Computed tomography-guided hookwire localization and medical glue combined with methylene blue localization for pulmonary nodules before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a single-center, retrospective study.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided hookwire localization and new CT-guided medical glue combined with methylene blue (MGMB) localization before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) and to analyze the risk factors for complications after localization. Methods: A total of 620 patients, comprising 727 SPNs, admitted to the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China between December 2019 and July 2022 were retrospectively studied and case-control analyzed. According to the localization method, 620 patients were divided into the hookwire group (n=310) and MGMB group (n=310). The localization time, localization-to-surgery interval, operative time, length of hospitalization, and complication rate were compared between the 2 groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for the occurrence of complications in each group of localization methods. Results: Compared to the hookwire group, the MGMB group had a shorter localization time (8.59±3.69 vs. 7.35±2.99 min; P<0.001), shorter hospital stay (5.60±2.13 vs. 6.73±2.86 days; P<0.001), and shorter operative time (103.48±54.11 vs. 98.59±49.92 min; P=0.33). The preoperative localization success rate was 99.4% (355/357) and 100% (370/370) in the hookwire group and MGMB group, respectively. No death or serious complications occurred during the localization process, but the overall complication rate was lower in the MGMB group (69/310, 22.3%) than in the hookwire group (105/310, 33.9%) (P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, number of nodules, and localization time were risk factors for total complications, while localization technique was a protective factor for total complications [odds ratio =0.590; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.405-0.860; P<0.05]. Conclusions: Both techniques could effectively locate SPNs before VATS; however, MGMB localization was found to be associated with a lower complication rate, shorter localization time, better safety, and higher potential clinical value and is thus worthy of clinical promotion.

Biliary self-expandable metallic stent combined with iodine-125 seeds in the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction (Bismuth type I or II).

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) combined with iodine-125 (125I) seeds in the treatment of Bismuth type I or II malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). METHODS: The clinical data of 74 cases of MBO treated with percutaneous SEMS combined with 125I seeds (combination group) and 81 cases of MBO treated with SEMS implantation alone (control group) in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The short-term and long-term efficacy of the two groups were compared. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting the surgical efficacy and survival rate. RESULTS: The liver blood test results of both groups improved at one week and one month post-stent insertion. No significant difference was established in the short-term efficacy or complications between the two groups (P = NS). Improved stent patency was observed in the combined group, 9.01 ± 4.38 months versus 6.79 ± 3.13 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Improved survival was also noted in the combined group 12.08 ± 5.38 months and 9.10 ± 4.16 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the type of biliary stent and liver metastasis were independent factors affecting survival. CONCLUSION: The implementation of SEMS combined with 125I seeds resulted in significantly longer stent patency and survival times than that of SEMS implantation alone, which is thus worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Epidemiological characteristics of common respiratory infectious diseases in children before and during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Background: Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), public's awareness of infection prevention and control has increased overall, and various prevention and control measures have been adopted. These measures may also have a certain impact on the occurrence of other infectious diseases. Therefore, we collected information on children with several respiratory infectious diseases in Jinan Children's Hospital in China from 2016 to 2022 and analyzed their changes. Method: We collected data on age, sex and number of cases of pertussis, measles, scarlet fever, pulmonary tuberculosis, mumps and influenza, which were diagnosed by clinical and laboratory criteria, from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2022 in Jinan Children's Hospital in Jinan, Shandong Province, China. Data on the number of people affected by these diseases in China from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention were compared. Then, we processed the data by using WPS Excel 2019 and SPSS. Results: A total of 12,225 cases were included in this study in Jinan Children's Hospital, which consisted of 3,688 cases of pertussis (2,200 cases before COVID-19 and 1,488 during COVID-19), 680 cases of measles (650 cases before COVID-19 and 30 during COVID-19), 4,688 cases of scarlet fever (4,001 cases before COVID-19 and 687 during COVID-19), 114 cases of tuberculosis (86 cases before COVID-19 and 28 during COVID-19), 449 cases of mumps (340 cases before COVID-19 and 109 during COVID-19) and 2,606 cases of influenza (1,051 cases before COVID-19 and 1,555 during COVID-19). The numbers of children in the hospital with pertussis, measles, scarlet fever, mumps and influenza decreased substantially during COVID-19 in 2020-2022 compared with numbers in 2016-2019, while numbers of patients in China with all six respiratory infectious diseases, including pulmonary tuberculosis, declined during the pandemic. A rebound of pertussis, scarlet fever and influenza was observed in 2021 and 2022. Conclusions: The study found that viral pathogens such as those causing measles, mumps and influenza all decreased during the pandemic, after which influenza rebounded. Infection diseases caused by bacteria such as scarlet fever and pertussis also decreased during COVID-19, and then a rebound occurred. However, tuberculosis stayed relatively constant.

The different clinical characteristics of corona virus disease cases between children and their families in China - the character of children with COVID-19.

This study aims to analyze the different clinical characteristics between children and their families infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Clinical data from nine children and their 14 families were collected, including general status, clinical, laboratory test, and imaging characteristics. All the children were detected positive result after their families onset. Three children had fever (22.2%) or cough (11.2%) symptoms and six (66.7%) children had no symptom. Among the 14 adult patients, the major symptoms included fever (57.1%), cough (35.7%), chest tightness/pain (21.4%), fatigue (21.4%) and sore throat (7.1%). Nearly 70% of the patients had normal (71.4%) or decreased (28.6%) white blood cell counts, and 50% (7/14) had lymphocytopenia. There were 10 adults (71.4%) showed abnormal imaging. The main manifestations were pulmonary consolidation (70%), nodular shadow (50%), and ground glass opacity (50%). Five discharged children were admitted again because their stool showed positive result in SARS-CoV-2 PCR. COVID-19 in children is mainly caused by family transmission, and their symptoms are mild and prognosis is better than adult. However, their PCR result in stool showed longer time than their families. Because of the mild or asymptomatic clinical process, it is difficult to recognize early for pediatrician and public health staff.

Clinical analysis of bronchoscopic cryotherapy in 156 pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of bronchoscopic cryotherapy for pediatric poor ventilation. METHODS: A total of 156 pediatric patients with airway stenosis and obstruction as well as pulmonary atelectasis received bronchoscopic cryotherapy. Treatment efficacy was evaluated on bronchoscopy Before cryotherapy and after the last cryotherapy treatment. Pulmonary atelectasis was assessed according to range of atelectasis on chest computed tomography (CT), and tracheobronchial stenosis according to pulmonary function, tidal volume analysis and dyspnea index. RESULTS: The 154 patients with effective treatment had patent airway, smooth mucosa and resolved atelectasis. In the two patients with ineffective treatment, however, the airway was not smooth and the range of pulmonary atelectasis was reduced by <30%. Among the 156 patients, 136 had markedly effective treatment, with CT pulmonary atelectasis recovery >70%. The width of the main airway significantly increased approximately 50% and the tidal volume or capacity increased 100%. Effective treatment was identified in 18 patients (18/156), with CT pulmonary atelectasis area reduced 30-70%. Ineffective treatment was noted in two patients, with CT pulmonary atelectasis area reduced by <30%. No complications were noted in any patients during or after operation. No recurrence was noted on follow up of 2-24 months. CONCLUSION: Bronchoscopic cryotherapy is effective and safe for dyspnea caused by airway obstruction, and wide application in clinic is recommended.

Breaking down barriers: enabling care-by-parent in neonatal intensive care units in China.

BACKGROUND: Denying parents access to their infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a standard practice in most hospitals across China. Visitation is not usually permitted or may be strictly limited, and NICU care for most neonates is provided by health-care professionals with little participation of the parents. An exception to this rule is the level 2 "Room-In" ward in Qilu Children's Hospital, Shandong University, where parents have 24-hour access to their infants and participate in providing care. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study compared the outcomes of infants who were admitted to the NICU and remained there throughout their stay (NICU-NICU group, n=428), admitted to the NICU and then transferred to the Room-In ward (NICU-RIn group, n=1018), or admitted straight to the Room-In ward (RIn only group, n=629). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the rates of nosocomial infection, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, and retinopathy of prematurity between the NICU-NICU and NICU-RIn groups. The rate of necrotizing enterocolitis was significantly lower in the NICU-RIn group (P=0.04), while weight gain and duration of hospital stay were significantly higher (both P<0.001). Rates of adverse outcomes were lower in RIn-only infants due to their low severity of illness on admission. CONCLUSIONS: Allowing parents access to their infant in the NICU is feasible and safe in China, and may result in improvements in infant outcomes. Further studies are required to generate stronger evidence that can inform changes to neonatal care in China.

Association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and recurrent wheezing in infancy: evidence from a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Quantification of the association between the maternal smoking during pregnancy and recurrent wheezing in infancy is still conflicting. Thus, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to test the hypothesis that maternal smoking during pregnancy may increase the risk of recurrent wheezing in infancy. METHODS: Pertinent studies were identified by a search in PubMed and Web of Knowledge up to October 2014. Random-effect model (REM) or fixed effects model (FEM) was used to combine study-specific results. Publication bias was estimated using Egger's regression asymmetry test. RESULTS: Seven articles (3 cohort study and 4 cross-sectional studies) involving 8579 recurrent wheezing infant cases about maternal smoking during pregnancy and recurrent wheezing risk were used in this meta-analysis. The combined relative risks (RRs) of recurrent wheezing infants associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy was 1.491 (95% CIs = 1.329-1.672) overall. Significant associations were found both in Europe [RRs = 1.471, 95% CIs = 1.287-1.681] and other populations [RRs = 1.720, 95% CIs = 1.119-2.644] and cross-sectional studies [RRs = 1.474, 95% CIs = 1.306-1.663]. No publication bias was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis indicated that maternal smoking during pregnancy could increase the risk of recurrent wheezing in infancy.

Clinical analysis of bronchoscopic electrocoagulation in pediatric patients.

This study is to explore the efficacy and safety of bronchoscopic electrocoagulation treatment for pediatric disease of poor ventilation. Seventy pediatric patients of airway stenosis and obstruction as well as pharyngeal and laryngeal cysts received bronchoscopic electrocoagulation treatment, including 15 cases of epiglottic cyst, 13 cases of cicatricial hyperplasia of fibrous tissue after trachea intubation, 5 cases of foreign body in bronchus and 37 cases of endobronchial tuberculosis. Before and after the last electrocoagulation treatment, treatment efficacy was evaluated by examining the patients' clinical presentations and lesions in airway under bronchoscope, examining chest CT and pulmonary function, and estimating pulmonary atelectasis and ventilation function. Seventy cases of pediatric patients were treated by bronchoscopic electrocoagulation, with the total treatment number of 106 times. Among them, 66 cases were treated with marked efficacy and 4 cases were with effective treatment. There was no invalid treatment. The treatment efficacy was 100% without complications. Bronchoscopic electrocoagulation treatment is a fast, effective and safe therapeutic method in treating airway stenosis and obstruction, such as foreign body in bronchus, granulation tissue hyperplasia, and epiglottic cysts. It is worthy of being widely applied in clinic.

Genetic variation of ITGB3 is associated with asthma in Chinese Han children.

Previous studies have demonstrated that integrins are involved in the aetiology of asthma. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the integrin ß3 (ITGB3) gene are significantly associated with asthma in Western populations. Given the important roles of environmental exposures in the development of asthma, we evaluated the associations between six SNPs in ITGB3 and asthma in Chinese Han children. A total of 321 unrelated Chinese children with asthma and 315 healthy children were recruited for the study. SNP genotyping was performed by high-resolution melting analysis (HRM). The selected SNPs were well genotyped by HRM, and SNP rs3809865 in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of ITGB3 was found to be strongly associated with asthma (adjusted p = 0.004). The minor allele of rs3809865 showed a protective effect against asthma (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.43-0.8). The seed regions of two miRNAs (hsa-mir-124 and hsa-mir-506) were predicted to bind to the sequence containing rs3809865 by TargetScan and PITA. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that the T allele of rs3809865 was more efficiently targeted by hsa-mir-124 than was the A allele, which suggested that rs3809865 could affect the binding of hsa-mir-124 to ITGB3. Furthermore, the transfection of A549 cells with hsa-mir-124 resulted in the downregulation of ITGB3 expression. Our results revealed that rs3809865 was significantly associated with asthma due to its effect on the binding of hsa-mir-124 to ITGB3.

[Balloon dilatation bronchoplasty in management of bronchial stenosis in children with mycoplasma pneumonia].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of balloon dilatation through flexible bronchoscopy in the management of inflammatory stenosis of grade 4-5 bronchus. METHOD: Thirty patients with inflammatory bronchial stenosis caused by mycoplasmal pneumonia complicated with pulmonary atelectasis were treated with balloon dilatation through fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Before the procedure and after the last operation, therapeutic effect on pulmonary atelectasis were evaluated with CT and all of the patients were followed-up for 1 - 6 months. RESULT: One to three operations were required to achieve satisfactory dilatation. After balloon dilatation, the average airway diameter increased obviously and the farther airways were opened after the therapy with irrigation. In 25 of 30 cases satisfactory immediate effects were obtained, a narrow airway diameter above expansion significantly increased as compared with preoperative diameter. In 5 children treated with balloon dilatation, the stenosis could not be improved significantly. In 3 patients with hyperplasia of granulation tissue, cryotherapy had to be applied. The operations were ineffective in the other two patients whose course of disease exceeded 3 months. After follow-up periods of 1 - 6 months, chest CT manifestation of expanded sites was improved in 28 patients and atelectasis disappeared. No severe complication was found in any patients. CONCLUSION: Bronchoplasty by balloon dilatation through flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a simple, effective and safe method to treat childhood tracheobronchial stenosis after pulmonary infections.

[Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and optic neuritis: similarities and differences of clinical characteristics].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical characteristics of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) with optic neuritis (ON). METHODS: The information of clinical manifestation and laboratory tests in 55 patients with LHON and 48 patients with ON were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with ON, LHON was more commonly found in male patients (46/55 vs 21/48) and onset at younger age (median 16 years vs 30 years). There were more LHON than ON patients with the decrease of visual acuity lasted more than two weeks (42/49 vs 10/48), severe damage in visual acuity whereas little pain sensation in eye associated with eye movement (3/55 vs 26/48), dominant single-phase course (53/55 vs 30/48), central scotoma (26/39 vs 12/35), and family history of maternal relatives (25/50 vs 2/48). The visual evoked potential, cerebral spinal fluid and brain magnetic resonance scanning revealed the involvement of inflammatory demyelination in the patients with LHON. Most patients with LHON could be confirmed by the mtDNA mutation examination. CONCLUSIONS: Leber hereditary optic neuropathy has distinct clinical characteristics but overlap with optic neuritis in many aspects. mtDNA mutation examination can further confirm LHON in most of patients although a negative result may be seen in a small portion of patients showing typical manifestation of LHON.

[Clinical characteristic of optic neuritis and its relevancy with human leukocyte antigen].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical characteristics of optic neuritis and its association with HLA (human leukocyte antigen). METHOD: The clinical data of 42 patients with optic neuritis were collected and flow polymerase chain reaction-reverse sequence specific oligonucleotide probe (PCR-rSSOP) was used to determine the genotype of HLA-DRB1. RESULTS: Two patients confirmed as Leber hereditary optic neuropathy by gene sequencing were excluded from the study. The complaint of pain was found in the patients (31/40) of optic neuritis. The visual field defect varied with patients and central and pericentral scotoma were demonstrated in 7 patients of 17. Of 40 patients with optic neuritis, 20 (50.0%) showed multifocal brain lesions in white matter by MR scanning. 26 of 38 patients had increased STIR signals. Inflammatory demyelinating changes were found in cerebral spinal fluid in 21 patients (80.8%). Out of demonstrated brain abnormal was revealed in 29 (72.5%) patients using MRI and/or CSF examination. The rate of HLA-DRB1(*)15 in the patients (35.0%) was much higher than control (19.4%), (chi(2) = 4.2328, P = 0.0397). Frequencies of HLA-DRB1(*)15 increased significantly in 26 female patients. The increased frequencies of HLA-DRB1(*)15 were associated with CSF abnormality and no relevancy was found with onset times, brain MR changes and increase of optic nerve signals. Acute optic neuritis responded well to intravenous megadose of methylprednisolone or immunoglobulin. CONCLUSIONS: Most of optic neuritis was characterized as clinical inflammatory demyelinating disease. HLA-DRB1(*)15 might correlated with genetic susceptibility of female patients with optic neuritis.

[A study on the diagnosis and etiology of cerebral venous thrombosis].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical characteristic and common etiologies of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in China. METHODS: Clinical and neuroimaging data of 91 cases of CVT were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: 91 CVT patients (49 men, 42 women), aged from 9 to 57 years, were diagnosed with MRI (78 cases, 85.71%), MRA (37 cases, 40.66%) or DSA (32 cases, 35.16%). 27 cases (29.67%) had a clinical pattern of isolated intracranial hypertension, 56 cases (61.54%) of focal deficits and/or seizures, 3 cases of subacute encephalopathy and 5 cases of cavernous sinus thrombosis. Oral contraceptive was the most common cause, being found in 12 cases (13.19%). CONCLUSIONS: Understanding of the clinical characteristics of CVT and using of MRI and MRA examination as early as possible is the key in CVT diagnosis. Oral contraceptive is the most common etiology.