[Efficacy of Barbed reposition pharyngoplasty combined with Han-Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for the treatment of OSAHS patients].

Objective: To study the efficacy of Barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP) combined with Han-Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (H-UPPP) in surgical treatment of OSAHS patients. Methods: OSAHS patients admitted to our department from June 2021 to February 2022 who met the surgical enrollment criteria were divided into two groups by surgical procedure: H-UPPP operation group [Control group, 47 cases, including 42 males and 5 females, aged 18-64 (37.77±11.65)years, and H-UPPP+BRP group [Study group, 48 cases, including 45 males and 3 females, aged 23-60 (39.10±9.86) years]. The surgical efficacy 6 months after operation was retrospectively analyzed. Meanwhile, the relationship between the surgical efficacy and modified Friedman pharyngeal anatomical stages was analyzed. The postoperative pain VAS score at first 3 days and the incidence of foreign body sensation in pharynx after 6 months of operation were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was conducted by SPSS 23.0. Results: There were no significant differences in gender, age, BMI, Friedman pharyngeal anatomical stages, ESS score, AHI and LSpO2 between the two groups, preoperatively (P>0.05). There was significant difference between the two groups in ratio of cumulative time of oxygen saturation below 90% to total sleep time(CT90), preoperatively. Surgical efficacy of H-UPPP operation group was 48.9% (23/47), while H-UPPP+BRP operation group was 70.8% (34/48), which was statistically significant (χ2=4.74, P=0.029). H-UPPP+BRP group seemed to have a higher surgical efficacy than H-UPPP group in patients with Friedman Ⅱb (87% vs. 61.9%) and Ⅲ stage (44.4% vs. 15%), but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). H-UPPP+BRP group had a higher pain VAS score in first three days (t=-3.10, P=0.003), also had higher incidence of pharyngeal foreign body sensation after 6 months of operation (χ2=4.727, P=0.030). Conclusions: In the surgical treatment of OSAHS patients, the overall efficacy of BRP combined H-UPPP surgery is higher than that of H-UPPP surgery alone. It may be more suitable for OSAHS patients with modified Friedman type Ⅱb and type Ⅲ stage.

[Different concentrations of specialized pro-resolving mediators in eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps].

Objective: To investigate the difference of concentrations of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) derived from fatty acids in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (ECRSwNP) and non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (nECRSwNP). Methods: A total of 36 patients with bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) who underwent endoscopic nasal surgeries in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from May 2019 to September 2020 were enrolled, including 27 males and 9 females, with the age from 13 to 67 years. There were 23 cases of ECRSwNP and 13 cases of nECRSwNP. At the same time, 12 control subjects were enrolled. The concentrations of multiple SPMs, including lipoxins (LXA4 and LXB4), resolvins (RvD1, RvD2, RvD3, RvD5 and RvE1), protectins (PDX) and maresins (Mar-1) in nasal polyps with different histological subtypes and normal nasal mucosa were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The concentrations of SPMs between groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to measure the correlation between the concentrations of SPMs in nasal polyps and tissue eosinophil counts. Results: The concentrations of RvD2, RvD3, RvD5, LXA4, LXB4, Mar-1 and PDX in ECRSwNP group were significantly higher than that in controls (Z value was -2.276, -2.313, -3.371, -2.094, -2.051, -3.104 and -2.294, respectively, all P<0.05). The concentrations of RvD2, RvD5, Mar-1 and PDX in ECRSwNP group were significantly higher than those in nECRSwNP group (Z value was -2.175, -2.289, -2.243 and -2.124, respectively, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in all these SPMs between nECRSwNP and controls (all P>0.05). The concentrations of RvD2, RvD3, RvD5, LXB4, Mar-1 and PDX in nasal polyps correlated positively with tissue eosinophil counts (r value was 0.443, 0.436, 0.371, 0.502, 0.340 and 0.386, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions: A varienty of SPMs are elevated in ECRSwNP. Dysregulation of fatty acid metabolism might play an important role in the chronic inflammation of ECRSwNP.

[Effects of different crystalloid fluids resuscitation on renal structure and function in sepsis rats].

To evaluate the effects of resuscitation with normal saline and sodium potassium magnesium calcium and glucose injection on renal structure and function in septic rats. Rat model of sepsis was established by ligation and perforation of cecum. Male SD rats were divided into four groups: sham operation group, sepsis group, saline resuscitation group, sodium potassium magnesium calcium and glucose injection resuscitation group. Blood gas analysis was performed at the end of resuscitation. The rats were sacrificed 72 hours after resuscitation. Blood samples were taken to measure the plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα). Caspase-3 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in kidney sections. The degree of renal injury was evaluated by regular HE staining and electron microscope. Compared with normal saline resuscitation, sodium potassium calcium magnesium glucose injection resuscitation could decrease the levels of BUN, serum creatinine, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNFα (P<0.05) , reduce the expression of caspase-3 (P<0.05) , and improve the renal injury score (P<0.05) . Sodium potassium calcium magnesium glucose injection resuscitation can significantly improve the renal function of sepsis rats with less pathological damage of the kidney.

[Efficacy analysis of T type tube dilatation in adult cervical tracheal stenosis].

Objective:To investigate the efficacy, recurrence and strategy of T silicone tube dilatation for cicatricial stenosis of cervical trachea in adults.Method:Cinical data of 37 cases with the cervical tracheal stenosis were retrospectively analyzed, who were firstly treated by T shape silicone tube dilation for at least 10 months, from Jun 2006 to Jun 2016.Result:In 37 adult patients with cicatricial stenosis of the trachea, 29 cases were caused by tracheal intubation or incision, 6 cases were traumatic, and 2 cases were multiple osteochondritis. Twentythree cases were experienced one time surgery and extubated successfully, 8 cases were experienced 2 times and more than 2 times surgery (sternohyoid muscle flap pedicled hyoid bone with T tube expansion in 3 cases, tracheal endoscopic dilatation in 2 cases, T tube dilatation in 3 cases), extubation success rate of 83.7%. Among the 6 cases with failure of extubation, 2 cases were multiple osteochondritis, 3 cases had severe scar constitution, 1 cases were lost of follow-up.Conclusion:T type silicon tube expansion for the treatment of adult cervical tracheal stenosis can be achieved relatively high decannulation rate. For recurrent stenosis, we can consider to use various methods of expansion, and improve the decannulation rate. Intratracheal granulation tissuextubation after exbation should be observed for at least 1 month. For concurrent with polychondritis and severe scar the constitution, the operation should be carefully chosen.

Urban Fringe Land Use Transitions in Hong Kong: From New Towns to New Development Areas.

Land in urban fringe area is the primary source for land supply and development. In Hong Kong (HK), nine new towns have been built in New Territories since 1970s, providing 172.6 km2 built-up land and large amount of residences for 3.4 million people. However, due to land scarcity, development restriction, and social opposition, New Development Area (NDA), as the small-scale extension of New Town (NT), was designated as one of the main approaches for HK medium and long term land supply. To demonstrate the characteristics of urban fringe land use transitions in Hong Kong, literature review and case study were used in this research. The history of new town development and the scheme of new development areas were introduced firstly. Afterwards, the land use features of NT and NDA were compared and the case of Hung Shui Kiu NDA was illustrated. It is concluded that while housing, infrastructure and facility were the main elements in NTs, employment, vibrancy and environment were suggested to be the new compulsory elements in NDAs integrated to the traditional planning concepts. As for the development approach, lease modification was adopted in NDA to allow private landowners directly develop their land, in addition to the traditional development approach of land resumption in NT. It is suggested to ensure the development of NDA, the proposed development plan should be persuasive to provide the optimal land use distribution as a trade-off among the profits of developers, the interests of local villager, government concern and the provision of land for future residents. Also, community engagement will play a more important role in NDA planning process. Referring to the analysis of urban fringe land use transitions and strategies for planning and development, the study would also be helpful to others growing cities.

Sequence variation and gene duplication at the MHC DRB loci of the spotted seal Phoca largha.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is one of the most important genetic systems associated with resistance to infectious diseases in vertebrates. The spotted seal (Phoca largha) is one of the most endangered species in China. In this study, we present the first step in the molecular characterization of a DRB-like locus in the spotted seal by analyzing the nucleotide sequence of the polymorphic exon 2 segments, a 288-nucleotide sequence. By examining the segment from a group of 41 individuals, 28 alleles were identified. No deletion, insertion, or exceptional stop codon was detected, suggesting that these alleles could be functional in vivo. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the segment both showed a relatively high level of similarity (nucleotides 97%; amino acids 98%) to those of Meles meles and Zalophus californianus. The high level of spotted seal MHC-DRB polymorphism revealed in the present study has not been reported for the Phocidae and could be a consequence of the small spotted seal population adapting to the Bohai Sea, which probably has a relatively high level of pathogens.

Intercomparison of methods for coincidence summing corrections in gamma-ray spectrometry--part II (volume sources).

The second part of an intercomparison of the coincidence summing correction methods is presented. This exercise concerned three volume sources, filled with liquid radioactive solution. The same experimental spectra, decay scheme and photon emission intensities were used by all the participants. The results were expressed as coincidence summing corrective factors for several energies of (152)Eu and (134)Cs, and different source-to-detector distances. They are presented and discussed.

Intercomparison of methods for coincidence summing corrections in gamma-ray spectrometry.

A comparison of the coincidence summing correction methods is presented. Since there are several ways for computing these corrections, each method has advantages and drawbacks that could be compared. This part of the comparison was restricted to point sources. The same experimental spectra, decay scheme and photon emission intensities were used by all the participants. The results were expressed as coincidence summing correction factors for several energies of (152)Eu and (134)Cs, and three source-to-detector distances. They are presented and discussed.

Photochromism and two-photon luminescence of Ag-TiO(2) granular composite films activated by near infrared ps/fs pulses.

We reported photochromism and largely enhanced visible two-photon luminescence (TPL) of Ag-TiO(2) granular composite films by using ps/fs laser at the wavelength of 800 nm. Three types of photochromism spectra were observed when the Ag atom fraction are less than, comparable to and larger than the percolation threshold. The strong surface-plasmon-resonance enhanced visible TPL emissions near Ag(2)O transition band from the photoactivated Ag-TiO(2) samples were also observed. Furthermore, we found that the TPL intensity saturatedly increased while the absorbance at 800 nm exponentially decreased with the same rate as the increasing of photoactivation time, which means that both photochromism and TPL of Ag-TiO(2) composite films are originated from the photo-oxidation of Ag to Ag(+). These observations exhibit the multifunctional features of Ag nanoparticle materials.

Inhibitory effects of Rumex japonicus Houtt. on the development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.

BACKGROUND: Rumex japonicus Houtt. (RJH) is one of the herbs used in Eastern countries for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). It has been shown to have an antioxidative effect in human skin disease. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether RJH extract (RJH-E) suppresses the development of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice, which are induced by the repeated application of picryl chloride (PC). METHODS: The efficacy of RJH-E in NC/Nga mice was assessed by measuring symptom severity, scratching behaviour, Staphylococcus aureus numbers on an ear, and serum levels of IgE, interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-gamma. RESULTS: Oral administration of RJH-E to NC/Nga mice treated with PC inhibited the development of AD-like skin lesions as exemplified by a significant decrease in total skin symptom severity scores, and a decrease in hypertrophy, hyperkeratosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the skin. The scratching behaviour and numbers of S. aureus, which are known to be exacerbated in AD, were also significantly reduced by RJH-E. No significant change was observed in the serum levels of IFN-gamma, whereas IgE and IL-4 levels were significantly reduced by RJH-E. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that RJH-E inhibits the development of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice by suppressing the T-helper 2 cell response. Our results indicate that RJH treatment could provide an effective alternative therapy for the management of AD.

Modulation of natural killer cell activity affected by electroacupuncture through lateral hypothalamic area in rats.

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been reported to modulate natural killer cell (NK cell) activities. Also it is well known that hypothalamus directly mediates the effects of EA on analgesia. Especially lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) is related to splenic NK cell activities. In order to investigate the relationship between hypothalamus and effects of EA on NK cell activity, lesions have been made bilaterally at LHA of Spraque-Dawley rats. Subsequently, NK cell cytotoxities of normal and lesioned rats were measured with (51)Cr release immunoassay after EA stimulation for 2 and 14 days. NK cell activity of EA group was significantly higher than sham group. In addition, lesions abolished effects of EA on NK cell activity. These results strongly suggest that LHA is closely related to increase of NK cell activity induced by EA.

Relationship between regional cardiac hyperinnervation and ventricular arrhythmia.

BACKGROUND: Sympathetic nerve activity is known to be important in ventricular arrhythmogenesis, but there is little information on the relation between the distribution of cardiac sympathetic nerves and the occurrence of spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 53 native hearts of transplant recipients, 5 hearts obtained at autopsy of patients who died of noncardiac causes, and 7 ventricular tissues that had been surgically resected from the origin of ventricular tachycardia. The history was reviewed to determine the presence (group 1A) or absence (group 1B) of spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias. Immunocytochemical staining for S100 protein, neurofilament protein, tyrosine hydroxylase, and protein gene product 9.5 was performed to study the distribution and the density of sympathetic nerves. The average left ventricular ejection fraction was 0.22+/-0.07. A total of 30 patients had documented ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death. A regional increase in sympathetic nerves was observed around the diseased myocardium and blood vessels in all 30 hearts. The density of nerve fibers as determined morphometrically was significantly higher in group 1A patients (total nerve number 19.6+/-11.2/mm(2), total nerve length 3.3+/-3.0 mm/mm(2)) than in group 1B patients (total nerve number 13.5+/-6.1/mm(2), total nerve length 2.0+/-1.1 mm/mm(2), P<0. 05 and P<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between a history of spontaneous ventricular arrhythmia and an increased density of sympathetic nerves in patients with severe heart failure. These findings suggest that abnormally increased postinjury sympathetic nerve density may be in part responsible for the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in these patients.