Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of TWHF in diabetic nephropathy patients with overt proteinuria and normal eGFR.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F (TWHF) in DN patients with overt proteinuria and normal eGFR. METHODS: 124 eligible DN patients were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either valsartan 160 mg/d treatment (control group) or TWHF 60 mg/d plus valsartan 160 mg/d treatments (TWHF group) for 24 weeks. The changes of clinical, biochemical data and adverse events during observation period were all analyzed. The primary endpoint was a reduction in 24-h urine protein excretion between baseline and the end of study, the secondary endpoint was to observe the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, there was a more significant decrease in proteinuria in patients who received TWHF treatment (from 4.95 ± 1.27 g/24 h to 3.36 ± 0.83 g/24 h) compared to valsartan monotherapy (from 5.21 ± 1.59 g/24 h to 4.52 ± 1.06 g/24 h). The percentage change in urine protein excretion was -32.12% in TWHF group and -13.24% in valsartan group. Patients' plasma albumin in TWHF group (from 32.53 ± 5.24 g/L to 36.91 ± 4.42 g/L) was higher than that in control group (from 33.18 ± 4.87 g/L to 34.67 ± 4.75 g/L). No significant change in blood pressure, blood glucose, eGFR, and serum potassium was observed. But the adverse events in TWHF group were higher than those in control group. CONCLUSION: TWHF is more effective than valsartan monotherapy in reduction of proteinuria in DN patients with overt proteinuria and normal eGFR, but with more adverse effects.

Efficacy and safety of low dose Mycophenolate mofetil treatment for immunoglobulin G4-related disease: a randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: This randomized, controlled clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoid combined with MMF and glucocorticoid monotherapy for patients with IgG4-related disease. Methods: Sixty-nine patients newly diagnosed with IgG4-related disease were randomly divided into two groups (35 patients in Group I and 34 patients in Group II). Patients in Group I received glucocorticoid monotherapy (0.6-0.8 mg/(kg·day) and tapered gradually); patients in Group II received glucocorticoid combined with MMF therapy (1-1.5 g/day). All the patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The primary endpoint was response rate in 12 months and the secondary endpoints were relapse, remission rate and adverse reactions. Results: Group I and Group II shared almost the same efficacy at the 1 month treatment, but during the follow-up, the complete response rate in Group II was much higher than that in Group I at different time points, and the cumulative relapse rate during 1 year of therapy was much higher in Group I than that in Group II (40.00 vs 20.59%). The remission rate was lower in Group I (51.42 vs 76.47%). Relapses were more likely to happen in lung, lacrimal gland, salivary gland, paranasal sinus and kidney. MMF could reduce relapse, especially organs recurrence. No serious adverse reactions occurred in the two groups. Conclusion: Combination treatment with glucocorticoid and MMF was more effective than the monotherapy, and the relapse of IgG4-related disease might be associated with the elevated levels of serum IgG4 and the low glucocorticoid maintenance dose. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02458196.

Management and Outcomes of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Associated With Anterior Decompression for Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament With or Without Dural Ossification.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective clinical study. OBJECTIVE: To analyze and evaluate the clinical outcomes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after anterior decompression for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) with or without dural ossification (DO). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Anterior decompression can be highly efficacious in the treatment of OPLL. However, in some cases of OPLL, there often exists DO and fusion with the posterior longitudinal ligament, which may increase the chance for CSF leak during an anterior decompression surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 126 OPLL patients (89 men and 37 women) treated with anterior decompression surgery between January 2008 and January 2012. The mean age at operation was 61 years (ranging from 46 to 72 y) and the average duration of diagnosis was 4.2 years (ranging from 3 d to 7 y). DO was present in 11 patients, of whom 7 developed dural tear or defect. Among the 115 patients without DO, only 4 developed dural tear. Intraoperative dural repair was performed with gelatin foam onlay and fibrin glue seal. Postoperative care for CSF leak involved bed rest, CSF drainage, nutritional support, and antibiotics. RESULTS: A total of 11 cases associated with dural tear or defect developed postoperative CSF leak (an overall incidence of 8.7%). There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.001) in the incidence of CSF leak between the DO group (63.6%) and the non-DO group (3.5%). While leakage in 3 patients resolved spontaneously within 5 days of surgery, intermittent CSF cysts developed in 8 patients. These were treated with circular pressure bandages, repeated aspiration, and lumbar drainage. All 8 cases resolved 14-30 days after surgery. These 11 patients were followed up for an average of 12.8 months (range of 1 to 36 mo) with an average Japanese Orthopedic Association score of 51.2% and no significant neurological deficit or persistent headaches were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DO are at increased risk for dural injury while undergoing anterior decompression for the treatment of OPLL. This is associated with a high incidence of CSF leak. However, the majority of patients with CSF leak could be managed conservatively.

Dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a prospective study comparing two anterior surgical approaches.

BACKGROUND: The Smith-Robinson approach is commonly used to expose the vertebrae in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Postoperative dysphagia has been frequently reported following this procedure. In this approach, surgical dissection can be carried out either lateral (LEO) or medial (MEO) to the omohyoid muscle. The purpose of this study was to compare the degree of dysphagia between the LEO and MEO groups. METHODS: In this randomized, prospective study, 80 patients were enrolled and evenly divided into the MEO and LEO groups. Patients underwent two-level ACDF using a right-sided Smith-Robinson approach. Follow-up was obtained 1, 3, 6, 12 week and 6 months after surgery. The degree of dysphagia was assessed using a 14-item questionnaire from the SWAL-QOL survey. RESULTS: There were no differences between the MEO and LEO groups with respect to age, gender, body mass index, or length of surgery. Overall, the SWAL-QOL scores were not different between the two groups at any of the follow-up time points. However, when the level of surgery was taken into consideration, the early postoperative SWAL-QOL scores were significantly lower in the C3-C4 subgroup when the MEO approach was used. Conversely, the SWAL-QOL scores were significantly lower in the C6-C7 subgroup when the LEO approach was used. Two patients with C6-C7 surgery in the MEO group also developed dysphonia that resolved spontaneously within 3 months. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study suggest that the LEO approach should be selected if the level of surgery involves C3-C4. For C6-C7 surgery, however, a left-sided MEO approach should be used. Depending on surgeon's preference, either approach can be used if both cervical levels are involved.

Complement C3 activation is required for antiphospholipid antibody-induced fetal loss.

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by recurrent fetal loss, vascular thrombosis, and thrombocytopenia occurring in the presence of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies. The pathogenesis of fetal loss and tissue injury in APS is incompletely understood, but is thought to involve platelet and endothelial cell activation as well as procoagulant effects of aPL antibodies acting directly on clotting pathway components. Recent studies have shown that uncontrolled complement activation in the placenta leads to fetal death in utero. We hypothesized that aPL antibodies activate complement in the placenta, generating split products that mediate placental injury and lead to fetal loss and growth retardation. To test this hypothesis, we used a murine model of APS in which pregnant mice are injected with human IgG containing aPL antibodies. We found that inhibition of the complement cascade in vivo, using the C3 convertase inhibitor complement receptor 1-related gene/protein y (Crry)-Ig, blocks fetal loss and growth retardation. Furthermore, mice deficient in complement C3 were resistant to fetal injury induced by aPL antibodies. While antigenic epitopes recognized by aPL antibodies are important in the pathogenesis of APS, our data show that in vivo complement activation is required for aPL antibody-induced fetal loss and growth retardation.

Comparison of the effects of valsartan plus activated vitamin D versus valsartan alone in IgA nephropathy with moderate proteinuria.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To compare the effects of valsartan plus activated vitamin D with valsartan alone on urinary protein excretion and eGFR in IgA nephropathy with moderate proteinuria. METHODS: A prospective, single-center, randomized, controlled study was performed between Jan, 2008 and Jan, 2018 on patients with IgA nephropathy who had moderate proteinuria with urinary protein excretion 1.0-3.0 g/24 h. These IgAN patients were randomly assigned to receive either valsartan 160 mg/day treatment or valsartan 160 mg/day plus activated vitamin D (calcitriol) 0.5 µg/day treatments. The changes of the clinical, biochemical data, and the adverse events during the observation period were all analyzed in the two groups. The primary endpoint was defined as changes in urinary protein excretion at week 24 compared with the baseline and the secondary endpoint was to observe the changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between baseline and the end of the study. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics between the two groups were comparable. At the end of the treatment period, urinary protein excretion in both two groups decreased significantly (P < 0.05). However, there was a more significant decrease in proteinuria in IgAN patients who received valsartan plus activated vitamin D treatment (from 2.39 ± 0.77 to 1.43 ± 0.57 g/24 h, P < 0.01) compared to valsartan treatment alone (from 2.46 ± 0.81 to 1.78 ± 0.60 g/24 h, P < 0.05). The percentage change in urine protein excretion at week 24 was - 40.2% in valsartan plus activated vitamin D treatment group (P < 0.01) and - 27.6% in valsartan treatment group (P < 0.05). No significant change in blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum calcium, and serum potassium was observed. The incidence of adverse events was similar between the two groups, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with valsartan plus activated vitamin D is more effective than valsartan alone in reduction of moderate proteinuria in IgA nephropathy and without more adverse events.

Hemoperfusion plus continuous veno-venous hemofiltration in the treatment of patients with multiple organ failure after wasp stings.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of hemoperfusion plus continuous veno-venous hemofiltration in the treatment of patients with multiple organ failure after wasp stings and investigate its impacts on cytokines. METHODS: A total of 12 patients with multiple organ failure after wasp stings admitted to Xijing Hospital were included in the present study between January 2017 and January 2019. All patients received hemoperfusion plus continuous veno-venous hemofiltration treatment in addition to conventional treatment after admission. Procedure of treatment was conducted as the following: hemoperfusion (2 h/day) and followed by continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (22 h/day) for at least 5 days. Patients' clinical features, serum laboratory tests, and hemodynamic variables were monitored. The blood samples were taken to measure the changes of plasma cytokines. RESULTS: All 12 patients survived in the observation period. After hemoperfusion plus continuous veno-venous hemofiltration treatment, there were significant improvements in indicators of liver function, renal function, state of consciousness, and mediators in blood circulation, including alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, myoglobin, C-reactive protein, and so on. In these patients, acid-base metabolism returned to normal levels; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II score, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score lowered markedly. Furthermore, the plasma levels of interleukin 1ß, interleukin 4, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, and interleukin 10 in these patients were significantly decreased; no significant change was shown in the level of tumor necrosis factor α. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that hemoperfusion plus continuous veno-venous hemofiltration was effective in the management of patients with multiple organ failure after wasp sting via the non-specific removal of the wasp venom and inflammatory cytokines.

Clinical and pathological features and prognosis of lupus nephritis complicated with thrombotic microangiopathy / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics and prognosis of children with lupus nephritis(LN)and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA).Methods:In this retrospective case-control study, clinical and pathological data of LN children confirmed by renal biopsy from January 2008 to January 2023 in Xuzhou Children′s Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University were analyzed.There were 46 LN children complicated with TMA (LN-TMA group). With matched age, sex and pathology, 92 LN children (1∶2) without TMA were selected as the control group (LN group). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the overall and renal survival rates of children with LN, and the Cox regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for the progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).Results:TMA was moderately associated with serum creatinine, serum C3, anti-C1q antibody (a-C1q), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), endocapillary proliferation, fibrinoid necrosis, and renal C1q deposition (all r>0.5). Serum a-C1q≥20 U/mL ( HR=8.724, 95% CI: 0.976-16.114, P=0.026) and eGFR≤60 mL/(min·1.73 m 2) ( HR=12.213, 95% CI: 1.147-25.048, P=0.038) were independent risk factors for TMA in children with LN.Glomerular sclerosis ( HR=7.228, 95% CI: 0.186-22.358, P=0.016), TMA ( HR=11.387, 95% CI: 3.426-42.554, P=0.009) and eGFR≤60 mL/(min·1.73 m 2) ( HR=3.116, 95% CI: 0.592-10.064, P=0.030) were independent risk factors for developing ESRD in LN children.The 5-year and 10-year renal survival rates in the LN-TMA group were lower than those in the LN group (97.44% vs.98.28%, 80.90% vs.87.27%, χ2=4.918, P=0.027). Conclusions:Children with LN-TMA present with severe symptoms and poor prognosis.TMA is an independent risk factor for progression to ESRD in children with LN, and the mechanism may be related to complement activation.

Effects of different strength of pressing massage on myofascial trigger points with chronic pain in rats / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Pressing massage applied to myofascial trigger points(MTrPs)has shown clear effect in relieving pain.However,further research is needed to investigate the effects of different levels of pressure applied during the massage. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the different strength of pressing on MTrPs in rats with chronic pain. METHODS:Sixty SPF-rated male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group of 10 rats not involved in MTrPs modeling and 50 rats involved in modeling.The MTrPs model was established in the left medial thigh muscle of rats by blunt strikes combined with centrifugal exercise and 40 rats that met the evaluation criteria after modeling were randomly divided into model group,light press group,medium press group and heavy press group,with 10 rats in each group.The rats in the blank group and the model group were not intervened,while the rats in the light press group,the medium press group and the heavy press group were intervened with a homemade press stimulator with light force(0.3 kg),medium force(0.5 kg)and heavy force(0.7 kg)to MTrPs.The intervention time was 7.5 minutes per session,with one session every other day,totaling seven sessions.Electromyogram,soft tissue tension and mechanical pain threshold were detected by electrophysiological instruments,soft tissue tension tester,and pressure painmeter,respectively.After the intervention,in the blank group,muscle tissue was taken from the inside of the left thigh,while in the other groups,MTrPs tissue was taken.The pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the levels of cyclooxygenase-2,prostaglandin E2 and bradykinin. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank group,the model group had lower mechanical pain thresholds,higher soft tissue tone,higher amplitude frequency of spontaneous electrical activity,significant pathomorphological changes,and increased levels of cyclooxygenase-2,prostaglandin E2 and bradykinin(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the medium press group and the heavy press group showed increased mechanical pain thresholds,decreased soft tissue tension,decreased spontaneous potential frequency amplitude,and decreased levels of cyclooxygenase-2,prostaglandin E2 and bradykinin(P<0.05),and significant recovery on pathomorphological changes.No significant changes in the above indicators were observed in the light press group(P>0.05).Compared with the medium press group,the heavy press group showed better improvement in the above indicators(P<0.05).To conclude,moderate to heavy pressing is often required to alleviate MTrPs pain.

Progress and Clinical Applications of Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet in Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic intestinal inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. Although the pharmacotherapies for Crohn’s disease are constantly updating, nutritional support and adjuvant therapies have recently gained more attention. Due to advancements in clinical nutrition, various clinical nutritional therapies are used to treat Crohn’s disease. Doctors treating inflammatory bowel disease can now offer several diets with more flexibility than ever. The Crohn’s disease exclusion diet is a widely used diet for patients with active Crohn’s disease. The Crohn’s disease exclusion diet requires both exclusion and inclusion. Periodic exclusion of harmful foods and inclusion of wholesome foods gradually improves a patient’s nutritional status. This article reviews the Crohn’s disease exclusion diet, including its structure, mechanisms, research findings, and clinical applications.

A national questionnaire survey on endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.

Blockade of glutamate receptor ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis through regulation of neuropeptides.

Glutamate receptors (N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)) are expressed mainly in the central nervous system (CNS), but several potentially important exceptions are worth mentioning. Recently, NMDAR, a glutamate receptor, has been reported to be found in the lungs. NMDAR is activated in acute lung injury (ALI). Here, the present experiment was designed to examine whether NMDAR blockade (MK-801) ameliorates ALI through affecting neuropeptides in LPS-induced sepsis animal models. Male Kunming mice were divided into control group, LPS group, control + MK-801 group, and LPS + MK-801 group. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected and evaluated. The lung histological pathology was assayed by immunocytochemistry staining. Western blot was used to measure PGP9.5, substance P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). Results showed that LPS-induced mice animal models were ameliorated by co-treatment with the MK-801, an uncompetitive NMDAR antagonist. Moreover, the protective effects of MK-801 attributed to the increased secretion of VIP and decreased secretion of SP. The results of the present study indicated that the blockade of NMDAR may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of sepsis-associated ALI through regulation of neuropeptides.

Assessment of adequacy of colonoscopic bowel preparation based on nomogram visualization / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To establish a nomogram to evaluate the adequacy of bowel preparation before colonoscopy and to guide clinical decision-making.Methods:A total of 1 023 valid questionnaires from subjects who underwent diagnosis and treatment of colonoscopy at the digestive endoscopy center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from September 2020 to March 2021 were finally returned. The contents of the questionnaire mainly included the clinical characteristics, defecation habits, the number of defecation and the time of the last defecation after taking the medicine and the self-assessment results of bowel preparation before colonoscopy. Subjects' bowel preparation was graded with the Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS) by a designated endoscopist in a single blinded method. Multivariate analyse was used to explore the influencing factors for bowel preparation adequacy, and a nomogram was drawn accordingly.Results:Based on BBPS scores, bowel preparation of 674 subjects were adequate and 349 were inadequate. Multivariate analyse identified the number of defecation per week ( OR=1.649,95% CI:1.233-2.204, P=0.001), the number of defecation after medication ( OR=3.963, 95% CI: 1.851-8.485, P<0.001), the time of the last defecation after medication ( OR=5.151, 95% CI: 1.152-23.037, P=0.032), and self-assessment of bowel preparation before examination ( OR=8.284, 95% CI: 2.042-33.601, P=0.003) were influencing factors for the adequacy of bowel preparation for colonoscopy. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of assessment of colonoscopic bowel preparation adequacy with nomogram visualization according to influencing factors was 0.913, optimal cutoff value was 0.824, the sensitivity was 0.746, and the specificity was 0.971 under the internal validation cohort. Conclusion:The nomogram based on the number of defecation per week, the number of defecation after medication, the time of the last defecation after medication, and self-assessment of bowel preparation before examination could evaluate the adequacy of bowel preparation before colonoscopy, which is worthy of application.

Establishment of a risk model of placental accreta spectrum by ultrasound combined with clinical high risk factors / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To establish a risk model of placenta accreta spectrum(PAS) based on the clinical risk factors and ultrasound signs of patients with placenta accreta, and identify severe placenta accreta prenatal.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 121 PAS patients admitted to Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2018 to June 2022 who were clinically classified or pathologically diagnosed during delivery. The two groups were divided into light and severe groups according to the implantation type. The clinical risk factors and ultrasound signs between the two groups were compared. A risk model of PAS was established based on the clinical risk factors and ultrasound signs to predict the perinatal complications.Results:A total of 130 cases of PAS were clinically diagnosed or pathologically diagnosed with placenta, 9 cases with incomplete clinical data or irregular ultrasound images were excluded, and the remaining 121 cases were included in the study. Among the 121 patients, 64 cases were placental accreta, 39 cases were placental increta, and 18 cases were placenta percreta. The placental accreta was defined as mild group, and the combination of placental increta and placenta percreta were referred to as severe group. There were no significant differences in placenta previa, and the number of uterine cavity operations (all P>0.05). There were significant differences in the number of cesarean section, myometrium thinning, placental lacunae, abnormal vascularization at the utero-bladder junction, bridging vessels at the utero-bladder junction, placental protuberance and cervical involvement (all P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that placental lacunae, abnormal vasculization of the utero-bladder interface and the number of cesarean sections were independent risk factors for severe PAS. Based on this, a risk model was established and the ROC curve of each independent risk factor and risk model was plotted respectively. The AUC of the risk model was 0.826, which had better diagnostic efficacy than other independent risk factors. Conclusions:In the prenatal ultrasound classification diagnosis of high-risk patients with PAS, the placental lacunae, abnormal vascularization of utero-bladder interface and the number of cesarean section are combined to establish the risk model of PAS, which has a good diagnostic efficacy for severe placenta accreta.

Application of self-directed learning theory combined with target teaching method in the teaching of new obstetric nurses / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To explore the role of self-directed learning theory combined with target teaching method in the teaching of new obstetric nurses.Methods:A total of 36 new nurses who were newly recruited in the Department of Obstetrics of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from June 2018 to June 2019 were selected as the control group, and another 32 newly recruited nurses from July 2029 to July 2020 were selected as the observation group. The control group adopted the traditional teaching mode, while the observation group adopted self-directed learning theory combined with target teaching method. The scores of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the scores of self-rating scale for self-directed learning (SRSSDL), the core competence of obstetric nurses before and after teaching and the satisfaction with the teaching mode were compared between the two groups. SPSS 20.0 was performed for t test, rank sum test and chi-square test. Results:After teaching, the scores of theoretical knowledge [(92.57±5.36) vs. (85.13±6.17)] and practical skills [(90.58±6.65) vs. (84.22±5.94)] in the observation group were both higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). After teaching, the scores of all dimensions and total scores of SRSSDL scale and the scores of each item of core competence of obstetric nurses of the two groups were higher than those before teaching ( P<0.05), and the above scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The satisfaction of the observation group [93.75%(30/32)] with the teaching mode was higher than that of the control group [61.11%(22/36)] ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The combination of self-directed learning theory and target teaching method in the teaching of new obstetric nurses can consolidate theoretical knowledge, and improve the level of practical skills, self-directed learning ability and the core ability of obstetric nurses, with high satisfaction.

Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor on serum Chemerin, blood lipid level and insulin dosage in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To study the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) on serum Chemerin, blood lipid levels and insulin dosage in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.Methods:The clinical data of 96 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease admitted in Xianyang Central Hospital from June 2019 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different treatment methods, they were divided into control group and observation group, with 48 cases in each group. The control group was treated with insulin combined with metformin, and the observation group was treated with insulin combined with SGLT2i (this study mainly used dagglitazone). The blood glucose, serum Chemerin, blood lipid level and insulin dosage of the two groups were observed before and after treatment. The incidence of cardiovascular adverse events and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results:After treatment, the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2 h PG (plasma glucose), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA 1c), and Chemerin in the two groups were better than those before treatment ( P<0.05). The decrease in the levels of FBG, 2 h PG, HbA 1c and insulin dosage in the observation group were greater than those in the control group ( P<0.05). However, there was no difference in the decline of Chemerin levels between the two groups ( P>0.05). After treatment, the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the two groups were lower than before treatment, and the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were higher than before treatment (all P<0.05). The decrease of TG in the observation group was greater than that in the control group, the decrease of TC and LDL-C was samller than that in the control group, and the increase of HDL-C was greater than that in the control group (all P<0.05). The incidence of cardiovascular adverse events in the observation group was 4.17%(2/48), which was lower than that in the control group [16.67%(8/48), P<0.05]. Conclusions:SGLT2i has a significant therapeutic effect on patients with type 2 diabetes complicated with coronary heart disease. It can better control blood glucose and lipid levels and reduce insulin dosage, which is worthy of clinical application.

Distribution and drug resistance of microbiota in gravidas with suspected infection / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the microbiota distribution and drug resistance in gravidas with suspected infection to provide a reference for the treatment of maternal infectious diseases.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed the distribution and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms isolated from obstetric patients in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University (Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital) from January 1, 2016. to December 31, 2019. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was used to identify pathogenic microorganisms. The susceptibility of isolated pathogenic bacteria to common antimicrobial agents was detected using bioMerieux VITEK-2 (France). Descriptive statistical methods was used. Results:A total of 4 086 strains were isolated from 3 781 samples of 3 225 gravidas and 44.17% (1 670) of the strains were from secretion specimens, including 767 cervical, 423 vulvovaginal, 318 perineum wound and 117 uterine secretion specimens. The most common bacterium was Escherichia coli (1 728, 42.29%), followed by Saccharomyces (901, 22.05%), Streptococcus (429, 10.50%), Enterococcus (377, 9.23%), and Staphylococcus (300, 7.34%). The proportion of Enterococcus among all the positive bacteria increased during the study period with its ranking rising from the 5th in 2016 to the 3rd in 2019, while the ranking of the proportion of Staphylococcus fell from the 4th in 2016 to the 5th in 2019. More than 90% of Escherichia coli were sensitive to carbapenems, piperacillin/tazobactam, amikacin, nitrofurantoin and ceftazidime, but only 35% or less to ampicillin and cefazolin. More than 98% of Candida strains were sensitive to amphotericin, but less than 56% to itraconazole. From 2016 to 2019, the sensitivity of Escherichia coli to cefuroxime sodium and ceftriaxone remained around 65%. The sensitive rate of Candida albicans to voriconazole and fluconazole gradually decreased from about 90% to 56%. The most common Enterococcus was Enterococcus faecalis and its susceptibility to vancomycin, ampicillin, penicillin, linezolid, nitrofurantoin and levofloxacin were all over 90%. Conclusions:Escherichia coli is the most common pathogenic microorganism in gravidas with suspected clinical infection and its susceptibility to cefuroxime sodium and ceftriaxone is stable. Candida albicans shows a gradually decreased susceptibility to voriconazole and fluconazole, which needs close attention. The proportion of Enterococcus in all pathogenic bacteria increases significantly over time, while that of Staphylococcus decreases.

Predictive value of ultrasound signs of the involvement of the cervix in the adverse pregnancy outcomes of placenta accreta spectrum / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the the predictive value of ultrasound signs of the involvement of the cervix in the clinical grade diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum(PAS) with placenta previa and adverse pregnancy outcomes.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on PAS patients with placenta previa diagnosed during delivery or by cesarean section in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2018 to March 2021. According to the signs of cervical involvement on prenatal ultrasound, the patients were divided into cervical involvement group and cervical non-involvement group. Logistic analysis was performed on clinical data between the two groups. The clinical data, hysterectomy rate, intraoperative blood loss and clinical diagnosis were compared between the two groups.Results:There were 1 455 patients with PAS diagnosed by clinical diagnosis or placental pathology, of which 170 were with placenta previa, 24 with incomplete clinical data or non-standard ultrasound images, and the remaining 146 patients were included. In the cervical involvement group, all of 6 cases had placenta percreta. Of the 140 cases in the unaffected cervical group, 89 cases (63.6%) had placental accreta, 48 cases (34.3%) had placental increta, and 3 cases (2.1%) had placenta percreta. There were no significant differences of the age and uterine operation history between the two groups. There was significant difference in the number of cesarean sections between the two groups ( P<0.05). There were significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, hysterectomy rate and placenta accreta grade diagnosis between the two groups(χ 2/ Z=4.203, 11.165, 95.248, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The ultrasonographic signs of cervical involvement have a good predictive value for the pregnancy outcome of PAS.

Comparative study of umbilical venous blood flow between congenital heart disease and normal fetus / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the differences of umbilical vein diameter(D), time average peak velocity(TAmax) and blood flow between congenital heart disease and normal fetus.Methods:The umbilical vein diameter and time average peak velocity of 69 fetuses with congenital heart disease (disease group) from 22 to 27 weeks were prospectively studied in Maternal-Fetal Medical Center in Fetal Heart Disease of Beijing Anzhen Hospital from May 2021 to September 2021. Q 1 (umbilical venous blood flow) was calculated according to the formular [Q=0.5TAmax·π·(D/2) 2)], and Q 2 (Q 2=Q 1/weight) was calculated according to the fetal weight. At the same time, 111 normal fetuses with matched gestational age were selected as control group. The differences of fetal umbilical vein D, TAmax, Q 1 and Q 2 between the two groups were analyzed. Results:The inner diameter of umbilical vein D, TAmax, Q 1 and Q 2 in the congenital heart disease group were lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05). In the control group, the inner diameter of umbilical vein D, TAmax and Q 1 increased with the increase of gestational age and showed a positive linear correlation( r=0.608, 0.320, 0.626; all P≤0.001), while there was no obvious linear correlation between Q 2 and gestational age( r=0.189, P=0.047). Conclusions:The decrease of umbilical vein D, TAmax, Q 1 and Q 2 in the fetus with congenital heart disease indicates the decrease of effective blood flow in placenta-fetus circulation, which indirectly reflects the decrease of placental function in the fetus with congenital heart disease.

Pathogenesis, prenatal diagnosis and clinical features of fetal cardiomyopathies / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To summarize the etiological mechanism, echocardiographic and clinical features of fetal cardiomyopathies (FCMs).Methods:According to the data of echocardiography in Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center in Fetal Heart Disease of Beijing Anzhen Hospital during 2015 January to 2020 December, 70 cases with FCMs were retrospectively reviewed, and the clinical, ultrasonic, pathological and clinical outcome data were collected. Whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing were used to identify the genetic changes.Results:Primary FCMs were diagnosed in 55 cases (78.6%, 55/70), including 39 fetuses with non-compaction of the ventricular myocardium (NVM), 10 with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), 5 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and 1 with restricted cardiomyopathy (RCM). Secondary FCMs were diagnosed in 15 cases (21.4%, 15/70), including 7 fetuses with maternal anti-Ro/La antibodies (presenting with DCM), 4 with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (2 with DCM and 2 with HCM), 2 with fetal anemia (presenting with DCM), 1 with maternal diabetes (presenting with HCM) and 1 with chorioangioma of the placenta (presenting with DCM). In all cases, 9 cases were born, 3 cases died in perinatal period, and 58 pregnancies were terminated due to ineffective treatment or the decisions of pregnant women. Thirty cases with primary FCMs were performed with genetic tests, and 13 of them were identified with positive genetic changes related to FCMs, including 12 cases with NVM and 1 with HCM.Conclusions:Primary FCMs are more common than secondary FCMs in fetal period. The genetic disorders have a high proportion in fetal NVM. Fetal DCM and HCM have a large spectrum of intrinsic and extrinsic causes.