A simple and effective method to enrich endogenous DNA from mammalian faeces.

Utilization of faeces has long been a popular approach for genetic and ecological studies of wildlife. However, the success of molecular marker genotyping and genome resequencing is often unpredictable due to insufficient enrichment of endogenous DNA in the total faecal DNA that is dominated by bacterial DNA. Here, we report a simple and cheap method named PEERS to predominantly lyse animal cells over bacteria by using sodium dodecyl sulphate so as to discharge endogenous DNA into liquid phase before bacterial DNA.

Differential airway resistome and its correlations with clinical characteristics in Haemophilus- or Pseudomonas-predominant microbial subtypes of bronchiectasis.

The prevalence and clinical correlates of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in bronchiectasis are not entirely clear. We aimed to profile the ARGs in sputum from adults with bronchiectasis, and explore the association with airway microbiome and disease severity and subtypes. In this longitudinal study, we prospectively collected 118 sputum samples from stable and exacerbation visits of 82 bronchiectasis patients and 19 healthy subjects.

Exosomal miRNA in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma.

The incidence and mortality of hepatic carcinoma (HCC) remain high, and early diagnosis of HCC is seen as a key approach in improving clinical outcomes. However, the sensitivity and specificity of current early screening methods for HCC are not satisfactory. In recent years, research around exosomal miRNA has gradually increased, and these molecules have emerged as attractive candidates for early diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Synthesis of 1-substituted phenazines as novel antichlamydial agents.

A novel series of 1-substituted phenazines - were designed and synthesized Palladium-catalyzed reactions from 1-phenazine trifluoromethanesulfonate. These phenazines showed antichlamydial activity with IC values from 1 to 10 μM. Among them, compounds and exhibited the best antichlamydial activity with IC values from 2.

Clinicopathological features of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease diagnosed by skin biopsy.

Study Objectives: Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder, with complex and diverse of clinical manifestations characterized by eosinophilic hyaline inclusions in neurons and somatic cells. Due to the improvement in diagnostic methods, NIID is being increasingly diagnosed.

Methods: Herein, we reported three NIID cases, which were diagnosed by skin biopsy and FMR1 gene, after DWI showed the characteristic corticomedullary junction hyperintensity.

Fatal and Rapid Progressive Isolated Cerebral Mucormycosis Involving the Bilateral Basal Ganglia: A Case Report.

Isolated cerebral mucormycosis is a clinical type of mucormycosis that is estimated to account for 8% of all mucormycosis cases. The clinical symptoms of isolated cerebral mucormycosis are elusive, and thus conventional techniques often lake sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, cultures are often negative, even when direct microscopy examination is positive.

RIPK4 promotes bladder urothelial carcinoma cell aggressiveness by upregulating VEGF-A through the NF-κB pathway.

Background: Constitutively activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signalling plays vital roles in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BC) progression. We investigate the effect of receptor-interacting protein kinase 4 (RIPK4) on NF-κB activation and BC progression.

Methods: The expression of RIPK4 was examined in 25 cryopreserved paired bladder samples and 112 paraffin BC specimens.

Assessing the Risk of Hg Exposure Associated with Rice Consumption in a Typical City (Suzhou) in Eastern China.

Recent studies have revealed that not only fish but also rice consumption may significantly contribute to human exposure to mercury (Hg) in Asian countries. It is therefore essential to assess dietary exposure to Hg in rice and its associated health risk. However, risk assessments of Hg in rice in non-contaminated areas are generally lacking in Asian countries.

Occurrences and Characterization of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Genetic Determinants of Hospital Wastewater in a Tropical Country.

Wastewater discharged from clinical isolation and general wards at two hospitals in Singapore was examined to determine the emerging trends of antibiotic resistance (AR). We quantified the concentrations of 12 antibiotic compounds by analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), the class 1 integrase gene (intI1), and 16 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) that confer resistance to 10 different clinically relevant antibiotics. A subset of 119 antibiotic-resistant isolates were phylogenetically classified and tested for the presence of ARGs encoding resistance to β-lactam antibiotics (bla, bla, bla, bla), amikacin [aac(6')-Ib], co-trimoxazole (sul1, sul2, dfrA), ciprofloxacin (qnrA, qnrB), and the intI1 gene.

Alterations and correlations of the gut microbiome, metabolism and immunity in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

We selected 42 early-stage primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) patients and 30 healthy controls (HC). Metagenomic sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to characterize the fecal microbiome. UPLC-MS/MS assaying of small molecules was used to characterize the metabolomes of the serum, urine and feces.

Viral genome and antiviral drug sensitivity analysis of two patients from a family cluster caused by the influenza A(H7N9) virus in Zhejiang, China, 2013.

Objectives: In the winter of 2013, people were facing the risk of human-to-human transmission of the re-emerging influenza A(H7N9) virus. We report herein information on the clinical features of two patients from the same family infected with this virus, the genomic sequences of the viruses harbored, and antiviral drug sensitivity.

Methods: Clinical and epidemiological data of two patients from the same family were collected and analyzed.

Distinctive pathways characterize A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis.

The study aimed to compare the molecular mechanism of Porphuromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans).

Comparisons of condylar movements with the functional occlusal clutch and tray clutch recording methods in CADIAX system.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of the two clutches on recording the condylar movement.

Methodology: Ten subjects (6 women, 4 men; mean age 25.4 years) participated in the study.

The expression profile of microRNAs in a model of 7,12-dimethyl-benz[a]anthrance-induced oral carcinogenesis in Syrian hamster.

Background: Non-coding RNA molecules, such as microRNAs, may play an important role in carcinogenesis. Recent studies have indicated that microRNAs are involved in initiation and progression of various malignancies. However, little work has been done to compare the microRNA expression patterns in oral cancer.

[Roles of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue specific inhibitors of metalloproteinases in dentinogenic ghost cell tumor and ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) in dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) and ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC).

Methods: The expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-14, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were examined in 15 DGCT cases and 9 GCOC cases by immunohistochemistry. Their mRNA expression in one DGCT case and one GCOC case were investigated by RT-PCT.

[Effect of estrogen on heat shock protein 70 expression in rat masseter muscle].

Objective: To investigate the effect of estrogen on heat shock protein (HSP) 70 expression in rat masseter muscle.

Methods: Sixty twelve-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: Sham surgery group (control group), ovariectomy group (OVX group), ovariectomy with estradiol valerate replacement treatment group (OVX/EV group). Half of the animals were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks respectively, then the masseter muscle was removed.

[Effects of 17beta-estradiol on the intracellular calcium of masticatory muscles myoblast in vitro].

Objective: To observe the effects of 17beta-estradiol on the intracellular calcium of masticatory muscles myoblast.

Methods: Myoblasts from maxillofacial skeletal muscle of one week old female Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured. Fluo-4-AM as the Ca2+ indicator and the laser confocal microscope system were used to observe the effects of estrogen on the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration in the normal pH condition and the acid condition (pH = 6.

[Exclusion of candidate genes in a family with amelogenesis imperfecta].

Objective: To localize the gene (s) responsible for autosomal dominant hypocalcified amelogenesis imperfecta in a Chinese family.

Methods: A Chinese family which was diagnosed as autosomal dominant hypocalcified amelogenesis imperfecta (AD) was studied. Venous blood from nineteen family members was collected and genomic DNA was extracted from the blood.

[Evaluation of a model of temporomandibular disorders established by transzygomatic arch traction of the mandibular ramus in rabbits].

Objective: To evaluate a model of temporomandibular disorders established by transzygomatic arch traction of the mandibular ramus in rabbits.

Methods: Fifteen adult New Zealand rabbits were subjected to traction in the postero-superior direction unilaterally using elastic force and six rabbits used as the control. Histopathologic change of the disc, joint space and cartilage was observed through Hematoxylin and Eosin staining.

[Permeability research of human temporomandibular joint disc and cartilage].

Objective: To measure the permeability of human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc and cartilage to provide basic parameter for oral biomechanics and tissue engineering, and analyze its mechanisms of pathology and load-release.

Methods: Confined compression method was used to measure the permeability (k value) of four cadavers' TMJs, which were sampled into three parts: disc, condyle and glenoid fossa with different diameters (2 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm). All 128 samples were tested with correspond diameter indenter.

[Regulation of PTHrP in proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes of condyle in fetal mouse].

Objective: To investigate the regulatory mechanism of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) in proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes of condyle in fetal mouse.

Methods: Chondrocytes of condyle in fetal mouse were separated and cultured in vitro, the influence of PTHrP on proliferation and differentiation was observed.

Results: After two weeks' culture in 0.

[Fate of matrix-bound phosphine during acidification with anaerobic bacteria].

Matrix-bound phosphine of anaerobic granular sludge was studied during methanogenic and acidogenic stage of anaerobic reactors. Results showed that at methanogenic stage, the concentration of matrix-bound phosphine of anaerobic sludge decreased as the height of reactor increased. But during acidogenic stage, matrix-bound phosphine disappeared when pH of the solution declined to 4-5.

[A practical system for B-mode ultrasound image acquisition and patient's medical history management].

A practical system of B-ultrasonic is here introduced. By a special medical video card, the video image is digitized and captured dynamically or statically into computer. This system realizes a variety of functions such as the B-ultrasonic video image's acquisition and display, as well as the editing, processing, managing, storage, printing, It can build the database of patient's case history automatically.