Objective: To evaluate the influence of antiretroviral prophylaxis on the growth and development of HIV-exposed uninfected infants in Guangzhou. Methods: Data were from the national information system for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection, syphilis and hepatitis B. After excluding death and perinatal HIV infection cases, 564 HIV-exposed uninfected infants were included. The infants were divided into three groups, nevirapine (NVP) group, zidovudine (AZT) group and untreated group. The influences of antiretroviral prophylaxis on the body weight and height of the HIV-exposed uninfected infants were analyzed by using generalized estimating equations. Results: The HIV-exposed uninfected infants at 1-month old had lower Z scores of body weight-for-age and body height-for-age than the World Health Organization’s reference standard. The prevalence of wasting in AZT group (17.5%) was higher than that in NVP group (6.2%) for 1-month old infants. Taking NVP or AZT was a protective factor for Z score of body length-for-age (P<0.05). Intrauterine exposure to triple antiviral drugs was a risk factor for the Z scores of body weight-for-age and body length-for-age (P<0.05). Conclusion The physical growth and development of HIV-exposed uninfected infants at 1-month old was not well, and HIV-exposed uninfected infants who taking AZT had a higher incidence of wasting. Attention should be paid to these infants.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effects of in-utero exposure to HIV and ART on pregnancy outcome and early growth of children.Methods This cohort study enrolled 802 HIV-infected pregnant women between October 2009 and May 2018 in Guangzhou,China The women were assigned to receive combination ART (cART) or mono/dual ART or no treatment.The primary outcomes were the combined endpoints of any adverse pregnancy outcome [including ectopic pregnancy,spontaneous abortion,stillbirth,preterm birth,small for gestational age (SGA)] and adverse early growth outcome (including infant death,HIV infection of mother-to-child transmission,and underweight,wasting and stunting of infants at 4 weeks of age).Results Adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in 202 (35.1％) of all enrolled HIV-infected women,and 121 (31.3％) of all infants exhibited adverse effects on early growth at 4 weeks of age.The rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes,spontaneous abortion,ectopic pregnancy,stillbirth,infant death and perinatal HIV infection were higher among women not receiving ART,compared to those treated with cART or mono/dual ART (P ＜ 0.05).However,women treated with cART had a higher rate of SGA,compared to untreated women (P ＜ 0.05).No differences in early infant growth were observed among the different treatment regimens.Conclusion Our findings underscore the essentiality of prioritizing HIV-positive pregnant women for ART,as even mono/dual ART available in resource-limited countries could improve pregnancy outcomes and infant survival

Brain ; pathology ; Electroconvulsive Therapy ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Schizophrenia ; therapy

Astragalus membranaceus (Radix Astragali, RA) and Atractylodes macrocephala (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, RAM) are often used to treat gastrointestinal diseases. In the present study, we determined the effects of polysaccharides extracts from these two herbs on IEC-6 cell migration and explored the potential underlying mechanisms. A migration model with IEC-6 cells was induced using a single-edged razor blade along the diameter of cell layers in six-well polystyrene plates. The cells were grown in control media or media containing spermidine (5 μmol·L, SPD), alpha-difluoromethylornithine (2.5 mmol·L, DFMO), 4-Aminopyridine (40 μmol·L, 4-AP), the polysaccharide extracts of RA or RAM (50, 100, or 200 mg·L), DFMO plus SPD, or DFMO plus polysaccharide extracts of RA or RAM for 12 or 24 h. Next, cytosolic free Ca ([Ca]) was measured using laser confocal microscopy, and cellular polyamine content was quantified with HPLC. Kv1.1 mRNA expression was assessed using RT-qPCR and Kv1.1 and RhoA protein expressions were measured with Western blotting analysis. A cell migration assay was carried out using Image-Pro Plus software. In addition, GC-MS was introduced to analyze the monosaccharide composition of both polysaccharide extracts. The resutls showed that treatment with polysaccharide extracts of RA or RAM significantly increased cellular polyamine content, elevated [Ca] and accelerated migration of IEC-6 cells, compared with the controls (P < 0.01). Polysaccharide extracts not only reversed the inhibitory effects of DFMO on cellular polyamine content and [Ca], but also restored IEC-6 cell migration to control level (P < 0.01 or < 0.05). Kv1.1 mRNA and protein expressions were increased (P < 0.05) after polysaccharide extract treatment in polyamine-deficient IEC-6 cells and RhoA protein expression was increased. Molar ratios of D-ribose, D-arabinose, L-rhamnose, D-mannose, D-glucose, and D-galactose was 1.0 : 14.1 : 0.3 : 19.9 : 181.3 : 6.3 in RA and 1.0 : 4.3 : 0.1 : 5.7 : 2.8 : 2.2 in RAM. In conclusion, treatment with RA and RAM polysaccharide extracts stimulated migration of intestinal epithelial cells via a polyamine-Kv1.1 channel activated signaling pathway, which facilitated intestinal injury healing.
Animals ; Astragalus propinquus ; chemistry ; Atractylodes ; chemistry ; Cell Line ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Intestines ; cytology ; drug effects ; Kv1.1 Potassium Channel ; genetics ; metabolism ; Polyamines ; metabolism ; Polysaccharides ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; rhoA GTP-Binding Protein ; metabolism

INTRODUCTIONIntrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is a proven, effective treatment for disabling cortical spasticity. We describe the first local series of five patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) who received ITB and were followed up for 63.8 months.

METHODSA retrospective review of medical and rehabilitation records of patients who received ITB therapy was carried out. Data studied included baseline demographic and injury variables, implantation data, spasticity and function, ITB dosage over time and complications.

RESULTSFrom 2006 to 2010, a total of five patients received ITB therapy via implanted pumps about 39.4 months after ABI. Four out of five patients experienced significant reductions in their lower limb spasticity scores and improvements in global function and dependency. One patient had minor adverse events associated with baclofen-related sedation. The mean ITB dose at one year was 182.7 ± 65.6 mcg/day.

CONCLUSIONOur preliminary study showed encouraging long-term outcomes and safety for ITB therapy after ABI-related intractable spasticity. Individual ITB responses over time were variable, with gender differences. The outcomes experienced by our centre were comparable to those in the general ABI population, supporting the efficacy of ITB therapy for chronic disabling spasticity.

Baclofen ; administration & dosage ; Brain Injuries ; complications ; drug therapy ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infusion Pumps, Implantable ; Injections, Spinal ; Male ; Muscle Relaxants, Central ; administration & dosage ; Muscle Spasticity ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Severity of Illness Index ; Singapore ; epidemiology ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Treatment Outcome

Objective TounderstandandevaluatethetransmissionriskofavianinfluenzaA(H7N9)virusinlivepoultry markets(LPMs).Methods Atotalof31LPMsfromJiaxingcitywereselectedusingrandomsamplingmethodand hygienicinvestigationonthespotwascarriedout.Results All31farmproductmarketshadlivepoultrytradewhile29 (83.87%)of them had live poultry slaughter spots,and 3 of them were not in the trade zone.The situation of sanitary, isolation,disinfection and personal protection in live poultry trading spot was not satisfied and only one LPM set a compartment.The LPMs whose distance exceeding 10 meters between live poultry slaughter spot and trading spot were accountedfor41.38%.Conclusion ThetransmissionriskofavianinfluenzaA(H7N9)virusinfarmproductmarketis high.To close the live poultry market during the epidemic period and strengthen surveillance activities are suggested.

OBJECTIVETo study genetic characteristics of an individual with para-Bombay phenotype and her family members.

METHODSABO and H antigens were detected with routine serological techniques.The entire coding region of FUT1 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products was purified with enzymes digestion and directly sequenced.

RESULTSThe RBCs of the proband did not agglutinate with H antibody. The proband therefore has a para-Bombay phenotype (Bmh). Direct sequencing indicated the FUT1 sequence of the proband contained a homozygous 547-552 del AG and heterozygous 814A>G mutation, which gave rise to two haplotypes of 547-552delAG, 547-552delAG and 814A>G. The ABO blood type of the proband' s mother and sisters were all B.Sequencing of the FUT1 gene has found heterozygous 547-552 del AG, 814A>G mutations in the mother and elder sister, and heterozygous 547-552 del AG mutation in her younger sister. The FUT1 547-552 del AG and 814 A>G mutations of the proband were inherited from her mother.

CONCLUSIONA complex mutation of the FUT1 gene consisting of 547-55 del AG and 814 A>G has been identified in an individual with para-Bombay phenotype.

ABO Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Adult ; Female ; Fucosyltransferases ; genetics ; Humans ; Phenotype