[A randomized controlled trial study of immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in different immunization schedules]

Objective: To compare the immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine used for the vaccination in public security officers with different immunization schedules. Methods: From January to February, 2021, 405 public security officers in Taiyuan were randomly divided into 3 groups. Two doses of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine were injected according to the immunization schedule of 0-14 days, 0-21 days or 0-28 days, respectively. The nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were tested by microdose cytopathogenic efficiency assay of live virus. The GMT, seroconversion rate of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody and safety of the vaccine were analyzed for the 3 groups. Results: The seroconversion rate of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody was 100% in all the 3 groups. The SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody level of 0-21 day group [166.70 (95%CI: 148.30-185.10)] was similar to that of 0-28 day group [179.50 (95%CI: 156.50-202.60)] (P>0.05), significantly higher than that of 0-14 day group [86.08 (95%CI: 72.36-99.80)] (P<0.001). The incidence rates of adverse reaction in the 3 groups were 1.48% (2/135), 0.74% (1/136) and 1.49% (2/134) respectively (P=0.750), all the adverse reactions were mild. Conclusions: The vaccination of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine with different immunization schedules in public security officers showed good safety and high seroconversion rate, and the GMTs of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody in 0-21 day group and 0-28 day group were higher than that in 0-14 day group.

Hydrops fetalis with complete heart block secondary to congenital lupus: report of one case

Neonatal lupus erythematosus is an uncommon syndrome characterized by a congenital heart block and/or cutaneous lesion. We report a male newborn with neonatal lupus erythematosus presenting with complete heart block, cutaneous lesions, and hydrops. Transplacental passage of anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibodies were positive. Under the regimens of steroid for maternal systemic lupus erythematosus, perinatal anticongestive agents, and postnatal ventricular pacing with inotropic therapy, the infant died at the age of two days. The prognosis of hydrops fetalis secondary to neonatal lupus with complete heart block is usually fatal.

Endophthalmitis as a complication of meningococcal meningitis: report of one case

Metastatic meningococcal endophthalmitis, although rare, is a rapidly progressive and sight-threatening infection. We present a 10-month-old infant with meningococcal meningitis who developed unilateral metastatic endophthalmitis. If patients develop a sepsis-like picture with cloudy cornea and purulent conjunctivitis, we have to consider the possibility of endophthalmitis and full ophthalmological evaluations are indicated. Treatment should be started as early as possible. The outcome of endophthalmitis is frequently permanent visual impairment. Endophthalmitis is a true medical emergency requiring early antibiotic therapy with full dose of antimicrobials to avoid morbidity and blindness.

Calcinosis cutis following extravasation of calcium gluconate in neonates

Neonatal hypocalcemia is not an uncommon condition, especially in the premature neonate. It is effectively treated by intravenous infusion with calcium gluconate. We treated nine neonates with subcutaneous calcium deposition following calcium replacement with calcium gluconate from Jan. 1997 to Dec. 1997. Three of the infants were born to diabetic mothers, two had perinatal asphyxia and four were born prematurity. The average dosing number was 7.4 (5 to 9 doses). The onset of calcinosis cutis was 5 to 11 days after the first dose. The replacement of calcium gluconate caused amorphous masses at the site of extravasation and contracture of joint movement. A radiographic study was performed to determine the extent and course of extravasation, and areas remote from the infusion site also showed calcification. There is no specific mode of treatment except supportive management and a skin graft. The patient could functionally recover with cosmetic residue. In our follow-up clinics, all infants completely recovered without functional limitations.

[Changes of mitogen-activated protein kinase activity in cardiac tissues, Ang II and cardiac hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats]

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are thought to be critical components in signal transduction pathways in regulation of cell growth and differentiation. The purpose of the present investigation is to study possible involvement of MAPKs in the progress of cardiac hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and effects of age on Angiotensin II (Ang II), MAPK activity and cardiac hypertrophy. The animals were divided into three groups: 4 months old WKY rats (n = 8), 4 month old SHRs (n = 8) and 15 month old SHRs (n = 6). Ratio of heart to body weight was measured. Ang II was determined by RIA. MAPK activity in cardiac tissue was assayed by the "in-gel" myelin basic protein phosphorylation. The results show that in comparison with 4 month old WKY rats, Ang II in plasma and cardiac tissues were elevated (216.4%, P < 0.01; 101.2%, P < 0.01) in 4 months old SHRs, while the MAPK activity was increased 107.0% (P < 0.01) with a parallel cardiac hypertrophy (P < 0.01). In comparison with 4 month old SHRs, Ang II and MAPK activity in cardiac tissue of the 15 months old SHRs were decreased (31.3%, P < 0.01; 29.7%, P < 0.05) but the cardiac hypertrophy increased by 38.5% (P < 0.01). MAPK may be involved in the progress of cardiac hypetrophy in SHR and the increased MAPK activity may be partly induced by Ang II.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa endophthalmitis in prematurity: report of two cases

Invasive bacterial eye infections in the neonate range from perforating keratitis to endophthalmitis. Endophthalmitis secondary to Pseudomonas aeruginosa has gained clinical and therapeutic importance since mortality rates are high and prognosis concerning preservation of vision is poor, especially in premature infants. We presented two cases with meningitis, septicemia and P. aeruginosa endophthalmitis. If premature infants develop a sepsis-like picture with cloudy cornea and purulent conjunctivitis, we have to consider the possibility of endophthalmitis and do a full ophthalmologic evaluation. Treatment should be started early and consists of systemic antibiotic therapy, as in septicemia. As P. aeruginosa spreads easily, prompt isolation and strict handwashing are indicated.

Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita with cerebral and ophthalmic anomalies: report of one case

A term male neonate had an uncommon congenital vascular disorder of the skin covering the whole body and extremities. These skin lesions were characterized by mottling and persistent telangiectasia. A skin biopsy showed nevus vascularis reticularis which was recognized as cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita. In addition to the cutaneous involvement, the patient also had fetal ascites, pleural effusion, patent ductus arteriosus, glaucoma, retinal detachment in the left eye, and telangiectasia in the right eye. Neonatal focal seizure developed and expired on the 34th day of life. The cerebral image studies suggested vascular anomalies with secondary cerebral parenchymal damage. Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita may be solitary but is frequently associated with other developmental defects. However, the specific findings of cerebral and ophthalmic lesions in our case were rather unusual.

Difference in the responsiveness of old female rats to estrogen to secrete sex attractants as a function of different reproductive states

Two age groups of Long-Evans rats (young: 3.5-7 months of age and old: over 23 months of age) were ovariectomized and implanted subcutaneously with a 1:2 estradiol benzoate (E2)-cholestrol mixture-filled Silastic capsule. Olfactory preference of male partners to these female rats over ovariectomized young rats without E2 replacement was examined. Olfactory preference of adult male rats as indicated by investigation frequency and investigation time for old pseudopregnancy (PSP) rats and long-term ovariectomized rats was decreased but not that of prolonged-vaginal-cornification (PVC) rats when compared with young female rats. These results indicate that the responsiveness of old PVC rats to estrogen to secrete sex attractants is not decreased but that of PSP rats and long-term ovariectomized rats is decreased when compared with young female rats.