Objective:To explore the clinical application value of group A Streptococcus (GAS) antigen rapid detection method in children suffering from GAS infection.Methods:A total of 44 733 children with suspected GAS infection who were admitted to the Outpatient and Inpatient Departments of Shenzhen Children′s Hospital from January 2015 to December 2019.Throat swab specimens from all children were collected, and BinaxNOW Strep A Test reagent was used for GAS antigen rapid detection.Among them, the throat swabs of 346 children were inoculated with blood culture medium for traditional bacterial culture, and then the GAS antigen rapid detection was tested.The sensitivity and specificity of the two methods were compared, and according to the result of the GAS antigen rapid detection, its age, gender and seasonal trends were analyzed.SPSS 19.0 software was applied for statistical analysis of the data.Results:Among the 346 children tested by both methods, the results of bacterial culture were adopted as the reference method, the sensitivity of the rapid detection method for GAS antigen was 89.41%(152/170 cases), and the specificity was 94.32%(166/176 cases) compared with culture methods.A total of 44 733 cases GAS antigen were tested in children in Shenzhen, of which 10 024 cases were positive, with the positive detection rate of 22.41%.The trend of GAS antigen rapid detection was consistent with the five-year trend, with the high positive rate of 3-8 years, of which 4-6 years of positive rate was the highest.The two seasonal peaks were evident each year, with peaks occurring in April-June, and November and January of next year.The detection rate ratio of male and female was 1.74∶1, and the gender difference was significant ( χ2=27.93, P<0.000 1). GAS antigen rapid detection rate in different clinical departments from high to low in order are as follows: dermatology outpatient (52.34%), emergency clinic (47.74%), internal medicine outpatient (37.36%), infectious disease area (19.71%), five-level disease area (10.27%), internal medicine area (8.63%), surgical areas (7.34%) and neonatal areas (0). Conclusions:GAS antigen rapid detection method and bacterial culture method have high coincidence rate, and high sensitivity and specificity, and can be popularized and applied in the diagnosis of GAS infectious diseases in children.GAS detection rate is higher in outpatient emergency department and dermatology clinics.There are obvious differences from seasonal and population (age and gender) in the positive detection of GAS antigen.No neonates were found.

Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics and risk factors of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis ischemic stroke. Methods We retrospectively collected 342 consecutive patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. Clinical data was collected including demographics, the presence of risk factors,MRI with MRA and other routine admis?sion laboratory tests. Results Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) was located most frequently in MCA (47.0%), Extracranial internal carotid artery was the most common affected artery (65.0%) among extracranial atherosclerotic steno? sis (ECAS). MetS (OR=1.586,95%CI:1.232~2.268), ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (OR=1.926,95%CI:1.051~4.288), were as?sociated with ICAS (vs ECAS), whereas hypertension (OR=3.603,95%CI:1.675~12.485), MetS (OR=2.268,95%CI:1.274~6.103), HbA1c (OR=2.015,95%CI:1.182~5.613) and ApoB/ ApoA I ratio (OR=1.948,95%CI:1.157~4.285) were related to ICAS (vs NCAS). Hypertension (OR=2.437,95%CI:1.492~3.505,P=0.005), Hcy (OR=2.437,95%CI:1.492~3.505,P=0.005) and HbA1c (OR=1.769,95%CI:1.034~3.121, P=0.005) were the independent risk factors re?lated to posterior circulation strokes (vs anterior circulation strokes ) in ICAS strokes. Conclusions The occurrence of ICAS may be more frequent than that of ECAS in ischemic stroke. Posterior circulation ICAS strokes seems to be close?ly associated with metabolic derangement.

Objective To observe the effects of Soyasaponins on inflammatory factors, antioxidant activity and exercise ability in rats with severe heat stroke. Methods Eighty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal control group, heat shock model group, saline control group and Soyasaponin group, The rats that died during the experiment or with a low rectal temperature (< 41℃) were excluded, and finally 54 rats were included, 18 rats remaining in each group. The rats in the heat shock model group were placed in the simulated hot climate animal cabin at 30 ℃, and the temperature within 30 minutes was raised to 39 ℃ in the cabin with 65% humidity; in the mean time, the rat models of heat shock were replicated under the following situations: let the rats exercise on a treadmill with running speed set at 15 m/min, slope degree 0°, once running for 8 minutes, interval 2 minutes and the heat shock time was 90 minutes, the rats in the normal control group were fed in an environment with temperature ranging from 23-25 ℃ and relative humidity ranging from 50%-70%. After the establishment of models, the saline control group and Soyasaponin group were given daily saline and Soyasaponin (10 mg/kg) respectively by gavage for 3 consecutive months, while the heat shock model group was not given any treatment. The femoral artery blood was collected 24 hours after the rats left the cabin. The serum levels of interleukins (IL-6, IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) and the contents of serum hemoglobin (Hb), serum urea (BUN), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and blood lactic acid (Lac) were measured by automatie biochemical analyzer. Results The levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MDA, Hb, BUN, LDH, Lac in heat shock model group were significantly higher than those of the normal control group [IL-6 (ng/L): 86.17±4.82 vs. 12.60±3.49, IL-1β (ng/L): 83.00±5.98 vs. 15.70±3.64, TNF-α (ng/L): 72.22±6.93 vs. 13.75±2.69, IFN-γ (ng/L): 36.22±3.02 vs. 7.35±1.60, MDA (nmol/mg): 19.78±4.56 vs. 6.40±1.35, Hb (g/L): 136.22±1.93 vs. 126.75±5.84, BUN (mmol/L):21.06±3.44 vs. 5.65±1.35, LDH (μmoL·s-1·L-1): 9.65±0.83 vs. 2.12±0.17, Lac (mmol/L): 552.56±78.33 vs. 1.32±0.18, all P ＜ 0.05], SOD and GSH-Px were significantly lower than those in normal control group [SOD (kU/L):97.89±10.57 vs. 126.65±11.35, GSH-Px (kU/L): 19.22±2.58 vs. 43.45±4.02]; however, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MDA, BUN, LDH and Lac in Soyasaponin group were significantly lower than those in heat shock model group [IL-6 (ng/L): 45.28±3.54 vs. 86.17±4.82, IL-1β (ng/L): 41.61±2.93 vs. 83.00±5.98, TNF-α (ng/L):37.22±2.46 vs. 72.22±6.93, IFN-γ (ng/L): 19.22±2.60 vs. 36.22±3.02, MDA (nmol/mg): 11.28±1.74 vs. 19.78±4.56, BUN (mmol/L): 11.78±2.13 vs. 21.06±3.44, LDH (μmoL·s-1·L-1): 3.70±0.26 vs. 9.65±0.83, Lac (mmol/L): 274.56±59.08 vs. 552.56±78.33, all P < 0.01], SOD, GSH-Px and Hb were significantly higher than those of heat shock model group [SOD (kU/L): 116.11±11.28 vs. 97.89±10.57, GSH-Px (kU/L): 31.17±2.90 vs. 19.22±2.58, Hb (g/L): 141.33±3.79 vs. 136.22±1.93, all P < 0.01]; there were no significant statistical differences in above indexes between heat shock model group and saline control group (all P > 0.05). Conclusion After heat shock and exercise management, the production and release of inflammatory factors are increased, and the level of lipid peroxidation was elevated in rats. The Soyasaponin can improve the ability to withstand heat shock and strong exercise by reducing the production and release of inflammatory factors and lipid peroxidation in the rats with severe heatstroke.

Background: and Purpose Patients presenting with clinical characteristics that are strongly suggestive of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) have a high risk of developing definite NMOSD in the future. Little is known about the clinical course, treatment, and prognosis of these patients with likely NMOSD at disease onset. Methods: This study prospectively recruited and visited 24 patients with the limited form of NMOSD (LF-NMOSD) at disease onset from November 2012 to June 2021. Their demographics, clinical course, longitudinal aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) serology, MRI, therapeutic management, and outcome data were collected and analyzed. Results: The onset age of the cohort was 38.1±12.0 years (mean±standard deviation). The median disease duration was 73.5 months (interquartile range=44.3–117.0 months), and the follow-up period was 54.2±23.8 months. At the end of the last visit, the final diagnosis was categorized into AQP4-IgG-seronegative NMOSD (n=16, 66.7%), AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD (n=7, 29.2%), or multiple sclerosis (n=1, 4.2%). Seven of the 24 patients (29.2%) experienced conversion to AQP4-IgG seropositivity, and the interval from onset to this serological conversion was 37.9±21.9 months. Isolated/mixed area postrema syndrome (APS) was the predominant onset phenotype (37.5%). The patients with isolated/mixed APS onset showed a predilection for conversion to AQP4-IgG seropositivity. All patients experienced a multiphasic disease course, with immunosuppressive therapy reducing the incidence rates of clinical relapse and residual functional disability. Conclusions Definite NMOSD may be preceded by LF-NMOSD, particularly isolated/ mixed APS. Intensive long-term follow-up and attack-prevention immunotherapeutic management is recommended in patients with LF-NMOSD.

To explore the effects of different fluid replenishment methods on the internal environment, body thermal regulatory response and severe heatstroke of 5-km armed cross-country training soldiers. Methods A Special Force officers and soldiers who participated in 5-km armed cross-country training (2-3 times a week, 25-30 minutes each time for 3 weeks) during summer training from June to July in 2018 were enrolled, and they were divided into three groups according to the random number table, with 300 trainees in each group. 200 mL of drinking fluids were given to each group 15 minutes before and after each 5-km armed cross-country training: A group with boiled water, B group with purified water, and C group with beverage prepared by pharmaceutical laboratory of the 990th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force (100 mL containing 6 g carbohydrates, 42 mg sodium, and 11 mg potassium). The venous blood was collected before and after the last training or during the onset of severe heatstroke to do the following tests: serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI, chemiluminescence), MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB, immunosuppressive), serum creatinine (SCr, enzymatic method), urea nitrogen (BUN, enzymatic method), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, tryptase), aspartate transaminase (AST, tryptase), and Na+, K+, Cl- (electrode method). The heart rate (HR) and core temperature (Tc, anal temperature) were monitored at the same time. The amount of sweat in training and the occurrence of severe heatstroke were also recorded. Results There was no significant difference in heart, liver, kidney function, electrolyte and body heat regulation reaction among three groups of 5-km armed cross-country trainees before training. Compared with before training, the levels of serum cTnI, CK-MB, SCr, BUN, ALT, AST, HR and Tc were significantly increased after training or during the onset of severe heatstroke in three groups, while the contents of Na+, K+, Cl- were significantly decreased, but the increase or decrease of group C was relatively smaller compared with group A and group B [cTnI (μg/L): 0.9 (0.6, 1.4) vs. 1.1 (0.7, 2.8), 1.0 (0.6, 3.3); CK-MB (U/L): 7.0 (5.0, 11.0) vs. 9.0 (6.0, 14.5), 8.0 (6.0, 15.0); SCr (μmol/L): 92.09±18.64 vs. 102.78±18.77, 103.64±20.07; BUN (mmol/L): 7 (6, 9) vs. 9 (8, 11), 10 (8, 13); ALT (U/L): 27 (22, 34) vs. 36 (30, 43), 34 (27, 43); AST (U/L): 37 (31, 48) vs. 41 (34, 50), 39 (34, 51); HR (bpm):87.01±17.07 vs. 95.88±21.06, 96.59±22.04; Tc (℃): 37.73±0.81 vs. 38.03±1.05, 38.10±1.04; Na+ (mmol/L):150.14±3.86 vs. 144.18±8.89, 144.04±9.39; K+ (mmol/L): 4.32±0.57 vs. 4.15±0.62, 4.13±0.51; Cl- (mmol/L):100.43±3.71 vs. 98.42±4.24, 98.41±4.58; all P < 0.01]. The incidence of severe heatstroke in group C was significantly lower than that in group A and group B [1.67% (5/300) vs. 5.00% (15/300), 5.33% (16/300), χ2 = 6.424, P = 0.040]. There was no significant difference in sweating volume in groups A, B, C (g: 370.47±48.71, 370.85±50.66, 370.17±50.21, F = 0.014, P = 0.986). There was no significant difference in the above indexes between group A and group B (all P > 0.05). Bi-classification Logistic regression analysis showed that the increase of HR, Tc and excessive loss of Na+, K+, Cl- were risk factors for severe heatstroke [odds ratio (OR) was 0.848, 0.138, 1.565, 17.996 and 2.328 respectively, all P < 0.01]. Conclusions Timely supplementation of carbohydrate, sodium and potassium ions can effectively change the internal environment and body heat regulation reaction of 5-km armed cross-country trainees, so as to reduce the occurrence of severe heatstroke. The increases of HR, Tc and excessive loss of Na+, K+, Cl- are risk factors for severe heatstroke.

Tumor metastasis is responsible for chemotherapeutic failure and cancer-related death. Moreover, circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters play a pivotal role in tumor metastasis. Herein, we develop cancer-specific calcium nanoregulators to suppress the generation and circulation of CTC clusters by cancer membrane-coated digoxin (DIG) and doxorubicin (DOX) co-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles (CPDDs). CPDDs could precisely target the homologous primary tumor cells and CTC clusters in blood and lymphatic circulation. Intriguingly, CPDDs induce the accumulation of intracellular Ca

BACKGROUNDOrthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has become the therapeutic option of choice for end-stage liver disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of splenic morphology, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and explore their value in evaluating the therapeutic effects of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on portal hypertension at 1.5 Tesla MRI.

METHODSTwenty patients with portal hypertension undergoing OLT were included in this study. Conventional MRI and diffusion-weighted image (DWI) (b value = 600 s/mm(2)) sequences were applied on each patient before and after OLT, and these patients were referred to as the preoperative and postoperative groups. Twenty healthy individuals were selected as the normal group. After image acquisition, the splenic width (W), thickness (T), length (L), the diameter of the portal vein (PD) and splenic vein (SD) were measured and the splenic volume (V) was calculated. The SNR and CNR were measured on T2WI. The ADC maps were calculated using the b600 in DWIs and the ADC values were measured.

RESULTSCompared with the preoperative group, the splenic V, PD and SD decreased significantly in the postoperative group (P < 0.05). All splenic morphological values were significantly different between preoperative and normal groups (P < 0.05). The splenic L and V were significantly different (P < 0.05) between postoperative and normal groups. The SNR and CNR values were 17.66 ± 4.62 and 13.18 ± 3.12, 11.50 ± 1.64 and 7.44 ± 4.32, 4.24 ± 1.24 and 3.03 ± 2.41 in the preoperative, postoperative and normal groups, respectively. Both SNR and CNR decreased after OLT, but they was still higher than the normal values. The SNR was significantly different between any two groups (P < 0.05). The CNR was significantly different (P < 0.05) between the preoperative and postoperative groups, preoperative and normal groups. The splenic ADC values were (1.339 ± 0.482) × 10(-3) mm(2)/s, (1.120 ± 0.254) × 10(-3) mm(2)/s and (0.997 ± 0.447) × 10(-3) mm(2)/s in the preoperative, postoperative and normal groups, respectively. The difference of ADC values were significant (P < 0.05) between the preoperative and postoperative groups, and the preoperative and normal groups.

CONCLUSIONSOLT is an effective method of treatment for portal hypertension. In addition to dramatically decreasing the splenic V, it can also decrease the splenic SNR, CNR and ADC values in patients with portal hypertension. The changes of splenic SNR, CNR and ADC after OLT may be helpful in providing noninvasive supplementary information in assessing the therapeutic effect of OLT on portal hypertension.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Liver Transplantation ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Splenomegaly ; diagnosis ; surgery

Substantial progress in the use of chemo-photodynamic nano-drug delivery systems (nano-DDS) for the treatment of the malignant breast cancer has been achieved. The inability to customize precise nanostructures, however, has limited the therapeutic efficacy of the prepared nano-DDS to date. Here, we report a structurally defined tandem-responsive chemo-photosensitive co-nanoassembly to eliminate primary breast tumor and prevent lung metastasis. This both-in-one co-nanoassembly is prepared by assembling a biocompatible photosensitive derivative (pheophorbide-diphenylalanine peptide, PPA-DA) with a hypoxia-activated camptothecin (CPT) prodrug [(4-nitrophenyl) formate camptothecin, N-CPT]. According to computational simulations, the co-assembly nanostructure is not the classical core-shell type, but consists of many small microphase regions. Upon exposure to a 660 nm laser, PPA-DA induce high levels of ROS production to effectively achieve the apoptosis of normoxic cancer cells. Subsequently, the hypoxia-activated N-CPT and CPT spatially penetrate deep into the hypoxic region of the tumor and suppress hypoxia-induced tumor metastasis. Benefiting from the rational design of the chemo-photodynamic both-in-one nano-DDS, these nanomedicines exhibit a promising potential in the inhibition of difficult-to-treat breast tumor metastasis in patients with breast cancer.

Pure drug-assembled nanomedicines (PDANs) are currently under intensive investigation as promising nanoplatforms for cancer therapy. However, poor colloidal stability and less tumor-homing ability remain critical unresolved problems that impede their clinical translation. Herein, we report a core-matched nanoassembly of pyropheophorbide a (PPa) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Pure PPa molecules are found to self-assemble into nanoparticles (NPs), and an amphiphilic PEG polymer (PPa-PEG