Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect hepatitis C virus serological groups 1 to 6

By conventional serological grouping methods, it is possible to determine hepatitis C virus (HCV) serological groups for genotypes 1a, and 1b, and genotypes 2a, and 2b, but not for other genotypes, i.e., 3a, 3b, 4a, 5a, and 6a. In this study, we attempted to serologically group HCV with the Murex HCV serotyping 1 to 6 assay (Murex Diagnostics, Kent, UK), using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on genotype-specific peptides from the NS4 region. The subjects of this study were 365 patients infected with HCV of genotype 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, or 3b. The sensitivity of the assay was 100% in patients with genotype 1a, 82.7% in those with 1b, 68.5% in those with 2a, 84.2% in those with 2b, 50.0% in those with 3a, and 76.5% in those with genotype 3b. The overall sensitivity was 78.4%. The specificity of the assay was 100% in the subjects with genotype 1a, 98.8% in those with 1b, 98.4% in those with 2a, 96.9% in those with 2b, 100% in those with 3a, and 100% in those with genotype 3b. The overall specificity was 98.6%. The concordance of the assay was 100% in subjects with genotype 1a, 81.7% in those with 1b, 67.4% in those with 2a, 81.6% in those with 2b, 50.0% in those with 3a, and 76.5% in those with genotype 3b. The overall concordance was 77.5%. We believe it would be better to serotype with the Murex HCV serotyping 1 to 6 assay, if other than serological group (Gr) 1 or Gr 2 is suspected in particular ethnic groups or in subjects with an indeterminate result with the Immucheck HCV Gr assay (Kokusai, Kobe, Japan), assuming that the genotype must be other than 1a, 1b, 2a, or 2b. Received: October 22, 1998 / Accepted: February 26, 1999     

Distribution of breakpoint within the breakpoint cluster region (bcr) in chronic myelogenous leukemia with a complex Philadelphia chromosome translocation

We analyzed, by Southern blot hybridization, the site of breakpoint within the breakpoint cluster region (bcr) in six patients with a complex Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) translocation and in 23 unselected patients with a standard Ph. The breakpoint was found within the 5.8 kb bcr in all 29 patients. When the bcr was subdivided into four parts, fragments I-IV, based on the restriction enzyme sites, among the six patients with a complex Ph, two had a breakpoint at fragment I, three at fragment II, and one at fragment III. This distribution of breakpoints in patients with a complex Ph did not differ significantly from that in patients with a standard Ph. A deletion of an allele within the bcr was found in three patients (50%) with a complex Ph and in three (13%) with a standard Ph. The internal bcr deletion may be more common in patients with a complex Ph.     

Cytokeratms and carcinoembryonic antigen in diagnosis, staging and prognosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma

AIM: To evaluate the serum levels of cytokeratins and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in diagnosis, staging and prognosis of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: The sample consisted of 169 patients. One hundred blood donors formed the control group. Radical surgery was performed on 120 patients, with an average follow-up duration of 22.3 mo. Relapses occurred in 23 individuals after an average of 18.09 mo. CEA was assayed via the Delfia method with a limit of 5 ng/mL Cytokeratins were assayed via the LIA-mat TPA-M Prolifigen method with a limit of 72 U/L. RESULTS: In the diagnosis of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma, CEA showed a sensitivity of 56%, a specificity of 95%, a positive predictive value of 94%, a negative predictive value of 50% and an accuracy of 76.8%. TPA-M had a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity of 96%, a positive predictive value of 97%, a negative predictive value of 66% and an accuracy of 93.6%. The elevation of one of the markers was shown to have a sensitivity of 76.9%, a specificity of 91%, a positive predictive value of 93.5%, a negative predictive value of 70% and an accuracy of 83.6%. There was no variation in the levels of the markers according to the degree of cell differentiation while there was an elevation in their concentrations in accordance with the increase in neoplastic dissemination. There was a statistically significant difference between the patients with stage IV lesions and those with stages I, II and III tumors. With regard to CEA, the average level was 14.2 ng/mL in patients with stage I lesions, 8.5 ng/mL in patients with stage II lesions, 8.0 ng/mL in patients with stage III lesions and 87.7 ng/mL in patients with stage IV lesions. In relation to TPA-M, the levels were 153.1 U/L in patients with stage I tumors, 106.5 U/L in patients with stage II tumors, 136.3 U/L in patients with stage III tumors and 464.3 U/L in patients with stage IV tumors. There was a statistical difference in patients with a high CEA level in relation to a shorter survival (P<0.05). However, there was no correlation between patients with high TPA-M levels and prognostic indices of patients undergoing radical surgery. CONCLUSION: Cytokeratins demonstrate a greater sensitivity than CEA in the diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma. There is an increase in the sensitivity of the markers with tumor dissemination. Cytokeratins cannot identify the worse prognosis in patients undergoing radical surgery, Cytokeratins constitute an advance in the direction of a perfect tumor marker in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer.     

Cytokeratins and carcinoembryonic antigen in diagnosis, staging and prognosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma

AIM: To evaluate the serum levels of cytokeratins and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in diagnosis, staging and prognosis of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma.METHODS: The sample consisted of 169 patients. One hundred blood donors formed the control group. Radical surgery was performed on 120 patients, with an average follow-up duration of 22.3mo. Relapses occurred in 23individuals after an average of 18.09mo. CEA was assayed via the Delfia method with a limit of 5ng/mL. Cytokeratins were assayed via the LIA-mat TPA-M Prolifigen method with a limit of 72U/L. RESULTS: In the diagnosis of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma, CEA showed a sensitivity of 56%, a specificity of 95%, a positive predictive value of 94%, a negative predictive value of 50% and an accuracy of 76.8%. TPA-M had a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity of 96%, a positive predictive value of 97%, a negative predictive value of 66% and an accuracy of 93.6%. The elevation of one of the markers was shown to have a sensitivity of 76.9%, a specificity of 91%, a positive predictive value of 93.5%, a negative predictive value of 70% and an accuracy of 83.6%. There was no variation in the levels of the markers according to the degree of cell differentiation while there was an elevation in their concentrations in accordance with the increase in neoplastic dissemination. There was a statistically significant difference between the patients with stage Ⅳ lesions and those with stages Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ tumors.With regard to CEA, the average level was 14.2ng/mL in patients with stage Ⅰ lesions, 8.5ng/mL in patients with stage Ⅱ lesions, 8.0ng/mL in patients with stage Ⅲ lesions and 87.7ng/mL in patients with stage Ⅳ lesions. In relation to TPA-M, the levels were 153.1U/L in patients with stage Ⅰ tumors, 106.5U/L in patients with stage Ⅱ tumors, 136.3U/L in patients with stage Ⅲ tumors and 464.3U/L in patients with stage Ⅳ tumors. There was a statistical difference in patients with a high CEA level in relation to a shorter survival (P&lt;0.05). However, there was no correlation between patients with high TPA-M levels and prognostic indices of patients undergoing radical surgery.CONCLUSION: Cytokeratins demonstrate a greater sensitivity than CEA in the diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma. There is an increase in the sensitivity of the markers with tumor dissemination.Cytokeratins cannot identify the worse prognosis in patients undergoing radical surgery.Cytokeratins constitute an advance in the direction of a perfect tumor marker in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer.     

血清胃蛋白酶原和胃泌素检测对幽门螺杆菌相关十二指肠溃疡的意义

目的测定十二指肠溃疡(DU)患者血清胃蛋白酶原PGⅠ、PGⅡ、PGⅠ/PGⅡ、血清胃泌素-17(G-17),分析胃肠肽类激素与幽门螺杆菌(Hp)引起的DU的相关性。方法选取胃镜检查确诊的患者306例,分成Hp阳性、Hp阴性DU组,Hp阳性、Hp阴性浅表性胃炎组,Hp阳性、Hp阴性萎缩性胃炎组,以ELISA检测血清PG和G-17含量。结果 Hp阳性DU组血清PGⅠ较慢性萎缩性胃炎和慢性浅表性胃炎Hp阳性组显著升高,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05);Hp阴性DU组血清PGⅠ较萎缩性胃炎和慢性浅表性胃炎Hp阴性组明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。DU各组PGⅠ/PGⅡ比值与慢性浅表性胃炎各组比较,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。结论 Hp阳性DU患者血清PGⅠ和G-17升高;血清PGⅠ和G-17含量对分析胃肠肽类激素与Hp引起的DU以及症状程度和疗效评价有较好的参考价值。     

Increased Deoxyribonucleic Acid Synthesis in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis with the Laparoscopical Hallmark of “Reddish patch”

Abstract: The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthetic potency of hepatocytes in liver biopsy specimens was investgated in: 6 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) with a laparoscopical finding of a “reddish patch”, 5 patients with PBC without a “reddish patch”, 10 patients with chronic aggressive hepatitis with a typical “patchy liver” as seen on laparoscopy, 14 patients with cirrhosis of a viral origin with a laparoscopic “nodular liver”, and in 6 patients with gastric cancer without liver involvement (control subjects). The bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU, a thymidine analogue) -anti-BrdU method was used. The mean BrdU L. I. (±SE) of the PBC patients with a “reddish patch”, PBC patients without a “reddish patch”, patients with a “patchy liver”, patients with a “nodular liver” and of the control subjects was 3.5±0.6%, 0.5±0.1%, 1.3±0.3%, 1.1±0.3%, and 0.2±0.1% respectively. The BrdU L.I. of the PBC patients with a “reddish patch” was significantly greater than that of the PBC patients without a “reddish patch” (p>0.001) and greater than that of patients with a “patchy liver” or a “nodular liver” (p>0.001, respectively). It was the greatest in all of the benign liver diseases examined. Thus, the so-called laparoscopical finding of a “reddish patch” in PBC may represent a marked regeneration of hepatocytes.     

兰州市慢性病患者隐孢子虫和溶组织阿米巴感染流行病学调查结果分析

目的了解兰州市慢性病（主要为高血压、糖尿病和恶性肿瘤）人群隐孢子虫和溶组织阿米巴的感染状况。方法在兰州市收集高血压、糖尿病、恶性肿瘤及非慢性病患者等的粪便,分别采用改良抗酸染色法和碘染色法,检测粪便中的隐孢子虫卵囊和溶组织阿米巴包囊。结果在600例粪便中,隐孢子虫和溶组织阿米巴感染率分别为4．17％和4．50％,感染率差异无统计学意义（χ2=0．080,P〉0．05）;男性感染率分别为4．67％和4．33％,女性感染率分别为3．67％和3．oO％;〈10岁者隐孢子虫和溶组织阿米巴的感染率最高,分别为6．00％和7．00％;糖尿病和恶性肿瘤组隐孢子虫的感染率分别为7．00％和10．。0％,与对照组比较差异有统计学意义（χ2=4．178,7．639;P〈0．05）;糖尿病和恶性肿瘤组溶组织内阿米巴的感染率分别为9．00％和8．33％,与对照组比较差异有统计学意义（χ2=6．866,4．108;P〈0．05）。结论兰州市隐孢子虫和溶组织阿米巴儿童和慢性病患者人群感染率较高,可能与该人群健康状况、免疫力和卫生习惯等密切相关。     

Combination of positive inotropic and vasodilating substances in congestive heart failure

Summary Therapy combining vasodilators and inotropic agents is considered to be one of the most powerful means of improving cardiac function in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The vasodilators enhance the effectiveness of inotropic agents by providing a reduction in preload and/or afterload.Inotropic drugs with different mechanisms of action, such as digitalis glycosides, ephedrine, dopamine, dobutamine, ibopamine, terbutaline, salbutamol, pirbuterol, prenalterol, amrinone, and milrinone, have been tested in combination with vasodilators with a predominant effect on preload (nitrates, molsidomine), with a predominant effect on afterload (hydralazine, nifedipine), or with a balanced action on both arterial and venous beds (nitroprusside, prazosin, captopril), showing positive results.The problem of the combination of digitalis glycosides and vasodilators with different sites of action has been considered by our group. In 42 patients with CHF, digoxin (DIG, 0.01 mg/kg intravenously) was tested in combination with molsidomine (MLS, 4 mg sublingually) (12 patients), a nitrate-like agent with a predominant vasodilating action on the capacitance vessels, nifedipine (NFP, 10 mg sublingually) (22 patients), a Ca²⁺ antagonist drug with a predominant action on the resistance vessels, and captopril (CPT, 25 mg orally) (8 patients), an ACE inhibitor with a balanced effect on both preload and afterload. The combination DIG plus MLS caused a reduction in left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) greater than that achieved with either agent alone. The hemodynamic improvement was obtained without side effects, in spite of the striking fall in preload. We stress that this investigation was performed on patients with CHF following acute myocardial infarction. The combination DIG plus NFP resulted in a higher output increase and a greater LVFP reduction when compared with DIG or NFP alone, indicating a shift to a more improved left ventricular function curve. The combination DIG plus CPT provoked a decrease in LVFP greater than that achieved with either agent alone, while the increase in cardiac index and stroke volume index was not significantly different from that obtained with DIG or CPT.The results obtained by the combination of digitalis and a vasodilator with a pronounced effect on the resistance vessels, such as NFP, appear to be more favorable, since the reduction in impedance to left ventricular ejection allows a better ventricular emptying, thus leading to an improved cardiac output.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pasteurella multocida</Emphasis> sepsis,due to a scratch from a pet cat,in a post-chemotherapy neutropenic patient with non-hodgkin lymphoma

Pasteurella (P) multocida exists in a variety of animals and causes diverse infections in humans due to animal bites and scratches, usually by cats or dogs, and oral and respiratory infection. We report a case of P multocida sepsis due to a scratch from a pet cat, complicated with disseminated intravascular coagulation in a post-chemotherapy neutropenic patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The patient was a febrile 79-year-old woman with disturbed consciousness and subcutaneous abscess in her right hand due to a scratch from a pet cat. She was successfully treated with empirical antibiotic therapy with cefepime and administrations of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and danaparoid. The minimum inhibitory concentration of cefepime against the isolate from this case was <2mg/L. Although a few days are required before a diagnosis of P multocida infection can be made from a bacteriological study, the infection can be successfully treated against febrile neutropenia with empirical cefepime. In a literature review, 7 cases, including ours, with hematological malignancies complicated with P multocida infection were identified and we summarized the clinical characteristics of these cases. These cases demonstrate the importance of the prevention of close contact between pet animals and immunocompromised hosts such as post-chemotherapy neutropenic patients.     

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome-like syndrome presented as lupus-like syndrome with mycobacterial joint infection evolved into the lymphoma

The autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) and ALPS-like syndrome are variable clinical conditions characterized by lymphoproliferative disease, autoimmune cytopenias and susceptibility to malignancy. A 59-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital for intractable generalized pain and stiffness with multiple swollen joints for 2 weeks. A low-grade fever, intermittent hypotension and confusion were associated with the pain. The evaluation revealed multiple joint bony erosions with effusion and a ruptured Baker's cyst and positive AFB testing on the joint biopsy of the right wrist. In addition, there were a macular skin rash with telangiectasia and perivascular lymphocyte infiltration, a cytopenia without abnormal cells, a hepatosplenomegaly, a pericardial thickness with effusion and pleural effusion. The patient was treated with anti-mycobacterial drugs, NSAIDs and glucocorticoids for 10 months. But with the symptoms worsening, the patient developed cervical lymph node enlargements and was diagnosed as a diffuse large B cell lymphoma with hemophagocytosis on biopsy.     

Clinical features of patients with chronic liver disease associated with hepatitis C virus genotype 1a/I in Okinawa, Japan

The clinical characteristics of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers with HCV genotype 1a/I infection were investigated and compared with those of chronic HCV carriers infected with 1b/II, 2a/III, 2b/IV and the mixed type of infection. We found that 16 of 408 (3.9%) carriers had HCV genotype 1a infection, comprising four of 67 (6.0%) blood donors, 11 of 263 (4.2%) patients with chronic hepatitis and one of 39 (2.6%) patients with liver cirrhosis. Three of 408 subjects had a mixed infection of genotypes 1a/I and 1b/II. All carriers with genotype 1a (including those with the mixed infection) were of Japanese origin and all, except one who was born in Brazil, were born in Okinawa Prefecture. Nine of 14 patients infected with genotype 1a for whom medical records were obtained had a history suggestive of infection through blood exposure; six had had blood transfusions, one had tattoos, one is a nurse and one had a history of drug addiction. There were no haemophiliacs or other multitransfused patients in the genotype 1a group. Of 10 patients infected with genotype 1a who received interferon (IFN) therapy, four (40%) showed a complete response. Although the small number of patients infected with genotype 1a in the present study precluded statistical analysis of the response to IFN, the response in patients with genotype 1a was better than the response in those infected with genotype 1b and poorer than the response in those patients infected with genotype 2a/III or 2b/IV.     

手足口病患儿感染肠道病毒71型全基因组基因特征分析

目的从手足口病患儿粪便中分离肠道病毒71型(EV71),对其进行全基因组测序,了解秦皇岛市EV71全基因组基因特征,为手足口病的综合防治提供依据。方法从秦皇岛市各医院收集手足口病患儿粪便标本,进行EV71检测,阳性标本进行病毒分离及核酸提取,通过RT-PCR进行全基因组序列扩增,通过电泳、测序及序列拼接一系列操作分析其基因特征。结果用提取的核酸扩增出7 406bp的目的基因片段测序后与已记录的EV71相应序列进行比对完全一致,且测序峰图较好,可信度也较高;各基因片段间通过核苷酸序列拼接后得出,秦皇岛市医院EV71全基因组序列长7 406bp,编码区各基因片段的长度分别为:2A450bp、2B297bp、2C987bp、3A258bp、3B66bp、3C549bp、3D1 386bp、VPl 891bp、VP2 762bp、VP3 726bp、VP4 207bp。结论秦皇岛市EV71分离株为C4a型全基因组序列长7 406bp,可为当地手足口病的防控提供参考。     

Reduced GFR and microalbuminuria are independently associated with prevalent cardiovascular disease in Type 2 diabetes: JDDM study 16

Aims We investigated whether a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence, independent of the effect of microalbuminuria in patients with diabetes. Methods In a multicentre, large‐scale cohort including 3002 Japanese patients with Type 2 diabetes without macroalbuminuria, the relationship of a reduced eGFR and microalbuminuria with CVD was investigated. Results Of those patients, 4.8% had a reduced eGFR and microalbuminuria, 12.7% had a reduced eGFR without microalbuminuria and 18.7% had microalbuminuria but normal eGFR. A reduced eGFR and microalbuminuria were each associated with a doubling of the prevalence of CVD. Compared with patients with no microalbuminuria/normal eGFR [odds ratio (OR) 1.0], the OR for CVD was significantly higher in those with a reduced eGFR without microalbuminuria (OR 1.97) and similarly higher in those with microalbuminuria without a reduced eGFR (OR 1.85). The OR was highest in those with both a reduced eGFR and microalbuminuria (OR 3.97, 95% confidence interval 2.55–6.20). The OR for CVD remained significant after adjustments for age, sex, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, smoking, body mass index, glycated haemoglobin and the duration of diabetes, and remained significant if the cut‐off point for microalbuminuria was set at the median albumin : creatinine ratio (13.7 mg/g creatinine). In patients without microalbuminuria, a reduced eGFR was associated with CVD only in the older and male groups. Conclusion A reduced eGFR and the presence of microalbuminuria were each associated with a near doubling of the prevalence of CVD, independently of traditional CVD risk factors and glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes.     

Practical and cost‐effective measurement of B‐domain deleted and full‐length recombinant FVIII in the routine haemostasis laboratory

The assessment of recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) activity (FVIII:C) in plasma of patients is dependent on the assay. Notably, a calibration with a product‐specific laboratory standard is recommended when measuring Refacto‐AF^R activity in plasma with a one‐stage assay. The objective of this study was to facilitate the measurement of rFVIII, taking into account the recent demonstration that a calibration curve does not have to be included in each run. FVIII:C was measured in patients' samples after infusion of different types of rFVIII with a one‐stage and a chromogenic assay calibrated either with pooled normal plasma or a product‐specific laboratory standard. Results obtained with the one‐stage coagulation assay were compared with these provided by a chromogenic assay. We confirmed that a calibration curve can be used for a prolonged period of time without loss of precision and accuracy. In such conditions, a stable relation between the calibration curves generated with a product‐specific laboratory standard and plasma can be established. In patients' plasma, Refacto‐AF levels measured with a one‐stage FVIII assay calibrated with plasma or a product‐specific laboratory standard diverged from ?58% to ?17% and from ?25% to +18%, respectively, from the activity determined with a chromogenic substrate assay. By comparison, FVIII:C levels of full‐length rFVIII measured with the one‐stage assay calibrated with plasma were 6–49% lower than with the chromogenic assay. In a monocentric setting, the long‐term stability of the calibration curves allows the implementation of a practical and cost‐effective approach to determine rFVIII:C levels.     

华支睾吸虫来源极性差异化合物的高效薄层色谱免疫分析

目的探索华支睾吸虫ESPs、虫卵和虫体水溶性组分中生物大分子极性和抗原性的差异并寻找可行的分离方法。方法用HPTLC法分离华支睾吸虫ESPs、虫卵和虫体的水溶性组分,同时结合免疫染色法研究极性差异组分的抗原性。结果用有机溶剂组合可将ESPs、虫卵和虫体水溶性组分中极性强弱差异的化合物分离开。氯仿︰甲醇︰水（11︰9︰2）溶剂组合对弱极性化合物各组分有较好的分离效果。与虫卵相比较,ESPs和虫体的弱极性组分较复杂。不能被有机溶剂展开的强极性组分的抗原性较强,未检测出弱极性组分的抗原性反应。通过有机溶剂提取的弱极性组分可完全在水中复溶并被有机溶剂重新展开。结论华支睾吸虫来源的水溶性组分中的弱极性化合物成分能通过有机溶剂组合进行有效分离。这为分离华支睾吸虫来源的脂类等弱极性生物大分子以及研究其病原相关分子模式的性质奠定了基础。     

Vulnerability to HIV Among Women Formerly Incarcerated and Women with Incarcerated Sexual Partners

HIV risk was assessed in association with a history of incarceration and having a sexual partner with a history of incarceration in a population sample of low-income young women residing in San Francisco. Of the 235 women surveyed, 23% reported prior incarceration and 42% reported having a sexual partner with a history of incarceration. Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (including HIV) was no higher among previously incarcerated women or those with a sexual partner with a history of incarceration. Women with a prior incarceration were significantly more likely to report injecting drugs, exchanging sex for money or drugs, and history of forced sex. Women reporting sexual partners with a history of incarceration were significantly more likely to report incarceration history, history of STIs, and history of forced sex. Interventions aimed at reducing substance abuse, STIs, commercial/survival sex, and the effects of sexual coercion need to be strengthened for women within and transitioning out of correctional facilities.     

Purpura thrombotique thrombocytopénique et autres syndromes de microangiopathie thrombotique au cours de l’infection par le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection represents a risk factor for thrombotic microangiopathy. HIV-associated thrombotic microangiopathies encompass two entities with distinct pathophysiology, clinical presentation, treatment and prognosis. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with human immunodeficiency virus is typically characterized by a sudden onset in a patient with a moderate immune deficiency and a few events of opportunistic diseases, and a profound acquired deficiency in the von Willebrand factor cleaving protease ADAMTS13. This diagnosis requires a well-codified management including daily therapeutic plasma exchanges, a highly active antiretroviral therapy and eventually immunomodulatory drugs. The prognosis is good with a response rate and an overall survival comparable to that of HIV-negative thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. On the opposite, HIV-associated thrombotic microangiopathy with a progressive onset that occurs in profoundly immunocompromised patients with past history of multiple opportunistic diseases usually have a detectable ADAMTS13 activity and a worse prognosis. Usual treatment is poorly efficient. Forthcoming studies should assess the role of immunomodulatory drugs such as rituximab in the setting of HIV-associated thrombotic microangiopathy, and identify possible risk factors associated with the occurrence of these diseases.     

不同类型初始心律的院外心搏骤停患者流行病学及预后分析

目的比较不同类型初始心律的院外心搏骤停(OHCA)患者在流行病学特征及预后的差异。方法参照Utstein模式收集2012年1月至2016年10月期间浙江省人民医院急诊科、绍兴市急救中心和宁波市急救中心接诊的612例OHCA患者的临床资料,回顾性分析其初始心律、年龄、性别、发作地点、是否被目击、目击者心肺复苏(CPR)、急救反应时间、可能病因、现场/途中自主循环恢复(ROSC)、急诊室ROSC、存活入院及存活出院等,并比较可电击心律患者(92例)与不可电击心律患者(520例)的流行病学特征及预后。结果可电击心律患者的年龄比不可电击心律患者年轻;可电击心律的患者更多地发生在公共场所和工作场所,而不可电击心律患者更多地发生在家里;可电击心律患者中接受目击者CPR的比例更高;可能病因为创伤的OHCA患者中表现为不可电击心律者多于可电击心律;可电击心律患者的急救反应时间少于不可电击心律患者(均P0.05)。可电击心律患者在现场/途中ROSC、急诊室ROSC、存活住院及存活出院等各项预后指标上均优于不可电击心律患者(均P0.05)。结论不同类型初始心律的OHCA在流行病学上有各自的特征,不可电击心律的预后较差,应重视院外生存链以避免出现不可电击心律。     

Early treatment during a primary malaria infection modifies the development of cross immunity

We have used a murine model to study the kinetics of cross-protection when a primary infection is halted at different times. We analysed how parasitaemia is modified during a second infection with the homologous parasite, a heterologous parasite, or a mixture of the two. In addition, possible mechanisms involved in cross-protection were analysed. Results show that treatment with pyrimethamine on day 5 during a primary infection with P. chabaudi AS (non-lethal), prevents the generation of cross-protection to a new challenge with lethal P. yoelii 17XL. In contrast, when treatment is on day 7, mice survive a P. yoelii infection. Differences between both groups suggest that in order for 'preimmune' mice to survive a lethal challenge, a predominantly TH2-type response is required, with a higher mRNA expression level of IL-4 and IL-10, and a lower mRNA expression of IFN-gamma. This work shows that an early treatment of a malaria infection produced by a non-lethal parasite drives the immune response towards a loss of cross-protection to further infections, in particular with more virulent parasites. This finding should be taken into account for the development of effective malaria vaccines.     

Bacterial endocarditis in a child with haemophilia B: risks of central venous catheters

The use of central venous catheters may be complicated by thrombosis and infection. We report a case of a needle-phobic 5-year-old boy with factor IX deficiency, in whom a portacath was inserted owing to poor compliance with prophylactic treatment. Within a week, he developed a Staphylococcus aureus line infection that was treated with a 2-week course of intravenous antibiotics. One month later he presented with nonspecific symptoms and blood cultures again grew S. aureus. An echocardiogram revealed a large vegetation adherent to the tricuspid valve, confirming the diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis. His clinical course was further complicated by the development of pulmonary emboli. Medical treatment with intravenous antibiotics led to a successful resolution of the endocarditis and pulmonary emboli with a favourable long-term outcome.