Abstract Objective: We aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathway on the expression of IL-10 and VEGF in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Methodology: Human JBMSCs were isolated and cultured. Then, HMGB1 was added into the JBMSCs culture medium, and the protein and mRNA expression levels of IL-10 and VEGF were assessed. Moreover, cells were pretreated with a specific TLR4 inhibitor (TAK-242), and the expression changes of IL-10 and VEGF were compared. Results: Compared with the control group, exposure to HMGB1 in human JBMSCs up-regulated TLR4, IL-10, and VEGF secretion at both protein and mRNA levels (P<0. 05). In addition, the increased expression of IL-10 and VEGF could be restrained in TAK-242 group compared with the HMGB1 group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The results indicated that HMGB1 activate TLR4 signaling pathway in Human JBMSCs, which plays a regulatory role in cytokines expression. Objective HMGB1TLR4 HMGBTLR HMGB TLR HMGB1/TLR IL10 IL 10 IL-1 Methodology cultured Then medium assessed Moreover TAK242, TAK242 TAK 242 , (TAK-242) Results upregulated up regulated IL10, 10, P<0. P0 P 0 (P<0 05. 05 . 05) addition TAK-24 P<0.05. P005 P<0.05 (P<0.05) Conclusions HMGB1TLR IL1 1 IL- TAK24 24 (TAK-242 P<0 (P< TAK-2 P00 P<0.0 (P<0.05 TAK2 2 (TAK-24 P< (P TAK- (P<0.0 (TAK-2 (TAK- (TAK

ABSTRACT Through a long-term micro-area positioning experiment (2006-2017), the precise fertilization locations of spring maize (Zea mays L.) in Jilin, China, were investigated using an embedded cement bucket pot. The effects of different fertilization placements and additional application of organic manure on maize yield, biomass, grain nutrient uptake, and soil fertility were examined. Six treatments were designed: base fertilizer + topdressing shallow application (BF1TD1); base fertilizer deep + topdressing shallow application (BF2TD1); base fertilizer + topdressing deep application (BF1TD2); base fertilizer deep + topdressing deep application (BF2TD2); base fertilizer + topdressing + organic manure shallow application (BF1TD1 + OS); and base fertilizer + topdressing shallow application + organic manure deep application (BF1TD1 + OD). After 12 years of continuous experimentation, the findings revealed that BF2TD2, BF1TD1 + OS, and BF1TD1 + OD exhibited 10.59 %, 25.17 %, and 29.34 % higher average yields than BF1TD1, respectively. Deep topdressing was more beneficial in increasing maize yield and nutrient accumulation, and additionally, increasing the use of organic fertilizer enhanced plant biomass and nutrient uptake. Over the 12 years considered, the soil organic matter in the 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm layers increased by 45.96 % and 80.61 %, respectively, and the soil pH increased from 0.38 to 0.48. In general, the deep application of organic manure was more beneficial for soil retention as it can increase soil fertility in the 0-40 cm layer. Considering the high yield and nutrient absorption and utilization of maize, technical advancement for soil fertilizer in whole-field tillage layers was crucial. longterm long term microarea micro area 20062017, 20062017 2006 2017 , (2006-2017) Zea L. L Jilin China pot uptake examined designed BFTD BF TD (BF1TD1) BF2TD1 (BF2TD1) BF1TD2 (BF1TD2) BF2TD2 (BF2TD2) (BF1TD OS OS) OD. . OD) 1 experimentation BF1TD 1059 10 59 10.5 2517 25 17 25.1 2934 29 34 29.3 respectively accumulation additionally considered 020 0 20 0-2 2040 40 20-4 4596 45 96 45.9 8061 80 61 80.6 038 38 0.3 048 48 0.48 general 040 0-4 layer wholefield whole field crucial 2006201 200 201 (2006-2017 BF2TD (BF2TD1 (BF1TD2 (BF2TD2 105 5 10. 251 2 25. 293 3 29. 02 0- 204 4 20- 459 9 45. 806 8 6 80. 03 0. 04 0.4 200620 (2006-201 (BF2TD 20062 (2006-20 (2006-2 (2006- (2006 (200 (20 (2 (

ABSTRACT Objectives: The aims of the present study were to compare the long-term outcomes for ascending aortic dilatation and adverse aortic events after isolated aortic valve replacement between patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and tricuspid aortic valve ( TAV). Methods: This retrospective study included 310 patients who had undergone isolated aortic valve replacement with an ascending aorta diameter ≤ 45 mm between January 2010 and September 2021. The patients were divided into BAV group (n=90) and TAV group (n=220). The differences in the dilation rate of the ascending aorta and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Results: Overall survival was 89 ± 4% in the BAV group vs. 75 ± 6% in the TAV group at 10 years postoperatively (P=0.007), yet this difference disappeared after adjusting exclusively for age (P=0.343). The mean annual growth rate of the ascending aorta was similar between the two groups during follow-up (0.5 ± 0.6 mm/year vs. 0.4 ± 0.5 mm/year; P=0.498). Ten-year freedom from adverse aortic events was 98.1% in the BAV group vs. 95.0% in the TAV group (P=0.636). Multivariable analysis revealed preoperative ascending aorta diameter to be a significant predictor of adverse aortic events (hazard ratio: 1.76; 95% confidence interval: 1.33 to 2.38; P<0.001). Conclusion: Our study revealed that the long-term survival and the risks of adverse aortic events between BAV and TAV patients were similar after isolated aortic valve replacement. BAV was not a risk factor of adverse aortic events. Objectives longterm long term (BAV TAV. . TAV) Methods 31 4 201 2021 n=90 n90 n 90 (n=90 n=220. n220 n=220 220 (n=220) analyzed Results 8 vs 7 6 1 P=0.007, P0007 P P=0.007 , 0 007 (P=0.007) P=0.343. P0343 P=0.343 343 (P=0.343) followup follow up 05 5 (0. 06 0. mmyear year 04 P=0.498. P0498 P=0.498 498 P=0.498) Tenyear Ten 981 98 98.1 950 95 95.0 P=0.636. P0636 P=0.636 636 (P=0.636) hazard ratio 1.76 176 76 interval 133 33 1.3 2.38 238 2 38 P<0.001. P0001 P<0.001 001 P<0.001) Conclusion 3 20 202 n=9 n9 9 (n=9 n22 n=22 22 (n=220 P000 P=0.00 00 (P=0.007 P034 P=0.34 34 (P=0.343 (0 P049 P=0.49 49 98. 95. P063 P=0.63 63 (P=0.636 1.7 17 13 1. 2.3 23 P<0.00 n= (n= n2 n=2 (n=22 P00 P=0.0 (P=0.00 P03 P=0.3 (P=0.34 P04 P=0.4 P06 P=0.6 (P=0.63 2. P<0.0 (n (n=2 P0 P=0. (P=0.0 (P=0.3 (P=0.6 P<0. P=0 (P=0. P<0 P= (P=0 P< (P= (P

Abstract Objective Our aim in this study is to identify the core genes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and analyze the correlations between it and inflammation-related genes. Methods GSE72713 dataset containing gene expression data of ECRSwNP, nonECRSwNP and healthy samples was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and filtered by limma to identify DEGs among three groups, then the functions and correlated pathways of DEGs were analyzed using GO and KEGG. The core DEGs were selected by the intersection of DEGs and the PPI network was constructed via STRING. The correlations between the expression levels of CRSwNP core gene and inflammation-related genes were analyzed via the Mann-Whitney U test. Results The DEGs among ECRSwNP, nonECRSwNP, and CTRL were filtered respectively, and enrichment analysis showed they were associated with olfaction and/or immune responses. The PPI network was constructed by 7 core DEGs obtained via the intersection among three groups, and ALOX15 was confirmed as the core gene in the network. Subsequently, the correlations between the expression levels of ALOX15 and inflammation-related genes were illustrated. Conclusion In this study, the core gene ALOX15 was selected from the DEGs among ECRSwNP, nonECRSwNP, and CTRL. IL5, IL1RL1, and IL1RAP were found to exhibit a significant positive correlation with ALOX15. Level of Evidence Level 3. inflammationrelated inflammation related GSE GSE7271 ECRSwNP GEO (GEO groups KEGG STRING MannWhitney Mann Whitney test respectively andor or responses ALOX ALOX1 Subsequently illustrated IL5 IL IL1RL1 ILRL RL ILRAP RAP 3 GSE727 IL1RL GSE72 GSE7

Abstract Background Myocardial fibrosis (MF) occurs throughout the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease, and early diagnosis of MF is beneficial for improving cardiac function, but there is a lack of research on early biomarkers of MF. Objectives Utilizing bioinformatics techniques, we identified potential biomarkers for MF. Methods Datasets related to MF were sourced from the GEO database. After processing the data, differentially expressed genes were screened. Differentially expressed genes were enriched, and subsequently, protein-protein interaction (PPI) was performed to analyze the differential genes. The associated miRNAs and transcription factors were predicted for these core genes. Finally, ROC validation was performed on the core genes to determine their specificity and sensitivity as potential biomarkers. The level of significance adopted was 5% (p < 0.05). Results A total of 91 differentially expressed genes were identified, and PPI analysis yielded 31 central genes. Enrichment analysis showed that apoptosis, collagen, extracellular matrix, cell adhesion, and inflammation were involved in MF. One hundred and forty-two potential miRNAs were identified. the transcription factors JUN, NF-κB1, SP1, RELA, serum response factor (SRF), and STAT3 were enriched in most of the core targets. Ultimately, IL11, GADD45B, GDF5, NOX4, IGFBP3, ACTC1, MYOZ2, and ITGB8 had higher diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity in predicting MF based on ROC curve analysis. Conclusion Eight genes, IL11, GADD45B, GDF5, NOX4, IGFBP3, ACTC1, MYOZ2, and ITGB8, can serve as candidate biomarkers for MF. Processes such as cellular apoptosis, collagen protein synthesis, extracellular matrix formation, cellular adhesion, and inflammation are implicated in the development of MF. (MF disease function techniques database data screened subsequently proteinprotein (PPI Finally 5 p 0.05. 005 0.05 . 0 05 0.05) 9 3 apoptosis adhesion fortytwo forty two JUN NFκB1, NFκB1 NFκB NF κB1, κB1 κB NF-κB1 SP1 SP RELA SRF, SRF , (SRF) STAT targets Ultimately IL11 IL GADD45B GADDB GADD B GDF5 GDF NOX4 NOX IGFBP3 IGFBP ACTC1 ACTC MYOZ2 MYOZ ITGB synthesis formation 00 0.0 NF-κB (SRF IL1 0.

Resumo Fundamento A fibrose miocárdica (FM) ocorre durante o início e a progressão da doença cardiovascular, e o diagnóstico precoce da FM é benéfico para melhorar a função cardíaca, mas há uma falta de pesquisa sobre biomarcadores precoces da FM. Objetivos Utilizando técnicas de bioinformática, identificamos potenciais biomarcadores para FM. Métodos Os conjuntos de dados relacionados à FM foram obtidos do banco de dados Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Após o processamento dos dados, genes diferencialmente expressos foram rastreados. Genes diferencialmente expressos foram enriquecidos e, subsequentemente, interação proteína-proteína (PPI) foi realizado para analisar os genes diferenciais. Os miRNAs associados e fatores de transcrição foram previstos para esses genes centrais. Finalmente, a validação ROC foi realizada nos genes centrais para determinar sua especificidade e sensibilidade como potenciais biomarcadores. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5% (p < 0,05). Resultados Um total de 91 genes diferencialmente expressos foram identificados, e a análise PPI produziu 31 genes centrais. A análise de enriquecimento mostrou que apoptose, colágeno, matriz extracelular, adesão celular e inflamação estavam envolvidos na FM. Cento e quarenta e dois miRNAs potenciais foram identificados. Os fatores de transcrição JUN, NF-κB1, SP1, RELA, SRF e STAT3 foram enriquecidos na maioria dos alvos principais. Por fim, IL11, GADD45B, GDF5, NOX4, IGFBP3, ACTC1, MYOZ2 e ITGB8 tiveram maior precisão diagnóstica e sensibilidade na predição de FM com base na análise da curva ROC. Conclusão Oito genes, IL11, GADD45B, GDF5, NOX4, IGFBP3, ACTC1, MYOZ2 e ITGB8, podem servir como biomarcadores candidatos para FM. Processos como apoptose celular, síntese de proteína de colágeno, formação de matriz extracelular, adesão celular e inflamação estão implicados no desenvolvimento da FM. (FM cardiovascular cardíaca bioinformática GEO. GEO . (GEO) rastreados subsequentemente proteínaproteína (PPI diferenciais Finalmente 5 p 0,05. 005 0,05 0 05 0,05) 9 identificados 3 colágeno extracelular JUN NFκB1, NFκB1 NFκB NF κB1, κB1 κB NF-κB1 SP1 SP RELA STAT principais fim IL11 IL GADD45B GADDB GADD B GDF5 GDF NOX4 NOX IGFBP3 IGFBP ACTC1 ACTC MYOZ ITGB (GEO 00 0,0 NF-κB IL1 0,

Abstract To investigate the effect of DNMT3A in vascular calcification (VC) induced by high phosphorus. The arterial tissues of 12 patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and VC and 12 patients with ESRD without VC were collected. Rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were divided into control group, high phosphorus (P) group, P + DMSO group, p-ERK1/2 inhibitor group, DNMT3A group and DNMT3A + P group and P + shRNA-DNMT3A group. Vascular calcification was evaluated by von kossa staining. Cell calcification was evaluated by alizarin red staining. The calcium content was assessed by calcium determination kit. The levels of DNMT3A, Runx2, LC3 and p-ERK1/2 were significantly up-regulated in CKD patients with VC in comparison with those in CKD patients without VC(p<0.05). Moreover, the levels of SM22α and P62 were notably decreased in CKD patients with VC in comparison with those in CKD patients without VC(p<0.05). Similar changes were observed in VSMCs induced by high phosphorus. Knock down of DNMT3A in VSMCs inhibited phenotypic transformation and induced autophagy, then reduced calcification(p<0.05). Moreover, p-ERK1/2 level was downregulated by knock down of DNMT3A in comparison with the control group(p<0.05). In conclusion, DNMT3A regulated high phosphorus induced vascular medial calcification via ERK1/2 signaling.

Abstract Scutellarin, a flavonoid compound found in Scutellaria barbata, has been demonstrated to exert anti-cancer properity in a variety of human malignancies. However, its biological significance and underlying mechanism in glioblastoma (GBM) remain ambiguous. Network pharmacology approaches and molecular docking technologies were used to predict the crucial biological processes, candidate targets and signaling pathways of scutellarin against GBM. CCK-8, EdU, and colony formation experiments were performed to determine the effects of scutellarin on cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was utilized to detect apoptosis. Western blot assays were used to measure the expression of proteins associated with EGFR-PI3K-AKT signaling. Through network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis, we found that EGFR might be a potential target and PI3K-AKT signaling might be the key signaling pathway for scutellarin to combat GBM. Scutellarin inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Scutellarin also suppressed the phosphorylation level of EGFR in a dose-dependent manner. Scutellarin inactivated PI3K-AKT signaling by targeting EGFR. Moreover, scutellarin-mediated suppression of cell proliferation and increase of apoptosis was greatly reversed in GBM after overexpressing EGFR. Taken together, scutellarin is a novel inhibitor of EGFR-PI3K-AKT signaling to prevent GBM progression.

Abstract Character strengths could effectively prevent negative psychological outcomes in adults. However, there was little research conducted among early adolescents. The present study aimed to explore character strengths that were independently related to fewer behavior problems in early adolescents. In total, 521 early adolescents (mean age 10.92 ± 0.04, range 10–12 years) were recruited from primary schools in Sichuan, China. Character strengths were measured using the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth (VIA-Youth). Behavior problems were measured using the Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ). The results showed that behavior problems were negatively correlated with character strengths ( r = −0.14 to −0.3, p < 0.05 Bonferroni corrected). Character strengths explained a significant proportion of additional variance (14–22%) in five types of behavior problems after controlling the effect of demographic factors (residence, left-behind experiences, maternal education level). Moreover, several specific character strengths showed an independent contribution ( β = −0.34 to −0.14 for self-regulation, perseverance, zest, humility, and leadership; β = 0.21 to 0.34, for hope; all p < 0.05) to behavior problems. Our study revealed that character strengths were protective factors against behavior problems in early adolescents.

Stereotactic biopsies for lesions in the brainstem and deep brain are rare. This study aimed to summarize our 6-year experience in the accurate diagnosis of lesions in the brain stem and deep brain and to discuss the technical note and strategies. From December 2011 to January 2018, 72 cases of intracranial lesions in the brainstem or deep in the lobes undergoing stereotactic biopsy were retrospectively reviewed. An individualized puncture path was designed based on the lesion's location and the image characteristics. The most common biopsy targets were deep in the lobes (43 cases, 59.7%), including frontal lobe (33 cases, 45.8%), temporal lobe (4 cases, 5.6%), parietal lobe (3 cases, 4.2%), and occipital lobe (3 cases, 4.2 %). There were 12 cases (16.7%) of the brainstem, including 8 cases (11.1%) of midbrain, and 4 cases (5.6%) of pons or brachium pontis. Other targets included internal capsule (2 cases, 2.8%), thalamus (3 cases, 4.2%), and basal ganglion (12 cases, 16.7%). As for complications, one patient developed acute intracerebral hemorrhage in the biopsy area at 2 h post-operation, and one patient had delayed intracerebral hemorrhage at 7 days post-operation. The remaining patients recovered well after surgery. There was no surgery-related death. The CT-MRI-guided stereotactic biopsy of lesions in the brainstem or deep in the brain has the advantages of high safety, accurate diagnosis, and low incidence of complications. It plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of atypical, microscopic, diffuse, multiple, and refractory lesions.

Abstract Ti/Al/Mg/Al/Ti laminated composites were fabricated via hot-pressing at 350 °C, 400 °C and 450 °C successfully. The influences of interface morphology, diffusion zone, constraint effect on the mechanical properties were investigated. At Ti/Al interface, intermetallic compounds aren’t found. Whereas, they form at Al/Mg interface. With the increasing temperature, the bonding strength of Al/Mg interface doesn’t change linearly, and the maximum strength is obtained at 400 °C because of intermetallic compounds with appropriate thickness. With the increase of temperature, the hardness at both Ti/Al and Al/Mg interfaces increases owing to the solid solution and the intermetallic phases. Also, the ultimate tensile strength of LMCs increases with sacrificing the fracture elongation. The rule of mixture is used to predict the theoretical strength. It is found that the theoretical values are less than the measured, and the reasons may relate to interfaces in Ti/Al/Mg/Al/Ti laminated composites.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the concise effects of a traditional herb pair, Curcumae rhizoma-Sparganii rhizoma (CRSR), on uterine leiomyoma (UL) by analyzing transcriptional profiling. The UL rat model was made by intramuscular injection of progesterone and gavage administration of diethylstilbestrol. From 11 weeks of the establishment of the model, rats of the UL+CRSR group were gavaged daily with CRSR (6.67 g/kg). The serum concentrations of progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2) were determined by radioimmunoassay, the uterine index was measured by caliper measurement, and the pathological status was observed by hematoxylin and eosin stain. Gene expression profiling was checked by NimbleGen Rat Gene Expression Microarrays. The results indicated that the uterine mass of UL+CRSR rats was significantly shrunk and serum P and E2 levels significantly reduced compared to UL animals and nearly to the level of normal rats. Results of microarrays displayed the extensive inhibition of CRSR upon the expression of proliferation and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes, and significantly regulated a wide range of metabolism disorders. Furthermore, CRSR extensively regulated key pathways of the UL process, such as MAPK, PPAR, Notch, and TGF-β/Smad. Regulation of the crucial pathways for the UL process and ECM metabolism may be the underlying mechanisms of CRSR treatment. Further studies will provide clear clues for effectively treating UL with CRSR.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of acute pancreatitis (AP) and explore potential relationships between these factors and severity. METHODOLOGY Data-sets of 5,659 patients with AP from health statistics and the Information Center of Jiangsu province, between 2014 and 2016, were analyzed. A self-organizing map (SOM) neural network was used for data clustering. RESULTS Biliary acute pancreatitis (BAP) (86.7%) was the most frequent etiological factor. A total of 804 (14.2%) patients had severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The mean age of patients was 53.7 + 17.3 (range 12~94y). Most of the AP patients were married (75.4%); 6% of mild /moderately severe AP (MAP/MASP) patients were unmarried, which was less than SAP patients (P=0.016). AP patients with blood type AB in the general population (8.8%) was significantly lower than that of AP cases (13.9%) (P=0.019) and SAP cases(18.7%) (P=0.007). The number of AP patients in southern Jiangsu was much higher than that in northern Jiangsu province, especially in Nanjing (1229, 21.7%). The proportion of acute alcoholic pancreatitis (AAP) in the north of Jiangsu (Xuzhou 18.4%) was much higher than that in southern Jiangsu (Suzhou 2.6%). The whole sample was divided into five classes by SOM neural network. If BAP patients were male, old, divorced, and blood type AB or B, they were more likely to develop SAP. Middle-age, unmarried or divorced male patients with blood type B/AB who suffered from HAP or AAP were also more likely to develop SAP. CONCLUSIONS The number of unmarried patients with MAP/MASP was smaller than that of SAP. Blood types AB and B were more frequent in AP, especially in SAP. The differences between southern Jiangsu and northern Jiangsu, in number of AP patients and the proportion of AAP, were significant. In class I and class IV, the ratio of SAP was much higher than in other classes and the whole sample.

Abstract Klebsiella pneumoniae is important human and animal pathogen that causes a wide spectrum of infections. In this study, isolates from cattle nasal swabs samples were identified by 16S rRNA, and to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence gene carrying levels, and multilocus sequence typing of K. pneumoniae isolates. 33 isolates of K. pneumoniae were isolated and identified in 213 nasal swabs samples, of which 12 were hypervirulent K. pneumoniae strains. Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases genes were found in 93.4% of the strains. Of which, TEM was the most prevalent (93.4%), followed by CTX-M and SHV were 57.6% and 39.4%, respectively. A main mutation pattern of quinoloneresistance-determining region, Thr83-Ieu and Asp87-Asn in gyrA and Ser87-Ile in parC, was detected in 33 K. pneumoniae isolates. All the isolates harbored at least two virulence factor genes, with ureA (97.0%) and wabG (91.0%) exhibiting high carriage rates in 33 K. pneumoniae isolates. MLST revealed 7 sequence types, of which 3 STs (2541, 2581 and 2844) were newly assigned. Using eBURST, ST2844 and ST2541 were assigned to new clonal complex 2844. Our study provides evidence and biological characteristics of K. pneumoniae isolates from cattle upper respiratory tract in Southwest China.

Abstract Negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) material attracts a lot of attentions for its unique mechanical properties. However, achieving NPR is at the expense of reducing Young’s modulus. It has been observed that the composite stiffness can be enhanced when blending positive Poisson’s ratio (PPR) material into NPR material. Based on the respective interpolation of Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio, two concurrent topology optimization problems with different types of constraints, called Problem A and B, are respectively discussed to explore the Poisson’s ratio effect in porous microstructure. In Problem A, the volume constraints are respectively imposed on macro and micro structures; in Problem B, besides setting an upper bound on the total available base materials, the micro thermal insulation capability is considered as well. Besides considering the influence of micro thermal insulation capability on the optimized results in Problem B, the similar and dissimilar influences of Poisson’s ratios, volume fractions in Problem A and B are also investigated through several 2D and 3D numerical examples. It is observed that the concurrent structural stiffness resulting from the mixture of PPR and NPR base materials can exceed the concurrent structural stiffness composed of any individual base material.

Abstract The aerobic degradation of aromatic compounds by bacteria is performed by dioxygenases. To show some characteristic patterns of the dioxygenase genotype and its degradation specificities, twenty-nine gram-negative bacterial cultures were obtained from sediment contaminated with phenolic compounds in Wuhan, China. The isolates were phylogenetically diverse and belonged to 10 genera. All 29 gram-negative bacteria were able to utilize phenol, m-dihydroxybenzene and 2-hydroxybenzoic acid as the sole carbon sources, and members of the three primary genera Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and Alcaligenes were able to grow in the presence of multiple monoaromatic compounds. PCR and DNA sequence analysis were used to detect dioxygenase genes coding for catechol 1,2-dioxygenase, catechol 2,3-dioxygenase and protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase. The results showed that there are 4 genotypes; most strains are either PNP (catechol 1,2-dioxygenase gene is positive, catechol 2,3-dioxygenase gene is negative, protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase gene is positive) or PNN (catechol 1,2-dioxygenase gene is positive, catechol 2,3-dioxygenase gene is negative, protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase gene is negative). The strains with two dioxygenase genes can usually grow on many more aromatic compounds than strains with one dioxygenase gene. Degradation experiments using a mixed culture representing four bacterial genotypes resulted in the rapid degradation of phenol. Determinations of substrate utilization and phenol degradation revealed their affiliations through dioxygenase genotype data.