OBJECTIVETo observe the characteristics of uterine contraction and stages of labor during delivery under continuous epidural block anesthesia.

METHODSTotaling 213 parturients in spontaneous labor under epidural block anesthesia with dilated cervical orifice of 3 cm were monitored for the contraction cycle, duration, intensity and curve types of uterine contraction, and recordings were made for 30 min before and 30, 60 and 120 min after the anesthesia took effect, respectively. The duration of the active phase in the first, second and third stages of labor was compared between 421 cases with anesthesia and 237 without anesthesia.

RESULTSSignificant difference was noted in the objective indexes of uterine contraction recorded after anesthesia had taken effect (P<0.05) in comparison with those before anesthesia, suggesting significantly attenuated uterine contraction after anesthesia, whereas these indexes underwent no significant further variation as compared between different time points after anesthesia (P>0.05). The average active phase in the first stage was significantly shorter in anesthesia group than that in the control group (P<0.05), but the average duration of the second and third stages of labor differed little between the two groups with appropriate use of oxytocin under strict monitoring (P>0.05). The rates of obstetric forceps utilization and use of oxytocin were higher in anesthesia group than in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONEpidural block anesthesia produces certain influences on uterine contraction and stages of labor during delivery, for which appropriate treatment measures may prove beneficial.

Adult ; Anesthesia, Epidural ; methods ; Anesthesia, Obstetrical ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Labor, Obstetric ; physiology ; Pregnancy ; Time Factors ; Uterine Contraction ; drug effects ; Uterus ; drug effects ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features, immunophenotype, differential diagnosis and prognosis of uterine epithelioid trophoblastic tumor(ETT).

METHODSFrom 2000 to 2007, 5 ETTs cases were diagnosed in the affiliated Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. The pathologic characteristics and immunophenotype of the tumors were analyzed by histological examination and immunohistochemistry of CK18, p63, inhibin-alpha, HCG, HPL, PLAP and Ki-67. The clinical prognostic factors were evaluated based on a following-up data with a period of 11 - 50 months.

RESULTSThe overall prevalence of ETT was 0.48% among all the gestational trophoblastic diseases patients received in the same period. Five ETT patients were in the reproductive ages with a median of 33 years. Histologically, the tumor showed an invasive, nodular growth consisting of uniform mononuclear trophoblastic cells. There were zones of hyaline material in the tumour nests. Necrosis was commonly seen with a characteristic geographic pattern. Immunohistochemically, all cases displayed a diffuse CK18 and p63 positivity, to be either positive focally or negative for HCG, HPL and PLAP staining. Inhibin-alpha staining was positive or negative either in the 5 cases. Two patients died of the tumour relapse: one died after 1 year with the tumor having a high mitotic activity (averagely 15 mitotic figures per 10 high-power fields), and the other died of lung metastasis 2 years after the diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONSETT is a rare trophoblastic disease with distinct clinicopathological features and immunostaining patterns. A high mitotic index and lung metastasis are indicators for an unfavorable prognosis.

Adult ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Chorionic Gonadotropin ; metabolism ; Epithelioid Cells ; pathology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; GPI-Linked Proteins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Inhibins ; metabolism ; Isoenzymes ; metabolism ; Keratin-18 ; metabolism ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Lung Neoplasms ; secondary ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Placental Lactogen ; metabolism ; Pregnancy ; Trophoblastic Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; secondary ; surgery ; Uterine Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo retrospectively analyze the effects of different chemotherapy regimens for concurrent chemoradiation on locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODSThe data from 106 patients diagnosed as locally advanced NSCLC (IIIa: 29, IIIb: 77), who received various chemotherapy regimens for concurrent chemoradiotherapy, were retrospectively analyzed. Paclitaxel-based chemotherapy regimen was administered in 55 patients, topotecan regimen in 21 patients, PE (cisplatin and etopside) regimen in 26 patients, and other regimens in the remaining 4 patients. The effect of different chemotherapy regimens on overall survival and toxicity was analyzed.

RESULTSThe median survival time was 18.6 months, and the overall 1- and 3-year survival rates were 72.2% and 27.5%, respectively. The median survival time of 102 patients treated with paclitaxel-containing, topotecan-containing or PE regimens was 16.3, 27.3 and 29.1 months, respectively. The overall survival times of topotecan and PE groups were superior to that of paclitaxol-based group, but not significantly different (P = 0.32). Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that paclitaxol-based chemotherapy regimen was significantly associated with a poorer survival (P < 0.05). N stage was another significant prognostic factor determined by COX multivariate regression model. Compared with the other regimens (10.6%), paclitaxel-based regimen (27.3%) had more acute radiation pneumonitis (grade >or= 2, P = 0.03), but no significant differences were observed in blood toxicity and esophagitis.

CONCLUSIONThere is a correlation between different chemotherapy regimens for concurrent chemoradiotherapy and the overall survival and acute radiation pneumonitis in patients with locally advanced NSCLC.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Cisplatin ; therapeutic use ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Etoposide ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Paclitaxel ; therapeutic use ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Radiation Pneumonitis ; etiology ; Radiotherapy, Conformal ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Topotecan ; therapeutic use

Based on leads provided by Neijing and other literature, analyze origins of the three-yin and the three-yang and the their respective contents of yin and yang, indicating the principle that the order of yang-qi from more to less is Yang ming, Tai yang, Shao yang, and the order of yin-qi is Tai yin, Shao yin, Jue yin. According to the location of five (six) zang-organs, respective yin-qi content is defined, and according to the principle of more yin-qi matches more, and less yin-qi matches less, five (six) zang-organs match each other. The zang-organs above the diaphragm joints with The Hand-Channels and the zang-organs below the diaphragm with The Foot-Channels, completing the nomenclature of twelve meridians. The names of the six yang-channels correspond to the yin-channels of the exterior-interior relationship, the yin-channels link with hands (feet), and the yang-channels also link with hands (feet), and the amount of yin-qi of the zang-organs corresponding to the yin-channels and the amount of yang-qi of the fu-organs corresponding to yang-channels are in a state of balance. Based on this principle, nomenclature of six channels are completed. Emphasize that the nomenclature of twelve meridians contains profound TCM theories, especially, TCM, by yin-yang, three-yin and three- yang, illustrates living phenomena from the whole to the system and organ level in human body, and the scientific principle "yin-yang can be unlimitedly divided" and its significance, which must guide the studies on living phenomena with modern life sciences from the whole to the molecular level.
Humans ; Meridians ; Terminology as Topic ; Yin-Yang

OBJECTIVETo analyze the complication rate and survival rate of the patients whose graft-recipient weight ratio (GRWR) less than 0.8% following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

METHODSThere were 92 consecutive LDLT patients from January 2001 to December 2007 in West China Hospital, Sichuan University. There were 85 males and 7 females aged from 18 to 65 years old (averaged, 42 years old) and among which 89 patients were involved in the study. There were 15 patients whose GRWR less than 0.8% (group 1), while other 74 recipients were in group 2. Comparing the two groups' complication rates and survival rates and finding out the potential influencing factor of small-size-graft recipients' survival rate.

RESULTSThe survival rates of group 1 and group 2 were 73.3% (11/15) and 71.6% (53/74), respectively. The grade II-V complication rates of group 1 and group 2 were 46.7% (7/15) and 48.6% (36/74), respectively. There were no difference in survival rates (chi(2) = 0.058, P = 0.811) and complication rates (chi(2) = 0.000, P = 1.000) between the two groups. Ascites volume of group 1 and group 2 were (1532 +/- 322) ml and (1466 +/- 110) ml, respectively (t = 0.234, P = 0.815). The condition of the graft's middle hepatic vein had significant influence on small-size-liver recipients' survival rates (chi(2) = 6.821, P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONSGRWR < 0.8% is not the limitation of the living donor liver transplantation but the outflow tract of the graft must be unobstructed.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Graft Survival ; Humans ; Liver Transplantation ; Living Donors ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Analysis ; Young Adult

Adult ; Balloon Occlusion ; instrumentation ; Cardiac Catheterization ; methods ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Vessel Anomalies ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Vascular Fistula ; therapy

BACKGROUNDOcclusal splints have been the preferred modalities in the management of myofascial temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), but now controversy exists in reporting whether they are successful for TMDs treatments. The aim of this study was to give objective evidence to the assessment of treatment effect of occlusal splints for myofascial TMDs patients by clinical assessments and surface electromyography (sEMG) measurements of masseter muscles (MM).

METHODSThirty-six patients (12 males and 24 females) aged 16 - 57 (38 ± 11) years participated in the study. All participants diagnosed with myofascial TMD were randomized into two groups (18 of each). Patients in the first group (A) were treated with occlusal splints for 1 month, while patients in the second group (B) were treated with placebo (non-occluding palatal) splints. Clinical assessments were performed at the beginning of the study and 1 month after treatment. sEMG measurements for MM were performed at mandibular postural position (MPP) and maximum intercuspal contacted position (ICP) 1 month after the treatment. The root mean square (RMS) and the median frequency (MF) as linear indices of sEMG data were used to demonstrate muscle activity and muscle fatigue. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and post hoc SNK test. The differences were considered significant at P < 0.05.

RESULTSIt was found that 89% of group A either completely recovered (39%) or clinically improved (50%), while only 22% of group B had a spontaneous improvement. sEMG analysis showed that at MPP, the mean of RMS value of MM in group A was lower than that of group B, which shows statistical differences (P < 0.01). At ICP, the RMS value of MM in group A was higher than that of group B, which shows statistical differences (P < 0.01). At MPP, MF value of MM in group A was higher than that of group B (P < 0.05). At ICP, MF value of MM was lower than that of group B (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSOcclusal splint could eliminate or improve the signs and symptoms of TMD patients with myofascial pain. sEMG analysis indicates that the wearing of occlusal splints may reduce the degree of fatigue of the masticatory muscles. The splint therapy outcome has a correlation with the electromyographic changes in the masticatory muscles.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Double-Blind Method ; Electromyography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myofascial Pain Syndromes ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Splints

OBJECTIVETo develop a method of surveying the digitalized partially dentate cast in order to accomplish computer aided design (CAD) of removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks.

METHODSThe stone cast of a partially dentate patient was scanned using a three-dimensional laser scanner. Points on the surface of the digitalized cast, termed as a "point cloud", were obtained. The point cloud was then imported into self-developed Tanglong software to sample and uniform. New module of identifying the surveying lines was specially written in Tanglong using C++. A straight line was created in the center of the cloud point. Then the cloud point surrounding the straight line was divided into many parts. Local coordinates were established to indicate the information of angle and distance of every point to the straight line. Surveying lines were produced step by step electronically by identifying the closest and farthest points relative to the straight line and then connected together. Different surveying lines were obtained by adjusting the angle of the straight line. After the surveying lines were decided, the undercut areas could be marked and the depth of undercut was calculated automatically. The blockout of the undercuts could also be achieved by moving the location of the point cloud in undercut area.

RESULTSSurvey lines of digitalized partially dentate casts were generated in computer. The undercut area and its depth were identified and the undercut could be blocked out. The shape of survey lines on the digitalized casts was similar to that on the physical casts drawn using traditional method.

CONCLUSIONSThe new module in Tanglong software was developed specifically for surveying partially dentate casts. It had a user-friendly interface with the easy-to-understand menus. The success of surveying dental casts digitally would make it possible to CAD of RPD frameworks.

Computer-Aided Design ; Dental Models ; Denture, Partial, Removable ; Humans ; Software

After consulting literature, following the original meaning of the paper about slow-rapid reinforcing-reducing method in Huangdi's Internal Classic, in combination with explanation of later ages, and comprehension and clinical experience of the authors, it is put forward that the slow-rapid reinforcing-reducing method in Huangdi's Internal Classic is not single manipulation method, but it is a guiding principle for reinforcing-reducing manipulation, it includes many manipulation methods and they were listed, and all of the reinforcing-reducing methods of later ages are developed from these. In the teaching material Acupuncture and Moxibustion Sciences they are included in single reinforcing-reducing method, reducing extension and intension of this definition. The relative description in the teaching material only is slow-rapid reinforcing-reducing method of narrow sense, but the manipulations can be divided into qi-carrying manipulating needle type and three-one pushing-pulling type.
Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; diagnosis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; methods ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Lung Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction