Application of Quantitative Analysis of Diatoms in Lung Tissue for the Diagnosis of Drowning of Experimental Animals.

ABSTRACT: Objective To discuss the application value of diatom examination in lung tissue for the forensic diagnosis of drowning. Methods The experimental animals were divided randomly into drowning, postmortem submergence and dying on land group. Diatoms in lung tissue and drowning fluid were analyzed quantitatively by microwave digestion-vacuum filtration-automated scanning electron microscopy diatom examination method. The ratios of content of diatoms in lung tissue and drowning fluid （CL/CD ratio） were recorded. Results The CL/CD ratios of experimental rabbits in the drowning group （5.82±3.50） were much higher than that of postmortem submergence group （0.47±0.35）; the CL/CD ratios of different parts of the lung lobes of experimental pigs in the drowning group were higher than that of postmortem submergence group （P<0.05）; in seawater, brackish water, river fresh water and lake fresh water, the CL/CD ratios of experimental pigs in the drowning group were higher than that of postmortem submergence group （P<0.05）. In animal experiments, all the cases with CL/CD ratio >1.6 were from drowning group. Conclusion CL/CD ratio is an indicator with good application prospects in the diagnosis of drowning.

[Establishment of the culture system of γδ T cells in vitro and the anti-tumor effect].

Objective: To establish the culture technique for culturing γδ T cells in vitro and evaluate the basic characteristics, security and anti-tumor effect of the cultured γδ T cells. Methods: Phytohemagglutinin, zoledronic acid, interleukin-2 and interleukin -7 were used to induce the abundant expansion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. Flow cytometry assay, in vitro killing assay and mouse model of human lung cancer were also adopted to assess the characteristics and the anti-tumor effect of cultured γδ T cells. Additionally, the contamination of exogenous agents and the acute toxicity of γδ T cells were determined. Results: After culturing 14-16 days in vitro, the total number of γδ T cells was more than 1.0×10(10). Among these γδ T cells, CD3(+) γδ TCR(+) cells accounted for more than 90%. None of contaminations of bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma and virus were observed. At effect target ratio (E/T ratio) of 50/1, killing efficiency of γδ T cells cultured in vitro to SK-MES-1, Ho8910, A549 and K562 reached more than 65%. In vivo experiments showed that the tumor volume of γδ T-treated mice was (828.99±61.05) mm(3,) significantly lower than (1 723.51±84.30) mm(3) of the control mice (P<0.05). Meanwhile, no acute toxicity effect was observed in γδ T cells treated mice. Conclusion: The number, purity and activity of γδT cells cultured in our institute can reach the requirement of clinical application, and the γδT cells also display strong cytotoxic activity against tumor cells such as lung cancer, ovarian cancer and leukemia.

[Research Progress on Determination of Drowning Site].

The bodies found in water are one of the most common types in forensic practice. The discovery site of the body is often not the drowning site. However, the determination of drowning site is vital for the identification of victim. Inorganic particles and planktons, such as granular impurities, diatoms and bacteria, are valuable markers for the diagnosis of drowning. By comparing the granular impurities and planktons in tissues and suspicious drowning mediums, the drowning site can be concluded based on their similarity of types and distribution, which has practical applied value. In this paper, the research progress on determination of drowning site is summarized to provide reference for the peers.

[Ultrastructural alteration of extraocular muscle proprioceptor in congenital idiopathic nystagmus].

Objective: To explore the ultrastructural alteration of extraocular muscle proprioceptor in congenital idiopathic nystagmus (CIN). Methods: Case-control study. Ten extraocular muscle samples were collected from five CIN children who underwent nystagmus surgeries in Beijing Children's Hospital from March 2015 to March 2016. Another ten extraocular muscle specimens were collected from five strabismus children in surgery at the same period as normal contrast. There were 3 male patients and 2 female patients of CIN with age of 61-147 months (median age: 91 months). The ultrastructure of extraocular muscle proprioceptors was compared between these two groups by transmission electron microscope. Results: Twenty-three proprioceptors were found in extraocular muscle specimens of CIN children, whereas thirty-three proprioceptors were detected in strabismus children. The ultrastructure of extraocular muscle proprioceptor of CIN altered greatly comparing with that of the control. Fourteen extraocular muscle proprioceptors of CIN were discovered much smaller and vacuolated not only at inner capsules but also at the space between inner and outer capsules with lipofuscins and myeloid bodies in the intrafusal muscle fibers. Sensory nerve fibers degenerated greatly with a lot of lipofuscins and myeloid bodies in these sensory nerve fibers. Demyelination also appeared in some severe cases. Nine extraocular muscle proprioceptors of CIN showed significant dissolving degeneration of myofibrils and proliferation of collagen fibrils. The normal structures could not be distinguished in these proprioceptors. And these structural disorders also appeared in extrafusal muscle fibers and nerve endings. Conclusion: The ultrastructure of extraocular muscle proprioceptor in CIN turned much smaller and had significantly structural disorder.(Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 136-139).

Total hip replacement for developmental dysplasia of hip and postoperative nursing.

This study was designed to determine the clinical effect of total hip replacement for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and analyze the postoperative nursing. Sixty patients (78 hips) aged 18-75 years (average 58.6±2.31 years) who received total hip replacement for treatment of DDH at the Zhengzhou People’s Hospital, Henan, China, from April 2013 to June 2016 were selected as research subjects. Twenty-four patients were male (30 hips) and 36 were female (48 hips). Of the 60 patients, according to Crowe typing, 24 were type I (30 hips), 26 were type II (34 hips), 6 were type III (8 hips) and 4 were type IV (6 hips). According to the Harris hip score system, the score of all hips was 39.46±3.56 points average (18-56 points) before treatment and resulted as 89.60±4.25 points (79-98 points) at the last follow-up, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Complications such as wound infection, dislocation, fracture of femoral shaft, femoral nerve and injury of sciatic nerve were not found after treatment. A total of 48 cases (58 hips) obtained excellent curative results (93.33% recovery), 8 cases (14 hips) good (92.31% recovery), and 4 cases (6 hips) medium. Total hip replacement proved to be effective in treating DDH and secondary osteoarthritis. Moreover, soft tissue release and an optimum degree recovery of anatomic form and physiological function of the diseased hip is an important basis for reconstructing the acetabulum and stabilizing acetabulum prosthesis.

[Effects and underlying mechanism of berberine on renal tubulointerstitial injury in diabetic rats].

Objective: To investigate the effect of Berberine on renal tubulointerstitial injury and its potential mechanism in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal control rats (NC group), diabetic rats without drug treatment (DM group), diabetic rats treated with Berberine (BBR group) for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, blood and urine samples were collected for biochemical examination, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis was quantified by Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) and Masson staining. The expressions of E-cadherin (E-cad), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) were detected by immunohistochemistry analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. Results: 24 h urinary microalbumin (mAlb)[(170.5±58.1) vs (253.7±53.0) mg]and urinary N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG)[(33.5±7.2) vs (49.5±9.3)U/L]in diabetic rats were significantly decreased by BBR treatment(both P<0.05). The apparent renal tubulointerstitial injury was found in the DM group, which was ameliorated by BBR treatment. The expression of α-SMA, NF-κB and MCP-1 were significantly decreased, accompanied by increased expression of E-cad in BBR-treated DM rats (all P<0.05). Conclusion: BBR could ameliorate renal tubulointerstitial injury in diabetic rats, the mechanism of which may be associated with the amelioration of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through suppressing the expression of the NF-κB and MCP-1.

[Using the concept of universal health coverage to promote the health system reform in China].

The paper is systematically explained the definition, contents of universal health coverage (UHC). Universal health coverage calls for all people to have access to quality health services they need without facing undue financial burden. The relationship between five main attributes, i.e., quality, efficiency, equity, accountability and resilience, and their 15 action plans has been explained. The nature of UHC is belonged to the State and government. The core function is commitment with equality. The whole-of-system method is used to promoting the health system reform. In China, the universal health coverage has been reached to the preliminary achievements, which include universal coverage of social medical insurance, basic medical services, basic public health services, and the provision of essential medicines. China has completed millennium development goals (MDG) and is being stepped to the sustainable development goals (SDG).

[Meta-analysis of anti-GP210 antibody and anti-SP100 antibody detection for diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis].

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of studies assessing the association of anti-GP210 antibody and anti-SP100 antibody with diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) using meta-analysis. METHODS: Five research literature databases, including the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, VIP, CNKI and WanFang, were searched for studies of anti-GP210 antibody and anti-SP100 antibody in diagnosis of PBC. Meta-disc statistical software was used for analysis. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included a total of 25 studies on anti-GP210 antibody and 21 studies on anti-SP100 antibody. The diagnostic odds ratio, sensitivity, and specificity of anti-GP210 antibody for diagnosis of PBC were 24.854 (11.957-51.660), 0.272 (0.257-0.288), and 0.985 (0.982-0.988), respectively, and for anti-SP100 antibody they were 9.133 (4.739-17.600), 0.231 (0.213-0.249), and 0.977 (0.973-0.981), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both anti-GP210 antibody and anti-SP100 antibody show high specificity but low sensitivity in diagnosis of PBC.

Combinatorial hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and vaccination reduces viral pathogenesis following SHIV89.6P-challenge.

Development of curative approaches for HIV-1 infected patients requires novel approaches aimed at eliminating viral reservoirs and replacing potential target cells with infection-resistant immune cell populations. We have previously shown that autologous transplantation of genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with lentiviral vectors encoding the mC46-fusion inhibitor results in a significant reduction in viral pathogenesis following challenge with the highly pathogenic dual tropic, SHIV89.6P strain. In this study, we used a combinatorial approach in which following engraftment of genetically modified HSCs, pigtailed macaques were vaccinated with a previously developed vaccinia-based vaccine expressing SIV-Gag, Pol. Using this dual therapy approach, lower viremia was detected in both the acute and chronic phase of disease with levels reaching near the lower limits of detection. In comparison with macaques receiving HSCT only, the combination approach resulted in a further log decrease in plasma viremia. Similar to our previous studies, positive selection of all CD4(+) T-cell subsets was observed; however, higher gene-modified CD4(+) T-cell levels were observed during the chronic phase when vaccination was included suggesting that combining vaccination with HSCT may lower the necessary threshold for achieving viremic control.

Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in detecting viable tumour and predicting prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after TACE.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of combined PET/CT in the detection of viable tumour in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). The correlation between 2-[(18)F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) uptake during PET and prognosis was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three patients with 91 HCCs who had undergone TACE with lipiodol before (18)F-FDG PET/CT were retrospectively reviewed. The pattern of lipiodol deposition in the tumour was divided into three groups: grade I, lipiodol remaining in ≥60% of the tumour; grade II, 20-60%; and grade III, ≤20%. The performance of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in evaluating the viability of HCC was assessed and compared with that of contrast-enhanced CT (CECT). The predictive value of maximal tumoural standardized uptake value (SUV) to mean liver SUV (TSUVmax/LSUVmean) ratio was tested. RESULTS: Comparing the receiver-operating characteristic area, (18)F-FDG-PET/CT was found to be superior to CECT for the detection of viable tumour in patients with HCC after TACE (p = 0.04). A high SUV ratio (TSUVmax/LSUVmean ≥1.65) correlated significantly with tumour size (p = 0.0096), the grade of lipiodol deposition (p = 0.0387) and serum α-foetoprotein (AFP) level (p = 0.0142), but did not correlate with pathological grade (p = 0.2626). The overall survival rate was significantly higher in the low SUV ratio (TSUVmax/LSUVmean<1.65) group (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: (18)F-FDG-PET/CT is efficient in assessing the viability of HCC after TACE and is superior to CECT in grades I and II, and similar in grade III. It provides valuable information for prediction of prognosis and may aid decisions regarding treatment strategy.

Development and characterization of two monoclonal antibodies against grouper iridovirus 55L and 97L proteins.

Grouper iridovirus (GIV) is one of the most important viral pathogens in grouper, particularly at the fry and fingerling stages. The study of GIV pathogenicity has been hampered by the lack of proper immunological reagents to study the expression and function of viral proteins in the infected cells. In this study, two mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against GIV 55L and 97L proteins were produced. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting were used to screen these hybridomas, resulting in the identification of two high-affinity mAbs named GIV55L-mAb-2 and GIV97L-mAb-3, respectively. Both mAbs belong to the IgG1 isotype and were effective in detecting their respective target viral protein. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analyses of GIV-infected GK cells revealed that GIV 97L is an immediate early gene, whereas GIV 55L a late one. The localization of 55L and 97L in GIV-infected cells was further characterized by immunofluorescence microscopy with the mAbs. The 55L protein mainly aggregated in the cytoplasm while 97L distributed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of the infected cells. These studies demonstrate the validity of the two mAbs as immunodiagnostic and research reagents.

Adenovirus-mediated delivery of soluble ST2 attenuates ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma in mice.

Allergic asthma is associated with excessive T helper type 2 (Th2) cells activation and airway hyperreactivity (AHR), implicated in the context of significant morbidity and mortality. Soluble ST2, a member of the interleukin (IL)-1 receptor family, has been shown to play a critical role in modulation of inflammatory disorders, yet the function of soluble ST2 in allergic inflammation remains unclear. In this study, we examined the possibility of regulating ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged airway inflammation by recombinant adenovirus-mediated sST2-Fc (Ad-sST2-Fc) gene transfer. Single intranasal administration of Ad-sST2-Fc before allergen challenge in OVA-immunized mice profoundly reduced serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E secretion, eosinophil infiltration and concentrations of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared with administration of a control Ad vector. Histopathological examination of the lungs revealed that sST2-Fc over-expression markedly suppressed allergen-induced peribronchial inflammation and disruption of the alveolar architecture. Moreover, the beneficial effect of sST2-Fc in allergic lung inflammation is related to blocking the IL-33/ST2L signalling. Taken together, these results suggested that administration of Ad-sST2-Fc gene transfer may have therapeutic potential for the immunomodulatory treatment of OVA-mediated allergic pulmonary diseases.

Factors affecting the first-born child's attitude toward the second child in Shanghai.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate factors associated with the attitude of the first-born child (FBC) towards the birth of the second child in China, in order to provide guidance for the preparation of a multi-child family. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire, including requesting information for gender, age, health, parents' education and household income, was randomly distributed participating FBCs. The anxiety level, psychological, emotional and behavioral manifestations of the FBCs were evaluated. F-test and t-test were performed to identify significant factors associated with the FBC's attitude towards the second child. Out of the 65 surveys distributed, 61 were recovered and analyzed. RESULTS: Our analysis indicated that female FBCs (total score vs. male, 45.38±4.02 vs. 42.95±4.29, p=0.031) with parents of higher education (p=0.020 in psychological and p=0.025 in behavioral manifestations) were in general more receptive to the second child. The FBC's health, school years and household income were not significant factors associated with their attitude towards the second child (p>0.05). Our analysis also found that the FBC's attitude towards the arrival of the second child was largely positive, and older children with parents of higher education were more likely to be receptive to the second child. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study could provide guidance for parents to better prepare the psychological, emotional and behavioral states of the FBCs and family, enabling the FBCs with a positive attitude towards the second child. This finding is instrumental to promote a harmonious family atmosphere and growth environment for both the first- and second-born children.

[Sleep quality and sleep disturbances in Chinese pregnant women: a multicenter cross-sectional study].

Objective: This study aims to investigate the sleep quality of pregnant women in Xuhui District, Shanghai, and the related factors of sleep disturbances during pregnancy. Methods: From February 2019 to February 2021, we used online integrated sleep questionnaire (including PSQI, BQ, ESS, AIS) in Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospitals of China Welfare Institution, and Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, to investigate the sleep quality across pregnancy. We also collected maternal physical examination results, childbearing history, sociodemographic, and other clinical data. The prevalences and related factors of various sleep disturbances in pregnant women were analyzed, including insufficient/excessive nighttime sleep, low sleep efficiency, difficulty falling asleep, poor sleep quality, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and high risk of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Results: This study includes 1 898 cases in the first trimester (T1), 3 099 cases in the second trimester (T2), and 1 539 cases in the third trimester (T3). Poor sleep quality (38.6%), daytime sleepiness (mild 41.9%, moderate 17.7%, severe 2.1%), and suspicious insomnia (32.3%) are most prevalent among women in T1 (P<0.01). In comparison, short sleep time (2.7%), long sleep time (8.6%), difficulty falling asleep (12.2%), poor sleep efficiency (35.4%), very poor sleep quality (6.7%), clinical insomnia (21.8%), and high-risk SDB (6.4%) are most prevalent among women in T3 (P<0.05). During pregnancy, late gestation (OR=1.016, 95%CI: 1.006-1.025) and multiple induced/drug abortions (OR=1.329, 95%CI: 1.043-1.692) are risk factors for poor sleep quality (PSQI>5), while multiple full-term deliveries (OR=0.800, 95%CI: 0.675-0.949) is its protective factor. Advanced maternal age (OR=0.976, 95%CI: 0.956-0.997), multiple full-term deliveries (OR=0.808, 95%CI: 0.680-0.959), late gestation (OR=0.983, 95%CI: 0.974-0.992) and hypertension (OR=0.572, 95%CI: 0.401-0.814) are protective factors for daytime sleepiness (ESS>6). The high-risk pregnancy category (OR=9.312, 95%CI: 1.156-74.978) is a risk factor for insomnia (AIS≥4), while multiple full-term deliveries (OR=0.815, 95%CI: 0.691-0.961) is its protective factor. High BMI (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.270-1.402) and hypertension (OR=4.427, 95%CI: 2.539-7.719) are risk factors for high-risk SDB in pregnant women. Conclusions: The prevalences of various sleep disturbances are high throughout pregnancy. Noticeably, symptoms of maternal SDB develop along with pregnancy. Different types of sleep disturbances are associated with different factors. Women of high-risk pregnancy category, in late gestation, with high BMI, hypertension, a history of induced/drug abortion, or without a history of full-term delivery can be at high risk of sleep disturbances during pregnancy.

Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of soluble ST2 provides a protective effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice.

Acute lung injury is characterized by a diffuse inflammatory parenchymal process, implicated in the context of significant morbidity and mortality. Previously, we have reported that soluble ST2 (sST2), a member of the Toll-interleukin (IL)-1 receptor (TIR) superfamily, represses proinflammatory cytokine production of macrophage exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this study, we examined the possibility of modulating LPS-induced murine inflammatory pulmonary damage by recombinant adenovirus-mediated sST2-Fc (Ad-sST2-Fc) gene transfer. Single intranasal administration of Ad-sST2-Fc led to a profound decrease in LPS-induced bronchoalveolar lavage leucocyte exudation and lung tissue myeloperoxidase activity (reflecting phagocyte infiltration). Histological examination revealed alveolitis with inflammatory cell infiltration and alveolar haemorrhage in the alveolar airspace was less severe in Ad-sST2-Fc-treated mice when compared with control groups. In addition, high levels of sST2-Fc in vivo reduced the transcription of tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-6 and Toll-like receptor-4 gene remarkably, and suppressed the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB in lung tissues in response to LPS challenge. Taken together, these results suggested that administration of Ad-sST2-Fc gene transfer may have therapeutic potential for the immunomodulatory treatment of LPS-mediated inflammatory lung injury.

Neutralizing antibody-independent containment of immunodeficiency virus challenges by DNA priming and recombinant pox virus booster immunizations.

Eight different protocols were compared for their ability to raise protection against immunodeficiency virus challenges in rhesus macaques. The most promising containment of challenge infections was achieved by intradermal DNA priming followed by recombinant fowl pox virus booster immunizations. This containment did not require neutralizing antibody and was active for a series of challenges ending with a highly virulent virus with a primary isolate envelope heterologous to the immunizing strain.

MicroRNA-124 inhibits proliferation and metastasis of esophageal cancer via negatively regulating NRP1.

This paper presents several inaccuracies and mistakes. Therefore, the article "MicroRNA-124 inhibits proliferation and metastasis of esophageal cancer via negatively regulating NRP1, by R.-K. Zang, J.-B. Ma, Y.-C. Liang, Y. Wang, S.-L. Hu, Y. Zhang, W. Dong, W. Zhang, L.-K. Hu, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2018; 22 (14): 4532-4541-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201807_15508-PMID: 30058693" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/15508.

Protection of macaques against SIV infection by subunit vaccines of SIV envelope glycoprotein gp160.

Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) is a primate lentivirus related to human immunodeficiency viruses and is an etiologic agent for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-like diseases in macaques. To date, only inactivated whole virus vaccines have been shown to protect macaques against SIV infection. Protective immunity was elicited by recombinant subunit vaccines. Four Macaca fascicularis were immunized with recombinant vaccinia virus expressing SIVmne gp160 and were boosted with gp160 produced in baculovirus-infected cells. All four animals were protected against an intravenous challenge of the homologous virus at one to nine animal-infectious doses. These results indicate that immunization with viral envelope antigens alone is sufficient to elicit protective immunity against a primate immunodeficiency virus. The combination immunization regimen, similar to one now being evaluated in humans as candidate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 vaccines, appears to be an effective way to elicit such immune responses.