Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; radiotherapy ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; radiotherapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Radiation Pneumonitis ; drug therapy

Trichinella spiralis infection in rodents is a well-known model of intestinal inflammation associated with hypermotility. The aim of the study was to use this experimental model to elucidate if Th17 cells are involved in the development of gastrointestinal hypermotility. Colonic smooth muscle contractility was investigated in response to acetylcholine. The levels of IL-17, IL-23 and TGF-beta1 in colon were measured by Western blotting. Flow cytometric detection of intracellular IFN-gamma/IL-4/IL-17 cytokine production was used to analyze the proportions of CD4+ T cells subsets in colon. Our results showed that colonic muscle contractility was increased 2 weeks post infection (PI) and stayed high 12 weeks PI when no discernible inflammation was present in the gut. The proportion of Th17 cells and the expression of IL-17 were up-regulated in colon 2 weeks PI and returned to normal 8 weeks PI. The content of IL-17 was correlated with the colonic smooth muscle hypercontracility 2 weeks PI. Meanwhile, TGF-beta1 was increased 2 weeks PI, while IL-23 was normal. Our results suggest that Th17 cells affect the colonic muscle contractility in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis at intestine stage but not at muscle stage and the effect of Th17 cells on muscle contractility might be induced by TGF-beta1. Other cytokines might be involved in the hypercontracility of colonic smooth muscle at muscle stage.

Objective: To investigate the detection of HIV/AIDS cases in medical institutions in Tianjin Municipality from 2005 to 2021, so as to provide insights into optimization of HIV antibody testing strategies in medical institutions. Methods: All data pertaining to individuals receiving HIV antibody tests in medical institutions in Tianjin Municipality from 2005 to 2021 were collected from the information systems in medical institutions and the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Information System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The positive rate of HIV antibody and epidemiological characteristics of HIV/AIDS cases in medical institutions were analyzed. Results: The number of HIV antibody tests increased from 86 102 person-times in 2005 to 1 369 345 person-times in 2021 in medical institutions in Tianjin Municipality, with annual increase by 18.88%. The positive rate of HIV antibody increased from 2.44/104 to 2.85/104 (P<0.05), with annual increase by 2.79/104. Both the proportion of the number of HIV antibody tests and the number of HIV/AIDS cases detected by medical institutions in the whole city appeared a tendency towards a rise (P<0.05). A high positive rate of HIV antibody was seen in sexually transmitted disease clinics (53.69/104) and other testing services (12.25/104), and the highest positive rate of HIV antibody was seen in individuals at ages of 20 to 39 years (5.40/104), while the positive rate of HIV antibody was higher in men (5.84/104) than in women (0.53/104) (P<0.05). A total of 3 610 HIV/AIDS cases were detected in medical institutions in Tianjin Municipality from 2005 to 2021, with a median age of 38 (interquartile range, 24) years. Of all HIV/AIDS patients, there were 3 277 men (90.78%), and men who have sex with men was the predominant transmission route (63.46%), while the proportion of late identification of HIV/AIDS cases was 65.60%. In addition, the proportion of timely detection for the first CD4+T lymphocyte count testing increased from 23.81% in 2005 to 71.54% in 2021 (P<0.05). Conclusions The number of HIV antibody tests and positive rate of HIV antibody appeared a tendency towards a rise in medical institutions in Tianjin Municipality from 2005 to 2021. The HIV/AIDS cases were predominantly identified in sexually transmitted disease clinics and other testing services, and were predominantly men.

Objective: To understand characteristics of men who have sex with men (MSM) who applied for HIV antibody self-testing reagents through "AIDS self-testing" column of a WeChat official account named "Dark Blue Public Health Center" in Tianjin City, so as to provide insights into exploring online modes of HIV antibody self-testing for MSM. Methods: Data of MSM who were 18 years old or above, currently lived in Tianjin City, had sex with men in the past six months and applied for HIV antibody self-testing reagents through "AIDS self-testing" column from May 2018 to December 2022 were collected. Demographic characteristics, results return and positive findings were descriptively analyzed. Results: Data of 2 064 MSM were collected, including 1 052 MSM aged 20 to 29 years (50.97%), 1 522 unmarried MSM (73.74%), 545 workers (26.41%), 1 385 MSM with college education or above (67.10%), and 315 MSM without testing for HIV antibody in the past (15.26%). A total of 6 470 self-testing reagents were applied, and 5 942 testing results were returned, with a return rate of 91.84%. There were 33.28% (687/2 064) of the applicants applying for 66.32% (4 291/6 470) reagents multiple times. There were 73 MSM with positive results, accounting for 1.23%. Conclusions The MSM applying for HIV antibody self-testing reagents through "AIDS self-testing" are mainly young and highly educated, including some who have never tested for HIV. However, attention should be paid to duplicate applications and the return rate should be increased.

OBJECTIVETo explore the relation of the anogenital distance (AGD) with cryptorchidism in male newborns.

METHODSThis study included 350 male infants delivered in two community hospitals between September 2013 and September 2014. Within 24 hours after birth, a pediatric surgeon measured the AGD of the neonates and determined whether they had cryptorchidism. According to the testicular position, we divided the undescended testes into three types: upper scrotal, inguinal, and non-palpable.

RESULTSTotally 39 cases of cryptorchidism were found in the 350 newborns. The AGD of the cryptorchidism infants was significantly shorter than that of the normal neonates ([2.01 ± 0.22] vs [2.35 ± 0.19] cm, P < 0.01), and statistically significant differences remained even when preterm and low birth-weight infants were excluded ([2.32 ± 0.14] vs [2.06 ± 0.19] cm; (2.37 ± 0.17) cm vs (2.12 ± 0.12) cm, all P < 0.01). The newborns with higher-position cryptorchidism had a shorter AGD, though with no significant difference (F = 0.434, P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the AGD between unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism ([1.96 ± 0.13] vs [2.02 ± 0.17] cm, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONShorter AGD is associated with a higher incidence of cryptorchidism in male newborns. AGD could serve as a potential biomarker for disruption of androgen action during the male programming window period.

Androgens ; physiology ; Cryptorchidism ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Male ; Perineum ; abnormalities

A strain was isolated from internal organ of died porcine about 8 weeks with purulent pneumonia,arthritis,pyogenic arthritis and endocarditis in April 2007.Objectives of the study are to confirm the genus of the strain,pathopoiesis,and drug sensitivity.The mainly study methods:the first,the strain was identified by the phenotype and the characteristics of the biochemistry,sequence 16S rDNA genes of the strain was analyzed by molecular biology technology,finally animal experiment and drug sensitivity testing were done.The results of the phenotype and the characteristics of the biochemistry showed that it is greatly similar to Actinomyces hyovaginalis,16S rRNA sequence analysis exhibited the homology achieved to 99.2% com-pared with group III strains of Actinomyces hyovaginalis,and the phyletic evolution analysis also indicated that it has mostly relationship with group III strains of Actinomyces hyovaginalis.Animal experiment dis-covered it has highly pathogenicity to Mus musculus albus;Drug sensitivity testing showed that it is hyper-sensitive to Erycin,Gentamicin and Amikacin.So,the result of the study confirmed that the strain is Actin-omyces hyovaginalis III with the pathogenicity.

BACKGROUNDRemodeling of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft usually takes longer than expected. Gene therapy offers a radical different approach to remodeling of the graft. In this study, the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence was used to construct a new recombinant adenovirus which permits co-expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1) and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) genes (named Ad-VEGF165-IRES-TGFbeta1). We investigated the effects of the new adenovirus on the migration of and matrix synthesis by ACL fibroblasts.

METHODSAdenoviral vector containing TGFbeta1 and VEGF165 genes was constructed. ACL fibroblasts were obtained from New Zealand white rabbits. After ACL fibroblasts were exposed to Ad-VEGF165-IRES-TGFbeta1, the expression of VEGF165 and TGFbeta1 proteins were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting analysis. Bioassay of VEGF165 and TGFbeta1 proteins were assessed by Western blotting analysis. Proliferation and migration of ACL fibroblasts were assessed by in vitro wound closure assay. Gene expression of collagen type I, collagen type III, and fibronectin mRNA among matrix markers were assessed by real-time PCR.

RESULTSThe results showed the successful construction of a recombinant co-expression adenovirus vector containing TGFbeta1 and VEGF165 genes. Co-expression of TGFbeta1 and VEGF165 can induce relatively rapid and continuous proliferation of ACL fibroblasts and high gene expression of collagen type I, collagen type III, and fibronectin mRNA among matrix markers.

CONCLUSIONCo-expression of TGFbeta1 and VEGF165 genes has more powerful and efficient effects on the migration of and matrix synthesis by ACL fibroblasts.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament ; cytology ; metabolism ; Cell Movement ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen ; genetics ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; metabolism ; Fibroblasts ; physiology ; Fibronectins ; genetics ; Genetic Therapy ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Rabbits ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; genetics ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; Wound Healing

Bletilla striata has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for several centuries. In recent years, the quality and quantity of wild B. striata plants have declined sharply due to habitat deterioration and human over-exploitation. Therefore, it is of great urgency to evaluate and protect B. striata wild plant resource. In this study, sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers were applied to assess the level and pattern of genetic diversity in twelve populations of B. striata. The results showed a high level of genetic diversity (PPB = 90.48%, H = 0.349 4, I = 0.509 6) and moderate genetic differentiation among populations (G(st) = 0.260 9). Based on the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA), twelve populations gathered in three clusters. The cluster 1 included four populations. There are Nanjing, Zhenjiang, Xuancheng and Hangzhou. The seven populations which come from Hubei Province, Hunan Province, Jiangxi Province and Guizhou Province belonged to the cluster 2. The cluster 3 only contained Wenshan population. Moreover, Mantel test revealed significant positive correlation between genetic distances and geographic distances (r = 0.632 9; P < 0.000 1). According to the results, we proposed a series of conservation consideration for B. striata.
China ; Genetic Markers ; Genetic Variation ; Genetics, Population ; Orchidaceae ; genetics ; Phylogeny ; Plants, Medicinal ; genetics

BACKGROUNDAscorbic acid has important antioxidant properties, and may play a role in the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning on later ischemia-reperfusion. Herein, we examined the role of endogenous extracellular ascorbic acid in ischemic preconditioning in the kidney.

METHODSWe developed a solitary rabbit kidney model where animals received ischemia-reperfusion only (ischemia-reperfusion group, n = 15) or ischemic preconditioning followed by ischemia-reperfusion (ischemic preconditioning group, n = 15). Ischemia-reperfusion was induced by occluding and loosening of the renal pedicle. The process of ischemic preconditioning included 15-minute brief ischemia and 10-minute reperfusion. In vivo microdialysis coupled with online electrochemical detection was used to determine levels of endogenous extracellular ascorbic acid in both groups. The extent of tissue damage was determined in kidney sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Serum creatinine and urea nitrogen were also detected to assess renal function.

RESULTSDuring ischemia-reperfusion, the extracellular ascorbic acid concentration during ischemia increased rapidly to the peak level ((130.01 +/- 9.98)%), and then decreased slowly to near basal levels. Similar changes were observed during reperfusion (peak level, (126.78 +/- 18.24)%). In the ischemic preconditioning group there was a similar pattern of extracellular ascorbic acid concentration during ischemic preconditioning. However, the ascorbic acid level was significantly lower during the ischemia and early reperfusion stage compared to the ischemia-reperfusion group. Additionally, the extent of glomerular ischemic collapse, tubular dilation, tubular denudation, and loss of brush border were markedly attenuated in the ischemic preconditioning group. Levels of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen were also decreased significantly in the ischemic preconditioning group.

CONCLUSIONSIschemic preconditioning may protect renal tissue against ischemia-reperfusion injury via use of extracellular ascorbic acid. In vivo microdialysis coupled with online electrochemical detection is effective for continuous monitoring extracellular ascorbic acid in the renal cortex.

Animals ; Ascorbic Acid ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Ischemic Preconditioning ; methods ; Kidney ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rabbits ; Reperfusion Injury ; prevention & control

OBJECTIVETo study the mechanism of hepatitis B virus infected patients who is negative for HbsAg.

METHODSDNA sequences of 46 patients were analyzed. In these patients, HBsAg was negative but HBV DNA was positive and six new HBsAg variants were identified. Four of the six variants were combined point mutants and two were insertion variants. These S genes were subcloned into eukaryotic expression vector EBO-plpp, and the recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmids were transfected into COS7 cells. Cell lines expressing mutant type HBsAg were obtained. The supernatants were detected by ELISA and RIA.

RESULTSOnly the two-amino acid-insertion variants could be detected and the others failed to react with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against HbsAg.

CONCLUSIONThe results indicated that the point mutations and insertions may result in a conformational change of the S gene, which affect HBsAg antigenicity, suggesting a possible relationship between the variants and the negative conversion of HBsAg of the patients.

Animals ; Antigenic Variation ; COS Cells ; Cercopithecus aethiops ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; genetics ; immunology ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; immunology ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; immunology ; virology ; Humans ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Point Mutation ; Transfection