These two authors contributed to this work equally. SUMMARY BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection might be one of the potential risk factors for oesophageal cancer. However, the previous epidemiological findings were heterogeneous.

Our study suggests that exogenous bFGF promotes articular cartilage repair by up-regulating the levels of multiple GFs, but administration at an early stage is required.

Objectives: Using QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) for monitoring tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection treatment effect is controversial. The present study aimed to evaluate the dynamic changes of interferon gamma (IFN-g) levels along with latent TB infection treatment via a randomized controlled study. Methods: A total of 910 participants treated with 8 weeks of once-weekly rifapentine plus isoniazid (group A), 890 treated with 6 weeks of twice-weekly rifapentine plus isoniazid (group B) and 818 untreated controls (group C) were followed for 2 years to track active TB development. QFT-GIT tests were repeated three times for all groups: before treatment (T0), at completion of treatment (T1) and 3 months after completion of treatment (T2). Results: Similar rates of persistent QFT-GIT reversion were observed in groups A (19.0%, 173/910), B (18.5%, 165/890) and C (20.7%, 169/818) (p 0.512). The dynamic changes of IFN-g levels were not statistically significant among the three groups. In treated participants, individuals with higher baseline IFN-g levels showed increased TB occurrence (1.0%, 9/896) compared to those with lower baseline levels (0.2%, 2/904) (p 0.037). A similar but statistically insignificant trend was also observed in untreated controls (1.8% (7/400) vs. 0.5% (2/418), p 0.100). When TB cases were matched with non-TB cases on baseline IFN-g levels, no significant differences were found with respect to the dynamic changes in IFN-g levels with time, regardless of whether they received treatment. Conclusions: QFT-GIT reversion or decreased IFN-g levels should not be used for monitoring host response to latent TB infection treatment.

Objectives: Elderly individuals in rural China have been known to be at increased risk of contracting tuberculosis (TB) and developing active disease. This study aims to estimate the burden of mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection and to identify potential targeted subgroups for infection control. Methods: As part of the investigation of an interventional study, 50-to 70-year-old rural residents in Zhongmu County were targeted for MTB infection testing using QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT). Questionnaires and physical examinations were conducted to acquire their demographic information and health status. Results: A total of 20 486 individuals were included in the analysis. The prevalence of QFT positivity was 20.79% (4259/20 486) and 50 participants (0.24%) had indeterminate results. A positive doseeresponse relation was found for QFT positivity with smoking intensity. Compared with non-drinkers, the risk of MTB infection was lower among participants with moderate alcohol consumption (<10 g/day) with adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.82 (95% CI 0.71e0.94). In addition, gender of male, with a history of previous TB or silicosis, and hepatitis B/C virus infection were associated with increased risk of MTB infection. An indeterminate QFT result was related to being underweight (adjusted OR 3.18; 95% CI 1.09e9.26). Conclusions: Our results indicate a high burden of MTB infection among the elderly in this rural area. Smokers, individuals with a history of previous TB or silicosis, and those with hepatitis B/C virus infection should be prioritized for MTB infection control to reduce the risk of disease development from a new infection.

Baseline plasma big ET-1 levels are associated with AF recurrence after primary ablation procedure in patients with paroxysmal AF, and may be used in the prediction of AF recurrence in these patients.

Aims:  Ste15 and ste22 present in the Ebosin biosynthesis gene cluster (ste) were previously shown to function in Ebosin biosynthesis and both of the protein products are predicted to be glycosyltransferases. In this study, their biochemical activities were confirmed. Methods and Results:  ste15 and ste22 were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. With a continuous coupled spectrophotometric assay and using the purified proteins, we now demonstrated that the protein Ste15 has the ability of catalysing the transfer of glucose specifically from UDP‐glucose to an Ebosin precursor that lacks glucose, the lipid carrier located in the cytoplasmic membrane of the gene ste15 disrupt mutant Streptomyces sp. 139 (ste15−). The protein Ste22 can catalyse the transfer of rhamnose specifically from TDP‐rhamnose to an Ebosin precursor that lacks rhamnose, a lipophilic carrier in the cytoplasmic membrane of the gene ste22 disrupt mutant Streptomyces sp. 139 (ste22−). Conclusions:  The gene product of ste15 was identified to be a glucosyltransferase, and the protein encoded by ste22 was found to be a rhamnosyltransferase. Significance and Impact of the Study:  Both of two enzymes play essential roles in the formation of repeating units of sugars during Ebosin biosynthesis. These are the first glucosyltransferase and rhamnosyltransferase in the biosynthesis of a Streptomyces exopolysaccharide to be characterized.

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