Proficiency of virtual reality simulator training in flexible retrograde ureteroscopy renal stone management

Background Minimally invasive flexible ureteroscopy techniques have widely adopted in the management of patients with renal stones. We performed this study to investigate the value of virtual reality simulator training in retrograde flexible ureteroscopy renal stone treatment for catechumen.     

Application of a three-dimensional microsurgical video system for a rat femoral vessel anastomosis

Background The operating microscopes have been applied to modern surgery for nearly a century.However,generations of microsurgeons have to flex their necks and fix their eyes on the eyepieces of a microscope continually that leads to physical and mental fatigue during a long operation.Stereoscopic three-dimensional （3D） media provides more ergonomic working environment,subsequently,resulting better performance in tasks and more accurate judgment.In this study,an alternative method of magnification was analyzed using a three-dimensional microsurgical video system and compared with the traditional method under microscopy to evaluate the availability and feasibility of a 3D microsurgical video system for microvascular anastomosis.Methods Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups with each of 10.In 20 rats,10 femoral artery anastomoses with a conventional microscope （arterial microscope group） were compared with that of 10 femoral artery anastomoses with a 3D microsurgical video system （arterial 3D group）.For the other 20 rats,10 femoral vein anastomoses using a conventional microscope （venous microscope group） were compared with that of 10 femoral vein anastomoses using a 3D microsurgical video system （venous 3D group）.The arterial and venous microscope groups were considered to be the control groups.The arterial and venous 3D groups were the experimental groups.The examined criteria were as follows：anastomotic time,patency right after the procedure and 10 days later,number of sutures,vessel caliber,and pathological features.Results There were no differences between the operating equipment with respect to vessel caliber,anastomotic time,patency rate,number of sutures,and pathological changes in either the small arteries or veins.The average arterial anastomotic time of the arterial microscope group and arterial 3D group was 34.21 and 33.87 minutes,respectively （P ＞0.05）.The average venous anastomotic time of the venous microscope group and venous 3D group was 29.95 and 31.50 minutes,respectively （P ＞0.05）.Conclusions A small vessel anastomosis can be performed successfully with the help of a 3D display system.Although the vascular anastomotic time did not demonstrate a significant difference between the groups,the 3D microsurgical video system offers another option to improve the working environment for surgeons.Further development of our 3D monitoring system should focus on a higher resolution and better flexibility.     

Distinct properties and metabolic mechanisms of postresuscitation myocardial injuries in ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest versus asphyxiation cardiac arrest in a porcine model

Background The two most prevalent causes of sudden cardiac death are ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest （VFCA） and asphyxiation cardiac arrest （ACA）. Profound postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction has been demonstrated in both VFCA and ACA animal models. Our study aimed to characterize the two porcine models of cardiac arrest and postresuscitation myocardial metabolism dysfunction. Methods Thirty-two pigs were randomized into two groups. The VFCA group （n=16） were subject to programmed electrical stimulation and the ACA group （n=16） underwent endotracheal tube clamping to induce cardiac arrest （CA）. Once induced, CA remained untreated for a period of 8 minutes. Two minutes following initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation （CPR）, defibrillation was attempted until return of spontaneous circulation （ROSC） was achieved or animals died. To assess myocardial metabolism, 18F-FluoroDeoxyGlucose Positron Emission Tomography was performed at baseline and 4 hours after ROSC. Results ROSC was 100% successful in VFCA and 50% successful in ACA. VFCA had better mean arterial pressure and cardiac output after ROSC than ACA. Arterial blood gas analysis indicated more detrimental metabolic disturbances in ACA compared with VFCA after ROSC （ROSC 0.5 hours, pH： 7.01±0.06 vs. 7.21±0.03, P〈0.01; HCO3： （15.83±2.31 vs. 20.11±1.83） mmol/L, P〈0.01; lactate： （16.22±1.76 vs. 5.84±1.44） mmol/L, P〈0.01）. Myocardial metabolism imaging using Positron Emission Tomography demonstrated that myocardial injuries after ACA were more severe and widespread than after VFCA at 4 hours after ROSC （the maximum standardized uptake value of the whole left ventricular： 1.00±0.17 vs. 1.93±0.27, P〈0.01）. Lower contents of myocardial energy metabolism enzymes （Na＊-K＊-ATPase enzyme activity, Ca2＊- ATPase enzyme activity, superoxide dismutase and phosphodiesterase） were found in ACA relative to VFCA. Conclusions Compared with VFCA, ACA causes more severe myocardium injury an     

Effects of partial portal vein arterialization on liver regeneration after hepatectomy in minipigs with obstructive jaundice

Background  Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant tumor that is difficult to cure. BACKGROUNDThe aim of this study was to observe the effects of flow-controlled partial portal vein arterializations (PPVA) on liver regeneration after hepatectomy in minipigs with chronic obstructive jaundice.

Methods  Eight minipigs were made into chronic obstructive jaundice models. United semi-hepatectomy, which imitates extended radical surgery for treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma, was then performed. The eight minipigs were randomly divided into groups A and B (n=4 minipigs each). PPVA was performed in Group A but not in Group B. The effects of flow-controlled PPVA on live regeneration after hepatectomy were observed for 30 days after hepatectomy.

Results  The portal vein PO₂ at the immediate time point and on postoperative day 30 was higher in Group A ((47.33±2.43) and (48.50±4.44) mmHg) than in Group B ((35.38±4.06) and (35.55±2.55) mmHg respectively, all P <0.01). The mitotic index of liver cells on postoperative days 14 and 21 was higher in Group A (12.55%±2.85% and 15.25%±1.99% respectively) than in Group B (6.85%±2.10% and 11.88%±1.15% respectively, all P <0.05). The regeneration rate of residual liver on postoperative days 14 and 21 was higher in Group A (24.56%±6.15% and 70.63%±9.83% respectively) than in Group B (11.96%±5.43% and 44.92%±7.42% respectively, P <0.05 and P <0.01 respectively).

Conclusion  Flow-controlled PPVA can promote liver regeneration after hepatectomy and prevent liver failure in minipigs with chronic obstructive jaundice.

     

Pulmonary vein antrum isolation of pre-excited atrial fibrillation

Background Pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) of pre-excited atrial fibrillation (AF) is controversial. This study aimed to observe the therapeutic effects of PVAI on pre-excited AF.

Methods Twenty-nine patients with pre-excited AF were prospectively divided into a PVAI group (group I, 19 cases) and a control group (group II, 10 cases). To each case in group I, PVAI was performed, and then electroanatomical mapping of accessory pathways (AP) and ablation were constructed on a three-dimensional (3D) map of the valve annulus. Only AP ablation was performed in each case of group II.

Results Of the 29 cases, three were found to have dual APs, two had intermittent APs, and the remaining 24 had single APs. All APs were successfully ablated after the procedure. There were no significant statistical differences in the AP procedure duration ((77.4±21.3) minutes vs. (85.3±13.1) minutes), the AP ablation time ((204±34) seconds vs. (223±62) seconds) and the AP X-ray exposure time ((18.6±4.4) minutes vs. (19.1±4.5) minutes) respectively between groups I and II. As compared with the control group (5 of 10 cases, 50%), the PVAI group had a significantly lower AF recurrence rate (2 of 19 cases, 11%; P <0.05) during follow-up of (20.5±10.0) months. All seven patients who recurred were successfully abolished by a second ablation.

Conclusions In patients with pre-excited AF, PVAI is an effective therapeutic approach with a low AF recurrence rate. 3D electroanatomical maps of AP contributed to the high success rate of ablation without significantly prolonging of operational duration and X-ray exposure time.

     

A novel method of defective vascular reconstruction using 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate and homemade prosthetic component

Background Currently,adhesive technique is popular in vascular repair but not widely used for defective vessels.This study aimed to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of repairing defective vessels with 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate and a homemade prosthetic component.Methods Homemade prosthetic component consisting of expanded polytetrofluoroethylene （ePTFE）,terylene film,and homemade soluble hollow stent mixed with adhesive can replace autologous graft and suture in repairing defective vessels,can fix vessels better using the stent without occlusive bleeding.Forty male mongrel dogs were used,20 for biomechanical tests and 20 for animal experiments.In the biomechanical test,dogs were randomly divided into two groups （n=10 each）,one group repaired on the two sides of the carotid arteries with 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate and homemade component and another group repaired with suture and ePTFE.Of the 40 specimens,10 were used for adhesive and 10 for suture specimens for tension strength test,whereas the remaining specimens were used for bursting pressure test.In animal experiments,dogs were also divided into adhesive and suture groups （n=10）,only of the left carotid artery.Recording the operational time,bleeding or not.Vessels were tested using color Doppler ultrasound,the inner diameter was measured,and the degree of stenosis at 8 weeks was evaluated digital subtraction angiography （DSA） were also performed.Specimens were then analyzed histologically.Results In the adhesive and suture groups,the specimens could afford atension strength of （23.80±1.51） N versus （24.60±1.08） N （P ＞0.05）,the bursting pressure was （52.03±.2.43） kPa versus （50.04±3.51） kPa （P ＞0.05）,and the mean time of anastomosis was （15.20±0.55） minutes versus （25.97±0.58） minutes （P ＜0.05）.One dog in the adhesive group was bleeding from the suture.One dog from each group presented with thrombosis at 1 week.After measuring using ultrasound,the stenosis degree of all dogs were no more than 30％ except the two thromboses.DSA and histological observation showed no obvious difference between the two groups.Conclusion Defective vascular anastomosis with 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate and our homemade prosthetic component is feasible,effective,timesaving,and easy to master.     

Transradial artery intervention: an alternative approach for renal artery stent implantation?

Background  Transfemoral artery access is the main approach for the interventional treatment of renal artery stenosis (RAS). This study aimed to investigate the technical feasibility of a transradial interventional (TRI) treatment of renal artery stenosis.

Methods  A series of 23 patients who underwent transradial renal artery stenting from October 2010 to October 2011 were studied. Radial sheath system (Terumo, Japan) was used to get access to the radial artery. Radial tourniquet (Terumo) was used to stop bleeding. A 5Fr MPA (COOK, USA) was used to perform selective renal arteriography. Percutaneous renal artery stent systems were used to perform renal artery stenting. 

Results  Renal artery angiography showed that 15 patients had unilateral renal artery stenosis and eight patients had bilateral renal artery stenosis. The descending aorta could not be catheterized in one patient because of the type III aortic arch. Twenty-two patients successfully underwent transradial renal artery angiography and the technical success rate was 95.7%. There was no puncture site hematoma or pseudoaneurysm. Mean procedure time was (38.4±7.2) minutes, the mean amount of contrast agent used was (93.2±6.3) ml, and the mean postprocedure bleeding time was (3.2±1.9) minutes.

Conclusion  Transradial renal artery intervention is technically reliable with less invasion, rapid recovery, fewer complications and may become an alternative intervention approach for the treatment of renal artery stenosis.

     

Computer-assisted preoperative planning for proximal humeral fractures by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis

Background Accurate and precise preoperative planning can provide information instrumental for performing less invasive articular fracture surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine that computer-assisted preoperative planning （CAPP） has the potential to improve efficiency and time in the operating room. Methods Sixty-four patients with proximal humeral fractures were treated using locking plates by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis （MIPO） with CAPP. The time needed for virtual segmentation, reduction, and fixation of the fracture fragments were recorded. Intra and interobserver reliabilities were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. The clinical function was analyzed using Constant Score and radiology. Results The mean total time required for CAPP of two-part, three-part, and four-part proximal humeral fractures were （13.63±1.38） minutes, （23.14±2.18） minutes, and （39.61±3.01） minutes, respectively. The intra and interobserver reliabilities for all variables were high, ranging from 0.785 to 0.992. The mean operation time was （50.1±6.7） minutes. Fifty- two patients were followed up with an average time of 34.2 months. The mean Constant Score of the injury side was （82.5 ± 9.9）. Three of the fifty-two patients had four complications. Conclusion The application of CAPP was efficient and reliable, and provided excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures by MIPO.     

Evaluation on therapeutic effects of orthotopic liver transplantation by megnetic resonance imaging in patients with portal hypertension

Background Orthotopic liver transplantation （OLT） has become the therapeutic option of choice for end-stage liver disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of splenic morphology, signal-to-noise ratio （SNR）, contrast- to-noise ratio （CNR）, apparent diffusion coefficient （ADC） values and explore their value in evaluating the therapeutic effects of orthotopic liver transplantation （OLT） on portal hypertension at 1.5 Tesla MRI. Methods Twenty patients with portal hypertension undergoing OLT were included in this study. Conventional MRI and diffusion-weighted image （DWI） （b value=600 s/mm2） sequences were applied on each patient before and after OLT, and these patients were referred to as the preoperative and postoperative groups. Twenty healthy individuals were selected as the normal group. After image acquisition, the splenic width （W）, thickness （T）, length （L）, the diameter of the portal vein （PD） and splenic vein （SD） were measured and the splenic volume （V） was calculated. The SNR and CNR were measured on T2WI. The ADC maps were calculated using the bs00 in DWIs and the ADC values were measured. Results Compared with the preoperative group, the splenic V, PD and SD decreased significantly in the postoperative group （P 〈0.05）. All splenic morphological values were significantly different between preoperative and normal groups （P 〈0.05）. The splenic L and V were significantly different （P 〈0.05） between postoperative and normal groups. The SNR and CNR values were 17.66＋4.62 and 13.18＋3.12, 11.50＋1.64 and 7.44＋4.32, 4.24＋1.24 and 3.03＋2.41 in the preoperative, postoperative and normal groups, respectively. Both SNR and CNR decreased after OLT, but they was still higher than the normal values. The SNR was significantly different between any two groups （P 〈0.05）. The CNR was significantly different （P 〈0.05） between the preoperative and postoperative groups, preoperative and normal groups. The splenic AD     

Retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site ureterolithotomy versus conventional laparoscopic ureterolithotomy

Background Laparoendoscopic single-site （LESS） surgery through the retroperitoneal approach has been seldom reported.We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of LESS and conventional laparoscopic surgery via the retroperitoneal approach in the management of large,impacted ureteral calculi.Methods Between November 2011 and July 2013,retroperitoneal LESS ureterolithotomy was performed in 12 patients using a homemade single-port device comprising a surgical glove and several strips of tape.Another 16 patients underwent conventional retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy.We compared the operative time,complications,and surgical outcomes,retrospectively.Results All patients were completed without conversion to conventional laparoscopic or open surgery.The operative time of the LESS group and of the conventional laparoscopic group were （125.3±12.8） minutes and （116.9±14.4）minutes,respectively （P=0.119）.The intraoperative blood loss was （42.9±8.9） and （43.4±14.7） ml,respectively （P=0.914）.Postoperative radiologic evaluation revealed that the stones had been removed completely.Cosmetic results were superior in the LESS group （P=0.001）.Conclusion Retroperitoneal LESS ureterolithotomy using a homemade single-port device can be considered a feasible and safe alternative to conventional laparoscopic ureterolithotomy.     

Differential diagnosis of isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis and gastrocnemius hematoma by high-frequency ultrasound

Background Differential diagnosis of isolated calf muscle vein thrombosis （ICMVT） and gastrocnemius hematoma is essential for early identification of deep vein thrombosis （DVT）.This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound for differential diagnosis of ICMVT and gastrocnemius hematoma.Methods A retrospective case series of 35 ICMVT （M∶F,21∶14; mean age （64.5±10.6） years） and 23 gastrocnemius hematoma （M∶F,16∶7; mean age （75.4±11.8） years） patients with bilateral/unilateral lower limb pain was conducted between January 2006 and September 2012.Characteristics and the morphology of high-frequency color Doppler ultrasonography of the lower limb deep vein,great saphenous vein,calf muscles,skin,and soft tissue were examined.Results ICMVT hypoechoic signals were characterized by long,tube-like masses on longitudinal sections and oval masses on transverse sections,with apparent muscle thrombosis boundaries,distal and proximal venous connections,and,often,lower limb DVT.Gastrocnemius hematoma hypoechoic signals were characterized by large volumes,enhanced posterior hematoma echo,hyperechoic muscle boundaries,no hematoma blood flow,and no DVT,and clear differences in trauma/exercise-and oral anticoagulant-induced hematomas were readily apparent.According to the measurement,the ratio of long diameter/transverse diameter （D/T） in ICMVT patients was about less than 2.0,whereas in gastrocnemius hematoma patients the ratio was more than 2.0.Early stage isoechoic and hypoechoic signals were detected with gradually increasing ovular anechoic areas.Partial muscle fibers in the hematoma due to muscle fractures were apparent.Conclusion High-frequency color Doppler ultrasound was found to be a sensitive and reliable method for differential diagnosis of ICMVT and gastrocnemius hematoma due to trauma and exercise or prolonged oral anticoagulant use.     

Impairment of recovery of muscle function by residual rocuronium after re-transfusion of intraoperative salvaged blood

Background Recurarization has previously been described in the context of acute normovolemic hemodilution.The aim of this study was to investigate the impairment of recovery of neuromuscular function after re-transfusion of intraoperative salvaged blood in patients treated with rocuronium.Methods We enrolled 50 patients undergoing general anesthesia for lumbar surgery.Intraoperative blood salvage （IBS） was used in 30 patients （group Ⅰ）; the remaining 20 comprised a control group （group C）.Anesthesia was induced with fentanyl,midazolam,propofol and rocuronium.Rocuronium was infused to maintain neuromuscular blockade during surgery.Blood was collected from the operative field and re-transfused in the post-anesthesia care unit （PACU）.Neuromuscular function was monitored using the train-of-four ratio （TOFr）.Once the train-of-four ratio exceeded 90 in the PACU,neuromuscular function was evaluated every 5 minutes for 30 minutes.The TOFr and incremental recovery of TOFr from baseline were recorded.Salvaged blood was re-transfused at the beginning of the evaluation for patients in group Ⅰ,and afterwards for patients in group C.Blood gas analysis was assessed before anesthesia and in the PACU.Results Incremental recovery of TOFr from baseline was significantly less in group Ⅰ than controls at 25 minutes （6.1±3.2vs.9.1±3.2,respectively; P=0.001） and 30 minutes （7.1±3.2 vs.10.0±2.2,respectively; P=-0.001）.There were no significant differences in gas exchange between the groups.Conclusions In patients who had received a rocuronium infusion during anesthesia,re-transfusion of salvaged blood significantly impaired recovery of neuromuscular function recovery in the PACU,but without significant impairment of respiratory function.     

A preliminary study of imaging paclitaxel-induced tumor apoptosis with 99Tcm-His10-Annexin V

Backgroud In tumors the process of apoptosis occurs over an interval of time after chemotherapy. It is important to determine the best time for detecting apoptosis by in vivo imaging. In this study, we evaluated the dynamics and feasibility of imaging non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) apoptosis induced by paclitaxel treatment using a 99Tcm-labeled Annexin V recombinant with ten consecutive histidines (His10-Annexin V) in a mouse model.

Methods 99Tcm-His10-Annexin V was prepared by one step direct labeling; radio-chemical purity (RCP) and radio-stability was tested. The binding of 99Tcm-His10-Annexin V to apoptotic cells was validated in vitro using camptothecin-induced Jurkat cells. In vivo bio-distribution was determined in mice by dissection. The human H460 NSCLC tumor cell line (H460) tumor-bearing mice were treated with intravenous paclitaxel 24, 48 and 72 hours later. 99Tcm-His10-Annexin V was injected intravenously, and planar images were acquired at 2, 4 and 6 hours post-injection on a dual-head gamma camera fitted with a pinhole collimator. Tumor-to-normal tissue ratios (T/NT) were calculated by ROI analysis and they reflected specific binding of 99Tcm-His10-Annexin V. Mice were sacrificed after imaging. Caspase-3, as the apoptosis detector, was determined by flow cytometry, and DNA fragmentation was analyzed by the terminal deoxynucleotidytransferase mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Nonspecific accumulation of protein was estimated using bovine serum albumin (BSA). The imaging data were correlated with TUNEL-positive nuclei and caspase-3 activity.

Results 99Tcm-His10-Annexin V had a RCP >98% and high stability 2 hours after radio-labeling, and it could bind to apoptotic cells with high affinity. Bio-distribution of 99Tcm-His10-Annexin V showed predominant uptake in kidney, relatively low uptake in myocardium, liver and gastrointestinal tract, and rapid clearance from blood and kidney was observed. The T/NT was significantly increased after paclitaxel treatment, whereas it was low in untreated tumors (T/NT=1.43±0.18). The %ID/g activity in Group 2 (24 hours), Group 3 (48 hours) and Group 4 (72 hours) after treatment was 2.55±0.73, 3.35±1.10, and 3.4±0.96, respectively. Whereas in the non-treated group, Group 1, %ID/g was 1.10±0.18. The radiotracer uptake was positively correlated to the apoptotic index (r=0.852, P<0.01), as well as caspase-3 activity (r=0.816, P<0.01).

Conclusion This study addresses the dynamics and feasibility of imaging non-small cell lung tumor apoptosis using 99Tcm-His10-Annexin V.

     

Combined incisional ropivacaine infiltration and pulmonary recruitment manoeuvre for postoperative pain relief after diagnostic hysteroscopy and laparoscopy

Background Preoperative incisional local anaesthesia with ropivacaine is a common method of providing postlaparoscopy pain relief.The pulmonary recruitment manoeuvre also provides pain relief,but the combined effect of these two methods on pain following laparoscopic procedures has not been reported.We investigated the efficacy of combining local anaesthetic infiltration of ropivacaine with pulmonary recruitment manoeuvre on postoperative pain following diagnostic hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.Methods This prospective,randomized,controlled study involved 60 patients divided into two groups （n=30,each）.Group 1 received 20 ml of 0.5％ ropivacaine injected peri-incisionally preoperatively,with intra-abdominal carbon dioxide removed by passive deflation.Group 2 received 20 ml of 0.5％ ropivacaine injected peri-incisionally with five manual inflations of the lungs with a positive-pressure ventilation of 40 cmH2O at the end of surgery.The last inflation was held for 5 seconds.The intensity of postoperative incisional and shoulder pain was evaluated using a numerical rating scale at 0,2,4,8,12,24 and 48 hours postoperatively by an independent blinded anaesthesiologist.Tramadol was given postoperatively for analgesia.Results Compared with group 1,incisional ropivacaine infiltration combined with pulmonary recruitment manoeuvre significantly reduced dynamic pain at 0 hour,4 hours,and 24 hours postoperatively （4.1 ± 2.2 vs.2.1 ± 1.9,P=0.002;2.7 ± 2.7 vs.1.2 ± 1.3,P=0.035; and 3.5 ± 2.1 vs.2.1 ± 1.8,P=0.03,respectively）.Static incisional pain was significantly relieved at 0 hour,2 hours,and 24 hours postoperatively （3.1 ± 1.7 vs.1.6 ± 1.3,P=0.001; 1.4 ± 1.3 vs.0.5 ± 0.8,P=0.012;and 2.3 ± 1.9 vs.1.0 ± 1.5,P=0.038,respectively）.Group 2 had more patients without shoulder pain （P＜0.05） and fewer requiring tramadol （P＜0.05）.Conclusion Ropivacaine with pulmonary recruitment manoeuvre provided simple and effective pain relief after diagnostic hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.     

Radioactive probe-guided parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism

Background The value of gamma probes in the surgical treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism （sHPT） was determined.The aim of this study was to enhance the rate of successful total parathyroidectomy in patients with sHPT using intraoperative gamma probe investigations.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 48 sHPT patients between May 2007 and September 2011.Preoperative 99Tcm-methoxyisobutyl isonitrile （MIBI） scintigraphy and high-frequency ultrasonography were used for parathyroid localization.Thirty-five patients （group Ⅰ） underwent conventional neck exploration and open parathyroidectomy.Thirteen patients （group Ⅱ） underwent gamma probe-guided total parathyroidectomy and parathyroid transplantation.The two groups were compared in terms of the number of parathyroid resections,operative time,and postoperative changes in the blood levels of parathyroid hormone （PTH）,calcium,and phosphate.Results The clinical manifestations,PTH and calcium levels,age distribution,and clinical characteristics did not differ between the two groups.The accuracy of preoperative 99Tcm-MIBI scintigraphy （89.74％） for the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism did not differ from that of ultrasonography （81.25％）.However,the accuracy of 99TcmMIBI scintigraphy （66.67％） for localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroids was significantly lower than that of ultrasonography （76.86％）.The operation time was significantly longer in group Ⅰ （（120±25） minutes） than in group Ⅱ （（90±30） minutes）.The accuracy of parathyroid identification was significantly higher in group Ⅱ （92.59％） than in group Ⅰ （80.39％）.On average,significantly fewer parathyroid specimens were obtained in group Ⅰ （2.5±0.5） than in group Ⅱ （3.5±0.5）.Compared with group Ⅰ,group Ⅱ showed a significant increase （15.4％） in the number of parathyroid resections.The PTH,calcium,and phosphate levels significantly decreased postoperatively in all patients.Conclusions Intra     

附加钢板在治疗股骨干骨折髓内钉固定后肥大性骨不连中的应用：与更换钢板的比较

Background Augmentation plating has been used successfully to treat hypertrophic non-union after nail fixation.This study compared the efficacy of augmentation plating and exchange plating for treating hypertrophic non-union of femoral shaft fracture after intramedullary nail fixation.Methods A total of 12 patients received augmentation plating and 15 patients received exchange plating as treatment for femoral shaft hypertrophic non-union.The procedures were conducted at our medical centre between January 2005and January 2012.Clinical follow-up was conducted at 2 weeks,1 month and then monthly until union was achieved to compare union time,operation time,bleeding and complications between the two groups.Results All patients underwent follow-up examinations until fracture union was achieved.The average length of followup time after the second treatment was （18.37±3.28） months.The time needed for union was （4.17±0.94） months in the augmentation plating group and （5.33±1.72） months in the exchange plating group.The operation time was （90.00±17.58） minutes in the augmentation plating group and （160.00±25.35） minutes in the exchange plating group.The amount of blood loss during the operation was （270.00±43.32） ml in the augmentation plating group and （530.00±103.65） ml in the exchange plating group.Both groups showed significant difference （P 〈0.05） in their results.No complications were reported after the second operation.Conclusions Augmentation plating after nail fixation could remove local rotation instability,facilitate simple operation,create minimal damage and enable exercise for early functional recovery.Therefore,augmentation plating is excellent for treating hypertrophic non-union after nail fixation in femoral shaft fracture.     

Effect of catheter radiofrequency ablation on C-reactive protein, brain natriuretic peptide and echocardiograph in patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation

Background Radiofrequency catheter ablation （RFCA） for atrial fibrillation （AF） has developed rapidly,and is a commonly performed ablation in many major hospitals throughout the world,due to its satisfactory results.The aim of this study was to detect the effect of RFCA on C-reactive protein （CRP）,brain natriuretic peptide （BNP）,and echocardiograph in patients with persistent and permanent AF.Methods A total of 120 patients （71 males,mean age （50.8＆#177;12.0） years） with persistent and permanent AF undergoing RFCA under guidance of the Carto merge technique were studied.Left atrial diameter （LAD）,right atrial diameter （RAD）,left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）,CRP,and BNP were observed 3,6 and 12 months after RFCA and compared with results before RFCA.The recurrence of atrial arrhythmias was observed 3 and 12 months after the procedure.Results Compared with that before RFCA,LAD and RAD decreased and LVEF increased significantly after RFCA.Meanwhile,the levels of CRP and BNP were reduced significantly at 3,6,and 12 months after RFCA （P〈0.05）.In the non-recurrent patients,LVEF was increased significantly compared with the recurrent patients at 3,6,and 12 months after RFCA （P〈0.05）.CRP and BNP levels were decreased significantly in the non-recurrent patients compared with the recurrent patients at 3,6,and 12 months after RFCA （P〈0.05）.After one or two applications of RFCA,during a follow-up of 12 months,12 patients （10.0%） had AF,10 patients （8.3%） had atrial flutter,and 5 patients had atrial tachycardia （4.2%）.Conclusions Conversion of AF to sinus rhythm by RFCA,has been shown to reduce LA size and improve LVEF.It can also significantly decrease the levels of CRP and BNP in patients with persistent and permanent AF and reduce the risk of inflammation and developing heart failure.     

An anatomical comparison of two minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgeries using fresh female cadavers

Background During the past decade, graft materials have been widespread used in the vagina in order to correct pelvic organ prolapse. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the exact anatomical position of the puncture devices and their relations to the relevant anatomical structures in the ProliftTM and a modified pelvic reconstructive surgery with mesh. Methods Twelve fresh cadavers were allocated randomly to either the ProliftTM or the modified pelvic reconstructive surgery group. Each group had six fresh cadavers. Relevant distances between the puncture devices and anatomical structures were recorded in both minimally invasive puncture surgeries. Results The mean distances from the posterior puncture points of the obturator membrane to the posterior branch of obturator arteries were shorter （（0.60＋0.36） cm and （0.78＋0.10） cm） when compared with the distances to the anterior branch of obturator arteries （（1.53＋0.46） cm and （1.86＋0.51） cm） for the reconstruction of the anterior compartment in both surgeries （all P 〈0.05）. The distance from the puncture points of the pelvic floor through the ischiorectal fossa to the coccygeal and inferior gluteal arteries in the ProliftTM technique （（0.88＋0.10） cm） and （（1.59＋0.36） cm））were much shorter than that in the modified pelvic reconstructive surgery （（2.95＋0.09） cm） and （（3.40＋0,36） cm）） for the reconstruction of the middle and posterior compartments （all P 〈0.05）. Conclusions Compared with the ProliftTM technique, the modified pelvic reconstructive surgery with mesh would be safer not to cause great damage to the inferior gluteal arteries and the coccygeal arteries, The posterior branch of obturator arteries would be easier to be injured than the anterior branch of obturator arteries during anterior compartment reconstruction in both surgeries.     

Blockade of the OX40/OX40L pathway and induction of PD-L1 synergistically protects mouse islet allografts from rejection

Background OX40/OX40 ligand （OX40/OX40L） and programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1 （PD-1/PD-L1） co- stimulator/signals play important roles in T cell-induced immune responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of OX40/OX40L and PD-1/PD-L1 costimulatory pathways in mouse islet allograft rejection. Methods Lentiviral vectors containing OX40L siRNA sequences and an adenovirus vector containing the PD-L1 gene were constructed. The streptozotocin-induced model of diabetes was established in C57BL/6 （H-2b） mice. Diabetic C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into five groups： group 1, untreated control; group 2, Ad-EGFP treatment; group 3, Ad-PD-L1 treatment; group 4, OX40L-RNAi-LV treatment; group 5, OX40L-RNAi-LV combined with Ad-PD-L1 treatment. Lentiviral vector and the adenovirus vector were injected, singly or combined, into the caudal vein one day before islet transplantation. The islets of DBA/2 （H-2d） mice were transplanted into the renal subcapsular space of the diabetic recipients. Recipient blood glucose and the survival time of the allografts were monitored. Antigen-specific mixed lymphocyte reaction was also evaluated.