BACKGROUND:Traumatic auricle defectsin upper 1/2 or lower 1/2,seriously involve theauricular cartilage and skin blood vessels. The autogenic rib cartilage graft and acelular dermal matrix have good histocompatibility, and expanded flapis a kind of thin and achromatic tissue for skin defect repair. OBJECTIVE:To explore theapplication ofacelular dermal matrix and expanded flap in half auricular reconstruction,and to find out the fine carving and anastomosis of autogenic rib cartilage graftas wel as its similarities with the ear and clinical significance. METHODS:Eight cases of half auricular defects were treated with expanded flap, autogenic rib cartilage graft, fine anastomosisofautogenic rib cartilage graft and residual earfor half auricular reconstruction,during which theacelular dermal matrixwas usedto promote residual ear docking and skul auricle angle formation. The reconstructionwasperformed in three stages:first,anexpander(volume, 80mL)wassubcutaneously implanted attheretro-auricular area;second, the auricular defects were reconstructed with fine rib cartilage graft, acelular dermal matrix and auriculoplasty;finaly, acelular dermal matrixwas usedto promote residual ear docking. Thenthehalf auricular reconstructionwas evaluatedby objective measurement and subjective rating. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Half auricular reconstruction was successful in al the eight caseswithout obvious complications, and the cartilage grafts were in good condition.During thefolow-up,thereconstructed auriclewasshapedwel andformed a good involution withtheresidualauricle. In addition, the flange was smooth withoutobviouscolor difference and edema, and its position, size and shape were consistent with those of thecontralateralone. Afterthefolow-up of 6 months, objective indicators showed that the affected side had no significant differencefromthe contralateralone(P> 0.05). In conclusion,theacelular dermal matrixcanobviously decrease the complications of the cartilage grafts andcontributeto agood shaped auricle;and half auricular reconstructionby expanded flap, autogenic rib cartilage graft,andfine anastomosis of autogenic rib cartilage graftcanachieve significant clinical effects.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciensin can cause infections and the building related ill-health syndrome among newborns, infants and other immunocompromised populations by polluting hospital disinfectants, such as alcohol 75%, moisture housing and food. In this article, we reviewed the prevalence of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in environment, food and intrahospital infection, the toxicology by describing its toxicity in mammalian cells, the physicoehemical characteristics by analyzing its special structure of bacterial spores. Its pathogenicity through animal model of disease was discussed as well.(J Glin Pediatr,2010,28(2) :190-192)

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of prostaglandins E1 combined with Xuebijing injection on the expression of transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in rats with acute pulmonary interstitial fibrosis.

METHODSA rat model of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis was established by intratracheal injection of bleomycin (1 ml/kg). One hundred and eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups with 18 in each group, which were normal control group, model group, hormone (methylprednisolone) treatment group, Xuebijing treatment group, prostaglandin E1 treatment group and combination treatment group (prostaglandin E1 and Xuebijing injection). Except for those in the normal control group, the rats in each group were sacrificed on the 7th, 14th and 28th day after treatment. The TGF-β₁ expression in lung tissue was measured by immunohistochemical staining. The TNF-α concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of rat model was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTSThe combination treatment group showed significantly more macrophages with TGF-β₁ expression in lung tissue at each time point, as compared with the model group, Xuebijing treatment group, methylprednisolone treatment group and prostaglandin E1 treatment group (P < 0.05). On the 7th day, the TNF-α concentration in BALF in the combination treatment group was significantly lower than those in the model group, methylprednisolone treatment group and prostaglandin E1 treatment group (P < 0.05); on the 14th day, the TNF-α concentration in BALF in the combination treatment group was significantly lower than that in the model group (P < 0.05); on the 28th day, the levels of TNF-α in the prostaglandin E1 treatment group and combination treatment group were significantly lower than that in the model group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONProstaglandin E1 combined with Xuebijing injection may significantly inhibit TGF-β₁ expression in the lung tissue of rats with acute pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, which reduces alveolar inflammatory response.

Alprostadil ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Female ; Male ; Methylprednisolone ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

Objective To explore the clinical signiifcance of combined detection of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxin (FT4) in dried blood spots in screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in neonates. Methods The TSH and FT4 levels in dried blood spot were measured by time-resolved lfuorescence immunity in live born neonates from June to December 2013. If the screening was positive, the blood was drawn and the serum TSH and FT4 were measured and compared with the results from dried blood spots. Results In a total of 31 199 neonates screened, 12 cases were diagnosed with CH and the prevalence rate of CH was 1/2 600;4 cases were hyperthyropinemia and no pituitary CH was detected. There was no signiifcant difference between TSH or FT4 levels in dried blood spot and those in serum in neonates diagnosed with CH (P>0.05). Conclusions Combined detection of TSH and FT4 in dried blood spot can be used for neonatal screening of CH. It can be applied for early distinguishing CH from hyperthyropinemia, and also helpful for early diagnosis and treatment of central CH.

Objective To assess the peripheral arterial structural and elastic remodeling in patients with lower extremity atherosclerotic disease (LEAD).Methods Thirty-one patients with LEAD and 34 age-,sex-matched healthy subjects (control group) were enrolled in this study.The intima-media thickness (IMT),diameter (D) and parameters of arterial stiffness (β,pulse wave velocity (PWVβ)) were measured by acquiring the longitudinal view of left and right common femoral artery (LCFA,RCFA) and common carotid artery (LCCA,RCCA) by quality intima-media thickness (QIMT) and quality arterial stiffness (QAS) techniques.The factors correlated with arterial stiffness in LEAD patients were analyzed.Results ① The systolic blood pressure(SBP),pulse pressure(PP),smoking pack-year and smoking extent (nonsmoker,smoker with ＜40 pack-year,or smoker with ≥40 pack-year) were significantly higher in LEAD group than those in the control group (P ＜0.05).②IMT of the LCCA and the diameters (D) of LCCA and RCCA were significantly increased in the LEAD group (P ＜0.05-0.01).As to the both sides CFA,IMT and IMT/D values were significantly increased (P ＜ 0.01).The mean IMT (mIMT) of both sides of CCA and CFA were increased (P ＜0.05).The values of β,PWVβ of LCCA and PWVβ of RCCA were significantly increased,and β and PWVβ values of both sides of CFA were significantly increased in the LEAD group (P ＜ 0.05).There was a positive correlation between the stiffness indexes of the carotid artery and that of the femoral artery (P ＜0.01).③The femoral mβ was correlated with femoral mIMT,SBP,PP,smoking amount and smoking extent,and the femoral mPWVβ was also correlated with mIMT,age,SBP,PP,smoking pack-year and smoking extent (P ＜0.05-0.01).In multivariable stepwise regression analysis,mIMT and PP were factors independently correlated with femoral mβ.And SBP,smoking extent,and mIMT were independently correlated with femoral mPWVβ.Conclusions Peripheral arteries in patients with LEAD experience vascular remodeling,as well as increased carotid and femoral stiffness.Femoral stiffness is correlated with IMT,arterial blood pressure and smoking extent.

Objective To study the mechanism of the protective effect of α_(1A)-AR antagonist Tamsulosin (Tam) on renal ischemic injury in hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) rats. Methods HRS was induced in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by intraperitoneal injection of D-(+)-galactosamine hydrochloride (GalN). Thirty-two HRS rats were divided into 3 groups randomly. Then surgical occlusions of the infrahepatic inferior vena cave (OIVC) were performed; Tam, an α_(1A)-AR antagonist, was administered daily before injection of GalN. During the operation, hemodynamic changes of the kidney and liver were measured by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Serum samples were collected to measure serum levels of liver and renal function. At the same time, renal and liver samples were harvested and stained by HE and immunohistochemistry. Other parts of the sample were fixed with 2.5% glutaral to observe the cellular ultrastructure of renal and vascular endothelium by electron microscope. Results OIVC developed much severe ischemic injury in the kidney and liver of HRS rats. The renal cortex blood perfusion (RCBP) of HRS rats decreased rapidly after OIVC, and did not return to baseline after reflow. Pathological study showed severe injury of the liver and kidney. However, expressions of alpha-1 AR on renal artery and kidney were reduced in those rats that had received Tam before OIVC. Histological examination of the kidney also showed few abnormalities. Conclusion Marked increases of contractive response of renal artery of HRS rats induced by up-regulation of α_1-AR may be associated with a high risk of progression to acute renal failure in HRS rats after ischemia. Tamsulosin has a protective effect on renal ischemic injury through reducing α_(1A)-AR overexpression in HRS rats.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of dyslipidemia and the relationship between breakfast frequency and dyslipidemia in residents over 40 years old in Yiling area of Yichang City in Hubei Province. Methods A random sampling was conducted, and 10 420 inhabitants were investigated during 2011 to 2012. Results The morbidity of dyslipidemia was 64. 0%. It was significantly higher in female than in male (65. 9% vs 60. 6%). Compared with regular breakfast eaters, non-breakfast eaters had significantly higher morbidity of higher blood low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C) and hypertriglyceridemia(P<0. 05). The risk of elevated serum LDL-C was higher in the non-breakfast eaters group(OR=2. 382, 95%CI 1. 300-4. 367, P=0. 019) after adjusted by age, sex, smoking, drinking, etc. Conclusions Compared with regular breakfast eaters, breakfast skippers had significantly higher morbidity of dyslipidemia. Eating breakfast on daily basis may have a significant protective effect on preventing dyslipidemia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of Chaiqin Chengqi Decoction (CQCQD), a compound of traditional Chinese herbal medicine, acting on the pancreatic acinar cell calcium overload in rats with acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: A total of 30 SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, untreated group and CQCQD group (n=10, respectively). AP was induced in rats by caerulein (5x50 mug/kg) intraperitoneal injection within 4 h. The pancreatic tissue SERCA1 and SERCA2 mRNA expressions were detected by fluorescent quantization polymerase chain reaction method; intracellular calcium fluorescence intensity (FI) of pancreatic acinar cells and the pancreatic pathological score were measured by laser scanning confocal microscopy and light microscopy respectively. RESULTS: There were no SERCA1 mRNA expressions in pancreatic acinar cells of rats in the normal control group and the untreated group. The expression of pancreatic SERCA2 mRNA in the untreated group was down-regulated compared with that in the normal control group (expression ratio=0.536; P=0.001); the expression of pancreatic SERCA2 mRNA in the CQCQD group was up-regulated compared with that in the untreated group (expression ratio=2.00; P=0.012). The pancreatic pathological score in the CQCQD group was lower than that in the untreated group and the FI of Ca(2+) was also lower. CONCLUSION: CQCQD can up-regulate the expression of pancreatic SERCA2 mRNA, release the calcium overload, and hence reduce the pathological changes in pancreatic tissue.

OBJECTIVETo compare the manifestations of peripheral lung squamous cell carcinoma by CT dynamic enhancement with that of adenocarcinoma, and evaluate the difference of CT dynamic enhancement to distinguish peripheral lung squamous cell carcinomas from adenocarcinoma.

METHODSThirty peripheral lung squamous cell carcinomas and 40 adenocarcinomas were examined with dynamic contrasted CT, enhancement at various phases recorded, based on which the time-intensity curves were produced. The enhancement patterns were compared and analyzed.

RESULTSThere was no statistically significant difference in the enhancement degree and peak time between peripheral lung squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma (P > 0.05). The difference in enhancement pattern between these two different types of carcinoma was not statistically significant when the lesion was larger than 3 cm in diameter (P > 0.05), whereas it became statistically significant when the lesion is less than 3 cm (P < 0.05). Most of the squamous cell carcinoma showed heterogeneous enhancement or peripheral enhancement in the tumor zone, however, most of the adenocarcinomas had homogenous enhancement.

CONCLUSIONThe maximum enhancement and the peak time are not helpful in differentiating peripheral lung squamous cell carcinoma from adenocarcinoma. When the lesion is less than 3 cm in diameter, the enhancement pattern of peripheral squamous cell carcinomas is different from that of adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiographic Image Enhancement ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

Objective To summarize the clinical experience in the replacement of the damaged sec- ond metacarpophalangeal joint with the second metatarsophalangeal joint with a pedicle of dorsal pedis artery and great saphcnous vein.Methods The damaged second metacarpophalangeal joint,distal part of the sec- ond metacarpal and proximal part of the proximal phalanx were dissected.The metatarsophalangeal joint was transferred to the region of metacarpophalangeal joint of hand.The dorsal pedis artery was anastomosed to the radial artery,and the great saphenous vein was anastomosed to the cephalic vein at anatomical snuff-box.The dissected bones of the hand removed of the cartilage of joint and soft tissue were grafted back to the donor site of the foot.Results A 5～30 month follow-up study in 8 out of 11 cases showed that satisfactory functional recovery was achieved in clinical practice.The movement of second metacarpophalangeal joint was excellent. Conclusion The function of the second metacarpophalangeal joint can be effectively recovered by the trans- fer of the vascularized second metatarsophalangeal joint.