Objective:To analyze the changes of peripheral perfusion index (PPI) with late-onset sepsis (LOS) in very low birth weight infants during hospitalization.Methods:Very low birth weight infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Children′s Hospital of Fudan University from August 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022 were consecutively included.Infants with admission age ≥three days and unstable circulation, or positive blood culture within three days after birth were excluded.From the day of admission, the PPI values of the right hand and either foot of the infants were measured with Masimo SET Radical-7 everyday while whether LOS occurred during hospitalization was observed.The mean PPI curve of very and extremely low birth weight infants without LOS was plotted.For those with LOS confirmed by blood culture, the PPI change trajectory three days before and after the occurrence of LOS was drawn, and the change trend of PPI before the occurrence of LOS was analyzed by trend chi-square test.Non-parametric test was used to analyze the effect of LOS on pre- and post-ductal PPI values.Results:A total of 107 very low birth weight infants were included in the final analysis.Among them, there were 11 infants confirmed as LOS by blood culture, 37 infants diagnosed as clinical LOS, and 59 infants without LOS.Pre-and post-ductal PPI values of very low birth weight infants without LOS were 2.06±1.30 and 1.72±0.92, respectively; those with clinical LOS were 1.90±0.94 and 1.58±0.83, respectively; those with LOS confirmed by blood culture were 1.92±1.11 and 1.62±0.82, respectively.For infants with LOS confirmed by blood culture, the pre-and post-ductal PPI values showed a continuous downward trend during three days before the onset of disease, with the lowest PPI values on the first day before the diagnosis of blood culture.The downtrend of pre-ductal PPI was statistically significant ( χtrend2=5.57, P<0.05). Conclusion:The PPI value of very low birth weight infants show a downward trend when LOS occurs.It should be observed dynamically in clinical practice, which is helpful to suspect or identify LOS as early as possible.

Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease caused by many factors including colonic inflammation and microbiota dysbiosis.Previous studies have indicated that celastrol(CSR)has strong anti-inflammatory and immune-inhibitory effects.Here,we investigated the effects of CSR on colonic inflammation and mucosal immunity in an experimental colitis model,and addressed the mechanism by which CSR exerts the protective effects.We characterized the ther-apeutic effects and the potential mechanism of CSR on treating UC using histological staining,intestinal permeability assay,cytokine assay,flow cytometry,fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT),16S rRNA sequencing,untargeted metabolomics,and cell differentiation.CSR administra-tion significantly ameliorated the dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced colitis in mice,which was evidenced by the recovered body weight and colon length as well as the decreased disease activity index(DAI)score and intestinal permeability.Meanwhile,CSR down-regulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulated the amount of anti-inflammatory mediators at both mRNA and protein levels,and improved the balances of Treg/Thl and Treg/Th1 7 to maintain the colonic immune homeostasis.Notably,all the therapeutic effects were exerted in a gut microbiota-dependent manner.Furthermore,CSR treatment increased the gut microbiota diversity and changed the compositions of the gut microbiota and metabolites,which is probably associated with the gut microbiota-mediated protective effects.In conclusion,this study provides the strong evidence that CSR may be a promising therapeutic drug for UC.

Objective:To explore the application effect of precautionary nursing in patients with acute cerebrovascular disease.Methods:From August 2019 to February 2021, a total of 125 patients with acute cerebrovascular disease who were admitted to Zhumadian Central Hospital were selected as the research objects by the convenient sampling method. According to the random number table method, the patients were divided into the study group ( n=63) and the control group ( n=62) . The control group received routine nursing intervention in neurology department, while the study group implemented precautionary nursing intervention on the basis of the control group. The scores of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) , Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) , adverse events during hospitalization and complications within 3 months after onset were compared between the two groups before intervention and 3 months after intervention. Results:After 3 months of intervention, the NIHSS score of the study group was lower than that of the control group, the SS-QOL score was higher than that of the control group, the incidence of adverse events and the incidence of complications within 3 months after onset were lower than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The application of precautionary nursing in patients with acute cerebrovascular disease can reduce the risk of related complications and adverse events, promote the recovery of neurological function and improve the quality of life of patients, which is worthy of clinical application.

Objective:To explore the effects of sitagliptin phosphate combined with metformin on blood glucose control and microinflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods:One hundred patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes who were treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xingtai Medical College from March 2017 to March 2019 were randomly divided into observation group (50 cases) and control group (50 cases). The observation group was treated with sitagliptin phosphate combined with metformin for 8 weeks, while the control group was treated with metformin for 8 weeks. The changes of fasting blood-glucose (FBG) and blood glucose 2 h after meal (2 h-PBG ) in the two groups before and after treatment were observed, and the standard time of FBG and 2 h-PBG in the two groups were statistically analyzed. The levels of interleukin(IL)-1, IL-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hS-CRP) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Results:After treatment, the levels of FBG and 2 h-PBG in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group: (6.32 ± 0.83) mmol/L vs. (7.21 ± 1.03) mmol/L, (8.61 ± 1.26) mmol/L vs. (9.63 ± 1.12) mmol/L, and the standard time of FBG and 2 h-PBG in the observation group were significantly shorter than those in the control group: (3.11 ± 0.86) weeks vs. (4.53 ± 1.31) weeks, (3.26 ± 0.36) weeks vs. (9.63 ± 1.12) weeks, and the differences were statisticlly significant ( P<0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of IL-1, IL-6 and hs-CRP in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group: (22.86 ± 4.07) ng/L vs. (35.13 ± 5.92) ng/L, (5.93 ± 0.84) ng/L vs. (9.67 ± 1.11) ng/L, (2.12 ± 0.25) ng/L vs. (3.57 ± 0.48) ng/L, and the differences were statistically significants ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Sitagliptin phosphate combined with metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes patients can rapidly and effectively control blood glucose and improve the state of microinflammation in patients.

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is generally regarded as a major contributor to dental caries because of its ability to synthesize extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) that aid in the formation of plaque biofilm. The VicRKX system of S. mutans plays an important role in biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vicK gene on specific characteristics of EPS in S. mutans biofilm. We constructed single-species biofilms formed by different mutants of vicK gene. Production and distribution of EPS were detected through atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Microcosmic structures of EPS were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cariogenicity of the vicK mutant was assessed in a specific pathogen-free rat model. Transcriptional levels of cariogenicity-associated genes were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that deletion of vicK gene suppressed biofilm formation as well as EPS production, and EPS were synthesized mostly around the cells. Molecular weight and monosaccharide components underwent evident alterations. Biofilms formed in vivo were sparse and contributed a decreased degree of caries. Moreover, expressional levels of genes related to EPS synthesis were down-regulated, except for gtfB. Our report demonstrates that vicK gene enhances biofilm formation and subsequent caries development. And this may due to its regulations on EPS metabolism, like synthesis or microcosmic features of EPS. This study suggests that vicK gene and EPS can be considered as promising targets to modulate dental caries.
Animals ; Biofilms ; Dental Caries ; Dental Plaque ; Rats ; Streptococcus mutans/genetics*

Objective:To preliminarily observe the feasibility of different immobilization techniques for total skin irradiation (TSI) using helical tomotherapy.Methods:Three eczema scrophuloderma patients treated with TSI in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were immobilized with low-temperature thermoplastic in a prone position, diving suit combined with negative pressure vacuum bag in a supine position, low-temperature thermoplastic combined with vacuum bag in a supine position, respectively. Different immobilization effects were observed. The conformity index (CI) of the target area, heterogeneity index (HI) of the target area, and the mean dose (D mean) of the target area were calculated. Results:Three immobilization methods could achieve satisfactory immobilization effects, and all the dosimetric parameters of radiation treatment plans met the clinical requirements. The average set-up errors in the left and right, head and foot, and abdomen and back directions of three patients were (0.26±3.40) mm, (-2.63±4.63) mm and (6.13±4.86) mm, respectively. The CI, HI andD mean were0.56±0.09, 1.186±0.059 and (2586.56±63.28) cGy. Conclusions:Low-temperature thermoplastic or diving suits can be combined with vacuum bags for immobilization in TSI. The epidermal dose can be increased with bolus through the dose-building effect, which can provide a safe and reliable method for TSI in helical tomotherapy.

Objective To understand the distribution of novel coronaviruses in the external environment of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Methods Environmental surface swab specimens such as bed rails, doorknob, closestool, hand washing sink, table, locker,ward pager, mobile phone, cup, clothes, were collected from the sentinel hospital of COVID-19, and samples were collected for the nucleic acid detection by RT-PCR. Results A total of 150 environmental samples were collected from 30 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 6 samples were determined to be novel coronaviruses postive (positive rate 4.00%). The total 14 mobile phone showed 3 novel coronaviruses positive.Among the 30 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 6 cases (positive rate 20.00%)were found novel coronaviruses in the external environment. Conclusions Novel coronaviruses exists in external environment of confirmed COVID-19 cases, which indicates the potential risk of COVID-19 infection.

Objective To investigate the effect of long-term high-fat diet on cognitive function and hippocampus neurons ultrastructure in obese rats.Methods Forty SD rats were randomly assigned to a high fat diet (HFD) group and a common diet (CD) group.Meanwhile,HFD-induced obese rat model were established.The spatial learning and memory were measured by the Morris water maze,and the neurons ultrastructural changes in rat hippocampus CA1 region at the corresponding period were observed by transmission electron microscopy.Results The average weight of rats was 25％,28％,and 22％ higher in the HFD group than in the CD group at the 12,16,and 20 weeks,respectively;the Lee's indexes were 6％,4％,and 8％ higher;the average swimming latency were 52％,44％,and 40％ longer;the average swimming distance were 85％,45％,and 51％ longer;the average swimming speed were 57％,34％,and 18％ higher;the duration of staying in the target quadrant were 32％,54％,and 63％ shorter;and the average times of crossing the plate form were 30％,34％,and 34％ shorter,respectively (all P ＜0.001).In comparison of ultrastructure in hippocampus CA1 region of rats at corresponding time points,the amounts of degenerated and necrosis neurons,of the deformed and vacuolar mitochondria,and of the less rough endoplasmic reticulum were significantly more at 12,16,and 20 weeks in the HFD group than in the CD group.Conclusions Long-term HFD-induced obesity damages the structure of neurons in the hippocampus,impairs spatial learning and memory function,and accelerates cognitive aging in rats.

AIM:To observe and analyze the effect of cardiopulmonary bypass ( CPB) for 30 min on surface ultra-structure and mechanical properties of the erythrocyte membrane by atomic force microscopy (AFM).METHODS:Ten cases of elective patients in cardiac surgery were selected in the study and divided into control ( CON) group and CPB group.The central venous blood (2 mL) before surgery and 30 min after CPB was collected with heparin anticoagulation . The non-circular red blood cells were counted under a stand fluorescence microscope .AFM was used to examine the ultra-structure of the membrane surface and measure the force curve of the erythrocytes .RESULTS:The percentage of non-cir-cular red blood cells in CPB group showed no statistically significant differences as compared with CON group .AFM images showed that the significant differences of membrane surface concave and convex , evenness , particle distribution , the sur-face average roughness (Ra), the surface root mean square roughness (Rq) and cell membrane adhesion between CPB group and CON group were observed .However, the membrane deformation resilience and curve slope had no significant difference between the 2 groups.CONCLUSION:Cardiopulmonary bypass for 30 min changes the morphology and ultra-structure of the erythrocyte membrane surface , and increases the adhesion between cells .

Objective To investigate the alterations and phenotypes of dendritic cells, inflamma-tory monocytes and macrophages in immunocompetent mice during Pneumocystis murina ( P.murina) infec-tion for further analysis of the function of these cells during P.murina infection.Methods Wild type male C57BL/6 mice at age 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into two groups including the group with P.murina infection and the group receiving sham surgery.The mice without any intervention were used to set up the blank control group.The loads of P.murina strains in lung tissues of each mouse were quantified by TaqMan real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction after the infection.Histopathological examination was per-formed to evaluate the degree of inflammation in lung tissues.The numbers of dendritic cells, inflammatory monocytes and macrophages in lung tissues, peripheral blood and bone marrow samples, and the changes of inflammatory monocytes in spleen tissues were measured by flow cytometry analysis.The expression of major histocompatability complexⅡ(MHCⅡ), CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) and CC chemokine re-ceptor 2 ( CCR2 ) by dendritic cells, inflammatory monocytes and macrophages in lung tissues during P.murina infection were analyzed by flow cytometry analysis.All of the data were collected one, two, three and four weeks after the corresponding treatments.Results The loads of P.murina strains in P.murina in-fected mice were elevated after two and three weeks infection, but decline at week 4 (P>0.05).Significant pathological changes including the alveolar destruction, inflammatory cell infiltration and thickened alveolar septum in mice with P.murina infection were observed under a microscope at week 3 and week 4.Compared to the sham surgery treatment group, the number of CD11c+CD11b+dendritic cells were increased in lung tissues, but decreased in blood samples during P.murina infection ( P<0.05) .The levels of inflammatory monocytes in blood samples fell at week 3 and then rose at week 4 during P.murina infection (P<0.05). No significant difference with the change of macrophages in mice was observed during P.murina infection ( P>0.05).The CD11c+CD11b+dendritic cells in lung tissues of mice with P.murina infection expressed high levels of MHCⅡand CX3CR1, and low levels of CCR2.The inflammatory monocytes in lung tissues of mice expressed high levels of CCR2, moderate levels of MHCⅡand low levels of CX3CR1 during P.murina in-fection.High levels of CX3CR1 and low levels of MHCⅡ and CCR2 were observed in macrophages from lung tissues of mice with P.murina infection.Conclusion Highly expressed CD11c+CD11b+dendritic cells and MHCⅡwere detected in lung tissues of mice during P.murina infection, indicating that CD11c+CD11b+dendritic cells were involved in the host defense against P.murina infection.