Objective To explore the relationship between acid pocket and acid reflux in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Methods From March 2011 to January 2012,29 patients with GERD were enrolled and nine healthy individuals were set as control.All objects of this study accepted esophageal manometry test,acid pocket test,test of the occurrence time of acid pocket and ambulatory 24 hours pH monitoring.The t-test was performed for comparison between two groups.The relationship between the incidence of GERD and acid pocket was analyzed by Logistic regression analysis.Pearson correlation analysis was used for correlation analysis.Results The percentage of acid pocket in GERD group and control group was 58.6％ (17/29) and 5/9,respectively,and the difference was not statistically significantly (P＞0.05).The duration time of acid pocket was (56.3±44.7) minutes in GERD group which was longer than that of control group ((16.0±8.2) minutes) and the difference was statistically significant (t=1.970,P＜0.01).There was no statistical significance in the average pH value of acid pocket between GERD group with acid pocket (2.8 ± 1.3) and that of control group with acid pocket (1.9±0.5,P＞0.05).The duration time of acid pocket was correlated with the longest reflux time in GERD group with acid pocket (r=0.550,P＜0.01).The peak velocity of esophageal motility in GERD group ((3.3±0.6) cm/s) was lower than that of control group ((5.0±4.1) cm/s) and the difference was statistically significant (t=-1.354,P＜0.05).The peak velocity of esophageal motility in GERD group with acid pocket ((3.2±0.6) cm/s) was lower than that of control group with acid pocket ((7.2± 6.3) cm/s) and the difference was statistically significant (t=-2.693,P＜0.05).Conclusions The duration time of acid pocket in GERD is correlated with the time of acid reflux.Esophageal dysmotility may be related with the pathogenesis of GERD and the occurrence of acid pocket.

Objective To evaluate Western blot analysis in diagnosing limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A (LGMD2A). Methods The clinical records including their pathological and biochemical results of 4 patients with LGMD type 2 were reviewed. Histochemical and immunohistochemical staining were performed on muscle biopsy specimens from the four patients. The expressions of dysferlin and calpain-3 in muscles were analyzed by Western biol. Results All 4 LGMD patients shared some common clinical features, such as dorsal muscular atrophy of lower limbs and remarkably elevated CK. The immunohistochemical results showed partial or complete deficiency of dysferlin staining in all 4 LGMD patients. However, Western blot revealed that the calpain-3 protein in the muscle of patient 1 was completely absent, who was later diagnosed with LGMD2A. The other 3 patients had complete dysferlin deficiency with reduced calpain-3 expression and they were confirmed to be LGMD2B. Conclusions Western blot analysis of calpain-3 and dysfcrlin can be used to differentiate LGMD2A which shows absence of calpain-3 from other LGMD types which show dysferlin deficiency. Western blot is an invaluable method in clinical diagnosis of LGMD2A.

Objective To analyze the correlation among serum total IgE(TIgE),blood eosinophil(EOS) counts,the degree of sensitization for skin prick test(SPT),and fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO)in chil-dren with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Methods We collected 121 children with asthma and allergic rhinitis andtheir serum TIgE,blood EOS,FeNO,and SPT for 14 common allergens. Results There were 75.2%patients sensitizing to at least two allergens.TIgE levels in poly-sensitized subjects were higher than that of mono-sensitized subjects(P < 0.05)The number of SPT sensitized allergens was positively correlated with the TIgE levels(P <0.05)FeNO levels were correlated with TIgE levels and EOS percentage(P < 0.05). TIgE levels in subjects with class 2 or 3 in SPT for house dust mite increased significantly ,compared with class 0 or 1. Conclusion There were some correlations among the four detections ,providing important reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of respiratory allergic disease

This study investigated the changes of CD4(+) CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before and after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). The proportion of CD4(+) CD25(+) Tregs among CD4(+) T lymphocytes in peripheral blood of 33 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was determined by flow cytometry before, 1 week and 1 month after TACE. And 25 healthy volunteers served as control. One month after TACE, the patients were divided into two groups: 22 in group A, who were in stable condition or getting better; and 10 in group B, who were deteriorating. One patient died and was excluded. The results showed that the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs among CD4(+) T lymphocytes did not significantly change in the 33 patients 1 week after TACE as compared with that before TACE, however, the difference was significant (P<0.01) between the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and the healthy subjects. The percentage of CD4(+) CD25(+) Tregs among CD4(+) T lymphocytes in group A 1 month after TACE was decreased significantly in comparison with that before and 1 week after TACE (P<0.01), whereas, that in group B was increased significantly 1 month after TACE (P<0.01). It was concluded that patients with hepatocellular carcinoma had a higher proportion of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs in peripheral blood. TACE did not significantly affect the level of CD4(+) CD25(+) Tregs within short time (such as 1 week). The proportion of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs in peripheral blood 1 month after TACE was related to the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/*immunology ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic/*methods ; Liver Neoplasms/*immunology ; Liver Neoplasms/*therapy ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/*immunology

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with dengue fever in Guangdong Province in 2019, so as to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of dengue fever.Methods:The general data, laboratory examination data, clinical manifestations and prognosis data of 480 inpatients with dengue fever admitted to Eight People′s Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University between January 4 and October 31, 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical and onset characteristics of patients with dengue fever were described.Results:Among 480 dengue patients, 442(92.1%) were dengue fever, 38(7.9%) were severe dengue, and 136(28.3%) had underlying diseases. The peak age of onset was mainly in young adults aged 20 to 49 years old, accounting for 66.0%(317/480) in total. The seasonal peak was mainly in August to October. There were 399(83.1%) local cases and 61(12.7%) imported cases. The most common clinical manifestations were fever (98.1%, 471/480), chills (72.9%, 350/480), headache (58.5%, 281/480) and bone/joint/muscle pain (67.1%, 322/480), followed by digestive tract symptoms and respiratory tract symptoms. Among 446 serum samples, 358 (80.3%) were dengue virus (DENV)-1, 54 (12.1%) were DENV-2, 34 (7.6%) were DENV-3. The main laboratory tests of the patients were leucopenia (65.8%, 316/480), low hematocrit (30.2%, 145/480), thrombocytopenia (48.3%, 232/480), neutropenia (44.8%, 215/480), elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (37.7%, 181/480) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (59.4%, 285/480). Treatment mainly adopted symptomatic support treatment and active prevention of complications. The length of stay was (5.8±3.1) days (range 1.0-38.0 days). A total of 461(96.0%) patients were cured or improved.Conclusions:In 2019, the majority of dengue fever patients in Guangdong Province are young adults aged 20 to 49 years old, and the proportion of severe patients is high, with DENV-1 infection as the main type. After symptomatic support treatment and active prevention of complications, most of the dengue fever patients have a good prognosis.

Objective To investigate the nutritional status of patients with heart failure and its effect on all-cause mortality.Methods A total of 351 patients with chronic heart failure,who were consecutively admitted to the East Hospital of Shanghai from March 2013 to November 2015,were put into the heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) group.They were compared to 222 controls who were admitted during the same period for preclinical heart failure.After a median follow-up time of 606 days,108 patients of the HFrEF group died,compared to 11 of the controls.Logistic regression was used to analyze correlations of all-cause mortality with the patients' body mass index (BMI),serum albumin and other factors.Results Compared to the controls,patients with chronic heart failure had lower BMI [(22.71±3.95) kg/m2 vs.(24.23±3.66) kg/m2,t=4.331,P=0.000],total cholesterol [(3.81±0.99) mmol/L vs.(4.03±0.96) mmol/L,t=2.638,P=0.009],albumin [(38.18±5.03) g/Lvs.(40.18±6.12) g/L,t=3.874,P=0.000] and prealbumin [(187.67±61.83) mg/L vs.(211.94±65.44) mg/L,t=3.937,P=0.000].Within the HFrEF group,patients with lower BMI had higher mortality (36.0％ vs.22.4％,P=0.008).Logistic regression suggested BMI,age were independent predictors of all-cause death.Conclusions Patients with chronic heart failure had high incidence of malnutrition,and those with BMI＜22 kg/m2 had higher risk of mortality.Serum albumin and BMI not only reflected nutritional status of the patients but had significant implications on prognosis.

Objective To compare the Rosemont criteria with conventional criteria for diagnosis of patients with chronic pancreatitis(CP)by endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS). Methods The data of patients with CP confirmed in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2001 to September 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Pancreatic parenchymal and ductal features were evaluated by conventional criteria and Rosemont criteria using EUS,respectively. The diagnostic value of the two kinds of criteria were compared. Results Among the 45 CP patients with mean age of 48.8 years, 34 were male, and 11 were female. Nineteen cases were in clinical phase 1, 8 in clinical phase 2, and 18 in clinical phase 3. The diagnostic yield of conventional criteria with at least 3 imaging features was higher than that of Rosemont criteria(51.1% VS 31.1%, P=0.004), but there was no significant difference between conventional criteria with at least 5 imaging features and Rosemont criteria(26.7% VS 31.1%,P>0.05).In CP patients of clinical phase 1,the diagnostic yield of conventional criteria with at least 3 imaging features was higher than that of Rosemont criteria(47.4% VS 21.1%, P=0.033), but there was no significant difference in phase 2 and 3. Conclusion Conventional criteria shows higher diagnostic yield than Rosemont criteria. It will be more valuable to apply conventional criteria with at least 3 imaging features of EUS in early suggestive chronic pancreatitis.

Objective:To provide strategic suggestions for optimizing children′s diagnosis and treatment services in the communities, by means of analyzing the overall efficiency of children′s diagnosis and treatment services in the sample community health service centers, and learning the current input and output of children′s diagnosis and treatment resources.Methods:In April 2020, a total of 27 community health service centers in 14 cities were selected by random sampling. Data such as the number of medical visits by children aged 0 to 18 years and the area of pediatric diagnosis and treatment departments in the sample centers in 2019 were collected by self-filling questionnaires. Excel was used for data sorting. Data envelopment analysis(DEA) was used for data processing. The data processing tool was DEAP 2.1.Results:The average comprehensive efficiency, the average technical efficiency and the average scale efficiency of the 27 sample community health service centers were 0.445, 0.865 and 0.494 respectively. There were five DEA efficient centers, 4 DEA weak inefficiency centers and 18 inefficient centers. Six out of 18 DEA inefficient centers had redundant input of healthcare professionals capable pediatrics; 12 centers were short of children visits, and 15 were short of visits by children aged 0-6 years.The centers where DEA was inefficient were concentrated in the central region, the suburbs and " centers with independent pediatric clinics but without pediatric wards" .Conclusions:The comprehensive efficiency of children′s diagnosis and treatment services in the sample community health service centers is relatively low. Currently, the sample community health service centers are faced with such problems as small and insufficient input of children′s diagnosis and treatment resources in the community, unbalanced development of children′s diagnosis and treatment services in the region among others. It is suggested that on the basis of making full use of the existing resources to create the maximum output value, we should consider appropriately expanding the scale of resource input to improve the efficiency of children′s diagnosis and treatment services at the primary level and further give play to the value of the " gatekeepers" at the primary level in children′s diagnosis and treatment.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines selectively induce specific signals to regulate host responses. Since the immunological imbalance caused by abnormal release of cytokines is involved in the development of many diseases, cytokine-specific detections are of great clinical significance for disease diagnosis and efficacy monitoring. Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acid sequences which can bind to the target with high selectivity and affinity. It has attracted much attention in the development of novel aptamers-based methods for the detection of specific biomarkers of inflammatory diseases. This paper reviewed recent advances in electrochemical and optical aptasensors for the detection of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, transforming growth factor-β, interferon-γ and interleukin-8. The findings offered valuable insights into the clinical application potential and challenges of nucleic acid aptamers in the detection of key inflammatory cytokines, providing a meaningful reference for the development of aptamer-based cytokines sensitive detection point-of-care testing equipment and novel diagnostic strategies for inflammatory disorders.

This study investigated the changes of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before and after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). The proportion of CD4+CD25+ Tregs among CD4+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood of 33 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was determined by flow cytometry before, 1 week and 1 month after TACE. And 25 healthy volunteers served as control. One month after TACE, the patients were divided into two groups: 22 in group A, who were in stable condition or getting better;and 10 in group B, who were deteriorating. One patient died and was excluded. The results showed that the percentage of CD4+CD25+ Tregs among CD4+ T lymphocytes did not significantly change in the 33 patients 1 week after TACE as compared with that before TACE, however, the difference was significant (P<0.01) between the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and the healthy subjects. The percentage of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs among CD4+ T lymphocytes in group A 1 month after TACE was decreased significantly in comparison with that before and I week after TACE (P<0.01), whereas,that in group B was increased significantly 1 month after TACE (P<0.01). It was concluded that patients with hepatocellular carcinoma had a higher proportion of CD4~CD25+ Tregs in peripheral blood. TACE did not significantly affect the level of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs within short time (such as 1 week). The proportion of CD4+CD25+ Tregs in peripheral blood 1 month after TACE was related to the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.