Objective To study the 2244G→A, 2299 A→G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 5' regulatory regions of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in patients with Gram negative bacteria infection in Shenzhen locality, and to discuss the occurrence, course and prognosis of patients with sepsis. Method Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to detect the genotype of TLR4. After the whole blood DNA of patient was extracted and PCR was amplified, the products were 500bp and 599 bp, and were cut by endonuclease Mae Ⅱ and Sph Ⅰ respectively to determine the SNP 2244G→A and 2299 A→G in TLR4. These two kinds of allele frequencies were statistically calculated in all patients. In the meantime, the incidence of septic shock, average hospitalized days, cost and prognosis of all patients were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 16 software. ANOVA was used for comparison among multiple groups, and t -test and Sighed rank test were used for paired comparison. Results The 2299 and 2244 sites in the 5' regulatory regions of TLR4 gene of patients with Gram negative bacteria infection in Shenzhen locality had various degrees of changes in single nucleotide. Compared with the documented data from Chinese people in general, there was a significant difference in 2299A→G genotype frequency in residents of Shenzhen locality ( P < 0.05). But there were no statistically significant difference in mortality, incidence of septic shock, average days of ICU stay or ICU cost between TLR4 SNP positive and negative groups of patients. Conclusions There is a wide range of genetic variation in the 2299 and 2244 sites in the 5' regulatory regions of TLR4 among citizens of Shenzhen locality with unique distribution. The 2299A→G genotype frequency probably has differences in distribution and population. The pathogenesis and the prognostic factors of sepsis are complicated, whereas the gene polymorphism may be just one of the factors affecting the prognosis of patients with Gram negative bacteria infection.

Objective To identify the incidence and risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients supported with mechanical ventilation over 48 hours. Method A total of 127 ICU patients supported with mechanical ventilation for over 48 hours were enrolled from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008 for the retrospective study. Exclusion criteria included the history of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcer, recent gastrointestinal surgery, brain death and active bleeding from nose or throat. Demographics of patients including age, diagnosis at admission, duration of ICU stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, pattern and parameters of ventilation, ICU mortality, A-PACHE II score, multiple organ dysfunction score, and the results of biochemical assays including renal, hepatic and coagulation functions were recorded. Risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding were analyzed by using univariate analysis And multiple logistic-regression analysis. Results Of the 127 patients, the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was 41.7% . and among them 3.9% patients suffered from clinically significant bleeding. However, the independent risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding were the peak inspiratory pressure > 30 cmH20 (RR = 3.73, 95% CI = 1.59-9.46), renal failure (RR = 1.16,95% CI = 1.02 - 2.32), PLT count <50× 109 L-1(RR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.32 - 15.78) and prolonged APTT (RR = 4.58, 95%CI = 2.32 - 12.96). The good entetal nutrition had a beneficial effect to the avoidance of gastrointestinal bleeding ( RR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0. 13 - 0.67). Conclusions The incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding is high in patients supported with mechanical ventilation, and the bleeding usually occurs within the first 48 hours. High pressure ventilator setting, renal failure, decreased PLT count and prolonged APTT are significant risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding. However, the good enteral nutrition is the independent protective factors.

Objective To investigate the expressions of TF mRNA and TFPI mRNA of liver in rats with Vibrio vulnificus sepsis and to assess the interventional effects of cefoperazone sodium along with levofloxacin lac-tate. Method One hundred and ten male SD rats were divided (random number) into normal control group (NC group, n = 10), Vibrio vulnificus sepsis group (VV group, five subgroups n = 10 in each), drug intervention model (AA group, five subgroups n = 10 in each). The Vibrio vulnificus sepsis models and drug intervention models of rat were made. The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was employed for the measurement of TF mRNA and TFPI mRNA. ANOVA and t-test performed with SPSS version 12.0 software. Results Compared with NC, the expressions of TF mRNA in liver increased markedly 2 h,6 h, 12 h and 16 h af-termodeling in VV groups (P<0.05), and reached peak 6 hours after modeling. The expressions of TF mRNA in liver of rats in AA groups were much higher than those in NC group 9 h and 12 h after modeling (P<0.05). The expressions of TFPI mRNA in liver of rats in VV groups and AA groups were not significantly different to those in NC group (P>0.05). Compared with VV groups, the expressions of TF mRNA in liver of rats in AA groups were greatly lowered 9 hours after administration of bactericide (P<0.05), and the expressions of TFPI mRNA in liver of rats in AA groups were significantly higher 12h and 16 h after intervention (P<0.05). Conclusions There is a obvious imbalance between coagulation and anticoagulation functions of circulation system during Vibrio vulnificus sepsis, and the imbalance can be corrected gradually after treatment with antibacterial agents.

Objective To observe the therapeutic effects of the co-administration of γ-aminobutyric acid (CABA), sodium dimercaptopropane sulfonate (Na-DMPS) and vitamin B6 in large doses on liver and heart of rats with acute tetramine intoxication, and compare their separate effects of either GABA or Na-DMPS alone with those of the triad combination. Method Thirty rats were randomized into control group (n = 6), tetramine intoxication without treatment group (n = 6), tetramine intoxication treated with GABA group (n = 6), tetramine intoxication treated with Na-DMPS group (n = 6) and tetramine intoxication treated with triad combination (GABA + Na-DMPS + vitamin B6, GNDV n = 6) group. Samples of blood, liver tissue and heart tissue of rats with acute tetramine intoxication were collected immediately two hours after medication with different drugs. Serum alanine aminotrasferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) were measured, and the pathological changes of liver tissue and heart tissue were observed under microscope. Results The symptoms of poisoning were apparently relieved and the latency for convulsion/muscular twitch were obviously delayed in poisoned rats treated with GABA, Na-DMPS and GNDV separately. Furthermore, combination group showed the latent period delayed longer than either GABA or Na-DMPS groups The GABA, Na-DMPS and GNDV significantly lowered the serum levels of ALT, AST, CK and CK-MB in rats with tetramine intoxication, and those serum levels of enzymes were lower in GNDV group than those in either GABA group or Na-DMPS group. However, there were no difference in those serum enzymes between GABA group and Na-DMPS group. Moreover, the intoxicated rats treated with combination treatment had the slightest pathological changes in liver and heart (GNDV < GABA or Na-DMPS). Conclusions The co-administration of γ-aminobutyric acid, sodium demercaptopropane sulfonate and vitamin B6 in large doses for the treatment of tetramine intoxication is a method of choice.

Objective To establish a new model of cardiac arrest (CA) in rats by transcutaneous electrical epicardium stimulation. Method Two acupuncture needles connected to the anode and cathode of a stimulator were transcutaneously inserted into the epicardium as electrodes. The stimulating current was steered to the epicardium and the stimulation was maintained for 3 minutes to induce CA. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed at 6 minutes after a period of nonintervention. Results The success rate of induction was 12/20 at the current intensity of 1 mA; and reached 20/20 when the current intensity was increased to 2 mA. The average time from the electrical stimulation to CA induction was (5. 10 ± 2. 81) seconds. When the electrical stimulation stopped, 18/20 rats had ventricular fibrillation and 2/20 rats had pulseless electrical activity. CPR was performed for averagely 207.4 ( ± 148.8) seconds. The restoration of spontaneous circulation was 20/20. The death rate within 4 hours after CA was 5/20, and the 72-hour survival rate was 10/20. There were only two cases of complications, a minor muscle contraction and a minor lung lobe injury. Conclusions The model of CA in rats induced by transcutaneous electrical epicardium stimulation is a stable model that requires low-intensity current and has fewer complications.

Objective The combination of vasopressin and epinephrine has long been thought to be more effective then epinephrine alone in cardiopulrnonary resuscitation (CPR), evidence is not enough to make such a clinical recommendation. This meta-analysis compared the efficacy of vasopressin and epinephrine used together versus epinephrine alone in cardiac arrest (ca) in order to verify the truth. Method MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for the data of randomized trials in comparing the results of co-administration of vasopressin and epinephrine with epinephrine alone in adults with cardiac arrest. The primary outcome was the restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Results Six randomized trials in 485 articles were analyzed. We failed to get the results supporting the effectiveness of this combination therapy, except for the rate of 24 hours survival (OR: 2.99,95%CI:1.43 ~ 6.28). No evidence supported that vasopressin combined with epinephrine was better than epinephrine alone in ROSC. Conclusions This systematic review indicates the combination of vasopressin and epinephrine is better for the rate of 24 hpurs survival in only 122 patients. Further investigation is needed to support the use of combination therapy for cardiac arrest.

Objective To enhance the cognition on the clinical features of post resuscitation multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (PR-MODS) in patients after cardiac arrest, and provide the basis for integrated control. Method Based on the retrospective analysis, the clinical data of 72 patients with cardiac arrest with restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in ICU were collected, including happening place of cardiac arrest, the type of rhythm first monitored after cardiac arrest, cause of cardiac arrest, incidence of SIRS and MODS, the position and number of organ dysfunction, success rate of CPR, the rate of survival to hospital discharge and cerebral performance categories(CPC) of discharged patients. Results ①In patients with ROSC after cardiac arrest, male to female ratio was 1.18:1,55 cases was happened in hospital and 17 cases was happened out of hospital, and the ratio was 3.24:1. ②The distribution of cardiac arrest place: ICU,emergency room and operating room were the major places of in-hospital cardiac arrest, adding up to 41 cases and accounting for 74.55% (41/55); the major places of outhospital cardiac arrest were on the way to hospital and in the ambulance, and accounting for 64.71% (11/ 17). ③According to the rhythm first monitored after cardiac arrest, there were 38 cases using shock and 32 cases using non-shock, the ratio was 1.12: 1. Cardiac arrest causes of cardiogenic and on-cardiogenic factors are 37 cases and 35 cases, a ratio of 1.06:1 .④All of the 72 cases, 16 cases died within 24 h, and 56 cases were successfully resuscitated, but 51 cases occurred SIRS after ROSC, 42 cases had combined MODS (42/56,75%), 27 cases(27/42,64.29%)died.The most involving organs in sequence were brain (38 cases, 90.48%), heart (35 cases,83.33%) and lung (28 cases, 66.67%). ⑤Among the 56 successfully resuscitated patients, MODS ( - ) group (14 cases) all survived, 15 cases in MODS ( + ) group (42 cases) survived, a total rate of survived to hospital discharge was 40.28%(29/72). All the MODS ( - ) group ( 14 cases) got CPC 1 point. In MODS ( + ) group, there were 7 cases getting CPC 1-2 point, 35 cases getting CPC 3-5 point. There were no significant difference between sex and age in the two groups (P > 0.05), while the comparison of CPC and survived to hospital discharge rate had statistically significance (P < 0.001). Conclusions The occurrence of SIRS in cardiac arrest patients with ROSC was common and there was high incidence of MODS subsequently. The heart and brain were the mostly involved dysfunctional organs. PR-MODS was an important factor influencing the prognosis of patients with cardiac arrest.

Objective To discuss the degenerative factors, the spinal segment distribution, and the mechanism in hyperextension injury of cervical spine. Method Eighty-nine patients with hyperextension injury of cervical spine were retrospectively analyzed by observing the degenerativelesion, the spinal cord segment with high signal in T2WI, and the location of facial trauma. Results Fifty-eight cases showed the disc hemiation which was the most common lesion, followed by 8 cases showing the calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Besides, 7 cases presented the developmental stenosis of spinal canal, and also, 6 cases showed disc hemiation combined with the yellow ligament hypertrophy. The intervertebral level of the spinal cord with high signal in T2WI were distributed as follows:4 cases were at C2/3, of which onesuffered the forehead trauma; 12 cases were at C3/ 4, of which 10 had the forehead trauma, and one had the zygomatic trauma; 12 cases were at C4/5, of which 5 had the forehead trauma, one had both the zygomatic and the forehead trauma, and one had both the forehead and with the lower jaw trauma; 11 cases were at CS/6,of which 3 had the forehead trauma, 3 had the zygomatic trauma, and 2 had the lower jaw trauma. The location of the spinal cord with single high signal in T2WI did not correspond with the intervertebral disc level in 4 cases. For 10 cases the high signal in T2WI was found at two discontinuous segments. For 2 cases the 1 high signal in T2WI was found at over two segments. For 6 cases the high signal in T2WI was found at over three segments. Conclusions Disc hemiation is the most common underlyding factor in cervical hyperextension injury. The spinal level with high signal in T2WI was correlative to the impacted facial site. The shear force at the inflection point with or without the anterior-posterior compression force accounted for the cervical hyperextension injury.

Objective To investigate and compare the effects of sustained inflation (SI) and pressure controlled ventilation (PCV) on lung recruitment in patients with ARDS, and on hemodynamics and respiratory mechanics of patients. Methods Ten patients with ARDS were included in this randomized clinical trial ( RCT), and SI (40 cmH20, 40s) and PCV (20 cmH20, 2 min) were successively applied to each patient under sedation, non-muscle relaxation state. There was a elution period between two types of recruitment maneuver (RM). Parameters of respiratory mechanics, gas exchange and hemodynamics were measured before RM (T0), 5 min after RM (T2) and one hour after RM (T3). Parameters of respiratory mechanics and hemodynamics were measured during the period of RM (Tl). Results (1) The PaO2 at T2 and T3 increased significantly in comparison with that at To ( P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in PaO2 between two types of RM (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in PaCO2 between two types of RM at each interval (P > 0.05). (2) The cardiac index ( CI) at T1 decreased significantly compared with that at To in two types of RM (P < 0.05), but there was difference in CI between two types of RM (P > 0.05). There were no differences in MAP and HR at these intervals (P > 0.05). (3) The functional residual capacity (FRC) at T2 and T3 increased significantly in comparison with that at To in two types of RM (P < 0.05). The static compliance (Cs) at T1 improved significantly (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in Cs between two types of RM ( P > 0.05). There was no difference in plateau pressure (Pplat) at all intervals (P >0.05). Conclusions The oxygenation, FRC, and Cs improve significantly in both SI-RM and PCV-RM, and the effects of two types of RM are similar. The SI-RM and PCV-RM have the similar impact on circulatory system during RM.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel mutated recombinant tissue-type plas-minogen activator (rt-Pam) in a rat model of acute cerebral thrombosis. Method Eighty-seven adult Wister rats were randomly divided into control group, recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) group, low dose of rt-Pam group and routine dose of rt-Pam group. The rats of different groups were treated for 3 hours after thrombosis of middle cerebral artery. The size of infarction, neurological scores and severity of hemorrhage were observed 24 hours after treatment. The protective role of rt-Pam in the brain tissue was evaluated as per the infiltration of neutrophils and the concentration of plasminogen activator receptor-1 (PAR-1). Results Compared with control group, the sizes of infarction in the low dose of rt-Pam group and routine dose of rt-Pam group were significantly smaller [(108.5 ±27.3) mm3 and (68.3 ±17.2) mm3 vs. (323.4 ±42.3) mm3]. The neurological scores were evidently correlated with the size of infarction (r = 0.613, P<0.001), while the liability of cerebral hemorrhage in low dose of rt-Pam group was not significantly increased. The rt-Pam also reduced the production of myeloperox-idase, as well as the production of PAR-1 in comparison with rt-PA group [(13.8 ± 3.1) vs. (28.3±4.5), P <0.00l]. Conclusions The novel rt-Pam could be a better thrombolytic agent than rt-PA in treating acute stroke.