Abstract:Objective　To investigate the clinical characteristics and early diagnostic methods of patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection, so as to reduce the mortality of patients. Methods The clinical characteristics and microbiological analysis data including fungal culture, smear examination and mass spectrometry were collected from 18 patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Tuberculosis, and Department of Critical Respiratory Medicine in Fuzhou Pulmonary Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021, and descriptive analysis was conducted. Results　All the 18 patients were confirmed to be infected with Talaromyces marneffei by conventional culture and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). The main infection sites of 18 patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection were lungs and lymph nodes, and the patients were accompanied by clinical manifestations such as cough, sputum and fever. The imaging features such as patchy shadows, mediastinal lymph node shadows and nodular shadows were common. Microbiological testing showed a statistically significant difference between smear and culture with a higher positive culture rate (χ2=13.74, P<0.05). The positive rate of blood culture in microbiological test was 60.0% (9/15), the positive rate of bronchial lavage fluid culture was 26.7% (4/15), the positive rate of sputum culture was 5.6% (1/18), one case each of pus, bone marrow, pleural fluid and cerebrospinal fluid was positive for culture and the other cases were negative, one case of sputum and one case of pus were positive for smear and the rest were negative. Colony characteristics showed that the colony morphology was mycelial phase at 25 ℃, producing red pigment, and the branching pattern of the penicillus was seen microscopically as monoverticillate or biverticillate; At 35 ℃, the yeast phase appeared at the initial stage, and then the mycelium phase changed after 5-6 days; the yeast phase was observed at 37 ℃, and yeast-like cells were seen under the microscope. All 18 patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection got better after using antifungal drugs. Compared with non-HIV patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection, leukopenia and anemia were common in HIV patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). 　Conclusions The infection of Talaromyces marneffei can be divided into localized type and disseminated type, which usually invade the lungs, skin, lymph nodes and other places. The main manifestations of patients are fever, cough, phlegm and other atypical symptoms. At present, the diagnosis of Talaromyces marneffei infection is mostly based on the fungal culture test, and the application of MALDI-TOF MS method can effectively shorten the diagnosis time of Talaromycosis marneffei. Clinical characteristics combined with microbiological analysis provide an objective basis for early diagnosis of patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection, and timely use of antifungal therapy can improve the prognosis of patients.

BACKGROUNDBilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (BSSHL) is rare and assumed to be a different clinical entity compared to unilateral SSHL (USSHL). This study examined the differences between the idiopathic BSSHL and USSHL.

METHODSForty-six sequential BSSHL patients (Se-BSSHL) and 68 simultaneous BSSHL (Si-BSSHL) were consecutively admitted between June 2008 and December 2015. Two sets of patients served as control groups: (1) USSHL patients with healthy contralateral ear and (2) USSHL patients with contralateral preexisting hearing loss (USSHLwCHL). We retrospectively analyzed differences among four cohorts using analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, Welch's t-test, and Chi-square test as appropriate before and after propensity score matching (PSM) based on age, gender, and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTSThe prevalence of idiopathic BSSHL was 8.6% (114/1329) among the total SSHL patients. In the total cohort, USSHL patients tended to be younger, female, and tended to have lower BMI, renal parameters, and total cholesterol in addition to higher high-density lipoprotein compared to the other three groups. Most routine blood indicators, some coagulation markers, and immunoglobulin M (H = 13.4, P = 0.004) were significantly different among the study groups. After PSM, the major significant differences were found in audiometric characteristics. Si-BSSHL and Se-BSSHL patients demonstrated similar hearing thresholds as USSHL but were significantly better than the USSHLwCHL patients across most frequencies before and after treatment (H = 30.0, P < 0.001 for initial hearing and H = 12.0, P = 0.007 for final hearing). Moreover, the BSSHL patients showed different hearing loss distribution patterns (more descending type, χ2 = 33.8, P = 0.001) with less hearing gain (H = 17.5, P < 0.001) compared to the USSHL patients.

CONCLUSIONSIdiopathic BSSHL is a relatively rare subtype of SSHL with a higher rate of descending audiogram type and inferior hearing outcome rather than being classified as a completely different disease entity compared to USSHL.

Objective To design a sitting posture fixation device for the ultrasonic imaging of baby hip joint dysplasia.Methods The device was composed of a riser,a fixation base,No.1 holding plate,No.2 holding plate,a baby fixation plate and two detection windows.The two holding plates made the baby's spine and femurs form a right angle at the sitting posture,so that the standard posture was obtained for hip joint ultrasonic imaging.The detection windows facilitated to gain the optimal image for the both sides of the hip joint.Results The device contributed to acquiring baby hip joint image rapidly with high quality and decreased examination time.Conclusion The device can be used for the massive screening of developmental hip joint abnormality.

OBJECTIVETo explore the protection of high intensity microwave radiation on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) activity and hippocampal CA1 structure in rats and the protectiveeffect of Qindan Granule (QG) on radiation injured rats.

METHODSTotally 48 Wistar rats were randomlydivided into 8 groups, i.e., the normal control group, post-radiation day 1, 7, and 10 groups, 7 and 10days prevention groups, day 7 and 10 treatment groups, 6 in each group. Rats in prevention groups wererespectively administered with QG liquid (1 mL/100 g, 4. 75 g crude drugs) for 7 days and 10 days bygastrogavage and then microwave radiation. Then preventive effect for radiation injury was statisticallycalculated with the normal control group and the post-radiation day 1 group. Rats in treatment groupswere firstly irradiated, and then administered with QG liquid (1 mL/100 g, 4.75 g crude drugs). Finally preventive effect for radiation injury was statistically calculated with the normal control group, post-radiation day 7 and 10 groups. Contents of corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), beta endorphin (beta-EP), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) were detected. Morphological changes and structure of hippocampal CA1 region were observed under light microscope.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, contents of CRH and beta-EP significantly decreased in each radiation group. Serum contents of ACTH and beta-EP significantly increased in post-radiation day 1 and 7 groups (P < 0.05). Compared with radiation groups, beta-EP content in serum and pituitary significantly increased, and serum ACTH content significantly decreased in prevention groups (P < 0.05). Pituitary contents of CRH and beta-EP significantly increased in prevention groups. Serum contents of ACTH, beta-EP, and HSP70 were significantly lower in day 7 treatment group than post-radiation day 7 group (P < 0.05). Morphological results showed that pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region arranged in disorder, with swollen cells, shrunken and condensed nucleus, dark dyeing cytoplasm, unclear structure. Vessels in partial regions were dilated with static blood; tissues were swollen and sparse. In prevention and treatment groups pathological damage of hippocampal CA1 region was obviously attenuated; neurons were arranged more regularly; swollen, pycnotic, or deleted neuron number were decreased; vascular dilatation and congestion was lessened.

CONCLUSIONQG could affect HPAA function and activity of high intensity microwave radiated rats, showing certain preventive and therapeutic effects of microwave radiated rats by adjusting synthesis and release of partial bioactive peptides and hormones in HPAA, improving pathological injury in hippocampal CA1 region.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; blood ; Animals ; CA1 Region, Hippocampal ; drug effects ; pathology ; radiation effects ; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins ; blood ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Microwaves ; adverse effects ; Pituitary-Adrenal System ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; beta-Endorphin ; blood ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDThe prevalence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in children (CSSNHL) is consistently increasing. However, the pathology and prognosis of CSSNHL are still poorly understood. This retrospective study evaluated clinical characteristics and possible associated factors of CSSNHL.

METHODSOne hundred and thirty-six CSSNHL patients treated in Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Institute of Otolaryngology at Chinese PLA General Hospital between July 2008 and August 2015 were included in this study. These patients were analyzed for clinical characteristics, audiological characteristics, laboratory examinations, and prognostic factors.

RESULTSAmong the 136 patients (151 ears), 121 patients (121 ears, 80.1%) were diagnosed with unilaterally CSSNHL, and 15 patients (30 ears, 19.9%) with bilateral CSSNHL. The complete recovery rate of CSSNHL was 9.3%, and the overall recovery rate was 37.7%. We found that initial degree of hearing loss, onset of treatment, tinnitus, the ascending type audiogram, gender, side of hearing loss, the recorded auditory brainstem response (ABR), and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) had prognostic significance. Age, ear fullness, and vertigo had no significant correlation with recovery. Furthermore, the relevant blood tests showed 30.8% of the children had abnormal white blood cell (WBC) counts, 22.1% had elevated homocysteine levels, 65.8% had high alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 33.8% had high IgE antibody levels, and 86.1% had positive cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG antibodies.

CONCLUSIONSCSSNHL commonly occurs unilaterally and results in severe hearing loss. Initial severe hearing loss and bilateral hearing loss are negative prognostic factors for hearing recovery, while positive prognostic factors include tinnitus, gender, the ascending type audiogram, early treatment, identifiable ABR waves, and DPOAEs. Age, vertigo, and ear fullness are not correlated with the recovery. Some serologic indicators, including the level of WBC, platelet, homocysteine, ALP, positive CMV IgG antibody, fibrinogen, and some immunologic indicators, are closely related to CSSNHL.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem ; Female ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural ; blood ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the anti-tumor activities of WX-127-07,a new microtubule-tar-geting agent invitroand probe its molecular mechanism. METHODS The well-known microtubule-targe-ting anti-tumor drugs taxol,vincristine and anti-gout drug colchicine were used as positive controls. The anti-proliferation activity was examined in five different cell lines after treatment with WX-127-07(0.3 -300 nmol·L-1 )for 72 h by SRB assay. The cell cycle arrest profile was assayed by flow cytometry. The multiparameters of cytotoxicity,cell morphology,apoptosis and different signaling pathways related to tumorigenesis and inflammation were analyzed using the high content analysis platform. Tubulin tryptic digestion and competition inhibition assay for colchicine or vinblastine site were used to confirm the bind-ing site in microtubules at a molecular level. RESULTS All the tested compounds obviously inhibited the growth of A549,HepG2,HeLa,HLF and HUVEC cells. The lC50 values of WX-127-07 were 4.47±0.05, 5.18±0.08,4.90±0.19,4.10±0.16 and(5.04±0.08)nmol·L-1 respectively,lower than those of colchicine〔the lC50 values were 21. 17 ± 1. 22,14. 19 ± 0. 53,43. 80 ± 1. 64,145. 89 ± 10. 97 and( 27. 67 ± 1.79)nmol·L-1 ,respectively〕and those of vincristine〔the lC50 values were 16.51±0.36,16.76±0.33, 27.80±2.75,43.80±1.48 and(9.15±0.78)nmol·L-1 ,respectively〕,but were similar to or lower than those of taxol〔the lC50 values were 10. 68 ± 0. 61,12. 86 ± 0. 25,4. 81 ± 0. 61,102. 07 ± 15. 17 and( 3. 04 ± 0.12)nmol·L-1 ,respectively〕. High content multi-parameter analysis revealed that WX-127-07 induced a concentration-dependent microtubular depolymerization(P=0.0075)with the same pattern as colchicine and vincristine,but at a lower concentration. Both WX-127-07 and positive drugs could induce cell cycle arrest in A549 cells,increase nuclear membrane permeability and early signs of apoptosis in HepG2 cells,but neither cancer related pathways nor inflammation related pathways were affected. Microtubular competition inhibition assay showed that WX-127-07 inhibited the binding of colchicine with tubulin(P =0.0259). Tryptic digestion of tubulin-WX-127-07 premixture showed a similar electrophoretic band to that of tubulin-colchicine premixture. CONCLUSION WX-127-07 is a novel microtubule-depolymerizing agent with anti-proliferation activity and acting on the colchicine binding site.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical status and natural course of premature thelarche (PT) in infants under 2 years of age and to analyze the predictive factors for regression of thelarche.

METHODSThe clinical and laboratory data of 863 infants under 2 years of age, who visited the department of endocrinology in our hospital due to PT between October 2009 and September 2010, were analyzed. A a longitudinal follow-up study was performed.

RESULTSOf the infants under 2 years of age with isolated PT, 89.3% showed a regression before the age of 3 years (mean 17±5.6 months), 10.7% had recurrent or persistent thelarche, with no regression after the age of 3 years, and some even developed into central precocious puberty. The independent predictive factors for regression of thelarche were Tanner stage at the first visit and whether baseline estradiol level had increased.

CONCLUSIONSPT in infants under 2 years of age is not rare in the clinical setting, and it usually runs a self-limited course, subsiding before the age of 3 years. However, regular follow-ups should be performed for infants aged over 2 years with persistent thelarche.

Breast ; growth & development ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Puberty, Precocious ; physiopathology

Objective To study the clinical significance of the method of three perpendicular planes plus special planes in diagnosing fetal cleft lip /palate by prenatal ultrasound .Methods The approach of three perpendicular planes and special planes were used in diagnosing 110 cases of cleft lip/palate.The sonogram features in each section were analyzed and the outcomes were recorded during follow-up.Results On prenatal ultrsound ,110 cases were examined with three perpendicular planes method .The coronary section could be displayed at 100%cases (110 cases), sagittal section 76.4%cases (84 cases),transverse section 96.4%cases (106 cases) and parasagittal section 25.5%cases (28 cases).With special planes method,74 cases were examined .The section through pyriform aperture could be displayed in 47 cases,in 45 cases on the section through the lower lip/lower jaw/submandibular triangle ,and in 16 cases on the section through the cheek.Combining the three perpendicular planes and special planes methods ,94.5%(104/110) cases could be diagnosed definitely.Six cases (5.5%,6/110) were missed because of fetal position or oligoamnios . Conclusions The method of three perpendicular planes plus special planes is effective in prenatal ultrasound diagnosing cleft lip/palate,which is of great help in improving prenatal diagnostic accuracy of fetal cleft lip/palate.

Objective To analyze the genetic characteristics of EV71 strains isolated from HFMD cases in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in 2009. Methods In 2009, totally 385 specimens from 344 HFMD cases were collected from Ningxia. Enterovirus isolation was performed in RD cell line from all the specimens. EV71 isolates were identified by specific RT-PCR from the positive cultures, and sequences of complete EV71 VP1 encoding region were determined for farther analyses. Results Totally from 126 EV strains isolated in this study, 58 EV71 strains (46%) were identified. And complete VP1 sequences of 46 EV71 strains were determined, and genetic analyses were performed. It was showed that the nucleotide identity of 46 Ningxia strains with the representatives of A and B genotypes were 81.7%-82.8% and 83. 1%-85.2%, and the amino acid identity were 93.9%-95.9% and 96. 2% -97.9% respectively. The nucleotide identity of NingXia EV71 isolates with representatives of subgenotype C1 ,C2, C3, C4a, C4b, and C5 were 88.3%-90.6% (97.9%-99.6%), 88.3%-90. 1% (97.9%-99.3%), 87.8%-89.0%(97.6% -98.9% ), 94. 2% -98. 9% ( 97. 9% -100% ), 91.8% -94. 1% ( 98.6% -99. 6% ), and 86. 7% -89. 1% (97.9%-98.9% ). Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that 46 stains were clustered with reference stains of subgenotype C4 and the Ningxia EV71 isolates were belonged to subgenotype C4a. Conclusion EV71 of subgenotype C4a had spread widely in Ningxia in 2009, which was absolutely predominant type in Ningxia in 2009 and also as the predominant type in China mainland since 2005.

Objective To explore the effect of information support on preoperative anxiety in old patients with fracture of hip. Methods The patients with fracture of hip were randomly divided into observation group (n =31 ) and control group (n =30). Two groups all received routine preoperative health education. But the patients in observation group received supernumerary information needs based on the theories of illness uncertainty. Anxiety value ( AV), heart rate ( HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in two groups were compared both before and after intervention. Results AV, HR, SBP and DBP before and after intervention in observation group were respectively ( 50.2 ± 3.4 ) vs ( 38.5 ± 3.0), ( 91.1 ±7.9) vs (75.3 ±8.2)bpm, (149.2 ±18.7) vs (126.9 ±12.8)mm Hg and (85.3 ±9.6) vs (73.7 ±7.1)mm Hg (P ＜ 0. 001 ). AV, HR, SBP and DBP before and after intervention in control group were respectively (50.8 ±3.3) vs (46.9 ±2.5), (90.5 ±9.4) vs (85.4 ± 11.7)bpm, (141.6 ± 14.6) vs (135.9 ± 13.3)mmHg, (81.8±9.3) vs (78.8 ±9.3)mm Hg (P＜0. 001,P＜0. 01,P＜0. 05). AV, HR, SBP and DBP before intervention in two groups were not statistically significant (P ＞ 0. 05) and AV, HR, SBP and DBP after intervention in observation group was lower than that of control group ( P ＜ 0. 01, P ＜ 0. 05 ). Conclusions Information support based on the theory of illness uncertainty can reduce preoperative anxiety in old patients with fracture of hip and the result is better than that of routine method.