Acute Effects of Resistance Exercise on Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT: Hackett, DA, Li, J, Wang, B, Way, KL, Cross, T, and Tran, DL. Acute effects of resistance exercise on intraocular pressure in healthy adults: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 394-404, 2024-Intraocular pressure (IOP) tends to fluctuate during a resistance exercise (RE). This systematic review examines the acute effects of RE on IOP in healthy adults and factors that influence changes in IOP. Five electronic databases were searched using terms related to RE and IOP. A strict inclusion criterion was applied, which included being 55 years or younger with no medical conditions and RE intensity needing to be quantifiable (e.g., based on a maximal effort). Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Isometric and isotonic contractions produced similar changes in IOP during RE up to 28.7 mm Hg. Exercises that involved larger muscle mass, such as squats and leg press, were found to produce changes in IOP during exercise ranging from 3.1 to 28.7 mm Hg. Smaller changes in IOP during RE were found for exercises engaging less muscle mass (e.g., handgrip and bicep curls). Intraocular pressure was found to increase during RE when lifting heavier loads and with longer exercise durations (e.g., greater repetitions). The Valsalva maneuver (VM) and breath-hold during RE accentuated the change in IOP, with more extreme changes observed with the VM. However, most studies showed that postexercise IOP returned to baseline after approximately 1 minute of recovery. An acute increase in IOP is observed during RE in healthy adults with fluctuations of varying magnitude. Factors that independently increase IOP during RE include exercises involving larger muscle mass, heavy loads, greater set duration, and when the VM or breath-hold is performed.

Effect of Shear History on Solid-Liquid Transition of Particulate Gel Fuels.

Investigating the structural evolution of particulate gels is a very challenging task due to their vulnerability and true flow characteristics. In this work, deeper insight into the rheological properties of gel fuels filled with fumed silica (FS) and aluminum microparticles (Al MPs) was gained by changing shear procedures. Firstly, the flow curves were found to no longer follow the monotonic power law and exhibited subtle thixotropic responses. As the shear rate increased, the gel structure underwent a transition from local shear to bulk shear in the nonlinear region after yielding. This finding reveals the prevalence of nonideal local shear in industry. Secondly, the time-dependent rheological responses demonstrated that the strength spectrum of gel fuels depends on the applied shear rate, with stress relaxation more easily observed at lower shear rates. Those results involved the structural disruption, recovery, and equilibrium of particulate gels from two scales of shear rate and shear time.

Effect of resistance training on local muscle endurance in middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression.

BACKGROUND: Local muscle endurance (LME) is a significant indicator of muscle health and function in middle-aged and older adults. However, resistance training (RT) practices which optimise performance in this population are currently unclear. This study examined: 1) the effect of RT on LME; and 2) the impact of acute resistance exercise program variables on LME in middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched using terms related to RT, LME, and older adults. Random effects (Hedges' g) meta-analyses were undertaken to estimate the effect of RT on upper and lower body LME assessed via maximal repetitions during an isotonic test. The impact of resistance exercise program variables on LME effects was explored using meta-regression analyses. RESULTS: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Upon sensitivity analysis, one study was removed. Large effects favoured RT for LME of the upper body (g = 1.10, p < 0.001) and lower body (g = 1.18, p < 0.001). Large effects on LME from RT were found irrespective of training intensity or other resistance exercise program variables. Moderate heterogeneity and publication bias were found in most analyses. DISCUSSION: RT is an effective means for improving LME in middle-aged and older adults. Optimal training characteristics have not been defined by this review, as improvement in LME was unrelated to RT volume or loading intensity. Caution is warranted when interpreting the findings due to heterogeneity and bias present in existing literature. Additional studies are needed with direct comparisons of various training techniques.

Effect of Blood Flow Restriction during the Rest Periods of Squats on Accuracy of Estimated Repetitions to Failure.

This study investigated the impact of resistance training with blood flow restriction during rest (BFRrest) on the accuracy of estimated repetitions to failure (ERF). It also explored associations between error in ERF and mean concentric velocity (MCV) along with physiological responses. In a randomised cross-over study, 18 male trainers (23.4 ± 2.7 years) performed three sets of squats at 70% of their one-repetition maximum until failure. One session integrated BFRrest, while another employed traditional passive inter-set rest (TRAD) during the 3 min inter-set rest intervals. Cardiorespiratory and metabolic measures were taken in the inter-set recovery periods. The results revealed no significant differences between BFRrest and TRAD in terms of ERF and error in ERF. A notable set effect for ERF was observed, with a greater ERF during set 1 compared to sets 2 and 3 (p < 0.001). Additionally, a lower error in ERF was observed during sets 2 and 3 compared to set 1 (p < 0.001). Error in ERF were strongly associated with the respiratory exchange ratio, and moderately associated with end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure, carbon dioxide output, and MCV variables. Notably, the precision of ERF seems to be predominantly influenced by indicators of physiological stress rather than the incorporation of BFRrest.

Hemoperfusion in combination with hemofiltration for acute severe organophosphorus pesticide poisoning: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Acute severe organophosphorus pesticide poisoning (ASOPP) is one of the major diseases that endanger human life and health. However, the effects of conventional therapy including gastric lavages, mechanical ventilation, muscarinic antagonist drugs, and cholinesterase reactivators were uncertain. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of hemoperfusion combined with hemofiltration besides routine therapy for ASOPP. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search for candidate publications was performed through PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, WanFang, Chinese Biomedical Literature, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from database inception to May 12, 2020. The retrieved studies were screened by the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data of important end points were extracted. The risk ratio (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) were pooled for categorical variables and continuous variables, respectively. Meta-analyses and publication bias were conducted by using STATA software version 15.1. Results: A total of 11 randomized controlled trials with 811 patients were included. Compared to conventional therapy group, patients in the hemoperfusion plus hemofiltration group were significantly superior with regard to mortality (RR 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.25, 0.57], P < 0.001), total atropine dosing (WMD -147.34 mg, 95% CI [-199.49, -95.18], P < 0.001), duration of mechanical ventilation (WMD -2.34 days, 95% CI [-3.77, -0.92], P < 0.001), cholinesterase recovery time (WMD -2.49 days, 95% CI [-3.14, -1.83], P < 0.001), and length of stay (WMD -4.52 days, 95% CI [-5.31, -3.73], P < 0.001). Conclusion: Combined hemoperfusion and hemofiltration was a very safe and effective treatment protocol for ASOPP, not only resulting in significantly decreased mortality but also resulting in reduced total atropine dosing, duration of mechanical ventilation, cholinesterase recovery time, and length of stay.

Mechanism of Two Typical Binders BR and F2604 on Thermal Decomposition of HMX.

DSC-TG-FTIR-MS coupling technology was used to study the mechanism of two typical binders, that is, BR and F2604, on the thermal decomposition behavior of the HMX crystal. The results show that both BR and F2604 can induce premature decomposition of HMX and increase the activation energy of HMX. Especially in the case of HMX/BR particles, the decomposition temperature is the lowest, but the activation energy is the highest. Based on the results of DSC-TG-FTIR-MS, it is found that the rapid mechanism of binder and active intermediate products inhibits the reaction of relatively inert intermediate products and prolongs the continuous generation time of gas products in the composite particles, which delays the decomposition of HMX to a certain extent. This study is helpful for us to better understand the thermal decomposition behavior of HMX composite particles and provides reference for the application of high-energy composites.

Urokinase vs Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator for Thrombolytic Evacuation of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Basal Ganglia.

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating form of stroke, which leads to a high rate of mortality and poor neurological outcomes worldwide. Thrombolytic evacuation with urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) or tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) has been showed to be a hopeful treatment for ICH. However, to the best of our knowledge, no clinical trials were reported to compare the efficacy and safety of these two fibrinolytics administrated following minimally invasive stereotactic puncture (MISP) in patients with spontaneous basal ganglia ICH. Therefore, the authors intended here to evaluate the differential impact of uPA and tPA in a retrospective study. In the present study, a total of 86 patients with spontaneous ICH in basal ganglia using MISP received either uPA (uPA group, n = 45) or tPA (tPA group, n = 41), respectively. The clinical baseline characteristics prior to the operation were collected. In addition, therapeutic responses were assessed by the short-term outcomes within 30 days postoperation, as well as long-term outcomes at 1 year postoperation. Our findings showed that, in comparison with tPA, uPA was able to better promote hematoma evacuation and ameliorate perihematomal edema, but the differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, the long-term functional outcomes of both groups were similar, with no statistical difference. In conclusion, these results provide evidence supporting that uPA and tPA are similar in the efficacy and safety for thrombolytic evacuation in combination with MISP in patients with spontaneous basal ganglia ICH.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy assisted by 3-D visualization reconstruction and portal vein arterialization: A case report (a CARE-compliant article).

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional visualization reconstruction, the 3-D visualization model reconstructed by software using 2-D CT images, has been widely applied in medicine; but it has rarely been applied in pancreaticoduodenectomy. Although the hepatic artery is very important for the liver, it has to be removed when tumor invades it. Therefore, portal vein arterialization has been used in clinic as a remedial measure, but there still is professional debate on portal vein arterialization. METHODS: Here, we report 1 case that was diagnosed with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the duodenum. The tumor had large size and invaded surrounding organs and vessels. RESULTS: Preliminary diagnoses were poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the duodenum and viral hepatitis B. Pancreaticoduodenectomy assisted by 3-D visualization reconstruction and portal vein arterialization were performed in this case. The tumor was removed. Liver function returned to normal limits 1 week after operation. Digital subtraction arteriography showed compensatory artery branches within the liver 1 month after operation. CONCLUSION: 3-D visualization reconstruction can provide a reliable assistance for the accurate assessment and surgical design before pancreatoduodenectomy, and it is certainly worth adopting portal vein arterialization when retention of hepatic artery is impossible or conventional arterial anastomosis is required during pancreatoduodenectomy.

Membrane Glycolipids Content Variety in Gastrointestinal Tumors and Transplantable Hepatomas in Mice.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the variety of plasma contents of membrane glycolipids in 65 gastrointestinal tumors and 31 transplant hepatomas in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS The experimental model was a transplantable murine hepatoma. Experimental mice were divided into 3 groups. RESULTS The LSA and TSA content in the 2 groups were significantly difference (p<0.01), and were significantly lower in the therapeutic group than in the control group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that membrane glycolipids index LSA and TSA are sensitive markers in gastrointestinal tumors. In the transplanted hepatomas in mice, they may be considered as ancillary indicators for judging the therapeutic effect of hepatoma.

Ex vivo hepatectomy and partial liver autotransplantation for hepatoid adenocarcinoma: A case report.

We previously reported the case of a 56-year-old male who underwent surgical treatment for gastric hepatoid adenocarcinoma and splenic metastasis. The present study reports the case of the same patient who underwent successful ex vivo hepatectomy and partial liver autotransplantation. Computed tomography scans demonstrated that the tumor was located in the left and caudate lobes of the liver, with hepatic vein and inferior vena cava involvement, and right portal vein compression. To clarify the association between the vessels and the tumor, a three-dimensional imaging technique was used to reconstruct the liver architecture. During the surgery, the whole liver was removed with the retrohepatic vena cava, which was replaced with a prosthetic graft without a veno-venous bypass; a portacaval shunt for the anhepatic phase was performed simultaneously. The surgery lasted 9 h, and the anhepatic phase lasted 4 h. Blood loss during the surgery was recorded at 1,500 ml. The time taken for recovery was 21 days post-surgery, and at 20 months, the patient was disease-free. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of ex vivo liver resection performed for hepatic metastasis of hepatoid adenocarcinoma to be reported.

Efficacy and Safety of Continuous Micro-Pump Infusion of 3% Hypertonic Saline combined with Furosemide to Control Elevated Intracranial Pressure.

BACKGROUND: Elevated intracranial pressure is one of the most common problems in patients with diverse intracranial disorders, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Effective management for increased intracranial pressure is based mainly on surgical and medical techniques with hyperosmolar therapy as one of the core medical treatments. The study aimed to explore the effects of continuous micro-pump infusions of 3% hypertonic saline combined with furosemide on intracranial pressure control. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed data on 56 eligible participants with intracranial pressure >20 mmHg from March 2013 to July 2014. The target was to increase and maintain plasma sodium to a level between 145 and 155 mmol/L and osmolarity to a level of 310 to 320 mOsmol/kg. RESULTS: Plasma sodium levels significantly increased from 138±5 mmol/L at admission to 151±3 mmol/L at 24 h (P<0.01). Osmolarity increased from 282±11 mOsmol/kg at baseline to 311±8 mOsmol/kg at 24 h (P<0.01). Intracranial pressure significantly decreased from 32±7 mmHg to 15±6 mmHg at 24 h (P<0.01). There was a significant improvement in CPP (P<0.01). Moreover, central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure, and Glasgow Coma Scale slightly increased. However, these changes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous infusion of 3% hypertonic saline + furosemide is effective and safe for intracranial pressure control.

Efficacy and safety of intravenous nimodipine administration for treatment of hypertension in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Nicardipine (NC) is the most commonly used antihypertensive drug in neurological patients with hypertension. Although nimodipine (NM) is widely used to treat cerebral vasospasm in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, trials exploring its antihypertensive effect after intravenous administration in subjects with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are scarce. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out to compare the safety and efficacy of NC and NM administered intravenously in patients with ICH. Therapeutic responses were assessed by achievement of goal blood pressure (BP); use of additional medications for BP control; proportion of time spent within goal; variability in BP; time to goal BP; number of dose adjustments; variability in ICH volume, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and intracranial pressure; and drug-related complications. RESULTS: A total of 87 patients were eligible for analysis (n=46 [NC]; n=41 [NM]), and baseline characteristics between groups were similar. Both agents were effective in achieving goal BP during infusion, with 93.5% and 87.8% patients in the NC and NM groups achieving goal, respectively. Fewer additional medications were needed to control BP in the NC group. BP variability was similar and no differences were observed in the mean time to goal BP and mean numbers of dose adjustments between both groups. Interestingly, intracranial pressure declined (P=0.048) during NC administration but increased (P=0.066) after NM treatment. Finally, the incidences of hematoma expansion, neurological deterioration, and adverse drug events were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: NM is effective and safe for BP control in patients with ICH.

Vascular segmentation in hepatic CT images using adaptive threshold fuzzy connectedness method.

BACKGROUND: Fuzzy connectedness method has shown its effectiveness for fuzzy object extraction in recent years. However, two problems may occur when applying it to hepatic vessel segmentation task. One is the excessive computational cost, and the other is the difficulty of choosing a proper threshold value for final segmentation. METHODS: In this paper, an accelerated strategy based on a lookup table was presented first which can reduce the connectivity scene calculation time and achieve a speed-up factor of above 2. When the computing of the fuzzy connectedness relations is finished, a threshold is needed to generate the final result. Currently the threshold is preset by users. Since different thresholds may produce different outcomes, how to determine a proper threshold is crucial. According to our analysis of the hepatic vessel structure, a watershed-like method was used to find the optimal threshold. Meanwhile, by using Ostu algorithm to calculate the parameters for affinity relations and assigning the seed with the mean value, it is able to reduce the influence on the segmentation result caused by the location of the seed and enhance the robustness of fuzzy connectedness method. RESULTS: Experiments based on four different datasets demonstrate the efficiency of the lookup table strategy. These experiments also show that an adaptive threshold found by watershed-like method can always generate correct segmentation results of hepatic vessels. Comparing to a refined region-growing algorithm that has been widely used for hepatic vessel segmentation, fuzzy connectedness method has advantages in detecting vascular edge and generating more than one vessel system through the weak connectivity of the vessel ends. CONCLUSIONS: An improved algorithm based on fuzzy connectedness method is proposed. This algorithm has improved the performance of fuzzy connectedness method in hepatic vessel segmentation.

Comparison of protective effects of safflor injection and extract of Ginkgo biloba on lung ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the protective effects of safflor Injection (SI) and extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGB) on lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) and investigate its mechanism. METHODS: In vivo rabbit model of LIRI was reconstructed. Forty rabbits were randomly and equally divided into four groups: sham-operation group (sham group), ischemia-reperfusion group (model group), ischemia-reperfusion plus SI group (safflor group) and ischemia-reperfusion plus EGB injection group (EGB group). Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in serum were measured. The wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) of the lung tissue and activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also tested. Ultrastructure change of the lung tissue was observed by the electron microscope. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS: In the model group, MDA and XO increased and SOD decreased in serum compared with the sham group (P<0.01). The values of W/D, MPO and ICAM-1 of the model group were higher than those of the sham group (P<0.01), but those of the safflor group and EGB group were significantly lower than those of the model group (P<0.01). The IHC demonstrated that ICAM-1 expression in lung tissue of the model group was significantly higher than those of the safflor group (P<0.01). Compared with safflor group, in the EGB group MDA, XO, MPO decreased, SOD and ICAM-1 expression increased (P<0.05), but the change of W/D was not statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SI and EGB may attenuate LIRI through antioxidation, inhibition of neutrophil aggregation and down-regulation of ICAM-1 expression. But EGB had more effect on the antioxidation, while SI did better on regulating ICAM-1 expression.

Reduction cranioplasty with the aid of simulated computer imaging for the treatment of hydrocephalic macrocephaly.

OBJECT: The occurrence of hydrocephalic macrocephaly is uncommon. When the condition does occur, it is usually seen in infants and young children. Patients with this disorder have an excessively enlarged head and weak physical conditions. Various surgical techniques of reduction cranioplasty for the treatment of these patients have been reported. In this study, a revised surgical procedure with the aid of simulated computer imaging for the treatment of hydrocephalic macrocephaly is presented. METHODS: Five cases of hydrocephalic macrocephaly in children ranging in age from 16 to 97 months were reviewed. These patients underwent surgical treatment at The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University over a period of 4 years from January 2007 to January 2011. After physical examination, a 3D computer imaging system to simulate the patient's postoperative head appearance and bone reconstruction was established. Afterward, for each case an appropriate surgical plan was designed to select the best remodeling method and cranial shape. Then, prior to performing reduction remodeling surgery in the patient according to the computer-simulated procedures, the surgeon practiced the bone reconstruction technique on a plaster head model made in proportion to the patient's head. In addition, a sagittal bandeau was used to achieve stability and bilateral symmetry of the remodeled cranial vault. Each patient underwent follow-up for 6-32 months. RESULTS: Medium-pressure ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery or shunt revision procedures were performed in each patient for treating hydrocephalus, and all patients underwent total cranial vault remodeling to reduce the cranial cavity space. Three of the 5 patients underwent a single-stage surgery, while the other 2 patients underwent total cranial vault remodeling in the first stage and the ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation 2 weeks later because of unrecovered hydrocephalus. All patients had good outcome with regard to hydrocephalus and macrocephaly. CONCLUSIONS: There are still no standard surgical strategies for the treatment of hydrocephalic macrocephaly. Based on their experience, the authors suggest using a computer imaging system to simulate a patient's postoperative head appearance and bone reconstruction together with total cranial vault remodeling with shunt surgery in a single-stage or 2-stage procedure for the successful treatment of hydrocephalic macrocephaly.

Chikungunya emergency in China: microevolution and genetic analysis for a local outbreak.

A small-scale local chikungunya outbreak occurred in a Guangdong village of southern China in October 2010. The five chikungunya viruses (CHIKV) isolated from the epidemic and three other imported cases obtained from the same period were sequenced and analyzed for phylogenesis. The results demonstrated that all of the eight sequences were clustered in the Eastern, Central, Southern, and African group. However, the local strains and imported isolates showed different sequence variations. A226V in E1 gene and V264A in E2 gene were detected in all three imported isolates, the unique substitutions S250P in E1 gene and H313Y in E2 genes could be observed in four of the five local strains. These significant variations might be some of the causes for the outbreak. It would be an important event for CHIKV to have mutated adaption to the local mosquitoes in China, Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti.

Adaptive fast marching method for automatic liver segmentation from CT images.

PURPOSE: Liver segmentation is a fundamental step in computer-aided liver disease diagnosis and surgery planning. For the sake of high accuracy and efficiency, in this study, the authors present an automatic seed point selection method and an adaptive fast marching method (FMM) for liver segmentation. METHODS: The automatic seed point selection method is according to the structure and intensity characteristics of liver. The proposed adaptive FMM is self-adaptive parameter adjustment. The arrival time parameter T in FMM is adjusted according to the intensity statistics of the possible liver region, which can be used to estimate the size of liver region on the corresponding computed tomography (CT) slices. The proposed algorithm consists of the following steps. First, a thresholding operation was applied to remove the ribs, spines, and kidneys, followed by a smooth filter for noise reduction and a nonlinear gray scale converter, which was used to enhance the contrast of the liver parenchyma. Second, the seed points located in the liver were selected automatically. Finally, using the processed image as a speed function, adaptive FMM was employed to generate the liver contour. RESULTS: Clinical validation has been performed on 30 abdominal CT data-sets. The proposed algorithm achieved an overall true positive rate of 98.7%, false negative rate of 1.6%, false positive rate of 5.2%, and the DICE coefficient of 96.7%. It takes about 0.30s for a 512 × 512-pixel slice. CONCLUSIONS: The method has been applied successfully to achieve fast and accurate liver segmentation.

Effect of leptin receptor mutation on the development of chronic bronchitis.

To investigate the effect of serum leptin level and leptin receptor (Lepr) genetic mutation on chronic bronchitis, we measured the serum leptin levels of 236 patients with chronic bronchitis and 107 healthy controls by ELISA, the genotype distribution of Lepr gene containing Gln223Arg polymorphic sites by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method, the levels of inflammatory markers in serum, and the concentration of neutrophils. We found that the GG genotype distribution and G gene frequency of Lepr gene Gln223Arg site of the patient group were higher than that in the control group. The serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and neutrophil granulocyte levels of the patient group were higher than those of the control group. But the leptin concentrations of those with GG genotype were lower than those with AA+AG genotype (P < .05). The mutation of Lepr gene Gln223Arg site may not directly influence the leptin level but could possibly advance the disease through inhibiting the biological effect of leptin.

Effect of the Haoqinqingdan decoction on damp-heat syndrome in rats with influenza viral pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Chinese medicine prescription-Haoqinqingdan decoction on damp-heat syndrome in rats with influenza viral pneumonia and its influence on the immune function. METHODS: A total of 48 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, the damp-heat syndrome model group, the Haoqinqingdan decoction group (high, medium and low dose group) and the ribavirin group. The body temperature and weight of rats in each group were recorded after modeling. After treatment for 6 d, the concentration of T lymphocyte subgroup (CD3(+)CD4(+), CD3(+)CD8(+)) was determined by flow cytometry. The OD value of IFN-γ/IL-4 was detected by double-antibody sandwich ELISA method, and its concentration was acquired through conversion. RESULTS: After modeling, the temperature and weight of rats in each modeling group showed the increasing trend (P<0.01). From the second day of treatment, there was significant difference in the body mass between groups, and the rat weight of the control group was higher than in the modeling group (P<0.05 or 0.01). With the advances of treatment, only the temperature in the medium and high dose Haoqinqingdan decoction groups declined significantly (P<0.05). After treatment, the CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio of the damp-heat syndrome model group decreased more significantly compared with the control group. Elevated CD3(+) CD8(+) percentages and declined CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratios can be observed in the low dose group and ribavirin group (P<0.05). Moreover, the CD3(+) CD4(+) percentage of ribavirin group was lower than in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the IFN-γ and IFN-γ/ IL-4 levels in the peripheral blood of rats in the damp-heat syndrome group were obviously higher than in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with ribavirin, the high dose Haoqinqingdan decoction can improve the ratio of T lymphocyte subgroup and Th1/Th2 cell balance more effectively.

Rapid identification of Chikungunya and Dengue virus by a real-time reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification method.

Both Chikungunya and Dengue virus belong to the acute arthropod-borne viruses. Because of the lack of specific symptoms, it is difficult to distinguish the two infections based on clinical manifestations. To identify and quantitatively detect Chikungunya and Dengue viruses, a real-time accelerated reverse-transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) platform was developed, and 26-confirmed RNA samples, 42 suspects, and 18 healthy serum samples were evaluated by the method. The RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cDNA sequencing were used as references. The results showed that it could identify the Chikungunya and Dengue virus RNA correctly in all antibody-positive samples within 1 hour, without any cross-reactions. The virus load of the positive samples was quantitatively detected with a turbidimeter. The sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 95.25%. The findings indicate that the RT-LAMP is an effective method for rapid quantity detection of Chikungunya virus and Dengue virus in serum samples with convenient operation, high specificity, and high sensitivity.