Objective:To investigate the biomechanical effect of magn et ic expansion by a new electronic speckle pattern interferometry. Methods :One fresh human skull of 12 years old with intact suture tissues and pe riodontal membrane was adopted. Magnetic expansion was loaded on the maxilla for 1,5,15,30 and 60 min respectively by magnetic force (NdFeB).Relative informa tion on the maxillary complex was acquired by electronic speckle pattern interfe rometry(ESPI). The deforming fringes was processed by the microcomputer image s ystem and the corresponding out-of plane displacement of the maxillary complex was analyzed. Results:Fringes of the maxillary complex were obs erved on monitor screen when magnetic force was loaded. From 1 min to 30 min-lo ading the fringe density was increasing, but decreased 1 h after loading. There was no fringe in the suture of the skull. Greate deformity was found on the lowe r part of maxilla. Conclusion:Magnetic force of expansion is con centrated in the deep structure of the maxillary complex.

OBJECTIVETo explore the significance of plasma levels of mannan-binding lectin (MBL)-associated serine protease 2 (MASP2) in children with upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).

METHODSA total of 103 children with URTI and 35 healthy children were examined for plasma levels of MASP2 and C-reactive protein (CRP). According to CRP levels, white blood cell count (WBC), stage of infection, and administration of treatments, the children with URTI were divided into the elevated CRP group (n=48) and the normal CRP group (n=54), elevated WBC group (n=61) and normal WBC group (n=40), the early stage of infection without treatment group (n=68) and mid-late stage of infection with treatment group (n=35).

RESULTSPlasma MASP2 levels was significantly higher in URTI group than in the healthy control group (P<0.001) and showed a close correlation with age (r=0.302, P<0.01). Plasma MASP2 level was significantly correlated with CRP level in elevated CRP group (r=0.310, P<0.05) but not in normal CRP group (P>0.05), correlated with WBC in elevated WBC group (r=0.392, P<0.01) but not in normal WBC group (P>0.05), and was significantly higher in early stage infection without treatment group than in mid-late stage of infection with treatment group (P<0.01). MASP2, MBL2 and CRP genes had a common binding site for the transcription factor HNF-4α.

CONCLUSIONSMASP2 may be an acute-phase protein, and its plasma level might serve as a new reference index in the diagnosis of URTI in children.

C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Humans ; Leukocyte Count ; Mannose-Binding Protein-Associated Serine Proteases ; metabolism ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; blood