There is a lack of accurate pediatric reference intervals(RIs) in China, with most commonly used RIs established without consideration of the effect of age and gender. The Pediatric Reference Intervals in China(PRINCE...There is a lack of accurate pediatric reference intervals(RIs) in China, with most commonly used RIs established without consideration of the effect of age and gender. The Pediatric Reference Intervals in China(PRINCE) project aims to establish and verify pediatric RIs for 31 common laboratory measurands.The project will be a large, multicenter cross-sectional study:14,490 healthy children and adolescents aged up to 19 years will be surveyed by 10 children's hospitals and one pediatric department of a university hospital. To evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of the study methods, 602 children were surveyed in the pilot phase of the PRINCE study in April 2017: it found that some measurands were distinctly age dependent and that there were differences between values for males and females. The results of the pilot study affirmed the necessity of the PRINCE project for Chinese pediatrics. The pilot also indicated potential difficulties in the full survey, e.g., difficulties in recruiting children aged under 3 years and insufficient collection of blood samples from infants. The operation of the PRINCE project has been modified based on the findings in the pilot study toward improving the validity of the PRINCE project and promoting its openness and transparency.展开更多
Background As with many studies carried out in European countries, a quality assurance program has been established by the National Center for Clinical Laboratories in China （NCCL）. The results showed that the exter...Background As with many studies carried out in European countries, a quality assurance program has been established by the National Center for Clinical Laboratories in China （NCCL）. The results showed that the external quality assessment significantly improves laboratory performance for quantitative evaluation of hepatitis C virus （HCV） RNA. Methods Serum panels were delivered twice annually to the clinical laboratories which performed HCV RNA detection in China. Each panel made up of 5 coded samples. All laboratories were requested to carry out the detection within the required time period and report on testing results which contained qualitative and/or quantitative test findings, reagents used and relevant information about apparatus. All the positive samples were calibrated against the first International Standard for HCV RNA in a collaborative study and the range of comparison target value （TG） designated as ±0.5 log. Results The numbers of laboratories reporting on qualitative testing results for the first and second time external quality assessment were 168 and 167 in the year of 2003 and increased to 209 and 233 in 2007; the numbers of laboratories reporting on quantitative testing results were 134 and 147 in 2003 and rose to 340 and 339 in 2007. Deviation between the mean value for quantitative results at home in 2003 and the target value was above 0.5 log, which was comparatively high. By 2007, the target value was close to the national average except for the low concentrated specimens （10^3 IU/ml）. The percentage of results within the range of GM±0.5 log10 varied from 8.2% to 93.5%. Some laboratories had some difficulties in the exact quantification of the lowest （3.00 log IU/ml） as well as of the highest viral levels （6.37 log IU/ml） values, very near to the limits of the dynamic range of the assays. Conclusions The comparison of these results with the previous study confirms that a regular participation in external quality assessment （EQA） assures the achievement of a high proficiency level in the diagnosis of HCV infection. During the 5-year external quality assessment, sensitivity and accuracy of detection in most of the clinical laboratories have been evidently improved and the quality of kits has also been substantially improved.展开更多
Background： Hemoglobin A 1 c （HbA1 c） measurement is of great value for the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes. Many manufacturers have developed various experiments to determine the HbAlc concentration. However,...Background： Hemoglobin A 1 c （HbA1 c） measurement is of great value for the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes. Many manufacturers have developed various experiments to determine the HbAlc concentration. However, the longitudinal use of these tests requires strict quality management. This study aimed to analyze the quality of HbAlc measurement systems in China using six sigma techniques to help improve their performances. Methods： A total of 135 laboratories were involved in this investigation in 2015. Bias values and coefficients of variation were collected from an HbA 1 c trueness verification external quality assessment program and an internal quality control program organized by the National Center of Clinical Laboratories in China. The sigma （σ） values and the quality goal index （QGI） were used to evaluate the performances of different groups, which were divided according to principles and instruments. Results： The majority of participants （88, 65.2%） were scored as ＂improvement needed （σ 〈 3）＂, suggesting that the laboratories needed to improve their measurement performance. Only 8.2% （11/135） of the laboratories were scored as ＂world class （σ≥ 6）＂. Among all the 88 laboratories whose σ values were below 3, 52 （59.1%） and 23 （26.1%） laboratories needed to improve measurement precision （QGI 〈8.0） and trueness （QGI 〉 1.2）, respectively; the remaining laboratories （13, 14.8%） needed to improve both measurement precision and trueness. In addition, 16.1% （5/31） and 15.0% （3/20） of the laboratories in ＂TO SOH＂ and ＂ARKRAY＂ groups, respectively, were scored as ＂world class＂, whereas none of the laboratories in ＂BIO-RAD＂ group were scored as ＂world class＂. Conclusions： This study indicated that, although participating laboratories were laboratories with better performance in China, the performances were still unsatisfactory. Actions should be taken to improve HbAlc measurement performance before we can include HbAlc assays in diabetes diagnosis in China.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the potential role of human cytomegalovirus lower matrix phosphoprotein 65(HCMV-pp65) in murine systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE).Methods:The prokaryotic plasmid pET-28b-pp65 was constructed t...Objective:To investigate the potential role of human cytomegalovirus lower matrix phosphoprotein 65(HCMV-pp65) in murine systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE).Methods:The prokaryotic plasmid pET-28b-pp65 was constructed to express the HCMVpp65 protein.BXSB mice and C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with pp65 eukarvotic plasmid pcDNA3.0-pp65 intramuscularly 5 times at 2-week intervals,and then the blood of the mice was subsequently collected via the retro-orbital vein.Indirect ELISAs were used to evaluate the concentration of anti-pp65 immunoglobulin G,anti-double-stranded DNA and antinuclear antibodies.lnterleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α were also determined by competitive ELISA.At the same time,3 major SLE-related circulating microRNAs were examined by quantitative RT-PCR.Results:The early production of autoantibodies was observed in pp65-immunized male BXSB as well as C57BL/6 mice.Overexpression of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-a were detected in pp65-immunized male BXSB mice.Quantitative RT-PCR analyses showed that three SLE related microRNAs(microRNA-126,microRNA-125 a,and microRKA-146a) were dovvnrcgulatcd in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of pp65-immunizcd mice.Conclusions:Our findings indicate that HCMV-pp65 immunization strongly triggers the development and progression of" SLE-like disease in both BXSB and C57BL/6 mice,which indicates that the immune responses induced by HCMV-pp65 may be involved in the development of SLE.展开更多
Heat shock protein gp96 is a highly conserved and monomorphic glycoprotein in the endoplasmic reticulum.It functions as molecular chaperone and can associate with a variety of antigenic peptides noncovalently in vivo ...Heat shock protein gp96 is a highly conserved and monomorphic glycoprotein in the endoplasmic reticulum.It functions as molecular chaperone and can associate with a variety of antigenic peptides noncovalently in vivo and in vitro. Recent studies have indicated that gp96 molecules participate in major histocompatibility complex class I - restricted antigen presentation pathway. Immunization of mice with gp96 preparations isolated from cancer cells can elicit a cancer - specific protective T cell immune response that is recallable, which is a prerequisite for gp96 as a therapeutic vaccine against cancers. The immunogenicity of gp96 molecules has been attributed to the antigenic peptides associated with them. These phenomena provide a new pathway for cancer immunotherapy. The mechanism that the gp96 -peptide complex induces specific immune response and the explorations for gp96 - peptide complex as a therapeutic cancer vaccine are reviewed.展开更多
BACKGROUND Shigella flexneri(S.flexneri)is a major pathogen causing acute intestinal infection,but the systematic oxidative damage incurred during the course of infection has not been investigated.AIM To investigate t...BACKGROUND Shigella flexneri(S.flexneri)is a major pathogen causing acute intestinal infection,but the systematic oxidative damage incurred during the course of infection has not been investigated.AIM To investigate the incurred systemic RNA oxidative damage and the diagnostic value of RNA oxidative metabolites during S.flexneri-induced intestinal infection.METHODS In this study,a Sprague-Dawley rat model of acute intestinal infection was established by oral gavage with S.flexneri strains.The changes in white blood cells(WBCs)and cytokine levels in blood and the inflammatory response in the colon were investigated.We also detected the RNA and DNA oxidation in urine and tissues.RESULTS S.flexneri infection induced an increase in WBCs,C-reactive protein,interleukin(IL)-6,IL-10,IL-1β,IL-4,IL-17a,IL-10,and tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α)in blood.Of note,a significant increase in urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine(8-oxo-Gsn),an important marker of total RNA oxidation,was detected after intestinal infection(P=0.03).The urinary 8-oxo-Gsn level returned to the baseline level after recovery from infection.In addition,the results of a correlation analysis showed that urinary 8-oxo-Gsn was positively correlated with the WBC count and the cytokines IL-6,TNF-α,IL-10,IL-1β,and IL-17α.Further detection of the oxidation in different tissues showed that S.flexneri infection induced RNA oxidative damage in the colon,ileum,liver,spleen,and brain.CONCLUSION Acute infection induced by S.flexneri causes increased RNA oxidative damage in various tissues(liver,spleen,and brain)and an increase of 8-oxo-Gsn,a urinary metabolite.Urinary 8-oxo-Gsn may be useful as a biomarker for evaluating the severity and prognosis of infection.展开更多
Background Since October 1997, an international standard for hepatitis C virus （HCV） nucleic acid amplification technology assay, 96/790, has been available. We compared a series of lyophilized standards with known ...Background Since October 1997, an international standard for hepatitis C virus （HCV） nucleic acid amplification technology assay, 96/790, has been available. We compared a series of lyophilized standards with known HCV RNA concentrations against the international standard in fluorescence quantitative PCR detection. Methods A series of lyophilized sera were calibrated by ROCHE COBAS AMPLICOR HCV Monitor test against the international standard and sent to various manufacturers to analyse the samples using their own kits. Then calibration curves from the series were compared with that obtained from the external standard calibration curve with the manufacture＇s series. Results The standard calibration curve with the series of lyophilized serum showed an excellent correlation （R^2〉0.98）, slope and intercept that were similar to those from the manufacture＇s series. When the standard calibration curve from the series of lyophilized standards were used to define the values of the given sample, lower coefficients of variation between kits from different manufactures were obtained. Conclusion The results showed that the lyophilized standards could be used to setup the standard calibration curve for clinical HCV RNA quantitative PCR detection.展开更多
Background Cytomegalovirus （CMV） remains a significant clinical problem among immunosuppressed renal transplant patients. Quantitative PCR assays have become the most common methods in the determination of CMV infec...Background Cytomegalovirus （CMV） remains a significant clinical problem among immunosuppressed renal transplant patients. Quantitative PCR assays have become the most common methods in the determination of CMV infections in transplant patients. This study was to determine the relationship between CMV infection and the acute rejection of the transplanted kidney. Methods Plasma samples from 77 renal transplant patients that were pre-transplant negative for CMV infection were tested using reaD-time quantitative PCR and CMV gene-specific primers. The detected viral loads were retrospectively compared with the acute rejection rate and the chronic or mild rejection rates of the renal transplant. Results CMV-DNA was detected in 29 of 77 recipients, yielding a positive rate of detection of 37.7% for this procedure. Twelve of the 21 recipients （57.1%） who suffered acute rejection had positive CMV-DNA. Among the 56 recipients suffered from chronic or mild rejection, 17 （30.4%） had positive CMV-DNA plasma. Moreover, of the 29 recipients who had detectable CMV-DNA after transplant, 12 （41.4%） suffered from acute rejection; of the 48 recipients with undetectable CMV-DNA, only nine （18.8%） developed acute rejection. Post-transplant patients with acute rejection had a higher rate （57.1% vs. 30.4%, P=0.03） of post-transplant CMV infection than those with chronic or mild rejection. Conclusion CMV infection is a risk factor of acute renal transplant rejection and CMV infection should be prevented and treated in renal transplant recipients.展开更多
To the Editor:Nowadays,many methods have been taken in early diagnosis and clinical therapy,but the overall survival(OS)of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients remains unsatisfactory.[1]Therefore,it is seriously sign...To the Editor:Nowadays,many methods have been taken in early diagnosis and clinical therapy,but the overall survival(OS)of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients remains unsatisfactory.[1]Therefore,it is seriously significant to identify novel prognostic biomarkers and better to find the promising therapeutic targets.展开更多
The emerging of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)caused COVID-19 pandemic.The first case of COVID-19 was reported at early December in 2019 in Wuhan City,China.To examine specific antibodies ...The emerging of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)caused COVID-19 pandemic.The first case of COVID-19 was reported at early December in 2019 in Wuhan City,China.To examine specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in biological samples before December 2019 would give clues when the epidemic of SARS-CoV-2 might start to circulate in populations.We obtained all 88,517 plasmas from 76,844 blood donors in Wuhan between 1 September and 31 December 2019.We first evaluated the pan-immunoglobin(pan-Ig)against SARS-CoV-2 in 43,850 samples from 32,484 blood donors with suitable sample quality and enough volume.Two hundred and sixty-four samples from 213 donors were pan-Ig reactive,then further tested IgG and IgM,and validated by neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.Two hundred and thirteen samples(from 175 donors)were only pan-Ig reactive,8(from 4 donors)were pan-Ig and IgG reactive,and 43(from 34 donors)were pan-Ig and IgM reactive.Microneutralization assay showed all negative results.In addition,213 screened reactive donors were analyzed and did not show obviously temporal or regional tendency,but the distribution of age showed a difference compared with all tested donors.Then we reviewed SARS-CoV-2 antibody results from these donors who donated several times from September 2019 to June 2020,partly tested in a previous published study,no one was found a significant increase in S/CO of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.Our findings showed no SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies existing among blood donors in Wuhan,China before 2020,indicating no evidence of transmission of COVID-19 before December 2019 in Wuhan,China.展开更多
What is already known about this topic?Recently,tick-borne pathogens transmitted through blood transfusions have posed new risks to blood safety.What is added by this report?We developed a quality control system for n...What is already known about this topic?Recently,tick-borne pathogens transmitted through blood transfusions have posed new risks to blood safety.What is added by this report?We developed a quality control system for nucleic acid testing(NAT)for Babesia,Borrelia burgdorferi,and Anaplasma phagocytophilum,evaluated five Triplex-NAT kits,and conducted external quality assessments of blood centers.This study screened 92,700 blood donors from Heilongjiang,Inner Mongolia,and Xinjiang provincial-level administrative divisions during 2022–2023.A donor in Hegang,Heilongjiang,tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi,marking the first detection of this infection in Chinese blood donors.What are the implications for public health practice?Quality control of NAT is vital for managing tickborne pathogen outbreaks.To ensure blood transfusion safety,screening should be strengthened in high-risk areas outside national borders.展开更多
Objective：Endothelial cells （ECs） are important metabolic and endocrinal organs which play a significant role in regulating vascular function.Vascular ECs,located between the blood and vascular tissues,can not only...Objective：Endothelial cells （ECs） are important metabolic and endocrinal organs which play a significant role in regulating vascular function.Vascular ECs,located between the blood and vascular tissues,can not only complete the metabolism of blood and interstitial fluid but also synthesize and secrete a variety of biologically active substances to maintain vascular tension and keep a normal flow of blood and long-term patency.Therefore,this article presents a systematic review of common injuries and healing mechanisms for the vascular endothelium.Data Sources：An extensive search in the PubMed database was undertaken,focusing on research published after 2003 with keywords including endothelium,vascular,wounds and injuries,and wound healing.Study Selection：Several types of articles,including original studies and literature reviews,were identified and reviewed to summarize common injury and repair processes of the endothelial lining.Results：Endothelial injury is closely related to the development of multiple cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.However,the mechanism of vascular endothelial injury is not fully understood.Numerous studies have shown that the mechanisms of EC injury mainly involve inflammatory reactions,physical stimulation,chemical poisons,concurrency of related diseases,and molecular changes.Endothelial progenitor cells play an important role during the process of endothelial repair after such injuries.What＇s more,a variety of restorative cells,changes in cytokines and molecules,chemical drugs,certain RNAs,regulation of blood pressure,and physical fitness training protect the endothelial lining by reducing the inducing factors,inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress reactions,and delaying endothelial caducity.Conclusions：ECs are always in the process of being damaged.Several therapeutic targets and drugs were seeked to protect the endothelium and promote repair.展开更多
Background The incidence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci （VRE） appeared to be increasing in China, but very few nosocomial outbreaks have been reported. Our hospital had experienced an outbreak of VRE since Marc...Background The incidence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci （VRE） appeared to be increasing in China, but very few nosocomial outbreaks have been reported. Our hospital had experienced an outbreak of VRE since March 2008 to March 2009. The objective of this study was to analyze the molecular features of the isolates and the control measures used to eradicate a VRE outbreak in a tertiary institution in China.Methods We characterized VRE isolates from 21 infected and 11 colonized inpatients from a single hospital by pulsed field gel electrophoresis （PFGE）, multilocus sequence typing （MLST）, the analysis of Tn 1546-like elements and virulence genes detection. Infection control measures, including more environmental disinfection, screening for VRE colonization,contact precautions, education and strict antibiotic restriction, were implemented to control the outbreak.Results During the outbreak, a total of 32 VRE strains were obtained. There were 21 strains found in Emergency Intensive Care Unit （EICU）, 9 isolates from Geriatric Ward, and two from other units. All the isolates harbored the vanA gene, however,four of them exhibited the VanB phenotype. Meanwhile, MLST analysis revealed that all isolates belonged to clonal complex （CC） 17. With the infection-control measures, the epidemic was constrained in two units （EICU and Geriatric Ward）. After March 2009, no further case infected with VRE was detected in the following one-year period.Conclusion The outbreak was controlled by continuous implementation of the infection control programme, and more rigorous infection control policy is needed.展开更多
Background： Measuring total serum calcium is important for the diagnosis of diseases. Currently, results from commercial kits for calcium measurement are variable. Generally, the performance of serum calcium measurem...Background： Measuring total serum calcium is important for the diagnosis of diseases. Currently, results from commercial kits for calcium measurement are variable. Generally, the performance of serum calcium measurements is monitored by external quality assessment （EQA） or proficiency testing schemes. However, the commutability of the EQA samples and calibrators is often unknown, which limits the effectiveness of EQA schemes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bias of serum calcium measurements and the commutability of processed materials. Methods： Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was applied as a comparative method, and 14 routine methods were chosen as test methods. Forty-eight serum samples from individual patients and 25 processed materials were quantified. A scatter plot was generated from patient samples, and 95% prediction intervals were calculated to evaluate the commutability of the processed materials and measurement bias at three concentration levels was used to determine the accuracy of routine assays. Results： All assays showed high precision （total coefficient of variation [CV] 〈2.26%） and correlation coefficients （r 〉 0.99）. For all assays, the mean bias for the 48 patient samples ranged from 0.13 mmol/L to 0.00 mmol/L （-5.61 0.01%）, and the ranges for the three concentrations were 0.10-0.04 mmoUL （-5.71-2.35%）, -0.14-0.01 mmol/L （-5.80-0.30%）, and -0.19-0.04 mmol/L （-6.24-1.22%）. The EQA samples, calibrators, and animal sera exhibited matrix effects in some assays; human serum pools were commutable in all assays; certificate reference materials were commutable in most assays, and only GBW09152 exhibited a matrix effect in one assay： and aqueous reference materials exhibited matrix effects in most assays. Conclusions： Biases for most assays were within the acceptable range, although the accuracy of some assays needs improvement. Human serum pools prepared from patient samples were commutable, and the other tested materials exhibited a matrix effect.展开更多
To the Editor:Newborn screening(NBS)plays a valuable and important role in the early identification of treatable and preventable inborn errors of metabolism(IEMs)to avoid severe outcomes and improve quality of life.Qi...To the Editor:Newborn screening(NBS)plays a valuable and important role in the early identification of treatable and preventable inborn errors of metabolism(IEMs)to avoid severe outcomes and improve quality of life.Qiao et al[1]reported that China has made remarkable achievements in women’s reproductive,maternal,newborn,child,and adolescent health(RMNCAH)and succeeded in reducing the mortality of newborns over the past 70 years.As the third floor of a whole RMNCAH building.展开更多
基金supported by the Medical Hospital Authority of the National Health Commission of China
文摘There is a lack of accurate pediatric reference intervals(RIs) in China, with most commonly used RIs established without consideration of the effect of age and gender. The Pediatric Reference Intervals in China(PRINCE) project aims to establish and verify pediatric RIs for 31 common laboratory measurands.The project will be a large, multicenter cross-sectional study:14,490 healthy children and adolescents aged up to 19 years will be surveyed by 10 children's hospitals and one pediatric department of a university hospital. To evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of the study methods, 602 children were surveyed in the pilot phase of the PRINCE study in April 2017: it found that some measurands were distinctly age dependent and that there were differences between values for males and females. The results of the pilot study affirmed the necessity of the PRINCE project for Chinese pediatrics. The pilot also indicated potential difficulties in the full survey, e.g., difficulties in recruiting children aged under 3 years and insufficient collection of blood samples from infants. The operation of the PRINCE project has been modified based on the findings in the pilot study toward improving the validity of the PRINCE project and promoting its openness and transparency.
基金This study was supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 30371365）.
文摘Background As with many studies carried out in European countries, a quality assurance program has been established by the National Center for Clinical Laboratories in China （NCCL）. The results showed that the external quality assessment significantly improves laboratory performance for quantitative evaluation of hepatitis C virus （HCV） RNA. Methods Serum panels were delivered twice annually to the clinical laboratories which performed HCV RNA detection in China. Each panel made up of 5 coded samples. All laboratories were requested to carry out the detection within the required time period and report on testing results which contained qualitative and/or quantitative test findings, reagents used and relevant information about apparatus. All the positive samples were calibrated against the first International Standard for HCV RNA in a collaborative study and the range of comparison target value （TG） designated as ±0.5 log. Results The numbers of laboratories reporting on qualitative testing results for the first and second time external quality assessment were 168 and 167 in the year of 2003 and increased to 209 and 233 in 2007; the numbers of laboratories reporting on quantitative testing results were 134 and 147 in 2003 and rose to 340 and 339 in 2007. Deviation between the mean value for quantitative results at home in 2003 and the target value was above 0.5 log, which was comparatively high. By 2007, the target value was close to the national average except for the low concentrated specimens （10^3 IU/ml）. The percentage of results within the range of GM±0.5 log10 varied from 8.2% to 93.5%. Some laboratories had some difficulties in the exact quantification of the lowest （3.00 log IU/ml） as well as of the highest viral levels （6.37 log IU/ml） values, very near to the limits of the dynamic range of the assays. Conclusions The comparison of these results with the previous study confirms that a regular participation in external quality assessment （EQA） assures the achievement of a high proficiency level in the diagnosis of HCV infection. During the 5-year external quality assessment, sensitivity and accuracy of detection in most of the clinical laboratories have been evidently improved and the quality of kits has also been substantially improved.
文摘Background： Hemoglobin A 1 c （HbA1 c） measurement is of great value for the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes. Many manufacturers have developed various experiments to determine the HbAlc concentration. However, the longitudinal use of these tests requires strict quality management. This study aimed to analyze the quality of HbAlc measurement systems in China using six sigma techniques to help improve their performances. Methods： A total of 135 laboratories were involved in this investigation in 2015. Bias values and coefficients of variation were collected from an HbA 1 c trueness verification external quality assessment program and an internal quality control program organized by the National Center of Clinical Laboratories in China. The sigma （σ） values and the quality goal index （QGI） were used to evaluate the performances of different groups, which were divided according to principles and instruments. Results： The majority of participants （88, 65.2%） were scored as ＂improvement needed （σ 〈 3）＂, suggesting that the laboratories needed to improve their measurement performance. Only 8.2% （11/135） of the laboratories were scored as ＂world class （σ≥ 6）＂. Among all the 88 laboratories whose σ values were below 3, 52 （59.1%） and 23 （26.1%） laboratories needed to improve measurement precision （QGI 〈8.0） and trueness （QGI 〉 1.2）, respectively; the remaining laboratories （13, 14.8%） needed to improve both measurement precision and trueness. In addition, 16.1% （5/31） and 15.0% （3/20） of the laboratories in ＂TO SOH＂ and ＂ARKRAY＂ groups, respectively, were scored as ＂world class＂, whereas none of the laboratories in ＂BIO-RAD＂ group were scored as ＂world class＂. Conclusions： This study indicated that, although participating laboratories were laboratories with better performance in China, the performances were still unsatisfactory. Actions should be taken to improve HbAlc measurement performance before we can include HbAlc assays in diabetes diagnosis in China.
基金Supported by National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(863 program No.2011AA02A116)
文摘Objective:To investigate the potential role of human cytomegalovirus lower matrix phosphoprotein 65(HCMV-pp65) in murine systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE).Methods:The prokaryotic plasmid pET-28b-pp65 was constructed to express the HCMVpp65 protein.BXSB mice and C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with pp65 eukarvotic plasmid pcDNA3.0-pp65 intramuscularly 5 times at 2-week intervals,and then the blood of the mice was subsequently collected via the retro-orbital vein.Indirect ELISAs were used to evaluate the concentration of anti-pp65 immunoglobulin G,anti-double-stranded DNA and antinuclear antibodies.lnterleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α were also determined by competitive ELISA.At the same time,3 major SLE-related circulating microRNAs were examined by quantitative RT-PCR.Results:The early production of autoantibodies was observed in pp65-immunized male BXSB as well as C57BL/6 mice.Overexpression of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-a were detected in pp65-immunized male BXSB mice.Quantitative RT-PCR analyses showed that three SLE related microRNAs(microRNA-126,microRNA-125 a,and microRKA-146a) were dovvnrcgulatcd in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of pp65-immunizcd mice.Conclusions:Our findings indicate that HCMV-pp65 immunization strongly triggers the development and progression of" SLE-like disease in both BXSB and C57BL/6 mice,which indicates that the immune responses induced by HCMV-pp65 may be involved in the development of SLE.
基金This project was supported by the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (No. 30171089).
文摘Heat shock protein gp96 is a highly conserved and monomorphic glycoprotein in the endoplasmic reticulum.It functions as molecular chaperone and can associate with a variety of antigenic peptides noncovalently in vivo and in vitro. Recent studies have indicated that gp96 molecules participate in major histocompatibility complex class I - restricted antigen presentation pathway. Immunization of mice with gp96 preparations isolated from cancer cells can elicit a cancer - specific protective T cell immune response that is recallable, which is a prerequisite for gp96 as a therapeutic vaccine against cancers. The immunogenicity of gp96 molecules has been attributed to the antigenic peptides associated with them. These phenomena provide a new pathway for cancer immunotherapy. The mechanism that the gp96 -peptide complex induces specific immune response and the explorations for gp96 - peptide complex as a therapeutic cancer vaccine are reviewed.
基金Supported by the National Key R&D Program of China,No.2018YFC2000300and CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences,No.2018-I2M-1-002.
文摘BACKGROUND Shigella flexneri(S.flexneri)is a major pathogen causing acute intestinal infection,but the systematic oxidative damage incurred during the course of infection has not been investigated.AIM To investigate the incurred systemic RNA oxidative damage and the diagnostic value of RNA oxidative metabolites during S.flexneri-induced intestinal infection.METHODS In this study,a Sprague-Dawley rat model of acute intestinal infection was established by oral gavage with S.flexneri strains.The changes in white blood cells(WBCs)and cytokine levels in blood and the inflammatory response in the colon were investigated.We also detected the RNA and DNA oxidation in urine and tissues.RESULTS S.flexneri infection induced an increase in WBCs,C-reactive protein,interleukin(IL)-6,IL-10,IL-1β,IL-4,IL-17a,IL-10,and tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α)in blood.Of note,a significant increase in urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine(8-oxo-Gsn),an important marker of total RNA oxidation,was detected after intestinal infection(P=0.03).The urinary 8-oxo-Gsn level returned to the baseline level after recovery from infection.In addition,the results of a correlation analysis showed that urinary 8-oxo-Gsn was positively correlated with the WBC count and the cytokines IL-6,TNF-α,IL-10,IL-1β,and IL-17α.Further detection of the oxidation in different tissues showed that S.flexneri infection induced RNA oxidative damage in the colon,ileum,liver,spleen,and brain.CONCLUSION Acute infection induced by S.flexneri causes increased RNA oxidative damage in various tissues(liver,spleen,and brain)and an increase of 8-oxo-Gsn,a urinary metabolite.Urinary 8-oxo-Gsn may be useful as a biomarker for evaluating the severity and prognosis of infection.
基金This work was supported partly by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30371365).
文摘Background Since October 1997, an international standard for hepatitis C virus （HCV） nucleic acid amplification technology assay, 96/790, has been available. We compared a series of lyophilized standards with known HCV RNA concentrations against the international standard in fluorescence quantitative PCR detection. Methods A series of lyophilized sera were calibrated by ROCHE COBAS AMPLICOR HCV Monitor test against the international standard and sent to various manufacturers to analyse the samples using their own kits. Then calibration curves from the series were compared with that obtained from the external standard calibration curve with the manufacture＇s series. Results The standard calibration curve with the series of lyophilized serum showed an excellent correlation （R^2〉0.98）, slope and intercept that were similar to those from the manufacture＇s series. When the standard calibration curve from the series of lyophilized standards were used to define the values of the given sample, lower coefficients of variation between kits from different manufactures were obtained. Conclusion The results showed that the lyophilized standards could be used to setup the standard calibration curve for clinical HCV RNA quantitative PCR detection.
基金This work was supported in part by grants from the National Science Foundation of China （No. 81071431）, and from the Municipal New Star of Science and Technology of Beijing （No. 2010B054）.
文摘Background Cytomegalovirus （CMV） remains a significant clinical problem among immunosuppressed renal transplant patients. Quantitative PCR assays have become the most common methods in the determination of CMV infections in transplant patients. This study was to determine the relationship between CMV infection and the acute rejection of the transplanted kidney. Methods Plasma samples from 77 renal transplant patients that were pre-transplant negative for CMV infection were tested using reaD-time quantitative PCR and CMV gene-specific primers. The detected viral loads were retrospectively compared with the acute rejection rate and the chronic or mild rejection rates of the renal transplant. Results CMV-DNA was detected in 29 of 77 recipients, yielding a positive rate of detection of 37.7% for this procedure. Twelve of the 21 recipients （57.1%） who suffered acute rejection had positive CMV-DNA. Among the 56 recipients suffered from chronic or mild rejection, 17 （30.4%） had positive CMV-DNA plasma. Moreover, of the 29 recipients who had detectable CMV-DNA after transplant, 12 （41.4%） suffered from acute rejection; of the 48 recipients with undetectable CMV-DNA, only nine （18.8%） developed acute rejection. Post-transplant patients with acute rejection had a higher rate （57.1% vs. 30.4%, P=0.03） of post-transplant CMV infection than those with chronic or mild rejection. Conclusion CMV infection is a risk factor of acute renal transplant rejection and CMV infection should be prevented and treated in renal transplant recipients.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81772273)。
文摘To the Editor:Nowadays,many methods have been taken in early diagnosis and clinical therapy,but the overall survival(OS)of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients remains unsatisfactory.[1]Therefore,it is seriously significant to identify novel prognostic biomarkers and better to find the promising therapeutic targets.
基金supported by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(CAMS)Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(CIFMS)(2021-I2M-1-038).
文摘The emerging of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)caused COVID-19 pandemic.The first case of COVID-19 was reported at early December in 2019 in Wuhan City,China.To examine specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in biological samples before December 2019 would give clues when the epidemic of SARS-CoV-2 might start to circulate in populations.We obtained all 88,517 plasmas from 76,844 blood donors in Wuhan between 1 September and 31 December 2019.We first evaluated the pan-immunoglobin(pan-Ig)against SARS-CoV-2 in 43,850 samples from 32,484 blood donors with suitable sample quality and enough volume.Two hundred and sixty-four samples from 213 donors were pan-Ig reactive,then further tested IgG and IgM,and validated by neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.Two hundred and thirteen samples(from 175 donors)were only pan-Ig reactive,8(from 4 donors)were pan-Ig and IgG reactive,and 43(from 34 donors)were pan-Ig and IgM reactive.Microneutralization assay showed all negative results.In addition,213 screened reactive donors were analyzed and did not show obviously temporal or regional tendency,but the distribution of age showed a difference compared with all tested donors.Then we reviewed SARS-CoV-2 antibody results from these donors who donated several times from September 2019 to June 2020,partly tested in a previous published study,no one was found a significant increase in S/CO of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.Our findings showed no SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies existing among blood donors in Wuhan,China before 2020,indicating no evidence of transmission of COVID-19 before December 2019 in Wuhan,China.
基金Supported by the National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding(BJ-2022-182)CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(CIFMS)(2021-I2M-1-060).
文摘What is already known about this topic?Recently,tick-borne pathogens transmitted through blood transfusions have posed new risks to blood safety.What is added by this report?We developed a quality control system for nucleic acid testing(NAT)for Babesia,Borrelia burgdorferi,and Anaplasma phagocytophilum,evaluated five Triplex-NAT kits,and conducted external quality assessments of blood centers.This study screened 92,700 blood donors from Heilongjiang,Inner Mongolia,and Xinjiang provincial-level administrative divisions during 2022–2023.A donor in Hegang,Heilongjiang,tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi,marking the first detection of this infection in Chinese blood donors.What are the implications for public health practice?Quality control of NAT is vital for managing tickborne pathogen outbreaks.To ensure blood transfusion safety,screening should be strengthened in high-risk areas outside national borders.
基金This work was supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 31271097）.
文摘Objective：Endothelial cells （ECs） are important metabolic and endocrinal organs which play a significant role in regulating vascular function.Vascular ECs,located between the blood and vascular tissues,can not only complete the metabolism of blood and interstitial fluid but also synthesize and secrete a variety of biologically active substances to maintain vascular tension and keep a normal flow of blood and long-term patency.Therefore,this article presents a systematic review of common injuries and healing mechanisms for the vascular endothelium.Data Sources：An extensive search in the PubMed database was undertaken,focusing on research published after 2003 with keywords including endothelium,vascular,wounds and injuries,and wound healing.Study Selection：Several types of articles,including original studies and literature reviews,were identified and reviewed to summarize common injury and repair processes of the endothelial lining.Results：Endothelial injury is closely related to the development of multiple cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.However,the mechanism of vascular endothelial injury is not fully understood.Numerous studies have shown that the mechanisms of EC injury mainly involve inflammatory reactions,physical stimulation,chemical poisons,concurrency of related diseases,and molecular changes.Endothelial progenitor cells play an important role during the process of endothelial repair after such injuries.What＇s more,a variety of restorative cells,changes in cytokines and molecules,chemical drugs,certain RNAs,regulation of blood pressure,and physical fitness training protect the endothelial lining by reducing the inducing factors,inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress reactions,and delaying endothelial caducity.Conclusions：ECs are always in the process of being damaged.Several therapeutic targets and drugs were seeked to protect the endothelium and promote repair.
文摘Background The incidence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci （VRE） appeared to be increasing in China, but very few nosocomial outbreaks have been reported. Our hospital had experienced an outbreak of VRE since March 2008 to March 2009. The objective of this study was to analyze the molecular features of the isolates and the control measures used to eradicate a VRE outbreak in a tertiary institution in China.Methods We characterized VRE isolates from 21 infected and 11 colonized inpatients from a single hospital by pulsed field gel electrophoresis （PFGE）, multilocus sequence typing （MLST）, the analysis of Tn 1546-like elements and virulence genes detection. Infection control measures, including more environmental disinfection, screening for VRE colonization,contact precautions, education and strict antibiotic restriction, were implemented to control the outbreak.Results During the outbreak, a total of 32 VRE strains were obtained. There were 21 strains found in Emergency Intensive Care Unit （EICU）, 9 isolates from Geriatric Ward, and two from other units. All the isolates harbored the vanA gene, however,four of them exhibited the VanB phenotype. Meanwhile, MLST analysis revealed that all isolates belonged to clonal complex （CC） 17. With the infection-control measures, the epidemic was constrained in two units （EICU and Geriatric Ward）. After March 2009, no further case infected with VRE was detected in the following one-year period.Conclusion The outbreak was controlled by continuous implementation of the infection control programme, and more rigorous infection control policy is needed.
文摘Background： Measuring total serum calcium is important for the diagnosis of diseases. Currently, results from commercial kits for calcium measurement are variable. Generally, the performance of serum calcium measurements is monitored by external quality assessment （EQA） or proficiency testing schemes. However, the commutability of the EQA samples and calibrators is often unknown, which limits the effectiveness of EQA schemes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bias of serum calcium measurements and the commutability of processed materials. Methods： Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was applied as a comparative method, and 14 routine methods were chosen as test methods. Forty-eight serum samples from individual patients and 25 processed materials were quantified. A scatter plot was generated from patient samples, and 95% prediction intervals were calculated to evaluate the commutability of the processed materials and measurement bias at three concentration levels was used to determine the accuracy of routine assays. Results： All assays showed high precision （total coefficient of variation [CV] 〈2.26%） and correlation coefficients （r 〉 0.99）. For all assays, the mean bias for the 48 patient samples ranged from 0.13 mmol/L to 0.00 mmol/L （-5.61 0.01%）, and the ranges for the three concentrations were 0.10-0.04 mmoUL （-5.71-2.35%）, -0.14-0.01 mmol/L （-5.80-0.30%）, and -0.19-0.04 mmol/L （-6.24-1.22%）. The EQA samples, calibrators, and animal sera exhibited matrix effects in some assays; human serum pools were commutable in all assays; certificate reference materials were commutable in most assays, and only GBW09152 exhibited a matrix effect in one assay： and aqueous reference materials exhibited matrix effects in most assays. Conclusions： Biases for most assays were within the acceptable range, although the accuracy of some assays needs improvement. Human serum pools prepared from patient samples were commutable, and the other tested materials exhibited a matrix effect.
基金National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2018YFC1002204)
文摘To the Editor:Newborn screening(NBS)plays a valuable and important role in the early identification of treatable and preventable inborn errors of metabolism(IEMs)to avoid severe outcomes and improve quality of life.Qiao et al[1]reported that China has made remarkable achievements in women’s reproductive,maternal,newborn,child,and adolescent health(RMNCAH)and succeeded in reducing the mortality of newborns over the past 70 years.As the third floor of a whole RMNCAH building.
