Sublethal and transgenerational effects of lufenuron on the biological traits of Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae).

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor), is a globally important pest that has developed severe resistance to various pesticides. Lufenuron has been widely used in the control of the related pests in citrus orchard ecosystem. In this study, the susceptibilities of egg, larva, deutonymph and female adult of P. citri to lufenuron was determined, and the LC50 values were 161.354 mg/L, 49.595 mg/L, 81.580 mg/L, and 147.006 mg/L, respectively. Life-table analysis indicated that the fecundities were significantly increased by 11.86% and 26.84% after the mites were treated with LC20 concentrations of lufenuron at the egg or deutonymph stages, respectively. After eggs were treated with lufenuron, the immature stage and longevity were also affected, and resulted in a significant increase in r, R0 and λ. After exposure of female adults to LC20 of lufenuron, the fecundity and longevity of F0 generation significantly decreased by 31.99% and 10.94%, respectively. Furthermore, the expression level of EcR and Vg was significantly inhibited upon mites was treated with lufenuron. However, lufenuron exposure has a positive effect on fecundity and R0 in F1 generation, the expression of all reproduction-related genes was significantly up-regulated. In conclusion, there was a stimulating effect on the offspring population. Our results will contribute to the assessment of the resurgence of P. citri in the field after the application of lufenuron and the development of integrated pest control strategies in citrus orchards.

Genome-wide analysis of Panonychus citri microRNAs with a focus on potential insecticidal activity of 4 microRNAs to eggs and nymphs.

Panonychus citri McGregor (Acari: Tetranychidae), a destructive citrus pest, causes considerable annual economic losses due to its short lifespan and rapid resistance development. MicroRNA (miRNA)-induced RNA interference is a promising approach for pest control because of endogenous regulation of pest growth and development. To search for miRNAs with potential insecticidal activity in P. citri, genome-wide analysis of miRNAs at different developmental stages was conducted, resulting in the identification of 136 miRNAs, including 73 known and 63 novel miRNAs. A total of 17 isomiRNAs and 12 duplicated miRNAs were characterized. MiR-1 and miR-252-5p were identified as reference miRNAs for P. citri and Tetranychus urticae. Based on differential expression analysis, treatments with miR-let-7a and miR-315 mimics and the miR-let-7a antagomir significantly reduced the egg hatch rate and resulted in abnormal egg development. Overexpression or downregulation of miR-34-5p and miR-305-5p through feeding significantly decreased the adult eclosion rate and caused molting defects. The 4 miRNAs, miR-let-7a, miR-315, miR-34-5p, and miR-305-5p, had important regulatory functions and insecticidal properties in egg hatching and adult eclosion. In general, these data advance our understanding of miRNAs in mite biology, which can assist future studies on insect-specific miRNA-based green pest control technology.

CYP4CL2 Confers Metabolic Resistance to Pyridaben in the Citrus Pest Mite Panonychus citri.

The citrus red mite Panonychus citri has developed strong resistance to acaricides. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) can detoxify pesticides and are involved in pesticide resistance in many insects. Here, a pyridaben-resistant P. citri strain showed cross-resistance to cyenopyrafen, bifenazate, fenpyroximate, and tolfenpyrad. Piperonyl butoxide, a P450 inhibitor, significantly increased the toxicity of pyridaben to resistant (Pyr_Rs) and susceptible (Pyr_Control) P. citri strains. P450 activity was significantly higher in Pyr_Rs than in Pyr_Control. Analyses of RNA-Seq data identified a P450 gene (CYP4CL2) that is potentially involved in pyridaben resistance. Consistently, it was up-regulated in two field-derived resistant populations (CQ_WZ and CQ_TN). RNA interference-mediated knockdown of CYP4CL2 significantly decreased the pyridaben resistance in P. citri. Transgenic Drosophila melanogaster expressing CYP4CL2 showed increased pyridaben resistance. Molecular docking analysis showed that pyridaben could bind to several amino acids at substrate recognition sites in CYP4CL2. These findings shed light on P450-mediated pyridaben resistance in pest mites.

Field investigation of non-uniform environment in a Venlo-type greenhouse in Yangling, China.

Non-uniform environmental conditioning has established substantial energy-saving and conditioning effects in residential buildings, however, few studies on the technology applied in greenhouses have been conducted. Semi-enclosed greenhouse development is hindered by energy consumption. To better apply non-uniform environmental conditioning technology in greenhouses, it is necessary to investigate the non-uniform characteristics of field environment parameters. Therefore, spatial and temporal measurements of indoor temperature and relative humidity in a Venlo-type greenhouse in Yangling, China, were conducted on June 5-11, 2022. Temperature and humidity sensors were arranged in the greenhouse at 4.5 m intervals, in the canopy, cultivation, center, and root areas. Temperature and humidity measurement points on the greenhouse walls were selected. The measurement results showed large fluctuations in the indoor temperature and relative humidity over time. The difference between indoor and outdoor average temperatures ranged from -5-10 °C and temperatures unsuitable for tomato growth were identified, although some passive conditioning methods such as ventilation and water spraying were employed, which indicates the necessity of active heating and cooling. Based on the measured data, the nonuniformity coefficients of temperature and relative humidity in different directions in the greenhouse were calculated. A larger non-uniformity in the vertical direction was found compared to that in the horizontal direction. These results suggest the possibility of non-uniform environmental conditioning. A rough estimation of the energy consumption by the two different condition modes, namely zone-specific and overall conditioning, was made. A huge energy saving of 69.6 % by the zone-specific conditioning mode was revealed compared to the overall conditioning. This implies a huge advantage in energy efficiency by non-unform environmental conditioning technologies applied in greenhouses. The study provides useful data for understanding non-uniform environments in greenhouses and the application of non-uniform environmental conditioning technologies.

Effect of Intrathoracic or Cervical Anastomosis After Esophagectomy on Quality of Life.

PURPOSE: We aimed to perform serial quality-of-life (QoL) evaluations and comparisons in patients after esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis (IA) or cervical anastomosis (CA). METHODS: Between November 2012 and March 2015, patients who underwent esophagectomy with IA or CA for mid-esophageal to distal esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer were followed up. QoL was measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and esophagus-specific questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-OES18) before surgery, at discharge, and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after discharge. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess the mean score differences (MDs) of each QoL scale between the two techniques, and changes in QoL over time. Potential confounders were adjusted. RESULTS: In total, 219 patients were analyzed (IA, n = 127; CA, n = 92). All patients' QoL decreased immediately after esophagectomy. Global QoL and most functioning and symptom scales exhibited a return to baseline levels within 2 years of discharge, except for physical functioning and several symptoms (dyspnea, diarrhea, dysphagia, and reflux). There was no difference in overall health score between the two groups (MD 2, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 1 to 6). Compared with IA, patients with CA reported more trouble with taste (MD - 12, 95% CI - 19 to - 4) and talking (MD - 11, 95% CI - 19 to 2) at discharge. No differences in long-term QoL were found between groups. CONCLUSIONS: CA was associated with more trouble with taste and talking in the short term than IA. The long-term QoL did not differ between the two approaches.

Sublethal and transgenerational effects of pyridaben exposure on the fitness and gene expression of Panonychus citri.

BACKGROUND: Panonychus citri is a globally dominant citrus plant pest mite. Pesticide-induced population resurgence is a concern for mite control. Exposure to sublethal concentrations of pesticides has stimulated reproduction and outbreak risks in many pests. Pyridaben, a mitochondrial electron transport inhibitor, has been frequently used worldwide in mite control. In the study, sublethal and transgenerational effects of pyridaben exposure on Pyr_Rs (resistant) and Pyr_Control (susceptible) strains were systematically investigated in both exposed parental generation (F0 ) and unexposed offspring generations (F1 and F2 ) by evaluating life-table and physiological parameters. RESULTS: After exposure to pyridaben, the fecundity of both strains was significantly reduced in F0 generation while significantly induced in F1 generation. Interestingly, these effects also stimulated the fecundity of the F2 generation in Pyr_Control strain while no significant effects occurred for Pyr_Rs strain. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were significantly decreased only in F1 generation of Pyr_Control strain after exposure treatment. Meanwhile, the population projection indicated a smaller population size in F1 generation of Pyr_Control strain while a population increase for Pyr_Rs strain after sublethal treatment. Subsequent detoxification enzyme assays indicated that only P450 activities in F0 generation were significantly activated by LC30 exposure to pyridaben in both strains. Significant downregulation of reproduction-related (Pc_Vg) genes was observed in the F0 generations of both strains. Significant upregulation of P450 (CYP4CL2) and Pc_Vg of the F1 generation in both strains suggested the presence of delayed hormesis effects on the reproduction and developed tolerance to pyridaben, although the effects did not last over a longer period (F2 generation). CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence for transgenerational hormesis effects of low concentrations of pyridaben exposure that may lead to population increase and resurgence risks of resistant-mites in natural settings by stimulating reproduction. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative efficacy of different combinations of acapella, active cycle of breathing technique, and external diaphragmatic pacing in perioperative patients with lung cancer: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Acapella plus active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT), external diaphragm pacemaker (EDP) plus ACBT have been shown to facilitate the recovery of functional capacity and lung function in patients suffering from airway obstruction but the efficacy in perioperative patients with lung cancer has not been proven. METHODS: We conducted a three-arm, prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled trial in patients with lung cancer who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy or segmentectomy in the department of thoracic surgery, China. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive Acapella plus ACBT, EDP plus ACBT, or ACBT group (control group) using SAS software. The primary outcome was functional capacity, measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). RESULTS: We recruited 363 participants over 17 months: 123 assigned to the Acapella plus ACBT group, 119 to the EDP plus ACBT group, and 121 to the ACBT group. Statistically significant differences were noted for functional capacity between the EDP plus ACBT and control groups at each follow-up time (1-week follow-up: difference = 47.25 m, 95% CI, 31.56-62.93; P < 0.001; and 1-month follow-up: difference = 49.72 m, 95% CI, 34.04-65.41; P < 0.001), between the Acapella plus ACBT and control groups at postoperative week 1 (difference = 35.23 m, 95% CI, 19.30-51.16; P < 0.001) and postoperative month 1 (difference = 34.96 m, 95% CI, 19.03-50.89; P < 0.001), and between the EDP plus ACBT and Acapella plus ACBT groups at 1-month follow-up (difference = 14.76 m, 95% CI, 1.34-28.19; P = 0.0316). CONCLUSION: EDP plus ACBT and Acapella plus ACBT significantly improved functional capacity and lung function in perioperative patients with lung cancer, compared with single-model ACBT, and the effects of EDP plus ACBT were clearly superior to those of other programs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the clinical trial database (clinicaltrials.gov) on June 4, 2021 (No. NCT04914624).

Resistance of Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) to pyridaben in China: monitoring and fitness costs.

BACKGROUND: Panonychus citri is a major citrus pest worldwide. The short life cycle and high reproductive potential of P. citri, combined with heavy acaricide use, have led to high levels of resistance to acaricides, posing a threat to global resistance management programs. Here, resistance monitoring was established to determine the pyridaben resistance status of ten P. citri populations in China from 2014 to 2021 using a leaf-dipping assay. Four characterized strains-the susceptible strain (Lab_S), the resistant strain (Pyr_R), as well as the segregated resistant strain (Pyr_Rs) and the segregated susceptible strain (Pyr_Control) derived from the crossing of the Lab_S and Pyr_R strains, were used to evaluate the life-history characteristics using age-stage, two-sex life tables. RESULTS: Most P. citri populations developed high resistance to pyridaben. Resistance levels exceeded 1000-fold in Yuxi, Anyue, Nanning, and Ganzhou populations compared with the Lab_S strain. Compared with Pyr_Control, two key fitness cost criteria, developmental period and fecundity, showed significant differences in Pyr_Rs under consistent conditions. The intrinsic rate of increase, net reproductive rate and gross reproductive rate were lower in the resistant strain compared with the Pyr_Control strain. The Pyr_Rs strain had a lower relative fitness of 0.934 compared with the Pyr_Control. Moreover, the life-history traits and population parameters of the Pyr_R strain also showed significant differences compared with the Lab_S strain. CONCLUSION: The resistance levels to pyridaben varied greatly among the different P. citri populations and showed regional differences. Substantial fitness costs are associated with pyridaben resistance. This study provides potential implications for developing strategies for resistance management in P. citri. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Correlation between depression and intimacy in lung cancer patients and their family caregivers.

BACKGROUND: Cancer impacts both patients and their family caregivers. This study aimed to explore the interdependence between depression and intimacy in lung cancer patients and their family caregivers, providing the basis for developing a patient-caregiver centered dyadic intervention. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 182 dyads of lung cancer patients and their family caregivers using a convenient sampling. The depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Mutuality Scale (MS) were used to measure participants' depression and intimacy respectively; and the correlation between depression and intimacy in patients and caregivers was analyzed by establishing the actor-partner interdependence model. RESULTS: Thirty four percent of the patients and 19.2% of the caregivers were at risk of depression, with an intimacy score of 2.67 ± 0.74 points and 2.6 ± 0.86 points, respectively; Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between the depression score (r = 0.226, P < 0.01) and intimacy score (r = 0.344, P < 0.01) in patients and caregivers; and the results of actor-partner interdependence model showed that caregivers' depression had an actor effect on their own intimacy (b = -0.054, P = 0.004) as well as a partner effect on patients' intimacy (b = -0.041, P = 0.011). However, patients' depression has no influence on the intimacy of patients or caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: There is an interdependent relationship between depression and intimacy in lung cancer patients and family caregivers. Therefore, dyadic interventions can help them to cope with cancer together.

Transcription factors CncC and Maf connect the molecular network between pesticide resistance and resurgence of pest mites.

Pesticide resistance and resurgence are serious problems often occurring simultaneously in the field. In our long-term study of a fenpropathrin-resistant strain of Tetranychus cinnabaribus, enhancement of detoxification and modified fecundity mechanisms were both observed. Here we investigate the network across these two mechanisms and find a key node between resistance and resurgence. We show that the ecdysone pathway is involved in regulating the fecundity of T. cinnabaribus. The concentration change of ecdysone is consistent with the fecundity curve; the concentration of ecdysone is higher in the fenpropathrin-resistant strain which has stronger fecundity. The enhancement of ecdysone is due to overexpression of two P450 genes (CYP314A1 and CYP315A1) in the ecdysone synthesis pathway. Silencing expression of these CYP genes resulted in lower concentration of ecdysone, reduced expression of vitellogenin, and reduced fecundity of T. cinnabaribus. The expression of CYP315A1 is regulated by transcription factors Cap-n-collar isoform C (CncC) and Musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma protein (Maf), which are involved in regulating other P450 genes functioning in detoxification of fenpropathrin in T. cinnabaribus. A similar regulation is established in citrus pest mite Panonychus citri showing that the CncC pathway regulates expression of PcCYP315A1, which affects mite fecundity. Transcription factors are activated to upregulate detoxification genes facilitating pesticide resistance, while the "one to multiple" regulation mode of transcription factors simultaneously increases expression of metabolic enzyme genes in hormone pathways and alters the physiology of pests. This is an important response of arthropods to pesticides which leads to resistance and population resurgence.

Effect of the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique on Perioperative Outcome in Individuals With Esophagectomy: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Background: The effect of active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) on EC patients has not been well elucidated. In this research, we aim to explore the effect of ACBT on the perioperative outcomes in patients with esophageal carcinoma who underwent esophagectomy. Methods: Patients who underwent esophagectomy in an academic institution from December 2017 to July 2019 were included in this study. In a quasi-experimental study, participants were randomly divided into an experimental group (active cycle of breathing technique, n = 107) and an observational group (n = 106) by drawing lots. The chi-squared test, Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test, Logistic regression analysis, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to analyze data. A two-sided P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The primary observational endpoint was the mean weight of the sputum. Other outcomes included the six-min-walk test (6MWT), Borg scale, anastomotic leakage, and the length of hospital stay. Results: 95 patients underwent minimally invasive surgery, and 118 patients received open surgery. There were 16 patients with anastomotic leakage in the present study, and we found that patients in the observational group had higher odds of anastomotic leakage. The results showed that the mean weight of the sputum in the observation group was lighter than that of the experimental group. After esophagectomy, the experimental group had better outcomes than the observation group (Borg scale: 2.448 vs. 1.547; 6-MWT: 372.811 vs. 425.355m, all P < 0.05). The mean length of hospital stay was longer in the observation group (17.953 days) than that in the experimental group (12.037 days, P = 0.01). We also found that the observational group had a higher discharge ratio over 2 weeks in all cohort (adjusted OR 2.487, 95% confidence intervals 1.147-5.392, P = 0.021). Conclusion: Active cycle of breathing technique may improve the perioperative outcomes and decrease the length of hospital stay after surgery in patients with esophageal cancer. However, we need more researches to validate these findings.

Amidase, a novel detoxifying enzyme, is involved in cyflumetofen resistance in Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval).

Amidase is an important hydrolytic enzyme in detoxification metabolism. Amidase hydrolyzes a wide variety of nonpeptide carbon­nitrogen bonds by attacking a cyano group or carbonyl carbon. However, little is known about the relationship between amidase and insecticides. In this study, the amidase activity was significantly higher in cyflumetofen-resistant strain (CyR) than in the susceptible strain (SS) of Tetranychus cinnabarinus, and diethyl-phosphoramidate (an amidase inhibitor) significantly decreased cyflumetofen resistance in T. cinnabarinus. More importantly, an amidase gene, TcAmidase01, was identified in T. cinnabarinus, and the TcAmidase01 overexpression was detected in both two cyflumetofen-resistant strains (CyR and YN-CyR), indicating that it is involved in cyflumetofen resistance in mites. A phylogenetic analysis showed that TcAmidase01 was clustered with deaminated glutathione amidases, which possess hydrolytic activity. The recombinant TcAmidase01 protein showed amidase activity toward succinamate, and the activity could be inhibited by cyflumetofen. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis provided evidence that recombinant TcAmidase01 could decompose cyflumetofen by hydrolysis, and the potential metabolites (2-(4-(tert-butyl) phenyl)-2-cyanoacetate and 2-(trifluoromethyl) benzoic acid) were identified. These results show that TcAmidase01 contribute to cyflumetofen-resistance in T. cinnabarinus by hydrolyzing cyflumetofen, and this is the first study to suggest that amidase has a role in insecticides resistance in arthropods.

RNAi targeting ecdysone receptor blocks the larva to adult development of Tetranychus cinnabarinus.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a potentially useful pest control method because of its high specificity. Silencing the expression of important RNAi target genes of pests will block important biological processes and reduce pest damage. Ecdysone is a unique arthropod hormone and the ecdysone receptor (EcR) is a key factor in molting pathway. We investigated the possibility that dsRNA targeting of the EcR of Tetranychus cinnabarinus (TcEcR) could effectively block development from larvae to adults. The mRNA level of TcEcR was highest in the larva stage, and 73.1% of the mites failed to survive the larva stage when TcEcR expression was silenced. Only 11.7% of T. cinnabarinus ingesting dsRNA successfully developed into adults, while 86.7% in the control succeeded in molting across each stage. RNAi significantly increased the developmental intervals of T. cinnabarinus. Under the effects of dsRNA, development times for the larva and first nymph doubled. Phenotype of body size change and death were observed during the development of T. cinnabarinus ingesting dsRNA. These findings suggest that RNAi is a potential means for the control of T. cinnabarinus. Genes in hormone pathways such as EcR are possible RNAi targets.

Functional analysis of four upregulated carboxylesterase genes associated with fenpropathrin resistance in Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval).

BACKGROUND: Carboxylesterases (CarEs) are important in pesticide resistance. Four overexpressed CarE genes with inducible character were screened out in fenpropathrin-resistant Tetranychus cinnabarinus, but their functional roles remained to be further analyzed by RNAi and protein expression. RESULTS: Feeding a single double-stranded (ds)RNA of each of four genes led to gene-specific downregulation of mRNA, decreased esterase activity and diminished resistance in T. cinnabarinus. More interestingly, feeding four dsRNAs simultaneously led to a more significant decrease in enzymatic activity and fold resistance than feeding a single dsRNA individually, suggesting that these CarE genes were involved in fenpropathrin-resistance and had cooperative roles. The gene CarE6 was regarded as the primary and representative candidate to be functionally expressed, because silencing of CarE6 led to the most significant decrease in resistance level. The activity of CarE6 protein was competitively inhibited by fenpropathrin. It could effectively decompose 41.7 ± 0.09% of fenpropathrin within 3 h, proving that CarE6 protein was capable of metabolizing fenpropathrin effectively in T. cinnabarinus. CONCLUSION: The results confirm that four CarE genes are cooperatively involved in fenpropathrin resistance and the metabolic enzymes encoded by these overexpressed genes do indeed metabolize acaricide in resistant T. cinnabarinus in the evolution of acaricide resistance. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of the self-efficacy-enhancing active cycle of breathing technique on lung cancer patients with lung resection: A quasi-experimental trial.

PURPOSE: Enhancing self-efficacy during the active cycle of breathing technique is essential for realizing the full benefit of pulmonary rehabilitation among lung cancer patients. This study aimed to explore the effect of self-efficacy-enhancing active cycle of breathing technique (SEE-ACBT) among patients with lung resection. METHOD: A quasi-experimental trial with a pre-post test design was performed. The control group (n = 81) received routine perioperative care, and the intervention group (n = 81) received SEE-ACBT in addition to routine perioperative care. The primary outcome measure was 24-h wet sputum weight. Other outcomes included the 6-min walk test (6MWT), Borg scale, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC), exercise self-efficacy, hospitalization cost, duration of oxygen inhalation, and days of postoperative hospital stay. RESULTS: The sputum weight in the intervention group gradually increased from postoperative day 1, day 2, to day 3 and was significantly higher than that of the control group on day 2 and day 3 (P = 0.000). An average of ¥5047 (US$ 767.6) in hospitalization costs was saved in the intervention group (P = 0.003). Exercise self-efficacy (79. 0 VS 71.7,P = 0.006), 6MWT (471.8 m VS 371.6 m,P = 0.000), and duration of oxygen inhalation (33.9 h VS 53.1 h, P = 0.000) among patients in the intervention group improved significantly compared with the control group. No significant differences in PPC and days of postoperative hospital stay were found. CONCLUSIONS: SEE-ACBT is an effective and economical short-term pulmonary rehabilitation method. Pulmonary rehabilitation should focus on increasing motivational behaviours. Further studies should be implemented to explore the long-term effects of SEE-ACBT.

[The risk factor for metastasis in Level IV in tongue cancer patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factor for metastasis in Level IV of ipsilateral neck in tongue cancer patients. METHODS: A total of 248 tongue caner paitents (255 necks) that underwent radical neck dissection was enrolled in the study. Chi-square test and Logistic regression analysis were used to determine the factors associated with metastasis in Level IV. The variable included age, sex, growth type, T stage, histopathological grade, Level III involvement, number of positive lymph nodes in Levels I-III. RESULTS: Out of 147 cases (152 necks) with positive lymph node, 21 necks (8.2%, 21/255) had Level III involvement, and 2 necks (0.8%, 2/255) developed skip metastasis. Chi-square test showed that age (P = 0.020), Level III involvement (P = 0.000), number of positive Level (≥ 2 Levels) in Levels I-III (P = 0.006), and number of positive lymph node (≥ 3 nodes) in Levels I-III (P = 0.000) were identified as independent risk factor. Logistic regression analysis revealed that only Level III involvement (P = 0.003) was the risk factor for metastasis in Level IV. CONCLUSIONS: In tongue cancer patients, Level III involvement was a high risk factor for metastasis in Level IV.

[Effect of primary site for oral and maxillary squamous cell carcinoma on location of neck node metastasis].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predilection of metastasis at levels I, II, III, IV, V for oral and maxillary squamous cell carcinoma on different primary sites. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of the records of 1 233 patients (1 340 necks) from January 2000 to December 2011 with squamous cell carcinoma simultaneously underwent primary tumor resection and neck dissection in Department of Oral and Maxillary Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. The topography of positive neck node was recorded, and the calculation was performed for the metastasis rate of levels I, II, III, IV, V based on the primary site, respectively. RESULTS: There were 557 necks with positive node (41.57%), and the metastasis rate for level I, II, III, IV, and V were 27.61%, 22.91%, 9.18%, 4.99%, 3.24%, respectively. Those in level III were at high risk for metastasis from carcinoma of tongue and the floor of mouth. The positive rate in level II was more than that in level I for tongue carcinoma, but for inferior gingiva carcinoma, bucca carcinoma, upper gingiva carcinoma, palatine carcinoma, maxillary sinuse carcinoma, intraosseous carcinoma of mandibular, the positive node was more likely to happen at level I compared with level II. CONCLUSION: Most metastases happen in levels I-III for patients with oral and maxillary squamous cell carcinoma, but the predilection of metastasis in level I, II or III is varied with the primary sites.

[Clinical application of postauricular muscular fasciae-periosteal flap and modified unwrinkle incision in parotidectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the method and the curative effect of postauricular muscular fasciae-periosteal flap and modified unwrinkle incision in parotidectomy. METHODS: From January 2006 to August 2008, 28 patients with benign lesions of parotid gland were treated. There were 17 males and 11 females aged 19 to 79 years old (average 50 years old), including 20 cases of mixed tumor, 5 cases of adenolymphoma, 1 case of branchial cleft cyst, 1 case of eosinophilic hyperplastic lymphogranuloma, and 1 case of myoepithelioma. Tumor masses were all prominent, with the diameter of 2.4-3.8 cm and partial-tough texture. The course of disease was 3-18 months (average 9.5 months). Parotid gland and tumor mass were resected with postauricular incision hidden within the hairline, introcession defect (3.0 cm x 2.0 cm x 1.0 cm-3.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 1.5 cm) were repaired with simultaneously adopting postauricular muscular fasciae-periosteal flap (4.0 cm x 3.0 cm x 1.0 cm-5.0 cm x 4.0 cm x 1.5 cm) by turning the pedicle flap 180 degrees. RESULTS: All incision healed by first intention and no necrosis of postauricular muscular fasciae-periosteal flap occurred. All patients were followed up for 6-24 months (average 12 months). The incision was hidden within postauricular hairline and shape of parotid realm was good. No salivary fistula, facial paralysis, and earlobe numbness occurred. No Frey syndrome were found by local iodine-starch tests. CONCLUSION: Because of hidden incision, good repair effect of region introcession deformity, and fewer postoperative complications, the modified parotidectomy with postauricular muscular fasciae-periosteal flap and modified unwrinkle incision is a better method in parotidectomy.

[A comparison of three methods in establishing transplanted model of VX2 tongue carcinoma in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To establish transplanted models of VX2 tongue carcinoma in rabbits by three methods and compare these models. METHODS: After establishment of VX2 tumor-bearing rabbits, 72 New-Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups. Intact tumour tissue, modified tumour cell suspension, tumour cell suspension were respectively injected into the middle-third lateral border of the tongues of rabbits in 3 groups to induce transplanted VX2 tongue carcinoma. The histological features, the tumour-take rates and the metastasis rates of the 3 models were observed. RESULTS: The tumour-take rate of 3 models were 83.3%, 91.7% and 33.3% respectively; the lymph node metastasis rates were 71.4%, 100.0% and 37.5% respectively; the lung metastasis rates were 35.7%, 81.3% and 0 respectively. The histological features of the transplanted VX2 tongue carcinoma of 3 models were all consistent with those of moderately differentiated carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The biological properties of the transplanted VX2 tongue carcinoma of 3 models is much alike to tongue carcinoma in humans. The model established with modified tumor cell suspension is considered to be more suitable for tongue cancer study.