Anthropogenic warming is a key climate indicator of rising urban fire activity in China.

China, one of the most populous countries in the world, has suffered the highest number of natural disaster-related deaths from fire. On local scales, the main causes of urban fires are anthropogenic in nature. Yet, on regional to national scales, little is known about the indicators of large-scale co-varying urban fire activity in China. Here, we present the China Fire History Atlas (CFHA), which is based on 19 947 documentary records and represents fires in urban areas of China over the twentieth century (1901-1994). We found that temperature variability is a key indicator of urban fire activity in China, with warmer temperatures being correlated with more urban fires, and that this fire-temperature relationship is seasonally and regionally explicit. In the early twentieth century, however, the fire-temperature relationship was overruled by war-related fires in large urban areas. We further used the fire-temperature relationship and multiple emissions scenarios to project fire activity across China into the twenty-first century. Our projections show a distinct increase in future urban fire activity and fire-related economic loss. Our findings provide insights into fire-climate relationships in China for densely-populated areas and on policy-relevant time scales and they contribute spatial coverage to efforts to improve global fire models.

Growth pattern and electronic and magnetic properties of Cr-doped silver clusters.

Growth pattern and electronic and magnetic properties of Agn Cr (n = 1-16) clusters have been investigated via density functional theory (DFT) combined with CALYPSO structure search method. The optimized geometry shows that the growth of the global minimum structures of Agn Cr clusters have obvious rule. when n > 12, silver atoms grow around an icosahedron which is almost unchanged in each structure. Analyses of electronic properties indicate that the doped Cr atom can only enhance the stability of larger silver clusters. Optical absorption and photoelectron spectra of Agn Cr isomers have been predicted and can be used for their structural identification. The icosahedral Ag12 Cr cluster with large energy level gap can be seen as a superatom. The adsorption capacity of Cr atom in Agn Cr cluster to CO is much higher than that of free Cr atom. The intensity of IR and Ramam spectra can be dramatically enhanced when CO is absorbed on Agn Cr cluster that Cr atom is encapsulated by Ag atoms. Moreover, the red shift of IR and Raman spectra of CO adsorbed on these clusters is also very small compared to free CO. Magnetism calculations show that the magnetic moment of Agn Cr clusters decreases linearly from n = 6 to 12 and increases linearly from n = 12 to 16. The total magnetic moment of Agn Cr cluster is mainly localized on the Cr atom. The change of magnetic moment of Cr atom is related to the charge transfer between Cr and Ag atoms.

An on-demand and on-site shape-designable mineralized hydrogel with calcium supply and inflammatory warning properties for cranial repair applications.

Although more than 2.2 million cranial repair surgical operations are performed every year, orthopedic doctors still dream of excellent artificial repair materials with suitable strength, on-site and on-demand fast-shaping properties, and bone induction properties. However, fast-shaping and high-strength properties seem to contradict each other, and even mineralized hydrogels, which already have excellent strength and bone induction properties, are not ideal candidates, since they lack the plasticity needed for complex craniofacial surface use during the essential mechanism of the process of the cleavage of inorganic ions, nucleation, and growth. Here, we report a novel mineralized hydrogel based on dispersing mineral ions prior to use and then inducing inorganic formation by decreasing the temperature, which endows the hydrogels with the characteristics of precise customization at an appropriate degree of mineralization and simultaneously achieves suitable mechanical properties and sufficient calcium supply for bone regeneration. Additionally, the calcium ion content in the water of the matrix will change with the temperature, and, thus, the conductivity of the mineralized hydrogels will change accordingly. This implements the ability to warn of inflammation in a timely fashion in the form of a temperature sensor. Therefore, this temperature-responsive hydrogel effectively achieves the aim of versatile material design.

Growth mechanism, electronic properties and spectra of aluminum clusters.

Density functional theory (DFT) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) have been applied to study the growth behavior, electronic properties and spectra of neutral, anionic and cationic aluminum clusters with 3-20 atoms. Many isomers have been obtained through a comprehensive structural search. The results indicate that the ground state structures of neutral and anionic aluminum clusters follow an identical periodic growth law. When the number of atoms is 6-11 and 13-18, Al atoms in these clusters grow around an octahedral cluster nucleus and an icosahedral cluster nucleus, respectively. For Aln+ (n ≤ 14 and n ≠ 7) clusters, the most stable structure is different from that of Aln or Aln-clusters. When n > 14, the ground state structure of Aln+ clusters is similar to that of Aln or Aln-clusters. The electronic properties of aluminum clusters have been analyzed by the averaged binding energy, second-order difference of energy, energy gap and dissociation energy. It is found that the Al7+ and Al13- clusters have very high stability and a large energy gap and can be regarded as two superatoms. The aluminum cluster with 18 or 40 valence electrons are the least likely to lose an electron. The dissociation behavior of Aln+ clusters caused by collision is reasonably explained by means of the dissociation energy. The optical absorption spectra of neutral aluminum clusters have been simulated by using the time-dependent density functional theory. The ground states of anionic aluminum clusters have been determined by comparing theoretical photoelectron spectra (PES) with experimental findings. Infrared and Raman spectra of cationic aluminum clusters have been forecasted and can assist in identifying the most stable structure in future experiments.

Dynamic Interaction Between Mucosal Immunity and Microbiota Drives Nose and Pharynx Homeostasis of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) After SVCV Infection.

The crosstalk between the immune system and microbiota drives an amazingly complex mutualistic symbiosis. In mammals, the upper respiratory tract acts as a gateway for pathogen invasion, and the dynamic interaction between microbiota and mucosal immunity on its surface can effectively prevent disease development. However, the relationship between virus-mediated mucosal immune responses and microbes in lower vertebrates remains uncharacterized. In this study, we successfully constructed an infection model by intraperitoneally injecting common carp (Cyprinus carpio) with spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV). In addition to the detection of the SVCV in the nose and pharynx of common carp, we also identified obvious histopathological changes following viral infection. Moreover, numerous immune-related genes were significantly upregulated in the nose and pharynx at the peak of SVCV infection, after which the expression levels decreased to levels similar to those of the control group. Transcriptome sequencing results revealed that pathways associated with bacterial infection in the Toll-like receptor pathway and the Nod-like receptor pathway were activated in addition to the virus-related Rig-I-like receptor pathway after SVCV infection, suggesting that viral infection may be followed by opportunistic bacterial infection in these mucosal tissues. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we further identified an upward trend in pathogenic bacteria on the mucosal surface of the nose and pharynx 4 days after SVCV infection, after which these tissues eventually reached new homeostasis. Taken together, our results suggest that the dynamic interaction between mucosal immunity and microbiota promotes the host to a new ecological state.

Interactions Between Commensal Microbiota and Mucosal Immunity in Teleost Fish During Viral Infection With SVCV.

The mucosa of vertebrates is a particularly complex but dynamic environment in which the host constantly interacts with trillions of commensal microorganisms and pathogens. Although the internal and external mucosal microbiomes with immune defense of mammals have been well investigated, the relationship between mucosal microbes and their host's immune responses has not been systematically understood in the early vertebrates. In this study, we compared the composition and distribution of mucosal microbiota in common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and found that there were significant differences of microbiota between in the internal (gut) and external mucosal (buccal mucosa, gills and skin) tissues. Next, we successfully constructed an infection model with spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV). Specifically, following viral infection, the immune and antiviral related genes showed different up-regulation in all selected mucosal tissues while significant morphological changes were only found in external tissues including buccal mucosa, gills and skin. Using 16S rRNA gene sequence, we revealed that the abundance of Proteobacteria in mucosal tissues including buccal mucosa, gills and gut showed increased trend after viral infection, whereas the abundance of Fusobacteria significantly decreased in gut. In addition, the loss of dominant commensal microorganisms and increased colonization of opportunistic bacteria were discovered in the mucosal surfaces indicating that a secondary bacterial infection might occur in these mucosal tissues after viral infection. Overall, our results firstly point out the distribution of internal and external mucosal microbiota and analyze the changes of mucosal microbiota in common carp after SVCV infection, which may indicated that the potential role of mucosal microbiota in the antiviral process in early vertebrates.

ENSO modulates wildfire activity in China.

China is a key region for understanding fire activity and the drivers of its variability under strict fire suppression policies. Here, we present a detailed fire occurrence dataset for China, the Wildfire Atlas of China (WFAC; 2005-2018), based on continuous monitoring from multiple satellites and calibrated against field observations. We find that wildfires across China mostly occur in the winter season from January to April and those fire occurrences generally show a decreasing trend after reaching a peak in 2007. Most wildfires (84%) occur in subtropical China, with two distinct clusters in its southwestern and southeastern parts. In southeastern China, wildfires are mainly promoted by low precipitation and high diurnal temperature ranges, the combination of which dries out plant tissue and fuel. In southwestern China, wildfires are mainly promoted by warm conditions that enhance evaporation from litter and dormant plant tissues. We further find a fire occurrence dipole between southwestern and southeastern China that is modulated by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

Prevailing Role of Mucosal Igs and B Cells in Teleost Skin Immune Responses to Bacterial Infection.

The skin of vertebrates is the outermost organ of the body and serves as the first line of defense against external aggressions. In contrast to mammalian skin, that of teleost fish lacks keratinization and has evolved to operate as a mucosal surface containing a skin-associated lymphoid tissue (SALT). Thus far, IgT representing the prevalent Ig in SALT have only been reported upon infection with a parasite. However, very little is known about the types of B cells and Igs responding to bacterial infection in the teleost skin mucosa, as well as the inductive or effector role of the SALT in such responses. To address these questions, in this study, we analyzed the immune response of trout skin upon infection with one of the most widespread fish skin bacterial pathogens, Flavobacterium columnare This pathogen induced strong skin innate immune and inflammatory responses at the initial phases of infection. More critically, we found that the skin mucus of fish having survived the infection contained significant IgT- but not IgM- or IgD-specific titers against the bacteria. Moreover, we demonstrate the local proliferation and production of IgT+ B cells and specific IgT titers, respectively, within the SALT upon bacterial infection. Thus, our findings represent the first demonstration that IgT is the main Ig isotype induced by the skin mucosa upon bacterial infection and that, because of the large surface of the skin, its SALT probably represents a prominent IgT-inductive site in fish.

Mediation of Mucosal Immunoglobulins in Buccal Cavity of Teleost in Antibacterial Immunity.

The buccal mucosa (BM) of vertebrates is a critical mucosal barrier constantly exposed to rich and diverse pathogens from air, water, and food. While mammals are known to contain a mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) in the buccal cavity which induces B-cells and immunoglobulins (Igs) responses against bacterial pathogens, however, very little is known about the evolutionary roles of buccal MALT in immune defense. Here we developed a bath infection model that rainbow trout experimentally exposed to Flavobacterium columnare (F. columnare), which is well known as a mucosal pathogen. Using this model, we provided the first evidence for the process of bacterial invasion in the fish BM. Moreover, strong pathogen-specific IgT responses and accumulation of IgT+ B-cells were induced in the buccal mucus and BM of infected trout with F. columnare. In contrast, specific IgM responses were for the most part detected in the fish serum. More specifically, we showed that the local proliferation of IgT+ B-cells and production of pathogen-specific IgT within the BM upon bacterial infection. Overall, our findings represent the first demonstration that IgT is the main Ig isotype specialized for buccal immune responses against bacterial infection in a non-tetrapod species.

Pesticide Exposure and Heat Exhaustion in a Migrant Agricultural Worker: A Case of Labor Trafficking.

To our knowledge, there are no published reports of heat exhaustion and pesticide exposure in a labor trafficked patient in the literature. Here we represent the case of J.C.J.L., who was labor trafficked. He presented to a local emergency department with heat exhaustion and pesticide exposure related to working conditions in a Mississippi corn field. Unfortunately, while he received medical treatment, his labor trafficking condition was missed. Emergency departments should be equipped to assess for human trafficking and connect trafficked persons with the resources they need. Emergency physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for human trafficking among migrant workers presenting with occupation-related complaints.

Probing the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of AgnSc (n = 1-16) clusters.

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of AgnSc (n = 1-16) clusters have been studied on the basis of density functional theory and the CALYPSO structure prediction method. The optimized geometry exhibits that the growth process of Sc-doped silver clusters have a periodic structural change. The Ag atom grows around a basically invariant cluster core in each growth cycle. The Sc atom has a tendency to occupy the most highly coordinated position in the ground state. The infrared spectra, Raman spectra and photoelectron spectra of AgnSc clusters are forecasted and can be used to identify the structures of these clusters from experiments. The global maxima of the dissociation energy, the averaged binding energy and the gap of the energy level occur at n = 15 for the most stable AgnSc clusters, implying that the Ag15Sc can be perceived as a superatom. The magnetism analysis indicates that the magnetic moment of the Sc atom in AgnSc clusters decreases with the increase of the cluster. The change of the magnetic moment is proportional to the charge transfer between the Sc and Ag atoms.

Exploration of the Structural, Electronic and Tunable Magnetic Properties of Cu4M (M = Sc-Ni) Clusters.

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Cu4M (M = Sc-Ni) clusters have been studied by using density functional theory, together with an unbiased CALYPSO structure searching method. Geometry optimizations indicate that M atoms in the ground state Cu4M clusters favor the most highly coordinated position. The geometry of Cu4M clusters is similar to that of the Cu5 cluster. The infrared spectra, Raman spectra and photoelectron spectra are predicted and can be used to identify the ground state in the future. The relative stability and chemical activity are investigated by means of the averaged binding energy, dissociation energy and energy level gap. It is found that the dopant atoms except for Cr and Mn can enhance the stability of the host cluster. The chemical activity of all Cu4M clusters is lower than that of Cu5 cluster whose energy level gap is in agreement with available experimental finding. The magnetism calculations show that the total magnetic moment of Cu4M cluster mainly come from M atom and vary from 1 to 5 µB by substituting a Cu atom in Cu5 cluster with different transition-metal atoms.

Regulation of Vegetative Phase Change by SWI2/SNF2 Chromatin Remodeling ATPase BRAHMA.

Plants progress from a juvenile vegetative phase of development to an adult vegetative phase of development before they enter the reproductive phase. miR156 has been shown to be the master regulator of the juvenile-to-adult transition in plants. However, the mechanism of how miR156 is transcriptionally regulated still remains elusive. In a forward genetic screen, we identified that a mutation in the SWI2/SNF2 chromatin remodeling ATPase BRAHMA (BRM) exhibited an accelerated vegetative phase change phenotype by reducing the expression of miR156, which in turn caused a corresponding increase in the levels of SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN LIKE genes. BRM regulates miR156 expression by directly binding to the MIR156A promoter. Mutations in BRM not only increased occupancy of the -2 and +1 nucleosomes proximal to the transcription start site at the MIR156A locus but also the levels of trimethylated histone H3 at Lys 27. The precocious phenotype of brm mutant was partially suppressed by a second mutation in SWINGER (SWN), but not by a mutation in CURLEY LEAF, both of which are key components of the Polycomb Group Repressive Complex 2 in plants. Our results indicate that BRM and SWN act antagonistically at the nucleosome level to fine-tune the temporal expression of miR156 to regulate vegetative phase change in Arabidopsis.

Insights into the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of V-doped copper clusters: comparison with pure copper clusters.

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Cun+1 and CunV (n = 1-12) clusters have been investigated by using density functional theory. The growth behaviors reveal that V atom in low-energy CunV isomer favors the most highly coordinated position and changes the geometry of the three-dimensional host clusters. The vibrational spectra are predicted and can be used to identify the ground state. The relative stability and chemical activity of the ground states are analyzed through the binding energy per atom, energy second-order difference and energy gap. It is found that that the stability of CunV (n ≥ 8) is higher than that of Cun+1. The substitution of a V atom for a Cu atom in copper clusters alters the odd-even oscillations of stability and activity of the host clusters. The vertical ionization potential, electron affinity and photoelectron spectrum are calculated and simulated for all of the most stable clusters. Compare with the experimental data, we determine the ground states of pure copper clusters. The magnetism analyses show that the magnetic moments of CunV clusters are mainly localized on the V atom and decease with the increase of cluster size. The magnetic change is closely related to the charge transfer between V and Cu atoms.

[Evaluation of PFA P2Y assay in monitoring platelet function in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease receiving clopidogrel treatment].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of a new platelet function test PFA P2Y (PFA-200) in monitoring clopidogrel treatment for cardiovascular disease in elderly patients. METHODS: Fifty-six elderly patients receiving clopidogrel therapy in the Department of Cardiology of General Hospital of PLA from March to August in 2016 and 85 healthy volunteers were recruited for analysis. All the subjects underwent PFA P2Y, LTA (light transmittance aggregometry) and TEG (Thromboelastograph) tests, and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to test the associations between test results. The agreement among the 3 platelet function test methods was assessed using Cohen's kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Correlation coefficient (r) was -0.701 (P<0.001) between PFA P2Y and LTA, and 0.475 (P<0.001) between PFA P2Y and TEG. The agreement was 75% between PFA P2Y and LTA and 67.9% between PFA P2Y and TEG. The κ value was 0.434 (P=0.001) between PFA P2Y and LTA and 0.242 (P=0.046) between PFA P2Y and TEG. With ADP-induced maximum platelet aggregation rate of LTA >50% as the laboratory clopidogrel resistance, the cut-off value of PFA P2Y was 119 s (AUC=0.733) with a sensitivity of 75.6% and a specificity of 73.3%. CONCLUSION: PFA P2Y has a moderate correlation and agreement with LTA, but has a poor correlation and agreement with TEG. PFA P2Y can be useful for assessing the effects of clopidogrel therapy and the association of the cut-off value (119 s) with the long-term clinical ischemic events needs be confirmed in further study.

[The prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance and associated factors in AIDS patients receiving HAART in Zhecheng county, Henan province].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance and its main factors in AIDS patients receiving to HAART in Zhecheng county, Henan province. METHODS: By cross-sectional survey, 378 AIDS patients who had received the national free antiretroviral therapy from July 2003 to March 2009 in Zhecheng county of Henan were selected. All recruits were interviewed and blood samples were collected. HIV-1 viral loads were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction, HIV genotypic resistance was determined by an in-house polymerase chain reaction to amplify the HIV-1 pol gene region. RESULTS: Among 378 subjects receiving antiretroviral therapy, the prevalence of successful viral suppression was 42.9% (162/378), and HIV-1 drug resistance was detected in 47.1% (178/378) patients. The rate of resistance-associated mutations to non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and protease inhibitors (PIs) was 46.6% (176/378), 37.8% (143/378) and 1.9% (7/378), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the main risk factors associated with the prevalence of drug resistance included drug non-adherence (ratio of on-time drug intake in the past month < 90%:≥ 90% = 64.5% (40/62):43.7% (138/316), OR = 2.3, 95%CI: 1.3 - 4.1), and initiation of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) with didanosine (DDI) (ART with DDI:ART with lamivudine (3TC) = 53.3% (137/257):33.9% (41/121), OR = 2.3, 95%CI = 1.1 - 4.5). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance among ART patients in Zhecheng county of Henan was high. Drug non-adherence and initiation of ART with DDI were the main factors of drug resistance.

Screening disease-associated proteins from sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative proteomic study.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation at the synovial membrane. Although great progress has been made recently in exploring the etiology and pathogenesis of RA, its molecular pathological mechanism remains to be further defined and it is still a great challenge in determining the diagnosis and in choosing the appropriate therapy in early patients. This study was performed to screen candidate RA-associated serum proteins by comparative proteomics to provide research clues to early diagnosis and treatment of RA. METHODS: Sera isolated from 6 RA patients and 6 healthy volunteers were pooled respectively and high-abundance proteins were depleted by Plasma 7 Multiple Affinity Removal System. The protein expression profiles between the two groups were then compared by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and the proteins over/under-expressed by more than 3-fold were identified by mass spectrometry analysis. To validate the differential expression levels of the identified proteins between the two groups, ELISA was performed in two of the identified proteins in individual sera from 32 RA patients and 32 volunteers. RESULTS: Eight proteins which over/under-expressed in sera of RA patients were identified. Among them, chain A of transthyretin (TTR) was under-expressed, while serum amyloid A protein, apolipoprotein A (ApoA)-IV, ApoA-IV precursor, haptoglobin 2, ceruloplasmin (Cp), immunoglobulin superfamily 22 and HT016 were over-expressed. ELISA test confirmed that Cp expressed remarkably higher while TTR obviously lower in RA group compared with volunteer group. CONCLUSION: There were 8 identified proteins differentially expressed between RA group and volunteer group, which might be candidate RA-associated proteins and might be promising diagnostic indicators or therapeutic targets for RA.

[Expressions of CD147 in peripheral monocytes and T lymphocytes of patients with ankylosing spondylitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of CD147 in the pathogenesis and development of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression levels of CD147 in peripheral monocytes and T lymphocytes of 30 AS patients, 30 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 30 healthy controls (HC). reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the expression levels of CD147 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Then the expression levels of CD147 were compared among the groups. And a correlation analysis was conducted between CD147 levels and disease activity indices of AS patients. RESULTS: The mean fluorescence intensities of CD147 in monocytes of AS, RA and HC group were 213.5 ± 37.8, 228.7 ± 49.7 and 163.6 ± 44.8, and in T lymphocytes 36.8 ± 10.1, 40.2 ± 10.5 and 28.3 ± 10.6 respectively. Both the expression levels of CD147 in monocytes and T lymphocytes of AS patients were slightly lower than those of RA patients. But the differences was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Both the CD147 levels in monocytes and T lymphocytes of AS and RA group were significantly higher than those of HC group (P < 0.05). The expression levels of CD147 mRNA in PBMC of AS and RA group were significantly higher than those of HC group (P < 0.05) while no significant difference was found between AS and RA group (P > 0.05). Both the expression levels of CD147 in monocytes and T lymphocytes of AS patients were positively correlated with the patients' erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). CONCLUSION: The expressions of CD147 in peripheral monocytes and T lymphocytes of AS patients are up-regulated and their levels are positively correlated with patients' ESR and CRP. It implies that CD147 plays critical roles in the pathogenesis and development of AS.

[Study on expressions of CD25 and CD127 in CD4+ peripheral T lymphocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and investigate the significance of Tregs change in the incidence and inflammatory activity of RA. METHODS: Three-color fluorescence flow cytometry was used to detect the CD4, CD25 and CD127 markers in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of 25 RA patients and 31 healthy volunteers (HVs). The proportions of CD4(+)CD25(+), CD4(+)CD25(high), CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(-) and CD4(+)CD25(high)CD127(-) cells were compared between the two groups and correlation analysis was conducted between Tregs and disease activity indices which including disease activity score (DAS28-4), tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), time of morning stiffness, patient's global assessment of disease activity on a 100 mm VAS by doctor and patients, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. RESULTS: The proportions of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(-) and CD4(+)CD25(high)CD127(-) cells in CD4(+) peripheral T lymphocytes were (2.53 +/- 0.85)% and (0.91 +/- 0.32)% respectively in RA group, while they were (3.22 +/- 0.97)% and (1.25 +/- 0.41)% in HV group. Both of the proportions of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(-) and CD4(+)CD25(high)CD127(-) cells were lower in RA group comparing with HV group, and both were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated significant negative correlations of the proportions of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(-) and CD4(+)CD25(high)CD127(-) cells with DAS28-4 and TJC (P < 0.05), furthermore, CD4(+)CD25(high)CD127(-) T cells still showed significant negative correlation with the SJC and patient's global assessment of disease activity on a 100 mm VAS by patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The proportion of Tregs decreased in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with RA and the abnormality of Tregs may play an important role in the incidence and inflammatory activity of RA.