Factors impacting the behavior of phytoremediation in pesticide-contaminated environment: A meta-analysis.

Phytoremediation provides substantial advantages, including eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and visual appeal. However, the current knowledge of the factors influencing phytoremediation in pesticide-contaminated environments remains limited. It is critical to understand phytoremediation and the factors affecting the variation in removal efficiency. In this study, we compiled 72 previous research articles to quantify plant-induced improvements in removal efficiency and identify factors that influence variations in phytoremediation behavior through meta-analysis. We observed a significant increase in the removal efficiency of phytoremediation compared to the control group which did not involve phytoremediation. Pesticides significantly affect removal efficiency in terms of their modes of action, substance group, and properties. Plants demonstrated higher efficiency in remediating environments contaminated with pesticides possessing lower molecular masses and log Kow values. Plant species emerged as a crucial determinant of variations in removal efficiency. Annual plants exhibited a 1.45-fold higher removal efficiency than perennial plants. The removal efficiencies of different plant types decreased in the following order: agri-food crops > aquatic macrophytes > turfgrasses > medicinal plants > forage crops > woody trees. The Gramineae family, which was the most prevalent, demonstrated a robust and consistent phytoremediation ability. This study offers a more comprehensive triangular relationship between removal efficiency, pesticides, and plants, expanding the traditional linear model. Our findings offer valuable insights into the behavior of phytoremediation in pesticide-contaminated environments and the factors determining its success, ultimately guiding further research toward developing strategies for higher removal efficiency in phytoremediation.

Data augmentation for enhancing EEG-based emotion recognition with deep generative models.

OBJECTIVE: The data scarcity problem in emotion recognition from electroencephalography (EEG) leads to difficulty in building an affective model with high accuracy using machine learning algorithms or deep neural networks. Inspired by emerging deep generative models, we propose three methods for augmenting EEG training data to enhance the performance of emotion recognition models. APPROACH: Our proposed methods are based on two deep generative models, variational autoencoder (VAE) and generative adversarial network (GAN), and two data augmentation ways, full and partial usage strategies. For the full usage strategy, all of the generated data are augmented to the training dataset without judging the quality of the generated data, while for the partial usage, only high-quality data are selected and appended to the training dataset. These three methods are called conditional Wasserstein GAN (cWGAN), selective VAE (sVAE), and selective WGAN (sWGAN). MAIN RESULTS: To evaluate the effectiveness of these proposed methods, we perform a systematic experimental study on two public EEG datasets for emotion recognition, namely, SEED and DEAP. We first generate realistic-like EEG training data in two forms: power spectral density and differential entropy. Then, we augment the original training datasets with a different number of generated realistic-like EEG data. Finally, we train support vector machines and deep neural networks with shortcut layers to build affective models using the original and augmented training datasets. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed data augmentation methods based on generative models outperform the existing data augmentation approaches such as conditional VAE, Gaussian noise, and rotational data augmentation. We also observe that the number of generated data should be less than 10 times of the original training dataset to achieve the best performance. SIGNIFICANCE: The augmented training datasets produced by our proposed sWGAN method significantly enhance the performance of EEG-based emotion recognition models.

Left-sided primary tumor is a favorable prognostic factor for metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The role of surgery in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains controversial. This study was performed to assess the impact of surgery on survival in metastatic colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information of mCRC patients diagnosed between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2013, was retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database. Patients were classified in three groups: patients undergoing resection of both primary and distant metastatic tumors (group 'PMTR'), patients receiving primary tumor resection alone (group 'PTR') and patients not undergoing any surgery (group 'No resection'). Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis were applied to estimate disease specific survival time (DSS) and determine prognostic factors. RESULTS: A total of 38,591 mCRC patients were eligible. Overall, median DSS of group 'PMTR' was significantly longer compared with group 'PTR' and group 'No resection' (28.0 vs 21.0 vs 11.0 months, P < 0.001). Stratified analysis observed that primary tumor in left-sided colorectal cancer (LCRC) was a favorable prognostic factor compared with right-sided colorectal cancer (RCRC) (median DSS of LCRC: PMTR, 34 months, PTR, 25 months, No resection, 13 months; median DSS of RCRC: PMTR, 20 months, PTR, 16 months, No resection, 8 months; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that surgery was an independent prognostic factor for better survival (PMTR, HR = 0.403, 95% CI 0.384-0.423, P < 0.001; PTR, HR = 0.515, 95% CI 0.496-0.534, P < 0.001). Furthermore, in patients undergoing surgery, patients with younger age, female, married status, LCRC and lower CEA level were prone to receiving PMTR. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis demonstrated that surgery was an independent prognostic factor for improved survival in mCRC. Patients with LCRC had better survival than patients with RCRC after surgery.

Epidemiological features of lung giant cell carcinoma and therapy for patients with EGFR mutations based on case reports and the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database.

Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are the standard first line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with sensitive EGFR mutations. Among NSCLC, giant cell carcinoma of the lung (GCCL) is a rare pathological subtype with poor prognosis, with no confirmed evidence about its epidemiological features or therapeutic efficiency of EGFR-TKIs. We present two advanced GCCLs with sensitive EGFR mutations, also collected the cases of GCCL from our hospital and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to perform the survival analyses. Both two cases of advanced GCCL with sensitive EGFR mutations benefited from EGFR-TKIs. Twelve GCCLs were recorded in our hospital from May 2006 to July 2015. GCCL is associated with males (83.3%) and smoking status (63.6%). The EGFR mutation rate was 40.0%. In SEER database, the total number of GCCLs was 184, 0.11% for all NSCLCs. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, the 5-year overall survival of GCCL patients was significantly lower than that of non-GCC NSCLC (16% and 19%; P<0.001), and it was confirmed in multivariate analysis. Further survival analyses indicated that male were more susceptible to GCCL and GCCL was prone to metastasize. Only age and M stage were independent prognostic factors for GCCL in the multivariate analysis. In conclusion, GCCL was an unfavorable prognostic factor and associated with males and metastasis. GCCL patients with sensitive EGFR mutations may also benefit from EGFR-TKI, we therefore recommend the evaluation of EGFR in the treatment of advanced GCCL.

Quizalofop-P-ethyl exposure increases estrogen axis activity in male and slightly decreases estrogen axis activity in female zebrafish (Danio rerio).

The herbicide Quizalofop-P-ethyl (QpE) exerts toxic effects in fish, but limited information is currently available on its effects on the endocrine system. In the current study, adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to different concentrations (0, 2, 20, 200µg/L) of QpE for 30days. In males, QpE exposure significantly increased plasma estradiol (E2) and vitellogenin (VTG) levels, concomitant with up-regulation of hepatic esr1 and vtg gene expression. In females, plasma sex hormone levels and VTG concentrations were not altered significantly, but an increased expression of hepatic esr1 in addition to decreased expression of hepatic vtg, esr2a and esr2b was observed. Marked histological lesions were also observed in the gonads of both males and females. Moreover, QpE exposure significantly increased transcriptional profiles of some genes in the HPG axis and liver in males, while the majority of these genes were down-regulated in females. Docking studies showed QpE forming stable interactions with the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of zebrafish ESR1 and ESR2a, suggesting QpE may bind to estrogen receptors (ESRs). This study for the first time reveals QpE as an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) disrupting the zebrafish endocrine system in a sex-specific manner, whereby it increases estrogen axis activity in males and slightly decreases estrogen axis activity in females, which may be accounted for by QpE regulating steroidogenesis and/or activating ESR(s).

Clinical impacts of a micropapillary pattern in lung adenocarcinoma: a review.

Lung adenocarcinoma with a micropapillary pattern (MPPAC) has recently drawn increased attention among researchers. Micropapillary-predominant adenocarcinoma (MPA), which is defined by micropapillary pattern (MPP), is the primary histological pattern observed semiquantitatively in 5% increments on resection specimens, and MPA was formally determined to be a new histological subtype according to the new multidisciplinary classification in 2011. According to published studies, MPPAC is most common in males and nonsmokers and is associated with lymphatic invasion, pleural invasion, and lymph node metastases. MPPAC often presents as part-solid and lobulated nodules in computed tomography scans. MPP tends to have a higher maximum standardized uptake value as determined by fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography, indicating a high risk of recurrence. Molecular markers, including vimentin, napsin A, phosphorylated c-Met, cytoplasmic maspin, Notch-1, MUC1, and tumoral CD10, may have higher expression in MPPAC than other subtypes; conversely, markers such as MUC4 and surfactant apoprotein A have lower expression in MPPAC. MPPAC with EGFR mutations can benefit from treatment with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Furthermore, a complete lobectomy may be more suitable than limited resection for MPPAC because of the low sensitivity of intraoperative frozen sections and the high risk of lymph node metastasis. MPA benefits more from adjuvant chemotherapy than do other histological subtypes, whereas MPA does not benefit from adjuvant radiotherapy. Of note, MPP is associated with poor prognosis in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, but the prognostic value of MPP is controversial in advanced-stage lung adenocarcinoma.

Different treatment strategies and molecular features between right-sided and left-sided colon cancers.

The colon is derived from the embryological midgut and hindgut separately, with the right colon and left colon having different features with regards to both anatomical and physiological characteristics. Cancers located in the right and left colon are referred to as right colon cancer (RCC) and left colon cancer (LCC), respectively, based on their apparent anatomical positions. Increasing evidence supports the notion that not only are there differences in treatment strategies when dealing with RCC and LCC, but molecular features also vary between them, not to mention the distinguishing clinical manifestations. Disease-free survival after radical surgery of both RCC and LCC are similar. In the treatment of RCC, the benefit gained from adjuvant FOLFIRI chemotherapy is superior, or at least similar, to LCC, but inferior to LCC if FOLFOX regimen is applied. On the other hand, metastatic LCC exhibits longer survival than that of RCC in a palliative chemotherapy setting. For KRAS wild-type cancers, LCC benefits more from cetuximab treatment than RCC. Moreover, advanced LCC shows a higher sensitivity to bevacizumab treatment in comparison with advanced RCC. Significant varieties exist at the molecular level between RCC and LCC, which may serve as the cause of all apparent differences. With respect to carcinogenesis mechanisms, RCC is associated with known gene types, such as MMR, KRAS, BRAF, and miRNA-31, while LCC is associated with CIN, p53, NRAS, miRNA-146a, miRNA-147b, and miRNA-1288. Regarding protein expression, RCC is related to GNAS, NQO1, telomerase activity, P-PDH, and annexin A10, while LCC is related to Topo I, TS, and EGFR. In addition, separated pathways dominate progression to relapse in RCC and LCC. Therefore, RCC and LCC should be regarded as two heterogeneous entities, with this heterogeneity being used to stratify patients in order for them to have the optimal, current, and novel therapeutic strategies in clinical practice. Additional research is needed to uncover further differences between RCC and LCC.

[Surgical selection and efficacy assessment for membranous urethral trauma caused by pelvic fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To explore selection and efficacy assessment for membranous urethral trauma caused by pelvic fracture. METHODS: From June 2000 to August 2010, 72 patients with membranous urethral trauma caused by pelvic fracture were selected. There were 46 males and 26 females,ranging age from 26 to 62 years (averaged 35.2 years). The time from injury to hospitalization time was 1 to 3 hours. According to Tile pelvic fracture classification, there were 8 patients with type A, 45 patients with type B, 19 patients with type C. Thirty of the 35 patients with partial rupture of posterior urethral were treated by catheterization,5 patients treated by rupture anastomosis on the stage I combined with cystostomy; 25 of the 37 patients with complete rupture of posterior urethra were treated by early realignment, and 12 patients were treated by cystostomy. Urinary incontinence, impotence and urethrostenosis were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 5 to 10 years (mean 7.7 years). Incidence of urethrostenosis, impotence and urinary incontinence in patients treated by cystostomy were significantly higher than rupture anastomosis on the stage I and early realignment (P < 0.05); while incidence in patients treated by catheterization was significantly lower than other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: For patients with partial rupture of posterior urethral, catheterization and rupture anastomosis on the stage I are preferred methods; while patients with complete rupture of posterior urethra, early realignment is a preferred method with advantages of simple operation and less complications.

Design of the anti-tuberculosis drugs induced adverse reactions in China National Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Scheme Study (ADACS).

BACKGROUND: More than 1 million tuberculosis (TB) patients are receiving the standard anti-TB treatment provided by China National Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Scheme (CNTS) in China every year. Adverse reactions (ADRs) induced by anti-TB drugs could both do harm to patients and lead to anti-TB treatment failure. The ADACS aimed to explore ADRs' incidences, prognoses, economical and public health impacts for TB patients and TB control, and build a DNA bank of TB patients. METHODS/DESIGN: Multiple study designs were adopted. Firstly, a prospective cohort with 4488 sputum smears positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients was established. Patients were followed up for 6-9 months in 52 counties of four regions. Those suspected ADRs should be checked and confirmed by Chinese State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA). Secondly, if the suspected ADR was anti-TB drug induced liver injury (ATLI), a nested case-control study would be performed which comprised choosing a matched control and doing a plus questionnaire inquiry. Thirdly, health economical data of ADRs would be collected to analyze financial burdens brought by ADRs and cost-effectiveness of ADRs' treatments. Fourthly, a drop of intravenous blood for each patient was taken and saved in FTA card for DNA banking and genotyping. Finally, the demographic, clinical, environmental, administrative and genetic data would be merged for the comprehensive analysis. DISCUSSION: ADACS will give an overview of anti-TB drugs induced ADRs' incidences, risk factors, treatments, prognoses, and clinical, economical and public health impacts for TB patients applying CNTS regimen in China, and provide suggestions for individualized health care and TB control policy.

[Role of enzyme-linked immunospot assay and tuberculin skin test in the auxiliary diagnosis of initial pulmonary tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE: To compare enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT) and tuberculin skin test (TST) and explore their roles in the auxiliary diagnosis of initial pulmonary tuberculosis. METHODS: Totally 123 patients with initial pulmonary tuberculosis (tuberculosis group) and 102 patients with non-tuberculosis pulmonary disease (control group) were enrolled. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells of all participants were co-cultured with early secretiny antigen target-6/culture filtrate protein-10 fusion protein (ESAT-6/CFP-10), and spot forming cells (SFCs) were enumerated by ELISPOT (ESAT-6/CFP-10-ELISPOT). TST was also performed simultaneously. RESULTS: ESAT-6/CFP-10-ELISPOT showed significantly higher numbers of SFCs after stimulation in tuberculosis group than in control group (P = 0.000). The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of ESAT-6/CFP-10-ELISPOT were 91.1% (111/123), 81.4% (82/102), 4.60, 0.12, 0.85, and 0.87 respectively, while the above values of TST were 65.6% (59/90), 45.1% (46/102), 1.31, 0.76, 0.51, and 0.60, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of ESAT-6/CFP-10-ELISPOT were significantly higher than those of TST (all P = 0.000). The number of SFCs were not significantly different between smear-positive tuberculosis subgroup and smear-negative tuberculosis subgroup (P = 0.166). The sensitivities were 91.8% (67/73) and 88.0% (44/50) in these two subgroups, respectively, (P = 0.448). CONCLUSIONS: ESAT-6/CFP-10-ELISPOT may be a more accurate approach for the auxiliary diagnosis of initial pulmonary tuberculosis; meanwhile, it offers certain diagnostic evidences for smear-negative tuberculosis. However, its specificity may be affected by latent tuberculosis infection. On the contrary, TST has poor value in the auxiliary diagnosis of initial pulmonary tuberculosis.

[The effect of interventional therapy in multimodality treatment on multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of interventional therapy with antituberculous drug instillation to the lesions in the treatment of multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-PTB) on conventional therapy. METHODS: Sixty-one cases of MDR TB were included from January 2001 to October 2002 in five hospitals. Pasiniazide, rifapentine levofloxacin, ethambutol, ethionamide, amikacin and clarithromycin were used as the basic chemotherapy regimen. In addition, M. vaccac and interventional therapy were used, and chemotherapy was continued for a total of 18 months. RESULTS: The sputum negative conversion rate (including sputum smear and culture) was 50.8% (31/61) after 3 months of interventional therapy. The rate increased to 83.6% (51/61) after 18 months of therapy. Chest X-ray showed that, the foci were markedly absorbed in 50.8% (31/61), and the effective rate was 93.4% (57/61) after 3 months of therapy. The foci were markedly absorbed in 78.7% (48/61) after 18 months of treatment. The effective rate was 96.7%. The rate of cavity closure was 21.3% (13/61) after 3 months of interventional therapy and it increased to 49.2% (30/61) after 18 months of treatment. The rate of symptom disappearance was 73.2%-94.4%, including fever, hemoptysis and dyspnea. CONCLUSION: For the treatment of MDR-TB, interventional therapy is effective in improving sputum negative conversion, lesion absorption and cavity closure.

[A study on in vitro and in vivo models of Mycobacterium tuberculosis persistence].

OBJECTIVE: To establish in vivo and in vitro models of persistent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, and therefore to study the persisters in different conditions and periods of chemotherapy, and to explore the relationship between the persisters and chemotherapy. METHODS: The persisters in the two models were examined by culturing Mycobacterium tuberculosis in oxygen-starved condition and determining the mRNA expression of isocitrate lyase (ICL), alpha-crystallin chaperone (Acr) and 85B through quantitative PCR. RESULTS: The bacteria which could be cultured in oxygen-starved condition were discovered in both models. The mRNA expression of ICL and Acr increased gradually and dramatically after culture for 4 days in the in vitro model, their values being (5.3 +/- 0.9) and (6.4 +/- 1.6) log copy/ml respectively. While the mRNA expression of 85B showed no significant change in oxygen-starved condition, it increased significantly in the standard condition, the values being (6.1 +/- 0.9) log copy/ml at 10th day. In the mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the mRNA expression of ICL was detected in 2 and 4 weeks post-infection, and decreased 4 weeks after treatment. The Acr mRNA showed no or very low expression 4 weeks post-infection or 4 weeks after treatment, but it increased significantly 8 and 10 weeks after treatment, with a value of (6.2 +/- 1.7) log copy/ml at 10 weeks, and its expression was still detected 12 weeks after treatment and 4 weeks after the cessation of treatment [(3.0 +/- 1.6) log copy/ml]. The expression of 85B mRNA was high before the treatment [(6.4 +/- 1.1) log copy/ml], and decreased gradually during the therapy. CONCLUSION: The models of in vitro and in vivo persistence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were established. ICL and Acr mRNAs were highly expressed, which may be the markers of persisters. Persisters can be detected by culture in oxygen-starved conditions and the measurement of mRNA expression.

[A controlled clinical trial of long course chemotherapy regimens containing rifabutin in the treatment of multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the curative effect and safety of a long course regimen containing Chinese-made rifabutin as compared to the regimen containing rifapentine in the treatment of multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. METHOD: During 18 month treatment, 130 patients with multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis were divided into a treatment group (rifabutin, pasiniazide, levofloxacin, ethambutol, ethionamide, amikacin for 3 months, rifabutin, pasiniazide, levofloxacin, ethambutol, ethionamide for 6 months, rifabutin, pasiniazide, levofloxacin, ethambutol for 9 months), and a control group (rifapentine, pasiniazide, levofloxacin, ethambutol, ethionamide, amikacin for 3 months, rifabutin, pasiniazide, levofloxacin, ethambutol, ethionamide for 6 months, rifabutin, pasiniazide, levofloxacin, ethambutol for 9 months) with proportion 1:1 random, and parallel compared method. RESULTS: After intensive phase, the sputum negative conversion rates (smear negative, culture negative) of the treatment group and the control group were 41.54% (27/65) and 35.94% (23/65), chi(2) = 2.42, P > 0.05, respectively. The remarkable effective rates in chest X-ray of the two groups were all 10.77% (7/65), chi(2) = 0.01, P > 0.05, and the effective rates were 67.69% (44/65) and 56.92% (37/65), chi(2) = 1.44, P > 0.05, respectively. At the end of the treatment, the sputum negative conversion rate (smear negative, culture negative) of the treatment group was 75.0% (48/65), and of the control group was 65.08% (41/65), chi(2) = 1.88, P > 0.05. The remarkable effective rates in chest X-ray of the two groups were 46.15% (30/65) and 44.62% (29/65), chi(2) = 0.02, P > 0.05, and the effective rates were 76.92% (50/65) and 73.85% (48/65), chi(2) = 0.19, P > 0.05, respectively. The cavity closure rates were 23.64% (13/55) and 33.33% (17/51), chi(2) = 0.00, P > 0.05, respectively. CONCLUSION: Regimens containing rifabutin or rifapentine. are very effective in sputum negative conversion rate, lesion absorption and cavity closing for the treatment of multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis, with good safety and tolerance.

[Susceptibility test to rifampin by using quantitative analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis mRNA].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the significance of quantitative analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis mRNA in the test of susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains to rifampin. METHODS: The susceptibility to rifampin of fifty-three clinical isolated strains was test by the percentage of Mycobacterium tuberculosis 85B mRNA copies before and after the use of rifampin, and 1% and 10% were used as the standards for drug resistance, which was compared with the absolute concentration method. Among them, 29 were rifampin resistant strains and 24 rifampin sensitive strains. RESULTS: When the concentration of rifampin was 1 micro g/ml, and 1% and 10% were used as the standards, the accuracy of quantitative analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis mRNA with the absolute concentration method was 70% and 81% respectively, and the sensitivity of quantitative analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis mRNA was 100% and 100% respectively, while the specificity of quantitative analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis mRNA was 33% and 58%. When the concentration of rifampin was 2 micro g/ml, the accuracy of quantitative analysis of mRNA with the absolute concentration method was 85% and 93% respectively, and the sensitivity was 100% and 97% respectively, while the specificity was 67% and 88% respectively. When the concentration of rifampin was 4 micro g/ml, the accuracy was 93% and 93%, and the sensitivity was 93% and 93%, while the specificity was 92% and 92%. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis mRNA was a rapid, sensitive method in rifampin resistance screening. We suggest that the critical concentration of rifampin be 2 micro g/ml, and the critical proportion of mRNA copy be 10%.

[A controlled clinical study on the efficacy of recombinant human interleukin-2 in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study and evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant human interleukin-2 (IL-2) in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. METHODS: Two hundred and nine cases with re-treated Mycobacterium tuberculosis-positive pulmonary tuberculosis were randomly divided into a trial group (106 cases, treated with 3PaZ (TH)L(2)VE(AK) + IL-2/4PaL(2)V) and a control group (103 cases, treated with 3PaZ(TH)L(2)VE(AK)/4PaL(2)V). The efficacy of 203 cases was available for evaluation when the course was completed (trial group 103 cases, control group 100 cases). RESULTS: The sputum smear-negative conversion rates at the 1st and the 2nd month of therapy were 33.3% and 69.4% in the trial group, and 7.2% and 44.9% in the control group (P < 0.01). At the completion of the therapy, the X-ray resolution rates were 64.1% and 36.0% respectively for the trial and the control groups, the difference being significant (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in CD(4) T cells, the ratio of CD(4)/CD(8) and NK cells between the two groups (P < 0.01). The level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) was significantly different between the two groups after treatment for 3 months (P < 0.05). IL-2 associated side effects were rare and mild. CONCLUSION: As an effective and relatively safe biological agent, IL-2 can be added to the standard chemotherapy for pulmonary tuberculosis.

[Quantitative analysis of mRNA as a marker for viability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study whether quantitative analysis of M. tuberculosis mRNA could be used to assess bacterial viability. METHODS: The levels of M. tuberculosis mRNA were compared 24, 48, and 72 hours after M. tuberculosis H(37)R(V) was treated with no drug, 1.0 micro g/ml and 10.0 micro g/ml rifampicin, 0.2 micro g/ml and 1.0 micro g/ml isoniazid, 2 micro g/ml and 4 micro g/ml ethambutol, 2 micro g/ml and 4 micro g/ml streptomycin, 1.25 micro g/ml and 5.00 micro g/ml ofloxacin. The levels of mRNA were determined by quantitative PCR. RESULTS: After exposure to isoniazid, rifampicin, and streptomycin for 24 h, the level of M. tuberculosis H(37)R(V) was reduced markedly. Similarly, after exposure to isoniazid, streptomycin, ethambutol, and ofloxacin for 72 h, the level of M. tuberculosis H(37)R(V) was identical, but higher than that after exposure to rifampicin. Exposure of M. tuberculosis H(37)R(V) to rifampicin for 24 h reduced the levels of 85B mRNA to 0.02% of the control; exposure to other drugs for 24 h reduced the levels to 1% approximately 10% of the control, and for 72 h to less than 1% of the control. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of mRNA can show the difference between M. tuberculosis H(37)R(V) exposed and unexposed to drugs, and are consistent with colony forming unit. mRNA could be used as a marker for assessing the viability of M. tuberculosis.