Taxonomic identification, phenol biodegradation and soil remediation of the strain Rhodococcus sacchari sp. nov. Z13T.

Phenols are highly toxic chemicals that are extensively used in industry and produce large amounts of emissions. Notably, phenols released into the soil are highly persistent, causing long-term harm to human health and the environment. In this study, a gram-positive, aerobic, and rod-shaped bacterial strain, Z13T, with efficient phenol degradation ability, was isolated from the soil of sugarcane fields. Based on the physiological properties and genomic features, strain Z13T is considered as a novel species of the genus Rhodococcus, for which the name Rhodococcus sacchari sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Z13T (= CCTCC AB 2022327T = JCM 35797T). This strain can use phenol as its sole carbon source. Z13T was able to completely degrade 1200 mg/L phenol within 20 h; the maximum specific growth rate was µmax = 0.93174 h-1, and the maximum specific degradation rate was qmax = 0.47405 h-1. Based on whole-genome sequencing and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, strain Z13T contains a series of phenol degradation genes, including dmpP, CatA, dmpB, pcaG, and pcaH, and can metabolize aromatic compounds. Moreover, the potential of strain Z13T for soil remediation was investigated by introducing Z13T into simulated phenol-contaminated soil, and the soil microbial diversity was analyzed. The results showed that 100% of the phenol in the soil was removed within 7.5 d. Furthermore, microbial diversity analysis revealed an increase in the relative species richness of Oceanobacillus, Chungangia, and Bacillus.

Selection of prenatal screening with nuchal translucency > 95th centile and below 99th centile: a 4-year observational study with real-world data.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the genetic outcomes of fetuses with nuchal translucency (NT) > 95th centile, and determine whether prenatal genetic counseling, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) or non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) are truly beneficial for the outcomes of fetuses with increased NT > 95th centile and below 99th centile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 535 pregnant women were included in this study, with a fetal NT > 95th centile at 11-13+6 weeks of gestation from January 2017 to December 2020. 324 pregnant women with fetal NT > 95th centile and below 99th centile combined with other risk factors and NT > 99th centile received prenatal diagnostic karyotype analysis and CMA, and 211 pregnant women with fetal isolated increased NT > 95th centile and below 99th centile were selected to carry out NIPT. RESULTS: A total of 211 pregnant women who underwent NIPT were included in the study, NIPT results showed that 8 high-risk cases were confirmed by prenatal diagnosis. Overall, the detection rate of NIPT was 3.79%. A total of 324 pregnant women with fetal NT > 95th centile and below 99th centile, along with other risk factors, and those with fetal NT > 99th centile, received karyotype analysis and CMA for prenatal diagnosis. Among them, a total of 73 genetic abnormalities were detected, including 45 cases of chromosomal aneuploidy, 7 cases of structural abnormalities, and 21 cases of copy number variations (CNVs) with a size of less than 10 Mb. In addition, the 73 women with genetic abnormalities are divided into three groups based on the NT measurement (Group 1: Fetuses with NT > 95th centile and below 99th centile, Group 2: Fetuses with NT > 99th centile, and Group 3: Fetuses with NT > 99th centile). 13.11% (8/61) of pathogenic genetic abnormalities (6 chromosomal aneuploidy, 1 structural abnormality, and 1 likely pathogenic CNV) will be missed if genetic counseling and prenatal genetic testing were not conducted in fetuses with increased NT > 95th centile and below 99th centile combined with other risks. Pathogenic CNVs were the most common abnormalities in group 3, and one likely pathogenic CNV was detected in group 1 and group 3, respectively, and a total of 14 CNVs of unknown clinical significance (VOUS) were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Through this study, we demonstrated that the critical value of NT > 95th centile for invasive detection or NIPT. Invasive testing combined with CMA may be recommended for fetuses with NT > 95th centile and below 99th centile and with other risks. But when isolated NT > 95th centile and below 99th centile, NIPT would be appropriate.

Traditional Chinese Nursing Using Fennel With Coarse Salt for Ironing and Umbilical Moxibustion for Epigastric Pain With Spleen-stomach Vacuity Cold.

Context: Spleen-stomach vacuity cold is the primary TCM pattern for epigastric pain, accounting for 75% of the patients. According to the TCM theory of treating both the tip and the root, epigastric pain requires the caregiver to dissipate cold and relieve pain, the treatments for the tip, which warm and supplement the spleen and stomach, the treatments for the root. Objective: This study aimed to explore effectiveness of traditional Chinese nursing care using fennel mixed with coarse salt for ironing,with umbilical moxibustion, for epigastric pain, with a pattern of spleen-stomach vacuity cold. Design: The research team designed a randomized control trial (RCT). Setting: The study was conducted at Ruikang Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine in the capital city of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in the People's Republic of China. Participants: Participants were 96 patients who had been admitted to the hospital between October and November 2020 with epigastric pain resulting from the TCM spleen-stomach vacuity cold pattern, equivalent to chronic atrophic gastritis in Western medicine. Intervention: The research team randomly divided participants into an intervention group (n = 48) and a control group (n = 48) using a random digits table. The intervention group received fennel mixed with coarse salt for ironing, combined with umbilical moxibustion, whereas the control group received routine care. Outcome Measures: The study's instruments included the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Syndrome Score Scale (TCMSSS), Medical Outcome Study (MOS) Short Form 36 (SF-36), and Satisfaction with TCM Nursing Program (STCMNP). Data were collected and analyzed through descriptive statistics a Chi-square test and independent t test. A significance level of P < .05 was accepted for all statistical analyses. Results: The intervention group had mean scores that indicated significantly higher decreases in epigastric pain, and increases in quality of life and level of satisfaction with the traditional Chinese nursing care than the control group did (P < .05). Conclusions: The traditional Chinese nursing care was able to improve epigastric pain, enhance quality of life, and increase satisfaction with the traditional Chinese nursing care.

Tanshinone IIA improves Alzheimer's disease via RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1/microRNA-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA), a bioactive compound isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza plants, has shown potential neuroprotective effects; however, the mechanisms underlying such a function remain unclear. AIM: To investigate potential Tan-IIA neuroprotective effects in AD and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Hematoxylin and eosin staining was utilized to analyze structural brain tissue morphology. To assess changes in oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, we performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting. Additionally, the effect of Tan-IIA on AD cell models was evaluated in vitro using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Genetic changes related to the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1)/microRNA (miRNA, miR)-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis were assessed through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In vivo, Tan-IIA treatment improved neuronal morphology and attenuated oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain tissue of AD mice. In vitro experiments showed that Tan-IIA dose-dependently ameliorated the amyloid-beta 1-42-induced reduction of neural stem cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. In this process, the lncRNA NEAT1 - a potential therapeutic target - is highly expressed in AD mice and downregulated via Tan-IIA treatment. Mechanistically, NEAT1 promotes the transcription and translation of Rab22a via miR-291a-3p, which activates nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling, leading to activation of the pro-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein and inhibition of the anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 protein, which exacerbates AD. Tan-IIA intervention effectively blocked this process by inhibiting the NEAT1/miR-291a-3p/Rab22a axis and NF-κB signaling. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that Tan-IIA exerts neuroprotective effects in AD by modulating the NEAT1/miR-291a-3p/Rab22a/NF-κB signaling pathway, serving as a foundation for the development of innovative approaches for AD therapy.

A nitrous oxide/oxygen fixed mixture to reduce pain induced by the hypodermic injection: study protocol for a randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hematological malignancies received multiple hypodermic injections of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Procedural pain is one of the most common iatrogenic causes of pain in patients with hematological malignancies. It is also identified as the most commonly occurring problem in clinical care in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Shenzhen University General Hospital. However, providing immediate relief from pain induced by hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor remains a major challenge. This trial aims to evaluate the safety and analgesic efficacy of a fixed nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture for patients with hematological malignancies and experiencing procedural pain caused by hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the department. METHODS: The nitrous oxide/oxygen study is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving patients with hematological malignancies who require hypodermic injections of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for treatment. This trial was conducted in the Hematology and Oncology Department of Shenzhen University General Hospital. A total of 54 eligible patients were randomly allocated to either the fixed nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture group (n = 36) or the oxygen group (n = 18). Neither the investigators nor the patients known about the randomization list and the nature of the gas mixture in each cylinder. Outcomes were monitored at the baseline (T0), immediately after hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (T1), and 5 min after hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (T2) for each group. The primary outcome measure was the score in the numerical rating scale corresponding to the highest level of pain experienced during hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Secondary outcomes included the fear of pain, anxiety score, four physiological parameters, adverse effects, total time of gas administration, satisfaction from both patients and nurses, and the acceptance of the patients. DISCUSSION: This study focused on the safety and analgesic efficacy during hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor procedure. Data on the feasibility and safety of nitrous oxide/oxygen therapy was provided if proven beneficial to patients with hematological malignancies during hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and widely administered to patients with procedural pain in the department. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiCTR2200061507. Registered on June 27, 2022. http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=170573&htm=4.

[Study on CO2 measurement using tunable multi-mode diode laser absorption spectroscopy].

Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) technology is a kind of fast time response, large-range, continuous on-line monitoring gas detection technique. It is the mainstream technology of gas detection. In this paper the multimode laser diode was used as light source. Multi-mode laser combined with correlation spectroscopy can improve the test reliability and stability. It can also conquer the problem of the central wavelength change of the single mode diode laser due to thermal or mechanical fluctuations in durable working process. A FP laser was used as the light source in this research. A multi-mode diode laser system based on correlation spectroscopy and wavelength modulation spectroscopy (TMDL-COSPEC-WMS) was used to measure carbon dioxide in ambient air around 1 570 nm. The carbon dioxide concentrations were derived from the relationship between the normalized WMS-2f signal peak heights of the measurement and reference signals which selected based on high signal to noise ratio and correlation coefficient. All measurements were performed with controlled carbon dioxide and nitrogen mixtures in which carbon dioxide concentrations range from 0. 6% to 30%. The calculation results showed that there was a high linear relationship between the measured and actual carbon dioxide concentration, the linearity was 0. 998 7 and the fitted slope was 1. 061+/-0. 016 8 respectively over the tested range. A detection limit of 335 ppm m was achieved. The standard deviation of 0. 036 7% was achieved using 20 successive measurements with each measurement time taking approximately 10 s during 20 minutes, which demonstrated good stability of the system. Good agreements between the measurements of the system and actual values confirm the accuracy and potential utility of the system for carbon dioxide detection.

Frequency of autoimmune diseases in myasthenia gravis: a systematic review.

The course of myasthenia gravis (MG) may get complicated by the development of other autoimmune diseases. Estimates of the frequency of autoimmune diseases will help inform patients and physicians, direct health policy discussion, provide etiologic clues, and optimize the management of MG. However, the frequency of autoimmune diseases in people with MG is still uncertain. A systematic search for English language studies was conducted by MEDLINE and EMBASE from 1960 through 2010. Incidence studies and case series of all MG subtypes with information about autoimmune diseases were included; 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. Although there was considerable heterogeneity, the pooled estimate of the coexisting autoimmune diseases in MG was 13% (95% confidence interval, 12%-14%). Autoimmune thyroid disease seems to occur more frequently than other autoimmune conditions in MG patients. Heterogeneity in study estimates could be explained by ascertainment bias and case mix. Furthermore, autoimmune diseases occurred significantly more often in females and anti-acetylcholine receptor seropositive MG patients. Patients with MG have an increased frequency of coexisting autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases seem to occur more often in female and seropositive MG patients. Further research is needed to expand our understanding of these associations.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of a purple passion flower variety 'Pingtang No.1' (Passiflora edulia Sims) in China and phylogenetic relationships.

Passion flower (Passiflora edulia Sims) is an important fruit that is of great economic importance. In this study, we presented the chloroplast genome of a purple passion flower variety 'Pingtang No.1' in China using BGISEQ-500 sequencing. Its chloroplast genome is 152,621 bp in size. It contains a pair of inverted repeat regions of 25,989 bp, each separating a small single copy region of 13,352 bp and a large single copy region of 85,141 bp. Totally, 111 unique genes, including 77 protein coding genes, 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs, were identified and annotated in the chloroplast genome. Phylogenetic maximum likelihood analysis based on chloroplast genomes of 35 plant species, mainly from the genus Passiflora indicated that 'Pingtang No.1' and yellow passion flower 'IAPAR-123' (Passiflora edulis) cluster together. The chloroplast genome can be used for a better understanding of the evolutionary relationships of plant species of the family Passifloraceae, especially the genus Passiflora.

Ginsenoside Rd Attenuates DNA Damage by Increasing Expression of DNA Glycosylase Endonuclease VIII-like Proteins after Focal Cerebral Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Ginsenoside Rd (GSRd), one of the main active ingredients in traditional Chinese herbal Panax ginseng, has been found to have therapeutic effects on ischemic stroke. However, the molecular mechanisms of GSRd's neuroprotective function remain unclear. Ischemic stroke-induced oxidative stress results in DNA damage, which triggers cell death and contributes to poor prognosis. Oxidative DNA damage is primarily processed by the base excision repair (BER) pathway. Three of the five major DNA glycosylases that initiate the BER pathway in the event of DNA damage from oxidation are the endonuclease VIII-like (NEIL) proteins. This study aimed to investigate the effect of GSRd on the expression of DNA glycosylases NEILs in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia. METHODS: NEIL expression patterns were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in both normal and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat models. Survival rate and Zea-Longa neurological scores were used to assess the effect of GSRd administration on MCAO rats. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) damages were evaluated by the way of real-time analysis of mutation frequency. NEIL expressions were measured in both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. Apoptosis level was quantitated by the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP biotin nick end labeling assay. RESULTS: We found that GSRd administration reduced mtDNA and nDNA damages, which contributed to an improvement in survival rate and neurological function; significantly up-regulated NEIL1 and NEIL3 expressions in both mRNA and protein levels of MCAO rats; and reduced cell apoptosis and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 in rats at 7 days after MCAO. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that the neuroprotective function of GSRd for acute ischemic stroke might be partially explained by the up-regulation of NEIL1 and NEIL3 expressions.

Comparative analysis of chemical constituents, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of ethylacetate extracts of Polygonum cuspidatum and its endophytic actinomycete, Streptomyces sp. A0916.

The present study investigated the chemical composition of ethylacetate extracts from an endophytic actinomycete Streptomyces sp. A0916 and its host Polygonum cuspidatum. A comparative analysis of the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the extracts was also conducted. 32 compounds of P. cuspidatum and 23 compounds of Streptomyces sp. A0916 were isolated and identified by GC/MS. Antimicrobial activities of the extracts were evaluated using eight microbial strains (3 Gram-positive bacteria, 3 Gram-negative bacteria, and 2 fungi). The Streptomyces sp. A0916 extracts showed a wide range of antimicrobial activities and presented greater antimicrobial effectiveness than the P. cuspidatum extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Streptomyces sp. A0916 extracts against the ampicillin-resistant strain Enterococcus faecium SIIA843 was 32 µg·mL(-1). Furthermore, the extracts had greater antimicrobial effect against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. Finally, the antioxidant activity of the Streptomyces sp. A0916 extracts was equal to that of the P. cuspidatum extracts. In conclusion, our results suggest that the endophytic actinomycetes of the medicinal plants are an important source of bioactive substances.

Erwinia teleogrylli sp. nov., a Bacterial Isolate Associated with a Chinese Cricket.

A bacterial isolate (SCU-B244T) was obtained in China from crickets (Teleogryllus occipitalis) living in cropland deserted for approximately 10 years. The isolated bacteria were Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, oxidase-negative rods. A preliminary analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the strain belongs to either the genus Erwinia or Pantoea. Analysis of multilocus sequence typing based on concatenated partial atpD, gyrB and infB gene sequences and physiological and biochemical characteristics indicated that the strain belonged to the genus Erwinia, as member of a new species as it was distinct from other known Erwinia species. Further analysis of the 16S rRNA gene showed SCU-B244T to have 94.71% identity to the closest species of that genus, Erwinia oleae (DSM 23398T), which is below the threshold of 97% used to discriminate bacterial species. DNA-DNA hybridization results (5.78±2.52%) between SCU-B244T and Erwinia oleae (DSM 23398T) confirmed that SCU-B244T and Erwinia oleae (DSM 23398T) represent different species combined with average nucleotide identity values which range from 72.42% to 74.41. The DNA G+C content of SCU-B244T was 55.32 mol%, which also differs from that of Erwinia oleae (54.7 to 54.9 mol%). The polyphasic taxonomic approach used here confirmed that the strain belongs to the Erwinia group and represents a novel species. The name Erwinia teleogrylli sp. nov. is proposed for this novel taxon, for which the type strain is SCU-B244T (= CGMCC 1.12772T = DSM 28222T = KCTC 42022T).

[Survey on blood pressure and serum lipids in Hei Yi Zhuang Chinese living in Guangxi].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the levels of blood pressure and serum lipids, and examine the relationship between hypertension and hyperlipidemia in Hei Yi Zhuang Chinese living in Guangxi. METHODS: A total of 1056 people of Hei Yi Zhuang ethnicity were studied. Blood pressure, body height, body weight, and serum levels of lipids and apolipoprotein were measured. The data were compared with those in 925 people of Han ethnicity, who live in the same region. RESULTS: Systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were significantly higher in Hei Yi Zhuang than Han Chinese (P < 0.001). The prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension and hypertension was also significantly higher in Hei Yi Zhuang than Han Chinese (P < 0.001). Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein (Apo) B, and the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia were significantly lower in Hei Yi Zhuang than Han Chinese (P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the Apo A1 to Apo B ratio were significantly higher in Hei Yi Zhuang than Han Chinese (P < 0.001). The prevalence of hypertension in Hei Yi Zhuang Chinese was positively associated with triglycerides (r = 0.425, P < 0.05), whereas the prevalence of hypertension in Han Chinese was positively correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.623, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed a significant difference in blood pressure and serum lipids between Hei Yi Zhuang and Han ethnic groups, and an association between hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Modified Erxian Decoction in Treating Osteoporosis with Yang Deficiency / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To observe the effect of modified Erxian decoction on the physical condition, pain in the lower back and joints, limb activity, bone density, bone metabolism and biochemical indexes in patients with osteoporosis caused by Yang deficiency, in order to explore the possible mechanism. Method::Totally 100 cases of osteoporosis with Yang deficiency were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, with 50 cases in each group. The control group was treated with basic anti-osteoporosis therapy, and the treatment group was give modified Erxian decoction combined with basic therapy for 6 weeks. Short physical performance battery (SPPB) scores of low back and joint pain and Yang deficiency symptom score before and after treatment were recorded and analyzed. before and after treatment, the changes of blood serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), L1-4, femoral neck bone mineral density(BMD), osteocalcin (BGP) and type I collagen peptide amino end level (P1NP) were measured. Result::The scores of lumbar back and joint pain, Yang deficiency symptom score, limb function and activity, lumbar spine 1-4 (L1-4), femoral neck BMD, Ca, P, BGP and P1NP between two groups before treatment had no statistically significant difference. After 6 weeks of treatment, limb activity score, L1-4, femoral neck BMD, serum Ca and P levels in treatment group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The scores of the pain in the lower back and joints, Yang deficiency symptom score, BGP and P1NP in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion::Modified Erxian decoction can significantly alleviate the pain in the lower back and joints of patients with osteoporosis caused by Yang deficiency, enhance the limb function and activity status, improve the physical condition and bone density of patients, reduce bone conversion, with a good effect in treating and alleviating symptoms of osteoporosis caused by Yang deficiency.

Traumatic Posterior Fossa Epidural Hematomas in Children : Experience with 48 Cases and a Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE: Epidural haematoma (EDH) most commonly occurs in the supratentorial area, particularly in the temporal region, of the brain. Posterior fossa epidural haematoma (PFEDH) is less frequently observed, accounting for only 1.2% to 12.9% of all EDH cases. Because of the non-specific symptoms and the potential for rapid and fatal deterioration in children, an early computed tomography (CT) scanning is necessary for all suspicious cases. The aim of the present study was to share the experience of 48 cases and review the literature concerning PFEDH.METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 48 paediatric cases diagnosed with PFEDH and admitted to Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2010 to August 2015. The clinical features and outcomes were analyzed and compared with previous literature.RESULTS: Seventeen patients were surgically treated in this series and 31 patients received non-operative treatment. The outcomes were good in 46 patients, evaluated using the Glasgow outcome score (GOS), while mild disability was observed in one patient, and only one case showed severe disability. There were no cases of mortality in this series.CONCLUSION: Posterior fossa epidural haematoma is relatively rare compared with supratentorial epidural haematoma. Early and serial CT scans should be performed for all suspicious cases. The criteria for the surgical treatment of paediatric patients with PFEDH were concluded. The overall prognosis was excellent in paediatric patients.

Traumatic Posterior Fossa Epidural Hematomas in Children : Experience with 48 Cases and a Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE: Epidural haematoma (EDH) most commonly occurs in the supratentorial area, particularly in the temporal region, of the brain. Posterior fossa epidural haematoma (PFEDH) is less frequently observed, accounting for only 1.2% to 12.9% of all EDH cases. Because of the non-specific symptoms and the potential for rapid and fatal deterioration in children, an early computed tomography (CT) scanning is necessary for all suspicious cases. The aim of the present study was to share the experience of 48 cases and review the literature concerning PFEDH. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 48 paediatric cases diagnosed with PFEDH and admitted to Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2010 to August 2015. The clinical features and outcomes were analyzed and compared with previous literature. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were surgically treated in this series and 31 patients received non-operative treatment. The outcomes were good in 46 patients, evaluated using the Glasgow outcome score (GOS), while mild disability was observed in one patient, and only one case showed severe disability. There were no cases of mortality in this series. CONCLUSION: Posterior fossa epidural haematoma is relatively rare compared with supratentorial epidural haematoma. Early and serial CT scans should be performed for all suspicious cases. The criteria for the surgical treatment of paediatric patients with PFEDH were concluded. The overall prognosis was excellent in paediatric patients.

Ginsenoside Rd Attenuates DNA Damage by Increasing Expression of DNA Glycosylase Endonuclease VIII-like Proteins after Focal Cerebral Ischemia / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Ginsenoside Rd (GSRd), one of the main active ingredients in traditional Chinese herbal Panax ginseng, has been found to have therapeutic effects on ischemic stroke. However, the molecular mechanisms of GSRd's neuroprotective function remain unclear. Ischemic stroke-induced oxidative stress results in DNA damage, which triggers cell death and contributes to poor prognosis. Oxidative DNA damage is primarily processed by the base excision repair (BER) pathway. Three of the five major DNA glycosylases that initiate the BER pathway in the event of DNA damage from oxidation are the endonuclease VIII-like (NEIL) proteins. This study aimed to investigate the effect of GSRd on the expression of DNA glycosylases NEILs in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>NEIL expression patterns were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in both normal and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat models. Survival rate and Zea-Longa neurological scores were used to assess the effect of GSRd administration on MCAO rats. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) damages were evaluated by the way of real-time analysis of mutation frequency. NEIL expressions were measured in both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. Apoptosis level was quantitated by the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP biotin nick end labeling assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We found that GSRd administration reduced mtDNA and nDNA damages, which contributed to an improvement in survival rate and neurological function; significantly up-regulated NEIL1 and NEIL3 expressions in both mRNA and protein levels of MCAO rats; and reduced cell apoptosis and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 in rats at 7 days after MCAO.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our results indicated that the neuroprotective function of GSRd for acute ischemic stroke might be partially explained by the up-regulation of NEIL1 and NEIL3 expressions.</p>

A new polyphenol, 1, 3-di-O-caffeoyl-5-O-(1-methoxyl-2-O-caffeoyl-4-maloyl)-quinic acid, isolated from cultured cells of Saussurea involucrata / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to isolate the polyphenol constituents of cultured cells of Saussurea involucrata. The polyphenol type constituents were isolated using chromatography methods, and then characterized by spectral analysis. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical 2,2-Diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging were assayed using Vitamin C as the positive control. One new polyphenol 18, 1, 3-di-O-caffeoyl-5-O-(1-methoxyl-2-O-caffeoyl-4-maloyl)-quinic acid, together with 17 known compounds, was isolated and characterized. In conclusion, Compound 18 was a new caffeoyl maloyl quinic acid type polyphenol and showed desired vitro anti-oxidant activity. Compounds 1-5, 9, 10, 14, 15, and 17 were isolated from cultured cells of Saussurea involucrata for the first time.

Synthesis and biological activities of beta-chain fragments of hemoglobin / 药学学报

To investigate the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of beta-chain hemoglobin fragments, 17 fragments were synthesized by microwave-assisted solid-phase synthesis method. Wang resin or Trt(2-Cl) resin, Fmoc and HBTU-HOBt were used as solid carrier, N-terminal amino acid protecting groups and coupling reagents, respectively. The ACE inhibitory, alpha-glucosidase inhibitory, antibacterial and antitumor activities of the synthesized fragments were assayed. In vitro, Val-Val-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Thr showed high ACE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 7.42 micromol x L(-1)). The results indicate that there are two active sites in Val-Val-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Thr-Gln-Arg-Phe, one consists of Val-Val-, and the other -Gln-Arg-Phe. Peptides showed high ACE inhibitory activity when the N-terminal was hydrophobic amino acid such as Val and C-terminal tripeptide contained Phe, Trp or Arg. Some of the fragments showed low a-glucosidase inhibitory activity. No antibacterial activity or antitumor activity was detected in vitro. The results indicate that these peptides have a potential antihypertensive effect and possible application in the treatment of hypertension.

[Study on the prevalence rate of hypertension in Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang population].

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence rate of hypertension and the risk factors in Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang population. METHODS: A total of 1068 people of Hei Yi Zhuang nationality aged 20 and over were surveyed. Blood pressure, height, weight, serum lipid and apolipoprotein levels were measured ,and both body surface areas and body mass index were calculated. Results were compared with those in 933 people of Han nationality living in the same district. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of hypertension in Hei Yi Zhuang population were significantly higher than that in Han population (25.2% vs. 17.3%, P < 0.001) ,as well as the isolated systolic hypertension (12.5% vs. 3.9%, P < 0.001). The mean levels of systolic pressure and pulse pressure in Hei Yi Zhuang population were significantly higher than those in Han population (125.20 +/- 18.62 vs. 121.88 +/- 15.99 mm Hg, P < 0.001 and 48.64 +/- 14.75 vs. 44.98 +/- 11.12 mm Hg, P <.001; respectively). The prevalence rate of hypertension in Hei Yi Zhuang population was positively correlated with triglyceride, sex and age whereas the prevalence rate of hypertension in Han population was positively correlated with total cholesterol, sex, age, and alcohol consumption. Rates of awareness on hypertension in Hei Yi Zhuang and Han population were 8.6% vs. 21.1% (P <.001), patients with treatment rate of established hypertension were 4.5 vs. 15.5 (P < 0.001) with the control rates as 1.9 vs. 10.6 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of hypertension in Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang population was significantly higher than that in Han ethnic group. The causes of high prevalence rate of hypertension might be ascribed to special geographical surroundings, unhealthy life style, high sodium intake, low education, and possibly genetic factors. The rates on awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were still under satisfaction.