Application effect of rapid diagnostic techniques in pulmonary tuberculosis in Shaanxi, 2016-2020 / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To analyze the application effect of rapid diagnostic techniques in Shaanxi from 2016 to 2020,and to provide basis for further optimizing the process of tuberculosis detection and formulating prevention and control strategies. Methods A total of 104 437 cases of tuberculosis patients registered in Shaanxi Province from 2016-2020 were exported from the Tuberculosis Information Management System (The subsystem of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System) according to first management unit, and the laboratory test results of sputum smear, sputum culture and molecular tests were collected to statistically analyzed the positive rate of etiology, sputum smear, sputum culture, molecular biology testing rate, and indicators of positive testing rate of tuberculosis patients. Results From 2016 to 2020, the etiology�positive rate of tuberculosis in Shaanxi province were 13.49% (2 664/19 754), 22.68% (5 081/22 401), 35.99% (8 232/22 876), 48.14% (10 438 / 21 682), 52.65% (9 332 / 17 724), respectively, with an increasing trend (χ2 trend=9 473.12, P<0.001) year by year; the proportion of molecular tests positive only in etiology-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) were 0 (0/2 664), 0.16% (8/5 081), 15.44% (1 271/8 232), 27.58% (2 879/10 438), 31.52% (2 941/9 332), respectively, with an increasing trend year by year (χ2 trend=2 971.44, P<0.001); the molecular test rates of the 5 years were 0.01% (2 / 19 754), 0.38%(85 / 22 401), 21.11% (4 828/22 876), 52.42%(11 365/21 682), 55.18%(9 780/17 724), respectively, with an increasing trend year by year (χ2 trend = 28 269.23, P<0.001). The rate of molecular test in sputum smear-negative was 22.72%(17 976 / 79 130). The proportion of patients with only molecular test-positive was 33.43% (4 032/12 062) in municipal designated hospitals, and 11.99%(2 279/ 19 014) in county-level designated hospitals, the difference was statistically significant (χ2 =2 096.46, P<0.001). Conclusions The rate of molecular biology testing in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2020 showed a year-on-year increase. Through the application of rapid molecular tests, the etiology-positive rates of tuberculosis have been increased significantly,but the current molecular test detection rate is not high compared with other provinces, especially in county-level designated hospitals and smear-negative patients, so we should make a big promotion in application of rapid molecular technique.

[Electroacupuncture promotes gastrointestinal motility by activating autophagy of Cajal interstitial cells via downregulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in stomach of diabetic gastro-paresis rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Zusanli" (ST36), "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Liangmen" (ST21) on gastrointestinal motility, blood glucose content and expression of autophagy-related proteins 1 light chain 3 (LC3), p62, phosphatidyli-nositol-3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), p-Akt and mammalian target protein of rapamycin (mTOR) of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in the cultured gastric antrum cells in diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) rats, so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying improvement of DGP. METHODS: A total of 45 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into blank control, model, EA, medication (3-methyladenine, 3-MA) and EA+3-MA groups, with 9 rats in each group. The DGP model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 2% streptozotocin (STZ) combined with high-fat and high sugar diet for 8 weeks. The gastric emptying rate was measured by using gavage of phenol red (to measure the propelling length of the phenol red/total length of small intestine ×100%). The symptom score (mental state, coat color and luster, behavior and activity, stool traits) of rats was observed every week and the blood glucose content was measured by using a glucometer. EA (20 Hz/100 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to unilateral ST36, SP6 and ST21 alternatively for 15 min, once daily, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Rats of the 3-MA and 3-MA+EA groups received intraperitoneal injection of 3-MA (30 mg·kg-1·d-1, 10 mg/mL), once daily, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. After 15 days' intervention, the rats were operated for gastric emptying rate test, specimen collection, isolation, and culture of primary ICCs. The expression levels of microtubule associated protein LC3, p62, PI3K, Akt, p-Akt and mTOR of ICCs of cultured gastric antrum cells were detected using Western blot, and the number of autophagosomes in ICC of gastric antrum was observed under transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, the symptom score, blood glucose, and the expression levels of p62, class Ⅰ PI3K, Akt, p-Akt and mTOR proteins were increased significantly (P<0.01), while the gastric emptying rate and ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ and the expression level of class Ⅲ PI3K protein were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the model group. In comparison with the model group, the increase of symptom score, blood glucose, and expression levels of p62, class Ⅰ PI3K, Akt, p-Akt and mTOR proteins and the decrease of gastric empty rate and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio and the expression level of class Ⅲ PI3K protein were all reversed in both EA and EA+3-MA groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), rather than in the 3-MA group. In addition, 3-MA also reversed modeling-induced increase of class Ⅰ PI3K, Akt, p-Akt and mTOR proteins expression (P<0.01). No significant differences were found between the EA and EA+3-MA in downregulating the levels of symptom score and blood glucose content, and in upregulating gastric empty rate(P>0.05). The effect of EA was notably superior to that of EA+3-MA in upregulating the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ and the expression level of class Ⅲ PI3K protein, and in downregulating the expression of p62, class Ⅰ PI3K, Akt, p-Akt and mTOR proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). The findings of transmission electron microscopy showed obvious swelling, breakage of some mitochondrial cristae in the ICC cells of antrum and no autophagosomes in the model group and 3-MA group, which was milder in the damage of mitochondrial cristae and marked increase in the autophagosomes in both EA and EA+3-MA groups. CONCLUSION: EA can improve the gastrointestinal motility and symptoms in DGP rats, which may be related to its functions in downregulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling to promote autophagy level of ICC.

Peroxiredoxin 6 mediates the protective function of curcumin pretreatment in acute lung injury induced by serum from patients undergoing one-lung ventilation in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Curcumin has attracted much attention due to its wide range of therapeutic effects. In this study, we used serum collected from patients undergoing one-lung ventilation (OLV) to establish an in vitro acute lung injury (ALI) model to explore the potential protective mechanism of curcumin on ALI. Our study provides a new reference for the prevention and treatment of ALI induced by OLV. METHODS: A549 cells were treated with 20% serum from patients undergoing OLV to establish an in vitro ALI model. Curcumin, at a dose of 40 µg/ml, was administered two hours prior to this model. The levels of inflammation and oxidative stress markers were observed by Western blot, qRT-PCR, ELISA and reactive oxygen species assay. Additionally, the expression of peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6) and proteins involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway was evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty percent of serum collected from patients undergoing OLV downregulated the expression of Prdx6, leading to the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which was associated with the subsequent overproduction of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. Pretreatment with curcumin restored Prdx6 downregulation and inhibited NF-κB pathway activation by suppressing the nuclear translocation of P65, eventually reducing inflammation and oxidative stress damage in A549 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Prdx6 mediated the protective function of curcumin by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB pathway in ALI in vitro.

Evaluation of digestibility differences for apple polyphenolics using in vitro elderly and adult digestion models.

We evaluated the in vitro digestibility of apple polyphenols mimicking elderly and adult digestion models (dynamic and static systems). The digestibility of total apple polyphenols in small intestine was much higher in the adult dynamic system (62 µg/100 g fresh apple) compared to the static system (20 µg/100 g fresh apple) and elderly dynamic digestion conditions (33 µg/100 g fresh apple). Elderly in vitro static digestion showed better antioxidant activity than the adult system (OH and ABTS+ methods). Thus, the in vitro dynamic digestion system can more truly reflect the digestion of apple polyphenols than static digestion system. Moreover, elderly digestion conditions negatively influenced the digestibility of apple polyphenols including chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, phlorizin, rutin, phloretin, hyperoside, proanthocyanidin B2, and quercetin. Hence, appropriate selection of in vitro digestion models for elderly is a prerequisite to exploring the digestibility of phytochemicals for the development of functional food products for elderly.

A randomised comparison of the efficacy of a Coopdech bronchial blocker and a double-lumen endotracheal tube for minimally invasive esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Both a bronchial blocker (BB) and a double-lumen endotracheal tube (DLT) can achieve lung collapse and one-lung ventilation (OLV) during thoracic surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare these two airway devices in terms of efficacy in video-assisted thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy for cancer. METHODS: A total of 55 patients underwent combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy for cancer were enrolled and divided into a Coopdech bronchial blocker group (CBB group, n=27) or a DLT group (DLT group, n=28). The primary outcome was the lung collapse scores at 1, 5, 10 minutes after the opening of the pleural and assessed using a verbal analogue scale via a real-time video view. Secondary outcomes including time for tube localization, incidence of tube displacement, postoperative sore throats, and surgeons' satisfaction with surgical manipulations were collected. RESULTS: The patients in the CBB group achieved better lung collapse scores at 5 minutes (7.4±1.3 vs. 6.4±0.9 minutes, P<0.01) and 10 minutes (8.9±0.8 vs. 7.1±0.9 minutes, P<0.01) after opening the pleura, and they had lower incidence of postoperative sore throats [5 (18%) vs. 16 (57%), P<0.01] when compared with patients in DLT group. However, the time for tube localization were significantly longer in CBB group than in DLT group (210±120 vs. 125±60 s, P<0.05). There were no significant difference in tube displacement, hypoxemia (SpO2 <90%) during OLV, and in surgeons' satisfaction with surgical manipulations. CONCLUSIONS: CBB technique can be a potential alternative to the conventional DLT strategy for lung collapse and OLV during esophagectomy.

Lanthanide coordination polymers based on designed bifunctional 2-(2,2':6',2″-terpyridin-4'-yl)benzenesulfonate ligand: syntheses, structural diversity and highly tunable emission.

Seven novel lanthanide coordination polymers, [Eu(STP)(glu)]n (1), [Ln4(STP)2(glu)5]n·4nH2O [Ln = Er (2), Yb (3)], [Ln(STP)(1,3-bdc)]n·0.5nH2O [Ln = Tb (4), Yb (5)], and [Ln(STP)(1,2-bdc)]n [Ln = Eu (6), Tb (7)] [NaSTP = sodium 2-(2,2':6',2″-terpyridin-4'-yl)benzenesulfonate, H2glu = glutaric acid, H2(1,3-bdc) = benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, H2(1,2-bdc) = benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid], have been prepared under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound (1) possesses a 2D layered structure based on 1D chains with STP- and glu2- anions acting as bridges. Compounds (2) and (3) are isomorphous and show a rare 3D tcj/hc net with a tetranuclear Ln3+ unit regarded as a seven-connected node and a glu2- anion serving as a three-connected node. Compounds (4) and (5) are isomorphous and exhibit six-connected pcu nets by denoting binuclear units to six-connected nodes. Compounds (6) and (7) display 3D 3,5T1 nets with (1,2-bdc)2- anions and dimetallic units serving as three- and five-connected nodes, respectively. The Eu compounds (1) and (6) demonstrate typically red emission, while the Tb compounds (4) and (7) exhibit characteristic green emission. The emission spectra of heteronuclear compounds [EuxTb1-x(STP)(1,2-bdc)]n (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) as efficient luminescent tags were investigated. The intermetallic energy transfer of Tb to Eu was also evaluated.

Marfan syndrome combined with huge abdominal aortic aneurysm size of 20 × 11 cm: A case report of surgical approach.

RATIONALE: Abdominal aortic aneurysm is one of the most common aneurisms. Patients presenting with secondary back pain should be given prompt medical attention. Herein, a rare case of a giant abdominal aortic aneurysm that was successfully treated with surgery is described. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 33-year-old Chinese male suffered from Marfan syndrome combined with giant abdominal aortic aneurysm, and presented with back pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, and constipation. After undergoing numerous tests, the patient underwent an abdominal aortic aneurysm resection coupled with artificial graft bypass. The patient's recovery was smooth, and he was discharged 14 days after the operation in stable condition. DIAGNOSIS: Abdominal aortic aneurysm. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent a surgery involving mass resection and artificial graft bypass. OUTCOME: The patient was discharged 14 days after surgery in stable condition. LESSONS: Giant abdominal aortic aneurysms are rarely seen, and aneurysmectomy associated with prosthetic vascular graft repair is an effective and standard treatment for such aneurysms.

[Anesthesia management in robotic-assisted esophagectomy with triple incisions: analysis of 53 cases].

Between March, 2016 and January, 2017, 53 patients underwent robotic-assisted esophagectomy with triple incisions. All the patients were intubated with Double lumen endotracheal tub with one-lung ventilation and CO2 pneumoperitoneum, and CO2 pneumothorax was used in 7 cases. Most of the patients could tolerate OLV and CO2 pneumoperitoneum, and 4 patients with CO2 pneumothorax had hypoxemia and required double-lung ventilation or high frequency ventilation; 15 patients developed postoperative pulmonary complications and were transferred to ICU. These results suggest that CO2 pneumothorax during robotic-assisted esophagectomy with triple incision seriously disturbs pulmonary function, and careful anesthesia management is essential for preventing complications.

Evaluation of calcium cyanamide addition during co-composting of manure and maize straw in a forced-aeration static-pile system.

BACKGROUND: Composting is one of the most environmentally friendly treatments to inactivate pathogenic organisms or reduce them to acceptable levels. However, even under thermal conditions, some pathogenic organisms such as E. coli could exist for a long time in composting. Such great persistence may increase the possibility of outbreaks of these organisms and further increase the environmental load. Calcium cyanamide (CaCN2) has recently been recognized to have the fungicidal effect on the pathogens of the soilborne diseases. So, the present study determined the effect of CaCN2 addition on composting progress as an antimicrobial agent and an amendment during forced-aeration static-pile composting of cow manure, which was mainly aimed to inhibit the pathogens that had not been inactivated by heat during composting. METHODS: The mixtures of dairy cow manure and maize straw with addition of 2 % CaCN2 or no addition were composted for 63 days. The physical, chemical and biological changes in compost mixtures were examined during composting. The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA procedure from SAS software (version 9.0). RESULTS: The results showed that the addition of CaCN2 significantly increased the maximum temperature and lengthened the duration of the thermophilic phase, and increased the percent T-N but decreased C/N ratio. For microbiological test, the addition of CaCN2 shortened the time to inactivate E. coli, and increased the total average population of thermophilic bacteria but did not significantly influence that of mesophilic bacteria. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the addition of CaCN2, at least at the additive content of 2 % could benefit the thermophilic phase and the composting could quickly reach the sanitary standard during the composting of manure with maize straw in a forced-aeration static-pile system. This finding will contribute to solve the feces disposal problems.

Paclitaxel-induced lung injury and its amelioration by parecoxib sodium.

To investigate the mechanism of paclitaxel-induced lung injury and its amelioration by parecoxib sodium. In this study, rats were randomly divided into: the control group (Con); the paclitaxel chemotherapy group (Pac); the paclitaxel+ parecoxib sodium intervention group (Pac + Pare); and the parecoxib sodium group (Pare). We observed changes in alveolar ventilation function, alveolar-capillary membrane permeability, lung tissue pathology and measured the levels of inflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) in lung tissue, the expression of tight junction proteins (Zo-1 and Claudin-4). Compared with the Con group, the lung tissue of the Pac group showed significantly increased expression of Cox-2 protein (p < 0.01), significant lung tissue inflammatory changes, significantly increased expression of inflammatory cytokines, decreased expression of Zo-1 and Claudin-4 proteins (p < 0.01), increased alveolar-capillary membrane permeability (p < 0.01), and reduced ventilation function (p < 0.01). Notably, in Pac + Pare group, intraperitoneal injection of parecoxib sodium led to decreased Cox-2 and ICAM-1 levels and reduced inflammatory responses, the recovered expression of Zo-1 and Claudin-4, reduced level of indicators reflecting the high permeability state, and close-to-normal levels of ventilation function. Intervention by the Cox-2-specific inhibitor parecoxib sodium can block this damage.

Natural phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors from the leaf skin of Aloe barbadensis Miller.

The ethanolic extract of Aloe barbadensis Miller leaf skin showed inhibitory activity against phosphodiesterase-4D (PDE4D), which is a therapeutic target of inflammatory disease. Subsequent bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of two new anthrones, 6'-O-acetyl-aloin B (9) and 6'-O-acetyl-aloin A (11), one new chromone, aloeresin K (8), together with thirteen known compounds. Their chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and HRMS. All of the isolates were screened for their inhibitory activity against PDE4D using tritium-labeled adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate ((3)H-cAMP) as substrate. Compounds 13 and 14 were identified as PDE4D inhibitors, with their IC50 values of 9.25 and 4.42 µM, respectively. These achievements can provide evidences for the use of A. barbadensis leaf skin as functional feed additives for anti-inflammatory purpose.

Application of protective stents in endovascular repair of acute complicated Stanford type B aortic dissections.

PURPOSE: To describe the use of protective stents in the endovascular repair of acute complicated Stanford type B aortic dissections. METHODS: From 2009 to 2011, 33 patients (27 men; mean age 47 years, range 31-73) with acute complicated Stanford type B aortic dissection underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) assisted by protective stents. In all cases, the proximal and distal landing zones differed in size by >5 mm, and the primary entry tear was in the proximal descending aorta. A bare self-expanding stent (protective stent) was deployed initially at the intended distal landing site of the primary stent-graft in the true lumen. The intention was that the bare stent would prevent excessive dilation of the distal end of the stent-graft in the vicinity of the entry tear, thus avoiding intimal rupture. RESULTS: Successful stent deployment and sealing of the entry tear was achieved in all patients. The median diameter and length of the protective bare stents was 20.3 mm (range 18-24) and 72.7 mm (range 60-80), respectively, while the corresponding dimensions of the covered stent-grafts were 32.8 mm (range 26-40) and 157.4 mm (range 120-200 mm), respectively. There was no stent twisting, migration, of rupture of the false or true lumen. Computed tomography 1 week postoperatively demonstrated closure of the primary entry tear with thrombosis of the false lumen in all cases. No patients were lost to follow-up, which has ranged from 3 months to 3 years. No late endoleaks or stent complications, such as angulation, dislodgment, persistent leaks, branch obstruction, or stent-graft migration, have been observed, and there has been no chronic progressive true or false lumen dilatation, recurrences, or deaths. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive use of a protective stent when treating acute Stanford type B aortic dissections in which the diameters of the proximal and distal landing zones differ by >5 mm is feasible and safe and provides good short-term outcomes.

Perioperative approach in the surgical management of carotid body tumors.

BACKGROUND: Now, surgical resection still remains the gold standard for the treatment of carotid body tumors (CBTs). Although advances in surgical techniques and the introduction of sensitive imaging modalities have significantly reduced mortality, the incidence of perioperative neurovascular complications, especially cranial nerve deficit and intraoperative hemorrhage, remains considerable. To solve these problems, preoperative embolization has been suggested; the reported benefits of preoperative embolization performed <48 hours before surgery include a reduction in tumor size, decreased blood loss, and improved visualization, theoretically reducing neurologic morbidity by lessening the risk of stroke and damage to cranial nerves. The purpose of this study was to review our experience in the surgical management of CBTs with preoperative embolization and evaluate the outcomes and complications according to the Shamblin classification. METHODS: Thirty-two patients who had been diagnosed with and surgically treated for CBTs were enrolled from January 2005 till July 2010. All perioperative scans were evaluated by computed tomography angiography. We reviewed patient demographics, radiographic findings, and surgical outcomes collected from medical records. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients underwent surgical excision without mortality. Angiography with selective preoperative tumor embolization was performed on 21 patients. The median blood loss, operation time, and hospital stay for these patients were significantly reduced compared with those without embolization. There were no recurrences or delayed complications at the median follow-up of 20 months. CONCLUSION: Embolization as an adjunctive tool was beneficial for CBT surgery outcomes. Embolization should only be undertaken in those vessels that can be subselectively catheterized and determined not to allow free reflux of contrast medium into the internal carotid artery. Tumor embolization was performed on patients with Cook detachable coils, which are highly effective for supply artery closure if properly selected, and complications can be minimized by proper selection and positioning of the coil. Operation within 48 hours after embolization is recommended to minimize revascularization edema or a local inflammatory response.

Propofol improved neurobehavioral outcome of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats by regulating Bcl-2 and Bax expression.

Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic with neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Few studies regarding the neuroprotective and neurobehavioral effects of propofol have been conducted, and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Because I/R may result in neuronal apoptosis, the apoptosis regulatory genes B-cell leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) may be involved in the neuroprotective process. In this study, 120 Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (sham, I/R-induced, and propofol-treated). Cerebral ischemia was induced by clamping the bilateral common carotid arteries for 10min. Propofol (1.0mg/kg/min) was administered intravenously for 1h before the induction of ischemia. Neuronal damage was evaluated by neurobehavioral scores and histological examination of the brain sections at the level of the dorsal hippocampus at 6h, 24h, 48h, 72h, 4days, 5days, 6days, and 7days after I/R. The apoptotic rate of hippocampal neurons was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was evaluated using immunohistochemical and Western blot methods. The results of this study showed that neurobehavioral scores were higher in propofol-treated rats compared with I/R-induced rats with no propofol treatment. Moreover, the hippocampal expression of Bcl-2 was significantly higher, while the expression of Bax was significantly lower in propofol-treated rats compared with I/R-induced rats at 24h after ischemia. Hence, this study suggests that the neuroprotective effects of propofol against neuronal apoptosis may be a consequence of the regulation of Bcl-2 and Bax.

The experience of college students with pulmonary tuberculosis in Shaanxi, China: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among college students in Shaanxi is high. Although tuberculosis leaves much psychological and social impact on patients, little is known about its impact on college students. The objective of this study is to explore the experiences and psychological process of college students with pulmonary tuberculosis in Shaanxi, China. METHODS: 17 college students with pulmonary tuberculosis were recruited purposively from 9 colleges in Shaanxi. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data and a thematic framework analysis was used. RESULTS: The participants reported that pulmonary tuberculosis deeply influenced their mental health. They were fearful to the nature of pulmonary tuberculosis at the stage of diagnosis, anxious about the illness before the period of diagnosis and the early week of the treatment, excessive worry immediately before the first recheck. They expected an early full recovery, bored on tedious treatment life and worried about future heath and prospects during the whole treatment phase. Their daily life was also influenced, namely discontinued studies, isolation and increased financial burden. They also reported that they could get strong supports from family members, while little supports from healthcare workers and their friends. CONCLUSIONS: The participants' psychological pressure was significant during the treatment. In addition, there was serious conflict between treatment and study; social support provided for them was insufficient. Healthcare workers should provide psychological support for college students with pulmonary tuberculosis according to the psychological characteristics and offer social support through strengthening communication with them. Colleges should follow governmental policies on TB exactly and provide opportunities for the patients to continue their studies.

Ceramide induces apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells through mitogen-activated protein kinases.

AIM: To provide experimental data for further research on the signal transduction of apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cells, we examined the effects of exogenous C2-ceramide administration on several members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) superfamily and caspase-3 in A549 cells. METHODS: Cell viability and apoptosis were analyzed by cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry. Various MAPK and caspase-3 proteins were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: C2-ceramide selectively altered the phosphorylation state of members of the MAPK superfamily, causing hyperphosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)1/2 and the p38 MAPK, but not affecting the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase. SB-203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) and p38 siRNA, but not U0126 (a MEK inhibitor), partially rescued cell death induced by C2-ceramide. C2-ceramide promoted the activation of caspase-3. CONCLUSION: Exogenous C2-ceramide induced apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. The activation of MAPK and caspase-3 were involved in the mechanisms of C2-ceramide-induced apoptosis in A549 cells.

Streptococcus agalactiae CAMP factor/protein B does not bind to human IgG.

CAMP factor is an extracellular cytolytic protein produced by Streptococcus agalactiae. CAMP factor has been reported to bind the Fc fragments of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and has therefore also been called protein B, in analogy to protein A of Staphylococcus aureus. We attempted to characterize the interaction of protein B with IgG in more detail. In contrast to protein A, CAMP factor does not inhibit the activation of complement by hemolysin antibodies bound to sheep red cell surfaces. IgG also failed to inhibit the co-hemolytic activity of CAMP factor, which is in disagreement with previous findings. After co-incubation, CAMP factor and IgG were cleanly separated by gel filtration, indicating that no binding had occurred.