The effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on duodenal bulbar microbiota in children with duodenal ulcer / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of duodenal bulbar microbiota in children with duodenal ulcer and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection. Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled 23 children with duodenal ulcers diagnosed by gastroscopy who were admitted to the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine due to abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and vomiting from January 2018 to August 2018. They were divided into Hp-positive and Hp-negative groups according to the presence or absence of Hp infection. Duodenal bulbar mucosa was sampled to detect the bacterial DNA by high-throughput sequencing. The statistical difference in α diversity and β diversity, and the relative abundance in taxonomic level between the two groups were compared. Microbial functions were predicted using the software PICRUSt. T-test, Rank sum test or χ2 test were used for comparison between the two groups. Results: A total of 23 children diagnosed with duodenal ulcer were enrolled in this study, including 15 cases with Hp infection ((11.2±3.3) years of age, 11 males and 4 females) and 8 cases without Hp infection ((10.1±4.4) years of age, 6 males and 2 females). Compared with Hp-negative group, the Hp-positive group had higher Helicobacter abundance (0.551% (0.258%, 5.368%) vs. 0.143% (0.039%, 0.762%), Z=2.00, P=0.045) and lower abundance of Fusobacterium, Streptococcus and unclassified- Comamonadaceae (0.010% (0.001%, 0.031%) vs. 0.049% (0.011%, 0.310%), Z=-2.24, P=0.025; 0.031% (0.015%, 0.092%) vs. 0.118% (0.046%, 0.410%), Z=-2.10, P=0.036; 0.046% (0.036%, 0.062%) vs. 0.110% (0.045%, 0.176%), Z=-2.01, P=0.045). Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect sized showed that at the genus level, only Helicobacter was significantly enriched in Hp-positive group (LDA=4.89, P=0.045), while Streptococcus and Fusobacterium significantly enriched in Hp-negative group (LDA=3.28, 3.11;P=0.036,0.025, respectively). PICRUSt microbial function prediction showed that the expression of oxidative phosphorylation and disease-related pathways (pathways in cancer, renal cell carcinoma, amoebiasis, type 1 diabetes mellitus) in Hp-positive group were significantly higher than that in Hp-negative group (all P<0.05), while the expression of pathways such as energy metabolism and phosphotransferase system pathways were significantly lower than that in Hp-negative group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: In children with Hp-infected duodenal ulcers, the mucosal microbiota of the duodenal bulb is altered, characterized by an increased abundance of Helicobacter and a decreased abundance of Clostridium and Streptococcus, and possibly alters the biological function of the commensal microbiota through specific metabolic pathways.

Clinical analysis of endoscopic esophageal dilation for the treatment of corrosive esophageal strictures in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the clinical application of endoscopic esophageal dilation in the treatment of corrosive esophageal strictures in children.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 15 children with corrosive esophageal strictures who underwent endoscopic esophageal dilation in Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The clinical features, treatment modality of endoscopic esophageal dilation, number of dilations, complications, and prognosis were reviewed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 96 esophageal dilations were performed in the 15 children with corrosive esophageal strictures, with a median of 6 dilations per child. Among them, 9 children (60%) underwent 6 or more dilations. The children with a stricture length of >3 cm had a significantly higher number of dilations than those with a stricture length of ≤3 cm (P<0.05). The children with strictures in a single segment had a significantly better treatment outcome than those with strictures in multiple segments (P=0.005). No complication was observed during all sessions of dilation. The overall effective rate (including significant improvement and improvement) of endoscopic esophageal dilation treatment was 87%, with 2 cases of failure.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Endoscopic esophageal dilation is an effective and relatively safe treatment method for corrosive esophageal strictures in children, and children with strictures in a single segment tend to have a better treatment outcome than those with strictures in multiple segments.

Performance of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detection of Schistosoma japonicum infection in Oncomelania snails in schistosomiasis transmission-interrupted regions / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To compare the effectiveness of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay and microscopic examinations for detection of Schistosoma japonicum infections in Oncomelania hupensis in transmission-interrupted regions, so as to provide insights into the optimization of snail surveillance tools in these regions. Methods Four hilly schistosomiasis-endemic villages where transmission interruption was achieved were selected in Heqing County of Yunnan Province as the study villages, including Xinzhuang and Gule villages in hilly regions and Lianyi and Yitou villages in dam regions. Snail survey was performed by means of systematic sampling combined with environmental sampling in July 2018. All captured snails were identified for S. japonicum infections using microscopy. In addition, 10 to 20 snails were randomly sampled from each snail habitat following microscopy, numbered according to environments and subjected to LAMP assay. The positive rate of settings with S. japonicum-infected snails was compared among villages. Results A total of 7 949 living snails were captured from 83 snail habitats in 4 villages, and no S. japonicum infection was detected in snails. There were 226 mixed samples containing 1 786 snails subjected to LAMP assay, and positive LAMP assay was found in 3 mixed samples from 3 snail habitats in 2 dam villages. The positive rates of settings with S. japonicum-infected snails were comparable between Lianyi Village (one setting) and Yitou Village (2 set tings) (5.89% vs. 14.29%, P = 0.344). However, the overall positive rate of settings with S. japonicum-infected snails was significantly higher in dam villages (9.67%, 3/31) than in hilly villages (0) (P = 0.048). Conclusions LAMP assay is more sensitive to detect S. japonicum infections in O. hupensis than conventional microcopy method, which may serve as a supplementary method for detection of S. japonicum infections in O. hupensis in high-risk snail habitats in hilly transmission-interrupted regions.

Age distribution characteristics of intestinal segmented filamentous bacteria and their relationship with intestinal mucosal immunity in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the age distribution characteristics of intestinal segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) in children and their relationship with intestinal mucosal immunity.@*METHODS@#The fresh feces of 177 children and the ileocecal fluid of 47 children during colonoscopy were collected. The SFB was determined by real-time PCR. The concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The numbers of interleukin 17A (IL-17A) cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes in the terminal ileum mucosa and the expression of transcription factors associated with the differentiation of T helper (Th) cells, T-box transcription factor (T-bet), forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), and retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (ROR-γt), were determined by immunohistochemistry.@*RESULTS@#The positive rate of intestinal SFB in these children was 19.2% (34/177). Trend analysis showed that the positive rate of SFB was correlated with age: the rates for children aged 0-, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-15 years were 40%, 47%, 32%, 15%, 12%, 13%, 15% and 4% respectively (P<0.001). The concentration of sIgA in intestinal fluid was significantly higher in SFB-positive children (n=24) than in SFB-negative children (n=23) (P<0.01). The number of intraepithelial lymphocytes in the terminal ileum mucosa and the expression of T-bet, FOXP3, and ROR-γt were not significantly different between the SFB-positive group (n=12) and the SFB-negative group (n=11), but the number of IL-17A cells in the terminal ileum mucosa was significantly lower in the SFB-positive group than in the SFB-negative group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Intestinal SFB colonization in children is age-related, and the colonization rate is relatively high in children under 3 years old. In SFB-positive children, the secretion of intestinal sIgA is increased, while the number of IL-17A cells in the terminal ileum is reduced.

Clinical features and prognosis of gastrointestinal injury due to foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract in children: a retrospective analysis of 217 cases / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical features and prognosis of gastrointestinal injury caused by foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 217 children who were diagnosed with foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract complicated by gastrointestinal injury by gastroscopy from January 2011 to December 2016, including clinical features, gastroscopic findings, complications, and prognosis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 217 children, 114 (52.5%) were aged 1-3 years. The most common foreign body was coin (99/217, 45.6%), followed by hard/sharp-edged food (45/217, 20.7%) and metal (35/217, 16.1%). The most common gastrointestinal mucosal injury was ulceration (43.8%), followed by erosion (33.2%). Compared with other foreign bodies, button cells were significantly more likely to cause esophageal perforation (P<0.01). The esophagus was the most commonly injured organ (207/217, 95.4%). Of all the 217 children, 24 (11.1%) experienced infection. The children with perforation caused by foreign bodies had a significantly higher incidence rate of infection than those with ulceration caused by foreign bodies (P=0.003). Of all the 217 children, 204 (94.0%) underwent successful endoscopic removal of foreign bodies. Among these children, 98 were hospitalized due to severe mucosal injury and were given anti-infective therapy, antacids, and supportive care including enteral nutrition through a nasogastric tube and/or parenteral nutrition. Of all the children, 10 left the hospital and were lost to follow-up, and all the other children were improved and discharged.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Most cases of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract occur at 1-3 years of age. Coin, hard/sharp-edged food, and metal are the most common foreign bodies. Button cells are more likely to cause esophageal perforation. The incidence rate of secondary infection increases with the increasing severity of gastrointestinal mucosal injury. Children undergoing endoscopic removal of foreign bodies and enteral nutrition through a nasogastric tube tend to have a good prognosis.</p>

Pancreatitis as the initial manifestation and abdominal lymph node enlargement in a boy / 中国当代儿科杂志

A boy aged 14 years had abdominal pain as the major manifestation, with elevated serum amylase and lipase. Abdominal ultrasound performed early after onset in another hospital showed enlargement of the pancreas and a reduction in echo. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed pancreatic duct dilation and an unclear image of the head of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis was considered. However, his symptoms were not relieved after fasting, fluid infusion, anti-acid therapy, and somatostatin therapy. Then, abdominal CT scan and MRCP found multiple low-density lesions of the pancreas and enlargement of the hilar and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Exploratory laparotomy found pancreatic edema and multiple hilar nodules with unclear boundaries, and pathological biopsy showed anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. Since the liver, the spleen, bone marrow, and the central nervous system were not involved, he was diagnosed with stage III primary pancreatic lymphoma. After vindesine and dexamethasone were used to reduce tumor load, the patient underwent vindesine-pirarubicin-asparaginase-dexamethasone chemotherapy once and vinorelbine-dexamethasone chemotherapy 8 times. Imaging examination still showed multiple low-density lesions of the pancreas and retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement. His parents discontinued treatment. It is concluded that the rare causes of acute pancreatitis with poor response to conventional treatment should be considered, especially for patients with abdominal lymph node enlargement. Extranodal lymphoma should be considered, and lymph node biopsy should be performed as early as possible to confirm diagnosis. The prognosis of pancreatic lymphoma is associated with clinical stage and pathology.

Penoplasty with T-shaped incision and three-point fixation for concealed penis / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To search for a safe and effective method of penoplasty with low incidence of complications for concealed penis by evaluating penoplasty with T-shaped incision and three-point fixation in comparison with modified Devine's technique.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed 169 cases of concealed penis treated in our center by penoplasty with T-shaped incision and three-point fixation (group A, n = 110) or modified Devine's surgery (group B, n = 59). We compared the operation time, postoperative complications, and recurrence rate between the two groups of patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Operations were successfully completed in all the cases, the urinary catheters removed at 3 days and the elastic bandages applied for 2 to 4 weeks. The patients were followed up for 4 to 12 months. The penis was satisfactorily exposed. The operative time was significantly shorter in group A than in B (［52.8 ± 6.9］ vs ［61.5 ± 10.6］ min, P < 0.001), the postoperative complication rate was obviously lower in the former than in the latter (prepuce edema: 17.27% ［19/110］ vs 33.89% ［20/59］, P = 0.021; bleeding: 0.90% ［1/110］ vs 3.38% ［2/59］, P = 0.552; skin necrosis: 0.90% ［1/110］ vs 5.08% ［3/59］, P = 0.123; skin infection: 0.90% ［1/110］ vs 5.08% ［3/59］, P = 0.123), and so was the recurrence rate (0.90% ［1/110］ vs 6.77% ［4/59］, P = 0.032).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Penoplasty with T-shaped incision and three-point fixation deserves to be popularized clinically for its advantages of minor invasion, clear exposure, reliable penile fixation, low incidence of postoperative complications and recurrence, and satisfactory outcomes.</p>

Etiological factors for calculus-associated seminal vesiculitis: Analysis of calculus composition in 6 cases / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the etiological factors for calculus-associated seminal vesiculitis by analyzing the composition of seminal vesicle calculus samples.@*METHODS@#This retrospective study included 6 cases of recurrent hematospermia diagnosed with seminal vesicle calculus by non-contrast pelvic CT. The patients were aged 28 to 69 years, with persistent or recurrent hematospermia for 3 months to 6 years, and 5 of them with a history of acute urethritis. All the patients underwent seminal vesiculoscopy, which confirmed calculus-associated seminal vesiculitis. The calculus samples were obtained with a spiral dislodge and their composition was determined with a second-generation infrared calculus composition analyzer. The patients were followed up for 2 to 12 weeks postoperatively, during which non-contrast pelvic CT was employed for observation of recurrent calculus in the reproductive tract.@*RESULTS@#Pelvic CT scanning indicated recurrence of seminal vesicle calculus in 3 cases at 12 weeks postoperatively, of which, 2 were accompanied with recurrent hematospermia, both observed at 4 weeks after operation. As for the composition of the calculus, the infrared calculus composition analyzer revealed struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate) in 5 cases and a mixture of calcium oxalate dihydrate, calcium oxalate monohydrate, and carbonate apatite in the other one.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Seminal vesicle calculi are most commonly composed of struvite, and infection is the main etiological factor for calculus-associated seminal vesiculitis.

Biomechanical properties of cervical traction under neck muscle force / 医用生物力学

Objective To establish a three-dimensional(3D) finite element model of cervical vertebrae (C1-7), and study its biomechanical properties under muscle force by cervical traction, so as to provide references for clinical treatment. Methods On the basis of nonlinear finite element model of normal cervical vertebrae and combined with clinical traction methods, cervical traction at the extension angle of 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40° under the same traction weight, was simulated by finite element analysis (FEA) software to obtain and select the joint force and muscle force that were appropriate for FEA on the model. Results In the process of cervical extension by traction, under the muscle force, the average maximum equivalent stress of cervical vertebrae, intervertebral disc and uncovertebral joints increased by 4.86, 1.79, 0.69 MPa, respectively, and the average maximum relative displacement of cervical vertebrae in sagittal and vertical axis direction increased by 11.1, 1.26 mm, respectively. The biomechanical properties of cervical traction were similar to the FEA results reported in the literature. Conclusions Neck muscles play an active role in promoting the stress and displacement of cervical vertebrae, intervertebral discs and uncovertebral joints and it should be taken into consideration when performing cervical traction in clinic. In addition, the traction angle should not be too large: 0°-20° is generally recommended as a relatively safe angle range at the initial stage.

Dynamic simulation analysis on gait features of hemiplegic patients / 医用生物力学

Objective To study the intrinsic relationship between hemiplegic gait features and abnormal muscle strength of lower limbs, so as to elucidate the muscle strength causes of hemiplegic gait and provide recommendations for its clinical treatment. Methods Models of hemiplegic gait and normal gait were established for simulation, and the validity of the models was verified by comparing the simulation model with measured data of the normal gait. The differences in kinetic data, ground reaction force (GRF) and muscle force between the two models were analyzed to explore the different dynamic characteristic of hemiplegic gait and normal gait. Results The complex correlation coefficient between LifeMOD simulation results and measured data was 0.922, indicating that the established dynamic model was reasonable and effective. Hemiplegic patient with low tibialis anterior muscle strength led to ankle dorsiflexion inadequacy during initial ground period, and low gastrocnemius muscle could not achieve the promoting effect from ground during preswing period. Conclusions The strength weakness of tibialis anterior muscle and gastrocnemius are the main reasons for foot drooping and other hemiplegic gait characteristics. LifeMOD modeling and simulation can assist the diagnosis of abnormal muscle strength in hemiplegia patients.

Static and gait finite element analysis on individualized titanium alloy pelvic prosthesis manufactured by 3D printing / 医用生物力学

Objective To evaluate the biomechanical properties of 3D printed individualized titanium alloy pelvic prosthesis in static and gait states by the method of finite element analysis. Methods Three patients with different types of pelvic tumors were treated by hemi-pelvic arthroplasty with resection of hemi-pelvis. CT and MRI were performed before the surgery, and the corresponding individualized titanium alloy pelvic prostheses were designed. The pelvic models were reconstructed with 3D reconstruction technique, and then assembled with the individualized pelvic prostheses. The human skeletal muscle model was established by AnyBody software to perform gait dynamics analysis. The stress distribution and stress concentration areas of 3 reconstructed pelvic models in static and gait states were obtained by ABAQUS. Results Under both static and gait conditions, the maximum stress of the 3 pelvic prostheses was smaller than the yield strength of the titanium alloy. The pelvic ring of the reconstructed pelvis could meet the rule of stress conduction. The patients’ daily life returned to normal condition after the surgery. Conclusions The effect of 3D prosthetic titanium prosthesis on recovery of pelvic ring is satisfactory, and its effectiveness and stability can meet the requirement of human biomechanics. The analytic results can provide references for clinicians and prosthesis designers.

Biomechanical properties of cervical traction under neck muscle force / 医用生物力学

Objective To establish a three-dimensional(3D) finite element model of cervical vertebrae (C1-7),and study its biomechanical properties under muscle force by cervical traction,so as to provide references for clinical treatment.Methods On the basis of nonlinear finite element model of normal cervical vertebrae and combined with clinical traction methods,cervical traction at the extension angle of 0°,10°,20°,30°,40° under the same traction weight,was simulated by finite element analysis (FEA) software to obtain and select the joint force and muscle force that were appropriate for FEA on the model.Results In the process of cervical extension by traction,under the muscle force,the average maximum equivalent stress of cervical vertebrae,intervertebral disc and uncovertebral joints increased by 4.86,1.79,0.69 MPa,respectively,and the average maximum relative displacement of cervical vertebrae in sagittal and vertical axis direction increased by 1 1.1,1.26 mm,respectively.The biomechanical properties of cervical traction were similar to the FEA results reported in the literature.Conclusions Neck muscles play an active role in promoting the stress and displacement of cervical vertebrae,intervertebral discs and uncovertebral joints and it should be taken into consideration when performing cervical traction in clinic.In addition,the traction angle should not be too large:0.-20. is generally recommended as a relatively safe angle range at the initial stage.

Biomechanical properties of cervical traction under neck muscle force / 医用生物力学

Objective To establish a three-dimensional(3D) finite element model of cervical vertebrae (C1-7),and study its biomechanical properties under muscle force by cervical traction,so as to provide references for clinical treatment.Methods On the basis of nonlinear finite element model of normal cervical vertebrae and combined with clinical traction methods,cervical traction at the extension angle of 0°,10°,20°,30°,40° under the same traction weight,was simulated by finite element analysis (FEA) software to obtain and select the joint force and muscle force that were appropriate for FEA on the model.Results In the process of cervical extension by traction,under the muscle force,the average maximum equivalent stress of cervical vertebrae,intervertebral disc and uncovertebral joints increased by 4.86,1.79,0.69 MPa,respectively,and the average maximum relative displacement of cervical vertebrae in sagittal and vertical axis direction increased by 1 1.1,1.26 mm,respectively.The biomechanical properties of cervical traction were similar to the FEA results reported in the literature.Conclusions Neck muscles play an active role in promoting the stress and displacement of cervical vertebrae,intervertebral discs and uncovertebral joints and it should be taken into consideration when performing cervical traction in clinic.In addition,the traction angle should not be too large:0.-20. is generally recommended as a relatively safe angle range at the initial stage.

Dynamic simulation analysis on gait features of hemiplegic patients / 医用生物力学

Objective To study the intrinsic relationship between hemiplegic gait features and abnormal muscle strength of lower limbs,so as to elucidate the muscle strength causes of hemiplegic gait and provide recommendations for its clinical treatment.Methods Models of hemiplegic gait and normal gait were established for simulation,and the validity of the models was verified by comparing the simulation model with measured data of the normal gait.The differences in kinetic data,ground reaction force (GRF) and muscle force between the two models were analyzed to explore the different dynamic characteristic of hemiplegic gait and normal gait.Results The complex correlation coefficient between LifeMOD simulation results and measured data was 0.922,indicating that the established dynamic model was reasonable and effective.Hemiplegic patient with low tibialis anterior muscle strength led to ankle dorsiflexion inadequacy during initial ground period,and low gastrocnemius muscle could not achieve the promoting effect from ground during preswing period.Conclusions The strength weakness of tibialis anterior muscle and gastrocnemius are the main reasons for foot drooping and other hemiplegic gait characteristics.LifeMOD modeling and simulation can assist the diagnosis of abnormal muscle strength in hemiplegia patients.

Static and gait finite element analysis on individualized titanium alloy pelvic prosthesis manufactured by 3D printing / 医用生物力学

Objective To evaluate the biomechanical properties of 3 D printed individualized titanium alloy pelvicprosthesis in static and gait states by the method of finite element analysis.Methods Three patients with different types of pelvic tumors were treated by hemi-pelvic arthroplasty with resection of hemi-pelvis.CT and MRI were performed before the surgery,and the corresponding individualized titanium alloy pelvic prostheses were designed.The pelvic models were reconstructed with 3D reconstruction technique,and then assembled with the individualized pelvic prostheses.The human skeletal muscle model was established by AnyBody software to perform gait dynamics analysis.The stress distribution and stress concentration areas of 3 reconstructed pelvic models in static and gait states were obtained by ABAQUS.Results Under both static and gait conditions,the maximum stress of the 3 pelvic prostheses was smaller than the yield strength of the titanium alloy.The pelvic ring of the reconstructed pelvis could meet the rule of stress conduction.The patients' daily life returned to normal condition after the surgery.Conclusions The effect of 3D prosthetic titanium prosthesis on recovery of pelvic ring is satisfactory,and its effectiveness and stability can meet the requirement of human biomechanics.The analytic results can provide references for clinicians and prosthesis designers.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in wild birds in Northeast China by modified agglutination test / 中国人兽共患病学报

We detected the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) in the wild birds in northeast China.The wild bird's blood was collected from the cutaneous ulnar vein and the serum was isolated and used for detection of anti T.gondii antibody by modified agglutination test (MAT).Results showed that totally 179 birds' serum samples were collected.Twenty serum samples (11.17％) were positive with T.gondii antibody,which belonged to 9 orders,17 families and 31 species.The seroprevalence against T.gondii was about 5.26％ (1/19) in Columbiformes,9.09％ (9/99) in Passeriformes,14.29％ (3/21) in Falconiformes,15.00％ (5/22) in Piciformes,16.67％ (1/6) in Coraciiformes,and 25.00％ (1/4) in Anseriformes.Based on their feeding behavior,the seroprevalence was 12.00％ (3/25) in carnivorous wild birds,10.60％ (15/141) in omnivorous wild birds,and 15.38％ (2/13) in the wild birds feeding on aquatic animals or plants.These wild birds also can be sorted as migratory and sedentary (non-migratory) according to their migration habits,and the serum positivity was 11.67％ (14/120),and 10.71％ (6/59) respectively.The seroprevalence against Toxoplasma gondii in wild birds in northeast China is about 11.17％,which indicates a common infection of Toxoplasma gondii in wild birds.

Review and prospect of Journal of Medical Biomechanics on the 30th Anniversary / 医用生物力学

Journal of Medical Biomechanics was founded in 1986. As a technical periodical, the journal aims at reflecting the latest scientific and clinical achievement and progress in the field of biomechanics, and promoting academic exchange of biomechanics both in China and abroad. By June 2016, the journal has officially published a total of 31 volumes and 124 issues, and great progress has been achieved in its publishing quality and academic influence. In this article, the 30-year development of the journal is reviewed, and future work is prospected in the aspect of improving quality, digitalization and internationalization of the journal.

Variation of neck EMG and mechanical characteristics during the process of cervical traction / 医用生物力学

Objective To observe changes of surface electromyography (sEMG) in cervical traction under different loading weight and at different angles, and compare the muscle activity changes obtained by experiment with simulation results obtained by AnyBody cervical modeling, so as to verify the rationality of the simulation results. Methods Ten young volunteers with supine cervical traction were selected to test the sEMG signals of bilateral sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and upper trapezius (UT) muscles by using the JE-TB0810 surface EMG device. The average EMG (AEMG) and mean power frequency (MPF) were used to analyze the variation patterns of sEMG in cervical spine. Results The AEMG values of SCM and UT muscles increased as the loading weight and traction angles increasing, with a statistically significant difference (P0.05). The experimental results were consistent with muscle force activity characteristics of SCM and UT muscles by modeling and simulation of cervical traction. Conclusions The simulation results are reasonable. The traction weight should be loaded reasonably according to the excitation and fatigue of the cervical muscles in clinic. This can both reach the treatment effect and improve the patient’s comfort, which will provide an important reference for further development and improvement of the cervical traction device.

Application value of Toshiba 320-row dynamic volumetric CT angiography in the diagnosis of venous erectile dysfunction / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the application value of Toshiba 320-row dynamic volumetric CT angiography in the diagnosis of venous erectile dysfunction (VED).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We enrolled in this study 33 patients diagnosed with ED by audiovisual sexual stimulation screening in the outpatient department. Penile erection was induced in the patients by injection of 2 mg phentolamine plus 30 mg papaverine into the corpus cavernosum, followed by that of contrast agent of iobitridol through the vein and corpus cavernosum successively. Then 320-row dynamic volumetric CT angiography was performed and the images of the corpus cavernosum in the arterial and venous phases were collected and processed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Different degrees of abnormal venous drainage were observed in 29 of the patients, including 7 cases (24.1%) of back deep venous leakage, 6 cases (20.7%) of foot venous leakage, 3 cases (10.3%) of dorsal superficial venous leakage, 1 case (3.5%) of intervertebral venous leakage, 2 cases (6.9%) of cavernous venous leakage, and 10 cases (34.5%) of mixed venous leakage. Ten of the patients underwent surgery, dorsal deep penile vein ligation in 2 cases, dorsal deep vein embedding plus foot vein ligation in 4, and foot vein ligation in the other 4. Eight of the patients were followed up for 3－12 months post-operatively, during which 2 achieved obvious erectile improvement, while the other 6 gained normal penile erection.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Toshiba 320-row dynamic volumetric CT angiography is a reliable method for the diagnosis of VED, which displays the precise location of venous leakage for clinical treatment, with the advantages of clearer images, lower doses of contrast agent and radiation, and faster examination than X-ray penile angiography.</p>

Evaluation on central and peripheral origin of muscle fatigue / 医用生物力学

atigue is a common phenomenon in many medical and neurologic diseases. Understanding the origins of fatigue in these diseases is of great guiding significance in developing targeted interventions for muscle fatigue. In this review, the central origin (including all the supraspinal and spinal physiological phenomena capable of inducing a decrease in motoneuron excitation) and the peripheral origin (including neuromuscular transmission, propagation of action potentials in muscle, excitation-contraction coupling) of muscle fatigue were summarized. The methods of assessing the central or peripheral origin of muscle fatigue were discussed, including the direct measurement (maximal voluntary contraction force, twitch force) and the indirect tests (twitch interpolation, electromyography, motor cortical stimulation).