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Abstract Introduction The treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma remains controversial. Central lymph node metastasis is common in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma and it is an important consideration in treatment strategy selection. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate clinicopathologic risk factors and thyroid nodule sonographic characteristics for central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 599 papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients who underwent surgery from 2005 to 2017 at a single institution. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the clinicopathologic factors and preoperative sonographic features of central lymph node metastasis. A receiver-operating characteristic, ROC curve analysis, was performed to identify the efficacy of ultrasonographic features in predicting central lymph node metastasis. A nomogram based on the risk factors was established to predict central lymph node metastasis. Results The incidence of central lymph node metastasis was 22.4%. The univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that gender, age, multifocality, extrathyroidal invasion, and lateral lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for central lymph node metastasis. The univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that nodular shape, margin, and calcification were independently associated with central lymph node metastasis. The ROC curve analysis revealed that the combination of shape, margin and calcification had excellent accuracy in predicting central lymph node metastasis. The nomogram was developed based on the identified risk factors for predicting central lymph node metastasis, and the calibration plot analysis indicated the good performance and clinical utility of the nomogram. Conclusions Central lymph node metastasis is associated with male gender, younger age (<5 years), extrathyroidal invasion, multifocality and lateral lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients. The ultrasongraphic features, such as irregular shape, ill-defined margin and calcification, may improve the efficacy of predicting central lymph node metastasis. Surgeons and radiologists should pay close attention to the patients who have these risk factors. The nomogram may help guide surgical decision making in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.
Resumo Introdução O tratamento do microcarcinoma papilífero de tireoide permanece controverso. A metástase em linfonodos centrais é comum e é uma consideração importante na seleção da estratégia de tratamento. Objetivo Investigar os fatores de risco clínico-patológicos e as características ultrassonográficas de nódulos tireoidianos para metástase em linfonodos centrais em microcarcinoma papilífero de tireoide. Método Foram analisados retrospectivamente os dados de 599 pacientes com microcarcinoma papilífero de tireoide submetidos à cirurgia de 2005 a 2017 em uma única instituição. Análises univariadas e multivariadas foram usadas para identificar os fatores clínico-patológicos e as características ultrassonográficas pré-operatórias das metástases em linfonodos centrais. Uma análise de curva ROC (receiver-operating characteristic) foi feita para identificar a eficácia das características ultrassonográficas na previsão dessas metástases. Um nomograma baseado nos fatores de risco foi estabelecido para prever a metástase em linfonodos centrais. Resultados A incidência de metástase em linfonodos centrais foi de 22,4%. As análises univariadas e multivariadas sugeriram que sexo, idade, multifocalidade, invasão extratireoidiana e metástase em linfonodos laterais eram fatores de risco independentes para a metástase em linfonodos centrais. As análises univariadas e multivariadas revelaram que o formato nodular, a margem e a calcificação estavam independentemente associadas à metástase em linfonodos centrais. A análise da curva ROC mostrou que a combinação do formato, margem e calcificação apresentou excelente precisão na previsão dessas metástases. O nomograma foi desenvolvido com base nos fatores de risco identificados para predizer a metástase em linfonodos centrais e a análise do gráfico de calibração indicou o bom desempenho e a utilidade clínica do nomograma. Conclusões Em pacientes com microcarcinoma papilífero de tireoide, metástase em linfonodos centrais está associado ao sexo masculino, menor idade ( < 45 anos), invasão extratireoidiana, multifocalidade e presença de metástase em linfonodos laterais. As características ultrassonográficas, como formato irregular, margem mal definida e calcificação, podem melhorar a eficácia da previsão de metástase em linfonodos centrais. Cirurgiões e radiologistas devem ficar mais atentos aos pacientes que apresentam esses fatores de risco. O nomograma pode ajudar a orientar a tomada de decisão cirúrgica para o microcarcinoma papilífero de tireoide.
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Objective:To evaluate the effects of comprehensive rehabilitation nursing based on guided education and training on rehabilitation treatment in school-age children with drug-resistant epilepsy undergoing epileptogenic focus resection.Methods:Fifty movement disorders school-age children with drug-resistant epilepsy undergoing epileptogenic focus resection in Institute of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2017 to December 2019 were enrolled in this study. The child patients were divided into the control group and the observation group according to the order of admission, with 25 cases in each group, and the control group was from January 2017 to June 2018 while the observation group was from July 2018 to December 2019. In the control group, routine nursing after epileptogenic focus resection and functional exercise were conducted. The observation group was treated with comprehensive rehabilitation nursing based on guided education and training. On the third day after operation, the day of discharge respectively, the motor function and activity of daily living of the two groups were evaluated. The satisfaction of children′s parents on nursing was compared between the two groups.Results:The scores of motor function on the third day after operation and the day of discharge were (57.0 ± 6.8), (73.0 ± 5.4) points respectively in the observation group, and those in the control group were (55.0 ± 5.6), (65.6 ± 5.9) points. There were significant differences intra group comparison ( t=-9.26, -6.48, both P<0.05). The activity of daily living scores on the third day after operation and the day of discharge were (45.2 ± 5.9), (74.2 ± 8.3) points respectively in the observation group, and those in the control group were (44.0 ± 5.8), (60.2 ± 7.6) points. There were significant differences intra group comparison ( t=-14.33, -8.51, both P<0.05). There were significant differences between the scores of motor function and the ability of daily living scores on the day of discharge in the observation group and the control group ( t values were -4.65, -6.25, both P<0.05). The satisfaction of children′s parents on nursing in the observation group and the control group were 96.0% (24/25), 72.0% (18/25) respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups ( χ 2=8.78, P<0.05). Conclusions:Rehabilitation nursing based on guided education and training can improve motor function and ability of daily living in movement disorders school-age children with drug-resistant epilepsy undergoing epileptogenic focus resection, promote the functional recovery of children after surgery and increase the satisfaction of children′s parents on nursing.
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Objective:To evaluate the short-term efficacy of left colonic artery preservation in laparoscopic-assisted radical resection in elderly patients with rectal cancer.Methods:168 patients aged 65 and over who had undergonelaparoscopic-assisted radical resection of rectal cancer in the gastrointestinal surgery department of Beijing Hospital from December 2017 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.According to different surgical methods, they were divided into the observation group with 90 subjects(the LCA group)and the control group with 78 subjects(the non-LCA group).Basic data, intraoperative, postoperative and clinicopathological data of the two groups were compared and analyzed.Results:There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in operative time[(172.3±35.5)min vs.(155.5±28.7)min, t=2.182, P=0.103], intraoperative blood loss[(72.6±22.5)ml vs.(67.3±18.4)ml, t=1.473, P=0.128], number of group 253 lymph nodes dissected[(3.8±1.5) vs.(4.2±1.6), t=0.785, P=0.221], and total number of lymph nodes dissected[(14.1±4.3) vs.(15.8±5.0), t=1.652, P=0.113].There was no significant difference in the incidence of anastomotic hemorrhage[4.4%(4/90) vs.3.8%(3/78), χ2=1.182, P=0.133]and the incidence of urinary retention[4.4%(4/90) vs.6.4%(5/78), χ2=1.785, P=0.148].The time to first postoperative flatus[(52.4±23.2)h vs.(68.3±29.3)h, t=2.652, P=0.023]and length of postoperative hospital stay[(9.07±3.56)d vs.(10.68±4.94)d, t=2.785, P=0.017]in the LCA group were shorter than those in the non-LCA group.The incidences of anastomotic leakage in the LCA group and the non-LAC group were 2.2%(2/90)and 5.1%(4/78), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant( t=3.575, P=0.001). Conclusions:LCA preservation in laparoscopic-assisted radical resection of rectal cancer in elderly patients with rectal cancer is safe and feasible, reduces the incidence of anastomotic leakage, and shorten the time to first postoperative flatus and length of postoperative hospital stay.It has good practical clinical value.
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Objective:To analyze the correlation between the posterior malleolus fracture and fixation and the rotational stability of the ankle and to explore the surgical indications for posterior malleolus fracture aiming to provide the theories for the diagnosis and treatment of disorder.Methods:Twenty fresh frozen cadaver specimens were selected. Further, the extent of the tibial insertion of the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL) and inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament (ITTFL) complex was dissected and measured. Based on the tibial insertion of the ligament complex, the model for the supination-external rotation degree 3 ankle fracture with a posterior malleolar fragment and syndesmosis diastasis was created. Moreover, the area threshold of the posterior tibial insertion of posterior malleolus fracture was biomechanically assessed. The difference of the antirotating ability of the ankle-stiffness between simple posterior malleolus fixation and simple syndesmotic fixation was analyzed statistically.Results:The PITFL and ITTFL were presented in all specimens with relatively broad in PITFL tibial insertion. The PITFL was attached to the posterolateral tibia. The distance between the highest point of the tibial insertion and the articular line was 45.2±5.6 mm, while the ITTFL was attached to the posterior distal tibia. The distance between the highest point of the tibial insertion and the articular line was 5.5±1.0 mm. The width of the tibial insertion of the PITFL and ITTFL complex decreased as the distance from the joint line increased. Biomechanical analysis showed that the threshold of posterior area of posterior malleolus fracture was 1/4S. The stiffnesses of posterior malleolus fixation and syndesmosis stabilization were 0.264±0.080 N·m/° and 0.164 ± 0.061 N·m/°, respectively. The percentage of stiffness restored by posterior ankle fixation was 60.9%±10.2%, which was greater than that by syndesmosis stabilization 37.5%±7.9% ( t=17.09, P<0.001) . Conclusion:The surgical technique for posterior malleolus fracture should consider restoration of the axial and rotational stability of the ankle simultaneously. Posterior malleolus fracture fixation is recommended when the syndesmosis is unstable with the area ratio of posterior tibial insertion of posterior malleolus fracture greater than or equal to 1/4. Syndesmotic fixation is proposed to restore and maintain the rotational stability of the ankle when the syndesmosis is unstable with the area ratio less than 1/4. Regardless of the area ratio, the surgical indications for stable syndesmosis depend on the impact of the posterior malleolus fracture on the axial stability of tibiotalar joint, on the involved articular surface area and on the displacement degree of posterior malleolus fragment.
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Objective:To propose a new classification of posterior malleolus fracture to further clarify its pathoanatomy.Methods:Twenty fresh frozen cadaver specimens of normal morphology of lower limbs were selected and dissected and the extent of the tibial insertion of posterior malleolus associated ligaments was measured. At the same time, a retrospective case series analysis was made on the clinical and CT information of 296 patients with posterior malleolus fracture treated at Tongji Hospital of Tongji University from January 2012 to July 2020 or at Karamay Central Hospital from January 2018 to July 2020. The percentage of articular involvement of the fracture, proximal displacement of the posterior malleolus fracture and extent of posterior talar subluxation were measured. A clinically practical new classification system for posterior malleolus fracture was created by correlating posterior malleolus associated ligaments with CT images of posterior malleolus fracture. The new classification included three types: type I was posterior malleolus fracture with only the tibial insertion of inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament involved; type II was posterior malleolus fracture with both the tibial insertions of inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament and posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament involved, which was divided into subtypes IIA and IIB based on the presence of articular cartilage and subchondral bone damage, compression or Die-Punch fragments; type III was posterior malleolus fracture that involved all the tibial insertions of inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament, posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament and posterior tibiotalar ligament, which was sub-classified into subtypes III A and III B according to number of fracture fragments. Anatomic characteristics of the extent of the tibial insertion of posterior malleolus associated ligament, CT imaging parameters for posterior malleolus fracture and corresponding fracture typing were determined. In addition, the new classification system for posterior malleolus fracture was compared with Haraguci classification and Mason classification.Results:Posterior malleolus associated ligaments included the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament and posterior tibiotalar ligament from posterolateral to posteromedial tibia. The posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament was attached to the posterolateral tibia and the distance between the highest point of its tibial insertion and the joint line was (45.2±5.6)mm. The inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament was attached to the posterior distal tibia and the distance between the highest point of its tibial insertion and the joint line was (5.5±1.0)mm. The posterior tibiotalar ligament was attached to the posterior colliculus and intercollicular groove of the medial malleolus and the distance between the center of its tibial insertion and the intercollicular groove was (2.5±0.6)mm. Among 296 patients with posterior malleolus fracture, there were 36 patients with type I, 229 with type II (150 type IIA, 79 type IIB) and 31 with type III (11 type IIIA, 20 type IIIB). The percentage of articular involvement of the fracture, proximal displacement of posterior malleolus fracture and extent of posterior talar subluxation in type IIB fracture were significantly greater than those in type II A fracture [23.7(18.6, 28.8)% vs. 18.4(12.7, 21.7)%, 4.1(2.1, 6.0)mm vs. 1.9(0.2, 3.0)mm, 4.7(1.5, 6.2)mm vs. 2.3(1.1, 3.0)mm] (all P<0.01). The proximal displacement of posterior malleolus fracture and extent of posterior talar subluxation in type III fracture were significantly greater than those in type II fracture [7.2(6.0, 8.2)mm vs. 2.7(0.4, 4.0)mm, 10.1(6.0, 15.0)mm vs. 3.1(1.1, 5.0)mm] (all P<0.01). The new classification for posterior malleolus fracture combined the posterior malleolus ligament and injury mechanism of posterior malleolus fracture as compared with Haraguchi classification, which not only further detailed the classification, but also was more practical in clinic for increased the severity of injury was elevated with higher classification level. The new classification was more comprehensive as compared with Mason classification for it mainly added the type of simple-rotation-type posterior malleolus fracture (type IIA of the new classification). Conclusions:In combination with posterior malleolus associated ligaments, injury mechanism and fracture morphology, posterior malleolus fracture is divided into three types. The new classification system more comprehensively describes pathoanatomy of posterior malleolus fracture that contributes to related basic research and clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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ObjectiveTo study the effect of Xianlian Jiedu prescription （XLJDP） on the activation of nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway induced by bromodomain-containing protein 4 （Brd4） in hypoxic microenvironment and to explore its mechanism in inhibiting the proliferation of colorectal cancer HT-29 cells. MethodThe human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells were cultured in a hypoxic incubator or normoxia incubator and treated with XLJDP at 0.8，1，1.2，1.6，3.2，6.4，and 12.8 g·L-1 for 48 h， respectively. Following the detection of cell vitality using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） colorimetry， the effects of XLJDP （1.25，2.5，and 5 g·L-1） on the cell mitochondrial membrane potential were determined using a fluorescent probe （JC-1）， and the apoptosis of colorectal cancer HT-29 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The cell colony formation assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine （EDU） staining were conducted to test the proliferation of colorectal cancer HT-29 cells. The Western blot was carried out to measure the expression levels of Brd4 and its downstream relevant proteins such as c-Myc and hexamethylene bisacetamide-inducible protein 1 （HEXIM1）， as well as the effects of XLJDP on related proteins in the NF-κB signaling pathway. ResultCompared with the blank control group， XLJDP at 0.8，1，1.2，1.6，3.2，6.4，and 12.8 g·L-1 inhibited the vitality of colorectal cancer HT-29 cells （P<0.05 ， P<0.01）， with the median inhibitory concentration （IC50） under the hypoxic condition higher than that under the normoxia condition. Compared with the blank control group， XLJDP at 1.25，2.5，and 5 g·L-1 significantly decreased the mitochondria membrane potential， enhanced the apoptosis （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and lowered the number of cell colonies and also the EDU-positive cells （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The results of Western blot showed that compared with the blank control group， XLJDP at 1.25，2.5，and 5 g·L-1 down-regulated Brd4， c-Myc， p-NF-κB p65， and p-IκBα protein expression to varying degrees and up-regulated the expression of HEXIM1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionIn the hypoxic microenvironment， XLJDP inhibits the proliferation of colorectal cancer HT-29 cells regulated by Brd4， which may be related to its inhibition of the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.
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ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Xianlian Jiedu prescription （XLJDP） on the proliferation and glycolysis of human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells and the underlying mechanism. MethodHCT-116 cells were cultured with XLJDP and then the survival rate was examined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay. The effect on the HCT116 cell proliferation was detected by colony formation assay and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine （EDU） incorporation assay. The amount of glucose consumed by HCT-116 cells was measured by glucose test kit， and the amount of produced lactic acid was determined by lactic acid test kit 48 h after the treatment with XLJDP. The expression of glycolysis-related proteins mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）， phosphorylated mTOR （p-mTOR）， glucose transporter 1 （GLUT1）， and lactate dehydrogenase （LDHA） was detected by Western blot. ResultThe half-maximal inhibitory concentration （IC50） of XLJDP against HCT-116 cells was 6.82 g·L-1. Compared with the blank group， XLJDP （1.625， 3.25， 6.50 g·L-1） inhibited the proliferation of HCT-116 cells （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， compared with the blank group， XLJDP （1.625， 3.25， 6.50 g·L-1） suppressed glucose uptake and lactic acid production in a dose-dependent manner （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The expression of p-mTOR/mTOR， LDHA， and GLUT1 was down-regulated by XLJDP （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionXLJDP can significantly inhibit the proliferation and the Warburg effect of glycolysis in colorectal cancer cells by regulating the mTOR signaling pathway and the down-regulating the expression of LDHA， GLUT1， and other key proteins and enzymes in glycolysis.
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ObjectiveTo analyze the transcriptome characteristics of Xianlian Jiedu prescription （XLJDP） in the intervention of colorectal carcinoma by high-throughput cDNA-sequencing （RNA-seq）. MethodNinety male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group， colorectal carcinoma due to dampness， heat， stasis， and toxin model group， and XLJDP group， with 30 mice in each group. Mice in the model group and XLJDP group were fed a high-fat diet and provided with azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate （AOM/DSS） for inducing colorectal carcinoma. Those in the XLJDP group were further treated with intragastric administration of 12.9 g·kg-1 XLJDP since the day of modeling for 112 days. The colorectal tissues were collected from each group 4 h after the last drug treatment and stained with hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and methylene blue for observing the pathological changes. The total RNA was extracted from colorectal tissues for RNA-Seq-based transcriptome profiling， followed by gene oncology （GO） and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis and the screening and verification of differentially expressed genes. ResultCompared with the model group， XLJDP significantly relieved the colorectal congestion and edema and decreased tumor number and volume in mouse colorectal tissues. The methylene blue staining results indicated that XLJDP significantly suppressed the development of aberrant crypt foci （ACF，P<0.01）. As revealed by HE staining， XLJDP significantly alleviated the injury and dysplasia of colorectal tissues. Transcriptome analysis identified 615 differentially expressed genes （446 up-regulated and 169 down-regulated） between the model group and the blank group and 54 differentially expressed genes （29 up-regulated and 25 down-regulated） between the XLJDP group and model group. XLJDP mainly affected the expression of NIMA-related protein kinase 7 gene （Nek7， P<0.01）， Mucin 16 （Muc16， P<0.01）， SiahE3 ubiquitin protein ligase family member 3 （Siah3， P<0.01）， regenerating islet-derived protein 3-gamma （Reg3g， P<0.01）， RNA polymerase Ⅱ elongation factor-associated factor 2 （Eaf2， P<0.01）， transforming growth factor‐alfa gene （TGF-α， P<0.05）， secretoglobin family 1A member 1 （Scgb1a1， P<0.05）， family with sequence similarity 227 member B （Fam227B， P<0.05）， cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily c polypeptide 40 （Cyp2c40， P<0.01）， and ankyrin repeat and EF-hand domain containing protein 1 （Ankef1， P<0.05）. Enrichment analysis showed that intestinal epithelial cell proliferation， metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450， and arachidonic acid metabolism signaling pathway were significantly enriched. ConclusionXLJDP is able to interfere with colorectal tumorigenesis and development due to dampness， heat， stasis， and toxin in mice， which has been proved by transcriptome analysis to be related to the regulation of metabolism-related pathways.
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Objective@#To objectively and subjectively assess and compare the characteristics of monoenergetic images [MEI (+)] and polyenergetic images (PEI) acquired by dual-energy CT (DECT) of patients with breast cancer. @*Materials and Methods@#This retrospective study evaluated the images and data of 42 patients with breast cancer who had undergone dual-phase contrast-enhanced DECT from June to September 2019. One standard PEI, five MEI (+) in 10-kiloelectron volt (keV) intervals (range, 40–80 keV), iodine density (ID) maps, iodine overlay images, and Z effective (Z eff) maps were reconstructed. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were calculated. Multiple quantitative parameters of the malignant breast lesions were compared between the arterial and the venous phase images. Two readers independently assessed lesion conspicuity and performed a morphology analysis. @*Results@#Low keV MEI (+) at 40–50 keV showed increased CNR and SNR breast lesion compared with PEI, especially in the venous phase ([CNR: 40 keV, 20.10; 50 keV, 14.45; vs. PEI, 7.27; p < 0.001], [SNR breast lesion: 40 keV, 21.01; 50 keV, 16.28; vs.PEI, 10.77; p< 0.001]). Multiple quantitative DECT parameters of malignant breast lesions were higher in the venous phase images than in the arterial phase images (p < 0.001). MEI (+) at 40 keV, ID, and Z eff reconstructions yielded the highest Likert scores for lesion conspicuity. The conspicuity of the mass margin and the visual enhancement were significantly better in 40-keV MEI (+) than in the PEI (p = 0.022, p = 0.033, respectively). @*Conclusion@#Compared with PEI, MEI (+) reconstructions at low keV in the venous phase acquired by DECT improved the objective and subjective assessment of lesion conspicuity in patients with malignant breast lesions. MEI (+) reconstruction acquired by DECT may be helpful for the preoperative evaluation of breast cancer.
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Postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction (pPED) remains a current problem despite improvements in surgical techniques. Vacuum therapy is clinically confirmed as a type of pPED rehabilitation. However, its underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Recently, autophagy and apoptosis were extensively studied in erectile dysfunction resulting from diabetes, senescence, and androgen deprivation but not in the context of pPED and vacuum therapy. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the roles of autophagy and apoptosis in pPED and vacuum therapy. Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control group, bilateral cavernous nerve crush (BCNC) group, and BCNC + vacuum group. After 4 weeks of treatment, intracavernosal pressure was used to evaluate erectile function. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the molecular expression. TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining was used to assess apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe autophagosomes. After treatment, compared with those of the BCNC group, erectile function and cavernosal hypoxia had statistically significantly improved (P < 0.05). Apoptosis and the relative protein expression of B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X and cleaved Caspase3 were decreased (P < 0.05). Autophagy-related molecules such as phosphorylated unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase 1 (Ser757) and p62 were decreased. Beclin1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 A/B, and autophagosomes were increased (P < 0.05). Besides, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway, as a negative regulator of autophagy to some degree, was inhibited. This study revealed that vacuum therapy ameliorated pPED in BCNC rats by inhibiting apoptosis and activating autophagy.
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Penile length shortening and erectile dysfunction are common complications after radical prostatectomy. Various methods have been used to maintain erectile function, but less attention has been paid to preserving penis length. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has the effect of antioxidation and antifibrotic, which may be beneficial to improve those postoperative complications. This study investigated the effect of NAC on maintaining the penile length and the erectile function after bilateral cavernous nerve crush (BCNC) and its underlying mechanism. Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, BCNC group, and BCNC + NAC group. NAC or equal volume of saline was daily administrated by intragastric gavage for 4 weeks. The initial and end penile lengths were measured. Intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) ratio was calculated to assess erectile function. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot were performed to explore cellular and molecular changes of the penis. Compared to the BCNC group, the penile length, ICP/MAP ratio and smooth muscle/collagen ratio in the BCNC + NAC group were improved significantly (all P < 0.05), and the expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, α-smooth muscle actin, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase 1 were significantly increased after NAC treated (all P < 0.05), along with the decreased expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, transforming growth factor-β1, collagen I, collagen III, collagen IV, malonaldehyde, and lysine oxidase (all P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that NAC could maintain penile length and partly improve erectile function. Possible mechanism is directly and/or indirectly related to antihypoxic and antifibrosis.
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Objective:To investigate the effects and mechanism of miR206 in rat model of denervated muscular atrophy.Methods:From September, 2020 to December, 2020, a total of 40 rats were selected for this study. Denervated muscular atrophy model was established on 16 SPF Sprague-Dawley rats, by removing 1 cm in length of sciatic nerve. The rats were classified into 4 groups according to the sampling time: 0 d, 3 d, 7 d and 14 d(4 rats per group). The other 24 rats were also established into denervated skeletal muscle atrophy models and assigned into 3 groups: denervation add miR206 group, denervation add NC transfection reagent group, and sham-operated group( n=8 in each group). After sampling, the area of cross section of the gastrocnemius muscle and gastrocnemius muscle mass were measured to evaluate muscle atrophy. The mRNA and protein expression of myostatin were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. Combining with luciferase report to explore the underlying mechanism of miR206, the t-test and oneway ANOVA were used for data analysis used in this study. In one-way ANOVA analysis, if the difference between groups was statistically significant, Bonferroni method would be used for further comparing of all pairs. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:After excision of a part of sciatic nerve of rat models, gastrocnemius muscle mass of denervation plus miR206 group, denervation plus NC transfection reagent group and sham-operated group were: (0.63±0.04), (0.51±0.02) and (1.05±0.02), respectively. The cross section areas of gastrocnemius muscle in each groups were: (761.30±21.79) μm 2, (640.30±30.31) μm 2 and (1066.00±51.65) μm 2, respectively( P<0.05). Myostatin mRNA expression showed lower in miR206 group than in NC group tested by Western blot, which were(0.57±0.04) in miR206 and (0.81±0.04) in NC group tested by qPCR( P<0.05). The protein expression measured by Western blot test revealed same expression pattern as mRNA expression pattern. The different of relative expression between miR206 group and NC group( P<0.05). Finally, in the mmu-miR206 co-transfected with the MSTN 3'UTR-luciferase sensor group, the relative luciferase activity was measured at 0.26±0.07 and it was significant lower than any other groups( P<0.05). Conclusion:The miR206 can counteract denervated skeletomuscular atrophy through down regulating the myostatin expression. Myostatin is a new discovered target gene of miR206.
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Objective:To explore the effect of applying individualized progressive nutrition guide sheet in postoperative enteral nutrition (EN) for patients with oral cancer.Methods:Using convenient sampling method, 40 oral cancer patients admitted to Sichuan Cancer Hospital from November 2017 to October 2018 were selected as the control group, and 46 from November 2018 to October 2019 were selected as the observation group. Both groups received EN support but the observation group were applied with progressive nutrition guide sheet. The pre- and post-operative body weight, nutrition related indicators, gastrointestinal symptoms, proportion of patients achieving daily target energy intake, patient/family satisfaction and other indicators were compared between the two groups.Results:There were significant differences in preoperative potassium, total protein and albumin at 7 days after operation, prealbumin at 3 and 7 days after operation, potassium at 3 days after operation and sodium at 3 days after operation between the two groups( Z=4.963, P<0.01; Z=5.094, P<0.01; Z=-2.022, P<0.05; Z=4.048, P<0.01; Z=2.14, P<0.05, Z=-6.04, P<0.01, Z=-7.13, P<0.01). The dynamic changes of potassium and sodium in the two groups were compared before operation, 3 days after operation and 7 days after operation ( F=30.20, F= 118.51, all P<0.01). There were significant differences in incidence of abdominal pain, abdominal distension and diarrhea between the two groups ( χ2=6.91, P=0.009, χ2=10.36, P=0.001, χ2=4.71, P=0.03). There were also significant differences in the proportion of patients achieving daily target energy intake at 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, and 6 days after operation between the two groups ( χ2=41.77, χ2=45.09, χ2=45.71, χ2=40.53, χ2=29.97, χ2=6.11, all P<0.01). Conclusion:The application of progressive nutrition guidelines in early postoperative EN support for patients with oral cancer can help to improve postoperative nutritional status, avoid potassium, sodium and electrolyte disturbance, alleviate postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms, improve the achievement of daily target energy intake and patient/family satisfaction, and promote disease recovery.
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Objective:To create a prediction model that could be used to stratify the risk of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with stable coronary artery disease by using test data based on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and general clinical data. Methods:A total of 114 patients with stable coronary artery disease were consecutively enrolled from the Cardiology Coronary Artery Disease Database of our hospital from December, 2014 to December, 2018, all the patients underwent CPET before coronary angiography. LASSO was used for feature selection. A nomogram was formulated based on the results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis using the RMS package of R. The predictive power was assessed with Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve. Results:Seven predictors were identified based on LASSO: coronary angiography results, the maximum value of ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide (EqCO2max), lymphocyte count, fasting blood glucose levels, cardiac muscle enzyme positivity, blood homocysteine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Combined with clinical experience and weighting analysis, the final four factors were included for Logistic regression modeling: coronary angiography results, EqCO2max, lymphocyte count and fasting blood glucose levels. The area under the curve was 0.875 for the model. Conclusion:EqCO2max and lymphocyte count are key predictors for stable coronary heart disease and can be used to identify patients at high risk for cardiac rehabilitation. A risk stratification model based on CPET and laboratory tests can be used to assess risk stratification for cardiac rehabilitation in patients with stable coronary artery disease.
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Objective To re-examine the diagnosis results of reported malaria cases in Sichuan Province from 2014 to 2020, so as to assess the malaria diagnostic capability of Sichuan Provincial Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory. Methods The blood and blood smear samples from reported malaria cases were collected by Sichuan Provincial Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory from 2014 to 2020, and subjected to re-examinations using microscopy and nested PCR assay. The re-examination results were compared. Results A total of 1 710 samples from reported malaria cases were re-examined by Sichuan Provincial Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory from 2014 to 2020, and 1 634 samples were identified positive, with a positive coincidence rate of 95.56% (1 634/1 710) and a 92.29% (1 508/1 634) total coincidence rate of the Plasmodium species. The coincidence rates with P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae and P. ovale were 99.48% (961/966), 97.07% (430/443), 83.05% (98/118) and 67.86% (19/28), respectively, and the coincidence rate was 91.81% (1 513/1 648) between microscopic and nested-PCR results. Conclusions The capability of microscopists remains weak at grassroot medical institutions in Sichuan Province. Further training is required among microscopists to improve the malaria surveillance capability in Sichuan Province during the post-elimination stage.
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The medical insurance is provided by the Unified Health System (SUS) covering most of Brazilians and alsocombined with private insurance, and every Brazilan could get access to basic health services. The major diseaseas leading to death in Brazil are ischemic heart disease, stroke and lower respiratory infection. The incidence of AD, chronic kidney disease and diabetes are increasing in recent years. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which was represented by acupuncture, was introduced to Brazil in the early 19th. At present, acupuncture has been widely accepted and used, which was included in SUS. A number of universities have acupuncture courses. However, the specialities and advantages of TCM needs to be strengthened, the local practioners lack the understanding of TCM theory, the appropriate use of herbal medicine, and there lacks TCM education standards, all these limit the development of TCM. Thus, in order to promote the development and dissemination of TCM in Brazil, it is suggested to give full play of the characteristics of TCM in preventing disease, increase the research and development input of herbal medicine, standardize the education stystem of TCM, etc.
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Objective@#To objectively and subjectively assess and compare the characteristics of monoenergetic images [MEI (+)] and polyenergetic images (PEI) acquired by dual-energy CT (DECT) of patients with breast cancer. @*Materials and Methods@#This retrospective study evaluated the images and data of 42 patients with breast cancer who had undergone dual-phase contrast-enhanced DECT from June to September 2019. One standard PEI, five MEI (+) in 10-kiloelectron volt (keV) intervals (range, 40–80 keV), iodine density (ID) maps, iodine overlay images, and Z effective (Z eff) maps were reconstructed. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were calculated. Multiple quantitative parameters of the malignant breast lesions were compared between the arterial and the venous phase images. Two readers independently assessed lesion conspicuity and performed a morphology analysis. @*Results@#Low keV MEI (+) at 40–50 keV showed increased CNR and SNR breast lesion compared with PEI, especially in the venous phase ([CNR: 40 keV, 20.10; 50 keV, 14.45; vs. PEI, 7.27; p < 0.001], [SNR breast lesion: 40 keV, 21.01; 50 keV, 16.28; vs.PEI, 10.77; p< 0.001]). Multiple quantitative DECT parameters of malignant breast lesions were higher in the venous phase images than in the arterial phase images (p < 0.001). MEI (+) at 40 keV, ID, and Z eff reconstructions yielded the highest Likert scores for lesion conspicuity. The conspicuity of the mass margin and the visual enhancement were significantly better in 40-keV MEI (+) than in the PEI (p = 0.022, p = 0.033, respectively). @*Conclusion@#Compared with PEI, MEI (+) reconstructions at low keV in the venous phase acquired by DECT improved the objective and subjective assessment of lesion conspicuity in patients with malignant breast lesions. MEI (+) reconstruction acquired by DECT may be helpful for the preoperative evaluation of breast cancer.
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BACKGROUND@#Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck often develops lung metastasis. At present, there are not many research reports on ACC lung metastasis, little is known about its exact clinical features and treatment results, and there is no consensus on the best treatment strategy. This study explored the effective treatment strategies, clinical outcomes and long-term prognosis of head and neck ACC lung metastases.@*METHODS@#The clinical and follow-up data of 76 patients with head and neck ACC lung metastases were retrospectively analyzed. According to the initial treatment of patients, they are divided into 4 groups: surgery, surgery+chemotherapy or radiotherapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy and supportive treatment. The patients were staged according to the International Registry of Lung Metastases Staging System (IRLM). Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were used to compare the statistical differences of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with different treatment methods and different IRLM stages.@*RESULTS@#The OS and PFS of patients undergoing surgery are better than those of supportive therapy or radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy (OS: P<0.000,1; PFS: P<0.000,1). The OS and PFS of patients with low stage IRLM are better than those with high stage (OS: P<0.000,1; PFS: P<0.000,1). Patients with single lung metastasis and without pleural effusion have better OS and PFS.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The long-term prognosis of patients with lung metastasis of head and neck ACC who undergo surgery is better than other treatments, which is related to higher OS and PFS. For patients with ACC lung metastases who are operationally eligible, the significance of complete surgical resection should be higher than other treatment options.
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BACKGROUND@#The previous study has indicated that the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after thoracic surgery is high. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence and risk factors of postoperative VTE in thymic malignancy patients.@*METHODS@#This was a single-center study. Patients undergoing resection for thymic malignancy between December 2017 and February 2021 in Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University were enrolled in this study. In addition to the routine examination, all patients were screened for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) by using noninvasive duplex lower extremity ultrasound before and after surgery. Patients did not receive any prophylactic anticoagulant therapy before and after surgery. All patients received modified caprini risk assessment. According to whether VTE occurred after operation, patients were divided into VTE group and control group. The clinical data of the two groups were compared. The occurrence time and possible high risk factors of VTE after operation were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 169 patients with thymic malignant tumor were enrolled, including 94 males and 75 females, aging from 22 to 76 years. A total of 95 patients underwent thoracoscopic surgery and 74 patients underwent median sternotomy. The total incidence of VTE was 12.4%. The median time for diagnosis of VTE was 4 days (2 days-15 days) after operation. According to the modified caprini score, the incidence of VTE in low risk patients (Caprini score≤4 points), moderate risk patients (Caprini score 5 to 8 points) and high risk patients (Caprini score≥9 points) were 0% (0/7), 7.0% (8/115) and 27.7% (13/47), respectively (Z=1.670, P=0.008). Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences between VTE group and control group in age, operation method, operation time, indwelling central venous catheter, postoperative bed rest time more than 72 hours (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that over 60 years old, operation method and operation time were independent risk factors for VTE after resection for thymic malignancies.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Over 60 years old, operation method and operation time are independent risk factors for VTE. Modified caprini assessment can effectively screen high-risk patients.
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OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of patients with hematological diseases complicated with mucor infection.@*METHODS@#The risk factors, clinical features, treatment regimen and prognosis of 18 hematological disease patients with mucor infection diagnosed by histopathology in our center from April 2014 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Thirteen males and five females, with an average age of 30 (13－54) years old, were diagnosed as mucor infection by histopathological examination at the site of infection, including 16 cases of mucor infection alone and 2 cases of mucor + aspergillus mixed infection. There were 12 cases with malignant hematological disease and 6 cases with severe aplastic anemia, all of whom with long-term agranulocytosis, and their clinical manifestations and imaging findings were not specific. The common sites of infection were sinuses and lungs, and some patients showed multiple systemic manifestations. The remission status of hematological diseases and recovery of immune function showed an impact on the prognosis. All the patients were treated with amphotericin B liposome combined with posaconazole, and 15 patients were treated with surgery combined with antifungal drugs, 9 of whom were effective and 6 were ineffective, while intravenous administration in 3 cases was ineffective.@*CONCLUSION@#It is difficult to diagnose hematological disease complicated with mucor infection. After early diagnosis, prognosis can be improved by amelioration of primary state and combination of drugs and surgery.