[Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease treated with omalizumab: 3 cases report and literature review].

Objective: To summarize the clinical data of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) treated with omalizumab in Peking University First Hospital and reviewed the relative literatures. Methods: We analyzed retrospectively the clinical data of three cases of AERD treated with omalizumab in Peking University First Hospital from March 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021. The clinical researches on the treatment of AERD with omalizumab up to January 31, 2022 were retrieved in PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang Data. Results: Our three patients of AERD treated with omalizumab for 32 to 68 weeks obtained relief of symptoms of upper and lower respiratory tract, improvement in lung function, and reduction in percentage of blood eosinophils. There were 14 clinical studies on treatment of AERD with omalizumab, including 3 randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled studies and 11 self-controlled case series studies. The majority of studies showed that omalizumab contributed to improve the symptoms of AERD, decrease the frequency of asthma attacks and reduce systemic glucocorticoid use. Conclusion: Omalizumab can improve the disease control of AERD, but further studies are needed.

[Efficacy of fenestrated atrial septal defect occulders on pulmonary hypertension dogs].

Objective: To explore the short-term efficacy of fenestrated atrial septal defect (ASD) occulders in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods: Thirty-six healthy dogs were divided into the balloon atrial septostomy (BAS)+fenestrated ASD occulders group (n=12), BAS group (n=12) and non-septostomy group (n=12). PAH was induced by intra-atrial injection of dehydrogenized monocrotaline (1.5 mg/kg) in all dogs. Animals in the BAS+fenestrated ASD occulders group underwent atrial septal puncture and fenestrated ASD occulders implantation. Animals in the BAS group underwent balloon atrial septostomy. The non-septostomy group received no surgical intervention. The hemodynamic indexes and blood N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) of dogs were measured before modeling, 2 months after modeling, 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, respectively. Echocardiography was performed to observe the patency of the shunt and atrial septostomy of the dogs in the BAS+fenestrated ASD occulders group and BAS group at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Three dogs were sacrificed in each group at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, respectively. Atrial septal tissue and fenestrated ASD occulders were removed to observe the patency and endothelialization of the device. Lung tissues were obtained for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe the inflammatory cells infiltration and the thickening and narrowing of the pulmonary arterials. Results: Among 36 dogs, 2 dogs died within 24 hours after modeling, and 34 dogs were assigned to BAS+fenestrated ASD occulders group (n=12), BAS group (n=11), and non-septostomy group (n=11). Compared with BAS group, the average right atrial pressure (mRAP) and NT-proBNP of dogs in the BAS+fenestrated ASD occulders group were significantly reduced at 3 months after surgery (P<0.05), and the cardiac output (CO) was significantly increased at 6 months after surgery, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) was also significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with non-septostomy group, dogs in the BAS+fenestrated ASD occulders group had significantly lower mRAP and NT-proBNP at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery (P<0.05), and higher CO and lower SaO2 at 6 months after surgery (P<0.05). Compared with the non-septostomy group, the dogs in the BAS group had significantly lower mRAP and NT-proBNP at 1 month after surgery (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference on mRAP and NT-proBNP at 3 and 6 months after surgery (P>0.05). Echocardiography showed that there was a minimal right-to-left shunt in the atrial septum in the BAS group at 1 month after the surgery, and the ostomy was closed in all the dogs in the BAS group at 3 months after the surgery. There was still a clear right-to-left shunt in the dogs of BAS+fenestrated ASD occulders group. The shunt was well formed and satisfactory endothelialization was observed at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. The results of HE staining showed that the pulmonary arterials were significantly thickened, stenosis and collapse occurred in the non-septostomy group. Pulmonary microvascular stenosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in the pulmonary arterials were observed in the non-septostomy group. Pulmonary arterial histological results were comparable between BAS+fenestrated ASD occulders group and non-septostomy group at 6 months after surgery. Conclusions: The fenestrated ASD occulder has the advantage of maintaining the open fistula hole for a longer time compared with simple balloon dilation. The fenestrated ASD occulder can improve cardiac function, and it is safe and feasible to treat PAH in this animal model.

[Experience and thinking on the normalization stage of prevention and control of COVID-19 in China].

COVID-19 is an important public health issue of great concern at home and abroad, and it is still in the state of global pandemic. During the normalization stage of prevention and control of the epidemic of COVID-19, China effectively controlled the outbreak and spread of the epidemic by adopting the strategy of "import of external prevention and rebound of internal prevention", and effectively reduced the occurrence of death cases. The social economy recovered quickly, and various measures were highly recognized by the public, and the positive trend of the epidemic continued to consolidate. At present, although the spread of the local epidemic has been basically stopped, the international epidemic continues to rise rapidly, and the pressure of "imported prevention and control" in China continues to increase. Considering the characteristics of the normalization of epidemic prevention and control and the particularity of the virus, the connotation of the normalization of epidemic prevention and control should be understood scientifically. The prevention and control goal of the epidemic in the normalization stage should be to maximize early detection, early treatment and early disposal, and resolutely prevent the continuous spread of the epidemic in communities, that is, to prevent the infection as much as possible, and resolutely prevent the rebound (sustained spread in communities), rather than "zero infection". The prevention and control policy of "timely detection, rapid disposal, precise management and control, and effective treatment" has been implemented in various localities, and a series of effective and regular experience in prevention and control has been formed in the practice of prevention and control. Winter and spring are the key periods for the prevention and control of the epidemic. We should continue to work together to prevent and control the epidemic, fulfill the responsibilities of all parties, and prevent and control the epidemic in a scientific and effective way.

Endophytic Bacillus velezensis strain B-36 is a potential biocontrol agent against lotus rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum.

AIM: The aim of this study was to screen potential lotus plant endophytic bacterial isolate for effective inhibition against lotus rot causing fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, endophytic bacteria were isolated from lotus tissues and tested for antagonistic activities against the pathogenic fungus F. oxysporum. Among the putative endophytic Bacillus strains identified, suspensions of the strain B-36 showed the highest inhibition rate against F. oxysporum growth. Pot assays indicated that B-36 was effective in controlling F. oxysporum-inducing lotus rot. However, the control efficiency varied with the inoculation method and concentration, where injection of 800 µl B-36 suspension per plant (2 × 108  CFU per ml) into stems showed the highest control efficiencies of 77·1 and 60·0% for pre-inoculation and post-inoculation. In addition, the colonizing population levels (CPLs) of B-36 on lotus also varied with the inoculation method and concentration, with the highest CPLs, that is, 3·05 and 2·83 log(CFU per gram), being observed on lotus leaves and stems respectively for stem injection of 200 µl per plant. Moreover B-36 showed no noticeable effects on lotus seed germination rate or seedling growth. Finally, B-36 was characterized as Bacillus velezensis based on its morphology, Gram-positive characteristics, as well as its 16S rDNA and gyrB sequences. CONCLUSION: The isolate B-36 can be applied as a biocontrol agent against F. oxysporum-inducing lotus rot. SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The soil-borne fungus F. oxysporum causes lotus rot and severe yield loss, and currently available control methods are very limited. Here we identify a new promising biocontrol agent against lotus rot caused by F. oxysporum.

[Clinical features and prognosis of pneumocystis pneumonia in patients treated with rituximab for autoimmune diseases].

Objective: To determine the clinical features and outcomes of pneumocystic pneumonia (PCP) in patients treated with rituximab for autoimmune diseases. Methods: PCP patients with autoimmune diseases as underlying diseases from January 2009 to April 2019 in Peking University First Hospital (male 67 cases, female 35 cases, age 17-79) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped as rituximab group and non-rituximab group based on the fact if they were treated with rituximab before the onset of PCP. Demographic data, clinical features, and outcomes of the two groups were analyzed. Results: There were 102 cases altogether, and 7 patients were treated with rituximab before the onset of PCP. Patients in rituximab group were relatively younger than that in non-rituximab group [(32.0±18.7) vs (52.4±14.9) years, P=0.010]. Patients in rituximab group had more CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+)T lymphocytes in peripheral blood samples than that in non-rituximab group [(1 306±596) vs (546±439)/µl, (674±401) vs (243±232)/µl, (616±249) vs (282±256)/µl, respectively, all P<0.01]. However, the B lymphocyte count and plasma level of IgG and IgM were significantly lower in rituximab group than that in non-rituximab group [0 (0, 0.2) vs 72 (50.0, 124.4)/µl, 4.0 (2.6, 5.8) vs 9.4 (5.3, 12.0) g/L, 0.3 (0.2, 1.0) vs 1.1 (0.6, 1.8) g/L, respectively, all P<0.05]. The incidence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia was significantly lower in rituximab group (0/7 and 57/95, P=0.007). Other demographic data, the use of corticosteroids, the incidence of severe PCP, mechanical ventilation, intubation, pneumothorax and mediastinal emphysema complications, as well as hospital mortality and length of stay in hospital in the two groups were comparable. Conclusions: In patients treated with rituximab for autoimmune diseases, the number of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood and the plasma level of immunoglobulins but not CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD8(+)T lymphocyte counts may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PCP. These patients are not vulnerable to be complicated with CMV pneumonia.

[Comparison of severity classification of Chinese protocol, pneumonia severity index and CURB-65 in risk stratification and prognostic assessment of coronavirus disease 2019].

Objective: To investigate the application of severity classification according to the protocol on the Diagnosis and Treatment of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)by the National Health Commission of China, pneumonia severity index(PSI) and CURB-65　in risk stratification and prognostic assessment of COVID-19. Methods: Clinical data of 234 in-hospital patients with COVID-19 were collected and retrospectively reviewed in Wuhan Tongji Hospital. Patients were divided into 3 groups (common, severe, and critical type) at admission according to the sixth version of the protocol issued by the National Health Commission of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19. At the same time, the severity of pneumonia was calculated by PSI and CURB-65, and the patients were stratified into 3 risk groups, namely mild, moderate, and severe groups. The hospital mortality rate was evaluated in each group. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, negative predictive values, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve(AUC) for predicting hospital mortality in each rule were assessed. Results: According to the severity classification of Chinese protocol, the proportion of patients with common type, severe type, and the critical type was 15.8%, 75.6%, and 8.5%, respectively. No in-hospital death occurred in the common type. As for PSI and CURB-65, greater proportions of patients were classified as low risk(79.1% and 75.6%, respectively), while smaller proportions of patients were classified as moderate and high risk(16.2%, 15.0%; 4.7%, 9.4%, respectively). In-hospital death occurred in low and moderate risk patients identified by these 2 scoring systems. The mortality of the critical group of the Chinese protocol was 65%, and the sensitivity and specificity of predicting in-hospital mortality were 36.4% and 97.0%, respectively. The mortality in the high risk group of PSI and CURB-65 was 100% and 77.3%. The risk class V of PSI and CURB-65 score 3-5 had high specificity(100% and 97.4%, respectively)but low sensitivity(33.3% and 51.5%, respectively)in predicting in-hospital mortality. The AUC of the Chinese protocol severity classification, PSI, and CURB-65 was 0.735, 0.951, and 0.912. The optimal cut-off point of PSI was risk class Ⅳ, and the sensitivity and specificity for predicting mortality were 90.9% and 90.5%. The optimal cut-off point of CURB-65 was score 2, and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 84.8% and 85.6%. Conclusions: PSI and CURB-65 can be used for risk stratification and prognostic assessment in patients with COVID-19.

[Analysis of clinical characteristics and risk factors of cytomegalovirus reactivation in immunocompetent patients in respiratory intensive care unit].

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in immunocompetent patients in respiratory intensive care unit (RICU). Methods: Clinical data of immunocompetent patients whose serum CMV-DNA was monitored during hospitalization in the RICU of Peking University First Hospital from July 2014 to July 2018 were collected and reviewed in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into the CMV reactivation group and non reactivation group. Demographics, clinical features, and outcomes of patients in the two groups were analyzed. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors for CMV reactivation. Results: Of the 81 patients, 11 (13.6%) were in the reactivation group and 70 (86.4%) were in the non reactivation group. Length of RICU stay were longer in the group with CMV reactivation compared to patients without CMV reactivation [54(50, 68) vs 32(17, 43) d, P=0.012]. Baseline demographic and disease characteristics, rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia, duration of mechanical ventilation and mortality were similar in the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that blood transfusion (OR=11.481, 95%CI: 1.154-114.201; P=0.037) and corticosteroids use (OR=13.952, 95%CI: 2.301-84.609; P=0.004) were independent risk factors for CMV reactivation. Conclusions: CMV reactivation is associated with a longer stay in the RICU in immunocompetent patients, blood transfusion and corticosteroids use constitute risk factors.

Limits on Light Weakly Interacting Massive Particles from the First 102.8 kg×day Data of the CDEX-10 Experiment.

We report the first results of a light weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) search from the CDEX-10 experiment with a 10 kg germanium detector array immersed in liquid nitrogen at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory with a physics data size of 102.8 kg day. At an analysis threshold of 160 eVee, improved limits of 8×10^{-42} and 3×10^{-36} cm^{2} at a 90% confidence level on spin-independent and spin-dependent WIMP-nucleon cross sections, respectively, at a WIMP mass (m_{χ}) of 5 GeV/c^{2} are achieved. The lower reach of m_{χ} is extended to 2 GeV/c^{2}.

[Epidemiological characteristics of Pneumocystis jirovecii infection and colonization in non-AIDS patients].

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of Pneumocystis jirovecii infection and colonization in non-AIDS patients. Methods: From January 2010 to December 2017, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was detected by Grocott's methenamine silver (GMS) staining and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) in non-AIDS patients with bronchoscopic alveolar lavage at Peking University First Hospital. At the same time, Pneumocystis jirovecii was detected in the environment of the hospital. Results: Within 8 years, Pneumocystis jirovecii were detected in BALF of a total of 1 407 non-AIDS patients. GMS staining was performed in all these 1 407 cases, of which 114 (8.10%) cases were with Pneumocystis jirovecii infection and 3 (0.21%) cases with colonization. There were totally 946 non-AIDS immunocompromised patients, of which 113 (11.95%) cases were infected and 2 (0.21%) cases with colonization; there were 461 non-AIDS immunocompetent patients, of which only 1 (0.22%) case was infected and 1 (0.22%) case with colonization. GMS staining and qPCR were both performed in 196 cases, of which 36 (18.37%) cases were infected and 33 (16.84%) cases with colonization. There were totally 175 non-AIDS immunocompromised patients, of which 36 (20.57%) cases were infected and 30 (17.14%) cases with colonization; there were 21 non-AIDS immunocompetent patients, of which no one was infected and 3 (14.29%) cases with colonization. By means of GMS staining and qPCR, no Pneumocystis jiroveci were detected in the environment of Peking University First Hospital. Conclusions:Pneumocystis pneumonia is rare in immunocompetent patients, but not in non-AIDS immunocompromised patients. And colonization is rare in both of them. There may be no Pneumocystis jiroveci in the environment.

Use of Mother-Child Screws in the Treatment of Coronoid Fractures in Terrible Triad Injury of the Elbow.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This study aims to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a consecutive series of 18 patients with terrible triad injury. The coronoid fractures of these patients were repaired using Mother-Child screw (MCS). MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve men and six women (mean age: 47.2 years) with terrible triad injury of the elbow were followed up for a mean of 17.6 months (range: 13-42 months). Surgical treatment consisted of open reduction and internal fixation of coronoid fractures with MCS, radial head fracture with MCS (Mason type II, n = 10), or mini-plate (Mason type III, n = 3). Furthermore, all underwent lateral collateral ligament repair (n = 9, 100%), and in cases of persistent instability, medial collateral ligament repair was performed (n = 3, 33%). RESULTS At last follow-up, average arc of ulnohumeral motion was 130° (range: 65° to 150°), average arc of forearm rotation was 148° (range: 100°-160°), mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 7.1 (range: 0-28.5), and mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was 92 (range: 70-100). According to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), 10 patients were excellent in, seven patients were good, and one patient was fair. All patients had a stable elbow. No secondary coronoid fragment dislocation or implant failures was reported. Fracture healing was observed in all patients. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that coronoid fracture treatment with MCS may be a new, effective and easy therapeutic option in terrible triad injury. Key words:terrible triad of the elbow, coronoid process, radial head, functional outcome.

[Efficacy of clindamycin-primaquine as the salvage treatment for pneumocystis pneumonia in non-HIV-infected patients].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of clindamycin-primaquine as the salvage treatment for pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in non-HIV-infected patients. Methods: Clinical data of non-HIV-infected patients with PCP who were treated with clindamycin-primaquine as the salvage treatment in Peking University First Hospital from Jan 2010 to May 2016 were collected and reviewed in this retrospective study. Clinical outcomes were analyzed to evaluate the efficacy of clindamycin-primaquine as a salvage treatment. Results: A total of 19 non-HIV-infected patients with PCP were included. The average age was 44.6±16.1 years old. All patients had a history of glucocorticoids usage, and presented with fever, nonproductive cough and progressive dyspnea. The diagnoses were confirmed by positive methenamine silver staining in the induced sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The reasons for the change of treatment were either failure of the first line therapy (13 cases) or severe adverse effects of the original treatment (6 cases). Ten patients were cured with the salvage treatment, while nine patients died. Four of thirteen patients who were switched due to treatment failure responded to clindamycin-primaquine treatment, while all the 6 patients who switched the treatment due to the severe adverse effects of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were cured, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.011). Adverse reactions occurred in 3 cases, all of which were methemoglobinemia. Conclusion: In non-HIV-infected patients with PCP who have failed or can not tolerate the first-line therapy, clindamycin-primaquine may still be effective as a salvage treatment.

[Efficacy of extended-infusion of carbapenem plus sulbactam for ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by extensive drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of extended-infusion of carbapenem plus sulbactam for ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by extensive drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDRAB). Methods: Clinical data of patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by XDRAB who were treated with extended-infusion carbapenem plus sulbactam or tigecycline-based therapy in Peking University First Hospital from January 2015 to December 2016 were collected and reviewed in this retrospective study. Twenty-one patients were treated with extended-infusion carbapenem plus sulbactam, and 20 other patients received tigecycline combined with other antibiotics. The general status of the patient, microbiological eradication rate, superinfection rate, new microorganism colonization rate, clinical resolution rate on the third day, clinical cure rate and mortality during treatment were compared between the two groups. Results: The two groups shared similar characteristics except that patients in the carbapenem group were younger. Microbiological eradication was not observed. Superinfections occurred in 1 patients (4.8%) in the carbapenem group and 0 patients in the tigecycline group (P=1.000), the occurrences of new microorganisms colonization were 14.3% and 25.0% respectively (P=0.638). Clinical cure were achieved in 57.1% of the patients in the carbapenem group and 50.0% of the patients in the tigecycline group (P=0.647), the clinical resolution rates on the third day were 52.4% and 45.0% respectively (P=0.636). The mortality during treatment was 9.5% in carbapenem group, and 20.0% in tigecycline group (P=0.612). No serious adverse drug reactions occurred. Conclusions: Ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by XDRAB treated with either extended-infusion carbapenem plus sulbactam or tigecycline-based therapy has a similar clinical outcome.

[Short-term effects of fine particulate matter exposure on pulmonary function in healthy young adults: a time series study].

Objective: To explore the short-term effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure on pulmonary function of healthy young adults in Beijing. Methods: In this time series study, twenty-four healthy young adults who living around Guanyuan area were investigated in Beijing. The follow-up study was lasted for 12 days in total from Nov. 28, 2016 to Dec. 9, 2016, and pulmonary spirometry and inpulse oscillometry parameters were measured daily. Air pollution data (including PM2.5, etc.) and meteorological data (temperature, humidity, etc.) were monitored based on Guanyuan monitoring site. The short-term effects of PM2.5 on pulmonary ventilation function and airway resistance of healthy young adults were analyzed by using generalized estimating equation (GEE). Results: In our study period, average daily concentration of PM2.5 were 100.7 µg/m(3). The single pollutant model showed that there were negative dose-response associations between PM2.5 concentration and forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)); and there were negatively correlated with daily mean level of PM2.5 lagged 0-1 days, and the strongest negative effect was in lag0. At lag0 day, each 10 µg/m(3) increase in PM2.5 concentration was associated with a significant decrease in FVC of 12.186 (95% CI: -15.573, -8.799) ml and in FEV(1) of 9.449 (95% CI: -13.265, -5.634) ml. Moreover, there were positive dose-response associations between PM2.5 concentration at lag0 to lag2 and peripheral resistance (Rp) , resonance frequency (Fres) and the fall in resistance between resistance at 5 Hz (R5) and resistance at 20 Hz (R20) (R(5-20)). And the strongest negative effect was in lag0. Each 10 µg/m(3) increase in PM2.5 concentration was associated with a significant increase in Rp of 2.444 (95% CI: 0.889, 3.999) Pa·L(-1)·s(-1) , Fres of 0.125 (95% CI: 0.082, 0.168) Hz and R(5-20) of 1.074 (95% CI: 0.444, 1.703) Pa·L(-1)·s(-1) at lag0 day. Conclusion: Short-term PM2.5 exposure has a negative and lagged effect on pulmonary function in healthy young adults.

[The regulative effects of Aspergillus fumigatus on expression of glucocorticoid receptor in asthmatic rats].

Objective: To study the regulative effects of Aspergillus fumigatus (A.fumigatus) on expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) in asthmatic rats. Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a normal control group (UC), a normal control with A. fumigatus group (UC+ AF), an OVA group (OVA), and an OVA with A. fumigatus group (OVA+ AF). OVA and OVA+ AF groups were sensitized and challenged with OVA to establish asthmatic models. UC and UC+ AF groups were given normal saline as controls. After the last challenge, OVA+ AF and UC+ AF groups were given A. fumigatus spores intranasally. Airway hyper-responsiveness, eosinophil percentage (Eos%) and serum IgE level were measured to confirm the establishment of asthmatic models. Sections of pulmonary tissue were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and the expression of GCR mRNA and protein in lung tissues were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Lung tissues and blood were plated on the potato dextrose agar(PDA)medium and cultured for 24 h to measure the number of colony. Results: The Penh value, Eos% in BALF and serum IgE level in UC+ AF group were slightly higher than those in the UC group (all the P>0.05). The Penh value, Eos% in BALF and serum IgE level in OVA group were significantly higher than those in the UC group (all the P<0.05). The Penh value in OVA+ AF group was significantly increased compared with the OVA group at the concentration of 25 g/L and 50 g/L of methacholine (all the P>0.05). Pulmonary histology revealed that both OVA group and OVA+ AF group showed high levels of inflammatory cell infiltration of bronchus and lung vessels, interstitial edema and smooth muscle thickening, while the UC and UC + AF groups were normal. Compared with the UC group, the expressions of GCR mRNA and protein in UC+ AF group and OVA group were decreased significantly (GCR mRNA in UC, UC+ AF and OVA group were 0.93±0.15, 0.65±0.10, 0.72±0.22, respectively, F=10.744, P<0.01; GCR protein in UC, UC+ AF and OVA group were 100±0, 89±8, 82±15, respectively, F=18.939, P<0.01). The expressions of GCR mRNA and protein in OVA+ AF group were further decreased than those in OVA group (GCR mRNA: OVA group: 0.72±0.22 vs OVA+ AF group: 0.52±0.08, t=2.462, P<0.05; GCR protein: OVA group: 81.88±15.41 vs OVA+ AF group: 59.09±7.60, t=2.997, P<0.05). The ratio of A. fumigatus colonization in lung tissues in OVA+ AF group (4/8) was higher than the UC+ AF group (0/8). Conclusion:A. fumigatus exposure can down-regulate the expression of GCR in the lung, which maybe an important mechanism of steroid-resistant asthma.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis of mediastinal fibrosis].

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of mediastinal fibrosis. Methods: Twelve patients with mediastinal fibrosis diagnosed between 2008 and 2015 in our hospital were studied retrospectively. Clinical manifestations, radiological characteristics, endoscopic features, treatment and prognosis were analyzed. Results: There were 3 males and 9 females, with a mean age of 68.8 years.Six patients had previous tuberculosis infection. The most common clinical symptoms were dyspnea on exertion (11 cases), cough (7 cases), and wheezing (6 cases). Chest CT scans revealed an infiltrative mediastinal process, with a discrete mass, enlargement of mediastinal lymph nodes, mediastinal lymph node calcification (9 case). Twelve patients had bronchial and pulmonary artery compression at lobar or segmental levels, 7 cases had localized pulmonary edema, and 6 cases had pulmonary atelectasis. The principal findings of bronchoscopy were distortion of bronchus with stenosis, multiple pigmentation of bronchial mucosa, and bronchial mucosal edema. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was the main severe complication. One patients suffered from sudden death after bronchoscopy. Eleven patients were followed for 3 month to 7 years, and 5 patients got progression. Anti-tuberculosis therapy with or without corticosteroid was not beneficial. Conclusion: Tuberculosis was the leading cause of mediastinal fibrosis in our study, which was characterized with diffuse bronchial and pulmonary artery compression at lobar or segmental levels, and multiple pigmentation of bronchial mucosa.Anti-tuberculosis therapy with or without corticosteroids was not beneficial.

[Holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho: YAG) laser lithotripsy in the treatment of broncholithiasis].

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Ho: YAG Laser in the treatment of broncholithiasis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 6 patients who underwent Ho: YAG Laser lithotripsy in Peking University First Hospital during May 2012 to October 2015. 4 females and 2 males, with a median age of 60 years, were enrolled. Among 6 patients, persistent cough(n=2), hemoptysis(n=2), recurrent pneumonia(n=2) were the main clinical symptoms. Broncholiths were found in the left side in 1 patient and right side in 5 patients. 2 broncholiths were located in main bronchus and 4 in segmental bronchus. There were 2 patients with intraluminal broncholiths and 4 with transbranchial broncholiths. All 6 patients received Ho: YAG Laser(0.8-1.2 J pulse energies, 5-10 Hz frequencies, 365 µm laser fibers) under rigid bronchoscopy in general anesthesia and experienced relief of symptoms. Results: Complete removal of broncholith was accomplished in intraluminal broncholith group and 1 patient in transbracnhial broncholith group, the other 3 transbracnhial broncholiths were partly removed. Complications included perioperative massive hemolysis(n=1), bronchoesophageal fistula(n=1) and postoperative pneumonia (n=2), no long term complications were encounted. Conclusion: The Ho: YAG were associated with acute complications including fistula, perioperative massive hemolysis, infections and no long-term side effects. It represents a safe and effective therapy option for broncholithiasis.

[Patient-related independent clinical risk factors for early complications following interventional pulmonology procedures].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the early complication rate and identify patient-related independent clinical risk factors for early complications in patients following interventional pulmonology procedures. METHODS: In the period from December 2014 to December 2015, sufficient data of Peking University First Hospital Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Department for analysis were identified in 218 subjects. Interventional pulmonology procedures were performed in all the patients. Early complications after the procedures were defined as newly respiratory failure, arrhythmia requiring treatment, severe hemoptysis, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pulmonary edema, tracheoesophageal fistulae, bronchopleural fistulae, acute coronary syndrome, acute cerebrovascular accident, and death. Patient-related clinical risk factors were defined as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, cerebral infarction, diabetes mellitus, cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, arrhythmia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and previous interventional pulmonology treatment. The patient-related independent clinical risk factors which had close relations to the occurrence of early complications were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis with Logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 56.4% male and 43.6% female subjects in this study. There were 10.6% current smokers, 26.6% former smokers, and 62.8% non-smokers. The overall early complication rate was 8.3%. In all the subjects groups, the patient-related independent clinical risk factors for the early complication rate were coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (B=1.545, P=0.006, OR=4.686, 95% CI 1.568-14.006), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (B=1.037, P=0.049, OR=2.820, 95% CI 1.675-11.790), and current smoking status (B=1.412, P=0.032, OR=4.139, 95% CI 1.134-15.109); for the newly respiratory failure rates were coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (B=2.207, P=0.004, OR=9.087, 95% CI 2.028-40.714), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (B=1.646, P=0.048, OR=5.188, 95% CI 1.783-34.375), and lesions involving three central airways (B=1.899, P=0.032, OR=6.680, 95% CI 1.182-37.740). In the malignant group, the patient-related independent clinical risk factor for the early complication rate was current smoking status (B=2.953, P=0.006, OR=19.161, 95% CI 2.360-155.572). In the benign group, the patient-related independent clinical risk factor for the early complication rate was only coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (B=1.976, P=0.022, OR=7.214, 95% CI 1.324-39.298). CONCLUSION: Closer monitoring of patients with identified clinical risk factors is advisable prior and immediately after interventional pulmonology procedures. In order to avoid or minimize early complications, special attention should be directed toward patients who are current smokers, or patients with lesions involving three central airways, or with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.