Inhibitory Effect of Depolymerized Sulfated Galactans from Marine Red Algae on the Growth and Adhesion of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli.

Active polysaccharides as safe and natural polymers against bacterial diarrhea have been reconsidered as an alternative to antibiotics. This work investigated the inhibiting effect of depolymerized sulfated galactans from Eucheuma serra and Gracilaria verrucosa on the growth and adhesion of diarrheagenic enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88. Results showed that the sulfated polysaccharides with molecular weight distribution ≤20.0 kDa exhibited antibacterial activity against ETEC K88. A structure-activity study revealed that the anti-ETEC K88 activity of sulfated polysaccharides is strictly determined by their molecular weight distribution, sulfate group content, and monosaccharide composition. In addition, the promoted nucleic acid release and the fluorescence quenching of membrane proteins were observed after the treatment with selected polysaccharides. Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed that the depolymerized sulfated galactans can effectively inhibit ETEC K88 adhesion. In conclusion, depolymerized sulfated galactans exhibited an inhibitory effect on the growth and adhesion of ETEC K88.

Purification and characterization of parvalbumins from silver carp (Hypophthalmichthy molitrix).

BACKGROUND: As the largest producer and consumer of freshwater fish in the world, many people suffer from allergy for consuming freshwater fish in China. However, the allergen profiles of freshwater fish are rarely known. RESULTS: Parvalbumins (PVs) from the white muscle of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthy molitrix) were purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and column chromatography including DEAE-Sepharose and Superdex 75. Three PV isoforms-PV-I, PV-II, and PV-III-were obtained and their molecular masses as estimated by tricine-sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were 12, 11, and 14 kDa, respectively. All the PVs could be detected by anti-frog PV monoclonal antibody. PV-I and PV-II were quite possibly glycoproteins, while PV-III was not glycosylated, as analyzed by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Thermal stability revealed that PV-I and PV-II easily formed polymers, while these proteins were stable in a pH range of 4.0-10.0. A PV gene encoding 110 amino acid residues was cloned and it revealed high identity with PVs from other species of fish. CONCLUSION: Three isotypes of PV were purified to homogeneity and one distinct PV gene was cloned in silver carp white muscle.

Extrication of penile entrapment in a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle: a technique of suture traction and Dundee and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of a technique of suture traction and Dundee in penile entrapment in the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle case. MEASURES AND METHODS: The technique of suture traction in conjunction with Dundee was performed for the management of penile entrapment in PET bottle neck. First, the technique of Dundee (manual compression after multiple prepuce punctures) was used to alleviate and resolve the preputial edema; second, the persistent suture traction power was applied to achieve the removal with lubrication. A review of the literature is also summarized in this report. Current treatment options and outcomes are also evaluated. RESULT: The PET bottle neck was removed intact successfully in 50 min. Follow-up revealed he got full recovery without any complications. Literature review shows that penile incarceration in PET bottle is frequently described as an isolated case report or small series, the approach for dealing with these problems are often described using cutting instruments, the PET bottle could produce a fatal harm in extreme situation. CONCLUSIONS: The technique combined suture traction with Dundee could be easy to perform without any special tools required in the management of penile entrapment involving PET bottles. It could be applied safely for the low-grade penile injury.