1.Isolation and Identification of Staphylococcus xylosus in Nude Mice with Squamous Skin Scurfs
Zhihao KONG ; Xiaofeng WEI ; Lingzhi YU ; Liping FENG ; Qi ZHU ; Guojun SHI ; Chen WANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):368-375
Objective To isolate pathogenic bacteria from the skin of a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs, and perform bacterial identification, traceability analysis, and pathogenicity studies to provide a new approach for the diagnosis of pathogens in nude mice with squamous skin scurfs. MethodsSkin swab samples were collected from a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs for nucleic acid testing, bacterial isolation and culture, biochemical identification, 16S rDNA gene amplification and sequencing, and whole genome sequencing to construct a phylogenetic tree. Fifteen BALB/c nude mice were randomized into a saline-treated control group, a high-concentration group treated with 1.8×10⁸ CFU/mL of the isolated bacterial suspension, and a low-concentration group treated with 1.8×10⁷ CFU/mL of the isolated bacterial suspension. Pathogenicity was assessed by animal infection experiments and observation of histopathological changes in skin tissue using HE staining. Results The nucleic acid test for Corynebacterium bovis was negative, excluding infection by this organism. The pathogen isolated on mannitol salt agar and blood agar, combined with Gram staining, suggested a Gram-positive Staphylococcus species. The isolated strain was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing and a fully automated microbial identification system as Staphylococcus xylosus. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on whole genome sequencing showed that the strain was most closely related to an isolate from leafy vegetables in South Korea (GenBank GCA_00207825.1). In the high-concentration group, squamous skin scurfs appeared on the head, neck, and back of nude mice on the 17th day post-infection, while in the low concentration group, similar symptoms appeared on the 20th day post-infection and gradually spread to other areas. The scaling symptoms were transient, lasting for 7 days in the high-concentration group and 3 days in the low-concentration group, after which the skin returned to normal. The infection rate was 33.33% in both the high- and low-concentration groups. No significant pathological changes were observed in the skin tissues of infected mice compared to the control group, indicating marked individual differences in the pathogenicity of the strain in nude mice. Conclusion A strain of Staphylococcus xylosus was isolated from the skin of a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs. The strain is an opportunistic pathogen that causes transient squamous skin scurfs without significant histopathological changes, and there are individual differences in the sensitivity of nude mice to this strain. These findings can provide valuable data for pathogen identification in immunodeficient or gene knockout mice.
2.Isolation and Identification of Staphylococcus xylosus in Nude Mice with Squamous Skin Scurfs
Zhihao KONG ; Xiaofeng WEI ; Lingzhi YU ; Liping FENG ; Qi ZHU ; Guojun SHI ; Chen WANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):368-375
Objective To isolate pathogenic bacteria from the skin of a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs, and perform bacterial identification, traceability analysis, and pathogenicity studies to provide a new approach for the diagnosis of pathogens in nude mice with squamous skin scurfs. MethodsSkin swab samples were collected from a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs for nucleic acid testing, bacterial isolation and culture, biochemical identification, 16S rDNA gene amplification and sequencing, and whole genome sequencing to construct a phylogenetic tree. Fifteen BALB/c nude mice were randomized into a saline-treated control group, a high-concentration group treated with 1.8×10⁸ CFU/mL of the isolated bacterial suspension, and a low-concentration group treated with 1.8×10⁷ CFU/mL of the isolated bacterial suspension. Pathogenicity was assessed by animal infection experiments and observation of histopathological changes in skin tissue using HE staining. Results The nucleic acid test for Corynebacterium bovis was negative, excluding infection by this organism. The pathogen isolated on mannitol salt agar and blood agar, combined with Gram staining, suggested a Gram-positive Staphylococcus species. The isolated strain was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing and a fully automated microbial identification system as Staphylococcus xylosus. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on whole genome sequencing showed that the strain was most closely related to an isolate from leafy vegetables in South Korea (GenBank GCA_00207825.1). In the high-concentration group, squamous skin scurfs appeared on the head, neck, and back of nude mice on the 17th day post-infection, while in the low concentration group, similar symptoms appeared on the 20th day post-infection and gradually spread to other areas. The scaling symptoms were transient, lasting for 7 days in the high-concentration group and 3 days in the low-concentration group, after which the skin returned to normal. The infection rate was 33.33% in both the high- and low-concentration groups. No significant pathological changes were observed in the skin tissues of infected mice compared to the control group, indicating marked individual differences in the pathogenicity of the strain in nude mice. Conclusion A strain of Staphylococcus xylosus was isolated from the skin of a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs. The strain is an opportunistic pathogen that causes transient squamous skin scurfs without significant histopathological changes, and there are individual differences in the sensitivity of nude mice to this strain. These findings can provide valuable data for pathogen identification in immunodeficient or gene knockout mice.
3.Neuroticism is associated with future disease and mortality risks.
Shuyi HUANG ; Yaru ZHANG ; Lingzhi MA ; Bangsheng WU ; Jianfeng FENG ; Wei CHENG ; Jintai YU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(11):1355-1366
BACKGROUND:
Neuroticism has been associated with numerous health outcomes. However, most research has focused on a single specific disorder and has produced controversial results, particularly regarding mortality risk. Here, we aimed to examine the association of neuroticism with morbidity and mortality and to elucidate how neuroticism affects trajectories from a healthy state, to one or more neuroticism-related disorders, and subsequent mortality risk.
METHODS:
We included 483,916 participants from the UK Biobank at baseline (2006-2010). Neuroticism was measured using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. Three clusters were constructed, including worry, depressed affect, and sensitivity to environmental stress and adversity (SESA). Cox proportional hazards regression and multistate models were used. Linear regression was used to examine the association between neuroticism and immune parameters and neuroimaging measures.
RESULTS:
High neuroticism was associated with 37 non-overlapping diseases, including increased risk of infectious, cardiometabolic, neuropsychiatric, digestive, and respiratory diseases, and decreased risk of cancer. After adjustment for sociodemographic variables, physical measures, healthy behaviors, and baseline diagnoses, moderate-to-high neuroticism was associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality. In multistate models, high neuroticism was associated with an increased risk of transitions from a healthy state to a first neuroticism-related disease (hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.09 [1.05-1.13], P <0.001) and subsequent transitions to multimorbidity (1.08 [1.02-1.14], P = 0.005), but was associated with a decreased risk of transitions from multimorbidity to death (0.90 [0.84-0.97], P for trend = 0.006). The leading neuroticism cluster showing a detrimental role in the health-illness transition was depressed affect, which correlated with higher amygdala volume and lower insula volume. The protective effect of neuroticism against mortality was mainly contributed by the SESA cluster, which, unlike the other two clusters, did not affect the balance between innate and adaptive immunity.
CONCLUSION
This study provides new insights into the differential role of neuroticism in health outcomes and into new perspectives for establishing mortality prevention programs for patients with multimorbidity.
Humans
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Neuroticism/physiology*
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Aged
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Proportional Hazards Models
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Surveys and Questionnaires
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Adult
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Risk Factors
4.SWOT analysis of construction of intelligent vaccination clinics in Zhejiang Province
ZHENG Shuhan ; SHEN Lingzhi ; DENG Xuan ; SU Ying ; LUO Feng ; ZHOU Yang ; TANG Xuewen ; YAN Rui ; ZHU Yao ; HE Hanqing
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(8):669-673
Objective:
To analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the construction on intelligent vaccination clinics in Zhejiang Province, so as to provide countermeasures for promoting the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics in Zhejiang Province.
Methods:
By reviewing the annual reports of Zhejiang immunization planning, survey data from Zhejiang Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Immunization Intelligent Service System, data of human resources of immunization planning, vaccine procurement, construction progress of intelligent vaccination clinics and vaccination were collected. The relevant literature was searched to gather information on the construction standards and norms of intelligent vaccination clinics. The analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics was conducted, and corresponding countermeasures and suggestions were proposed.
Results:
The National Immunization Program reported vaccine rate in Zhejiang Province is more than 99%, and standardized vaccination clinics have been popularized throughout the province. The vaccination staff are professional, and a province-wide intelligent immunization service information system has been established, providing the resources and conditions for the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics. However, there are problems such as low data quality and matching efficiency in vaccination, insufficient data interoperability and sharing, unbalanced regional capabilities in intelligent transformation, and uneven distribution of talent and resources. It is crucial to seize the opportunities presented by the development of big data and artificial intelligence, rely on the regional development of the Internet and health industry, seize the opportunity of rapid growth in demand for intelligent vaccination services and high public acceptance, accelerate the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics, and establish intelligent vaccination service standards as soon as possible.
Conclusion
We should seize the opportunities presented by the digital reform and development, fully utilize the existing vaccination resources and strengths, address the shortcomings, and accelerate the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics in Zhejiang Province.
5.Establishment of a qPCR method to detect Staphylococcus xylosus and its application
Lingzhi YU ; Liping FENG ; Zhihao KONG ; Qi ZHU ; Xiaofeng WEI
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(1):73-79
Objective To establish and evaluate a method for rapid and sensitive S.xylosus detection using qPCR(real-time quantitative PCR).Methods A gehM gene fragment was selected as the target for S.xylosus.A set of specific primers was synthesized and a qPCR method was established to detect S.xylosus.A S.xylosus standard strain and other non-target strains were chosen for analysis.DNA of S.xylosus was diluted 10-fold to determine its sensitivity.Clinical samples were tested,and positive products were sequenced.The result were compared with those of bacterial culture.Results S.xylosus had a specific amplification curve,whereas other non-S.xylosus species did not,indicating that the primers were specific for S.xylosus.Sensitivity was 100 fg/μL DNA.Repeatability within and between groups was less than 3%.A total of 60 clinical samples were analyzed,of which five samples had a typical S curve.qPCR products were sequenced and BLAST searched.The similarity of the gene sequences was 99.63%,indicating that the sample was positive for the S.xylosus gehM gene with a positivity rate of 8.3%.However,the positivity rate of bacterial culture was 6.7%.The positivity rate of qPCR was slightly higher than that of the culture.Conclusions The established qPCR method is rapid with high sensitivity and specificity,and can be used to detect S.xylosus.
6.Establishment of Fluorescence qPCR Method for Detection of Staphylococcus Aureus and Its Application in Feces Detection of Rats and Mice
Lingzhi YU ; Jianyun XIE ; Liping FENG ; Xiaofeng WEI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2023;43(5):566-573
ObjectiveTo establish a method for rapid and sensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus. MethodsThe specific gene nuc of Staphylococcus aureus was selected as the target gene. A pair of specific primers and a TaqMan probe were designed and synthesized according to the published sequence of the nuc gene. Establish a nucleic acid detection method for nuc gene using fluorescence quantitative PCR technology, and apply it clinically in the detection of fecal samples from rats and mice. ResultsThe DNA extracted from Staphylococcus aureus and other non-Staphylococcus aureus strains was detected by qPCR. The results showed that Staphylococcus aureus had a specific amplification curve, while other non-Staphylococcus aureus did not, indicating that the designed primers and probes were specific for Staphylococcus aureus. The sensitivity of this method was determined by diluting the DNA of Staphylococcus aureus by 10 times. The results showed that the detection limit of this method was 10 fg DNA, which was 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of ordinary PCR method. A total of 91 clinical samples were detected in this study, of which 4 rat samples from the same facility had a typical S-curve. The PCR products were sequenced and BLAST compared. The gene sequence of this sample was 100% similar to that of Staphylococcus aureus, indicating that the sample was positive for the nucleic acid of Staphylococcus aureus nuc gene, with a positive rate of 4.40%. The result was consistent with that obtained by bacterial culture method. The nucleic acid extraction adopted a full-automatic nucleic acid purification instrument, and the time required from nucleic acid extraction to detection result determination was less than 1.5 h. ConclusionThe qPCR method established in this study to identify Staphylococcus aureus with nuc gene as the target gene has the advantages of fast, high sensitivity and specificity, and can be used for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus in feces of rats and mice.
7.Neonatal hyperthyroidism: clinical analysis of 7 cases
Min SUN ; Lijuan FENG ; Jiancheng JIAO ; Weicong PU ; Lingzhi MENG ; Chao JIA ; Junchen FANG ; Li MA
Chinese Journal of Neonatology 2022;37(2):162-165
Objective:To study the clinical features of neonatal hyperthyroidism.Methods:From September 2013 to September 2020, clinical data of neonates with hyperthyroidism admitted to the neonatal intense care unit of our hospital were retrospectively collected and analyzed.Results:A total of 7 neonates were included. The average gestation age was (35.8±2.3) weeks with 5 cases had GA<37 weeks. The median age of diagnostic was 16 d (7~18 d). The common clinical manifestations included tachycardia, irritability, low-grade fever, hyperhidrosis, bulimia, poor weight gain, diarrhea and jaundice. The levels of serum free triiodothyronine (FT 3) and thyroxine (FT 4) were elevated in all 7 cases and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were decreased. The Doppler ultrasound of thyroid gland in two neonates revealed enlarged thyroid gland with abundant blood flow. All 7 mothers had hyperthyroidism with 4 mothers provided the history of hyperthyroidism and the other 3 were also confirmed after their infants were diagnosed. All 7 infants were treated with anti-thyroid drugs (ATD) and 2 were additionally given β-blockers to control heart rate. The median ATD duration was 40 d (7~58 d). 2 cases (both preterm infants) had slight decrease in FT 4 during medication. FT 4 of all 7 cases returned to normal before TSH. Conclusions:Neonatal hyperthyroidism has various and nonspecific clinical manifestations. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are important to prevent short-term and long-term adverse outcomes. Whether their mothers provide definite history of thyroid disorder or not, the thyroid function of the suspected neonates should be carefully monitored.
8.Therapeutic effect of children's growth patch combined with recombinant human growth hormone in treatment of idiopathic short stature
Lingzhi ZHU ; Jinyan RU ; Huijun YU ; Jianmin YE ; Xiufang CHEN ; Haiying FENG
China Modern Doctor 2019;57(10):59-61,65
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of children's growth patch combined with recombinant human growth hormone on idiopathic short stature. Methods A retrospective analysis of 45 children patients with idiopathic short stature from February 2016 to February 2017 was carried out, according to the treatment method, they were divided into the control group, the observation group 1 and the observation group 2, with 15 cases in each group. The control group was those who rejected all medications. The observation group 1 was those who were given children's growth patch; the observation group 2 was those who were given growth patch combined with recombinant human growth hormone therapy. The treatment lasted for 12 months. The height growth, genetic height, and predicted adult height were compared. Results The control group, the observation group 1 and the observation group 2 were compared, and the height growth values were (3.87±1.25) cm, (7.93±1.53) cm, and (10.20±1.97) cm, respectively, and the difference was significant (F=59.48, P<0.01); the genetic heights were (156.80±4.94) cm, (156.07±3.97) cm, (156.13±4.58) cm, respectively, and the difference was not significant (F=0.12, P>0.05); the predicted adult heights were (155.73±3.31) cm, (164.80±5.24) cm, and (167.87±5.68) cm, respectively, and the difference was significant (F=25.35, P<0.01). Conclusion Children's growth patch combined with recombinant human growth hormone in the treatment of idiopathic short stature can significantly increase the height growth value and increase the predicted value of adult height.
9.Protective effect of curcumin on glucose metabolism evaluated by 18 F-FDG microPET/CT in rat models of intracerebral hemorrhage
Fanhui YANG ; Lingzhi CAO ; Xiaohong HUANG ; Chaoxian YANG ; Yue FENG ; Chunyin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2017;37(10):627-631
Objective To investigate the effect of curcumin on brain glucose metabolism in rat models of intracerebral hemorrhage ( ICH), and evaluate the therapeutic effect of curcumin. Methods Twenty-four healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups ( 6 rats/group) by simple random sampling method:normal group ( group A) , ICH+curcumin group ( group B) , ICH +vehicle group ( group C) , and sham operated group (group D). ICH model was made by injecting collagenase (2 μl) into the right cau-date nucleus of rat. 18F-FDG with a dose of (17.8±0.4) MBq was injected through caudal vein at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 3 d, 5 d, 7 d, 14 d after the model was built successfully. 18F-FDG microPET/CT was performed 30 min post injection at each time point. ROI in the hematoma and peri-hematoma brain tissue was drawn, and its volume and SUVmean were measured and analyzed. Meanwhile, each rat was evaluated by neurological severi-ty scores ( NSS) . Analysis of variance for repeated measurement data and Pearson correlation analysis were used. Results NSS in group B were lower than those in group C from 6 h to 5 d (F=183.26, P<0. 01). MicroPET/CT showed decreased glucose uptake in the hematoma and peri-hematoma brain tissue after cere-bral hemorrhage. In group B, the 18 F-FDG uptake in peri-hematoma brain tissue of ICH decreased after 6 h, and reached the minimum at 24 h (1.20±0.08), and then increased. The glucose metabolism in group B was significantly lower than that in group D at each time point (F=7306.74, P<0.01), and significantly higher than that in group C ( F=471.50, P<0.01) . SUVmean within ROI had a significantly negative correla-tion with both ROI volume and NSS in group B at each time point( r values:-0.672 and -0.727, both P<0. 05) . Conclusions MicroPET/CT might visualize decreased glucose uptake of hematoma and peri-hema-toma brain tissue after cerebral hemorrhage. Curcumin might have a neuroprotective effect on ICH, and im-prove the glucose uptake in hematoma and peri-hematoma brain tissue.
10.Effect of high-intensity alternating magnetic field on viscosity of sheep blood
Pengxian TAO ; Xiangyang WU ; Lingzhi ZHAO ; Feng WANG ; Qi XIA ; Yan PENG ; Bingren GAO
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2017;42(12):1395-1400
Objective:To explore the changes of blood viscosity in high-intensity alternating magnetic field and the mechanisms.Methods:Five adult sheep were randomly selected and the blood samples were placed in highintensity alternating magnetic field.Before and after exposure,the blood samples were taken and divided into 2 groups:a control group and a magnetic field group.The blood rheology and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed.Results:Compared to the control group,the high shear viscosity of whole blood was decreased in the magnetic field group (P<0.05);the whole blood low shear viscosity and plasma viscosity were also decreased (both P<0.01).TEM showed the changes in red blood cell morphology and the double concave disc curvature.The radian of double concave disc and cell volume in the magnetic field group was larger than those in the control group.Conclusion:The high intensity alternating magnetic field may affect the distribution of surface charge and molecular current in blood cells,which in turn decrease the aggregation of cells and the blood viscosity.


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