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.Health outcomes of electronic cigarettes
Xinmeng LI ; Lingzhi YUAN ; Fen WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(16):1903-1911
The usage of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) sparked an outbreak of unidentified vaping-related lung disease in the US during late 2019. With e-cigarettes becoming more and more popular, smokers have more options other than conventional cigarettes. Under these circumstances, a comprehensive evaluation of the general safety of new tobacco and tobacco-related products, represented by e-cigarettes, to human health is necessary. In this review, we summarize the current research on potential negative impacts of e-cigarette exposure on human health. In particular, studies detailing the relationship between e-cigarettes and the digestive system are summarized, with mechanisms mainly including hepatic metabolic dysfunction, impaired gut barrier, and worsened outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although believed to be safer than traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes exert adverse effects on systemic health and induce the development of multiple diseases including asthma, cardiovascular disease, and IBD. Moreover, nicotine-containing e-cigarettes have a negative impact on the childhood development and increase the risk of arterial stiffness compared to the non-nicotine e-cigarettes. However, non-nicotine e-cigarette components have detrimental effects including promoting liver damage and metabolic disorders.
4.Comparison of Single or Double Titanium Mesh Cage for Anterior Reconstruction After Total En Bloc Spondylectomy for Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Tumors
Ao LENG ; Qi WANG ; Jiacheng LI ; Yu LONG ; Song SHI ; Lingzhi MENG ; Mingming GUO ; Hailong YU ; Liangbi XIANG
Neurospine 2024;21(2):656-664
Objective:
To compare the clinical efficacy of anterior column reconstruction using single or double titanium mesh cage (TMC) after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) of thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 39 patients with thoracic or lumbar spinal tumors. All patients underwent TES, followed by anterior reconstruction and screw-rod instrumentation via a posterior-only procedure. Twenty-two patients in group A were treated with a single TMC to reconstruct the anterior column, whereas 17 patients in group B were reconstructed with double TMCs.
Results:
The overall follow-up is 20.5 ± 4.6 months. There is no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding age, sex, body mass index, tumor location, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss. The time for TMC placement was significantly shortened in the double TMCs group (5.2 ± 1.3 minutes vs. 15.6 ± 3.3 minutes, p = 0.004). Additionally, postoperative neural complications were significantly reduced with double TMCs (5/22 vs. 0/17, p = 0.046). The kyphotic Cobb angle and mean intervertebral height were significantly corrected in both groups (p ≤ 0.001), without obvious loss of correction at the last follow-up in either group. The bone fusion rates for single TMC and double TMCs were 77.3% and 76.5%, respectively.
Conclusion
Using 2 smaller TMCs instead of a single large one eases the placement of TMC by shortening the time and avoiding nerve impingement. Anterior column reconstruction with double TMC is a clinically feasible, and safe alternative following TES for thoracic and lumbar tumors.
5.Application of a home-based exercise program in elderly patients with osteoporosis and frailty
Xiaoyan ZONG ; Lingzhi ZHU ; Xuefei WANG ; Yongzhen MO ; Jiaren XU ; Xiaojun OUYANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(10):1171-1179
Objective To explore the application effect of multi-component home-based exercise in elderly patients with osteoporosis and frailty.Methods A total of 52 elderly patients with osteoporosis and frailty were recruited from the osteoporosis clinic of a tertiary hospital in Nanjing,Jiangsu Province from March to August 2022 using the convenience sampling method.Subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group with 26 cases in each group by the random number table.The experimental group was given the home-based exercise program,while the control group maintained the daily lifestyle.Short Physical Performance Battery(SPPB),grip strength,Frail Scale and Chinese Osteoporosis-targeted Quality of Life Questionnaire(COQOL)of the 2 groups were compared at 12 weeks and 24 weeks,and bone mineral density(BMD)was analyzed after 24-week intervention.Results The scores in the experimental group had significant statistical differences in SPPB,grip strength,Frail Scale and COQOL compared with those in the control group after 12-week and 24-week intervention(P<0.05).The BMD of total hip of the experimental group was significantly higher than it in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The home-based exercise program can help the elderly with osteoporosis and frailty to improve the physical function and upper body strength,improve the frailty state,and enhance the quality of life,and it may be one of the effective intervention methods to prevent and reverse the frailty state of osteoporosis patients.
6.Stepwise intensive rehabilitation can effectively improve the pulmonary and diaphragmatic functioning of persons with serious chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Yanping FU ; Jinzhu WANG ; Shuyan LI ; Juanhong CHEN ; Lingzhi JIANG ; Huiping YAO ; Xiangming YE
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2024;46(11):1004-1010
Objective:To document the impact of information-based, stepwise, intensive rehabilitation therapy on patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).Methods:Eighty such patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, each of 40. The control group received routine ICU rehabilitation, while the observation group underwent information-based, step-wise ICU rehabilitation. Upon admission to and discharge from the ICU, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and diaphragm functioning were compared between the two groups. The duration of mechanical ventilation, the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), length of stay in the ICU, incidence of delirium, and the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were also recorded. The number of patients readmitted to the ICU after discharge, and the 28-day hospital mortality rate were recorded as well.Results:Significant improvement was observed in both groups in terms of their lung and diaphragm functioning, as well as in the rehabilitation- and hospital-related indicators. At discharge, significantly greater improvements were observed in the observation group compared with the control group in terms of their average FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, inspiratory and expiratory diaphragm thickness, and diaphragm thickening rate. The average duration of mechanical ventilation and of rehabilitation interruptions was significantly less in the observation group. And incidents of accidental extubation, VAP, delirium and DVT were significantly fewer in the observation group as well. Their ICU stays tended to be significantly shorter without any significant difference between the two groups in the 28-day hospital mortality rate. The control group spent significantly less time in their daily rehabilitation sessions, with the result that significantly fewer of them achieved a grading of 2 or better on the mMRC respiratory questionnaire.Conclusion:Information-based stepwise intensive rehabilitation treatment can effectively improve the pulmonary and diaphragmatic function of AECOPD patients admitted to an ICU, shorten their mechanical ventilation time and the length of their ICU stay, and lower their incidence of VAP and DVT during hospitalization.
7.The analgesic effect and safety of transincisional quadratus lumborum block technique for laparoscopic nephrectomy
Lingzhi WANG ; Ruifen ZHOU ; Qilu YING ; Li CHEN ; Manhua ZHU
China Modern Doctor 2024;62(24):1-5
Objective To investigate the analgesic effect and safety of transincisional quadratus lumborum block(TQLB)technique for laparoscopic nephrectomy.Methods Sixty patients scheduled for laparoscopic nephrectomy at the Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University from December 2023 to March 2024,the patients were randomly divided into TQLB group(T group)and control group(C group)using a random number table method,with 30 cases in each group.C group received general anesthesia with tracheal intubation,while T group received general anesthesia with tracheal intubation combined with TQLB.Two groups of patients were routinely given sufentanil controlled intravenous analgesia pump after surgery.Record the wound healing status of two groups of patients,postoperative 24h sufentanil consumption,resting and exercise time numerical rating scale(NRS)scores at 6h,12h,and 24h postoperatively,range of sensory blockade at 2h postoperatively,number of salvage analgesia cases at 24h postoperatively,analgesic satisfaction score,and incidence of postoperative complications.Results Compared with group C,patients in group T had a reduced consumption of sufentanil 24h after surgery(P<0.001);The resting and exercise NRS scores decreased at 6h,12h,and 24h after surgery(P<0.05);The number of postoperative 24h rescue analgesia cases and the satisfaction score of analgesia were both lower than C group(P<0.05);The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in group T was lower(P<0.05);Both groups of patients did not experience serious complications.Conclusion TQLB appears to offer effective postoperative analgesia during the early stages of laparoscopic nephrectomy,while also reducing the occurrence of complications.This suggests that it could serve as a safe and efficient alternative for analgesic management in such surgical procedures.
8.Comparison of Single or Double Titanium Mesh Cage for Anterior Reconstruction After Total En Bloc Spondylectomy for Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Tumors
Ao LENG ; Qi WANG ; Jiacheng LI ; Yu LONG ; Song SHI ; Lingzhi MENG ; Mingming GUO ; Hailong YU ; Liangbi XIANG
Neurospine 2024;21(2):656-664
Objective:
To compare the clinical efficacy of anterior column reconstruction using single or double titanium mesh cage (TMC) after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) of thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 39 patients with thoracic or lumbar spinal tumors. All patients underwent TES, followed by anterior reconstruction and screw-rod instrumentation via a posterior-only procedure. Twenty-two patients in group A were treated with a single TMC to reconstruct the anterior column, whereas 17 patients in group B were reconstructed with double TMCs.
Results:
The overall follow-up is 20.5 ± 4.6 months. There is no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding age, sex, body mass index, tumor location, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss. The time for TMC placement was significantly shortened in the double TMCs group (5.2 ± 1.3 minutes vs. 15.6 ± 3.3 minutes, p = 0.004). Additionally, postoperative neural complications were significantly reduced with double TMCs (5/22 vs. 0/17, p = 0.046). The kyphotic Cobb angle and mean intervertebral height were significantly corrected in both groups (p ≤ 0.001), without obvious loss of correction at the last follow-up in either group. The bone fusion rates for single TMC and double TMCs were 77.3% and 76.5%, respectively.
Conclusion
Using 2 smaller TMCs instead of a single large one eases the placement of TMC by shortening the time and avoiding nerve impingement. Anterior column reconstruction with double TMC is a clinically feasible, and safe alternative following TES for thoracic and lumbar tumors.
9.Comparison of Single or Double Titanium Mesh Cage for Anterior Reconstruction After Total En Bloc Spondylectomy for Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Tumors
Ao LENG ; Qi WANG ; Jiacheng LI ; Yu LONG ; Song SHI ; Lingzhi MENG ; Mingming GUO ; Hailong YU ; Liangbi XIANG
Neurospine 2024;21(2):656-664
Objective:
To compare the clinical efficacy of anterior column reconstruction using single or double titanium mesh cage (TMC) after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) of thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 39 patients with thoracic or lumbar spinal tumors. All patients underwent TES, followed by anterior reconstruction and screw-rod instrumentation via a posterior-only procedure. Twenty-two patients in group A were treated with a single TMC to reconstruct the anterior column, whereas 17 patients in group B were reconstructed with double TMCs.
Results:
The overall follow-up is 20.5 ± 4.6 months. There is no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding age, sex, body mass index, tumor location, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss. The time for TMC placement was significantly shortened in the double TMCs group (5.2 ± 1.3 minutes vs. 15.6 ± 3.3 minutes, p = 0.004). Additionally, postoperative neural complications were significantly reduced with double TMCs (5/22 vs. 0/17, p = 0.046). The kyphotic Cobb angle and mean intervertebral height were significantly corrected in both groups (p ≤ 0.001), without obvious loss of correction at the last follow-up in either group. The bone fusion rates for single TMC and double TMCs were 77.3% and 76.5%, respectively.
Conclusion
Using 2 smaller TMCs instead of a single large one eases the placement of TMC by shortening the time and avoiding nerve impingement. Anterior column reconstruction with double TMC is a clinically feasible, and safe alternative following TES for thoracic and lumbar tumors.
10.Safety of tocilizumab combined with traditional antirheumatic drugs in the treatment of systemic juve-nile idiopathic arthritis
Mengmeng WANG ; Zhidan FAN ; Lingzhi QIU ; Yong ZHANG ; Wenjing LI ; Haiguo YU
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2024;28(5):321-326
Objective:To investigate the safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) in the treatment of children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA).Methods:Data of children aged 2 to 18 years with the diagnosis of sJIA and treated with TCZ from June 1, 2017 to June 30, 2022 at our hospital were retrospectively collected. The clinical medication characteristics, incidence, severity and outcome of adverse drug reactions (ADR) were statistically analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to analyze the risk factors of TCZ-induced ADR. Univariate comparison between groups were compared to the measured data followed by t test for normal distribution, and the counting data were paired with Chi-square test. Binary logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. Results:A total of 83 eligible children were enrolled. The age at TCZ initiation was (8.5±3.7) years old. Most of the children received oral glucocorticoid (86.8%) and/or methotrexate (72.3%) prior to TCZ treatment. The mean time of TCZ duration was (1.2±0.9) years, the total TCZ exposure was 92.70 patient years. Fifty-five (66.3%) children reported 123 ADR, with a rate of 132.69/100 patient years. Forty-two (50.6%) children reported 103 general ADR, with a rate of 111.11/100 patient years. Eighteen (21.7%) children reported 20 serious ADR, with a rate of 21.57/100 patient years. The results of univariate analysis showed that the dosage of glucocorticoid in ADR group was higher than that in non-ADR group [(0.76±0.50) mg·kg -1·d -1vs. (0.52±0.41) mg·kg -1·d -1, t=2.27, P=0.026], and the difference was statistically significant. However, there were no significant differences in gender [(male 23, female 32) cases vs. (male 9, female 19) cases, χ2=0.73, P=0.392], age at TCZ initiation [(8.5±3.8) years old vs. (9.0±3.1) years old, t=-0.65, P=0.516], duration of TCZ treatment [(1.24±1.00) years vs. (1.05±0.90) years, t=0.87, P=0.385], methotrexate doses weekly [(8.0±5.2) mg/m 2vs. (7.6±5.1) mg/m 2, t=0.39, P=0.696], and history of drug or food allergy (11 cases vs. 5 cases, χ2=0.06, P=0.815) between the two groups. The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that the combined use of oral glucocorticoids was an independent risk factor for TCZ-induced ADR [ OR (95% CI) =3.05 (1.11, 8.36), P=0.030]. The risk of ADR was 3.05 times higher in the combined daily dose of glucocorticoids ≥0.76 mg/kg prednisone equivalent than that of < 0.76 mg/kg. Common general ADR to TCZ include infections (38.83/100 patient years) and abnormalities in laboratory parameters (37.76/100 patient years) such as elevated glutamic-pyrupiane transaminase (18.34/100 patient years), dyslipidemia (12.94/100 patient years), and hemocytopenia (5.39/100 patient years). The serious ADR included serious infection (9.71/100 patient years) and serious infusion reaction(7.55/100 patient years). All ADR were improved after drug withdrawal or symptomatic treatment, and no deaths occurred. Conclusion:TCZ has a good safety profile in the treatment of sJIA. Serious infections and severe infusion reactions often lead to discontinuation of the drug. The combination of glucocorticoids≥0.76 mg/kg prednisone equivalent is an independent risk factor for TCZ-induced ADR. Monitoring should be strengthened during the application of TCZ, and ADR should be detected and treated as early as possible to reduce the risk of medication related adverse reactions.

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