In recent years, adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) has emerged as a powerful tool for basic research in microbiology (e.g., molecular mechanisms of microbial evolution) and efforts on evolutionary engineering of microbial strains (e.g., accelerated evolution of industrial strains by bringing beneficial mutations). The ongoing rapid development of next-generation sequencing platforms has provided novel insights into growth kinetics and metabolism of microbes, and thus led to great advances of this technique. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the applications of long-term and short-term ALE techniques mainly for microbial strain engineering, and different modes of ALE are also introduced. Furthermore, we discuss the current limitations of ALE and potential solutions. We believe that the information reviewed here will make a significant contribution to further advancement of ALE.
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Laboratories ; Mutation

Objective To explore the early diagnosis and treatment of Van Wyk-Grumbach syndrome (VWGS). Methods The clinical data of a child with VWGS were retrospectively analyzed. The related literatures were reviewed. Results Nine-year-old female presented with growth retardation and obesity for 3 years, combined with breast development for 6 months and vaginal bleeding for 3 month. The level of free thyroxine (FT4) was 0.46 ng/dL and thyrotropin (TSH)>150 mIU/L. The GnRH stimulation test showed that the gonad axis was not activated. The serum prolactin and estradiol were significantly increased. Bone age was delayed. Color Doppler ultrasound showed enlarged uterus and enlarged ovary, and ovarian cyst was seen. Pituitary MRI showed hyperplasia of the pituitary gland. The patient received the treatment of Euthyrox, and 2 months later, thyroid function was back to normal, ovaries were significantly reduced by reexamine of color doppler ultrasound, body weight was reduced by 6 kg, and there was no vaginal bleeding. Three months later, both ovaries returned to normal size, and pituitary MRI showed hyperplasia of adenohypophysis was improved. After 6 months, both of uterus and ovary were turn to normal size, ovarian cyst disappeared, and pituitary MRI showed normal. Conclusions VWGS is a rare complication of severe primary hypothyroidism untreated for long time and it mainly occurs in adolescent girls. Thyroid replacement therapy is effective.

Aiming at building research disciplines,Xijing hospital has initially achieved a strategic transformation into a hospital with research disciplines,with such measures as scientific layout of disciplines,making of advantageous disciplines with overseas benchmarks,encouragement of potential disciplines with advantageous disciplines,promotion of medical innovation with innovative ideas,and upgrading clinical service quality with technical innovation.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a lipophilic antioxidant that improves human immunity, delays senility and enhances the vitality of the human body and has wide applications in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Microbial fermentation is a sustainable way to produce CoQ10, and attracts increased interest. In this work, the native CoQ8 synthetic pathway of Escherichia coli was replaced by the CoQ10 synthetic pathway through integrating decaprenyl diphosphate synthase gene (dps) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides into chromosome of E. coli ATCC 8739, followed by deletion of the native octaprenyl diphosphate synthase gene (ispB). The resulting strain GD-14 produced 0.68 mg/L CoQ10 with a yield of 0.54 mg/g DCW. Modulation of dxs and idi genes of the MEP pathway and ubiCA genes in combination led to 2.46-fold increase of CoQ10 production (from 0.54 to 1.87 mg/g DCW). Recruiting glucose facilitator protein of Zymomonas mobilis to replace the native phosphoenolpyruvate: carbohydrate phosphotransferase systems (PTS) further led to a 16% increase of CoQ10 yield. Finally, fed-batch fermentation of the best strain GD-51 was performed, which produced 433 mg/L CoQ10 with a yield of 11.7 mg/g DCW. To the best of our knowledge, this was the highest CoQ10 titer and yield obtained for engineered E. coli.
Alkyl and Aryl Transferases ; genetics ; Bacterial Proteins ; genetics ; Batch Cell Culture Techniques ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Fermentation ; Gene Deletion ; Industrial Microbiology ; Metabolic Engineering ; Rhodobacter sphaeroides ; enzymology ; genetics ; Ubiquinone ; analogs & derivatives ; biosynthesis ; Zymomonas ; genetics

β-carotene belongs to carotenoids family, widely applied in pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals, cosmetics and food industries. In this study, three key genes (dxs, idi, and crt operon) within β-carotene synthetic pathway in recombinant Escherichia coli strain CAR005 were modulated with RBS Library to improve β-carotene production. There were 7%, 11% and 17% increase of β-carotene yield respectively after modulating dxs, idi and crt operon genes with RBS Library, demonstrating that modulating gene expression with regulatory parts libraries would have more opportunities to obtain optimal production of target compound. Combined modulation of crt operon, dxs and idi genes led to 35% increase of β-carotene yield compared to parent strain CAR005. The optimal gene expression strength identified in single gene modulation would not be the optimal strength when used in combined modulation. Our study provides a new strategy for improving production of target compound through modulation of gene expression.
Escherichia coli ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Gene Library ; Operon ; beta Carotene ; biosynthesis

Objective To estimate the effect of glycoprotein (transmembrane) nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) on the proliferation and migration of as well as melanogenesis in melanoma cells.Methods The expression of GPNMB was detected by immunofluorescence assay in two melanoma cell lines M14 and G-361,as well as in primary human melanocytes.Then,the three kinds of cells each were classified into three groups:experimental group treated with small interfering RNA targeting GPNMB (GPNMB-siRNA),negative control group treated with the negative control siRNA,blank control group remaining untreated.Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay,transwell invasion assay and spectrophotometry were performed to evaluate cell proliferation activity,invasion potential and melanin levels,respectively.Statistical analysis was done using Student's t test.Results GPNMB was expressed in both melanoma cells and melanocytes.The transfection with GPNMB-siRNA down-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of GPNMB in,and markedly suppressed the proliferation and migration of,melanoma cells.In detail,the proliferative activity (expressed as the absorbence value at 570 nm) of M14 and G361 cells was reduced by 35％ and 40％ respectively,the migration activity of M14 and G361 cells by 49％ and 51％ respectively,and the melanin levels in melanocytes,M14 cells and G361 cells by 73％,82％ and 69％ respectively,in the experiment group compared with those in the blank control group.Conclusions The siRNA-mediated silencing of GPNMB could effectively inhibit the proliferation of,invasion of and melanogenesis in melanoma cells,which suggests that GPNMB plays critical roles in the initiation and progression of melanoma.

Objective To reconstruct skin defects with local flaps after resection of tumors. Methods From October 2006 to December 2009, medial canthal defects in 15 patients were repaired with local flaps in the hospital. The size of the defects varied from 1 cm × 1 cm to 1.8 cm × 2.0 cm. According to the size and location of the defects, different local flaps such as glabellar flaps ,rotation flaps, advancement flaps, nasolabial flaps and combination of these local flaps were selected and designed to repair the skin defects. Results Of the 15 patients, 12 received the reconstruction of skin defects with single flap, the other 3 with two flaps; totally,18 local flaps were designed and applied. All the flaps survived with primary healing postoperatively. A followup in 11 patients for 6 to 12 months showed that the color and texture of flaps were similar to those of surrounding tissues and incision line scar was inconspicuous. Medial canthal contours were restored without distortion of surrounding structures. Satisfactory function and aesthetic outcomes were achieved. Conclusions In the repair of inner canthus skin defects, to maintain and restore the "cosmetic unit" integrity of inner canthus by using suitable local flaps would lead to a satisfying restoration of function and appearance.

Adult ; Clavicle ; injuries ; surgery ; Fractures, Bone ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Radiography

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of pelvic methotrexate (MTX) injection via the posterior fornix for treatment of tubal pregnancy.

METHODSNinety-six patients with tubal pregnancy (mean age 21-40 years) were randomized into 3 groups for treatment with pelvic MTX injection via the posterior fornix+mifepristone+traditional Chinese medicine (experiment group), intramuscular MTX injection+mifepristone+traditional Chinese medicine (control group I), or mifepristone+traditional Chinese medicine (control group II). On days 4 and 7 of the treatment, blood β-HCG of the patients in different groups was detected, and in cases with continuous reduction of blood β-HCG or a reduction by over 15%, β-HCG was checked every week. One week after the treatment, the size of the mass was measured by B-mode ultrasound. The clearance time of β-HCG and the hospital stay of the patients were recorded.

RESULTSTwenty-nine patients in the experimental group were treated successfully, with a cure rate of 90.6%, which was significantly higher than those in the two control groups (P<0.05). The clearance time of β-HCG and hospital stay were also much shorter in the experimental group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONPelvic MTX injection via the posterior fornix is a convenient procedure associated with minimal complications and serves as a good alternative for treatment of tubal pregnancy.

Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal ; administration & dosage ; Adult ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Injections ; Methotrexate ; administration & dosage ; Mifepristone ; administration & dosage ; Pelvis ; Phytotherapy ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Tubal ; drug therapy ; Vagina ; Young Adult