Questionnaire investigation of radiation rectal injury with anxiety, depression and somatic disorder / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To observe the incidence and treatment of radiation rectal injury complicated with anxiety, depression and somatic symptom disorder. Methods: A cross-sectional survey research method was carried out. Patients with radiation rectal injury managed by members of the editorial board of Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery were the subjects of investigation. The inclusion criteria of the survey subjects: (1) patients suffered from pelvic tumors and received pelvic radiotherapy; (2) colonoscopy showed inflammatory reaction or ulcer in the rectum. Exclusion criteria: (1) patient had a history of psycho-somatic disease before radiotherapy; (2) patient was unable to use a smart phone, unable to read and understand the questions in the questionnaire displayed on the phone; (3) patient refused to sign an informed consent form. According to the SOMA self-rating scale, PHQ-15 self-rating scale, GAD-7 and PHQ-9 self-rating scale, the electronic questionnaire of "Psychological Survey of Radiation Proctitis" was designed. The questionnaire was sent to patients with radiation rectal injury managed by the committee through the WeChat group. Observational indicators: (1) radiation rectal injury symptom assessment: using SOMA self-rating scale, radiation rectal injury symptom classification: mild group (≤3 points), moderate group (4-6 points) and severe group (> 6 points); (2) incidence of anxiety, depression and physical disorder: using GAD-7, PHQ-9 and PHQ-15 self-rating scales respectively for assessment; (3) correlation of radiation rectal injury symptom grading with anxiety, depression, and somatic symptom disorder. Results: Seventy-one qualified questionnaires were collected, of which 41 (56.9%) were from Guangzhou. Among the 71 patients, 6 were males and 65 were females; the mean age was (55.7±9.3) years old and 48 patients (67.6%) were less than 60 years old; the median confirmed duration of radiation rectal injury was 2.0 (1.0, 5.0) years. (1) Evaluation of symptoms of radiation rectal injury: 18 cases of mild (25.4%), 27 cases of moderate (38.0%), and 26 cases of severe (36.6%). (2) Incidence of anxiety, depression and somatic disorder: 12 patients (16.9%) without comorbidities; 59 patients (83.1%) with anxiety, depression, or somatic disorder, of whom 2 patients only had anxiety, 1 patient only had depression, 9 only had somatic disorder, 2 had anxiety plus depression, 4 had anxiety plus somatic disorder, 2 had depression plus somatic disorder, and 40 had all three symptoms. (3) correlation of radiation rectal injury grading with anxiety, depression, and somatic symptom disorder: as compared to patients in mild group and moderate group, those in severe group had higher severity of anxiety and somatic symptom disorder (Z=-2.143, P=0.032; Z=-2.045, P=0.041), while there was no statistically significant difference of depression between mild group and moderate group (Z=-1.176, P=0.240). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that radiation rectal injury symptom score was positively correlated with anxiety (r=0.300, P=0.013), depression (r=0.287, P=0.015) and somatic symptom disorder (r=0.344, P=0.003). Conclusions: The incidence of anxiety, depression, and somatic symptom disorder in patients with radiation rectal injury is extremely high. It is necessary to strengthen the diagnosis and treatment of somatic symptom disorder, so as to alleviate the symptoms of patients with pelvic perineum pain and improve the quality of life.

Mechanism of gut-microbiota-liver axis in the pathogenesis of intestinal failure-associated liver disease / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Intestinal failure (IF) is defined as the critical reduction of functional intestines below the minimum needed to absorb nutrients and fluids, so that intravenous supplementation with parenteral nutrition (PN) is required to maintain health and/or growth. Although the benefits are evident, patients receiving PN can suffer from serious cholestasis due to lack of enteral feeding and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). One such complication that may arise is intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). Evidences from recent studies suggest that alterations in the intestinal microbiota, as well as intraluminal bile acid driven signaling, may play a critical role in both hepatic and intestinal injury. Since Marshall first proposed the concept of the gut-liver axis in 1998, the role of gut-liver axis disorders in the development of IFALD has received considerable attention. The conversation between gut and liver is the key to maintain liver metabolism and intestinal homeostasis, which influences each other and is reciprocal causation. However, as a "forgotten organ" , intestinal microbiota on the pathogenesis of IFALD has not been well reflected. As such, we propose, for the first time, the concept of gut-microbiota-liver axis to emphasize the importance of intestinal microbiota in the interaction of gut-liver axis. Analysis and research on gut-microbiota-liver axis will be of great significance for understanding the pathogenesis of IFALD and improving the prevention and treatment measures.

Clinical significance of D-dimer in early diagnosis of mesenteric vasculitis in systemic lupus erythematosus / 医学研究生学报

ObjectiveLupus mesenteric vasculitis (LMV) can lead to extensive necrosis of the small intestine, and it is easy to be misdiagnosed and missed in the early stage of the disease. This study aims to evaluate the clinical significance of serum D-dimer level in the early diagnosis of LMV.MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed on 38 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2006 to January 2019. There were 15 LMV patients (LMV Group) and 23 non-LMV patients (Non-LMV Group). The main observation indicators of statistical analysis were serum D-dimer level on the first day of treatment in the two groups, while the secondary indicators included patient general condition, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), enhanced CT examination results, laboratory examination results and serum D-dimer level after treatment.ResultsThere was no significant difference in age, SLE duration and SLEDAI between the two groups (P>0.05). On admission, CT showed LMV patients with intestinal dilatation, mesenteric edema and typical target symptoms. After high-dose hormone therapy, the dilatation of intestinal canal and intestinal wall were significantly relieved, and the target signs on CT disappeared before discharge. The serum D-dimer level of patients in the LMV Group [917 (756,1848) μg/L] was significantly higher than that in the Non-LMV Group [570 (356,896) μg/L], and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.006). ROC curve analysis showed that the critical value of serum D-dimer in early diagnosis of LMV was 624 μg/L, and the sensitivity and specificity were 93% and 61%, respectively (AUC=0.77).ConclusionSerum D- dimer level can be used as an effective index for early diagnosis of LMV patients.

Clinical significance of D-dimer in early diagnosis of mesenteric vasculitis in systemic lupus erythematosus / 医学研究生学报

ObjectiveLupus mesenteric vasculitis (LMV) can lead to extensive necrosis of the small intestine, and it is easy to be misdiagnosed and missed in the early stage of the disease. This study aims to evaluate the clinical significance of serum D-dimer level in the early diagnosis of LMV.MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed on 38 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2006 to January 2019. There were 15 LMV patients (LMV Group) and 23 non-LMV patients (Non-LMV Group). The main observation indicators of statistical analysis were serum D-dimer level on the first day of treatment in the two groups, while the secondary indicators included patient general condition, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), enhanced CT examination results, laboratory examination results and serum D-dimer level after treatment.ResultsThere was no significant difference in age, SLE duration and SLEDAI between the two groups (P>0.05). On admission, CT showed LMV patients with intestinal dilatation, mesenteric edema and typical target symptoms. After high-dose hormone therapy, the dilatation of intestinal canal and intestinal wall were significantly relieved, and the target signs on CT disappeared before discharge. The serum D-dimer level of patients in the LMV Group [917 (756,1848) μg/L] was significantly higher than that in the Non-LMV Group [570 (356,896) μg/L], and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.006). ROC curve analysis showed that the critical value of serum D-dimer in early diagnosis of LMV was 624 μg/L, and the sensitivity and specificity were 93% and 61%, respectively (AUC=0.77).ConclusionSerum D- dimer level can be used as an effective index for early diagnosis of LMV patients.

Characteristics and treatment of intestinal obstruction resulting from radiation enteritis / 中国实用外科杂志

Radiation enteritis(RE) is a common complicationcaused by radiotherapy of abdominal and pelvic malignanttumor. As the increase of radiotherapy and the prolongation ofsurvival time, the incidence of RE is growing. Based on thedifferent pathological and clinical features, RE can be dividedinto acute and chronic RE, and about one third chronic REpatients require surgical treatment. The aims of surgery forintestinal obstruction resulting from RE are to relieve obstruction, restore intestinal function and prevent recurrence.The general principle of surgery is to definitely remove thedamaged intestine and reconstruct the continuity of digestivetract. However, for the RE patients with acute intestinalobstruction, surgeons prefer to take non-surgical measures totransform emergency surgery into elective or limited-timesurgery, in order to reduce the risk of operation andpostoperative complications. Moreover, because the patientswith chronic RE are at high risk of malnutrition, propernutritional support should be considered in the perioperativeperiod.

Escalation surgical therapy approaches for complicated intra-abdominal infection / 中国实用外科杂志

Complicated intra-abdominal infections(cIAIs)is always associated with high mortality,invasive open surgery cannot improve patients' prognosis.With the spread of the concept of minimally invasive surgery(MIS)and damage control surgery(DCS),the authors propose the escalation surgical therapy approaches to better manage cIAIs with less operative damange.These approaches include minimally invasive drainage(percutaneous drainage,endoscopic drainage),MIS(minimally invasive operative drainage,enterostomy)and open surgery(relaparotomy on demand,planned relaparotomy,open abdomen).These treatments cause increasing trauma stress,longer recovery period and higher morbidity rates to patients successively.Due to the increased use of planned relaparotomy in treating cIAIs,abdominal packing and open abdomen were applied more frequently.However,the prevention of open abdomen-associated morbidies,including enterocutaneous fistula and abdominal wall defect,should be paid attention to.In clinical practice,use of escalation surgical therapy approaches to treat cIAIs is not fixed,doctors should choose appropriate management according to patients' conditions.Meanwhile,good resuscitation,appropriate choice of antibiotics and nutritional support are essential to improve the outcome of patients with cIAIs.

VitaminD deficiency in patients with short bowel syndrome / 医学研究生学报

Vitamin D is typically acquired from sunlight exposure (specifically UVB radiation) and a combination of natural and fortified foods. However, patients with short bowel syndrome are at significantly increased risk of developing suboptimal vitamin D status. Notably, beyond the key role in calcium and phosphate balance and bone structure, vitamin D has been proved to be associated with modulation of the immune system, enhancement of intestinal barrier function, stimulation of intestinal epithelial cell turnover, and regulation of the endocrine. In this review, we summarize the status and biological function of vitamin D in short bowel syndrome.

Laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of 12 patients with radiogenic small bowel damage / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the preliminary experience of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of radiogenic small bowel damage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 12 patients with radiogenic small bowel damage undergoing laparoscopic operation in our department from January 2012 to January 2013 were retrospectively reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Two patients were transferred to laparotomy because of dense adhesion in the entire abdomen and uncertainty of metastatic malignancy, respectively. The laparoscopic surgery was successfully performed in other 10 patients. Three patients received enterostomy or colostomy because of intestinal obstruction or bleeding. Among the other seven patients who underwent intestinal resection and anastomosis, intestinal anastomosis was performed with an small adjunvant incision in the former two cases and performed under laparoscopy in the latter five cases. The post-operative complication included one anastomotic fistula.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Laparoscopic surgery can be safely used in radiogenic small bowel damage patients, which can avoid the delayed incision healing.</p>

Study of using an individualized treatment strategy to treat patients with chronic hepatitis C / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the outcomes of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients treated with antiviral regimens of interferon (IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) using individualized doses and durations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study was designed as an open-label, prospective clinical trial to analyze the virological responses of 169 CHC patients who received individualized dosages of IFNa-2b or pegylated (Peg)IFNa-2a combined with RBV based on their weight ( less than 60 kg or more than or equal to 60 kg), age (less than 65 years or 65-75 years), morbid state (liver cirrhosis or not), and complications (such as heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorder). Treatment duration was calculated using the time required to induce HCV RNA negativity. The rates of virological response and adverse effects among the different groups were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The IFNa-2b treatment was given to 116 patients, and PegIFNa-2a was given to 53 patients. Compared to the IFNa-2b group, the PegIFNa-2a group showed significantly higher rates of complete early virological response (cEVR; 76.7% vs. 92.5%, P less than 0.05) and sustained virological response (SVR; 53.6% vs. 92.3%, P less than 0.05) among the patients who had completed their course of treatment; the rapid virological response (RVR) rate was also higher for the PegIFNa-2a group but the difference did not reach statistical significance (48.7% vs. 60.4%, P more than 0.05). Seventy-eight patients received the routine dose, and 91 patients received the low dose; there were no significant differences between these two groups for RVR (53.8% vs. 58.9%, P more than 0.05), cEVR (78.0% vs. 80.8%, P more than 0.05), or SVR (65.5% vs. 58.3%, P more than 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Use of an individualized antiviral treatment strategy designed according to the patient's baseline condition, early viral kinetics, and tolerability to adverse reactions can achieve a high rate of SVR, as well as improve the safety, prognosis, and cost-effectiveness associated with treating CHC patients.</p>

Relation of IL-17 polymorphisms and serum levels in patients with chronic HCV infection / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the interleukin 17 (IL-17) gene and serum protein levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 228 patients with chronic HCV infection and 81 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The frequencies of IL-17 rs8193036 and rs2275913 polymorphisms were detected by the TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. Serum levels of IL-17 protein were detected by ELISA. Pairwise comparisons were made by the Chi-square test, and the significance of between-group differences was assessed by the Student's t-test with P less than 0.05.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patients with chronic HCV infection and the healthy controls showed similar frequencies of the rs8193036 C/T allele (x2 = 1.428, P = 0.232) and the rs2275913 A/G allele (x2 = 0.106, P = 0.744). In addition, the two groups showed similar distribution of the rs8193036 CC (chronic HCV infection: 46.49% vs. healthy controls: 41.98%), CT (45.61% vs. 44.44%) and TT (7.89% vs. 13.58%) genotypes (x2 = 2.346, P = 0.309), and of the rs2275913 AA (16.23% vs. 13.58%), AG (48.25% vs. 50.62%) and GG (35.53% vs. 35.80%) genotypes (x2 = 0.340, P = 0.844). Subgroup analysis of chronic HCV infection patients stratified according to HCV genotypes 1 and 2 showed no differences in the distribution of rs8193036 and rs2275913 alleles (x2 = 1.127, P = 0.288; x2 = 1.088, P = 0.297) and genotypes (x2 = 2.825, P = 0.246; x2 = 0.970, P = 0.616). However, the chronic HCV infection group did show significantly higher levels of serum IL-17 than the controls (97.67+/-39.68 vs. 71.60+/-19.78 pg/ml, t = 2.414, P = 0.033).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Chronic HCV infection is associated with increased serum IL-17; however, the IL-17 polymorphisms rs8193036 and rs2275913 were not associated with chronic HCV infection susceptibility in this study's Chinese cohort.</p>

Perioperative goal-directed fluid therapy: grand progress and controversy / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Fluid therapy is one of the most controversial topics in perioperative management. Current perioperative fluid therapy is largely based on concepts developed restricted and liberal perioperative fluid administration in the late 1950s and 1960s. However, there are increasing reports of perioperative excessive intravascular volume leading to increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. The concept of individualized goal-directed therapy in surgical patients seems to be an important component for optimization of perioperative fluid management in high-risk surgical patients.

Damage control surgery for pancreatic injuries after blunt abdominal trauma / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the management of pancreatic injuries after blunt abdominal trauma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 42 patients with blunt pancreatic injury admitted from January 2001 to December 2010 was analyzed retrospectively. There were 38 male and 4 female patients, aging from 13 to 65 years with a mean of 31 years. The organ injury scaling of Committee of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST grade): grade I in 3 patients, grade II in 12 patients, grade III in 9 patients, grade IV in 13 patients and grade V in 5 patients. The mean injury severity score was 27 ± 21. Patients above AAST grade II underwent peritoneal drainage and "three neostomy" (gastrostomy, jejunostomy and gallbladder) according to damage control theory.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirty-eight patients got abdominal CT scanning with a positive rate of 79.9% (30/38). Forty patients underwent surgical procedures, and 2 patients with non-operative management. The surgical procedures include peritoneal drainage and "three neostomy" in 32 patients, pancreas suture or pancreatic tail resection in 6 patients, pancreatoduodenectomy or caudal pancreaticojejunostomy in 2 patients. Forty patients (95.2%) survived, 2 patients (4.8%) died and 16 patients (38.1%) had complications such as pancreatic fistula,pulmonary infection.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Abdominal CT scanning will benefit the preoperative diagnosis of blunt pancreatic trauma. Although the survival rate of patients with blunt pancreatic trauma might be improved by using the damage control surgery, the management of damage control surgery also needs to be modified because of the high rate of complications.</p>

Pathological monitoring of intestinal graft acute rejection in auxiliary en-bloc liver-small bowel transplantation / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the pathologic monitoring of intestinal graft rejection in auxiliary en-bloc liver-small bowel transplantation in pigs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty outbred long-white pigs were randomized into three groups, and the auxiliary composite liver-small bowel allotransplantations were undertaken in 10 pigs in group A and group B while segment small bowel allotransplantations were undertaken in 10 pigs in group C. Group A and C were not treated with immunosuppressive drugs while group B was treated with cyclosporine A and methylprednisolone. The postoperative intestinal graft rejections were monitored by biopsy through the jejunostomy or ileuostomy on 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days after operation. Through routine management, the specimens were directly examined via optical and electronic microscope respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>As shown from pathological data, the median initial time of postoperative rejection in group A was 8 days (ranged from 7 to 12), later than that in group C (5 days:ranged from 3 to 5), P<0.05). On the 7th day postoperatively, the rejection scores in group A was 1.11+/-0.20, lower than that in group C(2.56+/-0.18, P<0.05), but higher than that in group B(0.20+/-0.13, P<0.05). Ultrastructure also showed more severe intestinal graft rejection in intestinal transplantation than that in combined transplantation. The median survival time was 9 days(ranged from 7 to 25) in group A and 12 days(ranged from 7 to 20) in group C, while all the pigs in group B lived longer than 30 days.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The pathological assessment through the jejunostomy or ileuostomy biopsy is a convenient method to monitor the postoperative graft rejections in intestinal related transplantation.</p>

Preliminary experience with Campath 1H induction combined with low-dose monotherapy of tacrolimus in small bowel transplantation / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To report preliminary experience of the protocol of combining Campath 1H induction with low-dose monotherapy of tacrolimus and no steroid in two cases of small bowel transplantation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Campath 1H 30 mg was infused during the small bowel transplantation, and the patients were given 1 gram of methylprednisolone followed by the Campath 1H and another gram of methylprednisolone before reperfusion. Tacrolimus was infused just after the reperfusion. The tacrolimus was administered from vein first and then from gut tract, the blood tacrolimus level was controlled at 10 to 15 microg/L within the first 3 months after the operation, and reduced to 5 microg/L thereafter.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The two recipients have survived more than 1 year, one received surgical closure of intestinal graft terminal stoma 13 months after the transplantation. One episode of indeterminate to mild acute rejection was verified by pathology through routine ileoscopical biopsy in each cases, and one episode of mild to moderate acute rejection occurred 8 months after the transplantation, and the patients recovered after low dose or bolus steroid therapy. The peripheral lymphocyte counts and monocyte counts decreased greatly after Campath 1H was given, and recovered very slowly thereafter. No sign of infection and graft versus host disease (GVHD) was found, and the grafted intestine achieved excellent function. The total parenteral nutrition was ceased on the day 21 and 14 after the operation, respectively, and the patients lived on oral intake to maintain nutrition status.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It's showed that the protocol combining Campath 1H induction with low-dose monotherapy of tacrolimus without steroid in small bowel transplantation can control graft rejection effectively without increasing the opportunity of infection, no sign of GVHD is found, and the grafted intestine could achieve excellent function.</p>

Management of chronic radiation enteritis with intestinal obstruction / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the therapeutic method and efficiency of chronic radiation enteritis with intestinal obstruction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 51 patients of chronic radiation enteritis with intestinal obstruction from Aug. 2001 to Dec. 2006 were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean time from the ending of radiation to the occurrence of obstruction was (11.9 +/- 22.6) months. Conservative treatment, intestinal resection-anastomosis, enterostomy, bypass operation and enterolysis were applied and performed in above 51 cases. Two patients could not receive operation because of wild metastasis. One died of peritoneal bleeding after operation. Forty-eight cases were cured and the curative rate was 94.1%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Therapeutic regimen should be chosen according to nutritional status and intestinal impairment in chronic radiation enteritis with intestinal obstruction.</p>

Distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes and its clinical significance / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes in Handan area and clarify the genotype-related difference in clinic.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to detect the HBV genotypes in 108 HBV-infected patients from Handan area. The clinical significance of HBV genotype was analyzed in combination with the values of HBV DNA and ALT.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 108 HBV-infected patients, the proportion of genotype B and C was 6.5 percent and 93.5 percent, respectively. Genotype distribution showed no significant difference between male and female patients. ALT and AST levels were higher in genotype C group than those in genotype B group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HBV genotype C is predominant in chronic hepatitis B patients in Handan area. The positive rates of HBeAg and HBV DNA levels were higher in genotype C group than those in genotype B group. Genotype C was associated with the development of severe liver disease as compared to genotype B.</p>

Surgical management of chronic radiation enteritis / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the surgical methods and the clinical results of chronic radiation enteritis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Treatments were applied to forty-nine cases of chronic radiation enteritis complicated with intestinal obstruction, enterocutaneous fistula, intestinal stenosis, intestinal bleeding, severe proctocolitis and intestinal perforation, among whom 47 cases received an average of 2.8 +/- 2.1 operations. Twenty-six cases received resection of the injured segment with primary anastomosis, fourteen cases received intestinal resection and proximal enterostomy, among whom 6 ostomies were permanent, and another 8 cases received secondary ostomy closure. The injured intestinal segments were spared in 7 cases.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Forty-seven among 49 cases were cured (success rate, 96%) with no anastomotic leakage. Two patients died.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Surgical complications of chronic radiation enteritis should be managed operatively. The operative method should be chosen according to the general condition of the patients and the complexity of the abdomen. Perioperative management and proper selection of intestinal segments for anastomosis are essential for the success.</p>

Prophylactic treatment with growth hormone improves intestinal barrier function and alleviates bacterial translocation in stressed rats / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Damage to the gut barrier often occurs during critical illnesses. In such cases, it is very important to alleviate impairment of the intestinal barrier and protect intestinal barrier function. This study investigated the protective effect of growth hormone on intestinal barrier function in rats under stress.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study consisted of prospective, randomized, and controlled animal experiments. Twenty-five Sprague-Dawley rats served as total parenteral nutrition (TPN) models and were divided into three groups: TPN group, sepsis (Sep) group, and growth hormone (GH) group. Another 8 rats served as normal controls. Each group received different stress stimuli. Rats were fed for 7 days, and samples were taken for examination 24 hours after gavaging with dual saccharides.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The architecture of the small intestinal mucosa in the Sep group showed the most severe damage among all groups. Nitric oxide levels in blood plasma and immunoglobulin A levels in the intestinal mucosa of the GH group were significantly lower than in the Sep group (P < 0.02). There were no significant changes in CD3 counts and in the CD4/CD8 ratio between the four groups. Dual sugar tests and bacteriological examinations revealed that intestinal permeability and rate of bacterial translocation in the GH group were lower than in the Sep group (P < 0.01, respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Prophylactic treatment with growth hormone can alleviate damage to intestinal barrier function caused by trauma and endotoxemia in rats under stress.</p>

Non-composite combined liver and intestinal allotransplantation / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To report the first case of non-composite combined liver and intestinal allotransplantation in China. The technical aspects of the case and pros and cons of such an approach versus composite technique were discussed.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The patient suffered from short bowel syndrome and TPN-related liver damage. A non-composite technique was used in this case. During operation, the whole 380 cm intestine was transplanted with systemic drainage and aortic inflow, while the liver graft was placed in a piggyback fashion. Warm ischemic time of donor graft was 2 min and 30 seconds, and cold ischemic duration for intestinal and liver graft was 6 hours and 40 and 8 hours and 7 utes respectively. Postoperative immunosuppression management includes tacrolimus, methylprednisolone, MMF and Zenapax.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The recipient recovered smoothly with no evidence of rejection on days' follow up. Now he is maintained well on enteral nutrition.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Non-composite technique should be considered in adult recipients, especially those with a history of abdominal infections or multiple laparotomies.</p>

Allograft transplantation with compound tissue of two ears and skin of head and neck: A report of 1 case, China / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the possibility and efficacy of allograft transplantation in treating patient with huge tissue defect after radical giant malignant melanoma resection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A male person received blood type matching was chosen as donor. Immediately after the donor's brain death, allograft was excised with the depth to the layer intervenient between periosteum and epicranial fascia in calvaria, the superficial layer of deep temporal fascia in both sides of temporal regions, close to zygomatic bones and mandibles including masseter and auricles upon in face, and cervical soft tissues including sternocleidomastoid muscles, cervical and external jugular vessels of both sides were excised simultaneously. After being perfused with 4 degrees C UW solution through both common carotid arteries, the homograft was sheared and radiated with X-ray before being preserved in UW solution for further use. During the operation, both sides of external auditory meatus were anastomosed with ears firstly, and vessels were anastomosed end-to-end sequently, at last, the border of skin flap was sutured intermittently. Combined use of MMF, FK506, Prednisone and Zenopax was performed as post-operation immunosuppressive treatment. Clinical observations were made on the signs and symptoms of graft survival or rejection as well as blood FK506 concentrations and immunological indexes were tested in laboratory. Biopsies of graft were also made at 1 h, 4 h, 8 h, 7 d, 14 d and 30 d after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The circulation of the graft was satisfactory, and the temperature and color of skin were normal. Primary healing of suture and hair growth about 0.8 cm in a month were observed. Skin Biopsies of every time had no found of hyperacute or acute rejection. The concentration of FK506 was maintained 20 mg/ml 1 month after the operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Allograft transplantation with compound tissue of head skin flap and ears is a kind of effective and safe treatment in repairing huge tissue defect. Good tissue matching and combined use of currently available immunosuppressants can prevent hyperacute and acute rejection efficiently.</p>