BACKGROUND:Whether determination of tacrolimus blood concentration by different immunoassay methods can influence predictive ability to immunosuppressive effects and toxicity, and whether it can be more sensitive to reflect blood concentration in patients with renal dysfunction are worthy of studying.
OBJECTIVE:To analyze the correlation of tacrolimus (FK506) concentrations determined by enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in combination with renal function parameters.
METHODS:133 clinical blood samples were col ected. EMIT and ELISA techniques were used to determine the FK506 concentration. The correlation of two determination methods were analyzed, combined with renal function. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In patients with renal dysfunction, the mean results and standard deviation mensurated by ELISA were higher than those by EMIT. For blood concentration in 5-20μg/L by ELISA, the incidence of renal dysfunction occurred less than by EMIT. The overal mean results of blood concentration for two methods appeared no significant difference (r=0.904 5, P>0.05). When the concentration was less than 2.0μg/L, the concentration results by EMIT were higher than those by ELISA (P<0.01). When the concentration was more than 2.0μg/L, there was no significant difference between two determination methods (P>0.05). These findings indicate that EMIT and ELISA has good correlation, which are both suitable for clinical routine determination of plasma concentration. It is not recommended for applying EMIT method to determine low blood concentrations (<2.0μg/L). The reference range of concentration should be compartmentalized depending on combination of determination methods and renal function.

The data mining technique is adopted to analyze characteristics and rules of acupoint and meridian selection of acupuncture-moxibustion for treatment of vertigo at different time periods in the ancient. The data is collected from literature regarding acupuncture-moxibustion from the pre-Qin period to the end of Qing Dynasty, so as to establish a clinical literature database of ancient acupuncture-moxibustion for treatment of vertigo. Data mining method is applied to analyze the commonly used meridians, acupoints and special acupoints in different dynasties, also possible rules are explored. Totally 82 pieces of prescription of acupuncture-moxibustion for treatment of vertigo are included. In the history the leading selection of acupoitns are Fengchi (GB 20), Hegu (LI 4), Shangxing (GV 23) and Jiexi (ST 41) while that of meridians are mainly three yang meridians of foot and the Governor Vessel, especially the acupoints on the Bladder Meridian of foot yangming had the highest utilization rate, accounting for 23.04%. The acupoint selection is characterized by special acupoint, accounting for 80.6%, among which the crossing points are the most common choice. Distal-proximal acupoints combination is the most frequent method. The results indicate that the ancient acupuncture-moxibustion for treatment of vertigo focused on acupoints in the yang meridians, and the specific acupoints play an essential role in prescription; also the principle of syndrome differentiation and selecting acupoints along the meridians could be seen.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; history ; Data Mining ; History, 18th Century ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Medicine in Literature ; Moxibustion ; history ; Vertigo ; history ; therapy

Objective To explore the prevalence and risk factors of stroke in a population over 40 years in a community in Shenzhen, China. Methods The subjects investigated were a population ≥40 years old in this cross-sectional study. Cluster sampling method was used to conduct the unified questionnaires, physical examination, and laboratory examination in the community residents, and then the survey data were used for online entry analysis. Results A total of 5 308 community residents were screened, and 160 experienced stroke. The crude prevalence of stroke was 3 014. 32/100 000. The prevalence of stroke increased with age, and that in males was significantly higher than that in females (3 721. 37/100 000 vs. 2 552. 93/100 000; χ2 = 5. 923, P = 0. 015). There were significant differences in the proportions of males, obvious overweight, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, lack of physical activity, and family history of stroke, as well as age, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting glucose level between the stroke population and the non-stroke population (all P < 0. 05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1. 737, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1. 161-2. 600; P = 0. 007), diabetes (OR 1. 917, 95% CI 1. 209-3. 040; P = 0. 006), atrial fibrillation (OR 1. 699, 95% CI 1. 113-2. 592; P = 0. 014), family history of stroke (OR 1. 585, 95% CI 1. 126-2. 231; P = 0. 008), advanced age (OR 4. 645, 95% CI 1. 868-11. 551; P = 0. 001), and physical inactivity (OR 4. 921, 95% CI 3. 552-6. 187; P < 0. 001) were the independent risk factors for stroke, and lack of physical activity was an independent protective factor for stroke. The proportion of smoking in males was more than that in females in all ages(all P < 0. 05). The proportions of hypertension (P < 0. 001) and hyperlipidemia (P < 0. 001) were gradually increased with age, and physical exercise was gradually reduced with age (P = 0. 001, except for subjects > 80 years) in both males and females. The proportions of diabetes (P < 0. 001) and atrial fibrillation (P < 0. 001) in males, and obvious overweight (P = 0. 001) in females were gradually increased with age, and the proportion of smoking in males weas gradually reduced with age. The proportions of hypertension (P < 0. 001) and obvious overweight (P < 0. 001) in males were significantly higher than those in females at the age of 40 to 49 years. The proportions of hypertension (P < 0. 001), diabetes (P < 0. 001) and obvious overweight (P < 0. 001) in males were significantly higher than those in females at the age of 50 to 59 years. The proportion of hypertension in males was significantly higher than that in females at the age of 60 to 69 years (P = 0. 039). The proportions of hypertension (P = 0. 016), atrial fibrillation (P = 0. 028) and hyperlipidemia (P = 0. 023) in females were significantly higher than those in males at the age of 70 to 79 years. The proportion of obvious overweight in females was significantly higher than that in males at the age of ≥80 years (P =0. 001). Conclusions The crude prevalence of stroke is higher among the community residents. The the levels of exposure to stroke risk factors including hypertension, diabetes and atrial fibrillation are higher. It may be important to intervene on these risk factors in community residents, especially in elders and those with family history of stroke.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of Rituximab (RTX) in treating children with refractory steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS).Methods:The clinical data of 10 children with refractory SRNS receiving RTX in the Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital from September 2013 to March 2018 were analyzed retrospectively.Results:The age of onset of 10 children (including 5 males and 5 females) was (4.47±2.75) years old.The renal biopsy showed focal segmental glomerular sclerosis in 5 cases (50%), minimal change nephropathy in 3 cases (30%), IgM nephropathy in 1 case (10%), and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis in 1 case (10%). Ten children received RTX treatment (1 or 4 doses; 375 mg/m 2 once; maximum: 500 mg) at the age of (6.74±2.62) years old.There were 8 patients (80%) receiving a single dose of RTX, 1 patient (10%) receiving 3 doses, and 1 patient (10%) receiving 8 doses.The follow-up time was 11.93 (5.17, 25.66) months.The remission rates at the 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up and last follow-up were 30% (3 patients), 40% (4 patients), and 40% (4 patients), respectively.The 24-hour urinary proteinuria and serum albumin levels were improved in 10 children after RTX treatment, but there were no significant statistical difference(all P>0.05). No significant difference was found in humoral immunity and renal function before and after RTX treatment (all P>0.05). During the treatment and follow-up, 3 patients (30%) developed infusion reaction, 2 patients (20%) showed severe pulmonary infection, and 1 patient (10%) died of severe pulmonary infection. Conclusions:RTX is effective in treating some children with refractory SRNS, and a long-term follow-up should be conducted to prevent infection.

Three hundred and twenty-one bacteria strains were obtained from rice leaves,stem,root tissue and paddy field soil,of which the number of strains which can inhibit mycelium of Magnaporthe grisea growth markedly was fifty-seven through fermentation in 2.0 mL Eppendorf tube,and among these fifty-seven strains,five strains were strongly antagonistic to Magnaporthe grisea.These five strains was identified for their morphologic,physiological and biochemical characteristics,and the results showed that one strain(No.156)was bacillus subtilis,two strains(No.171 and No.177)were Bacillus pumillus and two strains(No.192 and No.279)were Bacillus ploymyxa.

Aim:To investigate the effect of Hemangiopoietin (HAPO) on the hematopoiesis reconstitution in sub-lethally irradiated Balb/c mice.Methods: Balb/c mice were underwent total body irradiation at 700 cGy 137Cs ? radiation and were treated with HAPO or recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) after irradiation. The hematopoiesis reconstitution of mice were detected. Cells from bone marrow of Balb/c mice were cultured with HAPO or rhG-CSF for 24 hours or 72 hours before or after the cells were irradiated. The viability of cells were assessed and the ability of in vitro hematopoiesis reconstitution were also detected. Result: rhG-CSF and HAPO treated mice both showed increased survival rate and increased colony forming units. The peripheral WBC number increased greatly. The HAPO group was most quickest compared with rhG-CSF group and PBS control group. The number of bone marrow cells at day 14 of rhG-CSF group was higher than that in HAPO group, but the number of bone marrow cells at day 32 of rhG-CSF was lower than that in HAPO group. The number of bone marrow cells at day 42 of rhG-CSF was below normal. The number of bone marrow cells at day 42 of HAPO group was nearly normal. The number of CFU-GEMM in HAPO group was most compared with that in rhG-CSF group and PBS control group at day 7, 14 and 21 after radiation. The survival rate of cells after radiation in HAPO group was markedly higher than that in PBS control group, but the survival rate of cells after radiation in rhG-CSF group was no notable difference compared with that in PBS control group. In MTT assay, both HAPO and rhG-CSF incubation stimulated proliferation of bone marrow cell at 72 hours after radiation. Bone marrow cells formed Hematopoietic islands in HAPO group after radiation and were positive for sca-1 and CD31. CD31 positive endothelial cells increased around the Hematopoietic islands. There was no Hematopoietic islands formation, few CD31 positive endothelial cells and no sca-1 positive cells in PBS control group. Conclusion: HAPO can promote hematopoiesis reconstitution in sub-lethally irradiated Balb/c mice. It can increase the survival rate of mice and stimulate the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells.

OBJECTIVETo investigate a new method to construct tissue-engineering bone that will be applicable clinically.

METHODSThe cultured 5th generation rabbit bone marrow stroma osteoblasts (MSO) was dissolved in 3% sodium alginate solution (the final concentration of sodium alginate in the solution being 1%, and MSO, 5x10(6)/L), and then inoculated into prepared true bone ceramic (TBC) and gelatinized the bone by dribbling with calcium gluconate. The standard bone defect models were made in 48 adult New Zealand rabbit's both radius. Among the 48 rabbits, 24 were in Groups A and B, in which the left radius was implanted with gelatinized MSO-TBC (Group A) and right radius implanted with autograft-bone (Group B); and the other 24 were in control group whose left radius was implanted with non-gelatinized MSO-TBC (Group C) and right radius implanted with gelatinized TBC (Group D). Outcomes of the implanted bones were assessed by radiology, pathological histology, osteogenetic quantitative analysis, and biomechanics at 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTSIn Groups A and B, a satisfactory bone reparation and bony union was noted within 12 weeks. In Groups C and D, bone reparation was not satisfied compared with Group A in terms of ostogenetic quantity and biomechanics.

CONCLUSIONSGelatinized MSO-TBC is an ideal artificial active bone that overcomes TBC shortcomings of fragileness and smooth surface that is not eligible for seed cell's adhesion. It is promising to put into clinical use extensively.

Animals ; Biomass ; Bone Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; therapy ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Bone Substitutes ; Ceramics ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Gelatin ; Male ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; transplantation ; Osteogenesis ; Rabbits ; Radiography ; Radius ; diagnostic imaging ; injuries ; pathology ; surgery ; Stromal Cells ; cytology ; transplantation ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDMultiple epiphysis dysplasia (MED) is a common skeletal dysplasia with a significant locus heterogeneity. In the majority of clinically defined cases, mutations have been identified in the gene encoding cartilage algometric matrix protein (COMP).

METHODSFive patients were included in the study. Linkage analysis and mutation analysis of the COMP gene were conducted in the patients and their family members.

RESULTSWe have identified a novel mutation in axon 14 of COMP gene in the family.

CONCLUSIONSThis mutation produced a severe MED phenotype with marked short stature, early onset osteoarthritis, and remarkable radiographic changes. Our results extended the range of disease-causing mutations in COMP gene and contributed more information about relationship between mutations and phenotype.

Adolescent ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Osteochondrodysplasias ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Point Mutation ; genetics

This paper introduces an automatic microscopic urinary sediment analyzer. A set of basic algorithms, including pretreatment and picking up characteristics is brought forward to realize the automatic segmentation of urinary sediment. This paper also characterizes the visible components in urinary sediment in morphology and has sum up 7 morphology parameters and a simple method of classification.
Algorithms ; Artificial Intelligence ; Computers ; Equipment Design ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; instrumentation ; methods ; Information Storage and Retrieval ; methods ; Software Design ; Urinalysis ; instrumentation ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) and related mechanism in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) mice.

METHODSTwenty nude mice were randomly divided into control (group A) and test (group B) groups for monitoring relapse, and 20 BALB/c mice into control (group C) and test (group D) groups for GVHD. HGF as injected from day 0 to day 7 after BMT for groups B and D, while PBS for A and C. CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell were evaluated by flow cytometry. The survival of mice after BMT was recorded. The level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was evaluated by ELISA.

RESULTSThe median past-BMT survival were 7.00 +/- 1.58, 9.00 +/- 1.58, 11.00 +/- 3.95 and 24.00 +/- 13.44 days for groups A, B, C, D, respectively, being prolonged in group D. HGF could decrease the quantity of CD4(+) T cells [group D (10.39 +/- 1.15)% vs group C (13.50 +/- 1.80)%, P < 0.01] and increase CD8(+) T cell [group D (12.25 +/- 2.85)% vs group C (6.12 +/- 1.99)%, P < 0.01], decrease the level of TNF-alpha in transplanted ALL mice [group D (112.10 +/- 18.99) pg/ml vs group C (143.90 +/- 25.35) pg/ml, P < 0.01] and reduce the degree of GVHD.

CONCLUSIONHGF could alleviate post-allo-BMT GVHD but retain GVL effect.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Graft vs Host Disease ; prevention & control ; Graft vs Leukemia Effect ; drug effects ; Hepatocyte Growth Factor ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; immunology ; surgery ; Random Allocation ; Transplantation, Homologous