Objective The epidemiology of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from bloodstream infections,their antibiotic resistance profiles and virulence-associated factors were studied.Methods A total of 90 isolates from 17 hospitals were collected from the patients with bloodstream infections during July 2013 and July 2014.Vitek-2 Compact system was used for identification of the strains and antibiotic susceptibility testing.The epidemiology was studied by pulsed-field gelectrophoresis(PFGE).Drug-resistant genes and associated virulence genes were amplified by PCR.Results According to antimicrobial susceptibility testing,75 isolates are multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.PFGE results showed that 75 multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates belonged to eight clone types(A to H),with the A (n=51)and B (n=14)clone being the dominant PFGE clone types.Different clone isolates spread in different hospitals.Most of the hospitals were given priority to with clone A.Clone A only maintaining high sensitive rate to cefoperazone/sulbactam、amikacin and tigecycline.Virulence gene abaI,cusE,ompA,bap,bfms detection rates are 93.3% (84/90),92.2% (83/90),100.0% (90/90),84.4% (76/90),92.2% (83/90),respectively.There were 7 mucoid isolates,which are all multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii,all belong to clone B and all associated virulence genes can be detected.Conclusions The dominant clone type of multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii from bloodstream infections is clone A.The abaI-,bap-and bfms-positive strains are associated with a higher incidence of antibiotic resistance in most types of antimicrobials.The acquisition of mucous type may indicate the emergence of virulent strains,which should be paid attention to during clinical treatment.

Objective To expand the application of electrochemical immunosensor during deleting aflatoxin B1 in foods and feeds through analyzing impacts of the time of antibody incubation and sample preparation .Methods T he double self-assembly immu-nosensor combined with aflatoxin B1 and carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) was characterized by cyclic volta-mmetry and impacts of the time of antibody incubation and sample preparation methods were investigated .Results The signal in-creased gradually following the increasing time of antibody incubation and reached a plateau at 90 min and sample preparation meth-ods showed a comparatively large impact on results .Additionally ,the crude extractions purified through removing interfering com-pounds by immunoaffinity column could effectively eliminate the interference effects of sample matrix .Conclusion Deleting aflatox-in B1 by electrochemical immunosensor is characterized by various features ,such as fast ,simple and low detection limits .The pres-ent study shows that stability of the electrochemical immunosensor is affected by the time of antibody incubation and sample prepa-ration .

In this study, OVA-induced asthma mice was taken as the model, and orally administered with different concentration of ethanol extracts of crude and processed Stemona tuberosa, in order to determine the cytokine level released from Th1 and Th2 in splenocytes. RT-PCR was carried out to determine the genetic expression of T-bet/GATA-3 in lung, and compare the differentiation between ethanol extracts of crude and processed S. tuberosa in therapeutic effect on asthma in mice. According to the results, compared with the crude samples, processed samples significantly increased the levels of inflammatory factor INF-gamma (P < 0.05) and decreased IL-5 (P < 0.05) in splenocytes. According to the RT-PCR results, the administration of processed samples could increase the ratio of T-bet/GATA-3 (P < 0.05). The experiment showed that ethanol extracts of both crude and processed S. tuberosa could treat asthma by regulating Th1/Th2 ratio, but processed samples showed more notable effect. This indicated that crude and processed S. tuberosa had significant pharmacological difference. Therefore, it was more rational to apply processed S. tuberosa in clinical treatment of asthma and chronic cough, which layed a foundation for further revealing the processing mechanism of S. tuberosa.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Asthma ; drug therapy ; immunology ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; GATA3 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Stemonaceae ; chemistry ; T-Box Domain Proteins ; metabolism ; Th1 Cells ; drug effects ; secretion ; Th2 Cells ; drug effects ; secretion

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Tetramethyl pyrazine (TMP) on the cytokines and inflammatory mediators in the serum and the synovial fluid of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA)rats, and further to investigate its possible mechanisms for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODSType II CIA rat model was established. Rats in the TMP group were administered with TMP at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, once daily. Dexamethasone at 2.0 mg/kg was intramuscularly injected to those in the Dexamethasone treated group, once daily. Normal saline at 2 mL/kg was given to those in the normal control group and the model group, once daily. All medication was started from the 7th day, lasting to the 35th day. CIA rats' foot swelling degree was observed. Contents of serum IL-1, IL-6, IL-2, NO and PGE2in the synovial fluid were detected by radioimmunoassay and nitrate reduction method.

RESULTSCompared with the normal group, the foot swelling obviously increased, contents of NO and PGE2 in the synovial fluid were obviously elevated in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the foot swelling could be obviously inhibited by 100 mg/kg TMP and Dexamethasone; serum levels of IL-1 and IL-6 obviously decreased, serum IL-2 level obviously increased, contents of NO and PGE, decreased (P < 0.01). TMP 50 mg/kg could obviously inhibit the foot swelling of CIA rats (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in other indices (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTMP at 100 mg/kg showed obvious inhibition on CIA rats. Its inhibitory effect might be correlated to inhibiting activities of endogenous cytokines and the generation of inflammatory mediators in inflammation local regions, improving contents of anti-inflammation cytokines, and inducing the balance of the inflammatory cytokine network.

Animals ; Arthritis, Experimental ; blood ; metabolism ; Dinoprostone ; metabolism ; Female ; Interleukin-1beta ; blood ; Interleukin-2 ; blood ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Synovial Fluid ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the protective effect of alcohol extract of Plumula Nelumbini (AEPN) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic fibrosis rats and to explore its possible mechanism.

METHODSTotally 32 male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., the normal control group, the model group, the high dose AEPN group, and the low dose AEPN group, 8 in each group. 1,000 mg/kg AEPN was given to rats in the high dose AEPN group by gastrogavage at 10 mL/kg, once daily, while 500 mg/kg AEPN was given to rats in the low dose AEPN group by gastrogavage at 10 mL/kg, once daily. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and albumin (ALB) were examined using automatic biochemical analyzer. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the hepatic tissue were determined using colorimetry. The degree of liver fibrosis was observed by HE staining and Masson staining. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was detected using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS(1) Compared with the normal control group, serum levels of ALT and AST obviously increased and the serum ALB level obviously decreased in the model group (all P < 0.05). After treated by AEPN, serum levels of ALT and AST were lowered. and the serum ALB level was higher (all P < 0.05). (2) Compared with the normal control group, collagen deposition was obviously seen in rats' livers of the model group, and pseudolobule had formed; inflammatory activities and fibrosis degrees were serious; contents of Hyp also increased (P < 0.05).After treated by AEPN, collagen deposition was obviously reduced with no obvious pseudolobule; inflammatory activities and fibrosis degrees were alleviated; contents of Hyp were also lowered (P < 0.05). (3) Compared with the normal control group, contents of MDA in the liver tissue obviously increased, while activities of SOD obviously decreased (P < 0.05) in the model group. After treated by AEPN, contents of MDA in the liver tissue decreased and the serum SOD level significantly increased (all P < 0.05). (4) Compared with the normal control group, the expression of α-SMA was obviously elevated in the model group (P < 0.05). After treated by AEPN, its expression was obviously lowered (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAEPN could fight against CCl4 induced liver fibrosis in rats. Fighting against lipid peroxidation and inhibi- ting activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells might be possibly main mechanism.

Alanine Transaminase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; Collagen ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Ethanol ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; Hydroxyproline ; metabolism ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; drug therapy ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Rats ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that chitooligosaccharides have antitumor effect. However, the influence of chitooligosaccharides on cyclin D1, bcl-2 and bcl-xl remains unclear.OBJECTIVE: To observe the JnhJbJtJon effect of chitooligosaccharides on the proliferation of Hela cells, and the influence on cyclin D1, bcl-xl and bcl-2 mRNA expression.METHODS: Hela cells were stimulated by different concentrations of chitooligosaccharides (0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 g/L). The effects of chitooligosaccharides on Hela cells were detected by CCK8 kit. Using real-time PCR methods, the gene expression of cyclin D1, bcl-xl and bcl-2 mRNA were determined.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Chitooligosaccharides inhibited the proliferation of Hela cells. With the concentrations of chitoolJgosaccharides increased from 0.1 g/L to 2 g/L, the inhibition effects on the gene expressJon of cyclin D1, bcl-xl and bcl-2 were enhanced, peaked at 2 g/L, and decreased at high concentration (5 g/L). Antitumor activity of chitooligosaccharides may exert through two aspects: it inhibits cyclin D1 mRNA expression to suppress the proliferation of tumor cells; on the other hand, chitooligosaccharides inhibits the expression of bcl-xl and bci-2 to promote the apoptosis of tumor cells. Moreover, the effects of the former are stronger than the latter.

Objective To investigate the relationship between blood pressure variability (BPV) and neurological deteri?oration (ND) during the acute phase in patients with hypertensive minor ischemic stroke. Methods A total of 200 hyperten?sive patients with acute minor ischemic stroke were recruited in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: stable group (n=182) and deterioration group (n=18) according to the neurological prognosis. Values of BPV in 24 h ambulatory blood pressure, 24 h systolic blood pressure variation coefficient (24 h CVSBP), 24 h diastolic blood pressure variation coeffi?cient (24 h CVDBP), day time systolic blood pressure variation coefficient (dCVSBP), day time diastolic blood pressure variation coefficient (dCVDBP), night time systolic blood pressure variability (nCVSBP) and night time diastolic blood pressure variability (nCVDBP) were compared between two groups. The related factors of BPV were analyzed by binary logistic method in the acute phase of patients with hypertensive minor ischemic stroke. Results There were significantly higher levels of 24 h CVSBP [17.75%(17.54%,19.26%) vs 12.78% (10.67%,14.39%)], 24 h CVDBP [25.48%(20.77%,27.87%) vs 17.95% (14.88%, 21.46%)], dCVSBP [18.61%(17.65%,20.65%) vs 12.30%(10.10%,14.75%)], dCVDBP [25.65%(21.25%,29.78%) vs 17.76%(14.89%,22.19%)] in deterioration group than those of stable group (P<0.01). Results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that values of 24 h CVSBP and dCVSBP were risk factors for neurological deterioration in the acute phase of patients with hypertensive minor ischemic stroke. Conclusion The increased 24 h BPV and day time BPV are correlated with neurologi?cal deterioration during the acute phase in hypertensive minor ischemic stroke patients. BPV should be concerned in the acute phase and secondary prevention in patients with ischemic stroke.

Objective:To research the solubilization of sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin ( SEB-β-CD) on voriconazole and the sta-bility of voriconazole with different pH values. Methods:Phase-solubility diagram was applied to study the solubilization of SEB-β-CD on voriconazole. Meanwhile, the impurity of voriconazole was determined to study the stability. Results:SBE-β-CD could increase the solubility of voriconazole significantly and the apparent stability constant was similar within the pH range of 5. 0-8. 0. The stability of voriconazole was decreased with the increase of pH. Conclusion:SEB-β-CD is an ideal solubilizer for voriconazole, while the stability is influenced by pH.

Objective:To search for a method for radical resection of pancreatic and duodenal malignancy involving the mesentery root and for the long post-operation survival of patients.Methods:From Jan.2004 to Aug.2006,a total of 26(16 male and 10 female. aged 27-70)patients with pancreatic and duodenal malignancy involving the mesentery root were treated in our department.The patients included 3 with duodenal malignancy and 23 with pancreatic malignancy.Curative resection was performed by the extended pancreaticoduodenetomy(Whipple procedure)combined with mesentery root resection(MRR)for all patients.The outcomes,safety and the post-operation survival rate were analyzed retrospectively.Results:Thirteen patients were treated with Whipple procedures combined with MRR,9 were treated with partial portal vein/superior mesenteric vein(PV/SMV)and reconstruction of the vessel,and 4 patients received pre-shunt between PV and SMV with artificial vessel graft before the extended Whipple and MRR procedures.The operation time was 2.5 to 7(4.4?1.1)hour,and blood loss was 300 to 5 000(1892?1414)ml with the blood transfusion of 0 to 5 600(2 100?1 586)ml.There was no death in our group and 7(27%)had post-operation complication.The post-operation hospital stay was 10 to 30 days.The pathologic examination showed negative surgical margins for all specimens.The tumor size was 4 to 10 (6.17?2.03)cm.After a follow-up of 9 to 38 months,the pain was relieved in all patients.One of the 3 patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma had liver metastasis at 10 months after operation,and the other 2 survived 10 months and 27 months without evidence of tumor reccurence.The patient with pancreatic micro-adenocarcinoma died of local reccurence 9 months after operation.The patient with neuroendocrine carcinoma died of organ failure 24 months after operation.The patient with lymphoma have survived for 24 months after operation.The 1-year and 2-year accumulated survival rates in the 20 cases with pancreatic ductal cancer were 86.6% and 45.6%. respectively.Conclusion:The extended Whipple procedure with MRR is safe and effective.It can obtain R0 resection in patients with malignant tumors(over 5 cm in diameter)in the head,neck and uncinate process of the pancreas and duodenal.

To improve ethanol production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae,an integration plasmid pUPGKAT with PGK promoter(phosphoglycerate kinase promoter),adh1 gene(the coding sequences of alcohol dehydrogenaseⅠ) and CYC1 terminator(Cytochrome c transcription terminator) was constructed.Firstly,a fusion fragment composed of PGK promoter and adh1 gene was generated by over lap extension PCR and ligated into pUG6 resulting in plasmid pUPGKA.Subsequently,CYC1 termi nator was amplified from pSH65 by PCR and ligated to the SpeⅠand SacⅡrestriction site of pUPGKA.To integrate PGK-adh1-CYC1 into S.cerevisiae genome,pUPGKAT was digested by TthⅢⅠand the lin-earized plasmid was used to transform S.cerevisiae YS2-△adh2(adh2 disrupted strain) by lithium acetate method.The yeast mutant YS2-△adh2-adh1 which had the adh1 gene placed under the PGK promoter and harbored the adh2 deletion was constructed.Anaerobic fermentation showed overexpression of adh1 by PGK promoter resulted in a 8.84% higher ethanol production compared to YS2-△adh2.