A Case of Lautropia mirabilis Infection in a Lung Transplant Patient and a Review of the Literature

Lautropia mirabilis is an opportunistic pathogen that typically causes intestinal and oral infections when the body’s immune system is compromised or the microbial flora is imbalanced.Respiratory infections caused by Lautropia mirabilis are extremely rare.The symptoms and severity of Lautropia mirabilis infection may vary depending on individual differences and the site of infection.Through a review of relevant literature and this case study,it has been observed that Lautropia mirabilis may also cause pulmonary infectious diseases,and in immunocompromised patients,it can lead to severe infections,potentially resulting in death.

A Core Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing Scheme for Proteus mirabilis

Objective A core genome multilocus sequence typing(cgMLST)scheme to genotype and identify potential risk clonal groups(CGs)in Proteus mirabilis.Methods In this work,we propose a publicly available cgMLST scheme for P.mirabilis using chew BBACA.In total 72 complete P.mirabilis genomes,representing the diversity of this species,were used to set up a cgMLST scheme targeting 1,842 genes,635 unfinished(contig,chromosome,and scaffold)genomes were used for its validation.Results We identified a total of 205 CGs from 695 P.mirabilis strains with regional distribution characteristics.Of these,159 unique CGs were distributed in 16 countries.CG20 and CG3 carried large numbers of shared and unique antibiotic resistance genes.Nine virulence genes(papC,papD,papE,papF,papG,papH,papI,papJ,and papK)related to the P fimbrial operon that cause severe urinary tract infections were only found in CG20.These CGs require attention due to potential risks.Conclusion This research innovatively performs high-resolution molecular typing of P.mirabilis using whole-genome sequencing technology combined with a bioinformatics pipeline(chewBBACA).We found that the CGs of P.mirabilis showed regional distribution differences.We expect that our research will contribute to the establishment of cgMLST for P.mirabilis.

Compatibility Rules of Prescriptions of Tibetan Medicinal Material Mirabilis himalaica(Edgew.)Heimerl Based on Data Mining

[Objectives]To study the prescription compatibility rules of the Tibetan medicinal material Mirabilis himalaica(Edgew.)Heimerl(Himalayan purple jasmine)based on data mining,and to provide reference for clinical application and new drug development.[Methods]The literature data were collected and the prescriptions containing Himalayan purple jasmine were sorted and classified by Microsoft Excel 2019 software.The Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Computing System(TCMICS 3.0)was used to statistically analyze the high-frequency drugs and core drug combinations,the frequency of disease treatment,and the rules of"tastes transforming flavors"of drugs.The FP-tree algorithm was used to analyze the association rules among various Tibetan medicinal materials in the prescriptions,and different supports were set to analyze the compatibility rules of the prescriptions.[Results]There were a total of 129 prescriptions containing Himalayan purple jasmine,297 medicinal materials used in combination with it,and 34 Tibetan medicinal materials with a frequency of≥15.The medicinal flavors were mostly sweet,bitter,and pungent.Among the three flavors,bitterness and sweetness were the majority.At the same time,the medicinal properties were blunt,soft,cool,and warm.A total of 130 kinds of diseases were involved,among which 8 kinds of diseases such as gynecology,kidney cold and yellow water disease had a high frequency.Through association rule analysis,33 commonly used core drug combinations were obtained.The support,confidence,and frequency of the five drug combinations[Jili(Tribuli Fructus),Huangjing(Polygonati Rhizoma),Tianmendong(Root of Cochinchinese Asparagus),and Tibetan Aoruqin(Vicatia coniifolia)]→Himalayan purple jasmine were the basic prescription of Tibetan medicine Wudagen Powder.The drug combinations with higher confidence included Bibo(Piperis Longi Fructus)→Himalayan purple jasmine,Pomegranate(Punica granatum→Himalayan purple jasmine,Baidoukou(Round Cardamom Fruit)→Himalayan purple jasmine,Hezi(Chebulae Fructus)→Himalayan purple jasmine.Jili(Tribuli Fructus)→Himalayan purple jasmine,Huangjing(Polygonati Rhizoma)→Himalayan purple jasmine and Tianmendong(Root of Cochinchinese Asparagus)→Himalayan purple jasmine had highest frequency.[Conclusions]Through the TCMICS,this paper analyzed the compatibility rules of commonly used drugs containing Himalayan purple jasmine and the characteristics of the main diseases.It can be seen that Himalayan purple jasmine is sweet in taste and warm in nature.It assists sovereign drugs in the form of ministerial drugs,which enhances the effect of regulating"long"and nourishing,and plays the role of regulating"long",dispelling cold,and reconciling various drugs,which embodies the compatibility rules of sovereign and ministerial drugs of Tibetan medicines.The main diseases of Himalayan purple jasmine are related to"long"regulation,and it is mostly used in the treatment of gynecological diseases after being combined with other drugs to form a prescription.Most drugs in the prescriptions are sweet,which is the therapeutic principle of regulating"long"and nourishing,and verifies the scientific and rational principle of clinical use of Tibetan medicine.In the prescription,the medicinal properties include both warm and cool,and the medicinal taste is sweet and bitter,which is in line with the compatibility theory of"tastes transforming flavors"in traditional Tibetan medicine prescriptions.

Phenotypic and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Studies of Proteus mirabilis Isolates from Fresh Water Fishes in FCT, Abuja-Nigeria

Our study was carried out to determine the phenotypic characterization antimicrobial susceptibility of Proteus mirabilis from fish in FCT, Abuja using isolation, selective plating, preliminary observation, complete biochemical method and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The biochemical tests conducted includes include Citrate Utilization test, Triple Sugar Iron test, Urea test, Methyl Red test, Indole test, and Voges Proskauer test. The isolates were confirmed by MicrobactTMGNB24E identification kit (Oxiod, UK). A total of 400 fish samples were bought in the market from three area council of the FCT. The result of the study showed overall prevalence rate of (13) 3.25% of Proteus mirabilis isolates. Distribution based on Area councils showed that AMAC had higher prevalence rate of 4.81%, while Bwari had 2.99% and Gwagwalada with 2.57% prevalence. All isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the modified single disc diffusion method. From the antimicrobial susceptibility testing done it was discovered that Proteus mirabilis are resistant to Amoxyclav (100%), Erythromycin (92.3%), Tetracycline (92.3%) and Ceftriaxone (23.1%). However, the isolates were susceptible to Ofloxacin (100%), Netillin (92.3%), Levofloxacin (92.3%), Ceftazidime (76.9%), Co-trimoxazole (69.2%) and Gentamicin (61.5%). Since Proteus mirabilis sources of zoonotic diseases and can potentially be dangerous to humans and other animals, our research was able to isolate it from fresh water fish sold in the Federal Capital Territory. This makes public health awareness of the risks associated with Proteus mirabilis in Nigeria necessary.

Effect of Mirabilis jalapa (Linn.) Growth on Microbial Community in Bioremediation of Petroleum-contaminated Saline-alkali Soil

Microbial biomass and species in the rhizosphere soil of Mirabilis jalapa（Linn.）（the saline-alkali soil contaminated by total petroleum hydrocarbon（TPH））were studied with the technology of phospholipid fatty acids（PLFAs） analysis,to explore the effects of Mirabilis jalapa（Linn.） growth on the structure characteristics of microbial communities and degradation of TPH in the petroleum-contaminated salinealkali soil.The result showed that compared with the CK soil without Mirabilis jalapa（Linn.）,the kind change rates of PLFAs were 71.4%,69.2% and 33.3% in spring,summer and autumn,respectively,and the degradation of TPH increased by 47.6%,28.3%,and 18.9% in the rhizosphere soil in spring,summer and autumn,respectively.Correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between the degradation of TPH and the soil microbial communities：77.8% of the microbial PLFAs showed positive correlation（the correlation coefficient r﹥0） with the degradation of TPH,and 55.6% of the PLFAs had high positive correlation with the degradation of TPH with a correlation coefficient r ≥0.8.In addition,the relative contents of SAT and MONO had high correlation with the degradation of TPH in the CK soil,and the correlation coefficients were 0.92 and 0.60,respectively;but in the rhizosphere soil,42.1% of the PLFAs had positive correlation with it,and only21.1% had high positive correlation with the degradation of TPH,the relative contents of TBSAT,MONO and CYCLO had moderate or low positive correlation with the degradation of TPH,and the correlation coefficients were 0.56,0.50 and 0.07 respectively.It was shown that the growth of mirabilis jalapa（Linn.） highly affected the microbial community structure and TPH degradation speed in the rhizosphere soil,providing a theoretical basis for the research on phytoremediation of petroleumcontaminated saline-alkali soil.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Genotype Analysis of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Proteus Mirabilis

To analyse the genotypes of clinical isolates of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing (ESBL-producing) Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) and the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, to guide reasonable use of antibiotics and to avoid nosocomial outbreak infections by ESBL-producing P. mirabilis. 125 clinical isolates of P. mirabilis were collected from the Drug-Resistant Bacteria Surveillance Center of Anhui Province (from Jan 2009 to May 2010). Searching for the genotypes of ESBLs was perfomed by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing, and performed conjugation test simultaneously. Among ESBL-producing strains, CTX-M was the major genotype (3 CTX-M-13 and 1 CTX-M-3). TEM-1b spectrum β-lactamase was also prevalence in P. mirabilis. The diversity of β-lactamases in P. mirabilis and the emergency of multi-drug-resistance clinical strains will present serious threat to clinical therapy and even will lead to outbreak of nosocomial infections. Our study emphasizes the need for enhanced supervision of ESBL-producing P. mirabilis. Timely and reasonable drug-resistance data are indispensable to clinical therapy.

β-Islet cell regeneration potential of Mirabilis jalapa in hyperglycemic rats

Objective:To investigate the role of Mirabilis jalapa root extracts in restoration of glucose homeostasis in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic Wistar albino rats.Methods:Experimental hyperglycemic rats were treated daily with 200 and 400 mg/kg of Mirabilis jalapa extracts after initial fasting for 6 h.Two-hour postprandial glucose and changes in body weight were monitored during treatment.After 14 d,the rats were sacrificed and blood was collected for biochemical assessment of serum glucose and insulin levels,lipid profile,and oxidative stress markers.Histopathological examinations of harvested pancreas were also carried out.Results:Mirabilis jalapa root extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg increased the body weight of hyperglycemic rats.Postprandial glucose levels of the extract-treated hyperglycemic groups progressively declined during treatment compared with the untreated hyperglycemic control group(P<0.05).The lipid profile indices of the untreated negative control group were significantly elevated(P<0.05),which were reversed by treatment with Mirabilis jalapa extracts.The remarkable increases in antioxidant enzyme activities and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels were observed in the hyperglycemic group treated with Mirabilis jalapa extracts.Mirabilis jalapa extracts also significantly increased serum insulin levels(P<0.05).In addition,histopathological examinations of the pancreas revealed a significant cell population within the islet nests of the extract-treated hyperglycemic groups.Conclusions:Mirabilis jalapa extract can restore glucose homeostasis and show hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in hyperglycemic rats.Further studies are needed to verify the active components of the plant and the underlying mechanism of action in the future.

Biosorption of Cd (II), Cr (VI) &Pb (II) from Aqueous Solution Using <i>Mirabilis jalapa</i>as Adsorbent

Mirabilis jalapa (chandrakantha) leaves were used as a biosorbent for the removal of toxic metals ions cadmium (II), chromium (VI) and lead (II) from water. The physiochemical properties of the developed biosorbent were studied using FTIR. The efficiency of this developed biosorbent was tested using batch experiments under controlled conditions such as a function of pH, contact time, initial metal concentration and the optimization amount of biosorbent. The residual metallic ion concentrations of cadmium (II), chromium (VI) and lead (II) were determined using AAS. The biosorption capacity of Mirabilis jalapa was found to be pH dependant and the percentage removal of cadmium (II), chromium (VI) and lead (II) was increased with increasing adsorbate solution pH and a maximum value was reached at an equilibrium pH = 6 for cadmium (II), pH = 5.5 for chromium (VI) and pH 4.5 for lead (II) respectively. The equilibrium time required for the saturation loading of cadmium (II), chromium (VI) and lead (II) in the biosorbent was found to be about 120 min. The obtained equilibrium biosorption data was fitted to the linear forms of Freundlich isotherms. The results proved the efficiency of Mirabilis jalapa leaves powder as biosorbent for the removal of metal ions and it can be used for the development of an efficient, clean and novel technology for waste water treatment.

Extracellular Biosynthesis of AgNPs by the Bacterium <i>Proteus mirabilis</i>and Its Toxic Effect on Some Aspects of Animal Physiology

The development of a reliable green chemistry process for the biogenic synthesis of nanomaterials is an important aspect of current nanotechnology research. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been used as antimicrobial and disinfectant agents. However, there is limited information about its toxicity. Therefore, this study focused on the biosynthesis of AgNPs by the bacterium Proteus mirabilis and on determining its preliminary toxic effect on some aspects of animal physiology. A green method for the synthesis of AgNPs using culture supernatant of Proteus mirabilis has been developed in this study and the synthesized AgNPs were characterized by several techniques. The AgNPs showed a maximum absorbance at 445 nm on ultraviolet-visible spectra. The presence of proteins was identified by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. The reduction of Ag+ to elemental silver was characterized by X-ray spectroscopy analysis. The transmission electron micrograph revealed the formation of polydispersed nanoparticles of 5 - 45 nm. The AgNPs were evaluated for their toxic effect on pregnant female albino rat. The result showed that liver enzymes (AST and ALP) were decreased significantly in the group treated with AgNPs. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration also showed significant increase.

Identification of the autotransporter Pet toxin in Proteus mirabilis strain isolated from patients with urinary tract infections

Proteus mirabilis, a motile Gram-negative bacterium, represents a common cause of complicated urinary tract infections. Autotransporters are a family of secreted proteins from Gram-negative bacteria that direct their own secretion across the outer membrane (type V autotransporter secretion mechanism). Serine protease autotransporters of Enterobacteriaceae (SPATEs) include adhesins, toxins, and proteases that can contribute to the virulence. Plasmid-encoded toxin (Pet) is the predominant protein in culture supernatants of enteroaggregative E. coli prototype strain 042 and has been extensively studied. Pet toxin is encoded on the 65-MDa adherence-related plasmid of EAEC 042 strain. In this work, Pet protein was found in the supernatant obtained from Proteus mirabilis RTX339 strain isolated from a psychiatric patient suffering complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). The nucleotide sequence of pet gene was obtained using primers designed from E. coli 042 pet gene reported. The alignment of the sequence showed 100% identity with the pet gene reported. Is important to note that Proteus mirabilis RTX339 pet gene has chromosomal location. The chromosomal location of the gene was established since no plasmids were harbored by this strain.

Achene mucilage formation process and extrusion from hydrated pericarp of Mirabilis himalaica

Myxospermy is an important feature of achenes of the alpine plant Mirabilis himalaica,and the achene mucilage increases the germination rate and early seedling growth during exposure to abiotic stresses,which has important functions that allow M.himalaica to survive the extreme climate of the Tibet Plateau.However,achene formation and mucilage extrusion are poorly understood.In the present study,comprehensive analyses were performed on mucilage production during achene development and mucilage release from hydrated achene pericarp in M.himalaica.First,fertilization initiated the development of M.himalaica achenes,during which their color,size and texture were altered dramatically.Second,using a metachromatic staining procedure,cytological events,the establishment of mucilage secretory cells in the inner epicarp layer were observed.The hydration of mature achenes led to the rapid bursting of mucilage secretory cells,which released a hydrophilic gel that surrounded the achenes.Finally,enzymatic digestion indicated that major components of the mucilage were pectins;glucose(41.40%),rhamnose(26.58%),galactose(18.33%),trehalose(12.12%),and mannose(1.57%)were found to be the components of achene by using ion-exchange chromatography.

Potential impacts of climate change on Welwitschia mirabilis populations in the Namib Desert,southern Africa

Climate change is threatening natural ecosystems in the Earth, and arid regions of southern Africa are particularly exposed to further drying. Welwitschia mirabilis Hook. （Welwitschiaceae） is an unusual gymnosperm tree that is recognized as an icon of the Namib Desert, southern Africa. Many aspects of its biology were investigated in the past, with a special emphasis for its physiology and adaptations, but nothing is known about its potential sensitivity to current climate changes. In this study, we adopted an approach based on distribution data for W. mirabilis and ecological niche models for clarifying the species-climate interactions and for predicting the potential impacts of climate change on W. mirabilis populations in three well-separated sub-ranges （northern, southern and central） in northwestern Namibia, southern Africa. We evidenced that the populations occurring in the northern sub-range have peculiar climatic exigencies compared with those in the central and southern sub-ranges and are particularly exposed to the impact of climate change, which will consist of a substantial increase in temperature across the region. These impacts could be represented by demographic changes that should be detected and monitored detailedly to plan efficient measures for managing populations of this important species on the long-term scale.

Reproductive cycle of Ophiopholis mirabilis (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) in Zhangzi Island area, northern Yellow Sea

Ophiopholis mirabilis is a common species with a high population density on the western coasts of the northern Pacifi c Ocean.The number of O.mirabilis has been increasing recently in the scallop aquaculture zone(the Zhangzi Island area,northern Yellow Sea)in China.To explore the mechanism of its population variation,the reproductive cycle of O.mirabilis was investigated in this area(39°04′N;122°51′E)from February 2017 through January 2018 and determined by the monthly gonad index(GI),histological examinations of the gonads and the oocyte size-frequency distribution.O.mirabilis had a clear annual reproductive cycle that was synchronous between males and females.Sea temperature and food availability played important roles in O.mirabilis reproduction.The GI value was less reliable for determining reproductive activity in O.mirabilis because the nutritive tissues within the gonads may be utilized to synthesize gametes,leading to a decrease in GI during maturation.The histological results also show that abundant nutritive phagocytes were present in the gonads of O.mirabilis,which,together with the germ cells,aff ected the weight of the gonads.In addition,the mature oocytes of O.mirabilis were relatively small(75–150μm),indicating that the larval development was planktotrophic.This study provided insights into the reproductive patterns and biology of O.mirabilis and is an essential basis for the quantity control of this species in aquaculture areas.

Stereoselective Synthesis and Immunological Evaluation of Common O-antigen of P. mirabilis OE and P. vulgaris TG103

Proteus species especially Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris are zoonotic pathogens which can cause public health disease.Owing to their antibiotic-resistance,developing vaccines against these pathogens is urgently required.Herein,we describe the first synthesis of the common O-antigen of Proteus mirabilis OE and Proteus vulgaris TG 103.

Pathogenic infection and microbial composition of yellow catfish(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)challenged by Aeromonas veronii and Proteus mirabilis

The catfishes are a group of economically important freshwater fish in China,which in recent years have suffered heavy losses as a result of bacterial outbreaks.In this study,we examined the diversity of the microbiome of infected skin mucus of yellow catfish(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)and channel catfish(Ictalurus punctatus)and analyzed the bacterial pathogens.We found several common pathogenic bacteria,such as Aeromonas spp.,Vibrio spp.,Moraxella spp.and Proteus spp.present in both fish species,but with significantly different bacterial community structures.We isolated and cultured Aeromonas veronii and Proteus mirabilis and validated their infectivity in zebrafish(Danio rerio)and yellow catfish.Intraperitoneal injection of either bacteria into zebrafish,but not immersion,caused 100%mortality and ovary fragmentation.Yellow catfish was more sensitive than zebrafish with 100%mortality in the immersion challenges with A.veronii or P.mirabilis,and with a higher abundance of A.veronii in the P.mirabilis-challenged group compared to control.To our knowledge,this is the first study on the pathogenicity of P.mirabilis in yellow catfish,and the results will help to develop effective strategies for the disease prevention and control in catfish farming.

入侵植物紫茉莉的传粉生态学

入侵植物的繁殖策略是理解物种入侵机制的重要组成部分。紫茉莉(Mirabilis jalapa)是中国常见的外来入侵植物,在北方城市园林中广泛应用。以河北省张家口市为例,对紫茉莉的花部性状、开花动态、杂交指数、花粉-胚珠比、传粉生物、套袋试验等方面开展研究。结果表明,紫茉莉的交配方式为自交和异交共存,具有自交亲和性,偶尔需要传粉者。较高的环境温度可能影响紫茉莉的结实率。当前入侵阶段紫茉莉以自交为主,但交配系统是否发生转变受物种的入侵阶段和所处环境影响,紫茉莉的灵活交配机制可能是其在北方城市入侵成功的重要因素。这为从传粉生态学角度研究紫茉莉入侵机制和控制方法提供了参考。

Emergence of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing Proteus mirabilis in Hangzhou, China

Background Carbapenems are used to treat severe infections caused by multi-drug-resistant organisms, however, the emergence of carbapenem-resistant bacterial isolates is becoming an increasing therapeutic challenge. Since the first Klebsiella （K.） pneumoniae carbapenemase （KPC）-producing K. pneumoniae was reported in 2001, KPC-producing isolates have been found increasingly, specially in Enterobacteriaceae. The aim of this study was to characterize the mechanisms of a carbapenem-resistant Proteus （P.） mirabilis. Methods A carbapenem-resistant P. mirabilis isolate was recovered from pleural drainage fluid of a patient admitted to surgical intensive care unit. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the isolate was performed by disk diffusion according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, and subsequent minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined with the E-test. Amplification of the blaKPC gene generated a positive band and the PCR products were sequenced subsequently. The plasmid of the isolate was extracted and was successfully transformed into Escherichia （E.） coli DH5a. Results The P. mirabilis isolate was resistant to all detected antimicrobial agents except tigecycline. KPC-2 was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. The transformant E. coil was resistant to carbapenems. Further study demonstrated that upstream and downstream regions of b/aKPC-2 were identical to that observed in K. pneumoniae submitted to GenBank from China in 2007. Conclusion Carbapenem resistance in the P. mirabilis isolate in this study is mainly due to production of KPC-2.

Multidrug-resistant Proteus mirabilis isolates carrying blaOXA-1 and blaNDM-1 from wildlife in China:increasing public health risk

The emergence of multidrug resistance(MDR)in Proteus mirabilis clinical isolates is a growing public health concern and has serious implications for wildlife.What is the role of wildlife has been become one of the hot issues in disseminating antimicrobial resistance.Here,54 P.mirabilis isolates from 12 different species were identified.Among them,25 isolates were determined to be MDR by profile of antimicrobial susceptibility;10 MDR P.mirabilis isolates were subjected to comparative genomic analysis by whole genome sequencing.Comprehensive analysis showed that chromosome of P.mirabilis isolates mainly carries multidrug-resistance complex elements harboring resistance to carbapenem genes blaOXA-1,blaNDM-1,and blaTEM-1.Class I integron is the insertion hotspot of IS26;it can be inserted into type I integron at different sites,thus forming a variety of multiple drug resistance decision sites.At the same time,Tn21,Tn7,and SXT/R391 mobile elements cause widespread spread of these drug resistance genes.In conclusion,P.mirabilis isolates from wildlife showed higher resistance to commonly used clinic drugs comparing to those from human.Therefore,wild animals carrying MDR clinical isolates should be paid attention to by the public health.

Role of mucilage during achene germination and sprout growth of the endangered Tibetan medicinal herb Mirabilis himalaica (Nyctaginaceae) exposed to abiotic stresses

Aim Mirabilis himalaica(Nyctaginaceae)is an endangered medicinal plant mainly distributed in the plateau region of northern Tibet,China.The outer surface of M.himalaica achenes is covered by a pectinaceous mucilaginous layer upon hydration.However,the role of the achene mucilage is poorly understood.in this study,we inves-tigated the effects of mucilage on achene germination and sprout growth under abiotic stress to explain how M.himalaica survive the alpine environment.Methods We investigated the effect of mucilage on achenes germination by contrast the capacity of water absorption,dehydration and respira-tion of intact achene and the achene with mucilage removal.We performed abiotic stresses experiments including drought stress,salt stress,cold stress and high temperature stress,and quantified the effects of mucilage removal on achene germination rate,root and shoot lengths of seedlings.Important Findings Mucilage is extremely hydrophilic,and the mass of intact achenes can be 9-fold greater than that of demucilaged achenes.The removal of the mucilaginous layer did not significantly change final germination percentages under ideal conditions,but intact achenes(i.e.with muci-lage)took longer to germinate.The mucilage significantly decreased seed respiration rates by acting as a physical barrier that prevented oxygen diffusion.Germination rates,shoot and root growth of intact achenes were higher than those of demucilaged ones during exposures to cold,heat,osmotic and salt stresses.Achene mucilage presumably plays an ecologically important role in the life cycle of M.himalaica by aiding the critical achene germination and early seedling growth in the stressful habitats of the plateau region of northern Tibet.

Comparative outcomes of the pathogen in cultured Jones tubes used in lacrimal bypass surgery according to follow up periods

AIM:To evaluate the pathogens in cultured Jones tubes used in lacrimal bypass surgery according to the postoperative periods and to obtain data for the prevention of infection of functional lacrimal stent invention.METHODS:Totally 71 patients(81 eyes)who underwent the removal of Jones tubes were enrolled in study.All the removed Jones tubes were cultured for bacterial and fungal identification and tested for bacterial antibiotic sensitivity.The results were analyzed according to the duration of the inserted Jones tube after lacrimal bypass surgery.RESULTS:Of the 81 eyes,bacteria were isolated from 69 eyes(85.2%)and fungi from 6 eyes(7.4%).Among 69 eyes,40.6% showed Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus),11.6% were Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa).Gram-positive bacteria were isolated more than Gramnegative bacteria,but Gram-negative bacteria showed a higher incidence in the Jones tube implanted for over 10y(P=0.035).The antibiotic sensitivity test showed that 46.4% of S.aureus were resistant to oxacillin.In terms of antibiotics commonly used in ocular clinical practice,vancomycin was sensitive to S.aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae(S.pneumoniae),amikacin responded to P.aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis(P.mirabilis).Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole(TMP/SMX)was all sensitive to S.aureus,S.pneumoniae and P.mirabilis except P.aeruginosa.CONCLUSION:S.aureus is the most commonly found organism in the Jones tube after lacrimal bypass surgery,and 46.4% of them are methicillin-resistant S.aureus(MRSA),sensitive to vancomycin.Especially,P.mirabilis responded with amikacin is dominantly detected in the Jones tubes implanted for more than 10y.