Endophytic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YTB1407 elicits resistance against two fungal pathogens in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.).

The endophytic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YTB1407 was previously reported to promote the growth of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas cv. Yanshu 25). Here, we demonstrate in both in vitro and pot trial assays that pre-treatment with YTB1407 suspension could enhance resistance against root rot disease and black rot disease, caused by Fusarium solani Mart. Sacc. f. sp. batatas McClure and Ceratocystis fimbriata Ell. & Halst on sweet potato, respectively. When seedlings were infected with fungal pathogens at 10 days post irrigation, pre-treatment with YTB1407 suspension decreased these pathogens and YTB1407 bacterial biomass in sweet potato roots. The pre-treatment activated the expression of salicylic acid (SA)-responsive PR-1 gene, raised SA content, and reduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the host to resist F. solani, while it enhanced the expression levels of SA-responsive NPR1 and PR1 genes and increased SA content to resist C. fimbriata. The disease resistance control effect initiated by pre-treatment with YTB1407 for root rot pathogen (F. solani) was better than for black rot pathogen (C. fimbriata). The results indicated that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YTB1407 played a pivotal role in enhancing resistance to two fungi pathogens in sweet potato, through production of some antifungal metabolites to decrease infection in the early stage as well as induction of SA-dependent systemic resistance.

[Effect of electroacupuncture stimulation of "Neiguan" (PC 6) on expression of alpha- and beta-subunit proteins of voltage-gated sodium channels in rats with myocardial ischemia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of "Neiguan" (PC 6) on expression of sodium (Nav) channel α-subunit 1.5 and Nav ß-subunits ß 1-ß 4 (the known myocardial sodium channel proteins) in acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) rats so as to explore its mechanisms underlying protection of ischemic myocardium. METHODS: Sixty SD male rats were randomly divided into normal control, AMI model, Neiguan (PC 6), Lieque (LU 7) and non-acupoint groups. The AMI model was established by intravenous injection of Isoprenaline (85 mg/kg) once daily for 2 days. Myocardial Nav 1.5 and Nav ß 1, ß 2, ß 3, ß 4 protein expression levels were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: In comparison with the control group, myocardial Nav 1.5, ß 1, ß 2, ß 3 and ß 4 protein expression levels were significantly down-regulated in the AMI model group (P<0.01). After EA stimulation, compared with the model group, the expression levels of Nav 1.5, Nav ß 1, ß 2, ß 3 and ß 4 protein expression levels were significantly up-regulated in the Neiguang (PC 6) and Lieque (LU 7) groups (P<0.01) rather than in the non-acupoint group (P>0.05). There was no statistical significance between the Neiguan (PC 6) and Lieque (LU 7) groups in ß 4 protein expression level (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: EA stimulation of both PC 6 and LU 7 can significantly reverse AMI-induced down-regulation of myocardial Nav 1.5, ß 1, ß 2, ß 3 and ß 4 protein expression levels in AMI rats, which might contribute to its function in improving AMI by reducing calcium overload.

[Teaching experience in Science of Acupuncture and Moxibustion : the advantage of "training the techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion before introducing meridians and acupoints"].

In term of four aspects, named "getting the familiarity", "turning to the positive action", "conquering the fear emotion" and "bringing the practice into play", the authors state that the teaching pattern, "training the techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion before introducing meridians and acupoints" can vividly introduce the classical content of meridians and acupoints in the Part One of Science of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, exclude the repeatability of the content and improve the teaching quality. This teaching pattern enables the students mastering the techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion before the practice and laying a good foundation for learning meridians and acupoints. The authors put forward the good suggestion of the teaching course arrangement of Science of Acupuncture and Moxibustion to benefit the teaching reform.

[Laparoscopy-insisted vaginoplasty with peritoneum in patients with androgen insensitivity syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the technique and therapeutic effect of laparoscopy-insisted vaginoplasty with peritoneum in patients with androgen insensitivity syndrome. METHODS: From May. in the Fifth People' s Hospital of Shenzhen. The therapeutic effect was retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Laparoscopy-insisted vaginoplasty was successfully completely with peritoneum in patients with androgen in 4 cases. Ileumtivity segyndroment was used instead of peritoneum in one case. Open operation was not adopted in any cases. The ectopic testicles were removed during operation in 4 cases. The average operation time and bleeding volume was 60 min and 20 ml, respectively. Rectum, bladder and urethra were not injured in any case. The average vaginal length was 9 cm (range 8-10 cm) 21-28 days after operation. 6 months after operation, the surface of reconstructed vagina was smooth, ruddy and flexible, with satisfactory anatomical and functional results. Normal sexual activity was achieved in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy-insisted vaginoplasty with peritoneum could be used for female patients with androgen insensitivity syndrome. The ectopic testicles should be removed. Estrogen supplement and psychological guide after operation are also important.