急性阑尾炎患者术后切口感染的病原菌分析及NLR、PCT、CRP联合检测的预测价值研究

摘要 目的：分析急性阑尾炎（AA）患者术后切口感染的病原菌并探讨中性粒细胞与淋巴细胞比值（NLR）、降钙素原（PCT）、C反应蛋白（CRP）联合检测的预测价值。方法：选取2020年1月～2022年9月青岛大学附属医院收治的379例接受腹腔镜或开腹手术的AA患者,根据是否发生术后切口感染分为感染组和非感染组,收集AA患者临床资料并检测NLR、PCT、CRP水平。分析术后切口感染AA患者病原菌分布情况,采用单因素和多因素Logistic回归分析AA患者术后切口感染的影响因素,采用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线分析NLR、PCT、CRP对AA患者术后切口感染的预测价值。结果：379例AA患者术后切口感染发生率为12.40%（47/379）,47例术后切口感染AA患者切口分泌物共检测出75株病原菌,革兰氏阳性菌和革兰氏阴性菌分别占比42.67%（32/75）、57.33%（43/75）。感染组NLR、PCT、CRP水平高于非感染组（P＜0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,年龄≥60岁、病程≥24 h、阑尾化脓或坏疽及穿孔、开腹手术、留置引流管和血清NLR、PCT、CRP升高为AA患者术后切口感染的独立危险因素,预防性应用抗菌药物为其独立保护因素（P＜0.05）。ROC曲线分析显示,NLR、PCT、CRP联合预测AA患者术后切口感染的曲线下面积大于NLR、PCT、CRP单独预测。结论：术后切口感染AA患者病原菌以革兰氏阴性菌为主,术前NLR、PCT、CRP水平升高与AA患者术后切口感染密切相关,三者联合预测AA患者术后切口感染的价值较高。     

不同病原学结果血流感染脓毒症患者PT、NLR、PCT/ALB的变化及其与预后的关系研究

摘要 目的：探讨不同病原学结果血流感染（BSI）脓毒症患者凝血酶原时间（PT）、中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞比值（NLR）、降钙素原/白蛋白（PCT/ALB）的变化及其与预后的关系。方法：选取2021年1月～2023年3月复旦大学附属上海市第五人民医院收治的BSI脓毒症患者130例,根据不同病原学结果分为真菌组11例、革兰阳性菌（G⁺菌）组49例、革兰阴性菌（G^-菌）组70例。根据28d临床结局将BSI脓毒症患者分为死亡组36例和存活组94例。检测并计算PT、NLR、PCT/ALB。采用多因素Logistic回归分析影响BSI脓毒症患者预后的因素,采用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线分析PT、NLR、PCT/ALB对BSI脓毒症患者死亡的预测价值。结果：G^-菌组PT长于真菌组、G⁺菌组,NLR、PCT/ALB高于真菌组、G⁺菌组（P＜0.05）,真菌组与G⁺菌组PT、NLR、PCT/ALB比较无差异（P＞0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析显示脓毒性休克、PT延长,序贯器官衰竭评估（SOFA）评分升高、急性生理和慢性健康评估Ⅱ（APACHEⅡ）评分升高、NLR升高、PCT/ALB升高为影响BSI脓毒症患者预后的独立危险因素（P＜0.05）。ROC曲线分析显示PT、NLR、PCT/ALB联合预测BSI脓毒症患者死亡的曲线下面积为0.897,大于PT、NLR、PCT/ALB单独预测（P＜0.05）。结论：相比真菌和G⁺菌,G^-菌BSI脓毒症患者PT、NLR、PCT/ALB明显升高,且PT、NLR、PCT/ALB升高是影响BSI脓毒症患者预后的独立危险因素,三者联合对BSI脓毒症患者预后的预测价值较高。     

血培养阳性报警时间联合降钙素原、中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞比值对大肠埃希菌血流感染患者死亡风险的预测价值

摘要 目的：探讨血培养阳性报警时间（TTP）联合降钙素原（PCT）、中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞比值（NLR）对大肠埃希菌血流感染（BSI）患者死亡风险的预测价值。方法：选取2020年1月～2022年6月我院收治的223例大肠埃希菌BSI患者,根据入院后28 d内是否死亡分为死亡组和存活组。收集患者临床资料和血培养TTP,检测PCT、NLR。采用多因素Logistic回归分析大肠埃希菌BSI患者死亡的影响因素。采用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线分析TTP、PCT、NLR对大肠埃希菌BSI患者死亡风险的预测价值。结果：223例大肠埃希菌BSI患者入院后28 d内死亡率为30.04％（67/223）。死亡组TTP短于存活组,PCT、NLR高于存活组（P均＜0.001）。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,年龄增加、入住重症监护病房（ICU）、气管插管/切开、PCT升高、NLR升高为大肠埃希菌BSI患者死亡的独立危险因素,TTP延长为独立保护因素（P＜0.05）。ROC曲线分析显示,TTP、PCT、NLR联合预测大肠埃希菌BSI患者死亡的曲线下面积大于各指标单独预测。结论：TTP缩短和PCT、NLR升高与大肠埃希菌BSI患者死亡风险增加相关,TTP、PCT、NLR联合预测大肠埃希菌BSI患者死亡风险的价值较高。     

PCT、IL-6、CRP、NLR在ICU细菌性血流感染患者革兰氏阳性菌和阴性菌中的鉴别作用及对死亡风险的预测价值

摘要 目的：探讨降钙素原（PCT）、白细胞介素-6（IL-6）、C反应蛋白（CRP）、中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞比值（NLR）在重症加强护理病房（ICU）细菌性血流感染（BSI）患者革兰氏阳性菌（G⁺菌）和阴性菌（G^-菌）中的鉴别作用及对死亡风险的预测价值。方法：选取2019年2月～2021年12月我院收治的99例细菌性BSI患者,根据细菌革兰氏染色培养鉴定结果分为G^-菌感染组和G⁺菌感染组,检测并比较两组PCT、IL-6、CRP、NLR水平,并以受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线分析上述指标对G⁺菌和G^-菌感染的鉴别价值。比较G⁺菌、G^-菌不同病原菌类型的PCT、IL-6、CRP、NLR水平差异。此外,将所有患者根据28 d预后差异分为死亡组和存活组,比较两组PCT、IL-6、CRP、NLR水平,以ROC曲线分析上述指标对ICU细菌性BSI患者死亡的预测价值。结果：（1）99例细菌性BSI患者中,病原菌类型为G^-菌的70例（70.71%）,G⁺菌29例（29.29%）。（2）G^-菌感染组PCT、NLR水平均高于G⁺菌感染组（P＜0.05）,而两组IL-6及CRP水平对比差异不明显（P＞0.05）。联合检测PCT、NLR水平鉴别G⁺菌和G^-菌的ROC-AUC（0.95CI）为0.855（0.770～0.912）,鉴别效能较好。（3）肺炎克雷伯菌PCT、IL-6、CRP水平均高于大肠埃希菌、鲍曼不动杆菌、铜绿假单胞菌以及其他G^-菌,NLR水平则低于大肠埃希菌、鲍曼不动杆菌、铜绿假单胞菌以及其他G^-菌（P＜0.05）。链球菌属PCT、IL-6、CRP、NLR水平均高于凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌、金黄色葡萄球菌以及肠球菌属（P＜0.05）。（4）死亡组患者的PCT、IL-6、NLR水平均高于存活组（P＜0.05）,而两组CRP水平对比差异不明显（P＞0.05）。联合检测PCT、IL-6、NLR水平预测ICU细菌性BSI患者死亡的ROC-AUC（0.95CI）为0.871（0.787～0.937）,预测效能较好。结论：联合检测PCT、NLR在鉴别ICU细菌性BSI患者G^-菌和G⁺菌方面具有一定价值,而联合检测PCT、IL-6、NLR对患者死亡风险具有一定预测价值。     

重症肺炎患者病原菌分布、临床结局分析及血清尿素氮与肌酐比值、尿素氮与白蛋白比值联合检测的临床意义

摘要 目的：分析重症肺炎（SP）患者病原菌分布和临床结局并探讨血清尿素氮与肌酐比值（UCR）、尿素氮与白蛋白比值（UAR）联合检测的临床意义。方法：选取2019年8月～2022年8月三六三医院收治的107例SP患者,根据临床结局分为死亡组和存活组。分析SP患者病原菌分布情况。采用单因素和多因素Logistic回归分析SP患者临床结局的影响因素,采用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线分析血清UCR、UAR水平对SP患者临床结局的评估价值。结果：107例SP患者痰液标本中培养出122株病原菌,其中革兰阴性菌75株（61.48%）,革兰阳性菌39株（31.97%）,真菌8株（6.56%）。107例SP患者院内死亡率为40.19%（43/107）。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,年龄增加、肺外并发症≥2个和UCR、UAR升高为SP患者临床结局不良的独立危险因素,氧合指数增加为其独立保护因素（P＜0.05）。ROC曲线分析显示,血清UCR、UAR联合评估SP患者临床结局的曲线下面积（AUC）大于各指标单独评估。结论：SP患者病原菌分布以革兰阴性菌为主,血清UCR、UAR升高为SP患者临床结局不良的独立危险因素,可能成为SP患者临床结局的辅助评估指标,且二者联合评估SP患者临床结局的价值较高。     

AECOPD合并呼吸机相关性肺炎患者病原菌分布及EOS、RDW联合CPIS对预后的评估价值

摘要 目的：分析慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期（AECOPD）合并呼吸机相关性肺炎（VAP）患者病原菌分布情况,并探讨嗜酸性粒细胞（EOS）、红细胞分布宽度（RDW）联合临床肺部感染评分（CPIS）对预后的评估价值。方法：选取2019年1月～2022年1月我院收治的82例AECOPD合并VAP患者（VAP组）,另选取同期55例未合并VAP的AECOPD患者（非VAP组）;根据VAP组患者治疗后28 d生存情况,将其分为死亡亚组33例和存活亚组49例。检测所有患者外周血EOS、RDW水平并计算CPIS评分,分析AECOPD合并VAP患者病原菌分布情况。采用单因素、多因素Logistic回归分析AECOPD合并VAP患者预后不良的影响因素,采用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线分析外周血EOS、RDW联合CPIS评分对AECOPD合并VAP患者预后的评估价值。结果： 82例AECOPD合并VAP患者共检测出89株病原菌,革兰氏阴性菌、革兰氏阳性菌、真菌分别占比55.06％、42.70％、2.25％。与非VAP组比较,VAP组外周血EOS、RDW水平及CPIS评分更高（均P＜0.05）。与存活亚组比较,死亡亚组外周血EOS、RDW水平及CPIS评分更高（均P＜0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,年龄增加和降钙素原、外周血EOS、RDW水平及CPIS评分升高为AECOPD合并VAP患者预后不良的独立危险因素,第1秒用力呼气容积占预计值百分比（FEV₁％）升高为其独立保护因素（均P＜0.05）。ROC曲线分析显示,外周血EOS、RDW联合CPIS评分评估AECOPD合并VAP患者预后的曲线下面积（AUC）大于外周血EOS、RDW及CPIS评分单独评估。结论：AECOPD合并VAP患者病原菌以革兰氏阴性菌为主,外周血EOS、RDW水平及CPIS评分升高与患者预后不良密切相关,三者联合对AECOPD合并VAP患者预后的评估价值较高。     

重症监护室机械通气患者呼吸机相关性肺炎病原菌分布及风险预测模型构建

摘要 目的：研究重症监护室（ICU）机械通气患者呼吸机相关性肺炎（VAP）的病原菌分布,分析其危险因素并构建风险预测模型,为VAP的预防提供理论依据。方法：选取2018年12月至2021年6月入住本院ICU的137例机械通气患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,根据是否发生VAP分为VAP组30例和非VAP组107例。分析VAP的病原菌分布,对VAP的危险因素进行多因素Logistic回归分析,并构建风险预测模型。结果：30例VAP患者共培养出病原菌37株,革兰阳性菌8株（21.62%）,革兰阴性菌28株（75.68%）,真菌1株（2.70%）。VAP的发生与慢性呼吸系统疾病、糖尿病、意识障碍、气管切开、抑酸药物使用、糖皮质激素使用、贫血、低蛋白血症、住院天数、机械通气时间、年龄等因素有关（P＜0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析结果可知：住院天数＞14 d、意识障碍、糖皮质激素使用、年龄是VAP发生的独立危险因素（P＜0.05）。VAP风险预测模型构建：PI=1.208×住院天数＞14 d+1.051×意识障碍+1.012×糖皮质激素使用+0.044×年龄-5.907。构建的风险预测模型预测ICU机械通气患者发生VAP的受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线下面积（AUC）为0.806。结论：VAP病原菌以革兰阴性菌为主,住院天数、意识障碍、糖皮质激素使用、年龄是VAP发生的独立危险因素,临床通过构建风险预测模型,有助于降低VAP的发生率。     

血清白蛋白、降钙素原联合红细胞分布宽度对重型颅脑损伤患者住院期间死亡风险的预测价值研究

摘要 目的：探讨血清白蛋白（Alb）、降钙素原（PCT）联合红细胞分布宽度（RDW）对重型颅脑损伤（sTBI）患者住院期间死亡风险的预测价值。方法：选取2019年1月～2022年2月长沙市第一医院收治的120例sTBI患者,根据住院期间预后情况分为死亡组和存活组。收集sTBI患者临床资料并检测其血清Alb、PCT、RDW水平。采用多因素Logistic回归分析sTBI患者住院期间预后的影响因素,受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线分析血清Alb、PCT、RDW对sTBI患者住院期间死亡风险的预测价值。结果：120例sTBI患者住院期间死亡率为45.83％（55/120）。体温升高、糖尿病、瞳孔散大、基底池异常、中线移位≥5 mm、蛛网膜下腔出血和PCT、RDW升高为sTBI患者住院期间死亡的独立危险因素,Alb升高、格拉斯哥昏迷量表（GCS）评分增加为独立保护因素（P＜0.05）。血清Alb、PCT、RDW联合预测sTBI患者住院期间死亡风险的曲线下面积大于Alb、PCT、RDW单独预测。结论：临床应重视sTBI患者住院期间预后的影响因素,并采取对应措施进行干预。血清Alb、PCT、RDW联合预测sTBI患者住院期间死亡风险的价值较高,可作为sTBI患者住院期间死亡风险的预警指标。     

复杂性腹腔感染的病原菌分布及APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分联合PCT检测的预后评估价值研究

摘要 目的：探讨复杂性腹腔感染的病原菌分布及急性生理和慢性健康状况Ⅱ（APACHEⅡ）评分、序贯器官衰竭（SOFA）评分联合降钙素原（PCT）检测的预后评估价值。方法：选择合肥市第二人民医院2016年1月至2020年10月收治的80例复杂性腹腔感染患者,分析腹腔细菌的病原菌分布情况。根据患者预后情况分为生存组（n=45）、死亡组（n=35）,比较两组APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分、PCT、C反应蛋白（CRP）、白细胞计数（WBC）、中性粒细胞比例、血乳酸水平。分析患者预后的影响因素,并应用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线分析APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分、PCT及三者联合检测对预后的预测价值。结果：80例复杂性腹腔感染患者共培养出病原菌112株,其中革兰氏阳性球菌20株（占比17.86%）,革兰氏阴性杆菌64株（占比57.14%）,真菌28株（占比25.00%）。死亡组白色念珠菌、铜绿假单胞菌感染比例显著高于存活组,大肠杆菌感染比例显著低于存活组（P<0.05）,死亡组血清APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分、PCT、CRP、血乳酸水平显著高于存活组,WBC、中性粒细胞比例显著低于存活组（P<0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,铜绿假单胞菌感染、白色念珠菌感染、APACHEⅡ评分≥20分、SOFA评分≥14分、PCT≥7.00 ng/mL、CRP≥100.00 mg/L、血乳酸≥4 mmol/L、WBC<6.00×10⁹、中性粒细胞比例<80.00%是患者死亡的危险因素（P<0.05）。ROC曲线分析显示APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分联合PCT检测对患者预后评估的敏感度为95.93%,特异度为92.38%。结论：复杂性腹腔感染以革兰氏阴性杆菌为主,其死亡危险因素较多,联合检测APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分及PCT评估预后价值较高。     

NLR、RDW和PCT评估老年社区获得性肺炎患者病情严重程度及预后的临床价值

摘要 目的：探讨中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞比值（NLR）、红细胞分布宽度（RDW）及降钙素原（PCT）在老年社区获得性肺炎（CAP）患者病情严重程度及预后评估中的临床价值。方法：回顾性分析2018年1月～2020年11月期间我院收治的127例老年CAP患者的临床资料,根据英国胸科协会改良肺炎评分(CURB-65)分为低危组（CURB-65评分＜3分,n=69例）和高危组（CURB-65评分≥3分,n=58例）;根据患者转归分为存活组（n=114例）和死亡组（n=13例）,比较各组患者的基线资料、NLR、RDW、PCT及其他实验室检查指标,并分析NLR、RDW、PCT与CURB-65评分的相关性以及预后的影响因素。结果：高危组NLR、RDW和 PCT水平均显著高于低危组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。经Pearson相关性分析可得：NLR、RDW、PCT与CURB-65评分均呈正相关关系（P＜0.05）。生存组患者白细胞计数（WBC）、中性粒细胞（NEU）、NLR、RDW、PCT和D-二聚体（D-Dimer）水平均低于死亡组,差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,经多因素Logistic回归分析可得：NLR、RDW、PCT均是老年CAP患者预后的影响因素（均OR＞1,P＜0.05）。结论：NLR、RDW和PCT与CURB-65评分相关,且均是老年CAP患者预后的影响因素,NLR、RDW和PCT对老年CAP患者病情严重程度及预后具有一定的评估价值。     

Seroepidemiology of human parechovirus types 1, 3, and 6 in Yamagata,Japan, in 2014

To clarify the seroepidemiology of human parechovirus type 1 (HPeV1), 3 and 6, neutralizing antibodies (NT Abs) were measured in 214 serum specimens collected in 2014 in Yamagata, Japan. The seroprevalence against HPeV1 was 100% in all age groups, while that against HPeV3 and HPeV6 was 79.4% and 66.8%, respectively, overall. The geometric mean titers of NT Abs against HPeV1, 3 and 6 were 755.2, 255.0 and 55.9, respectively, overall. Our findings indicate that HPeV1 is the most prevalent HPeV circulating in Yamagata, followed by HPeV3 and HPeV6.     

Correlations of calcium accumulations in arteries, veins, cartilages, ligaments, and bones in single humans

To show the relationships of calcium accumulation in the thoracic aorta to the other tissues, calcium contents were determined with a microwave-induced plasma-atomic emission spectrometer on arteries, veins, cartilages, ligaments, and bones. These tissues were resected from 18 individuals, consisting of 11 men and 7 women who died in the age range 59–91 yr. As thoracic and abdominal aortas are routinely used for radiographic examination of arterial calcification, they appear to be standard tissues of the calcium accumulation. The calcium accumulations were determined in the femoral artery, the superior and inferior venae cavae, the internal jugular vein, cartilages of the articular disk of the temporomandibular joint and the intervertebral disk, both the ligaments of the anterior cruciate ligament and the ligamentum capitis femoris, and the calcaneus, in contrast with the thoracic aorta. As calcium increased in the thoracic aorta, it increased in the femoral artery, the articular disk of the temporomandibular joint, the intervertebral disk, both ligaments of the anterior cruciate ligament, and the ligamentum capitis femoris, but it did not increase in veins, such as the superior and inferior venae cavae and the internal jugular vein. In contrast, it decreased in the calcaneus.     

Distribution of N,P, K,Ca, Mg,S, Zn,Fe, Mn and Cu in groundnut

Summary Concentration of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S in summer groundnut crop was higher than in kharif while Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu contents were higher in summer crop. Kernel's N, P and Zn; Leaflet's Ca and Mn; Stem's K and Fe; Root's S and Cu and Petiole's Mg contents were highest. Shell's N, P, K, Mg, S, Zn and Cu; Kernel's Ca, Fe and Mn contents were the least. N, P, K, S, Zn and Cu concentrations decreased linearly as the crop grew. Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn concentrations did not display any distinct pattern. Ca concentration was positively correlated with pod yield in both the seasons.     

Changes in iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc levels in different tissues of riboflavin-deficient rats

To clarify the changes of mineral levels in different tissues of riboflavin-deficient rats, Wistar rats were separated into three groups. One group was fed a diet ad libitum that was deficient in riboflavin. The other two were fed either the complete diet that was weight-matched to the riboflavin-deficient group or fed a complete diet ad libitum. In riboflavin-deficient rats, the hemoglobin concentration and riboflavin contents of blood, liver, and kidney were significantly decreased, compared with weight-matched and ad libitum-fed controls. The mineral concentrations of tissues are summarized as follows: The iron (Fe) concentration in the heart, liver, and spleen was decreased in the riboflavin-deficient group compared with the other groups. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in tibia were decreased in the riboflavin-deficient group compared with the other two groups. Copper (Cu) concentration was increased in the heart and liver when the riboflavin-deficient group was compared with the other groups. Zinc (Zn) concentration was increased in tibia when the riboflavin-deficient group was compared with the other groups.     

Frequency of Discrimination,Harassment, and Violence in Lesbian,Gay Men,and Bisexual in Italy

Background

This cross-sectional study assessed the frequency of discrimination, harassment, and violence and the associated factors among a random sample of 1000 lesbian, gay men, and bisexual women and men recruited from randomly selected public venues in Italy.

Methods

A face-to-face interview sought information about: socio-demographics, frequency of discrimination, verbal harassment, and physical and sexual violence because of their sexual orientation, and their fear of suffering each types of victimization.

Results

In the whole sample, 28.3% and 11.9% self-reported at least one episode of victimization because of the sexual orientation in their lifetime and in the last year. Those unmarried, compared to the others, and with a college degree or higher, compared to less educated respondents, were more likely to have experienced an episode of victimization in their lifetime. Lesbians, compared to bisexual, had almost twice the odds of experiencing an episode of victimization. The most commonly reported experiences across the lifetime were verbal harassment, discrimination, and physical or sexual violence. Among those who had experienced one episode of victimization in their lifetime, 42.1% self-reported one episode in the last year. Perceived fear of suffering violence because of their sexual orientation, measured on a 10-point Likert scale with a higher score indicative of greater fear, ranges from 5.7 for verbal harassment to 6.4 for discrimination. Participants were more likely to have fear of suffering victimization because of their sexual orientation if they were female (compared to male), lesbian and gay men (compared to bisexual women and men), unmarried (compared to the others), and if they have already suffered an episode of victimization (compared to those who have not suffered an episode).

Conclusions

The study provides important insights into the violence experiences of lesbian, gay men, and bisexual women and men and the results may serve for improving policy initiatives to reduce such episodes.     

Syntheses of 4,6-dihydroxypyrimidine diones,their urease inhibition,in vitro,in silico,and kinetic studies

A library of 4,6-dihydroxypyrimidine diones (1–35) were synthesized and evaluated for their urease inhibitory activity. Structure-activity relationships, and mechanism of inhibition were also studied. All compounds were found to be active with IC₅₀ values between 22.6 ± 1.14–117.4 ± 0.73 µM, in comparison to standard, thiourea (IC₅₀ = 21.2 ± 1.3 µM). Kinetics studies on the most active compounds 2–7, 16, 17, 28, and 33 were performed to investigate their modes of inhibition, and dissociation constants K_i. Compounds 2, 3, 7, 16, 28, and 33 were found to be mixed-type of inhibitors with K_i values in the range of 7.91 ± 0.024–13.03 ± 0.013 µM, whereas, compounds 4–6, and 17 were found to be non-competitive inhibitors with K_i values in the range of 9.28 ± 0.019–13.05 ± 0.023 µM. In silico study was also performed, and a good correlation was observed between experimental and docking studies. This study is continuation of our previously reported urease inhibitory activity of pyrimidine diones, representing potential leads for further research as possible treatment of diseases caused by ureolytic bacteria.     

Clusters of Toxoplasmosis in Ganghwa-gun,Cheorwon-gun,and Goseong-gun,Korea

We find out the clusters with high toxoplasmosis risk to discuss the geographical pattern in Gyodong-myeon and Samsan-myeon of Ganghwa-gun, Cheorwon-gun, and Goseong-gun, Korea. Seroepidemiological data of toxoplasmosis surveyed using rapid diagnostic tests for the residents in the areas in 2019 were analyzed to detect clusters of the infection. The cluster was investigated using the SaTScan program which is based on Kulldorff’s scan statistic. The clusters were found with P-values in each region analyzed in the program, and the risk and patient incidence of specific areas can be examined by the values such as relative risk and log likelihood ratio. Jiseok-ri and Insa-ri were found to be a cluster in Gyodong-myeon and Seokmo-ri was the cluster in Samsan-myeon. Yangji-ri and Igil-ri were found to be a cluster in Cheorwon-gun and Madal-ri and Baebong-ri were the cluster in Goseong-gun. This findings can be used to monitor and prevent toxoplasmosis infections occurring in vulnerable areas.     

Quantitation of the involvement of the recA, recB, recC, recF, recJ, recN, lexA, radA, radB, uvrD, and umuC genes in the repair of X-ray-induced DNA double-strand breaks in Escherichia coli

Isogenic Escherichia coli strains carrying single DNA-repair mutations were compared for their capacity for (i) the repair of X-ray-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) as measured using neutral sucrose gradients; (ii) medium-dependent resistance, i.e., a recA-dependent X-ray survival phenomenon that correlates closely with the capacity for repairing DSB; and (iii) the growth medium-dependent, recA-dependent repair of X-ray-induced DNA single-strand breaks (SSB) as measured using alkaline sucrose gradients (about 80% of these SSB are actually parts of DSB). These three capacities were measured to quantitate more accurately the involvement of the various genes in the repair of DSB over a wide dose range. The mutations tested were grouped into five classes according to their effect on the repair of X-ray-induced DSB: (I) the recA, recB, recC, and lexA mutants were completely deficient; (II) the radB and recN mutants were about 90% deficient; (III) the recF and recJ mutants were about 70% deficient; (IV) the radA and uvrD mutants were about 30% deficient; and (V) the umuC mutant resembled the wild-type strains in its capacity for the repair of DSB.