The safety and effectiveness of salvianolate in preventing perioperative venous thromboembolism in China: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis based on RCTs

Background:Salvianolate, a common drug for stabilizing heart disease and Angina Pectoris, is considered to be off-label for preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) or anticoagulation at present. However, many clinical studies have showed that salvianolate can effectively inhibit the deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) incidence, and prevent VTE of perioperative patients in the real world in China.Objective:This analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of salvianolate in preventing VTE in perioperative patients.Methods:Databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP were searched until July 2019. Literature retrieval, data extraction and quality assessment were independently completed by two researchers and checked with each other. Review Manager 5.2 software was applied for meta-analysis.Results:A total of 429 studies were retrieved, including 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 1149 subjects. Compared with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) group alone, salvianolate combined LMWH group had lower DVT incidence in preventing perioperative thrombosis (2.75% and 14.23%, OR: 0.21, 95% CI:[0.08,0.53]; P = .0009). The incidence of adverse reactions of experimental group was similar to that of control group (1.79% and 2.31%, OR: 0.65, 95% CI:[0.18,2.35]. P = .51). Compared with the control group, D-dimer level (D-D), platelet count (PLT), fibrinogen (FIB), whole blood high shear viscosity (WBHSV), and whole blood low shear viscosity (WBLSV) were all significantly decreased (P < .01), and prothrombin time (PT) was significantly increased (P < .05).Conclusion:Salvianolate combined LMWH has better effectiveness and the same safety in preventing venous thromboembolism in perioperative patients. However, due to the small number of included literatures, large sample studies are still needed to further verify this conclusion.     

Effects of calcium-channel blockers on picrotoxin-induced centrogenic arrhythmias in cats

Intravenous picrotoxin injection has been established as a model of producing arrhythmias, mainly through enhanced central sympathetic outflow. The effects of calcium-channel blockers, and a beta-blocker on these arrhythmias were tested in chloralose-anesthetized cats. Picrotoxin (10 mg/kg, i.v.) produced mostly ventricular, sometimes supraventricular tachycardias and ectopic beats, as well as a marked elevation of arterial blood pressure. Nifedipine at the doses of 2 micrograms/kg (i.v. or i.c.) and 5 micrograms/kg (i.v.) transiently suppressed the arrhythmias in some of the cats tested. With the dose of 10 micrograms/kg (i.v.), it promptly and consistently abolished the arrhythmias without recurrence and significantly reduced the blood pressure (-62 +/- 8/-59 +/- 8 mmHg, delta systolic pressure/delta diastolic pressure, p less than 0.001, n = 9). A similar degree of blood pressure reduction (-69 +/- 8/-67 +/- 7 mmHg, n = 6) after sodium nitroprusside (4-5 mg/kg, i.v.) injection abolished the arrhythmias in 4 of 6 cats; however, there was marked ECG evidence of myocardial ischemia in 3 cats. Verapamil (50 micrograms/kg, i.v.) transiently abolished the arrhythmias and significantly decreased the blood pressure (7/7 cats), whereas a larger dose (150 micrograms/kg) had a persistent effect (2/4 cats). Propranolol at a dose of 240 micrograms/kg also consistently abolished the arrhythmias without recurrence in all 4 cats. We conclude that nifedipine, verapamil and propranolol are effective in the treatment of picrotoxin-induced arrhythmias. This result indicates that calcium-channel blockers or beta-blockers may be clinically effective in the treatment or prevention of arrhythmias caused by intracranial lesions with enhanced sympathetic outflow.     

Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) is not needed for malignant transformation in experimental colitis

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) is a key mediator of colonic mucosal protection and/or repair mechanisms in orally induced acute dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) colitis. However, it also has been suggested that TGF-alpha may contribute to malignant transformation in the colon. The aim of the studies was to determine whether TGF-alpha is needed for malignant transformation in orally induced chronic DSS colitis using TGF-alpha deficient mice (wa-1) and Balb/c mice, a strain competent in TGF-alpha. METHODS: Chronic colitis was induced by oral administration of DSS (5%) for 7 days followed by drinking water for 10 days in wa-1 and Balb/c mice (n = 20, per group). In the two subsequent cycles (7 days DSS, 10 days water) 3% DSS-water was utilized due to a high mortality in the wa-1 group. Mucosal injury severity was assessed histologically and graded (three grades). A crypt damage score (CDS) reflecting all three grades of mucosal pathology was calculated. Mucosal dysplasia and cancerous lesions were noted. RESULTS: Seven per cent of the entire colonic mucosa was completely destroyed in wa-1 animals compared to 3% in Balb/c mice (P < 0.05). The CDS was 10.2 +/- 0.4 and 4.8 +/- 0.3 in wa-1 and Balb/c mice, respectively (P < 0.05). Fifteen incidences of mucosal dysplasia were found in the 10 surviving wa-1 animals and 31 incidences were found in 20 Balb/c animals. In both groups, one fully developed adenomatous cancerous lesion was present. CONCLUSIONS: The markedly increased severity of mucosal injury in chronic induced DSS colitis in TGF-alpha deficient wa-1 mice compared to Balb/c mice further substantiates that endogenous TGF-alpha is a pivotal mediator of protection and/or healing mechanisms in the colon. The appearance of dysplastic and cancerous lesions in TGF-alpha deficient animals suggests that TGF-alpha per se is not essential for malignant mucosal cell transformation in colitis.     

Long-term glycaemic control (HbA1c), not admission glucose,predicts hospital re-admission in diabetic patients

Background

Diabetic patients are commonly hyperglycaemic on presentation. Admission hyperglycaemia is associated with adverse outcomes, particularly prolonged hospitalisation. Improving inpatient glycaemia may reduce length of hospital stay (LOS) in diabetic patients.

Aims

To determine whether in-hospital recognition and treatment of admission hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients is associated with reduced LOS.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed from 1 November 2011 to 31 May 2012 for 162 diabetic patients admitted with a blood glucose level (BGL) ≥11.1mmol/L. In-hospital outcomes were compared. Stepwise multiple regression was used to evaluate factors contributing to LOS.

Results

Compared to the untreated individuals (n=67), hyperglycaemia treatment (n=95) was associated with a longer LOS (median eight vs. four days, p<0.01), higher HbA1c (9.0 vs. 7.3 per cent, p<0.01), more infections (50 vs. 25 per cent, p<0.01), and more patients with follow-up plans (35 vs. 10 per cent, p<0.01). Higher HbA1c was significantly related to more follow-up (ρs=0.30, n=110, p<0.01) with a trend to lower re-admission in those with follow-up plans (ρs=-1.41, n=162, p=0.07).

Conclusion

Recognition and treatment of admission hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients was associated with longer LOS than if untreated. Contributory factors to LOS include: illness severity, infections, and higher HbA1c. Although follow-up plans were few (27 per cent) for diabetic patients with hyperglycaemia, it was significantly more likely in those with higher HbA1c. Diabetic patients’ complexities require timely multidisciplinary team involvement. Improved follow-up care, particularly for hospitalised diabetic patients identified to have chronically poor glycaemic control, may help prevent future diabetic patient re-admissions.     

Management of dyspepsia—The role of the ED Observation unit to optimize patient outcomes

Background

Dyspepsia is a common complaint that can confer significant burden on one's quality of life and may also be associated with serious underlying conditions. The objective of this study was to determine if patients admitted to the emergency department observation unit (EDOU) for severe or persistent dyspepsia would have cost effective management in terms of investigations performed, length and cost of hospital stay. The secondary objective was to determine if any patient characteristics could predict a need for admission to the inpatient unit.

计算机辅助设计与制作技术在眼眶爆裂性骨折治疗中的应用及疗效评价

背景 眼眶爆裂性骨折引起明显的眼球形态和功能的异常.眼眶解剖结构复杂,故眼眶骨折修复手术中植入物的设计和制作具有一定的难度,而计算机辅助设计与制作(CADM)技术有望提供一种新的方法,但其临床应用价值有待评估.目的 研究CADM技术在眼眶爆裂性骨折治疗中的应用方法,评价其临床效果.方法 对河南省眼科研究所河南省立眼科医院2006年7月至2012年7月收治的眼眶爆裂性骨折患者74例74眼的手术过程和疗效进行回顾性分析,其中CADM手术者58例58眼,非CADM手术者16例16眼,2个组间患者基线特征,如年龄、性别和眼别均匹配.CADM手术组术眼采用CADM技术进行个体化三维立体植入物的设计和制作并进行眶骨骨折缺损处的填充,非CADM手术组术眼采用常规羟基磷灰石人工骨或多孔聚乙烯高分子合成材料(Medpor)填充法.所有术眼术前均行常规眼部检查以及CT检查,术后随访22～69个月,在随访期间内定期进行眼部临床观察和CT检查.观察指标包括最佳矫正视力、眼球突出度、眼球位置、眼球运动和复视改善情况以及并发症情况.结果 CADM手术组和非CADM手术组术眼术前最佳矫正视力分别为0.71±0.37和0.69±0.41,术后最佳矫正视力分别为0.74±0.38和0.72±0.41,组间差异无统计学意义(F分组=0.043,P=0.837),术眼手术前后视力的总体比较差异有统计学意义(F时间=13.576,P＜0.01),其中2个组术眼术后视力均好于术前,差异均有统计学意义(均P＜0.05).2个组间复视和眼球运动障碍治愈和好转的眼数分布差异均无统计学意义(Z=-0.298,P=0.766;Z=-0.548,P=0.584).CADM手术组和非CADM手术组术眼术前眼球眼球内陷度值分别为(3.93±0.99) mm和(3.88±0.97)mm,术后分别为(0.91±0.67)mm和(1.84±0.80)mm,组间总体比较差异无统计学意义(F分组=3.558,P=0.063),各组术眼术后眼球眼球内陷度值均明显低于术前,差异均有统计学意义(均P＜0.05).CT影像显示,CADM手术组术眼植入物在位,与眶骨骨折缺损处贴合良好,患者眼球位置及外观均恢复正常.非CADM手术组术眼发生植入物翘起并损伤内直肌.随访期内CADM手术组未发现组织感染、排斥反应等不良反应.结论 CADM技术用于眼眶爆裂性骨折的治疗可重建三维立体骨性眼眶,并有效改善患眼位置、眼球运动功能和视觉功能,其疗效优于传统植入物填充术.     

Bio-based polyurethane foam preparation employing lignin from corn stalk enzymatic hydrolysis residues

Enzymatic hydrolysis residues (EHR) from corn stalk are industrial waste from the cellulosic ethanol industry. Lignin was separated as a bio-based polyol from EHR replacing partial petroleum-based polyether polyol to prepare bio-based polyurethane (BPU) foams without any other biomass pretreatment. Single factor experiment and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to optimize separation conditions and reveal the significant influence of the interaction of conditions on the yield of separated lignin (SL). The effect of SL content (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10 and 15%) on the foams morphology and mechanical properties was assessed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results implied that the cell shape was considerably affected by the large SL content, which contributed to an irregular, inhomogeneous, and thick cell wall. An astonishing 9.56 times increase in the compressive modulus and exponential 97.93 times boost in the compressive strength of BPU foams were attributed to the content of 15% SL without any further surface chemical modification. This present paper reports a green, potential and promising method for complete utilization of lignin from EHR in consideration of their abundant supply to greatly enhance the mechanical properties of BPU foams.

Enzymatic hydrolysis residues (EHR) from corn stalk are industrial waste from the cellulosic ethanol industry.