[Time comparison of artificial airway establishment in operating room and on slope using endotracheal intubation and laryngeal mask].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the completion time of endotracheal intubation and laryngeal mask implantation in operating room and on slope of ski resort, and to discuss the optimal method of estab-lishing artificial airway on slope of ski resort. METHODS: The simulator was placed with the head under the feet on slope of ski resort. The artificial airway was established by tracheal intubation assisted by video laryngoscope (endotracheal intubation group) and laryngeal mask placement (laryngeal mask group) respectively by an anesthesiologist who wore full set of ski suits, helmets, goggles, gloves and ski boots. Each method was repeated 5 times, and the operation time of artificial airway establishment was recorded. While the simulated human was placed flat on the operating table in an operating room of a hospital, and the artificial airway was established by the same anesthesiologist using the same methods. Time was recorded and repeated for 5 times. The completion time of endotracheal intubation and laryngeal mask placement in the operating room and on the ski slope were compared. RESULTS: The operating time of tracheal intubation in the operating room was longer than that of laryngeal mask placement [(79.8±10.4) s vs. (53.4±2.7) s, P=0.005], and the operating time of endotracheal intubation on the ski slope was longer than that of laryngeal mask placement [(209.2±32.7) s vs. (72.2±3.1) s, P=0.001]. The time of endotracheal intubation group on the slope of the ski resort was longer than that in the opera-ting room(t=-7.851, P=0.001). The time of laryngeal mask group on the slope was longer than that in the operating room (t=-19.391, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: On ski slope, both of tracheal intubation assisted by video laryngoscope and laryngeal mask placement can quickly complete the establishment of artificial airway, but the time required is longer than that in the operating room. The time of laryngeal mask placement to establish artificial airway is shorter than that of tracheal intubation assisted video laryngoscope, which may have a certain advantage in ski rescue.

[Related factors of revision of distal femoral fractures treated with lateral locking plate].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors related to the need for revision surgery due to nonunion or internal fixation failure after the treatment of distal femoral fracture with lateral locking plate (LLP). METHODS: Retrospective analysis was made of the clinical data of 130 cases with distal femoral fracture treated in our hospital from March 2005 to March 2019. SPSS 17.0 software (univariate analysis and Logistic regression analysis) was used to analyze the general condition [gender, age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, smoking history], injury related factors (energy of injury, open or closed injury, AO/OTA classification of fracture, fracture area distribution), operation related factors (operation time, reduction quality, postoperative infection) and construct characteristics of internal fixation. RESULTS: Twelve of 130 patients who were included in the study underwent revisional surgery, with a revision rate 9.2%. Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in age, BMI, AO/OTA classification, fracture area distribution, operation time, reduction quality, length of plate/fracture area, length of plate/fracture area above condylar between the two groups (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that AO/OTA classification (A3), supracondylar involved fracture, operation time, reduction quality and the length of the plate/fracture area above the condylar were the possible related factors (P < 0.05). Destruction of the medial support ability of the femur in comminuted type A3 fracture, supra-condylar cortex area fracture involvement, increase of the bending stress of the LLP due to poor fracture reduction quality, damage of the blood supply of fracture end due to long-time operation, and stress concentration caused by insufficient length of plate might be risk factors of revisional operation after the treatment of distal femoral fracture with LLP. For the patients who needed revision after LLP treatment, additional use of medial minimally invasive plate fixation and autologous bone transplantation, change to intramedullary nail fixation were commonly used clinical treatment strategies. CONCLUSION: AO/OTA classification (A3), supracondylar involved fracture, long operation time, poor reduction quality and the length of the plate/fracture area above the condylar were the possible predictive factors of the revision in distal femoral fractures treated with lateral locking plate. The appropriate application of the locking plate and operation strategy are the key to reduce the revision rate in distal femoral fractures.

[Risk factors of recurrent kyphosis in thoracolumbar burst fracture patients treated by short segmental pedicle screw fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the risk factors of recurrent kyphosis after removal of short segmental pedicle screw fixation in patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted of 144 cases of thoracolumbar burst fractures without neurological impairment treated in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2010 to December 2017. There were 74 males and 70 females, with an average age of (39.1±13.2) years. The distribution of the injured vertebrae was T12: 42, L1: 72 and L2: 30, with fracture types of A3: 90, B1: 25 and B2: 29. The patients were divided into two groups: Recurrent kyphosis group (n=92) and non-recurrent kyphosis group (n=52). SPSS 26.0 software was used for univariate analysis and Logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The average follow-up time was 28 (20-113) months. The imaging indexes of pre-operation, 3 days post-operation, 12 months post-operation and the last follow-up were measured and compared. Anterior vertebral body height, segmental kyphosis, vertebral wadge angle and Gardner deformity were significantly improved after operation (P < 0.05), and there were some degrees of loss in the 1-year follow-up; anterior vertebral body height and vertebral wadge angle were no longer changed after the removal of the screws; however, segmental kyphosis and Gardner deformity were still aggravated after the removal of the screws (P < 0.05). There were some degrees of collapse of the height of the upper and lower discs during the follow-up. Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two groups in gender, age (36.9 years vs. 43.0 years), upper disc injury, CT value (174 vs. 160), segmental kyphosis (16.6° vs. 13.3°), vertebral wadge angle (16.7° vs. 13.6°), Gardner deformity (19.1° vs. 15.2°) and ratio of anterior vertebral body height (0.65 vs. 0.71). Logistic regression analysis showed that male (OR: 2.88, 95%CI: 1.196-6.933), upper disc injury (OR: 2.962, 95%CI: 1.062-8.258) and injured vertebral wedge angle were risk factors of recurrent kyphosis after removal of internal fixation for thoracolumbar burst fracture (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture can obtain satisfactory effect immediately after posterior short segmental pedicle screw fixation, however, there may be some degree of loss during the follow-up. Male, upper disc injury and injured vertebral wedge angle are the risk factors of recurrent kyphosis after removal of internal fixation for thoracolumbar burst fracture.

[Analysis of risk factors for necrosis of femoral head after internal fixation surgery in young and mid-aged patients with femoral neck fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the risk factors of avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH) after internal fixation in young and mid-aged adults. METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2017, femoral neck fracture patients (18-60 years old) treated by reduction and internal fixation were retrospectively studied in Peking University Third Hospital. We recorded their gender, age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade, reason of injury, fracture side, interval between injury and surgery, location of fracture line, Garden classification, Pauwels classification, reduction method (open or closed), internal fixation and reduction quality. The diagnosis of ANFH was confirmed based on X-ray and MRI images during the follow-up. The internal fixation method included cannulated compression screw (CCS) or dynamic hip screw (DHS, with or without anti-rotation screw). χ2 test and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between the various factors and postoperative ANFH. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were included in this study, including 63 males and 50 females with an average age of (43.17 ± 12.34) years. They were followed up by (25.08 ± 16.17) months. ASA grade included grade I (21 cases), grade II (55 cases) and grade III (37 cases). The reasons of injury included low-energy trauma (76 cases) and high-energy (37 cases). The fracture line included subcapital type (37 cases), transverse type (74 cases) and basal type (2 cases). Garden classification included type I (3 cases), type II (46 cases), type III (39 cases) and type IV (25 cases). Pauwels classification included type I (21 cases), type II (55 cases) and type III (37 cases). Interval between injury and surgery was (3.88 ± 3.66) days, 108 patients and 5 patients performed closed and open reduction respectively. 63 patients performed CCS, and 50 patients performed DHS. The reduction quality included grade A (91 cases), grade B (18 cases) and grade C (4 cases). 18 patients developed ANFH after surgery, the incidence rate was 15.93% (18/113). The result of χ2 test showed the reason of injury (OR=0.19, P < 0.01), Garden classification (OR=0.13, P < 0.01), Pauwels classification (OR=0.12, P = 0.02), internal fixation method (OR=3.29, P = 0.04) and reduction quality (OR=0.33, P < 0.01) were significantly associated with ANFH. These five factors were further included into the Logistic regression analysis, and its results showed that the reason of injury (OR=4.11, P = 0.03) and Garden classification (OR=4.85, P = 0.04) were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The reason of injury, Garden classification, Pauwels classification, internal fixation and reduction quality may increase the risk of ANFH after surgery, and the reason of injury and Garden classification were much more significant.

[Application of the modified internal fixation method of minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis in treatment of proximal humeral fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical outcomes and characteristics of fracture healing of a modified internal fixation method, which was implemented by placing four and two screws respectively at the proximal and distal end of the locking plate in the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) for patients with proximal humeral fractures. METHODS: Patients in Peking University Third Hospital from February 2010 to December 2016 were brought into this retrospective study. Based on different operation methods, they were divided into minimally invasive (MI) group and non-minimally invasive (non-MI) group, and the patients in MI group were performed with the modified internal fixation. In order to observe the varying efficacy for different fracture types between the two groups, we further investigated the patients with Neer two-part and three-part fracture, respectively. The follow-up parameters included general physical examination, X-ray, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Constant-Murley score. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients with an average age of (61.5±16.2) years met the inclusion criteria, and MI group included 45 patients, non-MI group included 72 patients. According to the Neer classification, there were 46 cases of two-part fracture, 63 cases of three-part fracture and 8 cases of four-part fracture. In MI group, there were 17 males and 28 males with an average age of (62.2±17.1) years, including 18 cases of two-part fracture, 23 cases of three-part fracture and 4 cases of four-part fracture. In non-MI group, there were 27 males and 45 females with an average age of (60.1±17.7) years, including 28 cases of two-part fracture, 40 cases of three-part fracture and 4 cases of four-part fracture. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender (P=0.975), age (P=0.545) and fracture type (P=0.756). The average hospital-stay in MI group and non-MI group was (2.8±1.1) days and (4.3±1.3) days (P=0.023), the operation time was (67.8±14.9) min and (102.3±34.1) min (P<0.001), the blood loss was (21.3±6.5) mL and (181.5±55.6) mL (P<0.001), the Constant-Murley score was 6.1±0.9 and 6.5±0.8 (P=0.032) one week after surgery, and the Constant-Murley score was 66.1±4.3 and 63.4±4.9 (P=0.006) three months after surgery, MI group had significant advantages in these aspects. In terms of Neer two-part and three-part fracture, the VAS score (5.9±0.8) one week postoperatively and the Constant-Murley score (66.6±3.7) three months postoperatively were significantly superior in MI group (P<0.05). In MI group, delayed fracture healing occurred in 1 case (2.2%) and abduction was restricted in 1 case (2.2%). In non-MI group, delayed fracture healing occurred in 3 cases (4.2%) and abduction was restricted in 2 cases (2.8%). There were no internal fixation complications and humeral head necrosis in both groups. CONCLUSION: Applying the modified internal fixation in MIPPO to cure proximal humeral fractures is effective clinically with thick callus formation occurring at the fracture site. The fracture can achieve normal healing and the shoulder functions can restore well, indicating the modified surgical method is a good treatment option.

[Primary Sjogren's syndrome associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: 20 new cases].

Objective: To describe baseline characteristics of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) with right heart catheterization (RHC)-confirmed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods: This retrospective study included consecutive patients hospitalized with pSS-PAH from Jan.2013 to June.2019 in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital. All patients fulfilled the 2002 revised criteria for pSS proposed by the American-European Consensus Group. PAH was defined according to RHC-based European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society guidelines. Associated variables were described and analyzed. Predictive factors for achieving treatment goals were explored. Sub-groups(based on Anti-SSB antibody positive/negative) were analyzed. Results: Twenty patients with RHC-confirmed pSS-PAH were included (median age at onset, 54.5 years; median PAH duration, 12 months).PAH was the initial manifestation of pSS in 5 patients(26.3%), and shortness of breath was the most common symptom (17/20,85%). Mean pulmonary arterialpressure (mPAP) was 48(38, 55.75)mmHg, pulmonary vascularresistance (PVR) was 11.23 (6.17,14.69)IU, and mean cardiac index was 2.59(2.04,2.98)L·min(-1)·m(-2) in this group. In addition, right ventricular diameter≤40 mm[P=0.009, HR=5.92, 95%CI(1.55, 22.59)] was predictive factor for achieving the treatment goal. Furthermore, compared with Anti-SSB antibody negative patients, patients with Anti-SSB antibody positive had a higher PVR(IU) [14.1(11.23, 22.63)vs 6.4(6.15, 12.36),P=0.025], a higher mPAP(mmHg)[5(48.5,59)vs 39(32.5,50.75),P=0.013], and a lower cardiac index (L·min(-1)·m(-2)) [2.1(1.6,2.5)vs 2.9(2.56,3.41),P=0.002]. Conclusions: pSS-PAH patients are mainly middle-aged women with the most common symptom shortness of breath. And PAH can be the first manifestation of pSS. More attention should be paid to patients with Anti-La/SSB antibody positive and right ventricular diameter ≤40 mm because of higher mPAP, PVR, worse cardiac function and prognosis.

Ganoderic acid A potentiates the antioxidant effect and protection of mitochondrial membranes and reduces the apoptosis rate in primary hippocampal neurons in magnesium free medium.

Ganoderma lucidum extracts have shown antiepileptic effects in in vivo and in vitro studies. In this work, primary hippocampal neurons cultured in magnesium-free medium were used to study the neuroprotective effects of ganoderic acid A and B (GA-A and GA-B) on superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and mitochondrial membrane potential, to improve our understanding of their antiepileptic effect. The activity of SOD was determined by the xanthine oxidase assay, the variations of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell apoptosis were measured by JC-1 fluorescent staining and flow cytometry. It was found that the SOD activity and mitochondrial membrane potential (118.84 U/mg protein and 244.08 Δψm) of the epileptic hippocampal neurons were significantly lower than control values (135.95 U/mg protein and 409.81 Δψm), associated with an increase of cell apoptosis (31.88% vs. 8.84%). These circumstances can be improved by treatment of GA-A/GA-B (for SOD, 127.15±3.82 / 120.52±4.30 U/mg protein; for membrane potential (Δψm), 372.35 / 347.28; and for cell apoptosis (%), 14.93 / 20.52). Results indicated that GA-A significantly improved SOD activity, while both GA-A/GA-B tranquillized the mitochondrial membrane potential of hippocampal neurons, and thereby protected these neurons by inhibiting apoptosis.

[Study on the transfer mechanism and destructive law of the bacterial antibiotic resistance genes disinfected by chlorination].

Objective: To study the response of Escherichia coli (E. coli) HB101 (plasmid pUC19) and its carried antibiotic resistance genes to the process of cholorination under different environmental conditions. Methods: The E. coli strain was reacted with sodium hypochlorite at the concentration of 0.5, 0.75, 1.00, and 0.55 mg/L, then the residual chlorine and the colonies were detected at the 0.25, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 30 min of the reaction, respectively. The first order disinfection kinetic model and EFH model were used to evaluate the inactivation effect of E. coli (plasmid pUC19) treated by sodium hypochlorite, while the plasmid pUC19 and antibiotic resistance gene amp(r) were detected by PCR method. Besides, the logarithm of Ct (residual chlorine in t) under different concentration were calculated. Results: The temperature and pH value played important roles on the inactivation of E. coli and elimination of plasmid pUC19 and amp(r) under the function of sodium hypochlorite. The Ct value needed for 5-log of E.coli HB101(pUC19) inactivation at 4, 20, 36 ℃ was 11.92, 10.28, 7.67, respectively, and when the pH was in 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, with chloride concentration were 0.75, 0.70, 0.55 mg/L, the Ct value needed for reached to 6.68, 10.28, 15.73 min·mg/L. At pH 7.2 condition, when the temperature was 4, 20, 36 ℃, and chloride concentration were 9, 5, 3 mg/L.The required Ct values to completely destroy the transformation function of free antibiotic resistant plasmids were 36.11, 34.17,16.09 min·mg/L. Sodium hypochlorite disinfection can release free ampr gene and even the transformed plasmid pUC19, and pollute the water body. Only when the Ct value reached 903.03 min·mg/L, the complete ampr gene can be destroyed which was far more exceed the bacterial lethal Ct value. Conclusion: Even if all the antibiotic resistant bacteria were inactivated, the antibiotic resistant plasmids or genes might still maintain complete with the transformable function, which may result in new potential risks of waterborne diseases.

[Diagnosis and treatment for the basicervical fractures of the trochanteric region].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the rate of basicervical fractures and document their diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: From January 2005 to May 2016, 28 basicervical fractures of the 832 trochanteric fractures were collected and evaluated. The patients were treated with multiple screws, dynamic hip screw (DHS), intramedullary nail. Via the operation time, postoperative hospitalization, loss of blood duration the operation, hidden blood loss, total blood loss, mean union time and the final follow-up Harris hip score, the characteristics of different internal fixations were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of basicervical fractures was 3.37% (28/832) in our study. In the intramedullary nail group (16 patients), the operation time was 55 (20,120) min, the postoperative hospitalization was 3(2, 7) d, the intraoperative blood loss was 50 (5,100) mL, the hidden blood loss was 533.37 (376.19, 987.15) mL, and the total blood loss 627.35 (406.19, 1037.16) mL. The union time and final follow-up Harris score were 6 (3, 9) months and 90.25 (74,100) min. In the DHS group (8 patients), the operation time was 87.5 (65,115) min, the postoperative hospitalization was 5.5 (2, 17) d, the intraoperative blood loss was 100 (50,300) mL, the hidden blood loss was 278.11 (202.43, 849.97) mL, and the total blood loss 580.19 (368.55, 899.97) mL . The union time and final follow-up Harris score were 5.5 (4, 12) months and 85.5 (84, 87) min. In the multiple screws group (4 patients), the operation time was 47.5 (35, 75) min, the postoperative hospitalization was 5 (2, 12) d, the intraoperative blood loss was 20 (2, 70) mL, the hidden blood loss was 150 (100.00, 412.01) mL, and the total blood loss 195.00 (120.00, 414.01) mL. The union time and final follow-up Harris score were 4 (4, 6) months and 80 (61, 97) min. The patients treated with multiple screws and intramedullary nail had a shorter operation time than the DNS group, but no obvious difference was found between the other two groups (P=0.367). Postoperative hospitalization had no significant difference among the three groups. The intraoperative bleeding was more in the DHS group, the other two groups had no significant difference (P=0.100). However, the hidden blood loss was more in the intramedullary nail group, the other two groups had no significant difference (P=0.134). The total blood loss in the intramedullary nail group was more than multiple screw group, similar to the DHS group (P=0.483). One patient treated with multiple screws underwent internal fixation failure three months after operation. The mean union time and final follow-up Harris scores had no significant difference among the three groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Through this study, we found that the incidence of basicervical fractures is low. Fractures with no shift can be confirmed by preoperative X-ray. For displaced fractures, preoperative CT+3D reconstruction is recommended. Surgical treatment by closed reduction and internal fixation with DHS or intramedullary nail is shown to be very effective.

[One of the pitfalls in the surgical treatment of maisonneuve fractures: a case report].

There exist controversies in the surgical treatment of maisonneuve injury with regard to reduction and fixation of syndesmosis and management of proximal fibular fracture. It is very important for the orthopaedic surgeons to learn more techniques and avoid pitfalls from clinical practice. We summarized the clinical data of 1 failed case, a 20-year-old girl with big body weight who underwent a primary surgery for the treatment of maisonneuve fracture with minimally invasive reduction and fixation of ankle syndesmosis and posterior malleolus and open reduction and internal fixation of medial malleolus, then a revision surgery for the treatment of iatrogenic syndesmotic malreduction with open reduction and re-stabilization of ankle syndesmosis supplemented with open reduction and internal fixation of proximal fibular facture. The malreduction of distal fibula was not found until finishing the postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan 2 weeks after the primary surgery, then the patient experienced an revision surgery including removal of the screws installed primarily for fixation of ankle syndesmosis, and open reduction and internal fixation of proximal fibular fracture, and limited open reduction and re-stabilization of ankle syndesmosis. Then the patient rehabilitated regularly under the direction of the surgeon who performed these two operations, and the postoperative recovery was smooth, then the hardwares for fixation of ankle syndesmosis and fracture of proximal fibula and medial malleolus were removed at different postoperative time. The patient experienced an excellent outcome at the end of the 3-year follow-up. The reasons for the failure in this case might include the overemphasized minimally invasive technique in the process of reduction, inaccurate assessment of intraoperative fluoroscopy and postoperative radiographs, and inappropriate utilization of the reduction clamp. Attention should be paid to the fact that an obliquely placed clamp for closed reduction of diastasis of ankle syndesmosis could result in syndesmotic malreduction. The worsened alignment of the fracture end of proximal fibula observed by intraoperative fluoroscopy may alert surgeons to syndesmotic malreduction. Partial exposure of syndesmosis and anatomical reduction and fixation of proximal fibular fracture may be useful measurres to avoid malreduction of ankle syndesmosis in the surgical treatment of maisonneuve injury in some patient, especially the patient with critically destabilized ankle.

[Clinical manifestations of 10 cases of imported human Zika virus disease in Jiangmen city of China].

Objective: To study the clinical manifestations and detection method for imported patients of Zika virus disease. Method: The records of symptoms, signs and laboratory results were collected and analyzed. The specimen of blood, saliva and urine from patients were collected. Results: Two of ten patients had mild fever. The visible cutaneous maculopapular rash of the trunk and extremities was observed in all patients. Seven patients were observed congestive conjunctivitis and only one patient gave an account of itching. No patient had symptoms of myalgia or arthralgia. The laboratory results of patients were normal except two patients had mild leucopenia and another one had thrombocytosis. The Zika virus RNA was detected in urine samples for a longest period. The detection rates of Zika virus RNA from the samples of blood, saliva and urine that collected in seventh day after disease onset were 0, 5, 8 cases, respectively. Conclosion: Epidemiology history, maculopapular rash, congestive conjunctivitis and Zika virus RNA being detected in urine can be considered as the important clinical criterion for making a definite diagnosis as Zika virus disease.

[Surgical treatment of inferior pole comminuted fractures of patella with new type tension band].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness of inferior pole fracture of patella treating by the new tension band. METHODS: From Dec. 2011 to Dec. 2013, 21 patients with inferior pole fracture of patella were treated with the new tension band which consisted of cannulated screw, titanium cable and shims. There were 21 patients[10 males, 11 females, the average age was 54 years(21 to 79)],of whom,all were "fell on knees". RESULTS: The average operation time was 89 min (57-197 min),the follow-up visits were done from 7-31 months (average 18 months), the bone healing time was from 8-12 weeks (average 10.5 weeks). The post operation assessment was done by Bostman score, from 20-30 (average 27),10 excellent,and 11 good. No complication occurred. CONCLUSION: The new tension band is the effective treatment for inferior pole fracture of patella. The internal fixation is reliable, it is simple to operate, and patients can take exercises as early as possible. Therefore, the new tension band has a better clinical value.

Comparison of spermatogenic damage induced at 6 months after ligation of the vas deferens at proximal and distal locations in the rabbit.

Recent study in rabbits demonstrated that vasectomy via the inguinal canal did not result in any spermatogenic damage 3 months postoperation; this study aimed to determine whether the damage would occur in a longer term. The left or right vas deferens was ligated near the epididymal head (unilateral proximal vasectomy, 12 animals) or via the inguinal canal (unilateral distal vasectomy, 11 animals) in adult male rabbits, with a sham operation being performed on the contralateral side. Six months postoperation, testes, epididymides and vasa deferentia were removed and methacrylate resin-embedded sections prepared to evaluate spermatogenesis by histological (qualitative) and stereological (quantitative) studies. The juxta-epididymal segment of the occluded vas deferens was severely distended (filled with sperm) in 10 of the 11 animals with distal vasectomy and moderately or slightly distended in nine of the 12 animals with proximal vasectomy. Severe spermatogenic damage occurred in seven animals with proximal vasectomy (the juxta-epididymal vas moderately or slightly distended), in only one animal with distal vasectomy (the vas not severely distended). In conclusion, spermatogenic damage occurred at 6 months postvasectomy in some animals, especially those with proximal vasectomy and therefore shorter occluded reproductive tract for sperm storage; the damage was probably intra-tract pressure mediated.

Rifapentine vs. rifampicin for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rifapentine (RPT) vs. rifampicin (RMP) for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). DESIGN: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared combination drug regimens containing RPT with those containing RMP for the treatment of drug-susceptible or previously untreated PTB. RESULTS: Nine RCTs were identified. Statistically significant differences were not found in the cure rates, severe adverse effects, severe hepatotoxicity or bacteriological relapse rates between the regimens containing once- or twice-weekly RPT and those containing daily RMP for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative patients, but were found in the bacteriological relapse rates between regimens containing once-weekly or less frequent RPT and those containing twice- or thrice-weekly RMP: the pooled relative risks in the two subgroups were respectively 1.71 (95%CI 1.13-2.58, P = 0.01) and 2.44 (95%CI 1.15-5.18, P = 0.02). The trial for HIV-positive patients did not show significant differences in the sputum conversion rate, severe adverse effects or bacteriological relapse rate between the RPT- and RMP-containing regimens; four of the five relapses were associated with the RPT-containing regimen, but none of the three relapses with the RMP-containing regimen produced monoresistance to rifamycin (RIF). CONCLUSION: Once- or twice-weekly RPT and daily RMP have similar efficacy and safety for the treatment of HIV-negative PTB, but once-weekly or less frequent use of RPT, in comparison with twice- or thrice-weekly RMP, increases the risk of bacteriological relapse. RPT might increase the risk of resistance to RIF in HIV-positive patients.

Two new mutations in the keratin 4 gene causing oral white sponge nevus in Chinese family.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated white sponge nevus (WSN) in a Chinese family, and tried to find new mutation and demonstrated that this mutation is the causative mutation for WSN in this family and this condition affects a functionally important segment of the keratin 4 protein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied the affected family with the 32-year-old female patient, her mother, her younger sister and her daughter. Pathologic examinations were performed. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes, K4 and K13 genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. RESULTS: Direct sequencing of PCR products revealed two new mutations in the keratin 4 gene, the heterozygous missense mutation 1829G-->A in exon 2B, and 2324A-->G in non-coding region. No any mutation was found in the keratin 13 gene. CONCLUSIONS: We found two new mutations in the keratin 4, which may be related with the development of WSN.

Initial empiric antibiotic therapy for community-acquired pneumonia in Chinese hospitals.

OBJECTIVES: Studies on treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in China are scarce. We performed a study to investigate empiric antibiotic practices for patients hospitalized with CAP in China and the risk factors for treatment failure. METHODS: Data were collected from a national Chinese hospitalization database. Adult patients who were diagnosed with CAP between 1 October 2014 and 30 September 2015 were identified. We studied initial empiric antibiotic regimens, microbiologic sampling, treatment failure, in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: We included 18 043 adult patients from 185 hospitals who met all the study inclusion criteria. The most common initial antibiotic regimen for CAP was monotherapy with a fluoroquinolone (14.8%, 2671/18 043). The most common initial antibiotic (used alone or in combination with other antibiotics) was levofloxacin (15.7%, 4597/29 278 (this denominator represents the total number of initial antibiotics)). The microbiologic sampling rate was 26.9% (4851/18 043). A total of 4050 (22.4%) of 18 043 patients experienced treatment failure. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that older age, male sex, coexisting lung cancer and use of regimens not covering atypical pathogens were risk factors for treatment failure. In-hospital mortality was 2.1% (380/18 043). The median hospital length of stay was 11 days (interquartile range, 8-15 days). CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving Chinese guideline-adherent regimens had better outcomes, and atypical pathogen active regimens were associated with a lower treatment failure rate and shorter length of hospital stay.

Mitogen-stimulated interleukin-2 production in never-medicated, first-episode schizophrenic patients. The influence of age at onset and negative symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Decreased interleukin-2 (IL-2) production is characteristic of active autoimmune diseases and has previously been reported in patients with schizophrenia. We attempted to replicate this finding in never-medicated schizophrenic patients and examine the possible correlation between IL-2 production and clinical variables. METHODS: The production of IL-2 was measured in equal numbers (N = 33) of DSM-III-R-diagnosed schizophrenic patients and controls who were matched for age, race, and gender. Patients were also assessed for positive, negative, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: The production of IL-2 was significantly lower in patients than in controls. There was a significant positive correlation between IL-2 production and age at onset, and significant negative correlation between IL-2 production and negative symptom scores. In multivariate analyses, the predictive power was stronger for age at onset than for negative symptoms. Positive or depressive symptoms were unrelated to IL-2 production. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding of low IL-2 production in neuroleptic-native schizophrenic patients confirms that this finding is not confounded by medications. The correlation of low IL-2 production with younger age at onset suggests that this may be a marker for a subtype of the illness or for severity.

Glycogen accumulation in renal tubules, a key morphological change in the diabetic rat kidney.

Patients with diabetic nephropathy, characterised pathologically by glomerulosclerosis, may account for up to 40% of end-stage renal cases. The short-term (within 3 months) streptozotocin- or alloxan-induced rat model is often used but glomerulosclerosis is seldom reported and it is unclear what the primary renal lesions are. Diabetic rats were studied at 1, 3 and 6 months after a single injection of alloxan. Both methacrylate and paraffin-embedded renal sections were obtained and stained with PAS and haematoxylin. A morphometric study was performed with stereological methods to obtain the volumes and lengths or diameters of renal tubules and glomeruli. A key morphological change associated with sustained hyperglycaemia was the accumulation of glycogen granules in about half of the distal tubules and thin segments starting from 1 month after the experiment, which was then extended to about half of the proximal tubules at 6 months. Renal hypertrophy was seen with a 9% increase in the tubule diameter but not in the total length; glomerular morphology was basically unaffected. Further studies are needed to establish whether glomerulosclerosis would occur in longer term and whether this animal model would be appropriate to study the human condition of diabetes mellitus in terms of renal damage.

Comparison of blood counts in splenic, renal and mesenteric arterial and venous blood in post-pubertal rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: To compare blood counts between arterial and venous blood to and from visceral organs and indirectly look into the function of the organs. METHODS: Splenic, renal and superior mesenteric arterial and venous blood samples were obtained from the arteries and veins in 38 post-pubertal rabbits and blood profile, including complete and differential blood counts, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit, were measured with an automatic haematology analyser. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The rabbit spleen released a large amount of leucocytes (both lymphocytes and granulocytes) into the splenic venous blood (a venous increase of 33% in total leucocyte count), and also received more leucocytes (36-58% more in terms of concentration) from the artery than the kidney or intestine. Significantly fewer red blood cells were present in the renal venous blood than in the arterial blood (a venous reduction of 5% in erythrocyte count), but it remains to be clarified why and how the reduction was induced. More than 3-4% of water might be taken into the mesenteric venous blood during microcirculation (a venous reduction of 3-4% in erythrocyte-related parameters) and a significant number of leucocytes (mainly large leucocytes) in the mesenteric blood capillaries might migrate into the surrounding intestinal tissue (a venous reduction of 13% in leucocyte count).

Optical properties of Ce(3+)-Nd(3+) co-doped YAG nanoparticles for visual and near-infrared biological imaging.

Ce(3+)-Nd(3+) co-doped Y3Al5O12 (YAG) nanoparticles, an average size of 20-30 nm clusters aggregated by 8-10 nm YAG nanoparticles, were synthesized by a solvothermal method. When excited by blue irradiation source, strong and broad yellow luminescence (centered at 526 nm) from Ce(3+) as well as near-infrared (NIR) luminescence (890, 1066 and 1335 nm) of Nd(3+) was observed simultaneously. It occurred by the effective dipole-dipole energy transfer from Ce(3+) to Nd(3+). Energy transfer efficiency from Ce(3+) to Nd(3+) was also calculated to be 50%. The optical property suggests that Ce(3+)-Nd(3+) co-doped YAG nanoparticles can be used as an efficient fluorescence imaging agent for not only visual but also near-infrared imaging.