The release of metal ions from orthodontic appliances: Animal tests

Objective:To investigate the release of metal ions from an orthodontic appliance in tests on animals (pigs).Materials and Methods:An animal test was conducted on 24 pigs divided equally into an experimental and a control group. In total, 12 sets of experimental orthodontic plates were surgically inserted into pig snouts in the experimental group for 6 months. Noninvasive matrices (hair [0, 3, and 6 months]) and invasive matrices (kidneys, liver, lungs, aorta, and oral mucosa) were collected for multi-elemental analysis (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) from the experimental and control groups.Results:The greatest differences in the content of toxic metals were found in the aorta (Ni level was 4.8 times higher in experimental than in the control group), in the cheek (Ni 3.5 times higher), and in the hair sampled after 3 months (Cr 3.4 times higher).Conclusions:The obtained data indicate that the products of corrosion have passed into selected tissues of pigs; however, the doses of toxic metal ions released from the appliance did not reach toxic levels.     

剑川鼠疫自然疫源地的宿主

本简要回顾了鼠疫宿主研究的概况，根据结构与功能统一的原理，运用广义信息概念，系统地阐明了剑川鼠疫自然疫源地的贮存宿主，流行宿主和后补宿主，并分析了该疫源地人间鼠疫发生的可能性。     

MRI acoustic noise can harm experimental and companion animals

Purpose:

To assess possible damage to the hearing of experimental and companion animal subjects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Materials and Methods:

Using animal hearing threshold data and sound level measurements from typical MRI pulse sequences, we estimated “equivalent loudness” experienced by several experimental and companion animals commonly subjects of MRI scans. We compared the equivalent loudness and exam duration to safe noise standards set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Results:

Monkeys, dogs, cats, pigs, and rabbits are frequently exposed to equivalent loudness levels during MRI scans beyond what is considered safe for human exposure. The sensitive frequency ranges for rats and mice are shifted substantially upward and their equivalent loudness levels fall within the NIOSH safe zone.

Conclusion:

MRI exposes many animals to levels of noise and duration that would exceed NIOSH human exposure limits. Researchers and veterinarians should use hearing protection for animals during MRI scans. Experimental research animals used in MRI studies are frequently kept and reimaged, and hearing loss could result in changed behavior. Damage to companion animals' hearing could make them less sensitive to commands and generally worsen interactions with family members. Much quieter MRI scanners would help decrease stress and potential harm to scanned animals, normalize physiology during MRI, and enable MRI of awake animals. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:743–747. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

副溶血性弧菌病原学和分子流行病学流行特征研究进展

副溶血性弧菌是导致我国细菌性食物中毒事件的首要原因.临床分离株和环境分离株的病原学特征有着明显的差异.临床分离株以O3:K6血清型为主,tdh和(或)trh基因携带率较高,一般在80%以上,脉冲场凝胶电泳(PFGE)基因图谱具有明显的优势图谱,并且与血清分型具有一致性.而环境分离株(包括食品)多无优势血清型和优势PFGE图谱,tdh和(或)trh基因携带率远低于临床分离株,多在6%以下.各地临床分离株的耐药性差异较大,但对氨苄西林等早期药物耐药率均较高.环境分离株较临床分离株的耐药性更为严重和复杂.     

Genetic Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from Zoo Wildlife and Pet Birds in Fujian,China

Background:

Toxoplasmosis, a worldwide zoonotic disease, is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The distribution of genetic diversity of T. gondii in wild animals is of great importance to understand the transmission of the parasite in the environment. However, little is known about T. gondii prevalence in wild animals and birds in China.

Methods:

We conducted the genetic characterization of T. gondii isolated from Zoo Wild Animals and Pet Birds in Fujian Province, Southeastern China. Heart tissues were collected from 45 zoo animals and 140 pet birds. After identified using B1 gene, the genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates were typed at 11 genetic markers, including SAG1, 5’ and 3’-SAG2, alternative SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico, and CS3.

Results:

Seven of 45 zoo animals and 3 of 140 pet birds were positive by PCR amplification using T. gondii B1 gene specific primers. Of these positive isolates, 3 isolates from Black-capped (Cebus apella), Peacock (Peafowl) and Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) were successfully genotyped at 11 genetic loci, and grouped to three distinct genotypes: ToxoDB Genotype #9, #2 and #10, respectively.

Conclusion:

This is the first genotyping of T. gondii isolated from zoo wild animals and pet birds in Fujian, China. There is a potential risk for the transmission of this parasite through zoo wild animals and pet birds in this region.     

养阴行血方对实验性光损伤大鼠视网膜感光细胞的保护作用

目的观察养阴行血方对实验性光损伤视网膜感光细胞的保护作用。方法从实验大鼠80只中随机抽取20只为A组,即空白对照组;其余60只以光照造模。造模后随机分为3组,每组20只,其中B组为模型对照组,C组为杞菊地黄丸治疗对照组,D组为养阴行血方治疗组。治疗2周后随机抽取各组中的10只大鼠处死,取右眼视网膜作光镜观察,取左眼视网膜作透射电镜检查。结果养阴行血方治疗组的光感受细胞内外节分明、胞膜完整、胞核可辨,损伤轻于模型对照与治疗对照纽。结论养血行血方能够减轻光损伤对视网膜感光细胞造成的损害。     

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and indicators of early immune stimulation: the Estelle study (SFCE)

Background:

Factors related to early stimulation of the immune system (breastfeeding, proxies for exposure to infectious agents, normal delivery, and exposure to animals in early life) have been suggested to decrease the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

Methods:

The national registry-based case–control study, ESTELLE, was carried out in France in 2010–2011. Population controls were frequency matched with cases on age and gender. The participation rates were 93% for cases and 86% for controls. Data were obtained from structured telephone questionnaires administered to mothers. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated using unconditional regression models adjusted for age, gender, and potential confounders.

Results:

In all, 617 ALL and 1225 controls aged ⩾1 year were included. Inverse associations between ALL and early common infections (OR=0.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.6, 1.0), non-first born (⩾3 vs 1; OR=0.7, 95% CI: 0.5, 1.0), attendance of a day-care centre before age 1 year (OR=0.7, 95% CI: 0.5, 1.0), breastfeeding (OR=0.8, 95% CI: 0.7, 1.0), and regular contact with pets (OR=0.8, 95% CI: 0.7, 1.0) in infancy were observed.

Conclusions:

The results support the hypothesis that conditions promoting the maturation of the immune system in infancy have a protective role with respect to ALL.     

弓形虫侵入宿主细胞的研究进展

在弓形虫侵入宿主细胞的过程中，弓形虫表面抗原（surface antigen，SAG）、微线体蛋白（micronemes，MIC）、棒状体蛋白（rhoptry protein，ROP）、致密颗粒抗原（dense granules antigen，GRA）及钙离子起着重要的作用，蛋白激酶则对弓形虫侵入宿主细胞过程所必需的蛋白质的正确折叠及加工起作用。本文对此进行了简单综述。     

105株志贺菌流行菌株的血清分型及耐药性分析

目的　调查志贺菌在上海地区流行的主要血清型和耐药性。方法　收集临床分离的志贺菌 1 0 5株进行生化鉴定、血清学分型和抗生素敏感性试验。结果　 1 0 5株志贺菌中 5 1株为宋氏志贺菌 ,占 4 8.6 % ;5 4株为福氏志贺菌 ,占 5 1 .4 % (包括 5株福氏变异株 ,占总数的 4 .7% )。宋氏志贺菌对抗菌药物的敏感率依次为氟喹诺酮类 1 0 0 %、头孢噻肟 94 .1 %。而福氏志贺菌对抗菌药物的敏感率依次为头孢噻肟 98.1 %、氟喹诺酮类70 %。结论　上海地区志贺菌感染以福氏志贺菌和宋氏志贺菌为主 ,福氏志贺菌中以福氏 2型为主 ,占 6 6 .7% ,其次为福氏 1型 ,占 2 0 .4 %。福氏志贺菌对各种抗生素耐药性有增高趋势 ,必须引起临床重视