Effect of praziquantel prolonged administration on granuloma formation around Schistosoma japonicum eggs in lung of sensitized mice

Schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem and it is an immune disease. The schistosome egg is the primary parasite factor responsible for the overt disease. The eggs release the soluble antigen, which induces intensive tissue reaction, a granulomatous reaction to the eggs. If granuloma formation could be suppressed, overt disease might not develop. Praziquantel is an effective antischistosomal drug especially for adult worms. However, whether praziquantel has a suppressing effect on granuloma formation around schistosome eggs directly remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of praziquantel, especially administered persistently, on granuloma formation around Schistosoma japonicum eggs in the lung of sensitized mice. Thirty-six mice were divided into three groups averagely. Group A was a control group. First, the mice were injected with schistosomal eggs hypodermically in abdomen, and 10 days later injected with schistosomal eggs intravenously via a tail vein. Group B was a praziquantel short administration group. In addition to the injections of schistosomal eggs as the same of Group A, the mice were administered with praziquantel in a daily dose of 300 mg/kg for 3 days, from 1 day before the intravenous injection of the eggs. Group C was a praziquantel prolonged administration group. In addition to the injections of schistosomal eggs as the same of Group A, the mice were administered with praziquantel in a daily dose of 150 mg/kg for 5 days weekly until the mice were sacrificed. Three mice of each group were sacrificed on days 7, 14, 28, and 56, respectively after the intravenous injection of the eggs, and the lung tissues were fixed with formalin and the slices were HE stained. The granulomas containing eggs in their centers were selected, and 25–30 granulomas from the animals of each group were measured at each time period. The mean areas of egg granulomas of each group were calculated, and the neutrophilic granulocytes, eosinocytes, lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and macrophages within the egg granulomas were counted. The mean numbers of them of each group were calculated. All the data of each group were analyzed and compared statistically. On day 56 after the intravenous injection of the eggs, the mean area of schistosomal egg granulomas in group B was (227.4 ± 728.0) × 10³ μm², less than that of [(297.9 ± 153.3) × 10³ μm²] in group A, and the suppression rate was 23.7% (P < 0.05). On days 7, 14, 28, and 56, the mean areas of schistosomal egg granulomas in group C were (575.8 ± 155.6) × 10³ μm², (310.5 ± 854.0) × 10³ μm², (267.7 ± 513.3) × 10³ μm², and (214.9 ± 446.4) × 10³ μm², respectively, significantly less than those of [(692.7 ± 232.6) × 10³ μm², (439.4 ± 165.0) × 10³ μm², (385.7 ± 129.3) × 10³ μm², and (297.9 ± 153.3) × 10³ μm²] in group A. The suppression rates were 16.9%, 29.3%, 30.6%, and 27.9%, respectively (P values <0.05). On day 56, the mean numbers of neutrophilic granulocytes were 11.4 ± 5.0 in group A and 5.2 ± 3.1 in group C, respectively, with the suppression rate of 54.4% in group C (P < 0.05). On day 56, the mean numbers of eosinocytes within the egg granulomas were 2.3 ± 2.0, 0.1 ± 0.3, and 0.3 ± 0.6 in groups A, B, and C, respectively, with the suppression rate of 95.7% in group B and 87.0% in group C (P values <0.05). On day 56, the mean numbers of macrophages within egg granulomas were 14.3 ± 6.9 in group C, compared with 18.6 ± 8.2 in group A, the suppression rate was 23.1% (P < 0.05). On day 56, the mean numbers of fibroblasts within the egg granulomas were 6.6 ± 4.4 and 5.8 ± 2.6 in groups B and C, respectively, and compared with 14.3 ± 7.8 in group A, the increasing extents decreased by 53.8% and 59.4%, respectively (P values <0.05). Therefore, the administration of praziquantel, especially the prolonged administration, can suppress the formation of schistosomal egg granulomas, including reduction in the areas of granulomas and suppression of the inflammatory cells and the hyperplasia of fibroblasts within granulomas.     

Haematology and serum biochemistry of golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) in Iran

Haematological and serum biochemical values were estimated in blood samples collected from 21 apparently adult golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) of both sexes. The mean values of red blood cells, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cells, heterophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils were 1.63 ± 0.11 × 10¹²/l, 0.47 ± 0.009 l/l, 91.73 ± 1.52 g/l, 24.31 ± 1.97 × 10⁹/l, 4.40 ± 0.22 × 10⁹/l, 16.81 ± 0.65 × 10⁹/l, 0.99 ± 0.19 × 10⁹/l and 2.10 ± 0.30 × 10⁹/l, respectively. The leucocytes had 69.14%, 4.09%, 18.12% and 8.65% lymphocytes, monocytes, heterophils and eosinophils, respectively. The results of serum biochemistry in the golden eagle indicated that the concentrations of glucose, total protein, albumin, total globulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, phosphorous, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase were 16.42 ± 0.73 mmol/l, 49.76 ± 1.35 g/l, 20.46 ± 0.79 g/l, 29.30 ± 1.47 g/l, 2.14 ± 0.09 mmol/l, 2.04 ± 0.08 mmol/l, 457.67 ± 97.46 μmol/l, 2.74 ± 0.17 mmol/l, 53.27 ± 3.87 μmol/l, 2.37 ± 0.24 mmol/l, 1.73 ± 0.08 mmol/l, 293.24 ± 18.96 IU/l, 28.21 ± 2.36 IU/l, 411.29 ± 58.37 IU/l, 1,209.89 ± 21.73 IU/l and 67.31 ± 5.29 IU/l, respectively. There were no significant differences between haematological and serum biochemical parameters of male and female golden eagles (P > 0.05).     

Insecticidal and larvicidal activities of medicinal plant extracts against mosquitoes

In recent years, use of environment friendly and biodegradable natural insecticides of plant origin have received renewed attention as agents for vector control because they are rich in bioactive chemicals, active against a limited number of species including specific target insects, and biodegradable. The present study was carried out to evaluate the adulticidal, repellent, and larvicidal activity of crude hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of eight plants, viz. Aristolochia indica L., Cassia angustifolia Vahl, Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb., Dolichos biflorus L., Gymnema sylvestre (Retz) Schult, Justicia procumbens L., Mimosa pudica L., and Zingiber zerumbet L., were tested against adult and early fourth instar larvae of Culex gelidus Theobald and Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae). The effective adult mortality was observed in methanol extract of A. indica, ethyl acetate extract of D. biflorus, and ethyl acetate and hexane extract of Z. zerumbet against C. gelidus and C. quinquefasciatus (LD₅₀ = 37.75, 78.56, 129.44, 86.13, 80.06, 112.42, 53.83, and 46.61; LD₉₀ = 166.83, 379.14, 521.50, 289.83, 328.18, 455.72, 181.15, and 354.50 ppm, respectively). Complete protections for 150 min were found in hexane and methanol extract of A. indica and Z. zerumbet at 1,000 ppm against mosquito bites. The highest larval mortality was found in the hexane extract of Z. zerumbet, ethyl acetate extract of D. biflorus, and methanol extracts of A. indica against C. gelidus (LC₅₀ = 26.48, 33.02, and 12.47 ppm; LC₉₀ = 127.73, 128.79, and 62.33 ppm) and against C. quinquefasciatus (LC₅₀ = 69.18, 34.76, and 25.60 ppm; LC₉₀ = 324.40, 172.78, and 105.52 ppm), respectively, after 24 h. The plant extracts are potential to be used as an ideal eco-friendly approach for the control of the Japanese encephalitis vector, C. gelidus, and lymphatic filariasis vector, C. quinquefasciatus.     

Comparative activity of teicoplanin and vancomycin against 400 penicillin susceptible and resistantStreptococcus pneumoniae

The MICs of teicoplanin and vancomycin were determined for 400 penicillin-susceptible and -resistant strains ofStreptococcus pneumoniae isolated during a multicenter study in 1992. Teicoplanin displayed a four-fold better activity than vancomycin, with modal MICs of these agents being 0.06 and 0.25 µg/ml, respectively. These data warrant further studies with teicoplanin in the treatment of pneumococcal infections.J. Akli, Centre Hospitalier Général, 41016 Blois Cédex; P. Allouch, Hôpital André Mignot, 78157 Le Chesnay Cédex; C. Bébéar, Centre Hospitalier Pellegrin-Tripode, 33076 Bordeaux Cédex; P. Blondel, Centre Hospitalier Général, 93205 Saint-Denis Cédex 1; A. Boisivon, Centre Hospitalier Général, 78104 Saint-Germain en Laye; J.C. Burdin, Hôpital Central, 54035 Nancy Cédex; H. Chardon, Centre Hospitalier Général, 13616 Aix en Provence Cédex; A. Coupry, Nouvel Hôpital de Fleyrat, 01012 Bourg-en-Bresse Cédex; J.C. Croix, Centre Hospitalier Général, 10003 Troyes Cédex; G. Dorche, Hôpital Bellevue, 42043 Saint-Etienne Cédex; P. Fiévet, Centre Hospitalier, 59507 Douai Cédex; F. Geffroy, Centre Hospitalier René Laënnec, 29107 Quimper Cédex; P. Geslin, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal, 94010 Créteil; M.L. Grillot, Hôpital Général, 76083 Le Havre Cédex; B. Hautefort, Centre Hospitalier Général, 13697 Arles Cédex; M. Larrouy, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de la Côte Basque, 64109 Bayonne; H. Lefrand, Hôpital Henri Duffaut, 84902 Avignon Cédex 9; J.F. Lemeland, Hôtel-Dieu, 76000 Rouen; J.M. Libert, Centre Hospitalier Mane-Lannelongue, 92350 Le Plesssis-Robinson; A. Marmonier, Centre Hospitalier, 72037 Le Mans Cédex; M. Melon, Centre Hospitalier Général, 64011 Pau Cédex; M.H. Nicolas, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, 92104 Boulogne; J.C. Reveil, Hôpital Manchester, 08011 Charleville-Mézières Cédex; Y. Rio, Hôpital Notre Dame de Bon Secours, 57038 Metz Cédex; R. Sanchez, Hôpital Général, 24019 Périgueux Cédex; A. Sédaillan, Centre Hospitalier, 74011 Annecy Cédex, France.     

Stress augments food 'wanting' and energy intake in visceral overweight subjects in the absence of hunger

Stress may induce eating in the absence of hunger, possibly involving changes in food reward, i.e. ‘liking’ and ‘wanting’. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of acute psychological stress on food reward, and on energy intake, in visceral overweight (VO) vs. normal weight (NW) subjects. Subjects (27 NW, age = 26 ± 9 yrs, BMI = 22 ± 2 kg/m²; 15 VO, age = 36 ± 12 yrs, BMI = 28 ± 1 kg/m²) came to the university twice, fasted, for either a rest or stress condition (randomized cross-over design). Per test-session ‘liking’ and ‘wanting’ for 72 items divided in six categories (bread, filling, drinks, dessert, snacks, and stationery (control)) were measured twice, each time followed by a wanted meal. Appetite profile (visual analogue scales, VAS), heart rate, mood state and level of anxiety (POMS/STAI questionnaires) were measured.High hunger and low satiety (64 ± 19, 22 ± 20 mmVAS) confirmed the fasted state. Elevated heart rate, anger and confusion scores (p ≤ 0.03) confirmed the stress vs. rest condition. Consumption of the first meal decreased hunger, increased satiety, and decreased ranking of ‘liking’ of bread vs. increased ranking of ‘liking’ of the control (p < 0.001). ‘Wanting’ for dessert and snacks, energy intake, carbohydrate and fat intake for the second meal stress vs. rest relatively increased in VO vs. decreased in NW (p < 0.02). During stress vs. rest VO showed a 6 ± 9% increase in percentage of daily energy requirements consumed over the two meals (p = 0.01).To conclude, visceral overweight subjects showed stress-induced food intake in the absence of hunger, resulting in an increased energy intake.     

Untersuchungen an experimentell infizierten Schweinen über die Beeinflussung der Morphologie der Oozysten von Eimeria scabra (Henry, 1931) und E. polita (Pellérdy, 1949) durch Übervölkerung,Immunität und Alter des Wirts

Zusammenfassung Die Oozystengröße von 2 reinen Stämmen von E. scabra und E. polita nahm im Verlauf der Patenz, bei geringer Infektion, bei fehlender Immunität sowie bei älteren Tieren zu. Beide Eimerienarten lieferten auch einige glatte und farblose Oozysten (ohne äußere Hülle). Auf Grund eingehender morphologischer Untersuchungen wird E. cerdonis (Vetterling, 1965) als Synonym zu E. polita (Pellérdy, 1949, 1965) angesehen.

---

The influence of overcrowding, immunity, and age of host on the morphology of oocysts of eimeria scabra (henry, 1931) and E. polita (pellérdy, 1949) in experimentally infected pigs

Summary The size of the oocysts of pure strains of two Eimeria species (one strain each of E. scabra and E. polita) became larger during the course of the patent period, when the infective dose was small, in the absence of immunity, and in older hosts. Both Eimeria species also produced some smooth and colourless oocysts (without outer layer). On the basis of a thorough morphological study E. cerdonis (Vetterling, 1965) was considered to be a synonym of E. polita (Pellérdy, 1949, 1965).

     

The possible meaning of transferrin and its soluble receptors in seminal plasma as markers of the seminiferous epithelium

Transferrin (Tf) and soluble transferrin receptors (S-Tf-R)were measured by enzyme immunoassay in seminal plasma of 130semen samples. The mean concentration of S-Tf-R in cases withnormozoospermia was 10.4 IU/ml (95% confidence interval: 9.5–11.3)and it was significantly lower in patients with oligozoospermia(6.6, 95% CI: 5.8–7.5, P < 0.001), asthenozoospermia(8.5, 95% CI: 5.5–10.7, P < 0.05), azoospermia of primarytesticular origin (7.9, 95% CI: 6.1–9.6, P < 0.05)and post-vasectomy samples (5.9, 95% CI: 5.4–6.9, P<0.001). The concentration of S-Tf-R in post-vasectomy sampleswas lower than that in patients with azoospermia of primarytesticular origin (P< 0.05; positive likelihood ratio= 7at value of 8.3 IU/ml). S-Tf-R was positively correlated withmotile sperm concentration (r= 0.50, P< 0.0001), percentagemotility (r= 0.38, P< 0.001), percentage of normal forms(r = 0.43, P < 0.001), sperm linear velocity (r= 0.42, P<0.001), and ATP concentration (r= 0.67, P< 0.0001). Folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) was found to be negatively correlatedwith the concentrations of both Tf (r= -0.31, P< 0.05) andof S-Tf-R (r= -0.45, P< 0.01). The mean concentration ofTf in seminal plasma was 50.4 µg/ml (35.9–67.2)in samples with normozoospermia (n= 22), and the concentrationwas significantly lower in patients with oligozoospermia (P<0.05), azoospermia of testicular origin (P < 0.001), andpost-vasectomy samples (P< 0.001). Seminal Tf was correlatedwith motile sperm concentration (r = 0.36, P< 0.001), percentageof motile spermatozoa (r= 0.25, P < 0.05), linear velocity(r= 0.24, P< 0.05) and ATP concentration (r= 0.44, P<0.001). The concentration of Tf was positively correlated withthat of S-Tf-R both in cases with spermatozoa present (r= 0.66,P < 0.001), and in cases with azoospermia of testicular origin(r = 0.51, P < 0.05) but not in vasectomy cases. It is concludedthat S-Tf-R in seminal plasma is a marker of spermatogenesisand may give information on the presence or absence of spermatogeneticcells in cases with azoospermia. Further investigations areneeded to assess its usefulness for clinical practice.     

Ein Nomogramm für die O2-Abhängigkeit des Säure-Basen-Status im menschlichen Blut

Zusammenfassung Es wird ein neues Nomogramm für das menschliche Blut vorgelegt, das die Abhängigkeit des gesamten Säure-Basen-Status vom Oxygenationsgrad des Hämoglobins übersichtlich darstellt. Das Nomogramm soll insbesondere dazu dienen, bei Kenntnis des O₂-Druckes, des CO₂-Druckes, des pH _s -Wertes und des Hb-Gehaltes folgende Größen ohne besondere Rechnung zu ermitteln: O₂-Sättigung, aktuelles Bicarbonat, Gesamt-CO₂, Basenüberschuß, Basenüberschuß bei voller Oxygenation, Pufferbasen, Standard-Bicarbonat, Standard-pH _s . Der Gebrauch und die Aussagemöglichkeiten des Säure-Basen-Nomogramms werden erläutert.

---

Summary A new nomogram for human blood is presented, which depicts, in simple fashion, the dependence of the total acid-base status on the degree of oxygenation of the hemoglobin. When O₂ tension, CO₂ tension, pH _s value and Hb concentration are known, the nomogram is of particular use in giving the following values without special calculation: O₂ saturation, actual bicarbonate, total CO₂, base excess, base excess for complete oxygenation, buffer base, standard bicarbonate and standard pH _s . The method of using the acid-base nomogram, together with its application potential, are explained.

     

Radiological anatomy of the vascularization of cranial dural arteriovenous malformations

Summary Knowledge of the radiological anatomy of the cranial durai vascularization allows a flexible and appropriate approach to the pretherapeutic investigation of cranial durai arteriovenous malformations. The variability of the origin of these arteries requires that several possible sources of vascular supply be investigated — internal carotid, internal maxillary, ascending pharyngeal, occipital and vertebral — and that each of their meningeal branches be known in detail. Finally, familiarity with the radiological anatomy of these vessels allows one to identify on routine angiography those vessels that may be a source of risk when performing techniques of endovascular therapy (pedicles supplying the cranial nerves, internal carotid and vertebral anastomoses).Each foramen at the base and vault of the cranium contains an artery to the dura mater. Accordingly, very precise topographical study, in particular of the cavernous region, can be made.

---

Bases radio-anatomiques de la vascularisation des malformations artério-veineuses durales crâniennes

Résumé Les bases radio-anatomiques de la vascularisation durale crânienne permettent de conduire de façon flexible et adaptée à chaque cas l'étude pré-thérapeutique des MAVD crâniennes. La variabilité d'origine de ces artères impose l'exploration de plusieurs sources possibles: carotidienne interne, maxillaire interne, pharyngienne ascendante, occipitale, vertébrale, et la connaissance précise de chacune de leurs branches méningées. La visualisation en routine angiographique des vaisseaux dangereux pour les techniques thérapeutiques endovasculaires (pédicules nourriciers des nerfs crâniens, anastomoses carotidienne interne, vertébrale).Chaque orifice de la base et de la voûte du crâne contient une artère à destinée durale; on peut ainsi arriver à une étude topographique extrêmement précise, en particulier dans la région caverneuse.

     

Proton and phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the healthy human breast at 7 T

In vivo water‐ and fat‐suppressed ¹H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and ³¹P magnetic resonance adiabatic multi‐echo spectroscopic imaging were performed at 7 T in duplicate in healthy fibroglandular breast tissue of a group of eight volunteers. The transverse relaxation times of ³¹P metabolites were determined, and the reproducibility of ¹H and ³¹P MRS was investigated. The transverse relaxation times for phosphoethanolamine (PE) and phosphocholine (PC) were fitted bi‐exponentially, with an added short T₂ component of 20 ms for adenosine monophosphate, resulting in values of 199 ± 8 and 239 ± 14 ms, respectively. The transverse relaxation time for glycerophosphocholine (GPC) was also fitted bi‐exponentially, with an added short T₂ component of 20 ms for glycerophosphatidylethanolamine, which resonates at a similar frequency, resulting in a value of 177 ± 6 ms. Transverse relaxation times for inorganic phosphate, γ‐ATP and glycerophosphatidylcholine mobile phospholipid were fitted mono‐exponentially, resulting in values of 180 ± 4, 19 ± 3 and 20 ± 4 ms, respectively. Coefficients of variation for the duplicate determinations of ¹H total choline (tChol) and the ³¹P metabolites were calculated for the group of volunteers. The reproducibility of inorganic phosphate, the sum of phosphomonoesters and the sum of phosphodiesters with ³¹P MRS imaging was superior to the reproducibility of ¹H MRS for tChol. ¹H and ³¹P data were combined to calculate estimates of the absolute concentrations of PC, GPC and PE in healthy fibroglandular tissue, resulting in upper limits of 0.1, 0.1 and 0.2 mmol/kg of tissue, respectively.     

Gamete development inPlasmodium berghei regulated by ionic exchange mechanisms

Ionic regulation in the induction of exflagellation ofPlasmodium berghei was investigated by culturing the parasites in various isotonic media. Of the salts tested, NaHCO₃ exhibited the highest activity in inducing exflagellation, whereas KHCO₃ showed no activity. In the absence of HCO ₃ ^– , media containing monovalent cation (Na⁺, K⁺, Cs⁺, Rd⁺, choline⁺, lysine⁺, arginine⁺) and Cl^– also induced exflagellation, but their activities were lower than that of NaHCO₃. Anions of Br^– or NO ₃ ^– could be substituted with Cl^–, whereas other anions such as I^–, NO ₂ ^– , SO ₄ ^2– , SCN^–, H₂PO ₄ ^– , or HPO ₄ ^2– failed to induce exflagellation, as did tetramethylammonium-Cl, CaCl₂, MgSO₄, MgCl₂ and sucrose as well. These results suggest that the induction of exflagellation requires the presence of Na⁺ and HCO ₃ ^– or monovalent, membrane-permeable cation and Cl^– in the medium. Measurements of the efflux of H[¹⁴C]O ₃ ^– or Cl^– indicated that these anions were released from the cells into the NaCl or the NaHCO₃ medium, respectively, probably by exchange in HCO ₃ ^– /Cl^–. Determination of intracellular ionic concentrations by electron microscopic X-ray microanalysis of cryopreserved specimens revealed that in the NaHCO₃ medium, external Na⁺ (and probably HCO ₃ ^– ) enters the gametocytes by exchange with internal Cl^– (and probably H⁺), whereas in Cl^–-containing media, external unspecified cation and Cl^– influx by exchange, probably with H⁺ and HCO ₃ ^– . It is therefore suggested that two separate ion exchangers, i.e., Na⁺-dependent HCO ₃ ^– (in)/Cl^–(out) and nonspecific monovalent-cation-dependent Cl^–(in)/HCO ₃ ^– (out) exchangers, are involved in the induction of gametogenesis inP. berghei. Furthermore, the presence of both classes of anion in the medium enhanced exflagellation activity and increased Na⁺ uptake more than did the NaCl or NaHCO₃ medium alone. The apparent synergistic enhancement by two contraactive anion exchangers is consistent with a recycling model of pH_i regulation, in which HCO ₃ ^– and Cl^– are exchanged between the cells and the media, resulting in the acceleration of monovalent cation/H⁺ exchange.This work was supported by a Grant-in-Aid (No. 01570212) from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Japan and the Ohyama Health Foundation, Japan (to FK), and in part by the Medical Research Council, United Kingdom (to RES)     

Clinical usefulness of wave intensity analysis

Wave intensity (WI) is a hemodynamic index, which can evaluate the working condition of the heart interacting with the arterial system. It can be defined at any site in the circulatory system and provides a great deal of information. However, we need simultaneous measurements of blood pressure and velocity to obtain wave intensity, which has limited the clinical application of wave intensity, in spite of its potential. To expand the application of wave intensity in the clinical setting, we developed a real-time non-invasive measurement system for wave intensity based on a combined color Doppler and echo-tracking system. We measured carotid arterial WI in normal subjects and patients with various cardiovascular diseases. In the coronary artery disease group, the magnitude of the first peak of carotid arterial WI (W ₁) increased with LV max. dP/dt (r = 0.74, P < 0.001), and the amplitude of the second peak (W ₂) decreased with an increase in the time constant of LV pressure decay (r = −0.77, P < 0.001). In the dilated cardiomyopathy group, the values of W ₁ were much lower than those in the normal group (P < 0.0001). In the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy group, the values of W ₂ were much smaller than those in the normal group (P < 0.0001). In mitral regurgitation before surgery, W ₂ decreased or disappeared, but after surgery W ₂ appeared clearly. In the hypertension group, the magnitude of reflection from the head was considerably greater than that in the normal group (P < 0.0001). We also evaluated hemodynamic effects of sublingual nitroglycerin in normal subjects. Nitroglycerin increased W ₁ significantly (P < 0.001). WI can be obtained non-invasively using an echo-Doppler system in the clinical setting. This method will increase the clinical usefulness of wave intensity.     

内镜辅助下后鼓室微创手术入路的临床解剖学研究

目的　为内镜辅助下后鼓室微创手术入路提供解剖学基础。  方法　利用成人15例（30侧）头部标本,解剖并测量后鼓室及其与周围结构之间的位置关系。  结果　面神经锥段中点分别到水平半规管最凸点、鼓室窦前缘中点、卵圆窗中点、圆窗中点、岬小桥下端、岬后脚下端的距离是（3.21±0.41）、（2.79±0.25）、（3.97±0.37）、（6.48±0.53）、(4.85±0.39)、(6.21±0.57)mm;砧骨窝中点至锥隆起顶端、面神经锥段中点、镫骨头中点、圆窗中点、卵圆窗中点、匙突顶点的距离分别为（4.43±0.36）、（3.10±0.28）、(6.55±0.55)、(9.56±0.82、(6.67±0.65)、(4.63±0.39)mm;鼓室窦的深度、横截面短径、横截面长径分别是（3.10±0.27）、（1.05±0.10 ）、（1.89±0.19）mm;后鼓室窦深度、横截面长径、横截面短径分别是(1.15±0.10)、(0.83±0.29)、(0.63±0.51)mm;外侧鼓室窦横截面近似椭圆型,其深度、上下径、左右径分别是 (1.63±0.12)、（0.36±0.03）、(0.74±0.09）mm;面隐窝外侧气房直径(0.28±0.13)mm。  结论　后鼓室解剖结构精细复杂,对其解剖结构的精准定位有利于彻底清除病变和防止术后并发症的发生。     

Expression of CD62L on Donor CD4<Superscript>+</Superscript> T Cells in Allografts: Correlation with Graft-Versus-Host Disease after Unmanipulated Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Introduction  The aim of this study was to investigate the association of donor CD4⁺ T cells expressing CD62L with transplant outcomes. Materials and Methods  We report a prospective analysis of 31 patients who were treated with a Bu/Cy regimen, followed by unmanipulated blood and marrow transplantation. Results  Median number (range) of CD4⁺CD62L⁺, CD4⁺CD45RA⁺CD62L⁺, and CD4⁺CD45RO⁺CD62L⁺ cells infused were 0.31(0.05–1.10)×10⁸/kg, 0.22(0.03–0.95)× 10⁸/kg, and 0.17(0.01–0.81)×10⁸/kg, respectively. The incidence of grades II to IV aGVHD was 36%. In a multivariate analysis, infusion of >0.22 × 10⁸ CD4⁺CD45RA⁺CD62L⁺ cells infused/kg increased the risk of grades II to IV aGVHD (HR = 4.741, 95% CI = 1.037–21.662, P = 0.045). Thirteen of 31 patients experienced cGVHD, the risk of cGVHD was increased in patients receiving >0.45 × 10⁸ CD4⁺CD45RA⁺ cells infused/kg (HR = 4.614, 95% CI = 1.265–16.829, P = 0.021). Conclusion  Our results suggest that a high cell dose of CD4⁺CD45RA⁺CD62L⁺ cells increase the incidence of grades II–IV aGVHD. A high number of CD4⁺CD45RA⁺ cells infused were associated with increased risk of cGVHD in our transplant settings. Ying-Jun Chang: performed research, analysis and interpretation of data, and drafting of the article, and gave final approval of the version to be published; Xiang-Yu Zhao: performed research, analysis and interpretation of data, and drafting of the article and gave final approval of the version to be published; Ming-Rui Huo: performed research, analysis and interpretation of data, and drafting of the article and gave final approval of the version to be published; Xiao-Jun Huang: involved in conception and design, revising the article critically, and final approval of the version to be published.     

Differences in rectal temperatures measured at depths of 4–19 cm from the anal sphincter during exercise and rest

The purpose of the present study was to examine the discrepancies in rectal temperature (T _re) at various depths. Nineteen young males performed two bouts of bicycle exercise and recovery. T _re was simultaneously measured at depth of 4, 6, 8, 10, 13, 16, and 19 cm, alongside the measurement of skin temperatures. We found small but statistically significant differences by depth in the absolute T _re, the magnitude of rise in T _re and the lag of response in T _re. During the stabilization stage before exercise, T _re at 4 cm-depth was 0.5°C lower than T _re at 16 cm-depth (p < 0.05). As the depth measured in the rectum was shallower, the rise in T _re during exercise was greater. However the rise in T _re at 10, 13, 16 and 19 cm showed no systemic difference. Among seven depths, T _re at 16 cm-depth had the most stable feature with the longest latent period (3.1 ± 1.3 min) and the smallest rise (0.8 ± 0.3°C), while T _re at 4 cm-depth was the most responsive to the change of exercise and rest with the shortest latent period (1.0 ± 0.6 min) and the greatest rise (1.2 ± 0.5°C). The differences observed in the depths from 4 to 19 cm were offset by exercise to some extent. In summary, T _re appeared in different manners according to the seven depths during the repetition of exercise and rest, but T _re deeper than 10 cm-depth seemed to have no systematic differences.     

Cortical and brain stem projections to the spinal cord of the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). A horseradish peroxidase study

Summary Cortical and brain stem neurons projecting to the spinal cord in the hedgehog were studied by means of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) tracing method. HRP injections were placed in the first cervical segments, in the cervical enlargement (C₅-T₃) and in the lumbar enlargement. Following injections in the first cervical segments and in the cervical enlargement labelled neurons were observed in the somatic motor and somatic sensory cortices, the paraventricular and the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, the lateral hypothalamic area, the nuclei of field H of Forel, the red nucleus, the mesencephalic reticular formation, the deep layers of the superior colliculus, the Edinger-Westphal nucleus, the periaqueductal grey, the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus, the loci coeruleus and subcoeruleus, the nuclei raphe dorsalis, centralis superior, raphe magnus, raphe pallidus, and raphe obscurus, the rhombencephalic reticular formation, the lateral, medial and caudal vestibular nuclei, the nucleus ambiguus, the nucleus of the solitary tract and the gracile nucleus. After HRP injections in the lumbar enlargement, labelled neurons were not found in the cortex, the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, the nuclei of field H of Forel, the superior colliculus and the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus. These results show that cortical and brain stem projection to the spinal cord are comparable to those described in other species.Abbreviations ac anterior commissure - Am nucleus ambiguus - Aq cerebral aqueduct - cc corpus callosum - Cd caudate nucleus - CE cervical enlargement - CeS nucleus centralis superior - CG periaqueductal grey - ci capsula interna - Cq cochlear nuclei - cp cerebral peduncle - Cu cuneiform nucleus - CV caudal vestibular nucleus - DM dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus - DX dorsal motor nucleus of vagus - EC external cuneate nucleus - EW Edinger-Westphal nucleus - F nuclei of field H of Forel - G gracile nucleus - H nippocampus - IC inferior colliculus - IP interpeduncular nucleus - LC locus coeruleus - LE lumbar enlargement - LH lateral hypothalamic area - LL nucleus of lateral lemniscus - lo lateral olfactory tract - LV lateral vestibular nucleus - MC medial cuneate nucleus - MesV mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus - MG medial geniculate nucleus - MM medial mammillary nucleus - MV medial vestibular nucleus - oc optic chiasm - PH nucleus praepositus - Pn pontine nuclei - Put putamen - PV paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus - R red nucleus - Rd nucleus raphe dorsalis - RGc gigantocellular reticular nucleus - Rl lateral reticular nucleus - Rm nucleus raphe magnus - Rmes mesencephalic reticular formation - Ro nucleus raphe obscurus - Rpa nucleus raphe pallidus - Rpc caudal reticular nucleus of the pons - Rpo rostral reticular nucleus of the pons - Rv ventral reticular nucleus - s solitary tract - SC superior colliculus - SN substantia nigra - SO supraoptic nucleus - SR sulcus rhinalis - STh subthalamic nucleus - siV spinal tract of trigeminal nerve - STV nucleus of spinal tract of trigeminal nerve - subC locus subcoeruleus - SuM supramammillary nucleus - Th thalamus - TS nucleus of solitary tract - VM ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus - ZI zona incerta - 3V third ventricle - 4V fourth ventricle - IV layer IV of the cortex - V layer V of the cortex - VI layer VI of the cortex - 7 facial nucleus - 12 hypoglossal nucleus     

Distribution of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1, -DPB1 allele frequencies in patients with COVID-19 bilateral pneumonia in Russians,living in the Chelyabinsk region (Russia)

In this population-based case-control study conducted in the Chelyabinsk region of Russia, we examined the distribution of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 and -DPB1, in a group of 100 patients with confirmed COVID-19 bilateral pneumonia. Typing was performed by NGS and statistical calculations were carried out with the Arlequin program. HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 and -DPB1 alleles were compared between patients with COVID-19 and 99 healthy controls. We identified that COVID-19 susceptibility is associated with alleles and genotypes rs9277534A (disequilibrium with HLA-DPB1*02:01, ?02:02, ?04:01, ?04:02, ?17:01 alleles) with low expression of protein products HLA-DPB1 (pc < 0.028) and homozygosity at HLA-C*04 (p = 0.024, pc = 0.312). Allele HLA-A*01:01 was decreased in a group of patients with severe forms of bilateral pneumonia, and therefore it may be considered as a protective factor for the development of severe symptoms of COVID-19 (p = 0.009, pc = 0.225). Our studies provide further evidence for the functional association between HLA genes and COVID-19.