Molecular epidemiology of Brucella abortus isolated from the environment in Ningxia Hui autonomous region, China.

Brucellosis is among the key zoonotic infectious diseases in China, and The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region represents a major endemic area, and it is one of the main causes of poverty in the region due to illness. In Ningxia, there is substantial research on Brucella melitensis, studies on the molecular epidemiology of Brucella abortus are notably scarce. Consequently, this study aims to undertake pathogenic isolation and molecular epidemiological research on Brucella abortus isolated from the environment in Ningxia, providing insights and evidence to advance the prevention and control measures for brucellosis in the region. Building on traditional pathogenic detection methods, this research employs whole-genome sequencing(WGS) techniques and bioinformatics software to conduct a phylogenetic comparison of Ningxia strains and strains of Brucella abortus from various geographical origins. The results indicate that four Brucella abortus strains are classified as biovar 3 and MLST type ST2. It is shown that the local strains were closer phylogenetic relationships with strains from Asian and European countries. The presence of Brucella abortus in certain environmental sectors of Ningxia indicates a risk of transmission from the environment to animals and subsequently to humans. In conclusion, the Brucella abortus exists in some farming environments in Ningxia, and exists for a long time. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the monitoring of the disinfection effect of the farming environment to provide a basis for the forward movement of the gate of brucellosis prevention and control.

Effect of Didang Xianxiong Decoction on Cardiac Myocardial Microvascular Endothelial Cell Injury Induced by High Glucose / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveThis study was designed to observe the effect of Didang Xianxiong decoction on the cardiac myocardial microvascular endothelial cells （CMECs） injury， and to explore its related mechanism based on the CMECs model induced by high glucose. MethodRat primary myocardial cells were cultured in vitro and 33 mmol·L-1 glucose was added for modeling. After modeling， the rats were randomly divided into model group （final glucose concentration： 33 mmol·L-1）， normal group， Didang Xianxiong decoction low dose group （glucose + 5% Didang Xianxiong decoction containing serum）， Didang Xianxiong decoction medium dose group （glucose+10% Didang Xianxiong decoction containing serum）， Didang Xianxiong decoction high dose group （glucose+20% Didang Xianxiong decoction containing serum） and alagebrium chloride （ALT-711） group （glucose+10% ALT-711 containing serum）. The influence of drug-containing serum on the proliferation of CMECs was detected by MTT tetrazolium salt colorimetric assay. The relative mRNA expression of c-Jun was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression of phosphorylated Janus kinase 1 （p-JAK1）， phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 （p-STAT1） and transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） was determined by Western blot. ResultCompared with the conditions in normal group， the mRNA expression of c-Jun and protein expression of p-JAK1， p-STAT1 and TGF-β1 were up-regulated in model group （P<0.01）. Compared with model group， all treatment groups had decreased mRNA expression of c-Jun （P<0.01）. Didang Xianxiong decoction medium and high dose groups and ALT-711 group showed reduced protein expression of p-JAK1 and p-STAT1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while there was no significant change in Didang Xianxiong decoction low dose group. TGF-β1 protein expression was lowered in all treatment groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the decrease was more significant in Didang Xianxiong decoction medium and high dose groups than Didang Xianxiong decoction low dose group. ConclusionDidang Xianxiong decoction can protect CMECs with high glucose-induced injury， and the mechanism may be related to reducing the activity of JAK/STAT signaling pathway in cells.

Antibacterial Potential of Termite-Associated Streptomyces spp.

Twenty-one strains of termite-associated actinomycetes were tested for their activities against three bacteria. The results showed that nine strains showed bacteriostatic activities against at least one tested bacterium, and the actinomycete YH01, which was isolated from the body surface of the queen of Odontotermes formosanus, had potent antibacterial activity. The YH01 was further identified as Streptomyces davaonensis. Two metabolites roseoflavin (1) and 8-methylamino-8-demethyl-d-riboflavin (2) were isolated and purified from S. davaonensis YH01. Their structures were determined by NMR, MS, and the related literature. The metabolite 1 showed strong inhibition activities against Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 1.56 µg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 3.125 µg/mL), which were comparable to referenced gentamycin sulfate, with MIC values of 1.56 and 1.56 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the anti-MRSA potential of compound 1 was determined against nine kinds of MRSA strains, with inhibition zones in the ranges of 12.7-19.7 mm under a concentration of 15 µg/6 mm discs and 18.3-22.7 mm under a concentration of 30 µg/6 mm discs. However, metabolite 1 had no inhibitory effect on Gram-negative bacteria. These results suggested that roseoflavin produced by YH01 holds promise for use against Gram-positive bacteria, especially to MRSA.

Establishment and application of sentinel indicators of pre-analytical phase in blood screening laboratory / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the quality level of the laboratory pre-analytical phase, so as to take effective quality improvement interventions to further standardize the operation and provide basis for ensuring the quality of blood testing. 【Methods】 Pre-analytical phase quality indicators of blood screening laboratory in Shanghai Blood Center were established, and those had serious impact on blood safety were defined as the sentinel indicators. The pre-analytical quality level of our laboratory from 2018 to 2020 was statistically analyzed in terms of four parts including sample collection, preservation and submission, centrifugation and quality inspection, which contained 17 indicators. 【Results】 Eleven sentinel indicators were established, and the order of peak value from high to low in three years was as follows: " label omission" rated at 0.000 62% (2020), " label error" 0.000 57% (2018), " inappropriate storage of samples before detection" 0.007 39 (2018), " unqualified application form for sample detection" 0.007 39 (2018). The causes were analyzed and relevant measures were taken. Six monitoring indicators were established, and the order of peak value from high to low in three years was as follows: " insufficient sample" rated at 0.002 59% (year 2018), " hemolysis" 0.002 80% (year 2020), " pale color of blood supernatant (diluted)" 0.000 86 (2018), " automatic sampling interfered by blood clot" 0.027 02% (2018). 【Conclusion】 The quality indexes of pre-analytical phase in our laboratory have reached the level of domestic and international clinical laboratories. The establishment of pre-analytical quality indicators and sentinel indicators, with effective analysis and application, can fully record and monitor the quality of each link before laboratory testing, which is helpful to timely identify risks, detect deviations, and quickly implement corrective and preventive measures, thus further ensure the safety of clinical blood use.

[Analysis of schistosomiasis prevention and control model of Yujiang: in-sights from governmental supply of rural public goods].

This article analyzes the influencing factors of rural public service supply of schistosomiasis prevention and control in China and the successful experiences of schistosomiasis prevention and pattern of Yujiang from an angle of view of rural public goods. This article points out the short supply of rural public goods in the service of schistosomiasis prevention and control in the traditional small-scale peasant economy, and the possibility of promoting the rural public goods in the cooperation economic model. The essential features of the schistosomiasis prevention and control pattern of Yujiang include strengthening the leadship of the Communist Party of China, improving health education, adjusting the measures to local condition, and so on.

Analysis of schistosomiasis prevention and control model of Yujiang:in-sights from governmental supply of rural public goods / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

This article analyzes the influencing factors of rural public service supply of schistosomiasis prevention and control in China and the successful experiences of schistosomiasis prevention and pattern of Yujiang from an angle of view of rural public goods.This article points out the short supply of rural public goods in the service of schistosomiasis prevention and control in the traditional small-scale peasant economy,and the possibility of promoting the rural public goods in the cooperation economic model.The essential features of the schistosomiasis prevention and control pattern of Yujiang include strengthening the leadship of the Communist Party of China,improving health education,adjusting the measures to local condition,and so on.

Exploring the System Roots of Service Capacity Weakening in Chinese Primary Medical Institutions / 中国卫生经济

The difficulty and expense of seeing a doctor was attributed to the out-of-level diagnosis and treatment, and the out-of-level treatment was due to the weakening of the basic medical service capacity. Since the new medical reform,the state has invested a lot, which led to the weakening of the primary medical service capacity. Exploring the institutional root of the weakening of grass-roots medical service ability could help to find the realistic path to enhance the service capacity of grass-roots medical institutions. Enhancing the service capacity of primary medical institutions was the only way to implement graded medical treatment. The administration of medical institutions restricted the improvement of service capacity of primary medical institutions, and the root of administration was the existing medical and health system. Only by starting from the reform of the system and realizing the administration of primary medical institutions, the service capacity of primary medical institutions could be enhanced.

Fluorescent Probes with Multiple Binding Sites for the Discrimination of Cys, Hcy, and GSH.

Biothiols such as cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), and glutathione (GSH) play crucial roles in maintaining redox homeostasis in biological systems. This Minireview summarizes the most significant current challenges in the field of thiol-reactive probes for biomedical research and diagnostics, emphasizing the needs and opportunities that have been under-investigated by chemists in the selective probe and sensor field. Progress on multiple binding site probes to distinguish Cys, Hcy, and GSH is highlighted as a creative new direction in the field that can enable simultaneous, accurate ratiometric monitoring. New probe design strategies and researcher priorities can better help address current challenges, including the monitoring of disease states such as autism and chronic diseases involving oxidative stress that are characterized by divergent levels of GSH, Cys, and Hcy.

Genetic variation and forensic efficiency of autosomal insertion/deletion polymorphisms in Chinese Bai ethnic group: phylogenetic analysis to other populations.

Thirty insertion/deletion loci were utilized to study the genetic diversities of 125 bloodstain samples collected from Bai group in Yunnan Dali region, China. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity of the 30 loci ranged from 0.1520 to 0.5680, and 0.1927 to 0.4997, respectively. No deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium tests after Bonferroni correction were found at all 30 loci in Bai group. The cumulative probability of exclusion and combined discrimination power were 0.9859 and 0.9999999999887, respectively, which indicated the 30 loci could be used as complementary genetic markers for paternity testing and were qualified for personal identification in forensic cases. We found the studied Bai group had close relationships with Tibetan, Yi and Han groups from China by the population structure, principal component analysis, population differentiations, and phylogenetic reconstruction studies. Even so, for a better understanding of Bai ethnicity's genetic milieu, DNA genotyping at various genetic markers is necessary in future studies.

A single pH fluorescent probe for biosensing and imaging of extreme acidity and extreme alkalinity.

A simple tailor-made pH fluorescent probe 2-benzothiazole (N-ethylcarbazole-3-yl) hydrazone (Probe) is facilely synthesized by the condensation reaction of 2-hydrazinobenzothiazole with N-ethylcarbazole-3-formaldehyde, which is a useful fluorescent probe for monitoring extremely acidic and alkaline pH, quantitatively. The pH titrations indicate that Probe displays a remarkable emission enhancement with a pKa of 2.73 and responds linearly to minor pH fluctuations within the extremely acidic range of 2.21-3.30. Interestingly, Probe also exhibits strong pH-dependent characteristics with pKa 11.28 and linear response to extreme-alkalinity range of 10.41-12.43. In addition, Probe shows a large Stokes shift of 84 nm under extremely acidic and alkaline conditions, high selectivity, excellent sensitivity, good water-solubility and fine stability, all of which are favorable for intracellular pH imaging. The probe is further successfully applied to image extremely acidic and alkaline pH values fluctuations in E. coli cells.

Genetic polymorphisms of 54 mitochondrial DNA SNP loci in Chinese Xibe ethnic minority group.

We analyzed the genetic polymorphisms of 54 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants in Chinese Xibe ethnic minority group. A total of 137 unrelated healthy volunteers from Chinese Xibe group were the objects of our study. Among the selected loci, there were 51 variable positions including transitions and transversions, and single nucleotide transitions were common (83.93%) versus transversions. These variations defined 64 different mtDNA haplotypes exclusive of (CA)n and 9 bp deletion variation. The haplotype diversity and discrimination power in Xibe population were 0.9800 ± 0.004 and 0.9699, respectively. Besides, we compared Xibe group with 18 other populations and reconstructed a phylogenetic tree using Neighbor-Joining method. The result revealed that Xibe group was a close to Xinjiang Han and Yanbian Korean groups. Our data also indicated that Xibe group has a close relationship with Daur and Ewenki groups, which is reflected by the history that Xibe was influenced by Daur and Ewenki groups during the development of these groups. In conclusion, the variants we studied are polymorphic and could be used as informative genetic markers for forensic and population genetic application.

Associations between maternal BMI as well as glucose tolerance and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

This retrospective, cohort study examined the association between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), independent of glucose tolerance and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), for which there are few previous studies. Medical records from 2012 to 2015 at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, China were reviewed for women previously diagnosed with PCOS with normal 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results (n = 1249). The separate and joint effects of maternal BMI and glucose levels on pregnancy outcomes were assessed. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.02-1.45), preterm birth (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08-2.17), and large for gestational age (LGA) (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.16-2.20). Elevated fasting glucose and maternal pre-pregnancy BMI were jointly associated with increased risks of HDP, preterm birth, and LGA. Therefore, among women with PCOS and normal glucose tolerance, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI is an independent risk factor of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Dynamic expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase II in the mitochondrial inner membrane during hepatocyte malignant transformation induced by lipid accumulation / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective@#To investigate the dynamic expression of hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase-II (CPT-II) in the mitochondrial inner membrane during hepatocyte malignant transformation induced by lipid accumulation.@*Methods@#Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into control, fatty liver, and induced cancer groups, which were fed with normal, high-fat (HF), and HF containing 2-fluorenylacetamide (0.05%, 2-FAA) diets, respectively, for 14 weeks. One rat from each group was sacrificed every two weeks and the blood and liver samples were collected. Liver morphological changes were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the liver tissue samples were divided into control, fatty liver, degeneration, precancerous, and cancerous groups accordingly. Hepatic lipids were dyed by the oil red O method. The CPT-II expression was measured by immunohistochemistry and compared with the specific CPT-II concentration (ng/mg liver protein, ng/mg P) among different groups. Serum levels of circulating total cholesterol (Tch), triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were quantitatively analyzed.@*Results@#Massive lipid accumulation hepatocytes was seen in rats on HF and HF containing 2-FAA diets. The lipid levels in the control group were significantly lower than those in the fatty liver (t = -11.556, P < 0.001), degeneration (t = -4.847, P = 0.04), precancerous (t = -13.652, P = 0.005), and cancerous groups (t = -10.896, P = 0.008). The serum TG and Tch levels in the degeneration, precancerous, and cancerous groups were 2-3 times higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After 2-FAA treatment, the morphological changes of rat hepatocytes showed the progression from degeneration and precancerosis to cancerosis, with hepatocyte injury. The serum AST and ALT levels in the degeneration, precancerous, and cancerous groups were significantly higher (4-8 times) than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The specific concentration of liver CPT-II expression was significantly reduced during hepatocyte malignant transformation, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry, with the CPT-II levels significantly lower in the cancerous group than in any of other groups (P < 0.05).@*Conclusion@#Low hepatic CPT-II expression might lead to abnormal lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, which should promote the malignant transformation of hepatocytes.

Investigation of irregular antibodies in blood samples from donors in Shanghai area / 中国输血杂志

Objective With the purpose of further improving blood safety and providing the reference basis for a strategy suitable for large-scale routine screening of irregular antibodies in blood service,the irregular antibodies in blood samples from donors in Shanghai area were investigated.Method Irregular blood antibodies were screened in 824 072 blood donors through combined method of saline medium and microplate papain.Result 1 246 samples of blood donors were detected with irregular antibodies among the total 824 072 samples which indicate the positive rate of 1.51‰.Conclusion Screening of irregular antibodies in blood samples from donors can effectively reduce or avoid hemolytic transfusion reactions.The combined method of saline medium and microplate papain is an effective method for large-scale routine screening of irregular antibodies in blood service.

Clinical application of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with the Introducer method using ultrathin gastroscopy / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical application and security of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) with the Introducer method using ultrathin gastroseopy in dysphagia patients. Methods Clinical data of 22 cases dysphagia patients implemented with PEG with the Introducer method using ultrathin gastroseopy or conventional gastroseopy were retrospectively analyzed, the clinical effect and the complication were observed. Results 22 patients underwent PEG with the Introducer method using conventional gastroscopy (6 cases) or ultrathin gastroscopy (16 cases). Among the 16 patients underwent PEG using ultrathin gastroseopy by transnasal or peroral approach, 2 cases with trimus by received radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer and 14 cases with pharyngeal or esophagus narrowing, could not completed PEG by conventional gastroscopy. The average procedure time of PEG was (12.2 ± 2.9) min in conventional gastroscopy group and (11.8 ± 3.2) min in control group. No complications were observed in these patients, but the patients in ultrathin gastroseopy group reported less discomfort associated with the procedure. 17 patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma and esophagus cancer who received PEG could completely finished 6 cycles of concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Paired-sample t test of nutrition indicators (hemoglobin, albumin and RBC) before and after the treatment showed significant difference (P < 0.05). Conclusion PEG with the introducer method using ultrathin gastroseopy is a safe and effective method of enteral nutrition, Ultrathin gastroscopy reduces the discomfort of the procedure, especially in patients with serious trimus and pharyngeal or esophagus narrowing. For patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, preventative PEG improved the tolerance of chemoradiotherapy,reduce the incidence of adverse events.

Clinical application of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with the Introducer method using ultrathin gastroscopy / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical application and security of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) with the Introducer method using ultrathin gastroseopy in dysphagia patients. Methods Clinical data of 22 cases dysphagia patients implemented with PEG with the Introducer method using ultrathin gastroseopy or conventional gastroseopy were retrospectively analyzed, the clinical effect and the complication were observed. Results 22 patients underwent PEG with the Introducer method using conventional gastroscopy (6 cases) or ultrathin gastroscopy (16 cases). Among the 16 patients underwent PEG using ultrathin gastroseopy by transnasal or peroral approach, 2 cases with trimus by received radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer and 14 cases with pharyngeal or esophagus narrowing, could not completed PEG by conventional gastroscopy. The average procedure time of PEG was (12.2 ± 2.9) min in conventional gastroscopy group and (11.8 ± 3.2) min in control group. No complications were observed in these patients, but the patients in ultrathin gastroseopy group reported less discomfort associated with the procedure. 17 patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma and esophagus cancer who received PEG could completely finished 6 cycles of concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Paired-sample t test of nutrition indicators (hemoglobin, albumin and RBC) before and after the treatment showed significant difference (P < 0.05). Conclusion PEG with the introducer method using ultrathin gastroseopy is a safe and effective method of enteral nutrition, Ultrathin gastroscopy reduces the discomfort of the procedure, especially in patients with serious trimus and pharyngeal or esophagus narrowing. For patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, preventative PEG improved the tolerance of chemoradiotherapy,reduce the incidence of adverse events.

Tuning near-gap electronic structure, interface charge transfer and visible light response of hybrid doped graphene and Ag3PO4 composite: Dopant effects.

The enhanced photocatalytic performance of doped graphene (GR)/semiconductor nanocomposites have recently been widely observed, but an understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind it is still out of reach. As a model system to study the dopant effects, we investigate the electronic structures and optical properties of doped GR/Ag3PO4 nanocomposites using the first-principles calculations, demonstrating that the band gap, near-gap electronic structure and interface charge transfer of the doped GR/Ag3PO4(100) composite can be tuned by the dopants. Interestingly, the doping atom and C atoms bonded to dopant become active sites for photocatalysis because they are positively or negatively charged due to the charge redistribution caused by interaction. The dopants can enhance the visible light absorption and photoinduced electron transfer. We propose that the N atom may be one of the most appropriate dopants for the GR/Ag3PO4 photocatalyst. This work can rationalize the available experimental results about N-doped GR-semiconductor composites, and enriches our understanding on the dopant effects in the doped GR-based composites for developing high-performance photocatalysts.

[Study on Serological Blood Group Conversion in BM Empty Phase of ABO-incompatible Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the regularity of serological conversion of blood group in BM empty phase of ABO-incompatible allogeneic stem cell transplantation so as to provide the basis for selecting the blood components in blood transfusion. METHODS: Before hematpoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the ABO and RhD blood groups of recipients and donors were identified by salt medium tube method and microcolumn gel method; after transplantation the changes of antigen intensity and antibody titer of ABO blood group in patients were periodically detected. RESULTS: After blood group shift of 33 patients received ABO-incompatible allo-HSCT, the consistent rate of positive and regative types in major ABO incompatible group was 100%; the consistent rate of positive and negative types in minor ABO-incompatible group was 33%, no-consistent rate was 66.7%; the consistent rate of positive and negative types in bidirextional ABO incompatible group was 20%, the no-consistent rate was 80%. CONCLUSION: After ABO-incompatible allo-HSCT, blood group antgen of patients shifts to the blood group of donors, there is a significant difference in the serological indicators between the minor and bidireetional ABO-incompatible patients and normal people.

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of an Ag3PO4 photocatalyst via fullerene modification: first-principles study.

The coupling of carbon nanomaterials with semiconductor photocatalysts is a promising route to improve their photocatalytic performance. Herein, density functional theory was used to investigate the electronic structure, charge transfer, photocatalytic activity, and stability in a series of hybrid fullerene (C20, Li@C20, C26, Li@C26)/Ag3PO4(100) composites. When a Li atom is incorporated in fullerene, the adsorption energies significantly increase, although the change of interface distance is negligibly small due to the weak interface interaction. The charge transfer between constituents decreases with the C atom number of fullerene. Compared to pure Ag3PO4, the band gap of the composites is smaller, which enhances the visible-light absorption and photoinduced electron transfer. Most importantly, a type-II, staggered band alignment could be obtained in the C26-Ag3PO4(Li@C26-Ag3PO4) interface, leading to significantly reduced charge recombination and thus enhanced photocatalytic activity. These results reveal that fullerene modification would be an effective strategy to improve the photocatalytic performance of Ag3PO4 semiconductor photocatalysts.