OBJECTIVE: To compare the ability of the step-by-step approach and the lab-score method in early identification of non-bacterial infection in febrile infants with less than 90 days old. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted. The febrile infants with less than 90 days old hospitalized in the department of pediatrics of Xuzhou Central Hospital from August 2019 to November 2021 were enrolled. The basic data of the infants were recorded. The infants with high risk or low risk of bacterial infection was evaluated by the step-by-step approach and the lab-score method, respectively. The step-by-step approach was based on clinical manifestations, age, blood neutrophil absolute value or C-reactive protein (CRP), urine white blood cells, blood venous blood procalcitonin (PCT) or interleukin-6 (IL-6) to gradually assess the high risk or low risk of bacterial infection in infants with fever. The lab-score method was based on the levels of laboratory indicators such as blood PCT, CRP and urine white blood cells, which were assigned different scores to evaluate the high risk or low risk of bacterial infection in febrile infants according to the total score. Using clinical bacterial culture results as the "gold standard", the negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), negative likelihood ratio, positive likelihood ratio, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the two methods were calculated. The consistency of the two evaluation methods was tested by Kappa. RESULTS: A total of 246 patients were enrolled in the analysis, and ultimately confirmed by bacterial culture as non-bacterial infections in 173 cases (70.3%), bacterial infection in 72 cases (29.3%), and unclear in 1 case (0.4%). There were 105 cases with low risk evaluated by the step-by-step approach, and 98 cases (93.3%) were ultimately confirmed as non-bacterial infection; 181 cases with low risk evaluated by the lab-score method, and 140 cases (77.4%) were ultimately confirmed as non-bacterial infection. The consistency of the two evaluation methods was poor (Kappa value = 0.253, P < 0.001). The ability of the step-by-step approach in early identification of non-bacterial infection in febrile infants with less than 90 days old was superior to the lab-score method (NPV: 0.933 vs. 0.773, negative likelihood ratio: 5.835 vs. 1.421), but the sensitivity of the former was lower than that of the latter (0.566 vs. 0.809). The ability of the step-by-step approach in early identification of bacterial infection in febrile infants with less than 90 days old was similar to the lab-score method (PPV: 0.464 vs. 0.484, positive likelihood ratio: 0.481 vs. 0.443), but the specificity of the former was higher than that of the latter (0.903 vs. 0.431). The overall accuracy of the step-by-step approach and the lab-score method was similar (66.5% vs. 69.8%). CONCLUSIONS The ability of the step-by-step approach in early identification of non-bacterial infections in febrile infants with less than 90 days old is superior to the lab-score method.
Humans ; Infant ; Child ; Prospective Studies ; Bacterial Infections ; C-Reactive Protein ; Hospitals ; Interleukin-6 ; Procalcitonin

Objective: To investigate the change in intestinal flora in Mongolian students with anxiety,so as to provide basis for exploring the relationship between flora and secretion expression in vivo. Methods: The Self rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)was used to assess anxiety in medical college students; then a semi structured interview was administered. Fecal samples that met the inclusion criteria were collected and divided into anxiety (SAS score≥50) and control groups (no anxiety, SAS score<50) according to the standard score of SAS. Samples provided by Mongolian female students were selected from each group. The total bacterial DNA was extracted from the fecal samples for PCR amplification and NovaSeq 2x250bp high throughput sequencing was performed for the V3- V4 region of 16S rDNA gene to obtain the biological information of the intestinal flora. The intergroup OTU, structural diversity, significant difference, and LEfSe analyses were performed with information mining of the literature think tanks. Results: Anxiety existed in 23.86% of the Mongolian students,and 16.96% of the Han people. A Chi square test showed no significant difference in detection of anxiety between Mongolian and Han college students ( P =0.07). Analysis of the alpha diversity index showed that the Shannon index, Simpson index, Chao1 index, and Observed species did not differed significantly between the two groups( t =8.0， 9.0 ，6.0，6.5). The difference in abundance of some bacteria was significant at the Class, Order, Family, and Genus levels between the two groups( t =-2.26-2.57，-5.08-3.58，-2.65-2.09， P <0.05). Conclusion The alpha diversity index showed that there was no significant difference in the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora between the two groups. While there were significant differences at different classification levels, the results suggest that the structure of intestinal flora can change in students with anxiety.

The heart valve prosthesis must have excellent hydrodynamic performance which is usually tested in vitro, not in vivo. This paper comprehensively introduced the principles and methods of hydrodynamic performance in vitro testing, helping clinicians to understand valve performance parameters, evaluate valve applicability, and reduce clinical risk of the valve prosthesis. In vitro testing not only serves as the "gold standard" for valve prosthesis assessment, but also provides detailed data for design and optimization of the prosthesis. ISO 5840 defines the items and methods for valve in vitro testing, which consists of three parts: (1) pulsatile flow testing, which reproduces the pulsating flow of the valve prosthesis after implantation in the human body; (2) steady flow testing, which assesses valve forward flow resistance; (3) durability testing, which evaluates the durability of the valve prosthesis and determines the expected failure   mode. In addition, the paper presented the differences between atrioventricular and aortic valve testing, the method of mitral valve testing, the differences between transcatheter and surgical valve testing, and the method of valve flow visualization.

Objective:To compare left and right ventricular Tei indexes and to determine the reference range in newborns of different gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW).Methods:From February 2019 to June 2021, newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of our hospital were enrolled. Tei indexes were measured and calculated during 24 h~7 d after birth and reexamined 1~2 weeks later in some of the newborns. The newborns were assigned into <32 w group, 32~36 w group and ≥ 37 w group according to their GA, < 1 500 g group, 1 500~2 499 g group and ≥2 500 g group according to their BW, and early newborn group (1~7 d) and late newborn group (>7 d) according to their age of evaluation. The data were analyzed using t test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation analysis with SPSS 20.0 statistical software. Results:A total of 128 cases were included. 42 cases in <32 w group, 43 in 32~36 w group and 43 in ≥37 w group. 42 cases in <1 500 g group, 42 in 1 500 ~ 2 499 g group and 44 in ≥2 500 g group. Tei indexes were reexamined after 7 d of age in 63 preterm infants and in 31 full-term infants. The left and right ventricular Tei indexes of the ≥37 w group were less than the 32~36 w group and the <32 w group in early newborns (left ventricular: 0.382±0.069 vs. 0.431±0.069 and 0.439±0.060, right ventricular: 0.373±0.038 vs. 0.431±0.035 and 0.452±0.064); the right ventricular Tei index of the 32~36 w group was significantly less than the <32 w group ( P<0.05). No significant differences existed in the left ventricular Tei index between the 32 ~ 36 w group and the < 32 w group ( P>0.05). The left and right ventricular Tei indexes of the ≥2 500 g group were significantly less than the 1 500~2 499 g group and the <1 500 g group (left ventricular: 0.385±0.069 vs. 0.434±0.067 and 0.434±0.064, right ventricular: 0.376±0.039 vs. 0.431±0.043 and 0.450±0.061) ( P<0.05).No significant differences existed between the 1 500~2 499 g group and the <1 500 g group ( P>0.05). No significant differences existed in the left and right ventricular Tei indexes between the late newborn group and early newborn group ( P>0.05). For early newborns (1~7 d of age), the reference range of Tei index gradually decreased along with the increase of GA and BW. Conclusions:The left and right ventricular Tei indexes of full-term infants and infants with BW ≥2 500 g are less than preterm and low birth weight infants. The reference range of Tei index in early newborns shows negative correlation with GA and BW.

Objective:To investigate the effects of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) on plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level and Tei index of right ventricle in preterm infants.Methods:Premature infants of gestational age<34 weeks with respiratory distress syndrome who were admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Xuzhou Central Hospital and requiring for NPPV from December 2018 to October 2020, were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups 46 patients received nasal continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (NCPAP group) and 49 patients received bi-level positive airway pressure ventilation (BiPAP group); 42 preterm infants of gestational age<34 weeks and without NPPV were selected as the control group. The plasma BNP, Tei index of right ventricle, mean airway pressure and oxygen index at 0-12 h and 48-60 h after NPPV were monitored in NCPAP group and BiPAP group. The plasma BNP and Tei index of right ventricle at 0-12 h and 48-60 h after admission were monitored in the control group. SPSS 20.0 statistical software was used for data analysis.Results:(1)The plasma BNP and Tei index of right ventricle at 48-60 h after NPPV were significantly higher than those at 0-12 h after NPPV in NCPAP group and BiPAP group [NCPAP group: (287.5±155.5) vs. (179.9±102.3) ng/L, (0.43±0.08) vs. (0.38±0.06); BiPAP group: (303.1±135.4) vs. (186.5±95.6) ng/L, (0.45±0.08) vs. (0.39±0.06); t=6.00, 3.34, 7.47, 4.48; all P<0.05]. There were no significant differences in the plasma BNP and Tei index of right ventricle at 48-60 h and 0-12 h after admission in the control group [(181.9±86.8) vs. (169.5±78.9) ng/L, (0.34±0.05) vs. (0.36±0.05); t=0.83, -1.59; all P>0.05].(2) There were no significant differences in the plasma BNP and Tei index of right ventricle at 48-60 h after NPPV between NCPAP group-and BiPAP group (all P>0.05), but they were significantly higher than those in control group at 48-60 h after admission(all P<0.05). (3)The mean airway pressure and oxygen index at 48-60 h after NPPV in NCPAP group and BiPAP group showed a decrease trend compared to those at 0-12 h after NPPV, but the differences were not significant [NCPAP group: (6.8±1.2) vs. (7.0±1.3) cmH 2O(1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa), (5.7±2.1) vs. (6.1±2.3); BiPAP group: (7.0±1.3) vs. (7.2±1.2) cmH 2O, (5.5±2.0) vs. (5.8±2.1); t=-1.05, -0.80, -1.88, -0.67; all P>0.05]; while there were no significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). (4)There was a positive correlation between the plasma BNP and mean airway pressure ( r=0.48, P<0.001), but no correlation between Tei index of right ventricle and mean airway pressure ( r=0.17, P=0.119) at 48-60 h after NPPV. Conclusion:The cardiac function indexes such as plasma BNP and Tei index of right ventricle in preterm infants are increased at 48-60 h after NPPV. When mean airway pressure is the same, the effects of NCPAP and BiPAP on plasma BNP and Tei index of right ventricle in preterm infants are similar.

Objective:To assess the effects of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation on premature infants' cardiac function using Tei index combined with corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) and B- type natriuretic peptide (BNP).Methods:This prospective study involved premature infants from 28 to 32 weeks of gestational age diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and treated with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Xuzhou Central Hospital from December 2017 to December 2020. According to the mean airway pressure (MAP) during noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, the patients were divided into the low-pressure group (≤6 cmH 2O, 1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa), medium-pressure group (>6-<9 cmH 2O), and high-pressure group (≥9 cmH 2O). The right ventricular Tei index, QTcd, and blood BNP were monitored during the first 2 h of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and 12 h after continuous ventilation with stable MAP. Chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, paired t-test, and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient were adopted for statistical analysis. Results:Totally 178 premature infants were enrolled, including 75 in the low-pressure, 62 in the medium-pressure, and 41 in the high-pressure group. After continuous ventilation with stable MAP for 12 h, the right ventricle Tei index and QTcd in the high-pressure group were higher than those in the medium- and low-pressure group [Tei index: (0.38±0.05) vs (0.33±0.04) and (0.33±0.04), F=29.18; QTcd: (27.6±4.2) vs (22.8±4.4) and (22.2±4.2) ms, F=23.26, all P<0.001], and the comparison between the medium- and the low-pressure group did not differ significantly. No significant difference was observed in blood BNP levels among the three groups ( F=1.33, P=0.267). The right ventricle Tei index and QTcd increased in the high-pressure group after continuous ventilation with stable MAP for 12 h as compared with those within the first 2 h of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation [Tei index: (0.38±0.05) vs (0.34±0.04), t=－6.61; QTcd: (27.6±4.2) vs (23.4±4.4) ms, t=－5.06, all P<0.001]. However, the figures did not change significantly in the medium- or the low-pressure group (all P>0.05). There were no significant changes in blood BNP in the three groups (all P>0.05). The right ventricle Tei index and QTcd were moderately positively correlated with MAP ( r=0.56 and 0.50, both P<0.001). Conclusions:For the premature infants with RDS, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation has no significant effect on the cardiac function when MAP is less than 9 cmH 2O, but would have a certain effect on the right ventricular function when used at higher pressure (MAP≥9 cmH 2O) and for longer time (>12 h).

Objective:To evaluate the correlation, consistency and safety of an smartphone application (APP) in screening neonatal jaundice using the smartphone based on the image-based bilirubin (IBB) and transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB).Methods:From July to October 2018, neonates with the age ≤28 d and gestational age ≥35 weeks who were admitted to Department of Neonatal and Obstetrics, Xuzhou Central Hospital without blue light phototherapy were recruited.They were randomly divided into two groups to measure the jaundice value of skin in front of sternum by a cross-control analysis.Jaundice level in group Ⅰ was first measured using the Nezhabaobei? APP in iPhone 6, and then measured using the JM-103 transcutaneous jaundice instrument as the control device.In group Ⅱ, jaundice level was sequencially measured by the control device and the Nezhabaobei? APP.Sex, age, gestational age, birth weight and the mean value of three consecutive tests were recorded.The Pearson′s correlation analysis, Bland-Altman plots consistency analysis, t test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistical analysis. Results:A total of 185 eligible neonates were enrolled, including 99 males and 86 females, with the median age of 5 d (3-8 d), gestational age of (37.6 ± 1.7) weeks, and birth weight of (2 950 ± 645) g. There were good correlation ( r=0.860, P<0.05) and consistency (95.1% of the samples fall within the 95% consistency interval) between IBB and TcB.Good correlation and consistency were also yielded in subgroup analyses based on the sex, age, gestational age and birth weight.The consistency was better in subgroups of ≤7 d, >37 weeks and>2 500 g. The ability of IBB to predict TcB>256.5 μmol/L was better than that of TcB>171.0 μmol/L.The area under the ROC curve was 0.93, the cut-off value was 232.6 μmol/L, the sensitivity was 96.7%, and the specificity was 82.6%.The difference of the mean values of IBB and TcB detected for 3 times was significantly lower than that obtained in the first measurement of IBB and TcB [(12.0 ± 34.4) μmol/L vs.(14.4 ± 38.6) μmol/L, P=0.038]. There were no adverse events and no defects in the device itself. Conclusions:There are good correlation and consistency between IBB and TcB.The ability of IBB to predict TcB>256.5 μmol/L is better than that of TcB>171.0 μmol/L, which is safe in clinical use.

Objective:To investigate the application value of esophagogastric anastomosis with double muscle flap plasty in total laparoscopic radical resection of proximal gastric cancer.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 5 patients undergoing radical resection of proximal gastric cancer in Cancer Hospital of China Medical University from January to December 2020 were collected. All 5 cases were male, aged from 57 to 72 years, with a median age of 65 years. All 5 patients underwent total laparoscopic radical resection of proximal gastric cancer combined with esophagogastric anastomosis with double muscle flap plasty. Observation indicators: (1) operative situations; (2) postoperative situations; (3) follow-up. Follow-up was conducted using outpatient examination and telephone interview to detect postoperative anastomosis, esophageal reflux, nutritional status, quality of life, tumor recurrence and metastasis of patients up to February 2021. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range). Count data were described as absolute numbers. Results:(1) Operative situations: all 5 patients underwent surgery successfully. The operation time, time of esophagogastric anastomosis with double muscle flap plasty, number of lymph node dissected, volume of intraoperative blood loss, length of surgical incision of 5 patients were (316±41)minutes,(109±11)minutes, 26±4, (48±12)mL, (3.4±0.4)cm, respectively. Results of intraoperative rapid frozen section pathological examination showed negative of esophageal margin. (2) Postoperative situations: the time to postoperative initial flatus, time to postoperative initial food intake, during of postoperative hospital stay, cost of treat-ment of 5 patients were (4.8±1.5)days, (5.8±1.5)days, (11.6±2.1)days and (5.5±0.4)×10 4 yuan, respectively. Results of postoperative pathological examination of 5 patients showed gastric adeno-carcinoma in all 5 patients including 4 cases with moderately and poorly differentiated adeno-carcinoma and 1 case with highly differentiated adenocarcinoma, with the TNM staging of pT1a-3N0-1 M0 stage. Of the 5 patients, 1 case underwent postoperative mild pneumonia and was cured by conservative treatment such as anti-infection and promotion of sputum evacuation. (3) Follow-up: all 5 patients were followed up for 2 to 12 months, with a median follow-up time of 6 months. Of the 5 patients, 4 cases underwent anastomotic patency and 1 case underwent mild anastomotic stenosis who was improved after endoscopic treatment. None of the 5 patients underwent reflux esophagitis. The body mass index, the score of nutritional risk screening 2002, the score of patient-generated subjective global assessment and the score of tumor patient quality of life of 5 patients were 21 kg/m 2(range, 19-27 kg/m 2), 2(range, 1-2), 2(range, 1-3) and 47(range, 42-52), respectively. None of the 5 patients underwent tumor recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion:Esophagogastric anas-tomosis with double muscle flap plasty can be used in total laparoscopic radical resection of proximal gastric cancer which will lead to satisfactory short-term efficacy.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of caffeine citrate combined with heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants.Methods From June 2017 to December 2018,a total of 82 preterm infants with RDS (28 weeks ≤ gestational age＜32 weeks) who were hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Affiliated Xuzhou Hospital of Southeast University were chosen as research subjects.They were randomly (random number table method) divided into two groups:the combined treatment group (n=42) and the control group (n=40).Infants in the combined treatment group were given caffeine citrate combined with HHHFNC,while infants in the control group were given nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) without caffeine citrate.The general clinical data,results of blood gas analysis at 6 h and 24 h after breath support therapy,clinical efficacy,related complications and adverse drug reactions between the two groups were compared statistically by LSD-t test,Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis H rank sum test.Results ① No significant differences were found between the two groups in the general clinical data (all P＞0.05).② The results of intra-groups comparison within the combined treatment group or control group showed that the pH value,partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2),partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) of blood gas analysis and PaO2/fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F) at 6 h and 24 h after breath support therapy were all significantly improved compared to those of before treatment (all P＜0.05);The PaO2 and P/F of premature infants in the combined treatment group at 6 h and 24 h after breath support therapy were significantly higher than those in the control group,while PaCO2 were significantly lower than that in the control group (all P＜0.05).③ The duration of noninvasive ventilation,total oxygen inhaling,failure rate of machine withdrawal,use of pulmonary surfactants,the rate of tracheal intubation within 72 h and the times of apnea in combined treatment group were 3.0 d (1.0,18.0)d,5.5 d (3.0,21.0)d,4 case(9.5％),10 case(23.8％),3 case(7.1％) and 6.0 times(3.0,21.0)times,which were significant shorter,or lower,or less than those in control group,which were 7.0 d (2.0,22.0),10.0 d (4.0,28.0),11 case(27.5％),19 case(47.5％),12 case(30.0％)and 15.0 times(4.0,28.0)times,and the differences were all statistically significant (all P＜0.05).④ The occurrence of nasal trauma,abdominal distention and head shaping in the combined treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P＜0.05).⑤ There were no significant differences between the two groups of premature infants in related complication and caffeine associated adverse reactions (all P＞0.05).Conclusions Caffeine citrate combined with HHHFNC treatment strategy for premature infants with RDS can effectively improve oxygenation,shorten the duration of noninvasive mechanical ventilation,increase the success rate of machine withdrawal,and reduce the incidence of nasal trauma and abdominal distention.

Objective: To analyze the correlation between the continuous opening of patent ductus arteriosus(PDA) in preterm infants and platelet parameters in the first 24 hours of life. Methods: The preterm infants (gestational age <34 weeks) admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU)of the Affiliated Xuzhou Hospital of Southeast University from November 2012 to July 2018 were enrolled.The following data were collected retrospectively: the platelet parameters in the first 24 hours of life, clinical factors possibly related to continuous opening of PDA, and echocardiography examination fin-dings on the 4^th-7^th day after birth.According to the diagnostic criteria of PDA, all preterm infants were divided into symptomatic PDA(sPDA) group, non-sPDA (nsPDA) group, and non-PDA (nPDA) group.SPSS 20.0 software was used for data analysis.Data were analyzed by Chi-square test, LSD or Tambane′s T2 of One-Way analysis of variance, and binary Logistic regression analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Totally 760 preterm infants were chosen, and among them there were 67 cases (8.8%) in sPDA group, 106 cases (14.0%) in nsPDA group, and 587 cases (77.2%) in nPDA group.There were significant diffe-rences in the terms of gestation age, birth weight, platelet counts (PLT), and plateletcrit (PCT) in the first 24 hours of life among 3 groups (all P<0.05). The smaller gestation age, the lower birth weight, the lower PLT and PCT in the first 24 hours of life, and the higher incidence of PDA in preterm infants.There were no significant differences in the platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume, and platelet large cell ratio in the first 24 hours of life among 3 groups (all P>0.05). The low lower birth weight and PCT in the first 24 hours of life were independent risk factors for the occurrence of sPDA in preterm infants (P=0.013, 0.000). The risk of occurrence of sPDA in preterm infants will be increased by 3.279-fold (95%CI: 2.369-4.479) if PCT in the first 24 hours of life is decreased by 0.10%.The area under the ROC curves of PCT and PLT in the first 24 hours of life for prediction of sPDA in preterm infants was 0.757 (95%CI: 0.712-0.814) and 0.718 (95%CI: 0.671-0.768), respectively.The best cutoff values of PCT and PLT were 0.178% (sensitivity was 75.7%, specificity was 71.9%) and 207.5×10⁹/L (sensitivity was 71.4%, specificity was 63.2%). Conclusions The continuous opening of PDA in preterm infants may have correlation with the platelet.The low PCT, rather than PLT, in the first 24 hours of life was an independent risk factor and has medium predictive value for the occurrence of sPDA in preterm infants on the 4^th-7^th day after birth.