Campus bullying and associated factors among college and middle school students in Tibet / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand campus bullying in colleges and middle schools in Tibet, and to analyze related influencing factors, so as to provide reliable basis and reference for formulating targeted intervention measures.@*Methods@#A stratified cluster sampling method was used to investigate the status and influencing factors of being bullied by questionnaire among 3 875 college and middle school students in Ngari, Qamdo, Lhasa, Nagqu and Xigaze of Tibet, from September to November 2019. Chi-square test and Logistic regression method were used for data analysis.@*Results@#The report rate of campus bullying among college and middle school students in Tibet was 5.50%; 4.35% for girls and 6.76% for boys；8.81% for college students, 1.64% for senior high school students and 5.94% for junior high school students. The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking ( OR =1.71), Internet addiction ( OR =3.82), depression ( OR =3.84), obesity ( OR =2.02), single parent family ( OR = 1.67 ) and reorganized family ( OR =3.74) were positively correlated with campus bullying ( P <0.05). Girls ( OR =0.66) and senior high school ( OR =0.28) were negatively correlated with campus bullying ( P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#Campus bullying is related to campus environment, family type, behaviors and life styles, etc. Efforts should be committed to build a caring campus culture and a good family moral education environment, in order to reduce the incidence of campus bullying and associated adverse effects.

Effect evaluation of various nanofiltration systems for filtering intravenous human immunoglobulin / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Abstract： Objective To evaluate the filtration effects of various nanofiltration systems on intravenous human immunog⁃ lobulin（IVIG）in order to screen the optimal nanofiltration system. Methods Various nanofilters were used for IVIG filtration to determine the best one and then various prefilters were selected to combine with the optimal nanofilter for IVIG filtration to determine the optimal nanofiltration system. Results The tangential flow（cross flow）nanofilter showed better filtering effect than dead end（direct current）nanofilter，and nanofilter C was the best one. The effect of deep filtration prefilter was better than that of absolute filtration prefilter，and prefilter Y1 in series with nanofilter C was the optimal nanofiltration system. Conclusion The optimal nanofiltration system was determined through the effect evaluation of various nanofiltration systems filtering for IVIG.

Analysis of measles antibody level and susceptibility of enterprise employees in Jinshan District，Shanghai in 2019 / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Abstract：Objective To analyse the level of measles antibody and serological susceptibility of the enterprise employees in Jin⁃ shan District，Shanghai in 2019，to provide references for measles prevention and control of enterprise employees. Methods A total of 1 796 employees were selected from 6 enterprises in Jinshan District by using a stratified random sampling method，of which serum samples from intravenous blood were collected and determined for IgG antibody level of measles by ELISA. Geo⁃ metric mean concentration（GMC）of measles IgG antibody，antibody positive rate and antibody protection rate were calculated and the susceptibility factors of measles in enterprise employees were analyzed by using the unconditional multivariate Logistic regression model. Results The GMC of measles antibody in 1 796 monitoring objects was 639. 71 mIU／mL，the positive rate was 87. 58% and the protection rate was 29. 06%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio（OR）of measles susceptibility was 1. 55（95% CI：1. 14 ~ 2. 12）in native subjects compared with non⁃resident subjects，while 2. 35 （95% CI：1. 35 ~ 4. 08）in subjects aged 40 ~ 49 years compared with those aged ≥ 50 years. Conclusion In 2019，the measles antibody level of enterprise employees in Jinshan District of Shanghai was low，and people aged 40 ~ 49，especially the nativeadults，wereathighriskofsusceptibilitytomeasles. Supplementaryimmunizationwithmeaslesvaccineshouldbecarried out for high⁃risk enterprise employees to reduce the risk of measles infection and control the epidemic situation of measles.

Identification of Escherichia coli β-glucuronidase inhibitors from Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc

Abstract Gut bacterial β-glucuronidase (GUS) can reactivate xenobiotics that exert enterohepatic circulation- triggered gastrointestinal tract toxicity. GUS inhibitors can alleviate drug-induced enteropathy and improve treatment outcomes. We evaluated the inhibitory effect of Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc. and its major constituents against Escherichia coli GUS (EcGUS), and characterized the inhibitory mechanism of each of the components. Trans-resveratrol 4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (HZ-1) and (-)-epicatechin gallate (HZ-2) isolated from P. cuspidatum were identified as the key components and potent inhibitors. These two components displayed strong to moderate inhibitory effects on EcGUS, with Ki values of 9.95 and 1.95 μM, respectively. Results from molecular docking indicated that HZ-1 and HZ-2 could interact with the key residues Asp163, Ser360, Ile 363, Glu413, Glu504, and Lys 568 of EcGUS via hydrogen bonding. Our findings demonstrate the inhibitory effect of P. cuspidatum and its two components on EcGUS, which supported the further evaluation and development of P. cuspidatum and its two active components as novel candidates for alleviating drug-induced damage in the mammalian gut.

Relatioship between childhood witnessing domestic violence and injury and violence of college students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate the prevalence of witnessing domestic violence,and to explore the relationship between witness domestic violence in childhood and college students’ injury and violence behaviors.@*Methods@#In October 2018, self-made questionnaire on “Health and Risky Behaviors among University Students in Anhui Province” was conducted among 4 034 college students from 4 universities in Hefei. Multivariate Logistic regression models (control of confounding factors) were used to explore the impact of childhood witnessing domestic violence on college students’ injury and violence.@*Results@#Among 4 034 college students,the prevalence of witnessing domestic emotional violence,mild physical violence and severe physical violence in childhood was 27.6%,22.4%,10.7%,respectively. Univariate analysis showed that students with experiences of witness domestic emotional violence,mild physical violence and severe physical violence had higher rates of self-injury,physical,emotional,and sexual violence compared to those without domestic violence witness(P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that witnessing domestic severe physical violence,emotional violence in childhood associated positively with self-harm (OR=1.53,95%CI=1.05-2.23; OR=2.15,95%CI=1.51-3.04) and emotional violence (OR=1.65,95%CI=1.16-2.35; OR=2.57,95%CI=1.87-3.53). Witnessing domestic severe physical violence showed positive association with physical violence (OR=4.99,95%CI=2.58-9.62) and sexual violence (OR=8.68,95%CI=3.30-22.81) among college students (P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#The experiences of witness domestic violence can increases the risk of college student’s injury and violence behaviors,especially witness domestic severe physical violence.

Analysis on the monitoring and evaluation of nutrition improvement of primary and middle school students in rural Tibet during 2015-2017 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To monitor and evaluate the nutritional improvement of primary and middle school students in rural Tibet from 2015 to 2017, and to provide a reference for local nutritional policy.@*Methods@#From 2015 to 2017, 10% of the primary and middle schools in 45 counties implementing the rural nutrition improvement plan in Tibet were selected to carry out nutrition monitoring assessment. The monitoring indicators included growth retardation, emaciation, overweight and obesity, and the percentage comparison was analyzed by chi-square test.@*Results@#A total of 56 674 aged 6-16 students were monitored from 2015 to 2017, and the wasting rate was 11.62%, 9.08% and 8.39%, respectively.Growth retardation rate was 10.27%, 11.87% and 8.99%.The overweight rate was 5.17%, 6.78% and 7.04%.Obesity rate 2.49%, 2.70%, 5.65%. The wasting rate and growth delay rate of rural students in Tibet decreased year by year, while overweight rate and obesity rate increased year by year. The difference between wasting and growth delay prevalence in three years was statistically significant (χ2=122.40, 81.96, P<0.01).The difference between overweight and obesity prevalence within three years also had statistical significance (χ2=665.88,320.74, P<0.01).The emaciation rate of boys and girls monitored from 2015 to 2017 was 11.85% and 7.60, respectively. Growth retardation was 10.71% and 7.70%.The overweight rate was 6.59% and 6.00%.The obesity rate was 3.41%, 3.50%, the wasting rate difference between male and female in three years has statistical significance (χ2=290.25, P<0.01);The growth delay rate difference was statistically significant (χ2=153.63, P<0.01);The difference of overweight rate was statistically significant (χ2=8.33, P<0.01);There was no statistically significant difference in the obesity prevalence(χ2=0.34, P>0.05), since the emaciation rate, growth delay rate and overweight rate of male students were higher than that of female students. From 2015 to 2017, there were statistically significant differences in weight loss, growth delay, overweight and obesity prevalence among students aged 6-16 years old(P<0.05). With the growth of age, the weight loss rate and growth delay rate increased year by year, while the overweight rate and obesity rate decreased with the growth of age.@*Conclusion@#The malnutrition (wasting and growth retardation) of Tibetan rural primary and secondary school students has been improved obviously through the nutrition improvement plan, but the excess nutrition is also increasing.

Epidemiological characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 in Ningbo / 预防医学

Objective@#To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19） cases reported in Ningbo from January 22 to February 22, 2020, so as to provide guidance for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic.@*Methods@#The confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by Ningbo were selected from National Diseases Prevention and Control Information System to analyze the epidemiological characteristics by descriptive epidemiological method, including time, spatial and population distribution, clinical symptoms and exposure history.@*Results@#A total of 157 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported and there was no death. The first confirmed case was reported on January 22. On the incidence curve, the peak was from January 22 to February 4, with a maximum of 15 cases in a single day. The incidence curve presented sustained human-to-human transmission. The number of the cases showed a declining trend from February 5. The confirmed cases were reported in all 10 counties（cities or districts）,among which 69（43.95%）cases were reported in Haishu District. The confirmed cases were mainly 30-69 years old,accounting for 78.34%;were mainly farmers,household workers and retired people,accounting for 59.87%;and were mainly clinically mild,accounting for 87.90%.There were 51 imported cases, accounting for 32.48%. The initial confirmed case was a local case. In the early stage of the epidemic, local cases and imported cases prevalent together,which was due to the outbreak caused by the large-scale buddhist activity on January 19.This event resulted in 67 confirmed cases and 15 asymptomatic cases. There totally reported 22 clusters with 138 （87.90%）confirmed cases. @*Conclusions@# In the early stage of the COVID-19 epidemic in Ningbo, the imported cases and local cases prevalent at the same time. Most of the cases were female, aged from 30 to 69 years, and their occupation were farmers, household workers and retired people. With comprehensive measures taken, the epidemic of COVID-19 in Ningbo have been under control.

Mediating role of adult attachment in childhood abuse and borderline personality disorder in college students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the relationship between childhood abuse, adult attachment and borderline personality disorder (BPD) in college students, and to provide reference for promoting the physical and mental health of college students.@*Methods@#We selected undergraduate students from four colleges in Hefei, a total of 4 034 college students were surveyed by the childhood trauma questionnaire short form(CTQ-SF), the state adult attachment measure (SAAM) and the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire(PDQ).@*Results@#BPD was found in 4.2% of subjects, 4.5% of males and 3.7% of females. The score of BPD in non-single-parent families was lower than that in single-parent families, in families with average family economic status was lower than that in families with poor and good family economic status, and in families with medium father education level was lower than that in fathers with low and high education level(Z=-2.30, 29.25, 9.63, P<0.05). Childhood abuse, avoidant attachment and anxious attachment positively predicted BPD(β=0.21, 0.10, 0.23, P<0.01), secure attachment negatively predicted BPD(β=-0.15, P<0.01). Adult attachment played a partial mediating role in the effects of childhood abuse on BPD, with the mediating effect accounting for 16.7% of the total effect.@*Conclusion@#Adult attachment plays a mediating role in the effects of childhood abuse on BPD.

A whole-transcriptome approach to evaluate reference genes for quantitative diurnal gene expression studies under natural field conditions in Tamarix ramosissima leaves

Background: Tamarix ramosissima is a desert forest tree species that is widely distributed in the drought-stricken areas to sustain the fragile ecosystem. Owing to its wide usage in the desert restoration of Asia, it can be used as an ecophysiological model plant. To obtain reliable and accurate results, a set of reference genes should be screened before gene expression. However, up to date, systematical evaluation of reference genes has not been conducted in T. ramosissima. Results: In this study, we used eigenvalues derived from principal component analysis to identify stable expressed genes from 72,035 unigenes from diurnal transcriptomes under natural field conditions. With combined criteria of read counts above 900 and CV of FPKM below 0.3, a total of 7385 unigenes could be qualified as candidate reference genes in T. ramosissima. By using three statistical algorithm packages, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper, the stabilities of these novel reference genes were further compared with a panel of traditional reference genes. The expression patterns of three aquaporins (AQPs) suggested that at least UBQ (high expression), EIF4A2 (low expression), and GAPDH (moderate expression) could be qualified as ideal reference genes in both RT-PCR and RNA-seq analysis of T. ramosissima. Conclusions: This work will not only facilitate future studies on gene expression and functional analysis of genetic resources of desert plants but also improve our understanding of the molecular regulation of water transport in this plant, which could provide a new clue to further investigate the drought adaptation mechanism of desert plant species under harsh environments.

Medium-term follow-up of laparoscopic surgery on radical gastrectomy with D2 dissection for gastric cancer / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To explore the feasibility and clinical outcome of laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy with D2 dissection by comparing the efficacy of open surgery on radical gastrectomy with D2 dissection for gastric cancer patients. Methods The patients with gastric cancer from October 2008 to August 2013 were divided into two groups according to the different surgical methods. Among them, 175 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery (laparoscopy-assisted surgery group, Group L), and 163 patients underwent laparotomy surgery (open surgery group, Group O). The number of lymph nodes dissected, postoperative recovery, complications, mortality and survival rate of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results There was no significant difference in the number of lymph nodes resect between the two groups [Group L and Group O: (26.3 ± 13.9) vs (26.8 ± 10.2), t = -0.40, P = 0.684]. Compared with open surgery, the laparoscopy-assisted surgery showed significantly less intraoperative blood loss and quicker recovery of gastrointestinal function. The postoperative hospitalization time of laparoscopic group was less than that of laparotomy group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in 3-year survival rate between the two groups (Group L vs Group O: 92.00％ vs 92.63％, P = 0.262). Conclusions Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic gastrectomy is safer and has quicker postoperative recovery. There is no statistical difference in the number of resect lymph nodes between lapamscopic and open gastrectomy.

Allopurinol preconditioning attenuates renal ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting HMGB1 expression in a rat model

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the potential effects of pretreatment with allopurinol on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) in a rat model. METHODS: Twenty four rats were subjected to right kidney uninephrectomy were randomly distributed into the following three groups (n=8): Group A (sham-operated group); Group B (ischemic group) with 30 min of renal ischemia after surgery; and Group C (allopurinol + ischemia group) pretreated with allopurinol at 50 mg/kg for 14 days. At 72 h after renal reperfusion, the kidney was harvested to assess inflammation and apoptosis. RESULTS: Pretreatment with allopurinol significantly improved renal functional and histological grade scores following I/R injury (p<0.05). Compared with Group B, the expression levels of caspase-3 and Bax were markedly reduced in Group C, meanwhile, whereas expression of bcl-2 was clearly increased (p<0.05). A newly described marker of inflammation, High Mobility Group Box 1(HMGB1), showed reduced expression in Group C (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with allopurinol had a protective effect on kidney ischemia/reperfusion injury, which might be related to the inhibition of HMGB1 expression.

Molecular characterization of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide. Selective pressure, the extensive use of antibiotics, and the conjugational transmission of antibiotic resistance genes across bacterial species and genera facilitate the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae. Here, we examined the occurrence, phenotypes and genetic features of MDR K. pneumoniae isolated from patients in intensive care units (ICUs) at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University in Xiamen, China, from January to December 2011. Thirty-eight MDR K. pneumoniae strains were collected. These MDR K. pneumoniae isolates possessed at least seven antibiotic resistance determinants, which contribute to the high-level resistance of these bacteria to aminoglycosides, macrolides, quinolones and β-lactams. Among these isolates, 24 strains were extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers, 2 strains were AmpC producers, and 12 strains were both ESBL and AmpC producers. The 38 MDR isolates also contained class I (28/38) and class II integrons (10/38). All 28 class I-positive isolates contained aacC1, aacC4, orfX, orfX’ and aadA1 genes. β-lactam resistance was conferred through blaSHV (22/38), blaTEM (10/38), and blaCTX-M (7/38). The highly conserved blaKPC-2 (37/38) and blaOXA-23(1/38) alleles were responsible for carbapenem resistance, and a gyrAsite mutation (27/38) and the plasmid-mediated qnrB gene (13/38) were responsible for quinolone resistance. Repetitive-sequence-based PCR (REP-PCR) fingerprinting of these MDR strains revealed the presence of five groups and sixteen patterns. ...

Molecular characterization of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide. Selective pressure, the extensive use of antibiotics, and the conjugational transmission of antibiotic resistance genes across bacterial species and genera facilitate the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae. Here, we examined the occurrence, phenotypes and genetic features of MDR K. pneumoniae isolated from patients in intensive care units (ICUs) at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University in Xiamen, China, from January to December 2011. Thirty-eight MDR K. pneumoniae strains were collected. These MDR K. pneumoniae isolates possessed at least seven antibiotic resistance determinants, which contribute to the high-level resistance of these bacteria to aminoglycosides, macrolides, quinolones and β-lactams. Among these isolates, 24 strains were extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers, 2 strains were AmpC producers, and 12 strains were both ESBL and AmpC producers. The 38 MDR isolates also contained class I (28/38) and class II integrons (10/38). All 28 class I-positive isolates contained aacC1, aacC4, orfX, orfX’ and aadA1 genes. β-lactam resistance was conferred through bla_SHV (22/38), bla_TEM (10/38), and bla_CTX-M (7/38). The highly conserved bla_KPC-2 (37/38) and bla_OXA-23(1/38) alleles were responsible for carbapenem resistance, and a gyrAsite mutation (27/38) and the plasmid-mediated qnrB gene (13/38) were responsible for quinolone resistance. Repetitive-sequence-based PCR (REP-PCR) fingerprinting of these MDR strains revealed the presence of five groups and sixteen patterns. ...

Epidemiological and molecular characterization of community and hospital acquired Staphylococcus aureus strains prevailing in Shenyang, Northeastern China

In order to obtain adequate information for the treatment of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, it is crucial to identify trends in epidemiological and antimicrobial resistance patterns of local S. aureus strains. Community and hospital acquired S. aureus isolates (n = 202) were characterized using staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis, spa typing and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. The prevalence of the Panton-Valentine leukocidine (pvl) and several antibiotic resistance genes among the isolates were also detected by PCR. All of the S. aureus isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, daptomycin and linezolid. Three hospital isolates were resistant to teicoplanin while 14 showed intermediate resistance to teicoplanin. The resistance patterns of community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) isolates to other antimicrobials were similar to those of hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA) isolates except for clindamycin and gentamicin. There was excellent correlation between phenotypes and genotypes in the determination of S. aureus resistance to erythromycin, gentamicin, and tetracycline. The SCCmec type II and SCCmec type IV were the predominant types detected in hospital and community isolates, respectively. The most frequently encountered spa types were t002 and t030 both in HA-and CA-MRSA isolates. Pulsotype A was the most predominant pulsotype identified among the isolates tested, followed by pulsotype B. Seventy-two hospital isolates (19 HA-MRSA and 53 HA-MSSA) and 10 CA-MRSA were positive for the pvl gene. This study shows that the combination of susceptibility testing and various molecular methods has provided useful information on the antibiotic resistance and molecular diversity of S. aureus in a specific region of China. The high proportion of pvl positive MSSA and MRSA isolates observed in this study indicates that adequate measures are needed to curtail the spread of those MRSA and MSSA clones prevailing both in hospital and the community.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 interacts with the thyroid hormone receptor α1 and modulates transcription of thyroid hormone responsive gene / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the interaction between insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and thyroid hormone receptor α1 (TRα1) and the modulatory effect of IGFBP-3 on transcription of the thyroid hormone responsive gene.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The interaction between IGFBP-3 and TRα1 was detected with glutathione-S-transferase pull-down method, co-immunoprecipitation, fluorescence resonance energy transfer test. The cellular distribution of these two proteins was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The effect of IGFBP-3 on the growth hormone promoter activity stimulated by triiodothyronine (T3) was determined by dual-luciferase reporter assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>IGFBP-3 interacted with TRα1 both in vivo and in vitro. IGFBP-3 and TRα1 were shown to co-localize in the nucleus of HEK-293 cells. The overexpressed IGFBP-3 inhibited the growth hormone promoter activity stimulated by T3 (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>IGFBP-3 interacts with TRα1 and inhibits T3 responsive gene transcription. This finding further confirms the insulin-like growth factor-independent role of IGFBP-3 in the nucleus.</p>

Lack of response in severe pneumocystis pneumonia to combined caspofungin and clindamycin treatment: a case report / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is among the most common opportunistic infections in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Although trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the first line therapy for that condition given its efficacy, approximately one third of patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity. For cases of severe to moderate PCP, if TMP-SMX treatment fails or is contraindicated, primaquine combined with clindamycin or intravenous pentamidine is recommended as second line therapy. However, both primaquine and pentamidine are associated with severe adverse reactions and often unavailable at hospitals in China.As a result, other treatment options have been explored. Caspofungin, an echinocandin, has broad antifungal activity against a wide range of fungi including Candida and Aspergillus species. Cases of PCP patients treated with caspofungin have been reported, although conflicting conclusions have been arrived at. In addition, the use of caspofungin and clindamycin as the first line therapy for severe PCP in AIDS patients has not been reported yet. This article described an AIDS case with severe PCP, treated with the combination of caspofungin and clindamycin.

Treatment of abdominal injuries: a report of 522 cases / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To make a summary of the experiences in the treatment of abdominal injuries.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective study was done on 522 cases of abdominal injuries in our department from January 1986 to December 2004.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of all,382 cases were treated by surgery and 140 by conservative method. Among the surgically treated cases, 347 patients (90.8%) recovered, 35(9.2%) died and 21 had postoperative complications (5.6%). For patients undergoing conservative treatment, 139(99.3%) recovered but one (0.7%) died.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The severity of abdominal injury and delayed treatment are two key factors leading to death. Surgical procedure is still the main method against alternative abdominal injuries. It is necessary to strictly control the indications in conservative treatment.</p>

Trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis for early correction of midfacial hypoplasia in children: a primary clinical report / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To probe the possibility of trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis for correction of children midfacial hypoplasia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The trans-sutural distraction system of mid-facial skeleton consisted of the bone-borne traction hooks of titanium, the face-bow, and the elastic loops. Nine children with midfacial hypoplasia were treated at their 6 - 12 years of age. No osteotomy was made in them. Bone holes were drilled with a dental bur at each side of the lateral-inferior rim of the aperture, or at the anterior part of the hard palate. The traction device was hatched to the holes through the nostrils. Protraction began 3 days postoperatively, with the forces adjusted dependently upon the rate of progress. When the skeleton reached to the planed position, it was retained with a minor force for 8 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mid-facial skeleton of the nine children showed a balanced advancement. Their facial profile and cross-bite were corrected satisfactory.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Patients with severe mid-facial hypoplasia could be corrected ideally by the new technique, with minor trauma, easy manipulation. The design of protraction system was reasonable.</p>

Responses of dogs at different ages and long-term effects for midface skeleton protraction / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the factor of age related to protraction response.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Four 12-week mongrel dogs in the same nest were randomly assigned into two groups: the control (n = 1) and the experimental groups (n = 3). Four pairs of titanium bone markers were fixed on either side of the bone sutures of all animals. Distraction device was fitted in the experimental group, A forward elastic force was exerted through the device for 1 month. Midface skeleton protraction was applied to experimental group at different age. Dog 2 was started at 12 weeks of age. Dog 3 was started at 16 weeks of age. Dog 4 was started at 20 weeks of age. The protraction force was 600g. All the animals were sacrificed at their age of 9 months. The results were evaluated clinically, radiographically, and cephalometrically.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the animals in the experimental group showed progressively forward movement of the maxilla at the end of the experiment. In the same condition, the younger age appeared to have more effective in treatment than the older age. After 3 approximately 4 weeks stagnation, the maxilla gradually recovered normal growth.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The younger age lead more effective protraction than the older age. Persistent elastic distraction at the medium position of midface brought stable effects and no influence on facial growth.</p>