1.Clinical characteristics analysis of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing
ZHAO Hui-jun ; OUYANG Xiao-li ; CHEN Ju-ping
China Tropical Medicine 2023;23(5):523-
Abstract: Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia and improve the diagnosis and treatment skills of clinicians on this disease. Methods The clinical data of thirty-nine Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia cases detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) from September 2020 to January 2022 at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Results There was a history of poultry exposure in 89.7%(35 cases) of the patients. The most common clinical manifestations were high fever (92.3%, 36), cough (76.9%,30), muscle soreness (48.7%,19), headache (38.5%,15), etc. Laboratory examinations showed 76.9% of patients had a normal leukocyte count, and 76.9% had decreased lymphocyte count, often accompanied by elevated C-reactive protein (100%), procalcitonin (97.4%), interleukin-6 (95.8%), interleukin-10 (95.8%), alanine aminotransferase (74.4%), and aspartate aminotransferase (84.6%). Univariate analysis indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the levels of aspartate transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin between severe pneumonia patients and non-severe pneumonia patients(P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that an elevated blood urea nitrogen (OR=4.899) had guiding significance for predicting the occurrence of severe pneumonia. Bronchoscopy examination showed no abnormalities in 53.6% of the patients. The imaging manifestations of pulmonary lesions were mainly lobar pneumonia (61.5%) and air bronchograms (94.9%). Therapeutically, it was sensitive to tetracyclines, macrocyclic lactones, and fluoroquinolones. A total of 84.6%(33 cases) of the patients were cured and discharged from the hospital at the end of the treatment. Conclusion Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia is a zoonotic disease that can be detected by mNGS. An elevated blood urea nitrogen level has guiding significance for predicting the occurrence of severe pneumonia. Empirically-selected regimens based on doxycycline are effective for the treatment of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia.
2.Primary culture of rat cerebellar granule neurons in vitro
Hong-ju, YAO ; Ling-wang, ZHOU ; Jun-rui, PEI ; Xiao-na, LIU ; Jing, WANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2013;(1):38-41
Objective To establish a stable primary culture of rat cerebellar granule neurons in vitro for further study the toxic effects of chronic arsenic exposure on cerebellar cells.Methods Cerebellar cortices were taken from brain of Wistar rat 5-7 day old after born under stereoscopic microscope.Single cell suspension was acquired after digestion and washing with trypsin (0.25%) and DNase Ⅰ solution,respectively.Granule cells were purified from other cells by differential velocity adherence method for two times.Rat cerebellar granule neurons were seeded in culture plate pre-coated with poly-L-lysine.Neurons growth,development and synaptic connections were observed daily.The neurons were identified by neuron specific enolase (NSE) immunofluorescence technique.Results The neurons were affixed to the culture plate in 24 hours,in reticular arrangement observed under contrast microscope.Granule cells gradually turned round from oval and outlines became clearer in 2-3 days.In 4-6 days,there were a wide range of synaptic connections among the neurons and a mature nerve cell network formed.A large quantity of cerebellar granule neurons was seen by NSE identification.Few bigger cells such as purkinjes cells and glial cell outlines were also seen in the same visual field.Conclusions This is a successful primary culture method for acquirement of rat cerebellar granule neurons.The method can provide experimental basis for future studies the toxic effects of chronic arsenic exposure on cerebellar cells.
3.Observation on the clinical efficacy of intravitreal injection of Conbercept for the treatment of wet age - related macular degeneration
Xiao-Ju, DING ; Wu-Qiang, SHAN ; Gui-Jun, XIE ; Guo-Peng, DING
International Eye Science 2016;16(11):2088-2090
AIM: To observe the efficacy and safety of intravitreal injection of Conbercept for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration( AMD) .
METHODS:Retrospective analysis. A total of 20 patients involving 22 eyes were diagnosed of wet AMD and confirmed by routine ophthalmic examination, fundus fluorescein angiography ( FFA ) and optical coherence tomography. All these affected eyes received intravitreal injection of 10 mg/ml of 0. 5mg Conbercept, once monthly, for 3 successive times during the initial treatment. The need for repeated treatment was determined according to patients'disease conditions. The patients were followed up once monthly for ≥6mo. The changes in best corrected visual acuity ( BCVA ) , central retinal thickness ( CRT ) and choroidal neovascularization ( CNV) lesion leakage of the affected eyes before and after treatment were compared and analyzed.
RESULTS:Within 1, 3 and 6mo after treatment, the mean BCVA ( logMAR ) of the affected eyes increased when compared with before treatment;the difference was statistically significant(P<0. 01). In 1, 3 and 6mo after treatment, the mean CRT of the affected eyes decreased when compared with before treatment;the difference was statistically significant(P<0. 01). During the last follow-up, FFA showed that macular CNV lesion leakage disappeared in 20 eyes(90%) while leakage mitigated in 2 eyes ( 9%) . During the follow - up, there were no treatment - related serious ocular complications and systemic serious adverse reactions.
CONCLUSION: Clinically, intravitreal injection of Conbercept for the treatment of wet AMD can increase visual acuity of the affected eyes. It also can decrease CRT of the affected eyes, and inhibit neovascular leakage. There are no treatment-related adverse reactions.
4.Nosocomial Infections due to Staphylococcus aureus:Clinical Characteristics and Resistance Analysis
Li-Chun WANG ; Da-Jiang LI ; Zhong-Hua XIONG ; Xiao-Ju LV ; Bing-Jun LEI ;
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2004;0(10):-
OBJECTIVE To investigate the risk factors,clinical characteristics and resistance of Staphylococcus aureus nosocomial infections so as to guide the treatment of S.aureus infection.METHODS To collect clinical materials of S.aureus nosocomial infection and analyze risk factors and clinical characteristics and detect sensitivity of isolated strains to antibacterial agents.RESULTS Severe underlying diseases existed among 73 cases of S.aureus nosocomial infections,82.19 percent of patients had received invasive interventions.Lower respiratory tract was the most common infective site.Seventy-nine strains of S.aureus were isolated,including 66 meticillin-resistant S.aureus(MRSA) and 13 meticillin-sensitive S.aureus(MSSA).S.aureus showed general resistance to many kinds of antibiotic drugs.The resistant rates of MRSA were much higher than those of MSSA(P
5.Local transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells to reduce restenosis after angioplasty in rabbit model
Zhan-Long MA ; Gao-Jun TENG ; Xiao-Li MAI ; Sheng-Hong JU ; Jun-Hui SUN ; Jun CHEN ; Hong-Ying ZHANG ; Hong-Jian SHI ; Hui YU ; Guozhao LI ;
Journal of Interventional Radiology 1994;0(02):-
Objective To investigate homografting vascular endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs)for preventing restenosis formation of carotid artery in New Zealand white rabbit models.Methods EPCs of New Zealand white rabbits were isolated,confirmed and expanded though the injured carotid arterial endothelium of rabbit model induced by dilatation with a 2.5 F balloon;and then EPCs were transplanted into the injured endothelium of the cells transplantation group(n=13,3 of them were transplanted with fluorencently-labeled- EPCs),while equal volume of saline without EPCs was injected into the injured endothelium in the control group(n=8).Histopathology was performed at 4 days after transplantation for the 2 rabbits,with fluorencently-labeled-EPCs.All of the rest remained rabbits were killed 4 weeks later for histological examinations.Results The histopathological slides showed that the fluorescence-positive expression existed in the injured endothelium 4 days after transplantation.At 4 weeks after the EPCs transplantation,there were less restenosis and less vascular wall thickening in the rabbits of cells transplantation group than those of the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion The local interventional homografting heterogeneous endothelial progenitor cells can prevent restenosis after the carotid artery angioplasty in New Zealand White rabbit model. (J Intervent Radiol,2007,16:95-98)
7.Application of preoperative three dimensional helical CT assessment in retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery
Weijun FU ; Xu ZHANG ; Haiyue JU ; Yueyong XIAO ; Baofa HONG ; Jiangping GAO ; Jun DONG ; Zhongxin WANG ; Xiaoxion WANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2009;30(9):588-591
pful in decision making of retroperitoneal laparoscopic NSS.
8.Therapeutic effects of levetiracetam on electrical status epilepticus during sleep in children.
Wei-Na ZHANG ; Li-Ping ZOU ; Jun JU ; Xiao-Yan LI
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2012;14(5):340-343
OBJECTIVETo study the efficacy of levetiracetam (LEV) in the treatment of electrical status epilepticus during sleep (ESES) in children.
METHODSThe clinical data of 27 children who were newly diagnosed with ESES and treated with LEV between August 2009 and March 2011 and who were followed up for at least 6 months were retrospectively studied.
RESULTSThe onset age of the 27 children ranged from 9 months to 9 years and 7 months. Partial motion seizures were found in 81% of the children in the early stage. Twenty-three children received LEV treatment after ESES was definitely diagnosed. Of the 23 children, 19 were diagnosed as epilepsy syndrome of benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECT). The age of the patients at the beginning of LEV treatment ranged from 1 year and 8 months to 11 years and 9 months. The follow- up duration was 7 to 19 months. The effective rate of LEV for seizure control was 82% and for EEG recovery it was 78% (P<0.05). The other 4 children received LEV treatment before the occurrence of ESES. Seizure control and EEG recovery were noted in two of the 4 children.
CONCLUSIONSLEV treatment is efficacious, to some extent, for both seizure control and EEG recovery in children with ESES.
Adolescent ; Anticonvulsants ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Electroencephalography ; drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Piracetam ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Retrospective Studies ; Status Epilepticus ; drug therapy ; physiopathology
9.Effects of electroacupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) on ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the dorsal horn of spinal cord of the rat.
Le SONG ; Zheng-hua ZHU ; Xiao-li DUAN ; Xiao-jun LIU ; Juan FAN ; Gong JU ; Bai-ren WANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2006;26(5):362-366
OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) on phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) in the dorsal horn of spinal cord induced by plantar inflammation in the rat.
METHODSAll the rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control group, simple electroacupuncture group, formalin group, formalin plus ipsilateral electroacupuncture group and formalin plus contralateral electroacupuncture group. The acute inflammation animal model was made by injection of 100 microL of 4% formalin into the right posterior foot pad. Electroacupuncture was given at "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 30 min, with sparse-dense waves, frequency 2-15 Hz, and intensity 2-3 mA. One and a half hours latter, the rats were killed under anesthesia, and pERK1/2 expression in the lumbar dorsal horn were investigated with immunohistochemical method.
RESULTSThe positive cells were rarely seen (6.45 +/- 1.05) in the superficial spinal cord in the control group; a few cells (14.07 +/- 3.19) in ipsilateral superficial spinal cord were found in the electroacupuncture group. The number of pERK1/2-positive neurons (26.57 +/- 4.93) in lamina I - II0 of the ipsilateral dorsal horn in the formalin group increased significantly. After electroacupuncture at ipsilateral Zusanli (ST 36), the number of positive cells (20.79 +/- 5.21) had a tendency to decrease, but with no statistically significant difference. However, after electroacupuncture at contralateral Zusanli (ST 36), the number of positive cells (14.75 +/- 3.03) significantly decreased as compared with the non-acupuncture group (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONThe inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the spinal cord dorsal horn by electroacupuncture is possibly involved in acupuncture analgesic effect.
Acupuncture Analgesia ; Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Male ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ; metabolism ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 ; metabolism ; Phosphorylation ; Posterior Horn Cells ; enzymology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley
10.Reconstruction of a finite element model of intracranial aneurysms based on CT images
Fu-Yu WANG ; Bai-Nan XU ; Lei LIU ; Hai-Yue JU ; Xiao-Jun ZHANG ; Xiao-Yang LI
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2009;8(6):585-587
Objective To establish a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of intracranial aneurysms based on CT images for three-dimensional simulation of the hemodynamics in the aneurysms. Methods CT angiographic (CTA) images of the intracranial aneurysms were obtained using a GE Lightspeed 16-slice spiral CT with the slice thickness of 0.625 mm at the interval of 0.5 mm. The original Dicom format images were directly imported using the Mimics software. Threshold-based combined with manual segmentation of the images was carried out to acquire the region of interest including the aneurysm and parent artery, followed by 3D calculations of the images. The 3D model was remeshed and exported as an area mesh file to Ansys. The area-based file was then converted into an IGES file in Ansys, and exported to the Ansys workbench software to generate the volumetric mesh for further homodynamic study. Results A 3D finite element model of intracranial aneurysm was established, and the area mesh file could be directly introduced into Ansys software to allow homodynamic study of the aneurysm. Conclusion The application of thin-layer CT scanning and the Dicom standard allows more accurate reconstruction of the 3D finite element model of intracranial aneurysms. The Mimics software can greatly improve the efficiency ofintracranial aneurysm model reconstruction.