Objective To observe the destructive and scavenging effect of ambroxol (AMB) on the biofilm (BF) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.a).To evaluate the synergistically bactericidal effect of AMB along with levofloxacin (LFX) on BF of P.a.Methods The early model (cultured for 3 d) and mature model (cultured for 7 d) of P.a wild strain (PAO1) BF were established,in vitro,respectively.The models were randomly (random number) divided into control group,AMB group and AMB + LFX group.The concentrations of AMB were 256 μg/ml and 512 μg/ml,respectively.When the early BF model and mature BF model were made,different concentrations of AMB were added in AMB group and AMB + LFX (1μg/ml) was added in AMB + LFX group.The number of viable P.a on the BF carrier was counted with the continuous dilution method 24 h after AMB or/and LFX added.Then,the BF morphological changes on the carrier surface were observed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Measured data were analyzed with single factor analysis of variance (One-Way ANOVA).Results Both in the early BF model and in the mature BF model,the SEM examination showed that the BF in AMB group was significantly reduced compared to the control group,and this reduction of BF was in dose-dependent manner.LFX 1 μg/ml could reduce the number of viable bacterial in BF in both early model and mature model (P ＜ 0.05).LFX with addition of different concentrations of AMB showed stronger bactericidal effect than LFX used alone identified by more significant reduction in the number of colonv within the BF (P ＜ 0.05).Furthermore,the LFX combined with 512 μg/ml AMB reduced more significant number of colony apparently than the LFX combined with 256 μg/ml AMB (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions AMB can destroy the early BF or mature BF partly,and LFX alone can partly reduce the number of viable P.a within BF.When LFX combined with AMB,they exert a synergistically bactericidal effect.

Objective To compare the diagnostic significance of pleural SLPI,IFN-γ and ADA for differenti-ating TPE from pleural effusions with the other etiologies. Methods Pleural effusion samples were obtained from 93 patients who were divided into the following groups: tuberculous pleural effusion,malignant pleural effusion, bacterial pleural effusion and transudative pleural effusion. The pleural effusion and/or serum levels of SLPI , IFN-γand ADA were determined. Results 1.The concentrations of SLPI, IFN-γand ADA in tuberculous pleural effusion was higher than that in malignant group, bacterial group and transudative group. 2. The diagnostic value of SLPI, IFN-γor ADA for the diagnosis of tuberculous PE is high respectively. The combinations of SLPI, IFN-γand/or ADA gained the more valuable diagnostic performance. Conclusion Pleural SLPI, IFN-γand ADA may be helpful for the differential diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion and the other pleural effusion. The combinations of SLPI or/and IFN-γor/and ADA further increased diagnostic value.