T helper 17 (Th17) cell responses to the gut microbiota in human diseases.

The gut microbiota colonizing the gastrointestinal tract, is an indispensable "invisible organ" that affects multiple aspects of human health. The gut microbial community has been assumed to be an important stimulus to the immune homeostasis and development, and increasing data support the role of the gut microbiota-immunity axis in autoimmune diseases. Host's immune system requires recognition tools to communicate with the gut microbial evolutionary partners. Among these microbial perceptions, T cells enable the widest spectrum of gut microbial recognition resolution. Specific gut microbiota direct the induction and differentiation of Th17 cells in intestine. However, the detailed links between the gut microbiota and Th17 cells have not been well established. In this review, we describe the generation and characterization of Th17 cells. Notably, we discuss the induction and differentiation of Th17 cells by the gut microbiota and their metabolites, as well as recent advances in our understanding of interactions between Th17 cells and the gut microbiota in human diseases. In addition, we provide the emerging evidences in support of interventions targeting the gut microbes/Th17 cells in human diseases.

Effectiveness of a Clinical Pathway for Hepatic Cystic Echinococcosis Surgery in Kashi Prefecture, Northwestern China: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment for hepatic cystic ehinococcosis (CE) is not standardized in Kashi Prefecture. Previous evidence identified effectiveness of a clinical pathway in the field of liver surgery. However, proof of a clinical pathway program, especially for CE patients, is lacking. This study aimed to assess the validity of a clinical pathway for hepatic CE surgery performed on patients from Kashi Prefecture. METHODS: A clinical pathway was developed and implemented by a multidisciplinary team for patients undergoing hepatic CE surgery. Two groups were formed from patients undergoing hepatic CE surgery during a defined period before and after implementing a clinical pathway. Additionally, a propensity score matching analysis was performed. RESULTS: In the overall analysis (n = 258) as well as the matched analysis (n = 166), after implementing the clinical pathway, hospital stay was significantly reduced from 13 to 10 days and from 14 to 10 days, respectively (P < 0.05). Postoperative morbidity did not increase. Cost analysis showed a significant decrease in median costs of medication and nursing in favor of the clinical pathway (medication: 5400 CNY vs. 6400 CNY, P = 0.038; nursing: 3200 CNY vs. 4100 CNY, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Implementing the clinical pathway for hepatic CE surgery is feasible and safe. The clinical pathway achieved significant reduction of hospital stay without compromising postoperative morbidity. Costs of medication and nursing are significantly reduced. The clinical pathway program is valid and propagable to a certain extent, especially in remote, poor-resourced medical centers in endemic areas.