Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topiramate(TPM) as add - on drug treating infants with severe epilepsy. Methods We performed prospective label add - on study in 12 infants (aged 4 to 19 months) with sever seizures of different types. TPM was add - on one or more other baseline drugs and the efficacy was evaluated according to seizure type and frequency Results TPM initiated in a daily dose of 0.5 - 1 0 mg/kg, followed by a 1 - 2 weeks titration on the increase of 0 5 - 1.0 mg/kg up to a maximum daily dose of 4 - 10 mg/kg. After a mean period of 6 2 months (range 3- 13 montks), Total efficacy was 75 % and 50 % were controlled completely. Seizure frequency was unchanged in 3 patients (25 % ). As for seizure type, TPM was more effective in complex partial as compared with generalized tonic-conic seizures. Mild adverse events were present in 3 patients (25 %), represented hypersonia, fever and decreased speech. Conclusions TPM may be a available drug in infants with severe epilepsy. It is safe, with mild adverse effect in fewer patients.JAppl Clin Pediatr,2004,19(11):986-987

Objective To explore the effects of recombinant human hormone(rhGH) on the plasma total protein,plasma albmin,healing of Wound surfaces in patients with the second degree burns wound.Methods 38 pa- tients with the second degree burns wound were divided into treatment group and control group randomly.All the patients were subject general.19 patients in the treatment group were given rhGH in a dose of 0.2U/kg for 14 days beginning from postoperative 5 days.The plasma total protein concentration,plasma albumin concentration,healing rat of wound surface and scar of patients of the two group were compared.Results The plasma total protein concen- tration plasma albumin concentration of the treatment group were significantly in creased,the scar hyperplasia of the treatment group were significantly mitigated and the healing time of wound surfaces of the treatment group were sig- nificantly shortened.Conclusion rhGH is found to promote protein anabotism and shorten the healing time of wound surfaces and mitigate the scar hyperplasia patients with the second degree burns wound.

Bacteria isolated from rotten hides,one identified as Pseudomonas aeraginosa later, were shown to decompose fresh hides completely in 48 hours at room temperature. Strongly collagenolytic activity was detected when native collagen from calfskin was used as substrate. The optimal reaction pH value and temperature of the collagenace produced by P.aeraginosa are 7.5 and 32℃ respectively. EDTA and EGTA inhabit the collagenolytic activity severely while PMSF has little effect on it. Not only media components but also fermentation conditions have differents effect on the production of this collagenolyic enzyme.

Objective To explore the relationship between X - linked spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda (SEDL) gene escaping X chromosome inactivation( XCI) and SEDL phenotype. Methods RT - PCR was performed on total RNA which was isolated from blood samples of patients, female carriers and controls. Patients and female carriers were selected from the pedigree with SEDL caused by the mutation (IVS2 - 2A→C) of the gene. cDNA was analyzed by polyacrylamide gelelectrophoresis(PAGE). Results PAGE data indicateed that female carriers expressed both normal and mutant SEDL mRNA,meaning the SEDL gene escaping XCI. Family investigation showed carrier females in the SEDL pedigree presented no symptoms. Conclusions The SEDL gene escaping X chromosome in-activation is firstly identified from human body. This may explain that carrier females present no symptoms.

OBJECTIVETo determine the current radiographic practices of root canal treatment (RCT) undertaken by endodontists, general dentist practitioners (GDPs) and interns, and to analyze the relationship between the usage of periapical films and the quality of RCT.

METHODSThe patients who had received RCT treatment in West China College of Stomatology were investigated at random and were divided into three groups: Endodontists treating group, GDPs treating group and interns treating group according treating physician. The usage status of periapical film were investigated by the well designed questionnaires. The obturation quality of postoperative films were evaluated. Chi-square analysis was used to compare usage rates of periapical films of three groups. Mann-Whitney test was used to determine the relationship between the usage of periapical films and the quality of RCT.

RESULTS571 teeth of 412 patients were investigated. In endodontists treating group, GDPs treating group and interns treating group, the usage rates of preoperative films were 95.3%, 89.5% and 92.1% respectively. The usage rates of working length films were 5.2%, 1.1% and 5.8% respectively. The usage of master point films was 94.8%, 72.1% and 97.4% respectively. The usage of postoperative films was 97.9%, 76.3% and 95.3% respectively. There were statistically significant differences among the working length films, master point films and postoperative films of three groups (P<0.05). The periapical films of adequate quality RCT and inadequate quality RCT were 3.14+/-0.639 and 2.84+/-0.736 respectively. There was statistically significant difference between periapical films of adequate quality RCT and inadequate quality RCT (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONRadiographic practices of endodontists and interns are more standardized than GDPs. Quality RCT is related to radiographic practices. Standard radiographic practices would be benefit to RCT.

Dental Pulp Cavity ; Humans ; Root Canal Therapy

OBJECTIVETo explore the recording method of the electrophysiological signals in corticospinal tract (CST) of adult rats by plugging microelectrodes and analyze the characteristics of these signals. These could provide some valuable and basic neural electrophysiological information for further research of recovering and refunctioning after spinal cord injury.

METHODSThe microelectrodes were plugged into the corticospinal tract at the T8 spinal section of Sprague-Dawley rats and the neuro-electrical signals were identified and recorded from CST by means of the Cerebus System. The characteristics of the recorded signals were described with the help of the Offline sorter and Neuroexplorer softwares, including the wavelength, amplitude, discharging frequency, the synchrony among the multi-discharging units from the same electrode and two different electrodes, analysis of interspike interval (ISI), etc.

RESULTSThe continuous and steady spontaneous electrophysiological signals were recorded from CST. Three or four types of discharging signals originated from different discharging units were collected with each electrode. The waveform of the signals appeared bidirectional. The wavelengths were 0.6 - 1.3 ms with wave amplitudes at a grade of hundred microvoltage and high signal-noise ratios. The LFB staining proved that the electrodes were accurately plugged into the corticospinal tract.

CONCLUSIONThe neuro-electrical signals at a grade of hundred microvoltage could be recorded stably from the corticospinal tract of rats by the Cerebus System with the microelectrodes, which provided valuable and basic neural electrophysiological information for further research on recovering and refunctioning after spinal cord injury (SCI) by analyzing the characteristics of electrophysiological signals.

Animals ; Electrodes, Implanted ; Electrophysiological Phenomena ; physiology ; Evoked Potentials, Motor ; physiology ; Male ; Microelectrodes ; Pyramidal Tracts ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spinal Cord ; physiology ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; physiopathology

Objective　To explore the risk factors and indications for perioperative tracheostomy in patients with myasthenia gravis. Methods　A total of 174 patients with myasthenia gravis undergoing thymectomy were reviewed retrospectively between April 1980 and August 1999. Perioperative tracheostomy was performed on 44(25.3%) cases. Myasthenic or cholinergic crisis happened in 38 cases (21.8%). The relationship of the crisis incidence and Osserman classification, state of illness, present of thymoma, preoperative pulmoary function and the dose of anticholinergic agents given preoperatively were analyzed. At the same time the indications of perioperative tracheostomy were discussed. Results　The highest incidence of myasthenic or cholinergic crisis and perioperative tracheostomy were found in cases with long history of the disease, high dose of anticholinergic agents administration, Osserman classification over stageⅡb, with infiltrated thymoma, and preoperative pulmoary function impairment. Conclusion Perioperative tracheostomy and artificial ventilation are most important approaches when myasthenic or cholinergic crisis after thymectomy appeared. But the indications for postoperative prophylactic tracheostomy and artificial ventilation must be strictly selected.

Objective　To explore the effect of video-assi sted thoracic surgery (VATS) on common diseases of chest. Methods　Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed on 131 patients with ches t diseases from April 1994 to December 2000 in which 109 cases were spontane ous pneumothorax and hemothorax, 10 pulmonary tuberculoma, 5 pulmonary carcinoma , 3 esophageal carcinoma, 2 localized benign mesothelioma, 1 pulmonary hamartoma and 1 myasthenia gravis. Results　There was no operative death in all cases. Four patients with spontaneous pneumothorax complicated persist ent air leak(more than 7 d) and 1 patient with hemopneumothorax formed hemoth orax after the operation, which was stopped by the second VATS. The others recov ered well without any postoperative complications. Conclusion　 VATS is characterized by safety and mild tissue injury in the operation, and les s pain, fewer complications, rapid recovery and short duration of hospitalizatio n after the operation.

OBJECTIVETo express soluble HA of A/H1N1 influenza virus in drosophila S2 cell line and identify its bio-activity.

METHODSHA gene was amplified from A/Shenzhen/71/09 virus strain using RT-PCR, then we constructed pAC5.1-HA expression vector, which was co-transfected into S2 cell with pCoblast vector. After transfection, stable S2 cell was selected through Blasticindin. HA in the supernatant was identified with Western Blot assay and purified with Ni-column. Recombinant HA was immunized into BALB/c mice 3 times, and the Abs titers were evaluated with ELISA.

RESULTSWe successfully cloned HA gene with 1.7 x 10(3) bp of A/Shenzhen/71/09 virus strain and got recombinant pAC5. 1-HA expression vector. Stable S2 cell line was established after transfection and selection, which continuously expressed HA with molecular weight 75 x 10(3) D. After immunization with HA, the Abs titers were 1:1280 and 1: 5120 respectively on 10 d, 30 d.

CONCLUSIONWe expressed soluble HA with good bio-activity, which contributed to research on immune diagnosis, subunit vaccine, and monoclonal Abs for influenza.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line ; Drosophila ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus ; analysis ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; genetics ; metabolism ; Influenza, Human ; virology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Solubility

Objective　To study the effect of epidermal growt h factor receptor(EGFR) on the development and progress of thymoma. Me thods Expression of EGFR was detected by immunohistochemical stain in t he tissues of 11 cases of normal thymus and 29 cases of thymoma. Result s　 The positive expression of EGFR was 75.9%(22/29) in thymomas and 18.2%(2/11) in normal thymus. The difference was significant(P<0.01). The positive rate of EGFR was higher in invasive thymomas than in non-invasive ones (P<0.01). T he positive rate of EGFR increased with Masaoka stage with a significant increm ent in Ⅲ-Ⅳ stage compared with I stage (P<0.01). EGFR was strongly expre ssed in 5 cases of invasive thymomas, in which recurrence or metastasis occurred in 3 during the follow-up period after operation. But there was no statistical correlation with whether complicated with myasthenia gravis (MG) and histolog ical type. Conclusion　EGFR might be related to the tumori genesis and development of thymoma. There is high risk of recurrence and metast asis in case of EGFR over-expression and radiotherapy, chemotherapy and follow up should be enhanced.