Antidepressant effects of Kai-Xin-San in fluoxetine-resistant depression rats

This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect and the mechanism of action of Kai-Xin-San (KXS) in fluoxetine-resistant depressive (FRD) rats. Two hundred male Wistar rats weighing 200±10 g were exposed to chronic and unpredictable mild stresses (CUMS) for 4 weeks and given fluoxetine treatment simultaneously. The rats that did not show significant improvement in behavioral indexes were chosen as the FRD model rats. These rats were randomly divided into four groups: FRD model control; oral fluoxetine and aspirin; oral KXS at a dose of 338 mg·kg-1·day-1; and oral KXS at a dose of 676 mg·kg-1·day-1. Rats continued to be exposed to CUMS and underwent treatment once a day for 3 weeks, then cytokine (COX-2, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, and TNF-α) levels in the hippocampus and serum, and organ coefficients were measured. Both doses of KXS improved the crossing and rearing frequencies, sucrose-preference index, and body weight in FRD rats. KXS at a dose of 338 mg·kg-1·day-1reduced COX-2, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α levels, increased IL-10 level in the hippocampus, and reduced IL-2 and TNF-α levels in serum. KXS at a dose of 676 mg·kg-1·day-1reduced TNF-α level in the hippocampus, reduced IL-2 and TNF-α levels in serum, and increased IFN-γ and IL-10 levels in the hippocampus and serum. There were no significant differences in organ-coefficients of the spleen among and between groups. The results suggested that oral administration of KXS in FRD rats was effective in improving behavior disorders by influencing various inflammatory pathways.

Genomic encyclopedia of bacteria and archaea: sequencing a myriad of type strains

This manuscript calls for an international effort to generate a comprehensive catalog from genome sequences of all the archaeal and bacterial type strains.

Microbes hold the key to life. They hold the secrets to our past (as the descendants of the earliest forms of life) and the prospects for our future (as we mine their genes for solutions to some of the planet's most pressing problems, from global warming to antibiotic resistance). However, the piecemeal approach that has defined efforts to study microbial genetic diversity for over 20 years and in over 30,000 genome projects risks squandering that promise. These efforts have covered less than 20% of the diversity of the cultured archaeal and bacterial species, which represent just 15% of the overall known prokaryotic diversity. Here we call for the funding of a systematic effort to produce a comprehensive genomic catalog of all cultured Bacteria and Archaea by sequencing, where available, the type strain of each species with a validly published name (currently∼11,000). This effort will provide an unprecedented level of coverage of our planet's genetic diversity, allow for the large-scale discovery of novel genes and functions, and lead to an improved understanding of microbial evolution and function in the environment.

Real-time imaging and detection of intracranial haemorrhage by electrical impedance tomography in a piglet model

The aim of this study was to use electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to detect and image acute intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) in an animal model. Blood was infused into the frontal lobe of the brains of anaesthetized piglets and impedance was measured using 16 electrodes placed in a circle on the scalp. The EIT images were constructed using a filtered back-projection algorithm. The mean of all the pixel intensities within a region of interest--the mean resistivity value (MRV)--was used to evaluate the relative impedance changes in the target region. A symmetrical index (SI), reflecting the relative impedance on both sides of the brain, was also calculated. Changes in MRV and SI were associated with the injection of blood, demonstrating that EIT can successfully detect ICH in this animal model. The unique features of EIT may be beneficial for diagnosing ICH early in patients after cranial surgery, thereby reducing the risk of complications and mortality.

A preliminary study of biological characteristics of Streptococcus oligofermentans in oral microecology

This study was designed to explore the biological characteristics of a new oral streptococcus species Streptococcus oligofermentans. Plaque samples were collected from caries-free and caries-active subjects. S. oligofermentans was selectively grown on Mitis salivarius agar plates and identified by using 2-step PCR and was isolated from 38% of 18 subjects. Isolates were found mostly on healthy tooth surfaces. S. oligofermentans had weaker abilities in acid production and demineralizing hydroxyapatite. When Streptococcus mutans was coincubated with S. oligofermentans, total number, acid production and calcium release were significantly inhibited. In conclusion, inhibition of S. mutans could be a beneficial biological characteristic of S. oligofermentans in oral microecology.

Cryobacterium psychrotolerans sp. nov., a novel psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from the China No. 1 glacier

A novel psychrotolerant, Gram-positive, yellow-pigmented, aerobic bacterium, strain 0549(T), was isolated from the China No. 1 glacier. The cells of the isolate were catalase-positive, motile, irregular rods. The diamino acid content of the cell-wall peptidoglycan was determined to be 2,4-diaminobutyric acid. Strain 0549(T) was able to grow at 4-27 degrees C, with optimum growth occurring at 20-22 degrees C. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0), anteiso-C(15 : 1), iso-C(16 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0). The genomic DNA G+C content was 67 mol%. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain 0549(T) belonged to the genus Cryobacterium and exhibited 96.5 % similarity to Cryobacterium psychrophilum JCM 1463(T). On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties and the DNA-DNA relatedness data, strain 0549(T) represents a novel species of the genus Cryobacterium, for which the name Cryobacterium psychrotolerans is proposed. The type strain is 0549(T) (=CGMCC 1.5382(T)=JCM 13925(T)).

Flavobacterium glaciei sp. nov., a novel psychrophilic bacterium isolated from the China No.1 glacier

A novel psychrophilic, yellow-pigmented and obligate aerobic bacterium, strain 0499(T), was isolated from the China No.1 glacier. Strain 0499(T) displayed the common phenotypic and chemotaxonomic features of the genus Flavobacterium, containing menaquinone-6 (MK-6) as the major quinone and C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0), C(17 : 1)omega6c and summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)omega7c/iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH) as the major fatty acids. Optimal growth occurred at 21 degrees C. The genomic DNA G+C content was 36.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity showed that strain 0499(T) was related to members of the genus Flavobacterium, sharing the highest sequence similarities with Flavobacterium succinicans (97.9 %), Flavobacterium granuli (97.4 %) and Flavobacterium hydatis (97.2 %). On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA-DNA relatedness data, a novel species Flavobacterium glaciei is proposed with strain 0499(T) (=CGMCC 1.5380(T)=JCM 13953(T)) as the type strain.

Glaciecola psychrophila sp. nov., a novel psychrophilic bacterium isolated from the Arctic

A novel bacterial strain, designated 170T, was collected from high latitude Arctic locations (77° 30′ N to approximately 81° 12′ N), including the Canadian Basin and Greenland Sea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons showed that strain 170T was related to members of the genus Glaciecola and had the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Glaciecola mesophila. Cells were Gram-negative, psychrophilic, motile rods. The temperature range for growth was 4–15 °C, with optimum growth at 12 °C and at approximately pH 6.0–9.0. Strain 170T contained C16 : 1 ω7c, C16 : 0, C12 : 1 3-OH and C18 : 1 ω7c as major fatty acids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 42.9 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic characterization, phylogenetic analysis and DNA–DNA relatedness data, strain 170T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Glaciecola, for which the name Glaciecola psychrophila is proposed. The type strain is 170T (=CGMCC 1.6130T=JCM 13954T).

[Characterization of hydrogen peroxide production by a novel oral streptococci, S. oligofermentans isolated from human oral cavity]

High level of hydrogen peroxide was produced by S . oligofermentans, a novel oral streptococcus isolated from human oral cavity previously in our laboratory. To characterize the hydrogen peroxide production by S. oligofermentans, hydrogen peroxide yields at different growth phases and from different substrates were assayed. The results turned out that hydrogen peroxide production started at the beginning of logarithmic phase, and reached the maximal yield at the early stationary phase. Peptone and yeast extract could be the main substrates for hydrogen peroxide production. Moreover, lactate, as a fermentative product of glucose, can be another substrate for hydrogen peroxide production. Furthermore three oxidases activities possibly associated with H2O2 production were assayed, and both activities of lactate oxidase and NADH oxidase were detected under aerobic condition, while pyruvate oxidase activity was not detected in the permeabilized cells of S. oligofermentans, implying that S. oligofermentans could mainly rely on the two enzymes activities for H2O2 production.

[Hydrogen production from glucose by Acetanaerobacterium elongatum]

Studying the possible factors affecting hydrogen production from glucose by Acetanaerobacterium elongatum, an acetateethanol fermenting anaerobe isolated from sludge of wastewater of a papermill. The results revealed that the maximum hydrogen production could be achieved in PYG liquid at 37 degrees C and initial pH 8.0. The strain produced more hydrogen from glucose and arabiose, with the hydrogen yields of 1.55 mol H2/mol glucose and 1.50 mol H2/mol arabiose, respectively. pH and hydrogen partial pressure were the most severe inhibitors in hydrogen production from glucose, by controlling the broth at neutral pH during the fermentation period could increase hydrogen yield twice, concomitantly glucose consumption for 2.8 times. Hydrogen was another inhibitor for fermentative H2 production, and removing hydrogen by cultivating Acetanaerobacterium elongatum Z7 with a H2-trophic methanogen resulted in higher deduced H2 production for about 4 times. Yeast extract stimulated H2 production by stains Z7. Coculturing A. elongatum Z7 and P. acetatigenes TB107, a proteineous-trophic bacterium, increased the conversion of the glucose and thereby increased the H2 production on peptone. Moreover, acetate when at higher concentration ( > 60 mmol/L) in the medium inhibited the hydrogen production by strain Z7.

[A new hydrogen-producing strain and its characterization of hydrogen production]

An anaerobic, thermophilic, hydrogen-producing strain T42 was obtained from a hot spring of South Mountain District, Tibet. Cells are Gram-positive, mobile rod-shaped. Spores were not observed. Temperature range for growth is 32 degrees C to 69 degrees C (optimum temperature, 60 degrees C - 62 degrees C), and pH range for growth is 5.0 to 8.8 (optimum pH, 7.0 - 7.5). The generation time is around 30 min. Organic nitrogen sourc is required for growth. Strain T42 utilizes a wide range of carbohydrates, including starch, dextrin, sucrose, cellobiose, fructose, maltose, ribose, glycogen and galactose. Acetate, ethanol, H2 and CO2 are the end products of glucose fermentation. The (G + C) content of strain T42 is 31.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rDNA sequence similarity indicates that strain T42 is the closest relative to Thermobrachium celere and Caloramator indicus. Biological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rDNA gene indicate the new strain belongs to the genus Thermobrachium. Strain T42 produces H2 from glucose at maximal level when growing at 62 degrees C and initial pH 7.2, the hydrogen yields and maximal hydrogen production rate are 1.06 mol H2/mol glucose and 24.0 mmol H2/gDW/h, respectively. Strain T42 also produced H2 by fermentating from a variety of carbohydrates. 20 mmol/L Magnesium and 2 mmol/L iron increase the hydrogen production content by 20% and 23.3%, respectively, but nickel has no effect on the hydrogen production. In the co-culture of strain T42 and methane-producing strain M. thermautotrophicus Z245, hydrogen pressure is dramatically decreased, meanwhile deduced H2 production and the consumption of glucose are increased markedly by 2.8 fold and 1 fold, and the ratio of acetate/ethanol is enhanced froml to 1.7.

Non-mutans streptococci in patients receiving radiotherapy in the head and neck area

OBJECTIVE

To study mutans and non-mutans streptococci in patients after radiotherapy of the head and neck.

METHODS

Oral rinse samples collected from nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients before and after radiotherapy were diluted and cultured on nonselective and selective media for enumeration of total cultivable plaque flora, mutans and non-mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. Non-mutans streptococci were identified biochemically and by 16S rDNA sequence homology analysis.

RESULTS

After irradiation, mutans streptococci were not isolated; the levels of Streptococcus mitis and lactobacilli increased significantly. The level of Streptococcus salivarius increased, but the significance was the borderline. The level of Streptococcus sanguis decreased significantly after irradiation. The abundance of other oral streptococci species showed no significant changes.

CONCLUSIONS

S. mitis and S. salivarius are the predominant non-mutans streptococci in the high-caries-risk oral flora following radiotherapy.

The preparation and characterization of an antimicrobial polypeptide from the loach, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Using Sephadex G-50 gel filtration, DEAE-52 cellulose ion-exchange chromatography, and an improved polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis together with electroelution, a novel polypeptide with antimicrobial activity in vitro was isolated and characterized from loach, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus. The polypeptide, named MAPP, contains about 94 residues containing l0 different amino acids, of which cysteine was the most abundant. No alkaline residue was found in MAPP. MAPP is a single-chain polypeptide with Mw of about 9800Da and pI of about 4.78; the N-terminus of MAPP was CFGWN. MAPP showed good inhibition of various bacteria including Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. MAPP is thermally stable with more than 70% inhibitory bioactivity remaining after treatment at 60 degrees C for 30min. In addition, MAPP could inhibit the autoxidation of pyrogallol with a high efficiency. Similarity searches by comparing amino acid composition, MS-fingerprint, and the N-terminus of MAPP demonstrated that no protein exactly matched MAPP in databases around the world.

[The study on non-contact detection of breathing and heartbeat based on radar principles]

The paper introduces the design of hardware and software of non-contact detection system for breathing and heartbeat in human body with radar principles and technology. The detection technology is discussed. Under conditions of the illuminating power P < 1 mW and the distance S < 10 m, the non-contact breathing and heartbeat measurement, can be in different positions and with different clothing on the subject. The results show that the system with the technology has a high sensitivity, and is harmless to the health. It is a practicable non-contact detection technology for breathing and heartbeat of human body.

[Design of the system for detecting impedance cardiography based on windows plantform]

In this paper is introduced systematically the design of the system for detecting impedance cardiography (ICG) based on Windows plantform. The three major ICG indexes of 30 students have been detected by the designed system in the clinical application, and conform with the results from the reference. On the other hand, compared with the system based on DOS plantform, the system has higher detection speed, and becomes more convenient, more flexible by the introduction of Mouse.

Population distributions of allele frequency of apolipoprotein E by age and gender in Han Chinese

AIM

To study apolipoproteins E (ApoE) allele frequency in Han Chinese based on age and gender from Shanghai metropolitan area.

METHODS

Healthy Han Chinese people (F: 237 and M: 412) were involved in this study. ApoE gene was amplified by PCR using the forward primer: 5'-GGC ACG GCT GTC CAA GGA GCT-3' and reverse primer: 5'-GAT GGC GCT GAG GCC GCG CT-3'. The PCR product was digested directly with 5 units of CfoI and separated by a 20% polyacrylamide nondenaturing gel.

RESULTS

ApoE*3 was the commonest allele which accounted for 86.4% of the isoforms, and ApoE*2 and ApoE*4 accounted for 6.2% and 7.5%, respectively. The allele and genotype frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium by comparison with that of the corresponding theoretical distribution (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The frequencies of ApoE*2, ApoE*3, and ApoE*4 were demonstrated in the normal Chinese population.

Degradation of galactomannan by a Clostridium butyricum strain

An anaerobic, sporeforming, galactomannan-degrading bacterium was isolated from methanogenic granular sludge of an UASB reactor used for treatment of wastewater from a sugar refinery. The isolate degraded the polymer rapidly (doubling time was 55 min) and completely in mineral media. The bacterium was classified as Clostridium butyricum; the main products were acetate, butyrate, hydrogen, formate, and presumably CO2. The strain produced extracellular endo-mannanase, cell-associated exo-mannanase and intracellular alpha-galactosidase activity. The mannanases were present when grown on galactomannan, but not after growth on glucose, galactose, or mannose.

First isolation of Xanthomonas campestris from the blood of a Chinese woman

Xanthomonas campestris isolated from the blood of a patient with a fever was first reported. Xanthomonas campestris is a bacterium that can cause black rot of some vegetables, such as rape. Chinese cabbage, etc. Human infection due to X. campestris has not been reported so far. The characteristics of this organism, including morphology, staining, physiology and biochemistry were studied. We believe that X. campestris is also one of the opportunistic pathogens, which can infect compromised host.