生和死的瞬间——《达洛卫夫人》的另一种解读

弗吉尼亚·伍尔夫认为传统文学过于注重物质生活的描绘 ,而不能反映生活的真实 ,传达个体在世生命的价值与意义。作者凭借娴熟的意识流技巧 ,通过人物对“生”与“死”瞬间的顿悟 ,揭示生活的本质与真谛 ,诠释生命的意义 。

Study on Mechanization Hybrid Rice Seed Production Technology and Combine Breeding Advances

[Objectives]Current hybrid rice seed production mechanization and a new kind of hybrid rice seed production mechanization using Bentazone sensitive lethal genes for mechanized seed production technology are introduced in this paper.[Method]Sensitive Restorer Bentazone lethal dose of filtering,parental and seed weight are bred combinations of several aspects of the system described,and presented mechanized seed technology new research directions.[Results]The method of using Bentazone sensitive lethal genes for mechanized seed production technology is feasible,economic,seed production and combination advantages.[Conclusions] Using Bentazone sensitive lethal genes for mechanized seed production technology is the new study direction of mechanic production.

Development of RAPD Markers and SCAR Markers Linked to Bentazon Susceptible Lethality Gene in Rice

Rice cultivar Norin 8 and its mutant Norin 8m harbour bentazon resistance trait and bentazon susceptibility trait respectively. A total of 360 arbitrary 10-mer oligonucleotide primers were screened on the genomic DNA of Norin 8 and Norin 8m with RAPD technique. Among which, five primers produced seven polymorphic RAPD bands between Norin 8 and Norin 8m. Amplified RAPD polymorphic products were cloned and sequenced. The sequences were used to design primers for PCR. Five SCAR markers, SCAR/G18/883, SCAR/G18/890, SCAR/G18/919/948, SCAR/D10/1237 and SCAR/F03/1186, were developed from OPG18/943, OPG18/972, OPD10/1248 and OPF03/1198. F-2 progeny of 320 individuals was analyzed to map SCAR markers in relationship to ben or Ben genes. SCAR markers of SCAR/G18/883, SCAR/G18/890, SCAR/G18/919/948 were shown to cosegregate with ben or Ben genes, and SCAR/D10/1237 to be linked of Ben gene with a distance of (14.8 +/- 2.1) cM. The genetic linkage to ben gene and SCAR markers was identified by a pair of near isogenic lines H121 and Hben121. Southern blotting analysis and segregation ratio of F-2 progeny revealed that OPG18/943 and OPG18/972 were single-copy in genome, and locus of OPG18/943 and OPG18/972 were allelic and sequence tagged sites. It is the first report on molecular markers linked to ben or Ben genes. The markers are useful to marker-assisted selection for the breeding and tag ben gene with map-based cloning.

Pinacidil reduces neuronal apoptosis following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats through both mitochondrial and death-receptor signal pathways

Objective To investigate effect of pinacidil, an ATP sensitive potassium channel （KATP） opener, on the neuronal apoptosis and its signaling transduction mechanism following focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats. Methods One hundred male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups： A, sham-operated group; B, ischemia-reperfusion group; C, KATe opener treatment group; and D, KATe opener and blocker treatment group. The middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） model was established by using the intraluminal suture occlusion method, neuronal apoptosis was determined by TUNEL staining, and expressions of caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3 mRNA were detected by in situ hybridization. Results （1） The numbers of apoptotic neurons at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h were significantly less in group C than in groups B and D （P 〈 0.01 or P 〈 0.05）; and there was no difference between groups B and D at all time points （P 〉 0.05）. （2） The expressions of caspase-3 mRNA and caspase-8 mRNA at all times and the expressions of caspase-9 mRNA at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h were significantly lower in group C than in groups B and D （P 〈 0.01 or P 〈 0.05）; and there were no differences between groups B and D at all time points （P 〉 0.05）. Conclusions KATP opener can significantly decrease the neuronal apoptosis and the expressions of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 mRNAs following cerebral ischemiareperfusion. The neuronal apoptosis may be decreased by the inhibition of both mitochondrial and death-receptor signal pathways.

Severe acute pancreatitis: Pathogenetic aspects and prognostic factors

Approximately 20% of patients with acute pancreatitis develop a severe disease associated with complications and high risk of mortality. The purpose of this study is to review pathogenesis and prognostic factors of severe acute pancreatitis （SAP）. An extensive medline search was undertaken with focusing on pathogenesis, complications and prognostic evaluation of SAP. Cytokines and other inflammatory markers play a major role in the pathogenesis and course of SAP and can be used as prognostic markers in its early phase. Other markers such as simple prognostic scores have been found to be as e^ective as multifactorial scoring systems （MFSS） at 48 h with the advantage of simplicity, efficacy, low cost, accuracy and early prediction of SAP. Recently, several laboratory markers including hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen （BUN）, creatinine, matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9） and serum amyloid A （SAA） have been used as early predictors of severity within the first 24 h. The last few years have witnessed a tremendous progress in understanding the pathogenesis and predicting the outcome of SAP. In this review we classified the prognostic markers into predictors of severity, pancreatic necrosis （PN）, infected PN （IPN） and mortality.

Analysis of the delayed approach to the management of infected pancreatic necrosis

AIM: To analyze outcomes of delayed single-stage necrosectomy after early conservative management of patients with infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) associated with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: Between January 1998 and December 2009, data from patients with SAP who developed IPN and were managed by pancreatic necrosectomy were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-nine of 61 pancreatic necrosectomies were performed by open surgery and 2 laparoscopically. In 55 patients, single-stage necrosectomy could be performed (90.2%). Patients underwent surgery at a median of 29 d (range 13-46 d) after diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Sepsis and multiple organ failure accounted for the 9.8% mortality rate. Pancreatic fistulae (50.8%) predominantly accounted for the morbidity. The median hospital stay was 23 d, and the median interval for return to regular activities was 110 d.CONCLUSION: This series supports the concept of delayed single-stage open pancreatic necrosectomy for IPN. Advances in critical care, antibiotics and interventional radiology have played complementary role in improving the outcomes.

Infected pancreatic necrosis: Not necessarily a late event in acute pancreatitis

It is widely believed that infection of pancreatic necrosis is a late event in the natural course of acute pancreatitis. This paper discusses the available data on the timing of pancreatic infection. It appears that infected pancreatic necrosis occurs early in almost a quarter of patients. This has practical implications for the type, timing and duration of preventive strategies used in these patients. There are also implications for the classification of severity in patients with acute pancreatitis. Given that the main determinants of severity are both local and systemic complications and that they can occur both early and late in the course of acute pancreatitis, the classification of severity should be based on their presence or absence rather than on when they occur. To do otherwise, and in particular overlook early infected pancreatic necrosis, may lead to a misclassification error and fallacies of clinical studies in patients with acute pancreatitis.

Malignancy and mortality in a population-based cohort of patients with coeliac disease or ‘gluten sensitivity’

AIM: To determine the risk of malignancy and mortality in patients with a positive endomysial or anti-gliadin an- tibody test in Northern Ireland. METHODS: A population-based retrospective cohort study design was used. Laboratory test results used in the diagnosis of coeliac disease were obtained from the Regional Immunology Laboratory, cancer statistics from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry and mortal- ity statistics from the General Registrar Office, Northern Ireland. Age standardized incidence ratios of malignant neoplasms and standardized mortality ratios of all-cause and cause-specific mortality were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 13 338 people had an endomysial antibody and/or an anti-gliadin antibody test in Northern Ireland between 1993 and 1996. There were 490 pa- tients who tested positive for endomysial antibodies and they were assumed to have coeliac disease. There were 1133 patients who tested positive for anti-gliadin anti- bodies and they were defined as gluten sensitive. Ma- lignant neoplasms were not significantly associated with coeliac disease; however, all-cause mortality was signifi- cantly increased following diagnosis. The standardized incidence and mortality ratios for non-Hodgkin’s lym- phoma were increased in coeliac disease patients but did not reach statistical significance. Lung and breast cancer incidence were significantly lower and all-cause mortal-ity, mortality from malignant neoplasms, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and digestive system disorders were signifi- cantly higher in gluten sensitive patients compared to the Northern Ireland population. CONCLUSION: Patients with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity had higher mortality rates than the Northern Ireland population. This association persists more than one year after diagnosis in patients testing positive for anti-gliadin antibodies. Breast cancer is significantly re- duced in the cohort of patients with gluten sensitivity.

Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 1 and immunity to hepatitis B virus

AIM: To compare the gene expression profile in a pair of HBV-infected twins.METHODS: The gene expression profile was compared in a pair of HBV-infected twins.RESULTS: The twins displayed different disease outcomes. One acquired natural immunity against HBV,whereas the other became a chronic HBV carrier. Eightyeight and forty-six genes were found to be up- or downregulated in their PBMCs, respectively. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 1 (TNF-αIP1) that expressed at a higher level in the HBV-immune twins was identified and four pairs of siblings with HBV immunity by RTPCR. However, upon HBV core antigen stimulation,TNF-αIP1 was downregulated in PBMCs from subjects with immunity, whereas it was slightly upregulated in HBV carriers. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a K+channel tetramerization domain in TNF-αIP1 that shares a significant homology with some human, mouse, and C elegan proteins.CONCLUSION: TNF-αIP1 may play a role in the innate immunity against HBV.

Presepsin teardown- pitfalls of biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of bacterial infection in cirrhosis

AIM To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of presepsin in cirrhosis-associated bacterial infections. METHODS Two hundred and sixteen patients with cirrhosis were enrolled. At admission, the presence of bacterial infections and level of plasma presepsin, serum C-reactive protein(CRP) and procalcitonin(PCT) were evaluated. Patients were followed for three months to assess the possible association between presepsin level and short-term mortality.RESULTS Present 34.7 of patients had bacterial infection. Presepsin levels were significantly higher in patients with infection than without(median, 1002 pg/m L vs 477 pg/m L, P < 0.001), increasing with the severity of infection [organ failure(OF): Yes vs No, 2358 pg/m L vs 710 pg/m L, P < 0.001]. Diagnostic accuracy of presepsin for severe infections was similar to PCT and superior to CRP(AUC-ROC: 0.85, 0.85 and 0.66, respectively, P = NS for presepsin vs PCT and P < 0.01 for presepsin vs CRP). At the optimal cut-off value of presepsin > 1206 pg/m L sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values and negative predictive values were as follows: 87.5%, 74.5%, 61.8% and 92.7%. The accuracy of presepsin, however, decreased in advanced stage of the disease or in the presence of renal failure, most probably because of the significantly elevated presepsin levels in non-infected patients. 28-d mortality rate was higher among patients with > 1277 pg/m L compared to those with ≤ 1277 pg/m L(46.9% vs 11.6%, P < 0.001). In a binary logistic regression analysis, however, only PCT(OR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.09-3.01, P = 0.022) but neither presepsin nor CRP were independent risk factor for 28-d mortality after adjusting with MELD score and leukocyte count.CONCLUSION Presepsin is a valuable new biomarker for defining severe infections in cirrhosis, proving same efficacy as PCT. However, it is not a useful marker of short-term mortality.

Resistance of Seven Biscuit Types to Infestation by Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Seven biscuit types namely, Okin, Digestive, Cabin, Peanut, Cream crackers, Hobnobs and Glucose and wheat flour were screened for their resistance to Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) at ambient temperature of 28±2 ℃ and 78±2% relative humidity in the laboratory. 50 g of each biscuit sample were infested with four female and two male adult beetles and left for 15 days then remove for a resistant experiment and 70 days for a mortality experiment. Each treatment and the control without beetles were replicated three times. Results showed that there was significant difference (P<0.05) in the mortality rate of T. castaneum in the biscuit types and wheat flour samples, while there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the weight loss of biscuit types. The highest adult mortality of beetles (100%) was obtained from Peanut biscuits at 28 days after infestation while there was only 5.5% adult mortality in wheat flour at 70 days after infestation. The susceptibility index was 0 for all the biscuit types since there was no adult emergence indicating that they were resistant to T. castaneum infestation. Resistance in the biscuit types could be due to chemical additives (e.g. sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate) used in the production of biscuits, which may have inhibitory effect on the development of T. castaneum and also the low moisture content of the biscuits. Packages that can easily be perforated or damaged to allow absorption of moisture from the environment should not be used in packing biscuits.

Present and future of prophylactic antibiotics for severe acute pancreatitis

AIM: To investigate the role of prophylactic antibiotics in the reduction of mortality of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) patients, which is highly questioned by more and more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and metaanalyses. METHODS: An updated meta-analysis was performed. RCTs comparing prophylactic antibiotics for SAP with control or placebo were included for meta-analysis. The mortality outcomes were pooled for estimation, and re-pooled estimation was performed by the sensitivity analysis of an ideal large-scale RCT. RESULTS: Currently available 11 RCTs were included. Subgroup analysis showed that there was significant reduction of mortality rate in the period before 2000, while no significant reduction in the period from 2000 [Risk Ratio, (RR ) = 1.01, P = 0.98]. Funnel plot indi-cated that there might be apparent publication bias in the period before 2000. Sensitivity analysis showed that the RR of mortality rate ranged from 0.77 to 1.00 with a relatively narrow confidence interval (P < 0.05). However, the number needed to treat having a minor lower limit of the range (7-5096 patients) implied that certain SAP patients could still potentially prevent death by antibiotic prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: Current evidences do not support prophylactic antibiotics as a routine treatment for SAP, but the potentially benefited sub-population requires further investigations.

Compensation of Dead-Time Effect of Speed Sensorless Vector Control System

The key of speed sensorless vector control system lies in the accurate orientation of magnetic field. In some field-oriented algorithms, the integrator of observers and the dead-time effect bring in system errors during the estimation of field position. In this paper, a saturated feedback integrator is used, and the dead-time effect is compen- sated by current positive feedback. Experiments were carried out on the hardware platform of MCK2407, with chip TMS320LF2407 from TI Company. The results show that the prooosed method is simole and effective, and the accuracy of field position is improved.

Kinetics of Infection-Driven Growth Model with Birth and Death

We propose a two-species infection model, in which an infected aggregate can gain one monomer from a healthy one due to infection when they meet together. Moreover, both the healthy and infected aggregates may lose one monomer because of self-death, but a healthy aggregate can spontaneously yield a new monomer. Consider a simple system in which the birth/death rates are directly proportional to the aggregate size, namely, the birth and death rates of the healthy aggregate of size k are J1 k and J2k while the self-death rate of the infected aggregate of size k is J3k. We then investigate the kinetics of such a system by means of rate equation approach. For the J1 〉 J2 case, the aggregate size distribution of either species approaches the generalized scaling form and the typical size of either species increases wavily at large times. For the J1 = J2 case, the size distribution of healthy aggregates approaches the generalized scaling form while that of infected aggregates satisfies the modified scaling form. For the J1 〈 J2 case, the size distribution of healthy aggregates satisfies the modified scaling form, but that of infected aggregates does not scale.

Sex-Related Larval Susceptibility of Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella （Lepidoptera：Plutellidae） to some Reduced-Risk Insecticides

Five reduced-risk insecticides were compared for their toxicities to male and female third instar larvae of diamondback moth （DBM）, Plutella xylostella L. （Lepidoptera：Plutellidae） obtained from a laboratory colony. Leaf-dip bioassays were used to assess larval mortality at different insecticides rates （ranging from 0.01 mg AI/L to 100 mg A1/L） and exposure times （24, 48 and 72 h after treatment）. Toxicity of the insecticides generally increased with rate and exposure time. At 72 h after treatment, median lethal concentrations （LCs0s） of methoxyfenozide, spinosad, novaluron, indoxacarb and Bacillus thuringiensis （Bt） against the male third instar larvae of P, xylostella were 0.0524, 0.1117, 0.9149, 1.1939 and 4.4983 mg AI/L, respectively, and were 0.1008, 0.2583, 1.0649, 0.2850 and 5.3053 mg AI/L against female third instar larvae, respectively. At 0.1% of the approximate recommended field rates, methoxyfenozide （60%-75%） and spinosad （53%-57%） were the most toxic, while Bt （30%-45% mortality） was the least toxic to male and female P. xylostella larvae. Spinosad was the fastest acting and the only insecticide that caused significant larval mortality （17%） at 24 h after exposure. Significant sexual differences were recorded in the susceptibility of P. xylostella larvae to two of the insecticides： spinosad and indoxacarb. Male larvae were two-fold more susceptible to spinosad but 10-fold more tolerant to indoxacarb than female larvae.

Effects of Supplementation of Dries Bio-Floc as Immuno-Stimulants on Survival Rate of Tilapia Infected with Flavobacterium columnare, VETSV01

Objective： The aim of the research was to investigate efficacy of dried bio-floc supplemented with immuno-stimulants as beta-glucan and nucleotide on mortality rate and relative percent survival （RPS） of tilapia infected with Flavobacterium columnare, VETSV01. Materials and Methods： A research was performed in 1-inch long tilapia stimulated its immunity by infection with Flavobacterium columnare, VETSV01. Pathogenesis of 0.2 mL Flavobacterium columnare, VETSV01 in the range of 10^2-10^8 mL-1 fish^-1 was injected into its intraperitoneal injection and intramuscular injection and suitable concentrations were screened to obtain for further experiment in a late restage. Based on data of minimal concentration, 50% mortality rate was caused and it was found the concentration of 108 mL^-1 fish^-1 caused 100% mortality rate and no lethal rate was found in other concentrations. Afterwards, efficacy of bio-floc sediment on survival rate of Tilapia infected with Flavobacterium columnare, VETSV01 was examined. Completely randomized design was employed and experiments were divided into 4 treatment： （1） contxol-commercial feed only, （2） commercial feed attached with dried bio-floc, （3） commercial feed attached with bio-floc and beta-glucan and （4） commercial feed attached with bio-floc and nucleotide. Experiment design was performed as 3 replicates with 10 fishes/replicates in 24 inch glass aquarium. Analysis of difference was performed and determination of mean differences of mortality rate mad relative percent survival was done through Duncan＇s Multiple Range Test （p 〈 0.05）. Results and Discussions： It was demonstrated feeding tilapia with commercial feed in combination with dried bio-floc with or without supplementation of 2 immuno-stimulants could lead to 100% survival rate and 100% relative percent survival rate and it was statistically significant different （p 〈 0.05） compared to control group. Bio-floc product supplemented with beta glucan or nucleotide could effectively stimulate immunity against Flavobacterium columnare, VETSV01 and such high effective performance is viewed as a promising potential product to be further developed and practically employed for sake of aquaculture industry in the near future.

Experience with the surgical treatment of patients with both esophageal carcinoma and bullous emphysema

Objective： We aimed to investigate the security and feasibility of the simultaneous surgery for patients with both esophageal carcinoma and bullous emphysema. Methods： We described simultaneous surgery performed on 49 cases with both esophaoeal carcinoma and buUous emphysema, accounting for 2.5% of all esophagectomy patients from January 2000 to January 2003. Radical resection of upper and mid-thoracic esophageal cancer was performed in 31 cases, including three approaches from the right chest, left neck and midsection. Thirty-six patients were underwent cervical anastomosis and 13 cases were operated by intrathoracic anastomosis. Results： No perioperative period death occurred. And postoperative com- plications were as follows： cervical anastomotic leakage in 9 cases, lung infection in 11 cases, pulmonary air leak in 13 cases （2 cases lasted for 4 weeks）, recurrent laryngeal nerve damage in 4 cases, supraventricular tachycardia in 4 cases. Patients all recovered and left the hospital with average hospitalization time of 17.5 days. Conclusion： Patients with both esophageal carcinoma and bullous can perform the esophageal carcinoma resection and lung volume reduction surgery （LVRS） simulta- neously. It will not increase the mortality rate and show the feasibility and safety in patients.

Extra-pancreatic complications,especially hemodialysis predict mortality and length of stay,in ICU patients admitted with acute pancreatitis

Background and aims:Patients in the intensive care unit(ICU)with acute pancreatitis(AP)are at risk for extra-pancreatic complications given their severe illness and prolonged length of stay.We sought to determine the rate of extra-pancreatic complications and its effect on length of stay(LOS)and mortality in ICU patients with AP.Methods:We performed a retrospective cohort study of ICU patients admitted to a tertiary-care center with a diagnosis of AP.A total of 287 ICU patients had a discharge diagnosis of AP,of which 163 met inclusion criteria.We calculated incidence rates of extra-pancreatic complications and performed a univariate and multi-variable analysis to determine predictors of LOS and mortality.Results:There were a total of 158 extra-pancreatic complications(0.97 extra-pancreatic complications per patient).Ninetyfive patients had at least one extra-pancreatic complication,whereas 68 patients had no extra-pancreatic complications.Patients with extra-pancreatic complications had a significantly longer LOS(14.7 vs 8.8 days,p<0.01)when controlling for local pancreatic complications.Patients with non-infectious extra-pancreatic complications had a higher rate of mortality(24.0%vs 16.2%,p=0.04).Patients requiring dialysis was an independent predictor for LOS and mortality(incidence risk ratio[IRR]1.73,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.263–2.378 and IRR 1.50,95%CI 1.623–6.843,p<0.01)on multi-variable analysis.Coronary events were also a predictor for mortality(p=0.05).Other extra-pancreatic complications were not significant.Conclusions:Extra-pancreatic complications occur frequently in ICU patients with AP and impact LOS.Patients with noninfectious extra-pancreatic complications have a higher mortality rate.After controlling for local pancreatic complications,patients requiring dialysis remained an independent predictor for LOS and mortality.

Risk factors of mortality in nosocomial infected traumatic patients in a trauma referral center in south of Iran

Purpose： Trauma-related injuries are the leading cause of death worldwide. Some risk factors make trau- matic patients susceptible to infection. Furthermore, some mortality risk factors, including length of hos- pitalization and increasing age, were detected in non-traumatic infected patients. This study aimed to assess mortality risk factors among nosocomial infected traumatic patients in Rajaee trauma center, Shiraz, Iran. Methods： This prospective cohort study was conducted during a period of 2 years since April 2015 to March 2017 in Rajaee hospital, which is the center of emergency medical services for traumatic injuries in Shiraz, Iran. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Healthcare Safety Network surveil- lance system criteria were applied to define 5 types of nosocomial infections. The variables analyzed as the risk factors of infection and mortality included sex, age, mechanism of injury, site of injury, injury severity score （ISS）, surgical intervention, length of hospitalization, intensive care unit （ICU） admission, and type of pathogen. Then, the incidence of nosocomial infection and also risk factors of mortality in traumatic patients were evaluated. All data analyses were performed using the statistical package for social sciences, version 15 （SPSS Inc., Chicago） and p 〈 0.05 is considered to be statistically significant. Results： The incidence of nosocomial infection was 7.2% （p 〈 0.001）. Pneumonia was the most common type of infection detected in our study. Infection led to a 7.8-fold increase in mortality of the traumatic patients （p 〈 O.001 ）. Admission in intensive care units and old age were the main risk factors of mortality in infected traumatic patients. Old age, gunshot and motor vehicle accidents, trauma to extremities and abdomen, higher injury severity score, and prolonged hospitalization, made the traumatic patients more susceptible to infection.

pORF5 plasmid protein of Chlamydia trachomatis induces MAPK-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokines via TLR2 activation in THP-1 cells

Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis induces inflammatory pathologies in the urogenital tract that can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Pathogenesis of infection has been mostly attributed to excessive cytokine production. However, precise mechanisms on how C. trachomatis triggers this production, and which protein（s） stimulate inflammatory cytokines remains unknown. In the present study, the C. trachomatis pORF5 protein induced tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-a）, interleukin-1 beta （IL-1β） and interleukin-8 （IL-8） in dose and time-dependent manners in the THP-1 human monocyte cell line. We found that intracellular p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） and extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK）/MAPK signaling pathways were required for the induction of TNF- a, IL-1β and IL-8. Blockade of toll-like receptor 2 （TLR2） signaling reduced induction levels of TNF-a, IL-8 and IL-1β. We concluded that the C. trachomatis pORF5 protein might contribute to the inflammatory processes associated with chlamydial infections.