Objective:To investigate the differences in clinical characteristics and antibiotic resistance of neonatal sepsis（NS）caused by different Gram-staining pathogens.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on confirmed NS cases admitted to the Neonatal Ward of the Pediatric Department at The First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University，from June 1，2014，to May 31，2024.Patients were divided into Gram-positive and Gram-negative groups based on blood or cerebrospinal fluid（CSF）culture results.Clinical characteristics，pathogen distribution，and antibiotic resistance were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 98 cases were included，with 81 in the Gram-positive group and 17 in the Gram-negative group.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that NS cases with a high neutrophil percentage（ OR=0.933，95% CI：0.899-0.969）or hemorrhagic symptoms/signs（ OR=0.059，95% CI：0.008-0.458）were less likely to have Gram-positive pathogens detected in blood or CSF cultures（ P<0.05）.Common Gram-positive pathogens included Staphylococcus epidermidis with 35 strains（33.65%）and Staphylococcus hominis with 22 strains（21.15%）.The predominant Gram-negative pathogen was Escherichia coli with 14 strains（13.46%）.Gram-positive pathogens exhibited high resistance to oxacillin（91.30%），erythromycin（90.91%），and penicillin G（90.00%），but low resistance to tigecycline（0），linezolid（0），and vancomycin（0）.Gram-negative pathogens showed high resistance to ampicillin（92.31%），cefazolin（90.00%），and ampicillin/sulbactam（75.00%），but low resistance to amikacin（6.25%），latamoxef（0），and ertapenem（0）.The incidence of concurrent purulent meningitis was lower in the Gram-positive group than in the Gram-negative group（9.88% vs.47.06%， χ2=11.628， P<0.05），and there was significant difference. Conclusion:NS cases with high neutrophil percentages or hemorrhagic symptoms/signs are less likely to be caused by Gram-positive pathogens.Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus hominis are common Gram-positive pathogens，while Escherichia coli is the predominant Gram-negative pathogen in NS.Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens exhibit resistance to specific antibiotics.NS caused by Gram-positive pathogens is less likely to be complicated by purulent meningitis compared to those caused by Gram-negative pathogens.

Objective To explore the predictive value of early variability of levels of multiple inflammatory factors for the prognosis of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP).Methods A total of 253 MPP children admitted to the hospital from May 2022 to October 2024 were selected as the research sub-jects.Blood samples were collected from all patients at admission and up to 72 h[T0(0-6 h at admission),T1(24 h after admission),T2(48 h after admission),T3(72 h after admission)].Serum inflammatory fac-tors,including C-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin(IL)-2,IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-17A,IL-1β,γ-in-terferon(IFN-γ),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were measured,and variability was calculated(T1=[(T1-T0)/T0]× 100％,△T2=[(T2-T0)/T0]× 100％,△T3=[(T3-T0)/T0]× 100％).MPP patients were divided into the good prognosis group and poor prognosis according to the prognosis condition.The ser-um inflammatory factor levels and their variability at different time points in the good prognosis group and the poor prognosis group were compared,multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing fac-tors of MPP children's prognosis,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the predictive value of early variability of inflammatory factor levels for MPP children's prognosis.Results After 3 months of follow-up observation,a total of 7 cases were lost to follow-up,and a total of 246 cases were final-ly included for analysis.Among them,58 cases were in the poor prognosis group,and 188 cases were in the good prognosis group.The disease course of the poor prognosis group was longer than that of the good prog-nosis group(P＜0.05),the severity of the disease was more severe than that of the good prognosis group(P＜0.05),and the proportion of affected lung lobes≥2/3 was higher in the poor prognosis group than in the good prognosis group(P＜0.05).IL-6,IL-17A and IL-1β levels at T1-T3 were higher than those at T0(P＜0.0125).The level of IL-6 at T0-T3,IL-1 β level at T2-T3,and IL-17A at T3 in the poor prognosis group were higher than those in the good prognosis group(P＜0.05).IL-6(△T2),IL-17A(△T3),IL-1β(△T2),IL-1β(△T3)in the poor prognosis group were higher than those in the good prognosis group(P＜0.05).The results of the multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that IL-6(T0),IL-6(T1),IL-6(△T2),IL-1β(△T3),IL-17A(△T3)were the factors influencing the prognosis of children with MPP(P＜0.05).The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve of IL-6(T0),IL-6(T1),IL-6(△T2),IL-1β(△T3),IL-17A(△T3)for predicting the prognosis of children with MPP was all above 0.7.Conclusion The prognosis of MPP patients is related to the phase sensitivity and dynamic remodeling of the inflammatory network.IL-6(T0),IL-6(T1),IL-6(△T2),IL-1β(△T3),IL-17A(△T3)are key prognostic indicators for MPP patients.Dy-namic monitoring of inflammatory factor levels can help intervene in immune imbalances and cytokine storms in a timely manner to improve the prognosis of pediatric patients.

Background::Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by excessive proliferation of small pulmonary arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), endothelial dysfunction, and extracellular matrix remodeling. G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) plays an important role in the maintenance of vascular tone and blood flow. However, the role of GRK2 in the pathogenesis of PAH is unknown.Methods::GRK2 levels were detected in lung tissues from healthy people and PAH patients. C57BL/6 mice, vascular smooth muscle cell-specific Grk2-knockout mice ( Grk2?SM22), and littermate controls ( Grk2flox/flox) were grouped into control and hypoxia mice ( n = 8). Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was induced by exposure to chronic hypoxia (10%) combined with injection of the SU5416 (cHx/SU). The expression levels of GRK2 and Yes-associated protein (YAP) in pulmonary arteries and PASMCs were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA expression levels of Grk2 and Yes-associated protein ( YAP) in PASMCs were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Wound-healing assay, 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay, and 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining were performed to evaluate the proliferation and migration of PASMCs. Meanwhile, the interaction among proteins was detected by immunoprecipitation assays. Results::The expression levels of GRK2 were upregulated in the pulmonary arteries of patients with PAH and the lungs of PH mice. Moreover, cHx/SU-induced PH was attenuated in Grk2?SM22 mice compared with littermate controls. The amelioration of PH in Grk2?SM22 mice was accompanied by reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling. In vitro study further confirmed that GRK2 knock-down significantly altered hypoxia-induced PASMCs proliferation and migration, whereas this effect was severely intensified by overexpression of GRK2. We also identified that GRK2 promoted YAP expression and nuclear translocation in PASMCs, resulting in excessive PASMCs proliferation and migration. Furthermore, GRK2 is stabilized by inhibiting phosphorylating GRK2 on Tyr86 and subsequently activating ubiquitylation under hypoxic conditions. Conclusion::Our findings suggest that GRK2 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of PAH, via regulating YAP expression and nuclear translocation. Therefore, GRK2 serves as a novel therapeutic target for PAH treatment.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and metabolic disorders are major components of noncommunicable diseases, causing an enormous health and economic burden worldwide. There are common risk factors and developmental mechanisms among them, indicating the far-reaching significance in exploring the corresponding therapeutic targets. MST1/2 kinases are well-established proapoptotic effectors that also bidirectionally regulate autophagic activity. Recent studies have demonstrated that MST1/2 influence the outcome of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases by regulating immune inflammation. In addition, drug development against them is in full swing. In this review, we mainly describe the roles and mechanisms of MST1/2 in apoptosis and autophagy in cardiovascular and metabolic events as well as emphasis on the existing evidence for their involvement in immune inflammation. Moreover, we summarize the latest progress of pharmacotherapy targeting MST1/2 and propose a new mode of drug combination therapy, which may be beneficial to seek more effective strategies to prevent and treat CVDs and metabolic disorders.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) based on permissive high stroke volume variation (SVV) guidance on residual liver function in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy.Methods:A total of 100 elderly patients of either sex, aged 65-80 yr, with body mass index of 18.5-24.9 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ, with Child-Pugh grade A or B, scheduled for elective laparoscopic hepatectomy, were divided into 2 groups ( n=50 each) by the random number table method: SVV-guided GDFT group (group SG) and CVP-guided fluid replacement group (group C). Intraoperative fluid management was divided into 2 stages.The first stage was from the start of surgery to the completion of liver resection, the SVV was maintained at 13%-20% in group SG, and the low CVP was maintained at 0-5 cmH 2O in group C. The second stage was from completion of liver resection to the end of the operation, SVV was maintained at 9%-13%, additional hydroxyethyl starch 3 ml/kg was given or repeatedly administered when SVV>13% (for 5 min) or when the response to previous fluid replacement was positive (SVV increased by more than 10%), and the infusion rate was slowed down when the SVV was 9%-13% in group SG, and CVP was maintained at 5-12 cmH 2O in group C. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded on admission to the operating room, at skin incision (T 1), at the start of liver resection (T 2), at completion of liver resection (T 3) and at the end of operation (T 4). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, transfusion volume, urine volume and levels of serum lactic acid before operation and at the end of operation were recorded.Blood samples from the median cubital vein were collected at T 0-4 to measure blood glucose and cortisol concentrations.The concentrations of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin and albumin were measured before operation, at 1, 3 and 5 days after operation, and prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and Fib were recorded.The concentrations of serum interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and C-reactive protein were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before operation and at the end of operation, and the postoperative complications and length of hospital stay were recorded. Results:Compared with group C, mean arterial pressure and heart rate were significantly decreased at T 2, 3, blood loss was reduced, transfusion volume and urine volume were increased, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were shortened at the end of operation, serum concentrations of interleukin-6 and lactic acid and concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in serum at 5 days after operation were decreased, and the length of hospital stay was shortened in group SG ( P<0.05). Conclusions:GDFT based on permissive high SVV guidance can improve residual liver function in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Objective    To investigate the feature of the angulation between left pulmonary artery (LPA) and main pulmonary artery (MPA) and its relationship to pulmonary artery development in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Methods    A total of 101 TOF patients in West China Hospital from 2014 to 2018 were enrolled in a TOF group, including 62 males and 39 females, aged 6.8 (0.3-45.8) years, and another 20 patients without basic cardiac diseases at the same stage were enrolled in a control group, including 10 males and 10 females, aged 6.9 (0.3-54.0) years. Diameters of LPA, right pulmonary artery (RPA) and MPA, the angulation between LPA and MPA (MPA-LPA), McGoon ratio, and Nakata index were measured and compared between the two groups. The relationship between the above data and MPA-LPA angulation was also analyzed. Results    The average MPA-LPA angulation was smaller in the TOF group than that in the control group (113.63° vs. 128.45°, P=0.001 8). The MPA Z score was also smaller in the TOF group than that in the control group (0.46 vs. 2.75, P=0.000 4). No relationship was found by correlation analysis between the MPA-LPA angulation and MPA Z score or LPA Z score in the control group (P=0.239 6, 0.114 7) and the TOF group (P=0.759 3, 0.242 7). The McGoon ratios (2.22±0.72, 2.43±0.94, P=0.340 0) and Nakata index (359.3±294.24, 395.52±329.31, P=0.650 0) were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion    The angulation of LPA-MPA and MPA Z score are smaller in the TOF group than those in the control group. There is no relationship between MPA-LPA angulation and pulmonary artery diameters. The LPA-MPA angulation should not be considered as an influence factor for LPA development and trans-annular patch surgery.

According to the current situation of biochemistry teaching and the theoretical characteristics of constructivism,the necessity and feasibility of applying constructivism to the biochemistry teaching were analyzed.Consequently,the implementation strategies of constructivism theory in the process of biochemistry teaching were introduced in detail.Through the reasonable choice of teaching content and the optimal combination of various teaching methods,it was helpful not only to realize the student-centered active construction of knowledge,but also to improve the comprehensive quality of students.At last,we performed a dialectical thought on the constructivism theory.In the concrete teaching practice,the different teaching theories should be used rationally and comprehensively based on the actual situation to improve the teaching quality of biochemistry.

OBJECTIVETo deepen the understanding of clinical manifestations and treatment of patients with positive lupus anticoagulant (LAC).

METHODSThe clinical data of 2 patients were analyzed and related literature were reviewed.

RESULTSCase 1, a 31-year-old female, diagnosed as lupus anticoagulant positive, secondary to undifferentiated connective tissue disease, was presented with menorrhagia and thrombocytopenia. Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) was positive 1:1000 (homogeneous type) with anti-double stranded DNA positive, and dRVVT LA1/LA2 was 3.4. Coagulation function was alleviated after treatment with glucocorticoid and total glucosides of paeony. Case 2, a 59-year-old female was presented with gingival bleeding, hematuria with the level of F II:C 13%. dRVVT LA1/LA2 was 2.0. Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) was positive 1:1000 (type of cytoplasmic granule), anti-double stranded DNA was positive. The patient was diagnosed as hypoprothrombinemia-lupus anticoagulant syndrome (LAHS) and acquired coagulation factor deficiency. The signs of hemorrhage were alleviated after treatment with methylprednisolone 40 mg/day and cyclophosphamide, while the level of F II:C was below normal.

CONCLUSIONSymptoms of patients with positive LAC are variable. The diagnosis relies on history of disease and laboratory test. Currently, there is no standardized treatment. Cases of LAHS should be thoroughly investigated for any known causes and related disorder.

Adult ; Blood Coagulation ; Cyclophosphamide ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Glucocorticoids ; therapeutic use ; Hematologic Tests ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hypoprothrombinemias ; diagnosis ; Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor ; blood ; Methylprednisolone ; therapeutic use ; Middle Aged

Background and purpose:Thyroid carcinoma is a common endocrine tumor with an incidence that has increased over recent decades. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of carbon nano-par-ticles-labeled lymph nodes in neck dissection for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), focusing on the protectiveness for the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and parathyroid glands.Methods:Forty-eight patients with PTC treated from Apr. to Aug. 2015 were randomly divided into two groups. Group A patients (24 patients) were treated with lobectomy/total thyroidectomy plus unilateral/bilateral central lymph node dissection by conventional meticulous capsular dissection technique; Group B patients (24 patients) were treated with the same surgical procedures as group A, 5 min after the injection of carbon nano-particles. The operative time, intra-operative blood loss, incidence of RLN injury, incidence of transient hypocalcemia, the number of total lymph nodes and the ratio of metastatic nodes were collected and analyzed. Results:For unilateral lobectomy, the number of lymph nodes in group B was signiifcantly greater than that in group A (P<0.05). For total thyroidectomy, the operative time, and the incidence of transient hypocalcemia in group B were both lower than those in group A (P<0.05), and the number of total lymph nodes was signiifcantly higher than that in group A (P<0.05). In group B, the ratio of metastatic nodes were 26.7% (unilateral) and 33.3% (bilateral) in stained lymphnodes, and 11.8% and 25.9% in non-stained lymph nodes.Conclusion:The carbon nano-particles-labeled lymph nodes in neck dissection could facilitate to protect parathyroids and increase the number of lymph nodes, especially in total thyroidectomy plus bilateral central lymph node dissection.