Biliary stent combined with iodine-125 seed strand implantation in malignant obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUNDMalignant obstructive jaundice is mainly caused by cholangiocarcinoma. Only a few patients are indicated for surgical resection, and the 3-year survival rate is < 50%. For patients who are not eligible for surgery, biliary stent placement can relieve biliary obstruction and improve liver function and quality of life. However, restenosis after biliary stents has a poor prognosis and is a clinical challenge. Biliary stent combined with iodine-125 (¹²⁵I) seed implantation can prolong stent patency and improve survival.AIMTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of biliary stent combined with ¹²⁵I seed strand implantation in malignant obstructive jaundice. METHODSWe enrolled 67 patients between January 2016 and June 2018 with malignant obstructive jaundice and randomized them into a biliary stent combined with ¹²⁵I seed strand treatment (combined) group (n = 32) and biliary stent (control) group (n = 35). All patients underwent enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and were tested for biochemical and cancer markers. Twelve patients underwent pathological examination before surgery. All patients were followed up by telephone or clinical visit. Postoperative liver function improvement, postoperative complications, stent patency time, and survival time were compared between the two groups. Prognostic risk factors were evaluated. RESULTSTechnical success was achieved in all patients in both groups. Postoperative liver function improved significantly in all patients (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase decreased significantly in all patients, the P values were less than 0.05). There was no significant difference in preoperative or postoperative indexes between the two groups for changes in total bilirubin (P = 0.147), direct bilirubin (P = 0.448), alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.120), and aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.387) between the two groups. The median stent patency time of the combined group was 9.0 ± 1.4 mo [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.3-11.8 mo], which was significantly longer than the that of the control group (6.0 ± 0.3 mo, 95%CI: 5.5-6.5 mo, P = 0.000). The median survival time of the combined group was 11.0 ± 1.4 mo (95%CI: 8.2-13.7 mo), which was significantly longer than that of the control group (7.0 ± 0.3 mo, 95%CI: 6.4-7.6 mo, P = 0.000). Location of obstruction and number of stents were independent risk factors affecting prognosis.CONCLUSIONBiliary stent combined with ¹²⁵I seed strand implantation is safe and effective in malignant obstructive jaundice and improves stent patency time and median survival time.     

双源CT在经颈静脉门腔分流术后随访中的应用

目的 观察双源CT在经颈静脉肝内门-体分流术(TIPS)后随访中的应用价值。方法 对28例肝硬化门静脉高压合并上消化道出血或大量腹腔积液接受TIPS的患者,于术后1个月内、3个月内、6个月、12个月、18个月、24个月进行双源CT复查,采用MIP、VR等图像后处理技术,判断肝静脉及门静脉间支架位置通畅情况。结果 28例患者中,3例(10.71%)支架内血栓形成,MIP示支架处低密度灶,对比剂自狭窄处流过,VR示支架位置、角度满意,及时行球囊扩张溶栓治疗;1例(3.57%)支架冗长、成角,再次植入支架;24例(85.71%)TIPS术后未出现分流道狭窄或血栓,MIP成像显示支架通畅,内见对比剂通过,VR显示支架位置、角度满意。结论 双源CT血管成像技术具有安全、无创、准确的优点,且同时能对肝实质进行观察,可作为TIPS术后的首选随访手段。     

Outcomes of combination treatment with MARS and TIPS for hepatic veno-occlusive disease: a report of 12 cases

BackgroundIn patients with acute liver injury caused by hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD), molecular adsorbent recirculation system (MARS) may be used to improve liver function in conjunction with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to reduce portal hypertension.MethodsTwelve patients were admitted to our hospital following treatment for HVOD for 10 to 21 days at other hospitals. All patients were treated with a combination of MARS and TIPS, and they were evaluated clinically including liver function tests.ResultsAfter the initial treatment with MARS, liver function improved significantly in all patients. TIPS placement decreased the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) to 10.17 ± 2.26 mmHg from a pre-TIPS HVPG of 23.58 ± 9.43 mmHg. The outcomes of combination treatment with MARS and TIPS in 12 patients with HVOD were as follows: 1) improvement of various clinical and biological parameters leading to full recovery in 1 year in 6 patients; 2) full recovery following liver transplantation for acute liver failure in three patients; and 3) three patients died due to hepatic failure after TIPS placement.ConclusionThe combination of MARS and TIPS creation is promising as a potential treatment for acute HVOD, and it showed an improvement in overall survival.     

Retrospective study of effect of whole-body vibration training on balance and walking function in stroke patients

BACKGROUNDDysfunction in stroke patients has been a problem that we committed to solve and explore. Physical therapy has some effect to regain strength, balance, and coordination. However, it is not a complete cure, so we are trying to find more effective treatments.AIMTo observe the effect of whole-body vibration training (WVT) on the recovery of balance and walking function in stroke patients, which could provide us some useful evidence for planning rehabilitation.METHODSThe clinical data of 130 stroke participants who underwent conventional rehabilitation treatment in our hospital from January 2019 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The participants were divided into whole-body vibration training (WVT) group and non-WVT (NWVT) group according to whether they were given WVT. In the WVT group, routine rehabilitation therapy was combined with WVT by the Galileo Med L Plus vibration trainer at a frequency of 20 Hz and a vibration amplitude of 0+ACY-plusmn+ADs-5.2 mm, and in the NWVT group, routine rehabilitation therapy only was provided. The treatment course of the two groups was 4 wk. Before and after treatment, the Berg balance scale (BBS), 3 m timed up-and-go test (TUGT), the maximum walking speed test (MWS), and upper limb functional reaching (FR) test were performed.RESULTSAfter 4 wk training, in both groups, the BBS score and the FR distance respectively increased to a certain amount (WVT = 46.08 ± 3.41 vs NWVT = 40.22 ± 3.75; WVT = 20.48 ± 2.23 vs NWVT = 16.60 ± 2.82), with P < 0.05. Furthermore, in the WVT group, both BBS score and FR distance (BBS: 18.32 ± 2.18; FR: 10.00 ± 0.92) increased more than that in the NWVT group (BBS: 13.29 ± 1.66; FR: 6.16 ± 0.95), with P < 0.05. Meanwhile, in both groups, the TUGT and the MWS were improved after training (WVT = 32.64 ± 3.81 vs NWVT = 39.56 ± 3.68; WVT = 12.73 ± 2.26 vs NWVT = 15.04 ± 2.27, respectively), with P < 0.05. The change in the WVT group (TUGT: 17.49 ± 1.88; MWS: 6.79 ± 0.81) was greater than that in the NWVT group (TUGT: 10.76 ± 1.42; MWS: 4.84 ± 0.58), with P < 0.05.CONCLUSIONThe WVT could effectively improve the balance and walking function in stroke patients, which may be good for improving their quality of life.     

Cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam sodium vs piperacillin sodium/tazobactam sodium for treatment of respiratory tract infection in elderly patients

BACKGROUNDRespiratory tract infections in the elderly are difficult to cure and can easily recur, thereby posing a great threat to patient prognosis and quality of life.AIMTo investigate the therapeutic effects of different antibiotics in elderly patients with respiratory tract infection. METHODSSeventy-four elderly patients with respiratory tract infection were randomly allocated to a study (n = 37; treated with cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam sodium) or control (n = 37; treated with piperacillin sodium/tazobactam sodium on the basis of routine symptomatic support) group. Both groups were treated for 7 d. Time to symptom relief (leukocyte recovery; body temperature recovery; cough and sputum disappearance; and rale disappearance time), treatment effect, and laboratory indexes [procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), and neutrophil percentage (NE)] before and 7 d after treatment and the incidence of adverse reactions were assessed.RESULTSIn the study group, the time to WBC normalization (6.79 ± 2.09 d), time to body temperature normalization (4.15 ± 1.08 d), time to disappearance of cough and sputum (6.19 ± 1.56 d), and time to disappearance of rales (6.68 ± 1.43 d) were shorter than those of the control group (8.89 ± 2.32 d, 5.81 ± 1.33 d, 8.77 ± 2.11 d, and 8.69 ± 2.12 d, respectively; P = 0.000). Total effective rate was higher in the study group (94.59% vs 75.68%, P = 0.022). Serum PCT (12.89 ± 3.96 μg/L), CRP (19.62 ± 6.44 mg/L), WBC (20.61 ± 6.38 × 10⁹/L), and NE (86.14 ± 7.21%) levels of the study group before treatment were similar to those of the control group (14.05 ± 4.11 μg/L, 18.79 ± 5.96 mg/L, 21.21 ± 5.59 × 10⁹/L, and 84.39 ± 6.95%, respectively) with no significant differences (P = 0.220, 0.567, 0.668, and 0.291, respectively). After 7 d of treatment, serum PCT, CRP, WBC, and NE levels in the two groups were lower than those before treatment. Serum PCT (2.01 ± 0.56 μg/L), CRP (3.11 ± 1.02 mg/L), WBC (5.10 ± 1.83 × 10⁹/L), and NE (56.35 ± 7.17%) levels were lower in the study group than in the control group (3.29 ± 0.64 μg/L, 5.67 ± 1.23 mg/L, 8.13 ± 3.01 × 10⁹/L, and 64.22 ± 8.08%, respectively; P = 0.000). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the groups (7.50% vs 12.50%, P = 0.708).CONCLUSIONPiperacillin sodium/tazobactam sodium is superior to cefoperazone sodium/ sulbactam sodium in the treatment of elderly patients with respiratory tract infection with a similar safety profile.     

声触诊组织量化技术评估经颈静脉肝内门体分流术联合胃冠状静脉栓塞术疗效

目的 探讨应用声触诊组织量化(VTQ)技术测量脾脏剪切波速度(SSWV)无创评价经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)联合胃冠状静脉栓塞术(GCVE)疗效的价值。方法 将19例接受TIPS联合GCVE治疗的肝硬化门静脉高压患者分为A(13例,接受1次治疗)、B(6例,首次治疗后因支架闭塞再次接受治疗)两组。应用VTQ技术分别与治疗前1天、治疗后6天测量SSWV,以脉冲波多普勒测量门静脉主干血流速度(PVV)、脾静脉主干血流速度(SVV)。于TIPS联合GCVE治疗过程中,以直接测压法测量支架植入前及植入后的门静脉压(PPG),并进行统计分析。结果 TIPS联合GCVE治疗后,A、B两组PPG均较治疗前明显减低(P均<0.05);SSWV均较治疗前明显减低,PVV、SVV均较治疗前明显升高(P均<0.05)。A、B两组治疗前及治疗后SSWV均与PPG呈正相关(P均<0.05),PVV、SVV均与PPG无相关性(P均>0.05)。结论 应用VTQ技术所测SSWV与PPG存在相关性,可作为TIPS联合GCVE治疗前后监测门静脉压力的无创定量评估指标。     

Ultrasonographic assessment of cardiac function and disease severity in coronary heart disease

BACKGROUNDCoronary heart disease (CHD) causes many adverse cardiovascular events and poses a threat to the patient’s health and quality of life. AIMTo evaluate ultrasonography for evaluation of cardiac function and lesion degree in patients with CHD.METHODSA total of 106 patients with CHD (study group) and 106 healthy individuals (control group) in our hospital from March 2019 to September 2020 were selected for this study. All subjects were examined by ultrasound, and the mitral orifice’s early-to-late diastolic blood flow velocity ratio (E/A), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVDd), and left atrial diameter (LAD) were measured. Values were compared between the study group and healthy group, and the correlation between the ultrasonic parameters of patients with different cardiac function grades and the degree of CHD were assessed. In addition, the ultrasonic parameters of patients with different prognoses were compared after a follow-up for 6 mo.RESULTSE/A (1.46 ± 0.34) of the study group was smaller than that of the control group (1.88 ± 0.44), while LVDd (58.24 ± 5.05 mm) and LAD (43.31 ± 4.38 mm) were larger (48.15 ± 3.93 and 34.94 ± 2.81, respectively; P < 0.05). E/A for patients with grade III disease (1.41 ± 0.43) was smaller and their LVDd (60.04 ± 4.21 mm) and LA (44.16 ± 2.79 mm) were larger than those in patients with grade II disease (1.71 ± 0.48, 52.18 ± 3.67 mm, and 39.68 ± 2.37, respectively; P < 0.05). Patients with grade IV disease had smaller E/A (1.08 ± 0.39) and larger LVDd (66.81 ± 5.39 mm) and LAD (48.81 ± 3.95 mm) than patients with grade II and III disease (P < 0.05). In patients with moderate disease, E/A (1.44 ± 0.41) was smaller and LVDd (59.95 ± 4.14 mm) and LAD (45.15 ± 2.97 mm) were larger than in patients with mild disease (1.69 ± 0.50, 51.97 ± 3.88 and 38.81 ± 2.56 mm, respectively; P < 0.05). In patients with severe disease, E/A (1.13 ± 0.36) was smaller and LVDd (67.70 ± 6.11 mm) and LAD (49.09 ± 4.05 mm) were larger than in patients with moderate disease (P < 0.05). E/A was negatively correlated with cardiac function classification and disease severity, while LVDd and LAD were positively correlated with cardiac function classification and disease severity (P < 0.05). E/A (1.83 ± 0.51) for patients with good prognosis was higher than that for those with poor prognosis (1.39 ± 0.32), while LVDd (49.60 ± 4.39 mm) and LAD (36.13 ± 3.05 mm) were lower (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONThe ultrasonic parameters of patients with CHD are abnormal, and differ significantly in patients with different cardiac function grades, lesion degree, and prognosis.     

Bridging therapy and direct mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of cardiogenic cerebral infarction with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion

BACKGROUNDIntravenous thrombolysis is an important treatment for cerebral infarction. However, it is difficult to achieve good results if the patient is complicated with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion. In addition, the vascular recanalization rate is low, so mechanical thrombectomy, that is, bridging therapy, is neededAIMTo investigate the efficacy and safety of bridging therapy and direct mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of cardiogenic cerebral infarction with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion.METHODSNinety-six patients in our hospital with cardiogenic cerebral infarction with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion from January 2017 to July 2020 were divided into a direct thrombectomy group (n = 48) and a bridging group (n = 48). Direct mechanical thrombectomy was performed in the direct thrombectomy group, and bridging therapy was used in the bridging treatment group. Comparisons were performed for the treatment data of the two groups (from admission to imaging examination, from admission to arterial puncture, from arterial puncture to vascular recanalization, and from admission to vascular recanalization), vascular recanalization rate, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores before and after treatment, prognosis and incidence of adverse events. RESULTSIn the direct thrombectomy group, the time from admission to imaging examination was 24.32 ± 8.61 min, from admission to arterial puncture was 95.56 ± 37.55 min, from arterial puncture to vascular recanalization was 54.29 ± 21.38 min, and from admission to revascularization was 156.88 ± 45.51 min, and the corresponding times in the bridging treatment group were 25.38 ± 9.33 min, 100.45 ± 39.30 min, 58.14 ± 25.56 min, and 161.23 ± 51.15 min; there were no significant differences between groups (P=0.564, 0.535, 0.426, and 0.661, respectively). There was no significant difference in the recanalization rate between the direct thrombectomy group (79.17%) and the bridging group (75.00%) (P = 0.627). There were no significant differences between the direct thrombectomy group (16.69 ± 4.91 and 12.12 ± 2.07) and the bridging group (7.13 ± 1.23 and (14.40 ± 0.59) in preoperative NIHSS score and GCS score (P = 0.200 and 0.203, respectively). After the operation, the NIHSS scores in both groups were lower than those before the operation, and the GCS scores were higher than those before the operation. There was no significant difference in NIHSS and GCS scores between the direct thrombectomy group (6.91 ± 1.10 and 14.19 ± 0.65) and the bridging group (7.13 ± 1.23 and 14.40 ± 0.59) (P = 0.358 and 0.101, respectively). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who achieved a good prognosis between the direct thrombectomy group (52.08%) and the bridging group (50.008%) (P = 0.838). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the direct thrombectomy group (6.25%) and the bridging group (8.33%) (P = 0.913).CONCLUSIONBridging therapy and direct mechanical thrombectomy can safely treat cardiogenic cerebral infarction with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion, achieve good vascular recanalization effects and prognoses, and improve the neurological function of patients.     

Minimally invasive surgery vs laparotomy in patients with colon cancer residing in high-altitude areas

BACKGROUNDColon cancer is associated with a higher incidence among residents in high-altitude areas. Hypoxic environment at high altitudes inhibits the phagocytic and oxygen-dependent killing function of phagocytes, thereby increasing the inflammatory factors, inhibiting the body’s innate immunity and increasing the risk of colon cancer. AIMTo examine the effect of minimally invasive surgery vs laparotomy in patients with colon cancer residing in high-altitude areas. METHODSNinety-two patients with colon cancer in our hospital from January 2019 to February 2021 were selected and divided into the minimally invasive surgery and laparotomy groups using the random number table method, with 46 patients in each group. Minimally invasive surgery was performed in the minimally invasive group and laparotomy in the laparotomy group. Operative conditions, inflammatory index pre- and post-surgery, immune function index and complication probability were measured. RESULTSOperative duration was significantly longer and intraoperative blood loss and recovery time of gastrointestinal function were significantly less (all P < 0.05) in the minimally invasive group than in the laparotomy group. The number of lymph nodes dissected was not significantly different. Before surgery, there were no significant differences in serum C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels between the groups, whereas after surgery, the levels were significantly higher in the minimally invasive group (26.98 ± 6.91 mg/L, 146.38 ± 11.23 ng/mL and 83.51 ± 8.69 pg/mL vs 41.15 ± 8.39 mg/L, 186.79 ± 15.36 ng/mL and 110.65 ± 12.84 pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). Furthermore, before surgery, there were no significant differences in CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ levels between the groups, whereas after surgery, the levels decreased in both groups, being significantly higher in the minimally invasive group (55.61% ± 4.39%, 35.45% ± 3.67% and 1.30 ± 0.35 vs 49.68% ± 5.33%, 31.21% ± 3.25% and 1.13 ± 0.30, respectively, P < 0.05). Complication probability was significantly lower in the minimally invasive group (4.35% vs 17.39%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONLaparoscopic minimally invasive procedures reduce surgical trauma and alleviate the inflammatory response and immune dysfunction caused by invasive operation. It also shortens recovery time and reduces complication probability.     

64排螺旋CT血管造影评价肝硬化血管改变及侧支循环

目的 探讨MSCTA评价肝硬化肝脏血管的异常改变及侧支循环形成的价值。 方法 对168例肝硬化患者(肝硬化组)及120例无肝硬化的患者(对照组)行肝区三期MSCTA,应用MIP和VR进行重建,并对获得的图像进行对照分析。 结果 肝硬化组和对照组门静脉1级和肝静脉1级血管的显示差异无统计学意义(P分别为0.51、0.08),肝动脉、门静脉、肝静脉分级显示差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01)。肝硬化组肝动脉、门静脉起始部增粗85例,分支纤细、纡曲98例,门静脉癌栓形成9例,海绵变性8例,肝动脉持续显影55例、门静脉持续显影57例;对照组3例肝动脉、门静脉起始部增粗,2例分支纤细、纡曲,4例肝动脉持续显影,3例门静脉持续显影。肝硬化组交通支开放总数258支,其中食管胃底静脉曲张196例(196/258,75.97%),对照组仅2例见腹膜后分流。 结论 64排CT三期血管成像可准确、全面显示肝 硬化血管的异常改变及门体分流,尤其能较早、较全面地显示食管胃底静脉曲张,为临床提供更多可靠的诊断和治疗依据。     

Ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block anesthesia on the stress response and hemodynamics among lung cancer patients

BACKGROUNDThoracic surgery for radical resection of lung tumor requires deep anesthesia which can lead to an adverse inflammatory response, loss of hemodynamic stability, and decreased immune function. Herein, we evaluated the feasibility and benefits of ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block anesthesia, in combination with general anesthesia, for thoracic surgery for lung cancer. The block was performed by diffusion of anesthetic drugs along the paravertebral space to achieve unilateral multi-segment intercostal nerve and dorsal branch nerve block. AIMTo evaluate the application of ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block anesthesia for lung cancer surgery to inform practice. METHODSThe analysis was based on 140 patients who underwent thoracic surgery for lung cancer at our hospital between January 2018 and May 2020. Patients were randomly allocated to the peripheral + general anesthesia (observation) group (n = 74) or to the general anesthesia (control) group (n = 66). Patients in the observation group received ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block anesthesia combined with general anesthesia, with those in the control group receiving an epidural block combined with general anesthesia. Measured outcomes included the operative and anesthesia times, as well as the mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) measured before surgery, 15 min after anesthesia (T1), after intubation, 5 min after skin incision, and before extubation (T4).RESULTSThe dose of intra-operative use of remifentanil and propofol and the postoperative use of sufentanil was lower in the observation group (1.48 ± 0.43 mg, 760.50 ± 92.28 mg, and 72.50 ± 16.62 mg, respectively) than control group (P < 0.05). At the four time points of measurement (T1 through T4), MAP and HR values were higher in the observation than control group (MAP, 90.20 ± 9.15 mmHg, 85.50 ± 7.22 mmHg, 88.59 ± 8.15 mmHg, and 90.02 ± 10.02 mmHg, respectively; and HR, 72.39 ± 8.22 beats/min, 69.03 ± 9.03 beats/min, 70.12 ± 8.11 beats/min, and 71.24 ± 9.01 beats/min, respectively; P < 0.05). There was no difference in SpO₂ between the two groups (P > 0.05). Postoperative levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine used were significantly lower in the observation than control group (210.20 ± 40.41 pg/mL, 230.30 ± 65.58 pg/mL, and 54.49 ± 13.32 pg/mL, respectively; P < 0.05). Similarly, the postoperative tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels were lower in the observation (2.43 ± 0.44 pg/mL and 170.03 ± 35.54 pg/mL, respectively) than control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONUltrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block anesthesia improved the stress and hemodynamic response in patients undergoing thoracic surgery for lung cancer, with no increase in the rate of adverse events.     

Pregnancy complications effect on the nickel content in maternal blood,placenta blood and umbilical cord blood during pregnancy

BACKGROUNDNickel (Ni) may accumulate in the human body and has biological toxicity and carcinogenicity. Ni has an extensive impact on the health of pregnant women and fetuses during gestation.AIMTo evaluate Ni exposure in pregnant women in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China; to describe the distribution of Ni in the maternal-fetal system and placental barrier function; and to investigate the effect of Ni exposure on fetal health in mothers with pregnancy complications.METHODSSeventy-two pregnant women were selected using a case-control design. The women were divided into two groups: The control group (no disease; n = 29) and the disease group [gestational diabetes (GDM), hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (HDCP), or both; n = 43]. The pregnant women in the disease group were further divided as follows: 14 cases with GDM (GDM group), 13 cases with HDCP (HDCP group) and 16 cases with both GDM and HDCP (disease combination group). Basic information on the pregnant women was collected by questionnaire survey. Maternal blood, placenta blood and cord blood were collected immediately after delivery. The Ni content in paired samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTSCompared to the control group, age was higher and body mass index was greater in pregnant women in the disease groups (28.14 ± 2.54 vs 28.42 ± 13.89, P < 0.05; 25.90 ± 3.86 vs 31.49 ± 5.30, P < 0.05). The birth weights of newborns in the HDCP group and the control group were significantly different (2.52 ± 0.74 vs 3.18 ± 0.41, P < 0.05). The content of Ni in umbilical cord blood in the entire disease group was higher than that in the control group (0.10 ± 0.16 vs 0.05 ± 0.07, P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONIn the maternal-fetal system of women with pregnancy complications, the barrier effect of the placenta against Ni is weakened, thus affecting healthy growth of the fetus in the uterus.     

Influence of volar margin of the lunate fossa fragment fixation on distal radius fracture outcomes: A retrospective series

BACKGROUNDDistal radius fractures accompanied by the volar margin of the lunate fossa (VMLF) lesions are often overlooked or inadequately reduced in clinical practice. AIMTo investigate the impact of VMLF fragment in distal radius fractures on the stability and function of the wrist joint.METHODSThis was a retrospective study of patients with distal radius fractures who underwent surgical treatment between January 2013 and December 2017. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the VMLF fragments were fixed or not. X-rays and computed tomography were performed before surgery, immediately postoperatively, and at 1, 3, and 6 mo to measure the scapholunate angle, radiolunate angle, capitolunate angle, and effective radiolunate flexion (ERLF). The Mayo wrist score and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score were determined at 1 year. RESULTSThirty-five patients were included. There were 15 males and 20 females. Their mean age was 52.5 ± 14.3 (range: 19-70) years. There were 38 wrists (17 on the left side, 15 on the right, and three bilateral; 16 in the fixed group, and 22 in the unfixed group). The interval between trauma and surgery was from 1 h to 1 mo. The incidence of postoperative wrist instability in the unfixed group (86.4%) was higher than in the fixed group (25.0%) (P ≤ 0.001). Ten patients had ERLF > 25° in the unfixed group and none in the fixed group (P = 0.019). The Mayo wrist score was 94 ± 5.7 in the fixed group and 68 ± 15.1 in the unfixed group (P < 0.001). The DASH score was 4.6 ± 2.5 in the fixed group and 28.5 ± 19.5 in the unfixed group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONInjuries of VMLF, even small fractures, might damage the radial-lunar ligament, leading to postoperative wrist instability, sagittal force line imbalance, and poor recovery of wrist joint function.     

经颈静脉肝内门体分流术与内镜治疗预防食管胃底静脉曲张出血的效果

目的 分析经颈静脉肝内门体分流术（TIPS）与内镜治疗对食管胃底静脉曲张出血（EGVB）的预防效果,为肝硬化患者早期合理选择治疗方案提供参考依据。方法 回顾性分析2018年1月～2020年2月于遂宁市中心医院接受一级预防的肝硬化合并食管胃底静脉曲张的89例患者,根据手术方式不同将患者分为两组,其中进行内镜下套扎治疗（EVL）者纳入EVL组（n=43）,进行TIPS治疗者纳入TIPS组（n=46）,比较两组静脉曲张改善效果,治疗前后门静脉内径、肝功能变化以及治疗后患者EGVB、并发症和死亡发生情况。结果 TIPS组和EVL组静脉曲张改善有效率分别为90.70%和86.96%,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;两组治疗后肝功能Child-Pugh分级及评分差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,TIPS组术后门体循环压力差降低（P<0.05）,且治疗后3、6、12、24月时门静脉内径门静脉内径低于EVL组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;两组治疗后EGVB发生率分别为32.56%和17.39%(P>0.05),其中TIPS组远期出血（治疗3月后）发生率低于EVL组...     

Paricalcitol in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and its potential benefits

BACKGROUNDSecondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication in patients with end-stage renal disease and it is also common in hemodialysis patients. SHPT can increase bone fragility and calcification of blood vessels and soft tissues, which greatly increases the risk of death.AIMTo discuss the outcome, safety and other potential benefits of paricalcitol injection in hemodialysis patients with SHPT. METHODSWe recruited 40 patients who received hemodialysis at our hospital for chronic renal failure with SHPT between March and December 2019. They received paricalcitol injection for 24 wk (starting dose, 0.06–0.08 μg/kg), three times per week. They were followed up at the baseline (week 0), week 4, week 12 and week 24. The primary outcome indicator was the percentage of patients with a > 30% decrease in intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels at week 24 compared with the baseline. The secondary outcome indicators included percentage decrease in iPTH levels at week 24, standard-reaching rate of iPTH (percentage of patients with iPTH down to 130–585 pg/mL), changes in serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), Ca × P product, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine (Cre), hemoglobin (Hb), and C-reactive protein (CRP), and incidence of adverse events (AEs). RESULTSAfter 24 wk of treatment, iPTH levels decreased significantly (598.88 ± 381.29 pg/mL vs 888.84 ± 376.88 pg/mL, P < 0.05). More than 30% decrease of iPTH was found in 21 of 36 (58.33%) patients. The average decrease in iPTH levels was 32.16 ± 4.33%; the standard-reaching rate of iPTH levels was 66.67% (24/36); and ALP levels decreased significantly compared with the baseline (113.72 ± 41.73 IU/L vs 133.45 ± 56.86 IU/L) (t = 2.798, P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the serum levels of calcium, Hb, Cre and CRP compared with the baseline (P > 0.05). After 24 wk of treatment, serum P levels decreased compared with the baseline (1.91 ± 0.40 mmol/L vs 2.16 ± 0.66 mmol/L) (t = 2.830, P < 0.05). Ca × P product decreased significantly compared with the baseline (56.38 ± 13.22 mg²/dL² vs 63.97 ± 20.30 mg²/dL²) (t = 2.717, P < 0.05). No serious adverse events occurred.CONCLUSIONParicalcitol was a safe and effective treatment for hemodialysis patients with SHPT. It decreased serum levels of iPTH, ALP and P and maintained stability of serum Ca levels.     

Effects of mindful breathing combined with sleep-inducing exercises in patients with insomnia

BACKGROUNDInsomnia is the most common sleep disorder. It disrupts the patient’s life and work, increases the risk of various health issues, and often requires long-term intervention. The financial burden and inconvenience of treatments discourage patients from complying with them, leading to chronic insomnia.AIMTo investigate the long-term home-practice effects of mindful breathing combined with a sleep-inducing exercise as adjunctive insomnia therapy.METHODSA quasi-experimental design was used in the present work, in which the patients with insomnia were included and grouped based on hospital admission: 40 patients admitted between January and April 2020 were assigned to the control group, and 40 patients admitted between May and August 2020 were assigned to the treatment group. The control group received routine pharmacological and physical therapies, while the treatment group received instruction in mindful breathing and a sleep-inducing exercise in addition to the routine therapies. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were utilized to assess sleep-quality improvement in the patient groups before the intervention and at 1 wk, 1 mo, and 3 mo postintervention.RESULTSThe PSQI, GAD-7, and ISI scores before the intervention and at 1 wk postintervention were not significantly different between the groups. However, compared with the control group, the treatment group exhibited significant improvements in sleep quality, daytime functioning, negative emotions, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, anxiety level, and insomnia severity at 1 and 3 mo postintervention (P < 0.05). The results showed that mindful breathing combined with the sleep-inducing exercise significantly improved the long-term effectiveness of insomnia treatment. At 3 mo, the PSQI scores for the treatment vs the control group were as follows: Sleep quality 0.98 ± 0.48 vs 1.60 ± 0.63, sleep latency 1.98 ± 0.53 vs 2.80 ± 0.41, sleep duration 1.53 ± 0.60 vs 2.70 ± 0.56, sleep efficiency 2.35 ± 0.58 vs 1.63 ± 0.49, sleep disturbance 1.68 ± 0.53 vs 2.35 ± 0.53, hypnotic medication 0.53 ± 0.64 vs 0.93 ± 0.80, and daytime dysfunction 1.43 ± 0.50 vs 2.48 ± 0.51 (all P < 0.05). The GAD-7 scores were 2.75 ± 1.50 vs 7.15 ± 2.28, and the ISI scores were 8.68 ± 2.26 vs 3.38 ± 1.76 for the treatment vs the control group, respectively (all P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONThese simple, cost-effective, and easy-to-implement practices used in clinical or home settings could have profound significance for long-term insomnia treatment and merit wide adoption in clinical practice.     

Scrotal septal flap and two-stage operation for complex hypospadias: A retrospective study

BACKGROUNDComplex hypospadias is a surgical challenge. AIMTo present the long-term outcomes of two-stage repair of complex hypospadias using a scrotal septal flap.METHODSThis was a retrospective study of patients with complex hypospadias who were operated on between January 1^st, 2001, and January 1^st, 2019, at a single hospital using a scrotal septal flap (two-stage surgery) or prepuce flap (one-stage surgery; control group). In the scrotal group, the urethra was first repaired using oral mucosa; in the second stage, a scrotal septal flap was used as a second imper-meable layer. Maximal/average urinary flow rates after surgery were compared. All patients were followed for ≥ 6 mo (range: 6-96 mo). RESULTSNinety-seven patients were included (46 in the scrotal group and 51 in the prepuce group). The maximal urinary flow rate was 15.4 ± 2.1 mL/s in the scrotal group and 14.3 ± 3.0 mL/s in the control group (P = 0.035). The average urinary flow rate was 8.4 ± 2.3 mL/s in the scrotal group and 7.5 ± 1.5 mL/s in the control group (P = 0.019). The proportion of patients achieving good therapeutic effects was higher in the scrotal group than in the control group [24 (52.2%) vs 16 (31.4%), P = 0.042; 34 (73.9%) vs 25 (49.0%), P = 0.014]. The scrotal flap two-stage surgery was independently associated with a higher maximal urinary flow rate (OR = 2.416, 95%CI: 1.026-5.689, P = 0.044) and with a higher average flow rate (OR = 2.484, 95%CI: 1.054-5.854, P = 0.038).CONCLUSIONIn complex hypospadias, a scrotal septal flap could be a versatile and reliable option for resurfacing the penis.     

Clinical cure and liver fibrosis reversal after postoperative antiviral combination therapy in hepatitis B-associated non-cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report

BACKGROUNDThe incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is high in China, and approximately 15%-20% of HCC cases occur in the absence of cirrhosis. Compared with patients with cirrhotic HCC, those with non-cirrhotic HCC have longer postoperative tumor-free survival. However, the overall survival time is not significantly increased, and the risk of postoperative recurrence remains. Strategies to improve the postoperative survival rate in these patients are currently required.CASE SUMMARYA 47-year-old man with a family history of HCC was found to have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection 25 years ago. In 2000, he was administered lamivudine for 2 years, and entecavir (ETV 0.5 mg) was administered in 2006. In October 2016, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor in the liver (5.3 cm × 5 cm × 5 cm); no intraoperative hepatic and portal vein and bile duct tumor thrombi were found; and postoperative pathological examination confirmed a grade II HCC with no nodular cirrhosis (G1S3). ETV was continued, and no significant changes were observed on imaging. After receiving pegylated interferon alfa-2b (PEG IFNα-2b) (180 μg) + ETV in February 2019, the HBsAg titer decreased significantly within 12 wk. After receiving hepatitis B vaccine (60 μg) in 12 wk, HBsAg serological conversion was realized at 48 wk. During the treatment, no obvious adverse reactions were observed, except for early alanine aminotransferase flares. The reexamination results of liver pathology were G2S1, and reversal of liver fibrosis was achieved.CONCLUSIONThe therapeutic regimen of ETV+ PEG IFNα-2b + hepatitis B vaccine for patients with HBV-associated non-cirrhotic HCC following hepatectomy can achieve an HBV clinical cure and prolong the recurrence-free survival.     

Quantitative analysis of early diabetic retinopathy based on optical coherence tomography angiography biological image

BACKGROUNDWith the development of the economy and improvements in living standards, the incidences of diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is a complication of DM, are on the rise.AIMTo analyze early DR in patients with macular zone changes in biological images using optical coherence tomography angiography METHODSA prospective case study was performed on 59 participants: 35 healthy eyes (control group), 35 eyes with diabetes but no DR group (no DR group), and 35 eyes with mild DR (NPDR group). All quantitative comparisons of parameters, including the fovea vascularity area, circularity index, and vascular complexity parameters, were performed using a biological image analysis software.RESULTSThe foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, FAZ circularity index, number of branches in the area, and the total of the single branches’ length in the area was 0.366 ± 0.031, 0.834 ± 0.037, 3241.8 ± 268.3, and 3.860 × 10⁷ ± 0.194 × 10⁷, and 0.421 ± 0.030, 0.739 ± 0.023, 2956.6 ± 476.4, and 3.177 × 10⁷ ± 0.161 × 10⁷ in the no DR group and the NPDR group, respectively, which were significantly different from the corresponding parameters of the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, there were significant differences between these two groups (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONThis study shows that early microcirculation changes in the macular area of the retina is associated with disease progression. Early changes in DR can be analyzed using optical coherence tomography angiography.