OBJECTIVE To investigate the pathogenic causes of lower respiratory tract infections(LRTIs) in the elderly in Guangzhou area.METHODS Pathogens obtained from 107 patients with LRTIs were performed by multiple diagnostic tools that including bacterial culture,PCR and specific immunological assays.RESULTS A bacterial cause was established in 42(68.5%) and an atypical pathogen cause in 25(31.6%) of the 107 patients.Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae remained the most important pathogens for LRTIs.CONCLUSIONS In the prescription of antibiotics in the elderly with LRTIs,not only bacteria but also atypical pathogens should be taken into account.

Objective: Combining with national drug sampling program,to evaluate the current quality situation and problems of compound Yinqiao and paracetamol and chlorphenamine maleate capsules by testing and analyzing 78 batches of samples collected from the realm of drug production and circulation all over the country in 2015.Methods: As the current standard could not control the product quality, and combined the prescribed examination with exploratory research, the method of HPLC was used to determine the contents.GC and TLC was respectively used to identify peppermint oil and study on forsythin.Near infrared spectrum database was established by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which provided the basis for rapid testing.The results of the prescribed examination and exploratory research were statistically analyzed.Results: There were significant differences in the results of the prescribed examination and exploratory research.Conclusion: The results of exploratory research show that there are many defects in the statutory standards.The product quality of different manufactures was divers, and it is necessary to guide them to improve the preparation process and the quality.More exclusive, accurate and sensitive methods should be used to comprehensively control the quality.

Abstract: Objective　To investigate the molecular characteristics and drug resistance of non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae in Zhongshan City, and to provide laboratory basis for cholera prevention and control. Methods　The strains of non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae isolated from sporadic patients and aquatic products from 2015 to 2021 in Zhongshan city were collected. The identification and cluster analysis of the strains were analyzed by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), the ctxA virulence gene of strains were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, the cluster analysis of the strains was analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and the drug resistance of the strains were analyzed by microbroth dilution method. Results　From 2015 to 2021, 33 strains of non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae were isolated from Zhongshan City, including 28 strains from sporadic patients and 5 strains from aquatic products. Through MALDI-TOF-MS identification, 33 strains of non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholera can be identified to the level of species, and the identification results were all Vibrio cholerae. Among 33 non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae strains, 1 strain carried the ctxA virulence gene. The drug-resistant strains accounted for 69.7% (23/33), and the multidrug resistant strains accounted for 18.2% (6/33). A total of 7 kinds of drug resistance spectrum were produced, including 3 kinds of multidrug resistant spectrum, and showed drug resistance to 8 antibiotics, among which the resistance rates to streptomycin, cefazolin and compound sulfamethoxazole were above 30%. The 33 strains of non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae were divided into 32 PFGE fingerprints with a similarity ranging from 61.7% to 100%. MALDI-TOF-MS cluster analysis divided 33 non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae strains into two clusters. Conclusions The results of molecular typing of non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae in Zhongshan City presented diversity, and no significant correlation was found between PFGE and MALDI-TOF-MS cluster analysis. The strains demonstrated various degrees of resistance to certain antibiotics, and there were multidrug-resistant and toxigenic strains. Therefore, it is necessary to alert to the harmfulness of non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae and enhance monitoring.

To prepare virus-like particles containing FluA/B mRNA as RNA standard and control in Influenza RNA detection, the genes coding the coat protein and maturase of E. coli bacteriophage MS2 were amplified and cloned into D-pET32a vector. Then we inserted 6 histidines to MS2 coat protein by QuikChange Site-Directed Mutagenesis Kit to construct the universal expressing vector D-pET32a-CP-His. In addition, the partial gene fragments of FluA and FluB were cloned to the down-stream of expressing vector. The recombinant plasmid D-pET32a-CP-His-FluA/B was transformed to BL21 with induction by IPTG. The virus-like particles were purified by Ni+ chromatography. The virus-like particles can be detected by RT-PCR, but not PCR. They can be conserved stably for at least 3 months at both 4 degrees C and -20 degrees C. His-tagged virus-like particles are more stable and easier to purification. It can be used as RNA standard and control in Influenza virus RNA detection.
Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Influenza A virus ; genetics ; metabolism ; Influenza B virus ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Viral ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Ribonucleases ; chemistry ; Virion ; genetics ; metabolism

PEG-modified magnetic Fe3O4 (Fe3O4-PEG) nanoparticles were sythesized using a solvothermal reaction and characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The photothermal effect and photothermal destruction of cancer cells were evaluated. Then the doxorubicin loaded Fe3O4-PEG (DOX-Fe3O4-PEG) nanoparticles were prepared. The cytotoxicity and combined chemotherapy/photothermal therapy (PTT) effect were investigated. Uniform PEG coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles with particle size of 155 nm were obtained in the experiment. The loading and release of doxorubicin on Fe3O4-PEG were pH-dependent. The drug loading capacity in water was 21%. The results of MTT indicated a good biocompatiblity of Fe3O4-PEG nanoparticles and high cytotoxicity of DOX-Fe3O4-PEG. In combined therapy experiment, photothermal therapy demonstrated unambiguously enhanced chemotherapy efficacy. In conclusion, the obtained Fe3O4-PEG nanoparticles which exhibit good photothermal effect and drug loading capacity can be used for chemotherapy and photothermal therapy. The synergetic anti-tumor activity indicates the potential for the combined application of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy in cancer treatment.
Antibiotics, Antineoplastic ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Doxorubicin ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Drug Carriers ; Ferrosoferric Oxide ; chemistry ; Humans ; Hyperthermia, Induced ; MCF-7 Cells ; Magnetite Nanoparticles ; chemistry ; Particle Size ; Polyethylene Glycols ; chemistry

Objective To explore the application of the evidence-based case report method in the standardization training of resident physicians in the department of endocrinology. Methods Fifty-one resi-dents recruited from the endocrinology department were randomly divided into the experiment group (26 cases) and control group (25 cases). The evidence-based case report method was conducted in the ex-peri-mental group, while the traditional clinical teaching mode was applied in the control group. The re-sults of the examination of two groups including the theoretical test and skill test were compared and the question-naire survey was conducted to find out the differences of students' interest in learning, clinical skills and satisfaction. All data were compared using t test. Results There was no significant difference in theoretical test between the two groups (P>0.05). The total score of the skill test in the experimental group was (85.13 ±4.63) and the control group was (76.79 ±3.11) (P=0.000). The students in the experimental group showed that the teaching method had more significant effects on improving their learning interest and initiative, clinical thinking ability, clinical work ability, literature review ability and medical article writing ability. Scores of satisfaction with teaching methods (total score was 10) for experimental group were (9.69 ±0.34), which was also significantly higher than those in the control group (8.01 ±0.39) (P=0.000). Conclusion The application of evidence-based case report teaching method in the standardized training of resident physicians in department of endocrinology is worthy of being perfected and further popularized in clinical teaching work.

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between the phthalate ester exposure and the population obesity with Meta-analysis, and to provide a new idea for prevention and control of obesity. Methods:A comprehensive search was performed in English databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Elsevier Science Direct and OVID) and Chinese databases (Sinomed database, CNKI database, VIP database, Wanfang database).The studies about the relationship between phthalate ester exposure and the population obesity were retriveded.The Chinese and English studies were selected according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.Results:Six studies were finally obtained, involving 1259 samples.The Meta-analysis results showed that the monobutyl phthalate (MBP) level in urine of the obesity population was increased 4.1 times compared with the normal population (95%CI:1.43-6.76);while the combined effect values of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) level in serum of the population in two groups were 1.17 (95%CI:0.64-1.69), 0.80 (95%CI:0.13-1.48), and 0.72 (95%CI:-0.19-1.63);the combined effect values of monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) and monoethyl phthalate (MEP) levels in urine were 1.75 (95%CI:-0.45-3.96) and 2.75 (95%CI: 0.36-5.15);there were no significant differences (P>0.05).Conclusion:The elevated MBP levels in the urine may be a risk factor for obesity in the population, suggesting that MBP may contribute to obesity.

Raw264.7 cells were incubated with receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and α-melanocyte stimulating hormone(α-MSH) for6 d.The amount of osteoclast cells were counted by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining and the acid phosphatase activity was assayed.The expressions of 5 melanocortin receptors (MCR) in Raw264.7 cells were determined by RT-PCR.The results showed that the number of osteoclasts in RANKL +α-MSH group was significantly increased compared with RANKL group (P ＜ 0.05),but there was no osteoclast formation in α-MSH group.Compared with control group and α-MSH group,the acid phosphatase activities were significantly increased in RANKL group and α-MSH+RANKL group (P＜0.05).All five MCRs were expressed in the Raw264.7 cells shown by RT-PCR.These results suggest that α-MSH may promote osteoclasts formation through RANK signaling pathway.

Objective To observe the changes of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in typeⅡdiabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) before and after interventional therapy, and to investigate the effects of oxidative stress level and interventional treatment on serum SOD level. Methods During the period from July 2011 to December 2012 at authors’ hospital, a total of 40 patients with type Ⅱ angiography together with balloon dilation and/or stenting was carried out in 24 patients (group B, with Fontaine stage of Ⅱb - Ⅲ). Of the 24 patients in group B, lower limb arterial angiography together with balloon dilation was employed in 16 (group B1) and lower limb arterial angiography together with balloon dilation and stenting was adopted in 8 (group B2). Twenty healthy clinical subjects were used as control group (group C). Before interventional treatment, elbow venous blood samples of patients in group A and B were collected to determine serum lipid, HbA1c and SOD levels. The same tests were also carried out in the subjects of group C. During percutaneous lower extremity arterial intervention , through arterial sheath 3 ml arterial blood specimen was collected in all patients of both group A and B before intervention started. Twenty-four hours after the treatment, venous blood specimen was also collected in all patients to determine serum SOD levels. The results were statistically analyzed. Results Lower limb arterial angiography showed that no obvious arterial stenosis was seen in the patients of group A. The interventional procedures were all successfully completed in all patients of group B. SOD levels of group A, B and C were (46.1 ± 3.13)U/ml, (35.37 ± 3.58)U/ml and (60.50 ± 6.99)U/ml respectively. SOD levels of both group A and B were significantly lower than that of group C (t = 8.420, P < 0.01; t = 14.324, P < 0.01). The level of SOD in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (t = 10.092, P < 0.01). The ankle-brachium indexes (ABI) of group A, B and C were (0.70 ± 0.12), (0.58 ± 0.13) and (1.15 ± 0.07) respectively. ABI of group A and B was significantly lower than that of group C (t = 14.324, P < 0.01; t = 17.392, P < 0.01). ABI of group B was significantly lower than that of group A (t=3.027, P<0.05). SOD level bore a negative correlation with HbA1c level (r=-0.541, P<0.01). In both group A and group B, no significant difference in SOD level existed between the venous blood and arterial blood. The preoperative arterial SOD levels in group B1 and group B2 were (35.70 ± 3.04)U/ml, and (36.07 ± 2.14)U/ml respectively, and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. The preoperative SOD levels in the ischemic arterial region in group B1 and group B2 were (32.95 ± 3.52)U/ml and (33.59 ± 2.64)U/ml respectively, and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant although these levels were significantly lower than the preoperative arterial SOD levels(t=2.741, P<0.05; t=2.704, P<0.05). After the interventional treatment, the SOD levels in the ischemic arterial region in group B1 and group B2 were (29.40 ± 5.49)U/ml and (26.68 ± 2.31)U/ml respectively, and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant although these levels were significantly lower than the preoperative SOD levels in the ischemic arterial region (t = 2.536, P < 0.05; t = 5.005, P < 0.01). No statistically significant differences in SOD levels at each corresponding site existed between group B1 and group B2. Conclusion No significant difference in SOD level exists between the venous blood and the arterial blood. Serum SOD level carries a negative linear correlation with HbA1c level. Before interventional treatment , the SOD level in ischemic region is low, which becomes lower after the interventional procedure, which may be caused by the enhanced oxidative stress reaction that is resulted from the damage of the vascular wall due to interventional manipulations. The enhanced oxidative stress reaction may play an important role in the occurrence of restenosis.

Basic life support ( BLS ) is a very important clinical skill for medical students. However,current BLS education is lack of proper BLS skills evaluation protocol to give educational feedback both to instructors and students. This article is aimed to discuss the necessity of protocol of skills evaluation in basic life support education for medical students prior to their internship.