The study of routine laboratory factors in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: serum uric acid may have anti-inflammatory effect.

BACKGROUND: High uric acid levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders, and metabolic diseases; however, the role of serum uric acid (sUA) during the mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) of children is poorly known. This study aimed to clarify the effects of sUA during the MPP of children. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of children with MPP from multi-center inpatient departments from September 2019 to August 2020. Routine laboratory characteristics analyzed including ALT, AST, BUN, CREA, UA, LDH, CK-MB, WBC, N%, PLT, and CRP. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: non-MPP, mild MPP (MMPP), and severe MPP (SMPP). RESULTS: 949 subjects were enrolled, including 207 in non-MPP, 565 in MMPP, and 177 in SMPP. The optimal cutoff value for sUA is 239 µmmol/L in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis. Multivariate logistic regression showed that WBC and sUA had significance for protective effects between non-MPP and SMPP, but CRP did not have significance between the two groups, N and PLT had significance for risk factors; WBC and sUA did not have significance for the protective effects between non-MPP and MMPP, CRP had significance between the two groups, N and PLT had significance for the risk effects. Similarly, binary logistic regression showed UA, WBC, and CRP had significance for the protective effects between non-MPP and MPP, but N and PLT had significance for the risk effects between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Both multivariate and binary logistic regression demonstrated that sUA displayed a protective effect during the MPP of children, which meant sUA is anti-inflammatory.

[Exploration on the Technology of Counter Staining of Fluke].

Fixed samples of Clonorchis sinensis and Fasciolopsis buski were stained with acetocarmine and malachite green, or stained with acetocarmine only. The samples displayed three different colors after staining with acetocarmine and malachite green. The digestive system, excretory system and the surrounding muscle tissue were stained reddish, the uterus was bright green, and the vitellarium at each side of the worm was tan. Staining with the two dyes resulted in clear structure and moderate degree of staining, and allowed three-dimensional observation, while staining with acetocarmine highlighted the testis tissue. Therefore, combination of the two staining methods is recommended in teaching and research to more effectively facilitate observation.

[Composition and diversity of Acaroid mites' communities in indoor environments of kindergartens in Wuhu City].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the breeding situation of Acaroid mites in indoor environments of kindergartens in Wuhu City, so as to provide the evidence for its prevention and control. METHODS: From March to June and September to December in 2014, dust samples were collected from 15 kindergartens of 3 ranks every month. Acaroid mites in the samples were isolated, identified and counted. RESULTS: Totally 360 samples were selected, and 169 samples (46.94%) had mite infestation. Pyroglyphidae accounted for the most in the population, with the breeding rate of 45.00%. Totally 18 504 mites were found, and Dermatophagoides farina and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were the dominant species, with the composition ratios of 30.21% (5 590 mites) and 17.83% (3 300 mites), respectively. The third-ranked kindergartens were in the most serious situation concerning with 81.67% (98/120) of the breeding rate of Acaroid mites. The differences were statistically significant among the kindergartens with different ranks (F = 6.048, χ2 = 73.523, both P < 0.05). There were no significant differences about the Acaroid mite population among different grades in kindergartens (F = 0.132, χ2 = 2.377, both P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acaroid mites in the kindergartens in Wuhu City were in serious condition, and the population and species composition of Acaroid mite community is influenced by the human behavior and indoors environments.

[Metorchis orientalis founded in basin of Wuhu City, Anhui Province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemic situation of Metorchis orientalis in Wuhu City, Anhui Province. METHODS: Three lakes (Fengming, Longwo and Kui lakes) were selected in Wuhu City, and the poultries around the lakes and freshwater fishes in the lakes were captured to test the infection of M. orientalis, and the infection rates were calculated. RESULTS: The adult worms of M. orientalis were found in gall bladder and hepatic duct of domestic ducks with infection rate of 16.7%. The metacercariae of M. orientalis were discovered in the muscle of Pseudorasbora parva and Pseudogobio rivularis with infection rates of 7.13% and 3.38% respectively. CONCLUSION: M. orientalis is endemic in Wuhu City, which should be paid enough attention to the animal husbandry, aquaculture and medicine.

Histopathology of gastric wall in Chinese alligator Alligator sinensis infected with Ortleppascaris sinensis (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea) / Histopatología de la pared gástrica en el aligátor chino alligator sinensis infectado con Ortleppascaris sinensis (Nematodos: Ascaridoidea)

Crocodiles are susceptible to infection with a wide array of external and internal gastrointestinal helminths, yet little is known on the histopathology following infection or the effects of these parasites. The present study was aimed at evaluating the impact of infection by Ortleppascaris sinensis (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea) on the stomach of captive Alligator sinensis. The histological examination of the stomach revealed presence of superficial ulcer in mucous layer and granulomatous inflammation in submucous layer at entire gastric walls of the Alligator sinensis. Our findings also confirm that development of Ortleppascaris sinensis is in close association with the wall of the stomach (AU)

Los cocodrilos son susceptibles a la infección con una amplia gama de helmintos gastrointestinales externos e internos; sin embargo, poco se sabe sobre la histopatología tras la infección o los efectos de estos parásitos. El presente estudio pretende evaluar el impacto de la infección por Ortleppascaris sinensis (Nematodos: Ascaridoidea) sobre el estómago del Alligator sinensis en cautividad. El examen histológico del estómago reveló la presencia de úlcera superficial en la capa mucosa e inflamación granulomatosa en la capa submucosa del conjunto de las paredes gástricas del Alligator sinensis. Nuestros resultados confirman también que el desarrollo de Ortleppascaris sinensis está estrechamente relacionado con la pared del estómago (AU)

HISTOPATHOLOGY OF GASTRIC WALL IN CHINESE ALLIGATOR ALLIGATOR SINENSIS INFECTED WITH ORTLEPPASCARIS SINENSIS (NEMATODA: ASCARIDOIDEA).

Crocodiles are susceptible to infection with a wide array of external and internal gastrointestinal helminths, yet little is known on the histopathology following infection or the effects of these parasites. The present study was aimed at evaluating the impact of infection by Ortleppascaris sinensis (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea) on the stomach of captive Alligator sinensis. The histological examination of the stomach revealed presence of superficial ulcer in mucous layer and granulomatous inflammation in submucous layer at entire gastric walls of the Alligator sinensis. Our findings also confirm that development of Ortleppascaris sinensis is in close association with the wall of the stomach.

Los cocodrilos son susceptibles a la infección con una amplia gama de helmintos gastrointestinales externos e internos; sin embargo, poco se sabe sobre la histopatología tras la infección o los efectos de estos parásitos. El presente estudio pretende evaluar el impacto de la infección por Ortleppascaris sinensis (Nematodos: Ascaridoidea) sobre el estómago del Alligator sinensis en cautividad. El examen histológico del estómago reveló la presencia de úlcera superficial en la capa mucosa e inflamación granulomatosa en la capa submucosa del conjunto de las paredes gástricas del Alligator sinensis. Nuestros resultados confirman también que el desarrollo de Ortleppascaris sinensis está estrechamente relacionado con la pared del estómago.

[Adult of Drosophila melanogaster parasitized in human nasal cavity: a case report].

We reported a case of adult Drosophila melanogaster parasitized in nasal cavity of a 81-year-old woman who was living in Xuancheng City, Anhui Province now. She was admitted for treatment of cerebral infarction and water accumulation in the lungs in 2014 June. The patient was also suffering from secretory otitis media, a history of hypertension and heart stents were placed in 2007. A foreign body was found in the left nasal cavity during the preoperative examination process, and then the part of the inflammatory tissue was removed through the nasal endoscopy, and sent to our department for identification. There are three adults of Drosophila in paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens. The parasites length is approximately 3mm, with huge red compound eyes. The end of the body is tip, with 5 ring lines in back, has no dark spots. The abdomen of the parasites have seven sections. Tarsus of foot I have no sex comb on base, and they are male adult of Drosophila melanogaster after identification. After a thorough reviewing of medical history, we knew the patient began to sneeze violently and frequently six years ago. But there was no clear or purulent nasal discharge flowing, therefore did not attract attention. After removing the parasites the sneezing symptoms were relieved, and had no abnormal symptoms in the follow-up 6 months.

[Experimental study on determination of viability of Schistosoma japonicum cercariae by staining].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the viability of Schistosoma japonicum cercariae by staining. METHODS: Schistosoma japonicum cercariae were stained by 0.4% trypan blue, 0.5% methylene blue-eosin-borax (M.E.B), 0.5% eosin, 0.5% methylene blue and 0.05% neutral red, respectively, for 5 min, then they were observed under a stereoscopic microscope. RESULTS: The dead cercariae were stained in the trypan blue, M.E.B, eosin and neutral red, but unstained in the methylene blue. The vital cercariae were unstained in all the five kinds of dyes. CONCLUSION: The staining methods by using 0.4% trypan blue, 0.5%M.E.B, 0.5% eosin and 0.05% neutral red can be used to determine the viability of S. japonicum cercariae.

Preliminary report on the intestinal parasites and their diversity in captive chinese alligators / Informe preliminar sobre los parásitos intestinales y su diversidad en caimanes chinos en cautividad

Objective: Although intestinal parasites are commonly detected in either wild or farmed crocodiles in other parts of the world, yet few reports have ever been on the captive bred Chinese alligators (Alligator sinensis) since they are only distributed in the southern areas of the Yangtze River. The current work was undertaken to investigate the intestinal parasites and their diversity in the Chinese crocodilian species. Methods: In May and October of 2013, we randomly collected a total of 328 fecal samples of the captive Chinese alligators in a breeding centre in south Anhui province. Results: Three genera of protozoa (Entaoeba, Eimeria and Isospora), five genera of nematodes (Ascaris, Dujardinascaris, Capillaria, Toxocara and Strongylus), two genera of trematodes (Echinostoma and Clonorchis) and two families of trematodes (Schistosomatidae and Cryptogonimidae) were identified, in which Dujardinascaris was the most prevalent and led to the highest infection rate (14.33%), and Entaoeba ranked the second (13.11%). The number of species, richness index, diversity index and evenness index were higher in July and August, and those indexes were relatively most in juvenile and subadult alligators. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the intestinal parasites infection was prevalent in captive Chinese alligators, and this condition requires our attention, whatever it is for controlling or preventing the intestinal parasitic disease from spreading to humans or conservation of this endangered species (AU)

Objetivo: Aunque los parásitos intestinales son comúnmente detectados en los cocodrilos salvajes o en criados en cautividad en otras partes del mundo, existen muy pocos informes el caso concreto del caimán chino criado en cautividad (Alligator sinensis), ya que sólo están distribuidos en las zonas del sur del río Yangtze. El presente trabajo fue realizado para investigar los parásitos intestinalesy su diversidad en las especies de cocodrilo chino. Métodos: En mayo y octubre de 2013, se recopilaron aleatoriamente un total de 328 muestras fecales de caimanes chinos en cautividad de un centro de cría en el sur de la provincia de Anhui. Resultados: Fueron identificados tres géneros de protozoos (Entaoeba, Eimeria e Isospora), cinco géneros de nematodos (Ascaris, Dujardin Ascaris, Capillaria, Toxocara y Strongylus), dos géneros de trematodos (Echinostoma y Clonorchis) y dos familias de trematodos (Schistosomatidae y Cryptogonimidae), de los cuales la mayor prevalencia correspondió a Dujardin Ascaris y producían la mayor tasa de infección (14,33%); entaoeba se situó en el segundo puesto (13,11%). El número de especies, índice de riqueza, índice de diversidad y de equitatividad fue superior en los meses de julio y agosto, y éstos, relativamente más para caimanes jóvenes y sub-adultos. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados apuntan la prevalencia de la infección por parásitos intestinales en caimanes chinos en cautividad y ello exige nuestra atención, ya sea para controlar o prevenir la propagación de la enfermedad parasitaria intestinal a los seres humanos, o para la conservación de esta especie en peligro de extinción (AU)

EMSY promoted the growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells.

Epithelial ovarian cancer is one of the most common and aggressive diseases among the female reproductive organ malignancies, and the molecular mechanism underlying this disease remains largely unknown. EMSY, a binding partner of BRCA2, has been reported to be amplified in ovarian cancer. However, the expression pattern and biological functions of EMSY in the progression of ovarian cancer are not fully understood. In this study, it was found that the expression of EMSY was significantly elevated in ovarian cancer samples compared to their adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, overexpression of EMSY promoted the growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells, while knocking down the expression of EMSY inhibited the growth, migration, and tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, EMSY was found to interact with beta-catenin and activate beta-catenin/TCF signaling. Our study demonstrated that EMSY played an oncogenic role in the progression of ovarian cancer cells and EMSY might be a promising target for the treatment.

[Experimental study on quick determination of viability of Oncomelania hupensis by staining].

OBJECTIVE: To find out a quick, simple and convenient method of determining the viability of Oncomelania hupensis. METHODS: O. hupensis snails were stained for 30 minutes by 0.05% water soluble dye neutral red, 0.5% methylene blue, red ink, methylene blue-eosin-borax (MEB) and 0.4% trypan blue, respectively. The soft tissue samples of the snails were observed by a stereoscopic microscope after crushing their shells. RESULTS: The vital snails were stained and the dead were unstained in the neutral red. The vital and dead snails were unstained in methylene blue. However, the vital and dead snails were stained in red ink. The partial vital and dead snails were stained in MEB. The vital snails were stained and the partial dead were stained in trypan blue. CONCLUSION: The use of 0.05% water soluble dye neutral red is simple, rapid and accurate in determination of the viability of O. hupensis.

Preliminary report on the intestinal parasites and their diversity in captive Chinese alligators.

OBJECTIVE: Although intestinal parasites are commonly detected in either wild or farmed crocodiles in other parts of the world, yet few reports have ever been on the captive bred Chinese alligators (Alligator sinensis) since they are only distributed in the southern areas of the Yangtze River. The current work was undertaken to investigate the intestinal parasites and their diversity in the Chinese crocodilian species. METHODS: In May and October of 2013, we randomly collected a total of 328 fecal samples of the captive Chinese alligators in a breeding centre in south Anhui province. RESULTS: Three genera of protozoa (Entaoeba, Eimeria and Isospora), five genera of nematodes (Ascaris, Dujardinascaris, Capillaria, Toxocara and Strongylus), two genera of trematodes (Echinostoma and Clonorchis) and two families of trematodes (Schistosomatidae and Cryptogonimidae) were identified, in which Dujardinascaris was the most prevalent and led to the highest infection rate (14.33%), and Entaoeba ranked the second (13.11%). The number of species, richness index, diversity index and evenness index were higher in July and August, and those indexes were relatively most in juvenile and subadult alligators. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the intestinal parasites infection was prevalent in captive Chinese alligators, and this condition requires our attention, whatever it is for controlling or preventing the intestinal parasitic disease from spreading to humans or conservation of this endangered species.

Objetivo: Aunque los parásitos intestinales son comúnmente detectados en los cocodrilos salvajes o en criados en cautividad en otras partes del mundo, existen muy pocos informes el caso concreto del caimán chino criado en cautividad (Alligator sinensis), ya que sólo están distribuidos en las zonas del sur del río Yangtze. El presente trabajo fue realizado para investigar los parásitos intestinales y su diversidad en las especies de cocodrilo chino. Métodos: En mayo y octubre de 2013, se recopilaron aleatoriamente un total de 328 muestras fecales de caimanes chinos en cautividad de un centro de cría en el sur de la provincia de Anhui. Resultados: Fueron identificados tres géneros de protozoos (Entaoeba, Eimeria e Isospora), cinco géneros de nematodos (Ascaris, Dujardin Ascaris, Capillaria, Toxocara y Strongylus), dos géneros de trematodos (Echinostoma y Clonorchis) y dos familias de trematodos (Schistosomatidae y Cryptogonimidae), de los cuales la mayor prevalencia correspondió a Dujardin Ascaris y producían la mayor tasa de infección (14,33%); entaoeba se situó en el segundo puesto (13,11%). El número de especies, índice de riqueza, índice de diversidad y de equitatividad fue superior en los meses de julio y agosto, y éstos, relativamente más para caimanes jóvenes y sub-adultos. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados apuntan la prevalencia de la infección por parásitos intestinales en caimanes chinos en cautividad y ello exige nuestra atención, ya sea para controlar o prevenir la propagación de la enfermedad parasitaria intestinal a los seres humanos, o para la conservación de esta especie en peligro de extinción.

Upregulation of microRNA-203 is associated with advanced tumor progression and poor prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer.

MicroRNA-203 (miR-203), possessing tumor suppressive or promotive activities, has been found to be downregulated or upregulated in different cancer types. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the increased expression of miR-203 can be used as a noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression levels of miR-203 in EOC tissues. The expression levels of miR-203 were significantly higher in EOC tissues compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues (p < 0.001). High expression of miR-203 was observed in 65.38 % (102/156) of EOC. In addition, high miR-203 expression was found to be closely correlated with advanced FIGO stage (p < 0.001), higher histological grade (p = 0.02), lymph node involvement (p < 0.001), and positive recurrence (p < 0.001). Moreover, high miR-203 expression was correlated with shorter overall survival (p < 0.001) and shorter progression-free survival (p < 0.001) of EOC patients. Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that the status of miR-203 expression was an independent predictor for both overall survival and progression-free survival in EOC. These findings provide the convincing evidence for the first time that the upregulation of miR-203 may serve as a novel molecular marker to predict the aggressive tumor progression and unfavorable prognosis of EOC patients.

[Investigation on species and community ecology of cheyletoid mites breeding in the stored traditional Chinese medicinal materials].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the species of Cheyletoid mites breeding status in the stored traditional Chinese medicinal materials and the relationship between its community and habitats. METHODS: A total of 60 samples of the traditional Chinese medicinal materials were collected from Huainan, Wuhu and Xuancheng in China. The mites were isolated with shakesieve shock, directicopy, Tullgren funnel, waternacopy and redricopy, and identified and counted under the light microscope. RESULTS: Cheyletoid mites were represented in 48 of the 60 samples, and the breeding rate accounted for as high as 80.0% (48/60). Totally, 6 species of Cheyletoid mites were identified, which belonged to Cheyletus, Acaropsis, Cheletomorpha, Eucheyletic and Pseudocheyles genera under the family of Cheyletidae. In the three investigated areas, the average breeding density of Cheyletoid mites was 109.75 heads/g, and average richness index was 1.54. The index of species diversity was 2.55 and the number of evenness was 0.95. CONCLUSION: This result entails positive prevention and control of the mite breeding in storage and processing of herbal materials.

[Killing effect of exogenous NO on cercariae of Schistosoma japonicum in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the killing effects of exogenous NO on the cercariae of Schistosoma japonicum in vitro and the blocking effects of NO inhibitors. METHODS: The cercariae of S. japonicum were collected from naturally infected snails, and then formulated into a 1000 cercariae/ml suspension with RPMI 1640 medium. The relationship between the killing effects and doses of exogenous NO on cercariae were investigated through the suspension with different concentrations of NO generating agents (SNP) and negative control (without SNP). On the other hand, the blocking effects were also investigated through the suspensions being added 2.00 mmol/L SNP and four different NO inhibitors, Hb, FeSO4, L-cyst, L-arg and their combination. Additionally, the appropriate positive(2.00 mmol/L SNP) and negative controls (without NO generating agent) were used. RESULTS: The mortality rates of cercariae were (8.3 +/- 1.1)%, (6.26 +/- 2.3)%, and (9.3 +/- 1.0)% in the SNP 0.06, 0.1 and 0.2 mmol/L groups, respectively, and there were no statistically significant differences between the blank control group and the above-mentioned three groups, respectively (P > 0.05). The mortality rates of cercariae were(23.5 +/- 3.9)%, (46.0 +/- 1.1)%, and (59.4 +/- 0.5)% in the SNP 0.50, 1.00 and 2 mmol/L groups, respectively, and there were statistically significant differences between the blank control group and the above-mentioned groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The mortality rates of cercariae were (30.1 +/- 1.2)%, (45.1 +/- 1.4)%, (31.1 +/- 1.3)%, (34.2 +/- 3.1)%, (47.8 +/- 2.0)%, (49.1 +/- 0.6)%, and (44.2 +/- 0.1)% in the 2.00 mmol/L SNP suspensions which were added of Hb, FeSO4, L-cyst, L-arg, FeSO4+L-cyst, FeSO4+L-arg, FeSO4+L-arg+L-cyst, respectively. Compared with the 2.00 mmol/L SNP suspension, the mortality rates of the above-mentioned groups declined, and there were statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There are killing effects of exogenous NO on the cercariae of S. japonicum in vitro, and four different NO inhibitors, Hb, FeSO4, L-cyst, L-arg and their combinations have some different degrees of blocking effects.

[Reform and practice on the experiment teaching of medical parasitology].

A new model of education is investigated to meet the new idea of experiment teaching in university. Therefore the establishment of experiment teaching model of medical parasitology needs to be correspondently reformed. A variety of new management measures are taken to raise the efficiency of experiment teaching in training the students in the College.

[Isolation of chlamydophila psittaci from avian samples and establishment of a respiratory infection murine model].

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the isolation and culture technique of Chlamydophila psittaci avian strains and to establish an animal model infected with C. psittaci. METHODS: C. psittaci ompA gene was amplified from DNA extracted from bird livers by polymerase chain reactions (PCR). For the PCR positive avian samples, the liver tissues were homogenized and used to incubated with HeLa or Vero cell monolayers for 72 h in different dilutions, and chlamydia inclusion bodies were detected by immunofluorescence or Giemsa staining. Different dose of the avian strains (2 x 10(4), 2 x 10(5), 2 x 10(6) IFUs) were used to attack C57BL/6 mice by intranasal injection,mice were sacrificed on day 5 or day 10 after infection, and the histopathology changes were analyzed by H&E and immunohistochemistry staining in different organs. RESULTS: Six of one hundred avian samples were positive by C. psittaci ompA gene amplification,and three were positive by cell culture. The C. psittaci avian strains were cultured in Vero or HeLa cells. Vero cells showed stronger tolerance of cytolysis after chlamydia infection and chlamydia inclusion bodies were larger and more dense. Successfully establish a murine model of intranasal infection with C. psittaci, and 2 x 10(5) IFU is the suitable amount of organisms to induce respiratory chlamydia infection. CONCLUSION: The isolation and culture condition was optimized for C. psittaci avian strains, and a murine model of respiratory tract infection by C. psittaci was successfully established, which can be applied to the clincal diagnosis of C. psittaci and epidemiological or pathogenetic study.

Detection of pim-1 mRNA in prostate cancer diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Pim-1 plays an important role in the apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation of cancer cells and progression of cancer. In this study we detected the expression of pim-1 mRNA in normal prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer (PCa) and explored its diagnostic value for PCa. METHODS: The prostate tissues were collected from 23 patients with PCa, 37 patients with BPH, and 3 healthy volunteers. Pim-1 mRNA expression levels in these samples were determined by the quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR). The differences of expression were calculated based on a standard curve. RESULTS: The ratio of pim-1 mRNA to beta-actin in the normal prostate, BPH, and PCa were 1.05 +/- 0.04, 2.57 +/- 0.74 and 4.45 +/-0.63, respectively. The differences among PCa, BPH and NT were significant (P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Detecting pim-1 mRNA expression by QRT-PCR provides a reliable metric for the diagnosis of PCa.