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We report an intelligent anti-microbial peptide (bis-pyrene-KLVFF-WHSGTPH) that can recognize and trap Mycobacterium tuberculosis, inhibiting the macrophage phagocytosis process.

Tuberculosis is a major public health concern worldwide, and it is a serious threat to human health for a long period. Macrophage phagocytosis of

Macrophages (Mφs) are master regulators of the immune response and may serve as therapeutic targets in aging societies. This study aimed to determine the function of M1Mφ-exosomes (Exos) in the development of osteoporosis (OP) and the involvement of microRNA (miR)-98 and dual specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1). A murine model of OP was established using ovariectomies (OVX). Bone loss was observed in OVX-treated mice, which presented a reduced bone mineral density and number of bone trabecula, and it was further aggravated by treatment with M1Mφ-Exos. Exos also suppressed osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. miRNA microarray analysis revealed that miR-98 levels were notably upregulated in cells after Exo treatment, and DUSP1 was confirmed as a target of miR-98. Meanwhile, downregulation of miR-98 or upregulation of DUSP1 restored the osteogenic differentiation ability of MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, upregulation of DUSP1 reduced bone loss in murine bone tissues and suppressed JNK phosphorylation. In summary, M1Mφ-derived exosomal miR-98 exacerbates bone loss and OP by downregulating DUSP1 and activating the JNK signaling pathway. miR-98 may therefore serve as a therapeutic target in OP management. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Experiments have demonstrated the regulation of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in tuberculosis (TB), and negative pressure treatment has been associated with the alleviation of TB. Here, we investigated the interaction of negative pressure and the lncRNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) in modulating Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection. Initially, we established an in vitro cell model of MTB infection and an in vivo mouse model of MTB infection, followed by treatment with negative pressure. Then, we examined the expression of XIST, followed by analysis of the downstream miRNA of XIST. XIST was overexpressed or underexpressed through cell transfection to examine its effects on macrophage polarization via the miR-125b-5p/A2 axis. The MTB models were characterized by upregulated XIST and downregulated miR-125b-5p. XIST bound to miR-125b-5p, leading to its downregulation, and thus causing higher MTB survival in an ESAT-6-dependent manner. Additionally, negative pressure treatment decreased MTB-driven XIST expression through downregulation of A20 (an NF-κB repressor) via miR-125b-5 expression, promoting the M1 polarization program in macrophages through activation of the NF-κB pathway. In summary, negative pressure treatment after MTB infection can promote the polarization of macrophages to the proinflammatory M1 phenotype by regulating the XIST/miR-125b-5p/A20/NF-κB axis.

Potato tuber is easy to be damaged and caused browning, which will affect its nutrition, sense quality and safety. Different potato varieties have different resistances to browning. In this study, 27 different potato germplasm resources,were used to measure four indexes including polyphenol oxidase (PPO), browning degree (BD), browning index and after cooking darkening (ACD), for indentifying and selecting anti-browning potato varieties (lines). The 27 materials could be divided into four groups. High anti-browning, group including 09306-82 and 13041-52 had high resistance to browning. Anti-browning group, included Yanshu 4, Q 8, 12-1, Chunshu 3, 19-1, 14018-142, Atlantic, Longshu 12, Weiyu 5, Lishu 6, Chunshu 5, and Zaodabai, had some obvious deficiencies in the related anti-browning indicators. Medium anti-browning group, including 09001-136, Zhongshu 5, Longshu 4, Dongnong 310, Qingshu 9, 15-1, Yunshu 505, BF006, Minshu 1, and Qianyu 8, had poor resistance to browning. Easy browning group, containing Chunshu 6 and Favorita, had very weak resistance to browning. The selected varieties (lines) with very high or high resistance to browning can be used in potato breeding for browning resistance , providing variety support for potato processing industry, and the easy browning materials can be used to study the browning mechanism of potato.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a worldwide chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease which is affecting approximately 1% of the total population. It is characterized by abnormal proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and increased production of proinflammatory cytokines. In the current study, we were aiming to investigate the role of ubiquitin-specific protease 5 (USP5) in the inflammatory process in RA-FLS. Expression of USP5 was found upregulated in RA-FLS compared with that in osteoarthritis- (OA-) FLS, and IL-1β stimulation increased USP5 expression in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that USP5 overexpression significantly aggravated proinflammatory cytokine production and related nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling activation. Consistently, silencing of USP5 decreased the release of cytokines and inhibited the activation of NF-κB. In addition, USP5 was found to interact with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and remove its K48-linked polyubiquitination chains therefore stabilizing TRAF6. Our data showed that a USP5-positive cell regulates inflammatory processes in RA-FLS and suggested USP5 as a potential target for RA treatment.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-aging effects of bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in a D-galactose-induced skin aging rat model. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10/group) as follows: Normal control group; skin aging model group; MSC-treated group by subcutaneous multi-point injection. The skin aging model was established by a daily subcutaneous injection of 15% D-galactose (1,000 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. Rats in the MSC-treated groups were administered 3×106/ml BM-MSCs/green fluorescent protein (GFP) for 4 weeks, administered once per week. Oxidative/antioxidative parameters were evaluated, and morphological and ultrastructure analyses were performed. Rats in the model group exhibited the typical changes of aging skin. Compared with the control group, rats in the model group had significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P

Background X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome type 1 (XLP1) is a rare inherited, life-threatening immunodeficiency disorder caused by mutations in SH2D1A gene. It affect approximately two to three males per million. Fewer than 10 cases with definite gene mutations have been reported in Chinese mainland and no rapid diagnosis method has been established. Procedure We determined the clinical and molecular characteristics of five patients with XLP1. The SH2D1A gene were amplified by PCR and sequenced, the SAP expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results Two patients had novel SH2D1A mutations and three had mutations that have been previously reported. Three patients presented with fulminant infectious mononucleosis or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and one presented with lymphoma. Null or decreased SAP expression on PBMCs was noted. The remaining patient presented with unique, recurrent, nonfulminant infectious mononucleosis and bimodal intracellular SAP protein expression. Conclusions The overall molecular characteristics and clinical phenotypes of Chinese patients with XLP1 matched previous reports. The unique bimodal intracellular SAP protein expression indicated the presence of some residual SAP-positive T cells that are able to respond to persistent Epstein–Barr virus infection and could explain the relatively mild clinical phenotype of this patient. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2043–2047. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The topographic correction of remote sensing images is an important factor to improve the precision of quantitative remote sensing data processing. In the existing topographic correction models,the Minnaert model is the only model based on the assumption of non-Lambertian.the Minnaert coefficient K is an effective factor for the correction results. To improve the correction accuracy,we correct the image in accordance with the slope grading idea to select different areas from the image, then use different k values in different slope regions.In this paper, the topography correction is efficiently corrected by SCS model, Minnaert model and improved Minnaert model, based on HJCCD image and the corresponding DEM in Heihe . The results showed that the improved Minnaert model can eliminate the effect of topography better than other methods and can be widely used.

To compare two kinds of method for treating lumbar tuberculosis with psoas abscess, to provide reference for clinical reasonable select of therapy treatment.From January 2010 to January 2013,42 patients with lumbar tuberculosis combined with psoas abscess with obvious surgical indications were enrolled, including 24 males and 18 females with an average age of (38.5 ± 10.2) years old ranging from 21 to 63 years old. All patients were followed up for 18 to 24 months with an average of 20.9 months. Twenty-two patients underwent posterior vertebral body lesions cleared, bone graft fusion and internal fixation and percutaneous puncture catheter drainage for treatment of psoas major abscess as group A, and twenty patients underwent one-stage extraperitoneal approach to remove abscess, posterior vertebral body lesions cleared, bone graft fusion and internal fixation as group B. The operative time, loss of blood, length of hospital stay, clinical cure rate and other clinical results for the two groups were analyzed and compared.The loss of blood was (452.3 ± 137.6) ml in group A and (603.5 ± 99.6) ml in group B, there was significant statistical difference (P0.05). The time of operation was (193.6 ± 91.2) min in group A and (230.5 ± 56.6) min in group B, there was significant statistical difference (P0.05). The time of operation and the loss of blood in group A were obviously less than which in group B. In group A 20 cases were cured and 2 cases relapsed, 19 cases were cured and 1 case relapsed in group B, there was no significant statistical differences between two groups regarding cure rate with chi-square test (χ² = 0.000, P = 1.000). All patients in two groups obtained good clinical curative effect. There were no significant statistical difference between two groups regarding for length of hospital stay with t-test (P0.05).Lumbar spinal tuberculosis with psoas abscess is not absolute indications for anterior open operation. Compared with the combined anterior and posterior surgical procedure, the percutaneous puncture catheter drainage combined with posterior debridement, interbody fusion and internal fixation can achieve the same clinical effect but less trauma for the patients.

Four polymeric frameworks, {[Cd(HMIDC)(phen)]·H2O}n (1), {[Cd4(HMIDC)4]·8H2O}n (2), Cd(HMIDC)(2,2′-bipy)]n (3), and {[Cd(HEIDC)(2,2′-bipy)]2}n (4) (H3MIDC = 2-methyl-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid, H3EIDC = 2-ethyl-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) have been hydro(solvo)thermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1, 3 and 4 are one-dimensional (1D) infinite chains, in which the HMIDC2− or HEIDC2− units as μ2-mode link the Cd(II) atoms with phen or 2,2′-bipy chelating the central ions. Compound 2 shows a three-dimensional (3D) structure constructed from 2D layer motifs joined by μ2-HMIDC2− or μ3-MIDC3− ligands. The thermal and solid-state photoluminescence properties of complexes 1–4 have been determined as well.

Hyperlipidemia is not unusual in liver transplant recipients, but refractory severe hyperlipidemia is unusual. We treated a 39-year-old man who had severe dyslipidemia after liver transplant. The levels of blood lipids, liver enzymes, and essential indicators of liver pathology were monitored. The first serum sample was collected from the liver recipient 56 days after transplant surgery because samples could not be obtained sooner after the transplant. The levels of liver enzymes and blood lipids were improved with symptomatic treatment but had recurrent fluctuations. Tacrolimus and cyclosporine, even at low doses, may have been the dominant factor affecting the blood lipid levels in the recipient.

X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome type 1 (XLP1) is a rare inherited, life-threatening immunodeficiency disorder caused by mutations in SH2D1A gene. It affect approximately two to three males per million. Fewer than 10 cases with definite gene mutations have been reported in Chinese mainland and no rapid diagnosis method has been established.We determined the clinical and molecular characteristics of five patients with XLP1. The SH2D1A gene were amplified by PCR and sequenced, the SAP expression was analyzed by flow cytometry.Two patients had novel SH2D1A mutations and three had mutations that have been previously reported. Three patients presented with fulminant infectious mononucleosis or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and one presented with lymphoma. Null or decreased SAP expression on PBMCs was noted. The remaining patient presented with unique, recurrent, nonfulminant infectious mononucleosis and bimodal intracellular SAP protein expression.The overall molecular characteristics and clinical phenotypes of Chinese patients with XLP1 matched previous reports. The unique bimodal intracellular SAP protein expression indicated the presence of some residual SAP-positive T cells that are able to respond to persistent Epstein-Barr virus infection and could explain the relatively mild clinical phenotype of this patient.

To explore the value of application of Bioflex dynamic stabilization system in treating multi-segment lumbar degenerative disease.Clinical datas of 13 patients with multi-segment lumbar degenerative disease (8 males and 5 females,ranging in age from 51 to 72 year with an average of 65.0) were retrospectively analyzed between April 2008 and May 2009. The involved area included L3-S1 in 7 cases, L2-S1 in 3 cases, L3-L5 in 1 cases, L4-S1 in 2 cases. All patients underwent decompression, dynamic stabilization with Bioflex system, according to the severity of degenerative disc with/without interbody fusion. The clinical effects were evaluated by VAS, ODI. ROM and fusion segments were also observed.The mean follow up period was 19.5 months (from 12 to 26 months). The mean operative time was 183.4 min (from 90 to 240 min) and the mean volume of blood loss was 610.2 ml (from 400 to 1 220 ml). The mean VAS score was 7.8 +/- 1.3 preoperatively, 2.3 +/- 0.9 postoperatively and 2.1 +/- 0.8 at the last follow up. The average ODI was (60.50 +/- 4.40)% preoperatively, (17.80 +/- 2.10)% postoperatively and (16.20 + 2.40)% at the last follow up. The VAS and ODI significant improved in postoperatively (P0.05), and there was no statistical difference between postoperative and last follow up (P0.05). ROM of whole lumbar and non-fused segment showed obviously decreased and adjacent segment showed insignificant increased. The fusion rate of interbody fusion level was 95.0% (19/20).The preliminary clinical results show the Bioflex system combined with intebody fusion is a safe and effective technique in treating multi-segment lumbar degenerative disease.

To investigate clinical outcome of short-course chemotherapy in retreating spinal tuberculosis after radical operation.Forty-six retreating patients with spinal tuberculosis were included in this series, 29 males, 17 females with the age from 27 to 61 years (average of 43.7 years). All patients were treated with radical operation and short-course anti-tuberculous chemotherapy from March 2005 to March 2008. The tuberculous focus located thoracic spine in 17 cases, thoracic-lumbar in 13 and lumbosacral vertebrae in 16 cases. Of them, 5 cases had sinuses of tuberculosis and 7 cases had incomplete palsy in lower limbs (Frankel C-D). CT or MRI showed obvious sequestra, cold abscess within spinal focus. Surgical procedures including debridement, auto-bone grafting, and one-stage internal fixation, was performed at the 4 to 6 weeks after chemotherapy. Chemotherapy regimes were 3HRZ/6-9HRE in majority of patients. Clinical effect and focus healing were evaluated at follow-up period.Tuberculous symptoms and local pain of vertebral volume were obvious in all patients before chemotherapy,with average ESR 65.3 mm/h and average CRP 37.4 mg/L. After 4-6 weeks chemotherapy, tuberculosis symptoms and vertebral pain improved in all patients, and the average ESR decreased to 38.3 mm/1h, the average CRP decreased to 17.2 mg/L. Two to three months after operation, tuberculous symptoms and local pain relived in all patients,ESR and CRP became normal in 37 cases. Six to twelve months after operation, bonegraft complex in each patient became stable and there were no instrument loosening or deformity correction loss. Six patients with incomplete palsy recovered and 1 case improved from Frankel C to D grade. Focus healing was achieved in 44 cases (95.7%) after short-course chemotherapy (3HRZ/6-9HRE), and there were no resurgence in 2 to 4 years follow-up period. Drug fast 2 cases for RFP+INH cured at the 15 months after chemotherapy.Removed tubercular focus for the treatment of retreating spinal tuberculosis can improve clinical effect and shorten chemotherapy course.

To investigate the clinical significance of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis.Sixty-seven patients (41 males and 26 females, ranging in age from 23 to 61 years) with active spinal tuberculosis in our hospital (from Mar. 2004 to Mar. 2007) were included in this study. The tuberculosis focus were located either in cervical spine, thoracic spine or in lumbar spine. After 4 to 6 weeks anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy, all the patients underwent one-stage operation (focus debridment) and auto-bone graft combined with internal fixation. Blood test for ESR and CRP were carried out at different times before and after operation.The average ESR was (79.4 +/- 35.6) mm/h, and the average CRP was (44.3 +/- 17.5) mg/L before chemotherapy, indicating active tuberculosis focus. After 4 to 6 weeks chemotherapy, the average ESR was (45.3 +/- 21.0) mm/h,and the average CRP was (26.7 +/- 11.8) mg/L, the differences were statistically (P0.05), and the clinical symptoms of spinal tuberculosis relieved in all patients. Four weeks after operation, the average ESR dropped to (42.8 +/- 16.5)mm/h, the average CRP dropped to (23.8 +/- 10.0) mg/L statistically (P0.05). Eight weeks after operation, the average value of ESR and CRP were at normal level in 47 cases, indicating inactive tuberculosis focus. Focus healing was achieved in 65 patients after short-term chemotherapy.The level of ESR and CRP are high in active spinal tuberculosis and low when focus controlled. ESR and CRP are reliable parameters in evaluation the treatment and prognosis of spinal tuberculosis.