Value of MRI biliary score and liver/muscle ratio in evaluating the pathological grade of liver fibrosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of biliary score and hepatic signal intensity-to-muscle signal intensity ratio （HMR） obtained by multiphase contrast-enhanced MRI scan using Gd-EOB-DTPA in evaluating the pathological grade of liver fibrosis. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the MRI and clinical data of 51 patients with chronic hepatitis B liver fibrosis in Wuming Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University from January 2020 to May 2023. The 51 patients with liver fibrosis were divided into low-grade group （S1-S2） and high-grade group （S3-S4）. GE Architact 3.0T MR scanner was used to perform MRI scans， including routine plain scan and contrast-enhanced scan at arterial phase， portal venous phase， delayed phase， hepatobiliary phase， and excretory phase， and biliary score and HMR were measured for the patients with different grades of liver fibrosis. The t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups， and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was plotted to evaluate the value of MRI indicators in determining the pathological grade of liver fibrosis. ResultsAmong the 51 patients with liver fibrosis， there were 30 patients in the low-grade group and 21 in the high-grade group. Compared with the high-grade group， the low-grade group had significantly higher biliary score （3.67±0.55 vs 2.57±0.75， t=6.05， P<0.001） and HMR at portal venous phase （2.38±0.76 vs 1.97±0.18， t=2.41， P=0.020）， delayed phase （2.48±0.70 vs 1.99±0.27， t=3.09， P=0.003）， and hepatobiliary phase （4.10±0.63 vs 3.16±0.47， t=5.81， P<0.001）. The above indicators had an area under the ROC curve （AUC） of 0.86， 0.79， 0.82， and 0.88， respectively， in distinguishing low- and high-grade liver fibrosis， with a positive rate of 70%， 63.3%， 83.3%， and 96.7%， respectively， and a negative rate of 90%， 95.2%， 74.1%， and 100%， respectively， in the diagnosis of high-grade liver fibrosis. Biliary score combined HMR had an AUC of 0.95， with a positive rate of 85.7% and a negative rate of 96.7%. ConclusionBiliary score and HMR at hepatobiliary phase obtained by multiphase contrast-enhanced MRI scan using Gd-EOB-DTPA has a relatively high diagnostic efficacy in distinguishing between low- and high-grade liver fibrosis and a certain guiding value for the diagnosis and treatment of liver fibrosis in clinical practice.

Comparison of Fracture Resistance of Simulated Immature Teeth Using Four Different Commercially Available Apexification Materials ? An invitro Study

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth using four different apical plug materials, i.e. Pro? Root MTA, Neo? MTA Plus, Biodentine, and Bioactive Glass. Materials and Methods: 80 extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were divided into 4 groups for this study. They were prepared using Peeso reamers to simulate immature teeth and to mimic Cvek’s stage 3 of root development. A 5 mm apical barrier was placed using different materials. The remaining canal was obturated using gutta?percha and AH plus sealer. The final samples were stored at 37°C and 100% humidity for 4 weeks. Fracture resistance of the teeth was measured in Newtons using a universal testing machine. The comparison of fracture resistance between the four groups was done using Kruskal Walis ANOVA followed by post hoc Mann Whitney U test for pairwise comparison. Results: Biodentine group showed the highest fracture resistance as compared to the other three groups and the difference was highly significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Biodentine can be advocated over MTA as an effective material for the management of teeth with wide open apex. Bioactive glass also has shown promising results in increasing the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth.

Influence of airway mucus plugs on patients with bronchial asthma and its management / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To explore the influence of airway mucus plugs on patients with bronchial asthma and its management.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, from January 2020 to June 2022, 100 patients who were diagnosed with asthma and underwent chest CT examination in the Outpatient Department of Peking University Third Hospital were included. The chest CT results and medical history, pulmonary function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), blood routine, total allergen IgE, Aspergillus fumigatus M3 allergen-specific IgE antibody test results were collected. According to the results of chest CT, the asthma patients were divided into group with mucus plugs and those without mucus plugs. Distribution of airway mucus plugs and the mucus plug scores based on lung segments were calculated. The relationships of mucus plugs with medical history, pulmonary function [These included before and after the bronchodilation test, forced vital capacity percent of predicted value (FVC%pred), forced expiratory volume in one second percent of predicted value (FEV 1%pred), FEV 1/FVC, peak expiratory flow percent of predicted value (PEF%pred), maximal mid-expiratory flow percent of predicted value (MMEF%pred), maximal expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, 75% of vital capacity remaining percent of predicted value (MEF 25%pred, MEF 50%pred, MEF 75%pred)], FeNO, and peripheral blood eosinophil (Eos) counts were analyzed. The logistic regression model was used to analyze whether airway mucus plug was a risk factor for asthma exacerbation, and the corresponding intervention strategies were explored. Results:Among the 100 patients with asthma, 24 cases were in the mucus plug group and 76 cases were in the non-mucus plug group. The distribution of mucus plug was more common in the lower lungs (30.53% and 9.16% in the lower and upper lobe of left lung, respectively; 29.01%, 14.50% and 16.80% in the lower, middle and upper lobe of right lung, respectively). The average score of mucus plug was (4.42±3.12) points. The body mass index (BMI), the number of visits to a doctor due to asthma exacerbations, FeNO, peripheral blood Eos counts in the mucus plug group were higher than those in the non-mucus plug group [(24.95±4.34) vs (23.22±2.91) kg/m 2, 0(0, 1) vs 0(0, 0), 97(37, 169) vs 31(18, 59) ppb (1 ppb=1×10 -9), 0.41(0.15, 0.70) vs 0.18(0.09, 0.37)×10 9/L](all P<0.05), and FVC%pred, FEV 1%pred, FEV 1/FVC, PEF%pred, MEF 50%pred, MEF 25%pred, MMEF%pred, MEF 75%pred were lower than those in the non-mucus plug group [(87.49±19.32)% vs (97.34±14.24)%, (76.49±19.58)% vs (91.07±18.33)%, (72.44±10.91)% vs (79.48±8.13)%, (82.36±24.46)% vs (93.83±18.27)%, (53.03±24.81)% vs (75.75±27.15)%, (46.47±22.92)% vs (64.09±25.90)%, (50.28±23.73)% vs (74.53±26.80)%, (71.30±27.55)% vs (89.92±26.82)%] (all P<0.05). In the group with mucus plug, the airway mucus plug score was positively correlated with the patient′s body weight and the number of peripheral blood Eos counts at enrollment ( r=0.413, 0.478; all P<0.05), and negatively correlated with FVC%pred and FEV 1%pred ( r=-0.576, -0.465; all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that airway mucus plug score was a risk factor for acute asthma attack ( OR=1.269, 95% CI: 1.031-1.562; P=0.024). Conclusions:Asthma patients have a high incidence of airway mucus plug, which is related to the level of Eos inflammation and body size. Airway mucus plugs can promote airflow obstruction and acute exacerbation of asthma. In clinical practice, appropriate asthma management policies can be formulated for airway mucus plugs to delay the progression of asthma and reduce the number of acute attacks.

Absorbable punctal plug and its application in dry eye / 中华实验眼科杂志

The punctal plug is a small implant inserted into the tear ducts, which is currently the main clinical treatment for dry eye.The use of punctal plugs can maintain natural tears on the ocular surface and has a good effect on solving the long-term dry eye problem.The plug structure can mechanically block the lacrimal duct to maintain tears.The material of the puntal plug must have good biocompatibility to achieve the therapeutic effect without causing tubulitis or other complications.Therefore, the selection of a suitable punctal plug material has always been a hot spot in medical research.In general, punctal plug materials must be biocompatible, safe and comfortable.At present, common punctal plug materials are mainly divided into absorbable and non-absorbable.The absorbable punctal plugs are often biocompatible, safe and degradable compared to the non-absorbable ones.The use of absorbable punctal plug materials and their application in the dry eye were reviewed in this article.

Observation on the therapeutic efficacy of thread hanging combined with cotton plug in the treatment of stage Ⅲ paronychia / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To observe the curative effect of thread-hanging combined with cotton plug on stage Ⅲ paronychia. Methods Sixty-one patients with stage Ⅲ paronychia were selected and randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group (n=31) was treated with thread-hanging and tampon under local infiltration anesthesia, and changed dressing and tampon every day after operation. After the wound healed, the patient soaked his feet in warm water every day and changed the tampon himself until the symptoms subsided, and the knot did not receive special treatment, and the nail plate would naturally shed as it outgrew the paronychia. The control group (n=30) was treated with thread-hanging and nail groove reconstruction under nerve block anesthesia, and the dressing was changed every day after operation. After thread removal, the patients soaked their feet in warm water every day until the symptoms subsided, and the knot was not specially treated, and it naturally fell off with the growth of the deck beyond the nail groove. The postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score, pain duration, wound healing time, cure rate, effective rate and recurrence rate of paronychia, and patients' satisfaction with the operation were compared between the two groups. Results Compared with the control group, the treatment group had lower VAS pain scores on the first and third postoperative days (2.1±0.3) and (0.2±0.1) vs. (6.3±0.1) and (3.2±0.2), respectively, shorter duration of pain and wound healing time (3.3±0.3) days and (10.1±0.5) days vs. (5.2±0.3) days and (15.2±0.3) days, respectively, higher cure rate (87.1% vs. 66.7%), lower failure rate (12.9% vs. 33.3%), lower recurrence rate (7.4% vs. 20.0%), and higher patient satisfaction (97.0% vs.75.3%). The treatment group showed significant superiority over the control group in all outcomes. Conclusion For patients with stage Ⅲ paronychia, thread-hanging combined with cotton tampon without nail groove reconstruction is advantageous as it avoids additional skin trauma, and does not affect the nail appearance and normal periungual barrier after healing, , reduces patient discomfort, and shortens the time off work, resulting in a higher cure rate. This treatment approach is therefore worth promoting in clinical practice.

Material compatibility of human albumin / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the compatibility of human albumin and its internal packaging materials of Sinopharm Lanzhou Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. 【Methods】 One batch of inner packaging materials (medium borosilicate glass-molded injection bottle and halogenated butyl rubber plug for injection) was extracted with 4 extraction solvents to conduct the toxicological evaluation of potential inner packaging extracts. Through the simulated acceleration test, the trend analysis of the elements in the sample and the inner surface of the glass bottle were observed, and the routine drug inspection items during the long-term stability test process were determined. 【Results】 The detection results of the leaching elements of the internal packaging materials did not exceed the limit of 50%, and the organic matter safety threshold (margin of safety, MOS) was greater than 1.0, indicating that both the leaching elements and the organic matter had no safety risk to the user under the current exposure. The results of the simulated acceleration test show that the drug will not have the risk of peeling tablets after the long-term stability condition was placed for a period of time, and the routine inspection items of the long-term stability test drugs all meet the requirements of the pharmacopoeia. 【Conclusion】 The inner packaging material has no significant impact on the quality of drugs and has good overall compatibility, making it suitable for packaging human albumin.

Safety and efficacy of lacrimal canalicular plug in the treatment of severe chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of lacrimal canalicular plug in the treatment of severe chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease(coGVHD).METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 9 patients with severe coGVHD admitted to the dry eye clinic of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from June to September 2022 were included. All patients underwent binocular inferior lacrimal canaliculus plug. Ocular surface disease index(OSDI)score, tear meniscus height(TMH), corneal fluorescein staining(CFS)scores, conjunctival lisamine green staining(CLGS)score, noninvasive breakup time(NIBUT), Schirmer Ⅰ test(SⅠt)and the infiltration of Langerhans cells in the superficial corneal stroma tested by confocal corneal microscopy were observed before treatment and at 1 and 3 mo after treatment. At the same time, the complications related to lacrimal canalicular plug implantation were evaluated.RESULTS: The OSDI score decreased from 67.33±12.64 before treatment to 21.89±6.07 after 3mo of treatment(P&#x003C;0.01); TMH increased from 0.09±0.02mm to 0.21±0.03mm after 3mo of treatment(P&#x003C;0.05), and NIBUT increased from 2.24±0.68s before treatment to 6.77±2.05s after 3mo of treatment(P&#x003C;0.01). In addition, the CFS and CLGS also changed significantly, from 9.11±1.45 and 6.33±1.00 before treatment to 2.22±0.67 and 2.56±0.88 at 3mo after treatment, respectively(all P&#x003C;0.01). The density of Langerhans cells decreased from 140.22±38.18cells/mm2 before treatment to 39.67±9.75cells/mm2 3mo after treatment(P&#x003C;0.01). SⅠt showed no significant difference before and after treatment(F=0.059, P=0.943). During the whole follow-up period, no complications such as plug abscission were observed.CONCLUSION: Lacrimal canalicular plug is safe and effective in the treatment of severe coGVHD. It can significantly improve the symptoms and signs of dry eye patients and reduce inflammatory reaction.

Single center experience of transcatheter closure of mitral and aortic Paravalvular leaks using the new rechristened rectangular Amplatzer PVL plug

Amplatzer Paravalvular leak (PVL) plug is rectangular in shape, that might suit closure of crescentic PVL. Among 79 transcatheter PVL closures from a single center, a subgroup of 16 patients who received Amplatzer PVL plugs were analyzed. All procedures were successful, as the plug auto-oriented to the leak, without mechanical leaflet interference, though needing additional 31 devices. Two patients needed an elective re-intervention. NYHA class improved from III-IV before procedure to less than II after procedure. Complications were not directly related to the Amplatzer PVL plug. The rectangular shape for crescentic leaks, auto-orientation and non-interference with mechanical leaflets were good attributes.

Tratamiento de fístulas perianales complejas mediante tapón de colágeno piramidal. ¿En la geometría está la solución?

Introducción: Las fístulas perianales complejas siguen siendo un auténtico desafío terapéutico en nuestros días, dada la ausencia de una terapia universal y los resultados a largo plazo, ya que el porcentaje de complicaciones o recidivas no es desdeñable. Entre las opciones terapéuticas encontramos los tapones biológicos, siendo respetuosos con los esfínteres, pero con resultados dispares. Objetivos: Evaluar los resultados a largo plazo tras la colocación de un tapón de colágeno piramidal en dos pacientes con fístula perianal compleja. Materiales y Método: Se presentan 2 pacientes con fístula perianal compleja intervenidos mediante colocación de tapón biológico cumpliendo estrictos criterios de inclusión. Discusión: Dentro del arsenal terapéutico disponible actualmente, los tapones biológicos prometen una solución definitiva para determinadas fístulas perianales, evitando una posible incontinencia. Con resultados dispares en la bibliografía, en nuestros dos casos los pacientes han evolucionado de forma excelente, con resolución completa de la enfermedad fistulosa sin complicaciones ni recidiva a largo plazo. Conclusiones: Dados los excepcionales resultados obtenidos en nuestros dos primeros casos con este tipo de tapón, nos planteamos si la morfología del mismo puede ser determinante en su éxito.

Introduction: Complex perianal fistulas continue to be a real therapeutic challenge today, given the absence of universal therapy and long-term results, since the percentage of complications or recurrences is not negligible. Among the therapeutic options we find biological plugs, being respectful with the sphincters but with disparate results. Aim: To evaluate the long-term results after the placement of a pyramidal collagen plug in two patients with complex perianal fistula. Materials and Method: We present two patients with complex perianal fistula who were operated on by placing a biological plug, meeting strict inclusion criteria. Discussion: Within the therapeutic arsenal currently available, biological plugs promise a definitive solution for certain perianal fistulas, avoiding possible incontinence. With different results in the literature, in our two cases the patients have evolved excellently, with complete resolution of the fistulous disease without complications or long-term recurrence. Conclusions: Considering the exceptional results obtained in our first two cases with this type of plug, we wonder if its morphology can be a determining factor in its success.

Biodegradabilidad de lixiviados procedentes de un relleno sanitario utilizando un sistema de lodos activados flujo pistón / The biodegradability of leachates from a landfill using an activated sludge processes plug flow reactor system / Biodegradabilidade de lixiviados de um aterro usando um sistema de lodos ativados de fluxo de pistão

Resumen En esta investigación se desarrolló un Reactor Flujo Pistón (RFP) de lodos activados, que fue empleado para determinar el Tiempo de Retención Celular (TRC) óptimo para tratar cargas altas de lixiviado y estimar el comportamiento cinético del sistema con el fin que sirva de base para proyecciones de escalamiento y diseño de reactor de este tipo a escala real. Para ello se realizó el diseño, la construcción y puesta en marcha del RFP a nivel de laboratorio (capacidad de 50L) en condiciones de operación continua con recirculación de lodo y se utilizó como sustrato lixiviado procedente del relleno sanitario El Guayabal de la ciudad de Cúcuta. Se determinó como parámetros de control cuatro TRC diferentes entre 5 y 20 días diferenciada por etapas. Se evaluaron las variables de pH, Temperatura, Oxígeno disuelto y Sólidos Suspendidos Volátiles en el Licor Mixto (SSVLM). En cuanto al control y monitoreo de la eficiencia de remoción se escogió la Demanda Química de Oxígeno (DQO) como parámetro para medir la degradación de materia orgánica, dado que este parámetro a diferencia de la Demanda Bioquímica de Oxígeno (DBO5) puede ser calculado en un menor tiempo. El sistema biológico RFP alcanzó estabilizarse en un período de operación entre 20 y 25 días con remociones promedio mayores a 92% para TRC de 15 y 20 días mientras que TRC menores reportaron remociones promedio por debajo del 86%. Así mismo TRC de 15 permitió un Factor de carga (F/M) óptima promedio de 1.1 KgDQO/KgSSV.d. Las constantes cinéticas obtenidas en esta investigación, representativas para un sistema de RFP operado a escala laboratorio para remoción de materia orgánica carbonacea en lixiviados fueron: KS= 836.5 mg/L DQO, k=4.8123 d1, Y= 0.089 mg SSVLM/mg DQO y kd= 0.018 d-1, ajustados por regresión al modelo matemático de Lawrence y McCarty al poseer una correlación de 0.97 entre los datos experimentales obtenidos y el modelo y amplia aplicación en el campo de diseño de reactores de lodos activados.

Abstract An activated sludge processes (ASP) plug flow reactor (PFR) was developed in this research and used for determining optimal cell residence time (CRT) for treating high leachate loads and estimating the system's kinetic behaviour as a basis for scaling projections and this type of reactor design at full-scale. The RFP was designed, built and put into operation in the laboratory (50L capacity) involving continuous operation conditions with sludge recirculation; leached substrate from the city of Cúcuta's El Guayabal landfill was used. Four 5-day CRTs (ranging from 5 to 20 days) were used as control parameters. Variables were evaluated regarding pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS). Regarding removal efficiency control and monitoring, chemical oxygen demand (COD) was chosen as a parameter for measuring organic matter degradation since COD (unlike biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5)) can be calculated in a shorter time. The RFP biological system became stabilised in a 20- to 25-day operating period, having greater than 92% average removal for 15- and 20-day CRTs, whilst lower CRTs reported lower than 86% average removal. A 15-day TRC gave an average 0.26 kgDQO/kgSSV.d optimal load factor (F/M). The representative kinetic constants obtained in this research for a laboratory-scale PFR system for the removal of carbonaceous organic matter in leachates were KS = 836mg COD / l, k = 4.8123 d1, Y = 0.089 mg SSVLM / mg COD and kd = 0.018 d-1, adjusted by regression using Lawrence and McCarty's mathematical model (having 0.97 correlation between the experimental data and the model). Such model should have broad application in the field of ASP-type PFRs.

Resumo Nesta pesquisa, um Reator de lodo ativado de Fluxo de Pistão (RFP) foi desenvolvido para determinar o Tempo de Retenção Celular (CRT) ideal para tratar altas cargas de lixiviado e estimar o comportamento cinético do sistema, a fim de servir de base para projetar o reator em escala real. Para isso, foram realizados RFP em nível de laboratório (capacidade de 50L) em condições de operação contínua com recirculação de lodo e foi utilizada como substrato lixiviado do aterro El Guayabal na cidade de Cúcuta. Usando quatro diferentes CRTs entre 5 e 20 dias como fatores de bloqueio. Foram avaliadas as variáveis ​​pH, Temperatura, Oxigênio Dissolvido e Sólidos Suspensos Voláteis no Licor Misto (SSVLM). Em relação ao controle e monitoramento da eficiência de remoção, a Demanda Química de Oxigênio (DQO) foi escolhida como parâmetro para medir a degradação da matéria orgânica, uma vez que este parâmetro, ao contrário da Demanda Bioquímica de Oxigênio (DBO5), pode ser calculado em um tempo mais curto. O sistema biológico da RFP se estabilizou em um período de operação entre 20 e 25 dias com remoções médias superiores a 92% para TRC de 15 e 20 dias, enquanto TRC menores mostraram remoções médias abaixo de 86%. Da mesma forma, TRC de 15 dias permitiu um fator de carga ideal médio (F / M) de 0,26 KgDQO / d. As constantes cinéticas obtidas nesta pesquisa, representativas de um sistema RFP operado em escala de laboratório para remoção de matéria orgânica carbonácea em lixiviados foram: KS = 836mg COD / l, k = 4,8123 d1, Y = 0,089 mg SSVLM / mg COD e kd = 0,018 d-1, ajustado por regressão ao modelo matemático de Lawrence e McCarty, tendo uma correlação de 0,97 entre os dados experimentais obtidos e o modelo e ampla aplicação na área de projeto de reatores de lodo ativado.

Ex Vivo Evaluation of a Restoration Protocol for Teeth with Simulated Incomplete Rhizogenesis / Evaluación ex vivo de un protocolo de restauración para dientes con rizogénesis incompleta simulada

Abstract: The use of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) as an intracanal medication triggers a biomineralization process within mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apical plugs during the apexification process in teeth with incomplete rhizogenesis. However, no consensus is available in the literature regarding a restorative protocol for this type of treatment. Thus, the objective of this study was to use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the processes of biomineralization and adhesion in a restorative protocol for teeth with simulated incomplete rhizogenesis. Methodology: Root sections with a thickness of 2mm and cavities with a diameter of 2mm were used. The sections were randomly prepared and filled with the following materials: Group 1 (n=12), ProRoot MTA; and Group 2 (n=12): MTA Exp. Subsequently, the samples were immersed in PBS for 35 days. Every 5 days, the PBS was replaced, and the precipitates were collected, dried, and weighed. Two samples from each group were analyzed by SEM. Moreover, 24 single-rooted teeth were standardized, incomplete rhizogenesis was simulated, and 5-mm-long apical plugs were created with Pro Root MTA. As an intracanal medication, PBS was used for different periods of time: Group 1:48 h; Group 2:7 days; and Group 3:15 days. Then, fiberglass posts were cemented with the REBILDA® Post System. The samples were prepared and analyzed by SEM. Results: ProRoot MTA and MTA Exp effectively promoted the formation of carbonated apatite precipitates and biomineralization with dentin. ProRoot MTA yielded more carbonated apatite precipitates compared to MTA Exp (p=0.0536). The use of PBS as an intracanal medication for 7 and 15 days promoted intratubular mineralization (MIT), and treatment for 15 days was more effective (p < 0.05). The REBILDA® Post System effectively promoted the microimbrication of the adhesive system and the formation of resinous tags with lateral adhesive branches. Conclusion: Apexification with MTA associated with the use of PBS as an intracanal medication for 15 days, in addition to the use of the REBILDA® Post System, seems to be a feasible restorative protocol.

Resumen: El uso de solución salina tamponada con fosfato (PBS) como medicamento intracanal desencadena un proceso de biomineralización en los plugs apicales con agregado de trióxido mineral (MTA) durante el proceso de apexificación en dientes con rizogénesis incompleta. Sin embargo, no hay consenso disponible en la literatura sobre un protocolo restaurador para este tipo de tratamiento. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue utilizar microscopía electrónica de barrido (MEB) para evaluar los procesos de biomineralización y adhesión en un protocolo restaurador para dientes con rizogénesis incompleta simulada. Metodología: Se utilizaron secciones de raíz con un espesor de 2mm y se realizaron cavidades con un diámetro de 2 mm. Las cavidades en las secciones se obturaron con: Grupo 1 (n=12), ProRoot MTA; y Grupo 2 (n=12): MTA Exp. Posteriormente, las muestras se sumergieron en PBS durante 35 días. Cada 5 días, se reemplazó el PBS y se recogieron los precipitados, se secaron y pesaron. Dos muestras de cada grupo fueron analizadas por MEB. Además, se estandarizaron 24 dientes de raíz única, se simuló la rizogénesis incompleta y se crearon tapones apicales de 5mm de longitud con Pro Root MTA. Como medicamento intracanal, se utilizó PBS durante diferentes períodos de tiempo: Grupo 1:48 h; Grupo 2:7 días; y Grupo 3:15 días. Posteriormente, los postes de fibra de vidrio se cementaron con el sistema de postes REBILDA®. Las muestras fueron preparadas y analizadas por MEB. Resultados: ProRoot MTA y MTA Exp promovieron efectivamente la formación de precipitados de apatita carbonatada y la biomineralización con dentina. ProRoot MTA produjo más precipitados de apatita carbonatada en comparación con MTA Exp (p=0.0536). El uso de PBS como medicamento intracanal durante 7 y 15 días promovió la mineralización intratubular (MIT), siendo el tratamiento durante 15 días más efectivo (p <0.05). El sistema de postes REBILDA® promovió efectivamente la microimbricación del sistema adhesivo y la formación de tags resinosos. Conclusión: La apexificación con MTA asociada con el uso de PBS como medicación intracanal durante 15 días, además del uso del sistema de postes REBILDA®, parece ser un protocolo factible y eficaz en este tipo de tratamientos.

Role of punctal plugs as a primarily treatment modality in moderate to severe dry eye

Background:In dry eye syndrome tear film disrupts which lead to ocular discomfort. Treatment of dry eye is very challenging and time consuming.Multiple treatment options are available for treating dry eye and one of them is punctal plugs.It blocks the drainage of tear by occluding puncta which helps in the preservation of natural tears on the ocular surface and relieve dry eye symptoms.This study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of punctal plugs as a primary treatment modality in moderate to severe dry eye.Methods:Fifty patients were included in this study and they were divided into two groups.In group A which included 25 patients punctal plugs were inserted and in group B (25 patientsor 50 eyes) artificial tear drop was prescribed.The primary treatment outcome was the improvement in dry eye symptoms and secondary outcome was Schirmer test score,tear break up time and rose bengal staining score.Results:There was drastic improvement in dry eye symptoms in group A (punctal plugs) compared to group B(artificial tear group).Schirmer test score,tear break up and rose bengalstaining score also improved in punctal plug group. Conclusions: This study has shown that punctal plug can be used as a primary treatment modality in moderate to severe dry eye as it improves greater symptomatic relief and also improves the condition ofdamaged ocular surface

Management of double optic disc pit complicated by maculopathy

Optic disc pit (ODP) is a rare, congenital, cavitary anomaly of the optic disc. Usually, single ODP occurs in an eye and only eleven cases of double ODP have been reported so far in the literature. In the present study, we report a case of unilateral double ODP, with both the pits present in opposite disc segments. They were associated with serous retinal detachment at the macula and retinal pigment epithelium degeneration nasal to disc. The case was managed successfully with vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling, plugging the pits with homologous partial-thickness scleral flaps, and gas tamponade.

Long-term efficacy of bioprosthetic anal fistula plug in the treatment of transsphincteric anal fistula / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the long-term healing rate of transsphincteric anal fistula treated with anal fistula plug procedure and the risk factors affecting the healing of anal fistula.@*Methods@#A retrospective case-control study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 207 patients with transsphincteric anal fistulas who received anal fistula plug procedure at the Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University from August 2008 to September 2012. Inclusion criteria: (1) consistent with the diagnosis of transsphincteric anal fistula: the anal fistula passed through the internal and external sphincter; (2) complete data; (3) initial treatment with anal fistula plug procedure. Exclusion criteria: (1) acute rectal or perianal infection or poorly controlled focal infection; (2) recent incision and drainage of perianal abscess or spontaneous rupture of abscess; (3) patients with malignant tumor; (4) patients with Crohn′s disease or ulcerative colitis; (5) patients with heart, liver, brain, lung or renal insufficiency; (6) cachexia due to various chronic wasting diseases; (7) patients could not tolerate surgery. Patients were followed up for anal fistula healing. The cumulative healing rate of patients with transsphincteric anal fistula was plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the factors affecting anal fistula healing were explored by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.@*Results@#There were 186 males and 21 females with age of 15 to 69 (mean 38) years. The duration of anal fistula was 3-60 (mean 15) months. Three patients had a history of previous episodes of perianal abscess and underwent incision and drainage of perianal abscess (all more than 3 months). During follow-up ending on October 31, 2018, 72 patients (34.8%) were lost to follow-up. Among 135 patients who were successfully followed up, the average follow-up period was 96 (75-124) months. Seventy-five patients had anal fistula healing, with healing rate of 55.6%. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the healing time of anal fistula was prolonged and finally stabilized at 55.6%. In the patients who failed initial treatment with anal fistula plug packing, there were 6 cases whose anal fistula healed spontaneously without other treatment. Among them, 3 cases healed spontaneously 2 years and 3 cases 3 years after operation without recurrence. From 2008 to 2012, the annual healing rates of anal fistula plug treatment were 3/6, 61.5% (24/39), 42.1% (24/57), 12/15 and 12/18, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the duration of anal fistula≥6 months (OR=3.187, 95% CI: 1.361-7.466, P=0.008) was an independent risk factor for anal fistula healing after treatment with anal fistula plug.@*Conclusion@#The long-term efficacy of anal fistula plug procedure in the treatment of transsphincteric anal fistula is positive, and this procedure should be implemented as soon as possible.

Silicone perforated punctal plugs for the treatment of punctal stenosis / Tampões perfurados de silicone no tratamento da estenose do ponto lacrimal

ABSTRACT Purpose: Punctal stenosis can result in symptoms such as epiphora and can significantly reduce the quality of life of patients. Perforated punctal plug insertion is an easy procedure that is commonly used as the first step of treatment for punctal stenosis. Methods: Clinical, demographic, and outcome data were retrospectively collected for 54 eyes of 21 males and 11 females who consecutively presented to our Oculoplastic Clinic and underwent silicone Micro Flow perforated punctal plug insertion. All patients had epiphora with punctal stenosis. Results: Of the 54 plugs, 26 plugs (48.1%) were lost and 28 (51.8%) stayed in place. Of the latter, eight were explanted because of the occlusion of the plug with secretions and recurrent conjunctivitis; moreover, two plugs migrated deep into the vertical canaliculus. Of the 54 plugs, only 18 (33.3%) were well-tolerated with significant symptomatic improvement. Conclusion: Plug loss is a prominent problem in patients implanted with perforated punctal plugs. Silicone punctal plugs failed in 66.7% of our patients over a mean follow-up of 14.2 months.

RESUMO Objetivo: A estenose punctal pode resultar em sintomas como a epífora e diminuir significativamente a qua­lidade de vida dos pacientes. A inserção de um tampão perfurado é um procedimento fácil que é comumente usado como o primeiro passo do tratamento para a estenose punctal. Métodos: Dados clínicos, demográficos e de resultado foram coletados retrospectivamente de 54 olhos de 21 homens e 11 mulheres que consecutivamente se apresentaram em nossa Clínica de Oculoplástica e foram submetidos a inserção de um tampão de silicone perfurado Micro Flow. Todos os pacientes tinham epífora com estenose punctal. Resultados: Dos 54 tampões, 26 (48,1%) foram perdidos e 28 (51,8%) permaneceram no local. Destes últimos, 8 foram removidos devido a oclusão do tampão com secreção e conjuntivite recorrente, além disso, 2 migraram profundamente no canalículo vertical. Dos 54 tampões, apenas 18 (33,3%) foram bem tolerados com significativa melhora dos sintomas. Conclusão: A perda de tampões é um problema de destaque em pacientes implantados com tampões perfurados. Tampões de silicone falharam em 66,7% dos pacientes durante um seguimento médio de 14,2 meses.

Feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous closure of paravalvuar leak in patients after heart valve replacement surgery using Amplatzer vascular plug Ⅲ / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective@#To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous closure of paravalvuar leak (PVL) in patients after heart valve replacement surgery using Amplatzer vascular plug Ⅲ (AVP Ⅲ).@*Methods@#In this retrospective study, consecutive PVL patients after heart valve replacement surgery receiving percutaneous closure with AVP Ⅲ in Beijing Anzhen hospital between March 2017 and October 2018 (n=21) were enrolled.The preoperative and intraoperative data and short-and mid-term outcome results were analyzed.@*Results@#Theage of patients in this cohort was (54.9±11.7) years, and there were 12 (57.1%) male patients. There were 8 patients (38.1%) post mitral valve replacement, 4 patients (19.0%) post aortic valve replacement and 9 patients (42.9%) post double valves replacements.There were 14 cases (66.7%) of mitral valve PVL,6 cases (28.6%) of aortic valve PVL, and 1 case (4.8%) of double valves PVL.Successful device deployment was accomplished in 18 defects from 17 PVL patients. Technical successful rate of mitral valve PVL closure and aortic valve PVL closure was 12/15 and 6/7,respectively. One patient received surgical repair due to procedure-induced femoral pseudoaneurysm.There were 17 cases of severe PVL and 1 case of moderate PVL before procedure, and there were 2 cases of moderate PVL, 6 cases mild PVL, and PVL disappeared in 10 cases after procedure (P<0.01 vs. pre-procedure). The follow-up time was (8.3±4.7) months. There were 10 cases (58.8%) of New York Heart Association (NYHA) function grade Ⅲ and 7 cases (41.2%) of NYHA function grade Ⅳ before procedure, and there were 12 cases of NYHA function grade Ⅰ(70.6%) and 5 cases (29.4%) of NYHA function grade Ⅱ post procedure (P<0.01). Post procedure, there was no displacement of the occluder and heart valve movement was not affected,and there was no new hemolysis or hemolysis worsening.@*Conclusion@#Percutaneous closure of PVL in patients after heart valve replacement surgery with AVP Ⅲ is feasible, and associated with favorable short-and mid-term clinical outcomes.

Efficacy of Plug Treatment for Complex Anorectal Fistulae: Long-term Danish Results

PURPOSE: Bioprosthetic plugs are appealing, allow simple, repeatable applications, preserve sphincter integrity, minimize patient discomfort, and allow subsequent surgical options when needed. However, success rates vary widely. This study assessed the healing rate in our department when both the Cook-Surgisis and the Gore fistula plugs were used and the long-term effectiveness of using anal plugs for managing anal fistulae. METHODS: A chart review was performed for patients who had undergone plug insertion between January 2008 and December 2015 at Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre. Data were collected through a prospectively collected database. Plugs were inserted according to guidance provided by 2 experienced surgeons. Long-term results were determined by clinical visits 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and once yearly thereafter. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2015, 36 fistula plugs were inserted. During the follow-up period with a median duration of 18 months (range, 7–60 months), the fistulae of 52.8% of the patients healed. The plug failure rate was 44.4%, and the fistula recurrence rate was 26.3%. The median time to recurrence was 12 months. The overall success rate for plug treatment in our department was 39% when adjusted for recurrence. CONCLUSION: The use of bioprosthetic plugs to treat patients with complex anal fistulae seems to be a safe, viable option for complex fistula repair when other surgical attempts have failed. However, it should not be the treatment of choice. Further prospective randomized studies with a sufficient sample-size and standardized measurements are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of fistula plugs fully.

Long-term outcomes of (Gore) fistula plug versus ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract for anal fistula / Desfechos de longo prazo do tampão de fístula (Gore) versus ligadura do trato da fístula interesfincteriana (LIFT) para fístula anal

ABSTRACT Background: The surgical treatment of anal fistula is complex due to the possibility of fecal incontinence. Fistulotomy and cutting Setons have the same incidence of fecal incontinence depending on the complexity of the fistula. Sphincter-preserving procedures such as anal fistula plug and ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure may result in more recurrence requiring repeated operations. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the outcomes of treating fistula in Ano utilizing two methods: Fistula plug (Gore Bio-A) and ligation of intersphincteric tract (LIFT). Methods: Fifty four patients (33 males; 21 female, median ages 42 [range 32-47] years) with high anal inter-transphenteric fistula were treated with LIFT and fistula plug procedures from September 2011 until August 2016 by a single surgeon and were retrospectively evaluated. All were followed for a median of 23.9 (range 4-54) months with clinical examination. Twenty one patients underwent fistula plug and 33 patients underwent LIFT procedure (4 patients of the LIFT group underwent LIFT and rectal mucosa advancement flap). The healing rate and complications were evaluated clinically and through telephone calls. Results: The mean operative time for the Plug was 25 ± 17 min and for the LIFT was 40 ± 20 min (p = 0.017) and the mean hospital stay was 2.4 ± 1.1 and 1.9 ± 0.3 (p = 0.01) respectively. The early complications of the plug and LIFT procedures included; anal pain (33.3%, 66.6%, p = 0.13), perianal discharge (77.8%, 91%, p = 0.62), anal pruritus (38.9%, 50.0%, p = 0.71) and bleeding per rectum (16.7%, 33.3%, p = 0.39) respectively. The overall mean follow-up was 20.9 ± 16.8 months, p = 0.68. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (21.9 ± 7.5 months, 19.9 ± 16.1 months, p = 0.682). The healing rate was 76.2% (16/21 patients) in the fistula plug group and 81.1% (27/33 patients) in the LIFT group (p = 0.73). Patients who had LIFT procedure and a mucosal advancement flap had 100% healing rate (4 out of 4 patients). No incontinence of stool or feces and no fistula plug expulsion were seen in our patients. The healing time ranged from 1 to 6 months after surgery. There was no post-operative perianal abscess, cellulitis or pain. Conclusions: LIFT and anal plug are safe procedures for patients with primary and recurrent anal fistula. Both techniques showed excellent results in terms of healing and complication rate. None of our patients had incontinence after 5 years follow-up. The best success rate in our patients was seen after LIFT procedure with mucosal advancement flap. Larger and controlled randomized trials are needed for better assessment of treatment options.

RESUMO Introdução: O tratamento cirúrgico da fístula anal é complexo devido à possibilidade de incontinência fecal. A fistulotomia e o seton de corte têm a mesma incidência da incontinência fecal, dependendo da complexidade da fístula. Procedimentos de preservação do esfíncter, como o tampão da fístula anal e o procedimento LIFT (ligadura do trato da fístula interesfincteriana), podem resultar em mais recorrência, exigindo cirurgias repetidas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar os desfechos do tratamento da fístula anal utilizando dois métodos: Tampão de fístula (Gore Bio-A) e Ligadura do Trato Interesfincteriano (LIFT). Métodos: Cinquenta e quatro pacientes (33 homens; 21 mulheres, com mediana de idade de 42 [variação 32-47] anos) foram tratados com LIFT e procedimentos com tampão de fístula de setembro de 2011 até agosto de 2016 por um único cirurgião e foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Todos foram acompanhados por uma mediana de 23,9 (variação de 4 a 54) meses com exame clínico. Vinte e um pacientes foram submetidos a tampão de fístula e 33 pacientes foram submetidos ao procedimento LIFT (4 pacientes do grupo LIFT foram submetidos a LIFT e retalho de avanço da mucosa retal). A taxa de cicatrização e as complicações foram avaliadas clinicamente e por meio de ligações telefônicas. Resultados: O tempo cirúrgico médio para o Tampão foi de 25 ± 17 minutos e para o LIFT foi de 40 ± 20 minutos (p = 0,017) e o tempo médio de internação foi de 2,4 ± 1,1 e 1,9 ± 0,3 (p = 0,01), respectivamente. As primeiras complicações dos procedimentos de tampão e LIFT incluíram: dor anal (33,3%, 66,6%, p = 0,13), secreção perianal (77,8%, 91%, p = 0,62), prurido anal (38,9%, 50,0%, p = 0,71) e sangramento pelo reto (16,7%, 33,3 %, p = 0,39) respectivamente. A média geral de acompanhamento foi de 20,9 ± 16,8 meses, p = 0,68. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois grupos (21,9 ± 7,5 meses, 19,9 ± 16,1 meses, p = 0,682). A taxa de cicatrização foi de 76,2% (16/21 pacientes) no grupo com tampão de fístula e 81,1% (27/33 pacientes) no grupo LIFT (p = 0,73). Pacientes submetidos ao procedimento LIFT e um retalho de avanço da mucosa tiveram 100% de taxa de cura (4 de 4 pacientes). Nenhuma incontinência fecal e nenhuma expulsão do tampão da fístula foram observadas em nossos pacientes. O tempo de cicatrização variou de 1 a 6 meses após a cirurgia. Não houve abscesso perianal, celulite ou dor no pós-operatório. Conclusões: LIFT e tampão anal são procedimentos seguros para pacientes com fístula anal primária e recorrente. Ambas as técnicas apresentaram excelentes resultados em termos de cicatrização e taxa de complicações. Nenhum de nossos pacientes teve incontinência após 5 anos de acompanhamento. A melhor taxa de sucesso em nossos pacientes foi observada após o procedimento LIFT com retalho de avanço da mucosa. Ensaios clínicos randomizados de maior porte e controlados são necessários para melhor avaliação das opções de tratamento.

Nevus Comedonicus : A Case Report

Nevus Comedonicus is a rare hamartoma of the pilosebaceus unit resulting in numerous dilated keratin filled comedones. This report describes an 18 year old female with multiple pigmented comedones in a linear pattern over the inner aspect of the left thigh

Role of transesophageal echocardiography during left atrial appendage occlusion device closure in a patient with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and angiodysplasia of the colon

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia associated with significant mortality and morbidity secondary to thrombo-embolism. To prevent this thrombo-embolism oral anticoagulation therapy is the recommended treatment. In patients with contraindications to oral anticoagulation therapy, percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion device is indicated. TEE is essential to guide in all the stages of LAA device deployment. Right from pre-procedure screening, to guiding during deployment, to rule out any complications and post-procedure surveillance and monitoring long term outcomes.