New formulations of fermented milk drinks with fruit pulp added: Physicochemical characteristics during storage and nutritional profile

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional profile and the physicochemical characteristics during storage of newly developed formulations of fermented milk drinks with added pineapple, mango and passion fruit pulp. The fermented drinks showed a high content of protein, iron, and calcium. The passion fruit milk drink had the lowest pH (4.13) and highest acidity (0.95%, expressed in % of lactic acid), which was significantly different (p<0.05) from the pineapple and mango drinks. As for syneresis and sedimentation, the pineapple milk drink had the highest rates at 14 days storage, with 34.33% and 6.50%, respectively and was significantly different (p≤0.05) when compared to the mango and passion fruit milk drinks. In conclusion, newly developed fermented milk drinks with added fruit pulp were a source of several nutrients. We observed physical-chemical characteristics suitable for a fermented milk product during storage.

El objetivo de este estudio fue el desarrollo de nuevas formulaciones de bebidas lácteas fermentadas adicionadas de piña, mango y maracuyá, para evaluar el perfil nutricional y las características fisicoquímicas durante el almacenamiento. Las bebidas fermentadas mostraron un alto contenido en proteínas, hierro y calcio. En cuanto a las características fisicoquímicas durante el almacenamiento, la bebida láctea de maracuyá presentó el pH más bajo (4,13) y la acidez más alta (0,95%, expresada en % de ácido láctico), con una diferencia significativa (p < 0,05), en comparación con las bebidas de piña y mango. En cuanto a sinéresis y sedimentación, la bebida láctea de piña presentó los mayores índices a los 14 días de almacenamiento, con 34,33% y 6,50%, respectivamente, y con diferencia significativa (p ≤ 0,05) al compararla con las bebidas lácteas de mango y maracuyá. En conclusión, las bebidas lácteas fermentadas con adición de pulpa de fruta son una fuente de varios nutrientes, y de características físico-químicas adecuadas para un producto lácteo fermentado durante el almacenamiento.

Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio for Predicting Coronary Artery Lesions in Children With Kawasaki Disease

Background: Coronary artery lesions (CAL) are a specific feature of Kawasaki disease (KD), and develop during the second week of illness. This study was conducted to determine whether Neutrophil: Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), assessed between the fourth and sixth day of fever onset in children with KD, can predict coronary artery lesion (CAL) development. Methods: In this review of hospital records, data of patients with KD admitted at our center between January, 2016 and January, 2020 was retrieved. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of CAL, and clinical characteristics of patients were compared between the two groups. Results: Out of the 79 patients enrolled, CAL was found in 40 (50.6%) patients and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) resistance was seen in 13 (16.5%) patients. Multivariate logistic regression revealed NLR as an independent predictor of CAL [OR (95% CI) 2.0 (1.2-3.1); P<0.001], and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) [OR (95% CI) 1.03 (1.001-1.1) P=0.04], as an independent predictor of IVIg resistance. NLR ?2.08 was 82% sensitive and 80% specific in predicting CAL. ESR ?88 mm/h was 85% sensitive and 64% specific in predicting IVIg resistance. Conclusions: NLR is an independent predictor of CAL in KD. NLR ?2.08 done between the fourth and sixth day of fever onset may identify children with KD at risk of CAL.

Correlation between the quartering method of nerve root subsidence sign and the cross-sectional area of the narrow segment thecal sac in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To study the correlation between the quartering of nerve root subsidence sign (NRS) and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the narrow segment thecal sac in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).Methods:The data of 203 LSS patients in the Fourth People′s Hospital of Hengshui from January 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent MRI cross sectional scanning. The patients were divided into positive type a group ( n=62), positive type b group ( n=32), positive type c group ( n=51), and negative group ( n=58) by NRS quartering method. The minimum CSA, median sagittal diameter (PAD), and lateral recess sagittal diameter of each group were compared. The correlation between NRS quartering classification and the minimum CSA and related indicators of lumbar spinal stenosis was analyzed. Results:The minimum CSA, PAD, and sagittal diameter of the lateral recess in the positive a group, positive b group, and positive c group were all smaller than those in the negative group, while the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were higher than those in the negative group; The minimum CSA, PAD, and sagittal diameter of the lateral recess in the positive b type and positive c type groups were smaller than those in the positive a type group, while the VAS score and ODI index were higher than those in the positive a type group; The minimum CSA, PAD, and sagittal diameter of the lateral recess in the positive c type group were smaller than those in the positive b type group; The VAS score and ODI index were higher than those of the positive b type group; The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). 203 patients were divided into 54 normal cases, 58 mild stenosis cases, 49 moderate stenosis cases, and 42 severe stenosis cases based on the minimum CSA. The coincidence rate between negative NRS and minimal CSA diagnosis as normal was 94.44%(51/54), the coincidence rate between positive type a and minimal CSA diagnosis as mild stenosis was 84.48%(49/58), the coincidence rate between positive type b and minimal CSA diagnosis as moderate stenosis was 53.06%(26/49), and the coincidence rate between positive type c and minimal CSA diagnosis as severe stenosis was 90.48%(38/42). Using the kappa consistency test, the kappa value for quantitative diagnosis of minimum CSA stenosis in NRS and LSS patients was 0.743, indicating good consistency. The kappa values for quantitative diagnosis of NRS, sagittal diameter of lateral recess, and PAD stenosis were 0.271 and 0.335, with poor consistency. NRS typing was negatively correlated with CSA and PAD ( r=-0.723, -0.581, all P<0.001), and positively correlated with VAS score and ODI index ( r=0.473, 0.640, all P<0.001). Conclusions:The NRS quartering method has a good consistency in diagnosing the severity of LSS patients and the minimum CSA of stenosis segments, suggesting that the NRS quartering method can better reflect the degree of Spinal stenosis, which can not only be used as an auxiliary indicator for qualitative diagnosis of LSS, but also has a high value in quantitative diagnosis.

The relationship between albumin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and the degree of coronary artery disease in children with Kawasaki disease / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between serum albumin (ALB), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and coronary artery disease in children with Kawasaki disease (KD).Methods:120 KD children diagnosed in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College from December 2016 to November 2021 were selected as the research objects. They were divided into observation group (KD with coronary artery disease) and control group (KD with coronary artery disease) according to whether they had coronary artery disease, with 60 cases in each group; the serum ALB, ESR, PLR, NLR values of the two groups of children were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the value of the above indicators in diagnosing KD children with coronary artery disease. The serum ALB, ESR, PLR, NLR levels of KD children with different degrees of coronary artery disease were analyzed.Results:The main manifestations of coronary artery disease in 60 children with KD combined with coronary artery disease were left main coronary artery and left anterior descending branch widening [56.67%(34/60)], left main coronary artery and left anterior descending branch widening [20.00%(12/60)], left anterior descending branch widening [16.67%(10/60)], left main coronary artery widening [11.67%(7/60)]. The serum ALB in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05), and ESR was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum PLR and NLR between observation group and control group (all P>0.05). The sensitivity, specificity and area under curve (AUC) value of serum ALB in diagnosing coronary artery disease in KD children were 73.61%, 78.42% and 0.813 respectively; The sensitivity, specificity and AUC of ESR in diagnosing coronary artery disease in KD children were 88.36%, 83.14% and 0.892 respectively; The sensitivity, specificity and AUC value of ESR combined with ALB in diagnosing coronary artery disease in KD children were 90.67%, 97.54% and 0.953 respectively. Among 60 children with KD complicated with coronary artery disease, 39 were diagnosed as coronary artery dilatation and 21 had coronary artery aneurysm. The serum ALB of children in the coronary artery aneurysm group was significantly lower than that in the coronary artery dilatation group ( P<0.05), and ESR was significantly higher than that in the coronary artery dilatation group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in PLR and NLR between the coronary artery aneurysm group and the coronary artery dilatation group (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Children with KD and coronary artery disease have lower serum ALB levels and higher ESR level. The above two indicators are of great value for the diagnosis of children with KD and coronary artery disease.

Clinical efficacy of etocoxib combined with low dose colchicine in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis in 37 patients / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of etocoxib combined with low-dose colchicine in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis in 37 patients.Methods:A total of 74 patients with acute gouty arthritis who received treatment in The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng from October 2019 to October 2021 were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to undergo treatment with etocoxib alone (control group, n = 37) or etocoxib combined with low-dose colchicine (observation group, n = 37). All patients were treated for 1 week. Clinical efficacy, Visual Analogue Scale score, laboratory indicators, incidence of adverse reactions, and Quality of Life Comprehensive Assessment Questionnaire-74 score were compared between the two groups. Results:The total response rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [95% (35/37) vs. 65% (24/37)]. At 1, 3, and 6 days after treatment, the Visual Analogue Scale score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( t = 19.77, 15.43, 29.01, all P < 0.001). After treatment, blood uric acid, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the observation group was (432.26 ± 31.26) μmol/L, (16.25 ± 1.62) mg/L, (31.26 ± 1.25) mm/h, respectively, which was significantly lower than (485.26 ± 39.62) μmol/L, (45.26 ± 3.88) mg/L, (46.52 ± 2.82) mm/h in the control group ( t = 6.39, 41.97, 30.09, all P < 0.001). Quality of Life Comprehensive Assessment Questionnaire-74 score in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( t = 13.41, 17.73, 16.09, 11.77, all P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Etocoxib combined with low-dose colchicine can effectively reduce pain and inflammatory reactions in patients with acute gouty arthritis and improve quality of life, with a low incidence of adverse reactions.

Analysis of misdiagnosed cases of neck, shoulder, waist and leg pain caused by bone metastases and early warning measures / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the cause of misdiagnosis of neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain caused by bone metastases and to improve the outpatient diagnosis rate.Methods:Five misdiagnosed cases of bone metastases who were admitted to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University from January 2019 to July 2020 were included in this study. Their clinical manifestations, diagnosis results (outside hospital diagnosis and outpatient diagnosis), and imaging manifestations were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Five cases of bone metastases were misdiagnosed to have cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, femoral head necrosis, femoral shaft fracture, and ankle sprain. Accelerated red blood cell sedimentation rate and increased C-reactive protein level were found in all five cases. Bone metastases were confirmed by X-ray, CT, and MRI examination results. All of them had warning signs for bone metastasis: age > 50 years, history of a tumor, unexplained weight loss, general malaise, neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain without an obvious cause, sudden worsening of pain, night pain, resting pain, pain on direct palpation, no obvious improvements in these symptoms after symptomatic treatment for 1 month, disease development not conforming to the general law of cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, femoral head necrosis, femoral shaft fracture, and ankle sprain, increases in red blood cell sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and alkaline phosphatase levels, which are not consistent with the symptoms of cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, femoral head necrosis, femoral shaft fracture, and ankle sprain, and slight external force leading to fractures.Conclusion:Further tests and imaging examinations should be performed according to warning signs. Clinical schemes of malignant bone tumors suitable for general practitioners can easily, economically, and effectively identify malignant bone tumors.

Study on fecal calprotectin in predicting disease activity and mucosal healing in patients with small intestinal Crohn′s disease / 中华消化杂志

Objective:To explore the differences of fecal calprotectin (FC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) between colon and small intestinal Crohn′s disease, and their predictive values for disease activity and mucosal healing in patients with small intestinal Crohn′s disease.Methods:From January 2017 to January 2023, 64 patients with Crohn′s disease who underwent capsule endoscopy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University were enrolled, among them 28 patients had only small intestinal lesions (small intestine group) and 36 patients had lesions involving both small intestine and colon or only colon involvement (ileocolon group). The FC, CRP, and ESR levels of the two groups were detected and compared 15 days before capsule endoscopy examination. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for statistical analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of FC, CRP, and ESR for disease activity and mucosal healing in patients with small intestinal Crohn′s disease.Results:The FC, CRP, and ESR levels of the small intestine group during the active phase of the disease were 1 689.00 μg/g (727.75 μg/g, 1 800.00 μg/g), 5.67 mg/L (1.00 mg/L, 17.01 mg/L), and 4.50 mm/1 h (2.00 mm/1 h, 11.00 mm/1 h), respectively; while FC, CRP, and ESR levels during the mucosal healing phase were 112.00 μg/g (46.50 μg/g, 130.50 μg/g), 1.00 mg/L (1.00 mg/L, 1.62 mg/L), and 2.00 mm/1 h (2.00 mm/1 h, 5.50 mm/1 h), respectively. The FC, CRP, and ESR levels of the ileocolon group during the active phase of the disease were 1 800.00 μg/g (895.50 μg/g, 1 800.00 μg/g), 4.94 mg/L (3.10 mg/L, 14.80 mg/L), and 10.00 mm/1 h (2.00 mm/1 h, 27.75 mm/1 h), respectively, while FC, CRP, and ESR levels during the mucosal healing phase were 66.00 μg/g (32.50 μg/g, 97.50 μg/g), 1.00 mg/L (1.00 mg/L, 1.55 mg/L), and 2.00 mm/1 h (2.00 mm/1 h, 4.50 mm/1 h), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in FC, CRP, and ESR between the small intestine group and the ileocolon group during the active phase of the disease and mucosal healing phase (all P> 0.05). In the small intestine group, the levels of FC and CRP of patients during the active phase of the disease were 1 173.00 μg/g (312.00 μg/g, 1 800.00 μg/g) and 2.10 mg/1 L (1.00 mg/L, 16.00 mg/L), which were both higher than those of patients during the mucosal healing phase (112.00 μg/g (46.50 μg/g, 130.50 μg/g) and 1.00 mg/L (1.00 mg/L, 1.62 mg/L)), and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=-4.35 and-2.67, P<0.001 and =0.008). In the small intestine group, the level of ESR of patients during the active phase of the disease was 4.00 mm/1 h (2.00 mm/1 h, 16.00 mm/1 h), and there was no significant difference compared with that of patients during the mucosal healing phase (2.00 mm/1 h (2.00 mm/1 h, 5.50 mm/1 h)) ( P>0.05). When the cut-off level of FC was 188.50 μg/g, the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve for predicting disease activity in patients with small intestinal Crohn′s disease was 93.3%, 100.0%, and 0.964, respectively. When the cut-off value of CRP was 3.12 mg/L, the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve for predicting disease activity in patients with small intestinal Crohn′s disease was 46.7%, 92.3%, and 0.744, respectively. When the cut-off level of ESR was 10.00 mm/1 h, the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve for predicting disease activity in patients with small intestinal Crohn′s disease was 33.3%, 100.0%, and 0.654, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the area under the curve between the combinations of FC and CRP, FC and ESR, FC, CRP and ESR, and FC alone for predicting disease activity in patients with small intestinal Crohn′s disease (0.964, 0.959, and 0.959 vs. 0.964, all P> 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the area under the curve between the combination of CRP and ESR and FC alone in predicting disease activity in patients with small intestinal Crohn′s disease (0.708 vs. 0.964, Z=-2.57, P=0.010). Conclusions:There are no statistically significant differences in FC, CRP, and ESR between colon and small intestinal Crohn′s disease. FC has a high predictive value for disease activity and mucosal healing in patients with small intestinal Crohn′s disease and has certain clinical application value.

The diagnostic value of some inflammatory markers for knee joint periprosthetic joint infection / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate/C-reactive protein (ECR), fibrinogen and D-dimer in periprosthetic infection after artificial knee replacement.Methods:A total of 205 patients, including 62 males and 143 females, aged 66.9±9.5 years (range 26-84 years), who underwent revision of artificial knee joint at Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected.122 cases of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), including 43 cases of acute infection; 79 cases of chronic infection (13 cases of chronic infection combined with rheumatoid arthritis were analyzed separately); there were 83 cases without PJI, including 73 cases of aseptic loosening, 8 cases of prosthesis dislocation and 2 cases of joint stiffness. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, fibrinogen and D-dimer levels were examined before surgery, and the sensitivity and specificity of the indicators were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The diagnostic value of different inflammatory markers was compared according to the area under curve (AUC).Results:The levels of ECR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and D-dimer in acute PJI group were 2.47±2.91, 50 (38, 62) mm/1 h, 31.6 (13.9, 79.3) mg/L, 4.25±0.94 g/L, 763 (453, 1 157) ng/ml, respectively. The chronic PJI group was 3.06±2.95, 50 (34, 64) mm/1 h, 20.4(12.7, 43.3) mg/L, 4.19±0.91 g/L, 586 (317, 1 122) ng/ml, and the non-PJI group was 6.20±4.64, 22 (15, 34) mm/1 h, 4.6 (2.7, 7.74) mg/L, 3.10±0.59 g/L and 363 (181, 591)ng/ml were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The AUC of ECR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and D-dimer in the acute PJI group were 0.82, 0.85, 0.90, 0.88, and 0.76, respectively.The optimal critical values were 2.89, 37.00 mm/1 h, 13.6 mg/L, 3.86 g/L, and 443.0 ng/ml, respectively, with sensitivity of 76.7%, 79.1%, 76.7%, 69.8%, and 82.4%, and specificity of 79.5%, 78.3%, 94.0%, 94.0%, 90.4%, and 63.8%, respectively. The AUC of ECR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and white blood cell count in the chronic PJI group were 0.77, 0.82, 0.87, 0.85, 0.67, and 0.63, respectively. The optimal critical values are 2.91, 33.00 mm/1 h, 10.9 mg/L, 4.01 g/L, 558.5 ng/ml, and 5.575×10 9 /L, respectively, with sensitivity of 68.2%, 78.8%, 81.8%, 63.6%, 57.9%, and 75.8%, and specificity of 79.5%, 73.5%, 88.0%, 95.2%, 72.5%, and 49.4%, respectively. Conclusion:Fibrinogen has a higher diagnostic value for knee joint PJI, followed by ECR, and D-dimer has the lowest diagnostic value for knee joint PJI.

Comparative study of reliability of inflammatory markers over 18-FDG−PET CT scan in monitoring skull base osteomyelitis / Estudo comparativo da confiabilidade entre marcadores inflamatórios e PET/TC com 18F-FDG no monitoramento da osteomielite da base do crânio

Abstract Introduction The end point of treatment in skull base osteomyelitis is a matter of debate. A treatment based on symptoms alone is fraught with recurrence. There is a need to restrict imaging though more informative. The inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate used commonly need a detailed evaluation to optimize its utility. Objectives To compare the diagnostic accuracy of inflammatory markers with a hybrid PET scan in monitoring skull base osteomyelitis. The secondary objective was to obtain a cut-off value of these markers to decide upon antibiotic termination. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care center with fifty-one patients with skull base osteomyelitis meeting eligibility criteria. Patients diagnosed with skull base osteomyelitis were serially monitored with weekly markers and PET scan after the initiation of treatment. A hybrid scan was taken at 6-8 weeks of treatment and repeated if required. The follow-up period varied from 6 weeks to 15 months. The outcome measures studied were the values of markers and the metabolic activity of PET scan when the patient became asymptomatic and when disease-free. Results C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate had a statistically significant correlation to disease activity in PET tomography scan as a prognostic marker. Both showed good clinical correlation. A cut off value of ≤ 3.6 mg/L for C-reactive protein and ≤ 35 mm/hour for erythrocyte sedimentation rate were taken as normalized values. Conclusion A consistent normalized value of C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate for 8-12 weeks in an asymptomatic patient may be an indicator of disease control, though not cure. So, relying solely on markers alone for antibiotic termination may cause relapse. It may be used cautiously in a peripheral setting without access to more specific hybrid scans. In a tertiary care, follow-up scans may be done based on the titres, thereby limiting the radiation exposure.

Resumo Introdução O endpoint do tratamento da osteomielite da base do crânio ainda é uma questão de debate. Um tratamento baseado apenas em sintomas é sujeito a altas taxas de recorrência. Por outro lado, embora sejam mais informativos, o uso dos exames de imagem tem sido cada vez mais restringido. Os marcadores inflamatórios como a proteína-C reativa e a velocidade de hemossedimentação, VHS, comumente usados, precisam de uma avaliação detalhada para aprimorar sua utilidade. Objetivos Comparar a acurácia diagnóstica de marcadores inflamatórios em relação à tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons, PET-TC, no monitoramento de osteomielite da base do crânio. O objetivo secundário foi obter um valor de corte desses marcadores para decidir sobre o momento da interrupção do antibiótico. Método Um estudo de coorte prospectivo foi conduzido em um centro de atendimento terciário com 51 pacientes com osteomielite da base do crânio que atendiam aos critérios de elegibilidade. Os pacientes com diagnóstico de osteomielite da base do crânio foram monitorados semanalmente por meio de exames seriados de marcadores e PET-CT após o início do tratamento. O exame de imagem foi feito em 6 a 8 semanas de tratamento e repetido se necessário. O período de acompanhamento variou de 6 semanas a 15 meses. As medidas de desfecho estudadas foram os valores dos marcadores inflamatórios e a atividade metabólica obtida por PET-CT quando o paciente se tornou assintomático e quando estava livre da doença. Resultados Proteína-C reativa e VHS apresentaram uma correlação estatisticamente significante com a atividade da doença ao PET-TC como marcadores prognósticos. Ambos mostraram boa correlação clínica. Um valor de corte de ≤ 3,6 mg/L para proteína-C reativa e ≤ 35 mm/hora para VHS foi considerado como normalizado. Conclusão Um valor normalizado consistente de proteína-C reativa e VHS por 8 a 12 semanas em um paciente assintomático pode ser um indicador de doença controlada, embora não de cura. Portanto, o uso apenas nesses marcadores para a interrupção do antibiótico pode ser causa de recidiva. Eles devem ser usados com cautela quando não há acesso a exames mais específicos. Em centros de atendimento terciários, o seguimento com exames de imagem pode ser feito com base nos títulos desses marcadores inflamatórios, o que limita a exposição dos pacientes à radiação.

Values of combined detection of indexes related to serum inflammation and platelet in diagnosis of chronic periprosthetic joint infection / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the values of combined detection of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), platelet count (PC), platelet count/mean platelet volume (PC/MPV) and platelet plateletcrit (PCT) in the diagnosis of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).Methods:From January 2013 to December 2019, 441 patients underwent hip or knee joint revision at Department of Articular Surgery, The First Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University. The patients were divided into a chronic PJI group and an aseptic prosthetic loosening group. In the chronic PJI group of 147 cases (86 hip ones and 61 knee ones), there were 64 males and 83 females, with a mean age of 66 (54, 72) years. In the aseptic prosthetic loosening group of 294 cases (210 hip ones and 84 knee ones), there were 98 males and 196 females, with a mean age of 63 (49, 72) years. The preoperative levels of CRP, ESR, PC, PC/MPV and PCT were compared between the 2 groups. The best cut-off value, sensitivity and specificity of the above indicators for the diagnosis of chronic PJI were recorded. The diagnostic efficacy of the 5 indicators in combination for chronic PJI was evaluated by comparing the area under the curve (AUC) among the indicators and analyzing the results of combined diagnostic detections.Results:Except for gender and joint revision site, there was no significant difference in the other general data between the 2 groups, showing comparability ( P>0.05). The levels of CRP, ESR, PC, PC/MPV and PCT in the PJI group were significantly higher than those in the aseptic prosthetic loosening group ( P<0.05). For CRP, ESR, PC, PC/MPV and PCT, respectively, the best cut-off values were 9.05 mg/L, 38.5 mm/h, 288×10 9/L, 29.34 and 0.33%, the sensitivities 83%, 71%, 44%, 44% and 33%, the specificities 85%, 86%, 84%, 84% and 90%, and the AUCs 0.868, 0.822, 0.688, 0.696 and 0.659. For CRP+ESR+PC+PC/MPV+PCT and CRP+PC+PC/MPV+PCT, respectively, the AUCs were 0.871 and 0.882, the sensitivities 80% and 84%, and the specificities 86% and 84%, showing significant differences in the diagnosis of chronic PJI compared with ESR, PC, PC/MPV and PCT alone ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In the diagnosis of chronic PJI, serum CRP and ESR combined with PC, PC/MPV and PCT have a reference value, but PC, PC/MPV or PCT alone only has a limited value.

Effects of mycophenolate mofetil on T cell subsets, renal function, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of mycophenolate mofetil combined with prednisone and hydroxychloroquine on immune function, renal function, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.Methods:A total of 64 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who received treatment in Zhoushan Hospital from March 2018 to March 2021 were included in this study. These patients were divided into control and observation groups according to different treatment drugs. The control group ( n = 33) was given prednisone and hydroxychloroquine treatment. The observation group ( n = 31) was given mycophenolate mofetil treatment based on prednisone and hydroxychloroquine treatment. Before and after treatment, the number of T cell subsets, renal function, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level were determined in each group. The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) was compared between the two groups. Results:Before and after treatment, there was no significant difference in CD 3+ cells between the two groups [control group: (58.23 ± 9.74)%, (59.12 ± 10.59)%; observation group: (57.33 ± 10.27)%, (58.85 ± 9.74)%, t = -0.34, -0.60, both P > 0.05]. After treatment, CD 4+ cells and CD 4+/CD 8+ cells in each group were significantly increased compared with those before treatment (both P < 0.05). After treatment, CD 4+ cells and CD 4+/CD 8+ cells in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group [(34.11 ± 5.37)% vs. (30.95 ± 6.65)%, (1.42 ± 0.33) vs. (1.23 ± 0.33), t = -2.08, -2.30, both P < 0.05]. After treatment, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen and 24-hour urine protein in each group were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). After treatment, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen and 24-hour urine protein in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group [(65.36 ± 16.28) μmol/L vs. (91.88 ± 18.74) μmol/L, (5.19 ± 0.94) mmol/L vs. (8.57 ± 1.27) mmol/L, (0.12 ± 0.04) g/L vs. (0.22 ± 0.06) g/L, t = -6.02, -12.03, -7.79, all P < 0.05]. After treatment, erythrocyte sedimentation rate in each group was significantly decreased compared with that before treatment (both P < 0.05). After treatment, erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(26.36 ± 11.29) mm/h vs. (39.89 ± 13.74) mm/h, t = -4.28, P < 0.05]. After treatment, C-reactive protein level in each group was significantly decreased compared with that before treatment (both P < 0.05), and C-reactive protein level in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(7.52 ± 3.23) mg/L vs. (12.83 ± 5.72) mg/L, t = -4.53, P < 0.05]. After treatment, SLEDAI in each group was significantly decreased compared with that before treatment (both P < 0.05), and SLEDAI in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(5.52 ± 1.25) points vs. (8.25 ± 2.42) points, t = -5.61, P < 0.05]. Conclusion:Mycophenolate mofetil combined with prednisone and hydroxychloroquine for systemic lupus erythematosus can improve patient's immune function and renal function, reduce the body's inflammatory response, and better lower disease activity.

Comparative analysis of clinical laboratory indicators between Kawasaki disease and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis / 中国基层医药

Objective:To explore the differences of clinical laboratory indicators between Kawasaki disease (KD) and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA), providing objective evidence for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of these diseases.Methods:A total of 41 children patients with KD (KD group) and 33 children patients with SJIA (SJIA group) who received treatment in Huainan Maternal and Child Health Hospital between September 2017 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. An additional 50 healthy children who concurrently received physical examination in the same hospital were included in the control group. Platelet count (PLT), white blood cell count (WBC), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), serum procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and serum ferritin (SF) levels were compared among groups before treatment.Results:One-way analysis of variance and pairwise q test were performed to compare laboratory indicators among KD, SJIA and control groups. CRP, ESR, SF and IL-6 levels in the KD group were significantly lower than those in the SJIA group [CRP: (57.80 ± 25.23) mg/L vs. (77.72 ± 45.64) mg/L; ESR: (67.02 ± 28.80) mm/h vs. (83.84 ± 47.64) mm/h; SF: (320.21 ± 182.53) μg/L vs. (945.58 ± 604.65) μg/L; IL-6: (50.35 ± 20.54) ng/L vs. (89.35 ± 45.54) ng/L, q = 4.34, 3.42, 11.51, 8.85, all P < 0.05]. IL-10 level in the KD group was significantly higher than that in the SJIA group [(18.52 ± 16.71) ng/L vs. (10.01 ± 3.24) ng/L, q = -5.25, P < 0.05]. WBC, CRP, ESR, PCT, PLT, IL-6, IL-10 and SF in the KD and SJIA groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Detection of CRP, ESR, SF, IL-6, IL-10 in blood can provide objective evidence for the early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of KD and SJIA, thereby reducing the misjudgment of clinical diagnosis.

Harvesting of Chlorella sorokiniana BR001 cultivated in a low-nitrogen medium using different techniques / Colheita de Chlorella sorokiniana BR001 cultivada em um meio com baixo teor de nitrogênio utilizando diferentes técnicas

ABSTRACT: The harvesting process is a current challenge for the commercial production of microalgae because the biomass is diluted in the culture medium. Several methods have been proposed to harvest microalgae cells, but there is not a consensus about the optimum method for such application. Herein, the methods based on sedimentation, flocculation, and centrifugation were evaluated on the recovery of Chlorella sorokiniana BR001 cultivated in a low-nitrogen medium. C. sorokiniana BR001 was cultivated using a low-nitrogen medium to trigger the accumulation of neutral lipids and neutral carbohydrates. The biomass of C. sorokiniana BR001 cultivated in a low-nitrogen medium showed a total lipid content of 1.9 times higher (23.8 ± 4.5%) when compared to the biomass produced in a high-nitrogen medium (12.3 ± 1.2%). In addition, the biomass of the BR001 strain cultivated in a low-nitrogen medium showed a high content of neutral carbohydrates (52.1 ± 1.5%). The natural sedimentation-based process was evaluated using a sedimentation column, and it was concluded that C. sorokiniana BR001 is a non-flocculent strain. Therefore, it was evaluated the effect of different concentrations of ferric sulfate (0.005 to 1 g L-1) or aluminum sulfate (0.025 to 0.83 g L-1) on the flocculation process of C. sorokiniana BR001, but high doses of flocculant agents were required for an efficient harvest of biomass. It was evaluated the centrifugation at low speed (300 to 3,000 g) as well, and it was possible to conclude that this process was the most adequate to harvest the non-flocculent strain C. sorokiniana BR001.

RESUMO: O processo de colheita é um desafio atual para a produção comercial de microalgas porque a biomassa é diluída no meio de cultivo. Diversos métodos têm sido propostos para coletar células de microalgas, porém não existe um consenso sobre um método ótimo para tal aplicação. Neste estudo, métodos baseados em sedimentação, floculação e centrifugação foram avaliados na recuperação de Chlorella sorokiniana BR001 cultivada em um meio com baixo teor de nitrogênio. C. sorokiniana BR001 foi cultivada em um meio com baixo teor de nitrogênio para induzir ao acúmulo de lipídeos e carboidratos neutros. A biomassa de C. sorokiniana BR001 cultivada em um meio com baixo teor de nitrogênio apresentou um teor de lipídeos 1,9 vezes superior (23,8 ± 4,5%), quando comparada à biomassa produzida em um meio com alto teor de nitrogênio (12,3 ± 1,2%). Adicionalmente, a biomassa da linhagem BR001 cultivada em um meio com baixo teor de nitrogênio apresentou alto teor de carboidratos neutros (52,1 ± 1,5%). O processo baseado em sedimentação natural foi avaliado utilizando uma coluna de sedimentação e concluiu-se que C. sorokiniana BR001 é uma linhagem não floculante. Portanto, o efeito de diferentes concentrações de sulfato férrico (0,005 a 1 g L-1) ou sulfato de alumínio (0,025 a 0,83 g L-1) foram avaliados no processo de floculação de C. sorokiniana BR001, mas altas doses de floculantes foram necessárias para uma colheita de biomassa eficiente. Também foi avaliada a centrifugação em baixa velocidade (300 a 3.000 g), e foi possível concluir que este processo constituiu o mais adequado para a colheita da linhagem não floculante C. sorokiniana BR001.

Comparison between DAS28-ESR and DAS28- CRPus for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: application in a population of southern Brazil

Abstract The Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) shows discrepancies when using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) scores to assess rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to verify the agreement between the DAS28-CRP and DAS28-ESR scores in patients with RA from the south of Brazil. A unicentric cross-sectional study was performed (n = 56). The diagnosis of the patients followed the American College of Rheumatology/ European League Against Rheumatism criteria, and their DAS28 were calculated. The DAS28- ESR score was higher than the DAS28-CRP (DAS28-ESR mean 4.8±1.6; DAS28-CRP mean 4.3±1.4) for 83.9% of the patients. The DAS28-CRP and DAS28-ESR scores showed a very strong correlation (Pearson's coefficient = 0.922; P<0.0001, 95% CI +0.87 to +0.95, statistical power 100%). Spearman's correlation coefficient (0.49; P=0.0001, 95% CI +0.25 to +0.67, statistical power 47.54%) showed a moderate correlation between the unique components of the DAS28 formulas. There was agreement between the tests in only 36 of the patients (64.29%). Among the discordant categories, DAS28-ESR overestimated the classification in 16 patients (28.5%). The Kappa coefficient between the categories was 0.465 (SE 0.084, 95% CI +0.301 to +0.630), showing a moderate degree of agreement between the instruments. Although the DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP were highly correlated, they differed significantly in terms of patient categorization and should not be used interchangeably

The value of laboratory parameters in predicting endoscopic manifestations of ulcerative colitis after treatment / 中华消化杂志

Objective:To explore the significance of laboratory parameters in predicting the endoscopic manifestations of ulcerative colitis (UC) after treatment.Methods:From January 2015 to December 2020, the clinical data of 68 patients with UC hospitalized and treated in Peking University People′s Hospital were retrospectively and continuously collected. According to the degree of bleeding, vascular pattern, erosion and ulcer under endoscopy before and after treatment, they were divided into progressive group (post-treatment ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS) score higher than pre-treatment) and non-progressive group (post-treatment UCEIS score equal to or lower than pre-treatment). The baseline platelet count, platelet volume, platelet hematocrit, platelet distribution width, serum albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and related laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups. And analyzed the significance of related laboratory indexes in predicting the endoscopic manifestations of UC after treatment. Independent sample t test and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results:According to the degree of bleeding under endoscopy before and after treatment, the patients were divided into progressive group (12 cases) and non-progressive group (56 cases). The baseline platelet count and platelet volume of the progressive group were higher than those of the non-progressive group ((375.58±154.30) ×10 9/L vs. (288.22±103.76) ×10 9/L, (9.29±1.13) fL vs.(8.52±1.29) fL), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=2.40 and 2.08, P=0.019 and 0.049). According to the degree of vascular texture under endoscopy before and after treatment, the baseline platelet volume and serum albumin level of the progressive group (9 cases) were higher than those of the non-progressive group (59 cases) ((9.58±1.18) fL vs. (8.54±1.26) fL, (41.49±5.08) g/L vs. (36.63±6.14) g/L), and the baseline CRP of the progressive group was lower than that of the non-progressive group (2.26 mg/L(0.95 mg/L) vs.8.64 mg/L (26.08 mg/L) ), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=2.32, 2.32, and z=-2.27, P=0.022, 0.047 and 0.045). According to the degree of erosion and ulcer under endoscopy before and after treatment, CRP and ESR of the progressive group (16 cases) were lower than those of the non-progressive group (52 cases) ((2.21 mg/L(5.26 mg/L) vs. 10.63 mg/L(29.97 mg/L), 14.50 mm/1 h (15.25 mm/1 h) vs.17.00 mm/1 h (11.00 mm/1 h)), and the differences were statisticaly significant ( z=-3.64 and -2.42, P=0.001 and 0.020). The cutoff value of baseline platelet count to assess the progression of bleeding under endoscopy after treatment was 336×10 9/L (sensitivity=0.636, specificity=0.852, area under the curve=0.698). The cutoff value of baseline CRP to assess the progression of erosion and ulcer under endoscopy after treatment was 3.44 mg/L (sensitivity=0.750, specificity=0.727, area under the curve=0.727). Conclusions:The baseline platelet volume, serum albumin and ESR are suggestive of endoscopic mucosal changes in patients with UC after treatment. The baseline platelet count and CRP can predict the efficacy in patients with UC.

Eritrosedimentación extremadamente elevada en pacientes adultos hospitalizados en una institución de alta complejidad en la ciudad de medellín, colombia entre 2016 y 2018 / Extremely elevated erythrosedimentation in adult patients hospitalized in a high complexity institution in the city of medellín, colombia between 2016 and 2018

Resumen Introducción: La eritrosedimentación es una medida indirecta de inflamación, se eleva ante un aumento de proteínas (reactantes de fase aguda) durante trastornos inflamatorios, un valor extremadamente elevado ≥100mm/hora) tiene una alta especificidad para el diagnóstico de enfermedades infecciosas, neoplásicas y autoinmunes. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes hospitalizados con una elevación extrema de la eritrosedimentación, y explorar su asociación con otros factores determinantes. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, con eritrosedimentación extrema, internados en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de la ciudad de Medellín, desde Noviembre de 2016 hasta Junio de 2018. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 1007 pacientes de la base de datos del hospital, las infecciones, con 743 (73,8%) afectados, fueron el principal diagnóstico relacionado. Se evidenció una correlación negativa de la eritrosedimentación con la hemoglobina -0.092(-0.155 a -0.029) P <0.01 y con el hematocrito -0.087(-0.150 a -0.024) P 0.01, y una positiva significativa débil con la PCR 0.080 (0.014 a 0.146) p 0.02. Discusión: Acorde a otros estudios, las infecciones representaron el primer grupo de elevación extrema, contrario a otro estudio se evidenció una correlación directa, débil y estadísticamente significativa entre la Proteina C reactiva y la eritrosedimentación extremadamente elevada. Conclusión: Las infecciones fueron el principal grupo de enfermedades con eritrosedimentación extrema, se evidenció una correlación inversa entre la eritrosedimentación con la hemoglobina y el hematocrito, y una correlación positiva débil con la proteína C reactiva. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(3): 39-45.

Abstract Sedimentation rate is an indirect inflammation measure, it rises when increase proteins (acute phase reactants) during inflammatory disorders, extreme high value (≥100mm / hour) has a high specificity for the diagnosis of infectious, neoplastic, and autoimmune diseases. Objective: To characterize inpatients with an extreme elevation of the sedimentation rate, and to establish the correlation between determinant factors and extreme sedimentation. Methods: Observational and cross-sectional study, including patients older than 18 years, with an extremely sedimentation rate, hospitalized in Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe in Medellin city, during November of 2016 to June of 2018. Results: We selected 1007 patients from the data base, Infections were the most common diagnosis (743, 73.8%), and the main type were urinary tract infections (133, 13%). We evidence a negative correlation with the hemoglobin -0.092(0.155 a -0.029) and with the hematocrit -0.087(0.150 a -0.024), and a positive and weak significant correlation with the C-reactive protein 0.080 (0.014 a 0.146) p 0.02. Discussion: The infections, as in other studies, represent the main etiology associated with an extreme sedimentation. Different to other analyzed investigations, we observed a direct, weak and statistically significant correlation between the PCR and the extreme VSG. Conclusions: Infections were the main cause of extreme sedimentation rate. We evidence an inverse correlation between the blood sedimentation and the hemoglobin and the hematocrit, and a weak correlation with the C-reactive protein. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(3): 39-45.

The prognostic significance of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in COVID-19

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: There are limited data about the significance of erythrocyte sedimentation rate as a single prognostic parameter for the prognosis and mortality of COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic utility of erythrocyte sedimentation rate as a prognostic factor for the disease severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: A total of 148 consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and hospitalized at the intensive care unit or non-the intensive care unit were included in the study. The patients were allocated to groups as severe/critical disease versus nonsevere disease and survivors and nonsurvivors. The prognostic role and predictable values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate were analyzed. RESULTS: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was found to be higher among patients with severe/critical disease compared to those with nonsevere disease (p<0.001) and among nonsurvivors compared to survivors (p<0.001). The logistic regression analysis showed that erythrocyte sedimentation rate was an independent parameter for predicting disease severity and mortality. The role of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the assessment of severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19 was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic curve and was found to be significant in both. The analyses suggested that the optimum erythrocyte sedimentation rate cutoff point for disease severity and mortality were 52.5 mm/h with 65.5% sensitivity and 76.3% specificity and 56.5 mm/h with 66.7% sensitivity and 72.5% specificity. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that erythrocyte sedimentation rate was an independent prognostic factor for severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19.

Cinética da floculação: um estudo comparativo no uso do cloreto de polialumínio com alta e baixa basicidade e o sulfato de alumínio / Flocculation kinetics: a comparative study on the use of polyaluminium chloride with high and low basicity and alum

RESUMO O sulfato de alumínio (SA) é amplamente utilizado como coagulante no tratamento de água de abastecimento via ciclo completo. Coagulantes alternativos estão disponíveis no mercado, dentre eles o cloreto de polialumínio (PAC). Porém, estudos comparativos entre o SA e os PACs de alta (PAC-AB) e baixa (PAC-BB) basicidade em relação à cinética de floculação ainda são escassos. Nesse sentido, o intuito deste trabalho foi comparar o uso de PAC-BB, PAC-AB e SA via coagulação, floculação e sedimentação, bem como avaliar o efeito na condutividade elétrica, na formação de lodo, na alcalinidade, no pH e na remoção de turbidez baseado na cinética de floculação e morfologia do floco formado. Os resultados indicaram aumento de 8,1% na condutividade elétrica e de 30,6 mg.L-1 na formação de lodo; não houve diferença significativa entre os coagulantes. O PAC-AB apresentou menor consumo de alcalinidade e, consequentemente, menor redução no pH. A remoção de turbidez foi estatisticamente igual entre o PAC-BB (91,8 ± 3,7%) e o PAC-AB (91,5 ± 1,1%), porém maior que no SA (82,2 ± 6,4%). Essa diferença se acentua com o aumento da velocidade crítica de sedimentação. A constante de agregação dos flocos (K A ) apresenta resultados estatisticamente iguais entre os coagulantes, e o melhor desempenho de remoção de turbidez dos PACs em relação ao SA se deve à menor constante de ruptura do floco (K B ), podendo-se inferir, portanto, que os flocos formados com o PAC-AB e o PAC-BB são mais fortes que os formados com o SA.

ABSTRACT Aluminum sulfate (AS) is widely used as a coagulant in conventional drinking water treatment facilities. Alternative coagulants are commercially available, including polyaluminium chloride (PAC). However, comparative studies between AS and PAC with high (PAC-AB) and low (PAC-BB) basicity regarding flocculation kinetics are still scarce. In this sense, the aim of this work is to compare the use of PAC-BB, PAC-AB, and AS via coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation as well as to evaluate the effect on electrical conductivity, sludge formation, alkalinity, pH, and turbidity removal based on flocculation kinetic and floc morphology. The results indicated that the increase in electrical conductivity was 8.1% and the sludge formation was 30.6 mg.L-1, and that there was no significant difference between coagulants. PAC-AB presented the lowest alkalinity consumption and, consequently, the lowest pH reduction. Turbidity removal was statistically equal between PAC-BB (91.8 ± 3.7%) and PAC-AB (91.5 ± 1.1%), but higher than in AS (82.2 ± 6.4%). This difference is accentuated with the increase in critical settling velocity. The floc aggregation constant (K A ) is statistically equal among the coagulants, and the better turbidity removal performance of the PACs in relation to the AS is due to the lower floc breaking constant (K B ) and may, therefore, infer that the flocs formed with PAC-AB and PAC-BB are stronger than those formed with SA.

Effects of acupuncture plus spinal manipulations on physical functioning and biochemical indicators in patients with ankylosing spondylitis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effects of acupuncture plus spinal manipulations on the physical functioning and levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: A total of 128 AS cases were allocated into a control group and an observation group using random number table method, with 64 cases in each group. Patients in both groups took sulfasalazine and meloxicam. Patients in the observation group received additional acupuncture plus spinal manipulations. The efficacy, Bath AS functional index (BASFI), Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI), and the levels of ALP, ESR, CRP and OPG were compared between the two groups after eight weeks of treatment. Results: After treatment, the symptom scores of traditional Chinese medicine in both groups were decreased (all P<0.05), and these scores in the observation group were significantly lower than in the control group (all P<0.05); the VAS, BASFI and BASDAI scores in both groups were decreased (all P<0.05), and these scores in the observation group were significantly lower than in the control group (all P<0.05); and the ALP, ESR, CRP and OPG levels in both groups were decreased (all P<0.05), and these levels in the observation group were significantly lower than in the control group (all P<0.05). The total efficacy rate was 92.2％ in the observation group, versus 78.1％ in the control group, presenting a statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion: Conventional medication combined with acupuncture and spinal manipulations can improve clinical symptoms, accelerate the recovery of physical functioning, and reduce the ALP, ESR, CRP and OPG levels.

A preliminary study on the surgical timing of spinal tuberculosis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the changes of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and nerve function in patients with spinal tuberculosis before and after surgery, explore the timing of surgical intervention, and evaluate its influence on surgical safety.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on 387 patients with spinal tuberculosis who received surgical treatment from March 2012 to March 2017, including 278 males and 109 females, aged 12 to 86 years old with an average of (49.9±19.1) years. There were 64 cases of cervical tuberculosis, 86 cases of thoracic tuberculosis, 76 cases of thoracolumbar tuberculosis and 161 cases of lumbar tuberculosis. There were 297 patients with single segmental involvementand 90 patients with multiple segmental involvement. Among them, 62 cases presented neurological damage, and preoperative spinal cord neurological function depended on ASIA grade, 5 cases of grade A, 8 cases of grade B, 39 cases of grade C, and 10 cases of grade D. According to the duration of preoperative antituberculosis treatment, the patients were divided into group A (256 cases, receiving conventional quadruple antituberculosis treatment for 2-4 weeks before surgery) and group B (131 cases, receiving conventional quadruple antituberculosis treatment for more than 4 weeks before surgery). The two groups were compared in terms of gender, age, preoperative complicated pulmonary tuberculosis, lesion site, lesion scope, surgical approach, drug resistance and other general clinical characteristics. ESR, CRP, visual analogue scale(VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Frankel grade and postoperative complications were observed.@*RESULTS@#All 387 patients were followed up for 12 to 36 (18.3±4.5) months. There were no significant differences in gender, age, preoperative pulmonary tuberculosis, lesion site, lesion range, surgical approach, preoperative drug resistance and other characteristics between two groups. A total of 32 patients in two groups did not heal after surgery, with an incidence rate of 8.27%. The VAS and spinal cord dysfunction index of the two groups were significantly improved after surgery (@*CONCLUSION@#After 2-4 weeks of anti tuberculosis treatment before operation, patients with spinal tuberculosis could be operated upon with ESR and CRP in a descending or stable period. In principle, patients with spinal tuberculosis and paraplegia should be treated as soon as possible after active preoperative management of the complication without emergency surgery.