OBJECTIVE: To extract microamounts of animal-derived DNA from the products of Colla Corii Asini boiled at high temperature, establish and optimize a rapid identification method of donkey-derived components in Colla Corii Asini by polymerase chain reaction(PCR), and establish a new molecular biological method for assessing the quality of Colla Corii Asini. METHODS: The donkey-derived genomic DNA was extracted by DNA purification column instead of phenol, chloroform and other toxic organic solvents in SDS-PK method, and the SDS-PK method was optimized with the donkey-derived genomic DNA. RESULTS: The optimum sample size of Colla Corii Asini was 0.20 g. High quality genomic DNA of Colla Corii Asini could be obtained quickly after digestion in water bath for 1 h and then purified by DNA purification column. The purity ranged from 1.70 to 1.80, and the concentration of Colla Corii Asini could reach (187.8±0.56)ng•μL-1. PCR amplification, cloning, and sequencing were performed using specific primers, and the similarity to GenBank's registered Donkey species (MG931481.1) was 100%. CONCLUSION: This study provides animal-derived genomic DNA fragments from deep-processed Colla Corii Asini and Colla Corii Asini products within 90 min. The purity and concentration of extracted DNA can meet the requirements of molecular biological identification of Colla Corii Asini. The established PCR method can quickly identify the scorpion-derived components in Colla Corii Asini. The cloned donkey specific gene fragment can be used as a standard positive control to identify the authenticity of Colla Corii Asini. It is expected that it will be widely used in the quality supervision of Colla Corii Asini and related products.

OBJECTIVETo acquire teeth and prosthetic conditions of the elderly.

METHODS1166 patients of over 60 years old had been given prosthetic treatment, and the teeth conditions were analyzed.

RESULTSThe average number of missing teeth was 10.25. The maxillary missing teeth were more than mandibular ones. The rate of missing teeth were as follows: maxillary teeth > mandibular teeth; molars > bicuspids > incisors > cuspid. 1120 cases were treated with removable dentures. 59% of the removable partial dentures had free-end saddles. 46 cases were treated with fixed bridges.

CONCLUSIONThe characteristics of prosthetic patients in the elderly were as follows: a large number of missing teeth and free-end missing teeth, attrition of resident teeth, food impaction, existing-residual root and loosen teeth. Removable denture was the main method of the prosthetic therapy for the elderly patients. Fixed bridge was used when the patient condition was good. The cuspid, treated residual root and the third molar should be used for the retention and support of the prosthesis.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Denture, Partial, Fixed ; statistics & numerical data ; Denture, Partial, Removable ; statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tooth Loss ; therapy

Eleven compounds were isolated from the culture of Streptomyces sp. CPCC 202950 by a combination of various chromatographic techniques including column chromatography over macroporous resin HP-20, MCI, and reversed-phase HPLC. Their structures were identified as 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxamide(1),5'-deoxy-5'-methylthioinosine(2), vanillamide(3), trans-3-methylthioacrylamide(4), 1,2,3,4-Tetraydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylic acid(5), cyclo(L-pro-L-tyr) (6), N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]ethylacetamide(7), benzamide (8), cyclo ('L-leucyl-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline)(9), cyclo-(Phe-Gly) (10), and tryptophan (11). Among them, compounds 1 and 2 were new natural products. In the preliminary assays, none of the compounds exhibited obvious inhibition of HIV-1 protease activity (IC50 > 10 micromol x L(-1)).
Culture Media ; chemistry ; metabolism ; HIV Protease ; analysis ; HIV Protease Inhibitors ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization ; Streptomyces ; chemistry ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the changes of different brain metabolites during hepatolenticular degeneration using diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration and study the correlation of apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) values and MRS with the different pathological changes.

METHODSTotally 53 patients with hepatolenticular degeneration were enrolled in this study and divided into DWI high-signal group (n=31) and DWI low-signal group (n=22). Magnetic resonance scan, DWI, and spectroscopy were performed before treatment and 4 months after treatment. The changes of ADC value, N-acetyl aspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) ratio, and choline (Cho)/Cr ratio were recorded.

RESULTSBefore treatment, the NAA/Cr ratio was significantly higher in the DWI high-signal group than in DWI low-signal group (P=0.002), whereas ADC value and NAA/Cr ratio were significantly lower (P=0.004, P=0.014, respectively). After treatment, the NAA/Cr ratio was still significantly higher in the DWI high-signal group (P=0.036), while the differences of ADC value and Cho/Cr ratio showed no statistical deference (P>0.05). In the DWI high-signal group, the ADC value and NAA/Cr ratio were significantly elevated after treatment (P=0.006, P=0.008), whereas the Cho/Cr ratio showed no significant change (P>0.05). In the DWI low signal group, NAA/Cr ratio was significantly increased after treatment (P=0.015), while the ADC value and Cho/Cr ratio showed no significant change (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSDWI combined MRS imaging can be used to evaluate the microscopic structure and metabolic changes during copper deposition and thus, compared with the conventional magnetic resonance imaging provide more information on metabolism. Therefore, they can be useful tools in the early diagnosis and efficacy evaluation of hepatolenticular degeneration.

Adolescent ; Child ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Female ; Hepatolenticular Degeneration ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; methods ; Male ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its relation to angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, as well as lymph node metastasis.

METHODSSixty-seven archival specimens from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma were investigated, whose clinicopathologic data were completely conserved. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of VEGF-C, microvessel density (MVD), lymphatic vessel density (LVD). The correlations between VEGF-C expression and MVD, LVD, as well as other clinicopathological features were measured.

RESULTSAlthough no correlation between VEGF-C expression and tumor location, histological grade, or gender of the patients was observed (P > 0.05), OSCC patients with more advanced clinical stages and lymph node metastasis were prone to have high expression of VEGF-C (P = 0.015 and P < 0.001, respectively). Cases with high-expression of VEGF-C also showed significantly more often higher LVD (P = 0.001) but not MVD (P = 0.125). In addition, cases with lymph node involvement presented higher LVD than other cases (P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONVEGF-C may promote lymph node metastasis by inducing lymphangiogenesis in OSCC.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphangiogenesis ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Lymphatic Vessels ; Mouth Neoplasms ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Astragalus membranaceus (APS) on the proliferation, osteogenic capacity and structure of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) in vitro.

METHODSPDLCs were cultured in vitro with APS of 0.08, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 mg x mL(-1). Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTr), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cell structure were detected to determine the proliferation and differentiation of PDLCs proliferation and differentiation.

RESULTSWhen the APS was 0.2 mg x mL(-1), the absorbance of MTT and ALP exhibit significantly increased as compared to the control (P < 0.05). The cells cultured in vitro with APS of 0.2 mg x mL(-1) had the normal structure.

CONCLUSIONAPS with proper concentration in short-term culture may promote the proliferation and differentiation of PDLCs.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; Astragalus membranaceus ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; In Vitro Techniques ; Periodontal Ligament

OBJECTIVETo explore the association between the effort-reward imbalance at work and depressive symptoms among healthcare workers.

METHODSThe effort-reward imbalance at work was conceptualized in terms of the Chinese version of the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Chinese version of the Center of Epidemiology Survey Depression (CES-D) scale. The data came from the cross-sectional survey of 1 179 healthcare workers aged between 18 and 73 employed in 6 affiliated hospitals of Zhejiang University. The questionnaire comprised questions on the effort-reward at work, over-commitment, the full CES-D scale of depression and a range of other characteristics. Univariate analyses were used with Spearman's correlation, Mann-Whitney test, Pearson chi(2) test and likelihood chi(2) test. Multivariate logistic regression analyses was used to discover factors associated with depressive symptoms.

RESULTSThe prevalence of depressive symptoms among healthcare workers was 48.12% (95% CI: 45.08% to 51.16%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms among nurses was 52.40% (95% CI: 47.87% to 56.93%) higher than doctors' 44.70% (95% CI: 10.64% to 48.77%) with the significant difference (chi(2) = 6.077, P = 0.014). Positive associations were found between the high effort-low reward, level of work-related over commitment and depressive symptoms (OR = 1.859, 95% CI: 1.337 to 2.585; OR = 2.207, 95% CI: 1.656 to 2.942) among healthcare workers, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe high effort-low reward and the work-related over-commitment have a negative impact on healthcare workers' health.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Depression ; epidemiology ; psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Medical Staff, Hospital ; psychology ; Middle Aged ; Models, Psychological ; Occupational Health ; Prevalence ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of levofloxacin 750 mg for 5 days versus 500 mg for 7‐14 days intravenous (IV ) infusion in the treatment of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP ) . Methods This study was a multi‐center , randomized , open‐label , non‐inferiority , controlled clinical trial .The CAP patients were randomized to receive levofloxacin 750 mg IV daily for 5 days or levofloxacin 500 mg IV daily for 7‐14 days .The clinical symptoms , laboratory tests , imaging results and microbiology data were collected and compared between the two treatment groups in terms of efficacy and safety .Results A total of 241 patients were enrolled in this clinical trial from 10 study centers .Among these patients ,223 were eligible for full analysis set (FAS) analysis ,including 111 in 750 mg group and 112 in 500 mg group .Of the 223 patients in FAS ,211 were eligible for per‐protocol set (PPS) analysis ,including 107 in 750 mg group and 104 in 500 mg group .Two hundred and forty‐one patients were included in safety set (SS) ,including 121 patients in 750 mg group and 120 in 500 mg group .The median treatment duration was 5 .0 days in 750 mg and 9 .0 days in 500 mg group .The median total dose was 3 750 mg in 750 mg group and 4 500 mg in 500 mg group .The overall efficacy rate was 86 .2% in 750 mg group and 84 .7% in 500 mg group in terms of FAS at visit 4 ,which suggested that the efficacy of 750 mg group was non‐inferior to 500 mg group .Of the 111 FAS patients in 750 mg group ,40 were bacteriological evaluable ,and 41 strains of pathogens were isolated .Forty‐nine of the 112 FAS patients in 500 mg group were bacteriological evaluable ,and 51 bacterial strains were obtained .The bacterial eradication rate was 100% in both groups .The clinical treatment efficacy rate for atypical pathogens was 100% in both groups .In 750 mg group ,the most common clinical adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were injection site adverse reactions including injection site pruritus ,pain and hyperemia .The other common ADRs were insomnia ,nausea ,skin rash .The most common drug‐related laboratory abnormalities were neutrophil percentage decreased , decreased white blood cell (WBC ) count , alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation .Most of the ADRs were mild in severity and well‐tolerated .The safety profile of the two treatments was comparable in terms of the drug‐related treatment discontinuation and the incidence of ADRs .Conclusions The short‐course regimen of levofloxacin 750 mg IV for 5 days is at least as effective and well tolerated as the long‐course regimen of 500 mg IV for 7‐14 days in treatment of CAP .

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical features and follow-up results of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) between boys and girls. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 79 children (18 boys and 61 girls), aged ≤14 years, who were diagnosed with SLE from 2008 to 2018. The boys and the girls were compared in terms of initial and major clinical symptoms, injury of organs/systems, related laboratory markers, and follow-up results. RESULTS: As for the initial and non-initial symptoms, fever had the highest incidence rate in the boys, while facial erythema had the highest incidence rate in the girls. The boys tended to develop renal injury and hematological damage (P<0.05), with a significantly higher incidence rate of proteinuria than the girls (P<0.05), while the girls tended to develop joint pain (P<0.05). There were high abnormal rates (>80%) of anti-nuclear antibody, dsDNA, complement C3, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in both boys and girls (P>0.05). The boys had a significantly higher disease activity than the girls at the first visit and in year 9 of follow-up (P<0.05). A one-month to ten-year follow-up showed that among the boys, 3 were lost to follow-up, 1 died, 7 were well controlled but required oral administration of large doses of hormones or immunosuppression, 2 progressed to chronic renal failure, and 1 developed lupus encephalopathy. Among the girls, 3 were lost to follow-up; 5 died; 34 were well controlled, among whom 5 were maintained on oral prednisone acetate with a dose of <10 mg, 1 was withdrawn from the drug for 1 year, and 2 were withdrawn from the drug for 2 years; 4 developed lupus encephalopathy; 1 developed depression and anxiety and had suicidal tendency in the 7th year after disease onset; 2 experienced impaired vision, blurred vision, and chloropsia; 1 developed a vascular necrosis of both femoral heads in the 3rd year of hormone administration. CONCLUSIONS There are differences in clinical features, several laboratory markers, and prognosis between boys and girls with SLE. Boys tend to have a high severity at disease onset, develop renal injury and hematological damage, and have poor long-term prognosis, while girls tend to have joint involvement.

OBJECTIVECarboplatin (CBP)-resistant cell line (Tca8113/CBP) and pingyangmycin (PYM)-resistant cell line (Tca8113/PYM) were established in vitro. Ginkgolic acids' influence over multidrug resistance (MDR) of drug-resistant cells was discussed by ginkgolic acids coupled with chemotherapy drugs.

METHODSThe expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was detected by immunohistochemistry. MTT assay was applied to ascertain the resistance index of drug-resistant cells. The effect of different concentrations of ginkgolic acids on the proliferation of drug-resistant cells and parental cell was measured by MTT assay. Making sure the non-toxic concentration of ginkgolic acids and observing the reversal effect of ginkgolic acids on drug-resistant cells. Resistance index was redetermined by MTT assay after ginkgolic acids coupled with chemotherapy drugs induced the cell lines for some time.

RESULTSImmunohistochemistry showed that P-gp positive expression rate of drug-resistant cells was significantly higher than parental cells. The non-toxic concentration of ginkgolic acids which was determined by MTT assay was 10 microg x mL(-1). The reversal folds of Tca8113/CBP cell line to CBP and Tca8113/PYM cell line to PYM were 2.94 and 2.43 respectively. Before coupled with ginkgolic acids, the resistance indices of Tca8113/CBP and Tca8113/PYM cell lines were 3.24 and 11.9 respectively. When ginkgolic acids was added with chemotherapy drugs for some time, the resistance indices of Tca8113/CBP and Tca8113/PYM cell lines were 2.18 and 4.43 respectively.

CONCLUSIONThis experiment successfully induced the drug-resistant cell lines of Tca8113/CBP and Tca8113/PYM. The method of chemotherapy drugs coupled with ginkgolic acids further confirmed the effect on proliferation of Tca8113/CBP and Tca8113/PYM cell lines was reducing. Non-toxic concentration of ginkgolic acids can partially reverse the drug resistance of Tca8113/ CBP and Tca8113/PYM cell lines. Furthermore, MDR level of drug-resistant cells decreased somewhat when they were induced by ginkgolic acids coupled with chemotherapy drugs for some time.

ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; Antineoplastic Agents ; Bleomycin ; analogs & derivatives ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Humans ; Mouth Neoplasms ; Salicylates