases) were appeared in prenatal ultrasound of twenty cases. Fourteen cases were complete ectopic heart (Ectopic heart was located within the omphalocele in one case, ectopic heart was completely exposed in amniotic lfuid in thirteen cases), six cases were incomplete ectopic heart, three cases were ventricular septal defect in which one was associated with pulmonary stenosis, two cases were single atrium and single ventricle in which one was associated with a single arterial trunk, one case was tetralogy of Fallot, and six cases were without signiifcant heart abnormalities. Associated with other abnormalities: seventeen cases were associated with other abnormalities in twenty cases, in which eleven cases were spinal abnormalities, nine cases were umbilical cord abnormalities (short umbilical cord in six cases, single umbilical artery in two cases, short umbilical cord associated with single umbilical artery in one case), ifve cases were neurological abnormalities (exencephalia in four cases, encephalocele in one case), four cases were limb abnormalities, three cases were cheilopalatognathus, one case was giant bladder. Three cases weren′t associated with other abnormalities. Nuchal Translucency: in eight cases, nuchal translucency were measured in early pregnancy. Nuchal translucency of ifve cases were thick, one case was cervical hygroma in one of the two twins. Chromosome examination results: only three cases had chromosome examination in twenty cases, in which one case was trisomy 21, another two were chromosome normal. Fetal outcome and examination results: in twenty cases, one of the two twins can′t survive after birth, and the other one of two twins was reduced in intrauterine, so the specimen could not be obtained. Eighteen cases of singleton underwent labor induction. The results of postmortem appearance (nineteen cases) and autopsies (ifve cases) were all consistent with prenatal ultrasound scan.ConclusionsEctopic heart and hight omphalocele or gastroschisis appearing at the same time was the characteristic of Cantrell′s syndrome in prenatal ultrasound and other abnormalities may be part of the Cantrell′s syndrome spectrum. It is beneift to detect and diagnose Cantrell′s syndrome by prenatal ultrasound in the ifrst trimester.

Objective To dynamically observe the changes of cytokines of splenocytes in mice immunized with recombinant bifidobacteria bifidum (Bb)- Eg95-EgA31 vaccine of Echinococcus grauulosus (Eg). Methods Balb/c mice were vaccinated by 5× 108 colony forming unit(CFU) orally and 5 × 105 CFU intranasally, respectively.Mice were killed on week 0,2,4,6,8,10, 12,14,16, 18 and 20 after immunization, respectively, and spleens were separated for cell culture with the stimulation of EgAg, concanavalin A (ConA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The splenocyte supernatants were collected to determine the levels of interferonγ(IFN-γ), interleukin(IL)-12, tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-o) and IL-l0 using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) with MRS as control. Results In the oral immunization group, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α and IL-10 showed a significant increase from week 2 to week 8, week 2 to week 8, week 4 and week 6 to week 10 after vaccination, respectively, and reached the highest level on week 4, week 2, week 4 and week 6 after vaccination, respectively;in EgAg stimulation group, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α and IL-10 were (700.0 ± 115.5), (45.0 ± 5.8), (350.0 ± 57.7), (112.5 ± 14.4)ng/L, respectively, compared with week 0[(35.0 ± 5.8), (12.5 ± 2.9), (190.0 ± 11.6), (25.0 ± 5.8)ng/L, P ＜0.05 or ＜ 0.01] and MRS control group[(37.5 ± 5.0),(13.8 ± 2.5), (195.0 ± 5.8), (27.5 ± 2.9)ng/L, P＜ 0.05or ＜ 0.01]. In the intranasal immunization group, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α and IL-10 showed an obvious increase from week 2 to week 8, week 2 to week 8, week 2 to week 6 and week 6 to week 16 after vaccination,respectively, and reached the highest level on week 2, week 2, week 4 and week 8 after vaccination, respectively;in EgAg stimulation group, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α and IL-10 were (700.0 ± 115.5), (55.0 ± 5.8),(275.0 ± 28.9), (140.0 ± 11.6)ng/L, compared with week 0[(35.0 ± 5.8), (12.5 ± 2.9), (190.0 ± 11.6), (25.0 ±5.8)ng/L, P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01] and MRS control group[(37.5 ± 5.0), (13.8 ± 2.5), (195.0 ± 5.8), (27.5 ± 2.9)ng/L, P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01]. The cytokine levels in the groups with EgAg, ConA or LPS stimulus were significantly higher than those in the corresponding splenocytes suspension groups(P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01) , and the cytokine levels in the groups with ConA or LPS stimulus were obviously higher than those in the corresponding groups with EgAg stimulation(P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01). Conclusion The mixed Th1 and Th2 type response can be induced in mice immunized with the recombinant Bb-Eg95-EgA31 vaccine of Echinococcus granulosus in the early stage of immunization(2 to 6weeks).