Objective To observe neurophysiological changes and pulmonary function in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and analyze their inter-relationship. Methods Sixty OSAS patients were studied. Their lung function and phrenic motor nerve conduction (PNC) were examined. Thirty cases without respiratory disorder served as controls. The lung function tests included percentage of the predicted value of vital capacity ( VC% ), percentage of the predicted value of maximal voluntary ventilation ( MVV% ), percentage of the predicted value of forced expiratory volume in one second ( FEV1% ), inspiratory capacity ( IC), and expiratory reserve volume (ERV). The phrenic nerve was stimulated electrically, and the latent period and the diaphragmatic compound muscle action potential (dCMAP) were recorded. Results The VC%, MVV%, FEV1% , IC and ERV of the patients with OSAS were significantly lower than those of the controls. There was no significant difference between the patients and the controls with regard to their PNC latency. In the OSAS patients the amplitude ratio of their dCMAPs was positively correlated with VC% , MVV% , FEV1% , IC and ERV, and negatively with an apnea hypopnea index (AHI).Conclusions PNC examination can provide valuable information for evaluating diaphragmatic dysfunction in those with abnormal lung function. Decreased dCMAP might be associated with abnormal lung function.

OBJECTIVEUsing geographic information system (GIS) and the remote sensing techniques (RS), we developed a schistosomiasis database and geographic distribution map in Zhongxiang city,Hubei province in order to display and analyze the endemic situation longitudinally after the water conservancy project is completed.

METHODSEpidemiological data of schistosomiasis and the correlated climate and hydrology data for the last 30 years were collected and the relevant GIS databases were established under Artificial Neural Networks(ANN) and network training of Landsat TM images.

RESULTSGIS database of schistosomiasis in Zhongxiang city, Hubei province and its vicinity areas were developed including 1 maps regarding the epidemic situation of schistosomiasis. The areas of snail distributing were 4.4 hm2, 8.2 hm2, 24 hm2, 130.4 hm2, 8.13 hm2 and 7.53 hm2, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe maps created by GIS database and RS techniques supported the complicated query on space and property, providing a new way in keeping,updating and analyzing available data. The techniques used should be able to provide evidence for the control of schistosomiasis to this water conservancy project.

Animals ; China ; epidemiology ; Climate ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Databases, Factual ; Humans ; Schistosomiasis ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Snails ; Water

China ; epidemiology ; Communicable Diseases ; epidemiology ; mortality ; Female ; Hepatitis, Viral, Human ; epidemiology ; mortality ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Rabies ; epidemiology ; mortality ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary ; epidemiology ; mortality

OBJECTIVETo compare the impact of traditional and fast bowel preparation on the changes of gut flora in the patients following colorectal resection.

METHODSSixty patients undergoing colorectal resection from March 2010 to March 2011 in the Nanfang Hospital were randomly divided into the control group(n=27, 3 days of bowel preparation) and the experimental group(n=33, 1 day of bowel preparation). Fresh feces were collected before bowel preparation and on the first defecation after surgery. The postoperative changes in gut flora and septic complications were observed.

RESULTSGut flora disturbance was found in both groups. The postoperative population of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus decreased significantly(P<0.05), and the decrease was more significant in the experimental group compared to the control group(P<0.05), while E.coli and Staphylococcus were much higher than the preoperative level(P<0.05), which was more significant in the control group. The incidence of postoperative infection was 9.1%(3/33) in the experimental group, which was significantly lower than 29.6%(8/27) in the control group(P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONFast bowel preparation is effective in reducing gut flora disturbance and the incidence of postoperative infection.

Colorectal Neoplasms ; microbiology ; surgery ; Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; Enema ; methods ; Feces ; microbiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Microbiota ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Period ; Preoperative Care ; Prospective Studies

Objective To explore the clinical effects of Ilizarov technology combined with closed minimally invasive osteotomy and slow tissue distraction in the treatment of complex crus malformations.Methods From June 2006 to February 2016,83 cases suffering complex crus malformations in our department were treated by Ilizarov technique combined with closed minimally invasive osteotomy and slow tissue distraction.Of whom,39 cases were traumatic bone defect,36 cases were bone osteomyelitis,8 cases were congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia.Bone defect ranged from 6 to 11 cm,with an average of 8 cm.All cases were conducted by segmental resection of bone lesions combined with closed minimally invasive osteotomy and Ilizarov technique.The functional evaluation was carried out according to the Paley evaluation criterion.Bone healing time,duration of external fixation,postoperative limb lengthening and limb function recovery were recorded.Results Eighty-three patients were followed up for 8 to 36 months,with an average of 16 months.All patients' crus malformations were completely corrected.The external fixation time was from 6 to 18 months,with an average of 10.3 months;the length of the limb lengthening was from 4.5 to 9 cm,with an average of 6.3 cm;and bone healing time was from 6 to 15 months,with an average of 9.8 months.According to the Paley evaluation criterion,53 cases were excellent,24 cases were good,6 cases were general.Conclusion Ilizarov technology combined with closed minimally invasive osteotomy and slow tissue distraction a reliable method to correct the complex deformity of the tibia and fibula.

OBJECTIVETo understand the timeliness of the notifiable communicable diseases surveillance system in Fujian province.

METHODSDatabase from the internet based communicable diseases reporting system was used.

RESULTSThe 50th percentile of time between the disease diagnosed and report recorded in medical faculties was 1 day in 2004 which was 6 days less than that in 2001 - 2003. The timeliness rate of 0 day was 46.46%, a 2.7 times over that in 2001 - 2003. The timeliness of notifiable communicable diseases surveillance system in different administrative areas, reporting units and on different diseases was significantly different. Time between the disease diagnosed and report recorded was the shortest in those cases reported by hospitals and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) hospitals at the county level and above, with 50th percentile as 0 day, but the timeliness rate of 0 day was 50.76% with 70.04% of the cases were reported from hospitals and TCM hospitals of county level and above. Length between the disease diagnosed and reported was the longest in those cases recorded by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDCs) with the 50th percentile as 3 days. The source of cases recorded by CDCs came from hospitals at the township level, where there was no connection to internet but the reporting cards had to be sent to local CDCs. Time between the disease being diagnosed and reported was 2 days in those cases reported by hospitals at the township level. 21.21% of cases were recorded by hospitals of township level and CDCs. The 50th percentile of time shown between the reported records and confirmed by CDCs was 4 hours The 24 hour timeliness rate was 63.65%.

CONCLUSIONThe timeliness of the notifiable communicable diseases surveillance system had been improved significantly after the medical personnel recording the cases directly through internet. Timeliness could be further improved through access to internet at the hospitals of township level, training of staff and better hospital management systems.

China ; epidemiology ; Communicable Diseases ; epidemiology ; Databases, Factual ; Disease Notification ; methods ; Hospitals ; Internet ; Time Factors

BACKGROUNDThe main risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is cigarette smoking. However, only 10% - 20% of chronic heavy smokers develop systematic COPD. We hypothesized that the inheritance of gene polymorphisms could influence the development of COPD, which was investigated by studying two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in exon 1 of the transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) gene.

METHODSWe enrolled 219 patients with COPD as the research group and 148 healthy people as the control group, all of whom were Chinese Han people. The polymorphisms of the TGF-beta1 gene, 869T/C and 915G/C, were analyzed using the method of amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR).

RESULTSThe occurrence of the TGF-beta1 gene 869T/C polymorphism in patients with COPD was significantly different from the control group (P < 0.05), in which the relative risk of this disease increased in cases who had the C allele (OR: 1.131, 95%CI: 1.101 - 1.539). There was no increased frequency of TGF-beta1 915G/C gene in COPD patients compared with control subjects (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe polymorphism 869T/C in TGF-beta1 gene has a significant association with disease occurrence in COPD patients and the C allele might be a risk factor. The homozygous wild-type CC of 869T/C on TGFbeta1 could be a predisposing factor in COPD and those who carry the C allele might have particularly susceptibility to developing COPD.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Exons ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; genetics ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; genetics ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; genetics ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the significance of flexible bronchoscopy in children with respiratory diseases.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 80 children who were hospitalized due to respiratory diseases (including severe pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia with atelectasis/lung consolidation/local emphysema, protracted pneumonia, coughing and wheezing of unknown cause, chronic cough of unknown cause, and laryngeal stridor) and who underwent flexible bronchoscopy/alveolar lavage.

RESULTSBronchoscopy found that all the 80 children had endobronchial inflammation, among whom 28 children had severe airway obstruction by secretion. Twenty-four children had congenital airway dysplasia besides endobronchial inflammation, and three children had bronchial foreign bodies. In the children with coughing and wheezing of unknown cause and laryngeal stridor, some had congenital airway dysplasia or bronchial foreign bodies. Among the 27 children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, 26 had severe airway obstruction/embolization by secretion; 25 children (93%) underwent chest imaging again at 2 weeks after alveolar lavage, and the results showed complete or partial lung recruitment. Among the 80 children who underwent bronchoscopy, 3 had severe hypoxemia during surgery, 1 had epistaxis, 1 had minor bleeding during alveolar lavage, 3 had transient bronchospasm, and 5 had postoperative fever; these children were all improved after symptomatic treatment.

CONCLUSIONSFlexible bronchoscopy is safe and reliable in children with respiratory diseases. Early alveolar lavage under a flexible bronchoscope is recommended for children with severe/refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia to improve prognosis. Flexible bronchoscopy is recommended for children with recurrent coughing and wheezing and persistent laryngeal stridor, in order to directly observe the throat and airway under an endoscope.

Bronchoscopy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cough ; diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Lung Diseases ; diagnosis ; Male ; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma ; diagnosis ; Respiratory Sounds ; diagnosis ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo investigate the significance of CD11b expression in neutrophils and lymphocytes in children with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

METHODSCD11b expression in neutrophils and lymphocytes was measured using flow cytometry in 36 children with SIRS (SIRS group) and 28 children with infectious disease but without SIRS (control group). The sensitivity and specificity of neutrophil CD11b for diagnosis of SIRS were evaluated.

RESULTSDuring the acute phase, an increased CD11b expression in neutrophils (96.7+/-8.1%) was observed in the SIRS group compared with the control group (85.1+/-5.1%) (p<0.05). Using neutrophil CD11b expression >92.2% as a cut-off value for diagnosis of SIRS, the sensitivity and the specificity were 97.2 % and 92.9% respectively. Lymphocytic CD11b expression in the SIRS group (13.4+/-8.6%) was lower than that in the control group (19.2+/-6.4%) in the acute phase (p<0.05). In the SIRS group, lymphocytic CD11b expression was remarkably suppressed in the severe sepsis subgroup (7.27+/-3.04%), showing significantly decreased expression compared with the non-infectious subgroup (19.3+/-2.9%) and the sepsis subgroup (15.9+/-12.5%) (p<0.01). In the convalescence stage lymphocytic CD11b expression in the SIRS group was similar to that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONSCD11b expression in neutrophils may serve as a reliable indicator for diagnosis of SIRS. The down-regulation of lymphocytic CD11b expression might be a signal of the condition aggravation in children with SIRS.

C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; CD11b Antigen ; blood ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Infant ; Lymphocytes ; chemistry ; Male ; Neutrophils ; chemistry ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome ; diagnosis ; immunology

BACKGROUNDThe surgical management of the absence of the vagina is a complex problem and constitutes a significant technical challenge. As the laparoscopy has been an important tool for the treatment of uterovaginal anomalies, we evaluated the feasibility of laparoscopic vaginoplasty using an ileal segment retrospectively.

METHODSTotally 86 patients who underwent laparoscopic vaginoplasty using an ileal segment in Beijing Anzhen Hospital during February 2004 to July 2007 were enrolled in this study. Of the 86 patients, 70 (81.4%) underwent primary operations and 16 (18.6%) secondary operations. Nineteen (22.1%) patients underwent total laparoscopic vaginoplasty and 67 (77.9%) patients underwent laparoscope-assisted vaginoplasty. The operation time, cost of hospitalization, and hospital duration were compared between the two laparoscopic groups. The Student's t test and the Mann-Whitney test were used to examine the differences.

RESULTSAll the surgeries were successfully completed with no any intraoperative complication. There were three major surgical complications in the postoperative period: one case of intra-abdominal hemorrhage, one case of meatal stenosis, and one case of intestinal obstruction. The mean follow-up period of this series was 18 months. Seventy-eight patients were satisfied with their sexual lives after the surgeries except 5 women complaining of vaginal stenosis and 3 with no sexual partner during the follow-up. Significant differences were obtained between total laparoscopic and laparoscope-assisted vaginoplasty groups, such as the operation time, cost of hospitalization, and hospital duration (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in sexual function between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe laparoscopic vaginoplasty using an ileal segment is satisfactory for cosmetic, functional, and anatomic results. Vaginoplasty with an ileal segment, performed by either total laparoscopic or laparoscope-assisted techniques, has a high success rate for a functional vagina.

Adult ; Female ; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Humans ; Ileum ; transplantation ; Laparoscopy ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Transsexualism ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Vagina ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Young Adult