ObjectiveTo summarize the clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) combined with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), so as to improve the clinicians' understanding of the disease. MethodsThe clinical data of 50 AIDS patients combined with PCP admitted between February 2006 and May 2015 were retrospectively analyzed, including medical history, physical signs, laboratory examination, chest high resolution CT (HRCT), pathological characteristics, treatment and prognosis, etc. ResultsThe clinical features of AIDS patients combined with PCP included cough, dyspnea and fever, without obvious positive signs in the lung.The patients were divided as a mild group, a moderate group and a severe group according to the levels of PaO2.There was significant difference among three groups in serum albumin level [(23±3) g/L vs. (30±5) g/L and (28±6) g/L, P < 0.01].There were no significant differences among three groups in CD4+ T lymphocyte and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P > 0.05).The typical chest radiograph feature of HRCT was ground-glass shadows in both lungs, and may be associated with reticular shadows or "gravel sign" and cyst.Of 50 patients, 16 patients were diagnosed via pathology of transbronchial lung biopsy(TBLB) and only 5 patients were diagnosed via silver staining of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).The other patients were clinically diagnosed.100% of the patients were treated with sulfamethoxazole (SMZco), 64%with caspofungin, and 72% with glucocorticoid.All the patients relieved with no death in hospital. ConclusionWhen a patient got cough, dyspnea and fever, especially ground glass on HRCT in both lungs, AIDS combined with PCP should be highly considered, and diagnostic treatment with SMZco and CD4+ T lymphocyte measurement should be conducted as soon as possible, so as to reduce misdiagnosis and mortality.
Objective To develop a novel prediction model based on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate for early identification of high-risk central nervous system (CNS) infection patients in the emergency setting. Methods Patients diagnosed with CNS infections admitted to the Department of Emergency Medicine of West China Hospital, Sichuan University between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2023 were retrospectively selected. Patients were classified into a survival group and a death group according to their 28-day survival status, and clinical characteristics were compared between groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of 28-day mortality, which were subsequently used to construct a nomogram. Results A total of 173 patients were included, comprising 135 in the survival group and 38 in the death group. Multivariate analysis identified the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅳ (APACHE Ⅳ) score [odds ratio (OR)=1.027, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.002, 1.055), P=0.034], CSF lactate [OR=1.147, 95%CI (1.025, 1.286), P=0.018], and interleukin-6 [OR=1.002, 95%CI (1.001, 1.004), P=0.002] as independent predictors of 28-day mortality. The integrated model combining APACHE Ⅳ score, CSF lactate, and interleukin-6, demonstrated superior predictive performance compared with the APACHE Ⅳ score alone (P=0.020), and showed good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow P=0.50). Conclusions This tool may provide a useful instrument for emergency physicians to assess the 28-day mortality risk in patients with CNS infections, potentially facilitating early and targeted interventions for high-risk individuals. However, as the findings of this study are derived from a single-center retrospective dataset, the clinical applicability of this model requires further external validation through large-scale, prospective, multicenter studies to evaluate its generalizability.
Objective To observe the release pattern of the microcysts and the effect of ectopic osteogenesis of combined micromorselized bone by optimized preparation of microcysts. Methods Optimized poly-DLlactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) microcysts manufacturing method was performed with the orthogonal design, and the accumulated release amount of microcysts was calculated at 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h, 60 h, 72 h, 84 h, 96 h, 120 h, 144 h, 168 h, 192 h, 216 h, 240 h and 264 h. Twentyfour Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n=6) and 1 cm length incision was cut in their bilateral thighs skin, forming 48 gluteus maximus muscle sackmodels. In group A,collagen was implanted to bilateral muscle sacks respectively. In group B, collagen and autologous morselized bone were implanted to bilateral muscle sacks. Ingroup C, collagen and rhBMP-2/PLGA delayed release microcysts were implanted to bilateralmuscle sacks respectively. In group D, collagen and morselized bone/rhBMP-2/PLGA delayed release microcysts were implanted to bilateral muscle sacks. Gross and histologic observations were made at 3, 4 and 5 weeks postoperatively.Results Every optimized variance had an effect on particle diameter of microcyst and its encapsulating rate. The microcyst’s surface was smooth and had a fine spheroplast, which released slowly within 11 days in vitro. In thethird week postoperatively, the graft in group A could not be touched, while the graft in all other 3 groups was still found. After 3 weeks, collagen was absorbed completely in group A, the residual collagen could be seen in groups B, C andD. After 4 weeks, collagen could be seen in group A; micromorselized bone continued to be absorbed and became smaller in group B; microsphere became smaller, osteoblasts increased in group C; micromorselized bone and microsphere continuedto be absorbed, oteoblasts and chondroblasts increased. After 5 weeks, implantsbecame small, microsphere was absorbed, osteoblasts and chondroblasts became more in groups B, C and D. Microcysts presented with white granuloshape and were packaged in tissue pieces. Histologic observation showed that the PLGA microcysts in 3 weeks and 4 weeks could be absorbed gradually as the time in vivo, if combining with morselzed bone they could produce abundant induced osteoblasts and chondroblasts. Conclusion Optimizing the preparation technology of microcysts has delayed their release during a long period in vitro. Autologous micromorselized bone can be ectopicly induced to produce large amount of osteoblasts in gluteus maximus muscle sack, where PLGA microcysts can combine organically and bring about the bone formation with less amount of growth factors.
The poly-lactic acid membrane is characterized by its non-toxicity, non-carcinogenic and the property of degradation in the body in animal experiment, this membrane was wrapped around the tenorrhaphy site. The results showed that 3 to 9 weeks after operation there was an intact space surrounding the tendon, and the membrane began to degradate at 24 weeks, might achieve the purpose to prevent the formation of adhesion. From Nov. 1985 to Sept. 1989, this membrane was applied to 20 tendons of 14 patients. The follow-up results showed that the satisfactory rate was 81.8% .the indications of using poly-lacic acid membrane were primary, delayed primary and secondary suture of flexor tendon injuries in areas of the fingers.
Objective To investigate the effect of homograft of marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seeded onto poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)/gelatin on repair of articular cartilage defects. Methods The MSCs derived from36 Qingzilan rabbits, aging 4 to 6 months and weighed 2.5-3.5 kg were cultured in vitroand seeded onto PLLA/gelatin. The MSCs/ PLLA/gelatin composite was cultured and transplanted into full thickness defects on intercondylar fossa. Thirty-six healthy Qingzilan rabbits were made models of cartilage defects in the intercondylar fossa. These rabbits were divided into 3 groups according to the repair materials with 12 in each group: group A, MSCs and PLLA/gelatin complex(MSCs/ PLLA/gelatin); group B, only PLLA/gelatin; and group C, nothing. At 4,8 and 12 weeks after operation, the gross, histological and immunohistochemical observations were made, and grading scales were evaluated. Results At 12 weeks after transplantation, defect was repaired and the structures of the cartilage surface and normal cartilage was in integrity. The defects in group A were repaired by the hylinelike tissue and defects in groups B and C were repaired by the fibrous tissues. Immunohistochemical staining showed that cells in the zones of repaired tissues were larger in size, arranged columnedly, riched in collagen Ⅱ matrix and integrated satisfactorily with native adjacent cartilages and subchondral bones in group A at 12 weeks postoperatively. In gross score, group A(2.75±0.89) was significantly better than group B (4.88±1.25) and group C (7.38±1.18) 12 weeks afteroperation, showing significant differences (P＜0.05); in histological score, group A (3.88±1.36) was better than group B (8.38±1.06) and group C (13.13±1.96), and group B was better than group C, showing significant differences (P＜0.05). Conclusion Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells seeded onto PLLA/gelatin is a promising way for the treatment of cartilage defects.
Objective To explore the effect of NaOH on the surface morphology of three-dimensional (3D) printed poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) mesh scaffolds. Methods The 3D printed PLLA mesh scaffolds were prepared by fused deposition molding technology, then the scaffold surfaces were etched with the NaOH solution. The concentrations of NaOH solution were 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 mol/L, and the treatment time was 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 hours, respectively. There were a total of 25 concentration and time combinations. After treatment, the microstructure, energy spectrum, roughness, hydrophilicity, compressive strength, as well as cell adhesion and proliferation of the scaffolds were observed. The untreated scaffolds were used as a normal control. Results 3D printed PLLA mesh scaffolds were successfully prepared by using fused deposition molding technology. After NaOH etching treatment, a rough or micro porous structure was constructed on the surface of the scaffold, and with the increase of NaOH concentration and treatment time, the size and density of the pores increased. The characterization of the scaffolds by energy dispersive spectroscopy showed that the crystal contains two elements, Na and O. The surface roughness of NaOH treated scaffolds significantly increased (P<0.05) and the contact angle significantly decreased (P<0.05) compared to untreated scaffolds. There was no significant difference in compressive strength between the untreated scaffolds and treated scaffolds under conditions of 0.1 mol/L/12 h and 1.0 mol/L/3 h (P>0.05), while the compression strength of the other treated scaffolds were significantly lower than that of the untreated scaffolds (P<0.05). After co-culturing the cells with the scaffold, NaOH treatment resulted in an increase in the number of cells on the surface of the scaffold and the spreading area of individual cells, and more synapses extending from adherent cells. Conclusion NaOH treatment is beneficial for increasing the surface hydrophilicity and cell adhesion of 3D printed PLLA mesh scaffolds.
Objective To detect the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and LDH isoenzyme, and to explore the relation between biological behavior ofpancreatic cancer and glycolysis. MethodsConsecutive 12 cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and 12 benign lesions such as insulinoma from October 2006 to July 2008 were collected, as well as normal pancreatic tissues. The total activity of the LDH was detected by the LDH testing kits, and the iosenzyme pattern of LDH was inspected by the France Sebia hydrasys. ResultsCompared to the normal tissue, LDH activity ofpancreatic cancer and adjacent non-cancerous tissue was significantly higher (P＜0.05). LDH iosenzyme pattern in cancer tissue was also significantly different, the percentage of LDH4 and LDH5 increased obviously, and were greater than that innormal tissue (P＜0.05). ConclusionThe alteration of LDH activity and its isoenzyme pattern are possibly related to the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer. Inhibit the LDH activity may be a new therapeutic strategy.
Objective To evaluate the significance of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with acute aortic dissection(AAD). Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 445 AAD patients who were admitted to the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and the Changsha Central Hospital from January 2014 to December 2017 within a time interval of ≤14 days from the onset of symptoms to hospital admission, including 353 males and 92 females with the age of 45-61 years. LDH levels were measured on admission and the endpoint was the all-cause mortality during hospitalization. Results During hospitalization, 86 patients died and 359 patients survived. Increased level of LDH was found in non-survivors compared with that in the survived [269.50 (220.57, 362.58) U/L vs. 238.00 (191.25, 289.15) U/L, P<0.001]. A nonlinear relationship between LDH levels and in-hospital mortality was observed. Using multivariable logistic analysis, we found that LDH was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in the patients with AAD [OR=1.002, 95% CI (1.001 to 1.014), P=0.006]. Furthermore, using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, we observed that the best threshold of LDH level was 280.70 U/L, and the area under the curve was 0.624 (95% CI 0.556 to 0.689). Conclusion LDH level on admission is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with AAD.
Objective To study the result of using nerve conduit coated with chitin and filled with a guide-fiber to repair peripheral nerve defect. Methods Twenty-four female adult SD rats were made the model of 14 mm-gap on bilateral sciatic nerve under sterile condition. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups(n=6),group A: polymer polyglycolic-lactic acid(PGLA) nerve conduit coated with chitin and filled with a guide-fiber as experimental group to repair 14 mm gap of rat sciatic nerve；group B: PGLA nerve conduit coated with chitin； group C: PGLA nerve conduit； group D: autograft (control group). The repair result was evaluated by normal observation, EMG testing and S-100 histological immunostaining analysis 4 and 12 weeks after operation.Results Four weeks after the operation，there were new regenerated immature fibers in groups A,B and C, 12 weeks after the operation, the regenerated nerve fibers were seen to have bridged the gap. There were myelinated fibers equably distributed and rarely newgenerated nerve fibers in distal parts of group D. The repair result of PGLA nerve conduit coated with a chitin and filled with guide-fiber was better than that of groups B and C（Plt;0.05）. There was significant difference of nerve fiber diameter，thickness of myelin sheath and fiber density in group D from those in groups A, B and C（Plt;0.05），but there were degenerative changes such as vacuoles insheaths and myelin separation in proximal and few new regenerated nerve fibers in distal parts of group D. Conclusion PGLA nerve conduit coated with chitin and filled with a guide-fiber offers a possible substitute for the repair of peripheral nerve defect.
ObjectivesTo systematically review the efficacy of living preparation of lactobacillus for bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Medline (OVID), CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP and CBM databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of living preparation of lactobacillus for BV during pregnancy from inception to September 30th, 2019. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies, then, meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 21 RCTs involving 2 930 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis indicated that: living preparation of lactobacillus was superior to metronidazole in effective rate (RR=1.05, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.07, P=0.000 4), premature delivery rate (RR=0.49, 95%CI 0.32 to 0.73, P=0.000 4), premature rupture of membrane rate (RR=0.54, 95%CI 0.38 to 0.77, P=0.000 7), infant of low-birth weight rate (RR=0.45, 95%CI 0.22 to 0.94, P=0.03) and puerperal infection rate (RR=0.60, 95%CI 0.39 to 0.94, P=0.03).ConclusionsThe current evidence shows that, living preparation of lactobacillus is superior to metronidazole for BV during pregnancy, and the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes (preterm delivery, premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, puerperal infection) after treatment is lower. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify above conclusions.