Small interfering RNA inhibits SARS-CoV nucleocapsid gene expression in cultured cells and mouse muscles

SARS-CoV isa newly identified coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome （SARS）. Currently, there is no effective method available for prophylaxis and treatment of SARS-CoVinfections. In the present study, the influence of small interfering RNA （siRNA） on SARS-CoV nucleocapsid （N） protein expression was detected in cultured cells and mouse muscles. Four siRNA expression cassettes driven by mouse U6 promoter targeting SARS-CoV N gene were prepared, and their inhibitory effects on expression of N and enhanced green fluorescence protein （EGFP） fusion protein were observed.     

A controlled trial of treatment of acquired immunodeficiency in severe measles with thymic humoral factor.

A randomized controlled trial of treatment with thymic humoral factor (THF) in 20 children with severe complicated acute measles infection, resulted in objective benefit as evidenced by improvement in the ESR and a fall in C-reactive protein, fewer complications and a reduced incidence of secondary herpes infection. An increased ratio of helper to suppressor T cells (OKT4/OKT8 ratio) and a greater lymphocyte transformation response to phytohaemagglutin was seen in those children receiving THF. We conclude that THF treatment helps to prevent the development of complications particularly secondary viral infections possibly by enhancing cell-mediated immune responses.     

Immune responses against SARS-coronavirus nucleocapsid protein induced by DNA vaccine

The nucleocapsid （N） protein of SARS-coronavirus （SARS-CoV） is the key protein for the formation of the helical nucleocapsid during virion assembly. This protein is believed to be more conserved than other proteins of the virus, such as spike and membrane glycoprotein. In this study, the N protein of SARS-CoV was expressed in Escherichia coli DHSalpha and identified with pooled sera from patients in the convalescence phase of SARS. A plasmid pCI-N, encoding the full-length N gene of SARS-CoV, was constructed. Expression of the N protein was observed in COS1 cells following transfection with pCI-N. The immune responses induced by intramuscular immunization with pCI-N were evaluated in a murine model. Serum anti-N immunoglobutins and splenocytes proliferative responses against N protein were observed in immunized BALB/c mice. The major immunoglobulin G subclass recognizing N protein was immunoglobulin G2a, and stimulated splenocytes secreted high levels of gamma interferon and IL-2 in response to N protein. More importantly, the immunized mice produced strong delayed-type hypersensitivity （DTH） and CD^8＋ CTL responses to N protein.     

Effects of environmental pollutants on airways, allergic inflammation, and the immune response

Particulate and gaseous air pollutants are capable of damaging the airway epithelial lining and of shifting the local immune balance, thereby facilitating the induction of persistent inflammation. Epidemiological studies are inconclusive regarding whether air pollution increases the incidence of asthma and chronic bronchitis in the population. Clearly, environmental pollution can, however, precipitate attacks and emergency-room admissions in those already suffering from such conditions. The catastrophic potential of airborne pollution was demonstrated in the 1960s and 1970s, when inverted atmospheric pressure conditions trapped smog over cities on the Eastern coast of the United States and over Europe. This smog resulted in thousands of hospital admissions and dozens of deaths. With the general rise in the incidence of atopy and asthma in the Western population, it is of major public health interest to reduce, as much as possible, the exposure of such populations to anthropogenic and natural sources of pollution.     

Geographic distribution of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in Western Kenya: implications for anthelminthic mass treatment

A survey of 1,246 children 10-12 years old in 32 primary schools in Kenya near Lake Victoria was conducted to determine prevalence and distribution of schistosome and geohelminth infections. Stool and urine samples were collected and examined for eggs of Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, and intestinal helminths. A questionnaire was used to obtain demographic information and to quantify exposure to surface waters. Houses, schools, and water sources were mapped using a geographic information system. The mean school prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 16.3% (range = 0-80%). Proximity to the lake (r = 0.89, P < 0.001) and contact with lake water were associated with infection, as were specific water-related activities including swimming, fishing, and collecting water. Sixty-three percent of students were infected with one or more other geohelminths and these infections were more homogenously distributed. The separate distributions of schistosome and geohelminth infections have important implications for combined mass-treatment programs.     

Twins with moyamoya disease

Moyamoya disease is a progressive disease which involves the internal carotid arteries and its branches bilaterally. The disease is reported both in adults and in children. Moyamoya disease is frequently seen in Japanese patients having certain human leucocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes including HLA-Aw24, Bw46 and Bw54. Twin cases are rarely reported in the literature. We hereby present the first Turkish monozygotic twins with moyamoya disease whose HLA haplotypes are A2, A9, B21, Bw22, Bw4, Bw6, Cw3, and DR2, DR4, DRw52, DRw53, Dq7. The patients with advanced disease were given nifedipine and intravenous immunoglobulin (400mg/kg/d for 5 days). During the 11 months of follow-up, the patients were attack free.     

计算机程序化的初均速法测定双黄连注射液的稳定性

用计算机程序化的初均速法,测定了双黄连溶液中3种主要成分——绿原酸、黄苓甙、连翘甙的活化能及室温贮存期。该方法简便、快速、结果准确。对临床应用有一定价值。     

Liposomal amphotericin B treatment for rhinocerebral mucormycosis: how much is enough?

Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis is a potentially life-threatening disease, which affects mainly immunocompromised patients. Treatment options include reversing immunosuppression, surgery and systemic and local administration of anti-fungal medication. Amphotericin B is the primary agent employed, but its use is often limited by frequent side effects. Complexing Amphotericin B with lipid structures avoids most of the negative side effects, most importantly the dose-limiting nephrotoxicity. No consensus has been reached regarding the appropriate duration, rate of administration or total dose of treatment. We present a case of a patient suffering from Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis treated by extensive surgery and Liposomal Amphotericin B. He was treated for 29 days at a rate of 3 mg/kg/d and a total dose of 5.6 gram. The dose of Liposomal Aphotericin B used in previously published articles ranged from 1.5 mg/kg/d to 5 mg/kg/d. The response to treatment may be evaluated by physical examination, microbiological cultures, radiological and pathological studies. Taking into account the considerable cost of liposomal Amphotericin B and other lipid complexed formulations, it is imperative to find out what is the appropriate treatment regime for Rhinocerebral and other mucormycosis infections.