Study of the association between histo-blood group antigens and norovirus infection in Chinese children.

Human caliciviruses (HuCVs) have been recognized as a major cause of sporadic viral diarrhea in children, among which norovirus genotype GII.4 is the most prevalent genotype. Stool and saliva samples were collected from 295 children with acute diarrhea and 150 asymptomatic children at a hospital in China. The HuCV detection rate was 10.85% (32/295) among the children with acute diarrhea, and all of these 32 children were either HBGA secretors (12/32) or partial secretors (20/32). HuCV was detected in two (1.33%) of the 150 samples obtained from the asymptomatic children. Of the norovirus-GII.3-positive children, 60% had blood type O, but only 17.29% of the symptomatic patients had blood type O, indicating that type O individuals could be at higher risk of GII.3 infection. However, due to the limited number of individuals in this study, further studies with a larger number of subjects should be conducted to verify this hypothesis.

[Isoflurance-based intravenous and inhalation combined anesthesia versus low-dose-ketamine-based total intravenous anesthesia for valvuloplasty in minipigs].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of anesthesia between Isoflurane-based intravenous and inhalant combined approach and low-dose-ketamine-based total intravenous approach for valvuloplasty in minipigs. METHODS: Twenty four minipigs were given 3-5 mg/kg ketamine intramuscularly and 15-20 mg/kg pentobarbital intravenously for anesthetic induction and intubation. They were then randomly divided into two groups, each with 12 minipigs. In group I (isoflurane), the minipigs received isoflurane 1.0-2.0 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), fentanyl 20-25 microg/(kg x h), midazolam 0.1-0.2 mg/(kg x h) and pipecuronium 0.10-0.15 mg/(kg x h) for maintenance. In group K (ketamine), the minipigs were given ketamine 3-5 mg/(kg x h), pentobarbital 8-10 mg/(kg x h) and pipecuronium 0. 10-0.15 mg/(kg x h) intravenously. The general peri-operation characteristics were recorded. Hemodynamics, blood gas and respirations were monitored. Anesthetic complications were observed. RESULTS: Two minipigs died from causes other than anesthesia. The minipigs in group I had lower mean aortic pressure (MAP) than those in group K during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), but without a statistical significance. The minipigs in group I had significantly lower levels of lactic acid than those in group K after CPB cessation (P < 0.05). The times on analepsia were (21.6 +/- 4.1) min and (67.8 +/- 8.5) min for group I and group K, respectively. The times on ventilator were (281.3 +/- 34.7) min and (330.4 +/- 27.0) min for group I and group K, respectively. The differences were significant (P < 0.05). One minipig in group K was intubated for espiratory depression after surgery. CONCLUSION: The isoflurane-based intravenous and inhalant combined anesthesia was preferable for valvular reparation in minipigs. However, low-dose-ketamine-based total intravenous anesthesia is also a good choice in the circumstance of limited resources.

[Immunogenicity of plasmid DNA and adenoviral vectors encoding HIV-1 subtype B env gene].

OBJECTIVE: To construct DNA and recombinant adenovirus vector vaccines containing an env gene from the prevalent subtype B strain in China and try to use them for therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. METHODS: The candidate plasmid DNA vaccine pVR-gp160 and recombinant adenovirus vaccine rAdV-gp160 were constructed separately. BALB/c mice were immunized with these two vaccines in different administration schemes. HIV-1 Gp120-specific cellular responses and antibody levels were detected by ELISPOT and ELISA respectively. RESULTS: DNA vaccine alone and combined vaccines in a DNA prime/rAdV-gp160 boost vaccination regimen induced high level of Gp120-specific cellular responses. While low level of Gp120-specific antibodies were elicited in all groups. CONCLUSION: DNA and rAdV vaccines could efficiently express Gp160 protein and activate specific cellular responses.