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Chunrong Huang,1,2,* Yulian Gao,1,2,* Hongxia Lin,1– 3,* Qinmei Fan,4,* Ling Chen,1,2 Yun Feng1,2 1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People’s Republic of China; 2Institute of Respiratory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610000, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s hospital of Jin Zhong, JinZhong, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ling Chen; Yun Feng, Email co840608@hotmail.com; fy01057@163.comBackground: To evaluate the clinical features of patients with Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infection (BSI).Methods: Totally 200 inpatients with Acinetobacter baumannii BSI were included, clinical features of Acinetobacter baumannii BSI inpatients between 90-day survival and 90-day mortality groups, between 30-day survival and 30-day mortality groups, between patients infected with multidrug-resistant (MDR group) and sensitive Acinetobacter baumannii (sensitive group) were analyzed. The prognostic factors of 90-day mortality were analyzed by univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression. The survival curve in bloodstream infectious patients with multidrug-resistant (MDR group) and sensitive Acinetobacter baumannii (sensitive group) was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier analysis.Results: The 90-day mortality patients had significantly higher carbapenem-resistant bacterial infection and critical care unit (ICU) admission. The 90-day and 30-day mortality groups showed higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum creatinine (Scr) levels and lower red blood cells (RBC) and albumin (ALB) levels than their survival counterparts, respectively. Critical surgery, ICU admission and delayed antibiotic treatment were independently prognostic risk predictors for 90-day mortality in Acinetobacter baumannii BSI patients, while critical surgery and diabetes were independently prognostic risk predictors for 90-day mortality in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii BSI patients. Compared with sensitive group, MDR group showed significantly longer ICU and whole hospital stay, lower levels of lymphocytes, RBC, hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase and ALB, higher frequency of infection originating from the skin and skin structure. Moreover, patients in the MDR group had a significantly worse overall survival than the sensitive group.Conclusion: We identified the prognostic factors of Acinetobacter baumannii BSI and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii BSI patients. Critical surgery, ICU admission, delayed antibiotic treatment or diabetes were significantly associated with the mortality of those patients. Moreover, aggressive measures to control MDR Acinetobacter baumannii could lead to improved outcomes. Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii, bloodstream infection, mortality, prognostic predictors, multidrug-resistance

Qian Fan,1,&ast; Ling Gao,1,&ast; Zhiquan Wang,2,&ast; Fabrice Yves Ndjana Lessomo,2 Gang Wang1 1Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, Shandong, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Gang Wang, Email cardio9090@sina.comAim: To determine the predictive significance of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) combined with the CHA2DS2-VASc score for cardiogenic cerebral embolism (CCE) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).Methods: A total of 553 patients with NVAF were included in this retrospective study. The general data, PLR, CHA2DS2-VASc score and echocardiography indicators were compared. The risk factors for CCE and the predictive value of PLR and CHA2DS2-VASc were analyzed. Stratified analysis was performed based on the cut-off value. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was utilized to build a model. The relationship between risk score and different anticoagulants was evaluated.Results: Multiple regression analysis showed hypertension (OR=3.95, 95% CI=2.12– 7.35, p=1.40× 10− 5), diabetes mellitus (OR=2.95, 95% CI=1.57– 5.58, p=7.65× 10− 4), PLR (OR=1.01, 95% CI=1.00– 1.01, p< 10− 6), creatinine level (OR=1.01, 95% CI=1.00– 1.02, p=7.44× 10− 3), left atrial diameter (LAD) (OR=1.90, 95% CI=1.13– 3.19, p=1.51× 10− 2), ejection fraction (EF) (OR=0.93, 95% CI=0.87– 0.98, p=8.06× 10− 3) and CHA2DS2-VASc score (OR=3.79, 95% CI=2.95– 4.85, p< 10− 6) were independent risk factors for CCE. A one-way linear analysis also showed the above seven indexes were significantly correlated with CCE (F=56.4, p< 10− 6). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of PLR and CHA2DS2-VASc score was 0.760 (95% CI:0.721– 0.800), and 0.855 (95% CI: 0.824– 0.886), respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that PLR was correlated with CHA2DS2-VASc score (r=0.331, p< 10− 6). Stratified analysis indicated there was a positive correlation between different risk group (p< 10− 6). Using the LASSO model, a composite indicator displayed differential power for distinguishing CCE with an AUC value of 0.884 (95% CI: 0.857– 0.911). Patients with dabigatran and rivaroxaban exhibited higher risk score than those with warfarin (warfarin vs dabigatran, p=1.40× 10− 2; warfarin vs rivaroxaban p=3.00× 10− 3).Conclusion: PLR and CHA2DS2-VASc score are independent risk factors for CCE with NVAF, and the combination of the two indices can improve the prediction of CCE.Keywords: NVAF, CCE, PLR, CHA2DS2-VASc score, LASSO model

Qian Fan,1,&ast; Zhongmei Bai,2,&ast; Fabrice Yves Ndjana Lessomo,3,&ast; Bingqing Dong,1 Weiqin Zhong,1 Fenglin Jin,1 Zhiquan Wang3 1Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Cardiology, The People’s Hospital of Huangmei, Huanggang, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Zhiquan Wang; Fenglin Jin, Email 2839515516@qq.com; cardio7788@163.comBackground: Low volume change and minimal trauma observed during angiography are the reason why physicians often overlook any changes affecting pre-operative electrolytes levels after coronary intervention. However, few studies have addressed the issue of electrolyte changes after the coronary intervention. Therefore, our study investigates coronary angiography’s effect on electrolytes and provides the quick identification of groups more prone to electrolyte changes.Methods: From the department of cardiology of the second affiliated hospital of Shandong’s first medical university, 374 patients undergoing coronary angiography were selected. Pre-intervention and post-intervention serums, sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl−), magnesium (Mg2+) and renal function were analyzed. The correlation between influential factors was also assessed. The association of hypokalemia with short-major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and arrhythmia was evaluated.Results: Among the 374 subjects including 264 patients who had a simple angiography and 110 patients who received coronary artery interventional therapy. A decrease in potassium levels was found in 81.8% of the patients, and post-interventional hypokalemia was observed in 15.0%. After the intervention, the hypokalemia among males was 2.18 times than that of females, and the pre-operative serum potassium level was 3.5mmol/L≤K+< 4.0mmol/L and was 2.09 times than that of K+≥ 4.0 mmol/L, but was not associated with age and either simple coronary angiography or PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention). Hypernatremia was also prevalent in males under 60 years and with pre-operative hypernatremia. Significant variations were found between hypokalemia and influential factors like hypertension, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disease. We also found that there was no obvious correlation between hypokalemia and recurrent angina, heart failure and death, but significantly increased the risk of some arrhythmias.Conclusion: Male patients are more likely to suffer from electrolyte disturbance after coronary intervention. There is a need to emphasize monitoring and managing electrolyte changes to prevent severe complications in the peri-operative period.Keywords: coronary angiography, electrolytes, hypokalemia, hypernatremia, risk factors

Herein, three small molecule (SM)-acceptors (POIT-IC, POIT-IC2F, and POIT-IC4F) are developed by combining the side-chain engineering located on the sp3-hybridized carbon atoms of the fused-ring core and the fluorination of end groups. From ITIC to POIT-IC, POIT-IC2F, and then to POIT-IC4F, the SM-acceptors show gradually broadened absorption spectra, increased maximum extinction coefficient, crystallinity, and electron mobilities due to the synergistic effects of side-chain engineering and fluorination. Compared with nonfluorinated ITIC and POIT-IC, as fluorination broadens the molecular spectra, POIT-IC2F and POIT-IC4F with alkoxyphenyl side chains show less decreased LUMO levels than IT-IC2F and IT-IC4F with alkylphenyl side chains, which are conducive to both higher Voc and Jsc for organic solar cells (OSCs). Combined with polymer donor PM6, the POIT-IC4F-based OSCs achieve a device efficiency of up to 13.8% with a high Voc of 0.91 V and Jsc of 20.9 mA cm−2, which are significantly higher than that of the control OSCs based on ITIC (8.9%), POIT-IC (10.1%), or IT-IC4F (12.2%). An efficiency of 13.8% is one of the highest PCEs reported for the annealing-free OSCs. Our results show that the synergistic effects of side-chain engineering and fluorination on SM-acceptor can simultaneously broaden spectral response and minimize voltage loss of OSCs and ultimately achieve high device efficiency.

Qiuhua Fan Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Shanxi Children’s Hospital (Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital), Taiyuan, 030000, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Qiuhua Fan, Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Shanxi Children’s Hospital (Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital), Taiyuan, 030000, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86-13-834209526, Email SXFanqiuhua@outlook.comPurpose: To investigate the prevalence of rotavirus infection and acute diarrhea after immunization and further assess the quality of nursing care provided by the nurses to such patients.Methods: A total of 432 children aged 3– 36 months with acute diarrhea between February 2019 and March 2022 were enrolled, and rotavirus testing was performed within 24 h using a rotavirus enzyme immunoassay kit. Clinical characteristics were evaluated, and regression analysis was performed.Results: Eighty vaccinated children (18.5%) were confirmed to have rotavirus infection out of 432 children. The prevalence of rotavirus positivity was the highest at 20– 28 months (22 cases, 24.44%) and 11– 19 months age group (27 cases, 22.50%). There is a significant association between rotavirus infection and hygiene score (p = 0.009). Based on the association with quality of nursing care, rotavirus infection was association with “appropriate care” (p = 0.001).Conclusion: Rotavirus infection was strongly associated with poor hygiene score which may be due to the hygienic nature of the mother and her family. Nursing care assessments revealed a huge gap between nurses and the guardians, which reflects the behavior of Chinese nurses. Thus, an intervention is required by the policymakers for implementing effective strategies of quality nursing for the improvement of the pediatric patients with rotavirus gastroenteritis.Keywords: rotavirus infection, pediatric population, nursing care, logistic regression

Qingxin Fan,1,&ast; Hao Wu,1,2,&ast; Qingquan Kong1 1Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Qingquan Kong, Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People’s Republic of China, Email kqqspine@126.comBackground: The frequent occurrence of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) seriously affects the quality of life of postoperative lumbar patients. Epidural adhesion is the major factor in FBSS.Purpose: A safe and effective antiadhesion material is urgently needed.Methods: A superhydrophilic PLGA-g-PVP/PC nanofiber membrane (NFm) was prepared by electrospinning. FTIR was performed to identify its successful synthesis. Scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and water contact angle measurement were performed. CCK-8 assays were performed in primary rabbit fibroblasts (PRFs) and RAW264.7 cells to explore the cytotoxicity of PLGA-g-PVP/PC NFm. Calcein-AM/PI staining was used to measure the adhesion status in PRFs. ELISA was performed to measure the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-10 in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the anti-epidural adhesion efficacy of the PLGA-g-PVP/PC NFm was determined in a rabbit model of lumbar laminectomy.Results: The PLGA-g-PVP/PC NFm exhibited ultrastrong hydrophilicity and an appropriate degradation rate. Based on the results of the CCK-8 assays, PLGA-g-PVP/PC NFm had no cytotoxicity to PRFs and RAW264.7 cells. Calcein-AM/PI staining showed that PLGA-g-PVP/PC NFm could inhibit PRF adhesion. ELISAs showed that PLGA-g-PVP/PC NFm could attenuate lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage activation. In vivo experiments further confirmed the favorable anti-epidural adhesion effect of PLGA-g-PVP/PC NFm and the lack of a strong inflammatory response.Conclusion: In this study, PLGA-g-PVP/PC NFm was developed successfully to provide a safe and effective physical barrier for preventing epidural adhesion. PLGA-g-PVP/PC NFm provides a promising strategy for preventing postoperative adhesion and has potential for clinical translation.Keywords: superhydrophilic membrane, irradiation graft, postoperative adhesion, failed back surgery syndrome, electrospinning

Widening the martensitic hysteresis ( T Dhys ) in NiTiNb shape memory alloys (SMAs) holds potential for broadening their working temperature range while enabling the room-temperature storage. In this study, the T Dhys is divided into two parts: the thermal-induced hysteresis ( T hys ) and the deformation-induced hysteresis ( T hys ′ ). In addition to decreasing the martensitic transformation start temperature ( M S ), it is found that grain refinement is an effective method for widening both T hys and T hys ′ of the Ni47Ti44Nb9 alloy, a commercial SMA widely used for shape memory couplings. According to thermodynamic analysis, grain refinement increases the dissipation energy ( Δ E dis ) (caused by thermal friction at martensite/austenite interface), thereby widening T hys . Moreover, the Ni47Ti44Nb9 alloy with finer grains has the potential to release more elastic strain energy ( Δ E el ) after deformation, thereby exhibiting a wider T hys ′ . When deforming a large strain, the alloy with finer grains generates more dislocations which stabilize the martensitic phase, thus further widening T hys ′ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has evolved to dominate grape juice fermentation. A suite of cellular properties, rapid nutrient depletion, production of inhibitory compounds and the metabolic narrowing of the niche, all enable a minor resident of the initial population to dramatically increase its relative biomass in the ecosystem. This dominance of the grape juice environment is fueled by a rapid launch of glycolysis and energy generation mediated by transport of hexoses and an efficient coupling of transport and catabolism. Fermentation occurs in the presence of molecular oxygen as the choice between respiratory or fermentative growth is regulated by the availability of sugar a phenomenon known as glucose or catabolite repression. Induction of the [GAR + ] prion alters the expression of the major hexose transporter active under these conditions, Hxt3, reducing glycolytic capacity. Bacteria present in the grape juice ecosystem were able to induce the [GAR + ] prion in wine strains of S. cerevisiae. This induction reduced fermentation capacity but did not block it entirely. However, dominance factors such as the rapid depletion of amino acids and other nitrogen sources from the environment were impeded enabling greater access to these substrates for the bacteria. Bacteria associated with arrested commercial wine fermentations were able to induce the prion state, and yeast cells isolated from arrested commercial fermentations were found to be [GAR + ] thus confirming the ecological relevance of prion induction. Subsequent analyses demonstrated that the presence of environmental acetic acid could lead to [GAR + ] induction in yeast strains under certain conditions. The induction of the prion enabled yeast growth on non-preferred substrates, oxidation and reduction products of glucose and fructose, present as a consequence of bacterial energy production. In native ecosystems prion induction never exceeded roughly 50-60% of the population of yeast cells suggesting that the population retains the capacity for maximal fermentation. Thus, the bacterial induction of the [GAR + ] prion represents a novel environmental response: the query of the environment for the presence of competing organisms and the biological decision to temper glucose repression and dominance and enter a metabolic state enabling coexistence.

As the cornerstone of many high-technological things, semiconductor silicon material has been widely studied in the past few decades. The present study introduces a new type of silicon allotrope named tri-Si18, belonging to the space group P3221. Based on first-principles calculation, its structure characteristics, stability, electronic properties, and thermal conductivity are systematically investigated and analyzed. The elastic constant and phonon spectrum of tri-Si18 demonstrate its mechanics and dynamics stability. The relative enthalpy of tri-Si18 is only 0.089 eV/atom, which is more favorable than that of most silicon allotropes. Furthermore, the tri-Si18 exhibits elastic anisotropy, particularly in the direction of [100], [010], [110], and [111]. In addition, tri-Si18 is a semiconductor material with an indirect band gap of 1.770 eV. More interestingly, the minimum thermal conductivity of tri-Si18 reached 1.10 W/(K cm), which is greater than that of I-4 Si, C2=m-20 Si, P2221 Si, Amm2 Si, Pm-3m Si, and Si64. It is suggested that if tri-Si18 is used to make microelectronic devices, they may have better heat dissipation capacity. Due to its lower relative enthalpy and taller minimum thermal conductivity, tri-Si18 can be used in a diverse variety of optoelectronic materials and in electronic device fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers recently synthesized a new orthorhombic allotrope of silicon, namely Cmcm Si24. This work studied the effect of one vacancy for Cmcm Si24 on structural, electronic, and mechanical anisotropy properties by the first principle calculation. The lattice parameters of Cmcm Si24:V are the same as Cmcm Si24, but the density of Cmcm Si24:V is larger than that of Cmcm Si24. Moreover, the values of elastic moduli for Cmcm Si24:V are smaller than for Cmcm Si24. The Cmcm Si24:V has mechanical stability and anisotropy and has lower formation energy than diamond-Si. The analysis of the band structures shows that Cmcm Si24 is an indirect band gap material, and the value of the band gap is 1.08 eV. In particular, electronic band structures of Cmcm Si24:V exhibit metallic characteristics. Furthermore, the electron localization function indicated strong covalent silicon--silicon bonds in Cmcm Si24 and Cmcm Si24:V. In addition, the effective mass of electrons and holes of Cmcm Si24 is smaller than that of diamond-Si along the a direction, and larger than that along the b and c directions. Finally, the X-ray diffraction patterns for Cmcm Si24 and Cmcm Si24:V are very close after 13:84°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers recently synthesized a new orthorhombic allotrope of silicon, namely Cmcm Si24. This work studied the effect of one vacancy for Cmcm Si24 on structural, electronic, and mechanical anisotropy properties by the first principle calculation. The lattice parameters of Cmcm Si24:V are the same as Cmcm Si24, but the density of Cmcm Si24:V is larger than that of Cmcm Si24. Moreover, the values of elastic moduli for Cmcm Si24:V are smaller than for Cmcm Si24. The Cmcm Si24:V has mechanical stability and anisotropy and has lower formation energy than diamond-Si. The analysis of the band structures shows that Cmcm Si24 is an indirect band gap material, and the value of the band gap is 1.08 eV. In particular, electronic band structures of Cmcm Si24:V exhibit metallic characteristics. Furthermore, the electron localization function indicated strong covalent silicon--silicon bonds in Cmcm Si24 and Cmcm Si24:V. In addition, the effective mass of electrons and holes of Cmcm Si24 is smaller than that of diamond-Si along the a direction, and larger than that along the b and c directions. Finally, the X-ray diffraction patterns for Cmcm Si24 and Cmcm Si24:V are very close after 13:84°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qingling Kong,1 Qing Fan,2 Xianbin Ma,3 Jian Li,4 Rong Ma5 1Office of Hospital Infection Control, People’s Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao 276826, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Hemodialysis, People’s Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao 276826, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Clinical Laboratory, People’s Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao 276826, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Interventional Radiology, People’s Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao 276826, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of General Medicine, People’s Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao 276826, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Rong Ma Email rz3366978@163.comBackground: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor in the world. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0008274 (circUGGT2) is reported to be upregulated in HCC tissues. Notwithstanding, the role and regulatory mechanism of circUGGT2 in HCC are indistinct.Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was implemented to examine the levels of circUGGT2, microRNA (miR)-526b-5p, and ras-related protein Rab-1A (RAB1A) mRNA in HCC tissues and cells. Cell proliferation and colony formation were assessed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) or colony formation assays. The levels of cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and RAB1A were detected with Western blotting. Cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion were evaluated by using flow cytometry or transwell assays. The relationship between circUGGT2 or RAB1A and miR-526b-5p was verified via dual-luciferase reporter and/or RNA pull-down assays. Xenograft assay was executed to confirm the role of circUGGT2 in vivo.Results: We observed that circUGGT2 and RAB1A were upregulated while miR-526b-5p was downregulated in HCC tissues and cells. CircUGGT2 silencing suppressed tumor growth in vivo and curbed proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion of HCC cells in vitro. Mechanically, circUGGT2 regulated RAB1A expression via competitively binding to miR-526b-5p. Also, the inhibitory influence of circUGGT2 silencing on the malignancy of HCC cells was overturned by miR-526b-5p inhibitor. Furthermore, RAB1A overexpression reversed the suppressive influence of miR-526b-5p mimic on the malignancy of HCC cells.Conclusion: CircUGGT2 silencing inhibited HCC development via modulating the miR-526b-5p/RAB1A axis, providing a possible target for HCC treatment.Keywords: HCC, circUGGT2, miR-526b-5p, RAB1A

© 2015 Elsevier B.V. Deletion of the Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (pfhrp2) gene may affect the performance of PfHRP2-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Here we investigated the genetic diversity of the pfhrp2 gene in clinical parasite isolates collected in recent years from the China-Myanmar border area. Deletion of pfhrp2 has been identified in 4 out of 97 parasite isolates. Sequencing of the pfhrp2 exon2 from 67 isolates revealed a high level of genetic diversity in pfhrp2, which is reflected in the presence of many repeat types and their variants, as well as variable copy numbers and different arrangements of these repeats in parasite isolates. In addition, we observed pfhrp3 deletion in three of the four parasites harboring pfhrp2 deletion, suggesting of double deletions of both genes in these three isolates. Analysis of two cases, which were P. falciparum-positive by microscopy and PCR but failed by two PfHRP2-based RDTs, did not find pfhrp2 deletion. Further correlational studies of pfhrp2 polymorphisms with detection sensitivity are needed to identify factors influencing the performance of RDTs in malaria-endemic areas.

Yuejiao Zhong,1,* Qingyu Fan,2,* Zhaofei Zhou,1 Yajing Wang,1 Kang He,1 Jianwei Lu1 1Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 2Xuzhou Medical University Graduate School, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Jianwei Lu Email lujw@medmail.com.cnObjective: To investigate the clinical value of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a potential biomarker for advanced gastric cancer (GC).Patients and Methods: One hundred and six cases of advanced gastric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were selected as study objects. Another 40 healthy volunteers were included as control groups. Plasma cfDNA concentration was detected by (SuperbDNATM) hybridization. Changes in cfDNA concentration during chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer whose efficacy was assessed as partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and disease progression (PD) were analyzed respectively. The relationship between the level of cfDNA and the efficacy of chemotherapy and clinical characteristics was also explored. In addition, cfDNA and other tumor markers were subjected to specificity and sensitivity analyses using ROC.Results: cfDNA concentration in advanced GC patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (P< 0.05). The concentration of plasma cfDNA in patients with PD showed an increasing trend over time. The concentration of plasma cfDNA in patients with therapeutic effect of PR decreased over time. In patients with therapeutic effect of SD, the plasma DNA concentration showed a stable trend over time. There was no significant correlation between cfDNA concentration and factors including gender, age, pathological type, CA724, CA125,CA199, AFP and CEA. ROC results showed that the area under the curve of cfDNA was larger than other tumor markers.Conclusion: Plasma cfDNA concentration was significantly increased in patients with gastric cancer, and its diagnostic efficacy was superior to that of traditional tumor markers. It can be used as a tumor biomarker to monitor the efficacy of chemotherapy for gastric cancer.Keywords: advanced gastric cancer, cfDNA, tumor marker

Copyright © 2015 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are currently used as the first-line therapy for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, the recent emergence and/or spread of artemisinin resistance in parts of Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) of southeast Asia requires close monitoring of the therapeutic efficacy of ACTs. This study was conducted from March 2012 to December 2013 in four clinics and seven villages along the China-Myanmar border. A total of 109 patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were treated with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) and followed up on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 42 after treatment. A total of 71 patients (22 children and 49 adults) completed the 42-day follow-up. DP remained highly efficacious for treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria with an overall 42-day cure rate of 100%. The day 3 parasite-positive rate was 7.04% (5/71).Within 14 days of treatment, a total of 13 (18.31%) patients had detectable gametocytes and a large proportion of these were persistent from the first three days of treatment. The presence of gametocytes in patients through 14 days after DP treatment suggests that the incorporation of a single dose of primaquine for clearing gametocytemia should be considered for blocking parasite transmission.

© 2015 Parker et al.; licensee BioMed Central. Background: Endemic malaria in Thailand continues to only exist along international borders. This pattern is frequently attributed to importation of malaria from surrounding nations. A microgeographical approach was used to investigate malaria cases in a study village along the Thailand-Myanmar border. Methods: Three mass blood surveys were conducted during the study period (July and December 2011, and May 2012) and were matched to a cohort-based demographic surveillance system. Blood slides and filter papers were taken from each participant. Slides were cross-verified by an expert microscopist and filter papers were analysed using nested PCR. Cases were then mapped to households and analysed using spatial statistics. A risk factor analysis was done using mixed effects logistic regression. Results: In total, 55 Plasmodium vivax and 20 Plasmodium falciparum cases (out of 547 participants) were detected through PCR, compared to six and two (respectively) cases detected by field microscopy. The single largest risk factor for infection was citizenship. Many study participants were ethnic Karen people with no citizenship in either Thailand or Myanmar. This subpopulation had over eight times the odds of malaria infection when compared to Thai citizens. Cases also appeared to cluster near a major drainage system and year-round water source within the study village. Conclusion: This research indicates that many cases of malaria remain undiagnosed in the region. The spatial and demographic clustering of cases in a sub-group of the population indicates either transmission within the Thai village or shared exposure to malaria vectors outside of the village. While it is possible that malaria is imported to Thailand from Myanmar, the existence of undetected infections, coupled with an ecological setting that is conducive to malaria transmission, means that indigenous transmission could also occur on the Thai side of the border. Improved, timely, and active case detection is warranted.