[Application of clip remodeling technique in microsurgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms via keyhole approaches].

Objective: To discuss the value and technique of clip remodeling in microsurgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms via keyhole approaches. Methods: The clinical data of patients with intracranial aneurysms, who were treated by microsurgical clipping via keyhole approaches from January 2017 to December 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. The clips were remodeled based on the aneurysmal characteristics during the procedure in 27 cases. Angiography was obtained within one week after surgery in order to evaluate the position of clips and the security of lesions. All patients were followed up at the outpatient clinic to assess the clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 27 patients harbored 30 intracranial aneurysms, including 23 ruptured lesions and 7 unruptured ones. There were 9 middle cerebral artery aneurysms, 11 anterior communicating artery aneurysms, 9 posterior communicating artery aneurysms and 1 anterior cerebral artery aneurysm, respectively. Nine patients were operated via supraorbital keyhole approach, as well as 17 via pterional keyhole approach and one via hemispheric keyhole approach. Postoperative angiography revealed complete obliteration of lesions without residual filling in all cases. Twenty-five patients recovered well at discharge and two presented with mild disability. After 3-36 months of follow-up, no rebleeding and new-onset neurological deficits were noted. Conclusion: Clip remodeling technique is a simple and effective option, which can alleviate the limitation of manipulative freedom under keyhole approaches and improve the microsurgical effect of intracranial aneurysms.

[Study on the relationship between urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites and pulmonary function in community population].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) metabolites and pulmonary function in community population. Methods: A total of 4 812 participants were recruited from two communities in Wuhan city from April to May 2011 and two communities in Zhuhai city in May 2012. Information of demographic characteristics and life style was collected by semi-structural questionnaire. Physical examination was performed and pulmonary function was measured. Morning urine was also collected. The concentration of 12 urinary PAHs metabolites was tested and classified into four types by chemical structure, including hydroxynaphthalene, hydroxyfluorene, hydroxyphenanthrene and hydroxypyrene. The level of pulmonary function in different group of urinary PAHs metabolites was compared by using covariance analysis. The association of the urinary PAHs metabolites and pulmonary function was analyzed by using generalized linear model, and the interaction of different population characteristics and life style on the association was analyzed. Results: The age of participants was(51.99±13.64) years old, and 67.66% (n=2 565) of the population were women. The M (P(25), P(75)) of concentration of total urinary PAHs metabolites was 5.72 (3.91,8.72) µg/mmol Cr. After controlling for variables including age, gender, city, Waist-to-Hip Ratio, smoking status, drinking situation, physical activity, cooking meals at home or not, kitchen ventilation and exposure to dust as confounding factors, generalized linear model showed that each 1-unit increase in log-transformed levels of hydroxynaphthalene, hydroxyfluorene, hydroxyphenanthrene, hydroxypyrene and total PAHs was associated with 26.83 (95%CI: -48.18, -5.48) , 21.86 (95%CI: -40.49, -3.23), 26.18(95%CI: -48.27, -4.09), 34.95 (95%CI: -55.95, -13.94), and 35.23 (95%CI: -58.93, -11.54) ml reduction of FVC and 29.36 (95%CI: -47.23, -11.48), 20.79 (95%CI: -36.39, -5.19), 22.65 (95%CI: -41.15, -4.15), 31.44(95%CI: -49.03, -13.85), and 33.20 (95%CI: -53.04, -13.36) ml reduction of FEV(1) respectively (all P values<0.05). Compared to non-alcohol users and participants with home cooking, the association was more evident in alcohol users and participants without home cooking(P for interaction<0.05). Conclusion: The exposure to PAHs was associated with decreased pulmonary function, and the association was more evident in alcohol users and participants without home cooking.

[Value of single-source dual-energy CT (ssDECT) in differentiating lipid-poor adrenal adenomas from metastatic lesions].

Objective: To evaluate the value of single-source dual-energy CT (ssDECT) in differentiating lipid-poor adenomas from metastases in adrenal glands. Methods: From August 2011 to Oct 2014, 63 patients with 73 adrenal nodules (53 metastases proven by 5-6 months follow-up, and 20 histopathologically proven adenomas, CT value > 10 HU) underwent ssDECT scanning. The CT values of conventional polychromatic CT and virtual monochromatic images (40-140 keV) , fat-water density images and effective atomic number (eff-Z) were reconstructed on an ADW4.5 workstation and ROC curves were then constructed to evaluate the effectiveness of each parameter. The slope of spectral curve was measured and divided into 3 types: increment curve (K>0.1), straight curve (-0.1≤K≤0.1) and decrement curve (K< -0.1) according to the slope (the value of K) of spectral curve, and the curve patterns in the two groups were compared statistically. Results: There was no statistical difference between the mean CT values of metastases (35.12±5.29)HU and lipid-poor adenomas (32.48±6.94)HU by conventional polychromatic CT (P>0.05). The range of single-energy CT values of metastases [from (53.00±15.12) HU to (33.38±5.67) HU] was significantly higher than that of lipid-poor adenomas [from (26.90±26.94) HU to (28.77±10.66) HU] at energy levels ranging from 40 to 80 keV (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the single-energy CT value of metastases and lipid-poor adenomas at energy levels ranging from 90 to 140 keV (P>0.05). The median fat-water concentration of metastases was -164.61 µg/cm3, significantly lower than that of lipid-poor adenomas (114.32 µg/cm3,P<0.05). The eff-Z of metastases (7.76±0.15) was also significantly higher than that of lipid-poor adenomas (7.50±0.25, P<0.05). When the threshold of fat-water concentration was -143.89 µg/cm3, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rate of metastasis diagnosis was 70.0%, 66.0%, and 76.7%, respectively. When the threshold of eff-Z was 7.63, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rate of metastasis diagnosis was 83.0%, 65.0%, and 80.4%, respectively. The lower the energy, the higher the diagnostic accuracy at energy levels ranging from 40 to 80 keV, and that of 40 keV was the highest. The spectral curves of metastases included 2 (3.8%) ascending curves, 9 (17.0%) straight curves and 42 (79.2%) descending curves, while in the 20 lipid-poor adenomas, there were 9 (45.0%) ascending curves, 4 (20.0%) straight curves and 7 (35.0%) descending curves, showing significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusions: Single-source dual-energy CT provides an effective multi-parameter approach for differentiating lipid-poor adrenal adenomas from metastases.

[Preparation of simulate craniocerebral models via three dimensional printing technique].

OBJECTIVE: Three dimensional (3D) printing technique was used to prepare the simulate craniocerebral models, which were applied to preoperative planning and surgical simulation. METHODS: The image data was collected from PACS system. Image data of skull bone, brain tissue and tumors, cerebral arteries and aneurysms, and functional regions and relative neural tracts of the brain were extracted from thin slice scan (slice thickness 0.5 mm) of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, slice thickness 1mm), computed tomography angiography (CTA), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, respectively. MIMICS software was applied to reconstruct colored virtual models by identifying and differentiating tissues according to their gray scales. Then the colored virtual models were submitted to 3D printer which produced life-sized craniocerebral models for surgical planning and surgical simulation. RESULTS: 3D printing craniocerebral models allowed neurosurgeons to perform complex procedures in specific clinical cases though detailed surgical planning. It offered great convenience for evaluating the size of spatial fissure of sellar region before surgery, which helped to optimize surgical approach planning. These 3D models also provided detailed information about the location of aneurysms and their parent arteries, which helped surgeons to choose appropriate aneurismal clips, as well as perform surgical simulation. The models further gave clear indications of depth and extent of tumors and their relationship to eloquent cortical areas and adjacent neural tracts, which were able to avoid surgical damaging of important neural structures. CONCLUSION: As a novel and promising technique, the application of 3D printing craniocerebral models could improve the surgical planning by converting virtual visualization into real life-sized models.It also contributes to functional anatomy study.

Arthropod visual predators in the early pelagic ecosystem: evidence from the Burgess Shale and Chengjiang biotas.

Exceptional fossil specimens with preserved soft parts from the Maotianshan Shale (ca 520 Myr ago) and the Burgess Shale (505 Myr ago) biotas indicate that the worldwide distributed bivalved arthropod Isoxys was probably a non-benthic visual predator. New lines of evidence come from the functional morphology of its powerful prehensile frontal appendages that, combined with large spherical eyes, are thought to have played a key role in the recognition and capture of swimming or epibenthic prey. The swimming and steering of this arthropod was achieved by the beating of multiple setose exopods and a flap-like telson. The appendage morphology of Isoxys indicates possible phylogenetical relationships with the megacheirans, a widespread group of assumed predator arthropods characterized by a pre-oral 'great appendage'. Evidence from functional morphology and taphonomy suggests that Isoxys was able to migrate through the water column and was possibly exploiting hyperbenthic niches for food. Although certainly not unique, the case of Isoxys supports the idea that off-bottom animal interactions such as predation, associated with complex feeding strategies and behaviours (e.g. vertical migration and hunting) were established by the Early Cambrian. It also suggests that a prototype of a pelagic food chain had already started to build-up at least in the lower levels of the water column.

Associations among family support, family stress, and personal functional health status.

The self-reported family support and stress of 249 ambulatory adult patients, aged 18-49 years, were studied relative to their self-reported functional health. Support from family members was found to be related positively with emotional function. Stress from family members was associated negatively with symptom status, physical function, and emotional function. Patients' severity of illness was related negatively to their symptom status, physical function, and social function, but not to their emotional function. During the study a new self-report instrument, the Duke Social Support and Stress Scale (DUSOCS), was developed to measure family and non-family support and stress. Also, a new chart audit methodology, the Duke Severity of Illness Scale (DUSOI), was designed to assess severity in the ambulatory setting. Reliability and validity of the DUSOCS and the DUSOI were supported. The importance of the patient's perception of health and its family determinants is emphasized.

Heparin metabolism and heparin-release lipase activity during long-term estrogen-progestin treatment.

Short-term oral contraceptive therapy has been reported to decrease postheparin lipolytic activity (PHLA). Resistance to heparin has been held responsible for this effect. To test several alternative explanations, we studied both PHLA and heparin concentrations in nine control women and nine women receiving long-term estrogen-progestin therapy after they were given heparin intravenously (10 units/kg). There were no significant differences in the concentration of heparin, its rate of disappearance, or calculated space of distribution between control and treated groups. PHLA was depressed (p less than 0.05) by approximately 50% during long-term estrongen-progestin therapy. PHLA disappearance was similar in both groups. Thus, reduced PHLA in women receiving long-term oral contraceptive therapy cannot be related to altered heparin metabolism or to accelerated enzyme disappearance from plasma. Long-term estrogen-progestin administration may decrease the heparin-facilitated release of individual triglyceride hydrolase activities or enhance the affinity of enzyme binding to tissues.

Minimal stimulation achieves pregnancy rates comparable to human menopausal gonadotropins in the treatment of infertility.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of a novel clomiphene citrate (CC) and hMG combination protocol ("minimal stimulation") for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Minimal stimulation consists of administering 100 mg/d CC for 5 days followed by a single dose of 150 IU hMG. The results of this analysis are compared with those of an hMG-alone protocol. In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer and donor insemination patients are excluded from this analysis. DESIGN: Retrospective review of minimal stimulation and hMG cycles from January 1, 1989 to December 31, 1992. SETTING: Tertiary care center reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic. PATIENTS: Two hundred thirty-two women who underwent 549 treatment cycles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical and multiple pregnancy rates (PRs) and medication costs. RESULTS: Sixty-one women received 106 cycles of minimal stimulation and 183 received 443 cycles of hMG. Although subject groups were not assigned randomly, multivariate analysis detected no significant differences between the treatment groups. The total ampules of hMG required differed significantly (2.0 for minimal stimulation versus 16.8 +/- 8.5 [mean +/- SD] for hMG). Pregnancy rates and multiple gestation rates were similar. Medication expense of minimal stimulation is 21% that of the hMG protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal stimulation is as effective as hMG in the population examined. The comparable PRs and decreased medication costs of minimal stimulation justifies further evaluation of its role in the treatment of infertility.

Historical total and respirable silica dust exposure levels in mines and pottery factories in China.

Historical exposure estimates of total dust and respirable silica were made in a recent nested case-referent study of lung cancer among mine and pottery workers in China. Exposure to total dust and respirable silica was assessed in 20 mines and 9 pottery factories. The average total dust concentration was 7.26 mg center dot m-3, with a range from 17.68 mg center dot m-3 in the 1950s to 3.85 mg center dot m-3 in the 1980s, while the average respirable silica dust was 1.22 mg center dot m-3, with a range from 3.89 mg center dot m-3 in the 1950s to 0.43 mg center dot m-3 in the 1980s. The highest respirable silica dust occurred in the underground mining operations (1.43 mg center dot m-3), particularly for manual drillers (9.03 mg center dot m-3). Among all facility types, tungsten mines had the highest respirable silica dust exposure (1.75 mg center dot m-3), while the lowest exposure occurred in copper-iron mines (0.32 mg center dot m-3).

Arthroscopic diagnosis and management of ochronotic arthropathy of the knee.

Ochronotic arthropathy is a progressive joint disorder resulting from the deposition of a derivative of homogentisic acid into connective tissues, especially meniscal and articular cartilage. Patients may present with symptoms, physical examination results, and radiographic changes consistent with degenerative joint disease. We present a case in which an operative arthroscopy of the knee was highly suggestive of ochronotic arthropathy. The definitive diagnosis of ochronosis was subsequently confirmed by laboratory and pathologic evaluation.

Patient acceptance of two health status measures: the Medical Outcomes Study Short-form General Health Survey and the Duke Health Profile.

BACKGROUND: The Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form General Health Survey (MOS-SF) and the Duke Health Profile (DUKE) are brief, reliable, valid, and practical health status measures with potential applications in clinical research. We compared patient acceptance, ease of completion, and adequacy of capture (of the patient's self-perception of health) of these instruments in a primary care setting. METHODS: The MOS-SF, DUKE, and assessment questionnaires were administered to 79 patients in a university-based family practice. Patient acceptance of each instrument was assessed with Likert scale questions. Patients then compared the two instruments for relative ease of completion, preference, and completeness of capture. RESULTS: Both forms assessed each item well, but the DUKE scored statistically significantly better than the MOS-SF on four of six patient acceptance questions and both ease of completion items. There were no significant differences for capture items. CONCLUSIONS: Although both instruments are well accepted, investigators may favor the DUKE over the MOS-SF for situations in which patient acceptance or ease of completion is a key issue.

The effect of distal screw orientation on the intrinsic stability of a tibial intramedullary nail.

To compare the intrinsic stability of two distal interlocking screw orientations for tibial nailing of distal third tibial diaphyseal fractures without isthmal support, six Depuy (Warsaw, Indiana) tibial intramedullary nails were implanted in simulated distal tibiae. The constructs received both two parallel (medial to lateral) and two perpendicular (one medial to lateral, one anterior to posterior) distal interlocking screws in a random order Angular, translational, and torsional displacements of the nails were measured in response to 70 N proximal applications of anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral loads, and a 7.7 Newton-meter torsional load. There were no differences in medial or lateral angulations between the screw orientations (average: 2.5 degrees, p > 0.8). Angulation in the sagittal plane (anterior and posterior) was slightly less for parallel screw fixation (1.6 degrees versus 2.4 degrees), but this was not statistically significant (p > 0.1). Rotational angulation was higher in the parallel (average: 9.9 degrees) versus the perpendicular (average: 8.1 degrees) screw orientation, but these results were not statistically significant (p > 0.1). Pure translation did not occur in either the parallel or perpendicular screw orientations. These results indicate that fixation stability of these tibial intramedullary nails is not significantly influenced by distal interlocking screw orientation in response to sagittal, coronal, or rotational forces.

Vibrio aerogenes sp. nov., a facultatively anaerobic marine bacterium that ferments glucose with gas production.

A mesophilic, facultatively anaerobic, marine bacterium, designated strain FG1T, was isolated from a seagrass bed sediment sample collected from Nanwan Bay, Kenting National Park, Taiwan. Cells grown in broth cultures were motile, Gram-negative rods; motility was normally achieved by two sheathed flagella at one pole of the cell. Strain FG1T required Na+ for growth, and exhibited optimal growth at 30-35 degrees C, pH 6-7 and about 4% NaCl. It grew anaerobically by fermenting glucose and other carbohydrates with production of various organic acids, including acetate, lactate, formate, malate, oxaloacetate, propionate, pyruvate and succinate, and the gases CO2 and H2. The strain did not require either vitamins or other organic growth factors for growth. Its DNA G+C content was 45.9 mol%. It contained C12:0 as the most abundant cellular fatty acid. Characterization data, together with the results of a 16S rDNA-based phylogenetic analysis, indicate that strain FG1T represents a new species of the genus Vibrio. Thus, the name Vibrio aerogenes sp. nov. is proposed for this new bacterium. The type strain is FG1T (= ATCC 700797T = CCRC 17041T).

One-stage assay of heparin.

A simple and rapid one-stage plasma heparin assay based on the heparin-dependent neutralization of activated factor X (Xa) is described. Factor Xa is prepared in a concentration adjusted to produce a clotting time of 18 to 20 seconds when heparin-free plasma is tested in the system. The assay incubation mixture contains "standard human plasma", the heparinized test plasma, cephalin, and factor Xa. Clotting times are measured automatically after incugation and calcium addition. A linear relationship was found between the log of the clotting time and the heparin concentration for the standard curve from which the heparin level is determined. The lower limit of sensitivity is about 0.05 unit heparin per milliliter. Dilution of test plasma is required to bring the heparin level to between 0.05 and 0.2 unit per milliliter. The standard curve is reproducible with a coefficient of variation of 2 to 4 per cent. Ten different, nonheparinized samples had clotting times of 18.9 plus or minus 1.0 (plus or minus 2 S.D.) seconds. Theoretically calculated and experimentally determined heparin levels after pulse injection of heparin agreed well in 5 volunteer subjects with r values between 0.93 and 0.99. This assay is not affected by normal variation in the plasma levels of fibrinogen, prothrombin, and factor V or by the plasma defects induced by coumadin.

Species differences in the effects of prostaglandins on inositol trisphosphate accumulation, phosphatidic acid formation, myosin light chain phosphorylation and contraction in iris sphincter of the mammalian eye: interaction with the cyclic AMP system.

Comparative studies on the effects of prostaglandins (PGs) on 1,2-diacylglycerol, measured as phosphatidic acid (PA), and inositol trisphosphate (IP3) production, cyclic AMP (cAMP) formation, myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation and contraction in the iris sphincter smooth muscle of rabbit, bovine and other mammalian species were undertaken and functional and biochemical relationships between the IP3-Ca++ and cAMP second messenger systems were demonstrated. The findings obtained from these studies can be summarized as follows: 1) all PGs investigated, including PGE2, PGF2 alpha, PGF2 alpha-ester, PGE1 and PGA2 increased IP3 accumulation and PA formation, and the extent of stimulation was dependent on the animal species. Thus, PGF2 alpha-ester (1 microM), the most potent of the PGs, increased IP3 accumulation in rabbit and bovine sphincters by 33 and 58%, respectively, and increased PA formation by 67 and 56%, respectively. The PG increased IP3 accumulation in both rabbit and bovine sphincters very rapidly (T1/2 values about 26 sec) and in a dose-dependent manner. 2) The PG had no effect on MLC phosphorylation in the rabbit sphincter, but it increased that of the bovine by 36%. 3) The PG increased cAMP formation by 75% in the rabbit sphincter but it had no effect on that of the bovine. 4) The PG induced a maximal contractile response in the bovine sphincter but it had no effect on that of the rabbit. 5) In the bovine, PGA2 induced IP3 accumulation and contraction, without an effect on cAMP formation; however, in the rabbit, cat and dog it increased cAMP formation and had no effect on IP3 accumulation and contraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Developing partnerships in Washington State to prevent hepatitis B virus infection in Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to describe the partnerships and activities of the Washington State Asian and Pacific Islander Task Force on Hepatitis B Immunization to: 1) increase hepatitis B vaccination of older Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) children and 2) prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Washington State. METHODS: Multiple strategies were used to increase hepatitis B vaccination rates among AAPI children, including developing a Task Force consisting of members from public and private organizations. Specific strategies included: 1) developing and distributing culturally specific hepatitis B educational materials, 2) supporting a household cluster survey to assess hepatitis B vaccination coverage rates of AAPI children, 3) conducting hepatitis B immunization and blood testing clinics at local Chinese language schools, and 4) conducting outreach through media sources. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Hepatitis B vaccination data from two clinics with large numbers of AAPI clients were evaluated for children aged 0 to 19 years. The results suggest that the average number of hepatitis B vaccinations given per month has been increasing between 1995 through March 2001. Although no causal association between vaccination rates and activities of the Task Force can be made, these data suggest that our efforts may have had a positive impact. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis B prevention efforts in a high-risk community can be accomplished in partnership with the AAPI community and organizations working with these communities. Collaborations require persistence, patience, flexibility, and creativity to achieve community and public health goals.

The RNA binding protein YB-1 binds A/C-rich exon enhancers and stimulates splicing of the CD44 alternative exon v4.

Exon enhancers are accessory pre-mRNA splicing signals that stimulate exon splicing. One class of proteins, the serine-arginine-rich (SR) proteins, have been demonstrated to bind enhancers and activate splicing. Here we report that A/C-rich exon enhancers (ACE elements) are recognized by the human YB-1 protein, a non-SR protein. Sequence-specific binding of YB-1 was observed both to an ACE derived from an in vivo iterative selection protocol and to ACE elements in an alternative exon (v4) from the human CD44 gene. The ACE element that was the predominant YB-1 binding site in CD44 exon v4 was required for maximal in vivo splicing and in vitro spliceosome assembly. Expression of wild-type YB-1 increased inclusion of exon v4, whereas a truncated form of YB-1 did not. Stimulation of exon v4 inclusion by wild-type YB-1 required the ACE necessary for YB-1 binding in vitro, suggesting that YB-1 stimulated exon inclusion in vivo by binding to an exonic ACE element. These observations identify a protein in addition to SR proteins that participates in the recognition of exon enhancers.

Efficacy of combined technetium-99m sulfur colloid/indium-111 leukocyte scans to detect infected total hip and knee arthroplasties.

The reliability of combined indium-111 leukocyte/technetium-99m sulfur colloid scans, with and without the addition of blood pooling and blood flow studies, in the diagnosis of infected total joint arthroplasty was investigated. Both scans were performed on 58 patients before reoperation of total hip or knee arthroplasty in the period 1996-1999. Results for imaging alone included 100% specificity, 46% sensitivity, 100% positive predictive value, 84% negative predictive value, and 88% accuracy. Inclusion of blood pooling and flow phase data improved results to 66% sensitivity, 89% negative predictive value, and 90% accuracy, with reductions in specificity (98%) and positive predictive value (91%). Routine use of these radionuclide scans is not supported by these data.

Midterm clinical and radiographic results with the genesis I total knee prosthesis.

The midterm results of primary posterior cruciate ligament-retaining, minimally conforming, cemented modular total knee arthroplasties using the Genesis I prosthesis in 110 knees in 72 patients were reviewed. Patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 7.3 years by Knee Society pain and functional scores, radiographic and survivorship analysis, and Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) health status questionnaire. Range of motion increased from an average of 96.3 degrees to 112.5 degrees. Knee Society pain and functional scores increased from preoperative averages of 55 and 44 to 92 and 88, respectively. There were 91 excellent, 16 good, 1 fair, and 2 poor results. WOMAC scores were increased significantly in each subcategory examined (pain, stiffness, and physical function). Kaplan-Meier survivorship was 97% at 10 years. An increase in loosening as a result of eccentric stress concentration secondary to the nonconforming design of this prosthesis, theoretically a matter of some clinical concern, was not shown in this investigation.