Ergosterol is the important component of the fungal membrane, and having stable structure. This makes it a suitable indicator for growth of fungi. In the paper, isolation and determination techniques of ergosterol as the indicator of the fungal biomass were reviewed. The methods of extracting ergosterol include traditional saponification and refluxing, rapid physical disruption, rapid ultrasonication, supercritical fluid extraction and so on. The ergosterol determination methods are high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and thin-layer chromatography, et al. The application of these techniques was also introduced. Finally, the paper prospected the feasibility of applying the ergosterol as the indicator of fungal biomass in composting.

OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy and safety of modified Shengma Biejia Decoction (MSBD) combined with CAG program in treating elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with yin deficiency toxin stasis syndrome (YDTSS).

METHODSTotally 46 elderly AML patients were assigned to the treatment group (24 cases; treated with MSBD + CAG) and the control group (22 cases; treated with CAG + placebos of Chinese medicine) according to random digit table. The therapeutic course of CM placebo or MSBD was 21 days. The clinical efficacy and adverse reactions were observed. Meanwhile, physical state (ECOG Score), transfusion dependency, and TCM syndrome score were compared before and after treatment.

RESULTS(1) The complete remission rate was 54% (13/24) and the objective response rate (ORR) was 71% (17/24) in the treatment group, obviously higher than those of the control group [36% (8/22); 54% (13/24)], with statistical difference (P = 0.036, 0.042). When comparing the efficacy based on risk level, the moderate and poor ORR was 71% (10/14) and 67% (6/9) in the treatment group, and 57% (8/14) and 33% (2/6) in the control group, with statistical difference between the two groups (P = 0.048; P = 0.010). (2) Compared with before treatment in the same group, the ECOG score significantly decreased, the average infusion time of red cells and platelets were markedly prolonged in the treatment group after treatment (P < 0.05). ECOG score, the average infusion time of red cells and platelets were significantly better in the treatment group than in the control group after treatment (P < 0.05). (3) Compared with before treatment in the same group, scores of fever, hemorrhage, and bone pain were markedly reduced in the control group (P < 0.05); scores of fever, fatigue, hemorrhage, dry mouth, and bone pain were markedly reduced in the treatment group (P < 0.05). Better effect in relief of fever, fatigue, hemorrhage, dry mouth, and so on was obtained in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). (4) In aspect of hematotoxicity, the incidence of neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia was obviously lower in the treatment group than in the control group [29.2% (7/24) vs 54.5% (12/22); 16.7% (4/ 24) vs 45.5% (10/22); 33.3% (8/24) vs 63.6% (14/22); P < 0.05]. The incidence of fatigue and anorexia was obviously lower in the treatment group than in the control group [37.5% (9/24) vs 63.6% (14/22), 37.5% (9/24) vs 81.8% (18/22); P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONMSBD combined with CAG program in treating elderly AML patients with YDTSS, with efficacy enhancing toxicity reducing effect, had distinct advantages in improving physical condition and clinical symptoms, and reducing transfusion dependency.

Aclarubicin ; therapeutic use ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Cytarabine ; therapeutic use ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; drug therapy ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Phytotherapy ; Yin Deficiency ; drug therapy

BACKGROUNDMarked interindividual variation exists in blood pressure response to benazepril, which is considered to have genetic basis. Our objectives were to evaluate whether the E112D polymorphism in the prolylcarboxypeptidase (PRCP) gene has impact on blood pressure response to benazepril.

METHODSHypertensive patients from Huoqiu County and Yuexi County of Anhui Province received daily treatment with an oral dosage of 10 mg benazepril for 15 days. Genotypes of the E112D polymorphism in the PRCP gene were determined by TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. Multivariate linear and Logistic regressions using generalized estimating equation model were performed in a total of 1092 patients to evaluate the association of PRCP genotypes and blood pressure response to benazepril.

RESULTSPatients carrying ED or DD genotype had a less systolic blood pressure reduction (adjusted beta = -3.7 + or - 1.1, P < 0.001), a less diastolic blood pressure reduction (adjusted beta = -3.1 + or - 0.8, P < 0.001) and a lower percentage of reaching target blood pressure defined as SBP lower than 140 mmHg and DBP lower than 90 mmHg (adjusted OR = 0.6, P = 0.005) than those patients carrying EE genotype. In addition, the results from stratified analysis by county (Huoqiu or Yuexi) were similar to those observed in the pooled population.

CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest that the E112D polymorphism in the PRCP gene may be a useful genetic marker to predict the antihypertensive effect of short-term benazepril treatment in hypertensive patients of Anhui Province, China.

Adult ; Aged ; Antihypertensive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Benzazepines ; therapeutic use ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Carboxypeptidases ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Hypertension ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; genetics ; physiology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the commodity specification and grade standard of Pseudostellaria Radix, for standardizing market order and achieving industrialization, standardization and modernization of Pseudostellariae Radix.

METHODThe different areas and grade medicinal materials of Pseudostellariae Radix were respectively measured in quantitative characteristics of appearance, and the present grade classification of Pseudostellaria Radix was scientifically verified by the content of polysaccharide. Then the determination data were evaluated by spss correlation analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis. So combining with the actual production, the commodity grade standard of Pseudostellariae Radix was formulated.

RESULTCorrelation analysis indicated that the present grade classification of Pseudostellaria Radix was reasonable, and the more the grade of Pseudostellariae Radix was high, the more the content of polysaccharide was high. Meanwhile, length as a classification index was not suitable for the commodity grade standard of Pseudostellariae Radix. Using principal component analysis and cluster analysis, combining actual production, the thickest diameter, weight of single root tuber and the number of 50 g root tuber were filtrated and the grade was divided into 5 ranks: big, mid- dle, small selected goods, big ungraded goods and small ungraded goods.

CONCLUSIONthe commodity specification and grade standard of Pseudostellariae Radix that mainly included the thickest diameter, weight of single root tuber and the number of 50 g root tuber was formulated, the standard was divided into 5 grade. Each grade was not only consistent with the present situation of medicinal materials market, it could also reflected the intrinsic quality of Pseudostellariae Radix. In conclusion, the standard could be used as a classifica- tion basis to the commodity specification and grade.

Caryophyllaceae ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; standards ; Quality Control ; Reference Standards

OBJECTIVERett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder occurring almost exclusively in females as sporadic cases due to de novo mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MECP2). Familial cases of RTT are rare and are due to X-chromosomal inheritance from a carrier mother. Recently, DNA mutations in the MECP2 have been detected in approximately 84.7% of patients with RTT in China. To explain the sex-limited expression of RTT, it has been suggested that de novo X-linked mutations occur exclusively in male germ cells resulting therefore only in affected daughters. To test this hypothesis, we have analyzed the parental origin of mutations and the XCI status in 15 sporadic cases with RTT due to MECP2 molecular defects.

METHODSAllele-specific PCR was performed to amplify a fragment including the position of the mutation. The allele-specific PCR products were sequenced to determine which haplotype contained the mutation. It was then possible to determine the parent of origin by genotyping the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the parents. The degree of XCI and its direction relative to the X chromosome parent of origin were measured in DNA prepared from peripheral blood leucocytes by analyzing CAG repeat polymorphism in the androgen receptor gene (AR).

RESULTSExcept for 2 cases who had a frameshift mutation; all the remaining 13 cases had a C-->T transition mutation. Paternal origin has been determined in all cases with the C-->T transition mutation. For the two frameshift mutations, paternal origin has been determined in one case and maternal origin in the other. The frequency of male germ-line transmission in mutations is 93.3%. Except for 2 cases who were homozygotic at the AR locus, of the remaining 13 cases, 8 cases had a random XCI pattern; the other five cases had a skewed XCI pattern and they favor expression of the maternal origin allele.

CONCLUSIONDe novo mutations in sporadic RTT occur almost exclusively on the paternally derived X chromosome and that this is most probably the cause for the high female: male ratio observed in sporadic cases with RTT. Random XCI was the main XCI pattern in sporadic RTT patients. The priority inactive X chromosome was mainly of paternal origin.

Chromosome Aberrations ; Chromosomes, Human, X ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 ; genetics ; Mutation ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Rett Syndrome ; genetics ; X Chromosome Inactivation

Objective To investigate how the interactions between fat mass- and obesityassociated (FTO) gene rs9939609 variants and daily-life related behavioral factors would influence the risk of obesity among the Chinese school-aged children. Methods 3503 school-aged children were selected from the Beijing Child and Adolescent Metabolic Syndrome (BCAMS) Study, and divided into obese children (n=1229) and non-obese children (n=2274). Venipuncture blood test,genotyping and questionnaire were performed. Results Five common factors including protein foods, tobacco & alcohol, vegetables & fruits, sedentary behavior and physical exercise in spare time were extracted with factor analysis methodology. Data from logistic regression analysis showed that taking the interaction of rs9939609 variant with protein foods as an example, the risk of interaction accounted for 19.16% when both factors existing simultaneously. Similarly, the interactions of this SNP with vegetables & fruits, sedentary behavior and physical exercise in spare time appeared to be 5.97%, 19.62% and 12.43% respectively; however there might not be interaction between tobacco,alcohol and the SNP in the Chinese children. Conclusion Protein foods, vegetables & fruits,sedentary behavior and physical exercise might modify the effects of FTO rs9939609 variant on the risk of obesity in Chinese school-aged children. However, large-scale, prospective studies with detailed information on related behavioral factors would be ideal models for identifying the interactions between genes and environment.

This study was aimed to investigate the inhibiting effects of adenosine on platelet in vitro in order to select functional protectants for platelets before lyophilization. Platelet membrane surface CD62P expression was assayed by flow cytometer (FCM). Platelet aggregations induced by restocetin, thrombin, ADP and propyl gallate were detected by APACT-2. The results showed that platelets membrane surface CD62P expression increased significantly after pre-treating of freeze-drying. 0.75 mmol/L adenosine could inhibit CD62P expression in a dose-dependent manner. Adenosine could inhibit platelet aggregation induced by propyl gallate, but no action on restocetin. When adenosine concentration was 1.0 mmol/L or higher, the aggregation induced by thrombin was significantly restrained. When concentration of adenosine was 0.75 mmol/L, platelet activation resulted from retreating could be inhibited and platelet aggregation induced by restocetin and thrombin were not affected markedly. It is concluded that adenosine can be one of the functional protectants and activation inhibitors in vitro for platelet cryo-preservation.
Adenosine ; pharmacology ; Blood Platelets ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Blood Preservation ; Cryopreservation ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; P-Selectin ; analysis ; Platelet Activation ; drug effects ; Platelet Aggregation ; drug effects ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors ; pharmacology

The purpose of study was to investigate the effects of L-arginine and cilostazol on platelet-activation and aggregation reserve in vitro, so as to provide proof for selecting reversible activation-inhibitors for platelets lyophilization. Activation and function of platelets were investigated by using flow cytometry with the CD62p and PAC-1 expression and re-expression after being activated by thrombin, and by means of platelet aggregation reaction to thrombin, ADP and propyl gallate, as well as coagulation activity of platelets. The results showed that expression of CD62p and PAC-1 increased after being pretreated. Both L-arginie and cilostazol could inhibit CD62p and PAC-1 expression and related with their concentrations. Cilostazol had an intensive inhibition effect on expressions of CD62p and PAC-1 induced by thrombin, and the inhibition increased when concentration augmented. L-arginine had the same effects on PAC-1, but had no effects on CD62p. L-arginine and cilostazol inhibited aggregation induced by thrombin, ADP and propyl gallate, and the inhibitions were related directly with dosage. When L-arginine concentration was higher or equal to 15 mmol/L, or cilostazol concentration was in range of 1 - 4 mmol/L, the aggregation time were prolonged so much or even no aggregation. It is concluded that when L-Arginine concentration is 5 mmol/L and 10 mmol/L, platelet activation can be inhibited, but aggregation ability and characters keep intact. Concentration at 5 mmol/L may be the best. 1 mmol/L of cilostazol can inhibit activation in vitro and retain part of platelet ability of aggregation and reexpression.
Arginine ; pharmacology ; Blood Platelets ; metabolism ; Humans ; P-Selectin ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Platelet Activation ; drug effects ; Platelet Aggregation ; drug effects ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Tetrazoles ; pharmacology

To study the influence of IFN-alpha on function of CML-DC cultured in vitro and expression of chemokine and its chemokine receptor, bone marrow mononuclear cells from 13 CML patients were cultured in the fetal calf serum culture system supplemented with rhSCF, rhFlt-3L for expansion system, and adding rhGM-CSF, rhTNF-alpha, rhIL-4, with or without rhIFN-alpha to induce DCs. After incubation for two weeks, the phenotypes of CML-DC were analyzed by direct immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The concentration of MIP-3beta expressed by CML-DC in the supernatant were analyzed by ELISA. The proliferative ability of T cells from healthy volunteers stimulated by CML-DCs were measured by MTT assay. The results showed that expression of CD86, CD83, CD40, MHC-I class molecules, CCR7, the concentration of MIP-3beta expressed by CML-DC, and the proliferative ability of T cells stimulated by CML-DCs in IFN-alpha group were all significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). It is concluded that the immunophenotype of CML-DCs can be partially changed by IFN-alpha to accelerate the maturation of CML-DCs, enhance the capacity of CML-DCs, and stimulate allogeneic T lymphocyte proliferation.
Adult ; Aged ; Antigens, CD ; analysis ; B7-2 Antigen ; analysis ; Bone Marrow Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; CD40 Antigens ; analysis ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Chemokines ; biosynthesis ; Dendritic Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; analysis ; Interferon-alpha ; pharmacology ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; blood ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; analysis ; Middle Aged ; Receptors, Chemokine ; biosynthesis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the secular trend of infection rate, risk factor exposure rates for nosocomial pneumonia (NP), and to evaluate the nosocomial infection surveillance and control programs efficacy in an university hospital from 1993 to 2000.

METHODSAll 126 665 hospitalized patients from 1993 to 2000 were studied for NP. The independent risk factors for NP were analyzed by using case-control study method and logistic regression technique. The time-specific rates for NP and risk factor exposure were calculated annually.

RESULTSThe infection rates for NP were decreased by 50% from 1.20% in 1993 to 0.60% in 2000. The logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for NP were immunosuppressive therapy (OR = 2.72), chemotherapy (OR = 2.17), cancer (OR = 1.45), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, OR = 1.88), ICU (OR = 3.18), coma (OR = 3.26), tracheotomy (OR = 14.95), hemodialysis (OR = 5.12), bone or lumbar puncture (OR = 1.82). The time-trends for exposure rates of COPD and bone or lumbar puncture were slightly decreased, however those for the others and the synthetic risk factors were not changed significantly.

CONCLUSIONThe infection rates for NP were significantly decreased in the case of no change for exposure rates of risk factors for NP, this suggests that the nosocomial infection surveillance and control programs were effective for lowering infection rate for NP in this hospital.

China ; epidemiology ; Cross Infection ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Hospitals, University ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Infection Control ; methods ; Inpatients ; statistics & numerical data ; Prospective Studies ; Reproducibility of Results ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Risk Factors ; Time Factors