Therapeutic Window of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and its correlation with IVIG-resistant in Kawasaki Disease: a retrospective study

Abstract Objective: To investigate the optimal timing of initial intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients. Methods: KD patients were classified as the early group (day 1-4), conventional group (day 5-7), conventional group (day 8-10), and late group (after day 10). Differences among the groups were analyzed by ANOVA and Chi-square analysis. Predictors of IVIG resistance and the optimal cut-off value were determined by multiple logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: There were no significant differences in IVIG resistance among the 4 groups (p = 0.335). The sensitivity analysis also confirmed no difference in the IVIG resistance between those who started the initial IVIG ≤ day 7 of illness and those who received IVIG >day 7 of illness (p = 0.761). In addition, patients who received IVIG administration more than 7 days from the onset had a higher proportion of coronary artery abnormalities (p = 0.034) and longer length of hospitalization (p = 0.033) than those who started IVIG administration less than 7 days. The optimal cut-off value of initial IVIG administration time for predicting IVIG resistance was >7 days, with a sensitivity of 75.25% and specificity of 82.41%. Conclusions: IVIG therapy within 7 days of illness is found to be more effective for reducing the risk of coronary artery abnormalities than those who received IVIG >day 7 of illness. IVIG treatment within the 7 days of illness seems to be the optimal therapeutic window of IVIG. However, further prospective studies with long-term follow-up are required.

Prediction of coronary artery lesions based on C-reactive protein levels in children with Kawasaki Disease: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Objective Since coronary artery lesions (CALs) are the most severe complication of Kawasaki disease (KD), clinically speaking, early prediction of CALs is crucial. The authors aimed to investigate the predictive value of C-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting CALs in KD patients. Methods KD patients were divided into the CALs group and the non-CALs group. The clinical and laboratory parameters were collected and compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors of CALs. The receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to determine the optimal cut-off value. Results 851 KD patients who met the inclusion criteria were studied, including 206 in the CALs group and 645 in the non-CALs group. Children in the CALs group had significantly higher CRP levels than the non-CALs group (p< 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that incomplete KD, male, lower hemoglobin, and higher CRP were independent risk factors for predicting CAL (all p< 0.05). The optimal cut-off value of initial serum CRP for predicting CALs was 105.5 mg/L, with a sensitivity of 47.57% and a specificity of 69.61%. In addition, KD patients with high CRP (≥105.5 mg/L) had a higher occurrence of CALs than those with low CRP (<105.5 mg/L) (33% vs 19%, p< 0.001). Conclusion The incidence of CALs was significantly higher in patients with high CRP. CRP is an independent risk factor for CALs formation and may be useful for predicting CALs in KD patients.

Estudio clínico-epidemiológico de Enfermedad de Kawasaki antes y durante la pandemia por COVID-19. IAHULA. 2010-2022

Introducción: La Enfermedad de Kawasaki (EK) es una vasculitis sistémica de vasos medianos, que afecta preferentemente a niños menores de 5 años. En su etiología desconocida, se propone predisposición genética e interacción con agentes respiratorios virales, incluyendo el coronavirus estacional. Se ha informado un aumento notable en la incidencia de esta enfermedad en la pandemia COVID-19. Objetivos: El objetivo fue comparar las características clínico-epidemiológicas de la EK, antes y durante la pandemia COVID-19, en el IAHULA, Mérida, Venezuela (2010 - 2022). Material y Método: Se diseñó un estudio comparativo, de series de casos clínicos, una cohorte comprendió entre el 01/01/2010 y el 10/03/2020; y la otra del 11/03/2020 al 30/04/2022, se valoraron aspectos demográficos, clínicos, ecocardiográficos y tratamiento. Se analizó la distribución de frecuencias, medias, desviación estándar, pruebas Chi-cuadrado o t de Student. Resultados: Encontramos un total de cuarenta y nueve pacientes (n=49, 100 %), veintitrés (n=23, 46,9 %) con EK completa predominaron durante pandemia (68,8 % vs 63,6 %, p=0,034), presentaron en mayor proporción conjuntivitis bulbar no exudativa, leucocitosis y elevación de la proteína C reactiva (PCR), el derrame pericárdico resaltó como hallazgo cardiovascular; todos tuvieron IgG SARSCoV- 2 positiva, al igual que 2 con prueba antigénica. La media de la edad fue de 3,2±3,1 años. Los menores de 5 años fueron los más afectados. Siete presentaron otros virus desencadenantes de la expresión de EK prepandemia. Conclusión: El SARS-CoV-2 pudo actuar como disparador del aumento de EK completa en pandemia; administrar precozmente inmunoglobulina, evaluar y el seguimiento cardiovascular respectivo son fundamentales.

Introduction: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis of medium vessels, which preferentially affects children under 5 years of age. In its unknown etiology, genetic predisposition, and interaction with viral respiratory agents, including the seasonal coronavirus, are proposed. A marked increase in the incidence of this disease has been reported in the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: The objective was to compare the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of KD, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, at IAHULA, Mérida, Venezuela (2010 - 2022). Material and Methods: A comparative study was designed, of series of clinical cases, a cohort between 01/01/2010 and 03/10/2020; and the other from 03/11/2020 to 04/30/2022, demographic, clinical, echocardiographic and treatment aspects were assessed. The distribution of frequencies, means, standard deviation, Chi-Square or Student's t tests were analyzed. Results: We found a total of forty-nine patients (n=49, 100 %), twenty-three (n=23, 46.9 %) with complete KD predominated during the pandemic (68.8 % vs 63.6 %, p=0.034), they presented a higher proportion of nonexudative bulbar conjunctivitis, leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), pericardial effusion stood out as a cardiovascular finding in 20 % of cases; all had positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG, as did 2 with antigenic testing. The mean age was 3.2±3.1 years. Children under 5 years of age were the most affected. Seven had other viruses that triggered pre-pandemic EK expression. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 could have acted as a trigger for the increase in complete KD in a pandemic; early administration of immunoglobulin, evaluation and respective cardiovascular follow-up are essential.

Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of scrub typhus based on 680 unexplained fever patients in Hainan / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of scrub typhus in 680 patients with unexplained fever in Hainan Island and provide guidance for local scrub typhus prevention and control. Methods　Blood samples from patients with clinically diagnosed unexplained fever in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou Municipal People's Hospital and Central South University Xiangya Medical College Affiliated Hospital, People's Hospital of Qiongzhong Li Miao Autonomous County were collected between 2018 and 2021, then samples were tested for Orientia tsutsugamushi specific IgM, IgG antibodies and Orientia tsutsugamushi 56kD-specific antigen genes using colloidal gold immunochromatography and PCR methods. The clinical and epidemiological information of the samples were also collected. Epidemiological analysis was carried out on the obtained sample information and test results. Results　A total of 680 samples from patients with clinically unknown fever were collected. The positive rates of scrub typhus IgM antibody, IgG antibody, PCR were 23.97% (163/680), 36.62% (249/680), 20.88% (142/680), respectively, and eschar or rash was observed in 12.06% (82/680) of all patients. According to the diagnostic criteria, 223 patients were finally diagnosed with scrub typhus. Among them, there were 111 males (49.78%) and 109 females (48.88%); the average age was (53.14±15.12) years old, and the 40-<60 years old was the main incidence group (98 cases, accounting for 43.95%). The ethnicity of the patient with scrub typhus was mainly Han ethnicity (136 cases, accounting for 60.99%). Farmers were the main morbidity group (93 cases, 41.70%). The patient with scrub typhus distributed throughout the island except for Sanya and Wuzhishan, with Haikou and Qiongzhong show the highest number of cases. The number of cases in autumn was the highest (114 cases, 51.12%). The clinical manifestations of infected patients were mainly non-specific symptoms and signs, 36.77% of patients developed skin-specific ulcers or eschars, which were mainly distributed in the shoulder and neck, armpits, elbow fossa, chest and abdomen, back, buttocks, groin, scrotum and other joints and skin folds of the upper and lower limbs. Conclusions　Hainan Island is the foci of scrub typhus and the epidemic time has obvious seasonality. Its prevention should focus on rural areas in autumn, and its clinical features are mainly high fever and eschar or ulceration.

Predicting the Benefit of Adjuvant Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients with Phosphorylated S6K1 Expression Status / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Phosphorylated ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (pS6K1) is a major downstream regulator of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Recent studies have addressed the role of S6K1 in adipogenesis. pS6K1 may affect the outcome of estrogen depletion therapy in patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer due to its association with adipogenesis and increased local estrogen levels. This study aimed to investigate the potential of pS6K1 as a predictive marker of adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy outcome in postmenopausal or ovarian function-suppressed patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer.METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed in postmenopausal or ovarian function-suppressed patients with estrogen receptor-positive and node-positive primary breast cancer. pS6K1 expression status was scored on a scale from 0 (negative) to 3+ (positive) based on immunohistochemical analysis.RESULTS: A total of 428 patients were eligible. The median follow-up duration was 44 months (range, 1–90). In patients with positive pS6K1 expression, AIs significantly improved disease-free survival (DFS) compared to selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) (5 year-DFS: 83.5% vs. 50.7%, p = 0.016). However, there was no benefit of AIs on DFS in the pS6K1 negative group (5 year-DFS 87.6% vs. 91.4%, p = 0.630). On multivariate analysis, AI therapy remained a significant predictor for DFS in the pS6K1 positive group (hazard ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.96; p = 0.041). pS6K1 was more effective in predicting the benefit of AI therapy in patients with ages < 50 (p = 0.021) compared to those with ages ≥ 50 (p = 0.188).CONCLUSION: pS6K1 expression may predict AI therapy outcomes and serve as a potential predictive marker for adjuvant endocrine therapy in postmenopausal and ovarian function-suppressed patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer. AIs may be more effective in patients with pS6K1 positive tumors, while SERM could be considered an alternative option for patients with pS6K1 negative tumors.

Effect of Dima Decoction on BNIP3 Protein and mRNA Expressions inIntestinal Epithelial Cells of Ulcerative Colitis Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the regulatory level of Dima decoction on adenovirus E1B 19 kD interacting protein 3（BNIP3） protein and to understand the mechanism in intervening mitophagy and controlling inflammation in ulcerative colitis. Method:The 60 SPF SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model control group, low, medium ang high dose Dima decoction（8.5，17.0，34.0 g·kg-1）group and mesalazine（3.0 g·kg-1） group，10 for each group. The model of UC rats was established by the method of environmental diet intervention +2,4,6-trinitro-Benzenesulfonicacid（TNBS）+ethanol，the administration group was administered for 14 days.Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) was used to detect pathological changes of colonic mucosal tissues in rats.Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） were used to detect the expressions of BNIP3 protein and mRNA in intestinal epithelial cells. Result:HE staining results showed that a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration and non-cheesy granulation tissue were observed in the colon of rats in the model group, while the rats in each drug group showed different degrees of fibrous repair. Compared with normal group, the expression of BNIP3 protein and mRNA in model group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the expression of BNIP3 protein and mRNA in low, medium and high-dose Dima decoction group and mesalazine group were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with low-dose group, the expression of BNIP3 protein and mRNA in medium and high-dose groups and mesalazine group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusion:Dima decoction can increase the expression of BNIP3 in the intestinal epithelium of UC active rats, which may be one of the mechanisms of promoting mitochondrial autophagy against UC inflammation.

Detección de mutaciones en el dominio tirosina quinasa de BCR-ABL1 en pacientes colombianos con leucemia mieloide crónica LMC, resistentes al imatinib / Detection of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase domain mutations in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients with Imatinib resistance in Colombia

Resumen Introducción: Las mutaciones en el dominio BCR-ABL1, tirosina quinasa (TK) son mecanismos importantes de resistencia de los inhibidores de la tirosina quinasa (ITK) en pacientes con leucemia mieloide crónica (LMC). Objetivo: Determinar el tipo y la frecuencia de las mutaciones en el dominio tirosina quinasa del gen BCR-ABL1, asociadas con falla en la respuesta al tratamiento con imatinib en pacientes con LMC y correlacionar el perfil de mutaciones con los hallazgos clínicos, demográficos, respuesta citogenética y respuesta molecular. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tipo prospectivo en pacientes con LMC en tratamiento con IMATINIB a quienes se les realizó cariotipo y análisis de mutaciones del dominio BCR-ABL1 mediante la técnica de PCR anidada. Resultados: De los 23 pacientes estudiados en cuatro se encontraron mutaciones: dos presentaron la mutación E255K, uno presentó la mutación H396P y otro presentó doble mutación L387L y T389P. Las mutaciones E255K que se ubican en la región P-loop y H396P en A-loop se asocian con mal pronóstico. La mutación T389P localizada en la región A-loop no está informada en algunas bases de datos. Conclusiones: En este estudio encontramos cuatro mutaciones en el dominio tirosina quinasa (E255K, H396P, L387L y T389P) que podrían aportar información valiosa y guiar las decisiones de tratamiento. Es importante destacar que esta investigación de análisis mutacional del dominio BCR-ABL es la primera que se realiza en el país con la particularidad adicional de cubrir una población triétnica.

Abstract Mutations in the BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase domain mutations, are one of the principal mechanisms associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) resistance in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Objectives: To determine the type and frequency of mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of the BCR-ABL1 gene associated with failure to respond to treatment with Imatinib and Imatinib in patients with CMK, and to correlate the mutation profile with the clinical and demographic variables, as well as the cytogenetic and molecular response. Materials and methods: A descriptive prospective study was carried out on patients with CML treated with Imatinib. Karyotyping and analysis of the BCR-ABL1 domain mutations were performed on the patients using nested PCR. Results: Four types of mutations were found in the 23 patients studied, of which two of them were the E225 mutation, one with the H396P mutation, another with a double mutation L387L and T389P. Both the E255K mutation located in the P-loop region, and H396P mutation in the A-loop region, are associated with a poor prognosis. The T389P mutation located within A-loop region has not been reported in any of the databases. Conclusions: Four mutations were found in the tyrosine kinase domain (E255K, H396P, L387L and T389P) were found in this study. These findings provide valuable information and as a guideline to help make treatment decisions. It is important to point out that this analytical study on mutations of the BCR-ABL domain is the first one carried out in the country and, specifically, in a tri-ethnic population.

Variants in the Gene EBF2 Are Associated with Kawasaki Disease in a Korean Population

PURPOSE: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. It is mainly seen in young children under the age of five. KD is a multifactorial disorder that includes genetic variants. The present study investigated the association between KD and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the candidate gene early B cell factor 2 (EBF2), which is associated with inflammation markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An SNP analysis was performed by whole exon sequencing of the EBF2 gene. Our study comprised a total of 495 subjects (295 KD patients and 200 unrelated normal controls) from a Korean population. Tag SNPs were discovered using the Haploview program. Genotyping of the EBF2 gene was performed with the TaqMan® assay with real-time PCR methods. RESULTS: Polymorphism of rs10866845 showed a significant difference in allele frequency between KD patients and controls (p=0.040). The EBF2 gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with KD on logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: EBF2 gene variants can contribute to KD in the Korean population.

An in vivo study of neural protective effect of recombinant human KD/APP on rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury / 中国实验动物学报

Objective The amyloid β-protein precursor contains a domain highly homologous to Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors. We have successfully established and characterized the recombinant human rhKD/APP in vitro. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential neuroprotective role of rhKD/APP on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. Methods Rats pretreated with rhKD/APP (4, 8, 16 mg/kg) were subjected to prepare models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and those rats treated with Nimodipine were used as positive control. Comparison of the scores of neurological deficits, TTC-stained infarct volume and cerebral water content between the groups was performed. The activities of SOD, Na+-K+-ATPase and the content of MDA in the cortex tissues were measured and the activities of serum myeloperoxidase ( MPO) enzyme were also compared. The expressions of adhesion molecules ( ICAM-1 and E-selectin) were compared by immunohistochemistry. End-labeling of nuclear DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) and qualification of caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax were also employed to evaluate the local apoptosis in cortex tissues. Results By pretreatment with the rhKD/APP at three doses, cerebral infarct volume, water content and neurological deficits were all reduced. The activities of SOD, and Na+-K+-ATPase were increased, the contents of MDA were decreased in the cortex tissues, and the serum MPO activity was reduced. The expressions of adhesion molecules were downregulated and the apoptotic signaling of neurons were inhibited. All the changes induced by rhKD/APP treatment in the ischemia/reperfusion injury models showed statistical significance compared with the control rats. However, no significant difference was shown between the rhKD/APP group and Nimodipine group excepted for the reduced MPO in sera. Conclusions The result of this study suggest that rhKD/APP has neuroprotective effect on the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through inhibiting multiple signaling pathways and is promising to be a potential neuroprotective drug.

Preparation of PP7 bacteriophage-like particles carrying the polypeptide from 16 kD antigen and their value evaluation in the diagnosis of tuberculosis / 临床检验杂志

Objective To obtain the PP7 bacteriophage-like particles (BLPs) carrying the polypeptide from 16 kD antigen (16kD91-110) on their surface,and evaluate their diagnostic value in tuberculosis.Methods First,the PP7 capsid protein gene containing the encoding gene of polypeptide 16kD91-110 was amplified by PCR and inserted into the plasmid pETDuet-2PP7.Then,the obtained recombinant plasmid pETDuet-2PP7-16kD91-110 was transferred into Escherichia coli,and the recombinant protein was induced and identified by SDS-PAGE and western blot.Next,the purified 2PP7-16kD91-110 BLPs were used as stimulating antigen to inject into the blood of patients with tuberculosis,and their serum antibody levels against 16 kD antigen were detected by indirect ELISA.Results The results of SDS-PAGE and transmission electron microscope showed that the 2PP7-16kD91-110 BLPs were prepared,and that the 16kD91-110 polypeptide epitopes displayed on the surface of PP7 BLPs could bind with the antibodies against 16 kD antigen specifically.After using 2PP7-16kD91-110 BLPs as antigen to stimulate the blood cells from active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis patients,respectively,the sensitivity of interferon-γrelease assay was 75.0％ and 82.9％,respectively,in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis,which was similar to the results of Wantai TB-IGRA (interferon-γ release assay) kits from Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise Co.,Ltd..Conclusion The PP7 BLPs with the 16kD91-110 polypeptide displayed on their surface are prepared successfully,which provides a kind of safe,stable and low cost stimulating antigen for the detection of interferon-γ release,and a new method for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Effects of Electroacupuncture on Mammalian Target of Rapamycin/70-KD Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinase Pathway in Gastrocnemius Muscle in Denervated Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To explore the effects and mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) on denervation-induced atrophy in rats. Methods A total of 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham group (n=6), model group (n=6) and EA group (n=6). The latter two groups were clamped right sciatic nerve to establish atrophy model of skeletal muscle. On the second day after modeling, EA group accepted electroacupuncture on right Zusanli (ST36) and Huantiao (GB30) for two weeks. Their gastrocnemius muscles were obtained after intervention, and the wet weight ratio of the gastrocnemius muscles was calculated. The cross-sectional area (CSA) and diameter of muscle fibers were measured after HE staining. The protein expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR), 70-KD ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) and phosphorylated p70S6k (p-p70S6k) was tested with Western blotting. The gene expression of mTOR and p70S6K was detected with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Compared with the sham group, the wet weight ratio of the gastrocnemius muscle, CSA and diameter of the muscle fibers decreased in the model group and EA group (P<0.001), which were more in EA group than in the model group (P<0.01); the protein expression of mTOR, p-mTOR, p70S6K and p-p70S6K increased in the model group (P<0.01), and increased more in EA group (P<0.05); the gene expression of mTOR and p70S6K increased in the model group (P<0.05) , and increased more in EA group (P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture delays the atrophy of denervated skeletal muscles, which may relate to activation of mTOR/p70S6K signal pathway to impact synthesis of skeletal muscle proteins.

Influencia de los movimientos sacádicos en el rendimiento académico de estudiantes de básica primaria en situación de vulnerabilidad en la ciudad de Cúcuta / Influence of saccadic movements on elementary students'academic achievement in vulnerable situation from Cucuta (Colombia)

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar si los movimientos sacádicos influyen en el rendimiento académico de estudiantes de básica primaria. Metodología: Se tomó una muestra no probabilística por conveniencia de 121 estudiantes de básica primaria con situación de vulnerabilidad en una Ins titución Educativa de la ciudad de Cúcuta, Colombia. La muestra se dividió en dos grupos: el primero, de alto rendimiento académico, conformado por 56 estudiantes, 60 % niñas y 40 % niños, con una media de 11,70 años; el segundo, de bajo rendimiento, constituido por 65 estu diantes, 40 % niñas y 60 % niños, con una media de 12,29 años. A ambos grupos se aplicó el test de King y Devick (1976) o test K-D de movimientos sacádicos. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las medias de los tiempos de lectura de cada una de las tarjetas como en la media del tiempo total de lectura de las tres tarjetas del test K-D. También se encontraron diferencias significativas en el porcentaje de estudiantes que presentan problemas en relación con los movimientos sacádicos: en el grupo con alto rendi miento el porcentaje de estudiantes con problemas relacionados con movimientos oculares en función del tiempo es mucho menor que en el grupo con bajo rendimiento académico. Conclusión: Los resultados ponen de manifiesto la importancia de trabajar los movimientos oculares sacádicos, pues parecen influir en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes.

Abstract Objective: This paper aims to determine whether saccades influence academic performance of elementary school students. Methodology: 121 vulnerable elementary school students from an educational institution from Cucuta, Colombia were used as non-probabilistic or convenience samples. These students were divided into two groups, as follows: 56 high academic achievers students: 60 % girls and 40 % boys, with an average age of 11.70 years and 65 underperforming average students: 40 % girls and 60 % boys, with an average age of 12.29 years. King & Devick (1976), or K-D test saccades test was applied. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences between the means of reading times of each of the cards and the average total reading time of the three test cards K-D. Also significant differences in the percentage of students who had problems with saccades, showing in the group with high yield a much higher percentage of students without problems in eye movement function at the time that the group with low aca demic performance was found. Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of working eye movements as saccadic issue which seem to influence on their students academic performance.

Partitioning of the diffuse attenuation coefficient for photosynthetically available irradiance in a deep dendritic tropical lake

ABSTRACT We studied the effects of particulate and dissolved optically active components on the attenuation of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) in a tropical lake. The temporal and spatial distribution of tripton, Chl-a and aCDOM(440) and their relative contribution to the diffuse PAR attenuation coefficient (Kd) was investigated at 21 sites (dry and wet seasons and two intermediate periods) and at monthly interval at 1 pelagic site. Higher values of ​​ Kd were observed during the mixing period, characterized by a higher concentration of tripton and Chl-a compared to the stratified rainy season. In the spatial sampling PAR attenuation was dominated by tripton absorption/scattering (average relative contribution of 79%), followed by Chl-a (average 11.6%). In the monthly sampling tripton and Chl-a accounted for most of the Kd with relative contributions of 47.8% and 35.6%, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Chl-a and tripton in combination explained 97% of the monthly variation in Kd (p<0.001), but Chl-a had more influence (higher regression coefficient). Thus, although most of light attenuation was due to tripton, seasonal variations in phytoplankton abundance were responsible for most of the temporal fluctuations in Kd.

Relationship between serum sodium level and coronary artery abnormality in Kawasaki disease / 소아과

PURPOSE: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an immune-related multisystemic vasculitis that occurs in children, especially ensuing from a coronary artery abnormality. Sodium level is known to be related to vascular injury, which could affect the progress of KD. The purpose of this study was to determine the serum sodium levels that could predict the occurrence of cardiac and coronary artery events in KD. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records for 104 patients with KD from January 2015 to December 2015. Patients with serum Na levels of <135 mEq/L at the time of initial diagnosis were assigned to the hyponatremia group. Laboratory findings and echocardiographic data were analyzed for various aspects. RESULTS: Among the 104 patients with KD, 91 were included in the study, of whom 48 (52.7%) had hyponatremia. The degree of fever, white blood cell count, percentage of neutrophils, percentage of lymphocytes, total bilirubin level, brain natriuretic peptide level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein level were higher in the patients with hyponatremia. They also demonstrated a trend of larger coronary artery diameters based on Z scores. CONCLUSION: The severity of vascular inflammation in acute KD with hyponatremia might worsen the prognosis of coronary vasculature. Although no statistically significant correlation was found between the initial serum sodium levels and coronary arteriopathy in the patients with KD in this study, a long-term follow-up study with a larger number of enrolled patients should be designed in the future to elucidate the relationship between serum sodium level and coronary arteriopathy in patients with KD.

Pulmonary expression of HIF-1α and its relationship with GRP78 in the pathogenesis of hepatopulmonary syndrome in rats / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT:Objective To explore the role of HIF‐1αin the pathogenesis of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) and its relationship with GRP78 .Methods The HPS model in rats was induced by multiple pathogenic factor .The samples were assessed by using Western blotting analysis for HIF‐lα, GRP78 and VEGF164 . The expressions of VEGFR‐2 and CD105 were observed by using immunohistochemical staining .Results The protein level of HIF‐1αwas significantly increased in HPS group at week 8 compared with that at week 4 and 6 groups and corresponding normal control groups .With the development of HPS ,protein level of GRP78 was gradually increased at each time point significantly and reached the highest level at week 8 ;protein level of VEGF164 showed a similar change with GRP78 ,but the peak was at week 6 .Immunohistochemical results showed that the protein expressions of VEGFR‐2 and CD105 were gradually increased in lung tissue as HPS progressed .The protein level of GRP78 was positively correlated with HIF‐1α,VEGF164 ,VEGFR‐2 and CD105 ,respectively (P<0 .05) .Conclusion HIF‐1αis most likely together with GRP78 to play a critical role in promoting pulmonary microvascular remodeling in the pathogenesis of HPS in rats .

Rapid automated analysis method of flow cytometry data / 军事医学

Objective A major component of flow cytometry data analysis involves gating , which is the process of identifying homogeneous groups of cells .As manual gating is error-prone, non-reproducible, nonstandardized, and time-consuming , we propose a time-efficient and accurate approach to automated analysis of flow cytometry data .Methods Unlike manual analysis that successively gates the data projected onto a two-dimensional filed, this approach, using the K-means clustering results , directly analyzed multidimensional flow cytometry data via a similar subpopulations-merged algorithm.In order to apply the K-means to analysis of flow cytometric data , kernel density estimation for selecting the initial number of clustering and k-d tree for optimizing efficiency were proposed .After K-means clustering , results closest to the true populations could be achieved via a two-segment line regression algorithm .Results The misclassification rate (MR) was 0.0736 and time was 2 s in Experiment One, but was 0.0805 and 1 s respectively in Experiment Two. Conclusion The approach we proposed is capable of a rapid and direct analysis of the multidimensional flow cytometry data with a lower misclassification rate compared to both nonprobabilistic and probabilistic clustering methods .

Study on the molecular size distribution and the structural characteristics of group B meningococcal cap-sular polysaccharides / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the molecular size distribution and the structure of group B me-ningococcal capsular polysaccharides for the development of vaccines .Methods The molecular size distribution of group B meningococcal capsular polysaccharides was analyzed by chromatography on a Sepharose CL -4B col-umn.The molecular weight of repeat units were measured by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS).The structural characteristics of group B meningococcal capsular polysaccharides were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance ( NMR) based on the chemical shift of all charac-teristic protons by using group C meningococcal capsular polysaccharides and sialic acid as the controls .Results The KD value of group B meningococcal capsular polysaccharides extracted from 15 strains were ranged from 0.60 to 0.76.The molecular weight of repeat units was 284, which was identical to the theoretical value .The group B meningococcal capsular polysaccharides were 2→8 linked homopolymers of sialic acid lacking O-acetyl groups.Conclusion The group B meningococcal capsular polysaccharides had lower molecular weights , which might result in their poor immunogenicity .The structure of group B meningococcal capsular polysaccharides could be quickly and accurately analyzed by NMR technology .

A Comparison of the Clinical Characteristics of Kawasaki Disease in Children from Taizhou / 浙江中医药大学学报

[Objectives] To evaluate characteristics of Kawasaki disease(KD) in children younger than 5 years old in comparison with older than 5 years old, and to improve the knowledge of clinicians on KD in older children. [Method] The clinical characteristics and treatment of Kawasaki disease from January, 2004 to May,2011 were analyzed retrospectively and summarized .[Results] A total of 158 patients were included in this study, 39 patients(24.7%) were ≥5 years old and 79 patients(75.3%) were0.05). There was statistical difference in erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), hemoglobin(Hb) and white blood cell(WBC) count between 2 groups(P<0.05).The expression of inflammation factor in acute phase of older children was higher than the younger children(P<0.05). [Conclusions] Older patients had a higher prevalence of KD and coronary artery abnormalities than the younger patients. The occurrence of coronary artery might be related to more marked inflammatory response.

Anti-p200 Pemphigoid / 대한피부과학회지

Anti-p200 pemphigoid is an autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease characterized by circulating and tissue-bound autoantibodies directed against a 200 kD protein of the human dermis. We report a 78-year-old male who was presented with bullous eruptions on the trunk, extremities, which clinically resemble bullous pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa aquisita, linear IgA dermatosis or dermatitis herpetiformis. Oral muscosa of the lower lip was also affected. Histopathological examination of a skin biopsy specimen from the trunk revealed subepidermal blister and infiltration predominantly by neutrophils. Direct immunofluorescence revealed linear deposits of IgG, C3 and IgA at the basement membrane zone. Indirect immunofluorescence using salt-split skin showed that IgG antibodies bound on the dermal side. Immunoblotting with dermal extracts showed that the patient's IgG autoantibodies reacted with a 200 kD protein. The patient showed good response to dapsone.

Anti-p200 Pemphigoid / 대한피부과학회지

Anti-p200 pemphigoid is an autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease characterized by circulating and tissue-bound autoantibodies directed against a 200 kD protein of the human dermis. We report a 78-year-old male who was presented with bullous eruptions on the trunk, extremities, which clinically resemble bullous pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa aquisita, linear IgA dermatosis or dermatitis herpetiformis. Oral muscosa of the lower lip was also affected. Histopathological examination of a skin biopsy specimen from the trunk revealed subepidermal blister and infiltration predominantly by neutrophils. Direct immunofluorescence revealed linear deposits of IgG, C3 and IgA at the basement membrane zone. Indirect immunofluorescence using salt-split skin showed that IgG antibodies bound on the dermal side. Immunoblotting with dermal extracts showed that the patient's IgG autoantibodies reacted with a 200 kD protein. The patient showed good response to dapsone.