Reinforced radiculoplasty for the treatment of symptomatic sacral Tarlov cysts: A clinical analysis of 71 cases / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the safety and efficacy of reinforced radiculoplasty in the treatment of symptomatic sacral Tarlov cysts (TCs).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data and follow-up data of 71 patients with symptomatic sacral TCs who underwent reinforced radiculoplasty in the Neurosurgery Department of Peking University Third Hospital from June 2018 to March 2021. All the operations were performed under neuroelectrophysiological monitoring. Intraoperative cyst exploration, partial resection of the cyst wall, narrowing of the leak, nerve root sleeve radiculoplasty and artificial dural reinforcement were performed. The incidence of postoperative complications and new neurological dysfunction was analyzed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the changes of pain before and after surgery. The Japanese Orthopedics Association (JOA) low back pain score was used to evaluate the changes in nerve function before and after surgery.@*RESULTS@#In the study, 71 patients had 101 TCs, 19 (18.8%) TCs originated from the left S1 nerve, 26 (25.7%) originated from the left S2 nerve, 3 (3.0%) originated from the left S3 nerve, 14 (13.9%) originated from the right S1 nerve, 33 (32.7%) originated from the right S2 nerve, 6 (5.9%) originated from the right S3 nerve, all the TCs underwent reinforced radiculoplasty. Deep infection (1 case), subcutaneous effusion (1 case), fat li-quefaction (1 case) and urinary tract infection (4 cases) were recorded postoperatively. The patients were followed up for 12-43 months (median, 26 months). Two cases had new urinary retention after operation, and the catheter was removed at the end of the first and second months respectively. One case had new fecal weakness, which improved after 3 months. Compared with preoperation, VAS decreased significantly at the last follow-up [median, 6 (4-9) vs. 1 (0-5), Z=-7.272, P < 0.001], JOA score increased significantly [median, 20 (16-25) vs. 27 (18-29), Z=-7.265, P < 0.001]. There were 18 cured cases (25.4%), 41 excellent cases (57.7%), 8 effective cases (11.3%), and 4 invalid cases (5.6%). The total efficiency was 94.4% (67/71). Two (1.98%) cysts recurred.@*CONCLUSION@#For patients with symptomatic sacral TCs, reinforced radiculoplasty can significantly improve the pain and nerve function, which is safe and reliable.

Clinical Observation on Addition and Subtraction Therapy of Huaganjian Combined with Jinlingzisan in Patients with Bile Reflux Gastritis with Stagnancy Heat of Liver and Stomach Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of addition and subtraction therapy of Huaganjian combined with Jinlingzisan for bile reflux gastritis （BRG） with stagnancy heat of liver and stomach syndrome， and to investigate its effect on inflammatory factors and gastrointestinal hormones. Method:One hundred and fifty patients were divided into control group and observation group evenly according to random number table. The 68 patients in control group finished the treatment （5 cases of dropout， loss of follow-up and 2 cases of withdrawal）， and 69 patients in observation group completed the treatment （3 cases of dropout， loss of follow-up and 3 cases of withdrawal）. Patients in control group got oral Dalitong granules before the meal， 1 bag/time， 3 times/day. Patients in observation group got addition and subtraction therapy of Huaganjian combined with Jinlingzisan， 1 dose/day. The treatment continued for 4 weeks in both groups. Before the treatment， gastroscope was used to evaluate the degree of bile reflux and the condition of mucosa under gastroscope. Before and after treatment， scores of stagnancy heat of liver and stomach syndrome， patient reported outcome （PRO） scale of chronic gastrointestinal diseases， self rating anxiety scale （SAS）， and self rating depression scale （SDS） were recorded. A follow-up of 6 months was conducted to record the clinical recurrence. Levels of gastrin （GAS）， motilin （MTL）， cholecystokinin （CCK）， prostaglandin E2 （PGE2）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and interleukin-8 （IL-8） were detected both before and after treatment. In addition， the safety was discussed. Result:Scores of degree of bile reflux， mucosa under gastroscope and stagnancy heat of liver and stomach syndrome in the observation group were lower than those in control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Scores of 6 dimensions in PRO scale （dyspepsia， reflux， defecation， social， psychological， and general state） and scores of SAS and SDS in the observation group were lower than those in control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Levels of CCK， TNF-α and IL-8 in the observation group were all lower than those detected in control group （P<0.01）， while levels of GAS and MTL were higher than those in control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Observation group was superior to the control group in terms of efficacy for traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） syndrome and efficacy under gastroscope （<italic>Z</italic>=2.083， <italic>P</italic><0.05； <italic>Z</italic>=2.104， <italic>P</italic><0.05）. Clinical recurrence rate in observation group was 20.37% （11/54）， lower than 40.82% （20/49） in control group （<inline-formula><alternatives><mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M2"><mml:msup><mml:mrow><mml:mi>χ</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mrow><mml:mn mathvariant="normal">2</mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:msup></mml:math><graphic specific-use="big" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="alternativeImage/CD75C203-D673-4226-A5C3-F3D84A74EF61-M002.jpg"><?fx-imagestate width="3.30199981" height="3.64066648"?></graphic><graphic specific-use="small" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="alternativeImage/CD75C203-D673-4226-A5C3-F3D84A74EF61-M002c.jpg"><?fx-imagestate width="3.30199981" height="3.64066648"?></graphic></alternatives></inline-formula>=5.105， <italic>P</italic><0.05）. No adverse reaction was found after oral administrationh of TCM. Conclusion:Addition and subtraction therapy of Huaganjian combined with Jinlingzisan can ameliorate the clinical symptoms， relieve anxiety and depression， improve the quality of life in patients with BRG and stagnancy heat of liver and stomach syndrome， improve the degree of bile reflux， promote the healing of gastric mucosa， reduce inflammatory reaction and regulate gastrointestinal hormones. It has good efficacy for TCM syndrome and under gastroscopy in a short term， and can reduce the recurrence rate with high safety in a long term.

Clinical outcomes of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in Shanghai, China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Numerous studies have focused on lymphoma among patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, little is known about the treatment options and survival rate of lymphoma in the Chinese people living with HIV (PLHIV). Our study aimed to investigate the prognosis and compare outcome of dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab (DA-EPOCH-R) with standard cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone and rituximab(R-CHOP) as front line therapy for PLHIV with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) receiving modern combined antiretroviral therapy (cART).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis evaluating PLHIV with DLBCL was performed in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from July 2012 to September 2019. The demographic and clinical data were collected, and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) analyses of patients receiving R-CHOP or DA-EPOCH-R therapy were performed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Additionally, a Cox multiple regression model was constructed to identify related factors for OS.@*RESULTS@#A total of 54 eligible patients were included in the final analysis with a median follow-up of 14 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 8-29 months). The proportion of high international prognostic index (IPI) patients was much larger in the DA-EPOCH-R group (n = 29) than that in the R-CHOP group (n = 25). The CD4 cell counts and HIV RNA levels were not significantly different between the two groups. The 2-year OS for all patients was 73%. However, OS was not significantly different between the two groups, with a 2-year OS rate of 78% for the DA-EPOCH-R group and 66% for the R-CHOP group. Only an IPI greater than 3 was associated with a decrease in OS, with a hazard ratio of 5.0. The occurrence of grade 3 and 4 adverse events of chemotherapy was not significantly different between the two groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Outcomes of R-CHOP therapy do not differ from those of DA-EPOCH-R therapy. No HIV-related factors were found to be associated with the OS of PLHIV in the modern cART era.

Clinical features and treatment outcomes of human immunodeficiency virus-associated cryptococcal meningitis: a 2-year retrospective analysis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is one of the most common opportunistic infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, and is complicated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical features, characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of first-diagnosed HIV-associated CM after 2-years of follow-up.@*METHODS@#Data from all patients (n = 101) of HIV-associated CM hospitalized in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from September 2013 to December 2016 were collected and analyzed using logistic regression to identify clinical and microbiological factors associated with mortality.@*RESULTS@#Of the 101 patients, 86/99 (86.9%) of patients had CD4 count <50 cells/mm, 57/101 (56.4%) were diagnosed at ≥14 days from the onset to diagnosis, 42/99 (42.4%) had normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell counts and biochemical examination, 30/101 (29.7%) had concomitant Pneumocystis (carinii) jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) on admission and 37/92 (40.2%) were complicated with cryptococcal pneumonia, 50/74 (67.6%) had abnormalities shown on intracranial imaging, amongst whom 24/50 (48.0%) had more than one lesion. The median time to negative CSF Indian ink staining was 8.50 months (interquartile range, 3.25-12.00 months). Patients who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) before admission had a shorter time to negative CSF Indian ink compared with ART-naïve patients (7 vs. 12 months, χ = 15.53, P < 0.001). All-cause mortality at 2 weeks, 8 weeks, and 2 years was 10.1% (10/99), 18.9% (18/95), and 20.7% (19/92), respectively. Coinfection with PCP on admission (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.933; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.166-13.269, P = 0.027) and altered mental status (AOR, 9.574; 95% CI, 2.548-35.974, P = 0.001) were associated with higher mortality at 8 weeks.@*CONCLUSION@#This study described the clinical features and outcomes of first diagnosed HIV-associated CM with 2-year follow-up data. Altered mental status and coinfection with PCP predicted mortality in HIV-associated CM.

Effect of Modified Simiaosan on Inflammatory Factors and Neuropeptide Substances of Patients with Synovitis of Knee Joint and Damp-heat Obstruction Collateral Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To observe the clinical efficacy of modified Simiaosan on synovitis of knee joint with damp-heat obstruction collateral syndrome and the effect on inflammatory factors and neuropeptide substances in synovial fluid. Method::One hundred and thirty-five patients were randomly divided into control group(67 cases) and observation group(68 cases) by random number table. Patients' intra-articular effusion was drawn out. Triamcinolone acetonide was injected into arthrosis for 2 times, 1 time/week, and aceclofenac sustained-release tablets were given for 4 weeks, 0.2 g/time, 1 time/day. In addition to the therapy of control group, patients in observation group were also given modified Simiaosan for 4 weeks, 1 dose/day. Before and after treatment, pain, swelling of knee joint and were scored, Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) were adopted for scoring knee score, and damp-heat obstruction syndrome and local signs of knee joint were also assessed. And levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were detected. Result::After treatment, scores of pain and swelling of knee joint in observation group were lower than those in control group (P<0.01). Scores of WOMAC, the total score, integral of damp-heat obstruction collateral syndrome, knee flexion-extension range score and floating patella test were all lower than those in control group (P<0.01). And levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, hs-CRP, SP, CGRP, NPY and VIP were all lower than those in control group (P<0.01). Analyzed by rank sum test, the clinical efficacy in observation group was better than those in control group (Z=2.089, P<0.05). Conclusion::Modified Simiaosan can significantly alleviate pain and swelling symptoms, promote the recovery of knee joint function, and inhibit the expressions of proinflammatory factors and neuropeptides in synovial fluid, with a better clinical efficacy.

Epithelial defect repair in the auricle and auditory meatus by grafting with cultured adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell aggregate-extracellular matrix / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Several patients experience persistent otorrhea after a flawless surgical procedure because of insufficient epithelial healing. Several efforts, such as autologous tissue allograft and xenograft, have been made to halt otorrhea. However, a stable technology to induce temporal epithelial repair is yet to be established. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether implantation of seeding adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC) aggregates on extracellular matrix (ECM; herein, ADMSC aggregate-ECM) into damaged skin wound promotes skin regeneration.@*METHODS@#ADMSC aggregate-ECM was prepared using a previously described procedure that isolated ADMSCs from rabbits and applied to the auricle and auditory meatus wound beds of New Zealand white rabbits. Wound healing was assessed by general observation and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Secretion of growth factor of the tissue was evaluated by western blotting. Two other groups, namely, ECM and control, were used. Comparisons of three groups were conducted by one-way analysis of variance analysis.@*RESULTS@#ADMSCs adhered tightly to the ECM and quickly formed cell sheets. At 2 weeks, general observation and H&E staining indicated that the wound healing rates in the ADMSC aggregate-ECM (69.02 ± 6.36%) and ECM (59.32 ± 4.10%) groups were higher than that in the control group (43.74 ± 12.15%; P = 0.005, P < 0.001, respectively) in ear auricle excisional wounds. At 7 weeks, The scar elevation index was evidently reduced in the ADMSC aggregate-ECM (2.08 ± 0.87) and ECM (2.31 ± 0.33) groups compared with the control group (4.06 ± 0.45; P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, the scar elevation index of the ADMSC aggregate-ECM group reached the lowest rate 4 weeks in advance. In auditory meatus excisional wounds, the ADMSC aggregate-ECM group had the largest range of normal skin-like structure at 4 weeks. The ADMSC aggregate-ECM and ECM groups secreted increased amounts of growth factors that contributed to skin regeneration at weeks 1 and 2, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#ADMSC aggregate-ECM and ECM are effective repair materials for wound healing, especially ADMSC aggregate-ECM. This approach will provide a meaningful experimental basis for mastoid epithelium repair in subsequent clinical trials.

Comparative clinical study on seldom segment with multiple segment intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#Several clinical studies were performed on multi-segment intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors. However, no clinical study focused on the relationship between different vertebral segments intramedullary tumors involvement and neurological functions, as well as prognosis of the patients. This prospective study was performed to compare clinical analysis on neurological functions and prognosis of the patients with intramedullary spinal cord primary tumors.@*METHODS@#A prospective cohort study was performed in a single medical center, Neurosurgical Department, Peking University Third Hospital. Between Jan. 1, 2010 and Dec. 30, 2015, 135 patients underwent microsurgery for intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors. The intramedullary tumor length occupying 3 or more vertebral body levels was considered as multiple segments intramedullary primary spinal cord tumor, and occupying one or two vertebral body levels considered as seldom segments. Preoperative and postoperative functions were assessed using IJOA (improved Japanese orthopaedic association) scoring system, and analyzed using the appropriate statistical tests.@*RESULTS@#Among the 135 patients, 52 cases had seldom segments intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors, and 83 cases had multiple segments. In the seldom group, 32 (62%) patients presented with normal urine and stool function, 8 (15%) patients with severe dysfunction, 7 (14%) with slight dysfunction, and 5 (9%) with incontinence, and 30 (58%) patients demonstrated various degrees of limbs weakness. The preoperative IJOA scores of the patients were 16.9±2.4. The postoperative IJOA scores at the end of 3 months were 16.6±2.3. The current IJOA scores until the end of the follow-up were 17.5±4.4. In the multiple group, 37 (45%) patients presented with normal urine and stool functions, 26 (31%) patients with slight dysfunction, 11 (13%) with severe dysfunction, and 9 (11%) with incontinence, and 62 (75%) patients demonstrated various degrees of limbs weakness. The preoperative IJOA scores of the patients were 15.6±3.4. The postoperative IJOA scores at the end of 3 months were 15.5±3.8. The current IJOA scores until the end of the follow-up were 16.9±5.8. The difference of presenting urine and stool dysfunction (Z=-1.35, P=0.18) was not statistically significant between the different patient groups. However, the difference of presenting limbs weakness (Z=-2.06, P=0.04) was statistically significant between the two groups. Most patients with multiple segment intramedullary tumors suffered from various limbs weakness. The difference of the preoperative IJOA score (P=0.02) and the postoperative early IJOA score (P=0.004) of the patients was statistically significant between the seldom and multiple segments groups. Preoperative and early postoperative neurological function of the patients was better with seldom segments tumor than with multiple segments tumor. Most patients with multi-segment intramedullary tumors experienced various limbs weakness. However, the difference of long-term neurological function (P=0.12) between the seldom and multiple segments groups was not statistically significant. The neurological function of the patients with multiple segments intramedullary tumor was remarkably improved after physical therapy.@*CONCLUSION@#Perioperative neurological function of the patients with seldom segments primary tumor was superior to that of the patients with multiple segments primary tumor, especially for limb strength. The neurological function of the patients with multiple segments intramedullary primary tumor was remarkably improved after physical therapy during long-term follow-up.

Application of diffusion tensor imaging combined with virtual reality three-dimensional reconstruction in the operation of gliomas involved eloquent regions / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the values of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and virtual reality (VR) techniques in design surgery program of gliomas near eloquent regions.@*METHODS@#In this study, 35 cases were retrospectively analyzed with gliomas involved language areas or rolandic regions operated in Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital from January 2015 to January 2019. Surgery programs were performed by Dextroscope virtual reality system. The pre-operative data, such as the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA) and DTI was transferred into the VR computer for restitution,Tumors, neural fiber tracts and blood vessels were reconstructed to simulate operation and design individual surgical plan. Neurological function was evaluated 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after operation.@*RESULTS@#Virtual reality three-dimensional images of the 35 cases were successfully achieved, including neural fiber tracts,blood vessels and the lesions. The displacement and destruction of fiber tracts, the anatomic relationship between tumor and important fiber bundle, artery and vein could be shown clearly. Surgical simulation and surgery program of VR of the 35 patients were successfully performed. The 3D images obtained from virtual reality near to the real surgery. Ten of the 35 cases were defined as rolandic regions tumors, 14 of the 35 cases were defined as language areas tumors and 11 of the 35 cases involved both language areas and rolandic regions. Complete resection of enhancing tumor (CRET) was achieved in 30 cases (85.7%), subtotal resection in 5 cases (14.3%), neurological function improved in 34 cases (97.1%) after operation,and 1 case had no improvement compared with that before(2.9%). Thirteen cases without neurological deficit pre-operation, showed transient neurological deficit ,which were recovered about 10 days post-operation, 12 of 22 cases with pre-operative neurologic deficit, improved one week postoperation, 9 of 22 cases with pre-operative neurologic deficit improved one month after operation, the rest 1 case was recurrent with glioblastoma with aggravated hemiplegia symptom after operation, who died of cerebral hernia 2 months later.@*CONCLUSION@#Dextroscope virtual reality system can clearly expose and quantify the 3D anatomic relationship of tumors, neural fiber tracts and blood vessels surrounding gliomas near eloquent regions, which is helpful to design the best individualized surgery program, to improve surgical effect.

Highlights of the third edition of Chinese guidelines for AIDS diagnosis and treatment(2015) / 浙江大学学报·医学版

The third edition of Chinese guidelines for AIDS diagnosis and treatment was launched in 2015 by AIDS Professional Group, Society of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Medical Association. New edition emphasizes the importance of timely initiation of anti-retroviral therapy(ART). Like other guidelines, this edition recommends that once the HIV infection is confirmed, the ART should be initiated timely. For patients with HIV and opportunistic infections, once the infections are under control, the ART should be initiated without delay. For AIDS patients complicated with tuberculosis whose CD4 cell counts are less than 200/μL, the ART should start within 2 weeks after the initiation of anti-tuberculosis treatment. In this guideline, the drugs with severe toxicities and poor tolerance are excluded, and new drugs are added such as rilpivrine (RPV) and atazanavir (ATV) because of less toxicity and higher HIV depression effect; and 3TC+TDF+EFV is recommended as the first line regimen. As for children with HIV infection, especially for those less than 5 years, once the infection is confirmed the ART should be initiated immediately. For the prevention of HIV mother to children transmission, new edition recommends that HIV-infected pregnant women start ART early and keep on ART all their lives.

Solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with edaravone for inner ear protection after noise exposure / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Antioxidants and the duration of treatment after noise exposure on hearing recovery are important. We investigated the protective effects of an antioxidant substance, edaravone, and its slow-release dosage form, edaravone solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), in steady noise-exposed guinea pigs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>SLNs loaded with edaravone were produced by an ultrasound technique. Edaravone solution or edaravone SLNs were administered by intratympanic or intravenous injection after the 1 st day of noise exposure. Guinea pigs were exposed to 110 dB sound pressure level (SPL) noise, centered at 0.25-4.0 kHz, for 4 days at 2 h/d. After noise exposure, the guinea pigs underwent auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold measurements, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected in their cochleas with electron spin resonance (ESR), and outer hair cells (OHCs) were counted with silvernitrate (AgNO 3 ) staining at 1, 4, and 6 days.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ultrasound technique was able to prepare adequate edaravone SLNs with a mean particle size of 93.6 nm and entrapment efficiency of 76.7%. Acoustic stress-induced ROS formation and edaravone exerted a protective effect on the cochlea. Comparisons of hearing thresholds and ROS changes in different animal groups showed that the threshold shift and ROS generation were significantly lower in treated animals than in those without treatment, especially in the edaravone SLN intratympanic injection group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Edaravone SLNs show noticeable slow-release effects and have certain protective effects against noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).</p>

Correlation analysis between foliar endophytic fungi of Salvia miltiorrhiza and effective components / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the correlations between foliar fungal endophyte communities and effective components accumulations in Salvia miltiorrhiza. Foliar samples of S. miltiorrhiza were collected in 5 different areas. Their fungal endophyte communities and effective component contents were determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. The results showed that, for characteristics of foliar fungal endophyte communities and effective component contents, there were both similarities and differences among the five samples. Correlation analysis of DGGEs' band and 24 effective components revealed a significant correlations (P < 0.01). For examples, 4 bands (15, 18, 23 and 26) were all significantly correlated with the accumulations of caffeic acid, salvianolic acid B, salvianolic acid C and dihydrotanshinone I.

Multi-center clinical study on the treatment of the low-middle frequency sudden hearing loss / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate and compare the short-term outcome of patients with low-middle frequency sudden deafness treated with alone or combination treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From August 2007 to October 2011, 205 patients with the diagnosis of low-middle frequency sudden deafness who were from 33 different clinical centers were recruited. All patients were followed up for four weeks from the initial examination. Patients were treated with steroid , Ginaton, batroxobin respectively, or Ginaton and steroid combination treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 90.73%. In Ginaton group, the total effective rate was 87.27%, 89.19% in steroid group, 87.80% in batroxobin group, and 95.83% in Ginaton and steroid group. Considering the total effective rate, there was no statistical difference between four groups (χ(2) = 7.98, P = 0.54). The clinical cure rate for steroid alone was 81.01%, Ginaton alone 76.36%, batroxobin alone 68.29%, and Ginaton and steroid combination treatment 80.56%. There were no clinically significant differences between the different treatments (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The low-middle frequency sudden deafness tends to have a relatively favorable prognosis. The steroid played a good effect in the treatment. But different treatments either improving the microcirculation of inner ear or alleviating edema blood has undifferentiated results. Therefore the combination therapy may be more effective.</p>

Real-time CT of upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the technology and clinical application of real-time CT scan in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome during awake and drug induced sleep state.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-two patients with OSAHS diagnosed by polysomnography underwent 256 layer spiral CT scan during awake and drug-induced sleep apnea state, and multiplanar reconstruction and volume rendering of computed tomography images were performed. To observe the dynamic changes of upper airway and locate the sites of airway obstruction in patients with OSAHS, the minimum section area, diameter and volume of pharynx cavity were measured on reconstructed 3-dimensional computed tomography.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Real-time CT scans were completed successfully in all of the patients. It was revealed that airway obstruction frequently occurred at retropalatal and retroglottal region. Real-time CT scans revealed 29 cases with airway obstruction at isolated retropalatal region, 19 cases with airway obstruction at retropalatal and retroglottal region simultaneously, 6 cases with airway obstruction at retropalatal and epiglottal region simultaneously, 7 cases with airway obstruction at retropalatal, retroglottal and retroglottal region simultaneously, 1 case without airway obstruction. There was no airway obstruction at retroglottal or retroglottal region isolatedly. Rate of single region airway obstruction was 46.8% (29/62), and rate of multiple regions airway obstruction 51.6% (32/62). The real-time CT results showed that starting from Friedman tongue position I to IV, the percentage of obstruction at retroglottal and (or) retroglottal region simultaneously were increasing, the percentage of obstruction were 0/6, 8/25, 13/20, 11/11, respectively (χ(2) = 22.00, P < 0.005). The minimum section area, volume, minimum anteroposterior diameter and left-right diameter of pharynx cavity between awake and drug-induced sleep apnea state had statistically significant difference in all region.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Real-time CT scans in drug-induced sleep state could get more information about the anatomical and pathological changes of upper airway, providing relatively objective morphological basis for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with OSAHS. Therefore, real-time CT scans have important value in practical application.</p>

Relationship between obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome and hypertension / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and hypertension.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>There were 1149 middle aged patients who were suspected to have OSAHS underwent polysomnography (PSG) from Jan, 1999 to June, 2011. The age of the patients ranged from 45 to 65 years. The patients were divided into 10 groups according to sleep apnea hypopnea index (AHI), group 1: AHI < 5; group 2: 5 ≤ AHI < 15; group 3: 15 ≤ AHI < 30; group 4: 30 ≤ AHI < 40; group 5: 40 ≤ AHI < 50; group 6: 50 ≤ AHI < 60; group 7: 60 ≤ AHI < 70; group 8: 70 ≤ AHI < 80; group 9: 80 ≤ AHI < 90; group 10: AHI ≥ 90. The incidence of hypertension in each group was tested using crosstabs method. The correlation between AHI, lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2), age, body mass index (BMI) and hypertension were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 1149 suspected OSAHS patients, 1004 were diagnosed as OSAHS by PSG. There were positive correlation between AHI and diastolic, systolic blood pressure (r were 0.239 and 0.305, respectively, P < 0.01). AHI was independent risk factor of hypertension (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference in the incidence of hypertension was found among group 1 and group 2, 3, group 4 and group 5, group 6 to group 10 (χ(2) were 3.821, 0.005 and 1.325, P > 0.05, respectively). There was significant difference in the incidence of hypertension among group 4 and group 1, 2, 3, group 5 and group 6 (χ(2) were 2.615 and 4.300, P < 0.05, respectively). There were two cutoff points at the AHI of 30 and 50.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>With OSAHS exacerbations, the incidence of hypertension was significantly increased.</p>

Tissue engineered tympanic membrane repairment materials with adipose-derived stem cells / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the morphology, proliferative activity and adhesion of adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) seeded in the polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffold, and to provide experimental data for fabricating tissue engineered tympanic membrane repairment materials.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Wistar rats were selected, and the ASC were isolated and co-cultured with the PLGA scaffold. The morphology and proliferative activity of ASC in the scaffold were examined by immunofluorescence of Vimentin and Ki67 respectively. All the immunofluorescence signals were analyzed by a confocal laser scan microscopy system FLUOVIEW FV1000. The adhesion of ASC to the PLGA scalfold was determined by scanning electron microscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Immunofluorescence of vimentin showed rats ASC displayed normal morphology and grew orderly in the PLGA scalfold. Immunofluorescence of Ki67 showed the normal active proliferation of ASC in the scaffolds. The Ki67 mean positive index (x(-) ± s) of the ASC in the scalfold was (8.21 ± 1.76)%, while in control group (cultured without PLGA scalfold) was (9.06 ± 1.95)%. There was no statistic significance between the two groups (t = 1.03, P = 0.30). Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated ASC adhered well to the PLGA scalfold, the pseudopodia of ASC could also be observed and the proliferative cell conjunction was tight.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ASC has good biocompatible to the PLGA scaffold and could normally adhere and proliferate in PLGA scaffold.</p>

Habituation of seasickness in adult during a long voyage / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the habituation of seasickness in non marine subjects during a long voyage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A crew of 106 staffs of the Hospital Ship Ark Peace was included in this study. There were 59 male and 47 female with an age ranged from 23 to 53 years (mean 37.2 years). They all took part in the Mission Harmony 2011 for medical service in four countries around the Caribbean Sea. Questionnaires and visual analogue scales (VAS) were used to investigate the prevalence and degree of the seasickness in different periods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prevalence of seasickness was 72.64% in the initial period of voyage. The prevalence and degree of seasickness in female and in staff with motion sickness history were higher and more severe than that in male and in staff without motion sickness history(P < 0.05). After two weeks, the prevalence and degree of seasickness decreased, which meant habituation of seasickness occurred. With the voyage going longer, the prevalence and degree of seasickness were further decreased, but the severe sea condition make the prevalence and degree of seasickness worse. The rate of habituation of seasickness was 62.33%, and the habituation rate of seasickness in male (76.92%) was higher than that in female (47.37%) (χ(2) = 7.161, P = 0.007).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The habituation of the seasickness occurred after two weeks in a long voyage. Male are easier to get habituation of seasickness than female. The severe sea condition influences the prevalence and degree of seasickness.</p>

Measurement of objective parameters associated with pharyngeal swallowing function in Chinese adults / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To obtain a series of objective criteria associated with pharyngeal swallowing function using dynamic swallow study in Chinese adults.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Dynamic videofluoroscopic swallow studies were performed on 80 normal adult volunteers. There were 40 males and 40 females aged from 20 to 60 years old. Measurement software Avidemux 2.5 and Image J were used to measure the objective parameters which were closely related to the pharyngeal swallowing function in the swallowing process, such as maximum displacement of the hyoid bone (HmaxD), pharyngeal transit time (PTT), pharyngeal constriction ratio(PCR), and maximum opening of the esophageal entrance (EEmax).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the 80 adults, the HmaxD, PTT, PCR, and EEmax were (1.91 ± 0.48) cm (x(-) ± s), (0.82 ± 0.15) s, 94.9% ± 3.41%, and (0.91 ± 0.05) cm respectively. The HmaxD of the male (2.04 ± 0.46) cm was significantly larger than that of the female (1.78 ± 0.47) cm (t = 2.44, P = 0.017), but the PTT, PCR, and EEmax had no significant difference between different gender and age groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Objective parameters of the HmaxD, PTT, PCR, and EEmax during swallowing are obtained in Chinese adults. These data are important for assessment of the swallow function and these data provide a foundation for further research on assessment of swallowing function in Chinese.</p>

Preliminary exploration of Gd-DTPA enhanced inner ear image of guinea pig using magnetic resonance scan / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the distribution of Gd-DTPA in the inner ear of guinea pig by MRI at different time points after intratympanic administration, explore the optical time for observing the whole inner ear. To study the pharmacokinetic feature of Gd-DTPA in the inner ear, and find out whether discrimination of endolymph and perilymph can be obtained under current conditions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-five guinea pigs were randomly divided into 13 groups, after diluted Gd-DTPA intratympanic injection, each group of guinea pigs were scanned through MRI (3D-T1 FSE sequence) at different time points (0 h, 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, 10 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h). Pixel intensity values of some locations in the inner ear were analyzed using e-Film software, then pixel intensity was converted into concentration using the results of previous in-vitro study. ABR thresholds of bilateral ears before, 1 d and 7 d after intratympanic injection were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Six hours after transtympanic Gd-DTPA injection was the time point when contrast agent was distributed all over the inner ear, and reached a high concentration: 589.29, 552.54, 570.17, 255.08, 107.09 and 139.18 µmol/L in the vestibule, scala vestibuli and scala tympani of basal turn, the 2(nd), the 3(rd) and the apical turn individually, that was also the optimal time for observing the whole inner ear by MRI. Perilymph appeared to be preferentially enhanced relative to the endolymph, resulting in a distinction between the scales of the inner ear. There was no significant difference between the experimental ear (diluted GD-DTPA injected ear) and contrast ear (physiological saline injected ear) on 1 d and 7 d.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The best time getting MRI imaging after intratympanic diluted GD-DTPA injection is 6 h. After diluted agent injection perilymph can be enhanced so as to be differentiated with endolymph by MRI, diluted agent have no obvious effect on the ABR threshold. The pharmacokinetic feature of Gd-DTPA in the inner can be studied using MRI.</p>

Electronic laryngoscope for transnasal esophageal examination / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the value of electronic laryngoscope for transnasal esophagoscopy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The electronic laryngoscope was used for transnasal esophagoscopy in 50 patients from June 2009 to June 2011 in our department. There were 32 males and 18 females with their age ranged from 16-88 years (mean 53.8 years). Before esophagoscopy, 1% ephedrine-dicaine mixture was sprayed into the nasal and pharyngeal cavities for topical anesthesia. The esophagoscopy was used for screening examination in the patients with reflux, globus sensation, dysphagia, head and neck cancer, suspected foreign body, and vocal cord paralysis, etc.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The transnasal esophagoscopy with electronic laryngoscope was performed successfully in all the patients. Mild nausea and vomiting occurred in 4 patients, but no patient required to stop the examination. Of the 50 patients, 38 patients (76%) had normal findings and 12 patients (24%) had positive findings of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer was diagnosed in one patient, esophageal foreign body in 2 patients, esophageal injury in one patient, candidal esophagitis in 3 patients, esophagitis in 3 patients, and achalasia of the cardia in 2 patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The electronic laryngoscope for transnasal esophagoscopy is an alternative to conventional esophagoscopy, which is useful for screening the esophagus in the patients with reflux, globus, dysphagia, head and neck cancer, and suspected foreign body, etc.</p>

Maxillary first molar with three mesiobuccal root canals: a case report / 华西口腔医学杂志

Three root canals in the mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molar is unusual. The aim of this case report was to describe a maxillary first molar that presented three root canals in the mesiobuccal root. The distance among the three canal orifices was 1.5 mm. The working lengths of the three canals were within the normal range.