BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is limited by its inherent invasiveness and possible sampling errors. Some studies have shown that cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) concentrations may be useful in diagnosing NASH, but results across studies have been inconsistent. We aimed to identify the utility of CK-18 M30 concentrations as an alternative to liver biopsy for non-invasive identification of NASH. METHODS: Individual data were collected from 14 registry centers on patients with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and in all patients, circulating CK-18 M30 levels were measured. Individuals with a NAFLD activity score (NAS) ≥5 with a score of ≥1 for each of steatosis, ballooning, and lobular inflammation were diagnosed as having definite NASH; individuals with a NAS ≤2 and no fibrosis were diagnosed as having non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). RESULTS: A total of 2571 participants were screened, and 1008 (153 with NAFL and 855 with NASH) were finally enrolled. Median CK-18 M30 levels were higher in patients with NASH than in those with NAFL (mean difference 177 U/L; standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.87 [0.69-1.04]). There was an interaction between CK-18 M30 levels and serum alanine aminotransferase, body mass index (BMI), and hypertension ( P  < 0.001, P  = 0.026 and P  = 0.049, respectively). CK-18 M30 levels were positively associated with histological NAS in most centers. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) for NASH was 0.750 (95% confidence intervals: 0.714-0.787), and CK-18 M30 at Youden's index maximum was 275.7 U/L. Both sensitivity (55% [52%-59%]) and positive predictive value (59%) were not ideal. CONCLUSION This large multicenter registry study shows that CK-18 M30 measurement in isolation is of limited value for non-invasively diagnosing NASH.
Humans ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/diagnosis* ; Keratin-18 ; Biomarkers ; Biopsy ; Hepatocytes/pathology* ; Apoptosis ; Liver/pathology*

Objective To study the value of postmortem imaging on the diagnosis of intestinal perforation.Method Postmortem imaging(PMCT and PMCTA)data of 2 intestinal perforation deaths(and 4 controlled cases)were reviewed retrospectively.Diagnosing capacities of intestinal perforation by postmortem imaging method were further investigated.Results PMCT is sensitive in detecting the free air and liquid induced by intestinal perforation.PMCT can sometimes detect the gravity-dependent purulent secretions in the abdominopelvic cavity.PMCTA can visualize the extravasation of contrast agent from the perforation,which can be used to locate the accurate perforation region.Conclusion Postmortem imaging method(PMCT and PMCTA)is an important tool for the diagnosis of intestinal perforation,which can not only be used as a forensic diagnosis method,but is also useful to locate the perforation site before an forensic autopsy.

Objective:To investigate the influencing factors of significant liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) concurrent with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Methods:Those who underwent liver pathological examination and confirmed diagnosis of CHB and NAFLD in Tianjin Second People′s Hospital from August 2014 to September 2017 were enrolled. Data regarding their demographic information, laboratory tests results, and liver pathology results were analyzed. The latter results were used to categorize the patients either in non-significant liver fibrosis group (Metavir stage

Objective: To compare the effects on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity between equal isocaloric consumption moderate intensity continuous exercise and high-intensity intermittent exercise in healthy male adolescents, and to provide a reference for a reasonable exercise intervention program to maintain and improve the health level of adolescents. Methods: The 13 subjects from middle schools in Nantong were divided into control group, moderate intensity continuous exercise group (MICE) and high-intensity intermittent exercise group HIIE. The oral glucose tolerance tests were carried out on 13 healthy subjects in all conditions. Meanwhile, the insulin sensitivity index (ISI), total area under the curve (tAUC) and incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of glucose as well as insulin were calculated. Results: The tAUC of plasma glucose of MICE and HIIE group decreased by 5.99% (ES=-0.75) and 9.32% (ES=-0.86)(P<0.05) compared to C group, respectively. The tAUC of plasma glucose in HIIE group decreased by 3.54% (ES=-0.30, P<0.01) compared to MICE group. The tAUC of plasma insulin in MICE and HIIE group was attenuated 4.49% (ES=-0.64, P<0.01) and 6.79% (ES=-0.80, P<0.01) compared to C group, respectively. The tAUC of plasma glucose in HIIE group decreased by 2.42% (ES=-0.30，P<0.01) compared to MICE group. The iAUC of plasma glucose in MICE and HIIE group decreased by 25.52% (ES=-0.57, P<0.01) and 35.82% (ES=-0.73, P<0.01) compared to C group, respectively. The iAUC of plasma glucose in HIIE group decreased by 13.83% (ES=-0.16, P<0.05) compared to MICE group. The iAUC of plasma insulin in MICE and HIIE group descended by 7.14% (ES=-0.67, P<0.01) and 10.18%(ES=-0.75, P<0.01) compared to C group, respectively. The iAUC of plasma insulin in HIIE group decreased by 3.27% (ES=0.21, P<0.05) compared to MICE group. The ISI of MICE and HIIE group increased by 1.65% (ES=0.15, P>0.05) and 4.72% (ES=0.25, P<0.01) compared to C group, respectively. There was no significantly difference in ISI between MICE and HIIE group. Conclusion The intervention effects on the level of glucose, insulin and insulin sensitivity of high intensity intermittent exercise is better than moderate intensity continuous exercise among adolescents.

Objective To investigate the constitution and drug resistance status of the major pathogens in mechanically ventilated patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD),so as to provide evidences for clinical treatment.Methods From patients with AECOPD undergoing mechanical ventilation in EICU or ICU of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2016 to December 2017,various specimens were collected for identification and drug susceptibility testing of pathogens;the clinical data and test results were analyzed.Results A total of 104 patients were included in the study.Total of 163 strains of pathogens were isolated from the specimens,of which gram-negative pathogens were the most common,accounting for 74.8％ of any pathogens.Drug resistance analysis showed that gram-negative pathogens were severely resistant to third generation cephalosporins,and were more sensitive to Sulperazon and carbapenems;gram-positive cocci were more sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid.Fungi were more sensitive to amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine.Most of the pathogens were multi-resistant.Conclusions In selecting antibiotics for the treatment of critical patients with AECOPD,emphasis should be placed on bacterial culture and drug susceptibility testing,so as to reduce irrational drug use and the emergence of drug-resistant strains or superinfection.

Objective To survey the current status of professional value among health workers in grass-roots medical institutions of Wenzhou city and to analyze the influencing factors.Methods A survey on professional value was conducted from October to December 2017 among health workers from 14 primary medical institutions in 4 urban districts of Wenzhou City selected by stratified random sampling method.The self-designed questionnaires were used for the survey.A total of 350 questionnaires were distributed and 331 were returned,of which 302 were valid.The status and influencing factors of professional value were analyzed.Results The overall score of professional value was (96.66 ± 14.94).The univariate analysis showed that the professional value scores were associated with educational level (F=3.851),income(F=2.660),professional title(F=8.030),position(F=11.658) and specialty (F=4.667) of the health workers(all P＜0.05).The multivariate analysis showed that the gender(male:OR=0.53,95％ CI:-1.077--0.192,P=0.005),educational level (high school and below:OR=3.06,95％ CI:0.007-2.233,P=0.049),income (2 000-4 000 Yuan:OR=0.07,95％ CI:-4.783-0.627,P=0.011),professional title (no title:OR=0.27,95％CI:-2.397--0.232,P=0.017;Junior title:OR=0.31,95％CI:-2.197--0.153),P--0.024;intermediate title:OR=0.23,95％ CI:-2.533--0.366,P--0.009),position (doctor:OR=0.13,95％ CI:-3.235--0.815,P=0.001;nurse:OR=0.20,95％ CI:-2.883--0.368,P=0.011;technician:OR=0.15,95％ CI:-3.076--0.723,P=0.002)were influencing factors of professional value(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The professional values among health workers in Wenzhou grass-roots medical institutions are relatively low.The male gender,low educational level,low income,low professional title or no title and positions are influencing factors of professional value.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of pulse indicator continuous cardiac output (PiC-CO) monitoring in guiding volume therapy in patients with sepsis complicated with acute kidney injury. Methods Eighty-five patients with sepsis complicated with acute kidney injury were divided into PiCCO group (n= 37) and routine group (n = 48) according to whether PiCCO monitoring was used to guide vol-ume therapy. The hemodynamic parameters at 6 and 24 h after volume therapy, fluid volume, consumption of vasoactive drugs, renal function, fatality in intensive care unit and 28-day fatality were recorded. Re-sults Compared with routine group, the volume of fluid for resuscitation at 24 h after volume therapy, and central venous pressure were significantly decreased (P<0. 05), the time of continuous renal replace-ment therapy was shortened, the urine volume was increased, the blood creatinine level was decreased, and the fatality rate in intensive care unit and 28-day fatality rate were decreased in group PiCCO (P<0. 05). Conclusion For the patients with sepsis complicated with acute kidney injury, PiCCO monitoring can reasonably guide volume therapy and is helpful in improving the prognosis.

Objective To investigate the reliability of extravascular lung water index (EVLWI) and pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI) in assessing the severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in critically ill patients.Methods Forty-six patients with ARDS,who were admitted in our emergency intensive care unit,aged 18-72 yr,weighing 46-72 kg,of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ score 11-25,were divided into 3 groups:PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 100 mmHg severe group (n =16);100 mmHg ＜PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 200 mmHg moderate group (n =14);200 mmHg ＜PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 mmHg mild group (n=16).Before treatment,and at 24 and 72 h after diagnosis of ARDS,PVPI,EVLWI,cardiac index (CI),and intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI) were measured,and blood gas analysis was performed.PaO2/FiO2 was calculated.The 28 day fatality after admission to hospital was recorded.Person correlation of PVPI and EVLWI with PaO2/FiO2,ITBVI and CI was analyzed.Results The PVPI,EVLWI and fatality rate were significantly higher at each time point in moderate group and severe group than in mild group,and in severe group than in moderate group (P＜0.05).The correlation coefficient between PVPI and PaO2/FiO2 was 0.778,and between EVLWI and PaO2/FiO2 was-0.437 (P＜0.05).There was no correlation between CI and ITBVI (P＞0.05).The correlation coefficient between EVLWI and PaO2/FiO2 was-0.448,and between EVLWI and ITBVI was 0.347 (P＜0.05).There was no significant difference between the correlation coefficient between PVPI and PaO2/FiO2 and the correlation coefficient between EVLWI and PaO2/FiO2 (P＜0.05).Conclusion PVPI and EVLWI both can assess the severity of ARDS in critically ill patients,showing a consistent reliability.

A total of 178 patients with the time of mechanical ventilation beyond 48 hours in the second affiliated hospital of Wenzhou medical college from January 2010 to December 2013 were enrolled in this study,and there were fifty-six patients with ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT).The associated factors included age,sex,blood pressure,blood glucose,BMI,the time of mechanical ventilation,tracheal intubation methods,raise head to 30-45°,proton pump inhibitors (PPI),prophylactic antibiotic treatment,glasgow coma scale (GCS),acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APECHE) Ⅱ score.The related factors of VAT were evaluated by using univariate logistical regression analysis,and the statistical significant variables were analyzed by using multivariate logistical regression analysis.By using univariate logistical regression analysis age,blood glucose,the time of mechanical ventilation,raise head to 30-45°,prophylactic antibiotic treatment,GCS and APECHE Ⅱ score were the important factors of VAT (P ＜ 0.05),but sex,blood pressure,BMI,tracheal intubation methods and PPI were insignificant related to VAT(P ＞ 0.05).By using multivariate logistical regression analysis the time of mechanical ventilation (OR =4.072,95％ CI 2.036-8.146),GCS[2.198(1.155-4.184)],age[2.128 (1.119-4.046)],APECHE Ⅱ score [2.109 (1.084-4.104)] and raise head to 30-45 ° [0.488 (0.243-0.979)] were associated independently with the VAT.The time of mechanical ventilation,GCS,age over 60 years,APECHE Ⅱ score and raise head to 30-45°were the independent factors associated with VAT.

Objective To assay the protective effect of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) on acute lung injury (ALI) in rabbits.Methods Forty male New Zealand rabbits were divided into EPCs low-dose group,EPCs mid-dose group,EPCs high-dose group,ALI group,and control group according to the random number table,with 8 rabbits per group.Emulsified oleic acid was used to induce ALl.Instead,saline emulsion was injected to rabbits in control group.PBS containing 1 × 105,1 × 106,and 1 ×107 EPCs were respectively administered to rabbits in EPCs low-dose,mid-dose,and high-dose groups; on the contrary,blank PBS was injected to rabbits in ALI and control groups.Lung weight to dry ratio (W/D) and pulmonary permeability index (PPI) were detected before and after operation; protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1 βby western blot,and mRNA expression of NF-κB by RT-PCR.Results PPI and W/D value lowered in EPCs low-dose group (15.0 ± 1.1,5.04 ± 0.11),mid-dose group (13.8 ± 0.7,4.80 ± 0.13),and high-dose group (13.7 ± 0.7,4.87 ± 0.08) when compared to 17.1 ± 1.5 and 5.21 ±0.05 in ALI group (P ＜0.05).EPCs low-dose,mid-dose,and high-dose groups showed decreased levels in NF-κB (0.75 ± 0.04,0.41 ± 0.05,0.42 ± 0.03),TNF-α (0.364 ± 0.020,0.312 ±0.015,0.310 ±0.013),and IL-1β (0.230 ±0.017,0.206 ±0.010,0.210 ±0.018) compared to ALI group (0.87 ±0.11,0.387 ±0.018,0.262 ±0.019,P ＜0.05).Moreover,all indicators were lowered significantly in EPCs mid-dose and high-dose groups when compared to EPCs low-dose (P ＜0.05),but the two groups themselves revealed no statistical difference.Conclusion EPCs protect ALI via improving pulmonary edema,pulmonary permeability,and inflammatory response in a dose-dependent correlation with EPCs,but ceiling effect is observed as well.