[The impact of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells on the pancreatic function of type 2 diabetic mice and their regulatory role on NLRP3 inflammasomes].

Objective: To investigate the effect and regulation of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) on islets function and NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and autophagy in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) mice. Methods: Experimental study. Twenty, 8-week-old, male C57BL/6J mice were selected and divided into a normal control group (n=5) and a high-fat feeding modeling group (n=15). The model of T2DM was established by high-fat feeding combined with intraperitoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin. After successful modeling, those mice were divided into a diabetes group (n=7) and a UC-MSCs treatment group (n=7). The UC-MSCs treatment group was given UC-MSCs (1×106/0.2 ml phosphate buffer solution) by tail vein infusion once a week for a total of 4 weeks; the diabetes group was injected with the same amount of normal saline, and the normal control group was not treated. One week after the treatment, mice underwent intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance tests, and then the mice were sacrificed to obtain pancreatic tissue to detect the expressions of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX-1) by immunofluorescence. The bone marrow-derived macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and adenosine triphosphate (experimental group) in vitro, then co-cultured with UC-MSCs for 24 h (treatment group). After the culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the secretion level of IL-1ß in the supernatant, and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome, and related autophagy proteins. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired one-way analysis of variance, repeated measure analysis of variance. Results: In vivo experiments showed that compared with the diabetes group, the UC-MSCs treatment group partially repaired islet structure, improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity (all P<0.05), and the expression of PDX-1 increased and IL-1ß decreased in islets under confocal microscopy. In vitro experiments showed that compared with the experimental group, the level of IL-1ß secreted by macrophages in the treatment group was decreased [(85.9±74.6) pg/ml vs. (883.4±446.2) pg/ml, P=0.001], the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy-related protein P62 was decreased, and the expressions of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3ß (LC3) and autophagy effector Beclin-1 were increased under confocal microscopy. Conclusions: UC-MSCs can reduce the level of pancreatic inflammation in T2DM mice, preserving pancreatic function. This might be associated with the ability of UC-MSCs to inhibit the activity of NLRP3 inflammasomes in macrophages and enhance autophagy levels.

[Transition and evolution of HIV-1 subtype among HIV-1 infections in Wuxi city, 2013-2016].

Objective: To understand the distribution of HIV-1 subtype in Wuxi city, to predict the local HIV-1 epidemics. Methods: Samples were collected from the 'CD(4)(+) T lymphocyte monitoring cohort study' in Wuxi from April 2013 to July 2016. HIV-1 gene was amplified, sequenced and with HIV-1 sequence database constructed, using both the ChromasPro 1.6 and MEGA 7.0 softwares. Bayesian phylogenetic inference was used to rebuild the history of HIV-1 transmission, while BEAST 1.7.2 and FastTree 2.1.10 software were used for data analysis. Statistical analysis using SPSS 22.0 software. Results: Among the 205 subjects of HIV-1 infection, 32.68%(67/205) of them were over 50 years old. Seven subtypes (including CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, CRF67_01B, B, CRF08_ BC, CRF68_0B, CRF78_cpx) and one of the unique recombinant forms (URFs) were detected. The main subtypes were CRF01_ AE (51.67%, 93/180) and CRF07_BC (17.22%, 31/180). Differences between subtypes and ways of transmission were statistically significant ( χ(2)=16.99, P≤0.05). The proportion of CRF67_01B (12.78%, 23/180) was higher than before. Results from Bayesian phylogenetic inference analysis showed that the evolution rate was 2.29×10(-3) and Time to the Most Recent Common Ancestor (tMRCA) was 2 003.10. CRF67_01B was probably related to the reference strains from Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, and had been spreading in Wuxi since 2003. Conclusions: HIV-1 subtypes seemed complex and diverse in Wuxi city in 2013-2016, with CRF67_01B being pervasive. Continuous molecular monitor program was still needed to provide reference for the prediction of epidemics, from the molecular perspective.

[Study on the use of CT three-dimensional reconstruction technique for guiding tracheal intubation with rigid fiber bronchoscope in difficult airway].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the significance of CT three-dimensional reconstruction technique for guiding tracheal intubation with rigid fiber bronchoscope in difficult airway. METHODS: In this study, 44 patients undergoing selective operation of ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status) I to II, neck stiffness, neck trauma needed braked, or severe cervical spondylosis were selected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: 24 cases in the experimental group (group E) and 20 cases in the control group (group C). The stylets of the rigid fiber bronchoscopes were shaped according to the CT three-dimensional reconstruction images and parameters obtained before surgery. The rigid fiber bronchoscopes shaped according to the CT three-dimensional reconstruction images were used in group E, while the rigid fiber bronchoscopes with the original angles were used in group C. Tracheal intubation operations were all performed by an anesthesiologist who had more than 10 years' clinical experience and mastered in rigid endoscopic intubation techniques. The first attempt success rate and the total success rate of tracheal intubation, intubation time, blood pressure, heart rate and pulse oxygen saturation at different time points including pre-induction, immediately after intubation, 1-5 minutes after intubation, and intubation related complications within 24 hours were recorded. RESULTS: The total success rate of intubation in the two groups were both 100%. The first attempt success rate of intubation was 96% in group E, and 70% in group C. The first attempt success rate of group E was higher than that of group C. The intubation time of group E was (20.7± 10.6) s, and (21.5 ± 17.6) s of group C. Group E was shorter than that of group C, but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). RPP equaled the product of heart rate and systolic pressure, which represented the stress reaction of intubation on hemodynamics, was lower in group C at T0, T1, T2, T4 and T5 separately than that in group E, but there was no significant difference (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in tracheal intubation related complications between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: CT three-dimensional reconstruction technique has certain guiding significance in difficult tracheal intubation with rigid fiber bronchoscope in patients with fixed cervical spine.

[HIV prevalence and correlated factors on male clients of female sex workers in Hekou Yao autonomous county of Yunnan province, 2014-2015].

Objective: To assess the prevalence and related factors of HIV infection among male clients of the female sex workers in Hekou Yao autonomous county of Honghe Hani Yi autonomous prefecture (Hekou county) in Yunnan province in China, 2014-2015. Methods: Serial cross-sectional survey was conducted during June 2014 to November 2015. Convenience sampling methods were used to recruit the male clients for this study. Self-reported information on social-demographic characteristics, with sexual and drug behavior patterns, was gathered. Both blood and urine samples were collected for HIV, with for opiate testing. Multivariate logistic regression and Exhaustive CHAID method were used to determine the correlated factors associated with HIV infection. Statistical analysis was used by SPSS 22.0 software and Clementine 12.0 software. Results: The overall HIV prevalence of male clients was 2.06% (16/776). Male clients who keep using condom with female sex worker was estimated as 68.81% (534/776). The last commercial sexual partner of Vietnamese male clients was all Vietnamese female sex workers. Compared with Chinese male clients, Vietnamese male clients have a higher rate of morphine positive. Factors as: age ≥50 years vs. age <30 years (OR=8.11, 95%CI: 1.26-52.16) and testing for morphine positive vs. morphine negative (OR=7.35, 95%CI: 1.42-38.06) were significantly associated with HIV infection through multiple logistic regression analysis. Through Exhaustive CHAID, it confirmed that age was the primary factor that associated with HIV infection of male clients. Conclusions: Relationship between morphine and HIV infection indicated that HIV prevalence of male clients in Hekou county was influenced by the combined effect of both illegal drug use and commercial sexual behavior. Special attention should be paid to male clients over 50 years of age, on HIV intervention.

Immunomagnetic separation combined with colony immunoblotting for selective enrichment and detection of piliated Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains.

AIMS: Piliated Lactobacillus rhamnosus (pLR) strains have attracted much attention owing to their excellent mucus adhering capacity and immunomodulatory effects. Here, we aimed to develop a rapid, sensitive method for isolating pLR strains in complex ecosystems using immunomagnetic separation (IMS) with colony immunoblotting (CIB). METHODS AND RESULTS: Magnetic nanobeads (diameter: 180 nm) conjugated with anti-pLR SpaA pilin antibodies (anti-SpaA) were prepared and used to preconcentrate pLR strains in samples, followed by confirmation with anti-SpaA-based CIB analysis. Under optimized experimental conditions, IMS-CIB selectively recovered pLR strains from 107  CFU ml-1 of faecal microbiota samples spiked with 2·9 × 101 to 2·4 × 106  CFU ml-1 of pLR strains. No positive colonies were detected in samples without addition of pLR strains. The detection limit of IMS-CIB was 29 CFU pLR ml-1 of faecal microbiota, which is much lower than that of CIB without IMS preconcentration (2·0 × 104  CFU ml-1 ). CONCLUSIONS: IMS-CIB allowed selective preconcentration of pLR strains in highly heterogeneous bacterial suspensions and direct detection of pLR colonies, which remained readily available for subsequent isolation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our findings established an effective method for selective enrichment and detection of pLR strains.

[HIV genetic subtypes and HIV drug resistance in China: a Meta-analysis].

Objective: To assess the relationship between HIV genetic subtypes and HIV resistance in China. Methods: The literature retrieval was conducted by using Chinese Science-Technology Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang Data, Chinese Journal Full-text Database (CNKI), PubMed and Web of Science to select the papers on the relationship between HIV subtypes and HIV drug resistance in China during 2005-2015. Eligible papers were included according to the inclusion. Meta-analysis was performed by using software Stata 12.0. Results: A total of 43 papers were selected and the pooled rate of drug resistance was 15.1% and the rate of primary drug resistance was 9.5%, the subtypes associated drug resistance were CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, CRF08_ BC, B/B'and C. The pooled rates of drug resistance of each subtype were 12.8%, 7.4%, 14.3%, 25.7% and 34.9% and the rates of primary drug resistance of each subtype were 7.3%, 5.7%, 11.5%,15.5% and 23.9%, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that both treated and area subgroup showed a significant difference among groups (P<0.05). The rates of primary resistance of each subtype in northern China and southwestern China were higher than that in southern China. Conclusion: The distribution of HIV genotypes in China was complex and the prevalence of primary drug resistance of each subtype was high, together with a significant difference among subtypes. It is necessary to strengthen the monitoring of different subtypes of drug resistant strains in China to prevent the recombination and spreading of resistant strains.

Unravelling the multifaceted roles of Atg proteins to improve cancer therapy.

Autophagy follows a lysosomal degradation pathway in which a cell digests its own components. It is highly regulated by a limited number of autophagy-related genes (Atg) and the proteins they encode, that are crucial for cells to undergo the process via modulating autophagsome formation. Recently, accumulating evidence has revealed the core molecular machinery of autophagy; however, intricate relationships between autophagy and cancer remain an enigma. Several studies have shown that Atgs can play an important role in carcinogenesis, by which Atgs may modulate a series of oncogenic and tumour suppressive pathways, implicating microRNA (miRNA) involvement. In this review, we will present the key role of Atgs in deciding the fate of cancer cells, discuss some representative Atgs and their proteins such as ULK, Beclin-1, and Atg8/LC3-Atg4, which can also be regulated by miRNAs. Thus, Atgs can be considered to be targets for cancer treatment, which may illuminate the future of cancer therapy.

Analysis of genetic diversity of hordein in wild close relatives of barley from Tibet.

We analyzed genetic diversity in the storage protein hordein encoded at Hor-1, Hor-2 and Hor-3 loci in seeds from 211 accessions of wild close relatives of barley, Hordeum vulgare ssp. agriocrithon and H. vulgare ssp. spontaneum. Altogether 32, 27 and 13 different phenotypes were found for Hor-1, Hor-2 and Hor-3, respectively. A comparison of our results with those of previous studies indicates that Tibetan samples reflect the highest diverse level of hordein phenotypes when compared to samples from Israel and Jordan. This high degree of polymorphism supports the hypothesis that Tibet is one of the original centers of H. vulgare L.

The usefulness of technetium-99m-MIBI scintimammography in diagnosis of breast cancer: using surgical histopathologic diagnosis as the gold standard.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of 99mTc-MIBI scintinammography for the detection of breast cancer. METHODS: Sixty-one consecutive patients referred for a suspicions breast lesion on clinical examination were studied with 99mTc-MIBI scintimammography. There were 60 female patients and 1 male patient with 63 pulpable breast abnormalities. Each patient received 20mCi 99mTc-MIBI intravenously. Ten and 120 minutes postinjection, three planar views, right and left lateral prone and anterior supine thoracic views, were obtained. The patient underwent surgery within one week and the final diagnostic results (histopathology) were obtained. RESULTS: Thirty-two of 63 abnormalities of breast were pathologically confirmed breast cancer, and 31 were benign lesions. In the group of patients studied, the sensitivity of 99mTc-MIBI scintimammography was 78.1% (25 true-positive, 7 false-negative) and the specificity was 90.3% (28 true-negative, 3 false positive). The positive predictive value was 89.3%, the negative predictive value was 80.0%, the positive likelihood ratio was 8.1, the negative likelihood ratio was 0.2. CONCLUSION: This study showed the high diagnostic accuracy of 99mTc-MIBI scintimammography in detecting breast cancer. 99mTc-MIBI scintimammography can be used as an assistant method to non-invasively assess breast cancer invasiveness before surgery.