Objective To explore the diagnostic value of five infection markers in bloodstream infection.Methods Randomly selected 110 bloodstream infection patients with positive blood cultures and 30 bacterial infection patients with negative blood cultures.Blood was simultaneously drawn with blood cultures;the complete blood count and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured.The white blood cell count (WBC),neutrophil count (NEU),lymphocyte count (LMY),CRP level and neutrophil-lymphocyte count ratio (NLCR) were compared between the two groups.Results The levels of WBC,NEU,NLCR and CRP in bloodstream infection group were significantly higher than those in control group (P＜0.05),while LYM was significantly lower than that in control group (P＜ 0.05).Among these five infection markers,the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) was the highest for NLCR (0.808) and LMY (0.756);when the cutoff value for NLCR was ＞9.33,sensitivity was 63.6％,specificity was 93.3％;and the cutoff value for LYM was ≤0.97,sensitivity was 58.2％,specificity was 86.7％.Furthermore,the NLCR of patients with gram-negative bloodstream infection was higher than those in patients with gram-positive bloodstream infection.NLCR showed important clinical significance in distinguishing strains of different bloodstream infections.Conclusions NLCR is the better predictors than routine parameters in diagnosing bloodstream infection.

Objective To explore the law of apoptosis of lumbar spinal cord neurons in cauda equina syndrome (CES). Methods Cauda equina of rats was compressed by a piece of silica gel stick. From day 1 to day 28, the lumbar spinal cord specimens were harvested and assessed by Nissl's staining and TUNEL staining. Results Compression of cauda equina caused lesion and apoptosis of neurons in lumbar spinal cord, and the extent of apoptosis reached the peak on 7th day after compression. Conclusion Apoptosis of neurons in lumbar spinal cord might be one of the reasons why patients with CES get poor prognosis.

BACKGROUND:Titanium aloy and stainless steel are two common internal fixation materials, but there are some difference in their therapeutic effects and biocompatibility. OBJECTIVE:To explore the therapeutic effects and biocompatibility of titanium aloy and stainless steel internal fixation materials for the treatment of spinal tuberculosis. METHODS:Seventy-one spinal tuberculosis patients, 35 males and 36 females, aged 17-81 were enroled. Among them, 35 patients received titanium aloy internal fixation, and the 36 patients underwent stainless steel internal fixation. At the end of 12-month folow-up, Cobb angle changes, therapeutic effect and Frankel grade were analyzed in the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Before treatment, there was no difference in the spinal kyphosis angle and Frankel grade between the two groups. At the last folow-up, the Frankel grade and Cobb angle were both improved in the two groups (P < 0.05), but there was stil no difference between the two groups. The cure rate was 97% (n=34) in the titanium aloy group and 92% in the stainless steel group (n=33), and no significant difference was found between the two groups. These two kinds of internal fixation materials exhibited good biocompatibility, and no infection and other adverse reactions occurred. These findings indicate that both titanium aloy and stainless steel as internal fixation materials have good biocompatibility and therapeutic effects.

Objective To find out an effective therapeutic method for and observe whether there is any synergistic action or not between fetal spinal cord transplantation (FST) and methylprednisolone (MP).Methods Fifty male adult SD rats were randomly divided into group A,B,C,D and E,10 in each group.Group A was treated with both large dosage of MP and FST,group B with MP only, grop C with FST only and group D without any treatment.Group E served as blank control.Fetal spinal cord was obtained from 14-day pregnant rats .Spinal cord Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) examination and behavior observation were performed in 24 hours and in 8 months after treatment By the way of reduced silver staining, the condition of nerve plerosis and regeneration could be observed.Results There were significant differences in the latent period and amplitude of N1 wave in SSEP between group A and group B,C and D (P＜0.05).No obvious behavior changes were found except partial sensory recovery in the left lower limbs in Group A.Histologically,more nerve fibers contacting with branches at injury area could be found in Group A than in Group B,C and D.Conclusion The combination of large dosage of MP and FST can produce synergistic effect in the recovery of the injured spinal cord.

BACKGROUND:Animal studies have shown that cauda equina compression can induce apoptosis of lumbosacral spinal cord anterior horn motor neurons.
OBJECTIVE:To explore the pathological change in lumbosacral spinal cord after acute cauda equina compression in dogs.
METHODS:A total of 27 dogs were randomly divided into nine groups, with three dogs in each group. There were one normal control group, seven experimental groups and one sham surgery group. In the experimental group, an empty water sac was implanted above epidural fat below L6 vertebral plate. Compression was given by injecting water at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours. In the sham surgery group, an empty water sac was implanted, but compression was not given. At the time of compression, the spinal cord sent out by cauda equina nerve and adjacent to the head end was subjected to histopathological examination.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Results of light microscope:at 4-48 hours of compression, spinal cord anterior horn motor neurons did not alter. At 72 hours, motor neurons became smal , cel membrane shrank and separated from surrounding tissues. Cel s were homogenous and darkly stained. At 168 hours, motor neurons disappeared, but spinal cord sections of the adjacent head end did not shown abnormal motor neurons in the spinal cord anterior horn. (2) Results of electron microscope:at 12 hours, spinal cord tissue began to swel , and the swel ing aggravated with prolonged time of compression. The swel ing of glial cel s was apparent. At 168 hours, myelin sheath structure dissolved;axons showed vacuolization;axoplasm spil ed, and exhibited inflammatory injury-like changes. (3) Apoptotic results of spinal cord anterior horn motor neurons:apoptosis appeared at 12 hours of compression, became increased, and showed an increased trend at 168 hours.

We proposed a new algorithm for automatic identification of fluorescent signal. Based on the features of chromatographic chips, mathematic morphology in RGB color space was used to filter and enhance the images, pyramid connection was used to segment the areas of fluorescent signal, and then the method of Gaussian Mixture Model was used to detect the fluorescent signal. Finally we calculated the average fluorescent intensity in obtained fluorescent areas. Our results show that the algorithm has a good efficacy to segment the fluorescent areas, can detect the fluorescent signal quickly and accurately, and finally realize the quantitative detection of fluorescent signal in chromatographic chip.
Algorithms ; Chromatography ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; methods ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted

Objective To clone a gametocyte specific protein Pfgdv1 of Plasmodium falciparum,express and identify re?combinant Pfgdv1 protein in vitro. Methods PCR was performed to amplify Pfgdv1 from P. falciparum DNA which was got from the patient who was infected with P. falciparum,and the PCR product was inserted into pET28a(+)vector. pET28a?Pfg?dv1 recombinant plasmid was constructed and transformed into E. coli host BL21(DE3+). IPTG was used to induce the recombi?nant Pfgdv1 protein fused with His tag,and the protein was purified by His?NTA affinity chromatography. The recombinant pro?tein was identified by SDS?PAGE and Western blotting. Results The PCR product of Pfgdv1 gene was about 1.65 kb,meeting the expectation of predicted fragment size. The recombinant protein was about 67 kDa,which could be recognized by His?Tag monoclonal antibody. Conclusion The Pfgdv1 gene of P. falciparum is successfully cloned,and the recombinant Pfgdv1 pro?tein is expressed,thereby providing an opportunity for further study on transmission blocking vaccine.

Biomolecular aggregation within cellular environments via liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) spontaneously forms droplet-like structures, which play pivotal roles in diverse biological processes. These structures are closely associated with a range of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer and infectious diseases, highlighting the significance of understanding LLPS mechanisms for elucidating disease pathogenesis, and exploring potential therapeutic interventions. In this review, we delineate recent advancements in LLPS research, emphasizing its pathological relevance, therapeutic considerations, and the pivotal role of bioinformatic tools and databases in facilitating LLPS investigations. Additionally, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of bioinformatic resources dedicated to LLPS research in order to elucidate their functionality and applicability. By providing comprehensive insights into current LLPS-related bioinformatics resources, this review highlights its implications for human health and disease.

Objective:To explore the feasibility and safety of the clinical application of the diagnosis and treatment mode combining rapid frozen pathological examination of prostate biopsy tissue with radical prostatectomy.Methods:Suspected prostate cancer patients with PSA>10 ng/ml and PI-RADS score ≥4 in, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital from April to September 2021 were collected. The included patients underwent mpMRI/TRUS image fusion-guided transperineal prostate targeted biopsy with 16G biopsy needle, 2-3 needles for biopsy, and rapid frozen pathological examination. Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) was performed immediately for patients with prostate cancer with rapid freezing pathology. For undiagnosed prostate cancer, 18G biopsy needle for prostate targeted + systematic biopsy were used, 18-22 needles for systematic biopsy, and routine pathological examination. The baseline data, frozen pathological results, perioperative conditions, pathological results and follow-up data of all patients were collected.Results:Eleven patients were included in the study, the mean age of the patients was 69.9(66-73) years, the mean BMI was 22.8(19-26) kg/m 2, the mean PSA was 23.2(14.25-32.00), the mean prostate volume was 45(32-52) ml, mean PSAD 0.54(0.33-0.75). PI-RADS score was 4 in 3 cases and 5 in 8 cases; digital rectal examination was positive in 5 cases. All 11 cases underwent rapid freezing and the pathological results showed that: 9 cases were prostate adenocarcinoma, and RALP was performed immediately. The operation time was 111.5(96-126) min, the intraoperative blood loss was 78.9(55-105) ml, and the postoperative extubation time was 4.3(3.5-5.0) days, postoperative hospital stay 5.8(5.0-6.5) days. Postoperative pathology showed that Gleason score 3+ 4=7 in 1 case, 4+ 3=7 in 3 cases, 8 points in 4 cases, and 10 points in 1 case; 3 cases had positive resection margins, and 1 case had seminal vesicle invasion, the average number of dissected lymph nodes was 10.9 (8.5-14.0), and there was no tumor metastasis. Pathological T staging included 2 cases of T 2b stage, 5 cases of T 2c stage, 1 case of T 3a stage, and 1 case of T 3b stage. Two patients were undiagnosed by rapid freezing pathology, of which one was prostate adenocarcinoma with a Gleason score of 4+ 3=7, and then received RALP; the other one was prostate inflammation. 11 patients were followed up; the postoperative follow-up time was 3-7 months, with an average of 5.2 months. Among the 10 patients who underwent RALP, 8 patients recovered urinary continence 2 weeks after surgery, and all recovered within 2 months after surgery. Three patients with positive surgical margins were given regular androgen deprivation therapy in the second week after surgery. PSA did not drop below 0.1 ng/ml in patients with positive margins and seminal vesicle invasion 3 months after surgery. No complications of Clavien grade Ⅰ or higher occurred after operation and during follow-up. Conclusions:For patients with high suspicion of prostate cancer, rapid frozen pathological examination of prostate biopsy tissue is performed. RALP is performed immediately for patients with prostate cancer. The results show that this diagnosis and treatment model could be safe and feasible.

Objective:To investigate the effect of local anesthesia in patients with a PI-RADS score of 5 and ECOG score ≥2 for prostate puncture.Methods:Retrospective analysis of case data of 33 patients admitted to the Subei People's Hospital for prostate puncture from April 2020 to April 2022. Age (82.5±3.6) years. There were 18 cases with hypertensive disease, 8 cases with diabetes mellitus, and 6 cases with both diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disease. Body mass index (25.2±3.5) kg/m 2. prostate-specific antigen (PSA)(131.5±69.7) ng/ml. prostate volume (38.5±21.4) ml. all patients had a PI-RADS score of 5 on multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMRI) and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score ≥2. All 33 cases in this group underwent trans-perineal targeted prostate puncture using local anesthesia at the tip of the prostate. The visual analog score (VAS) and visual numeric score (VNS) were applied by the same surgeon to assess the patient's pain level and satisfaction at the time of puncture (VAS-1 and VNS-1) and 30 min after puncture (VAS-2 and VNS-2), and to record the duration of the procedure and the occurrence of postoperative complications. Results:In this group of 33 cases, the VAS-1 score was (1.9±0.3) and the VAS-2 score was (0.1±0.2); the VNS-1 score was (2.9±0.2) and the VNS-2 score was (3.9±0.1). Postoperative pathological results indicated that one of the 33 patients had a negative puncture result (pathology report indicating interstitial inflammation), while the rest of the patients had a positive puncture pathology report (puncture pathology report indicating prostate cancer), with a positive rate of 97%. One case of postoperative carnal haematuria occurred, which gradually improved after the patient was advised to drink water and take alpha-blockers. No perineal hematoma occurred, and all patients did not suffer complications such as urinary tract infection, urinary retention, azoospermia, vagal reaction, and infectious shock.Conclusion:In patients with a PI-RADS score of 5 and ECOG score ≥2, the use of single-hole local anesthesia for performing trans-perineal targeted puncture biopsy has the advantages of good paroxysmal pain and high safety.