Objective To study the relationship between the cerebral artery stenosis and the carotid artery elasticity in the ischemia stroke patients by echo-tracking technique.Methods Ninety-two ischemia stroke patients were divided into both the mild cerebral arteries stenosis and moderate-severe cerebral arteries stenosis groups.CT angiography was performed to evaluate the stenosis of cerebral artery.The changes of the carotid diameter during cardiac cycles were obtained by echo-tracking technique and the quantitative parameters of pressure-strain elastic modulus (Ep),stiffness (β) and arterial compliance (AC) were calculated automatically. Results①There were significant differences (P＜0.05) between the ischemia stroke patient group and the normal adults group in β，Ep and AC.② There were significant differences (P＜0.05) between the mild cerebral arteries stenosis groups and the moderate-severe cerebral arteries stenosis groups in β and Ep.AC was lower in patients with the mild cerebral arteries stenosis groups than that in the moderate-severe cerebral arteries stenosis groups.Conclusions The carotid artery elasticity in ischemia stroke patients were significantly different from normal adults.In the ischemia stroke patients,the stiffer the carotid artery was,the higher the likelihood of moderate-severe cerebral stenosis was.

Objective To observe the effect of signal transduction pathway of NF-κB on tubular cell apoptosis in ischemia-reperfusion induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice.Methods Eighteen C57B/6 mice were randomly (random number) divided into three groups,namely control group,AKI group,and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group.AKI model of mouse was made by occlusion of bilateral renal pedicles with microvascular clamps for 45 minutes,and intraperitoneal injection of PDTC (50 mg/kg) was given immediately after modeling in mice of PDTC group.Forty-eight hours after modeling,kidney pathological changes,serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were examined,and renal tissue NF-κB,TNFR,Bcl-2 and caspase-3 levels were detected by using immunohistochemistry,and tubular cell apoptosis was observed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL).Results (1) The pathological Pallers score of renal damage,blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels in PDTC group were significantly lower than those in AKI group [(2.83 ± 0.41)vs.(4.50± 0.55),P=0.000; (61.65 ±3.06) mmol/L vs.(77.78 ±5.82)mmol/L,P=0.000and (74.33 ± 9.83) μmol/L vs.(152.00 ± 16.55) μmol/L,P =0.000,respectively].(2) The level of NF-κB in renal tissue homogenates in PDTC group was significantly lower than that in AKI group [(20.33± 2.34) ％ vs.(35.83 ± 3.06) ％,P =0.000].(3) The apoptotic index of renal tubular cells in PDTC group was significantly lower than that in AKI group [(16.67 ± 1.15) ％ vs.(28.00 ±2.01) ％,P =0.001].(4) The levels of caspase-3 and TNFR1 in renal tissue homogenates in PDTC group were significantly lower than those in AKI group [(7.00 ± 1.26) vs.(11.00 ± 1.26),P =0.000 and (5.55 ± 0.82) vs.(9.75 ± 0.76),P =0.000],and Bcl-2 level in PDTC group was significantly higher than that in AKI group [(10.50± 1.38)vs.(1.83 ±0.98),P=0.000].Conclusions NF-κB activates renal tubular cell apoptosis in acute kidney injury induced in mice after ischemia-reperfusion.Blockade of NF-κB signal transduction pathway may lessen the apoptosis of renal tubular cells,leading to renal function less compromised.

There has been thousands of years' history that traditional Chinese medicines were used in the prevention and treatment of infectious disease. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine plays a unique role in the control of variety of new infectious diseases. This article provides a summary on our knowledge of the traditional Chinese medicine theory in the explanation of infectious disease, application of Chinese medicines and the pharmacological mechanism in the successful management on the Ebola virus disease.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola ; therapy ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Objective: To understand the HIV infection status and related factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tianjin during 2016-2018. Methods: According to the sentinel surveillance protocol, continuous cross-sectional studies were conducted to collect the information about the awareness of AIDS, related behaviors, HIV infection, syphilis prevalence and HCV infection in the MSM in Tianjin with the annual sample seize of 400 between April and June during 2016-2018. Results: From 2016 to 2018, a total of 1 200 MSM were surveyed. The condom use rate in anal sex was 45.4% (544/1 198) in the past 6 months. The HIV test rate in MSM recruited through network declined with year (trend χ²=42.742, P<0.001). The overall HIV infection rate was 3.3% (40/1 200). The HIV-1 infection rate was 2.6% (95%CI: 1.7%-3.5%). The overall prevalence rate of syphilis was 6.7% (80/1 200). The overall HCV infection rate was 0.8% (9/1 200). Results from multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors associated with HIV infection in the MSM included divorced or widowed (compared with unmarried, aOR=7.137, 95%CI: 1.621-31.419) and syphilis positive group (compared with syphilis negative group, aOR=3.684, 95%CI: 1.520-8.932). The protective factors for HIV infection in the MSM included consistent use of condom in the past 6 months (compared with occasional use of condom, aOR=0.343, 95%CI: 0.126-0.932) and HIV test (compared with receiving no HIV test, aOR=0.314, 95%CI: 0.123-0.801). Conclusions The HIV infection rate in the MSM in Tianjin was high from 2016 to 2018. Syphilis prevalence status in MSM should not be neglected. The rate of consistent condom use in anal sex was low in the MSM. It is necessary to take effective measures to promote condom use and strengthen HIV test in MSM.

Objective To detect the expression of bone morphogenetic protein receptor Ⅱ ( BMPR Ⅱ ) in human focal cortical dysplasia ( FCD Ⅱ b). Methods Fourteen specimens of FCD Ⅱ b surgically removed and pathologically verified were collected from June 2008 to June 2010 and the expression of BMPR Ⅱ in the normal brain tissues and the pathological specimens was detected by means of immunohistochemistry and western blot. Results In the normal brain tissues, BMPR Ⅱ was widely expressed in the cortical neurons of the grey matter, with no positive immunostaining in the white matter. In the cortical lesion of FCD Ⅱ b, BMPR Ⅱ was strongly expressed in the misshapen cells including balloon cells (BCs) , dysmorphic neurons (DNs) and giant neurons (GNs). Positive BMPR Ⅱ expression was also observed in the reactive astroeytes and low level expression of BMPR Ⅱ was found in the normal-appearing (NA) neurons. Western-blot analysis showed that BMPR Ⅱ expression tended to be lowered in the FCD Ⅱ b specimens compared with the normal brain tissues ( P < 0. 05 ). Conclusion The expression of BMPR Ⅱ is altered and reduced in the FCD Ⅱ b, suggesting that BMP signal pathway may participate in the pathogenesis of FCD.

The role of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was investigated. A mouse model of experimental autoimmune hepatitis was established, and the syngeneic S-100 antigen emulsified in complete Freud's adjuvant was injected intraperitoneally into adult male C57BL/6 mice. The IL-17 expression in serum and the livers of the mice models was detected by using ELISA and immunohistochemistry, respectively. IL-17 neutralizing antibody was used to study the biological effect of IL-17 in the experimental AIH. IL-17 neutralizing antibody in vivo administration alleviated the hepatic inflammation and ALT level in the AIH model. IL-17 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of AIH patients was measured by using real-time PCR method. The results showed that IL-17 level was significantly up-regulated in AIH patients and mice models. It was concluded that IL-17 contributed to the development of AIH and might be a potential therapeutic target of AIH.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Chinese herbal extract HuNan A-1 (HNA-1) on the thymic output function in Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) chronically infected rhesus macaques.

METHODSEight Chinese rhesus macaques had been infected by SIVmac239 for 16 to 21 months, and then they were randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group, 4 in each group. Monkeys in the treatment group were administered with HNA-1 by gastrogavage, once daily for 2 successive months, while those in the control group were administered with equal volume of normal saline by gastrogavage, once daily for 2 successive months. The general condition and body weight of monkeys were observed. Plasma viral loads were detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR assay. CD4 percentages and counts, as well as naive CD subsets were detected using flow cytometry. T-cell receptor excision circles (TREC) were detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR assay. The thymus tissue was pathologically observed using routine HE staining. The correlation between lesions of the thymus tissue, CD4 counts, naive CD counts, and TREC were analyzed.

RESULTSThere was no statistical difference in body weight, viral loads, absolute CD ratios between the two groups after treatment (P > 0.05). The altered TREC multiple showed an obvious decreasing tendency in the control group, while it showed an increasing tendency in the treatment group (P < 0.05). In both groups, destroyed structures of the thymus tissue could be seen, filled with pink unstructured material. Increased connective tissues, lowered connective cell density, and confused arrangement could also be seen in the two groups, with no obvious difference. TREC contents were positively correlated with naive CD4 counts after removing extremum (r = 0.926, P = 0.001). Naive CD4 counts were positively correlated with CD4 counts (r = 0.961, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONSTREC content determination, as a marker of newly thymic emigrants, could be taken as a testing method for evaluating the thymic output function. Besides, HNA-1 treatment increased the thymic output significantly in SIV chronically infected monkeys. Correlation existed among TREC contents, naive CD4 counts, and pathologies of thymus tissues, especially in late infection stage.

Animals ; CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Flow Cytometry ; Macaca mulatta ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Random Allocation ; Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; drug therapy ; Simian Immunodeficiency Virus ; Thymus Gland ; drug effects ; Viral Load

Objective To compare the detection efficiency between multiplex RT-PCR method and liquichip technology for screening the viral etiological agents of diarrhea.Methods The development of the multiplex RT-PCR method.A total of 107 feces samples from patients who suffered from diarrhea and attended to Zhujiang Hospital of Southern University from September 2013 to February 2014 were collected and tested in parallel by both multiplex RT-PCR and xTAG Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel ( xTAG GPP) for Adenovirus, Norovirus genogroupⅠandⅡ, as well as by both multiplex RT-PCR and monoplex RT-PCR for Astrovirus and Sapovirus.To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of multiplex RT-PCR, xTAG GPP and monoplex RT-PCR were used as reference.Kappa coefficient test was used to evaluate the consistency among the methods.The detection limit and accuracy of multiplex RT-PCR were evaluated by detection of serial dilution of positive plasmids and products sequencing for the five viral agents.Results The multiplex RT-PCR showed high consistency with xTAG GPP and monoplex RT-PCR, in which Kappa value was 0.885 and 1.000 respectively( P=0.000 ).Compared to xTAG GPP, the sensitivity and specificity of the multiplex RT-PCR were at average of 80.8%( 21/26 ) and 100%( 295/295 ) respectively.The detection limit and accuracy of multiplex RT-PCR were 104 copies /μl-106 copies/μl.Conclusion The high consistency indicated that both the multiplex RT-PCR and xTAG GPP are useful as a special,sensitive, high throughput and rapid diagnostic tools for the detection of the major viral pathogens related to diarrhea in clinical laboratory.

Objective To obtain the auditory brainstem response (ABR)wave of normal adult mice ,and to analyze the thresholds ,latency and amplitudes to provide reference for future mice auditory research .Methods To determine the thresholds according to the high occurrence rate wave of click ABR at high (90 dB SPL) ,moderate (40 dB SPL)and low(20 dB SPL)sound intensities .thresholds ,latencies and amplitudes decreased as the wave with high occurrence rate .Results The occurrence rates of wave I ,II ,III ,IV ,and V were 100% ,100% ,100% ,75% 65% at high levels ;75% ,100% ,100% ,45% ,40% at moderate levels ,and 30% ,90% ,40% ,5% ,0% at low levels ,respec-tively .The results showed wave morphology was suitable to judging thresholds :the average threshold was 20 ± 5 .62 dB SPL ,latency and amplitude ranged from 2 .71 ± 0 .17~3 .08 ± 021 ms and 6 .20 ± 2 .24~1 .63 ± 0 .85 μV ,respectively , when sound intensities changed from 90 to 20 dB SPL .Conclusion Wave II is regarded as the best wave to determine threshold latency and amplitude .It will help future researches about mice auditory under pathophysiology conditions .

OBJECTIVETo evaluate middle and long-term results of total hip arthroplasties (THA) for the treatment of secondary hip traumatic osteoarthritis and femoral head necrosis after acetabular fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2000 to December 2005, 33 patients with secondary hip traumatic osteoarthritis and (or) femoral head necrosis after acetabular fractures were treated with THA. There were 21 males and 12 females, ranging in age from 27 to 69 years old, with an average of 52 years old. Twenty-three patients were performed with open reduction and internal fixation: 5 patients were treated with anterior approach; 12 patients, posterior approach; 6 patients, combined approaches; other 10 patients, conservative treatment in the early stage. All THA were performed with posterior-lateral approach. Bone union was achieved in the all acetabular fractures. Removal of all implants was necessary in 5 patients, and partial removal in 3 patients. Cemented cup was implanted in 6 patients and uncommented cup in 27 patients. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed, and Harris hip scores before surgery and 10 years after operation were compared. The prosthetic loosening, osteolysis or revision were used to evaluate 10 years survival rate of prosthesis.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up,and the duration ranged from 10 to 15 years, with a mean of 12 years. One patient died at the 10th year after operation. The Harris score at the 10th year was higher than the preoperative one. One and two patients were performed with revision total hip arthroplasty caused by aseptic loosening alone and aseptic loosening combined with osteolysis respectively. Osteolysis occurred in 1 patient; deep venous thrombosis in 4 patients; dislocation of prosthesis in 2 patients. One patient had infection of incision and one patient had infection around the prosthesis. Ten years survival rate of implant was 84.8% (28/133).

CONCLUSIONTHA is an effective method to treat secondary hip traumatic osteoarthritis and (or) femoral head necrosis after acetabular fractures in improving hip joint functions with high implant survival rate and good middle and long-term results.

Acetabulum ; injuries ; Adult ; Aged ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; methods ; Female ; Femur Head Necrosis ; surgery ; Fractures, Bone ; complications ; Hip Injuries ; complications ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis, Hip ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; surgery