Objective To construct and screen the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) negative regulation factor (Nef) peptide-specific CD4+ T lymphocyte clone.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from five asymptomatic HIV-1 infected patients were collected and Bulkcultured with Nef end peptides.The CD4 molecule and intracellular interferon (IFN)-gamma of cultured cells were detected by two-color flow cytometry.The Nef end peptide-specific T cell clone was then constructed by limited dilution and confirmed through enzyme linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT).The best grown cells were selected and cultured as the final clone.Results The Nef end peptide-specific-T lymphocyte clone was successfully constructed from PBMC of one HIV-infected patient and confirmed by ELISPOT.The detection of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 type showed that the epitope of this peptide was probably HLA-DRB1 * 0406.Conclusion The Nef end specific-T cell clone is successfully constructed,and a new epitope in the C-terminus of Nef protein and its HLA restriction are identified.

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Xiaoqinglong decoction combined with standard treatment for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods A total of 60 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD were enrolled and randomly divided into a standard treatment group and a combined treatment group, 30 in each group. The standard treatment group received standard therapy and the combined treatment group receivedXiao Qing Long decoction combined with standard treatment. The forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC were detected using a pulmonary function tester. The partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2), carbon dioxide (PaCO2) were evaluated.Results After the treatment, the FVC (1.94 ± 0.26 Lvs. 1.55 ± 0.33 L;t=-2.201, P<0.05), FEV1 (1.34 ± 0.24 Lvs. 0.99 ± 0.25 L;t=-6.004,P<0.05), and PaO2 (86.12 ± 13.26 mmHgvs. 80.02 ± 12.75 mmHg;t=-14.158,P<0.05) in the combined treatment group were significantly higher than those in the standard treatment group. The total effective rate in the combined treatment group was significantly higher than that in the standard treatment group (86.7%vs.70.0%;χ2=2.095,P=0.036).Conclusions Xiaoqinglong decoction combined with standard treatment can improve symptom, sign, arterial blood gas and the pulmonary function in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, and its efficiency is superior to standard therapy alone.

Objective To investigate the effect of multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4) overexpression on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced vascular endothelial hyperpermeability of rat pulmonary micro-vascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) and its molecule mechanism. Methods Three to six passages of PMVECs were cultured in vitro, and they were divided into three groups: the cells in LPS group were only challenged by LPS 10 μg/mL after being cultured in serum-free medium for 24 hours; the cells in Ad-shRNA and Ad-MRP4 groups were infected with the empty virus control or recombinant adenovirus expressing MRP4 for 2 hours, and then were cultured in serum-free medium for 24 hours followed by stimulation of LPS 10 μg/mL. Endothelial permeability was assayed by the Transwell chamber models at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours after LPS stimulation. Intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The morphological characteristics and distribution of F-actin was determined by laser confocal fluorescence microscope. The protein expressions of MRP4,β-catenin, vascular endothelium-cadherin (VE-cad) and ZO-1 were measured by Western Blot. Results ① After LPS stimulation, endothelium permeability and intracellular cAMP levels in PMVECs were significantly increased, peaked at 12 hours, and then decreased after 24 hours. Compared with LPS group and Ad-shRNA group, PMVECs of Ad-MRP4 group were exhibited a significant increase in endothelial permeability [12-hour permeability (A value):1.88±0.06 vs. 1.12±0.17, 1.10±0.18] and a significant decrease in intracellular cAMP level [12-hour cAMP (μg/L):2.39±0.02 vs. 2.97±0.01, 3.00±0.02, all P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in endothelium permeability and intracellular cAMP levels at all time points between the LPS group and the Ad-shRNA group (all P > 0.05).② Under laser confocal fluorescence microscope, after LPS stimulation, the stress fiber formation was induced in three groups. But there were pronounced irregular aggregation of fiber in PMVECs of Ad-MRP4 group. ③ Furthermore, compared with LPS group and Ad-shRNA group, protein expression of MRP4 in Ad-MRP4 group was dramatically increased (gray value: 0.76±0.03 vs. 0.44±0.02, 0.43±0.02, both P < 0.05), and the protein expressions of β-catenin, VE-cad, and ZO-1 were significantly decreased [β-catenin (gray value): 0.14±0.03 vs. 0.23±0.04, 0.23±0.03);VE-cad (gray value): 0.21±0.01 vs. 0.34±0.02, 0.35±0.04; ZO-1 (gray value): 0.14±0.02 vs. 0.37±0.06, 0.33±0.07, all P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in all protein expressions between the LPS group and Ad-shRNA group (all P > 0.05). Conclusion MRP4 overexpression can decrease intracellular cAMP levels, reduce intercellular junction protein expression, and then exaggerate LPS-induced vascular endothelial hyperpermeability.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of multidrug resistant associated protein 4 (MRP4) inhibitor on rats with sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Methods Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham group, sepsis group and MRP4 inhibitor MK571 treatment group, with 20 rats in each group. Sepsis model was reproduced by cecal ligation and puncture operation (CLP), and the rats in sham group were only received celiotomy without ligation and puncture. Rats in MK571 treatment group were intraperitoneally injected with MRP4 inhibitor MK571 (20 mg/kg) 30 minutes before model reproduction, while rates in sham group and sepsis group were given the same amount of normal saline. Twenty-four hours later, the femoral artery blood of mice was collected, and arterial blood gas analysis was measured. Serum tumor necrosis-α (TNF-α) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The lung tissues were collected, and the wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) was calculated. The expression of MRP4 protein in lung tissue was determined by Western Blot. Results Compared with sham group, arterial blood pH value and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) were significantly lowered [pH value: 7.18±0.03 vs. 7.40±0.03; PaO2 (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 63.15±6.24 vs. 98.05±2.58], while arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) was dramatically higher in the sepsis group (mmHg: 56.60±8.30 vs. 37.85±3.18), serum TNF-α level in the sepsis group was significantly increased (ng/L: 146.24±19.99 vs. 25.77±9.83), the W/D ratio of lung tissue was significantly increased (7.75±0.47 vs. 4.09±0.58), and the expression of MRP4 protein was up-regulated in the sepsis group (gray value: 0.153±0.006 vs. 0.087±0.005, all P < 0.05). Compared with the sepsis group, arterial blood pH value (7.30±0.02 vs. 7.18±0.03) and PaO2 (mmHg: 80.30±5.34 vs. 63.15±6.24) were significantly elevated in the MK571 treatment group, while PaCO2 was dramatically decreased (mmHg: 29.25±3.24 vs. 56.60±8.30), the serum level of TNF-α was significantly decreased (ng/L: 97.96±16.72 vs. 146.24±19.99), the W/D ratio of lung tissue was significantly reduced (5.89±0.51 vs. 7.75±0.47), and MRP4 protein expression was significantly down-regulated (gray value: 0.124±0.006 vs. 0.153±0.006, all P < 0.05). Conclusion MRP4 inhibitor may improve lung function in rats with sepsis-induced ALI by down-regulating MRP4 protein expression and reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines, which exerts protective effect on ALI.

Objective To introduce a new modified percutaneous dilational tracheostomy and compare the application effect of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy with modified percutaneous dilational tracheostomy in the treatment of critically ill patients. Methods A total of 60 critically ill patients undergoing tracheotomy were selected , and they were randomly divided into two groups according to the methods of tracheotomy. Sex, age, weight, body mass index, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation, operation time, incision size, intraoperative blood loss, incision healing time, incidences of complications after operation were compared between the two groups. Results There were not statistically significant differences of in sex, age, weight, body mass index, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation between percutaneous dilational tracheostomy group and modified percutaneous dilational tracheostomy group (P>0.05). Operation time, incision size and intraoperative blood loss of modified percutaneous dilational tracheostomy group was statistically significantly shorter than that of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy group [(5.80 ± 1.19) min vs. (7.65 ± 1.05) min, (8.33 ± 3.30) ml vs. (11.33 ± 4.34) ml, (1.08 ± 2.96) cm vs. (1.27 ± 2.54) cm] (P<0.05). The incision healing time and incidence of complications after operation of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy group had no statistical significance compared with modified percutaneous dilational tracheostomy group (P>0.05). Conclusions The modified percutaneous dilational tracheostomy can save operation time, and reduce intraoperative blood loss, so it can be widely used.

Objective:To investigate the clinical significance of epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) in lung squamous cell carcino-ma (LSCC) and to examine the effect of EMT on the invasive and migration abilities of LSCC. Methods:Immunohistochemical stain-ing was performed to determine the expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin, and TGF-β1 in 79 LSCC patients, and the clinical significance was explored. SK-MES-1 lung squamous carcinoma cells were cultured in conditioned medium containing various concentrations of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) for 5 and 10 days. The expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin were detected via West-ern blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). With different concentrations and induction times, invasion and wound healing assays were performed to evaluate the invasion and migration abilities. Results:E-cadherin expression was significantly lower, whereas Vimentin expression was significantly higher in LSCC with lymph node metastasis than in that without noda metastasis (P<0.05). In the tissues of 79 LSCC patients, TGF-β1 expression was significantly related to lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). Western blot showed that Vimentin expression was higher, whereas E-cadherin expression was lower in TGF-β1 inducing medium with 10 ng/mL SK-MES-1 cells than in the other media. RT-PCR showed similar results. Scratch test and invasion assay both showed that treat-ment of cells with cytokines markedly enhanced the migration and invasion of the cells. Conclusion:Lymph node metastasis of LSCC correlates with EMT. SK-MES-1 cells undergo EMT via TGF-β1 induction, which enhances invasion and migration.

Sepsis is caused by maladjustment of host response to infection, resulting in life-threatening organ dysfunction, which is equivalent to infection + sequential organ failure score (SOFA) > 2 scores, and it is the out of control of the host's responses to infection leading to an imbalance of the pro-inflammatory-anti-inflammatory responses. In recent years, besides the antibiotics, etiological treatment, fluid resuscitation and organ functional support, there has been no single adjuvant therapy for sepsis. The focus of previous treatments has been on immunosuppression, however immune paralysis induced by sepsis was playing an increasingly important role in the processes of patient's disease onset and death, leading to a shift in the field of research to enhancing immune responses. Therefore, it is crucial to identify a septic patient with a severely suppressed or hyperactive immune system, and accurately monitor both immune and therapeutic responses. This review outlines the advances and challenges of precision immunotherapy in patients with sepsis.

Objective To investigate the effects of multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4) on the cytoskeleton and cellular permeability of rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Methods PMVECs were cultured for 3 to 6 generations were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group,LPS group,Ad-shMRP4 group (adenoviral expression of a short-hairpin RNA directed against MRP4),Ad-shRNA group.The infection rate of cells was detected by fluorescence microscope observation.The level of MRP4 was assayed by Western botting.Monolayer permeability was determined by the Transwell assay.The morphological characteristic and distribution of Factin was measured by laser confocal fluorescence microscope.Results Compared with control group,the expression of MRP4 protein was up-regulated (P ＜ 0.05) and the significant increase in the permeability of endothelial cells (2 h,6 h,12 h and 24 h respectively:0.28 ±0.02 vs.0.41 ±0.04,0.32 ±0.02,0.30 ±0.01 vs.0.53±0.04,0.39±0.03,0.33 ±0.04 vs.1.12±0.17,0.70 ±0.07,0.32±0.03 vs.0.79 ± 0.02,0.57 ± 0.05,P ＜ 0.05),the F-actin was remodeled,and the stress fibers were formed in LPS group and Ad-shMRP4 group.However,compared with LPS group,the expression of MRP4 protein was down-regulated (P ＜ 0.05) and the markedly decrease in the permeability of endothelial ceils (2 h,6 h,12 h and 24 h respectively:0.41 ± 0.04 vs.0.32 ± 0.02,0.53 ± 0.04 vs.0.39 ± 0.03,1.12 ± 0.17 vs.0.70 ± 0.07,0.79 ± 0.02 vs.0.57 ± 0.05,P ＜ 0.05) was found,and the remodeling of F-actin,and the formation of stress fibers were observed in Ad-shMRP4 group.Conclusions Silencing of MRP4 gene can effectively attenuates LPS-induced increase in the endothelial cell permeability and the destruction of cytoskeleton,thus playing an important role in the protection of endothelial cell barrier.

Objective:To analyze the overall layout of coronavirus genetics research in the past 20 years from the perspective of publication time, journals, keywords, citations and funds, identify core research institutions and their cooperation networks in this field, and explore current research hotspots.Methods:PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched separately for the research literature and citations data about coronavirus genetics from 2003 to 2021, and Excel was used to analyze the distribution of the literature and institutions, and then the Citespace software was selected for institutional cooperation network and reference co-citation cluster analysis.Results:The literature about coronavirus genetics had increased significantly in 2020. The top 10 journals have collected 23.4% of relevant literature. Chinese Academy of Sciences has published the most documents in this field, in the top 10 high-yielding institutions, 7 are from China. In the cooperation network, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Hong Kong and University of Sao Paulo have high betweenness centrality. The total litation times and average citation times of funded papers were higher than those of non-funded papers. There have been 7 research hotspots in the past 20 years. The research on " the gene sequence and functional receptors of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus" , " the gene traceability and drug development of the SARS-Cov-2" as well as " genotyping, origin and economic impact of paroxysmal porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in the United States" are still active in the past five years.Conclusions:Coronavirus genetics research will be at a sustained high level in the next few years or even longer. It is difficult to publish papers in journals with high impact factors (IF>5.00) in related fields. Chinese research institutions are active in this field. The Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Hong Kong are the most influential, and they have the closest cooperation with other institutions. The genetic tracing, gene sequence and functional receptor of coronavirus and drug development are likely to be the forefront of the research in this field.our govermment should advance the layout in this field and increase the number of research funds and financial support.

Traditionally, Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Levl.) Hutch (THH) are widely used in Chinese folk to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to investigate whether the anti-RA effect of THH is related with the gut microbiota. The main components of prepared THH extract were identified by HPLC-MS. C57BL/6 mice with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) were treated with THH extract by gavage for one month. THH extract significantly alleviated swollen ankle, joint cavity exudation, and articular cartilage destruction in AIA mice. The mRNA and protein levels of inflammatory mediators in muscles and plasma indicated that THH extract attenuated inflammatory responses in the joint by blocking TLR4/MyD88/MAPK signaling pathways. THH extract remarkably restored the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in AIA mice, featuring the increases of Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, and Lactobacillus and the decreases of Butyricimonas, Parabacteroides, and Anaeroplasma. Furthermore, the altered bacteria were closely correlated with physiological indices and drove metabolic changes of the intestinal microbiota. In addition, antibiotic-induced pseudo germ-free mice were employed to verify the role of the intestinal flora. Strikingly, THH treatment failed to ameliorate the arthritis symptoms and signaling pathways in pseudo germ-free mice, which validates the indispensable role of the intestinal flora. For the first time, we demonstrated that THH extract protects joint inflammation by manipulating the intestinal flora and regulating the TLR4/MyD88/MAPK signaling pathway. Therefore, THH extract may serve as a microbial modulator to recover RA in clincial practice.ver RA in clincial practice.
Mice ; Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Tripterygium ; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/genetics* ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Arthritis, Experimental/drug therapy*