Recurrent Quantification Analysis Based Study of Wide-Field Calcium Imaging Data in Relation to Brain's Wake/Sleep Condition

Wide-Field Calcium Images (WFCI) directly reflect neuronal excitation, but their poor frame rate could be a drawback for time series analysis. This work was aimed at exploring the diagnostic capability retained by a time series obtained from calcium imaging data. To that purpose, we analyzed publicly available data from 2.88 hour continuous recordings of calcium images obtained from seven mice at different wake/sleep stages. Data were obtained from the Physionet portal and were submitted to Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA). The association between retrosplenial and parietal areas was also assessed. Nonlinear RQA analysis allowed to identify the right retrosplenial and parietal areas as particularly sensitive to changes in sleep walking condition. Specifically, our results suggested that the RQA feature lmean decreases in non-REM sleep_1 stage as compared to waking stage. Sleep (both sleep_1 stage and REM) apparently elicits an increase in the association between retrosplenial and parietal areas. Overall, these results suggest that RQA and association analysis are appropriate to assess modifications associated to changes in brain condition, in spite of the low sampling rate of WFCI signals.

Las Imágenes de Calcio de Campo Ancho (Wide-Field Calcium Images, WFCI) reflejan directamente la excitación neuronal, pero su escasa resolución temporal pudiera resultar un impedimento para el análisis de series temporales. El presente trabajo tuvo por finalidad explorar la capacidad diagnostica que retiene una serie temporal extraída de imágenes de calcio. Para ello, se estudió una base de datos disponible en la red que contiene registros de 2.88 horas de duración de imágenes de calcio correspondientes a 7 ratones transgénicos a diferentes estadios de sueño/vigilia. Los datos fueron descargados del portal Physionet y sometidos a Análisis de Cuantificación Recurrente (Recurrent Quantification Analysis, RQA). La asociación entre las áreas retrosplenial y parietal derechas fue también evaluada. El análisis no lineal mediante RQA permitió identificar las áreas retrosplenial y parietal derechas como zonas particularmente sensibles a cambios en el estado de sueño/vigilia. Específicamente, nuestros resultados sugieren que el índice l mean se redujo en el estadio 1 de sueño no REM en comparación con el estado de vigilia. El estado de sueño, tanto REM como no-REM aparentemente induce un reforzamiento en la apreciación entre las áreas retrosplenial y parietal derechas. En su conjunto, estos resultados apuntan que el análisis de RQA y de asociación entre áreas son pertinentes para sensar las modificaciones asociadas a cambios en el estado del cerebro, a pesar de la baja resolución temporal de las señales WFCI.

Efficacy of fixed duration multidrug therapy for the treatment of multibacillary leprosy: A prospective observational study from Northern India

Background: In endemic regions of several countries, the prevalence of leprosy has not come down to the level of elimination. On the contrary, new cases are being detected in large numbers. Clinically, it is frequently noted that despite completion of multibacillary multidrug therapy for 12 months, the lesions remain active, especially in cases with high bacteriological indices. Aim: The present study focused on finding out the viable number of Mycobacterium leprae during the 12-month regimen of multibacillary multidrug therapy, at six and 12 months intervals and, attempting to determine their role in disease transmission. Methods: Seventy eight cases of multibacillary leprosy cases were recruited from leprosy patients registered at The Leprosy Mission hospitals at Shahdara (Delhi), Naini (Uttar Pradesh) and Champa (Chhattisgarh), respectively. Slit skin smears were collected from these patients which were transported to the laboratory for further processing. Ribonucleic acid was extracted by TRIzol method. Total Ribonucleic acid was used for real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (two-step reactions). A standard sample with a known copy number was run along with unknown samples for a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Patients were further assessed for their clinical and molecular parameters during 6th month and 12th month of therapy. Results: All 78 new cases showed the presence of a viable load of bacilli at the time of recruitment, but we were able to follow up only on 36 of these patients for one year. Among these, using three different genes, 20/36 for esxA, 22/36 for hsp18 and 24/36 for 16S rRNA cases showed viability of M. leprae at the time of completion of 12 months of multidrug therapy treatment. All these positive patients were histopathologically active and had bacillary indexes ranging between 3+ and 4+. Patients with a high copy number of the Mycobacterium leprae gene, even after completion of treatment as per WHO recommended fixed-dose multidrug therapy, indicated the presence of live bacilli. Limitations: Follow up for one year was difficult, especially in Delhi because of the migratory nature of the population. Patients who defaulted for scheduled sampling were not included in the study. Conclusion: The presence of a viable load of bacilli even after completion of therapy may be one of the reasons for relapse and continued transmission of leprosy in the community

GC-FID guided Identification and Quantification of detectable Phytochemicals in selected Commercial Chamomile Herbal Tea

Background and objective: Phytochemicals are plant-based bioactive ingredients found in tea, fruits, and vegetables with multiple health benefits. This study aimed to identify and quantify the detectable phytochemicals in selected products of chamomile herbal tea (CHT) using the Gas Chromatography - Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) approach. Methods: Selected CHTs were coded as CHT-A to CHT-G. CHT-F was crude and unbranded however, CHT-G was an oil extract of CHT. Ethanolic extracts of CHT were analysed and quantified for their phytoconstituents using the GC-FID method. Results: Phytochemicals detected in their order of abundance in most CHTs were flavonoids > glycosides > alkaloids > steroids > anti-nutrients > saponins > tannins > resveratrol. The flavonoids comprised rutin > flavanone > flavone > anthocyanin > epicatechin > kaempferol > naringenin > proanthocyanin, etc. where the glycosides found in each CHT involved cardiac and cyanogenic glycosides. Alkaloids were highest in CHT-A as ribalinidine > spartein > lunamarin with ephedrine detected just in CHT-B, CHT-C, CHT-D, CHT-E and CHT-F. Saponins occurred in four samples mainly as sapogenin. Anti-nutrients were detected in each CHT and included the phytates and oxalates. Resveratrol was detected in three samples only. Conclusion: Most of the CHTs evaluated showed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, steroids, anti-nutrients, saponins, tannins and resveratrol.

Host cell protein quantification workflow using optimized standards combined with data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry / 药物分析学报

Monitoring of host cell proteins(HCPs)during the manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies(mAb)has become a critical requirement to provide effective and safe drug products.Enzyme-linked immunosor-bent assays are still the gold standard methods for the quantification of protein impurities.However,this technique has several limitations and does,among others,not enable the precise identification of pro-teins.In this context,mass spectrometry(MS)became an alternative and orthogonal method that de-livers qualitative and quantitative information on all identified HCPs.However,in order to be routinely implemented in biopharmaceutical companies,liquid chromatography-MS based methods still need to be standardized to provide highest sensitivity and robust and accurate quantification.Here,we present a promising MS-based analytical workflow coupling the use of an innovative quantification standard,the HCP Profiler solution,with a spectral library-based data-independent acquisition(DIA)method and strict data validation criteria.The performances of the HCP Profiler solution were compared to more con-ventional standard protein spikes and the DIA approach was benchmarked against a classical data-dependent acquisition on a series of samples produced at various stages of the manufacturing process.While we also explored spectral library-free DIA interpretation,the spectral library-based approach still showed highest accuracy and reproducibility(coefficients of variation＜10％)with a sensitivity down to the sub-ng/mg mAb level.Thus,this workflow is today mature to be used as a robust and straightforward method to support mAb manufacturing process developments and drug products quality control.

Progress and prediction of multicomponent quantification in complex systems with practical LC-UV methods / 药物分析学报

Complex systems exist widely,including medicines from natural products,functional foods,and bio-logical samples.The biological activity of complex systems is often the result of the synergistic effect of multiple components.In the quality evaluation of complex samples,multicomponent quantitative analysis(MCQA)is usually needed.To overcome the difficulty in obtaining standard products,scholars have proposed achieving MCQA through the"single standard to determine multiple components(SSDMC)"approach.This method has been used in the determination of multicomponent content in natural source drugs and the analysis of impurities in chemical drugs and has been included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.Depending on a convenient(ultra)high-performance liquid chromatography method,how can the repeatability and robustness of the MCQA method be improved?How can the chromatography conditions be optimized to improve the number of quantitative components?How can computer software technology be introduced to improve the efficiency of multicomponent analysis(MCA)?These are the key problems that remain to be solved in practical MCQA.First,this review article summarizes the calculation methods of relative correction factors in the SSDMC approach in the past five years,as well as the method robustness and accuracy evaluation.Second,it also summarizes methods to improve peak capacity and quantitative accuracy in MCA,including column selection and two-dimensional chromatographic analysis technology.Finally,computer software technologies for predict-ing chromatographic conditions and analytical parameters are introduced,which provides an idea for intelligent method development in MCA.This paper aims to provide methodological ideas for the improvement of complex system analysis,especially MCQA.

Quantification of blood loss for the diagnosis of postpartum hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Cuantificación de la pérdida de sangre para el diagnóstico de hemorragia posparto: revisión sistemática y metanálisis / Quantificação da perda sanguínea para o diagnóstico de hemorragia pós-parto: revisão sistemática e metanálise

ABSTRACT Objective: to compare the effectiveness of different diagnostic methods to estimate postpartum blood volume loss. Methods: a systematic review of effectiveness according to PRISMA and JBI Protocol. Searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL, with descriptor "Postpartum Hemorrhage" associated with keyword "Quantification of Blood Loss". Tabulated extracted data, presented in metasynthesis and meta-analysis was applied to quantitative data. To assess risk of bias, JBI Appraisal Tools were applied. Results: fourteen studies were included, published between 2006 and 2021. Quantification of loss by any method was superior to visual estimation and is highly recommended, however the studies' high heterogeneity did not allow estimating this association. Conclusion: the studies' high heterogeneity, with a probable margin of error given the uncontrolled factors, indicates the need for further studies, however quantification proved to be effective in relation to visual estimate. PROSPERO registration CRD 42021234486.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar la efectividad de diferentes métodos diagnósticos para estimar la pérdida de volumen sanguíneo posparto. Métodos: revisión sistemática de efectividad según PRISMA y Protocolo JBI. Búsquedas en bases de datos: PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science y CINAHL, con el descriptor "Postpartum Hemorrhage" asociado a la palabra clave "Quantification of Blood Loss". Los datos extraídos tabulados fueron presentados en metasíntesis y metanálisis se aplicaron a los datos cuantitativos. Para evaluar el riesgo de sesgo, se aplicaron las herramientas de evaluación de JBI. Resultados: se incluyeron 14 estudios, publicados entre 2006 y 2021. La cuantificación de pérdida por cualquier método fue superior a la estimación visual y es muy recomendable, sin embargo, la alta heterogeneidad de los estudios no permitió estimar esta asociación. Conclusión: la alta heterogeneidad de los estudios, con probable margen de error dado el descontrol de los factores, indica la necesidad de más estudios, sin embargo la cuantificación demostró ser efectiva en relación a la estimación visual. Registro PRÓSPERO CRD 42021234486.

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar a efetividade de diferentes métodos diagnósticos para estimar a perda volêmica sanguínea pós-parto. Métodos: revisão sistemática de efetividade, de acordo com protocolo PRISMA e JBI. Buscas nas bases PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science e CINAHL, com o descritor "Postpartum Hemorrhage" associado à palavra-chave "Quantification of Blood Loss". Dados extraídos tabulados, apresentados em metassíntese, e aplicou-se metanálise para dados quantitativos. Para avaliar o risco de viés, aplicou-se o JBI Appraisal Tools. Resultados: incluídos 14 estudos, publicados entre 2006 e 2021. A quantificação da perda por qualquer método apresentou superioridade em relação à estimativa visual, sendo altamente recomendada, porém a alta heterogeneidade dos estudos não permitiu estimar essa associação. Conclusão: a alta heterogeneidade dos estudos, com provável margem de erro dado aos fatores não controlados, indica a necessidade de realização de novos estudos, contudo a quantificação se mostrou efetiva em relação à estimativa visual. Registro PROSPERO CRD 42021234486.

¿A quiénes se cuenta? Narrativas sobre las métricas en salud de la población migrante venezolana en una zona de frontera en Colombia / Quem é contado? Narrativas sobre a métrica da saúde da população migrante venezuelana numa zona fronteiriça na Colômbia / Who counts? The health metric narratives of venezuelan migrants on the Colombian border

Resumen Colombia ha sido un país receptor de la migración venezolana originada por la situación sociopolítica del país vecino. Una de las necesidades para dar respuesta a esta crisis es la recolección de datos que permitan visibilizar y monitorear las condiciones de salud de esta población. A partir de un estudio cualitativo centrado en entrevistas y observación etnográfica, el artículo se orienta a caracterizar las variadas dinámicas de inclusión y de exclusión que forman parte de la producción de datos en salud de la población migrante en Cúcuta, un territorio de la frontera colombo-venezolana. A partir de las narrativas de diversos actores que, en el territorio, trabajan directamente en la recolección, el análisis y el uso de datos de salud de la población migrante, el articulo problematiza la construcción de la categoría migrante dentro de las métricas, develando aquello que se visibiliza y aquello que se ignora en el proceso sociotécnico que está detrás de la construcción de estos datos.

Resumo A Colômbia tem sido um país receptor da migração venezuelana devido à situação sociopolítica do país vizinho. Uma das necessidades para responder a esta crise é a coleta de dados que permitam visualizar e monitorizar as condições de saúde desta população. Com base num estudo qualitativo centrado em entrevistas e observação etnográfica, o artigo centra-se na caracterização das diferentes dinâmicas de inclusão e exclusão que fazem parte da produção de dados de saúde sobre a população migrante em Cúcuta, um território fronteiriço colombiano-venezuelano. Com base nas narrativas de vários atores que trabalham diretamente a nível territorial na coleta, análise e utilização de dados de saúde sobre a população migrante, o artigo problematiza a construção da categoria de "migrante" dentro da métrica, revelando o que é visível e o que é ignorado no processo sociotécnico por trás da construção destes dados.

Abstract Colombia has been a destination country of Venezuelan migration originated by the socio-political situation of the neighboring country. One of the needs to respond to this crisis is the collection of data to make visible and monitor the health conditions of this population. Based on a qualitative study centered on interviews and ethnographic observation, the article focuses on characterizing the different inclusion and exclusion dynamics in the production of health data of the migrant population in Cúcuta, a Colombian-Venezuelan border territory. Based on the narratives of various actors who work directly at the territorial level in the collection, analysis and use of health data of the migrant population, the article problematizes the construction of the category of "migrant" within the metrics, revealing what is visible and what is ignored in the socio-technical process behind the construction of these data.

Simultaneously quantitative analysis of 35 components in gualoupi injection using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry / 药学学报

A hydrophilic interaction chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for simultaneous quantification of 35 components in gualoupi injection. The analytes were separated with an ACQUITY XBridge Amide column using 20 mmol·L-1 ammonium formate aqueous solution (pH 3.0) as mobile phase A and 20 mmol·L-1 ammonium formate (pH 3.0)∶acetonitrile (1∶9) as mobile phase B for gradient elution. Mass spectrometry with dynamic multiple reaction monitoring and external standard method were used for quantitative analysis. A total of 35 components were determined in 10 batches of gualoupi injection. The results showed that the 35 compounds had a good linear relationship within their respective concentration ranges with the correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.998 0), the recoveries ranged from 76.6% to 118.5%. The results showed that γ-aminobutyric acid, trigonelline, alanine, threonine, homoserine, citrulline, and leucine were abundant in gualoupi injection, while nicotinamide, methylsuccinic acid, cytosine and choline account for a low percentege. The present study provides an important reference for elucidation of the effective material basis and the improvement of quality standard of gualoupi injection.

iTRAQ-based Proteomic Analysis of Serum Differential Proteins from Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Patients Before and After Qishun Baolier Treatment / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveHenoch-Schönlein purpura（HSP） is one of the dominant diseases in Mongolian medicine. Qishun Baolier（QSBLE）， as the main prescription for the treatment of HSP， has significant clinical effect， but its mechanism is not yet clear. Baed on this， this study is intended to screen the differentially expressed proteins before and after treatment， and preliminarily explore the molecular mechanism of QSBLE in the treatment of HSP. MethodTaking oneself as the control， 30 HSP patients aged 6-45 years were collected， and QSBLE was taken orally at 12：00 and 24：00， respectively. The dose was adjusted according to age and the course of treatment was one week. The distribution of proteinuria， hematuria and skin purpura of all patients were determined before and after treatment. The serum samples of 10 patients with clinically significant remission after QSBLE treatment were randomly selected for proteomics. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification（iTRAQ） combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry（LC-MS/MS） was used to analyze the proteins in serum of HSP patients before and after treatment， and differential proteins were analyzed bioinformatically and the protein-protein interaction（PPI） networks were constructed. ResultA total of 378 proteins were identified from serum， including 18 differentially expressed proteins， of which 15 proteins were up-regulated and 3 proteins were down regulated. Bioinformatics showed that the differential proteins were mainly involved in biological processes such as immune response， immunoglobulin production， phagocytosis， adaptive immune response before and after treatment. Biological processes， pathways and proteins were used to construct the PPI network， the proteins represented by immunoglobulin heavy constant γ1（IGHG1）， immunoglobulin λ-chain 7-43（IGLV7-43）， gelsolin（GSN） and 60 kDa heat shock protein（HSPD1） were involved in biological processes and related pathways such as adaptive immune response， immunoglobulin production， leukocyte-mediated immunity， regulation of stress response， regulation of immune system processes， regulation of trauma response， and these proteins were at the center of the PPI network. ConclusionQSBLE may play a role in the treatment of HSP by regulating the expression of IGHG1， IGLV7-43， GSN， HSPD1 and other key proteins to affect immune-related biological processes.

Molecular quantification for quality control of Jinqian Baihuashe in Jinlong Capsule / 药学学报

The quality control of Chinese patent medicines containing animal-derived crude drugs is relatively difficult, because the effective constituents of most animal-derived crude drugs remain unknown. Even if there are relevant methods, they are usually qualitative, and quantitative indicators are either lacking or have poor specificity. This paper has proposed to use molecular quantitative technology to control the quality of Chinese patent medicines containing animal-derived crude drugs. In this study, a molecular quantitative method based on fluorescence quantitative PCR was established for the determination of Jinqian Baihua She in Jinlong Capsule. The method has good specificity, sensitivity, and repeatability. There is a good linear relationship between the content of DNA fragments and the CT (cycle threshold) value. The content of the Bungarus multicinctus-specific fragment in Jinlong Capsule is 24.1-46.6 IU·mg-1. It is suggested that the content of the specific fragment of Jinqian Baihua She should not be less than 19.3 IU·mg-1 as one of the quality control criteria of Jinlong Capsule. The study can provide a reference for the quality control of Chinese patent medicines containing animal-derived crude drugs.

Applicability verification of Lowry2 method for protein content determination of intermediate products of component pertussis vaccine / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To verify the applicability of Lowry2 method[the second method of Folin-phenol method of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(VolumeⅢ,2020 edition)]for the determination of protein content of intermediate products of component pertussis vaccine.Methods The standard and sample were precipitated and pretreated with deoxycholate and trichloroacetic acid to remove impurities,and then reacted with Folin-phenol,and the absorbance was measured at 750 nm wavelength.The standard curve was drawn with the concentration and absorbance of the standard,and the sample concentration was calculated. The method was verified for the specificity,linearity,accuracy and precision,and used to detect the protein content of intermediate products of three batches of component pertussis vaccine.Results There was no significant difference between the protein content in background buffer of intermediate product detected by this method and that in ultrapure water(t = 0. 277～1. 178,P = 0. 304～0. 795);The linear relationship of standard curve was good at the protein concentration of 0～50 μg/mL,each R~2> 0. 98;The spike recovery of accuracy verification was in the range of 90%～110%;The RSDs of repeatability and intermediate precision verification were both less than 3%. The detection results of protein content in the intermediate products of three batches of component pertussis vaccine all met the requirements of internal manufacturing and verification regulations.Conclusion Lowry2 method has good specificity,accuracy and precision,and can be used to determine the protein content of component pertussis intermediate products,which provides a basis for the applicability of Lowry2 method.

Evaluation of functional tricuspid regurgitant valves and right heart structural and functional changes by four-dimensional auto quantitative techniques / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To comprehensively evaluate the tricuspid valve, right heart anatomical characteristics and related dynamic parameters in patients with different degrees of functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) using four-dimensional auto tricuspid valve quantitative(4D Auto TVQ), four-dimensional auto right ventricle quantitative(4D Auto RVQ), and four-dimensional auto left atrium quantitative(4D Auto LAQ), and to investigate the structural and functional changes of the tricuspid valve and right heart in them.Methods:Sixty-three patients with FTR diagnosed by echocardiography at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from February to July 2022 were prospectively selected as the case group, including 30 patients with mild FTR and 33 patients with moderate or above FTR, and 30 healthy subjects were selected as the control group. Transthoracic echocardiography was used for two-dimensional and three-dimensional image acquisition of the heart. The tricuspid regurgitation volume, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), right ventricular global strain (RVGS) were measured by 2D images, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) were measured from the tricuspid regurgitation pressure difference. The 3D images were imported into EchoPAC 204 to obtain the tricuspid valve, right heart structure and related dynamic parameters. The annulus area (AA), annulus perimeter(AP), spherical index (SI), annulus area change fraction (AC), coaptation point height (CPH), and tenting volume (TV) were measured by 4D Auto TVQ. The right atrial maximum volume (RAVmax) and right atrial minimum volume (RAVmin) were measured by 4D Auto LAQ. Right ventricular end-diastolic volume (RVEDV), right ventricular end-systolic volume (RVESV), right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were measured by 4D Auto RVQ. After standardizing the dimension parameters with body surface area (BSA), the differences in the above parameters were compared between the three groups, the correlation between regurgitant volume and each parameter was compared by correlation analysis, and the independent factors of increased tricuspid regurgitant volume were investigated by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.Results:There were statistically significant differences in PASP, AA/BSA, AP/BSA, AC, TV, RAVmax/BSA, RAVmin/BSA, RVFAC, RVGS, and TAPSE between the three groups (all P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in LVEF, CPH, RVEDV/BSA, and RVESV/BSA in the moderate and above FTR group compared with the control and mild FTR groups (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that RAVmin was the most highly correlated with tricuspid regurgitant volume ( r=0.875, P<0.001) and TV and end-systolic annulus area(ESAA) were highly correlated with tricuspid regurgitant volume ( r=0.747, 0.683; both P<0.001) in patients with FTR. Multifactorial linear regression showed that RAVmin, TV and regurgitant volume were independently positively correlated (β=0.721, 0.205; both P<0.05). Conclusions:The four quantification technique can provide valid structural and functional information by quantifying the tricuspid valve as well as the right heart in patients with FTR, and RAVmin and TV are independent correlates of increased tricuspid regurgitant volume.

Application of ultrasound shear wave elastography in the prediction of clinically relevant post-operative pancreatic fistula after pancreatectomy: a prospective study / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To quantitatively evaluate the stiffness of pancreatic parenchyma and lesions by virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification (VTIQ) technique, and to investigate the potential usefulness of ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) in the prediction of clinically relevant post-operative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreatectomy.Methods:Patients who scheduled to receive pancreatectomy were prospectively enrolled in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from March 2021 to December 2021. VTIQ assessment was applied to patients within one week before the scheduled surgery to make quantitative SWE evaluation of target tissue. The SWV values of body part pancreatic parenchyma and lesions were measured and recorded. The palpation stiffness of pancreas was qualitatively evaluated during the operation by the surgeon.CR-POPF was diagnosed according to 2016 International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) standard.Grade B/C pancreatic fistula was defined as CR-POPF positive. Recognized peri-operative risk factors of CR-POPF were analyzed. ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of SWV value in predicting CR-POPF.Results:A total of 72 patients were finally enrolled in this study, including 47 (65.3%, 47/72) patients who received pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and 25 (34.7%, 25/72) patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy. CR-POPF occurred in 22 (30.6%, 22/72) patients after pancreatectomy. The SWV value of body part pancreatic parenchyma was significant lower in CR-POPF positive group than in CR-POPF negative group ( P<0.001). There was no significant difference in lesion SWV value between CR-POPF positive and negative groups ( P=0.664). Besides, the palpation stiffness was no difference between the two groups ( P=0.689). Taking SWV value of pancreatic parenchyma >1.16 m/s as a cut-off value for predicting CR-POPF, the area under the ROC curve (AUROC) was 0.816 with 0.760 of sensitivity, 0.634 of specificity, 67.5% of positive predictive value and 72.5% of negative predictive value, respectively. Conclusions:The VTIQ method may improve the objectivity and accuracy of CR-POPF prediction via pre-operative, non-invasive and quantitative evaluation of pancreatic stiffness, which has potential value in clinical applications.

Evaluation of left atrial function and predictive value of risk stratification in patients with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy by four-dimensional automatic left atrial quantitative analysis / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the change of left atrial volume and function in patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) by four-dimensional automatic left atrial quantitative analysis (4D LAQ) and analyze the predictive value of risk stratification.Methods:A total of 60 patients diagnosed with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from March to December 2021 were randomly enrolled, which were divided into gestational hypertension group (low risk group, n=30) and preeclampsia group (medium and high risk group, n=30) according to the disease development and risk stratification method reported in the literature; another 30 healthy pregnant women matched for age, gestational weeks and body mass index were selected as the control group. Left atrial anteroposterior diameter (LAd), interventricular septum thickness (IVSd), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVd), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMI), peak early diastolic (E) and late diastolic (A) velocities of mitral inflow, and e′ values on the septal and lateral mitral annulus sides were routinely measured to calculate E/A and E/e′ values. Left atrial volume and strain parameters were obtained using 4D LAQ technique, including left atrial minimum volume (LAVmin), left atrial maximum volume (LAVmax), left atrial presystolic volume (LAVpreA), left atrial maximum volume index (LAVImax), left atrial inflation index (LAEI), left atrial stroke volume (LAEV), left atrial fraction (LAEF), longitudinal strain of left atrial reserve, conduit and systolic period (LASr, LAScd, LASct), circumferential strain of left atrial reserve, conduit and systolic period(LASr-c, LAScd-c, LASct-c). The differences among the three groups were compared. Multiple Logistics regression analysis was used to obtain the relevant indicators of risk stratification of HDPs and ROC curves were used for assessment. Results:Compared with the control group, E/e′, LAVmin, LAVpreA, LAScd, and LAScd-c increased, and LAEI, LAEF, LApEF, LASr, and LASr-c decreased in the gestational hypertension group (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group and gestational hypertension group, LAd, IVSd, LVd, LVMI, E/e′ LAVmin, LAVmax, LAVpreA, LAVImax, LAEV, LAScd, and LAScd-c increased, and LVEF, LAEF, LAEI, LApEF, LASr, and LASr-c decreased in the preeclamptic group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The results of multiple Logistics regression showed that LAVmax, LAScd-c and LASr were the indicators relevant to risk stratification of HDPs(β=0.344, 0.216 and -0.249, respectively, all P<0.05). ROC analysis showed when the cut-off value of left atrial strain parameter LASr was 30.5%, the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.725, 0.58, 0.90, respectively; when the cut-off value of LAVmax was 44.5 ml, the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.662, 0.80, and 0.56, respectively; and when the cut-off value of LAScd-c was -17.5%, the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.706, 0.56, and 0.78, respectively. Conclusions:Left atrial remodeling occured in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders, their reserve and conduit function were impaired, and aggravated with the progress of the disease. The four-dimensional parameters LASr, LAVmax, and LAScd-c were relevant indicators for risk stratification of HDPs. In predicting the severity of HDPs, LASr has high diagnostic value and good specificity; LAVmax and LAScd-c can be considered as supplementary parameters to predict the risk stratification of HDPs.

Application of high-frequency ultrasound combined with virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification for assessing limb muscle tone after stroke / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of high-frequency ultrasound combined with virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification in the assessment of limb muscle tension after stroke in patients.Methods:A total of 31 patients with stroke who received treatment in Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2020 to May 2022 and 41 healthy controls who concurrently underwent physical examination in the same hospital were included in this study. Before rehabilitation treatment, the shear wave velocity of the main muscle groups of the limbs was measured using virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification in all participants. The shear wave velocity of the main muscle groups was compared between the affected and healthy sides of patients between two sides of patients. The patient's muscle tension was evaluated using the modified Ashworth Scale. The shear wave velocity of the affected muscle groups in patients was correlated with the modified Ashworth Scale score.Results:There were no significant differences in the shear wave velocities of the main muscle groups of upper (biceps, flexor digitorum sublimis, flexor digitorum profundus) and lower [medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle] limbs between the left [(2.46 ± 0.26) m/s, (2.81 ± 0.50) m/s, (2.96 ± 0.31) m/s, (2.49 ± 0.44) m/s, (2.21 ± 0.20) m/s] and right [(2.42 ± 0.29) m/s, (2.80 ± 0.47) m/s, (3.02 ± 0.36) m/s, (2.54 ± 0.37) m/s, (2.18 ± 0.17) m/s] sides in healthy controls ( t = 0.78, 0.04, 0.83, 0.58, 1.15, P = 0.435, 0.967, 0.405, 0.558, 0.216). The shear wave velocities of the main muscle groups of upper [flexor digitorum sublimis (3.74 ± 0.67) m/s, flexor digitorum profundus (3.64 ± 0.60) m/s), biceps (3.63 ± 0.64) m/s] and lower [medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle (3.28 ± 0.61) m/s, lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle (2.90 ± 0.37) m/s] limbs on the affected side in patients with stroke were significantly higher than (2.56 ± 0.40) m/s, (2.67 ± 0.38) m/s, (2.78 ± 0.41) m/s, (2.30 ± 0.21) m/s, (2.25 ± 0.23) m/s on the healthy side ( t = 11.81, 8.21, 8.75, 8.91, 10.43, all P < 0.001). The shear wave velocities of the main muscle groups of the upper (flexor digitorum sublimis, flexor digitorum profundus, and biceps) and lower (medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle and lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle) limbs were positively correlated with the modified Ashworth Scale score ( r = 0.77, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.78, P = 0.007, 0.029, 0.021, 0.016, 0.001). Conclusion:Monitoring the shear wave velocities of the main muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs using high-frequency ultrasound combined with virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification can effectively reflect the change in limb muscle tension of patients with stroke, which is highly valuable for evaluating rehabilitation efficacy and prognosis in patients with stroke.

Cuantificación de la extrasistolía supraventricular y ventricular en el Holter de 24 horas: significación pronóstica en estudios actuales

En la actualidad existen diferencias en la interpretación y cuantificación de los extrasístoles supraventriculares y ventriculares en el Holter de ritmo cardíaco y no existe siempre una misma definición e interpretación de lo que se denomina como "escaso", "ocasional", "frecuente" o "muy frecuente". El objetivo del presente trabajo ha sido revisar las evidencias actuales y sus fundamentos en relación a la cuantificación o carga de la extrasistolía supraventricular y ventricular en un Holter de ritmo cardíaco, lo que debiera contribuir a una mayor precisión y mejor interpretación de la información cuantitativa en la práctica clínica diaria con este examen. Se revisa en la literatura el concepto de carga de extrasístoles supraventriculares y ventriculares y su relación con eventos clínicos: fibrilación auricular y accidente cerebrovascular en el caso de la extrasistolía supraventricular y mortalidad post infarto y deterioro de la función ventricular en el caso de la extrasistolía ventricular. De esta manera se cuantifica en base a la evidencia la extrasistolía supraventricular y ventricular.

Considerable differences exist in the quantification and clinical significance of both supraventricular and ventricular extrasystoles found in Holter recordings. Usually extrasystoles were classified as rare, occasional, frequent and very frequent. Current publications were analyzed regarding the frequency and clinical significance or these arrhythmias, especially in in relation to prior myocardial infarction, ventricular dysfunction, atrial fibrillation and cerebro vascular events. Tables showing limits to define the severity of supraventricular and ventricular extrasystoles are included.

Comparison of circulating DNA in malignant neoplasia from diverse locations: Investigating a diagnostic role

Context: Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) analysis has emerged as novel noninvasive diagnostic biomarker in several solid tumors. Raised levels have been reported in several malignancies and may correlate with clinicopathological and treatment response. The current study was designed to assess the diagnostics of cfDNA in different tumor types of malignancies correlating with tumor (T), nodes (N), and metastases (M) stage. Design: Serum samples were collected from treatment naïve cases with histologically diagnosed tumors including 23 brain tumors, 48 breasts, 50 gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), 13 lungs, 68 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and 25 normal controls. CfDNA was quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) using beta-globin gene amplification. Cut off values for diagnostics were calculated using receiver operating curve analysis. Results: Contrary to other cfDNA studies where it was postulated that cfDNA would not cross the blood–brain barrier and reach the systemic circulation, we found detectable cfDNA in glioma with median (Q1–Q3) of 349.22 ng/ml (19.87–1276.58). Median cfDNA concentration in breast, gallbladder, lung, oral and normal controls was 328.72 (128.38–624.44), 778.50 (589.88–1864.35), 348.73 (194.67–483.61), 386.27 (47.88–959.67), and 74.12 (49.66–120.00), respectively. Grades I and II glioma had significantly lower levels compared to Grades III and IV (P = 0.0001). Significant difference in median cfDNA values in IDC and GBC was observed with increasing tumor grades, stage, T stage, nodal stage and metastasis and with stage of OSCC cases. Conclusion: CfDNA levels showed good diagnostic discrimination in glioma, GBC, breast, lung carcinoma, and OSCC. Significant increase in titers was evident with increase in cancer stage from I to IV in breast, GBC and OSCC.

Identificación oportuna del sangrado anormal postparto: método gravimétrico para cuantificar sangrado. Proyecto de mejora / Timely detection of abnormal postpartum bleeding: use of the gravimetric method to quantify bleeding. Improvement project

Resumen: Introducción: La hemorragia postparto es una entidad que no se detecta oportunamente con la estimación visual del sangrado. Material y métodos: Se implementó un protocolo estandarizado de cuantificación gravimétrica del sangrado postparto en pacientes sometidas a cesárea. Un estudio prospectivo, comparativo, no aleatorizado determinó el cumplimiento del protocolo, frecuencia proporcional del sangrado postparto anormal, basal y postintervención de mejora; y asociación entre metodologías de evaluación del sangrado y clasificación del sangrado. Pruebas z, Fisher, p < 0.05 significativa. Resultados: El cumplimiento del protocolo estandarizado fue 53% (± 0.18). En el grupo postintervención de mejora, la frecuencia del sangrado anormal postparto se incrementó en 30% con respecto al grupo basal (p < 0.05). Se demostró asociación significativa entre la cuantificación gravimétrica del sangrado postparto, y el sangrado postparto anormal. Conclusión: La implementación del protocolo de cuantificación gravimétrica del sangrado postparto fue posible, permitió mejorar la capacidad de identificación del sangrado postparto anormal en pacientes sometidas a cesárea.

Abstract: Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage is a complication, that is not timely detected with the visual estimation of bleeding. Material and methods: A standardized protocol for the gravimetric quantification of postpartum bleeding was implemented to improve the ability to identify abnormal bleeding in patients undergoing caesarean section. A prospective, comparative, non-randomized study evaluated the improvement intervention. Compliance with the protocol, classification of postpartum bleeding before and after intervention; and the association between methodologies for assessing bleeding and postpartum bleeding classification were determined. Fisher z tests, p < 0.05 significant. Results: Compliance with the standardized protocol was 53% (± 0.18). In the post-intervention group, the frequency of abnormal postpartum bleeding increased by 30% with respect to the baseline group (p < 0.05). A significant association was demonstrated between gravimetric quantification of postpartum bleeding and abnormal postpartum bleeding. Conclusion: The implementation of the protocol for the gravimetric quantification of postpartum bleeding was possible. It improved the ability to identify abnormal postpartum bleeding in patients undergoing cesarean section.

Rapid quantitative analysis of 12 chemical constituents in wild-simulated and cultivated Astragali Radix based on UHPLC-MS / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Astragali Radix (AR) is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) for tonic, which can be divided into wild-simulated and cultivated AR according to its cultivation method. However, whether cultivated AR can replace wild-simulated AR has always been a concern. Methods: In this study, a rapid, highly sensitive and specific analytical method using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) was developed to quantitatively measure 12 chemical constituents of AR in the different cultivation methods. Results: AR samples were analyzed with a good linear regression relationship (R

Phytochemical investigation on Vitex negundo leaves and their anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities

Abstract The phytochemical investigation on Vitex negundo leaves has led to the isolation of one new iridoid glucoside (8α-hydroxy-4-carboxyl-5ßH-9ßH-iridoid-1α-O-(6'-O-(6,7-dihydrofoliamenthonyl)-ß-ᴅ-glucopyranoside, 3), together with three known compounds, namely agnuside (1), 6'-O-E-caffeoylmussaenosidic acid (2), and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (4). The HPLC analytical study was also performed to quantify the content of agnuside (1) in dried leaves. The results indicated the very high content of 1 (3.04 ± 0.02%). The method was also validated by various parameters, including linearity (R2= 0.9999), precision (intra-day RSD ≤ 2.50%, inter-day RSD= 0.76%), and accuracy (recovery rates 96.58-101.86%). The animal testing data showed that the extract did not reduce pain at the doses of 9.6 and 28.8 g /kg (leaf weight/body weight) in the hot plates and pain measuring models but showed the pain reduction in the acetic acid-induced pain model. The extract at the dose of 5.6 g/kg (leaf weight/body weight) also had effects on the acute inflammation in the carrageenin-induced edema model. The extract at the dose 9.6 and 28.8 g/kg (leaf weight/body weight) also showed significant chronic anti-inflammation, comparable to methylprednisolone at the dose 10 mg/kg on the mouse peritoneal