Microbacterium salsuginis sp. nov., a halotolerant actinobacterium with antimicrobial activity.

A novel Gram-staining-positive actinobacterium with antimicrobial activity, designated CFH 90308T, was isolated from the sediment of a salt lake in Yuncheng, Shanxi, south-western China. The isolate exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Microbacterium yannicii G72T, Microbacterium hominis NBRC 15708T and Microbacterium xylanilyticum S3-ET (98.5, 98.4 and 98.2 %, respectively), and formed a separate clade with M. xylanilyticum S3-ET in phylogenetic trees. The strain grew at 15-40 ºC, pH 6.0-8.0 and could tolerate NaCl up to a concentration of 15 % (w/v). The whole genome of strain CFH 90308T consisted of 4.33 Mbp and the DNA G+C content was 69.6 mol%. The acyl type of the peptidoglycan was glycolyl and the whole-cell sugars were galactose and mannose. The cell-wall peptidoglycan mainly contained alanine, glycine and lysine. The menaquinones of strain CFH 90308T were MK-12, MK-13 and MK-11. Strain CFH 90308T contained anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, iso-C16:0 and iso-C15:0 as the predominant fatty acids. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between CFH 90308T and the other species of the genus Microbacterium were found to be low (ANIb <81.3 %, dDDH <25.6 %). The secondary metabolite produced by strain CFH 90308T showed antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas syringae, Aeromonas hydrophila and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Based on genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic results, the isolate is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Microbacterium, for which the name Microbacterium salsuginis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CFH 90308T (=DSM 105964T=KCTC 49052T).

Evaluation of image-pro plus assisted superb microvascular imaging for differential diagnosis of renal masses.

OBJECTIVE: Previous research on diagnostic assessment by superb microvascular imaging (SMI) were based on qualitative or semi-quantitative assessments of vascularity, which may be subjective and unrepeatable by different sonographers. This study aimed to evaluate diagnostic performance of SMI Image-pro Plus (IPP) based vascular index (VI) for malignant renal masses. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed 222 masses in 214 patients who underwent SMI between August 2019 and August 2022 in our study. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of blood flow via Alder grade, VI based on both IPP and SMI. RESULTS: The kappa consistency of the Adler grade and VI for renal masses was classified among different observers were 0.765 and 0.824. The intra-observers correlation ecoefficiency (ICC) were 0.727 and 0.874. Benign renal masses were mainly Adler grade 0, grade I, and grade II, VI was 4.30 ± 4.27 (Range 0.98-16.42); while malignant masses were mainly Adler grade III, VI was 14.95 ± 10.94 (Range 0.79-56.89). VI was higher in malignant than benign masses (t = 15.638, P < 0.01). Among the malignant masses, the mean VI in clear cell renal cell carcinoma was higher than that in papillary renal cell carcinoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (F = 30.659, P < 0.01). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of SMI were 80.00%, 71.15%, and 78.64%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 60.59%, 88.46%, and 80.18% by using a VI of 7.95 as the cutoff value to identify malignant lesions from benign masses yielded. VI had better diagnostic efficiency than ultrasonic characteristics and Adler grade in benign and malignant differential diagnosis (Z = 4.851, P < 0.01; Z = 2.732, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: VI was higher in malignant than benign in renal masses. In malignant masses, VI in CCRCC was higher than that in papillary renal cell carcinoma and ChRCC. As a noninvasive examination, it had important clinical significance in the differential diagnosis of renal masses. VI from IPP may assist sonographer in distinguish renal malignances as a quantitative tool for vascularity.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve the competitive advantage of a native plant relative to a congeneric invasive plant in growth and nutrition.

Plant invasions severely threaten natural ecosystems, and invasive plants often outcompete native plants across various ecosystems. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, serving as beneficial microorganisms for host plants, can greatly influence the competitive outcomes of invasive plants against native plants. However, it remains unclear how AM fungi alter the competitive balance between native and invasive species. A competitive experiment was conducted using an invasive Eupatorium adenophorum paired with a native congener Eupatorium lindleyanum. Specifically, both species were inoculated with (M+) or without (M-) the fungus Glomus etunicatum under intraspecific (Intra-) and interspecific (Inter-) competition. Plant traits were measured and analyzed regarding the growth and nutrition of both species. The results exhibited that the AM fungus significantly increased the height, diameter, biomass, C, N, and P acquisition of both the invasive E. adenophorum and the native E. lindleyanum. The root mycorrhizal colonization and the mycorrhizal dependency of native E. lindleyanum were greater than those of invasive E. adenophorum. Under M+, the Inter-competition inhibited the growth and nutrition of invasive E. adenophorum compared to the Intra- competition. Further, native E. lindleyanum exhibited higher competitiveness than invasive E. adenophorum in growth and nutrition. Meanwhile, the AM fungus significantly improved the competitiveness of native E. lindleyanum over invasive E. adenophorum. In conclusion, AM fungus improved the competitive advantage of native E. lindleyanum over invasive E. adenophorum in growth and nutrition, potentially contributing to native species competitively resisting the invasion of exotic species. These findings emphasize the importance of AM fungi in helping native plants resist the invasion of exotic plants and further contribute to understanding plant invasion prevention mechanisms.

Synthesis and thermally-induced gelation of interpenetrating nanogels.

Thermally-induced in-situ gelation of polymers and nanogels is of significant importance for injectable non-invasive tissue engineering and delivery systems of drug delivery system. In this study, we for the first time demonstrated that the interpenetrating (IPN) nanogel with two networks of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly (N-Acryloyl-l-phenylalanine) (PAphe) underwent a reversible temperature-triggered sol-gel transition and formed a structural color gel above the phase transition temperature (Tp). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies confirmed that the Tp of IPN nanogels are the same as that of PNIPAM, independent of Aphe content of the IPN nanogels at pH of 6.5 âˆ¼ 7.4. The rheological and optical properties of IPN nanogels during sol-gel transition were studied by rheometer and optical fiber spectroscopy. The results showed that the gelation time of the hydrogel photonic crystals assembled by IPN nanogel was affected by temperature, PAphe composition, concentration, and sequence of interpenetration. As the temperature rose above the Tp, the Bragg reflection peak of IPN nanogels exhibited blue shift due to the shrinkage of IPN nanogels. In addition, these colored IPN nanogels demonstrated good injectability and had no obvious cytotoxicity. These IPN nanogels will open an avenue to the preparation and thermally-induced in-situ gelation of novel NIPAM-based nanogel system.

Targeting type H vessels in bone-related diseases.

Blood vessels are essential for bone development and metabolism. Type H vessels in bone, named after their high expression of CD31 and Endomucin (Emcn), have recently been reported to locate mainly in the metaphysis, exhibit different molecular properties and couple osteogenesis and angiogenesis. A strong correlation between type H vessels and bone metabolism is now well-recognized. The crosstalk between type H vessels and osteoprogenitor cells is also involved in bone metabolism-related diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, fracture healing and bone defects. Targeting the type H vessel formation may become a new approach for managing a variety of bone diseases. This review highlighted the roles of type H vessels in bone-related diseases and summarized the research attempts to develop targeted intervention, which will help us gain a better understanding of their potential value in clinical application.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Asymmetric Aza-Nozaki-Hiyama-Kishi (NHK) Reaction of α-Imino Esters with Alkenyl Halides.

Chromium-catalyzed enantioselective Nozaki-Hiyama-Kishi (NHK) reaction represents one of the most powerful approaches for the formation of chiral carbon-heteroatom bond. However, the construction of sterically encumbered tetrasubstituted stereocenter through NHK reaction still posts a significant challenge. Herein, we disclose a cobalt-catalyzed aza-NHK reaction of ketimine with alkenyl halide to provide a convenient synthetic approach for the manufacture of enantioenriched tetrasubstituted α-vinylic amino acid. This protocol exhibits excellent functional group tolerance with excellent 99 % ee in most cases. Additionally, this asymmetric reductive method is also applicable to the aldimine to access the trisubstituted stereogenic centers.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Enantioselective Reductive α-Chloro-Carbonyl Addition of Ketimine to Construct the ß-Tertiary Amino Acid Analogues.

ß-Tertiary amino acid derivatives constitute one of the most frequently occurring units in natural products and bioactive molecules. However, the efficient asymmetric synthesis of this motif still remains a significant challenge. Herein, we disclose a cobalt-catalyzed enantioselective reductive addition reaction of ketimine using α-chloro carbonyl compound as a radical precursor, providing expedient access to a diverse array of enantioenriched ß-quaternary amino acid analogues. This protocol exhibits outstanding enantioselectivity and broad substrate scope with excellent functional group tolerance. Preliminary mechanism studies rule out the possibility of Reformatsky-type addition and confirm the involvement of radical species in stereoselective addition process. The synthetic utility has been demonstrated through the rapid assembly of iterative amino acid units and oligopeptide, showcasing its versatile platform for late-stage modification of drug candidates.

Modular α-tertiary amino ester synthesis through cobalt-catalysed asymmetric aza-Barbier reaction.

Unnatural chiral α-tertiary amino acids containing two different carbon-based substituents at the α-carbon centre are widespread in biologically active molecules. This sterically rigid scaffold is becoming a growing research interest in drug discovery. However, a robust protocol for chiral α-tertiary amino acid synthesis remains scarce due to the challenge of stereoselectively constructing sterically encumbered tetrasubstituted stereogenic carbon centres. Herein we report a cobalt-catalysed enantioselective aza-Barbier reaction of ketimines with various unactivated alkyl halides, including alkyl iodides, alkyl bromides and alkyl chlorides, enabling the formation of chiral α-tertiary amino esters with a high level of enantioselectivity and excellent functional group tolerance. Primary, secondary and tertiary organoelectrophiles are all tolerated in this asymmetric reductive addition protocol, which provides a complementary method for the well-exploited enantioselective nucleophilic addition with moisture- and air-sensitive organometallic reagents. Moreover, the three-component transformation of α-ketoester, amine and alkyl halide represents a formal asymmetric deoxygenative alkylamination of the carbonyl group.

Quercitrin attenuates the progression of osteoarthritis via inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathways and enhance glucose transport capacity.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that impairs function and reduces the quality of life. Extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and inflammatory mechanisms are crucial to the progression of OA. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity, anti-ECM degradation property, and glucose transport capacity of quercitrin (QCT) on IL-1ß-treated rat primary chondrocytes. Rat primary chondrocytes were treated with IL-1ß to simulate inflammatory environmental conditions and OA in vitro. We examined the effects of QCT at concentrations ranging from 0 to 200 µM on the viability of rat chondrocytes and selected 5 µM for further study. Using qRT-PCR, immunofluorescent, immunocytochemistry, and western blotting techniques, we identified the potential molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that are responsible for these effects. We established an OA rat model through anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). The animals were then periodically injected with QCT into the knee articular cavity. Our in vivo and in vitro study showed that QCT could inhibit IL-1ß-activated inflammation and ECM degradation in chondrocyte. Furthermore, QCT could inhibit the NF-κB signal pathway and enhance glucose transport capacity in the IL-1ß-stimulated chondrocytes. In vivo study proved that QCT attenuates OA progression in rats. Overall, QCT inhibited the activation of NF-κB and enhanced glucose transport capacity to alleviate the progression of OA.

Construction of an EMT-related lncRNA prognostic signature for lung adenocarcinoma and functional verification of its hub gene LINC01615.

BACKGROUND: The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a vital role in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in the EMT process as an important regulatory factor and have the potential to serve as prognostic biomarkers. We aimed to construct a novel lncRNA prognostic signature for LUAD based on EMT-related lncRNAs, identify EMT-related hub lncRNA, and investigate its biological functions. METHODS: RNA-seq data, clinical and survival information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The EMT-related lncRNA prognostic signature (EMTscore) was constructed using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator Cox regression analysis. The efficiency of EMTscore in predicting the prognosis of LUAD was evaluated through the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The hub lncRNA of the prognostic signature was selected using a co-expression network map, and its effects on cell proliferation and metastasis were explored by in vitro experiments. RESULTS: We constructed a prognostic signature (EMTscore) containing 8 tumor-high expressed lncRNAs. The EMTscore performed well in predicting overall survival rates with AUC values of 0.708 at 5 years in the training set. EMTscore could independently predict the survival of LUAD, with HR = 4.011 (95% CI 2.430-6.622) in the multivariate Cox regression. Importantly, we identified LINC01615 as the hub lncRNA in the EMTscore and revealed that LINC01615 enhanced the proliferation, migration, and EMT of lung cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: A new EMT-related lncRNA prognostic signature named EMTscore was developed, and LINC01615 was identified as the hub lncRNA of EMTscore. The hub lncRNA LINC01615 had an oncogenic biological function in LUAD.

The nucleolar protein NIFK accelerates the progression of colorectal cancer via activating MYC pathway.

This study aimed to explore the function of nucleolar protein interacting with the FHA domain of MKI67 (NIFK) on colorectal cancer (CRC) and its associated molecular mechanisms. NIFK was upregulated in CRC tissues and cells. NIFK silencing resulted in reduced cell growth and metastasis, as well as in promoted apoptosis in CRC cells. Moreover, NIFK silencing was also confirmed to inhibit lipid accumulation and decrease fatty acid synthesis via downregulating lipogenic enzymes in CRC cells. Gene set enrichment analysis and western blot co-verified that NIFK silencing inhibited MYC proto-oncogene, bHLH transcription factor (MYC) pathway in CRC cells. In addition, we also revealed that NIFK silencing function on cell growth, apoptosis, metastasis, and fatty acid metabolism in CRC might be cancelled after c-MYC overexpression. Silencing NIFK could inhibit cell growth and metastasis, and promoted apoptosis, as well as regulated fatty acid metabolism by inhibiting MYC pathway in CRC.

Advances in the study of macrophage polarization in inflammatory immune skin diseases.

When exposed to various microenvironmental stimuli, macrophages are highly plastic and primarily polarized into the pro-inflammatory M1-type and the anti-inflammatory M2-type, both of which perform almost entirely opposing functions. Due to this characteristic, macrophages perform different functions at different stages of immunity and inflammation. Inflammatory immune skin diseases usually show an imbalance in the M1/M2 macrophage ratio, and altering the macrophage polarization phenotype can either make the symptoms worse or better. Therefore, this review presents the mechanisms of macrophage polarization, inflammation-related signaling pathways (JAK/STAT, NF-κB, and PI3K/Akt), and the role of both in inflammatory immune skin diseases (psoriasis, AD, SLE, BD, etc.) to provide new directions for basic and clinical research of related diseases.

The Mechanisms of Resistin-Like Molecule-ß-Mediated Airway Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease via Autophagy.

Background: The role of irreversible airway inflammatory damage in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression is evident. Autophagy is an essential process in the cellular material metabolic cycle, and a family of resistant vegetative molecules may be involved in the COPD autophagic process. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of resistin-like molecule ß (RELMß) in COPD smoking-induced autophagy. Methods: Firstly, the expression differences of RELMß and autophagy markers between COPD and control groups were analyzed in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and clinical specimens. Secondly, in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted using immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and other methods to investigate the mechanism by which RELMß promotes airway inflammation through autophagy in a cigarette smoke extract-induced 16HBE cell inflammation model and a cigarette smoke-induced COPD-like mouse model. In addition, immunoprecipitation was used to analyze the binding of RELMß to the membrane protein TLR4. Results: The expression of RELMß and autophagy genes p62 and LC3B in lung tissue of COPD patients was significantly increased. RELMß can mediate the activation of autophagy in 16HBE cells, and through autophagy, it increases the expression of inflammatory cytokines in a cigarette smoke extract-induced 16HBE cell inflammation model. RELMß promotes cigarette smoke-induced COPD-like mouse airway inflammation through autophagy, and RELMß can mediate signal transduction through the cell membrane receptor TLR4. Conclusion: The RELMß binds to TLR4 to encourage signal transduction and that RELMß can promote inflammation in smoky COPD lungs through autophagy.

Contamination dynamics of personal protective equipment (PPE) by SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a makeshift hospital with COVID-19 positive occupants.

Background: Personal protective equipment (PPE) helps protect healthcare workers (HCWs) from infection and prevents cross-contamination. Knowledge of the contamination dynamics of PPE during the management of COVID-19 patients in a makeshift hospital is limited. Aim: To describe the rate of SARS-CoV-2 contamination in PPE and to assess the change of contamination at different time points. Methods: HCWs were followed up for up to 4 hours with hourly collection of swab samples from PPE surfaces in a makeshift COVID-19 hospital setting. Swabs were tested using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Results: SARS-CoV-2 was detected on 50.9% of the 1620 swabbed samples from 9 different sites of full-body PPE worn by HCWs. The proportion of sites contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 RNA varied from 10.6% to 95.6%. Viral RNA was most frequently detected from the sole of the outer foot cover (95.6%) and least frequently on the face shield (10.6%). The median Ct values among positive samples were 34.20 (IQR, 32.61-35.22) and 34.05 (IQR, 32.20-35.39) for ORF1ab and N genes, respectively. The highest rate of contamination with SARS-CoV-2 RNA for the PPE swab samples was found after 3 hours of use. The positive rate of outer surface of HEPA filters from air supply device was 82.1% during the full capacity period of the makeshift hospital. Conclusion: A higher rate of contamination was identified at 3 hours after the entrance to the COVID-19 patient care area. Virus-containing aerosols were trapped in the HEPA filter of air supply equipment, representing a potential protective factor against infection to HCWs.

Monitoring Prevalence and Persistence of Environmental Contamination by SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a Makeshift Hospital for Asymptomatic and Very Mild COVID-19 Patients.

Objective: To investigate the details of environmental contamination status by SARS-CoV-2 in a makeshift COVID-19 hospital. Methods: Environmental samples were collected from a makeshift hospital. The extent of contamination was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for SARS-CoV-2 RNA from various samples. Results: There was a wide range of total collected samples contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 RNA, ranging from 8.47% to 100%. Results revealed that 70.00% of sewage from the bathroom and 48.19% of air samples were positive. The highest rate of contamination was found from the no-touch surfaces (73.07%) and the lowest from frequently touched surfaces (33.40%). The most contaminated objects were the top surfaces of patient cubic partitions (100%). The median Ct values among strongly positive samples were 33.38 (IQR, 31.69-35.07) and 33.24 (IQR, 31.33-34.34) for ORF1ab and N genes, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 relic RNA can be detected on indoor surfaces for up to 20 days. Conclusion: The findings show a higher prevalence and persistence in detecting the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the makeshift COVID-19 hospital setting. The contamination mode of droplet deposition may be more common than contaminated touches.

Elevated estradiol levels on hCG trigger day adversely effects on the clinical pregnancy rates of blastocyst embryo transfer but not cleavage-stage embryo transfer in fresh cycles: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Elevated estradiol (E2) levels are an inevitable outcome of the controlled ovulation hyperstimulation. However, the effect of this change on pregnancy is still uncertain. Our study aimed to analyze the impact of increased serum E2 at the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration on the clinical outcomes of women with fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles. Methods: This study included 3,009 fresh ET cycles from October 2015 to September 2021. Based on the stage of embryos transferred, these cycles were categorized into the cleavage group and blastocyst group. Both groups were then divided into four sets according to E2 levels when hCG was administered: set 1 (E2 ≤ 2,000 pg/ml), set 2 (E2 = 2,001-3,000 pg/ml), set 3 (E2 = 3,001-4,000 pg/ml), and set 4 (E2 > 4,000 pg/ml). The primary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). Binary logistics regression analysis was established to explore the association between CPR and E2 levels. Specifically, the threshold effect of serum E2 on CPR was revealed using the two-piecewise linear regression analyses. Results: The multivariate regression model in the cleavage group showed that patients' CPR in set 4 was 1.59 times higher than those in reference set 1, but the statistical difference was insignificant (P = 0.294). As for the blastocyst group, patients in set 4 had a lower CPR with adjusted ORs of 0.43 (P = 0.039) compared to patients in set 1. The inflection point for the blastocyst group was 39.7 pg/dl according to the results of the two-piecewise linear regression model. When E2 levels were over the point, the CPR decreased by 17% with every 1 pg/dl increases in serum E2 (adjusted OR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.72-0.96], P = 0.012). Conclusions: Elevated E2 levels (>39.7 pg/dl) on hCG trigger day were associated with decreased CPR in patients with fresh blastocyst ET. However, it had no similar effect on the CPR of patients with fresh cleavage-stage ET.

Remarkable sol-gel transition of PNIPAm-based nanogels via large steric hindrance of side-chains.

While the block/graft/branched structures are widely studied to favor the reversible physical gelation, there are no reports regarding the steric hindrance-induced sol-gel transition of PNIPAm-based nanogels above their phase transition temperature (Tp). Generally, the introduction of hydrophobic components into poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm)-based nanogels only led to collapse and lower viscosity instead of the sol-gel transition upon heating above the Tp. Herein, the results of temperature-variable 1HNMR and FTIR confirm that the introduction of hydrophobic N-tert-butylacrylamide (TBA) with the large steric hindrance of side groups of N-tert-butyl to form NIPAm/TBA copolymer nanogels can dramatically slow down the dehydration of all the hydrophobic alkyl groups, thus resulting in the formation of thermally induced sol-gel transition above the Tp. Furthermore, the N-acrylamido-L-phenylalanine (APhe) monomer composed of a strongly water absorbing carboxyl group and a phenyl group with larger steric hindrance is studied to form P(NIPAm/TBA/APhe) terpolymer nanogels which can self-assemble into colorful colloidal crystals. Surprisingly, owing to the synergistic effect between the water absorbing carboxyl group and the steric hindrance group on the same side group, these colloidal crystals can achieve sol-gel transition above Tp, forming a physically crosslinked colorful hydrogel. This work is expected to greatly advance the design, synthesis, and application of the sol-gel transition of PNIPAm-based nanogel systems.

Comparison of Three Ovulation Induction Therapies for Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Infertility.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of 3 ovulation induction therapies for treating infertility in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this retrospective study, we compared the success rates of 90 patients who underwent intrauterine insemination, who were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: letrozole (LE) + urinary gonadotropin (human menopausal gonadotropin [HMG]), clomiphene (CC) + HMG, or HMG alone. Using ultrasound scanning, we examined the number of mature follicles, ovulation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, endometrial thickness, and blood flow. When compared to the other 2 groups, the LE + HMG group had significantly higher levels of mature follicles, ovulation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone on the day of the human chorionic gonadotropin injection and endometrial receptivity (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference between the 3 groups in terms of abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, or adverse reactions. In this research, we found that infertility in patients with PCOS could be effectively treated by combining LE with HMG. This protocol increased ovulation, boosted fertility, and enhanced endometrial receptivity with no increase in adverse reactions. Therefore, it may be a useful clinical approach for inducing ovulation and treating infertility in patients with PCOS.

Helicobacter pylori induces urease subunit B-specific CD8+ T cell responses in infected individuals via cytosolic pathway of cross-presentation.

BACKGROUND: Urease subunit B (UreB), a conserved and key virulence factor of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), can induce the host CD4+ T cell immune responses to provide protection, but less is known regarding CD8+ T cell responses. The characteristics of H. pylori-specific CD8+ T cell responses and the mechanism underlying antigen processing and presentation pathways remain unclear. This study was focus on protective antigen recombinant UreB (rUreb) to detect specific CD8+ T cell responses in vitro and elucidate the mechanism of UreB antigen processing and presentation. METHODS: The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from H. pylori-infected individuals were stimulated with rUreB in vitro to detect specific CD8+ T cell responses after co-culture with rUreB-pulsed autologous hMDCs. Through blocking assay, we investigated the potential pathway of UreB antigen processing and presentation via the cytosolic pathway or vacuolar pathway. The cytokines production of UreB specific CD8+ T cell were evaluated as well. RESULTS: We demonstrated UreB can induce specific CD8+ T cell immune responses in H. pylori infected individuals. Importantly, we characterized that UreB were mainly processed by proteasome instead of lysosomal proteases and presented through cytosolic pathway of cross-presentation, which requires endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi transport and newly synthesized MHC-I molecules, to induce functional-specific CD8+ T cell (IFN-γ + TNF-α + Grz A+ Grz B+) responses. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that H. pylori UreB induces specific CD8+ T cell responses through cytosolic pathway of cross-presentation in infected individuals.

Values of different biochemical indices and clinical scoring systems for the assessment of acute biliary pancreatitis in a Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate values of biochemical indices and clinical scoring systems for the assessment of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). METHODS: Clinical characteristics, laboratory values including procalcitonin (PCT), and radiologic examinations of all ABP patients with mild acute pancreatitis (MAP), moderately severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP), or severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) were recorded within 48 hours after the onset of acute pancreatitis. Scores of the Accuracy of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP), Computed Tomography Severity Index (CTSI), Ranson, Japanese Severity Score (JSS), Pancreatitis Outcome Prediction (POP) Score and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) score were then calculated. The area under the curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive values of biochemical indexes and scoring systems for ABP severity and organ failure. RESULTS: The percentage of patients over 60 in the SAP group was higher than in the MAP and MSAP groups. PCT had the highest value for predicting SAP (AUC = 0.84, P < 0.001) and organ failure (AUC = 0.87, P < 0.001). The AUCs of APACHE II, BISAP, JSS and SIRS for predicting severity were 0.87, 0.83, 0.82, and 0.81, respectively (all P < 0.001). As for organ failure, the AUCs were 0.87, 0.85, 0.84, and 0.82, respectively (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PCT has a high value for predicting ABP severity and organ failure. Among the clinical scoring systems, BISAP and SIRS are more suitable for early assessment of AP; while APACHE II and JSS are more suitable for monitoring disease progression after thorough examination.