Canalplasty using underwater bone drilling in transcanal endoscopic myringoplasty for patients with a narrow external auditory canal.

BACKGROUND: Canalplasty is important in microscopic ear surgery, but it has rarely been studied in otoendoscopic surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the application of canalplasty due to external auditory canal stenosis caused by bony bulges in endoscopic myringoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The procedures and effects of canalplasties and myringoplasties were analysed. During the canalplasties, depending on the location of the bulges, the meatal skin flaps were elevated in different manners, and the underwater bone drilling technique was adopted to remove the bulges to enlarge the osseous canals. RESULTS: Canalplasties were performed in 18.5% (33/178) of myringoplasties. All surgeries were completed exclusively via the transcanal endoscopic approach. No iatrogenic injuries were found. Most of the canalplasties required drilling off bulges on multiple walls. The mean total duration of the canalplasties and myringoplasties was 76.6 ± 4.5 min, and the proportion of time required for the canalplasties was 47.3 ± 2.4%. CONCLUSION: Only approximately one in five endoscopic myringoplasties require antecedent canalplasties due to concurrent canal stenosis. With the underwater bone drilling technique, transcanal endoscopic canalplasty can be safely and efficiently conducted.

An ultra HPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of hypidone hydrochloride (YL-0919) and application to a pharmacokinetic study.

Aim: Hypidone hydrochloride (YL-0919) was a novel combined selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonist for treatment of major depressive disorder. Quantitation of YL-0919 in plasma samples was critical for evaluation of its pharmacokinetics in clinical studies. Methodology & results: An ultra HPLC-MS/MS method has been developed and validated. Plasma samples were extracted by SPE method and then chromatographed on an Acquity BEH C18 column. Detection was performed on an API-5500 tandem mass spectrometer using positive ESI. Conclusion: A sensitive and robust method was developed and validated for quantitative analysis of YL-0919 in human plasma samples for the first time. And this novel method was successfully applied to investigate pharmacokinetic profiles of YL-0919 in Chinese healthy subjects.

Fiber Optofluidic Technology Based on Optical Force and Photothermal Effects.

Optofluidics is an exciting new area of study resulting from the fusion of microfluidics and photonics. It broadens the application and extends the functionality of microfluidics and has been extensively investigated in biocontrol, molecular diagnosis, material synthesis, and drug delivery. When light interacts with a microfluidic system, optical force and/or photothermal effects may occur due to the strong interaction between light and liquid. Such opto-physical effects can be used for optical manipulation and sensing due to their unique advantages over conventional microfluidics and photonics, including their simple fabrication process, flexible manipulation capability, compact configuration, and low cost. In this review, we summarize the latest progress in fiber optofluidic (FOF) technology based on optical force and photothermal effects in manipulation and sensing applications. Optical force can be used for optofluidic manipulation and sensing in two categories: stable single optical traps and stable combined optical traps. The photothermal effect can be applied to optofluidics based on two major structures: optical microfibers and optical fiber tips. The advantages and disadvantages of each FOF technology are also discussed.

Maternofetal transfer of antibodies and the influence of maternal atopic status on the neonate.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic evidence has shown that sensitization of allergic diseases develops early in life, even before birth. The gestational environment, including maternal atopic status and transplacentally transferred antibodies to allergens, may be of importance in the sensitization process. OBJECTIVE: To investigate maternofetal transfer of antibodies and the influence of maternal atopic status on the neonatal immune response. METHODS: Fifty-seven healthy pregnant women who underwent elective cesarean section (ECS) were recruited. Total and specific IgE (Phadiatop) levels in cord blood (CB) and maternal blood (MB) were determined using the ImmunoCAP assay. MB- and CB-specific IgG1 and IgA1 antibodies against ovalbumin and house dust mite were analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The cytokines, interleukin (IL)-13, interferon (IFN)-γ, and IL-10 in the supernatant of cultured CB mononuclear cells were quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Two subgroups were defined based on the maternal levels of specific IgE (atopic group, Phadiatop IgE more than or equal to 0.35 kilo international units of allergen-specific antibody (KUA)/L; nonatopic group, Phadiatop IgE less than 0.35 KUA/L). RESULTS: Although total IgE was detectable in all MB samples, it could only be detected in 7% (4/57) of the CB samples. Specific IgE was detectable in all MB samples but undetectable in all CB samples. There was no correlation of total IgE between mothers and their neonates. The concentrations of IL-10, IL-13, and allergen-specific IgG1 and IgA1 in the CB samples did not differ significantly between the atopic and nonatopic groups. IFN-γ was undetectable in the CB samples. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal IgE cannot be transferred to the child in utero. Maternal atopic status has no significant effect on neonatal immune responses.

House dust mite allergen levels in households and correlation with allergic rhinitis symptoms.

BACKGROUND: House dust mite (HDM) allergen is a risk factor for the development of allergic rhinitis (AR). OBJECTIVES: To determine the levels of indoor allergens in the households of patients with AR in Wuhan city, identify the environmental risk factors for high allergen exposure, and investigate the correlations between allergen exposure and specific immunoglobulin E levels and symptoms. METHODS: The study examined 50 patients with AR. Two dust samples were collected from the bedding of each patient, one in summer and one in winter. Major allergens Der p 1 and Der f 1, from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire about their living environments, and their rhinitis symptom scores were calculated. Specific immunoglobulin E levels against Der p and Der f were measured. RESULTS: The percentage of bedding samples with high HDM allergen (Der f 1 + Der p 1) levels (>10 µg/g) was 44% in summer and 46% in winter. There was no significant difference between the level of mite allergens in summer and winter; however, the level of Der f 1 was higher than that of Der p 1 (p < 0.05). The age of the mattress and pillow was significantly correlated with allergen concentration. Indoor HDM allergen level affected the severity of nasal itching. CONCLUSIONS: HDMs are important indoor allergens in Wuhan. Mattresses and pillows that have been used for a long time contain high levels of allergens. High levels of exposure to HDM allergens correlates with the severity of nasal itching.

A multicenter study of the clinical features of allergic rhinitis in central China.

BACKGROUND: Several epidemiological surveys of allergic rhinitis (AR) have been conducted in China. However, the clinical features of AR are still not clear enough. The aim of the current study was to perform a multicenter investigation to evaluate the clinical features of AR in China. METHODS: A multicenter investigation was performed in 13 allergy centers in central China. A disease-related questionnaire was completed by each patient themselves or with guardian assistance after the diagnosis of AR. The clinical features of AR and allergen profile were analyzed. RESULTS: Eleven thousand four patients who were diagnosed with AR were recruited in this study. The percentages of classification of AR according to the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma guidelines were 9.7% intermittent mild (IM), 3.1% persistent mild (PM), 33.9% intermittent moderate-severe (IMS), and 53.3% persistent moderate-severe (PMS). There were 61.6 and 42.2% AR patients who had concomitant ocular or lower respiratory symptoms in clinic. The occurrence of ocular and lower respiratory symptoms was found to be gradually increased from IM, PM, and IMS to PMS. Cold air and temperature change were the two most common factors triggering the nasal symptoms. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae were the most important allergens of central China. CONCLUSIONS: This study has contributed to a better understanding of clinical features of AR in China.

A prospective multicenter study of systemic reactions in standardized specific immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis in China.

BACKGROUND: Standardized allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) has been used in China for years. However, there is no extensive study of the safety of standardized SIT in Chinese patients until now. The aim of the current study is to perform a prospective and multicenter study to evaluate the systemic reactions (SRs) of standardized SIT in Chinese patients. METHODS: The study was performed in 13 allergy centers in China, using the same vaccine and practice procedure. The length of observation period was 2 years. SRs were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: There were 666 patients included (261 children and 405 adults). All patients finished the initial phase and 47 patients withdrew during the maintenance phase. There were 0.47% (94/19,963) SRs in all injections (0.72% in children and 0.31% in adults); 8.26% (55/666) patients experienced SRs (12.26% children and 5.68% adults). The occurrence of SRs was significantly higher in children than that in adults (p < 0.01). A higher ratio of SRs was found among patients accompanied with asthma. There were 74.47% SRs of grade I, 15.96% SRs of grade II, 7.45% SRs of grade III, and 2.13% SRs of grade IV. There were 90.43% of SRs associated with the discomfort of lower respiratory tract. CONCLUSION: This multicenter study showed that properly conducted standardized SIT was a safe treatment for allergic rhinitis in China. The incidence of SRs was higher in children than that in adults.

[Anatomy of marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve in partial parotidectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To study our experiences in anatomy of marginal mandibular branch of facial never in partial parotidectomy. METHOD: Thirty-eight cases receiving partial parotidectomy were analyzed retrospectively, and marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve were separated in all cases. RESULT: Temporary facial paralysis appeared in 2 cases and Frey's syndrome appeared in 2 cases. There was no patient appeared the recurrence in the 1-3 years followed up time. CONCLUSION: Partial parotidectomy with anatomy of marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve is a safe, effective and minimally invasive therapeutic method for benign tumor on parotid gland (<5 cm).

[Study of allergen skin prick tests on different region of forearm].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the variation on different regions of the forearm when taking the allergen skin prick tests(SPTs). METHOD: Forty-one patients with hyper-reactive nasal symptoms were included. SPTs were done on the proximal, telecentric, middle region of right forearm and telecentric region of left forearm with house dust mite and histamine. The average diameter of wheal and the reactive grade were calculated and analyzed. RESULT: The diameters of the wheal on equal position of two forearms were similar (P > 0.05). The intension of SPTs reaction decreased from proximal to telecentric region of the same forearm (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The intension of SPTs reaction on different region of forearm are quite different, which should be noticed in clinical practice.

[Randomized controlled trial on effect of Tuina for treatment of sub-health people of somatic pain].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect and safety of Tuina for treatment of somatic pain of sub-health. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind and blank parallel controlled trial was done. The experiment group was treated with Tuina and the control group lied down for rest, 45 minutes each time, twice each week for three weeks. RESULTS: Tuina treatment could improve more on sensory, affective, evaluation, pain rating index and extant pain intensity of the pain index, and score of subjective sensation of life quality and health status together with physiology and psychology field of life quality. CONCLUSION: Massage is an effective therapy for treatment of somatic pain of sub-health without adverse reactions and it should be generalized to application.

[Clinical observation on children with language disorder of cerebral palsy treated by acupuncture].

OBJECTIVE: To observe therapeutic effect of acupuncture on language disorder of cerebral palsy. METHODS: Ninety-eight cases of language disorder of cerebral palsy were randomly divided into an acupuncture group (n = 76) and a control group (n = 22). The acupuncture group were treated by needling main acupoints Sishenzhen, Niesanzhen, Naosanzhen, Zhisanzhen, Shesanzhen, Fengchi (GB 20) and Yamen (GV 15), and the control group by oral administration of pyrithioxine 0.1-0.2 g and gamma-aminobutyric acid, thrice each day, and intramuscular injection of 2 mL nerve growth factor, once daily. They all were treated for 4 months. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 86.8% in the acupuncture group and 59.1% in the control group with very significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001), and early treatment in the acupuncture group had a better therapeutic effect. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture has obvious improvement action on language disorder in the children of cerebral palsy.