Open exploration, ulnar osteotomy and annular ligament reduction for chronic Monteggia fracture in children / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of open exploration, ulnar osteotomy and annular ligament reduction (three-in-one surgery) in the treatment of chronic Monteggia fracture in children.Methods:The data were analyzed retrospectively of the 35 children with chronic Monteggia fracture who had been admitted to Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Tianjin University from June 2017 to September 2021. There were 22 boys and 13 girls, and 19 left and 16 right sides, with an age of (6.8±2.5) years. Anterolateral dislocation of the radial head occurred in 30 cases and anterolateral dislocation in 5 ones. The time from injury to operation was (17.9±9.9) months. All patients were treated with three-in-one surgery. The elbow flexion and extension, forearm rotation and The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) elbow score were measured and compared in all patients at 12 months after operation. Their complications were also recorded.Results:All children were followed up for 12 months. The osteotomy ends of the ulna achieved bony union 1.5 to 4.0 months after operation. The elbow extension (-1.0°±5.9°) and flexion (128.5°±4.9°) at 12 months after operation were significantly improved compared with those before operation (-9.3°±18.0° and 108.4°±17.3°) ( P<0.05). The forearm pronation (61.5°±19.4°) at 12 months after operation was significantly limited compared with that before operation (72.7°±22.4°) ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the forearm supination (86.7°±4.5°) at 12 months after operation and that before operation (81.0°±17.4°) ( P>0.05). The HSS elbow score at 12 months after operation (93.5±5.2) was significantly higher than that (80.6±9.3) before operation ( P<0.05). The efficacy evaluated by the HSS elbow score at 12 months after operation was excellent in 21 cases, good in 12 cases, and fair in 2 cases, giving an excellent and good rate of 94.3% (33/35). Postoperative re-subluxation was observed in one patient. Conclusion:Open exploration, ulnar osteotomy and annular ligament reduction are a safe and effective three-in-one surgery for chronic Monteggia fracture in children, because it may lead to significantly improved elbow flexion and extension after operation, though the forearm pronation may be limited.

Interventions to improve physical function for children and young people with cerebral palsy: interpretation by Chinese experts / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

This review aims to interpret the interventions to improve physical function for children and young people with cerebral palsy, thus providing relevant suggestions.Relevant literatures published before November 2018 were systematically searched in Cochrane library, CINAHL, and Embase MEDLINE using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method.Consult with international experts and patients to assess evidence and recommend it.Based on 3 systematic reviews, 30 randomized clinical trials, and 5 pre-and post-treatment studies, a total of 13 recommendations were given.The guidelines recommend that, in order to achieve functional stan-dards, intervention measures should include, patient-selected goals, full-task practice in real-life settings, support for family empowerment, and a team approach.The age, ability, and child/family preferences were all needed to be considered.In order to improve walking ability, ground walking and treadmill training can be carried out.Various methods can promote the realization of hand use goals hand use, including the two-hand exercise training, constraint-induced moverment therapy, goal-oriented training and cognitive therapy.In terms of patient self-care, the guideline proposed that, the combination of full-task practice and auxiliary equipment can improve the independence of self-care and reduce the burden of care givers.Leisure goals could be achieved by the combination of the practice of the entire task with strategies to address environmental, personal, and social barriers.The intervention of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy should take into consideration of patient selection and the goal of full-task practice.The child/family preference, age and ability should be considered when clinical workers selecting specific interventions.

Structural basis of main proteases of coronavirus bound to drug candidate PF-07321332

The high mutation rate of COVID-19 and the prevalence of multiple variants strongly support the need for pharmacological options to complement vaccine strategies. One region that appears highly conserved among different genus of coronaviruses is the substrate binding site of the main protease (Mpro or 3CLpro), making it an attractive target for the development of broad-spectrum drugs for multiple coronaviruses. PF-07321332 developed by Pfizer is the first orally administered inhibitor targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2, which also has shown potency against other coronaviruses. Here we report three crystal structures of main protease of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV bound to the inhibitor PF-07321332. The structures reveal a ligand-binding site that is conserved among SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, providing insights into the mechanism of inhibition of viral replication. The long and narrow cavity in the cleft between domains I and II of main protease harbors multiple inhibitor binding sites, where PF-07321332 occupies subsites S1, S2 and S4 and appears more restricted compared with other inhibitors. A detailed analysis of these structures illuminated key structural determinants essential for inhibition and elucidated the binding mode of action of main proteases from different coronaviruses. Given the importance of main protease for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection, insights derived from this study should accelerate the design of safer and more effective antivirals.

Novel Mutation of Cleidocranial Dysplasia-related Frameshift Runt-related Transcription Factor 2 in a Sporadic Chinese Case / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal dominant disease that affects the skeletal system. Common symptoms of CCD include hypoplasia or aplasia of the clavicles, delayed or even absent closure of the fontanels, midface hypoplasia, short stature, and delayed eruption of permanent and supernumerary teeth. Previous studies reported a connection between CCD and the haploinsufficiency of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Here, we report a sporadic Chinese case presenting typical symptoms of CCD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We made genetic testing on this sporadic Chinese case and identified a novel RUNX2 frameshift mutation: c.1111dupT. In situ immunofluorescence microscopy and osteocalcin promoter luciferase assay were performed to compare the functions of the RUNX2 mutation with those of wild-type RUNX2.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>RUNX2 mutation was observed in the perinuclear region, cytoplasm, and nuclei. In contrast, wild-type RUNX2 was confined in the nuclei, which indicated that the subcellular compartmentalization of RUNX2 mutation was partially perturbed. The transactivation function on osteocalcin promoter of the RUNX2 mutation was obviously abrogated.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>We identified a sporadic CCD patient carrying a novel insertion/frameshift mutation of RUNX2. This finding expanded our understanding of CCD-related phenotypes.</p>

Advances in treatment of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH)syndrome is an autoimmune disease attacking against pigmented cells, resulting in blindness and usually affecting multiple organs including ears, meninges, hair and skin.Correct diagnosis and immediate treatment in the early stage is vital to visual prognosis.Currently, corticosteroids is first-line drug.In addition, VKH patients refractory to corticosteroids can choose other treatment such as immunosuppressive agents and biological agents.

Treatment of acute retinal necrosis syndrome / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

?Acute retinal necrosis syndrome ( ARN) is a serious eye disease, which caused by Herpes virus mostly, with unknown pathogenesis. Because of the aggressive progression, treatment of ARN is difficult, and the blindness rate is extremely high. Current treatment strategies are the combination of the drug therapy and the operative treatment. Drugs commonly used are antiviral drugs, glucocorticoids, and antiplatelet drugs, and the operative treatment includes laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy.

Research status and development trends of the heart valve mechanical properties / 生物医学工程学杂志

The study of mechanical properties on heart valves can provide an important theoretical basis for doctors to repair heart valves and prosthetic valve materials research. In this paper, we present the current status of the mechanical property study methods of heart valve, expound the methods and special requirements about uniaxial tensile test and biaxial tensile test of the heart valve, and further discuss several establishment methods of heart valve constitutive models. We also discuss the development trend of heart valve mechanics.

Experimental study of up-regulating PTEN gene on increasing the chemosensitivity in K562/ADM cells / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the mechanism of decreasing the K562/ADM cells chemosensitivity by up-regulating expression of PTEN gene.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>K562/ADM cells were transient transfected with pGFP-PTEN or vector. The level of PTEN in K562/ADM cells was assayed by Western blot and RT-PCR. Cell viability on K562/ADM was determined by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis by flow cytometry. Activity of caspase-3 by Caspase Colorimetric Assay Kit. The proteins expression of LC3-I/II, Beclin1, p-Akt, p-p70S6K by Western blot. The autophagic vacuoles by MDC stain and Electron microscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The mRNA and protein levels of PTEN in K562/ADM cells transfected with pGFP-PTEN were significantly increased compared with the control (untreated and transfected with empty vector). (2) Enhanced expression of PTEN by gene transfection resulted in a reversal of resistance to ADM. Compared with empty vector group, cell viability decreased from (94.07 ± 2.6)% to (53.83 ± 4.2)%, the cell apoptotic rate increased from (11.89 ± 1.7)% to (43.69 ± 2.3)%, meanwhile, pretreated with caspase-3 inhibitor (Z-DEVE-FMK) didn't completely inhibit the cytotoxicity of ADM to K562/ADM cells. (3) After treated with ADM for 12 and 24 h, the activities of caspase-3 in PTEN-transfected K562/ADM cells increased compared with those in pGFP-transfected K562/ADM cells \[(2.27 ± 0.13) vs (1.19 ± 0.14)\] at 12h, \[(3.15 ± 0.08) vs (1.48 ± 0.05)\] at 24 h (P < 0.05). (4) The protein levels of LC3-II and Beclin1 in K562/ADM cells transfected with pGFP-PTEN were increased by 83% and 18% respectively, and the protein levels of p-Akt and p-p70S6K were declined by 96% and 87% respectively, compared with those in K562/ADM cells transfected with pGFP plasmid. (5) The upregulation of PTEN in K562/ADM cells improved the number of autophagic vacuoles compared with the empty vector group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The upregulation of PTEN expression increases the chemosensitivity of K562/ADM to ADM, which may related with the inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway induced by PTEN gene transfection.</p>

Exome sequencing identifies compound heterozygous PKHD1 mutations as a cause of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a rare inherited disease, which is a disorder with multiple organ involvement, mainly the kidney and liver. It is caused by mutations in the PKHD1 gene. Here, we reported the clinical characteristics of a case with ARPKD and analyze the genetic features of this patient as well as of his father using targeted exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes obtained from a patient with ARPKD. The mutations were identified using exome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patient was diagnosed as ARPKD based on ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography which showed polycystic changes, multiple calcinosis of both kidneys, and multiple dilated bile ducts of the liver. Compound heterozygous PKHD1 gene mutations A979G and G5935A, which lead to substitution of an asparagine for an aspartate at amino acid 327 (N327D) and a glycine for an arginine at amino acid 1979 (G1979R) respectively, were identified using targeted exome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing for the patient. In addition, the father of the patient was identified to be a carrier of heterozygous A979G mutation of this gene.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>We identified that the compound heterozygous PKHD1 gene mutations are the molecular basis of the patient with ARPKD. Targeted exome sequencing is suitable for genetic diagnosis of single-gene inherited diseases like ARPKD in which the pathogenic gene is a large.</p>

Multi-section osteotomy and intramedullary fixation for children with osteogenesis imperfecta / 中华骨科杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety,therapeutic effect and complications of the operation of multi-section osteotomy and intramedullary fixation for children with osteogenesis impeffecta.Methods One hundred and twenty-three children with osteogenesis imperfecta,including 85 males and 39 females,were selected from August 2005 to August 2008.According to the modified Sillence classification,45 cases was in type Ⅲ,74 in type Ⅳ,and 5 in type Ⅴ.Patients' age was ranging from 2 years and 1 month to 15 years and 7 months (mean,8 years and 3 months).The location of osteotomy was established according to the pre-operative measurement of X-ray image,and all the procedures of osteotomy were completed under direct vision.Then we chose the intramedullary pin with suitable size and insert the pin into femur from greater trochanter,and tibia from pelma.After the surgery,external fixation (spica cast for the femur,long leg plaster cast for the tibia) was made for further stabilization.Plaster supporters were removed 6 weeks later and all children began to stand and walk under the protection of orthoses.In addition,all patients received the treatment of pamidronate disodium periodically.ResultsAll 123 children were followed up for an average of 38months (range,13-64 months).Parents of all children were satisfied with the result of surgical operation,and the children's self-care and motion ability improved obviously.Fourteen children were performed the second operation due to the translocation of Rush pin,and 25 children changed the internal fixation because of the shorter Rush pin 2 years postoperatively.Bone delayed union was not found in all patients.Conclusion Multi-section osteotomy and intramedullary fixation for children with osteogenesis imperfecta could correct skeletal deformity,improve motion ability and avoid second fracture efficiently.However,such complications as translocation of intramedullary pin and changing the internal fixation with the growth of child need to pay more attention.

Missed Monteggia fractures in children: pathological mechanism and surgical treatment / 中华骨科杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare the outcomes of missed Monteggia fractures in children treated with ulnar angulation-distraction osteotomy and plate fixation or external fixation.Methods Nineteen patients,including 11 boys and 8 girls who presented with missed Monteggia fracture,were reviewed from July 2005 to June 2011.Twelve children (Group A) were treated with ulna angulation osteotomy and plate fixation,and 7 eases(Group B) with ulna angulation-distraction osteotomy and external fixator.Thirteen patients were classified as type Bado Ⅰ,and six as type Bado Ⅲ.The age,the delay from injury to surgery,complications,elbow and forearm function,and the healing time of the osteotomy were compared.ResultsAll 19 patients were followed up.The duration of missed dislocation was from 6 to 36 months (mean,10 months).Redislocation of the radiocapitellar joint occurred after surgery in one case in group A.Forearm compartment syndrome occurred in one case after surgery in group B.All patients,except one,regained full elbow flexion in group A and B,various forearm pronation limitation were noted in all patients (mean,15°).The average healing of osteotomy of group A and B was 8 weeks(6-15 weeks) and 22 weeks (10-44 weeks).ConclusionThe ulnar angulation-distraction osteotomy could correct the ulnar deformity in children of missed Monteggia fractures,which is the key issue to be corrected.Both of the fixation strategies can obtain the same treatment results.Preoperative assessment is most important,plate internal fixation was recommended for young age and short delay cases,on the contrary,we prefer to choose external fixator.

Greater trochanteric transfer for the treatment of coxa brevis in children and adolescents / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of greater trochanteric transfer for the treatment of coxa brevis in children and adolescents.Methods From August 2005 to January 2011,twenty patients (22 hips)with coxa brevis underwent greater trochanteric transfer.Among them 18 patients (20 hips) were available for evaluation,including 4 boys and 14 girls,with an average age of 11.4 years (range,7.5-15.0 years) at operation.Five cases (6 hips) were caused by Perthes disease,and 13 cases (14 hips) were caused by developmental dysplasia of hip.Four patients (4 hips) had undergone greater trochanteric epiphyseodesis ever before.All patients were fixed with tension screw after the deformity was corrected during the operation.After operation,the human plaster spica was used for 6 weeks in all patients.Results All patients were followed up for 14 to 79 months (average,31 months).At the last follow-up,fatigue or pain in the hips disappeared or improved in 13 patients.Sixteen patients had limping and positive Trendelenburg sign preoperatively,at the last follow-up 9 patients got improvement.Twelve patients (13 hips) had limitation of abduction of the hip,the average range of abduction was 25.38°±1.20°,which was improved to 45.38°±1.05° at the last follow-up.The average articulotrochanteric distance and ratio of the distance from the greater trochanter tip to femoral head center and the radius of the femoral head at the last follow-up was (17.47+3.14)mm and 2.10±0.21,respectively,there were statistical differences compared with those before operation [(-2.89±4.62) mm and 1.59±0.22,respectiovely].The average leg-length discrepancy at the last follow-up was (0.78t±0.26) cm,which had on statistical differences compared with that [(0.83 ±0.33) cm]before operation.Conclusion Greater trochanteric transfer for the treatment of coxa brevis in children and adolescents could improve the clinical symptom,recover the normal anatomy of the proximal femoral,restore the hip biomechanics environment,but could uot improve the leg-length discrepancy.

Genetic polymorphisms of Investigator Argus X-12 amplification system in Guangdong Han population / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of 12 X chromosome short tandem repeat (X-STR) loci of Investigator Argus X-12 amplification kit in Guangdong Han population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>DNA samples from 200 unrelated individuals (100 males and 100 females) and 103 families (59 father-mother-daughter trios and 44 mother-son duos) were extracted and amplified with fluorescence labeled multiplex PCR system. PCR products were separated and genotyped with capillary array electrophoresis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>One hundred and thirty-seven alleles,including 9 off ladder alleles (OL allele) were observed at the 12 X-STR loci in the population. Six mutations were observed in 162 meioses. The combined power of discrimination (DP) was 0.999 999 997 in males and 0.999 999 999 in females, and the combined mean exclusion chance (MEC) was 0.999 999 988 in the trio cases and 0.999 998 013 in the duo cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Investigator-Argus X-12 amplification system is highly polymorphic in Guangdong Han population and it is powerful for personal identification and paternity testing.</p>

The quality of basic research in ophthalmology needs to be improved in China / 中华实验眼科杂志

Basic research program is essential to the investigation of the pathogenesis of ocular diseases and the development of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment for these diseases. With increasing support of research grants at various levels, basic research in ophthalmology has gained great achievement in China in recent years. A number of studies have recently been published in well known peer-review international journals and won the State Scientific and Technological Progress Awards. However, we have to keep it in mind that basic research in ophthalmology should be improved qualitatively meanwhile, the imbalance in basic study among different areas needs to be resolved in the near future.

Treatment of combined injury with craniocerebral firearm wound in dogs immersed by seawater under maritime environment / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effective treatments of combined injury with craniocerebral firearm wound in dogs immersed by seawater under maritime environment. Methods Models of combined injury with craniocerebral firearm wound, including craniocerebral gunshot wound,open chest injury, open abdominal injury, open trauma of extremities and burn injury, were established in 60 healthy adult mongrel dogs. Animal models after being wounded were immersed by the seawater for 30 min, and then, they were equally randomized into conventional treatment group and comprehensive treatment group; 30 dogs in the conventional treatment group were given routine treatment and the other 30 dogs in the comprehensive treatment group were given lukewarm glucose liquid, β-aescin, naloxone hydrochloride, levofloxacin and re-warming treatments besides the conventional treatment. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound, blood gas analysis, measurement of plasma osmotic pressure and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring were performed on the dogs of the 2 groups; and the treatment efficacy of the 2groups were compared. Results Low incidence rate of brain vasospasm was noted and TCD indicated that blood flow speed approached normal in the comprehensive treatment group 3 h after the treatment.The plasma osmotic pressure and the indicators of metabolic acidosis reached normal levels in the comprehensive treatment group 12 h after the treatment. The ICP significantly decreased in the comprehensive treatment group 24 h after the treatment. Survival rate in the comprehensive treatment group (70%) was significantly higher as compared with that in the conventional treatment group (53%)7 d after the treatment (P＜0.05). All the indexes in the comprehensive treatment group were better than those in the conventional treatment group (P＜0.05) Conclusion Early infusion of lukewarm hypotonic solution can significantly reduce the osmotic pressure, correct the electrolyte balance, help the re-warming and prolong the survival rate. Naloxone possesses protective effect on brain. The β-aescine sodium can diminish viscosity, slow down brain edema progress, obviously reduce ICP and improve brain tissue oxygen metabolism. In a word, comprehensive treatment in effective in treating combined injury with craniocerebral firearm wound.

Clinical and pathological features of Riedel's thyroiditis / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical and pathological features of Riedel's thyroiditis (RT), and current diagnostic and treatment methods for that disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five RT cases identified by surgery and pathological examinations at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1985 to 2009 were analyzed and compared with the cases reported in the literature in terms of clinical and pathological features. Immunohistochemical staining of kappa and lambda light chains was carried out for RT tissues from all the five patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the five cases were females, aged 45-55 years. Elevation of serum thyroid autoantibodies was found in only one patient, who had longer disease duration than the others. Pathological examination revealed invasive fibrosclerosis of the thyroid follicles, thyroid capsule, and the surrounding tissues. In RT tissues, the number of cells containing lambda chains was a little higher than those containing kappa chains.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>RT is a rare disease which might be more common in middle-aged females than in other populations. Pathological features include the destruction of thyroid follicle, extension into surrounding tissues by inflammatory cells and fibrous tissues. Immunohistochemical staining of kappa and lambda chains could help diagnose RT.</p>

Correlation between changes of serum S100B protein level and cognition disorders in patients with brain concussion / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation between the changes of serum S100B protein level in acute phase and the scores of mini-mental state examination (MMSE) in patients with brain concussion, and evaluate the role of serum S100B protein level in the prognosis of cognition disorders after brain concussion. Methods The serum S100B protein level was determined by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 126 cases of brain concussion 6 and 12 h, and 3 d after admission, and these data were compared with those in 96 cases of moderate head trauma without transitory loss of consciousness (admitted to our hospital at the same period, control group). MMSE was performed 1 and 14 d and 3 months after injury, and the correlation between the changes of serum S100B level in acute phase and MMSE scores was observed. Results As compared with that in control group,the serum S100B protein level in patients with brain concussion was significant higher at 6 and 12 h after admission(P＜0.05). The serum S100B protein level at 6 h, but not at 12 h and 3 d after admission, was closely associated with the MMSE scores 1 and 14 d and 3 months after injury. Conclusion Early elevation of S100B within 6 h of admission in patients with brain concussion, obviously correlating with cognitive impairment, may serve as an important prognostic marker in predicting clinical outcome of cognition disorders after brain injury.

Bilateral pheochromocytoma as first presentation of von Hippel-Lindau disease in a Chinese family / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical and genetic features of a Chinese family with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease revealed by bilateral pheochromocytoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The proband and other members in a Chinese family with familial pheochromocytoma were clinically evaluated and followed up. Genomic DNA extracted from the peripheral blood of 8 family members (including 3 patients) was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the PCR products were directly sequenced.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The first presentation in the proband, his mother, and his sister was bilateral pheochromocytoma, and the missense mutation of 695G-A (Arg161Gln) in exon 3 of VHL gene was detected in the three patients. In the follow-up study, the proband and his mother were found to have other VHL tumors, induding retinal and cerebellar hemangioblastomas and pancreatic tumor. Neither clinical presentation of VHL disease nor gene mutation was found in other family members.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>VHL disease should be suspected in some patients with familial pheochromocytoma, and VHL gene screening helps to achieve early diagnosis of the disease.</p>

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic resection for pheochromocytoma (experience of 107 cases) / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the safety and efficacy of retroperitoneal laparoscopic resection for pheochromocytoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 107 cases of pheochromocytoma in PUMCH from 2003 to 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 58 males and 49 females with an age range from 8 to 77 years (mean 44 years) in this cohort. One hundred and two cases were intra-adrenal and 5 extra-adrenal. Of the 102 intra-adrenal tumors, 43 tumors were located in left adrenal, 51 in right adrenal and 8 in both sides. All of the 5 extra-adrenal tumors were at para-abdominal aorta. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic resection was performed for the 107 cases. This period was separated to 3 stages based on the degrees of the practical ability for retroperitoneal laparoscopic resection, such as tentative and exploratory stage, accumulative stage, and mature stage.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At tentative and exploratory stage from June 2003 to December 2003, 10 cases underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery, of which 3 cases were converted to open surgery. The mean diameter was 4.2 cm (range in diameter from 2.5 cm to 6.0 cm). The mean operation time was 105 min (range from 60 min to 230 min). The mean volume of blood loss during operation was 620 ml (range from 150 ml to 1800 ml). At accumulative stage from January 2004 to December 2006, 66 cases underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery with none converted to open surgery. The mean diameter was 5.7 cm (range in diameter from 2.1 cm to 8.7 cm), and the diameter was above 6.0 cm in 19 cases. The mean operation time was 95 min (range from 40 min to 210 min). The mean volume of blood loss during operation was 350 ml (range from 50 ml to 1800 ml). At mature stage from January 2007 to June 2008, 31 cases, including 5 extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas, underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery. The mean diameter was 6.5 (range in diameter from 1.5 cm to 12.3 cm). The mean operation time was 75 min (range from 40 min to 160 min). The mean volume of blood loss during operation was 180 ml (range from 50 ml to 800 ml). No peri-operative death occurred. Follow up period was ranging from 1 to 62 months (the mean was 34 months), and 7 failed to be followed up, 3 cases recurred. And there was no distant metastases and death case.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery for pheochromocytoma is feasible and safe. This procedure will be more and more performed as the advancement of the skill and accumulation of experience. The dimension, recurrence and location of tumor are not the absolute contraindication of retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery for pheochromocytoma.</p>

Chin morphology in subjects with different vertical skeletal craniofacial pattern / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate whether there is difference with regard to chin morphology in subjects with different vertical skeletal craniofacial pattern and the relationship among them.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The sample was composed of 80 adolescents who denied orthodontic treatment history and presented Class I skeletal pattern, aged (12.69+/-0.70) years. They were divided into three groups according to mandibular plane angle: High angle group (21 cases, FH/MP> or = 32 degrees), average angle group(43 cases, 22 degrees <FH/MP<32 degrees) and low angle group(16 cases, FH/MP < or = 22 degrees). Cepholagrams were taken and cepholametrics was employed. Both vertical and horizontal craniofacial pattern were evaluated. In addition, chin dimensions studied included height, depth, ratio (depth/height), angle, and so on. They were compared between different groups with One-Way ANOVA. Correlation was analyzed between vertical skeletal craniofacial pattern and chin morphology.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>SNA, SNB and ANB presented no significant difference among three groups. Compared with the low angle group, high angle subjects exhibited increased chin height, depth/height ratio, concavity and decreased chin angle. Therefore the chin looked lathier and less protrusive in high angle group. Positive correlation was found between mandibular plane angle and chin height, concavity, curvature (P<0.05), negative correlation between mandibular plane angle and chin minimal depth, depth/height ratio, angle.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Difference emerged with regard to chin morphology in subjects with different vertical craniofacial skeletal pattern, which deserves to be taken into consideration in orthodontic treatment planning.</p>