astaxanthin is an effective antioxidant and natural pigment which has wide application. Phaffia rhodozyma is a good source of astaxantin, but wild strain has limited use in industry because of low production level of astaxanthin. Several mutants of Phaffia rhodozyma were obtained by exerting mutagen N-methyl-N-nitro-N -nitrosoguanidine. The growth curve suggested that pigments were mainly produced in the middle and latter periods of log phase. The pigments were extracted from Phaffia rhodozyma and analysed by esterification, thin layer chromatography and absorption spectrometry. It was proved that astaxanthin, astaxanthin diester and ?-carotene were the major components of the pigments produced by Phaffia rhodozyma. We also studied the pigments producing phase of Phaffia rhodozyma. and founded that astaxanthin was stable to light under butylated hydroxytoluene coexistance.

To explore the correlation between the ecological factors and the contents of podophyllotoxin and total lignans in root and rhizome of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum, podophyllotoxin in 87 samples (from 5 provinces) was determined by HPLC and total lignans by UV. A correlation and regression analysis was made by software SPSS 16.0 in combination with ecological factors (terrain, soil and climate). The content determination results showed a great difference between podophyllotoxin and total lignans, attaining 1.001%-6.230% and 5.350%-16.34%, respective. The correlation and regression analysis by SPSS showed a positive linear correlation between their contents, strong positive correlation between their contents, latitude and annual average rainfall within the sampling area, weak negative correlation with pH value and organic material in soil, weaker and stronger positive correlations with soil potassium, weak negative correlation with slope and annual average temperature and weaker positive correlation between the podophyllotoxin content and soil potassium.
Berberidaceae ; chemistry ; China ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Climate ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Ecosystem ; Lignans ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Podophyllotoxin ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Soil ; chemistry ; Temperature

Objective To analyze nucleic acid sequence homology of the 6 kb(pYC) plasmid of Yersina. pestis (Y. pestis) isolated from Yurman by searching GenBank. Method The search of sequence similarity was accomplished with BLAST. Results The pYC plasmid sequence had high homology with some genes in nueleotide sequence, such as: 97.1% homology with Shigella sonnei pKYM, 92.1% homology with Haemophilus influenzae(H. influenzae) gene, Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) gene LT2 and plMVSI with 88.2% and 87.2% of homology respectively, Escherichia coli(E, coli) O157:H7 and K-12, ECOR31 with 81.4%, 81.4% and 84.7% of homology respectively. This plasmid ORFs could code for some proteins which were similar with others in GenBank, such as: ORFi and H. paragallinarum replication protein B(47.2%), ORF4 and E. coli hypothetical protein(52.7%), ORF5 and Y. pseudotuberculosis Tile (48.3%), ORF6 and E. coil Pilx5/VirB5-1ike protein (42.3%), Y. enterocolitica TriD protein(38.5%), ORFIO and S. typhimurium LT2, E. coli O157:H7 hypothetical protein(83.1% and 81.9%, respectively), ORF11 and E. coli, damage-inducible protein J(81.4%). Conclusions The pYC plasmid sequence has high homology with a few bacterial genes of Enterobacteriaceac. This plasmid may code for some proteins that are similar with hypothetical protein, damnge-indncible protein, TriD and TilE protein, Pilx5/VirB5-hke protein of Escherichia or Yersinia.

OBJECTIVESTo research radiographic anatomy of the main structure of the pelvic Teepee view, including its azimuth direction and view anatomy structure.

METHODSFrom June 2013 to June 2014 adult pelvic CT examination results were filtered, excluding skeletal deformities and pelvic osseous destruction caused by tumors, trauma, etc. The data of 2.0 mm contiguous CT scan of 9 adults' intact pelves was,selected and input into Mimics 10.01 involving 7 males and 2 females with an average age of (41.2±10.3) years old. Utilizing the software, the 3D CT reconstructions of the pelves were completed. Setting the transparency being high,the pelvic 3D reconstructions were manipulated from the pelvic anteroposterior view to the combined obturator oblique outlet view and fine-tuned till the regular Teepee-or teardrop-shaped appearance emerges. Cutting tools of the software were at the moment applied to separate the "Teepee" from the main pelvis for each reconstruction. Then the "Teepee" and the rest (main) part of the pelvis were displayed in different color to facilitate the analysis on the Teepee, iliac-oblique, and anteroposterior views.

RESULTSThe "Teepee" started from the posterolateral aspect of the anterior inferior iliac spine and finished at the cortex between the posterior superior iliac spine and the posterior inferior iliac spine in a direction of being from caudal-anterior-lateral to cranial-posterior-medial. The radiographic anatomical composition of the "Teepee" contained one tip, one base,and two aspects. With the inner and outer iliac tables being the inner and outer aspects of the "Teepee", the tip is consequently formed by their intersection. The base is imaged from the cortex of the greater sciatic notch. The medial-inferior-posterior portion of the "Teepee" contains a small part of sacroiliac joint and its corresponding side of bone of the sacrum.

CONCLUSIONSThe "Teepee" is a zone of ample osseous structures of the pelvis, aside from a small medial-inferior-posterior portion, the main zone of which can be accepted as a safe osseous zone for the anchor of implants stabilizing certain pelvic and acetabular fracture patterns. The Teepee view can be utilized as guidance for the safe percutaneous insertion of such implants.

Adult ; Female ; Fractures, Bone ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pelvic Bones ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; injuries ; surgery ; Sacroiliac Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the outcome of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the treatment of 11 patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome with extensive occlusion of the hepatic veins.

METHODSEleven patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome with extensive occlusion of the hepatic veins were elected for TIPS. Three patients had a acute; eight, a subacute or a chronic course of the disease. All patients were associated with variceal bleeding and massive ascites. The diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome was established by duplex-sonography, CT, MRI, upper digestive barium meal, angiography of hepatic veins and IVC, and liver biopsy. The shunt with diameter of 10 cm was established between the inferior caval vein and the intrahepatic portal vein with self-expandable stents in all patients. The mean follow-up was 63 +/- 43 months.

RESULTSThe shunt reduced the portasystemic pressure gradient from 41.2 +/- 10.5 to 12.4 +/- 4.7 cm H2O and improved the portal flow velocity from 11.2 +/- 2.8 to 52.2 +/- 13.7 cm/s. Clinical symptoms and the biochemical test results improved significantly during 3 weeks after shunt treatment. Ten patients are alive without clinical symptoms except one death due to hepatic failure. Revision in 2 patients was needed during the follow-up. The inflation of stenosing shunt was performed in 1 patient, and the reimplantation of stent in another patient. Eight patients had no revisions.

CONCLUSIONSTIPS provided an excellent outcome in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome with extensive occlusion of the hepatic veins. It might be regarded as a treatment for the acute and long-term management of these patients.

Acute Disease ; Adult ; Budd-Chiari Syndrome ; surgery ; Chronic Disease ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the exposure levels of carbon disulfide (CS(2)) for a chemical fiber industry.

METHODSThe concentration of CS(2) was monitored in representative workshops and types of work, and the datas of that over the years were collected.

RESULTSThe short-term exposure concentration of CS(2) about 80% of the type of work was less than or equal to 10 mg/m(3), which of more than 90% was less than or equal to 20 mg/m(3). The time weighted average concentration of CS(2) about 70% of the type of work was less than or equal to 5 mg/m(3), which of more than 90% was less than or equal to 10 mg/m(3). The short-term exposure concentration of CS(2) which was more than 15 mg/m(3) or the time weighted average concentration of CS(2) which was more than 30 mg/m(3) was only for little type of work.

CONCLUSIONThe concentration of CS(2) for the most type of work was lower, but there were still a number of types of work exposuring the higher concentration, which exceed the national occupational exposure limits.

Carbon Disulfide ; analysis ; Chemical Industry ; Humans ; Occupational Exposure ; analysis ; Workplace

OBJECTIVETo retrospectively compare the clinical outcome in patients with portal hypertension treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) using Fluency stent-graft (PTFE-covered stents) or bare stents.

METHODSApproval of study and treatment protocol and waiver of informed consent for the retrospective study were obtained from institutional review board. Informed consent was obtained from each patient before procedure. Sixty consecutive patients with portal hypertension treated with TIPS from April 2007 to April 2009 were included. TIPS creation was performed with Fluency stent-graft in 30 patients (group A) and with bare stents in 30 patients (group B). Liver function, TIPS patency and clinical outcome were evaluated every 3 months.

RESULTSDuring hospitalization, there was no hepatic encephalopathy and recurrency of variceal bleeding.Acute shunt occlusion was observed in one patient with group A and another patient with group B.Follow-up was performed with average time of (6.2 +/- 3.9) months in group A and (8.3 +/- 4.4) months in group B. The rates of recurrent bleeding, acute shunt occlusion, hepatic encephalopathy and death were 3.3% and 20.0%, 0 and 30.0%, 16.7% and 20.0%, 0 and 13.3% in group A and B. The rates of recurrent bleeding, acute shunt occlusion and death in group A was lower than those in group B. There was no difference of hepatic encephalopathy between group A and B. The decrease of portal pressure and portosystemic pressure gradient, and the increase of portal flow and shunt flow in group A were higher than those in group B. There were no difference of liver function, ammonia and MELD between group A and B.

CONCLUSIONSFluency stent-graft is safe and effective in TIPS creation, with high patency rate. Covered-stent can improve the clinical outcome of portal hypertension.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic ; instrumentation ; Retrospective Studies ; Stents ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

In order to find the optimal topographical factor for regionslization, the content of cimetidine in 116 Sinopodophyllum hexandrum sample collected from Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu, Tibet, Yunnan and Shaanxi provinces, was determined. Using mathematical statistics and geographical spatial analysis of GIS analysis, the relationship between content of podophyllotoxin and influencing factors including altitude gradient and gradient position was analyzed. It is found that the optimal altitude was 2 800 m to 3 600 m, the aspect of slope north or northeast and northwest and the slope 12 degrees to 65 degrees with a high suitability degree. Considering the artificial planting, the suitable planting area for S. hexandrum is comfirmed. The topographical factor is important for S. hexandrum regionalization, but has hardly effect on podophyllotoxin content. The results of the study provide an important scientific basis for S. hexandrum production development. But there are many factors which affect suitability index and podophyllotoxin content of S. hexandrum, it is necessary to consider other factors like climate and soil while exploitation and protection of S. hexandrum.
Altitude ; Berberidaceae ; chemistry ; growth & development ; China ; Ecosystem ; Podophyllotoxin ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo study DNA damages of liver cells in rats exposed to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), and the expressions of DNA damage repair enzymes including O(6)-methyl guanine-DNA methyl transferase (MGMT), X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) and X-ray repair cross-complementing group 3 (XRCC3); and to explore the repair mechanism of DNA damage induced by VCM.

METHODSRats were exposed to VCM by intraperitoneal injection. DNA damages were detected by single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). The expressions of DNA damage repair enzymes were measured by immunohistochemical methods.

RESULTSThe percentages of comet cells in low, moderate, and high dose groups (11.75%, 12.38%, and 17.63%, respectively) were greater than that of control (5.67%). The latter two groups were significantly different from that of control (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The expressions of MGMT and XRCC1 decreased, and XRCC3 increased with the dose of VCM increased. DNA damage was correlated with the expression of XRCC3 (r = 0.438, P = 0.067).

CONCLUSIONVCM can cause DNA damage of liver cells with dose-response relationship. DNA damage repair enzymes take part in the repairing of DNA damage induced by VCM.

Animals ; Carcinogens ; toxicity ; DNA Damage ; drug effects ; DNA Repair ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Liver ; cytology ; metabolism ; Male ; O(6)-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vinyl Chloride ; toxicity ; X-ray Repair Cross Complementing Protein 1

Hookworm infections as well as other intestinal nematodiases are endemic in China. In this case, a 70-year-old male showed symptoms of chest tightness, shortness of breath, and both lower extremities edema. The diagnostic result was chronic renal insufficiency, chronic kidney disease (5th stage), and renal anemia at first. Then, he received treatment with traditional drugs. However, this treatment did not help to alleviate the symptoms of the patient significantly. The results of gastroendoscopy showed hookworms in the duodenum, also confirmed by pathology examination. Anemia was markedly ameliorated after eliminating the parasites. The results mentioned above suggested that ancylostomiasis was the leading causes of anemia in this patient, and the etiology of anemia in uremic patients should be systematically considered. Especially when anemia could not be cured by regular treatments, rare diseases should be investigated.
Aged ; Ancylostomatoidea* ; Ancylostomiasis ; Anemia* ; China* ; Duodenum ; Dyspnea ; Edema ; Hookworm Infections ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Male ; Parasites ; Pathology ; Peritoneal Dialysis* ; Rare Diseases ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; Thorax