ObjectiveTo improve the understanding of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM).MethodsA male patient and his brother were considered PAM by chest image and further examined by gene sequencing. The patient was confirmed through percutaneous lung biopsy. The clinical data of 172 patients from 108 pieces of literature were collected and reviewed from PubMed. The clinical presentation, radiological character, pathological finding, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the disease were analyzed and summarized.ResultsThe results of gene sequencing revealed the homozygous mutation of c.910A>T in exon 8 of SLC34A2 gene. The genetic mutation encoding the sodium phosphate co-transporter Npt2b (SLC34A2) was considered as the major pathogenesis. Mutations appeared to cluster in exon 8, c.910A>T was the most common mutation observed in Chinese cases. The most obvious symptoms were dyspnea, followed by cough, chest pain, fever, fatigue, and hemoptysis. The clinical signs consisted of cyanosis, clubbed fingers, moist rales and velcro crackles in the lungs. The typical presentation of PAM on a chest X ray was a ‘sandstorm’ appearance. The most frequent high-resolution CT findings of PAM were diffuse ground-glass attenuation and subpleural linear calcifications. Lung biopsy showed lamellar microliths deposited in alveolar spaces and the pleura. Etidronate had an imprecise role in the treatment of PAM. Lung transplantation was the ultimate effective treatment option.ConclusionsPAM is a rare autosomal recessive inherited lung disease. The characteristics of the disease should be fully understood in order to achieve early diagnosis and early intervention. Lung transplantation is recommended for patients of end stage.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of the new dynamic approach in the measurement of respiratory mechanics with different pressure support (PS) level during pressure support ventilation (PSV) via oral-nasal mask.MethodsThe Respironics V60 ventilator was connected to a ASL5000 lung simulator, which simulate lung mechanics in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ［system compliance (Crs)=50 mL/cm H2O, airway resistance (Raw)=20 cm H2O/(L·s), inspiratory time (TI)=1.6 s, breathing rate=15 beats per minute］. PSV were applied with different levels of PS ［positive end-expiratory pressure=5 cm H2O, PS=5/10/15/20/25 cm H2O) and back-up rate=10 beats per minute］. Measurements were conducted at system leaks with 25 – 28 L/min. The performance characteristics and patient-ventilator asynchrony were assessed, including flow, airway pressure, time and workload. Crs and Raw were calculated by using new dynamic approach.ResultsTidal volume (VT) was increased with increasing PS level ［(281.45±4.26)mL at PS 5 cm H2O vs. (456.81±1.91)mL at PS 10 cm H2O vs. (747.45±3.22)mL at PS 20 cm H2O, P<0.01］. Severe asynchronous was occurred frequently when PS is at 25 cm H2O. Inspiration cycling criterion (CC) was up-regulated accompanied by increasing PS level ［(15.62±3.11)% at 5 cm H2O, vs. (24.50±0.77)% at 20 cm H2O, P<0.01］. Premature cycling was always existed during PSV when PS < 20 cm H2O, which could be eliminated as PS level increasing. Delay cycling was found when PS was at 20 cm H2O, and cycling delay time was (33.60±15.91)ms (P<0.01). The measurement of Crs was (46.19±1.57)mL/cm H2O with PS at 10 cm H2O, which was closer to the preset values of simulated lung. The underestimate of Crs was observed during high level PS support. The calculation of inspiratory and expiratory resistance was approximate to 20 cm H2O/(L·s) when PS level was exceeded 15 cm H2O.ConclusionsThe new dynamic approach can continuously assess the respiratory mechanics during non-invasive ventilation, which is no need to interrupt the patient's spontaneous breathing. Higher inspiratory flow during PSV is beneficial for Raw measurement, whereas the accuracy of Crs was influenced by the value of actual VT.
Objective To evaluate the influence on the estimation of respiratory mechanics with dynamic signal analysis approach during noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) under different inspiratory effort conditions. Methods The Respironics V60 ventilator was connected to a ASL5000 lung simulator, which simulate lung mechanics in healthy adults with body weight from 65 to 70 kg, and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute respiratory distress (ARDS). Each lung models was subjected to 4 different muscle pressures (Pmus): 0, 5.0, 10.0, and 15.0 cm H2O. Inspiratory pressure support level was adjusted to maintain tidal volume (VT) achieving 7.0 mL/kg outputted by ventilator respectively. Positive end expiratory pressure was set at 5.0 cm H2O and back-up rate was 10 beats per minute. Measurements were conducted at system leaks with 25 to 28 L/min. The respiratory system compliance (Crs), inspiratory and expiratory resistance (Rinsp and Rexp) were estimated by special equations, which was derived from the exhaled VT, flow rate and airway pressure. Results The driving pressure (DP) was decreased with Pmus increasing, and was 1.0 cm H2O after Pmus exceeding 10.0 cm H2O and the VT was larger than 7.0 mL/kg in normal adult model. The estimated value of Crs was affected by the changes of Pmus in all three lung models. The significant underestimation of Raw and the overestimation of Crs were observed when Pmus level exceed 10.0 cm H2O. The measured errors of Crs and Rexp were within 10% in COPD and ARDS model when Pmus was at 5.0 cm H2O. The underestimation of Rinsp was always existed in all Pmus level (P<0.01). Conclusions Using dynamic signal analysis approach, the real-time estimation of respiratory mechanics (Crs and Raw) is no need to interrupt the spontaneous breathing during NPPV. Excessive effort will increase the patient’s inspiratory workload, which is not benefit to accurate estimation of respiratory mechanics.
Objective To explore the expressions of Galectin-3, Fascin-1, and β-catenin protein in colorectal adenocarcinoma and the relations to clinicopathologic characteristics. Methods The expressions of Galectin-3, Fascin-1, and β-catenin protein were detected in 60 cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma, 30 cases of adenoma, and 30 cases of normal mucosa by microwave-EliVisionTM immunohistochemistry method, and analyzed the expressions of them and the relations to clinicopathologic characteristics. Results The expression rate of Galectin-3, Fascin-1, and β-catenin protein in CRC was 68.3% （41/60）, 53.3% （32/60）, and 81.7% （49/60） respectively, which was 46.7% （14/30）, 30.0% （9/30）, and 43.3% （13/30） respectively in adenoma, and 20.0% （6/30）, 3.3% （1/30）, and 13.3% （4/30） respectively in normal mucosa, the differences had statistical significance （P＜0.05）. The expressions of Galectin-3, Fascin-1, and β-catenin protein had statistically significant correlation with the TNM stage, invasive degree, and lymph node metastasis of colorectal adenocarcinoma （P＜0.05, P＜0.01）. The expressions of Galectin-3 and β-catenin protein had statistically significant correlation with the different differentiation degree of colorectal adenocarcinoma （P＜0.05）, but the expression of Fascin-1 protein was not related to differentiation degree of colorectal adenocarcinoma （P＞0.05）.The expressions of Galectin-3, Fascin-1, and β-catenin protein had not statistically significant correlation with the patient’s age and gender, and tumour size （P＞0.05）.There were positive correlations between the Galectin-3 and Fascin-1 or β-catenin （r=0.728，P＜0.01；r=0.696，P＜0.01）, and there was positive correlation between β-catenin and Fascin-1 （r=0.507，P＜0.01）. Conclusions The high expressions of Galectin-3, Fascin-1, and β-catenin protein in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues are some extent correlated to the high invasive ability and lymph node metastasis, which could be used for the indexes to predict the invasion and metastasis in colorectal carcinoma potentially.
ObjectiveTo explore the expressions of galectin-3 protein and CD105 protein in colorectal cancer and the relationship with clinicopathologic features. MethodsThe expressions of galectin-3 protein and CD105 protein 〔microvessel density (MVD)〕 were detected in 60 cases of colorectal cancer tissues, 30 cases of adenoma tissues, and 30 cases of normal mucosa tissues (at least 4 cm far from carcinoma) by MicrowaveEliVisionTM immunohistochemistry, and the relationship with clinicopathologic features was analyzed. ResultsThe expressions of galectin3 protein and MVD in normal mucosa tissues, adenoma tissues, and cancer tissues gradually increased (Plt;0.05). The expression of galectin-3 protein and MVD in colorectal cancer tissues were correlated to TNM stage, invasive depth, and lymph node metastasis (Plt;0.05， Plt;0.01), and the expression of glectin-3 protein was also correlated to differentiated degree (Plt;0.05). The expression of galectin-3 protein in colorectal cancer tissues was positively correlated to MVD (r=0.420， Plt;0.01). ConclusionsThe high expressions of galectin-3 protein and CD105 protein are correlated to the high invasion ability and lymph node metastasis, which may be potential sensitive index to predict the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer.
ObjectiveTo study the possbility of using intranasal instillation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) combined with inhalation of ozone (O3) to establish mouse model of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE), and to provide a reference for the establishment of CPFE model.MethodsMale C57/BL6 mice were divided randomly into phosphate buffer saline (PBS) intranasal instillation+air inhalation group, PBS intranasal instillation+O3 inhalation group and PM2.5 intranasal instillation+O3 inhalation group, with 8 mice in each group. The mice were intranasally instilled with PBS or PM2.5 suspension (7.8 mg/kg) followed by air or ozone inhalation 24 hours later, twice a week over 8 weeks. Lung function, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts and classification were detected, the pathological changes of lung tissues in hematoxylin-eosin staining were observed, including inflammation scores and mean linear intercept (Lm). The thickness of collagen deposition in subepithelium was measured in lung tissues in Masson staining, and simultaneously hydroxyproline contents in lung tissues were determined.ResultsCompared to PBS instillation+air inhalation group, inspiratory capacity (IC), total lung capacity (TLC) and chord compliance (Cchord) were increased, FEV25 (the forced expiratory volume at 25 ms)/FVC (forced vital capacity) was decreased, total cell counts in BALF, Lm and lung inflammatory scores were increased, the thickness of the subepithelial collagen layer (SEc/Pbm) or hydroxyproline contents was not changed in PBS instillation +O3 inhalation group; IC was decreased, functional residual capacity (FRC) was increased, TLC was increased, Cchord was decreased, FEV25/FVC and FEV50 (the forced expiratory volume at 50 ms)/FVC were decreased, total cell counts in BALF, Lm, lung inflammatory scores, SEc/Pbm and hydroxyproline contents were increased in PM2.5 instillation+O3 inhalation group. Compared to PBS instillation+O3 inhalation group, IC was decreased, FRC was increased, Cchord was decreased, FEV25/FVC and FEV50/FVC were decreased, total cell counts in BALF, Lm, lung inflammatory scores, SEc/Pbm and hydroxyproline contents were increased in PM2.5 instillation +O3 inhalation group.ConclusionCPFE mouse model can be successfully established by PM2.5 intranasal instillation combined with ozone inhalation for consecutive 8 weeks.
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical value of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP).MethodsTwo patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia after lung transplantation were detected by NGS in the sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The clinical data, imaging features, laboratory examination and treatment of the two patients were reported. A systematic literature review was performed for similar published cases in PubMed database, using the keywords "lung transplantation/solid organ transplantation" and "Pneumocystis jirovecii".ResultsThere were six references based on the keywords of "lung transplantation " and " Pneumocystis jirovecii ", of which three were case report. Sixty-six lung transplant patients were complicated with Pneumocystis jirovecii in total. The clinical manifestations of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia were fever and dyspnea of different degrees. The diffuse "ground glass" infiltration could be shown on imaging. Computer tomography scan of chest was a sensitive method to detect PCP. Combined immunofluorescence microscope/PCR/serum 3-β-D-glucan could effectively improve the accuracy of microbiology detection. In addition, NGS could quickly and accurately identify pathogenic bacteria, give guidance for treatment and improve prognosis so as to benefit patients well. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) was the preferred choice for the treatment of PCP patients.ConclusionsPneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is more common in patients with immunodeficiency or immunosuppression. NGS can help rapid and accurate diagnosis, and the treatment should be early and sufficient.
Objective To study the prevalence of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) in a community-based lung cancer screening program in Shanghai. Methods From June 2018 to July 2019, eligible participants who were assessed through a high-risk lung cancer questionnaire in Xuhui, Shanghai underwent low-dose computed tomography of the lungs. The suspected CPFE patients were invited to provide medical history and blood for analysis, and received high-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning for confirmation. Results Of the 15 cases of suspected CPFE from a total of 4478 participants in which 1704 males and 2774 females, 4 declined further examination and 11 received further examine. Eight subjects were confirmed as CPFE, and all were male, of whom two were ex-smokers and six were active smokers. These CPFE patients had cough, chest tightness and dyspnea. There were 3 cases of centrilobular emphysema, 2 cases of paraseptal emphysema, 1 case of panlobular emphysema and 2 cases of mixed emphysema. There were 2 cases of usual interstitial pneumonia, 3 cases of non-specific interstitial pneumonia, 2 cases of airspace enlargement with fibrosis and 1 case of unclassifiable smoking-related interstitial fibrosis. The KBILD scores were 61.7±7.5 and mMRC scores were 1.5±0.8. Serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 concentration was (380.75±212.05)U/mL. Lung function test showed normal or mild restrictive ventilatory function, and mild-moderate impairment in diffusion capacity. Conclusions The prevalence of CPFE is 1.79‰ in a community-based lung cancer screening population, and is 4.69‰ in male lung cancer screening population.
ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term therapeutic effect of neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in the locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. MethodsThe clinical data of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant treatment in Gaozhou People's Hospital from August 2019 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different treatments, the patients were divided into two groups: a neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy group (NIC group) and a neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy group (NC group). The baseline data, incidence of adverse events during treatment, perioperative indicators, postoperative pathological remission rate and incidence of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. ResultsTotally 33 patients were enrolled, including 15 males and 18 females, with an average age of 62.37±7.99 years. There were 17 patients in the NIC group and 16 patients in the NC group. In the NIC group, the carcinoma was mainly located in the middle and lower esophagus, with 5 paitents in stage Ⅱ, 9 patients in stage Ⅲ, and 3 patients in stage Ⅳa. In the NC group, the carcinoma was mainly located in the upper-middle esophagus, with 1 patient in stage Ⅱ and 15 patients in stage Ⅲ. During the neoadjuvant treatment, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of bone marrow suppression or gastrointestinal reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). There were 4 immune-related rashes in the NIC group and 1 esophageal perforation in the NC group. Fourteen (82.35%) patients in the NIC group and 12 (75.00%) patients in the NC group completed the operation on schedule. The postoperative ICU stay time and chest tube indwelling time in the NIC group were shorter than those in the NC group (P<0.05). There were 5 patients of complete remission in the NIC group, and 6 patients in the NC group. There was no significant difference in the pathological regression grade or residual tumor cells between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of anastomotic fistula, thoracic gastric fistula, bronchial mediastinal fistula, abdominal distension, pulmonary infection, stroke, or hoarseness during the perioperative period between the two groups of patients who completed the operation (P>0.05). In the NC group, 2 patients died during the perioperative period because of thoracic gastric fistula complicated by severe infection. ConclusionNeoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy dose not significantly increase the occurrence of adverse events and shows a good rate of pathological remission, which indicates that the neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy is a safe, feasible and potential new treatment model.