italic>Ardisia crispa (Thunb.) A. DC. is a traditional Miao medicinal herb with significant therapeutic effects in the treatment of sore throat, tonsillitis, edema of nephritis and bruising and rheumatism, etc. Ardisia crispa var. amplifolia and Ardisia crispa var. dielsii are varieties of A. crispa. A. crispa var. amplifolia and A. crispa var. dielsii are controversial in terms of species evolutionary relationships and taxonomic identification. In this study, we sequenced the whole genome sequences of A. crispa var. amplifolia and A. crispa var. dielsii chloroplasts using Illumina platform, assembled, annotated and characterized them, compared the structural features and degree of variation among chloroplast genomes using bioinformatics methods, and also downloaded constructing phylogenetic trees to analyze the phylogenetic relationships of chloroplasts in Primulaceae and Myrsinaceae using whole genome sequence information. The results showed that the complete chloroplast genome sequences of A. crispa var. amplifolia and A. crispa var. dielsii were 156 749 bp and 156 748 bp in length, with 132 genes annotated, including 87 protein-coding genes; the codon preference of A/U was greater than that of G/C; The differences in the coding regions of rps15 and rpoB genes in the comparative genome analysis can be used as loci for molecular identification of the two species; the differences in the coding regions of ycf1, ycf2, rpoC1, ycf3, petD and rpl16 genes in the chloroplast genome compared with those of the same genus can be used as loci for identification of the genus. In the phylogenetic results, A. crispa var. amplifolia and A. crispa var. dielsii were clustered together with 100% support, indicating that they are closely related. In this research, we analyzed the chloroplast genome structure and phylogenetic relationships of A. crispa var. amplifolia and A. crispa var. dielsii, providing an important theoretical basis for their molecular identification, genetic variation, breeding and phylogenetic analysis.

Objective:To solve the symptoms of achalasia complicated with osteogensis imperfecta through peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM).Methods: The 21-year-old male patient,being diagnosed as achalasia complicated with osteogensis imperfecta,underwent POEM under general anesthesia after preoperative assessment of achalasia(Eckardt score of 7).The mucosal incision was made at a distance of 28 cm from the incisor,then the gastroscope entered the submucosal layer and tunnel in it,and myotomy was performed about 29 cm from the incisor extending 2 cm into the cardia.Electrocoagulation was performed to stop bleeding and the mucosal incision was then closed.Results:The operation was completed successfully in about 28 minutes.The stomach tube was removed 30 h after surgery.The patient was discharged in a stable condition on the fourth postoperative day.The follow-up result showed no recurrence in symptom with Eckardt score of 0 two weeks after operation.Conclusions:POEM is a feasible and effective way for achalasia of cardia complicated with osteogenesis imperfecta.

OBJECTIVETo optimize the process of tomato genetic transformation, screening and seed selection using multiepitope antigenic gene (MAG) and truncated major surface antigen 1 (tSAG1) of Toxoplasma gondii as the target insert genes.

METHODSTomato high-frequency regeneration system was optimized with different choices of media and explants. The genetic transformation procedure was optimized using different tomato cultivars, explants, culture temperatures, media and acetosyringone (AS) supplements. Three concentrations of kanamycin were utilized for resistant selection of the transgenic candidate roots. The selected lines were trained, transplanted to soil and grown in a greenhouse till maturity. Sterile seeding using kanamycin-incorporated medium was conducted for screening transgenic tomato generations.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONCotyledons were better than hypocotyls as the regeneration explants. The regeneration rate of cotyledons reached 98% (59/60) using the optimized regeneration medium ZB3. The culture medium and temperature were the key factors for tomato transgenic shoot induction. The number of transgenic buds increased significantly at the appropriate temperature condition (23-/+1 degrees celsius;), and AS of 100 micromol/L in the medium before inoculation also significantly raised transformation rate. The budding rate of Zhongshu No.5 cotyledons was 35% (28/81) using the medium ZB2 under (23-/+1) degrees celsius;. Kanamycin at 80 mg/L was optimal for transgenic plantlet rooting selection with the rooting rate of 48% (31/65). 117 transgenic lines were obtained. Non-transgenic tomato plant growth, especially the root and elongation, was inhibited obviously with kanamycin at 100 mg/L or above, and the roots became purple and lacked lateral roots. The transgenic tomato seeds could be selected effectively with kanamycin at 150 mg/L.

Animals ; Antigens, Protozoan ; genetics ; Drug Resistance ; Kanamycin ; pharmacology ; Lycopersicon esculentum ; drug effects ; genetics ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; drug effects ; genetics ; Protozoan Proteins ; genetics ; Seeds ; drug effects ; genetics ; Toxoplasma ; genetics ; Transformation, Genetic

Objective To analyze the results of 3 investigations(2002-2004,2008-2009,and 2016)of major parasitic dis-eases in Shixing County,so as to provide the evidence for formulating further control strategies. Methods With the stratified clus-ter sampling method,5 administrative villages were investigated. A total of 200 residents aged above 3 years were sampled in each village to investigate the eggs of soil-transmitted nematodes with Kato-Katz technique,and the swab method was applied for detecting the eggs of Enterobius vermicularis in children aged 3-9 years. χ2 test was used for statistical analysis. Results To-tally 3857 individuals were surveyed for intestinal parasites,and 5 species of parasites were found and the total infection rates were 28.37%,4.32%and 0.50%in the 3 investigations respectively,and there were statistically significant differences between any two investigations(χ2=287.64,327.60 and 31.89 respectively,and all P<0.01). The infection rates of Ascaris lumbricoi-des,hookworm,Trichuris trichiura and Clonorchis sinensis significantly decreased in the third investigation compared with those in the first investigation(χ2 =424.55,55.45,43.40 and 26.12 respectively,all P<0.01). However,there was no significant difference between the E. vermicularis infection rates of the first investigation and the third investigation(χ2=0.16,P>0.05). Conclusions Compared with the status in the first investigation,the infection rates of A. lumbricoides,hookworm,T. trichiura and C. sinensis are significantly decreased by 90%or more in the third investigation. However,the children's infection rate of E. vermicularis is still very high. Therefore,we should focus on the comprehensive control measures of E. vermicularis infection while formulating further control strategies of parasitic diseases.

Child, Preschool ; China ; Female ; Hepatitis A ; immunology ; prevention & control ; Hepatitis A Antibodies ; blood ; Hepatitis A Vaccines ; adverse effects ; immunology ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Safety ; Sampling Studies ; Vaccination ; Vaccines, Inactivated ; adverse effects ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the correlation between different therapies and survival of liver metastasis from colorectal cancer ( LMCC) , and to compare the clinical outcome of synchronous liver metastasis (SLM) with that of metachronous liver metastasis (MLM).

METHODSThe clinical data of 363 patients with LMCC were retrospectively reviewed with focus on the correlation between different therapy and survival.

RESULTSOf these 363 patients, 160 had SLM and 203 had MLM. Between the SLM and MLM group, there was no significant difference in age, or gender or primary cancer site (P > 0. 05 ), but significant differences were observed in condition of liver metastasis including liver lobe involved, focus number, maximum focus diameters and level of serum CEA and CA199 before therapy(P <0. 05). Ninety-one patients underwent curative hepatic resection, 22 of them in the SLM group and 69 in the MLM group. Mortality rate related to operation was 4. 5% (1/22) in SLM group and 2. 9% (2/69) in MLM group( P < 0.05). All patients were followed until 31/6/2005. The 3-year survival rate was 5. 2% with a median survival time of 10 +/- 1 months for the SLM group, and it wasl6. 4% and 17 +/- 1 months for the MLM group (P<0.01). Regarding to the treatment modalities, the 3-year survival rate was 30. 2% with a median survival time of 26 months for curative hepatic resection group, and it was 0% - 16. 7% and 10 - 17 months for non-operation groups treated by intervention, chemotherapy, radiofrequency therapy, percutaneous ethanol injection and Chinese traditional drugs (P <0. 05, P <0. 01 ).

CONCLUSIONCurative hepatic resection is still the first choice for liver metastasis from colorectal cancer improving the survival significantly. Other non-operative methods also can improve phase II resection rate. Metachronous liver metastasis has higher resection rate and better survival than the synchronous liver one.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; CA-19-9 Antigen ; blood ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; blood ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; Colonic Neoplasms ; blood ; pathology ; therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; blood ; secondary ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Phytotherapy ; methods ; Rectal Neoplasms ; blood ; pathology ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Analysis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the diagnostic value of double balloon enteroscope (DBE) on obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB) and to analyze etiological characteristics among different age groups.

METHODSThe clinical data of patients undergoing DBE due to OGIB in the Department of Gastroenterology in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 2007 to January 2012 were retrospectively analyzed and compared among different age groups. Patients were divided into the young group(age≤40, n=86), the middle age group(aged 41-59, n=81), and the elderly group (age≥60, n=49). The detection of bleeding origin by DBE was compared between different age groups.

RESULTSDiagnosis rates in young, middle age, elderly group were 83.7%(72/86), 87.7%(71/81), 81.6%(40/49) without statistical differences(P>0.05). Complication rates in the young, middle age, and elderly group were 1.2%(1/86), 2.5%(2/81), 2.0%(1/49) without statistic difference(P>0.05). The most common cause in young group was diverticulum/replica malformation while the most common location was ileum. The most common cause in both middle age and elderly group was tumor.

CONCLUSIONSDBE is an effective and safe method for diagnosis of OGIB among different age groups. Each age group has its etiological characteristics. Diagnosis and therapeutic strategy based on age-related characteristics is worthy of further investigation.

Double-Balloon Enteroscopy ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Ileum ; Retrospective Studies

Methylation, a methyl group-consuming reaction, plays a key role in the degradation (i.e., inactivation) of monoamine neurotransmitters, including catecholamines, serotonin and histamine. Without labile methyl groups, the methylation-mediated degradation cannot take place. Although high niacin (nicotinic acid and nicotinamide) intake, which is very common nowadays, is known to deplete the body's methyl-group pool, its effect on monoamine-neurotransmitter degradation is not well understood. The aim of this article was to investigate the effect of excess nicotinamide on the levels of plasma serotonin and histamine in healthy subjects. Urine and venous blood samples were collected from nine healthy male volunteers before and after oral loading with 100 mg nicotinamide. Plasma N(1)-methylnicotinamide, urinary N(1)-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (2-Py), and plasma betaine levels were measured by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Plasma concentrations of choline, serotonin and histamine were measured using commercial kits. The results showed that the plasma N(1)-methylnicotinamide level and the urinary excretion of 2-Py significantly increased after oral loading with 100 mg nicotinamide, which was accompanied with a decrease in the methyl-group donor betaine. Compared with those before nicotinamide load, five-hour postload plasma serotonin and histamine levels significantly increased. These results suggest that excess nicotinamide can disturb monoamine-neurotransmitter metabolism. These findings may be of significance in understanding the etiology of monoamine-related mental diseases, such as schizophrenia and autism (a neurodevelopmental disorder).
Betaine ; blood ; Choline ; blood ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Histamine ; blood ; Humans ; Male ; Niacinamide ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; blood ; Pyridones ; urine ; Serotonin ; blood

OBJECTIVE: To observe the symptoms similar to schizophrenia in mice after ketamine single or continuous injection and to evaluate the feasibility of schizophrenia model injected with different dose of ketamine. METHODS: A total of 40 male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, which were injected intraperitoneally with physiological saline (control group), 25 mg/kg ketamine (low dose group), 50 mg/kg ketamine (middle dose group), and 100 mg/kg ketamine (high dose group) qd for 7 days continuously. The behavior changes of mice were observed. RESULTS: Hyperactivity, stereotyped behavior and ataxia (P < 0.01) were observed in high dose group after single injection. After continuous injection of ketamine for 7 days, the middle dose group showed hyperactivity, stereotyped behavior and ataxia (P < 0.05), stereotyped behavior and ataxia were more significant in high dose group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Ketamine can induce the symptoms similar to schizophrenia in mice after single or continuous injection. The symptoms induced by high dose ketamine will be more prominent and stable after continuous injection.
Animals ; Ataxia/pathology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Forensic Psychiatry ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Ketamine/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Mice ; Motor Activity/drug effects* ; Random Allocation ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Schizophrenia/pathology* ; Stereotyped Behavior/drug effects*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of ketamine on adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell proliferation inhibition and induction of apoptosis and its mechanism. METHODS: PC12 cells of rats were models for dopaminergic neuron. PC12 cells were cultured with ketamine at concentrations of 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8 and 2.1 mmol/L, respectively. The cell viability was measured by MTT method after incubation at 12, 24, 48 and 72h. Hoechst stain was used to observe the morphological changes of apoptosis. PC12 cells cultured after 48 h with different concentrations of ketamine were selected to detect apoptotic rate using flow cytometry and detect the expression of bax and bcl-2 proteins using Western blotting. RESULTS: For different concentrations of ketamine, vitality of PC12 cells significantly decreased with increase of the incubation time. Apoptosis was obviously observed using Hoechst staining. Flow cytometry showed that apoptosis rates significantly increased with increasing ketamine concentrations. CONCLUSION Ketamine can inhibit the proliferation of PC12 cell by inducing apoptosis of the PC12 cell in a concentrations-dependent manner. The underlying mechanism may be related to promoting the expression of bax and inhibiting the expression of bcl-2 in the cells.
Anesthetics, Dissociative/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Flow Cytometry ; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects* ; Ketamine/pharmacology* ; PC12 Cells ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism* ; Rats ; Time Factors ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism*