Croup Research Articles

Non-fusion without decompression for surgical treatment of unstable AO type A thoracolumbar fractures

Objective To discuss the role of non-fusion without decompression in surgical treatment of unstable AO type A thoracolumbar fractures. Methods A retrospective study was performed on 42 patients with AO type A thoracolumbar fractures (T11-L2) treated with short segment pedicle screw fixation from February 2004 to February 2008. Patients were divided into two groups, ie, Croup A (treated with short segmental pedicle screw fixation without decompression or fusion) and Group B (treated with short segmental pedicle screw fixation without decompression but with fusion). The pre-operative, postoperative and follow-up local kyphotic angle, vertebrae compression rate were compared between two groups. Results In Croup A, average local kyphotic angle and average vertebrae compression rate were 19.1° (15. 4°-29. 8°) and 46% (30%-63%) respectively before operation, but 5. 0° (0. 3°-10.3°) and 10% (0-28%) respectively after operation. Twenty-one patients were followed up for average 21.2 months (12-46 months), which showed average local kyphotic angle of 7° (1.8°-10.7°) and average vertebrae compression rate of 10% (2% -22%) at final follow-up. In Croup B, average local kyphotic angle and average vertebrae compression rate were 25.8° (15.9°-34.5°) and 55% (30%-76%) respectively before operation, but 7.1° (1.5°-19. 1°) and 15% (0-28%) respectively after operation. Fifteen patients were followed up for mean 17.9 months (12-31 months) , which showed mean local kyphotic angle of 8.3° (0.7°-19.2°) and average vertebrae compression rate of 15% (l%-26%) at final follow-up. There was no pseudarthrosis, implant breakage, pedicle screw pull-out or severe back pain. There was statistical difference in local kyphotic angle and vertebrae compression rate between two groups.Conclusion Unstable AO type A thoracolumbar fractures with minor neurological deficit can be treated with pedicle screw fixation only without decompression or fusion. Key words: Spinal fractures; Thoracic vertebrae; Lumbar vertebrae; Fracture fixation, internal; Bone fusion

The effect of impression of the inherent deformation after adding the circular marker on oral impression

Objective To investigate the effect of impression of the inherent deformation after adding the circular marker on oral impression. Methods Two metal molds were made by American Dental Association standards. Six metal circular needles were inserted on one of molds. Two groups of impression sample which named A and B were made by two metal molds. Marker line on the impressions were measured and observed by measuring microscope to compare the impressions (group A and B) with the deformation extent and the deformation law. Croup t test method of SAS6.12 software was adopted to analyze the dimensional changes of the samples. Results The deformation range of two. groups( A and B) of alginate impressions was 0.38% ～ 0.58% and 0.43% ～ 0. 66%. Two groups of silicone impressions' deformation range was 0.38% ～ 0.42% and 0.33% ～ 0.49%. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05 ). Conclusion The method with adding markers points on the oral impression would the impression of the inherent deformation. This marking method wag feasible. Key words: Dental impression technique; Location directories and signs; Odontometry

Effect of probiotics preconditioning on intestinal mucosal barrier function after cardiopulmonary bypass in rats

Objective To investigate the effect of probiotics preconditioning on intestinal mucosal barrier function in a rat model of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) . Methods Twenty-four adult male SD rats weighing 350-450 g were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n = 8 each) : group Ⅰ sham operation ( group S); group Ⅱ CPB and group Ⅲ probiotics + CPB. CPB was established between left carotid artery and right jugular vein and maintained for 60 min. Croup Ⅲ received intragastric instillation of probiotics 2 ml once a day for 7 consecutive days before CPB. Blood samples were collected at 2 h after CPB was terminated for determination of plasma D-lactate, TNF-and IL-6 concentrations and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity. Venous blood was obtained from portal vein for determination of LPS concentration and cultured. Liver, pancreas, spleen, kidney and mesenteric lymphnode (MLN) specimens were obtained under sterile condition and cultured for bacterial growth. The mucous membrane of small intestine was examined with electron microscope. Results CPB significantly increased plasma DAO activity, and D-lactate, IPS, TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations and the rate of bacteria-positive culture of portal venous blood, liver, MLN, lung and kidney in group Ⅱ as compared with group S. Probiotics preconditioning significantly attenuated the above-mentioned CPB-induced changes. Microscopic examination showed that probiotics preconditioning significantly ameliorated CPB-induced damage to the epithelium of the small intestine. Conclusion Probiotics preconditioning can significantly attenuate CPB-induced inflammatory response and protect the intestinal mucosal barrier function. Key words: Probiotics; Ischemic preconditioning; Cardiopuhnonary bypass; Intestinal mucosa

Croup calculator: frequently asked questions.

Croup calculator: frequently asked questions.

Correlation between soluble E-selectin and interleukin-8 levels and the development of severe pneumonia.

Objective This study was designed to evaluate the correlations between soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) and intedeukin-8 (IL-8) levels and the condition and prognosis of severe pneumonia. Methods A total of 67 patients with pneumonia were identified at the intensive care unit and the Respiratory Department of Zibo Central Hospital between April 2007 and March 2008. The patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of pneumonia: severe (Group A, n = 35) and non-severe (Group B, n = 32). Group A was also subdivided into two groups of patiems: patients with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrorae(MODS) (Group A_1, n = 13) and pa-tients with severe pneumonia alone (Croup A_2, n= 22). Thirty healthy people whose age and sex matched with the patients were enrolled as a control group (Group C). Patients with cancer, who had undergone surgery within the past 1 month, connective tissue disease or acute conplications of diabetes, for example, were excluded from the study. The serum levels of s-Eselectin and IL-8 were measured by EI.ISA, and correlations with Acute physiol-ogy and chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE-Ⅱ)score, Oxygenation index(PaO_2/FiO_2), percentage of poly-morphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)levels were determined. The data were analyzed using t tests, one-way ANOVA, X~2 tests and linear correlation analysis using SAS 8.2 software. Results The sermn levels of sE-selectin and IL-8 in Croup A and Group B were significant higher than Group C (P < 0.05), and the levels in Group A were higher than those in Group B (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the levels of sE-selectin and IL-8 were higher in Group A_1 than in Group A_2(P < 0.001). The correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the levels of sE-selectin and IL-8 in patients with pneumonia (r = 0.781,P < 0.01) ; and both were positively correhted with APACHE-Ⅱ score, PMN% and hs-CRP (P < 0.01), and nega-tively correlated with PaO_2/FiO_2 (P < 0.01).Conclusions sE-selectin and IL-8 levels are important indices for the assessment of the severity of pneumonia in tetras of the condition and prognosis. Key words: E-selectin; Interleukin-8; Severe pneumonia

BET 4. DOSE OF DEXAMETHASONE IN CROUP

BET 4. DOSE OF DEXAMETHASONE IN CROUP

An efficacy observation of the discipline mode which was a style of campus atmopher on detoxificatee who was behind detoxication with bad personality

Objective To explore the therapy efficacy of the discipline which was a style of the school atmopher on detoxificatee with bad character, in order to improve their psychology rehabilitation. Methods Sixty detoxificatee were divided randomly into observation group and control croup, both group were managed and educated with the roution manage way, they joined the daily war train, study, train and setting up exercise. Except for that, 30 detoxificatees (observation group) were given the discipline method which was a style of the campus atmopher for 2 months, all subjects were estimated by 16PF and SCL - 90. Results Decreases of all the scales score in the study group were obviously more than those of control group ( P < 0. O1 ) . Conclusion The discipline which was a style of the campus atmopher could improve the bad character of detoxificatee, raise their psyology health level. Key words: Detoxificatee; Campus atmopher; Discipline; Personality; Rehabilitation

Evaluation of a pediatric emergency observation unit:an analysis of 5471 observation pediatric patients

Objective To evaluatethefunctions of an emergency pediatric observation unit(OU).Method The OU located in the Second Affdiated Hospital ＆Yuying Children'Hospital of Wenzhou Medical CoHege.a pediatric tertiary care teaching hospital.The records of all patients admitted to OU and the discharge diagnoses of all patients ofinpatient unit(IU)from January to December 2006 were retrospectively analyzed.[)d(Is ratios(OR) witll 95%C1 was used to show the advantages ofOU in SOme pedian4c diSOrders.Results There were45 beds in the OU,and 348 beds in tlle IU.111e number ofthe patients in OU per year WaS 42.5%compared to IU f5471 Vs.12 881).The average number of patients in OU per bed in one year WaS 122.which was 3 times as much as the average number of patients in IU admission per bed(122 vs.37).Totally 3879(70.9%)patients in OU were discharged and 1592(29.1%)were transferred.For the olmervation patie.ts,the IIIeaIl age Was 7 years old.with 65.6%under or equal to 2 years old.The 111ean le,ch of stay(IDS)in OU was95.7 hours.Respiratory disorders(2204/5471,40.3%)and gastrointestinal problems(960/5471,17.5%)were the most common disease in OU.Of the total admission(IU and ou),diagnoses with high OU utilization were croup(73/75,97.3%),poiflonin(277/,97.2%),flsthma(128/133,96.2%),fleiZl.1lwith high fever(274/365,75.1%),enteritis/dehydration(618/726,85.1%),seizure with 110 fever(274/365,75.1%)and acute respiratory infection(486/624.77.9%).The likelihood of an OU admifor these illness vells IU addlission(adjusted for subsequent need for IU admission)was poisonings OR 43.21(26.1,71.6),P<0.001;croup 15.7(8.3,29.7),P<0.001:asthma 0R 10.5(7.0,15.8),P<0.001;seizure with high fever OR 8.5(6.5,11.1),P<0.001;seizure with no fever2.6(2.2,3.1),P<0.001;acute respiratory infection 0R 1.0(0.9,1.1),P=O.591;enteritis/dehydration 1.0(0.9 1.1),P=0.919.Conclusions The emergency OU,characterized by large ac.commodation,fast circulation and high utilization rate of bed,plays an important role in observation,treatment and hospital admission of children,esoeeially infants and young children for common pediatric diseases.The emergency observation unit is also an alternative disposition for certain pediatric diseases.The extending construefion of OU in a childrenS hospital with big population of out-/in-patients is an effective way to the hospital resources. Key words: Pediatric emergency OU; Function evaluation; Retrospective cohort review; Sepectnan ofdisease

CHARACTERIZATION OF A GOAT POPULATION FROM TRANSYLVANIAN AREA, VIEW BY MAIN TRAITS OF BODY CONFORMATION

For Romanian farmers goats breeding can represent a chance in challenge with European Union farmers. This chance exists because goat milk is not subject to quota and in Romania there are l arge regions that are adequate to this activity. The importance of goats breeding and exploitation i n world and in our country is justifying by quality of exception of goat milk, which is recommended peculiarly for children, old aged and ill persons aliment ation. The other important product obtained from goats, the me at, is appreciated for his dietetic qualities. Body conformation presents practical importance, be cause it expresses the productive potential of goat s. Goat barrel must be long with withers height betwee n 60 - 80 cm and superior line of back lightly incr easing from withers to croup. In view to obtaining a better goat milk and meat pr oduction it could action through directional select ion, setting up of lines and crossbred with superior pro ductive potential. In conditions where caw milk production is conditio ned by more and more factors imposed by European Union, goat breeding could be a viable alternative in that it means to assure an important part of mil k and dairy products for population. Biologic material taken in study is characterized b y mean values, for the main conformation traits, wh ich are framed in a large measure between values limits presented in specialty literature: body weight 48 - 50 kg; withers height 59 - 62 cm; croup height 62 - 63 cm; body (barrel) length 68 - 72 cm; thorax (chest) pe rimeter 86 - 94 cm; thorax depth 31 - 32 cm; croup width 16 - 17 cm; chest width 19 - 20 cm; shinbone perimeter 9 - 10 cm. At the age of four, five months, Carpathian x Saane n crossbreds are realizing for most of conformation traits above 75 % from adult development of Carpathian breed.

Epinephrine inhalers in emergency sets of patients with anaphylaxis

Emergency sets are prescribed to allow patients with anaphylaxis to treat themselves before professional aid arrives. The need for epinephrine in this setting is well-accepted, but how it should be administered is still controversial. Epinephrine preparations can be administered orally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly or as aerosols. Primatene Mist is one epinephrine inhaler, which is approved for asthma treatment in the USA, and InfectoKrupp Inhal is another one approved to support the treatment of acute laryngo-tracheitis and of allergic reactions with a nebulizer. Both are possible components of the emergency set for patients with anaphylaxis. The following review article summarizes data currently available on the use of epinephrine preparations in first-aid treatment of anaphylaxis. Studies have shown that the plasma concentrations needed for hemodynamic stabilization cannot be reached with epinephrine inhalers. Since most cases of hypotension in anaphylaxis cannot be effectively treated with epinephrine inhalers, the prescriber should be aware of this before including them in an emergency pack.

SPONTANEOUS SKIN TUMORS IN DOGS AND CATS, SQUAMOUS CARCINOMA

Cutaneous cancers in pets have a constant development every year. In this investigation we purposed a study of canine skin tumors, detailing squamous carcinoma, and their correlations with breed, sex, age, and localization. In the same time was appreciated malignancy, based on microscopically images, especially nuclear aspect, cell homogeneity grade, the presence and grade of keratinisation, atypical mitosis, and cell polymorphism. In a period of 10 years had been diagnosed 597 animals with different tumor types, from these 202 being cutaneous neoformations; in carnivores were diagnosed 178 cases (88,3%) with cutaneous tumors. Squamous carcinoma had been diagnosed in 12 carnivores, respectivelly in dog 11 cases and 1 case in cat. The breeds diagnosed with squamous carcinomas were: Schnauzer (3 cases), stray dogs (2 cases), and one case for the folowing breeds: Rotweiler, Spaniel Cocker, German Brack, Doberman, and Fox Terrier. The localisation of squamous carcinoma was: legs – 4 cases, head region – 3 cases, and in cervical, scapula, dorsal and croup regions – 1 case for each region. Utilizing histological criteria for malignancy degree appreciation were established the following: squamous carcinoma with accentuated polymorph cells and increased number of mitosis (4 cases); squamous carcinomas with intense keratinisation (3 cases); squamous carcinomas with a reduced keratinisation (4 cases).

The clinical comprehensive intervention effect on detoxificatee with mood barrier

Objeollve To explore the clinical intervention measure on detoxificatee with negative emotions,supplying the basis for clinical management and education work and psychotherapy rehabilitation on detoxificatee.Methods Sixty detoxificatee were divided randomly into behavior modification and psycbotherapy interventions group arid control croup,both group were manned and educated with the roufion manage way,they joined the daily war train,study,train and setting up exercise.Except for that,30 detoxificatees(study group)were treated by the comprehensive nurse intervention for 2 months All subjects were estimated by SDS,SAS,and SCL-90.Results Decreases of all the scales score in the study group were obviously more than those of control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The behavior modificstion and psychotherapy interventions could improve the negative emotions with detoxificatee,promote their psychotherapy rehabilitation.It had certain clinical appllcation value. Key words: Detoxificatee; Negative emotions; Intervention; Rehabilitation

Croup

Croup

A Range of Problems Can Mimic Croup

A Range of Problems Can Mimic Croup

Extubation in Patients with Acute Stenotic Laryngotracheitis and Ways of its Solution

Three different extubation procedures were compared in 31 patients with acute stenotic laryngotracheitis. The influence of each method on extubation components, such as inflammation, stress, allergy, by eosinophilic changes and glycemia and cortisol levels, was evaluated. The proposed extubation procedure was found to have an advantage over traditional ones.

Study on the main body conformation traits of a Carpathian goat population.

The analyzed goat population can be included in the category of goats with a poor constitution, typical to dairy goats. The appearance is specific to that of an unimproved population: The girth is average, the midriff is moderately developed, the body is long, the breast is tight, the back is steep and the croup is narrow. A program of improving the goat populations in Romania is necessary. The improvement will be achieved by means of selection and interbreeding, with the purpose of increasing the productive parameters of goats. The stimulation of goat breeding in our country implies the introduction of new technologies in the reproduction process, the improvement of nutritional, maintenance and care conditions, the fitting out of farms with specific equipments for raising and exploiting goats, especially focused on feeding stuffs, water supplies and milking process.

Cough in specific populations (paediatric patients, elderly patients and patients with underlying disease)

Cough in specific populations (paediatric patients, elderly patients and patients with underlying disease)

Humidity of No Value for Croup

Unproven putative advantages of humidity for croup include decreasing the viscosity of secretions and facilitating airflow. To determine whether

Nebulized Steroids Add No Benefit to Oral Steroids for Croup

Both systemic and nebulized corticosteroids have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe croup in outpatients and

A Novel Virus for Croup

A Novel Virus for Croup