Value of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in discriminating bloodstream infection bacterial species / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of procalcitonin (PCT),C-reactive protein (CRP) in discriminating the bloodstream infection bacterial species,and to analyze the levels of PCT and CRP in sepsis caused by different pathogens.Methods:Patients with blood culture and PCT,CRP detection were collected in the study,from January 2015 to January 2017.The levels of PCT and CRP were detected with electrochemiluminescence and immunoturbidimetric,respectively.The levels of PCT in gram positive bacteria and gram negative bacteria,different bacterial species were compared by SPSS21.0 statistical software.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was established by Sigma software,calculating the optimal cutoff value.Results:The difference in the levels of PCT between gram positive bacteria and gram negative bacteria was statistically significant,and the value of U was 4 420.00,(P=0.004).ROC analysis showed the optimal cut-off value was 1.105 ng/ml.The levels of PCT had statistically significant difference in coagulase-positive staphylococci and coagulase-negative staphylococci,and the value of U was 79.00(P<0.001).ROC analysis revealed the optimal cut-off value of 0.870 ng/ml.There was a significant difference in the levels of PCT in Enterobacteriaceae and non fermentative bacteria and the value of U was 681.50(P=0.005).ROC analysis showed the optimal cutoff value was 3.310 ng/ml.There was no significant difference in PCT between Staphylococcus and Enterococcus.The levels of CRP was no significant difference between the groups.Conclusion:Detection of PCT has certain value in discriminating of bloodstream infection by different bacterial species,which can provide the basis for the early rational use of drugs in patients with suspected bacteremia.The detection of PCT combined with the blood culture,can reduce the risk of failure in patients with severe infection,and improve the efficiency of treatment.

Evaluation of Knees in Asymptomatic Amateur Ice Hockey Players Using 3.0-T Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Case-Control Study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>Background</b>Research on the changes to knee structures in asymptomatic amateur ice hockey players (AAIHPs) has been limited. We aimed to assess the performance of the knees in AAIHPs using 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).</p><p><b>Methods</b>A total of 71 asymptomatic knees (32 AAIHPs and 39 age- and sex-matched controls) were imaged using a 3.0-T MRI scanner at the Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University in April 2017. Two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists were blinded to assess all MRI findings, including bursae around the knee, bone marrow edema (BME), meniscal signal changes, and articular cartilage and ligament damage. Any disagreements were resolved by a third professor of musculoskeletal radiology. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test and continuous variables using the Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test.</p><p><b>Results</b>The most common finding was fluid-filled bursae surrounding the knee. In the AAIHP group, which totaled 32 knees and 416 bursae, 155 (37%) fluid-filled bursae were present. In the control group, there were a total of 39 knees and 507 bursae, and 91 (18%) fluid-filled bursae were present. There was a significant difference in the number of fluid-filled bursae between the two groups (P < 0.05). However, in AAIHPs, the prevalence of meniscal signal changes (16 knees, 50%) was higher than in the control group (2 knees, 5%; P < 0.001). Importantly, 15 of the 19 were grade II signals. Other changes were only found in AAIHPs. Articular cartilage lesions were detected in 47% of their knees, predominantly at the patellofemoral joint, and BME was found in 34% of their knees.</p><p><b>Conclusion</b>The MRI findings of knees in AAIHPs mainly manifested as self-protection reaction, and proper ice hockey exercise could be advocated.</p>

Effect of small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of CD158b expression on the cytotoxicity of NK cells against the allogeneic dendritic cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of CD158b expression on the efficiency of the natural killer (NK) cells in killing allogeneic dendritic cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>After the knockdown of CD158b by CD158b -SiRNA, the CD158b mRNA expression in natural killer cells was examined by qRT-PCR and the CD158b protein expression by flow cytometer. The cytotoxic activity of RNAi-NK cells and normal NK cells against the allogeneic dendritic cells was detected by LDH release assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The CD158b mRNA expression and its protein expression were decreased significantly in the NK cells by CD158b siRNA (P/0.05). The cytotoxic activities of alloreactive NK cells generated by RNAi CD158b expression against allogeneic dendritic cells were increased significantly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Silencing CD158b gene can inhibit the NK cell CD158B mRNA and protein expression. Alloreactive NK cells generated by RNAi CD158b expression have the potential for use in interventions of GVHD.</p>