Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial players in the innate immune response to microbial invaders. The lipophilic yeast Malassezia furfur has been implicated in the triggering of scalp lesions in psoriasis. The aim o...Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial players in the innate immune response to microbial invaders. The lipophilic yeast Malassezia furfur has been implicated in the triggering of scalp lesions in psoriasis. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of TLRs in the defence against M. furfur infection. The expression of the myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) gene, which is involved in the signalling pathway of many TLRs, was also analysed. In addition, a possible correlation of antimicrobial peptides of the β -defensin family to TLRs was tested. Human keratinocytes infected with M. furfur and a variety oiM. furfur-positive psoriatic skin biopsies were analysed by RT-PCR, for TLRs, MyD88, human β -defensin 2 (HBD- 2), HBD- 3 and interleukin- 8 (IL- 8) mRNA expression. When keratinocytes were infected with M. furfur, an up-regulation for TLR2, MyD88, HBD- 2, HBD- 3 and IL- 8 mRNA was demonstrated, compared to the untreated cells. The same results were obtained when psoriatic skin biopsies were analysed. The M. furfur-induced increase in HBD- 2 and IL- 8 gene expression is inhibited by anti-TLR2 neutralising antibodies, suggesting that TLR2 is involved in the M. furfur-induced expression of these molecules. These findings suggest the importance of TLRs in skin protection against fungi and the importance of keratinocytes as a component of innate immunity.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate whether the Q-switched Nd：YAG laser treatment applied in routine capsulotomy elicits oxidative stress in aqueous and vitreous humors. METHODS： Thirty-six patients who had to undergo a 25 gauge par...AIM： To evaluate whether the Q-switched Nd：YAG laser treatment applied in routine capsulotomy elicits oxidative stress in aqueous and vitreous humors. METHODS： Thirty-six patients who had to undergo a 25 gauge pars plana vitrectomy due to vitreoretinal disorders were enrolled, 15 of them underwent a Q-switched Nd：YAG laser capsulotomy 7 d before vitrectomy due to posterior capsule opacification（PCO）（Nd：YAG laser group） while the remaining 21 patients were not laser treated before vitrectomy（no Nd：YAG laser group）. Samples of the aqueous and vitreous humors were collected during vitrectomy from all patients for the assessment of oxidative parameters which were compared between the Nd：YAG laser group and no Nd：YAG laser group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances（TBARS）, a product of membrane lipid peroxidation, nitrite levels, the antioxidative activities of SOD and catalase, the 4-HNE-protein conjugate formation, indicating structural modifications in proteins due to lipoperoxidation, were assessed in aqueous and vitreous samples. RESULTS： In the human vitreous humor TBARS levels are significantly higher in the Nd：YAG laser group compared to the no Nd：YAG laser group and importantly, there is a significant correlation between the TBARS levels and the total energy of Nd：YAG laser used during capsulotomy.Moreover the anti-oxidative activities of SOD and catalase were significantly decreased by Nd：YAG laser treatment, both in aqueous and vitreous humors. In accordance with the TBARS data and anti-oxidative enzyme activities, significantly higher levels of proteins were conjugated with the lipoperoxidation product 4-HNE in the aqueous and vitreous humors in the Nd：YAG laser-treated group in comparison to no Nd：YAG laser group. CONCLUSION： These data, clearly suggest that any change that Q-switched Nd：YAG photo disruption may cause in the aqueous and vitreous compartments, resulting in a higher level of oxidative damage might be of considerable clinical significance particularly by accelerating the aging of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye and by worsening the intraocular pressure, the uveal, the retinal（especially macular） pathologies.展开更多
Background: the quality of life (QoL) of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with its limited survival, can be affected by chemotherapy-induced toxicity. The main objective was to evaluate the effec...Background: the quality of life (QoL) of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with its limited survival, can be affected by chemotherapy-induced toxicity. The main objective was to evaluate the effect of introducing ocoxin oral solution (OOS) in combination with standard therapy on quality of life. Methods: Thirty patients were enrolled in an exploratory, prospective, single-centre clinical trial in the oncology department of “Hermanos Ameijeiras” University Hospital in Havana, Cuba. Quality of life was measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and toxicity was assessed using the NCI-CTC-AE classification version 5.0. Results: There was stability in the scores over time for overall QoL and the functional scale criteria, while in terms of symptoms, fatigue, pain and loss of appetite were reduced. No grade 3 - 4 adverse events (AEs) were recorded, and only 14.9% of toxicities were classified as grade 2, and these were considered to be unrelated to OOS. Biochemical and nutritional parameters were normalised at 12 months compared to the baseline values. Conclusions: This clinical study is the first report of the use of OOS in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, and demonstrates that it is able to maintain optimal quality of life with reduced severity of toxicity during and after combination treatment with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy.展开更多
Objective: To test the efficacy of a new topical vehicle formulation containing cetirizine in emu oil in treating inflammatory skin conditions. Methods: A single blind half body comparative study of patients with psor...Objective: To test the efficacy of a new topical vehicle formulation containing cetirizine in emu oil in treating inflammatory skin conditions. Methods: A single blind half body comparative study of patients with psoriasis, atopic and stasis dermatitis were all treated with midpotency topical steroid (desoximethasone) in propylene glycol base, desoximethasone and cetirizine in propylene glycol base, desoximethasone in emu oil base and desoximethasone with cetirizine dissolved in emu oil. Results: Based on patients’ ranking of creams’ efficacy, and supported by photographic data and investigators’ clinical assessment, results clearly indicated that desoximethasone and cetirizine in emu base was statistically more efficacious than either desoximethasone alone or with cetirizine in neutral propylene glycol base or desoximethasone in emu oil base (without cetirizine). Conclusions: Cetirizine and emu oil, having inherent anti-inflammatory and other beneficial properties synergistically, and by different biochemical pathways, enhance and magnify each other’s pharmaceutical effects that are useful in treatment of skin inflammatory diseases.展开更多
The purpose of this study was to compare among dysplasia of oral, uterine cervix and bronchus. Using a computer cytomorphometry cell measurement program, the study was based on a retrospective review of smear cases di...The purpose of this study was to compare among dysplasia of oral, uterine cervix and bronchus. Using a computer cytomorphometry cell measurement program, the study was based on a retrospective review of smear cases diagnosed with dysplasia of oral, bronchial and uterine cervix, from 2002 to 2010. For 50 - 70 cells from each lesion, nuclear (N) and cytoplasm (C) variables were assessed: area (A), diameter (D), irregularity (I), stain brightness and granularity. NA and ND were highest in OSCC and higher according to dysplastic grading. By contrast, CA and CD were lowest in severe dysplasia. The significant difference of N/C ratio was observed among OSCC to inflammation, mild and moderate dysplasias (p < 0.05). The N/C ratios of mild and moderate dysplasias were equal. Brightness and granularity values of OSCC cases were significantly higher than those of another (p < 0.05). About the difference between mild to moderate dysplasias, it was the easiest to detect of the uterine cervix. All severe dysplasias among the 3 regions were easily identified morphometrically. The deficient in the difference between inflammation to mild dysplasia and mild to moderate dysplasia were obtained in the oral mucosal lesion. The results displayed a significant variation in cytomorphometrical values among the 3 regions. N/C values for uterine cervix and bronchus were well distinguished in comparison with oral dysplasias. Screening of mild and moderate dysplasias requires experience which carries out the comprehensive judgment of the color.展开更多
Background: 70% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage (III or IV) of the disease and, in turn, with a high prevalence of peritoneal carcinosis and ascites, which leads to progressive malnutrition ...Background: 70% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage (III or IV) of the disease and, in turn, with a high prevalence of peritoneal carcinosis and ascites, which leads to progressive malnutrition in patients, with the consequent deterioration of their general condition. There is a very important relationship between nutritional status, quality of life, survival, and the ability to tolerate multidisciplinary treatment of peritoneal carcinosis. Methods: A phase II, open-label, single-center, non-randomised clinical trial was conducted that included 36 patients with advanced disease who were administered the nutritional supplement Ocoxin, 30 ml twice a day, beginning one week before chemotherapy (CT) based on carboplatin/paclitaxel, of which they receive three cycles with neoadjuvant intent. Ocoxin treatment was continued during chemotherapy and for three weeks after completion of the last cycle, as well as during any periods for which this treatment was discontinued due to toxicity. The effect of Ocoxin on the quality of life was assessed through the QLQ C30 and QLQ OV28 questionnaires from the start of treatment until the end of the follow-up period. In addition, the Karnofsky Index and nutritional parameters were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences between adverse events versus baseline values, except in leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, ALT, and AST. There was no deterioration of the QoL scales, except for those related to the effects of chemotherapy and alopecia. Conclusions: Ocoxin as an adjuvant to chemotherapy appears to improve better tolerance to chemotherapy, showed a good safety profile, and improved quality of life. For further information on Ocoxin neoadjuvant therapy benefits, a phase III clinical trial will be needed.展开更多
Background:Obstructive sleep apnea in children is frequently due to tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ambulatory clinical parameters and sleep respiratory events i...Background:Obstructive sleep apnea in children is frequently due to tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ambulatory clinical parameters and sleep respiratory events in obese children.Methods:We carried out a prospective respiratory sleep study between 2013 and 2015.Nails obstruction,tonsils enlargement and palate position were subjectively measured.Italian attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rating scale for parents was also performed.The polygraph study was performed using a portable ambulatory device.Results:Forty-four obese children were consecutively recruited into this study.Mild sleep respiratory disturbance was showed in 31.8 % of patients;18.2% previously had an adeno (tonsillectomy).In 50% of these obese children,both apnea-hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index showed polygraph abnormal results.ADHD rating scale for parents scores were positive in 9.1% of patients.Conclusions:We found a high rate of mild sleep respiratory disturbance and ADHD-like symptoms referred by parents.The respiratory disturbance was not totally cured by surgery.Finally,otorhinolaryngology variables were not able to explain mild sleep respiratory disturbance.展开更多
Background Staphylococcus aureus （S. aureus） remains as an important microbial pathogen resulting in community and nosocomial acquired infections with significant morbidity and mortality. Few reports for S. aureus i...Background Staphylococcus aureus （S. aureus） remains as an important microbial pathogen resulting in community and nosocomial acquired infections with significant morbidity and mortality. Few reports for S. aureus in lower respiratory tract infections （LRTIs） have been documented. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular epidemiology of S. aureus in LRTIs in China.Methods A multicenter study of the molecular epidemiology of S. aureus in LRTIs was conducted in 21 hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai and twelve other provinces from November 2007 to February 2009. All the collected S. aureus strains were classified as minimum inhibitory concentration （MIC）, mecA gene, virulence genes Panton-Valentine Leukocidin （PVL） and y-hemolysin （hlg）, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec （SCCmec） type, agr type, and Multilocus Sequence Typinq （MLST）.Results Totally, nine methicillin-sensitive S. aureus （MSSA） and 29 methicillin-resistant S. aureus （MRSA） strains were isolated after culture from a total of 2829 sputums or bronchoalveolar lavages. The majority of MRSA strains （22/29） had a MIC value of 〉512 μg/ml for cefoxitin. The mecA gene acting as the conservative gene was carried by all MRSA strains. PVL genes were detected in only one S. aureus strain （2.63%, 1/38）. The hlg gene was detected in almost the all S. aureus （100% in MSSA and 96.56% in MRSA strains）. About 75.86% of MRSA strains carried SCCmec Ⅲ. Agr type 1 was predominant （78.95%） among the identified three agr types （agr types 1,2, and 3）. Totally, ten sequence type （ST） of S. aureus strains were detected. A new sequence type （ST1445） was found besides confirming ST239 as the major sequence type （60.53%）. A dendrogram generated from our own MLST database showed all the bootstrap values 〈50%. Conclusion Our preliminary epidemiology data show SCCmec Ⅲ, ST239 and agr type 1 of S. aureus as the predominant strains in LRTIs in Mainland of China.展开更多
Background Acinetobacter baumanii （A. baumanii ） remains an important microbial pathogen resulting in nosocomialacquired infections with significant morbidity and mortality. The mechanism by which nosocomial bacteri...Background Acinetobacter baumanii （A. baumanii ） remains an important microbial pathogen resulting in nosocomialacquired infections with significant morbidity and mortality. The mechanism by which nosocomial bacteria, like A. baumanii, attain multidrug resistance to antibiotics is of considerable interest. The aim in this study was to investigate the spread status of antibiotic resistance genes, such as multiple 13-1actamase genes and aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes, from A. baumanii strains isolated from patients with lower respiratory tract infections （LRTIs）. Methods Two thousand six hundred and ninety-eight sputum or the bronchoalveolar lavage samples from inpatients with LRTIs were collected in 21 hospitals in the mainland of China from November 2007 to February 2009. All samples were routinely inoculated. The isolated bacterial strains and their susceptibility were analyzed via VITEK-2 expert system. Several kinds of antibiotic resistant genes were further differentiated via polymerase chain reaction and sequencing methods. Results Totally, 39 A. baumanii strains were isolated from 2698 sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage samples. There was not only a high resistant rate of the isolated A. baumanfi strains to ampicillin and first- and second-generation cephalosporins （94.87%, 100% and 97.44%, respectively）, but also to the third-generation cephalosporins （ceftriaxone at 92.31%, ceftazidine at 51.28%） and imipenem （43.59%） as well. The lowest antibiotic resistance rate of 20.51% was found to amikacin. The OXA-23 gene was identified in 17 strains of A. baumanii, and the AmpC gene in 23 strains. The TEM-1 gene was carried in 15 strains. PER-1 and SHV-2 genes were detected in two different strains. Aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme gene aac-3-1a was found in 23 strains, and the aac-6＂lb gene in 19 strains, aac-3-1a and aac-6＂lb genes hibernated in three A. baumanfi strains that showed no drug-resistant phenotype. Conclusions A. baumanii can carry multiple drug-resistant genes at the same time and result in multi-drug resistance. Aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes could be hibernating in aminoglycoside sensitive strains without expressing their phenotype.展开更多
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant pathogen mainly causing healthcare-associated infections(HAIs).Newly emerging high-risk clones of P.aeruginosa with elevated virulence profiles furtherly cause severe community-...Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant pathogen mainly causing healthcare-associated infections(HAIs).Newly emerging high-risk clones of P.aeruginosa with elevated virulence profiles furtherly cause severe community-acquired infections(CAIs).Usually,it is not common for P.aeruginosa to co-carry exoU and exoS genes,encoding two type III secretion system(T3SS)effectors.The pathogenicity mechanism of exoS+/exoU+strains of P.aeruginosa remains unclear.Here,we provide detailed evidence for a subset of hypervirulent P.aeruginosa strains,which abundantly co-express and secrete the T3SS effectors ExoS and ExoU.The exoS+/exoU+P.aeruginosa strains were available to cause both HAIs and CAIs.The CAI-associated strains could elicit severe inflammation and hemorrhage,leading to higher death rates in a murine acute pneumonia model,and had great virulence potential in establishing chronic infections,demonstrating hypervirulence when compared to PAO1(exoS+/exoU-)and PA14(exoS-/exoU+).Both ExoS and ExoU were co-expressed and co-secreted in abundance in exoS+/exoU+strains.Their abundant protein secretion could boost exoS+/exoU+strains’potentials for cytotoxicity in vitro and pathogenicity in vivo.Genomic evidence indicates that exoU acquisition is likely mediated by horizontal gene transfer(HGT)of the pathogenicity island PAPI-2,while deletion of exoU was sufficient to mitigate virulence in the exoS+/exoU+strains.Furthermore,bioinformatics analysis showed that such exoS+/exoU+P.aeruginosa strains turned out to be widely distributed across the globe.Overall,the research provide detailed evidence for the high virulence and epidemicity of exoS+/exoU+strains of P.aeruginosa,highlighting an urgent need for surveillance against these high-risk hypervirulent strains.展开更多
文摘Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial players in the innate immune response to microbial invaders. The lipophilic yeast Malassezia furfur has been implicated in the triggering of scalp lesions in psoriasis. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of TLRs in the defence against M. furfur infection. The expression of the myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) gene, which is involved in the signalling pathway of many TLRs, was also analysed. In addition, a possible correlation of antimicrobial peptides of the β -defensin family to TLRs was tested. Human keratinocytes infected with M. furfur and a variety oiM. furfur-positive psoriatic skin biopsies were analysed by RT-PCR, for TLRs, MyD88, human β -defensin 2 (HBD- 2), HBD- 3 and interleukin- 8 (IL- 8) mRNA expression. When keratinocytes were infected with M. furfur, an up-regulation for TLR2, MyD88, HBD- 2, HBD- 3 and IL- 8 mRNA was demonstrated, compared to the untreated cells. The same results were obtained when psoriatic skin biopsies were analysed. The M. furfur-induced increase in HBD- 2 and IL- 8 gene expression is inhibited by anti-TLR2 neutralising antibodies, suggesting that TLR2 is involved in the M. furfur-induced expression of these molecules. These findings suggest the importance of TLRs in skin protection against fungi and the importance of keratinocytes as a component of innate immunity.
基金Supported by Public Universitary Funds(NUZR_autof_17_01)of University of Torinothe Italian Ministry for Research MIUR(No.2010C2LKKJ-007+1 种基金No.20154JRJPP-005)the Ph D and Post-doc Program of the University of Torino
文摘AIM： To evaluate whether the Q-switched Nd：YAG laser treatment applied in routine capsulotomy elicits oxidative stress in aqueous and vitreous humors. METHODS： Thirty-six patients who had to undergo a 25 gauge pars plana vitrectomy due to vitreoretinal disorders were enrolled, 15 of them underwent a Q-switched Nd：YAG laser capsulotomy 7 d before vitrectomy due to posterior capsule opacification（PCO）（Nd：YAG laser group） while the remaining 21 patients were not laser treated before vitrectomy（no Nd：YAG laser group）. Samples of the aqueous and vitreous humors were collected during vitrectomy from all patients for the assessment of oxidative parameters which were compared between the Nd：YAG laser group and no Nd：YAG laser group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances（TBARS）, a product of membrane lipid peroxidation, nitrite levels, the antioxidative activities of SOD and catalase, the 4-HNE-protein conjugate formation, indicating structural modifications in proteins due to lipoperoxidation, were assessed in aqueous and vitreous samples. RESULTS： In the human vitreous humor TBARS levels are significantly higher in the Nd：YAG laser group compared to the no Nd：YAG laser group and importantly, there is a significant correlation between the TBARS levels and the total energy of Nd：YAG laser used during capsulotomy.Moreover the anti-oxidative activities of SOD and catalase were significantly decreased by Nd：YAG laser treatment, both in aqueous and vitreous humors. In accordance with the TBARS data and anti-oxidative enzyme activities, significantly higher levels of proteins were conjugated with the lipoperoxidation product 4-HNE in the aqueous and vitreous humors in the Nd：YAG laser-treated group in comparison to no Nd：YAG laser group. CONCLUSION： These data, clearly suggest that any change that Q-switched Nd：YAG photo disruption may cause in the aqueous and vitreous compartments, resulting in a higher level of oxidative damage might be of considerable clinical significance particularly by accelerating the aging of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye and by worsening the intraocular pressure, the uveal, the retinal（especially macular） pathologies.
文摘Background: the quality of life (QoL) of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with its limited survival, can be affected by chemotherapy-induced toxicity. The main objective was to evaluate the effect of introducing ocoxin oral solution (OOS) in combination with standard therapy on quality of life. Methods: Thirty patients were enrolled in an exploratory, prospective, single-centre clinical trial in the oncology department of “Hermanos Ameijeiras” University Hospital in Havana, Cuba. Quality of life was measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and toxicity was assessed using the NCI-CTC-AE classification version 5.0. Results: There was stability in the scores over time for overall QoL and the functional scale criteria, while in terms of symptoms, fatigue, pain and loss of appetite were reduced. No grade 3 - 4 adverse events (AEs) were recorded, and only 14.9% of toxicities were classified as grade 2, and these were considered to be unrelated to OOS. Biochemical and nutritional parameters were normalised at 12 months compared to the baseline values. Conclusions: This clinical study is the first report of the use of OOS in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, and demonstrates that it is able to maintain optimal quality of life with reduced severity of toxicity during and after combination treatment with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy.
文摘Objective: To test the efficacy of a new topical vehicle formulation containing cetirizine in emu oil in treating inflammatory skin conditions. Methods: A single blind half body comparative study of patients with psoriasis, atopic and stasis dermatitis were all treated with midpotency topical steroid (desoximethasone) in propylene glycol base, desoximethasone and cetirizine in propylene glycol base, desoximethasone in emu oil base and desoximethasone with cetirizine dissolved in emu oil. Results: Based on patients’ ranking of creams’ efficacy, and supported by photographic data and investigators’ clinical assessment, results clearly indicated that desoximethasone and cetirizine in emu base was statistically more efficacious than either desoximethasone alone or with cetirizine in neutral propylene glycol base or desoximethasone in emu oil base (without cetirizine). Conclusions: Cetirizine and emu oil, having inherent anti-inflammatory and other beneficial properties synergistically, and by different biochemical pathways, enhance and magnify each other’s pharmaceutical effects that are useful in treatment of skin inflammatory diseases.
文摘The purpose of this study was to compare among dysplasia of oral, uterine cervix and bronchus. Using a computer cytomorphometry cell measurement program, the study was based on a retrospective review of smear cases diagnosed with dysplasia of oral, bronchial and uterine cervix, from 2002 to 2010. For 50 - 70 cells from each lesion, nuclear (N) and cytoplasm (C) variables were assessed: area (A), diameter (D), irregularity (I), stain brightness and granularity. NA and ND were highest in OSCC and higher according to dysplastic grading. By contrast, CA and CD were lowest in severe dysplasia. The significant difference of N/C ratio was observed among OSCC to inflammation, mild and moderate dysplasias (p < 0.05). The N/C ratios of mild and moderate dysplasias were equal. Brightness and granularity values of OSCC cases were significantly higher than those of another (p < 0.05). About the difference between mild to moderate dysplasias, it was the easiest to detect of the uterine cervix. All severe dysplasias among the 3 regions were easily identified morphometrically. The deficient in the difference between inflammation to mild dysplasia and mild to moderate dysplasia were obtained in the oral mucosal lesion. The results displayed a significant variation in cytomorphometrical values among the 3 regions. N/C values for uterine cervix and bronchus were well distinguished in comparison with oral dysplasias. Screening of mild and moderate dysplasias requires experience which carries out the comprehensive judgment of the color.
文摘Background: 70% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage (III or IV) of the disease and, in turn, with a high prevalence of peritoneal carcinosis and ascites, which leads to progressive malnutrition in patients, with the consequent deterioration of their general condition. There is a very important relationship between nutritional status, quality of life, survival, and the ability to tolerate multidisciplinary treatment of peritoneal carcinosis. Methods: A phase II, open-label, single-center, non-randomised clinical trial was conducted that included 36 patients with advanced disease who were administered the nutritional supplement Ocoxin, 30 ml twice a day, beginning one week before chemotherapy (CT) based on carboplatin/paclitaxel, of which they receive three cycles with neoadjuvant intent. Ocoxin treatment was continued during chemotherapy and for three weeks after completion of the last cycle, as well as during any periods for which this treatment was discontinued due to toxicity. The effect of Ocoxin on the quality of life was assessed through the QLQ C30 and QLQ OV28 questionnaires from the start of treatment until the end of the follow-up period. In addition, the Karnofsky Index and nutritional parameters were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences between adverse events versus baseline values, except in leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, ALT, and AST. There was no deterioration of the QoL scales, except for those related to the effects of chemotherapy and alopecia. Conclusions: Ocoxin as an adjuvant to chemotherapy appears to improve better tolerance to chemotherapy, showed a good safety profile, and improved quality of life. For further information on Ocoxin neoadjuvant therapy benefits, a phase III clinical trial will be needed.
文摘Background:Obstructive sleep apnea in children is frequently due to tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ambulatory clinical parameters and sleep respiratory events in obese children.Methods:We carried out a prospective respiratory sleep study between 2013 and 2015.Nails obstruction,tonsils enlargement and palate position were subjectively measured.Italian attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rating scale for parents was also performed.The polygraph study was performed using a portable ambulatory device.Results:Forty-four obese children were consecutively recruited into this study.Mild sleep respiratory disturbance was showed in 31.8 % of patients;18.2% previously had an adeno (tonsillectomy).In 50% of these obese children,both apnea-hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index showed polygraph abnormal results.ADHD rating scale for parents scores were positive in 9.1% of patients.Conclusions:We found a high rate of mild sleep respiratory disturbance and ADHD-like symptoms referred by parents.The respiratory disturbance was not totally cured by surgery.Finally,otorhinolaryngology variables were not able to explain mild sleep respiratory disturbance.
文摘Background Staphylococcus aureus （S. aureus） remains as an important microbial pathogen resulting in community and nosocomial acquired infections with significant morbidity and mortality. Few reports for S. aureus in lower respiratory tract infections （LRTIs） have been documented. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular epidemiology of S. aureus in LRTIs in China.Methods A multicenter study of the molecular epidemiology of S. aureus in LRTIs was conducted in 21 hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai and twelve other provinces from November 2007 to February 2009. All the collected S. aureus strains were classified as minimum inhibitory concentration （MIC）, mecA gene, virulence genes Panton-Valentine Leukocidin （PVL） and y-hemolysin （hlg）, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec （SCCmec） type, agr type, and Multilocus Sequence Typinq （MLST）.Results Totally, nine methicillin-sensitive S. aureus （MSSA） and 29 methicillin-resistant S. aureus （MRSA） strains were isolated after culture from a total of 2829 sputums or bronchoalveolar lavages. The majority of MRSA strains （22/29） had a MIC value of 〉512 μg/ml for cefoxitin. The mecA gene acting as the conservative gene was carried by all MRSA strains. PVL genes were detected in only one S. aureus strain （2.63%, 1/38）. The hlg gene was detected in almost the all S. aureus （100% in MSSA and 96.56% in MRSA strains）. About 75.86% of MRSA strains carried SCCmec Ⅲ. Agr type 1 was predominant （78.95%） among the identified three agr types （agr types 1,2, and 3）. Totally, ten sequence type （ST） of S. aureus strains were detected. A new sequence type （ST1445） was found besides confirming ST239 as the major sequence type （60.53%）. A dendrogram generated from our own MLST database showed all the bootstrap values 〈50%. Conclusion Our preliminary epidemiology data show SCCmec Ⅲ, ST239 and agr type 1 of S. aureus as the predominant strains in LRTIs in Mainland of China.
文摘Background Acinetobacter baumanii （A. baumanii ） remains an important microbial pathogen resulting in nosocomialacquired infections with significant morbidity and mortality. The mechanism by which nosocomial bacteria, like A. baumanii, attain multidrug resistance to antibiotics is of considerable interest. The aim in this study was to investigate the spread status of antibiotic resistance genes, such as multiple 13-1actamase genes and aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes, from A. baumanii strains isolated from patients with lower respiratory tract infections （LRTIs）. Methods Two thousand six hundred and ninety-eight sputum or the bronchoalveolar lavage samples from inpatients with LRTIs were collected in 21 hospitals in the mainland of China from November 2007 to February 2009. All samples were routinely inoculated. The isolated bacterial strains and their susceptibility were analyzed via VITEK-2 expert system. Several kinds of antibiotic resistant genes were further differentiated via polymerase chain reaction and sequencing methods. Results Totally, 39 A. baumanii strains were isolated from 2698 sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage samples. There was not only a high resistant rate of the isolated A. baumanfi strains to ampicillin and first- and second-generation cephalosporins （94.87%, 100% and 97.44%, respectively）, but also to the third-generation cephalosporins （ceftriaxone at 92.31%, ceftazidine at 51.28%） and imipenem （43.59%） as well. The lowest antibiotic resistance rate of 20.51% was found to amikacin. The OXA-23 gene was identified in 17 strains of A. baumanii, and the AmpC gene in 23 strains. The TEM-1 gene was carried in 15 strains. PER-1 and SHV-2 genes were detected in two different strains. Aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme gene aac-3-1a was found in 23 strains, and the aac-6＂lb gene in 19 strains, aac-3-1a and aac-6＂lb genes hibernated in three A. baumanfi strains that showed no drug-resistant phenotype. Conclusions A. baumanii can carry multiple drug-resistant genes at the same time and result in multi-drug resistance. Aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes could be hibernating in aminoglycoside sensitive strains without expressing their phenotype.
基金supported by grants from the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFC2302005)the Joint Funds of the International Development Research Center of Canada(109282-001)the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFC2301004 and 2017YFE0125600).
文摘Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant pathogen mainly causing healthcare-associated infections(HAIs).Newly emerging high-risk clones of P.aeruginosa with elevated virulence profiles furtherly cause severe community-acquired infections(CAIs).Usually,it is not common for P.aeruginosa to co-carry exoU and exoS genes,encoding two type III secretion system(T3SS)effectors.The pathogenicity mechanism of exoS+/exoU+strains of P.aeruginosa remains unclear.Here,we provide detailed evidence for a subset of hypervirulent P.aeruginosa strains,which abundantly co-express and secrete the T3SS effectors ExoS and ExoU.The exoS+/exoU+P.aeruginosa strains were available to cause both HAIs and CAIs.The CAI-associated strains could elicit severe inflammation and hemorrhage,leading to higher death rates in a murine acute pneumonia model,and had great virulence potential in establishing chronic infections,demonstrating hypervirulence when compared to PAO1(exoS+/exoU-)and PA14(exoS-/exoU+).Both ExoS and ExoU were co-expressed and co-secreted in abundance in exoS+/exoU+strains.Their abundant protein secretion could boost exoS+/exoU+strains’potentials for cytotoxicity in vitro and pathogenicity in vivo.Genomic evidence indicates that exoU acquisition is likely mediated by horizontal gene transfer(HGT)of the pathogenicity island PAPI-2,while deletion of exoU was sufficient to mitigate virulence in the exoS+/exoU+strains.Furthermore,bioinformatics analysis showed that such exoS+/exoU+P.aeruginosa strains turned out to be widely distributed across the globe.Overall,the research provide detailed evidence for the high virulence and epidemicity of exoS+/exoU+strains of P.aeruginosa,highlighting an urgent need for surveillance against these high-risk hypervirulent strains.
