BackgroundBrucellosis is an endemic disease in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China and Ulanqab exhibits the highest prevalence of brucellosis in this region. Due to the complex nature of Brucellosis, a cure for this disease has proven to be elusive. Furthermore, the reduced susceptibility of Brucella spp. to antimicrobial agents has been reported as a potential cause of therapeutic failure. However, detailed in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility patterns pertaining to Brucella isolates from this region have not yet been published. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profile of Brucella melitensis clinical isolates from Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia, China.MethodsA total of 85 B. melitesis isolates were obtained from humans in Ulanqab of Inner Mongolia, China; the antimicrobial susceptibility of 85 clinical isolates to nine antibiotics was assessed using the E-test method according to the CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) guidelines.ResultsAll of the tested isolates were susceptible to minocycline, sparfloxacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and levofloxacin. Resistance to rifampin and cotrimoxazole was observed in 1.0% (1/85) and 7.0% (6/85) of the isolates, respectively. However, rpoB gene mutations were not observed in single isolates exhibiting resistance to rifampin.ConclusionsWe observed that B. melitensis isolates are susceptible to the majority of the tested antibiotics. Furthermore, minocycline and sparfloxacin exhibited extremely high bactericidal effects in relation to the B. melitensis isolates. The sensitivity of commonly used drugs for the treatment of brucellosis should be regularly monitored. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of rifampin and cotrimoxazole resistant isolates of B. melitensis in China. In summary, based on the findings from this study, we suggest that antibiotic administration and use should be rationalized to prevent future drug resistance.

BACKGROUND This work prepared doped PbO2 electrodes with rare earth oxides, including SnO2–Sb2O5/Ce–PbO2 and SnO2–Sb2O5/Nd–PbO2. We investigated the effect of rare earth oxide dopants on the properties of the PbO2 electrodes, and the application of the electrodes to the synthesis of aromatic aldehydes. RESULTS Scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the surface morphology, crystal structure, elemental content and states of the modified electrodes. The electrodes doped with Ce and Nd have a finer surface, resulting in a larger contact area and increased catalytic oxidation capacity. Cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry were also utilized to study the electrochemical response of the modified electrodes. The current efficiency of the prepared redox mediator reached 93.2% through SnO2–Sb2O5/Nd–PbO2 electrode, which was higher than that of other electrodes. Furthermore, the electrode efficiency was basically stable after 10 cycles, which still could reach 88.7%. CONCLUSION It was found that Nd‐doped electrode could enhance indirect anodic oxidation through comparing the effect of SnO2–Sb2O5/PbO2, SnO2–Sb2O5/Ce–PbO2 and SnO2–Sb2O5/Nd–PbO2 electrodes in the application of the synthesis of aromatic aldehydes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).