More than one hundred strains of marine molds have been isolated from the sediment and the sample of seawater collected from the South China Sea. By the first screening, more than 30 strains of marine molds which can inhibit tested fungi such as Candida albicans and Fursarium sp. were obtained.The results of the second screening showed those strains designed as B 4#-6、B 4#-3、1-B 6-6、1-B 6-10-5、1-B 6-22、C 2#-5、A 2-9 and 1-B 6-10 can produced extracelluar antifungi metabolic products and the crude extract of the strains 1-B 6-10-5 and B 4#-3 can inhibit the growth of many other species of fungi.

AIM: The study was undertaken to investigate the effort of Dexamethasone (DEX) on cultured rabbit corneal epithelial (RCE) cells and rabbit corneal epithelial wound healing.METHODS: For the in vitro experiments, primary cultures of RCE cells were used. DEX in different concentrations was added to cultured RCE cells. The effects were measured with tetrazolium salt (MTT)method and flow cytometry. For the in vivo wound-healing experiments, a central corneal deepithelialization was created and were treated with 0.1g/L DEX eyedrop randomly explain how randomly. Epithelial wound healing was evaluated clinically and analyzed histopathologically using light microscopy along with immunohistochemical staning and electronic microscopy.RESULTS: Less than 0.1g/L DEX didn't influence survival rate in cell culture conditions by MTT assay. Flow cytometric studies revealed that 0.1g/L DFX had no effect on cellular growth phase in cultured rabbit corneal epithelial cells. The mean time of the epithelial healing was significantly shorter in the DEX-treated group than in the control group at 24h. There were strong proliferative-cell-nuclear-antigen(PCNA) expressions in newly generated epithelial cells of both groups. The Dex-treated group had a more regular architecture of stromal lamella and significantly less inflammatory response than the control group under electronic microscopy.CONCLUSION: Less than 0.1g/L DEX had no inhibiting effect on cultured rabbit corneal epithelial cell growth.0.1g/L DEX eye drops can effectively promote epithelial growth and reduce inflammatory response, which may have useful clinical application at the early stage of corneal wound healing process.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to explore the parental experience of making a "do not resuscitate" (DNR) decision for their child who is or was cared for in a pediatric intensive care unit in Taiwan. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted following parental signing of a standard hospital DNR form on behalf of their critically ill child. Sixteen Taiwanese parents of 11 children aged 1 month to 18 years were interviewed. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, analyzed and sorted into themes by the sole interviewer plus other researchers. RESULTS: Three major themes were identified: (a) "convincing points to sign", (b) "feelings immediately after signing", and (c) "postsigning relief or regret". Feelings following signing the DNR form were mixed and included "frustration", "guilt", and "conflicting hope". Parents adjusted their attitudes to thoughts such as "I have done my best," and "the child's life is beyond my control." Some parents whose child had died before the time of the interview expressed among other things "regret not having enough time to be with and talk to my child". CONCLUSION: Open family visiting hours plus staff sensitivity and communication skills training are needed. To help parents with this difficult signing process, nurses and other professionals in the pediatric intensive care unit need education on initiating the conversation, guiding the parents in expressing their fears, and providing continuing support to parents and children throughout the child's end of life process.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Decision Making ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Intensive Care Units, Pediatric ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Palliative Care/*psychology ; Parents/*psychology ; *Professional-Family Relations ; Qualitative Research ; Resuscitation Orders/*psychology ; Taiwan ; Young Adult

Objective Take alkaline ashing method as golden standard to explore the accuracy of chloric acid digestion method in determination of human milk iodine. Methods Sixty one breast milk samples collected in Hexi district of Tianjin was measured by the method for determination of iodine in foodstuff by As3+-Ce4+ catalytic spectrophotometry (referred to as the alkaline ashing method) published in 2008 and the method for determination of iodine in urine by As3+-Ce4+ catalytic spectrophotometry(referred to as acid digestion) published in 1999, respectively. were highly correlated(r = 0.960, t = 26.3, P < 0.01), and the regression equation was (Y) = - 28.1 + 0.808X, in which X was independent variable, that is the results of alkaline ashing method; (Y) was dependent variable, that is the estimated data of chloric acid digestion method. The average difference of the results measured by the two methods was 68.3 μg/L, and the results from chloric acid digestion was 38.9% which lower than that of alkaline samples were diluted by 3,4 and 5-fold and then digested by chloric acid, the liquid clarification rates were 80.3% ashing and chloric acid digestion method were, respectively, 165.4, 110.0 μg/L. Conclusions Compared with alkaline ashing method, the results determined by chloric acid digestion method are significantly lower. It is suggested that there are systemic errors in chloric acid digestion method, which means that alkaline ashing method can not be replaced by the chloric acid digestion method.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the predictive value of Holter ECG recordings for patients with moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

METHODSHolter recordings was performed in 76 patients who were diagnosed OSAHS by polysomnography (PSG) within one month from Jan. 2008 to July 2009 in our hospital. Twenty-eight patients were identified as mild OSAHS (AHI < or = 20) and forty-eight patients were moderate-to-severe OSAHS (AHI > 20). The indexes of heart rate variability (HRV), total scores of thirteen sleep apnea risk indexes of Holter recordings and BMI were analyzed by bivariate Logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSClinical features (eg. Gender, age, complicated with hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, and taken beta-blocker), total scores, the sum of thirteen sleep apnea risk scores collected by Holter recordings (5.64 + or - 2.33 vs. 6.42 + or - 2.22, respectively, P > 0.05) were similar between patients with mild OSAHS and moderate-to-severity OSAHS. VLF/Total Power > 70%, the difference of daytime/nighttime LF Power < -70 and BMI were independent predictors of moderate-to-severe OSAHS with OR 3.98 (1.087 - 14.596), 3.69 (1.106 - 12.285) and 1.28 (1.062 - 1.544), respectively (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSVLF/Total Power and the difference of daytime/nighttime LF Power and BMI could be used as screening parameters to recognize patients with moderate-to-severe OSAHS.

Aged ; Electrocardiography, Ambulatory ; Female ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; diagnosis ; physiopathology

Numerous studies have indicated that organic fertilizers (OFer) might contain heavy metals (HMs) that present health risks to organic farmers (OFar). This study compared the concentrations of six HMs (Zn, Ni, Cd, Cu, Pb, Cr) in the blood of two distinct groups of farmers: 30 OFar from a designated organic area in eastern Taiwan, and 74 conventional farmers (CFar) from neighboring non-organic designated regions. The findings revealed that the OFar exhibited higher levels of Zn (1202.70 ± 188.74 μg/L), Cr (0.20 ± 0.09 μg/L), and Ni (2.14 ± 1.48 μg/L) in their blood compared to the CFar (988.40 ± 163.16 μg/L, 0.18 ± 0.15 μg/L, and 0.77 ± 1.23 μg/L), respectively. The disparities in Zn, Cr, and Ni levels were measured at 214.3 μg/L, 0.02 μg/L, and 1.37 μg/L, respectively. Furthermore, among the OFar, those who utilized green manures (GM) displayed significantly elevated blood levels of Zn (1279.93 ± 156.30 μg/L), Cr (0.24 ± 0.11 μg/L), and Ni (1.94 ± 1.38 μg/L) compared to individuals who exclusively employed chemical fertilizers (CFer) (975.42 ± 165.35 μg/L, 0.19 ± 0.16 μg/L, and 0.74 ± 1.20 μg/L), respectively. The differences in Zn, Cr, and Ni levels were measured at 304.51 μg/L, 0.05 μg/L, and 1.20 μg/L, respectively. As a result, OFar should be careful in choosing OFer and avoid those that may have heavy metal contamination.

OBJECTIVETo summarize the experience of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to rescue a neonate with severe low cardiac output syndrome following open heart surgery.

METHODSThe patient was a male, 2 d, 2.8 kg, G3P2 full-term neonate with gestational age 40 weeks, born by Cesarean-section with Apgar score of 10 at 1 min. He was admitted due to severe dyspnea with oxygen desaturation and heart murmur on the second day after birth. Physical examination showed clear consciousness, cyanosis, dyspnea, RR 70 bpm and a grade II/6 heart murmur. Bp was 56/45 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) and SpO2 around 65%. Blood WBC 13.1 x 10(9)/L, N 46.1%, Hb 238 g/L, Plt 283 x 10(9)/L, CRP < 1 mg/L. Echocardiographic findings: TGA + ASD + PDA with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 60%. After supportive care and prostaglandin E1 (5 ng/kg/min) treatment, his condition became stable with SpO2 85 - 90%. On the 6(th) day of life, the baby underwent an arterial switch procedure + ASD closing and PDA ligation. The time of aorta clamp was 72 mins. The cool 4:1 blood cardioplegia was given for 2 times during aortal clamp. Ultrafiltration was used. The internal and external volumes were almost equal and the electrolytes and blood gas and hematocrit (36%) were normal during extracorporeal bypass. Due to a failure (severe low cardiac output) to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass (263 min) with acidosis (lactate 8.8 mmol/L), low blood pressure (< 39/30 mm Hg), increased LAP (> 20 mmHg), bloody phlegm, decreased urine output [< 1 ml/(kg.h)], a V-A ECMO was used for cardio-pulmonary support. ECMO setup: Medtronic pediatric ECMO package (CB2503R1), carmeda membrane oxygenator and centrifugal pump (bio-console 560) were chosen. Direct cannulation of the ascending aorta (Edward FEM008A) and right atrium (TF018090) was performed using techniques that were standard for cardiopulmanory bypass. The ECMO system was primed with 400 ml blood, 5% CaCl(2)1g, 5% sodium bicarbonate 1.5 g, 20% mannitol 2 g, albumin 10 g, and heparin 5 mg. The blood was re-circulated until the temperature was 37 degrees C and blood gases and the electrolytes were in normal range. The patient was weaned from bypass and connected to V-A ECMO. Management of ECMO: the blood flow was set at 150 - 200 ml/kg/min. Venous saturation (SvO2) was maintained at the desired level (75%) by increasing and decreasing extracorporeal blood flow. Systemic blood pressure was maintained at 76/55 - 80/59 mm Hg by adjusting blood volume. Hemoglobin was maintained between 120 - 130 g/L. Platelet count was maintained at > 75,000/mm3 and ACT was maintained at 120 - 190 s. The mechanical ventilation was reduced to lung rest settings (FiO2 35%, RR 10 bpm, PIP 16 cm H(2)O, PEEP 5 cm H2O) to prevent alveolar collapse. Inotropic drug dosages were kept at a low level.

RESULTSThe patient was successfully weaned from ECMO following 87 hours treatment. LVEF on day 1, 2 and 3 following ECMO were 20%, 34% and 43% respectively. The circulation was stable after weaning from ECMO with Bp 75/55 mm Hg, HR 160 bpm and LAP 11 mm Hg under inotropic drug suppor with epinephrine [(0.2 microg/(kg.min)], dopamine [(8 microg/(kg.min)], milrinone [(0.56 microg/(kg.min)]. The blood gases after 1 h off-ECMO showed: pH 7.39, PaO2 104 mm Hg, PaCO2 45 mm Hg, lactate 3.8 mmol/L, Hct 35%, K(+) 3.8 mmol/L, Ca(++) 1.31 mmol/L. The serum lactate was normal after 24 h off-ECMO. On day 22 off-ECMO, the baby was successfully extubated and weaned from conventional ventilator. On day 58, the patient was discharged. Serial ultrasound imaging studies revealed no cerebral infarction or intracranial hemorrhage during and after ECMO. At the time of hospital discharge, the patient demonstrated clear consciousness with good activity, normal function of heart, lung, liver and kidney. However, more subtle morbidities, such as behavior problems, learning disabilities should be observed ria long term follow-up. The main ECMO complications were pulmonary hemorrhage, bleeding on the sternal wound, tamponade, hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia.

CONCLUSIONECMO is an effective option of cardio-pulmonary support for neonate with low cardiac output syndrome following open heart surgery.

Cardiac Output, Low ; etiology ; therapy ; Cardiac Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; methods ; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ; methods ; Heart ; physiopathology ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; therapy ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Oxygenators, Membrane ; utilization ; Thoracic Surgery ; methods

OBJECTIVEThe history of clinical application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been more than 30 years. But in China, there were only a few ECMO centers with limited successful cases reported by the end of twentieth century. The high morbidities and mortalities in current pediatric ECMO practice are noted in China. Therefore, it is necessary to review the experience on rescue use of ECMO in critically ill pediatric patients.

METHODA retrospective analysis was done for patients who had been receiving ECMO treatment to rescue refractory cardiorespiratory failure from different causes in a hospital between July 2007 and May 2011.

RESULTA total of 12 patients were treated with ECMO; 7 of them were male and 5 female, they aged 6 days to 11 years, weighed 2.8 - 35 (17.21 ± 11.64) kg. The underlying causes of cardiorespiratory failure were as follows: two cases with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) leading to respiratory failure, 4 with failure of weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, 3 with fulminant myocarditis, 1 with right ventricular cardiomyopathy leading to repeated cardiac arrest, 1 with preoperative severe hypoxemia, and 1 with anaphylactic shock complicated with massive pulmonary hemorrhage and severe hypoxemia. Of the 12 cases, 3 were established ECMO (E-CPR) while underwent chest compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The mean ECMO support time was 151.75 (15 - 572) h. Seven patients (58.33%) were weaned from ECMO, 6 patients (50.00%) were successfully discharged. Six cases had bleeding from sutures, 2 cases with severe bleeding underwent thoracotomy hemostasis, 2 presented with acute renal failure. Infection was documented in 3 cases, hyperbilirubinemia in 2 cases, lower limb ischemia in 1 case, hyperglycemia in 3 cases, disseminated intravascular coagulation in 1 case, membrane lung leakage in 2 cases, systemic hemolysis in 3 cases, oxygenator failure in 2 cases and oxygenator thrombosis in one case. During the follow-up between 6 months and 4.5 years, 5 patients survived with good quality of life, without any documented central nervous system disorders. One case survived with the right lower extremity disorder from ischemic damage. His motor function has been improved following orthopedic operation at one year after discharge.

CONCLUSIONECMO is a justifiable alternative treatment for reversible severe cardiopulmonary failure in critically ill children.

Cardiac Output, Low ; etiology ; therapy ; Cause of Death ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Critical Illness ; mortality ; therapy ; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ; adverse effects ; Female ; Heart Failure ; etiology ; mortality ; therapy ; Hemorrhage ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; mortality ; therapy ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; etiology ; mortality ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Analysis ; Thrombosis ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Treatment Outcome

Objective The purpose of this study was to approach the relation of SNP43,SNP44 locus, main haplotypes and haplotype combinations with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods According to the theory and principles of systematic review,data from case-control studies regarding the association between calpain-10(CAPN10) gene and T2DM were derived through electronic search of PubMed and Chinese journals databases.To gain a more precise estimation of the relationship,a stratified Meta-analysis with four subgroups was pertbrmed according to the races.Publication bias Was also assessed.Results The association with T2DM in different races was evaluated.In Mongoloid race,SNP43-G allele,G/G genotype and 111/221 haplotype combination showed notable association with T2DM with Ors (95%CI) as 1.368(1.155-1.620),1.437(1.186-1.741) and 2.762 (1.287-5.927) respectively.In Caucasoid race,SNP44-C allele,111/111 hapotype combination showed strong relationship with T2DM with Ors(95%CI) as 1.144(1.023-1.278),1.291(1.050-1.586) respectively.In Hybrid race,only one positive finding Was obtained which Was SNP44-C allele with OR(95%CI)as 1.653(1.025-2.665).Conclusion SNP43-G allele,G/G genotype,111/221 were risk factors to Mongoloid race.And SNP-C allele,111/111 haplotype combination were risk factors to Caucasoid race,and SNP44-C allele to Hybrid race.

OBJECTIVETo explore clinical and laboratory factors associated aspirin response, and the association between gastrointestinal bleeding and aspirin response in aged patients.

METHODSA total of 136 patients aged 60 and over [mean age (74.9 ± 7.0) years] with ischemic heart disease and at high risk for ischemic heart disease were included. Arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation (AA-Ag) was measured before and at 7(th) day after taking aspirin (100 mg/d). Patients were followed for 6 months and incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was obtained.

RESULTSPost-treatment AA-Ag was significantly reduced compared to baseline (13.29% ± 5.52% vs. 73.20% ± 7.32%, P < 0.05). A heterogeneous distributed post-treatment AA-Ag was observed (range 0.42% to 30.50%). Post-treatment AA-Ag was positively correlated with baseline AA-Ag (r = 0.493, P < 0.01). The level of post-treatment AA-Ag was significantly higher in the fourth quartile group at baseline than in the others quartile groups at baseline. Patients aged 80 years and over had significantly lower post-treatment AA-Ag (10.25% ± 4.68%) compared with patients of 60 - 69 years (13.96% ± 5.20%) and of 70 - 79 years (13.73% ± 5.48%, all P < 0.01). The incidence of patients in the lowest quartile of post-treatment AA-Ag was significantly higher in patients ≥ 80 years (38.24%) than in patients of 60 - 69 years (11.1%) and of 70 - 79 years (24.0%). Multiple variable analysis revealed post-treatment AA-Ag was significantly influenced by baseline AA-Ag, ≥ 80 years old, diabetes mellitus and acute coronary syndrome. We observed 4 (2.9%) mild gastrointestinal bleeding during follow up. Post-treatment AA-Ag was in the lowest quartile in 3 patients with mild gastrointestinal bleeding.

CONCLUSIONSIncreased baseline platelet reactivity as well as diabetes mellitus and acute coronary syndrome are associated with low aspirin response in the aged patients. Aspirin response is significantly higher in very old patients.

Acute Coronary Syndrome ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Arachidonic Acid ; Aspirin ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Coronary Artery Disease ; drug therapy ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; chemically induced ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Ischemia ; drug therapy ; Platelet Aggregation ; drug effects ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Platelet Function Tests ; Ticlopidine