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ABSTRACT To accurately measure sowing depth, we designed a multisensor data fusion algorithm based on the Kalman filter and applied it to a dual-channel ultrasonic sowing depth measurement system. We installed two ultrasonic sensors on the frame above the depth limit wheel and the soil covering-compacting wheel. The terrain-like plate was installed on the central axis of the depth limit wheel to simulate the surface relief and calculate the seeding depth value. The Kalman filter algorithm filters out the clutter generated when the two ultrasonic sensors collect the depth data and then fuses the two ultrasounds of the filtered data. The test shows that when the vehicle speed is 4 km/h , the fluctuation ranges of the collected data of ultrasonic 1 and 2 are 45-60 mm and 35-70 mm , respectively, and the fluctuation ranges of the filtered data are 52-58 mm and 48-60 mm , respectively. After data fusion processing, the data fluctuate in a small range of approximately 55 mm . When the vehicle speed is 6 km/h and 8 km/h, the obtained results have the same trend as the experimental results at 4 km/h . The results show that the sowing depth measurement system is effective.

Abstract Background: Photodynamic therapy with topical aminolevulinic acid (ALA-PDT) has been suggested to be effective in treatment of acne vulgaris. However, adverse events occur during and after treatment. Objectives: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of optical intra-tissue fiber irradiation (OFI) ALA-PDT versus traditional ALA-PDT in treatment of acne vulgaris in rabbit models. Methods: Twenty-five rabbits of clean grade were used. Twenty rabbits were randomly selected to establish acne model and the other five were used as control. Rabbits in model group (40 ears) were further divided into four groups (10 ears/group): I, OFI-ALA-PDT with the head of optical fiber inserted into the target lesion (intra-tissue); II, traditional ALA-PDT group; III, OFI group; IV, blank control group without any treatment. Uncomfortable symptoms, adverse events, and effectiveness rates were recorded on post-treatment day 14, 30, and 45. Results: On post-treatment day 14, the effectiveness rate in OFI-ALA-PDT group was obviously higher than that of the other three groups (P

Abstract Background: Von Zumbusch type of generalized pustular psoriasis is a rare variant of psoriasis in children. It can occur in patients with or without psoriasis vulgaris. Objective: The aim of the study was to discuss the precipitating factors, clinical manifestations, laboratory data and therapy of von Zumbusch type of generalized pustular psoriasis in children from southwestern China and to improve the diagnosis and treatment level. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for inpatients aged 14 years old or less with von Zumbusch type of generalized pustular psoriasis in our department from 2005 to 2014. Results: A total of 26 patients were included, of whom four (15.38%) had previous history of psoriasis vulgaris and one (3.85%) had previous history of psoriasis arthropathica. Mean onset age was 6.90 years. Gender distribution was equivalent. Incidence of the disease in summer and autumn was higher than that in winter and spring. Nineteen (73.08%) cases were triggered by infection, two (7.69%) cases were caused by sudden discontinuation of systemic use of corticosteroid. Twenty-four (92.31%) cases had concomitant fever. The initial lesion manifested as non-follicular sterile pustules on erythema. Sixteen patients responded well to acitretin, 11 to Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF), two to cyclosporine, and one to methotrexate. Study limitations: This study is a retrospective one and the number of cases is small. CONCLUSION: Von Zumbusch type of generalized pustular psoriasis is a rare disease in children, infection is the most common precipitating factor, acitretin is the first-line therapy, traditional Chinese medicine TwHF also can be used.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative analgesia is crucial for early functional excise after total knee arthroplasty. To investigate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound and nerve stimulator guided continuous femoral nerve block analgesia after total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: 46 patients with ASA grade I-III who underwent total knee arthroplasty received postoperative analgesia from October 2012 to January 2013. In 22 patients, ultrasound and nerve stimulator guided continuous femoral nerve block were performed for analgesia (CFNB group); in 24 patients, epidural analgesia was done (PCEA group). The analgesic effects, side effects, articular recovery and complications were compared between two groups. RESULTS: At 6 h and 12 h after surgery, the knee pain score (VAS score) during functional tests after active exercise and after passive excise in CFNB were significantly reduced when compared with PCEA group. The amount of parecoxib used in CFNB patients was significantly reduced when compared with PCEA group. At 48 h after surgery, the muscle strength grade in CFNB group was significantly higher, and the time to ambulatory activity was shorter than those in PCEA group. The incidence of nausea and vomiting in CFNB patients was significantly reduced when compared with PCEA group. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound and nerve stimulator guided continuous femoral nerve block provide better analgesia at 6 h and 12 h, demonstrated by RVAS and PVAS. The amount of parecoxib also reduces, the incidence of nausea and vomiting decreased, the influence on muscle strength is compromised and patients can perform ambulatory activity under this condition.