T-Cell Immunoglobulin- and Mucin-Domain-Containing Molecule 3 Genetic Variants and HIV+ Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

T cell immunoglobulin- and mucin-domain-containing molecule 3 (TIM-3) has been established as a negative regulatory molecule and plays a critical role in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis B and C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related inflammation. Recent studies have shown that chronic inflammation may greatly affect the pathogenesis of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms in the TIM-3 gene were associated with susceptibility to non-NHL and HIV-related NHL. Three polymorphisms in TIM-3 gene (?1516G/T, ?574G/T, and +4259T/G) were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 434 NHL patients, 62 HIV-related NHL cases, and 512 healthy controls. Results showed that the prevalence of ?574GT genotype and +4259TG genotype were significantly increased in the NHL cases than in controls (odds ratio (OR)?=?2.72, 95 % confidence interval (CI)?=?1.50–4.92, p?=?0.0006 and OR?=?2.59, 95 % CI?=?1.49–4.49, p?=?0.0005, respectively). The ?1516G/T polymorphism did not reveal significant difference between patients and healthy controls. When analyzing the TIM-3 polymorphisms in HIV-related NHL patients, data showed that HIV+ NHL patients had higher prevalence of ?574GT or +4259TG genotypes than those cases without HIV infection (OR?=?3.48, 95 % CI?=?1.67–7.28, p?=?0.0005 and OR?=?2.92, 95 % CI?=?1.42–6.01, p?=?0.0026, respectively). These results suggested polymorphisms in TIM-3 gene could be new risk factors for NHL as well as HIV-related NHL and suggested a possible role of the inflammatory factor in these diseases.     

常规消毒对ProTaper镍钛根管锉抗拉强度的影响

目的 探讨超声清洗时间和消毒灭菌频率对镍钛根管锉的抗拉性能的影响,以了解超声清洗和高温高压消毒灭菌法在镍钛根管锉灭菌中应用的安全性和可行性.方法 采用全新的ProTaper S2锉和F2锉各25支,分为5组:标准组(未处理)、对照组(未超声-高压灭菌)、A组(超声震荡50 min+高压灭菌5次)、B组(超声震荡100 min+高压灭菌10次)、C组(超声震荡150 min+高压灭菌15次),分别用万能测试仪对其进行抗拉伸强度的性能试验.结果 S2及F2的标准组之间的抗拉伸强度差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),提示样本间不存在差异性;经不同时间超声清洗及不同次数高温高压处理的S2镍钛锉抗拉伸强度测试结果显示:对照组、A组、B组、C组分别为(76.58±4.87)MPa、(71.00±5.39)MPa、(72.33±3.43)MPa、(66.81±4.08)MPa;F2镍钛锉抗拉伸强度结果分别为:(111.75±6.83)MPa、(110.46±3.88)MPa、(107.29±3.89)MPa、(94.53±6.61)MPa;A、B组与对照组的ProTaper S2锉和F2锉的抗拉强度差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),即镍钛锉经超声震荡50 min+高压灭菌5次及超声震荡100 min+高压灭菌10次消毒后,其抗拉伸强度无明显影响;C组与对照组间差异存在统计学意义(P<0.05),即镍钛锉经超声震荡150 min+高压灭菌15次消毒后,对其抗拉伸强度有影响.结论 常规超声-高压灭菌消毒超过一定频率可能增加ProTaper系统镍钛根管锉折断可能性.     

In Silico identification of M. TB proteins with diagnostic potential

The development of a new tuberculosis (TB) vaccine has become one of the main objectives of the scientific community. Protein antigens have been widely explored as subunit TB vaccines, however lipid antigens could be equally important to be used or included in such a vaccine. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the potential of a liposome formulation composed of an extract of lipids from Mycobacterium smegmatis (Ms) as a TB vaccine candidate. We evaluated the immunogenicity of this formulation as well as the cross reactive response against antigens from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb) in BALB/c mice. We determined the anti-liposome IgG response in sera from TB patients and from healthy subjects who displayed a positive (PPD+) or negative (PPD-) tuberculin skin test. A significant increase in anti-liposome IgG (p<0.05) was detected in animals immunized with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) compared with all groups, and in the group immunized with liposomes from Ms (LMs) compared to animals immunized with either LMs adjuvanted with aluminium (LMs-A) or the negative control group (phosphate buffered saline, PBS) respectively. With respect to the cross reactive response against a cocktail of cell wall antigens (CWA) from MTb, significantly higher IgG levels were observed in animals immunized with BCG and LMs compared to negative controls and either, aluminium-adjuvanted liposomes (LMs-A) or montanide (LMs-M) (p<0.05). Furthermore, the anti-liposome IgG response was significantly superior in sera from pulmonary TB patients compared to PPD+ and PPD- healthy subjects (p<0.001) suggesting the expression of these antigens in vivo during active MTb infection. The results obtained provide some evidence for the potential use of liposomes containing total lipid extracts of Ms as a TB vaccine candidate.

     

基于ARCS模型视角下跨文化护理临终关怀微课程内容框架的构建

目的基于ARCS模型视角构建具有科学性和实用性的跨文化护理临终关怀微课程内容框架。方法2018年11月成立课题小组,采用Delphi法,对16名跨文化护理、临终关怀、护理管理、护理教育等领域的专家进行3轮函询,根据专家打分计算指标权重,形成ARCS模型视角下跨文化护理临终关怀微课程教学内容框架。结果问卷函询专家的积极系数为100%,专家权威系数均值为0.81,确定的一、二级指标重要性赋值均大于4.00,变异系数为0~0.12,均小于0.25,符合要求。最终形成包含专业理念类、专业知识类和专业能力类3个一级指标和19个二级分类跨文化护理临终关怀微课程内容框架。结论基于ARCS模型视角下跨文化护理临终关怀微课程内容框架构建过程科学,设置合理,对于开展临终关怀护士培训具有较好的指导意义。     

Establishment of uric acid associated nephropathy animal model and the underlying mechanisms

Objective To establish an uric acid associated nephropathy (UAN) animal model and explore the mechanisms involved. Methods Eighteen (6-8 weeks old) male Sprague-Dawley rats weighed 200-220 g were randomly assigned into 2 groups: the control group (n=9), the uric acid associated nephropathy group (n=9). UAN rat model was established by oral administration of adenine (0.1g/kg) and potassium oxonate (1.5 g/kg) mixture daily for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and blood and kidney samples were collected. Serum uric acid, creatinine and other biochemistry index were measured weekly. PAS and Masson staining were conducted to evaluate renal pathology and renal fibrosis. Serum activity of xanthine oxidase (XOD) was examined. Expression of p-EGFR and EGFR were detected by western blot and α-SMA expression was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results After 3 weeks, the model group rats got 1.5 folds increased serum creatinine and significantly elevated serum uric acid. PAS and Masson staining showed that the UAN kidney developed glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial damage and inflammatory cell infiltration. Serum activity of xanthine oxidase (XOD) was significantly upregulated in UAN group [(52.68±9.79) μmol/L vs (32.23±6.72) μmol/L, P＜0.05]. Western blot showed that EGFR was activated and α-SMA expression increased remarkably in renal interstitial area of UAN rats. Conclusions The mixture of adenine and potassium oxonate can successfully establish UAN model. Phosphorylation of EGFR may mediate the activation of renal interstitial fibroblasts and accelerate the development and progression of UAN.     

Ⅱ型糖尿病与腰椎间盘退变的相关性

目的 :探讨Ⅱ型糖尿病(DM)与腰椎间盘退变的相关性。方法 :选择2013年因腰腿痛至我院脊柱外科门诊就诊并满足入选标准的390例50~60岁患者,详细记录患者DM病史,其中非DM患者123例(非DM组)、血糖控制较好患者140例(A组),血糖控制较差DM患者127例(B组);A组中DM≤10年68例(A1组),DM10年72例(A2组);B组中DM≤10年60例(B1组),DM10年67例(B2组)。用Pfirrmann评分系统对各组患者各节段腰椎间盘退变程度进行评分,用SPSS 19.0统计分析DM与腰椎间盘退变程度的相关性。结果:各组资料均服从正态分布(P0.05)。各组间一般资料无显著性差异(P0.05)。在L1/2~L5/S1每节段上,A1组Pfirrmann评分与非DM组无显著性差异(P0.05);A2、B1及B2组的Pfirrmann评分显著高于非DM组(P0.05)。A2、B2组Pfirrmann评分显著较A1、B1组高(P0.05);B1、B2组Pfirrmann评分均较A1、A2组高(P0.05)。在A、B组中,L1/2~L5/S1每一节段上腰椎间盘退变程度与DM病程呈显著性正相关(P0.05)。结论 :DM10年及血糖控制不良是腰椎间盘退变的危险因素,腰椎间盘退变程度与DM病程呈正相关。     

三维斑点追踪成像评价亚临床甲状腺功能减退患者左心室收缩功能

目的 评价三维斑点追踪成像(3D-STE)技术对亚临床甲状腺功能减退(SCH)患者左心室心肌功能减低的预测价值。方法 对32例SCH患者(SCH组)和30名健康志愿者(对照组)行3D-STE检查,获得左心室收缩期整体面积应变(GAS)、整体纵向应变(GLS)和整体环向应变(GCS)。比较对照组和SCH组治疗前后左心室三维应变参数差异,以左心室射血分数<65%为诊断左心室收缩功能减低金标准,采用ROC曲线评价左心室三维应变参数诊断SCH左心室收缩功能减低的效能。结果 SCH组治疗前后GAS、GLS和GCS绝对值均低于对照组(P均<0.05),治疗后GAS、GLS和GCS绝对值均高于治疗前(P均<0.05)。ROC曲线显示GAS、GLS和GCS的AUC分别为0.805、0.723和0.614,分别以-40.5%、-29.3%和-32.6%作为GAS、GLS和GCS诊断左心室功能减低界值,其敏感度分别为85.7%、77.8%和71.1%,特异度分别为72.2%、71.3%和60.1%。结论 3D-STE中GAS诊断SCH患者左心室收缩功能减低效能较高,具有一定的临床预测价值。     

Short-term Safety and Efficiency of Cryoablation for Renal Sympathetic Denervation in a Swine Model

Background:

Renal sympathetic nerves are involved in the reflective activation of the sympathetic nervous system in circulatory control. Catheter-based renal denervation (RDN) ameliorated treatment-resistant hypertension safely, but 10%–20% of treated patients are nonresponders to radiofrequency denervation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficiency of cryoablation for sympathetic denervation in a swine model and to explore a new way of RDN.

Methods:

Seven swines randomly assigned to two groups: Renal cryoablation (CR) group and control group. The control group underwent renal angiogram only. The CR group underwent renal angiogram plus bilateral renal cryoablation. Renal angiograms via femoral were performed before denervation, after denervation and prior to the sacrifice to access the diameter of renal arterial and the pressure of aorta abdominalis. Euthanasia of the swine was performed on 28-day to access norepinephrine (NE) changes of the renal cortex and the changes of renal nerves.

Results:

Cryoablation did not induce severe complications at any time point. There was no significant change in diameter of renal artery. CR reduced systolic blood pressure (BP) from 145.50 ± 9.95 mmHg at baseline to 119.00 ± 14.09 mmHg. There was a slight but insignificant decrease in diastolic BP. The main nerve changes at 28-day consisted of necrosis with perineurial fibrosis at the site of CR exposure in conjunction with the nerve vacuolation. Compared with the control group, renal tissue NE of CR group decreased by 89.85%.

Conclusions:

Percutaneous catheter-based cryoablation of the renal artery is safe. CR could effectively reduce NE storing in the renal cortex, and the efficiency could be maintained 28-day at least.     

Overexpression of Prdx1 in hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a predictor for recurrence and prognosis

Prdx1 is an important member of peroxiredoxins (Prdxs) regulating various cellular signaling and differentiation. Prdx1 confers an aggressive survival phenotype of cancer cells and drug-resistance, yet its role in hilar cholangiocarcinoma is not fully investigated. In present study, we detected the expression profile of Prdx1 in 88 hilar cholangiocarcinoma by tissue arrays and immunohistochemistry. Prdx1 level was down-regulated by specific Prdx1-shRNA in vitro and the possible mechanism was investigated. Overexpression of Prdx1 was observed in 53 of 88 cases (60.2%). Prdx1 expression was significantly associated with tumor invasion, nodal metastasis, advanced disease stage. Down-regulation of Prdx1 inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation of QBC939 cells and reduced the level of SNAT1 expression. Patients with Prdx1 overexpression had a shorter disease-free survival and overall survival than those without Prdx1 expression. Multivariate analysis showed that Prdx1 was an independent prognostic factor for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The data indicate that Prdx1 may contribute to the development and progression of hilar cholangiocarcinoma, partially through regulating SNAT1 expression, and may be used as a biomarker in predicting the outcome of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.     

Decreased expression of microRNA-130a correlates with TNF-α in the development of osteoarthritis

Objective: Increased expression of tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-α) has emerged as an important inflammatory factor in osteoarthritis (OA) and other joint diseases. The study was performed to investigate whether the expression of TNF-α in human chondrocytes was regulated by miRNAs. Methods: MiRNA-130a and TNF-α expression in cartilage specimens was examined in patients with knee osteoarthritis, chondrocytes and osteoarthritis rat model. Chondrocytes were transfected with siRNAs as a gene silencing methods. Expression of genes and proteins were analyzed by real-time PCR and western blotting respectively. Results: Increased TNF-α and decreased miRNA-130a were observed in tissues from osteoarthritis patients. Moreover, we found a highly negitive correlation between miRNA-130a and TNF-α. Next, miRNA-130a loss-of-function increased the expression of TNF-α and promoted inflammation in chondrocytes. It was reasonable that miRNA-130a regulated a distinct underlying molecular and pathogenic mechanism of OA by forming a negative feedback loop with TNF-α. Furthermore, there were the abnormalities of bone metabolism in OA rat, which showed the miRNA-130a and TNF-α dysfunction that was one of important factors for the occurrence and development of OA. Conclusions: Our results indicated that miR-130a played an important role in regulating the expression of TNF-α in human chondrocytes and identified miR-130a as a novel therapeutic target in OA.