Geographical Distribution and Epidemiologic Factors of Chigger Mites on Apodemus agrarius during Autumn in Korea

A nationwide survey of chigger mites causing scrub typhus and an investigation of epidemiologic factors for chigger mites was conducted at 16 localities in 8 provinces in Korea during autumn 2009, 2012, and 2013. A total of 233 Apodemus agrarius were captured, and all were infested with chigger mites. The chigger index was highest in Chungcheongbuk-do in 2009 (358.3) and 2012 (290.1) and Chungcheongnam-do in 2013 (294.4). The predominant chigger mite species was Leptotrombidium pallidum in the northern and central parts and L. scutellare in the southern and western parts, Korea. L. pallidum was not found in Jellanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do and the distribution of L. scutellare had been expanded in the northern parts of Korea. The chigger index of L. pallidum was positively correlated with temperature and negatively correlated with humidity. The incidence of scrub typhus is dependent on L. scutellare index. These findings could be helpful to monitor the distribution of chigger mites and to develop a preventive measures for scrub typhus in Korea.

Analysis of knowledge acquisition behavior of traditional Chinese medicine based on internet / 中国中药杂志

The study aims at understanding the situation of Chinese residents' access to Chinese medicine health culture knowledge through the Internet and analyze its influencing factors. A multi-stage PPS sampling method was used to collect 90 720 people for questionnaire survey. The survey found thatthe probability of Chinese residents accessing Chinese medicine health culture knowledge through the Internet was 54.7%. The females(with the males as reference, OR=1.076, 95% CI 1.018-1.137) and central population(with the east as reference, OR=1.235, 95% CI 1.048-1.456), people with Chinese medicine health culture literacy(with the people who do not have Chinese medicine health culture literacy as reference, OR=2.363, 95% CI 1.976-2.827) had a higher probability of acquiring Chinese medicine health culture knowledge through the Internet. Referring to people who were illiterate or less literate,the OR values of people who went to elementary school, junior school, high school/vocational/technical school and junior college/university was 2.396(95% CI 2.062-2.784),4.481(95% CI 3.751-5.352), 6.687(95% CI 5.541-8.07),and 9.109(95% CI 7.385-11.235). The higher the age, the lower the probability of acquiring Chinese medicine health culture knowledge through the Internet. Taking civil servants as a reference, teachers, students, farmers, and workers had a low probability of acquiring Chinese medicine health culture knowledge through the Internet. The OR values was 0.736(95% CI 0.548-0.988),0.609(95% CI 0.449-0.826), 0.424(95% CI 0.325-0.554),and 0.707(95% CI 0.539-0.927). Regions, gender, age, education level, occupation, and possession of Chinese medicine health culture literacy are factors influencing whether residents obtain Chinese medicine health culture knowledge through the Internet.

Analysis of Chinese citizens' traditional Chinese medicine health culture literacy level and its influence factors in 2017 / 中国中药杂志

To analyze the TCM health culture level and influence factors of Chinese citizens in 2017. PPS sampling combined with random sampling was used to select the residents aged between 15-69 years old in 30 provinces as the respondents,and a questionnaire study was conducted to investigate their TCM health culture level. In 2017,there were 87 287 valid questionnaires for Chinese citizens' TCM health culture level,including 48. 25% male and 51. 75% female,with a sex ratio of 1 ∶ 1. 073. In 2017,the overall TCM health culture level was 13. 39%,specifically 18. 77% for the urban areas and 10. 51% for the rural areas. Compared with people who were illiterate or less literate,people with an educational background of elementary school,junior high school,high school/vocational/technical school and junior college/university had a higher TCM health culture level,and the OR values were 1. 584( 95% CI[1. 166,2. 152]),2. 827( 95%CI[1. 839,4. 345]),5. 651( 95%CI[3. 637,8. 781]),9. 785( 95%CI[6. 187,15. 477]) in order. With civil servants as the reference,medical workers had a higher TCM health culture level( OR = 1. 829,95%CI[1. 279,2. 616]),while farmers had the lowest TCM health culture level( OR = 0. 493,95% CI[0. 349,0. 697]). Compared with people with the annual household income per capita of 20 000 yuan and below,people with the annual household income per capita between 20 000-50 000,50 000-80 000,80 000 yuan or above had a higher TCM health culture level,and the OR values were 1. 176( 95% CI[0. 963,1. 437]),1. 458( 95%CI[1. 168,1. 820]) and 1. 930( 95%CI[1. 509,2. 469]). Based on the differences between urban and rural areas,the influence factors of citizens' TCM health culture level include education,occupation and income.

Effect of Yiqi Yangyin Zhuyu Recipe in Anti-inflammation Activities in Vitro on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To investigate the effect of Yiqi Yangyin Zhuyu recipe on expressions of inflammatory factor and transformation of classically activated macrophages(M1)/alternatively activated macrophages (M2) inflammatory phenotype in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Method: Methyl-thiazdyl-tetrazolium(MTT) reduction assay was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of Yiqi Yangyin Zhuyu recipe on the proliferation of the cells. The release of nitric oxide was detected by the Griess method. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the release of M1/M2 inflammatory cytokines in cell supernatant. The expressions of the pro-inflammatory factor genes of M1-macrophages and the anti-inflammatory factor genes of M2-macrophages were detected by Real-time PCR. The protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1,nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) were detected by Western blot. Result: Results of MTT showed that Yiqi Yangyin Zhuyu recipe with the concentration of 2.0 g·L-1 and below had no effect on the cell proliferation. Results of Griess indicated that compared with blank group, the release of nitric oxide of LPS-induced group was increased (PPPPPPPα,IL-6,IL-1β,iNOS were up-regulated (Pα,IL-6,IL-1β,iNOS were down-regulated in Yiqi Yangyin Zhuyu recipe group, especially at the concentration at 2.0 g·L-1 (PConclusion: Yiqi Yangyin Zhuyu recipe could effectively inhibit the inflammatory reaction induced by LPS. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of Yiqi Yangyin Zhuyu recipe may be related to inhibition of macrophages to M1 phenotype polarization, so as to play the role of regulating immune and reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines, like NO,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β.

Subjective perception of surgeons with 4K resolution,three-dimensional systems in laparoscopic colorectal surgery:A self-filling questionnaire survey / 中国实用外科杂志

OBJECTIVE: To compare the subjective perception of surgeons with 4K-resolution(4K) and three-dimensional(3D) systems in the laparoscopic colorectal surgery.METHODS: A self-filling questionnaire survey wasdeveloped in the surgeons between August 2018 and February 2019 in Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery,RuijinHospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The data of questionnaires from surgeons indifferent position( major surgeons,first assistants,scopists) who performed laparoscopic colorectal surgeries with 4K,3D and 2D systems were collected. The questionnaires concerning asthenopia,motion sickness,topographical orientation,control coordination of visual angle,visual acuity,radiance,resolution ratio,depth description,color resolution,sense ofcontrols,optimum viewing distance,frames and refresh rate and contrast.RESULTS: There were 124 questionnairesscreened eligibility in the survey. Among them,there were 38 questionnaires for 2D group,43 questionnaires for 3D group and 43 questionnaires for 4 K group.(1)Overall comparison of the subjective scores:In the three groups,therewere significant difference in control coordination of visual angle,visual acuity,resolution ratio,depth description,color resolution,optimum viewing distance,frames andrefresh rate(P<0.05).(2)Subjective scores betweenmajor surgeons:In the three groups,there weresignificant difference in resolution ratio,depth description,color resolution and sense of controls(P<0.05);the most advantages could be found on resolution ratio andcolor resolution in 4 K group,and also could be found on depth description and sense of controls in 3 D group.(3)Subjective scores between first assistants: In the three groups,there were significant difference in asthenopia,controlcoordination of visual angle,resolution ratio,depth description,sense of controls,frames and refresh rate(P<0.05);In 4K group,it showed advantages on control coordination of visual angle and resolution ratio. Motion sickness was morepronounced in 3D group,but the most advantages could be found on depth description and sense of controls.(4)Subjective scores between scopists: In the three groups,there were significant difference in visual acuity,resolution ratio,depth description,sense of controls,optimum viewing distance and contrast(P<0.05). The most advantages could befound on visual acuity,resolution ratio and contrast in 4 K group,and also could be found on depth description and senseof controls in 3D group.CONCLUSION: Comparing with the traditional two-dimensional system during laparoscopiccolorectal surgery,4 K system could apply better resolution ratio,control coordination of visual angle,visual acuity andcolor resolution. 3D system could apply better depth description and sense of controls.

Blocking programmed death-ligand 1 attenuates maturation inhibition of dendritic cells by co-cultured breast cancer cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study if programmed death-ligand 1 (PL-L1) expression in breast cancer cell activates PD-L1/PD-1 pathway in dendritic cells to inhibit dendritic cell maturation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human monocytes were induced to differentiate into immature dendritic cells using GM-CSF and IL-4, and further to mature dendritic cells using TNF-α. PD-L1-expressing breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was co-cultured in contact with the dendritic cells to observe the effects of the breast cancer cells on the maturation of the dendritic cells. A PD-L1 blocking antibody was applied to the co-culture, and the changes in the inhibitory effect of the MDA-MB-231 cells on dendritic cell maturation was observed. TNF-α-induced dendritic cells were treated with a recombinant human PD-L1 protein to study the effect of PD-L1/PD-1 pathway activation on the maturation of dendritic cells. The expression of PD-L1 in MDA-MB-231 cells and the dendritic cell maturation marker HLA-DR and CD83 were analyzed using flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MDA-MB-231 cell line showed PD-L1 positivity on the cell membrane cells at a rate as high as (99.7∓0.15)%. In mature dendritic cells, the positivity rates for HLA-DR and CD83 were (88.8∓6.96)% and (18.36∓3.07)%, respectively, but in the co-culture system, the positivity rates of the dendritic cells were significantly decreased to (42.76∓10.52)% (P<0.01) and (9.93∓2.74)% (P<0.05), respectively, indicating that MDA-MB-231 cells inhibited the maturation of dendritic cells. Following treatment with a PD-L1 antibody isotype control, the percentages of HLA-DR- and CD83-positive cells in the co-culture were (45.17∓10.19)% and (10.15∓2.54)%, which were significantly increased to (63.46∓1.72)% and (16.46∓2.58)% after treatment with PD-L1 antibody, respectively (both P<0.05). Compared with the mature dendritic cell controls, the cells treated with the recombinant human PD-L1 protein exhibited significantly lowered percentages of HLA-DR-positive [from (84.23∓4.18)% to (2.56∓2.39)%, P<0.05] and CD83-positive cells [(87.26∓1.54)% to (60.67∓1.63)%, P<0.05].</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The effect of PD-L1 antibody therapy on triple negative breast cancer can be partially mediated by blocking PD-L1 expression on breast cancer cell membrane, which attenuates the inhibition of dendritic cell maturation in the cancer microenvironment.</p>

Protective effect of DIZE on heart function of rats with diabetic cardio-myopathy / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To observed the protective effect of diminazene aceturate(DIZE),an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)activator,on rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM).METHODS:Male Wistar rats(n=30)were randomly divided into normal control group ,DCM group and DIZE treatment group(DIZE group).The rats in DCM group and DIZE group were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin(65 mg/kg )to establish diabetic model.After 12 weeks,the diabetic rats were infused with DIZE at 15 mg· kg-1 · d-1 or the same volume of saline for 4 weeks using os-motic minipump.The cardiac function was measured at the end of the 16th week.The methods of Mason staining and HE staining were used to observe the morphological changes of the myocardial tissue.Western blot ,ELISA and immunohisto-chemistry were used to observe the changes of ACE2,angiotensin(Ang)Ⅱ,Ang-(1-7),interleukin(IL)-1,IL-6 and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF).RESULTS:DIZE significantly improved the expression of ACE 2 in diabetic rats(P<0.05).Compared with DCM group,the levels of IL-1 and IL-6 in DIZE group were significantly decreased ,and the cardiac function in DIZE group was significantly improved(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:ACE2 endogenous agonist DIZE significantly increases the ACE 2 level and reduces the level of inflammation ,thus protecting the heart function of DCM rats.

Simultaneous Molecular Detection of Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora from Raw Vegetables in Korea

Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora are well-known coccidian protozoa that can cause waterborne and foodborne diarrheal illnesses. There have been a few reports regarding contamination in different vegetables with Cryptosporidium, but no data are available regarding the sources of Cyclospora infections in Korea. In the present study, we collected 6 kinds of vegetables (perilla leaves, winter-grown cabbages, chives, sprouts, blueberries, and cherry tomatoes) from July 2014 to June 2015, and investigated contamination by these 2 protozoa using multiplex quantitative real-time PCR. Among 404 vegetables, Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora were detected in 31 (7.7%) and 5 (1.2%) samples, respectively. In addition, Cryptosporidium was isolated from all 6 kinds of vegetables, whereas Cyclospora was detected in 4 kinds of vegetables (except perilla leaves and chives). Cryptosporidium (17.8%) and Cyclospora (2.9%) had the highest detection rates in chives and winter-grown cabbages, respectively. Cryptosporidium was detected all year long; however, Cyclospora was detected only from October to January. In 2 samples (sprout and blueberry), both Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora were detected. Further investigations using TaqI restriction enzyme fragmentation and nested PCR confirmed Cryptosporidium parvum and Cyclospora cayetanensis, respectively. In conclusion, we detected C. cayetanensis in vegetables for the first time in Korea. This suggests that screening should be employed to prevent these protozoal infections in Korea.

Analysis on social support characteristics of Chinese military men and their relationship with depression / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the social support characteristics of Chinese military men and their relationship with depression.Methods A total of 10,505 officers and soldiers from navy,army,air force,and armed police was performed the questionnaire survey by using the Military Men Social Support Rate Scale.The SPSS18.0 software was used for conducting the data statistical analysis.Results High utilization rate existed in the Chinese military men.The help almost could be gotten from the organization or relatives and friends when facing the difficulties;the social support of armed police was higher than that of army,navy and air force;The subjective support of officers was higher than that of soldiers and sergeants;the objective support were lower than those of officers and soldiers;the subjective support and support availability in the soldiers aged below 20 were higher than those in soldiers aged above 20.The social support of military men showed a significantly negative correlation with depression(r=0.376,P＜0.01).Condusion The higher the social support of military,the smaller the suffering from depression.

Tinea faciei on the right eyebrow caused by Trichophyton interdigitale

Abstract Tinea faciei is a relatively uncommon dermatophyte infection entailing atypical clinical symptoms, usually misdiagnosed and treated with corticosteroids. The authors describe a case of tinea faciei on the right eyebrow caused by Trichophyton interdigitale. The patient was an 18-year-old girl, who had an inflammatory plaque with a scaly, pustular surface on the right eyebrow and upper eyelid, which had persisted for over 1 month. She was once misdiagnosed as having eczema and was treated using corticosteroid cream. A diagnosis of tinea faciei was made based on direct microscopy and culture. The sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal ITS region and β-tubulin gene of the isolate established its T. interdigitale lineage. The patient was cured by treatment with systemic terbinafine in combination with topical application of 1% naftifine-0.25% ketaconazole cream for 2 weeks.

Phosphorylation of ezrin Tyr477 is critical in invasion of breast cancer cells stimulated by precursor of nerve growth factor / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of precursor of nerve growth factor (proNGF) in promoting invasion of breast cancer cells and its relation with ezrin expression and phosphorylation of ezrin Thr567 and Tyr477.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 were stimulated by gradient concentrations of proNGF (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 ng/mL) for 16 h, and the invasion of the cells was assessed with Transwell assay. The expression of ezrin and the phosphorylation of ezrin Thr567 and ezrin Tyr477 in the treated cells were examined by Western blotting. MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with pEnter-His-ezrinY477F (a dominant negative mutant) to study the role of phosphrylation of ezrin Tyr477 in the invasion of breast cancer cell stimulated by proNGF.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>proNGF significantly promoted MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell invasion in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), and concentration- and time-dependently increased the phosphorylation of ezrin Tyr477 (P<0.05) without affecting the expression of ezrin or the phosphorylation of ezrin Thr567. The specific inhibitor of src, SKI-606, significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of ezrin Tyr477 induced by proNGF. Transfection with pEnter-His- ezrinY477F inhibited proNGF-induced invasion and phosphorylation of ezrin Tyr477 in MDA-MB-231 cells (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Phosphorylation of ezrin Tyr477 plays a critical role in the invasion of breast cancer cells stimulated by proNGF via proNGF/src/ezrin Tyr477 pathway.</p>

Nanog promotes the invasion of breast cancer cells by increasing PKCε expression / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the relationship between Nanog-promoted metastasis of breast cancer and ezrin(T567) phosphorylation, and explore the possible mechanism by which Nanog regulates ezrin(T567) phosphorylation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A siRNA construct targeting Nanog was transfected in breast cancer cells to knock down Nanog expression, and the changes in the cell invasion was detected using Transwell assay. The expression levels of Nanog and PKC and the phosphorylation level of ezrin(T567) were detected using Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining; the protein interaction between PKCε and ezrin was assayed by co-immunoprecipitation and Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nanog knockdown significantly decreased the expression of PKCε protein, phosphorylation level of ezrin(T567) and the invasion ability of breast cancer cells. PKCε knockdown obviously decreased the phosphorylation level of ezrin(T567) in the cells, and PKCε and ezrin were co-immunoprecipitated.</p><p><b>CONCLUDIONS</b>Nanogcan can upregulate the expression of PKCε to promote the phosphorylation of ezrin(T567), which can be a new mechanism by which Nanog promotes tumor metastasis.</p>

C-terminal-truncated HBV X promotes hepato-oncogenesis through inhibition of tumor-suppressive β-catenin/BAMBI signaling

C-terminal-truncated hepatitis B virus (HBV) X (HBx) (ctHBX) is frequently detected in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through HBV integration into the host genome. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ctHBx-associated oncogenic signaling have not yet been clarified. To elucidate the biological role of ctHBx in hepato-oncogenesis, we functionally analyzed ctHBx-mediated regulation of the activin membrane-bound inhibitor bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) through transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) or β-catenin (CTNNB1) in HCC cells and in an animal model, and we compared its role to that of the full-length HBx protein. Ectopic ctHBx expression generated more colonies in anchorage-dependent and -independent growth assays than did HBx expression alone. ctHBx downregulated BAMBI to a greater degree than did HBx in HCC cells. HBx activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which positively regulated the BAMBI expression through T-cell factor 1 signaling, whereas ctHBx negatively regulated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. BAMBI downregulated the β-catenin and TGF-β1 signaling pathways. TGF-β1 positively regulated BAMBI expression thorough Smad3 signaling. Furthermore, knockdown of BAMBI was more tumorigenic in HCC cells. Therefore, downregulation of both β-catenin and TGF-β1 signaling by BAMBI might contribute to tumor suppression in mice xenotransplanted with HepG2 or SH-J1 cells. Taken together, ctHBx may have a more oncogenic role than HBx through its inhibition of tumor-suppressive β-catenin/BAMBI signaling.

Changes of telemetry electrical activity in the infralimbic cortex of morphine-dependent rats with extinguished drug-seeking behavior / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes of telemetry electrical activity in the infralimbic cortex (IL) of morphine-dependent rats with extinguished drug-seeking behavior.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>SD rats were randomly divided into model group and control group and received operations of brain stereotaxic electrode embedding in the IL. The rats in the model group were induced to acquire morphine dependence and then received subsequent extinction training, and the changes of electrical activity in the IL were recorded with a physical wireless telemetry system.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In rats with morphine dependence, the time staying in the white box was significantly longer on days 1 and 2 after withdrawal than that before morphine injection and that of the control rats, but was obviously reduced on days 1 and 2 after extinction training to the control level. Compared with the control group, the morphine-dependent rats on day 2 following withdrawal showed significantly increased β wave and decreased δ wave when they stayed in the white box but significantly increased δ wave and decreased α wave and β wave when they shuttled from the black to the white box. On day 2 of extinction, the model rats, when staying in the white box, showed significantly decreased θ wave compared with that of the control rats group but decreased β wave and θ wave and increased δ wave compared with those in the withdrawal period. When they shuttled from black to white box, the model rats showed decreased δ wave and increased α wave and β wave compared with those in the withdrawal period.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Morphine-dependent rats have abnormal changes of electrical activity in the IL in drug-seeking extinction to affect their drug-seeking motive and inhibit the expression and maintenance of drug-seeking behaviors.</p>

Wireless telemetry electrical activity of nucleus accumbens shell in morphine-induced CPP rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyse the relationship between the electrical activity changes of nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and the drug-seeking behavior by recording NAc shell electrical activity in conditioned place preference (CPP) rats induced by morphine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty SD rats were randomly divided into operation-only control group and the morphine-induced CPP group after stereotaxic electrode was buried on rats NAc shell and the latter group was used to establish the morphine CPP model(n = 20). A CPP video system combining with the technique of electrical activity wireless telemetry was used in the study. The NAc electrical activity from each group of rats was recorded by wireless telemetry respectively, which included staying in black or white chamber of video box, shuttling between black-white chambers and between white-black chambers. The electrical activity differences were analyzed by the percentage of each wave.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>When the morphine-induced rats staying in black chamber, compared with the operation-only control group, the NAc shell electrical activity showed that the percentage of 0 - 10 Hz was increased(P < 0.05), meanwhile, those of 10 - 20 Hz and 30 - 40 Hz were reduced(P < 0.05, P < 0.01); when the morphine-induced rats staying in white chamber, the NAc shell electrical activity showed that the percentage of 0 - 10 Hz and 30 - 40 Hz were increased(P < 0.05 , P < 0.01) , that of 10 - 20 Hz was reduced(P < 0.05 , P < 0. 01); when the morphine-induced rats in black- white shuttling status, the NAc shell electrical activity showed that the percentage of 0 - 10 Hz was increased(P <0.05, P <0.01), that of 10- 30 Hz was reduced( P <0.05); and in the white-black shuttling status, the electrical activity showed that the percentage of 0 - 10 Hz was reduced(P <0.05), that of 10 - 30 Hz was increased(P < 0.05) ; the electrical activity was further compared between staying status and shuttling status in the morphine-induced CPP group. There was no significant difference of electrical activity between the rats in white-black shuttling status and staying in white chamber. However, when rats in black-white shuttling status, compared with staying in black chamber, the electrical activity showed that the percentage of 0 - 10 Hz and 40 - 50 Hz were increased(P < 0.05), meanwhile, those of 10 - 20 Hz and 30 - 40 Hz were reduced(P <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The electrical activity changes of NAc shell in morphine-induced CPP rats were different from those of the operation-only control group, and these changes might be associated to the rat's drug-seeking behavior.</p>

Detection of Encephalitozoon spp. from Human Diarrheal Stool and Farm Soil Samples in Korea

Microsporidia are eukaryotic organisms that cause zoonosis and are major opportunistic pathogens in HIV-positive patients. However, there is increasing evidence that these organisms can also cause gastrointestinal and ocular infections in immunocompetent individuals. In Korea, there have been no reports on human infections with microsporidia to date. In the present study, we used real-time PCR and nucleotide sequencing to detect Encephalitozoon intestinalis infection in seven of 139 human diarrheal stool specimens (5%) and Encephalitozoon hellem in three of 34 farm soil samples (8.8%). Genotype analysis of the E. hellem isolates based on the internal transcribed spacer 1 and polar tube protein genes showed that all isolates were genotype 1B. To our knowledge, this is the first report on human E. intestinalis infection in Korea and the first report revealing farm soil samples as a source of E. hellem infection. Because microsporidia are an important public health issue, further large-scale epidemiological studies are warranted.

Who Neglects Neglected Tropical Diseases? - Korean Perspective

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of tropical infectious diseases of poorest people. Of 17 NTDs managed by WHO, two, guinea worm disease (by 2015) and yaws (by 2020) are targeted for eradication, and four (blinding trachoma, human African trypanosomiasis, leprosy, and lymphatic filariasis) for elimination by 2020. The goals look promising but 11 others are still highly prevalent. Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are one NTD which prevail over the world including temperate zones. They had been highly prevalent in Korea but are mostly disappearing at present through systematic and sustainable control activity. The successful experience of STH control enables Korean experts to develop many programs of NTD control in developing countries. Several programs of both official development aid and non-governmental organizations are now targeting NTDs. Most NTDs are low in health priority compared to their health threats because they are chronic, insidious, and of low mortality. No one, including the victims, raised priority of NTD control with a loud voice in the endemic field of the diseases. After the millennium development goals declared disease control over the world, NTDs are becoming less neglected globally. Even with limited resources, beginning a sustainable national program is the key for the control and elimination of NTDs. No more neglect, especially no more self-neglect, can eliminate diseases and upgrade quality of life of the neglected people.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Infection among Inhabitants of 2 Rural Areas in White Nile State, Sudan

Cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite that causes watery diarrhea, is found worldwide and is common in areas with low water hygiene. In February 2014, 866 stool samples were collected from the inhabitants of 2 rural areas in White Nile State, Sudan. These stool samples were assessed by performing modified acid-fast staining, followed by examination under a light microscope. The overall positive rate of Cryptosporidium oocysts was 13.3%. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 8.6% stool samples obtained from inhabitants living in the area having water purification systems and in 14.6% stool samples obtained from inhabitants living in the area not having water purification systems. No significant difference was observed in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection between men and women (14.7% and 14.1%, respectively). The positive rate of oocysts by age was the highest among inhabitants in their 60s (40.0%). These findings suggest that the use of water purification systems is important for preventing Cryptosporidium infection among inhabitants of these rural areas in Sudan.

The relationship and the path model construction among stressful life events, social support and depression in People′s Liberation Army / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the relationship among stressful life events ,social support and depression through researc‐hing a large number of Chinese army men ,then discovered the social psychological mechanism of the depression .Methods 11 ,400 officers and soldiers were tested with three scales ,the center for epidemiologic studies depression scale ,life events scale and social support scale .The differences between groups were determined with the variance ,SPSS 18 .0 software and AMOS7 .0 were used to analyse and build model .In addition ,we built the path model of life events and social support on depression with AMOS 7 .0 soft‐ware .Results (1)There is a significant positive correlation between Chinese soldiers depression levels and life events (r=0 .382 , P<0 .01) .(2) There is a significant negative correlation between Chinese soldiers depression levels and the social support (r= -0 .379 ,P<0 .01) .(3) It was established the path model of life events ,the social support and depressive symptom level .Con‐clusion Depressive symptom is related to the military life events ,which may predict the occurrence of the depression .Moreover ,so‐cial support ,a protective factor for mental health ,can relieve the depression of officers and men .

Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in Environmental Soil and Vegetables

Cryptosporidium parvum is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that causes cryptosporidial enteritis. Numerous outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been reported worldwide. Cryptosporidium is transmitted to hosts via consumption of contaminated water and food but also by direct contact with contaminated soil or infected hosts. The present study investigated farm soil collected from 34 locations along the western Korean peninsula and 24 vegetables purchased from local grocery markets in Seoul. The soil and vegetable samples were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to estimate the risk of infection. Eleven of 34 locations (32.4%) and 3 of 24 vegetable samples (12.5%) were contaminated with Cryptosporidium parvum, as confirmed by TaqI enzyme digestion of qPCR products and DNA sequencing. It is suggested that Cryptosporidium infection can be mediated via farm soil and vegetables. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce contamination of this organism in view of public health.