ObjectiveTo explore an individualized treatment program to prevent the initial bleeding of a patient with cirrhosis and esophageal varices by the methods of evidence-based medicine. MethodsOne patient with cirrhosis and esophageal varices was admitted into our hospital on November 2, 2013. After evaluating the patient's condition adequately, we proposed the problem according to the PICOS principles. Then, we assessed the clinical evidence from the Cochrane Library (1990-2012), Medline (1950-2012), Embase (1991-2012), VIP (1989-2013), and CBM (1990-2013). The individualized treatment plan was made through doctors' experiences and analysis of those high-quality evidences from the databases. ResultsEight studies (randomized controlled trials and 5 meta-analysis) were included. We evaluated a series of associated problems:whether we should take measurement to prevent initial bleeding of esophageal varices; which one (β-blockers or ligation of esophageal varices) was the best method to prevent the initial bleeding based on efficacy, complication and cost-effectiveness. Then, according to the evidences and the patient's view, we gave non-selectiveβ-blocker as the primary prevention. After one-year followed-up, the initial bleeding of the patient did not occur. ConclusionMaking the prevention plan for a patient with cirrhosis and esophageal varices can not only find out the individualized program, but also push the patient to make decision for their own health.
ObjectiveTo discuss the imaging manifestations of ulnar impaction syndrome, and to evaluate the diagnostic value of MR imaging. MethodsThe clinical data of 18 patients with clinical standard-proved ulnar impaction syndrome between January 2010 and June 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. ResultsSeventeen cases were diagnosed as ulna positive variation (94.6%), and the range of ulnar variance was 1.5 to 3.8 mm and the average ulnar variance was 2.6 mm. Neutral variance was found in one case. Fourteen cases had avascular necrosis or bone sclerosis of semilunar bone, and avascular necrosis or bone sclerosis of the triquetrum and ulnar was presented in 12 cases and 3 cases respectively on X-ray detection. CT scan showed that 16 cases of semilunar bone abnormalities (6 with ischemic necrosis), triquetrum osteonecrosis in 4 cases, and both necrosis of semilunar bone and triquetrum in 3 cases. On MRI, all cases had different degrees of damage, degeneration of semilunar bone, triquetrum, ulnar and triangular fibocartilage complex (ulnar side of the proximal end of the lunate in 18, radial side of the triquetrum in 17, distal joint surface of ulnar in 12, and triangular fibocartilage complex in 15). In the early stage, lesions were presented as edema of bone marrow and followed as different sizes of cystic change. Articular surface was collapsed later. ConclusionUlnar positive variance has important reference value in the diagnosis of ulnar impaction syndrome. MRI can show the early change of ulnar impaction syndrome, and provide reliable decision basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
ObjectiveTo establish the system of isolation, cultivation, and identification of the neural stem cells (NSCs) from subventricular zone (SVZ) of neonatal mice so as to seek for the appropriate seed cells for potential therapeutic interventions of neurological disorders. MethodsNSCs were isolated enzymatically and mechanically from SVZ of neonatal mice and cultured. The cellular morphology was observed by inverted microscopy. Immunocytochemical stainings of anti-Nestin and anti-SOX-2 were used to identify NSCs of passage 3. To study the differentiation of NSCs, NSCs were plated into 24-wells in the medium supplemented without epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) for 3 or 7 days. To compare the differentiation and proliferation potential of NSCs with different cultivation time, the BrdU pulse-labeling method and MTT test were used. To identify neurons and astrocytes, the anti-β-tubulin Ⅲ (Tuj-1) and anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining were used. ResultsThe cells of the SVZ can be isolated and cultured in vitro, and these cells began to form neurospheres after cultured for 3 days at primary passage. While cultured for 7 days, these cells formed more neurospheres, and the volume of the neurospheres became bigger than neurospheres cultured for 3 days. In addition, after cultured for 7 days, the phenomena of fusion of neurospheres and adherent differentiation of neurospheres were observed under inverted microscope. These cells were provided with the typical phenotype of NSCs. The immunofluorescence staining results revealed that these cells showed positive immunoreactivity to Nestin and SOX-2. During the 4 hours BrdU pulse, the number of proliferated NSCs cultured for 3 days (75.817±2.961) was significantly higher than that of NSCs cultured for 7 days (56.600±4.881) (t=3.366, P=0.028). The results of MTT assay revealed that the absorbance (A) value of NSCs cultured for 3 days (0.478±0.025) was significantly higher than that of NSCs which were cultured for 7 days (0.366±0.032)(t=2.752, P=0.011). After cultivated without EGF and bFGF, the percentage of Tuj-1 and GFAP positive cells in NSCs was 23.1%±3.7% and 23.7%±3.8% for 3 days and was 40.1%±3.6% and 37.1%±4.5% for 7 days, respectively, all showing significant differences (t=3.285, P=0.030; t=3.930, P=0.017). ConclusionThe NSCs from SVZ of neonatal mice have potentials of self-renewal and multipotential differentiation in vitro. With different cultivation time, the potentials of proliferation and differentiation of NSCs are different.
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and safety of the axial load mechanical testing for removing external fixator. MethodsBetween January 2014 and August 2015, 27 patients with tibia and fibula fractures caused by trauma underwent an external fixation. Of 27 patients, 21 were male and 6 were female with the average age of 45 years (range, 19-63 years), including 7 cases of closed fracture and 20 cases of open fracture. X-ray film results showed spiral unstable fracture in 4 cases and comminuted unstable fracture in 23 cases. All patients underwent an external fixation. Bone nonunion occurred in 3 cases because of infection, and bone nonunion combined with bone defect occurred in 1 case, who received tibial osteotomy lengthening surgery. When X-ray film showed continuity high density callus formation at fracture site, axial load mechanical test was performed. If the axial load ratio of external fixator was less than 10%, the external fixator was removed. ResultsAt 21-85 weeks after external fixation (mean, 44 weeks), axial load mechanical test was performed. The results showed that the axial load ratio of external fixation was less than 10% in 26 cases, and the external fixator was removed; at 6 weeks after removal of external fixator, the patients could endure full load and return to work, without re-fracture. The axial load ratio was 14% in 1 case at 85 weeks, and the X-ray film result showed that fracture did not completely heal with angular deformity; re-fracture occurred after removing external fixator, and intramedullary fixation was used. ConclusionExternal fixator axial load mechanical testing may objectively reveal and quantitatively evaluate fracture healing, so it is safe and reliable to use for guiding the external fixator removal.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of covered Cheatham-platinum (CP) stent for treatment of coarctation of aorta (CoA). MethodsBetween January 2007 and September 2013, 15 patients (16 lesions) with CoA underwent covered CP stent implantation, and the clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Of 15 cases, 8 were male and 7 were female, aged 13-56 years (mean, 27.7 years). Fifteen lesions located beyond the origin of the left subdavian artery, and 1 lesion located between the origin of the left common carotid artery and the origin of the left subdavian artery. Proper covered CP stent and balloon-in-balloon (BIB) catheter were selected according to the data of computed tomography angiography or digital subtraction angiography examination. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the covered CP stent was placed at lesion accurately by expanding the inner balloon and the outer balloon sequentially. The variation of the systolic pressure gradient across the lesion and the stenosis extent of the aorta before and after the procedure were recorded. ResultsFifteen patients were all treated by covered CP stent implantation successfully. The systolic pressure gradient across the lesion decreased from (58.1±19.5) mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) at preoperation to (6.2±5.6) mm Hg at immediate after CP stent implantation, and the stenosis extent of the aorta decreased from 73.8%±12.8% at preoperation to 16.7%±5.6% at immediate after CP stent implantation, all showing significant difference (t=12.483, P=0.000; t=15.631, P=0.000). All puncture points healed well with no aortic dissection, pseudoaneurysm, or obvious subcutaneous hematoma. All the patients could walk moderately within 48 hours after procedure. The average hospitalization time was 11.1 days (range, 6-18 days). During a mean follow-up of 29.7 months (range, 1-81 months), the symptom of dizziness and exercise tolerance were improved obviously, and the systolic pressures gradient between upper and lower extremity was below 20 mm Hg. The systolic and diastolic pressures at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (t=7.725, P=0.000; t=3.651, P=0.000). According to radiography, the location and shape of the stent were good, and no aortic dissection, aneurysm, or recoarctation occurred. ConclusionAccording to the initial and midterm results, the covered CP stent is an effective treatment for CoA in adolescents and adults with a low rate of complication. However, long-term results still require further follow-up.
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility of chitosan/allogeneic bone powder composite porous scaffold as scaffold material of bone tissue engineering in repairing bone defect. MethodsThe composite porous scaffolds were prepared with chitosan and decalcified allogeneic bone powder at a ratio of 1∶5 by vacuum freeze-drying technique. Chitosan scaffold served as control. Ethanol alternative method was used to measure its porosity, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to measure pore size. The hole of 3.5 mm in diameter was made on the bilateral femoral condyles of 40 adult Sprague Dawley rats. The composite porous scaffolds and chitosan scaffolds were implanted into the hole of the left femoral condyle (experimental group) and the hole of the right femoral condyle (control group), respectively. At 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation, the tissues were harvested for gross observation, histological observation, and immunohistochemical staining. ResultsThe composite porous scaffold prepared by vacuum freeze-drying technique had yellowish color, and brittle and easily broken texture; pore size was mostly 200-300μm; and the porosity was 76.8%±1.1%, showing no significant difference when compared with the porosity of pure chitosan scaffold (78.4%±1.4%) (t=-2.10, P=0.09). The gross observation and histological observation showed that the defect area was filled with new bone with time, and new bone of the experimental group was significantly more than that of the control group. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation, the bone forming area of the experimental group was significantly larger than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The immunohistochemical staining results showed that osteoprotegerin (OPG) positive expression was found in the experimental group at different time points, and the positive expression level was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). ConclusionChitosan/allogeneic bone powder composite porous scaffold has suitable porosity and good osteogenic activity, so it is a good material for repairing bone defect, and its bone forming volume and bone formation rate are better than those of pure chitosan scaffold.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the metastasis feature and the dissecting value of cervicothoracic lymph node for middle esophageal squamous carcinoma. MethodsA total of 303 patients admitted to the Rugao Boai Hospital(107 patients) and the Rugao People's Hospital (196 patients) received the stapled cervical esophagogastrostomy via different thoracic approach according to the admission order number between March 2005 and February 2013. There were 290 patients with Ro resections including 149 patients by Ivor-Lewis approach (an Ivor-Lewis group) and 141 patients by Sweet approach (a Sweet group). The data of lymph nodal dissection and PTNM stage and follow-up of the two groups were analyzed. ResultsThe number of positive lymph nodes dissected from the cervicothoracic junction in the IvorLewis group was significantly greater than that in own upper abdomen (Z=3.12, P<0.05) and that in the cervicothoracic junctionin in the Sweet group (Z=3.30, P<0.05). The lymph node metastasis rate of the cervicothoracic junction in the Ivor-Lewis group was significantly higher than that in own upper abdomen(χ2=10.76, P<0.05)and that in the cervicothoracic junction in the Sweet group (χ2=7.34, P<0.05). The lymph node ratio (LNR) of the cervicothoracic junction in the Ivor-Lewis group was significantly higher than that in own upper abdomen (χ2=11.67, P<0.05) and that in the cervicothoracic junction in the Sweet group (χ2=5.99, P<0.05). The proportion of patients which PTNM were Ⅲa or Ⅲb as N＞N1 in the Ivor-Lewis group was significantly higher than that in the Sweet group(χ2=5.59, P<0.05). After surgery of 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, the rate of lymph node local recurrence and the total rate of tumor metastasis or recurrence in the Ivor-Lewis group were significantly lower than in the Sweet group (P<0.05). The survival rate in the Ivor-Lewis group was significantly greater than that in the Sweet group (P<0.05). ConclusionThe cervicothoracic junction has a higher incidence of lymphatic metastasis, which transfer intensity is greater than that of upper abdomen. The extended cervicothoracic lymph node dissection should be indeed indispensible to increase of radical resection and the accuracy of PTNM stage and to improve the long term survival for middle esophageal carcinoma.
Objective To determine if laparoscopic assisted Ivor-Lewis cervical stapled esophagogastrostomy via a minor subaxillary incising enables better perioperative and medium-term outcome than Ivor-Lewis cervical stapled esophagogastrostomy via thorax for middle esophageal carcinoma without intumescent lymphnode of neck. Methods The perioperative and medium-term outcome of a series of 55 patients underwent Ivor-Lewis cervical stapled esophagogas-trostomy via thorax between April 2010 and December 2012 were as a historic cohort (group A, 36 males, 19 females at age of 65±8 years). And 46 patients underwent laparoscopic assisted Ivor-Lewis cervical stapled esophagogastrostomy via a minor subaxillary incising between January 2013 and March 2015 were as a prospective cohort (group B, 31males, 15 females at age of 66±7 years). Perioperative indexes, lymphadenectomy, and result at end of one year following up were compared. Results Compared with group A, there was shorter thoracic operation time (t=5.94, P < 0.05), shorter time of restored anus exhaust (t=2.08, P < 0.05), less pulmonary complication (χ2=3.08, P < 0.05) and less total perioperative complications (χ2=4.30, P < 0.05), shorter postoperative hospital stay (t=3.20, P < 0.05) in the group B. While no statistically significant difference was found between the two group in postoperative morbidity of circulation or digestive and associated with surgical techniques (all P>0.05), lymph node metastasis rate of cervico-thoracic (include cervical paraesophageal) or mediastinum or abdominal cavity (χ2=0.03, 0.15, 0.08, all P>0.05), lymph node ratio (LNR) of cervical thoracic (include cervical paraesophageal) or mediastinum or abdominal cavity (χ2=0.01,0.71, 0.01, all P>0.05), recurrence rate of tumour (χ2=0.04, P>0.05), or survival rate (χ2=0.13, P>0.05) one year after the surgery. Conclusion Laparoscopic assisted Ivor-Lewis cervical stapled esophagogastrostomy via a minor subaxillary incising is a more rational surgery of cervicothoracic and cervical paraesophageal lymph nodes dissection via intrathoracic instead of cervical approach for middle esophageal carcinoma.
ObjectiveTo retrospectively compare and analyze the effect of myocardial protection between histidinetryptophane-ketoglutarate (HTK) and 4:1 blood cardioplegia in patients with complex coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction. MethodsFrom January 2003 to July 2013, 2132 patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in our institution. Among them, 227 patients with complex coronary artery disease (left main or triple vessel disease) and left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤ 50%) were included in this study. According to the category of cardioplegia utilized in the operations, the patients were divided into two groups: a HTK group (85 males and 4 females, n=89) and a blood cardioplegia group (113 males and 25 females, n=138). The average age was 62.78±9.30 years in the HTK group and 62.74±9.07 years in the blood cardioplegia group. The effect of myocardial protection between two groups was compared. ResultsAccording to the pre-operational data of these two groups, there was no significant difference identified in terms of basic characteristics and risk factors, even though more female patients were found in the blood cardiophegia group and more patients with renal dysfunction were found in the HTK group. In addition, the patients in the HTK group had more distal anastomosis, longer cardiopulmonary time and cross clamping time than those in the blood cardiophegia group. Based on the results measured by those primary assessment criteria,there was no significant difference being found between these two groups. However, on those secondary assessment criteria the pulmonary pressure and inotropic support after reperfusion were significantly higher in the HTK group than its counterpart. ConclusionFor patients with complex coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction, HTK solution and blood cardioplegia provide similar effective myocardial protection. HTK doesn't significantly increase postoperative adverse cardiovascular events under the circumstance of longer ischemic time.