Objective:To study the clinical application and complications of umbilical arterial catheterization (UAC) in premature infants.Methods:From January 2021 to December 2022, premature infants with UAC successfully inserted in NICU of our hospital were enrolled. According to birth weight (BW), the infants were assigned into three groups: <1 000 g, 1 000~1 499 g and ≥1 500 g. The perinatal data, UAC usage, UAC-related complications and risk factors of UAC-related complications were retrospectively analyzed.Results:A total of 39 premature infants received UAC, with gestational age 29.3(27.3, 30.4) weeks and BW 1 100 (900, 1 310) g. The insertion length (IL) of UAC was calculated using the average value of two formulas: a, IL (cm) =4×BW (kg) +7; and b, IL(cm) =3×BW (kg)+9. The accuracy of tube end position was determined using chest/abdomen radiography. 30(76.9%) cases had accurate position, 6(15.4%) had higher position and 3(7.7%) had lower position. The proportion of appropriately positioned tube end in <1 000 g, 1 000~1 499 g and ≥1 500 g groups were 80.0%, 76.5% and 71.4%, respectively, without statistically significant differences ( P>0.05) .No significant differences existed among the three groups in UAC duration and UAC routinely removal rate ( P>0.05). 9 cases (23.1%) of UAC were removed for specific reasons, including 4 cases of arterial spasm, 2 cases of withdrawal of treatment, 1 case of tube end displacement, 1 case of abdominal distension and 1 case of death. 21 cases received 1 U/ml heparin (0.9%NaCl solution) 0.5~1 ml/h arterial infusion. 23.8% (5/21) had hypernatremia and the level of sodium became normal after reducing the concentration of NaCl solution. Arterial vasospasm occurred in 4 patients with skin color changes of one side of the lower extremities. After UAC removal, the skin color returned to normal. Conclusions:UAC is helpful and safe for preterm infants, however, its complications should be alerted to.

Human brain banks use a standardized protocol to collect,process and store post-mortem human brains and related tissues,along with relevant clinical information,and to provide the tissue samples and data as a resource to foster neuroscience research according to a standardized operating protocols(SOP).Human brain bank serves as the foundation for neuroscience research and the diagnosis of neurological disorders,highlighting the crucial rule of ensuring the consistency of standardized quality for brain tissue samples.The first version of SOP in 2017 was published by the China Human Brain Bank Consortium.As members increases from different regions in China,a revised SOP was drafted by experts from the China Human Brain Bank Consortium to meet the growing demands for neuroscience research.The revised SOP places a strong emphasis on ethical standards,incorporates neuropathological evaluation of brain regions,and provides clarity on spinal cord sampling and pathological assessment.Notable enhancements in this updated version of the SOP include reinforced ethical guidelines,inclusion of matching controls in recruitment,and expansion of brain regions to be sampled for neuropathological evaluation.

Cantharidin is a terpenoid compound secreted by Mylabrisphalerata Pallas.In a variety of cancer types,cantharidin has shown the effects of inhibiting cancer cell growth,proliferation and migration.The anticancer mechanism of cantharidin involves inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis,inhibiting autophagy,enhancing DNA damage,inhibiting DNA repair,and regulating various cell signaling pathways.This article reviews the mechanism and research progress of cantharidin and its derivatives in common cancer types,in order to identify novel targets of cancer treatment using cantharidin,and provide new direction for clinical research to improve anticancer therapy.

Objective: To observe the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on nerve injury markers and prognosis in patients with acute severe carbon monoxide poisoning (ASCOP) . Methods: In May 2021, 103 ASCOP patients were treated in the emergency department of Harrison International Peace Hospital of Hebei Medical University from November 2020 to January 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received tDCS treatment. The control group (50 cases) were given oxygen therapy (hyperbaric oxygen and oxygen inhalation) , reducing cranial pressure, improving brain circulation and cell metabolism, removing oxygen free radicals and symptomatic support, and the observation group (53 cases) was treated with 2 weeks of tDCS intensive treatment on the basis of conventional treatment. All patients underwent at least 24 h bispectral index (BIS) monitoring, BIS value was recorded at the hour and the 24 h mean value was calculated. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and serum S100B calcium-binding protein (S100B) were detected after admission, 3 d, 7 d and discharge. Follow-up for 60 days, the incidence and time of onset of delayed encephalopathy (DEACMP) with acute carbon monoxide poisoning in the two groups were recorded. Results: The NSE and S100B proteins of ASCOP patients were significantly increased at admission, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.711, 0.326) . The NSE and S100B proteins were further increased at 3 and 7 days after admission. The increase in the observation group was slower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P(3 d)=0.045, 0.032, P(7 d)=0.021, 0.000) ; After 14 days, it gradually decreased, but the observation group decreased rapidly compared with the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.009, 0.025) . The 60 day follow-up results showed that the incidence of DEACMP in the observation group was 18.87% (10/53) , compared with 38.00% (19/50) in the control group (P=0.048) ; The time of DEACMP in the observation group[ (16.79±5.28) d] was later than that in the control group[ (22.30±5.42) d], and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.013) . Conclusion: The early administration of tDCS in ASCOP patients can prevent the production of NSE and S100B proteins, which are markers of nerve damage. and can improve the incidence and time of DEACMP.
Humans ; Biomarkers ; Brain Diseases/therapy* ; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning/therapy* ; Oxygen ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase ; Prognosis ; S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit ; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Objective To investigate the effect of extracts from rabbit skins inflamed by Viccinia virus vaccine (analgecine) on the proliferation of human cancer cells and on the cytokine secretion in mouse spleen lymphocytes in vitro. Methods Five human tumor cell lines, HepG2, LM3, H460, A549 and HeLa were used and the effect of analgecine (1.63, 0.815, 0.326, 0.163 and0.0815 U/ml) on the cell proliferation was evaluated by the CCK-8 assay. The mouse spleen was isolated aseptically, and the spleen lymphocyte suspension was prepared and cultured with PRMI-1640 medium containing 10％ fetal bovine serum (FBS). For detection of the cytokine IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-12 level, the stimulant concanavalin A (ConA) or lipoplysaccharide (LPS) was added into the lymphocyte suspension, and the lymphocytes were cultured under the presence of analgecine at the final concentration of 0.815, 0.163 and 0.0815 U/ml for 24 hours. Then, the level of the cytokines in the supernatant was detected by the ELISA kit. On the other hand, the effect of supernatant of the spleen lymphocyte cultures under the presence of analgecine at 0.815 U/ml on the proliferation HepG2 cells was also evaluated by the CCK-8 assay. The CCK-8 assay was performed after cultivation of the HepG2 cells in the whole supernatant or in its dilution with fresh medium for 24 hours. Results Analgecine showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the five tested cancer cell lines, with the inhibition rate of 58.95％, 55.08％, 57.28％, 45.80％ and 48.18％ at the 1.63 U/ml on the HepG2, LM3, H460, A549 and HeLa cells, respectively. Compared with the control group, the secretion of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-4 was significantly increased in the 0.163 and 0.815 U/ml analgecine groups (P＜0.01), while the secretion level of IL-12 was increased in the 0.0815, 0.163 and 0.815 U/ml analgecine groups (P＜0.01). The supernatant of the mouse spleen lymphocyte cultures under the presence of0.163 U/ml analgecine could inhibit the HepG2 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, and the inhibitory effect of the whole supernatant was significantly stronger than the effect of the same concentration analgecine 0.163 U/ml (P＜0.01). Conclusion Analgecine could inhibit the cell proliferation of the tested five human cancer cell lines, increased the secretion of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-12 cytokines in mouse spleen lymphocytes, all in vitro, and its effect on the cytokine secretion may be related to the inhibitory effect on the human cancer cell proliferation.

Objective To investigate the antiplatelet effects of candidate drug W1 when combined with omeprazole,respec?tively.Methods The experimental rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:control group,clopidogrel(10 mg/kg)group,clopido?grel(10 mg/kg)+omeprazole(80 mg/kg)group,W1(3 mg/kg)group,and W1(3 mg/kg)+omeprazole(80 mg/kg)group.Four hours after oral administration of the drugs,the rats were measured for their platelet aggregation rate;Western blot was used to deter?mine the protein expressions of P2Y12 receptor,P-Akt and P-Erk.Results For the platelet aggregation rate,compared with the con?trol group,the 4 groups decreased significantly(P<0.01);the platelet aggregation rate in the clopidogrel + omeprazole group in?creased significantly than that in the clopidogrel group(42% and 20.4%,respectively,P<0.01);the platelet aggregoction rate (30.9%)in W1+omeprazole group was significantly higher(P<0.01)than that in the W1 group(20.5%),which was lower than that in the clopidogrel+omeprazole group(P<0.01).For the protein expression detected by the western blotting,there were no signif?icant changes in the expression of P2Y12 receptor on the platelet surface,in the clopidogrel or W1 group in comparison with the clopi?dogrel+omeprazole or W1+omeprazole group,respectively,while the phosphorylation level of Akt and Erk was up-regulated in the clopidogrel+omeprazole or W1+omeprazole group compared with the clopidogrel or W1 group,and the up-ragulatory effect of omepra?zole was weaker in the W1+omeprazole group than that in the clopidogrel+omeprazole group. Conclusion Combined use of omepra?zole could inhibit the antiplatelet activities of clopidogrel or W1,with the inhibitory effect weaker in W1 group than in clopidogrel group,suggesting that the risk for the combination of omeprazole with W1 is likely less than that for the combination with clopidogrel.

BACKGROUNDWith the progress of perinatal medicine and neonatal technology, more and more extremely low birth weight (ELBW) survived all over the world. This study was designed to investigate the short-term outcomes of ELBW infants during their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay in the mainland of China.

METHODSAll infants admitted to 26 NICUs with a birth weight (BW) < l000 g were included between January l, 2011 and December 31, 2011. All the data were collected retrospectively from clinical records by a prospectively designed questionnaire. The data collected from each NICU transmitted to the main institution where the results were aggregated and analyzed. Categorical variables were performed with Pearson Chi-square test. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to detect risk factors.

RESULTSA total of 258 ELBW infants were admitted to 26 NICUs, of whom the mean gestational age (GA) was 28.1 ± 2.2 weeks, and the mean BW was 868 ± 97 g. The overall survival rate at discharge was 50.0%. Despite aggressive treatment 60 infants (23.3%) died and another 69 infants (26.7%) died after medical care withdrawal. Furthermore, the survival rate was significantly higher in coastal areas than inland areas (53.6% vs. 35.3%, P = 0.019). BW < 750 g and GA < 28 weeks were the largest risk factors, and being small for gestational age was a protective factor related to mortality. Respiratory distress syndrome was the most common complication. The incidence of patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity was 26.2%, 33.7%, 6.7%, 48.1%, and 41.4%, respectively. Ventilator associated pneumonia was the most common hospital acquired infection during hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONSOur study was the first survey that revealed the present status of ELBW infants in the mainland of China. The mortality and morbidity of ELBW infants remained high as compared to other developed countries.

China ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Mortality ; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; statistics & numerical data ; Male ; Morbidity ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn ; mortality ; Retrospective Studies ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Cardiac Surgical Procedures ; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ; methods ; Heart Failure ; therapy ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male

OBJECTIVETo summarize the experience of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to rescue a neonate with severe low cardiac output syndrome following open heart surgery.

METHODSThe patient was a male, 2 d, 2.8 kg, G3P2 full-term neonate with gestational age 40 weeks, born by Cesarean-section with Apgar score of 10 at 1 min. He was admitted due to severe dyspnea with oxygen desaturation and heart murmur on the second day after birth. Physical examination showed clear consciousness, cyanosis, dyspnea, RR 70 bpm and a grade II/6 heart murmur. Bp was 56/45 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) and SpO2 around 65%. Blood WBC 13.1 x 10(9)/L, N 46.1%, Hb 238 g/L, Plt 283 x 10(9)/L, CRP < 1 mg/L. Echocardiographic findings: TGA + ASD + PDA with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 60%. After supportive care and prostaglandin E1 (5 ng/kg/min) treatment, his condition became stable with SpO2 85 - 90%. On the 6(th) day of life, the baby underwent an arterial switch procedure + ASD closing and PDA ligation. The time of aorta clamp was 72 mins. The cool 4:1 blood cardioplegia was given for 2 times during aortal clamp. Ultrafiltration was used. The internal and external volumes were almost equal and the electrolytes and blood gas and hematocrit (36%) were normal during extracorporeal bypass. Due to a failure (severe low cardiac output) to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass (263 min) with acidosis (lactate 8.8 mmol/L), low blood pressure (< 39/30 mm Hg), increased LAP (> 20 mmHg), bloody phlegm, decreased urine output [< 1 ml/(kg.h)], a V-A ECMO was used for cardio-pulmonary support. ECMO setup: Medtronic pediatric ECMO package (CB2503R1), carmeda membrane oxygenator and centrifugal pump (bio-console 560) were chosen. Direct cannulation of the ascending aorta (Edward FEM008A) and right atrium (TF018090) was performed using techniques that were standard for cardiopulmanory bypass. The ECMO system was primed with 400 ml blood, 5% CaCl(2)1g, 5% sodium bicarbonate 1.5 g, 20% mannitol 2 g, albumin 10 g, and heparin 5 mg. The blood was re-circulated until the temperature was 37 degrees C and blood gases and the electrolytes were in normal range. The patient was weaned from bypass and connected to V-A ECMO. Management of ECMO: the blood flow was set at 150 - 200 ml/kg/min. Venous saturation (SvO2) was maintained at the desired level (75%) by increasing and decreasing extracorporeal blood flow. Systemic blood pressure was maintained at 76/55 - 80/59 mm Hg by adjusting blood volume. Hemoglobin was maintained between 120 - 130 g/L. Platelet count was maintained at > 75,000/mm3 and ACT was maintained at 120 - 190 s. The mechanical ventilation was reduced to lung rest settings (FiO2 35%, RR 10 bpm, PIP 16 cm H(2)O, PEEP 5 cm H2O) to prevent alveolar collapse. Inotropic drug dosages were kept at a low level.

RESULTSThe patient was successfully weaned from ECMO following 87 hours treatment. LVEF on day 1, 2 and 3 following ECMO were 20%, 34% and 43% respectively. The circulation was stable after weaning from ECMO with Bp 75/55 mm Hg, HR 160 bpm and LAP 11 mm Hg under inotropic drug suppor with epinephrine [(0.2 microg/(kg.min)], dopamine [(8 microg/(kg.min)], milrinone [(0.56 microg/(kg.min)]. The blood gases after 1 h off-ECMO showed: pH 7.39, PaO2 104 mm Hg, PaCO2 45 mm Hg, lactate 3.8 mmol/L, Hct 35%, K(+) 3.8 mmol/L, Ca(++) 1.31 mmol/L. The serum lactate was normal after 24 h off-ECMO. On day 22 off-ECMO, the baby was successfully extubated and weaned from conventional ventilator. On day 58, the patient was discharged. Serial ultrasound imaging studies revealed no cerebral infarction or intracranial hemorrhage during and after ECMO. At the time of hospital discharge, the patient demonstrated clear consciousness with good activity, normal function of heart, lung, liver and kidney. However, more subtle morbidities, such as behavior problems, learning disabilities should be observed ria long term follow-up. The main ECMO complications were pulmonary hemorrhage, bleeding on the sternal wound, tamponade, hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia.

CONCLUSIONECMO is an effective option of cardio-pulmonary support for neonate with low cardiac output syndrome following open heart surgery.

Cardiac Output, Low ; etiology ; therapy ; Cardiac Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; methods ; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ; methods ; Heart ; physiopathology ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; therapy ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Oxygenators, Membrane ; utilization ; Thoracic Surgery ; methods

OBJECTIVELevels of adrenomedullin (AM), a potent vasodilatory peptide, have been shown to increase in the early stage of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The purpose of this study was to determine whether coronary sinus-aortic step-up of mature forms of AM is accelerated in patients with AMI after reperfusion.

METHODSThe subjects were 146 consecutive patients with a first episode of anterior AMI and 51 normal controls. All patients with AMI underwent balloon reperfusion therapy within 24 h after symptom onset. Plasma levels of two molecular forms of AM (an active, mature form [AM-m] and an intermediate, inactive glycine-extended form [AM-Gly]) in the aorta and coronary sinus (CS) were measured by specific immunoradiometric assay after reperfusion.

RESULTSPlasma levels of AM-m and AM-Gly in the aorta and CS were higher in AMI patients than in controls. CS-aortic step-up of AM-m, which is an index of myocardial production of AM-m, was significantly greater in AMI patients than in controls [(1.7 +/- 1.4) pmol/L vs (0.4 +/- 0.3) pmol/L, P < 0.01]. However, there was no significant difference in CS-aortic step-up of AM-Gly (P = 0.30). AMI patients with left ventricular dysfunction (n = 49) had a significantly higher CS-aortic AM-m step-up than AMI patients without left ventricular dysfunction (n = 97). AMm in the aorta and CS negatively correlated with the left ventricular ejection fraction (r = -0.50, r = -0.48, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONMyocardial synthesis of AM-m is accelerated in patients with reperfused AMI, especially in patients with critical left ventricular dysfunction. Increased myocardial synthesis of active AM may protect against cardiac dysfunction, myocardial remodeling, or both after the onset of AMI.

Adrenomedullin ; blood ; Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Case-Control Studies ; Coronary Circulation ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; blood ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Myocardial Reperfusion