Clinical characteristics and microbiology of nosocomial enterococcal bloodstream infections in a tertiary-level hospital: a retrospective study, 2007-2019.

BACKGROUND: Enterococci are important pathogens causing nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSIs) and cannot be treated with appropriate timely empirical antibiotics due to their natural resistance to many kinds of antibiotics. AIM: To analyse the clinical characteristics and microbiological features of nosocomial bloodstream infections caused by enterococci. METHODS: The clinical characteristics and microbiological features of nosocomial enterococcal BSI patients in Xiamen University Zhongshan Hospital were examined in a case-controlled retrospective study. All patient information was collected through an electronic surveillance system. FINDINGS: A total of 199 cases were identified as nosocomial enterococcal BSIs over a period of 13 years. The incidence of BSIs fluctuated from 0.21% to 0.81%. In the distribution of wards, enterococcal BSIs in hepatobiliary surgery ranked first. Intra-abdominal diseases (odds ratio: 3.36; 95% confidence interval: 2.15-5.27; P < 0.001), chemotherapy history (4.37; 2.06-9.25; P < 0.001), and urinary catheterization (2.34; 1.52-3.61; P < 0.001) were risk factors for nosocomial enterococcal BSI acquisition. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci and linezolid-insensitive enterococci strains were not found. CONCLUSION: Patients with a history of intra-abdominal disease, chemotherapy and urinary catheterization are at higher risk of nosocomial enterococcal bloodstream infections. The enterococcus strains were still sensitive to commonly used antibiotics.

[Integrated analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of hepatocellular carcinoma to construct miR-1180-3p relevant ceRNA regulatory network].

Objective: This study analyzes the expression level of miR-1180-3p and constructs the regulatory network of relevant ceRNA by integrating the DNA methylation and gene expression profile of hepatocellular carcinoma from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Methods: Firstly, the expression level of miR-1180-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent tissues was analyzed by TCGA database, and the differential expression of lncrna and mRNA was screened. Secondly, the LncBase database and the TargetScan database were used to predict the relationship between miR-1180-3p and lncRNA and mRNA, and the DNA methylation-mediated lncRNA was screened by the DNA methylation profile of lncRNA. Finally, Cytoscape software was used to construct miR-1180-3p relevant ceRNA network, and WebGestalt website was used to perform GO and KEGG analysis of related mRNA in ceRNA. Results: Compared with patients with low expression of miR-1180-3p (mean overall survival duration, 5.69 ± 0.35 years), patients with high expression of miR-1180-3p had shorter overall survival time (mean overall survival duration, 3.99 ± 0.47 years), indicating that the high expression of miR-1180-3p was hepatocellular carcinoma risk factor affecting the prognosis (HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.1 ~ 1.5, P < 0.01). A miR-1180-3p related ceRNA regulatory network was constructed in this study, which contained 2 lncRNAs (F11-AS1 and LINC01511) and 37 mRNAs. Conclusion: This study has successfully constructed miR-1180-3p relevant ceRNA regulatory network, and DNA methylation-mediated F11-AS1 and F11-AS1/miR-1180-3p/C11of54 ceRNA regulatory axis has played an important role in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Histone demethylase retinoblastoma binding protein 2 regulates the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin in cirrhotic livers.

Liver cirrhosis is one of the most common diseases of Chinese patients. Herein, we report the high expression of a newly identified histone 3 lysine 4 demethylase, retinoblastoma binding protein 2 (RBP2), and its role in liver cirrhosis in humans. The siRNA knockdown of RBP2 expression in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) reduced levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin and decreased the proliferation of HSCs; and overexpression of RBP2 increased α-SMA and vimentin levels. Treatment with transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) upregulated the expression of RBP2, α-SMA, and vimentin, and the siRNA knockdown of RBP2 expression attenuated TGF-ß-mediated upregulation of α-SMA and vimentin expression and HSC proliferation. Furthermore, RBP2 was highly expressed in cirrhotic rat livers. Therefore, RBP2 may participate in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis by regulating the expression of α-SMA and vimentin. RBP2 may be a useful marker for the diagnosis and treatment of liver cirrhosis.

Histone demethylase retinoblastoma binding protein 2 regulates the expression of -smooth muscle actin and vimentin in cirrhotic livers

Liver cirrhosis is one of the most common diseases of Chinese patients. Herein, we report the high expression of a newly identified histone 3 lysine 4 demethylase, retinoblastoma binding protein 2 (RBP2), and its role in liver cirrhosis in humans. The siRNA knockdown of RBP2 expression in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) reduced levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin and decreased the proliferation of HSCs; and overexpression of RBP2 increased α-SMA and vimentin levels. Treatment with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) upregulated the expression of RBP2, α-SMA, and vimentin, and the siRNA knockdown of RBP2 expression attenuated TGF-β-mediated upregulation of α-SMA and vimentin expression and HSC proliferation. Furthermore, RBP2 was highly expressed in cirrhotic rat livers. Therefore, RBP2 may participate in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis by regulating the expression of α-SMA and vimentin. RBP2 may be a useful marker for the diagnosis and treatment of liver cirrhosis.

Predicting gas chromatographic retention times of 209 polybrominated diphenyls (PBBs) for different temperature programs.

A method has been developed to predict the retention times of 209 individual polybrominated diphenyl congeners for different temperature programs. The retention equations lnk'=A+B/T of five PBBs in gas chromatography (GC) were used to evaluate the properties of the regression coefficients A and B, which are widely accepted as being highly reliable chromatographic retentions. The quantitative relationships between the A and B values of PCBs and those of PBBs were found. The regression equations derived have coefficients of determination greater than 0.999. The A, B values of any PBB can be predicted by using the A, B values of the PCB according to these relationships. Using these predicted A and B values, the retention times of all PBBs can be predicted. This is an important advance in the identification of PBBs because at present there are only a few PBB standards available.

In vitro estrogenic activities of Chinese medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of menopausal symptoms.

The estrogenic activity of 70% EtOH extracts of 32 traditional Chinese medicinal plants, selected according to their reported efficacy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, was assessed using a recombinant yeast system with both a human estrogen receptor expression plasmid and a reporter plasmid. Among them, 11 (34%) species proved to be active. Polygonum cuspidatum had the highest estrogenic relative potency (RP) (3.28 x 10(-3)), followed by Rheumpalmatum (3.85 x 10(-4)), Cassia obtusifolia (3.49 x 10(-4)), Polygonum multiflorum (2.87 x 10(-4)), Epimedium brevicornum (2.30 x 10(-4)), Psoralea corylifolia (1.90 x 10(-4)), Cynomorium songaricum (1.78 x 10(-4)), Belamcanda chinensis (1.26 x 10(-4)), Scutellaria baicalensis (8.77 x 10(-5)), Astragalus membranaceus (8.47 x 10(-5)) and Pueraria lobata (6.17 x 10(-5)). The EC(50) value of 17beta-estradiol used as the positive control was 0.205+/-0.025 ng/ml (RP=100). This study gave support to the reported efficacy of Chinese medicines used for hormone replacement therapy.

Complete sequence of the genomic RNA of the prevalent strain of a potyvirus infecting maize in China.

The complete nucleotide sequence of the prevalent strain of a potyvirus isolated from maize in Beijing, China was determined and compared with other closely related potyviruses. The viral genome comprises 9595 nucleotides, excluding the poly (A) tail, and encodes a putative polyprotein of 3063 amino acid residues. Sequence comparison of the coat proteins showed that this isolate was most closely related to most other potyviral isolates infecting maize across China with identities of about 99% and thus represented the prevalent strain. It was also closely related to most isolates of Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) infecting maize in Europe with maximum identity of about 95% at the amino acid level. The polyprotein sequence of the Beijing isolate shares identities of 98% with those of two other Chinese maize isolates and shares identity of 69% with Maize dwarf mosaic virus-Bulgarian isolate, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses of the sequences indicated that the Beijing isolate can be tentatively referred to as a prevalent strain of SCMV.

The use of brush cytology and directed biopsies for the detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and precursor lesions.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has an early noninvasive stage, designated nasopharyngeal intraepithelial neoplasia (NPIN). Hence, the detection and treatment of NPIN will prevent NPC from developing, and this would be similar to the strategies used for cervical cancer prevention. We wanted to ascertain the feasibility of using a brush sampler to collect cells for the cytologic diagnosis of NPIN and NPC. If successful, the technique could be used as a screening test in endemic areas. METHODS: A disposable sampler (Uterobrush) was used to collect nasopharyngeal mucosal brushings from 546 patients for cytologic examination. After this, most patients had biopsies, and this allowed histologic-cytologic correlation to be undertaken. RESULTS: In 528 patients (96.7%) there were satisfactory cytologic and biopsy specimens for evaluation. There were 149 cases with positive histology and 103 had positive cytology (specificity was 100% and the sensitivity was 69.1%). One case of NPC with concurrent NPIN was seen among the biopsy specimens, but no case of NPIN was detected cytologically. CONCLUSIONS: The cytologic pickup of NPC was substantially lower than that obtained on biopsy. More importantly, NPIN was uncommon. Therefore, a screening test that depends on the collection of cells for the microscopic diagnosis of NPIN and NPC is unlikely to have a major impact on the incidence of NPC. Furthermore, obtaining a good cytologic specimen from the nasopharynx is not simple, and this further limits this technique for mass screening purposes. The concept of a cytologic test for NPC, similar to the Pap test for the prevention of uterine cervix cancer, has still to be realized.

[Determination of impurities in a technical chlorpyrifos by gas chromatography with atomic emission detection].

Mass fraction of impurities in a technical chlorpyrifos sample may be obtained by selective determination on carbon (496 nm and 193 nm), chlorine(479 nm), and sulfur (181 nm) channels using gas chromatography with atomic emission detection(GC/AED). According to the formulas from GC/MS and analytical results from GC/AED, mass fraction of compounds may be calculated by internal standard of elements. The results for the same compound obtained from different elemental channels were consistent. This shows the responses of carbon, chlorine and sulfur on AED are independent on molecular structures. Moreover, the reliability of the qualitative results of impurities from GC/MS was proved. If the formulas from GC/MS were wrong, the results from different elemental channels on GC/AED would be different. The relative deviations were in the range of -3.4% to 5.8%. When standards are not available, the results from GC/AED are more reliable than those from GC/FID which usually depend on the area normalization without corrections. Pesticides and other complex organic mixtures may be analyzed reliably and expediently by this method.

[Influence of organic modifier on the retention behaviour in soil leaching column chromatography].

The relationship between capacity factors (k') of 55 nonionic compounds and broad methanol volume percentage (psi) of methanol-water eluent in soil leaching column chromatography (SLCC) was systematically investigated. The compounds consist of 11 chlorobenzenes, 14 alkylbenzenes, 22 polyphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and 8 pesticides. Reference soil was dry-packed into a stainless steel chromatographic column (10 mm i.d. x 100 mm) by a homemade pressurizing device, and isocratic methanolwater mixture with psi from 0.0 to 0.80 eluated through the column at a flow-rate of 1 mL.min-1. The column was thermostated at (25.0 +/- 0.1) degree C, and chromatographic peak was monitored by an online ultraviolet detector. The results show that both equations, log k' = log k'w + a psi + b psi 2(1) and log k' = log k'w - S psi (2), well fit the retention values. Equation (2) can be used practically due to few experimental data needed and simpler in formula. Explanation is also given for the existence of the carbon (or chlorine) number rule for two classes of homologous series (i.e. methylbenzenes, n-alkylbenzenes) and weak-polar chlorobenzenes in the SLCC process. The slope and intercept of the rule are also well correlated, and both decreases linearly with increasing eluent psi value.

Primary study of neovasculature correlating with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma using computer image analysis.

The significance of neoangiogenesis in the metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was investigated to clarify the role neovascularity in the prognosis of NPC and the probability of antiangiogenesis preventing NPC from distant metastasis. A group of 52 patients presenting with metastatic NPC were selected and strictly paired one-to-one, in sex, age, T stage, and N stage, with another 52 patients with non-metastatic NPC, who had survived for a long time after therapy. The tumor tissues of all 104 patients were retrieved for computer-assisted, immunohistochemical analysis of tumor vasculature. Counts of the microvessels and the relative area of all microvessels per image were significantly higher in metastatic NPC than they were in curable, non-metastatic NPC, while the average area of the microvessels and their average perimeter of in metastatic NPC were smaller than in non-metastatic disease. No significant difference in any microvessel parameter was found among the various types of metastasis. The alterations of microvessel parameters were significantly linked to the metastasis of NPC. Evaluation of neovascularity by computer image analysis may be helpful in estimating the prognosis of NPC and in determining the indicators for aggressive multimodal treatments.

Occupancy of the cancer cell urokinase receptor (uPAR): effects of acid elution and exogenous uPA on cell surface urokinase (uPA).

The development of a simple, sensitive fluorimetric assay for the measurement of cell surface-associated urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) on viable, adherent HCT116 cells in microtitre plates, after a preincubation with purified human plasminogen is described. The assay determines plasmin activity by the cleavage of H-D-Val-Leu-Lys 4-aminomethyl coumarin under near physiological pH and ionic conditions with a sensitivity in the range of 5-100 mIU uPA/well at excitation 355 nm and emission 460 nm. Plasmin generated during the assay converted all cell-surface sc-uPA to tc-uPA, allowing the determination of total uPA activity. Inhibitor studies (PAI-2, amiloride or Glu-Gly-Arg chloromethylketone) confirmed the specificity of the uPA assay. Removal of these agents prior to assay allowed determination of the cell surface sc-uPA:tc-uPA ratio. Cell surface activity was only partially removed by acid elution. This corresponded with the loss of a number of proteins and uPA-containing species as detected by SDS-PAGE, gelatin enzymography and Western blotting. Although the major protein species eluted had a M(r) of 55 kDa, reacted with a commercial anti-human uPA mAb and correlated with the main lytic zone, other higher M(r) species were also eluted from HCT116 cells. Exogenous uPA increased cell-surface activity markedly on cells previously treated with acid. Following acid elution, cell surface uPA activity was restored after 30h in culture suggesting either de novo synthesis or release of pre-formed uPA with subsequent secretion and binding to uPAR. The assay has enabled studies on adherent cells to address questions about the regulation and expression of cell-surface uPA.

In situ hybridization with human papillomavirus using biotinylated DNA probes on archival cervical smears.

We report a method of in situ hybridization (ISH) of 10-year-old archival cervical smears with a cocktail of nick-translated human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA types 6, 11, 16, 18, and 31. The method, which does not require destaining, results in excellent preservation of morphological detail with only 2% cell loss. Methods of smear treatment and detection of the biotinylated probe with a multistep avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase method are described. Biotinylated PBR 322 plasmid and biotinylated human DNA were used as negative and positive controls in each run. Twenty-nine of 50 smears (58%) showing changes consistent with CIN I-II were positive for HPV. Fourteen corresponding cervical biopsies were also studied by ISH, seven corresponding to HPV-positive smears and seven to HPV-negative smears. HPV DNA was demonstrated in six of seven biopsies (87%) from the positive group but none could be demonstrated in the negative group. We conclude that retrospective study can be performed on routine alcohol-fixed, Papanicolaou-stained cervical smears with biotinylated HPV probes with excellent cell preservation, minimal cell loss, and high degrees of specificity.

[Factors influencing long-term prognosis after pancreatoduodenectomy in cancer of the pancreas head].

Sixty-four cases of pancreatoduodenectomy were performed for ductal adenocarcinoma of the head of pancreas. According to the size of primary tumor, the cases were divided into 3 groups: less than 2 cm, 2.1 to 4.0 cm, and more than 4 cm. The corresponding one-year survival was 66.7%, 33.7%, and 25.0% (P less than 0.05), respectively. The one-year survival of cases with tumor confined to pancreas or only involving intrapancreatic common bile duct or duodenal wall in the ampullary region (100%) was higher than that of cases with microscopic and macroscopic local infiltration (33.3%, 54.5%) and that of cases with large or middle extrapancreatic vessels involved (11.1%) (P less than 0.001). The rate of lymph node metastases of all cases was 69%. The one-year survival of cases with primary lymph node metastases was lower than that of cases without it (32.4% v. 62.5%, P less than 0.05). Based on the above mentioned result, a new staging method is suggested.

Accuracy of cytologic diagnosis and cytotyping of sputum in primary lung cancer: analysis of 161 cases.

Sputum cytologic examination is still an important method for diagnosing lung cancer, and it is simple to perform. The present report is an analysis of 161 cases of primary lung cancer proved by thoracotomy. A detection rate of 73.3% in sputum and 84.5% in combination with other cytologic methods have been obtained. Cytotyping accuracy as compared with histologic classification in 105 cases was 79.0%. The importance of examining more than three sputum samples from a patient with suspected lung cancer is stressed.

Percutaneous superfine-needle aspiration biopsy of intrathoracic lesions guided by simulator.

The result of percutaneous superfine-needle aspiration biopsy in 100 patients with intrathoracic lesions guided by simulator is reported. The success rate of aspiration biopsy was 94%, and no major complication was observed. The method of localization by simulator had advantages such as accuracy in localization, no limitation of mass size and site, and a high rate of puncture success. Cell smears obtained by superfine needle were similar to those obtained by fine- or large-bore needles, but fewer complications were encountered. This is a useful technique that can provide early cytological diagnosis, especially for the peripheral type of pulmonary mass.