Objective To analyze the composition and distribution of pathogens from 1366 superficial candidiasis cases in Shanghai.Methods Candida species identification was carried out for 1366 adults or children with superficial candidiasis by using CHROMagar Candida plates,API20C AUX system,etc.Pal's agar,Xylose assimilation and the test for growth at 45 ℃ were utilized to differentiate Candida dubliniensis.Newly identified pathogenic Candida species including Candida orthopsilosis,Candida metapsilosis,Candida fermentati,Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis were differentiated by molecular biological methods.Finally,the composition and distribution of pathogens in superficial candidiasis cases were statistically analyzed.Results A total of 1366 Candida strains,included 2 Candida orthopsilosis strains and 4 Candida metapsilosis strains,were isolated from these cases.Among these isolates,Candida albicans predominated(79.0％),followed by Candida parapsilosis(9.5％),Candida tropicalis(2.9％)and Candida guilliermondii(1.9％).The composition of Candida species was significantly different between child and adult patients(x2 =196.46,P ＜ 0.01),with the isolation rate of non-albicans Candida species being 14.4％ and 45.8％ respectively in child and adult patients.Conclusions Candida albicans is still the dominant pathogen of superficial candidiasis.Candida orthopsilosis and Candida metapsilosis can cause superficial candidiasis.The isolation rote of non-albicans Candida species is higher in adult patients than in child patients.

Objective To investigate the expression of T cell immunoglobulin-and mucin-domaincontaining molecule-3 (Tim-3) in peripheral CD8 +T cells and its significance in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).Methods Fifty-eight CHB patients and 16 healthy controls were enrolled.Tim-3 expression in CDs + T cells was detected by flow cytometry,and quantities of IFNγ-producing HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in HLA-A2 positive subjects were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) test before and after the blockade of Tim-3/Tim-3L pathway.Paired t test was performed to compare the quantities of CTLs before and after the blockade,and nonparametric Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlation in quantitive data.Results Tim-3 expression in CHB patients was (14.2 ± 8.98 )％,which was higher than that of healthy controls (4.80 ± 2.92)％,and the difference was of statistical significance (x2 =92.48,P ＜ 0.05 ) Tim-3 expressions in 16 severe CHB patients and 42 mild CHB patients were ( 19.54 ± 10.95) ％ and (9.58 ± 7.30) ％,respectively,and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =77.24,P ＜ 0.05 ). Before the blockade of Tim-3/Tim-3L pathway,IFNγ-producing HBV-specific CTLs were 7.27 ± 3.14,and it increased to 19.62 ± 4.97 after the blockade ( t =2.95,P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusion The upregulation of Tim-3 on peripheral CD8 + T cells may inhibit HBV-specific CTLs,and the blockade of Tim-3 pathway can enhance the proliferation of IFNγ-producing HBV-specific CTLs,thus can enhance antiviral effect.

Objective To investigate the status of tuberculosis (TB)infection among health care workers (HC-Ws)in an infectious diseases hospital,and explore the risk and influencing factors of TB infection.Methods All HCWs in an infectious diseases hospital were surveyed through questionnaire and purified protein derivative (PPD) testing.Results Incidence of TB infection among all HCWs in this hospital was 48.18%.There was no significant difference in TB infection among HCWs in different departments(P >0.05).TB infection among HCWs of different working seniority,different ages,and different job titles were all significantly different (all P <0.05).Risk factors for TB infection were education level,job title,living condition,and working time in TB clinics or wards,OR (95%CI )were 1 .70(1 .03-2.80),1 .95(1 .10-3.45),1 .84(1 .03-3.28),and 2.38(1 .40-4.04)respectively;personal protection was a protective factor for TB infection (OR,0.92 [95% CI ,0.85 - 0.99]).Conclusion HCWs in in-fectious diseases hospital are at high risk of TB infection,they should improve their self-protection consciousness, and take protective measures as early as possible.

Objective To explore the prevalence and risk factors of stroke in a population over 40 years in a community in Shenzhen, China. Methods The subjects investigated were a population ≥40 years old in this cross-sectional study. Cluster sampling method was used to conduct the unified questionnaires, physical examination, and laboratory examination in the community residents, and then the survey data were used for online entry analysis. Results A total of 5 308 community residents were screened, and 160 experienced stroke. The crude prevalence of stroke was 3 014. 32/100 000. The prevalence of stroke increased with age, and that in males was significantly higher than that in females (3 721. 37/100 000 vs. 2 552. 93/100 000; χ2 = 5. 923, P = 0. 015). There were significant differences in the proportions of males, obvious overweight, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, lack of physical activity, and family history of stroke, as well as age, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting glucose level between the stroke population and the non-stroke population (all P < 0. 05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1. 737, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1. 161-2. 600; P = 0. 007), diabetes (OR 1. 917, 95% CI 1. 209-3. 040; P = 0. 006), atrial fibrillation (OR 1. 699, 95% CI 1. 113-2. 592; P = 0. 014), family history of stroke (OR 1. 585, 95% CI 1. 126-2. 231; P = 0. 008), advanced age (OR 4. 645, 95% CI 1. 868-11. 551; P = 0. 001), and physical inactivity (OR 4. 921, 95% CI 3. 552-6. 187; P < 0. 001) were the independent risk factors for stroke, and lack of physical activity was an independent protective factor for stroke. The proportion of smoking in males was more than that in females in all ages(all P < 0. 05). The proportions of hypertension (P < 0. 001) and hyperlipidemia (P < 0. 001) were gradually increased with age, and physical exercise was gradually reduced with age (P = 0. 001, except for subjects > 80 years) in both males and females. The proportions of diabetes (P < 0. 001) and atrial fibrillation (P < 0. 001) in males, and obvious overweight (P = 0. 001) in females were gradually increased with age, and the proportion of smoking in males weas gradually reduced with age. The proportions of hypertension (P < 0. 001) and obvious overweight (P < 0. 001) in males were significantly higher than those in females at the age of 40 to 49 years. The proportions of hypertension (P < 0. 001), diabetes (P < 0. 001) and obvious overweight (P < 0. 001) in males were significantly higher than those in females at the age of 50 to 59 years. The proportion of hypertension in males was significantly higher than that in females at the age of 60 to 69 years (P = 0. 039). The proportions of hypertension (P = 0. 016), atrial fibrillation (P = 0. 028) and hyperlipidemia (P = 0. 023) in females were significantly higher than those in males at the age of 70 to 79 years. The proportion of obvious overweight in females was significantly higher than that in males at the age of ≥80 years (P =0. 001). Conclusions The crude prevalence of stroke is higher among the community residents. The the levels of exposure to stroke risk factors including hypertension, diabetes and atrial fibrillation are higher. It may be important to intervene on these risk factors in community residents, especially in elders and those with family history of stroke.

Objective To measure the level of interleukin (IL)-27 in sera of patients with Sj(o)gren's syndrome (SS) and investigate its role in IL-10 in CD3+CD8-T cells.Methods Serum levels of 1L-27 and IL-10 from 34 SS patients and 33 healthy controls were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) from SS patients were collected and cultured in different conditions (one with PHA,the other with PHA and IL-27).Seventy-two hours later,cells were harvested and the percentages of CD3 +CD8-IL-10+ cells were measured by flow cytometry.Expressions of c-Maf,IL-10 transcription factor,were examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).The data were analyzed by t test,Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.Results Serum level of IL-27 in patients with SS [(158±34) pg/ml] was significantly higher than that in healthy controls [(139±18) pg/ml,t=2.823,P＜0.01].IL-27 level was positively correlated with IL-10 and IgG levels (r=0.384,P＜0.05; r=0.354,P＜0.05),but negatively correlated with SSDAI (r=0.503,P＜0.01).Multiple regression analysis showed independent correlation of IL-27 with IL-10 and SSDAI in SS patients (β=0.412,P＜0.01; β=-0.525,P＜0.01),but not IgG.CD3+CD8-IL-10+ cells was upregulated by IL-27 in vitro (P＜0.01,n=14),so was c-Maf (P＜0.01,n=22).Conclusion IL-27 could ameliorate disease activity of Sjogren's syndrome.

Objective To explore the problems in the introducing of complementary food in infants and provide a guidance for cli nical practice.Methods The questionnaire survey was carried out by childhood health doctors in mothers or caregivers on fixed outpatient health care day. The data of survey was entered into computer and analyzed with SPSS 11.5 software.Results 1.Earlier (

ObjectiveTo identify the framework for assessing health related quality of life(HRQOL) of Kaschin-Beck disease(KBD),in order to reflect the impact of KBD on quality of life in patients with the disease.MethodsQualitative descriptive research was adopted.Semi-open ended questions were developed by using the World Health Organization(WHO) definitions of health and quality of life.Group interview and face to face interviews were conducted on 48 patients with KBD and 29 health care experts on KBD in Linyou and Yongshou counties,Shaanxi province,which were higher prevalence areas of KBD.Content template analysis was conducted and the template was based on the WHOQOL-100's framework.ResultsThe framework of HRQOL for KBD included four domains:physical activity,familial/social support,economic and psychological state.There were also eleven facets which were:pain and discomfort,physical function and activity limitation,diet and sleeping,social relationship,concerns of family responsibilities,social support,economic,housing and the surrounding environment,appearance concerns,mental health,and general state of health.The total entries were 69.ConclusionsThe framework for assessing HRQOL of KBD is established.The framework highlights the impact of KBD on the patients' quality of life with higher specificity.

Aim To investigate the effect of sphingo-sine kinase 1 (SphK1 )on unilateral ureteral obstruc-tion(UUO)-induced tubulointerstitial fibrosis and ex-plore the possible mechanism.Methods The CD-1 mice were randomly divided into four groups:sham-op-eration group(Sham),PF-543 treatment control group (Sham +PF-543),model group(UUO)and PF-543 treatment group(UUO +PF-543).On 1 ,3,7 and 1 4 d after operation,eight mice were selected randomly from each group and sacrificed.The protein expressions of SphK1 ,mature TGF-β1 ,FN,ColⅠ,LC3,Beclin1 ,Atg5 and Atg1 2 were observed by Western blot.The histo-logical changes were examined by Masson′s trichrome stain.Immunhistochemistry was performed to measure the levels of expression of SphK1 ,FN and Col Ⅰ. Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the autophagic body.Results SphK1 expression and autophagy were both upregulated in a mouse model of kidney fibrosis induced by UUO. Meanwhile, in-creased mature TGF-β1 and deposition of extracellular matrix(ECM)were observed in tubulointerstitial areas compared with sham-operated mice.After intraperito-neal injection with the SphK1 specific inhibitor PF-543 in UUO mice,enhanced expression of SphK1 and acti-vated autophagy were significantly abrogated.Howev-er,aggravation of renal fibrosis was detected when SphK1 inhibitor PF-543 was applied to suppress SphK1 expression in UUO mice.Conclusion SphK1 activa-tion is renoprotective through the induction of autoph-agy in the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis.

Angelica polymorpha Maxim. is a plant of the Angelica genus (Umbelliferae). The root and stem of this plant is a folk medicine known to have the actions of relieving rheumatism and cold and subsiding swelling and pains. To investigate the chemical constituents in the root of A. polymorpha Maxim., seven compounds were isolated from an 80% ethanol extract by column chromatography. Their structures were elucidated according to the spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 is a new sesquiterpene, named as bisabolactone. Its absolute configuration was determined by 1D NOESY and CD analysis. The others were identified as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (2), hycandinic acid ester 1 (3), ferulic acid (4), isooxypeucedanin (5), noreugenin (6) and cimifugin (7). Compound 2 and 3 were isolated from this genus for the first time and compound 4 was isolated from this plant for the first time.
Angelica ; chemistry ; Chromones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Coumaric Acids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Coumarins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Furaldehyde ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quinic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Sesquiterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) affects the survival and activity of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) and whether the effects are mediated by lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor (LOX-1).

METHODSCD34+ cells isolated from human umbilical blood were cultured in endothelial cell growth medium-2 (EGM-2). After 14 days of culture, some EPCs were stimulated with 10, 25, 50 microg/ml of oxLDL for 48 hours; some were preincubated with LOX-1 mAb, a blocking antibody of LOX-1, for 24 hours, then exposed to 50 microg/ml oxLDL for 48 hours; others without any further treatment were used as control. The survival of EPC and the ability of adhesion, migration, and tube formation were examined. The levels of LOX-1 protein and mRNA expression were also assayed.

RESULTSIncubation with oxLDL at concentrations of 25 microg/ml or higher resulted in a dose-dependent increase of EPC apoptosis [25 microg/ml: (15.8 +/- 1.1.0%, 50 microg/ml: (18.8 +/- 2.0)% versus control: (9.0 +/- 1.2)%; P < 0.05]. Treated with oxLDL led to a significantly reduced migratry rate [25 microg/ml: (5.7 +/- 1.0)%, 50 microg/ml: (5.1 +/- 0.8)% versus control: (9.5 +/- 0.8)%; P < 0.05]. EPC treated with oxLDL showed a dose-dependent reduction of adhesion to fibronectin (25 Kg/ml: 33 +/- 2, 50 microg/ml: 30 +/- 3 versus control: 37 +/- 5; P < 0.05). Treatment with oxLDL impaired the in vitro vasculogenesis ability of EPCs. The total length of the tube structures in each photograph was decreased [25 microg/ml: (2.9 +/- 0.5) mm, 50 microg/ml: (1.8 +/- 0.5) mm versus control: (5.0 +/- 0.6) mm; P < 0.05]. The tube structure was severely disrupted, resulting in an incomplete and sparse tube network. However, all the detrimental effects on EPC were attenuated by pretreatment of EPC with LOX-1 mAb. In addition, Western blot analysis revealed that oxLDL increased LOX-1 protein expression from 100% to (172 +/- 8)% at a dose of 50 microg/ml. Furthermore, oxLDL caused an increase in LOX-1 mRNA expression from 100% to (174 +/- 39)% at a dose of 50 microig/ml.

CONCLUSIONOxLDL can directly inhibit EPC survival and activity and these effects are mediated by its receptor, LOX-1.

Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Apoptosis ; Cell Adhesion ; Cell Movement ; Cell Survival ; Cells, Cultured ; Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; physiology ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Humans ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; pharmacology ; physiology ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; Scavenger Receptors, Class E ; biosynthesis ; physiology ; Stem Cells ; drug effects ; physiology