Noninvasive Ventilation Interfaces in the Treatment of Acute Respiratory Insufficiency: A Critical Review

Background: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is an important therapeutic modality for the treatment of acute respiratory failure (ARF). In this review, we critically analyze randomized controlled trials on the most used NIV interfaces in the treatments of ARF. Methods: The searches were conducted in the Medline, Lilacs, PubMed, Cochrane, and Pedro databases from June to November 2021. The inclusion criteria were Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published from 2016 to 2021 in Portuguese, Spanish, or English and involving adults (aged ≥ 18 years). The eligibility criteria for article selection were based on the PICO strategy: Population—Adults with ARF;Intervention—NIV Therapy;Comparison—Conventional oxygen therapy, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy, or NIV;Outcome—improvement in ARF. The search for articles and the implementation of the inclusion criteria were independently conducted by two researchers. Results: Seven scientific articles involving 574 adults with ARF due to various causes, such as chest trauma, decompensated heart failure, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and postoperative period, among others, were included. The interfaces cited in the studies included an oronasal mask, nasal mask, full-face mask, and helmet. In addition, some favorable outcomes related to NIV were reported in the studies, such as a reduction in the rate of orotracheal intubation and shorter length of stay in the ICU. Conclusions: The most cited interfaces in the treatment of ARF were the oronasal mask and the helmet.

Diagnostic values of questionnaires of Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey and College of Optometrists Vision Development Quality of Life in the screening of convergence insufficiency

AIM:To compare and analyse the diagnostic efficacy of the College of Optometrists Vision Development Quality of Life Questionnaire(COVD-QOL)and the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey(CISS)in detecting convergence insufficiency and to compare their diagnostic value in clinical applications.METHODS:Using the diagnostic test method,62 adult patients with convergence insufficiency(age:24.74±3.75y)and 62 normal participants(age:23.61±3.13y)who visited the Optometry Clinic of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from April 2021 to January 2023 were included.All subjects completed the CISS and COVD-QOL.Statistical analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of the CISS and COVD-QOL and comparison and joint experimental analysis of their diagnostic efficacy were performed.RESULTS:The sensitivity of the CISS and COVD-QOL for convergence insufficiency was 64.5%and 71.0%,respectively,while the specificity was 96.8%and 67.7%,respectively.Compared to the CISS alone,the combination of the CISS and COVD-QOL demonstrated lower sensitivity and specificity.The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of CISS,COVD-QOL and CISS combined with COVD-QOL were 0.806,0.694 and 0.782,respectively.CONCLUSION:Considering the low sensitivity of the CISS and the low specificity of the COVD-QOL,it is recommended to supplement these questionnaires with other screening tests for the detection of convergence insufficiency.

Double-Blind, Parallel Group Study to Compare the Clinical Effectiveness of Calcium Dobesilate 500 mg BID vs. Calcium Dobesilate LP 1 g OD, in Patients with Chronic Venous Insufficiency of the Lower Limbs

Background: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) describes a condition that affects the venous system of the lower extremities due to venous hypertension (VH. The prevalence is between 5% - 30%. CVI is associated with older age, smoking, lower extremity trauma, presence of an arteriovenous shunt, and elevated estrogen levels. All patients should be initially treated with conservative management. Venoactive drugs like calcium dobesilate are useful. Objectives: The primary objective compared the clinical improvement in patients with CVI, grades 0 - 3 of the CEAP classification of chronic venous disease, produced by two formulations of calcium dobesilate: calcium dobesilate LP 1 g OD vs calcium dobesilate 500 mg BID, immediate release. The secondary objective assessed the side effects of both formulations. Method: All patients took one tablet and one capsule at 7 am, and one capsule at 7 pm, for 8 weeks. One group received dobesilate 1 g OD and the other group received dobesilate 500 md BID. They were evaluated after 15, 30 and 60 days of treatment, using the symptom evaluation scale. Results: In both groups, there was a significant decrease in the symptom score after 15 days. Four patients in the Dobesilate OD group: had adverse effects, which did not require suspension of treatment. In the BID dobesilate group, there was one therapeutic failure, and one case of gastric discomfort. Conclusions: Prolonged-release Calcium dobesilate 1 g OD is as effective as calcium dobesilate 500 mg BID for the treatment of patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

Chronic venous insufficiency, could it be one of the missing pieces in the puzzle of treating pain?

Pain is a common complaint among patients seeking medical care.If left un-treated,pain can become chronic,significantly affecting patients’quality of life.An accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of pain is crucial for effective treatment.Chronic venous insufficiency(CVI)is frequently overlooked by pain physicians.Moreover,many pain physicians lack sufficient knowledge about CVI.CVI is a common condition resulting from malfunctioning or damaged valves in lower limb veins.Symptoms of CVI,ranging from mild to severe,include pain,heaviness,fatigue,itching,swelling,skin color changes,and ulcers in the lower limbs.Recently,it has become more widely known that these symptoms can be attributed to CVI.Even slight or mild CVI can cause related symptoms.Pain physicians primarily consider neuromusculoskeletal disorders when assessing patients with leg pain,and often neglect the possibility of CVI.In clinical practice,when pain physicians encounter patients with unresolved leg pain,they must assess whether the patients exhibit symptoms of CVI and conduct tests to differ-entiate CVI from other potential causes.

Occult Adrenal Insufficiency in Patients with Chronic Renal Disease

Background: Addison’s disease is a rare disorder of the adrenal cortex that leads to inadequate production of cortisol initially followed by aldosterone and androgens. Its manifestations are usually slow and non-specific with potential for life-threatening adrenal crisis following hypermetabolic demands (infection, trauma, surgery). Patients: Over the past 10 years, 19 CRD-patients were diagnosed with occult PAI in our center. Results: Unprovoked hypotension was the most common manifestations of occult PAI and was the unmasking event in 11 (58%). It was without significant cardiac and/or severe systemic sepsis and was refractory to isotonic saline infusions. Equal number of the remaining patients (n = 2) presented with persistent and inexplicable electrolytes abnormalities viz. 1) hyponatremia despite restricted oral fluid intake, lack of dehydration and massive fluid overload, as well as 2) hyperkalemia despite potassium-restricted diet, hyperkalemic drugs and adequate therapy with Furosemide and low-potassium dialysis-baths. On the other hand, similar proportions presented with unprovoked 3) progressive weight loss, decrease appetite and cachexia as well as 4) frequent hypoglycemic attacks. All patients were treated and were medically stable after 29 (2 - 60) months of follow up. Autoantibodies to 21-hydroxylase enzyme were positive in 16 (90%). At diagnosis, and subsequent follow up, only 7 patients (37%) had multi-endocrine dysfunction of whom 2 with type 1 and 5 with type 2. Conclusion: High index of suspicion should be exerted in diagnosis of PAI in patients with CRD, since its clinical picture is similar to CRD manifestations and complications. In those patients, confirmatory tests and specific management can save their lives. .

Application of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for premature ovarian insufficiency: Recent advances from mechanisms to therapeutics

The incidence of premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)is increasing worldwide,particularly among younger women,posing a significant challenge to fertility.In addition to menopausal symptoms,POI leads to several complications that profoundly affect female reproductive function and overall health.Unfortunately,current clinical treatment strategies for this condition are limited and often yield unsatisfactory outcomes.These approaches typically involve hormone repla-cement therapy combined with psychological support.Recently,mesenchymal stem cell(MSC)therapies for POI have garnered considerable attention in global research.MSCs can restore ovarian reproductive and endocrine functions through diverse mechanisms,including controlling differentiation,promoting angiogenesis,regulating ovarian fibrosis,inhibiting apoptosis,enhancing autocrine and paracrine effects,suppressing inflammation,modulating the immune system,and genetic regulation.This editorial offers a succinct summary of the application of MSC therapy in the context of POI,providing evidence for groundbreaking medical approaches that have potential to enhance reproductive health and overall well-being for women.

Significance of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity tests as biomarkers of premature ovarian insufficiency: A case control study

BACKGROUND Premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)is a condition that causes secondary amenorrhea owing to ovarian hypofunction at an early stage.Early follicular depletion results in intractable infertility,thereby considerably reducing the quality of life of females.Given the continuum in weakened ovarian function,progressing from incipient ovarian failure(IOF)to transitional ovarian failure and further to POI,it is necessary to develop biomarkers for predicting POI.The oxidative stress states in IOF and POI were comprehensively evaluated via oxidative stress[diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites(d-ROMs)]test and anti-oxidant capacity[biological antioxidant potential(BAP)].METHODS Females presenting with secondary amenorrhea over 4 mo and a follicle stimulating hormone level of>40 mIU/mL were categorized into the POI group.Females presenting with a normal menstrual cycle and a follicle stimulating hormone level of>10.2 mIU/mL were categorized into the IOF group.Healthy females without ovarian hypofunction were categorized into the control group.Among females aged<40 years who visited our hospital from January 2021 to June 2022,we recruited 11 patients into both POI and IOF groups.For the potential antioxidant capacity,the relative oxidative stress index(BAP/d-ROMs×100)was calculated,and the oxidative stress defense system was comprehensively evaluated.RESULTS d-ROMs were significantly higher in the POI and IOF groups than in the control group,(478.2±58.7 U.CARR,434.5±60.6 U.CARR,and 341.1±35.1 U.CARR,respectively)(U.CARR is equivalent to 0.08 mg/dL of hydrogen peroxide).However,no significant difference was found between the POI and IOF groups.Regarding BAP,no significant difference was found between the control,IOF,and POI groups(2078.5±157.4μmol/L,2116.2±240.2μmol/L,and 2029.0±186.4μmol/L,respectively).The oxidative stress index was significantly higher in the POI and IOF groups than in the control group(23.7±3.3,20.7±3.6,and 16.5±2.1,respectively).However,no significant difference was found between the POI and IOF groups.CONCLUSION High levels of oxidative stress suggest that evaluating the oxidative stress state may be a useful indicator for the early detection of POI.

Effectiveness of Prophylactic Transvaginal Cervical Cerclage in Improving Clinical Outcomes among Pregnant Women with Cervical Insufficiency: Meta-Analysis

Background: Cervical insufficiency is one of the major causes of preterm birth among pregnant women that leads to severe mortality and morbidity issues among newborns. Prophylactic cervical cerclage is a surgical procedure performed between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation upon diagnosis of cervix insufficiency among pregnant women. Aims & Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic cervical cerclage in comparison to other interventions to treat cervical insufficiency among pregnant women using a meta-analysis approach. Methods: We searched the three databases (Coachrane Library, PubMed, and MEDLINE) that were used for articles related to research aims by using MeSH keywords. The timeline of research was set from January 2015 to January 2024. The methodological quality assessment of included studies was performed by the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies—of Interventions (ROBINS-I). A recent meta-analysis was conducted by using Review Manager 5.4.0 software. Results: About 441 research articles were extracted from three electronic databases and only 125 articles were assessed for eligibility criteria. Finally, 8 studies were included in the analysis for a recent meta-analysis. Six out of eight included retrospective or pilot studies were graded as having a moderate risk of bias, and two studies had low risk on the basis of owning bias. About 1008 pregnant women with cervical insufficiency were analyzed in a recent meta-analysis. By pooled analysis, it was evaluated that significant difference found in prolongation of delivery weeks (Mean difference = 1.05;Cl: 0.81 to 1.29: p > 0.00001), number of deliveries > 37 weeks (OR = 0.59;Cl: 0.19 to 1.84: p > 0.006), and preterm birth (OR = 0.73;Cl: 0.42 to 1.28: p > 0.50) among pregnant women receiving prophylactic cervical cerclage as compared to other treatment strategies. Conclusion: Recent meta-analysis suggested the prophylactic cervical cerclage reduces the rates of preterm birth, abortion rates, number of deliveries > 37 weeks, and other complications as compared to the other cervical cerclage types and conservative treatments.

Risk factors and prognosis of critically ill cancer patients with postoperative acute respiratory insufficiency

BACKGROUND:This study aimed to investigate the risk factors and outcome of critically ill cancer patients with postoperative acute respiratory insufficiency.METHODS:The data of 190 critically ill cancer patients with postoperative acute respiratory insufficiency were retrospectively reviewed.The data of 321 patients with no acute respiratory insufficiency as controls were also collected.Clinical variables of the first 24 hours after admission to intensive care unit were collected,including age,sex,comorbid disease,type of surgery,admission type,presence of shock,presence of acute kidney injury,presence of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome,acute physiologic and chronic health evaluation(APACHE Ⅱ) score,sepsis-related organ failure assessment(SOFA),and PaO_2/FiO_2 ratio.Duration of mechanical ventilation,length of intensive care unit stay,intensive care unit death,length of hospitalization,hospital death and one-year survival were calculated.RESULTS:The incidence of acute respiratory insufficiency was 37.2%(190/321).Multivariate logistic analysis showed a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases(P=0.001),surgeryrelated infection(P=0.004),hypo-volemic shock(P<0.001),and emergency surgery(P=0.018),were independent risk factors of postoperative acute respiratory insufficiency.Compared with the patients without acute respiratory insufficiency,the patients with acute respiratory insufficiency had a prolonged length of intensive care unit stay(P<0.001),a prolonged length of hospitalization(P=0.006),increased intensive care unit mortality(P=0.001),and hospital mortality(P<0.001).Septic shock was shown to be the only independent prognostic factor of intensive care unit death for the patients with acute respiratory insufficiency(P=0.029,RR:8.522,95%CI:1.243-58.437,B=2.143,SE=0.982,Wald=4.758).Compared with the patients without acute respiratory insufficiency,those with acute respiratory insufficiency had a shortened one-year survival rate(78.7%vs.97.1%,P<0.001).CONCLUSION:A history of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases,surgery-related infection,hypovolemic shock and emergency surgery were risk factors of critically ill cancer patients with postoperative acute respiratory insufficiency.Septic shock was the only independent prognostic factor of intensive care unit death in patients with acute respiratory insufficiency.Compared with patients without acute respiratory insufficiency,those with acute respiratory insufficiency had adverse shortterm outcome and a decreased one-year survival rate.

Alzheimer's disease with sleep insufficiency:a cross-sectional study on correlations among clinical characteristics,orexin,its receptors,and the bloodbrain barrier

Previous studies have shown that reduced sleep duration,sleep fragmentation,and decreased sleep quality in patients with Alzheimer's disease are related to dysfunction in orexin signaling.At the same time,blood-brain barrier disruption is considered an early biomarker of Alzheimer's disease.However,currently no report has examined how changes in orexin signaling relate to changes in the blood-brain barrier of patients who have Alzheimer's disease with sleep insufficiency.This cross-sectional study included 50 patients with Alzheimer's disease who received treatment in 2019 at Beijing Tiantan Hospital.Patients were divided into two groups:those with insufficient sleep(sleep duration≤6 hours,n=19,age 61.58±8.54 years,10 men)and those with normal sleep durations(sleep duration>6 hours,n=31,age 63.19±10.09 years,18 men).Demographic variables were collected to evaluate cognitive function,neuropsychiatric symptoms,and activities of daily living.The levels of orexin,its receptor proteins,and several blood-brain barrier factors were measured in cerebrospinal fluid.Sleep insufficiency was associated with impaired overall cognitive function that spanned multiple cognitive domains.Furthermore,levels of orexin and its receptors were upregulated in the cerebrospinal fluid,and the blood–brain barrier was destroyed.Both these events precipitated each other and accelerated the progression of Alzheimer's disease.These findings describe the clinical characteristics and potential mechanism underlying Alzheimer's disease accompanied by sleep deprivation.Inhibiting the upregulation of elements within the orexin system or preventing the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier could thus be targets for treating Alzheimer's disease.

Effect of sedation on short-term and long-term outcomes of critically ill patients with acute respiratory insufficiency

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to determine the short-term and long-term outcomes of critically ill patients with acute respiratory insuffi ciency who had received sedation or no sedation.METHODS: The data of 91 patients who had received mechanical ventilation in the first 24 hours between November 2008 and October 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into two groups: a sedation group(n=28) and a non-sedation group(n=63). The patients were also grouped in two groups: deep sedation group and daily interruption and /or light sedation group.RESULTS: Overall, the 91 patients who had received ventilation ≥48 hours were analyzed. Multivariate analysis demonstrated two independent risk factors for in-hospital death: sequential organ failure assessment score(P=0.019, RR 1.355, 95%CI 1.051–1.747, B=0.304, SE=0.130, Wald=50483) and sedation(P=0.041, RR 5.015, 95%CI 1.072–23.459, B=1.612, SE=0.787, Wald=4.195). Compared with the patients who had received no sedation, those who had received sedation had a longer duration of ventilation, a longer stay in intensive care unit and hospital, and an increased in-hospital mortality rate. The Kaplan-Meier method showed that patients who had received sedation had a lower 60-month survival rate than those who had received no sedation(76.7% vs. 88.9%, Log-rank test=3.630, P=0.057). Compared with the patients who had received deep sedation, those who had received daily interruption or light sedation showed a decreased in-hospital mortality rate(57.1% vs. 9.5%, P=0.008). The 60-month survival of the patients who had received deep sedation was signifi cantly lower than that of those who had daily interruption or light sedation(38.1% vs. 90.5%, Log-rank test=6.783, P=0.009).CONCLUSIONS: Sedation was associated with in-hospital death. The patients who had received sedation had a longer duration of ventilation, a longer stay in intensive care unit and in hospital, and an increased in-hospital mortality rate compared with the patients who did not receive sedation. Compared with daily interruption or light sedation, deep sedation increased the in-hospital mortality and decreased the 60-month survival for patients who had received sedation.

Acute adrenal insufficiency caused by antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are frequently discussed together and considered two closely related diseases.APS involves multiple organ systems,but APS-related endocrine manifestations are rare.^([1])Among them,adrenal insufficiency (AI) is the first endocrine manifestation of APS.The prompt diagnosis of AI is critical,as this disorder has high morbidity and mortality if left untreated.Here,we report a rare case of acute AI caused by APS secondary to SLE.CASEIn August 2022,a 39-year-old woman without a significant family history of medical diseases presented to our emergency department (ED) for low back pain,nausea,anorexia,fatigue,hypoglycemia,and hypotension.One month prior,she had fatigue,loss of appetite,low back pain,cough with sputum.

Prolonged Adrenal Insufficiency after Unilateral Adrenalectomy for Cortisolic Adenoma

Background: The suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis by cortisol-secreting adrenocortical tumors is well recognized and requires peri- and postoperative hydrocortisone substitution. Case Presentation: A 48-year-old female patient with hypertension and progressive weight gain, the clinical signs of hypercorticism motivated a hormonal workup revealing an independent ACTH Cushing’s syndrome: with urinary free cortisol (UFC) at 649 nmol/24h (4× normal), adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) at 1.5 ng/l. The rest of the hormonal workup was not performed due to a lack of financial means. An Adrenal CT scan showed a 4 cm right adrenal adenoma. The patient underwent a right adrenalectomy with an adrenal adenoma on pathological examination. The contralateral side was normal. The patient was treated with hydrocortisone 30 mg/d for 6 weeks then 15 mg/d, during the monitoring we noted a persistence of the adrenal insufficiency for now 4 years. Basal cortisol levels during follow-up were very low (<3 μg/dl) ruling out the need for synacthen stimulation tests. Conclusion: Adrenal cortisol tumors are recognized by suppression, the duration of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression is variable from 11 to 60 months depending on the series, which depends on the duration, severity of hypercortisolism, tumor size and other unknown factors. A longer follow-up of these patients is necessary to look for recovery of the contralateral adrenal gland.

Effects of slanted bilateral lateral recession vs conventional bilateral lateral recession on convergence insufficiency intermittent exotropia:a prospective study

AIM:To observe the surgical effects of slanted bilateral lateral recession(S-BLR)versus conventional bilateral lateral recession(C-BLR)in convergence insufficiency intermittent exotropia(CI-IXT).METHODS:Using a randomized,double-blind,prospective design,22 patients with CI-IXT who were admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from July 2019 to December 2020 were included.Patients were randomly divided into either S-BLR or C-BLR group for their subsequent strabismus surgery.All patients were followed up for 12mo.Near deviation,distant deviation,and neardistance difference(NDD)were measured in all patients.RESULTS:Twelve months after surgery,NDD improvement was 10(8,13)prismatic degrees(PD)in S-BLR group and 3(1,6)PD in C-BLR group(P=0.011).The near deviation of S-BLR group was 0(-2,2)PD,while that of C-BLR group was-4(-6,-3)PD(P=0.005).Before and after surgery,the difference in the distant deviation between the two groups was not statistically significant.There was no statistically significant difference in near stereopsis between the two groups(P=0.380)at 12mo.The success rate at 12mo after operation was 90.91%and 72.73%in the two groups(P=0.280).CONCLUSION:CI-IXT patients treated with S-BLR have better surgical outcomes than those treated with C-BLR,which indicates S-BLR is a safe and effective operation pattern.

Analysis of oxidative stress and antioxidative potential in premature ovarian insufficiency

BACKGROUND Premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)is characterized by an early decline in ovarian function,inducing secondary amenorrhea.While the cause of POI has not yet been identified,the function of mitochondria in the ovaries and the cytotoxicity associated with reactive oxygen species(ROS)have been implicated in follicle pool depletion and a decline in follicle quality.Recently developed tests have enabled easy measurement of diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites(d-ROMs)and biological antioxidant potential(BAP).The combination of these two tests is used to comprehensively assess oxidative stress in the blood.AIM To comprehensively assess the oxidative stress of d-ROMs and BAP in POI.METHODS Participants were classified into two groups:A POI group of 11 women aged<40 years examined between January 2021 and June 2022 with a history of secondary amenorrhea for at least 4 mo in our hospital and an FSH value of≥40 mIU/mL;and a control group of healthy women of the same age with normal ovarian function in our hospital.Plasma d-ROMs and BAP were measured in both these groups underwent.Differences between groups were assessed using the t-test.RESULTS The mean age and mean body mass index(BMI)were 35.8±3.0 years and 20.1±1.9 kg/m2 in the control group and 35.8±2.7 years and 19.4±2.5 kg/m2 in the POI group,respectively.The mean gravidity and parity in control and POI groups were 0.6±0.7 and 0.4±0.5 and 0.6±0.9 and 0.3±0.5,respectively.The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of mean age,BMI,gravidity,or parity.The d-ROMs level was significantly higher in the POI group than in the control group(478.2±58.7 vs 341.1±35.1 U.CARR;P<0.001);however,the BAP level did not significantly differ between the two groups(2078.5±157.4 vs 2029.0±186.4μmol/L).The oxidase stress index(d-ROMs/BAP×100)was significantly higher in the POI group than in the control group(23.7±3.3 vs 16.5±2.1;P<0.001).CONCLUSION Oxidative stress was significantly greater in the POI group than in the control group,suggesting oxidative stress as a factor that can serve as a POI biomarker.

Protective Effects of Mongolian Medicine Borantunggal on Rats with Chronic Renal Insufficiency

[Objectives]To observe the protective effects of Mongolian medicine Borantunggal on rats with chronic renal insufficiency.[Methods]Male Wister rats were gavaged with 50 mg/kg/d adenine for 12 consecutive weeks,and were intervened with positive control drug Niaoduqing and three groups of different doses of Mongolian medicine Borantunggal.The rats general state,such as body posture,hair color,activity status,renal function,thyroid gland,adrenal gland,and gonadal hormone levels,expression levels of inflammatory mediators,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and nuclear factor-κB(P65)in renal tissue,and histopathological changes of rat kidney were observed before and after treatment.[Results]The recovery of the general state of rats with chronic renal insufficiency in the low dose group after intervention with Mongolian medicine Borantunggal was the most obvious.Compared with the model group,the level of CRE in the low dose Mongolian medicine group decreased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with the normal group,the 24-h urinary protein in the low dose Mongolian medicine group had a declining trend,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The urea level in low,medium and high dose Mongolian medicine groups showed a declining trend,and the effect of low dose Mongolian medicine was better.Compared with the model group,the feed intake of the low dose Mongolian medicine group had an increasing trend,while P and TCHO also had a declining trend.Compared with the model group,the levels of LH and COR in the low,medium and high dose Mongolian medicine groups decreased significantly,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of T,T3 and T4 were significantly increased,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05),and the effect of low dose Mongolian medicine was better.Compared with the model group,the levels of IL-6,TNF-αand HIF-1 in the low,medium and high dose Mongolian medicine groups were significantly reduced,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of TGF-β1 and Ang II in the low dose Mongolian medicine group were significantly reduced,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The level of TGF-β1 in the medium and high dose Mongolian medicine groups decreased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The expression of NF-κB P65 andα-SMA proteins in the low dose Mongolian medicine group showed a declining trend,which was better than Niaoduqing.[Conclusions]Mongolian medicine Borantunggal has significant protective and preventive effects on rats with adenine-induced chronic renal insufficiency.In particular,the dose of 0.31 kg/d had the most significant protective effect.Its action mechanism may be related to regulating hormone levels in the body,improving renal function,reducing renal inflammatory response,reducing the"three highs"in the kidney,and inhibiting renal tubular epithelial cell-to-mesenchymal transition and deposition of extracellular matrix(ECM).

Clinical prediction of insufficient vaults after implantable collamer lens implantation

AIM:To determine the factors related to preoperative ocular characters that are predictive of insufficient vault(<250μm)after implantable collamer lens(ICL V4c;STAAR Surgical)implantation.METHODS:The participants underwent ICL surgery and were divided into the low(<250μm)and normal(250-1000μm)vault groups based on the postoperative vault at 3mo.The preoperative biometric parameters and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.The relationship between the 3-month vault values and preoperative ocular parameters were evaluated by Generalized estimating equations.RESULTS:Sixteen(23 eyes)and 36 patients(63 eyes)were in the low and normal vault groups,respectively.All implantation procedures were uneventful with no cataract formation in the early postoperative period.The sulcusto-sulcus lens rise(STSL)and iris ciliary angle(ICA)were correlated with vault at 3mo after surgery.Every 0.1 mm increase in STSL was associated with 38.9μm decrease in the postoperative 3-month vault.A rise of 1 degree in ICA is associated with a reduction of 4μm in vault.CONCLUSION:Eyes with a narrow ciliary sulcus are associated with a higher rate of low vault after ICL implantation,suggesting a need for adjustments to the ICL size in these patients.Evaluating the characteristics of the ciliary sulcus contributes valuable information to predict low vault after surgery.

Relationship between neonatal respiratory distress syndrome pulmonary ultrasonography and respiratory distress score,oxygenation index,and chest radiography grading

BACKGROUND Accurate condition assessment is critical for improving the prognosis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(RDS),but current assessment methods for RDS pose a cumulative risk of harm to neonates.Thus,a less harmful method for assessing the health of neonates with RDS is needed.AIM To analyze the relationships between pulmonary ultrasonography and respiratory distress scores,oxygenation index,and chest X-ray grade of neonatal RDS to identify predictors of neonatal RDS severity.METHODS This retrospective study analyzed the medical information of 73 neonates with RDS admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Liupanshui Maternal and Child Care Service Center between April and December 2022.The pulmonary ultrasonography score,respiratory distress score,oxygenation index,and chest Xray grade of each newborn before and after treatment were collected.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationships among these values and neonatal RDS severity.RESULTS The pulmonary ultrasonography score,respiratory distress score,oxygenation index,and chest X-ray RDS grade of the neonates were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment(P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that before and after treatment,the pulmonary ultrasonography score of neonates with RDS was positively correlated with the respiratory distress score,oxygenation index,and chest X-ray grade(ρ=0.429–0.859,P<0.05).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that pulmonary ultrasonography screening effectively predicted the severity of neonatal RDS(area under the curve=0.805–1.000,P<0.05).CONCLUSION The pulmonary ultrasonography score was significantly associated with the neonatal RDS score,oxygenation index,and chest X-ray grade.The pulmonary ultrasonography score was an effective predictor of neonatal RDS severity.

Plasma Metabonomics of Human Adenovirus-infected Patients with Pneumonia and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Objective Human adenovirus(HAdV)infection is common and can develop to serious conditions with high mortality,yet the mechanism of HAdV infection remains unclear.In the present study,the serum metabolite profiles of HAdV-7-infected patients with pneumonia or upper respiratory tract infection(URTI)were explored.Methods In total,35 patients were enrolled in the study following an outbreak of HAdV-7 in the army,of whom 14 had pneumonia and 21 had URTI.Blood samples were collected at the acute stage and at the recovery stage and were analyzed by untargeted metabolomics.Results Over 90% of the differential metabolites identified between the pneumonia patients and URTI patients were lipids and lipid-like molecules,including glycerophospholipids,fatty acyls,and sphingolipids.The metabolic pathways that were significantly enriched were primarily the lipid metabolism pathways,including sphingolipid metabolism,glycerophospholipid metabolism,and linoleic acid metabolism.The sphingolipid metabolism was identified as a significantly differential pathway between the pneumonia patients and URTI patients and between the acute and recovery stages for the pneumonia patients,but not between the acute and recovery stages for the URTI patients.Ceramide and lactosylceramide,involved in sphingolipid metabolism,were significantly higher in the pneumonia patients than in the URTI patients with good discrimination abilities[area under curve(AUC)0.742 and 0.716,respectively;combination AUC 0.801].Conclusion Our results suggested that HAdV modulated lipid metabolism for both the patients with URTI and pneumonia,especially the sphingolipid metabolism involving ceramide and lactosylceramide,which might thus be a potential intervention target in the treatment of HAdV infection.

Prevalence and Tasks Associated with Respiratory Symptoms among Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Handlers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in 2019

Introduction: The uncontrolled management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (W3E) causes respiratory problems in the handlers of this waste. The objective was to study the stains associated with respiratory symptoms in W3E handlers. Methods: The study was cross-sectional with an analytical focus on W3E handlers in the informal sector in Ouagadougou. A peer-validated questionnaire collected data on a sample of 161 manipulators. Results: the most common W3E processing tasks were the purchase or sale of W3E (67.70%), its repair (39.75%) and its collection (31.06%). The prevalence of cough was 21.74%, that of wheezing 14.91%, phlegm 12.50% and dyspnea at rest 10.56%. In bivariate analysis, there were significant associations at the 5% level between W3E repair and phlegm (p-value = 0.044), between W3E burning and wheezing (p-value = 0.011) and between W3E and cough (p-value = 0.01). The final logistic regression models suggested that the burning of W3E and the melting of lead batteries represented risk factors for the occurrence of cough with respective prevalence ratios of 4.57 and 4.63. Conclusion: raising awareness on the wearing of personal protective equipment, in particular masks adapted by W3E handlers, favoring those who are dedicated to the burning of electronic waste and the melting of lead could make it possible to reduce the risk of occurrence of respiratory symptoms.