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Background: Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection is a serious public health problem. The third-generation extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs) have been used as the first-line treatment for NG infection for almost three decades. However, in recent years, treatment failures with the oral third-generation ESCs have been reported worldwide. This study aimed to estimate worldwide susceptibility rates of NG to cefixime and cefpodoxime by analyzing data from all relevant published studies. Methodology/principal findings: Two researchers independently searched five databases to identify studies on susceptibilities of NG to cefixime and cefpodoxime published between January 1, 1984 and October 15, 2012. A fixed-effect model was used to perform group analysis, and a χ2 test was employed to make subgroup comparison. Publication bias was assessed with the Begg rank correlation test. The pooled susceptibility rate of NG isolates to cefixime was 99.8% (95% CI: 99.7%–99.8%). The cefixime susceptibility rate of NG isolates from men was significantly lower than that from patients without information of gender or from men and women; the susceptibility rate of NG isolates from Asia was significantly lower than that from other continents; and the susceptibility rate of NG isolates collected before or during 2003 was significantly higher than that after 2003. The pooled susceptibility rate of NG isolates to cefpodoxime was 92.8% (95% CI: 89.0%–95.3%), which was lower than that to cefixime (92.8% vs. 99.8%, χ2 = 951.809, P<0.01). Conclusions: The susceptibility rate of NG isolates to cefixime varied with the gender of patients and geographical location from which NG isolates were collected, and declined with time. The reported lower susceptibility rate of NG isolates to cefixime and associated treatment failures, as well as the emergence of NG strains with cephalosporin resistance call for the more effective control of NG infection and the development of new antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to illustrate rotate-tilt slope zone structures, sedimentary evolution and it's controls on lithological reservoir, a case study in Banqiao Slope of Qikou Sag was presented, based on the seismic data, well-log information, core and core slice, analyzed the evolution characteristics of Banqiao Slope tectonic, sedimentary characteristics of different construction phase and its relationship with lithological reservoir. Banqiao Slope experienced two stages, average settlement and rotate-tilt. Effected by tectonic evolution, palaeogeomorphology was featured by early gentle slope and later steep slope, tectonics of E3s3-E3s1x episode showed whole settlement, with gentle palaeogeomorphology, provenances from Cangxian Lift were deposited in large areas, developed braided-river delta sedimentation.Slope rotate-tilted at the episode of E3s1z- E3d , the main structure of slope reversed, developing dustpan-shaped tectonics, with the characteristics of rotate-tilted slope controlling sandbodies, faults in source rocks and lithologic traps controlling reservoir, advantageous phase accumulation and high productivity. Sand bodies developed by sub-water channel of delta front were overlapped and distributed widely in middle and low slopes at the time of E3S1x, with good reservoir properties.Matched with faults in source rocks,they are the favorable exploration area of lithological reservoirs. According to those, some lithologic traps were found in gentle slope areas, 12 wells have been drilled,and attained high yield flow of oil and gas, drilling success rates can reach 85%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the meridian-acupoint reactions of foot three yin meridians in primary dysmenorrhea(PD) and secondary dysmenorrhea(SD) patients, so as to summarize the rules of meridian-acupoint reaction and acupoints selection., Methods: Thirty-five patients with PD (PD group), 34 patients with SD (SD group) and 35 healthy subjects (healthy group) were recruited. The compression method was used to examine the lower leg segment of the foot three yin meridians. Positive reactions(palpable skin changes, including cords, nodules, depressions) and tenderness of meridians and acupoints were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the tenderness severity of acupoints., Results: Compared with the healthy group, the probability of positive reactions and tenderness in foot three yin meridians were higher in PD and SD groups ( P <0.01, P <0.05). Compared with the PD group, the probability of positive reactions in Spleen and Liver Meridians were higher in the SD group, with higher probability of tenderness in Liver Meridian( P <0.05). The probability of positive reactions and tenderness in the Spleen Meridian of PD and SD groups was significantly higher than that in the Kidney Meridian ( P <0.01), while the probability of tenderness in the Spleen Meridian of the PD group was significantly higher than that in the Liver Meridian ( P <0.05). Positive reactions and tenderness were concentrated at Yinlingquan (SP9), Diji (SP8) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) of Spleen Meridian and Xiguan (LR7) and Ligou (LR5) in Liver Meridian of PD and SD groups. In comparison with the PD group, the probability of positive reactions, tenderness and VAS score of SP8 and LR5 of the SD group were higher ( P <0.05, P <0.01)., Conclusion: The positive reaction occurs most frequently in the Spleen Meridian, followed by the Liver Meridian, and least frequently in the Kidney Meridian. The acupoints with positive reaction are different between PD and SD, which suggests that the Spleen Meridian acupoints should be the main acupoints when treating the two kinds of dysmenorrhea, and acupoints should also be selected according to the meridian and acupoint examination results.

With three representative types of gynecological diseases (dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation, polycystic ovary syndrome) as examples, the application methods of meridian and acupoint diagnosis for gynecological diseases treated with acupuncture and moxibustion are discussed. During clinical diagnosis and treatment, it is recommended to examine the patient's leg segment along the three yin meridians of foot, aiming to explore the positive reactions of the meridians and acupoints (color, shape, skin temperature, sensory abnormalities, etc.). Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment at this positive reaction place can improve the clinical efficacy. Meridian and acupoint diagnosis could provide basis for meridian syndrome differentiation, thus guiding the selection of acupoint prescriptions; it is also helpful to clarify the deficiency, excess, cold and heat of the disease nature, thus guiding the selection of acupuncture and moxibustion methods. In addition, it is an auxiliary method to estimate the prognosis and outcome of the disease.

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture by stages on secondary dysmenorrhea of adenomyosis through prospective case-series study., Methods: A total of 36 cases of adenomyosis patients with moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea were treated with acupuncture by stages. The acupoints of Diji (SP 8), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Ciliao (BL 32) and Shiqizhui (EX-B 8) were selected and acupuncture was given once a day during menstrual period; the acupoints of Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA1), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) ect. were selected and acupuncture was given twice per week during non-menstrual period. All the treatment was given for three menstrual cycles. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Cox menstrual symptom scale (CMSS), Endometriosis Health Profile-5 (EHP-5) scores and the menstrual blood volume of pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) were observed before treatment and at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd menstrual cycle into treatment. Before treatment and at the 3rd menstrual cycle into treatment, the volume of uterus was measured by transvaginal ultrasound and the correlation among the quality of life, the severity of pain and symptoms was analyzed., Results: The VAS, CMSS and EHP-5 scores at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd menstrual cycle into treatment were lower than those before treatment ( P <0.01, P <0.05), and the PBAC scores were reduced but without statistical different ( P >0.05). Compared before treatment, at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd menstrual cycle into treatment, the PBAC scores were reduced in patients with PBAC>100 points ( P <0.01). Compared between 2nd and 1st menstrual cycle into treatment, between 3rd and 2nd menstrual cycle into treatment, the VAS, CMSS scores were all decreased ( P <0.01, P <0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the severity score of CMSS and EHP-5 at the corresponding time points of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd menstrual cycle into treatment ( P <0.01)., Conclusion: The acupuncture by stages has significant analgesic effect in patients with secondary dysmenorrhea of adenomyosis, and has the advantages of relieving the menstruation-related symptoms, regulating menstrual blood volume and improving the quality of life.

Aim: To investigate the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on embryonic development and retinal neurogenesis., Methods: The agglomeration and sedimentation of TiO2 NPs solutions at different dilutions were observed, and the ultraviolet-visible spectra of their supernatants were measured. Zebrafish embryos were experimentally exposed to TiO2 NPs until 72h postfertilization (hpf). The retinal neurogenesis and distribution of the microglia were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and whole mount in situ hybridization., Results: The 1 mg/L was determined to be an appropriate exposure dose. Embryos exposed to TiO2 NPs had a normal phenotype. The neurogenesis was initiated on time, and ganglion cells, cones and rods were well differentiated at 72 hpf. The expression of fms mRNA and the 4C4 antibody, which were specific to microglia in the central nervous system (CNS), closely resembled their endogenous profile., Conclusion: These data demonstrate that short-term exposure to TiO2 NPs at a low dose does not lead to delayed embryonic development or retinal neurotoxicity.

Aim: To observe the curative effect of Weiansan (WAS) on gastric precancerous lesions (GPL) and H pylori elimination., Methods: Seventy-six patients with GPL were randomly divided into two groups: WAS group (n = 42) and Weifuchun (WFC) group (n = 34). The patients in the WAS group were administered 5 g WAS 3 times a day, and the patients in the WFC group took WFC (4 tablets) 3 times a day. To monitor inflammation of gastric mucosa, degree of glandular atrophy (GA), intestinal metaplasia (IM) and dysplasia, and H pylori infection, all patients underwent gastroscopy and biopsy with pathological examination before and after treatment. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used in animal experiments. Of these, 10 served as the control group (n = 10), 40 were given ranitidine combined with N-methyl-N(1)-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) for 12 wk and divided into 4 groups randomly: model group (n = 10), high-dose WAS group (n = 10), low-dose WAS group (n = 10) and WFC group (n = 10). Twelve weeks later, all rats were killed and a 2 cm multiply 1 cm tissue was taken from the lesser curvature of the gastric antrum. H pylori infection was determined by the fast urease method., Results: The curative effect in WAS groups was similar to that in WFC groups. There was no statistical difference in degree of GA, IM and dysplasia between WAS and WFC groups. The rate of H pylori infection in the model group (positive/negative: 9/1) was significantly higher than that in the control group (positive/negative: 1/9) (P < 0.01). H pylori elimination in the high-dose WAS group (positive/negative: 4/6) and low-dose WAS group (positive/negative: 6/4) was similar to that in the WFC group (positive/negative: 4/6) (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: WAS improves clinical symptoms by suppressing GA, IM and dysplasia and eliminating H pylori.