Abstract:Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of T-SPOT.TB for tuberculous lymphadenitis. Methods Suspected tuberculous lymphadenitis patients between September 2010 and September 2018 who had both peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB test and lymph node biopsy were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The cutoff value of T-SPOT.TB test for peripheral blood was set as 24 spot forming cell (SFC)/10 6 periphreral blood monocyte cell (PBMC) according to the instruction of testing kits. The gold standard for diagnosis of TBL was the combination of microbiology results, histopathology results and patient's response to anti-TB treatment. Diagnostic efficacy of T-SPOT.TB was evaluated, including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, predictive values, and likelihood ratio. Results Among 91 patients who met the inclusion criteria, we excluded 8 cases with incomplete clinical information and 6 cases who lost to follow-up. According to the gold standard, there were 37 cases of true TBL (9 confirmed TBL and 28 probable TBL), 30 cases of non-TBL, and 10 cases of clinically indeterminate diagnosis who were excluded from the final analyses. The T-SPOT.TB tests yielded 43 cases of positive response and 24 cases of negative response. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB for diagnosing TBL were 89.2%, 66.7%, 79.1%, 76.7%, 83.3%, 2.68 and 0.16, respectively. The number of SFCs of T-SPOT.TB in TBL patients [432(134-1264)/10 6 PBMCs] was higher than that in non-TBL patients [0 (0-30) /10 6PBMCs] with a significant difference (Z=-5.306, P <0.001).Conclusion T-SPOT.TB is a rapid and simple diagnostic test for TBL with a high sensitivity and negative predictive value.
Abstract:Objectives To investigate the morphologic characteristics of intramural hematoma (IMH) on CT angiography (CTA), and evaluate the possible correlation of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) with morphologic characteristics of IMH. Material and Methods Forty-two patients who were initially diagnosed as IMH by aortic CTA and also had serum CRP examination on the same day of CTA were enrolled in this retrospective study, including 30 males and 12 females, with the mean age of 61 ± 14 years old. The volumetric CT data were retrospectively processed and analyzed on post-processing workstation. Based on the thickness of IMH and the length-area curve, the cross-sectional area of true lumen and total vessel were measured, the hematoma-vessel ratio (HVR) was calculated. Imaging characteristics were compared between patients who had pathological elevated CRP (> 0.8 mg/dl) and those did not. Spearman correlation analyses of CRP level and morphological characteristics of IMH were performed, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic validity of CRP. Results Of all 42 IMH patients, the mean serum CRP was 3.94 ± 4.71 mg/dl, and the mean HVR was 46.7%± 14.2%. HVR in patients with elevated CRP was significantly higher than those with normal CRP (49.7% ± 15.0% vs. 40.7% ± 10.5 %, P = 0.030). HVR was mildly correlated with CRP in all patients (r =0.48, P < 0.001). CRP levels differed neither between patients with Stanford type A and B (P = 0.207), nor between patients with and without intimal disruption (P = 0.230). To discriminate HVR > 47% (the mean value), the area under curve (AUC) were 0.700 (95% CI: 0.535-0.865) for CRP at a cutoff point of 3.55 mg/dl, with a sensitivity of 54.5% and a specificity of 90.0%. Conclusion CRP was mildly correlated with the severity of cross-sectional hematoma area of IMH, but not with Stanford types and the presence of intimal disruption.
Abstract:Objective To investigate the expression and regulation of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), B lymphocyte and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) in peripheral blood of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); to examine the correlation of the mRNA levels between PD and BTLA in NSCLC. Methods Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of PD1 and BTLA on the surfaces of CD8+ T cells and γδ+ T cells in the peripheral blood samples collected from 32 in-patients with stage IV NSCLC and 30 healthy individuals. We compared the expression of PD1 and BTLA on the surfaces of γδ+ T cells in the NSCLC patients with bone metastasis before and after the treatment of zoledronic acid. The correlations of PD1 and BTLA, as well as their ligands were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis with the cBioPortal data platform. Results The frequency of PD1 on the surfaces of CD8+ T cells was significantly higher than that of the γδT cells in both healthy controls (t=2.324, P=0.024) and NSCLC patients(t=2.498, P=0.015). The frequency of PD1 on CD8+ T cells, rather than on γδ+ T cells, was significantly upregulated in advanced NSCLC patients compared with that in healthy controls (t=4.829, P<0.001). The PD1+ BTLA+γδT cells of the healthy controls were significantly lower than that of the NSCLC patients (t=2.422, P=0.0185). No differences in percentage of PD1+γδ+ and BTLA+γδ+ T cells were observed in 7 NSCLC patients with bone metastasis before and after zoledronic acid treatment. PD1 was positively correlated with BTLA in both lung adenocarcinoma (r=0.54; P<0.05) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (r=0.78; P<0.05). Conclusions The upregulation of co-inhibitory molecules occurs on the surfaces of both CD8+ T cells and γδT cells in advanced NSCLC, suggesting that these molecules were involved in regulating the inactivation of CD8+ T cells and γδ+ T cells, immune escape and tumor invasion.
Keywords:CD8+ T cell;γδ T cell;;programmed cell death protein 1;B and T lymphocyte attenuator;non-small cell lung cancer
Abstract:Objective Neuraxial block is the most common anesthesia method for cesarean section (CS). However, for some urgent and high-risk cesarean delivery, general anesthesia (GA) also plays a very important role. We aimed to find out the reasons of choosing GA for CS in our center and the factors that may be related to the maternal and fetal outcomes.Methods We retrospectively selected parturients who had CS procedures under GA in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016. Clinical data (baseline maternal status, preoperative status, perioperative information, maternal and fetal outcomes) of parturients and neonates were collected and analyzed. We summarized the common reasons for applying general anesthesia, and compared the back-to-ICU ratio and hospital stay time between parturients with different maternal American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, gestational weeks and intraoperative blood loss, as well as the fetal one-minute Apgar score between different maternal ASA grade and gestational weeks.Results There were 98 cases of CS under GA enrolled in the study. Among the maternal and fetal factors, pregnancy with internal or surgical diseases is the most common reason (59 cases, 60.2%) for choosing GA, followed by the placenta and fetal membrane abnormalities (38 cases, 38.8%) and the pregnancy-specific disorders (36 cases, 36.7%). ASA grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ of parturients (χ 2=44.3, P<0.05), gestation period < 37 weeks (χ 2=23.4, P<0.05), and blood loss > 800 ml (χ 2=5.5, P<0.05) were related to the higher postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) rate in parturients. ASA grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ of parturients (t=-2.99, P<0.05), gestation period < 37 weeks (t=2.47, P<0.05) were related to the longer hospital stay. ASA grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ of parturients (t=2.21, P=0.01) and gestation period < 37 weeks (t=-3.21, P=0.002) were related to the lower one-minute Apgar score of neonates. Conclusion Pregnancy with internal or surgical diseases is the most common reason for choosing GA for CS. High ASA grade and short gestation period were the related factors of high postoperative ICU ratio for parturients and low one-minute Apgar score for neonates.
Keywords:general anesthesia;cesarean section;pathogenies;maternal and neonate outcome
Abstract:Objective To identify the physiological variables associated with the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS).Methods Eighty four young Chinese men residing at low altitude were taken to an altitude of 4000 m within 40 hours. At sea level and at high altitude, we measured the heart rate, blood pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) respectively. We also collect blood samples from each participants before and after the altitude elevation. The blood routine and biochemical examinations were performed for all blood samples. The revised Lake Louise Criteria was adopted to diagnose AMS after the subjects arrived at the target high altitude. The association between the presence of AMS and subjects’ physiological variables were analysed statistically.Results Of 84 participants, 34 (40.5%) developed AMS. Compared with non AMS group, in the AMS group, the percentage of neutrophils was significantly higher (64.5%±11.2% vs. 58.1%±8.8%, P =0.014), while the level of SpO2 was significantly lower (79.4%±5.4% vs. 82.7%±5.6, P=0.008). Binary logistic regression analyses emphasized the association of neutrophils (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12, P=0.034) and SpO2 level (OR: 0.87, 95% CI : 0.79-0.95, P=0.004) with the development of AMS.Conclusion The ability to sustain SpO2 after altitude elevation and the increase of neutrophils were associated with the development of AMS in young males.
Abstract:Objective To evaluate the antagonistic effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway activation, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in rats with lung injury induced by fine particulate matter (PM2.5).Methods Forty eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: blank control group (C1), water drip control group (C2), PM2.5 exposed group (P), low-dose NAC treated and PM2.5 exposed group (L), middle-dose NAC treated and PM2.5 exposed group (M), and high-dose NAC treated and PM2.5 exposed group (H). PM2.5 suspension (7.5 mg/kg) was administered tracheally once a week for four times. NAC of 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg was delivered intragastrically to L, M and H group respectively by gavage (10 ml/kg) for six days before PM2.5 exposure. The histopathological changes and human mucin 5 subtype AC (MUC5AC) content in lung tissue of rats were evaluated. We investigated IL-6 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), MUC5AC in lung tissue homogenate by ELISA, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in serum and BALF by spectrophotometry, and the expression of p-ERK1/2, p-JNK1/2 and p-p38 proteins by Western blot. All the measurements were analyzed and compared statistically.Results Lung tissue of rats exposed to PM2.5 showed histological destruction and increased mucus secretion of bronchial epithelial cells. Rats receiving NAC treatment showed less histological destruction and mucus secretion. Of P, L, M and H group, MUC5AC in lung tissue, IL-6 in serum and BALF were higher than controls (C1 and C2) (all P<0.05), with the highest levels found in the P group and a decreasing trend with increase of NAC dose. The activity of GSH-PX in serum and BALF of PM2.5 exposed rats (P, L, M and H) was lower than that of controls (all P<0.05), with higher activities found in NAC treated rats (L, M, and H), and an increasing trend with increase of NAC dose. The expressions of p-ERK1/2, p-JNK1/2 and p-p38 proteins in PM2.5 exposed lung tissue (P, L, M and H) was higher than controls (all P<0.05), with decreased levels and dose dependent downregulation found in NAC treated rats.Conclusion NAC can antagonize major MAPK pathway activation, lung oxidative stress and inflammatory injury induced by PM2.5 in rats.
Keywords:fine particulate matter (PM2.5);N-acetylcysteine;mitogen-activated protein kinases;oxidative stress;inflammatory response;rats
Abstract:In the past ten years, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in biomedicine has increased rapidly, which roots in the rapid growth of biomedicine data, the improvement of computing performance, and the development of deep learning methods. At present, there are great difficulties in front of AI for solving complex and comprehensive medical problems. Ontology can play an important role in how to make machines have stronger intelligence and has wider applications in the medical field. By using ontologies, (meta) data can be standardized so that data quality is improved and more data analysis methods can be introduced, data integration can be supported by the semantics relationships which are specified in ontologies, and effective logic expression in nature language can be better understood by machine. This can be a pathway to stronger AI. Under this circumstance, the Chinese Conference on Biomedical Ontology and Terminology was held in Beijing in autumn 2019, with the theme “Making Machine Understand Data”. The success of this conference further improves the development of ontology in the field of biomedical information in China, and will promote the integration of Chinese ontology research and application with the international standards and the findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability(FAIR) Data Principle.
Keywords:ontology;artificial intelligence;biomedicine;big data
Abstract:Since azoxymethane (AOM)-dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced tumorigenesis was used to explore inflammation-associated carcinogenesis of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC), different administration modes of AOM or DSS have been reported. In this article we optimized the protocol of the AOM-DSS modeling using C57BL/6 mice for study on sporadic CRC by intraperitoneal injecting AOM solution at a proper concentration with a 100 μl sterile syringe once, feeding with DSS solution for 7 days in a roll and change DSS solution every day. More than 100 C57BL/6 mice had been treated with the optimized protocol, and all mice were demonstrated suffering from colorectal tumors when sacrificed in 8 to 20 weeks after AOM injection. These tumors mainly occurred in distal segment of colorectum with an increase in tumor density, which was similar to CRC in human beings. Tumor per mouse was high, and variation of tumor number per mouse was low. The histology of tumor developed through the defined stage ranged from precursor lesions, adenomatous lesions, adenomas to adenocarcinomas. The modified protocol of AOM-DSS model is easy, cheap, with high tumor formation rate of colorectal tumors.
Abstract:A 98-year-old male patient with history of hemiarthroplasty suffered periprosthetic fracture of right femoral shaft and developed acute coronary event in three days after hospitalization. Femoral nerve and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve blocks combined with general anesthesia were implemented for the internal fixation surgery. The recovery was uneventful after discharge. In this case report, we discussed the main considerations of anesthesia specifically for this complicated case.
Abstract:A 61-year-old Chinese woman was diagnosed as primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma of left superior lobe with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) 19 del mutation positive. Treatment with icotinib was given, but her disease progressed after 6 months remission. CT-guide needle biopsy for the new lesion in inferior lobe of left lung demonstrated intrapulmonary metastasis, and EGFR gene panel by Amplification Refractory Mutation System Polymerase Chain Reaction (ARMS-PCR) confirmed EGFR T790M mutation. Treatment with osimertinib was initiated. After 2 months remission, the disease progressed. Re-biopsy was performed for the tumor in the inferior lobe of left lung, and ARMS-PCR demonstrated no other gene mutation except EGFR 19 del. Icotinib was re-challenged, but disease progressed continuously. Bevacizumab was added, and partial response was achieved after 2-cycle of combination therapy. The non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in this case maintained EGFR activating mutation and lost EGFR T790M mutation was a genetic change after osimertinib treatment. This case suggests the re-challenge of the first-generation EGFR-TKIs combined with bevacizumab may overcome the tumor resistance and prolong survival of NSCLC patient.
Abstract:A 20-month-old male infant with multiorgan dysfunction after Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection developed Reye’s syndrome. He also suffered from acute liver failure, life-threatening cerebral edema, severe disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and myocardial involvement. EBV infection aggravated the progress of Reye’s syndrome, leading to death despite full supportive and symptomatic therapy. This critical case suggested that pediatricians should pay attention to multiorgan involvement of severe EBV infection.