Fangchinoline inhibits mouse oocyte meiosis by disturbing MPF activity.

Fangchinoline (FA) is an alkaloid derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Fangji. Numerous studies have shown that FA has a toxic effect on various cancer cells, but little is known about its toxic effects on germ cells, especially oocytes. In this study, we investigated the effects of FA on mouse oocyte maturation and its potential mechanisms. Our results showed that FA did not affect meiosis resumption but inhibited the first polar body extrusion. This inhibition is not due to abnormalities at the organelle level, such as chromosomes and mitochondrial, which was proved by detection of DNA damage and reactive oxygen species. Further studies revealed that FA arrested the oocyte at the metaphase I stage, and this arrest was not caused by abnormal kinetochore-microtubule attachment or spindle assembly checkpoint activation. Instead, FA inhibits the activity of anaphase-promoting complexes (APC/C), as evidenced by the inhibition of CCNB1 degeneration. The decreased activity of APC/C may be due to a reduction in CDC25B activity as indicated by the high phosphorylation level of CDC25B (Ser323). This may further enhance Maturation-Promoting Factor (MPF) activity, which plays a critical role in meiosis. In conclusion, our study suggests that the metaphase I arrest caused by FA may be due to abnormalities in MPF and APC/C activity.

Loss of UBE2S causes meiosis I arrest with normal spindle assembly checkpoint dynamics in mouse oocytes.

The timely degradation of proteins that regulate the cell cycle is essential for oocyte maturation. Oocytes are equipped to degrade proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In meiosis, anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), an E3 ubiquitin-ligase, is responsible for the degradation of proteins. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 S (UBE2S), an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, delivers ubiquitin to APC/C. APC/C has been extensively studied, but the functions of UBE2S in oocyte maturation and mouse fertility are not clear. In this study, we used Ube2s knockout mice to explore the role of UBE2S in mouse oocytes. Ube2s-deleted oocytes were characterized by meiosis I arrest with normal spindle assembly and spindle assembly checkpoint dynamics. However, the absence of UBE2S affected the activity of APC/C. Cyclin B1 and securin are two substrates of APC/C, and their levels were consistently high, resulting in the failure of homologous chromosome separation. Unexpectedly, the oocytes arrested in meiosis I could be fertilized and the embryos could become implanted normally, but died before embryonic day 10.5. In conclusion, our findings reveal an indispensable regulatory role of UBE2S in mouse oocyte meiosis and female fertility.

Epidemiology of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Tuberculosis suspects, Southwest of China, 2017-2022.

Objectives: This study summarizes the epidemiological characteristics, species distribution, and drug sensitivity of clinical nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolates at the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, China, from January 2017 to December 2022. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with clinically isolated NTM strains. Chi-square analysis assessed the rate of Mycobacterium strain isolation over 6 years. Results: The number of samples tested for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and/or NTM increased each year, while MTB detection decreased and NTM detection rose significantly each year (P=0.03). The average age of NTM patients was 51 ± 17.53 years, with a 14.1% HIV infection rate. The predominant isolates were Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAC) and M. chelonae/M. abscessus, with 96.4% of cases being of Han ethnicity. Amikacin, moxifloxacin, and clarithromycin were effective against M. avium and M. intracellulare; linezolid, amikacin, and cefoxitin were effective against M. chelonae/M. abscessus. Over 90% of NTM cases originated from the respiratory tract. Conclusion: The NTM isolation rate in Southwest China has risen in recent years, primarily among elderly patients with a high HIV co-infection rate. The main NTM isolates were MAC and M. chelonae/M. abscessus. Amikacin, moxifloxacin, clarithromycin, and linezolid exhibited strong antibacterial activity against SGM, while amikacin and linezolid displayed relatively better antibacterial activity against RGM. The prevalence of NTM infection may be positively associated with regional economic development and health conditions.

Prealbumin as a Predictor of Short-Term Prognosis in Patients with HBV-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure.

Purpose: Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is a serious medical condition with a high short-term mortality rate, making accurate prognostic assessment essential for informed clinical decision-making. In this study, we aimed to develop a simple and effective prognostic model for predicting short-term mortality in patients with HBV-ACLF. Patients and Methods: To achieve our objective, we enrolled both a cross-sectional cohort (n = 291) and a retrospective cohort (n = 185) in this study. We collected laboratory and clinical data from these cohorts and performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify independent predictors of short-term mortality. Subsequently, we developed a novel prognostic score for HBV-ACLF, which was validated and assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine its performance. Results: Our analysis revealed that the admission prealbumin (PAB) level was a robust independent predictor of 30-day mortality, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of 0.760. Moreover, we developed the HIAPP score, a prognostic-score model based on PAB. The HIAPP score was significantly lower in survivors compared to non-survivors (-2.80±0.21 vs 0.97±0.41, P < 0.001). The HIAPP score's AUROC value was 0.899, which was found to be superior to the MELD score (AUROC = 0.795) and the CLIF-C ACLF score (AUC =0.781) and comparable to the COSSH-ACLF II score (AUC =0.825) for predicting 30-day mortality. These findings were also validated in a separate cohort, further supporting the utility of the HIAPP score as a prognostic tool for HBV-ACLF patients. Conclusion: Our study identifies the admission PAB level as a simple and valuable predictive index for 30-day mortality in HBV-ACLF patients. Furthermore, the HIAPP score, which incorporates PAB, PLT, INR, HE, and age, is an easy-to-use and pragmatic prognostic score in predicting short-term mortality.

Influenza a virus triggers acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by increasing proinflammatory cytokines secretion via NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

BACKGROUND: Influenza A virus (IAV) triggers acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of IAV induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation to increase airway inflammation response in the progression of AECOPD. METHODS: Human bronchial epithelial cells were isolated and cultured from normal and COPD bronchial tissues and co-cultured with IAV. The NLRP3 inflammasome associated genes were identified using RNA sequencing, and the expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome components were measured using qRT-PCR and western blot after cells were transfected with siRNA and treated with MCC950. Moreover, IAV-induced COPD rat models were established to confirm the results; 37 AECOPD patients were included to measure the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1ß. RESULTS: Increased levels of NLRP3 inflammasome components were not seen until 6 h post-inoculation in normal cells. However, both cell groups reached peak NLRP3 level at 12 h post-inoculation and maintained it for up to 24 h. ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1ß and IL-18 were also elevated in a similar time-dependent pattern in both cell groups. The mRNA and protein expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome components were decreased when COPD cells treated with siRNA and MCC950. In COPD rats, the NLRP3 inflammasome components were elevated by IAV. MCC950 alleviated lung damage, improved survival time, and reduced NLRP3 inflammasome components expression in COPD rats. Additionally, the serum and BALF levels of IL-1ß and IL-18 were increased in AECOPD patients. CONCLUSIONS: NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in COPD patients as a pre-existing condition that is further exacerbated by IAV infection.

Direct Synthesis of Bienzyme-like Carbide-derived Carbons via Mild Electrochemical Oxidation of Ti 3AlC 2 MAX.

Objective: To develop effective alternatives to natural enzymes, it is crucial to develop nanozymes that are economical, resource efficient, and environmentally conscious. Carbon nanomaterials that have enzyme-like activities have been extensively developed as substitutes for traditional enzymes. Methods: Carbide-derived carbons (CDCs) were directly synthesized via a one-step electrochemical method from a MAX precursor using an ammonium bifluoride electrolyte at ambient conditions. The CDCs were characterized by systematic techniques. Results: CDCs showed bienzyme-like activities similar to that of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. We systematically studied the dependence of CDC enzyme-like activity on different electrolytes and electrolysis times to confirm activity dependence on CDC content. Additionally, the synthesis mechanism and CDC applicability were elaborated and demonstrated, respectively. Conclusion: The demonstrated synthesis strategy eliminates tedious intercalation and delamination centrifugation steps and avoids using high concentrations of HF, high temperatures, and halogen gases. This study paves the way for designing two-dimensional material-based nanocatalysts for nanoenzyme and other applications.

Characteristics and potential malignancy of colorectal juvenile polyps in adults: a single-center retrospective study in China.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal juvenile polyps are rare and generally considered benign in adults. Carcinogenesis or neoplastic changes are rarely mentioned in the literature. We systematically evaluated the characteristics and potential malignancy of colorectal juvenile polyps in adults. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 103 adults diagnosed with colorectal juvenile polyps from September 2007 to May 2020 at our hospital. The characteristics, endoscopic findings, occurrence of intraepithelial neoplasia, carcinogenesis and diagnostic value of chicken skin mucosa (CSM) were analyzed. RESULTS: The average age of patients with juvenile polyps was 43.2 years (range, 19 to 78 years). A total of 101 patients (101/103, 98.1%) had a single juvenile polyp, and two patients had multiple polyps (107 polyps in total). Polyp sizes ranged from 0.5 to 5 cm. One (1/107, 0.9%) juvenile polyp was cancerous, and 7 (7/107, 6.5%) developed low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. Neoplasia and cancerization did not appear in the two patients with multiple polyps. A 27-year-old female had a 2-cm polyp with well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in the mucosa in the sigmoid colon with erosion on the surface. CSM was observed adjacent to 17 polyps, which were all located in the rectum and sigmoid colon, and one polyp showed low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal juvenile polyps occur in a wide range of locations and in variable sizes and numbers. These polyps are solitary in most patients and have neoplastic potential. CSM is not a tumorigenic marker in colorectal juvenile polyps and usually occurs in the distant colorectum. Colorectal juvenile polyps in adults may progress from low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia to high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and then to carcinoma and should be treated when discovered and regularly followed as colorectal adenomas.

Clinical characteristics, common sites and drug resistance profile in culture-confirmed extrapulmonary TB/HIV co-infection patients, Southwest China.

OBJECTIVES: There are few reports on extrapulmonary tuberculosis/human immunodeficiency virus (EPTB/HIV) co-infection patients, especially the resistance profile of culture-confirmed EPTB. The purpose of our study was to analyse the clinical characteristics, common sites and drug resistance profile of culture-confirmed EPTB/HIV co-infection patients in Southwest China (2017-2020). METHODS: A total of 201 EPTB/HIV co-infection cases were selected for this study. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics were collected. Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing (DST) was performed by the microporous plate method. RESULTS: Among 2884 culture-confirmed EPTB cases, patients were predominantly male (1921/2884; 66.6%) and the mean age was 31 years. There were 201 patients (7.0%) with EPTB/HIV co-infection, among which 170 (84.6%) were male and the mean age was 42 years (range 13-86 years). During the 7-year study period, the mean number of EPTB/HIV co-infection cases was 29 per year (range 12-49 per year) at the studied institution. Diarrhoea, headache and fever were the most common presenting symptoms. DST showed resistance to any anti-TB drug in 62 isolates (30.8%), while multidrug-resistant TB and extensively drug-resistant TB were found in 14 (7.0%) and 10 (5.0%) cases, respectively. The distribution of EPTB tissue type was mainly meningeal and lymphatic, but varied between the sexes. CONCLUSION: The immune level of EPTB/HIV co-infected patients was low and most were in advanced-stage AIDS. Patients were mainly young males and the site of EPTB was mainly meningeal and lymphatic. The most common symptoms were diarrhoea, headache and fever. High rates of drug resistance were found.

Analysis of dental caries and the impact factors of caries in children aged 3-5 years old in Changdu, Xizang.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate caries status and its impact factors in preschool children in plateau and to provide reference for caries prevention in highlands. METHODS: Examination of caries was performed on 1 597 children aged 3-5 years old in 11 kindergartens in Changdu, Xizang, in accordance with the 4th National Oral Health Survey standards and methods. Their parents were surveyed with the questionnaire regarding oral hygiene habit and consciousness about oral health and related factors. All the data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of caries among children aged 3-5 years old in Changdu was 52.85%, with dmft index of 2.44. The caries rate and dmft of children aged 3 years old were lower than those of children aged 4 and 5 years old (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the caries rate between males and females (P>0.05). Single-factor analysis showed that the frequency of brushing teeth more than twice a day, low frequency of eating sweets, high frequency of drinking butter tea, and regular oral examination can reduce the rate of caries (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the frequency of eating sweets, drinking butter tea, and oral examination are related impact factors of caries. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ca-ries in children aged 3-5 years old in Changdu increases with aging. Good oral hygiene and eating habits and regular oral examination can reduce the rate of caries.

Identification of SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Their Clinical Significance in Hefei, China.

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents one of the most exigent threats of our lifetime to global public health and economy. As part of the pandemic, from January 10 to March 10, 2020, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) began to spread in Hefei (Anhui Province, China) with a total of 174 confirmed cases of COVID-19. During this period, we were able to gather critical information on the transmission and evolution of pathogens through genomic surveillance. Particularly, the objective of our study was to track putative variants of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in Hefei for the first time and contribute to the global effort toward elucidating the molecular epidemic profile of the virus. Patients who showed symptoms of COVID-19 were routinely tested for SARS-CoV-2 infections via RT-PCR at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 97 clinical samples collected from 29 confirmed COVID-19 patients. As a result, we identified a local novel single-nucleotide polymorphism site (10,380) harboring a G → T mutation (Gly → Val) in Hefei. Further phylogenetic network analysis with all the sequences of SARS-CoV-2 deposited in GenBank collected in East and Southeast Asia revealed a local subtype of S-type SARS-CoV-2 (a1) harboring a C → T synonymous mutation (Leu) at position 18,060 of ORF1b, likely representing a local SARS-CoV-2 mutation site that is obviously concentrated in Hefei and the Yangtze River Delta region. Moreover, clinical investigation on the inflammatory cytokine profile of the patients suggested that mutations at positions 18,060 (the shared variable site of subtype a1) and 28,253(harboring a C → T synonymous mutation, Phe) were associated with milder immune responses in the patients.

Photothermal Effect-based Cytotoxic Ability of Melanin from Mytilus edulis Shells to Heal Wounds Infected with Drug-resistant Bacteria in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: Owing to antibiotic abuse and the subsequent development of antibiotic resistance, bacterial infection has become one of the most persistent unresolved problems. New antibacterial agents, especially those that are environmental-friendly, are urgently needed. METHODS: Melanin extracted by filtration centrifugation and acid and proteolytic hydrolysis was characterized using UV, FTIR, TEM, and XPS. Photothermal conversion was calculated, and the bacteriostatic effects, in vitro and in vivo, were assessed by plate counting and ratios (%) of wound areas. RESULTS: Natural melanin hydrolyzed by trypsin had good photothermal conversion effects, which resulted in superior bacteriostatic activities. The extracted melanin along with laser NIR irradiation at 808 nm promoted the healing of wounds infected by drug-resistant bacteria in vivo and was biocompatible according to toxicity tests in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION: The present findings indicated a safe and efficient method of developing natural antibacterial agents.

Ileocecal intussusception caused by two different tumors - which is the culprit lesion? A case report.

BACKGROUND: Ileocecal intussusception caused by two different tumors is rare, according to a literature review. We describe a case of a male patient with a cauliflower-like mass in the middle of the transverse colon observed by colonoscopy before surgery. It was considered to be intussusception caused by colon cancer. However, a substantial lipomatous mass was seen in the distal end of the intussusception by computed tomography before surgery, which posed a challenge in the preoperative diagnosis. CASE SUMMARY: We report a 72-year-old male patient with intussusception. The patient underwent right hemicolectomy and cholecystectomy in our hospital on April 29, 2019. During operation, the ileum was inserted into the ascending colon by about 15 cm, and a tumor with a diameter of approximately 3.0 cm was observed in the distal part of the intestine. An atypical liposarcoma/highly differentiated liposarcoma in the adipose tissue was suspected in the postoperative pathology, and a lipoma was diagnosed after MDM2 gene testing. A 4.0 cm × 5.0 cm polypoid mass was seen immediately adjacent to the mass, and the postoperative pathology report suggested a high-level tubular adenoma. The patient was eventually cured and discharged with an uneventful follow-up. CONCLUSION: Intussusception caused by two different types of masses is extremely rare. At present, surgery is the best treatment once intussusception is diagnosed.

Epidemiological, clinical characteristics and drug resistance situation of culture-confirmed children TBM in southwest of China: a 6-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Sichuan is a province located in southwestern China, which have a higher incidence of tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, as well as drug resistance in culture-confirmed children with Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) in Southwest of China. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on children (< 14 years old) with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture-confirmed TBM between January 2013 and December 2018 at Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu (PHCCC). Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) drug sensitivity testing (DST) was performed using the MicroDST™ method. The age, gender, family history of tuberculosis, status of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination, residential areas information, clinical, laboratory, and radiological features were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics Client 25.0, and the change in drug resistance rate was examined using the Cruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Among 319 patients clinically diagnosed with TBM, 42 (13.2%) were Mycobacterial culture positive. Their median age was nine years, and the distribution was equal among female and male patients. Among 42 patients who were enrolled in the study, 1/42 (2.38%) passed away. Children with TBM were concentrated in the minority areas of western Sichuan, where 34/42 (81.0%) patients with TBM belonged to ethnic minorities, and only 2/42 (4.76%) received BCG vaccination in the past. Chest X-rays changes were observed in all patients. Fever and headache were the most common presenting symptom. Thirty-five (83.3%) patients suffered from neck stiffness, and 30/42 (71.4%) had high CSF pressure. DST results showed that the resistance rate was high; resistance to any anti-tuberculosis drug (ATD) was observed in 13 (31.0%) patient isolates, while multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) were found in 2 (4.8%) and 1 (2.4%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TBM among children in Southwest China was mainly concentrated in the minority areas of western Sichuan and more than 95% of patients did not receive BCG vaccination at birth. The most common symptoms were fever, headache, and neck stiffness and all patients had positive chest X-ray findings. In addition, high rates of drug resistance were found.

Huge primary dedifferentiated pancreatic liposarcoma mimicking carcinosarcoma in a young female: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic liposarcoma is a rare tumor. According to a literature review, the patient described in this study is the seventh case of pancreatic liposarcoma reported in the English literature and the third case of dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Furthermore, this case had the largest primary tumor volume, and a primary pancreatic liposarcoma was diagnosed based on sufficient evidence. CASE SUMMARY: We here report a rare case of a 28-year-old female with a huge dedifferentiated liposarcoma in the pancreatic tail. In June 2015, the patient underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. During the operation, a huge liposarcoma of approximately 28.0 cm × 19.0 cm × 8.0 cm was found, which had a yellow and white fish-like incisal surface. Based on both pathology and MDM2 gene amplification, the tumor was diagnosed as a dedifferentiated liposarcoma. The patient was treated with surgery but declined postoperative chemotherapy. She was well at the 26-mo follow-up, and no relapse was observed. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic liposarcoma has a low incidence. Chemotherapy should be included in the treatment regimens. Complete resection is the only effective treatment.

The mechanisms and treatments of muscular pathological changes in immobilization-induced joint contracture: A literature review.

The clinical treatment of joint contracture due to immobilization remains difficult. The pathological changes of muscle tissue caused by immobilization-induced joint contracture include disuse skeletal muscle atrophy and skeletal muscle tissue fibrosis. The proteolytic pathways involved in disuse muscle atrophy include the ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent pathway, caspase system pathway, matrix metalloproteinase pathway, Ca2+-dependent pathway and autophagy-lysosomal pathway. The important biological processes involved in skeletal muscle fibrosis include intermuscular connective tissue thickening caused by transforming growth factor-ß1 and an anaerobic environment within the skeletal muscle leading to the induction of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. This article reviews the progress made in understanding the pathological processes involved in immobilization-induced muscle contracture and the currently available treatments. Understanding the mechanisms involved in immobilization-induced contracture of muscle tissue should facilitate the development of more effective treatment measures for the different mechanisms in the future.

Drug resistance and pathogenic spectrum of patients coinfected with nontuberculous mycobacteria and human-immunodeficiency virus in Chengdu, China.

BACKGROUND: Human-immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is increasing worldwide and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is an established microbiologic cause of pulmonary disease, lymphadenitis, and disseminated disease in cases of advanced immune suppression. Data on patients coinfected with HIV and NTM are limited. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, drug resistance, and pathogen spectrum of patients coinfected with both HIV and NTM in the Chengdu area of China. METHODS: Data of 59 patients coinfected with both HIV and NTM collected from the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, between January 2014 and December 2018, were analyzed. NTM drug sensitivity testing was performed using the microporous plate ratio method. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0, and the change in drug resistance rate was analyzed using the chi-square (χ) test. RESULTS: Seven species/complex of NTM were identified from patients coinfected with HIV and NTM in this study, with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (52.5%) and M. kansasii (27.1%) as the predominant species. Male patients were more affected 50/59 (84.7%); the mean age of the 59 cases was 45 years. The clinical characteristics mainly included anemia (86.4%), cough and expectoration (79.7%). The baseline CD4 count was <50 cells/µL (84.7%). Patients were mainly in advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) stage. Chest imaging mainly showed patchy shadows (42.4%) and nodules (32.2%), with various degrees of AIDS-defining diseases. The drug resistance of NTM was severe, and the rate of isoniazid resistance (100.0%) was the highest, followed by rifampicin (94.9%), streptomycin (94.9%), ofloxacin (93.2%), and others. Ethambutol (52.5%) and clarithromycin (33.9%) were relatively low. No significant difference was found in the drug resistance rate of NTM strain against nine antituberculosis drugs in 5 years (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The immune level of patients coinfected with HIV and NTM is low in advanced AIDS stage; more male are affected in patients who are mainly infected with MAC and M. kansasii and with serious drug resistance. The drug resistance rate of ethambutol and clarithromycin is relatively low.

Modular synthesis of (E)-cinnamaldehydes directly from allylarenes via a metal-free DDQ-mediated oxidative process.

An efficient synthesis of (E)-cinnamaldehydes by a metal-free DDQ-mediated oxidative transformation of allylarenes was developed. The protocol provides a practical method to prepare diverse (E)-cinnamaldehydes with broad functional group tolerance in good to excellent yields, including easy access to natural products randainal and geranyloxy sinapyl aldehyde from plant extracts. Finally, the mechanism of a single-electron transfer process was proposed.

Efficacy of vitamin B complex as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of complicated vulvovaginal candidiasis: An in vivo and in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the efficacy of vitamin B complex as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of complicated vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: One-hundred fifty-eight complicated VVC patients were randomly divided into group A (treated with suppository+oral antifungal agents), group B (treated with suppository+vaginal cream), and group C (treated with suppository+vaginal cream+oral vitamin B complex). A mouse model of VVC was established. Eighty VVC mice were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the dose of vitamin B complex (20 mice in each group): V1 group (injected with 150µL normal salin), V2 group (injected with 50µL vitamin B complex solution+100µL normal saline), V3 group (injected with 100µL vitamin B complex solution+50µL normal saline), and V4 group (injected with 150µL vitamin B complex solution). After 4 weeks of treatment, the vaginal secretion was obtained for microscopic smear examination. HE stainning was performed to observe histopathological changes of vaginal tissues. The expressions of inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA. Meanwhile, VVC model of vaginal epithelial cells was established. The effects of different concentrations of vitamin B complex on anti-fungal effect of fluconazole were detected in vitro. RESULTS: After the treatment, complicated patients in the group C had significantly higher effective rates than those in the group A and group B. After the intra-gastric administration, the microscopic smear examination found that obvious pseudohypha in cluster with a lot of blastospores can be seen in the vaginal secretions of mice in the V1 group under the microscope. There was significant difference between mice treated with different dosages of vitamin B complex. The inflammatory response of mice in the V1 group was significantly higher than those in other groups and the inflammation response reduced with the increase of vitamin B complex dosage. The vitamin B complex elevated the curative effects of fluconazole on VVC model of vaginal epithelial cells and significantly increased the anti-fungal effect of fluconazole. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that vitamin B complex could be an effective adjuvant therapy for complicated VVC.

The Diagnostic Value of Procalcitonin Versus Other Biomarkers in Prediction of Bloodstream Infection.

BACKGROUND: We compared the diagnostic utility of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and hematological markers, including white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophils (NEU), percentage of neutrophils (NEU%), lymphocytes (LYM), neutrophil-lymphocyte count ratio (NLCR), and platelet count (PLT) for predicting bloodstream infection (BSI), which was confirmed by blood culture (BC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 1807 inpatients. The level of PCT, CRP, blood cells, and blood culture results were compared between the positive blood culture group and negative blood culture group; each indicator was analyzed in the performance of bacterial BSI diagnosis by drawing ROC curves. RESULTS: Blood cultures were positive in 230 patients; hence, the prevalence of bacteremia was 12.7%. There were significant differences in the median value for each marker between positive group BCs and negative group BCs (p < 0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC-AUCs) of PCT, CRP, WBC, NEU, NUE%, LYM, NLCR, and PLT for discriminating positive BCs from negative BCs were 0.811, 0.654, 0.612, 0.634, 0.684, 0.595, 0.682, and 0.633 respectively. PCT concentrations of gram-negative (14.94 ng/mL, IQR 2.93  48.76) were significantly higher than gram-positive (4.74 ng/mL, IQR 1.22  17.5) and fungal (1.47 ng/mL, IQR 0.66  35.34). CONCLUSIONS: PCT proved to be the most reliable predictor of BSI, second were NEU% and NLCR. A higher PCT level was found in patients with a gram-negative BSI compared to gram-positive BSI and fungal BSI.