[Efficacy of endoscopic treatment oncolorectal laterally spreading tumor and risk factors of delayed bleeding after operation].

Objective: To evaluate the endoscopic treatment efficacy of colorectal laterally spreading tumor (LST) and analyze the risk factors for delayed post-polypectomy bleeding (DPPB). Methods: Between January 2015 and December 2020, patients underwent colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or hybrid ESD were recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University. Complete resection rate, perforation rate, bleeding rate, operation time and lesion adhesion were compared between the ESD and hybrid ESD groups. Patients were divided into bleeding and non-bleeding groups based on the presence of DPPB. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of DPPB. Results: A total of 665 patients with colorectal LST were enrolled, including 376 males and 289 females, with an average age of (57.4±0.4) years. There were 471 cases underwent ESD and 194 cases underwent hybridized ESD. There were no significant differences in gender, age, history of smoking and drinking, and prevalence of hypertension between the two groups (all P>0.05). Likewise, the rate of lesion adhesion (4.2% vs 7.7%, P=0.067), lesion complete resection (96.8% vs 93.8%, P=0.418), perforation (0.6% vs 1.0%, P=0.594), delayed bleeding (2.8% vs 2.1%, P=0.605) were not statistically significant between the two groups. Seventeen patients (2.6%) developed DPPB after endoscopic treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the lesion was in the rectum (OR=3.594, 95%CI: 1.237-10.443, P=0.019) and the diameter of the lesion>2 cm (OR=3.776, 95%CI: 1.411-10.106, P=0.008) were risk factors for DPPB. Conclusions: Both ESD and hybrid ESD are successful treatments for colorectal LST. Colorectal LST lesion site and lesion size>2 cm are risk factors of DPPB.

[The association between the characteristics of egocentric network and HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men].

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the association between the characteristics of egocentric network and HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) through social network analysis. Methods: The study was conducted in Guangzhou city from November 2016 to June 2017 using convenient sampling method. Participants were recruited from 13 voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) locations. Data were collected by using nomination generation and nomination interpretation methods. Questionnaire includes two parts, the first part about the social tie, and the second one about social demography and behavioral characteristics of respondents and their nominees. The multivariate logistic regression was applied to quantify the association. Results: 8.67%(93/1 073) HIV antibody positive MSM had been detected in 1 073 respondents who nominated 4 301 partners in total. Compared to egocentric sexual network with a size of 1-2, the size of sexual network larger than 3 (OR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.07-2.65) were associated with HIV infection. Compared to egocentric risk sexual network with a size of 1-2, the size of risk sexual networks larger than 3 (OR=1.87, 95%CI: 1.06-3.31) were associated with HIV infection. There were no significant association between marital similarity of respondents and their nominees, the type of the relationship of sexual partners and HIV prevalence (P>0.05). Conclusion: The composition of social network in MSM is related to their susceptibility of HIV infection. MSM population with a large sexual network is more susceptible to HIV infection.

[Epidemiological characteristics and latent class analysis of non-marital heterosexual behaviors among human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome individuals in Jiangmen, Guangdong province between 2015 and 2017].

Objective: To study the epidemiological characteristics and latent classes of non-marital heterosexual transmission among human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) individuals in Jiangmen, Guangdong province between 2015 and 2017. Methods: HIV/AIDS cases from Chinese HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System were collected from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. Inclusion criteria of HIV/AIDS were heterosexual transmission, non-marital heterosexual contact and older than 15 years. Exclusion criteria were homosexual contact, repeated reports, injecting drugs, current address in the non-Jiangmen area and not classified non-marital heterosexual contact. A total of 665 HIV/AIDS cases were included in this study. The general demographic characteristics (gender, age, ethnicity, education, occupation, etc.), floating population characteristics, HIV high-risk behaviors, HIV testing and other information were collected from database. Chi square test was used to compare the infection status of HIV/AIDS with different characteristics through commercial channels, and the latent class model was used to analyze the latent classes of HIV/AIDS. Results: Among 665 cases, the age was (48.73±15.61) years old. And 46.5% (309/665) cases were married and 73.8% (491/665) were male. Four classes were identified as heterogeneous sub-population by the latent class analysis: the first class occupied 40.13% (267 cases) with feature of nearly equal proportion of males and females and higher proportion of non-service industry workers; the second class occupied 37.40% (248 cases) with features of more than 46 years old, nearly all males, high proportion of farmers, high proportion of marital status, low education and the low propensity of floating; the third class occupied 11.90% (79 cases) with feature of cases from voluntary HIV testing and counseling in center for disease control and prevention; the forth class occupied 10.57% (70 cases) with the feature of less 45 years old, high proportion of service industry workers, no marital history and higher education. Conclusions: HIV/AIDS transmitted by non-marital heterosexual sex in Jiangmen city during 2015-2017 could be divided into four latent classes according to epidemic characteristics, which could provide appropriate classified guidance for AIDS prevention and treatment.

[Characteristics and influencing factors regarding social relations among men who have sex with men].

Objective: To study the characteristics of social relations and relative factors among MSM in Guangzhou. Methods: Data was collected through a cross-sectional study in Guangzhou from November 2016 to May 2017. Sample size was estimated and participants were recruited from the voluntary counseling and testing services (VCT) which were set for MSM population, by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Social ties and demographic characteristics of the respondents and their sexual partners were analyzed through both Chi square test and generalized estimating equations (GEE). Results: A total of 1 073 MSM, together with their nominated 4 301 partners were successfully recruited and involved in this study. Age (OR=1.2, P=0.01) and non-internet based intercourse (OR=1.65, P<0.01) were easy to form close relation with strong ties. Compared with MSM traditional venues (chess and cards room, tea room bathhouse, club), general public venue (bars, KTV, parks, shopping malls, schools, restaurants) (OR=1.46-3.12, P<0.01) showed close relation with strong ties. Our finding showed that MSM at the age of 18-25 preferred to build weak ties with the older MSM, while the 26-30-year-olds and 31-40-year-olds prefer to establish weak ties with younger partners but the 41-50-year-olds preferred to develop weak ties with one that were ten years younger. Conclusions: Clusters were noticed in the MSM populations when grouping and making friends with ones at different age. Characteristics regarding the relationship between sexual partners in choosing venues and ways of dating were different. Targeted intervention programs need to be explored innovatively.

[The role and significance of digital reconstruction technique in liver segments based on portal vein structure].

Objective: To study the segment of liver according to the large amount of three-dimensional(3D) reconstructive images of normal human livers and the vascular system, and to recognize the basic functional liver unit based on the anatomic features of the intrahepatic portal veins. Methods: The enhanced CT primitive DICOM files of 1 260 normal human livers from different age groups who treated from October 2013 to February 2017 provided by 16 hospitals were analyzed using the computer-aided surgery system.The 3D liver and liver vascular system were reconstructed, and the digital liver 3D model was established.The vascular morphology, anatomical features, and anatomical distributions of intrahepatic portal veins were statistically analyzed. Results: The digital liver model obtained from the 3D reconstruction of CAS displayed clear intrahepatic portal vein vessels of level four.Perform a digital liver segments study based on the analysis of level four vascular distribution areas.As the less anatomical variation of left hepatic portal vein, the liver was classified into four types of liver segmentation mainly based on right hepatic portal vein.Type A was similar to Couinaud or Cho's segmentation, containing 8 segments(537 cases, 42.62%). Type B contained 9 segments as there are three ramifications of right-anterior portal vein(464 cases, 36.82%). The main difference for Type C was the variation of right-posterior portal vein which was sector shape(102 cases, 8.10%). Type D contained the cases with special portal vein variations, which needs three-dimensional simulation to design individualized liver resection plan(157 cases, 12.46%). These results showed that there was no significant difference in liver segmental typing between genders(χ(2)=2.179, P=0.536) and did not reveal any significant difference in liver segmental typing among the different age groups(χ(2)=0.357, P=0.949). Conclusions: The 3D digital liver model can demonstrate the true 3D anatomical structures, and its spatial vascular variations.The observation of anatomic features, distribution areas of intrahepatic portal veins and individualized liver segmentation achieved via digital medical 3D visualization technology is of great value for understand the complexity of liver anatomy and to guide the precise hepatectomy.

[Characteristics of non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission of HIV infection in Miao-Dong Autonomous prefecture of Qiandongnan].

Objective: The goal of this research was to understand the demographic distribution and related factors of non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission (non-commercial transmission) for HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Methods: Data related to HIV/AIDS infected by non-marital heterosexual transmission and whose present address was in Qian Dongnan, were collected from Information System on the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control. Information included demographic characteristics, the members of non-marital sex partners, transmission path, detection source, CD4(+)T lymphocyte level, et al. cases belong to homosexual history, injective drug use or non-classified non-marital heterosexuality transmission were excluded, totally collect HIV/AIDS 919 cases. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze potential factors associated with non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission. In addition, in March and June 2017, using a convenience sampling, we conducted one-to-one interviews among 10 HIV/AIDS who were infected by non-marital heterosexuality and had non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual experience in Kaili Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The content of the interview included basic information, sexual orientation, the main place of making friends and sexual behavior, attitude to commercial heterosexuality and non-martial and non-commercial heterosexuality and so on. Results: Out of the 919 cases, 645 (70.2%) were male, the proportion of non-commercial transmission was 55.06% (506). The proportion of female HIV/AIDS with non-commercial transmission was 84.7% (232), which was higher than male (42.5%(274)) (χ(2)=138.35, P<0.001). The proportion of Han HIV/AIDS with non-commercial transmission was 61.5% (275), which was higher than other religion (52.2%(412)) (χ(2)=6.32, P=0.012). The proportion of HIV/AIDS with non-commercial transmission who had 0-5 non-marital sexual partners was 58.8% (498), which was higher than who had>5 non-marital sexual partners (11.1%(8)) (χ(2)=61.10, P<0.001). The proportion of HIV/AIDS with non-commercial transmission who lived mobile was 72.9% (94), which was higher than who lived fixedly (52.2%(412)) (χ(2)=19.34, P<0.001). Qualitative interviews results revealed that the age of the respondents were 22-69. Respondents whose ages are in 22-34 were more likely to use mobile phone (4/10) and respondents whose ages are in 35-69 were less likely to look partners through party and the context of working. Conclusion: The proportion of cases being infected by non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission in Qian dongnan was higher than general national levels. The characteristics of sex, marriage status, migration, vocation, the members of non-marital sex partners were significant differed between commercial heterosexual transmission and non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission.

Differences in expression of serum protein in patients with psoriasis vulgaris and blood heat syndrome and healthy volunteers.

To explore the mechanism of psoriasis vulgaris (PV), serum protein expression profiles between PV patients with blood-heat syndrome and healthy volunteers were detected by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). First, sera from 15 PV patients with blood-heat syndrome and 10 healthy volunteers were collected; then, serum proteins were separated and hydrolyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and a specific iTRAQ marker enzyme respectively after further purification and protein abundance treatment. Compared with the control group, differentially expressed proteins in PV patients with blood-heat syndrome were identified and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 787 proteins were identified and 718 proteins had a functional annotation with gene ontology (GO) by iTRAQ in the current study. Significant differences (P <0.05) and great differences (P <0.01) were found in 681 proteins and 536 proteins respectively between the patient group and healthy group. ). Different protein expression profiles in serum existed between PV patients with blood-heat syndrome and healthy volunteers; the differences largely involved immune-related proteins and lipoproteins. The proteins specific for PV with blood-heat syndrome deserves further investigation.

[Effects of intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channel blocker TARAM-34 on ß-glycerophosphate induced vascular smooth muscle cells calcification].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the role of TRAM-34 (1-((2-chlorophenyl)diphenylmethyl)-1H-pyrazole), the blocker of intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (KCa3.1), on ß-glycerophosphate induced vascular calcification in vitro. METHODS: Vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs) were obtained from rat thoracic aorta, and VSMCs after the fourth passage and aortic rings were divided into control group (cultured in DMEM with 10% fetal bovine serum), high phosphorus group (cultured in DMEM with 10% fetal bovine serum and 10% ß-glycerophosphate) and TRAM-34 group(20 nmol/L TRAM-34 was added into high phosphorus DMEM). Calcium deposition of VSMCs and aortic rings were measured by o-cresolphthalein complexone method.Calcium influx of VSMCs was measured by immunofluorescence probe Fluo-3 AM.The expression of runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2)was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot for cells and immunohistochemistry for aortic rings.ALP activity was measured by alkaline phosphatase activity detection kit. RESULTS: (1) Compared with control group, calcification was significantly increased in high phosphorus group ((121.67±6.17) mg/g vs. (84.38±8.17) mg/g, P<0.05) and this effect could be attenuated by TRAM-34 ((93.31±11.36) mg/g, P<0.05 vs. high phosphorus group) after 12 days culture. Similar results were found in aortic rings cultured for 12 days-high phosphorus group: (7.17±0.57) mg/g vs. CONTROL: (1.18±0.13) mg/g (P<0.05) and TRAM-34: (4.71±0.42) mg/g, P<0.05 vs. high phosphorus group.(2) Compared with control group, the calcium influx was higher in high phosphorus group (349.22±40.47 vs. 151.67±16.94, P<0.05) and reduced in TRAM-34 group (194.67±22.21, P<0.05 vs. high phosphorus group) in VSMCs simulated for 4 days. (3) Both mRNA and protein expressions of Runx2 in high phosphorus groups were higher than in control group (0.630±0.033 vs.0.340±0.058 and 0.865±0.031 vs.0.414±0.011, both P<0.05) and lower in TRAM-34 group (0.399±0.023 and 0.575±0.014, both P<0.05 vs. high phosphorus group) in VSMCs simulated for 4 days.Besides, compared with high phosphorus group, the expression of Runx2 was decreased in control group(0.113±0.010 vs.0.067±0.008, P<0.05) and TRAM-34 group (0.069±0.006, P<0.05) after aortic rings were cultured for 4 days. (4) Compared with control group, the activity of ALP was significantly increased in high phosphorus group (96.56±9.84 vs.46.92±4.60, P<0.05) and decreased in TRAM-34 group(70.20±8.41, P<0.05 vs. high phosphorus group) in VSMCs simulated for 12 days. CONCLUSION: KCa3.1 blocker TRAM-34 can inhibit ß-glycerophosphate induced VSMCs and aortic ring calcification through inhibiting calcium influx, downregulating Runx2 expression and attenuating osteogenic differentiation.

Botrytis pyriformis sp. nov., a novel and likely saprophytic species of Botrytis.

A novel species of Botrytis from Sedum sarmentosum was described based on morphology and analyses of DNA sequences of nuc rDNA ITS regions and three nuclear genes (G3PDH, HSP60, RPB2). Meanwhile pathogenicity in 32 plant species, response to temperature for growth and conidial germination for the species were determined. The Botrytis species was named Botrytis pyriformis sp. nov. It was characterized by formation of grayish mycelia, brownish conidia and melanized sclerotia on PDA. The conidia are pear-shaped, melanized and covered with abundant villiform appendages on the conidial surface. Comparison of the ITS sequences confirmed its placement in the genus Botrytis Phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequences of G3PDH, HSP60 and RPB2 genes indicated that B. pyriformis and other 30 Botrytis species form a monophyletic clade, which was further divided into three subclades. Subclade I comprised B. pyriformis alone, whereas subclades II and III comprised six and 24 Botrytis species, respectively. Botrytis pyriformis could not infect 32 plant species including S. sarmentosum, possibly due to deficiency in formation of infection cushions. This study presents a formal description and illustrations for B. pyriformis and provides experimental evidence, indicating that B. pyriformis might be a saprophytic species.

The silkworm GSTe4 is sensitive to phoxim and protects HEK293 cells against UV-induced cell apoptosis.

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs, EC 2.5.1.18) are a family of super enzymes with multiple functions that play a major role in the detoxification of endogenous and xenobiotic compounds. In our previous study, we have predicted 23 putative cytosolic GSTs in the silkworm genome using bioinformatic methods. In this study, we cloned and studied the insect-specific epsilon-class GST gene GSTe4 from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The recombinant BmGSTe4 (Bac-BmGSTe4) was overexpressed in SF-9 cell lines, and it was found to have effective GST activity. We also found that the expression of BmGSTe4 was especially down-regulated after the silkworms were fumigated with or ingested phoxim. Moreover, BmGSTe4 protected HEK293 cells against UV-induced cell apoptosis. These results demonstrated that BmGSTe4 has GST activity, is sensitive to phoxim, and plays a role in inhibition of UV-induced cell apoptosis.

N-acetylcysteine attenuates subcutaneous administration of bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis and oxidative stress in a mouse model of scleroderma.

BACKGROUND: Several lines of evidence suggest that the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is of major importance in the pathogenesis of scleroderma, and thus antioxidant therapy may be useful for patients with an impaired oxidative defence mechanism. AIM: To examine the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on skin fibrosis and oxidative stress in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model of scleroderma. METHODS: We used this mouse model to evaluate the effect of NAC on skin fibrosis and oxidative stress. Skin fibrosis was evaluated by histopathological examination and hydroxyproline content. To measure lipid peroxidation, we used a thiobarbituric acid-reactive species, malondialdehyde (MDA). Oxidative protein damage (carbonyl content) and the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined to evaluate oxidative stress in the skin tissue. RESULTS: Treatment with NAC attenuated the skin fibrosis induced by BLM, significantly reducing the MDA and protein carbonyl content in these mice. SOD activity in BLM-only mice and BLM plus NAC-treated mice was increased compared with control mice. However, there was no significant difference in skin SOD activity of mice treated with both BLM and NAC compared with those treated with BLM only. In addition, CAT activity was not altered in the BLM plus NAC mice. CONCLUSIONS: NAC treatment attenuates skin fibrosis in a BLM-induced mouse model of scleroderma, and this is associated with diminished oxidative stress. The results suggest that NAC may be a potential therapeutic agent for patients with scleroderma.

Molecular cloning and characterization of peroxiredoxin 4 involved in protection against oxidative stress in the silkworm Bombyx mori.

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are a ubiquitous family of proteins that play important roles in insects in protection against oxidative stress through the detoxification of cellular peroxides. Here, we describe the cloning and characterization of a Prx4 cDNA of the silkworm Bombyx mori (BmPrx4). The BmPrx4 gene has an open reading frame of 744 bp encoding 248 amino acids and a conserved motif, VCP, involved in its presumed redox functions. The heterologously expressed proteins of the gene in Escherichia coli showed antioxidant activity, removed hydrogen peroxide and protected DnA. Western blotting analysis showed the presence of BmPrx4 in the haemolymph, suggesting that the protein is secretable. Moreover, BmPrx4 was expressed at all developmental stages. The expression level of BmPrx4 was relatively low during the feeding stage but high at the wandering stage. BmPrx4 was induced by quercetin or temperature stress. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that BmPrx4 is present in the brain, neurones and olfactory organ of the head in silkworms. Overall, our results indicate that the expression profile of BmPrx4 correlates well with protection from oxidative damage. Our data provide clues for the development of control technology for agricultural and forestry pests as the silkworm is a representative of lepidopteran pests.

Regulation of NK92-MI cell cytotoxicity by substance P.

The neuropeptide substance P (SP) can regulate a number of immunological functions in vitro and in vivo and may regulate natural killer (NK) cell activity. Here, we investigated whether SP has a role in regulating NK92-MI cell function in vitro, and how it influences NK cell activity. We found that SP dose dependently increased the cytotoxicity of NK92-MI cells and had a maximal effect at a concentration of 10(-12) and 10(-10) m. Furthermore, the expression of cytotoxic-associated molecules (perforin, granzyme) and activating receptor NKp46 [a member of natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs)] was observed to be upregulated by SP at optimal concentration, at which SP enhanced the cytotoxicity of NK92-MI cells. Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R), a functional receptor of SP, was found on NK92-MI cells, and the observed effects of SP on NK92-MI cells could be more partially blocked by an NK-1R antagonist. Our data suggest that SP induces NK92-MI cell cytotoxicity by directly increasing the expression of cytotoxic granules and upregulates NK92-MI cell receptor-mediated functions indirectly. Thus, SP may regulate NK cell function mainly through NK-1R.

Five-year follow-up of immune response to hepatitis B vaccine in juveniles.

The persistence of anti-HBs was investigated in 95 juveniles who received plasma-derived HBV vaccine (vaccine group) and 63 counterparts who got anti-HBs from natural HBV infection (infection group) for a period of five years. The positive rates of anti-HBs from the first to fifth year in the vaccine group are 97.89%, 98.95%, 81.05%, 78.95% and 72.63% respectively with one recipient remaining anti-HBs negative after being immunized with three dosages of 10 micrograms plasma-derived HBV vaccine in 0, 1st, 2nd month and the mean S/N values (GMV) are 30.94, 22.18, 13.61, 12.02 and 9.18 respectively. There are 26 recipients whose anti-HBs turned from positive to negative at the end of the study with a negative rate of 27.37%. The S/N GMVs in the infection group are 36.37, 27.33, 24.08 at the first, third and fifth year of the study, respectively. Both the S/N GMV and negative rate are lower than that of the vaccine group (P < 0.01). No one was found to have positive HBsAg or elevated ALT in both groups. Questions such as immune dosage, immune program and booster immunization in juvenile population are discussed.