Viability, biofilm formation, and MazEF expression in drug-sensitive and drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains circulating in Xinjiang, China.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is one of the most common chronic infectious amphixenotic diseases worldwide. Prevention and control of TB are greatly difficult, due to the increase in drug-resistant TB, particularly multidrug-resistant TB. We speculated that there were some differences between drug-sensitive and drug-resistant MTB strains and that mazEF3,6,9 toxin-antitoxin systems (TASs) were involved in MTB viability. This study aimed to investigate differences in viability, biofilm formation, and MazEF expression between drug-sensitive and drug-resistant MTB strains circulating in Xinjiang, China, and whether mazEF3,6,9 TASs contribute to MTB viability under stress conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Growth profiles and biofilm-formation abilities of drug-sensitive, drug-resistant MTB strains and the control strain H37Rv were monitored. Using molecular biology experiments, the mRNA expression of the mazF3, 6, and 9 toxin genes, the mazE3, 6, and 9 antitoxin genes, and expression of the MazF9 protein were detected in the different MTB strains, H37RvΔmazEF3,6,9 mutants from the H37Rv parent strain were generated, and mutant viability was tested. RESULTS: Ex vivo culture analyses demonstrated that drug-resistant MTB strains exhibit higher survival rates than drug-sensitive strains and the control strain H37Rv. However, there was no statistical difference in biofilm-formation ability in the drug-sensitive, drug-resistant, and H37Rv strains. mazE3,6 mRNA-expression levels were relatively reduced in the drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains compared to H37Rv. Conversely, mazE3,9 expression was increased in drug-sensitive strains compared to drug-resistant strains. Furthermore, compared with the H37Rv strain, mazF3,6 expression was increased in drug-resistant strains, mazF9 expression was increased in drug-sensitive strains, and mazF9 exhibited reduced expression in drug-resistant strains compared with drug-sensitive strains. Protein expression of mazF9 was increased in drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains compared to H37Rv, while drug-resistant strains exhibited reduced mazF9 expression compared to drug-sensitive strains. Compared to H37Rv, H37RvΔmazEF3,6,9-deletion mutants grew more slowly under both stress conditions, and their ability to survive in host macrophages was also weaker. Furthermore, the host macrophage-apoptosis rate was higher after infection with any of the H37RvΔmazEF3,6,9 mutants than with the H37Rv strain. CONCLUSION: The increased viability of MTB drug-resistant strains compared with drug-sensitive strains is likely to be related to differential MazEF mRNA and protein expression. mazEF3,6,9 TASs contribute to MTB viability under stress conditions.

Aqua-(4-nitro-phthalato)bis-[2-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine]-zinc(II) hemihydrate.

In the title compound, [Zn(C(8)H(3)NO(6))(C(8)H(7)N(3))(2)(H(2)O)]·0.5H(2)O, the Zn(II) atom shows a distorted octa-hedral ZnN(4)O(2) coordination environment and is bonded to two 3-(2-pyrid-yl)-1H-pyrazole ligands via the N atoms, one monodentate 4-nitro-phthalate ligand and one associated water mol-ecule. Additionally, one water of crystallization, with a site-occupation factor of 0.5, is present. The two 3-(2-pyrid-yl)-1H-pyrazole ligands are planar [r.m.s. deviations = 0.03 (1) and 0.35 (1) Å] and the dihedral angle between the two planar 3-(2-pyrid-yl)-1H-pyrazole ligands is 67.31 (4)°. Inter-molecular π-π stacking inter-actions between 3-(2-pyrid-yl)-1H-pyrazole ligands with a face-to-face separation of 3.64 (1) Šare observed. Moreover, the crystal structure is stabilized by O-H⋯O and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the water of crystallization, the associated water mol-ecule and the 3-(2-pyrid-yl)-1H-pyrazole ligands.

Aqua-(4-nitro-phthalato-κO)bis-[2-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl-κN)pyridine-κN]-mangan-ese(II) hemihydrate.

In the title compound, [Mn(C(8)H(3)NO(6))(C(8)H(7)N(3))(2)(H(2)O)]·0.5H(2)O, the Mn(2+) ion is octa-hedrally coordinated by two 2-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine ligands, one 4-nitro-phthalate ligand and one coordinated water mol-ecule leading to an overall MnN(4)O(2) coordination environment. The two 2-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine ligands, which deviate from planarity by 0.0187 (2) and 0.0601 (2) Å, make a dihedral angle of 81.90 (6)°. An intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond occurs. Inter-molecular π-π stacking inter-actions with a face-to-face separation of 3.61 (1) Šbetween the 2-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine ligands is observed. Additionally, O-H⋯O hydrogen bonding involving the uncoordinated water (which is situated on an inversion center), coordinated water mol-ecules and 2-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine ligands leads to a three-dimensional network in the crystal structure.

(E)-3-Dimethyl-amino-1-(2-pyrid-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.

The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(10)H(12)N(2)O, is approximately planar, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.072 Šfrom the mean plane for the non-H atoms. It was synthesized from 2-acetyl-pyridine and N,N-dimethyl-formamide dimethyl acetal in a one-step reaction.

Endonasal anatomy of lacrimal sac and its clinical significance in dacryocystorhinostomy / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the intranasal surface localization of the lacrimal sac in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifteen adult cadavers (30 sides) were studied, the data of projection position of the lacrimal sac on the lateral wall of nasal cavity were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In 2/3 cadavers, the lacrimal sac is located above the axilla of the middle turbinate, and 1/3 lies below it. A majority of the lacrimal sac (2/3) are located below the entry point of the common lacrimal canaliculus, about 1/3 lies above it. Inner canthal ligament projects on the middle of the lacrimal sac, almost equal to the level of common lacrimal canaliculus. Thirty-two cases (thirty-nine sides) of chronic dacryocystitis were followed-up > 6 months after operation. Thirty-five sides were cured, 2 sides improved and 2 sides ineffective. The cure rate was 89.8%, improve rate 5.1% and ineffective rate 5.1%, respectively, and the total effective rate was 94.9%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The central position of dacryocystorhinostomy should be 0.2 cm above the front of the axilla of the middle turbinate, to make an curved mucous membrane incision 0.8 cm above and 0. 4 cm below the front of the axilla of the middle turbinate and bone ostium about 1.2 cm x 1.0 cm. It is the best position in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Locating the inner canthal ligament with a bayonet type forceps to find the projection of lacrimal sac is also a simple and easy method.</p>

Glottic measurement and vocal evaluation after three surgical techniques in the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate postoperative glottic area and vocal quality of three various surgical techniques for treating bilateral vocal cord paralysis, including laser arytenoidectomy (Group A, 24 cases), reinnervation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle by phrenic nerve (Group B, 9 cases) and arytenoidectomy accompanying lateral cordopexy by extralaryngeal approach (Woodman's procedure, Group C, 13 cases).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>46 cases suffered from bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were included in our study. The pre-postoperative glottic measurement and vocal acoustic parameters were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The decannulated cases in group A and group B and group C were 22, 8, 13 respectively. The post-operative mean maximal glottic area was (47.2 +/- 7.4) mm2, (78.3 +/- 16.0) mm2, (48.1 +/- 6.5) mm2 respectively. Group B cases glottic area was larger than that of group A and group C (t value were 4.46 and 3.85, P value were 0.000 and 0.001). No significant difference was found between group A and group C (t = 1.68, P = 0.101). After surgery, in group A, 17 cases voice quality was the same compared with that of before surgery, and 7 cases voice quality had become worse; In group B, the voice quality had become better in 5 cases, completely recovered in 1 case, and had not change in 3 cases; In group C, the voice quality had become deteriorated in 10 cases and no change in 3 cases. And in group B, ipsilateral diaphragm paralysis in 9 cases after surgery, whose vital capacity and forced vital capacity had decreased to 72%-84%, 76%-84% of that before the surgery respectively; and the diaphragm mobility had recovered by 35%-76% respectively, while vital capacity and forced vital capacity had become 93%-97%, 91%-98% of that before the surgery. In Group B, all cases' pulmonary function was normal half a year postoperatively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Reinnervation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle by phrenic nerve seems to be best procedure with better post-operative voice and larger glottic area. Although the sufficient airway for decannulation can be acquired in Group A and Group C, but most of patients in Group A had pre-operative vocal level and badly abnormal in Group C.</p>

Application of digital subtraction angiography in ENT disorders / 第二军医大学学报

Objective： To study the application of DSA in the diagnosis and treatment of ENT diseases. Methods： The diagnostic and therapeutic roles of DSA in ENT patients admitted from November 1995 to December 1999 were retrospectively studied. Results： Therapeutic vascular embolization using DSA was performed in 9/10 patients with severe epistaxis. The treatment was successful in 8/9 patients with a successful rate of 88.89%; embolization of tumor supplying vessels using DSA as a preoperative measure for reducing operative blood loss in 3 patients with nasopharyngeal fibrohemangioma obtained a total success; diagnosis was clarified in 2 patients using DSA. No patients were with severe complications. Conclusion： DSA is not only a safe and effective measure for diagnosis and therapy, but also effective in differential diagnosis of space occupying lesions. Preoperative selective embolization of tumor supplying arteries can reduce operative blood loss.

Application of digital subtraction angiography in ENT disorders / 第二军医大学学报

Objective： To study the application of DSA in the diagnosis and treatment of ENT diseases. Methods： The diagnostic and therapeutic roles of DSA in ENT patients admitted from November 1995 to December 1999 were retrospectively studied. Results： Therapeutic vascular embolization using DSA was performed in 9/10 patients with severe epistaxis. The treatment was successful in 8/9 patients with a successful rate of 88.89%; embolization of tumor supplying vessels using DSA as a preoperative measure for reducing operative blood loss in 3 patients with nasopharyngeal fibrohemangioma obtained a total success; diagnosis was clarified in 2 patients using DSA. No patients were with severe complications. Conclusion： DSA is not only a safe and effective measure for diagnosis and therapy, but also effective in differential diagnosis of space occupying lesions. Preoperative selective embolization of tumor supplying arteries can reduce operative blood loss.

Removal of large acoustic neuromas by enlarged translabyrinthine approach / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To investigate the surgical methods and outcomes of the enlarged translabyrinthine approach in the removal of large acoustic neuromas. Methods: A large mastoidectomy involved complete exposure of the sigmoid sinus, the dura behind the sinus for at least 1 cm, the superior petrosal sinus and the middle fossa dura. The jugular bulb was exposed and pressed downwards if necessary. The internal auditory meatus was skeletonized and uncovered for at least 270°.The debulking of the tumor began inside the anterior and inferior poles in order to find the brainstem and the facial nerve root as early as possible, and then the dissection of the nerve was done medially to laterally. Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring and postoperative CT and MRI were done in all cases. Results: Total removal was achieved in all 18 patients with tumors larger than 3 cm (mean size: 4.2 cm). There were no deaths or other complications such as intracranial infection and persistent cerebrospinal fluid leakage. There were no obvious cerebral sequelae. The facial nerve was preserved both anatomically and functionally in 14 cases, with Grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ in 8 cases, Grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ in 6 cases. Nerve interruption occurred in 4 patients who all had severe facial palsy or nerve interruption before operation. Sixteen patients resumed work within 1-3 months. Conclusion: Total removal of large acoustic neuroma could be acomplished via the translabyrinthine approach, with good preservation of facial nerve function and minimum incidence of morbidity.

Removal of large acoustic neuromas by enlarged translabyrinthine approach / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To investigate the surgical methods and outcomes of the enlarged translabyrinthine approach in the removal of large acoustic neuromas. Methods: A large mastoidectomy involved complete exposure of the sigmoid sinus, the dura behind the sinus for at least 1 cm, the superior petrosal sinus and the middle fossa dura. The jugular bulb was exposed and pressed downwards if necessary. The internal auditory meatus was skeletonized and uncovered for at least 270°.The debulking of the tumor began inside the anterior and inferior poles in order to find the brainstem and the facial nerve root as early as possible, and then the dissection of the nerve was done medially to laterally. Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring and postoperative CT and MRI were done in all cases. Results: Total removal was achieved in all 18 patients with tumors larger than 3 cm (mean size: 4.2 cm). There were no deaths or other complications such as intracranial infection and persistent cerebrospinal fluid leakage. There were no obvious cerebral sequelae. The facial nerve was preserved both anatomically and functionally in 14 cases, with Grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ in 8 cases, Grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ in 6 cases. Nerve interruption occurred in 4 patients who all had severe facial palsy or nerve interruption before operation. Sixteen patients resumed work within 1-3 months. Conclusion: Total removal of large acoustic neuroma could be acomplished via the translabyrinthine approach, with good preservation of facial nerve function and minimum incidence of morbidity.

Nitric oxide content and blood flow in nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis guinea pigs / 第二军医大学学报

Objective:To examine the expression of nitric oxide synthase(NOS),the content of nitric oxide and blood flow in nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis guinea pigs,so as to further investigate the mechanism of allergic rhinitis.Methods:One hundred and twenty guinea pigs were randomly divided into control group(injected with normal saline)and allergic group(nasal challenge with egg albumin).The guinea pigs were executed before and immediately,24,48,72 h after the last nasal challenge;the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and the content of nitric oxide were examined in mucosa tissues.The blood flow in the nasal mucosa was determined in animals before execution.Linear regression correlation was used to analyze the relationship between the nitric oxide content and blood flow in nasal mucosa.Results:The immunostaining for iNOS in surface epithelium of allergic rhinitis guinea pigs was markedly stronger than that of normal guinea pigs at all time points(P