Longitudinal surveillance of schistosomiasis in hilly regions of Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2019 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the changes in the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in national surveillance sites of Sichuan Province, so as to provide the scientific evidence for formulating the schistosomiasis elimination strategy. Methods From 2015 to 2019, 63 national schistosomiasis surveillance sites were assigned in Sichuan Province, in which Schistosoma japonicum infections were monitored in humans, livestock, wild feces and snails. The monitoring data were descriptively analyzed. Results A total of 94 119 person-time local residents were serologically screened for S. japonicum infections in 63 national surveillance sites of Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2019, with sero-prevalence rates ranging from 1.28% to 3.11%, and the sero-positives were predominantly detected in local residents at ages of over 50 years and in farmers. A total of 94 119 person-time mobile populations were serologically screened for S. japonicum infections in the national surveillance sites during the 5-year period, with sero-prevalence of 1.10% to 1.59%. There were no egg-positives identified in either local residents or mobile populations. Among the 6 126 herd-time livestock detected, no egg-positives were identified, and no S. japonicum infection was detected in the 205 wild feces. Snail survey was performed covering an area of 8 484.08 hm2, and 724.80 hm2 snail habitats were identified, including 2.43 hm2 emerging snail habitats and 63.00 hm2 re-emerging snail habitats. The mean occurrence of frames with snails was 6.87% to 19.63%, and the mean density of living snails was 0.18 to 0.62 snails/0.1 m2 in the national surveillance sites of Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2019; however, no S. japonicum infection was detected in snails. Conclusions The endemic situation of schistosomiasis has reduced to the lowest level in Sichuan Province; however, there is a rise in snail habitats, and there is still a risk of schistosomiasis resurgence. Further improvements of the surveillance system for schistosomiasis are required to achieve the goal of schistosomiasis elimination in Sichuan Province as soon as possible.

Mortality trend of bladder cancer in Qidong from 1972 to 2016 / 预防医学

Objective@#To analyze the mortality trend of bladder cancer among residents in Qidong, Jiangsu Province from 1972 to 2016, so as to provide the basis for the prevention and treatment strategy of bladder cancer in Qidong.@*Methods@#The data of bladder cancer was collected from Qidong Cancer Registry.The crude mortality rate ( CR ), age-standardized rate by Chinese population in 2000 (CASR) and world population in 1960 ( WASR ), truncated rate (35-64 years) and cumulative rate ( 0-74 years ) were calculated. The annual percent change ( APC ) was used to analyze the trend of mortality in bladder cancer.@*Results@#During from 1972 to 2016, There were 1 497 deaths due to bladder cancer in Qidong from 1972 to 2016. The CR, CASR and WASR were 2.96/105, 1.83/105 and 1.80/105, respectively. The APCs in CR, CASR, WASR of bladder cancer were 5.29%, 1.86% and 1.81%, respectively ( P<0.05 ), showing upward trends. The truncated rate, cumulative rate and cumulative risk were 1.47/105, 0.17% and 0.17%, respectively. The CR, CASR and WASR in males were 4.71/105, 2.97/105 and 3.31/105, respectively, which was higher than that of 1.26/105, 0.75/105, and 0.66/105 in females ( P<0.05 ). The APC of CR, CASR and WASR in males were 5.71%, 1.96% and 2.17%, respectively ( P<0.05 ), all showed upward trends. For females, the APC of CR was 4.47% ( P<0.05 ), showing an upward trend, but there was no significant change in CASR and WASR ( P>0.05 ). The CR of bladder cancer was high among people aged more than 55 years. The CR in 55-64-year-old group, 65-74-year-old group and more than 75-year-old group showed upward trends, with APC of 4.50%, 2.22% and 4.51%, respectively ( P<0.05 ). @*Conclusions@#From 1972 to 2016, the mortality of bladder cancer in Qidong showed an upward trend, which was relatively high in men and people aged over 55 years.

Analysis of factors affecting health-related behaviors for schistosomiasis prevention and control among primary and secondary school students in Sichuan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

ObjectiveTo analyze the influencing factors of health-related behaviors for schistosomiasis prevention and control among primary and secondary school students in Sichuan Province using a multilevel and multivariate logistic model, so as to provide the theoretical evidence for developing the schistosomiasis prevention and control strategy among primary and secondary school students in Sichuan Province. MethodsA multi-stage sampling was conducted among 63 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (districts) in Sichuan Province. Five endemic townships were sampled from each county (district), and 100 Grade 4 to 6 students in each primary school and 100 Grade 1 to 3 students in each secondary school were sampled from each township as the study subjects. The health-related behaviors for schistosomiasis prevention and control were investigated using a questionnaire survey, and factors affecting infested water contact behaviors were identified using univariate and multilevel logistic analyses. Results Among the 62 200 questionnaires distributed, there were 59 134 recovered, and 56 510 were qualified. The qualified 56 510 respondents included 22 955 secondary school students and 33 555 primary school students, and 28 297 male students and 28 213 females. A higher proportion of infested water contacts was seen in male students than in females (P < 0.001), and the students living in heavily endemic areas had a higher proportion of infested water contacts than those in mildly endemic areas (P < 0.001). In addition, there was no significant difference in the proportion of infested water contacts between primary and secondary school students (P >0.05). Multilevel and multivariate logistic analyses revealed a lower proportion of infested water contacts with the increase of knowledge, belief and self-efficacy levels (P < 0.001), and there was a cluster of infested water contacts among students at a county scale (P < 0.001). Conclusions There is a cluster of infested-water contact behaviors among primary and secondary school students at a county scale in Sichuan Province. Individual and environmental factors should be considered during the formulation of health education strategy and interventions for schistosomiasis among primary and secondary school students.

Effect of dhfr gene overexpression on ethanol-induced abnormal cardiovascular development in zebrafish embryos / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the effect of dhfr gene overexpression on ethanol-induced abnormal cardiac and vascular development in zebrafish embryos and underlying mechanisms.@*METHODS@#dhfr mRNA was transcribed in vitro and microinjected into zebrafish fertilized eggs to induce the overexpression of dhfr gene, and the efficiency of overexpression was verified. Wild-type zebrafish were divided into a control group, an ethanol group, and an ethanol+dhfr overexpression group (microinjection of 6 nL dhfr mRNA). The embryonic development was observed for each group. The transgenic zebrafish Tg (cmlc2:mcherry) with heart-specific red fluorescence was used to observe atrial and ventricular development. Fluorescence microscopy was performed to observe the development of cardiac outflow tract and blood vessels. Heart rate and ventricular shortening fraction were used to assess cardiac function. Gene probes were constructed, and embryo in situ hybridization and real-time PCR were used to measure the expression of nkx2.5, tbx1, and flk-1 in the embryo.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the ethanol group, the ethanol+dhfr overexpression group had a significant reduction in the percentage of abnormal embryonic development and a significant increase in the percentage of embryonic survival (P<0.05), with significant improvements in the abnormalities of the atrium, ventricle, outflow tract, and blood vessels and cardiac function. Compared with the control group, the ethanol group had significant reductions in the expression of nkx2.5, tbx1, and flk-1 (P<0.05), and compared with the ethanol group, the ethanol+dhfr overexpression group had significant increases in the expression of nkx2.5, tbx1, and flk-1 (P<0.05), which were still lower than their expression in the control group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The overexpression of the dhfr gene can partially improve the abnormal development of embryonic heart and blood vessels induced by ethanol, possibly by upregulating the decreased expression of nkx2.5, tbx1, and flk-1 caused by ethanol.

Investigation on current distribution of Oncomelania snails in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Sichuan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the current distribution of Oncomelania snails in Sichuan Province, so as to provide scientific evidence for formulating the schistosomiasis elimination strategy and implementing the precision schistosomiasis control measures in the province. Methods According to the National Scheme on Oncomelania hupensis Snails in China and the Scheme on Oncomelania hupensis Snails in Sichuan Province, snail surveys were performed in current snail habitats, historical snail habitats and suspected snail habitats using systematic sampling in Sichuan Province from 2016 to 2017, and the survey results were analyzed. Results From 2016 to 2017, a total of 88 346 settings were surveyed in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Sichuan Province, and 19 314 settings were detected with snails, covering an area of 4 829.25 hm2, with no Schistosoma japonicum infection identified in snails. A total of 3 017 915 frames were investigated in Sichuan Province, and 1 041 417 frames were found to have living snails, with totally 1 791 115 living snails captured. The mean density of living snails was 0.59 snails/0.1 m2, and the mean percentage of frames with living snails was 34.51% in Sichuan Province. The current snail habitats were mainly distributed in 1 704 villages, 377 townships, 54 counties (districts) of 9 cities (prefectures) across the schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Sichuan Province. Snail habitats were mainly found in ditches (70.22%), and weeds were the predominant vegetation in snail habitats (66.45%). Snails were firstly discovered in Sichuan Province in 1913, and S. japonicum-infected snails were firstly identified in 1956, with the latest identification of S. japonicum-infected snails in 2008. Conclusion There are many settings suitable for snail breeding in Sichuan Province, and snail monitoring and control should be intensified in the future.

Application and effect of integrated control model of schistosomiasis interruption in mountainous and hilly endemic regions / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To explore the integrated schistosomiasis control model in mountainous and hilly endemic regions, so as to provide insights into the development of the schistosomiasis elimination strategy. Methods Five hilly and mountainous areas endemic for schistosomiasis were selected as the integrated control demonstration areas in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2015. According to the epidemic characteristics, economic levels and overall development planning of the demonstration areas, the goals, strategies and measures were developed, and the effectiveness of schistosomiasis control was evaluated following implementation of the integrated control. Results The support system of the integrated schistosomiasis control model was built in the integrated control demonstration areas in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2015, and five ecological, industrialized and sustainable development models of integrated schistosomiasis control were developed, including integration of balancing rural and urban development, systematic ecological improvement, intensified ecological agriculture, scientific management and health education of schistosomiasis control and ecological ethnic circular economy. Since the implementation of the integrated schistosomiasis control model, the snail habitats were completely changed. Until 2015, 92.0% of all historical areas with snails were managed, the coverage of safe drinking water was 100.0%, and more than 95.0% of the livestock were fenced. The coverage of sanitary toilets increased by 93.0%, 96.8%, 78.8%, 87.1% and 82.0% from 2011 to 2015, respectively, and the farmers’mean yearly income increased by 32.7% in the demonstration areas. From 2011 to 2015, the seroprevalence of human Schistosoma japonicum infections reduced from 3.1% in 2011 to 1.6% in 2015 in the demonstration areas, and no egg-positives were identified. In addition, the number of fenced bovines reduced year by year, and no egg-positives were detected. The areas of snail habitats were 398.7, 108.2 hm2 and 52.9 hm2 in the demonstration areas from 2011 to 2013, with no infected snails found, and no snails were detected since 2014. The awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge and percentage of correct behavior formation increased year by year among residents in the demonstration areas from 2011 to 2015. Conclusions The five integrated schistosomiasis control models meet the needs of the current schistosomiasis control activities in mountainous and hilly endemic areas of Sichuan Province, and achieve the goals of controlling the sources of S. japonicum infections, economic development, social progress and improving the ecological environment, which provides new insights into schistosomiasis elimination in the country.

Development and model of health education and health promotion for schistosomiasis control in mountainous and hilly endemic areas / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Transmission control and interruption of schistosomiasis has been gradually achieved in the mountainous and hilly endemic areas with the implementation of the schistosomiasis control programmes, which are moving towards the progress of schistosomiasis elimination. As an important measure of schistosomiasis control, health education is experiencing new challenges and problems in the new situation, and conventional health education of schistosomiasis control has already failed to meet the needs of socioeconomic and cultural development and the increasing changes of human production and life styles in the endemic areas. Therefore, a precision health education model for schistosomiasis control is of great need to be established to highly effectively promote the implementation of schistosomiasis control measures. This review summarizes the important role of health education in schistosomiasis control in mountainous and hilly endemic areas, and describes the new health education model based on optimization of the policy environment and creation of the community atmosphere according to the changes in the endemic situation of schistosomiasis and requirements of the schistosomiasis control target, so as to promote the precision and sustainable implementation of health education and health promotion in schistosomiasis control.

Investigation on current distribution of Oncomelania snails in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Sichuan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the current distribution of Oncomelania snails in Sichuan Province, so as to provide scientific evidence for formulating the schistosomiasis elimination strategy and implementing the precision schistosomiasis control measures in the province. Methods According to the National Scheme on Oncomelania hupensis Snails in China and the Scheme on Oncomelania hupensis Snails in Sichuan Province, snail surveys were performed in current snail habitats, historical snail habitats and suspected snail habitats using systematic sampling in Sichuan Province from 2016 to 2017, and the survey results were analyzed. Results From 2016 to 2017, a total of 88 346 settings were surveyed in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Sichuan Province, and 19 314 settings were detected with snails, covering an area of 4 829.25 hm2, with no Schistosoma japonicum infection identified in snails. A total of 3 017 915 frames were investigated in Sichuan Province, and 1 041 417 frames were found to have living snails, with totally 1 791 115 living snails captured. The mean density of living snails was 0.59 snails/0.1 m2, and the mean percentage of frames with living snails was 34.51% in Sichuan Province. The current snail habitats were mainly distributed in 1 704 villages, 377 townships, 54 counties (districts) of 9 cities (prefectures) across the schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Sichuan Province. Snail habitats were mainly found in ditches (70.22%), and weeds were the predominant vegetation in snail habitats (66.45%). Snails were firstly discovered in Sichuan Province in 1913, and S. japonicum-infected snails were firstly identified in 1956, with the latest identification of S. japonicum-infected snails in 2008. Conclusion There are many settings suitable for snail breeding in Sichuan Province, and snail monitoring and control should be intensified in the future.

Application and effect of integrated control model of schistosomiasis interruption in mountainous and hilly endemic regions / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To explore the integrated schistosomiasis control model in mountainous and hilly endemic regions, so as to provide insights into the development of the schistosomiasis elimination strategy. Methods Five hilly and mountainous areas endemic for schistosomiasis were selected as the integrated control demonstration areas in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2015. According to the epidemic characteristics, economic levels and overall development planning of the demonstration areas, the goals, strategies and measures were developed, and the effectiveness of schistosomiasis control was evaluated following implementation of the integrated control. Results The support system of the integrated schistosomiasis control model was built in the integrated control demonstration areas in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2015, and five ecological, industrialized and sustainable development models of integrated schistosomiasis control were developed, including integration of balancing rural and urban development, systematic ecological improvement, intensified ecological agriculture, scientific management and health education of schistosomiasis control and ecological ethnic circular economy. Since the implementation of the integrated schistosomiasis control model, the snail habitats were completely changed. Until 2015, 92.0% of all historical areas with snails were managed, the coverage of safe drinking water was 100.0%, and more than 95.0% of the livestock were fenced. The coverage of sanitary toilets increased by 93.0%, 96.8%, 78.8%, 87.1% and 82.0% from 2011 to 2015, respectively, and the farmers’mean yearly income increased by 32.7% in the demonstration areas. From 2011 to 2015, the seroprevalence of human Schistosoma japonicum infections reduced from 3.1% in 2011 to 1.6% in 2015 in the demonstration areas, and no egg-positives were identified. In addition, the number of fenced bovines reduced year by year, and no egg-positives were detected. The areas of snail habitats were 398.7, 108.2 hm2 and 52.9 hm2 in the demonstration areas from 2011 to 2013, with no infected snails found, and no snails were detected since 2014. The awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge and percentage of correct behavior formation increased year by year among residents in the demonstration areas from 2011 to 2015. Conclusions The five integrated schistosomiasis control models meet the needs of the current schistosomiasis control activities in mountainous and hilly endemic areas of Sichuan Province, and achieve the goals of controlling the sources of S. japonicum infections, economic development, social progress and improving the ecological environment, which provides new insights into schistosomiasis elimination in the country.

Development and model of health education and health promotion for schistosomiasis control in mountainous and hilly endemic areas / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Transmission control and interruption of schistosomiasis has been gradually achieved in the mountainous and hilly endemic areas with the implementation of the schistosomiasis control programmes, which are moving towards the progress of schistosomiasis elimination. As an important measure of schistosomiasis control, health education is experiencing new challenges and problems in the new situation, and conventional health education of schistosomiasis control has already failed to meet the needs of socioeconomic and cultural development and the increasing changes of human production and life styles in the endemic areas. Therefore, a precision health education model for schistosomiasis control is of great need to be established to highly effectively promote the implementation of schistosomiasis control measures. This review summarizes the important role of health education in schistosomiasis control in mountainous and hilly endemic areas, and describes the new health education model based on optimization of the policy environment and creation of the community atmosphere according to the changes in the endemic situation of schistosomiasis and requirements of the schistosomiasis control target, so as to promote the precision and sustainable implementation of health education and health promotion in schistosomiasis control.

Study of schistosomiasis transmission interruption based on intensive agri-culture / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To study the effect of schistosomiasis transmission interruption model based on intensive agriculture in hilly endemic areas,so as to provide the reference for the similar endemic areas. Methods Based on the development of in-tensive agriculture in Guanghan City,a comprehensive demonstration area of schistosomiasis control with measures such as new rural construction,hardening ditches,the adjustment of industrial structure and water remediation measures was constructed. Ji-nhua,Shiguan and Hongyan villages were chosen as the evaluation sites to comparatively analyze the indexes of intensive agri-culture and schistosomiasis control effects. Results Compared with the demonstration area before construction,in 2014,the harden rates of ditches and village roads were increased by 49.57％and 39.33％respectively;and the proportion of agricultural machinery increased by 25％. The positive rate of serological tests of schistosomiasis was decreased by 81.74％. The Oncomela-nia hupensis snail area was decreased from 2.44 hm2(2007)to 0(2014). The awareness rate of schistosomiasis control knowl-edge and correct behavior rate of the residents were increased from 51.28％ and 90.85％ to 91.29％ and 97.69％ respectively. The experience of the demonstration area ensured the entire Guanghan District achieved the schistosomiasis transmission inter-ruption criterion at the end of 2014. Conclusions The schistosomiasis control model of intensive agriculture combined with oth-er comprehensive measures has a good effect on interrupting the endemic of schistosomiasis,and it can realize the sustainable development of the agricultural economy and schistosomiasis control.

Effects of EGFL 6 gene silencing on proliferation and invasion of human melanoma cells / 肿瘤

Objective: To explore the effects of epidermal growth factor-like domain 6 (EGFL 6) gene silencing by specific small interference RNA (siRNA) on the proliferation and invasion of human melanoma cells. Methods: The double-strand siRNA targeting EGFL 6 gene (named as EGFL6-siRNA) was designed and synthesized. The EGFL6-siRNA was transfected into human melanoma A375 cells by liposome transfection method. The mRNA and protein expression levels of EGFL6 in A375 cells were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The proliferation and invasion abilities of A375 cells were analyzed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assay, respectively. Results: After EGFL6-siRNA was successfully transfected into human melanoma A375 cells for 48 h, the EGFL6 mRNA and protein expression levels in A375 cells were significantly decreased (both P < 0.01). The EGFL6-siRNA could significantly inhibit the proliferation of A375 cells at different time points (24-72 h) after transfection (all P < 0.01), and significantly inhibit the invasion of A375 cells (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The specific siRNA can effectively silence EGFL 6 gene expression in human melanoma A375 cells, and suppress the proliferation and invasion of melanoma cells.

Changes of schistosomiasis endemic situation in Sichuan Province and im-pact on schistosomiasis transmission in Three Gorges Reservoir area after construction of Three Gorges Reservoir / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the changes of schistosomiasis endemic situation in Sichuan Province,the upstream of Yangtze River basin,and the impact on schistosomiasis transmission in Three Gorges Reservoir area after the construction of Three Gorges Reservoir. Methods The annual reports of the schistosomiasis endemic situation in Sichuan Province from 2000-2012,the data of the schistosomiasis surveillance sites in Sichuan Province from 2001-2012,the data of the schistosomiasis sampling survey in Sichuan Province in 2001,and the relevant reference of Three Gorges Reservoir were collected. The schisto-somiasis prevalence in human and cattle,and Oncomelania hupensis snail status were investigated. The snail survey was imple-mented in Qianjin Village,Jianyang City,Sichuan Province,the nearest village to Three Gorges Reservoir Area. Results The schistosomiasis endemic situation presented a continuous declining state in Sichuan Province from 2000-2012,and reached the criteria of schistosomiasis transmission controlled in 2008. From 2012,65.07%of endemic counties reached the criteria of schis-tosomiasis transmission interrupted. From 2006,no schistosome infected snails were found. In Qianjin Village,1714 m2 environ-ments were surveyed and no snails were found. Conclusions The schistosomiasis endemic area and snail area are significantly reduced in Sichuan Province,the upstream of Yangtze River basin,after the construction of Three Gorges Reservoir. Therefore, the possibility of schistosomiasis endemic diffusing to Three Gorges Reservoir area is minimum.

Simultaneous bilateral patellar tendon rupture without predisposing systemic disease or steroid use: a case report / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

There is a dearth of case reports describing simultaneous bilateral patellar tendon ruptures in the medical literature. These ruptures are often associated with systemic disorders such as lupus erythematosus or chronic steroid use. The author describes a case of a 24-year-old man who sustained traumatic bilateral patellar tendon ruptures without any history of systemic disease or steroidal medication. We repaired and reattached the ruptured tendons to the patella and augmented our procedure with allogeneic tendon followed by wire loop reinforcement. One year after operation, the patient regained a satisfactory range of motion of both knees with good quadriceps strength and no extensor lag. The recurrent microtrauma from a history of intense sports activity and a high body mass index may have played an important role in this trauma event.

Whole meniscus regeneration using polymer scaffolds loaded with fibrochondrocytes / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the feasibility of regenerating a whole menisci using poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) scaffolds loaded with meniscal cells in rabbits undergoing total meniscectomy, and to explore its protective effect on cartilage degeneration.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A solvent casting and particulate leaching technique was employed to fabricate biodegradable PHBV scaffolds into a meniscal shape. The proliferated meniscal cells were seeded onto the polymer scaffolds, transplanted into rabbit knee joints whose lateral menisci had been removed. Eight to 18 weeks after transplantation, the rege- nerated neomenisci were evaluated by gross and histological observations. Cartilage degeneration was assessed by Mankin score.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eighteen weeks after transplantation, the implants formed neomenisci. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of the neomenisci sections revealed regeneration of fibrocartilage. Type I collagen in the neomenisci was also proved similar to normal meniscal tissue by immunohistochemical analysis and Sirius scarlet trinitrophenol staining. Articular cartilage degeneration was observed 8 weeks after implantation. It was less severe as compared with that in total meniscectomy controls and no further degeneration was observed at 18 weeks. At that time, the regenerated neomenisci strongly resembled normal meniscal fibrocartilage in gross and histological appearance, and its mechanical property was also close to that of normal meniscus.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The present study demonstrates the feasibility of tissue-engineering a whole meniscal structure in total meniscectomy rabbit models using biodegradable PHBV scaffolds together with cultured allogeneic meniscal cells. Cartilage degeneration is decreased. But long-term in vivo investigations on the histological structure and cartilage degeneration of the neomenisci regenerated by this method are still necessary to determine the clinical potential of this tissue engineering avenue.</p>

Treatment of tibial avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament with open reduction and steel-wire internal fixation / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the curative effects of the treatment of tibial avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament with open reduction and steel-wire internal fixation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2003 to June 2009, 28 patients of tibial avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament were treated with open reduction and steel-wire internal fixation through posteromedial inverted "L" approach. There were 19 males and 9 females with an average age of 35.3 years old ranging from 16 to 55 years. The X-ray examination showed that there were II degree displaced in 10 cases and III degree in 18 patients. The affected lower extremity was put in a controlled hinge knee brace after operation. The patients were asked to do passive extension and flexion of the knee joint with the assistance of a CPM 2 weeks after operation,and allowed to be partial weight-bearing as tolerated with the hinged brace locked in extension if concomitant injuries allowed 4 weeks postoperatively. The brace were removed 6 weeks later.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among them, 25 patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months with an average of 15 months. The X-ray examination showed satisfactory reduction, and bony union was obtained in all the patients. The Lachman test was negative in all patients. No complications such as malunion or joint stiffness were found. The extension of affected knee was normal and its flexion were (136 +/- 12) degrees. According to Lysholm knee score system,it was preoperatively (41.80 +/- 6.16) and (94.10 +/- 8.26) six months after surgery respectively. Twenty-two cases were excellent, 2 cases good and 1 fair.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Treatment of tibial avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament with open reduction and internal fixation with wires through posteromedial inverted "L" approach is a safe, effective method, due to its stable fixation and relatively low expense. It is believed as an ideal choice for tibial avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament.</p>

Analysis of therapeutic effects of cannulated compression screws for the treatment of femoral neck fractures / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the therapeutic effects of cannulated compression screws for the treatment of femoral neck fractures, and to investigate the related factors influencing the avascular necrosis of femoral head after surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective review was done for 96 patients with femoral neck fractures treated with cannulated compression screws from January 2003 to June 2009. Among them, there were 44 males and 52 females with 21 to 88 years old (averaged 56.3 years old). According to Garden classification, 4 patients were type I, 34 patients were type II, 37 patients were type III and 21 patients were type IV. Factors such as patients' age, gender, fracture type, duration from injury to surgery and fracture reduction quality were statistically analysed to find correlations with nonunion and avascular necrosis of femoral head.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eighty-four patients were followed up ranging from 9 to 60 months and the mean time was 25.4 months. Postoperative complications included deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity in 2 cases, bone nonunion in 8 cases and avascular necrosis of femoral head in 11 cases. According to Harris criterion, the total postoperative Harris score was 86.20 +/- 11.00, and 40 patients got an excellent result, 32 good, 7 fair and 5 poor. The incidence of avascular necrosis of femoral head in nondisplaced fracture group and displaced fractures group were 3.22% and 18.87% respectively;and there were significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.037). The incidence of avascular necrosis of femoral head in anatomical reduction group and non-anatomical reduction group were 5.00% and 20.45% respectively; also,significant difference was existed between the two groups (P = 0.036). However, there was no statistically significant difference of the incidence of avascular necrosis of femoral head according to different age, sex, operative time.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The therapeutic effect of cannulated compression screws for non-displaced femoral neck fractures is good. The fracture type and reduction quality are found to be main factors correlated with avascular necrosis of femoral head statistically. For young patients with a displaced femoral neck fracture,in order to avoid incidence of avascular necrosis of femoral head, anatomical reduction should be ensured. For elder patients with a severe displaced femoral neck fracture, the total hip replacement should be recommended.</p>

Biodegradable chitosan scaffolds containing microspheres as carriers for controlled transforming growth factor-beta1 delivery for cartilage tissue engineering / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Natural articular cartilage has a limited capacity for spontaneous regeneration. Controlled release of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) to cartilage defects can enhance chondrogenesis. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of using biodegradable chitosan microspheres as carriers for controlled TGF-beta1 delivery and the effect of released TGF-beta1 on the chondrogenic potential of chondrocytes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Chitosan scaffolds and chitosan microspheres loaded with TGF-beta1 were prepared by the freeze-drying and the emulsion-crosslinking method respectively. In vitro drug release kinetics, as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, was monitored for 7 days. Lysozyme degradation was performed for 4 weeks to detect in vitro degradability of the scaffolds and the microspheres. Rabbit chondrocytes were seeded on the scaffolds containing TGF-beta1 microspheres and incubated in vitro for 3 weeks. Histological examination and type II collagen immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate the effects of released TGF-beta1 on cell adhesivity, proliferation and synthesis of the extracellular matrix.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>TGF-beta1 was encapsulated into chitosan microspheres and the encapsulation efficiency of TGF-beta1 was high (90.1%). During 4 weeks of incubation in lysozyme solution for in vitro degradation, the mass of both the scaffolds and the microspheres decreased continuously and significant morphological changes was noticed. From the release experiments, it was found that TGF-beta1 could be released from the microspheres in a multiphasic fashion including an initial burst phase, a slow linear release phase and a plateau phase. The release amount of TGF-beta1 was 37.4%, 50.7%, 61.3%, and 63.5% for 1, 3, 5, and 7 days respectively. At 21 days after cultivation, type II collagen immunohistochemical staining was performed. The mean percentage of positive cells for collagen type II in control group (32.7% +/- 10.4%) was significantly lower than that in the controlled TGF-beta1 release group (92.4% +/- 4.8%, P < 0.05). Both the proliferation rate and production of collagen type II in the transforming growth factor-beta1 microsphere incorporated scaffolds were significantly higher than those in the scaffolds without microspheres, indicating that the activity of TGF-beta1 was retained during microsphere fabrication and after growth factor release.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Chitosan microspheres can serve as delivery vehicles for controlled release of TGF-beta1, and the released growth factor can augment chondrocytes proliferation and synthesis of extracellular matrix. Chitosan scaffolds incorporated with chitosan microspheres loaded with TGF-beta1 possess a promising potential to be applied for controlled cytokine delivery and cartilage tissue engineering.</p>

Childhood upper respiratory infection caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study was designed to investigate the prevalence, clinical characteristics and outcome of upper respiratory infection (URI) caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Pharyngeal cultures for MP antibody were performed in 960 children with acute URI. The samples were randomly collected from the outpatient room or emergency room (Observed group). Of the Observed group, there were 232 cases under 1 year of age, and the remainder, were between 1-12 years old. The samples from 100 healthy children aged from 6 months to 12 years were used as the Control group. The prevalence of MP infection between the two groups was compared. The clinical manifestations and the outcome between the patients with MP positive and negative were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MP antibody was positive in 31.7% (304/960) of the Observed group but only 9.0% (9/100) in the Control group (P < 0.05). The URI patients under 1 year of age had a lower positive rate of MP than those over 1 year old (P < 0.05). Coughs and tonsillitis were more common (P < 0.05), but catarrh, gastroenteritic symptoms, herpes, and tetter were rare (P < 0.01) in URI patients with MP positive compared with those with MP negative. Pneumonia developed in 14.8% of the patients with MP positive but only 7.0% in those with MP negative (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>MP is one of the main pathogens of acute URI in children. Acute pharyngotonsillitis symptoms are predominately presented in children with MP infection. MP infection was commonly seen in children over 1 year old and they are prone to develop pneumonia.</p>

Synthesis of novel antifungal triazoles and study on their activity / 药学学报

<p><b>AIM</b>Design, synthesis and activity study of novel antifungal triazoles.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The structures of two lead-compounds miconazole and itrconazole were modified on the basis of SAR studied by our group and reported in the literature and their antifungal activities in vitro were tested by standard program.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twelve 1-(1H-1, 2, 4-triazole-1-yl) -2-( 2, 4-difluorophenyl)-3-substituted amino-2-propanol compounds and thirteen 2-substituted phenyl-5-(1H-1, 2, 4-triazole-1-methyl ) 5-( 2, 4-difluorophenyl)-N-substituted oxazolidine compounds were synthesized and confirmed by 1HNMR and MS. In vitro inhibitory tests showed that most of them have more or less inhibitory effects on C. albicans and some inhibit S. cerevisiae also. Especially the effects of A10, A12 and A13 on C. albicans were more potent than (or equal to) that of fluconazole or itraconazole.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compounds A10, A12 and A13 are worthy to be intensively studied.</p>