Objective To report a case of deep mycosis caused by Rhizomucor chlamydosporus. Methods Medical history,histopathology and laboratory examination were investigated,and fungal identifi- cation by microscopy and culture as well in the patient.Results The patient,a 41-year-old male,initially presented with mild-tender and progressively aggravating masses on the right glutea,both groins,and back of the head of pancreas.Later,ulcer,necrosis,and black crusts developed at the primary lesions accompanied with nausea,vomitting and dysfunction of liver.Pathological examination revealed a chronic granuloma- tous inflammation in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue;and branching,nonseptate and broad hyphae in multinuclear giant cells,tissue spaces and blood vessel lumens,and,few PAS-positive septate hyphae as well as basophilic chlamydospores located in multinuclear giant cells.The isolate was identified as R. chlamydosporus.Conclusions The case of deep mycosis caused by R.chlamydosporus began with invasive granuloma,followed by necrotic ulcer,with condition aggravating rapidly,and the patient finally died of se- rious cachexia.

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of treg cells and its functional markers in pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B, and the correlation with disease progression.

METHODS20 cases of healthy control people,53 cases of chronic hepatitis B patients and 24 cases of liver cirrhosis patients were enrolled into the groups. Detecting the frequencies of CD4+ CD25+ Fox3+ cells, CD4+ CD25+ CD127(low) cells, CD39+ treg cells and CTLA-4+ treg cells in treg cells by flow cytometry. Clinical parameters were investigated in the same time.

RESULTSThe frequencies of treg cells, CD4+ CD25+ CD127(low) cells and CD39+ treg cells were significant different among healthy control group, CHB group and LC group (P < 0.01). The frequencies of treg cells, CD4+ CD25+ CD127(low) cells and CD39+ treg cells were significantly different in moderate-severe CHB group compared with mild CHB group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In CHB group the frequencies of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ cells were positively correlated with ALT (r = 0. 289, P < 0.05) and AST (r = 0.302, P < 0.05), the frequencies of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ cells had a significant positive correlation with the frequencies of CD4+ CD25+ CD127(low) cells (r = 0.478, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe frequencies of treg cells and its functional markers probably had a dynamic tendency in the process of chronic hepatitis B and were closely related with the change of liver function parameters. CD39+ treg cells may be a group of functional treg cells, which indicated that CD39 be a sensitive marker to react treg cells function. In some sense, CD4+ CD25+ CD127(low) cells frequency could represent treg cell frequency.

Adult ; Biomarkers ; DNA, Viral ; blood ; Female ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; immunology ; virology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo study the psychologic status and their influencing factors in congenital microtia patients and their families.

METHODSTotally one hundred and two congenital microtia patients (79 men, 23 women, mean age 13.62 +/- 7.2 years) were enrolled. The patients and their families answered the questionnaire written by ourselves to identify the psychosocial problems.

RESULTS(1) 23.5% patients were found to have severe psychosocial problems, such as lack of self-confidence, close and fear and so on. (2) With the growth of age, psychosocial problems of the patients were rated high (P < 0.05). (3) For patients who found their deformations early, psychosocial problems also were rated low. (4) For patients who found their deformations by themselves, psychosocial problems also were rated low. (5) The education and psychosocial impact for parents all affected patients deeply.

CONCLUSIONSTo prevent psychosocial problems, we should operate for patients as early as possible. And correct guidance is very important for youngsters.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Congenital Abnormalities ; epidemiology ; psychology ; Ear ; abnormalities ; Family ; psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Inpatients ; statistics & numerical data ; Male ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

In order to compare the differences of 35 Menthae Herba samples collected on the market and at producing areas, the contents of six total terpenoids, the essential oil and chromatographic fingerprints were analyzed, which provided evidences for drawing up the commodity specifications and grading criteria of Menthae Herba. GC-MS method was used to analyze the chemical constituents of 35 different samples. The chromatographic fingerprints obtained by using GC were then evaluated by similarity analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis. The relativity between the content of six terpenoids and the essential oil were studied. In this study, the chemical profiles of 35 samples from different producing areas had significant disparity. All samples collected in the report could be categorized into four chemical types, L-menthol, pulegone, carvone and L-menthone, but the chemical profiles had no relationship with the areas. The chromatographic fingerprints of the samples from different types were dissimilar, while the different producing areas were difficult to be separated. It was indicated that the content of volatile oil was positively correlated with the content of L-menthol and the sum of six total terpenoids. The content of the essential oil, L-menthol and the sum of six total terpenoids of Menthae Herba were considered as one of the commercial specifications and grading criteria. These results in the research could be helpful to draw up the commercial specification and grading criteria of Menthae Herba from a view of chemical information.
Cluster Analysis ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Mentha ; chemistry ; Oils, Volatile ; analysis ; Principal Component Analysis ; Terpenes ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo study the fractional anisotropy (FA) and the architecture of the optic radiation fiber tracts of normal adults with magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

METHODSDiffusion tensor images were obtained from 30 healthy volunteers without any cerebral abnormalities on conventional MRI. FA and the mean diffusivity (MD) of the optic radiation were measured in the directional encoded color (DEC) maps. The architecture of the optic radiation fiber tracts were displayed with the software of diffusion tensor fiber tracking.

RESULTSIn all subjects, the optic radiation could be readily identified in the DEC maps. The FA value was 0.509-/+0.029 in the left and 0.502-/+0.026 in the right, with the MD value of (0.763-/+0.050) x10(-3) and 0.748-/+0.052)x10(-3) mm2/s, respectively. No significant differences were found in the FA or MD value of the bilateral optic radiation (P>0.05). Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) demonstrated that the 3 bundles of the optic radiation fibers were located in the lateral sagittal stratum, passing from the lateral geniculate body of the thalamus to the primary visual cortex. The dorsal and lateral bundles passed posteriorly to the superior bank of the calcarine cortex, while the ventral bundle passed anteriorly before making a sharp turn, known as the Meyer loop, and subsequently coursed posteriorly to terminate in the inferior margin of the calcarine cortex, which was consistent with the results of classic anatomical studies.

CONCLUSIONAs a novel method to study the relationship between visual function and optic pathway, DTI and DTT can show the FA and architecture of the optic radiation.

Adult ; Anisotropy ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Echo-Planar Imaging ; methods ; Female ; Geniculate Bodies ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Models, Anatomic ; Occipital Lobe ; anatomy & histology ; Optic Nerve ; anatomy & histology ; Visual Pathways ; anatomy & histology ; Young Adult

Objective:To explore the correlation between abdominal aortic calcification and serum cell division cycle 42 (CDC-42) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, and to explore the influencing factors of them.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Blood Purification Center of Qingdao Municipal Hospital,112 patients who underwent MHD for more than 6 months from October 2019 to March 2021 were selected. The abdominal aortic calcification score (ACCs) was calculated by reference to the abdominal lateral X flat tablets. According to AACS, 50 cases were divided into no and mild calcification group (0≤AACS<5 points) and 62 cases were divided into moderate and severe calcification group (AACS≥5 points). The level of serum CDC-42 was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Taking the median serum CDC-42 level as the boundary, 56 cases were divided into low CDC-42 group and high CDC-42 group. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between indicators. The risk factors of elevated CDC-42 and abdominal aortic calcification in MHD patients were explored by multivariate logistic regression analysis, and the variables were included by entry method.Results:In 112 patients, 91 cases (81.25%, 91/112) had abdominal aortic calcification, and the median serum CDC-42 level was 466.56 (335.56,623.57) ng/L. CDC-42, AACs, age, dialysis age, diabetic nephropathy, glycosylated hemoglobin, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone and calcium in the no and mild calcification groups were 347.77 (291.20, 419.53) ng/L, 1.00 (0.00, 3.00) points, (57.18±6.25) years, 31.50 (15.00, 49.25) months, 34.00%(17/50), (6.63±0.97)%, 116.22 (87.32, 152.13) U/L, 258.57 (143.40, 433.31) ng/L, (2.18±0.26) mmol/L, and in the moderate to severe calcification group were 602.69 (489.61, 762.73) ng/L, 10.00 (7.00, 16.25) points, (60.81±7.12) years, 49.00 (18.00, 67.00) months, 53.23%(33/62), (7.07±1.20)%, 144.34 (99.71, 201.76) U/L, 336.57 (230.63, 506.00) ng/L,(2.28±0.26) mmol/L, with statistically significant differences between the two groups(The statistical values were 6.99, 9.11, 2.83, 2.45, 4.14, 2.08, 2.04, 2.16 and 1.99, respectively, all P<0.05). CDC-42, AACs, glycosylated hemoglobin and parathormone in the low CDC-42 group were 336.50 (295.10, 395.25) ng/L, 2.00 (0.00, 4.00) points, (6.62±1.06) %, 250.60 (140.20, 462.02) ng/L,and in the high CDC-42 group were 622.92 (558.11, 836.65) ng/L, 10.00 (6.25, 15.75) points, (7.13±1.13) %, 347.21 (240.40,501.20) ng/L, with statistically significant differences between the two groups (The statistical values are 6.51, 5.21, 2.43 and 2.54, respectively,all P<0.05). Abdominal aortic calcification has positive correlations with CDC-42 ( r s=0.704, P<0.001), age ( r s=0.308, P=0.001), dialysis years ( r s=0.198, P=0.036), glycosylated hemoglobin ( r s=0.358, P<0.001), alkaline phosphatase ( r s=0.187, P=0.048), parathormone ( r s=0.437, P<0.001), serum calciu m( r s=0.323, P=0.001) and serum phospho-rus ( r s=0.251, P=0.007), and negative correlation with serum albumin( r s=-0.276, P=0.003). This study has confirmed that high serum CDC-42 ( OR=1.010, 95%CI:1.004-1.016, P=0.001) and senior dialysis age ( OR=1.033, 95%CI:1.006-1.061, P=0.018) were independent risk factors for moderate to severe abdominal aortic calcification.Serum CDC-42 levels has positive correlation with AACs ( r s=0.704, P<0.001), age ( r s=0.240, P=0.011), dialysis age ( r s=0.191, P=0.044), glycosylated hemoglobin ( r s=0.350, P<0.001), parathormone ( r s=0.380, P<0.001) and serum calcium ( r s=0.235, P=0.013). This study learned that,high AACs ( OR=1.185, 95%CI:1.037-1.354, P=0.013) and high parathormone ( OR=1.005, 95%CI:1.001-1.009, P=0.009) were independent risk factors for high CDC-42. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) of serum CDC-42 in predicting moderate and severe abdominal aortic calcification in MHD patients was 0.885. When the cut-off point was 466.56 ng/L, the predictive sensitivity and specificity were 79% and 86% respectively. Conclusion:The degree of abdominal aortic calcification in MHD patients was positively correlated with the level of serum CDC-42. High serum CDC-42 and high dialysis age were independent risk factors for abdominal aortic calcification in MHD patients. High AACS and high parathyroid hormone were independent risk factors for the increase of serum CDC-42 in MHD patients .

Objective:To investigate the expression and clinical significance of plasma microRNA-21 (miRNA-21) and microRNA-200b (miRNA-200b) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).Methods:The levels of plasma miRNA-200b,miRNA-21 and CA125 were detected by RT-PCR in 162 patients with EOC,120 patients with benign epithelial ovarian tumors(benign group) and 108 healthy women(control group),analyze the relation between miRNA-200b and miRNA-21 expression and clinicopathological features of EOC.The sensitivity and specificity of miRNA-200b,miRNA-21 and CA125 to EOC diagnosis were evaluated by ROC curve,and the re-lationship between three indexes and EOC was analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression model.Correlation analysis of plasma miRNA-200b and miRNA-21,CA125 in patients with EOC by Pearson correlation.Results:The levels of plasma miRNA-200b,miRNA-21 and CA125 in EOC group were significantly higher than those in benign group and control group[miRNA-200b(2-ΔΔCt):3.52±1.03 vs 1.26±0.37 and 1.15±0.34;miRNA-21(2-ΔΔCt):2.32±0.45 vs 1.18±0.32 and 1.04±0.28;CA125(U/ml):78.64±30.57 vs 26.27±11.36 and 21.53±9.45,all P<0.01].Plasma miRNA-200b,miRNA-21,CA125 and three combined diagnosis EOC of AUC (95% CI) were 0.896(0.834-0.958),0.792(0.731-0.847),0.908(0.841-0.973),0.947(0.883-0.995),the optimal cut-off values were 2.08,1.46,52.84 U/ml.Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated plasma levels of miRNA-200b,miRNA-21 and CA125 were independent risk factors for EOC[OR(95% CI)= 2.518(1.563-3.547),OR(95% CI)= 1.724(1.103-2.528),OR (95% CI)=2.316(1.347-3.419)].The correlation between plasma miRNA-200b and CA125 in patients with EOC was the best(r=0.702,P<0.01).Conclusion:Plasma miRNA-200b and miRNA-21 can be used as molecular markers for the early diagnosis of EOC, and their diagnostic efficacy is comparable to that of CA125.The combined use of the three methods is expected to improve the accuracy of early diagnosis of EOC.

OBJECTIVETo study the alteration of protein Z (PZ) in patients with cardio-cerebral thrombotic diseases, its clinical significance and relations with FX.

METHODSPZ and FX:Ag were measured by ELISA, and plasma FX:C by first stage method. In 170 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), 40 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 60 healthy adults as contrast, PZ, FX:C and FX:Ag were measured and compared between incipience and recurrence, different ages and genders.

RESULTSIn AIS and AMI groups, PZ levels decreased significantly to (940.02 +/- 229.82) microg/L and (1071.44 +/- 180.52) microg/L, respectively \[the contrast group was (2257.97 +/- 479.76) microg/L, P < 0.001\]. But FX:C and FX:Ag raised to (136.73 +/- 34.93)% and (135.54 +/- 54.39)% in AIS group; and to (139.53 +/- 29.18)%, (129.75 +/- 21.91)% in AMI group, respectively, while in the contrast group they were (94.33 +/- 22.00)% and (77.22 +/- 13.19)% (P < 0.001). In the comparative research between the AIS group, AMI group and the contrast group, PZ level was clearly found to negatively relate to the level of FX:C and FX:Ag (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, PZ level, FX:C and FX:Ag in recur-AIS group and recur-AMI group exhibited significant differences (P < 0.05) from those in the primary AIS and AMI groups, suggesting that the decrease of PZ levels reflected the pathological process of the disease. In addition, PZ level gradually decreased with the increase of age (P < 0.05), while FX:C and FX:Ag had no relations with age (P > 0.05). No correlation was found in sex with PZ level, FX:C, FX:Ag (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPZ level was significantly decreased in AIS and AMI patients and was negatively related to FX:C and FX:Ag. The mechanism leading to FX increase may partially related with the decreased of PZ. PZ level was different in the primary and recurrent disease and was gradually decreased with the increase of age. Lack of PZ might be a etiological factor of cardio-cerebral thrombotic diseases.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blood Proteins ; metabolism ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Factor X ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; blood ; Stroke ; blood

OBJECTIVEWU polyomavirus (WUPyV), a new member of the genus Polyomavirus in the family Polyomaviridae, has been found to be associated with respiratory tract infections recently. But the role of the WUPyV as agents of human disease remains uncertain. We sought to describe the detection and clinical characterization of WUPyV in acute respiratory tract infection in children.

METHODFrom July 2008 through June 2009, nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from 771 children who were hospitalized with acute respiratory tract infection in Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, and from 82 asymptomatic children who visited the health checkup clinic. WUPyV was detected by using PCR technology and was identified by using DNA sequencing. All WUPyV-positive specimens were screened for 9 common viruses [influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV) 1 and 3, human metapneumovirus, human bocavirus, adenovirus and rhinovirus] by using PCR or RT-PCR. The clinical data of WUPyV infection were collected and analyzed.

RESULTIn this study, fifteen of the 771 tested specimens with acute respiratory tract infection were positive for WUPyV, the positive rate was 1.95% and all of the asymptomatic children who visited the health checkup clinic were negative. Of the 15 cases who were positive for the virus, the age range was 2 to 48 (mean 18.8) months, 9 (60%) were male and 6 (40%) were female. WUPyV was the sole virus detected in 9 specimens (60%) from patients with acute respiratory tract infection. WUPyV was associated with the co-infection with another respiratory virus in 6 of 15 (40%) cases, most frequently with RSV (n = 4), followed by adenovirus (n = 1) and rhinovirus (n = 1). The most common clinical findings in the patients with WUPyV were cough, fever and wheezing. The most frequent diagnoses were pneumonia (n = 8), bronchiolitis (n = 4), upper respiratory tract infections (n = 2) and bronchitis (n = 1). A severe case was complicated with viral encephalitis.

CONCLUSIONWUPyV may be a respiratory pathogen because it was the sole virus detected in 9 specimens from patients with respiratory illness and all of the asymptomatic controls were negative. The most common clinical findings are cough and wheezing. Young children may be susceptible to infection with this virus and occasionally the infection with this virus may cause severe disease. More comprehensive and in-depth studies are required to prove the pathogenicity of these viruses.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Genes, Viral ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polyomavirus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Polyomavirus Infections ; physiopathology ; virology ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; virology

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of intestinal trefoil factor (ITF) combined with mucin on the ability of proliferation and migration of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) after being treated by burn rat serum.

METHODSThe rat IEC-6 cell lines were subcultured and divided into control group (C, cultured with DMEM medium containing 10% calf serum), burn serum group (BS, cultured with DMEM medium containing 10% burn rat serum), burn serum + ITF group (B + I, cultured with DMEM medium containing 10% burn rat serum and 25 microg/mL ITF), burn serum + mucin group (B + M, cultured with DMEM medium containing 10% burn rat serum and 250 microg/mL mucin), and burn serum + ITF + mucin group (B + I + M, cultured with DMEM medium containing 10% burn rat serum, 25 microg/mL ITF, and 250 microg/mL mucin) according to the random number table. Cells were counted on post culture day (PCD) 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, reflecting cell proliferation ability. Cell migration distance was measured at post scratch hour (PSH) 12, 24, 36, 48, 72. Then, cells of each group were placed in upper compartment of Transwell chamber while the corresponding medium was respectively added into lower compartment of Transwell chamber. Cells in lower compartment of Transwell chamber were counted at post culture hour (PCH) 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, reflecting cytomorphosis ability. Data were processed with t test.

RESULTS(1) Cell proliferation ability. The cell numbers in BS group on PCD 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 were significantly less than those in C group (with t values from -16.569 to -2.613, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The cell number showed no statistical difference between B + I and BS groups, and between B + M and BS groups at each time point (with t values respectively from 0.037 to 0.740 and 0.116 to 0.429, P values all above 0.05). The cell number in B + I + M group on PCD 2 was respectively larger than that in BS group (t = 6.484, P < 0.01) and B + I group ( t = 3.838, P < 0.01). (2) Cell migration distance in BS group at PSH 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 was significantly shorter than that in C group (with t values from -37.594 to -6.727, P values all below 0.01). There was no obvious difference in cell migration distance between BS and B + M groups at each time point (with t values from 0.055 to 0.589, P values all above 0.05). Cell migration distance in B + I group at PSH 12, 24, 36 was respectively (47 +/- 6), (126 +/- 13), (170 +/- 11) microm, all longer than those in BS group [(42 +/- 7), (98 +/- 14), (154 +/- 22) microm, with t values from 2.230 to 4.817, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01]. Cell migration distance in BS group at PSH 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and B + I group at PSH 12, 24, 36, 48 was respectively shorter than that in B + I + M group (with t values respectively from 2.982 to 7.390 and 2.707 to 2.918, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). (3) Cytomorphosis ability. Compared with those of C group, cell counts in lower compartment of BS group at PCH 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 were significantly decreased (with t values from -23.965 to -6.436, P values all below 0.01). Cell count in lower compartment of BS group at PCH 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 was respectively less than that of B + I group (with t values from 3.650 to 10.028, P values all below 0.01) and similar to that of B + M group (with t values from 0.199 to 0.797, P values all above 0.05). Cell counts in lower compartment of B + I + M group at PCH 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 were significantly larger than those of BS group (with t values from 4.313 to 15.100, P values all below 0.01). Cell count in lower compartment of B + I + M group at PCH 10 (328 +/- 47) and PCH 12 (465 +/- 37) was respectively larger than that in B + I group (277 +/- 25, 353 +/- 34, with t value respectively 3.051, 6.945, P values all below 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSITF can improve cytomorphosis ability for promoting cell migration with limited effect on cell proliferation, which can be enhanced with addition of mucin. The main mechanism of ITF in maintaining intestinal mucosal barrier may be attributed to acceleration of cell migration.

Animals ; Burns ; blood ; Cell Line ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Intestinal Mucosa ; Intestines ; cytology ; metabolism ; Mucins ; pharmacology ; Peptides ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Serum ; immunology ; Trefoil Factor-2