Agreement of zero-heat-flux thermometry with the oesophageal and tympanic core temperature measurement in patient receiving major surgery.

To identify and prevent perioperative hypothermia, most surgical patients require a non-invasive, accurate, convenient, and continuous core temperature method, especially for patients undergoing major surgery. This study validated the precision and accuracy of a cutaneous zero-heat-flux thermometer and its performance in detecting intraoperative hypothermia. Adults undergoing major non-cardiac surgeries with general anaesthesia were enrolled in the study. Core temperatures were measured with a zero-heat-flux thermometer, infrared tympanic membrane thermometer, and oesophagal monitoring at 15-minute intervals. Taking the average value of temperature measured in the tympanic membrane and oesophagus as a reference, we assessed the agreement using the Bland-Altman analysis and linear regression methods. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of detecting hypothermia were estimated. 103 patients and one thousand sixty-eight sets of paired temperatures were analyzed. The mean difference between zero-heat-flux and the referenced measurements was -0.03 ± 0.25 °C, with 95% limits of agreement (-0.52 °C, 0.47 °C) was narrow, with 94.5% of the differences within 0.5 °C. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was 0.90 (95%CI 0.89-0.92). The zero-heat-flux thermometry detected hypothermia with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 90%. The zero-heat-flux thermometer is in good agreement with the reference core temperature based on tympanic and oesophagal temperature monitoring in patients undergoing major surgeries, and appears high performance in detecting hypothermia.

Prognosis of a Chinese patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who acquired a TP53 mutation following treatment with a BTK inhibitor.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common type of adult leukemia that occurs in Western countries, and its incidence has gradually increased in China in recent years. The characteristics of CLL are highly heterogeneous. Despite promising response rates achieved with targeted therapy, new targets still need to be expanded due to the heterogeneous of disease. Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) has been used in the treatment of TP53 mutation. In this report, we present a case with myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88) mutation who developed a TP53 mutation after application of BTKi. Here, the patient was CLL unmutated (U-CLL) with MYD88 (L265P) mutation before initial treatment. After traditional treatment, the effect was not good, and BTKi was used for treatment, then TP53 mutation appeared. It is well known that immunoglobulin heavy chain unmutated (IGHV-U) and TP53 mutation in CLL indicate poor prognosis. The case suggests that whenever TP53 mutation occurs, BTKi is the best choice. This result is considered to be related to signal pathways. We aim to add to the collective knowledge by highlighting this rare cases of CLL with MYD88 (L265P) mutation in an Asian patient.

A randomized controlled trial of iliopsoas plane block vs. femoral nerve block for hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Iliopsoas plane block (IPB) is a novel analgesic technique for hip surgery that retains quadriceps strength. However, evidence from randomized controlled trial is remains unavailable. We hypothesized that IPB, as a motor-sparing analgesic technique, could match the femoral nerve block (FNB) in pain management and morphine consumption, providing an advantage for earlier functional training in patients underwent hip arthroplasty. METHODS: We recruited ninety patients with femoral neck fracture, femoral head necrosis or hip osteoarthritis who were scheduled for unilateral primary hip arthroplasty were recruited and received either IPB or FNB. Primary outcome was the pain score during hip flexion at 4 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included quadriceps strength and pain scores upon arrival at post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and at 2, 4, 6, 24, 48 h after surgery, the first time out of bed, total opioids consumption, patient satisfaction, and complications. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in terms of pain score during hip flexion at 4 h after surgery between the IPB group and FNB group. The quadriceps strength of patients receiving IPB was superior to those receiving FNB upon arrival at PACU and at 2, 4, 6 and 24 h after surgery. The IPB group showed a shorter first time out of bed compared to the FNB group. However, there were no significant differences in terms of pain scores within 48 h after surgery, total opioids consumption, patient satisfaction and complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: IPB was not superior to FNB in terms of postoperative analgesia for hip arthroplasty. However, IPB could serve as an effective motor-sparing analgesic technique for hip arthroplasty, which would facilitate early recovery and rehabilitation. This makes IPB worth considering as an alternative to FNB. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered prior to patient enrollment at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200055493; registration date: January 10, 2022; enrollment date: January 18, 2022; https://www.chictr.org.cn/searchprojEN.html ).

The effect of continuous adductor canal block combined with distal interspace between the popliteal artery and capsule of the posterior knee block for total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The optimal analgesia for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) requires excellent analgesia while preserving muscle strength. This study aimed to determine the hypothesis that continuous adductor canal block (CACB) combined with the distal interspace between the popliteal artery and the posterior capsule of the knee (IPACK) block could effectively alleviate the pain of the posterior knee, decrease opioids consumption, and promote early recovery and discharge. METHODS: Patients undergoing unilateral, primary TKA were allocated into group CACB+SHAM (receiving CACB plus sham block) or group CACB+IPACK (receiving CACB plus IPACK block). The primary outcome was cumulative opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative pain originated from the posterior knee, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, range of motion, ambulation distance, and satisfaction for pain management. RESULTS: The incidence of moderate-severe pain of the posterior knee was lower in group CACB+IPACK than that of the group CACB+SHAM at 4 hours (17.1% vs. 42.8%; p = 0.019), 8 hours (11.4% vs. 45.7%; p = 0.001), and 24 hours (11.4% vs. 34.3%; p = 0.046) after TKA. The VAS scores of the posterior knee were lower in group CACB+IPACK than that of the group CACB+SHAM at 4 hours [2 (2) vs. 3 (2-4); p = 0.000], 8 hours [1 (1, 2) vs. 3 (2-4); p = 0.001], and 24 hours [1(0-2) vs. 2 (1-4); p = 0.002] after TKA. The overall VAS scores were lower in group CACB+IPACK than that of the group CACB+SHAM at 4 hours [3 (2, 3) vs. 3 (3, 4); p = 0.013] and 8 hours [2 (2, 3) vs. 3 (2-4); p = 0.032] at rest and 4 hours [3 (3, 4) vs. 4 (4, 5); p = 0.001], 8 hours [3 (2-4) vs. 4 (3-5); p = 0.000], 24 hours [2 (2, 3) vs. 3 (2-4); p = 0.001] during active flexion after TKA. The range of motion (59.11 ± 3.90 vs. 53.83 ± 5.86; p = 0.000) and ambulation distance (44.60 ± 4.87 vs. 40.83 ± 6.65; p = 0.009) were superior in group CACB+IPACK than that of the group CACB+SHAM in postoperative day 1. The satisfaction for pain management was higher in group CACB+IPACK than that of the group CACB+SHAM [9 (8, 9) vs. 8 (7-9); p = 0.024]. There was no difference in term of cumulative opioids consumption between group CACB+IPACK and group CACB+SHAM [120(84-135) vs. 120(75-135); p = 0.835]. CONCLUSION: The combination of CACB and distal IPACK block could decrease the incidences of moderate-severe posterior knee pain, improve the postoperative pain over the first 24 hours after TKA, as well as promoting recovery of motor function. However, the opioids consumption was not decreased by adding distal IPACK to CACB. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( ChiCTR2200059139 ; registration date: 26/04/2022; enrollment date: 16/11/2020; http://www.chictr.org.cn ).

Analgesic effect of iliopsoas plane block for hip fracture.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture and surgery are associated with moderate to severe pain, which hampers early mobilization and extends the hospital stay. Femoral nerve block and fascia iliaca compartment block could provide effective postoperative pain relief. Unfortunately, they could weaken the strength of the quadriceps muscle and increase the risk of falls. Iliopsoas plane block (IPB) is a novel motor-sparing regional technique, which targets the sensory branches of the hip joint originating from the femoral nerve. However, the analgesic effect of IPB has not been confirmed yet. CASE PRESENTATION: In the present case series, IPB and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block were implemented under the guidance of ultrasound for eight patients with hip fractures. The median (IQR) visual analog scale (VAS) score (0-10; 0: no pain, 10: worst pain) decreased from 1.5 (0.25-2) before IPB to 0 (0-0) 0.5h after IPB at rest. The median (IQR) VAS score decreased from 8 (7-8) before IPB to 2 (1-2) 0.5h after IPB during flexion of hip 30°. Pain score was no more than one at rest and three during flexion of the hip 30° within 48h after surgery. Furthermore, the MMT grades of quadriceps strength were no less than four after IPB. CONCLUSIONS: Our case series firstly highlights that IPB might be an effective analgesic technique for hip fracture and surgery, while retaining motor function.

Comparison of Adductor Canal Block and Femoral Triangle Block for Total Knee Arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: Adductor canal block (ACB) could provide effective postoperative pain control for patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, some authors pointed out that the ACB as originally described may be more similar to a femoral triangle block (FTB). Recent neuroanatomic evidences made the authors conjecture that the "true" ACB would provide superior analgesia compared with FTB. Therefore, the study was designed to determine the hypothesis that postoperative analgesia after TKA could be improved by a "true" ACB compared with FTB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing unilateral, primary TKA were randomized into the ACB group or FTB group. The primary outcome was postoperative pain during active flexion at 8 hours after surgery measured by the visual analog scale (VAS). In addition, pain scores at other time points, quadriceps strength, morphine consumption, satisfaction of the patient, and side effects of morphine were also evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty participants completed the research. The VAS scores were lower in the ACB group than the FTB group at 8 and 24 hours at rest (P<0.05). The VAS scores were lower in the ACB group than the FTB group at 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours during active flexion (P<0.05). The quadriceps strength was superior in the ACB group than the FTB group at 4, 8, and 24 hours (P<0.05). The consumption of morphine was lower in the ACB group than the FTB group (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences for both patient satisfaction and the incidence of adverse reactions (P>0.05). DISCUSSION: ACB can provide superior analgesia and preserve more quadriceps strength than FTB. ACB facilitates functional recovery in the early stages and is compatible with the highly recognized concept of rapid rehabilitation, which should be promoted in the clinic.

Molecular characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from children with acute otitis media in Liuzhou, China.

BACKGROUND: There have been few studies focused on the prevalence, bacterial etiology, antibiotic resistance, and genetic background of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in children with acute otitis media (AOM) in China. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in Liuzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital. Patients younger than 18 years diagnosed with AOM were enrolled in the study. Middle ear fluid specimens were collected and cultured for bacterial pathogens. The antibiotic susceptibility, virulence genes, macrolide resistant genes and sequence types of S. aureus were identified. RESULTS: From January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015, a total of 228 cases of AOM were identified. Pathogenic bacteria were positive in 181 (79.4%) of 228 specimens. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common bacteria (36.4%), followed by S. aureus (16.2%). Among the 37 S. aureus isolates, 12 (23.5%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and 25 (77.5%) were methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). A total of 23 isolates (62.2%) were resistant to erythromycin, 40.5% of isolates were resistant to clindamycin, and 37.8% isolates were resistant to tetracycline. Twenty-three isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR) S. aureus. Eighteen isolates carried the pvl gene. Up to 22 (59.4%) isolates expressed ermA gene, 8 (21.6%) isolates expressed both ermA and ermC genes, and only 8.1% expressed ermB. Among all S.aureus isolates, 7 sequence types (STs) were identified by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The most common ST was ST59 (16/37, 43.2%), followed by ST45 (7/37, 18.9%) and ST30 (7/37, 18.9%). The predominant MSSA isolates were ST59-t437-MSSA (5/25, 20.0%), the prevailing MRSA isolates were Taiwan related strains ST59-SCCmec-IVa/V (5/12, 41.6%). CONCLUSIONS: S. aureus was the second most common cause for AOM in children in Liuzhou. Most of the S. aureus was MDR which carried a high proportion of ermA and ermC gene. CA-MRSA (ST59-SCCmec-IV/V-t437) is circulating in children with AOM. These findings support continued surveillance of S. aureus infections in children with AOM in both communities and hospitals.

Adding dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine for lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve block for amputation of lower limb in high-risk patient-a case report.

The ischemia necrosis of limb frequently requires surgery of amputation. Lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve block is an ideal intra-operative anesthetic and post-operative antalgic technique for patients of amputation, especially for high-risk patients who have severe cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. However, the duration of analgesia of peripheral nerve block is hardly sufficient to avoid the postoperative pain and the usage of opioids. In this case, a 79-year-old man, with multiple cerebral infarcts, congestive heart failure, atrial flutter and syncope, was treated with an above knee amputation because of ischemia necrosis of his left lower limb. Dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg was added to 0.33% ropivacaine for lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve block in this case for intra-operative anesthesia and post-operative analgesia. The sensory function was blocked fully for surgery and the duration of analgesia maintained 26 hours with haemodynamic stability and moderate sedation. The patient did not complain pain and require any supplementary analgesics after surgery. This case showed that adding 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine for lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve block may be a feasible and safe technique for high-risk patients for lower limb surgery of amputation.

Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5 in the Cerebrospinal Fluid-Contacting Nucleus Contributes to Neuropathic Pain in Rats.

BACKGROUND: The activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been observed in synaptic plasticity processes of learning and memory in neuropathic pain. Cerebrospinal fluid-contacting nucleus (CSF-CN) has been identified with the onset and persistence of neuropathic pain. However, whether extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 5 (ERK5), a member of MAPKs, in CSF-CN participates in neuropathic pain has not been studied yet. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to identify the role of ERK5 in CSF-CN on the formation and development of neuropathic pain, and to investigate its possible mechanism. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled animal study. SETTING: University laboratory. METHODS: After a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was produced, BIX02188 was dissolved in 1% DMSO and injected into the lateral ventricles LV in a volume of 3 µl with different doses (0.1 µg, 1 µg, 10 µg). Mechanical allodynia and thermal hypersensitivity behavioral test, immunofluorescence, and western blot technique were used in this research. RESULT: Following CCI, mechanical allodynia and thermal hypersensitivity were developed within a day, peaked at 14 days, and persisted for 21 days. ERK5 was remarkably activated by CCI in CSF-CN. Moreover, selective inhibiting of p-ERK5 expression in CSF-CN by BIX02188 could significantly relieve CCI-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hypersensitivity, accompanying with the decreased phosphorylation of cAMP response-element binding protein (CREB) in CSF-CN. LIMITATIONS: More underlying mechanism(s) of the role of ERK5 in CSF-CN on the formation and development of neuropathic pain will be needed to explore in future research. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest activation of ERK5 in CSF-CN might contribute to the onset and development of neuropathic pain and its role might be partly accomplished by p-CREB.

[Changes of C3a in induced sputum in patients with asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical significance of anaphylatoxin C3a in induced sputum in patients with asthma. METHODS: The patients with acute exacerbation of asthma treated at our department between September, 2006 and February, 2007 were included in the study. The demographic data, medical history, levels of lung function and C3a levels in induced sputum were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients were included in the study. The level of C3a in induced sputum was significantly higher in patients with acute exacerbation of asthma (2.24 ng/ml, range 1.68-5.58 ng/ml) than that in patients with asthma remission (0.7 ng/ml, range 0.24-2.31 ng/ml, P<0.05). Sputum C3a levels in the remission patients were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls (0.12 ng/ml, range 0.07-0.39 ng/ml, P<0.05). The levels of C3a in patients with severe exacerbation (4.69 ng/ml, range 2.69-6.59 ng/ml) were significantly higher than those in patients with mild exacerbation (0.25 ng/ml, range 0.09-0.40 ng/ml) and moderate exacerbation (2.21 ng/ml, range 1.16-3.41 ng/ml) (P<0.01), and were significantly higher in patients with moderate exacerbation than in those in mild exacerbation (P<0.01). The level of C3a in induced sputum was positively correlated with the number of total cell count (r=0.718, P<0.05), eosinophils (r=0.495, P<0.05) and macrophages (r=0.600, P<0.05) in patients with acute exacerbation of asthma. CONCLUSION: Induced sputum C3a level can serve as an important clinical biomarker for clinical asthma management.

Analysis of the Dielectric constant of saline-alkali soils and the effect on radar backscattering coefficient: a case study of soda alkaline saline soils in Western Jilin Province using RADARSAT-2 data.

Soil salinity is a global problem, especially in developing countries, which affects the environment and productivity of agriculture areas. Salt has a significant effect on the complex dielectric constant of wet soil. However, there is no suitable model to describe the variation in the backscattering coefficient due to changes in soil salinity content. The purpose of this paper is to use backscattering models to understand behaviors of the backscattering coefficient in saline soils based on the analysis of its dielectric constant. The effects of moisture and salinity on the dielectric constant by combined Dobson mixing model and seawater dielectric constant model are analyzed, and the backscattering coefficient is then simulated using the AIEM. Simultaneously, laboratory measurements were performed on ground samples. The frequency effect of the laboratory results was not the same as the simulated results. The frequency dependence of the ionic conductivity of an electrolyte solution is influenced by the ion's components. Finally, the simulated backscattering coefficients measured from the dielectric constant with the AIEM were analyzed using the extracted backscattering coefficient from the RADARSAT-2 image. The results show that RADARSAT-2 is potentially able to measure soil salinity; however, the mixed pixel problem needs to be more thoroughly considered.

[Estimation of vegetation water content from Landsat 8 OLI data].

The present paper aims to analyze the capabilities and limitations for retrieving vegetation water content from Landsat8 OLI (Operational Land Imager) sensor-new generation of earth observation program. First, the effect of soil background on canopy reflectance and the sensitive band to vegetation water content were analyzed based on simulated dataset from ProSail model. Then, based on vegetation water indices from Landsat8 OLI and field vegetation water content during June 1 2013 to August 14 2013, the best vegetation water index for estimating vegetation water content was found through comparing 12 different indices. The results show that: (1) red, near infrared and two shortwave infrared bands of OLI sensor are sensitive to the change in vegetation water content, and near infrared band is the most sensitive one; (2) At low vegetation coverage, solar radiation reflected by soil background will reach to spectral sensor and influence the relationship between vegetation water index and vegetation water content, and simulation results from ProSail model also show that soil background reflectance has a significant impact on vegetation canopy reflectance in both wet and dry soil conditions, so the optimized soil adjusted vegetation index (OSAVI) was used in this paper to remove the effect of soil background on vegetation water index and improve its relationship with vegetation water content; (3) for the 12 vegetation water indices, the relationship between MSI2 and vegetation water content is the best with the R-square of 0.948 and the average error of vegetation water content is 0.52 kg · m(-2); (4) it is difficult to estimate vegetation water content from vegetation water indices when vegetation water content is larger than 2 kg · m(-2) due to spectral saturation of these indices.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 in the cerebrospinal fluid-contacting nucleus contributes to morphine physical dependence in rats.

The cerebrospinal fluid-contacting nucleus (CSF-CN) may influence actual composition of the CSF for non-synaptic signal transmission via releasing or absorbing bioactive substances, which distributes and localizes in the ventral periaqueductal central gray of the brainstem. Previous studies demonstrated that CSF-CN was involved in neuropathic pain and morphine dependence. Thus, to identify whether extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) distributed in the CSF-CN and its function on the formation and development of morphine physical dependence, morphine withdrawal-like behavioral test and immunofluorescent technique were used in this research. Morphine was subcutaneously injected by an intermittent and escalating procedure to induce physical dependence, which was measured by withdrawal symptoms. In this study, we found that horseradish peroxidase-conjugated toxin subunit B/p-ERK5 double-labeled neurons expressed in the CSF-CN of normal rats. ERK5 signaling pathway was remarkably activated by naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in the CSF-CN. Moreover, selective attenuation of p-ERK5 expression in the CSF-CN by lateral ventricle injection of BIX02188 could significantly relieve morphine withdrawal symptom. These findings confirmed that the activation of p-ERK5 in the CSF-CN might contribute to morphine physical dependence.

[Clinical analysis of diffusive interstitial lung diseases with positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the features of pulmonary interstitial pathological changes in diffuse interstitial lung disease (DILD) patients with positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA), and the similarities as well as differences between ANCA positive patients with non-primary vasculitis and primary systematic vasculitis. METHODS: Clinical data of 122 patients with DILD having ANCA examined from October 1995 to September 2008, were reviewed. Among the ANCA positive patients with non-primary vasculitis (Group A), those with primary systematic vasculitis (Group B), and the ANCA negative patients (Group C), the results of syndromes, signs, radiological manifestations, pulmonary function tests, bronchoscope examinations, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology and other laboratory examinations were compared. RESULTS: In the 122 DILD patients with ANCA results, 36 patients' ANCA (29.51%) were positive. The numbers of patients in Groups A, B, and C were 7, 29, and 86. Total lung capacity (TLC) decreased less and pleural pathological changes were more seen in Groups A and B than in Group C. Oliguria, haematuria, proteinuria, anaemia, and renal inadequacy in Group A, which were similar in Group C, appeared less than in Group B. Results of bronchoscope examination, BALF cytology, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), and etc. were not significantly different among the three groups. CONCLUSION: In DILD patients, pulmonary interstitial changes of those with positive ANCA accompany with more pleural pathological changes and TLC decreased less than those with negative ANCA. In patients with positive ANCA, non-primary vasculitis had some similar clinical manifestations as primary systematic vasculitis, however, anaemia and renal damages were less seen in the non-primary vasculitis patients.

Asymptomatic patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a variable natural history and not all individuals follow the same course. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and characteristics of asymptomatic COPD patients from a population-based survey in China. METHODS: A multistage cluster sampling strategy was used in a population from seven different provinces/cities. All residents (over 40 years old) were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire and spirometry. Post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1))/forced vital capacity (FVC) of less than 70% was defined as the diagnostic criterion of COPD. All COPD patients screened were divided into symptomatic group and asymptomatic group according to the presence or absence of chronic respiratory symptoms. Socio-demographic, personal and exposure variables were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 1668 patients who were diagnosed with COPD from the 25 627 sampling subjects, 589 (35.3%) were asymptomatic. The age, sex, body mass index (BMI), rural and urban distributions, smoking habit and education levels were similar in the two groups. A total of 64.7% of the asymptomatic patients had no comorbidities. Cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer were more common among symptomatic COPD patients than asymptomatic group. Asymptomatic COPD group were less likely to present with poor ventilation in the kitchen, a family history of respiratory disease and recurrent childhood cough. Asymptomatic COPD patients had significantly higher FEV(1) (73.1% vs. 61.0%), FVC (91.9% vs. 82.0%), and a higher ratio of FEV(1)/FVC (62.9% vs. 58.7%) (all P < 0.001) than symptomatic group. More asymptomatic patients were underdiagnosed (91.9% vs. 54.3%, P < 0.001) than symptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: This large population-based survey confirmed a high prevalence of asymptomatic COPD patients in China. More use of spirometry screening test may be important to the early detection of COPD.

Effect of theophylline on endogenous hydrogen sulfide production in patients with COPD.

BACKGROUND: Airway inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is involved in the physiological and pathophysiological process in systemic inflammation and may be involved in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation and airflow obstruction in COPD. The non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor theophylline has bronchodilator/anti-inflammatory properties and is widely used in the treatment of airways diseases. It is not fully understood whether endogenous H2S mediates the mechanism of theophylline anti-inflammatory effect. METHODS: The effect of short-term theophylline treatment on airway inflammation and endogenous H2S production was prospectively studied in thirty-seven patients with stable COPD. Patients were randomly divided into theophylline-treatment group (nineteen patients, orally given sustained theophylline tablets for 1 month, 0.2g, q 12h) and control group (eighteen patients, not given any theophylline). Symptom score, lung function, total and differential cell counts in sputum, serum H2S and nitric oxide (NOx) levels, sputum and serum IL-8 levels were measured at baseline and 1 month later. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in symptom scores, lung function and other investigated experimental parameters at baseline between treatment and control groups, and between baseline and a month follow-up in control patients. Symptom scores were significantly lowered only in the treated patients after treatment, compared with those before (P<0.01). The proportion of neutrophils in sputum was significantly decreased (P<0.05) while that of macrophages was markedly increased (P<0.01) in the treated patients after treatment, compared with that before. No significant change was found in serum H2S and NOx levels, serum and sputum IL-8 levels before and after experiment in treatment group. Serum H2S level correlated positively with percentage of predicted FEV1 (r=0.465, P=0.005), and with proportion of sputum macrophages (r=0.349, P=0.05), but negatively with proportion of sputum neutrophils (r=-0.351, P=0.049) in all patients at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term theophylline treatment improved symptoms and decreased sputum neutrophils in COPD, while serum H2S levels were not affected in our study population. Large samples will be needed to illustrate the effect of long-term theophylline treatment on inflammatory mediators and H2S generation in COPD.

[Change and clinical implication of urotensin II in plasma and induced sputum of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of urotensin II (U-II) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Plasma and induced sputum were obtained from thirty four patients with stable COPD and ten healthy volunteers. The levels of U-II in plasma and induced sputum were measured by RIA kit. Lung function was performed routinely. Induced sputum cells were counted with hemacytometer and differentiated with Wright-Giemsa stain. RESULTS: The levels of U-II in induced sputum were 82 and 65 folds higher than those of plasma U-II in COPD patients and healthy controls (P<0.01). The levels of U-II in plasma were unrelated to those of induced sputum (r = 0.168, P>0.05). No difference was noted between COPD and healthy controls in the plasma U-II levels [1.46(1.15, 1.73) vs 1.61(1.31, 2.17) microg/L, medians with interquartile ranges, P>0.05]. Sputum U-II levels from COPD patients were 15% higher than those of healthy controls [119.87(105.03, 132.60) vs 104.44 (56.33, 122.24) microg/L, medians with interquartile ranges, P<0.05]. Induced sputum U-II levels of COPD patients had a trend of increase as lung function deteriorated and smoking index increases. Raised sputum total cell and neutrophil counts correlated strongly with the levels of U-II in induced sputum (r = 0.454, r = 0.431, both P<0.01). The levels of U-II in induced sputum correlated negatively with FEV(1)% predicted and p(O(2)) (r = -0.417, r = -0.518, both P<0.05). CONCLUSION: U-II may act locally, or, via paracrine or autocrine way, play a role in the mechanism of the airway inflammation and airway remodeling in COPD.

[Endogenous hydrogen sulfide in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Levels of serum H(2)S and nitric oxide (NO), lung function and cell differential count in induced sputum were studied in 27 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), 37 patients with stable COPD and 13 health subjects. Echo-Doppler assessment and arterial blood gas were measured in patients with AECOPD. RESULTS: (1) The serum H(2)S level was significantly higher in patients with stable COPD [(50.8 +/- 2.5) micromol/L] as compared to those in the controls [(39.8 +/- 1.6) micromol/L] and in patients with AECOPD [(33.5 +/- 2.2) micromol/L, P < 0.01]. (2) The level of serum H(2)S was significantly lower in smokers with AECOPD [(28.1 +/- 1.3) micromol/L] as compared to nonsmokers with AECOPD [(39.4 +/- 3.9) micromol/L, P < 0.05] and healthy nonsmokers [(39.8 +/- 1.6) micromol/L, P < 0.01]. (3) There was significant difference in the serum H(2)S level among stable COPD patients with different severity of airway obstruction (P < 0.05); being lower in patients with stage III [(45.1 +/- 4.1) micromol/L] as compared to stage I obstruction [(70.2 +/- 6.2) micromol/L, P < 0.05]. (4) AECOPD with pulmonary hypertension pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) > or = 35 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) showed a lower serum H(2)S level [(26.3 +/- 2.2), (36.2 +/- 2.5) micromol/L, P < 0.05] than that with a normal resting PASP. (5) H(2)S in serum was positively correlated with NO levels (r = 0.278, P = 0.029), FEV(1)% predicted values (r = 0.533, P = 0.000), percentage of sputum lymphocytes (r = 0.286, P = 0.028) and macrophages (r = 0.334, P = 0.01); and negatively correlated with PASP (r = -0.561, P = 0.011) and the percentage of sputum neutrophils (r = -0.422, P = 0.001) in patients with COPD. CONCLUSION: Endogenous H(2)S may be involved in the pathogenesis of airway obstruction in COPD and may be a noninvasive marker of disease activity and severity.

Endogenous hydrogen sulfide in patients with COPD.

OBJECTIVES: COPD is characterized by progressive airway obstruction. Recent studies showed that besides nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) might be the third signaling gasotransmitter. To clarify the role of endogenous H(2)S in the pathogenesis of COPD, we investigated the relation of serum H(2)S level to severity of COPD as defined by lung function and airway inflammation. METHODS: Levels of serum H(2)S and NO, lung function, and cell differential counts in induced sputum were studied in 27 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), 37 patients with stable COPD, and 13 healthy subjects. Patients with AECOPD had arterial blood gas levels measured and underwent Doppler echocardiography. In addition, in order to clarify the effects of age and smoking status on serum H(2)S level, we recruited three groups who were age matched to the study group but had no airflow limitation (59 subjects). RESULTS: Serum H(2)S level (34.0 +/- 0.9 to 36.4 +/- 1.1 micromol/L [+/- SEM]) did not differ among healthy control subjects with different ages (56.6 to 75.0 years, respectively). Serum H(2)S level was significantly higher in patients with stable COPD than in patients with AECOPD and age-matched control subjects (p < 0.01) and correlated positively with NO level in all healthy control subjects and all patients with COPD (r = 0.352, p = 0.000). Serum H(2)S level was significantly lower in smokers than nonsmokers, both with AECOPD (p < 0.05) and healthy control subjects (p < 0.01). It was significantly lower in smokers with AECOPD than healthy smokers and smokers with stable COPD (p < 0.01). Serum H(2)S level differed and was decreased (p < 0.05) among stable COPD patients by stage of airway obstruction (p < 0.05), and it was lower in patients with stage III than stage I obstruction (p < 0.05). Serum H(2)S level in all patients with COPD and healthy control subjects correlated positively with the percentage of predicted FEV(1) value (r = 0.300, p = 0.009). It was lower in patients with AECOPD and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PASP) > or = 35 mm Hg than those with PASP within the normal range (< 35 mm Hg) [p < 0.05] and was negatively correlated with PASP (r = - 0.561, p = 0.011). Serum H(2)S level was negatively correlated with proportion of neutrophils in sputum (r = - 0.422, p = 0.001) and positively correlated with proportion of lymphocytes (r = 0.286, p = 0.028) and macrophages (r = 0.334, p = 0.01) in all patients with COPD. CONCLUSIONS: Endogenous H(2)S is involved in the pathogenesis of airway obstruction in COPD, and its alteration in level may be connected with disease activity and severity.

[Changes of leukotriene B4 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and effects of theophylline on leukotriene B4].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in both the airways and the blood circulation in an animal model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the effects of theophylline on LTB4. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups by random number meter: Group A (normal controls), group B (COPD), group C (smoking+low dose theophylline), and group D (smoking+high dose theophylline ), with 8 rats in each group. Pulmonary functions of the rats were assessed, and pathological changes of airways were scored. Cell counts and cell differentiation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were also performed. Concentrations of IL-8 and LTB4 in BALF, plasma and lung tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA). RESULTS: LTB4 concentrations in BALF of COPD rats increased significantly as compared with the normal controls, and positively correlated with the percentage of neutrophil and IL-8 in BALF (r=0.794, 0.863; P=0.007, 0.012), and negatively correlated with peak expiratory flow (PEF) (r=-0.718, P=0.028). Positive correlations were also found between levels of LTB4 in BALF and the scores of inflammatory cell infiltration of COPD rats (r=0.836, P=0.036). Treatment with theophylline decreased the percentage of neutrophil and the concentrations of LTB4 in BALF of the COPD rats, attenuated the pathological changes of small airways, such as airway occlusion, goblet-cell metaplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis and smooth muscle proliferation. The effect was more significant on goblet-cell metaplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration in the high dose group. However theophylline had little effect on PEF. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that LTB4 is involved in airway inflammation in COPD. Theophylline is effective in decreasing the levels of LTB4 in BALF of COPD rats, reducing the percentage of neutrophil, and attenuating pathological changes of small airways.