Intramural injection with botulinum toxin significantly elongates the pig esophagus

Background/Purpose

Surgical treatment of long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) is challenging. Methods which facilitate stretching of the esophageal pouches may allow primary anastomosis. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) blocks acetylcholine release in neuromuscular junctions, thereby causing muscle relaxation. We hypothesized that intramural injections with BTX-A into the esophageal wall of piglets would significantly elongate the tissue upon stretch.

Methods

Twenty-four piglets were randomized to receive BTX-A of placebo (saline). After one hour, the esophagus was removed en bloc and tested in a stretch-tension device.

Results

The mean esophageal elongation was 84% (range 83–101) in the BTX-A-group and 65% (50–78) in the control group. The mean difference between the two groups was 18%, which was significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Intramural injections with botulinum toxin type A elongate the esophagus significantly. Clinically, this could be a potential method to achieve primary anastomosis in LGEA. Additional clinical studies are necessary to evaluate the method before it can be generally recommended.     

Sagittal flexion of the femoral component affects flexion gap and sizing in total knee arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to determine how much sagittal rotation of the femoral component affects the flexion gap and femoral component sizing using a computer-simulation technique. The study comprised 25 knees scheduled for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The femoral component was positioned at -2°, 0°, 2°, 4°, or 6° of flexion to the anterior femoral cortex, and the resected portion of the posterior medial femoral condyle was measured for 3 total knee systems. The amount of the resected bone of the posterior medial condyle decreased approximately 1 mm for every 2° of additional flexion in all TKA systems. Intentional sagittal flexion of the femoral component by several degrees during TKA can be a useful downsizing technique for the femoral component without excessively increasing the flexion gap.     

复方黄芪养心合剂对大鼠缺血心肌缝隙连接蛋白CX43磷酸化的影响

目的观察复方黄芪养心合剂(CAMNH)对冠状动脉左前降支结扎所致心肌缺血模型大鼠缝隙连接蛋白CX43的影响。方法 50只SD大鼠采用随机数字表法分为CAMNH大剂量组28g(14mL·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))、CAMNH小剂量组7g(3.5mL·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))、琥珀酸美托洛尔(MSSRT)组9.5ug(7mL·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))、模型组、假手术组五组,每组10只,给予相应药物灌胃后采用冠状动脉左前降支结扎术造模,结扎1h后腹主动脉取血,HE染色观察心肌细胞形态改变;采用ELISA法检测心肌肌钙蛋白I(cTn-I)和肌钙蛋白T(cTn-T)水平;采用Western blot(WB)法检测磷酸化的缝隙连接蛋白CX43表达。结果 cTn-I、cTn-T:与假手术组相比,模型组、MSSRT组、CAMNH小剂量组、CAMNH大剂量组均升高[cTn-I:(144.94±28.83)ng/L、(85.48±24.06)ng/L、(115.07±21.34)ng/L、(81.63±16.89)ng/L比(58.50±9.53)ng/L;cTn-T:(144.33±20.29)ng/L、(97.89±11.78)ng/L、(121.33±15.02)ng/L、(100.20±5.66)ng/L比(77.40±12.52)ng/L,P0.05或P0.01];MSSRT组与模型组比较升高幅度明显减少(P0.01);CAMNH大剂量组与假手术组比明显增高,与CAMNH小剂量组、模型组比增高程度减少(P0.05或P0.01)。WB结果:与假手术组相比,模型组、MSSRT组、CAMNH小剂量组、CAMNH大剂量组CX43表达减少[(0.07±0.01)、(0.13±0.01)、(0.10±0.02)、(0.13±0.02)比(0.18±0.02),P0.01];MSSRT组与模型组比较明显增多[(0.13±0.01)比(0.07±0.01),P0.01];CAMNH小剂量组与模型组比较略升高[(0.10±0.02)比(0.07±0.01),P0.01],与假手术组、MSSRT组相比明显减少[(0.10±0.02)比(0.18±0.02)、(0.13±0.01),P0.05];CAMNH大剂量组与假手术组比明显减少[(0.13±0.02)比(0.18±0.02),P0.01],与CAMNH小剂量组、模型组比增高程度减少[(0.13±0.02)比(0.10±0.02)、(0.07±0.01),P0.05]。结论复方黄芪养心合剂能降低冠状动脉左前降支结扎所引起的心肌缺血损伤,作用与琥珀酸美托洛尔缓释片相当。     

Evolution of left-sided thoracoscopic approach for long gap esophageal atresia repair

BackgroundLeft-sided repair for long gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) has been described for patients with a large leftward upper pouch, no thoracic tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) nor tracheobronchomalacia (TBM), or as salvage plan after prior failed right-sided repair. We describe our experience with left-sided MIS traction induced growth process.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent Foker process for LGEA at two institutions between December 2016 and November 2021. Patient characteristics, surgical techniques, and outcomes were reviewed.Results71 patients underwent Foker process. Of 34 MIS cases, 28 patients (82%) underwent left-sided repair (median gap length 5 cm) at median age 4 months with median 3 (range 2–8) operations and median 13.5 (IQR 11–21) days on traction until esophageal anastomosis. 9 patients (32%) underwent completely MIS approach, whereas 5 patients (18%) converted to open at first operation and 14 patients (50%) converted to open later in the traction process. Traction was internal in 68%, external in 11%, and combination in 21%. Median follow-up was 15.4 (IQR 7.5–31.7) months after anastomosis. 14% had anastomotic leak managed with antibiotics and/or esophageal vacuum therapy. Median number of esophageal dilations was 3.5 (range 0–13). 18% required stricture resection. 39% underwent Nissen fundoplication. None have needed esophageal replacement.ConclusionsFor multiple reasons including the tendency of both esophageal pouches to have a leftward bias, less tracheal compression by upper pouch, and clean field of surgery for reoperative cases, we now more commonly use left-sided approach for MIS LGEA repair compared to right side, regardless of left aortic arch.Level of evidenceLevel IV Treatment Study.     

Primary reversed gastric tube reconstruction in long gap esophageal atresia

Background/purpose

Esophageal reconstruction in long-gap esophageal atresia (EA) poses a technical challenge with several surgical options. The purpose of this study was to review the authors’ experience with the reversed gastric tube (RGT) in esophageal reconstruction.

Methods

This series describes 7 babies with pure EA treated at 2 centers between 1989 and 2001. Data, gathered by retrospective chart review, included clinical details of the esophageal and associated malformations, technique and timing of repair, early and late complications, and long-term follow-up. Institutional review board (IRB) approval of this study has been obtained.

Results

Seven babies were included. Associated malformations were present in 4: trisomy 21 in 2 and imperforate anus in 2. After gastrostomy tube placement, patients were treated with gastrostomy tube feedings and continuous upper pouch suction. Median gap length was 5.5 vertebral segments (range, 3 to 9). RGT with a posterior mediastinal esophagogastric anastomosis was performed at median age of 62 days (range, 38 to 131). There were no anastomotic leaks. Three patients had strictures, one required resection. Exclusive oral nourishment was achieved in 5 patients by 6 months of age. At last follow-up (mean, 4.5 years), 6 patients were receiving oral nutrition exclusively, and all were maintaining growth curves.

Conclusions

In long gap EA, early esophageal reconstruction using an RGT can be performed with minimal morbidity and promising short-term results.     

The fracture gap size influences the local vascularization and tissue differentiation in callus healing

Background Revascularization of a fracture depends on fracture stability and fracture gap conditions. The aim of the study was to determine quantitatively the revascularization and tissue differentiation in an animal model with different fracture gaps and controlled biomechanical conditions.Materials and method The study was performed on ten sheep with an osteotomy on the right metatarsal. The fracture was stabilized by an external fixator that allowed adjustable axial interfragmentary movement. Two groups of five sheep each were adjusted to a medium sized gap (M, 2.1 mm) and a large gap (L, 5.7 mm) under comparable interfragmentary strain (30–32%). The animals were killed after 9 weeks, and the metatarsals were prepared for undecalcified histology and analysis of tissue differentiation and vessel distribution.Results Group M showed significantly more revascularization (M=1.62, L=0.85 vessels/mm²), more bone formation (M=37.2%, L=13.9%) and less fibrocartilage tissue (M=18.1%, L=39.1%) than group L. Larger vessels (>40 m) were found mainly in the medullary channel, and smaller vessels (<20 m) mainly in the peripheral callus. Histologically, group M showed partial bony bridging of the osteotomy gap, and the group L had delayed healing.Conclusion A good reduction of a fracture with small interfragmentary gaps is important for its revascularization and healing.     

模拟失重对大鼠心肌组织缝隙连接蛋白表达谱的影响

目的 研究模拟失重对大鼠心肌组织缝隙连接蛋白(CX)亚型表达谱的影响,为探讨模拟失重条件下心律失常部分发生机制提供新的实验依据.方法 将20只成年雄性Wistar大鼠随机平均分为正常对照组(Con)及尾部悬吊模拟失重组(SUS),应用电子透射电镜检测大鼠心肌组织超微结构,RT-PCR、Western bloting检测连接蛋白CX37、CX40、CX43、CX45 mRNA及CX40、CX43、CX45蛋白表达水平.结果 与Con组相比,模拟失重可致部分心肌细胞肌纤维变性,线粒体变性、数量减少,胶原增多,局部间隙连接增宽、结构消失.RT-PCR结果显示,SUS组心肌组织CX各亚型mRNA表达水平普遍显著下降,Western bloting结果显示,模拟失重条件下,CX43和CX45蛋白表达水平亦显著下降.结论模拟失重2 wk,大鼠心肌组织超微结构发生明显改变,缝隙连接出现非均质性结构变化,心肌组织缝隙连接蛋白表达谱普遍下调.结果提示,失重可以导致心肌缝隙连接蛋白重构,其可能影响心肌细胞间电兴奋传导的速度及方向,从而使传导阻滞和微折返易于出现,诱发心律失常.     

My world is ok,but yours is not: television news,the optimism gap,and stress

Public opinion polls reliably find a disparity between people's views of the state of their own communities and of the nation in general. This discrepancy, frequently called the Optimism Gap, is often attributed to the fact that people have personal knowledge of things around them, but derive their larger world‐view from media sources such as television, which tend to over emphasize the negative, risky aspects of life. This study explores this premise, as well as the possibility that emotional factors such as depression, anxiety, and anger also play a role. Data from 171 participants were analysed. Overall, people rated problems in the nation in general as more severe than those in their own communities. Television exposure was predictive of ratings of problems nationwide, but not of problems in respondents' own communities, while attention paid to the television news was related to ratings of national and community problems. Depression, irrational beliefs, and anger arousal were all related to ratings of problems in the nation in general, while anger arousal and optimism were predictive of ratings of problems in respondents' own communities. These findings suggest that the links between television news exposure and mental health should be explored further. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thoracoscopic elongation of the esophagus in long gap esophageal atresia

Long gap esophageal atresia in which a primary anastomosis cannot be achieved remains a challenge. Elongation of the esophagus by traction on the 2 ends has been previously described. With the advent of thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia, there have thus far been no reports of thoracoscopic repair of long gap esophageal atresia. This paper describes the first successful repair of long gap esophageal atresia by thoracoscopic traction of the 2 esophageal ends and delayed thoracoscopic anastomosis.     

Implementation science for the adductor canal block: A new and adaptable methodology process

BACKGROUNDFollowing the successful Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) practice for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at our institution, the need for continuous improvement was realized, including the deimplementation of antiquated PSH elements and introduction of new practices. AIMTo investigate the transition from femoral nerve blocks (FNB) to adductor canal nerve blocks (ACB) during TKA. METHODSOur 13-month study from June 2016 to 2017 was divided into four periods: a three-month baseline (103 patients), a one-month pilot (47 patients), a three-month implementation and hardwiring period (100 patients), and a six-month evaluation period (185 patients). In total, 435 subjects were reviewed. Data within 30 postoperative days were extracted from electronic medical records, such as physical therapy results and administration of oral morphine equivalents (OME). RESULTSOur institution reduced FNB application (64% to 3%) and increased ACB utilization (36% to 97%) at 10 mo. Patients in the ACB group were found to have increased ambulation on the day of surgery (4.1 vs 2.0 m) and lower incidence of falls (0 vs 1%) and buckling (5% vs 27%) compared with FNB patients (P < 0.05). While ACB patients (13.9) reported lower OME than FNB patients (15.9), the difference (P = 0.087) did not fall below our designated statistical threshold of P value < 0.05.CONCLUSIONBy demonstrating closure of the “knowledge to action gap” within 6 mo, our institution’s findings demonstrate evidence in the value of implementation science. Physician education, technical support, and performance monitoring were deemed key facilitators of our program’s success. Expanded patient populations and additional orthopedic procedures are recommended for future study.