Veliparib­Induced Toxicity in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta­Analysis.

In this study, we investigate the veliparib­induced toxicity in cancer patients. Databases were searched for RCTs treated with veliparib. We found veliparib could increase the risk of hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicities. Anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and nausea were the most common toxicities. Patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal tumors tend to have a higher risk of high-grade neutropenia; patients in the first-line setting tend to have a higher risk of high-grade anemia and neutropenia than those in the ≥ second line setting. Patients receiving higher dosage of veliparib tend to have a higher risk of all-grade anemia. Veliparib could also increase the risk of insomnia, myalgia, pneumonia, dyspnea, hyponatremia, and fatigue.

The Sw-5b NLR nucleotide-binding domain plays a role in oligomerization, and its self-association is important for activation of cell death signaling.

Plant and animal intracellular nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat (NLR) receptors play important roles in sensing pathogens and activating defense signaling. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of host defense signaling by NLR proteins remain largely unknown. Many studies have determined that the coil-coil (CC) or Toll and interleukin-1 receptor/resistance protein (TIR) domain of NLR proteins and their dimerization/oligomerization are critical for activating downstream defense signaling. In this study, we demonstrated that, in tomato, the nucleotide-binding (NB) domain Sw-5b NLR alone can activate downstream defense signaling, leading to elicitor-independent cell death. Sw-5b NB domains can self-associate, and this self-association is crucial for activating cell death signaling. The self-association was strongly compromised after the introduction of a K568R mutation into the P-loop of the NB domain. Consequently, the NBK568R mutant induced cell death very weakly. The NBCΔ20 mutant lacking the C-terminal 20 amino acids can self-associate but cannot activate cell death signaling. The NBCΔ20 mutant also interfered with wild-type NB domain self-association, leading to compromised cell death induction. By contrast, the NBK568R mutant did not interfere with wild-type NB domain self-association and its ability to induce cell death. Structural modeling of Sw-5b suggests that NB domains associate with one another and likely participate in oligomerization. As Sw-5b-triggered cell death is dependent on helper NLR proteins, we propose that the Sw-5b NB domain acts as a nucleation point for the assembly of an oligomeric resistosome, probably by recruiting downstream helper partners, to trigger defense signaling.

[Clinical characteristics and drug sensitivity in children with invasive pneumococcal disease: a multicenter study].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical characteristics, drug sensitivity of isolated strains, and risk factors of drug resistance in children with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). METHODS: The clinical characteristics and drug sensitivity of the isolated strains of 246 hospitalized children with IPD in nine grade A tertiary children's hospitals from January 2016 to June 2018 were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 246 children with IPD, there were 122 males and 124 females. Their ages ranged from 1 day to 14 years, and among them, 68 (27.6%) patients were less than 1 year old, 54 (22.0%) patients were 1 to 2 years old, 97 (39.4%) patients were 2 to 5 years old, and 27 (11.0%) patients were 5 to 14 years old. Pneumonia with sepsis was the most common infection type (58.5%, 144/246), followed by bloodstream infection without focus (19.9%, 49/246) and meningitis (15.0%, 37/246). Forty-nine (19.9%) patients had underlying diseases, and 160 (65.0%) had various risk factors for drug resistance. The isolated Streptococcus pneumoniae strains were 100% sensitive to vancomycin, linezolid, moxifloxacin, and levofloxacin, 90% sensitive to ertapenem, ofloxacin, and ceftriaxone, but had a low sensitivity to erythromycin (4.2%), clindamycin (7.9%), and tetracycline (6.3%). CONCLUSIONS: IPD is more common in children under 5 years old, especially in those under 2 years old. Some children with IPD have underlying diseases, and most of the patients have various risk factors for drug resistance. Pneumonia with sepsis is the most common infection type. The isolated Streptococcus pneumoniae strains are highly sensitive to vancomycin, linezolid, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, ertapenem, and ceftriaxone in children with IPD.

[Effect of Yinao Jieyu Recipe on Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor of the Limbic System in Post-Stroke Model Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the evolutionary tendency of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) of the limbic system in post-stroke model rats and the intervention effect of Yinao Jieyu Recipe (YJR). METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal control group (n =6), the sham-operation group (n =7), the multiple cerebral infarction (MCI) group (n =10), the post-stroke depression (PSD) group (n =10), the Chinese medicine (CM) treatment group (n =10), and the Western medicine (WM) treatment group (n =10) according to random digit table after open-field testing. Rats in the normal control group were routinely fed. 0. 3 mL normal saline was intravenously pushing from the external carotid artery to rats in the sham-operation group, and distilled water administered to them by gastrogavage. Each dose allogenic microthrombi were in vitro pushed to rats in the rest groups from the external carotid artery. The PSD model was duplicated by 21-day chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and single cage feeding in the PSD group 7 days after surgery. After preparing models rats in the CM group and the WM group were administered with YJR and Nimodipine respectively for 4 successive weeks. Changes of BDNF and the intervention effect of YJR were observed at week 1, 2, and 4 after intervention. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical results of BDNF showed, compared with the normal control group, expression levels of BDNF in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and amygdala decreased in the MCI group at week 2 and 4 (P <0. 01 , P <0. 05) ; expression levels of BDNF in each part decreased in the PSD group at week 1-4 (P <0.01). Compared with the MCI group, expression levels of BDNF in each part decreased in the PSD group at week 1-4 (P <0. 01). Compared with the PSD group, expression levels of BDNF in each part increased in the CM group at week 1-4 (P <0. 01). CONCLUSION: BDNF changes existed in post-stroke model rats, and YJR could slow down this progress.

Clinical and molecular characteristics of invasive community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections in Chinese children.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the clinical features of invasive community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus (CA-SA) infection in Chinese children and analyze its molecular features. METHODS: Clinical data and invasive CA-SA isolates were prospectively collected. Pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score was used for disease severity measurement. Molecular typing was then performed, followed by expression analysis for virulence genes. RESULTS: Among 163 invasive CA-SA infection cases, 71 (43.6%) were methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA) infections and 92 (56.4%) were methicillin-susceptible SA (MSSA). A total of 105 (64.4%) children were younger than 1 year old, and 79.7% (129/163) were under 3 years age. Thirteen kinds of diseases were observed, in which bacteremia and pneumonia accounted for 65.6% (107/163) and 52.8% (86/163), respectively. A total of 112 (68.1%) patients had two or more infective sites simultaneously, and four cases (2.5%) died. CA-MSSA more frequently caused multi-sites infections, bacteremia, and musculoskeletal infection than MRSA. A total of 25 sequence types (STs) were detected. MRSA mainly comprised ST59 (49/71, 69%), whereas the most frequent clonotypes were ST88 (15/92, 16.3%), ST25 (13/92, 14.1%), ST7 (13/92, 14.1%), ST2155 (12/92, 13%), and ST188 (9/92, 9.8%) for MSSA. Seven STs were common to both MSSA and MRSA groups. No differences in clinical presentation or PRISM score were found between the two groups or among different ST. The expression levels of the four known virulence genes varied among the six main ST clones. CONCLUSIONS: Invasive CA-SA infections were characterized by high incidence and multi-site infections in young children in China. The clinical manifestations of CA-MSSA were more frequently associated with multi-site infections, bacteremia and musculoskeletal infection than those of CA-MRSA. Isolated genotypes may be relevant to the expressions of virulence genes, but not to clinical manifestations.

Rethinking development and major research plans of Industrial Internet in China.

This paper gives a definition of the Industrial Internet and expounds on the academic connotation of the future Industrial Internet. From this foundation, we outline the development and current status of the Industrial Internet in China and globally. Moreover, we detail the avant-garde paradigms encompassed within the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)'s "Future Industrial Internet Fundamental Theory and Key Technologies" research plan and its corresponding management strategies. This research initiative endeavors to enhance interdisciplinary collaborations, aiming for a synergistic alignment of industry, academia, research, and practical implementations. The primary focus of the research plan is on the pivotal scientific challenges inherent to the future industrial internet. It is poised to traverse the "first mile", encompassing foundational research and pioneering innovations specific to the industrial internet, and seamlessly bridges to the "last mile", ensuring the effective commercialization of scientific and technological breakthroughs into tangible industrial market applications. The anticipated contributions from this initiative are projected to solidify both the theoretical and practical scaffolding essential for the cultivation of a globally competitive industrial internet infrastructure in China.

Adverse drug events associated with linezolid administration: a real-world pharmacovigilance study from 2004 to 2023 using the FAERS database.

Introduction: Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic that is active against drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria and multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Real-world studies on the safety of linezolid in large populations are lacking. This study aimed to determine the adverse events associated with linezolid in real-world settings by analyzing data from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Methods: We retrospectively extracted reports on adverse drug events (ADEs) from the FAERS database from the first quarter of 2004 to that of 2023. By using disproportionality analysis including reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), along with the multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS), we evaluated whether there was a significant association between linezolid and ADE. The time to onset of ADE was further analyzed in the general population and within each age, weight, reporting population, and weight subgroups. Results: A total of 11,176 reports of linezolid as the "primary suspected" drug and 263 significant adverse events of linezolid were identified, including some common adverse events such as thrombocytopenia (n = 1,139, ROR 21.98), anaemia (n = 704, ROR 7.39), and unexpected signals that were not listed on the drug label such as rhabdomyolysis (n = 90, ROR 4.33), and electrocardiogram QT prolonged (n = 73, ROR 4.07). Linezolid-induced adverse reactions involved 27 System Organ Class (SOC). Gender differences existed in ADE signals related to linezolid. The median onset time of all ADEs was 6 days, and most ADEs (n = 3,778) occurred within the first month of linezolid use but some may continue to occur even after a year of treatment (n = 46). Conclusion: This study reports the time to onset of adverse effects in detail at the levels of SOC and specific preferred term (PT). The results of our study provide valuable insights for optimizing the use of linezolid and reducing potential side effects, expected to facilitate the safe use of linezolid in clinical settings.

Effects of flora deficiency on the structure and function of the large intestine.

The significant anatomical changes in large intestine of germ-free (GF) mice provide excellent material for understanding microbe-host crosstalk. We observed significant differences of GF mice in anatomical and physiological involving in enlarged cecum, thinned mucosal layer and enriched water in cecal content. Furthermore, integration analysis of multi-omics data revealed the associations between the structure of large intestinal mesenchymal cells and the thinning of the mucosal layer. Increased Aqp8 expression in GF mice may contribute to enhanced water secretion or altered hydrodynamics in the cecum. In addition, the proportion of epithelial cells, nutrient absorption capacity, immune function and the metabolome of cecum contents of large intestine were also significantly altered. Together, this is the first systematic study of the transcriptome and metabolome of the cecum and colon of GF mice, and these findings contribute to our understanding of the intricate interactions between microbes and the large intestine.

Microbiota-mediated shaping of mouse spleen structure and immune function characterized by scRNA-seq and Stereo-seq.

Gut microbes exhibit complex interactions with their hosts and shape an organism's immune system throughout its lifespan. As the largest secondary lymphoid organ, the spleen has a wide range of immunological functions. To explore the role of microbiota in regulating and shaping the spleen, we employ scRNA-seq and Stereo-seq technologies based on germ-free (GF) mice to detect differences in tissue size, anatomical structure, cell types, functions, and spatial molecular characteristics. We identify 18 cell types, 9 subtypes of T cells, and 7 subtypes of B cells. Gene differential expression analysis reveals that the absence of microorganisms results in alterations in erythropoiesis within the red pulp region and congenital immune deficiency in the white pulp region. Stereo-seq results demonstrate a clear hierarchy of immune cells in the spleen, including marginal zone (MZ) macrophages, MZ B cells, follicular B cells and T cells, distributed in a well-defined pattern from outside to inside. However, this hierarchical structure is disturbed in GF mice. Ccr7 and Cxcl13 chemokines are specifically expressed in the spatial locations of T cells and B cells, respectively. We speculate that the microbiota may mediate the structural composition or partitioning of spleen immune cells by modulating the expression levels of chemokines.

Single-cell and spatiotemporal transcriptomic analyses reveal the effects of microorganisms on immunity and metabolism in the mouse liver.

The gut-liver axis is a complex bidirectional communication pathway between the intestine and the liver in which microorganisms and their metabolites flow from the intestine through the portal vein to the liver and influence liver function. In a sterile environment, the phenotype or function of the liver is altered, but few studies have investigated the specific cellular and molecular effects of microorganisms on the liver. To this end, we constructed single-cell and spatial transcriptomic (ST) profiles of germ-free (GF) and specific-pathogen-free (SPF) mouse livers. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) revealed that the ratio of most immune cells was altered in the liver of GF mice; in particular, natural killer T (NKT) cells, IgA plasma cells (IgAs) and Kupffer cells (KCs) were significantly reduced in GF mice. Spatial enhanced resolution omics sequencing (Stereo-seq) confirmed that microorganisms mediated the accumulation of Kupffer cells in the periportal zone. Unexpectedly, IgA plasma cells were more numerous and concentrated in the periportal vein in liver sections from SPF mice but less numerous and scattered in GF mice. ST technology also enables the precise zonation of liver lobules into eight layers and three patterns based on the gene expression level in each layer, allowing us to further investigate the effects of microbes on gene zonation patterns and functions. Furthermore, untargeted metabolism experiments of the liver revealed that the propionic acid levels were significantly lower in GF mice, and this reduction may be related to the control of genes involved in bile acid and fatty acid metabolism. In conclusion, the combination of sc/snRNA-seq, Stereo-seq, and untargeted metabolomics revealed immune system defects as well as altered bile acid and lipid metabolic processes at the single-cell and spatial levels in the livers of GF mice. This study will be of great value for understanding host-microbiota interactions.

Analysis of the Distribution of Urine Color and Its Relationship With Urine Dry Chemical Parameters Among College Students in Beijing, China - A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to provide a new classification method by analyzing the relationship between urine color (Ucol) distribution and urine dry chemical parameters based on image digital processing. Furthermore, this study aimed to assess the reliability of Ucol to evaluate the states of body hydration and health. Methods: A cross-sectional study among 525 college students, aged 17-23 years old, of which 59 were men and 466 were women, was conducted. Urine samples were obtained during physical examinations and 524 of them were considered valid, including 87 normal samples and 437 abnormal dry chemistry parameters samples. The urinalysis included both micro- and macro-levels, in which the CIE L*a*b* values and routine urine chemical examination were performed through digital imaging colorimetry and a urine chemical analyzer, respectively. Results: The results showed that L* (53.49 vs. 56.69) in the abnormal urine dry chemistry group was lower than the normal group, while b* (37.39 vs. 33.80) was greater. Urine color can be initially classified based on shade by grouping b*. Abnormal urine dry chemical parameter samples were distributed more in the dark-colored group. Urine dry chemical parameters were closely related to Ucol. Urine specific gravity (USG), protein, urobilinogen, bilirubin, occult blood, ketone body, pH, and the number of abnormal dry chemical parameters were all correlated with Ucol CIE L*a*b*; according to a stepwise regression analysis, it was determined that more than 50% of the variation in the three-color space values came from the urine dry chemical parameters, and the b* value was most affected by USG (standardized coefficient ß = 0.734, p < 0.05). Based on a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, Ucol ≥ 4 provided moderate sensitivity and good specificity (AUC = 0.892) for the detection of USG ≥ 1.020. Conclusions: Our findings on the Ucol analysis showed that grouping Ucol based on b* value is an objective, simple, and practical method. At the same time, the results suggested that digital imaging colorimetry for Ucol quantification is a potential method for evaluating body hydration and, potentially, health.

Effect of Acupuncture on Ovary Morphology and Function in DHEA-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model Rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of acupuncture on ovary morphology and function in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) model rats. METHODS: A total of 40 adult female Wistar rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups by a random number table, including control, model, metformin and acupuncture groups, 10 rats in each group. PCOS rat model was developed by injecting with DHEA (6 mg/100 g body weight) in 0.2 mL of oil subcutaneously. Electrical stimulation (2 Hz, 3 mA) was applied to Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA1) and Qihai (CV 6) acupoints for 30 min daily in the acupuncture group, and metformin (200 mg/kg) was given to rats in the metformin group, both once per day for 21 consecutive days, and rats in the normal group was fed with normal saline and fed regularly. After 21 days of administration, the rat blood samples were collected for detecting the reproductive hormonal levels [luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T)] and inflammatory factors (visfatin, IL-6) analysis. Ovary tissue was used for histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, rats in the acupuncture and metformin groups were significantly lower in weight gain, FSH, LH and T levels, and E2 and P levels significantly increased (alll P<0.05). Meanwhile, LH and FSH levels were significantly decreased, and P, T and E2 levels significantly increased in the acupuncture group, compared with the metformin group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, IL-6 and visfatin levels were significantly decreased in the acupuncture and metformin groups (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in IL-6 and visfatin levels between the acupuncture and metformin groups (P>0.05). Ovarian diameter in the acupuncture and metformin groups were smaller than the model group (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in ovarian diameters between the acupuncture and metformin groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture might improve ovary morphology and its function in DHEA-induced PCOS model rats.

Molecular Characteristics of Streptococcus pyogenes Isolated From Chinese Children With Different Diseases.

Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacterial pathogen that causes a wide spectrum of clinical diseases exclusively in humans. The distribution of emm type, antibiotic resistance and virulence gene expression for S. pyogenes varies temporally and geographically, resulting in distinct disease spectra. In this study, we analyzed antibiotic resistance and resistance gene expression patterns among S. pyogenes isolates from pediatric patients in China and investigated the relationship between virulence gene expression, emm type, and disease categories. Forty-two representative emm1.0 and emm12.0 strains (n = 20 and n = 22, respectively) isolated from patients with scarlet fever or obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome were subjected to whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. These strains were further analyzed for susceptibility to vancomycin. We found a high rate and degree of resistance to macrolides and tetracycline in these strains, which mainly expressed ermB and tetM. The disease category correlated with emm type but not superantigens. The distribution of vanuG and virulence genes were associated with emm type. Previously reported important prophages, such as φHKU16.vir, φHKU488.vir, Φ5005.1, Φ5005.2, and Φ5005.3 encoding streptococcal toxin, and integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) such as ICE-emm12 and ICE-HKU397 encoding macrolide and tetracycline resistance were found present amongst emm1 or emm12 clones from Shenzhen, China.

Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Therapeutic Intervention With Yi-nao-jie-yu Decoction in a Rat Model of Post-stroke Depression.

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common neuropsychiatric complication after a stroke, though its neuropathological characteristics have not been fully elucidated. Comprehensive and non-invasive magnetic resonance (MR) assessment techniques are urgently needed for current research, as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), arterial spin labeling (ASL), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) can allow for a comprehensive assessment of neuropathological changes in the brain. These techniques can provide information about microscopic tissue integrity, cerebral perfusion, and cerebral metabolism, and can serve as powerful tools for investigating neurophysiological changes associated with PSD. Yi-nao-jie-yu decoction (YNJYD) is a Chinese herbal formulation based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, with demonstrated clinical efficacy in the treatment of PSD. The aim of this study was to use these MR techniques to evaluate changes in PSD and YNJYD-treated rats. This is the first experimental study in animals to investigate neuropathological changes associated with PSD using a combination of multiple MR techniques, including DTI, ASL, and MRS. In addition, we investigated the effect of YNJYD in a rat model of PSD by assessing changes in brain tissue microstructure, brain metabolism, and cerebral perfusion. First, depressive-like behaviors of PSD rats were assessed by the open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), and Morris water maze (MWM) test, and then the integrity of the rats' microstructure was assessed by DTI, the levels of regional cerebral perfusion were assessed by ASL, and changes in the relative concentrations of brain metabolites were determined by MRS. The results showed that OFT and SPT scores were significantly reduced in PSD rats, as was performance in the MWM; these PSD-associated changes were attenuated in rats administered YNJYD, with improved depressive-like behaviors evidenced by increased OFT and SPT scores and improved performance in the MWM task. Furthermore, we found that PSD rats had lower perfusion levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HP), microstructural damage, and abnormal changes in the concentrations of brain metabolites; YNJYD exerted therapeutic effects on PSD rats by improving microcirculation in the PFC and HP, regulating glutamatergic systems and membrane phospholipid metabolism, and repairing microstructural damage.

Culture versus polymerase chain reaction for the etiologic diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia in antibiotic-pretreated pediatric patients.

Tracheal aspirates were collected from 176 hospitalized antibiotic-pretreated children with community-acquired pneumonia. Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were detected by both culture and target-enriched multiplex (TEM)-PCR whereas Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae were detected by TEM-PCR only. TEM-PCR detected more S. pneumoniae (32 vs. 7) and H. influenzae (29 vs. 23) than did culture. TEM-PCR detected an additional 26 M. pneumoniae and 1 C. pneumoniae. TEM-PCR significantly enhances the pathogen-specific diagnosis of CAP in children.

[A method for auto-extraction of spectral lines based on sparse representation].

A new method for auto-extraction of spectral lines based on sparse representation is presented in the present paper. Firstly, the authors proposed a wavelet denoising scheme using a new theory called sparse representation for noise removal. After performing wavelet transform on the spectral signal, this method implements noise removal by solving an optimization problem, which makes the wavelet coefficients at each scale sparsest. The proposed method not only takes the structure properties in the wavelet coefficients into consideration, but also can well maintain the local characteristics of wavelet coefficients. Therefore it can effectively keep the information of featured spectral lines during the process of denoising. Secondly, the authors got satisfying continua by respectively utilizing the wavelet transform method and spline fitting method. The strong spectral lines were firstly removed from the given spectrum with wavelet transform, leading to the result that the obtained continuum approximated the real one very well. Finally, the spectrum was divided point to point by the obtainable continuum and the normalized spectrum was obtained. And then spectral lines were extracted from the normalized spectrum by using adaptive local thresholding scheme. Experimental results show that the proposed method is effective and efficient in the application of auto-extraction of spectral lines. The authors' method will be also helpful for the automatic classification of astronomical spectra.

Toxicity and repellency of two anthranilates against Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae).

The ability of Aedes albopictus Skuse to transmit several pathogens to humans makes it a very important mosquito with public health significance. Ecofriendly products as alternatives to synthetic chemicals for the control of mosquito vectors are needed. Therefore, the larvicidal and repellent effects of two nontoxic chemicals, butyl anthranilate (BA) and ethyl anthranilate (EA), at different concentrations were compared in A. albopictus. The repellency persistence of BA and three commercial mosquito repellent products (Liushen repellent spray, DKB Korean, Raid repellent spray) against A. albopictus was compared. The results showed that 0.1% concentrations of BA and EA solutions were highly toxic to A. albopictus larvae, and the mortality rate was >90% after 4 h of treatment. We found that BA was more repellent than EA, and at 0.1% BA and 1% EA, and the repellency rates were 53.62% and 38.47%, respectively. Overall, 5% BA presented a significantly longer repellency time than the three commercial repellent products against female A. albopictus. These results indicate that BA has significant larvicidal and repellent effects and can be exploited further for the development of ecofriendly alternatives to existing toxic chemicals currently used for mosquito control.

Antibiotic resistance profiles and multidrug resistance patterns of Streptococcus pneumoniae in pediatrics: A multicenter retrospective study in mainland China.

Emergent resistance to antibiotics among Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates is a severe problem worldwide. Antibiotic resistance profiles for S pneumoniae isolates identified from pediatric patients in mainland China remains to be established.The clinical features, antimicrobial resistance, and multidrug resistance patterns of S pneumoniae were retrospectively analyzed at 10 children's hospitals in mainland China in 2016.Among the collected 6132 S pneumoniae isolates, pneumococcal diseases mainly occurred in children younger than 5 years old (85.1%). The resistance rate of S pneumoniae to clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was 95.8%, 95.2%, 93.6%, and 66.7%, respectively. The resistance rates of S pneumoniae to penicillin were 86.9% and 1.4% in non-meningitis and meningitis isolates, while the proportions of ceftriaxone resistance were 8.2% and 18.1%, respectively. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was administered to only 4.1% of patients. Penicillin and ceftriaxone resistance, underling diseases, antibiotic resistant risk factors, and poor prognosis appeared more frequently in invasive pneumococcal diseases. The incidence of multidrug resistance (MDR) was 46.1% in patients with invasive pneumococcal disease which was more than in patients with non-invasive pneumococcal disease (18.3%). Patients with invasive pneumococcal disease usually have several MDR coexistence.S pneumoniae isolates showed high resistance to common antibiotics in mainland China. Penicillin and ceftriaxone resistance rate of invasive streptococcal pneumonia patients were significantly higher than that of non-invasive S pneumoniae patients. Alarmingly, 46.1% of invasive clinical isolates were multidrug resistant, so it is important to continued monitor the resistance of S pneumoniae when protein conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is coming in mainland China.

[A method for automatic recognition of stellar spectra based on feature matching of spectral lines].

The LAMOST project, the world's largest sky survey project being implemented in China, urgently needs an automatic stars recognition system. The present paper presents a method for automatic recognition of stellar spectra based on feature matching of spectral lines. This method consists of three main steps: First, the features of spectral lines! in the observed spectra are extracted using the wavelet transform. Then, the correlations between the extracted features and the feature templates of the stellar spectral lines are computed. Finally, based on the results of the former step, the stellar spectra can be recognized. The extensive experiments with real observed spectra from the SDSS DR4 show that the method can robustly recognize stellar spectra, and the correct rate of this method is as high as 96.7%. This method is designed to automatically recognize stellar spectra with relative flux and low signal-to-noise ratio, which is applicable to the LAMOST data and helps in the structure study of stars and galaxy etc.

[Surveillance of antibiotic resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from hospitalized patients with pneumonia in four children's hospitals in China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S.pneumoniae) isolated from Chinese children with pneumonia. METHODS: Hypopharyngeal aspirate specimens were collected from hospitalized children with pneumonia who were admitted to the children's hospital located in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or Shanghai from February 16, 2006 to February 16, 2007. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of S.pneumoniae isolates against penicillin, amoxicillin, cefuroxime (sodium), ceftriaxone, erythromycin, vancomycin, ofloxacin and imipenem was determined by E-test method. RESULTS: A total of 279 S.pneumoniae isolates were obtained. Eighty-six percent of the isolates were not susceptive to penicillin, and 23.3% was resistant to penicillin. The rate of susceptibility of the isolates to amoxicillin was 92.1%, and to cefuroxime and ceftriaxone was 19.0% and 75.3%, respectively. The isolates also showed a high susceptibility to vancomycin (99.6%) and ofloxacin (97.8%). Seventeen point six percent of the isolates were not susceptive to imipenem, and most of those were intermediate. Almost of all isolates were resistant to erythromycin. There were some distinct regional differences in the susceptibility to antimicrobials tested except for erythromycin, vancomycin and ofloxacin. CONCLUSIONS: The S.pneumoniae isolates from Chinese children with pneumonia were susceptive to amoxicillin, vancomycin and ofloxacin, but were not susceptive or resistant to penicillin, cefuroxime and erythromycin. The isolates kept susceptibility to ceftriaxone and imipenem to a certain extent.