Global prevalence and risk factors of Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of human E. bieneusi infection in endemic regions and analyze the various potential risk factors. A total of 75 studies were included. Among 31,644 individuals tested, 2,291 (6.59%) were E. bieneusi-positive. The highest prevalence of E. bieneusi in the male population was 5.50%. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in different age groups was varied, with 10.97% in teenagers. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in asymptomatic patients (6.49%) is significantly lower than that in HIV-infected patients (11.49%), and in patients with diarrheal symptoms (16.45%). Rural areas had a higher rate (7.58%) than urban ones. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in humans was the highest (6.42%) at altitudes <10 m. Moreover, the temperate zone marine climate (13.55%) had the highest prevalence. A total of 69 genotypes of E. bieneusi have been found in humans. This is the first global study regarding E. bieneusi prevalence in humans. Not only people with low immunity (such as the elderly, children, people with HIV, etc.), but also people in Europe in temperate marine climates should exercise caution to prevent infection with E. bieneusi during contact process with animals.

Title: Prévalence mondiale et facteurs de risque de l'infection à Enterocytozoon bieneusi chez l'homme : revue systématique et méta-analyse. Abstract: Enterocytozoon bieneusi est l'un des agents pathogènes zoonotiques les plus importants. Dans cette étude, nous présentons une revue systématique et une méta-analyse de la prévalence de l'infection humaine à E. bieneusi dans les régions endémiques et analysons les différents facteurs de risque potentiels. Au total, 75 études ont été incluses. Parmi 31 644 individus, 2 291 (6,59 %) étaient positifs à E. bieneusi. La prévalence la plus élevée d'E. bieneusi dans la population masculine était de 5,50 %. La prévalence d'E. bieneusi dans différents groupes d'âge variait, avec 10,97 % chez les adolescents. La prévalence d'E. bieneusi chez les patients asymptomatiques (6,49 %) était significativement inférieure à celle des patients VIH (11,49 %) et des patients présentant des symptômes de diarrhée (16,45 %). Les zones rurales avaient un taux plus élevé (7,58 %) que les zones urbaines. La prévalence d'E. bieneusi chez les humains était la plus élevée (6,42 %) à une altitude <10 m. De plus, le climat marin de la zone tempérée (13,55 %) avait la prévalence la plus élevée. Au total, 69 génotypes d'E. bieneusi ont été trouvés chez l'homme. Il s'agit de la première étude mondiale concernant la prévalence d'E. bieneusi chez l'homme. Non seulement les personnes ayant une faible immunité (telles que les personnes âgées, les enfants, les patients atteints du VIH, etc.), mais également les personnes vivant en Europe dans un climat marin tempéré doivent veiller à prévenir l'infection par E. bieneusi lors du contact avec des animaux.

The Prevalence of Rodents Orientia tsutsugamushi in China During Two Decades: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Orientia tsutsugamushi is a zoonotic intracellular pathogen that requires parasitism in eukaryotic cells to reproduce. In recent years, tsutsugamushi disease reported in many places nationwide has crossed the Yangtze River, continuously, spreading to the North China. Now this phenomenon has aroused people's attention. Materials and Methods: In this study, meta-analysis was used to analyze the infection of rodents (vectors) in China, to clarify the transmission rule of O. tsutsugamushi. Results: This study included literature from six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Wanfang, CNKI, and VIP). A total of 55 articles were included in the study from 610 retrieved articles. The total infection rate of O. tsutsugamushi in rodents was 5.5% (1206/20,620, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0553-0.0617). The prevalence of O. tsutsugamushi in rodents before 2013 (7.73%, 95% CI: 4.11-12.37) was higher than after 2013 (2.11%, 95% CI: 0.64-4.41). O. tsutsugamushi spread among a variety of rodents, among which Rattus losea (13.3%, 95% CI: 4.33-26.26), Rattus tanezumi (5.69%, 95% CI: 1.37-12.72), and Apodemus agrarius (5.32%, 95% CI: 2.26-9.58) infection rate was higher. Kawasaki (8.32%, 95% CI: 1.42-20.17), Karp (7.36%, 95% CI: 2.62-14.22), Kato (2.54%, 95% CI: 0.08-8.28), and Gilliam (2.13%, 95% CI: 0.42-5.09) were the main prevalent genotypes in China. The prevalence of O. tsutsugamushi in rodents was seasonal, increasing gradually in summer (2.39%, 95% CI: 0.46-5.77), peaking in autumn (4.59%, 95% CI: 1.15-10.16), and then declining. The positive rate of immunofluorescence assay (25.07%, 95% CI: 8.44-46.88) was the highest among the detection methods, and it was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Based on the subgroup of geographical factors and climatic factors, the probability of O. tsutsugamushi infection in rodents was the highest when the temperature >19℃ (8.20%, 95% CI: 1.22-20.52), the altitude <100 millimeters (7.23%, 95% CI: 3.45-12.26), the precipitation >700 millimeters (12.22%, 95% CI: 6.45-19.50), and the humidity 60-70% (7.80%, 95% CI: 4.17-12.44). Conclusions: Studies have shown that rodents carrying O. tsutsugamushi are common. People should prevent and control rodents in life and monitor rodents carrying O. tsutsugamushi for a long time.

Synthesis and characterization of potential polycyclic energetic materials using bicyclic triazole and azetidine structures as building blocks.

Exploring the design strategy of new energetic materials is crucial to promote the development of energetic materials. In this study, a method for designing polycyclic energetic materials is proposed by combining the azetidine structure with azobis-1,2,4-triazole or bi-1,2,4-triazole. A series of typical triazolyl polycyclic compounds were designed and synthesized by simple nucleophilic reaction, which included 5,5'-dichloro-3,3'-bis(3,3'-difluoroazetidine)-4,4'-azobis-1,2,4-triazole (1), 5,5'-dichloro-3,3'-bis(3,3'-difluoroazetidine)-4,4'-bi-1,2,4-triazole (2), 5,5'-dichloro-3-(N,N-dimethyl)-3'-(3,3'-difluoroazetidine)-4,4'-bi-1,2,4-triazole (3) 5,5'-dichloro-3,3'-bis(3,3'-dinitroazetidine)-4,4'-bi-1,2,4-triazole (4), 5,5'-dichloro-3-(N,N-dimethyl)-3'-(3,3'-dinitroazetidine)-4,4'-bi-1,2,4-triazole (5), and 5,5'-diazido-3,3'-bis(3,3'-difluoroazetidine)-4,4'-azo-1,2,4-triazole (6). These designed and synthesized polycyclic compounds (1, 2, 3) have high decomposition temperatures (>200 °C). The molecular van der Waals surface electrostatic potentials suggested the reactivity of compounds 1, 2, and 3 when attacked by nucleophiles. The natural bond orbital and Hirshfeld surface analysis proved the essential reason for the stability of these compounds in theory. The formula design example suggests that some triazolyl polycyclic compounds (4, 5, and 6) are potentially explosives, suggesting that this strategy is feasible for constructing the triazolyl polycyclic energetic compounds.

Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in Cattle in China.

Giardia duodenum (G. duodenalis) can cause giardiasis and infect a variety of hosts. So far, there have been no detailed data regarding the positive rate of G. duodenalis in cattle in China. Here, a systematic literature review was carried out to investigate the epidemiology of bovine G. duodenalis in China. To perform the meta-analysis, the databases China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Chinese Journal Databases, WanFang Databases, PubMed, and ScienceDirect were employed for screening studies related to the prevalence of G. duodenalis in cattle in China. The total prevalence of G. duodenalis in cattle was estimated to be 8.00% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.51-11.62). In the age subgroup, the prevalence of G. duodenalis in calves (11.72%; 95% CI: 7.75-17.73) was significantly higher than that in cattle of other age groups. An analysis based on seasons showed that the prevalence of G. duodenalis in cattle was higher in summer (9.69%; 95% CI: 2.66-35.30) than that in other seasons. The prevalence of G. duodenalis in cattle in 2016 or later was 11.62% (95% CI: 6.49-20.79), which was significantly higher than that before 2016 (3.65%; 95% CI: 2.17-6.12). The highest prevalence of G. duodenalis in cattle was 74.23% (95% CI: 69.76-78.45) recorded in South China. The NOAA's National Center for Environmental Information (https://gis.ncdc.noaa.gov/maps/ncei/cdo/monthly) was used to extract relevant geoclimatic data (latitude, longitude, elevation, temperature, precipitation, humidity, and climate). By analyzing the data of each subgroup, it was shown that age of cattle, sampling year, province, region, temperature, and climate were potential risk factors for giardiasis prevalence in cattle. Based on the analysis of common factors and geographical factors, it is recommended to strengthen effective management measures (e.g., ventilation and disinfection in warm and humid areas) and formulate relevant policies according to local conditions. Breeders should pay more attention to the detection of G. duodenalis in calves, to prevent giardiasis prevalence in cattle of different ages, thereby reducing the economic losses of animal husbandry in China.

Prevalence and related factors of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in cattle: A global systematic review and meta-analysis.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) is an important zoonotic microsporidian pathogen that has a variety of hosts. Cattle are reservoir hosts of E. bieneusi, and play an important role in the epidemiology of E. bieneusi. However, no systematic research on the prevalence of E. bieneusi in cattle has been reported. Here, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of E. bieneusi in cattle. Six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Springlink, Wanfang, CNKI, and VIP) were used for searching for relevant studies. The quantity of E. bieneusi infection in cattle was extracted and subjected to an estimation for the prevalence in cattle by using a random effects model. In total, forty articles from 12 countries were chosen from 524 studies from inception to 1st June 2021. An overall E. bieneusi prevalence (95% CI) in cattle was 12.9% (2566/19,791, 9.0-14.6%). The highest prevalence of E. bieneusi was 17.3% (13.9-20.3) in South America, and the lowest was 6.5% (4.1 - 9.4) in Africa 6.5%. The prevalence of E. bieneusi after 2016 (11.1%) was lower than 2016 and before (12.3%). Cattle aged 3-12 months had a higher prevalence (14.8%) as compared with cattle aged > 12 months (8.2%). The combined prevalence of E. bieneusi in the dairy cattle was 14.4%, which was higher than that in other species. In the subgroup of season, E. bieneusi prevalence in cattle was higher in spring (17.4%) and autumn (19.7%) than in summer (8.5%) and winter (8.5%). E. bieneusi prevalence in naturally grazed cattle was 3.6% and 13.7% in intensively fed cattle. A total of 83 E. bieneusi genotypes were prevalent in cattle, of which 15 genotypes found in the cattle had previously been found in humans. The global prevalence of E. bieneusi in cattle related to geographical and climate variables were evaluated as well. These data indicated that E. bieneusi was ubiquitous in cattle worldwide and carried a potential risk of infection in humans. Thus, the farm managers should provide a scientific mix of nutrients to improve cattle immunity, keep the environment clean, and disinfect regularly. Collectively, the control of E. bieneusi transmission in cattle is of importance for economic and public health.

Meta-analysis of the prevalence of bovine cystic echinococcosis in China during decade.

BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.) larvae. It is mainly prevalent in western agricultural and pastoral areas in China, seriously affecting the development of public health and animal husbandry. METHODS: This study conducted a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of bovine CE in China in the past 10 years (2011-2020). Five databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP Chinese Journal Database) were used to collect the relevant references, and finally 77 published articles were obtained. RESULTS: The total prevalence of bovine CE was estimated to be 9.62% during decade, and decreased year by year after reaching its peak in 2014 (18.75%). The highest E. granulosus s.l. infection rate was found in Qinghai province (14.79%). The infection rate of cattle >4 years old (15.84%) was significantly higher than that of other age groups, and cattle raised by grazing was significantly higher than that of other methods (17.00%). In the groups of geographical and climatic factors, the prevalence of CE was higher in regions with high-altitude (20.76%), cold (20.76%) and rainy areas (11.33%). CONCLUSION: This study found that old age and grazing were two important factors for the high incidence of bovine CE. The prevalence of CE is higher in low temperature, rainy and high altitude areas, where may be more suitable for the survival of E. granulosus s.l. eggs.

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis Among Dogs in China from 2001 to 2021: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Giardia duodenalis has a wide range of host species and is a common causative agent of diarrheal disease in humans and animals. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the pooled prevalence of Giardia among dogs in China. We extracted 33 studies related to the prevalence of G. duodenalis in dogs, with samples taken from 2001 to 2021. The random-effect model was used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals, and the analyzed data were from 14 provinces in China. The estimated overall prevalence of G. duodenalis among dogs in China was 11.2%. The prevalence of Giardia was significantly higher in Northwestern China (35.7%) than in other regions. The prevalence in 2010 or later (11.8%) was significantly higher than in 2010 or before (6.9%). The estimated prevalence detected by microscopy (9.3%) was lower than molecular (12.3%) and serological (14.3%) ones. The prevalence was higher in dogs <1 year of age (12.2%) than that >1 year (5.4%). Among the genotype groups, the positive rate of assemblage A (5.2%) was significantly higher than that of other assemblages. Depending on the dog' type, the prevalence of G. duodenalis in stray dogs (3.5%) was lower than that in pet dogs (6.7%) and intensively breeding dogs (11.8%). In addition, no correlation was found between Giardia positive rate and the dogs' gender (p > 0.05). We also analyzed the effects of different geographic factor subgroups (longitude, latitude, precipitation, temperature, humidity, and altitude) on the prevalence of G. duodenalis in dogs in China. The results showed that giardiasis was widespread in dogs in China. It is suggested that corresponding control scheme and effective management measures should be formulated and applied to reduce the transmission of G. duodenalis according to the difference in geographical conditions in different areas.

The global prevalence and risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection among cats during 1988-2021: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cryptosporidiosis is an important zoonosis caused by Cryptosporidium. This disease causes a global public health problem. The cat is considered to be one of the potential hosts for transmitting Cryptosporidium to humans. In this study, a global meta-analysis for Cryptosporidium infection in cats was performed. The articles related to Cryptosporidium infection in cats were systematically searched in databases China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang data, VIP Chinese Journal Database, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Finally, 92 articles published from 1988 to 2021, which met the criteria of systematic review and meta-analysis, were collected. During the selected period, the overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium among cats was identified to be 6.0%. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium detected by microscopy, coproantigens, and molecular biology methods were 4.2%, 8.2%, and 5.0%, respectively. Among 9 species/genotypes (C. felis, C. parvum, C. muris, Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV, C. baileyi, C. ryanae, C. hominis, Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype III and most closely related to Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype III), the prevalence of C. parvum (4.2%) was significantly higher than that of other species/genotypes. Among five continents, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Africa (30.5%) was significantly higher than in other continents. We also analyzed the effects of different geographical factors (longitude, latitude, altitude, mean temperature, precipitation, and humidity) on Cryptosporidium infection among cats. The results showed that cryptosporidiosis was common in cats all over the world. This systematic review and meta-analysis has systematically introduced the global epidemiology of Cryptosporidium in cats and correlated risk factors. Health authorities, doctors, veterinarians and cat owners' awareness of the prevalence, risk factors and complications of Cryptosporidium are important for the development of effective prevention strategies for cryptosporidiosis.

[Protective effect of extract of Apocynum venetum on kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats].

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and mechanism of extract of Apocynum venetum (AV) on kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The indexes of the blood glucose, renal function and oxidative stress were observed. The DM rats were administrated with the AV for 8 weeks, the above-mentioned indexes were detected. The blood glucose level, BUN, 24 h urine protein excretion, urine volume, renal index, renal cortex's MDA level in model groups all increased significantly. Renal cortex's SOD and GSH activities decreased significantly compared with the normal control group (P < 0.05). The above-mentioned indexes were significantly improved by the AV treatment (P < 0.05). AV have protective effects on renal function of kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, and maybe via inhibition of the renal oxidative stress.

Combination of acupuncture and fluoxetine for depression: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The current pharmacological management of depression remains limited. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in combination with fluoxetine as an intervention for major depressive disorder (MDD). SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTIONS: A total of 80 patients with MDD (DSM-IV) were randomized to two groups: VA group received verum acupuncture, 10 mg/day fluoxetine and placebo; SA group received sham acupuncture and 20-30 mg/day fluoxetine. Acupuncture was applied 5 times a week over a period of 6 weeks. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, sham-controlled trial was conducted in Dehong Prefecture Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. OUTCOME MEASURES: All subjects were assessed in a double-blind fashion at four time points (i.e., baseline, the end of the second, fourth, and sixth week of treatment. The primary outcome measure was the therapeutic response rate based on the rate of total score change in the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). Anxious symptoms, antidepressant side-effects, and acupuncture adverse effects were also measured additionally. RESULTS: At the end of the treatment period, the therapeutic response rates were not statistically significant between groups (80.0% for the VA group and 77.5% for the SA group, respectively). No statistical significance was found between the 2 groups in the rate of HRSD score change (z = 1.80, p = 0.07), but patients in the VA group showed better improvement than the SA group in symptoms of anxiety and side-effects of antidepressant (z = 2.60, p = 0.01 and z = 23.60, p < 0.001, respectively). The overall rate of adverse events due to acupuncture was 8.75%. CONCLUSIONS: Additionally applied standardized acupuncture to low-dose fluoxetine for depression is as effective as a recommended dose of fluoxetine treatment. Depressive patients with severe anxious symptoms and/or intolerable side-effects of antidepressants can benefit from it.

[Effects of hyperin on the cccDNA of duck hepatitis B virus and its immunological regulation].

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of hyperin on the cccDNA of duck hepatitis B virus and its immunological regulation. Duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infection model and normal mouse spleen lymphocyte were used to evaluate the anti-HBV and immunoregulation effects. The DHBV-DNA of serum was detected at different time points by using serum DOT-BLOT hybridization. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the determination of nuclear covalent closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Cytokine secretion was determined by ELISA method. DHBV-DNA were inhibited by hyperin (25 or 50 mg x kg(-1)), while cccDNA of liver could be eliminated efficiently by hyperin (25 or 50 mg x kg(-1), P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The T helper 1 effector cytokine was markedly enhanced by hyperin (25 or 50 microg x mL(-1), P < 0.01). In conclusion, hyperin has anti-HBV activity via multiple targets and pathways, and cccDNA may be one of the important targets.

In vivo and in vitro anti-hepatitis B virus activity of total phenolics from Oenanthe javanica.

The traditional Chinese medicine Oenanthe javanica (OJ) has been used for many years, mainly for the treatment of inflammatory conditions including hepatitis. In this study, human hepatoma Hep G2.2.15 cells culture system and duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infection model were used as in vivo and in vitro models to evaluate the anti-HBV effects of total phenolics from Oenanthe javanica (OJTP). The HBeAg and HBsAg concentrations in cell culture medium were determined by using the enzyme immunoassay kit after Hep G2.2.15 cells were treated with OJTP for 9 d. DHBV-DNA in duck serum was analyzed by dot blot hybridization assay. In the cell model, OJTP could dose-dependently inhibit the production of the HBeAg and HBsAg, and the inhibition rates of OJTP on HBeAg and HBsAg in the Hep G2.2.15 cells were 70.12% and 72.61% on day 9, respectively. In the DHBV infection model, OJTP also reduced HBV DNA level in a dose-dependent manner. The DHBV-DNA levels decreased significantly after the treatment with 0.10 g kg(-1)d(-1) and 0.20 g kg(-1)d(-1) OJTP. The inhibition of the peak of viremia was at the maximum at the dose of 0.20 g kg(-1)d(-1) and reached 64.10% on day 5 and 66.48% on day 10, respectively. Histopathological evaluation of the liver revealed significant improvement by OJTP. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that OJTP can efficiently inhibit HBV replication in Hep G2.2.15 cells line in vitro and inhibit DHBV replication in ducks in vivo. OJTP therefore warrants further investigation as a potential therapeutic agent for HBV infections.

In vivo and in vitro antiviral activity of hyperoside extracted from Abelmoschus manihot (L) medik.

AIM: To assess the anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) effect of hyperoside extracted from Abelmoschus manihot (L) medik. METHODS: The human hepatoma Hep G2.2.15 cell culture system and duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infection model were used as in vivo and in vitro models to evaluate the anti-HBV effects. RESULTS: In the cell model, the 50% toxic concentration of hyperoside was 0.115 g/L; the maximum nontoxic concentration was 0.05 g/L. On the maximum nontoxic concentrations, the inhibition rates of hyperoside on HBeAg and HBsAg in the 2.2.15 cells were 86.41% and 82.27% on d 8, respectively. In the DHBV infection model, the DHBV-DNA levels decreased significantly in the treatment of 0.05 g x kg(-1 ) x d(-1 ) and 0.10 g x kg(-1) x d(-1) dosage groups of hyperoside (P<0.01). The inhibition of the peak of viremia was at the maximum at the dose of 0.10 g x kg(-1 ) x d(-1) and reached 60.79% on d 10 and 69.78% on d 13, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that hyperoside is a strong inhibitor of HBsAg and HBeAg secretion in 2.2.15 cells and DHBV-DNA levels in the HBV-infected duck model.

Ultravilolet-radiation-induced graft polymerization of acrylamide onto the melt-blown polypropylene filter element by dynamic method.

By dynamic method under UV irradiation, commercial melt-blown polypropylene (PPMB) filter element was modified with acrylamide (AAm) using benzophenone (BP) as initiator. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope verified that polyacrylamide chain was grafted on the fiber surface of PPMB filter element. Elemental content analysis with energy dispersive X-ray of fibers revealed that the polymerization content in the inner part of filter element was relatively higher than that in the outer. Degree of grafting changed with initiator concentration, monomer concentration, reaction temperature and reached 2.6% at the reaction condition: CBP=0.06 mol/L, CAAm=2.0 mol/L, irradiation time: 80 min, temperature: 600 degrees C. Relative water flux altered with the hydrophilicity and pore size of filter element. In the antifouling test, the modified filter gave greater flux recovery (approximately 70%) after filtration of the water extract of Liuweidihuang, suggesting that the fouling layer was more easily reversible due to the hydrophilic nature of the modified filter.

[Protective effect of hyperin on focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of hyperin (Hyp) on focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats. METHODS: Sixty Wistar male rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, untreated group, and high-, medium- and low-dose Hyp-treated groups (50, 25 and 12.5 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and ginkgo leaf-treated group. The animals were intragastrically administered with drugs for 5 days. Thirty minutes after the end administration, the operation was performed to induce the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rats with the method of intraluminal thread. The middle cerebral artery blood flow was blocked for 2 hours, and then reperfused. Twenty-four hours later, the rats' neurology score was observed. Brain triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and dried wet method were carried out to measure the infarct size and the water content of rat brain tissue respectively. RESULTS: The above-mentioned indexes in the untreated group showed significant differences compared with those in the sham-operated group (P<0.01).The infarct sizes of rat brain tissue in the high- and medium-dose Hyp-treated groups were obviously decreased compared with that in the untreated group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The water content of rat brain and the neurology score were also obviously reduced compared with those in the untreated group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Hyp could obviously reduce the brain infarct size and cerebral edema degree in focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury rats. Hyp has significant protective effect on focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury.

[An experimental study on the prevention of enteral bacterial translocation in scalded rats by smectite powder].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the preventive and treatment effects of smectite powder on enteral bacterial translocation in scalded rats. METHODS: Fifty-four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups, i.e. normal control (A, n = 6), burn control (B, n = 24), and burn treatment (T, n = 24) groups. The rats in B and T groups were fed with tracing bacteria JM109, which was transfected with PUC19 plasmid in advance. The rats were subjected to 30% TBSA scald injury after the plasmid was shown to have colonized in the intestine. Smectite powder (0.6 g/day/kg) was fed to rats of T group immediately after the scalding, while those in B group received no smectite powder. Bacterial translocation in blood and mesenteric lymph nodes in all groups was observed and identified by enzyme digestion at 12 post scald hour (PSH) and on 1, 3 and 5 post-scald days (PSD). The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined in rat intestinal tissue. And the degree of injury to the entire small intestine was observed pathologically. The villus height of intestinal mucosa was measured, and the rate of epithelial nuclear splitting of mucosal crypts was calculated. RESULTS: The number of rats with positive blood bacterial culture in B group was obviously higher than that in A and T groups (P < 0.05) on 1 and 5 PSD. The bacterial quantity in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) in T group on 1 PSD (38 +/- 16 CFU/g) and 5 PSD (68 +/- 20 CFU/g) were obviously lower than those in B group (228 +/- 67 vs 183 +/- 29 CFU/g, P < 0.05). There was significant difference in the intestinal contents of MDA and SOD between B and T groups at each time point (P < 0.05). The rat jejunum villus height and the epithelial nuclear splitting in the small intestine mucosa in T group were evidently higher than those in B group (P < 0.05 or 0.01). CONCLUSION: Smectite powder is beneficial to the protection of the intestinal mucosa in scalded rats, and can effectively prevent postburn intestinal bacterial translocation in rats.

Effect of Oenanthe javanica flavone on human and duck hepatitis B virus infection.

AIM: To study the antiviral effect of Oenanthe javanica flavones (OjF) on human hepatoma HepG2.2.15 culture system and duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infection. METHODS: (1) After incubation for 24 h, the 2.2.15 cells were treated with different concentrations of OjF for 12 d. The cell alteration was observed by microscope. The presence of HBsAg and HBeAg were measured using the enzyme immunoassay kit after 2.2.15 cells were treated with OjF for 9 d. (2) Ducklings infected with DHBV intravenously were divided into 5 groups and treated with OjF, acyclovir (ACV), and normal saline respectively for 10 d. All the ducklings were bled before, during, and after treatments at different times, and serum levels of DHBV-DNA were detected by a dot-blot hybridization assay. RESULTS: (1) The 50% toxic concentration (TC50) of OjF was 2.28 g/L. The maximum nontoxic concentration (TC0) was 1.00 g/L. In nontoxic concentrations, OjF significantly inhibited HBsAg and HBeAg in 2.2.15 cells after 9 d of treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). (2) The DHBV-DNA levels decreased significantly after the treatment with 0.50 and 1.00 g/kg of OjF (P<0.01). The inhibition of the peak of viremia was maximum at a dose of 1.00 g/kg and reached 54.3% on d 5 and 64.5% on d 10, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that OjF is a strong inhibitor of HBsAg and HBeAg secretion in 2.2.15 cells and DHBV-DNA levels in the HBV-infected duck model.

[Clinical study on the relationship among the dermis, fat dome and postburn hyperplastic scar formation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of dermal defect and fat dome structure destruction in burn wounds on the formation of hyperplastic scar. METHODS: Fifty two wounds in 24 burn patients with deep partial thickness burn indicating tangential excision in the extremities were enrolled in the study, and they were divided into three groups according to the extent of exposure of dermal fat granules, i.e. A (without fat exposure), B (with little fat exposure) and C (with much fat exposure) groups. These three groups were subdivided into A1 (without grafting), A2 (grafting with razor thin skin), B1 (without grafting), B2 (with razor thin skin grafting), C1 (without grafting) and C2 (with split-thickness skin grafting) groups, with 9 wounds in each group. The dermal depth and exposure rate of the fat granules in each group were measured and analyzed by KS400 photography analysis apparatus. The follow-up conditions of the scars 6 months after operation were evaluated with Vancouver remark system by Vancouver score assessment. RESULTS: There was obvious difference in the dermal depth and exposure rate of the fat granules among all the groups (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The fat exposure rate was positively correlated with the extent of the dermal defect (gamma = 0.554, P < 0.05). The Vancouver score in group A was lower than that in B and C groups (P < 0.05), while that in B1 group (3.714 +/- 2.498) was evidently higher than that in other groups (P < 0.01). The scar score was lowered when the wounds were grafted with the dermis with its thickness similar to the depth of the defect, The scar score was increased along with the elevation of fat exposure rate (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a positive correlation between the degree of dermal defect and that of hyperplastic scar after burns. The disruption of fat dome structure might also be an important factor in the scar development.