骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折行椎体后凸成形术后同一椎体再压缩相关因素研究

目的：研究骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折行PKP术后同一椎体再压缩的影响因素及在临床中的重要性。方法回顾分析我院应用PMMA材料行PKP治单节段胸腰椎OVCF并资料完整的患者94例,进行不少于1年的随访,根据患者的病史资料及影像学表现,分为无压缩的对照组和再压缩两组,通过两组的对比进行相关分析。结果术前、术后及随访末期VAS评分两组三者之间有明显的差异（P〈0.05）,最后的后凸角、椎体间的裂隙及骨水泥无终板的接触两组之间有显著的差异（P〈0.001）,在评估因素的相关性测试中,IVC（r=0.557）,NPEC（r=0.496）是最要用的影响因素。结论 IVC和NPEC是两个导致PKP术后同一椎体再压缩的重要因素,对有上述因素的患者进行长期的临床观察随访是必要的。     

Comparative study of percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Objective  

To compare the therapeutic effect of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).     

The ��X-Factor�� Index: a new parameter for the assessment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis correction

The correction rate (CR) and fulcrum bending correction index (FBCI) based on the fulcrum bending radiograph (FBR) were parameters introduced to measure the curve correcting ability; however, such parameters do not account for contributions by various, potential extraneous “X-Factors” (e.g. surgical technique, type and power of the instrumentation, anesthetic technique, etc.) involved in curve correction. As such, the purpose of the following study was to propose the concept of the “X-Factor Index” (XFI) as a new parameter for the assessment of the correcting ability of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A historical cohort radiographic analysis of the FBR in the setting of hook systems in AIS patients (Luk et al. in Spine 23:2303–2307, 1998) was performed to illustrate the concept of XFI. Thirty-five patients with AIS of the thoracic spine undergoing surgical correction were involved in the analysis. Plain posteroanterior (PA) plain radiographs were utilized and Cobb angles were obtained for each patient. Pre- and postoperative PA angles on standing radiograph and preoperative fulcrum bending angles were obtained for each patient. The fulcrum flexibility, curve CR, and FBCI were determined for all patients. The difference between the preoperative fulcrum bending angle and postoperative PA angle was defined as Angle_XF, which accounted for the correction contributed by “X-Factors”. The XFI, designed to measure the curve correcting ability, was calculated by dividing Angle_XF by the fulcrum flexibility. The XFI was compared with the curve CR and FBCI by re-evaluating the original data in the original paper (Luk et al. in Spine 23:2303–2307, 1998). The mean standing PA and FBR alignments of the main thoracic curve were 58.3° and 24.5°, respectively. The mean fulcrum flexibility was 58.8%. The mean postoperative standing PA alignment was 24.7°. The mean curve CR was 58.0% and the mean FBCI was 101.1%. The mean XFI was noted as 1.03%. The CR was significantly positively correlated to curve flexibility (r = 0.66; p < 0.01).The FBCI (r = −0.47; p = 0.005) and the XFI (r = −0.45; p = 0.007) were significantly negatively correlated to curve flexibility. The CR was not correlated to Angle_XF (r = 0.29; p = 0.089).The FBCI (r = 0.97; p < 0.01) and the XFI (r = 0.961; p < 0.01) were significantly positively correlated to Angle_XF. Variation in XFI was noted in some cases originally presenting with same FBCI values. The XFI attempts to quantify the curve correcting ability as contributed by “X-Factors” in the treatment of thoracic AIS. This index may be a valued added parameter to accompany the FBCI for comparing curve correction ability among different series of patients, instrumentation, and surgeons. It is recommended that the XFI should be used to document curve correction, compare between different techniques, and used to improve curve correction for the patient.     

Risk factors predicting the new symptomatic vertebral compression fractures after percutaneous vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty

Introduction  

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) are effective procedures to alleviate pain caused by osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). New vertebral compression fracture (NVCF) has been noted as a potential late sequela of the procedures. The incidence of NVCFs and affecting risk factors were investigated.     

The impact of osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures on mortality and association with pulmonary function in COPD: A meta-analysis

ObjectiveOsteoporosis is highly prevalent among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and most commonly presents as a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). Our objective was to quantify the effect of osteoporosis and VCFs on the mortality and pulmonary function tests (PFTs), such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) and forced vital capacity (FVC), of patients with COPD.MethodsA PubMed/Medline search was conducted using the search terms “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease”, “osteoporosis” and “vertebral compression fracture”. Meta-analyses were conducted to evaluate the differences in mortality and PFTs between patients with COPD with and without osteoporosis or VCFs, according to PRISMA guidelines. PROSPERO registration: CRD42019120335.ResultsOf the 896 abstracts identified, 27 studies describing 7662 patients with COPD of which 1883 (24.6%) had osteoporosis or VCFs, were included. Random effects model analysis demonstrated that patients with COPD and osteoporosis or VCFs had an increased OR for mortality of 2.40 (95% CI: 1.24; 4.64, I² = 89%, P < 0.01), decreased FEV₁/FVC with a mean difference of ?4.80% (95% CI: ?6.69; ?2.90, I² = 83%, P < 0.01) and decreased FEV₁, with a mean difference of ?4.91% (95% CI: ?6.51; ?3.31, I² = 95%, P < 0.01) and ?0.41 L (95% CI: ?0.59; ?0.24, I² = 97%, P < 0.01), compared to control subjects. Apart from FEV₁ (liters) in subgroup 1 (P = 0.06), all subgroup analyses found significant differences between groups, as did sensitivity analysis of low risk of bias studies.ConclusionOsteoporosis and VCFs are associated with a significant reduction in survival and pulmonary function among patients with COPD.     

Risk Factors for Massive Blood Transfusion in Cytoreductive Surgery: A Multivariate Analysis of 243 Procedures

Background  Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC) has demonstrated improved survival in selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). This treatment modality is associated with high blood loss and often requires massive allogenic red blood cell transfusion (MABT). Our study is the first of its kind to evaluate the risk factors for intraoperative MABT in peritonectomy procedures. Methods  Two hundred and forty-three consecutive CRS and PIC procedures were evaluated. The associations between 17 preoperative and intraoperative risk factors and intraoperative MABT (≥6 units) were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results  One hundred and eighty-six (77%) procedures required intraoperative transfusion of packed red blood cells. Ninety-one procedures required MABT (37%). Multivariate analysis showed six significant risk factors for intraoperative MABT: operative length > 9 h (p < 0.001), preoperative hemoglobin < 125 g/l (p < 0.001), operation date prior to 2004 (p = 0.002), peritoneal cancer index ≥ 16 (p = 0.006), preoperative international normalized ratio (INR) ≥ 1.2 (p = 0.008), and number of peritonectomy procedures ≥ 4 (p = 0.021). Statistical analysis also revealed that MABT was associated with increased intensive care unit (ICU) (p < 0.001), high-dependency unit (HDU) (p = 0.020), and total hospital stay (p < 0.001) and with severe morbidity (p < 0.001). Conclusions  Patients with preoperative anemia, impaired coagulation profile or extensive tumor burden are at high risk of MABT. Appropriate blood conservation strategies should be adopted in these patients on the basis of their risk factors.     

Vertebral height restoration in osteoporotic compression fractures: kyphoplasty balloon tamp is superior to postural correction alone

Introduction Kyphoplasty has been shown to restore vertebral height and sagittal alignment. Proponents of vertebroplasty have recently demonstrated that many vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are mobile and positional correction can lead to clinically significant height restoration. The current investigation tested the hypothesis that positional maneuvers do not achieve the same degree of vertebral height correction as kyphoplasty balloon tamps for the reduction of low-energy VCFs.Methods Twenty-five consecutive patients with a total of 43 osteoporotic VCFs were entered into a prospective analysis. Each patient was sequentially evaluated for postural and balloon vertebral fracture reduction. Preoperative standing and lateral radiographs of the fractured vertebrae were compared with prone cross-table lateral radiographs with the patient in a hyper-extension position and on pelvic and sternal rolls. Following positional manipulation, patients underwent a unilateral balloon kyphoplasty. Postoperative standing radiographs were evaluated for the percentage of height restoration related to positioning and balloon kyphoplasty.Results In the middle portion of the vertebrae, the percentage available for restoration restored with extension positioning was 10.4% (median 11.1%) and after balloon kyphoplasty was 57.0% (median 62.2%). This difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Thus, kyphoplasty provided an additional 46.6% of the height available for restoration from the positioning alone. With operative positioning, 51.2% of VCFs had >10% restoration of the central portion of the vertebral body, whereas 90.7% of fractures improved at least 10% following balloon kyphoplasty (p<0.002).Conclusion Although this study supports the concept that many VCFs can be moved with positioning, balloon kyphoplasty enhanced the height reduction >4.5-fold over the positioning maneuver alone and accounted for over 80% of the ultimate reduction. If height restoration is the goal, kyphoplasty is clearly superior in most cases to the positioning maneuver alone.     

Impact of Hospital Volume on Surgical Outcome for Head and Neck Cancer

The objective of this study was to define the prognostic significance of surgical center case volume on outcome for head and neck cancer (HNC). Florida cancer registry and inpatient hospital data were queried for HNC diagnosed from 1998 to 2002. Of the 11,160 operative cases of HNC identified, 35.3% were treated at low-volume centers (LVCs), 32.7% in intermediate-volume centers (IVC), and 32.1% at high-volume centers (HVC). A larger proportion of high-grade tumors (27.9%) and lesions over 30 mm (39.7%) were resected at HVC (p < 0.001). Median survival was 61 months for HVC, 52 months for IVC, and 47 months for LVC (p < 0.001). Univariate analysis demonstrated significantly improved survival at HVC for low-, medium-, and high-grade tumors, small tumors (<30 mm), and for cancers of the parotid, larynx, and pharynx. On multivariate analysis, corrected for patient comorbidities, treatment at a HVC was a significant independent predictor of improved survival (HR = 1.25, p = 0.001). We conclude that HNC patients treated at HVC have significantly better long-term survival and cure rates. Where possible, patients with large (>30 mm), high-grade or parotid, larynx, and pharynx tumors should be evaluated and offered care at a high-volume center.     

Mortality risk for operated and nonoperated vertebral fracture patients in the medicare population

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are associated with increased mortality risk, but the association between surgical treatment and survivorship is unclear. We evaluated the mortality risk for VCF patients undergoing conservative treatment (nonoperated), kyphoplasty, and vertebroplasty. Survival of VCF patients in the 100% U.S. Medicare data set (2005–2008) was estimated by the Kaplan‐Meier method, and the differences in mortality rates at up to 4 years were assessed by Cox regression (adjusted for comorbidities) between operated and nonoperated patients and between kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty patients. An instrumental variables analysis was used to evaluate mortality‐rate difference between kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty patients. A total of 858,978 VCF patients were identified, including 119,253 kyphoplasty patients and 63,693 vertebroplasty patients. At up to 4 years of follow‐up, patients in the operated cohort had a higher adjusted survival rate of 60.8% compared with 50.0% for patients in the nonoperated cohort (p < .001) and were 37% less likely to die [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.63, p < .001]. The adjusted survival rates for VCF patients following vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty were 57.3% and 62.8%, respectively (p < .001). The relative risk of mortality for kyphoplasty patients was 23% lower than that for vertebroplasty patients (adjusted HR = 0.77, p < .001). Using physician preference as an instrument, the absolute difference in the adjusted survival rate at 3 years was 7.29% higher in patients receiving kyphoplasty than vertebroplasty (p < .001), compared with a crude absolute rate difference of 5.09%. This study established the mortality risk associated with VCFs diagnosed between 2005 and 2008 with respect to different treatment modalities for elderly patients in the entire Medicare population. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Comparison of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in the treatment of fresh vertebral compression fractures

Introduction  As life expectancy in the population rises, osteoporotic fractures are seen most frequently in the proximal femur and the vertebral column. In balloon kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty, we have two minimally invasive treatment procedures available. Although they have both been controversially discussed in studies, they have seldom been directly compared. Materials and methods  Between 2002 and 2004, patients with fresh thoracic or lumbar single-segment vertebral compression fractures not involving neurological deficits were treated by balloon kyphoplasty (n = 30) or vertebroplasty(n = 30) using PMMA cement, and the results of the two interventions were compared in a prospective, nonrandomised cohort study. Surgery was indicated when patients had painful, dislocated fractures of type A1 and type A3 according to Magerl’s classification. The outcome of treatment was assessed with special reference to the angle of kyphosis, back pain (VAS), health-related quality of life (SF-36) and complications. Results  At the time of the follow-up examination, significant improvement in the angle of kyphosis was found to have been achieved both by kyphoplasty and by vertebroplasty (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Comparison showed that correction of the angle was significantly (P < 0.001) better in the kyphoplasty group. Both surgical procedures led to significant (P < 0.001) attenuation of the patients’ pain; no difference was observed between the groups in the degree of pain relief achieved. There was no demonstrable correlation in either group between the preoperative pain experienced by the patients and the degree of dislocation of their fractures. In both study groups, the quality of life was in keeping with that of a reference group matched for age and sex. Cement leakage was observed in 7% of patients after kyphoplasty and in 33% of patients after vertebroplasty (P = 0.021). Adjacent-level fractures were checked for, but occurred in only one patient in the vertebroplasty group. Conclusion  The two surgical procedures were both followed by significant pain relief, and the quality of life was similar regardless of the procedure used. Balloon kyphoplasty led to an ongoing reduction of freshly fractured vertebrae and was followed by a lower rate of cement leakage.     

Role of the supine lateral radiograph of the spine in vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture: a prospective study

Background  

Severely collapsed vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is usually considered as a contraindication for vertebroplasty because of critically decreased vertebral height (less than one-third the original height). However, osteoporotic VCF can possess dynamic mobility with intravertebral cleft (IVC), which can be demonstrated on supine lateral radiographs (SuLR) and standing lateral radiographs (StLR). The purposes of this study were to: (1) evaluate the efficacy of SuLR to detect IVCs and assess the intravertebral mobility in VCFs, and (2) evaluate the short-term results of vertebroplasty in severely collapsed VCFs with IVCs.     

单侧穿刺椎体后凸成形术治疗高龄骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折

目的：探讨单侧椎体后凸成形术（ percutaneous kyphoplasty ,PKP）治疗高龄骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折（ osteo-porotic vertebral compression fracture , OVCF ）的疗效。方法2011年1月～2013年6月采用PKP治疗高龄胸腰椎OVCF 58例共65个椎体,男18例（18个椎体）,女40例（47个椎体）,平均年龄78．1岁（75～87岁）。致伤原因均为低能量型损伤;患者腰背部持续疼痛,无脊髓、神经损伤表现;影像学表现为伤椎椎体后壁完整,非爆裂性骨折。伤椎部位T6～L4,其中58个椎体为T10～L2。术前和术后2 d对患者视觉模拟量表（ visual analog scale , VAS）评分、Oswe-stry功能障碍指数（ Oswestry disability index , ODI）以及伤椎相对高度进行统计学分析,随访伤椎高度丢失情况,记录骨水泥渗漏及随访期间伤椎再骨折和相邻椎体骨折情况。结果术后随访6～36个月,平均17．8月。术前和术后2 d VAS评分分别为8．21±0．72和2．94±0．83,ODI分别为（81．02±7．24）％和（27．35±6．11）％,伤椎前缘相对高度分别为（70．75±5．31）％和（82．14±4．90）％,伤椎中部相对高度分别为（71．72±4．54）％和（84．46±4．51）％;手术前后各项指标对比差异具有统计学意义（ P＜0．05）。末次随访伤椎前缘相对高度为（80．83±5．14）％,伤椎中部相对高度为（82．65±6．20）％,与术后2 d各项指标对比差异无统计学意义（ P＞0．05）。术中骨水泥渗漏5例共5个椎体,随访期间发生伤椎再骨折3例3个椎体、相邻椎体骨折4例4个椎体。结论单侧穿刺椎体后凸成形术治疗高龄OVCF可取得满意临床效果,有效缓解疼痛,改善功能。     

Half clamping of the infrahepatic inferior vena cava reduces bleeding during a hepatectomy by decreasing the central venous pressure

Background and aims  Bleeding from the hepatic vein is closely related to central venous pressure (CVP). To evaluate the effect of low central venous pressure during a hepatectomy, the infrahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) was half clamped. Patients and methods  Between 2006 and 2007, 20 patients undergoing major hepatectomy with the IVC half clamping (half-clamping group) were compared with 58 patients undergoing hepatectomy without IVC half clamping between 2003 and 2005 (control group). The types of liver resection, amount of blood loss during the hepatectomy, volume of blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, and complications were compared between the two groups. Results  In the half-clamping group, blood loss was decreased in comparison to the control group (p = 0.041) and the suprahepatic CVP was low (2.4 ± 1.8 mmHg; p = 0.0002). The diameter at the root of the right hepatic vein was reduced in comparison to before clamping (5.8 ± 1.6 mm; p < 0.001). There were no complications of half clamping on any hemodynamic and blood electrolytic parameters. Conclusion  Using the half clamping technique of the IVC, intra-operative CVP was maintained below 3 mmHg without any side effects, and the low CVP significantly reduced the bleeding from hepatic veins during a major hepatectomy.     

Pain, quality of life and recovery after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair

Background  Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) is a well established procedure in the treatment of ventral hernias. It is our clinical experience that patients suffer intense postoperative pain, but this issue and other recovery parameters have not been studied in detail. Methods  Thirty-five patients with hernias >3 cm prospectively underwent LVHR using “double-crown” titanium tack mesh fixation. Pre- and postoperative pain was measured on a 0–100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and health-related quality of life was measured using the Short Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36). Several other recovery parameters were measured systematically in the 6 months follow-up period. Results  We observed no recurrences or severe complications in the follow-up period (n = 31 at day 30 and n = 28 after 6 months). The median in-hospital stay was 2 days (range 0–5). Patients reported significantly more pain during activity than at rest at all times (p < 0.05). The median VAS-pain score during activity vs. at rest at discharge was 60 and 31, respectively. The median VAS-pain score during activity on the day of operation (day 0) was 78; it returned to baseline values at day 30 (p = 0.148) and, after 6 months, it was below the preoperative score (p = 0.01). The scores for general well-being and fatigue returned to baseline values at days 3 and 30, respectively, and at 6 months, they had both significantly improved compared with preoperative values (p = 0.005). The SF-36 scores were significantly worse in three domains at day 30 (p < 0.005). After 6 months, the bodily pain score had increased significantly compared with preoperative values (p < 0.005) and all eight scales were comparable to the Danish reference population scores. Patients resumed normal daily activities after a median of 14 days (range 1–38). Smokers and patients with hard physical demands at work took a significantly longer amount of time to resume work compared with non-smokers (30 vs. 9 days, p < 0.005) and patients with light work demands (29 vs. 9 days, p < 0.05), respectively. VAS-pain scores were strongly correlated to general well-being (r = −0.8, p < 0.001), patient satisfaction (r = −0.67, p < 0.001) and quality of life (r = −0.63, p < 0.001). We found no significant correlation between the number of tacks used (median 59) and postoperative pain. Conclusion  LVHR was associated with considerable postoperative pain and fatigue in the first postoperative month, prolonging the time of convalescence and significantly affecting patients’ quality of life up to 6 months postoperatively. Mesh fixation with fibrin glue or other non-invasive/degradable products seems promising for reducing pain and it should be investigated in future randomised trials.     

Influence of asymmetric tether on the macroscopic permeability of the vertebral end plate

We implemented an experimental model of asymmetrical compression loading of the vertebral end plate (VEP) in vivo. The macroscopic permeability of the VEP was measured. We hypothesized that static asymmetrical loading on vertebrae altered the macroscopic permeability of the VEP. In scoliosis, solute transport to and from the disc is dramatically decreased especially at the apical intervertebral disc. The decrease in permeability could be induced by mechanical stress. Nine skeletally immature pigs were instrumented with left pedicle screws and compression rod at the T5/T6 and L1/L2 levels. After 3 months, three cylindrical specimens of the VEP were obtained from each of the tethered levels. A previously validated method for measuring permeability, based on the relaxation pressure due to a transient-flow rate was used. A pistoning device generated a fluid flow that fully saturated the cylindrical specimen. The decrease in upstream pressure was measured using a pressure transducer, which allowed the macroscopic permeability to be derived. A microscopic study completed the approach. Overall macroscopic permeability was lower for the tethered VEPs than for the VEPs of the control group, respectively −47% for flow-in (p = 0.0001) and −46% for flow-out (p = 0.0001). In the tethered group, macroscopic permeability of the specimens from the tethered side was lower than macroscopic permeability of those from the non-tethered side, −39% for flow-out (p = 0.024) and −47% for flow-in (p = 0.13). In the control group, the macroscopic permeability was greater in the center of the VEP than in its lateral parts for flow-out (p = 0.004). Macroscopic permeability of the center of the VEPs was greater for flow-out than for flow-in (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference between thoracic and lumbar. This study demonstrated that compression loading applied to a growing spine results in decreased permeability of the VEP. This result could be explained by local remodeling, such as calcification of the cartilage end plate or sclerosis of the underlying bone.     

Preoperative Chemotherapy Does Not Increase Morbidity or Mortality of Hepatic Resection for Colorectal Cancer Metastases

Hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer (mCRC) is best treated with a multidisciplinary approach. Conflicting data exist regarding the impact of preoperative chemotherapy on morbidity and mortality after hepatectomy. We hypothesized that preoperative chemotherapy does not adversely impact complications or mortality associated with hepatectomy. A retrospective analysis was performed and included patients with mCRC who underwent hepatectomy from 1996 to 2006. Patients were separated into two groups: those who received preoperative chemotherapy and those who did not. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with morbidity and mortality. Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed to determine disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). One hundred eighty-six patients were analyzed: 112 (60%) received preoperative chemotherapy for a median of 4.2 months. Eighty patients (43%) underwent major hepatectomy. When comparing the two groups, there were no differences in hepatic tumor size (median 3 cm; p = 0.35), type of resection (p = 0.62), stage (p = 0.44) or location (p = 0.10) of the primary tumor, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level (p = 0.80), or number of nodes in lymphadenectomy (p = 0.62). Only number of positive nodes after colectomy (p = 0.02), age (p ≤ 0.0001), and combined resection/radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (p = 0.004) were statistically different between the two groups. There was no difference in rates of morbidity (p = 0.81), mortality (p = 0.29), DFS (p = 0.25) or OS (p = 0.30). We conclude that the use of preoperative chemotherapy did not increase the risk of complications or death for patients undergoing hepatectomy for metastatic colorectal cancer. Pre-hepatectomy chemotherapy appears to be safe and is an important part of the multidisciplinary approach for this disease.     

The effect on renal structure and function of late-life-introduced caloric restriction (CR) in rats

Previous studies have shown that life-long caloric restriction in rats protects the kidneys from age-dependent injury. In this study, we analyzed whether late-life-introduced caloric restriction has a similar effect. The study lasted 12 months. Three groups of animals were analyzed: rats fed “ad libitum” (AD, n = 9), rats on 60% caloric restriction (CR, n = 9), and rats fed “ad libitum” for the first six months of their life then switched to 60% caloric restriction thereafter (LCR, n = 9). At the end of the study kidney function was assessed and kidney samples were analyzed histologically. Serum creatinine and urine albumin were higher in AD than in both CR and LCR (P < 0.001). Creatinine clearance (Cl_cr) corrected for body weight was lowest in AD and comparable in CR and LCR. Similarly Cl_cr corrected for kidney weight was lower in AD than in both CR and LCR (P < 0.05). Severe albuminuria was observed only in AD. In CR and LCR the amount of albumin excreted was comparable (AD vs. CR, P < 0.0001; AD vs. LCR, P < 0.001). In morphometric analysis, the mean size of the glomeruli was higher in AD than in both CR and LCR (P < 0.01). Similar results were found for the mesangial area (AD vs. CR, P < 0.001; AD vs. LCR, P < 0.01) and for mesangial cell counts (AD vs. CR, P < 0.001; AD vs. LCR, P < 0.05). No difference was found between CR and LCR in morphometry. In conclusion, our study indicates that late-life introduction of caloric restriction reverses most of the structural and functional changes observed in the kidneys of “ad libitum”-fed rats.     

Factors Associated with Local Recurrence After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation with Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer

Background  The purpose of the present study was to investigate risk factors associated with local recurrence in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy in combination with total mesorectal excision (TME). Methods  Rectal cancer patients who were treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation with TME were studied. We compared 26 patients who developed local recurrence with 119 recurrence-free patients during the follow-up period. Results  The median follow-up period was 52 months (range: 14–131 months). Based on the use of univariate and multivariate analyses, circumferential margin involvement (p = 0.02), the presence of lymphovascular or perineural invasion (p = 0.02), and positive nodal disease (p = 0.03) were contributing factors for local recurrence. The local recurrence rate was different between ypN(+) patients and ypN(–) patients with more than 12 nodes retrieved (p = 0.01). There was no difference in local recurrence rates between ypN(+) patients and ypN(–) patients with <12 nodes (p = 0.35) or between ypN(–) patients with <12 nodes or ≥12 nodes (p = 0.18). Conclusions  Patients with circumferential margin involvement, the presence of lymphovascular or perineural invasion, and positive nodal disease should be regarded as a high-risk group. We also determined that lymph node retrieval (<12 nodes) in patients with node-negative disease was a risk factor for local recurrence.     

椎体支架系统经皮椎体后凸成形术结合唑来膦酸治疗重度骨质疏松性椎体骨折

目的:探讨椎体支架(vertebral body stents,VBS)系统经皮椎体后凸成形术(percutanous kyphoplasty,PKP结合唑来膦酸治疗重度骨质疏松性椎体骨折的临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析2017年12月至2018年12月收治的48例骨质疏松性胸腰椎骨折,其中男13例,女35例,年龄55～92(71.2±10.5)岁,全部采用VBS系统PKP手术方案,术后联合使用唑来膦酸注射液抗骨质疏松治疗,比较术前、术后3 d及半年的疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS),Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry Disability Index,ODI),病椎丢失高度,并观察术后有无病椎或邻椎再骨折情况。结果:术前VAS评分为7.60±0.12,术后3 d为3.00±0.46,术后半年为1.20±0.23,术后VAS评分明显改善(P0.05),术后3 d与术后半年比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。术前ODI指数为(82.00±0.32)%,术后3 d为(30.00±1.50)%,术后半年为(18.00±0.16)%,术后ODI指数明显改善(P0.05),术后3 d与术后半年比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。术前病椎丢失高度为(12.00±0.43) mm,术后3 d为(3.00±0.15) mm,术后半年为(3.60±0.51) mm,术后病椎丢失高度明显减少(P0.05),术后3 d与术后半年比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。48例患者均获得随访,平均随访时间(6.6±0.5)个月,术后切口均甲级愈合,末次随访均未发生病椎及邻椎再骨折。结论:VBS系统PKP结合唑来膦酸治疗骨质疏松性椎体骨折既可以有效缓解胸腰背部疼痛,改善胸腰椎活动度,又能最大程度地恢复椎体高度,预防病椎及邻椎再骨折,值得临床推广。     

Efficacy of varicocelectomy in primary infertile patients with isolated teratozoospermia. A retrospective analysis

The present study assessed the results of varicocelectomy in patients with isolated teratozoospermia. Sixty-two infertile men with isolated teratozoospermia were evaluated retrospectively. There were significant improvements between preoperative and postoperative mean percentages of spermatozoa with normal morphology (1.15 ± 1.1% versus 2.3 ± 1.8%, p < .001) and spermatozoa with head abnormalities (92.9 ± 4.5% versus 88.6 ± 7.4%, p < .001). Nineteen (31%) patients had children through natural conception, 4 (6%) patients had children with assisted reproductive techniques and 39 (63%) patients had got no children within a mean follow-up period of 31.3 months. In patients who had children with natural conception, significant improvements were detected in postoperative mean percentages of spermatozoa with normal morphology (p < .001), head abnormalities (p < .001), neck/midpiece abnormalities (p = .003) and tail abnormalities (p = .007). When semen parameters of men who had children via natural conception was compared with the men with no children, we found that the percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology was significantly higher (p = .008) and percentage of spermaztozoa with head anomalies was significantly lower (p = .019) in men who had children via natural conception. We believe that varicocelectomy is a beneficial surgical method for the treatment of isolated teratozoospermia and better postoperative rates of spermatozoa having normal morphology and head abnormalities are related with natural conception.