Hyaluronic acid functionalization improves dermal targeting of polymeric nanoparticles for management of burn wounds: In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo evaluations.

Owing to its intricate pathophysiology, impaired wound healing is one of the substantial challenges in the treatment of burn wounds (BWs). Despite the variety of conventional therapies available, morbidities associated with BWs have not subsided. Therefore, aim of the present study was to design an advanced nanotechnology-composited therapy for effectual management of BWs. Hyaluronic acid (HA)-functionalized curcumin (CUR) and quercetin (QUE) co-loaded nanoparticle (HA-CUR-QUE-CSNPs) were fabricated, optimized, characterized and evaluated for successful co-encapsulation of drugs, morphology, stability, drug release, cell proliferation, penetration across the skin, localization in the epidermis and dermis, and in vivo wound healing efficacy. Fabricated HA-functionalized CSNPs exhibited ultra-small size (177 ± 11 nm), good zeta potential (+37.0 ± 3.2 mV), high encapsulation efficiency (EE) (QUE ∼84% and CUR ∼64%) and loading capacity (LC) (QUE ∼38% and CUR ∼43%), and spherical shape with uniformly rough surface. HA-functionalized CSNPs showed a triphasic release pattern with Fickian diffusion kinetics, a time-mannered progression in MC3T3-E1 cells proliferation, improved penetration of CUR (2414 µg/cm2) and QUE (1984 µg/cm2) through stratum corneum, and good localization of drugs in the epidermis and dermis. A superior wound healing efficacy (98% wound closure rate at day 28) with marked histological signs of minimal infiltration of inflammatory cells, re-epithelization, ECM formation, fibroblast infiltration at wound site, granulation tissue formation, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition were also evidenced. This study concludes that HA-functionalization of polymeric NPs could be a promising approach to maximize skin penetration efficiency, localization of drugs in skin tissues, tissue regeneration and BWs healing.

Healing outcomes and predictors among patients with venous leg ulcers treated with compression therapy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the healing outcomes between three types of compression therapy-two-layer bandage (2LB), four-layer bandage (4LB), and compression stockings, and to identify the predictors of venous leg ulcer (VLU) healing. METHOD: A retrospective review of the medical records of patients diagnosed with VLU between 2011 and 2016 in Singapore was conducted. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done between healed and unhealed VLU patients at three and six months, based on potential factors, ranging from demographic profile to comorbidities and treatment-related variables. RESULTS: Data from 377 patients' medical records were analysed. The healing rates with the three types of compression system, 4LB, 2LB and compression stockings, were 22.3%, 34.9% and 8.7% respectively at three months; at six months they were 44.2%, 41.9% and 34.8% respectively. Patients on 2LB reported a significantly higher proportion of healed ulcers at three months (p=0.003) but at six months there was no difference in healing rates between the three types of therapy. At three and six months, the duration of compression therapy was found to be an independent predictor of healing (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, the 2LB appeared to show the most favourable healing outcome in the short-term but as VLUs persisted beyond the months, the type of compression system used did not make a difference in the healing outcome. Our findings suggested that, as the duration became more prolonged, VLUs became more resistant to healing despite compression therapy. Therefore, it may be necessary for clinicians to consider adjuvant therapies for hard-to-heal ulcers at an earlier stage.

Eyelid Tumours in Northern Malaysia: A Five-Year Review.

Background The majority of eyelid tumours are benign in nature and constitute 82%-98% of all eyelid tumours. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and frequency of histopathological diagnoses of eyelid tumours encountered in Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah (HSB), Malaysia, from 2016 to 2020. Method This study is a case series of 136 patients with eyelid tumours who underwent eyelid biopsy. Result Twenty-three (17%) patients were below 18 years old, 64 (47%) patients were between 19 and 64 years old and 49 (36%) patients were more than 65 years old. The mean age in this study was 47.9 ± 25.4 years. The most common benign eyelid tumours were dermoid cyst (31, 22.8%), melanocytic nevus (19, 14%), granuloma (17, 12.5%), squamous cell papilloma (13, 9.6%) and epidermal cyst (12, 8.8%). Most of the benign eyelid tumours occurred at the upper lids (79.8%), and most of the malignant eyelid tumours occurred at the lower lids (81.8%). The most common malignant eyelid tumours were basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (6, 14.3%), followed by malignant lymphoma (3, 6.1%) and sebaceous gland carcinoma (2, 4.1%). Eight out of nine cases of BCC were located at the lower lids. All malignant lymphomas were primary lymphoma. Five were extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), and one was follicular lymphoma. All cases with benign and malignant tumours required only a single surgery for excision, and none of the cases had a recurrence. Conclusion There were limited references to the epidemiology of histopathological diagnoses of eyelid tumours in Malaysia. Although benign lesions comprise the majority of eyelid tumours, it is essential to delineate between benign and malignant eyelid tumours.

Orbital Tumours in Northern Malaysia: A Five-Year Review.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted with the objective to examine demographic statistics and histopathological diagnoses of orbital biopsies from cases referred to the Oculoplastic subspecialty of the Ophthalmology department in Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Kedah, from 2016 to 2020. METHOD: This study is a case series of 28 patients who underwent orbital biopsy. RESULT: A total of 34 orbital biopsies from 28 patients were recorded. The mean age was 48.3 ± 19.1 years old. 22 (78.4%) cases manifested unilaterally and six (21.4%) manifested bilaterally. The commonest presentations were orbital mass (36.6%) and proptosis (24.4%). The mean duration of the presentation was 16.2 ± 19.5 months. Fourteen (50.0%) patients underwent orbital biopsy within six months of symptoms. 52.8% of the tumours are situated at supero-temporal region of the orbit. 53.0% (18) situated in extraconal space of orbit. Out of all, 23 (67.6%) cases were benign and 11 (32.4%) cases were malignant. All were primary in origin (100%). The commonest orbital tumours reported were malignant lymphoma (29.4%), reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (14.7%), non-caseating granulomatous inflammation (11.8%), non-granulomatous inflammation (5.9%) and cavernous haemangioma (5.9%). Of all 10 malignant lymphomas from eight patients (two were bilateral eyes) were all mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) of primary non-Hodgkin lymphomas. None of the cases were reported to be metastasis from the systemic spread. The majority of patients' eyes (20, 58.8%) remained the same visual acuity post-biopsy while six (17.6%) eyes had improvement in visual acuity and eight (23.5%) eyes had reduced postoperative visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Malignant tumours are more common in the elder age group especially malignant lymphoma which is in contrast to Caucasian populations. Understanding the relative incidence of these various orbital tumours is essential to patient evaluation and management.

Analysis of the effect of gene mutations on the efficacy of ruxolitinib in patients with myelofibrosis based on second-generation sequencing technology / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To assess the effect of gene mutations on the efficacy of ruxolitinib for treating myelofibrosis (MF) . Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 56 patients with MF treated with ruxolitinib from July 2017 to December 2020 and applied second-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to detect 127 hematologic tumor-related gene mutations. Additionally, we analyzed the relationship between mutated genes and the efficacy of ruxolitinib. Results: ①Among the 56 patients, there were 36 cases of primary bone marrow fibrosis (PMF) , 9 cases of bone marrow fibrosis (ppv-mf) after polycythemia vera, and 11 cases of bone marrow fibrosis (PET-MF) after primary thrombocytosis (ET) . ②Fifty-six patients with MF taking ruxolitinib underwent NGS, among whom, 50 (89.29%) carried driver mutations, 22 (39.29%) carried ≥3 mutations, and 29 (51.79%) carried high-risk mutations (HMR) . ③ For patients with MF carrying ≥ 3 mutations, ruxolitinib still had a better effect of improving somatic symptoms and shrinking the spleen (P=0.001, P<0.001) , but TTF and PFS were significantly shorter in patients carrying ≥ 3 mutations (P=0.007, P=0.042) . ④For patients carrying ≥ 2 HMR mutations, ruxolitinib was less effective in shrinking the spleen than in those who did not carry HMR (t= 10.471, P=0.034) , and the TTF and PFS were significantly shorter in patients carrying ≥2 HMR mutations (P<0.001, P=0.001) . ⑤Ruxolitinib had poorer effects on spleen reduction, symptom improvement, and stabilization of myelofibrosis in patients carrying additional mutations in ASXL1, EZH2, and SRSF2. Moreover, patients carrying ASXL1 and EZH2 mutations had significantly shorter TTF [ASXL1: 360 (55-1270) d vs 440 (55-1268) d, z=-3.115, P=0.002; EZH2: 327 (55-975) d vs 404 (50-1270) d, z=-3.219, P=0.001], and significantly shorter PFS compared to non-carriers [ASXL1: 457 (50-1331) d vs 574 (55-1437) d, z=-3.219, P=0.001) ; 428 (55-1331) d vs 505 (55-1437) d, z=-2.576, P=0.008]. Conclusion: The type and number of mutations carried by patients with myelofibrosis and HMR impact the efficacy of ruxolitinib.

Track-and-trace: Novel anti-counterfeit measures for 3D printed personalized drug products using smart material inks.

Printing technologies have been forecast to initiate a new era of personalised medicine in pharmaceuticals. To facilitate integration, a non-destructive and robust method of product authenticity is required. This study reports, for the first time, the interface between 3D printing and 2D inkjet printing technologies in order to fabricate a drug-loaded 3D printed tablet (printlet) with a unique track-and-trace measure in a single step process. In particular, quick response (QR) codes and data matrices were printed onto the surface of polymeric-based printlets for scanning using a smartphone device, and were designed to encode tailored information pertaining to the drug product, patient and prescriber. Moreover, a novel anti-counterfeit strategy was designed, which involved the deposition of a unique combination of material inks for detection using Raman spectroscopy. The inks were characterised for printability by measuring surface tension, viscosity and density, and each was successfully detected on the 3D printed tablet post-printing. Overall, this novel approach will enable an enhanced transparency and tracking of 3D printed medicines across the supply chain, leading to a safer treatment pathway for patients.

A Case of Parvovirus-Related Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Patient with HbH Disease.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is rare and life-threatening medical emergency. Parvovirus infection is rarely associated with HLH. We report a case of parvovirus-related HLH in a patient with alpha thalassaemia (HbH disease). The patient responded well to a course of dexamethasone without the need of etoposide. Based on our literature search, this is the first case of parvovirus related HLH in a patient with HbH disease in the medical literature.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents / 预防医学

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and influencing factors among adolescents. Methods A total of 635 students aged 13 to 18 years were selected in March 2017 and were investigated with general information questionnaire, CES-D and CTQ-SF. Results 630 questionnaires are effective and the positive rate of depression was 29.84％(188/630) . The average score of CTQ was 32.15±2.98; 38.73％ of the students were disregarded and only 2.22％ of that were abused during their childhood. 40.00％ of the students had no CTQ, 1 kinds of CTQ accounted for 31.43％ , 2 kinds of CTQ accounted for 18.25％, and more than 3 CTQ accounted for 10.32％. Multivariate logistic regression analysis show that gender (OR=1.034, 95％ CI: 1.012-1.056) , parents' marital status (OR=1.124, 95％ CI: 1.087-1.162) , family atmosphere (OR=1.025, 95％ CI: 1.024-1.158) , CTQ cumulative number (ORCTQ=1=1.528, 95％ CI: 1.214-1.923; ORCTQ=2=3.067, 95％ CI: 1.325-7.102; ORCTQ≥3=10.361, 95％ CI: 3.059-35.093) were the risk factors for depression. Conclusion Gender, parents' marital status, family atmosphere and CTQ cumulative number were risk factors for depression in adolescents.

Effect of Over-Expression of KLF4 on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of K562 Cells In Vitro / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of over-expression of KLF4 on the proliferation and apoptosis of K562 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The recombinant plasmid with over-expression of KLF4 was transfected into K562 cells by electroporation, then the obtained G418-resistant clones of K562 cells (K562/pEGFP-KLF4) were used as experimental group, and the vector control (K562/pEGFP-C1) and blank K562 cell control groups were set up at the same time. The expression of EGFP-KLF4 fusion protein in K562 cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy; the Western blot was performed to detect the level of KLF4 protein in the cells of each groups, the cell proliferation was tested by methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and the cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with K562/pEGFP-C1 group and blank K562 group, the level of KLF4 protein of K562/ pEGFP-KLF4 cells were significantly increased, and the over-expression ratio reached 74.07%(P<0.05). The proliferation ability of the over-expressing KLF4 K562 cells was inhibited significantly (P<0.05). However, the apoptosis of K562/pEGFP-ILK cells with over-expression of KLF4 was increased (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A stable over-expressing KLF4 protein K562 cell line with was constructed successfully, and the over-expression of KLF4 can inhibi proliferation and promote apoptosis of K562 cells.</p>

Effects and cost of four formulations of niclosamide ethanolamine salt in On-comelania hupensis snail control in field / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the effects and cost of four formulations of niclosamide ethanolamine salt in Oncomela-nia hupensis snail control in the field in marshland and lake regions,so as to provide the evidence for drawing up the plan of mol-luscicide using in schistosomiasis endemic areas. Methods One drainage channel and one channel without water in the same area with snails in Jiangling County,Jingzhou City were selected as the research fields. The drainage channel was divided into 9 sections,except one section as a blank control group where the natural death rate of snails was observed only,and the remaining 8 sections were taken as the observation groups,where different dosages of 4％niclosamide ethanolamine salt powder,5％ni-closamide ethanolamine salt granules,25％ niclosamide ethanolamine salt suspending agent,26％ metaldehyde and ni-closamide ethanolamine salt suspending agent,and 50％niclosamide ethanolamine salt wettable powder were used re-spectively. The channel without water were divided into 4 sections,except one section as a blank control group,the oth-er 3 segments were taken as the observation groups,where 4％niclosamide ethanolamine salt powder,5％niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules,and 50％ niclosamide ethanolamine salt wettable powder were used respectively. Before and after spraying molluscicide for 7 days and 15 days,the system sampling method was used to observe the effects of snail control. Meanwhile,the unit cost method was used to calculate the costs of the different mulluscicide formulations abovementioned in unit area(1 m2). Results In the field at the drainage channel,the snail mortality rates of the groups spraying 4％niclosamide ethanolamine salt powder(50 g/m2),5％niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules(40 g/m2),25％ niclosamide ethanolamine suspending agent,26％ metaldehyde and niclosamide ethanolamine salt sus-pending agent,and 50％niclosamide ethanolamine salt wettable powder(2 g/m2 and 4 g/m2)for 7 days were 79.52％-97.87％,while the rates after spraying for 15 days were 71.00％-96.30％,and compared with those before spraying, the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.01). For the groups spraying with 2 g/m2 or 4 g/m2 suspending agent as well as wettable powder for 7 days,the snail mortality rates were significantly different(both P<0.05). In the field at the channel without water,the snail mortality rates of the 3 observation groups after spraying molluscicide for 7 days were 97.14％-100％,while for 15 days were 94.32％-100％,and compared with the rates before spraying,all the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.01). The unit costs per 1 m2 of the molluscicide abovementioned were ranged from 0.280 Yuan to 0.416 Yuan. Conclusions In marshland area inside embankment,the molluscicide formulations of the powder and granule are suitable for the environments without water or with instability water level , while the molluscicide formulations of the suspended agents and wettable powder are suitable for the water environment. Though the unit cost of powder is the lowest,the molluscicide in this formulation flies away seriously.

Micro electrochemical mechanism of baicalin-metal complexes binding with hepatoma SMMC-7721 cell DNA / 中草药

Objective: The correlation of baicalin-metal (Y3+, La3+, and Ce3+) complexes (BMC) anti-tumor activity and the interactional ability of BMC binding with hepatoma SMMC-7721 cell DNA was investigated. Methods: Hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells DNA was extracted as a target, cyclic voltammetry and AC impedance were utilized to study the interaction between BMC and DNA, and the interaction mechanism between BMC and DNA was explored. Results: BMC and hepatoma SMMC-7721 cell DNA formed a non-electroactive supramolecular compounds through mixed-mode of electrostatic interaction, binding number m = 1, binding constant βBC = 1.27 × 105 L/mol, βBC-Y = 3.46 × 105 L/mol, βBC-La = 6.24 × 105 L/mol, and βBC-Ce = 7.29 × 106 L/mol. After BC binding with metal ions, its ability of binding to DNA significantly enhanced, and the strength order: BC-Ce > BC-La > BC-Y > BC. Conclusion: The ability of BMC binding with DNA consists with its cytotoxicity. After BMC binding with SMMC-7721 cell DNA, it could inhibit the cell proliferation and lead to the cell apoptosis, which illustrates the BMC exhibits an anti-tumor activity. The relevant results have given a reference for the study on the new anti-tumor complexes of Chinese materia medica.

Mechanism of colon cancer cell apoptosis induced by telocinobufagin: role of oxidative stress and apoptosis pathway / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of telocinobufagin on viability and apoptosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and explore the mechanism of telocinobufagin-induced apoptosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>MTT assay was performed to detect the viability of CRC cells exposed to telocinobufagin. Nuclear staining with Hoechst 33342 and flow cytometry were used to analyze the cell death of CRC cells. Expressions of proteins related with cell apoptosis and oxidative stress were determined with Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Telocinobufagin decreased the viability of CRC cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The presence of karyopycnosis and apoptotic bodies together with the results of flow cytometry suggested that telocinobufagin induced cell apoptosis to cause cell death. Western blotting showed that telocinobufagin exposure of the cells resulted in upregulated p53 and Bax protein expressions and promoted cleavage of caspase 9 and PARP. Telocinobufagin induced phosphorylation of Bad and PARP cleavage, and suppressed phosphorylation of IKBα and TAK1 and expression of survivin in the cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Telocinobufagin can decrease the viability of CRC cells by inducing cell apoptosis, which involves p53-mediated Bax activation and inhibition of the IAP pathway.</p>

The molecular mechanism between baicalin metal complexes and bovin serum album / 药学学报

In this paper, the new carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon electrode (F-CNTs/GCE) was prepared to establish a new method for studying the molecular interaction mechanism between baicalin metal complexes (BMC) and bovine serum album (BSA), and the principle of this method was discussed deeply. Under the physiological condition, the thermodynamics and kinetics properties of interaction between BMC and BSA were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) to inference their molecular effective mechanism. The results show that the presence of F-CNTs can accelerate the electron transfer, and better response signal was showed in the BMC/BMC-BSA system. The detection of interaction of BMC-BSA used new method show that BMC-BSA generates stable thermodynamically non-covalent compounds, and the obtained average binding sites of BMC-BSA were 1.7; the number of electron transfer in BMC/BMC-BSA reaction process was 2, and non electroactive supramolecular compounds of BMC-BSA were generated by this interacting reaction. The relevant research work provides a new way to study the molecular mechanism for the interaction of drugs with protein, and with a certain reference value for discussion on the non covalent interactions.

The molecular mechanism between baicalin metal complexes and bovin serum album / 药学学报

In this paper, the new carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon electrode (F-CNTs/GCE) was prepared to establish a new method for studying the molecular interaction mechanism between baicalin metal complexes (BMC) and bovine serum album (BSA), and the principle of this method was discussed deeply. Under the physiological condition, the thermodynamics and kinetics properties of interaction between BMC and BSA were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) to inference their molecular effective mechanism. The results show that the presence of F-CNTs can accelerate the electron transfer, and better response signal was showed in the BMC/BMC-BSA system. The detection of interaction of BMC-BSA used new method show that BMC-BSA generates stable thermodynamically non-covalent compounds, and the obtained average binding sites of BMC-BSA were 1.7; the number of electron transfer in BMC/BMC-BSA reaction process was 2, and non electroactive supramolecular compounds of BMC-BSA were generated by this interacting reaction. The relevant research work provides a new way to study the molecular mechanism for the interaction of drugs with protein, and with a certain reference value for discussion on the non covalent interactions.

A meta-analysis: neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus primary surgery in ovarian carcinoma FIGO stageIII and IV.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study is to analyze the existing data comparing neoadjuvant chemotherapy with primary debulking surgery (PDS) in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma. METHODS: Patients with stage IIIC and IV ovarian cancer were identified from articles in Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE database (1989 to February 2013). Two authors independently extracted the data. To assess the risk of bias of included literatures, Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool was used. Meta-analysis on literatures was conducted by using RevMan 5.2 software. RESULTS: Two high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. These multicenter trials randomized 1,220 women with stage IIIc/IV ovarian cancer to NACT or PDS followed by chemotherapy. There were no significant differences between the study groups with regard to overall survival (OS) (1,120 women; HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.85 to 1.14) or progression-free survival (PFS) (1,120 women; HR 1.03; 95% CI 0.91 to 1.16). CONCLUSION: There was no statistical difference in median OS and PFS between the two treatment groups. With regard to selecting who will benefit from NACT, treatment should be tailored to the patient and should take into account respectability, age, histology, stage, and performance status.

Reheated palm oil consumption and risk of atherosclerosis: evidence at ultrastructural level.

Background. Palm oil is commonly consumed in Asia. Repeatedly heating the oil is very common during food processing. Aim. This study is aimed to report on the risk of atherosclerosis due to the reheated oil consumption. Material and Methods. Twenty four male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control, fresh-oil, 5 times heated-oil and 10 times heated-oil feeding groups. Heated palm oil was prepared by frying sweet potato at 180°C for 10 minutes. The ground standard rat chows were fortified with the heated oils and fed it to the rats for six months. Results. Tunica intima thickness in aorta was significantly increased in 10 times heated-oil feeding group (P < 0.05), revealing a huge atherosclerotic plaque with central necrosis projecting into the vessel lumen. Repeatedly heated oil feeding groups also revealed atherosclerotic changes including mononuclear cells infiltration, thickened subendothelial layer, disrupted internal elastic lamina and smooth muscle cells fragmentation in tunica media of the aorta. Conclusion. The usage of repeated heated oil is the predisposing factor of atherosclerosis leading to cardiovascular diseases. It is advisable to avoid the consumption of repeatedly heated palm oil.

Treatment of displaced humeral supracondylar fractures in children with external fixation using plaster or splint / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the therapeutic effects of closed reduction and external fixation (plaster or splint) for the treatment of displaced humeral supracondylar fractures in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2007 to September 2009,33 children (15 female and 18 male) with humeral supracondylar fractures treated in our hospital, ranging from 3 to 12 years old with an average of 6.4 years old. All the fractures were extension-type injuries, the flexion injures were excluded in our study. The humeral supracondylar fractures were classified according to Gartland classification. There were 21 Type H and 12 type III. In the initial treatment, all the patients were treated with closed reduction and external immobilization. The blood supply of the damaged upper extremity was evaluated before and after treatment. Clinical assessment was obtained at final follow-up using Flynn criteria, and radiologic assessment was obtained using Baumann and lateral humerocapitellar angles.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the children were treated successfully with closed reduction in the initial time; 24 children maintained limb alignment by external immobilization. Nine patients lost position due to the swelling around the elbow which affected unstable external fixation during the follow-up, 5 of which were treated with a repeated closed reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wires, 4 of which were treated with traction. Thirty-one patients had a satisfactory outcome and 2 patients had an unsatisfactory outcome according to the Flynn criteria at the latest follows-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Closed reduction and external stabilization is an important method for the treatment of displaced humeral supracondylar fractures in children. Making regular follow-up visits after closed reduction and casting is important for patients to maintain acceptable alignment, avoid complications and diagnose any loss of reduction.</p>

Effects of B.adolescentis and L.acidophilus in treating experimental ulcerative colitis in mice and their potential mechanisms / 中华消化杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of B.adolescentis and L.acidophilus in treatment of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis(UC) in mice and their potential mechanisms. Methods Seventy-five BABL/C mice were randomly divided into control,saline (NS),B.adolescentis BF0624 treatment (B),L.acidophilus LT0637 treatment (L) and salicylazosulpha-pyridine treatment (S) groups.Except control group,the other four groups were received DSS to induce ulcerative colitis. The weight-loss,fecal trait and bleeding were recorded every day.Colonic length and histological scores were evaluated on day 3,5 and 7.The gene and protein expression of hot shock protein (HSP)70, glucocorticoid receptor (GR),interleukin (IL)-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were detected by Western blot and reverse polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) respectively.Results B.adolescentis BF0624 and L.acidophilus LT0637 could relieve the inflammatory reaction of the experimental UC.The DAI scores were 1.84±0.4 in L group on day 3,which was lower than that in NS group (2.8±1.0).The DAI scores in all treatment groups were decreased on day 5.Compared with NS group[(8.1±0.6)cm ], the colon length on day 8 were (9.0±0.6)cm in B group,(9.35±0.6)era in L group and (8.8±1.1)cm in S group (P＜0.05).The colonic mucosa was improved pathohistologically in L group (6.0±1.0) on day 8.The expression of HSP70 and IL-10 in B and L groups were up-regulated and the expression of TNF-α was down-regulated.Conclusions Both B.adolescentis BF0624 and L.acidophilus LT0637 were effective in treatment of acute ulcerative colitis.The potential mechanism of two probiotics may be related with up-regulation of HSPT0 and IL-10 expressions and down-regulation of TNF-α expression.

Comparison percutaneous cervical disc nucleoplasty and cervical discectomy for the treatment of cervical disc herniation / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the therapeutic effect of percutaneous cervical disc nucleoplasty (PCN group) and percutaneous cervical discectomy (PCD group) for the treatment of cervical disc herniation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective study was carried out from July of 2002 to December of 2004, and there were 80 cervical disc herniation cases who were operated by PCN (42 cases) or PCD (38 cases). The time of operation, clinical result and the stability of cervical spine after operation were evaluated and compared between 2 groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All cases had been followed up from 6 months to 26 months, average (12 +/- 5) months on the PCN group and (12 +/- 4) months on the PCD group, and there was no significant difference on 2 groups (t = -0.06, P = 0.953). All cases had been successfully operated. There was significant difference in the operation time between 2 groups (t = -21.70, P = 0.000). There was significant difference in the pre- and post-operation scores of each group (PCN group: t = 14.05, P = 0.000; PCD group: t = -14.79, P = 0.000). There was no significant difference in 2 groups of the clinical outcomes (z = -0.377, P = 0.706, > 0.05). There was no instability of cervical spine cases in 2 groups after operation (P > 0.05), and the cervical spine stability was no significant difference in pre- and-operation in each group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PCN and PCD for the treatment of cervical disc herniation achieves good outcomes and no difference on the stability of cervical spine. PCN and PCD is a safe, minimally invasive, short time of operation, less traumatic operation and excellent clinical outcome.</p>

Respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn: role of oxidative stress.

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are generated by several inflammatory and structural cells of the airways. These oxidant species have important effects on a variety of lung cells as regulators of signal transduction, activators of key transcription factors and modulators of gene expression and apoptosis. Thus, increased oxidative stress accompanied by reduced endogenous antioxidant defenses may play a role in the pathogenesis of a number of inflammatory pulmonary diseases, including respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the newborn. There obviously are conflicting reports on the effect of oxygen, ventilation and nitric oxide (NO) on RDS and, thus, the question arises as what the neonatologist should do when confronted with a newborn with RDS. Clearly, utilizing lung protective strategies requires compromises between gas exchange goals and potential toxicities associated with over-distension, derecruitment of lung units and high oxygen concentrations. The results discussed in this brief review suggest rigorous clinical tests with antioxidants which may help to define the mechanisms associated with RDS and which could lead to new treatment strategies.