OBJECTIVETo study the role of herpes simplex virus type 1 ( HSV-1 ) in facial paralysis by developing an experimental animal model of viral facial paralysis.

METHODSBoth sides of posterior auricular branch of facial nerve were anatomies and incised in 66 mice. The HSV-1 was inoculated into right ear branch and fetal bovine serum was inoculated into left ear branch as control. The symmetry of mouse face was observed and scored. The temporal bones were serially sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The extratemporal facial nerves were stained with osmium tetroxide. HSV-1 DNA in bilateral facial nerve, brain stem, trigeminal ganglion and spinal cord was detected by the polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTSTwenty-eight (42. 42%) mice developed right facial paralysis between 2 and 5 days after inoculation. Continuing 3-6 days, the facial paralysis recovered spontaneously. Thirty-eight mice had no signs of facial paralysis. Compared with the left, nerve swelling, inflammatory cell infiltration were manifested in right temporal facial nerve of paralyzed mice. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the facial nerve to the facial canal ( FN/FC ) was significantly higher than that on the control side (P < 0.01). Demyelinated nerve fibers were seen in the right extratemporal facial nerve. Not only in paralyzed mice, but also in non-paralyzed mice, HSV DNA was detected in some nerve tissues.

CONCLUSIONSInoculating HSV-1 into posterior auricular branch of facial nerve can produce an acute and transient facial paralysis in mice. The possible pathophysiologic mechanism of the facial paralysis is viral invasion and transportation from distal branch to main trunk. Then the viral facial neuritis causes facial paralysis.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Facial Nerve ; virology ; Facial Nerve Diseases ; virology ; Female ; Herpes Simplex ; physiopathology ; Herpesvirus 1, Human ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and investigate the influencing factors of the interferon (IFN) retreatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C relapsed after a previous IFN treatment.

METHODSA retrospective study was designed to analyze the retreatment with IFN of 60 relapsed chronic hepatitis C patients. All patients were from a randomized, opened and multi-center clinical trial about the efficacy and security of PEG-IFNalpha-2a compared to CIFNalpha-2a in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in China. There were 35 patients treated with PEG-IFNalpha-2a and 25 with CIFNalpha-2a. The main parameter to evaluate the efficacy was sustained viral response (SVR) rate. The influence of viral concentration in serum, genotype and drug categories on the responses to IFN were analyzed.

RESULTSFor all the patients, the end of treatment virus response (ETVR) and SVR rates were 55.00% and 35.00% respectively. ETVR rate of PEG-IFNalpha-2a was significantly higher than that of CIFNalpha-2a (74.29% and 28.00% respectively, P < 0.01). SVR rate of PEG-IFNalpha-2a was also markedly higher than that of CIFNalpha-2a (45.71% and 20.00% respectively, P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the high and low viral load groups. Among the patients with genotype 1, ETVR and SVR rates of PEG-IFNalpha-2a (75.00%, 45.83%) were significantly higher than those of CIFNalpha-2a (22.22%, 11.11%), (P < 0.01, P < 0.05 respectively), but in patients with genotype non-1, there were no such differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSome relapsed patients were not responsive to the IFN retreatment. The efficacy of PEG-IFNalpha-2a was superior to CIFNalpha-2a. The conventional IFN was not suggested to be used in the relapsed cases with genotype 1. The viral load was not associated with the efficacy of IFN retreatment.

Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; therapy ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Interferon-beta ; Interferons ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polyethylene Glycols ; therapeutic use ; Recombinant Proteins ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVESevere nasopharyngeal stenosis (NPS) is a rare complication of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and very difficult to manage. This report presents our successful treatment experience.

METHODSFrom Nov 1997 to Feb 2006, 6 adults patients with NPS secondary to UPPP were treated in Peking Union Hospital. Two cases was grade II stenosis, received surgery of local pharyngeal and soft palate mucosa flap rotation to enlarge nasopharyngeal airway with stenosis; For the remaining 4 cases with more severe NPS (grade III) who had received 1-3 times unsuccessful repair procedures previously, prolonged nasopharyngeal hollow obturators were used for 6 months after stenosis repair surgery.

RESULTSWith 9-48 months follow-up, All cases results were satisfactory. Nasal obstruction symptom was eliminated, NPS corrected, no velopharyngeal insufficiency complication happened. Daytime removable nasopharyngeal hollow stent obturators with palate support device is more comfortable for patients.

CONCLUSIONSLocal flap rotation to enlarge stenosis airway and prolonged use nasopharyngeal hollow obturators are reliable methods of correction NPS following UPPP.

Adult ; Cicatrix ; complications ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Diseases ; etiology ; surgery ; Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Palate, Soft ; surgery ; Pharynx ; surgery ; Reoperation ; Treatment Outcome ; Uvula ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the long-term efficacy of infant hepatitis B (HB) immunization program on preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and to assess its impact on the incidence of HB in children.

METHODSSince 1986, the universal HB vaccination for newborn babies with standard, pediatric dose had been launched without serologic prescreening of pregnant women for HBsAg, in a high endemic county of Long-An. A hepatitis surveillance system was set up to evaluate the possible impact on the incidence of hepatitis B. To serologically evaluate the effectiveness of the program, a stratified random sampling of 1000 children in 1987 birth cohorts, who received plasma-derived HB vaccine, was recruited for long-term follow up at the age of 1 to 13 years. A cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey was conducted in the county in 1985, before the program, and in 2001, for 1551 children born in 1996-2000 who were administered yeast recombinant HB vaccine.

RESULTSDuring the 1 to 13 years after the program, the rates of HBsAg-positive were 0.7% to 2.9% with an average of 1.7% and the protective rates were 83.5% to 96.6%. HBV infection rates were 1.1% tp 5.1% with an average of 2.4% and the protective rates were 93.5% to 98.4%. For the population aged 1 to 4 years who were immunized with recombinant HB vaccine, HBsAg positive rates were 1.8% to 2.4% with an average of 2.0% and the protective rates were 78.4 to 85.2%. 14 years after the program, the cumulative incidence of acute hepatitis B in the children aged 1 to 14 years fell to 1.5 cases per 100,000 children, down 91.8% as compared with that in 1985 to 1987. However, the cumulative incidence of 14.4 cases per 100,000 population in unvaccinated children was not significantly different from that in the history controls. Acute hepatitis B children had not been reported, showing that the vaccination program was 100% protective in children.

CONCLUSIONThe universal infant HB vaccination program in a hyperendemic area has proved to be effective in controlling HBV infection and decreasing the incidence of acute hepatitis B in children. Booster dose is unnecessary in 13 years after the immunization. The protective efficacy of yeast recombinant HB vaccine is similar to that of plasma-derived HB vaccine.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatitis B ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; blood ; immunology ; Hepatitis B Vaccines ; immunology ; Humans ; Immunization Programs ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Vaccination

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical features of facial nerve neuroma about its diagnosis and management.

METHODSTen patients with facial nerve neuroma were analyzed retrospectively from February 1993 to August 2005. The period of follow-up varied from 1.5 years to 10 years (mean 5 years). Facial nerve function was evaluated with House-Brackmann grading system.

RESULTSThe patients complained of facial paralysis in 7 cases, otitis media in 1 case, a mass in parotid gland in 1 case and a mass on the side of the orbital on face in 1 case. Seven patients were undergone either CT scan or MRI or both. Image studies revealed mass located along the facial nerve course from the nerve endings to the intracranial parts. All the patients accepted the surgery. Intraoperative findings showed that the tumor location matched the image findings. Postoperative pathological diagnosis demonstrated 8 Schwannoma, 2 neurofibroma. There was partial tumor resection in 1 patient accepted and his nerve function was unchanged. Four patients were undergone facial nerve graft but 1 case failed while facial nerve function was improved in 3 other patients. Two patients underwent tumor resection while the continuity of facial nerve was preserved as result their facial nerve function improved respectively. No facial nerve reconstruction was done on other 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONSMultiple origins of facial nerve neuroma were noted and the most common system was facial nerve palsy. The decision on how to treat these patients should be individualized and based on initial facial function, growth rate, surgical experience and informed patient consent. The more effective methods need being seeked for the management of facial nerve neuroma.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cranial Nerve Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Facial Nerve ; physiopathology ; Facial Paralysis ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the differences of olfactory bulb (OB) volumes between younger and older, male and female, left-side and right-side in healthy middle and old-aged persons by MRI.

METHODSNinety five healthy middle and old-aged volunteers (male:female = 45:50) were divided into 2 groups, group one included persons aged from 50 to 69, group two included persons elder than 70. The left-side, right-side and both-side volumes of OB, the volumes of brain and the ratio of OB/brain were measured by MRI.

RESULTS(1) The left-side and both-side volumes of OB (x(-) +/- s), the volumes of brain [(39.89 +/- 8.7) mm(3), (81.70 +/- 16.8) mm(3) and (1281.86 +/- 140.2) cm(3)] in 50 - 69 years old group were respectively larger than those in >/= 70 years old group [(34.45 +/- 10.4) mm(3), (72.10 +/- 19.3) mm(3) and (1165.77 +/- 165.3) cm(3)], and the differences reached statistical significance (t were respectively 2.649, 2.449, 3.516, all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences of right-side OB volumes and the ratio of OB/brain between 50 - 69 years old group and >/= 70 years old group (t were respectively 1.904, 0.616, each P > 0.05). (2) The male's OB volumes of left-side, right-side and both-side, the brain volumes and the ratio of OB/brain were respectively larger than females', and the differences reached statistical significance (t were respectively 4.461, 3.630, 4.399, 3.800, 2.400, all P < 0.05). (3) The right-side OB volumes were larger than left-side's and significant differences were found in female group, 50 - 60 years old group and >/= 70 years old group (t were respectively 2.732, 2.117, 3.516, all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences of OB volumes between left-side and right-side in female (t = 2.649, P = 0.110). The ratio of right-side OB/brain were larger than the ratio of left-side's and the differences reached statistical significance (t = 3.183, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONSMRI could be used to measure the volume of OB. The older the people, the smaller the OB volumes. There was no influence of age on the ratio OB/brain. The OB volumes of right-side were larger than those of left-side. The OB volumes of male were larger than those of female.

Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Olfactory Bulb ; Smell

OBJECTIVETo observe the relationship between abdominal obesity and left ventricular weight/function.

METHODSA total of 495 patients [265 males, mean age (55 +/- 12) years] with hypertension (139), diabetes (65), metabolic syndrome (285), diabetes complicated with hypertension (11) were enrolled in this study. Visceral adipose area (VA), the subcutaneous adipose (SA), the total abdominal adipose (TA) were measured by computerized tomography (CT) and left ventricular weight and function were obtained by echocardiography. Patients were divided into three groups according to the VA (I. VA<75 cm(2), n=173, II. VA>75 and < 110 cm(2), n=153, III. VA >or= 110 cm(2), n=169).

RESULTSLeft ventricular mass (LVM) and LVM index (LVMI) increased and LVEF and E/A decreased in proportion to increasing VA. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) rate was significantly higher in group II and III compared to group I and LVEF was significantly reduced in group III compared to group I and II. There are significant correlation between LVMI and VA, SA, TA as well as between LVEF and VA after adjusting gender, age and blood pressure. Logistic regression analysis showed that VA is an independent predictor for LVH.

CONCLUSIONThe abdominal adipose accumulation is closely related to the left ventricular weight and function.

Abdominal Fat ; physiology ; physiopathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Diabetes Mellitus ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; diagnostic imaging ; Inpatients ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome ; diagnostic imaging ; Middle Aged ; Obesity ; physiopathology ; Radiography ; Ultrasonography ; Ventricular Function, Left ; Ventricular Remodeling

The research on distribution and quality suitability division of Desmodium styracifolium were formulated by Maxent and ArcGIS model based on the content of schaftoside and polysaccharide of D. styracifolium and its field research in the south and southwest areas of China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan and Yunnan), and the most suitable habitats of distribution suitability and quality suitability were screened. The distribution suitability results indicated that average air temperature in April,mean temperature of coldest quarter, soil type, coldness index were found as the four dominant factors contributing to the plant distribution. The quality suitability results indicated that: ①Polysaccharide content and precipitation in April show significant positive correlation;Schaftoside content and mean temperature of April, mean temperature of coldest quarter show significant negative correlation. Schaftoside content shows significant negative correlation with the precipitation in October and November and the sunshine duration in April and May, while there is a significant positive correlation between schaftoside content and precipitation in April and temperature seasonality standard deviation, and a highly significant positive correlation was found between schaftoside content and precipitation in February and March. ②The quality zoning map was drawn depend on general content of polysaccharide and schaftoside as the index of quality. And this research provides scientific location basis for the production regionalization, cultivation bases selection and directive breeding of D. styracifolium.