Analyses of the clinical features of 13 corona virus disease 2019 non-survivors / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical features of 13 fatal cases of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods The clinical data of 13 patients who died of COVID-19 in Central Theater General Hospital, China, between January 4, 2020, and February 24, 2020, were analyzed retrospectively. The data reviewed included clinical manifestations, laboratory test results, radiographic features and dinical treatment plan. The cellular immune function, the expression of inflammatory factors, and lactate level in deceased patients at different stages of the disease were analyzed. Results Of those who died, the patients consisted of 10 men and 3 women. The age of those who died was (74±19) years, and 10(76.9%) patients were over 70 years old. For the patients who died, 9 presented with underlying diseases, 6(46.2%) of whom had more than 2 diseases. On admission, the chest computed tomography (CT) for 8 patients (61.5%) mainly showed multiple patchy ground-glass opacities. When the disease progressed, the ground-glass opacities rapidly developed into diffuse lesions in both lungs. The lymphocyte and CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts in the peripheral blood of 13 patients were significantly lower than normal levels and decreased more substantially during the disease course based on the levels when admitted (P<0.01). Additionally, the interleukin (IL)-6, D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), lactic acid levels gradually increased, and most peaked before death. The cause of death for most patients was acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with type I respiratory failure. Three patients eventually developed multiorgan deficiency syndrome (MODS). Conclusions The risk factors of death for COVID-19 patients included older men, more underlying diseases, poor cellular immune function and over-expression of inflammatory factors. The main cause of death in patients with COVID-19 was ARDS, which led to respiratory failure and MODS.

Evolution of lubricating adsorption films with protein aqueous solution under impact loads / 医用生物力学

Objective To study the dynamic growth of adsorption films on solid surfaces in point contacts with aqueous protein aqueous solutions and investigate the dominating factors. Methods The formation of the adsorption films within a ball-on-disc contact was measured using optical interference technique. The effects of impact loads, impact times and surface properties of the materials on the adsorption of BSA aqueous solution were also studied. Results Under dynamic conditions, the thickness of the adsorption film was much higher than that under static condition. The adsorption film was growing with increasing impact times and finally the stable thickness could be achieved. Small loads and hydrophobic materials were favorable for the growth of the adsorption film. The BSA adsorption film was easy to grow on the steel surface, but on the ceramic surface the adsorption film thickness was low. Conclusions The research about adsorbed lubricating films evolution of protein aqueous solution under impact loads is of clinical significance for treating and preventing of artificial prosthesis.

Evolution of lubricating adsorption films with protein aqueous solution under impact loads / 医用生物力学

Objective To study the dynamic growth of adsorption films on solid surfaces in point contacts with aqueous protein aqueous solutions and investigate the dominating factors.Methods The formation of the adsorption films within a ball-on-disc contact was measured using optical interference technique.The effects of impact loads,impact times and surface properties of the materials on the adsorption of BSA aqueous solution were also studied.Results Under dynamic conditions,the thickness of the adsorption film was much higher than that under static condition.The adsorption film was growing with increasing impact times and finally the stable thickness could be achieved.Small loads and hydrophobic materials were favorable for the growth of the adsorption film.The BSA adsorption film was easy to grow on the steel surface,but on the ceramic surface the adsorption film thickness was low.Conclusions The research about adsorbed lubricating films evolution of protein aqueous solution under impact loads is of clinical significance for treating and preventing of artificial prosthesis.

Importance of early diagnosis and operative treatment for trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation and repair of palmar ligment in treating trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 1995 to June 2001,14 patients with trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation were treated with open reduction and internal fixation and repair of palmar ligment. Among them,there were 13 males and 1 female,the ranging in age from 21 to 38 years,averaged 25.4 years. All patients were posterior dislocation and all operations were performed within 2 weeks after injury.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up from 24 to 60 months with an average of 28.3 months. Thirteen scaphoid fractures were primary healed and functions of wrist joint were good. Bone disunion was found in 1 case and part functions of wrist joint were limited. No found necrosis of lunate and scaphoid. According to clinical scoring system of Cooney, 9 case got excellent results, 3 good, 1 fair and 1 poor.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Open reduction and internal fixation and repair of palmar ligament is effective in treating trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation,which can early provide steady fixation for scaphoid,and profit to recover blood supply of lunatum and subterminal scaphoid.</p>

A comparison of three methods in establishing transplanted model of VX2 tongue carcinoma in rabbits / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish transplanted models of VX2 tongue carcinoma in rabbits by three methods and compare these models.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>After establishment of VX2 tumor-bearing rabbits, 72 New-Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups. Intact tumour tissue, modified tumour cell suspension, tumour cell suspension were respectively injected into the middle-third lateral border of the tongues of rabbits in 3 groups to induce transplanted VX2 tongue carcinoma. The histological features, the tumour-take rates and the metastasis rates of the 3 models were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The tumour-take rate of 3 models were 83.3%, 91.7% and 33.3% respectively; the lymph node metastasis rates were 71.4%, 100.0% and 37.5% respectively; the lung metastasis rates were 35.7%, 81.3% and 0 respectively. The histological features of the transplanted VX2 tongue carcinoma of 3 models were all consistent with those of moderately differentiated carcinoma.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The biological properties of the transplanted VX2 tongue carcinoma of 3 models is much alike to tongue carcinoma in humans. The model established with modified tumor cell suspension is considered to be more suitable for tongue cancer study.</p>

Functional hemitongue reconstruction with free forearm flap / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical application of free forearm flap in the functional hemitongue reconstruction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From July 2002 to November 2006, 40 patients with tongue cancer underwent hemiglossectomy and primary hemitongue reconstruction with free forearm flaps. In some cases, the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves of the flaps were anastomosed with the lingual nerve to restore the flap sensation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients recovered uneventfully after surgery with no morbidity in the donor site. All free flaps survived. The average follow-up period was 2 years and 6 months. The aesthetic and functional results were both satisfactory. The swallowing and speech function were almost normal. The flap sensation was partially restored.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Good functional hemitongue reconstruction can be achieved with free forearm flaps.</p>

Reconstruction of the tongue with lateral arm free flap after hemiglossectomy / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the value of microsurgical reconstruction of the tongue after hemiglossectomy with lateral arm free flaps in the treatment of tongue cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From October 2006 to April 2007, ten patients underwent simultaneous reconstruction of the tongue and oral floor defects with lateral arm free flaps after resection of squamous cell carcinoma of tongue in our hospital. The flaps ranged from 8 cm x 5 cm to 9 cm x 6 cm in size, and were adjusted to the defect of the tongue. The vascular pedicle included the posterior radial collateral artery and the accompanying veins. The outcome of reconstruction was evaluated by follow-up examinations, including the contour and mobility of the reconstructed tongue, the swallowing function and the speech function.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients recovered uneventfully from surgery, without any major postoperative complications. The transplanted flaps survived. During follow-up period the contour of the reconstructed tongues was satisfactory. The patients demonstrated good functional mobility of the reconstructed and remaining tongue. Postoperatively, the swallowing and speech function was nearly at normal levels and the patients could ingest a solid or semisolid diet.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Microvascular reconstruction of the tongue with lateral arm free flaps after hemiglossectomy is an ideal and safe method, but long term results need to be further studied.</p>

Effects of adrenomedullin on angiotensin II-induced collagen synthesis in vascular adventitial fibroblasts / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of adrenomedullin (ADM) on Angiotensin II (AngII)-induced collagen synthesis in cultured rat vascular adventitial fibroblasts.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat vascular adventitial fibroblasts were cultured in vitro. ADM produced and secreted from adventitia in the presence of AngII was detected by radioimmunoassay, type I, III collagen contents in adventitia fibroblasts were measured by ELISA and the expressions of TGFbeta1 and MMP-2 were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>AngII significantly induced ADM secretion in adventitial fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. These effects could be reduced by 45%, 3% and 46%, through pre-treatment with Losartan, PD123319 or both, respectively for 30 min in culture medium. The AngII-induced type I, III collagen secretion in adventitial fibroblasts was significantly reduced by AMD in a dose-dependent manner, (P < 0.01) while ADM agonist ADM(22 - 52) significantly potentiated the effect of AngII; ADM also reduced AngII-induced expression of TGFbeta1 at mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner. AngII reduced the expression of MMP-2 at mRNA and protein levels in adventitial fibroblasts and these effects could be reversed by AMD (10(-8) mol/L).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>AngII stimulated ADM secretion in adventitia fibroblasts, ADM in turn can inhibit AngII-induced type I, III collagen synthesis in adventitial fibroblasts probably by downregulating the TGFbeta1 expression and upregulating MMP-2 expression. ADM therefore served as an antifibrotic factor in vascular remodeling process.</p>