[Study of the correlation between elevated level of T-bet expression and liver damage in peripheral plasma cells of patients with autoimmune hepatitis].

Objective: To study the correlation between the level of T-bet expression and liver damage in peripheral plasma cells of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in order to provide reference for the study of pathogenesis and development of diseases. Methods: The peripheral venous blood and clinical examination data of 29 cases with AIH and 6 healthy volunteers were collected. The percentage of subpopulations of peripheral blood B cells and the proportion of T-bet(+) cells in each subgroup were detected by flow cytometry. Plasma cells (CD19(+)CD10(-)CD27(hi)CD38(hi)), primary B cells (CD19(+)CD10(-)CD27(-)IgD(+)), transitional B cells (CD19(+)CD10(+)), and memory B cells (CD19(+)CD10(-)CD27(+)IgD(-)) were the included subsets of B cells. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, the proportion of B cells in peripheral blood subsets and IgG level, the proportion of T-bet(+) cells in each subset and the proportion of T-bet(+) plasma cells in each subset in B cells, the proportion of T-bet(+) plasma cells and the level of serum ALT were analyzed for correlation analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using two independent sample t-tests and linear regression. Results: The serum IgG level of AIH patients with abnormal ALT (19.47 ± 1.039)g/L was significantly higher than that of normal ALT patients (15.5 ± 1.069)g/L, and the difference was statistically significant (t = 2.65, P < 0.05). The percentage of peripheral plasma cells in B cells of AIH patients (2.80 ± 0.14) % was higher than that of healthy volunteers (0.73 ± 0.09) %, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The percentage of T-bet(+) cells in peripheral plasma cells of AIH patients (23.54 ± 1.61) % was higher than that of healthy volunteers (6.59±0.59) % , and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The correlation analysis showed that the proportion of T-bet(+) cells in peripheral plasma cells of AIH patients was positively correlated with the proportion of plasma cells to B cells (r = 0.224 7, P < 0.01), and the percentage of peripheral plasma cells to B cells was positively correlated with the level of serum IgG (r = 0.299 1, P < 0.01). Serum IgG level was correlated with the level of ALT, reflecting an indicator of liver damage (t = 2.65, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The increase of T-bet expression in the peripheral plasma cells of AIH patients is associated with liver damage, which is a new mechanism of AIH pathogenesis and disease progression.

[Combined anluohuaxianwan and entecavir treatment significantly improve the improvement rate of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection].

Objective: To explore the improvement rate of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection who received entecavir alone or in combination with anluohuaxianwan for 78 weeks. Methods: Patients with chronic HBV infection were randomly treated with entecavir alone or in combination with anluohuaxian for 78 weeks. Ishak fibrosis score was used for blind interpretation of liver biopsy specimens. The improvement in liver fibrosis condition before and after the treatment was compared. Student's t test and non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney U-Test and Kruskal-Wallis test) were used to analyze the measurement data. The categorical variables were analyzed by Chi-square test method and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to test bivariate associations. Results: Liver fibrosis improvement rate after 78 weeks of treatment was 36.53% (80/219) and the progression rate was 23.29% (51/219). The improvement of liver fibrosis was associated to the degree of baseline fibrosis and treatment methods (P < 0.05). The improvement rate of hepatic fibrosis in patients treated with anluohuaxianwan combined with entecavir at baseline F < 3 (54.74%, 52/95) was significantly higher than that in patients treated only with entecavir (33.33%, 16/48), P = 0.016 and the progression rate of hepatic fibrosis (13.68%, 13/95) was lower than that in patients treated alone (18.75%, 9/48), P = 0.466. In patients with baseline F < 3, the proportion of patients with improved and stable liver fibrosis in the combined treatment group (68.1%, 32/47) was higher than that in the treatment group alone (51.7%, 15/29). Conclusion: Combined anluohuaxianwan and entecavir treatment can significantly improve the improvement rate of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Furthermore, it has the tendency to improve the stability rate and reduce the rate of progression of liver fibrosis.

Current status of urban wastewater treatment plants in China.

The study reported and analyzed the current state of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in urban China from the perspective of treatment technologies, pollutant removals, operating load and effluent discharge standards. By the end of 2013, 3508 WWTPs have been built in 31 provinces and cities in China with a total treatment capacity of 1.48×10(8)m(3)/d. The uneven population distribution between China's east and west regions has resulted in notably different economic development outcomes. The technologies mostly used in WWTPs are AAO and oxidation ditch, which account for over 50% of the existing WWTPs. According to statistics, the efficiencies of COD and NH3-N removal are good in 656 WWTPs in 70 cities. The overall average COD removal is over 88% with few regional differences. The average removal efficiency of NH3-N is up to 80%. Large differences exist between the operating loads applied in different WWTPs. The average operating loading rate is approximately 83%, and 52% of WWTPs operate at loadings of <80%, treating up to 40% of the wastewater generated. The implementation of discharge standards has been low. Approximately 28% of WWTPs that achieved the Grade I-A Discharge Standard of Pollutants for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (GB 18918-2002) were constructed after 2010. The sludge treatment and recycling rates are only 25%, and approximately 15% of wastewater is inefficiently treated. Approximately 60% of WWTPs have capacities of 1×10(4)m(3)/d-5×10(4)m(3)/d. Relatively high energy consumption is required for small-scale processing, and the utilization rate of recycled wastewater is low. The challenges of WWTPs are discussed with the aim of developing rational criteria and appropriate technologies for water recycling. Suggestions regarding potential technical and administrative measures are provided.

Transformation and utilization of slowly biodegradable organic matters in biological sewage treatment of anaerobic anoxic oxic systems.

This study examined the distribution of carbon sources in two anaerobic anoxic oxic (AAO) sewage treatment plants in Xi'an and investigated the transformation characteristics and utilization potential of slowly biodegradable organic matters (SBOM). Results indicated under anaerobic and aerobic conditions, SBOM could be transformed at a rate of 65% in 8h into more readily biologically utilizable substrates such as volatile fatty acids (VFAs), polysaccharides and proteins. Additionally, non-biodegradable humus-type substances which are difficult to biodegrade and readily accumulate, were also generated. These products could be further hydrolyzed to aldehyde and ketone compounds and then transformed into substances with significant oxygen-containing functional groups and utilized subsequently. The molecular weights of proteinoid substances had a wide distribution and tended to decrease over time. Long hours of microbial reaction increased the proportion of micromolecular substances. This particular increase generated significant bioavailability, which can greatly improve the efficiency of nitrogen removal.

Roentgenographic evidence for predominant left-sided location of unilateral pleural plaques.

The roentgenographic prevalence and anatomic distribution of pleural plaques were studied in the US Navy Asbestos Medical Surveillance Program population (105,064 individuals as of July 17, 1985). "Definite" or "probable" pleural plaques were noted in 4.4 percent of films. These were unilateral in 19.3 percent of roentgenograms with "definite" pleural plaque and 33.9 percent of films with "probable" pleural plaque. Unilateral findings were more often left-sided than right-sided; a ratio of 287:82 in the "definite" group and 625:287 in the "probable" group. Left-sided predominance of unilateral plaque is a consistent and unexplained epidemiologic finding that may provide clues to pleural pathogenesis following asbestos exposure.

Smoking and roentgenographic opacities in US Navy asbestos workers.

The US Navy's Asbestos Medical Surveillance Program monitors civilian and military employees with current or historical exposure to asbestos. The prevalence of definite radiologic parenchymal abnormalities (ILO category greater than or equal to 1/0) was 3.10 percent for 32,233 smokers vs 1.09 percent for 13,414 nonsmokers. The age-adjusted prevalence ratio was 2.23. The difference in prevalence between smokers and nonsmokers persisted in all age groups studied and was greatest among the oldest employees. These findings in a large population suggest that parenchymal opacifications alone will not reliably differentiate between the impacts of asbestos exposure and smoking in patients who face both risks.

Eosinophilia, respiratory symptoms and pulmonary infiltrates in rubber workers.

This report describes a spectrum of respiratory illnesses associated with eosinophilia which occurred in a group of workers exposed to fumes from a synthetic rubber-based curing operation. Respiratory syndromes induced by this exposure included an acute sensitizing illness with dyspnea and wheezing in some workers and pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia in others. Another worker developed chronic obstruction of the airways with recurrent bronchitic illnesses. Mild to marked peripheral eosinophilia, up to 3,000/cu mm, was usually present in the symptomatic workers and in 11 of 30 asymptomatic workers. These cases illustrate the diversity of respiratory illnesses which may result from a common workplace exposure and reinforce the importance of considering occupational exposures in the differential diagnosis of peripheral eosinophilia.

Elevated serum IgE, eosinophilia, and lung function in rubber workers.

We previously reported an outbreak of acute respiratory illness associated with eosinophilia in a group of rubber workers who performed a thermoinjection process in which synthetic rubber was heated and then injected onto metal molds. This study was conducted to determine if persistent respiratory health effects were associated with this work area and to explore the possible allergic etiology of this syndrome. A survey was performed 1 mo after a major improvement in area ventilation and consisted of baseline, cross-shift, and cross-week spirometry; diffusing capacity; serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), total eosinophil count; and skin patch testing. Baseline lung function, cross-shift, and cross-week spirometry were not significantly worse in the exposed group as compared to the control group. However, either eosinophilia (greater than 450/mm3) or elevated serum IgE (greater than 470 ng/ml) were present in 44% of exposed workers vs. 11% of the control group (p = .003). Nine months later, neither eosinophilia nor elevated IgE were associated with employment in this work area. We conclude that employment in the thermoinjection process was associated with eosinophilia and elevated IgE, which suggests sensitization to one of the components of the rubber, although no effect on pulmonary function could be demonstrated.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways are involved in regulating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated amyloid-ß uptake in SH-SY5Y cells.

Intraneuronal accumulation of beta-amyloid protein (Aß) is an early pathological change in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies demonstrate that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) binds to soluble Aß with a high affinity. In vitro and in vivo experiments also show that Aß activates p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling pathways via the α7nAChR. Interestingly, it has been reported that p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling pathways affect the regulation of receptor-mediated endocytosis. These data suggest that MAPK signaling pathways maybe involved in the regulation of α7nAChR-mediated Aß uptake. However, the evidence for this hypothesis is lacking. In the present study, we examined whether Aß1-42 oligomers activate MAPK signaling pathways via α7nAChR, and assessed the role of MAPK signaling pathways in the regulation of Aß1-42 uptake by α7nAChR. We confirm that undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells are capable of taking up extracellular Aß1-42. The internalization of Aß1-42 accumulates in the endosomes/lysosomes and mitochondria. MAPK signaling pathways are activated by Aß1-42 via α7nAChR. Aß1-42 and α7nAChR are co-localized in SH-SY5Y cells and the expression of α7nAChR involves in Aß1-42 uptake and accumulation in SH-SY5Y cells. Our data demonstrate that Aß1-42 induces an α7nAChR-dependent pathway that relates to the activation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2, resulting in internalization of Aß1-42. Our findings suggest that α7nAChR and MAPK signaling pathways play an important role in the uptake and accumulation of Aß1-42 in SH-SY5Y cells. Blockade of α7nAChR may have a beneficial effect by limiting intracellular accumulation of amyloid in AD brain and serves a potential therapeutic target for AD.

rRNA genes are located far away from the D-loop region in Peking duck mitochondrial DNA.

Peking duck mitochondrial DNA was isolated, digested with restriction endonucleases, electrophoresed and blotted with 32P-labeled mitochondrial ribosomal RNAs. The genes for these RNAs were thereby shown to lie within a 3.23 kb BglI fragment approximately 9.5 kb from the D-loop.

Neutralizing antibodies induced by recombinant vaccinia virus expressing varicella-zoster virus gpIV.

Monoclonal antibodies generated against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoprotein I (gpI) also recognize VZV gpIV (A. Vafai, Z. Wroblewska, R. Mahalingam, G. Cabirac, M. Wellish, M. Cisco, and D. Gilden, J. Virol. 62:2544-2551, 1988). To determine whether the virus-neutralizing activity of these antibodies belongs to gpI, gpIV, or both, the open reading frame encoding gpIV was inserted into the vaccinia virus genome. Immunoprecipitation of recombinant vaccinia virus-infected cells with anti-gpIV monoclonal antibody yielded synthesis and processing of gpIV similar to those expressed in VZV-infected cells. Antibodies raised against VVgpIV in a rabbit recognized both native gpI and gpIV and neutralized VZV infectivity. In addition, antibodies raised against recombinant vaccinia virus carrying VZV gpI neutralized VZV infection. These results indicate a structural relationship between VZV gpI and gpIV and show that gpI and gpIV each induce virus-neutralizing antibody.

'B-readers' and asbestos medical surveillance.

"B-readers" certified in International Labor Office methodology interpret large numbers of randomly distributed asbestos medical surveillance roentgenograms of US Navy employees. Analysis of 23 participating observers, interpreting more than 105,000 radiographs, demonstrated a 300-fold prevalence range of perceived "definite" pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities. There was an evident geographic component to interpretation habits, with East and West Coast observers more likely to interpret films as abnormal than observers from the midcontinent. The most expert observers, a group who instruct the course leading to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health certification in International Labor Office methodology, also perceived fewer abnormalities than other readers or coastal observers. Instructors still exhibited a sevenfold prevalence range of positive interpretation. Under usual surveillance conditions, the habits of B-readers appear to have a major impact upon the diagnosis of asbestosis from roentgenograms. Certification in B-reading should not be the only quality assurance for radiographic surveillance programs, medical decision-making, epidemiologic comparisons, nor related legal activities.

Peripheral eosinophilia and respiratory symptoms in rubber injection press operators: a case-control study.

To evaluate a suspected association between an outbreak of acute respiratory illness and eosinophilia and employment as a rubber worker, we performed a retrospective review of medical records of rubber workers employed from September 1983 to July 1984 in a plant housing a thermoinjection process. Twenty-five workers met the case definition of a respiratory illness requiring a physician visit. The predominant respiratory illness was acute in onset with cough, chest tightness, and dyspnea. Peripheral eosinophilia, up to 40% of white blood cells in a peripheral smear, was seen in 10 of 18 (56%) cases. Twenty-one of 25 white males with respiratory symptoms were employed in the thermoinjection process (odds ratio = 22, p less than .001). Smoking and employment in this process contributed independently to an increased risk of being a case as determined by a logistic regression analysis. Return to the plant building caused recurrence of symptoms in most cases, and these workers have been transferred or left the company. We conclude that a strong previously unrecognized association exists between employment in this neoprene rubber thermoinjection process and the development of an acute respiratory illness.