Abstract The peritoneal effects of low-glucose degradation product (GDP)-containing peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions have been extensively described. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of low GDP solution for PD patients, specifically the effect on residual renal function (RRF) and dialysis adequacy, we conducted a meta-analysis of the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Different databases were searched for RCTs that compared low GDP-PD solutions with conventional PD solutions in the treatment of PD patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). The outcomes of RCTs should include RRF and may include small solute clearance, peritoneal transport status, nutritional status, and all-cause mortality. Seven studies (632 patients) were included. Compared with the conventional solution, low-GDP solution preserved RRF in PD patients over time (MD 0.66 mL/min, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.99; p<0.0001), particularly in one year of treatment (p<0.01), and improved weekly Kt/V (MD 0.11, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.17; p=0.0007) without an increased 4-hour D/Pcr (MD 0.00, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.02; p=1.00). Notably, the MD of RRF and urine volume between the two groups tended to decrease as time on PD progressed up to 24 months. Patients using low GDP PD solutions did not have an increased risk of all-cause mortality (MD 0.97, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.88; p=0.93). Our meta-analysis confirms that the low GDP PD solution preserves RRF, improves the dialysis adequacy without increasing the peritoneal solute transport rate and all-cause mortality. Further trials are needed to determine whether this beneficial effect can affect long-term clinical outcomes.

Resumen Los efectos peritoneales de las soluciones de diálisis peritoneal (DP) que contienen productos de degradación bajos en glucosa (PIB) se han descrito ampliamente. Para evaluar sistemáticamente la eficacia y la seguridad de la solución de PIB bajo para pacientes en DP, específicamente el efecto sobre la función renal residual (RRF) y la adecuación de la diálisis, realizamos un metanálisis de los ensayos controlados aleatorios (ECA) publicados. Se realizaron búsquedas en diferentes bases de datos de ECA que compararan la solución de DP de bajo PIB con la solución de DP convencional en el tratamiento de pacientes con EP con CAPD y APD. Los resultados de los ECA deben incluir la RRF y pueden incluir la depuración de solutos pequeños, el estado nutricional, el estado del transporte peritoneal y la mortalidad por todas las causas. Se incluyeron siete estudios (632 pacientes). En comparación con la solución convencional, la solución de bajo PIB preservó la FRR en pacientes con EP a lo largo del tiempo (DM 0,66 mL/min, IC del 95%: 0,34 a 0,99; p<0,0001), particularmente en un año de tratamiento (p<0,01), y mejoró el Kt/V semanal (DM 0,11, IC del 95%: 0,05 a 0,17; p = 0,0007), sin un aumento de D/Pcr a las 4 horas (DM 0,00, IC del 95%: -0,02 a 0,02; p = 1,00). Los pacientes que usaron una solución para DP con bajo contenido de GDP no tuvieron un mayor riesgo de mortalidad por todas las causas (DM 0,97; IC del 95%: 0,50 a 1,88; p = 0,93). Nuestro metanálisis confirma que la solución de DP de bajo PIB preserva la FRR, mejora la adecuación de la diálisis sin aumentar la tasa de transporte peritoneal de solutos y la mortalidad por todas las causas. Se necesitan más ensayos para determinar si este efecto beneficioso puede afectar los resultados clínicos a largo plazo.

Abstract Zinc is one of the most important trace elements and deficiency can lead to significant clinical complications. Microbial transformation is one of the most important methods used to supplement organic zinc and there may be some naturally occurring microorganisms that have both higher zinc tolerances and transformation capabilities. In this study, microorganisms which displayed such characteristics were widely screened, and a strain designated T-A was found. Morphological and molecular determination demonstrated that T-A is closely related to Candida tropicalis with 87% of 18S rDNA homology, with a G+C content measured by RP-HPLC of 88.42%. Candida tropicalis sp. T-A strains were shown to grow and transform zinc best at pH5 in medium with a zinc ion concentration of 8000 μg/mL at 28 °C for 121 hours. Our results showed C. tropicalis sp. T-A’s zinc content was 19.153 mg/g dry weight, with a relative bioavailability in rats of 173% when compared with traditional zinc supplements. Our study suggests that C. tropicalis sp. T-A could be exploited for use as a potential zinc supplement.

ABSTRACT The risk of transfusion-transmitted malaria is a major concern in many countries. This study investigated the prevalence of malaria antibodies and parasitemia in eligible blood donors in Jiangsu, in Eastern China. Malaria antibodies were detected in 2.13% of the 704 plasma samples studied. We found that the prevalence of malaria antibodies was not significantly correlated with gender, occupation and frequency of donation, but it increased with age. No Plasmodium was observed in red blood cells and no Plasmodium DNA was detected in any of the antibody-positive samples. The prevalence of malaria antibodies was not higher than expected in Eastern China.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria (CU) can be provoked by a wide variety of causes. Some studies suggest contact sensitization may play a role in the disease. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence and distribution characteristics of allergic contact sensitization in central Chinese subjects with CU, and assess contact allergen avoidance measures in managing CU. METHODS: Patch tests were performed, following the recommended standard procedure, with 20 selected allergens, in line with the European baseline series. All subjects with positive results were prescribed appropriate avoidance measures for the sensitizing substances, while subjects with negative results served as the control group. CU severity was assessed daily from week1 to week4 and for each subject, applying the Urticaria Activity Score. RESULTS: 42.9% (233/543) of subjects with CU showed positive reactions to one or more contact allergen(s). Potassium dichromate, benzene mix and carba mix were more common in male patients, while nickel sulfate was more frequent in females. The positive rates for different allergens varied with age and occupation. The median (interquartile range) severity scores at week 1 were 20 (14-21) and 15 (14-27) for the allergen avoidance group and control group, respectively (P>0.05); and 12 (7-15) and 14 (12-17) at week 4 (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of allergic contact sensitization in CU patients was high, and appropriate contact allergen avoidance measures benefitted CU management. Contact allergens may play a role in the pathogenic mechanism of CU and patch tests are an option for CU patients.