Technological improvement for microorgnism isolation is important since isolation provides substantial materials for the exploitation of new microbial resources. In this study, a new approach, dispersion and differential cetrifugation (DDC), was applied in the isolation of acidophilic and acidoduric streptomycetes from 12 acid soil samples. Contrast with traditional method, the new approach yielded satisfying results with 2 - 20 times isolation efficiency and good selectivity. 45 representatives out of 249 streptomycetes isolates, which belonged to 12 color groups, showed morphology and cell wall type consistent with streptomycetes. The optimum pH range for their growth were between pH 4.5 - 5.5. It is proved that we succeeded in the rare-streptomycetes isolation using DDC approach.

OBJECTIVETo observe the spores germinating process of Cibotium barometz, and understand the growth principle provided for experience for indoor culturing and further research.

METHODThe spores of C. barometz were cultured both in inorganic medium and in the soil from original habitat, and the whole process of spores germination and the development of gametophytic were observed under microscope.

RESULTThe spores germinated about 1-2 weeks after being sowed, and the type of germination belonged to Vittaria-type. The prothallial plates formed in 25 days after being sowed, while hairs developed after the formation of the prothallial plate. The gametophyte formed about 40 days after being sowed. But the type of mature prothalli was cordate. The antheridia formed in 60 days after inoculation, while the archegonia developed in 10 days after the formation of antheridia.

CONCLUSIONSoil based indoor culturing of C. barometz spores is practical and can be used for cultivation of C. barometz.

Culture Media ; pharmacology ; Ferns ; cytology ; physiology ; Plants, Medicinal ; anatomy & histology ; cytology ; physiology ; Soil ; Spores ; cytology ; drug effects ; growth & development

To investigate the effect of HBV on the expression of Sterol regulatory element binding proteins( SREBP ) in the hepatocyte of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) combined with hepatic fatty change. 55 cases diagnosed as CHB combined with hepatic fatty change in our department were selected and liver biopsies were carried out. The patients were dividied into 3 groups, group A: HBV DNA is less than or equal to 1000 copies/ml(15 cases), group B: 1000 copies/ml less than HBV DNA less than 100000 copies/ml (18 cases) and group C: HBV DNA is more than or equal to 100000 copies/ml (22 cases). 10 patients with HBV DNA in less than or equal to 1000 copies/ml after antiviral therapy with Nucleoside analogues were seen as group C1 (before treatment) and group C2 (after treatment) respectively; 12 patients with HBV DNA is more than or equal to 100000 copies/ml after antiviral therapy were classified as group C3 (before treatment) and group C4 (after treatment). Lipid droplets in the hepatic tissue were observed with oil red staining. Real time PCR were performed to detect the expressions of SREBP-1c and SREBP-2 mRNA in the liver. The protein expressions of SREBP-1c and SREBP-2 were detected with immunohistochemistry staining. Statistic data were analysed with SPSS11.5 software. (1) Red integrated optical densities (IOD) reflected by lipid drops in group A, B and C are 1004.27+/-218.63, 1937.01+/-401.47 and 4133.79+/-389.28 respectively, the degree of oil red O in each group was different (F = 385.69, P is less than to 0.01), which is increased as HBV DNA load increasing; Red IOD in group C1, C2 and C3, C4 are 4020.84+/-326.64, 1012.02+/-244.89, 4189.18+/-329.21 and 4121.76+/-304.09 respectively. Compared with group C1, the degree of oil red O in group C2 is decreased and the difference is statistically significant (t = 22.55, P is less than to 0.01); However, the difference of the degree of oil red O between group C4 and C3 is not statistically significant. (2) Compared with group A, the expressions of SREBP-1c mRNA in group B and C are raised by 1.218+/-0.130 and 1.798+/-0.118 times respectively, among group A, B, C, the expressions of SREBP-1c mRNA are statistically significant different ( F = 297.47, P is less than to 0.01). The expressions of SREBP-2 mRNA in group B and C are decreased by 0.956+/-0.118 and 0.972+/-0.153 times as compared to group A. However, the difference of SREBP-2 mRNA expression among the 3 groups is not statistically significant ( F = 0.568, P is more than to 0.05). Compared with group C1, SREBP-1c mRNA in group C2 is decreased by 0.714+/-0.081 folds (t=11.224, P is less than to 0.01), while SREBP-2 mRNA in group C2 is raised by1.034+/-0.155 times(t=0.692, P is more than to 0.05). SREBP-1c mRNA and SREBP-2 mRNA in group C4 are raised by 1.012+/-0.206 times and decreased by 0.998+/-0.183 times as compared to group C3 without difference found (t=0.196 or 0.031, P is more than to 0.05). (3) the expressions of SREBP-1c protein in group A, B and C are 36257.21+/-5709.79, 50413.47+/-4989.28 and 71025.83+/-6047.13 respectively, and the difference is statistically significant among the 3 groups (F = 178.26, P is less than to 0.01); the expressions of SREBP-2 protein in group A, B and C are 32913.52+/-3951.21, 32625.91+/-4025.06 and 34173.44+/-5316.25 respectively, but the difference is not statistically significant among the 3 groups ( F = 0.562, P is more than to 0.05), SREBP-1c protein levels in group C1, C2, C3, C4 are 69832.16+/-4941.36, 48735.47+/-5471.41, 70871.69+/-5083.14 and 68913.32+/-5343.22 respectively, the difference of SREBP-1c protein levels between group C1 and C2 is statistically significant (t=10.260, P is less than to 0.01); while the difference between group C3 and group C4 is not statistically significant(t=1.558, P is more than to 0.05). The expressions of SREBP-2 protein in group C1, C2, C3 and C4 are 33 980.21+/-4081.80, 34011.50+/-3859.27, 33610.12+/-4761.10 and 32915.66+/-5023.61 respectively, the difference of SREBP-2 protein levels in group C1 and group C2 is not statistically significant (t=0.038, P is more than to 0.05) and same result exists between group C3 and group C4 (t=0.459, P is more than to 0.05). HBV DNA may participate in the hepatic steatosis formation through interfering with the SREBP-1c expression.
Fatty Liver ; metabolism ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; metabolism ; Hepatocytes ; metabolism ; Humans ; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of smoking on sperm apoptosis and semen quality of healthy adult males in the main urban area of Chongqing.

METHODSAccording to the smoking habit, we divided 235 healthy adult males into a non-smoking group (n = 89) and a smoking group (n = 146). Then we detected the routine semen parameters by the computer-assisted semen analysis system and obtained the parameters of sperm apoptosis (the ratios of AN-/PI-, AN+/PI-, AN+/PI+ and AN-/PI+ sperm) by flow cytometry combined with Annexin V-FITC/PI fluorescence staining.

RESULTSThe rate of early apoptotic sperm (AN+/PI-) was higher in the smoking than in the non-smoking group ([8.1 +/- 5.1]% vs [6.8 +/- 3.8]%; P = 0.039), but there were no significant differences between the two groups in the rate of late apoptotic sperm (AN+/PI+) ([5.6 +/- 5.2]% vs [5.5 +/- 5.1]%; P = 0.87), as well as in such routine semen indexes as semen volume, sperm density, sperm motility, sperm vitality and normal sperm morphology (P = 0.30, 0.82, 0.37, 0.81 and 0.84, respectively).

CONCLUSIONThe rate of early apoptotic sperm is higher in smokers than in non-smokers, suggesting that smoking may induce early damage to sperm cells. Compared with routine semen parameters, sperm apoptosis is a more sensitive biomarker to reflect smoking-induced damage to sperm.

Apoptosis ; China ; Humans ; Male ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Smoking ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo determine the occurrence and distribution of specific clones of pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus(VP)isolated in Shenzhen and to assess the relationship between serotype O3:K6 and the globally distributed pandemic clone.

METHODSA total of 1005 VPs isolated from diarrhea patients in 2002-2008 were sero-typed. Real-time PCR was used to detect the virulence genes tlh, toxR, tdh, trh and orf8 in 281 isolates from 68 different serotypes. The main serotypes were typed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis(PFGE). Strains with dominant serotypes and PFGE patterns were assayed by GS-PCR and toxRS sequencing for the identification of pandemic clone. Multilocus sequence typing(MLST)analysis was reserved for exemplary 41 O3 : K6 and O1 : K25 isolates.

RESULTSSeventy-nine serotypes were observed among the 1005 isolates, including O3 : K6(57.9%), O4 : K8(8.16%), O1 : KUT(5.87%), O1 : K25(5.27%), O4 : K68(1.39%), O1 : K56(1.39%) and O9 : K44(0.99%). Most of the strains(99.36%)showed PCR positive to tlh, toxR, and tdh but eleven strains were tdh negative. MLST showed that all the 36 O3 : K6 isolates belonged to ST3 and all the 5 O4 : K8 strains were ST189. These results matched the description of the pandemic VP clone.

CONCLUSIONA recognizable burden of diarrheal illness caused by VP had been seen in Shenzhen. Results from serotyping indicated that although there existing a large variety of diversities, the dominant serotype appeared to be O3 : K6. VP isolates identified in Shenzhen mainly showed as tdh positive but trh negative, in consistent with the current pandemic O3 : K6 clone. The pandemic O3 : K6 clone did appear to co-exist with other clones of O3 : K6, as well as O4 : K8,O1 : K25. Potential outbreak of VP could be monitored through the laboratory-based surveillance programs, suggesting that the strategies related to prevention and control of VP should be prioritized in Shenzhen.

China ; epidemiology ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field ; Humans ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Serotyping ; Vibrio Infections ; epidemiology ; microbiology ; Vibrio parahaemolyticus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; pathogenicity

OBJECTIVETo investigate the social mental state of drug addicts in a compulsive drug abuse treatment center; evaluate the effectiveness of integrated program for the prevention of abuse relapse and improvement of drug addicts' psychological health.

METHODSThe study subjects were addicts from the Wuhan Compulsive Drug Abuse Treatment Center between October 2003 and June 2004, who satisfied the inclusion criteria. A non-randomized control-intervention study design was adopted. Volunteers willing to take part in intervention were put into the intervention group with their full awareness and willingness to prevent drug abuse relapse. The control group was composed of the addicts who were willing to prevent relapse and to be followed up after their discharge.

RESULTSThe effectiveness of the integrated intervention program in promoting addicts' psychological health: before the intervention, the scores of Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the positive and negative dimensionalities of Simple Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) and Chinese Perceived Stress Scales (CPSS) had no significant differences between the intervention group and the control group. After the intervention, except that the SCSQ's positive dimensionality in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group, other indices in the intervention group were lower. Before and after the intervention, the psychological health level in both the groups was lower than that in the normal population; there were significant differences between addicts and normal subjects in regards with all of the indices above.

CONCLUSIONDrug abuse was associated closely with addicts' social mental factors. The integrated intervention program can alleviate anxiety and stress, reduce co-morbid mental disorders and effectively improve their coping style. In conclusion, the program can promote addicts' psychological health significantly.

Adaptation, Psychological ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Health ; Program Evaluation ; Stress, Psychological ; Substance-Related Disorders ; psychology ; therapy

Objectives: To investigate the predictive value of CHA2DS2-VASc score for contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with coronary heart disease. Methods: A total of 356 patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the CHA2DS2-VASc score: CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 3 (n=153) and ≤ 2 (n=203). Baseline data, incidence of CIN and major adverse cardiovascular events were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The predictive effect of CHA2DS2-VASc score was analyzed with receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and logistic regression analysis. Results: Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower, baseline serum creatinine value was significantly higher, coronary lesions were more complex, contrast agent dosage used was significantly larger and the incidence of CIN was significantly higher in patients of the CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 3 group than in patients of CHA2DS2-VASc score ≤ 2 group (all Pvalues<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CHA2DS2-VASc score≥3 was an independent predictor of CIN (OR=2.152, 95% CI: 1.261-3.987, P=0.032). The area under the curve of ROC of CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 3 for predicting CIN was 0.749 (sensitivity 76.9%, specificity 73.0%). Conclusions: CHA2DS2-VASc score could predict the CIN after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with coronary heart disease, which could help us identify the high-risk patients of CIN and take preventive measures to reduce the incidence of CIN post percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the factors that influence FeCl-induced mouse mesenteric arteriole thrombosis model.

METHODSPlatelets were isolated from donor mice and labeled with Calcein-AM. Mice were transfused intravenously with Calcein-AM labeled platelets. The influence of mouse ages (3-6 weeks, 6-10 weeks and >10 weeks), transfused platelets counts (1×10, 1×10and 2×10platelets) and concentrations of FeCl(6%, 12%, 24% and 48%) on FeCl-induced thrombosis model were compared.

RESULTSThe occlusion time was 16 min for mice aged 3-6 weeks, which was shorter than that for 6 mice aged 6-10 weeks(25 min)(P<0.05) and that for mice aged >10 weeks(38 min)(P<0.01). The occlusion time resulting from transfusion of 1×10and 2×10of pletclets was 15-18 min, which was shorter than that of transfusion 1×10platelets (30 mins). The occlusion time resulting from transfusion of 6% and 12% FeClwas from 15 to 20 min, however the transfusion of 24% and 48% FeClall in all leads to vessel occlusion within 10 min.

CONCLUSIONThe factors influencing the success of FeCl-induced mouse thrombosis model are more. Transfusion of 1×10to 2×10labeled platelets to 3-6 week-old mice, and 6% to 12% of FeClshould be used to induce thrombosis, and the experimental conditions should be optimized for this animal model, therefore, it is easier for us to set up a mouse mesenteric arteriole thrombosis model.

Emodin (1, 3, 8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) is a derived anthraquinone compound extracted from roots and barks of pharmaceutical plants, including Rheum palmatum, Aloe vera, Giant knotweed, Polygonum multiflorum and Polygonum cuspidatum. The review aims to provide a scientific summary of emodin in pharmacological activities and toxicity in order to identify the therapeutic potential for its use in human specific organs as a new medicine. Based on the fundamental properties, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antivirs, anti-diabetes, immunosuppressive and osteogenesis promotion, emodin is expected to become an effective preventive and therapeutic drug of cancer, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, diabetes, acute pancreatitis, asthma, periodontitis, fatty livers and neurodegenerative diseases. This article intends to provide a novel insight for further development of emodin, hoping to reveal the potential of emodin and necessity of further studies in this field.

OBJECTIVES: Based on peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and common laboratory test indexes, this study aimed to construct a predictive scoring system for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)-resistant Kawasaki disease (KD). METHODS: Children hospitalized in Tianjin Children's Hospital from January 2021 to March 2023 were included in the study (185 cases of IVIG-sensitive KD and 41 cases of IVIG -resistant KD). Forty-six healthy children matched for age and gender were selected as controls. The relative percentage and absolute counts of peripheral lymphocyte subsets were measured by flow cytometry. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the predictive factors for IVIG-resistant KD and to construct a predictive scoring system for predicting IVIG-resistant KD. RESULTS: The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CD4⁺ T cell absolute count, natural killer cell absolute count, serum sodium level, globulin level, and total bilirubin level were identified as predictive factors for IVIG-resistant KD (P<0.05). The predictive scoring system based on these factors achieved a sensitivity of 70.7% and a specificity of 83.8% in predicting IVIG-resistant KD. CONCLUSIONS Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets can serve as predictive indicators for IVIG-resistant KD in children. The introduction of this indicator and the establishment of a scoring system based on it can provide a higher accuracy in predicting IVIG-resistant KD in children.
Child ; Humans ; Infant ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use* ; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome/drug therapy* ; Lymphocyte Count ; Lymphocyte Subsets ; Retrospective Studies