Objective To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different puncture positions in percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Methods Three hundred fifty-six patients who underwent PCNL were analyzed from March 2012 to October 2015. The passage caliber was 16F-20F. There were 217 cases in prone position and 139 cases in supine position. Results The successful operation in PCNL was 354 cases , while the remaining 2 cases were performed by open surgery. The primary stone clearance rate was 75.5%. The additional PCNLs were performed in 23 cases, and 63 cases of residual calculi were treated by ESWL. 11 patients were treated due to infection or bleeding by the additional PCNLs. There were 3 cases with massive hemorrhage which were treated by Interventional embolization therapy , 12 cases in postoperative fever , no renal resection , no intestinal injury, no deaths. There was no significant difference in stone clearance rate and complication rate between the two groups. Conclusion The puncture position of PCNL can be optional based on the stone size , stone location, degree of hydronephrosis ,and patient′s cardiopulmonary condition individually.

Objective To study the image examination of renal injuries and discuss renal explorative indications so as to spare the kidney or nephron as much as possible and improve curative rate of diagnosis and treatment. Methods An analysis was done on 286 cases that included 231 cases with close injury, 54 with open injuries, one with iatrogenic injury and 91 with combined injuries. Of all, 212 cases were examined by B-ultrasonography, 163 by CT and 132 by intravenous urography(IVU) and 6 by digital subtraction angiography(DSA); 202 cases were treated with conservative treatment and 84 with operation. Results The diagnostic positive rates of IVU, B-ultrasonography and CT were 67.4%, 72.2% and 87.7%, respectively. Among the operation cases, 42 cases were treated by renal repair, 12 by partial nephrectomy and 30 by nephrectomy. The operation rate was 29.4% and the nephrectomy rate 35.5%. Interventional treatment of the kidney was carried out in three cases. Conclusions For renal injury cases, the first and most important step is to evaluate the injury condition so as to correctly determine whether an operation exploration is needed. The injury conditions and severity are mainly determined by the image examinations that change according to injury cause, injury type and clinical symptoms. Renal exploration or not, and the operation time exert great influence on renal reservation rate and complication rate.

Objective To observe the expressions of efflux pump gene cluster adeAB in acinetobacter baumannii isolated from the burn patients and the expression changes of its upstream regulatory genes adeR and adeS and determine the influence of those genes on drug resistance of acinetobacter baumannii.Methods Nine drug-resistant strains and nine sensitive strains of acinetobacter baumannii isolated from the burn patients treated between June 2012 and March 2013 were used.After strain identification using 16SrDNA sequencing,acinetobacter baumannii standard strain ATCC19606 was employed as the control.mRNA expressions of efllux pump genes adeA and adeB and their upstream regulatory genes adeR and adeS were detected by real-time quantitative PCR.Results (1) adeA and adeB genes presented higher expressions in drug-resistant strains (3.71 ±0.95,76.16 ± 8.75) than in sensitive strains (0.92 ± 0.94,0.72 ± 0.78) (F =38.71,663.65 respectively,both P ＜ 0.05).(2) adeS and adeR genes showed higher expressions in drug resistant strains (18.02 ± 6.71,3.02 ± 2.69) than in sensitive strains (1.64±1.51,0.76±0.61) (F =51.04,5.57 respectively,bothP＜0.05).Conclusions The over-expression of efflux pump gene cluster adeAB induced by the expression alteration of its upstream regulatory genes adeR and adeS is closely associated with the drug resistance of acinetobacter baumannii in the burn patient.Besides,the regulatory genes may depend on adeS to sense the nosocomial environment condition,activate or inactivate adeR and hence regulate efflux pump expression.

Objective To investigate the influence of abaI expression on acinetobacter baumannii biofilm formation.Methods Acinetobacter baumannii strain S isolated from bums patients was collected for the study,while the standard strain ATCC19606 was served as the control.At 6,24 and 48 hours,the gene expressions of abaI,pgaA,pgaB and pgaC were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PT-PCR,secretion of N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) by biological sensor and biofilm formation by MTT method.Results (1) Gene expressions of abaI,pgaA,pgaB and pgaC at 6 hours were 8.63 ±5.93,1.98 ± 1.93,1.01 ± 1.32 and 2.67 ± 3.46 respectively,which showed a quick increase at 24 hours (22.81 ± 17.60,5.13 ± 4.32,5.66 ± 3.97,11.97 ± 7.75 respectively),followed by a rapid decline in 48 hours (3.43 ± 0.88,1.30 ± 0.24,3.01 ± 3.00,3.02 ± 3.29 respectively).Gene expressions of pgaB and pgaC at 6 hours and that of pgaA and pgaC at 48 hours revealed statistically significant differences from those at 24 hours (P ＜ 0.05).(2) AHLs showed a level of 18.49 ± 11.03 at 6 hours,reached a peak of 52.23 ± 15.95 at 24 hours,then descended to 5.53 ± 0.94 at 48 hours.AHLs level at 24 hours showed statistically significant difference from that at 6 hours and 48 hours (P ＜ 0.05).(3)Biofilm formation at 24 hours and 48 hours was 2.83 ±0.44 and 2.71 ±0.15 respectively,far higher than that at 6 hours (0.49 ± 0.11,P ＜ 0.05).(4) In the correlation analysis among AHLs,biofilm formation and gene abaI,pgaA,pgaB and pgaC expressions,significant positive correlation was found between abaI and pgaA and between AHLs and pgaC expression (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Acinetobacter baumannii may regulate gene expressions of pgaA and pgaC responsible for biofilm formation to adjust to the external environment by means of changing abaI gene expression and AHLs secretion.

Objective To investigate the effect of patient positioning on the Duplex ultrasound evaluation of great saphenous vein reflux elicited by the pneumatic cuff method. Methods FFifty great saphenous veins (GSV) with relfux (relfux group) and iffteen with no prior history of venous disease (healthy group) were examined by duplex scanning in the supine, 20 degrees reverse-trendelenburg (RT-20), 40 degrees reverse-trendelenburg (RT-40) and standing position. Each GSV was assessed for relfux at three venous sites:two centimeter below the sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ), the greater saphenous vein in the mid thigh (MGV) and the greater saphenous vein in the upper calf (CGV). Pneumatic cuff compression pressure of conifned 100 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) was used onto the calf to elicit relfux. The incidence of positive venous relfux was calculated. The statistical differences of the peak relfux velocity and duration of relfux in four positions were analyzed. Results TThe relfux elicited in the standing position was set as the gold standard. In healthy group, there was no false positive results of relfux in supine, RT-20 and RT-40 positions. In relfux group, false negative results were found at all venous sites when limbs were examined in supine position [false negative rate:59%(19/32), 22%(11/50), 24%(12/50)]. At RT-20 and RT-40 positions, the incidence of venous relfux reached 100% at MGV and CGV, and false negative cases were only detected at SFJ [false negative rate:12%(4/32), 12%(4/32)]. The relfux time in standing, supine, RT-20 and RT-40 positions were (7.75±3.23) s, (5.27±3.66) s, (8.67±3.72) s, (8.55±3.93) s respectively. There were signiifcant differences among different positions in reflux time (F=56.9, P<0.01). In detail, no significant differences were identified between standing position and RT-20 or RT-40 position (q=1.51, 1.33 respectively, both P > 0.05), except for supine position (q=4.11, P<0.01). Peak relfux velocity in standing, supine, RT-20 and RT-40 positions were (55.26±22.24) cm/s, (22.87±12.03) cm/s, (38.46±16.30) cm/s, (45.13±19.21) cm/s respectively. There were also signiifcant differences among different positions in peak relfux velocity (F=13.7, P<0.01). Comparing the supine, RT-20 and RT-40 positions with standing position, differences of the peak relfux velocity between them were all statistically signiifcant (q=12.71, 6.59, 3.98 respectively, all P<0.01). Conclusions When GSV reflux was examined by pneumatic cuff compression, false negative rate was higher in the supine position. RT-20 and RT-40 position were effective to detect GSV relfux, espically for GSV at mid-thigh and upper calf.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasound-guided pleural biopsy combined with thoracic biochemical detections in malignant and tuberculous pleural effusions. Methods Sixty-four patients with moderate or large pleural effusions and pleural thickening received the ultrasound-guided diagnostic pleural biopsy. All patients had chest CT enhancement scans to find out the suspicious pleural thickening preoperatively, facilitating the selection of puncture sites by ultrasound. Pleural tissue samples were sent for pathological examinations immediately. After successful achievements of pleural biopsy, ultrasound-guided aspiration or drainage was performed to alleviate symptoms, more importantly, to get pleural effusions for biochemical analysis. Biological results including carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA), CA125, CYFRA21 and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in malignant and tuberculous effusions were analyzed by group design t tests. The positive rates of CEA, CA125, CYFRA21, LDH in malignant and tuberculous effusions were compared by chi square tests. Results Pleural tissues in all cases were got by one pleural biopsy procedure. The strategy of pleural biopsy we used in this study had a successful rate reaching 100%(64/64), and 73% (46/64) patients had a definitive diagnosis as malignant or tuberculous effusion. Twenty-seven cases were diagnosed as malignant effusions and thirty-seven cases as tuberculous effusions based on the deifnitive clinical diagnosis. The positive rates of CEA, CA125, CYFRA21, LDH in malignant effusions were 100%(27/27), 100%(27/27), 100%(27/27), 89%(24/27) respectively, and 0%(0/37), 84%(31/37), 78%(29/37), 76%(28/37) respectively in tuberculous effusions. The positive rate of CEA between malignant and tuberculous effusions differed signiifcantly (χ2=64.0, P < 0.01), so did CA125 (χ2=3.1, P < 0.01) and CYFRA21(χ2=4.8, P<0.01). The average levels of CEA, CA125, CYFRA21, LDH in pleural effusion were (727.1±658.8)μg/L, (795.2±1249.6)×103 U/L, (296.2±320.7)μg/L, (1077.9±1058.5) U/L respectively, and (1.7±1.1)μg/L, (336.3±208.6)×103 U/L, (20.7±14.9)μg/L, (309.2±182.7) U/L in tuberculous effusions.There were signiifcant differences in CEA, CYFRA21 and LDH concentrations among malignant and tuberculous effusions (t=45.1, 27.4, 18.8 respectively, all P<0.01). Conclusion Ultrasound-guided pleural biopsy combined with CEA, CYFRA21 and LDH in pleural effusions had an important value in the etiological diagnosis of pleural effusions, while CA125 showed little value in the differential diagnosis.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of ultrasonic irrigation in deactivating and eliminating the endotoxin in the root canals of chronic periapical periodontitis.

METHODS10 maxillary premolars with 2 root canals extracted because of serious chronic periapical periodontitis were opened conventionally and prepared with modified double-flared technique with apical foramen sealed. 30 microL 3% H2O2 solution was introduced into each root canal and 2 minutes ultrasonic vibration was given. Samples were taken before and after ultrasonic vibration. 10 maxillary premolars with 2 root canals of chronic periapical periodontitis of 10 patients in clinic were selected. The root canals of them were instrumented as above, followed by 2 minutes ultrasonic irrigation with asepsis distilled water. Samples were taken before, after root canal preparation and after ultrasonic irrigation. The endotoxin activity of them was tested by kinetic turbidimetric limulus test.

RESULTSThe mean endotoxin activity of extracted premolars before ultrasonic vibration was 4.069 EU x mL(-1) while after ultrasonic vibration it was 16.410 EU x mL(-1). There was great statistical difference between them (P < 0.01). The endotoxin activity after ultrasonic vibration was significantly higher than that of before vibration. The clinically mean endotoxin activity before, after root canal preparation and after ultrasonic irrigation were 44.860, 4.099, and 0.116 EU mL1 respectively. There was great statistical difference between the endotoxin activity before and after root canal preparation (P < 0.01). After the preparation, the endotoxin activity droped obviously. There was great statistical difference between the endotoxin activity before and after ultrasonic irrigation (P < 0.01). After ultrasonic irrigation, the endotoxin activity droped obviously.

CONCLUSIONUnder the condition of simulating clinical work presence, the ultrasonic irrigation can not intensify the effect of the root canal rinse solution in deactivating the endotoxin of infected root canals, but it may intensify the effect of the root canal rinse solution in eliminating the endotoxin of infected root canals.

Bicuspid ; Dental Pulp Cavity ; Endotoxins ; Humans ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; Molar ; Periapical Periodontitis ; Root Canal Irrigants ; Root Canal Preparation ; Root Canal Therapy ; Ultrasonics

Objective To study the relationship between environmental chemical elements,vires infection and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods In 2008,233 patients with DCM(case group)and 150 patient with stable angina(control group)were chosen in Liaocheng People's Hospital and Yanggu People's Hospital,Shandong province.Population distribution and disease history were surveyed in the two groups.Human myocardial antibody IgG(AMA-IgG),Coxsackie B virus IgG(CBV-IgG),Adenofirus antibody IgG(ADV-IgG)were detected by ELISA in both the case group and the control group.Serum trace elements were detected in the two groups.The general chemical and toxicological indicators in drinking water of the high-and the low-incidence aireas of the disease were control group[60.00%(90/150),χ2=13.80,P<0.01)].Per capita annual income(Yuan,RMB)in the case group (3207.82±618.51)was lower than that of the control group[(5086.61±886.12),t=24.40,P<0.01].Personal alcohol consumption in the case group[(175.00±160.50)g/d]was higher than that of the control group[(110.22±100.03)g/d,t=4.40,P<0.01)].The rate of myocarditis in the case group[5.15%(12/233)]was higher than ADV-IgG in the cage group were 7.78%(7/90),6.67%(6/90)and 6.67%(6/90),respectively.Compared with those in the control group[3.33%(2/60),5.00%(3/60)and 5.00%(3/60),χ2=1.26,0.18,0.18,all P>0.05],no mg/L]in drinking water of the high-incidence areas were significantly higher than that of iron[(0.39±0.67)mg/L,t=2.11,P<0.05]and that of manganese[(0.15±0.14)mg/L,t=3.01,P<0.01]in the low-incidence arefas.The content of semm iron[(69.1±57.8)μmol/L]in the case group evidently exceeded the normal range(15.6-35.9 μmol/L)and obviously higher than that in the control group[(20.0±17.5)μmol/L,t=5.04,P<0.01].Conclusions Theso data do not support that DCM is related with persistent virus infection and autoimmunization.DCM is probably related with low incomes,high alcohol consumption,myocarditis,high iron and manganese contents in drinking water and high content of serum iron.

Abstract: Due to the continued emergence of multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2, the ongoing pandemic has resulted in severe mortality over the past two years. After the Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta variants, the most recent new variant of concern (VOC) strain to emerge is Omicron (B.1.1.529), which evolved as a result of the accumulation of a large number of mutations. The Omicron variant, which has a much higher transmission rate than the Delta variant, soon replaced the Delta variant and others, is now the dominant variant worldwide. The emergence of Omicron poses new challenges for the prevention and control of COVID-19 and has raised a number of concerns worldwide. Recently, cases of Omicron infection have been reported in several parts of China, and therefore this paper provides a comprehensive analysis and summary of the epidemiology and immune escape mechanisms of the Omicron variant. We also suggest some therapeutic strategies against the Omicron variant, including rapid diagnosis, genome analysis of emerging variants, ramping up of vaccination drives and receiving booster doses, updating the available vaccines, designing of multivalent vaccines able to generate hybrid immunity, up-gradation of medical facilities and strict implementation of adequate prevention and control measures need to be given high priority to handle the on-going COVID-19 pandemic successfully.

OBJECTIVETo study the proliferation and collagen production of tendon sheath fibroblasts, epitenon tenocytes, and endotenon tenocytes; and the effects of chitosan on cell proliferation and collagen production in the 3 cell types of rabbit flexor tendon.

METHODSThree cell lines of tendon sheath, epitenon, and endotenon were isolated from rabbit flexor tendon and cultured. Cell culture media was added with chitosan. The cell number and production of collagens I, II, and III were measured and compared with those cultured without chitosan. The expression of type I collagen in tendon sheath fibroblasts was determined by quantitative analysis of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTSAll 3 cell lines produced collagens I, II, and III. Adding chitosan to cell media resulted in a significant decrease in cell number in all 3 cell lines. In addition, there was a significant decrease in collagens I, II, and III production in all 3 cell lines as well as the expression levels of type I collagen in tendon sheath fibroblasts (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSChitosan can inhibit cell proliferation and collagen production of the tendon sheath, epitenon, and endotenon, and may provide a promising approach to obviating tendon adhesion formation clinically.