Objective] To find a rapid method for diagnosing Acanthamoeba keratitis and identifing Acanthamoeba . [Methods] 10% potassium hydroxide(KOH) wet mount preparations, Acanthamoeba culture, inverted phase contrast microscopy,and pathological examination using H.E. staining and PAS staining. [Results]Using corneal scrapings and corneal materials obtained from surgery,7 cases and 5 cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis were diagnosed by 10% KOH wet mount preparations. 6 strains of Acanthamoeba were isolated in corneal materials of 6 cases by protozoa culture method. The cysts, trophozoites and pseudopods on the trophozoites of Acanthamoeba were directly observed under the inverted phase contrast microscope. The cysts and trophozoites of Acanthamoeba were seen by H.E. staining and PAS staining with 20 h. [Conclusion] Acanthamoeba keratitis could be rapidly diagnosed by 10% KOH wet mount preparations and inverted phase contrast microscopy. Acanthamoeba organisms could be directly observed and identified under inverted phase contrast microscope.

Objective To summarize the clinical experience of successful intervention in single chronic coronary actery total ocdusion (CTO) lesions by the transradial.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted in 103 patients with single CTO lesions who got intervention treatment by the radial artery.Results ( 1 ) Of the 103 cases,57 cases had unstable angina,12 cases had stable angina,and 34 cases chronic myocardial infarction.Lesions' block time was ≤ 6 months in 83 cases,and ＞ 6 months in 20 cases.(2)The path vessels of the 103 patients have no severe tortuosity and anatomical structure variation.Fifty-one cases occurred left anterior descending occlusion,25 cases occurred left circumflex branches occlusion,and 27 cases occurred right coronary artery occlusion.Furthermore,24 cases had chronic complete occlusion,and 79 cases had chronic functional block.The side branches did not block in 91 cases,no lesions(bridge) collateral formation occurred in 87 cases,lesions length was less than 15 mm in 67 cases,and tapered lesions was observed in 81 cases.( 3 ) Final intervention rate via Judkins,XB,EBU guide catheter was 37.86％,30.10％ and 29.13％ respectively.(4)the PILOT successfully through the lesions for the series wire guided was 64.08％.(5) 1.25 mm diameter series with a balloon through the first lesions and successful expanding was observed in 57 cases (55.34％),and 1.5 mm diameter series with a balloon occurred in 38 cases(36.89％ ).Conclusion Intervention treatment by the radial of single CTO lesions is feasible for experienced performers.The successful intervention depends on path vessels unimpeded,target vessels with characteristic pathological features and reasonable choice of instruments.

China and Tunisia have frequent exchanges and good relationship. Tunisia has the largest medical center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) among Africa and Arab countries. The development of TCM in Tunisia has shown great potential. By searching the information and legal regulations of the Ministry of health of Tunisia, the West Asia and Africa Department of the Ministry of Commerce of China and the business office of the Chinese Embassy in Tunisia, this paper studies the development status, legislation and drug access, bilateral cooperation, market potential and risks of TCM in Tunisia. It is found that acupuncture and massage are widely used in Tunisia. However, Tunisia has strict control over the sources of TCM. It is proposed that the future development of TCM in Tunisia should be based on the advantages of good relations between China and Tunisia, obtain both government support, take acupuncture and massage as a pioneer, promote TCM, encourage and develop TCM industry.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the chemical constituents of tuber of Gymnadenia conopsea.

METHODThe constituents were isolated by using a combination of various chromatographic techniques including column chromatography over silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and C-18, as well as reversed-phase HPLC. Structures of the isolates were identified by spectroscopic data analysis.

RESULTThirty-four compounds were isolated. Their structures were identified as six 2-isobutyltartrate benzyl ester glucosides: coelovirin A (1), coelovirin B (2), coelovirin E (3), coelovirin D (4), dactylorhin B (5) and loroglossin (6). Three 2-isobutylmalate benzyl ester glucosides: dactylorhin A (7), dactylorhin E (8) and militarine (9). Three lignans: arctigenin (10), lappaol A (11) and lappaol F (12). Six aromatic acid (alhyde or alcohol) derivatives: 4-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxyl-trans-phenylpropenoic acid (13), 4-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxyl-cis-phenylpropenoic acid (14), gastrodin (15), 4-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxylphenylaldehyde (16), 4-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxylbenzyl methyl ether (17), 4-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxyloxylbenzyl ethyl ether (18), and bis(4-hydroxybenzyl) ether mono 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (19). Four cyclodipeptides: cyclo(L-Leu-L-Tyr) (20), cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro) (21), cyclo(L-Val-L-Tyr) (22), and cyclo(L-Ala-D-Phe) (23). One N6-substituted andenosine: N6-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-adenine riboside (24). An aromatic amide: N-trans-feruloyltyramine (25). Nine aromatic acids (or aldehyde or alcohol): 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (26), 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid (27), 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (28), 4-hydroxybenzyl methyl ether (29), 4-hydroxybenzylaldehyde (30), 4-hydroxybenzoic acic (31), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid (32), trans-p-hydroxyphenylpropenoic acid (33), and cis-p-hydroxyphenylpropenoic acid (34). At a concentration of 1.0 x 10(-6) mol x L(-1), compounds 10-12 showed antioxidative activity inhibiting Fe(+2) -cystine induced rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation with inhibitory rates of 53%, 59%, and 52%, respectively(positive control VE with 35% inhibition).

CONCLUSIONThese compounds were obtained from the genus Gymnadenia for the first time except for 5-7, 9, 15, 28-34. Compounds 10-12 possess antioxidant activity.

Animals ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Microsomes, Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Orchidaceae ; chemistry ; Plant Extracts ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo investigate chemical constituents of Iodes cirrhosa.

METHODConstituents were isolated by using a combination of various chromatographic techniques including column chromatography over silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and C-18, as well as reversed-phase HPLC. Structures of the isolates were identified by spectroscopic and chemical methods.

RESULTTwenty-four compounds were obtained from a H2O-soluble portion of an ethanolic extract of the root of lodes cirrhosa Turcz. Structures of the isolates were identified as (-)-(7R,8S,7'E) -4,7,9,9'-tetrahydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxy-8,4'-oxyneolign-7'-ene-9'-O-beta-D-glucopyra-noside (1), (-)-(7S,8S,7'E)-4,7,9,9'-tetrahydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxy-8,4'-oxyneolign-7'-ene-9'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside(2), (+)-(7S,8S)-syringylglycerol 8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), (+)-(7S, 8S)-guaiacylglycerol 8-O-P-D-glucopyranoside (4), (-)-(7S, 8S)-4,7,9, 9'-tetrahydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxy-8,4'-oxyneolignan-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5),(-)-alaschanisoside A (6), (-)-(2R)-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2-(2-methoxy-4-[1-(E)-propen-3-ol] phenoxyl propane-3-ol(7), (-)-(2R)-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2-{2,6-dimethoxy-4-[1-(E)-propen-3-ol] phenoxyl} propane-3-ol(8), (-)-liriodendrin(9), (-)-(7S, 8R)-guaiacylglycerol 9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside(10), (-)-(7R, 8R)-guaiacylglycerol 9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside(11),(-)-(7R,8R)-syringylglycerol 9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside(12), (-)-(7R,8R)-guaiacylglycerol 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside(13), (-)-11,13-dihydrodeacylcynaropicrin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside(14), (-)-sweroside (15), (-)-2-hydroxy-5-(2-hydroxyethyl) phenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside(16), (-)-(1'R)-1'-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) ethane-1',2'-diol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside(17), (-)-tachioside(18), (-)-3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside(19), (-)-3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-propanone-3-O-beta-D-glucopy ranoside(20), (-)-2-methoxy4-(1-propionyl) phenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside(21), (-)-4-propionyl-3, 5-dimethoxyphenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside(22), erigeside C(23), and scopoletin beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside(24).

CONCLUSIONCompounds 1-24 were obtained from the genus for the first time.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Ethanol ; chemistry ; Glucosides ; analysis ; Isomerism ; Magnoliopsida ; chemistry ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Solubility ; Water ; chemistry

BACKGROUND: Meshes play a crucial role in hernia repair. However, the displacement of mesh inevitably leads to various associated complications. This process is difficult to be traced by conventional imaging means. The purpose of this study is to create a contrast-enhanced material with high-density property that can be detected by computed tomography (CT). METHODS: The contrast-enhanced monofilament was manufactured from barium sulfate nanoparticles and medical polypropylene (PP/Ba). To characterize the composite, stress tensile tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. Toxicity and biocompatibility of PP/Ba materials was verified by in vitro cellular assays. Meanwhile, the inflammatory response was tested by protein adsorption assay. In addition, an animal model was established to demonstrate the long-term radiographic effect of the composite material in vivo. Subsequent pathological tests confirmed its in vivo compatibility. RESULTS: The SEM revealed that the main component of the monofilament is carbon. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that novel material does not affect cell activity and proliferation. Protein adsorption assays indicated that the contrast-enhanced material does not cause additional inflammatory responses. In addition, in vivo experiments illustrated that PP/Ba mesh can be detected by CT and has good in vivo compatibility. CONCLUSION These results highlight the excellent biocompatibility of the contrast-enhanced material, which is suitable for human abdominal wall tissue engineering.

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and safety following the topical application of pazufloxacin mesylate eye drops with levofloxacin eye drops (LOFX) for bacterial conjunctivitis.Methods A multicenter,randomized,investigator-masked,parallel-controlled clinical trial was performed.Five hundred and twenty eyes of 520 patients with bacterial conjunctivitis were enrolled from March to October 2008 in seven ophthalmic centers in China.The patients were randomized into trial group and control group in 3 ∶ 1 ratio with the 390 eyes in the trial group and 130 eyes in the control group.Pazufloxacin mesylate eye drops was topically used 4 times per day for consecutively 7-14 days in the trial group,and levofloxacin eye drops was used in the same way in the control group.Microbiological cultures for conjunctiva sac secretions and drug sensitive test were carried out before and at the end of the administration of eye drops.The signs and symptoms were observed and scored before treatment and 0,3,7 and 14days after treatment.The adverse events following the administration of the eye drops were evaluated and compared.Results The intention to treat analysis (ITT) showed that the cure rate was 59.38％ in the trial group and 60.47％ in the control group,with the effective rate 88.80％ and 86.05％,respectively,with an insignificant difference between the two groups (x2 =0.12,P =0.72).The clinically evaluable analysis (CE) exhibited that the cure rates were 63.48％ in the trial group and 63.87％ in the control group,with the effective rate 92.46％ and 88.24％,whichwas not significantly different between them (x2 =0.54,P=0.46).The modified-ITT analysis (mITT) showed that the cure rates were 60.57％ in the trial group and 62.07％ in the control group,with the effective rate 90.32％ and 88.51％,without significant difference between the two groups (P＞0.05).Based on microbiologically evaluable analysis (ME),the clinical cure rates were 63.71％ and 63.41％ in the trial group and control group,and the effective rates were 93.44％ and 90.24％,respectively.There was no significantly difference between the both groups (P＞0.05).In the trial group and control group,the bacterial eradication rate was 89.42％ and 90.80％ based on ITT,90.11％ and 92.77％ based on CE,respectively.There was no significant difference in incidences of adverse events following the administration of the drug between the trial group and control group,including ocular tolerance,burning sensation,pricking and itching (P =0.34).Conclusions The effectiveness and adverse response were resemble between Pazufloxacin mesylate eye drops and LOFV following the topical application for bacterial conjunctivitis,which indicate that Pazufloxacin mesylate eye drops is effective and safe.

Four new limonoid-type nortriterpenoids, 1-detigloyl-1--methacryloylsalannin (), 28-deoxo-2,3-dihydronimbolide (), 12-acetoxy-3--acetyl-7--tigloylvilasinin () and 12-acetoxy-3--acetyl-7--methacryloylvilasinin (), along with five known ones, were isolated from seeds of A. Juss. Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, MS, NMR, X-ray crystallography, quantum chemical calculation, as well as by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported. In the cytotoxic assay, showed inhibitory activity against human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line with IC value of 7.68±1.74 μmol/L, and inhibited growth of human cervical cancer Hela cell line, melanoma A375 cell line and promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell line, with IC 12.00±2.08, 17.44±2.11, and 13.95±5.74 μmol/L, respectively.

Metabolic engineering has been widely used for production of natural medicinal molecules. However, engineering high-yield platforms is hindered in large part by limited knowledge of complex regulatory machinery of metabolic network. N⁶-Methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification of RNA plays critical roles in regulation of gene expression. Herein, we identify 1470 putatively m⁶A peaks within 1151 genes from the haploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain. Among them, the transcript levels of 94 genes falling into the pathways which are frequently optimized for chemical production, are remarkably altered upon overexpression of IME4 (the yeast m⁶A methyltransferase). In particular, IME4 overexpression elevates the mRNA levels of the methylated genes in the glycolysis, acetyl-CoA synthesis and shikimate/aromatic amino acid synthesis modules. Furthermore, ACS1 and ADH2, two key genes responsible for acetyl-CoA synthesis, are induced by IME4 overexpression in a transcription factor-mediated manner. Finally, we show IME4 overexpression can significantly increase the titers of isoprenoids and aromatic compounds. Manipulation of m⁶A therefore adds a new layer of metabolic regulatory machinery and may be broadly used in bioproduction of various medicinal molecules of terpenoid and phenol classes.

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is one of the most common causes of drug-resistant epilepsy. Dysmorphic neurons are the major histopathological feature of type II FCD, but their role in seizure genesis in FCD is unclear. Here we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recording and morphological reconstruction of cortical principal neurons in postsurgical brain tissue from drug-resistant epilepsy patients. Quantitative analyses revealed distinct morphological and electrophysiological characteristics of the upper layer dysmorphic neurons in type II FCD, including an enlarged soma, aberrant dendritic arbors, increased current injection for rheobase action potential firing, and reduced action potential firing frequency. Intriguingly, the upper layer dysmorphic neurons received decreased glutamatergic and increased GABAergic synaptic inputs that were coupled with upregulation of the Na⁺-K⁺-Cl^- cotransporter. In addition, we found a depolarizing shift of the GABA reversal potential in the CamKII-cre::PTEN^flox/flox mouse model of drug-resistant epilepsy, suggesting that enhanced GABAergic inputs might depolarize dysmorphic neurons. Thus, imbalance of synaptic excitation and inhibition of dysmorphic neurons may contribute to seizure genesis in type II FCD.
Animals ; Drug Resistant Epilepsy/surgery* ; Epilepsy/pathology* ; Malformations of Cortical Development/pathology* ; Malformations of Cortical Development, Group I ; Mice ; Neurons/pathology* ; Seizures/pathology*