Innovation and practice on training the innovative undergraduate talents in universities under the background of "Three Whole Education"—taking the Biomedical Engineering College of Chongqing Medical University as an example / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Under the background of "Three Whole Education", the College of Biomedical Engineering of Chongqing Medical University builds the rule of undergraduate tutors, promotes the effective connection among the entrance -in school -graduation education, integrates the innovative education and teaching throughout into the undergraduate period, and implements "4+1" education models of theory teaching - ability training - competetion incubation - atmosphere building to create innovative classroom transcripts, finally realizing the all-around education of innovative undergraduate talents. Through the innovation and practices, we will continue to refine educational effects.

Study of "4+ 1" integration training mode combining undergraduate and postgraduate for biomedical engineering major / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Chongqing Medical University and University of Dundee have explored the "4+ 1" integration training mode combining undergraduate and postgraduate for biomedical engineering major in 2018, including mode of education, curriculum linkage and credit recognition, contract signing and publicity, process assessment and management, and degree awarding. After repeated communication and argument, Chongqing Medical University and University of Dundee signed the contract of the "4+ 1" integration training mode in 2019. One junior student participated in the "Summer Camp of University of Dundee" in the same year, and one senior student participated in this integration training mode program in 2020. According to the feedback of the first batch of students, the "4+ 1" integration training mode can guide students from different angles, which is conducive to broadening students' international vision and injecting strong power into the cultivation of biomedical engineering talents.

Therapeutic effect of tetrandrine on silicosis rats and its toxic effect on liver and kidney function / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect of tetrandrine(TET) on silicosis model rats and its toxic effect on liver and kidney function. METHODS: The specific pathogen free healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group, the model group and the TET group, with 14 rats in each group. By un-exposure tracheal injection method, the rats in the model and TET groups were given one-time tracheal infusion of free silicon dioxide suspension with a mass concentration of 50 g/L to establish the rat model of silicosis. Rats in the control group were infused with 1 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution with the same method. On the second day after the model was established, the TET group was given 30 mg/kg body mass of TET solution by gavage. The other two groups were given the same amount of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The treatment was once per day, six times per week. Seven rats in each group were sacrificed on the 28 th and 56 th days after modeling. The morphological change of the lung, liver and kidney tissues of each group was observed. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the level of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6, in the lung tissues of rats in each group. The activities of aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and the levels blood urea nitrogen(BUN), creatinine(CRE) were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer. RESULTS: The lung organ coefficients of rats in the TET group were lower than those of the model group on the 28 th and 56 th days(all P<0.05). The lung organ coefficient of the rats in the TET group on the 56 th day was higher than that in the same group on the 28 th day(P<0.05). The lung tissue structure of the control group was normal. After modeling, the lung tissues of rats in model group showed different degrees of pathological changes such as alveolar structure destruction, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis on the 28 th and 56 th days. The degree of pathological changes in TET group was less than that of the model group. In the lung tissues of rats in the model group, the levels of TNF-α, TGF-β1, IL-1β and IL-6 were higher than those of the control group(all P<0.01). The levels of TNF-α, TGF-β1, IL-1β and IL-6 in the lung tissues of rats in the TET group were lower than that of the model group(all P<0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference when compared with the control group(all P>0.05). The activities of ALT and AST in the TET group were higher than those in the model group and the control group(all P<0.01). The level of serum BUN in TET group was higher than that in control group(P<0.01), but it showed no statistical difference when compared with the control group(P>0.05). The level of serum CRE in each group showed no significant difference(P>0.05). There were no abnormal pathological changes found in the liver and kidney tissues of rats in each group at different times. CONCLUSION: TET can reduce the inflammatory response in silicosis rats and improve lung tissue fibrosis; however, the therapeutic dose may have certain toxicity to the liver and kidney of the silicosis rats.

Application of virtual simulation teaching instruments in large-scale medical equipment courses and its reflection / 中华医学教育探索杂志

In the practical teaching of large-scale medical equipment courses in medical colleges and universities. There are some problems such as less opportunities for students to operate the equipment which is possessed by teaching hospitals, the large-scale medical equipment in teaching hospitals are in a pathogenic environment, and some equipment such as CT, DR have radiation hazards, which lead to difficulties in practical teaching. These problems restrict the cultivation of students' practical ability, cause disconnections between theoretical teaching and practical teaching, and are not conducive to training "new engineering" and "new medical science" talents. So, this paper puts forward an idea which introduces virtual simulation teaching instruments of large-scale medical equipment into the teaching of medical equipment in medical colleges and universities, uses the physical structures, control systems and functional software of virtual simulation teaching instruments to implement the teaching of "integration of theory and practice", and also sets up validation experiments, comprehensive experiments, designing experiments and research explorative experiments in the teaching process. This kind of teaching can not only realize the high integration of theoretical teaching and practical teaching, but also consolidate students' basic theoretical knowledge, improve their abilities to solve complex engineering problems, and cultivate "new engineering" and "new medical" talents in line with the needs of the new era.

Recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax in a large Chinese family: a clinical and genetic investigation / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a common manifestation of Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome, which is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutation of the folliculin (FLCN) gene. This study was established to investigate the mutation of the FLCN gene and the phenotype in a family with PSP.@*Methods@#We investigated the clinical and genetic characteristics of a large Chinese family with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. Genetic testing was performed by Sanger sequencing of the coding exons (4-14 exons) of the FLCN gene.@*Results@#Among ten affected members in a multi-generational PSP kindred, with a total of 18 episodes of spontaneous pneumothorax, the median age for the initial onset of pneumothorax was 42.5 years (interquartile range: 28.8-57.2 years). Chest computed tomography scan of the proband showed pulmonary cysts and pneumothorax. A novel nonsense mutation (c.1273C>T) in exon 11 of FLCN gene that leads to a pre-mature stop codon (p.Gln425*) was identified in the family. The genetic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of BHD syndrome in this family in the absence of skin lesions or renal tumors.@*Conclusions@#A novel nonsense mutation of FLCN gene was found in a large family with PSP in China. Our results expand the mutational spectrum of FLCN gene in patients with BHD syndrome.

Recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax in a large Chinese family: a clinical and genetic investigation / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a common manifestation of Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome, which is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutation of the folliculin (FLCN) gene. This study was established to investigate the mutation of the FLCN gene and the phenotype in a family with PSP.@*METHODS@#We investigated the clinical and genetic characteristics of a large Chinese family with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. Genetic testing was performed by Sanger sequencing of the coding exons (4-14 exons) of the FLCN gene.@*RESULTS@#Among ten affected members in a multi-generational PSP kindred, with a total of 18 episodes of spontaneous pneumothorax, the median age for the initial onset of pneumothorax was 42.5 years (interquartile range: 28.8-57.2 years). Chest computed tomography scan of the proband showed pulmonary cysts and pneumothorax. A novel nonsense mutation (c.1273C>T) in exon 11 of FLCN gene that leads to a pre-mature stop codon (p.Gln425*) was identified in the family. The genetic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of BHD syndrome in this family in the absence of skin lesions or renal tumors.@*CONCLUSIONS@#A novel nonsense mutation of FLCN gene was found in a large family with PSP in China. Our results expand the mutational spectrum of FLCN gene in patients with BHD syndrome.

Post-exercise heart rate recovery relates to exercise capacity and prognosis in ST- elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary PCI / 中国介入心脏病学杂志

Objective To investigate the relation of post-exercise heart rate recovery(HRR)with exercise capacity, and the predictive value on long-term prognosis in patients of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods A total of 260 patients were investigated from July 2011 to December 2014. All the patients were conducted cardiopulmonary exercise testing(CPET)within 30 days after STEMI, and heart rate recovery at 1 minute (HRR1)were calculated. The correlation between HRR with exercise tolerance was analysed. The median followup duration was 55 months(42,72), and the cardiovascular endpoint events were collected. Results The mean HRR1 was 26.0±12.2 beats in the whole study population who completed CPET.(1)HRR1 was positively correlated to peak oxygen uptake(VO2peak)(r=0.129, P<0.001).Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that VO2peak was independently positively associated with HRR1. (2) Cardiovascular endpoint events occurred in 60 cases (23.1%). Single factor screening through Cox regression model showed that decreased HRR1 (HRR1 ≤ 12 beats)(P=0.010)significantly correlated with the cardiovascular endpoint events. After adjusted by multiple factors, the risk of cardiovascular endpoint events in the group of decreased HRR(HRR1 ≤ 12 beats)was 2.671 times as the group of HRR1>12 beats. Conclusions Decreased HRR1 is associated with lower exercise tolerance, and it shows signifi cant prognostic values in increasing cardiovascular endpoint events in STEMI patients treated with primary PCI.

Prognosis Affects of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio of Peripheral Blood for Patients with Acute Lung Infarction / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To described the prognosis affects of blood neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte for acute plumonary embolism patients.Methods Collected 164 acute plumonary embolism patients from 2010 to 2015,and they were divided into survivor group (n=136) and death group (n=28).And collected the data for basic clinical pathological and biochemical characteristics,to assess the correlation.Results The study found that the mortality of 164 cases of APE patients was 17.07％ (28/164).Multivariate Logstic regression analysis found that the lower systolic blood pressure (OR=0.923,95％ CI:0.872～0.991,P=0.016) and the wells score (OR=1.138,95％ CI:1.002～1.478,P=0.036),higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (OR=1.090,95 ％ CI:1.031 ～ 1.316,P =0.014),NLR (OR =1.132,95 ％ CI:1.040 ～1.238,P=0.012),PLR (OR=1.002,95％ CI:1.000～1.009,P=0.010),brain natriuretic peptide (OR=1.002,95％ CI:1.000～1.007,P=0.017),PESI score (OR=1.100,95％ CI:1.032～1.200,P=0.012) were the significant independent risk factors of death for patients with APE,NLR and PLR had significant correlation with other significant independent risk factors.Kaplan-Meier curve analysis found that the overall survival of APE patients with NLR≤5.64,PLR≤184 were significantly higher than APE patients with NLR＞5.64,PLR＞184 (P=0.01),respectively.Conclusion NLR and PLR could be used as independent prognostic factors in patients with acute pulmonary embolism,and the risk of death was higher in patients with higher level NLR or PLR.

Teaching reform of Biomedical Engineering based on social demand / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Guided by the demands of society,we have conducted a survey involving job distribution data,knowledge structure,curriculum setting,practical ability and innovation ability training on graduates,and made the investigation and discussion of graduates' quality and social needs.And according to the feedbacks,we have carried out the reform of Biomedical Engineering by insisting on the management philosophy and characteristics of student-centre and the combination of medical science with engineering,making the training goal definite further,constructing a curricula system of the combination of medical science with engineering,outstanding engineering characteristics and strengthening students' engineering practice ability,and carrying out innovation and entrepreneurship education through the whole process of teaching,to improve the teaching quality of Biomedical Engineering specialty.

Assessment of adaptive rate response provided by accelerometer, minute ventilation and dual sensor compared with normal sinus rhythm during exercise: a self-controlled study in chronotropically competent subjects / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Dual sensor (DS) for rate adaption was supposed to be more physiological. To evaluate its superiority, the DS (accelerometer [ACC] and minute ventilation [MV]) and normal sinus rate response were compared in a self-controlled way during exercise treadmill testing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This self-controlled study was performed in atrioventricular block patients with normal sinus function who met the indications of pacemaker implant. Twenty-one patients came to the 1-month follow-up visit. Patients performed a treadmill test 1-month post implant while programmed in DDDR and sensor passive mode. For these patients, sensor response factors were left at default settings (ACC = 8, MV = 3) and sensor indicated rates (SIRs) for DS, ACC and MV sensor were retrieved from the pacemaker memories, along with measured sinus node (SN) rates from the beginning to 1-minute after the end of the treadmill test, and compared among study groups. Repeated measures analysis of variance and profile analysis, as well as variance analysis of randomized block designs, were used for statistical analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fifteen patients (15/21) were determined to be chronotropically competent. The mean differences between DS SIRs and intrinsic sinus rates during treadmill testing were smaller than those for ACC and MV sensor (mean difference between SIR and SN rate: ACC vs. SN, MV vs. SN, DS vs. SN, respectively, 34.84, 17.60, 16.15 beats/min), though no sensors could mimic sinus rates under the default settings for sensor response factor (ACC vs. SN P-adjusted < 0.001; MV vs. SN P-adjusted = 0.002; DS vs. SN P-adjusted = 0.005). However, both in the range of 1 st minute and first 3 minutes of exercise, only the DS SIR profile did not differ from sinus rates (P-adjusted = 0.09, 0.90, respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The DS under default settings provides more physiological rate response during physical activity than the corresponding single sensors (ACC or MV sensor). Further study is needed to determine if individual optimization would further improve adaptive performance of the DS.</p>

Integration on postgraduate cultivation model in biomedical engineering based on ‘combination of production-teaching-research, interdisciplinary of medicine-science-engineering, international horizon exploration’ / 中华医学教育探索杂志

This paper discussed on the innovative efforts of establishing production-teaching-research platform and multi-channel international cooperation model by Chongqing Medical University. Measures taken included offering theoretical courses across the first-level disciplines of medicine and engineering and encouraging research tasks that involve the cooperation among hospitals , businesses and universities, creating education environment for postgraduates combing medicine and engineering and launching the cultivation of biomedical engineering postgraduates. The aim of these measures was to incorporate the achievements of scientific research innovation into postgraduate education and to improve its quality.

Establishment of VX2 tumour model near large blood vessel / 重庆医学

Objective The aim of this study is to establish a practical VX2 tumour model less than or equal to 10 mm from large blood vessel(as standard) for HIFU ablation .Methods 15 New Zealand rabbits were involved ,VX2 tumour blocks were inoculated near postcava through spine path ,and tumour rate was observed two weeks later by anatomy and MRI .Results Three experimental rabbits did not survive ,all the rest of the 12 into the tumour ,assembly tumour rate was 100% (12/12);The tumour rate reaching the standard accounted for 75% (9/12) ,the average distance between the tumour and the inferior vena cava was (5 .6 ± 3 .4)mm . Conclusion It is feasible to establish the VX2 tumor model less than or equal to 10 mm from large blood vessel through spine path .

Perioperative nursing of 22 patients with Stanford B type aortic dissections treated with endovascular graft exclusion / 现代临床护理

Objective To investigate the perioperative nursing of patients with Stanford type B aortic dissections treated with endovascular graft exclusion.Method The clinical data of 22 cases undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair from February 2011 to August 2013 were retrospectively analyzed to summarize the nursing experience.Results Twenty-two patients survived successfully through operation.One case had retrograde type A dissection after operation,another 15 had hyperthermia,and all of them were cured and discharged due to symptomatic treatment.The postoperative 3 months follow-up showed no type I endoleak.Conclusion Preoperative psychological nursing,postoperative blood pressure control,nursing of complications,strengthening instruction of diet and physical activity,are critical for the promotion of early rehabilitation of patients after discharge.

Practice and reflection of the implementation of quality development training to enhance students' overall quality / 中华医学教育探索杂志

In order to improve students' overall quality,Biomedical Engineering College of Chongqing Medical University has carried out quality development training in the 6 session of the 450 students.The content includes development projects,the queue training,humanities lectures,inspirational film etc.; the objective is to develop the students' mind,develop their team spirit and interpersonal communication skills.College has recruited and assisted professional instructors in the whole training.The centralized training in specific situations gives students a strong spiritual shock and strong positive energy.Before and after the training we use the same questionnaire to students,the results of which have shown that their comprehensive ability,EQ,and cohesion of the class have been improved.

Clinical research on children mental retardation treated with acupuncture / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the impacts of acupuncture on intelligent structure, social adaptability and fMRI brain function in children mental retardation (MR).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty cases of MR in compliance with the diagnostic standard were randomized into an acupuncture group and a medication group, 30 cases in each one. In the acupuncture group, Sishenzhen [four points, 1.5 cun anterior, posterior and bilateral to Baihui (GV 20)], Zhisanzhen [Shenting (GV 24), bilateral Benshen (GB 13)], Niesanzhen (the point 2 cun directly above the ear a-pex, the two points 1 cun bilateral the first point) and Naosanzhan [Naohu (GV 17) and bilateral Naohu (GB 19)] were selected as the main points. In the medication group, piracetam tablets were prescribed for oral administration. One course of treatment was 4 months in the two groups. The comprehensive efficacy was compared between the two groups at the end of treatment course. China-Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (C-WISC) was used to assess the intelligent improvements. Infant-Junior School Student Social Life Ability Scale was adopted to assess the improvements of social adaptability. Five cases were selected from the acupuncture group and fMRI was adopted to compare the brain function imaging changes before and after acupuncture treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In the acupuncture group, the final intelligence quotient (FIQ) and social adaptability score after treatment were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), of which, the performance intelligence quotient (PIQ) was improved significantly, indicating the statistically significant difference (P<0.05). But the verbal intelligence quotient (VIQ) did not change apparently (P>0.05). In the medication group, the changes in all the indices were not apparent before and after treatment (P>0.05). In comparison of the changes after treatment between the two groups, FIQ, PIQ and social adaptability score in the acupuncture group were improved more significantly as compared with the medication group (P<0.05). The fMRI brain function images did not change apparently before and after treatment in those 5 cases of the acupuncture group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture promotes the intelligent recovery of MR children and improves their social adaptability. It indicates the satisfactory clinical efficacy. But, the fMRI brain function images do not change apparently before and after treatment.</p>

Early removal of the chest tube after lobectomies: a prospective randomized control study / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the feasibility and safety of early chest tube removal after lobectomies for lung diseases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A prospective randomized control study was performed with data collected from lobectomies between March 2012 and September 2012. Eligible patients (n = 70) were randomized into two groups; early removal group (removal of chest tube when drainage less than 300 ml/24 h, n = 41) and traditional management group (removal of chest tube when drainage less than 100 ml/24 h, n = 29). Criteria for early removal were established and met before chest tube removal. The volume and character of drainage, time of extracting drainage tube and postoperative hospital stay were measured. All patients received standard care during hospital admission and a follow-up visit was performed after 7 days of discharge from hospital.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no differences between two groups with respect to age, sex, comorbidities, or pathologic evaluation of resection specimens. The median volume of drainage within 24 h after surgery was 300 ml and within 48 h was 250 ml, there was significantly different between two groups (Z = -2.059, P = 0.039). Patients undergoing early removal management had a shorter Chest tube duration (44 hours vs. 67 hours, Z = -2.914, P = 0.004) and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (5.0 days vs. 6.0 days, Z = -3.882, P = 0.000). Analysis of data showed no statistically significant differences between the rate of pleural effusions developed, thoracentesis and complications, one week after discharge from hospital.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Compared to the traditional management group (drainage ≤ 100 ml/24 h), early removal of chest tube after lobectomy (drainage ≤ 300 ml/24 h) is feasible and safe. It could result in a shorter hospital stay, and most importantly, reduces morbidity without the added risk of complications.</p>

Pneumonia relevant to lung transplantation and pathogen distribution / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Pneumonia is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in lung transplant (LT) recipients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence, etiology, risk factors and prognosis of pneumonia in LT recipients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The LT cohort consisted of 28 recipients receiving LT in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital from August 2005 to April 2011. Data collected included demographic data, underlying disorders, time and type of transplant, follow-up information, date of last follow-up, and patient status. A retrospective analysis was made of observational data that were prospectively collected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twenty-two patients of 28 LT recipients had 47 episodes of pneumonia throughout the study period. Thirtyeight episodes of pneumonia in 19 recipients occurred post-LT with a median follow-up of 257.5 days (1-2104 days), the incidence of pneumonia was 192.4 episodes per 100 LT/year and its median time of onset was 100.5 days (0-946 days) post-transplantation. Bacteria, virus and fungi accounted for 62%, 16% and 15% of the microbial pathogens, respectively. The most frequent were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20%), cytomegalovirus (CMV) (15%), and Aspergillus fumigatus (10%). A total of 29% (11/38) of pneumonias occurred in the first month post-LT, and then the incidence decreased gradually. The incidence of CMV pneumonia was 25% (7/28) with a median time of 97 days (10-971 days). More than one bacterial infection and CMV infection were independent risk factors for aspergillus infection. The incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) was 18% (5/28), and the history of TB was a risk factor for TB relapse. There were 58% (7/12) of recipients who died of infection, and 71% (5/7) of these died in the first year after LT.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Pneumonia is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality in LT recipients. The most frequent microorganisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, CMV, and Aspergillus fumigates. The incidence of CMV pneumonia decreases with a delayed median time of onset. More than one incidence of bacterial infection and CMV infection are independent risk factors for aspergillus infection. LT recipients are at high risk for TB, and the history of TB is a risk factor for TB relapse.</p>

Combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: initial experience from China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy was usually performed with either hand-sewn or circular stapler anastomosis through a small thoracotomy or using a side-to-side stapler anastomotic technique. This study aimed to present our initial results of Ivor Lewis esophagectomy using a circular-stapled anastomosis with transoral anvil technique.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Six patients with esophageal cancer underwent minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with an intrathoracic circular-stapled end-to-end anastomosis. The abdominal portion was operated on laparoscopically, and the thoracic portion was done using thoracoscopic techniques. A 25 mm anvil connected to a 90 cm long delivery tube was introduced transorally to the esophageal stump in a tilted position, the anvil head was then connected to circular stapler. The anastomosis was completed under direct thoracoscopic view.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of six patients in this report successfully underwent total laparoscopic and thoracoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with a circular-stapled anastomosis using a transoral anvil. They were five male and one female patients, and had a mean age of 55 years (range, 38-69 years). The thoracic and abdominal operations were successfully performed without any intraoperative complications or conversion to laparotomy or thoracotomy. The passage of the anvil head was technically easy and successful in all six cases. The mean overall operative time was (260 ± 42) minutes (range, 220-300 minutes), and the mean estimated blood loss was (520 ± 160) ml (range, 130-800 ml). Patients resumed a liquid oral diet on postoperative day seven. The median length of hospital stay was 17 days (range, 9-25 days). The postoperative pathological diagnosis was esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in five patients and esophageal small cell carcinoma in one patient. Tumors were staged as T(2)N(0)M(0) in three cases, T(2)N(1)M(0) in one case, and T(3)N(0)M(0) in two cases. During the mean follow-up of 2.5 months (range, 2-4 months), there were no intraoperative technical failure of the anastomosis or major postoperative complications such as leak or stricture.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The initial results of this small series suggest that minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for malignant esophageal tumor is technically feasible. However, further multi-center prospective studies and thorough evaluation are needed to evaluate the long-term results.</p>

Low frequency ultrasound promotes lactation in lactating rats / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of low-frequency ultrasound in promoting milk secretion in rats during lactation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four lactating SD rats feeding 10 suckling rats each were randomly allocated into 3 groups, namely the control group (with sham irradiation), 5 min group (with ultrasonic irradiation of the breast for 5 min daily), and 10 min group (irradiation for 10 min daily). The mammary glands of the rats were consistently irradiated by low-frequency ultrasound (40 kHz, 0.26 W/cm(2)) for 7 days since the 2nd day after delivery. The milk yield, average body weight gain of the offspring, mammary gland index, serum prolactin (PRL) and breast histology were examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The milk yield, body weight gain of offspring, mammary gland index and serum PRL concentration in 10 min group were significantly greater than those in the control group and 5 min group (P<0.05). Compared with the other two groups, the 10 min group showed significantly increased acinar gland expansion and acinar number.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Low-frequency ultrasound can promote milk secretion in lactating rats, suggesting its potential as a new approach of physical therapy for promoting milk secretion.</p>

Effect of ultrasound stimulation at the acupoint Guanyuan on follicular development in menopausal rats / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of ultrasound stimulation at the acupoint Guanyuan (CV 4) on follicular development in menopausal rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Menopausal female SD rats were selected by vaginal smear examinations. The rats were subjected to ultrasound stimulation at the acupoint Guanyuan with the output power of 0.1 W, working frequency of 9 MHz, and focal length of 4.5-5 mm. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used to detect the serum estrogen levels of the menopausal rats. The changes in the ovarian tissue histology and the follicle number were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, a 10-day ultrasound stimulation for 10 and 5 min daily at Guanyuan significantly increased the serum estrogen levels and the numbers of primary and secondary follicles (P<0.05) and reduced the number of atretic follicles in the menopausal rats (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ultrasound stimulation at the acupoint Guanyuan can increase the estrogen secretion function and promote the development of follicles in menopausal rats.</p>