BACKGROUND: Prognosis is determined by degrees of outside force and time of spinal cord compression after spinal cord injury. The former factor cannot be changed, but the latter one can be changed through relieving spinal cord compression as early as possible to promote nervous function recovery.OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of surgical intervention time on nervous function recovery within 72 hours and 10 to 14 days after cervical spinal cord injury.DESIGN: Randomized controlled and before-after controlled study.SETTING: Department of Spine Surgery of the Second Hospital affiliated to Harbin Medical University.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 32 patients with cervical spinal cord injury were selected from the Department of Spine Surgery of the Second Hospital affiliated to Harbin Medical University from April 1998 to August 2001.All patients were divided into two groups according to randomly alternative criteria. There were 16 cases including 10 males and 6 females in early surgical group (within 72 hours) and there were also 16 cases including 12males and 4 females in delayed surgical group (within 10-14 days).METHODS: Patients in early surgical group were undertaken operation at 72 hours after hospitalization, and patients in delayed surgical group were at 10-14 days after hospitalization. Frankel grade, sensory and motor scores were recorded according to criteria set by American Spinal Injury Association before operation and within 24 months after operation.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① Sensory and motor scores before and after operation; ② Frankel grade before and after operation.RESULTS: ① Improved level of sensory score (difference before and after operation) was higher in early surgical group than that in delayed surgical group (42.6±20.2, 19.2±19.1, P ＜ 0.01). ② Improved level of motor score (difference before and after operation) was higher in early surgical group than that in delayed surgical group (39.7±17.8, 17.3±18.6, P ＜ 0.01). ③Improved level of Frankel grade in early surgical group was superior to that in delayed surgical group (P ＜ 0.01).CONCLUSION: Nervous function recovery of patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury who were suffered from operation within 72 hours is superior to that of those within 10 to 14 days. Therefore, surgical intervention should be undertaken as early as possible in order to promote nervous function recovery after cervical spinal cord injury.

Objective To establish the methodology of uncertainty evaluation with reference measurement procedure by Monte Carlo method (MCM).Methods According to JCGM 101:2008,we established the methodology of uncertainty evaluation by MCM in the example of GGT reference measurement procedure.We could calculate an estimate of GGT concentration,the associated standard uncertainty and a coverage interval with a specified probability by MATLAB software,setting the uncertainty evaluation by GUM method as a control.Results When the uncertainty was evaluated by GUM method,the results of sample A and Sample B were (95.8 ±2.4) U/L (k =2) with coverage interval [93.4 U/L,98.2 U/L] and (180.0 ± 3.9) U/L (k =2) with coverage interval [176.1 U/L,183.9 U/L] respectively,while using MCM method,the uncertainty evaluation result of sample A and Sample B were (95.8 ± 2.4) U/L (k =2) with coverage interval [93.4 U/L,98.2 U/L] and (180.0 ± 3.9) U/L with symmetrical 95％ coverage interval [176.2 U/L,183.8 U/L].The output quantity simulated by MCM was normal distributed.Conclusions When the distribution of the output quantity is normal,the measurement uncertainty evaluated by both MCM and GUM method is nearly the same.When the distribution of the output quantity is unknown,MCM can be used as a verification of GUM method.

ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and optimal condition of isolation,purification and expansion of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) derived from human umbilical cord blood in vtro.MethodsHuman umbilical cord blood(HUCB) was collected from full term deliveries scheduled,all samples were obtained sterilely with 20 U/ml preservative free heparin.The cord mononuclear cells were isolated with lymphocyte separation medium(density 1.077 g/ml),purified and expanded with MesencultTM medium and acidic environment to produce adherent layer.The surface antigen expression of MSCs was detected with flow cytometry.ResultsThe HUCB-derived mononuclear cells,when seeded in specific medium,gave rise to adherent cells,which exhibited either an osteoclast or mesenchymal-like phenotype.After passage 3,these cells were able to be purified and expanded.6.6×105 primary MSCs reached a number of 9.9×10<>sup8 after 10 expanded passage.Flow cytometry showed that MSCs did not express antigens CD34,CD11a and CD11b,but express strongly CD29 and weakly CD71,which was identical to human bone marrow-derived MSCs.ConclusionMSCs in HUCB can be cultured and expanded in vitro,and could be a source of stem cells for experimental and clinical application.

Adult ; Diagnostic Errors ; Female ; Humans ; Laryngitis ; diagnosis ; microbiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mycoses ; diagnosis ; Pharyngitis ; diagnosis ; microbiology

A total of 127 type 2 diabetic patients were divided into low glycemic index meal replacements (intervention) group and standard food-based diet (reference) group in an experiment for 12 weeks.The results showed that fasting plasma glucose,postprandial 2 h plasma glucose,fasting insulin,and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance(HOMA-IR) in the intervention group decreased significantly after 12 weeks trial ( P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 ).However,there were no significant changes in lipid profile and HbA1C in intervention group.In addition,percentage of body fatty,visceral fatty area,and waist-hip ratio also decreased in intervention group( all P＜0.01 ).Superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels increased significantly in intervention group by the end of trial (both P＜0.01 ),while malondialdehyde was decreased (P＜0.01 ).There were no significant changes in the aforementioned indices in the reference group.Weight,body mass index,and waist circumferences were decreased in both groups,but without significant difference between the two groups.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for the prenatal diagnosis of a fetus with structural anomaly detected by ultrasonography. METHODS: The fetus and its parents were subjected to chromosomal karyotyping and CMA analysis. RESULTS: The fetus was found to carry a 46,XN,t(8;11)(q21.2;q13) translocation which was inherited from its mother. CMA has found no copy number variations (CNVs) in both parents but a de novo 2.00 Mb microdeletion in the fetus at 8q13.3. CONCLUSION CMA is capable of detecting microdeletions and microduplications in fetuses with translocations detected by karyotyping analysis.
Chromosome Aberrations ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8 ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Female ; Fetus ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Microarray Analysis ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis

Objective:To construct an evaluation index system for the core competence of emergency medical dispatchers, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the training, assessment and ability evaluation of emergency medical dispatchers.Methods:In September 2022, a research group was established to compile the first draft of the evaluation index system for the core competencies of emergency medical dispatchers through literature review, semi-structured interviews and group discussions. From October to November 2022, a total of 27 experts in related fields from nine provinces and municipalities directly under the Central Government in China were consulted by Delphi expert letters, items were screened and amended, and an evaluation index system for the core competence of emergency medical dispatchers was formed.Results:A total of two rounds of correspondence were conducted. The effective recovery rate of the questionnaire was 100%, and the authority coefficient of the experts was 0.856. Kendall's coordination coefficients were 0.402 and 0.414 ( P<0.01), respectively. Finally, a core competency evaluation index system for emergency medical dispatchers was constructed, which included seven primary indicators, 16 secondary indicators and 75 tertiary indicators. Conclusions:The core competence evaluation index system for emergency medical dispatchers is scientific, reliable and comprehensive, which can provide a theoretical basis for the training, assessment and ability evaluation of emergency medical dispatchers.

To prevent acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), glucosidorum tripterygii tororum (GTT) was used in the murine model. The lethally irradiated C57BL/6 recipients were injected with bone marrow and lymphocyte grafts from BALB/c donors and were treated intraperitoneally with GTT, cyclosporine A (CsA), or methotrexate (MTX). T lymphocytes, adhesion molecules and cytokines were detected by immunohistochemical method, flow cytometry, ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. The results showed that all the control recipient mice (21/21) died of aGVHD within 30 days, but many recipient mice treated with GTT (19/21), CsA + MTX (13/21) and GTT + CsA (17/21) survived beyond 30 days without obvious signs of aGVHD. The numbers of CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD11a(+), CD18(+) lymphocytes in skin and lung decreased markedly by GTT, GTT + CsA and CsA + MTX treatments. The numbers of CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD4(+)CD11a(+), CD4(+)CD18(+), CD8(+)CD11a(+), CD8(+)CD18(+) lymphocytes in spleen decreased markedly by GTT, GTT + CsA and CsA + MTX treatments. and the changes of CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+) cells in small intestine were not remarkable (P > 0.05) by above mentioned GTT, GTT + CsA and CsA + MTX treatments. The serum concentrations and mRNA expressions of IL-2 and TNFalpha in spleens decreased significantly (P < 0.05); the concentration of IL-10 increased significantly (P < 0.05), the change of IL-4 was not remarkable (P > 0.05) by GTT treatment. It is concluded that the GTT may retain the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect of transplant without aGVHD. The role of GTT in prevention of murine aGVHD is mediated by reduction of T lymphocytes and their subgroups, expression of adhesion molecule, and regulation of cytokine secretion.
Animals ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Glucosides ; isolation & purification ; therapeutic use ; Graft vs Host Disease ; prevention & control ; Lymphocyte Transfusion ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Phytotherapy ; Tripterygium ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo observe the impact of plant sterol esters (PSE) mixed in low fat milk powder (2.5 g of PSE/day) on plasma cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic subjects during a 6-week intervention period.

METHODSIn this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 59 subjects (19 males, mean age (60.28 ± 6.98) years) with primary hypercholesterolemia (fasting LDL cholesterol between 3.4-6.0 mmol/L) were randomly divided into two groups (treatment group, 2.5 g of plant sterol esters a day, n = 30) and placebo group (n = 29). Blood samples were collected at week 0, 3 and 6. The primary outcome was change in plasma LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C). Secondary outcomes were changes in total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), anthropometry and blood biochemistry.

RESULTSLDL-C significantly reduction from baseline (4.18 ± 0.54) mmol/L to (3.44 ± 0.61) mmol/L (-17.7%, P < 0.05) at week 3 and (3.35 ± 0.39) mmol/L (-19.9%, P < 0.05) at week 6 in the treatment group, whereas in placebo group from (4.11 ± 0.54) mmol/L at baseline to (3.47 ± 0.60) mmol/L (-15.57%, P < 0.05) and (3.61 ± 0.39) mmol/L (-12.17%, P < 0.05) at week 3 and week 6, respectively. TC was reduced from (6.30 ± 0.86) mmol/L at baseline to (5.92 ± 0.75) mmol/L (-6.03%, P > 0.05) at week 3 and (5.43 ± 0.77) mmol/L (-13.8%, P < 0.05) at week 6 in treatment group, from (6.20 ± 0.76) mmol/L at week 0 to (5.70 ± 0.76) mmol/L (-8.06%, P < 0.05) at week 3 and (5.84 ± 0.75) mmol/L (-5.81%, P < 0.05) at week 6 in placebo group. PSE-enriched milk did not affect plasma HDL-C level and TG level at both week 3 and week 6. After normalization to the placebo group, the treatment group showed significant reduction in LDL-C and total cholesteron after 6 weeks. The observed difference of reduction was 7.69% (-0.33 mmol/L, P < 0.05) for LDL-C and 8.00% (-0.51 mmol/L, P < 0.05) for TC between the two groups. There were no significant changes in safety parameters, including blood biochemistry tests during the study period.

CONCLUSIONPlant sterol ester enriched milk powder is effective in reducing LDL-C among Chinese hypercholesterolemic subjects at a dosage recommended by EFSA.

Animals ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, HDL ; Cholesterol, LDL ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; History, 18th Century ; Humans ; Hypercholesterolemia ; diet therapy ; Lipids ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Milk ; Phytosterols ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Triglycerides

Objective:To investigate the relationship between calf circumference and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) index, handgrip strength and gait speed in the elderly in Shanghai, and to explore the optimal cut-off point of calf circumference as a simple proxy marker of skeletal muscle mass, strength and function.Methods:A total of 2 294 participants were recruited from physical examination centers in Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University and 4 communities (954 males and 1 340 females) with an average age of (71.6±8.7) years. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), Upper (UMM) and lower (LMM) limbs skeletal muscle mass were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The ASM index (ASM/height 2) were calculated.Gait speed was measured.Muscle strength was measured by handgrip strength using an electronic hand dynamometer.Height, weight, right calf circumference and waist circumference were measured. Results:The age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and gait speed were not statistically different (all P>0.05) between both genders. Height, weight, ASM, ASM/height 2, UMM, LMM, handgrip strength, calf circumference were significantly higher in men than in women (all P<0.05). The calf circumference of the elderly with age ≥ 80 was significantly lower than that of the 70-79 age group and 60-69 age group ( P<0.05). The calf circumference of older women (age≥80) was significantly lower than that of the elderly women in the 70-79 age group and 60-69 age group ( P<0.05). Calf circumference was correlated negatively with age( P<0.01) and positively with ASM/height 2, height, weight, BMI, handgrip strength, UMM and LMM( P<0.01). There was no correlation between calf circumference and gait speed ( P>0.05). In the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), the cut-off value of calf circumference for low muscle mass was 35.1 cm for male(specificity, 0.721; sensitivity, 0.803, ROC, 0.809) and 33.6 cm for female(specificity, 0.774; sensitivity, 0.778; ROC, 0.827). Conclusions:Calf circumference decreases with ageing in the elderly. The optimal cut-off value of calf circumference for low muscle mass is 35.1 cm for males and 33.6 cm for females. We should pay attention to the importance of calf circumference in evaluation and diagnosis of sarcopenia.