Genetic characterization of varicella-zoster virus in people aged 20 years and under in Yichang City of Hubei Province, 2019-2020 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To analyze the genetic characteristics of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in people aged 20 years and under in Yichang City of Hubei Province from 2019 to 2020. Methods: Based on the Yichang Health Big Data Platform, we investigated cases 20 and under clinically diagnosed as herpes zoster in three hospitals from March 2019 to September 2020. Collecting vesicle fluid and throat swab samples of the cases and completing questionnaires to obtain basic information. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used for positive identification of the virus. PCR amplification of VZV's open reading frame (ORF) and sequencing of the products to determine the VZV genotype. Analyze mutations at some specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites. Results: Among 46 cases of herpes zoster, the male to female ratio was 1.3∶1 (26∶20) and the age ranged from 7 to 20 years old. Fifteen cases had been vaccinated against varicella, including 13 and 2 cases of 1 and 2 doses, respectively. VZV strains were detected in 34 samples (73.91%), all belonging to Clade 2. Phylogenetic tree analysis of the nucleotide of ORF22 showed, compared with Clade 2 referenced strains, the sequence matching degree of nucleotide for all 34 samples was 99.0% to 100.0%. Conclusion: The main VZV strain causing herpes zoster in people aged 20 years and under in Yichang from 2019 to 2020 was Clade 2.

Effect of the varicella vaccination on the clinical characteristics of herpes zoster cases aged 20 years and under / 中华预防医学杂志

To discuss the effect of varicella vaccination on the clinical characteristics of herpes zoster (shingles) cases aged 20 years and under, and analyze its clinical features. Based on the Yichang Health Big Data Platform, a descriptive study was conducted to collect the information of cases aged 20 years and under in three medical institutions of Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang First People's Hospital and Yichang Second People's Hospital from March 2019 to September 2020. According to the history of varicella vaccine, cases were divided into vaccination group and non-vaccination group, and their clinical features and outcomes were compared. The results showed that 46 shingles cases, aged from 7 to 20 years old, were included in this study. 26 males (56.5%), 20 females (43.5%), 15 cases in vaccination group (32.6%) and 31 cases in non-vaccination group (67.4%). 28 cases had thoracic involvement, followed by lumbar (n=8), cranial (n=7) involvements and extremities (n=7). The spread of herpes skin area: 2 cases involved too large area, 21 cases of 10 cm×10 cm, 14 cases of 5 cm×5 cm, 9 cases of 1 cm×1 cm. Herpes number: 26 cases had 10-49 herpes, followed by <10 herpes (n=9), uncountable herpes (n=7) and 50-99 herpes (n=4). The clinical course[M(Q1,Q3)] lasted 20.5 (13.5,24.8) d averagely, 5 cases had postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and 1 case had respiratory complications. Shingles decrustation time was significantly shorter in vaccination group (Z=-2.01, P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in other characteristics by vaccination. In conclusion, the number and spread of shingles in most children and adolescents are less, and the complications such as PHN are less. Varicella vaccination can reduce the decrustation time and relieve shingles cases with some clinical symptoms.

Effects of Postmortem Hemolysis and Ultrafiltration on Creatinine Detection Results / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the interference of postmortem hemolysis on the detection of creatinine and whether ultrafiltration can reduce the interference.@*METHODS@#A total of 33 non-hemolyzed whole blood samples from the left heart were collected. Hemolyzed samples with 4 hemoglobin mass concentration gradients H1-H4 were artificially prepared. Ultrafiltration was performed on each hemolyzed sample. Creatinine concentrations in non-hemolyzed serum (baseline serum), hemolyzed samples and ultrafiltrate were detected. Bias (B), Pearson correlation and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) of baseline creatinine concentration between before and after ultrafiltration were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#As the hemoglobin mass concentration increased, B of the hemolyzed samples in the H1-H4 groups gradually increased, the |B| was 2.41(0.82, 8.25)-51.31(41.79, 188.25), reaching a maximum of 589.06%, and there was no statistically significant between the creatinine concentration and the baseline creatinine concentration (P=0.472 7, r=0.129 5). After ultrafiltration of hemolyzed samples, the interference of creatinine concentration in ultrafiltrate was significantly reduced, the |B| was 5.32(2.26, 9.22)-21.74(20.06, 25.58), reaching a maximum of 32.14%, and there was a positive correlation with baseline creatinine concentration (P<0.05, r=0.918 2). In the hemolyzed samples of H3 and H4 groups, there were 7 false-positive samples and 1 false-negative sample; in the ultrafiltrate samples, there were no false-positive sample and 1 false-negative sample. ROC analysis results showed the hemolyzed samples were lack of diagnostic value (P=0.117 5).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The postmortem hemolysis significantly interferes creatinine detection results of blood samples, ultrafiltration can reduce hemolysis-induced interference in postmortem creatinine detection.

Co-delivery of Tim-3 mAb and sorafenib enhanced chemoimmunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma using "responsive shell-peeling" mesoporous silica nanoparticles / 药学学报

Chemoimmunotherapy has attracted much attention as an emerging therapy pattern for the treatment of cancers. Exploring effective drug combination schemes and reasonable delivery methods remained the key issue in current research. Herein, we designed sorafenib (SF) and anti-Tim-3 monoclonal antibody (Tim-3 mAb) co-loaded MMP2-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles (ST-MSNs) for combined chemoimmunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The shell of ST-MSNs was fabricated by Tim-3 mAb through matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) sensitive peptides as "gatekeepers" to prevent drug release during the blood circulation. In tumor microenvironment, the high levels of MMP2 caused the responsive shedding of Tim-3 mAb, leading to the triggerred release of SF and Tim-3 mAb. Then, SF could be delivered to tumor cells and Tim-3 mAb could be delivered to T cells, respectively. In vivo tumor inhibition study results demonstrated that ST-MSNs can significantly enhance synergistic antitumor activity compared with sequential administration of free SF solution and Tim-3 mAb solution. Meanwhile, the expression of antitumor cytokines IFN-γ, IL-12 and the percentage of CD3+CD4+ cells, CD3+CD8+ cells in tumors were upregulated after the administration of ST-MSNs, demonstrating good immunomodulatory ability. In addition, within the dosage range, the ST-MSNs had low cytotoxicity and hemolysis, and no obvious tissue toxicity was observed. All animal experiments were performed in line with national regulations and approved by the Animal Experiments Ethical Committee of Shandong University. In conclusion, this study provided a promising drug combination of chemoimmunotherapy with good application prospects for clinical HCC treatment, and exhibited a potential drug carrier for clinical chemoimmunotherapy.

Stability of IgE in Postmortem Plasma and Hemolyzed Samples / 法医学杂志

Objective To investigate the stability of IgE in postmortem plasma and hemolyzed samples under different storage conditions and freezing-thawing. Methods Thirty nine cardiac blood samples were collected from non-frozen corpses with the postmortem interval of less than 48 hours, including 20 plasma samples and 19 hemolyzed samples taken from whole blood. The samples were stored at -20 ℃, 4 ℃ and 25 ℃ for 28 d and at -80 ℃ for 1 year to evaluate the stability of IgE under different storage conditions. Repeated freezing-thawing treatment was conducted for 5 times to explore the stability of IgE in postmortem plasma and hemolyzed samples. IgE concentration in plasma and hemolyzed samples was detected by electroluminescence before and after treatment. Results The degradation rates of IgE in plasma samples under the three storage conditions, -20 ℃, 4 ℃ and 25 ℃ were close. After 28 d, the mean value was about 15%, the degradation speed of IgE in hemolyzed samples was faster than that of plasma under the same condition （P<0.05） and the degradation rate was faster than other two conditions under 25 ℃ （P<0.05）. The differences in the concentration of plasma samples after freezing at -80 ℃ for 1 year and that before freezing had no statistical significance （ P>0.05）, while the concentration of hemolyzed samples was degraded after freezing at -80 ℃ for 1 year （P<0.05）. The differences between the detection results of plasma and hemolyzed samples after repeated freezing-thawing for 5 times and that before freezing-thawing showed no statistical significance （ P>0.05）. Conclusion IgE has good freezing-thawing stability in postmortem plasma and hemolyzed samples. Stability of IgE is better in postmortem plasma samples than hemolyzed samples, thus it is recommended to separate plasma from postmortem blood samples as soon as possible in forensic practice.

Application of Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration Technology in the Detection of Total IgE of Hemolytic Blood after Death / 法医学杂志

Objective To investigate the treatment effect of hollow fiber ultrafiltration technology on hemolytic samples and the differences between IgE concentration and serum concentration before hemolysis in ultrafiltrate. Methods The 33 postmortem blood samples of non-frozen corpses within 72 hours after death were collected, 4 mL blood was taken from each case, among which 1 mL was centrifuged to get serum, and the remaining 3 mL blood was frozen-thawed 3-5 times to cause complete hemolysis. The 2 mL hemolytic samples were processed by hollow fiber ultrafiltration to obtain ultrafiltrate. The hemoglobin concentration in serum, complete hemolytic sample and ultrafiltrate was determined by Van-Zij solution-cyanated methemoglobin assay method, and the total IgE in serum and ultrafiltrate was determined by electrochemical luminescence method. Results The hemoglobin concentration in ultrafiltrate was significantly lower than that in complete hemolytic samples （P<0.05）. There was a good correlation between the total IgE detection values of ultrafiltrate and serum （r=0.984）. The difference between the serum and the value of IgE in ultrafiltrate after correction had no statistical significance, and the differences between the two in positive rates had no statistical significance （P>0.05）. Conclusion Ultrafiltration technology has a good treatment effect on complete hemolytic samples, and the correction value of ultrafiltrate detection is close to the serum level before hemolysis, and therefore, it can be applied to the detection of total IgE of frozen corpse hemolytic samples.

Autism spectrum disorder-like symptoms in the population with intellectual disability aged 6 to 18 years / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like symptoms in the population with intellectual disability (ID).@*METHODS@#The students with ASD or ID, aged 6-18 years, who studied in a special school in Shanghai from January to June, 2017, as well as the typically developing (TD) population of the same age, who studied in a general school in Shanghai during the same period, were enrolled. Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) was completed by their parents or other guardians, and the ASD-like symptoms were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#A total of 69 subjects with ASD, 74 subjects with ID and 177 TD subjects were enrolled. The ID group had a significantly higher SRS-positive rate than the TD group (47.3% vs 1.7%; P0.05), and there was no significant correlation between SRS score and IQ (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The ID population aged 6-18 years has more ASD-like symptoms than the general population, and ASD screening and intervention should be performed for the ID population as early as possible.

Research Progress and Forensic Identification of Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy / 法医学杂志

With the rapid development of the social economy in China, the incidence of diseases caused by excessive drinking is gradually increasing as well. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy refers to long-term high intake of ethanol, and has typical dilated cardiomyopathy characteristics, such as, hemodynamic changes, symptoms, signs, and morphological features. It is a kind of cardiomyopathy that excludes other causes of dilated cardiomyopathy. Due to the lack of specific pathological changes, the forensic pathological identification of alcoholic cardiomyopathy can only be based on the patient's medical history and by ruling out other causes of cardiomyopathy. This paper reviews the pathogenesis and forensic identification of alcoholic cardiomyopathy in order to provide reference for forensic pathologists and clinicians.

Statistical Analysis of the Heart and Lung Mass in Forensic Anatomical Cases and Its Forensic Significance / 法医学杂志

Objective To investigate the differences of heart mass and lung mass in forensic autopsy cases and to explore their application value in forensic identification. Methods The data from 1 614 autopsy cases accepted by center of Medico-legal Investigation of China Medical University between 2007 to 2016 were collected. The correlation of heart and lung mass with age, height, body weight, and body mass index （BMI）, as well as differences in different causes of death were analyzed by GraphPad Prism 6.0 software. Results The heart mass and lung mass of males were higher than those of females （P<0.05）. The heart mass of males and females was positively correlated with age, height, body weight and body mass index （BMI） （P<0.05）. The heart mass of patients dying from sudden cardiac death （SCD） was significantly higher than those dying from other causes of death. The lung mass of patients dying from drowning and delayed treatment was higher than those dying from other causes of death （P<0.05）. Conclusion In forensic practice, measurement of the heart mass and lung mass has certain significance for differential diagnosis and diagnosis of different causes of death.

Effect of Corpse Cryopreservation on Forensic Pathological Identification / 法医学杂志

Because cryopreservation can effectively slow down the putrefaction and prolong the preservation time of corpses, it has become the main way of corpse preservation in China. However, it may cause a certain degree of non-specific effects on the corpses and thus interfere with forensic pathological identification. This paper summarizes relevant problems reported in domestic and foreign literature reports and practical identification, and analyzes the effects of cryopreservation on corpses from aspects of anatomical findings, histomorphology, postmortem biochemistry, and postmortem imaging, therefore to provide Chinese forensic workers assistance on problems in their practice of forensic pathology.

Researches status on time-effect of acupuncture / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the research status and influencing factors of the time-effect of acupuncture and to explain and analyze the optimal effect timing of acupuncture, and provide reference for obtaining the best clinical therapeutic effect.@*METHODS@#Literature regarding the studies of the time-effect of acupuncture published from January 2000 to August 2018 was searched, concluded and analyzed in CNKI, WANFANG, VIP and PubMed databases.@*RESULTS@#A total of 43 papers were included. The time-effect relationship of acupuncture was studied from various aspects: immediate effect, post-effect and total time-effect. The influencing factors of time-effect of acupuncture included needle retention time, acupoint types, number of acupoints and frequency of acupuncture treatment.@*CONCLUSION@#Even though preliminary achievements have been made in the study of the time-effect of acupuncture, there are many limitations and deficiency. These studies are mostly isolated and unsystematic, and the observation time of needle retention time and post-effect is not long enough to observe the exact best induction period, half-life period and residual effect period of acupuncture.In the future, we should combine the existing research experience and achievements to formulate a more reasonable research plan and observe the entire period of acupuncture in a longitudinal direction.

Advances in research on anti-Müllerian tube hormone and male reproductive endocrine-related diseases / 基础医学与临床

Anti-Müllerian tube hormone(AMH), also known as Müllerian inhibitory substances, is a member of the transformation system. In males, AMH is secreted by immature Sertoli cell which promotes the degradation of male fetal Müllerian tubes,and participates in testicular development and spermatogenesis.AMH can regulate gona-dotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), pituitary secretes follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH),testicular stromal cells secrete testosterone(T) and inhibin B causes male reproductive endocrine related diseases through HPG axis.

Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in Pet Dogs in Central China

The prevalence and genotype of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs in Henan Province, Central China was investigated. A total of 125 blood samples were collected from pet dogs during April to June 2013, and all samples were examined by indirect hemagglutination antibody test (IHA) and nested PCR. The overall T. gondii prevalence in pet dogs was 24.0% (30/125), with 20.8% (26/125) in IHA and 10.4% (13/125) in PCR, respectively. No statistical associations were found between animal gender and age and the prevalence of T. gondii infection. Thirteen positive DNA samples were genotyped using 11 PCR-RFLP markers, including SAG1, (3'+5') SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico. Of these, only 2 samples were genotyped with complete data for all loci, and a novel genotype (type III at SAG3 and GRA6 loci, and type I at other loci) was identified. This is the first report of genetic characterization of T. gondii infection in dogs in China.

Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in Pet Dogs in Central China

The prevalence and genotype of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs in Henan Province, Central China was investigated. A total of 125 blood samples were collected from pet dogs during April to June 2013, and all samples were examined by indirect hemagglutination antibody test (IHA) and nested PCR. The overall T. gondii prevalence in pet dogs was 24.0% (30/125), with 20.8% (26/125) in IHA and 10.4% (13/125) in PCR, respectively. No statistical associations were found between animal gender and age and the prevalence of T. gondii infection. Thirteen positive DNA samples were genotyped using 11 PCR-RFLP markers, including SAG1, (3'+5') SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico. Of these, only 2 samples were genotyped with complete data for all loci, and a novel genotype (type III at SAG3 and GRA6 loci, and type I at other loci) was identified. This is the first report of genetic characterization of T. gondii infection in dogs in China.