Relationship between nm23H1 genetic instability and clinical pathological characteristics in Chinese digestive system cancer patients

AIM: To study the relationship between nm23H1 gene genetic instability and its clinical pathological characteristics in Chinese digestive system cancer patients. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) was used to analyze the microsatellite instability (MSI) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of nm23H1. RESULTS: The MSI was higher in TNM stageⅠ + Ⅱ than in stage Ⅲ + Ⅳ of gastric, colonic and gallbladder carcinomas. The LOH was higher in TNM stage Ⅲ + Ⅳ than in stageⅠ + Ⅱ of gastric, colonic and hepatocellular carcinomas. Lymphatic metastasis was also observed. The expression of nm23H1 protein was lower in TNM stage Ⅲ + Ⅳ than in stageⅠ + Ⅱ of these tumors and in patients with lymphatic metastasis.The nm23H1 protein expression was higher in the LOH negative group than in the LOH positive group.CONCLUSION: MSI and LOH may independently control the biological behaviors of digestive system cancers. MSI could serve as an early biological marker of digestive system cancers. Enhanced expression of nm23H1 protein could efficiently inhibit cancer metastasis and improve its prognosis. LOH mostly appears in late digestive system cancer.

MAWBP and MAWD inhibit proliferation and invasion in gastric cancer

AIM: To investigate role of putative mitogen-activated protein kinase activator with WD40 repeats (MAWD)/ MAWD binding protein (MAWBP) in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: MAWBP and MAWD mRNA expression level was examined by real-time reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction and semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction in six GC cell lines. Western blotting was used to examine the protein expression levels. We developed GC cells that stably overexpressed MAWBP and MAWD, and downregulated expression by RNA interference assay. Proliferation and migration of these GC cells were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), soft agar, tumorigenicity, migration and transwell assays. The effect of expression of MAWBP and MAWD on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) was examined by transfection of MAWBP and MAWD into GC cells. We detected the levels of EMT markers E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Snail in GC cells overexpressing MAWBP and MAWD by Western blotting. The effect of MAWBP and MAWD on TGF-β signal was detected by analysis of phosphorylation level and nuclear translocation of Smad3 using Western blotting and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Among the GC cell lines, expression of endogenous MAWBP and MAWD was lowest in SGC7901 cells and highest in BGC823 cells. MAWBP and MAWD were stably overexpressed in SGC7901 cells and knocked down in BGC823 cells. MAWBP and MAWD inhibited GC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo . MTT assay showed that overexpression of MAWBP and MAWD suppressed growth of SGC7901 cells (P < 0.001), while knockdown of these genes promoted growth of BGC823 cells (P < 0.001). Soft agar colony formation experiments showed that overexpression of MAWBP and MAWD alone or together reduced colony formation compared with vector group in SGC7901 (86.25±8.43, 12.75±4.49, 30±6.41 vs 336.75±22.55, P < 0.001), and knocked-down MAWBP and MAWD demonstrated opposite effects (131.25±16.54, 88.75±11.12, 341.75±22.23 vs 30.25±8.07, P < 0.001). Tumorigenicity experiments revealed that overexpressed MAWBP and MAWD inhibited GC cell proliferation in vivo (P < 0.001). MAWBP and MAWD also inhibited GC cell invasion. Transwell assay showed that the number of traverse cells of MAWBP, MAWD and coexpression group were more than that in vector group (84±16.57, 98.33±9.8, 29±16.39 vs 298±11.86, P < 0.001). Coexpression of MAWBP and MAWD significantly decreased the cells traversing the matrix membrane. Conversely, knocked-down MAWBP and MAWD correspondingly promoted invasion of GC cells (100.67±14.57, 72.66±8.51, 330.67±20.55 vs 27±11.53, P < 0.001). More importantly, coexpression of MAWBP and MAWD promoted EMT. Cells that coexpressed MAWBP and MAWD displayed a pebble-like shape and tight cell-cell adhesion, while vector cells showed a classical mesenchymal phenotype. Western blotting showed that expression of E-cadherin was increased, and expression of N-cadherin and Snail was decreased when cells coexpressed MAWBP and MAWD and were treated with TGF-β1. Nuclear translocation of p-Smad3 was reduced by attenuating its phosphorylation. CONCLUSION: Coexpression of MAWBP and MAWD inhibited EMT, and EMT-aided malignant cell progression was suppressed.

Effect of Ni substitution on the formability and magnetic properties of Gd50Co50 amorphous alloy

A small amount of Ni was added into the binary Gd50Co50 amorphous alloy to replace Gd in order to obtain ternary Co50Gd50-xNx(x=1,2,and 3)amorphous alloys.Compared to the binary Gd50Co50 amorphous alloy,the Co50Gd50-xNx amorphous alloys show an enhanced Curie temperature(TC)with a weakened formability.The maximum magnetic entropy change(-Δ^Smpeak)of the Co50Gd50-xNx amorphous alloys is found to decrease with the increasing TC.The adiabatic temperature rise(ΔTad)of the Co50Gd47Ni3 amorphous alloy is superior to that of the Fe-based metallic glasses at room temperature.The variation of the TC and-Δ^Smpeak of the Gd50Co50 amorphous alloy with Ni addition,and the mechanism involved,were discussed.

Clinical and pathological features and risk factors for primary breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women all around the world.According to the latest statistics in 2018,there were more than 2.08 million new breast cancer cases all around the world and more than 620000 deaths;the proportion of breast cancer deaths in women with cancer is 15%.By studying age,clinicopathological characteristics and molecular classification,age at menarche,age at birth,number of births,number of miscarriages,lactation time,surgical history of benign breast lesions,history of gynecological diseases,and other factors,we retrospectively summarized and compared the disease history of patients with primary breast cancer and patients with benign thyroid tumors admitted to our hospital in the past 10 years to explore the clinicopathological characteristics and risk factors for primary breast cancer.AIM To investigate the clinical and pathological features and risk factors for primary breast cancer treated at our center in order to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer in the Zhuhai-Macao region.METHODS Through a retrospective case-control study,149 patients with primary breast cancer diagnosed and treated at Zhuhai Hospital of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2013 to March 2020 were included as a case group,and 165 patients with benign breast tumors diagnosed and treated from January 2019 to March 2020 were included as a control group.The data collected included age,age at menarche,age at first birth,number of births,number of miscarriages,lactation time,history of surgery for benign breast lesions,history of familial malignant tumors,history of gynecological diseases,history of thyroid diseases,and the tumor characteristics of the patients in the case group including pathological diagnosis,pathological type,tumor size,lymph node metastasis,distant metastasis,stage,and molecular classification,among others.In the case group,the chi-square test was used to analyze the clinical and pathological features of patients in three age groups(<40,40-59,and≥60 years).A multifactor logistic regression analysis was used to analyze correlations between the two groups.RESULTS Among 149 patients with primary breast cancer,the average age was 48.20±12.06 years,and the proportion of patients at 40-59 years old was the highest,accounting for 61.8%of cases.The molecular type was mainly luminal B type,accounting for 69.2%of cases,and at the time of diagnosis,the tumor stage was mainly stage I/II,accounting for 62.4%of cases.There were no statistically significant differences in the distributions of tumor location,pathological type,tumor size,lymph node metastasis,stage,or molecular classification among the three age groups(<40,40-59,and≥60 years)(P≥0.05).The differences in the distribution of distant metastasis among the three age groups(<40,40-59,and≥60 years)were statistically significant(P<0.01).The differences in lactation time,history of familial malignant tumors,history of gynecological diseases,and history of thyroid diseases between the two groups were not statistically significant(P≥0.05).The differences in age at disease diagnosis,age at menarche,and history of surgery for benign breast lesions were statistically significant(P<0.01).The difference in age at first birth was also statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The highest incidence of breast cancer in the Zhuhai-Macao region is present among women aged 40-59 years.There is a larger proportion of stage I/II patients,and the luminal B type is the most common molecular subtype.Distant metastasis occurs mainly in the≥60-year-old group at the first diagnosis;increased age,late age at menarche,and late age at first birth may be risk factors for primary breast cancer,and a history of surgery for benign breast lesions may be a protective factor for primary breast cancer.

Malignant syphilis accompanied with neurosyphilis in a malnourished patient: A case report

BACKGROUND Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by the Treponema pallidum (T.pallidum).Malignant syphilis is a rare presentation of secondary syphilis.Here,we present a case diagnosed with malignant syphilis accompanied with neurosyphilis.CASE SUMMARY A 56-year-old man present with a 2-mo history of spreading ulcerous and necrotic papules and nodules covered with thick crusts over the face,trunk,extremities,and genitalia.The patient was diagnosed with malignant syphilis accompanied by neurosyphilis based on the characteristic morphology of the lesions,positive serological and cerebrospinal fluid tests for syphilis,brain magnetic resonance imaging,and histopathology,along with resolution of the lesions following the institution of penicillin therapy.The lesions and neurological condition successfully resolved after a course of treatment with penicillin.CONCLUSION We suggest that neurosyphilis should be considered whenever people have psychiatric symptoms without cutaneous lesions or human immunodeficiency virus.

A New Cu-Based Metallic Glass Composite with Excellent Mechanical Properties

A new Cu-based bulk metallic glass composite of nominal composition(at.%)Cu41Ni27Ti25Al7 with excellent plasticity and a strong work-hardening behavior is fabricated.Strength above 1859 MPa and plasticity more than 11%are achieved under compression and tension modes.The deformation mechanism is proposed to the structural heterogeneities of the composite that promotes multiple shear bands meanwhile inhibits their free propagation,which results in the macroscopically plastic strain and work hardening.The alloy contains relatively cheap metals and has a low cost,which is beneficial to industrial applications.

Difference of anterior and posterior orbital development in patients with congenital microphthalmia:a retrospective cohort study from China

AIM:To evaluate volume differences between anterior and posterior orbit and demographic characteristics of Chinese patients with congenital microphthalmia.METHODS:A retrospective cohort study,involving 169 unilateral congenital microphthalmia patients aged between 1 and 57 years old was conducted.Three-dimensional images of the orbit were generated from past CT scans,and digital orbital volume comprehensive measurement was done.The measured data included orbital volume(OBV),posterior orbital volume(POV),orbital width(OBW),orbital height(OBH),orbital depth(OBD),and posterior orbital area ratio.RESULTS:Significant differences were observed among OBV,POV,OBW,OBH,and OBD of the affected and unaffected eyes in different age-based groups(all P<0.001).Among them,OBH had the greatest different.The mean microphthalmic to contralateral ratio(MCR) of OBV,POV,OBW,and OBH continuously increased from 1 to 3 years old,whereas the MCR of POV decreased from 3 to 17 years old.The MCR of OBD was not found to be correlated to age.There was no significant difference between OBV,POV,OBW,and OBH in ages from 13 years old to adulthood(all P>0.05).The difference in posterior orbital area ratio between the affected and unaffected groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:OBH is maximally affected,whereas OBD is minimally affected by microphthalmia.Posterior orbital retardation began 2y prior to orbital retardation and occurred at 3 years old in the affected eye,suggesting that intervention therapy should be done before the age of 4.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma with synchronous breast metastasis:A case report

BACKGROUND Recent reports have described cases of metachronous breast metastasis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.However,no similar cases of synchronous breast metastasis have been reported,and evidence that can be used to support the clinical diagnosis of stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma in patients with concurrent breast metastasis remains lacking.Therefore,additional evidence is required to elucidate the clinical characteristics of this condition and aid in the development of optimal management strategies.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 46-year-old woman who visited our hospital with a right breast mass as the first symptom.The first pathological biopsy report suggested triple-negative breast invasive carcinoma.Subsequent imaging revealed a nasopharyngeal mass.Further puncture biopsy of the nasopharyngeal mass,molecular pathological Epstein–Barr virus in situ hybridization,and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with breast metastasis.The patient did not undergo a mastectomy and achieved complete remission after chemotherapy and radiotherapy.She continued to receive oral chemotherapy as maintenance therapy and experienced no recurrence or metastasis during the 6-month follow-up period.CONCLUSION This case report suggests that breast specialists should carefully rule out secondary breast cancers when diagnosing and treating breast masses.Furthermore,clinicians should aim to identify the pathological type of the tumor to obtain the most accurate diagnosis and prevent excessive diagnosis and treatment.

普拉洛芬滴眼液对白内障手术患者视网膜结构及外周血VEGF表达的影响

目的:观察普拉洛芬滴眼液对白内障术后患者视网膜结构及外周血血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)表达的影响。方法:选取2015-09/2016-09在我院接受手术治疗的白内障患者172例200眼,随机分为对照组和观察组,各86例100眼。对照组术后采用氟米龙滴眼液治疗,观察组在对照组基础上联合使用普拉洛芬滴眼液。观察两组患者术后炎症(角膜水肿、结膜充血)情况和视网膜结构[黄斑中心区视网膜厚度(MFRT)、黄斑中心凹视网膜厚度(CMT)、光感受器内外节连接层(IS/OS)厚度],检测手术前后血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)和VEGF水平。结果:术后7、15、30d,对照组患者炎症评分、CMT水平均高于观察组,而IS/OS层厚度均低于观察组(P<0.001)。术后15、30d,对照组患者MFRT水平均高于观察组(P<0.001)。术后30d,两组患者血清SOD水平均明显上升,血清MDA和VEGF水平均明显下降(P<0.001)。结论:普拉洛芬能够减轻白内障术后炎症,降低外周血VEGF表达,促进视网膜恢复。

Lactulose enhances neuroplasticity to improve cognitive function in early hepatic encephalopathy

Lactulose is known to improve cognitive function in patients with early hepatic encephalopa- thy; however, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the behavioral and neurochemical effects of lactulose in a rat model of early hepatic encephalopathy induced by carbon tetrachloride. Immunohistochemistry showed that lactulose treatment promoted neurogenesis and increased the number of neurons and astrocytes in the hippocampus. Moreover, lactulose-treated rats showed shorter escape latencies than model rats in the Morris water maze, indicating that lactulose improved the cognitive impairments caused by hepatic encephalopathy. The present findings suggest that lactulose effectively improves cog- nitive function by enhancing neuroplasticity in a rat model of early hepatic encephalopathy.

Rushan earthquake swarm in eastern China and its indications of fluid-triggered rupture

An extraordinary earthquake swarm occurred at Rushan on the Jiaodong Peninsula from October 1, 2013, onwards, and more than 12,000 aftershocks had been detected by December 31, 2015. All the activities of the whole swarm were recorded at the nearest station, RSH, which is located about 12 km from the epicenter. We examine the statistical characteristics of the Rushan swarm in this paper using RSH station data to assess the arrival time difference, ts p, of Pg and Sg phases. A temporary network comprising 18 seismometers was set up on May 6, 2014, within the area of the epicenter; based on the data from this network and use of the double difference method, we determine precise hypocenter locations. As the distribution of relocated sources reveals migration of seismic activity, we applied the mean-shift cluster method to perform clustering analysis on relocated catalogs. The results of this study show that there were at least 16 clusters of seismic activities between May 6, 2014, and June 30, 2014, and that each was characterized by a hypocenter spreading process. We estimated the hydraulic diffusivity, D, of each cluster using envelope curve fitting; the results show that D values range between 1.2 and 3.5 m2/d and that approximate values for clusters on the edge of the source area are lower than those within the central area. We utilize an epidemic-type aftershock sequence （ETAS） model to separate external triggered events from self-excited aftershocks within the Rushan swarm. The estimated parameters for this model suggest that α = 1.156, equiva- lent to sequences induced by fluid-injection, and that the forcing rate （μ） implies just 0.15 events per day. These estimates indicate that around 3% of the events within the swarm were externally triggered. The fact that variation in μ is synchronous with swarm activity implies that pulses in fluid pressure likely drove this series of earthquakes.

Advances in art therapy for patients with dementia

In this article, the theoretical basis and development status of art therapy are introduced, and the intervention methods and effectiveness of art therapy in patients with dementia are reviewed. To date,nursing intervention via art therapy with dementia patients in China has been rarely investigated, and the design of this type of investigation must be improved.

Efficient removal of Co(Ⅱ)from aqueous solution by titanate sodium nanotubes

In this paper,a novel material for Co(Ⅱ)adsorption,titanate sodium nanotubes(Na_2Ti_2O_5-NTs)were synthesized and characterized,and then they were used to remove Co(Ⅱ) from aqueous solution and compared with titanic acid nanotubes(H_2Ti_2O_5-NTs) and potassium hexatitanate whiskers(K_2Ti_6O_(13)).The results showed that the adsorption of Co(Ⅱ) on the materials was dependent on p H values and was a spontaneous,endothermic process.Specifically,Na_2Ti_2O_5-NTs exhibited much more efficient ability to adsorb Co(Ⅱ) from aqueous solution,with the maximum adsorption capacity of 85.25 mg/g.Furthermore,Na_2Ti_2O_5-NTs could selectively adsorb Co(Ⅱ) from aqueous solution containing coexisting ions(Na^+,K^+,Mg^(2+),and Ca^(2+)).The results suggested that Na_2Ti_2O_5-NTs were potential effective adsorbents for removal of Co(Ⅱ) or cobalt-60 from wastewater.

Jatrophane Diterpenoids from the Seeds of Euphorbia peplus with Potential Bioactivities in Lysosomal-Autophagy Pathway

Euphopepluanones F−K(1−4),four new jatrophane type diterpenoids were isolated from the seeds of Euphorbia peplus,along with eight known diterpenoids(5−12).Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and X-ray crystallographic experiments.The new compounds 1−4 were assessed for their activities to induce lysosomal biogenesis through LysoTracker Red staining.Compound 2 significantly induced lysosomal biogenesis.In addi-tion,compound 2 could increase the number of LC3 dots,indicating that it could activate the lysosomal-autophagy pathway.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia: A case report

BACKGROUND Rhinocerebral mucormycosis(RCM)is a rare fatal fungal infection which is on the increase among immunocompromised hosts such as patients who have had hematological cancers,or have received immunosuppressive drugs,corticosteroids,or other T cell suppressing agents.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of RCM caused by Rhizopus oryzae,one of the most common opportunistic pathogens,in a patient suffering from a fourth relapse of acute myeloid leukemia.The patient developed RCM after he had received long-term antibiotic agents and corticosteroids.The pathogen was isolated three times from nasal secretions collected from the deep parts of the nasal cavity and was identified by morphology and internal transcribed spacer sequencing.Blood infection was excluded by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction and blood culture.The patient was empirically treated with caspofungin and voriconazole for several days while the lesions continued to progress.The patient was given amphotericin B in combination with caspofungin after RCM was suspected,and the lesions improved over the course of treatment,which lasted several days.However,the patient eventually died of the primary disease.CONCLUSION This case indicates that immunosuppressive drugs,including corticosteroids and antimetabolites in hematological tumor,do increase the risk of infections of this type.Early diagnosis,prompt and frequent surgical debridement,and treatment with amphotericin B without delay are all essential in combatting RCM.

Microstructure,wetting property of Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi-xCe solder and IMC growth at solder/Cu interface during thermal cycling

The effects of adding small amounts of cerium(Ce) to Sn-3.3 Ag-0.2 Cu-4.7 Bi solder on microstructure,wettability characteristic,interfacial morphology and the growth of interfacial intermetallic compound(IMC) during thermal cycling were investigated by optical microscopy(OM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and solderability tester.It is found that the p-Sn phase,Ag_(3)Sn phase and Cu6 Sn5 phase in the solder are refined and the wetting force increases.Ce is an active element;it more easily accumulates at the solder/flux interface in the molten state,which decreases the interfacial surface energy and reduces the driving force for IMC formation on Cu substrate;therefore,the thickness of IMC at the solder/Cu interface decreases when appropriate Ce was added into the solder.Moreover,the Ce-containing solders have lower growth rate of interfacial IMC than solders without Ce during the thermal cycling between-55 and 125℃.When the Ce content is 0.03 wt% in the Sn-3.3 Ag-0.2 Cu-4.7 Bi solder,the solder has the best wettability and the minimum growth rate of interfacial IMC layer.

More mutation accumulation in Neisseria gonorrhoeae(NG)with susceptibility than that in NG with decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone

To the Editor:Neisseria gonorrboeae(NG)with decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone(CRO)and cefixime,the last option for first-line anti-microbial monotherapy,was spread globally.Until now,more than ten clinical treatment failures with CRO have been reported with minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)range as 0.5 to 2.0 mg/L.CRO,thereafter,is no longer recommended as mono-therapy for gonorrhea.Instead,dual therapy that combines CRO with azithromycin is currently exerted in many countries including China.However,the first treatment failure to dual therapy(500 mg CRO plus 1 g azithromycin)was identifed in 2014 in London.

Comparison of Hasner valvulotomy outcomes in pediatric and adult patients: does age matter?

Background:Hasner valve incision has been recently introduced as a new treatment for ophthalmic patients with epiphora symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine whether surgical outcomes of Hasner valve incision for inferior nasolacrimal duct obstruction were different between pediatric and adult patients.Methods:A total of 53 eyes of 52 patients who underwent Hasner valve incision in the Beijing Tongren Hospital from October 2016 to November 2019 were retrospectively observed. Patients were divided into two groups, including pediatric group (23 eyes of 22 patients, <18 years old) and adult group (30 eyes of 30 patients, ≥18 years old). Success rate of surgery was determined by both subjective measure (complete resolution of epiphora) and objective measure (lacrimal passage irrigation and tear meniscus height). Fisher exact test was conducted.Results:By conducting Fisher exact test and comparing complete resolution of epiphora ( P = 0.627), lacrimal passage irrigation ( P = 0.663), measurement of Tear Meniscus Height ( P = 0.561), and appearance of complication ( P = 0.339), there was no statistically significant difference of surgical outcomes between pediatric and adult patients ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Hasner valve incision was effective for both adult and children with inferior nasolacrimal duct obstruction, with no difference in surgical outcomes between the two groups.

Medial Canthoplasty Combined with Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Delayed Medial Telecanthal Deformity

Background： Rupture of the medial canthal ligament can be caused by many events. It remains a challenge to rebuild the drainage system and restore the function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of medial canthoplasty combined with conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy （CDCR） in patients with medial telecanthal deformities and lacrimal drainage system damage. Methods： Twenty-two patients （22 eyes） treated with medial canthoplasty and CDCR during June 2012 to June 2014 were included in this retrospective study. For all patients, a self-tapping, titanium, low-profile head microscrew was drilled into the solid bone on the posterior aspect of the anterior lacrimal crest at the attachment position of the medial canthal ligament. Medpor-coated tear drainage tubes were applied. Distance of patient＇s lateral displacement before and after operation was recorded and compared. The complications of CDCR were described. Results： Before the surgery, distance of patient＇s canthal displacement was 4-6 mm. The canthal distance between two eyes of patients with surgery was 1 mm or less. Among patients with CDCR, four patients had proximal obstruction and two patients had distal obstruction. Five patients had tube malposition, for example, tube extrusion 1-3 months after surgery. Conclusions： Medial canthoplasty combined with CDCR is an effective surgical method for treatment of patients with medial telecanthal deformity and lacrimal drainage system obstruction. The study indicates that medial canthoplasty combined with CDCR surgery rebuilds normal appearance of eyelid and contour of the medial canthus and successfully repairs the function of the lacrimal drainage system.

Biofilm Alterations on the Stepwise Acquisition of Fluconazole-resistant Candida Albicans Isolates

Objectives:By assessing and comparing the phenotypic changes on the stepwise acquisition of fluconazole resistant Candida albicans isolates,we could find and describe the relationship between drug resistance and biofilm formation ability in a series of clonal strains.Methods:We performed antifungal susceptibility of five drugs(fluconazole,itraconazole,voriconazole,caspofungin and amphotericin B)to further verify the antifungal activity of the six isolates in vitro.Then we combined hyphal formation assay,cell surface hydrophobicity test positively related to adherence ability,and biofilm assays in vitro to observe and compare the phenotypic characteristics of our six clonal strains.Results:Biofilm capability is enhanced for four drug-intermediate strains,whereas the initial susceptible strain and the final resistant strain are both poor in adherence,hyphal growth and biofilm formation.Conclusions:It was suggested that the biofilm formation ability were not absolutely related to the degree of fluconazole resistance.