Objectives To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of late-onset group B streptococcal (GBS) sepsis. Methods From Jan. 2007 to Dec. 2011, iffteen neonates diagnosed with late onset GBS sepsis at discharge from NICU were retrospectively analyzed, meanwhile, thirty-four neonates diagnosed with late onset non-GBS Gram-positive bacteria sepsis at discharge were selected as controls during the same period. Results There were signiifcant differences in occurrence rates of shortness of breath, convulsion and apnea between late onset non-GBS sepsis group and late onset GBS sepsis group (P<0.05). The percentages of neonates with white blood cell count (CSF)>100×106/L, high-sensitivity C-reaction protein (hsCRP)>100 mg/L and glucose in CSF<3.11 mmol/L in late onset GBS sepsis group were higher than those in late onset non-GBS sepsis group (P<0.05). GBS was sensitive to penicillin, ampicillin, ceftriaxone, piperacillin/tazobactam, levolfoxacin and vancomycin. The rates of GBS resistance to erythromycin and gentamycin were both 87.5%. There were signiifcant differences in occurrence rates of meningitis, hydrocephalus and ependymitis between late onset GBS sepsis group and late onset non-GBS sepsis group (P<0.05), while no difference in mortality was found between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions The late onset GBS sepsis is in-sidious, atypical, with many complications and sequelae. It is important for the suspicious neonates to use effective antibiotics as early as possible.

Objective To explore the value of the 64-slice spiral CT angiography(SCTA)in diagnosis of aortic disease.Methods 32 cases with aortic diseases confirmed by operation underwent 64-slice spiral CT enhanced scan,raw data were dealed with multiplanar reformation(MPR),curved plannar reformation(CPR),maximum intensity projection(MIP),volume rendering(VR)and advantage vessel analysis(AVA).Results The aortic disease in 32 cases included aortic dissection in 16 cases,pseudoaneurysm in 7 cases,true aneurysm in 4 cases,narrowing of the aortic arch in 3 cases and amputation of aortic arch in 2 cases.The endometrial break and mural thrombus better showed with MPR and the detecting rat of intimal flake and the initial break was 81%(13/16),while for the periphery thrombosis in 7 cases with pseudoaneurysm,the detecting rate was 100%(7/7).The showing rate for displaying the whole with CR was 100%(32/32).In showing calcification and accurate of vessels with MIP,the detecting rate was 84%(27/32).The showing rate of the extent of the disease and the relationship between peripheral vascular was 100%(32/32).AVA was of significance in the measurement of vascular diameter and vascular cross-sectional area,the showing rate was 44%(14/32).Conclusion 64-slice spiral CT angiography is of significance in diagnosing aortic diseases.

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in apolipoprotein E (apoE) knockout mice (apoE-/-) and to validate the role of these miRNAs in human coronary artery disease (CAD). Pooled plasma from 10 apoE-/- mice and 10 healthy C57BL/6 (B6) mice was used to perform the microarray analysis. The results showed that miR-34a, miR-21, miR-23a, miR-30a and miR-106b were differentially expressed in apoE-/- mice, and these expression changes were confirmed by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. Then, miR-34a, miR-21, miR-23a, miR-30a and miR-106b were detected in the plasma of 32 patients with CAD and of 20 healthy controls. Only miR-34a, miR-21 and miR-23a were significantly differentially expressed in the plasma of CAD patients (all P<0.01). In conclusion, miR-34a, miR-21 and miR-23a were elevated in CAD patients, which means that these miRNAs might serve as biomarkers of CAD development and progression.
Aged ; Animals ; Apolipoproteins E/deficiency ; Biomarkers ; Case-Control Studies ; Coronary Artery Disease/*genetics ; Disease Models, Animal ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Knockout ; MicroRNAs/*genetics ; Middle Aged ; Pilot Projects ; Reproducibility of Results ; Risk Factors

Objective:To investigate the influence of dual-task treadmill training on the motor function of children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy(CP).Methods:A prospective study was carried out on 36 children with spastic hemiplegic CP admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation, Qingdao Women and Children′s Hospital from March 2020 to August 2021.The subjects were divided into the control group (18 cases) and the experimental group (18 cases) by the random number sequence method.During the intervention, 2 cases in the control group dropped out of the study due to cough and fever.Finally, there were 16 cases left in the control group and 18 cases in the experimental group.Both groups received the same routine rehabilitation training.Additionally, the control group were given single-task treadmill training, while the experimental group were treated dual-task treadmill training.Before training and after 4 weeks of training, the children in the two groups were evaluated and compared by using Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Maximum Walking Speed test(MWST), single-task modified Timed Up and Go test (mTUG) and dual-task mTUG.Gender and Gross Motor Function Classification System(GMFCS) classification in general data were compared by using the Chi-square test or Fisher′ s exact test.Age and indices of rehabilitation assessment were compared by using the paired-samples t-test within groups and indepen-dent-samples t-test between the two groups. Results:There was no significant difference in the evaluation data of the GMFM-88 D score [(34.25±1.61) points vs.(34.56±1.76) points], GMFM-88 E score [(50.53±7.20) points vs. (50.61±6.75) points], PBS score [(39.06±4.34) points vs. (38.89±4.44) points], MWST time [(12.69±3.07) s vs. (13.56±2.97) s], single-task mTUG time [(11.38±2.58) s vs. (11.94±2.51) s], and dual-task mTUG time [(30.06±8.08) s vs. (31.50±8.56) s]between the control group and the experimental group before training (all P>0.05). After 4 weeks of training, the GMFM-88 score of the control group was (35.88±1.82) points in the D dimension and (51.20±6.64) points in the E dimension.Besides, the PBS score of the control group was (40.75±4.14) points, the MWST time was (10.81±2.95) s, and the single-task mTUG time was (10.06±2.52) s. As for the experimental group, the GMFM-88 score was (36.28±1.99) points in the D dimension and (53.94±6.98) points in the E dimension, the PBS score was (43.06±4.94) points, the MWST time was (10.44±2.83) s, and the single-task mTUG time was (10.56±2.73) s. The evaluation indexes of the two groups after training for 4 weeks were significantly better than those before training ( t=-3.058, -2.197, -7.132, 1.235, 2.952 in the control group, and t=-5.953, -12.432, -8.333, 3.149, 7.578 in the experimental group, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in GMFM-88 scores in D and E dimensions, PBS scores, MWST time and single-task mTUG time between the two groups ( P>0.05). The dual-task mTUG time of the control group was (29.10±8.28) s after 4 weeks of training, which was not statistically different from that before training ( t=1.578, P>0.05). The dual-task mTUG time of the experimental group was (23.06±7.30) s after 4 weeks of training, which was significantly better than that before training ( t=13.930, P<0.05) and that of the control group ( t=2.296, P<0.05). Conclusions:Both single-task and dual-task treadmill training can remarkably improve the motor function of children with spastic hemiplegic CP.Single-task training cannot improve the motor function of children with spastic hemiplegic CP in the dual-task condition, while dual-task training can effectively improve the motor function with spastic hemiplegic CP in the dual-task condition.

Objective:To explore the effects of goals-activity-motor enrichment(GAME) therapy on the function of gross and fine motion in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy.Methods:Prospective study.A total of 116 children at high risk of cerebral palsy who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted to the Rehabilitation Department of Qingdao Women and Children′s Hospital from November 2017 to November 2019 were selected in a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial, and randomly divided into control group (58 cases) and observation group (58 cases) according to the random number table method.The two groups were then divided into mild group, moderate group and severe group according to the gross motor quotient(GMQ) of Peabody Motor Development Scale-2 (PDMS-2). During treatment, 4 cases of shedding occurred in the control group and 8 cases in the observation group, respectively.Finally, 54 cases were included in the control group and 50 cases in the observation group.The control group was given regular early intervention rehabilitation, whereas the observation group was given GAME treatment.The Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), the GMQ of PDMS-2 and the fine motor quotient (FMQ) of PDMS-2 were used to assess the motor function of children before intervention and after 12 weeks of treatment.The Chi- square test or Fisher′ s exact test was used to compare gender-specific data, while the t-test was used to compare age-specific data and rehabilitation evaluation indices. Results:The GMFM-88 scores, GMQ, and FMQ of children in both groups improved significantly after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant [control group GMFM-88: (63.52±10.06) scores vs.(47.02±8.19) scores, t=-19.770, GMQ: 83.02±15.52 vs.73.56±14.72, t=-18.180, FMQ: 81.19±14.88 vs.71.22±13.92, t=-18.413, all P<0.05; observation group GMFM-88: (68.06±10.82) scores vs.(46.16±8.73) scores, t=-32.856, GMQ: 89.98±18.10 vs.72.94±13.84, t=-17.089, FMQ: 88.34±18.08 vs.72.26±13.74, t=-15.370, all P<0.05], and the GMFM-88, GMQ, and FMQ scores of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group after treatment, with statistically significant differences(GMFM-88: t=-2.176, GMQ: t=-2.111, FMQ: t=-2.210, all P<0.05). In the observation group, the added value score and quotient of mild group and moderate group were significantly increased compared with that of severe group, and the differences were statistically significant [GMFM-88 added value: the mild group (24.11±3.36) scores and moderate group (22.91±3.46) scores were compared with the severe group (15.70±4.08) scores, t=5.881, 5.164, all P<0.05, GMQ added value: the mild group (19.61±6.83) and moderate group (18.27±6.61) were compared with the severe group (9.80±4.29), t=4.098, 3.915, all P<0.05, the added value of FMQ: mild group (18.72±7.11) and moderate group (17.36±6.10) were compared with severe group (8.50±5.82), t=3.873, 3.863, all P<0.05]. Conclusions:GAME treatment is more effective than early rehabilitation training at improving gross and fine motor function in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy.Its benefits on mild and moderate infants at high risk of cerebral palsy are superior.

Objective:To explore any effect of the single- and dual-task treadmill training on the functioning of children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy.Methods:Fifty children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy were randomly divided into a single-task treadmill training group (the control group, n=25) and a dual-task treadmill training group (the observation group, n=25). All of the children also received routine rehabilitation training, and the control and observation groups also conducted single- and dual-task treadmill training in addition to the routine rehabilitation training, respectively. Before and after 2 months of treatment, each child′s gross motor functioning was quantified using sections D (standing) and E (walking, running and jumping) of the Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 (GMFM-88) instrument. Balance was quantified using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and walking mobility was quantified using a 1 minute walking test (1MWT). Modified and dual task Timed Up and Go (mTUG) tests and dual-task effects (DTE) tests were also administered. Results:There were no significant differences in average test scores between the two groups before the treatment. After the treatment significant improvement was observed in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of average GMFM-88, PBS and 1MWT scores, but significantly greater improvement was observed in the average dual-task mTUG and DTE results of the observation group.Conclusion:Both single- and dual-task treadmill training are effective supplements to routine rehabilitation training for children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Dual-task treadmill training is more effective than the single-task version.

Objective:To study the impact of the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) on the prognosis of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma following laparoscopic surgical resection.Methods:Clinical data of 136 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma undergoing laparoscopic surgery at Zhengzhou University People's Hospital between January 2013 and January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 81 males and 55 females, aged (63.6±9.8) years. Patients were divided into two groups based on the median ACCI score of 4.0: the high ACCI group (ACCI>4.0, n=49) and low ACCI group (ACCI≤4.0, n=87). The prognosis was compared between the two group. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to analyze the effect of ACCI on survival after laparoscopic surgery. Results:The 1- and 3-year cumulative survival rates in low ACCI group were 87.4% and 48.3%, respectively, compared to 53.1% and 4.1% in high ACCI group ( χ2=27.97, P<0.001). Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that ACCI >4.0 was associated with prognosis ( HR=3.73, 95% CI: 2.44-5.68, P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis also indicated that ACCI >4.0 was associated with an increased risk of postoperative mortality in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma ( HR=2.69, 95% CI: 1.65-4.37, P<0.001). Conclusion:The ACCI is a significant risk factor for survival of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma following laparoscopic surgery, which could facilitate a precise preoperative assessment of patient status and choice of surgical approach.

OBJECTIVETo construct a recombinant adenovirus co-expressing bone morphogenic protein (BMP) 9 and BMP6 and observe its effect on the osteogenesis in C3H10 cells.

METHODThe full-length sequences of BMP9 and BMP6 were amplified from AdEasy vector by PCR and cloned into the shuttle plasmid pASG2 vector to construct the co-expression shuttle plasmid pASG2-BMP9, 6 followed by homologous recombination with plasmid pAdeasy-1 in BJ5183. After confirmation by restriction endonuclease digestion, the recombinant vector was transfected into HEK293 cells, and high-titer recombinant adenovirus (Ad-BMP9, 6) was collected after amplification. Ad-BMP9, 6 was then transduced into C3H10 cells in vitro, and the mRNA expression of BMP9 and BMP6 was detected by RT-PCR. The osteogenic capability of the transfected cells was observed by alkaline phosphatase staining and calcium-alizarin red staining.

RESULTSAdBMP9,6 was constructed successfully and effectively infected in C3H10 cells, in which high expressions of BMP6 and BMP9 were detected. C3H10 cells infected with Ad-BMP9,6 showed stronger alkaline phosphatase and calcium-alizarin red staining than the cells transfected by either BMP9 or BMP6 alone.

CONCLUSIONThe recombinant adenovirus co-expressing BMP9 and BMP6 we constructed shows a more potent effect than the adenoviruses expressing either BMP9 or BMP6 alone in inducing the osteogenic differentiation of C3H10 cells into osteoblasts.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 6 ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; Growth Differentiation Factors ; genetics ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; Osteogenesis ; Plasmids ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; Transfection

Objective:To investigate the clinical phenotype and genetic variation of Basel-Vanagaite-Smirin-Yosef syndrome (BVSYS), and to enhance clinicians′ knowledge of the disease.Methods:The clinical data of a child with BVSYS admitted to the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Qingdao Women and Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University in February 2023 were collected. Whole genome sequencing was used to analyze the pathogenic genes of the child, and Sanger sequencing was used to verify the suspected mutation sites of the family members. The clinical phenotype and genetic variation characteristics were analyzed, and the clinical characteristics of BVSYS were summarized in combination with relevant literature.Results:The patient, a female aged 3 years and 1 month, presented with global developmental delay, speech disorder, distinctive facial features, esotropia, epilepsy, hypotonia and atrial septal defect. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral ventriculomegaly with abnormal signal intensity in the posterior bodies of both lateral ventricles and thinning of the corpus callosum. The whole genome sequencing revealed a homozygous missense mutation c.518 (exon5) T>C (p.IIe173Thr) in the MED25 gene of the child, and Sanger sequencing confirmed that her parents and elder brother carried the aforementioned heterozygous mutation, which was classified as a likely pathogenic mutation according to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. A total of 22 cases from 6 literature sources were retrieved, with no reported cases in China so far. Conclusions:BVSYS is clinically rare. For patients presenting with unexplained global developmental delay or intellectual disability combined with craniofacial, neurological, cardiac, and eye abnormalities, targeted genetic testing can facilitate a definite diagnosis.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical and molecular characteristics of patients with X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT) and their responsiveness to treatment with various doses of corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) separately.

METHODData from 15 XLT patients who were hospitalized in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University from March 2010 to July 2014 were analyzed retrospectively, including clinical manifestations, scores, peripheral blood, immunological functions, responses to IVIG and steroid treatment with various doses and duration.

RESULTAll 15 XLT patients met the inclusion criteria and showed microthrombocytopenia with or without mild-to-moderate eczema or minor infections. Platelet counts ranged from (8-80) × 10⁹/L. The platelet volume value ranged between 5.6 and 10.9 fl (normal range: 9.4-12.5 fl). Raised serum IgG was found in 5 cases, while low serum IgG was found in 2 cases. WAS gene analysis revealed missense mutations in 14 patients, including 4 hotspots (V75M, R86C, R86H, R86L) and 1 novel mutation (Y107C). Flow cytometer analysis of 13 patients showed various amounts of WAS protein (WASP) expression, 2 patients had normal amounts of WASP expression, 5 had reduced amounts, and 6 had absent WASP expression. Their responses to individual steroid and IVIG treatment with various doses and duration were also reviewed. Fourteen patients who were misdiagnosed as immune thrombocytopenic purpura at first received 28 courses of steroids and (or) 47 courses of IVIG treatment. The post-treatment platelet counts of 1 000-2 000 mg/(kg × d) IVIG(25 courses) at 2-7 d and 8-14 d time points were (60 ± 10) × 10⁹/L and (41 ± 7) × 10⁹/L, which indicate a significantly better responsiveness than those by [(31 ± 7) × 10⁹/L, (21 ± 2) × 10⁹/L] of 400-500 mg/(kg·d) IVIG(22 courses) (Z = -4.419, -1.592;P = 0.002,0.011). However, there were no significant differences between the responsiveness of 3 doses [1-2 mg/(kg·d)(8 courses), 3-6 mg/(kg·d) (11 courses) and 20-30 mg/(kg × d)(9 courses)] of steroids (F = 0.387,0.252;P = 0.980,0.761) at 2-7 d and 8-14 d time points. The platelet counts gradually decreased to the primary level at 15-30 d after any doses of steroids and (or) IVIG treatment. The effective rate of 1 000-2 000 mg/(kg × d) IVIG treatment was 18/25, which was significantly higher than that (2/22) of 400-500 mg/(kg × d) (χ² = 9.836, P = 0.008). The effective rate of 20-30 mg/(kg × d) steroids treatment (7/9) was relatively higher than 1-2 mg/(kg × d) (4/8) and 3-6 mg/(kg × d) (6/11) with no significant difference (χ⁹ = 3.235, P = 0.581). After the treatment with steroids and /or IVIG 14 cases with hemorrhage were all improved.

CONCLUSIONThe clinical characteristics of X-linked thrombocytopenia were microthrombocytopenia with or without mild-to-moderate eczema or minor infections. WAS gene and WASP analysis were diagnostic methods. There were no significant differences between the responsiveness of 3 doses of steroids; 1 000-2 000 mg/(kg·d) IVIG had a significantly better responsiveness. However, IVIG and steroids with any dose and duration may only transiently increase peripheral platelet level of XLT patients.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; administration & dosage ; Child ; Genetic Diseases, X-Linked ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous ; administration & dosage ; Platelet Count ; statistics & numerical data ; Retrospective Studies ; Thrombocytopenia ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome