ABSTRACT
El análisis de los orificios de entrada por proyectil de arma de fuego en una autopsia médico legal representa un importante papel en la determinación de la forma y causa de muerte en casos relacionados con armas de fuego. Su valoración puede proporcionar información valiosa sobre las características del arma utilizada, la distancia entre el arma de fuego y la víctima, entre otros factores que contribuyen a la investigación. El fenómeno de ''cola de cometa" observado en ciertos orificios de entrada es poco frecuente y conocido. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este artículo es investigar las características y mecanismos de producción de los orificios de entrada con este fenómeno, proporcionando información sobre su formación, las posibles implicaciones y consideraciones médico legales a tomar en cuenta para su diagnóstico de esta causa de muerte. Se presenta un reporte de caso que destaca la descripción del fenómeno de ''cola de cometa" en una investigación forense de la vida real, proporcionando información valiosa sobre su utilidad y potencial para mejorar la precisión del análisis de heridas de bala. Se realizó revisión de artículos científicos, sobre orificios de entrada en heridas por proyectil de arma de fuego con el fenómeno de ''cola de cometa".
The analysis of firearm projectile entry holes in a medicolegal autopsy plays an important role in determining the manner and cause of death in cases involving firearms. The assessment can provide valuable information about the characteristics of the weapon used, the distance between the firearm and the victim, among other factors that contribute to the investigation. The ''comet tail" phenomenon observed in certain entry holes is rare and well known. Therefore, the objective of this article is to investigate the characteristics and mechanisms of production of the entrance orifices with this phenomenon, providing information about their formation, the possible implications, and medical-legal considerations to be taken into account for the diagnosis of this cause of death. A case report is presented highlighting the description of the ''comet tail" phenomenon in a real-life forensic investigation, providing valuable insight into its utility and potential to improve the accuracy of gunshot wound analysis. A review of scientific articles was carried out on entry holes in gunshot wounds with the "comet tail" phenomenon.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adult , Wounds, Gunshot/diagnostic imaging , Forensic Ballistics , Costa RicaABSTRACT
Introduction: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but potentially serious disease. It causes a high mortality and a high level of morbidity and complications. Its epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics have changed in recent years. The Aim of our Work: Is to study the epidemiological, clinical, bacteriological, ultrasonographic, therapeutic and evolutionary data of IE between January 2017 and October 2022 in the Mohammed VI University Hospital and to compare them to the global profile. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study including 110 patients hospitalized for a definite IE, according to the modified DUKE criteria, in the cardiology department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital over a period of 5 years and 10 months from January 2017 to October 2022. Results: The average age of our patients was 43 years with a male predominance. The bacterial graft was on native valve in 80% with predominance of rheumatic origin (69%), on cardiac prosthesis in 10% of patients, on healthy heart (4%) and congenital heart disease (6%). The most frequent portal of entry was dental (30%). Blood cultures were positive only in 33% of patients, isolating a staphylococcus (16%), a streptococcus (14%) and a GNB (3%). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed vegetation in 108 cases, valve perforation in 7 cases, cord rupture in 1 patient and perivalvular abscess in 10 cases. Seventy-seven percent of patients had surgical treatment with a mean delay of 29 days. The overall mortality was 24% with heart failure (p<0.001), renal failure (p=0.004) and neurological complications (p=0.002) as predictive factors of mortality. Conclusion: Infective endocarditis remains a real health problem with a consequent mortality and morbidity. The population is often young, revealing the IE by complications; its prevention is the best way to improve its prognosis.
ABSTRACT
Background. The influx of people across the national borders of Ghana has been of interest and concern in the public health and national security community in recent times due to the low capacity for the prevention and management of epidemics and other public health risks. Although the International Health Regulations (IHR) stipulate core public health capacities for designated border facilities such as international airports, seaports, and ground crossings, contextual factors that influence the attainment of effective public health measures and response capabilities remain understudied. Objective. To assess the relationship between contextual factors and COVID-19 procurement to help strengthen infrastructure resources for points of entry (PoE) public health surveillance functions, thereby eliminating gaps in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of pandemicrelated interventions in Ghana. Materials and Methods. This study employed a mixed-methods design, where quantitative variables were examined for relationships and effect size interactions using multiple linear regression techniques and the wild bootstrap technique. Country-level data was sourced from multiple publicly available sources using the social-ecological framework, logic model, and IHR capacity monitoring framework. The qualitative portion included triangulation with an expert panel to determine areas of convergence and divergence. Results. The most general findings were that laboratory capacity and KIA testing center positively predicted COVID-19 procurement, and public health response and airline boarding rule negatively predicted COVID-19 procurement. Conclusion. Contextual understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic and Ebola epidemic is vital for strengthening PoE mitigation measures and preventing disease importation.
Subject(s)
Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola , International Health Regulations , Epidemics , Public Health Surveillance , Disaster Mitigation , Public Health , Ebolavirus , COVID-19ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the association between cancer fatalism and optimistic attitudes among colorectal cancer patients, and how the above linkage is moderated by the involvement of patients′ opinions, the family members′ opinions and the physicians′ opinions in treatment decision-making.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 64 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and awaiting radical colorectal cancer surgery in the Department of General Surgery of Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, from January 2021 to December 2021. There were 38 males and 26 females, aged (61.2±13.0) years from 30 to 84 years. Cancer fatalism, optimism attitudes, and the involvement of patients′ opinions, the family members′ opinions and the physicians′ opinions in treatment decision-making were assessed. The patients′ cancer fatalism beliefs were measured by the " Chance" subscale of the Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC-C), optimism attitudes were assessed by the Chinese version of the revised Life Orientation Test (CLOT-R), and the influence of patients′, family members′, and physicians′ opinions in the medical decision-making process was measured by a self-designed single factor scale. Measurement data of normal distribution were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s). Measurement data of skewed distribution were expressed as M( Q1, Q3). Spearman correlation analysis and Chi-square test was used to examine the association between the main outcome variable (patients′ optimistic attitudes) and demographic and clinical characteristics. Interaction was examined by hierarchical linear regression analysis combined with simple slope tests. Results:Cancer fatalism was negatively associated with patients′ optimistic attitudes ( r=-0.35, P<0.01). Optimistic attitude of patients was significantly and negatively correlated with the influence of family members′ opinions on medical decision-making ( r=-0.25, P<0.05). There were significant positive correlations between the influence of patients′ and family members′ opinions ( r=0.50, P<0.01), family members′ and physicians′ opinions ( r=0.67, P<0.01), and physicians′ and patients′ opinions ( r=0.38, P<0.01) in medical decision making. Hierarchical linear regression analysis showed a negative association between cancer fatalism and optimism ( β=-0.32, P=0.01). This association was further moderated by the involvement of family members′ opinions ( β=-0.56, P<0.01) and the involvement of physicians′ opinions ( β=-0.36, P=0.04) in medical decision-making. Simple slope tests revealed that the negative impact of fatalistic attitudes on patients′ optimism attitudes may be potentiated when family members′ opinions have high influence on medical decision-making, while the negative impact may be buffered to some extent when physicians′ opinions have high influence on medical decision-making. Conclusions:Cancer fatalism had a negative effect on patients′ optimism. The high influence of physicians in treatment decision-making buffered the negative effect of cancer fatalism on optimism; the high influence of family members in treatment decision-making potentiated the negative effect of cancer fatalism on optimism. In the process of doctor-patient communication and shared decision-making, for patients with strong fatalistic attitudes, consideration should be given to appropriately increasing direct informational communication between physicians and patients and reducing excessive family intervention in medical decision-making, so as to enhance patients′ autonomy for treatment, promote optimism, and reduce the negative effects of cancer fatalism.
ABSTRACT
【Objective】 To evaluate the role of anti-HBc detection in current blood screening strategy by the follow-up of repeated donors with antibody to hepatitis B virus core antigen. 【Methods】 Plasma samples were collected randomly from Dalian Blood Center. to test anti-HBc(dual reagents) and anti-HBs via ELISA. The re-donation of eligible donors who were anti-HBc+ and donors reactive to HBV detection were followed up. 【Results】 A total of 1 291 plasma samples were collected randomly from May 2017 to March 2018, among which 405 samples(31.4%)were anti-HBc+. The median age of anti-HBc+ group was observed much higher than that of anti-HBc-group (39 vs 31 years old) (P0.05). Among the 405 anti-HBc+ donors, 3 donors were OBI (0.7%), of which one was screened out in second donation. No HBV DNA was detected out in 3 OBI cases. 【Conclusion】 Although anti-HBc detection is not suitable in blood screening currently, it is of great value in the assessment of blood donor re-entry for HBV reactive donors in blood screening due to the high anti-HBc prevalence among blood donors.
ABSTRACT
【Objective】 To statistically analyze the re-entry test and blood re-donation of HBV, HCV, TP and HIV single-reagent reactive blood donors in Hohhot from 2019 to 2021, so as to demonstrate the rationality, feasibility and necessity of the re-entry strategy of voluntary blood donors in Hohhot, and provide theoretical support for further standardizing of the reentry of blood donors. 【Methods】 A total of 225 samples of blood donors who applied for re-entry in Hohhot from 2019 to 2021 were collected, and HBV, HCV and HIV were tested by two reagent serological tests and nucleic acid tests. TP anti-TP was detected by two reagent serological methods. The test results were all non-reactive and met the requirements of re-entry. The blood donation status of blood donors after re-entry was followed up and analyzed. 【Results】 Among the 225 cases detected for HBV, HCV, TP and HIV from 2019 to 2021 in Hohhot, 178 were qualified for the returning, with a re-entry rate of 79.11%, and 75 donated blood again, with a after re-entry re-donation rate of 42.13%. 【Conclusion】 The strategy of returning for HBV, HCV, TP and HIV single reagent reactive blood donors in Hohhot is effective, and has positive significance for safeguarding the rights and interests of blood donors and alleviating regional blood supply shortages.
ABSTRACT
【Objective】 To analyze the preliminary screening and follow-up testing data of HBV in Yantai area, and discuss the rationality of following up and re-entry program of HBV reactive blood donors. 【Methods】 Donors who were single reagent reactive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in initial screening but non-reactive by nucleic acid testing (NAT) were followed up. Individual NAT(ID-NAT) was performed for HBV DNA, ELISA for HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAb, HBeAg and HBcAb, and ECLIA for the detection of HBsAg. 【Results】 A total of 547 blood donors were HBsAg ELISA-/NAT+, and 97 were followed up, among which 24 met the requirements of re-entry while 73 did not. Of the 24 blood donors who met the re-entry requirements, 13 donated blood again, with test results all qualified. 【Conclusion】 The combination of ELISA, ID-NAT, and ECLIA methods for following up detection for HBsAg ELISA+ blood donors is recommended. Blood donors with HbsAb S/CO ≥ 10 and negative results for other tests met the re-entry requirements, with a re-entry rate at 24.74%, and the re-donation qualified rate of blood donors after re-entry was 100%.
ABSTRACT
From the process of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) invading cells, the combination of gp120 and CD4 is the first step for HIV-1 to invade cells. Interfering with this process can prevent HIV from recognizing target cells and inhibit virus replication. Therefore, HIV-1 gp120 is an important part of the HIV-1 life cycle. Fostesavir, a phosphatate prodrug derived from the gp120 inhibitor BMS-626529 modified by the prodrug strategy, was approved for the treatment of adult patients with multidrug resistant HIV-1 infection by the US FDA and the European Medicines Agency in 2020 and 2021, respectively. In this review, we focus on the research progress of small molecule inhibitors targeting the interaction of gp120-CD4 from the perspective of medicinal chemistry, in order to provide reference for the subsequent research of gp120 inhibitors.
ABSTRACT
Resumen Las heridas por proyectil de arma de fuego se definen como los efectos que producen sobre el organismo los disparos realizados con armas cargadas de proyectiles o diversos tipos de pólvora u otros explosivos. La valoración médico legal en estos casos, en personas vivas, se realiza en la Sección Clínica Médico Forense del Departamento de Medicina Legal del Organismo de Investigación Judicial, esta incluye la historia médico legal, el examen físico, el análisis de documentos médicos aportados, pericias conexas efectuadas y revisión de bibliografía, esto para tener todos los elementos de juicio que permitan realizar un análisis objetivo y basado en la evidencia científica, y así poder responder a las interrogantes de la Autoridad Judicial. El presente artículo abarca algunos de los aspectos principales a tomar en cuenta ante hallazgos atípicos de los orificios de entrada y salida de los proyectiles, mediante la presentación y abordaje de un caso clínico.
Abstract Firearm projectile injuries are defined as the effects produced on the body by shots fired with weapons loaded with projectiles or various types of gunpowder or other explosives. The legal medical assessment in these cases, in living persons, is carried out in the Forensic Medical Clinical Section of the Department of Legal Medicine of the Organismo de Investigación Judicial, this includes the legal medical history, physical examination, analysis of medical documents provided, expert carried out and bibliography review, this to have all the elements of judgment that allow an objective analysis based on scientific evidence, and thus be able to answer the questions of the Judicial Authority. This article covers some of the main aspects to be considered when faced with atypical findings of the entry and exit holes of the projectiles, through the presentation and approach of a clinical case. Ver bases de datos
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adult , Wounds, Gunshot/diagnosis , Costa RicaABSTRACT
Mastering manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) for beginner surgeons is difficult. In the initial days of residency or training, surgeons struggle to make a proper scleral tunnel and keratome entry. It commonly results in premature entry and iris prolapse. Most of the literature has shed light on premature entry during tunnel construction by a crescent blade, whereas a significant majority of iris prolapse happens due to improper keratome entry. This novel trypan blue dye-assisted tunnel staining (TBTS) technique helps in proper tunnel demarcation which can reduce the incidence of premature entry with a keratome.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the effect of SKF96365, store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) inhibitor, on liver and kidney injury induced by paraquat (PQ).Methods:A549 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into the control group (DMSO group, SKF 2 μmol/L group, and SKF 10 μmol/L group) and PQ group (PQ+DMSO group, PQ+SKF 2 μmol/L group, and PQ+SKF 10 μmol/L group). The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) in A549 cells was detected by luciferase reporter gene technique. The mouse model of PQ poisoning was constructed and divided into the control group, SKF group, PQ group and PQ+SKF group. In the PQ group, mice were injected with 50 mg/kg PQ intraperitoneally; in the SKF group, mice were injected intraperitoneally with 10 mg/kg SKF96365 for 3 days. Mice in the PQ+SKF group received 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of PQ once and 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of SKF96365 daily for 3 days. On the fourth day, the mice were sacrificed, and the liver and kidney tissues were taken. The histopathological changes of liver and kidney tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, and the apoptosis of liver and kidney tissues was observed by TUNEL staining. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the mean values of normally distributed measurement data between groups. Comparisons between groups were performed using the least significant difference t-test. Results:The luciferase reporter gene technology showed that NFAT was significantly activated in the PQ group. After pretreatment with SKF96365, NFAT activation decreased sharply in a dose-dependent manner. HE staining showed that the outline structure of liver and kidney tissues in the PQ groups were unclear, cells swelled and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated; in the PQ+SKF group, liver cell swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration decreased significantly. TUNEL staining showed that the apoptotic cells in liver and kidney tissues increased in the PQ groups, and the apoptosis decreased remarkably in the PQ+SKF group.Conclusions:SOCE inhibitor SKF96365 can significantly reduce the liver and kidney injury caused by PQ.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the application of "upgraded single-entry colonoscope training method" in the primary endoscopic training of refresher doctors.Methods:A total of 71 refresher doctors who participated in the primary single endoscopy training in the Endoscopy Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2017 to December 2019 were randomized to two groups: upgraded single-entry endoscopy training group ( n=36) and traditional single-entry endoscopy training group ( n=35). In the first week of training, all the participants learned the basic theory of single-entry enteroscopy insertion. From week 2 to week 11, each doctors of the two groups finally completed 80 to 100 cases of single-entry endoscopy. The upgraded single-entry colonoscopy training group was divided into two stages: "rectum-proximal sigmoid colon" and "descending colon-ileocecal part" with the boundary of descending-sigmoid colon as the dividing point, which was different from the traditional group. At the 12th week, each doctors were assessed by 20 cases of single-entry colonoscopy operation. the success rate of ileocecum insertion, the time to pass through sigmoid colon, the rate of loop formation and the average operation time of successful ileocecum insertion were compared between the two groups. SPSS 26.0 was used for t test or chi-square test. Results:Compared with the traditional single-entry endoscopy training group, the upgraded single-entry endoscopy training group achieved better results in the successful rate of ileocecal insertion (66.8% vs. 59.0%, P=0.005), the time to pass sigmoid colon [(6.05±3.32) min vs. (7.15±3.12) min, P<0.001], the loop rate (35.13% vs. 40.71%, P=0.035), the average operation time of successfully inserting the ileocecal part [(9.01±2.12) min vs. (10.25±3.12) min, P<0.001] and the discomfort response score [(5.19±1.41) vs. (6.70±2.15), P<0.001], with statistical significance between the groups. Conclusion:"Upgraded single-entry endoscopy training method" emphasizes no loop through sigmoid colon, which is more helpful for refresher doctors to master the operation skills of single-entry colonoscopy, shorten the teaching time, and reduce the discomfort of patients, and is suitable for popularization in the teaching.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the current status of emotional intelligence of standardized training nurses and explore the influencing factors.Methods:A total of 312 standardized training nurses from the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were investigated from May to June 2020 with general information questionnaire and Nurses′ Emotional Intelligence Scale, and analyze the influencing factors of nurses′ emotional intelligence during the standar dized training period.Results:The total score of standardized training nurses′ emotional intelligence was (59.01 ± 8.24), the scoring rate was 73.76%, and the total average score of items was (3.69 ± 0.52). The average scores of the four dimensions from low to high were: self emotion assessment (3.86 ± 0.66), self emotion management (3.67 ± 0.71), self emotion application (3.64 ± 0.67) and emotion assessment of others (3.58 ± 0.65). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that political outlook, whether it was an only child, and training time and willingness to engage in nursing work for a long time were the main influencing factors of standardized training nurses′ emotional intelligence, accounting for 32.6% of the variance.Conclusions:The emotional intelligence of standardized training nurses is at the medium level, which needs to be further improved. Hospital managers need to carry out positive intervention combined with relevant influencing factors to cultivate more excellent nursing talents for clinical practice.
ABSTRACT
【Objective】 To explore the factors affecting NAT reactive blood donors re-entry, so as to provide data support for formulation of scientific and reasonable strategy. 【Methods】 The basic data and laboratory test results of 174 NAT reactive returning blood donors from January 2019 to August 2021 were collected and statistically analyzed by logistic regression. 【Results】 Among 174 HBV DNA reactive blood donors applying for re-entry, 81 (46.6%) were eligible for re-entry. Blood donation type and deconstructed Ct value were independent influencing factors of blood donors’ re-entry (P0.05). No significant difference was observed in Ct values of deconstruction test, first re-entry test and second re-entry test (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 In view of the low re-entry rate of NAT reactive blood donors, it is necessary to establish a set of safety criteria to lessen workloads. Donors with exceeding minipool-Ct-values, repeat reactive by two NAT reagents, failure in the first re-entry test are suggested to be deferred permanently.
ABSTRACT
Objective Based on hemodynamic analysis, to investigate the cause of distal re-entry tear in Stanford type B aortic dissection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).Methods A patient with type B aortic dissection was reexamined regularly with computed tomography angiography (CTA) at 1st month, 6th month, 12th month and 24th month after TEVAR. Based on the CTA images in each period, three-dimensional (3D) aorta models were reconstructed to perform morphological analysis and hemodynamic simulation.Results Compared with the diameter at 1st month after TEVAR, the diameter of true lumen at 12 months after TEVAR increased by 1.8 times and the global distortion of aorta increased by 16.67%. At postoperative 1st, 6th and 12th month, the maximum blood velocities at the new entry tear in systole were 69.6%, 33.7% and 92.1% higher than the average ones at distal landing zone, and the maximum wall shear stresses (WSSs) were 2.52, 2.32 and 3.52 times of the average WSSs respectively. In addition, the maximum time-averaged WSS (TAWSS) at 1st, 6th and 12th month after TEVAR were 1.88, 2.53 and 3.62 times of the mean TAWSS respectively.ConclusionsThe morphology of the aorta remodeled after TEVAR, and a sudden change in the diameter of true lumen occurred at distal anchoring zone and continued to increase. As a result, the blood flow velocity in this area accelerated, and the intima was continuously exposed to high WSS, leading to the redissection.
ABSTRACT
Background It has been found that fluoride may cause cell damage by inducing intracellular calcium overload. Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) plays an important role in maintaining intracellular calcium homeostasis, but the effect of fluoride on renal SOCE is unknown. Objective To explore the renal toxicity and the expression levels of the key proteins of SOCE, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 (ORAI1) in the kidney tissues of mice exposed to fluoride subchronically. Methods Twenty male ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups with five mice in each group, including 0 (control group), 0.3, 3, and 30 mg·L−1 fluoride groups. The mice were given drinking water containing designed fluoride for 12 weeks. Body weight and liver and kidney organ coefficients of the mice were measured after the exposure; histopathological changes of the mouse kidney were observed; 24 h urine was collected at the end of 12 weeks of exposure to determine the levels of urine creatinine (UCr), urine calcium (UCa), albumin (ALB), and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG); the protein expression levels of STIM1 and ORAI1 in the kidney were detected by Western blotting; the fluorescence co-localization of STIM1 and ORAI1 was used to further verify the expression levels of STIM1 and ORAI1. Results After the exposure, there were no differences in body weight as well as liver and kidney organ coefficients among the groups (P > 0.05). Under optical microscope, the renal tubular cell showed degeneration, apical protrusion, shedding, and dilation in the 3 and 30 mg·L−1 fluoride groups. There was no statistical difference in UCr among the mice in each group (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of UCa adjusted by UCr in the 3 and 30 mg·L−1 fluoride groups were (0.075±0.014) and (0.081±0.012) mol·mol−1 (represent by UCr per mol), which had a rising trend but showed no statistical difference. No difference was identified in the level of ALB among the groups (P > 0.05). The levels of β2-MG showed difference in different exposure groups, and the level of urine β2-MG in the 30 mg·L−1 fluoride group was (0.077±0.014) g·mol−1, higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Based on the results of Western blotting, the protein expression levels of STIM1 and ORAI1 showed significant differences among the groups (F=18.411, 6.853; P=0.001, 0.013); compared with the control group, the expression levels of STIM1 protein increased in the 3 and 30 mg·L−1 fluoride groups (P < 0.05), and the protein expression level of ORAI1 in the 30 mg·L−1 fluoride group was increased (P < 0.05). The fluorescence co-localization results of STIM1 and ORAI1 showed that the expressions of STIM1 and ORAI1 were up-regulated in the 3 and 30 mg·L−1 fluoride groups. Conclusion Subchronic exposure to fluoride through drinking water can up-regulate the expression levels of STIM1 and ORAI1 in renal tissues and induce renal injury.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Laboratory tests account for 66% of clinical decision making and reducing inappropriate test utilisation is a step towards optimising patients’ care and hospital cost savings. This study aims to identify the rate and cost of redundant test requests in our centre. Methods: A cross-sectional study comprising laboratory results of 14 analytes in renal function test (RFT) and liver function test (LFT) were made. Data involved blood results from adult patients admitted to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from January to December 2018. The redundant test is defined as test results consecutively normal twice and requested within 26 hours for analytes in RFT and 50 hours for analytes in LFT. Cost contributions were estimated by multiplying cost-per-test with total redundant requests. The test redundancy in different wards and disease groups were also evaluated. Results: Equal distribution of RFT and LFT requests were observed in both genders (50% respectively), with the most requests seen in the 60 – 79 years age group. More than 20% redundancy rate was observed for seven analytes (ALT, total bilirubin, sodium, urea, potassium, AST, Chloride), and overall redundancy was 19.7%, equals to Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 669,105.00. Oncology wards and genitourinary diseases contribute to the highest redundancy rate. Conclusion: This study estimated MYR 600 thousands of saving if test redundancy were to be eliminated. The finding is hoped to serve as a platform for future intervention and policymaking. Future planning to optimise the current laboratory request system and collaboration among physicians and laboratory professionals can minimise test inappropriateness.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To study the protective effects of bicistronic DNA vaccines carrying herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein D (HSV-2 gD) and adjuvant CCL28 sequences that were connected by internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence in mouse model.Methods:The recombinant DNA vaccines, pgD-IRES-CCL28 and pCCL28-IRES-gD, encoding HSV-2 gD and adjuvant CCL28 were constructed with IRES sequence. After verified by sequencing, they were intramuscularly injected twice into BALB/c mice. Serum samples and vaginal lavage fluids were collected regularly. Splenocytes, mesenteric lymph node cells and rectal mucosa tissues were separated and collected. The titers of antigen-specific antibodies in immunized mice were analyzed with end-point ELISA. In vitro neutralization assay was used to measure neutralizing antibody titers in serum and vaginal lavage fluid after vaccination and virus challenge. CCL28-responsive immune cells in splenocytes, mesenteric lymph node cells and rectal tissues were detected by chemotaxis experiment and immunohistochemical staining. The protective effects of the bicistronic DNA vaccines were evaluated by fluorescent quantitative PCR, weighing and disease severity assessment. Humoral and cellular immune responses induced by the bicistronic DNA vaccines and their efficacy in immunoprotection were analyzed by comparing with pgD+ pCCL28 group. Results:IgG titers in serum samples and IgA antibody titers in vaginal lavage fluids of mice immunized with pCCL28-IRES-gD were similar to those in pgD+ pCCL28 group. The neutralizing ability of antibodies, the number of rectal mucosal IgA+ plasma cells and CCL28-responsive immune cells in mucosal tissues were increased in pCCL28-IRES-gD group. Serum neutralizing antibodies were not produced immediately in the mice challenged with HSV-2, but no weight loss, disease symptoms or death was observed. However, pgD+ pcDNA3.1 and pgD-IRES-CCL28 were ineffective against HSV-2 infection in mice.Conclusions:The recombinant bicistronic DNA vaccine of pCCL28-IRES-gD could induce stronger mucosal immune response in mice and provide better protective effects.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE To boost access to medical insurance for drugs and improve the accessibility and affordability of drugs. METHODS The current status of the application of international and domestic drug Managed Entry Agreement （MEA）were investigated through literature research method and other methods ，and analyzed comparatively from the aspects of the scope of agreement drugs ，the types of agreements and the content of the agreement ，etc. The problems existing in the application of drug MEA in China were summarized to put forward the suggestions. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The UK ，Australia and Italy had rich experience in the application of drug MEA ，and the operation management mechanism were complete. The scope of drugs included in MEA in these countries were relatively broad and the types of agreements were relatively diversified. In China ，drugs included in MEA were mainly oncology drugs and rare disease drugs. The types of agreements mainly included “finance-based agreements”and effect guarantee/effect-based payment in individual-level of“performance-based agreements ”. China ’s evidence collection platform was imperfect and lacked standardized process of MEA. It is suggested that stakeholders should consider increasing the types of drugs ，diversified types of agreements ，improving the accuracy and continuity of evidence collection ， establishing a standardized process for MEA.
ABSTRACT
Resumen El presente artículo expone el caso de un suicidio de un masculino, el cual presentó dos orificios de entrada en la cabeza con características propias de un orificio de contacto, específicamente dos signos de boca de mina, también conocido como signo de Hoffmann.
Abstract This article presents the case of a suicide of a male, which presented two entry holes with characteristics of a contact hole in his head, two mine mouth signs, also known as Hoffman´s sign.