ABSTRACT
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) refers to the mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis complex and M. leprae complex, which is widely distributed in the natural environment and people can infect NTM from the environment. With the increased number of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the continuous use of immunosuppressants around the world, the number of diseases caused by NTM are also increasing continuously. However, NTM related intracranial infection is still a rare or even rare disease in clinic, which is often misdiagnosed or even missed diagnosis since the negative results of cerebrospinal fluid bacteria culture, the poor effect of anti-tuberculosis treatment and the high mortality. In present paper, we intend to summarize the documents that have been reported so far in order to review the definition of NTM, the susceptible population, classification, diagnosis and treatment of NTM related intracranial infection for further strengthening and improving awareness of such a kind of the disease.
ABSTRACT
Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (ESCs and iPSCs) hold great promise for regenerative medicine. The therapeutic application of these cells requires an understanding of the molecular networks that regulate pluripotency, differentiation, and de-differentiation. Along with signaling pathways, transcription factors, and epigenetic regulators, microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as important regulators in the establishment and maintenance of pluripotency. These tiny RNAs control proliferation, survival, the cell cycle, and the pluripotency program of ESCs. In addition, they serve as barriers or factors to overcome barriers during the reprogramming process. Systematic screening for novel miRNAs that regulate the establishment and maintenance of pluripotent stem cells and further mechanistic investigations will not only shed new light on the biology of ESCs and iPSCs, but also help develop safe and efficient technologies to manipulate cell fate for regenerative medicine.