ABSTRACT
Snake venoms are complex mixtures of toxic proteins or peptides encoded by various gene families that function synergistically to incapacitate prey. In the present study, in order to unravel the proteomic repertoire of Deinagkistrodon acutus venom, some trace abundance components were analyzed. Methods Shotgun proteomic approach combined with shotgun nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS were employed to characterize the medically important D. acutus venom, after collected samples were enriched with the combinatorial peptide ligand library (CPLL). Results This avenue helped us find some trace components, undetected before, in D. acutus venom. The results indicated that D. acutus venom comprised 84 distinct proteins from 10 toxin families and 12 other proteins. These results are more than twice the number of venom components obtained from previous studies, which were only 29 distinct proteins obtained through RP-HPLC for the venom of the same species. The present results indicated that in D. acutus venom, the most abundant components (66.9%) included metalloproteinases, serine proteinases, and C-type lectin proteins; the medium abundant components (13%) comprised phospholipases A2 (PLA2) and 5'-nucleotidases and nucleases; whereas least abundant components (6%) were aminopeptidases, L-amino acid oxidases (LAAO), neurotoxins and disintegrins; and the trace components. The last were undetected before the use of conventional shotgun proteomics combined with shotgun nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS, such as cysteine-rich secretory proteins Da-CRPa, phospholipases B-like 1, phospholipases B (PLB), nerve growth factors (NGF), glutaminyl-peptide cyclortransferases (QC), and vascular non-inflammatory molecules 2 (VNN2). Conclusion These findings demonstrated that the CPLL enrichment method worked well in finding the trace toxin proteins in D. acutus venom, in contrast with the previous venomic characterization of D. acutus by conventional LC-MS/MS. In conclusion, this approach combined with the CPLL enrichment was effective for allowing us to explore the hidden D. acutus venomic profile and extended the list of potential venom toxins.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Oxidoreductases , Peptides , Viper Venoms , Proteome , NeurotoxinsABSTRACT
Abstract Background Snake venoms are complex mixtures of toxic proteins or peptides encoded by various gene families that function synergistically to incapacitate prey. In the present study, in order to unravel the proteomic repertoire of Deinagkistrodon acutus venom, some trace abundance components were analyzed. Methods Shotgun proteomic approach combined with shotgun nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS were employed to characterize the medically important D. acutus venom, after collected samples were enriched with the combinatorial peptide ligand library (CPLL). Results This avenue helped us find some trace components, undetected before, in D. acutus venom. The results indicated that D. acutus venom comprised 84 distinct proteins from 10 toxin families and 12 other proteins. These results are more than twice the number of venom components obtained from previous studies, which were only 29 distinct proteins obtained through RP-HPLC for the venom of the same species. The present results indicated that in D. acutus venom, the most abundant components (66.9%) included metalloproteinases, serine proteinases, and C-type lectin proteins; the medium abundant components (13%) comprised phospholipases A2 (PLA2) and 5-nucleotidases and nucleases; whereas least abundant components (6%) were aminopeptidases, L-amino acid oxidases (LAAO), neurotoxins and disintegrins; and the trace components. The last were undetected before the use of conventional shotgun proteomics combined with shotgun nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS, such as cysteine-rich secretory proteins Da-CRPa, phospholipases B-like 1, phospholipases B (PLB), nerve growth factors (NGF), glutaminyl-peptide cyclortransferases (QC), and vascular non-inflammatory molecules 2 (VNN2). Conclusion These findings demonstrated that the CPLL enrichment method worked well in finding the trace toxin proteins in D. acutus venom, in contrast with the previous venomic characterization of D. acutus by conventional LC-MS/MS. In conclusion, this approach combined with the CPLL enrichment was effective for allowing us to explore the hidden D. acutus venomic profile and extended the list of potential venom toxins.
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Objective @#To compare the clinical effect of the reconstruction of defects of the surgical area with the facial-submental artery island flap (FSAIF) after resection of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OC-SCC) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OP-SCC).@*Methods@#A total of 203 cases of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and 72 cases of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were treated with the FSAIFs. The complications and success rate of the two groups were observed. The swallowing and voice functions of the two groups were evaluated and compared 6 months after the operation. The survival of the two groups was followed up. @*Results@#No significant differences were found in TNM stage, the skin paddle of the flap, the rate of flap failure, or local complications between the OC-SCC and OP-SCC groups (P > 0.05). Significant differences in swallowing and speech outcomes were observed between the groups (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in survival outcome between the groups after 9-59 months of follow-up.@*Conclusion@#FSAIF can be used for reconstructing the defect in oral cavity or oropharynx, but the swallowing function of reconstructing the defect in oropharynx is poor.
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Purpose: This study investigated the outcome of elderly patients (≥65 years) with thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC) treated with esophagectomy and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) or definitive radiotherapy (DRT). Patients and Methods: One hundred and ninety patients (median age of 72 years) who received PORT (n = 68) or DRT (n = 122) for TESCC were analyzed. Majority of them showed locally advanced disease (T3/4: 70.5%, N+: 70.5%, Stage III: 51.6%). Compared to patients who received DRT, those who received PORT had lower Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (AACCI) scores (2.49 ± 0.61 vs. 3.73 ± 1.28, χ2 = 7.283; P = 0.000) and higher Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) (χ2 = 9.016; P = 0.003) and were of younger ages (68.90 ± 3.00 vs. 75.17 ± 5.71, χ2 = 9.925; P = 0.000). Results: Overall survival (OS) was significantly higher in the PORT group (median, 61.2 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 46.04–76.36) than in the DRT group (median, 24.37 months; 95% CI, 15.43–33.31). Multivariate analysis showed that treatment method (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.38, 95% CI, 1.46–3.90; P = 0.001), clinical T stage (HR: 0.57, 95% CI, 0.34–0.95; P = 0.031), and lymph node metastasis (HR: 0.51, 95% CI, 0.31–0.84; P = 0.008) were independent prognostic factors. Regarding subgroup analysis, OS of patients receiving PORT was significantly higher than that of DRT in the T3–4 group (HR: 2.98, 95% CI, 1.80–4.92; P = 0.000) and the N+ group (HR: 2.20, 95% CI, 1.26–3.83; P = 0.006). Conclusions: The efficacy of PORT for the treatment of elderly TESCC patients was superior to DRT. With regard to AACCI, KPS, and age, DRT is still a treatment option for elderly TESCC patients, especially for those >75 years of age
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@#Objective: To investigate the effect of sulforaphane (SFN) on CD8+ T cells differentiation, phenotype and the secretion of intracellular cytokines, as well as to study the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: In the in vitro culture experiment, the cells were categorized into control group, SNF 10 mmol/L group and SNF 20 mmol/L group according to the SNF concentration. The effect of SFN treatment on CD8+ T cells differentiation, phenotype and cytokine secretion were detected by flow cytometry, and the effect of mTOR siRNA on the expression of CD127 and LKRG1 in CD8+T cells was also detected by flow cytometry. Expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-6 were analyzed by qRT-PCR. The effect of SFN on apoptosis of CD8+T cells was examined byAnnexin-V/PI staining. The protein expressions of p-mTOR, p-S6 and b-actin were detected by western blotting. Results: SFN significantly promoted the formation of memory precursor CD8+ T cells and decreased the expression level of PD-1 and Tim-3 in CD8+T cells(P<0.01); meanwhile, after the treatment of SFN, the expressions of anti-apoptosis genes Bcl-2 and Bcl-6 were significantly increased while the apoptosis of CD8+ T cells was significantly inhibited and the protein expressions of p-mTOR and p-S6 were also significantly inhibited(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, mTOR siRNA could significantly increasethe expression of CD127 and decrease the expression of LKRG1 (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Sulforaphone promotes the formation of memory precursor CD8+T cells possibly by inhibiting the p-mTOR signaling pathway, and this could obtain more T cells to provide new thoughts for clinical immunotherapy.
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Objective@# To describe our experience with the surgical treatment of severe wooden foreign body (WFB) injuries in the head and neck region.@*Methods @#A case series review of WFB injuries in the head and neck region that were managed at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital between 2008 and 2014 was performed retrospectively. The clinical findings and surgical details of ten cases were reviewed. @*Results @#The WFBs were integrally removed from all patients with the average age of 40.9 years. 8 cases dued to falling and 2 cases because of industrial injuries. All cases under-went general anesthesia (6 cases tracheal incision, 3 cases through nose intubation, 1 cases through oral intubation).The lengths of the WFBs ranged from 4.0 cm to 17.5 cm (average 9.96 cm). The procedures lasted 30 to 180 min. No se-vere bleeding was observed. Total blood loss ranged from approximately 3 to 200 mL (average 69 mL). The patients were followed for 11 to 38 months, and no postoperative complications, only 1 cases appeared open type deviation and 2 cases of scar discomfort after neck operation. @*Conclusion @#Surgical treatment of severe WFB injuries in the head and neck region is acceptably safe and effective. Endoscopic surgery can be used in patients with WFBs that are embedded in the maxilla.
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Background The five-paced pit viper (Deinagkistrodon acutus), endemic to China and northern Vietnam, is responsible for most snakebites in the Chinese territory. Antivenom produced from horses is the main treatment for snakebites, but it may cause numerous clinical side effects and have other disadvantages involved in their production such as the welfare of animals. The present study was conducted aiming to develop an alternative antibody (IgY) from the egg yolk of leghorn chickens immunized with snake venom. Methods IgY from the egg yolk of white leghorn chickens previously immunized intramuscularly with D. acutus venom was extracted by water, precipitated by ammonium sulfate and purified by affinity chromatographic system. IgY was identified by SDS-PAGE, ELISA and Western blot. Finally, IgY neutralization assays to test its efficacy against hemorrhagic, edema-forming and myotoxic activities of D. acutus venom were conducted on mice. Results For the first time, IgY antibodies against D. acutus venom were raised successfully in egg yolk of chickens injected with D. acutus venom multiple times. By three steps, including caprylic acid extraction, ammonium sulfate precipitation and affinity chromatography, IgY antibodies were isolated and purified from egg yolk, which exhibited a single protein band on SDS-PAGE and two bands (about 65 kDa and 35 kDa, respectively) under reducing conditions, and presented a high titer (1:40,000) tested by ELISA. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that these IgY were polyclonal antibodies since they bound to components of D. acutus venom. Furthermore, immunodiffusion assay showed that anti-D. acutus venom IgY cross-reacted with the venoms of Trimeresurus albolabris and D. saxatilis Emelianov, but did not react to the venoms of Bungarus multicinctus and Naja atra. In the neutralizing lethal assay, the median effective dose of anti-D. acutus venom IgY was 14.14 mg/kg of mouse body weight under the challenge dose (3 LD50 of D. acutus venom). In neutralizing the hemorrhagic, edema-forming and myotoxic activities of D. acutus venom, IgY showed the characteristic dose-dependent neutralization effects against all these toxic activities of D. acutus venom. Conclusion Anti-D. acutus venom IgY antibodies with high purity and titer were for the first time raised successfully in egg yolk of chickens immunized with D. acutus venom. They were effective in neutralizing the lethal effects, and the hemorrhagic, edema-forming and myotoxic acitivities of D. acutus venom. IgY could be an effective source to develop a treatment against snake bites in humans or animals in the future.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Snake Venoms , Antivenins , Immunodiffusion , Crotalinae , Naja naja , AntibodiesABSTRACT
Abstract Background The five-paced pit viper (Deinagkistrodon acutus), endemic to China and northern Vietnam, is responsible for most snakebites in the Chinese territory. Antivenom produced from horses is the main treatment for snakebites, but it may cause numerous clinical side effects and have other disadvantages involved in their production such as the welfare of animals. The present study was conducted aiming to develop an alternative antibody (IgY) from the egg yolk of leghorn chickens immunized with snake venom. Methods IgY from the egg yolk of white leghorn chickens previously immunized intramuscularly with D. acutus venom was extracted by water, precipitated by ammonium sulfate and purified by affinity chromatographic system. IgY was identified by SDS-PAGE, ELISA and Western blot. Finally, IgY neutralization assays to test its efficacy against hemorrhagic, edema-forming and myotoxic activities of D. acutus venom were conducted on mice. Results For the first time, IgY antibodies against D. acutus venom were raised successfully in egg yolk of chickens injected with D. acutus venom multiple times. By three steps, including caprylic acid extraction, ammonium sulfate precipitation and affinity chromatography, IgY antibodies were isolated and purified from egg yolk, which exhibited a single protein band on SDS-PAGE and two bands (about 65 kDa and 35 kDa, respectively) under reducing conditions, and presented a high titer (1:40,000) tested by ELISA. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that these IgY were polyclonal antibodies since they bound to components of D. acutus venom. Furthermore, immunodiffusion assay showed that anti-D. acutus venom IgY cross-reacted with the venoms of Trimeresurus albolabris and D. saxatilis Emelianov, but did not react to the venoms of Bungarus multicinctus and Naja atra. In the neutralizing lethal assay, the median effective dose of anti-D. acutus venom IgY was 14.14 mg/kg of mouse body weight under the challenge dose (3 LD50 of D. acutus venom). In neutralizing the hemorrhagic, edema-forming and myotoxic activities of D. acutus venom, IgY showed the characteristic dose-dependent neutralization effects against all these toxic activities of D. acutus venom. Conclusion Anti-D. acutus venom IgY antibodies with high purity and titer were for the first time raised successfully in egg yolk of chickens immunized with D. acutus venom. They were effective in neutralizing the lethal effects, and the hemorrhagic, edema-forming and myotoxic acitivities of D. acutus venom. IgY could be an effective source to develop a treatment against snake bites in humans or animals in the future.
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Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics, laboratory results, treatment and prognosis of adult onset Still's disease (AOSD). Methods The clinical and laboratory data of 107 AOSD patients were retrospectively analyzed. SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis. Categorical data were described as frequency and percentage, and numerical data were described using x±s deviation. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical data between groups and analysis of variance test was used to compare numerical data between groups. K-W test was used to compare skewed distributed data between groups and J-T test was compared in pairwise comparison. Logistic regression was applied to examine prognostic factors. Results The average age of 107 patients (12 male and 95 female) was(39±16) years and the average disease course was (1.4±2.7) years. The patients were classified into 3 types based on their disease course: monocyclic (38 cases, 35.5%), polycyclic (29 cases, 27.1%) and chronic arthritis (40 cases, 37.4%). The clinical characteristics were high fever (107 cases , 100%), rash (97 cases, 90.7%) and arthralgia/arthritis (86 cases, 80.4%). The most common involved joints were knee (24 cases, 23.3%), wrist (19 cases, 18.4%) and proximal interphalangeal joints (14, 13.7%). The laboratory results were elevated including white blood cells count (88/105, 83.8%) and elevated serum ferritin (107, 100%). Seventy-three out of 84 patients (86.9%) had negative rheumatic factor and 9 out of 91 (9.9%) had positive ANA, which were low titre in general. Eleven patients (10.3%) had joint erosions suggested by X-ray at diagnosis. Intergroup analysis revealed that patients with polycyclic type were less likely to have abnormal liver function tests at disease onset (χ2=9, P39.5 ℃ (P=0.030) were mostly fell into the monocyclic group. Compared with monocyclic type, patients with polycyclic or chronic arthritis type were less likely to have thrombocytosis (P=0.019, P=0.004). However, when compared with chronic arthritis type, patients with monocyclic or poly - cyclic type were less likely to have arthralgia/arthritis (P=0.030, P=0.000), especially the involvement of large joints (P<0.05). Conclusion AOSD mainly presents as high fever, rash, arthralgia and elevated inflammatory markers. Joint erosion may occur during the course of disease. The treatment of glucocorticoid and immunosup - pressive agent combinations is effective and most patients could achieve remission during 4 weeks of treatment. Patients with thrombocytosis at disease onset might be monocyclic type, while patients with arthritis, especially involvement of large joints at disease onset might be chronic arthritis type.
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Background Snakebite incidence in southwestern China is mainly attributed to one of the several venomous snakes found in the country, the white-lipped green pit viper Trimeresurus albolabris. Since antivenom produced from horses may cause numerous clinical side effects, the present study was conducted aiming to develop an alternative antivenom antibody (immunoglobulin Y - IgY) from leghorn chickens. Methods IgY in egg yolk from white leghorn chicken previously injected with T. albolabris venom was extracted by water, precipitated by ammonium sulfate and purified by affinity chromatographic system. IgY was identified by SDS-PAGE, ELISA and Western blot, and its neutralizing assay was conducted on mice. Results Chickens injected multiple times with T. albolabris venom elicited strong antibody responses, and from their egg yolk IgY was isolated and purified, which exhibited a single protein band on SDS-PAGE and two bands (about 65 and 35 kDa, respectively) under reduced conditions. Immunoblot analysis revealed that these IgY are polyclonal antibodies since they bind with most venom components. In the neutralizing assay, all mice survived while the ratios of IgY/venom reached up to 3.79 (50.0 mg/13.2 mg). Conclusions IgY antibody response was successfully conducted in white leghorn chicken injected with T. albolabrisvenom. IgY against T. albolabris venom was obtained for the first time, and it exhibited strong neutralizing potency on mice. These results may lay a foundation for the development of IgY antivenom with clinical applications in the future.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Immunoglobulins , Antivenins , Trimeresurus/immunology , Antibodies , Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide GelABSTRACT
Snakebite incidence in southwestern China is mainly attributed to one of the several venomous snakes found in the country, the white-lipped green pit viper Trimeresurus albolabris. Since antivenom produced from horses may cause numerous clinical side effects, the present study was conducted aiming to develop an alternative antivenom antibody (immunoglobulin Y - IgY) from leghorn chickens. Methods IgY in egg yolk from white leghorn chicken previously injected with T. albolabris venom was extracted by water, precipitated by ammonium sulfate and purified by affinity chromatographic system. IgY was identified by SDS-PAGE, ELISA and Western blot, and its neutralizing assay was conducted on mice. Results Chickens injected multiple times with T. albolabris venom elicited strong antibody responses, and from their egg yolk IgY was isolated and purified, which exhibited a single protein band on SDS-PAGE and two bands (about 65 and 35 kDa, respectively) under reduced conditions. Immunoblot analysis revealed that these IgY are polyclonal antibodies since they bind with most venom components. In the neutralizing assay, all mice survived while the ratios of IgY/venom reached up to 3.79 (50.0 mg/13.2 mg). Conclusions IgY antibody response was successfully conducted in white leghorn chicken injected with T. albolabrisvenom. IgY against T. albolabris venom was obtained for the first time, and it exhibited strong neutralizing potency on mice. These results may lay a foundation for the development of IgY antivenom with clinical applications in the future.
Subject(s)
Animals , Immunoglobulins/biosynthesis , Crotalid Venoms/analysis , Crotalid Venoms/isolation & purification , Crotalid Venoms/chemistry , Trimeresurus/immunologyABSTRACT
The etiology of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is still not elucidated nowadays.Based on the accordance between DVT incidence and the anemophilous pollen concentration in the air,we proposed the hypothesis that allergic reaction induced by anemophilous pollen may cause “idiopathic” DVT,and proinflammatory factors may play an important role in the thrombosis process.
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Rap 1 is expressed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).Rap1-GTPase activating protein (Rap 1 GAP),with its specific target,Rap 1,has been shown to be important in the regulation of many physiological and certain pathological processes.In this study,we investigated the effect of RaplGAP expression on endothelial cell function,or,more specifically,proliferation and migration of endothelial cells.HUVECs were transfected with pcDNA3.1 (empty vector),pcDNA3.1 containing Flag-tagged-Rap1GAP or Myc-tagged-Rap1N17.The proliferation,migration and tube formation were examined and compared among the 3 groups.Expression of Rap1,Rap1GAP,extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK),phospho-ERK,Akt,phosphor-Akt was detected by Western blotting.The results showed that the proliferation,migration and tube formation were significantly reduced in Rap1GAP- and Rap1N17-transfected HUVECs as compared with empty vector-transfected control.These changes were coincident with increased expression of Rap 1 GAP and decreased expression of activated Rap 1,phospho-ERK and -Akt.After treatment of Rap 1 GAP-transfected HUVECs with a stimulator of Rapl guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor (Rap1GEF) 8CPT-2'OMe-cAMP,it was found that Rap1 activity was decreased as compared with empty vector-transfected control.Pretreatment of HUVECs with an ERK inhibitor PD98059 or a PI3K inhibitor LY294002 prior to stimulation not only blocked 8CPT-2'OMe-cAMP-induced phosphorylation of ERK and Akt,but also significantly reduced cell proliferation and migration.Finally,we examined the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on HUVECs overexpressing Rap1GAP.VEGF-stimulated Rap1 activity,phosphorylation of ERK and Akt,cyclin D1 expression and cell proliferation were repressed in HUVECs overexpressing Rap 1 GAP as compared to empty vector-transfected control.Taken together,our findings demonstrate that Rap1GAP/Rap1 and their downstream effectors regulate proliferation and migration of HUVECs via ERK and Akt pathways.
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We examined P53 mutation and invasion front grading(IFG)in 30 cases of oral squamous cell carcinomas(OSCCs).The association of P53 mutation and IFG scores with clinicopathological parameters was evaluated.P53 mutation existed in exon 5-8 in 15 out of the 30 OSCCs(50%).The incidence of P53 mutation was not associated with age,gender,N value and TNM stage.However,there was a significant correlation between P53 mutation and T value(P=-0.046).There were no statistically significant correlations among the clinicopathological parameters and IFG.Interestingly,The IFG score in OSCCs with P53 mutation was significantly higher than that in OSCCs without P53 mutation(P<0.001).These results suggest that the high incidence of P53 mutation is a major mechanism of OSCC carcinogenesis.The presence of P53 mutation indicates the most anaplastic fields in the invasive areas of the tumors,which may predict poor prognosis for the patients.
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In this study, calcium phosphate cements (CPC) were prepared by mixing cement powders of tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) with a cement liquid of phosphate acid saline solution. Tetracycline (TTC)-CPC, chitosan-CPC and chitosan-TTC-CPC were investigated with different premixed schedule. It was demonstrate that both TTC and chitosan worked on the phase transition and crystal characteristics. TTCP mixed with phosphate acid saline solution had similar features of Fourier transform-infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) no matter it was mixed with chitosan or TTC or both. TTC premixed with cement liquid or powder had significant different features of FT-IR and 876 cm-1seemed to be a special peak for TTC when TTC was premixed with cement liquid. This was also supported by XRD analysis, which showed that TTC premixed with cement liquid improved phase transition of TTCP to OCP. Chitosan, as organic additive, regulates the regular crystal formation and inhibits the phase transition of TTCP to OCP, except when it is mingled with cement liquid premixed with TTC in field scanning electron microscope. It was concluded that the premixed schedule influences the crystal formation and phase transition, which may be associated with its biocompatibility and bioactivities in vivo.
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Objective To investigate the effects of Thomas solution in combination with nitroglycerine of different concentrations on rat cardiac preservation for 8 h. Methods Thirty Wistar rats were selected,and Langendorff heart perfusion models were established.Rats were randomly divided into Thomas solution group,Thomas solution+4?10-6 mol/L nitroglycerine group and Thomas solution+4?10-5 mol/L nitroglycerine group(n=10).After hypothermic preservation(4 ℃)for 8 h,the cardiac function of each group was determined.Tissues of left ventricular wall were obtained,and changes of myocardial ultrastructure were observed by electron microscopy. Results Compared with Thomas solution group,the cardiac function was significantly improved and the myocardial ultrastructure injury was less severe in Thomas solution+4?10-5 mol/L nitroglycerine group after hypothermic preservation(4 ℃)for 8 h,while there was no significant difference in myocardial ultrastructure injury and cardiac function between Thomas solution group and Thomas solution+4?10-6 mol/L nitroglycerine group. Conclusion Thomas solution in combination with 4?10-5 mol/L nitroglycerine can significantly improve the preservation effects for isolated hearts in rats.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the dynamic trend of specific antibody against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV in serum collected at various periods among employees in Guangzhou Xinyuan animal market.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Volunteers from employees of the animal market were recruited and their serum specific antibody against SARS-CoV were determined by enzyme linked immunesorbent assay (ELISA) method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Positive SARS-CoV specific IgG antibody was found 25.61% (n = 328), 13.03% (n = 238), 12.59% (n = 135), 5.04% (n = 139) and 9.43% (n = 53) among volunteers, which were sampled in May 2003, Dec. 2003, Jan. 2004, July 2004 and June 2005 respectively. No specific IgM antibody was found in all of those samples. Among 129 samples which were tested twice or more, 97 were all negative, 18 all positive, 13 changed from positive to negative but only one sample from negative to positive. When the volunteers were divided by the duration of their working experiences as short-term or long-term, those who had worked at animal market for less than or more then 6 months when being tested, the positive rate for long-term employees were relatively constant, however, all of the persons employed after January 2004, when the palm civets and raccoon dogs were culled from the market, were tested negative.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prevalence of specific antibody against SARS-CoV in employees of the animal market were somehow related with the presence or absence of palm civet. No serum was tested positive for persons who were employed after palm civets and raccoon dogs were culled from market. This data indicated that the SARS-CoV might have been from the palm civets and raccoon dog, and the animal market seemed to serve as one of the sources of infection.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Antibodies, Viral , Commerce , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Occupational Exposure , Raccoon Dogs , Virology , Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus , Allergy and Immunology , Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome , Viverridae , VirologyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the possible risk factors of severe acute respiratory syndromes coronavirus (SARS-CoV) infection in workers from animal markets.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Self-designed questionnaires were used and serum samples were tested. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Results from simple factor logistic regression analysis showed that jobs which dealing with domestic livestock, wild livestock, wild animals, aquatics were related to risk factors of SARS-CoV infection. Results from multifactor logistic regression analysis showed that jobs that dealing with wild livestock and poultry were important risk factors with OR 12.28 and 0.41.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Job that dealing with palm civets was the main risk factor of SARS-CoV infection in animal market workers.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Animal Husbandry , Carrier State , Epidemiology , Virology , China , Epidemiology , Disease Reservoirs , Logistic Models , Occupational Exposure , Poultry , Risk Factors , Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus , Allergy and Immunology , Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome , Epidemiology , Virology , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate status of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronovirus (SARS-CoV) in traders of wild animals wholesale markets in Guangzhou.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Serum antibody against SARS-CoV IgG was determined cross-sectionally and symptoms of respiratory infection were investigated retrospectively for part of traders of three wholesale markets for wild animals in Guangzhou.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Overall rate of infection with SARS-CoV in 635 traders was 16.69%, varying in three different markets. Infection rate in market A mainly engaging in wild animals ranked the highest of 25.61%, significantly higher than that in markets B and C engaging in domestic fowls and snakes. Infection rate in traders only engaging in civet cats was 58.54%, significantly higher than that in traders engaging in snakes only (9.46%). In market A, infection rate varied in different persons, 59.34%, 20.59%, 16.00%, 15.22%, 10.40% and 9.68% in traders engaging in wild animals, managers, children of the traders, traders engaging in domestic fowls, traders engaging in snakes, and traders engaging in frozen food, respectively, in a decreasing pattern as their contact opportunities. During the period of SARS epidemic, detection rate of SARS-CoV antibody in people with symptoms of acute respiratory infection was higher (30.70%) than that in those without such symptoms (20.08%). Prevalence of symptoms of acute upper respiratory infection in people with positive antibody against SARS-CoV was higher (49.28%) than that in those with negative antibody (30.35%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Infection with SARS-CoV in traders of animal markets possibly related to their direct exposure to wild animals, particularly to civet cats. During the period of SARS epidemic, some of the traders did infect with SARS-CoV, but they were neglected due to clinically inapparent manifestations.</p>