Objective To investigate the protective effect of Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst fluid protein (HCFP) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) in mice. Methods Twenty-four BALB/c mice at ages of 8 to 10 weeks, each weighing approximately 20 g, were randomly divided into four groups, including groups A (blank control group), B (blank intervention group), C (AR model group) and D (AR+HCFP intervention group), with 6 mice in each group. On days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, mice in groups A, B, C and D were injected with 200 μL sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS), 200 μL sterile PBS containing 20 μg HCFP, 200 μL sterile PBS containing 50 μg OVA and 5 mg Al(OH)₃ gel, and 200 μL sterile PBS containing 50 μg OVA, 5 mg Al(OH)₃ gel and 20 μg HCFP, respectively. On days 14 to 20, mice in groups A, B, C and D were administered with 40 μL sterile PBS, 40 μL sterile PBS containing 20 μg HCFP, 40 μL sterile PBS containing 2 mg OVA and 40 μL sterile PBS containing 2 mg OVA and 20 μL HCFP by nasal drop, respectively. Mouse behavioral changes were observed and behavioral scores were estimated. The serum levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and OVA-specific IgE antibody (OVA-sIgE) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the pathological changes of mouse nasal mucosa were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Results The mean behavioral score was significantly greater in Group C (6.83 ± 0.50) than in groups A (1.17 ± 0.52) and B (1.33 ± 0.52) (P < 0.05), while a lower mean behavioral score was estimated in Group D (3.50 ± 0.50) than in Group C (P < 0.05). There were significant differences among the groups in terms of serum IFN-γ (F = 4.08, P < 0.05), IL-4 (F = 275.90, P < 0.05), IL-5 (F = 96.82, P < 0.05), IL-10 (F = 77.67, P < 0.05), TGF-β (F = 9.98, P < 0.05) and OVA-sIgE levels (F = 44.69, P < 0.05). The serum IFN-γ level was significantly lower in Group C than in groups A, B and C (P < 0.05), and the serum levels of IL-4, IL-5 and OVA-sIgE were significantly higher in Group C than in groups A, B and C (P < 0.05), while the serum IL-10 and TGF-β levels were significantly greater in Group D than in Group C (P < 0.05). Microscopy showed apparent loss of nasal mucosa cilia, increased number and enlargement of goblet cells, interstitial edema and submucous vascular dilation in Group C, while the pathological changes of nasal mucosa were alleviated in Group D relative to Group C. Conclusions E. granulosus HCFP has a protective activity against OVA-induced allergic rhinitis in mice.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the preadmission follow-up condition of neonates hospitalized due to severe hyperbilirubinemia after discharge from the department of obstetrics and the influencing factors for follow-up compliance. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective case-control study was performed for the cases from the multicenter clinical database of 12 units in the Quality Improvement Clinical Research Cooperative Group of Neonatal Severe Hyperbilirubinemia in Jiangsu Province of China from January 2019 to April 2021. According to whether the follow-up of neonatal jaundice was conducted on time after discharge from the department of obstetrics, the neonates were divided into two groups: good follow-up compliance and poor follow-up compliance. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the influencing factors for follow-up compliance of the neonates before admission. RESULTS: A total of 545 neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia were included in the study, with 156 neonates (28.6%) in the good follow-up compliance group and 389 (71.4%) in the poor follow-up compliance group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low gestational age at birth, ≥10% reduction in body weight on admission compared with birth weight, history of phototherapy of siblings, history of exchange transfusion of siblings, Rh(-) blood type of the mother, a higher educational level of the mother, the use of WeChat official account by medical staff to remind of follow-up before discharge from the department of obstetrics, and the method of telephone notification to remind of follow-up after discharge were associated with the increase in follow-up compliance (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Poor follow-up compliance is observed for the neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia after discharge from the department of obstetrics, which suggests that it is necessary to further strengthen the education of jaundice to parents before discharge and improve the awareness of jaundice follow-up. It is recommended to remind parents to follow up on time by phone or WeChat official account.
Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal/therapy* ; Infant, Newborn ; Obstetrics ; Patient Discharge ; Pregnancy ; Retrospective Studies

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 epidemic in Huangpu District of Shanghai, and to provide scientific evidence for prevention and control of COVID-19. Methods Descriptive statistics were used to study the suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported from January 21 through March 10, 2020 in Huangpu District, Shanghai. Results A total of 120 suspected cases of COVID-19 were reported, of which 12 were diagnosed and 108 were excluded.The first confirmed case was reported on January 21, and the last case was on February 10; the majority (11/12) of the confirmed cases were reported from January 21 through February 1.The average duration of time from the symptom onset to the first medical visit was 2.6 days, whereas the average duration from the first medical visit to the hospital diagnosis was 2.2 days.There were 15 suspected cases with a confirmed history of residence or tourism in Wuhan, in which 6 were confirmed cases.Moreover, 5 suspected cases had a confirmed history of contact with other confirmed cases, in which 3 were confirmed cases.Thus, exposure in Wuhan and exposure to confirmed cases were the most significant risk factors at this stage of the epidemic. Conclusion The 12 cases identified in Huangpu District of Shanghai are all adults, half of whom had confirmed history of exposure in Wuhan.The first cluster of COVID-19 cases in Shanghai is documented in Huangpu District.Epidemiological investigation reveals that the confirmed cases might be infectious the day before the symptom onset.

In this study, we investigated the genetics, clinical features, and therapeutic approach of 14 patients with 5α-reductase deficiency in China. Genotyping analysis was performed by direct sequencing of PCR products of the steroid 5α-reductase type 2 gene (SRD5A2). The 5α-reductase activities of three novel mutations were investigated by mutagenesis and an in vitro transfection assay. Most patients presented with a microphallus, variable degrees of hypospadias, and cryptorchidism. Eight of 14 patients (57.1%) were initially reared as females and changed their social gender from female to male after puberty. Nine mutations were identified in the 14 patients. p.G203S, p.Q6X, and p.R227Q were the most prevalent mutations. Three mutations (p.K35N, p.H162P, and p.Y136X) have not been reported previously. The nonsense mutation p.Y136X abolished enzymatic activity, whereas p.K35N and p.H162P retained partial enzymatic activity. Topical administration of dihydrotestosterone during infancy or early childhood combined with hypospadia repair surgery had good therapeutic results. In conclusion, we expand the mutation profile of SRD5A2 in the Chinese population. A rational clinical approach to this disorder requires early and accurate diagnosis, especially genetic diagnosis.
3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase/genetics* ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Asian People/genetics* ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/genetics* ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood* ; Genitalia, Male/abnormalities* ; Humans ; Hypospadias/genetics* ; Luteinizing Hormone/blood* ; Male ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Mutation/genetics* ; Sequence Alignment ; Steroid Metabolism, Inborn Errors/genetics* ; Testosterone/blood* ; Young Adult

In this article, the mechanism of inheritance behind inherited hearing loss and genetic susceptibility in noise-induced hearing loss are reviewed. Conventional treatments for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), i.e. hearing aid and cochlear implant, are effective for some cases, but not without limitations. For example, they provide little benefit for patients of profound SNHL or neural hearing loss, especially when the hearing loss is in poor dynamic range and with low frequency resolution. We emphasize the most recent evidence-based treatment in this field, which includes gene therapy and allotransplantation of stem cells. Their promising results have shown that they might be options of treatment for profound SNHL and neural hearing loss. Although some treatments are still at the experimental stage, it is helpful to be aware of the novel therapies and endeavour to explore the feasibility of their clinical application.
Animals ; Evidence-Based Practice ; Genetic Engineering ; Genetic Therapy ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural ; genetics ; therapy ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Stem Cell Transplantation

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical effects of nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) in the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

METHODSA prospective, randomized, controlled, single-center study was performed on 67 premature infants with NRDS between March 2011 and May 2012 and selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These premature infants were randomly assigned to receive NIPPV and NCPAP. Oxygenation index (OI), pH, PaCO2, duration of respiratory support, complications, success rate, hospital mortality, and incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSSixty-two patients were finally enrolled in the study, including 32 cases in the NIPPV group and 30 cases in the NCPAP group. After one hour of non-invasive ventilation, OI in the NIPPV group was higher than the NCPAP group (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences in pH and PaCO2 between the two groups (P>0.05 for both). A significantly lower proportion of infants needed mechanical ventilation via endotracheal tube (MVET) when they were treated initially with NIPPV than when they were treated initially with NCPAP (P<0.05). The NIPPV group had a significant higher success rate than the NCPAP group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in duration of respiratory support between the two groups (P>0.05). In addition, no significant differences in incidence of pneumothorax, hospital mortality and incidence of BPD were seen between the two groups (P>0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONSCompared with NCPAP, NIPPV can significantly decrease the proportion of premature infants with NRDS in need of MVET. However, there is no evidence that NIPPV can significantly reduce hospital mortality and incidence of BPD in premature infants with NRDS.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Intermittent Positive-Pressure Ventilation ; adverse effects ; Male ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn ; therapy

Objective To investigate the radiological characteristics of brain stem cavernous malformations and their micro-neurosurgical treatment outcomes.Methods A retrospective analysis of radiological characteristics and micro-neurosurgical treatment outcome of 15 patients with brain stem cavernous malformations,admitted to our hospital from May 2006 to September 2011,was performed.Results Distinctive features of patients with brain stem cavernous malformations were noted under MRI,showing mulberry-like or Lattice-shaped structures; low signal ring was noted around the tumors;T2WI enjoyed the most obvious signal,indicating remote hemorrhage resulted from hemosiderin deposition.All patients underwent entire resection of brainstem cavernous malformations except for one patient sub-entire resection.One week after the operation,the neurological status was improved in 12 patients,remained unchanged in 2 patients,and aggravated in 1 patient.Three months after the operation,the neurological status was improved in 13 patients and remained unchanged in 2 patients.Among the 12 patients undergone follow-up 12 months after operation,the neurological status was improved in 11 patients and remained unchanged in 1 patient.Conclusion MRI is reliable in the diagnosis of brainstem cavernous malformations; the position and size of cavernous hemangioma could be displayed clearly; micro-neurosurgical treatment can provide good outcome for patients with symptoms.

OBJECTIVETo assess the feasibility of the 10 microg recombination yeast hepatitis B vaccine in the expanded applicable population group aged 5 - 18.

METHODSPeople with both HBsAg and anti-HBs negative were selected to take two-stage clinical experiment and the safety and immunogenicity were observed. Safety observation was conducted in 925 subjects, while 568 for immunogenicity. The observation group (aged 5 - 18) included 493 subjects, and (age > 18) 75 enrolled in control group. For the observation group, there were three sub-groups including a child group (141, aged 5 - 6), early youth group (177, aged 12 - 13), and youth group (175, aged 16 - 18). Both groups were administered with 10 microg recombination yeast hepatitis B vaccines with 3 doses at 0 month, 1st month, 6th month. To assess the immunogenicity, the vaccination reactions were observed during the following 4 weeks in order to assess the vaccine safety. The blood samples were taken during 4 - 6 weeks after fully vaccinated, and then anti-HBs were tested with RIA and analyzed by comparing the positive rate of anti-HBs, the geometric mean titer (GMT) and the protective rate between the two groups.

RESULTSBoth observation and control group didn't show any general reactions, adverse events following immunization (AEFI) or coincidental cases when observed at 0.5 h, 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks after being vaccinated. The result of serum test showed, the positive rates of child group, early youth group, youth group and control group were respectively 100.00% (141/141), 97.18% (172/177), 98.29% (172/175) and 89.33% (67/75); the GMTs of anti-HBs were respectively 440.28, 875.38, 467.80, 131.06 U/L; the protective rates were respectively 100.00% (141/141), 97.18% (172/177), 97.14% (170/175) and 86.67% (65/75). The positive rate, GMT and protective rate of the experimental group were all higher than that of control group (chi(2)(positive rate) = 12.77, 5.12, 7.99; t(GMT) = 3.89, 4.13, 5.91; chi(2)(protective rate) = 16.81, 8.60, 8.44; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThis vaccine could be expanded to 5 - 18 year-old population with safety and effectiveness, the positive rate and protective rate of anti-HBs were both higher than that of control group.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Hepatitis B Antibodies ; blood ; immunology ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; blood ; immunology ; Hepatitis B Vaccines ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Vaccines, Synthetic ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; immunology

OBJECTIVESTo analyze the prognostic factors for elderly patients with pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary tumor.

METHODSA retrospective analysis of the prognostic factors for the mortality rate was made in 127 elderly patients within 30 days of pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary tumor from January 1985 to November 2006 Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, t-test were used.

RESULTSThe prognostic factors for the first-month mortality rate in elderly patients with pancreaticoduodenectomy included time length of the operation, operative hemorrhage, postoperative hemorrhage, pulmonary infection, and postoperative TP.

CONCLUSIONSAn overall consideration should be paid to the factors that affect the prognosis of elderly patients with pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary tumor during the perioperative period. The security of the patients can be promoted by controlling these prognostic factors.

Aged ; Ampulla of Vater ; Common Bile Duct Neoplasms ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy ; mortality ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Analysis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the imagery changes of the upper airway and the surrounding soft tissues of local adults with non-apnea who used snore guard and to provide experimental data for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

METHODSThirty students with non-apnea from Hebei medical university were chosen, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to measure the changes of the upper airway and the surrounding soft tissues after snore guards were used. SPSS 105 software was used to analyze statistically.

RESULTSAfter the snore guard was put into oral cavity, the change of the average section and volume of the nasopharynx, the palatopharynx, the hypopharynx and the glossopharynx were statistically significant. The average sagittal size, the average horizontal size of the nasopharynx, the palatopharynx, the hypopharynx and the glossopharynx were increased statistically. The ratio of sagittal size, the horizontal sizand the in the hypopharynx and the glossopharynx changed statistically important. There was a decrease of the soft palate, the shape, the height, and the length of the tongue, the difference was statistically significant. The results demonstrated that snore guard affected the upper airway mainly by changing the volume and the shape of the upper airway, there was an obvious increase of the pharynx. The results also showed that snore guard could increase the width (both sagittal and horizontal) of the upper airway and could change the shape of the surrounding soft tissues, which caused air way more smooth. Snore guard could make the indexes of soft palate and tongue change decreasingly, resulted in the straight stand up of the tongue and the forwardness of the soft palate.

CONCLUSIONSnore guard is an effective and convenient instrument for treating the patients with OSAS.

Adult ; Dental Occlusion ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Palate, Soft ; Pharynx ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; Tongue