ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the absolute number of serum T lymphocytes and cytokine levels and the characteristics of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis and to assess their effect on the immune status of these patients and their diagnostic and predictive value for tuberculosis. Methods: We included 1,069 patients with active tuberculosis, 51 patients with latent tuberculosis infection, and 600 health individuals. Absolute serum T-lymphocyte counts and cytokine levels were quantified. Results: T lymphocytes were significantly reduced in patients with active tuberculosis when compared with healthy individuals. The immune function of patients gradually decreased with age and was stronger in female patients than in males. Th1 cells expressed higher levels of cytokines than did Th2 cells. Logistic regression analysis showed that reduced CD3+ T, CD8+ T, and NK cell counts, as well as reduced IL-4 and IFN-g expression, were independent influencing factors for active tuberculosis. ROC analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of absolute CD3+ T and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts and combined factors were significantly higher than were those of IL-4 and IFN-g for diagnosing active tuberculosis. Conclusions: Serum T-lymphocyte counts and cytokine levels can assess the immune status of tuberculosis patients; they are also useful biomarkers for predicting and diagnosing tuberculosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar o número absoluto de linfócitos T séricos e os níveis de citocinas séricas, bem como as características, de pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar ativa e avaliar o efeito desses no estado imunológico desses pacientes e seu valor diagnóstico e preditivo para tuberculose. Métodos: Foram incluídos 1.069 pacientes com tuberculose ativa, 51 pacientes com tuberculose latente e 600 indivíduos saudáveis. Foram realizadas a contagem absoluta de linfócitos T séricos e a quantificação de citocinas séricas. Resultados: Os linfócitos T estavam significativamente reduzidos nos pacientes com tuberculose ativa em comparação com os indivíduos saudáveis. A função imunológica dos pacientes diminuiu gradativamente com a idade e mostrou-se mais forte nas mulheres do que nos homens. As células Th1 expressaram maiores níveis de citocinas do que as células Th2. A análise de regressão logística mostrou que contagens reduzidas de células T CD3+, T CD8+ e NK e expressão reduzida de IL-4 e IFN-g foram fatores de influência independentes para tuberculose ativa. A análise ROC mostrou que a sensibilidade e especificidade dos valores absolutos de linfócitos T CD3+ e T CD8+ e de fatores combinados foram significativamente maiores do que as da IL-4 e do IFN-g para o diagnóstico da tuberculose ativa. Conclusões: A contagem de linfócitos T séricos e os níveis de citocinas séricas podem avaliar o estado imunológico de pacientes com tuberculose; também são biomarcadores úteis na predição e diagnóstico da tuberculose.

Abstract Several technological applications of Lactococcus lactis are attributed to their high metabolite-secreting abilities. Among these, bacteriocins can be used as food preservatives or additives in cheese manufacture. The objective was to evaluate the technological characteristics and antibacterial activity of 10 Lactococcus lactis isolates from traditional fermented dairy products, including acidifying ability, proteolytic ability, diacetyl production and autolytic activity. L. lactis subsp. cremoris Y14 and Y15 showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher ΔpH than other strains. L. lactis subsp. cremoris Y17 exhibited the highest proteolytic, L. lactis subsp. cremoris Y15 and L. lactis subsp. cremoris Y18 were next in terms of proteolytic activity. All strains possessed the ability of diacetyl production, with the highest production of 10.39 mg/g observed in L. lactis subsp. cremoris Y15. L. lactis subsp. cremoris Y14 had the highest (P < 0.05) autolytic ability (8.96%), followed by L. lactis subsp. cremoris Y15 (8.05%). L. lactis Y15 exhibited discernible antibacterial activity with the largest zone of inhibition diameters (25.56 mm). Based on the above results, L. lactis subsp. cremoris Y15 was selected as the starter to manufacture cheese. There were no significant differences in texture and sensory acceptability of Cheddar cheese manufactured by L. lactis subsp. cremoris Y15 with L. lactis subsp. lactis KLDS4.0325 or commercial starter. L. lactis subsp. cremoris Y15 can be used as a starter to produce Cheddar cheese.

By way of Density Functional Theory (DFT)-based computational methods with commercially available software, the computational work of which about the molecular properties, the vibrational modes and vibrational frequencies of finasteride were accomplished for the first time. In order to gain a deeper and more thorough understanding of the molecular structure and infrared spectrum of finasteride, the equilibrium geometry harmonic vibrational frequencies and geometric parameters (bond lengths, bond angles and dihedral angles) were calculated by Generalized Gradient Approximations (GGAs) with five different density functional methods (PBE, RPBE, HCTH, PW91 and BLYP), using Material Studio 8.0 program. Theoretical vibrational frequencies and theoretical optimized geometric parameters were compared with the corresponding experimental data, which concluded that the GGA/PW91 method were shown to be in a good agreement with the results of experiment. In addition, the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energies, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies and electron density isosurface calculations were done with an aim at a better understanding of the stability and reactivity of the molecule, indicating that the alkene and lactam conjugated system on the ring A is more likely to interact with other species. And, the atomic charge distribution was also calculated to understand the charge effect caused by electronegative atoms, which shows that the possible active-sites in chemical reactions are N1 and O1.

A new Rhodamine B derivative RBMAB, namely 3-amino-N-(2-(3',6'-bis (diethylamino)-3-oxospiro[isoindoline-1,9'-xanthen]-2-yl)ethyl)benzamide, was designed, synthesized and structurally characterized to develop a chemosensor. The studies show that RBMAB exhibits high selectivity toward Fe3+ among many other metal cations in an ethanol-H2O (3:2, v/v, PBS buffer, 1.2 mmol L-1, pH 7.2) solution. It has a low detection limit of 0.021µm. Fluorescence microscopy experiments further demonstrate that RBMAB can be used as a fluorescent probe to detect Fe3+ in living cells.

Background and aims: Seroclearance or seroconversion of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is generally considered as a clinical endpoint. The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of combined therapy with pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFNα) with or without lamivudine (LAM) or adefovir (ADV) on HBsAg seroclearance or seroconversion in subjects with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: Randomized controlled trials performed through May 30th 2015 in adults with CHB receiving PEG-IFNα and LAM or ADV combination therapy or monotherapy for 48-52 weeks were included. The Review Manager Software 5.2.0 was used for the meta-analysis. Results: No statistical differences in HBsAg seroclearance (9.9% vs. 7.1%, OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.75, 2.90; p = 0.26) or HBsAg seroconversion (4.2% vs. 3.7%, OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.57, 2.37; p = 0.67) rates were noticed between PEG-IFNα + LAM and PEG-IFN α + placebo during post-treatment follow-up for 24-26-weeks in subjects with hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB. No statistical differences in HBsAg clearance (10.5% vs. 6.4%, OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 0.75, 3.76; p = 0.21) were seen, but statistical differences in HBsAg seroconversion (6.3% vs. 0%, OR = 7.22, 95% CI: 1.23, 42.40; p = 0.03) were observed, between PEG-IFNα + ADV and PEG-IFNα for 48-52 weeks of treatment in subjects with HBeAg-positive CHB. A systematic evaluation showed no differences in HBsAg disappearance and seroconversion rates between PEG-IFNα + placebo and PEG-IFNα + LAM for 48-52 weeks in subjects with HBeAg-positive CHB. A systematic assessment found no differences in HBsAg disappearance and seroconversion rates between PEG-IFNα + placebo and PEG-IFNα + LAM during 24 weeks' to 3 years' follow-up after treatment in subjects with HBeAg-negative CHB. Conclusion: Combined therapy with PEG-IFNα and LAM or ADV was not superior to monotherapy with PEG-IFNα in terms of HBsAg seroclearance or seroconversion.

摘要 问题 中国继续面临消除艾滋病病毒（HIV）、梅毒和乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）母婴传播的挑战。 方法 2010年一项综合标准化HIV、梅毒和HBV母婴传播预防工作的工作在1156个县实施。在参与该工作的产前保健诊所中，为孕妇同时免费提供所有三项检测。工作包含进一步的干预措...

Résumé Problème La Chine est toujours confrontée à des difficultés dans l'élimination de la transmission mère-enfant du virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (VIH), de la syphilis et du virus de l'hépatite B (VHB). Approche En 2010, un programme qui intégrait et harmonisait les efforts de la prévention de la transmission mère-enfant (PTME) pour le VIH, la syphilis et le VHB, a été mis en œuvre dans 1156 pays. Au moment de bénéficier de soins prénatals, les femmes enceintes se sont vues proposer l'ensemble des trois tests en même temps et gratuitement. Des interventions supplémentaires telles que le traitement gratuit, la prophylaxie et le dépistage pour les mères et leurs enfants, ont été...

Резюме Проблема Перед Китаем по-прежнему стоит проблема устранения передачи вируса иммунодефицита человека (ВИЧ), сифилиса и вируса гепатита В (ВГВ) от матери к...

Problem China continues to face challenges in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis and hepatitis B virus (HBV). Approach In 2010, a programme that integrated and standardized prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) efforts for HIV, syphilis and HBV was implemented in 1156 counties. At participating antenatal care clinics, pregnant women were offered all three tests concurrently and free of charge. Further interventions such as free treatment, prophylaxis and testing for mothers and their children were provided for HIV and syphilis. Local setting China’s national PMTCT HIV programme started in 2003, at which time there were no national programmes for perinatal syphilis and HBV. In 2009, the rate of maternal-to-child transmission of HIV was 8.1% (57/702). Reported congenital syphilis was 60.8 per 100 000 live births. HBV infection was 7.2% of the overall population infected. Relevant changes Between 2010 and 2013 the number of pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics with integrated PMTCT services increased from 5.5 million to 13.1 million. In 2013, 12.7 million pregnant women were tested for HIV, 12.6 million for syphilis and 12.7 million for HBV. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV fell to 6.7% in 2013. Data on syphilis transmission are not yet available. Lessons learnt Integrated PMTCT services proved to be feasible and effective, and they are now part of the routine maternal and child health services provided to infected women. The services are provided through a collaboration between maternal and child health clinics, the national and local Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and general hospitals.

ملخص المشكلة لا تزال الصين تواجه تحديات في التخلص من سريان فيروس العوز المناعي البشري (HIV) والزهري وفيروس التهاب الكبد "باء" (HBV) من الأم إلى الطفل. الأسلوب في عام 2010،...

Resumen Situación China sigue haciendo frente a desafíos en la eliminación de la transmisión maternoinfantil del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), la sífilis y el virus de la hepatitis B (VHB). Enfoque En 2010 se puso en marcha en 1156 condados un programa que integraba y estandarizaba los esfuerzos de prevención de la transmisión maternoinfantil (PTMI) para el VIH, la sífilis y el VHB. En las clínicas de atención prenatal que participaron se ofrecieron a las mujeres embarazadas las tres pruebas al mismo tiempo y de forma gratuita. El programa incluyó otras intervenciones como el tratamiento gratuito, profilaxis y pruebas para las madres y sus hijos. Marco regional El programa nacional de PTMI del VIH en China comenzó en 2003, momento en el que no había ningún programa nacional para la sífilis y el VHB perinatales. En 2009, la tasa de transmisión maternoinfantil del VIH fue del 8,1 % (57/702). La sífilis congénita notificada fue de 60,8 por cada 100 000 nacidos vivos, y la infección por el VHB fue del 7,2 % de la población general infectada. Cambios importantes Entre 2010 y 2013, el número de mujeres embarazadas que asistieron a clínicas de atención prenatal con servicios integrados de PTMI aumentó de 5 450 000 a 13 070 000. En 2013, 12 720 000 mujeres embarazadas se sometieron a la prueba del VIH, 12 600 000 a la prueba de la sífilis y 12 730 000 a la del VHB. La transmisión maternoinfantil del VIH se redujo al 6,7 % en 2013. Lecciones aprendidas La PTMI integrada demostró ser factible y eficaz, y ha pasado a formar parte de los servicios rutinarios de salud maternoinfantil que se proporcionan a las mujeres infectadas. Se ofrece a través de una colaboración entre las clínicas, los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades locales y nacionales y los hospitales generales.

Background Accompanying its rapid economic development and population growth, China is the world's third largest acid rain region, following Europe and North America. The effects of acid rain on forest ecosystem were widely researched, including the growth, the nutrient of the leaf and soil, and so on. However, there are few reports about the effects of acid rain on the soil microbial diversity. This study investigated the effects of acid rain on soil microbial community function under potted Masson pine seedlings (Pinus massoniana Lamb). Results After 7 months of treatment with simulated acid rain, the low acid load treatment (pH 5.5) stimulated soil microbial activity, and increased soil microbial diversity and richness, while the higher levels of acid application (pH 4.5, pH 3.5) resulted in lower soil microbial activity and had no significant effects on soil microbial diversity and richness. Principal component analysis showed that there was clear discrimination in the metabolic capability of the soil microbial community among the simulated acid rain and control treatments. Conclusion The results obtained indicated that the higher acid load decreased the soil microbial activity and no effects on soil microbial diversity assessed by Biolog of potted Masson pine seedlings. Simulated acid rain also changed the metabolic capability of the soil microbial community.

The phosphorylation of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) plays an important role in the contractile dysfunction associated with heart failure. Human cardiac troponin I-interacting kinase (TNNI3K) is a novel cardiac-specific functional kinase that can bind to cTnI in a yeast two-hybrid screen. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether TNNI3K can phosphorylate cTnI at specific sites and to examine whether the phosphorylation of cTnI caused by TNNI3K can regulate cardiac myofilament contractile function. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to confirm that TNNI3K could interact with cTnI. Kinase assays further indicated that TNNI3K did not phosphorylate cTnI at Ser23/24 and Ser44, but directly phosphorylated Ser43 and Thr143 in vitro. The results obtained for adult rat cardiomyocytes also indicated that enhanced phosphorylation of cTnI at Ser43 and Thr143 correlated with rTNNI3K (rat TNNI3K) overexpression, and phosphorylation was reduced when rTNNI3K was knocked down. To determine the contractile function modulated by TNNI3K-mediated phosphorylation of cTnI, cardiomyocyte contraction was studied in adult rat ventricular myocytes. The contraction of cardiomyocytes increased with rTNNI3K overexpression and decreased with rTNNI3K knockdown. We conclude that TNNI3K may be a novel mediator of cTnI phosphorylation and contribute to the regulation of cardiac myofilament contraction function.

FUNDAMENTO: O Imatinib é um inibidor do receptor tirosina-quinase que foi confirmada como exercendo um efeito inibidor sobre a atividade do receptor do PDGF, fator de crescimento plaquetário (PDGFRα e PDGFRβ). OBJETIVO: Investigar o efeito protetor do Imatinib na fibrose miocárdica em acetato de deoxicorticosterona (DOCA)/ratos com hipertensão induzida por sal. MÉTODOS: Sessenta ratos Sprague-Dawley machos, uninefrectomizados foram distribuídos em três grupos: ratos controles (grupo CON): grupo deoxicorticosterona (grupo DOCA); grupo deoxicorticosterona e Imatinib (grupo DOCA IMA). A Pressão Arterial Sistólica (PAS) foi medida quinzenalmente. Foi estudada a porção apical do ventrículo esquerdo. Foram empregados: coloração vermelho sirius, coloração de hematoxilina-eosina, imuno-histoquímica e ensaio de western blot. RESULTADOS: A PAS nos grupos DOCA e IMA+DOCA foi maior que no grupo CON nos dias 14 e 28. Os animais do grupo DOCA apresentaram fibrose intersticial e perivascular grave no dia 28, e as expressões de PI, PIII, tenascina-C e fibronectina foram significativamente maiores que nos grupos DOCA+IMA e CON. Quando comparados com o grupo CON, os grupos DOCA e DOCA+IMA apresentaram resposta inflamatória de tecido miocárdico e infiltração de monócitos/macrófagos de diferentes graus. As expressões proteicas do PDGF-A, PDGF-C e PDGFRα foram significativamente maiores nos grupos DOCA e DOCA+IMA que no grupo CON, mas a expressão proteica do p-PDGFRα no grupo DOCA+IMA foi menor que no DOCA. CONCLUSÃO: O Imatinib pode exercer efeitos inibitórios sobre a fibrose miocárdica em ratos com hipertensão induzida por DOCA/sal, os quais podem ser atribuídos à inibição da atividade do PDGFR-α.

BACKGROUND: Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor that has been confirmed to exert inhibitory effect on the platelet derived growth factor PDGF receptor (PDGFRα and PDGFRβ) activity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of imatinib on the myocardial fibrosis in deoxycorticosterone-acetate (DOCA)/salt induced hypertensive rats. METHODS: Sixty male uninephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to three groups: control rats (CON group); deoxycorticosterone group (DOCA group); deoxycorticosterone and imatinib group (DOCA+IMA group). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured biweekly. The apical portion of the left ventricle was studied. Sirius-Red staining, Hematoxylin-Eosin staining, immunohistochemistry and Western blot assay were employed. RESULTS: SBP in the DOCA group and DOCA+IMA group was higher than that in the CON group on day 14 and 28. Animals in the DOCA group showed severe interstitial and perivascular fibrosis on day 28, and the expressions of PI, PIII, tenascin-C and fibronectin were significantly higher than those in the DOCA+IMA group and CON group. When compared with the CON group, myocardial tissue inflammatory response and monocyte/macrophage infiltration of different degrees were observed in the DOCA group and DOCA+IMA group. Protein expressions of PDGF-A, PDGF-C and PDGFRα were signiflcantly higher in the DOCA and DOCA+IMA groups than those in the CON group, but the p-PDGFRα protein expression in the DOCA+IMA group was lower than that in the DOCA group. CONCLUSION: Imatinib can exert inhibitory effects on myocardial fibrosis in DOCA/salt induced hypertensive rats, which may be attributed to the inhibition of PDGFR-α activity.