Abstract: Objective To explore the correlation between lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels in exhaled breath condensate (EBC), and to provide a convenient methodological basis for the diagnosis and treatment of COPD and the determination of its efficacy. Methods A total of 81 COPD patients and 40 healthy controls were selected from the respiratory department of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from August 2020 to February 2022 as the research subjects. The COPD patients were divided into 41 cases in the acute exacerbation group and 40 cases in the remission group according to their status. All participants underwent lung function detection, venous blood and EBC collection, and the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in EBC and venous blood were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and correlation analysis was performed by Pearson correlation analysis method. Results The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in EBC of in the acute exacerbation group, the healthy control group, the remission group were (5.16±0.18) pg/μL and (7.75±0.27) pg/μL, (2.66±0.31) pg/μL and (2.41±0.24） pg/μL, (3.61±0.29) pg/μL and (3.17±0.38) pg/μL, respectively. Compared with the healthy control group, the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in EBC in the COPD acute exacerbation group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group and the COPD remission group (F=9.451, 8.217, P<0.001). Serum tests were consistent with this result. Correlation analysis showed that the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in EBC were significantly positively correlated with the level of serum inflammation levels (P<0.001), while significantly negatively correlated with lung function (P<0.001).  Conclusions TNF-α and IL-1β in EBC are potential biomarkers of inflammation in patients with COPD, and their detection can be used to effectively assess lung function in patients with COPD. 

Animals ; Male ; Organ Size ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spermatozoa ; drug effects ; growth & development ; Testis ; drug effects ; Triazines ; toxicity

Adjuvants, Immunologic ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Clerodendrum ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Phytotherapy ; Urinary Tract Infections ; drug therapy

Objective To evaluate the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride pretreatment on rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rats.Methods Forty-two pathogen-free male SpragueDawley rats,weighing 200-220 g,aged 2 months,were randomly divided into 3 groups using a random number table:control group (group C,n =6),AKI group (n =18),and penehyclidine hydrochloride group (group PH,n =18).The model of rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI was established by injecting 50％ glycerol 10 ml/kg into the lateral muscle of bilateral hindlimbs in AKI and PH groups.The equal volume of normal saline was given in group C.Penehyclidine hydrochloride 0.2 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally at 30 min before administration of glycerol in group PH.Six rats were selected at 1 h after administration of normal saline in group C,or at 1,6 and 24 h after administration of glycerol,blood samples were collected from the inferior vena cava for determination of the serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) concentrations by enzymic colorimetric method.The animals were sacrificed,and kidney specimens were obtained for pathologic examination and for determination of the expression of DJ-1 and phosphatase tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) encoding protein (by immuno-histochemistry and Western blot).The damage to the renal tubules was scored.Results Compared with group C,the serum BUN and Cr concentrations and renal tubular damage score were significantly increased,the expression of D J-1 was down-regulated,and the expression of PTEN protein was up-regulated in group AKI (P＜0.05 or 0.01).Compared with group AKI,the serum BUN and Cr concentrations and renal tubular damage score were significantly decreased,the expression of DJ-1 was up-regulated,and the expression of PTEN protein was down-regulated in group PH (P＜0.05 or 0.01).Conclusion Penehyclidine hydrochloride pretreatment can reduce rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI probably by up-regulating the expression of DJ-1 and down-regulating the expression of PTEN protein in rats.

Objective The technique of repetitive element-based polymerase chain reaction(rep-PCR)was used to track an epi- demic of nosocomial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus in our hospital.Methods The 50 S.aureus isolates were identi fled by PHOENIX-100 automatic Microbiological Identification System.Oxacillin-salt-supplemented agar was used to screen methicillin-resistant S.aureus(MRSA)phenotype.The resistant gene mecA was tested by PCR.The technique of rep-PCR was applied to type S.aureus isolates.Results The mecA gene was identified in 22 of the 50 S.aureus isolates.Nineteen of the 22 strains were isolated from patients.Nine to eleven bands were observed in electrophoretic pattern of all the 50 S.aureus iso- lates by rep-PCR under the conditions of this study.These strains were accordingly classified into 11 different genotypes.Con- clusions The rep-PCR technique is a rapid,simple and reliable genotyping method.It is an ideal tool to track the source of noso- comial infections at molecular level.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the levels of bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15) in human follicular fluid (FF) and its association with response to ovarian stimulation.

METHODSWestern blotting was performed to determine the levels of BMP-15 in FF obtained from follicle aspirates in 70 patients undergoing IVF treatment. According to the response to ovarian stimulation the patients were divided into poor responder group and normal responder group.

RESULTBMP-15 levels in FF of poor responders were significantly higher than those in normal responders (1.01 +/- 0.34 vs 0.77 +/- 0.24, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONIncreased levels of BMP-15 in FF may be associated with poor response to ovarian stimulation.

Adult ; Blotting, Western ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 ; Female ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; administration & dosage ; Follicular Fluid ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Growth Differentiation Factor 9 ; Humans ; Infertility, Female ; metabolism ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Ovary ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Ovulation Induction

OBJECTIVEThe development status of pulmonary artery is one of the most important criteria for decision-making strategy and predicting postoperative outcome in congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow. Currently, Nakata index and McGoon index have been used as morphologic index in evaluating the development status of pulmonary artery. Those indices have some shortcoming. It was recently found that pulmonary veins index is a more precise morphological indicator of pulmonary blood flow and development status of pulmonary vessels. This study aimed to explore an index of evaluating pulmonary blood stream and the development of pulmonary vessels, as a criterion for surgical decision-making strategy.

METHODSThe diameters of left and right pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins were measured on DSA films in 74 patients with congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow, The correlative analysis was done between Nakata index, McGoon index, pulmonary vein index (PVI) and postoperative outcome which were the length of stay in ICU, duration of mechanical ventilation and dose of inotropic drugs.

RESULTSExcellent correlations between the size of pulmonary veins and pulmonary arteries were found, the correlation between left pulmonary veins and distal portion of left pulmonary artery was 0.73, between left pulmonary veins and proximal portion of left pulmonary artery was 0.72, right pulmonary veins and distal portion of right pulmonary artery was 0.67, and right pulmonary veins and proximal portion of right pulmonary artery was 0.71. The length of stay in ICU, duration of mechanical ventilation and dose of inotropic drugs correlated well with PVI (r = -0.51, -0.478, and -0.693). Compared with Nakata index and McGoon index, PVI was a better criterion for evaluating the developmental status of the whole pulmonary vessels. In the right ventricular outlet reconstruction patients, the McGoon index for patients with low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) was 1.36 +/- 0.51, and 1.97 +/- 0.58 for patients without LCOS (t = 2.347, P < 0.05), the Nakata index for patients with LCOS was 164 +/- 106 mm(2)/m(2) and 269 +/- 124 mm(2)/m(2) for patients without LCOS (t = 2.218, P < 0.05), the PVI for patients with LCOS was 152 +/- 77 mm(2)/m(2) and 273 +/- 125 mm(2)/m(2) for patients without LCOS (t = 2.936, P < 0.01), pulmonary vessel index of patients with LCOS was less than that of those without LCOS. When PVI was < or = 180 mm(2)/m(2), postoperative hemodynamics was unstable, the frequency of low cardiac output syndrome and mortality significantly increased.

CONCLUSIONSThe development of pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins correlated with each other. PVI is a precise morphological indicator of pulmonary blood flow and development of pulmonary vessels. It is a helpful indicator to decide surgical strategy.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; physiopathology ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Pulmonary Artery ; growth & development ; physiopathology ; Pulmonary Veins ; growth & development ; physiopathology

The objective of this study was to investigate the immunophenotype of T-lineage acute lymphoid leukemia (T-ALL) and to find valuable immunologic markers in T-ALL diagnosis and therapy. Four-color multiparametric flow cytometry(FCM) with CD45/SSC gating was used for immunophenotyping of 95 patients with newly diagnosed T-ALL. The results demonstrated that T-ALL occurred more frequently in males younger than 30 years of age and was usually accompanied by a high WBC count and tumor mass at diagnosis. Univariate analysis showed an influence on achievement of CR1 for age (< 30 years) but not for WBC count and tumor mass. According to WHO (2008) classification of tumors of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, 87 patients with confirmed subtype included 27 cases of Pro-T-ALL (31.0%), 31 cases of Pre-T-ALL (35.6%), 23 cases of cortical-T-ALL (26.4%), 6 cases of medullary-T-ALL (6.9%). CD34 expression in Pro-T-ALL was significantly higher than that of Pre-T-ALL (p = 0.001). After the first chemotherapy, the complete remission rate in Pro-T-ALL was statistically lower than that of Pre-T-ALL. Besides, the complete remission rate of immature T-ALL (including Pro-T-ALL and Pre-T-ALL) was also significantly lower than that in mature T-ALL (including cortical-T-ALL and medullary-T-ALL). Myeloid antigen (CD13, CD33) expression was associated with T-ALL subtype and treatment effect. While 66.7% of CD13(+) patients belonged to Pre-T-ALL, most (60.0%) of CD33(+) patients were classified into Pro-T-ALL; CD13 expression had no effect on CR1 rate whereas CD33(+) patients had worse treatment effect compared with CD33(-) groups (p = 0.001). Notably, the expression of CD117 reached up to 26.7% and the positive cases were primarily distributed in pro-T-TAll and pre-T-ALL. It is found that CD117 expression in CD34(-) group was homogeneous and CD117 expression level was less than 10% in 73.2% patients, but CD117 expression level in CD34(+) group was not homogenous, in which group the CD117 expression levels < 10%, 10% - 20% and > 20% were 44.2%, 17.3% and 38.5% respectively. As compared with CD34(-) group, the proportion of patients with CD117 expression levels < 10%, > 20% in CD34(+) group was higher, and there was significant difference between these 2 group. It is concluded that immunophenotype has great value in T-ALL diagnosis, classification as well as treatment. Flow cytometry provides access to find valuable immunologic markers for T-ALL biological research.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; CD13 Antigens ; metabolism ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Immunophenotyping ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; classification ; immunology ; therapy ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; metabolism ; Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 3 ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo observe the operative efficacy of patients with complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD).

METHODSFrom January 2003 to June 2006, CAVSD patients underwent operative closure were included in this study. Color Doppler with apical four-chamber view was used to evaluate the degree of valve insufficiency before surgery and 2 days, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after the surgery. Cardiac catheterization was performed to evaluate pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary arteriolar resistance (PAR) before surgery in patients whose age were over 6 months. The time of staying at ICU, ventilation time after surgery and the occurrence of pulmonary artery hypertension crisis were recorded.

RESULTS105 CAVSD patients underwent operative closure were enrolled in this study. The mean staying time at ICU was (4.7 +/- 2.4) days, and the mean ventilation time was (1.7 +/- 1.0)days, 9 patients (8.5%) developed pulmonary artery hypertension crisis after surgery. Patients with PAR > 8 Wood unit were older, staying time at ICU and ventilation time were longer compared patients with PAR < 8 Wood unit (all P < 0.05). The incidence of pulmonary artery hypertension crisis after surgery was also significantly higher in patients with PAR > 8 Wood unit compared patients with PAR < 8 Wood unit (P < 0.05). Hospital mortality was 3.8% (4/105). Three out of 4 hospital-dead patients had severe hypoplasia of the atrioventricular valve. Compared with preoperative, degree of valve insufficiency in both sides were relieved after surgery (P < 0.05). The valve insufficiency remained unchanged in 81 patients (77.1%), worsened in 14 patients (13.3%) and improved in 10 patients (9.6%) after surgery.

CONCLUSIONSOur results suggested that early surgical repair for CAVSD was safe and beneficial. Preoperative PAR > 8 Wood unit was associated with increased risk of pulmonary artery hypertension crisis after surgery in patients with CAVSD.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Septal Defects ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To create an instrument to determine the mental prisoners' competency to serve a sentence, which is according with the Chinese legal system. METHODS: Integrating the Chinese criminal jurisprudence and the authors' forensic psychiatric experience, the research team created an instrument which called Competency to serve a sentence Rating scale firstly, then used the instrument retrospectively, in the end the validity and reliability of the instrument were inspected and, through an diagnostic test, the feasibility of the instrument was evaluated. RESULTS: Homogeneity reliability of the instrument is 0.8779, the correspondence of the conclusion between the instrument and the expertise is 0.909, except the positive likelihood ratio is 0.0683, the other diagnostic index are better. CONCLUSION The Competency to serve a sentence Rating Scale is feasible.
Adult ; Expert Testimony ; Female ; Forensic Psychiatry ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Competency ; Mental Disorders/psychology* ; Mentally Ill Persons/psychology* ; Prisoners/psychology* ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Retrospective Studies ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult