Background： Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head （NONFH） is a debilitating disease that represents a significant financial burden for both individuals and healthcare systems. Despite its significance, how...Background： Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head （NONFH） is a debilitating disease that represents a significant financial burden for both individuals and healthcare systems. Despite its significance, however, its prevalence in the Chinese general population remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of NONFH and its associated risk factors in the Chinese population. Methods： A nationally representative survey of 30,030 respondents was undertaken from June 2012 to August 2013. All participants underwent a questionnaire investigation, physical examination of hip, and bilateral hip joint X-ray and/or magnetic resonance imaging exalnination. Blood samples were taken after overnight fasting to test serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein （HDL） and low-density lipoprotein （LDL） levels. We then used multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the associations between various metabolic, demographic, and lifestyle-related variables and NONFH. Results： NONFH was diagnosed in 218 subjects （0.725%） and the estimated NONFH cases were 8.12 million among Chinesepeople aged 15 years and over. The prevalence of NONFH was significantly higher in males than in females （1.02% vs. 0.51%, x^2 = 24.997, P 〈 0.001 ）. Among NONFH patients, North residents were subjected to higher prevalence of NONFH than that of South residents （0.85% vs. 0.61%,x^2= 5.847, P = 0.016）. Our multivariate regression analysis showed that high blood levels oftriglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and non-H DL-cholesterol, male, urban residence, family history of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. heavy smoking, alcohol abuse and glucocorticoid intake, overweight, and obesity were all significantly associated with an increased risk of NONFH. Conclusions： Our findings highlight that NONFH is a significantpublic health challenge in China and underscore the need for policy measures on the national level. Furthermore, NONFH shares a number of risk 展开更多
AIM: To conduct a cohort study of 101 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presenting to a tertiary care medical referral center in Germany between 1997 and 1999. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were retrospectively...AIM: To conduct a cohort study of 101 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presenting to a tertiary care medical referral center in Germany between 1997 and 1999. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were retrospectively analyzed by chart review. In 95 cases (72 males and 23 females) sufficient data were available for analysis. Twenty five (29%) of 85 patients were HBsAg or anti HBc positive, 21/85 (25%) were anti HCV positive, and 6/85 (7%) were positive for both HBV and HCV-markers. Age was significantly lower in HBV positive patients than in the other two groups. Thirty one (34%) of 90 patients had histories of alcohol abuse. In 79/94 (84%) patients, cirrhosis was diagnosed. Of these cirrhotic patients, 29/79 (37%) belonged to Child Pugh's group (CHILD) A, 32/79 (40%) to CHILD B, and 18/79 (23%) to CHILD C. AFP was elevated in 61/91 (67%) patients. A single tumor nodule was found in 38/94 (40%), more than one nodule in 31/94 (34%), and 25/94 (26%) had a diffusely infiltrating tumor, i.e. the tumor margins could not be seen on imaging procedures. Portal vein thrombosis was present in 19/94 (20%). Imaging data consistent with lymph node metastases were found in 10/92 (11%), while distant metastases were found in 8/93 (9%). According to Okuda 28/94 (30%) were grouped to stage I, 53/94 (56%) were grouped to stage II, and 13/94 (14%) were grouped to stage II. Survival data were available for 83 patients. The Kaplan-Meier estimate for median survival was 8 4 months. Factors influencing survival were the Okuda score, the presence of portal vein thrombosis, and the presence of ascites. The presence of non complicated liver cirrhosis by itself, distant metastases, or infection with hepatitis viruses did not influence survival. AFP positivity by itself did not influence survival, though patients with an AFP value greater than 100 microg/L did experience shortened survival. Treatment besides tamoxifen or supportive care was associated with prolonged survival. The influence of therapy on survival was most pronounced in Okuda展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is currently the third leading cause of cancer mortality and a common poor-prognosis malignancy due to postoperative recurrence and metastasis. There is a significant correlation betwe...Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is currently the third leading cause of cancer mortality and a common poor-prognosis malignancy due to postoperative recurrence and metastasis. There is a significant correlation between chronic hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection and hepatocarcinogenesis. As the first line of host defense against viral infections and tumors, natural killer （NK） cells express a large number of immune recognition receptors （NK receptors （NKRs）） to recognize ligands on hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, stellate cells and Kupffer cells, which maintain the balance between immune response and immune tolerance of NK cells. Unfortunately, the percentage and absolute number of liver NK cells decrease significantly during the development and progression of HCC. The abnormal expression of NK cell receptors and dysfunction of liver NK cells contribute to the progression of chronic HBV infection and HCC and are significantly associated with poor prognosis for liver cancer. In this review, we focus on the role of NK cell receptors in anti-tumor immune responses in HCC, particularly HBV-related HCC. We discuss specifically how tumor cells evade attack from NK cells and how emerging understanding of NKRs may aid the development of novel treatments for HCC. Novel mono- and combination therapeutic strategies that target the NK cell receptor-ligand system may potentially lead to successful and effective immunotherapy in HCC.展开更多
无证书公钥密码体制(certificateless public key cryptography,简称CL-PKC)是在基于身份的公钥密码体制(identity-based public key cryptography,简称ID-PKC)的基础上提出来的一种新型公钥密码体制,没有密钥托管问题、不需要使用公钥...无证书公钥密码体制(certificateless public key cryptography,简称CL-PKC)是在基于身份的公钥密码体制(identity-based public key cryptography,简称ID-PKC)的基础上提出来的一种新型公钥密码体制,没有密钥托管问题、不需要使用公钥证书,使得无证书公钥密码体制从其概念提出的初始就受到了学术界和工业界的极大关注.从2003年至今,它一直是密码学和信息安全领域非常活跃的研究热点.其理论和技术在不断地丰富和发展.到目前为止,已经积累了大量的研究成果.将对这些成果进行较为系统的整理、分析、比较和简要的评述,并探讨该领域研究尚存在的不足及值得进一步研究的问题.展开更多
Psoriasis is one of the most common immune-mediated chronic, inflammatory skin diseases characterized by hyperproliferative keratinocytes and infiltration of T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and neutrophils. Alth...Psoriasis is one of the most common immune-mediated chronic, inflammatory skin diseases characterized by hyperproliferative keratinocytes and infiltration of T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and neutrophils. Although the pathogenesis of psoriasis is not fully understood, there is ample evidence suggesting that the dysregulation of immune cells in the skin, particularly T cells, plays a critical role in psoriasis development. In this review, we mainly focus on the pathogenic T cells and discuss how these T cells are activated and involved in the disease pathogenesis. Newly identified ＇professional＇ IL-17-producing dermal γδ T cells and their potential role in psoriasis will also be included. Finally, we will briefly summarize the recent progress on the T cell and its related cytokine-targeted therapy for psoriasis treatment.展开更多
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprising hepatic steatosis,non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH),and progressive liver fibrosis is considered the most common liver disease in western countries.Fatty liver i...Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprising hepatic steatosis,non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH),and progressive liver fibrosis is considered the most common liver disease in western countries.Fatty liver is more prevalent in overweight than normal-weight people and liver fat positively correlates with hepatic insulin resistance.Hepatic steatosis is regarded as a benign stage of NAFLD but may progress to NASH in a subgroup of patients.Besides liver biopsy no diagnostic tools to identify patients with NASH are available,and no effective treatment has been established.Visceral obesity is a main risk factor for NAFLD and inappropriate storage of triglycerides in adipocytes and higher concentrations of free fatty acids may add to increased hepatic lipid storage,insulin resistance,and progressive liver damage.Most of the adipose tissue-derived proteins are elevated in obesity and may contribute to systemic inflammation and liver damage.Adiponectin is highly abundant in human serum but its levels are reduced in obesity and are even lower in patients with hepatic steatosis or NASH.Adiponectin antagonizes excess lipid storage in the liver and protects from inflammation and fibrosis.This review aims to give a short survey on NAFLD and the hepatoprotective effects of adiponectin.展开更多
A complex mucosal barrier protects as the first line of defense the surface of the healthy intestinal tract from adhesion and invasion by luminal microorganisms. In this review, we provide an overview about the major ...A complex mucosal barrier protects as the first line of defense the surface of the healthy intestinal tract from adhesion and invasion by luminal microorganisms. In this review, we provide an overview about the major components of this protective system as for example an intact epithelium, the synthesis of various antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and the formation of the mucus layer. We highlight the crucial importance of their correct functioning for the maintenance of a proper intestinal function and the prevention of dysbiosis and disease. Barrier disturbances including a defective production of AMPs, alterations in thickness or composition of the intestinal mucus layer, alterations of pattern-recognition receptors, defects in the process of autophagy as well as unresolved endoplasmic reticulum stress result in an inadequate host protection and are thought to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory bowel diseases Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.展开更多
The gut microbiota is a complex and plastic consortium of microorganisms that are intricately connected with human physiology.The liver is a central immunological organ that is particularly enriched in innate immune c...The gut microbiota is a complex and plastic consortium of microorganisms that are intricately connected with human physiology.The liver is a central immunological organ that is particularly enriched in innate immune cells and constantly exposed to circulating nutrients and endotoxins derived from the gut microbiota.The delicate interaction between the gut and liver prevents accidental immune activation against otherwise harmless antigens.Work on the interplay between the gut microbiota and liver has assisted in understanding the pathophysiology of various liver diseases.Of immense importance is the step from high-throughput sequencing(correlation)to mechanistic studies(causality)and therapeutic intervention.Here,we review the gut microbiota,liver immunology,and the interaction between the gut and liver.In addition,the impairment in the gut-liver axis found in various liver diseases is reviewed here,with an emphasis on alcohol-associated liver disease(ALD),nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),and autoimmune liver disease(AILD).On the basis of growing evidence from these preclinical studies,we propose that the gut-liver axis paves the way for targeted therapeutic modalities for liver diseases.展开更多
Objective To summarize the recent findings on the epidemiology of medically important, opportunistic invasive fungal infections （IFIs） in China and discuss the relevant social, economical reasons and medical factors...Objective To summarize the recent findings on the epidemiology of medically important, opportunistic invasive fungal infections （IFIs） in China and discuss the relevant social, economical reasons and medical factors. Data sources We performed a comprehensive search of both English and Chinese literatures of opportunistic IFIs from China up to April 2012. Study selection Relevant literatures involving researches and cases/case sedes were identified, retrieved and reviewed. Results The incidence of opportunistic IFIs in China was steadily increasing. The incidence and mortality of IFIs were different in patients with various underlying conditions/diseases, from 4.12% to 41.18% and 9.8% to 60.0%, respectively. Candida species, Aspergillus species and Cryptococcus neoformans species complex were the most frequent isolated pathogens. Other uncommon opportunistic IFIs were also been reported, including trichosporonosis, mucormycosis, hyalohyphomycosis （hyaline hyphomycetes） and phaeohyphomycosis （dematiaceous hyphomycetes）. Reports of Chinese patients differed from those of many other countries as there were a higher number of patients without identifiable underlying diseases/conditions. Conclusions Because of the rapid economic development, changing population structure and a growing number of immunocompromised hosts with risk factors, today opportunistic IFIs in China have a significant impact on public health, associated with high morbidity/mortality and higher care costs. Now information related to the epidemiology of opportunistic IFIs in China is still sparse, so we need more organized groups of clinical scientists performing related researches to help the clinicians to obtain more accurate epidemiological characteristics.展开更多
基金supported by Coal-based Key Scientific and Technological Project of Shanxi Province (MJ2014-11)International Scientific and Technological Cooperation of Shanxi Province (2015081017)
文摘Background： Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head （NONFH） is a debilitating disease that represents a significant financial burden for both individuals and healthcare systems. Despite its significance, however, its prevalence in the Chinese general population remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of NONFH and its associated risk factors in the Chinese population. Methods： A nationally representative survey of 30,030 respondents was undertaken from June 2012 to August 2013. All participants underwent a questionnaire investigation, physical examination of hip, and bilateral hip joint X-ray and/or magnetic resonance imaging exalnination. Blood samples were taken after overnight fasting to test serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein （HDL） and low-density lipoprotein （LDL） levels. We then used multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the associations between various metabolic, demographic, and lifestyle-related variables and NONFH. Results： NONFH was diagnosed in 218 subjects （0.725%） and the estimated NONFH cases were 8.12 million among Chinesepeople aged 15 years and over. The prevalence of NONFH was significantly higher in males than in females （1.02% vs. 0.51%, x^2 = 24.997, P 〈 0.001 ）. Among NONFH patients, North residents were subjected to higher prevalence of NONFH than that of South residents （0.85% vs. 0.61%,x^2= 5.847, P = 0.016）. Our multivariate regression analysis showed that high blood levels oftriglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and non-H DL-cholesterol, male, urban residence, family history of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. heavy smoking, alcohol abuse and glucocorticoid intake, overweight, and obesity were all significantly associated with an increased risk of NONFH. Conclusions： Our findings highlight that NONFH is a significantpublic health challenge in China and underscore the need for policy measures on the national level. Furthermore, NONFH shares a number of risk
基金This research Was supported by a grant from Bonfor(O-107.0022)to C. Rabe
文摘AIM: To conduct a cohort study of 101 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presenting to a tertiary care medical referral center in Germany between 1997 and 1999. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were retrospectively analyzed by chart review. In 95 cases (72 males and 23 females) sufficient data were available for analysis. Twenty five (29%) of 85 patients were HBsAg or anti HBc positive, 21/85 (25%) were anti HCV positive, and 6/85 (7%) were positive for both HBV and HCV-markers. Age was significantly lower in HBV positive patients than in the other two groups. Thirty one (34%) of 90 patients had histories of alcohol abuse. In 79/94 (84%) patients, cirrhosis was diagnosed. Of these cirrhotic patients, 29/79 (37%) belonged to Child Pugh's group (CHILD) A, 32/79 (40%) to CHILD B, and 18/79 (23%) to CHILD C. AFP was elevated in 61/91 (67%) patients. A single tumor nodule was found in 38/94 (40%), more than one nodule in 31/94 (34%), and 25/94 (26%) had a diffusely infiltrating tumor, i.e. the tumor margins could not be seen on imaging procedures. Portal vein thrombosis was present in 19/94 (20%). Imaging data consistent with lymph node metastases were found in 10/92 (11%), while distant metastases were found in 8/93 (9%). According to Okuda 28/94 (30%) were grouped to stage I, 53/94 (56%) were grouped to stage II, and 13/94 (14%) were grouped to stage II. Survival data were available for 83 patients. The Kaplan-Meier estimate for median survival was 8 4 months. Factors influencing survival were the Okuda score, the presence of portal vein thrombosis, and the presence of ascites. The presence of non complicated liver cirrhosis by itself, distant metastases, or infection with hepatitis viruses did not influence survival. AFP positivity by itself did not influence survival, though patients with an AFP value greater than 100 microg/L did experience shortened survival. Treatment besides tamoxifen or supportive care was associated with prolonged survival. The influence of therapy on survival was most pronounced in Okuda
基金This work was supported by grants from the Chinese Government Department of Science ＆ Technology of China （2012ZX10002006 2012ZX 10002014+4 种基金 2013 ZX 10002002 2012AA020901 2010CB911901 2013CB944901） and the Natural Science Foundation of China （81273220 81472646）.
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is currently the third leading cause of cancer mortality and a common poor-prognosis malignancy due to postoperative recurrence and metastasis. There is a significant correlation between chronic hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection and hepatocarcinogenesis. As the first line of host defense against viral infections and tumors, natural killer （NK） cells express a large number of immune recognition receptors （NK receptors （NKRs）） to recognize ligands on hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, stellate cells and Kupffer cells, which maintain the balance between immune response and immune tolerance of NK cells. Unfortunately, the percentage and absolute number of liver NK cells decrease significantly during the development and progression of HCC. The abnormal expression of NK cell receptors and dysfunction of liver NK cells contribute to the progression of chronic HBV infection and HCC and are significantly associated with poor prognosis for liver cancer. In this review, we focus on the role of NK cell receptors in anti-tumor immune responses in HCC, particularly HBV-related HCC. We discuss specifically how tumor cells evade attack from NK cells and how emerging understanding of NKRs may aid the development of novel treatments for HCC. Novel mono- and combination therapeutic strategies that target the NK cell receptor-ligand system may potentially lead to successful and effective immunotherapy in HCC.
文摘无证书公钥密码体制(certificateless public key cryptography,简称CL-PKC)是在基于身份的公钥密码体制(identity-based public key cryptography,简称ID-PKC)的基础上提出来的一种新型公钥密码体制,没有密钥托管问题、不需要使用公钥证书,使得无证书公钥密码体制从其概念提出的初始就受到了学术界和工业界的极大关注.从2003年至今,它一直是密码学和信息安全领域非常活跃的研究热点.其理论和技术在不断地丰富和发展.到目前为止,已经积累了大量的研究成果.将对这些成果进行较为系统的整理、分析、比较和简要的评述,并探讨该领域研究尚存在的不足及值得进一步研究的问题.
文摘Psoriasis is one of the most common immune-mediated chronic, inflammatory skin diseases characterized by hyperproliferative keratinocytes and infiltration of T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and neutrophils. Although the pathogenesis of psoriasis is not fully understood, there is ample evidence suggesting that the dysregulation of immune cells in the skin, particularly T cells, plays a critical role in psoriasis development. In this review, we mainly focus on the pathogenic T cells and discuss how these T cells are activated and involved in the disease pathogenesis. Newly identified ＇professional＇ IL-17-producing dermal γδ T cells and their potential role in psoriasis will also be included. Finally, we will briefly summarize the recent progress on the T cell and its related cytokine-targeted therapy for psoriasis treatment.
基金Supported by The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Regensburg (ReForM C)The Deutsche Forschungsgemein-schaft
文摘Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprising hepatic steatosis,non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH),and progressive liver fibrosis is considered the most common liver disease in western countries.Fatty liver is more prevalent in overweight than normal-weight people and liver fat positively correlates with hepatic insulin resistance.Hepatic steatosis is regarded as a benign stage of NAFLD but may progress to NASH in a subgroup of patients.Besides liver biopsy no diagnostic tools to identify patients with NASH are available,and no effective treatment has been established.Visceral obesity is a main risk factor for NAFLD and inappropriate storage of triglycerides in adipocytes and higher concentrations of free fatty acids may add to increased hepatic lipid storage,insulin resistance,and progressive liver damage.Most of the adipose tissue-derived proteins are elevated in obesity and may contribute to systemic inflammation and liver damage.Adiponectin is highly abundant in human serum but its levels are reduced in obesity and are even lower in patients with hepatic steatosis or NASH.Adiponectin antagonizes excess lipid storage in the liver and protects from inflammation and fibrosis.This review aims to give a short survey on NAFLD and the hepatoprotective effects of adiponectin.
基金Supported by Robert Bosch Foundation,Stuttgart,Germany
文摘A complex mucosal barrier protects as the first line of defense the surface of the healthy intestinal tract from adhesion and invasion by luminal microorganisms. In this review, we provide an overview about the major components of this protective system as for example an intact epithelium, the synthesis of various antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and the formation of the mucus layer. We highlight the crucial importance of their correct functioning for the maintenance of a proper intestinal function and the prevention of dysbiosis and disease. Barrier disturbances including a defective production of AMPs, alterations in thickness or composition of the intestinal mucus layer, alterations of pattern-recognition receptors, defects in the process of autophagy as well as unresolved endoplasmic reticulum stress result in an inadequate host protection and are thought to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory bowel diseases Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grants#81830016,81771732,and 81620108002 to X.M.,#81922010 and 81873561 to R.T.)supported in part by services provided by the NIH centers P30 DK120515 and P50 AA011999+1 种基金supported by the excellence initiative VASCage(Centre for Promoting Vascular Health in the Ageing Community)R8fD K-Centre(COMET program-Competence Centers for Excellent Technologies)funded by the Austrian Ministry for Transport,Innovation and Technology,the Austrian Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs and the federal states Tyrol,Salzburg and Vienna.
文摘The gut microbiota is a complex and plastic consortium of microorganisms that are intricately connected with human physiology.The liver is a central immunological organ that is particularly enriched in innate immune cells and constantly exposed to circulating nutrients and endotoxins derived from the gut microbiota.The delicate interaction between the gut and liver prevents accidental immune activation against otherwise harmless antigens.Work on the interplay between the gut microbiota and liver has assisted in understanding the pathophysiology of various liver diseases.Of immense importance is the step from high-throughput sequencing(correlation)to mechanistic studies(causality)and therapeutic intervention.Here,we review the gut microbiota,liver immunology,and the interaction between the gut and liver.In addition,the impairment in the gut-liver axis found in various liver diseases is reviewed here,with an emphasis on alcohol-associated liver disease(ALD),nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),and autoimmune liver disease(AILD).On the basis of growing evidence from these preclinical studies,we propose that the gut-liver axis paves the way for targeted therapeutic modalities for liver diseases.
基金This study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 31050014） and Academicion Consulting Projects from Chinese Academy of Engineering （No. 2012xy22）.
文摘Objective To summarize the recent findings on the epidemiology of medically important, opportunistic invasive fungal infections （IFIs） in China and discuss the relevant social, economical reasons and medical factors. Data sources We performed a comprehensive search of both English and Chinese literatures of opportunistic IFIs from China up to April 2012. Study selection Relevant literatures involving researches and cases/case sedes were identified, retrieved and reviewed. Results The incidence of opportunistic IFIs in China was steadily increasing. The incidence and mortality of IFIs were different in patients with various underlying conditions/diseases, from 4.12% to 41.18% and 9.8% to 60.0%, respectively. Candida species, Aspergillus species and Cryptococcus neoformans species complex were the most frequent isolated pathogens. Other uncommon opportunistic IFIs were also been reported, including trichosporonosis, mucormycosis, hyalohyphomycosis （hyaline hyphomycetes） and phaeohyphomycosis （dematiaceous hyphomycetes）. Reports of Chinese patients differed from those of many other countries as there were a higher number of patients without identifiable underlying diseases/conditions. Conclusions Because of the rapid economic development, changing population structure and a growing number of immunocompromised hosts with risk factors, today opportunistic IFIs in China have a significant impact on public health, associated with high morbidity/mortality and higher care costs. Now information related to the epidemiology of opportunistic IFIs in China is still sparse, so we need more organized groups of clinical scientists performing related researches to help the clinicians to obtain more accurate epidemiological characteristics.
