Screening of Differential Genes for Endometriosis and Expression Validation of the Potential Target GAS6 / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

Growth arrest specific protein 6 (GAS6) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors, and its signal transduction is involved in cell proliferation, adhesion and migration, but its related functions and molecular mechanisms in endometriosis (EMs) are still unclear. In this study, we searched and downloaded the transcriptome datasets of EMs from GEO database and performed GEO online analysis, and then screened out the differentially expressed genes and performed cluster analysis based on GO and KEGG pathway. The mRNA levels of the differentially expressed genes shared by more than three datasets were verified by qRT-PCR in the endometrium of ten women with no endometriosis and no clear disease and the ectopic endometrium of 11 patients with ovarian chocolate cysts. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were used to verify the expression of GAS6 and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker genes, and immunofluorescence was used to co-label GAS6 and E-cadherin in endometriosis clinical samples. In this study, a total of 47 differentially expressed genes were screened out of the four transcriptome datasets, which were mainly enriched in processes such as cell migration and related signal pathways such as MAPK, PI3K-AKT, and tight junction. The mRNA levels of the nine differentially expressed genes shared by more than three datasets in endometriosis patients were consistent with the results of bioinformatics analysis. GAS6 expression levels in ectopic endometrium of EMs patients are higher than the control group (P < 0. 05), and EMs patients have the characteristics of EMT in the ectopic endometrial tissue, that is, the expression of E-cadherin is down-regulated (P < 0. 05) and the expression of vimentin is up-regulated (P < 0. 01). The expression of E-cadherin in the ectopic endometrial glandular epithelial cells of EMs patients is low while the expression of GAS6 is up-regulated, suggesting that GAS6 may mediate the EMT process in endometriosis. In conclusion, this study reveals that GAS6 is highly expressed in endometriosis patients and may mediate the EMT process to participate in the occurrence and development of endometriosis, providing a potential target for clinical treatment of endometriosis.

Hypoxic three-dimensional culture microenvironment promotes proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through HIF-1α signaling pathway / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To investigate the effects of hypoxic three-dimensional culture microenvironment on the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and its mechanism. Methods P5 generation mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and P (3HB-co-4HB) were co-cultured under normoxic three-dimensional (20%) and hypoxic three-dimensional microenvironment (4%) respectively. After 24 hours, the proliferation of the two groups was determined by CCK-8 method. The expression of HIF-1α gene was detected by real-time quantitative PCR after 12 hours. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of HIF-1α protein after 24 hours. Results After 24 hours, the CCK-8 method showed that the OD value of the hypoxia group was significantly higher than that of the normoxia group (0.455±0.027 vs. 0.352±0.090, n=12, P<0.05). After 12 hours of hypoxic culture, the expression level of HIF-1α mRNA in the hypoxia group was significantly higher than that in the normoxia group (P<0.05). Compared with the normoxia group (0.47± 0.05), the relative expression level of HIF-1α protein in the hypoxia group (0.63±0.06) significantly increased in the Western blotting after 24 hours (n=3, P<0.05). Conclusion The hypoxic three-dimensional microenvironment can promote the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, which may be related to the activation of HIF-1α signaling pathway.

Curcumin inhibits apoptosis of HK-2 cell line induced by cisplatin / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate whether curcumin could inhibit cisplatin-induced apoptosis of HK-2 cells. Methods Using MTT methods to observe inhibitory effects of curcumin and cisplatin on the proliferation of HK-2 cell. Detecting caspases expression after curcumin and cisplatin treatment by Western blot. Results Cisplatin induced cell apoptosis, and the effect was dose-dependent(P＜0.05).Under the synergistic effect of curcumin and cisplatin on HK-2 cell, the number of apoptosis decreased(P＜0.05). In the same time the expression of Bcl-2 protein increased (P < 0.05) and the expression of Bcl-2 protein decreased (P < 0.05). Conclusions Cisplatin enhances the apoptosis of HK-2 cell in a dose-dependent manner, and is inhibited by curcumin. Curcumin can antagonize cisplatin-induced apoptosis in HK-2 by regulating the expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 protein.

Antibacterial sorbicillin and diketopiperazines from the endogenous fungus Penicillium sp. GD6 associated Chinese mangrove Bruguiera gymnorrhiza / 中国天然药物

One new sorbicillin derivative, 2-deoxy-sohirnone C (1), one new diketopiperazine alkaloid, 5S-hydroxynorvaline-S-Ile (2), and two naturally occurring diketopiperazines, 3S-hydroxylcyclo(S-Pro-S-Phe) (3) and cyclo(S-Phe-S-Gln) (4), together with three known compounds were isolated from the Chinese mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. GD6. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with literature data. The absolute configuration of 3-hydroxyl moiety in 3 was determined by Mosher's method, while the absolute stereochemistry of 2 and 4 was established by comparison with the CD spectra of natural and synthesized diketopiperazines. Compound 1 showed moderate antibacterial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC value of 80 μg·mL.

Antibacterial sorbicillin and diketopiperazines from the endogenous fungus Penicillium sp. GD6 associated Chinese mangrove Bruguiera gymnorrhiza / 中国天然药物

One new sorbicillin derivative, 2-deoxy-sohirnone C (1), one new diketopiperazine alkaloid, 5S-hydroxynorvaline-S-Ile (2), and two naturally occurring diketopiperazines, 3S-hydroxylcyclo(S-Pro-S-Phe) (3) and cyclo(S-Phe-S-Gln) (4), together with three known compounds were isolated from the Chinese mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. GD6. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with literature data. The absolute configuration of 3-hydroxyl moiety in 3 was determined by Mosher's method, while the absolute stereochemistry of 2 and 4 was established by comparison with the CD spectra of natural and synthesized diketopiperazines. Compound 1 showed moderate antibacterial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC value of 80 μg·mL.

A corn straw-based diet increases release of inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of dairy cows / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Recent studies have shown that diet can affect the body's immunity. Roughage of dairy cows consists of a variety of plant materials which make different contributions to health. This study investigated the effect of different roughages on the immunity of dairy cows. Serum, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and milk samples were collected from 20 multiparous mid-lactation cows fed mixed forage (MF)- or corn straw (CS)-based diets. Expression profile analysis was used to detect the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from PBMCs. The results showed that milk protein in the MF group increased to 3.22 g/100 ml, while that of the CS group milk was 2.96 g/100 ml; by RNA sequencing, it was found that 1615 genes were differentially expressed between the CS group and the MF group among the 24 027 analyzed probes. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis of DEGs suggested that these genes (especially genes coding cytokines, chemokine and its receptors) are involved in the immune response. Results were confirmed at the protein level via detecting the levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, leptin (LEP), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in peripheral blood by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay analysis. Our data supported the conclusions that the protein content in milk of the MF group was higher than that of the CS group, the CS-based diets induced more release of cytokines than the MF-based diets in dairy cows' PBMCs, and milk protein content may be affected by cytokines.

Cranberry extract supplementation exerts preventive effects through alleviating Aβ toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease / 中国天然药物

Cranberry extract (CBE) rich in polyphenols are potent to delay paralysis induced by alleviating β-amyloid (Aβ) toxicity in C. elegans model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In order to better apply CBE as an anti-AD agent efficiently, we sought to deterrmine whether preventive or therapeutic effect contributes more prominently toward CBE's anti-AD activity. As the level of Aβ toxicity and memory health are two major pathological parameters in AD, in the present study, we compared the effects of CBE on Aβ toxicity and memory health in the C. elegans AD model treated with preventive and therapeutic protocols. Our results revealed that CBE prominently showed the preventive efficacy, providing a basis for further investigation of these effects in mammals.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive adenocarcinoma of lung: a cytopathologic analysis / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the cytomorphologic features of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged pulmonary adenocarcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The morphologic features in 153 pulmonary adenocarcinoma cytology specimens encountered during the period from September, 2011 to April, 2015 in Shanghai Cancer Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and/or immunohistochemistry (Ventana D5F3) for ALK gene rearrangement were carried out. The samples studied included 34 pleural effusion specimens, 40 endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspirates (EBUS-TBNA) and 79 fine needle aspirates of palpable masses on body surface.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirty-nine cases (25.5%) of ALK-rearranged samples were identified by FISH and/or immunohistochemistry, including 3 cases diagnosed by FISH and 36 cases by both technologies. The median age of the ALK-positive group was 50 years, significantly younger than that of the ALK-negative group (60 years old, P = 0.002). Only 4 of the ALK-positive patients were smokers, which was significantly less than that of the ALK-negative group (P < 0.01). In ALK-positive group, 3 cases showed cribriform pattern with prominent nucleoli, 3 cases showed cribriform pattern with mucin-rich cells and 8 cases showed extracellular mucus with mucin-rich cells. The above cytomorphologic patterns were significantly less common in ALK-negative tumors (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma is associated with certain distinctive morphologic patterns, including cribriform architecture, presence of prominent nucleoli, mucin-rich cells and extracellular mucus, which can be observed in cytology specimens (including conventional smears and cell block sections). These findings, when combined with clinical features, may give clues to detection of ALK-positive cases.</p>

Prevalence and associated risk factors of diabetes among ethnic Han residents in Guizhou / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the fast plasma glucose (FPG) level and the epidemiologic characteristics of diabetes in ethnic Han residents of Guizhou province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The survey was conducted among the ethnic Han residents aged 20-80 years, who were selected through multi stage cluster sampling in Guizhou. Basic laboratory test, physical examination were performed for each subject.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 2 967 subjects were surveyed. The average FPG level was 5.21 mmol/L for urban residents and 5.03 mmol/L for rural residents, (P<0.001) and the average FPG level was higher in males than in females (5.23 mmol/L vs. 5.09 mmol/L, P=0.003). The FPG level increased with age (P<0.001). In urban residents, the standardized prevalence of diabetes was 6.01% (crude prevalence: 7.45%), higher in males than in females (P<0.001) and increased with age. In rural residents, the standardized prevalence of diabetes was 3.47% (crude prevalence: 3.77%) and increased with age, but there was no sex specific difference in diabetes prevalence. The awareness rate of self diabetes status was 56.59%, the treatment rate was 84.47% and the plasma glucose control rate was 41.38%. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that risk factors for diabetes included being male, older than 40 years, family history of diabetes, frequent physical exercise, hypertension, high triglycerid level.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prevalence of diabetes was high in ethnic Han residents in Guizhou, the differences in diabetes prevalence between urban area and rural area was statistical significant. More than half of the patients' FPG level had not been under control after treatment. The awareness rate of self diabetes status, the treatment rate and the control rate of diabetes should be improved.</p>

Pre-treatment circulating regulatory T cell count analysis of advanced cervical squamous cell ;carcinoma patients / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:Due to the lack of cost-effective pre-treatment predictors for advanced cervical squamous cell carcinomas treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), both baseline circulating CD4+CD25+CD127Low/- regulatory T cell (Treg) count and serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) level were measured for this feasibility study. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 44 patients with stageⅡB-ⅣA cervical squamous carcinomas before CCRT. Flow cytometry immunophenotyping and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used for circulating CD4+CD25+CD127Low/-Treg count and serum SCC-Ag level testing,respectively. Clinical and pathological characteristics were retrospectively reviewed to analyze the predictive value of the 2 indexes. Results:The baseline circulating CD4+CD25+CD127Low/-Treg count was lower in the patient group with positive treatment response than in the group with negative response [(8.78±2.80)%vs (10.95±2.56)%, P<0.05], and the serum SCC-Ag level showed no signiifcant difference between the 2 groups. No correlation was detected between these 2 markers (Spearman’rho=-0.093, P=0.540). Determined by plotting receiver operating characteristic curves, the best cut-off points were 9.76%for circulating CD4+CD25+CD127Low/-Treg count and 9.50 ng/mL for serum SCC-Ag level, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that pretherapeutic circulating CD4+CD25+CD127Low/-Treg count (OR=1.901, 95%CI:1.112-3.219, P=0.017), but not serum SCC-Ag level (OR=0.998, 95%CI:0.001-4.253, P=0.897), was predictive of clinical response to CCRT. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that pre-treatment CD4+CD25+CD127Low/-Treg count was an independent predictor for clinical response to CCRT (OR=3.115, 95%CI:1.253-7.742, P=0.014). Conclusion:Pretherapeutic circulating CD4+CD25+CD127Low/-Treg count is a feasible method to predict clinical response to CCRT in patients with advanced cervical squamous cell carcinomas.

Clinical characteristics of infants with allergic proctocolitis: a retrospective study of 96 cases / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical characteristics of hospitalized infants with allergic proctocolitis, and to provide a scientific basis for early diagnosis and effective treatment of allergic proctocolitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 96 infants with allergic proctocolitis between September 2011 and March 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Descriptive analysis was performed to assess the clinical characteristics of allergic proctocolitis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The most common clinical manifestation was diarrhea in the 96 infants. The electronic colonoscopy results indicated that 40% of the infants had multiple small nodules, 26% showed focal erythema and brittle mucous membranes, 25% showed multiple superficial erosion, and 9% showed ulcers with surface exudates. The affected areas included the sigmoid colon (87%), rectum (24%), descending colon (13%), and transverse colon ascending colon and ileocecal junction (8%). Histopathologic examination showed eosinophilic infiltration of mucosal layers, the condition of which was mild to moderate in 89% and severe and extremely severe in 12% of the infants. To treat the allergic proctocolitis, mothers and infants were suggested to avoid allergenic foods; 43% of them continued breastfeeding, 45% switched to highly hydrolyzed protein formula, and 13% were prescribed amino acid-based elemental formula. All infants were in complete remission at discharge.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>As the clinical manifestations of allergic proctocolitis in infants lack specificity, the electronic colonoscopy and mucosal histopathologic examination are helpful for early and differential diagnosis. The best treatment is to avoid allergenic foods. Formula-feeding infants should be prescribed highly hydrolyzed protein formula or amino acid-based elemental formula.</p>

Clinical effect of triple therapy combined with Saccharomyces boulardii in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical effect of proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy combined with Saccharomyces boulardii in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection among children in terms of Hp eradication rate and incidence of adverse events.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A prospective randomised controlled study was conducted on 240 children with a confirmed diagnosis of Hp infection. These patients were randomized into triple therapy (n=120) and probiotics groups (n=120). The triple therapy group received amoxicillin [40 mg/(kg·d), Tid], clarithromycin [15 mg/(kg·d), Bid] and omeprazole [0.7-0.8 mg/(kg·d), Qd], while the probiotics group received Saccharomyces boulardii (250 mg, Bid) in addition to triple therapy. The course of treatment was 14 days in both groups. The adverse events in subjects were recorded by their parents during treatment. Hp eradiation was evaluated by (13)C breath test at 4 weeks after treatment, and the eradication rate and incidence of adverse events were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The Hp eradication rates were 75.8% (91/120) in the triple therapy group and 85% (102/120) in the probiotics group (P>0.05). Compared with the triple therapy group, the probiotics group had nonsignificantly lower incidence of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain (P>0.05) and significantly lower incidence of stomatitis, constipation and diarrhea (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Triple therapy combined with Saccharomyces boulardii cannot significantly increase Hp eradication rate, but can significantly reduce the incidence of stomatitis, constipation, and diarrhea during treatment.</p>

High-risk HPV genotyping for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse:A comparison of single types and type combinations / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:Risk of invasive cervical carcinoma (ICC) and its precancerous lesions following high risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection may vary according to HPV types and geographic regions. Analyzing HPV-type distribution in cervical samples from local women aged 30 years and older, this study aimed to identify HPV types with higher risk of developing CIN2+, and to compare diagnostic performance for CIN2+using these types and type combinations. Methods:Cervical samples with histology follow-up from patients of a tertiary cancer center in Shanghai were collected for HPV genotyping by PCR-RDB. The risk associations of HPV types with CIN2+were estimated by logistic regression analysis, and ROC curves were plotted for diagnostic performance evaluation. Results:A total number of 413 specimens were obtained, including 38 CIN1, 184 CIN2/3, 126 ICC patients and 65 negative control people. The 4 most common HPV types in CIN2+were HPV16, 58, 33 and 18, in descending order. And only HPV16 (P<0.000 1), 58 (P=0.002), 33 (P=0.015) were signiifcantly associated with CIN2+lesions. Besides, the area under the ROC curve of the HPV16/18/33/58 test scored statistically higher than the HPV16/18 test did (P=0.006 6). Conclusion:A combined test of HPV16/18/33/58 may offer better performance for detecting CIN2+lesions in our geographic region.

High-throughout detection and analysis of drug-resistance gene mutation for 2465 cases with chronic hepatitis B in Shenzhen / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the character of drug-resistance gene mutation for patients with chronic hepatitis B in Shenzhen.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>2465 clinical cases with chronic hepatitis B were analyzed for gene mutation with MALDI-TOF-MS in order to know about the epidemiology of HBV drug resistance and its clinical significance.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>763 cases were detected mutation among the 2465 cases. The frequency of Lamivudine related mutation was the highest (42.96%), especially on rtL180M (14. 72%), rtL204I (18. 50%), rtL204V (9. 74%). The frequency of Adefovir related mutation was about 8. 19% , among of which rtN236T was 4. 15%. The frequency of Entecavir related mutation was about 0. 49%. Among all samples, rtS202I mutation couldn't be detected. The existence of drug resistance could be detected earlier with MALDI-TOF-MS from the results of dynamic follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In Shenzhen, the main HBV mutation was associated with lamivudine and adefovir,and with lower frequency of mutation for entecavir,so the optimized treatment for HBV was entecavir. It could detect the existence of drug resistance effectively with MALDI-TOF-MS and guide clinical treatment.</p>

Effect of puerarin combined with felodipine on mRNA and protein expression of apelin and APJ in renovascular hypertensive rat / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of puerarin combined with felodipine on the mRNA and protein expression of apelin and APJ in renal tissue of renovascular hypertensive rat.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Sixty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were used, of which 8 rats were randomly chosen as sham-operation group. The remaining rats were made for the rat model with renovascular hypertension. The renovascular hypertensive rats were randomly divided into 5 groups as follows: 4 groups which were treated with felodipine (0.8 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), puerarin (50 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), puerarin combined with felodipine (puerarin 25 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) + felodipine 0.4 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) or captopril combined with felodipine (captopril 15 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) x felodipine 0.4 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), and 1 group which was treated with distilled water. Drugs or distilled water were administered for 8 weeks. The expression of apelin and APJ mRNA and protein in ischemic and non-ischemic kidneys was assessed by RT-PCR or Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared with sham-operation group, the expression of apelin mRNA and protein in ischemic and non-ischemic kidneys in model group was increased significantly (P < 0.01); the expression of APJ mRNA and protein in ischemic kidneys had no significance, while that in non-ischemic kidneys was decreased (P < 0. 01). Compared with model group, the expression of apelin mRNA and protein in ischemic and non-ischemic kidneys was decreased significantly in all drug-treated groups (P < 0.01); while that of APJ mRNA and protein in non-ischemic kidneys was upregulated (P < 0.01). Compared with felodipine group, the expression of apelin mRNA and protein in ischemic and non-ischemic kidneys was decreased (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) in the group treated with both puerarin and felodipine; and the expression of APJ mRNA and protein in ischemic kidneys did not reach significant level, however, that was upregulated in non-ischemic kidneys (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Puerarin downregulates the expression of apelin mRNA and protein in ischemic and non-ischemic kidneys, and upregulates that of APJ mRNA and protein in non-ischemic kidneys. Combination of puerarin and felodipine enhances the above-mentioned effects and shows no significant difference versus the combination of felodipine and captopril. The results suggest that puerarin regulates blood pressure and protects target organ through apelin/APJ pathway and that puerarin has synergetic effects with CCB.</p>

Efficacy of Peg-interferon alpha-2a combinated with entecavir on HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B patients with high serum hepatitis B viral loads / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of a combination treatment of entecavir and Peginterferon alpha-2a for HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B patients with high serum hepatitis B viral loads.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>60 treatment-naive HBeAg-positive CHB patients with high serum hepatitis B viral loads were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups: group A received Peginterferon alpha-2a monotherapy for 48 weeks (n = 20); group B received entecavir monotherapy for more than 48 weeks (n = 20); group C received Peginterferona alpha-2a combined with entecavir for 12 weeks, then Peginterferon alpha-2a monotherapy for 36 weeks (n = 20). Virological response, ALT normalization, HBeAg and HBsAg seroclearance rate were analysed at the end of 4, 12 and 24 weeks after the treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ratio of undetectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA were 50% and 10%, 95% and 25% and 100% and 30% in group C and group A respectively, 50% and 20%, 95% and 75% and 100% and 90% in group C and group B respectively at the end of 4, 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. The differences were significant between group C and A (Z = -4.6, P < 0.001), group C and B (Z = -2.53, P = 0.0114). ALT normalization rate was significantly lower in group A than that of group C (Z = -2.63, P = 0.0086). HBeAg levels declined more in group C than the other two groups after 24 weeks of treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B patients with high serum hepatitis B viral loads, combination treament of Peginterferon alpha-2a with entecavir is more effective than Peginterferon alpha-2a monotherapy in virologic response and ALT normalization after 24 weeks of treatment.</p>

Frequency distribution and antibiotic resistance of pathogens from the cerebrospinal fluid of 116 children with bacterial meningitis / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the frequency distribution and antibiotic resistance of pathogens isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid samples of children with bacterial meningitis (BM) and to provide a basis for the timely and effective treatment of childhood BM.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Retrospective analysis was performed on pathogens isolated from 5097 cerebrospinal fluid samples collected from children in Kunming Children's Hospital between January 2008 and June 2012, as well as drug sensitivity test results. Kirby-Bauer antibiotic testing was used to analyze the sensitivity of these pathogens to commonly used antibiotics.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 116 pathogen strains were detected from the 5097 cerebrospinal fluid samples, including 77 (66.4%) Gram-positive strains, 30 (25.9%) Gram-negative strains, and 9 (7.8%) fungal strains, with a positive rate of 2.28%. The six most frequently isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus epidermidis (32 strains, 27.6%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (15 strains, 12.9%), Escherichia coli (15 strains, 12.9%), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (9 strains, 7.8%), Cryptococcus neoformans (8 strains, 6.9%) and Staphylococcus aureus (6 strains, 5.2%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci was the predominant pathogen in neonates and young infants with BM, and its sensitivity rates to penicillin, erythromycin and clindamycin were lower than 40%. Streptococcus pneumoniae had a penicillin sensitivity rate of 13.4%, while sensitivity rates to erythromycin and clindamycin reached 60.0%. No Staphylococcus and Streptococcus pneumoniae pathogens resistant to vancomycin were found. Gram-negative bacilli had relatively high sensitivity rates to imipenem, meropenem, cefoperazone/sulbactam and cefepime.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Gram-positive cocci are the predominant pathogens for childhood BM over the past five years. The detected pathogens develop high resistance to commonly used antibiotics. To prevent misdiagnosis, careful attention should be paid to BM caused by Cryptococcus neoformans.</p>

Evaluation of the effect of chronic virus infection on laboratory tests results in patients with osteoarticular tuberculosis / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of chronic virus infection on laboratory tests results in patients with osteoarticular tuberculosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 121 patients with osteoarticular tuberculosis, who were hospitalized in Shenzhen Third People's Hospital during June 2008 to June 2012, were recruited for analysis. Clinical laboratory tests results were collected for comparison between patients with or without chronic co-infection with virus.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 121 patients, thirty patients were co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), two were with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and one was co-infected with HBV, HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Compared to patients with osteoarticular tuberculosis without HBV/HCV/HIV infection, patients with chronic HBV/HCV/HIV virus infection had similar positive rate of laboratory tests including tissue smear acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining, tissue Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) culture, tissue Mtb DNA detection, serological test of antibodies against Mtb, and Mtb. antigen-specific interferon-gamma release assay. Similar results were also found for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reative protein level and liver function including Alanine aminotransferase and Aspartate Aminotransferase.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Chronic infection with HBV/HCV in patients with have no obvious effect on clinical laboratory tests related to tuberculosis.</p>

Value of cytopathology in endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the role of cytopathology in endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for lung tumor diagnosis and staging.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two-hundred consecutive cases of lung tumor with EBUS-TBNA performed during the period from April, 2009 to September, 2010 in Shanghai Cancer Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The cytologic diagnoses were categorized as non-diagnostic, negative, suspicious and malignant. When available, cell block preparation and immunohistochemistry were performed. On the 22 positive cases diagnosed by on-site evaluation, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation study was carried out.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the 200 cases of cytology specimens, 122 cases (69.3%) were diagnosed as malignant, 42 cases (23.9%) as benign and 12 cases (6.8%) as suspicious for malignancy. The non-diagnostic rate was 12.0% (24/200). Amongst the 200 cases studied, 140 cases (70.0%) had histologic correlation available (via core biopsy, mediastinoscopic biopsy or surgical excision). The sensitivity and specificity of EBUS-TBNA cytologic diagnoses were 94.4% and 100%, when using histopathologic findings and clinical follow-up data as gold standard. The cell block preparation and immunohistochemistry were useful in subtyping and diagnosis of extrathoracic malignancy. EGFR mutations were detected in 8 cytology samples (36.4%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>EBUS-TBNA is a sensitive and specific tool for diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. The cytology samples can be used for further ancillary investigations including cell block preparation, immunohistochemistry and molecular studies.</p>

Identification of HBx-related integration sites in HBsAg-positive hepatocellular carcinoma biopsy / 中华肝脏病杂志

To identify the integration sites in the host genome for the hepatitis B virus (HBV)-encoded X protein (HBx) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) biopsies that are positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). HCC biopsies were obtained from six patients that were HBV carriers, as demonstrated by the presence of HBsAg in their serum and sero-negativity for antibody to HBsAg. DNA was extracted from the tissue, fractionated, and circularized. Primers were designed according to the HBx sequence and used to amplify the circularized DNA templates by inverse polymerase chain reaction (IPCR). The amplified DNA fragments were checked by electrophoresis, cloned into the PMD18-T expression vector, and sequenced. Sequence alignment was performed by the Blast algorithms. Seven electrophoresis bands yielded 22 sequencing results, which represented a total of three HBx integration sites in the host genome: 19q12, 2q32.2, 22q12. The 19q12 integration site encompasses the CCNE1 gene, which encodes a G1/S-specific cyclin-E1. HBx-related integration sites exist in HBsAg-positive HCC biopsies. The CCNE1 gene may play a role in the development of HBx-related HCC.