Lee AJ, et al. Blood Res. 2013 Sep;48(3):193-197. http://dx.doi.org/10.5045/br.2013.48.3.193

Hong HL, et al. Infect Chemother. 2016 Sep;48(3):239-245. https://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2016.48.3.239

Background: Urinary crystals are the most diverse forms of urine sediments. Reference images for typical urinary crystals are common, however, but images for interpreting atypical urinary crystals are very rare. The authors reviewed various forms and solubility tests of urine crystals to interpret atypical crystals found in clinical specimens.Methods: We reviewed textbooks on urinary crystals and articles published in PubMed. Some atypical crystals were confirmed using a solubility test.Results: The classification, shape, chemical structure, and solubility of the crystals were summarized. In the solubility test, some crystals showed different results; therefore, a new solubility test was proposed based on the literature review. We presented various types of calcium oxalates.Conclusions: These review articles will be helpful in the examination of atypical crystals found in clinical specimens. The solubility test requires additional studies to discriminate the inconsistent results between the authors.

Localized radiotherapy (RT) can cause immune dysfunction. Bojungikki‐tang is known to restore immune function. We investigated the absolute counts and percentages of peripheral blood (PB) lymphocyte subtypes in end stage cancer patients before and after RT and after oral administration of Bojungikki‐tang water extract (BJITE) and to evaluate the changes mediated by RT and BJITE. Absolute counts and percentages of lymphocyte and lymphocyte subsets were determined in whole blood using the TetraONE System (Beckman Coulter, USA). Flow cytometry results were compared before and after RT and after administration of BJITE. Absolute numbers of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells and CD19+ B cells decreased significantly after RT (P < 0.05). Absolute numbers of CD3‐CD56+ cells did not change in both groups. No significant differences were observed in the absolute counts of lymphocyte subtypes before and after administration of BJITE or vitamin group. When BJITE group was compared with vitamin group, absolute numbers of CD19+ B cells increased. RT‐induced decrease in T cells and B cells in PB suggests that immune deterioration occurs after RT. Administration of BJITE might be effective in the restoration of number of B cells.