Double deficiency of cathepsin B and L in the mouse pancreas alters trypsin activity without affecting acute pancreatitis severity

BackgroundPremature intracellular trypsinogen activation has long been considered a key initiator of acute pancreatitis (AP). Cathepsin B (CTSB) activates trypsinogen, while cathepsin L (CTSL) inactivates trypsin(ogen), and both proteins play a role in the onset of AP.MethodsAP was induced by 7 hourly intraperitoneal injections of cerulein (50 μg/kg) in wild-type and pancreas-specific conditional Ctsb knockout (Ctsb^Δpan), Ctsl knockout (Ctsl^Δpan), and Ctsb;Ctsl double-knockout (Ctsb^Δpan;Ctsl^Δpan) mice. Pancreatic samples were collected and analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and immunoblots. Trypsin activity was measured in pancreatic homogenates. Peripheral blood was collected, and serum amylase activity was measured.ResultsDouble deletion of Ctsb and Cstl did not affect pancreatic development or mouse growth. After 7 times cerulein injections, double Ctsb and Ctsl deficiency in mouse pancreases increased trypsin activity to the same extent as that in Ctsl-deficient mice, while Ctsb deficiency decreased trypsin activity but did not affect the severity of AP. Ctsb^Δpan;Ctsl^Δpan mice had comparable serum amylase activity and histopathological changes and displayed similar levels of proinflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, and autophagy activity compared with wild-type, Ctsb^Δpan, and Ctsl^Δpan mice.ConclusionDouble deletion of Ctsb and Ctsl in the mouse pancreas altered intrapancreatic trypsin activity but did not affect disease severity and inflammatory response after cerulein-induced AP.     

新生儿肺炎PCT和炎性因子水平表达及其意义

目的研究新生儿肺炎(NP)患儿血清高敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、降钙素原(PCT)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)水平表达及其意义。方法选取2017年1月-2018年2月韶关市曲江区妇幼保健计划生育服务中心诊治的NP患儿80例,按细菌感染情况分为观察1组和观察2组,各40例。选择同期40例健康新生儿作为对照组。测定并比较三组的hs-CRP、PCT和IL-6水平。结果观察1组血清PCT、hs-CRP和IL-6水平明显高于观察2组和对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察1组血清PCT、hs-CRP和1L-6检测阳性率明显高于观察2组和对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),且观察1组血清PCT、hs-CRP和1L-6诊断NP的敏感度均明显高于观察2组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组各指标特异度与观察2组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论血清hs-CRP、PCT、IL-6水平可作为NP患儿的辅助鉴别指标,为抗生素的合理使用和疗效提供依据。     

Effect of lower leg compression during cesarean section on post-spinal hypotension and neonatal hemodynamic parameters: nonrandomized controlled clinical trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the effect of lower leg compression during cesarean section (CS) on post-spinal hypotension (PSH) and neonatal hemodynamic parameters.MethodsThis study is a nonrandomized controlled clinical trial conducted in the cesarean delivery unit of the National Medical institute, Damanhour, Egypt. The sample included 120 parturients (60 intervention and 60 control). The researchers developed three tools for data collection: sociodemographic data and reproductive history interview schedule, electronic monitoring of maternal hemodynamic parameters, and neonatal hemodynamic assessment sheet. All parturients received ordinary pre-operative care. For the intervention group, a long elastic stocking (ordinary pressure 20–30 mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) was applied on both legs during cesarean section. The control group received the same care without the elastic stocking.ResultsSystolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure were significantly higher in the intervention group throughout the entire operation period except in the last 5–15 min. Heart rate was significantly lower in the intervention group. Only 13.3% of the intervention group took ephedrine compared with 45% of the control group. Apgar score was higher among neonates of intervention group compared with the control group at 1 min. Neonatal acidosis was significantly higher in the control group than in the contral group.ConclusionLower leg compression technique can effectively reduce PSH and neonatal acidosis.     

Aeromonas sobria necrotizing fasciitis complicating neonatal sclerosing cholangitis

Aeromonas species can cause gastroenteritis, soft tissue infections, hepatobiliary tract and other infections. While most reported soft tissue infections have been attributed to Aeromonas hydrophila, we report a case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Aeromonas veronii biovar sobria. Prompt and accurate diagnosis cum treatment could help save children with Aeromonas soft tissue infections from developing a bacteremia with extended morbidity and mortality.     

Ultrasound Fetal Weight Estimation: How Accurate Are We Now Under Emergency Conditions?

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of sonographic estimation of fetal weight when performed at due date by first-line sonographers. This was a prospective study including 500 singleton pregnancies. Ultrasound examinations were performed by residents on delivery day. Estimated fetal weights (EFWs) were calculated and compared with the corresponding birth weights. The median absolute difference between EFW and birth weight was 200 g (100–330). This difference was within ±10% in 75.2% of the cases. The median absolute percentage error was 5.53% (2.70%–10.03%). Linear regression analysis revealed a good correlation between EFW and birth weight (r = 0.79, p < 0.0001). According to Bland–Altman analysis, bias was −85.06 g (95% limits of agreement: −663.33 to 494.21). In conclusion, EFWs calculated by residents were as accurate as those calculated by experienced sonographers. Nevertheless, predictive performance remains limited, with a low sensitivity in the diagnosis of macrosomia.