Immunomodulatory effects of IL-33 and IL-25 in an ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis mouse model

Both interleukin (IL)-33 and IL-25 induce Th2-type cytokine production by various cell types, suggesting that they may contribute to development of allergic disorders, however, the immunomodulatory effects of IL-33 and IL-25 in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) remain unclear. In the present study, anti-IL-33 and anti-IL-25 Abs were administrated intranasally during rechallenge in OVA-induced AR. Immunomodulatory effects were evaluated by measuring nasal rubbing, sneezing occurrence, serum OVA-specific antibodies, Th2 immune responses, neutrophil, eosinophil and mast cell recruitment into the nasal mucosa. We found that treatment with anti-IL-33 Ab markedly reduced nasal rubbing, sneezing events, Th2 immune responses, serum OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 levels, mucosal neutrophil, eosinophil and mast cell infiltration. In contrast, the effect of IL-25 antagonism was limited to attenuating the Th2 immune responses, and neutrophil and eosinophil infiltration. These observations indicate that IL-33 and IL-25 play a pathogenic role in an established AR mouse model, with a greater contribution of IL-33 than IL-25. Our findings suggest that IL-33 neutralization may be a potential approach for treatment of AR.

[A retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics, diagnosis in patients with unilateral sinus disease]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical features in patients with unilateral sinus disease.Method:A retrospective review of 2 480 patients who had undergone sinus surgery was performed. The clinical data were gathered and analyzed to investigate the features of the unilateral sinus disease. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed.Result:1 350 patients (54.4%) who had bilateral sinus disease were all diagnosed as chronic rhinosinusitis pathologically confirmed after surgery. Unilateral sinus disease was identified in 1 130 patients (45.6%) and the disease entities were categorized as chronic rhinosinusitis (589 patients, 52.1%), fungal rhinosinusitis (312 patients, 27.6%), inverted papilloma (95 patients, 8.4%), sinus cyst (78 patients, 6.9%), malignant tumor (34 patients, 3%), osteoma including osteodysplasia fibrosa (11 patients, 1%) and others (11 patients, 1%) . Among the patients of malignant tumor, there were 13 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 6 cases of malignant lymphoma, 4 cases of sarcoma, 4 cases of melanoma, 3 cases of adenocystic carcinoma, 1 case of verrucous carcinoma, 1 case of metastases from liver, 1 case of plasmacytoma,and 1 case of hemangiopericytoma. The number of fungal rhinosinusitis patient increased year by year. The common major presenting symptom for fungal rhinosinusitis was headache (46.8%) and bloody discharge (31.1%). Male accounted for a large part of both inverted papilloma and malignant tumor patients, both of which CT findings that correlated with the presence was the absorption and destruction of the sinus wall. Thirty-one cases (32.6%) of inverted papilloma patients recurred. Bloody discharge (58.8%) was major symptom of the malignant tumor.Conclusion:There were almost a half of unilateral sinus diseases that were not common chronic rhinosinusitis, in which the incidence of fungal rhinosinusitis, inverted papilloma, squamous cell carcinoma and other kinds of benign and malignant tumor was high. A careful history taking and endoscopic examination play a key role as well as imaging examination in identifying unilateral sinus disease, which is important for reaching a correct diagnosis and treatment.

Gossypium barbadense genome sequence provides insight into the evolution of extra-long staple fiber and specialized metabolites

Of the two cultivated species of allopolyploid cotton, Gossypium barbadense produces extra-long fibers for the production of superior textiles. We sequenced its genome (AD)₂ and performed a comparative analysis. We identified three bursts of retrotransposons from 20 million years ago (Mya) and a genome-wide uneven pseudogenization peak at 11–20 Mya, which likely contributed to genomic divergences. Among the 2,483 genes preferentially expressed in fiber, a cell elongation regulator, PRE1, is strikingly A_t biased and fiber specific, echoing the A-genome origin of spinnable fiber. The expansion of the PRE members implies a genetic factor that underlies fiber elongation. Mature cotton fiber consists of nearly pure cellulose. G. barbadense and G. hirsutum contain 29 and 30 cellulose synthase (CesA) genes, respectively; whereas most of these genes (>25) are expressed in fiber, genes for secondary cell wall biosynthesis exhibited a delayed and higher degree of up-regulation in G. barbadense compared with G. hirsutum, conferring an extended elongation stage and highly active secondary wall deposition during extra-long fiber development. The rapid diversification of sesquiterpene synthase genes in the gossypol pathway exemplifies the chemical diversity of lineage-specific secondary metabolites. The G. barbadense genome advances our understanding of allopolyploidy, which will help improve cotton fiber quality.

[Perinatal outcomes of 45 pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension complicating congenital heart disease]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the perinatal outcomes of women with pulmonary hypertension complicating congenital heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

Clinical data of 45 cases of pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension complicating CHD from Apr 1995 to May 2007 were analyzed and they were divided into three groups: 29 cases of slight group [pulmonary hypertension of 30 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) to 49 mm Hg], 8 cases of moderate group (pulmonary hypertension of 50 mm Hg to 79 mm Hg) and 8 cases of severe group (pulmonary hypertension equal to or higher than 80 mm Hg). The types of CHD, cardiac functional status (New York heart association, NYHA), gestational weeks of pregnancy termination, mode of delivery, pregnancy after CHD operation and outcomes of infants were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

(1) The highest incidence of CHD were atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect (58%, 26/45). The rate of pregnant women after CHD operation was 29% (13/45), they were mainly in slight group and their NYHA class were in I - II. (2) The occurrence rate of NYHA class III - IV was 7 /8 in severe group. The rate of NYHA class I - II was 6/8 in moderate group. The rate of NYHA class I - II was 97% (28/29) in slight group. (3) The rate of term delivery was 93% (27/29), preterm labor 3% (1/29), abortion 3% (1/29), and the birth weight was (3153 +/- 399) g on average in slight group. The rate of term delivery was 5/8, preterm labor occurred in 3 cases in moderate group. The rate of term delivery was 5/8, preterm labor occurred in 2 cases, and iatrogenic abortion in 1 case in severe group. The average birth weight between slight group and moderate or severe group had a significant difference. (4) Caesarean section rate was 78% (35/45) among all patients. The rate of cesarean section delivery was 76% (22/29) in slight group, 6/8 in moderate group, and 7/8 in severe group. (5) The rate of pregnant women who had portent heart failure or heart failure was 24% (11/45), overall maternal mortality was 4% (2/45).

CONCLUSIONS

The higher the pulmonary hypertension, the worse the outcome of the mother and fetus; The pregnant women with good heart function after cardiac operation would have a good perinatal outcome. Cesarean section is more suitable for those women.

[Surgical treatment for the recurrent patients after palatopharyngoplasty]

OBJECTIVE

To study the surgical treatment for the recurrent patients after palatopharyngoplasty (PPP).

METHOD

Five patients which were confirmed recurrence by sleep survey and examinations were reported.

RESULT

The pharyngeal cavity was narrower obviously ten months after ppp than before ppp. The anteroposterior and transverse distances were (4.06 +/- 2.94) mm and (11.40 +/- 4.16) mm respectively. After dilatation, the distances were (11.90 +/- 3.25) mm and (21.00 +/- 4.18) mm separately, and were increased significantly than before (P < 0.01). Two patients were cured and three cases marked, and all patients were not recurrent post-operation with no complications.

CONCLUSION

The recurrence was mainly concerned with the unsuitable manipulation in PPP. Selecting the cooperation and proper surgical treatment, the better effect was also obtained for the recurrent patients.

[Operations for laryngeal carcinoma with reservation of laryngeal function]

OBJECTIVE

To study the long term results and functional recovery of partial laryngectomy in the treatment of glottic and supraglottic types of laryngeal carcinoma.

METHOD

A series of 70 cases operated on between July 1978 and August 1998 were analysed, of whom 60 were glottic, 10 were supraglottic type laryngeal carcinoma. Among them, 22 cases underwent vocal cord resection, 22 vertical hemilaryngectomy, 17 Majer-Piquet's operation, 7 horizontal hemilaryngectomy, 2 Arslan's operation.

RESULT

1, 3, 5-year survival rates were 98.53%, 87.04% and 78.26% respectively. Decannulation rate was 100%. All patients could finally take food by mouth without inspiration, and could speak as soon as decannulated. Complication and recurrence rates were 15.71% and 13.04% separately.

CONCLUSION

Partial laryngectomy is an effective operation on laryngeal carcinoma with reservation of laryngeal function. It not only can totally excise neoplasm and prolong life, but also can better reserve laryngeal function and improve the quality of patient's life.