Delayed open reduction and internal fixation of a neglected fracture dislocation of the ankle

Neglected fracture dislocations of ankle are rare in western countries. Failure to achieve anatomic reduction is associated with a poor prognosis. We present a case of a patient with a neglected Weber B fracture of the fibula with postero-lateral subluxation of the ankle. In theatre, the subluxation could not be reduced, and a posterior and lateral soft tissue release was performed. Granulation tissue was removed from the medial gutter. The fibular fracture was reduced and fixed with a six-hole dynamic compression plate. Post-operative radiographs was satisfactory and the patient was followed up for 12 months with full range of movement and function of the joint. In our case, correction was not obtained by osteotomy of the lateral malleolus alone, and medial and posterior soft tissue release was required. This was due to disruption of the deltoid ligament and posterior tibiofibular ligament and the associated scar tissue. Previous studies have shown that, if anatomic reduction is achieved, results with delayed surgery can be as good as those obtained with immediate surgery. Surgically correcting an old fracture dislocation is a difficult undertaking due to soft-tissue contractures and malunited fractures. It is important to preserve as much soft tissue attachments and periosteum to prevent avascular necrosis.     

中西医结合治疗慢性盆腔炎50例临床分析

目的观察中西医结合治疗慢性盆腔炎的疗效。方法对100例确诊的患者随机分为治疗组和对照组。对照组采用西医传统治疗方法;治疗组在对照组的基础上,配以自拟盆腔炎方中西医结合治疗,3个月判定疗效,观察症状改善及有效率。结果治疗组疗效明显优于对照组。结论中西医结合治疗慢性盆腔炎疗效肯定,值得临床推广。     

Validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale

BACKGROUND: It is important to assess the self-care behavior of patients with heart failure. However, in Japan, there is no valid and reliable scale for this purpose. The European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale (EHFScBS) is used to measure the self-care behavior of heart failure patients. The purpose of this study was to translate the EHFScBS into Japanese and evaluate its validity and reliability. METHODS AND RESULTS: A convenience sample of 116 outpatients with heart failure completed the Japanese version of the EHFScBS. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated the one-dimensionality of the scale. The Japanese version of the EHFScBS was significantly correlated with another scale, which was considered to evaluate the concept linked with the self-care behavior theoretically. These confirm its construct validity. Cronbach's alpha was 0.71, suggesting that internal consistency was satisfactory. Test-retest reliability was evaluated. The intraclass correlation coefficient of the scale was 0.69 and weighted kappa for individual items was 0.33-0.87, suggesting that test-retest reliability is adequate. CONCLUSIONS: The Japanese version of the EHFScBS was showed acceptable validity and reliability. It can be used to evaluate self-care behavior of Japanese patients with heart failure.     

中西医结合治疗慢性盆腔炎50例临床分析

目的 观察中西医结合治疗慢性盆腔炎的疗效.方法 对100例确诊的患者随机分为治疗组和对照组.对照组采用两医传统治疗方法 ;治疗组在对照组的基础上,配以自拟盆腔炎方中西医结合治疗,3个月判定疗效,观察症状改善及有效率.结果 治疗组疗效明显优于对照组.结论中两医结合治疗慢性盆腔炎疗效肯定,值得临床推广.     

中西医结合治疗慢性盆腔炎50例临床分析

目的 观察中西医结合治疗慢性盆腔炎的疗效.方法 对100例确诊的患者随机分为治疗组和对照组.对照组采用两医传统治疗方法 ;治疗组在对照组的基础上,配以自拟盆腔炎方中西医结合治疗,3个月判定疗效,观察症状改善及有效率.结果 治疗组疗效明显优于对照组.结论中两医结合治疗慢性盆腔炎疗效肯定,值得临床推广.     

Successful use of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block for lower limb surgery in a patient with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a case report

The number of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is increasing. These patients have a reduced cardiorespiratory reserve. Therefore, preoperative evaluation is essential to determine the best type of anaesthesia to use in patients with HFrEF. A 70-year-old man with HFrEF was scheduled to undergo debridement of skin necrosis due to thrombotic occlusion of the right common iliac artery. He had undergone wound dressing changes under local anaesthesia every other day for several months, and treatment for heart failure was on-going. A sciatic nerve and fascia iliaca compartment block was performed under ultrasound guidance because of the patient’s cardiopulmonary function. After confirming adequate sensory blockage, surgery was performed without any haemodynamic instability or complications. Thereafter, debridement was performed twice more using the same block technique, and a skin autograft was also successfully performed. We successfully performed an ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve and fascia iliaca compartment block in a patient with HFrEF who was scheduled to undergo lower limb surgery. Peripheral nerve block is an alternative option for patients with HFrEF.     

ENDOMETRIOMA OF THE LIVER

Hepatic endometriosis is extremely rare. The diagnosis is often missed and treatment is delayed. A 37-year-old woman was referred to the gynaecology department with vague abdominal pains. She had a past history of pelvic endometriosis and hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Further investigations in due course confirmed it to be endometriosis of the liver. She was eventually referred to the hepatobiliary unit, almost three years after her first presentation, where she was operated on with good results.     

食道癌侵袭、转移螺旋CT征象与VEGF及MMP-9表达间关系的研究

目的探讨食道癌侵袭和转移螺旋CT征象与癌组织中VEGF及MMP-9的表达以及两者之间的关系。方法对58例经手术病理证实且行螺旋CT平扫、增强的食道癌患者，观察每个病灶的浆膜侵犯和淋巴结转移情况。用免疫组化方法检测癌组织中VEGF及MMP-9表达情况，并分析其与螺旋CT征象的关系。结果螺旋CT征象上肿瘤的浆膜侵犯、淋巴结转移与VEGF及MMP-9蛋白表达有关（P〈0．05）。结论食道癌侵袭和转移CT征象可以在一定程度上反映VEGF及MMP-9的表达。     

Acute renal infarction: A diagnostic challenge

Acute renal infarction is a relatively rare and scarcely reported condition. Contrast enhanced CT scan is essential for diagnosing this condition. The most common etiology of this condition is cardioembolic, however up to 59% of cases could be classified as idiopathic acute renal infarction.Here we present a case of a 41?year-old male who was admitted for acute onset right flank pain with fevers and rigors. A CT abdomen with contrast showed findings concerning for right pyelonephritis or renal infarction. Urinalysis was negative for infection. He did not respond to treatment with intravenous antibiotics and was thus diagnosed with acute renal infarction. Work-up for common etiologies was negative and the renal infarction was presumed to be idiopathic. He was discharged home on Enoxaparin.In conclusion, acute renal infarction is a rare condition which should be suspected in patients presenting with acute flank/abdominal pain in whom the more common etiologies have been ruled out.     

In vivo evaluation of NM441, a new thiazeto-quinoline derivative.

NM441 is a lipophilic prodrug of a new thiazeto-quinoline carboxylic acid derivative NM394, and when it is administered orally it is readily absorbed and hydrolyzed to its parent compound. After oral administration of NM441 at a dose of 20 mg/kg to dogs, the peak concentration of NM394 in plasma was 2.39 micrograms/ml, whereas it was 0.63 micrograms/ml for NM394 administered alone. The in vivo activity of NM441 was compared with those of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and enoxacin in mouse protection studies. NM441 was as effective as ofloxacin and was twice as effective as ciprofloxacin against systemic infection with Staphylococcus aureus. Against infections with streptococci, NM441 was two to three times as effective as ofloxacin and five times as effective as ciprofloxacin. Against infection with Escherichia coli, NM441 was as effective as ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin, but against infections with Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, NM441 was two to four times as effective as ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. NM441 was three to seven times as effective as enoxacin in systemic infections. Against urinary tract infections with E. coli, NM441 reduced the number of bacterial CFU per gram of kidney by 1 to 2 log10 more and, with P. aeruginosa, by 1 to 6 log10 more than did ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. Against respiratory tract infections with K. pneumoniae, NM441 was as effective as ofloxacin and was twice as effective as ciprofloxacin.     

A prospective clinical analysis of pain behavior and self-injurious behavior

It is a widely assumed but rarely tested proposition that the experience and expression of pain is altered among individuals with self-injurious behavior and disabilities. As a preliminary test of this proposition, the purpose of this case study was to apply a validated pain measure to examine ratings of pain behavior in relation to ratings of self-injurious behavior (SIB). A prospective correlational design was used with maternal ratings completed three times/day for 9 days using two item independent rating scales specific to pain and SIB. The participant was a 6-year-old boy with severe SIB secondary to midbrain tumor (pilocytic astrocytoma) resection and post-operative sequelae. Measures were taken in the child's home. Pain behavior was measured using the Non-Communicating Children's Pain Checklist Revised (NCCPC-R). Self-injury was measured using the Self-Injury Trauma Scale (SITS). Time intervals associated with elevated ratings of SIB were associated with elevated pain ratings. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) for pain ratings between time intervals with and without self-injury. It is suggested that additional empirical work is needed to clarify the relation between pain and self-injury to improve assessment and treatment outcomes.     

量子点标记快速免疫检测技术的研究

目的自制发光材料量子点,优化量子点与抗体的偶联方案,并对制备的量子点标记抗体进行免疫检测的可行性研究。方法采用高温热分解法制备得到镉硒(CdSe)量子点,用还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)对量子点表面改性,使用双功能聚乙二醇(PEG)交联量子点表面的GSH,得到表面PEG化的水溶性量子点,该物质稳定性好。用抗乙型肝炎表面抗原(HBsAg)抗体与量子点共价交联,采用斑点免疫反应验证HBsAg检测的可行性。结果成功制备量子点及其抗体标记物,检测HbsAg的敏感性可达1.6 ng/mL水平。结论量子点标记免疫检测呈现技术优势,有广阔的发展与应用前景。     

Haemorrhagic cystitis following the administration of voriconazole in the treatment of central nervous system aspergillosis: a case report

Central nervous system aspergillosis (CNS-A) is a rare and fatal fungal infection. Voriconazole is the recommended treatment for CNS-A. The therapeutic effect of voriconazole is good, but its use is limited due to adverse reactions. This case report describes a 37-year-old male patient that had previously been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. He had received immunosuppressive agents for 1 year following a haematopoietic bone marrow transplant. He presented with a 1-month history of left limb weakness as well as recurrent fever. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed that he had multiple cerebral infarctions. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with CNS-A by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Voriconazole was added to his treatment regimen, but it resulted in severe haemorrhagic cystitis and possibly bladder rupture. The dose of voriconazole was adjusted and reparative bladder surgery was undertaken immediately. Eventually, the patient was successfully treated with voriconazole and there was no recurrence of symptoms after 1 year of follow-up. Haemorrhagic cystitis is a rare adverse drug reaction associated with voriconazole use. Based on the experience with this current case, physicians should be aware of urinary tract complications with voriconazole including haemorrhagic cystitis.     

A comparative study of the etiology of adult upper and lower respiratory tract infections in the community

Lower respiratory tract infection and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) are very common, but the etiology is not diagnosed in routine practice. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the frequency distribution of the various infectious etiologies for these diseases. One hundred seventy five adults in the community with febrile LRTI and 75 with febrile URTI were included in a purely serologically based prospective study. Paired sera were obtained for each of the patients and were tested by EIA or immunofluorescence methods to identify 14 different pathogens. Only a significant change in antibody titers between the paired sera was considered diagnostic. At least one infectious etiology was identified in 167 patients (67%). In the LRTI group, infection with at least one of 7 respiratory viruses was found in 88 patients (50%). One of the atypical pathogens was found in 40 patients (23%), of these Legionella spp. in 19 (11%) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in 18 (10%). A bacterial etiology was found in 19 patients (11%), of these Streptococcus pneumoniae in 8 (5%) and beta-hemolytic streptococci group A in 5 (3%). The frequency distribution of etiologies in the URTI group was not significantly different from the LRTI group, except for M. pneumoniae that was identified in only one patient with URTI (p = 0.015). More than one etiologic agent was found in 42 (17%) of the patients. LRTI is caused by a broad spectrum of etiologies, with respiratory viruses predominating and a moderate, but significant, prevalence of atypical pathogens. The frequency distribution of etiologies for URTI is similar to LRTI. In a significant proportion of patients with URTI and LRTI there is serologic evidence of infection with more than one pathogen. The justification and benefit of distinguishing between URTI and LRTI in routine clinical work is doubtful. When a decision is reached to treat RTI patients with an antibiotic, it is logical to use a macrolide or tetracycline.     

痉挛型双瘫患儿智力结构特征及与运动发育相关性

目的 探讨痉挛型双瘫患儿的智力特征及与运动发育的相关性。方法 对46例患儿进行韦氏智力测查与运动发育里程碑评估，并与正常对照组进行比较。结果 痉挛型双瘫患儿智力明显低于对照组，尤其以操作智商明显，因子中以木块、迷津、下蛋等明显低下；操作智商与运动发育相关，运动里程碑延迟越明显，操作智商则越差；智力正常的双瘫患儿在下蛋、迷津、木块、概括亚项方面明显低于对照组，而语言智商与对照组无显著性差异。结论 痉挛型双瘫患儿智力结构不均衡，操作智商明显低下，主要与涉及手眼协调、视一运动协调和速度、空间视觉化能力的项目有关。     

The changes in NT-proBNP plasma concentrations during dialysis are highly dependent of the dialysis membrane ultrafiltration coefficient

BACKGROUND: NT-proBNP is a powerful marker with diagnostic and pronostic value for heart failure. It is of particular interest in patients with end-stage renal disease who are at high risk for heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hemodialysis on plasma NT-proBNP concentrations. METHODS: NT-proBNP concentration was measured in 67 patients before and after hemodialysis. RESULTS: In the 20 patients dialyzed with a membrane whose ultrafiltration coefficient was below or equal to12, NT-proBNP concentration was comparable after and before dialysis (16611+/-21024 vs. 15216+/-19027 pg/ml, NS). At the opposite, in the 47 patients dialyzed with a membrane whose ultrafiltration coefficient was above or equal to 40, NT proBNP concentration was 35% lower after dialysis compared to before dialysis (11983+/-21819 vs. 18574+/-31862 pg/ml, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients dialyzed with a membrane whose ultrafiltration coefficient is high, dialysis is likely to decrease results by one third. Thus sampling blood before dialysis in hemodialyzed patients appears as the best time to stratify the cardiovascular risk in these patients.     

The critical patient and communication: the vision of the family regarding the nursing team

Communication is considered an important variable in the care of critical patients and their families, whose difficulty concerning communication is expressed in the literature. The purpose of this survey was to verify what is considered adequate communication with the nursing team in the perception of the critical patient's family. This is an exploratory and field study carried out at the Intensive Care Unit of the University of S?o Paulo's Hospital Universitário. The population surveyed was comprised of 13 relatives of critical patients. The data was collected in November of 2003 and analyzed according to Bardin proposal. Communication was considered adequate when it was a means for information - the information was clear and objective, doubts were clarified, orientation was provided and communication was a form of humanizing health care - and there was verbal communication even when the patient was sedated, with somebody as a reference whom the relatives could resort to.     

ST segment elevation in an adult chest pain patient: A case of coronary artery vasospasm

Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) in the United States, accounting for up to eight million cases annually. We present a 55-year-old male who was brought in to the ED with sudden onset chest pain and was found to have ST-segment elevations in the infero-lateral leads on electrocardiogram (ECG). These changes resolved with nitroglycerin. Coronary artery vasospasm was diagnosed as coronary angiogram was normal. Calcium channel blocker was prescribed with good symptom relief. The most important teaching point is, coronary vasospasm as a cause of ST-segment elevation is missed frequently and should be considered among the differentials in patients presenting with chest pain. Nitrates and/or calcium channel blockers along with avoidance of triggers can help in symptom management.     

Imipramine-provoked paradoxical pheochromocytoma crisis: A case of cardiogenic shock

The dramatic presentation of pheochromocytoma in crisis is uncommon and is classically associated with a state of hemodynamic and sympathetic hyperactivity. The case of a 35-year-old man with an occult pheochromocytoma presenting with hypotension and cardiogenic shock shortly after beginning imipramine therapy is presented. Retrospectively, there was a history of emergency department, inpatient, and outpatient evaluation of symptoms likely to be related to an occult pheochromocytoma. He presented with hypotension refractory to fluids and inotropes and in severe respiratory distress. The early differential diagnosis was extensive including acute myocardial infarction, pneumonia with sepsis, and toxic ingestion. Shortly after admission the patient's occult pheochromocytoma was discovered and subsequently specific therapy was initiated. The patient's symptoms resolved after surgical resection of the tumor, and he was ultimately discharged without signs of congestive heart failure. The clinical pathophysiology of cardiomyopathy secondary to pheochromocytoma, and possible mechanisms of pharmacological interactions with tricyclic antidepressants are discussed.     

Good综合征诊治一例

Good综合征（伴胸腺瘤的免疫缺陷症）是一种成人免疫缺陷病,特点是合并胸腺瘤及低丙种球蛋白血症。该病有细胞和体液免疫双重缺陷,患者常表现为反复感染。该文报道1例62岁AB型胸腺瘤女性患者,反复细菌、真菌和病毒感染,血清Ig低下,B淋巴细胞缺如、CD4⁺ T淋巴细胞下降、CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T淋巴细胞比值下降,诊断为Good综合征。该患者同时有粒细胞缺乏、慢性病性贫血,进一步骨髓宏基因组测序发现KIT与ARID1A基因突变,予补充Ig及抗感染治疗,患者症状好转出院。随访患者仍有Ig下降,予定时复查血常规、Ig,并适时补充Ig。Good综合征相对罕见,临床表现复杂,容易延误诊断,临床医师需引起重视。