Serum free light chain reference intervals in an Optilite and their influence on clinical guidelines

BackgroundSerum free light chain (FLC) analysis has been incorporated into the International Myeloma Working Group guidelines for the diagnosis and management of all monoclonal gammopathies. These recommendations were solely based on a single assay method (Freelite assay) and instrument. Here, we establish new reference intervals (RIs) for kappa and lambda FLC and the kappa-lambda difference and sum and a new diagnostic range for kappa/lambda FLC ratio (K/L-FLC) in an Optilite turbidimeter (The Binding Site) with the Freelite assay.MethodsTo establish new RIs, the CLSI EP28-A3C protocol was applied to 249 sample blood donors from Fuenlabrada, Spain, and the central 95% and total range were estimated. Samples from patients with polyclonal hypo- and hypergammaglobulinemia were used for the evaluation of K/L-FLC as a monoclonal proliferation index.ResultsThe new RIs and the new K/L-FLC diagnostic range for the Optilite (0.65–2.56 mg/L) are very different from those in on the guidelines (0.26–1.65 mg/L). We propose new RIs for the K − L difference and the K + L sum. Diagnostic range validation as a monoclonal proliferation index with samples with hypo- and hypergammaglobulinemia confirms this new range.ConclusionsIn this study, we present the FLC RI for Freelite reagents measured on an Optilite turbidimeter. These ranges are different from those provided by the manufacturer and from those used in most studies in the literature, which may lead to patient misclassification. Manufacturers and clinical laboratories must strive to provide RIs for the technology they are using and for their population.     

探讨3.0T磁共振UTE序列对肺结节的显示能力:与CT图像对比

目的:通过3.0T MR的超短回波时间(UTE)成像与常规剂量CT平扫进行对比,探讨UTE-MRI对肺结节显示的能力,分析其在肺结节的临床应用价值。方法:搜集本院31例患者,行CT平扫及3.0T磁共振UTE序列扫描。以CT检出结节数量及影像特征作为金标准。2名10年以上工作经验放射诊断医师独立记录CT及UTE肺结节数目及形态特征。结果:31例患者CT共检出41枚结节,UTE序列检出40枚结节(检出率97.6%)。UTE检出分叶征28枚,几乎接近金标准CT图像(29枚),检出率为96.5%,两者间差异无统计学意义。UTE检出病灶中心不均质性(19枚),检出率高于CT(10枚),差异具有统计学意义。UTE显示毛刺征数量(15枚),低于CT显示(20枚),但两者间差异无统计学意义。UTE显示胸膜牵拉数量(11枚),高于CT显示(9枚),差异亦无统计学意义。结论:UTE序列对于肺小结节(≥4 mm)检出有高的敏感性,可媲美CT成像,且可提供接近于CT的影像学特征,具有广阔的临床应用前景。     

Forensic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the Chinese Han population from Chongqing Municipality,Southwest China

Chongqing Han is an important southern Han group, but investigations on its paternal genetic structure are still limited. Here, we analyzed the forensic and phylogenetic characteristics of the Chongqing Han population based on 27 Y-STR and predicted Y-SNP markers. Based on AMOVA, haplogroup distribution and network analysis, we explored the genetic relationship between Chongqing Han, other Chinese groups and some southern indigenous groups (speaking Kra-Dai, Austronesian, etc).     

Quercetin reduces erosive dentin wear: Evidence from laboratory and clinical studies

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of quercetin on the acid resistance of human dentin through both laboratory and clinical studies.MethodsTwo hundred and twelve dentin blocks (2 mm × 2 mm × 2 mm) were prepared and used. For the laboratory study, dentin specimens were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 12): deionized water, ethanol, 1.23 × 10⁴ μg/ml sodium fluoride (NaF), 120 μg/ml chlorhexidine, 183.2 μg/ml epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and 75 μg/ml, 150 μg/ml, and 300 μg/ml quercetin (Q75, Q150, and Q300). The specimens were treated with the respective solutions for 2 min and then subjected to in vitro erosion (4 cycles/d for 7 d). The surface microhardness loss (%SMH_l), erosive dentin wear, and surface morphology were evaluated and compared. For the impact on MMP inhibition, the release of crosslinked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and the thickness of the demineralized organic matrix (DOM) were measured using additional dentin specimens. For the clinical study, the specimens were treated with NaF or Q300 for 2 min and then subjected to in vivo erosion (4 cycles/d for 7 d). The %SMH_l and erosive dentin wear of the specimens were measured to determine whether quercetin similarly inhibits erosion in situ.ResultsThe quercetin-treated group had a significantly lower %SMH_l and erosive dentin wear than any other group, and the effect was concentration-dependent in vitro (P < 0.05). Dentin treated with quercetin produced significantly less ICTP and had a thicker DOM than the control dentin (P < 0.05). After in vivo erosion, the %SMH_l and erosive dentin wear of the Q300 group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05).SignificanceThe application of quercetin was shown, for the first time, to increase the acid resistance of human dentin, possibly through MMP inhibition and DOM preservation.     

Carbamazepine-induced immune thrombocytopenia confirmed by modified MASPAT test

A 76-year-old man suffering post-herpetic neuralgia developed severe thrombocytopenia 15 days after the administration of carbamazepine. Carbamazepine-dependent platelet antibodies were proved to be present in the patient’s serum by a modified Monoclonal Antibody Solid-phase Platelet Antibody Test (MASPAT), and the diagnosis of carbamazepine-induced immune thrombocytopenia was confirmed. For the patient, carbamazepine should be advised to be avoided permanently. The present report advocated the application of a modified MASPAT test for the detection of carbamazepine-dependent platelet antibodies.     

经皮肝穿刺胆管引流术联合金属支架置入姑息性治疗恶性胆道梗阻的效果分析

目的:探讨经皮肝穿刺胆管引流术(PTCD)基础上胆道内置入金属支架姑息性治疗恶性胆道梗阻的疗效。方法:回顾性分析2011年1月—2013年6月收治的经十二指肠镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)支架植入失败后改行PTCD或PTCD联合胆道内金属支架置入的94例胆道恶性梗阻患者临床资料,其中,单纯行PTCD 45例(PTCD组),PTCD联合胆道内金属支架置入49例(PTCD+支架组),比较两组减黄效果、术后并发症及术后生存情况。结果:术后5 d,两组血清胆红素水平无统计学差异(P0.05),但术后7、14 d,PTCD+支架组血清胆红素水平明显低于PTCD组(P0.05);两组术后并发症发生率差异无统计学意义(P0.05);PTCD+支架组术后1年的生存率优于PTCD组(χ2=6.280,P=0.012)。结论:PTCD基础上胆道内金属支架置入是恶性胆道梗阻患者ERCP失败后有效的姑息性治疗手段,且效果优于单独的PTCD。     

髂动脉分支支架拓展应用保留单侧髂内动脉的可行性与安全性

背景与目的 对于主-髂动脉瘤合并双侧髂内动脉瘤（IIAA）的患者,髂动脉分支支架（IBD）是目前保留单侧髂内动脉（IIA）首选治疗方式,但商业化的IBD因个体化解剖差异而应用受限,难以满足所有患者情况,因此,本研究探讨IBD拓展应用保留单侧IIA的可行性与安全性。方法 回顾性分析2021年4月—2021年6月复旦大学附属中山医院厦门医院行腹主动脉瘤腔内修复（EVAR）中采用不同方法拓展应用G-iliac^TM IBD保留单侧IIA的3例主-髂动脉瘤合并双侧IIAA患者临床资料。结果 3例患者均为男性,年龄66~70岁;腹主动脉瘤（AAA）最大直径29~56 mm,保留侧IIA主干有效腔管径及扩张处最大直径分别为10~11 mm和17~20 mm。保留侧髂总动脉（CIA）及髂外动脉（EIA）直径分别为15~28 mm和13~18 mm,栓塞侧IIA主干扩张处最大直径25~37 mm。3例患者均接受EVAR,采用G-iliac^TM IBD保留IIAA相对较小的一侧,弹簧圈栓塞IIAA较大一侧,技术成功率100%。保留单侧IIA拓展策略包括：将IIA桥接支架锚定于其主干相对健康管腔处,以及利用球扩式覆膜支架远端后扩放大特性,加强支架与扩张IIA远端密封性。围手术期无心梗、脑梗、出血及死亡等重大并发症发生。1例发生保留侧IIA来源Ib型内漏,球囊扩张后内漏消失;1例出现肠系膜下动脉来源II型内漏,出院前及术后3个月随访无明显改变;1例术后随访期间出现栓塞侧IIA分支来源II型内漏,术后3个月内漏消失。均未出现臀肌跛行症状,无支架断裂、移位、血栓等支架相关并发症。结论 对于合并双侧髂内动脉瘤样扩张的主-髂动脉瘤患者,采用不同策略,拓展IBD应用以保留单侧IIA短期内可行、安全,其中远期效果需进一步随访。     

经腹小切口超声引导系膜穿刺逆向开通治疗肠系膜上动脉开口全堵病变

背景与目的：对于肠系膜上动脉（SMA）闭塞患者,尤其是存在开口处动脉粥样硬化性无残端病变,开腹逆行肠系膜动脉支架置入术（ROMS）是一种有效的治疗方法,但该手术创伤较大,一些身体条件差的患者并不适合。笔者通过报告1例SMA全堵病变病例的治疗过程介绍一种改良的微创ROMS技术,以期为临床治疗方法的选择提供参考。 方法：回顾复旦大学附属中山医院厦门医院血管外科2019年10月收治的1例SMA全堵病变患者的临床资料。患者为64岁女性,诊断为SMA闭塞引起的慢性肠系膜缺血,行杂交手术再通SMA。 结果：患者SMA开口处为无残端完全闭塞病变且无侧支血管与腹腔干动脉及脾动脉沟通,顺行或逆行血管腔内开通均无法进行。因患者全身条件较差,难以耐受开放血运重建手术和传统的ROMS。遂做腹部做小切口,超声引导下经系膜穿刺SMA远端建立通路,导丝顺利逆向通过SMA闭塞处进入降主动脉;右侧肱动脉入路导管和逆向导丝对接后顺利正向通过病变,完成球囊扩张和支架置入术。术后患者恢复良好,症状消失,3个月后随访CTA示,支架形态、位置良好,血流通畅。 结论：对于血管腔内治疗失败且全身条件较差的SMA闭塞患者,通过经腹小切口超声引导系膜穿刺逆向开通SMA是可行的。