Objective To explore the matrix effect on cyclosporine A (CsA) test by fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) and enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT), explain the discrepancy of external quality control results between these two methods and find the corrective action.Methods One hundred whole blood samples with various concentrations were adopted and CsA levels were detected by FPIA and EMIT.The results were compared with each other.Moreover, the influence of residual metal ions upon immunoreactions was assessed by adding Cu2+ and Zn2+.The effect of non-whole blood matrix on extraction efficiency for quality control materials and CsA calibrator was evaluated by adding identical volume of Hb-rich reagents followed with re-extraction.Results There is good correlation between results measured with FPIA(X) and EMIT(Y) methods ( Y=0.926 8X -8.115,R2 =0.996 9).Neither FPIA nor EMIT was affected by residual metal ions ( P ＞ 0.05 ). Non-whole blood matrix decreased the extraction efficiency of two methods, but it could be corrected by supplementation of the Hb-rich reagents (≥30 g/L).Conclusions Non-whole blood matrix may be the main reason for the inconsistent results measured by FPIA and EMIT methods.It could be corrected by using Hb-rich reagents.In addition,we should consider the influence of low lib on CsA test,espocially for organ transplant patients with lower Hb ( ＜30 g/L).

Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of portal 125I seed stent implantation combined with doxorubicin-eluting beads transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with main portal vein tumor thrombus (MPVTF).Methods Prospective single-arm study was designed.Seven HCC patients with MPVTT were sequentially enrolled in this study to receive treatment.Portal pressure before and after portal vein stent implantation were determined,the liver function were tested before and 1-3 days,4 days,5-7 days after portal vein stent implantation,the results and the postoperative complications were analyzed.Results All 7 patients were in BCLC-C stage,with Child-Pugh classification being A-B level.All patients were diagnosed as massive type HCC complicated by portal vein tumor thrombus.The lesions were located in hepatic left lobe (n=l) and hepatic right lobe (n=6),tumor thrombus in left branch of portal vein was seen in one patient and tumor thrombus in right branch of portal vein was found in 6 patients,MPVTT was observed in all 7 patients.Portal 125I seed stent implantation plus DEB-TACE was successfully accomplished in all 7 patients.The portal pressure before and after stent implantation was 15.3 cmH2O and 10.2 cmH2O respectively,the postoperative pressure showed an obvious reduction.After stent implantation,a transient elevation of the serum total bilirubin (TB),alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) could be observed,which gradually decreased in 3-4 days;the recovery of TB level was slower than that of ALT and AST levels.Two patients had concomitant myocardial damage,which was gradually recovered in 2-3 days.Conclusion For the treatment of HCC associated with MPVTT,portal 125I seed stent implantation plus DEB-TACE is safe and feasible,although its long-term curative effect needs to be further clarified.

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of serum C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) combined with insulin resistance in the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) after intravenous thrombolysis.Methods:Patients with AIS received alteplase intravenous thrombolytic therapy in the Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from October 2019 to March 2021 were enrolled retrospectively. According to the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 d after onset, they were divided into good outcome group (0-2) and poor outcome group (>2). Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to evaluate insulin resistance. Person correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between CLEC-2 and HOMA-IR. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between serum CELC-2, HOMA-IR and the outcome after intravenous thrombolysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the predictive value of serum CLEC-2 combined with HOMA-IR for poor outcome after intravenous thrombolysis. Results:A total of 100 patients were enrolled (56 males, 56.0%; aged 70.6±10.86 years, range 49-83 years). The baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 10.00±6.36. Senenty-four patients (74.0%) had a good outcome and 26 (26.0%) had a poor outcome. Person correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between serum CLEC-2 and HOMA-IR ( r=0.523; P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors (C-reactive protein, baseline NIHSS score, onset-to-needle time), the highest quartile of serum CLEC-2 (compared with the lowest quartile: odds ratio [ OR] 4.836, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.105-21.169; P=0.036) and the highest quartile of HOMA-IR (compared with the quartile 1-3: OR 15, 95% CI 2.647-30.722; P=0.002) were the independent risk factors for the poor outcome in patients with AIS after intravenous thrombolysis. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for serum CLEC-2 combined with HOMA-IR to predict poor outcome was 0.785 (95% CI 0.688-0.883; P<0.001), the optimal cut-off value was 0.72, and the sensitivity and specificity were 76.0% and 95.0%, respectively. Conclusion:CLEC-2 combined with insulin resistance has a certain predictive value for the poor outcome of patients with AIS after intravenous thrombolysis.

Objective To measure the morphological parameters of cervical endplate of Chinese by using computed tomography (CT)scans,and to provide an accurate morphometric basis for designing and developing the cervical disc prostheses.Methods 80 healthy subjects were scanned by CT.The parameters of each cervical vertebra from C3 to C7 were measured by CT scans including upper anteroposterior length (APLu),upper center mediolateral length (CMLu),lower anteroposterior length (APLl) and lower center mediolateral length (CMLl).These parameters were compared between genders and among different vertebral levels.Results The values of APLu, CMLu,APLl and CMLl were increased with the decreasing of cervical segment (P APLu = 0.023,P CMLu = 0.007, P APLl =0.035,P CMLl < 0.001).There was statistically significant difference in morphological parameters between genders (P < 0.05).Compared with the reported data of other different populations,the statistically significant difference in morphological parameters also existed in the study.Conclusion The study provides an accurate morphological basis for designing the suitable artificial cervical disc for Chinese population.

[Summary] All patients with cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme ( P450scc) deficiency that have been reported presented with early adrenal failure. Here we described a 35-year-old male presented with infertility as the only initial presenting complaint. He had received two separate surgeries to remove bilateral testicular masses. We reevaluated the resected tumors and found testicular adrenal rest tumor ( TART) pathology in the resected tumor. We profiled steroid hormones and found significantly elevated ACTH. CT scan revealed bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Mutation screening identified compound heterozygous mutations (R353W and P432L) in the P450scc encoding gene (CYP11A1). The patient was finally diagnosed as congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Objective:To investigate the changes in epidemiological characteristics of common respiratory pathogens in children in Beijing during COVID-19 epidemic.Methods:A total of 9 728 serum samples were collected from cases of acute respiratory infections in Beijing Children′s Hospital from January 2020 to December 2020. Indirect immunofluorescence antibody test was performed to detect IgM antibodies against eight common respiratory pathogens and the test results were statistically analyzed. The eight common respiratory pathogens were influenza virus A (FluA), influenza virus B (FluB), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (ADV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), Mycoplasma pneumoniae ( Mp), Chlamydia pneumoniae ( Cp) and Legionella pneumophila ( Lp). Results:The detection rate of respiratory pathogens in 9 728 cases was 41.71% (4 058/9 728) and respiratory viruses (FluA, FluB, RSV, ADV and PIV) accounted for 46.18%(2 343/5 074)of all detected pathogens. Mp, FluB and FluA accounted for 84.73%(4 299/5 074)of all detected pathogens, and the detection rates were 24.27% (2 361/9 728), 11.49% (1 118/9 728) and 8.43% (820/9 728), respectively. There were 846 cases positive for two kinds of pathogens, and the most common co-infection was Mp and FluB. The detection rates in male and female were 37.56% (2 089/5 562) and 47.26% (1 969/4 166), respectively. There were significant differences in the total detection rate and the positive rates of PIV and Mp between different sexes ( P<0.05). The detection rate in school-age children (6-12 years old) was the highest (52.26%, 1 535/2 937). The detection rates of respiratory pathogens in different months ranged from 30.12% (203/674) to 49.81% (268/538) with higher rates in autumn and winter [42.45% (1 304/3 072) and 43.29% (1 618/3 738)]. The detection rates of FluA and FluB were higher in summer [11.46% (195/1 701)] and winter [14.63% (547/3738)], respectively. Most of RSV infection occurred in summer [1.35% (23/1 701)], and Mp could be detected all year round, especially in winter and spring [27.21% (1 017/3 738) and 25.64% (312/1 217)]. The detection rate of respiratory pathogens in outpatient group was higher than that in inpatient group [46.48% (1 583/3 406) vs 39.15% (2 475/6 322)]. The detection rate in severe cases was 26.10% (71/272). The detection rates of total pathogens, FluB and Mp were higher in outpatients than in inpatients and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The detection rates of FluA, PIV and ADV were higher in inpatients than in outpatients and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The detection rates of total pathogens, FluB and Mp in mild cases were significantly higher than those in severe cases and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The detection rate of RSV in severe cases was significantly higher than that in mild cases and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The protective measures taken during the period of regular prevention and control of COVID-19 epidemic could better prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, having a certain impact on the population susceptible to respiratory pathogens and typical seasonal patterns, but had little effect on the prevention and control of Mp. New protective measures needed to be studied to prevent Mp infection in children during epidemical season.

Objective To investigate the serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations and related factors in early pregnancy. Methods Plasma was collected in the first trimester from 23 396 pregnant women to inves-tigate the vitamin D level, and its distribution and differences in different age, body maxx index ( BMI) and seasons between primipara and multipara. Preterm birth was used as an indicator of clinical outcomes. Vitamin D concentrations were measured using chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay. Results 25-hydroxy vi-tamin D level was 42. 0 (17. 6-76. 6) nmol/L in totally 23 396 pregnant women with early pregnancy, and 5% and 95% percentile sites of vitamin D level were 20. 2 nmol/L and 70. 7 nmol/L respectively. There were 18 170 (77. 7%) primiparas and 5 226 (22. 3%) multiparas, with the mean age of 30. 0 (24. 0-38. 0) years and BMI of 20. 7 (16. 5-27. 6) kg/m2. The number of cases detected in spring (March, April and May), summer (June, July and August), autumn (September, October and November months) and winter (Decem-ber, January and February) were 5 878, 5 554, 5 974, and 5 990, respectively, and the vitamin D levels were 40. 0 (29. 3, 52. 7) nmol/L, 46. 2 (35. 6, 57. 2) nmol/L, 43. 8 (33. 1, 54. 8) nmol/L and 37. 2 (26. 9, 49. 9) nmol/L respectively, with the difference in vitamin D levels statistically significant among the four seasons (P<0. 001). According to BMI, all pregnant women were divided into four groups as BMI<18. 5 kg/m2, 18. 5 kg/m2≤BMI≤23. 9 kg/m2, 24 kg/m2≤BMI≤27. 9 kg/m2, BMI≥28 kg/m2, and the levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D were 43. 5 (30. 9, 56. 9) nmol/L, 42. 1 (30. 8, 53. 8) nmol/L, 39. 9 (30. 7, 50. 4) nmol/L and 39. 7 (30. 7, 49. 4) nmol/L respectively with the difference statistically significant among the four groups. The levels of vitamin D detected in pregnant women with age<25 years, 25~29 years, 30~34 years,≥35 years were 39. 1 ( 28. 4, 52. 3) nmol/L, 41. 3 ( 30. 1, 52. 9) nmol/L, 42. 4 ( 31. 2, 54. 1) nmol/L and 43. 8 (31. 9, 55. 7) nmol/L respectively and the difference was statistically significant (P<0. 001). The levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in primary and multiparas were 41. 6 (30. 2, 52. 9) nmol/L and 43. 5 (32. 5, 56. 8) nmol/L with the difference statistically significant (P<0. 001). Among women of different gestational age during childbirth, the differences in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D in early pregnancy were not statistically significant (P=0. 121). The severe deficiency of vitamin D in early pregnancy was defined as serum level of 25-hydroxy vita-min D less than 5th level. There were statistical differences in the probability of severe vitamin D deficiency of dif-ferent ages, seasons and BMI between primiparas and multiparas. Conclusions Pregnant women of lower weight, lower age and primiparity have higher incidence of the severe vitamin D deficiency in early trimester of pregnancy. There is significant difference in 25-hydroxy vitamin D level among the different seasons (winter

Objective:To study the distribution and antibiotics resistance of the main pathogens of neonatal purulent meningitis in different regions of China.Methods:A retrospective descriptive clinical epidemiological study was conducted in children with neonatal purulent meningitis which admitted to 18 tertiary hospitals in different regions of China between January 2015 to December 2019. The test results of blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and drug sensitivity test results of the main pathogens were collected. The distributions of pathogenic bacteria in children with neonatal purulent meningitis in preterm and term infants, early and late onset infants, in Zhejiang Province and other regions outside Zhejiang Province, and in Wenzhou region and other regions of Zhejiang Province were analyzed. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 210 neonatal purulent meningitis cases were collected. The common pathogens were Escherichia coli ( E. coli)(41.4%(87/210)) and Streptococcus agalactiae ( S. agalactiae)(27.1%(57/210)). The proportion of Gram-negative bacteria in preterm infants (77.6%(45/58)) with neonatal purulent meningitis was higher than that in term infants (47.4%(72/152)), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=15.54, P=0.001). There were no significant differences in the constituent ratios of E. coli (36.5%(31/85) vs 44.8%(56/125)) and S. agalactiae (24.7%(21/85) vs 28.8%(36/125)) between early onset and late onset cases (both P>0.05). The most common pathogen was E. coli in different regions, with 46.7%(64/137) in Zhejiang Province and 31.5%(23/73) in other regions outside Zhejiang Province. In Zhejiang Province, S. agalactiae was detected in 49 out of 137 cases (35.8%), which was significantly higher than other regions outside Zhejiang Province (11.0%(8/73)). The proportions of Klebsiella pneumoniae, and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in other regions outside Zhejiang Province (17.8%(13/73) and 16.4%(12/73)) were both higher than those in Zhejiang Province (2.9%(4/137) and 5.1%(7/137)). The differences were all statistically significant ( χ2=14.82, 12.26 and 7.43, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of Gram-positive bacteria in Wenzhou City (60.8%(31/51)) was higher than that in other regions in Zhejiang Province (38.4%(33/86)), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=6.46, P=0.011). E. coli was sensitive to meropenem (0/45), and 74.4%(32/43) of them were resistant to ampicillin. E. coli had different degrees of resistance to other common cephalosporins, among which, cefotaxime had the highest resistance rate of 41.8%(23/55), followed by ceftriaxone (32.4%(23/71)). S. agalactiae was sensitive to penicillin, vancomycin and linezolid. Conclusions:The composition ratios of pathogenic bacteria of neonatal purulent meningitis are different in different regions of China. The most common pathogen is E. coli, which is sensitive to meropenem, while it has different degrees of resistance to other common cephalosporins, especially to cefotaxime.