Volume 92 · Issue 04 · 1979

A study on receptors of needling sensation from acupuncture points and types of fibers conveying needling sensation with locus Hegu 合谷 as model has yielded the following findings: The receptors of needling sensation of acupuncture points are mainly deep receptors. Although many different receptors may be excited by acupuncture, each type of acupuncture point seems to have its own predominant receptors. For example, receptors of needling sensation of acupuncture points located in thick muscles (especially on the extremities) are predominantly muscle spindles, whereas receptors of needling sensation from acupuncture points on the scalp are nerve endings. Muscle action potential is discharged by intrafusal muscles. The small type III and IV fibers at the acupuncture point convey the impulses of needling sensation. By isolating fine nerve strands, it has been proved that type IV fibers are distributed in muscle spindles.

51 cases of adrenal disease were diagnosed by 131I-19-iodocholesterol adrenal scintiphotography. Of these, 40 were primary aldosteronism and 11 Cushing's syndrome. 32 of the 40 cases of primary aldosteronism were operated upon through incision on the side with higher radioactivity. Adenomas were found in 26, hyperplasia in 5 and normal histology in 1. Retroperitoneal oxygen insufflation performed in 21 cases demonstrated an enlarged adrenal gland in 3. Scintiphotography is of great clinical value in localizing adrenal cortical adenoma in primary aldosteronism and Cushing's syndrome.

131I-6-iodocholesterol, a comparatively new agent first used in this country for adrenal gland imaging, is effective in animal experiments and clinical use. In comparison with 131I-19-iodocholesterol, 131-6-iodocholesterol has the following advantages: Synthesis is simpler and less time-consuming. Its chemical properties are stable and it can be stored at room temperature for several months without decomposing areid deiodinating and is easily transported. The labeling technic is easier, it is more adrenophilic and it images the adrenal gland more clearly than 131I-19-iodocholesterol.

Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cells developed into drug resistant sublines (DR) after treatment with antitumor agents (Vinblastine VBL, actinomycin D - AD, and 5-flurouracil - 5-Fu) for several months, but became sensitive again (RS) when the drugs were stopped for 4 months or more. The cell electrophoretic mobilities of the three DR sublines were significantly different from that of the drug sensitive line (DS). The cell surface charge densities of RS of VBL and 5-Fu were also different from those of the respective DR sublines. However, the charge density of the RS of AD remained the same as that of its DR subline. This phenomenon had previously been seen in the subline of EAT treated with sarcolysine (Ku and Liu, 1965). In a later stage of the development of DR of VBL, tumor cells invaded into adipose tissue along the uterus of tumor bearing mice. Invasion persisted for 40-50 generations when tumor cells were already resistant to VBL, but vanished gradually.

In cases of complete absence of the thumb or severance through the 1st metacarpal associated with partial defects of the fingers, the thumb may be reconstructed by means of transplanting one of the defected fingers according to the conditions of the injury. The thumb thus reconstructed has a suitable length and an acceptable appearance as well as a good sensation and a certain amount of movement. The operative technique of pollicization using the 2nd metacarpal and the stump of the index, middle and ring fingers is discussed in detail in this article with case reports and diagrams of the operative technique.

From November 1973 to October 1975, 53 cases of migraine, one of the commonest neurologic disorders, were treated with Radix Puerariae (RP) 葛根 tablets, a traditional Chinese herb medicine, with an overall effective rate of 83% without side effects. Previous pharmacologic studies have shown that the herb can cause an increase in cerebral blood flow, a decrease in cerebrovascular resistance and relieve hypertensive headaches.

405 cases of female urinary fistula treated surgically with an analysis of the etiology, time of onset, relation to age of primiparity, size, shape and classification are reported. Of these, 338 (83.46%) were cured, 42 (10.37%) improved, and 25 (6.17%) unimproved. Improvements on the preoperative diagnostic procedure, operative technique, postoperative care and factors influencing the success of surgical management are discussed. Suggestions for postoperative anti-infection care and use of traditional Chinese drugs are made.

A case of complete left bundle branch block with second degree atrio-ventricular block of Mobitz type II (bilateral bundle branch block, confirmed by his bundle electrogram, is reported. It eventually progressed to complete atrio-ventricular block and was treated with an implantable demand pacemaker with good result. A series of ECGs with interpretations is presented.

22 patients with cerebral hemorrhage due to hypertension were treated surgically from December 1974 to June 1976. Of the patients in this series, 6 died, the mortality rate being 27.3%. Most of the remaining 16 cases achieved some degree of functional recovery of the paralyzed limbs when they were discharged. Of the 15 patients who were followed up for 2 years, 2 died of pneumonia 3 months after discharge and 1 died of status epilepticus. 12 patients survived over 2 years, 7 of them had sequelae in the form of functional disturbances of the affected limbs and 5 recovered almost completely and were able to do light work. The indications for operation, pre- and postoperative care and factors affecting the operative results are also discussed in detail.