Complication of Intrapulmonary Cavitary Lesions after COVID-19 Finally Proved as Pulmonary Aspergillosis.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2, which is characterized by high infectiousness and diverse clinical manifestations. They are more likely to become critical in people who have underlying diseases or are immunocompromised. In the daunting task of treating patients with COVID-19, those with comorbid fungal infections are susceptible to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis, which can ultimately lead to increased morbidity and mortality in this group of patients. We report a case of intrapulmonary cavitary lesions after COVID-19, which was eventually diagnosed as pulmonary aspergillosis (PA) by metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS) to improve our understanding of the disease. METHODS: Appropriate laboratory tests, chest computed tomography (CT), mNGS, and serologic tests were performed for diagnosis. RESULTS: Laboratory tests showed Glactomannan (GM) of 1.41, multiple cavitary lesions in both lungs on chest CT and the presence of aspergillus infection was confirmed by sputum sent for mNGS. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of cavitary lesions after COVID-19, we should be alert to the possibility of combined fungi and should promptly perform mNGS to clarify whether there is a combination of specific pathogenic fungal infections.

Organizing Pneumonia due to Secondary Invasive Pulmonary Mycosis and Cytomegalovirus Infection in a Patient with Lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Reactivation of cytomegalovirus is more common in lymphoma patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but reactivation of cytomegalovirus due to chemotherapy for lymphoma has rarely been reported. We report a case of a lymphoma patient with secondary pulmonary fungal infection and cytomegalovirus infection after chemotherapy, which ultimately led to organizing pneumonia. METHODS: Percutaneous lung biopsy, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). RESULTS: NGS examination suggestive of cytomegalovirus infection, percutaneous lung biopsy suggests the presence of organizing pneumonia. The patient was discharged after a combination of antifungal and antiviral treatment with posaconazole, ganciclovir, and anti-inflammatory treatment with methylprednisolone. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with lymphoma, one should be alert for fungal and viral infections of the lungs when lung related clinical manifestations occur. Patients with persistent unrelieved symptoms after treatment should undergo lung biopsy or bronchoscopy to obtain pathologic tissue for definitive diagnosis.

Neglected Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infection in a Patient with Prolonged Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary infections (NTM-PD) are becoming increasingly common in clinical practice, and early detection and accurate determination of the infecting pathogen is crucial for subsequent treatment. We report a case of NTM-PD in a healthy middle-aged female with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex group (MAC) infection confirmed by mNGS examination. METHODS: Appropriate laboratory tests, chest CT scan, bronchoscopic alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) examination, and macrogenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) were performed to establish the diagnosis. RESULTS: Chest CT showed multiple inflammatory lesions in the right middle lobe, and BALF sent for mNGS finally confirmed the diagnosis of MAC infection. After symptomatic treatment with azithromycin combined with ethambutol and rifampicin, the patient improved and was discharged from the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with pulmonary infections, pathogens should be clarified early to determine the diagnosis. mNGS of BALF samples have high specificity in detecting pathogens of infectious diseases, especially complex mixed infectious disease pathogens.

Neglected Right Hemidiaphragmatic Angle Soft Tissue Shadow in a Renal Transplant Recipient Diagnosed as Lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders are characterized by atypical clinical manifestations, high mortality, and missed diagnosis rates. METHODS: We report a case of renal transplantation in a patient with unexplained soft-tissue nodular shadows, and the type of the post-transplant abnormal soft-tissue shadows was clarified by puncture biopsy. RESULTS: The pathologic returns were consistent with the post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, and the immunohistochemical returns supported a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (non-growth center origin). CONCLUSIONS: In organ transplant patients, when unexplained soft tissue nodular shadows are present, the possibility of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders should be considered, and an aggressive puncture biopsy should be performed to clarify the diagnosis.

[Calcification distributional density of the aortic-valvular complex is an independent risk factor for conduction block following self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of calcification distributional density in different regions of aortic-valvular complex (AVC) on postoperative new-onset conduction block (CB) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using self-expandable valves (SEV) made in China. METHODS: From January, 2016 to December, 2022, 73 patients with severe aortic valve stenosis received Venus-A prosthetic valve replacement using SEV made in China, and postoperative new-onset CB occurred in 18 (24.7%) of the patients. The baseline data, imaging and intervention- related data were compared were between the patients with CB and those without CB. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for investigating the independent risk factors for new- onset CB after TAVR, and the predictive performance of these risk factors was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and DeLong test. RESULTS: Compared with those with CB, the patients experiencing postoperative new-onset CB had a greater implantation depth (6.77±2.45 mm vs 5.11±3.28 mm, P=0.027), a smaller difference between the membranous septum length and the implantation depth (MSID) (0.68±3.49 mm vs 2.82±3.88 mm, P= 0.036), and a higher calcification distributional density of the left coronary sinus (LCS) in the device landing zone (DLZ) (P= 0.026). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that DLZ-LCS calcification distributional density and MSID were independent risk (protective) factors for new-onset CB following TAVR. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of MSID and DLZ-LCS calcification distributional density was 0.775 and 0.716, respectively, and their combination had had a significantly higher AUC of 0.890 (P=0.041 and 0.027, respectively). CONCLUSION: The DLZ-LCS calcification distributional density is an independent risk factor for new-onset CB following TAVR using SEV. The conduction complications following TAVR can be effectively predicted using this calcification indicator combined with MSID.

[Anythink for CT-based aorta root measurements before transcatheter aortic valve replacement: measurement consistency with 3mensio and impact on short-term prognosis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the consistency and reproducibility of aortic root measurements by Anythink, a semi-automated preoperative CT analysis software, with those of 3mensio. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from December, 2016 to February, 2022 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. A cardiology resident who completed his professional training used both the software Anythink and 3mensio (as the gold standard) to reconstruct the aortic root model and analyze the parameters of the aortic annulus and the surrounding structures. The correlation and consistency of the measurement results of two software were analyzed. Two independent residents also used Anythink software to repeat the measurements for the same patient for assessment of the reproducibility of Anythink measurements. The valve models were selected based on the measurements by Anythink and 3mensio, and similarities and differences of the two software in clinical valve selection were assessed. RESULTS: The measurements of the distances from the anulus plane to the left and right coronary ostium, average diameter of the anulus, anulus area, anulus perimeter, and the angle between the annulus and horizontal plane did not differ significantly between the two software (P > 0.05), and their measurements showed positive correlations (r= 0.884-0.981, P < 0.01). The intra-group and inter-group correlation coefficients of the anulus parameters measured by Anythink ranged from 0.894 to 0.992 and from 0.651 to 0.954, respectively. The Kappa-test values of valve models selected by Anythink and 3mensio based on the average diameter, area diameter and perimeter diameter were 0.886, 0.796 and 0.775, respectively. The intra-group Kappa values for the valve models selected based on Anythink measurements were 0.819, 0.841, and 0.795, and the inter-group Kappa values were 0.812, 0.812, and 0.768, respectively. Compared with the measurements by 3mensio, the recommended area diameter measured by Anythink was slightly greater in patients with postoperative paravalvular leakage, but slightly smaller in patients with postoperative new-onset conduction block. CONCLUSION: Anythink has excellent measurement consistency and high reproducibility for aortic root measurements, and trained cardiologists can use Anythink to obtain accurate aortic root parameters before TAVR.

Zika virus transmission via breast milk in suckling mice.

OBJECTIVES: Infectious Zika viral particles were detected in human milk; however, whether they can be transmitted via breastfeeding remains unknown, so our objective was to clarify this. METHODS: Here, in a natural breastfeeding model, wild-type (C57Bl/6; WT) or interferon α/ß (IFNα/ß) receptor-deficient (A129; KO) murine dams on day 1 post-delivery were infected with Zika virus (ZIKV) intraperitoneally, and the neonates were suckled. In a novel artificial feeding model, WT suckling mice at 1 day old were fed with ZIKV alone or ZIKV and human breast milk mixtures. Thereafter, the virus distribution, clinical progression and neuropathology in the WT or KO neonates were characterized to evaluate the risk of ZIKV transmission through breast milk. RESULTS: In natural breastfeeding, viral RNAs (8/8) and infectious viral particles (7/8) were extensively present in the mammary glands of KO dams. All tested KO neonates (5/5), and none of WT neonates (0/9), were infected with ZIKV. In artificial feeding, 100% of the WT neonates (two groups, 12/12 and 16/16) were infected and developed some signs of neurodegeneration. ZIKV tended to seed and accumulate in the lungs and were subsequently disseminated to other tissues in both 16 naturally suckled and 19 artificially fed infected neonates. As human breast milk was mixed with ZIKV and fed to WT neonates, 45% individuals (9/20) were infected; in the infected neonates, the viral spread to the brain was delayed, and the clinical outcomes were alleviated. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that suckling mice can be infected with ZIKV through suckling, and breast milk has potential antiviral activity, inhibiting ZIKV infection.

MiR-329-3p inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and migration through USP22-Wnt/ß-Catenin pathway.

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNA-329-3p (miR-329-3p) has been shown to be involved in tumor development. But its role in hepatocellular carcinoma has not been explored. Our study aims to explore the effect and mechanism of miR-329-3p on hepatocellular carcinoma development. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and paired paracancerous specimens from 31 hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing surgery were collected. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were employed to measure genes expression at mRNA and protein level. CCK-8 and transwell assays were performed to evaluate hepatocellular carcinoma cells proliferation and migration. Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay was designed to validate the target gene of miR-329-3p. RESULTS: Our study showed miR-329-3p expression was significantly lower in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue. MiR-329-3p mimic inhibits proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. By using Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay, we proved that miR-329-3p inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation and migration by targeting USP22 directly. By up- and downregulation of USP22 expression, we also proved that USP22 can activate the Wnt/ß-Catenin pathway, which in turn affected the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that miR-329-3p can inhibit HepG2 cell proliferation and migration by inhibiting USP22-Wnt/ß-Catenin pathway. Our study provides novel insights into the aetiology and potential treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

An ancestral MAGUK protein supports the modulation of mammalian voltage-gated Ca2+ channels through a conserved CaVß-like interface.

Eukaryote voltage-gated Ca2+ channels of the CaV2 channel family are hetero-oligomers formed by the pore-forming CaVα1 protein assembled with auxiliary CaVα2δ and CaVß subunits. CaVß subunits are formed by a Src homology 3 (SH3) domain and a guanylate kinase (GK) domain connected through a HOOK domain. The GK domain binds a conserved cytoplasmic region of the pore-forming CaVα1 subunit referred as the "AID". Herein we explored the phylogenetic and functional relationship between CaV channel subunits in distant eukaryotic organisms by investigating the function of a MAGUK protein (XM_004990081) cloned from the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta (Sro). This MAGUK protein (Sroß) features SH3 and GK structural domains with a 25% primary sequence identity to mammalian CaVß. Recombinant expression of its cDNA with mammalian high-voltage activated Ca2+ channel CaV2.3 in mammalian HEK cells produced robust voltage-gated inward Ca2+ currents with typical activation and inactivation properties. Like CaVß, Sroß prevents fast degradation of total CaV2.3 proteins in cycloheximide assays. The three-dimensional homology model predicts an interaction between the GK domain of Sroß and the AID motif of the pore-forming CaVα1 protein. Substitution of AID residues Trp (W386A) and Tyr (Y383A) significantly impaired co-immunoprecipitation of CaV2.3 with Sroß and functional upregulation of CaV2.3 currents. Likewise, a 6-residue deletion within the GK domain of Sroß, similar to the locus found in mammalian CaVß, significantly reduced peak current density. Altogether our data demonstrate that an ancestor MAGUK protein reconstitutes the biophysical and molecular features responsible for channel upregulation by mammalian CaVß through a minimally conserved molecular interface.

[The study of the protection function of the sphingosine kinase 1 in the nerve cell damage caused by acrylamide].

Objective: To study the protective effect and effect of SphK1 overexpression on the injury of nerve cells induced by acrylamide. Methods: ACR with 99% purity was prepared into 1.25 mmol/L and 2.5 mmol/L solutions. SH-SY5Y cells were divided into control group (NC group) , experimental group and SphK1 activator group. The experimental group was given ACR solution with final concentration of 1.25 mmol/L and 2.5 mmol/L respectively for 24 h. In the SphK1 activator group, on the basis of the exposure concentration of the experimental group, the SphK1 specific activator (12-) phorbol tetradecanoate (-13-) acetate (PMA) solution[prepared by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) , the final concentration was 100 nmol/l], and other treatments were the same as the experimental group. Control group (NC group) added PMA solution into normal cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression of SphK1 protein; CCK-8 was used to detect the proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells; hoechst33342 method was used to observe the morphological changes of nerve cells; flow cytometry was used to analyze the apoptosis of cells. Results: Compared with NC group, the expression of SphK1 protein in the experimental group and the SphK1 activator group was significantly lower (P<0.05) . Compared with the experimental group, the expression of SphK1 protein in each concentration of SphK1 activator group was increased, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . In addition to 1.25 mmol/L SphK1 activator group, compared with NC group, the relative growth survival rate of experimental group and 2.5 mmol/L SphK1 activator group were lower, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Compared with the experimental group, the relative survival rate of cells in the SphK1 activator group was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . With the increase of exposure concentration, the cells in the experimental group showed the morphological characteristics of early apoptosis at ACR 1.25 mmol/L and late apoptosis at ACR 2.5 mmol/L. Compared with NC group, the apoptosis rate of experimental group and SphK1 activator group at ACR 2.5 mmol/L was significantly different (P<0.05) ; compared with experimental group, the apoptosis rate of SphK1 activator group at ACR 2.5 mmol/L was lower, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The SphK1 excessive expression plays the protective function to the nerve cell damage caused by acrylamide.

[The relationship between acid reflux and esophageal motility, esophagitis and cardiac morphology in gastroesophageal reflux disease].

Objective: To analyze the relationship between the severity of esophageal acid reflux and esophageal motility, esophageal mucosal injury and morphological anatomy of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: The clinicaldata of GERD patients who underwent 24 h pH-impedance monitoring, gastroscopy and high-resolution manometry (HRM) from January 2016 to January 2019 in the Gastroesophageal Surgery Department of PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into non-pathological acid reflux group, mild pathological acid reflux group and moderate to severe pathological acid reflux group according to the DeMeester score. The gender and age of each group were matched, with 60 cases in each group. Statistical analysiswas performed to analyze thedifferences in upper esophageal sphincter pressure, lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LES), LES length, length of ventral LES, percentage of ineffective swallowing, esophagitis, Hill grade of GEJ, and hiatus hernia (HH) in each group. The comparison and correlation analysis are also carried out between the groups. Results: The male-female ratio was 33/27, and the age was (57±13) years in each group. Non-parametric analysis showed that the LES pressure and the length of the ventral LES decreased with the severity of acid reflux, and there was a statistical difference (P= 0.033, P=0.015). The detection rate of HH by HRM increased significantly (χ(2)=0.001) as well. Esophagitis score increased with the severity of acid reflux and there was statistical difference (P<0.001).The detection rate of esophagitis increased significantly (χ(2)<0.001) as well. Hill grading score of GEJ increased with the severity of acid reflux, and there was statistical difference (P<0.001).The detection rate of HH by endoscopy increased significantly (χ(2)<0.001) as well. The correlation between DeMeester score and LES pressure, length of ventral LES, percentage of ineffective swallowing, esophagitis score, and Hill grade score were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: The esophageal low motility (such as low LES pressure) and anatomical abnormalities (abdominal esophageal shortening, GEJ flabbiness, and even HH formation) of the GEJ regionare significantly associated with the severity of acid reflux. These factors may be important causes of increased acid reflux. In addition, the aggravation of acid reflux can also increase the incidence and severity of esophagitis.

Chirped-pulse-amplification seed source through direct phase modulation.

This work presents integration of a directly chirped laser source (DCLS) into a high-energy optical parametric chirped-pulse-amplification (OPCPA) system. DCLS is an all-fiber, chirped laser source that produces nanosecond, linearly chirped laser pulses at 1053 nm for seeding high-energy chirped-pulse-amplification systems. DCLS produces a frequency chirp on an optical pulse through direct temporal phase modulation. A 1-ns, linearly chirped pulse with a 3-nm bandwidth is produced by applying an ~1000-rad (300π) quadratic temporal phase. The chirped pulse is amplified to 76 mJ in an OPCPA system and compressed to close to its Fourier transform limit, producing an intensity autocorrelation trace with a 1.5-ps width.

Prevalence of transmitted drug resistance among HIV-1 treatment-naive patients in Beijing.

To optimise patients' outcomes and gain insight into transmitted drug resistance (TDR) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 treatment-naive patients in Beijing, the prevalence of TDR was assessed. Demographic and clinical data of 1241 treatment-naive patients diagnosed between April 2014 and February 2015 were collected. TDR was defined using the Stanford University HIV drug resistance mutations database. The risk factors were evaluated by multi-logistic regression analysis. Among 932 successfully amplified cases, most were male (96.78%) and infected through men having sex with men (91.74%). Genotype were CRF01_AE (56.44%), B (20.60%), CRF07_BC (19.96%), C (1.61%) and other genotypes (1.39%). The overall prevalence of TDR was 6.12%. Most frequent mutations occurred in non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) (3.11%), followed by protease inhibitors (PIs) (2.25%) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (1.32%). Furthermore, HIV-1 genotype was associated with high risk of resistance, in which genotype C and other genotype may have higher risk for resistance. The prevalence among treatment-naive patients in Beijing was low. Resistance to NNRTIs was higher than with PIs or NRTIs. Continuous monitoring of regional levels of HIV-1 TDRs would contribute to improve treatment outcomes and prevent failures.

Photonic crystals on copolymer film for label-free detection of DNA hybridization.

The presence of a single-nucleotide polymorphism in Apolipoprotein E4 gene is implicated with the increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, detection of AD-related DNA oligonucleotide sequence associated with Apolipoprotein E4 gene sequence was achieved using localized-surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) on 2D-Photonic crystal (2D-PC) and Au-coated 2D-PC surfaces. 2D-PC surfaces were fabricated on a flexible copolymer film using nano-imprint lithography (NIL). The film surface was then coated with a dual-functionalized polymer to react with surface immobilized DNA probe. DNA hybridization was detected by monitoring the optical responses of either a Fresnel decrease in reflectance on 2D-PC surfaces or an increase in LSPR on Au-coated 2D-PC surfaces. The change in response due to DNA hybridization on the modified surfaces was also investigated using mismatched and non-complementary oligonucleotides sequences. The proof-of-concept results are promising towards the development of 2D-PC on copolymer film surfaces as miniaturized and wearable biosensors for various diagnostic and defense applications.

[Relationship between the severity of reflux esophagitis and the esophageal motility features on high resolution manometry].

Objective: To analyze esophageal motility dysfunction in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with different severity of esophagitis, and the relationship between the esophageal motility dysfunction and the severity of esophagitis. Methods: GERD patients simultaneously undergone endoscopy and high-resolution manometry were divided into four groups: Non-esophagitis (Non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease, NERD) group, mild esophagitis group, moderate esophagitis group and severe esophagitis group. The gender and age were matched for each group, and every group consisted of 80 cases. Nonparametric test was used to analyze the differences in HRM parameters, such as upper esophageal sphincter (UES) pressure, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, LES length, LES-CD (crural diaphragm) separation distance, and the percentage of failed peristalsis of the four groups, and the differences between each two of the groups were also analyzed. Results: Nonparametric test showed that the LES pressure and length decreased with the severity of esophagitis, and there were statistical differences (P<0.001, P=0.030). The failed peristalsis percentage increased with the severity of esophagitis and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The LES-CD separation distance was increased with the severity of esophagitis and had statistically significance (P<0.001). When comparing the differences between each two of the groups, there were significant differences (P<0.001, P=0.012, P<0.001, P<0.001) between NERD group and severe esophagitis group in the HRM parameters of the lower esophageal sphincter pressure, the LES length, the LES-CD separation distance, and the percentage of ineffective swallowing in the NERD and severe esophagitis group. The detection rate of HH was significantly increased from NERD to severe esophagitis, the detection rate of HH was 6.3% to 82.5% in gastoracopy and 16.3% to 45.0% in HRM, and the diagnostic consistency was fair (Kappa Value: 0.31). Conclusions: Hypo-dynamic state of esophageal and HH are the main motility characteristics of erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease, Esophageal motility abnormalities increase in parallel with the severity of GERD from NERD to severe esophagitis, these motility disorders may also play important roles in causing esophagitis.

[Surveillance for HIV infection in MSM selected through respondent driven sampling in Beijing, 2005-2012].

Objective: To understand the HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) and discuss the feasibility of respondent driven sampling (RDS) as a tool to conduct long term HIV surveillance in MSM in Beijing. Methods: From 2005 to 2012 RDS was used to recruit MSM for face-to-face interview with structured questionnaire to collect their demographic characteristics and HIV risk-related behavior. Blood samples were collected from them for HIV test. Results: A total of 427, 540, 607, 614, 616, 602, 579 and 600 MSM were surveyed, respectively, from 2005 to 2012. The HIV infection prevalence increased from 4.2%(95%CI: 1.9-7.0) in 2005 to 10.1% (95%CI: 7.2-13.2) in 2012 (P=0.02). Meanwhile, HIV prevalence substantially increased among MSM aged >25 years, in floating population and with lower education level (≤high school), from 6.4%(95%CI: 2.2-9.5), 3.3%(95%CI: 1.8-5.4) and 5.5% (95%CI: 2.2-8.9) in 2005 to 7.6% (95%CI: 5.4-10.3, P=0.04), 10.7% (95% CI: 7.8-14.6, P=0.04) and 10.4% (95% CI:7.2-14.3, P=0.04) in 2012, respectively. Moreover, the HIV infection prevalence in MSM aged ≤25 years old and with higher education level (>high school) increased from 1.7%(95%CI: 0.4-3.1) in 2009 and 1.1%(95%CI: 0.2-1.7) in 2007 to 13.7%(95%CI: 7.2-20.4) and 9.1%(95%CI: 4.7-13.8) in 2012, respectively, the differences were not significant. Furthermore, the HIV infection prevalence in MSM who had 2-9 male sex partners in the last six months increased from 4.0% (95% CI: 1.0-8.0) in 2005 to 12.6% (95% CI: 8.7-16.7) in 2012 (P=0.02). Conclusions: Studies have shown that RDS is an effective and feasible sampling method for long term HIV surveillance in MSM. The HIV infection prevalence in MSM in Beijing increased from 2005 to 2012, especially among those with older age, in floating population and with lower educational level. More attention should be paid to MSM with younger age and with higher educational level.

Treatment of aging oily wastewater by demulsification/flocculation.

The aging oily wastewater (AOW) from Tarim oilfield in China was treated by demulsification/flocculation. A novel sewage treatment agent (YL-7) was developed using a cationic surfactant (LY) and flocculants (polydimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (PDMDAAC)/polyaluminum chloride (PAC)). At an YL-7 dosage of 320 mg L(-1) at 323 K for 90 min, the oil content of AOW was reduced from 728.8 mg L(-1) to 23.7 mg L(-1), and oil removal efficiency reached 96.7%. Microorganism flocs (extracted from AOW) with high negative zeta potential enhanced the stability of oil/water emulsion. LY and PDMDAAC neutralized the negative charge on the oil droplet surface. PDMDAAC and PAC mainly bridged and swept flocs during the flocculation process. YL-7 was found to be a suitable sewage treatment agent in removing oil from AOW.

Adjuvant therapies using normobaric oxygen with hypothermia or ethanol for reducing hyperglycolysis in thromboembolic cerebral ischemia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Normobaric oxygen (NBO), ethanol (EtOH), and therapeutic hypothermia (TH) delivered alone or in combination have neuroprotective properties after acute stroke. We used an autologous thromboembolic rat stroke model to assess the additive effects of these treatments for reducing the deleterious effects of hyperglycolysis post-stroke in which reperfusion is induced with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion with an autologous embolus. One hour after occlusion, rt-PA was administered alone or with NBO (60%), EtOH (1.0 g/kg), TH (33 °C), either singly or in combination. Infarct volume and neurological deficit were assessed at 24h after rt-PA-induced reperfusion with or without other treatments. The extent of hyperglycolysis, as determined by cerebral glucose and lactate levels was evaluated at 3 and 24h after rt-PA administration. At the same time points, expressions of glucose transporter 1 (Glut1), glucose transporter 3 (Glut3), phosphofructokinase1 (PFK-1), and lactate dehydrogenase were (LDH) measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: Following rt-PA in rats with thromboembolic stroke, NBO combined with TH or EtOH most effectively decreased infarct volume and neurological deficit. As compared to rt-PA alone, EtOH or TH but not NBO monotherapies significantly reduced post-stroke hyperglycolysis. The increased utilization of glucose and production of lactate post-stroke was prevented most effectively when NBO was combined with either EtOH or TH after reperfusion with rt-PA, as shown by the significantly decreased Glut1, Glut3, PFK-1, and LDH levels. CONCLUSIONS: In a rat thromboembolic stroke model, both EtOH and TH used individually offer neuroprotection after the administration of rt-PA. While NBO monotherapy does not appear to be effective, it significantly potentiates the efficacy of EtOH and TH. The similar neuroprotection and underlying mechanisms pertaining to the attenuation of hyperglycolysis provided by EtOH or TH in combination with NBO suggest a possibility of substituting EtOH for TH. Thus a combination of NBO and EtOH, which are widely available and easily used, could become a novel and effective neuroprotective strategy in the clinical setting.