Influence of compliance and resistance of the test lung on the accuracy of the tidal volume delivered by the ventilator.

BACKGROUND: Large variations in respiratory system compliance and resistance may cause the accuracy of tidal volume (VT) delivery beyond the declared range. This study aimed at evaluating the accuracy of VT delivery using a test lung model to simulate pulmonary mechanics under normal or disease conditions. METHODS: In vitro assessment of the VT delivery accuracy was carried out on two commercial ventilators. Measurements of the inspired and expired VT from the ventilator and FlowAnalyser were compared to evaluate the separated and combined influences of compliance and resistance on the delivered VT accuracy. To do this, the errors of five delivered volumes (30 ml, 50 ml, 100 ml, 300 ml, and 500 ml) were checked under 29 test conditions involving a total of 27 combinations of resistance and compliance. RESULTS: For the tested ventilator S1 with a flow sensor near the expiratory valve, the average of expired VT errors (ΔVTexp) in three measurements (4 test conditions for each measurement) correlated to test lung compliance (r=-0.96, p = 0.044), and the average of inspired VT errors (ΔVTins) correlated to compliance (r = 0.89, p = 0.106); for the tested ventilator S2 with a flow sensor located at the Y piece, no clear relationship between compliance and ΔVTexp or ΔVTins was found. Furthermore, on two ventilators tested, the current measurements revealed a poor correlation between test lung resistance and ΔVTins or ΔVTexp, and the maximum values of ΔVTexp and ΔVTins correspond to the maximum resistance of 200 cmH2O/(L/s), at which the phenomenon of the flap fluttering in the variable orifice flow senor was observed, and the recorded peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak) was much higher than the Ppeak estimated by the classical equation of motion. In contrast, at the lower resistance values of 5, 20, 50 and 100 cmH2O/(L/s), the recorded Ppeak was very close to the estimated Ppeak. Overall, the delivered VT errors were in the range of ± 14% on two ventilators studied. CONCLUSIONS: Depending on the placement site of the flow sensor in the ventilator circuit, the compliance and resistance of the test lung have different influences on the accuracy of VT delivery, which is further attributed to different fluid dynamics effects of the compliance and resistance. The main influence of compliance is to raise the peak inspiratory pressure Ppeak, thereby increasing the compression volume within the ventilator circuit; whereas a high resistance not only contributes to elevating Ppeak, but more importantly, it governs the gas flow conditions. Ppeak is a critical predictive indicator for the accuracy of the VT delivered by a ventilator.

MUC-1 aptamer targeted superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging of pancreatic cancer in vivo and in vitro experiment.

This study aims to explore the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in mucin 1 (MUC1) modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) targeting human pancreatic cancer (PC). The MUC1 target-directed probe was prepared through MUC1 conjugated to SPION using the chemical method to assess its physiochemical characteristics, including hydration diameter, surface charge, and magnetic resonance signal. The cytotoxicity of MUC1-USPION was verified by MTS assay. BxPC-3 was cultured with MUC1-USPION and SPION in different concentrations. The combined condition of the targeted probes and cells were observed through Prussian blue staining. The nude mice model of pancreatic cancer was established to investigate the application of the probe. MRI was performed to determine the intensity of the signal of the transplanted tumor, while immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the expression of MUC1 after taking the transplanted tumor specimen. The particle size of the prepared molecular probe was 63.5 ± 3.2 nm, and the surface charge was 10.2 mV. Furthermore, the probe solution could significantly reduce the MRI at T2 , and the magnetic resonance transverse relaxation rate (ΔR2 ) has a linear relationship with the concentration of iron in the solution. The cell viability of MUC1-USPION in different concentrations revealed no statistical difference, according to the MTS assay. In vitro, the MRI demonstrated decreased T2WI signal intensity in both groups, especially the targeting group. In vivo, MUC1 could selectively accumulate in the nude mice model, and significantly reduce the T2 signal strength. In subsequent experiments, the expression of MUC1 was high in pancreatic cancer tissues, but low in normal pancreatic tissues, as determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The prepared samples can be combined with pancreatic cancer tissue specificity by in vivo imaging, providing reliable early in vivo imaging data for disease diagnosis.

Bcl-xL/Bak interaction and regulation by miRNA let-7b in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway of stored platelets.

Bcl-2 family proteins play key roles in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in platelets, with both pro- and antiapoptotic protein expressions regulating survival during ex vivo storage. We detected a significant decrease in antiapoptotic Bcl-xL and increase in proapoptotic Bak expression on the third day of storage and as a result the ratio of Bak:Bcl-xL also decreased. Moreover, we identified an interaction between Bcl-xL and Bak. These shifts corresponded with activation of the apoptotic pathway, suggesting these proteins might play an important role in platelet survival. We then performed bioinformatic analysis to gain insight into protein expression regulation during storage. This identified a potential binding site of the microRNA (miRNA) let-7b in the 3'-UTR of the Bcl-xL gene, which we confirmed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. We also determined that let-7b was upregulated during platelet storage, and let-7b transfection influenced Bcl-xL and Bak protein, but not mRNA, expression. Together, these data suggest that only posttranscriptional mechanisms are available for regulating gene expression in anucleate platelets.

The role of microRNAs in platelet biology during storage.

Platelet storage lesions seriously affect the quality of stored platelets, even causing them to be ineffective in vivo after transfusion. Past research have been focused on what mechanism(s) cause the formation of storage lesions. One proposed mechanism is microRNAs (miRNAs)-based molecular regulation of the platelet mRNAs that are relevant to the storage lesion. Platelets continue to translate proteins from mRNA while in a storage environment. A strong correlation exists between the platelet transcriptome and its subsequent proteomic profile, which supports de novo platelet translational capabilities. Thus, miRNA may play a crucial role in platelet biology during storage conditions. Importantly, this suggests the exciting possibility of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in platelets that are in storage. Given this, the differential profiling of miRNAs could be a useful tool in identifying changes to ex vivo stored platelets. Any identified miRNAs could then be considered as potential markers to assess the viability of platelet concentrates. The present review summarizes the current experimental and clinical evidence that clarifies the role miRNAs play during platelet ex vivo storage.

A screening strategy for phenotypic detection of carbapenemase in the clinical laboratory.

Nosocomial infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae have emerged as an important challenge worldwide and represent a great limitation for antimicrobial therapy. Detection of carbapenemase in Enterobacteriaceae species also remains challenging. Although the modified Hodge test is recommended, it lacks specificity and is unable to distinguish between carbapenemase types. Here, we demonstrated a screening strategy for the phenotypic detection of carbapenemases among Enterobacteriaceae isolates in the clinical laboratory by using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and phenylboronic acid. This strategy displayed an overall 100% sensitivity and 98.6% specificity for carbapenemase detection in Enterobacteriaceae, which was superior to that of the modified Hodge test (98.0% sensitivity and 84.3% specificity), and it also discriminated the carbapenemase phenotypes of KPC-2, VIM-1, and OXA-48.

Improving the efficiency of the modified Hodge test in KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates by incorporating an EDTA disk.

Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae have emerged as an important pathogens in nosocomial infections with high mortality rate. Although the modified Hodge test (MHT) is recommended for phenotypic detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, high false-positive rates were reported for MHT results. The MHT has acceptable sensitivity (98.0 %), but it lacks specificity (73.6 %). In this study, we incorporated an EDTA disk test into the MHT (MHT-EDTA) to improve the efficiency in phenotypic detection of K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) of K. pneumoniae isolates. EDTA was used to lyse the cells of 123 carbapenem non-susceptible K. pneumoniae isolates to release the ß-lactamases. The MHT-EDTA achieved 100 % sensitivity and specificity for KPC detection among K. pneumoniae isolates as compared to growth patterns of the indicator organism E. coli (ATCC 25922). This method could be carried out as part of routine work to provide useful information for the clinical management of K. pneumoniae infection.

Developing a Multi-Dimensional Health Index System for a General Occupational Population in the Light of Health Ecology Theory: A Delphi Study.

Background: The health status of the occupational population is critical to the development of countries and regions as it is the main force of social and economic development. However, there is a dearth of comprehensive and systematic indicators to evaluate the health of occupational groups. This study aimed to construct a multi-dimensional evaluation index system for the general population. Methods: This study combined a literature review and initially established a multidimensional health system framework for the occupational population based on health ecology theory and then used two rounds of Delphi expert consultation to construct the final multidimensional health index system for the occupational population. Fifteen experts from related fields were selected for two rounds of Delphi expert consultation. Results: The recovery rates of the two rounds of expert questionnaires were 100.00% and 93.33% respectively, the expert authority coefficient were 0.90, and the Kendall's coordination coefficients of the first and second level indexes were 0.32 and 0.42 (P ≥ 0. 001). The final index system includes four primary indicators (individual characteristics, health knowledge, health behavior, and health skills), 13 second-level indicators, and 41 third-level indicators; the weight coefficients of the four primary health dimensions are relatively close, and the "health knowledge" is slightly higher. Conclusion: The multi-dimensional health index system of the occupational population established in this study is comprehensive and reasonable from the perspective of health ecology, which can provide a solid foundation for the further development of a comprehensive health status prediction model for the occupational population.

Study on the inhibition activity and mechanism of Tanreqing against Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilm formation in vitro and in vivo.

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial effect of Tanreqing (TRQ) against K. pneumoniae and its inhibition activity on bacterial biofilm formation in vitro and in vivo, and to explore the mechanism of the inhibitory effects of TRQ on K. pneumoniae biofilm formation. Methods: An in vitro biofilm model of K. pneumoniae was established, and the impact of TRQ on biofilm formation was evaluated using crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the clearance effect of TRQ against K. pneumoniae in the biofilm was assessed using the viable plate counting method; q-RT PCR was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of different concentrations of TRQ on the expression of biofilm-related genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae; The activity of quorum sensing signal molecule AI-2 was detected by Vibrio harveyi bioluminescence assay; Meanwhile, a guinea pig lung infection model of Klebsiella pneumoniae was constructed, and after treated with drugs, pathological analysis of lung tissue and determination of bacterial load in lung tissue were performed. The treatment groups included TRQ group, imipenem(IPM) group, TRQ+IPM group, and sterile saline group as the control. Results: The formation of K. pneumoniae biofilm was significantly inhibited by TRQ in vitro experiments. Furthermore, when combined with IPM, the clearance of K. pneumoniae in the biofilm was notably increased compared to the TRQ group and IPM group alone. q-RT PCR analysis revealed that TRQ down-regulated the expression of genes related to biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae, specifically luxS, wbbm, wzm, and lsrK, and also inhibited the activity of AI-2 molecules in the bacterium. In vivo experiments demonstrated that TRQ effectively treated guinea pig lung infections, resulting in reduced lung inflammation. Additionally, when combined with IPM, there was a significant reduction in the bacterial load in lung tissue. Conclusion: TRQ as a potential therapeutic agent plays a great role in the treatment of K. pneumoniae infections, particularly in combination with conventional antibiotics. And TRQ can enhanced the clearance effect on the bacterium by inhibiting the K. pneumoniae biofilm formation, which provided experimental evidence in support of clinical treatment of TRQ against K. pneumoniae infections.

A Delphi Study to Construct an Index of Practice for Community Nurses Providing Transitional Home Care for Patients with Chronic Diseases.

Community nurses play a key role in providing continuous home care for patients with chronic diseases. However, a perfect system of responsibilities and requirements has not yet been formed, and nurses cannot provide high-quality nursing services for home-based patients. We attempted to construct an index of the scope of practice for community nurses providing home-based transitional care for patients with chronic diseases and to guide nurses in playing an active role in transitional care work. From March to May 2023, 14 representative community nurses from the Shanghai Community Health Service Center were selected for group interviews and 2 rounds of Delphi consultation. A total of 14 valid questionnaires were collected. The authority coefficients were 0.94 and 0.93, and the Kendall coefficients were 0.56 and 0.59 for the 2 rounds of expert consultation (P < .05). Finally, an index system, including 6 primary indices (transitional caring provider, patient self-management facilitator, community group intervention organizer, home caregiver supporter, family physician team collaborator and supervisor of home medical equipment use, and medical waste disposal) was constructed for community nurses involved in providing home-based transitional care for patients with chronic diseases. The weight values of the 6 indices were 0.19, 0.17, 0.21, 0.13, 0.14 and 0.16, respectively (CR = 0.035, and the consistency test was passed), and 16 secondary indicators and 42 tertiary indicators were identified. In this Delphi study, an index system that can be used to determine community nurses' roles in providing home-based transitional and continuous care for patients with chronic diseases was successfully established. The index system is considered reliable and easy to use and will provide a meaningful reference for community nurses and policy-makers.

Mechanically Durable Superhydrophobic Strain Sensors with High Biocompatibility and Sensing Performance for Underwater Motion Monitoring.

Much progress has been made toward the development of wearable flexible strain sensors with high sensing performance to monitor human motion, but continuous function in harsh aqueous environments remains a significant challenge. A promising strategy has been the design of sensors with highly durable superhydrophobicity and maintenance of unique sensing properties. Herein, an extremely durable superhydrophobic strain sensor with an ultrawide sensing range was simply fabricated by directly brushing conductive carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs) onto an elastic silicone rubber sheet (SS) with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) coatings (i.e., SS/PDMS-CBNPs sensors). First, this method avoided the use of toxic solvents and a conventional prestretching treatment. Second, considering the easily destroyed rough structures and surface chemistry for conventional superhydrophobic sensors during practical applications, the prepared SS/PDMS-CBNP sensors showed excellent mechanical durability of both superhydrophobicity and sensing as examined by harsh abrasion (300 cycles), stretching (up to 200%), and ultrasonication (40 min) treatments. Third, the prepared superhydrophobic strain sensor exhibited high sensitivity (gauge factor of 101.75), high stretchability (0.015-460%), low hysteresis (83 ms), and long-term stability (10000 cycles). Fourth, the high biocompatibility of the SS/PDMS-CBNP sensor was demonstrated by rabbit skin irritation tests. Finally, the remarkable water-repellent and sensing properties of the SS/PDMS-CBNP sensor allowed its application to monitor a swimmer's real-time situation and send distress signals when needed.

Protocatechuic acid and gallic acid improve the emulsion and thermal stability of whey protein by covalent binding.

This study aimed to explore the impacts of gallic acid (GA)/protocatechuic acid (PA) on the structural and functional characteristics of whey proteins (WP) through covalent binding. To this purpose, the covalent complexes of WP-PA and WP-GA at different concentration gradients were prepared by the alkaline method. SDS-PAGE indicated that PA/GA was cross-linked by covalent bonds. The decreased contents of free amino and sulfhydryl groups suggested that WP formed covalent bonds with PA/GA by amino and sulfhydryl groups, and the structure of WP became slightly looser after covalent modification by PA/GA. When the concentration of GA was added up to 10 mM, the structure of WP was slightly loosened with a reduction of α-helix content by 2.3% and an increase in random coil content by 3.0%. The emulsion stability index of WP increased by 14.9 min after interaction with GA. Moreover, the binding of WP and 2-10 mM PA/GA increased the denaturation temperature by 1.95 to 19.87 °C, indicating the improved thermal stability of the PA/GA-WP covalent complex. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of WP was increased with increasing GA/PA concentration. This work may offer worthful information for enhancing the functional properties of WP and the application of the PA/GA-WP covalent complexes in food emulsifiers.

Analysis of competing risks of cardiovascular death in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A population-based study.

Clinical data has shown that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have emerged as a prominent cause of mortality in individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This research aimed to reveal the comorbid effects of CVDs in patients with HCC. The cardiovascular mortality of patients diagnosed with HCC between 2000 and 2014 was compared to that of the general US population. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated to quantify the relative risk of cardiovascular mortality in HCC patients. The cumulative incidence of cardiovascular death (CVD) was estimated using Fine-Gray testing, and independent risk factors for CVD were determined using competing risk models. The results were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. The overall SMR for CVD in HCC patients was 11.15 (95% CI: 10.99-11.32). The risk of CVD was significantly higher in patients aged < 55 years (SMR: 56.19 [95% CI: 54.97-57.44]) compared to those aged ≥ 75 years (SMR: 1.86 [95% CI: 1.75-1.97]). This study suggests that patients with HCC are at significant risk of developing CVD. Competing risk analyses indicated that age, grade, tumor size, surveillance, epidemiology, and end results stage, and surgical status were independent risk factors for CVD in patients with HCC. Therefore, patients with HCC require enhanced preventive screening and management of CVDs during and after treatment to improve patient survival.

Community Nurses Are Important Providers of Continuity of Care for Patients With Chronic Diseases: A Qualitative Study.

To clarify the functional orientation of community health nurses in the continuous care of patients with chronic diseases and to encourage community nurses to play their expected roles in extended nursing work. In this study, conducted from May to July 2020, the staff of Shanghai Community Health Service Center were sampled, and representative medical staff were selected for in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Eighteen community medical staff members participated. The functions of community nurses in the continuous care of patients with chronic diseases are mainly as follows: ① undertaking individualized projects for patients' continuous treatment, nursing and rehabilitation; ② creating "peer education" conditions for patients; ③ providing supportive care to family caregivers; and ④ participating in the whole process of family doctor team health management. The results provide a reminder for nurse managers that under the new mission, community nurses need "one specialty and multiple abilities," appropriate nursing technology and good health management skills. The training of community nurses should better meet the practical needs of patients with chronic diseases.

Research on Key Competency Elements of an Excellent Front-Line Health Inspector.

In order to find out the competency elements of excellent front-line health inspector, and to improve the comprehensive quality and law enforcement level, we conducted this study. Firstly, key Behavior Event Interview (BEI) was used to find out the competency elements of front-line inspector. From May to September in 2020, 7 health inspectors engaged in front-line inspection and law enforcement work in the Pudong New Area Health Inspection agency were interviewed by using the method of key Behavior Event Interview (BEI). Meanwhile, the competency differences of front-line personnel with different performance levels were compared by analyzing the difference of the average grade score, the highest grade score and so on of inspectors in different performance groups. Then the method of expert consultation was used to verify the rationality of the extracted competency elements. Combined with the results of expert consultation and the results of key Behavior Event Interview (BEI), the prominent competency elements of excellent front-line health inspector were found out. The total 6 prominent competency elements were investigation and evidence collection ability, on-site control ability, legal awareness, career love, communication and coordination ability, teamwork ability. Cohen's Kappa coefficient of the 2 coders was more than 0.6, which had high consistency. The key Behavior Event Interview (BEI) is scientific and reasonable method to find out prominent competency elements of excellent front-line health inspector, and the prominent competency elements found out will be helpful in the human resources planning and management of health inspection in the future.

Association of BDNF and MMP-9 single-nucleotide polymorphisms with the clinical phenotype of schizophrenia.

Objective: Schizophrenia is a highly polygenic psychiatric disorder; however, the complex genetic architecture underlying the pathogenesis remains elusive. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), a gelatinase B, are the promising candidate genes for schizophrenia. To shed new light on the relationship between the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of BDNF and MMP-9 and the clinical variability of schizophrenia phenotype, this study aims to evaluate the relationship, and provide more definitive evidence for the relationship with various clinical features of schizophrenia. Methods: A case-control association study was performed, and one hundred and five subjects of Chinese Han population were enrolled, including 55 schizophrenia patients (SP) and 50 healthy controls (HC). The BDNF rs6265 196 G > A and MMP-9 rs3918242 -1562C > T SNPs were genotyped using PCR-RFLP assay. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess the clinical symptoms of patients with schizophrenia. Results: Compared with HC, the frequency of SP carrying BDNF rs6265 GG/GA genotype was significantly higher than HC, and the frequency of SP carrying BDNF rs6265 AA genotype was significantly lower than HC (p < 0.01). With regards to MMP-9 rs3918242 -1562C > T SNP, no significant difference was observed between the control and SP. BDNF GG genotype showed significantly higher PANSS and positive symptoms score than GA and AA genotypes (P < 0.01). MMP-9 CC genotype showed significantly higher PANSS and general score than CT and TT genotypes (P < 0.05). Conclusion: BDNF rs6265 196 G > A and MMP-9 rs3918242-1562C > T SNPs are related to the clinical features of schizophrenia and could be a useful biomarker for the changes, remission or deterioration of clinical status of schizophrenia.

Application of the Cycle Management Model in Improving Outpatient Appointment Services.

To explore the application of plan-do-check-action (PDCA) cycle management model in the management outpatient appointment, and improve the efficiency of outpatient appointment services. The data of outpatients from January 2019 to December 2020 were collected from a tertiary class B general hospital affiliated to a university in Shanghai. Through the investigation and analysis of the current situation, the reasons were found for the low rate of outpatient appointment. PDCA management was carried out, and measures were formulated for continuous improvement and the effective measures were standardized. The appointment rate, recognition rate and the utilization rate of self-service appointment (handheld hospital and self-service machine) were analysed after the intervention of PDCA. Through PDCA cycle management model, the appointment rate of outpatients increased from 9.93% before improvement to 82.50% after improvement, and the recognition rate of patients increased from 51.39% to 92.76%. The utilization rate of self-service appointment increased from 1.03% to 56.38%. Through the construction of multi-channel, wide coverage and convenient operation of the appointment service system, the PDCA cycle management model effectively improves the efficiency of the outpatient appointment services.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Learning Online: A Flipped Classroom Based on Micro-Learning Combined with Case-Based Learning in Undergraduate Medical Students.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, medical colleges in China had to use online teaching. This study explored the effect of COVID-19 knowledge learning online in a flipped classroom based on micro-learning combined with case-based learning (CBL). METHODS: There were 74 undergraduate medical students who were randomly grouped to an observation group and a control group with 37 participants in each virtual classroom on the Network Teaching Platform. Students learning in the control group utilized face-to-face lecture with PowerPoint pre-provided, while students learning in the observation group were conducted in a flipped classroom based on micro-learning combined with CBL. We compared the effect of both formats of COVID-19 knowledge learning online and the impact on clinical practice attitude in two groups. RESULTS: All 74 students (100%) responded pretest, posttest and retention test, and completed the questionnaire online. Both formats significantly improved COVID-19 knowledge acquisition at the conclusion of online COVID-19 curriculum. Students' knowledge test scores including total score and scores of five knowledge dimensions of COVID-19 were significantly higher in the observation group than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with students in the control group, students in the observation group performed better in retention test and had a significantly more positive clinical practice attitude (P<0.05 in all items). CONCLUSION: A flipped classroom based on micro-learning combined with CBL showed greater effectiveness in COVID-19 knowledge gain in undergraduate medical students and made their attitude toward clinical practice more positive.

14-3-3ζ Regulates the Platelet Apoptosis During Storage.

There is an increasing interest in the possibility of storing platelet concentrates below standard temperatures. The role of 14-3-3 proteins has been demonstrated in numerous cellular functions, including both its positive and negative roles in apoptosis. The 14-3-3ζ protein has a potential role in regulation of storage induced apoptosis in platelets. Apheresis platelets were collected and stored under either at room temperature (RT, 20-24 °C) or cold temperature (CT, 2-6 °C) conditions (n = 7 in each group). Flow cytometry was used to assess changes in phosphatidylserine and mitochondrial membrane potential in washed platelets. Proteomic changes were analyzed using Western blot and coimmunoprecipitation. During RT storage conditions used in this study, we found that both Annexin V and JC-1 exhibited significant increases at Day 3 compared to Day 1. In comparison to RT storage, a 3-day cold storage exhibited higher positive rates of Annexin V and lower positive rates of JC-1. The release of cytochrome c and caspase 3 and 9 cleavage were only observed in platelets maintained under RT storage conditions for 3 days. The anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-xL was downregulated and the pro-apoptosis protein Bak was upregulated under RT storage conditions. However, both Bcl-xL and Bak of CT-D3 exhibited no significant changes in comparison to either RT-D1 or CT-D1. Expression levels of 14-3-3ζ and GPIbα decreased significantly in RT-D3 compared to those in RT-D1, while the expression levels of CT-D3 were found to be significantly higher than those in RT-D3. Expression levels of Bad protein in CT-D3 were significantly lower than those in RT-D3. A comparative analysis of RT-D3 and CT-D3 demonstrated that both the ratios of Bad/14-3-3ζ and GPIbα/14-3-3ζ increased significantly following cold storage. The ratio was significantly larger following a 3-day cold storage in comparison to that at RT. During cold storage of platelets, the enhanced association between 14-3-3ζ and GPIbα was demonstrated to improve exposure of phosphatidylserine, and the enhanced association between 14-3-3ζ and Bad was shown to delay the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential.

Serum C-Reactive Protein in Patients with Deficit Schizophrenia and the Relationship with Cognitive Function.

BACKGROUND: Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in patients with deficit schizophrenia (DS) to confirm the association between CRP level and cognitive performance and to determine whether CRP was a new biological indicator with the potential clinical applications in DS patients. METHODS: Three independent samples [41 DS and 50 non-deficit schizophrenia (NDS) and 30 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs)] were recruited in our study. Serum CRP levels were measured by immunofluorescence. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and alternative forms of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) were also assessed. And the relationships between serum CRP levels and both PANSS and RBANS scores were finally analyzed. RESULTS: The results of serum CRP level were showed significantly different among the three groups and increased from the HCs to NDS patients to DS patients. There were also significant differences in the cognitive subdomain analyses among the three groups. Serum CRP levels were found positively correlated with total and negative PANSS scores, and showed negatively correlated with overall cognitive test scores in the DS samples. CONCLUSION: Serum C-reactive protein levels and their association with cognitive performance were different between deficit schizophrenia and non-deficit schizophrenia samples, and higher serum CRP level was associated with worse cognitive performance in the DS patients. The results indicated that CRP could be a potential biomarker, and DS could be a distinct subset of schizophrenia.