Risk factors for avascular necrosis of the femoral head after developmental hip dislocation reduction surgery and construction of Nomogram prediction model.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the risk factors for the development of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head after reduction surgery in children with developmental hip dysplasia (DDH), and to establish a prediction nomogram. METHODS: The clinical data of 134 children with DDH (169 hips) treated with closure reduction or open reduction from December 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Independent risk factors for AVN after DDH reduction being combined with cast external immobilization were determined by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression and used to generate nomograms predicting the occurrence of AVN. RESULTS: A total of 169 hip joints in 134 children met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age at surgery of 10.7 ± 4.56 months (range: 4-22 months) and a mean follow-up duration of 38.32 ± 27.00 months (range: 12-94 months). AVN developed in 42 hip joints (24.9%); univariate analysis showed that the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) grade, preoperative development of the femoral head ossification nucleus, cartilage acetabular index, femoral head to acetabular Y-shaped cartilage distance, residual acetabular dysplasia, acetabular abduction angle exceeding 60°, and the final follow-up acetabular index (AI) were associated with the development of AVN (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the preoperative IHDI grade, development of the femoral head ossification nucleus, acetabular abduction angle exceeding 60°, and the final follow-up AI were independent risk factors for AVN development (P < 0.05). Internal validation of the Nomogram prediction model showed a consistency index of 0.833. CONCLUSION: Preoperative IHDI grade, preoperative development of the femoral head ossification nucleus, final AI, and acetabular abduction angle exceeding 60° are risk factors for AVN development. This study successfully constructed a Nomogram prediction model for AVN after casting surgery for DDH that can predict the occurrence of AVN after casting surgery for DDH.

PagWOX11/12a from hybrid poplar enhances drought tolerance by modulating reactive oxygen species.

WOX11/12 is a homeobox gene of WOX11 and WOX12 in Arabidopsis that plays important roles in crown root development and growth. It has been reported that WOX11/12 participates in adventitious root (AR) formation and different abiotic stress responses, but the downstream regulatory network of WOX11/12 in poplar remains to be further investigated. In this study, we found that PagWOX11/12a is strongly induced by PEG-simulated drought stress. PagWOX11/12a-overexpressing poplar plantlets showed lower oxidative damage levels, greater antioxidant enzyme activities and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity than non-transgenic poplar plants, whereas PagWOX11/12a dominant repression weakened root biomass accumulation and drought tolerance in poplar. RNA-seq analysis revealed that several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) regulated by PagWOX11/12a are involved in redox metabolism and drought stress response. We used RT-qPCR and yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays to validate the downstream target genes of PagWOX11/12a. These results provide new insights into the biological function and molecular regulatory mechanism of WOX11/12 in the abiotic resistance processes of poplar.

Should we initiate vasopressors earlier in patients with septic shock: A mini systemic review.

Septic shock treatment remains a major challenge for intensive care units, despite the recent prominent advances in both management and outcomes. Vasopressors serve as a cornerstone of septic shock therapy, but there is still controversy over the timing of administration. Specifically, it remains unclear whether vasopressors should be used early in the course of treatment. Here, we provide a systematic review of the literature on the timing of vasopressor administration. Research was systematically identified through PubMed, Embase and Cochrane searching according to PRISMA guidelines. Fourteen studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The pathophysiological basis for early vasopressor use was classified, with the exploration on indications for the early administration of mono-vasopressors or their combination with vasopressin or angiotensinII. We found that mortality was 28.1%-47.7% in the early vasopressors group, and 33.6%-54.5% in the control group. We also investigated the issue of vasopressor responsiveness. Furthermore, we acknowledged the subsequent challenge of administration of high-dose norepinephrine via peripheral veins with early vasopressor use. Based on the literature review, we propose a possible protocol for the early initiation of vasopressors in septic shock resuscitation.

Soil C, N and P stoichiometry in different forest stand types in the middle and lower reaches of the Beijiang River, China.

We examined the vertical distribution characteristics of soil organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), total phosphorus (P) and their ecological stoichiometric ratios in 0-80 cm soil profile under three forest stand types in the middle and lower reaches of the Beijiang River, including broad-leaved forest, coniferous forest, and mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest. The results showed that soil C, N and P contents of the three forest stand types were 12.17-14.25, 1.14-1.31, and 0.27-0.30 g·kg-1, respectively. The contents of C and N decreased with the increases of soil depth. The content of C and N in each soil layer showed that coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest > coniferous forest > broad-leaved forest. There was no significant difference in P content among the three stand types, and there was no obvious variation in the vertical profile. The soil C/N, C/P, and N/P of the three forest types were 11.2-11.3, 49.0-60.3, and 4.5-5.7, respectively. There was no significant difference in soil C/N among the three stand types. The highest soil C/P and N/P were found in the mixed forest. There was no interaction between soil depth and stand type in affecting soil C, N, P contents and their stoichiometric ratios. There was significant positive correlation between C and N, and between N and C/P in each stand type and soil layer. Soil C/P and N/P had stronger ecological indicating effects on stand types. The coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest was strongly limited by P availability.

Closed reduction and plaster immobilization: an alternative solution for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip who failed Pavlik harness treatment.

BACKGROUND: The current study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of closed reduction and cast immobilization for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) who failed Pavlik harness treatment. METHODS: Patients with DDH who underwent cast immobilization under general anaesthesia after the failure of the Pavlik harness or Tübingen brace treatment between January 2015 and December 2020 were retrospectively recruited. General information, including Graf classification of initial diagnosis, initial treatment, age of cast immobilization, IHDI classification, AI index, avascular necrosis (AVN), and residual dysplasia, was collected. The incidence of AVN and late acetabular dysplasia (LACD) was also estimated. Moreover, factors related to AVN and LACD were investigated by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (47 hips) were finally included in the current study. Of these patients, 31 hips (66.0%) were successfully treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization. Open reduction was successfully performed in 16 hips (34.0%). Till the latest follow-up, LACD and AVN were found in 13 (27.7%) and 10 (21.3%) hips, respectively. In the open reduction group, type III and IV of the IHDI classification and type IV of the Ultrasound Graf classification were significantly higher when compared with the closed reduction group. Multiple logistic regression showed that failure of closed reduction was related to the initial types of the Ultrasound Graf and IHDI classifications. CONCLUSIONS: Although the success rate of closed reduction after early harness failure in DDH is only 66%, we still advocate closed reduction as a first-line treatment for children who have failed sling treatment. Even if closed reduction fails, open reduction can still achieve acceptable results.

How to manage isolated tension non-surgical pneumoperitonium during bronchoscopy? A case report.

BACKGROUND: Tension pneumoperitonium is a rare complication during bronchoscopy that can cause acute respiratory and hemodynamic failure, with fatal consequences. Isolated pneumoperitonium during bronchoscopy usually results from ruptures of the abdominal viscera that need surgical repair. Non-surgical pneumoperitoneum (NSP) refers to some pneumoperitoneum that could be relieved without surgery and only by conservative therapy. However, the clinical experience of managing tension pneumoperitonium during bronchoscopy is limited and controversial. CASE SUMMARY: A 51-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for cough with bloody sputum of seven days. On the 8th day of her admission, a bronchoscopy was arranged for bronchial-alveolar lavage to detect possible pathogens in the lower respiratory tract, as oxygen was delivered via a 12 F nasopharyngeal cannula, approximately 5-6 cm from the tip of the catheter, with a flow rate of 5-10 L/min. After four minutes of bronchoscopy, the patient suddenly vomited 20 mL of water, followed by severe abdominal pain, while physical examination revealed obvious abdominal distension, as well as hardness and tenderness of the whole abdomen, which was considered pneumoperitonium, and the bronchoscopy was terminated immediately. A computer tomography scan indicated isolated tension pneumoperitonium, and abdominal decompression was performed with a drainage tube, after which her symptoms were relieved. A multidisciplinary expert consultation discussed her situation and a laparotomy was suggested, but finally refused by her family. She had no signs of peritonitis and was finally discharged 5 d after bronchoscopy with a good recovery. CONCLUSION: The possibility of tension pneumoperitonium during bronchoscopy should be guarded against, and given its serious clinical consequences, cardiopulmonary instability should be treated immediately. Varied strategies could be adopted according to whether it is complicated with pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum, and the presence of peritonitis. When considering NSP, conservative therapy maybe a reasonable option with good recovery. An algorithm for the management of pneumoperitonium during bronchoscopy is proposed, based on the features of the case series reviewed and our case reported.

Drug-related problems identified by clinical pharmacists in nephrology department of a tertiary hospital in China-a single center study.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of data on drug-related problems (DRPs) occurring in nephrology department in China. The objective of this study was to identify and categorize the types and causes of DRPs and to assess their severity. DRPs were examined by clinical pharmacists and the results of their interventions were rated. METHODS: Clinical pharmacists reviewed all medication orders for patients and documented clinical pharmacy services within a nine-month study period. The Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification (Version 9.00) was used to identify DRPs. Our Primary outcomes measured the number, causes, types, potential hazards of DRPs and the types and success rate of intervention. RESULTS: Admission medication reconciliation data of 113 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were collected and all of the medications were reviewed retrospectively. Exclude 26 patients who did not occurred DRPs, 87 patients (77%) identified 101 DRPs. The average DRP number per patient was 1.16. The most common type of problem was "treatment effectiveness P1" (84.16%; 85/101). The most common causes were "drug selection C1" (36.00%; 45/125), "dose selection C3" (29.60%; 37/125), and "patient related C7" (26.40%; 33/125). Clinical pharmacists totally proposed 249 interventions, of which 190 (76.31%) were fully accepted and implemented. CONCLUSIONS: DRPs are common among CKD patients in the nephrology department. Hence the necessity for pharmaceutical care to be improved to ensure the ongoing safety of patients.

The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Service Sector Sustainability and Growth.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is having an unprecedented and unpredictable impact on the world's economy. The pandemic has driven the world toward adapting to the current circumstances regardless of the business, sector, or industry. The coronavirus epidemic (COVID19) has affected the global economy and service sector. The purpose of the current study is to assess the effect of COVID-19 on service sector growth and sustainability. Global sectors and industries are trying to anchor themselves amidst the pandemic. The study focuses on the sectors that are badly hit by the outbreak and discussed the strategies and responses different countries are taking to sustain their economies. This study concludes that the vital role of Information Technology and digitization supports the economies in their fight against the pandemic and helps them sustain themselves amid crises. This study also contributes to the body of literature by suggesting IT-based solutions for various industries to elevate effective responsiveness and avoid significant losses.

The Moderating Effects of Technostress Inhibitors on Techno-Stressors and Employee's Well-Being.

This study determined the effects of techno-stressors on employees' well-being. It also determined the moderating role of technostress inhibitors in techno-stressors and employees' well-being. We employed a time-lagged design and self-administered survey method to collect data from banking employees. We retrieved 355 usable responses. The results showed that techno-stressors significantly and negatively affected employees' well-being. Technostress inhibitors significantly and positively affected the employee's well-being. The moderating effects of techno-stressors and technostress inhibitors showed that six of nine moderating effects were significant and positive. The results implied that technostress inhibitors help to improve employees' well-being. In the end, we present some implications for theory and practice.

Th17 cells are involved in mouse chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complicated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) has increased in the last two decades. The mechanism underpinning susceptibility to and high mortality of COPD complicated with IPA is unclear, and the role of T helper cells 17 (Th17 cells) in the compound disease remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the function of Th17 cells in COPD combined with IPA. METHODS: COPD, IPA, and COPD+IPA mouse models were established in male wild type C57/BL6 mice. The amounts of Th17 cells and retinoic acid-related orphan receptors γt (RORγt) were tested by flow cytometry. Then, serum interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the control, COPD, IPA and COPD+IPA groups. In addition, COPD+IPA was induced in IL-17 knockout (KO) mice, for determining the role of Th17 cells in COPD+IPA. RESULTS: Compared with the COPD group, the COPD+IPA group showed higher amounts of blood RORγt ([35.09 ±â€Š16.12]% vs. [17.92 ±â€Š4.91]%, P = 0.02) and serum IL-17 (17.96 ±â€Š9.59 pg/mL vs. 8.05 ±â€Š4.44 pg/mL, P = 0.02), but blood ([5.18 ±â€Š1.09]% vs. [4.15 ±â€Š0.87]%, P = 0.28) and lung levels of Th17 cells ([1.98 ±â€Š0.83]% vs. [2.03 ±â€Š0.98]%, P = 0.91), lung levels of RORγt ([9.58 ±â€Š6.93]% vs. [9.63 ±â€Š5.98]%, P = 0.49) and serum IL-23 (51.55 ±â€Š27.82 pg/mL vs. 68.70 ±â€Š15.20 pg/mL, P = 0.15) showed no significant differences. Compared with the IPA group, the COPD+IPA group displayed lower amounts of blood ([5.18 ±â€Š1.09]% vs. [9.21 ±â€Š3.56]%, P = 0.01) and lung Th17 cells ([1.98 ±â€Š0.83]% vs. [6.29 ±â€Š1.11]%, P = 0.01) and serum IL-23 (51.55 ±â€Š27.82 pg/mL vs. 154.90 ±â€Š64.60 pg/mL, P = 0.01) and IL-17 (17.96 ±â€Š9.59 pg/mL vs. 39.81 ±â€Š22.37 pg/mL, P = 0.02), while comparable blood ([35.09 ±â€Š16.12]% vs. [29.86 ±â€Š15.42]%, P = 0.25) and lung levels of RORγt ([9.58 ±â€Š6.93]% vs. [15.10 ±â€Š2.95]%, P = 0.18) were found in these two groups. Finally, Aspergillus load in IL-17 KO COPD+IPA mice was almost 2 times that of COPD+IPA mice (1,851,687.69 ±â€Š944,480.43 vs. 892,958.10 ±â€Š686,808.80, t = 2.32, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that Th17 cells might be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD combined with IPA, with IL-17 likely playing an antifungal role.

Demonstrating the Impact of Cognitive CEO on Firms' Performance and CSR Activity.

One aspect of entrepreneurship psychology also clarifies individual characteristics. Drawing from entrepreneurship psychology, the concept of a cognitive CEO has been formulated using the DAE statistical technique. The study elucidates that cognitive CEOs not only boost SME performance but also invigorate CSR activity. Data for listed SMEs for the years 2016-2018 are analyzed through the panel regression technique. Significantly, the study demonstrates that CEO age is positively interlinked with the growth and CSR activity of the firm. Moreover, the empirical underpinning of the results also reveals that state-owned enterprises and firms with high total assets prefer cognitive CEOs, who accelerate the firm's value and invigorate CSR activity. The number of independent directors is analyzed as a moderator and is concluded to be an intensifier for both SME growth and CSR activity. Finally, 2SLS instrumental panel regression is used to validate the veracity of the empirical results.

Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for bronchoalveolar lavage diagnostics in critically ill patients.

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) for the diagnosis of severe respiratory diseases based on interpretation of sequencing results. BALF samples were harvested and used for mNGS as well as microbiological detection. Infectious bacteria or fungi were defined according to relative abundance and number of unique reads. We performed mNGS on 35 BALF samples from 32 patients. The positive rate reached 100% in the mNGS analysis of nine immunocompromised patients. Compared with the culture method, mNGS had a diagnostic sensitivity of 88.89% and a specificity of 74.07% with an agreement rate of 77.78% between these two methods. Compared with the smear method and PCR, mNGS had a diagnostic sensitivity of 77.78% and a specificity of 70.00%. In 13 cases, detection results were positive by mNGS but negative by culture/smear and PCR. The mNGS findings in 11/32 (34.4%) cases led to changes in treatment strategies. Linear regression analysis showed that diversity was significantly correlated with interval between disease onset and sampling. Dynamic changes in reads could indirectly reflect therapeutic effectiveness. BALF mNGS improves sensitivity of pathogen detection and provides guidance in clinical practice. Potential pathogens can be identified based on relative abundance and number of unique reads.

Th17 cells are involved in mouse chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#The incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complicated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) has increased in the last two decades. The mechanism underpinning susceptibility to and high mortality of COPD complicated with IPA is unclear, and the role of T helper cells 17 (Th17 cells) in the compound disease remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the function of Th17 cells in COPD combined with IPA.@*METHODS@#COPD, IPA, and COPD+IPA mouse models were established in male wild type C57/BL6 mice. The amounts of Th17 cells and retinoic acid-related orphan receptors γt (RORγt) were tested by flow cytometry. Then, serum interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the control, COPD, IPA and COPD+IPA groups. In addition, COPD+IPA was induced in IL-17 knockout (KO) mice, for determining the role of Th17 cells in COPD+IPA.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the COPD group, the COPD+IPA group showed higher amounts of blood RORγt ([35.09 ± 16.12]% vs. [17.92 ± 4.91]%, P = 0.02) and serum IL-17 (17.96 ± 9.59 pg/mL vs. 8.05 ± 4.44 pg/mL, P = 0.02), but blood ([5.18 ± 1.09]% vs. [4.15 ± 0.87]%, P = 0.28) and lung levels of Th17 cells ([1.98 ± 0.83]% vs. [2.03 ± 0.98]%, P = 0.91), lung levels of RORγt ([9.58 ± 6.93]% vs. [9.63 ± 5.98]%, P = 0.49) and serum IL-23 (51.55 ± 27.82 pg/mL vs. 68.70 ± 15.20 pg/mL, P = 0.15) showed no significant differences. Compared with the IPA group, the COPD+IPA group displayed lower amounts of blood ([5.18 ± 1.09]% vs. [9.21 ± 3.56]%, P = 0.01) and lung Th17 cells ([1.98 ± 0.83]% vs. [6.29 ± 1.11]%, P = 0.01) and serum IL-23 (51.55 ± 27.82 pg/mL vs. 154.90 ± 64.60 pg/mL, P = 0.01) and IL-17 (17.96 ± 9.59 pg/mL vs. 39.81 ± 22.37 pg/mL, P = 0.02), while comparable blood ([35.09 ± 16.12]% vs. [29.86 ± 15.42]%, P = 0.25) and lung levels of RORγt ([9.58 ± 6.93]% vs. [15.10 ± 2.95]%, P = 0.18) were found in these two groups. Finally, Aspergillus load in IL-17 KO COPD+IPA mice was almost 2 times that of COPD+IPA mice (1,851,687.69 ± 944,480.43 vs. 892,958.10 ± 686,808.80, t = 2.32, P = 0.02).@*CONCLUSION@#These findings indicate that Th17 cells might be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD combined with IPA, with IL-17 likely playing an antifungal role.

Prediction models and the extrapolation effects for water content of surface dead fuels in the typical stand of the Great Xing'an Mountains of China by one-hour time step.

The water content of surface dead fuels is one of the most important indicators for forecasting fire danger and fire behaviors. We employed the timelag equilibrium water content methods (i.e. Nelson and Simard models) and the meteorological variable regression method to continuously measure the water content of surface dead fuels by one-hour time step from September to October in 2010 under Populus davidiana + Betula platyphylla, Picea koraiensis and the cutover lands (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica + Betula platyphylla) with different canopy densities in Pangu Forestry Bureau, the Great Xing'an Mountains, Heilongjiang Province, China. We established prediction models and obtained prediction errors. The models were also used to extrapolate the water contents of surface dead fuels under other forest stands and the extrapolation accuracy was analyzed. The results showed that the mean absolute error, the mean relative error and the mean square error root of Nelson model (0.0154, 0.104 and 0.0226) were lower than those of Simard model (0.0185, 0.117 and 0.0256). In terms of extrapolation effects, the mean absolute error, the mean relative error and the mean square error root of meteorological variable regression method (0.0410, 0.0300 and 0.0740) were lower than those of Simard model (0.610, 0.492 and 0.846), but they were higher than those of Nelson model (0.034, 0.021 and 0.0660). Such results indicated that the timelag equilibrium moisture content method by one-hour time step, especially Nelson model, was sui-table for the forest stands in the Great Xing'an Mountains. Although extrapolation could not reduce the prediction errors, it could help improve the prediction accuracy and the efficiency of the present models applied to different forest stands or in a larger scale. The modeling and extrapolation errors were closely related to species identity and canopy densities, thus the appropriate timelag equilibrium moisture content methods should be selected according to different forest stands and locations.

Effects of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma on Regeneration of Damaged Endometrium in Female Rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment can improve regeneration of the endometrium in an experimental model of ethanol-induced damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups: control group, ethanol group, and PRP-treated group (administration of 0.25 mL of PRP into both uterine cavities 72 hours after ethanol injection). After 15 days of endometrial damage, all the animals were sacrificed during the estrous cycle, and samples were taken from the mid-uterine horn. Functional and structural recovery of the endometrium was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson trichrome (MT) staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and immuno-histochemical (IHC) analyses. RESULTS: H&E and MT staining confirmed significantly decreased fibrosis and increased cellular proliferation in the PRP-treated group, compared to the ethanol group. The endometrial areas in the ethanol and PRP-treated groups were 212.83±15.84 µm² and 262.34±12.33 µm² (p=0.065). Significantly stronger IHC expression of cytokeratin, homeobox A10 (HOXA10), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Ki-67 was found in the PRP-treated group, compared to the ethanol group. In real-time PCR analyses, interleukin-1ß mRNA was down-regulated, while c-Kit mRNA was up-regulated, in the PRP-treated group, compared to the ethanol group. CONCLUSION: Intrauterine administration of autologous PRP stimulated and accelerated regeneration of the endometrium and also decreased fibrosis in a murine model of damaged endometrium.

Effects of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma on Regeneration of Damaged Endometrium in Female Rats

PURPOSE: To investigate whether autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment can improve regeneration of the endometrium in an experimental model of ethanol-induced damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups: control group, ethanol group, and PRP-treated group (administration of 0.25 mL of PRP into both uterine cavities 72 hours after ethanol injection). After 15 days of endometrial damage, all the animals were sacrificed during the estrous cycle, and samples were taken from the mid-uterine horn. Functional and structural recovery of the endometrium was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson trichrome (MT) staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and immuno-histochemical (IHC) analyses. RESULTS: H&E and MT staining confirmed significantly decreased fibrosis and increased cellular proliferation in the PRP-treated group, compared to the ethanol group. The endometrial areas in the ethanol and PRP-treated groups were 212.83±15.84 µm² and 262.34±12.33 µm² (p=0.065). Significantly stronger IHC expression of cytokeratin, homeobox A10 (HOXA10), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Ki-67 was found in the PRP-treated group, compared to the ethanol group. In real-time PCR analyses, interleukin-1β mRNA was down-regulated, while c-Kit mRNA was up-regulated, in the PRP-treated group, compared to the ethanol group. CONCLUSION: Intrauterine administration of autologous PRP stimulated and accelerated regeneration of the endometrium and also decreased fibrosis in a murine model of damaged endometrium.

Platelet proteomics in diagnostic differentiation of primary immune thrombocytopenia using SELDI-TOF-MS.

BACKGROUND: Primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura (pITP) is defined as isolated autoimmune thrombocytopenia with idiopathic low platelet count, normal bone marrow, and unexplained causes of thrombocytopenia. Currently there is no definite criterion for ITP diagnosis. METHODS: We conducted proteomic screen of patients with pITP, secondary immune thrombocytopenia (sITP), and healthy controls using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS). The proteomic profiles were obtained from platelet lysate samples of 82 healthy adult controls, 64 pITP, and 70 sITP patients, from which we screened marker proteins with significant differences, and constructed a diagnosis model using the artificial neural network (ANN) technique. RESULTS: We identified 6 marker proteins in the platelet lysates of pITP patients. This diagnosis method differentiated pITP patients from sITP effectively with a sensitivity of 96.9% (31/32), a specificity of 71.0% (54/76), and the area under the ROC curve of 0.864 in the training set, and a sensitivity of 87.5% (28/32), a specificity of 69.7% (53/76), and a positive predictive value of 75.0% (81/108) in the test set. CONCLUSION: The artificial neural network model based on platelet protein profiling established a potential pITP diagnosis platform.

How To Light Special Hot Spots in Multiparticle-Film Configurations.

The precise control over the locations of hot spots in a nanostructured ensemble is of great importance in plasmon-enhanced spectroscopy, chemical sensing, and super-resolution optical imaging. However, for multiparticle configurations over metal films that involve localized and propagating surface plasmon modes, the locations of hot spots are difficult to predict due to complex plasmon competition and synergistic effects. In this work, theoretical simulations based on multiparticle-film configurations predict that the locations of hot spots can be efficiently controlled in the particle-particle gaps, the particle-film junctions, or in both, by suppressing or promoting specific plasmonic coupling effects in specific wavelength ranges. These findings offer an avenue to obtain strong Raman signals from molecules situated on single crystal surfaces and simultaneously avoid signal interference from particle-particle gaps.

A follow-up study on acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation by pulmonary high-resolution CT.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify morphological changes in the lung parenchyma of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) survivors after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation  (ECMO) by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) follow-up. Factors influencing these changes are also examined. METHODS: Information and lung HRCT scans were collected and studied 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the withdrawal of severe ARDS survivors rescued by ECMO in the Respiratory Care Unit of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from November 2009 to August 2012. The observation endpoint was set as the time when the lung lesions were basically absorbed or 12 months after withdrawal. RESULTS: Among nine survivors, one survivor was lost to follow-up. The lesions of two patients, which were attributed to bacterial pneumonia and pneumocystis pneumonia, were basically absorbed 1 month after surgery. Six patients completed the 12 month follow-up. Although initial morphological changes varied, different degrees of absorption improvement were observed in later stages of treatment. Lung HRCT analysis on the sixth month indicated that the degree of involvement of the ventral region was greater than that of the dorsal area. No significant difference was observed in patients in terms of ECMO support time, pre-ECMO Murray score, and APACHE II score, among others. CONCLUSION: Lung HRCT of severe ARDS survivors after ECMO treatment showed various degrees of morphological changes in the lung parenchyma. The severity of these changes may be associated with the disease duration.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in a clinical presentation of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome: a case report with multigene diagnostic approach.

BACKGROUND: Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS) is caused by inflammation of perihepatic capsules associated with pelvic inflammatory disease. In recent years, infections with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been increasingly occurring in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. However, NTM has never been reported in patients with FHCS. We present the first case of a patient with extrapulmonary NTM infection in a clinical presentation of FHCS. CASE PRESENTATION: A 26-year-old Korean woman presented with right upper quadrant and suprapubic pain. She was initially suspected to have FHCS. However, she was refractory to conventional antibiotic therapy. Laparoscopy revealed multiple violin-string adhesions of the parietal peritoneum to the liver and miliary-like nodules on the peritoneal surfaces. Diagnosis of NTM was confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction analysis results of biopsy specimens that showed caseating granulomas with positive acid-fast bacilli. Treatment with anti-NTM medications was initiated, and the patient's symptoms were considerably ameliorated. CONCLUSIONS: An awareness of NTM as potential pathogens, even in previously healthy adults, and efforts to exclude other confounding diseases are important to establish the diagnosis of NTM disease. NTM infection can cause various clinical manifestations, which in the present case, overlapped with the symptoms of perihepatic inflammation seen in FHCS.