Objective:Postoperative neurosurgical bacterial meningitis (PNBM) has been frequently reported, but fewer studies have focused on the contemporaneous comparison of clinical features of PNBM caused by different pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to simultaneously investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of PNBM by Gram-positive bacterial(GPB) or Gram-negative bacterial (GNB) infection.Methods:Inpatients with PNBM at our institution were recruited between February 2013 and October 2023. These PNBM patients were categorized into two groups: GPB infection and GNB infection. Data from electronic medical records were collected and analyzed.Results:A total of 401 patients with PNBM were finally included, with 78 (19.5%) having GPB infections and 323 (80.5%)having GNB infection. The average age of the patients was 56 years, and 55.1% were male. Compared to the GPB group, PNBM patients with GNB infection had significantly higher SOFA and APACHE Ⅱ scores, higher proportions of hyperthermia (body temperature>39°C) and altered consciousness, increased ratios of postoperative cerebral hemorrhage or intracranial aneurysm, as well as greater needs for ICU treatment and mechanical ventilation (all P <0.05). The proportions of inflammatory indicators such as blood CRP and PCT≥2 ng/mL, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBIL) were significantly higher in the GNB group (all P<0.05). In contrast, The concentrations of hemoglobin and albumin were substantially lower in this group(both P <0.05). Additionally, the cerebrospinal fluid in the GNB group showed significantly higher nucleated cell counts, protein concentration, and adenosine deaminase concentration, and but lower glucose level (all P <0.001). A total of 426 bacterial strains were isolated, with 343 strains (80.5%) being GNB and 83 strains (19.5%) being GPB. Among these, 25 (6.2%) patients had 2 or more gram-positive or gram-negative bacterial infections. The proportions of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and intrathecal treatment were higher in the GNB group (80.5% vs. 68.7%, 36.5% vs. 2.6%, respectively), while the ratio of correct empirical antibiotic treatment was significantly lower (30.3% vs. 80.0%) (all P <0.05). In terms of outcomes, the length of stay in the ICU was significantly longer in the GNB group [(median (interquartile range, IQR): 11.5 (5.25,22.75) vs. 17.0 (9.0,30.0), P <0.01)], and the rate of septic shock (9.3% vs. 2.6%), poor prognosis (GCS≤8 at discharge) (65.9% vs. 32.1%), and 28-day hospital mortality rate (34.4% vs. 10.3%) were significantly higher compared to the GPB group (all P <0.05). However, there were no differences in 7-day hospital mortality and total hospitalization time. Conclusions:Gram-negative bacterial infections are more prevalent than Gram-positive bacterial infections in PNBM, and they are also associated with more severe symptoms, abnormal cerebrospinal fluid findings, higher severity, and more treatment difficulty. Despite comparable short-term (7-day) mortality rates between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial infections, Gram-negative bacterial infections result in higher medium- to long-term (14-day and 28-day) case-fatality rates among patients with post-neurosurgical bacterial meningitis and are associated with overall poorer prognosis, warranting greater attention from clinicians.

Objective:To investigate the treatment strategy and prognostic factors of nasopharyngeal necrosis after the first radical radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods:Clinical data of 1020 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing radical intensity-modulated radiotherapy in Jiangsu Cancer Hospital from January 2013 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Nasopharyngeal necrosis was confirmed by nasopharyngeal MRI, electronic nasopharyngoscopy and biopsy. Patients with nasopharyngeal necrosis were treated with electronic nasopharyngoscope irrigation debridement, combined with systemic anti-infection and nutritional support therapy. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the survival, and Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between clinical factors and patients' survival.Results:Nasopharyngeal necrosis occurred in 20 cases of 1020 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients after the first radical intensity-modulated radiotherapy, with an incidence rate of 1.96%. Odd smell and headache were common in nasopharyngeal necrosis patients. All patients had locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma at initial treatment, including 2 (10%) cases of T 3 stage and 18 (90%) cases of T 4 stage. Nasopharyngeal necrosis occurred in the primary nasopharyngeal lesions. According to the stages of nasopharyngeal necrosis, there were 6 (30%) cases of stage I, 14 (70%) cases of stage II and no stage III. The occurrence time of nasopharyngeal necrosis was from 2 to 24 months after radiotherapy, and the median time was 5 months. All 16 cases of nasopharyngeal necrosis were cured clinically after debridement and irrigation under nasopharyngoscope, systemic anti-infection and symptomatic support treatment. Among them, 9 cases had no necrotic cavity and complete healing and 7 cases had residual necrotic cavity. Four patients died of massive nasopharyngeal hemorrhage or due to the inability to nasopharyngeal irrigation. The 5-year survival rates were 37.5% and 85.7% in patients with and without internal carotid artery involvement ( P=0.008), and 25.0% and 77.8% in patients with and without diabetes mellitus ( P=0.016). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that necrotic lesions involving internal carotid artery ( HR=5.80, 95% CI=1.14-29.38, P=0.034) and diabetes mellitus ( HR=10.24, 95% CI=1.19-88.04, P=0.034) were the influencing factors of overall survival. Conclusions:Nasopharyngoscope irrigation debridement combined with anti-inflammation and nutritional support treatment are effective interventions for nasopharyngeal necrosis after the first radical intensity-modulated radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The necrosis involving the internal carotid artery and diabetes mellitus are important factors affecting the survival of patients. Vascular invasion caused by vascular rupture is the main cause of death.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of individualized primary clinical target volume (CTV) delineation in intensity-modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Methods:Clinical data of 87 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with lateralized NPC in Jiangsu Cancer Hospital between October 2016 and February 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Lateralized NPC is defined as tumor invasion not exceeding the contralateral wall. According to the tumor spread, the primary CTV was optimized as follows: CTV2 only covered the medial part of the contralateral pterygopalatine fossa, whereas the contralateral foramen oval was not included; on the level of parapharyngeal space, the contralateral side of CTV only covered the posterior lateral lymph nodes, whereas the contralateral internal jugular vein was not regularly covered. Failure patterns and 5-year survival [local control rate (LCR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)] were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method. Paired t-test and rank-sum test were used to analyze the dose variation in the optimized region and adverse reactions. Results:The median follow-up time was 59.5 months. The 5-year LCR, PFS, and OS were 98.9%, 86.5% and 92.1%, respectively. There was no local recurrence in the optimized area of CTV. Dosimetric comparison results showed that the doses of parotid gland, temporal lobe, cochlea and middle ear on the contralateral side were reduced by 13.45%, 9.14%, 38.83%, and 29.36%, respectively. Four cases (4.6%) developed grade 3 hearing loss, all on the ipsilateral side. The optimized scheme significantly alleviated the hearing loss on the contralateral side compared to that on the ipsilateral side ( P<0.001). Other grade 3 late adverse reactions included cranial nerve injury, subcutaneous fibrosis in the neck and visual impairment, with 1 case each. Conclusion:Individualized primary CTV for lateralized NPC is feasible and safe, with obvious dosimetric advantages and reduced adverse reaction rate, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective:Intensive physicians have relatively insufficient knowledge and experience in treating patients with decompensated schistosomiasis cirrhosis (DSC) admitted in intensive care unit (ICU), but are relatively familiar with patients with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis (DAC). For this purpose, the clinical characteristics and prognosis of these patients were compared and analyzed.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed from January 2013 to May 2019 in our hospital and Quzhou People’s hospital. The demographic data, laboratory examination, liver function, Child-Pugh classification, complications of cirrhosis, ultrasonic imaging gastroscopy manifestations were recorded and analyzed. In addition, the treatments and prognosis were also compared.Results:A total of 30 patients (12 males and 18 females) with DSC (aged 57-88) and 31 patients with DAC (aged 41-75) were collected. Compared with patients with DAC, DSC patients were more likely to have coronary heart disease, lower proportion of hyponatremia and lower need of ventilator support. Although the incidences of jaundice and hepatic encephalopathy were significantly reduced ( P<0.05), but parameters of liver function and coagulation were no significant differences in both groups ( P>0.05). B-mode ultrasound of liver in patients with DSC displayed more proportion of patchy and diffuse echo changes and liver volume reduction ( P<0.05), whereas the manifestations of gastroscope in both groups were similar. No significant difference in main treatment measures like uses of somatostatin and three-chamber and two-capsule tube was observed. After treatment, the stop time of gastrointestinal bleeding was similar between groups of DAC and DSC [1.25 (0.5-4.125) days vs. 1.75 (1-2.375) days] ( P>0.05). In addition, the length of ICU stay in DAC group was similar to DSC group [(4.96±3.58) days vs. (3.82±1.99) days], so did the 28-day mortality [14.29% (2/14) vs. 18.18% (2/11)] (both P>0.05). Conclusions:In genenal, patients with decompensated schistosomiasis cirrhosis have the similar clinical characteristics, major biochemical indicators and accessory examination results like ultrasound and gastroscopic examinations to patients with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis. After timely treatments, both of these patients could achieve a good prognosis.

Objective To explore the upper bound of Ⅱb region in the clinical target volume ( CTV ) for intensity?modulated radiotherapy ( IMRT ) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma ( NPC ) , and to establish a standard for personalized reduction in the range ofⅡb region. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the IMRT results of 142 patients newly diagnosed with NPC who were admitted to our hospital from 2012 to 2014. According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer 2010 staging system, there were 8 patients with stageⅠ disease, 37 stage Ⅱ, 41 stage Ⅲ, and 56 stage Ⅳ. The distribution pattern of cervical lymph nodes in NPC was studied based on the imaging results. Comparison of the dose to parotid glands between patients with and without reduction in the range ofⅡb region was made by t test and t'test. Results The metastasis rates of the most common diseased lymph nodes, lateral retropharyngeal lymph node and Ⅱb lymph node, were 75?4% and 67?6%, respectively. In the patients with metastases inⅡb region, 51?0% had high?risk positive lymph nodes and 6?3% had positive lymph nodes beyond the upper bound of Ⅱb region defined by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group system. It was safe to narrow down Ⅱb region in patients who met the formulated standard. The D50 and V26 values for parotid glands were significantly reduced after optimization of CTV ( P=0?000) . Conclusions The upper bound ofⅡb region, in principle, should reach the lateral skull base during the delineation of the cervical CTV for NPC. In order to protect the parotid glands, however, personalized reduction in the upper bound of Ⅱb region is recommended for patients who meet the formulated standard.

Objective To explore the risk factors of cognitive impairment of elderly patients with cerebral infarction in order to provide the theoretical basis for the clinical intervention. Methods A total of 237 cases with senile cerebral infarction were selected as ours subjects who were hospitalized from Mar. 2010 to Jun. 2013 in Kailuan General Hospital Affiliated to Hebei United University. The general condition and medical history were recorded. The auxiliary examination was performed. Cerebral infarction was diagnosed based on the onset to diagnosis standard and MoCA scores of within 2 weeks. The patients with less than 26 MoCA score were diagnosed as cognitive dysfunction and otherwise were thought as normal. Single factor analysis methods and non conditional Logistic regression were applied to analyze the analysis. Results There was no significant difference in terms of incidence between patients with different gender. Patients with age more than 75 years old and lower education levels had the high incidence rate than those with younger age and high education levels( χ2=16. 661,5. 453;P﹤0. 05). The cognitive dysfunction incidence of patients with white collar was lower than those with blue collar(χ2 = 5. 458,P ﹤ 0. 05 ). And the cognitive dysfunction incidence of patients with hypertention,diabetes,heart disease and leukoaraiosis were higher than those without the above diseases(χ2 =28. 423,5. 621,7. 768,6. 070;P﹤0. 05). The incidence of patients smoking more was significantly higher than that of smoking less or no(χ2 =5. 045,P ﹤0. 05 ). Multiple factors and non conditional Logistic regression analysis showed that,67 Senile cerebral infarction patients occurred cognitive impairment within 2 weeks. The independent risk factors for its occurrence included age greater than 75 years( P=0. 000 ),diabetes mellitus( P=0. 043),hypertension(P=0. 000)and leukoaraiosis(P=0. 041). Conclusion There are many risk factors related to cognitive impairment after cerebral infarction occurred in the elderly. The intervention should take in many aspects and the risk factors should early found.

Objective To investigate the imaging features of hippocampus and entorhinal cortex in the normal,mild cognitive impairment(MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD),and explore the value of diagnosing MCI and AD by using the method of MRI measuring the volume of hippocampus and entorhinal cortex.Method One hundred and twenty-two people including 42 cases of MCI,38 cases of AD,and 42 cases of noroal cognition(NC) were selected as our subjects from health examination persons both in hospital and outpatient service.All were performed general examination and neuropsychological scale evaluation.The volume of hippocampus and entorhinal cortex were measured by using MRI.The correlation between the volumetric changes of hippocampus and entorhinal cortex with scores of mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA) was analyzed.Results The volume of hippocampus and entorhinal cortex in the MCI group,AD group and NC group were (6.29 ± 1.13)cm3 and (2.71 ± 0.51) cm3,(6.27 ± 1.11) cm3 and (2.09 ±0.68) cm3,(7.01 ±0.92) cm3 and (3.12 ±0.34) cm3 respectively.The volume of MCI group was obviously smaller than that of NC group (P ＜ 0.05).The volume of AD group was smaller than that of NC group(P ＜0.01).The volume of AD group was obviously smaller than that of MCI group(P ＜0.01).There was positive correlation between hippocampus volume,the volume of entorhinal cortex and MMSE scores (r =0.770,0.811 ; P ＜ 0.01).Meanwhile,hippocampal volume,volume of entorhinal cortex were positive correlated with MoCA (r =0.810,0.842; P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion The atrophy of entorhinal cortex and hippocampus is closely related to cognitive disorder.The MRI measuring of the volume of entorhinal cortex and hippocampus has a potential value in diagnosing and distinguishing of MCI and NC.

Objective To investigate the effect of lobaplatin combined with irradiation on human nasopharyngeal cancer cell line CNE2,and to illuminate its mechanism of radiosensitization.Methods MTT assay was used to detect the outcome of lobaplatin and irradiation on CNE2 cell proliferation.Clonogenic assay was applied to testify the radiosensitization effect of lobaplatin on the cells.Flow cytometry was used to check the cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis.Western was used to detect the expression of Bcl-2,Bax and cleaved Caspase-3.Results The proliferation of CNE2 cells was reduced by lobaplatin in a dose-dependent manner.50IC of lobaplatin on CNE2 cells and lobaplatin combined with 4 Gy irradiation was 1.610 μmol/L and 0.077 μmol/L,respectively.The radiosensitization ratio of the combination group was over 3.Within 24 h of drug treatment,the percent of cells in G2/M phase increased with the concentration of lobaplatin.When the concentration of lobaplatin increased to 6 μmol/L,the cells of combination group were arrested at S phase.The apoptosis rate of lobaplatin (5 μmol/L) group,radiotherapy(4 Gy)group and combination group was 15.6％,11.3％ and 61.8％,respectively.Western blot showed that the expressions of Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 increased but Bcl-2 decreased in the combination group.Conclusion Lobaplatin could increase radiosensitization of human nasopharyngeal cancer cell line CNE2,probably by depressing Bcl-2 but enhancing Bax expression and hence activating Bcl-2/Bax-Caspase signaling pathway.

【Objective】 To explore the significance of electrocard iogram monitoring during the effective application of radiofrequency energy to s low atrioventricular (AV) nodal pathway ablation. 【Methods】 Slow AV nodal pathway ablation was performed in 58 patients with slownfast AV nodal ree-trant tachyca rdi a (AVNRT). The changes of electrocardiogram were monitored during the effective application of low radiofrequency RF energy (15～25 W). A faster rate of junctio nal ectopy (>150 min-1), ventriculoatrial (VA) block in association with j unctional ectopy, and l ong P-R interval during sinus beat were considered as harbingers of atrioventri cular (AV) block. RF energy deliveries were discontinued as soon as the harbinge rs of AV block occurred. Otherwise, RF energy continued until junctional ectopie s were decreased or vanished. If junctionnal ectopies were not decreased, RF ene rgy continued lasted for 90～120 s. 【Results】 Slow AV nodal pathway ablation w as successful in all patients who had junctional ectopy during the effective del ivery of RF energy. The effective ablation time was (128±26) s. 54 patients exp erienced one time successful ablation, and 4 patients experienced two times abla tion. Unsustained AV block occurred in 6 patinets after RF energy deliveries whi ch were immediately terminated because of VA block in association with junctiona l ectopy in 4 patinets and long P-R interval during sinus beats in 2 patients. No patients developed permanent AV block. Recurrent AVNRT requiring second ablat ion occurred in 2 of 58 successfully ablated slow pathway during (18±16) months of follow-up. 【Conclusion】 RF energy deliveries could be instructed b y intracardiac electrocardiogram monitoring during AVNRT ablation, which could e nhance the successful rate of slow pathway ablation, reduce recurrence and avoide permanent AV block.

AIM: To investigate the effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), benazepril(B), on cardiac function, free oxygen radicals, sarcoplasmic reticulum(SR) Ca~(2+)-ATPase following ischemia-reper-fusion in sportaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). METHODS: Thirty 10-week-old female SHRs were randomly assigned into two groups: group SHR was control; The animal in group SHR+B was given with 10 mg/kg of benazepril perday. Another 15 Wistar rats with the same age and sex were normal control (group Wistar). After 12 weeks of pretreatment, all rats in each group were subjected to 30 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and 30 min of reperfusion. Hemodynamic parameters, left heart-to-body weight ratio(LVW/BW), myocardial malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and SR Ca~(2+)-ATPase activity were measured. RESULTS: Compared to group Wistar, the rats in group SHR had higher blood pressure, LVW/BW and myocardial MDA concentration, more serious left cardiac function injury and lower myocardial SOD activity and SR Ca~(2+)-ATPase activity; group SHR+B had lower myocardial MDA concentration, higher myocardial SOD activity, but no difference in blood pressure, LVW/BW, the degree of left cardiac function injury and myocardial SR Ca~(2+)-ATPase activity. CONCLUSION: Benazepril can attenuate ischemia-reperfusion-induced cardiac function injury by regression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), improving SR Ca~(2+)-ATPase activity and decreasing oxygen free radicals injury in SHRs.