Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Dental Pulp Cavity ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Root Canal Therapy ; instrumentation

Objective:To analyze the changes in T lymphocyte subsets, B lymphocytes and NK cells in children with active tuberculosis (TB) and their clinical significance.Methods:T lymphocyte subsets, B lymphocytes and NK cells in peripheral blood samples of 106 patients with acute TB (TB group) and 106 healthy children (healthy control group) were detected by flow cytometry and compared between different groups.Results:The percentages of CD3 + T, CD4 + T and NK cells as well as the CD4 +/CD8 + T cell ratio were significantly lower in the TB group than in the healthy control group ( Z=-3.783, P=0.000; Z=-5.401, P=0.000; Z=-3.434, P=0.001; Z=-2.014, P=0.044). The percentages of double negative T (DNT) and B cells in the TB group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group ( Z=2.765, P=0.006; Z=6.880, P=0.000). No significant difference in the percentage of CD8 + T or double positive T (DPT) cells was observed between the two groups ( P>0.05). The expression of peripheral lymphocyte subsets varied in TB children of different age groups (0-<3, 3-<6, 6-<10 and 10-<16 years old). There were significant differences in CD3 + T, DNT and B cells among the four age groups ( H=10.081, P=0.018; H=14.583, P=0.002; H=8.498, P=0.037). The percentage of CD4 + T cells was significantly lower in children with extrapulmonary TB than in those with pulmonary TB ( Z=-3.068, P=0.002). No statistically significant difference in other lymphocyte subsets was found between children with extrapulmonary and pulmonary TB ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Tuberculosis could lead to immune dysfunction in children. Dynamic monitoring of the changes in peripheral lymphocyte subsets in children with TB could be conducive to better assessment of immune status and providing personalized treatment.

Objective To prospectively compare cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) SPECT gated myocardial perfusion imaging (GMPI),conventional SPECT MPI and cardiac MRI for the assessment of left ventricular volume and ejection fraction in patients with heart failure.Methods From July 2016 to October 2016,a total of 35 patients (27 males,8 females,average age:(52.7±14.9) years) with heart failure were consecutively included.All patients underwent CZT SPECT GMPI,conventional SPECT GMPI and cardiac MRI within 7 d.LVEDV,LVESV and LVEF of three imaging modalities were calculated.One-way analysis of variance,Pearson correlation analysis and Bland-Altman analysis were used.Results CZT SPECT showed excellent correlation with conventional SPECT for LVEDV,LVESV and LVEF (r values:0.983,0.986 and 0.910,respectively;all P＜0.001).Bland-Altman analysis revealed good agreement between CZT SPECT and conventional SPECT for LVEDV,LVESV and LVEF.The correlation between CZT SPECT and cardiac MRI for LVEDV,LVESV and LVEF were all significant (r values:0.864,0.896 and 0.836,respectively;all P＜0.001).Compared with cardiac MRI,CZT SPECT showed systemic underestimation of LVEDV and LVESV and good agreement of LVEF by Bland-Altman analysis.Conclusions CZT SPECT has high clinical value for patients with heart failure.Despite underestimating LVEDV and LVESV,it correlated well with cardiac MRI.It also has a good agreement with conventional SPECT on left ventricular volume and LVEF.

AIM:To study the effects of ischemic postconditioning on cerebral ischemia following middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. METHODS: 21 rats were randomly divided into three groups: middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), MCAO+transient unilateral common carotid artery occlusion (u-CCA-O), MCAO+transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (b-CCA-O)(n=7, respectively). u-CCA-O/b- CCA-O was generated by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion plus transient unilateral/bilateral common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion. After the suture was removed, ischemic postconditioning was performed by occluding CCA for 10s, reperfusion 10s, and then allowing for another 4 cycles of 10s of reperfusion and 10s of CCA occlusion. Rats were sacrificed 2 d later and infarct size was measured. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured in different 15 time points: 0 min, 10 min, 1 h after MCA occlusion, 0 min after MCA reperfusion, 10s of CCA occlusion and 10s of CCA reperfusion in all five cycles, 30 min after MCA reperfusion. Functional neurological outcome was determined 1 h and 48 h after reperfusion. Infarct volume was measured 48 h after reperfusion. RESULTS: The infarct volumes in u-CCA-O group and b-CCA-O group diminished compared to the control group. The results of CBF demonstrated that b-CCA-O group diminished 9% compared with control and u-CCA-O group when 30 min after intervention. The rats in u-CCA-O and b-CCA-O group had better neurological performance at 1 h after reperfusion. CONCLUSION: Ischemic postconditioning reduces infarct size, improves functional neurological outcome, most plausibly by diminishing cerebral blood flow.

Objective To investigate the effects of mannan-binding lectin(MBL) on TNF-α production induced by peptidoglycan (PGN) and its mechanism in human THP-1/CD14 monocytes.Methods The THP-1/CD14 cells were stimulated for 24 h with PGN at the indicated ratios after pretreated with human natural MBL at concentrations ranging from 1 to 20 mg/L for 2 h.The content of TNF-α and IL-6 in culture supernatants were detected by ELISA,and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expressions in these cells were determined by RT-PCR.FACS was used to investigate the interaction of MBL with THP-1/CD14 cells and the impact of MBL on PGN binding to THP-1/CD14 cells.Western blot was used to detect PGN-induced NF-κB translocation in THP-1/CD14 cells.Results ELISA showed that secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 from THP-1/CD14 cells could be induced by PGN ;The productions of TNF-α and IL-6 by THP-1/CD14 cells induced with PGN were profoundly inhibited by MBL at higher concentrations (10-20 mg/L) but not MBL at lower concentrations (1 mg/L).RT-PCR analysis also indicated that the mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-6 in THP-1/CD14 cells were decreased by MBL at higher concentration,compared to the corresponding THP-1/CD14 cells stimulated with PGN only.FACS showed that the binding of MBL to THP-1/CD14 cells was evident in a Ca2+-dependent manner.PGN could competitively inhibit the binding of MBL to THP-1/CD14 cells.MBL could competitively inhibit the binding of PGN to THP-1/CD14 cells by binding to THP-1/CD14 cells directly.Similarly,MBL at higher concentration (20 mg/L) decreased the NF-κB translocation in THP-1/CD14 cells.Conclusion MBL may inhibit TNF-α and IL-6 production induced by PGN in THP-1/CD14 cells through NF-κB signaling pathways,suggesting that MBL can play some roles in the regulation of PGN-induced inflammatory response.

Objective:To observe the efficacy the application of endoscope assisted temporoparietal fascia flap harvest for the second-stage operation in auricular reconstruction of Nagata’s technique for microtia.Method:In this retrospective study, the clinical data were collected from the patients who received microtia reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage at the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from January 2015 to January 2022. According to the surgical procedure, patients were divided into endoscopic group and open surgery group. In endoscopic group, endoscope-assisted temporoparietal fascia harvest were performed for the second-stage operation in auricular reconstruction of Nagata’s technique. In open surgery group, temporoparietal fascia flaps were harvested in open surgery for the second-stage operation in auricular reconstruction of Nagata’s technique. Regular follow-up was conducted to observe the survival of the fascia flaps, complications, patient satisfaction, and surgical scars. The patient satisfaction questionnaire for auricular reconstruction was used to assess patient satisfaction, and the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) was used to evaluate scar formation in the surgical area. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software. The measurement data were expressed by Mean ± SD, and the counting data were expressed as cases (%). The T-test was used to compare the age difference, length of hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, scar length, patient satisfaction, and POSAS scores between the two groups. Chi-square test was used to compare the gender composition and incidence of complications between the two groups. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 51 patients were included, with 26 in the endoscopic group (14 men and 12 women) and 25 in the open surgery group (12 men and 13 women). The age of the patients in the endoscopic group was (9.8±2.9) years (ranging from 7 to 17 years), while in the open surgery group was (10.3±3.8) years (ranging from 7 to 17 years). The postoperative follow-up period was (15.4±3.4) months (1 to 2 years), and all fascia flaps survived without any severe complications. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age difference, length of hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative satisfaction, sex composition ratio, and postoperative complications ( P>0.05). The scar quality in the endoscopy group was superior to that in the open surgery group, and POSAS scores of endoscopic group were lower than those in the open surgery group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Endoscope assisted temporoparietal fascia flap harvest for the second-stage operation in auricular reconstruction of Nagata’s technique for microtia can minimize scarring, improve the postoperative appearance and is not statistically associated with the appearance of reconstructed auricles or complications.

Objective:To observe the efficacy the application of endoscope assisted temporoparietal fascia flap harvest for the second-stage operation in auricular reconstruction of Nagata’s technique for microtia.Method:In this retrospective study, the clinical data were collected from the patients who received microtia reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage at the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from January 2015 to January 2022. According to the surgical procedure, patients were divided into endoscopic group and open surgery group. In endoscopic group, endoscope-assisted temporoparietal fascia harvest were performed for the second-stage operation in auricular reconstruction of Nagata’s technique. In open surgery group, temporoparietal fascia flaps were harvested in open surgery for the second-stage operation in auricular reconstruction of Nagata’s technique. Regular follow-up was conducted to observe the survival of the fascia flaps, complications, patient satisfaction, and surgical scars. The patient satisfaction questionnaire for auricular reconstruction was used to assess patient satisfaction, and the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) was used to evaluate scar formation in the surgical area. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software. The measurement data were expressed by Mean ± SD, and the counting data were expressed as cases (%). The T-test was used to compare the age difference, length of hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, scar length, patient satisfaction, and POSAS scores between the two groups. Chi-square test was used to compare the gender composition and incidence of complications between the two groups. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 51 patients were included, with 26 in the endoscopic group (14 men and 12 women) and 25 in the open surgery group (12 men and 13 women). The age of the patients in the endoscopic group was (9.8±2.9) years (ranging from 7 to 17 years), while in the open surgery group was (10.3±3.8) years (ranging from 7 to 17 years). The postoperative follow-up period was (15.4±3.4) months (1 to 2 years), and all fascia flaps survived without any severe complications. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age difference, length of hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative satisfaction, sex composition ratio, and postoperative complications ( P>0.05). The scar quality in the endoscopy group was superior to that in the open surgery group, and POSAS scores of endoscopic group were lower than those in the open surgery group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Endoscope assisted temporoparietal fascia flap harvest for the second-stage operation in auricular reconstruction of Nagata’s technique for microtia can minimize scarring, improve the postoperative appearance and is not statistically associated with the appearance of reconstructed auricles or complications.

Objective To develop a tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR(T-ARMS-PCR)assay for detecting four single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs): rs1801133,rs1801131, rs1805087 and rs1801394 associated with folate metabolism in a single reaction tube.Methods Methodology was developed.Then, it applied the established method to analyze 150 physical examination children′s anticoagulant blood samples admitted to the Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children′s Hospital of Hebei Province from January 2017 to April 2017.Four sets of chimeric primers consisting of a universal Tag sequence and targeting rs 1801133,rs1801131,rs1805087 and rs1801394 fused to the specific sequence were designed according to the T-ARMS-PCR principle and the multiplex chimeric primers strategy.A single tube PCR was then conducted after optimizing the primer concentrations and the reaction conditions.The amplified products were analyzed by QIAxcel capillary electrophoresis, and the corresponding SNP genotypes of 150 samples were identified.Furthermore,all samples were verified by direct sequencing.And the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium(HWE)testing of four SNPs from 150 samples were conducted by SPSS17.0 Chi-square test.Results The improved T-ARMS-PCR combined with capillary electrophoresis can accurately verify eight different alleles of the four SNPs associated with folate metabolism at one time in 3 hours.Four SNPs of 150 whole blood samples were accurately classified and the results were completely consistent with direct sequencing.All the genotype frequencies of these four SNPs were in HWE (χ2rs1801133=0.69, Prs1801133=0.40; χ2rs1801131=0.21, Prs1801131=0.64; χ2rs1805087=3.32, Prs1805087=0.07;χ2rs1801394=1.91, Prs1801394=0.17).Conclusions The proposed improved T-ARMS-PCR combined with capillary electrophoresis in this study can accurately verify four SNPs associated with folate metabolism in a single reaction tube.This method might be a valuable tool to specifically guide the folate supplement in general population.

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-caused respiratory diseases in children in Hebei Province and the changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory indexes.Methods:A total of 9 491 sputum specimens and 9 491 paired peripheral blood specimens were collected from children admitted to Hebei Children′s Hospital for respiratory infection in 2018. RSV-positive sputum specimens were screened by multiple detection reagents for 13 kinds of respiratory pathogens. Flow cytometry was uses to detect T and B lymphocytes and NK cells in peripheral blood samples of randomly screened RSV-positive children. Procalcitonin (PCT) was measured by Roche E411 luminescence analyzer. Hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was detected by Roche Cobas 8000 C701 biochemical analyzer. White blood cells (WBC) were measured by Sysmex XN-BN3 hematometer.Results:The positive rate of RSV in children with respiratory diseases was 13.08% in Hebei Province in 2018. There were significant differences in RSV-positive rates among different age groups (χ 2=479.297 6, P<0.000 1). The positive rate of RSV decreased gradually with age (χ 2=-20.282 7, P<0.000 1) and was higher in male than in female (χ 2=34.552 7, P<0.000 1). The incidence of co-infection of RSV with other respiratory pathogens was 29.49% (366/1 241), mainly caused by human rhinovirus (HRV, 150/1 241) and adenovirus (ADV, 40/1 241). The main epidemic seasons of RSV infection were winter and spring. The epidemic trends of simple RSV infection and co-infection were consistent. There were significant differences in inflammatory indexes, WBC ( P<0.01), CD4 + ( P=0.015) and CD4 + /CD8 + cells ( P=0.016) between simple RSV infection and co-infection groups. Conclusions:RSV was a common pathogen causing respiratory diseases in children in Hebei Province. The younger the children were, the more likely they were to be infected with RSV. RSV infection was easily complicated by HRV or ADV infection. The epidemic seasons of RSV infection in Hebei were winter and spring. Both simple infection and co-infection of RSV might result in immune dysfunction.

Objective To analyze the molecular epidemiology of adenovirus ( ADV) causing acute respiratory diseases and to investigate the mixed infection of ADV and other respiratory pathogens in Hebei Province. Methods Sputum samples were collected from inpatient children with acute respiratory diseases at Children′s Hospital of Hebei Province between June 2017 and May 2018. Multiplex reverse transcription PCR assay was used to detecte 13 kinds of respiratory pathogens. Nested PCR was performed to amplify ADV hexon gene and the amplified products were then sequenced. Results A total of 353 ADV-positive speci-mens were detected in 8839 specimens with a positive rate of 3. 99％. Significant difference in the positive rate of ADV was not observed between male and female patients (χ2=0. 0003, P=0. 99), but found among different age groups (χ2=115. 69, P<0. 001). All isolated ADV strains belonged to 11 serotypes, which were type 1 (16. 15％, 57/353), type 2 (35. 98％, 127/353), type 3 (21. 25％, 75/353), type 4 (1. 13％, 4/353), type 5 (11. 33％, 40/353), type 6 (3. 97％, 14/353), type 7 (8. 22％, 29/353), type 31 (0. 28％, 1/353), type 41 (0. 28％, 1/353), type 55 (0. 28％, 1/353) and type 57 (1. 13％, 4/353). Among the 353 ADV-positive specimens, 259 were mixed infections mainly caused by ADV and human rhinovirus (35. 52％). ADV and respiratory syncytial virus co-infections accounted for 12. 74％ and 33. 20％ of the mixed infections involved three or more pathogens. ADV could be detected throughout the year, especially in September and April to May. The predominant serotypes were types 1, 2 and 3. The av-erage ages of the two groups of ADV infection alone and ADV mixed infection were (27. 56±24. 67) months and (21. 33 ±20. 28) months, respectively, and the difference between them was statistically significant (P=0. 037). The incidence of ADV 2 infection alone was 25. 77％ (25/97), which was lower than that of ADV 2-involved mixed infection [39. 84％ (102/256),χ2=6. 05, P=0. 014]. However, the rate of ADV 7 infection alone was significantly higher than that of ADV 7-involved mixed infection [16. 49％ 16/97) vs 5. 08％ (13/256),χ2=6. 05, P<0. 001]. Conclusion ADV 1, ADV 2 and ADV 3 were the predominant serotypes circulating in Hebei Province from June 2017 to May 2018, especially in September and April to May. The younger the patients were, the higher the incidence would be. ADV 2 was prone to cause mixed infections with other respiratory pathogens, while ADV 7 was less common in mixed infections. Younger pa-tients were more susceptible to mixed infections. The most common co-infection was caused by ADV and hu-man rhinovirus.