Clinical characteristics and microbiological tests analysis of 18 patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract:Objective　To investigate the clinical characteristics and early diagnostic methods of patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection, so as to reduce the mortality of patients. Methods The clinical characteristics and microbiological analysis data including fungal culture, smear examination and mass spectrometry were collected from 18 patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Tuberculosis, and Department of Critical Respiratory Medicine in Fuzhou Pulmonary Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021, and descriptive analysis was conducted. Results　All the 18 patients were confirmed to be infected with Talaromyces marneffei by conventional culture and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). The main infection sites of 18 patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection were lungs and lymph nodes, and the patients were accompanied by clinical manifestations such as cough, sputum and fever. The imaging features such as patchy shadows, mediastinal lymph node shadows and nodular shadows were common. Microbiological testing showed a statistically significant difference between smear and culture with a higher positive culture rate (χ2=13.74, P<0.05). The positive rate of blood culture in microbiological test was 60.0% (9/15), the positive rate of bronchial lavage fluid culture was 26.7% (4/15), the positive rate of sputum culture was 5.6% (1/18), one case each of pus, bone marrow, pleural fluid and cerebrospinal fluid was positive for culture and the other cases were negative, one case of sputum and one case of pus were positive for smear and the rest were negative. Colony characteristics showed that the colony morphology was mycelial phase at 25 ℃, producing red pigment, and the branching pattern of the penicillus was seen microscopically as monoverticillate or biverticillate; At 35 ℃, the yeast phase appeared at the initial stage, and then the mycelium phase changed after 5-6 days; the yeast phase was observed at 37 ℃, and yeast-like cells were seen under the microscope. All 18 patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection got better after using antifungal drugs. Compared with non-HIV patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection, leukopenia and anemia were common in HIV patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). 　Conclusions The infection of Talaromyces marneffei can be divided into localized type and disseminated type, which usually invade the lungs, skin, lymph nodes and other places. The main manifestations of patients are fever, cough, phlegm and other atypical symptoms. At present, the diagnosis of Talaromyces marneffei infection is mostly based on the fungal culture test, and the application of MALDI-TOF MS method can effectively shorten the diagnosis time of Talaromycosis marneffei. Clinical characteristics combined with microbiological analysis provide an objective basis for early diagnosis of patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection, and timely use of antifungal therapy can improve the prognosis of patients.

Exercise regulates bone metabolism via microRNAs / 生理学报

It has been well documented that exercise can improve bone metabolism, promote bone growth and development, and alleviate bone loss. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are widely involved in the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts and other bone tissue cells, and regulation of balance between bone formation and bone resorption by targeting osteogenic factors or bone resorption factors. Thus miRNAs play an important role in the regulation of bone metabolism. Recently, regulation of miRNAs are shown to be one of the ways by which exercise or mechanical stress promotes the positive balance of bone metabolism. Exercise induces changes of miRNAs expression in bone tissue and regulates the expression of related osteogenic factors or bone resorption factors, to further strengthen the osteogenic effect of exercise. This review summarizes relevant studies on the mechanism whereby exercise regulates bone metabolism via miRNAs, providing a theoretical basis for osteoporosis prevention and treatment with exercise.

Chemical constituents and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of seeds of Moringa oleifera / 中国中药杂志

The chemical constituents of the seeds of Moringa oleifera were isolated and purified by using Sephadex LH-20, Toyo-pearl HW-40F, silica gel, ODS, and MCI column chromatography. The structures of compounds were identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry, ~1H-NMR, ~(13)C-NMR, HMQC, HMBC, and ~1H-~1H COSY, as well as physicochemical properties of compounds and literature data. Twelve compounds were isolated from 30% ethanol fraction of the seeds of M. oleifera and identified as ethyl-4-O-α-L-rhamnosyl-α-L-rhamnoside(1), ethyl-3-O-α-L-rhamnosyl-α-L-rhamnoside(2),(4-hydroxybenzyl)ethyl carbamate(3),(4-aminophenyl)acetic acid(4), ethyl-α-L-rhamnoside(5), methyl-α-L-rhamnoside(6), moringapyranosyl(7), 2-[4-(α-L-rhamnosyl)phenyl]methyl acetate(8), niaziridin(9), 5-hydroxymethyl furfural(10), 4-hydroxybenzeneacetamide(11), and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid(12). Among them, compounds 1 and 2 are two new compounds, compound 3 is a new natural product, and compounds 4-5 were yielded from Moringa plant for the first time. All compounds were evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro. Compound 10 showed excellent inhibitory activity with IC_(50) of 210 μg·mL~(-1).

Underlying Mechanisms of Bile Acids in Progression of Hypertension Based on Metabolomics and Network Analysis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the underlying mechanism of bile acids and metabolites as well as the key metabolic pathways and important endogenous targets in prehypertension. MethodThe metabolic mechanism of prehypertension was explored with non-targeted metabolomics combined with network analysis. The serum metabolomics of patients with prehypertension was analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. The relevant biological functions and signal targets were predicted and generated by network analysis. Finally，the predicted targets of this important pathway were verified by in vitro experiments，and the relevant information was verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and Western blot. ResultAs revealed by non-targeted metabolomics，there were 64 potential biomarkers and 13 metabolic pathways in the normal group，the prehypertension group， and the hypertension group. The results of network analysis and biological verification showed that the occurrence of prehypertension was related to vascular inflammation caused by the abnormal metabolism of bile acids and aromatic amino acids. Bile acid metabolism plays an important role in the occurrence and development of prehypertension by regulating the vascular inflammatory response. Amino acid N-acyltransferase，myeloperoxidase， and bile acid downstream receptor TGR5 are critical in the changes of the metabolic network. ConclusionIn prehypertension，bile acids are presumedly involved in regulating vascular inflammation， resulting in damage to blood vessels in prehypertension.

Development and analysis of clinical prediction model of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for stroke at recovery stage / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To develop the clinical prediction model of therapeutic effect in treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion for the patients with stroke at recovery stage under different conditions so as to provide a tool for predicting the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion.@*METHODS@#A total of 1410 patients with stroke at recovery stage were collected from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from 2012 to 2019. The relevant data were extracted, i.e. sex, age, time of onset, neurological functional deficit score (NFDS) and acupuncture and moxibustion therapy. The difference of NFDS before and after treatment was adopted to evaluate the therapeutic effect in the patients. Using SPSS26.0 software and CART decision tree analysis, the clinical prediction model was developed.@*RESULTS@#The key variables in the prediction model of therapeutic effect in the patients with stroke at recovery stage under different conditions included age, time of onset, hypertension, cardiac disease, diabetes, TCM diagnosis, hemoglobin (HB), serum homocysteine (HCY) and acupuncture and moxibustion therapy. There were 12 main rules generated by the decision tree model, including 8 rules for predicting the improvements of therapeutic effect and 4 rules for predicting the absence of improvements (i.e. no change and deterioration). The accuracy rates of the model training set and test set were 80.0% and 72.8% respectively, the area under curve (AUC) of ROC was 0.797 and the model identification and classification results were satisfactory.@*CONCLUSION@#The clinical prediction model developed by CART decision tree analysis is high in accuracy for the prediction of the therapeutic effect in the patients with stroke at recovery stage under different conditions. Based on the therapeutic effect predicted in the hospital visit, the physicians may adopt the corresponding regimens of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in patients.

Influence factors of visual quality after phacoemulsification for cataract / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

·Cataract refers to the degenerative changes in lens quality caused by various causes of reduced transparency or color change. Surgical treatment is the main treatment modality at present. Among them, phacoemulsification has become the main surgical treatment for cataract because of its advantages such as short operation time, small incision and quicker healing. Today, cataract surgery has gradually shift to refractive surgery, and is no longer simply as cataract surgery. But after cataract phacoemulsification, the symptoms and visual quality are different. The main causes include refractive error, postoperative dry eyes and postoperative corneal astigmatism. This article reviews the factors that influence the visual quality of cataract phacoemulsification and its future trends.

Performance evaluation of DIRUI FUS-2000 automated urine analyzer for detecting urinary RBC and WBC / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To validate the performance parameters of DIRUI FUS-2000 automated urine analyzer declared by the manufacturer.Methods The fresh urine samples were diluted with special diluent to different concentration of suspension according to experimental requirements,then such parameters were validated as the precision,carrying pollution rate,detection limit and reportable range.At the same time,the coincidence rate of red blood cells and white blood cells was also verified in urine samples tested by FUS-2000 according to the result of manual inspection.Results RBC had the low and median values for within-run precision being 7.74％ and 6.13％ respectively,and WBC had the low and median values for within-run precision being 14.35％ and 2.45％ respectively.The negative and positive quality control materials had the between-run precision being 0％ and 3.43％ respectively.The carrying pollution rate was 0.08％ for RBC and 0.57％ for WBC,and the detection limits for RBC and WBC were both 10 ones per Liter.The reportable range was from 10 to 38 754 p/μl for RBC and from 10 to 32 202 p/μl for WBC.The coincidence rate with artificial microscopy was 90.83％ for RBC and 95.83％ for WBC.Conclusion FUS-2000's performance parameters are in line with the requirement,and it can be used for the clinical urine detection.The review criteria of FUS-2000 should be established to improve distinguishing sensitivity and specificity of RBC and WBC in urine.

Preparation of Carbon Dots and Their Application in Food Analysis as Signal Probe / 分析化学

As the new popular fluorescent carbon nanomaterials, carbon dots have not only excellent optical properties and small size characteristics, but also have good biocompatibility, low toxicity and easy to achieve the surface functional characteristics, and can replace the traditional semi-quantum dots of the better choice.Based on the unique fluorescence characteristics and high sensitivity, carbon fluorescent probe has a good potential in food analysis and testing. In this experiment, the study of fluorescent carbon dots has been reviewed in recent years. The characteristics of carbon dots are briefly introduced and the preparation methods of carbon dots are summarized. The application of carbon dot fluorescent probes in food analysis and detection is introduced and the limitations and development of carbon point application are analyzed and forecasted.

Anti-platelet/anti-coagulation and their prognosis in advanced aged patients with ACS complicated atri-al fibrillation after PCI / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective:To explore anti-platelet/anti-coagulation treatment and their influence on prognosis in advanced aged patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)complicated atrial fibrillation (AF)after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods:A total of 204 advanced aged ACS + AF patients treated in our heart center were se-lected.All patients received CHA2 DS2 Vasc score assessment,male had score ≥2 scores and female had score ≥3 scores.A total of 160 cases received dual anti-platelet therapy combined anticoagulant treatment of warfarin,and they were randomly divided into low intensity group [n=80,international normalized ratio (INR)remained 1.8~2.3]and high intensity group (n=80,INR remained 2.3~2.8),both groups were followed up for 18 months.Inci-dence rates of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE),ischemic and hemorrhage events were observed.Results:Both groups were followed up for a mean 18 months,and there were no significant differ-ence in all-cause mortality,incidence rates of MACCE and fatal hemorrhage between two groups,P > 0.05 all.Compared with low intensity group,there were significant rise in incidence rates of severe hemorrhage (3.8% vs. 12.5%),P <0.05.Conclusion:Low intensity warfarin anticoagulant therapy can effectively reduce incidence rates of MACCE and ischemic events,and incidence rate of hemorrhage events is low in advanced aged ACS + AF pa-tients after PCI.

Performance evaluation of DIRUI FUS-2000 automated urine analyzer for detecting urinary RBC and WBC / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To validate the performance parameters of DIRUI FUS-2000 automated urine analyzer declared by the manufacturer.Methods The fresh urine samples were diluted with special diluent to different concentration of suspension according to experimental requirements,then such parameters were validated as the precision,carrying pollution rate,detection limit and reportable range.At the same time,the coincidence rate of red blood cells and white blood cells was also verified in urine samples tested by FUS-2000 according to the result of manual inspection.Results RBC had the low and median values for within-run precision being 7.74％ and 6.13％ respectively,and WBC had the low and median values for within-run precision being 14.35％ and 2.45％ respectively.The negative and positive quality control materials had the between-run precision being 0％ and 3.43％ respectively.The carrying pollution rate was 0.08％ for RBC and 0.57％ for WBC,and the detection limits for RBC and WBC were both 10 ones per Liter.The reportable range was from 10 to 38 754 p/μl for RBC and from 10 to 32 202 p/μl for WBC.The coincidence rate with artificial microscopy was 90.83％ for RBC and 95.83％ for WBC.Conclusion FUS-2000's performance parameters are in line with the requirement,and it can be used for the clinical urine detection.The review criteria of FUS-2000 should be established to improve distinguishing sensitivity and specificity of RBC and WBC in urine.

Preparation of Carbon Dots and Their Application in Food Analysis as Signal Probe / 分析化学

As the new popular fluorescent carbon nanomaterials, carbon dots have not only excellent optical properties and small size characteristics, but also have good biocompatibility, low toxicity and easy to achieve the surface functional characteristics, and can replace the traditional semi-quantum dots of the better choice.Based on the unique fluorescence characteristics and high sensitivity, carbon fluorescent probe has a good potential in food analysis and testing. In this experiment, the study of fluorescent carbon dots has been reviewed in recent years. The characteristics of carbon dots are briefly introduced and the preparation methods of carbon dots are summarized. The application of carbon dot fluorescent probes in food analysis and detection is introduced and the limitations and development of carbon point application are analyzed and forecasted.

Anti-platelet/anti-coagulation and their prognosis in advanced aged patients with ACS complicated atri-al fibrillation after PCI / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective:To explore anti-platelet/anti-coagulation treatment and their influence on prognosis in advanced aged patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)complicated atrial fibrillation (AF)after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods:A total of 204 advanced aged ACS + AF patients treated in our heart center were se-lected.All patients received CHA2 DS2 Vasc score assessment,male had score ≥2 scores and female had score ≥3 scores.A total of 160 cases received dual anti-platelet therapy combined anticoagulant treatment of warfarin,and they were randomly divided into low intensity group [n=80,international normalized ratio (INR)remained 1.8~2.3]and high intensity group (n=80,INR remained 2.3~2.8),both groups were followed up for 18 months.Inci-dence rates of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE),ischemic and hemorrhage events were observed.Results:Both groups were followed up for a mean 18 months,and there were no significant differ-ence in all-cause mortality,incidence rates of MACCE and fatal hemorrhage between two groups,P > 0.05 all.Compared with low intensity group,there were significant rise in incidence rates of severe hemorrhage (3.8% vs. 12.5%),P <0.05.Conclusion:Low intensity warfarin anticoagulant therapy can effectively reduce incidence rates of MACCE and ischemic events,and incidence rate of hemorrhage events is low in advanced aged ACS + AF pa-tients after PCI.

Research on improving memory impairment of blue lavender volatile oil / 中国中药杂志

In order to study the potential application value of lavender volatile oil (LVO), the chemical composition of the volatile oil of lavender was analyzed by GC-MS, and the mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was established. Additionally, the antioxidant enzymes activity of T-SOD, GSH-PX, CAT and MDA content were studied. Experimental results showed that 55 kinds of chemical constituents including terpene, terpene alcohol and ester compounds from LVO were identified, and the content of linalool and linalyl acetate was the highest, accounting for 49.71% of the total volatile oil. The ability of mouse platform memory was improved significantly. The levels of GSH-PX, CAT and T-SOD of mouse brain tissue in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the model group (P<0.05). The level of MDA reached the maximum value in the model group, while there was no notable difference between the levels of MDA in the drug group and the normal group. The result indicated the significant oxidative activity of LVO, the possibility of induced oxidative stress reduction in neurons, and the reversal effect of memory acquired disorder.

Factors affecting the length of fiber post and core structure: a literature review / 口腔疾病防治

@#An id eal balance between the post length within root and the coronal extension should exist. Some theories advocated the use of the longest post as possible as the apical seal is not disturbed. Others advocated that the post should be longer than the crown or that the post should be a certain fraction of the length of the root. The conventional post length has been equal to 2/3-3/4 of the root length from half a century ago. Most of these theories have emphasized the post length in order to achieve sufficient retention and rigidity for coronal restoration. However, dental materials are evolving.With the use of fiber post and resin cement, stress distribution and post retention are improved over conventional metal post and zinc phosphate or glass-ionomer cement. Therefore, with improved bonding strength of fiber post, the post length within root should be minimized to maintain sufficient coronal rigidity. Factors affecting fracture resistance balance of a post-and-core system include the amount of Ferrule height (FH), Post length in root (PLIR), Post length in bone (PLIB), Abutment height (AH), Core length (CL) and Post length out of bone (PLOB). In view of the factors mentioned above, this paper investigated the mechanical factorsin a post-and-core system with literature review.

A new quinoline alkaloid from the roots of Dictamnus angustifolius / 中国天然药物

AIM@#To investigate the quinoline alkaloids from the roots of Dictamnus angustifolius G.Don ex Sweet (Rutaceae).@*METHOD@#The quinoline alkaloids were isolated by various column chromatographic methods and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis.@*RESULTS@#A new quinoline alkaloid, 5-methoxylrobustine (1), along with five known quinoline alkaloids were obtained, and their structures were identified as dictamnine (2), robustine (3), isopteleine (4), γ-fagarine (5), and skimmianine (6). Cytotoxicity testing of these alkaloids showed that all of them had weak cytotoxic activities against human breast cancer cells (MCF7).@*CONCLUSION@#Compound 1 is a new quinoline alkaloid. Alkaloid 3 showed stronger anti-proliferation effect than the other alkaloids.

Effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of paraquat-induced lung injury / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical effect and safety of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) in the treatment of lung injury caused by acute paraquat poisoning.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirteen patients with lung injury caused by acute paraquat poisoning, who were admitted to Guangzhou No. 12 People's Hospital from December 2008 to December 2012, were divided into HUCMSC group (n = 5) and control group (n = 8). All patients received conventional treatment, while the HUCMSC group was treated with HUCMSCs as an addition. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) system, which was created by the Infection Section of European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II were used to acquire the SOFA scores of patients. The lung injury was evaluated with lung injury score (LIS). The two groups were compared with respect to maximum SOFA scores at 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 15 days after paraquat poisoning.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The HUCMSC group showed significantly lower maximum SOFA scores than the control group at 15d after poisoning (1.80 ± 2.05 vs 13.50 ± 7.59, P < 0.05). The LISs of the HUCMSC group after treatment (0.45 ± 0.27) were significantly lower than those of the HUCMSC group before treatment (1.15 ± 0.34) and those of the control group after treatment (2.94 ± 1.20) (P < 0.01). In the HUCMSC group, all patients survived, and they complained no discomfort and showed normal liver, kidney, and lung functions in reexamination; one patient showed incompletely absorbed shadow in the posterior segment of the left lower lobe of the lung during lung CT scan, and no abnormal findings were seen in other patients. In the control group, one patient survived, and others died. No adverse reactions, such as chill and fever, were presented in the HUCMSC group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HUCMSCs show promise for clinical application in the treatment of lung injury caused by acute paraquat poisoning.</p>

Predictors of virological response in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients treated with adefovir dipivoxil / 中华传染病杂志

Objective To investigate the predictive factors of virological response in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB)patients treated with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV).Methods A total of 203 HBeAg-positive CHB patients treated with ADV (Mingzheng)10 mg once daily for 48 weeks were recruited.The gene polymorphisms at positions-238 and-308 in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α promoter region were determined by the restriction fragment length polymorphism assay of products amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP).The serum levels of TNF-a at baseline were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Hepatitis B virus (HBV)genotypes were tested by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and HBV subgenotypes were tested by HBV S gene sequencing.Factors related to ADV response were determined by Logistic regression analysis.Results The HBV DNA negative rate,alanine aminotransferase (ALT)normalization rate,HBeAg loss rate and seroconversion rate,and combined response rate at week 24 and 48 of treatment in 203 patients were 31.5% (64/203),59.1% (120/203),15.8% (32/203),8.9% (18/203),13.3% (27/203)and 58.6% (119/203),78.3% (159/203),29.6% (60/203),16.7% (34/203),25.6% (52/203),respectively.HBV DNA negative rate at week 24 was higher in patients with HBV genotype B,that was higher in patients with TNF-α-308G/A genotype,and that was higher in patients with higher baseline ALT level or lower baseline HBV DNA level [OR = 0.405,95 % CI (0.191 - 0.859),P =0.019;OR=0.292,95%CI(0.132-0.643),P=0.002;OR=0.933,95%CI(0.989-0.997),P＜0.01 ;OR=2.089,95%CI (1.412-3.092),P＜0.01].Meanwhile,HBV DNA negative rate at week 48 were higher in patients with higher HBV DNA negative rate at week 24 or higher baseline ALT level [OR=0.029,95%CI(0.007-0.126),P＜0.01;OR= 0.995,95%CI(0.991-0.999),P=0.016].Conclusions HBV genotype,TNF-α-308 genotype,baseline levels of ALT and HBV DNA are predictors of virological response at week 24 in HBeAg-positive CHB patients treated with ADV.And the HBV DNA negative rate at week 24 and baseline ALT level are predictors of virological response at week 48.

Expression of activating and inhibitory receptors as well as costimulatory molecules on peripheral blood natural killer cells in patients with recurrent genital herpes / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of activating receptors (NKG2D and NKp46), inhibitory receptors (NKG2A and KIR) as well as costimulatory molecules (OX40, 4-1BB and ICOS) on peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells from patients with recurrent genital herpes (RGH). Methods Four-color immunofluorescence staining with flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of NKG2D, NKG2A, KIR and NKp46 in 44 patients with RGH and 40 normal human controls, and to detect the expression of OX40, 4-1BB and ICOS in 29 patients with RGH and 29 normal human controls. Results The proportions of NKG2D-positive and NKp46-positive NK cells significantly decreased in patients with RGH than those in the normal human controls [(93.3 ± 5.4)% vs (96.9 ± 2.5)%, (88.9 ± 8.7)% vs(93.4 ± 4.1)%, respectively, both P < 0.01]. Between the patients and controls, no significant difference was observed in the expression of NK cell inhibitory receptors, NKG2A [(41.8 ± 14.4)% vs (46.0 ± 14.7)%, P > 0.05] or KIR [(68.3 ± 19.1)% vs (69.1 ± 17.6)%, P > 0.05]. A lower expression of costimulatory molecule OX40 was noted in NK cells from patients with RGH compared with those in normal controls [(1.0 ± 1.1)% vs (1.8 ± 1.7)%, P < 0.05]. Conclusions Herpes simplex virus infection could down-regulate the expression of NK cell activating receptors and costimulatory molecules, subsequently suppress the activation of NK cells, and lead to the escape of virus-infected cells from the killing of NK cells.

The expression and significance of human telomerase reverse transcriptase protein and gene in bile duct carcinomas and their adjacent tissues / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) protein and mRNA in bile duct carcinomas and the adjacent tissues and to elucidate its role in bile duct carcinogenesis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of hTERT protein and hTERT mRNA in the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of 71 cases of bile duct cancers and 39 cases of adjacent tissues was detected by streptavidin-peroxidase immunostaining and in situ hybridization. The correlation was analysed statistically between the expression of hTERT protein and mRNA and clinicopathological parameters bile duct carcinomas.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rate of hTERT protein expression and mRNA expression in malignant specimens was 78.9% (56/71) and 67.6% (48/71), while that in the adjacent tissues was 35.9% (14/39) and 23.1% (9/39), respectively. All the positive signals were found in the hyperplastic biliary epithelia. No significant correlation was established between hTERT expression and clinicopathological parameters.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>hTERT gene transcription and protein expression is most likely involved in the proliferation and malignant transformation of bile epithelia and the malignant progression of bile duct carcinomas. The detection of hTERT expression may serve elucidating the carcinogenesis of bile duct.</p>