[Assessment of computed tomographic angiographysinus development combined with occipitalbone marks for the location of transverse sigmoid sinus junction]

Objective: To introduce and evaluate a technique to precisely localize the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction (TSSJ) in retrosigmoid craniotomy. Methods: This was a single-center prospective randomized controlled study. Sixty-three patients, 29 male and 34 female, who would undergo retrosigmoid craniotomy admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical Universityfrom March to October 2019 were enrolled in the study and were divided into trial group and control group according to the computer-generated random numbers. Preoperative venous computed tomographic angiography (CTA) combined with 3-dimensional computed tomography computed tomography (3D CT) was randomly given to the patients(n=32). Asterion was used for identification of the TSSJ in the controls (n=31). The main outcome measures as postoperative complications and relevant intraoperative indicators were compared. Results: Incision length, craniotomy time, bone window sizein trial group were shorter or smaller than those of the controls, as(6.8±0.5) cm vs (8.0±1.5) cm, (37±8) min vs (45±15) min, (8.7±1.2) cm(2) vs (10.2±2.4) cm(2) respectively, with statistical significance (all P<0.05). No statistical significance was found in bleeding amount, incidence of sinus injury and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. While incidence of neck pain was lower in case group (15.63% vs 38.71%; P=0.04) and the remission time of incisional pain in case group was shorter [(6±1) d vs (9±2) d; P=0.01]. Conclusion: While the technique is used, the center of the keyhole should be located at transitional place of the lateral part of the occipitomastoid suture, the retromastoid ridge and the superior nuchal line. Compared with the traditional craniotomy method marked by asterion, it has great advantages in reducing incidence of postoperative complications, craniotomy time, and the remission time of incisional pain.

Regression Algorithm of Bone Age Estimation of Knee-joint Based on Principal Component Analysis and Support Vector Machine

Abstract

Objective To establish a regression algorithm model that applies to bone age estimation of Xinjiang Uygur adolescents with machine learning methods such as histogram of oriented gradient （HOG）, local binary patterns （LBP）, support vector machine （SVM）, principal component analysis （PCA）. Methods DR images of knee-joints from 275 male and 225 female subjects aged 12.0-<19.0 years old were collected, PCA method was used to reduce the dimensionality of the HOG and LBP features, and support vector regression （SVR） was used to establish a knee-joint bone age estimation algorithm model. Stratified random sampling method was used to select 215 male samples, 180 female samples for the model training set. K-fold cross validation method was used to optimize parameters of the model. The remaining samples as the independent test set was used to compare the sample's true age and model estimated age, and had an accuracy rate in the statistical error range of ±0.8 and ±1.0 years, respectively. Then the mean absolute error （MAE） and root mean square error （RMSE） were calculated. Results The accuracy rate of male in the statistical error range of ±0.8 and ±1.0 year was 80.67%, 89.33%, respectively. The MAE and RMSE were 0.486 and 0.606 years, respectively. The accuracy rate of female in the statistical error range of ±0.8 and ±1.0 years was 80.19%, 90.45%, respectively. The MAE and RMSE were 0.485 and 0.590 years, respectively. Conclusion Establishment of prediction model for bone age estimation by feature dimension reduction of HOG and LBP in DR images of knee-joint based on PCA and SVM has relatively high accuracy.

Correlation between stress and carrier nonradiative recombination for silicon nanocrystals in an oxide matrix

Silicon nanocrystals embedded in an oxide matrix formed in a multilayer architecture were deposited by the magnetron sputtering method. By means of Raman spectroscopy we have found that compressive stress is exerted on the silicon nanocrystal core. The stress varies as a function of silicon concentration (O/Si ratio) in the silicon-rich oxide (SRO) layers, which can be attributed to the changing nanocrystal environment. By conducting the time-resolved spectroscopy experiment, we demonstrate that, depending on the nanocrystal surroundings, a different amount of nonradiative recombination sites participates in the excited carrier relaxation process, leading to changes of the relative quantum yield of photoluminescence.

Quantitative evaluation of boron-induced disorder in multilayers containing silicon nanocrystals in an oxide matrix designed for photovoltaic applications

The effect of doping by boron on optical properties of multilayers containing Si-NCs were studied by means of photoluminescence (PL), time-resolved PL, photoluminescence excitation (PLE), transmission and reflection measurements. It was found that PL decay is strongly non-single exponential and can be described by means of Laplace transform of log-normal decay rates distribution. It was also proposed that changes observed in the distribution central moments reflect the disorder induced by boron-doping.

Effects of Si-rich oxide layer stoichiometry on the structural and optical properties of Si QD/SiO2 multilayer films

The effects of the stoichiometry of the Si-rich oxide (SRO) layer, O/Si ratio, on the structural and optical properties of SRO/SiO2 multilayer films were investigated in this work. SRO/SiO2 multilayer films with different O/Si ratios were grown by a co-sputtering technique, and Si quantum dots (QDs) were formed with post-deposition annealing. By transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and glancing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD), it was found that the Si QD size decreases with increases in O/Si ratio. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum varies with the O/Si ratio in band position, shape and intensity. In addition, it was observed that the absorption edge blue-shifts with increases in the O/Si ratio. The change in the absorption edge is consistent with strengthening quantum confinement effects in Si QDs, as indicated by TEM and GIXRD. The optical properties were also investigated by 2D photoluminescence excitation (2D-PLE) and lifetime measurements. The origin of emission and absorption is discussed based on the absorption, PL, 2D-PLE and decay time measurements.

Effects of boron doping on the structural and optical properties of silicon nanocrystals in a silicon dioxide matrix

Doping of Si nanocrystals is an important topic in the emerging field of Si nanocrystals based all-Si tandem solar cells. Boron-doped Si nanocrystals embedded in a silicon dioxide matrix were realized by a co-sputtering process, followed by high temperature annealing. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy B 1s signal attributable to Si-B (187 eV) and/or B-B (188 eV) indicates that the boron may exist inside Si nanocrystals. A higher probability of effective boron doping was suggested for Si-rich oxide films with a low oxygen content, Then, structural and optical properties were characterized with a focus on the effects of the boron content on Si quantum dots. The results show that as the boron content increases, the nanocrystal size is slightly reduced and the Si crystallization is suppressed. The photoluminescence intensity of the films is decreased as the boron content increases. This is due to boron-induced defects and/or Auger processes induced by effective doping. These results can provide optimal conditions for future Si quantum dot based solar cells.

The use of artificial dermis for surgical defects in the treatment of oral premalignant lesions

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the application of an artificial dermis as a substitute for split-thickness skin graft in an oral mucosal defect after excision of a premalignant lesion.

METHODS

We examined a total of 125 sites repaired with artificial dermis in 84 patients. Forty-one of 84 patients had two different defects and 43 had a single defect. Of 84 patients, there were 52 oral leukoplakia and 32 oral submucous fibrosis.

RESULTS

Most patients chewed betel nuts (97.6%). Most of the premalignant lesions were located in the buccal mucosa (94%). The overall success rate was 100% without any or partial graft loss. The minor wound oozing occurred in three grafts (2.4%). No patient had an immunologic reaction or experienced with significant pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, an artificial dermis may be an alterative to a split-thickness skin graft for patients with oral mucosal defects after removal of premalignant lesions.

The Use of Miniplate Osteosynthesis for Skeletal Anchorage

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of miniplates as skeletal anchorages for orthodontic treatment and to investigate the stability of miniplates and the causes of failure.

METHODS

Forty-four miniplates were applied in the maxilla or mandible as skeletal anchorages in orthodontic treatment. Two weeks later, a force of 100 to 200 g was applied by an elastometric chain or nickel-titanium coil spring to move the teeth. To compare nominal variables related to miniplate failure, the chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used.

RESULTS

The average insertion time of a miniplate was approximately 25 to 30 minutes. One miniplate loosened before orthodontic force loading. The other miniplate was removed after orthodontic force loading. The overall success rate was 95.5 percent. The authors found no significant differences in the risk factors for failure of miniplates.

CONCLUSIONS

Miniplates are easy to insert for skeletal anchorage, simplify treatment mechanics, and shorten the orthodontic treatment period.

Artificial Dermis Graft on the Mandible Lacking Periosteum After Excision of an Ossifying Fibroma: A Case Report

Collagen-based grafts have often been used as artificial tissue substitutes for the repair of tissue and organ defects. It is common surgical knowledge that autogenous or artificial skin grafts take well on the intact periosteum of bone. However, many experienced surgeons indicate that autogenous or artificial skin grafts subsist poorly on the bone surface without periosteum. Therefore, primary closure is usually recommended in the wound healing of exposed bone. Vestibuloplasty might be needed to create enough depth of vestibule in the future. In this case report, we describe a peripheral ossifying fibroma surgically excised leaving a bony defect, which was covered by a piece of artificial dermis. Satisfactory result of the repaired surgical defect showed no need of vestibuloplasty after 6 years of follow-up.

Skeletal changes after modified intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy for correction of mandibular prognathism

BACKGROUND

Orthognathic surgery is widely used to correct congenital and acquired dentofacial discrepancies. Various surgical procedures have been advocated for correction of mandibular prognathism. In this study, a modified intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy has been developed for surgical correction of mandibular prognathism. The aim of this study is to identify contributing factors to skeletal change by analysing cephalometric changes after modified intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy.

METHODS

Forty-one patients, treated for absolute mandibular prognathism by bilateral modified intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy, were evaluated cephalometrically with reference to the menton point. A set of four standardised lateral cephalograms were obtained from each subject preoperatively (T1) and immediately postoperatively (T2), prior to removal of maxillomandibular fixation (T3), and at 1-year postoperatively (T4). The mean setback of the menton was 12.4 mm in the horizontal direction. Relapse was defined as forward movement of the menton during the 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The highly significant backward movements in a horizontal direction were observed during the maxillomandibular fixation period (T3-T2). Moreover, highly significant forward movement was observed following the maxillomandibular fixation period (T4-T3). After 1-year follow-up (T4-T2), the mean changes of the menton were 0.1 mm backward in the horizontal direction.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, the mean skeletal change compared with the amount of setback was less than 1% (0.1/12.4 mm) in backward movement. The results suggest that the modified intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy technique is useful and the more stable approach for correction of severe mandibular prognathism.

Study on the treatment of Acid Red 4 wastewaters by a laminar-falling-film-slurry-type VUV photolytic process

The purpose of this study is to develop the design equation of a laminar-falling-film-slurry-type (LFFS) photoreactor for the treatment of organic wastewaters (Acid Red 4) by 185 nm vacuum ultra-violet (VUV) related processes. The LFFS photoreactor is one of the most efficient reactor configurations for conducting heterogeneous photocatalytic reactions, particularly for wastewater treatment. The decomposition of Acid Red 4 dye wastewaters by VUV-based photo-oxidation process was studied under various UV light intensities, dosages of H2O2 and TiO2. By the treatment of the LFFS-VUV only process, it was found that the decomposition rates of the dye in aqueous solutions increased with the increasing of VUV light intensity, dosage of TiO2, dosage of H2O2. The apparent potential of OH. generation from the photolysis of used oxidants (i.e. OH. sources, H2O, H2O2, TiO2) to decompose the targeted dye wastewater was investigated and compared.

The Use of Microimplants in Orthodontic Anchorage

PURPOSE

Various types of temporary implants have been introduced to serve as orthodontic anchorage. The hypothesis of this study is that microimplants of 1.2 mm diameter can be used as orthodontic anchors, and that their success is related to their length. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of anchor retention after orthodontic force application for moving teeth, and to determine the relationship of microimplant length to retention rate.

METHODS

Fifty-nine microimplants (diameter: 1.2 mm) were placed in 29 patients as orthodontic anchorages. After 2 weeks of microimplant placement, a force of 100 to 200 g was loaded with an elastometric chain or NiTi coil spring. Risk factors were characterized as to why a microimplant may fail, and Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Nine microimplants were removed and the overall success rate was 84.7%. Exploring the causes for failure, we found significant differences between the length of microimplants and success rate; 6 mm was 72.2% and 8 mm was 90.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that microimplants are suited as an alternative orthodontic anchorage. We recommend that 8-mm microimplants are preferable to 6-mm.

Donor site morbidity after harvesting of proximal tibia bone

BACKGROUND

Bone-grafting procedures are common in head and neck surgery. Donor site morbidity is an important factor in deciding the site for harvest of cancellous bone. The tibia has been recommended as a harvest site. Use of the proximal tibia as a donor site is associated with few complications. Our present study used proximal tibia bone grafts to reconstruct maxillofacial defects and augment bone volume for implantation.

METHODS

A retrospective study was undertaken to analyze 40 proximal tibia bone grafts in maxillofacial reconstruction. Minimal follow-up was 6 months.

RESULTS

There were no major complications during the follow-up period. Early minor complications (15%) included temporary sensory loss and ecchymosis. Late minor complication (2.5%) was gait disturbance for 2 months. Long-term minor complication (2.5%) was an unsightly scar.

CONCLUSION

The procedure for proximal tibia bone graft is easy, has less operative risk, and results in a lower postoperative morbidity rate. Based on our findings, we believe the proximal tibia offers a reliable site for harvest of sufficient quantities of good-quality cancellous bone.

Comparison of deltopectoralis flap and free radial forearm flap in reconstruction after oral cancer ablation

Defects in the head and neck resulting from ablation of oral cancer frequently lead to disabling functional and cosmetic deformities. Rehabilitation of patients with oral cancer can be an emotionally and technically challenging endeavor. Selection of the donor tissue is clearly dependent upon the defect that is to be reconstructed. The donor tissue should be of sufficient bulk and pliability to facilitate reestablishing contour and function. Regional flap and free flap have been the mainstays of reconstruction for surgical defects after ablation of oral cancer. The records of 77 patients in whom 49 deltopectoral (DP) flaps and 28 free radial forearm flaps (FRFF) were used were analyzed. The success rate of the DP flap was 89.8% and of the FRFF was 96.4%. The minor complication rate at the transplant site (fistula, dehiscence, hematoma) for the DP flaps was 22.4% and for the FRFFs was 14.3%. Overall complication rate at the transplant site for DP flaps was 32.7% and for the FRFFs was 17.9%. The incidence of partial loss of the donor-site skin graft was 4.1% for the DP flaps and 10.7% for the FRFFs. Overall complication rate at the donor site for DP flaps was 10.2% and for the FRFFs was 39.3%. DP flaps had better aesthetic and functional results at the donor site, than FRFFs. However, the DP flap is a staged procedure and results in prolonged hospitalization. In contrast to FRFF, performing a DP flap avoids the difficult technique of microanastomosis, and therefore reduces the donor-site complication rate and the operation time. Therefore, free flaps can not be routinely substituted for regional flaps, but they represent better reconstructive alternatives for specific and selected patients.

Clinical evaluation of a new bilayer artificial dermis for repair of oral mucosal defects: report of two cases

Free mucosal grafts or split-thickness skin grafts have been used in patients undergoing repair procedures for oral mucosal defects. Conventional methods require the creation of second surgical wounds for use as donor sites. We applied two bilayers of artificial dermis to repair a buccal mucosal defect in one case and vestibular extension in another case. After removal of the sutures, no infection, pain, or hemorrhage developed in these patients. The results of granulation and epithelialization were good. Satisfactory appearance and function were achieved in both cases. Therefore, bilayer artificial dermis may be recommended for the repair of oral mucosal defects.

Interdisciplinary Management of Dental Implant Patient: A Case Report

Maxillary molars can over-erupt when their antagonists are lost and there are no replacements. When the opposing molars severely extrude into the edentulous space, it is difficult to replace the missing teeth with either fixed or removable prostheses. We present the following case report, providing a solution for this type of problem. A two-stage posterior subapical osteotomy was used to reestablish the intermaxillary space. Following orthodontic treatment and implant placement, the patient regained occlusal harmony and normal masticatory function.

Decomposition of gas-phase trichloroethene by the UV/TiO2 process in the presence of ozone

The decomposition of gas-phase trichloroethene (TCE) in air streams by direct photolysis, the UV/TiO2 and UV/O3 processes was studied. The experiments were carried out under various UV light intensities and wavelengths, ozone dosages, and initial concentrations of TCE to investigate and compare the removal efficiency of the pollutant. For UV/TiO2 process, the individual contribution to the decomposition of TCE by direct photolysis and hydroxyl radicals destruction was differentiated to discuss the quantum efficiency with 254 and 365 nm UV lamps. The removal of gaseous TCE was found to reduce by UV/TiO2 process in the presence of ozone possibly because of the ozone molecules could scavenge hydroxyl radicals produced from the excitation of TiO2 by UV radiation to inhibit the decomposition of TCE. A photoreactor design equation for the decomposition of gaseous TCE by the UV/TiO2 process in air streams was developed by combining the continuity equation of the pollutant and the surface catalysis reaction rate expression. By the proposed design scheme, the temporal distribution of TCE at various operation conditions by the UV/TiO2 process can be well modeled.

[Study on effect of jinshui liujun jian oral liquid on serum superoxide dismutase activity and malonyldialdehyde content in mice with chronic bronchitis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of Jinshui Liujun Jian Oral Liquid (JLJOL) on serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) content in mice with chronic bronchitis.

METHODS

JLJOL was given to the chronic bronchitis mice model (induced by smoking) through gastrogavage, and then SOD activity and MDA content were tested.

RESULTS

SOD activity in model mice after JLJOL treatment was 0.67 +/- 0.15 NU/L, which was significantly higher than that in the untreated model (0.39 +/- 0.13 NU/L, P < 0.01). But the MDA content in treated mice was significantly lower than that in untreated one (9.26 +/- 2.90 nmol/L vs 16.07 +/- 5.62 nmol/L, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

JLJOL could scavenge the injury of free radical on organism.

Nonoperative treatment versus posterior fixation for thoracolumbar junction burst fractures without neurologic deficit

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective clinical trial was conducted.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of nonoperative treatment versus short-segment posterior fixation using pedicle screws.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

A previous study showed that nonoperative treatment with early mobilization produced good results, even when the posterior column was involved.

METHODS

This study involved 80 patients. Inclusion criteria required the following: neurologically intact patient, single-level closed burst fracture involving T11-L2, no fracture dislocations or pedicle fractures, age of 18 to 65 years (nonpathologic adult), and no other major organ system or musculoskeletal injuries. Patients in the nonoperative group (n = 47) were allowed activity to the point of pain tolerance beginning on the day of injury using a hyperextension brace. Patients in the operative group (n = 33) underwent three-level, (one above, one at fracture level, and one below) fixation using VSP or TSRH instrumentation. The follow-up period was 2 years.

RESULTS

The surgical group had less pain up to 3 months and a better Greenough Low Back Outcome Score up to 6 months, but the outcome was similar afterward. No neurologic deficit in any patient. In the nonoperative group, the kyphosis angle worsened by 4 degrees, and the retropulsion decreased from 34% to 15%. In the operative group, there was one case of superficial infection and two cases of broken screws. The kyphosis angle was improved initially by 17 degrees, but this was gradually lost. Hospital charges were four times higher in the operative group.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-segment posterior fixation provides partial kyphosis correction and earlier pain relief, but the functional outcome at 2 years is similar. Early activity to the point of pain tolerance can be safely allowed.

Reaction behaviors of decomposition of monocrotophos in aqueous solution by UV and UV/O processes

The decomposition of monocrotophos (cis-3-dimethoxyphosphinyloxy-N-methyl-crotonamide) in aqueous solution by UV and UV/O(3) processes was studied. The experiments were carried out under various solution pH values to investigate the decomposition efficiencies of the reactant and organic intermediates in order to determine the completeness of decomposition. The photolytic decomposition rate of monocrotophos was increased with increasing solution pH because the solution pH affects the distribution and light absorbance of monocrotophos species. The combination of O(3) with UV light apparently promoted the decomposition and mineralization of monocrotophos in aqueous solution. For the UV/O(3) process, the breakage of the >C=C< bond of monocrotophos by ozone molecules was found to occur first, followed by mineralization by hydroxyl radicals to generate CO(3)(2-), PO4(3-), and NO(3)(-) anions in sequence. The quasi-global kinetics based on a simplified consecutive-parallel reaction scheme was developed to describe the temporal behavior of monocrotophos decomposition in aqueous solution by the UV/O(3) process.

Plate fixation of fresh displaced midshaft clavicle fractures

From 1992-1994, we operated on 251 fresh completely displaced mid-third clavicle fractures in adults; 232 were followed up. The fractures were plated with a Mizuho C-type plate or an AO/ASIF 3.5 mm reconstruction plate. Comminuted fragments were reduced and wired (133 cases). There were 150 men and 82 women; the median age was 37.3 years (range 18-79). The mean follow-up was 4.4 years (range 3.0-5.9). The mean time to radiographic union was 10 weeks. Seven patients (3%) developed nonunion. Healing with angulation occurred in 14 patients. Deep infection developed in one patient, and superficial infection in four cases; 21 patients reported soreness with changes in the weather and activity; 28 patients had residual skin numbness caudal to the incision. No patient had shoulder droop, and none had impairment of range of motion or shoulder strength. None developed new or late neurovascular impairment; 171 patients eventually had the hardware removed at an average 401 days post operatively. Overall, 94% were satisfied with the procedure. For completely displaced clavicle fractures in adults, plating is a reliable procedure.

Nonsurgical treatment of three-column thoracolumbar junction burst fractures without neurologic deficit

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of the outcome of neurologically intact patients with three column thoracolumbar junction burst fractures that were treated nonsurgically.

OBJECTIVE

To further define the parameters for nonsurgical management of thoracolumbar junction burst fractures.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Many texts list involvement of the posterior column as an indication for surgery and state that casting or bracing is mandatory. This has not been the authors' experience.

METHODS

Thirty-eight patients with nonpathologic, single-level burst fractures of T11, T12, L1, or L2, and with posterior element fractures were studied retrospectively. The selection criteria required that the patient be neurologically intact, that the pedicles and facet joints not be fractured or dislocated, and that the angle of kyphosis be less than 35 degrees. The extent of retropulsion, loss of vertebral height, and presence of lamina or process fractures were not criteria. No attempt was made to reduce the fracture. Patients were allowed immediate ambulation as tolerated. Jewett braces were used in nine patients, but no bracing was used in the remainder.

RESULTS

There were 22 males, 16 females. Median age 37 years (range, 16-65). Fracture involved both endplates in 16 patients (12 crush-cleavage type), the superior end-plate in 21, and the inferior endplate in 1. The hospital stay was from 2 to 18 days (median, 8 days). Follow-up averaged 4.1 years (range, 2.1-6.3). All patients remained neurologically intact. Eight patients had no pain, 24 had minimal pain, 4 had moderate pain, and 2 had moderate to severe pain. Twenty-nine of 38 patients (76%) were able to work at the same level. The initial kyphosis angle averaged 20 degrees (range 10-35 degrees). At follow-up it averaged 24 degrees (range 12-38 degrees). The maximum increase was 6 degrees. Some degree of retropulsed fragment resorption was noted in 35 cases. Complications were limited to transient urinary retention. There were no thromboembolisms, decubitus ulcers, or pulmonary complications.

CONCLUSION

Despite the use of less restrictive criteria, no brace, and early activity as tolerated, the results are similar to those obtained with more restrictive protocols. The presence of vertical lamina fracture, spinous process fracture, and transverse process fracture are not contra--indications. Activity restriction and bracing may be important for pain control but probably does not change the long-term result.

[Separation of pharmaceutical enantiomers on column and thin-layer plate of cellulose triacetate]

Microcrystalline cellulose triacetate (CTA) was prepared by heterogeneous acetylation of microcrystalline cellulose and used as liquid chromatographic chiral stationary phase and chiral thin layer plate to separate pharmaceutical enantiomers. The racemic Troegor's base, mathaqualone, chlormezanone and chloroquine were separated on the CTA chiral column and on the CTA chiral plate. 95% ethanol and the mixtures of 95% ethanol and water with different ratio and different pH values were used as mobile phase. The influences of eluent composition, pH and temperature on the chiral separation were discussed. The experimental results indicate that the CTA chiral plate was more sensitive to eluent composition and pH than chiral column possibly because the chiral adsorbent was not swollen on the plate.

[Clinical and experimental study on jinshui liujun decoction in treating chronic bronchitis]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of Jinshui Liujun decoction (JSL) in treating chronic bronchitis.

METHODS

The effect of JSL on expelling the phlegm and strengthening the body resistance were observed.

RESULTS

JSL was proved to be efficacious in improving immune function of the body and pulmonary ventilatory function (P < 0.01). JSL could not only increase the secretion of rats' trachea mucosa and dilute sputum, but also increase the motion speed of the pigeons' trachea cilia, thus facilitate the removal of sputum. Compared with the normal saline control group, both animal experiments displayed significant statistical difference (P < 0.01), but without significant difference when compared the JSL group with the positive drug Juhong Tanke Ye control group.

CONCLUSION

JSL has the effect of resolving phlegm as well as improving human immunological and pulmonary ventilatory functions.

MR evaluation of tuberculous spondylitis

A total of 29 proven tuberculous spondylitis patients underwent MR studies. Gd-DTPA enhancement was performed in 10 patients. Contiguous 2 vertebral involvement, subligamental spread of paraspinal abscesses and cord indentation were observed in 93% of the cases. Destruction of the vertebral body occurred in 76%. Intermediate or low T1 signal intensity and high T2 signal intensity were observed by MR. A combination of these characteristic findings strongly suggests the diagnosis of tuberculous spondylitis. Gd-DTPA administration did not facilitate diagnosis. MR examination should be considered as the main imaging modality for patients with suspected tuberculous spondylitis.

Fibular nonunion after fixation of the tibia in lower leg fractures

In 335 extraarticular tibial-fibular fractures treated by open reduction of the tibia, nonunion of the fibula was noted in 15 cases (4.5%). Four of these cases were symptomatic, but resection of the hypertrophic nonunion provided relief of pain. Fixation of the fibula is not necessary in primary treatment of extraarticular lower leg fractures.

Effects of rat bile infusion on renal function in rats

The influence of rat bile infusion on renal function in rats and the possible role of bile-induced hemolysis in these effects were examined. The hemolytic action of rat bile and some bile salts were determined in vitro. After the i.v. infusion of rat bile (70 mg freeze-dried powder/2.55 ml) into pentobarbitone-anesthetized rats, the urine, sodium and potassium excretion rates were reduced more than half, which was due to the decrease of glomerular filtration rate and increase of tubular water and sodium reabsorption. A fall in blood pressure, a rise in hematocrit, and hemolysis were also found. Infusion of hemolysed (30 microliters RBC) solution produced by distilled water and then made isotonic caused a short-duration increase in renal excretion and glomerular filtration rate, and the blood pressure was unchanged. Infusion of a rat bile-hemolysed solution after removal of bile acids with cholestyramine increased renal excretions at first with reduction thereafter. Infusion of the rat bile-hemolysed solution treated with barium sulfate produced a renal response very similar to rat bile alone. It is proposed that two factors are involved in the renal response after bile infusion, namely bile acid-induced hemolysis producing diuresis with natriuresis, and bile acid-induced antidiuresis and antinatriuresis, possibly due to a direct renal effect.

Gluteus maximus contracture

Abduction contracture of the hip (frog-leg deformity) is caused by contracture of the gluteus maximus muscle. A simple operation consisting of complete detachment of involved fibrous portions of the gluteus maximus from the greater trochanter to the ischial tuberosity is sufficient to release the contracture and enable the patient to squat without abducting the hips. Possible sciatic nerve injury is avoided by a periosteal elevator inserted between the muscle and the greater trochanter before division of the muscle. All patients showed marked improvement, and complications were virtually nonexistent. The etiology is probably associated with injections, but keloidal collagen disease may be important. A small incision is desirable because skin keloid formation invariably occurred in 200 cases followed for one to eight years.

Post-poliomyelitis paralytic scoliosis. A review of curve patterns and results of surgical treatments in 118 consecutive patients

Curve patterns and surgical treatment in 118 consecutive patients with post-poliomyelitic paralytic scoliosis are reviewed. The typical curve pattern was double structural curves, usually including the lumbar spine. Modifying the incision and altering the sequence of instrumentation facilitated both the exposure and instrumentation of the fourth and fifth lumbar bodies. Anterior fusion and Dwyer's instrumentation yield most of the correction of pelvic obliquity and significant correction of both the upper and lower curves. Two weeks of halofemoral traction did not achieve significant curve correction. It is suggested that staged anterior and posterior procedures result in structural correction of pelvic obliquity and paralytic scoliosis in severe deformities equal to the degree of correction obtained using posterior fusion and instrumentation alone in less severe cases.

Purification and characterization of an acid protease from Monascus kaoliang

An acid protease from Monascus kaoliang was purified by consecutive applications of fractional acetone precipitation, batchwise CM-cellulose method and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. The preparation was homogeneous on disc polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 4.5 and 7.5. The yield was about 30% with overall increase in specific activity of about 6-fold. The molecular weight as determined by SDS gel electrophoresis was about 34,000. The enzyme was a glycoprotease as indicated by specific carbohydrate staining on gels. It possessed the nature of an acid protease with a pH optimum at 3.0 toward heat-denatured casein and was stable over the range of pH 3.0 to 6.0. Reducing agents and thiol poisons had no effect on this enzyme, suggesting that free sulfhydryl groups were not required for enzyme activity. Diisopropyl fluorophosphate did not inactivate this protease, indicating the probable absence of serine residue in the active site. The enzyme was inactivated by reaction with the carboxy-group specific reagent, 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy) propane (EPNP). Pepstatin, a specific inhibitor for pepsin, was shown to inhibit this enzyme strongly. However, biacetyl (2,3-butadione) had little effect on this protease, although it inactivated pepsin to an 85% activity loss. Also, p-bromophenacyl bromide, another specific inhibitor of pepsin, failed to inactivate this acid protease.

Abduction contracture of the hip in children

Nine cases of abduction contracture of the hip in children from contracture of the gluteus maximus muscle are reported. Division of the aponeurosis glutens maximus over the greater trochanter always permitted full adduction.