Effects of the environmental temperature and humidity on the survival and reproduction of Oncomelania snails in field experimental base / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To study the effects of environmental temperature and humidity on the survival and reproduction of Oncomelania snails, and to provide a basis for the development of scientific strategies and measures for snails control. Methods Based on the field experimental base of Oncomelania snails in Hubei Province, through long-term and systematic ecological observation of snails, the living conditions of snails at different temperatures were recorded, and the average densities of live snails and young snails as well as the amount of spawning were calculated. Results In a certain temperature range (15°C-30°C), the average densities of live snails and young snails were positively correlated with the changes of temperature and humidity, and the effect of temperature on the spawning of snails was also significant. The optimal breeding temperature of Oncomelania snails was 25°C. Conclusion In a certain temperature range (15°C-30°C), the environmental temperature and humidity have a significant impact on the survival and reproduction of snails in the field.

Epidemiological investigation of chronic filariasis disease patients in Hubei Province / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To understand the number and prevalence of chronic filariasis patients in Hubei Province, and to provide a basis for effective care for patients. Methods The chronic filariasis patients registered in Hubei Province were interviewed to investigate the general condition of patients, the results of previous microfilaria examinations, and the current clinical symptoms, signs and onset of illness. Results A total of 487 chronic filariasis patients were investigated. The youngest was 32 years old, the oldest was 97 years old, and the average age was 76 years old. The 80-89 years old group had the largest number, accounting for 44.97%. The male accounted for 46.61%, and the female accounted for 54.39%. The occupation was dominated by farmers, accounting for 89.94%. Patients with lymphangitis accounted for 72.28%, with dermatitis accounted for 89.12%, with chyluria accounted for 11.29%, and with hydrocele accounted for 6.16%. Among the 352 patients with lymphangitis/lymphadenitis, the site of the attack was mainly at groin and lower limbs, accounting for 96.02%. Among the 433 patients with lymphedema/elephantiasis, the disease staging of the left and right legs was mainly concentrated in stage I-III, and there was no stage VII patient. Among the 55 patients with chyluria, the dysuria accounted for 30.91%. Of the 30 patients with hydrocele, 17 had tenderness, and 8 had positive light transmission tests. Conclusions Chronic filariasis patients in Hubei Province gradually decreased with the natural attrition. More care should be given by CDC at all levels and primary medical units to patients with chronic filariasis to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Since the filariasis has not been eliminated globally, it is still necessary to strengthen the surveillance of migrant workers who go abroad to filariasis-endemic areas.

Clinical analysis of vocal fold firbrous mass / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To explore the character of laryngoscopy finding, voice, and therapy of vocal fold fibrous mass.@*METHODS@#Clinical data, morphology, voice character, surgery and pathology of 15 cases with vocal fold fibrous mass were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The morbidity of vocal fold fibrous mass might be related to overuse of voice and laryngopharyngeal reflex. Laryngoscopy revealed shuttle line appearance, smoothness and decreased mucosal wave of vocal fold. These patients were invalid for voice training and might be improved by surgery, but recovery is slow.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The morbidity of vocal fold fibrous mass might be related to overuse of voice and laryngopharyngeal reflex. Conservative treatment is ineffective for this disease, and surgery might improve.

Comparison of clinical effects of total spondylectomy with different procedures in treating lumbar metastatic tumor / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the therapeutic effects of debris spondylectomy, piecemeal spondylectomy, total en bloc spomdylectomy in treating lumbar metastatic tumors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 20 patients with lumbar metastatic tumors treated from January 2008 to October 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 8 males and 12 females, aged from 35 to 65 years old with an average of (49.50 ± 9.97) years. All patients had single solitary metastases. Four cases were in L1,5 cases in L2,4 cases in L3,4 cases in L4, and 3 cases in L5. According to the type of Tomita, type II had in 4 cases, type III in 6 cases, type IV in 6 cases, type V in 4 cases. Tokuhashi score was 12.50 ± 1.97. All patients complained with back or leg pain, VAS score was 8.13 ± 0.85. Among patients, 7 cases were treated with debris spondylectomy (group A), 7 cases with piecemeal spondylectomy (group B), 6 cases with total en bloc spondylectomy (group C). Statistical analysis was used to compare the three groups with respect to surgical trauma (including operative time, transoperative bleeding, and intraoperative blood transfusion), clinical symptoms (by VAS score at 1 week after operation), surgical procedures conditions (by AP and lateral X-rays), and long-term results (by recurrence and death information).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up from 6 to 36 months with an average of (16.50 ± 7.88) months. Operative time for debris spondylectomy was (6.14 ± 0.68) h, intraoperative bleeding was (3 457.14 ± 399.40) ml, and intraoperative blood transfusion was (2 771.43 ± 423.14) ml. Operative time for piece-meal spondylectomy was (4.93 ± 0.61) h, intraoperative bleeding was (1 942.86 ± 378.51) ml, and intraoperative blood transfusion was (1 500.00 ± 336.65) ml. Operative time for total en bloc spondylectomy was(4.17 ± 0.67) h, intraoperative bleeding was (1 341.67 ± 361.13) ml, and intraoperative blood transfusion was (916.67 ± 321.66) ml. There was significant differences in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative blood transfusion between three groups (P < 0.05). In terms of these factors, total en bloc spondylectomy had the best outcome followed by piecemeal spondylectomy. All pains had released, VAS score decreased obviously at 1 week after operation (P < 0.05), and there was no significant differences between three groups (P > 0.05). Surgical effects were well with these methods according to the evaluation of AP and lateral X-rays . At final follow-up, group A had 4 recurrences (2 with breast cancer, 1 with prostate cancer,and 1 with thyroid cancer) and 3 deaths (2 with lung cancer and 1 with thyroid cancer); group B had 2 recurrences (1 with breast cancer and 1 with prostate cancer) and 3 deaths (1 with lung cancer, 1 with breast cancer and 1 with kidney cancer);group C had no recurrences and 2 deaths for lung cancer. There was significant differences in recurrence and death between three groups (P < 0.05). In terms of these factors, total en bloc spondylectomy had the best outcome in three methods.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Three kinds of operation method can relieve pain, improve nerve function, increase the spinal stability, control the local lesions, improve the patient's quality of life in treating lumbar metastatic tumors, but total en bloc spendylectomy, respect to operative time, transoperative bleeding, intraoperative blood transfusion, tumor recurrence and death is clearly superior to other two methods.</p>

Surgical treatment of thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum and therapeutic effects analysis / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the surgical treatment of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) and analysis of the therapeutic effects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Six patients with thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum were retrospectively studied from October 2006 to October 2009. All of the patients in this group were treated by en bloc hemi-articular process laminectomy. There were 4 males and 2 females, ranging in age from 45 to 66 years, averaged 55.2 years. The evaluate factors including the preoperative and postoperative JOA scores,and the function of the urinary bladder were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the 6 patients were followed after operation. The mean followed-up duration was 10.5 months, ranging from 2 to 18 months. According to JOA evaluation criteria, 4 patients got an excellent result, 1 good and 1 bad. The one patient with bad result had spinal cord compressed for too long time, and the T2-weight MRI showed nonreversible degeneration of spinal cord and combined with schizophrenia. The clinical symptoms improved with varying degrees.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The en bloc hemi-articular process laminectomy is an effective method for ossification of the thoracic ligamentum flavum. A thorough decompression and real-time protection of the spinal cord is the key to the success of surgery.</p>

Peri and post-operative complications after carbon dioxide laser surgery of the larynx

To analyze the complications of transoral laser surgery [TLS] for larynx tumors in a single center institution, and to highlight its possible risks. This is a retrospective study of the peri- and post-operative complications of 500 patients who underwent TLS from November 2001 to July 2008 in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China. The total rate of complications was 10.2%. The major complications accounted for 0.8%, including one ignition, one post-operative bleeding, one dyspnea, and one laryngeal web; and the minor ones were found in 47 of 500 patients [9.4%], including 30 patients with suspension laryngoscopy related complications. A higher incidence of complications was observed in patients with larynx carcinoma than those with benign/precancerous lesions [p=0.00]. Peri- and post-operative complications after TLS for benign larynx tumors are relatively rare events, but are relatively frequent for larynx cancers. Every surgeon who performs laser surgery should have a clear concept of management for these complications, and strategies to avoid these complications should be performed

Prevention of anterior glottic stenosis after CO2 laser cordectomy with chitosan / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of immediate topical application of chitosan on preventing anterior glottic stenosis (AGS) after microsurgical resection of both vocal fold with CO2 laser, including the anterior commissure, in a canine model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixteen canine larynges were injured by microresecting procedure of both vocal folds with CO2 laser. The dogs were randomly divided into two groups, chitosan group and control group. The chitosan and isotonic sodium chloride solution (control) were used for 5 minutes immediately after surgery. One week after the initial surgery, three dogs in each group were randomly selected , ultrastructure of fibroblast were examined with transmission electronic microscope and expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Three weeks after surgery, the rest dogs' glottic web were lysed and repeatedly treated with chitosan and isotonic sodium chloride solution respectively. The glottic wound healing and AGS formation were examined every week, and all larynges were harvested and examined histologically six weeks after the initial surgery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Transmission electronic microscope examination of the ultrastructure of fibroblast indicated that chitosan inhibited the proliferation of fibroblast. Chitosan increased the expression of bFGF and TGF-beta1, and bFGF and TGF-beta1 in chitosan group, which was significantly higher than that in control group (z=-2.887 and -2.005, P=0.002 and 0.041). Chitosan decreased the extent of AGS formation. Three weeks after the surgery, the AGS lesion in the control group affected mean 49% of the length of the vocal folds from the anterior commissure to the vocal process, while chitosan group affected mean 7%, which was significantly less than the extent of web formation in the control group, (z=-2.619, P=0.008). The grade of collagen content in chitosan group was significantly lower than that in control group (P=0.003).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Chitosan is effective in preventing AGS after CO2 laser cordectomy.</p>

Transoral endoscopic CO2 laser surgery for hypopharynx in experimental animals / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the substantial resection limits of CO2 laser surgery for hypopharynx and the course of wound healing in animals, for the purpose of evaluating the clinic usefulness of transoral CO2 laser surgery in the treatment of selected hypopharyngeal carcinomas.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-three dogs were randomly assigned to two groups. Group one (11 dogs) received left piriform sinus resection, group two (12 dogs) received the resection of posterior wall of the hypopharynx. Six dogs in group one were killed immediately or 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 d post-operatively. Seven dogs in group two were killed immediately or 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 d post-operatively. The whole larynx and hypopharynx were taken out and the specimens were examined by naked eyes and under microscope. The other 5 dogs in each group were fed until the wound healed, the duration were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the operations were successful and the results were satisfactory. In group one, the dogs could take food the day after operation; two dogs had slight cough during eating and recovered after five days. In group two, the dogs could take food the next day after operation, eight dogs had slight cough during eating and recovered after ten days. The excision dimension was satisfactory. In group one (resection of the lateral wall of piriform sinus), the size of raw surface was (7.5 +/- 0.8) cm2 (x +/- s) and the healing time was (18.4 +/- 1.5) d. In group two (resection of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx), the wound surface was (7.0 +/- 0.5) cm2 and the healing time was (39.8 +/- 1.9) d. The healing time in group two was significantly longer than that in group one (t = 19.535, P <0. 01). The post-operative healing process were observed, including cellulose membrane coverage, granulation filling and epithelization.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Transoral CO2 laser was suitable for partial hypopharynx resection. Animals can recuperate well with little complications. Although the course of wound healing was delayed, wound surface can recover with good laryngeal and deglutition functions.</p>

Atlantoaxial pedicle screw system for odontoid fracture-caused atlantoaxial instability in 21 cases / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Posterior transarticular screw fixation (Magerl’s) is recommended for atlantoaxial instability. However,some patients do not suit for Magerl’s fixation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of atlantoaxial pedicle screw system in the treatment of atlantoaxial instability from odontoid fracture. DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING: The retrospective case analysis was performed at the Department of Orthopedics,Sichuan People’s Hospital between July 2004 and June 2007. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one cases of atlantoaxial instability from odontoid fracture were selected. According to Anderson and D’Alonzo classification,9 of them belonged to type II odontoid fracture with atlantoaxial instability and 12 to type Ⅲ with severe atlantoaxial dislocation. All cases suffered pain at occipitocervical part and limited activities of cervical spine. According to Frankel classification in function of spinal cord,16 cases of them belonged to Grade E and 5 cases to D. METHODS: All cases were fixed with C1 and C2 pedicle screws system following skull traction and reduction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Biocompatibility between materials and host; bone graft fusion and functional improvement. RESULTS: No vertebral artery injury or spinal injury was found during operation,neither incision infection was. All cases were followed up for at least 8 months. Postoperative radiograph and CT detection revealed good positions of all screws with no loosening or breakage. All fractures healed within 5 months,and activities of cervical vertebra were not obviously limited except slightly limited rotation function. As for nerve function,5 cases of Grade D recovered up to Grade E. CONCLUSION: Posterior pedicle screw fixation system exhibits no specific biocompatibility responses. It greatly improves atlantoaxial stability and promotes functional recovery of spinal cord but has little influence on cervical function.

C_(2,3) pedicle screw fixation through cervical posterior approach in treatment of Hangman's fracture / 中国组织工程研究

AIM: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and evaluate the application value of pedicle screw system internal fixation in short segment for the treatment of Hangman's fracture. METHODS: A retrospectively analysis was conducted in 17 cases of Hangman's fracture who were treated in Department of Orthopaedics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital since 2004. According to Levine-Edwards classification, 4 of them belonged to type II, 6 type IIA, 7 type III. According to Frankel classification in function of spinal cord, 12 cases of them belonged to Grade E and 5 cases D. All cases were fixed with C2,3 pedicle screw system short segment implantation materials (product of Medtronic Sofamor) after skull traction and reduction. RESULTS: No vertebra artery injury or spinal injury was found during operation. Postoperational photograph and CT detection revealed bilateral fracture had no reduction in 1 case and cerebrospinal fluid leaking occurred in 1 case who was cured after conventional therapy. All cases were followed up for 12-24 months (average 14.5 moths). All fractures healed within 6 months, and activities of cervical vertebra were not obviously limited. As for nerve function, 4 cases of Grade D recovered up to Grade E. Ti-alloy implant materials used in this study were well biocompatible to the human body. There were no blood, immune, histology reactions, or the corrosion and abrasion of Ti-alloy appeared. CONCLUSION: Pedicle screw fixation in short segment for the treatment of Hangman's fracture is satisfactory in fracture reduction, fixation and healing. There are little lose in function of cervical vertebrae and it promotes functional recovery of spinal cord.

Colocalization of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I and glucocorticoid receptor and its significance in rat hippocampus / 生理学报

This paper was designed to observe the colocalization of 11beta-HSD1 and GR, and its significance in the rat hippocampus. Immunocytochemical dual-staining showed that not only 11beta-HSD1 but also GR immunoreactive substances were present in the cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Moreover, they were colocalized in the same hippocampal neuron. Synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) up-regulated the protein expression and activity of 11beta-HSD1 in the cultured hippocampal neurons, as determined by Western blot and thin layer chromatography (TLC) respectively. The transfection of PC12 cells with the plasmid containing promoter sequence of 11beta-HSD1 gene and the reporter gene of CAT enzyme was conducted. DEX up-regulated the reporter gene expression in the system described above. The up-regulation of 11beta-HSD1 and reporter gene expression induced by DEX were both blocked by GR antagonist RU38486. Our study suggests that the colocalization of 11beta-HSD1 and GR in the hippocampus may be implicated in the up-regulation of 11beta-HSD1 expression by glucocorticoids combining to its promoter region, which in turn produces more biologically active glucocorticoids necessary for the binding of low affinity of GR.