Evaluación del Rendimiento y Producción de Humedad de los Humidificadores de Burbuja usados con Mascarillas Oxígeno de Concentración Variable / Evaluation of the Performance and Humidity Production of Bubble Humidifiers used with Variable Concentration Oxygen Masks

Introducción. Introducción. El uso de humidificadores de burbuja asociados a equipos de oxigenoterapia es una práctica común en los centros hospitalarios de nuestro país. Sin embargo, no se ha evaluado el aporte real de humedad que entregan estos equipos cuando son usados con sistemas de concentración variable a distintas concentraciones de oxígeno. Además, se han descrito problemas de funcionamiento en la entrega de oxígeno cuando se han ocupado este tipo de humidificador. Objetivo. Determinar el aporte real de humedad que entregan los humidificadores de burbuja al ser usados con sistemas de oxigenoterapia de concentración variable. Métodos. Se evaluaron 10 humidificadores de burbuja, marca Hudson RCI®, con válvula liberadora de presión, los cuales se conectaron a un sistema de oxigenoterapia de concentración variable (Marca Hudson RCI®, modelo MULTI-VENT). La medición de la humedad relativa (HR) se realizó en una cámara de acrílico, donde se conectó el inyector del sistema de oxigenoterapia. Para medir H.R. y temperatura se utilizó un higrómetro digital (Veto®, Italia) y un higrómetro análogo (Hygromat®, Alemania). Cada medición requirió un tiempo de 5 minutos para lograr un valor estable. Se realizaron mediciones de la humedad relativa y temperatura entregada por este sistema, con y sin humidificador, a concentraciones de oxígeno de 0.24, 0.26, 0.28, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4 y 0.5. Resultados. Para las la temperatura, no hubo diferencias entre las mediciones realizadas con y sin humidificador de burbuja. Para la humedad relativa, sólo hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas a concentraciones de oxígeno altas (> 0.35), pero con escaso cambio en la entrega de humedad absoluta. Cuando se utilizó flujos operativos ≥ 6 L/min se activó la válvula liberadora de presión del humidificador. Conclusión. El uso de humidificadores de burbuja asociados a sistemas de oxigenoterapia de concentración variable no genera un aumento significativo de la humedad entregada a concentraciones bajas de oxigeno, por lo cual se podría prescindir de su uso.

Background. The use of bubble humidifiers associated with oxygen therapy equipment is a common practice in hospitals in our country. However, the real contribution of humidity delivered by these equipments when used with variable concentration systems at different oxygen concentrations has not been evaluated. In addition, operating problems have been described in the delivery of oxygen when this type of humidifier has been used. Objetive. Determine the real contribution of humidity delivered by bubble humidifiers when used with variable concentration oxygen therapy systems. Methods. 10 Hudson RCI® brand bubble humidifiers with a pressure release valve were evaluated, which were connected to a variable concentration oxygen therapy system (Hudson RCI® brand, MULTI-VENT model). The relative humidity (RH) was measured in an acrylic chamber, where the injector of the oxygen therapy system was connected. To measure R.H. and temperature, a digital hygrometer (Veto®, Italy) and an analog hygrometer (Hygromat®, Germany) were used. Each measurement required a time of 5 minutes to achieve a stable value. Measurements of the relative humidity and temperature delivered by this system were made, with and without a humidifier, at oxygen concentrations of 0.24, 0.26, 0.28, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4 and 0.5. Results. For temperature, there were no differences between the measurements made with and without a bubble humidifier. For relative humidity, there were only statistically significant differences at high oxygen concentrations (> 0.35), but with little change in absolute humidity delivery. When operating flows ≥ 6 L/min were used, the humidifier pressure relief valve was activated. Conclusion. The use of bubble humidifiers associated with variable concentration oxygen therapy systems does not generate a significant increase in the humidity delivered at low oxygen concentrations, so their use could be dispensed with.

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

The use of absolute neutrophil count and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as predictors of early onset neonatal sepsis

Background@#Neonatal sepsis contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Blood culture, the gold standard in its diagnosis, has low sensitivity and is affected by multiple factors. Hence the need for markers derived from routine tests to improve diagnosis deserves further studies.@*Objectives@#This study aims to determine the association and optimal cut-off value and diagnostic performance of absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with early-onset neonatal sepsis in term neonates.@*Methodology@#This was a retrospective, analytical, single-center study of admitted patients from January 2016 to December 2021. Clinical factors were analyzed and NLR and ANC were derived from CBC and interpreted using the Manroe chart.@*Results@#Included were 200 neonates with a median birth AOG of 38 weeks. Microorganisms were isolated from nine of 154 neonates with blood culture, corresponding prevalence of 5.84% (95% CI 2.71–10.80). Initial CBC showed elevated mean WBC and 76.5% of neonates were considered to have elevated ANC. Optimal cut-off point of NLR for detecting culture-proven sepsis was 2.86, with a sensitivity of 88.89% (95% CI, 51.75–99.72%) and specificity of 36.55% (95% CI, 28.72–44.95%). The ANC gave the best balance of sensitivity and specificity with an accuracy of 75.50%.@*Conclusions@#The NLR demonstrated good discriminative ability for predicting clinical neonatal sepsis based on ANC. However, individually or simultaneously, these markers demonstrated poor discriminative ability for culture-proven neonatal sepsis in term neonates. ANC and NLR can be used to aid in the diagnosis of clinical neonatal sepsis.

Keloid nomogram prediction model based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis and machine learning / 生物医学工程学杂志

Keloids are benign skin tumors resulting from the excessive proliferation of connective tissue in wound skin. Precise prediction of keloid risk in trauma patients and timely early diagnosis are of paramount importance for in-depth keloid management and control of its progression. This study analyzed four keloid datasets in the high-throughput gene expression omnibus (GEO) database, identified diagnostic markers for keloids, and established a nomogram prediction model. Initially, 37 core protein-encoding genes were selected through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), differential expression analysis, and the centrality algorithm of the protein-protein interaction network. Subsequently, two machine learning algorithms including the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and the support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) were used to further screen out four diagnostic markers with the highest predictive power for keloids, which included hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), syndecan-4 (SDC4), ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 2 (ENPP2), and Rho family guanosine triphophatase 3 (RND3). Potential biological pathways involved were explored through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of single-gene. Finally, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of diagnostic markers were performed, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed. Internal and external validations revealed that the calibration curve of this model closely approximates the ideal curve, the decision curve is superior to other strategies, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve is higher than the control model (with optimal cutoff value of 0.588). This indicates that the model possesses high calibration, clinical benefit rate, and predictive power, and is promising to provide effective early means for clinical diagnosis.

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.

Effects of electroacupuncture on rats with cognitive impairment: An iTRAQ-based proteomics analysis / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#The study explores the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at the governing vessel (GV) on proteomic changes in the hippocampus of rats with cognitive impairment.@*METHODS@#Healthy male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham, model and EA. Cognitive impairment was induced by left middle cerebral artery occlusion in the model and EA groups. Rats in the EA group were treated with EA at Shenting (GV24) and Baihui (GV20) for 7 d. Neurological deficit was scored using the Longa scale, the learning and memory ability was detected using the Morris water maze (MWM) test, and the proteomic profiling in the hippocampus was analyzed using protein-labeling technology based on the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). The Western blot (WB) analysis was used to detect the proteins and validate the results of iTRAQ.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the model group, the neurological deficit score was significantly reduced, and the escape latency in the MWM test was significantly shortened, while the number of platform crossings increased in the EA group. A total of 2872 proteins were identified by iTRAQ. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between different groups: 92 proteins were upregulated and 103 were downregulated in the model group compared with the sham group, while 142 proteins were upregulated and 126 were downregulated in the EA group compared with the model group. Most of the DEPs were involved in oxidative phosphorylation, glycolipid metabolism and synaptic transmission. Furthermore, we also verified 4 DEPs using WB technology. Although the WB results were not exactly the same as the iTRAQ results, the expression trends of the DEPs were consistent. The upregulation of heat-shock protein β1 (Hspb1) was the highest in the EA group compared to the model group.@*CONCLUSION@#EA can effect proteomic changes in the hippocampus of rats with cognitive impairment. Hspb1 may be involved in the molecular mechanism by which acupuncture improves cognitive impairment.

Lactobacillus gasseri LA39 promotes hepatic primary bile acid biosynthesis and intestinal secondary bile acid biotransformation / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

A growing body of evidence has linked the gut microbiota to liver metabolism. The manipulation of intestinal microflora has been considered as a promising avenue to promote liver health. However, the effects of Lactobacillus gasseri LA39, a potential probiotic, on liver metabolism remain unclear. Accumulating studies have investigated the proteomic profile for mining the host biological events affected by microbes, and used the germ-free (GF) mouse model to evaluate host-microbe interaction. Here, we explored the effects of L. gasseri LA39 gavage on the protein expression profiles of the liver of GF mice. Our results showed that a total of 128 proteins were upregulated, whereas a total of 123 proteins were downregulated by treatment with L. gasseri LA39. Further bioinformatics analyses suggested that the primary bile acid (BA) biosynthesis pathway in the liver was activated by L. gasseri LA39. Three differentially expressed proteins (cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily A member 1 (CYP27A1), cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily B member 1 (CYP7B1), and cytochrome P450 family 8 subfamily B member 1 (CYP8B1)) involved in the primary BA biosynthesis pathway were further validated by western blot assay. In addition, targeted metabolomic analyses demonstrated that serum and fecal β‍-muricholic acid (a primary BA), dehydrolithocholic acid (a secondary BA), and glycolithocholic acid-3-sulfate (a secondary BA) were significantly increased by L. gasseri LA39. Thus, our data revealed that L. gasseri LA39 activates the hepatic primary BA biosynthesis and promotes the intestinal secondary BA biotransformation. Based on these findings, we suggest that L. gasseri LA39 confers an important function in the gut‒liver axis through regulating BA metabolism.

Construction of a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma based on pyroptosis-related genes / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To study the construction of a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs). Methods: HCC patient datasets were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and a prognostic model was constructed by applying univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkages and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. According to the median risk score, HCC patients in the TCGA dataset were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, and nomograms were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the prognostic models. Functional enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis were performed on differentially expressed genes between the two groups. Finally, two HCC datasets (GSE76427 and GSE54236) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used to externally validate the prognostic value of the model. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis or Wilcoxon tests were performed on the data. Results: A total of 366 HCC patients were included after screening the HCC patient dataset obtained from the TCGA database. A prognostic model related to HCC was established using univariate Cox regression analysis, LASSO regression analysis, and seven genes (CASP8, GPX4, GSDME, NLRC4, NLRP6, NOD2, and SCAF11). 366 cases were evenly divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the median risk score. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the survival time between patients in the high-risk and low-risk groups in the TCGA, GSE76427, and GSE54236 datasets (median overall survival time was 1 149 d vs. 2 131 d, 4.8 years vs. 6.3 years, and 20 months vs. 28 months, with P = 0.000 8, 0.034 0, and 0.0018, respectively). ROC curves showed good survival predictive value in both the TCGA dataset and two externally validated datasets. The areas under the ROC curves of 1, 2, and 3 years were 0.719, 0.65, and 0.657, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score of the prognostic model was an independent predictor of overall survival time in HCC patients. The risk model score accurately predicted the survival probability of HCC patients according to the established nomogram. Functional enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis showed that the immune status of the high-risk group was significantly decreased. Conclusion: The prognostic model constructed in this study based on seven PRGs accurately predicts the prognosis of HCC patients.

Construction of predictive model for pregnancy-related anxiety risk in pregnant women based on LASSO regression / 环境与职业医学

Background Pregnancy-related anxiety has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of pregnant women and the normal growth and development of the fetus. Establishing prediction models for pregnancy-related anxiety to screen associated predictive factors may provide important opportunities for prenatal intervention. Objective To establish a prediction model of pregnancy-related anxiety risk of pregnant women. Methods From January to July 2021, a questionnaire survey on pregnancy-related anxiety and predictors was conducted among pregnant women having routine prenatal check-ups provided by an obstetrics clinic of a tertiary grade A hospital in Ningxia. The socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects were collected, and the pregnant women were evaluated by the Life Event Scale (LES), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Family APGAR Index (APGAR), and Pregnancy-related Anxiety Questionnaire (PAQ). R 4.2.0 software was used to fit all selected variables by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to identify predictors of pregnancy-related anxiety in the second and third trimesters. On the basis of logistic regression analysis, prediction models of pregnancy-related anxiety in the second and third trimesters were constructed, and the model nomogram and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were drawn. The prediction effect of the model was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC). A calibration chart was drawn to evaluate the calibration of the model. Results A total of 1500 questionnaires were distributed, and 1448 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective rate of 96.53%. Among the 1448 pregnant women, the overall positive rate of pregnancy-related anxiety was 28.80% (417/1448), and the positive rates in the second and third trimesters were 29.21% (276/935) and 27.49% (141/513), respectively. The predictors entering the the second trimester model were age of marriage, family care, social support, family expectations for the fetus, physical condition during pregnancy, and whether experiencing life stressful events during pregnancy. The predictors entering the the third trimester model were pregnancy intention, physical discomfort, and whether experiencing life stress during pregnancy. A risk prediction model of pregnancy-related anxiety for the second trimester was established: risk of pregnancy-related anxiety=−0.07× marriage age +0.12× family care −0.03× social support −0.65× family expectation of fetal sex +0.42× physical condition during pregnancy +0.47× whether experiencing life stressful events during pregnancy. A risk prediction model of pregnancy-related anxiety for the third trimester was established: risk of pregnancy-related anxiety=−5.69+0.82× pregnancy intention +1.06× physical discomfort +0.94× whether experiencing life stressful events during pregnancy. The ROC curves of the two models were drawn. The AUC of the second trimester model was 0.71, and the AUC of related validation model was 0.68. The AUC of the third trimester model was 0.72, and the AUC of related validation model was 0.66. Conclusion The risk prediction models of pregnancy-related anxiety constructed based on LASSO regression and logistic regression have good prediction ability, and they suggest that pregnant women in the second trimester with short marriage age, high family care, low social support, family expectations for fetal sex, average physical condition, and experiencing life stress during pregnancy, and pregnant women in the third trimester with spontaneous pregnant intention, unintended pregnancy, physical discomfort, and experiencing life stress during pregnancy are high-risk groups for pregnancy-related anxiety.

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.

Reduction of absolute monocyte counts is associated with the severity of preterm necrotizing enterocolitis

Abstract Objective: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is characterized by a rich infiltration of macrophages in the intestines, which is derived from monocytes in the blood. The authors aimed to explore the changing trend of absolute monocyte counts (AMC) over time in NEC infants and to verify whether the reduction of AMC correlates with the severity of NEC and whether it can be used to identify infants who need surgery. Method: The authors collected the clinical data of 66 control and 222 NEC infants. The NEC infants were divided into medical NEC (M-NEC) and surgical NEC (S-NEC). The counting of mono-cyte and their percentage change were compared at the time of birth, before NEC (baseline), the onset of NEC and after NEC (recovery). In addition, the same comparison was made among stages 1, 2 and 3 of Bell's staging, respectively. Results: The authors found that the AMC in NEC infants decreased sharply at the onset. Further comparison was made between 172 cases of M-NEC and 50 cases of S-NEC. It was discovered that the AMC reduced more in S-NEC infants at onset, but it increased more at recovery. In addition, the authors found that among stage 1,2 and 3, stage 3 had the lowest AMC and the largest percentage decrease at the onset. Conclusion: The AMC decreases sharply in NEC infants at onset, and the degree of decline is associated with the severity of NEC. AMC is expected to be a marker of NEC and provide a reference for clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of NEC.

Índice de Robson: riesgo de cesárea en un centro de primer nivel en México / Robson index, c-section risk in a first level center in Mexico

Resumen OBJETIVO: Determinar, conforme al Índice de Robson, la tasa de cesáreas en pacientes atendidas, en un periodo de nueve meses, en el Centro de Investigación Materno-Infantil del Grupo de Estudios al Nacimiento. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, transversal, descriptivo y monocéntrico efectuado en pacientes embarazadas atendidas en el Centro de Investigación Materno Infantil del Grupo de Estudios al Nacimiento, (CIMIGen) que finalizaron el embarazo por cesárea y en quienes se utilizó el índice de Robson para su clasificación. Parámetros de estudio: indicaciones de la cesárea, riesgo de pérdida del bienestar fetal, alta de progresión del trabajo de parto, falla en la inducción del trabajo de parto, macrosomía, periodo intergenésico corto (menos de 18 meses). RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron 569 pacientes de las que 228 finalizaron el embarazo mediante cesárea y 341 por parto, lo que representó una tasa de cesáreas del 39.9%. Al aplicar el método de clasificación de Robson, los grupos con mayor contribución relativa a la tasa global de cesáreas fueron: grupo 1 (17.62%), grupo 2, subdividido en sus dos categorías: 2a con 19.38% y 2b 17.18%; y el grupo 5.1 (22.91%) y grupo 5.2 (3.96%). Las principales indicaciones de cesárea fueron: 1) riesgo de pérdida del bienestar fetal (18.9%), 2) falta de progresión del trabajo de parto (16.7%), 3) falla en la inducción del trabajo de parto (11.1%), 4) macrosomía (7.2%) y 5) periodo intergenésico corto (7.2%). CONCLUSIONES: El índice de Robson señaló a los grupos 1, 2 y 5 como los mayores contribuyentes a la tasa de cesáreas en CIMIGen. Esta tendencia, grupos 1 y 2 con porcentajes elevados, también se observa en otros centros de atención en México, lo que pudiera indicar una práctica de atención obstétrica que debe revisarse. Esto también se ve en otros países, aunque los porcentajes son distintos pero siguen siendo considerables en los grupos 1, 2 y 5.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine, according to the Robson Index, the caesarean section rate in patients attended, over a period of nine months, at the Maternal and Infant Research Centre of the Childbirth Studies Group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, single-centre study carried out in pregnant patients attended at the Maternal and Infant Research Centre of the Childbirth Study Group (CIMIGen) who terminated gestation by caesarean section and in whom the Robson index was used for classification. Study parameters: indications for caesarean section, risk of loss of fetal well-being, high labour progression, failure of labour induction, macrosomia, short inter-gestational period (less than 18 months). RESULTS: We obtained 569 patients of whom 228 terminated pregnancy by caesarean section and 341 by delivery, representing a caesarean section rate of 39.9%. Applying Robson's classification method, the groups with the highest relative contribution to the overall caesarean section rate were: group 1 (17.62%), group 2, subdivided into its two categories: 2a with 19.38% and 2b 17.18%; and group 5.1 (22.91%) and group 5.2 (3.96%). The main indications for caesarean section were 1) risk of loss of fetal well-being (18.9%), 2) failure of labour to progress (16.7%), 3) failure of induction of labour (11.1%), 4) macrosomia (7.2%) and 5) short inter-gestational period (7.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Robson's index pointed to groups 1, 2 and 5 as the largest contributors to the caesarean section rate at CIMIGen. This trend, groups 1 and 2 with high percentages, is also seen in other facilities in Mexico, which may indicate an obstetric care practice that needs to be reviewed. This is also seen in other countries, although the percentages are different but still considerable in groups 1, 2 and 5.

Comparative study of brainstem auditory evoked responses in females having premenstrual symptoms with normal population

Background: Premenstrual symptoms (PMS) have largely been ignored, because ages so present study are done in females specifically having PMS comparing with females with no PMS. Very little work has been done in past in this field, because females revealing menstrual history are a big taboo in our society. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to study brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) in females having premenstrual symptoms and comparing it with females having no premenstrual symptoms. Materials and Methods: BAEP was conducted on 60 females age group of 18–40 years in two groups in Research laboratory, Department of Physiology, Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College in collaboration with SVBP Hospital, Meerut for 6 months. The subjects were divided into two groups, Group A having premenstrual symptoms and Group B having no premenstrual symptoms. The test was conducted in later part of luteal phase 23rd–25th day of menstrual cycle. The absolute latencies (ALs) and interpeak latencies (IPLs) were the parameters measured for the analysis of BAEP. Results: IPL, that is, interpeak latencies I–III and III–V in age group 18–25 years, showed statistically significant decrease in luteal phase in females having premenstrual syndrome (PMS) as compared to normal cycling females. Conclusion: Premenstrual symptoms females are showing few significant changes in auditory responses at mid brain level as recorded by BAEP study which can be due to the modulatory effect of female gonadal hormones progesterone and estrogen on neurotransmitters (serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and glutamate) in central nervous system.

Risk of neutropenia among clozapine users and non-users: results from 5,847 patients

Objective: Clozapine is underprescribed due to neutropenia risk. Blood tests every 3 months in those on continuous treatment for > 1 year who have never had an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) < 2,000/µL has been proposed as a monitoring strategy; however, there are no South American data to support this recommendation. This study sought to investigate whether clozapine use and other variables could explain the occurrence of ANC < 1,000/µL in patients with severe mental disorders. Methods: A total of 5,847 subjects were included, 1,038 on clozapine. We performed a Cox regression considering the outcome as ANC < 1,000/µL at any time point. Predictors were sex, age, ethnicity, clozapine use, ANC > 2,000/µL during the first year of blood monitoring, and presence of a severe medical condition. Results: In the Cox regression model, ethnicity (white) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.53; 95%CI 0.29-0.99, p < 0.05) and ANC > 2,000/µL (HR 0.04; 95%CI 0.01-0.10, p < 0.001) were protective factors, while presence of a severe medical condition (HR 69.35; 95%CI 37.45-128.44, p < 0.001) was a risk factor for ANC < 1,000/µL. Other variables were not significant, including clozapine use (HR 1.33; 95%CI 0.74-2.39, p > 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that clozapine does not increase the risk of neutropenia in subjects with ANC > 2,000/µL during the first year of use and in the absence of a severe medical condition. These results could help guide clinical and public-health decisions regarding clozapine blood monitoring guidelines.

The study on reducing radiation dose in coronary CT angiography for patients with arrhythmia using absolute phase and narrow window in prospective electrocardiogram-gating / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of reducing radiation dose in coronary CT angiography for patients with arrhythmia with absolute phase and narrow window in prospective electrocardiogram-gating.Methods:200 patients with arrhythmia underwent coronary CT angiography procedure with prospective electrocardiogram-gating adaptive sequence in dual source CT were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the scan mode. Group A was scanned with absolute phase and narrow window(250-450 ms) and group B uesd relative phase and wide window (30%-75%). The other parameters and injection protocol of contrast media were the same in 2 groups. Both image quality and radiation dose of the 2 groups were analyzed.Results:No significant difference of image quality was found between the 2 groups. CTDI vol, DLP, E of group A were all lower than those in group B [CTDI vol : (16.71±8.35) vs.(29.35±17.90)mGy , DLP: (231.04±114.86) vs.(398.27±238.40)mGy·cm , E: (3.23±1.60) vs.(5.57±3.33)mSv, t=-6.40, -6.32、-6.32, P<0.05] . The patients with repeat scan cycles in group A and group B were 81 vs. 22 for 0 cycle , 17 vs. 62 for 1 cycle, 2 vs. 10 for 2 cycles, 0 vs. 6 for 3 cycles( χ2=70.76, P<0.05). Conclusions:The prospective electrocardiogram-gating adaptive CCTA sequence with absolute phase and narrow window can reduce radiation dose while the image quality meets the requirementsfor patients with arrhythmia.

Simulation calculation of wall correction factor of 192Ir gamma-ray spherical graphite cavity ionization chamber / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To study the correction factor of the chamber wall of the reference air kerma rate reference ionization chamber (NIM-Ir-SG-100 type) for 192Ir radioactive source. Methods:The photon spectrum and ionization chamber wall correction factor of the radioactive source housing and irradiator model are calculated by Monte Carlo code. And then the photon energy, wall thickness and ionization chamber diameter, which affect the result of the chamber wall correction factor, are simulated.Results:After calculation, the simulation result of the correction factor of spherical graphite cavity ionization chamber wall was 1.037 7. Controlling a single variable, photon energy (0.3-1.3 MeV), wall thickness (0.2-0.5 cm), inner diameter (0.5 -15 cm), the maximum deviations of wall correction result were 1.62%, 3.30% and 2.86%, respectively.Conclusions:The self-made spherical graphite cavity ionization chamber has good performance, and the corrected kwall value of the chamber wall is within a reasonable range. The completion of the chamber wall correction factor is an important step to measure the reference air kerma rate of the 192Ir radioactive source and establish the measurement benchmark.

A new anisotane-type sesquiterpene from Anisodus tanguticus / 药学学报

To investigate the chemical constituents of Anisodus tanguticus, silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography, and semi-preparative HPLC were used to separate and purify the chemical constituents from the extract of A. tanguticus. The planar structure of the isolated compound was identified by HRMS, IR, and 2D NMR experiments. The absolute configuration of the isolated compound was determined by a combination of NOESY, coupling constant, circular dichroism (CD), and transition metal chelate reagent dimolybdenum tetraacetate [Mo2(OAc)4]-induced circular dichroism (ICD) data analysis. A new compound of the anisotane-type sesquiterpene (1) was isolated, which was determined to be (1R,2S,3R,4R,6R,7R,9R)-anisotane-11(13)-ene-3,4,9-triol and named anisotanol F. This is the second report of anisotane-type sesquiterpene, which has previously been reported as a novel sesquiterpenoid skeleton by our research group. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity against HUVECs and inhibitory effect on NO release in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells of compound 1 were investigated. However, the results showed that it was inactive. Compound 1 is a new compound isolated from A. tanguticus. It belongs to the unusual anisotane-type sesquiterpene. This result enriches the chemical composition of A. tanguticus.

A novel sesquiterpenoid from Curcuma longa L / 药学学报

A new compound was isolated from the 95% ethanolic extract of the rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. using silica gel column chromatography, medium pressure liquid chromatography, and semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography. The structure and absolute configuration of the compound was elucidated by HR-ESI-MS, NMR, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. It is a novel sesquiterpenoid, which is named as isoturmeronol B (1). The carbon skeleton of compound 1 is similar to that of bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoid. The only difference is that the methyl group at C-4 in bisabolene-type sesquiterpenoid is migrated to C-5 in compound 1. Besides, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the compound 1 were evaluated. The results showed that 1 has no anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Free energy perturbation (FEP)-guided scaffold hopping

Scaffold hopping refers to computer-aided screening for active compounds with different structures against the same receptor to enrich privileged scaffolds, which is a topic of high interest in organic and medicinal chemistry. However, most approaches cannot efficiently predict the potency level of candidates after scaffold hopping. Herein, we identified potent PDE5 inhibitors with a novel scaffold via a free energy perturbation (FEP)-guided scaffold-hopping strategy, and FEP shows great advantages to precisely predict the theoretical binding potencies ΔG FEP between ligands and their target, which were more consistent with the experimental binding potencies ΔG EXP (the mean absolute deviations | Δ G FEP - Δ G EXP |  < 2 kcal/mol) than those ΔG MM-PBSA or ΔG MM-GBSA predicted by the MM-PBSA or MM-GBSA method. Lead L12 had an IC50 of 8.7 nmol/L and exhibited a different binding pattern in its crystal structure with PDE5 from the famous starting drug tadalafil. Our work provides the first report via the FEP-guided scaffold hopping strategy for potent inhibitor discovery with a novel scaffold, implying that it will have a variety of future applications in rational molecular design and drug discovery.

Hemoglobina reticulocitaria y su utilidad clínica en el diagnóstico temprano de eritropoyesis por deficiencia de hierro absoluto en mujeres adolescentes / Reticulocyte hemoglobin and its clinical utility in the early diagnosis of erythropoiesis due to absolute iron deficiency in adolescent women / Hemoglobina de reticulócitos e sua utilidade clínica no diagnóstico precoce da eritropoiese por deficiência absoluta de ferro em mulheres adolescentes

La hemoglobina reticulocitaria es un nuevo parámetro dentro de los autoanalizadores hematológicos de cuarta generación, siendo indispensable en el diagnóstico y manejo de eritropoyesis deficiente en hierro, especialmente la deficiencia funcional de hierro, el secuestro de hierro y la deficiencia absoluta de hierro. Además, este parámetro demuestra ser más preciso que las pruebas bioquímicas como el hierro sérico, la ferritina y la saturación de transferrina, en la detección precoz de eritropoyesis deficiente en hierro. El objetivo de la investigación fue describir la utilidad clínica de la hemoglobina reticulocitaria (CHr) en el diagnóstico temprano de eritropoyesis por deficiencia de hierro absoluto en mujeres adolescentes. El tipo de investigación fue descriptivo, analítico, el diseño de campo transversal. La muestra voluntaria, no aleatoria estuvo constituida por 62 mujeres adolescentes con edades comprendidas entre los 14 y 19 años. Como resultado se encontró que el 97% de la muestra tiene disminución de la CHr, indicando eritropoyesis deficiente en hierro, mientras que un 3% de las adolescentes presentan valores normales para la CHr, se realizó la relación diagnostica entre pruebas de laboratorio tales como CHr y el Hierro sérico. También se reportó que el 93% de la muestra presenta déficit de hierro sin anemia, y un 7% tiene anemia ferropénica, el rango de edad con mayor predominio de anemia ferropénica fue entre los 14 y 16 años. Se concluye que la CHr es de utilidad clínica y una nueva herramienta de diagnóstico temprano de eritropoyesis por deficiencia de hierro.

Reticulocyte hemoglobin is a new parameter within the fourth generation hematological autoanalyzers, being indispensable in the diagnosis and management of iron deficient erythropoiesis, especially functional iron deficiency, iron sequestration and absolute iron deficiency. Moreover, this parameter proves to be more accurate than biochemical tests such as serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation in the early detection of iron deficient erythropoiesis. The aim of the research was to describe the clinical utility of reticulocyte hemoglobin (CHr) in the early diagnosis of absolute iron deficiency erythropoiesis in adolescent females. The type of research was descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional field design. The voluntary, non-random sample consisted of 62 adolescent females aged between 14 and 19 years. As a result, it was found that 97% of the sample had decreased CHr, indicating iron deficient erythropoiesis, while 3% of the adolescents had normal values for CHr. The diagnostic relationship between laboratory tests such as CHr and serum iron was performed. It was also reported that 93% of the sample presented iron deficiency without anemia, and 7% had iron deficiency anemia; the age range with the highest prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was between 14 and 16 years of age. It is concluded that HRH is clinically useful and a new tool for early diagnosis of erythropoiesis due to iron deficiency.

A hemoglobina reticulócita é um novo parâmetro dentro da quarta geração de auto-analisadores hematológicos, sendo indispensável no diagnóstico e manejo da eritropoiese com deficiência de ferro, especialmente deficiência funcional de ferro, seqüestro de ferro e deficiência absoluta de ferro. Além disso, este parâmetro prova ser mais preciso do que testes bioquímicos como ferro sérico, ferritina e saturação da transferrina na detecção precoce de eritropoiese com deficiência de ferro. O objetivo da pesquisa foi descrever a utilidade clínica da hemoglobina reticulocitária (RCHr) no diagnóstico precoce da eritropoiese absoluta de deficiência de ferro em mulheres adolescentes. O tipo de pesquisa foi descritivo, analítico, de corte transversal do campo. A amostra voluntária e não aleatória consistiu de 62 fêmeas adolescentes com idades entre 14 e 19 anos. Como resultado, descobriu-se que 97% da amostra tinha uma diminuição na HRH, indicando uma eritropoiese com deficiência de ferro, enquanto 3% das adolescentes tinham valores normais para HRH. Também foi relatado que 93% da amostra tinha deficiência de ferro sem anemia, e 7% tinha anemia por deficiência de ferro; a faixa etária com maior prevalência de anemia por deficiência de ferro era entre 14 e 16 anos. Conclui-se que o RHH é clinicamente útil e uma nova ferramenta para o diagnóstico precoce da eritropoiese devido à deficiência de ferro.