Development and validation of a novel death risk stratification scale in patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome: a 14-year ambispective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To develop and validate a simple and effective death risk stratification scale for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

METHODS

In this ambispective cohort study, we investigated the epidemiological and clinical data of 2245 patients with HFRS (1873 enrolled retrospectively and constituting the training cohort, 372 prospectively recruited as the validation cohort) from September 2008 to December 2021, and identified independent risk factors for 30-day death of HFRS. Using logistic regression analysis, a nomogram prediction model was established and was further simplified into a novel scoring scale. Calibration plot, receiver operating characteristic curve, net reclassification index, integrated discrimination index, and decision curve analysis were used to assess the calibration, discrimination, precision, and clinical utility in both training and validation cohorts.

RESULTS

Of 2245 patients with HFRS, 132 (5.9%) died during hospitalization. The nomogram prediction model and scoring scale were developed using six predictors: comorbid hypertension, hypotensive shock, hypoxemia, neutrophils, aspartate aminotransferase, and activated partial thromboplastin time. Both the scale and nomogram were well calibrated (near-diagonal calibration curves) and demonstrated significant predictive values (areas under receiver operating characteristic curves >0.9, sensitivity and specificity >90% in the training cohort and >84% in the validation cohort). The simplified scoring scale demonstrated equivalent discriminative ability to the nomogram, with net reclassification index and integrated discrimination index of 0.022 and 0.007 in the training cohort, 0.126 and 0.022 in the validation cohort. Decision curve analysis graphically represented significant clinical utility and comparable net benefits of the nomogram and scoring scale across a range of threshold probabilities.

DISCUSSION

This evidence-based, factor-weighted, accurate score could help clinicians swiftly stratify HFRS mortality risk and facilitate the implementation of patient triage and tiered medical services during epidemic peaks.

Development of a clinical prediction model for diabetic kidney disease with glucose and lipid metabolism disorders based on machine learning and bioinformatics technology

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we investigated the internal relationship between the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism to identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment and investigated the role of the immune microenvironment of glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in the occurrence and progression of DKD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chip datasets GSE104948 and GSE96804 from the Gene Expression Common Database (GEO) were merged using the "lima" and "sva" software packages in R Software (4.2.3), and the merged dataset was used as the validation set. The intersection between the differential genes of DKD and the glucose and lipid metabolism genes in the MSigDB database was identified, and a nomogram of the incidence risk of DKD was built using three machine learning methods, namely LASSO regression, support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF), to validate the accuracy of the prediction model. Immune scores were conducted using the unsupervised clustering method, and patients were divided into two subgroups. The two subgroups were screened for differential genes for enrichment analysis. The differential genes of patients diagnosed with DKD were clustered into two gene subgroups for co-expression analysis. In this study, we utilized the Cytoscape software to construct a network of interactions among key genes.

RESULTS

Using machine learning, a diagnostic model was developed with G6PC and HSD17B14 as key factors. Enrichment analysis and immune scoring demonstrated that the development of DKD was related to the imbalance in the microenvironment brought about by glucose lipid metabolism disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

G6PC and HSD17B14 may be potential biomarkers for DKD, and the established predictive model is more helpful in predicting the incidence of DKD.

Vitamin A with L-ascorbic acid sodium salt improves the growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity of weaned pigs

Vitamin A is easily degraded by environmental factors. Therefore, it is very important to add antioxidants during Vitamin A production. In the past, ethoxyquin (EQ) was widely used, but recent studies have found that it has potential toxicity. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the antioxidant activities of 4 antioxidants in vitro: EQ, butylated hydroxytoluene, α-tocopherol and L-ascorbic acid sodium salt (Vitamin C sodium). In vitro experiments showed that Vitamin C sodium had better antioxidant capacity. Then, we explored the effects of different antioxidant types of Vitamin A on the growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity of weaned pigs. In total, 288 weaned piglets with an initial mean BW of 8.34 ± 0.02 kg at 30 days old were randomly divided into three groups with four replicates and 24 piglets per replicate for 35 days of feeding. The experimental diets were as follows: i) basal diet without external Vitamin A (NC); ii) basal diet supplemented with 12000 IU/kg EQ Vitamin A and iii) basal diet supplemented with 12000 IU/kg Vitamin C sodium Vitamin A. On day 36, two pigs from each replicate were selected to collect serum samples. The in vivo results showed that pigs in the EQ Vitamin A and Vitamin C sodium Vitamin A groups had significantly higher final weight and average daily gain (P < 0.05). During the trial, the levels of IgG and glutathione peroxidase in the EQ Vitamin A and Vitamin C sodium Vitamin A groups were significantly higher than those in the NC group (P < 0.05), and the malondialdehyde content was significantly lower (P < 0.05). On the 36th day, the levels of IgA and total antioxidant capacity in the Vitamin C sodium Vitamin A group were significantly higher than those in the EQ Vitamin A and NC (P < 0.05) groups. Thus, Vitamin C sodium Vitamin A can significantly improve the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and immune function of weaned pigs. Meanwhile, Vitamin C sodium may replace EQ as an antioxidant additive for Vitamin A.

Chicory fibre improves reproductive performance of pregnant rats involving in altering intestinal microbiota composition

AIM

Chicory fibre (CF) is rich in fructan, which always functions as a quality dietary fibre source during mammalian pregnancy; however, its effect on reproductive performance remains unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

40 pregnant SD rats were randomly allotted to receive one of four diets: basal diet (control group), basal diet + 5% CF, basal diet + 10% CF, and basal diet + 15% CF, respectively. We found that CF significantly increased the number born alive and total litter birth weight (P < 0·05), increased the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, mucins and antimicrobial peptides, accompanied by the increase of villi height and the decrease of crypts depth of pregnant SD rats (P < 0·05). We also observed that CF markedly increased the acetic acid, propanoic acid, butyric acid and total SCFAs concentrations in caecum contents and promoted the expression of SCFAs-related receptors (P < 0·05). Notably, rats fed CF increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (P < 0·001), decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, while markedly lowered the Firmicutes/ Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio) (P < 0·05). Intriguingly, the number born alive and total litter birth weight were positively correlated with some probiotics and negatively correlated with other harmful bacteria by Pearson correlation analysis.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, CF can enhance intestinal barrier function and maintain intestinal health, and may improve reproductive performance by altering intestinal microbiota composition.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Adding suitable dietary fibre to the diet can improve the reproductive performance of sows. Indeed, there exist various problems in the application of traditional dietary fibres, including high insoluble fibre content and anti-nutritional factor level, and mycotoxin contamination. This study demonstrates that dietary CF supplementation improves reproductive performance and intestinal health. Thus, CF can be applied in pregnancy animals as a new dietary fibre additive in animal husbandry.

Direct manipulation of metallic nanosheets by shear force microscopy

Micro/nanomanipulation is a rapidly growing technology and holds promising applications in various fields, including photonic/electronic devices, chemical/biosensors etc. In this work, we present that shear force microscopy (ShFM) can be exploited to manipulate metallic nanosheets besides imaging. The manipulation is realized via controlling the shear force sensor probe position and shear force magnitude based on our homemade ShFM system under an optical microscopy for in situ observation. The main feature of the ShFM system is usage of a piezoelectric bimorph sensor, which has the ability of self-excitation and detection. Moreover, the shear force magnitude as a function of the spring constant of the sensor and setpoint is obtained, which indicates that operation modes can be switched between imaging and manipulation through designing the spring constant before experiment and changing the setpoint during manipulation process, respectively. We believe that this alternative manipulation technique could be used to assemble other nanostructures with different shapes, sizes and compositions for new properties and wider applications.

Identical genotypes of community-associated MRSA (ST59) and livestock-associated MRSA (ST9) in humans and pigs in rural China

This study investigated the prevalence of MRSA in samples taken in households, with and without backyard pigs in villages in a rural area of Shandong Province, China. Community-associated MRSA and livestock-associated MRSA, belonging to ST59 and ST9, respectively, were identified in both humans and pigs. The genotypic and phenotypic comparison of isolates indicates that bidirectional transmission of MRSA has occurred between humans and pigs in the villages.

Enterprise Diagnostics for Evaluation of Enterprise Business Processes

In a dynamic business environment, the performance of enterprise has to be evaluated promptly to adjust business activities and accommodate new changes adequately. To this end, we propose the concept of enterprise diagnostics, which focuses on the assessment of effectiveness of enterprise business processes. In apply enterprise diagnostics, the procedure and methodology have been developed to evaluate the performance of enterprise business processes, and main factors for the assessment include consumed resources, cost, durations of business processes, and information constraints. The proposed methodology has its theoretical and practical values in evaluating the performance of enterprise and assisting in making management decisions with a high level of accountability.

Synthetic magnetoelectric coupling in a nanocomposite multiferroic

Given the paucity of single phase multiferroic materials (with large ferromagnetic moment), composite systems seem an attractive solution to realize magnetoelectric coupling between ferromagnetic and ferroelectric order parameters. Despite having antiferromagnetic order, BiFeO₃ (BFO) has nevertheless been a key material due to excellent ferroelectric properties at room temperature. We studied a superlattice composed of 8 repetitions of 6 unit cells of La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃ (LSMO) grown on 5 unit cells of BFO. Significant net uncompensated magnetization in BFO, an insulating superlattice, is demonstrated using polarized neutron reflectometry. Remarkably, the magnetization enables magnetic field to change the dielectric properties of the superlattice, which we cite as an example of synthetic magnetoelectric coupling. Importantly, controlled creation of magnetic moment in BFO is a much needed path toward design and implementation of integrated oxide devices for next generation magnetoelectric data storage platforms.

Induced magnetization in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/BiFeO3 superlattices

Using polarized neutron reflectometry, we observe an induced magnetization of 75 ± 25 kA/m at 10 K in a La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO(3) (LSMO)/BiFeO(3) superlattice extending from the interface through several atomic layers of the BiFeO(3) (BFO). The induced magnetization in BFO is explained by density functional theory, where the size of band gap of BFO plays an important role. Considering a classical exchange field between the LSMO and BFO layers, we further show that magnetization is expected to extend throughout the BFO, which provides a theoretical explanation for the results of the neutron scattering experiment.

Method for controlling energy density for reliable pulsed laser deposition of thin films

We have established a methodology to stabilize the laser energy density on a target surface in pulsed laser deposition of thin films. To control the focused laser spot on a target, we have imaged a defined aperture in the beamline (so called image-focus) instead of focusing the beam on a target based on a simple "lens-focus." To control the laser energy density on a target, we have introduced a continuously variable attenuator between the output of the laser and the imaged aperture to manipulate the energy to a desired level by running the laser in a "constant voltage" mode to eliminate changes in the lasers' beam dimensions. This methodology leads to much better controllability/reproducibility for reliable pulsed laser deposition of high performance electronic thin films.

Condom use, intervention service utilization and HIV knowledge among female sex workers in China: results of three consecutive cross-sectional surveys in Shandong Province with historically low HIV prevalence

Heterosexual transmission of HIV through contact with female sex workers (FSWs) is a growing concern for the HIV/AIDS epidemic in China. Using consecutive cross-sectional surveys, we examined the prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), risk behaviours, HIV knowledge and the utilization of intervention services among FSWs in Shandong Province. Of 3460 participants, half reported ever having STI-related symptoms, 57.8% had ≥7 clients in the last week, half reported inconsistent use of condoms with clients and 11.2% reported ever using illicit drugs. Consistent use of condoms with clients was associated with higher education, being 20-24 years of age, being recruited from hotels, having ever received free condoms and was inversely associated with STI-related symptoms. HIV-related knowledge was associated with higher education, ever testing for HIV and inversely associated with self-reported STI-related symptoms. The low rates of condom use, high number and frequent turnover of clients, high prevalence of self-reported STIs and drug use highlight the urgency for more effective intervention in these FSWs.

[A clinic analysis of 62 male patients with lupus nephritis]

To study the difference between male and female patients with lupus nephritis(LN), we made a retrospective analysis. The clinical characteristics of 62 male patients with LN were compared with 62 female patients with LN. The result indicated the distribution of LN onset ages was different between male and female patients with LN. The incidence of LN was higher in the male than in female patients with SLE. Male patients were often misdiagnosed or diagnosed long after the onset of the disease. Arthritis and positive rate of ANA were less commonly occurred in female patients with LN. Other clinical and pathologic features of LN were similar in male and female patients. The response to treatment and prognosis of male patients with LN was relatively poor. So male patients with LN should be paid more attention to.

Development of an enzyme-labeled oligonucleotide probe for detecting the Escherichia coli attaching and effacing A gene

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) can produce attaching and effacing (AE) lesions on intestinal epithelium in vitro and in vivo. A gene necessary to cause the AE lesion has been identified and designated Escherichia coli attaching and effacing A (eaeA) gene. In this study, an alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-conjugated oligonucleotide probe for the eaeA gene was developed and used to detect the eaeA gene among 163 strains of classical EPEC and 25 strains of EHEC O157. The prevalence rates of eaeA gene in the strains of classical EPEC and EHEC O157 were 51.5 and 100%, respectively. The eaeA-positive rate (60.0%) in strains of class I EPEC serogroups (O26, O55, O86, O111, O119, O125, O126, O127, O128ab, and O142) was significantly higher than that (22.9%) in strains of the class II EPEC serogroups (O18, O44, O114) (P<0.01). A total of 109 eaeA-positive classical EPEC and EHEC O157 were positive for fluorescent actin staining (FAS) assay, whereas 79 eaeA-negative classical EPEC were negative. Both the sensitivity and specificity of the eaeA probe versus the FAS assay positivity were 100%. Thus, use of the ALP-conjugated oligonucleotide probe for the eaeA gene would be specific and reliable in identifying the adherence capability of EPEC and EHEC.

Spectral fitting of NMR spectra using an alternating optimization method with a priori knowledge

As alternatives to the fast Fourier transform, advanced parametric methods based on the damped sinusoidal data model have been devised to better quantify the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy time-domain data. Previously, linear prediction (LP) fitting methods using Householder triangularization and singular value decomposition (SVD) techniques have been applied to the NMR spectroscopy data analysis. In this paper, we propose an alternating optimization method to quantify the time-domain NMR spectroscopy data. The proposed algorithm uses the a priori knowledge of the possible frequency intervals of the damped sinusoids to obtain more accurate parameter estimates when the NMR spectroscopy data are obtained under low signal-to-noise ratio conditions and the peaks are close together. None of the LP and SVD type of methods can use such approximate a priori knowledge. We have shown with measured NMR spectroscopy data that the proposed algorithm can be used to obtain accurate parameter estimates of frequencies, amplitudes, and damping ratios of the damped sinusoids and therefore the ultimate fit of the spectrum by using the a priori knowledge about the possible frequency intervals of the damped sinusoids.

Wettability, Oil Recovery, and Interfacial Tension with an SDBS-Dodecane-Kaolin System

The wettability of kaolin with SDBS (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate) aqueous solutions was measured by the Washburn equation expressed as contact angles. The contact angle changes for SDBS aqueous solutions on kaolin surface was studied. The interfacial tension between the SDBS solutions and n-dodecane was measured using both drop volume and spinning drop methods. Then the oil recovery of n-dodecane on the kaolin surface was tested. It was found that the minimum contact angle (the most hydrophilic condition) and the maximum oil recovery occurred near the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of SDBS while the interfacial tension between the SDBS solution and n-dodecane was far from ultra-low. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Isolation and identification of Mycoplasma genitalium from high risk populations of sexually transmitted diseases in China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg) infection in high risk populations of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in China by means of culture, Mg-DNA detection, observation under an electron microscope (EM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM).

METHODS

227 urogenital specimens taken from both patients in clinics and high risk populations of STDs in Beijing, Nanjing and Shanghai areas were cultured in SP-4 medium for isolation of Mg. Suspicious positive strains were identified first by PCR technique which could amplify the special DNA fragments of Mg adhesion protein (Mg-Pa) and 16S-rRNA sequences. The morphologic features of Mg were observed under EM and AFM.

RESULTS

Eight strains were isolated from the 227 specimens, the total positive rate was 3.52%. The isolated strains met the criteria of growth and metabolic conditions required by Mg. Specific fragments of Mg-DNA (374 bp based on Mg-Pa and 402 bp on 16S-rRNA primers, respectively) could be amplified from both the isolates and the genital secretions. Under EM and AFM, Mg showed different shapes, including flask, pear, spindle and globe shape. The typical shape of Mg was flask or pear shape with projecting neck portion and broadened terminal structure under EM and with constrictive ring between the neck and body under AFM.

CONCLUSION

Mg infection exists in high risk populations of STDs in China. We highly suggest the use of AFM in dermatological study.

Effects of ultraviolet-irradiated urocanic acid on IL-10 secreted by T lymphocytes

OBJECTIVE

To further investigate the effects of ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated urocanic acid (UCA) on T lymphocytes, the effects of cis-UCA on T lymphocyte IL-10 secretion was studied.

METHODS

Four groups of normal lymphocytes were cultured in RPMI-1640 containing 15% fetal calf serum. Besides negative and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) positive control, the cis-UCA and trans-UCA groups were set. The number of lymphocytes was 1.5 x 10(6). PHA was 0.05 mg/ml in each group. Both cis-UCA and trans-UCA were detected by 1.00, 0.75, 0.50 and 0.20 mmol/L respective concentrations. IL-10 was detected by ELISA method after 48 hours' culture. IL-10 mRNA expression level was assayed by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The results indicated cis-UCA could reduce IL-10 secreted by T lymphocytes much more than trans-UCA (t = 2.91, P < 0.05) could. It was also found that the concentrations of cis-UCA were negatively correlated with IL-10 levels (r = -0.99, tr = 9.23, P < 0.01). The IL-10 mRNA expression of T lymphoctytes was inhibited by cis-UCA.

CONCLUSION

Our investigations revealed that cis-UCA, a major UV receptor in the stratum comeum of epidermis, could inhibit T lymphoctes secreting IL-10 by suppressing IL-10 mRNA expression, finally affects the humoral immune response.

Binding of HMG-I(Y) elicits structural changes in a silencer of the human beta-globin gene

Proteins involved in repression of the human beta-globin gene may be useful in the treatment of sickle cell anemia, in conjunction with therapy to reactivate fetal globin genes. If there is a reciprocal elevation of gamma-globin expression upon repression, this approach could be useful in additional hemoglobinopathies. We previously showed that repression of the beta-globin gene appears to be mediated through two DNA sequences, silencers I and II, and identified a protein termed BP1 which binds to both silencer sequences. In this study, we cloned two cDNAs encoding proteins which bind to an oligonucleotide in silencer I containing a BP1 binding site. These cDNAs correspond to HMG-I and HMG-Y, isoforms regarded as architectural proteins. We demonstrate that binding of HMG-I(Y) to this oligonucleotide causes bending/flexure of the DNA. HMG-I(Y) also binds to a second oligonucleotide containing a BP1 binding site located in a negative control region upstream of the delta-globin gene, suggesting a role for HMG-I(Y) in repression of adult globin genes. Expression studies revealed that HMG-I(Y) is ubiquitously expressed in human tissues that do not express beta-globin, being present in 48 of 50 tissues and six hematopoietic cell lines examined. Furthermore, HMG-I(Y) expression is down-regulated during differentiation of primary erythroid cells. We present a model in which HMG-I(Y) alters DNA conformation to allow binding of repressor proteins, and in which the relative amount of HMG-I(Y) helps to determine the repressive state of the beta-globin gene.

[Research and production of air cleaner for traveller train carriage]

After the traveller train carriage is closed, the air pollution would be serious in the carriage. In order to control the air pollution, the air cleaning technology must be studied and the air cleaner for the carriage must be designed. The authors discussed. 1. Working out a technology scheme and main technology parameter for the air cleaner, and the structure design of the air cleaner. 2. Texting the function and performance of the air cleaner. 3. Investigating the effectiveness of the cleaner in same train sections. Thereby it will be confirmed that the air cleaner can improve the air environment in the carriage, and give convincingly security to the health of attendants and travellers.

[Fluorescence emission spectra of petroleumsulfonate and OP-10 in multi-components aqueous solutions]

The determination of surfactant(s) in the alkaline/surfactant/polymer flooding solutions was an uneasy job. For this purpose, the method of fluorescence emission by phenoxy-containing surfactants in dilute solutions is suggested. The fluorescence emission intensity changes linearly with in the extent of low surfactant concentrations below the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and is not influenced by the presence of alkali, polymer PHPAM and salts. Under certain conditions the fluorescence emission by petroleum sulfonate and OP-10 in a multi-components aqueous solution can be detected independently. This method is high-selective, sensitive (the lowest detectable concentration 10(-7) mol/L) and microanalytical (the amount of test solution 2-3 microL).

Use of an alkaline phosphatase-conjugated oligonucleotide probe for the gene encoding the bundle-forming pilus of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli

An alkaline phosphatase-conjugated 29-base oligonucleotide probe was developed to detect the gene encoding the bundle-forming pilus of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. The sensitivity and specificity of the probe versus the results of localized adherence in the HEp-2 cell assay and fluorescent actin staining assay positivity were 95.7 and 100%, respectively.

Interferon-gamma induced type I nitric oxide synthase activity inhibits viral replication in neurons

Type I NOS expression increases in OB neurons during VSV infection. Immunocytochemical staining of NB41A3 cells indicates constitutive expression of interferon (IFN)-gamma receptor and type I NOS. IFN-gamma treatment of NB41A3 cells increased NO production and type I NOS protein. In vitro replication of VSV, polio virus type I, and Herpes Simplex virus type I (HSV-1) is significantly inhibited by IFN-gamma induced type I NOS and antagonized by NOS inhibitors. In contrast, while IFN-gamma treatment inhibited influenza and Sindbis virus replication, a different pathway(s) was involved. The isoform-selective NOS inhibitor. 7-nitroindazole (7NI) was used to treat mice, resulting in a 10-fold higher titer of virus in brain homogenates, and abrogated the recovery-promoting effect of interleukin-12 treatment. Thus, IFN-gamma induced type I NOS activity may play an important role in host immunity against neurotropic viral infections.

Sex differences in susceptibility to viral infection of the central nervous system

We have characterized striking differences in recovery of male and female BALB/c and BALB/c-H-2dm2 (dm2) mice from an experimental neurotropic viral infection of the central nervous system (CNS). Following intranasal inoculation of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), assays of tissue homogenates from female mice produced lower viral titers. There was also a significant reduction in the spread of virus from the rostral to caudal end of the brain in female mice. Enhanced recovery by female mice of both strains in response to this viral insult correlates with increased levels of Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) types I, II, and III expression, an increased prevalence of reactive astrocytes, earlier and enhanced levels of expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules on astrocytes, endothelial and microglial cells, and increased T cell infiltration in the female BALB/c mouse. Taken together, these findings document sexual dimorphism in CNS immunity, and may provide an understanding of some of the mechanisms underlying many sex-biased diseases.

[Comparison of the three methods for estimating the dry-weight of hemodialysis patients]

In order to find the best method for estimating the dry-weight of hemodialysis (HD) patients, we compared the three methods used, i.e. bioelectrical resistivity (rho), plasma cGMP (cGMP) and bromide (Br) methods. The results showed that the extracellular fluid volume per unit body mass (EFV/mass) determined with rho was negatively correlated with that determined with Br. (r = -0.7601 for normal controls and -0.5293 for HD patients, P < 0.05). However, plasma cGMP concentration was neither correlated with EFV/mass (r = 0.3724 for normal control and 0.2538 for HD patients, P > 0.05) nor with rho (r = 0.5210 for normal controls and 0.2106 for HD patients, P > 0.05). These results suggest that the bioelectrical resistivity dry-weight method is more accurate than cGMP method and moreover it is easier to perform than the NaBr method.

Host immune response to vesicular stomatitis virus infection of the central nervous system in C57BL/6 mice

In this report, the kinetics of cellular inflammatory changes in the brain of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-infected C57BL/6 (B6) mice was determined. The behavior and survival rate of infected B6 were carefully monitored each day. Infectious viral titers and VSV antigen distribution were determined at several time points during the course of infection. Strong activation of both astrocytes and microglia was observed after VSV infection. Induction of type II nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was detected in activated microglia in the olfactory bulb (OB) starting at day 4 postinfection. Induced expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and rapid infiltration of both T cells and natural killer (NK) cells were detected in the VSV-infected CNS. Collectively, these data indicate that the response to CNS infection in B6 mice, which is often primarily Th1 in characteristics, is comparable to BALB/c mice, a strain that often shows a Th2-dominated immune response.

IL-12 promotes enhanced recovery from vesicular stomatitis virus infection of the central nervous system

To investigate the role of a cytokine in host defense against the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection of the central nervous system (CNS), IL-12 was injected i.p. into groups of 10 BALB/c mice on days -1, 0, 1, 2, and 3 postinfection. Four days postinfection, mice were examined. IL-12 strongly enhanced immunity to VSV infection in the CNS as demonstrated by 1) decreased VSV titers in brain homogenate of IL-12-injected mice compared with those of controls; 2) increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the CNS; 3) enhanced expression of both MHC class I and class II Ags in the CNS; 4) increased T cell infiltration in the CNS, especially in the olfactory bulb; and 5) diminished VSV-induced apoptosis in olfactory bulb. No detrimental effect was observed even with the 200 ng/mouse dose of IL-12. Protective effects of IL-12 were dose dependent. Collectively, these results demonstrate that exogenously added IL-12, even when injected peripherally, significantly enhances recovery from VSV infection of the CNS.

IL-12 promotes enhanced recovery from vesicular stomatitis virus infection of the central nervous system

To investigate the role of a cytokine in host defense against the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection of the central nervous system (CNS), IL-12 was injected i.p. into groups of 10 BALB/c mice on days -1, 0, 1, 2, and 3 postinfection. Four days postinfection, mice were examined. IL-12 strongly enhanced immunity to VSV infection in the CNS as demonstrated by 1) decreased VSV titers in brain homogenate of IL-12-injected mice compared with those of controls; 2) increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the CNS; 3) enhanced expression of both MHC class I and class II Ags in the CNS; 4) increased T cell infiltration in the CNS, especially in the olfactory bulb; and 5) diminished VSV-induced apoptosis in olfactory bulb. No detrimental effect was observed even with the 200 ng/mouse dose of IL-12. Protective effects of IL-12 were dose dependent. Collectively, these results demonstrate that exogenously added IL-12, even when injected peripherally, significantly enhances recovery from VSV infection of the CNS.

Vesicular stomatitis virus infection of the central nervous system activates both innate and acquired immunity

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) causes acute infection of the central nervous system (CNS) when intranasally applied. We have examined cellular inflammatory changes in the CNS following VSV infection. As early as 1 day postinfection (p.i.), astrocytes were activated in the olfactory bulb (OB). This was followed by activation of microglia, first observed in the OB at day 3 p.i. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase was observed in activated microglia in the OB at day 3 p.i., and increased inducible nitric oxide synthase expression coincided with decreased virus titers in tissue homogenates. Expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on astrocytes and microglial, endothelial, and ependymal cells was also rapidly induced and followed by induced expression of MHC class II molecules on astrocytes and microglial and endothelial cells. Consistent with the pattern of viral dissemination, MHC molecules were expressed temporally from the rostral-to-caudal direction. Infiltration of CD8+ cells was observed as early as 1 day p.i. in the OB. CD4+ cells were detected in the OB at day 4 p.i. Increasing T-cell infiltration coincided with decreased virus titers. In contrast, B-cell infiltration of the CNS was not detected until day 14 p.i., after the virus was cleared and mice were showing behavioral signs of recovery. Breakdown of the blood-brain barrier was detected beginning at day 6 p.i., was most severe at day 8 p.i., and was followed by full recovery. Collectively, these data show that both innate immunity (production of nitric oxide) and acquired immunity (expression of MHC molecules and T-cell infiltration) are activated following VSV infection in the CNS.

Inhibition of vesicular stomatitis virus infection by nitric oxide

Inhibitory effects of nitric oxide (NO) on vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection were investigated by using a VSV-susceptible mouse neuroblastoma cell line, NB41A3. Productive VSV infection of NB41A3 cells was significantly inhibited by an organic NO donor, S-nitro-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), while the control compound N-acetylpenicillamine (NAP) had no effect. Survival rate of VSV-infected cells was greatly increased by the treatment with SNAP, while the NAP treatment did not have any effect. Adding SNAP 30 min prior to infection resulted in complete inhibition of viral production when a low multiplicity of infection (MOI) was used. Substantial inhibition of viral production was also obtained with treating cells 6 h earlier before infection with a higher MOI. Activating the neuronal NO synthase by treating cells with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) led to significant inhibition of viral production by cells infected at the three doses of virus tested (MOIs of 0.1, 1, and 5). The inhibitory effect of NMDA on viral infection was totally blocked by the NO synthase inhibitor N-methyl-L-arginine. However, adding hemoglobin, a strong NO-binding protein and thus an inactivator of NO activity, did not reverse the NMDA-induced inhibition of viral production, suggesting that NO might exert its antiviral effects inside the NO-producing cells. Collectively, these data support the anti-VSV effects of NO, which might be one of the important factors of natural immunity in controlling the initial stages of VSV infection in the central nervous system.

[The experimental study of immunosuppressive effect of tripchlorolide on the cardiac allograft rats]

In order to confirm the anti-rejection effect of Tripchlorolide (T4), we compared the mean survival time of cardiac allograft, scores of pathological damage of the heart, the generation of IL-2 from splenocytes stimulated by ConA, and the serum level of sIL-2R in the heart transplant model (Lou-->F344) that received either cyclosporine or T4. The present study has shown that T4 could prolong the MST of cardiac allograft and significantly decrease the degrees of pathological damage of the transplant heart. The results indicated that T4 might be used as new anti-rejection drug in organ transplantation.

[Inhibitory effects of monomer T4 from Tripterygium wilfordii hook on cultured mesangial cells proliferation and IL-1 production]

The cultured mesangial cells (MSc) went through three serial passages before being using. Quantitation of MSc growth rate was obtained by measuring the ratio of 3H-TdR uptake in a medium containing various concentrations of T4. IL-1 activity was tested by 3H-TdR incorporation in C57BL/c mice thymocytes. The results show that T4 inhibited MSc proliferation and IL-1 production.

[A surveillance on acute respiratory infection]

History prospective methods were employed in this surveillance on acute respiratory infection (ARI) in four villages in Ping Yi and Gao Mi counties. One thousand-one hundred-and sixty four households, 4,379 individuals with 4365.92 person-years were followed up for ARI. The incidence of ARI was 0.4542 episodes/person-year and the household incidence rate was 68.99%. No death case of ARI occurred during the surveillance period. Of all the 18 ARI diseases under surveillance the three diseases with highest incidence were common cold, upper respiratory tract infection and bronchitis. These three diseases all showed obvious family clustering tendency. The incidence of ARI was highest in children under 1 year of age (1.3403 episodes/person year), followed by 2-6 year age-group. The lowest was in 20-29 year age-group (0.2885 episodes/person-year). There was no significant difference between sexes. The ARI incidence in spring (0.18024 episodes/person-season) was higher than in other seasons, with the peak between March and April. The hospital attending rate was 90.07%. Among the patients, 80.05% received antibiotics, 13.06% received hormone, 2.10% received intravenous rehydration. ARI accounted for 24.83% of all the out-patients in township hospitals, 19.05%, of which were preschool children. For these children, 70.78% were using antibiotics, 23.31% using hormone, 10.06% using intravenous rehydration. Of the patients, the risk factors of ARI included low birth weight, difficult labour, malnutrition, illiteracy, low income, poor ventilation and lighting of the living room, poor living condition and cigarette smoking. The results presented will be of great significance to policy-making of ARI control in Shandong Province.

Observation of therapeutic effect in 50 cases of chronic renal failure treated with rhubarb and adjuvant drugs

Treatment of chronic renal failure with rhubarb and adjuvant drugs combined with other appropriate measures alleviates the suffering of the patients and improves the quality of their survival. Most patients can take care of themselves after treatment, and some can engage in half-day work. The treatment prolongs the life of the patient, and reduces medical expenses. It is of definite social and economic benefit, and conforms with China's conditions. Except for very severe cases whose blood creatinine exceeds 884 mumol/L, it can be given to all patients. It can also be used as a transitional measure before more radical therapies may be instituted.

Central neuropathogenesis of vesicular stomatitis virus infection of immunodeficient mice

To determine whether central neuropathogenesis associated with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection is regulated by T cells, we have examined the effects of intranasal infection of mice lacking T cells. The mice examined were of two kinds: (i) thymus-deficient BALB/c nu/nu nice and (ii) BALB/c mice experimentally depleted of T cells by systemic infusions of a monoclonal antibody to the CD4 or CD8 cell surface molecules. These mice were infected intranasally with a single dose of replication-competent VSV. Brain tissue homogenates were analyzed for the presence of infectious virus. For each population of mice, infection-related mortality was assessed. In histological sections of brain, the distribution of viral antigens (Ags) was examined by immunocytochemistry. We found that recovery of infectious virus from homogenates of tissues obtained from athymic nu/nu animals was more than 10 times greater than that from samples from their euthymic littermates. With a single exception in a BALB/c nu/nu mouse, virus was not isolated from the spleen when it was administered intranasally. In these experimental infections, athymic mice succumbed 1 to 2 days before their euthymic littermates. A dose of virus that resulted in half of the nu/+ survival rate was uniformly lethal to nu/nu mice. In experiments with BALB/c mice depleted of either CD4+ or CD8+ T cells by in vivo antibody treatment, histological analysis revealed an increase in viral Ag distribution in comparison with control (medium-infused) infected mice. Necrosis and inflammation paralleled the extent of viral Ag expression. Viral Ags were detected in discrete areas that usually remain uninfected in immunocompetent mice. These areas include the neocortex and caudate putamen nuclei, the piriform cortex, and the lateral olfactory tract. Neuronal loss and necrosis were consistently found in the olfactory bulb and the horizontal/vertical band of Broca. In some of the T-cell depleted mice, necrosis was also evident in the hippocampus, fimbria, mammillary bodies, and hypothalamic nuclei. In the brain stem, perivascular cuffing was evident, but with little necrosis. Collectively, these data suggest that CD4+ and CD8+ T cells make only a minor contribution to the development of histopathology but rather function together to limit viral replication and transsynaptic or ventricular spread of virus, thus promoting recovery. The primary effectors of histopathology appear to be related more to the cytopathologic nature of the virus infection and non-T-cell-mediated mechanisms.