HCV-RNA positivity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with chronic HCV-infection: does it really mean viral replication?

AIM To analyze the association of HCV-RNA with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)and to answer the question whether HCV-RNA positivity in PBMC is due to viral replication,METHODS HCV-RNA was monitored in serumand PBMC preparations from 15 patients with chronic HCV infection before, during and after an IFN-α therapy using a nested RT/ PCRtechnique. In a second approach, PBMC from healthy donors were incubated in HCV positive plasma.RESULTS In the IFN-α responding patients,HCV-RNA disappeared first from total RNApreparations of PBMC and then from serum. In contrast, in relapsing patients, HCV-RNAreappeared first in serum and then in PBMC. A quantitative analysis of the HCV-RNAconcentration in serum was performed before and after transition from detectable to nondetectable HCV-RNA in PBMC-RNA and vice versa. When HCV-RNA was detectable in PBMCpreparations, the HCV concentration in serum was significantly higher than the serum HCV-RNA concentration when HCV-RNA in PBMC was not detectable. Furthermore, at no time during the observation period was HCV specific RNA observed in PBMC, if HCV-RNA in serum was under the detection limit. Incubation of PBMCfrom healthy donors with several dilutions of HCV positive plasma for two hours showed a concentration-dependent PCR-positivity for HCV-RNA in reisolated PBMC.CONCLUSION The detectability of HCV-RNA in total RNA from PBMC seems to depend on the HCV concentration in serum. Contamination or passive adsorption by circulating virus could be the reason for detection of HCV-RNA in PBMCpreparations of chronically infected patients.

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.

Demographic and Clinical Profiles of Blood Transfusion Recipients at a Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya

Background: Blood transfusion is an essential component of modern health care. It is required universally to manage various medical, surgical and obstetric conditions. Establishing the profiles of blood recipients would help in predicting the long term needs of blood transfusion as changing patterns of populations, diseases and health care will result in changing demands for blood and blood components. The objective of the study was to determine the pattern of blood use in terms of demographic and clinical profiles of the recipients. Methods: A hospital based medical chart review of 384 patients who were transfused from June 2013 to November 2013 was carried out. Systematic random sampling method was used;data were collected using a structured data collection form and was analyzed using frequency tables. Results: The median age of the recipients was 31.5 years (IQR 13, 45.8) and the range was 0 to 89 years. Females comprised 55.2% of the recipients, of which 57.7% were in the reproductive age group (15 - 49 years). The majority of the recipients (60%) were from surgical and medical wards. The main indication of the transfusion was anaemia (62.8%) and most of the transfused patients were being treated for neoplasms (23.2%), pregnancy and childbirth related conditions (11.7%), injuries (11.5%) and infections (11.4%). Conclusion: Majority of the transfused patients were relatively young and were females. Anemia was the main indication of the transfusion and most of the transfused recipients presented with neoplasms, pregnancy and childbirth related conditions, infections and injuries.

Comparative Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among in-Mates and Low Risk Voluntary Blood Donors in Garissa, Kenya

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a potentially life-threatening infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. This creates a high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B infection poses a major health concern globally. It is estimated that 257 million people are infected globally with 780,000 deaths reported annually. In Kenya, HBV prevalence stands at chronic states of intermediate range (5% - 7%) and high (≥8%) with regional variations. Garissa County carries a high HBV infection risk with a reported prevalence of 14.1% in pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) clinics. This study was carried out to determine and compare the seroprevalence of HBV among in-mates and voluntary blood donors at Garissa Main Prison and Garissa County referral hospital respectively in Garissa, Kenya. A total of 130 in-mates and 130 voluntary blood donors were sampled in this study. Serum was tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using a rapid test cassette (Amitech Diagnostics Inc.). A questionnaire was also used to collect socio-demographic factors of the study participants. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Majority of the study participants were males (86.9% among inmates and 95.4% among blood donors). Majority (76.2%) of the in-mates and of the donors (83.1%) were aged between 20 - 40 years while majority (51.4% of the donors and 81.5% of in mates) had only a primary school level of education. HBV seroprevalence was significantly higher among in mates compared to blood donors. Out of the total number of in-mates tested, 7 (5.4%) were HBV seropositive. Conversely, among blood donors 4 (3.1%) were seropositive. There was a significant association between HBV seropositivity and gender among both the blood donors and in-mates. There was no significant association between HBV seropositivity and both level of education and age. No data currently exists on HBV seroprevalence in Kenyan prisons and these study findings may be used as a proxy for other prisons within the country. Further studies to determine other predisposing risk factors should be conducted. Additionally, molecular studies to determine circulating HBV genotypes in this group of people and region are required.

Factors influencing the yield of mesenteric angiography in lower gastrointestinal bleed

AIM: To assess if certain triaging rules could be established to optimize the yield of mesenteric angiography. METHODS: Medical records of 101 patients were retrospectively reviewed and parameters relating to age, gender, pulse rate, blood pressure, serum hemoglobin, intensive care unit(ICU) admission, and the number of packed red blood cells(PRBC) transfused in the 12 and 24 h prior to the angiography were tabulated in two groups with positive and negative angiography results. RESULTS: We found no correlation between gender, pulse rate, blood pressure or serum hemoglobin and positivity of the mesenteric angiogram. But patients with positive angiogram were found to be on average 7 years older(73.2 years vs 65.9 years old)(P = 0.02). Angiogram was positive in 39.3 %(11/28) of patientsadmitted in ICU vs 23.2%(17/73) who were admitted elsewhere in the hospital(P = 0.03). In the 12 and 24 h prior to angiography, patients with a positive angiogram received a mean of 2.7 ± 2.3 and 3.3 ± 2.6 units of PRBC s respectively, while patients with a negative angiogram had a mean of 1.6 ± 1.9(P = 0.02) and 2.1 ± 2.6 units(P = 0.04) received respectively in the same period. CONCLUSION: Older age, ICU admission, having received at least 4 units PRBC over 12 h or 5 units over 24 h prior to angiogram are leading indicators for a positive study.

Manual on the management, maintenance and use of blood cold chain equipment

The blood cold chain is a series of interconnected activities involving equipment, personnel and processes that are critical for the safe storage and transportation of blood form collection to transfusion. Breaks in the cold chain happen for many reasons, such as equipment that does not meet standards of quality and safety, is unsuitable for blood storage, or is not properly maintained or repaired.

Noninvasive blood glucose detection using a miniature wearable Raman spectroscopy system

Nowadays, there are about 415 million adults suffering from diabetesN. At present, the treatment for diabetes patients is monitoring their blood glucose level frequently and then taking the appropriate amount of oral hypogly- cemic drugs and insulin to control their blood glucose level.

HIV screening and retention in care in people who use drugs in Madrid, Spain: a prospective study

Background::The burden of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection in people who use drugs(PWUD)is significant.We aimed to screen HIV infection among PWUD and describe their retention in HIV care.Besides,we also screen for hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection among HIV-seropositive PWUD and describe their linkage to care.Methods::We conducted a prospective study in 529 PWUD who visited the"Ca?ada Real Galiana"(Madrid,Spain).The study period was from June 1,2017,to May 31,2018.HIV diagnosis was performed with a rapid antibody screening test at the point-of-care(POC)and HCV diagnosis with immunoassay and PCR tests on dried blood spot(DBS)in a central laboratory.Positive PWUD were referred to the hospital.We used the Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests,as appropriate,to compare rates between groups.Results::Thirty-five(6.6%)participants were positive HIV antibodies,but 34 reported previous HIV diagnoses,and 27(76%)had prior antiretroviral therapy.Among patients with a positive HIV antibody test,we also found a higher prevalence of homeless(P<0.001)and injection drug use(PWID)(P<0.001),and more decades of drug use(P=0.002).All participants received HIV test results at the POC.Of the 35 HIV positives,28(80%)were retained in HIV medical care at the end of the HIV screening study(2018),and only 22(62.9%)at the end of 2020.Moreover,12/35(34.3%)were positive for the HCV RNA test.Of the latter,10/12(83.3%)were contacted to deliver the HCV results test(delivery time of 19 days),5/12(41.7%)had an appointment and were attended at the hospital and started HCV therapy,and only 4/12(33.3%)cleared HCV.Conclusions::We found almost no new HIV-infected PWUD,but their cascade of HIV care was low and remains a challenge in this population at risk.The high frequency of active hepatitis C in HIV-infected PWUD reflects the need for HCV screening and reinforcing the link to care.

Simultaneous blood flow and oxygenation measurements using an off-the-shelf spectrometer

Blood oxygenation and flow are both important parameters in a living body. In this Letter, we introduce a simple configuration to simultaneously measure blood flow and oxygenation using an off-the-shelf spectrometer. With the integration time of 10 ms, flow phantom measurements, a liquid blood phantom test, and an arm cuff occlusion paradigm were performed to validate the feasibility of the system. We expect this proof-of-concept study would be widely adopted by other researchers for acquiring both blood flow and oxygenation changes due to its straightforward configuration and the possibility of multimodal measurement.

Effect of temperature on noninvasive blood glucose monitoring in vivo using optical coherence tomography-corrigendum

The authors would like to apologize for some mistakes in the letter on Chinese Optics Letters vol. 12, no. 11, page 111701 and wish to make the corrections described below：

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO EVALUATE THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY USING REMOVING BLOOD STASIS HERBALS FOR PATIENTS WITH INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGE OF HYPERACUTE STAGE AND RELATIVE FACTORS OF HEMATOMA ENLARGEMENT(A MULTICENTER PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLIND PLACEBO

The aim was to investigate whether using a removing blood stasis method in hyperacute intracranial hemorrhage stage can lead to hematoma enlargement and its clinical efficacy.A multicenter retrospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study.We recruited patients aged 18 years or older and presenting at less than 6 h from symptom onset in 8 research centers.All the patients

The assessment of time dependent flow of Williamson fluid with radiative blood flow against a wedge

The present pagination reports both Brownian diffusion and thermophoresis aspects subject to magneto hydrodynamic Williamson fluid model.Assuming the flow is unsteady and blood is treated as Williamson fluid over a wedge with radiation.The governing equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations by using similarity variables.The analytical solutions of the transformed governing equations are obtained by using the RK 4th order method along with shooting technique solver.The effects of various physical parameters such as Hartmann number,local Weissenberg number,radiation parameter,unsteadiness parameter,Prandtl number,Lewis number,Brownian diffusion,thermophoresis,wedge angle parameter,moving wedge parameter,on velocity,temperature,concentration,skin friction,heat transfer rate and mass transfer rate have been discussed in detail.The velocity and temperature profile deprives for larger We and an opposite trend is observed for concentration.The radiation parameter is propositional to temperature and a counter behaviour is observed for Pr.

胎儿新生儿股骨近端血运分布的研究

股骨近端的血运供应对髋关节的发育及某些疾病的发生十分重要,Trueta(1)Ogden(2)Chung(3)等曾报道生长时期殷骨近端的血运分布,但对不同时期的胎儿和新生儿血运变化的特点至今尚未见劲.本文通过灌注造影,切片观察探讨了胎儿新生儿股骨近端血运变化的特点,为研究一些髋关节疾病的病理提供了解剖学基础,也是探讨胎儿发育的重要资料.

带蒂臀大肌瓣皮下括约肌成形术治疗小儿闭肛术后肛门失禁

本文报告用带蒂臀大肌瓣括约肌成形术治疗小儿闭肛术后肛门完全失禁6例.年龄5～11岁.5例术后随诊2个月～5年,失禁均已治愈;另1例术后一周明显好转,正在训练括约功能.6例术后均作了肛直肠测压对照检查,都恢复括约肌收缩反射和松弛反射,肛直肠压力差比术前升高1～4倍,高压区长度增加50%至3倍,患儿自主收缩臀大肌时,肛管括约部产生相当高的收缩压,达115～212mmH_2O,而手术前则为'零'.作者认为手术年龄以5岁以上为合适,双侧带蒂臀大肌瓣左右交义成形肛门括约肌效果快而确实.保证肌瓣血循环和防止感染是手术成败的关键.