ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the prevalence and molecular features of Cryptosporidium in captive-bred Mustela putorius furo in Jiangsu Province.. Methods A total of 290 fresh stool samples were collected from a ferret farm in Jiangsu Province on May 2017, and the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Cryptosporidium was amplified in stool samples using nested PCR assay. The actin, cowp and gp60 genes were amplified in positive samples and sequenced to characterize Cryptosporidium species/genotypes. Results A total of 18 stool samples were tested positive for Cryptosporidium SSU rRNA gene, with a detection rate of 6.2%. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of SSU rRNA, actin and cowp genes characterized Cryptosporidium isolated from captive-bred ferrets as Cryptosporidium sp. ferret genotype. In addition, gp60 gene was amplified in 10 out of 18 stool samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium. Conclusions Cryptosporidium is widely prevalent in captive-bred ferrets in Jiangsu Province, and Cryptosporidium sp. ferret genotype is the only Cryptosporidium genotype in ferrets.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in pigs in Anhui Province. Methods A total of 500 stool samples were collected from large-scale pig farms in Bozhou, Anqing, Chuzhou, Hefei, Fuyang, and Lu’an cities in Anhui Province from October to December 2015. Blastocystis was detected in pig stool samples using a PCR assay based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, and positive samples were subjected to sequencing and sequence analysis. Blastocystis subtypes were characterized in the online PubMLST database, and verified using phylogenetic tree created with the neighbor-joining algorithm in the Meta software. Results The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was 43.2% (216/500) in pigs in 6 cities of Anhui Province, and all pig farms were tested positive for Blastocystis. There was a region-specific prevalence rate of Blastocystis (17.2% to 50.0%) (χ2 = 26.084, P < 0.01), and there was a significant difference in the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. among nursery pigs (39.6%), preweaned pigs (19.1%), and growing pigs (62.3%) (χ2 = 74.951, P < 0.01). Both online inquiry and phylogenetic analysis revealed ST1, ST3, and ST5 subtypes in pigs, with ST5 as the predominant subtype. Conclusion The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. is high in pigs in Anhui Province, with three zoonotic subtypes identified, including ST1, ST3, and ST5.
ABSTRACT
Purpose@#This study aimed to develop a nomogram for predicting pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by integrating hematological biomarkers and clinicopathological characteristics. @*Materials and Methods@#Between 2003 and 2017, 306 ESCC patients who underwent neoadjuvant CRT followed by esophagectomy were analyzed. Besides clinicopathological factors, hematological parameters before, during, and after CRT were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictive factors for pCR. A nomogram model was built and internally validated. @*Results@#Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio, albumin, hemoglobin, white blood cell, neutrophil, and platelet count generally declined, whereas neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) increased significantly following neoadjuvant CRT. After surgery, 124 patients (40.5%) achieved a pCR. The pCR group demonstrated significantly more favorable survival than the non-pCR group. On multivariate analysis, significant factors associated with pCR included sex, chemotherapy regimen, post-CRT endoscopic finding, pre-CRT NLR, ALC nadir during CRT, and post-CRT PLR, which were incorporated into the prediction model. The nomogram indicated good accuracy in predicting pCR, with a C-index of 0.75 (95% confidence interval, 0.71 to 0.78). @*Conclusion@#Female, chemotherapy regimen of cisplatin/vinorelbine, negative post-CRT endoscopic finding, pre-CRT NLR (≤ 2.1), ALC nadir during CRT (> 0.35 ×109/L), and post-CRT PLR (≤ 83.0) were significantly associated with pCR in ESCC patients treated with neoadjuvant CRT. A nomogram incorporating hematological biomarkers to predict pCR was developed and internally validated, showing good predictive performance.
ABSTRACT
Recombinant human interferon beta (rhIFN-β) is a glycoprotein produced by genetically engineered cells and has anti-virus, anti-tumor and immunoregulation functions. Although studies have shown that other subtypes of IFN such as IFN-γ affects cell proliferation and differentiation to some extent, the effect of rhIFN-β on chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is less known. In this study we studied the effect of rhIFN-β on the chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs by inducing hMSCs into cartilage pellet via adding IFN-β1a into regular TGF-β3 chondrogenic differentiation medium. We collected the induced pellets and then detected GAG content, assessed pellets size, observed agreecan using alcian blue staining, and analyzed the expression of Sox and CollangenⅡusing real-time PCR and Western blotting. Addition of 100 ng/mL IFN-β1a to regular TGF-β3 chondrogenic differentiation medium could improve the concentration of GAG, increase the size of pellets, promote the formation of aggrecan and up-regulate the expression of CollangenII and Sox9. IFN-β1a combined with TGF-β3 could promote chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs.
ABSTRACT
Objective We aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy and treatment-related complications in patients with T4besophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) who received concurrent CRT,and to explore the potential prognostic factors related to survival. Methods Between 2010 and 2015,143 patients with T4b esophageal SCC treated with CRT were analyzed, including 71% patients with trachea and/or bronchus invasion and 44% patients with aorta and/or large vessel invasion. The median radiation dose was 60 Gy ( range, 44-68 Gy ) with conventional fractionation, including 69 patients ( 48%) treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and 74 patients ( 52%) treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy. All patients received concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy during radiotherapy. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival,the log-rank test was used to examine group differences,and the Cox regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results The median overall survival ( OS) time for the whole cohort was 12. 2 months. The 2-and 3-year OS rates were 34% and 29%,respectively. A total of 51 patients experienced ≥2 severe non-hematological complications,including 42 esophageal fistula,6 pneumonia,and 3 esophageal hemorrhage. Patients with severe complications showed significantly worse survival than those without complications (6. 9 months vs.20. 4 months,P＜0. 01).Multivariate analysis revealed that TNM stage and severe complications were independent prognostic factors for OS. Conclusions Patients with T4b esophageal SCC who received CRT showed satisfactory survival but with high risk of severe complications. Therefore,prevention and treatment of severe complications is the key to improve efficacy.
ABSTRACT
Objective To develop a MOSAIQ Integration PlatformCHN (MIP) based on the workflow of radiotherapy (RT) and to meet the actual requirements in China and the special needs for the radiotherapy department.Methods MIP used C/S (client-server) structure mode running on the local network in the hospital and its database was based on the Treatment Planning System (TPS) and MOSAIQ database.Five network servers,as the core hardware,supplied data storage and network service based on cloud services.The core software was developed based on Microsoft Visual Studio Platform using C# network programming language.The MIP server could simultaneously offer network service for about 200 workstations,including entry,query,statistics,and print of data.Results MIP had 15 core function modules,such as Notice,Appointment,Billing,Document Management (application/execution),and System Management,which almost covered the whole workflow of radiotherapy.Up to June 2016,the recorded data in the MIP were as follows:13546 patients,13533 plan application forms,15475 RT records,14656 RT summaries,567048 billing records,and 506612 workload records.Conclusions The MIP based on the RT workflow has been successfully developed and used in clinical practice.It is an important part of radiotherapy information system construction with the advantages of intuitive operation,real-time performance,data security,and stable operation.It is digital,paperless,user-friendly,and convenient for the retrieval and statistics of data as well as information sharing and department management,and can significantly improve the efficiency of the department.More functions can be added or modified to enhance its potentials in research and clinical practice.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells is the most promising tissue engineering seed cells because of their strong proliferation and passage ability, multi-directional differentiation potential, as well as no ethical problems and no rejection.OBJECTIVE: To review the recent advances in the directional differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induced by various conditions METHODS: The first author retrieved CNKI, PubMed, Wanfang databases for relevant articles published from January 2001 to September 2016. The keywords were bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, BMSCs, directional differentiation in Chinese and English, respectively. Literature addressing experimental research and review were selected, and finally 48 articles were included.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can be induced in vitro to differentiate into chondrocytes, osteoblasts, adipocytes, and nerve cells by cytokines, chemical drugs, Chinese herbs and extracts, physical stimulation. To establish feasible induction conditions in vitro and improve cell induction efficiency is the basis for the clinical application of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the immune protective effect of recombinant growth hormone on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) patients with typeⅡin respiratory failure during the application of ventilator.Methods 52 patients with COPD with respiratory failure in Taizhou City Hospital from July 2014 to November 2015 in this study who were treated with ventilator therapy were divided into two groups.The control group received routine treatment, and the treatment group received more with recombinant growth hormone 8 U/d subcutaneous injected.Before and after treatment 14 days,determination of nutritional indicators,immune function,inflammatory markers and indicators of oxidative stress.Results Compared with before treatment,levels of total protein,albumin,transferrin and fibronectin in 2 groups after treatment increased,levels of IgM,IgG,CD4 +,CD8 +and CD4 +/CD8 +increased,levels of TNF-α,IL-8 and CRP decreased,levels of MDA,GSH and TAO decreased,levels of SOD increased(P<0.05), compared with the control group,levels of total protein,albumin,transferrin and fibronectin in the treatment group were higher,levels of IgM,IgG,CD4 +, CD8 +and CD4 +/CD8 +were higher,levels of TNF-α,IL-8 and CRP were lower,levels of MDA,GSH and TAO were lower,levels of SOD were higher (P<0.05).Conclusion Recombinant growth hormone has immune function protective effect on the COPD patients with type II respiratory failure in the process of breathing machine, which can improve the nutritional index and reduce the inflammatory reaction.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the time and area specific prevalence of HIV infection and syphilis, sexual behaviors and awareness of HIV/AIDS related knowledge among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the mainland of China during 2010-2013.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>All the published academic papers on the prevalence of HIV infection and syphilis among MSM in the mainland of China from 2010 to 2013 were collected from CNKI, Wanfang and PubMed databases. Meta-analysis was performed by using software Stata 12.0.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Sixty six papers were selected. From 2010 to 2013 the pooled prevalence of HIV infection were 7.7% among the MSM (95% CI: 7.2%-8.3% ) and increased year by year, but the pooled prevalence of HIV infection was highest in southwestern China (12.0%). The pooled prevalence of syphilis were 10.9% among the MSM (95% CI: 9.8%-12.1%), and the pooled prevalence of syphilis was highest in southern China (14.4%). The incidence of anal sex was high (84.2%) in the past 6 months, but the consistent condom use rate was low (44.8%). The AIDS related knowledge awareness was high in the MSM (88.4%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prevalence of HIV infection and syphilis were high among the MSM in the mainland of China during 2010-2013. It is necessary to explore the comprehensive intervention measures to promote condom use among MSM although they have high awareness of AIDS related knowledge.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , China , Epidemiology , HIV Infections , Epidemiology , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Homosexuality, Male , Incidence , Prevalence , Safe Sex , Sexual Behavior , Syphilis , EpidemiologyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the smoking behaviors and its influencing factors among male smokers in two districts in Chengdu.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A face to face questionnaire survey was conducted among 320 male smokers in Chengdu. And the data were analyzed with descriptive epidemiological method, t test, χ2 test, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wails H rank sum test and cumulative odds logistic regression model.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>More cigarette smoking (t=2.327, P=0.021) and using cigarette with lower tar level (t=-11.251, P<0.001) after changing the brand of cigarette were found among the males surveyed. The cumulative odds logistic regression analysis showed that males with lower education level (OR=1.968, P=0.040), with higher income level (OR=2.053, P=0.043), leaving shorter butts (OR=2.366, P=0.010) and with high nicotine dependence (OR=7.143, P<0.001) had more cigarette smoking.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Smokers who changed the brand of cigarette were more likely to choose low tar cigarette. Smokers with low education level, high income level and high nicotine dependence are the target population for health education and behavior intervention in smoking control.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , China , Epidemiology , Data Collection , Logistic Models , Risk Factors , Smoking , Epidemiology , Psychology , Socioeconomic Factors , Surveys and Questionnaires , Tobacco Use Disorder , EpidemiologyABSTRACT
Objective To investigate molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella spp. isolates recovered from the stool samples of children with diarrhea. Methods Seventy-two isolates of Salmonella spp. were collected from children with diarrhea. The serum type of Salmonella spp.was determined by serology agglutinating method. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by K-B disk diffusion method and MICs of cefotaxime and ceftazidime were measured by agar dilution method for Salmonella spp. isolates. PCR and DNA sequencing were used for detecting ESBL, ISEcpl and AmpC genes; The transfer of cefotaxime resistance was determined by conjugation experiments. PFGE was performed for determining the homogeneity of the S. typhimurium isolates. Results A total of 72 isolates of Salmonella spp. were collected, among which S. typhimurium accounted for 86 % (62/72) and was the main serum type. S. typhimurium isolates and S. thompson isolates were often resistant to most of clinically used antimicrobial agents. Resistance of S. thompson isolates to ampicillin was the highest (90%, 56/62),followed by tetracycline (81%, 50/62), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (74%, 46/62) and chloramphenicol (66%, 41/62). Seventeen S. typhimurium isolates (27%, 17/62) and two S. thompson isolates were resistant to cefotaxime. Forty-nine S. typhimurium isolates and two S. thompson isolates were positive for blaTEB-1b and resistant to ampicillin. Thirteen ESBL-producing S. typhimurium isolates (21%, 13/62) were positive for blaCTX-M (eight for blaCTX-M-14, three for blaCTX-M-15, one for blaCTX-M-55, one for both blaCTX-M-14 and blaCTX-M-55). All isolates harboring blaCTX-M genes were positive for upstream insert sequence ISEcpl. blaDHA-1was detected in a cefoxitin-resistant S. thompson isolate. Two main clones (PFGE type A and D) accounting for 19% (12/62) and 50% (31/62) respectively were found among 62 S. typhimurium isolates. Seven CTXM-producing isolates belonged to PFGE type D. Conclusions The multi-resistance to antimicrobial agents and high prevalence of blaCTX-M genes are found among S. typhimurium and S. thompson clinical isolates. blaCTX-M-55 is first found in S. typhimurium isolates and blaDHA-1 is found in S. thompson isolates. Clonal spread is responsible for the dissemination of S. typhimurium isolates.