Brachytherapy: An emblematic example of extreme hypofractionated regimen

In order to provide more convenient irradiation regimens for patient comfort, radiation facility organization and health expenses, new hypofractionated protocols have been evaluated. Moderately (dose/fraction: 2.3 to 3 Gy), then ultra (dose/fraction: 5.2 to 6.1 Gy) hypofractionated irradiations were first validated. The current question is: is it possible to go forward using extreme hypofractionated regimens (EHR) based on 1 to 3 fractions. Different irradiation techniques are under investigation. However, brachytherapy remains the smartest way to deliver a high dose in a small volume. We report prospective and retrospective study results which evaluated EHR for breast and prostate brachytherapy. While oncological outcome and toxicity profile appear extremely encouraging for low-risk breast cancer after a 1 to 4 fractions (6.25 to 20 Gy/fraction), the use of a single fraction of 19 to 23 Gy appears debatable for prostate cancer. Brachytherapy represents an emblematic example of EHR but longer follow-up and more mature results are awaited in order to specify the right indications and refine the EQD2 calculation method including new biological and technical factors.     

Resistin is elevated in cystic fibrosis sputum and correlates negatively with lung function

Background

Resistin is an immunometabolic mediator that is elevated in several inflammatory disorders. A ligand for Toll-like receptor 4, resistin modulates the recruitment and activation of myeloid cells, notably neutrophils. Neutrophils are major drivers of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, in part due to the release of human neutrophil elastase- and myeloperoxidase-rich primary granules, leading to tissue damage. Here we assessed the relationship of resistin to CF lung disease.

Pediatric cardiac computed tomography angiography: Expert consensus from the Filiale de Cardiologie Pédiatrique et Congénitale (FCPC) and the Société Française d’Imagerie Cardiaque et Vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV)

This article was designed to provide a pediatric cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) expert panel consensus based on opinions of experts of the Société Française d’Imagerie Cardiaque et Vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV) and of the Filiale de Cardiologie Pédiatrique Congénitale (FCPC). This expert panel consensus includes recommendations for indications, patient preparation, CTA radiation dose reduction techniques, and post-processing techniques. The consensus was based on data from available literature (original papers, reviews and guidelines) and on opinions of a group of specialists with extensive experience in the use of CT imaging in congenital heart disease. In order to reach high potential and avoid pitfalls, CCTA in children with congenital heart disease requires training and experience. Moreover, pediatric cardiac CCTA protocols should be standardized to acquire optimal images in this population with the lowest radiation dose possible to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure. We also provided a suggested structured report and a list of acquisition protocols and technical parameters in relation to specific vendors.     

A prime-boost concept using a T-cell epitope-driven DNA vaccine followed by a whole virus vaccine effectively protected pigs in the pandemic H1N1 pig challenge model

Influenza A virus (IAV) vaccines in pigs generally provide homosubtypic protection but fail to prevent heterologous infections. In this pilot study, the efficacy of an intradermal pDNA vaccine composed of conserved SLA class I and class II T cell epitopes (EPITOPE) against a homosubtypic challenge was compared to an intramuscular commercial inactivated whole virus vaccine (INACT) and a heterologous prime boost approach using both vaccines. Thirty-nine IAV-free, 3-week-old pigs were randomly assigned to one of five groups including NEG-CONTROL (unvaccinated, sham-challenged), INACT-INACT-IAV (vaccinated with FluSure XP® at 4 and 7 weeks, pH1N1 challenged), EPITOPE-INACT-IAV (vaccinated with PigMatrix EDV at 4 and FluSure XP® at 7 weeks, pH1N1 challenged), EPITOPE-EPITOPE-IAV (vaccinated with PigMatrix EDV at 4 and 7 weeks, pH1N1 challenged), and a POS-CONTROL group (unvaccinated, pH1N1 challenged). The challenge was done at 9 weeks of age and pigs were necropsied at day post challenge (dpc) 5. At the time of challenge, all INACT-INACT-IAV pigs, and by dpc 5 all EPITOPE-INACT-IAV pigs were IAV seropositive. IFNγ secreting cells, recognizing vaccine epitope-specific peptides and pH1N1 challenge virus were highest in the EPITOPE-INACT-IAV pigs at challenge. Macroscopic lung lesion scores were reduced in all EPITOPE-INACT-IAV pigs while INACT-INACT-IAV pigs exhibited a bimodal distribution of low and high scores akin to naïve challenged animals. No IAV antigen in lung tissues was detected at necropsy in the EPITOPE-INACT-IAV group, which was similar to naïve unchallenged pigs and different from all other challenged groups. Results suggest that the heterologous prime boost approach using an epitope-driven DNA vaccine followed by an inactivated vaccine was effective against a homosubtypic challenge, and further exploration of this vaccine approach as a practical control measure against heterosubtypic IAV infections is warranted.     

骨外固定器行胫骨迁移治疗血栓闭塞性脉管炎的护理

目的总结利用骨外固定器行胫骨迁移治疗血栓闭塞性脉管炎的护理经验.方法对35例血栓闭塞性脉管炎37条患肢应用骨外固定器迁移胫骨治疗.术前积极处理患肢、有效的心理护理,术后严密观察,做好骨外固定器迁移胫骨的护理.结果 32例间歇性跛行距离增加;27例夜间静息痛均得到缓解;7例足趾缺血坏死中除3例术后患肢缺血加重截肢外,余4例患肢供血改善,坏死区域结痂愈合;总有效率91.9%.结论全面、准确地评估患者,完善术前准备及术后正确迁移指导可提高骨外固定器行胫骨迁移治疗血栓闭塞性脉管炎的有效性.     

第2足趾腓侧皮瓣移植的应用解剖及在手部皮肤缺损中的应用

目的探讨第2足趾腓侧皮瓣移植的应用解剖及临床应用的适应证、手术方法和优缺点等。方法新鲜成人尸体足左、右各10只,经灌注、解剖、测量,了解皮瓣的血供范围和相关血管、神经的外径。临床应用17例修复手部皮肤缺损,了解皮瓣的成活及功能恢复情况。结果灌注剂可达整个第2足趾及相邻趾蹼,测得第2足趾跖趾关节处腓侧固有动脉、趾背静脉分别为(1.0±0.2)mm、(0.9±0.2)mm;临床应用17例移植皮瓣全部成活,手、足部均无感染。经半年以上随访,被修复手指外观、颜色接近正常,供足无疼痛和植皮破溃现象发生。结论第2足趾腓侧皮瓣血供可靠,口径适于吻合,质地好,适于手指皮肤确实的修复。     

幼兔缺血预处理在心肌保护第二窗期对未成熟心肌Bcl-2基因mRNA表达的影响

目的　观察幼兔心脏缺血预处理 2 4h对未成熟心肌缺血 /再灌注后Bcl -2mRNA表达的影响 ,探讨未成熟心肌保护第二窗形成的作用机理。方法　 18只 3～ 4周龄幼兔 ,随机分为 3组 ,每组 6只 :Ⅰ组 ,正常对照组 ;Ⅱ组 ,缺血 /再灌注损伤组 ;Ⅲ组 ,缺血预处理组。建立活体心脏缺血 /再灌注损伤模型 ,Maclab/8s系统监测左心室发展压 (LVDP)、左室压上升及下降最大速率 (+dp/dtmax,-dp/dtmax)变化 ,原位免疫杂交 (ISH)方法检测心肌细胞内Bcl-2mRNA的表达。结果　缺血再灌注前 ,各组间LVDP、±dp/dtmax无显著性差异 (P >0 .0 5) ;再灌注 1h后 ,Ⅱ组的LVDP、+dp/dtmax和 -dp/dtmax恢复率分别为 (42 .81± 12 .56) %、(3 0 .67± 16.2 2 ) %和 (2 9.49± 10 .13 ) % ;Ⅲ组LVDP、+dp/dtmax及 -dp/dtmax恢复率分别为 (84.15± 13 .56) %、(69.49± 10 .3 6) %和 (58.3 7± 12 .45) % ,两组间有显著性差异 (P <0 .0 1)。Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组Bcl -2mRNA表达阳性细胞面积百分数分别为 (8.3± 2 .5) %、(76.3±13 .5) % ,两组间有显著性差异 (P <0 .0 1)。结论　缺血预处理可上调Bcl -2mRNA表达 ,参与未成熟心肌保护第二窗的形成 ,促进未成熟心肌缺血 /再灌注后心室功能恢复     

Oral mifepristone 600 mg and vaginal gemeprost for mid-trimester induction of abortion: An open multicenter study

This open multicenter study was performed in 20 hospital gynecological units in the UK. The effects of 600 mg oral mifepristone as pretreatment to vaginal prostaglandin induction of second second trimester abortion was studied in 267 women.

The primary efficacy variable was the abortion induction interval, defined as the time taken to expel the fetus from the time of administration of the first prostaglandin pessary. Induction was commenced 36 to 48 hours following mifepristone intake.

The mean abortion induction interval was 7 h. A total of 81.9% of women aborted within 12 h. There was a significant relationship between abortion induction interval and age of gestation, and a significant inverse relationship between abortion induction interval and parity.

Vomiting, pelvic pain, and nausea were the most frequently reported adverse events. Two patients required transfusion and one patient with a uterine scar from a previous cesarean section suffered a ruptured uterus and hysterotomy.