Hematopoietic progenitor cell count as a potential quantitative marker in apheresis products during allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The quality and quantity of hematopoietic stem cells in apheresis products are essential to the success of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (PB-HSCT). While the flow cytometry measurement of CD34+ cells as a golden standard for stem cell count is labor and cost-intensive, hematopoietic progenitor cell number evaluated by XN Sysmex series automated hematology analyzers (XN-HPC) is suggested as a surrogate marker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the correlation and consistency of XN-HPC and CD34+ cell count in apheresis samples from both allogeneic donors and autologous patients during PB-HSCT. RESULTS: Good correlation and consistency were observed between XN-HPC and CD34+ cell counts in harvests collected from healthy donors (R = .852) rather than autologous patients (R = .375). Subgroup analysis showed that the correlation was especially poor when autologous patients used plerixafor as an additional mobilizer or were diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM). In the setting of allogeneic transplantation, the correlation coefficients were even better in samples from non-first-round apheresis (R = .951), with high white blood cell (WBC) counts (R = .941), or having successful engraftment within 2 weeks (R = .895). ROC analysis suggested that an optimal XN-HPC count of 1127 × 106 /L best predicted a sufficient yield of CD34+ stem cells, with diagnostic sensitivity and specificity being 92% and 72%, respectively (AUC = 0.852). CONCLUSIONS: XN-HPC is a sufficient quantitative marker for stem cell assessment of harvest yield in allogeneic but not autologous HSCT.

Prophylactic therapy using epigenetic agents for RUNX1::RUNXT1-positive high-risk AML after Allo-HSCT.

Disease recurrence is the leading cause of treatment failure in patients with RUNX1::RUNXT1-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Post-transplant maintenance therapy, guided by monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD), is commonly administered; however, relapse rates remain high. This prospective study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of epigenetic agents as prophylactic therapy in patients with RUNX1::RUNXT1-positive AML. Thirty high-risk patients received prophylactic therapy (n = 17 and n = 13 in the chidamide and AZA groups, respectively) between January 2019 and July 2023. 34 high-risk patients who received preemptive treatment due to molecular relapse were included in the analysis. The two-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly higher in the prophylactic group compared to the preemptive group (82.82% vs. 51.38%, P = 0.014; 86.42% vs. 56.16%, P = 0.025, respectively); 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse rates were 13.8% and 36.40%, respectively (P = 0.037). In conclusion, prophylactic therapy with epigenetic agents may improve long-term prognosis and is well-tolerated in patients with RUNX1::RUNXT1-positive high-risk AML. Timely post-transplant prophylactic therapy may be more effective than preemptive therapy based on positive MRD results.

WT1 gene mutations impact post-transplant relapse in myelodysplastic syndrome with excess blasts 2 patients.

Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) gene mutations are infrequent in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), but MDS with WT1 mutations (WT1mut) is considered high risk for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformation. The influence of WT1 mutations in patients with MDS after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is unclear. We performed a retrospective analysis of 136 MDS with excess blasts 2 (MDS-EB2) patients with available WT1 status who underwent their first allo-HSCT between 2017 and 2022 in our center. There were 20 (20/136, 15%) cases in the WT1mut group and 116 (116/136, 85%) cases in the WT1 wild-type (WT1wt) group. WT1mut patients had a higher 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) than WT1wt cases (26.2% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.037) after allo-HSCT. Multivariate analysis of relapse showed that WT1 mutations (HR, 6.0; p = 0.002), TP53 mutations (HR, 4.2; p = 0.021), and ≥ 5% blasts in bone marrow (BM) at transplantation (HR, 6.6; p = 0.004) were independent risk factors for relapse. Patients were stratified into three groups according to the risk factors. Two-year CIR differed significantly in high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups (31.8%, 11.6%, and 0%, respectively). Hence, WT1 mutations may be related to post-transplant relapse in patients with MDS-EB2, which warrants further study.

Phenolic metabolites as therapeutic in inflammation and neoplasms: Molecular pathways explaining their efficacy.

Polyphenols, also known as phenolic compounds, are chemical substances containing aromatic rings as well as at least two hydroxyl groups. Natural phenolic compounds exist widely in plants, which protect plants from ultraviolet radiation and other insults. Phenolic compounds have superior pharmacological and nutritional properties (antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-sclerosis, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities), which have been paid more and more attention by the scientific community. Phenols can protect key cellular components from reactive free radical damage, which is mainly due to their property to activate antioxidant enzymes and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation. It can also inhibit or isolate reactive oxygen species and transfer electrons to free radicals, thereby avoiding cell damage. It has a regulatory role in glucose metabolism, which has a promising prospect in the prevention and intervention of diabetes. It also prevents cardiovascular disease by regulating blood pressure and blood lipids. Polyphenols can inhibit cell proliferation by affecting Erk1/2, CDK, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Polyphenols can function as enhancers of intrinsic defense systems, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Simultaneously, they can modulate multiple proteins and transcription factors, making them promising candidates in the investigation of anti-cancer medications. This review focuses on multiple aspects of phenolic substances, including their natural origins, production process, disinfection activity, oxidative and anti-inflammatory functions, and the effects of different phenolic substances on tumors.

Novel Electrochemical Sensors Based on Cuprous Oxide-Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites Modified Electrode toward Sensitive Detection of Sunset Yellow.

Control and detection of sunset yellow is an utmost demanding issue, due to the presence of potential risks for human health if excessively consumed or added. Herein, cuprous oxide-electrochemically reduced graphene nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (Cu2O-ErGO/GCE) was developed for the determination of sunset yellow. The Cu2O-ErGO/GCE was fabricated by drop-casting Cu2O-GO dispersion on the GCE surface following a potentiostatic reduction of graphene oxide (GO). Scanning electron microscope and X-ray powder diffractometer was used to characterize the morphology and microstructure of the modification materials, such as Cu2O nanoparticles and Cu2O-ErGO nanocomposites. The electrochemical behavior of sunset yellow on the bare GCE, ErGO/GCE, and Cu2O-ErGO/GCE were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and second-derivative linear sweep voltammetry, respectively. The analytical parameters (including pH value, sweep rate, and accumulation parameters) were explored systematically. The results show that the anodic peak currents of Cu2O-ErGO /GCE are 25-fold higher than that of the bare GCE, due to the synergistic enhancement effect between Cu2O nanoparticles and ErGO sheets. Under the optimum detection conditions, the anodic peak currents are well linear to the concentrations of sunset yellow, ranging from 2.0 × 10-8 mol/L to 2.0 × 10-5 mol/L and from 2.0 × 10-5 mol/L to 1.0 × 10-4 mol/L with a low limit of detection (S/N = 3, 6.0 × 10-9 mol/L). Moreover, Cu2O-ErGO/GCE was successfully used for the determination of sunset yellow in beverages and food with good recovery. This proposed Cu2O-ErGO/GCE has an attractive prospect applications on the determination of sunset yellow in diverse real samples.

Evaluation of Mycophenolate Mofetil and Low-Dose Steroid Combined Therapy in Moderately Severe Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis.

BACKGROUND The most appropriate management of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) nephritis with nephrotic-range proteinuria remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical therapeutic effects of mycophenolate mofetil and low-dose steroid in Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) with nephrotic-range proteinuria and pathological classification less than IV in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS The clinical effects of MMF and low-dose steroid therapy were studied in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis manifested with nephrotic-range proteinuria, normal kidney function, and <50% crescents or sclerosing lesions on renal biopsy. We enrolled 32 boys and 29 girls with nephrotic-range proteinuria, normal kidney function, and pathological classification less than IV on renal biopsy. We treated 41 cases (67.2%) with mycophenolate mofetil and low-dose prednisone combined therapy and 20 cases (32.8%) were treated with full-dose prednisone alone. RESULTS Short-term response was significantly different between 2 groups (χ²=4.371, P=0.037), while no significant difference was found in long-term prognosis (χ²=0.419, P=0.522) after follow-up. The ROC curve showed that the most appropriate cutoff value was 30.67 µg·h/ml for MPA-AUC and the area under the ROC curve was 0.731, with 85.2% sensitivity and 64.3% specificity. CONCLUSIONS Mycophenolate mofetil and low-dose prednisone combined therapy is a reasonable treatment choice which can promote the remission of proteinuria without increasing obvious adverse reactions in pediatric HSPN with nephrotic state and pathological classification less than grade IV. MPA-AUC more than 30 µg·h/ml was an appropriate value for MMF in the combined therapy with MMF and steroid for treating children with HSPN.

Sysmex XN-HPC: study of reference intervals and clinical decision limits in healthy allogeneic donors mobilised with G-CSF.

The Sysmex XN series haematopoietic progenitor cell (XN-HPC) is a novel tool for assessing stem cell yield before allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This study aimed to establish a reference interval (RI) for XN-HPC in peripheral blood allogeneic transplant donors following granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) stimulation and determine its clinical significance. All specimens were analysed using Sysmex XN-20. Samples were collected and analysed using non-parametric percentile methods to define the RIs. Quantile regression was used to explore the dependency of the RIs on sex and age. Samples were included in clinical decision limits for apheresis based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The non-parametrically estimated RI for XN-HPC was 623.50 (90% confidence interval [CI90%] 510.00-657.00) to 4,144.28 (CI90% 3,761.00-4,547.00). The RIs for the XN-HPC were not age-dependent but were sex-dependent. The RI for males was 648.40 (CI90% 582.00-709.00)-4,502.60 (CI90% 4,046.00-5,219.00) and for females was 490.90 (CI90% 311.00-652.00)-3,096.90 (CI90% 2,749.00-3,782.00). Comparisons based on XN-HPC values between the poor and less-than-optimal groups, good and less-than-optimal groups, and good and non-good groups had areas under the curve of 0.794 (P < 0.001), 0.768 (P < 0.001), and 0.806 (P < 0.001), respectively, indicating a good predictive value for mobilisation effectiveness. XN-HPC data exceeding 3974 × 106/L suggested that a sufficient number of stem cells could be collected clinically. Values > 5318 < 106/L indicated 100% mobilisation effectiveness. We established an RI for XN-HPC in peripheral blood allogeneic transplant donors following G-CSF stimulation and determined clinical decision thresholds for mobilisation efficiency.

Outcomes of acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: validation, comparison and improvement of 2022 ELN genetic risk system.

The 2022 European LeukemiaNet (ELN) updated the previous risk classification published in 2017 but the prognostic significance for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains unclear. We enrolled 600 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who underwent allo-HSCT to validate ELN-2022 genetic risk system and compared it with ELN-2017. There were 214 (35.67%), 162 (27.0%), and 224 (37.33%) patients in ELN-2022 favorable-, intermediate-, and adverse-risk group respectively and 86 patients (14.33%) experienced a shift in risk stratification compared to ELN-2017. Median and maximum follow-up time were 2.89 (95% CI 2.67 to 3.03) years and 8.78 years. The median overall survival (OS) was 73.8% (95% CI 67.5% to 80.3%), 63.9% (95% CI 56.7% to 72.0%) and 57.6% (95% CI 50.4% to 65.9%) in ELN-2022 favorable-, intermediate-, and adverse-risk group (P < 0.001). OS shortened significantly as the ELN-2022 risk stratification increased but didn't significantly in ELN-2017 intermediate-risk compared to favorable-risk. Both ELN-2022 and ELN-2017 adverse-risk were associated with increased cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR). Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that both ELN-2017 and ELN-2022 risk systems had limited prognostic ability for OS. We modified ELN-2022 risk system with pre-transplant minimal residual disease (MRD) and the modified risk system performed a significantly superior efficacy to ELN-2022 system.

Key candidate genes and pathways in T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma identified by bioinformatics and serological analyses.

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)/T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) is an uncommon but highly aggressive hematological malignancy. It has high recurrence and mortality rates and is challenging to treat. This study conducted bioinformatics analyses, compared genetic expression profiles of healthy controls with patients having T-ALL/T-LBL, and verified the results through serological indicators. Data were acquired from the GSE48558 dataset from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). T-ALL patients and normal T cells-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were investigated using the online analysis tool GEO2R in GEO, identifying 78 upregulated and 130 downregulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses of the top 10 DEGs showed enrichment in pathways linked to abnormal mitotic cell cycles, chromosomal instability, dysfunction of inflammatory mediators, and functional defects in T-cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and immune checkpoints. The DEGs were then validated by examining blood indices in samples obtained from patients, comparing the T-ALL/T-LBL group with the control group. Significant differences were observed in the levels of various blood components between T-ALL and T-LBL patients. These components include neutrophils, lymphocyte percentage, hemoglobin (HGB), total protein, globulin, erythropoietin (EPO) levels, thrombin time (TT), D-dimer (DD), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Additionally, there were significant differences in peripheral blood leukocyte count, absolute lymphocyte count, creatinine, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, folate, and thrombin times. The genes and pathways associated with T-LBL/T-ALL were identified, and peripheral blood HGB, EPO, TT, DD, and CRP were key molecular markers. This will assist the diagnosis of T-ALL/T-LBL, with applications for differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Impact of bone marrow fibrosis on outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia.

Bone marrow fibrosis (BMF) of unknown etiology was common in hematological malignancies, but its prognostic value for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is unclear. We interrogated data from 532 newly diagnosed subjects with AML receiving allogeneic hematological stem cell transplantation to evaluate the prognostic impact of BMF on transplant outcomes. Using the European consensus on the grading of BMF at diagnosis, 255 (48%) subjects were BMF-0, 209 (39%), BMF-1 and 68 (13%), BMF-2-3. Subjects with BMF-2-3 had poor overall survival (P < 0.001), disease-free survival (P < 0.001) and a higher incidence of relapse (CIR, P < 0.001). Multi-variable analyses in subjects achieving pre-transplant complete remission showed BMF-2-3 was an independent risk factor for CIR (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 2.17, (95% CI, 1.11, 4,24); P = 0.02). Furthermore, BMF-2-3 group showed delayed neutrophil and platelet engraftment and delayed B cell recovery post-transplantation. These findings demonstrate the significance of BMF in transplant outcomes and attract more attention to AML with BMF.

[Contrast of curative effect and complications between peripheral venous thrombolysis and catheter-direct thrombolysis for acute deep venous thrombosis in lower limbs].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of catheter-direct thrombolysis in acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT). METHODS: A total of 86 cases were divided into 2 groups of peripheral venous thrombolysis (group A, n = 33) and catheter-direct thrombolysis (group B, n = 53). The curative effect of two groups was compared by swelling rate and vascular potency. RESULTS: No significant difference existed in swelling rate between two groups (P > 0.05). Vascular patency rates of group B was significantly better than those of group A (P < 0.01). The incidence of bleeding had no significant difference (P > 0.05) and there was no asymptomatic pulmonary embolism in two groups. CONCLUSION: Both treatments of acute DVT are effective in improving symptoms. But catheter-directed thrombolysis results in significant vascular patency rate and does not increase the risk of thrombolytic bleeding.

Expansion of human megakaryocyte-biased hematopoietic stem cells by biomimetic Microniche.

Limited numbers of available hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) limit the widespread use of HSC-based therapies. Expansion systems for functional heterogenous HSCs remain to be optimized. Here, we present a convenient strategy for human HSC expansion based on a biomimetic Microniche. After demonstrating the expansion of HSC from different sources, we find that our Microniche-based system expands the therapeutically attractive megakaryocyte-biased HSC. We demonstrate scalable HSC expansion by applying this strategy in a stirred bioreactor. Moreover, we identify that the functional human megakaryocyte-biased HSCs are enriched in the CD34+CD38-CD45RA-CD90+CD49f lowCD62L-CD133+ subpopulation. Specifically, the expansion of megakaryocyte-biased HSCs is supported by a biomimetic niche-like microenvironment, which generates a suitable cytokine milieu and supplies the appropriate physical scaffolding. Thus, beyond clarifying the existence and immuno-phenotype of human megakaryocyte-biased HSC, our study demonstrates a flexible human HSC expansion strategy that could help realize the strong clinical promise of HSC-based therapies.

Treatment of tacrolimus or cyclosporine A in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus (TAC) are often alternative treatment choices for patients with nephrotic syndrome. METHODS: In this prospective study, the efficacy and safety of CsA and TAC in inducing and maintaining remission in 74 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) were evaluated. RESULTS: In terms of short-term efficacy, TAC was more effective than CsA in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (χ(2) = 13.75, P = 0.001), although no significant difference in number of episodes of relapse were found in patients with complete remission between the two treatment groups (first year: χ(2) = 0.261, P = 0.88; second year: χ(2) = 2.685, P = 0.26). In patients with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome, no significant difference in short-term remission (χ(2) = 1.908, P = 0.39) or in relapse frequency during follow-up (within first year: χ(2) = 1.046, P = 0.59; within second year: χ(2) = 0.587, P = 0.75) were found between the two groups. There was a difference in the rate of adverse effects between the two treatment groups [nephrotoxicity: 4/24 (CsA) vs .0/50 (TAC), P = 0.002; hirsutism: 8/24 (CsA) vs. 0/50 (TAC), P < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: In our pediatric patient cohort, the treatment of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome with tacrolimus was associated with higher efficacy and lower renal toxicity in comparison to CsA, although no favorable outcome in relapse rate during long-term follow-up was seen. On the other hand, tacrolimus was not always the better choice to replace CsA in the treatment of severe frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.

Virosecurinine induces apoptosis by affecting Bcl-2 and Bax expression in human colon cancer SW480 cells.

Virosecurinine, the major alkaloid isolated from Securinega suffruticosa Pall Rehd was found to exhibit growth inhibition and cytotoxicity against huaman colon cancer SW480 cells via the microculture tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Due to its greater cytotoxic potency and selectivity towards SW480 cells, flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle distribution of control and treated SW480 cells whereas Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry analysis was carried out to confirm apoptosis induced by virosecurinine in SW480 cells. Apoptotic regulatory genes were determined by RT-PCR analysis. Virosecurinine was found to induce G1/S cell cycle arrest which led to predominantly apoptotic mode of cell death. Mechanistically, virosecurinine was found to up-regulated the Bax gene expression and down-regulated the Bcl-2 expression in SW480, The ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax was significantly decreased. Hence, we suggest that virosecurinine induced apoptosis in SW480 cells by affecting the expression of bcl-2 and bax.

Smooth stable manifolds for the non-instantaneous impulsive equations with applications to Duffing oscillators.

In this paper, we present a theory of smooth stable manifold for the non-instantaneous impulsive differential equations on the Banach space or Hilbert space. Assume that the non-instantaneous linear impulsive evolution differential equation admits a uniform exponential dichotomy, we give the conditions of the existence of the global and local stable manifolds. Furthermore, C k -smoothness of the stable manifold is obtained, and the periodicity of the stable manifold is given. Finally, an application to nonlinear Duffing oscillators with non-instantaneous impulsive effects is given, to demonstrate the existence of stable manifold.

The Sysmex XN series hematopoietic progenitor cell (XN-HPC) as a predictive marker of stem cell enumeration and products: a systemic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Sysmex® XN series hematopoietic progenitor cell (XN-HPC) is a sensitive, fast, and economic analytical method for predicting the yields of peripheral blood stem cell enumeration and products, and does not require a sophisticated or expensive workflow. However, various studies have shown that the characteristics of its diagnostic performance were non-uniform. METHODS: We performed a systematic inquiry using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, to comprehensively search for studies published before November 21, 2021. The pooled specificity (SPE), sensitivity (SEN), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were summarized to appraise the diagnostic merit of XN-HPC. A forest plot was used to research the sensitivities and specificities of XN-HPC performance. Subgroup analysis was performed to investigate heterogeneity where of importance. RESULTS: Our research included four studies that assessed the diagnostic performance of XN-HPC in hematopoietic progenitor cell collection. The pooled accuracy was 95.4% (95% CI, 94.3-96.3), SPE was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.71-0.88), SEN was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.75-0.99), NLR was 0.06 (95% CI, 0.01-0.37), PLR was 5.0 (95% CI, 3.0-8.5), DOR was 78 (95% CI, 9-707) and the summary of the area under the ROC was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87-0.92). Forest plot of sensitivities and specificities from XN-HPC test accuracy studies indicated the existence of high heterogeneity. We deduced that the patients were the source of heterogeneity via subgroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS: XN-HPC is an excellent diagnostic marker for quantitative detection of peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Matrix-Form Neural Networks for Complex-Variable Basis Pursuit Problem With Application to Sparse Signal Reconstruction.

In this article, a continuous-time complex-valued projection neural network (CCPNN) in a matrix state space is first proposed for a general complex-variable basis pursuit problem. The proposed CCPNN is proved to be stable in the sense of Lyapunov and to be globally convergent to the optimal solution under the condition that the sensing matrix is not row full rank. Furthermore, an improved discrete-time complex projection neural network (IDCPNN) is proposed by discretizing the CCPNN model. The proposed IDCPNN consists of a two-step stop strategy to reduce the calculational cost. The proposed IDCPNN is theoretically guaranteed to be global convergent to the optimal solution. Finally, the proposed IDCPNN is applied to the reconstruction of sparse signals based on compressed sensing. Computed results show that the proposed IDCPNN is superior to related complex-valued neural networks and conventional basis pursuit algorithms in terms of solution quality and computation time.

An Efficient Voltammetric Sensor Based on Graphene Oxide-Decorated Binary Transition Metal Oxides Bi2O3/MnO2 for Trace Determination of Lead Ions.

Herein we present a facile synthesis of the graphene oxide-decorated binary transition metal oxides of Bi2O3 and MnO2 nanocomposites (Bi2O3/MnO2/GO) and their applications in the voltammetric detection of lead ions (Pb2+) in water samples. The surface morphologies, crystal structures, electroactive surface area, and charge transferred resistance of the Bi2O3/MnO2/GO nanocomposites were investigated through the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), power X-ray diffraction (XRD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques, respectively. The Bi2O3/MnO2/GO nanocomposites were further decorated onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and Pb2+ was quantitatively analyzed by using square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). We explored the effect of the analytical parameters, including deposition potential, deposition time, and solution pH, on the stripping peak current of Pb2+. The Bi2O3/MnO2/GO nanocomposites enlarged the electroactive surface area and reduced the charge transferred resistance by significant amounts. Moreover, the synergistic enhancement effect of MnO2, Bi2O3 and GO endowed Bi2O3/MnO2/GO/GCE with extraordinary electrocatalytic activity toward Pb2+ stripping. Under optimal conditions, the Bi2O3/MnO2/GO/GCE showed a broad linear detection range (0.01-10 µM) toward Pb2+ detection, with a low limit of detection (LOD, 2.0 nM). The proposed Bi2O3/MnO2/GO/GCE electrode achieved an accurate detection of Pb2+ in water with good recoveries (95.5-105%).

Enhanced efficacy of sirolimus-eluting bioabsorbable magnesium alloy stents in the prevention of restenosis.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of sirolimus-eluting bioabsorbable magnesium alloy stents (SEBMAS) in restenosis prevention. METHODS: A balloon-expandable bioabsorbable magnesium alloy stent (BMAS) was created and coated with biodegradable poly(lactic acid-co-trimethylene carbonate) that contained the antiproliferative drug sirolimus (140 ± 40 µg/cm²). Both the uncoated BMAS and the coated SEBMAS were deployed 2 cm apart in balloon-injured infrarenal abdominal aortas of 20 New Zealand white rabbits. The stented aortic segments were removed at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days (5 rabbits per interval) after implantation. The average stent strut sectional area of each group was measured to evaluate the degree of magnesium corrosion and to forecast the biodegradation time profile of the magnesium stent. Histology and histopathology of the sectioned stented aortic segments were performed to evaluate neointima formation, endothelialization, and inflammation. RESULTS: The SEBMAS degraded gradually after being implanted into the rabbit aorta, and total biocorrosion occurred after ~120 days. In all groups, the lumen area was significantly greater, but the neointimal area was significantly smaller in SEBMAS segments compared with the uncoated BMAS segments (p < 0.05) at all time points. There was no significant difference in the injury or inflammation scores between the groups. Endothelialization was delayed at 30 days in the SEBMAS segments vs. the uncoated BMAS segments. CONCLUSION: SEBMAS further reduces intimal hyperplasia and improves the lumen area when compared to uncoated BMAS; however, it delays vascular healing and endothelialization.

Clinical outcomes in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis grade IIIa or IIIb.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is one of the most common causes of systemic vasculitis in children. The incidence of HSP nephritis (HSPN) among HSP patients has been reported to be 15-62%. Even so, what constitutes severe HSPN is controversial. In the study reported here, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical features and prognosis of 101 children with HSPN, ISKDC grade IIIa/IIIb, from January 1992 to November 2008. Patients with isolated hematuria and/or proteinuria <50 mg/kg/day received triptolide alone, and those with nephrotic range proteinuria received a combination therapy of prednisone and triptolide. Nephrotic syndrome was the most common clinical manifestation (45.5%). There were no significant differences in the clinical features (χ(2) = 2.756, P = 0.252), the side effects related to treatment (χ(2) = 2.259, P = 0.894), prognosis between IIIa and IIIb (χ(2) = 3.013, P = 0.222), or prognosis in grade IIIa patients receiving triptolide alone or triptolide and prednisone (χ(2) = 1.207, P = 0.272) and grade IIIb patients (χ(2) = 1.158, P = 0.282). No significant difference in clinical manifestations and long-term prognosis of our HSPN patients with grade IIIa or grade IIIb were found, implying that our patients with International Study and Kidney Disease in Children (ISKDC) grade IIIb were not the most severe cases of HSPN. Our results may also suggest that treatment with steroid may not alter the clinical outcome of such grade IIIa or IIIb patients.