Abstract: Objective　To investigate the fundus arteriosclerosis and its influencing factors in HIV/AIDS patients after long-term highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Methods　The clinical basic data and fundus examination data of 203 HIV/AIDS patients before and after HAART in the Fourth People 's Hospital of Nanning from January 2020 to June 2022 were collected to evaluate the occurrence of fundus arteriosclerosis and analyze its influencing factors. Results　Of the 203 HIV/AIDS patients, 159 patients developed fundus arteriosclerosis, with an incidence of 78.33%, including 33 patients with grade Ⅰ(20.75%), 87 patients with grade Ⅱ (54.72%), 28 patients with grade Ⅲ(17.61%), and 11 patients (6.92%) with Grade Ⅳ. Before HAART, there was no significant difference in CD4+T lymphocyte count, CD8+T lymphocyte count, viral load, white blood cell count, platelet count, hemoglobin, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and serum total bilirubin between the atherosclerosis group and normal group (P>0.05). After 6 months of HAART, CD8+T lymphocyte count, triacylglycerol and fasting blood glucose in atherosclerosis group were significantly higher than those in normal group (P<0.05). In the stratified comparison of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte counts after 6 months of HAART, the proportion of patients with CD4+ lymphocyte count (CD4+)<200 (cells/μL) in the atherosclerosis group was significantly higher than that in the normal group; the proportion of patients with CD4+ lymphocyte count (CD4+)≥500 (cells/μL) was significantly lower than that in the normal group; the proportion of patients with CD8+ lymphocyte count CD8+≥ 800/μL was significantly higher than that in the normal group (all P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that opportunistic infection, HIV course, CD4+T, CD8+T lymphocyte count after HAART and triglyceride were independent risk factors for ocular fundus atherosclerosis in HIV/AIDS patients (all P<0.05). Conclusions　The incidence of ocular fundus arteriosclerosis is high in HIV/AIDS patients. More than 4 years of HIV course, combined opportunistic infection, Low CD4+T lymphocyte count after 6 months of HAART, high CD8+T lymphocyte count and high triglyceride level are independent risk factors for ocular fundus arteriosclerosis in HIV/AIDS patients. Fundus screening should be performed before and after HAART in such population, HAART program should be formulated for the risk of cardiovascular disease, and risk management of cardiovascular disease should be strengthened during treatment to improve patient outcomes.

Objective Inflammation plays a critical role in the presence , development and maintenance of atrial fibrillation ( AF) , but it remains unclear what factors induce inflammation in AF patients , especially in those with valvular heart disease ( VHD) . The aim of this paper was to investigate the role of the shedding of Syndecan -4 in left atrial inflammation in patients with valvular atrial fibrillation. Methods Sixty VHD patients scheduled for valvuloplasty or valve replacement surgery were divided into three groups of equal number:sinus rhythm (SR), paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PaAF), and persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF).Another 10 pa-tients with congenital heart disease but no valve damage and atrial fibrillation were included in a control group .Baseline clinical data were recorded and tissues were obtained from the left atrial appendage during operation .The expressions of iNOS , HMGB1, and Syn-decan-4 in the left atrium were detected by Western blot , and the pathological changes of the left atrial tissue observed by HE staining . Results Western blot analysis was performed to detect expression levels of proteins .The iNOS level was significantly higher in pa-tients from the paroxysmal AF group (1.61 ±0.10) and persistent AF group (1.67 ±0.08) than those from sinus group (1.06 ± 0.11) and control group (1.02 ±0.12), as was the protein level of HMGB1 (0.63 ±0.05, 0.95 ±0.10, 0.45 ±0.07 and 0.46 ± 0.06 in paroxysmal AF group, persistent AF group, sinus group and controlgroup respectively ).Inflammatory cell infiltration in-creased, while syndecan 4 was down-regulated in AF groups.All these comparisons were significant (P<0.05). Conclusion The decreased expression of Syndecan-4 and enhanced inflammatory response in the left atrial tissue indicate that the shedding of Synde-can-4 may play a role in the presence and development of inflamma-tion in the left atrium .

Aged ; Humans ; Lung ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pneumoconiosis ; complications ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Reference Standards

Objective To study the immunological pathogenesis of gluteal muscle contracture. Methods In 43 children with gluteal muscle contracture and 22 normal control cases, peripheral blood T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocyte and its subset were analyzed with flow cytometry. Results The percent of CD4+, B-lymphocyte and CD4+/CD8+ in children with gluteal muscle contracture were all significantly higher than those in the control(P0.05). Conclusion There is disorder of immunological regulation in children with gluteal muscle contracture. Immunologic factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of gluteal muscle contracture.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) implanted by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for patients with benign biliary stricture (BBS).Methods The clinical data of 38 patients with BBS underwent ERCP and FCSEMS placement between January 2012 and January 2016 were retrospectively recorded.Success rate of BBS,adverse events related to ERCP and stricture recurrence were analyzed.Results A total of 38 patients underwent FCSEMS placement with a mean time of stent in dwelling for 8 months (range:3-13months).During follow-up after the stent was removed,death of 1 patient after liver transplantation was due to unrelated cause.The mean follow-up time was 13 months (range:2-52 months) for other patients.Stricture recurrence occurred in 6 patients,including 2 cases of gallstone-related biliary strictures,1 case of chronic pancreatitis-related biliary strictures,2 cases of liver transplantation-related biliary strictures,and 1 case of post surgical-related biliary strictures.Stricture resolution occurred in 31 cases with 83.8％ (31/37) success rate,including 90.0％ (18/20) gallstone-related biliary strictures,75.0％ (3/4) chronic pancreatitis-related biliary strictures,80.0％ (8/10) liver transplantation-related biliary strictures,and 66.7％ (2/3)post surgical-related biliary strictures.The incidence of post-ERCP complications was 21.1％ (8/38),including mild pancreatitis in 5 case,hyperamylasemia in 2 cases,cholangitis in 1 case.All patients were cured by conservative treatment.Conclusion FCSEMS are effective and safe for BBS.Further studies are needed to assess the indwelling time of FCSEMS,whether FCSEMS are superior to multiple plastic stents and the different efficacy of FCSEMS for BBS caused by different etiology.

OBJECTIVE To dectect the possible association between interleukin-4 receptor gene polymorphism and allergic rhinitis. METHODS The study was conducted in two different groups: patients with allergic rhinitis (the case group,n=50) and healthy people (the control group,n=40). The IL-4R Q576R polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The study compared frequencies distribution of genotype and allele between the two groups,and calculated odds ratio (OR) of genotype. RESULTS IL-4R allelic frequencies showed significant difference between the two groups (x2=9.12,P

Objective To construct a novel enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) recombinant baculovirus. Methods The target gene(EGFP and GDNF) was cloned into baculovirus transfer vector pFastBacDual, pFB-EGFP-GDNF was constructed and restriction enzyme analysis was conducted. pFB-EGFP-GDNF was transposited with baculovirus shuttle vector (Bacmid) into DH10Bac competent cells, and recombination baculovirus vector Bacmid-EGFP-GDNF was constructed. The plasmid was extracted and PCR was performed for identification. Bacmid-EGFP-GDNF was transfected with Sf9 insect cell package virus by liposomal transfection method. Immunofluorescent staining was employed to detect the expression of EGFP and GDNF protein in St9 cells. Results The target gene fragment was correctly cloned into pFastBaeDual vector, and recombinant Bacmid was constructed. Bacmid-EGFP-GDNF was successfully transfected, and higher virus titer was obtained. The coexpression of GDNF and EGFP protein in Sf9 cells was identified by immunofluorescent staining. Conclusion The recombinant baculovirus Bacmid-EGFP-GDNF can be successfully constructed, and the protein of EGFP and GDNF is coexpressed in St9 cells, which paves a way for the research of GDNF gene therapy.

Objective To observe the effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine(5-aza-CdR)on the normal epithelial specific-1 gene(NES1)and the growth of human gastric cancer xenografts in nude mice,and to explore the possible anti-tumor mechanisms and search for new treatment for gastric cancer.Methods Human gastric caner xenograft model in nude mice was established and treated with 5-aza-CdR.The growth of xenografts in nude mice was observed,and the status of methylation and protein expression of NES1 gene were detected by MSP and immunohistochemistry respectirely.Results After treatment with 5-aza-CdR,the growth of the xenografts in nude mice was greatly inhibited(P

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of putative bacteriocin immunity proteins on the growth mode of Streptococcus mutans (Sm). To observe the differences of antimicrobial sensitivity in planktonic Sm wild-type strains and mutant strains caused by the inactivation of bacteriocin immunity proteins and their influence on the biofilm formation.

METHODSSm wild-type strains (WT) and its knockout mutants defective in immA and immB (ΔimmA(-) and ΔimmB(-) mutants) coding putative bacteriocin immunity proteins were cultured in brain heart infusion (BHI) and selected by erythromycin at the concentration of 10 mg/L. Optical density was detected by spectrophotometer every hour and growth curve was drawn. WT, ΔimmA(-) and ΔimmB(-) mutants were treated with ampicillin (0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08 mg/L), sodium fluoride (50, 100, 150, 200, 250 mg/L) and sodium hypochlorite (0.078%, 0.156%, 0.313%, 0.625%, 1.250%) for 24 hours. Optical density was detected by multifunctional micro plate reader. WT and the mutants were cultured in MBEC(TM) P&G Assay for 24 hours. The minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of chlorhexidine against Sm was determined by serial dilution method. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to visualize the biofilm architecture, depth and ratio of live to dead bacteria.

RESULTSGrowth curve showed that it took about 3 hours to reach exponential phase and about 7 hours to stationary phase for WT, while 4 hours to exponential phase and 8 hours to stationary phase for mutants. Optical density of mutants were lower than WT in the presence of various antimicrobial agents (P < 0.01). In 0.06 mg/L ampicillin group, optical density value of WT, ΔimmA(-) and ΔimmB(-) mutants were 0.334 ± 0.016, 0.027 ± 0.016 and 0.047 ± 0.018. In 150 mg/L sodium fluoride group, optical density value of WT and mutants were 0.254 ± 0.018, 0.129 ± 0.011 and 0.167 ± 0.010. In 0.313% sodium hypochlorite group, optical density value of WT and mutants were 0.467 ± 0.008, 0.017 ± 0.006 and 0.050 ± 0.006. The MBEC of chlorhexidine against Sm WT, ΔimmA(-) and ΔimmB(-) mutants were 6.25, 1.57, and 3.13 mg/L. The results by CLSM showed a noticeable difference in biofilm architecture. The depth of WT biofilm was higher than the mutants biofilm (P < 0.01). The ratio of live to dead bacteria of WT biofilm was higher than ΔimmA(-) mutants in all layers (P < 0.05) and ΔimmB(-) mutants in the outer and intermedium layer (P < 0.01). There is no significant different between the inner layers of WT and ΔimmB(-) mutants (P = 0.191).

CONCLUSIONSPutative bacteriocin immunity proteins have influence on the growth mode of Sm. The antimicrobial sensitivity of planktonic Sm can be up-regulated by the inactivation of immA or immB. The MBEC of chlorhexidine against ΔimmA(-) and ΔimmB(-) mutants is lower than WT. The inactivation of immA or immB affects the biofilm formation.

Ampicillin ; pharmacology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Bacteriocins ; genetics ; immunology ; Biofilms ; drug effects ; growth & development ; Cariostatic Agents ; pharmacology ; Chlorhexidine ; pharmacology ; Disinfectants ; pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Mutation ; Plankton ; drug effects ; Sodium Fluoride ; pharmacology ; Sodium Hypochlorite ; pharmacology ; Streptococcus mutans ; drug effects ; genetics

OBJECTIVEWe conducted both quick surveillance and evaluation programs within one week after the novel H7N9 influenza cases had been released by the Ministry of Health (MOH), to get the basic information on H7N9 virus in Guangzhou.

METHODSWe sampled live birds from food markets and the natural habitat of birds to detect H7N9, H5 and H9 viruses. We interviewed workers from both markets and natural habitats. We also reviewed records on pneumonia patients with unknown causes from the surveillance system, to find clues related to the identification of severe pneumonia.

RESULTSWe sampled 300 specimens from 49 stalls in 13 food markets and a natural habitat but none showed H7N9 positive result. A chopping block was detected positive of carrying H5 avian influenza virus, while another 4 specimens including a chicken cage, a duck cage, a chopping block and a pigeon cage were detected positive of carrying H9 avian influenza virus. In the past month, no sick, dead birds or ILI cases among the workers were discovered. 21.2% (7/33) of the stalls did not follow the set regulations for prevention. 10.3% (4/39) of the stalls had the cages cleaned, 4 days after the inspection. 3.7% (2/54) of the workers wore masks and 40.7% (22/54) of them wore gloves during the slaughtering process. 102 bird feces specimens were tested negative on H7N9 virus. No pneumonia cases with unknown reason were identified. From April 3(rd) to 17(th), we found 26 severe pneumonia cases but with negative results on influenza A (H7N9).

CONCLUSIONAccording to the data and information from 1) lab tests, 2) pneumonia cases with unknown reasons under the surveillance system, 3) the identification of severe pneumonia cases, and 4) preventive measures and actions taken by the workers, we inferred that no H7N9 virus or related cases were found prior to April in Guangzhou. However, the risk of H7N9 epidemic does exist because of the following reasons:1) improper market management process, 2) negligent behavior of the workers and 3) potential trend of the national situation, suggesting strategies related to poultry markets management, health education and preventive measures against the avian influenza need to be strengthened.

China ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype ; Influenza, Human ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; virology ; Risk Assessment