The close phylogenetic relationship between humans and non-human primates makes non-human primates an irreplaceable model for the study of human infectious diseases.In this study,we describe the development of a large-scale automatic multi-functional isolation chamber for use with medium-sized laboratory animals carrying infectious diseases.The isolation chamber,including the transfer chain,disinfection chain,negative air pressure isolation system,animal welfare system,and the automated system,is designed to meet all biological safety standards.To create an internal chamber environment that is completely isolated from the exterior,variable frequency drive blowers are used in the air-intake and air-exhaust system,precisely controlling the filtered air flow and providing an air-barrier protection.A double door transfer port is used to transfer material between the interior of the isolation chamber and the outside.A peracetic acid sterilizer and its associated pipeline allow for complete disinfection of the isolation chamber.All of the isolation chamber parameters can be automatically controlled by a programmable computerized menu,allowing for work with different animals in different-sized cages depending on the research project.The large-scale multi-functional isolation chamber provides a useful and safe system for working with infectious medium-sized laboratory animals in high-level bio-safety laboratories.
Xin PAN Jian-cheng QI Ming LONG Hao LIANG Xiao CHEN Han LI Guang-bo LI Hao ZHENG
The anesthetic laryngoscope is one of the most popular medical tools for obtaining a clear view of the larynx and facilitates tracheal intubation. The number of anesthetic laryngoscope patents, coming mainly from the anesthesiologists, has rapidly increased. Each product has a specialized use for particular patients. However, it is unclear to what extent anesthetic laryngoscopy gained acceptance in operating theaters. By retrieving patent data for more than 90 countries from the Online Retrieval of Bibliographic Information Time-share(ORBIT) system, we reviewed the anesthetic laryngoscope patent literature published before July 6, 2015, and manually analyzed patent status, general development trends, areas of competition, technology patentees, and technology classifications. The study showed that the number of anesthetic laryngoscope patent applications has stayed at a high level in the last decade. Most patent activity was carried out in the USA, with China and a number of European countries trailing behind. In addition, the patent analysis provided an opportunity to understand the trends in the development of anesthetic laryngoscope technology, to identify shortcomings in clinical use of anesthetic laryngoscopes, to assist medical manufacturing specialists in improving the design and products, and to suggest to anesthesiologists modifications of the clinical signs of difficult tracheal intubation based on the new commercial anesthetic laryngoscopes applied in the front-line.