Robotic-assisted central pancreatectomy: A minimally invasive approach for benign and low-grade lesions

BackgroundCentrally located pancreatic lesions are often treated with extended pancreaticoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy resulting in loss of healthy parenchyma and a high risk of diabetes and exocrine insufficiency. Robotic central pancreatectomy (RCP) is a parenchyma sparring alternative that has been shown safe and feasible [[1], [2]].MethodsIn this article, we describe our operative technique and the perioperative outcomes of a series of RCP for low-grade or benign pancreatic tumors.ResultsSix patients (5 female and 1 man) with a median age of 51.5 (44–68) years underwent a RCP for 2 serous cystadenomas, 2 mucinous cystic tumors, 1 neuroendocrine tumor, and 1 autoimmune pancreatitis. There were no conversions, intraoperative complications, or perioperative transfusions. Median operative time and was 240 (230–291) minutes and median blood loss was 100 (100–400) ml. The median hospital stay was 8 (5–27) days. There were no mortalities, reoperations, or readmissions. One patient developed a grade B pancreatic fistula which was successfully managed conservatively. All resections had free margins and the median tumor size was 2.5 (1.5–3.5) cm. After a mean follow-up of 46 months, no patients presented new-onset diabetes or exocrine insufficiency.ConclusionsRCP represents the least invasive option for both the patient and the pancreatic parenchyma. With a standardized technique, RCP results in low postoperative morbidity and excellent long-term pancreatic function. Although our results are excellent, POPF still represents the main complication of central pancreatectomy with an incidence ranging from 0 to 80% depending on multiple factors such as the surgeon, technique, and pancreatic texture.     

慢性疼痛中枢调控网络的研究现状与思考＊

慢性疼痛是一种复杂的身心疾病，包括躯体痛觉异常、认知障碍、负性情绪等多个方面的改变，同时伴随着神经系统的功能以及结构的改变。本文将对慢性疼痛与下行疼痛调节通路、疼痛情感-认知调控网络以及中脑边缘奖赏网络的相关性，以及针刺镇痛的中枢机制相关研究文献进行综述，旨在探讨下行疼痛调节通路、疼痛情感-认知调控网络以及中脑边缘奖赏网络在慢痛发生机制中的作用，为临床治疗慢性疼痛类疾病提供更优势的治疗方案。     

湘西州7～15岁苗族学生皮褶厚度及体成分分析

目的 了解湘西州7～15岁苗族学生皮褶厚度及体成分发育特点,为增强少数民族学生体质提供参考。方法 2019年10—11月分层整群随机抽取湘西州7～15岁苗族学生1 064名,测量身高、体重和肱三头肌皮褶(TS)、肩胛下皮褶(SS)、腹部皮褶(AS)厚度。根据长岭和Brozek公式估算体成分。结果 随着年龄的增长,苗族学生皮褶均逐渐增厚,男生13岁、女生12岁后增幅明显;各年龄组女生TS、SS与AS均厚于男生,8岁(t=2.659、2.392、2.264)、11岁(t=3.317、3.251、3.179)、13岁(t=5.196、3.943、4.651)、14岁(t=5.941、4.630、3.228)和15岁(t=4.822、4.292、3.210)年龄组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);体脂率、脂肪质量及其指数均值女生高于男生,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05或<0.01);男女生瘦体质量及其指数年龄变化曲线逐渐上升并出现2次交叉;除男生体脂率外,体成分各指标与皮褶厚度均与年龄呈显著正相关(P<0.01);与8个族群比较,苗族男生肱三头肌皮褶厚度(9.22 mm)与内蒙达斡尔族、肩胛下皮褶厚度(7.33 mm)与怒江怒族较为接近,女生肱三头肌皮褶厚度(11.98 mm)与内蒙达斡尔族、肩胛下皮褶厚度(9.35 mm)与广东瑶族较为接近。结论 湘西州苗族农村学生皮褶厚度及体成分发育符合生长发育一般规律,皮下脂肪含量相对较少,并存在性别和年龄差异。     

Biomarkers of in vivo limbal stem cell function

PurposeTo evaluate in vivo parameters as biomarkers of limbal stem cell function and to establish an objective system that detects and stage limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).MethodsA total of 126 patients (172 eyes) with LSCD and 67 normal subjects (99 eyes) were included in this observational cross-sectional comparative study. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy, in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (IVCM), and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) were performed to obtain the following: clinical score, cell morphology score, basal cell density (BCD), central corneal epithelial thickness (CET), limbal epithelial thickness (LET), total corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), and tortuosity coefficient. Their potential correlations with the severity of LSCD were investigated, and cutoff values were determined.ResultsAn increase clinical score correlated with a decrease in central cornea BCD, limbal BCD, CET, mean LET, maximum LET, CNFL, CNFD, CNBD, and tortuosity coefficient. Regression analyses showed that central cornea BCD, CET and CNFL were the best parameters to differentiate LSCD from normal eyes (Coef = 3.123, 3.379, and 2.223; all p < 0.05). The rank correlation analysis showed a similar outcome between the clinical scores and the central cornea BCD (ρ = 0.79), CET (ρ = 0.82), and CNFL (ρ = 0.71). A comprehensive LSCD grading formula based on a combination of these parameters was established.ConclusionsA comprehensive staging system combining clinical presentation, central cornea BCD, CET, and CNFL is established to accurately and objectively diagnose LSCD and stage its severity.     

Triceps skinfold thickness and body mass index and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: Evidence from a multigenerational cohort study

BackgroundPre-pregnancy obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). There is a continuity of obesity from childhood to adolescence and then adulthood. However, it is unknown whether early childhood obesity predicts GDM.MethodsWe investigated the prospective association of childhood triceps skinfold thickness and body mass index (BMI) with GDM risk among women from the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy (MUSP), a multigenerational cohort study. A multiple logistic regression model was applied to estimate the odds of experiencing GDM by childhood skinfold thickness and BMI.ResultsOut of 552 women in the study for whom data were available on triceps skinfold thickness and BMI at average age 5 (range 3–7) years old, 52 (9.42%) developed GDM by average age 30 (range 28–33) years. We found that the risk of developing GDM was greater among women who had greater skinfold thickness but not greater BMI at age 5 years. Women who were classified as overweight or obese based on skinfold thickness at age 5 years had an increased odds ratio of GDM compared to women who had normal skinfold thickness. This association remained significant after adjustment for the potential confounders (OR 2.74; 95% confidence interval = 1.28–5.86).ConclusionThe risk of developing GDM was associated with higher skinfold thickness at age 5 years.