[Pleural amoebic empyema: a case report]

In this paper, a case of pleural amoebic empyema and its diagnosis and treatment were reported.

Water-Based Black Phosphorus Hybrid Nanosheets as a Moldable Platform for Wound Healing Applications

Black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets with unique biocompatibility and superior optical performance have attracted enormous attention in material science. However, their instability and poor solution-processability severely limit their clinical applications. In this work, we demonstrate the use of silk fibroin (SF) as an exfoliating agent to produce thin-layer BP nanosheets with long-term stability and facile solution-processability. Presence of SF prevents rapid oxidation and degradation of the resultant BP nanosheets, enhancing their performance in physiological environment. The SF-modified BP nanosheets exhibit subtle solution-processability and are fabricated into various BP-based material formats. As superior photothermal agents, BP-based wound dressings effectively prevent bacterial infection and promote wound repair. Therefore, this work opens new avenues for unlocking current challenges of BP nanosheet applications for practical biomedical purposes.

Long non-coding RNA HOST2 enhances proliferation and metastasis in gastric cancer

This study investigates the influence of long noncoding RNA HOST2 on the biological functions of gastric cancer cells; including proliferation, migration and invasion. Differentially expressed lncRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) were screened by microarray analysis, and HOST2 expression in GC tissues and cell lines was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected by CCK-8, wound healing and transwell assays. Western blot investigated expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related proteins, and association was established between over-expressed HOST2 and the number of patients with lymph node and distant metastasis. HOST2 expression was also positively related to GC cell invasion ability, and although its expression in the p-shHOST2 group was remarkably decreased, it was significantly higher than in the Mock and NC groups. Compared to the Mock and NC groups, the p-shHOST2 group presented significant decreases in proliferation and wound healing rates, and the reverse result was noted in the p-HOST2 group. In addition, the number of p-shHOST2 group invasive cells was remarkably less than in the Mock and NC group, and the opposite result was achieved in the p-HOST2 group. Moreover, p-HOST2 had more significant EMT, but this was suppressed in the p-shHOST2 group. Finally, HOST2 silencing suppressed GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion; and it could therefore be considered as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target in gastric cancer.

Down-regulation of telomerase reverse transcriptase-related anti-apoptotic function in a rat model of acrylamide induced neurobehavioral deficits

Although the precise mechanism is unknown, neuron apoptosis is believed to participate in neuropathy caused by acrylamide (ACR). Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) exhibits an anti-apoptotic function, but its contribution to the pathogenesis of ACR neurotoxicity is unclear. We investigated adult male rats that were given 30, 40 and 50 mg/kg ACR three times/week for 4 weeks. We found that ACR treatment caused significant deficits in sensory/motor function as measured by gait score, landing foot spread distance, movement initiation test and tail immersion test. Histological examination showed that the cerebral cortex in all ACR treated animals exhibited fewer neurons and more condensed nuclei than normal cortex. A significant increase in apoptosis was found in the cerebral cortex of rat brains subjected to ACR treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of TERT in the brain was significantly reduced by ACR treatment. The pro-apoptotic cleaved caspase-3 protein level was increased, while the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein level was decreased by 30 - 50 mg/kg ACR. Our findings indicate that TERT and its downstream regulators of neuron apoptosis, including Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3, were involved in ACR neurotoxicity.

Diagnostic Value of Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography for Screening Breast Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) is a new image examination technology that has developed over the past few years. As CESM technology keeps improving, a current meta-analysis review is needed to systematically evaluate the potential diagnostic value of CESM.

METHODS

A total of 18 studies were included in the review. Sensitivity, specificity, and other important parameters of CESM accuracy for breast cancer diagnosis were pooled and analyzed using random-effects models. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated for overall accuracy estimation.

RESULTS

The summary estimates for CESM in the diagnosis of breast cancer were as follows: the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-0.91) and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.82-0.85), respectively. Positive likelihood ratio was 3.73 (95% CI, 2.68-5.20), negative likelihood ratio was 0.10 (95% CI, 0.06-0.15), and diagnostic odds ratio was 71.36 (95% CI, 36.28-140.39). The area under the curve was 0.96 (standard error = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

CESM has a high diagnostic accuracy for evaluating breast cancer and can be considered as a useful test for initial assessment of breast lesions.

[Analysis of 833 times measured hepatic venous pressure gradient]

Objective: To summarize and analyze the clinical data of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and to explore the application value of HVPG in the diagnosis, evaluation and clinical treatment of portal hypertension in cirrhosis. Methods: The patient data of HVPG measurement performed in Shandong Provincial Hospital from April 2010 to November 2017 were collected. Results: A total of 633 patients with 833 times of HVPG measurements were included. There was significant difference in HVPG between patients with different etiologies, different Child-pugh grades and different degrees of decompensated cirrhosis. Conclusion: The HVPG test is suitable for the diagnosis and evaluation of portal hypertension. The HVPG of patients with different severity of liver cirrhosis can guide the choice of the treatment plan, and the HVPG measurement should also be strictly standardized and quality control.

Targeted eco-pharmacovigilance for ketoprofen in the environment: Need, strategy and challenge

Implementing "targeted" eco-pharmacovigilance(EPV) which focuses on individual or specific pharmaceuticals on a prioritised basis is a feasible, economical and customized approach to reduce the environmental concentrations and risks of pharmaceuticals. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) remaining in environment are a kind of priority hazard substances, due to a notable case that diclofenac residues caused the loss of more than 99% of vultures across the Indian sub-continent. Ketoprofen, as another widely used NSAID with comparable or even higher global consumption than diclofenac, in the environment has been shown to present a potential risk to non-target terrestrial and aquatic species. Based on the review of 85 articles reporting the analyses of ketoprofen residues in environment since 2010, we found that this NSAID frequently present in various environmental compartments around the world. Therefore, it is urgent to implement EPV targeting ketoprofen pollution. Here, we provide some recommendations for implementing the targeted EPV for ketoprofen, including: Closely monitoring ketoprofen in the natural environment; Reducing the residues of ketoprofen through source control; Encouraging urine source separation and treatment; Limiting the application of veterinary ketoprofen; Designing and constituting a framework system of targeted EPV. But some challenges, such as ambiguity in the accountability of the main bodies responsible for continued monitoring of ketoprofen residues, the lack of optimized urine source separation scenarios and procedure, the need for detailed design and application schemes of the framework system of targeted EPV, etc. should be addressed.

[The Role of CBS in Injury Time Estimation after Brain Contusion]

OBJECTIVES

To observe the changes of cystathionine β-synthase （CBS） expression in the cerebral cortex after brain contusion at different times.

METHODS

An experimental model of traumatic brain injury （TBI） in mice was established by an improved weight-drop device. Then Western blotting and immunohistochemical examination were used to detect the CBS expression in cerebral cortex around injury at different time points （1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d, 7 d）.

RESULTS

The results of Western blotting revealed that the expression level of CBS was down-regulated and reached its lowest level at the 3rd days after injury, and then restored to normal level after 7 days. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that CBS was present in the normal brain cortex. CBS expression gradually decreased at the 3rd days after injury, and then restored to normal level after 7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

CBS has the potential to be a reference index for time estimation after brain contusion in forensic practice.

[Present situation and influencing factors on classroom mobile phone dependence syndrome in college students]

Objective: To explore the current situation and influencing factors on Classroom Mobile Phone Dependence Syndrome (CMPDS) among college students, and to provide scientific basis for guiding college students to use mobile phones reasonably and healthily. Methods: Stratified cluster sampling method was used. Students from different majors and different grades in Lanzhou University were included as the research objects. Classes were recognized as a unit in receiving basic field investigation in this questionnaire related study. Informed consent principles were followed and process of survey was anonymously carried out. Results: The overall rate of CMPDS in college students was 8.7%, including 'mild rate' as 6.6% and 'seriously mild rate' as 2.1%. No significant differences were found on genders or grades. Factors as shopping in the classroom shopping (OR=3.720), being bored on courses (OR=1.740), WiFi coverage (OR=1.787), time of practice in the classrooms (OR=1.514), and the total time of daily mobile phone use (OR=1.513) etc, appeared as risk factors related to CMPDS among the college students. However. shooting courseware (OR=0.579) appeared as a protective factor. Conclusions: Rate of CMPDS was high in college students and we suggested to form a joint task force among the college authority, teachers and students to work on the related problems. Hopefully, the serious CMPDS condition will be minimized and both physical and mental health of the college students be improved.

Revealing Extremely Low Energy Amplitude Modes in the Charge-Density-Wave Compound LaAgSb_{2}

Using infrared spectroscopy and ultrafast pump probe measurement, we have studied the two charge-density-wave (CDW) instabilities in the layered compound LaAgSb_{2}. The development of CDW energy gaps was clearly observed by optical spectroscopy, which removed most of the free carrier spectral weight. More interestingly, our time-resolved measurements revealed two coherent oscillations that softened by approaching the two phase transition temperatures, respectively. We addressed that these two oscillations come from the amplitude modes of CDW collective excitations, the surprisingly low energies (0.12 THz and 0.34 THz for the higher and lower temperature ones, respectively) of which are associated with the extremely small nesting wave vectors. Additionally, the amplitude and relaxation time of photoinduced reflectivity of LaAgSb_{2} single crystals stayed unchanged across the CDW phase transitions, which is quite rare and deserves further investigation.

[Ventilator-associated pneumonia among premature infants <34 weeks' gestational age in neonatal intensive care unit in China: a multicenter study]

Objective: To investigate the incidence and pathogen distribution of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among preterm infants admitted to level Ⅲ neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in China. Method: A prospective study was conducted in 25 level Ⅲ NICU, enrolling all preterm infants <34 weeks gestational age admitted to the participating NICU within the first 7 days of life from May 2015 to April 2016. Chi-square test, t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Result: A total of 7 918 patients were enrolled, within whom 4 623(58.4%) were males. The birth weight was (1 639±415) g and the gestational age was (31.4±2.0) weeks; 4 654(58.8%) infants required non-invasive mechanical ventilation and 2 154(27.2%) required intubation. Of all the mechanically ventilated patients, VAP occurred in 95 patients. The overall VAP rate was 7.0 episodes per 1 000 ventilator days, varying from 0 to 34.4 episodes per 1 000 ventilator days in different centers. The incidence of VAP was 9.6 and 6.0 per 1 000 ventilator days in children's hospitals and maternity-infant hospitals respectively, without significant differences (t=1.002, P=0.327). Gram-negative bacilli (76 strains, 91.6%) were the primary VAP microorganisms, mainly Acinetobacter baumannii (24 strains, 28.9%), Klebsiella pneumonia (23 strains, 27.7%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10 strains, 12.0%). Conclusion: The incidence of VAP in China is similar to that in developed counties, with substantial variability in different NICU settings. More efforts are needed to monitor and evaluate the preventable factors associated with VAP and conduct interventions that could effectively reduce the occurrence of VAP.

Cardiotoxicity evaluation of nine alkaloids from Rhizoma Coptis

PURPOSE

Alkaloids derived from Rhizoma Coptis (RC) has been widely applied to clinical treatments in China. However, the toxicity of RC and the alkaloids from RC remained controversial. The research is designed to clarify the cardiotoxic compounds found in RC.

METHODS

In this study, the real-time cellular analysis cardio system and the high-content analysis were applied to monitor the function of cardiomyocytes (CMs) in the treatment of nine alkaloids in RC. Luciferase-coupled adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay was used to detect cell viability.

RESULTS

The results showed that berberine, palmatine, berbamine, and oxyberberine were cardiotoxic, which resulted in arrhythmia and cardiac arrest on CMs in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, berbamine and oxyberberine caused shrinkage and detachment on CMs at 10 μM. Cytotoxicity was induced by these two compounds with decline in cell index and ATP depletion. Cardiotoxicity or cytotoxicity was not observed in the other five alkaloids within 10 μM.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, the cardiotoxicity of the nine alkaloids was evaluated to clarify the cardiotoxic components in RC. Furthermore, the experimental evidences were provided to support the safety of drug application.

[Clinical features of malignant tumor liver infiltration with liver failure as initial clinical manifestation: a single-center retrospective analysis of 9 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of patients with liver failure caused by tumor diffuse liver infiltration. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 1008 patients with liver failure who were admitted to our hospital from July 2009 to December 2015. Among these patients, 9 had acute liver failure caused by liver metastasis of malignant tumor. Their clinical manifestations, laboratory markers, clinical progress, and outcome were observed, and the clinical features were summarized. Results: Such patients were manifested as liver enlargement and rapid clinical progression, and imaging examination showed stenosis due to external compression in the inferior vena cava. The patients might be easily misdiagnosed with Budd-Chiari syndrome and had a poor prognosis, with a mortality rate as high as 100%. Conclusion: As for the liver failure patients with unexplained liver enlargement, the possibility of liver metastasis of malignant tumors should be considered. Liver biopsy should be performed as early as possible before the deterioration of liver function, in order to facilitate the targeted therapy for the primary tumor.

[Effects of desmopressin acetate and pituitrin on proliferation, contraction, and secretion of hepatic stellate cells]

Objective: To investigate the effects of desmopressin acetate and pituitrin on the proliferation, contraction, and secretion of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Methods: The human HSC cell line LX-2 was selected as the research model. And three groups were designed: blank control group, desmopressin acetate group (three subgroups: 1×10^-10mol/L, 1×10^-9mol/L, and 1×10^-8mol/L desmopressin acetate), and pituitrin group (three subgroups: 0.1 U/L, 1.0 U/L, and 10.0 U/L pituitrin). Water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST)-1 assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation; collagen gel contraction assay was used to assess cell contraction; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to identify cell secretion. The data was subjected to one-way analysis of variance. Results: (1) The results of WST-1 assay showed that the values of A₄₅₀in three desmopressin acetate subgroups (1×10^-10mol/L, 1×10^-9mol/L, and 1×10^-8mol/L) were 0.459±0.017, 0.467±0.024, and 0.436±0.015, respectively. And the values of A450 in three pituitrin subgroups (0.1 U/L, 1.0 U/L, and 10.0 U/L) were 0.495±0.011, 0.507±0.015, and 0.501±0.009, respectively. Compared with the control group, the desmopressin acetate at high concentration significantly inhibited the cell proliferation (P< 0.05), but the pituitrin at three different concentrations significantly promoted the cell proliferation (P< 0.05). (2) The collagen gel area ratios in three desmopressin acetate subgroups (1×10^-10mol/L, 1×10^-9mol/L, and 1×10^-8mol/L) were 77.07±4.42, 75.85±3.70, and 72.74±3.92, respectively. And the collagen gel area ratios in three pituitrin subgroups (0.1 U/L, 1.0 U/L, and 10.0 U/L) were 57.83±3.96, 50.28±6.69, and 43.56±7.68, respectively. Compared with the control group, the pituitrin at three different concentrations significantly reduced the collagen gel area (P< 0.01). (3) The matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2 concentrations in three desmopressin acetate subgroups (1×10^-10mol/L, 1×10^-9mol/L, and 1×10^-8mol/L) were 13.321±0.098, 12.230±0.153, and 12.061±0.126, respectively. And the MMP-2 concentrations in three pituitrin subgroups (0.1 U/L, 1.0 U/L, and 10.0 U/L) were 12.899±0.150, 13.662±0.152, and 13.698±0.119, respectively. Compared with the control group, the desmopressin acetate at low concentration significantly increased the secretion of MMP-2 (P< 0.01); the desmopressin acetate at high concentration significantly decreased the MMP-2 concentration (P< 0.05); the pituitrin at three different concentrations significantly increased the MMP-2 concentration (P< 0.01). The transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) concentrations in three desmopressin acetate subgroups (1×10^-10mol/L, 1×10^-9mol/L, and 1×10^-8mol/L) were 5.233±0.102, 17.749±0.188, and 36.060±0.227, respectively. And the TGF-β1 concentrations in three pituitrin subgroups (0.1 U/L, 1.0 U/L, and 10.0 U/L) were 15.615±0.099, 38.460±0.209, and 49.053±0.115, respectively. Compared with the control group, desmopressin acetate and pituitrin significantly promoted the secretion of TGF-β1 in a concentration-dependent manner (P< 0.01) and pituitrin had a stronger effect than desmopressin acetate (P< 0.01). Desmopressin acetate and pituitrin had no effect on the secretion of the collagenase type I and III (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Desmopressin acetate and pituitrin can induce the changes in the function and morphology of HSCs and may increase vascular resistance in the hepatic sinus. However, desmopressin acetate has less influence on HSCs than pituitrin.

Effects of different anesthetic approaches on postoperative complications in HIV-infected patients

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three different methods of anesthesia on patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which could lead to an improvement in postoperative outcomes in these patients. A total of 90 patients undergoing an operation while being treated for an HIV infection were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups (N = 30/group) based on the type of anesthesia administered: general anesthesia, local anesthesia, and combined spinal epidural anesthesia (CSEA). The effects of local infiltration of anesthesia and peripheral nerve block local anesthesia were examined in the local anesthesia group. The CSEA group examined the effects of spinal anesthesia in HIV-infected patients. We compared the vital signs of the three groups during the preoperative period, at incision, and during the postoperative recovery period. The CSEA group had a significantly higher mean preoperative CD4(+) T lymphocyte count compared with the general anesthesia and local anesthesia groups (P < 0.05). We found that the three kinds of anesthesia methods administered to HIV-infected patients could be used with considerable safety and can be selected according to the clinical need and type of surgical procedure.

The enforced expression of c-Myc in pig fibroblasts triggers mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) via F-actin reorganization and RhoA/Rock pathway inactivation

In previous studies from other labs it has been well demonstrated that the ectopic expression of c-Myc in mammary epithelial cells can induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas in our pilot experiment, epithelial-like morphological changes were unexpectedly observed in c-Myc-expressing pig fibroblasts [i.e., porcine embryonic fibroblasts (PEFs) and porcine dermal fibroblasts (PDFs)] and pig mesenchymal stem cells, suggesting that the same c-Myc gene is entitled to trigger EMT in epithelial cells and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) in fibroblasts. This prompted us to characterize the existence of a MET in c-Myc-expressing PEFs and PDFs at the molecular level. qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence and western blot analysis illustrated that epithelial-like morphological changes were accompanied by the increased expression of epithelial markers [such as cell adhesion proteins (E-cadherin, α-catenin and Bves), tight junction protein occludin and cytokeratins (Krt8 and Krt18)], the reduced expression of mesenchymal markers [vimentin, fibronectin 1 (FN1), snail1, collagen family of proteins (COL1A1, COL5A2) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family (MMP12 and MMP14)] and the decreased cell motility and increased cell adhesion in c-Myc-expressing PEFs and PDFs. Furthermore, the ectopic expression of c-Myc in pig fibroblasts disrupted the stress fiber network, suppressed the formation of filopodia and lamellipodia, and resulted in RhoA/Rock pathway inactivation, which finally participates in epithelial-like morphological conversion. Taken together, these findings demonstrate, for the first time, that the enforced expression of c-Myc in fibroblasts can trigger MET, to which cytoskeleton depolymerization and RhoA/Rock pathway inactivation contribute.

High color rending index and high-efficiency white organic light-emitting diodes based on the control of red phosphorescent dye-doped hole transport layer

We have investigated the transport characteristics of red phosphorescent dye bis(1-(phenyl)isoquinoline) iridium (III) acetylanetonate (Ir(piq)₂acac) doped 4,4',4"-tri(N-carbazolyl)triphenylamine (TCTA), and found that the increasing doping ratio was facilitated to improve the ability of hole transporting. A high color rendering index (CRI) and high-efficiency WOLED was achieved by employing Ir(piq)₂acac doped TCTA film as an effective red emissive layer due to the generation of charge transfer complex (CTC) at the interface. The relative proportion in red: green: blue emission intensity can be controlled by the CTC concentration to obtain high CRI WOLEDs. The WOLED with an optimal red dye doping concentration of 5 wt% exhibits a high CRI of 89 and a power efficiency of 31.2 lm/W and 27.5 lm/W at the initial luminance and 100 cd/m², respectively. The devices show little variation of the Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage coordinates in a wide range of luminance.

Lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation, plan, and attempt in metropolitan China

OBJECTIVE

This is the first community-based epidemiological study examining the prevalence of suicidal behaviors, their transitional pathways, and their relationship with mental disorders in metropolitan China.

METHOD

Suicidal behaviors, including ideation, plans, and attempts were assessed by face-to-face household interviews among 5201 respondents in Beijing and Shanghai in 2001-2002. Lifetime prevalence and risk factors were examined using multivariate discrete-time survival models.

RESULTS

The lifetime prevalence estimates of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts were 3.1%, 0.9%, and 1.0% respectively. Among suicide ideators, the conditional probability of ever making a plan and an attempt was 29.5% and 32.3% respectively. Progression from ideation to plan and attempt was the highest during the first year after onset. Suicide attempt was predicted by young adulthood, being unmarried, recent onset of ideation and plan, and the presence of mental disorders, especially mood disorder.

CONCLUSION

Suicidal behaviors in metropolitan China exhibit a low prevalence and an epidemiological profile resembling that found in Western countries.

Delay in initial treatment contact after first onset of mental disorders in metropolitan China

OBJECTIVE

There has been no community-based research on treatment delay among people with mental disorders in China. This study examines lifetime treatment and treatment delay in metropolitan China.

METHOD

A multi-stage probability survey of 5201 respondents was administered in Beijing and Shanghai. Age of first treatment contact after onset of each of the three lifetime DSM-IV/CIDI disorder classes was compared with retrospective information on age of disorder onset. Length and predictors of treatment delay were examined using survival analysis.

RESULTS

Survival curves estimate that 44.7%, 25.7%, and 7.9% of people with anxiety, substance, and mood disorders, respectively, will ever make treatment contact. Delays in first treatment contact of anxiety (21 years) and substance (17 years) disorders are longer than that of mood disorders (1 year). These delays are largely unrelated to sociodemographic variables.

CONCLUSION

Failure to receive treatment is a pervasive phenomenon among people with mental disorders in metropolitan China.

A new ultrasound instrument for in vivo microimaging of mice

We report here on the design and evaluation of the first high-frequency ultrasound (US) imaging system specifically designed for microimaging of the mouse. High-frequency US or US biomicroscopy (UBM) has the advantage of low cost, rapid imaging speed, portability and high resolution. In combination with the ability to provide functional information on blood flow, UBM provides a powerful method for the investigation of development and disease models. The new UBM imaging system is demonstrated for mouse development from day 5.5 of embryogenesis through to the adult mouse. At a frequency of 40 MHz, the resolution voxel of the new mouse scanner measures 57 microm x 57 microm x 40 microm. Duplex Doppler provides blood velocity sensitivity to the mm per s range, consistent with flow in the microcirculation, and can readily detect blood flow in the embryonic mouse heart, aorta, liver and placenta. Noninvasive UBM assessment of development shows striking similarity to invasive atlases of mouse anatomy. The most detailed noninvasive in vivo images of mouse embryonic development achieved using any imaging method are presented.

[Repair and reconstruction of radial nerve injury]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the reparative method and effect of radial nerve injury.

METHODS

From 1990 to 2000, 50 cases with radial nerve injuries were adopted in this study. Among them, there were 38 males and 12 females, aged from 5 to 65 years. For the 50 cases, there were 28 cases with complete nerve rupture, 3 cases with incomplete nerve rupture, 10 cases with compressive injury, 5 cases with contusion injury and 4 cases with defect and irreversible injury. All the patients were treated with radial nerve exploration in 1 hour to 6 months after injury. 31 cases were treated with nerve anastomosis, 10 cases with nerve lytic operation, 4 cases with tendon transfer and 5 cases with palliative treatment.

RESULTS

All the cases were followed up 3 months to 10 years. The curative effect was assessed according to Highest grade method. There were excellent and good results in 46 cases, moderate results in 4 cases.

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to explore and repair the radial nerve injury immediately after the diagnosis being confirmed. If the function of radial nerve could not recover in 6 months, tendon transfer should be carried out to reconstruct the extension of elbow, thumb and fingers.