Objective To investigate the spousal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)and its related factors in HIV epidemic area,which can be beneficial to prevent HIV from transmitting.Methods Three hundred and forty-six couples with one spouse were anti-HIV positive were cross-sectionally investigated.Blood samples were taken from the spouse of subjects whose anti- HIV were positive to detect the anti-HIV antibody and from 70 acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)patients to do the sequencing of the serum HIV provirus DNA.Results In 346 couples,99 were infected by spousal transmission and its transmission rate was 28.6%.One spouse of 125 couples were infected with HIV by paid blood donation,14.4%(18)of the other spouse were infec- ted by spousal transmission.One spouse of 135 couples were infected by paid blood transfusion, 23.7%(32)of the other spouse were infected by spousal transmission.Eighty-six couples were infec- ted by extramarital sexual contact,49(57.0%)got spousal transmission.Thirty-seven(69.8%) subjects were infected by husband-to-wife transmission and 12(36.4%)were from wife to husband. The difference between them was significant(P

To investigate the effect of Tanreqing injection on immune activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with lung cancer. The peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with lung cancer and healthy persons were separated by the density gradient centrifugation method for subsequent experiments, with those from healthy persons as the positive control. The effect of Tanreqing injection on stimulating the proliferation of lymphocytes with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was determined by MTT method. The effect of Tanreqing injection on the lymphocyte secretions of IFN-γ and TNF-α and the subset ratio of lymphocytes cultured separately or with Tanreqing injection of different concentrations were examined by ELISA and flow cytometry (FCM) respectively. In addition, the LDH release assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity of cytotoxic T cells (CTL) and natural killer cells (NK). According to the findings, all of immunological indexes of lymphocytes from patients with lung cancer were weaker than that of healthy persons, but with the obvious increases in proliferation activity and IFN-γ and TNF-α secretions of lymphocytes co-cultured with Tanreqing Injection (P < 0.05). Among lymphocyte subsets co-cultured with Tanreqing Injection, CD3+, CD3+ CD4+ and CD3- CD16 + 56+ cell ratios notably increased, whereas CD4+ CD25+ Treg cell ratio obviously decreased (P < 0.05). In the meantime, Tanreqing injection can markedly promote the cytotoxicities of CTL and NK (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Tanreqing injection shows a significant effect in promoting the immune activity of lymphocytes from patients with lung cancer and their anti-tumor immunity.
Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Interferon-gamma ; genetics ; immunology ; Killer Cells, Natural ; drug effects ; immunology ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; genetics ; immunology ; physiopathology ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; drug effects ; immunology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; genetics ; immunology

Amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) stimulating inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induces neuron death or apoptosis through the transcription factor NFκB (nuclear factor κB) signal pathway mechanism. Aβ functiones together with microglia and astrocyte to stimulate the inflammatory responsecorrelative with expression ofiNOS, the activation of the NFκB signal pathway and the expression ofiNOS,which results in significant peroxynitrite damage to neurons and the neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Activation of CD36 signaling in microgila by Aβ fibrils initiates the association of the Src-family kinase Lyn with CD36. Together with another Src kinase, Fyn, Lyn activates a MAPK signaling response and results in the activation of inflammatory programs such as the production of MCP-1 and ROS.In parallel, Syk-family kinase activity specifically regulates increased cytokine production in response to Aβstimulation. After the stimulation, NFκB works independent of Src and Syk activation. Aβ-stimulated microglial secretes TNF-α and O2-, resulting in iNOS overexpression and excessive peroxynitrite and neuronal apoptosis.

Objective To investigate the expression and significance of major histocompatibility complex classⅡgene in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.Methods Two-hit porcine model of MODS was duplicated in 18 swine that were randomly assigned into experimental group(Group M,n=9) and control group(Group C,n=9).The Group M was given compound factors including hemorrhagic shock,reperfusion injury and endotoxemia,and the Group C only underwent anesthesia and arterious/ve- nous eannula.After seven days,the animals were killed to remove splenic tissues fro extracting total RNA by Trizol method.The primer of SLA-DQA(MHC classⅡgene of swine)was designed to construct cD- NA by reverse transcription and the quantity of SLA-DQA mRNA detected with real time fluorescent quan- titative polymerase chain reaction(real time FQ-PCR).The standard curve was described by UVP com- puter image analysis system.Results The mortality of Group M was 78%(7/9),and the incidence rate of MODS was 89%(8/9).The expressing quantity of Group M was(1.376?1.006)?10~3,signifi- cantly lower than(5.330?3.053)?10~3 of Group C(P＜0.01).Conclusion Duplication of por- cine MODS model is satisfactory.Down-regulation of MHC classⅡgene may be due to control of classⅡtransactivator(CⅡTA)and release of multiple eytokine,such as TNF-?and IL-10.

Objective To observe distribution and antimicrobial resistance of pathogens from blood culture of chil-dren with leukemia,and study risk factors.Methods From September 2013 to November 2016,species and antimi-crobial resistance types of 131 strains of pathogens isolated from blood culture of 110 children in a pediatric hemato-logy ward were analyzed,childrens'clinical data were also analyzed statistically.Results 131 strains(5.23%)of pathogens were isolated from 2 505 blood culture specimens,gram-negative bacilli and gram-positive cocci accounted for 52.67% and 43.51% respectively,the top 3 pathogens were Escherichia coli(15.27%),Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.27%),and Staphylococcus hominis(12.98%). Gram-negative bacilli were highly resistant to ampicillin,ce-fazolin,ceftriaxone,and ampicillin/sulbactam,but sensitive to amikacin,cefoperazone/sulbactam,piperacillin/tazobactam,and carbapenems;gram-positive cocci had higher resistance to penicillin,oxacillin,erythromycin,and clindamycin,but were sensitive to tigecycline,linezolid,vancomycin,and quinupristin/dalfopristin. Univariate analysis showed that mixed infection,diarrhea,Pseudomonasaeruginosa infection,and Acinetobacterbaumannii in-fection were related to mortality due to bloodstream infection in children with leukemia.Conclusion Pathogens cau-sing bloodstream infection in children with leukemia is widely distributed,antimicrobial resistance rate is high,it is very im-portant to take active precaution and rational treatment according to antimicrobial susceptibility testing result.

objecfive To know and compare the intelligence level of children born in different time periods in regions with iodine deficiency disorders(IDD)in Liaoning province.Methods All 7-14 year-old children from ten schools were chosen as the subjects respectively from six villages in each of the six counties and in regions with iodine deficiency,who were respectively born at the initialization of iodinated salt supplying period(1978-1980);non-iodinated salt supplying period(1981-1990);recovery of supplied iodized salt period(1991-1995);universal iodized salt period(1996-2000),respectively.Intelligence quotient(IQ)was measured by Combined Ravens Test in China(CRT-C)and Combined Ravens Test-the Rural,in China,2nd edition(CRT-RC2).Results IQ of children during the non-iodized salt period(91.9±14.3)was significantly lower than the initial supply of iodized salt period(95.8±14.6,q=8.60,P<0.01),recovery of supplied iodized salt period(99.7±14.7)was significantly higher than the initial supply of iodized salt period, non-iodized salt sales period(q = 9.53, 18.13, all P < 0.01 ),universal salt iodization( 104.3 ± 14.9) was significantly higher than the initial supply of iodized salt period, non-iodized salt sales period, recovery of supplied salt iodization(q = 20.00,28.00,10.46, all P < 0.01). Children's rate of mental retardation (IQ≤69) was higher in non-iodinated salt supplying period (6.7%, 88/1314 ) than the initial supply of iodized salt (4.4%, 21/471, χ2 = 3.85, P < 0.05), recovery of supplied iodized salt period(3.3%,48/1470) was significantly lower than non-iodinzed salt supplying period (χ2 = 15.37, P < 0.01), universal salt iodization period(2.7%, 36/1344) was lower than the initial supply of iodized salt period(χ2 = 4.41, P < 0.05) and non-iodinzed salt supplying period(χ2 = 26.34, P < 0.01 ). The IQ and intelligent retarded rates in children born during the initial years of iodinated salt supplying period were not different. The IQ of the children during ten years of non-iodized salt supplying period fluctuated in a "∪" curve, while the intelligent retardation rates in a "∩" curve.The children born during the period of recovery supplied iodized salt increased their IQ and lowered the retardation rates year after year. The IQ of the children in universal iodized salt period kept on increasing while intelligent retarded rates reduced to the lowest level. Conclusions The intelligence level of children born in regions with IDD during non-iodized salt supplying period is remarkably lower than that of the beginning years of iodinated salt supplying period. The intelligence level of children born after universal iodized salt period is remarkably higher than that of the initial iodinated salt supplying period and recovery of supplied iodized salt period, respectively.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) genotype and molecular epidemiological characteristics of healthcare-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) in a large teaching hospital in China.

METHDOSFrom January 2012 to December 2012, a total of 71 nonduplicate HA-MRSA were collected in a teaching hospital in Changsha, China. SCCmec types were determined by multiplex PCR, and Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene was detected by PCR. The homology among the tested isolates was determined using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

RESULTSOf the 71 HA-MRSA isolates, 49 (69.0%) carried SCCmec III, 10 (14.1%) carried SCCmec IV, 3 (4.2%) carried SCCmec V and 3 (4.2%) carried SCCmec II; the remaining 6 isolates were not typeable by PCR. Compared with patients having SCCmec I/II/III MRSA infections, those with SCCmec IV/V MRSA infections had a significantly younger age and a similar duration of hospital stay before the first MRSA-positive culture and total hospital stay. PVL genes were strongly associated with SCCmec type IV/V MRSA infections. HA-SCCmec IV/V MRSA strains showed a greater susceptibility to rifampicin, gentamicin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline than HA-SCCmec I/II/III MRSA strains. The 13 HA-SCCmec IV/V MRSA isolates formed one large group at the 55% similarity level. Three PFGE clusters with a similarity index of 85% or more were identified, and unique PFGE profiles were observed in 4 isolates.

CONCLUSIONThis is the first report of HA-MRSA isolates carrying SCCmec V in Chinese hospitals. SCCmec types IV and V MRSA clones have emerged in Chinese hospitals, which urges more rigorous surveillance of their spread in healthcare facilities in China.

OBJECTIVESevere pneumonia is one of the common severe diseases in children. Increasing evidences show that immune response greatly contribute to severe pneumonia. Dendritic cells (DC) are the important antigen presenting cells in the lung. To study the role of dendritic cells in development of severe pneumonia in children, the authors measured the number of mature DC in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and evaluated the relationship among IL-12, pro-inflammatory cytokines and clinical scores.

METHODSThe following 3 groups of children were enrolled in this study: severe pneumonia group: 27 children with severe pneumonia treated between November 2002 and May 2003 in PICU; mild pneumonia group: 30 children with mild pneumonia in department of pulmonology; control group: 29 children without pneumonia but receiving ventilator treatment for chest surgery. Mature DC in BALF was determined in severe pneumonia group and the control group on the day of tracheal intubation for mechanical ventilation. Acute lung injury scores and severe disease scores were evaluated in children with severe pneumonia and mild pneumonia. All children's serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-12 were measured by using ELISA within 24 hours after admission. SPSS version 11.5 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS(1) The percent of mature DC in children with severe pneumonia was significantly higher when compared with the control group on the first day after ventilation [14.2 (3.9 - 51.8)] vs. [1.3 (0.2 - 22.5)] (Z = 5.44, P < 0.01). (2) In severe pneumonia group, the concentration of serum IL-12 [117.0 (79.9 - 159.4) ng/L], TNF-alpha [90.6 (52.2 - 185.9) ng/L], IL-6 [128.7 (73.3 - 793.8) ng/L] were significantly higher than those in mild pneumonia group where the values were [71.6 (19.4 - 196.8)], [26.6 (2.5 - 113.9)], and [39.9 (7.8 - 82.5)] (P < 0.01), and the control group [6.4 (12.2 - 92.0)], [6.4 (1.8 - 91.9)], and [23.0 (6.4 - 54.2)] (P < 0.01). Serum IL-12, TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels in children with mild pneumonia were higher than those of control group (P < 0.01). (3) The percent of mature DC was increased with the serum level of IL-12 (r = 0.48, P < 0.01), TNF-alpha (r = 0.58, P < 0.01), IL-6 (r = 0.51, P < 0.01) and lung injury scores (r = 0.39, P < 0.05), but it did not correlate with severe disease scores (r = -0.11, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThere is excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and over-stimulation of lung dendritic cells in children with severe pneumonia. Over-stimulation of lung dendritic cells, the increased serum levels of IL-12, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and the severity of pneumonia may suggest that DC plays an important role in pathogenesis of severe pneumonia in children.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; cytology ; Child, Preschool ; Cytokines ; biosynthesis ; blood ; Dendritic Cells ; immunology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Interleukin-12 ; biosynthesis ; Interleukin-6 ; biosynthesis ; Male ; Pneumonia ; immunology ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Severity of Illness Index ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; biosynthesis

Background and Objective:Thrombospondin-1(TSP1)is an inhibitor of angiogenesis and its promoter hypermethylation has been found resulting in gene silencing in some primary human carcinomas.This study was to investigate the promoter methylation of TSP1 and its correlation with TGF-β1 level and T cell lmmunity in gastric cardia adenocarcinoma(GCA).Methods:Methylation specific polymerase chain reaction(MSP)approach and immunohistochemistry method were used to examine the methylation status of the 5'CpG island and expression of TSP1 protein, respectively.The Ievel of TGF-β1 was measured by ELISA and T cell immunity of GCA by flow cytometry analysis.Results:TSP1 methylation frequency was significantly higher in tumor specimens than in corresponding normal tissues(35.4% vs.3.1%,P<0.001)and significanty higher in Stages Ⅲ and Ⅳ tumor tissues than in Stages Ⅰ and Ⅱ tumor tissues(P<0.05).TSP1 protein expression was significantly lower in the tumor tissues than in corresponding normal tissues (P<0.05)and statistically correlated with its methylation status(P0.05).The function of T cell immunity was significantly different between the GCA patients with hypermethylation of TSP1 and those without methylation of TSP1(P<0.05).Conclusion:Promoter hypermethylation of TSP1 may play an important role in the development of GCA and reflect the biological behaviours of GCA.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the difference in the vulnerability of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in patients with unilateral and bilateral intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH).

METHODSA retrospective analysis was conducted among 44 patients with unilateral IPH (30 cases) or bilateral IPH (14 cases) in the carotid plaques detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in our hospital between December, 2009 and December, 2012. The age, maximum wall thickness and incidence of fibrous cap rupture were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSCompared with those with unilateral IPH, the patients with bilateral IPHs had a significantly younger age (66.6∓9.4 years vs 73.7∓9.0 years, P=0.027), a significantly greater maximum plaque thickness (6.3∓1.9 mm vs 5.0∓1.3 mm, P=0.035) and a higher incidence of ulcers (50% vs 13.3%, P=0.025). Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between bilateral IPHs and the occurrence of ulcer with an odd ratio (OR) of 6.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-28.7, P=0.014). After adjustment for gender in Model 1, bilateral IPHs were still significantly associated with presence of ulcer (OR=5.7, 95%CI: 1.1-29.2, P=0.036). But after adjustment for age (P=0.131) or maximum plaque thickness (P=0.139) in model 2, no significant correlation was found between bilateral IPHs and the presence of ulcer.

CONCLUSIONCompared with patients with unilateral IPH, those with bilateral IPHs are at a younger age and have a greater plaque burden and a higher incidence of fibrous cap rupture, suggesting a greater vulnerability of the carotid plaques in patients with bilateral IPHs.

Aged ; Carotid Arteries ; diagnostic imaging ; Carotid Stenosis ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Fibrosis ; Hemorrhage ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Odds Ratio ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; diagnostic imaging ; Retrospective Studies