婴儿巨细胞病毒感染与自然杀伤细胞C型凝集素受体的表达

目的 探讨自然杀伤(NK)细胞C型凝集素受体表达与婴儿人巨细胞病毒(HCMV)感染的关系.方法 2006年1月至2008年6月HCMV感染患儿79例和母乳性黄疸对照患儿39例.根据外周血中性粒细胞pp65抗原血症结果,分为活动性HCMV感染组48例和非活动性HCMV感染组31例,并对活动性HCMV感染组的48例婴儿进行更昔洛韦治疗2周.应用流式细胞术检测外周血NK细胞C型凝集素受体NKG2A、NKG2C、NKG2D表达.三组数据比较采用Kruskal-Wallis独立样本非参数检验,两组之间比较采用Mann-Whiteney配对样本非参数检验.结果 NK细胞抑制性受体NKG2A表达在活动性HCMV感染组、非活动性HCMV感染组和对照组之间差异无统计学意义(x2=3.95,P＞0.05);NK细胞活化性受体NKG2C、NKG2D表达在活动性HCMV感染组、非活动性HCMV感染组和对照组之间差异有统计学意义(x2=24.91,P＜0.01;x2=47.80,P＜0.01).NK细胞活化性受体NKG2C、NKG2D表达在HCMV感染组较对照组明显升高(Z=-4.72,P＜0.01;Z=-5.15,P＜0.01).NK细胞活化性受体NKG2D表达在活动性HCMV感染组较非活动性HCMV感染组明显升高(Z=-5.08,P＜0.01).更昔洛韦治疗后NK细胞活化性受体NKG2D表达降低(Z=-1.34,P=0.07).结论 在调节NK细胞功能和婴儿抗HCMV免疫方面,NKG2C和NKG2D表达可能起重要作用.     

急性乙型肝炎患者特异性核心抗原细胞毒性T淋巴细胞频率的变化及其意义

目的 动态观察急性乙型肝炎(AHB)患者外周血HBcAg18-27表位特异性细胞毒性T淋巴细胞(CTL)、血清ALT、HBV DNA、HBsAg和淋巴细胞亚群的变化,探讨HBV特异性CTL频率的消长在病毒清除以及肝脏损伤中的作用.方法 分别选取AHB、慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者外周血,根据人类白细胞抗原(HLA)-A0201结果分为两组:HLA-A0201阳性患者作为HBV特异性CTL检测组、HLA-A0201阴性患者作为特异性抗原表位对照组.用HLA-A0201限制性表位HBcAg18-27五聚体复合物通过流式细胞技术,动态定量检测外周血中HBV特异性CTL频率和T、B淋巴细胞与自然杀伤细胞(NK)和NKT淋巴细胞;以速率法检测血清ALT水平;荧光定量PCR检测HBV DNA水平; Abbott微粒子化学发光技术检测HBV血清学标志物.计量资料采用均数±标准差((x)±s)表示或中位数(P25-P75)描述,组间比较采用方差分析或非参数检验(KruskalWallis检验和Mann-Whitney U检验);两种计量指标的关系采用Pearson相关分析.结果 AHB患者入院第1、2、3周外周血HBcAg表位特异性CTL频率分别为2.11%(0.20%～3.64%)、3.56%(1.05%～5.91%)、2.03%(0.33%～3.58%),高于入院第4、5、6周的0.99%(0.12%～2.16%)、0.29%(0.05%～0.76%)、0.39%(0.05%～0.46%),也显著高于CHB的0.11%(0.06%～0.29%),z值分别为-3.258,-4.041,-3.259,P值均＜0.01.AHB患者HBcAg表位特异性CTL峰值延迟于血清HBV DNA、HBsAg和ALT等指标的峰值;在AHB患者中,HBcAg表位特异性CTL高频率患者的血清HBsAg消失时间早于CTL频率较低的患者[(1.75±1.04)周与(4.33±3.51)周,t=-2.018,P＜0.05].CD3+CD8+T淋巴细胞频率的峰值出现在入院后第2周,并与HBcAg表位特异性CTL峰值相重叠,两者动态变化规律呈相关性(r=0.420,P＜0.01).AHB患者早期外周血NK、NKT淋巴细胞数量显著低于正常对照组和CHB患者,但随着病情好转而逐渐恢复,AHB患者外周血NK细胞数量变化与HBcAg特异性CTL动态变化呈负相关(r=-0.435,P＜0.01).结论 急性HBV感染者高频率的HBcAg表位特异性CTL与HBsAg的更早消失有密切关系,动态监测外周血中HBcAg特异性CTL频率变化,可以作为预测HBV感染后临床转归的参考指标;AHB患者外周血CD8+T淋巴细胞数量的变化,可以间接反应AHB患者体内HBcAg特异性CTL频率的改变.

Abstract：

Objective This report aims to investigate the dynamical changes of HBcAg18-27 epitope specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CTL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HBV DNA and HBsAg in peripheral blood of acute hepatitis B patients, and to explore the roles of HBcAg18-27-specific CTLs in virus clearance and liver injury. Methods Acute hepatitis B (AHB) and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients were divided into two groups according to results of HLA-A0201. Patients with positive HLA-A0201 were classified into HBcAg-specific CTL group and those with negative HLA-A0201 were referred as control group.The specific CTLs were stained with HLA-A0201 limited HBcAg18-27 epitope MHC-Pentamer and the frequencies of CTLs, T, B, NK and NKT cells were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The serum ALT, HBV DNA and HBsAg were examined using speed analysis, quantitative PCR and abbott chemiluminescent technology. Results The frequencies of HBcAg18-27-specific CTLs in AHB patients were higher in the early three weeks as compared to the late three weeks. The apex time of HBV-specific CTL frequencies lagged behind those of HBV DNA, HBsAg and ALT. The loss of HBsAg in patients with high frequencies of HBVspecific CTL was earlier than that in patients with low frequencies (t = 2.018, P ＜ 0.05). In the second week the peak frequencies of CD3+CD8+ cells overlapped with that of HBcAg18-27-specific CTLs and with a positive correlation between (r = 0.420, P ＜ 0.05). During the early stages of AHB, the frequencies of NK and NKT cells were found significantly lower than that of control group and CHB group and the levels were back to normal after recovery. Moreover, a negative correlation existed between the frequencies of NK cells and the dynamic changes of HBcAg18-27-specific CTLs (r = -0.435, P ＜ 0.01) in AHB group. The frequencies of HBcAg18-27-specific CTLs were significantly higher as compared to CHB group in the first three weeks (z = -3.258, -4.04, and -3.259, P ＜ 0.01). Conclusion The early loss of HBsAg was closely related to the high frequencies of HBcAg18-27 specific CTLs in AHB patients. HBcAg-specific CTL frequencies in peripheral blood could be used to predict clinical outcome after HBV infection. The frequencie of CD8+ T cells can reflect the changes of frequencies of HBcAg-specific CTL. during acute HBV infection.     

乙型肝炎病毒感染不同阶段患者外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的测定

目的 测定HBV感染不同阶段患者外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞(Treg)的频率及标记分子,并分析其与临床指标的相关性.方法 采集79例慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)、12例急性乙型肝炎(AHB)患者、26例无症状HBV携带者(ASC)和20例健康对照的外周血,流式细胞仪分析Treg频率、Treg细胞表面和胞内特征性分子的表达.普通RT-PCR和相对荧光定量PCR测定叉头/翼状转录因子3(Foxp3)在CD25+Treg细胞的表达水平.所有患者及健康对照均经ELISA检测HBV血清标记物水平,实时荧光定量PCR测定血清HBV DNA载量,并进行肝功能检测.结果 总CD4+CD25+T细胞占外周血CD4+T细胞的比率,在各患者组和健康对照组之间差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).HBeAg阳性CHB组CD4+CD25高表达T细胞频率(3.42%±0.81%)与HBeAg阴性CHB组(3.19%±0.67%)、ASC组(3.05%±0.64%)比较,差异无统计学意义(均P＞0.05),但明显高于健康对照组(2.72%±0.71%,P=0.034)和AHB组(2.25%±0.54%,P=0.013).CD4+CD25高表达T细胞表面高表达CD45RO、CD25分子,低表达CD45RA,细胞内高表达细胞毒性T淋巴细胞相关抗原-4(CTLA-4)和Foxp3.各患者组及健康对照组Treg中Foxp3表达水平的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).CHB组患者的Treg频率与血清病毒载量呈正相关(r=0.48,P=0.018).结论 Treg可能通过抑制T细胞免疫应答反应而影响病毒清除,并与CHB患者的持续感染密切相关.     

百合逍遥散治疗慢性乙型肝炎伴抑郁患者的效果观察

目的观察百合逍遥散对慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)伴抑郁患者的临床疗效并从内分泌、免疫功能探讨其作用机理。方法收集2013年9月~(-2)015年2月于浙江省中西医结合医院就诊的CHB患者120例,根据汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD)分为CHB伴抑郁组(n=80)和CHB非抑郁组(n=40),观察CHB抑郁组与非抑郁组皮质醇(Cor)、白细胞介素(IL)2、自然杀伤细胞(NK细胞)的差异。同时将80例抑郁组随机分为对照组与治疗组每组各40例,对照组予恩替卡韦治疗12周,治疗组予恩替卡韦加百合逍遥散治疗12周,观察百合逍遥散对CHB伴抑郁患者肝功能(ALT、AST)、HBV DNA、HAMD分值、Cor、免疫功能(IL~(-2)、NK细胞)的影响。计量资料多组间比较采用方差分析,2组间比较采用t检验,计数资料组间比较采用χ~2检验,并作相关分析。结果 CHB伴抑郁患者Cor明显高于不伴抑郁者(P0.01),IL~(-2)、NK细胞明显低于不伴抑郁患者(P值均0.01),且Cor与IL~(-2)呈负相关(r=-0.786,P0.01),与NK细胞亦呈负相关(r=-0.681,P0.01)。百合逍遥散治疗12周后治疗组HAMD分值、Cor、ALT、AST均低于对照组(P0.01),同时,治疗组IL~(-2)、NK细胞均高于对照组(P值均0.01),HBV DNA阴转率亦高于对照组(P0.05)。结论 CHB患者情绪抑郁时体内内分泌系统紊乱,血清Cor升高,IL~(-2)水平降低,NK细胞比例减少。百合逍遥散能改善CHB患者的抑郁情绪,降低Cor水平,提高机体的免疫功能,改善肝功能,提高HBV DNA阴转率,其联合抗病毒治疗能够提高CHB的临床疗效。     

乙型肝炎患者外周血病毒特异性CD8阳性细胞毒性T淋巴细胞的数量和功能分析

目的 分析急性乙型肝炎(AHB)和慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者外周血中乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)特异性细胞毒性T淋巴细胞( CTL)的数量及功能.方法 36例HLA-A2阳性的乙型肝炎患者,其中AHB 12例,CHB 24例.分别用含HBV抗原C、S和P区的c18-27、s183-191和p575-583三个肽段的四聚体[Tetramer (Tc 18-27、Ts183-191、Tp 575-583)]检测患者外周血单核淋巴细胞(PBMCs)中HBV特异性CD8阳性CTL细胞的数量,同时用酶联免疫斑点法(EHSPOT)检测其分泌IFN-γ的功能.用SPSS 13.0进行统计学分析.结果 AHB和CHB患者外周血中Tc18-27特异性的CTL数量无明显不同;而Ts 183-191特异性CTL的平均值分别为0.24％±0.39％和0.03％±0.02％,阳性率分别为75％和33.3％;Tp575-583特异性CTL平均值分别为0.08％±0.09％和0.02％±0.01％,阳性率分别为50％和16.7％,AHB较CHB显著升高(P＜0.05).此外,AHB患者平均Tetramer阳性的个数为1.58个,而CHB患者平均为0.67个,AHB较CHB显著增多(P＜0.01).在9例AHB患者中,其外周血Ts183-191特异性的CTL细胞的数量为139～21 735个/106 PBMCs,用ELISPOT方法检测相对应的分泌IFN-γ的斑点形成细胞(SFC)为0～252个/106 PBMCs,AHB患者Tetramer细胞数和ELISPOT检测的IFN-γ斑点数有明显相关性(P＜0.01),而CHB患者则无此相关性.结论 AHB与CHB患者外周血中HBV特异性CTL的数量和分泌IFN-γ的差异提示CTL可能在清除病毒方面发挥着至关重要的作用,是今后慢性乙型肝炎免疫治疗的重要研究方向之一.     

HBeAg导致慢性乙型肝炎患者外周血Th1/Th2型细胞因子失衡

目的 探讨HBeAg对慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)功能的调节作用. 方法 以重组的HBeAg体外刺激CHB患者和健康志愿者的PBMC,用流式细胞术和酶联免疫吸附试验法检测其刺激前后Th1/Th2型细胞因子的变化情况,并观察HBeAg对CHB患者PBMC表面细胞程序性死亡受体(PD)1及其配体(PD-L)1表达的影响.两组间资料比较采用独立样本t检验; PD-1/PD-L1表达水平与HBV DNA拷贝数的相关性采用Spearman相关分析.结果 HBeAg刺激后可使HBeAg阴性CHB患者和健康志愿者CD3+CD4+T淋巴细胞内干扰素(IFN)γ表达水平(0.17％±0.08％与0.17％±0.04％)明显低于未刺激组(0.30％±0.16％与0.32％±0.12％),t值分别为-2.382和-4.190,P值均＜0.01;培养上清液中白细胞介素(IL)-6、IL-10和肿瘤坏死因子α含量明显高于未刺激组(HBeAg阴性CHB患者的t值分别为2.504,3.583和4.324,健康志愿者t值分别为3.542,6.246和5.273,P值均＜0.01).HBeAg刺激PBMC后,HBeAg阴性CHB患者和健康志愿者CD14+细胞表面PD-L1表达水平分别为13.02％±4.98％和3.10％±2.47％,明显高于未刺激组的5.89％±1.56％和0.97％±0.83％,t值分别为4.815和3.454,P值均＜0.05.基础状态下在HBeAg阳性CHB患者外周血中,CD3+CD4+T淋巴细胞内IFNγ表达水平为0.23％±0.09％,明显低于HBeAg阴性CHB患者和健康志愿者的0.34％±0.15％和0.35％±0.09％(t=-3.177,P＜0.01 ; t=-4.541,P＜0.01);而IL-4表达水平为0.39％±0.16％,明显高于HBeAg阴性CHB患者和健康志愿者的0.26％±0.12％和0.23％±0.12％,t值分别为3.382和4.393,P值均＜0.01.基础状态下在HBeAg阳性CHB患者外周血中,CDB+T淋巴细胞表面PD-1和PD-L1表达水平明显高于HBeAg阴性CHB患者及健康志愿者(P值均＜ 0.01),CD14+T淋巴细胞表面PD-L1表达水平显著高于HBeAg阴性患者和健康志愿者,t值分别为5.092和5.473,P值均＜0.01 ; HBeAg阴性CHB患者外周血中CD3+T淋巴细胞表面PD-L1表达水平明显高于健康志愿者(t=3.214,P＜0.01).结论 HBeAg可以明显抑制Th1型细胞因子IFN γ的产生,促进Th2型细胞因子IL-6和IL-10分泌,上调外周血PBMC表面PD-1/PD-L1的表达,从而有利于形成对HBV感染的免疫耐受.因此,HBeAg可能是造成慢性HBV感染者体内免疫耐受的重要因素之一.     

慢性乙型重型肝炎患者外周血树突状细胞核因子-κB及其激活因子的表达及意义

目的 探讨慢性乙型重型肝炎(CSHB)患者外周血单个核细胞衍生的树突状细胞核因子(NF)-κB、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)α、白细胞介素(IL)-6与疾病严重程度及预后的相关性.方法 采集37例CSHB患者、20例慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者和20例健康对照者的外周血,分为CSHB组、CHB组与对照组并分别用密度梯度离心法分离外周血单个核细胞,用免疫磁珠细胞分选法获得纯化的单核细胞,体外培养6 d为未成熟的树突状细胞,用聚肌胞刺激48 h为成熟的树突状细胞(mDC).用实时定量PCR检测mDC NF-κB p50表达;用酶联免疫吸附试验测定培养mDC上清液中TNF α、IL-6的分泌水平.两组间比较采用t检验,3组间比较采用One-Way ANOVA分析法,相关分析采用直线相关分析法.结果 3组研究对象mDC表达NF-κB p50,表达量CSHB组为2.63±0.94、CHB组为2.03±0.39、对照组为1.41±0.40,3组比较,F=19.01,P<0.01,差异有统计学意义.mDC分泌TNF α,CSHB组、CHB组、对照组分别为(15 317.69±4124.90)pg/ml、(9670.29±3654.68)pg/ml、(6547.43±1027.20)pg/ml,3组比较,F=45.77,P<0.01,差异有统计学意义; IL-6分泌量分别为(1423.78±375.14)pg/ml、(862.68±93.68)pg/ml、(567.26±167.04)pg/ml,3组比较,F=67.60,P<0.01,差异有统计学意义.3组研究对象mDCNF-κB p50表达与TNF α、IL-6水平呈正相关(r=0.52,P<0.01;r=0.65,P<0.01).CSHB组mDC表达TNF α、IL-6与凝血酶原活动度呈负相关(r=-0.41,P=0.01;r=-0.40,P=0.01),与ALT、总胆红素、HBV DNA无相关性(r=-0.03,P=0.85,r=0.01,P=0.93,r=0.01,P=0.95;r=-0.09,P=0.58,r=0.16,P=0.34,r=0.09,P=0.59).CSHB 存活组与死亡组mDC表达TNF α、IL-6差异无统计学意义(t=0.42,P=0.67;t=0.76,P=0.45).结论 CSHB患者树突状细胞衍生的NF-κB及其激活产物TNF α、IL-6表达增加,可能与CSHB疾病严重程度相关.     

Th17细胞在慢性乙型肝炎及其重症化中的变化

目的 探讨Th17细胞在慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)及其重症化中的变化.方法 收集CHB患者32例(CHB组)、HBV相关慢加急性肝功能衰竭(ACLF)患者44例(ACLF组)及健康对照者20名(健康对照组).应用流式细胞术检测外周血Th17细胞频率,实时荧光定量PCR检测外周血单个核细胞( PBMC)中IL-17 mRNA表达,免疫组织化学检测肝组织内IL-17+细胞表达,ELISA检测血清IL-17水平,并动态观察不同预后ACLF患者血清IL-17水平变化趋势.正态分布数据采用方差分析,非正态数据采用Kruskal-Wallis H检验或U检验.结果 CHB、ACLF和健康对照组外周血PBMC中Th17细胞频率分别为(1.47±0.60)％、(3.20±1.08)％和(0.86±0.43)％;IL-17mRNA分别为4.32±1.77、18.32±8.21和1.00;肝组织内IL-17+细胞分别为(10.6±4.8)、(21.1±6.6)和(0.5±0.2)/高倍视野;血清IL-17分别为(15.88±6.51)、(35.03±11.54)和(10.04±4.06)ng/L(均P＜0.05).中晚期ACLF患者外周血Th17细胞频率和血清IL-17水平均高于早期ACLF患者(均P＜o.01).ACLF患者外周血Th17细胞频率与国际标准化比值(r=0.44.P＜0.01)和终末期肝病模型评分(r=0.44,P＜0.01)均呈正相关,丽CHB患者外周血Th17细胞频率与ALT水平呈正相关(r=0.51,P＜0.01).另外,ACLF存活患者血清IL-17基线水平低于死亡患者,且经内科治疗后逐渐下降,而死亡患者逐渐升高.结论 Th17细胞与其分泌的细胞因子IL-17可能促进了CHB肝脏损伤及其HBV相关ACLF的发生和发展,并且其水平越高可能预示患者短期预后越差.     

慢性乙型肝炎患者树突状细胞诱导的HBV特异性细胞毒性T淋巴细胞PD-1的表达

目的 探讨慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者树突状细胞(DC)诱导的HBV特异性细胞毒性T细胞(CTL)表面程序性死亡受体1(PD-1)的表达情况及其与HBV DNA的关系.方法 采集30例CHB患者和10例健康人的抗凝外周静脉血,分离外周血单个核细胞(PBMC),在白细胞介素(IL)-4和粒-巨噬细胞集落刺激因子(GM-CSF)的作用下培养使DC增殖、成熟,培养第4d加入纯化的HBsAg进行冲击.采同一患者外周血,分离出自体T淋巴细胞,用含重组人白细胞介素(rhIL)-2的培养基维持T细胞的生长,培养第5d与HBsAg冲击的DC共培养.以流式细胞技术检测CTL的PD-1表达,并分析PD-1表达水平与HBV DNA的关系.结果 与健康对照组比较,CHB组DC诱导的HBV特异CTL的PD-1的表达明显升高(P=0.000).且HBeAg阳性组PD-1的表达率较HBeAg阴性组明显升高(P=0.000).CHB患者DC诱导的HBV特异性CTL的PD-1表达率与血清HBV DNA拷贝数的对数值呈正相关(r=0.53,P=0.008).结论 CHB患者DC诱导的HBV特异性CTL高表达PD-1分子,为HBV慢性感染过程中CTL功能低下,病毒难以清除提供了另一条重要线索.     

慢性乙型肝炎患者血清HBV DNA水平与外周血T淋巴细胞和NK细胞计数的关系

目的探讨CHB患者血清HBV DNA水平与NK细胞、Th1和Th2细胞的关系。方法在140例HBV DNA和HBeAg阳性CHB患者,采用实时荧光定量PCR法检测血清HBV DNA;采用流式细胞术检测NK细胞、Th1和Th2细胞。结果根据血清HBV DNA水平,将140例CHB患者分为HBV DNA低水平组(4.9±0.4lgcopies/ml)和高水平组(6.8±0.4lgcopies/ml),结果前者NK细胞(14.6±3.5%)和Th1细胞(30.7±6.2%)高于HBV DNA高水平组(分别为10.0±3.7%和28.2±5.3%t,=6.99t,=4.66,P0.001),ALT(295.4±166.0U/L)和TBIL水平低于高水平组(P0.01)。结论 CHB患者血清HBV DNA水平与NK细胞和Th1细胞计数有关,并可能因此影响抗病毒治疗的疗效。     

严重脓毒症早期性激素水平与器官损伤的相关性及对预后的影响

目的:探讨严重脓毒症患者早期血清性激素水平与器官损伤之间的相关性及对预后的影响。方法:回顾性分析53例男性严重脓毒症患者的临床资料,收集患者72 h内血清睾酮(T)、雌二醇(E2)和催乳素(PRL)水平,并进行Marshall和APACHEⅡ评分,4周后根据存活情况分为存活组和死亡组,另外选择同期20例男性健康体检者作为对照组。结果:存活组32例,死亡组21例;存活组的血清T低于死亡组和对照组(均P0.01),血清E2和PRL水平高于死亡组和对照组(均P0.05),Marshall和APACHEⅡ评分均低于死亡组(均P0.01);死亡组血清E2显著低于对照组(P0.01),血清T和PRL与对照组无显著差异(P0.05),但呈降低趋势;生存组和死亡组Marshall评分与血清T呈正相关(r=0.637),与血清E2和PRL呈负相关(r分别为-0.732和-0.654,均P0.05)。结论:严重脓毒症早期患者血清T、E2和PRL水平与器官功能的损伤程度密切相关,血清高E2、PRL和低T水平可能具有保护器官的作用。     

A Stereological Study of the Effects of the Pineal Gland on the Ventral Prostate of the Rat

Several procedures known to influence pineal gland secretion were studied for their effects on the ventral prostate of rats. Stereological measurements were made of volume fractions of acini and glandular epithelium, surface fractions of glandular epithelium, and length fractions of acini. From these figures and the weights of the glands, the volumes, surface areas, and lengths of these features were calculated, as well as the mean epithelial heights, mean acinar diameters, and mean distances between glandular acini. None of these measurements differed in sham-operated controls, pinealectomized, or blinded rats. In blind-anosmic rats, however, there were significant decreases in the weights of the prostates and the volumes of the acini, reflecting significant decreases in the mean diameters of acini. None of the other parameters differed from those of controls, except the length fraction of acini. These results differ from those described by others following castration in rats, indicating that the action of the pineal gland on the ventral prostate may be different from that of androgen deprivation, in this species. Caution should therefore be exercised in the interpretation of the results of experiments in which prostate weights are used as indications of the actions of pineal hormones on the neuroendocrine-gonadal axis.     

Advanced Evaluation of the Freeze–Thaw Damage of Concrete Based on the Fracture Tests

This paper presents the results of an experimental program aimed at the assessment of the freeze–thaw (F–T) resistance of concrete based on the evaluation of fracture tests accompanied by acoustic emission measurements. Two concretes of similar mechanical characteristics were manufactured for the experiment. The main difference between the C1 and C2 concrete was in the total number of air voids and in the A300 parameter, where both parameters were higher for C1 by about 35% and 52%, respectively. The evaluation of the fracture characteristics was performed on the basis of experimentally recorded load–deflection and load–crack mouth opening displacement diagrams using two different approaches: linear fracture mechanics completed with the effective crack model and the double-K model. The results show that both approaches gave similar results, especially if the nonlinear behavior before the peak load was considered. According to the results, it can be stated that continuous AE measurement is beneficial for the assessment of the extent of concrete deterioration, and it suitably supplements the fracture test evaluation. A comparison of the results of fracture tests with the resonance method and splitting tensile strength test shows that all testing methods led to the same conclusion, i.e., the C1 concrete was more F–T-resistant than C2. However, the fracture test evaluation provided more detailed information about the internal structure deterioration due to the F–T exposure.     

The effect of antioxidants on the rejection of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis

The effect of the antioxidants, butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) and vitamin E, on the rejection of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis from the small intestine of the rat was investigated. Worm expulsion was inhibited by BHA. Malonyldialdehyde production in the small intestines and free radical generation by peritoneal leucocytes from infected rats were also inhibited by BHA. Vitamin E, although inhibiting malonyldialdehyde production, did not prevent worm expulsion. Significantly, vitamin E was much less effective than BHA at reducing free radical generation by rat leucocytes in response to N. brasiliensis.     

Effect of ammonium ion on the hydrophobic and barrier properties of the gastric mucus gel layer: Implications on the role of ammonium in H. pylori-induced gastritis

Abstract Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is associated with both the development of gastritis and an attenuation in the hydrophobic properties of the stomach. In order to better understand the effect of ammonium, one of the major products of H. pylori urease on these properties, a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments was performed. In the in vivo studies rats were intragastrically administered NH⁴Cl alone and in combination with the mucolytic agent, Muco-Mist, in various dosing strategies and concentrations. It was determined that the intragastric administration of four consecutive doses of a NH₄Cl/Muco-Mist mixture (20 mmol/L/5%) was capable of converting the stomach from a hydrophobic to hydrophilic state as determined by contact angle analysis. Further, the treated rats became more susceptible to the injurious effect of luminal acid as determined by measuring the haemoglobin concentration of a collected gastric perfusate. In the in vitro studies it was determined that exposure of the hydrophobic surface of a synthetic mucus gel layer to increasing concentrations of NH₄Cl (0–20 mmol/L) resulted in a rapid transition to a hydrophilic state and an associated increase in the flux of H⁺ across its surface.
Helicobacter pylori may induce an attenuation in both mucosal hydrophobicity and barrier properties by producing high concentrations of NH⁺₄ in the mucus gel layer. The molecular mechanism of this action may be related to the chemical similarities of NH⁺₄ and choline-based phospholipids which contribute to the stomach's hydophobic surface.     

A review on the effect of the photoperiod and melatonin on interactions between ghrelin and serotonin

Ghrelin and serotonin, which exhibit rhythmic secretion profiles under feeding/fasting conditions, are sensitive to increases and decreases in the day length and form a close web of interrelationships in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Ghrelin and serotonin are biochemically and functionally linked to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which is a circadian pacemaker, and melatonin, which is an internal transducer of photic environmental changes. Ghrelin and serotonin might be candidates for integrating photic and nonphotic signals, such as light and food availability in the central nervous system. The mechanisms that convert a light signal into a variety of physiological and behavioral rhythms remain unknown. However, we know that the conversion of light signals is necessary to maximize an animal’s chances of survival and reproduction.     

江苏省苏南地区家犬感染棘球绦虫现状调查与分析

目的  掌握江苏省苏南地区包虫病流行情况,制订有效的防治策略和措施。 方法  选择本省近几年来有包虫病病例的宜兴溧阳2市的病例所在镇或村,收集这些镇村所有犬的粪便标本进行粪抗原检测,并对抗原阳性粪样进行镜检或犬进行药物导泻查找病原体;同时调查和走访当地猪、羊屠宰场,对相关人员进行问卷调查。 结果  共查犬粪791份,阳性12份,阳性率1.52％;未发现棘球绦虫虫卵或成虫。 结论  尚不能进一步证明疑似本地发生的包虫病病例为本地感染病例,需继续做好包虫病的调查和监测工作。