Postoperative plasma presepsin as a biomarker of postoperative infectious complications in different surgical departments: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: High rates of postoperative infection persist after different surgical procedures, encompassing surgical site infections (SSIs), remote infections, sepsis, and septic shock. Our aim was to assess presepsin's diagnostic accuracy for postoperative infections in patients across surgical procedures. METHOD: We conducted a comprehensive search in seven databases, extracting data independently. Using STATA 14.0, we calculated pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and Under the receiver operator curve and 95 â€‹% confidence interval (AUC, 95 â€‹% CI) as primary outcomes, with secondary outcomes involving sensitivity and specificity in subgroup analyses. RESULTS: This meta-analysis of 14 studies (1891 cases) evaluated presepsin's diagnostic value for postoperative infectious complications. Results include sensitivity of 77 â€‹% (70-83), specificity of 81 â€‹% (71-88), DOR of 14 (8-26), AUC of 84 (80-87), PLR of 4 (3-6), and NLR of 0.28 (0.21-0.38). Presepsin exhibits promise as a diagnostic tool for postoperative infections. CONCLUSION: In summary, compared to conventional markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT), presepsin demonstrated superior sensitivity and specificity for detecting postoperative infectious complications across various surgical procedures.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Procalcitonin for Infection After Adult Liver Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Background: Post-operative infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in adults early after liver transplantation (LT). Procalcitonin (PCT) may be a good test method for early diagnosis of post-operative infection and determining its severity. This study was performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of PCT as a biomarker for infection after LT. Patients and Methods: A meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted for studies reporting diagnostic performance of PCT for infection in adults after LT. Observational studies were evaluated for their reporting of diagnostic accuracy, relevance, and quality. Results: Ten eligible studies assessing 730 patients were included in this meta-analysis and systematic review summarizing the diagnostic value of PCT for post-operative infection in adult liver transplantation. Pooled sensitivity and specificity with corresponding 95% confidence interval were 69% (95% confidence interval [CI], 54-81; heterogeneity I2 = 82.4%) and 88% (95% CI, 82-92; I2 = 52.7%), respectively. The diagnostic odd ratio (DOR) was 16 (95% CI, 10-25; I2 = 76.4%). The summary receiver operator characteristic (SROC) of PCT for post-operative infection was 0.88. There was a wide range of variability in the cutoff values, ranging from 0.22 to 42.80 ng/mL. Heterogeneity was reduced by excluding studies that focused on pediatric LT recipients. Conclusions: Procalcitonin is a moderately accurate diagnostic marker for post-operative infection in adult LT. Additionally, the diagnostic performance can be improved by combining it with other inflammatory biomarkers. This article provides the research direction for post-operative infection control.

[Application of stable isotope techniques in soil food web research]. / ç¨³å®šåŒä½ç´ æŠ€æœ¯åœ¨åœŸå£¤é£Ÿç‰©ç½‘ç ”ç©¶ä¸­çš„åº”ç”¨.

Stable isotope technique is important for understanding the structure and function of soil food web, which is considered as a belowground black box. We reviewed typical application cases of stable isotope techniques in the research of soil food webs, including to determine food sources and feeding preferences of soil fauna by using isotopes, and to analyze the trophic structure of soil food webs through isotope fractionation effects during the process of feeding and nutrient sequestration by soil fauna. Additionally, stable isotope techniques could reveal the role of soil biota at different trophic levels within soil food web in ecosystem matter and energy flow, which favored to carry out accurate and efficient research on the contribution of soil food webs to soil carbon and nitrogen cycling process and the corresponding influence mechanism. We further put forward the limitations of current stable isotope techniques and the future development directions.

[Molecular markers for predicting the success of micro-TESE in non-obstructive azoospermia].

Non-obstract azoospermia (NOA) is a serious male infertility disease. At present, testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) is performed in combination with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technology, NOA patients can have their own consanguine offspring. However, due to the invasiveness and uncertainty of micro-TESE surgery, it is difficult for patients to accept it. Therefore, finding an accurate method to predict the possibility of micro-TESE successful sperm retrival would be beneficial to azoospermia patients. Many genes are transcribed and expressed during spermatogenesis, and molecular assays have irreplaceable sensitivity and specificity in predicting the success sperm retrivel of micro-TESE. This article reviews the methods to predict the success sperm retrivel of micro-TESE including mRNA, non-coding RNA (piRNA, microRNA, cirRNA, tFRNAs) and some protein so far, to provide certain reference value for clinical and subsequent research.

Calprotectin as a diagnostic marker for sepsis: A meta-analysis.

Introduction: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition, and biomarkers are needed to diagnose sepsis fast and accurately. We aimed to perform this meta-analysis to investigate the diagnostic value of calprotectin on sepsis in critically ill patients. Methods: The investigators searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they assessed the diagnostic accuracy of serum calprotectin for sepsis in intensive care unit (ICU). We estimated its diagnostic value and explored the source of heterogeneity. The bivariate model and the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curve were used in the meta-analysis. Results: Six records assessing 821 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were separately as 0.77, 0.85, 5.20, 0.27, respectively. The Fagan's nomogram showed post-test probabilities of 91% and 35% for positive and negative outcomes, respectively. Subgroup analysis indicated that sepsis definition could be a possible source of heterogeneity, but there's no sufficient data to investigate sepsis-3 definition. Sensitivity analysis suggested that two studies could affect the stability of pooled results. Conclusion: On the basis of our meta-analysis, calprotectin is a helpful marker for early diagnosis of sepsis on ICU admission.

Biological characterization and regulation of soil health.

How to determine the soil health status effectively is the basic issue to realize the agriculture green development. In the existing soil health assessment system, the importance of soil organi-sms in the maintenance of soil health is rarely considered. From the perspective of soil biological health, we discussed the connotation of soil health, and summarized the biological indicators of soil health, including soil microorganisms, soil enzyme activity, soil micro-food web and earthworm. Based on the above-mentioned indicators, the regulation approaches were elaborated from the aspects of crop and soil management practices. In addition, the future research on soil biological health was prospected. The main aim of this study is to enhance the understanding of scientists and decision makers on the maintenance of soil biological health, and to give full consideration of the important role of soil organisms in ecosystem services.

[Comparative analysis of two hybrid technique in treating multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy via anterior approach].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effects and complications of two hybrid decompression techniques in treating multilevel (>=3) cervical spondylotic myelopathy(MCSM). METHODS: The clinical data of 124 patients with multilevel (>=3) cervical spondylotic myelopathy treated by surgery and follow-up from January 2008 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different operative methods, the patients were divided into group A and group B. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) combined with anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion with preserved posterior vertebral wall (PWCF) were performed in group A; ACDF combined with anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion(ACCF) were performed in group B. There were 44 males and 16 females in group A with an average age of (60.43±7.52) years old, 46 males and 18 females in group B with an average age of (61.61±6.39) years old. No significant differences were found in gender, age between two groups. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, rate of complications, postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and improvement of cervical curvature were compared between two groups. RESULTS: All the operations were successful. The follow-up time was 13 to 28(23.0±12.1) months in group A and 12 to 30(24.0±11.5) months in group B. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay in group B were higher than those in group A(P<0.05). A total of 37 patients occurred complications, including 14 cases in group A and 23 cases in group B. The incidence of complications was 23.33%(14/60) in group A and 35.94%(23/64) in group B. The incidence of complications in group B was significantly higher than that in group A(P<0.05). Postoperative JOA scores were significantly improved (P<0.01), there was no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). The physiological curvature of cervical vertebra was improved significantly after operation, and there was no significant difference between two groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both surgical methods can obtain satisfactory clinical efficacy for multilevel(>=3) cervical spondylotic myelopathy, but compare with group B (ACDF combined with ACCF), group A (ACDF combined with PWCF) has shorter operation time, less trauma, less bleeding, and lower incidence of complications. ACDF combined with PWCF can be preferentially selected for the patients who corresponding to the indications.

Development and evaluation of a novel and rapid detection assay for Botrytis cinerea based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

Botrytis cinerea is a devastating plant pathogen that causes grey mould disease. In this study, we developed a visual detection method of B. cinerea based on the Bcos5 sequence using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with hydroxynaphthol blue dye (HNB). The LAMP reaction was optimal at 63 °C for 45 min. When HNB was added prior to amplification, samples with B. cinerea DNA developed a characteristic sky blue color after the reaction but those without DNA or with DNA of other plant pathogenic fungi did not. Results of HNB staining method were reconfirmed when LAMP products were subjected to gel electrophoresis. The detection limit of this LAMP assay for B. cinerea was 10(-3) ng µL(-1) of genomic DNA per reaction, which was 10-fold more sensitive than conventional PCR (10(-2) ng µL(-1)). Detection of the LAMP assay for inoculum of B. cinerea was possible in the inoculated tomato and strawberry petals. In the 191 diseased samples, 180 (94.2%) were confirmed as positive by LAMP, 172 (90.1%) positive by the tissue separation, while 147 (77.0%) positive by PCR. Because the LAMP assay performed well in aspects of sensitivity, specificity, repeatability, reliability, and visibility, it is suitable for rapid detection of B. cinerea in infected plant materials prior to storage and during transportation, such as cut flowers, fruits and vegetables.

[Clinical observation of qiyao xiaoke capsule in intervening 76 patients with type 2 pre-diabetes].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effects of Qiyao Xiaoke Capsule (QXC) on patients with type 2 pre-diabetes. METHODS: Totally 116 pre-diabetes patients were randomly assigned to the Chinese medicine group (CM, 76 cases) and the blank control group (BC, 40 cases) in the ratio of 2: 1. All patients received proper diet control, health education, and exercises, and so on. Besides, patients in the CM group took QXC (0.4 g/pill), 6 pills each time, three times a day. But patients in the BC group were intervened by life style alone. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PBG), insulin (FINS, 2h INS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc), blood lipids (TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C), and efficacy of CM symptoms were observed in the two groups before and after intervention. The sequelae were observed at the end of the treatment and at follow-ups. RESULTS: After treatment FBG, PBG, and HbA1c decreased in all patients of the two groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with 2 h PBG decreased more significantly. But there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The two methods could improve the secretion of FINS. Especially 2 h INS decreased more significantly in the CM group, showing statistical difference when compared with the BC group (P<0.05). The two methods could improve the metabolism of blood lipids. CM could significantly lower TG and elevate HDL-C, showing statistical difference when compared with before treatment (P<0.05). After treatment the CM symptoms were obviously improved, showing statistical difference when compared with the BC group (P<0.05). The normalization rate was better in the CM group than in the BC group at the end of the treatment and at follow-ups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: QXC combined life style intervention could improve fasting and postprandial insulin secretion of type 2 pre-diabetes patients, regulate glycolipid metabolism, correct the insulin resistance state, and improve the symptoms of qi-yin insufficiency. It could postpone or hinder the occurrence and development of type 2 diabetes. It was more effective and durable than changing the life style alone.

[Effects of Qiyao Xiaoke capsule on glycolipid metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle of rats with catch-up growth induced by high-fat diet].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Qiyao Xiaoke Capsule (QXC, a Chinese preparation for invigorating qi and nourishing yin) on glycolipid metabolism in the liver and skeletal muscle of rats with catch-up growth (CUG) induced by high-fat diet. METHODS: CUG model rats were made by limiting forge followed by high-fat diet, and intervened with different dosages [1.8 (g/kg x d), 0.6 g/(kg x d)] of QXC. And the experiment was controlled with pioglitazone. Levels of blood glucose, serum free fatty acid (FFA), serum insulin (Fins), plasma adiponcetin (AC) and insulin resistance index (IRI) as well as the weights of peri-epididymis and peri-renal fat and their ratio to body weight were observed 8 weeks later. The contents of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and liver were also determined. RESULTS: Insulin resistance in CUG rats can be induced by high-fat diet. Compared with the un-treated model rats, levels of Fins and AC were higher, IRI and FFA were lower in CUG rats after intervened by QXC (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Moreover, QXC at large dose showed the effects of reducing TG content in liver and skeletal muscle, advancing the glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, displaying an efficacy similar to that of pioglitazone (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: QXC could improve the glycolipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced CUG rats through different pathways of intervention to alleviate/delay the occurrence and development of insulin resistance in the liver and skeletal muscle.

[Effects of conservation tillage on the composition of soil exchangeable base].

Taking the soil in Zhangwu County of Liaoning Province as test object, a comparative study was made to understand the composition of soil exchangeable base under traditional tillage and 6-year conservation tillage (no-tillage plus straw mulch). Comparing with traditional tillage, conservation tillage increased the total amount of exchangeable base (SEB) and the contents of exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg in top (0-15 cm) soil, suggesting its positive effect in increasing soil nutrient holding capacity and buffering ability. This effect had a close relationship with the changes of soil organic matter and clay contents, according to correlation analysis. In addition, the K/SEB and Ca/Mg ratios were higher, while the (Ca+Mg)/SEB, Ca/K, and Mg/K ratios were lower under conservation tillage than under traditional tillage, illustrating that the effects of conservation tillage on soil exchangeable base were mainly presented in the relative enrichment of soil exchangeable Ca and K, especially K. Conservation tillage increased the stratification ratio (0-5 cm/5-15 cm and 0-5 cm/15-30 cm) of soil exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg, and SEB, suggesting the increase of the vertical variability of SEB in plough layer.

[Experimental study on the preventive and treatment function of cortex mori for peripheral nervous lesion at the early stage of diabetes rats].

AIM: To observe the preventive function of cortex mori for peripheral nervous lesion at the early stage in diabetes rats, and probe into the mechanism of that formula. METHODS: Set up the diabetes rat model evoked by alloxan. According to different blood sugar values, randomly divide the rats into normal group, model group, cortex mori(high dosage and low dosage) group and methylcobalamin control group, respectively administer the rats with saline and cortex mori of different dosages by ig (1.875 g/kg, 0.625 g/kg), while 300 microg/kg methylcobalamin for control group, one time each day. Two months after the administration, determine the FBG, body weight, SOD and MDA in blood serum of rats in each group, observe the changes on final product of glycosylation, CGMP and CAMP of sciatic nerve and the synapsin of rats' sciatic nerves. Conduct the pathological observation on area of myelin sheath, extramedullary fiber and the cross section of myelin sheath of sciatic nerves. And observe the changes of ultrafine form of sciatic nerve through transmission electron microscope. In the mean time, determine the MNCV, SNVC and SL, and the tail-flicking test should be undertaken for checking the sensory nerve. RESULTS: Cortex mori can effectively enlarge the area of myelin sheath, extramedullary fiber and the cross section of myelin sheath. CONCLUSION: Cortex mori can obviously ease up the pathological changes of peripheral nerve at the early stage of the diabetes rats, and the overall curative effect is better than that of methylcobalamin.

[Epidemic survey on TCM syndrome typing and preliminary discussion on TCM etiology and pathogenesis of fatty liver].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the common TCM syndrome types of fatty liver by way of epidemic questionnaire, their occurrence ratio, and the correlation between various syndrome types and objective indexes. METHODS: A total of national wide 503 subjects with fatty liver were enrolled, the TCM syndromes, body mass index (BMI), abdominal perimeter/hip circumference, liver function, blood lipids, B ultrasonic examination and CT in them were observed and recorded. RESULTS: In the 46 symptoms investigated in total, the first ten symptoms in order of appearing rate were lassitude, obese, oral dryness, vertigo, hypochondriac distending pain, soreness and pain in loin, spiritlessness, oral bitterness, aching and weakness in knee and abdominal distention. The mostly appeared tongue figures were pale and corpulent or pale dim tongue proper, white greasy or yellow greasy tongue coating, and the mostly appeared pulse figures were taut, taut-thin and taut slippery. Statistical cluster analysis showed that syndromes of fatty liver could be typed into 4 TCM types, the asthenia Pi-Shen with Gan-stagnation type, the asthenia Pi-Shen type, the asthenia Pi with phlegm-heat type and the unclassified type. Among them the asthenia Pi-Shen with Gan-stagnation type was the commonest one, which accounted to 62.32%. CONCLUSION: The mostly appeared syndrome type of fatty liver was asthenia Pi-Shen with Gan-stagnation type. The TCM pathogenesis of fatty liver was deficiency of origin, mainly deficiency of Shen, involving Pi, with excess superficiality, the turbid-phlegm and blood stasis.