Meta-analysis on Xixian Tongshuan Capsules/Pills combined with western medicine in treating cerebral infarction / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Xixian Tongshuan Capsules/Pills combined with Western medicine in treating cerebral infarction.Methods:All RCTs about Xixian Tongshuan Capsules/Pills combined with Western medicine in treating cerebral infarction were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP database, PubMed and CBM. The search period was from the database establishment to December 31, 2021. Two researchers independently extracted the basic literature data and evaluated the methodological quality, then used RevMan5.4 software for meta-analysis.Results:Totally 9 articles were included, involving a total of 988 patients, including 505 cases in the observation group and 483 cases in the control group. Meta-analysis showed that the total effective rate of Xixian Tongshuan Capsules/Pills combined with Western medicine in treating cerebral infarction was higher than that of conventional Western medicine [ RR=1.20, 95% CI (1.13, 1.27), P<0.05]. At the same time, the effect of NIHSS score, Barthel score and FIB were better than those of conventional Western medicine [respectively: MD=-3.21, 95% CI (-4.45, -1.97), P<0.05; MD=11.83, 95% CI (10.66, 13.00), P<0.05; MD=-0.95, 95% CI (-1.36, -0.54), P<0.05]. After treatment with Xixian Tongshuan Capsules/Pills combined with Western medicine, the adverse reactions mainly included dizziness, nausea, indigestion, rash, facial blushing, etc. There was no statistically significant difference in safety between the two groups [ RR=1.50, 95% CI (0.75, 3.01), P>0.05]. Conclusions:Under the treatment of conventional Western medicine, the addition of Xixian Tongshuan Capsules/Pills can improve the clinical efficacy of cerebral infarction treatment, effectively improve the symptoms of neurological impairment, improve the ability of daily life, and promote the prognosis and recovery, and without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions. However, large sample and high quality studies are still needed to support the conclusion.

Advances of chitosan and its derivatives in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases / 生物工程学报

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide that is widely used in food, textile, cosmetics, and medical industries. In the field of stomatology, chitosan and its derivatives are widely used in the treatment of many common oral diseases due to a variety of excellent biological properties, such as anti-infection, drug-loading, remineralization and osteogenesis. This review summarized the latest advances in the biological properties of chitosan and its derivatives, as well as their applications in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.

Interpertation of edition Principles of Preferred Practice for the Management of the Ocular Surface in Cataract and Refractive surgery ( 2017) / 中华实验眼科杂志

With the popularity of cataract and refractive surgery, especially the increasing implantation of advanced technology lens implants, dry eye significantly affects image quality.In 2017, the Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (APACRS) produced the new Principles of Preferred Practice for the Management of the Ocular Surface in Cataract and Refractive surgery (hereafter referred to as the PPP). This document provides detailed evidence-based discussions on the incidence rate, pathogenesis, diagnosis, evaluation, clinical symptoms, and treatment of dry eyes during perioperative period of refractive surgery and cataract surgery.The article which interpreted the PPP is aimed to remind general ophthalmologists to pay more attention to the dry eye in cataract and refractive surgery, and make the management of the ocular surface more standardized.

Analysis of NF1 gene variant in a sporadic case with neurofibromatosis type 1 / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic basis for a sporadic case with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).@*METHODS@#Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patient, his unaffected parents and 100 healthy controls. The NF1 gene was detected by PCR and direct sequencing.@*RESULTS@#The patient was found to carry a novel nonsense variant c.4339C>T (p.Q1447X) in exon 33 of the NF1 gene. The same variant was not found in his unaffected parents and the 100 healthy controls.@*CONCLUSION@#The c.4339C>T (p.Q1447X) variant probably underlies the pathogenesis of NF1 in this patient.

Survival analysis of people living with HIV/AIDS in Sichuan province, 1991-2017 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective@#To analyze the survival time of people living with HIV/AIDS and related influencing factors in Sichuan province during 1991-2017.@*Methods@#A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the data of 143 988 HIV/AIDS cases. The data were collected from Chinese HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Information Management System. Life table method was used to calculate the survival proportion of the cases, and Cox proportion hazard regression model was used to identify the factors related with survival time.@*Results@#Among 143 988 HIV/AIDS cases a total of 30 420 cases died of AIDS related diseases (21.1%) and the average survival time was 11.51 years (95%CI: 11.39-11.64). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the influencing factors for the survival of HIV/AIDS cases were gender (male vs. female, HR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.32-1.40), education level (primary school or below vs. junior middle school: HR=1.15, 95%CI: 1.12-1.18), ethnic group (Han vs. other ethnic groups, HR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.41-1.52), occupation (farmer vs. other occupations: HR=1.26, 95%CI: 1.22-1.29), age (≥55 years old vs. 15-24 years old: HR=3.18, 95%CI: 3.02- 3.36), disease phase (AIDS vs. HIV infection: HR=1.44, 95%CI: 1.39-1.48), antiretroviral therapy (ART) (receiving ART vs. receiving no ART: HR=0.20, 95%CI: 0.19-0.20), and CD4+T cell counts at diagnosis (>500 cells/μl vs.<200 cells/μl: HR=0.42, 95%CI: 0.40-0.45).@*Conclusions@#The average survival time of HIV/AIDS cases was 11.51 years in Sichuan during 1991- 2017. The risk factors for the survival of the cases were male, education level of primary school or below, Han ethnic group, farmer, old age at diagnosis, disease phase, The protective factors for the survival of HIV/AIDS cases were receiving ART and higher CD4+ T cell counts at diagnosis.

Analysis of KIT mutations in five patients from two Han Chinese pedigrees affected with Piebaldism / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To screen for KIT gene mutations in two Han Chinese pedigrees affected with Piebaldism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of the pedigrees was collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples collected from the pedigrees and 120 unrelated healthy controls. All coding exons of the KIT gene were subjected to PCR amplification and direct sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Two missense mutations, c.1861G>A(p.Ala621Thr) and c.1872G>A(p.Met624Ile), were identified respectively in the two pedigrees. Neither mutation was found among healthy members from the respective pedigree and the 120 unrelated healthy controls. c.1872G>A is a novel mutation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Mutations of the KIT gene may affect the structure and function of the transmembrane receptor KIT, which lead to the disease.</p>

Analysis of NF1 gene mutations in two sporadic patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect mutations of the NF1 gene in two sporadic cases with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and explore their molecular mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of the two patients was collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples. Specific primers were designed to exclude pseudogenes. PCR was performed to amplify all coding exons of the NF1 gene. PCR products were directly sequenced.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Two novel mutations of the NF1 gene (c.1019-1020delCT in exon 9 and c.7189G to A in exon 48) were respectively identified in the two patients but not among their unaffected parents or 100 healthy controls.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Mutations of the NF1 gene may have predisposed to the NF1 in the two patients.</p>

Analysis of clinical and genetic features of nine patients with disseminated superfacial actinic porokeratosis / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the clinical and genetic features of 9 ethnic Han Chinese patients with disseminated superfacial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples collected from the patients. PCR and direct sequencing were carried out for five patients from a family, 4 sporadic cases, and 120 healthy controls to identify potential mutations of four genes (MVK, MVD, PMVK, FDPS) involved in the mevalonate pathway as well as SLC17A9, SSH1, and SART3 genes. Pathogenecity of suspected mutations were assessed with SIFT, and Polyphen-2 scores.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A c.746T>C mutation was identified in the family and two sporadic cases, while a c.875A>G mutation was identified in another sporadic case. No mutation was identified in the remainder genes among all patients. Scoring has suggested that the c.746T>C and c.875A>G mutations of the MVD gene are probably pathogenic.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>c.746 T>C and c.875A>G of the MVD gene are most common mutations. Skin rashes of the patients have a strong connection with the sunlight, albeit a significant difference among patients was discovered.</p>

Strategy on the recruitment of free community medical-consultation in acupuncture clinical trials / 中国针灸

The difficulty in the participant recruitment is the common question in acupuncture clinical trial study. The existing recruitment of clinical trial is most applicable for the clinical trial of medicines. Because the intervention of acupuncture clinical trial is different from that of medicines, characterized as the specialties in "theory, principle, acupoints, technique", it is very necessary to develop the strategy on the participant recruitment in acupuncture clinical trial. The free community medical consultation is one of the important means of recruitment. In the paper, by taking the participant recruitment of acupuncture clinical trial on chronic stable angina pectoris as the example, the discussion is given on the strategy on the recruitment of free community medical consultation in the aspects of feasible investigation of recruitment approach, recruitment plan, participant screening, etc. The revisiting after the free community medical consultation is the important approach to the improvement of successful recruitment. This strategy on the recruitment of free community medical consultation is highly practical and improves the successful rate and compliance of the participant recruitment. Hence, this strategy deserves to be promoted.

Study on spousal notification in HIV discordant couples and associated factors in four provinces of China / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study was aimed to investigate the ways of spousal notification and its associated factors among HIV discordant couples.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted in Henan, Yunnan, Sichuan provinces and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China. Information including democratic characteristics, knowledge and behaviors correlated with HIV infections and ways of HIV infectious status notification was collected. 'Data information system' on AIDS prevention and control was used to collect information on the transmission route.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 770 pairs of HIV discordant couples were studied, among which 414 (53.77%) HIV positive respondents reported as self-notification, with another 44.68% were notified by medical staff. Factors associated with ways of notification included gender, nation, transmission route, and education level. HIV positive respondents who were female, under Han nationality, being paid blood donors, having had higher education level, were more likely to inform their HIV negative spouse by themselves.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Nationality and HIV transmission route of the HIV positive individuals were found as significant factors associated with ways of spousal notification. Therefore, HIV discordant couples notification should be strengthened, especially in the Minority-living areas and areas where HIV transmission was predomint through sexual contact and/or via injected drug use.</p>

Effects of photodynamic therapy on the proliferation and apoptosis of human papillomavirus type 16 E7 proteinexpressing HaCaT cells / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To explore the effects of aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) on the proliferation and apoptosis of HaCaT cells stably expressing human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein (HaCaT/HPVl6 E7 cells).Methods Cultured HaCaT/HPV16 E7 cells were divided into several groups: blank control group receiving no treatment, ALA group treated with ALA alone, irradiation group irradiated with 630-nm red laser (30 mW/cm2,12 J/cm2), ALA-PDT groups pretreated with ALA for 5 hours followed by 630-nm red laser radiation at 4, 8, 12 J/cm2 respectively.CCK8 assay was performed to determine the survival rate of cells at 24 hours after PDT, and flow cytometetry and confocal microscopy were conducted to detect cell apoptosis and observe cell morphology respectively at 3 hours.Results At 24 hours, the survival rate of cells was 68.98％ ± 1.03％, 46.03％ ± 2.96％ and 23.57％ ± 3.83％ in the 4-,8-and 12-J/cm2 ALA-PDT groups respectively, significantly lower than that in the blank control group, ALA group and irradiation group (99.15％ ± 0.64％, 98.13％ ± 0.83％ and 96.85％ ± 1.37％ respectively, all P ＜ 0.05).With the increase in radiation dose, cell apoptosis was accelerated with obvious morphological changes and shrinkage of cells in the ALA-PDT groups.Conclusion ALA-PDT can inhibit the proliferation, and promote the apoptosis of HPV-infected HaCaT cells in a dose-dependent manner within a certain range of radiation dose.

Efficacy of light-emitting diode irradiation at 530 nm, 630 nm and 850 nm in the treatment of photoaged skin / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation at 530 nm,630 nm and 850 nm in the treatment of photoaged skin.Methods A total of 14 adults with photoaged extensor forearm were recruited in this study.Three areas were selected at the extensor forearm in each of these subjects and received LED irradiation at 530 nm,630 nm and 850 nm,respectively,thrice a week for 12 sessions.Dermoscopy was used to visualize these areas before and after the irradiation,the Corueometer CM 825 to measure stratum corneum (SC) hydration,Tewameter TM 300 to determine transepidermal water loss (TEWL),and CM-2600d spectrophotometer to measure L* value and melanin index (MI).Tissue specimens were obtained from these areas irradiated with LED at 530 nm (n =5),630 nm (n =5) and 850 nm (n =4) separately before and 6 weeks after the initial irradiation,and subjected to histopathological examination.Results Both skin texture and pigmentation were improved in 10 and 7 testees after 12 sessions of LED irradiation at 630 nm and 850 nm,respectively,but the skin texture became rougher and pigmentation was increased in 7 testees after LED irradiation at 530 nm.After LED irradiation at 630 nm and 850 nm,the testees experienced an obvious increase in SC hydration ((37.9 ± 7.7) au and (34.5 ± 7.1) au at 6 weeks after the initial irradiation vs.(33.1 ± 6.1) au and (32.0 ± 7.0) au before irradiation,both P ＜ 0.05),but a significant decrease in TEWL value ((9.8-± 2.5) and (10.9 ± 2.5) g·m-2·h-1 at 6 weeks after the initial irradiation vs.(14.0 ± 1.8) and (14.2 ± 2.6) g·m-2·h-1 before irradiation),with no significant changes in L* value or MI (both P ＞ 0.05).No evident alteration was observed in SC hydration or TEWL value (both P ＞ 0.05),while the L* value significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.05) and MI increased (P ＜ 0.05) after LED irradiation at 530 nm.Histopathological examination showed photo-induced denaturation of collagen fibers and elastic fibers in the dermis of these subjects before irradiation,as well as nascent collagen fibers and elastic fibers in a more dense and regular arrangement after irradiation at the three wavelengths.Conclusions LED irradiation at both 630 nm and 850 nm can improve the appearance and barrier function of,and stimulate the proliferation and rearrangement of collagen fibers and elastic fibers in,photoaged skin,while LED irradiation at 530 nm increases skin pigmentation.

Competency oriented management: a training pattern of elite stomatology student / 华西口腔医学杂志

The competency oriented management theory and method, which was proved to be an effective management measure, have been put into practice in many areas including high education. This essay will probe into the possibility of introducing the competency oriented management theory into the education of undergraduate stomatology students, analyze and research its feasibility from a theoretical point of view by combing the features of stomatology students and the patterns of educating stomatology students. This essay proposes a new pattern of training elite students of stomatology major with competency as the orientation and summarizes the practical experiences in training such elite students.

Research on cultivation for comprehensive humanistic quality of oral medical students, which is oriented by competency / 华西口腔医学杂志

Medicine has dual features of humanities and natural science. Thus, it is necessary for the development of modern higher education to carry out the humanistic quality education to medical students. It is not only the request of modern medical model and medical development, but also the urgent need of the development of medical and health. Besides, it plays an important part in the cultivation of medical students. In the face of the urgent need of cultivation for comprehensive humanistic quality of oral medical students, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, led in the cultivation method which is oriented by competency, give some suggestions to deal with students' lack of language ability, humanistic concern to patients and aesthetic accomplishment. And it has already achieved a better teaching effect.

Assessment of reporting quality of randomized controlled trial related to dentine hypersensitivity / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCT) related to dentine hypersensitivity which were published between 2000 and 2009 in nineteen Chinese stomatological journals, learn the current status and the influence factors of reporting quality of the dentine hypersensitivity RCT, and determine whether they can provide high quality evidence clinically.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A handsearching of nineteen Chinese stomatological journals to identify dentine hypersensitivity RCT which were published between 2000 and 2009 and labeled "random". Assess the reporting quality of these RCT by Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement and then analyze the influence factors of reporting quality by univariate and multivariate analyses.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We identified 61 dentine hypersensitivity RCT, among which 45 belonged to journals of Chinese scientific study statistical source and 16 belonged to journals of non-statistical source. The reporting quality of dentine hypersensitivity RCT was not high at large and the CONSORT score was 8.1 +/- 2.4 on average. Multiple linear regression showed that the score of improved Jadad scale (t=4.656, P=0.000) was the main influence factor of reporting quality of dentine hypersensitivity RCT. The better the intrinsic authenticity was, the higher the reporting quality would be.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Currently, reporting quality of Chinese dentine hypersensitivity RCT needs to be improved. In order to improve the reporting quality of dentine hypersensitivity RCT, experts in stomatology should not only improve experimental design before experiments, but also write papers in accordance with CONSORT statement.</p>

Inhibition of Staphylococcus epidermidis planktonic cells by 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To observe the effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) on S.epidermidis planktonic cells,and to determine the optimal concentration and incubation time of ALA.Methods Some S.epidermidis planktonic cells were divided into 3 groups to be incubated with ALA at 50 mmol/L for different durations (3,5,8,12,16,18,20 and 24 hours) at 37 ℃ in dark room (group 1 ),with ALA at various concentrations ( 10,20,30,40 and 50 mmol/L) for 16 hours at 37 °C in dark room (group 2),and with fresh trypticase soya broth (TSB) solution for 24 hours at 37 ℃ in dark room (group 3),respectively.Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to measure the fluorescence intensity of protoporphyrin Ⅸ (PpⅨ) in bacterial suspensions at different time points.Additionally,some S.epidermidis planktonic cells in group 1 were irradiated with red light at 30,50,70,90 and 100 J/cm2 after incubation with ALA at 50 mmol/L for 16 hours,some in group 2 were irradiated with red light at 100 J/cm2 after incubation with ALA for 16 hours,those cells in group 3 received no irradiation (blank control group),and some S.epidermidis planktonic cells receiving only irradiation and no pretreatment with ALA served as the laser control group; subsequently,the bacterial suspension was inoculated onto trypticase soy agar (TSA) followed by the calculation of colony forming units (CFUs) of S.epidermidis.Results Brick red fluorescence was observed by CLSM in S.epidermidis planktonic cells in group 1 and 2,but not in those in group 3,and the fluorescence intensity was enhanced with the increase in incubation time and concentration of ALA.In detail,the fluorescence intensity was significantly higher in planktonic S.epidermidis cells after 16-,18-,20- and 24-hour incubation than in those after 3-,5-,8- and 12-hour incubation with ALA at 50 mmol/L (all P ＜ 0.05),and higher in those incubated with ALA at 50 mmol/L than in those with ALA lower than 50 mmol/L (all P ＜ 0.05).After irradiation,the number of surviving S.epidermidis planktonic cells declined with the increase in ALA concentration and red light doses,statistically lower in the group 1 and 2 than in the blank control group (both P ＜ 0.05),but similar between the blank control and laser control group (P ＞ 0.05).The growth of planktonic cells was inhibited after incubation with ALA at 50 mmol/L and irradiation with red light at 100 J/cm2.Conclusions ALA-PDT shows a marked inhibitive effect on S.epidermidis planktonic cells,with the optimal working concentration of ALA being 50 mmol/L,incubation time 16 hours,and dose of red light 100 J/cm2.

Mutation analysis of GJB2 gene in a patient with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical features of and GJB2 gene mutations in a Chinese Han patient with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome (KID syndrome),in hope to offer evidence for the clinical and genetic diagnosis of KID syndrome.Methods Clinical data were collected from a patient with KID syndrome.DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of the patient and his two family members (mother and brother).PCR was performed to amplify the exon 2 and its flanking splicing sites of GJB2 gene followed by bidirectional direct DNA sequencing. Results The patient presented with the typical triad of vascularizing keratitis,ichthyosis and congenital deafness.A G148A mutation in the exon 2 of GJB2 gene,resulting in the substitution of aspartic acid by asparagine at position 50 of the junction protein connexin 26 (Cx26),was identified in the patient,but not in either of his family members.Conclusion The G148A mutation in GJB2 gene may be responsible for the clinical phenotype of KID syndrome in this Chinese patient.

Establishment of a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) stably expressing human papillomavirus type 16 E7 (HPV16E7) protein / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To establish a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) stably expressing HPV16E7 protein. Methods HPV16E7 gene was amplified from CaSki cells using PCR and inserted into the eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3.1. Then, the recombinant expression plasmid pcDNA3.1-HPV16E7 was transfected into HaCaT cells followed by G418 selection and identification by RT-PCR and Western blot. Results The recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3.1-HPV16E7 was successfully identified by restriction enzyme digestion pattern and sequence analysis. Agarose gel electrophoresis of RT-PCR products detected the 297-bp fragment of HPV16E7 cDNA, and Western blot confirmed the stable expression of HPV16E7 protein. Conclusion A human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) stably expressing HPV16E7 protein is successfully established.

Topical photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid for cervical condyloma acuminatum / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of 5-aminolaevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) in cervical condyloma acuminatum. Methods Forty-five patients with cervical condyloma acuminatum topically applied 10% ALA thermal gel followed by PDT. The treatment was repeated 14 days later if the lesion was not completely removed. Totally, 1 - 4 treatment sessions were given. Thirty-five patients with cervical condyloma acuminatum who received CO2 laser treatment served as the control. All patients were followed up for 12 weeks. Results Complete remission was achieved in 97.8% (44/45) of patients with cervical condyloma acuminatum treated by ALA-PDT, and among the 44 cured patients, 3 were treated by 1 cycle of ALA-PDT, 6 by 2 cycles, 20 by 3 cycles, and 15 by 4 cycles. The lesions of condyloma acuminatum were removed after 1 session of CO2 laser treatment in 30 patients, and after repeated treatments in 5 patients, with the complete remission rate being 100% (35/35). The overall recurrence rate calculated for the whole followup period in patients treated with ALA-PDT was significantly lower than that in patients treated with CO2 laser [6.8% (3/44) vs 31.4% (11/35), x2 = 6.497, P ＜ 0.05]. However, no significant difference in complete remission rate was found between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05). Almost all the patients in ALA-PDT group presented with pain of bythus during illumination, but no severe side effects or scar formation was observed. In patients treated with CO2 laser, adverse reactions mainly included bleeding, erosion, shallow ulcer and even scar formation. Conclusions Topical ALA-PDT is effective and safe for the treatment and reduction in recurrence of condyloma acuminatum, and may serve as a therapeutic option for cervical condyloma acuminatum.

Topical photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevnlinic acid for acne vulgaris / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate the optimal concentration and incubation time of 5-aminole-vulinic acid (ALA) in photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris. Methods Thirty patients with facial acne vulgaris were equally divided into two groups. In group 1, ALA (10%)cream was applied to acne lesions and protoporphyrin Ⅸ (PpⅨ) fluorescence was examined visually and spectroscopically at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours. In group 2, ALA cream of 3%, 5% and 10% was applied to lesions in the right cheek, left cheek, and forehead, respectively, of the same patient and incubated for 3 hours followed by photodynamie diagnosis and quantification of fluorescence intensity; clinical outcome and side effects were analyzed. Results Strong brick red PpⅨ fluorescence was observed in inflammatory papules, pustules, and cysts alter applica-tion of 10% ALA cream and irradiation with excitation light. The relative intensity of Ppix fluorescence was 1.3, 4.3, 5.1 and 5.8 in comedones, inflammatory papules, pustules and cysts, respectively, and it increased with the severity of lesions. A higher intensity of PpⅨ fluorescence was noted in patients with longer incu-bation period (3, 4 or 5 hours) compared with those with shorter incubation period (1 or 2 hours), and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in PpⅨ fluorescence intensity among lesions receiving ALA of different concentrations (P > 0.05). The overall clearance rate was 73% (11/15) after two courses of ALA-photodynamic therapy (PDT) in group 2. Side effects mainly included mild to moderate erythema, swelling and little exudation (occasionally). A transient pigmentation was observed in 2 patients. Neither ulceration nor scarring was noted. Conclusions ALA-PDT is suitable for the manage-ment of acne vulgaris mainly characterized by inflammatory papules, pustules and cysts. The results strongly suggest that 3% and 3 hours are the optimal concentration and incubation time of ALA in PDT of acne vulgaris.