Objective To analyze the sensitivity of clinical isolates of Candida albicans to flucona- zole,to detect mutations in their ERG11 genes,and to investigate the correlation between ERG11 gene mutation and resistance to fluconazole.Methods Candida albicans was identified from clinical isolates of Candida spp..The sensitivity to fluconazole was detected in vitro by microdilution-basesd method and Rosco tablets method.Three pairs of primers were designed to amplify three fragments of ERG11 gene(483 bps, from 295 bp to777 bp;482bps,from 723 bp to 1204 bp;489 bps,from 1179 bp to 1667 bp)after the extracting of genomic DNA.PCR products were sequenced.Results Eighty clinical isolates of Candida spp.were collected,which included 52 isolates of Candida albicans,all of which were sensitive to flucona- zole.Nineteen mutations were detected in ERG11 gene of 5 fluconazole-sensitive clinical isolates.Of the 19 mutations,14 were samesense mutations,and the remaing 5 missense mutations(T495A,A530C, G640A,A945C and G1609A),resulting in amino acid substitution D116E,K128T,E165K,E266D and V488I,respectively in lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase.E165K was a novel mutation.Conclusions The clinical isolates of Candida albicans were highly sensitive to fluconazole;E165K and V488I might not lead to the resistance of Candida albicans to fluconazole.

Objective To explore the efficacy of application of clinical pathway for hemodialysis patients with indwelling dialysis catheter via deep vein. Methods A total of 80 hemodialysis patients with indwelling dialysis catheter via deep vein were divided into observation and control group. All of patients were treated with indwelling dialysis catheter via deep vein. Patients in observation group were managed by clinical pathway, while those in control group were managed by routine mode. Then, the time for indwelling dialysis catheter, the complication and satisfaction rate of patients were compared between the two groups. Results The complication rate in the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0. 01). The time for indwelling dialysis catheter, the satisfaction rate of patients were significantly superiory than those of the control group (P <0. 05). Conclusions Clinical pathway can improve clinical efficacy of hemodialysis patients with indwelling dialysis catheter via deep vein, which should be worth widespread.

Objective To explore the effect of potato chips soaking in brine external application to protect arteriovenous fistula.Methods A total of 60 cases with oozing and swelling patients after intravenous fistula puncturing were randomly divided into group A (50％ magnesium sulfate wet,n =20),group B (potato chips soaked in brine external application,n =20) and group C (Hirudinous external rub,n =20).Observed three groups of patients with arteriovenous fistula exudation markedly time,exudative healing time,pain relief time and improved the situation of patients blood flow by Doppler ultrasound detected.Results In Group B,exudative effectual time (3.95 ± 1.00)h,oozing healing time(13.05 ±2.11)h,pain relief time in advance (4.65 ± 0.67)h,comparing with group A and group C,the difference were statistically significant (F =89.345,162.116,144.510,respectively;P ＜ 0.01).And the improving blood flow of Group B was significantly better than that in group A and group C (x2 =7.800,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Potato chips soaked in brine external application can protect the arteriovenous fistula,with low price,simple operation,rapid onset,which is worthy of clinical application.

OBJECTIVETo verify the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion in treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

METHODSSixty cases of KOA were randomly divided into a heat-sensitive moxibustion group and a conventional moxibustion group, 30 cases in each one. Dubi (ST 35), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Zusanli (ST 36) and Heding (EX-LE 2) on the affected side were selected in two groups. In heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the techniques of circling moxibustion, sparrow-pecking moxibustion, moving moxibustion and mild moxibustion were applied. In conventional moxibustion group, the mild moxibustion was used, 2 to 3 cm far from the skin of the acupoints selected. Lysholm scale for the assessment of knee joint function was adopted to evaluate the efficacy. The scores of joint pain, morning stiffness, joint swelling and walking ability were compared before and after treatment in two groups.

RESULTSThe scores of joint pain, morning stiffness, joint swelling and walking ability after treatment were all apparently improved as compared with those before treatment in either group (all P < 0.05). The improvement in the above-mentioned indices in heat-sensitive moxibustion group was much more apparent as compared with that in conventional moxibustion group (all P < 0.01). The effective rate was 90.0% (27/30) in heat-sensitive moxibustion group and was 73.3% (22/30) in conventional moxibustion group. The effective rate in heat-sensitive moxibustion group was obviously superior to that in conventional moxibustion group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion is superior to that of conventional moxibustion in the treatment of KOA. This therapy can more significantly improve the symptoms and physical signs of the patients with KOA.

Acupuncture Points ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Locomotion ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the genetic association between schizophrenia and polymorphism of D-amino acid-oxidase (DAAO) gene.

METHODSA total of 112 parent/offspring trios in which the proband met the Amerecan Classification and Diagnostic Criteria for Mental Disorders (Fourth Revised Edition) were included in this study. Correlation analysis between schizophrenia and DAAO gene polymorphism and haplotype relative risk analysis were conducetd by using PCR and SNP typing in all the nuclear families.

RESULTSThe rs3918347 allele was correlated to schizophrenia (P = 0.014). Allele A was a protective factor (Z = -2.37) and allele G the hazard factor (Z = 2.37). The frequency of rs3918347 allele A was 0.41 and that of the allele G was 0.59. The rs3741775, rs3825251 and rs4964770 alleles were not associated with schizophrenia. Three haplotypes of C/G in the rs3825251-rs3918347, G/T in the rs3918347-rs4964770, C/G/T in the rs3825251-rs3918347-rs4964770 were associated with schizophrenia (P = 0.021, 0.036, and 0.028, with genotype frequencies of 0.33, 0.28, and 0.15, respectively).

CONCLUSIONThe nucleotide polymorphism of DAAO gene is associated with schizophrenia in Chinese population.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Schizophrenia ; genetics ; Young Adult

Objective:To explore the association between the G71R polymorphism of the UGT1A1 gene and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Methods:DNA was extracted from blood samples of 61 neonates with severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia(severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia group), 60 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia(hyperbilirubinemia group) and 62 healthy neonates(control group), the G71R mutation of UGT1A1 gene was analyzed by direct sequencing. Results:In severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia group, there were 17 cases of homozygous mutation(A/A), 23 cases of heterozygous mutation(A/G) , and 21 cases of wild type(G/G) , with 28.87% homozygous mutation rate and 37.70% heterozygous mutation rate.In neonatal hyperbilirubinemia group, there were ten cases of homozygous mutation(A/A), 28 cases of heterozygous mutation(A/G) and 22 cases of wild type(G/G), with 16.67% homozygous mutation rate and 46.67% heterozygous mutation rate.In the control group, there were nine cases of homozygous mutation (A/A), 28 cases of heterozygous mutation(A/G) and 25 cases of wild type(G/G), among which the homozygous mutation rate was 14.52% and the heterozygous mutation rate was 45.16%.The genotype frequency( χ2=4.14, P=0.38)and allele frequency( χ2=2.47, P=0.29)of G71R in severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia group, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia group and control group were not statistically significant. Conclusion:The G71R polymorphism of the UGT1A1 gene may not be significantly correlated with the prevalence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Objective : To explore the effects of autophagy activation on propofol⁃induced apoptosis in hippocampal neurons. Methods : Primary hippocampal neurons were extracted and isolated from fetal rats and randomly divided into control group, propofol group, rapamycin group and chloroquine group. 2,3⁃Bis⁃(2⁃methoxy⁃4⁃nitro⁃5⁃sulfo phenyl) Ⅳ2H⁃tetrazolium⁃5⁃carboxanilide ( XTT) and flow cytometry were used to detect apoptosis, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of autophagy and apoptosis⁃related proteins. Then, aged rats were randomly divided into control group, propofol group, rapamycin group and chloroquine group. 100 mg/kg propofol was used for continuous anesthesia for 1 week, during which 50 mg/kg rapamycin and 10 mg/kg chloroquine were treated. Morris water maze was used to detect cognitive function, TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis, Golgi staining was used to observe autophagy, and Western blot was used to detect autophagy⁃related apoptosis⁃related protein expression. Results : In vitro, rapamycin obviously reversed the apoptosis caused by propofol, but chloroquine had no effect. Compared with propofol group, the expression of microtubule⁃associated protein light chain 3 Ⅱ / microtubule⁃associated protein light chain 3 I (LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ) and Beclin⁃1 in the rapamycin group increased, but the expression of apoptotic proteins Cleaved⁃caspase⁃3 and Bax decreased. In vivo, compared with propofol group, the water maze escape latency of the rapamycin group reduced. In addition, the number of TUNEL⁃positive cells and autophagosomes in the rapamycin group decreased. Furthermore, the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the rapamycin group decreased, and the expression of LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ and Beclin⁃1 increased, as well as the expression of Cleaved⁃caspase⁃3 and Bax decreased. But chloroquine had no effect on autophagy and apoptosis⁃related proteins. Conclusion Rapamycin can further activate autophagy by inhibiting the activation of mTOR signal, ameliorate the neuronal apoptosis caused by propofol, which will lead to the improvement of the cognition in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify whether lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) have protective effects on retina neuronal cells in diabetic rats and to identify the related mechanism involved in this process. METHODS: Eighteen SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n= 6): normal control group (NC), diabetes mellitus group (DM) and LBP-treatment group (DM+LBP). The diabetic rat model was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The rats in DM+LBP group were treated with LBP at the dose of 1 mg/kg by gavage, once a day for 12 weeks. After the treatment, the weight and blood glucose, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the surviving retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and amacrine cells and the protein expressions of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were detected. RESULTS: The successful rate of diabetic model was 100%. Compared with NC group, the rats of DM group caused weight loss, elevated blood glucose, a marked increase of ROS generation and a significant decrease in the number of RGCs and amacrine cells (P＜0.01), and these effects were diminished or abolished by LBP treatment. Meanwhile, LBP significantly increased the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the retinas of diabetic rats (P＜0.01). CONCLUSION LBP can improve retinal oxidative stress and exert beneficial neuroprotective effects in diabetic rats, and its mechanism may be associated with the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway.
Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) ; drug effects ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2 ; drug effects ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Retina ; drug effects

There are more and more literature reports about the application of Chinese medicine quality constant in the grading evaluation of Chinese medicine decoction pieces. Chinese medicine quality constant has particularly prominent advantages in comprehensive quantification,so it has become a new method and mode for grading Chinese medicine decoction pieces,highly recognized by the academic circle. In order to determine the effect of Chinese medicine quality constant,a method of grades evaluation for Moutan cortex was established in this paper. 15 batches of samples were collected from Chinese herbal slices enterprises to determine the external morphological indexes and inner quality indexes,calculate the Chinese medicine quality constant of Moutan cortex,and divide them into different grades. The results revealed that the range of the relative quality constant of these samples was from 0. 016 to 0. 060,with percentage quality constant from 27. 4 to 100. 0. If these samples were divided into three grades: the quality constant of the first grade should be ≥0. 048 or the percentage quality constant ≥80. 0; the quality constant of the second grade should be <0. 048 but ≥0. 030 or percentage quality constant <80. 0 and ≥50. 0; the quality constant of the third grade should be <0. 030 or the percentage quality constant <50. 0. This research indicated that Chinese quality constant can objectively divide grades of Moutan cortex decoction pieces,providing reference for formulating grades standards. It was also verified from the results that traditional quality evaluation of Moutan cortex was consistent with quality constant,and the connotation of percentage quality constant was elaborated as well. At the same time,it is suggested to establish a third-party Chinese medicine slices rating agency as soon as possible,which is to unify the terminology and provide rating services for the market.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Paeonia ; Quality Control

The dried stems of Schisandra henryi var. henryi were extracted with 95% ethanol and the extracts were further subjected to partition, affording the ethyl acetate extracts(EtOAc Extrs.).The EtOAc Extrs.were separated and purified with silica gel and octadecyl-silylated silica gel column chromatography, preparative HPLC and preparative TLC. Thirteen known compounds were obtained and identified by spectral methods including MS and NMR, all of which were elucidated as t-cadinol(1), cadinane-4β,5α,10β-triol(2), cadinane-5α, 10α-diol-2-ene(3), oxyphyllenodiols A(4), 1β, 4β-dihydroxyeudesman-11-ene(5), cyperusol C(6), (7R)-opposit-4(15)-ene-1β,7-diol(7), dysodensiol E(8), epi-guaidiol A(9), aromadendrane-4β,10β-diol(10), tricyclohumuladiol(11), caryolane-1,9β-diol(12), and guaidiol A(13). Compounds 3, 5-10, and 13 were separated from the genus for the first time, while compounds 1-13 were separated from this species for the first time.