Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) to raise our awareness of this disease. Methods The clinical data, including clinical manifestations, MR image changes and disorders of endocrine system, of 9 patients admitted to our hospital were collected and analyzed. Results Eight of 9 patients showed absence of pituitary stalk under MRI with height of the pituitary no more than 3 mm; only one exceptional patient with traumatic etiology showed 4.5 mm of the pituitary. Two patients were adult-onset and clearly induced by head trauma, and both of them were hospitalized due to pituitary crisis; the other 7 patients, having the disease at the age of 5 to 12, were complained of growth and development retardation at the age of 17 to 28. All the patients were totally deficient in growth hormone (GH) and pituitary gonadotropin (GnH) secretion; in addition, secondary hypothyroidism and hypocortisolism occurred in 6 of the 7 young-onset patients. No consanguinity, sign of pituitary crisis, and septooptic dysplasia were noted in those young-onset patients.Conclusion PSIS is characterized by absence of pituitary stalk and pituitary hypoplasia, by GH and GnH deficiency, and mostly combined with ACTH and TSH deficiency of different extent.

Objective To explore the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on hypertension-related myocardial fibrosis and the key role of TNF-β/Smads signaling pathway in the anti-fibrosis of resveratrol.Methods The expression of vimentin in the primary rat CFs was evaluated by immunofluorescence to determine the cell type.CFs were treated in different conditions,the mRNA expression levels of type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ collagen and TGF-β1 were detected by Real-time PCR;the protein expression levels of type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ collagen,TGF-β1 ,Smad-3 and P-Smad-3 were detected by Western blot.The secretion levels of type Ⅰ collagen and TGF-β1 in CFs supernatant were measured by ELISA assay.Results Rat CFs were successfully extracted,and vimentin expression was obvious. Real-time PCR results indicated that the gene expression levels of collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ and TGF-β1 in CFs by exposure to AngⅡ were significantly increased as compared with those in normal group (P＜0.05).However,AngⅡ-induced collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ and TGF-β1 mRNA upregulation was inhibited by Res treatment (P＜0.05).Western blot analysis showed that the protein expressions of collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ and TGF-β1 in CFs were also increased after exposed to AngⅡ when compared to the normal controls (P＜0.05).Similarly,AngⅡ-mediated collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲand TGF-β1 upregulation was prevented by Res treatment (P＜0.05).In addition,the phosphorylation level of Smad-3 was enhanced by both interventions (P＜0.05).However,AngⅡ stimulated TGF-β1 upregulation while Smad-3 phosphorylation was suppressed by Res treatment (P＜0.05).The secretion levels of collagen Ⅰ and TGF-β1 in CFs supernatant increased significantly in CFs exposed to AngⅡ condition as compared with those in normal condition (P＜0.05).However,AngⅡ increased collagen Ⅰ and TGF-β1 secretion was prevented by Res intervention (P＜0.05).Conclusion Resveratrol inhibits the expressions of type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ collagen induced by AngⅡ in cardiac fibroblasts through regulating the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) for its better understanding. Methods The clinical manifestations and endocrine alterations were analyzed retrospectively in 2 PSIS cases, and the literatures concerning this disease were reviewed. Results Both of the 2 adult patients had definite history of head injuries, and one of them exhibited nervous system sequelae. The diagnoses remained erroneous for 15 and 2 years, respectively. This disease was characterized by gradual clinical hypopituitarism, and both of the 2 patients were admitted for pituitary crisis, which occurred for several times in 1 case;neither of the patients had diabetes insipidus. Endocrine examination suggested hypofunction of the thyroid gland, sexual gland and adrenal glands due to hypopituitarism. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed pituitary atrophy, pituitary stalk interruption and posterior lobe hyperintensity in the infundibular recess. So far only 2 juvenile cases of traumatic PSIS were reported, which had distinct differences from early-onset PSlS and from simple traumatic hypopituitarism without pituitary stalk interruption. Conclusion Traumatic PSIS is a rare clinical entity. In cases of endocrine alterations following head injury, traumatic PSIS might be suspected and appropriate treatment should be administered.

OBJECTIVETo express the recombinant D protein in prokaryotic expression system solubly and make preparation for producing D-carrier conjugate vaccine next step.

METHODSThe hpd gene fragment removed of signal peptide from genomic DNA of Hib CMCC was inserted into pET43. 1a. The recombinant plasmid was transformed to competent E. coli BL21 (DE3) for expression under induction of IPTG. The expressed recombination protein was precipitated with ammonium sulfate, purified by DEAE anion exchange column chromatography and identified for reactogenicity by Western Blot.

RESULTSThe expressed recombination protein, in a soluble form, constained about 50% of total somatic protein and showed specific reaction with the HIB antisera after preliminary purification.

CONCLUSIONThe D protein recombined expression plasmid was constructed successfully and expressed D protein in prokaryotic cells in a solube form.

Bacterial Proteins ; genetics ; Blotting, Western ; Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Haemophilus influenzae type b ; genetics ; Immunoglobulin D ; genetics ; Lipoproteins ; genetics ; Plasmids ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Solubility

OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical features of children with febrile seizures after Omicron variant infection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of children with febrile seizures after Omicron variant infection who were admitted to the Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to the Capital Institute of Pediatrics, from December 1 to 31, 2022 (during the epidemic of Omicron variant; Omicron group), and the children with febrile seizures (without Omicron variant infection) who were admitted from December 1 to 31, in 2021 were included as the non-Omicron group. Clinical features were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 381 children in the Omicron group (250 boys and 131 girls), with a mean age of (3.2±2.4) years. There were 112 children in the non-Omicron group (72 boys and 40 girls), with a mean age of (3.5±1.8) years. The number of children in the Omicron group was 3.4 times that in the non-Omicron group. The proportion of children in two age groups, aged 1 to <2 years and 6-10.83 years, in the Omicron group was higher than that in the non-Omicron group, while the proportion of children in two age groups, aged 4 to <5 years and 5 to <6 years, was lower in the Omicron group than that in the non-Omicron group (P<0.05).The Omicron group had a significantly higher proportion of children with cluster seizures and status convulsion than the non-Omicron group (P<0.05). Among the children with recurrence of febrile seizures, the proportion of children aged 6-10.83 years in the Omicron group was higher than that in the non-Omicron group, while the proportion of children aged 3 years, 4 years, and 5 years in the Omicron group was lower than that in the non-Omicron group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Children with febrile seizures after Omicron variant infection tend to have a wider age range, with an increase in the proportion of children with cluster seizures and status convulsion during the course of fever.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Child ; Infant ; Child, Preschool ; Seizures, Febrile/etiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Seizures ; Fever ; Epidemics ; Epilepsy, Generalized

OBJECTIVE: A strain of Aspergillus niger (A. niger), capable of releasing bound phenolic acids from wheat bran, was isolated. This strain was identified by gene sequence identification. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of ferulic acid released from wheat bran by this A. niger strain (FA-WB) were evaluated. METHODS: Molecular identification techniques based on PCR analysis of specific genomic sequences were conducted; antioxidant ability was examined using oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays, and erythrocyte hemolysis assays. RAW264.7 cells were used as a model to detect anti-inflammatory activity. RESULTS: The filamentous fungal isolate was identified to be A. niger. ORAC and CAA assay showed that FA-WB had better antioxidant activity than that of the ferulic acid standard. The erythrocyte hemolysis assay results suggested that FA-WB could attenuate AAPH-induced oxidative stress through inhibition of reactive oxy gen species (ROS) generation. FA-WB could significantly restore the AAPH-induced increase in intracellular antioxidant enzyme activities to normal levels as well as inhibit the intracellular malondialdehyde formation. TNF-a, IL-6, and NO levels indicated that FA-WB can inhibit the inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CONCLUSION Ferulic acid released from wheat bran by a new strain of A. niger had good anti-inflammatory activity and better antioxidant ability than standard ferulic acid.
Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Antioxidants ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Aspergillus niger ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Coumaric Acids ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; DNA, Fungal ; analysis ; Dietary Fiber ; microbiology ; Erythrocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Fermentation ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Mice ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Sheep ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the development present situation of the department of critical care medicine in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (hereinafter referred to as Inner Mongolia), in order to promote the standardized and homogeneous development of critical care medicine in Inner Mongolia, and also provide a reference for discipline construction and resource allocation. METHODS: A survey study was conducted in comprehensive intensive care unit (ICU) of tertiary and secondary hospitals in Inner Mongolia by online questionnaire survey and telephone data verification. The questionnaire was based on the Guidelines for the Construction and Management of Intensive Care Units (Trial) (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines) issued by the National Health Commission in 2009 and the development trend of the discipline. The questionnaire covered six aspects, including hospital basic information, ICU basic information, personnel allocation, medical quality management, technical skill and equipment configuration. The questionnaire was distributed in September 2022, and it was filled out by the discipline leaders or department heads of each hospital. RESULTS: As of October 24, 2022, a total of 101 questionnaires had been distributed, 85 questionnaires had been recovered, and the questionnaire recovery rate had reached 84.16%, of which 71 valid questionnaires had been collected in a total of 71 comprehensive ICU. (1) There were noticeable regional differences in the distribution of comprehensive ICU in Inner Mongolia, with a relatively weak distribution in the east and west, and the overall distribution was uneven. The development of critical care medicine in Inner Mongolia was still lacking. (2) Basic information of hospitals: the population and economy restricted the development of ICU. The average number of comprehensive ICU beds in the western region was only half of that in the central region (beds: 39.0 vs. 86.0), and the average number of ICU beds in the eastern region was in the middle (83.6 beds), which was relatively uneven. (3) Basic information of ICU: among the 71 comprehensive ICU surveyed, there were 44 tertiary hospitals and 27 secondary hospitals. The ratio of ICU beds to total beds in tertiary hospitals was significantly lower than that in secondary hospitals [(1.59±0.81)% vs. (2.11±1.07)%, P < 0.05], which were significantly lower than the requirements of the Guidelines of 2%-8%. The utilization rate of ICU in tertiary and secondary hospitals [(63.63±22.40)% and (44.65±20.66)%, P < 0.01] were both lower than the bed utilization rate required by the Guidelines (75% should be appropriate). (4) Staffing of ICU: there were 376 doctors and 1 117 nurses in tertiary hospitals, while secondary hospitals had 122 doctors and 331 nurses. There were significant differences in the composition ratio of the titles of doctors, the degree of doctors, and the titles of nurses between tertiary and secondary hospitals (all P < 0.05). Most of the doctors in tertiary hospitals had intermediate titles (attending physicians accounted for 41.49%), while most of the doctors in secondary hospitals had junior titles (resident physicians accounted for 43.44%). The education level of doctors in tertiary hospitals was generally higher than that in secondary hospitals (doctors: 2.13% vs. 0, masters: 37.24% vs. 8.20%). The proportion of nurses in tertiary hospitals was significantly lower than that in secondary hospitals (17.01% vs. 24.47%). The ratio of ICU doctors/ICU beds [(0.64±0.27)%, (0.59±0.34)%] and ICU nurses/ICU beds [(1.76±0.56)%, (1.51±0.48)%] in tertiary and secondary hospitals all failed to meet the requirements above 0.8 : 1 and 3 : 1 of the Guidelines. (5) Medical quality management of ICU: compared with secondary hospitals, the proportion of one-to-one drug-resistant bacteria care in tertiary hospitals (65.91% vs. 40.74%), multimodal analgesia and sedation (90.91% vs. 66.67%), and personal digital assistant (PDA) barcode scanning (43.18% vs. 14.81%) were significantly higher (all P < 0.05). (6) Technical skills of ICU: in terms of technical skills, the proportion of bronchoscopy, blood purification, jejunal nutrition tube placement and bedside ultrasound projects carried out in tertiary hospitals were higher than those in secondary hospitals (84.09% vs. 48.15%, 88.64% vs. 48.15%, 61.36% vs. 55.56%, 88.64% vs. 70.37%, all P < 0.05). Among them, the placement of jejunal nutrition tube, bedside ultrasound and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were mainly completed independently in tertiary hospitals, while those in secondary hospitals tended to be completed in cooperation. (7) Equipment configuration of ICU: in terms of basic equipment, the ratio of the total number of ventilators/ICU beds in tertiary and secondary hospitals [0.77% (0.53%, 1.07%), 0.88% (0.63%, 1.38%)], and the ratio of injection pump/ICU beds [1.70% (1.00%, 2.56%), 1.25% (0.75%, 1.88%)] didn't meet the requirements of the Guidelines. The equipment ratio was insuffcient, which means that the basic needs of development had not been met yet. CONCLUSIONS The development of comprehensive ICU in Inner Mongolia has tended to mature, but there is still a certain gap in the development scale, personnel ratio and instruments and equipment compared with the Guidelines. Moreover, the comprehensive ICU appears the characteristics of relatively weak eastern and western regions, and the overall distribution is uneven. Therefore, it is necessary to increase efforts to invest in the construction of the department of critical care medicine.
Humans ; Intensive Care Units ; Critical Care ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tertiary Care Centers ; China