Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Questionnaire of Executive Functioning among elementary school students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Questionnaire of Executive Functioning (QEF) among elementary school students aged 7-12 years.@*Methods@#A total of 841 elementary school students from four primary schools in the Pearl River Delta (Guangzhou), eastern Guangdong area (Jieyang), northern Guangdong area (Shaoguan), and western Guangdong area (Maoming) were selected for item analysis by using a stratified whole group sampling method in September 2022. A total of 377 elementary school students from the four elementary schools were selected for testing the structural validity and reliability, and 87 subjects from an elementary school in Guangzhou were selected at 15-day intervals for assessing test retest reliability test.@*Results@#The questionnaire had good discrimination, and the correlation between the items and the total score ranged from 0.22 to 0.46 ( P <0.01). Exploratory factor analysis showed a cumulative variance contribution rate of 56.68%, with item loadings ranging from 0.41 to 0.74. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit ( χ 2/ df =3.048, CFI=0.988, TLI= 0.980 , RMSEA=0.058, SRMR =0.009). The overall Cronbach s α , split half reliability and test retest reliability of the questionnaire were 0.72 , 0.76, 0.79, respectively.@*Conclusion@#The Chinese version of the Questionnaire of Executive Functioning has good reliability and validity, and it is suitable for application to the self assessment of executive function among elementary school students.

Mechanism of n-butanol alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction in treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis based on negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome via PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of n-butanol alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) in mice based on the negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome via PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis. In the experiment, female C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into the following six groups: a blank control group, a VVC model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose BAEB groups(80, 40, and 20 mg·kg~(-1)), and a fluconazole group(20 mg·kg~(-1)). The VVC model was induced in mice except for those in the blank control group by the estrogen dependence method. After modeling, no treatment was carried out in the blank control group. The mice in the high-, medium-, and low-dose BAEB groups were treated with BAEB at 80, 40, and 20 mg·kg~(-1), respectively, and those in the fluconazole group were treated with fluconazole at 20 mg·kg~(-1). The mice in the VVC model group received the same volume of normal saline. The general state and body weight of mice in each group were observed every day, and the morphological changes of Candida albicans in the vaginal lavage of mice were examined by Gram staining. The fungal load in the vaginal lavage of mice was detected by microdilution assay. After the mice were killed, the degree of neutrophil infiltration in the vaginal lavage was detected by Papanicolaou staining. The content of inflammatory cytokines interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18, and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in the vaginal lavage was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and vaginal histopathology was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The expression and distribution of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry(IHC), and the expression and distribution of pNLRC4 and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues were detected by immunofluorescence(IF). The protein expression of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra was detected by Western blot(WB), and the mRNA expression of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra was detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed redness, edema, and white secretions in the vagina. Compared with the VVC model group, the BAEB groups showed improved general state of VVC mice. As revealed by Gram staining, Papanicolaou staining, microdilution assay, and HE staining, compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed a large number of hyphae, neutrophils infiltration, and increased fungal load in the vaginal lavage, destroyed vaginal mucosa, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. BAEB could reduce the transformation of C. albicans from yeast to hyphae. High-dose BAEB could significantly reduce neutrophil infiltration and fungal load. Low-and medium-dose BAEB could reduce the da-mage to the vaginal tissue, while high-dose BAEB could restore the damaged vaginal tissues to normal levels. ELISA results showed that the content of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18, and LDH in the VVC model group significantly increased compared with that in the blank control group, and the content of IL-1β, IL-18 and LDH in the medium-and high-dose BAEB groups was significantly reduced compared with that in the VVC model group. WB and qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed reduced protein and mRNA expression of PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues of mice and increased protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3. Compared with the VVC model group, the medium-and high-dose BAEB groups showed up-regulated protein and mRNA expression of PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues and inhibited protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3 in vaginal tissues. This study indicated that the therapeutic effect of BAEB on VVC mice was presumably related to the negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by promoting PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis.

Clinical analysis of inflatable video-assisted mediastinoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy combined with laparoscopy / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To examine the safety and effectiveness of inflatable video-assisted mediastinoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (IVMTE). Methods: Totally 269 patients admitted to the Anhui Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University who underwent IVMTE (IVMTE group, n=47) or thoracoscopy combined with minimally invasive Mckeown esophageal cancer resection (MIME group, n=222) from September 2017 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 31 males and 16 females in IVMTE group, aged (68.6±7.5) years (range: 54 to 87 years). There were 159 males and 63 females in MIME group, aged (66.8±8.8) years (range: 42 to 93 years). A 1∶1 match was performed on both groups by propensity score matching, with 38 cases in each group. The intraoperative conditions and postoperative complication rates of the two groups were compared by t test, Wilcoxon rank, χ2 test, or Fisher exact probability method. Results: Patients in IVMTE group had less intraoperative bleeding ((96.0±39.2) ml vs. (123.8±49.3) ml, t=-2.627, P=0.011), shorter operation time ((239.1±47.3) minutes vs. (264.2±57.2) minutes, t=-2.086, P=0.040), and less drainage 3 days after surgery (85(89) ml vs. 675(573) ml, Z=-7.575, P<0.01) compared with that of MIME group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of drainage tube-belt time, postoperative hospital stay, and lymph node dissection stations and numbers (all P>0.05). The incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade 1 to 2 pulmonary infection (7.9%(3/38) vs. 31.6%(12/38), χ²=6.728, P=0.009), total complications (21.1%(8/38) vs. 47.4%(18/38), χ²=5.846, P=0.016) and total lung complications (13.2%(5/38) vs. 42.1%(16/38), χ²=7.962, P=0.005) in the IVMTE group were significantly lower. Conclusion: Inflatable video-assisted mediastinoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy combined with laparoscopic esophagectomy is safe and feasible, which can reach the same range of oncology as thoracoscopic surgery.

The postoperative cognitive dysfunction induced by central inflammation with possible involvement of the gut-brain axis

Abstract Background: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is widely recognized as severe postoperative central nervous dysfunction and has a significant impact on the 'patient's physical and mental health. Methods: Postoperative models of tibial fracture in aged rats were established, including the control group, model group, CCL11 protein injection group, and saline injection group. Morris water maze test was used to detect the behavioral characteristics of rats. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay was used or determine the content of CCL11 and CXCL10. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the distribution of CD14+CD163+macro-phages in colon tissues and CD11b+CCR3+microglia cells in hippocampal tissues. Western blot analyzed NOX1 and STAT3 expression in hippocampus tissues. Results: Water maze test results confirmed severe cognitive impairment in CCL11 rats. The content of CCL11 and CXCL10 in the CCL11 group was much higher than that of the model group. The distribution of macrophage and microglia cells in the CCL11 model group was greater than that in the model group and the saline group. The expression of NOX1 and STAT3 in the CCL11 group was higher compared with the model group. Conclusion: Abnormal macrophage function and excessive CCL11 secretion were observed in the rats with lower limb fractures after surgery. Postoperative central inflammation in rats with lower limb fracture induced postoperative cognitive dysfunction through the gut-brain axis molecular mechanism.

Impact of the examined number of lymph nodes at N1 station on the prognosis of patients with pT1-3N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the examined number of lymph nodes at the N1 station and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with pT1-3N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A total of 337 patients with pT1-3N0M0 NSCLC who underwent radical lung cancer surgery at the Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from January 2013 to March 2015 were selected. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off value for predicting 5-year survival in pT1-3N0M0 NSCLC patients by the examined number of lymph nodes at the N1 station. The relationships between the examined number of lymph nodes at the N1 station and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with pT1-3N0M0 NSCLC were analyzed according to the optimal cut-off group. Results: A total of 1 321 lymph nodes at N1 station were examined in 337 patients, with a mean of 3.9 nodes per patient. The median survival time was 42.0 months, with 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 82.2%, 57.1% and 24.9%, respectively. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value of 4.5 lymph nodes examined at the N1 station was used to predict 5-year survival in patients with pT1-3N0M0 NSCLC. After rounding off the number, the number of lymph nodes examined at the N1 station was 5 as the cut-off value, and the patients were divided into the group with <5 lymph nodes examined (212 cases) and the group with ≥5 lymph nodes examined (125 cases). The proportion of patients received adjuvant chemotherapy was 19.2% in the group with ≥5 lymph nodes examined, which was higher than 9.0% in the group with <5 lymph nodes examined (P=0.007), and the differences in other clinicopathological characteristics between the two groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The median survival time for patients in the group with <5 lymph nodes examined was 38.0 months, with 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 80.1%, 52.5% and 15.6%, respectively. The median survival time for patients in the group with ≥5 lymph nodes examined was 48.0 months, and the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 85.6%, 64.0% and 36.0%, respectively. The survival rate of patients in the group with ≥5 lymph nodes examined was better than that in the group with <5 lymph nodes examined (P=0.002). Multifactorial Cox regression analysis showed that T stage (OR=1.408, 95% CI: 1.118-1.670) and the examined number of lymph nodes at N1 station (OR=0.670, 95% CI: 0.526-0.853) were independent influence factors for the prognosis of pT1-3N0M0 NSCLC patients. Conclusion: The examined number of lymph nodes at the N1 station is associated with the prognosis of patients with pT1-3N0M0 NSCLC, and the examination of at least 5 lymph nodes at N1 station at the time of postoperative pathological examination improves the 5-year survival rate of patients.

Preparation and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of oral curcumin nanocrystalline capsules / 中国药科大学学报

@#The poorly water-soluble drug curcumin was prepared into oral nanocrystalline solid preparation by nanocrystal technology to improve the solubility, dissolution rate, and bioavailability. Curcumin nanocrystals were prepared by media grinding technology, and two types of stable curcumin nanocrystal suspension formulations were developed. The stabilizers in the two formulations were polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30)/sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS)(1∶1) and Tween 80, respectively. The prepared curcumin nanocrystal suspension was loaded onto microcrystalline cellulose pellets through fluidized bed coating technology, and the nanocrystalline capsules were obtained after filling. The results of nanocrystal redispersion stability and scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the morphology of drug-loaded pellets was uniform when PVP K30 and SDS were used as stabilizers, and the diameter of nanocrystals before and after redispersion was about 200 nm, which was determined as the optimal formulation. In vitro dissolution study showed that curcumin nanocrystals at the size of 200 nm exhibited significantly promoted dissolution. The results of X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the curcumin crystalline partly turned amorphous during the preparation of nanocrystals.Pharmacokinetic studies in rats showed that the bioavailability of curcumin nanocrystals was 9.3 times higher than that of the bulk drug. The curcumin nanocrystalline capsules developed in this research can significantly improve the dissolution rate and bioavailability, which is of great significance in improving the poor solubility of drugs, and is expected to become a new dosage form for clinical treatment.

Screening of cellulose degradation bacteria from Min pigs and optimization of its cellulase production

BACKGROUND: Cellulose as a potential feed resource hinders its utilization because of its complex structure, and cellulase is the key to its biological effective utilization. Animal endogenous probiotics are more susceptible to colonization in the intestinal tract, and their digestive enzymes are more conducive to the digestion and absorption of feed in young animals. Min pigs are potential sources of cellulase probiotics because of the high proportion of dietary fiber in their feed. In this study, the cellulolytic bacteria in the feces of Min pigs were isolated and screened. The characteristics of enzymes and cellulase production were studied, which provided a theoretical basis for the rational utilization of cellulase and high-fiber food in animal production. RESULTS: In our study, 10 strains of cellulase producing strains were isolated from Min pig manure, among which the M2 strain had the best enzyme producing ability and was identified as Bacillus velezensis. The optimum production conditions of cellulase from strain M2 were: 2% inoculum, the temperature of 35°C, the pH of 5.0, and the liquid loading volume of 50 mL. The optimum temperature, pH and time for the reaction of cellulase produced by strain M2 were 55°C, 4.5 and 5 min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Min pigs can be used as a source of cellulase producing strains. The M2 strain isolated from feces was identified as Bacillus velezensis. The cellulase from M2 strain had a good activity and the potential to be used as feed additive for piglets.

Role and Mechanism of Ski in Glial Scar Formation post Spinal Cord Injury (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Ski is an evolutionary conserved protein, which is involved in diverse cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, transformation and tumor progression. In spinal cord injury, the activation of astrocytes and reactive astrocyte hyperplasia are important factors affecting the formation of glial scar after spinal cord injury. Ski is highly expressed after spinal cord injury, and acts on astrocytes through transforming growth factor-beta, mitogen-activated protein kinase and other signaling pathways, and regulates their activation, proliferation, migration and glial scar formation, providing a new therapeutic direction for the treatment of spinal cord injury.

Advance of Botulinum Toxin A in Neurological Disorders (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

The studies of Botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) are progressing in many fields. BoNT/A has been used in neurological disorders, such as pains, spasticity, dystonias and autonomic disorders, etc. The pharmacological interaction among BoNT/A, neuronal transport and protein has been explored, and promoted basic science studies.

Development of Quality of Life of College Students Questionnaire and its reliability and validity / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To develop a brief version of Quality of Life of College Students Questionnaire(QOLCS-51) to measure the quality of college students conveniently in time.@*Methods@#Qualitative research and two investigations were applied to shorten and verify the brief questionnaire, and SPSS 22.0 and Lisrel 9.20 were used to analyze the reliability and validity of 2 questionnaires.@*Results@#Quality of Life of College Students Questionnaire-bref was developed by deleting 22 items through qualitative research and 6 items by the first investigation. 952 college students from Jiangsu, Anhui and Shanxi Province were selected to participate in the second investigation, which consisted of five domains and 23 items (QOLCS-23). All 23 items were accepted by analysis of difficulty(0.44-0.68), and all have passed the test of critical ratio(P<0.01), the general related index was 0.33-0.60(P<0.01). 78.3% items distinguished the students with/without dyssomnia. Reliability was tested by test-retest reliability coefficient(0.71-0.86), homogeneity reliability coefficient (Cronbach α=0.845) and exploratory factor analysis (6 factors, i.e. physics domain, three subdomains of psychology domain, behavior domain, social domain and environment domain). Validity was tested by correlations of five domains between QOLCS-51 and QOLCS23(greater than 0.8) and confirmatory factor analysis(χ2/df=12.17, RMSEA=0.05, SRMR=0.07, GFI=0.84, AGFI=0.83, CFI=0.92, IFI=0.92, NFI=0.85, NNFI=0.91).@*Conclusion@#QOLCS51 consists of 23 items of QOLCS23, after deleting 28 items, to assess 5 dimensions of physiology, psychology, behavior, environment and social support with good construction validity and criterion-related validity, and good homogeneity reliability and re-test reliability.

Three-dimensional mapping of intertrochanteric fracture lines / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Available research about the anatomic patterns of intertrochanteric fractures is lacking, and fracture mapping has not previously been performed on intertrochanteric fractures. This study aimed to determine the major trajectories of intertrochanteric fracture lines using computed tomography data from a series of surgically treated patients.@*Methods@#In this study, 504 patients with intertrochanteric fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Fracture patterns were graded according to Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification. Fracture lines were transcribed onto proximal femoral templates and graphically superimposed to create a compilation of fracture maps that were subsequently divided into anterior, posterior, lateral, and medial fracture maps to create a three-dimensional (3D) pattern by reducing fragments in the 3D models. The fracture maps were then converted into frequency spectra. The major fracture patterns were assessed by focusing on the lateral femoral wall, lesser trochanter, intertrochanteric crest, and inner cortical buttress.@*Results@#Anterior, posterior, lateral, and medial fracture maps were created. The majority of fracture lines (85.9%, 433/504) on the anterior maps were along the intertrochanteric line where the iliofemoral ligament was attached. In the medial plane, the majority of fracture lines (49.0%, 247/504) shown on the frequency spectrum included the turning point involving the third quadrant. In the posterior plane, the majority of fracture lines (52.0%, 262/504) involved the intertrochanteric crest from the greater to the lesser trochanter. In the lateral plane, the majority of fracture lines (62.7%, 316/504) involved the greater trochanter at the gluteus medius attachment.@*Conclusions@#The fracture patterns observed in the present study might be used to describe morphologic characteristics and aid with management strategies. Further classifications or modifications that incorporate the fracture patterns identified in this study may be used in future research.

Efficacy of restrictive bare stent in the treatment of acute Standford type A aortic dissection / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To observe the efficacy of restrictive bare stent released on the distal end of the trunk of Standford type A aortic dissection. Methods     The clinical data of 22 patients with Standford type A aortic dissection requiring aortic arch replacement and trunk surgery and selected for restrictive bare stent placement from November 2016 to February 2018 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, there were 19 males and 3 females, aged 34-68 (49.72±8.05) years. The bare stent was released in the descending thoracic aorta, and the stented elephant trunk was placed in the bare stent. The aortic computerized tomography angiography was reviewed before discharge and the stent position and complications were observed. Results    One patient failed to be implanted with bare stents due to a greater resistance and prolapse during implantation. Bare stents were successfully implanted in the remaining 21 patients. One patient died of large-area cerebral infarction after surgery and one patient suffered paraplegia. Twenty patients who survived and successfully implanted bare stents were followed up at regular intervals for 4-21 (13.00±6.14) months. No stroke or death occurred during the follow-up. The computerized tomography angiography showed good stent morphology and position, and no displacement or type Ⅲ endoleak. No stent graft-induced new entry was found. Conclusion    As an adjunct to stented elephant trunk, the use of restrictive bare stents can reduce the possibility of recurrence of a distal stent fracture, significantly expand the narrowest segment and true lumen caliber near the endoluminal graft. Aortic remodeling works well.

Three-dimensional mapping of intertrochanteric fracture lines / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Available research about the anatomic patterns of intertrochanteric fractures is lacking, and fracture mapping has not previously been performed on intertrochanteric fractures. This study aimed to determine the major trajectories of intertrochanteric fracture lines using computed tomography data from a series of surgically treated patients.@*METHODS@#In this study, 504 patients with intertrochanteric fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Fracture patterns were graded according to Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification. Fracture lines were transcribed onto proximal femoral templates and graphically superimposed to create a compilation of fracture maps that were subsequently divided into anterior, posterior, lateral, and medial fracture maps to create a three-dimensional (3D) pattern by reducing fragments in the 3D models. The fracture maps were then converted into frequency spectra. The major fracture patterns were assessed by focusing on the lateral femoral wall, lesser trochanter, intertrochanteric crest, and inner cortical buttress.@*RESULTS@#Anterior, posterior, lateral, and medial fracture maps were created. The majority of fracture lines (85.9%, 433/504) on the anterior maps were along the intertrochanteric line where the iliofemoral ligament was attached. In the medial plane, the majority of fracture lines (49.0%, 247/504) shown on the frequency spectrum included the turning point involving the third quadrant. In the posterior plane, the majority of fracture lines (52.0%, 262/504) involved the intertrochanteric crest from the greater to the lesser trochanter. In the lateral plane, the majority of fracture lines (62.7%, 316/504) involved the greater trochanter at the gluteus medius attachment.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The fracture patterns observed in the present study might be used to describe morphologic characteristics and aid with management strategies. Further classifications or modifications that incorporate the fracture patterns identified in this study may be used in future research.

Inhibitory effect of extract of Coptidis Rhizoma on invasion of Candida albicans hyphae in vitro / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to investigate the inhibitory effect of extract of Coptidis Rhizoma(ECR) on invasion of Candida albicans hyphae in vitro.XTT reduction method was used to evaluate the metabolic activity of C.albicans.The colony edge growth of C.albicans was observed by solid medium.The growth of C.albicans hyphae was determined on semi-solid medium.The morphology and viability changes of C.albicans hyphae were assessed by scanning electron microscope and fluorescence microscope.qRT-PCR method was used to detect the ALS3 and SSA1 expression of C.albicans invasin genes.The results showed that the metabolic viability by XTT method detected that the activity of C.albicans was gradually decreased under the intervention of 64,128 and 256 mg·L-1 of ECR respectively.128,256 mg·L-1 of ECR significantly inhibited colony folds and wrinkles on solid medium and the hyphal invasion in semi-solid medium.Scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy showed that 128,256 mg·L-1 of ECR could inhibit the formation of C.albicans hyphae.qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of invasin gene ALS3 and SSA1 was down-regulated,and especially 256 mg·L-1 of ECR could down-regulate the two genes expression by 4.8,1.68 times respectively.This study showed that ECR can affect the invasiveness of C.albicans by inhibiting the growth of hyphae and the expression of invasin.

Role of Ski in Inflammatory Factor Release in Activated Astrocytes / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the effect of Ski on the secretion of inflammatory cytokines from activated astrocytes. Methods Astrocytes were obtained from cerebral cortex of a three-day old Sprague-Dawley rat and cultured in vitro. They were divided into blank group, control group and siRNA group. The Ski gene was silenced in siRNA group. The expression of Ski was tested with Western blotting and immunofluorescence 48 hours later. Then the astrocytes were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide for 24 hours. The secretion of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in activated astrocytes was detected with ELISA. Results The expression of Ski protein reduced in the siRNA group (P<0.001), as well as the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β (P<0.001). Conclusion Ski may play a role in inflammatory response of astrocyte.

Advance in Glial Scar Formation after Spinal Cord Injury (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

After spinal cord injury, the formation of glial scar related to the hypertrophy, proliferation and migration of astrocytes, and the increased expression of glial fibers acidic protein, vimentin and nestin, etc., and it may also inhibit the growth of neuron axon.

Activity of essential oil extracted from Artemisia argyi in inducing apoptosis of Candida albicans / 中国中药杂志

To explore the activity of essential oil extracted from Artemisia argyi (AAEO) in inducing the apoptosis of Candida albicans SC5314. The effect of AAEO on reactive oxygen species(ROS) and mitochondria membrane potential(MMP) of C. albicans SC5314 was detected by flow cytometry. Phosphatidylserine externalization was observed under fluorescence microscopic with Annexin-V/PI staining at the early stage of apoptosis in C. albicans. Metacaspase activity was observed under fluorescence microscopic with FITC-VAD-FMK staining at the early stage of apoptosis in C. albicans. C. albicans morphology was observed by DAPI nuclear staining and fluorescence microscopy. After intervention with 0.5 mL•L⁻¹ AAEO, apoptosis of C. albicans significantly increased, metacaspase activity increased, nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation, and intracellular ROS were significantly increased, and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased significantly. The certain concentrations of AAEO could induce the apoptosis of C. albicans.

Efficacy analysis of CAPOX regimen and SOX regimen in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer / 中国现代普通外科进展

Objective:To study the effect of CAPOX regimen and SOX regimen in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer.Methods:140 patients with advanced gastric cancer who received chemotherapy from January 2010 to June 2011 in the hospital were enrolled in this study.The patients were divided into observation group (CAPOX regimen) 72 cases and control group(SOX regimen) 68 cases according to the different chemotherapy protocols,two groups were treated with central venous catheter,and in the course of chemotherapy for the given antiemetic,hepatoprotective and Acid suppression related drugs.The observation group was treated with CAPOX regimen,and the control group was treated with SOX regimen,and the 21d was used as the 1 chemotherapy cycle,and the effect was evaluated after 2 cycles of chemotherapy.Results:The effective rate of observation group was 33.33％ (24/72),compared with the control group of 33.82％(23/68),the difference was not statistically significant (P＞0.05).The incidence of hand foot syndrome in the observation group was 16.67％ (12/72),was significantly higher than the control group of 2.94％(2/68),the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The total incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was 58.33％ (42/72),compared with the control group of 57.35％(39/68),the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The 1 to 5 year survival rate of the observation group compared with the control group was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The two groups before and after treatment of CD3+,CD3+CD4+ and CD3+/CD8+ compared,the difference was not statistically significant (P＞0.05).Conclusion:Using CAPOX scheme and the SOX regimen can be better in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer,curative effect and short and long term survival rate was almost equal and influence of immune function of patients with no significant difference,but CAPOX scheme may exist higher hand foot syndrome probability,it is worth clinical optic.

Anti-attachment effect of ethyl acetate extract of Huanglian Jiedu decoction on Candida glabrata / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate anti-attachment effect of ethyl acetate extract of Huanglian Jiedu decoction (EAHD) on Candida glabrata.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Serial 2-fold dilution assay was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations MICs of EAHD to C. glabrata. XTT assay was used to evaluate the effect of EAHD against adhesion of C. glabrata. Inverted microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining were applied to observe the morphological changes of C. glabrata in adhesion. PCR was adopted to inspect the expression of attachment-related genes such as EPA1, EPA6 and EPA7.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The MIC of EAHD and fluconazole to C. glabrata were 320 mg · L(-1) and 1 mg · L(-1) respectively. The total cells including budding cells decreased in a dose-dependent manner following EAHD treatment. The expressions of EPA1, EPA6 and EPA7 were downregulated dramatically after EAHD treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EAHD could effectively inhibit adherence of C. glabrata.</p>

Inhibitory effects of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng decoction on yeast-to-hyphae transition of Candida albicans isolates from VVC in alkaline pH environment / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng decoction ( BAEB) on yeast-to-hyphae transition of Candida albicans isolates from vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in alkaline pH.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Serial 2-fold dilution assay was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Baitouweng decoction extracts against C. albicans isolates from VVC, XTT assay was applied to determine the metabolic activity of C. albicans hypha treated by BAEB for 6 h. The morphological change of C. albicans treated by BAEB was inspected at different pH by inverted microscope, fluorescence microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Solid agar plate and semi-solid agar were utilized to evaluate colony morphology and invasive growth of C. albicans, respectively. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was adopted to observe the expressions of hyphae-specific genes including HWP1, ALS3, CSH1, SUN41 and CaPDE2.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The MIC of BAEB against C. albicans is less than that of other extracts; hyphae grow best at pH 8. 0; 512 mg · L(-1) and 1,024 mg · L(-1) BAEB could inhibit formation of hyphae and influence colony morphology. When treated by 512 mg · L(-1) and 1,024 mg · L(-1) BAEB, the colonies became smooth; while by 0 and 256 mg · L(-1) BAEB, the colonies became wrinkled. In semi-solid agar, the length of hyphae decreased steadily as the concentration of BAEB lowered. The expression of HWP1, ALS3, CSHl, SUN41 were downregulated by 5.12, 4.26, 3.2 and 2.74 folds, and CaPDE2 was upregulated by 2.38 fold.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BAEB could inhibit yeast-to-hyphae transition of C. albicans isolates from VVC in alkaline pH.</p>