【Abstract】Objective To investigate whether liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) causes dissemination of liver tumor cells into blood circulation. Methods Fourteen patients with HCC, but without evidences of metastasis, were enrolled for the study. Blood samples of peripheral blood before skin incision and after abdominal wall suture, and of hepatic venous blood and portal venous blood after liver parenchyma dissection, were obtained. AFPmRNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays, the change of the level of its expression during operation was assessed by semi-quantitative analysis. Results The rate of its expression before and after operation in peripheral blood, and during operation in portal venous blood and in hepatic venous was 42.9%, 35.7%, 42.9% and 57.1% respectively. There were no differences between them. However, the level of its expression in hepatic venous blood was significantly higher than others (P＜0.05). Conclusion Liver resection for HCC induces releases of cells from the liver, probably including tumor cells, into blood circulation.
Objective To explore the methods used for developing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for acupuncture. Methods Based on the characteristics of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine,and principles of evidence-based medicine, this article introduces and summarizes the processes and methods for developing an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for acupuncture. We analyzed similarities and differences between clinical practice guidelines for acupuncture and for other interventions. We used an evidence-based clinical practice guideline of acupuncture for depression as an example to illustrate the methods of literature search, grading of evidence and recommendations, evidence evaluation and consensus formation. Results Preliminary recommendations on the methods for developing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for acupuncture were made. Conclusion Based on the optimized rational methodology for developing clinical guidelines, evidence-based high-quality clinical practice guidelines for acupuncture could be established.
Objective To explore the mechanism of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on renal damage with normal diet and high-fat diet. Methods Twenty-four healthy male Wistar rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=6 in each group), namely group A (normoxia and common diet), group B (normoxia and high fat diet), Group C (CIH and common diet), and group D (CIH and high fat diet). The serum cystatin C (Cys-C) was measured and the renal CHOP protein was detected by immunohistochemistry. The ultrastructural changes of glomeruli and renal tubules were observed under electron microscope. Results The levels of Cys-C in group B, group C and group D were significantly higher than those in group A (P<0.05). The mean density of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) marker protein CHOP in group B, group C and group D was significantly higher than that in group A (P<0.05). Electron microscope revealed focal nuclear pyknosis in the partly renal tubular epithelial cells, sparse and scattered brush border in group B and group C, also revealed nuclear pyknosis in a large number of tubular epithelial cells, sparse and scattered brush border in group D. Conclusion CIH can activate the ERS mediated renal tubular epithelial apoptosis, thus induce ultrastructure changes and damage of kidney.
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression and significance of CD73 in rats with intermittent hypoxia and high fat diet.MethodsThe rat model of chronic intermittent hypoxia combined with high fat diet was established. Twenty-four healthy male Wistar rats in the SPF level were randomly divided into 4 group, with 6 rats in each group, namely group A (normoxia and normal diet), group B (normoxia and high fat diet), group C (intermittent hypoxia and normal diet)and group D (intermittent hypoxia and high-fat diet). After 6 weeks of experiment, the serum lipid levels, myocardial morphological changes under microscope, the expression level of CD73 protein detected byimmunohistochemistry and Western blot in myocardial cells in rats were compared among these groups.ResultsThe serum lipid levels were significantly different among these groups (P<0.05). HE results showed that the myocardial cells of group A had no obvious abnormalities; disorganized visible myocardial fibers with focal necrosis in groups B and C; myocardial cell injury was most obvious in group D, in which visible muscle fibers arranged in disorder, and grain was not clear, part of the muscle fibers were dissolved predominantly. Compared with group A, CD73 protein expression levels in myocardial cells in groups B, C, and D were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Furthermore, CD73 protein expression level in myocardial cells in group D was significantly higher than those in groups B and C (P<0.01). Western blot showed consistent results as immunohistochemistry: compared with group A, CD73 protein expression levels in groups B, C, and D were significantly elevated (P<0.05), and CD73 protein expression level in myocardial cells in group D was significantly higher than those in groups B and C (P<0.01).ConclusionChronic intermittent hypoxia and high fat diet can cause myocardial cell damage and upregulate CD73 expression in the cardiomyocytes.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of transapical mitral valve repair with moderate-to-severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) by using LifeClip system. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 7 symptomatic patients with moderate-to-severe or severe MR who received transapical mitral valve repair by using the LifeClip system in our hospital from July to November 2021. There were 5 males and 2 females with an average age of 76.0±7.5 years. ResultsThere were 2 patients with degenerative MR and 5 patients with functional MR. All of the procedures were successful and 6 patients received 1 LifeClip while the other one patient received 2. The operation time was 135.7±46.9 min, the mechanical ventilation time was 12 (3, 14) h, and the hospital stay time was 18.1±4.1 d. No serious complications or death occurred during the perioperative or follow-up period. MR reduction by ≥2 grades was achieved in all the patients at the one-month follow-up. The classification of cardiac function was improved in varying degrees. Conclusion Transapical mitral valve repair using the LifeClip system shows good safety and efficacy for severe MR patients, and MR degree is significantly improved at early follow-up. However, the benefit of LifeClip should be validated in a larger sample size of Chinese population and through long-term follow-up.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the risk prediction models for the occurrence of low anterior resection syndrome in patients with rectal cancer after surgery. MethodsThe PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINHAL, CNKI, CBM, WanFang Data and VIP databases were electronically searched to collect studies related to the objectives from inception to June 13, 2023. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data using the critical appraisal and data extraction for systematic reviews of prediction modelling studies (CHARMS) checklist, and assessed quality of the included studies using prediction model risk of bias assessment tool (PROBAST). ResultsA total of 14 studies were included, all studies reported model discrimination, and 10 studies reported calibration. The models were internally validated in 8 studies, externally validated in 5 studies. The most common predictors included in the models were tumour distance from the anal verge, neoadjuvant therapy, anastomotic leak and BMI. Only 5 studies had good overall applicability, and all studies had a high risk of bias, with the risk of bias mainly stemming from the field of participants, outcomes and analysis. ConclusionThere are still many shortcomings in the risk prediction models for the occurrence of low anterior resection syndrome in patients with rectal cancer after surgery. Future studies may consider external validation and recalibration of existing models. New prediction models should be built and validated according to methodological guidelines.
Objective To discover the similarities and differences between CBM and MEDLINE databases in the field of post-earthquake health issue research characteristics in order to provide references and aids to the scientific research administration, professional education and training, research subjects selection and project finance support. Methods CBM and MEDLINE databases (from January 1987 to December 2009) were systematically searched to obtain literature about post-earthquake health issues. Those studies were classified and compared by the characteristics of research objects, health issues, research periods, and types of study design. Results A total of 701 literature from CBM and 387 from MEDLINE were included. MEDLINE database provided more studies focusing on victims of natural calamities with specific age description than CBM (Plt;0.05). Research peak of CBM database centralized in the period of three months after earthquake (n=645, 92%), while MEDLINE was three years after the earthquake (n=191, 87.2%). Studies from both databases similarly focused on physical trauma and psychiatric/psychological issues (two types of health issues in total: CBM: n=727, 86.1%; MEDLINE: n=358, 83.4%). Investigations from CBM were primarily designed for retrospective and descriptive research (n=439, 62.6%), cross-sectional investigations (n=146, 20.8%) and case report (n=86, 12.3%) while MEDLINE focalized on cross-sectional investigations (n=177, 45.7%) and retrospective and descriptive research (n=146, 37.7%). Conclusion Compared to MEDLINE, studies from CBM database are relatively weak in the post-earthquake health issues of population with specific age characters, long-term health issues, levels of evidence and types of research design. The possible reasons are insufficient attention to the post-earthquake health issues, inadequate preparation for the research or limited knowledge about research methods.
ObjectiveTo understand the distribution characteristics and nosocomial infection of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in a general hospital of traditional Chinese medicine, so as to provide the evidence for control and management of multidrug-resistant bacteria.MethodsData of CRE in the first Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were analyzed retrospectively from 2014 to 2018.ResultsThe total detection rate of CRE was 10.76%, 5.58%, 15.42%, 12.94% and 16.18% from 2014 to 2018, respectively. The detection rate of CRE showed a gradual upward trend (χ2=29.940, P<0.001). The highest number of CRE isolated from clinical specimens was sputum (355 strains, 63.39%), and the next were urine (98 strains, 17.50%) and secretions (38 strains, 6.79%). CRE isolated from different clinical departments were mainly in Neurosurgery Department (172 stains, 30.71%), Intensive Care Unit (Internal Medicine) (145 strains, 25.89%), Intensive Care Unit (Surgery)(106 strains,18.93%), and other internal medical departments (83 strains, 14.82%). A total of 179 patients developed CRE nosocomial infection in the past 5 years, who were mainly male, and with advanced age, long hospital stay, basic diseases, abnormal immune function and invasive operation. The incidence of hospital infection with CRE from 2014 to 2018 were 0.31‰, 0.38‰, 0.89‰, 0.80‰ and 1.14‰, respectively, which also showed a gradual upward trend (χ2=25.111, P<0.001).ConclusionWith the increasing number of clinically isolated CRE strains and the increasing incidence of nosocomial infection of CRE, effective intervention measures should be taken to prevent and control CRE.
ObjectiveTo analyze the feasibility of using triangular-sail technique that allows intermittent two-lung ventilation during minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG).MethodsThe clinical data of 207 patients with MICS CABG in our cardiac center from January 2019 to November 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into two groups. A group OLV included 111 patients who underwent one-lung ventilation during surgery, while a group TLV included 96 patients who underwent intermittent two-lung ventilation. The triangular-sail technique was used in the group TLV. This simple technique isolated the operative field from lung lobes with the traction of pericardial adipose tissue. The preoperative data and perioperative clinical data of the two groups were compared and analyzed.ResultsThere was no statistical difference in basic preoperative data between the two groups. The operation time in the OLV group was shorter than that in the TLV group (296.7±57.3 min vs. 334.1±87.0 min, P=0.000), and the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation and ICU stay were not statistically different between the two groups. There was also no statistical difference in the incidence of pneumothorax or atelectasis between the two groups.ConclusionThe triangular-sail technique is simple and easy to implement. The technique allows intermittent two-lung ventilation during MICS CABG procedure.
Objective To explore the risk factors of nosocomial pulmonary infection in acute pesticide poisoning. Methods The clinical data of patients with acute pesticide poisoning hospitalized in the Emergency Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College between January 1, 2021 and September 30, 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into pulmonary infection group and non-pulmonary infection group according to whether they had pulmonary infection during hospital. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of nosocomial pulmonary infection in patients with acute pesticide poisoning, and a risk prediction model (nomogram) was constructed. The predictive efficacy of nomogram and independent predictors in nosocomial pulmonary infection were analyzed by using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Calibration curve and decision curve were used to evaluate the differentiation and clinical application value of the model. Results A total of 189 patients with acute pesticide poisoning were included in the study, with an average age of (58.12±18.45) years old, 98 males (51.85%) and 91 females (48.15%). There were 36 cases (19.05%) of pulmonary infection. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age [odds ratio (OR)=1.030, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.001, 1.060), P=0.040], type 2 diabetes mellitus [OR=2.770, 95%CI (1.038, 7.393), P=0.042], ischemic cerebrovascular disease [OR=3.213, 95%CI (1.101, 9.376), P=0.033], white blood cell count [OR=1.080, 95%CI (1.013, 1.152), P=0.019], activities of daily living score [OR=0.981, 95%CI (0.965, 0.998), P=0.024] were independent predicting factors for nosocomial pulmonary infection in acute pesticide poisoning. The area under the curve of nosocomial pulmonary infection in patients with acute pesticide poisoning predicted by nomogram based on the above factors was 0.813 (P<0.001). The calibration curve showed that the prediction probability was consistent with the actual occurrence probability (P=0.912), and the decision curve showed that the nomogram had good clinical application value. Conclusions Age, activities of daily living score, type 2 diabetes mellitus, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, and white blood cell count are independent predictors of nosocomial pulmonary infection in acute pesticide poisoning. The nomogram constructed based on them has good differentiation and consistency, which can provide basis for early identification and intervention of clinical staff.