Sonography and color Doppler sonography for monitoring conservatively treated infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of sonography in infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis undergoing conservative medical treatment. METHODS: Twenty-two infants (17 male and 5 female; age range, 1-12 weeks) were clinically and sonographically considered suitable for conservative treatment and underwent follow-up during the course of the disease. Sonography was performed under a standardized protocol and included color Doppler sonography. RESULTS: Fifteen infants (mean age, 9 weeks) needed surgery. They initially had a mean pyloric length of 18 mm, a diameter of 10.5 mm, and a wall thickness of 4 mm, with visible passage of food into the duodenum. These values deteriorated during follow-up (mean preoperative values: length, 20 mm; diameter, 12 mm; and wall thickness, 4.5 mm); furthermore, passage of food through the pyloric canal ceased. Seven infants (mean age, 3 weeks) were successfully treated conservatively Their initial mean pyloric measurements were slightly smaller (length, 15 mm; diameter, 10 mm; and wall thickness, 3.8 mm) and did not deteriorate during follow-up. In all of them, sonography showed improvement of passage through the pyloric canal within several days, as shown and documented by color Doppler sonography; morphologic changes persisted longer despite clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Sonography, including color Doppler sonography, is a valuable tool for monitoring infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis undergoing conservative treatment; however, initial sonograms cannot predict the further course of the disease.     

Rifampin Concentrations in Various Compartments of the Human Brain: A Novel Method for Determining Drug Levels in the Cerebral Extracellular Space

Antimicrobial therapy for brain infections is notoriously difficult because of the limited extent of knowledge about drug penetration into the brain. Therefore, we determined the penetration of rifampin into various compartments of the human brain, including the cerebral extracellular space (CES). Patients undergoing craniotomy for resection of primary brain tumors were given a standard dose of 600 mg of rifampin intravenously before the operation. A microdialysis probe (10 by 0.5 mm) was inserted into the cortex distantly from the resection and was perfused with two different rifampin solutions. Rifampin concentrations in the CES were calculated by the no-net-flux method. Intraoperatively, samples were taken from brain tumor tissue, perifocal tissue, and normal brain tissue in the case of pole resections. Rifampin concentrations in the various samples were determined by using a bioassay with Sarcinea lutea. In the various compartments, rifampin concentrations were highest within tumors (1.37 ± 1.34 μg/ml; n = 8), followed by the perifocal region (0.62 ± 0.67 μg/ml; n = 8), the CES (0.32 ± 0.11 μg/ml; n = 6), and normal brain tissue (0.29 ± 0.15 μg/ml; n = 7). Rifampin concentrations in brain tumors do not adequately reflect concentrations in normal brain tissue or in the CES. Rifampin concentrations in the CES, as determined by microdialysis, are the most reproducible, and the least scattered, of the values for all compartments evaluated. Rifampin concentrations in all compartments exceed the MIC for staphylococci and streptococci. However, CES concentrations may be below the MICs for some mycobacterial strains.     

内镜下扩张联合异烟肼治疗食管胃吻合口狭窄

目的探讨食管癌、贲门癌术后吻合口高度狭窄的治疗策略及疗效。方法对高度吞咽困难的78例食管癌、贲门癌术后吻合口狭窄患者行扩张治疗,单纯扩张组37例,联合治疗组(扩张+吻合口注射异烟肼+异烟肼口服)41例。两组治疗前基本状况无显著统计学差异(P>0.05)。结果两组治疗后,近期进食状况均显著改善。治疗后6个月进食降级Ⅰ级以上需再次治疗者,单纯扩张组56.76%(21/37),联合治疗组26.83%(11/41),吻合口狭窄复发率单纯扩张组明显高于联合治疗组(P<0.01)。结论扩张联合局部注射和口服异烟肼,可有效抑制狭窄口瘢痕形成,防治扩张后吻合口再狭窄,改善患者的生活质量。     

Endoskopische Palliation der malignen Magenausgangsstenose durch selbstexpandierbare Metallstents

INTRODUCTION: Malignant gastric outlet stenosis is caused by tumour obstruction and restricts the oral intake of food, resulting in a seriously reduced quality of life. Endoscopic implantation of self expanding metal stents (SEMS) can clear stenosis in the GI-tract and reestablish and preserve the passage in the GI-tract. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 2001 and April 2003 seven patients with malignant gastric outlet stenosis have been treated by the implantation of SEMS. Four patients had malignant stenosis in the upper duodenum or gastric antrum, two patients had stenosis because of tumour recurrence in the efferent loop of the jejunum after gastric resection because of gastric carcinoma and one patient had an obstruction 20 cm distal of the oesophagus after gastrectomy because of gastric cancer. RESULTS: In all patients obstruction was cleared by the implantation of SEMS, and oral intake of food was possible in all patients after two days. No serious complications occurred during or after stent implantation. CONCLUSION: Stent implantation for the treatment of malignant gastric outlet stenosis is a cost effective procedure, associated with low risk and low stress for the patient, and provides excellent palliation of symptoms in patients with malignant gastric outlet stenosis.     

Methylphenidate is stereoselectively hydrolyzed by human carboxylesterase CES1A1

Methylphenidate is an important stimulant prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It has two chiral centers, but most current commercial formulations consist of the racemic mixture of the threo pair of methylphenidate isomers (d-, l-threo-methylphenidate). The d-isomer is the pharmacologically active component. Numerous studies reported that oral administration of the methylphenidate racemate undergoes first-pass, stereoselective clearance in humans with l-methylphenidate being eliminated faster than d-methylphenidate. Accordingly, the kinetics of hydrolysis of individual enantiomers by purified native and recombinant human liver carboxylesterases CES1A1 and CES2 and a colon isoenzyme CES3 were examined with a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry assay. The expression of CES1A1, CES2, and CES3 in Sf9 cells and the methods for purification of the three isoenzymes are reported. CES1A1 has a high catalytic efficiency for both d- and l-enantiomers of methylphenidate. No catalytic activity was detected with CES2 and CES3 for either enantiomer. The catalytic efficiency of CES1A1 for l-methylphenidate (k(cat)/K(m) = 7.7 mM(-1) min(-1)) is greater than that of d-methylphenidate (k(cat)/K(m) = 1.3-2.1 mM(-1) min(-1)). Hence, the catalytic efficiency of CES1A1 for methylphenidate enantiomers agrees with stereoselective clearance of methylphenidate reported in human subjects. Both enantiomers of methylphenidate can be fit into the three-dimensional model of CES1A1 to form productive complexes in the active site. We conclude that CES1A1 is the major enzyme responsible for the first-pass, stereoselective metabolism of methylphenidate.     

Hydrolysis of capecitabine to 5'-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine by human carboxylesterases and inhibition by loperamide

Capecitabine is an oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil that is indicated for the treatment of breast and colorectal cancers. A three-step in vivo-targeted activation process requiring carboxylesterases, cytidine deaminase, and thymidine phosphorylase converts capecitabine to 5-fluorouracil. Carboxylesterases hydrolyze capecitabine's carbamate side chain to form 5'-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine (5'-DFCR). This study examines the steady-state kinetics of recombinant human carboxylesterase isozymes carboxylesterase (CES) 1A1, CES2, and CES3 for hydrolysis of capecitabine with a liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy assay. Additionally, a spectrophotometric screening assay was utilized to identify drugs that may inhibit carboxylesterase activation of capecitabine. CES1A1 and CES2 hydrolyze capecitabine to a similar extent, with catalytic efficiencies of 14.7 and 12.9 min(-1) mM(-1), respectively. Little catalytic activity is detected for CES3 with capecitabine. Northern blot analysis indicates that relative expression in intestinal tissue is CES2 > CES1A1 > CES3. Hence, intestinal activation of capecitabine may contribute to its efficacy in colon cancer and toxic diarrhea associated with the agent. Loperamide is a strong inhibitor of CES2, with a K(i) of 1.5 muM, but it only weakly inhibits CES1A1 (IC(50) = 0.44 mM). Inhibition of CES2 in the gastrointestinal tract by loperamide may reduce local formation of 5'-DFCR. Both CES1A1 and CES2 are responsible for the activation of capecitabine, whereas CES3 plays little role in 5'-DFCR formation.     

Endoscopic treatment of benign anastomotic esophageal stenosis with electrocautery

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Stricture of the esophagus following surgical resection is uncommon. Several methods have been described for treatment of this entity, but the therapeutic success may be impaired either by poor long-term results or by poor acceptance by patients. Even the high cost of the therapeutic management may represent a problem. We describe the use of electrocautery to treat benign anastomotic esophageal stenosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six unselected consecutive patients (four men, two women; mean age 68.3, range 54 - 82) with stenosis following esophagojejunostomy were enrolled in this trial. Postoperative stenoses were shown endoscopically (four patients) or radiographically (two patients). We performed endoscopic dilation of the strictures using electrocautery. RESULTS: In all patients we obtained dilation of the strictures, without any immediate or delayed procedure-related complication. No recurrence of the stenosis was demonstrated during a mean 24-month follow-up (range 8 - 33 months). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that endoscopic electrocautery is a safe and effective treatment for benign anastomotic esophageal stenosis.     

小于6个月法乐四联征患儿根治术后远期疗效观察

目的观察小于6个月的法乐四联征患儿行根治性手术治疗的远期效果。方法56例法乐四联征1～6个月患儿均采用右心房、右心室纵切1=7,补片修补室间隔缺损,15例仅行右心室流出道加宽补片,41例行跨环补片。结果术后早期无死亡;发绀均消失,血氧饱和度均在96％以上;随访3～62个月,1例死亡,2例需行二次手术,1例左肺动脉狭窄,1例右心室流出道残余梗阻;NYHA心功能I级或Ⅱ级。结论小于6个月的法乐四联征患儿行根治手术安全、有效,远期效果良好。     

经颅微电流刺激对老年轻度认知功能障碍的效果

目的 探讨经颅微电流刺激(CES)对老年轻度认知功能障碍患者认知功能的疗效.方法 选择2018年至2019年在本院住院的老年轻度认知障碍患者40例,随机分为对照组(n=20)和治疗组(n=20).两组均接受常规药物治疗(无促认知药物);治疗组增加CES治疗,共8周.治疗前,治疗后4周、8周,由两人采用改良Barthel...     

Using cranial electrotherapy stimulation to treat pain associated with spinal cord injury

Treatments for chronic pain in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) have been less than effective. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), a noninvasive technique that delivers a microcurrent to the brain via ear clip electrodes, has been shown to effectively treat several neurological and psychiatric disorders. The present study examined the effects of daily 1-hour active CES or sham CES treatment (randomly assigned) for 21 days on pain intensity and interference with activities in 38 males with SCI. The active CES group (n = 18) reported significantly decreased daily pain intensity compared with the sham CES group (n = 20) (mean change: active CES = -0.73, sham CES = -0.08; p = 0.03). Additionally, the active CES group reported significantly decreased pain interference (-14.6 pre- vs postintervention, p = 0.004) in contrast to the nonsignificant decrease in the sham CES group (-4.7 pre- vs postintervention, p = 0.24). These results suggest that CES can effectively treat chronic pain in persons with SCI.     

Catalyst-free visible-light-induced condensation to synthesize bis(indolyl)methanes and biological activity evaluation of them as potent human carboxylesterase 2 inhibitors

A mild strategy for visible-light-induced synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes was developed using aromatic aldehydes and indole as substrates. This reaction could be performed at room temperature under catalyst- and additive-free conditions to synthesize a series of bis(indolyl)methanes in good to excellent yields. In addition, all synthesized bis(indolyl)methanes together with β-substituted indole derivatives synthesized according to our previous work, were evaluated for their inhibitory effect against human carboxylesterase (CES1 and CES2). Primary structure–activity relationship analysis of all tested compounds showed that the modifications of β-substituted indole at the β-site with another indolyl group led to a significant enhancement of the inhibitory effect on CES2, and the bisindolyl structure is essential for CES2 inhibition. These results demonstrated that these bis(indolyl)methanes are potent and selective CES2 inhibitors, which might be helpful for medicinal chemists to design and develop more potent and selective CES2 inhibitors for biomedical applications.

Bis(indolyl)methanes were synthesized by a green protocol. Primary structure–activity relationship analysis showed that the bisindolyl structure is essential for CES2 inhibition.     

Use of the anterior cricoid split operation in infants with acquired subglottic stenosis

Ten infants with acquired subglottic stenosis were treated successfully using the anterior cricoid split operation. Eight had been preterm infants who required endotracheal intubation and assisted ventilation for the respiratory distress syndrome. Two had been born at term; 1 required mechanical ventilation for aspiration of meconium and the other intubation for obstructive apnea. All had been extubated successfully in less than 2 wk and were discharged home with no signs of subglottic stenosis. These infants were referred at 2 to 13 months of age for evaluation of upper airway obstruction. By bronchoscopy, we confirmed severe subglottic stenosis in each of the infants. The anterior cricoid split procedure requires a single midline vertical incision through the anterior cartilaginous ring of the cricoid cartilage and the upper 2 tracheal rings. Our postoperative management included 7 to 10 days of endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, neuromuscular blockade, sedation, and total parenteral nutrition. All were extubated at the end of this period without evidence of stridor or obstructive apnea. One patient developed a subglottic granuloma at the level of the cricoid cartilage 4 months after the operation; this was successfully excised with the carbon dioxide laser. The other 9 patients remain asymptomatic 1 month to 1 yr after the surgical repair.     

先天性十二指肠梗阻的X线诊断（附85例分析）

目的 探讨婴幼儿十二指肠梗阻的X线诊断及鉴别诊断。方法 回顾性分析了我院1996年1月至2000年12月间85例资料完整的十二指肠阻病例,每例均进行了腹平片检查,80例作了上消化道造影检查。48例作了钡灌肠辅助检查。结果 85例腹部平片显示“双泡征”46例,“单泡征”27例,“三泡征”7例,小肠未见充气29例,小肠充气减少47例,充充气肠管正常9例,80例上消化道造影25例暴露十二指肠完全梗阻,46例为十二指肠不完全梗阻,同时发现中肠扭转16例;未见梗阻9例,手术证实肠旋转不良46例;先天性十二指肠狭窄或闭锁（包括膜式闭锁）24例,环状胰腺15例。结论 腹部平片检查大部分能够作出十二指肠梗阻的诊断,3种疾病的鉴别要做上消化道造影检查,必要时辅助以钡灌肠检查。     

Atypical presentation of cauda equina syndrome secondary to lumbar disc herniation

The article describes the case of 35 year old female who was admitted to the department with saddle type hypoesthesia, anal incontinence without muscle weakness of lower extremities and sciatica. Central lumbar disc herniation (LDH) was determined on level L5-S1 level and the patient was operated thereafter. In the postoperative period, the patient did not have any muscle weakness of leg but had residual saddle type sensory loss and sphincter dysfunction. This article discusses atypical presentation of cauda equina syndrome (CES) secondary to LDH. Early diagnosis and surgery are important factors for a better prognosis in CES.     

Acute Aortic Thrombus Presenting as Cauda Equina Syndrome

BackgroundOcclusive abdominal aortic thrombus is a rare but critical clinical emergency with life-threatening consequences. Clinical presentation may mimic other diagnoses, resulting in a delay in the appropriate investigations for this condition. Spinal arterial involvement is a recognized complication of aortic thrombus and can result in pain, lower limb weakness, and loss of continence. These symptoms are usually associated with local spinal compression or stenosis manifesting as cauda equina syndrome (CES): a clinical finding of disrupted motor and sensory function to the lower extremities and bladder.Case ReportWe present a case of a 60-year-old female patient presenting with back pain, leg weakness, paresthesia, and urinary incontinence. She was urgently investigated for cauda equina syndrome via a magnetic resonance imaging scan of the spine, which subsequently demonstrated a large occlusive abdominal aortic thrombus.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Nontraumatic acute thrombosis of the aorta is a life-threatening condition that may present with apparent neurological symptoms. In this patient there was both a relevant history and evolving clinical signs pointing toward a vascular etiology; however, the clinical findings were confusing and CES evaluation was prioritized. CES remains a medical emergency requiring urgent investigation and management. However, knowledge of spinal anatomy including vascular supply may help widen the differential. Physicians and associate specialists should consider this at clinical assessment and also when interpreting imaging of the spine. Any delay in diagnosing an aortic thrombosis has the potential for catastrophic clinical consequences.     

影响马尾综合征预后的相关因素分析

背景马尾神经综合征(CES)手术减压后可最大限度的减少神经症状的残留,但仍有很多因素影响其疗效.目的探讨影响马尾综合征疗效的重要因素,提高该病的治愈率.设计以诊断为依据的回顾性研究.地点和对象本研究在西安交通大学第二医院骨二科完成,对象为1990/2000收治的马尾神经综合征患者24例,男14例,女10例.方法对24例马尾综合征患者进行为期2年随访,采用Logistic回归分析病因、发病部位、病情轻重、起病急缓、手术时机等5项因素,进行统计学处理.主要观察指标6例残留症状的影响因素及其相关分析.结果效果良好无残留症状者18例,留有不同程度的括约肌功能障碍和拇背伸力减弱6例.残留症状影响因素非条件Logistic回归分析结果,入选回归模型的因素仅有原发病史和CES史2项.结论减压手术时间和发病急缓是影响该病疗效的主要因素.     

Cauda Equina Syndrome: A Literature Review of Its Definition and Clinical Presentation

Fraser S, Roberts L, Murphy E. Cauda equina syndrome: a literature review of its definition and clinical presentation.

Objective

To review the current evidence for the signs and symptoms of cauda equina syndrome (CES).

Data Sources

Relevant literature sourced through Medline, Embase, and CINAHL using the key search words “cauda equina syndrome” combined with “definition,” “clinical presentation,” “signs and symptoms,” “pathology,” and “etiology.”

Study Selection

Not applicable.

Data Extraction

Not applicable.

Data Synthesis

Three reviewers independently extracted data on CES from the literature specific to its definition, clinical presentation, and etiology. Of 111 articles, 105 were included for review, and relevant information on CES was synthesized into a framework structured as per a clinical consultation. A content analysis was then conducted using the method adopted by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy whereby the level of consensus for each sign and symptom of CES was determined by its percentage coverage within the literature: 100% coverage equals unanimity, 75% to 99% equals consensus, 51% to 74% equals majority view, and 0% to 50% equals no consensus. This enabled the frequency of each reported sign and symptom to be ranked. Articles that included specific definitions for CES were divided into 3 categories: those that (1) included generalized statements, (2) stated a pathomechanical basis, and (3) defined the syndrome by its clinical presentation. Throughout this review, the frequencies of specific etiologies and pathologies were noted. Together with details of clinical presentation, this enabled a comprehensive review of CES. No single aspect of CES within the literature achieved unanimity or consensus; however, a majority view indicated that there would be bladder and sensory disturbance (74% and 66% of all articles, respectively). The most commonly cited pathology resulting in CES was identified as the disk (45% of all articles reviewed).

Conclusions

There are marked inconsistencies in the current evidence base surrounding the etiology and clinical presentation of CES, with 17 definitions identified. Subclassifications of the definition of CES are ambiguous and should be avoided. From reviewing 105 articles, a single definition of CES is proposed. For a diagnosis of CES, one or more of the following must be present: (1) bladder and/or bowel dysfunction, (2) reduced sensation in the saddle area, and (3) sexual dysfunction, with possible neurologic deficit in the lower limb (motor/sensory loss, reflex change).     

A study of serum antibodies to isolated milk proteins and ovalbumin in infants and children.

Serum antibodies to cow milk proteins and ovalbumin were measured quantitatively. Food hypersensitivity of the immediate type was determined to be present or absent by skin tests and double-blind food challenges. Elevated levels of antibodies to milk proteins in sera characteristic of infants fed cow milk were found to decline with age, so that sera from children who were 6 to 15 years of age (inclusive), not hypersensitive to food, had significantly lower levels than the infants. In contrast, sera from age-matched children, who were shown to have hypersensitivity to some food, were found to have levels of antibodies to milk proteins as elevated as in infancy. Hypersensitivity was not necessarily to milk but often to some other food. This persistence of greater antibody production to milk throughout childhood in those hypersensitive to some food indicates a fundamental difference from those without hypersensitivity to food, either in permeability, in immunological reactivity of the gut or in development of immunological unresponsiveness. Implications for pathogenesis of clinical disorders are discussed.