Danxiaibacter flavus gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel bacterium of the family Chitinophagaceae isolated from forest soil on Danxia Mountain.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, short rod-shaped, yellow bacterium, designated SYSU DXS3180T, was isolated from forest soil of Danxia Mountain in PR China. Growth occurred at 15-37 °C (optimum, 28-30 °C), pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and with 0-2.0 % NaCl (optimum, 0-0.5 %, w/v). Strain SYSU DXS3180T was positive for hydrolysis of Tween 20, Tween 60, Tween 80 and starch, but negative for urease, H2S production, nitrate reduction, Tween 40 and gelatin. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences showed that SYSU DXS3180T belonged to the family Chitinophagaceae. The closely related members were Foetidibacter luteolus YG09T (94.2 %), Limnovirga soli KCS-6T (93.9 %) and Filimonas endophytica SR 2-06T (93.7 %). The genome of strain SYSU DXS3180T was 7287640 bp with 5782 protein-coding genes, and the genomic DNA G+C content was 41.4 mol%. The main respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 1 G. The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified polar lipids. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain SYSU DXS3180T is proposed to represent a novel species of a novel genus named Danxiaibacter flavus gen. nov., sp. nov., within the family Chitinophagaceae. The type strain is SYSU DXS3180T (=KCTC 92895T=GDMCC 1.3825 T).

Telluribacter roseus sp. nov., Isolated from the Kumtag Desert Soil.

A pink-pigmented bacterium, designated as strain SYSU D00476T, was isolated from sandy soil collected from the Kumtag Desert in China. Colonies were opaque, smooth and of a slight convexity with a clearly defined border. Cells were rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth occurred at 4-45 ℃ (optimum at 28-30 ℃), pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum at 7.0), and with 0-3.0% NaCl (w/v, optimum at 0-2.0%). Major fatty acids (> 10%) were C16:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), iso-C17:0 3-OH and iso-C15:0. Polar lipids comprised of three unidentified polar aminolipids (ALs), two unidentified aminophosphoglycolipids (APLs), one unidentified glycolipid (GL) and three unidentified phospholipids (PLs). The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The genomic DNA G + C content was 50.5%. The low digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH, 27.4%) and average nucleotide identity (ANI, 85%) values between strain SYSU D00476T and Telluribacter humicola KCTC 42819T indicated that SYSU D00476T represent a distinct species. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SYSU D00476T belonged to the genus Telluribacter, showing 97.5% similarity with T. humicola KCTC 42819T. All these data support that strain SYSU D00476T represent a novel species of the genus Telluribacter within the family Spirosomataceae, named as Telluribacter roseus sp. nov. The type strain is SYSU D00476T (= KCTC 82285T = CGMCC 1.18647T = MCCC 1K04983T).

Rubellimicrobium arenae sp. nov., isolated from desert soil.

Two Gram-stain-negative strains, designated as SYSU D00286T and SYSU D00782, were isolated from a sand sample collected from the Kumtag Desert in Xinjiang, north-west China. Cells were aerobic, non-motile and positive for both oxidase and catalase. Growth occurred at 4-37 °C (optimum, 28-30 °C), pH 6.0-7.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and NaCl concentration of 0-1.5 % (w/v; optimum, 0%). Growth was observed on Reasoner's 2A agar and nutrient agar, but not on Luria-Bertani agar and trypticase soy agar. The polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified phospholipids. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 and the major fatty acids (>10 %) were C16 : 0 and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strains SYSU D00286T and SYSU D00782 was 100%, and their average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity and (AAI) digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values were all 100.0 %. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these two strains belong to the same species of the genus Rubellimicrobium and show the highest sequence similarity to Rubellimicrobium rubrum KCTC 72461T (98.2 %) and Rubellimicrobium roseum CCTCC AA 208029T (97.5 %). The ANI, AAI and dDDH values between SYSU D00286T (as well as SYSU D00782) and the other five Rubellimicrobium type strains were all less than or equal to 83.2, 80.1 and 23.6 %, respectively. Based on their phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomical features, strains SYSU D00286T and SYSU D00782 represent a novel species of the genus Rubellimicrobium, for which the name Rubellimicrobium arenae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SYSU D00286T (=MCCC 1K04981T=CGMCC 1.8626T=KCTC 82271T).

[Quantitative Analysis of Spatio-temporal Evolution Characteristics of Seasonal Average Maximum Temperature and Its Influence by Atmospheric Circulation in China from 1950 to 2019].

Global warming and intensified human activities have led to regional climate instability with increasing frequency and the persistence of high-temperature climate events. Eco-environmental protection and socio-economic development have been faced with rigorous threats. Taking the monthly maximum temperatures from 1950 to 2019 as the basic data source, the spatial-temporal evolution characteristics of seasonal average maximum temperature (AMT) were discerned using the Mann-Kendall test and unary linear regression method in China from 1950 to 2019. Combined with linear correlation, partial linear correlation, and wavelet analysis, the correlation between seasonal AMT characteristics and atmospheric circulations was analyzed quantitatively. The results showed that:① the AMT in all seasons had a significant upward trend, with an increase of 1.21, 0.08, 1.81, and 0.25℃ in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The abrupt change times of the AMT were concentrated in the 1990s to the early 21st century. ② In terms of spatial distribution, except for in summer, the average trend rates of AMT in other seasons increased gradually from south to north, although the increasing degrees were different. Among them, the AMT change rate in spring-winter was the fastest in northeast and northwest China. ③ There were complex correlations between the AMT of every season and atmospheric circulation factors, and the distribution of the interrelation energy varied significantly in different frequency domains. Specifically, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation had a significant negative correlation with AMT in summer. The North Atlantic Oscillation had an active effect on AMT changes in summer, autumn, and winter. The Arctic Oscillation had a significant positive driving effect on AMT in all seasons, and there were significant positive or negative influences on the short-or long-term changes of AMT in spring and summer due to the different EI Niño-Southern Oscillation years. These results could provide a theoretical basis and technical reference for China to formulate scientific and effective response plans of climate change.

Aridibaculum aurantiacum gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from the Kumtag Desert soil.

A novel orange-coloured bacterium, designated strain SYSU D00508T, was isolated from a sandy soil sampled from the Kumtag Desert in China. Strain SYSU D00508T was aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, oxidase-positive, catalase-positive and non-motile. Growth occurred at 4-45°C (optimum 28-30°C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0-8.0) and with 0-2.5 % NaCl (w/v, optimum 0-1.0 %). The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), unidentified aminolipids (AL1-3) and unidentified polar lipids (L1-5) were also detected. The major respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 1 G. The genomic DNA G+C content was 42.6 %. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SYSU D00508T belonged to the family Chitinophagaceae and showed 93.9 % (Segetibacter koreensis DSM18137T), 92.9 % (Segetibacter aerophilus NBRC 106135T), 93.0 % (Terrimonas soli JCM 32095T) and 92.8 % (Parasegetibacter terrae JCM 19942T) similarities. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain SYSU D00508T is proposed to represent a novel species of a new genus, named Aridibaculum aurantiacum gen. nov., sp. nov., within the family Chitinophagaceae. The type strain is SYSU D00508T (=KCTC 82286T=CGMCC 1.18648T=MCCC 1K05005T).

Salinibacterium sedimenticola sp. nov., Isolated from Tidal Flat Sediment.

An actinobacterium, designated as SYSU T00001T, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment sample from Guangdong province, China. Cells were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, motile and short rod-shaped. Colonies on marine agar 2216 were smooth, yellow-pigmented, and circular with low convexity. The isolate was able to grow at the temperature range 4-37 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 4.0-10.0 (optimum 7.0) and in the presence of 0-10% (w/v) NaCl. The major menaquinones were MK-11 and MK-10. The cell wall contained alanine, glutamic acid, lysine and ornithine. The major fatty acids were C19:0 cyclo ω8c (35.7%) and anteiso C15:0 (26.0%). The polar lipids consisted of one diphosphatidyl glycerol, one unidentified glycolipid and one unknown lipid. Whole genome sequencing of strain SYSU T00001T revealed 2,837,702 bp with a DNA G + C content of 67.8%. Phylogenetic analyses clearly demonstrated that strain SYSU T00001T belonged to the genus Salinibacterium, and the highest 16S rRNA gene similarity to Salinibacterium hongtaonis 194T (97.8%). The ANI and dDDH values of strain SYSU T00001T relative to Salinibacterium hongtaonis 194T were 74.5% and 19.5%, respectively. According to our data, strain SYSU T00001T represents a novel species of the genus Salinibacterium, for which the name Salinibacterium sedimenticola sp. nov. is proposed, the type strain is SYSU T00001T (= GDMCC 1.3283T = KCTC 49758T).

Vitamin D inhibits bone loss in mice with thyrotoxicosis by activating the OPG/RANKL and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathways.

Objective: Vitamin D and thyroid hormones have crucial roles in bone metabolism. This study aims to explore the effects of vitamin D on bone metabolism in mice with thyrotoxicosis and its mechanisms. Methods: 12-week-old mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (6 mice/group), the control (CON) group, vitamin D (VD) group, low-dose LT4 (Low LT4) group, low-dose LT4+VD (Low LT4+VD) group, high-dose LT4 (High LT4) group, high-dose LT4+VD (High LT4+VD) group, LT4 was provided every day and vitamin D3 every other day for 12 weeks. Thyroid function, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, type I collagen carboxy-terminal peptide (CTX), and type I procollagen amino-terminal peptide were determined. In addition, microcomputed tomography, bone histology and histomorphometry, a three-point bending test, and the mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and ß-catenin in bone were conducted. Results: The BMD of lumbar vertebrae and femur decreased and the bone microstructure was destroyed significantly in thyrotoxicosis mice. Addition of vitamin D improved the BMD and bone microstructure only in the low LT4+VD group. Mice with thyrotoxicosis had a significantly higher level of CTX (P<0.05), which was decreased by treatment with vitamin D (P<0.05). The eroded surface per bone surface (Er. S/BS) of the cancellous bone and elongated surface/endocortical perimeter (Er. S/E Pm) of the cortical bone significantly increased in the Low LT4 and High LT4 groups (P<0.05). Treatment with vitamin D significantly decreased the Er. S/BS and Er. S/E Pm. But, treatment with vitamin D did not significantly improve the toughness and rigidity of bones. The ratio of OPG to RANKL and mRNA expression of ß-catenin in the Low LT4+VD group were higher than that in the Low LT4 group (P<0.05). Conclusion: In mice with thyrotoxicosis, treatment with vitamin D can inhibit bone resorption and improve the BMD and trabecular bone architecture by increasing the ratio of OPG to RANKL and upregulating the expression of Wnt/ß-catenin.

Dongia deserti sp. nov., Isolated from the Gurbantunggut Desert Soil.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, short rod-shaped strain, designated as SYSU D60009T, was isolated from a dry sandy soil sample collected from the Gurbantunggut Desert in Xinjiang, northwest China. Strain SYSU D60009T was observed to grow at 15-42 °C (optimum at 37 °C), pH 4.0-10.0 (optimum at 7.0), and with 0-0.5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0%). The strain grew well on R2A agar, and colonies were smooth, white-pigmented, and circular with low convexity. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, aminolipid, aminophospholipid, and unknown lipids. The major cellular fatty acid (> 10%) was C16:0 and the predominant respiratory quinone was Q-10. Whole genome sequencing of strain SYSU D60009T revealed 6,132,710 bp with a DNA G + C content of 63.6%. The ANI and dDDH values of strains SYSU D60009T to Dongia mobilis CGMCC 1.7660 T were 72.8% and 19.0%, respectively. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic properties, strain SYSU D60009T represents a novel species of the genus Dongia, for which the name Dongia deserti sp. nov. is proposed, the type strain is SYSU D60009T (= CGMCC 1.16441 T = KCTC 52790 T).

Longitalea arenae gen. nov., sp. nov. and Longitalea luteola sp. nov., two new members of the family Chitinophagaceae isolated from desert soil.

Two strains designated as SYSU D01084T and SYSU D00799T, were isolated from a sandy soil sample collected from Gurbantunggut Desert in Xinjiang, north-west China. Cells of both strains were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, long-rod-shaped, oxidase- and catalase-negative, motile or non-motile. Colonies were circular, translucent, convex, smooth and light-yellow in color on R2A agar. The two isolates were found to grow at 4-50 ºC, at pH 6.0-8.0 and with 0-1.0% (w/v) NaCl. Analysis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that they belonged to the family Chitinophagaceae, and closely related to the genera Paraflavitalea, Niastella, Pseudoflavitalea and Flavitalea. The two novel strains shared 98.1% 16S rRNA sequence similarity and represent different species on the basis of low average nucleotide identity (ANI, 83.8%) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH, 51.4%) values. The genomic DNA G + C contents of strains SYSU D01084T and SYSU D00799T were 46.0 and 45.6%, respectively. Phylogenetic trees showed that the two isolates were clustered in an individual lineage and not grouped consistently into any specific genus. The polar lipids contained of phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified aminolipids, two unidentified aminoglycolipids, and three or four unidentified lipids. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the major fatty acids (> 10%) were identified as iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH, and iso-C15:1 G. Based on the combined phenotypic, genomic and phylogenetic analyses, the two strains represent two novel species of a new genus in the family Chitinophagaceae, for which the name Longitalea gen. nov. is proposed, comprising the type species Longitalea arenae sp. nov. (type strain SYSU D01084T = CGMCC 1.18641T = MCCC 1K05006T = KCTC 82283T) and Longitalea luteola sp. nov. (type strain SYSU D00799T = MCCC 1K04987T = KCTC 82282T = NBRC 114888T).

The Effect of Kangaroo Mother Care After Duodenal Obstruction in Neonates.

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the effectiveness of clinical application of kangaroo mother care (KMC) in neonates after surgery for duodenal obstruction in achieving total enteral nutrition (TEN) and shortening the length of hospital stay. Methods: A prospective study of 60 cases of surgery for duodenal obstruction in pediatric patients in the neonatal intensive care unit of Kunming Children's Hospital between January 2018 and December 2019 was conducted. The study subjects included 15 cases with intestinal malrotation, 18 cases with circular pancreas, 10 cases with a duodenal septum, and 17 cases with duodenal atresia or duodenal stenosis. According to the single and double numbers of the operation date, the subjects were randomly divided into the control group and observation group, with 30 cases in each group. The conventional care of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) was carried out in the control group, and KMC based on ERAS conventional care was implemented in the observation group. The difference in the duration to achieve TEN and the length of hospital stay between the two groups of patients after care was compared and analyzed. Results: The average duration to achieve TEN for neonates with duodenal obstruction in the control group was 14.23 ± 3.17 days, while that in the observation group was 12.27 ± 1.15 days. The average length of hospital stay in the control group was 17.22 ± 4.71 days, while that in the observation group was 13.34 ± 2.70 days. There was a significant difference in the duration to achieve TEN and the average length of hospital stay between the two groups (P < 0.05). The duration to achieve TEN and the length of hospital stay in pediatric patients were significantly shorter in the observation group than in the control group. Conclusion: Kangaroo mother care has important clinical significance and application value in shortening the duration to achieve TEN and the length of hospital stay in neonates after surgery for duodenal obstruction.

Sabulicella rubraurantiaca gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Acetobacteraceae, isolated from desert soil.

Strain SYSU D01096T was isolated from a sandy soil sample collected from Gurbantunggut Desert in Xinjiang, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis of the nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain SYSU D01096T belonged to the family Acetobacteraceae and was closest to Rubritepida flocculans DSM 14296T (96.0% similarity). Cells of strain SYSU D01096T were observed to be non-motile, short rod-shaped and Gram-staining negative. The colonies were observed to be translucent, reddish orange, circular, convex and smooth. Growth occurred at 15-37 °C (optimum, 28-30 °C), pH 4.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and 0-0.5% NaCl (w/v; optimum, 0%) on Reasoner's 2A medium. The predominant ubiquinone was identified as ubiquinone 9 and the major fatty acids were Summed Feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c) and C16:0. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), one unidentified phospholipid (PL), three unidentified aminolipids (AL1-3) and one unidentified aminophospholipid (APL). The genomic DNA G + C content was 69.1%. Phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated strain SYSU D01096T represented an individual lineage in the family Acetobacteraceae, which was supported by 30 core gene-based phylogenomic tree. Based on the multi-analysis including physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic comparison, strain SYSU D01096T was proposed to represent a novel species of a novel genus, named Sabulicella rubraurantiaca gen. nov., sp. nov., within the family Acetobacteraceae. The type strain is SYSU D01096T (= CGMCC 1.8619T = KCTC 82268T = MCCC 1K04998T).

A clinical study on the tip localization of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) guided by intracavitary electrocardiography in newborns: a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the P-wave changes in intracavitary electrocardiography (IC-ECG) during catheterization with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in order to provide guidance for the accurate localization of the tip of the PICC. METHODS: A total of 106 newborns who needed a PICC were randomly divided into two groups-a study group and a control group-using a random number table, with 53 cases in each group. In the study group, the ECG monitor was connected after the successful puncture and insertion of the PICC into the right sternoclavicular joint, and the position of the catheter tip was determined according to the P-wave changes on the IC-ECG. Localization X-rays were taken at the same time. In the control group, after the successful routine puncture and insertion of the PICC into the location to a predetermined length, localization X-rays were taken. The accuracy, procedure duration, and cost of the two localization methods were evaluated. RESULTS: The accuracy of the localization in the study group was 92.5%, but the difference was not significant when compared with the control group (P>0.05). The duration of the procedure in the study group was 5.12±1.57 minutes, and the cost was 7.12±0.56 yuan, both of which were significantly different when compared with the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: P-wave changes during IC-ECG have high accuracy in determining the location of the tip of the PICC. It is also a simple method and has certain clinical application value. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (number: ChiCTR2100047660).

Exploring untapped potential of Streptomyces spp. in Gurbantunggut Desert by use of highly selective culture strategy.

Streptomycetes have been, for over 70 years, one of the most abundant sources for the discovery of new antibiotics and clinic drugs. However, in recent decades, it has been more and more difficult to obtain new phylotypes of the genus Streptomyces by using conventional samples and culture strategies. In this study, we combined culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches to better explore the Streptomyces communities in desert sandy soils. Moreover, two different culture strategies termed Conventional Culture Procedure (CCP) and Streptomycetes Culture Procedure (SCP) were employed to evaluate the isolation efficiency of Streptomyces spp. with different intensities of selectivity. The 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis revealed a very low abundance (0.04-0.37%, average 0.22%) of Streptomyces in all the desert samples, conversely the percentage of Streptomyces spp. obtained by the culture-dependent method was very high (5.20-39.57%, average 27.76%), especially in the rhizospheric sand soils (38.40-39.57%, average 38.99%). Meanwhile, a total of 1589 pure cultures were isolated successfully, dominated by Streptomyces (29.52%), Microvirga (8.06%) and Bacillus (7.68%). In addition, 400 potential new species were obtained, 48 of which belonged to the genus Streptomyces. More importantly, our study demonstrated the SCP strategy which had highly selectivity could greatly expand the number and phylotypes of Streptomyces spp. by almost 4-fold than CCP strategy. These results provide insights on the diversity investigation of desert Streptomyces, and it could be reference for researchers to bring more novel actinobacteria strains from the environment into culture.

Arenibaculum pallidiluteum gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel bacterium in the family Azospirillaceae, isolated from desert soil, and reclassification of Skermanella xinjiangensis to a new genus Deserticella as Deserticella xinjiangensis comb. nov., and transfer of the genera Indioceanicola and Oleisolibacter from the family Rhodospirillaceae to the family Azospirillaceae.

A novel pale orange-coloured bacterium, designated strain SYSU D00532T, was isolated from sandy soil collected from the Gurbantunggut desert in Xinjiang, PR China. Cells of strain SYSU D00532T were found to be aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, oxidase-positive, catalase-positive, motile and rod-shaped with a single polar or subpolar flagellum. Growth occurred at 15-45 °C (optimum, 28-37 °C, pH 5.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 6.0-7.0) and with 0-1.5% NaCl (w/v; optimum, 0.5 %). The major polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol. Unidentified aminolipids, unidentified polar lipids, an unidentified aminophospholipid and an unidentified phospholipid were also detected. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 and the major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c), C16:0 and C19:0 cyclo ω8c. The genomic DNA G+C content was 69.8 mol%. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SYSU D00532T belonged to the family Azospirillaceae and showed 93.4% (Desertibacter roseus 2622T), 93.2% (Skermanella xinjiangensis 10-1-101T), 93.2% ('Skermanella rubra' YIM 93097T) and 92.4% (Desertibacter xinjiangensis M71T) similarities. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain SYSU D00532T is proposed to represent a new species of a new genus, named Arenibaculum pallidiluteum gen. nov., sp. nov., within the family Azospirillaceae. The type strain is SYSU D00532T (=KCTC 82269T=CGMCC 1.18631T=MCCC 1K04984T). We also propose the reclassification of Skermanella xinjiangensis to a new genus Deserticella as Deserticella xinjiangensis comb. nov., and the transfer of the genera Indioceanicola and Oleisolibacter from the family Rhodospirillaceae to the family Azospirillaceaewe based on the phylogenetic results.

Transperineal core-needle biopsy of a rectal subepithelial lesion guided by endorectal ultrasound after contrast-enhanced ultrasound: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Rectal subepithelial lesions (SELs) are commonly seen in endoscopic examination, generally manifested as bumps with a smooth surface. Precise preoperative diagnoses for rectal SELs are difficult because abnormal tissues are not easily to be obtained by regular endoscopic forceps biopsy. Traditional guidance modalities of preoperative biopsy, including endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography, and transabdominal ultrasound, are often unsatisfactory. An updated, safe, and effective biopsy guidance method is required. We herein report a new biopsy guidance modality-endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). CASE SUMMARY: A 32-year-old woman complained of a mass inside the rectovaginal space for 9 years, which became enlarged within 1 year. A rectal SEL detected by endoscopy was suspected to be a gastrointestinal stromal tumor or exophytic uterine fibroid. Pathological diagnosis was difficult because of unsuccessful transabdominal core needle biopsy with insufficient tissues, as well as vaginal hemorrhage. A second biopsy was suggested after multiple disciplinary treatment discussion, which referred to a transperineal core needle biopsy (CNB) guided by ERUS combined with CEUS. Adequate samples were procured and rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor was proved to be the pathological diagnosis. Imatinib was recommended for first-line therapy by multiple disciplinary treatment discussion. After the tumor shrunk, resection of the rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor was performed through the posterior vaginal wall. Adjuvant therapy was applied and no recurrence or metastasis has been found by the last follow-up on December 13, 2019. CONCLUSION: Transperineal CNB guided by ERUS and CEUS is a safe and effective preoperative biopsy of rectal SELs yet with some limitations.

Cerebral schistosomiasis: MRI features with pathological correlation.

BACKGROUND: Neuroschistosomiasis is not commonly encountered and is probably underrecognized. We hope these findings can help clinicians and radiologists to raise awareness of this disabling disorder. PURPOSE: To demonstrate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of cerebral schistosomiasis and correlate it with pathological findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We identified seven patients with cerebral schistosomiasis from radiology and pathology archives of our hospital. Of the seven patients, six were pathologically confirmed. The remaining patient had pathologically confirmed spinal schistosomiasis with MRI findings of cerebral involvement. MRI and pathological findings of these patients were analyzed and correlated. RESULTS: Multiple enhancing nodules at varying size were found in all patients. Prominent leptomeningeal or choroidal veins were found in six patients, four at the center of the foci and two at the periphery. Hemorrhage was identified in two patients. Histology revealed granulomas around ova in six patients. A prominent vein with ova in the lumen and wall of a vein was found in one patient and perivascular ova deposition was found in one patient. CONCLUSION: Multiple enhancing nodules with central or peripheral veins in a circumscribed brain area are important signs to the diagnosis of cerebral schistosomiasis. The inflamed veins involved may be the route taken by the ova to spread to the brain tissue.

Multifunctional gold nanoparticles as smart nanovehicles with enhanced tumour-targeting abilities for intracellular pH mapping and in vivo MR/fluorescence imaging.

A number of multimodal agents have been developed for tumour imaging and diagnosis, but most of them cannot be used to study the detailed physiological or pathological changes in living cells at the same time. Herein, a series of pH-responsive magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging (MRI/FI) dual-modal "nanovehicles" are developed and tested. These new dual-modal materials allow for intercellular pH sensing, and those with units that are dually sensitive towards both acidic and basic environments have the ability for intracellular pH mapping and can be used to quantify pH at the cellular level. In addition, detailed pH changes in organelles (including lysosomes and mitochondria) can be investigated at the same time. On the other hand, with the tumour-targeting peptide (cRGD)-modified dual-modal nanovehicles, in vivo tumour MR and fluorescence imaging, which is suitable for cancer diagnosis, can be achieved. Moreover, it has been proved that these materials can pass through the blood brain barrier (BBB). By combining the above mentioned promising properties, these novel multifunctional "nanovehicles" may provide a new method for studying the role of pH during cancer diagnosis and treatment.