Rational design of L-arabinose isomerase from Lactobacillus fermentum and its application in D-tagatose production / 生物工程学报

L-arabinose isomerase (L-AI) is the key enzyme that isomerizes D-galactose to D-tagatose. In this study, to improve the activity of L-arabinose isomerase on D-galactose and its conversion rate in biotransformation, an L-arabinose isomerase from Lactobacillus fermentum CGMCC2921 was recombinantly expressed and applied in biotransformation. Moreover, its substrate binding pocket was rationally designed to improve the affinity and catalytic activity on D-galactose. We show that the conversion of D-galactose by variant F279I was increased 1.4 times that of the wild-type enzyme. The Km and kcat values of the double mutant M185A/F279I obtained by superimposed mutation were 530.8 mmol/L and 19.9 s-1, respectively, and the catalytic efficiency was increased 8.2 times that of the wild type. When 400 g/L lactose was used as the substrate, the conversion rate of M185A/F279I reached a high level of 22.8%, which shows great application potential for the enzymatic production of tagatose from lactose.

Analysis of conversion rate, organ procurement rate and influencing factors of organ donation: a single-center study in Fujian province / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the conversion rate, organ procurement rate and influencing factors of organ donation in a single center from Fujian province. Methods Baseline data of 182 potential organ donors of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from November 2018 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The conversion rate of organ donation, baseline data of successful organ donors and the causes of failure of organ donors were identified. The organ procurement rate and the influencing factors of the number of organ donations were analyzed. Results Among 182 potential organ donors, 46 cases were successful organ donors with a conversion rate of 25.3%. In addition, 136 cases failed to donate organ. The main causes included disagreement from family members (58.1%), insufficient evaluation time (24.3%) and ineligible for donation criteria (17.6%). A total of 212 large organs and tissues were donated by 46 organ donors, including 88 kidneys, 42 livers, 15 lungs, 19 hearts and 48 corneas, with 4.6 large organs and tissues, and 3.6 large organs for each donor. Age, sex, native place, organ donation area and blood type were the influencing factors of the number of large organ donations. Organ donation area was the influencing factor of the number of tissue donations. Conclusions The conversion rate of organ donation is relatively low in a single center from Fujian province. Disagreement from family members is the main cause. Suitable potential organ donors should be selected for organ donation to improve the conversion rate and organ procurement rate of organ donation.

Comparative study the curative effect, ventricular remodeling and cardiac function of patients in different left atria size undergoing valve replacement with " X" ablation of posterior left atrium wall / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the influence of left atrial size on the ablation efficacy, cardiac morphology and function after valve replacement combined with X-type radiofrequency ablation on posterior wall of left atrium.Methods:From January 2015 to December 2019, 416 patients with mitral valve disease complicated with atrial fibrillation were divided into two groups according to the size of left atrium(Anteroposterior diameter 60 mm). Valve replacement combined with " X" radiofrequency ablation on posterior wall of left atrium was performed. The clinical data were analyzed retrospectively.Results:Except for the AF types, gender, length of stay and postoperative complications, other clinical data, operative and perioperative indicators were better in small left atria group(SLA)than in large left atria group(LLA). The differences were statistically significant( P<0.05). Fractional shortening(FS), ejection fraction(EF) in SLA at any time point were higher than that in LLA, P<0.05. The sinus rhythm conversion rates, the change rate of LA anteroposterior diameter in SLA at postoperative time points were higher than that in LLA, P<0.05. There was no significant difference of cardiac troponin(cTn) and myoglobin(MYO) between the two groups in 6 months after operation, P>0.05. The B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP), cTn, MYO in the other time points were lower than that in LLA, P<0.05. Conclusion:Larger left atrium reduces the rate of sinus rhythm conversion and maintenance in patients undergoing valve replacement combined with fibrillation ablation. There were worse ventricular remodeling and cardiac function recovery. Preoperative evaluation of left atrial size is helpful for prognosis.

Effects of Tanreqing Capsule on the negative conversion time of nucleic acid in patients with COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in the treatment of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Tanreqing Capsule (TRQC) was used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients in the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of TRQC in the treatment of COVID-19.@*METHODS@#A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 82 patients who had laboratory-confirmed mild and moderate COVID-19; patients were treated with TRQC in one designated hospital. The treatment and control groups consisted of 25 and 57 cases, respectively. The treatment group was given TRQC orally three times a day, three pills each time, in addition to conventional Western medicine treatments which were also administered to the control group. The clinical efficacy indicators, such as the negative conversion time of pharyngeal swab nucleic acid, the negative conversion time of fecal nucleic acid, the duration of negative conversion of pharyngeal-fecal nucleic acid, and the improvement in the level of immune indicators such as T-cell subsets (CD3, CD4 and CD45) were monitored.@*RESULTS@#COVID-19 patients in the treatment group, compared to the control group, had a shorter negative conversion time of fecal nucleic acid (4 vs. 9 days, P = 0.047) and a shorter interval of negative conversion of pharyngeal-fecal nucleic acid (0 vs. 2 days, P = 0.042). The level of CD3@*CONCLUSION@#Significant reductions in the negative conversion time of fecal nucleic acid and the duration of negative conversion of pharyngeal-fecal nucleic acid were identified in the treatment group as compared to the control group, illustrating the potential therapeutic benefits of using TRQC as a complement to conventional medicine in patients with mild and moderate COVID-19. The underlying mechanism may be related to the improved levels of the immune indicator CD3

Clinical efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine sulfate combined with azithromycin in treatment of patients with refractory common coronavirus disease 2019 / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine sulfate combined with azithromycin in the treatment of refractory common coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Methods The clinical data of 11 refractory common COVID-19 patients, who were admitted to Guanggu Branch of Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Hubei Province from Mar. 22 to 25, 2020, were retrospectively collected. The patients all received combined treatment regimens: hydroxychloroquine sulfate orally 200 mg three times daily for 7 days; and azithromycin orally 500 mg once daily on day 1 and then 250 mg once daily from day 2 to day 4. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid test of throat swab was performed once daily from day 4 to day 10 after combined administration, and the blood routine and other laboratory indicators were tested within 3 days before administration and on the 8th days after administration. Results All the 11 patients had common COVID-19, seven of them were consistently positive for SARSCoV- 2 nucleic acid test, and four were positive again after negative results. The average course of disease of 11 patients before combined administration was 50.2 days. The treatment process was uneventful. Zero case of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test result turned negative on day 4 after administration, two cases on day 5, two cases on day 6, two cases on day 7, one case on day 8 and one case on day 9. No patients progressed to severe or critical illness, and no severe side effects were found. Conclusion Hydroxychloroquine sulfate combined with azithromycin is safe and effective in the treatment of refractory common COVID-19 patients who have ailed in other treatments and are consistently positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid.

Therapeutic effect of Xueniaoan Capsule combined with levofloxacin on chronic bacterial prostatitis / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of Xueniaoan Capsule combined with levofloxacin in the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis. Methods: A total of 126 patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis were randomly divided into control group (n = 60) and observation group (n = 66). The control group was treated with levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets (0.6 g/d, po) and the observation group was treated with Xueniaoan Capsule (4.2 g/d, po) combined with levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets (0.6 g/d, po). Both groups were continuously treated for eight weeks. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated through the NIH-CPSI score, prostatic fluid bacterial culture negative conversion rate, and serological parameters. Results: After treatment, the clinical efficacy in the control and treatment groups were 66.67% and 89.39%, respectively, and there were statistical differences between two groups (P < 0.05); Statistical analysis showed that the pain symptom score (5.45 ± 1.12), urination symptom score (3.31 ± 0.70) and quality of life score (3.08 ± 0.55) of NIH-CPSI scale in the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05); The negative conversion rate of prostatic fluid bacterial culture was 71.67% in the control group and 92.42% in the observation group, and the difference between the two groups had statistical significance (P < 0.05); The serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05), while the levels of inflammatory factors in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Xueniaoan Capsule combined with levofloxacin is effective in the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis, and can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms, improve the rate of prostatic fluid bacterial clearance, and reduce the level of serum inflammatory factors, which has a certain clinical application value.

Sputum smear conversion rate of adult pulmonary tuberculosis patients under directly observed treatment shortcourse in Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore

Background: Tuberculosis is among the most important causes of death from a single infectious agent and a major public health problem causing an enormous burden of disease and economic impact especially in the developing countries. Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common form of tuberculosis causing >85% of all tuberculosis cases. The smear conversion rate is an operational indicator for the directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) strategy of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in India.Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in DMC, RRMCH, in the first two quarters of the year 2013 i.e., from January 1st to June 31st of the year 2013. All 130 adult category I (new) sputum smear positive cases that attended DMC, and registered under RNTCP constituted the sample for the study. Data was collected by interview method by using pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.Results: Majority of the study subjects was >50 years, Hindus, illiterates, belonged to nuclear family from rural area belonged to upper lower socio-economic class. The overall sputum smear conversion rate is 92.4%. Lower sputum smear conversion rate was observed in the following risk factors like the male gender, smoking, diabetes, initial high pre-treatment smear grading and poor drug compliance.Conclusions: The overall sputum conversion rate at the end of two months of intensive phase under (DOTS) chemotherapy in 118 sputum smear positive (cat I) new pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Designated Microscopy and Treatment Centre (DMC) Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital was 92.4%.

Screening and Identification of Endophytic Fungi in Scutellariae Radix Transformed Baicalin to Baicalein and Oroxylin A / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: In order to explore natural active ingredients of Scutellariae Radix and alleviate the pressure of traditional medicinal resources,this research aimmed to screen endophytic fungus strains from Scutellariae Radix which could transform baicalin into some active ingredients.Method: Taking fresh plants of Scutellariae Radix as strain resource,endophytic fungus strains were isolated by potato dextrose agar (PDA) plate separation,Scutellariae Radix powder selective culture and HPLC detection.Result: An endophytic fungus strain R3 was isolated and it can transform baicalin to baicalein and oroxylin A simultaneously in potato dextrose broth (PDB) contained 0.1% baicalin and the conversion rate reached 61.09% in 5 d cultured at 28℃ and 150 r·min-1,molar ratio of baicalein and oroxylin A was 3:5.With the method of morphological analysis,microscopic identification and 18SrDNA sequence analysis,the bacterium was identified as Penicillium sp.R3. Conclusion: Penicillium sp.R3 can transform baicalin to baicalein and oroxylin A with certain research value and application value.

Removing the by-products acetic acid and NH4 + from the L-tryptophan broth by vacuum thin film evaporation during L-tryptophan production

Background: During L-tryptophan production by Escherichia coli, the by-products, acetic acid and NH4 +, accumulate in the fermentation broth, resulting in inhibited cell growth and activity and decreased L-tryptophan production. To improve the L-tryptophan yield and glucose conversion rate, acetic acid and NH4 + were removed under low-temperature vacuum conditions by vacuum scraper concentrator evaporation; the fermentation broth after evaporation was pressed into another fermenter to continue fermentation. To increase the volatilisation rate of acetic acid and NH4 + and reduce damage to bacteria during evaporation, different vacuum evaporation conditions were studied. Results: The optimum operating conditions were as follows: vacuum degree, 720 mm Hg; concentration ratio, 10%; temperature, 60°C; and feeding rate, 300 mL/min. The biomass yield of the control fermentation (CF) and fermentation by vacuum evaporation (VEF) broths was 55.1 g/L and 58.3 g/L at 38 h, respectively, (an increase of 5.8%); the living biomass yield increased from 8.9 (CF) to 10.2 pF (VEF; an increase of 14.6%). L-tryptophan production increased from 50.2 g/L (CF) to 60.2 g/L (VEF) (an increase of 19.9%), and glucose conversion increased from 18.2% (CF) to 19.5% (VEF; an increase of 7.1%). The acetic acid concentrations were 2.74 g/L and 6.70 g/L, and the NH4 + concentrations were 85.3 mmol/L and 130.9 mmol/L in VEF and CF broths, respectively. Conclusions: The acetic acid and NH4 + in the fermentation broth were quickly removed using the vacuum scraper concentrator, which reduced bacterial inhibition, enhanced bacterial activity, and improved the production of L-tryptophan and glucose conversion rate.

Meta analysis on HIV-negative partners' or lovers' sero-conversion among HIV sero-discordant couples in China / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To investigate HIV sero-conversion in HIV-negative partners or lovers among HIV serodiscordant couples.Methods China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wangfang data,and PubMed were retrieved,literatures about HIV sero-conversion in HIV-negative partners or lovers among HIV sero-discordant couples were included in the study,Meta analysis was performed by R software.Results There were 11 literatures were included in the study,Meta analysis showed that HIV-negative partners' or lovers' overall sero-conversion rates among HIV sero-discordant couples in China was 1.0/100 person-year;in different economic levels and epidemic areas,HIV-negative partners' or lovers' sero-conversion rates were both 1.0/100 person-year.Conclusion The HIV-negative partners' or lovers' sero-conversion rates among HIV sero-discordant couples in China are not high.

Studies on effects of water temperature, stocking density and feeding cycle on growth and feeding in Hirudo nipponica / 中国中药杂志

Effects of different water temperature, stocking density and feeding cycle on growth, feeding and survival of Hirudo nipponica have been studied, six temperature gradients were set: 18, 22, 26, 30, 34 and 38 ℃, five stocking density gradients were set: 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 leech/L, four feeding cycle gradients were set: 2, 5, 10 and 20 d, respectively. The results showed that there exists a significant regression relationship between water temperature and specific growth rate: y=-0.016 5x²+0.836 9x-6.847 5（R²=0.990 8）（P<0.05）, a regression analysis indicated that specific growth rate reached the maximum (3.76) at 25.36 ℃. When water temperature was beyond 30 ℃, the survival rate significantly decreased as water temperature increased （P<0.05）. The specific growth rate and survival rate decreased as stocking density increased. A linear relationship exists between the feeding cycle and the SGR: y=-0.094 1x+3.832 9（R²=0.992 7）. From this study, it can be concluded that the optimal water temperature and stocking density for the growth of H. nipponica is 22-26 ℃ and 30-120 leech/L, respectively.

An experimental study on the scavenging effect of ascorbic acid on iodate ions in simulated gastric juice / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To explore the conversion rate of iodate ions (IO3-) being reduced to iodide ions (I-) by ascorbic acid (C6HsO6,VC) in simulated human gastric juice,and to provide references for further safety evaluation of edible salt iodized with potassium iodate.Methods An ion chromatography method was developed to detect iodide ions in simulated gastric juice.The conversion rate of iodate ions being reduced to iodide ions was used as the index for scavenging rate of iodate ions.In simulated gastric juice in vitro and in 37 C water bath,the scavenging effects of VC on iodate ions were determined in simulated gastric juice with different VC concentrations and simulated gastric juice acidities,as well as for different reaction time.Ion chromatography column:Dionex IonPac AS19 (250 mm × 4.0 mm);eluent:KOH 30 mmol/L (online produced),isocratic eluting,flow rate 1.0 ml/min,injection volume 100 μl,and detected by a conductivity detector.Results Performance of the method:within the range of 0-5 000 μg/L,iodide ions concentration and the chromatographic peak area had a good linearity (correlation coefficient r =0.999 7),and the detection limit of iodide ions was 20 μg/L.For quantification of iodide ions in simulated gastric juice,the relative standard deviation (RSD) of repeated measure for 6 times was ＜ 2.0％,the standard addition recovery rate was 97.6％-102.4％,and the overall average recovery rate was 99.4％.In the simulated gastric juice with a pH of 1.4 containing 5 mg/L and ≥ 10 mg/L VC,the reaction time to achieve 100％ conversion rate of iodate ions being reduced to iodide ions was 5 min and 2 min,respectively.In the simulated gastric juice with a pH of 3 containing 10 mg/L ascorbic acid,the reaction time to achieve 100％ conversion rate was 15 min.VC quantitatively reduced iodate ions to iodide ions by the stoichiometric relationship between reactants of the reduction reaction equation,and every 100 μg VC quantitatively reduced 24.0μg of iodine in iodate to iodide ions.Conclusions In simulated gastric juice,the reaction of iodate ions being reduced to iodide ions by VC is a stoichiometric reaction with relatively fast reaction rate,the scavenging rate of iodate ions by VC within the concentration level in human gastric juice can reach 100％.The results prompt that the iodate ions from edible salt iodized with potassium iodate in daily diet are reduced to iodide ions mainly in the human stomach.

An empirical study on the utilization of online health community and its conversion into the traditional health system:A case study of haodf. com / 中国卫生政策研究

Objective:To analyze the service pattern provided by online health community and the conversion of online health community to offline health systems. To put forward the problems and suggestions on integration of online and traditional health services. Methods: The crawl programming is programmed to acquire and analyze data from haodf. com website, including the online consultation, telephone counseling, and referral appointments, etc. Results:The results show that the average number of replies is 14 times for two weeks, the total reply is 418 times, the telephone answering rate is only 0 . 08%, and the referral rate to offline is 2 . 96%. Conclusion: The conversion rate of online health community in China is lower than e-commerce service. The recommended index of telephone consulting is more instructive to patients. The services mode provided by the online health community is still single, and the profit model is not even clear.

Efifcacy of lamivudine in chronic hepatitis B antiviral therapy / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical efifcacy of lamivudine in chronic hepatitis B antiviral therapy. Methods 78 cases with chronic hepatitis B patients from January 2012 to December 2012 collected in People's Hospital of Deqing County were observed and randomly divided into experimental group and control group, 39 cases in each group. Control group were treated with entecavir , and experimental group with lamivudine. The negative rate of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis B virus surface antigen (hepatitis B surface antigen, HBsAg) seroconversion rates and alanine aminotransferase (Alamine aminotransferase, ALT) recovery rate after 6 weeks, 12 weeks , 18 weeks , 24 weeks of the two groups were compared. Results The negative rate of hepatitis B virus, ALT recovery rates in control group after 6 weeks, 12 weeks , 18 weeks, 24 weeks treatment were better than experimental group , the differences were statistically signiifcant(P<0.05). There was no signiifcant differences in the rate of HBsAg seroconversion at week 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 18 weeks, 24 weeks between two groups. Conclusion Lamivudine antiviral ,has acceptable clinical efifcacy in treatment for chronic hepatitis B, and still has a certain gap with entecavir, but it has an appropriate price, which may be more suitable for patients in economic. So choose which medicine in clinical application should be in combination with the practical situation of patients.

Cirugía colónica laparoscópica sin preparación mecánica: resultados preliminares y análisis de factibilidad / Laparoscopic colectomy, without mechanical bowel cleansing: preliminary results and feasibility

Introducción: La preparación mecánica del colón (PMC) es una práctica común, utilizada por la mayoría de los cirujanos. A pesar de no existir evidencia científica significativa que la avale, se ha convertido en un dogma en la última mitad de siglo XX. La factibilidad del abordaje laparoscópico sin PMC no está aún completamente aclarada. Objetivo: el objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar la factibilidad técnica, y la seguridad del abordaje laparoscópico en cirugía colorrectal sin preparación mecánica. Diseño: análisis retrospectivo y descriptivo, de una base de datos prospectiva. Población: 108 pacientes sometidos a colectomía laparoscópica, sin PMC. Métodos: Periodo analizado: Marzo de 2007 a Marzo de 2010, Forma de registro de datos: consecutiva, sucesiva y no selectiva en una base de datos prospectiva Excel 2011 para Mac. Se tatuaron en forma sistemática todas las lesiones que el cirujano consideró de difícil localización intraoperatoria. Se analizaron variables como edad, sexo, grado de ASA, índice de masa corporal (IMC), cirugías previas, patología, tipo y duración de cirugía, tasa de conversión y su causa. Se utilizó la escala de Dindo y Clavien para categorizar la morbilidad. Para simplificar el análisis se dividieron las colectomías en dos grupos. Los resultados se compararon con los hallados en la bibliografía. Resultados: La media de edad fue 60 años (24-84), el 60% de la serie eran hombres. El 6,5% (7) de los pacientes eran obesos. 37 pacientes (45%) tuvieron una categorización de la clasificación de ASA III o mayor. El 40 % tenían antecedentes de cirugías abdominales previas. El 68% de la patología fue oncológica. Se operaron de forma programada 104 pacientes. Se realizaron 70 anastomosis en 71 colectomías izquierdas y 33 derechas. La tasa de conversión global fue del 11% (12/108). En ningún caso el motivo fue por dificultad en la manipulación del colon...

The mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) is a common practice, used by most surgeons. Despite the absence, of significant scientific evidence, has become a dogma in the latter half of the twentieth century. The feasibility of the laparoscopic approach without MBP is not yet completely clarified. Aim: the objective of this study is to evaluate the technical feasibility, and the security of laparoscopy in colorectal surgery without mechanical preparation. Design: a Descriptive and retrospective analysis has been conducted from a prospective database. Population: 108 patients who underwent a laparoscopic colonic resection without MBP were analyzed. Methods: Period: March 2007 to March 2010. A consecutive, and unselective data was registered in a prospective Excel database. All lesions were tattooed when considered difficult to locate during surgery. Variables such a as age, gender, ASA, BMI, history of surgical treatment, histopathological results, type and length of surgery, convertion rate and its causes were analyzed. Dindo and Clavien’s classification was used to categorized morbidity and mortality. In order to simplify the analysis, colectomies where dived into 2 groups: right and left procedures. Results were compared with the literature. Results: The average age found was 60 years (24-84), 60% of the patients were males. 6.5% were obese. According to the ASA classification, 37 patients (45%) were categorized as ASA III-IV. Forty percent had a history of abdominal surgeries. 68% of the surgical procedures were done for cancer. There were 104 programmed surgeries, 70 anastomosis were performed in 71 left colectomies and in 33 right colectomies. The global conversion rate was of 11% (12/108). None of this conversion was due to lack of small lesion identification. The surgical time was of 180’ (85’-360’). Morbidity rate was 21% (23/108) and the mortality rate found was 0.9% (1/108)...

Relationship between sputum smear grading and smear conversion rate and treatment outcome in the patients of pulmonary tuberculosis undergoing DOTS- A prospective cohort study.

Background: The Smear Conversion Rate (SCR) is an operational indicator for the Directly Observed Treatment Shortcourse (DOTS) strategy of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in India. The present study was undertaken to determine the relationship between sputum smear grading and smear conversion rate among the Category I smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients undergoing DOTS. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among the Category I smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients registered under DOTS at GTB, Karawal Nagar and Shahdara Chest Clinics of Delhi. Sample size for the present study was calculated on the basis of a similar study of a retrospective design conducted at LRS Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory diseases New Delhi, India using statistical software Epi Info version 6. Accordingly, a total of 338 sputum smear positive patients with 169 each in the High Positive Cohort (pre-treatment sputum grading 3+) and Low Positive Cohort (pre-treatment sputum grading 2+, 1+ and Scanty) were followed periodically at two months ( end of Intensive Phase) , at three months (after one month extension of Intensive Phase ), at two months of Continuation Phase and then at the end of the treatment to record the sputum AFB result and treatment outcome as per the RNTCP guidelines. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version -15. Results: After two months (end of the intensive phase), SCR was 57.9% (98 of 169) among the High Positive and 71.6% (121 of 169) in the Low positive cohort ( p -0.008). After three months (one month’s extension of intensive phase), cumulative SCR was 85.2%( 144 of 169)) in the High Positive and 92.3%(156 of 169) in the Low Positive cohort (p- 0.03). Cure rate was 82.8%(140 of 169) in the High Positive and 84.6%(143 of 169) in the Low Positive cohort. Default rate was 3% (five of 169) in the High Positive and 5.3% (nine of 169) in the Low Positive cohort. Failure rate was 11.2% (19 of 169) in the High positive and 6.5% in the Low positive Cohort (11 of 169). Only one patient (0.6%) in each High and Low Positive cohort died during course of treatment ( p -0.631). Treatment outcome was further compared among the patients according to their sputum status achieved at two and three months of the treatment after ignoring their initial sputum status. The cure rates for the patients who converted at two months was 90.9% (199 of 219) and for those who did not convert at two months, was 74.3% (84 0f 113) (p -0.000). Similarly, the cure rate for the patients who converted at three months was 84% (68 of 81) and for those who did not convert at three months was 55.2% (16 of 29) (p-0.01). Interpretation: Patients with higher grades of sputum positivity at the beginning of the treatment have significantly lower SCR at the end of intensive phase and even after extending the intensive phase for one month. Hence, they are likely to remain infectious for a longer duration and continue to transmit infection in the community. Therefore, these patients demand to have more stringent self-precautionary measures to break the chain of infection in the community. The SCR at two months and three months as an operational indicator should be given more importance rather than being practised only as a documentation and academic exercise. The patient should be investigated for the possible co-morbid conditions and drug resistance which could be a cause for the persistent sputum smear positivity at two and three months and hence poor treatment outcome.

The Influence of Recombinant Human α-2b Interferon Capsule for Vaginal Foams on the Negative Conversion Rate of HPV / 实用妇产科杂志

Objective:To explore the effect and mechanism of Xinfuning( recombinant human α-2b interferon capsule for vaginal foams) on the clearance of human papilloma virus (HPV). Methods: The patients with HPV infection were divided into experimental group (Xinfuning group) and control group (Shurunshuan group, a common recombinant human interferon α-2b in suppository form) .The HPV negative conversion rate was compared between the two groups after action on vaginal posterior fomix. The content of cytokines IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-a in the cervical region before or after the application was detected by ELISA. Results:The negative conversion rate in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). The content of IL-4, IL-10 was decreased and the cont ent of IFN-γ,TNF-α was increased apparently( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Interferon has the effect on clearance of HPV infection by regulating Th1/Th2 balanced state to boost immunization and the unique preparation of Xinfuning can strengthen such function.

A Study of Antibody Conversion Rate During a Mycoplasma pneumoniae Epidemic Period(the Second Half of 2003) / 소아과

PURPOSE: This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection during an epidemic period by means of examining the antibody conversion rate and to investigate the association of the antibody conversion with age, initial antibody titer, and atopy. METHODS: We chose 191 children whose antibody titer to M. pneumoniae was negative, 1:40, or 1:80 during the first half of 2003. After the second half of 2003 when the M. pneumoniae epidemic occurred, follow-up collection of sera was performed during the first half of 2004. M. pneumoniae antibody titer was measured by Serodia-Myco II particle agglutination test. RESULTS: Of 191 children, antibody conversion was detected in 83 children(43.5 percent). No significant difference was found between the conversion and non-conversion group with respect to age, sex and atopy. Dividing the subjects into four groups by age, results on the antibody conversion rate revealed no significant differences between the groups. Assessed by initial antibody titer, a diminished trend of conversion rate was observed in children with 1:80 titer but the difference was not significant. There was no significant difference in the antibody conversion rate between atopic and non-atopic children. CONCLUSION: Based on the antibody conversion rate in this study, the prevalence of M. pneumoniae infection during an epidemic period was estimated to be 43.5 percent. This high infection rate suggests that during an epidemic, we should bear in mind M. pneumoniae as an important etiologic agent for respiratory infection in children.

The Impact of the Number and Size of Gallstone on the Suppuration of Gallbladder and Conversion Rate to Open from Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy / 한국간담췌외과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The progression of the inflammation to suppurative cholecystitis may depend on the number and size of gallstone. This is a comparative study of correlation between the nature of gallstone (number and size) and progression of suppurative cholecystitis and effect to the difficulty in surgery. METHODS: We analyzed 1,235 patients who were treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the gallstone disease including acalculus cholecystitis and acute suppurative cholecystitis with or without gallstones. One hundred and twenty nine patients were acute suppurative cholecystitis. The patients were grouped four arms according to the size of stones as follows; group I has no stone, group II or =2 cm. Also the patients were grouped to four groups according to the number of stones; group A has no stone, 1 or =7. RESULTS: Conversion rate to open laparotomy was 17.1% (22/129). In case of suppurative cholecystitis, six patients were included in arm I, 57 patients in arm II, 35 patients in arm III, nine patients in arm IV. And six patients were included in group A, 44 patients in group B, three patients in group C and 54 patients in group D of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Of the 22 patients who were converted to open cholecystectomy, one patient was included in arm I, 14 patients in arm II, four patients in arm III, three patients in arm IV. And one patient was included in group A, eight patients in group B, one patient in group C and 12 patients in group D of open conversion group. There was no statistical significance of the groups (p>0.05). The mean size of stones of the patients with suppurative cholecystitis (129 patients) and simple cholecystitis patients (312) was 0.97 versus 0.91 cm (p>0.05). There was no statistical difference of the number and size of gallstones between simple and suppurative cholecystitis (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The number and size of gallstone for the patients who were treated by cholecystectomy was not contributing factors to develope suppurative cholecystitis and conversion to open from laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The Comparison of the Conversion Rate and Duration after Multipuncture BCG vaccination / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: During the childhood, Mantoux test is very popular for detecting tuberculous infection and also useful for evaluating the immunity against tuberculosis after BCG vaccination. But the response and conversion rate is affected by the age of vaccination, the quality of vaccine, the duration after vaccination and the frequency of the test. Recently percutaneous multipuncture technique of BCG vaccination was introduced and used because of local side effect and technical problem of intradermal BCG vaccination, however there is only a study of conversion rate and side effect at 3month after multipuncture BCG vaccination. We performed this study to evaluate of the difference of the Mantoux reaction and conversion rate according to duration (3month, 9month and 15month) after vaccination, gestational age, sex, and feeding type. METHODS: 174 neonates (155 of full term infants, 19 of preterm infants) who were born Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital were given multipuncture BCG vaccination within 4weeks after birth between July, 1995 and June 1997. All subjects was performed Mantoux test using 5TU PPD (NIH, Korea) at 3month, 9month and 15month. Injecting BCG and interpretating the result of the Mantoux test was done by the same person. RESULTS: 1) The positive rates of Mantoux test which was done 3month , 9month and 15month after vaccination were 38.7%, 58.1%, 71.6% in the full term infant group and 31.6%, 31.6%, 47.4% in the preterm infant group. 2) The size of induration in Mantoux test, which was done 3month, 9month and 15month after vaccination were 7.3 mm, 9.4 mm, and 10.6 mm in the full term infant group and 5.6 mm, 7.7 mm, 9.2 mm in the preterm infant group. The size of induration was significantly lower in the preterm infant group as compared with that of the full term infant group 9month after vaccination. 3) The positive conversion rate, less than 5 mm to more than 10 mm, was 6.3% (3 infants of 48 infants who were negative Mantoux test 3month became positive 9month) and 26.3% (5 infants of 19 infants who were negative 9month became positive 15month) in the full term infant group, and 33.3% (one infant of 5 infants who were negative 9month became positive 15month). 4) There is no difference in conversion rate of Mantoux test according to the sex, feeding type in both groups5) Complication rate for multipuncture is 3.2%, which is leaded by local ulceration and fever in the full term infant group, and 5.3%, which is only fever in the preterm infant group. CONCLUSION: In those result the size of induration and conversion rate is increased as the duration after vaccination, then their smaller size in the preterm group 9month after vaccination maybe due to immunological immaturity of preterm group.