Technical Report: A Cost-Effective, Easily Available Tofu Model for Training Residents in Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Thyroid Nodule Targeting Punctures

OBJECTIVE: To establish a cost-effective and easily available phantom for training residents in ultrasound-guided fine needle thyroid nodule targeting punctures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tofu, drinking straws filled with coupling gel, a urine tube, and 21-gauge needles were used to generate a phantom thyroid with nodules for training. Twelve radiology residents were involved in the study. The puncture success rates were recorded and compared before and after phantom training using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: On ultrasonography, tofu mimicked the texture of the thyroid. Drinking straws filled with coupling gel mimicked vessels. The urine tube filled with air mimicked the trachea, and 21-gauge needles mimicked small nodules in the transverse section. The entire phantom was similar to the structure of the thyroid and surrounding tissues. The puncture success rates of radiology residents were significantly increased from 34.4 ± 14.2% to 66.7 ± 19.5% after training (p = 0.003). The phantom was constructed in approximately 10 minutes and materials cost less than CNY 10 (approximately $ 1.5) at a local store. CONCLUSION: The tofu model was cost-effective, easily attainable, and effective for training residents in ultrasound-guided fine needle thyroid nodule targeting punctures in vitro.

Analysis of allergen screening results in 2413 children with allergic rhinitis in Children's Hospital of Fudan University / 中国实用儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the allergens in children with allergic rhinitis and provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis in children. METHODS: Allergens were detected in 2413 children with allergic rhinitis by immunoblotting from January 2013 to July 2018 in Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,Children's Hospital of Fudan University. RESULTS: The first four inhaled allergens were house dust mites,mixed mold,dog hair and house dust,each accounting for 49.52%,23.62%,17.99%,and 15.54%. The first four food-borne allergens were milk,eggs,cashews,and crabs,each accounting for 46.54%,22.92%,19.10%,and 9.45%. Most patients with allergic rhinitis(46.33%)have both inhaled and ingestive allergies.There was a statistically significant difference in the positive rate of allergens between male and female children(P<0.05). With age increasing,the positive rate of inhaled allergens in children gradually increased,and the positive rate of ingestive allergens gradually decreased. CONCLUSION: The inhaled allergens in Shanghai are mainly dust mites and mixed molds. The food-borne allergens are mainly milk and eggs. The detection of allergens can help to understand the allergic state of children.

Clinical application of H_1 antihistamines in children with allergic rhinitis / 中国实用儿科杂志

The incidence of allergic rhinitis in children increases year by year,and H_1 antihistamines play a role in the control of allergic diseases by blocking the binding of histamine and H_1 receptor. The second-generation H_1 antihistamines have more stable binding,better specificity,lower central inhibitory effect and longer action time,and can effectively improve the symptoms of the nose and eyes,which is the firstline drug for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in children. At present,there aren't objective testing methods to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of antihistamines. Therefore,the dosage for children should be adjusted according to body weight,appropriate dosage forms should be selected,age limit should be paid attention to,dosage varieties should be individualized as far as possible,and reasonable course of treatment should be applied.

A New High-throughput Real-time PCR Assay for the Screening of Multiple Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Broiler Fecal Samples from China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global concern and is especially severe in China. To effectively and reliably provide AMR data, we developed a new high-throughput real-time PCR assay based on microfluidic dynamic technology, and screened multiple AMR genes in broiler fecal samples.@*METHODS@#A high-throughput real-time PCR system with an new designed integrated fluidic circuit assay were performed AMR gene detection. A total of 273 broiler fecal samples collected from two geographically separated farms were screened AMR genes.@*RESULTS@#The new assay with limits of detection ranging from 40.9 to 8,000 copies/reaction. The sensitivity rate, specificity rate, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and correct indices were 99.30%, 98.08%, 95.31%, 99.79%, and 0.9755, respectively. Utilizing this assay, we demonstrate that AMR genes are widely spread, with positive detection rates ranging from 0 to 97.07% in 273 broiler fecal samples. blaCTX-M, blaTEM, mcr-1, fexA, cfr, optrA, and intI1 showed over 80% prevalence. The dissemination of AMR genes was distinct between the two farms.@*CONCLUSION@#We successfully established a new high-throughput real-time PCR assay applicable to AMR gene surveillance from fecal samples. The widespread existence of AMR genes detected in broiler farms highlights the current and severe problem of AMR.

Clinical Study on Tendons Layer Overall Release Treatment by Needle Knife for Third Lumbar Transverse Process Syndrome / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of tendons layer overall release treatment by needle knife for the third lumbar transverse process syndrome (TLTPS). Methods Totally 66 cases of TLTPS patients were divided into control group and experimental groups by using random number table method, with 33 cases in each group. L3 spinous process opened 3 cm looking for tenderness. Control group received lumbar transverse pressure tender point knife release treatment. On the basis of control group, experimental group received tendons layer overall release treatment by needle knife. Both control group and experimental group received treatment once. VAS and ODI before treatment and after treatment of 1, 2 and 3 months were observed. Clinical efficacy was evaluated. Adverse reactions and complications were observed. Results The experimental group and control group lost 1 and 2 cases, respectively. Compared with before treatment, the VAS and ODI in both groups after treatment decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, the VAS and ODI in the experimental group were lower than those of the control group, with statistical significance (P<0.05). The total effective rate of clinical efficacy was 96.88% (31/32) in the experimental group and 93.55% (29/31) in the control group, with experimental group better than the control group (Z=-2.756, P=0.006). There were no adverse reactions or complications in both groups. Conclusion Tendons layer overall release treatment combined with lumbar transverse pressure tender point knife release treatment for TLTPS can significantly improve the clinical efficacy of TLTPS, with long effects.

Inhibitory effect of apatinib on HCT-116 cells and its mechanism / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the inhibitory effects of apatinib on colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 cells in vitro and the signaling pathways involved.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The cytotoxicity of different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 µmol/L) of apatinib in HCT-116 cells was assessed by MTT assay, using capecitabine as the positive control. The apoptosis rate of apatinib-treated HCT-116 cells was detected using flow cytometry, and the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 were determined with quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. The effect of apatinib on the expressions of Akt, pAkt, Erk1/2 and pErk1/2 in HCT-116 cells was evaluated using Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Apatinib significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCT-116 cells in a concentration-dependent manner with an ICvalue of 1.335 µmol/L. Flow cytometric analysis showed that apatinib significantly increased the apoptotic rate of HCT-116 cells dose-dependently. Apatinib induced the expression of the pro-apoptotic genes Bax and caspase-3 at both the mRNA and protein levels while inhibited the expression of the anti- apoptotic gene Bcl-2. The expressions of p-Akt and p-Erk1/2 were decreased in HCT-116 cells after apatinib treatment, but the total protein levels did not undergo obvious changes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Apatinib inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis of HCT-116 cells by suppressing the phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and Akt in the MAPK/Erk and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.</p>

Reconstruction of partial defects at the end of the fingers / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the reconstruction of partial defects at the end of the thumbs and other fingers with microsurgical free toe flaps.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>21 partial defects (19 cases) at the end of thumbs and other fingers were reconstructed with microsurgical free toe flaps taking from the corresponding toe part.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the free flaps survived. The patients were followed up for 3 - 6 months. The aesthetic and functional results were both satisfactory. The two-point-discrimination distance was 4 - 6 mm.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The microsurgical free toe flaps have good therapeutic effect for the reconstruction of partial defects at the end of the fingers.</p>

Pemberton acetabuloplasty for treating the developmental dislocation of hip joint / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study advantages of Pemberton acetabuloplasty for the treatment of developmental dislocation of hip joint.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Among 106 children (116 hips) with development dislocation of hip joint treated by Pemberton acetabuloplasty, 19 patients (29 hips) were boy, and 87 patients (87 hips) were girl, 46 hips were left side, 50 hips were right side and 20 hips were double side, ranging in age from 18 months to 13 years, with an average of 7 years and 3 months. All the 116 hips were treated with Pemberton acetabuloplasty, or "complete operation", which included the cutting of adductor and iliopsoas, Pemberton acetabuloplasty combined with subtrochanteric femoral shortening and rotation osteotomy. Among the hips, 95 hips were treated with simple Pemberton acetabuloplasty, and the other 21 hips were treated with complete operation. All the patients with bilateral developmental dislocation of hip joint were performed the operation at one side firstly, and one year later the other side were performed and the plate fixation in the first operation were removed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were followed-up ranging from 2 to 10 years, with an average of 6 years. According to Muller and Seddon's evaluation criteria, 67 hips got an excellent result, 34 good, 10 fair and 5 bad, the excellent and good rate was 87%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pemberton acetabuloplasty is suitable for the treatment of developmental dislocation of hip joint in children at different ages, and the therapeutic effects are good.</p>

Orthodontic treatment of malocclusion with mandibular congenital missing teeth guided by Bolton index / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the outcome of the treatment of malocclusion with mandibular congenital missing teeth guided by Bolton index.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>26 class I and II cases (males 10, females 16) were chosen in this study. Guided by Bolton index, enamel stripping, denture and two types of tooth extraction were used in the treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Normal Bolton index was achieved and the results of treatment were satisfactory.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Malocclusion with mandibular congenital missing teeth can be treated successfully guided by Bolton index.</p>

Effect of elastic stress on expression of corebinding factor a 1 mRNA in human periodontal ligament cells in vitro / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the osteoblast-like characteristics of human periodontal ligament cells affected by elastic stress in vitro, and the role of corebinding factor a 1 (cbfa1) in alveolar bone formation during orthodontic tooth movement.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat dig-labeled cbfa1 cDNA probe was prepared from SD rat osteoblasts cultured in vitro. Human periodontal ligament cells were cultured on the elastic bottom plate and stimulated by elastic stress using mechanical loading system for cultured cells in vitro. The expression of cbfa1 mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Cbfa1 mRNA express in human periodontal ligament cells stimulated by elastic stress and did not express in normal human periodontal ligament cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is suggested that elastic stress plays a role in the differentiation process from human periodontal ligament cells to osteoblast-like cells. Cbfa1 is a transcription factor in alveolar bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement.</p>