OBJECTIVETo explore a convenient and effective method for norovirus nucleic acid extraction from oysters suitable for long-term viral surveillance.

METHODSTwo methods, namely method A (glycine washing and polyethylene glycol precipitation of the virus followed by silica gel centrifugal column) and method B (protease K digestion followed by application of paramagnetic silicon) were compared for their performance in norovirus nucleic acid extraction from oysters. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect norovirus in naturally infected oysters and in oysters with induced infection.

RESULTSThe two methods yielded comparable positive detection rates for the samples, but the recovery rate of the virus was higher with method B than with method A.

CONCLUSIONMethod B is a more convenient and rapid method for norovirus nucleic acid extraction from oysters and suitable for long-term surveillance of norovirus.

Animals ; Centrifugation ; methods ; Norovirus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Ostreidae ; virology ; RNA, Viral ; isolation & purification

Serum levels of soluble MHC class I-related chain A (sMICA) are related with the prognosis of various types of cancer; however, few studies on the prognostic value of sMICA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been reported. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the relationship between sMICA levels and clinical features of advanced HCC, and we assessed the prognostic value of sMICA in advanced HCC. Furthermore, the relationship of serum sMICA levels and natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) expression on natural killer (NK) cells was also evaluated. We detected sMICA levels in the serum of 60 advanced HCC patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and measured expression levels of NKG2D on NK cells using flow cytometry. We found that serum sMICA levels in HCC patients were in the range of 0.10-6.21 ng/mL. Chi-square analyses showed that sMICA level was significantly related with only tumor size. Survival analysis showed that a high sMICA level was significantly related with poor prognosis among HCC patients. Multivariate analyses indicated that sMICA was an independent prognostic factor. In addition, the levels of CD56+NKG2D+ NK cells were within the range of 11.2%-55.4%, and correlation analyses indicated that sMICA level was negatively correlated with the level of NKG2D+ NK cells. Our results suggest that serum sMICA levels may be an independent prognostic factor for advanced HCC.
Adult ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; blood ; immunology ; pathology ; Female ; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I ; blood ; Humans ; Killer Cells, Natural ; immunology ; metabolism ; Liver Neoplasms ; blood ; immunology ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Staging ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Tumor Burden

OBJECTIVETo analyze epidemiological characteristics of norovirus variant of GII.4 Sydney from January 2012 to June 2014 in sentinel hospitals of Guangdong province, as well as the outbreaks caused by norovirus variant of GII.4 Sydney.

METHODSDuring January 2012 to June 2014, a total of 10 750 fecal samples were obtained from 22 hospitals of surveillance sites in Guangdong province. Those samples were sent to the local municipal CDCs for extracting and detecting norovirus nucleic acid. Then, all the positive samples were delivered to Guangdong provincial CDC that used Random Number Method to draw 855 positive samples for norovirus genotyping, and 690 samples were successfully sequenced. Chi-square tests were used to compare norovirus infection status of diarrhea cases in different age groups as well as during different periods. Epidemiological data of 13 outbreaks which were caused by norovirus variant of GII.4 Sydney from January 2012 to June 2014 were collected from the Public Health Emergency Management Information System of Guangdong Province, and the epidemiological characteristics were analyzed.

RESULTSThe norovirus variant of GII.4 Sydney was first detected in August 2012 and the detection rate was 13/15 in November 2012. During November 2012 to January 2013 (period T1), the norovirus positive rate of each month was 23.8% (100/421), 15.9% (61/383) and 19.2% (95/495), respectively. During November 2013 to January 2014 (period T2), the norovirus positive rate of each month was 17.0% (90/529), 8.7% (37/426) and 11.2% (46/409), respectively which were significantly lower than that of period T1 (χ² alue was 6.65, 9.93 and 10.74. P value was 0.010, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively). In period T1, the norovirus positive rate of people ages 15 and older was 26.3% (143/543) and the rate of people under 15 was 14.9% (113/756) (χ² = 2.90, P < 0.001). In period T2, the norovirus positive rate of people ages 15 and older was 10.1% (52/516) and the rate of people under 15 (14.3% (121/848)) (χ²= 5.09, P = 0.024). The foodborne transmission was the infection source for ten of thirteen outbreaks.

CONCLUSIONThe norovirus variant of GII.4 Sydney was first detected in August 2012. The epidemic began to occur in the community since November 2012, and the strength of the epidemic declined 1 year later. The foodborne transmission was the main infection sources for the outbreaks caused by norovirus variant of GII.4 Sydney.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Chenodeoxycholic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; Child ; China ; Diarrhea ; Disease Outbreaks ; Epidemics ; Foodborne Diseases ; Genotype ; Humans ; Norovirus ; Sentinel Surveillance

【Objective】 To explore the effects of massive intraoperative RBC transfusion on multiple clinical test indicators and prognosis of patients, underwent tumor surgery in order to provide evidence for rational blood transfusion and effective intervention of complications caused by massive blood transfusion in tumor patients. 【Methods】 A total of 208 patients who underwent tumor resection in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 and received intraoperative RBC transfusion(>10 U) were selected as the study subjects. According to the amount of blood transfusion, they were divided into group A: 10~15 U, 144 patients; Group B: >15~25 U, 48 people; Group C: >25 U, 16 people. Data of liver function, coagulation, electrolyte, platelet count and short-term prognosis were collected and compared among 3 groups before and after surgery. 【Results】 No significant difference was noticed in patient pre-operation variables including ALT (U/L), AST (U/L) and TBIL (μmol/L) among three groups recieved massive blood transfusion (P>0.05), while AST was significantly lower than that after operation (P<0.05) : 105.33±238.18 vs 113.50±185.04 vs 291.25±457.33 (P<0.05). After operation, PT (s) (14.12±2.10, 14.79±2.67 and 16.10±4.06), INR(1.25±0.20, 1.31±0.26 and 1.44±0.38) and APTT (s) (30.52±5.63, 34.57±12.80 and 34.80±10.49) extended significantly than those before operation (P<0.05), while Plt (×10⁹/L) decreased significantly (142.32±70.07, 100.04±57.50 and 85.40±41.10)(P<0.05). After operation, serum K⁺ and Ca²⁺ decreased significantly, Na⁺ and Cl^- increased significantly, and pH value decreased (P < 0.05). Hospital stay of group C (d) was 33.73±34.62 vs 17.74±14.83 vs 20.92±17.69 (P<0.05). The mortality rate was 2.8%(4/44) vs 6.3%(3/48) vs 18.8%(3/16)(P<0.05), and mortality rate of group C was higher than the other two groups. 【Conclusion】 Postoperative dysfunction of liver and coagulation in tumor patients may be related to intraoperative RBC transfusions and consequent acid-base imbalance and electrolyte disturbance. The more the units of RBC transfused, the more abnormal the patients' clinical indicators, also the longer the hospital stay and the worse the short-term prognosis.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of ginsenoside Rg-1 on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and to explore the possible application on the alveolar bone regeneration.

METHODSTo determine the optimum concentration, the effects of ginsenoside Rg-1 ranging from 10 to 100 μmol/L were evaluated by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition. Expressions of runt-related transcription factor 2, collagen alpha-2(I) chain, osteopontin, osteocalcin protein were examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, a certain concentration (10 μmol/L) of the Rg-1 solution significantly enhanced the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs (P<0.05). However, concentrations that exceeds 100 μmol/L led to cytotoxicity whereas concentrations below 10 nmol/L showed no significant effect as compared with the control.

CONCLUSIONGinsenoside Rg-1 can enhance the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs at an optimal concentration of 10 μmol/L.

Adolescent ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Biomarkers ; metabolism ; Calcification, Physiologic ; drug effects ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Separation ; Cell Shape ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Flow Cytometry ; Ginsenosides ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Osteoblasts ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Osteogenesis ; drug effects ; genetics ; Periodontal Ligament ; cytology ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Time Factors ; Young Adult

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral anisodine hydrobromide tablets in the treatment of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).Methods:A multicenter nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted.A total of 282 acute NAION patients (282 eyes) were recruited from 16 hospitals in China from July 2020 to May 2021.Patients were divided into two groups according to treatment methods, which were control group (124 cases, 124 eyes) receiving regular treatment including citicoline sodium plus Ginkgo biloba leaf liquid extract or Ginkgo biloba leaf extract tablets plus mecobalamin, and experimental group (158 cases, 158 eyes) receiving treatment in control group plus oral anisodine hydrobromide tablets 1 mg, twice daily for 2 to 3 months.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field index (VFI), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and radial peripapillary capillary vessel density (RPC) were assessed at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after enrollment using the standard decimal visual acuity chart, 750i Humphery visual field analyzer, Cirrus HD-OCT 4000/Cirrus HD-OCT 5000, RTVue-XR optical coherence tomography respectively.The primary outcomes were BCVA and VFI, and the secondary outcomes were pRNFL, RPC, and the side effects during the follow-up.The study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.All patients were fully informed about the treatment and purpose of this study and voluntarily signed the informed consent form.The study protocol was approved by Chinese PLA General Hospital (No.S2020-021-01). Results:In all, 242 patients (242 eyes) completed the follow-up of BCVA, and 98 patients (98 eyes) completed the VFI follow-up.In terms of visual function, BCVA and VFI improved significantly over time in the two groups, and BCVA and VFI were better in experimental group than in control group at various follow-up time points (all at P<0.05). In terms of structure, pRNFL gradually decreased in both groups with the extension of treatment, and pRNFL was significanthy thinner in experimental group than in control group at various follow-up time points (all at P<0.05). There was no significant difference in RPC between the two groups at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). There were two cases with side effects and one case was discontinued due to side effects 25 days after enrollment. Conclusions:Oral anisodine hydrobromide can improve visual acuity and visual field in NAION and accelerate the regression of optic disc edema, with good safety.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of diarrheal disease among children under 5 years of age in Guangdong province, in 2012.

METHODS64 hospitals in 21 cities were chosen as the diarrheal syndromic surveillance sites, of which 14 hospitals were selected to carry out etiological surveillance among children under 5 years of age, including isolation and culture of both Vibrio cholera and Shigella as well as nucleic acid detection of rotavirus and norovirus by PCR. Descriptive method was used to analyze data from syndromic and etiological surveillance programs on diarrheal, from 1932 parents of the children.

RESULTSIn 2012, the outpatient attendance rate on diarrheal among children under 5 years was 0.8%. The proportion of diarrheal in children under 5-year-olds was 63.5%, among the total number of diarrheal outpatients at the outpatient clinics under surveillance program. The morbidity of infectious diarrhea was 1454.5/10 million in children under 5 years of age. A total number of 1932 specimens were collected from children under 5 years of age, in the outpatient department. Among these specimens,Vibrio cholera appeared all negative but one was Shigella positive and proved to be Sh. sonnei. The positive rates of rotavirus and norovirus were 14.1% (273/1932)and 16.9% (326/1932). Both rotavirus and norovirus were found in 24 specimens, with a positive rate as 1.2% . 112 specimens were successfully gene sequenced for rotavirus, of which 33.9% as G1[P8] genotype, 25.9% as G9[P8], 12.5% as G2[P4] and 9.8% as G3[P8] respectively. 90 specimens were successfully gene-sequenced for norovirus, of which 76.7% as G II.4 genotype. Genetic subtypes of G II. 4/2006b, accounted for 50.0% and could be detected around the year except for June and December. New G II. 4/Sydney Strain_2012 was first detected in August and became the predominant in December. In addition, 5 specimens belonged to G I genotype with other 16 subtypes of G II.

CONCLUSIONResults from our study proved that children under 5 years of age belonged to high-risk group for diarrheal disease in Guangdong province. Rotavirus and norovirus were both diverse in terms of genome.

Caliciviridae Infections ; epidemiology ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Diarrhea ; epidemiology ; microbiology ; virology ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Rotavirus Infections ; epidemiology

OBJECTIVEThe study was to analyze the acute heart failure's risk factors and clinical characteristics for the patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) during the early stage (within 100 d) of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).

METHODSA total of 106 cases of CML received allo-HSCT were retrospectively studied in Nanfang Hospital from May 2003 to May 2013. On the basis of existence or absence of acute heart failure during early stage of allo-HSCT (100 d), the patients were divided into heart failure (15 cases) and control group (91 cases). Using Logistic univariate analysis, Fisher' exact test and Pearson X(2) test, the acute heart failure's risk factors and clinical characteristics of both groups were analyzed.

RESULTSThe median occurrence time of acute heart failure was 3 d (1 d before transplantation to 84 d after transplantation). Logistic univariate analysis indicated that the imatinib treatment history and time, and the prophylaxis regimens for GVHD with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) were all the poor prognostic factors for acute heart failure. Incidence of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD), bacterial infection and adverse prognostic events including death in the heart failure group patients were statistically higher than that in control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcute heart failure mostly happened in the early stage after allo-HSCT, imatinib treatment and GVHD prophylaxis regimens with ATG are the poor prognostic factors for acute heart failure. The patients of heart failure group seem to have higher incidence of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD), bacterial infection and deaths.

Acute Disease ; Allografts ; Antilymphocyte Serum ; Benzamides ; Heart Failure ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease ; Humans ; Imatinib Mesylate ; Incidence ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; Piperazines ; Pyrimidines ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors