Objective To retrospectively analyze the clinical features of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in intensive care unit (ICU), so as to improve the level of clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods A total of 81 patients diagnosed as IPA from March, 2017 to March, 2022 in the ICU of The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China were selected as infection group. A total of 81 non-IPA patients with pulmonary infection and Aspergillus negative sputum culture were selected as the control group. The host factors, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Assessment Ⅱ score at admission, underlying diseases, clinical symptoms and signs, relevant laboratory test results, and lung CT findings were compared between the two groups. Univariate analysis and multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis were used to identify the risk factors for the occurrence of pulmonary aspergillosis in IPA patients in ICU. At the same time, the types of aspergillus in the IPA group and the outcomes of the two groups at 28 days after ICU admission were analyzed. Results Of the 81 IPA patients, 4 were proven diagnosed and 77 were putative diagnosed. IPA patients were mainly infected with Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Symptoms and signs such as fever, cough and expectoration, dyspnea and pulmonary rales occurred in both groups. The level of procalcitonin in IPA group was higher than that in non-IPA group, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.016). The positive rate of serum galactomannan antigen test (GM test) in the IPA group was higher than that in the non-IPA group, and the differences was statistically significant (P=0.000). The incidence of pulmonary imaging cavities in IPA group was higher than that in non-IPA group, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.022). Univariate analysis showed that central venous catheterization, septic shock, complete parenteral nutrition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and immunosuppression were risk factors for IPA (P<0.05); Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that complete parenteral nutrition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and immunosuppression were independent risk factors for IPA (P<0.05). The 28-day fatality rate in IPA group was higher than that in non-IPA group (55.6% vs. 34.6%, P=0.007). Conclusions IPA patients have no specific clinical symptoms and signs, and are mainly infected with Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus; GM test has guiding significance for the diagnosis of IPA. Serum GM test and pulmonary imaging have cavity findings that are helpful for the diagnosis of IPA. Patients with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunosuppression, or complete parenteral nutrition need to be on high alert for the possibility of IPA during ICU stay.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic value of monitoring 1,3-beta-D-glucan (G test) in patients with autoimmune disease complicated with invasive fungal disease (IFD). MethodsA retrospective study was performed in hospitalized patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou Universisty who were diagnosed as autoimmune disease with lung infection during the immunosuppressive therapy between January 2014 and January 2016. A total of 372 patients were enrolled in this study. All subjects were classified according to the 2006 diagnostic criteria and treatment of invasive pulmonaary fungal infection, with serum 1,3-β-D-glucan results not included in the diagnosis. There were 18 cases with proven IFD, 35 cases with probable IFD, and 70 ceses with possible IFD. Fifty-three patients with proven IFD or probable IFD were as a case group, and another 249 patients with no evidence for IFD were as a control group. The value of the G test for diagnosis of automimmune disease with IFD was analyzed by ROC curve. ResultsThe serum 1,3-β-D-glucan level was significantly higher in the case group when compared with the control group [median (interquartile range): 135.0 (63.1 to 319.0) pg/ml vs. 75.9 (41.2 to 88.1) pg/ml, P<0.05]. When the cut-off value of serum 1,3-β-D-glucan level was set at 93.8 pg/ml, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for diagnosis of autoimmune disease with IFD were 0.65 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.73), 0.87 (95% CI 0.83 to 0.92), 0.70 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.81), and 0.83 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.88), respectively. ConclusionThe 1,3-beta-D-glucan test is a valuable method for diagnosis of IFD in patients with autoimmune disease.
ObjectiveTo study the clinical value of digital technology assisted minimally invasive surgery in diagnosis and treatment of hepatolithiasis. MethodsThe image data of 64-slice spiral CT scanning were obtained from five patients of complicated hepatolithiasis and introduced into medical image three-dimensional visualization system (MI-3DVS) for three-dimensional reconstruction. On the basis of the data of three-dimensional reconstruction, minimally invasive surgical planning of preoperation was made to obtain reasonable hepatectomy and cholangiojejunostomy, and then preoperative emulational surgery was carried out to minimize the extent of tissue damage and provide guidance to actual operation. ResultsLiver, biliary system, stone, blood vessel, and epigastric visceral organ were successfully reconstructed by MI-3DVS, which showed clearly size, number, shape, and space distribution of stone, and location, degree, length, and space distribution of biliary stricture, and anatomical relationship of ducts and vessels. The results of three-dimensional reconstruction were successfully confirmed by actual operation, which was in accordance with emulational surgery. There was no operative complication. No retained stone in internal and external bile duct was found by Ttube or other supporting tube cholangiography on one month after operation. ConclusionThree-dimensional digitizing reconstruction and individual emulational surgery have important significance in diagnosis and treatment of complicated hepatolithiasis by minimally invasive technique.
Objective To determine the prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic targets of the lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), based on which to establish a prediction model for the survival of LUAD patients. Methods An integrative analysis was conducted on gene expression and clinicopathologic data of LUAD, which were obtained from the UCSC database. Subsequently, various methods, including screening of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), were employed to analyze the data. Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were used to establish an assessment model. Based on this model, we constructed a nomogram to predict the probable survival of LUAD patients at different time points (1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year). Finally, we evaluated the predictive ability of our model using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and time-dependent ROC curves. The validation group further verified the prognostic value of the model. Results The different-grade pathological subtypes' DEGs were mainly enriched in biological processes such as metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, antigen processing and presentation, and regulation of enzyme activity, which were closely related to tumor development. Through Cox regression and LASSO regression, we constructed a reliable prediction model consisting of a five-gene panel (MELTF, MAGEA1, FGF19, DKK4, C14ORF105). The model demonstrated excellent specificity and sensitivity in ROC curves, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.675. The time-dependent ROC analysis revealed AUC values of 0.893, 0.713, and 0.632 for 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival, respectively. The advantage of the model was also verified in the validation group. Additionally, we developed a nomogram that accurately predicted survival, as demonstrated by calibration curves and C-index. Conclusion We have developed a prognostic prediction model for LUAD consisting of five genes. This novel approach offers clinical practitioners a personalized tool for making informed decisions regarding the prognosis of their patients.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features of patients who went through Nocardia co-infection with Aspergillus in lung.MethodsClinical data of 3 pulmonary nocardiosis patients complicated with aspergillosis from China-Japan Hospital during June 2015 and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Nine related literatures found at PubMed were reviewed and they all were case report. No Chinese literature was found at Wanfang data and Chinese Journal Fulltext Database.ResultsAll of the 3 patients were diagnosed as pulmonary nocardiosis by etiological detection, at the same time meeting the diagnostic criteria of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Two cases were infected with Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus was not detected in the third case, but the galactomannan of serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid significantly increased.ConclusionPulmonary nocardiosis complicated with aspergillosis trends to occur in immunocompromised patients, and pathogen detection is important for diagnosis.
Objective To investigate the blood clotting dysfunction of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis(IPA)and the therapeutic effect of low molecular hepafin in a mouse model．Methods The neutropenic IPA mouse model was constructed by being given cyclophosphamide to depress immunologic function，and then intranasally challenged with Aspergillus fumigatus conidia．(1)Blood clotting function were assessed by bleeding time，clotting time，platelet count and antithrombase-III(AT-III)activity．Seventy-two mice were randomly assigned into 4 groups．Group A received only normal saline．group B received normal saline to substitute the cycloph0sphamide，and the rest equal to group D．Group C received normal saline to substitute the AspergiUus fumigatus conidia suspension，and the rest equal to group D．Group D(model group)received cyclophosphamide(intraperitoneally，150 mg／kg，d4，d1)and Aspergillus fumigatus conidia suspension(intranasally，40 μL／mouse，1．5×10∧5／mL，d0)．Six mice were randomly sacrificed in each group for analysis of blood clotting function per 24 h after inoculation for 3 times．(2)Therapeutic effect of low molecular heparin was determined by survival time of IPA mice．One hundred and eighteen mice were randomly assigned into 4 groups after challenged with 6×10 conidia／mouse and received one of the following regimens daily from dl to d7 after challenge，vehicle(group E，n=29)，low molecular heparin(group F，n=30，subcutaneous injection，1000 IU／kg，qd×7 d)，amphotericin B(group G，n=29，intraperitoneal，1 m kg，qd×7 d)，low molecular heparin plus amphotericin B(group H，n=30)．Mice survivals were recorded once daily to d21 after innoculation．Results (1)AT-III activity of group D decreased significantly 24 h after innoculation．Bleeding time and clotting time decreased significantly and AT—III activity decreased sequentially 48 h after innoculation．The platelet decreased significantly 72 h after innoculation，and bleeding time shoaened further．Clotting time was longer than that 0f 48 h．but still shorter than norm al and AT-III activity decreased sequentially．There were significant differences when comparing group D with group A，B and C(all Plt;0.01)．And there was no significant difference between group A，B and C(all Pgt;0．05)．(2)Survival analysis indicated that the therapeutic effect of low molecular hepafin plus amphotericin B was better than that of amphotericin B or low molecular heparin alone．No therapeutic effect was found in group F(group E vs group F，Pgt;0．05，both group E and group F compared with group H，P lt;0．01．Group H vs group G，P lt;0．05．Both group E and group F compared with group G，P lt;0．05)．Conclusions The results suggest that there is blood clotting dysfunction in IPA mice and AT—III activity may be an early index to monitor the disfunction．Compared with the therapeutic effect of amphoterinein B alone，low molecular hepafin plus amphoterincin B can prolong survival of neutropenic IPA mice
Objective To summarize the research progress of CO2 pneumoperitoneum impacts on invasiveness of cancer cells. Methods Currently published experimental and clinical researches related to the effect of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on invasiveness of cancer cells were reviewed. Results CO2 pneumoperitoneum may affect the invasiveness of cancer cell through several ways， such as changing the structure and function of mesothelial cell， changing microenvironment of peritoneum， influencing the expression of oncogen， affecting the secretion of cell factor， and changing the adhesion of cancer cell. Conclusions The consequences of these alterations to cancer cell and the microenvironment are not well understood， but they may facilitate tumor invasion and implantation. Further investigations in this area are very urgent.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of preoperative feeding artery occlusion on vertebral resection of invasive vertebral hemangioma. Methods The clinical data of 20 patients with invasive vertebral hemangioma who received posterior lumbar vertebral body resection, bone grafting, fusion and internal fixation between March 2010 and March 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether feeding artery occlusion was performed before operation, the patients were divided into group A (11 cases, tumor feeding artery occlusion before operation) and group B (9 cases, no tumor feeding artery occlusion before operation). There was no significant difference in gender, age, lesion segment, and disease duration between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, blood transfusion volume, and ambulant time after surgery, hospitalization time, and deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities were recorded and compared between the two groups. Pain improvement was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Results The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion volume, and ambulant time after surgery were significantly less in group A than those in group B (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative drainage volume and hospitalization time between the two groups (P>0.05). Five patients (3 in group A and 2 in group B) suffered from pleural tear due to intraoperative pleural adhesions. Closed thoracic drainage tubes were placed immediately after suture and extubated on 3-5 days. Both groups were followed up 1-1.5 years, with an average of 1.35 years. In group B, 1 patient died of pulmonary embolism at 7 days after operation; and 2 patients developed deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity after operation, who were treated with inferior vena cava filter and thrombolytic therapy, and recovered well after operation. The local pain of the other patients was significantly relieved after operation, and the pain disappeared at 1 month after operation. The VAS scores of the two groups at 3 days after operation were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the two groups before operation and at 3 days after operation (P>0.05). Three patients (2 in group A and 1 in group B) who had neurological symptoms were significantly relieved after surgery. Bone healing was achieved in both groups at 1 year after operation. No fracture or loosening of internal fixator occurred during follow-up. Conclusion Nutritional artery occlusion before vertebrectomy for invasive vertebral hemangioma can effectively reduce intraoperative blood loss, operation time, perioperative blood transfusion, and other perioperative complications.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of recruitment maneuver (RM) following fibrobronchoscopy in invasively mechanically ventilated (IMV) patients with excessive airway secretions or foreign body aspiration. MethodsFrom September 2012 to July 2014, 200 eligible patients were randomly assigned to intervention group (n=100) and control group (n=100) . Airway clearance by fibrobronchoscopy was conducted in both the two groups, but RM was subsequently performed only in the intervention group. Outcome measurements included oxygenation index, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), heart rate (HR), air way resistance (Raw) and dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) before and 2 hours after treatment, and duration of IMV and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay were also analyzed. ResultsAfter treatment with fibrobronchoscopy, oxygenation index [intervention vs. control: (291.14±38.49) vs. (241.39± 35.62) mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)], PaCO2 [(41.65±7.73) vs. (38.87±7.97) mm Hg] and Cdyn [(48.94±11.21) vs. (39.59±10.98) mL/cm H2O (1 cm H2O=0.098 kPa) ] were significantly increased, while HR [(95.41±20.59) , vs. (106.47±19.11) beats/min] and Raw [(17.87±8.32) vs. (23.98±7.88) cm H2O/(L·s)] were significantly decreased in both groups (P ＜ 0.01) . Duration of IMV and ICU stay in the intervention group were (15.72±6.42) and (19.85±8.12) days respectively, while in the control group were (20.49±7.21) and (27.87±10.33) days. Compared with the control group, patients in the intervention group had lower Raw, duration of IMV and ICU stay, and higher Cdyn, oxygenation index, and PaCO2 (P ＜ 0.01) , but no significant difference was found in HR (P ＞ 0.05) . ConclusionIn mechanically ventilated patients with excessive airway secretion or foreign body aspiration, recruitment maneuver following fibrobronchoscopy is of great clinical importance, due to the decrease of the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay by re-inflating the collapsing alveoli, improving pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange, lung compliance and diffusion capacity.
Objective To study the efficacy of invasive ventilation in critical severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Methods Retrospective analysis was applied to study the efficacy of invasive ventilation and the effect of isolating and protecting measures in 6 critical SARS patients and the effect of isolation measures in ICU from November 2002 to April 2003. Results Six SARS patients were successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation and left hospital. Hypoxemia and oxygenation index（PaO2/FiO2）improved significantly after ventilation (Plt;0.01), peak inspiratory airway pressure (P=0.002), mean airway pressure (P=0.004), and the level of positive expiration end pressure decreased significantly (Plt;0.001). Ventilator-associated pneumonia occurred in 5 patients. Sedatives were used less and the duration of ventilation was shorter when using PRVC compared with SIMV. There was no SARS nosocomial infection among medical staff, other patients and their families. Conclusions Application of invasive ventilation and effective isolation measures could reduce the death rate, shorten the duration of ventilation, and also decrease SARS nosocomial infection.