Early prediction of severe COVID-19 in patients with Sjögren's syndrome / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the predictive value of blood cell ratios and inflammatory markers for adverse prognosis in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) combined with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).@*METHODS@#We retrospectively collected clinical data from 80 patients with PSS and COVID-19 who visited the Rheumatology and Immunology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from December 2022 to February 2023. Inclusion criteria were (1) meeting the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for Sjögren's syndrome; (2) confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or antigen testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); (3) availability of necessary clinical data; (4) age > 18 years. According to the clinical classification criteria of the "Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (trial the 10th Revised Edition)", the patients were divided into the mild and severe groups. Disease activity in primary Sjögren' s syndrome was assessed using the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren' s syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI). Platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), C-reactive protein-lymphocyte ratio (CLR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and other laboratory data were compared between the two groups within 24-72 hours post-infection.@*RESULTS@#The mild group consisted of 66 cases with an average age of (51. 52±13. 16) years, and the severe group consisted of 14 cases with an average age of (52.64±10.20) years. Disease activity, CRP, platelets, PLR, and CLR were significantly higher in the severe group compared with the mild group (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis using age, disease activity, CRP, platelets, PLR, and CLR as independent variables indicated that disease activity, CRP, PLR, and CLR were correlated with the severity of COVID-19 (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis further confirmed that PLR (OR=1.016, P < 0.05) and CLR (OR=1.504, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for the severity of COVID-19 in the critically ill patients. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for PLR and CLR was 0.708 (95%CI: 0.588-0.828) and 0.725 (95%CI: 0.578-0.871), respectively. The sensitivity for PLR and CLR was 0.429 and 0.803, respectively, while the highest specificity was 0.714 and 0.758, respectively. The optimal cutoff values for PLR and CLR were 166.214 and 0.870, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#PLR and CLR, particularly the latter, may serve as simple and effective indicators for predicting the prognosis of patients with PSS and COVID-19.

Effect of "Zhibian" (BL 54)-to-"Shuidao" (ST 28) needle insertion on the expression of Fas/FADD/Caspase-8 of death receptor pathway in rats with primary ovarian insufficiency / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of "Zhibian" (BL 54)-to-"Shuidao" (ST 28) needle insertion on the ovarian function in the rats with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and the potential effect mechanism based on the Fas/FADD/Caspase-8 of death receptor pathway.@*METHODS@#Forty-eight female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a medication group and an acupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. Except in the blank group, the rats in the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with cyclophosphamide to establish the POI model. In the acupuncture group, after successful modeling, the intervention was given with "Zhibian" (BL 54)-to- "Shuidao" (ST 28) needle insertion, once daily, 30 min in each intervention; and the duration of intervention was 4 weeks. In the medication group, estradiol valerate tablets were administered intragastrically, 0.09 mg•kg-1•d-1, for 4 weeks. The general situation and the estrous cycle of the rats were compared among groups. Using ELISA, the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E2) in the serum were detected. HE staining was adopted to observe the morphological changes of ovarian tissue of rats. The protein expression of Fas, FADD and Caspase-8 in ovarian tissue was detected with immunohistochemistry and Western blot.@*RESULTS@#After modeling, except the rats of the blank group, the rats of the other groups had dry fur, lost hair, low spirits, reduced food intake, increased urination and loose stool. After intervention, the stool became regular gradually in the acupuncture group and the medication group. The percentage of estrous cycle disturbance was increased in the rats of the model group when compared with the blank group (P<0.01); in comparison with the model group, the percentages of estrous cycle disturbance were reduced in the acupuncture group and the medication group after intervention (P<0.01). When compared with the blank group, the body mass and E2 content in the serum were lower (P<0.01), the levels of FSH and LH in the serum and the protein expression levels of Fas, FADD and Caspase-8 were increased (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the body mass and E2 contents in the serum were higher (P<0.01), the levels of FSH and LH in the serum and the protein expression levels of Fas, FADD and Caspase-8 were reduced (P<0.01) in the acupuncture group and the medication group.@*CONCLUSION@#"Zhibian" (BL 54)-to-"Shuidao" (ST 28) needle insertion can effectively improve the ovarian function of POI rats, and its effect mechanism may be related to regulating the serum sex hormone levels, reducing the expression of Fas, FADD and Caspase-8 in ovarian tissue and retarding apoptosis of ovarian cells.

Meta analysis on acceptance rate of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in China / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To systematically evaluate the acceptance of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, so as to provide reference for the promotion of preventive drug use before human immunodeficiency virus exposure in China. Methods: By searching the databases of China national knowledge infrastructure, VIP database, Wanfan knowledge service platform, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and The Cochrane Library with key words of "men who have sex with men" "pre-exposure prophylaxis" "PrEP" and "MSM". The literature on the willingness of Chinese MSM population to accept PrEP was systematically collected, and the data of the literature meeting the inclusion criteria were extracted for Meta analysis. Results: A total of 12 articles were selected in this study, including 6 articles in English and 6 in Chinese. The score of bias risk assessment of eligible articles was 14-18, which was more than 70% of the total score. The total number of samples was 11 269. The overall acceptance rate of PrEP was 0.77(95%CI:0.71-0.82). In subgroup analysis, the acceptance rates of different nationalities, marriage, household registration, age, education background, income, sexual orientation, sexual behavior and awareness of PrEP were statistically significant. Conclusion: In general, the acceptance rate of PrEP in MSM population is higher, but the awareness rate is low. There are differences in the acceptance rate among different groups.

Effect of 577nm micropulse laser on chronic central serous chorioretinopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of 577nm subthreshold micropulse laser(SML)in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy(CSC).METHODS: Prospective single-arm case study. There were 24 patients(32 eyes)with chronic CSC treated by using 577nm SML. A total of 6mo was followed up after treatment, the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA, LogMAR)and optic coherence tomography(OCT)were performed at each month. Fluorescein fundus angiography(FFA)was performed at 1,3 and 6mo after treatment.RESULTS: The BCVA was 0.46±0.34 and central retinal thickness(CRT)was 259.15±57.54μm of 32 eyes at baseline period. After treatment of SML at 1mo, there was no subretinal fluid in 21 eyes(66%), and subretinal fluid was observed in 11 eyes(34%). The BCVA was 0.43±0.27, the CRT was 232.13±42.58μm. CRT was significantly reduced compared to the baseline period(P&#x003C;0.05). After treatment of SML at 3mo, subretinal fluid and fluorescein leakage from retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)were observed in 5 eyes(16%). The BCVA was 0.39±0.26 and CRT was 231.26±49.25μm. The CRT was still significantly lower than baseline period(P&#x003C;0.05). The 5 eyes with subretinal fluid and leaked fluorescein were treated by using SML again. After treatment at 6mo, subretinal fluid was observed in only 3 eyes(9%). The BCVA was 0.19±0.47 and CRT was 217.25±35.54μm. Both of the BCVA and CRT showed a significant improvement from the baseline period(P&#x003C;0.05). CONCLUSION:SML seems effective and safe for treatment of chronic CSC. It may be an alternative way for treatment of chronic CSC.

Multidisciplinary Prevention and Control of Cervical Cancer:Application and Prospects / 中国医学科学院学报

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignant tumor in women worldwide.The burden of cervical cancer is particularly heavy in less developed countries as the malignancy brings huge pain to the patients and their family members and causes huge losses to social development and global health.However,cervical cancer is a preventable and curable disease.While screening and human papillomavirus vaccination in developed countries have remarkably lowered the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer,there is still a far way to go to achieve the prevention and treatment of this disease.The multidisciplinary prevention and control programs slightly differ in different countries due to diverse economic and health conditions.The general principle is to vaccinate the young females and to implement a comprehensive strategy including human papillomavirus vaccine vaccination,screening,early diagnosis,and early treatment in adults.

A new lignan from Gleditsiae spina / 药学学报

The chemical constituents from ethyl acetate extract of Gleditsiae spina were isolated and purified by various chromatographic methods such as MCI gel CHP-20, ODS, Sephadex LH-20, silica gel and semi-preparative HPLC. Seven lignans were isolated and identified by spectroscopic data analyses as (7R,8S,7'E,7''S,8''R)-buddlenol P (1), (+)-syringaresinol (2), (+)-isolariciresinol (3), (7S,8R)-cedrusin (4), (7S,8R)-4,9,9'-trihydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxy-7,8-dihydrobenzofuran-1'-propylneolignan (5), 3',4-O-dimethylcedrusin (6), balanophonin (7). Among them, compound 1 is a new lignan, compounds 2-7 are isolated from the Gleditsia L. for the first time. MTT method was used to investigate the effect of compounds 2-7 on LPS-induced injury of NRK-52e cells. As a result, compounds 2, 3 and 7 exhibit protective effects against LPS-induced damage to NRK-52e cells.

Study on the main problems affecting the harmony between doctors and patients and its impor-tance in China / 中国卫生政策研究

In order to straighten out the primary and secondary relationships that affect the harmony between doctors and patients in China and explore the factors that have a great influence on the harmony between doctors and patients,this paper through literature review,established 29 types of problems that affect the harmony between doc-tors and patients and builds the hierarchy of problems according to the macro-Model, and expert argumentation, the use of analytic hierarchy process to calculate the importance index of the problem,and the use of K-means clustering method to classify the problem,and finally come to the order of the importance of the problem. Through this study,it was found that there are seven important issues that affect the harmony between doctors and patients in China,and the most important one is"the Crisis of Social Trust and the lack of trust between doctors and patients". The importance index is 0.0784,belonging to the external sub-model. This is in line with the current background of declining credi-bility of the current society as a whole. Therefore,the restoration of the trust between doctors and patients should be the key direction of current governance, and the state should proceed from the macro level and rebuild social trust throughout the system.

Value of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging in the Diagnosis of Early Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To evaluate the value of acoustic radiation force impulse(ARFI)imaging in the diagnosis of early non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH).Methods Totally 32 SD rats were randomly divided into high-fat diet group(n=24)and normal-diet group(n=8)by using the random number table. At the end of the 4,8,12,and 16week,six rats from the high-diet group and two rats from the normal-diet group were selected blindly for weighting,blood biochemical test,conventional ultrasound,and ARFI imaing. HE staining was used for pathological observation. Results None of the 32 rats developed liver fibrosis. Based on the pathological results,these rats were divided into M1 [mild-to-moderate simple fatty liver(SS)],M2(severe SS),M3(severe SS with early NASH),and C groups(normal control). Early NASH was seen only in the severe hepatic steatosis groups,and its distribution had a significant difference(P=0.006). The diagnostic accuracy of conventional ultrasound based on histological results was 34.4%(11/32). The ARFI value of M3 group was significantly lower than that of M2 group [(1.16±0.04)m/s vs.(1.22±0.05)m/s;t=2.301,P=0.04),and the low-density lipoprotein of M3 group was significantly higher than M2 group [(1.53±0.07)mmol/L vs.(1.21±0.22)mmol/L;t=3.075,P=0.01),while other clinical indicators had no statistical difference between these two groups. Conclusions The development of early NASH is associated with the severity of hepatic steatosis. ARFI value can provide important information to identify early NASH in patients with severe hepatic steatosis.

Research Advances in Clinical and Imaging Characteristics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Bile Duct / 中国医学科学院学报

Understanding on the intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas (IPMN-P) has dramatically improved in the past three decades. A new disease named intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the bile duct (IPMN-B) reported in recent years shares several similar clinical features with IPMN-P. The clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics of IPMN-B have been gradually recognized. This review summarizes some of the typical cases reported since 2000 and find that clinical manifestations of IPMN-B include epigastric discomfort,biliary colic,jaundice,intermittent fever,sometimes without any symptoms; imaging triads for IPMN-B are mucobilia,dilated bile duct,and bile duct mural nodule.

Analysis of serum protein-bound toxins levels in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis and its influencing factors / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To compare the levels of indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresyl sulfate (PCS), representative substances of serum protein-bound toxins,between patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) and healthy volunteers, and to explore the factors influencing the levels of serum IS and PCS. Methods Limosis vein blood (3 mL) were collected from 72 PD patients in Peritoneal Dialysis Center and 24 healthy voluteers in Physical Examination in Changzheng Hospital of Second Military Medical University from Feb. 2015 to Jul. 2015. The concentrations of serum total IS,total PCS,free IS and free PCS were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ES--MS/MS) method. The relationship between IS, PCS and age, gender, small molecule toxins,adequacy of PD, residual renal function,nutritional status and C-reaction protein (CRP) in PD patients were analyzed by simple correlation andmultivariable linear regression analysis. Results The concentrations of serum total IS and total PCS in PD patients were significantly lower than those in healthy volunteers (P<0. 001). Compared with PD patients without residual renal function (RRF), the concentration of serum total IS was significantly lower in PD patients with RRF (P = 0. 001). Serum total IS was positively correlated with free IS (r=0. 719,P<0. 01) and dialysis duration (r=0. 306,P<0. 01),while tt was negatively correlated with residual renal Kt/V (r=-0. 372, P<0. 01),residual renal creatinine clearance rate (Ccr) (r=-0. 515,P<0. 01),and residual renal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r=-0. 495,P<0 01). Serum free IS was negatively correlated with residual renal Ccr (r=-0. 430, P〈0. 01) and residual renal eGFR (r= -0. 431,P〈0. 01). Serum total IS and free IS were not related to age,hemoglobin or CRP.conclusion serum level is negatively correlated with RRF. But not with age, hemoglobin or CRP, suggesting that proection of RRF is conducive to the removal of serum IS in parients undergoing PD.

PCR Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Trichomonas gallinae from Domestic Pigeons in Guangzhou, China

Avian trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas gallinae is a serious protozoan disease worldwide. The domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) is the main host for T. gallinae and plays an important role in the spread of the disease. Based on the internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA of this parasite, a pair of primers (TgF2/TgR2) was designed and used to develop a PCR assay for the diagnosis of T. gallinae infection in domestic pigeons. This approach allowed the identification of T. gallinae, and no amplicons were produced when using DNA from other common avian pathogens. The minimum amount of DNA detectable by the specific PCR assay developed in this study was 15 pg. Clinical samples from Guangzhou, China, were examined using this PCR assay and a standard microscopy method, and their molecular characteristics were determined by phylogenetic analysis. All of the T. gallinae-positive samples detected by microscopic examination were also detected as positive by the PCR assay. Most of the samples identified as negative by microscopic examination were detected as T. gallinae positive by the PCR assay and were confirmed by sequencing. The positive samples of T. gallinae collected from Guangzhou, China, were identified as T. gallinae genotype B by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, providing relevant data for studying the ecology and population genetic structures of trichomonads and for the prevention and control of the diseases they cause.

Value of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound for Small Focal Liver Lesions / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)for small focal liver lesions (FLLs). Methods The clinical data,CEUS findings,and pathology of 69 patients with small FLLs were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped according to size of FLLs and the performance of CEUS was compared. Results The accuracy,sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value of CEUS for the 69 FLLs were 94.2%,95.2%,93.8%,87.0%,and 97.8%,respectively. Rate of fast wash-out in portal vein phase was lower in group of diameters ≤2 cm than that in group of diameters>2 cm (P<0.05). Conclusions CEUS has a high diagnostic value for small FLLs.However,the CEUS findings of malignant lesions smaller than 2 cm are not typical in the portal phase and therefore the diagnosis should also be based on clinical features.

A descriptive analysis of injury triage, surge of medical demand, and resource use in an university hospital after 8.12 Tianjin Port Explosion, China / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The 8.12 Tianjin Port Explosion in 2015 caused heavy casualties. Pingjin Hospital, an affiliated college hospital in Tianjin, China participated in the rescue activities. This study aims to analyze the emergency medical response to this event and share experience with trauma physicians to optimize the use of medical resource and reduce mortality of critical patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>As a trauma centre at the accident city, our hospital treated 298 patients. We retrospectively analyzed the data of emergency medical response, including injury triage, injury type, ICU patient flow, and medical resource use.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were totally 165 deaths, 8 missing, and 797 non-fatal injuries in this explosion. Our hospital treated 298 casualties in two surges of medical demand. The first one appeared at 1 h after explosion when 147 wounded were received and the second one at 4 h when 31 seriously injured patients were received, among whom 29 were transferred from Tianjin Emergency Center which was responsible for the scene injury triage. After reexamination and triage, only 11 cases were defined as critical ill patients. The over-triage rate reached as high as 62.07%. Seventeen patients underwent surgery and 17 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The present pre-hospital system is incomplete and may induce two surges of medical demand. The first one has a much larger number of casualties than predicted but the injury level is mild; while the second one has less wounded but almost all of them are critical patients. The over-triage rate is high. The hospital emergency response can be improved by an effective re-triage and implementation of a hospital-wide damage control.</p>

Applied research on autologous bone graft for acetabular defect of Crowetype III and IV hip dysplasia / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study clinical efficacy of autologous bone graft for acetabular defect of Crowe III and IV hip dysplasia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The 22 patients with 25 hips of DDH (Crowe type III, IV) from March 2010 to May 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) combined autogenous bone grafting was performed for all these patients with osteoarthritis secondary to DDH. Among them, 19 patients were females (21 hips) and 3 patients were males (4 hips), ranging in age from 43 to 67 years old, averaged 55 years old. There were 6 hips with Crowe type III and 19 hips with Crowe type IV. Before surgery, all the patients had hip pain, limb shortening and hip limited function of hip joint. After 12 months, the degree of recovery about limb length, functional recovery, autogenous bone graft fusion were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were followed up and no dislocation were occurred. At 12 months after operation, the average Harris hip joint llzncation score were 83.30±6.13, and 18 cases got an excellent result and 4 good. The length of lower limbs decreased from preoperative (3.20±0.81) cm to 12 months after operation (0.92±0.23) cm (t=14.864, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>THA combined with structural femoral head autograft for patients with osteoarthritis secondary to DDH can obtain favorable results, significantly improving the effect of operation treatment.</p>

Renovation stem revision femoral head arthroplasty for unstable intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe clinical efficacy of renovation stem revision femoral head arthroplasty for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 32 elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fracture were treated with renovation stem revision femoral head arthroplasty from September 2007 to January 2011. There were 11 males and 21 females with an average age of 83.8 (ranged, 80 to 98) years old,the time from injury to hospital ranged from 4 h to 14 days. According to Evans-Jensen classification, 6 cases were type II a, 20 cases were type II b, and 6 cases were type III. Postoperative mortality, complication rates and Harris hip function score were compared and analyzed to evaluate curative effect.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up and no dislocation occurred. Six patients were died during 15 months and 4.5 years; 24 cases recoved to independent wakling at 6 months after operation, and 8 cases walked with stick and walker. The average Harris hip joint function score were (91.56 +/- 2.96), 28 cases got excellent results and 4 cases good. Nine cases occurred complications and healed after treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Renovation stem revision femoral head arthroplasty is a active and reliable method in treating unstable intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly.</p>

A Key Component Determination on Forming Fairy Tofu from the Leaf of Premna Puberula (Verbenaceae).

A key component of Fairy Tofu from leaves of Premna puberula Pamp. was determined by immediate constituent analysis and prescription dismantlement analysis. The results showed that pectin in leaves of P. puberula was the key component as forming Fairy Tofu. It was because the highest component was pectin in Fairy Tofu except water, the pectin extracting directly from the leaves of P. puberula could be formed the jelly like Fairy Tofu, and the leaves which pectin was hydrolyzed by pectinase could not be made Fairy Tofu.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of comprehensive rehabilitation treatment of hand burn / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of comprehensive rehabilitation treatment on hand burn, and to make a cost-effectiveness analysis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-two patients with ninety-eight affected hands were divided into rehabilitation group (32 cases, 48 hands) and control group (30 cases, 50 hands). Patients in rehabilitation group received comprehensive rehabilitation treatment at early stage after burn; patients in control group were given instructions for function training at the same time. The functions of the hands to be restored including grasp, hold, pinch, nip, forearm pronation and supination, fetching, laying, and writing abilities of patients in both groups were quantitatively evaluated with Carroll's upper extremity function test before treatment and 5 months after. Direct medical costs of patients in both groups within 5 months were respectively added up to make a cost-effectiveness analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In rehabilitation group, function of digital opposition, palmar opposition, holding, and pinching of 37 hands recovered well, with which patients could pick food, put on clothes, go to toilet, and self-care etc. independently. Function of digital opposition, palmar opposition, holding, pinching half recovered in 7 hands, accompanied with well recovered of metacarpophalangeal function, but recovery of function of interphalangeal joint was less satisfactory. Although patients could grasp and hold, they were still poor in fine and harmonized activities. Joint ranges of motion of 4 hands were poor with limited function, and this was resulted from not strictly following treatment for remaining granulation wound. In control group, 23 hands received reconstructive surgery, 14 of them recovered with good function, but were poor in most of fine and harmonized activities. Severe claw hands were found in 13 hands. The ratio between total mean cost value and total function increment value in rehabilitation group (181 +/- 11) was obviously lower than that in control group (298 +/- 30, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Comprehensive rehabilitation treatment at early stage after hand burn has a good effect on prevention and treatment of hand deformity, promoting recovery of hand function and improving hand appearance. It is also less costly.</p>

Application with a series of orthotic splints for recovery of hand function after burn / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of static and dynamic splints on recovery of hand functions in burn patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-two burn patients with 52 injured hands were treated with orthotic splints (single or combined application) during different therapeutic stages. Carroll's upper limb functional test was used to evaluate the function of upper limbs and hands from rough to fine movements, including grasp, pinch, nip, forearm pronation and supination, fetching, etc. The hand functions were compared before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 7 hands with grade IV function, 15 hands with grade III, 23 hands with grade II, and 7 hands with grade I before treatment, while 9 hands achieved grade IV function, 28 hands grade V, 9 hands grade VI, and 6 hands grade III after treatment for three months. Twenty-eight patients with 46 hands recovered well enough to handle daily chores, including digital opposition, palmar opposition, grasp, pinch, etc.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The manual splints offer good effects on preventing and treatment scar contracture of hand after burn, and they can promote the recovery of hand functions.</p>

Anti-fungal test of composite agastache lotion on seven pathogenic fungi and its clinical application / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Chinese composite recipe in treating mycotic infection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The growth condition of 7 kinds of fungi cultured on the media containing composite agastache lotion (CAL, consisted of 5 Chinese drugs) of different concentration was observed. Result showed that CAL could inhibit 7 kinds of fungi. Based on the above anti-fungus test, 110 patients with skin tinea or genital candidiasis were treated separately with CAL, western medicine and combined (CAL and western) medicines, the therapeutic effects of the 3 groups were observed and compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The therapeutic effect in patients treated with combined medicine was significantly better than that in the other two groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combined use of CAL and western medicine could enhance the cure rate in treating skin tinea and genital candidiasis. Attention should be paid on studying Chinese anti-fungal agents.</p>