Clinical characteristics of influenza pneumonia in the elderly and relationship between D-dimer and disease severity / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To clarify the clinical characteristics of influenza pneumonia in the elderly patients and the relationship between D-dimer and the severity of influenza pneumonia.@*METHODS@#In the study, 52 hospitalized patients older than 65 years with confirmed influenza pneumonia diagnosed in Peking University People's Hospital on 5 consecutive influenza seasons from 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. General information, clinical symptoms, laboratory data, treatment methods and prognosis of the patients were collected. The relationship between D-dimer and pneumonia severity was analyzed, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of D-dimer.@*RESULTS@#Among the 52 patients, 31 were male (31/52, 59.6%), the average age was (77.1±7.4) years, and 19 of them (36.5%) were diagnosed with severe pneumonia. About 70% patients presenting with fever. In the severe group, the patients were more likely to complain of dyspnea than in the non-severe group (14/19, 73.7% vs. 10/33, 30.3%, P=0.004), severe pneumonia group had higher level of CURB-65 (confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and age>65), pneumonia severity index (PSI), C-reactive protein, urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, fasting glucose, and D-dimer (P value was 0.004, < 0.001, < 0.001, 0.003, 0.038, 0.018, and < 0.001, respectively), albumin was lower than that in the non-severe group [(35.8±5.6) g/L vs. (38.9±3.5) g/L, t=-2.348, P=0.018]. There was a significant positive correlation between the D-dimer at the first admission and PSI score (r=0.540, 95%CI: 0.302 to 0.714, P < 0.001), while a significant negative correlation with PaO2/FiO2 (r=-0.559, 95%CI: -0.726 to -0.330, P < 0.001). Area under the curve of D-dimer was 0.765 (95%CI: 0.627 to 0.872). Area under the curve of PSI was 0.843 (95%CI: 0.716 to 0.929). There was no statistically significant difference in test efficacy between the two (Z=2.360, P=0.174). D-dimer level over 1 225 μg/L had a positive predict value for influenza pneumonia in hospital death with a sensitivity of 76.92% and a specificity of 74.36%.@*CONCLUSION@#Influenza pneumonia in the elderly always has atypical symptoms, dyspnea is a prominent feature in severe cases, D-dimer level is associated with the severity of influenza pneumonia, and greater than 1 200 μg/L has a good predictive value for in-hospital death in the elderly.

Clinical features and risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 patients in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly spread throughout the world. In this study, we aimed to identify the risk factors for severe COVID-19 to improve treatment guidelines.@*METHODS@#A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted on 313 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Patients were classified into two groups based on disease severity (nonsevere and severe) according to initial clinical presentation. Laboratory test results and epidemiological and clinical characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to detect potential risk factors associated with severe COVID-19.@*RESULTS@#A total of 289 patients (197 nonsevere and 92 severe cases) with a median age of 45.0 (33.0, 61.0) years were included in this study, and 53.3% (154/289) were male. Fever (192/286, 67.1%) and cough (170/289, 58.8%) were commonly observed, followed by sore throat (49/289, 17.0%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that patients who were aged ≥ 65 years (OR: 2.725, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.317-5.636; P = 0.007), were male (OR: 1.878, 95% CI: 1.002-3.520, P = 0.049), had comorbid diabetes (OR: 3.314, 95% CI: 1.126-9.758, P = 0.030), cough (OR: 3.427, 95% CI: 1.752-6.706, P < 0.001), and/or diarrhea (OR: 2.629, 95% CI: 1.109-6.231, P = 0.028) on admission had a higher risk of severe disease. Moreover, stratification analysis indicated that male patients with diabetes were more likely to have severe COVID-19 (71.4% vs. 28.6%, χ2 = 8.183, P = 0.004).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The clinical characteristics of those with severe and nonsevere COVID-19 were significantly different. The elderly, male patients with COVID-19, diabetes, and presenting with cough and/or diarrhea on admission may require close monitoring to prevent deterioration.

Genetic factors related to the widespread dissemination of ST11 extensively drug-resistant carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains within hospital / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CP-Kp) poses distinct clinical challenges due to extensively drug resistant (XDR) phenotype, and sequence type (ST) 11 is the most dominant blaKPC-2-bearing CP-Kp clone in China. The purpose of this current retrospective study was to explore the genetic factors associated with the success of XDR CP-Kp ST11 strains circulated in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a Chinese tertiary hospital.@*METHODS@#Six ST11 XDR CP-Kp strains were identified between May and December 2014 and validated by minimum inhibitory concentration examination, polymerase chain reaction, and pyrosequencing. The six ST11 XDR CP-Kp, as well as three multi-drug resistant (MDR) and four susceptible strains, were sequenced using single-molecule real-time method. Comprehensively structural and functional analysis based on comparative genomics was performed to identify genomic characteristics of the XDR ST11 CP-Kp strains.@*RESULTS@#We found that ST11 XDR blaKPC-2-bearing CP-Kp strains isolated from inpatients spread in the ICU of the hospital. Functionally, genes associated with information storage and processing of the ST11 XDR CP-Kp strains were more abundant than those of MDR and susceptible strains, especially genes correlative with mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as transposons and prophages. Structurally, eleven large-scale genetic regions taken for the unique genome in these ST11 XDR CP-Kp strains were identified as MGEs including transposons, integrons, prophages, genomic islands, and integrative and conjugative elements. Three of them were located on plasmids and eight on chromosomes; five of them were with antimicrobial resistance genes and eight with adaptation associated genes. Notably, a new blaKPC-2-bearing ΔΔTn1721-blaKPC-2 transposon, probably transposed and truncated from ΔTn1721-blaKPC-2 by IS903D and ISKpn8, was identified in all six ST11 XDR CP-Kp strains.@*CONCLUSION@#Our findings suggested that together with clonal spread, MGEs identified uniquely in the ST11 XDR CP-Kp strains might contribute to their formidable adaptability, which facilitated their widespread dissemination in hospital.

Accuracy of three-dimensional camera system based on stereophotography on photographic acquisition of deformity facial images / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate and analyze the accuracy of three-dimensional camera system acquisition based on stereophotography for the photographic acquisition of images of facial deformities.@*METHODS@#3D digital models of 45 waxen facial models of patients with facial deformities were obtained via a 3D camera system based on stereophotography. A total of 19 feature lines were measured on each 3D model by using the software. The measurements taken by the coordinate-measuring machine were accepted as standard values. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the system and the corresponding factors.@*RESULTS@#Statistical analysis results showed that the measured values of the characteristic distance obtained by 3D camera system were statistically different from the standard values (P0.05). The facial regions significantly influenced measuring error (P0.05). The middle facial regions had significant difference with bilateral facial regions on the percentage of measurement values (P0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The accuracy of 3D camera system based on stereophotography for the photographic acquisition of facial deformities are influenced by the morphology of the facial deformities and facial regions. Moreover, the measuring error is acceptable in clinical settings.

Population pharmacokinetics of oxcarbazepine in Chinese epilepsy patients / 药学学报

Oxcarbazepine (OXC) is a common antiepileptic drugs. In this study, one hundred and eighty four epilepsy patients with 196 observations of oxcarbazepine's active metabolite, 10,11-dihydro-10-monohydroxy carbazepine (MHD) were collected prospectively from routine clinical monitoring. Nonlinear mixed effect modeling was employed to develop a population pharmacokinetic model of oxcarbazepine in Chinese patients with epilepsy to investigate the impact of gender, age, weight, co-medications and genetic polymorphisms of UGT2B7 c.802T>C, ABCC2 c.1249G>A, ABCC 23972C>T on pharmacokinetic characteristics of OXC. The population estimate of apparent clearance (CL/F) and apparent volume of distribution (V/F) was 1.84 L·h−1 and 275 L, respectively. Gender and UGT2B7 c.802T>C affected the clearance rate of MHD significantly. The established model was:CL/F=1.84×0.848UGT2B7×1.17GENDER. Where the genotype of UGT2B7 c.802T>C was CC, UGT2B7=0, otherwise UGT2B7=1. When the patient was male, GENDER=1, otherwise GENDER=0. The final model was evaluated by normalized predictive distribution error (NPDE) and bootstrap method. The model was stable and reliable, which offers a powerful approach for rational use of OXC in epilepsy patients.

Development of decision system for individualization of vancomycin dosage / 药学学报

Vancomycin has been widely prescribed as the first-line antibiotic in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other serious Gram-positive infections. Due to its large pharmacokinetic (PK) variability and narrow therapeutic range, it requires optimization of dosage to achieve target exposure. In this study, SmartDose, a decision support system for individualization of vancomycin dosage is developed using the maximum a posterior Bayesian estimation (MAPB) by the open-source language R combined with the population PK characteristics of vancomycin in Chinese patients. It provides initial design and adjustment of dose regimens based on the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) results, as well as a user-defined module to facilitate optimal vancomycin therapy. SmartDose has a high computational reliability, which is validated by NONMEM, the golden standard PK software. Meanwhile, SmartDose is established as a web-based application and its operational flexibility makes it an efficient tool for vancomycin dose optimization in routine clinical settings.

The Value and Discussion of Cystic Duct Variation Diagnosed by MRCP / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To observe the normal anatomy and variation of cystic duct by MRCP, and to explore the correlation between anatomic variation and gallbladder stones. Methods To have a retrospective analysis of 371 MRCP patients which meet the requirement of imaging, and to compare the differences between anatomic variation and gallbladder stones with normal cystic duct. Results Among 371 patients, 63 had anatomic variations, A among which,22 had compound variations with 85 variation points in total.The percentage of mutation rate was 16.98%. 53 patients with variation of cystic duct had gallbladder stones, and 182 patients without variation of cystic duct had gallbladder stones. Conclusions MRCP can clearly display different variations of cystic duct, and the patients with variation of cystic duct have higher risks in gallbladder stones than the patients without variations.

Analysis of visual quality after ICL V4c corrective surgery for highmyopia using the double-pass instrument / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

·AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of visian implantable collamer lens with central hole (ICL V4c) implantation for the correction of high myopia using the double- pass visual quality analysis system. ·METHODS: Totally 60 eyes of 30 high myopia patients who underwent ICL V4c implantation were enrolled into this prospective randomized control study. Myopic degree of selected patients was -6. 0D to -12. 0D, age 18 to 35 years old, best corrected visual acuity ( BCVA ) ≥0. 6, preoperative corneal astigmatism acuities ≤1. 0D. All patients were taken the temporal side transparent corneal incision. The patients were evaluated postoperatively 1wk, 1 and 3mo respectively. The evaluating items included preoperative BCVA, postoperative uncorrected visual acuity ( UCVA), objective scattering index ( OSI), and modulation transfer function ( MTF ) cut off frequency, Strehl ratio (SR), and 100%, 20%, 9% Optical Quality Analysis System ( OQAS ) Value ( OV, contrast visual acuity ). All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS19. 0 statistical software. Variance analysis of repeated measurement data was employed. ·RESULTS: The UCVA gradually improved at 1wk, 1 and 3mo after surgery. There was statistical significance compared with the preoperative BCVA ( P < 0. 01 ). The postoperative OSI, MTF cut off, SR, OV 100%, OV 20% and OV 9% at 1wk, 1 and 3mo showed statistically differences compared with the preoperative values (P<0. 05). ·CONCLUSION: ICL V4c implantation can effectively correct high myopia range from -6. 0D to -12. 0D. The postoperative OSI were smaller than the preoperative OSI. The postoperative UCVA were better than the preoperative BCVA. The value of postoperative MTF cut off, SR, and OV value of 100% , 20% and 9% improved.

Progress on study of the risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an ocular disease caused by retinal ophthalmic dysplasia in premature infants,leads to strabismus,amblyopia,cataract,glaucoma,and even blindness,which seriously affects the quality of life of preterm infants.The infant blindness ratio has climbed to 6％-18％,according to figures released by the World Health Organisation.ROP is the primary cause of blindness in children of the world in recent years.But the pathogenesis of ROP is not yet clear.Gestational age,birth weight,oxygen intake,delivery mode,multiple newborns,neonatal respiratory distress syndrome,anemia,blood transfusion,sepsis,infection,hypercapnia,hyperbilirubinemia,maternal prenatal use of a drug are all the risk factors.We reviewed the risk factors and possible mechanism of ROP,in order to offer theoretical support for the study and prevention of ROP in premature infants.

Effect of wintergreen oil on in vitro transdermal permeation of osthole and geniposide / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this study was to investigate the transdermal penetration enhancement effect of wintergreen oil and its action mechanisms. The in vitro transdermal tests were carried out to study the transdermal penetration enhancement effect of wintergreen oil by using osthole and geniposide as the lipophilic and hydriphilic model drugs. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the effect of wintergreen oil on the molecular structure of rat stratum corneum, and the scanning electron microscope was employed to observe the change of rat skin surface after treatment by the oil. The wintergreen oil at proper concentrations could effectively promote the transdermal permeation of osthole and geniposide, and exhibited better penetration-enhancing activity for the lipophilic osthole, close to the commonly used classical penetration enhancer azone. The infrared spectroscopy study and scanning electron microscope showed that wintergreen oil mainly acted on the stratum corneum lipids, reduced dense stratum corneum, and reduced the skin barrier function. Thus, the wintergreen oil could effectively facilitate the transdermal absorption of the lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs, resulting from the lowed skin barrier function.

Effects of Cyclin A1 on the Proliferation of SKM-1 Cells and Its Potential Role in Myelodysplastic Syndrome / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Cyclin A1 on the proliferation of SKM-1 cells and its underlying role in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cyclin A1 was knocked down with its small interfering RNA (siRNA). The efficiency of siRNA transfection was measured by Western blot and RT-PCR. Then the proliferation of SKM-1 cells and the expression of CDK2,RUNX1 and SRSF2 with and without knockdown of Cyclin A1 recorded and analysed respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Cyclin A1 was knocked down by siRNA after transfected for 48 h. The kncokdown of Cyclin A1 inhibited the proliferation of SKM-1 cells and down-regulated the expression of CDK2, RUNX1 and SRSF2, and these effects were at least partially mediated through RUNX1 and SRSF2 signaling pathway.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cyclin A1 plays an important role in the proliferation of SKM-1 cells. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of MDS, and it may be a potential target in the treatment of MDS.</p>

A Pilot Study of Quantitative Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification-guided Target Therapies for Hospital-acquired Pneumonia / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>It is important to achieve the definitive pathogen identification in hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), but the traditional culture results always delay the target antibiotic therapy. We assessed the method called quantitative loop-mediated isothermal amplification (qLAMP) as a new implement for steering of the antibiotic decision-making in HAP.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally, 76 respiratory tract aspiration samples were prospectively collected from 60 HAP patients. DNA was isolated from these samples. Specific DNA fragments for identifying 11 pneumonia-related bacteria were amplified by qLAMP assay. Culture results of these patients were compared with the qLAMP results. Clinical data and treatment strategies were analyzed to evaluate the effects of qLAMP results on clinical data. McNemar test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The detection of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Acinetobacter baumannii by qLAMP was consistent with sputum culture (P > 0.05). The qLAMP results of 4 samples for Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella pneumophila, or Mycoplasma pneumonia (MP) were inconsistent with culture results; however, clinical data revealed that the qLAMP results were all reliable except 1 MP positive sample due to the lack of specific species identified in the final diagnosis. The improvement of clinical condition was more significant (P < 0.001) in patients with pathogen target-driven therapy based on qLAMP results than those with empirical therapy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>qLAMP is a more promising method for detection of pathogens in an early, rapid, sensitive, and specific manner than culture.</p>

Establishment of a visualized detection method of Sendai virus by reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To establish a simple and sensitive detection method of Sendai virus ( SeV ) by reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification ( RT-LAMP) technique. Methods According to the published Gen-Bank sequences (DQ219803. 1), six pairs of primers were designed targeting the conserved region of SeV. The amplifica-tion products were detected with a LAMP real-time Turbidimeter. (LA-302). Through optimizing the LAMP primers and re-action conditions, a rapid and specific detection method of SeV was established. Meanwhile, the amplified products were colored by fluorescence detection reagent after completion of the reaction, so that the amplification could be visualized and detected by naked eyes. Then, methodological evaluation of the RT-LAMP was tested. Results The method of RT-LAMP showed a highly efficient amplification for SeV viral target gene which was performed at 63℃ for 60 min with the LAMP re-al-time Turbidimeter (LA-302). The detection limit was 2. 1 TCID50, 100 times higher than that of RT-PCR, and no cross-reaction with other RNA and DNA viruses of mice was observed. The results of SeV LAMP reaction was visualized and the tube could be directly observed by naked eyes with the addition of fluorescence detection reagent. The results were consist-ent with the results detected by real-time tubidimeter. 92 clinical samples were detected byRT- LAMP, RT-PCR and indi- rect ELISA, and the coincidence rate was 100%. Conclusions This established SeV RT-LAMP detection method is fast, specific, highly sensitive,easy to perform under simple conditions, and is suitable for rapid detection of Sendai viirus.

Preliminary observation on the interference effect of Helicobacter hepaticus infection on the immune response in BALB/c mice / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To determine the interference effect of H. hepaticus infection on the functional characteris-tics of dendritic cell ( DC) surface molecules and immune response in mice. Methods Male BALB/c mice were inocula-ted with H. hepaticus (ATCC 51450). Murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DC) were isolated and co-cultured which were stimulated by GM-CSF and IL-4 at the fifth month after the last inoculation. Then the DCs were subjected to FACS analysis for surface markers (CD11c, CD40, CD80 and MHCII) detection. On this basis, virus suspension of New-castle disease virus( NDV) ZJ1 strain was inoculated into the mice. Serum was collected for detection of the NDV antibody titer in serum weekly to explore the difference of antibody titer between the two groups. Results The expression rates of CD40 and MHCII on the mouse DCs in experimental group were higher than that in the control group. The NDV antibody ti-ter of experimental group was slightly lower than that in the control group in the first week. During the 2nd to 5th weeks, the titer was higher than that in the control group, with a very significant difference. In the 6th week, the titer of both the two groups tended to fall. Conclusions H. hepaticus infection can promote bone marrow DC maturation in mice, stimulate the expression rates of MHC II and CD40, and enhance the NDV antibody levels.

Analysis of laboratory animal pathogen infection indexes in Shanghai area / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To more intuitively understand the quality control for laboratory animals and further achie-ving a more scientific and reasonable management of laboratory animals, the infection index as evaluation criteria was intro-duced. Then the best way to calculate infection index was explored in order to more scientifically reflect the infection status of laboratory animals. Methods Infection index, also called the degree of infection, is a qualitative indicator of monito-ring laboratory animal quality. After arranging, analyzing, processing and gathering the data from laboratory animal quality monitoring, the index reflects synthetically the pathogen infection status or trend of a particularly investigated experimental animal population or the development of certain experimental animals. Results In general, the pathogen infection index of mice was slightly decreased, while the pathogen infection index of rats roughly increased year by year. In comparing infec-tion index by different pathogens, the parasite infection index of mice was found to be higher than bacteria and virus infec-tion indexes, while the bacteria infection index of rats was higher than parasite infection index and virus ones. Conclusions The infection index model intuitively reflects the quality control status of laboratory animals. The analysis also reveals that the parasite monitoring of the mice and the bacteria detection of rat needs to be reinforcement. In addition, the index of infection reveals that the pathogen infection of mice is well under control, while that of rats tends to be more serious year by year.

Dynamic alteration of microRNA in high phosphorus induced calcification of vascular smooth muscle cell / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To study the change of microRNA during the early stage of high phosphorus in-duced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)calcification and its related mechanism.Methods:The in vitro calcification model was created through stimulating VSMC cell line A7r5 with high Pi (2.6 mmol /L)for 7 d.The calcification was validated through ocresolphthalein complexone colorimetry to detect the cellular calcium content,real-time PCR to measure the calcification-related gene expression and alizarin red staining to observe the formation of calcium nodules.Based on the cell calcification model,micro-RNA microarray array was applied to screen the profiles of microRNA expression in VSMC following high Pi stimulation for different periods (0,3 and 12 h).The array data were analyzed by TAMtool to explore the activated signaling pathway.Results:The calcium content of A7r5 cells induced by high Pi was in-creased 9.6 times high as cells without Pi treatment (P <0.05 ).VSMC contractile phenotype genes (SM-αactin,SM22)were down-regulated (P <0.05 ),while calcification-related genes (BMP2, MSX2,Runx2)were up-regulated (P <0.05)in VSMC stimulated by high Pi.The calcium nodules were obviously formed in cells after 7 d high Pi treatment.In microarray experiment,680 individual mi-croRNAs were detected in high Pi-treated VSMCs at different time points (0,3 and 12 h).Among these genes,miR-183,miR-664 and miR-9 * were increased whereas miR-542-5P,let-7f and miR-29a were decreased in time-dependent manners.Twenty-six kinds of signaling pathways,including cell apoptosis, differentiation and proliferation,were significantly activated.All these activated pathways were associated with calcification.Conclusion:This study implies that microRNA changed in high Pi-induced VSMCs may involve in the process of calcification.

Comparison of culture and PCR assays for detection of bacteria in laboratory rats and mice / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To compare the efficiency of bacteria culture and PCR assays for detection of Staphylococcus aureus ( S.aureus) , Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P.aeruginosa) and Klebsiella pneumoniae ( K.pneumoniae) in laboratory rats and mice.Methods Bacteria culture combined with biochemical identification and PCR assay were used to detect 78 SPF rats and 422 SPF mice and the results of the two methods were compared .Results All the 78 rats were negative .Of the 422 mice, the positive rate by culture was 7.11%(30/422), of which, 10 were S.aureus, 22 were P.aeruginosa, and 2 were K.pneumoniae.The positive rate by PCR was 7.58%(32/422), of which, 10 were S.aureus, 25 were P. aeruginosa, and 2 were K.pneumoniae.Conclusions The high sensitivity , rapid procedure and easy to operate of PCR assay makes it valuable for rapid bacteria diagnosis and large-scale screening in laboratory animals .

Effect of Abnormal Savda Munziq on hypertrophic scar formation in a rabbit ear model / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate whether administrating Abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq), a traditional Uighur herbal preparation used for the prevention or treatment of diseases, affects hypertrophic scar (HTS) formation by using an established rabbit ear model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The HTS rabbit model was created by circular fullthickness skin excisions on both ears of rabbits. Twenty rabbits were randomized into four groups, with 5 rabbits and 60 wounds in each group. Group A was the control group, treated with normal saline daily. Groups B, C, and D were the treatment groups at three different doses of ASMq (400, 800, and 1200 mg/kg body weight, respectively, daily, by gastrogavage). Twenty wounds were randomly chosen from each group on the 40th day after treatment and specimen were examined. Scar elevation index (SEI) was analyzed with histological assessment, and ultrastructure analysis was analyzed with a transmission electron microscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Groups B, C, and D demonstrated significant reductions in SEI as compared with the control group at 35.9% (P=0.0212), 48.2% (P=0.0108), and 52.7% (P=0.0103), respectively in a dose-response manner. SEI was lowered in Group D compared with Group B with a significant difference (P=0.015). However, there were no significant differences between Groups B and C, or between Groups C and D. Histological analysis showed that highdose ASMq (1200 mg/kg) could enhance the softening of HTS of rabbit ears and increase the compliance as shown in general. Ultrastructure analysis showed that with increased ASMq dose, the fibroblasts, pro-collagen, collagen, endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes were reduced gradually.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Orally administered ASMq significantly reduces the severity of HTS in the rabbit ear model. The findings of this study may have clinical implications on the management of human HTS.</p>

Detection and isolation of murine norovirus in laboratory mice in Shanghai area / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To investigate the natural infection status of murine norovirus ( MNV) in laboratory mice in Shanghai area and isolate MNV from mouse cecal feces .Methods To collect cecal contents and serum samples from 319 specific pathogen-free ( SPF) mice coming from different research institutions .Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA) were used to detect MNV infection in the mice , re-spectively.The positive stool samples were diluted and filtered through 0.22 μm membrane, inoculated into RAW 264.7 cells, and then identified by RT-PCR.Results There were 95 positive results in the 319 cecal samples by RT-PCR, and the positive rate was 29.78%.Among 180 serum samples which were tested by RT-PCR, 70 samples were positive by ELISA, and the positive rate was 38.89%.The infected RAW 264.7 cells showed cytopathic effect ( CPE) within 72 h. After 3 times of freezing and thawing , RT-PCR obtained a 187 bp band.Conclusions The results from the present study show that there is a high natural infection rate of MNV in laboratory mice in Shanghai area , and the strict breeding manage-ment must be strengthened .

Rapid Identification of Bacterial Species Associated with Bronchiectasis via Metagenomic Approach / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disorder and a number of bacterial pathogens are involved. However, 30%-40% of sputum and purulent samples in good quality failed to grow any pathogenic bacteria, making it difficult to confirm the pathogen. In this study, we collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from a bronchiectasis patient undergoing acute exacerbation, and sent for 16S rDNA pyrosequencing by a 454 GS Junior machine. Metagenomic analysis showed the composition of bacterial community in sample was complex. More than a half of reads (51.3%) were from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This result was corresponding with the culture result but came out 2 d earlier, which is meaningful for early diagnosis and treatment. The detection with 16S rDNA pyrosequencing technology is more sensitive and rapid than routine culture, and can detect the co-infection or symbiosis in airway, giving us a novel and convenient approach to perform rapid diagnosis.