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.     

Improving Surgical Training

Improving Surgical Training is a programme piloting an innovative, evidence-based approach to training. It was developed in response to the Shape of Training report which reviewed postgraduate training and recommended changes in medical education to meet the demands of the modern NHS. A series of initiatives have been developed to enhance the experience for surgical trainees not only to encourage a more focussed and supported method, but also to improve their job satisfaction. The initiatives have combined a greater emphasis on time for training provided by trainers with allocated time for training with multidisciplinary teamworking and the use of technology enhanced learning with simulation of both technical and non-technical skills. The pilot started in 2018 with core training in general surgery and has been expanded to include vascular surgery, urology and trauma and orthopaedics over the last 2 years. Initial feedback from both trainees, trainers and schools of surgery have identified different challenges to aid implementation. The programme is being very carefully evaluated by an independent company as well as careful oversight by the General Medical Council which are paramount to its success.     

Connectivity measures suggest a sub-cortical generator of myoclonus in Angelman syndrome

ObjectiveThe clinical and neurophysiological characteristics of myoclonus in Angelman syndrome (AS) have been evaluated in single case or small cohorts, with contrasting results. We evaluated the features of myoclonus in a wide cohort of AS patients.MethodsWe performed polygraphic EEG-EMG recording in 24 patients with genetically confirmed AS and myoclonus. Neurophysiological investigations included jerk-locked back-averaging (JLBA), cortico-muscular coherence (CMC) and generalised partial directed coherence (GPDC). CMC and GPDC analyses were compared to those obtained from 10 healthy controls (HC).ResultsTwenty-four patients (aged 3–35 years, median 20) were evaluated. Sequences of quasi-continuous rhythmic jerks mostly occurred at alpha frequency or just below (mean 8.4 ± 1.4 Hz), without EEG correlate. JLBA did not show any clear transient preceding the jerks. CMC showed bilateral over-threshold CMC in alpha band that was prominent on the contralateral hemisphere in the patient group as compared to HC group. GPDC showed a significantly higher alpha outflow from both hemispheres toward activated muscles in the patient group, and a significantly higher beta outflow from contralateral hemisphere in the HC group.ConclusionsThese neurophysiological findings suggest a subcortical generator of myoclonus in AS.SignificanceMyoclonus in AS has not a cortical origin as previously hypothesised.     

Evaluation of vilazodone for the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders

Introduction: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) significantly contribute to the global burden of disease. Vilazodone, a combined serotonin reuptake inhibitor and 5-HT1A partial agonist, is an approved therapy for the treatment of MDD and which has been further investigated for GAD.

Areas covered: This article covers the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of vilazodone and provides an evaluation of the clinical usefulness of vilazodone for the treatment of MDD and anxiety disorders. A literature search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library.

Expert opinion: Studies have shown that vilazodone is significantly superior to placebo. However, vilazodone cannot as yet be recommended as a first-line treatment option for MDD as it is unclear whether the drug’s dual mechanism of action provides greater efficacy than prevailing treatment options. Moreover, more phase IV studies are needed to establish its efficacy and long-term safety in larger and more diverse populations. Although vilazodone may have an additional advantage for the treatment of anxiety symptoms in MDD, here also additional studies are required to confirm its efficacy over and above SSRI alternatives and other antidepressant treatments. Therefore, presently, vilazodone should be considered as a second- or third-line treatment option for MDD and GAD.     

嵌顿痔不同治疗方法疗效分析

目的探讨嵌顿痔不同治疗方法的疗效。方法回顾性分析2009年8月至2012年8月迁西县人民医院确诊为嵌顿痔的160例患者的临床资料,其中采取外剥内扎法的80例患者作为A组,吻合器痔上黏膜环切术(PPH)结合外痔血栓剥除术的80例患者作为B组。对比分析两组患者的手术时间、住院时间、住院费用等指标及临床疗效,对比分析两组术后6个月并发症发生情况。结果B组患者的手术时间、住院时间显著少于A组[(15.4±1.1)min比(38.7±0.5)min,(5.3±0.6)d比(12.4±1.3)d,P<0.01];B组患者的有效率显著高于A组(88.8%比66.3%),而总体并发症发生率及复发率显著低于A组(17.5%比33.8%,5%比18.8%,P<0.05)。结论 PPH结合外痔血栓剥除术临床疗效显著。     

真菌性、细菌性和病毒性肺炎的若干凝血指标变化分析

探讨真菌性、细菌性和病毒性肺炎的若干凝血指标差异性研究。方法 回顾性分析2017 年7 月～2019 年11 月本院肺炎患者128 例与同期门诊健康体检者50 例，分析患者血浆纤维蛋白原（FIB）、凝血酶原时间（PT）和活化部分凝血酶时间（APTT）的水平。结果 三类肺炎组与对照组在FIB、PT 和APTT 水平比较，差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.01）；FIB、PT 水平与病原感染呈正相关，APTT 与病原感染呈负相关。结论FIB、PT、APTT 可以间接提示肺炎感染病原体类型，具有临床意义。     

口内入路下颌角弧线形截骨术

目的:探索更好的下颌角肥大截骨缩小术式。方法:为获得更好的术后效果,我们采用口内入路下颌角弧形截骨术,将弧形截骨线延长到颏神经处,并对颏结节进行打磨,使截骨线延续流畅,伴小颏者同时行隆颏或颏截骨前移。结果:自2002年以来,我科采用口内入路下颌角长弧线形截骨术矫正320例下颌角肥大患者,均取得了良好的效果。结论:口内入路延长弧形截骨术缩小下颌角可以获得更好术后效果。     

后牙两段式可摘局部义齿的设计与制作

目的:改进常规可摘局部义齿设计的不足,增进固位、稳定。方法:采用两段式义齿结构、两个就位方向和插销锁连接固定。结果:义齿的固位、稳定效果明显提高。结论:插销式分段义齿是对常规可摘局部义齿的一种补充,对主基牙过度倾斜、固位要求高的患者,能够明显改善修复效果。