Human blood plasma-based electronic integrated circuit amplifier configuration

Dear Editor： There is accumulating evidence that human blood electronic circuit components and their application circuits become more and more important to cyborg implant/engineering, man-machine interface, hu- man disease detection and healing, and artificial brain evolutionusl. Here, we report the first development of human plasma-based amplifier circuit in the dis- crete as well as integrated circuit （IC） configuration mode. Electrolytes in the human blood contain an enormous number of charge carriers such as positive and negative molecule/atom ions, which are electri- cally conducting media and therefore can be utilized for developing electronic circuit components and their application circuits. These electronic circuits obvi- ously have very high application impact potential towards bio-medical engineering and medical science and technology.

Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometric determination of eight life elements in human blood samples

A direct and simple method for the clinic muti-element determination of human blood sample by Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectropho-tometry is reported. No pretreatment of the sample is necessary other than simple dilution of the sample with aqueous solution of Triton X-100. The detection limits of the elements investigated fall in the range of 0.1- 4.4 μg/L with a relative standard deviation ranging from 1.6 for zinc to 3.73% for lead. Micro liters of samples are sufficient for the determination of each element.

Method Development and Validation for Determining 1,3-Bu- tadiene in Human Blood by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spec- trometry and Head-Space Gas Chromatography

To develop a simple,validated method for identifying and quantifying 1,3-butadiene(BD) in human blood by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) and head-space gas chromatography(HS-GC).BD was identified by GC-MS and HS-GC,and quantified by HS-GC.The method showed that BD had a good linearity from 50 to 500μg/mL(r>0.99).The limits of detection and quantification were 10 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL,respectively.Both the intra-day precision and inter-day precision were <6.08%,and the accuracy was 96.98%-103.81%.The method was applied to an actual case,and the concentration of BD in the case was 242 μg/mL in human blood.This simple method is found to be useful for the routine forensic analysis of acute exposure to BD.

Prevalence of Malaria Infection and ABO Human Blood Group in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania

The main objective of this study was to determine the relationship between occurrence of malaria infection with that of human blood group in Dar-es-Salaam Tanzania. The study was based on data collected randomly from the patients who were screened for malaria of all age groups for a period of three months at Mission Mikocheni Hospital. During this time period, a total of 430 blood samples were collected. From the study findings, it is clear that more than 50% of the patients tested were positive for malaria. Further analysis revealed that about 50% of malaria positive patients were type “O” blood group.

Does <i>Culicoides</i>spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Not Suck Human Blood in Riparian Habitat of a National Park

Is the wild animal conservation result in Taiwan good enough to provide the blood resources for the blood sucking insect and cause the insect behavior changed? Based on the bimonthly investigation of Culicoides sp. in Wuling area, Sheipar National Park, by both human bait method and light trap method, we found that there were totally 13,191 individuals trapped by light trap and collected but no one single Culicoides sp. trapped by human bait during the study period of Wuling Long Term Ecological Research (WLTER) in 2012. Two of the three sites were recorded and reported as the midge attacked the ranger and tourists of Sheipa National Park in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Along with the study of WLTER some wild animals encounter more often than before, especially the bird population in the riparian ecosystem of the mountain river Chi Chia Wan Stream. On the other end, Culicoides sp. preferred to the blood of birds and amphibians as well as mammals according to the article review. So, the effectiveness of blood resource from wild animals may cause the behavior of blood sucking insect like as Culicoides sp. shifted to or returned back to the original and the favorite blood resource.

Ethics of Human Resources Management in the Cameroonian Health System, Medical Nomadism and the Ineffectiveness of the Fight against High Blood Pressure

Context/objectives: The fight against Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is a long-term undertaking, which requires available, motivated and well-managed human resources (HR). The administrative management of skills on both qualitative and quantitative levels is one of the essential functions of a health system. To better implement policies of fight against High Blood Pressure (HBP) and other chronic diseases, it is important to establish strategies to retain health personnel. This loyalty requires favorable working conditions and consideration of the contribution-reward couple. Good working conditions are likely to reduce the phenomenon of medical nomadism;conversely, poor HR management can contribute to their exodus towards exotic “green pastures”, thus leading to an additional crisis in the Cameroonian health system. The fight against HBP is a complex, multifaceted and multifactorial reality that requires appropriate management model for all types of resources mainly HR. The main objective of this research is to show the impact of poor management of human resources in Cameroon health system on medical nomadism and the ineffectiveness of the fight against High Blood Pressure. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive survey among five hundred (500) health facilities in the center region of Cameroon has been conducted. A stratified probabilistic technique has been used, and the number of health facilities to be surveyed has been determined using the “sample size estimation table” of Depelteau. The physical questionnaires have been printed and then distributed to data collectors. After data collection, the latter were grouped during processing in Excel sheets. The Chi-square test was used for data with a qualitative value and that of Kolmogorov-Sminorf for data with a quantitative value to assess the normality and reliability of data. The Crochach’s Alpha reliability test allowed us to have a summary of the means and variances and then to search for intragroup correlations between variables. Descriptive analysis was possible with the XLSTAT 2016 software. Results: 43.60% of Health Facilities (HF) managers were unqualified. 82.20% of HF managers have staff in a situation of professional insecurity. They are mainly contractual (49.00), decision-making agents (24.40%), casual agents (08.80). The proportion of unstable personnel is average of 22.00% and very unstable, 12.00%.

Real-time human blood pressure measurement based on laser self-mixing interferometry with extreme learning machine

In this paper, we present a method based on self-mixing interferometry combing extreme learning machine for real-time human blood pressure measurement. A signal processing method based on wavelet transform is applied to extract reversion point in the self-mixing interference signal, thus the pulse wave profile is successfully reconstructed. Considering the blood pressure values are intrinsically related to characteristic parameters of the pulse wave, 80 samples from the MIMIC-II database are used to train the extreme learning machine blood pressure model. In the experiment, 15 measured samples of pulse wave signal are used as the prediction sets. The results show that the errors of systolic and diastolic blood pressure are both within 5 mm Hg compared with that by the Coriolis method.

PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMAN BLOOD MONOCYTE SUBPOPULATIONS IN PSORIASIS AND ATOPIC DERMATITIS: EVIDENCE FOR DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF SURFACE MOLECULES

Peripheral blood monocytes seem to be of importance for the initiation and maintenance of the psoriatic tissue reaction. Hyperproliferation of monocytopoiesis as well as functional abnormalities of monocytes in psotiasis have previously been described. We sought to determine whether peripheral blood monocyte subpopulations from patients with psoriasis show altered phentypes. and how the altered

Stem cell transplantation for treatment of cerebral ischemia in rats Effects of human umbilical cord blood stem cells and human neural stem cells

BACKGROUND： Exogenous neural stem cell transplantation promotes neural regeneration. However, various types of stem cells transplantation outcomes remain controversial. OBJECTIVE： To explore distribution, proliferation and differentiation of human neural stem cells （hNSCs） and human umbilical cord blood stem cells （hUCBSCs） following transplantation in ischemic brain tissue of rats, and to compare therapeutic outcomes between hNSCs and hUCBSCs. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized controlled animal studies were performed at the Experimental Animal Center of Nanjing Medical University and Central Laboratory of Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University of China from September 2008 to April 2009. MATERIALS： hNSCs were harvested from brain tissue of 10 13 week old fetuses following spontaneous abortion, and hUCBSCs were collected from umbilical cord blood of full-term newborns at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University of China. hNSCs and hUCBSCs were labeled by 5-bromodeoxyuridine （BrdU） prior to transplantation. METHODS： Rat models of cerebral ischemia were established by the suture method. A total of 60 healthy male Sprague Dawley rats aged 7-9 weeks were randomly assigned to hNSC transplantation, hUCBSC transplantation and control groups. The rat models in the hNSC transplantation, hUCBSC transplantation and control groups were infused with hNSC suspension, hUCBSC suspension and saline via the caudal vein, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The distribution, proliferation and differentiation of hNSCs and hUCBSCs in ischemic brain tissue were observed using immunohistochemical methods. Neurological function in rats was assessed using the neurological severity score. RESULTS： The number of BrdU-positive cells was significantly greater in the hNSC transplantation group compared with hUCBSC transplantation group at 14 days following transplantation （P 〈 0.05） The number of BrdU-positive cells reached a peak at 28 days following transplantation. Nestin-positive, glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive, cyclic nucleotide 3＇ phosphohydrolase-positive and neuron specific enolase-positive cells were visible following transplantation. No significant difference was determined in the constituent ratio of various cells between hNSC and hUCBSC transplantation groups （P 〉 0.05）. The neurological severity score was significantly decreased in rats at 21 days following transplantation （P 〈 0.05）. No significant difference was detected in neurological severity score between hNSC and hUCBSC transplantation groups at various time points （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： The transplanted hNSCs and hUCBSCs can migrate into ischemic brain tissue, proliferate and differentiate into neuron-like, astrocyte-like and oligodendrocyte-like cells, and improve neurological function in rats with cerebral ischemia.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor induces neuron-like cellular differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord blood cells in vitro

Human umbilical cord blood was collected from full-term deliveries scheduled for cesarean section. Mononuclear cells were isolated, amplified and induced as mesenchymal stem cells. Isolated mesenchymal stem cells tested positive for the marker CD29, CD44 and CD105 and negative for typical hematopoietic and endothelial markers. Following treatment with neural induction medium containing brain-derived neurotrophic factor for 7 days, the adherent cells exhibited neuron-like cellular morphology. Immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcription-PCR revealed that the induced mesenchymal stem cells expressed the markers for neuron-specific enolase and neurofilament. The results demonstrated that human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into neuron-like cells induced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor in vitro.

Human umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation for the treatment of chronic spinal cord injury Electrophysiological changes and long-term efficacy

Stem cell transplantation can promote functional restoration following acute spinal cord injury （injury time 〈 3 months）, but the safety and long-term efficacy of this treatment need further exploration. In this study, 25 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury （injury time 〉 6 months） were treated with human umbilical cord blood stem cells via intravenous and intrathecal injection. The follow-up period was 12 months after transplantation. Results found that autonomic nerve functions were restored and the latent period of somatosensory evoked potentials was reduced. There were no severe adverse reactions in patients following stem cell transplantation. These experimental findings suggest that the transplantation of human umbilical cord blood stem cells is a safe and effective treatment for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury

Genotoxicity evaluation of drinking water sources in human peripheral blood lymphocytes using the comet assay

The potential harm of organic pollutants in drinking water to human health is widely focused on in the wodd; more and more pollutants with genotoxic substances are released into the aquatic environment. Water source samples were collected from 7 different localities of Nanjing City. The potential genotoxicity of organic extracts from drinking water sources were investigated by means of the comet assay in human peripheral lymphocytes. The results showed that all the organic extracts from all the water source samples could induce DNA damages of human peripheral blood lymphocytes at different levels. A significant difference （P 〈 0.01） was observed when compared with the solvent control, The DNA damage increased with the increase of the dosage of the original water source. Significant differences of DNA damage were observed in different drinking water sources, as shown by the multiple comparisons analysis at the dosage of 100x; the degree of DNA damage treated by Hushu waterworks （at town level） was the most serious, the arbitrary units （AU） was 141.62±6.96, however, that of Shangyuanmen waterworks （at city level） was only 109.64±2.97. The analysis also revealed that the genotoxicity of town＇s water sources was higher than that of the city. The results demonstrated that the comet assay can be successfully applied to the genotoxicity monitoring programs of drinking water sources.

Transplantation of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells to treat a rat model of traumatic brain injury

In the present study, human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells were injected into a rat model of traumatic brain injury via the tail vein. Results showed that 5-bromodeoxyuridine-labeled cells aggregated around the injury site, surviving up to 4 weeks post-transplantation. In addition, transplantation-related death did not occur, and neurological functions significantly improved. Histological detection revealed attenuated pathological injury in rat brain tissues following human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. In addition, the number of apoptotic cells decreased. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization showed increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor, along with increased microvessel density in surrounding areas of brain injury. Results demonstrated migration of transplanted human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells into the lesioned boundary zone of rats, as well as increased angiogenesis and expression of related neurotrophic factors in the lesioned boundary zone.

Vein transplantation using human umbilical cord blood stem cells in the treatment of stroke sequela

BACKGROUND: Transplanted mononuclear cell (MNC) of umbilical blood can survive in central nervous system (CNS) of host through blood brain barrier, differentiate into nerve cells, migrate to damaged site and integrate morphological structure and function with nerve cells of host so as to improve deficiencies of sensatory function, motor function and cognitive function and influence on stroke sequela. OBJECTIVE: To observe the vein transplantation of human umbilical cord blood stem cells (HUCBSC) for improving neurological function, limb function and activity of daily living of patients with stroke and evaluate the reliability. DESIGN: Self-controlled study. SETTING: Department of Neurosurgery, the Second People's Hospital of Zhengzhou City; Red-crossed Blood Center of Henan Province; Department of Neurosurgery, the Fist Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 10 patients with stroke sequela were selected from Department of Cerebral Surgery, the Second People's Hospital of Zhengzhou City from April to December 2005. There were 9 males and 1 female aged from 35 to 75 years with the mean age of 56 years. All of them were diagnosed with CT and MRI examination and coincidence with diagnostic criteria of stroke established by the Fourth National Academic Meeting for Cerebrovascular Disease. All patients provided informed consent. METHODS: 80-140 mL umbilical blood of term birth of newborn was selected hermetically and maintained in sterile plastic bag. And then, the blood was centrifugated at the speed of 1 500 r/min for 30 minutes at 22 ℃ in order to separate MNC, i.e., HUCBSC. In addition, after final diagnosis during hospitalization, stroke patients were perfused with HUCBSC through superficial vein of back of the hand. Each patient was averagely perfused with 6 portions of HUCBSC (cellular numbers ≥ 1×108/portion) and the interval between each portion was 1-7 days with the mean interval of 4 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① Neurological function of stroke patients was evaluated with neurological function deficiency (NFD) before treatment and at 3 months after treatment. The scale includes consciousness, level fix function, facial paralysis, language, muscle force of upper limbs, muscle force of lower limb and step function. The total scores ranged from 0 to 45; meanwhile, the lower the scores were, the better the neurological function was. ② Motor function of injured limbs was evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), including motor function of upper limbs, motor function of lower limbs, balance ability, sensory function and motion of joint. The total scores ranged from 0 to 226; meanwhile, the higher the scores were, the better the motor function of limbs was. ③ Activities of daily living (ADL) was evaluated with Barthel Index (BI), including having meals, taking a bath, dressing oneself, putting on clothes, walking in balance and stair activity. The total scores ranged from 0 to 100; meanwhile, the higher the scores were, the stronger the ADL was. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients were involved in the final analysis. After treatment, NFD of stroke patients was (10.9±5.09) points, which was lower than that before treatment [(25.4±6.09) points, t =8.213, P < 0.01]. In addition, after treatment, FMA and BI of stroke patients were (80.9±25.00) points and (81.1±15.93) points, respectively, which were higher than those before treatment [(31.9±21.85) points, (36.2±19.41) points, t =13.024, 13.670, P < 0.01]. Immuno-suppressive drugs were not used during the whole therapeutic procedure; moreover, immunological rejection and allergic reaction were not observed during the same period. CONCLUSION: Transplanting HUCBSC through superficial vein of back of the hand is regarded as a simple and safe method for the treatment of stroke sequela.

Metallothionein 1 Isoform Gene Expression Induced by Cadmium in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes

Objective To study the gene expression of metallothionein 1 （MT-1） isoforms in human peripheral blood lymphocytes （HPBLs）. Methods The expression of mRNA representing the seven active MT-I genes was determined in HPBLs by quantitative RT-PCR before and after exposure to cadmium. Results Basal expressions of MT-IX, and MT-1A in HPBLs were similar to expression of housekeeping gene. In contrast, the basal gene expressions of MT- 1 H, IF, 1E, and 1G were a little transcripts in human HPBLs. No signal was detected for MT-1B. There was a sex difference （P〈0.05）. in basal gene expression of MT-1E. The levels of gene expression of MT-1A, 1E, IF, 1G, 1H, and 1X increased, but the level of MT-1B did not increase after exposure to cadmium. Conclusions Gene expressions of MT-1 G, MT-1 H, MT-1 F, and MT-1X in HPBLs can be used as a potential biomarker of cadmium exposure.

Human umbilical cord blood stem cells and brainderived neurotrophic factor for optic nerve injury: a biomechanical evaluation

Treatment for optic nerve injury by brain-derived neurotrophic factor or the transplantation of human umbilical cord blood stem cells has gained progress, but analysis by biomechanical indicators is rare. Rabbit models of optic nerve injury were established by a clamp. At 7 days after injury, the vitreous body received a one-time injection of 50 μg brain-derived neurotrophic factor or 1 × 10^6 human umbilical cord blood stem cells. After 30 days, the maximum load, maximum stress, maximum strain, elastic limit load, elastic limit stress, and elastic limit strain had clearly improved in rabbit models of optical nerve injury after treatment with brain-derived neurotrophic factor or human umbilical cord blood stem cells. The damage to the ultrastructure of the optic nerve had also been reduced. These findings suggest that human umbilical cord blood stem cells and brain-derived neurotrophic factor effectively repair the injured optical nerve, improve biomechanical properties, and contribute to the recovery after injury.

Genetically modified human umbilical cord blood cells as a promising strategy for treatment of spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury （SCI） continues to be a pressing health and social problem. The injury leads to neuronal and glial cell death accompanied by degeneration of nerve fibers. There are currently no particularly effective treatments. SCI causes profound disabil- ity of people affected and has attracted increased attention in the international field of neuroregeneration. For the past two decades, much hope has been placed in cell therapies for the restoration of both structure and function of the injured spinal cord. Embryonic and neural stem cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, microglia-like cells, Schwann cells, mesenchymal stem cells.