The clearance of proteins differing in charge and/or size (IgG4, total IgG and albumin) was evaluated in 95 diabetic patients. Urinary IgG4 values increased in group mi-croalbuminuria. The increased urinary IgG4 excretion correlated significantly with the degree of albuminuria and diabetic retinopathy. Urinary total IgG levels increased obviously only in group with massive macroalbuminuria. The IgG4/total IgG ratio was highest in group mi-croalbuminuria, and its change had a special pattern. Urinary IgG4 and IgG4/total IgG ratio may be sensitive parameters in assessing early protein charge-selectivity impairment and in detecting incipient diabetic nephropathy.

Objective To evaluate the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in the myocardium of pediatric patients undergoing radical correction of tetralogy of Fallot with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Methods One hundred pediatric patients of both sexes,aged 5 months-3 yr,with body mass index of 13.9-16.0 kg/m2,of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ (New York Heart Association classification Ⅱ or Ⅲ),with the left ventricular ejection fraction＞50％,scheduled for elective radical correction of tetralogy of Fallot with CPB,were divided into 2 groups (n =50 each) using a random number table:penehyclidine hydrochloride group (group P) and control group (group C).Penehyclidine hydrochloride was intravenously injected at a dose of O.04 mg/kg immediately after successful internal jugular vein puncture in group P,and the equal volume of normal saline was given instead at the same time in group C.Before anesthesia induction,at 10 min after induction,after re warming to 36 ℃,at 1 h after termination of CPB,at the end of surgery and at 24 h after surgery,venous blood samples were collected to detect the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha,interleukin-6 (IL-6),IL-8 and cardiac troponin T in plasma (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).Myocardial specimens were obtained from the right auricular appendage after opening of pericardium and at 1 h after aortic unclamping for microscopic examination and for determination of activated NF-κB and TLR4 protein and mRNA expression (by Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction,respectively).Results Compared to group C,the concentrations of plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha,IL-6,IL-8 and cardiac tropnin T were significantly decreased after re-warming to 36 ℃C,at 1 h after termination of CPB,at the end of surgery and at 24 h after surgery,the expression of activated NF-κB and TLR4 protein and mRNA was down-regulated at 1 h after aortic unclamping (P＜0.05),and the pathological changes of myocardium were significantly attenuated in group P.Conclusion The mechanism by which penehyclidine hydrochloride reduces inflammatory responses is related to inhibition of the activation of NF-κB/TLR4 signaling pathway in the myocardium of pediatric patients undergoing radical correction of tetralogy of Fallot with CPB.

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical characteristics of neonatal sepsis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains.

METHODSThe clinical data of 42 cases of neonatal sepsis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae from January, 2000 to August, 2009 were retrospectively studied.

RESULTSThe clinical presentations were non-specific, including fever or hypothermia, tachypnea, apnea and feeding intolerance. C-reactive protein (CRP) level increased in 95% of the cases. The mortality was 21%. In neonates with early onset sepsis, Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were sensitive to amoxicillin/clavulanic-acid, piperacillin/tazobactam, cefoxitin, imipenem, cefoperazone/and sulbactam. In neonates with late onset sepsis, the sensitive antibiotics of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were less, including cefoxitin, piperacillin/tazobactam and imipenem. Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were not sensitive to penicillins and cephalosporins in either neonates with early onset sepsis or late onset sepsis. The extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing strains were found in 92% of the cases. The neonates with late onset sepsis presented a higher prevalence of ESBLs-producing strains than those with early onset sepsis (100% vs 70%; P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe clinical manifestations of neonatal sepsis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae are usually non-specific. CRP detection is valuable for early diagnosis of sepsis. There are differences in the antibiotic sensitivity of strains between the neonates with early onset and late onset Klebsiella pneumoniae sepsis.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Bacteremia ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; drug effects ; Male

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effectiveness of surgical approaches, outcomes and prognosis of aortic root pathology due to Stanford A aortic dissection.

METHODSRetrospective analysis the clinical data of 161 patients (122 male and 39 female, mean age of (44 ± 21) years) underwent surgical treatment for Stanford A aortic dissection between January 2001 and June 2011. There were 146 patients of acute aortic dissection and 15 patients of chronic aortic dissection. All the patients had aortic root pathologies that included commissural prolapsed in 140 cases, more than moderate aortic insufficiency in 75 cases, aortic sinus intima rupture in 15 cases, right and/or left coronary artery tearing in 8 cases, right and/or left coronary artery dissection in 16 cases, aortic root aneurysm in 31 cases.

RESULTSAortic root replacement (Bentall procedures) were used in 72 cases, aortic root remodeling (including aortic valve replacement) in 80 cases, aortic root reimplantation (David procedure) in 9 cases. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was shorter in aortic root remodeling group ((193 ± 42) minutes) than the other two groups ((210 ± 61) minutes, (197 ± 34) minutes, F = 3.22, P = 0.04). The in-hospital mortality was 8.1% (13 cases), 5 cases (6.9%) in aortic root replacement group, 7 cases (8.8%) in aortic root remodeling group, 1 case in aortic root reimplantation. The cause of death included respiratory failure (4 cases), permanent neurological deficits (3 cases), multiple organ failure (4 cases), acute renal failure (2 cases). The survivors were followed up for 6 months to 6 years. There was no patient required reoperation for aortic root pathologies. There was no statistically significant difference between aortic root remodeling group and reimplantation group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe surgical treatment for aortic root pathology due to Stanford A aortic dissection is challenging. Appropriate procedures according to the specialty of aortic root pathology can be performed with favorable functional results.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aneurysm, Dissecting ; surgery ; Aorta ; pathology ; surgery ; Aortic Aneurysm ; surgery ; Aortic Valve ; surgery ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; Female ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo establish the validation method and criteria for counting bacteria and fungi in microbial limit test which is described in the Pharmacopeia of China (ChP) 2005.

METHODAccording to the method set up for validation, the tested microorganisms with known counts were added to samples followed by the determination of the recovery.

RESULTWith different preparing method for testing samples, the recoveries for the tested microorganisms in testing samples were found to be over 70%.

CONCLUSIONValidation method for counting contaminated bacteria and fungi in drugs is recommended to follow the method established in this paper. The recovery for tested microorganisms should be not less than 70%.

Aspergillus niger ; isolation & purification ; Bacillus subtilis ; isolation & purification ; Bacteria ; isolation & purification ; Candida albicans ; isolation & purification ; Colony Count, Microbial ; methods ; Drug Contamination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; standards ; Escherichia coli ; isolation & purification ; Fungi ; isolation & purification ; Staphylococcus aureus ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of adenovirus-delivered tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 ( Ad-TIMP-3) on sensitivity of cervical cancer cells to cisplatin and evaluate the potential application of this combined scheme in cervical cancer treatment.

METHODSCells of cervical cancer CaSKi cell line were infected with Ad-TIMP-3 in vitro. Apoptotic effect, cell cycle changes and p53 protein expression were detected. After combined treatment of those cells with cisplatin, colony formation test was performed and cytotoxicity was detected by MTT. The growth curve and tumor growth inhibition in vivo were evaluated.

RESULTSThe expressions of TIMP-3 mRNA and protein were significantly upregulated after transfection. As a result, massive apoptosis was induced and the cells were arrested at G2/M phase. Exogenous overexpression of TIMP-3 increased p53 protein level markedly in spite of the backgrounds of p53 gene in cells. Combined with cisplatin treatment, the cloning efficiency was decreased. A synergism was observed by isobolic method ( D < 1 ) in vitro and tumor growth was significantly inhibited in vivo.

CONCLUSIONAd-TIMP-3 is a powerful proapoptotic agent. It increases sensitivity of the cells to cisplatin and the Ad-TIMP-3 gene therapy in combination with cisplatin could be a promising alternative in cervical cancer treatment.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; genetics ; Blotting, Western ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; pathology ; therapy ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cisplatin ; pharmacology ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Genetic Therapy ; methods ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Random Allocation ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; metabolism ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; therapy ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; methods

OBJECTIVEIntra-ventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is one of the most serious complications of preterm infants. Significant numbers of the surviving infants with severe IVH go on to develop post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). The management of PHH remains a very challenging problem for both neonatologists and pediatric neurosurgeons. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of Ommaya reservoirs and serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage in the management of a series of neonates with PHH.

METHODBetween January 1, 2003 and December 30, 2005, 15 consecutive newborn infants with IVH grades III to IV, complicated with progressive ventricular dilatation, underwent placement of an Ommaya reservoir. CSF was intermittently aspirated percutaneously from the reservoir. The amount and frequency of CSF aspiration were based on the clinical presentation and the follow-up results of serial cranial ultrasonograms or CT scans. The changes of CSF cell counts and chemistries were also followed. Patients whose progressive ventricular dilatation persisted despite serial CSF aspiration through Ommaya reservoir eventually had ventriculo-peritoneal shunts (V-P shunt) placed. All the patients were followed up in the outpatient clinic after discharge from the hospital and the neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated through 18-36 months of age.

RESULTA total of 15 infants were included in this series. Of them, 11 were preterm infants who were at gestational ages of 29 to 34 weeks and 4 infants were full-term. All of the 4 full term infants presented with progressive ventricular dilatation after suffering from the intra-cranial hemorrhage (3 infants were due to vitamin K deficiency and 1 was due to birth trauma). Thirteen infants had grade III IVH, and 2 had grade IV IVH based on initial cranial ultrasonographic and CT scans. The mean age when IVH was diagnosed was (9 +/- 1) days in preterm infants and (22 +/- 7) days in full-term infants; the mean age when Ommaya reservoir was placed was (18 +/- 11) days in preterm infants and (31 +/- 7) days in full-term infants. All the infants tolerated the surgical procedure well. The Ommaya reservoir was tapped for an average of (21.5 +/- 4.6) times per patient. The mean CSF volume per tap was (10.2 +/- 1.3) ml/kg. The values of CSF protein, glucose and cell counts slowly reached normal levels at approximately 3 - 5 weeks after the placement of the reservoir. The velocity of head circumference increase per week was less than 1 cm in 13 patients in 1 - 4 weeks after the placement of the reservoir and the size of ventricles decreased gradually. By 12 - 18 months, 12 infants had normal size ventricles, and 1 patient still had mild ventricular dilation at 36 months. Two infants developed progressive hydrocephalus after serial CSF aspiration through Ommaya reservoir. One infant had a V-P shunt placed at 2 months of age and another infant died at 3 months of age at home after parents refused further therapy. Complications consisted of reservoir leaking and CSF infection at 16th day of placement in one patient after repeated tapping. By the end of 18 - 36 months of follow-up, 11 of 14 infants were considered normal, two patients had mild impairment in neurodevelopmental outcome (both had spastic bilateral lower limbs paresis, and one of whom also had amblyopia) and the other had seizure disorder.

CONCLUSIONThe results from this series indicate that the placement of an Ommaya reservoir is relatively safe in newborn infants and is useful in the initial management of neonates with PHH and may be beneficial in improving their neurodevelopmental outcomes. A multicenter randomized trial may be needed to further validate the results of this report.

Cerebral Hemorrhage ; complications ; therapy ; Cerebral Ventricles ; Drainage ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; etiology ; therapy ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Subdural Effusion ; etiology ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo review the experience of reoperative valve replacement for 104 patients.

METHODSFrom January 2002 to December 2009, 104 patients underwent heart valve replacement in reoperations, accounting for 2.92% of the total patient population (3557 cases) who had valve replacement during this period. In this group, 53 male and 51 female patients were included with a median age of 46 years (ranged from 13 to 72 years). The reasons of reoperation included 28 cases suffered from another valve lesion after valve replacement, 10 cases suffered from valve lesion after mitral valvuloplasty, 19 cases suffered from perivalvular leakage after valve replacement, 18 cases suffered from valve lesion after previous correction of congenital heart defect, 7 cases suffered from bioprosthetic valve decline, 10 cases suffered from prosthetic valve endocarditis, 9 cases suffered from dysfunction of machine valve, and 3 cases suffered from other causes. The re-operations were mitral and aortic valve replacement in 2 cases, mitral valve replacement in 59 cases, aortic valve replacement in 24 cases, tricuspid valve replacement in 16 cases, and Bentall's operation in 3 cases. The interval from first operation to next operation was 1 month-19 years.

RESULTSThere were 8 early deaths from heart failure, renal failure and multiple organ failure (early mortality 7.69%). Major complications were intraoperative hemorrhage in 2 cases, re-exploration for mediastinal bleeding in 2 cases and sternotomy surgical site infection in 1 case. Complete follow-up (3 months-7 years and 2 months) was available for all patients. Two patients died, one patient died of intracranial hemorrhage, and another cause was unknown.

CONCLUSIONSatisfactory short-term and long-term results can be obtained in reoperative valve replacement with appropriate timing of operation control, satisfactory myocardial protection, accurate surgical procedure and suitable perioperative treatment.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reoperation ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To analyze the independent risk factors and complications for perioperative hyperbilirubinemia in Stanford type A aortic dissection undergoing operation and investigate the management strategy of perioperative hyperbilirubi-nemia. Methods Between January 2013 and January 2018 from the department of great vessel surgery of heart centre of,290 cases of patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection undergoing operation were collected consecutively,male 210 cases,fe-male 80 cases. The related data and perioperative peak hyperbilirubinemia were recorded. According to the perioperative peak hyperbilirubinemia,patients were divided into 2 groups:≥51. 3 μmol/ L group and < 51. 3 μmol/ L group. Univariate and lo-gistic regression analysis were used to identify the independent risk factors. The perioperative complications were also recorded. Results Preoperative total bilirubin ≥ 17. 1 μmol/ L(OR = 2. 105,95％ CI: 1. 153 - 3. 125,P = 0. 016),cardiopulmonary bypass time > 3. 5 h(OR = 1. 103,95％ CI: 1. 316 - 6. 151,P = 0. 031),a large number of hemolysis(OR = 1. 503,95％CI: 1. 506 - 6. 651,P = 0. 029),the input amount of 24 h allogeneic red blood cell > 2000 ml(OR = 1. 381,95％ CI:0. 956 - 2. 552,P = 0. 036)were the independent risk factors for perioperative hyperbilirubinemia. The incidence rate of post-operative acute hepatic failure(2. 5％ vs. 0,P = 0. 021)and artificial liver therapy(2. 5％ vs. 0,P = 0. 021)in≥51. 3μmol/ L group were significantly increased. The incidence rate of postoperative acute lung injury(37. 5％ vs. 25. 2％,P =0. 039)and acute kidney injury(38. 7％ vs. 19. 5％,P = 0. 035)in 51. 3 μmol/ L group were also significantly increased. The duration of mechanical ventilation[(4. 1 ± 1. 6)days vs. (2. 8 ± 1. 3)days,P < 0. 05]and ICU stay time[(5. 1 ± 2. 3)days vs. (3. 9 ± 1. 8)days,P = 0. 035]and hospitalization time[( 19. 3 ± 3. 1)days vs. ( 17. 3 ± 2. 5)days,P = 0. 035]were sig-nificantly prolonged. Temporary nerve dysfunction(52. 5％ vs. 32. 6％,P = 0. 002)and in-hospital mortality( 17. 5％ vs. 8. 1％,P = 0. 037)were significantly increased. Conclusion Preoperative total bilirubin ≥ 17. 1 μmol/ L,cardiopulmonary bypass time > 3. 5 h,a large number of hemolysis,the input amount of 24 h allogeneic red blood cell > 2000 ml were the in-dependent risk factors for perioperative hyperbilirubinemia in Stanford type A aortic dissection. The perioperative complications in≥51. 3 μmol/ L group were significantly increased. Therefore,more attention should be paid to the independent risk factors for perioperative hyperbilirubinemia in Stanford type A aortic dissection,hyperbilirubinemia and its clearance should be moni-tored more actively and dynamically,the cause should be found more precisely,the treatment be more comprehensive to achieve to control the level of bilirubinemia and improve the prognosis.