Flight Capability and the Low Temperature Threshold of a Chinese Field Population of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is capable of long-distance migration; thus, evaluation of its flight capability is relevant to the design of monitoring and control strategies for this pest. Previous studies have quantified the flight ability of lab-reared populations under controlled conditions, but less is known about the flight capability of natural populations. In addition, the low temperature threshold for flight in natural populations also needs to be determined. In this study, the flight capability of S. frugiperda adults emerging from field-collected larvae in South China was measured by a flight mill system. The results show that the flight capability of S. frugiperda moths varied greatly between individuals, and that some adults are capable of flying great distances. The longest self-powered flight distance was 116.7 km with a cumulative flight duration of 36.51 h during a 48-h period. Typically, the flight activity of tethered individuals was relatively stable during the first 12 h, indicating that migrating moths can fly through an entire night. Based on the accumulated flight duration in the first 12 h, moths can be clearly divided into two groups (<5 h and ≥5 h flight duration), and 58% of individuals belonged to the latter group with strong migratory tendency. Further, flight activity under low temperature conditions was tested, and the results of a logit generalized linear model indicate that the low temperature flight threshold of S. frugiperda is 13.1 °C under declining temperatures. Our results provide a scientific basis for further elucidating the flight biology and migration mechanism of S. frugiperda.

Preliminary study of the use of E6/E7mRNA detection in screening and triage management of HR-HPV infection during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Detection of E6 and E7 mRNA load of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection during pregnancy was compared with conventional cytopathology and DNA detection by pathological examination as colposcopy to evaluate the application of E6 and E7 mRNA detection in the diagnosis and management in HR-HPV infection for high -grade cervical lesions during pregnancy. METHODS: From January 2014 to June 2019, 1,058 pregnant women of childbearing age who were filed for regular obstetrics in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, were separately assessed using cervical liquid-based cytology and HPV DNA detection. If the results were abnormal, colposcopy was performed as a follow-up. The presence of HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA fragments was detected through the HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA test, and monitored at the same time as colposcopy. The diagnostic efficacy of the HR-HPV DNA test versus the HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA test for high-grade cervical lesions during pregnancy was compared. RESULTS: The positive rate of HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection in the overall cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and above during pregnancy was lower than that with HR-HPV DNA detection, and there was a significant statistical difference between the two methods. In CIN I and normal or inflammatory results, the positive rate of HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection was lower than that of HR-HPV DNA detection, while in the results of CIN II and CIN III, the positive rate of the two was not significantly different. HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection is the same as HR-HPV DNA detection, both of which increased with the severity of cervical lesions, and the positive rate increased. In cases of maintenance or progression of cervical lesions, the positive rate of HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection during pregnancy can reach 81.8%. High-grade cervical lesions during pregnancy had a higher rate of reversal to a lower level after delivery. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the use of HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection in cases of positive HR-HPV DNA detection can significantly improve the diagnostic specificity of CIN II and above high-grade cervical lesions.

Characterization of the complete plastid genome of Lysimachia christinae Hance (Primulaceae).

Lysimachia christinae Hance is widely distributed in subtropical China at the elevational range from 500-2300 m. The species is an important medicinal herb for treating jaundice, urinary disorders, and the liver. Here, we sequenced and characterized the whole plastid genome of L. christinae. It is 154,810 bp in length, containing two copies of inverted repeat (IR) regions (26,034 bp, each), a large single-copy (LSC) region (84,809 bp), and a small single-copy (SSC) region (17,933 bp). It has 114 genes, of which 80 are protein-coding, 30 are tRNA, and 4 are rRNA genes. The ML tree indicates L. christinae is closely related to Lysimachia congestiflora Hemsl. This genome information can help us better construct a backbone phylogeny of Lysimachia in the future.

[Resolvin D1 Reduces Cerulein and Lipopolysaccharide-induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis in Mice Fracture Patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of resolvin D1 (RvD1) on cerulein and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced severe acute pancreatitis in mice. METHODS: The model of severe acute pancreatitis was induced by cerulein combined with LPS in mice. Mice were treated with RvD1 at a dose of 150 mg/kg for 4 h after the last injection of cerulein. Pathological changes and scores were assessed by HE staining, serum amylase and lipase levels were detected by ELISA, serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were determined by Luminex Assay. RESULTS: Cerulein combined with LPS successfully induced severe acute pancreatitis model in mice. RvD1 reduced the pathological changes of pancreas in severe acute pancreatitis mice, decreased the serum levels of amylase and lipase, as well as attenuated the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6. CONCLUSION: RvD1 can reduce the severity of severe acute pancreatitis induced by cerulein and LPS in mice.

[Home-based Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the physical,psychological and social functioning of stroke patients with home-based rehabilitation. METHODS: Convenient sampling strategy was adopted to select 234 stroke patients discharged from a tertiary hospital rehabilitation center. The patients were assessed using Barthel index (BI),instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale,modified rivermead mobility index (mRMI),self-perceived burden scale (SPBS),self-rating depression scale,and Zarit caregiver burden interview (ZBI) during their outpatient visits,household visits,or telephone interviews. RESULTS: The patients had an average BI score of 61.77±22.83,61.11% had mild dependence on daily life. Their IADL score was low at an average of 7.25±6.26. They had 28.90±10.22 in MRMI score and 29.26±7.07 in SPB score. More than 90% had a feeling of self-burden. The caregiver burden score reached 43.97±12.28. Male patients and those with cerebral infarction had better functioning than female patients and those with cerebral hemorrhage. Better physical functioning was demonstrated in those who were younger than 60 yr.,experienced more than one year home-based rehabilitation,were cared by relatives,and had a female caregiver. But such differences were not significant in SPBS and ZBI scores. CONCLUSION: Home-based rehabilitation of stroke has failed to achieve anticipated results. The outcomes vary across those with different age,gender,and type of stroke.

Determining the migration duration of rice leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée)) moths using a trajectory analytical approach.

Many moths finish their long distance migration after consecutive nights, but little is known about migration duration and distance. This information is key to predicting migration pathways and understanding their evolution. Tethered flight experiments have shown that ovarian development of rice leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis [Guenée]) moths was accelerated and synchronized by flight in the first three nights, whereby most females were then matured for mating and reproduction. Thus, it was supposed that this moth might fly three nights to complete its migration. To test this hypothesis, 9 year's field data for C. medinalis was collected from Nanning, Guangxi Autonomous Region in China. Forward trajectories indicated that most moths arrived at suitable breeding areas after three nights' flight. Thus, for C. medinalis this migration duration and distance was a reasonable adaptation to the geographic distribution of suitable habitat. The development of female moth ovaries after three consecutive night flights appears to be a well-balanced survival strategy for this species to strike between migration and reproduction benefits. Hence, an optimum solution of migration-reproduction trade-offs in energy allocation evolved in response to the natural selection on migration route and physiological traits.

[Protection and Mechanism of Qingyuan Shenghua Decoction on Multiple Organs of Sepsis Patients after Bone Trauma].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the protection of Qingyuan Shenghua Decoction (QSD) on multiple organs of sepsis patients after bone trauma, and to preliminarily explore its mechanism. METHODS: Totally 60 sepsis patients after bone trauma were randomly assigned to the treatment group and the control group according to random digit table, 30 in each group. All patients received routine Western medical treatment. Patients in the treatment group additionally took QSD or were nasally fed with QSD, one dose per day for 1 week. Changes of WBC, oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), serum creatinine (SCr), total bilirubin (TBIL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), fibrinogen (FIB), D-dimer (DD), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), pro-calcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), intra-abdominal pressure, scores for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were observed before treatment and on day 1, 3 and 7 after treatment. RESULTS: Compared with the control group at the same time point, MAP increased at post-treatment day 1 and 3; CRP, APTT, HR, SCr, TBIL, AST, intra-abdominal pressure at post-treatment day 3 obviously decreased in the treatment group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). WBC, SOFA scores, PCT, CRP, APACHE II, APTT, D-D, HR, SCr, TBIL, AST and intra-abdominal pressure significantly decreased; FIB, MAP and PaO2/FiO2 obviously increased at post-treatment day 7 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: QSD had good protective effect on multiple organ function in sepsis patients after bone trauma, and its mechanism might be related with effectively clearing endotoxin, alleviating inflammatory reactions, and fighting against coagulation dysfunction.

[Expression and clinical significance of serum high-mobility group protein box 1 in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of high-mobility group protein box 1 (HMGB1), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and D-dimer (D-D) in the peripheral blood of children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) and to investigate the clinical significance of HMGB1 in children with HSP. METHODS: A total of 40 children with HSP (HSP group) and 30 healthy children (control group) were involved in the study. The level of serum HMGB1 was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the levels of serum hs-CRP and plasma D-D were determined using automatic biochemical analyzer and automatic blood coagulation analyzer, respectively. RESULTS: The levels of HMGB1, hs-CRP, and D-D in the peripheral blood of the HSP group in the acute phase were significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of the three indicators were significantly higher in HSP children with renal damage than in those without renal damage (P<0.05). In children with HSP, the expression of HMGB1 was positively correlated with the expression of hs-CRP and D-D (r=0.878, P<0.001; r=0.625, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The expression of HMGB1 is related to the inflammatory response and hypercoagulability in children with HSP. HMGB1 may be involved in the development of HSP and associated renal damage in children.

Goal-directed Fluid Therapy May Improve Hemodynamic Stability of Parturient with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Under Combined Spinal Epidural Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery and the Well-being of Newborns.

BACKGROUND: Hypotension induced by combined spinal epidural anesthesia in parturient with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) can easily compromise blood supply to vital organs including uteroplacental perfusion and result in fetal distress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) with LiDCO rapid system can improve well-being of both HDP parturient and their babies. METHODS: Fifty-two stable HDP parturient scheduled for elective cesarean delivery were recruited. After loading with 10 ml/kg lactated Ringer's solution (LR), parturient were randomized to the GDFT and control group. In the GDFT group, individualized fluid therapy was guided by increase in stroke volume (ΔSV) provided via LiDCO rapid system. The control group received the routine fluid therapy. The primary endpoints included maternal hypotension and the doses of vasopressors administered prior to fetal delivery. The secondary endpoints included umbilical blood gas abnormalities and neonatal adverse events. RESULTS: The severity of HDP was similar between two groups. The total LR infusion (P < 0.01) and urine output (P < 0.05) were higher in the GDFT group than in the control group. Following twice fluid challenge tests, the systolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, cardiac output and SV in the GDFT group were significantly higher, and the heart rate was lower than in the control group. The incidence of maternal hypotension and doses of phenylephrine used prior to fetal delivery were significantly higher in the control group than in the GDFT group (P < 0.01). There were no differences in the Apgar scores between two groups. In the control group, the mean values of pH in umbilical artery/vein were remarkably decreased (P < 0.05), and the incidences of neonatal hypercapnia and hypoxemia were statistically increased (P < 0.05) than in the GDFT group. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic responsiveness guided fluid therapy with the LiDCO rapid system may provide potential benefits to stable HDP parturient and their babies.

[Hair roots induction and culture of Withania somnifera and its withanolide A synthesis].

Withanolide A is a biologically active secondary metabolite occuring in roots and leaves of Withania somnifera. In the present study, adventitious roots from leaf explants of W. somnifera were induced for the production of withanolide-A by Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain C58C1 to obtain hair roots. Hair roots induction rate reached 30%. The withanolide A was determined by HPLC in different hair roots lines and different parts of W. somnifera. The average content of withanolide A in all hair roots lines were 1.96 times as high as that in wild-plant, the concentration of withanolide A in hair roots (1.783 mg x g(-1) dry weight) were 1.51 times as high as the roots of wild W. somnifera (1.180 mg x g(-1) dry weight), respectively. It is possible to obtain withanolide A from hair roots culture of W. somnifera.

[Plant regeneration and clonal propagation system of Datura metel].

OBJECTIVE: To study the condition of plant regeneration and clonal propagation system of Datura metel. METHODS: Stems and leaves of Datura metel were used as explants, effects of different hormones for callus induction and plant regeneration of leaves and clonal propagation system of stems were studied and optimized. RESULTS: The optimal way to obtain sterile explant for leaves were sterilized in 75% ethyl alcohol for 6 s then 0.1% HgCl2 for 6 min; Stems were sterilized in 75% ethyl alcohol for 8 s then 0.1% HgCl2 for 7 min. The optimal medium for callus of leaves was MS + 1.0 mg/L 6-BA + 0.1 mg/L NAA; The optimal medium for callus induction of clustered buds was MS + 2.0 mg/L 6-BA + 0.2 mg/L NAA; The optimal medium for clonal propagation system of stems was MS + 3.0 mg/L 6-BA + 0.05 mg/L NAA. The best medium for rooting induction was MS + 0.5 mg/L IBA. Transplant survival rate of plantlet was greater than 90% in humus soil-pearlite (5:1). CONCLUSION: The condition of plant regeneration and clonal propagation system of Datura metel is established.

[Effect of Tongfu Jinghua Decoction on hemodynamics and tissue oxygen metabolism in patients with post-traumatic sepsis shock].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Tongfu Jinghua Decoction (TJD) on hemodynamics and tissue oxygen metabolism in patients with post-traumatic sepsis shock. METHODS: Totally 60 patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group and the control group, 30 in each group. Patients in the treatment group took TJD or were administered with TJD by nasal feeding in combined with conventional Western medical treatment, while patients in the control group only received conventional Western medical treatment. Changes of each index in hemodynamics and tissue oxygen metabolism were observed before treatment, and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after treatment. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment in the same group, hemodynamic changes were significantly improved at each time point in the two groups. All indices of tissue oxygen metabolism at each time point of the two groups were significantly improved, except changes of O2 extraction ratio (ER) after treatment in the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the control group in the same period, heart rate (HR), systemic vascular resist- ance (SVR), and cardiac output (CO) were significantly improved with statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), and cardiac index (CI) were significantly improved at 6, 12, and 24 h after treatment with statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Each index of tissue oxygen metabolism in the treatment group were all improved at each time point with statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: TJD combined with conventional Western medical treatment could quickly improve hemodynamics and tissue oxygen metabolism disorder in patients with septic shock, and its curative effect was superior to that of conventional Western medical treatment alone.

[Effects of methyl jasmonate on accumulation and release of main tropane alkaloids in liquid cultures of Datura stramonium hairy root].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of methyl jasmonate (MJ) on the accumulation and release of main secondary metabolites i. e. scopolamine and hyoscyamine in liquid cultures of Datura stramonium hairy roots. METHOD: After 18 days liquid culture of D. stramonium hairy roots induced by agrobacterium rhizogenes C58C1, the chemical elicitor methyl jasmonate was added into 1/2 MS liquid cultures and scopolamine and hyoscyamine on the day 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12, after dealing with MJ, was determined by HPLC. RESULT: After dealing with MJ on the day 3, 6, 9 and 12,the concentration of scopolamine reached to 0.419, 0.439, 0.431, 0.374 mg x g(-1), respectively, the increase of scopolamine were 1.36, 1.42, 1.17 and 1.12 fold higher than that of the control, respectively. And hyoscyamine reached 1.493, 0.817, 0.723 and 0.698 mg x g(-1), respectively, the increase of hyoscyamine were 2.28, 1.11, 0.63 and 0.70 fold higher than that of the control, respectively. CONCLUSION: MJ could stimulate the accumulation of scopolamine and hyoscyamine (3,6 d) in D. stramonium hairy root and have released them into the culture medium.

Population expanding with the phalanx model and lineages split by environmental heterogeneity: a case study of Primula obconica in subtropical China.

BACKGROUND: Current and historical events have both affected the current distribution patterns and intraspecific divergence of plants. While numerous studies have focused on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), the impacts of such events on the flora of subtropical China remain poorly understood. Subtropical China is famous for its highly complex topography and the limited impact from glaciation during the Pleistocene; this may have resulted in a different genetic legacy for species in this region compared to fully glaciated areas. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We used plastid and nuclear DNA sequence data and distribution modeling to analyze the divergence patterns and demographic history of Primula obconica Hance, a widespread herbaceous montane species in subtropical China. The phylogenetic analysis revealed two major lineages (lineage A and lineage B), representing a west-east split into the Yunnan and Eastern groups, and the Sichuan and Central groups, respectively. The Eastern and Central groups comprised relatively new derived haplotypes. Nested Clade Analysis and Bayesian Skyline Plot analyses both indicated that P. obconica mainly experienced a gradual expansion of populations. In addition, the simulated distribution of P. obconica during the Last Glacial Maximum was slightly larger than its present-day distribution. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results are the first to identify a west-east migration of P. obconica. The gradual expansion pattern and a larger potential distribution range in cold periods detected for P. obconica indicate that the population expansion of this species is consistent with the phalanx model. In addition, the current patterns of genetic differentiation have persisted as a result of the extensive environmental heterogeneity that exists in subtropical China.

Testing DNA barcoding in closely related groups of Lysimachia L. (Myrsinaceae).

It has been suggested that rbcL and matK are the core barcodes in plants, but they are not powerful enough to distinguish between closely related plant groups. Additional barcodes need to be evaluated to improve the level of discrimination between plant species. Because of their well-studied taxonomy and extreme diversity, we used Chinese Lysimachia (Myrsinaceae) species to test the performance of core barcodes (rbcL and matK) and two additional candidate barcodes (trnH-psbA and the nuclear ribosomal ITS); 97 accessions from four subgenus representing 34 putative Lysimachia species were included in this study. And many closely related species pairs in subgen. Lysimachia were covered to detect their discriminatory power. The inefficiency of rbcL and matK alone or combined in closely related plant groups was validated in this study. TrnH-psbA combined with rbcL + matK did not yet perform well in Lysimachia groups. In contrast, ITS, alone or combined with rbcL and/or matK, revealed high resolving ability in Lysimachia. We support ITS as a supplementary barcode on the basis of core barcode rbcL and matK. Besides, this study also illustrates several mistakes or underlying evolutionary events in Lysimachia detected by DNA barcoding.

[Scopolamine and hyoscyamine synthesis in hair roots culture of Datura metel].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the hair roots culture system of Datura metel and study the hair roots growth and biosynthesis of scopolamine and hyoscyamine in hair roots culturing system. METHOD: Direct degermed cotyledon of wild D. metel was infected by Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain C58C1 to obtain hair roots. Growth curves and scopolamine and hyoscyamine biosynthesis curves were determined. The scopolamine and hyoscyamine from different hair roots lines were examined by HPLC. RESULT: Hair roots induction rate reached 70%. After 25 days cultured in 1/2 MS liquid nutrient medium, the hair roots weight, content of scopolamine and hyoscyamine reached maximum, tow high efficient accumulation hyoscyamine and scopolamine hair roots lines M1 and M2 were obtained. The medial accumulation coefficient of hyoscyamine and scopolamine were 2.53 times and 5.37 times compared with the leaves of wild D. metel respectively. CONCLUSION: The established hair roots induction and culture system of D. metel provided a foundation for further obtaining scopolamine and hyoscyamine.

[Clinical characteristics and outcomes of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis during pregnancy and puerperium].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical features and outcomes of patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) during pregnancy and puerperium. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 24 cases of pregnant women with CVT among 15 625 deliveries in Xuanwu Hospital from January 2002 to October 2009, including 7 cases happened during pregnancy and 17 during puerperium. The etiology, clinical presentations, imaging examination results, other relevant examinations, and pregnant outcomes of these patients were analyzed. RESULTS: (1) Incidence and etiology: the incidence of CVT during pregnancy and puerperium was 0.15% (24/15 652) and 29% (7/24) of the patients fell ill during pregnancy and 71% (17/24) during puerperium. Five were complicated with severe preeclampsia, while another 5 complicated with hyperemesis. One woman was complicated with anemia. CVT was identified after spontaneous delivery in 9 cases and 8 after cesarean section. (2) CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS: Among the 24 CVT cases, 22 (92%) suffered from headache, 16 (67%) reported nausea and vomiting, 15(63%) experienced hyperspasmia and 6 (25%) complained of blurred vision. On admission, 8 (33%) patients were unconscious, 3 (13%) with hemiplegia, and 8 (33%) were febrile. (3) Imaging and laboratory examinations: twelve patients underwent digital subtraction arteriography (DSA) and were diagnosed. Fifteen women showed superior sagittal sinus thrombosis in MRI and magnetic resonance intravenous angiograph (MRV). Examination of the fundus found papilledema in 4 cases. Normal cerebral sinus fluid and laboratory routine tests were reported in 13 cases, but 6 cases of hyperlipidemia, 7 cases of abnormal activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), 5 cases of abnormal international normalized ratio (INR), 3 cases elevated platelet count, 4 cases of positive D-dipolymer, 1 cases of low hemoglobulin level (<10 g/L), 4 cases with abnormal hematocrit, and 10 cases of elevated fibrinogen (>4 g/L) were identified. (4) Management and pregnancy outcomes: among the 7 cases happened during pregnancy, 2 were complicated with severe preeclampsia and delivered through cesarean section immediately and discharged after proper management including depressurization, spasmolysis, dehydration and anticoagulant therapy. Five of the 7 cases presented with CVT during early pregnancy, among which 1 was discharged after dilation and curettage followed by anticoagulant therapy, 2 received endovascular thrombolysis after which one was discharged and the other one left with right hemiparesis and 2 patients died. Among the 17 patients presented with CVT during puerperium, 10 received anticoagulant therapy after which 4 were fully recovered, 5 left with functional disturbance (3 with hemiplegia, 1 with incomplete motor aphasia and hemiparesis and 1 with blurred vision) and one died. Among the rest 7 cases who underwent endovascular thrombolysis, 3 were fully recovered, 3 left with functional impairment (1 with blind and headache and 2 with hemiplegia), and one died. Altogether, there were 14 patients underwent systemic anticoagulant therapy after which 7 were fully recovered, 5 left with dysfunction and 2 died. Among the 10 cases received endovascular thrombolysis, 4 were fully recovered, 4 remained some dysfunction and 2 died. CONCLUSIONS: CVT, mostly presented as superior sagittal sinus thrombosis, are more common in puerperium than during pregnancy and DSA is the golden standard for the diagnosis of CVT. Anticoagulant therapy and endovascular thrombolysis are effective in the treatment of CVT, but may left the patients with functional disturbance or even death. Prompt diagnosis and treatment ensure a better outcome for pregnant women complicated with CVT.

[Analysis of risk factors for cerebral infarction after hip arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the independent risk factors for cerebral infarction so as to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention of cerebral infarction after total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 571 patients for hip arthroplasty was conducted from January 2003 to September 2008. Twenty-three patients were found with cerebral infarction postoperatively. Single-factor and multi-factor correlation analyses were tested for the patients with cerebral infarction after hip arthroplasty. RESULTS: The single-factor analysis for hip arthroplasty revealed that age (P = 0.001) and femoral neck fracture (P = 0.008) were the main factors for cerebral infarction. Furthermore, age was considered a risk factor for cerebral infarction after hip arthroplasty in multi-factor analysis (P = 0.029, OR = 1.054, 95%CI: 1.005 - 1.105). CONCLUSION: Advanced age (> 70 yr) and femoral neck fracture are the main independent risk factors for cerebral infarction after hip arthroplasty.

[Effects of dexamethasone on CTLA-4 expression and apoptosis in lymphocytes obtained from children with mesangial proliferative nephritis].

OBJECTIVE: The pathogenesis of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) and mechanisms of glucocorticoid (GC) resistance have not been fully identified. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is an important inhibitor of T-lymphocyte activation. The objective of the study is to investigate the CTLA-4 expression and apoptosis in lymphocytes of children with MsPGN and the effects of dexamethasone (Dex) on the CTLA-4 expression and apoptosis. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 36 children with MsPGN and 30 healthy children. CTLA-4 expression in in vitro cultured lymphocytes with or without Dex treatment was measured by flow cytometry following direct immune fluorescene. The rate of apoptosis in the lymphocytes was evaluated by annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide staining. RESULTS: The CTLA-4 expression and apoptosis in lymphocytes from children with MsPGN were significantly lower than those in the healthy control children in the absence or presence of Dex treatment (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between CTLA-4 expression and apoptosis in lymphocytes (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal CTLA-4 expression may participate in the pathogenesis of MsPGN and be one of mechanisms of GC resistance.

[Epidemiologie investigation on murine typhus in Hongta areas of Yuxi city, Yunnan province of China].

OBJECTIVE: To identify epidemic status of murine typhus in Hongta areas of Yuxi city and to provide evidence for control and prevention of the disease. METHODS: Serologic survey was conducted among residents and rodents. Isolation of Rickettsia moseri was performed. RESULTS: The overall infection rate among general population was 28.92% (96/332) with geometric meantiter (GMT) as 10.83 and there was no difference between males and females (26.71%, 43/161 vs. 30.99%, 53/171, P > 0.05). Significant differences were found between age groups (P < 0.05) with positive rates of 29.63% (8/27), 18.06% (13/72), 39.62% (42/106), 27.50% (22/80) and 23.40% (11/47) among age groups 0-6, 7-18, 19-39, 40-59 and over 60, respectively. The overall rate of infection in mouse was 44.95% (89/198) with GMT as 30.30. Five isolates of R. moseri from mouse specimen, three from fleas plus one case of murine typhus were diagnosed. Rattus norvegicus and Rattus flavipectus were the predominant species of rodent animals (99.49%, 197/198) and Xenopsylla cheopis was the major species of vector (74.26%, 303/408). Flea index and mouse density were 2.06 and 11.13% respectively. CONCLUSION: High infection rates on R. moseri were demonstrated in rodents and residents as well as high risk of murine typhus outbreak might occur in these areas.