Time-dependent proregenerative effects of exogenous melatonin on the transected sciatic nerve / Efectos proregenerativos dependientes del tiempo de la melatonina exógena en el nervio ciático seccionado

SUMMARY: Microsurgical procedures are the treatment of choice of peripheral nerve injuries, but often fail to reach full functional recovery. Melatonin has neuroprotective actions and might be used as a possible proregenerative pharmacological support. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the time-dependence of the neuroprotective effect of melatonin on the overall fascicular structures of both ends of the transected nerve. Sciatic nerve transection was performed in 34 adult male Wistar rats divided in four groups: two vehicle groups (N=7) treated intraperitoneally for 7 (V7) or 21 (V21) consecutive days with vehicle (5 % ethanol in Ringer solution) and two melatonin groups (N=10) administered intraperitoneally 30 mg/kg of melatonin for 7 (M7) or 21 (M21) consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, proximal stump neuroma and distal stump fibroma were excised and processed for qualitative and quantitative histological analysis. Intrafascicular neural structures were better preserved and the collagen deposition was reduced in the melatonin treated groups than in the vehicle groups. Myelin sheath regeneration observed through its thickness measurement was statistically significantly (p<0,05) more pronounced in the M21 (1,23±0,18 µm) vs. V21 group (0,98±0,13 µm). The mean volume density of the endoneurium was lower in both melatonin treated groups in comparison to the matching vehicle treated groups. Although not statistically different, the endoneural tube diameter was larger in both melatonin groups vs. vehicle groups, and the effect of melatonin was more pronounced after 21 days (24,97 % increase) vs. 7 days of melatonin treatment (18,8 % increase). Melatonin exerts a time-dependent proregenerative effect on nerve fibers in the proximal stump and an anti-scarring effect in both stumps.

Los procedimientos microquirúrgicos son el tratamiento de elección de las lesiones de los nervios periféricos, pero a menudo no logran una recuperación funcional completa. La melatonina tiene acciones neuroprotectoras y podría ser utilizada como un posible apoyo farmacológico proregenerativo. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la dependencia del tiempo del efecto neuroprotector de la melatonina sobre las estructuras fasciculares generales de ambos extremos del nervio seccionado. La sección del nervio ciático se realizó en 34 ratas Wistar macho adultas divididas en cuatro grupos: dos grupos de vehículo (N=7) tratados por vía intraperitoneal durante 7 (V7) o 21 (V21) días consecutivos con vehículo (5 % de etanol en solución Ringer) y dos grupos grupos de melatonina (N=10) a los que se les administró por vía intraperitoneal 30 mg/kg de melatonina durante 7 (M7) o 21 (M21) días consecutivos. Al final del experimento, se extirparon y procesaron el neuroma del muñón proximal y el fibroma del muñón distal del nervio para un análisis histológico cualitativo y cuantitativo. Las estructuras neurales intrafasciculares se conservaron mejor y el depósito de colágeno se redujo en los grupos tratados con melatonina respecto a los grupos con vehículo. La regeneración de la vaina de mielina observada a través de la medición de su espesor fue estadísticamente significativa (p<0,05) más pronunciada en el grupo M21 (1,23±0,18 µm) vs V21 (0,98±0,13 µm). La densidad de volumen media del endoneuro fue menor en ambos grupos tratados con melatonina en comparación con los grupos tratados con vehículo equivalente. Aunque no fue estadísticamente diferente, el diámetro del tubo endoneural fue mayor en ambos grupos de melatonina frente a los grupos de vehículo, y el efecto de la melatonina fue más pronunciado después de 21 días (aumento del 24,97 %) frente a los 7 días de tratamiento con melatonina (18,8 % de aumento). La melatonina ejerce un efecto proregenerativo dependiente del tiempo sobre las fibras nerviosas del muñón proximal y un efecto anticicatricial en ambos muñones.

The efficacy of corticosteroid after facial nerve neurorrhaphy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objectives: The benefit of corticosteroids following facial nerve neurorrhaphy in the setting of complete transection is questionable. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate corticosteroid efficacy on facial nerve regeneration and functional recovery after complete disruption and neurorrhaphy. Methods: Randomized controlled trials on both human and animal models from Ovid MEDLINE and Ovid EMBASE studying corticosteroid efficacy in complete facial nerve disruption followed by neurorrhaphy were included. Data were extracted and pooled for meta-analysis. The outcomes were evaluated from electrophysiology, histology, and functional recovery. However, no randomized controlled trial in human was performed. Possibly, performing human trials with histopathology may not be feasible in clinical setting. Results: Six animal studies (248 participants) met inclusion criteria. Electrophysiologic outcomes revealed no differences in latency (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = −1.97, 95% CI −7.38 to 3.44, p = 0.47) and amplitude (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI −0.44 to 1.18, p = 0.37) between systemic corticosteroids and controls. When analysis compared topical corticosteroid and control, the results provided no differences in latency (Mean Difference (MD)=0.10, 95% CI −0.04 to 0.24, p = 0.16) and amplitude (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI −0.08 to 0.10, p = 0.81). In histologic outcomes, the results showed no differences in axon diameter (MD = 0.13, 95% CI −0.15 to 0.41, p = 0.37) between systemic corticosteroid and control; however, the result in myelin thickness (MD = 0.06, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.08, p < 0.05) favored control group. When comparing systemic corticosteroid with control in eye blinking, the results favored control (MD= 1.33, 95% CI 0.60 to 2.06, p = 0.0004). Conclusions: This evidence did not show potential benefits of systemic or topical corticosteroid deliveries after facial nerve neurorrhaphy in complete transection when evaluating electrophysiologic, histologic, and functional recovery outcomes in animal models.

Application of the left side hepatic parenchymal transection-first approach in laparoscopic central tumor anatomical hepatectomy / 中华消化外科杂志

Acting as a difficult and high risk procedure in the operation, laparoscopic central tumor anatomical hepatectomy possesses various technical points that shall be noted in the process of application. The choice of laparoscopic approach has been recognized to be one of the key technical links for this technique. According to the anatomical characteristics of the middle lobe of liver and "Easy first" strategy, the authors summarize the laparoscopic central tumor anatomical hepatectomy technology with left side hepatic parenchymal transection-first approach. The left side hepatic parenchymal transection-first approach is found to be simple, fast, safe and effective in operation, which overcomes the challenges of complicated target Glisson pedicle operation and high technical risk of laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy. The approach also better complies with the "no-touch" principle for malignant tumors. Significantly, it exhibits clinical application value in laparoscopic central tumor anatomical hepatectomy.

A Case of Innominate Artery Transection after the Covered Stent Placement for the Recurrent Tracheo-Innominate Artery Fistula / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Tracheo-Innominate artery fistula is a rare but devastating complication after tracheostomy. We report a 17-year old man who underwent the transection of the innominate artery and tracheal patch closure (under partial sternotomy) after the endovascular covered stent placement for the recurrent tracheo-innominate artery fistula. Fortunately, his postoperative course was uneventful without any new neurological, bleeding, or infective complication 34 months after the surgery.

A Case of Successful Surgical Management of Tracheo-Innominate Artery Fistula after Endovascular Repair / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 15-year-old girl who had undergone a tracheostomy 4 years earlier because of holoprosencephaly and severe mental and physical disabilities had tracheo-innominate artery fistula with sudden-onset bleeding after endotracheal suctioning. Due to respiratory and circulatory instability, VIABAHN® was implanted in the brachiocephalic artery, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 33. Three months later, rebleeding from the tracheostomy site was observed, and the patient was transported to our hospital. Although the bleeding stopped spontaneously on arrival, the patient experienced multiple bleeding episodes after admission. Therefore, transection of brachiocephalic artery was performed, after which the patient was discharged on postoperative day 20. Tracheo-innominate artery fistula is a rare complication that occurs after tracheostomy, but it is associated with a poor prognosis, and has a mortality rate of 100% if left untreated. Our case suggests that endovascular treatment using VIABAHN® for tracheo-innominate artery fistula is useful for temporary hemostasis.

A comparative analysis of clinical efficacy of thulium laser enucleation of the prostate-pre-transection urethral mucosa at the apex of prostate and traditional three lobe enucleation of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of thulium laser enucleation of the prostate-pre-transection urethral mucosa at the apex of prostate and traditional three lobe enucleation of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia patients.Methods:The data of 270 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who were underwent ThuLEP-PAM or ThuLEP in our hospital from May 2020 to September 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the operation methods, the patients were divided into two groups: ThuLEP-PAM group (120 cases) and ThuLEP group (150 cases). There was no significant difference comparing the age [(69.8±7.7) years vs. (71.4±8.0) years], prostate volume [55.5(41.0, 71.0)ml vs. 58.5(45.0, 80.3)ml], the serum PSA [3.0(1.8, 4.6) ng/ml vs. 3.3(2.1, 5.5)ng/ml], international prostate symptom scores (IPSS) [22(17, 28) vs. 22(17, 27)], the quality of life score (QOL)[5(4, 6) vs. 5(4, 6)], the maximum urinary flow rate (Q max)[5.6(3.5, 7.3)ml/s vs. 5.5(4.0, 7.1)ml/s], the residual urine volume [ 31(0, 81)ml vs. 31(0, 102)ml] between the ThuLEP-PAM group and the ThuLEP group. No significant difference was found between the two groups( P>0.05). In the ThuLEP-PAM group, the external sphincter ring was located firstly, and urethral mucosa at the apex of prostate was circumferentially incised at 5 mm proximal of the sphincter ring by laser. Then the urethral mucosa was incised at the left sulcus beside the verumontanum and the prostate surgical capsule gap was exposed. After the middle lobe was removed, the left and right lobes were removed along the urethral mucosa pre-incision line at the prostatic apex. The ThuLEP group was enucleated by traditional three lobes enucleation. Perioperative indicators and postoperative complications during short-term follow-up were compared between the two groups. Results:All patients successfully completed the operation and the symptoms of the lower urinary tract were significantly improved. Comparison the perioperative factors between ThuLEP-PAM group and ThuLEP group included the following: operative time 90(70, 103)min vs. 83(61, 102)min; enucleated tissue weight 27.0(19.3, 36.5)g vs. 27.0(19.0, 39.0)g; decrease of the hemoglobin 9.9(7.4, 12.4)g/L vs. 9.5(7.1, 12.7)g/L; catheterization time 3.5(3.0, 4.0)d vs. 3.5(3.0, 5.0)d; hospital stay 6.0(5.0, 6.0)d vs. 5.0(4.0, 6.0)d. NO significant difference in these parameters was found between the two groups( P>0.05). There also was no significant difference in PSA[1.1(0.8, 1.5) ng/ml vs. 1.0(0.8, 1.6) ng/ml], IPSS score [5(4, 6) min vs. 5(4, 6)min], QOL score [2(1, 3) vs. 2(1, 3)], Q max [20.9(17.5, 22.5) ml/s vs. 20.4(17.8, 22.7) ml/s] and PVR [0 ml vs. 0(0, 6)ml] between the two groups ( P>0.05) after more than 3 months of follow-up. The incidence of incontinence for ThuLEP-PAM(2 cases)were lower than that for ThuLEP(11 cases)( P=0.031), but there was no significant between the two groups in other complications such as blood transfusion, haematuria, post-voidalurinary retention and urethral stricture. Conclusions:ThuLEP-PAM and ThuLEP have similar effect on the improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, both of which have good efficacy and high safety. The biggest advantage of ThuLEP-PAM over ThuLEP is that it reduces the incidence of early postoperative stress urinary incontinence.

Tracheoplasty for Tracheal Collapse after the Tracheoinnominate Fistula Repair / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 13-year-old boy underwent tracheostomy due to post-cardiac arrest encephalopathy in our hospital. During the second postoperative month, massive bleeding from the tracheostomy tube lumen was observed; tracheoinnominate artery fistula was diagnosed. Two weeks postoperatively, the trachea collapsed; tracheoplasty with VA-ECMO was performed. The patient was placed in respiratory distress and the tracheostomy cannula was removed. The damaged part of the trachea was trimmed to form a fusiform structure, while the horizontal mattress suture technique was used for tracheoplasty. An endotracheal tube was then placed just above the tracheal bifurcation and the tracheoplasty site was rested. On postoperative day 15, the tube was changed to a tracheostomy one; 3 months postoperatively, no tracheostomy-related complications or rebleeding were observed. Therefore, VA-ECMO assisted tracheal repair is considered a useful treatment option for patients with tracheal disruption, where suturing a prosthesis to the tracheostomy stoma site is difficult.

Surgical technique and considerations about transanal transection and single-stapled (TTSS) anastomosis: the search for a perfect anastomosis

The evaluation of preventivemeasures and risk factors for anastomotic leakage has been a constant concern among colorectal surgeons. In this context, the description of a new way to perform a colorectal, coloanal or ileoanal anastomosis, known as transanal transection and single-stapled (TTSS) anastomosis, deserves an appreciation of its qualities, and a discussion about its properties and technical details. In the present paper, the authors review themost recent efforts aiming to reduce anastomotic dehiscence, and describe the TTSS technique in a patient submitted to laparoscopic total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis. Surgical perception raises important advantages such as distal rectal transection under visualization, elimination of double-stapling lines (with cost-effectiveness and potential protection against suture dehiscence), elimination of dog ears, and the opportunity to be accomplished via a transanal approach after open, laparoscopic, or robotic colorectal resections. Future studies to confirm these supposed advantages are needed. (AU)

Effects of Nogo-A and its receptor on the repair of sciatic nerve injury in rats

Regeneration of injured peripheral nerves is an extremely complex process. Nogo-A (neurite outgrowth inhibitor-A) inhibits axonal regeneration by interacting with Nogo receptor in the myelin sheath of the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Nogo-A and its receptor on the repair of sciatic nerve injury in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=96) were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (control), sciatic nerve transection group (model), immediate repair group (immediate repair), and delayed repair group (delayed repair). The rats were euthanized 1 week and 6 weeks after operation. The injured end tissues of the spinal cord and sciatic nerve were obtained. The protein expressions of Nogo-A and Nogo-66 receptor (NgR) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein expressions of Nogo-A, NgR, and Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) were detected by western blot. At 1 week after operation, the pathological changes in the immediate repaired group were less, and the protein expressions of Nogo-A, NgR, and RhoA in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve tissues were decreased (P<0.05) compared with the model group. After 6 weeks, the pathological changes in the immediate repair group and the delayed repair group were alleviated and the protein expressions decreased (P<0.05). The situation of the immediate repair group was better than that of the delayed repair group. Our data suggest that the expression of Nogo-A and its receptor increased after sciatic nerve injury, indicating that Nogo-A and its receptor play an inhibitory role in the repair process of sciatic nerve injury in rats.

Preventive Innominate Artery Transection for a High-Risk Case of Tracheo-Innominate Artery Fistula / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

An 18-year-old man with hypoxic encephalopathy was admitted because of recurrent minor bleeding a tracheal stoma, which was suspected as a tracheo-innominate artery fistula (TIF). He had undergone tracheostomy and gastrostomy 2 years prior and had mild opisthotonos and scoliosis. Although tracheal endoscopy showed no tracheal mucosal erosion, necrosis, or granulation tissue formation, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a close contact between the innominate artery and the anterior wall of the trachea, and an equal height between the innominate artery and the tip of the tracheal cannula. Magnetic resonance angiography of the head showed dominant intracranial blood flow from the left internal carotid and vertebral arteries. Preventive innominate artery transection through the supra-sternal approach without sternotomy or reconstruction of the innominate artery was performed for this high-risk case of TIF. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. Postoperative CT revealed that the innominate artery was transected and isolated from the site of tracheostomy. The preserved connection between the right common carotid and subclavian artery at the distal sutured stump helped maintain blood flow in the right internal and middle cerebral arteries. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 9 without any new neurological complications or bleeding from a tracheal stoma. TIF is a rare but fatal complication after laryngotracheal separation or tracheostomy. It is important to prevent the onset of TIF, however, there are no criteria for preventive innominate artery transection. Our preventive innominate artery transection through the supra-sternal approach is considered as one of the useful surgical treatment for high-risk cases of TIF accompanied by severe neuromuscular disorders.

Application value of self-pulling and latter transection combined with dual anti-reflux tech-nique in dual-tract reconstruction of total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy / 中华消化外科杂志

Along with the changes in the epidemiology of gastric cancer in China, the early diagnosis and treatment rate of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction has elevated signifi-cantly, while its surgical methods have also altered and become a hotspot. Total gastrectomy has become the primary surgical allocation for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction. In recent years, a series of studies on proximal gastrectomy and digestive reconstruction after distal stomach preserving have been explored due to recent concept of functional preservation. The main concern about this surgical method is the efficacy of anti-reflux and its influence on nutritional prognosis. Interpositioned jejunum and double tract reconstruction have curative effects. However, they become obstacles for total laparoscopic surgery due to the complexity of surgical operation. Thus there is increasing concern to explor the way to reduce the reflux rate and improve the nutritional status of patients. Baesd on related research at home and abroad, combined with their own experiences, the authors comprehensively analyze and illustrate self-palling and latter transection with esophagojejunostomy and double anti-reflux double tract reconstruction of total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy.

Effect of Buyang Huanwutang on Protein Expression of MAP-2， NF-M and GAP-43 After Sciatic Nerve Transection Anastomosis in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of Buyang Huanwutang on the expression of microtubule-associated protein-2（MAP-2）， neurofilament-M（NF-M）， and growth associated protein-43（GAP-43）in rat sciatic nerve after sciatic nerve transection and anastomosis. To explore the mechanism of Buyang Huanwutang promoting peripheral nerve regeneration. Method:SD rats were selected as the experimental subjects， and sciatic nerve transection model was selected as the experimental model. They were randomly divided into model group， sham operation group， Buyang Huanwutang group high， medium and low dose （29.6， 14.8， 7.4 g·kg^-1）group， and mecobalamin （0.156 mg·kg^-1）group， the model group and the sham operation group were given distilled water intragastric administration. After successful modeling， each group was treated with relevant drugs for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks， sciatic nerve function index（SFI）， degree of inclined plate test and hematoxylin-eosin（HE）of sciatic nerve in each group were tested. The expression levels of MAP-2， NF-M， and GAP-43 at the sciatic nerve anastomosis site were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Result:Compared with sham operation group， the expression levels of SFI， inclined plate test， MAP-2， NF-M and GAP-43 in model group were significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with model group， the expression levels of SFI， inclined plate test， MAP-2， NF-M and GAP-43 in Buyang Huanwutang high， medium and low-dose groups were significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:Buyang Huanwutang has a positive effect on nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve transection and anastomosis in rats.

Gunshot injury to spine: An institutional experience of management and complications from a developing country / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Gunshot wounds are the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Surgical intervention for gunshot injury to the spine carries a high rate of complications. There is a scarcity of data on civilian gunshot injuries to the spine in Pakistan. Approximately 60 cases over the last 10 years have been recoded, with unusual presentation and neurological recovery. Thus it is imperative to fill this gap in data, by reviewing cases of civilian gunshot injuries to spine presenting at a tertiary care hospital (Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi).@*METHODS@#This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients of all ages who presented to the emergency department of Aga Khan University Hospital, with gunshot injuries to spine between January 2005 and December 2016 were included in the study. Data were collected on neurological status (American Spinal Injury Association score was used for the initial and follow-up neurological assessment), extent of cord transection, motor and sensory deficits. The patients were further grouped into those with cord transection, and those with fractures of the bony spine but an intact spinal cord. These patients were then followed and the outcomes were recorded.@*RESULTS@#A total of 40 patients were identified. The mean ± SD of patients age was (30.9 ± 9.5) years. Of the 40 patients with gunshot wounds, 31 had the medical imaging performed at the facility, and hence they were included in this categorization. The remaining 9 patients were excluded from this additional grouping. Thirteen patients were managed surgically and 27 patients underwent the conservative management. The mean ± SD of follow-up was (8.7 ± 7.2) months. In our study, the thoracic spine was the most commonly injured region in gunshot injuries. Of the 31 patients with medical imaging performed at our institute, 17 (54.8%) had cord transection, of whom 8 (47%) ultimately developed paraplegia.@*CONCLUSION@#The prognosis of gunshot injuries to the spine can be varied depending on whether the spinal cord is intact or transected. This will help healthcare providers to plan the further management of the patient and counsel them accordingly.

Effect of electroacupuncture on urodynamics and expression of Wnt-1, β-catenin, and Ngn1 in the spinal cord in rats with bladder detrusor hyperreflexia due to supersacral spinal cord transection / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Dazhui" (GV14) and "Ciliao" (BL32) on rats with bladder detrusor hyperreflexia (DH) after supersacral spinal cord transection, as well as the mechanism of EA in improving the urinary function by regulating the expression of Wnt-1, β-catenin and Neurogenin 1(Ngn1). METHODS: A total of 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model control group, EA group, and EA control group, with 12 rats in each group. T10 spinal cord transection (SCT) was performed by surgery. The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) score was used to evaluate the motor function of SCT rat, and the Crede technique was used to assist urination. After the urine volume became stable, the urodynamic test was used to determine whether a rat model of DH was successfully established. The rats in the EA group were given EA at GV14 and BL32, and those in the EA control group were given EA (10 Hz/50 Hz, 20 min) at the acupuncture points at 1 cm next to GV14 and BL32 at both sides alternatively. EA was performed once a day for one week. Urodynamic parameters were used to evaluate urinary function. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expression of Wnt-1 and β-catenin in the spinal cord, and immunofluorescence assay was used to measure the expression of Ngn1 in the spinal cord. RESULTS: The BBB score of the model control group significantly decreased compared with that of the sham-operation group(P<0.01), and the EA group was significantly higher than the model control group and the EA control group. Compared with the sham-operation group, the model control group had significant increases in bladder base pressure, maximum pressure, and leak point pressure (P<0.01) and significant reductions in maximum bladder capacity and compliance (P<0.01). Compared with the model control group, the EA group had significant reductions in bladder base pressure, maximum pressure, and leak point pressure (P<0.01) and significant increases in maximum bladder capacity and compliance (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the EA group, the EA control group had significant increases in bladder base pressure, maximum pressure, and leak point pressure (P<0.01) and significant reductions in maximum bladder capacity and compliance (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, the model control group had significant increases in the protein expression of Wnt-1 and β-catenin (P<0.05, P<0.01) and a signi-ficant reduction in the protein expression of Ngn1 in the spinal cord (P<0.01). Compared with the model control group, the EA group had significant increases in the protein expression of Wnt-1, β-catenin and Ngn1 in the spinal cord (P<0.01). Compared with the EA group, the EA control group had significant reductions in the protein expression of Wnt-1, β-catenin, and Ngn1 in the spinal cord (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EA at GV14 and BL32 can significantly improve urinary function in rats with bladder DH due to SCT, partially by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and promoting the protein expression of Wnt-1, β-catenin and Ngn1.

Endoscopic Removal of Inflated Transected Sengstaken–Blakemore Tube Using Endoscopic Scissors

Balloon tamponade using Sengstaken–Blakemore (SB) tube is employed as a bridging therapy in cases in which endoscopic therapy fails to control esophageal variceal bleeding. Although SB tube insertion can lead to successful hemostasis, it is accompanied by numerous complications, with SB tube transection being one of the rarest complications. A 53-year-old man with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma presented with massive esophageal variceal bleeding. Therapeutic endoscopic variceal ligation failed, and SB tube was inserted. The SB tube was unexpectedly disconnected because of the patient's irritability due to hepatic encephalopathy. The esophageal and gastric balloon of the SB tube remained inflated in the stomach. Whereas the use of other endoscopic instruments was ineffective, endoscopic removal was successfully accomplished using endoscopic scissors. In conclusion, we detected SB tube transection in a patient with hepatic encephalopathy and removed remnants of the inflated tube using endoscopic scissors.

Successful Surgical Treatment of Tracheo-Innominate Artery Fistula Complicated with Tracheostomy / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Tracheo-innominate artery fistula is a rare complication after tracheostomy, but sometimes presents with fatal bleeding. A 10-year-old girl presented with massive bleeding from a tracheostomy that she underwent for prolonged respiratory failure caused by sequelae of mumps encephalitis. Tracheo-innominate artery fistula, complicated by tracheostomy was diagnosed, and she was transferred to our institution. Under general anesthesia, she underwent transection of the innominate artery to exclude the tracheo-innominate artery fistula via median sternotomy. Her postoperative course was uneventful without recurrent bleeding or infection. Considering the risk of tracheo-innominate artery fistula, careful observation is necessary to prevent catastrophic bleeding in patients with mechanical respiratory support via tracheostomy.

Traumatic transection of descending thoracic aorta: A rare cause of pulmonary vein obstruction

Pulmonary vein obstruction is rare condition characterized by challenging diagnosis and unfavorable prognosis at advanced stage. Computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are often essential to reach a final diagnosis. External compression of pulmonary vein resulting from the mass effect of pseudoaneurysm and perianeurysmal hematoma due to aortic transection is extremely rare. We describe a case of traumatic transection of descending thoracic aorta where TEE was instrumental in the diagnosis of left upper pulmonary vein obstruction and help in the modification of the surgical plan.

Effect of Sciatic Nerve Transection on acetylcholinesterase activity in spinal cord and skeletal muscles of the bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus / Efeito da Secção do Nervo Isquiático sobre a atividade da acetilcolinesterase em medula espinal e músculos esqueléticos da rã-touro Lithobates catesbeianus

Abstract Sciatic nerve transection (SNT), a model for studying neuropathic pain, mimics the clinical symptoms of "phantom limb", a pain condition that arises in humans after amputation or transverse spinal lesions. In some vertebrate tissues, this condition decreases acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, the enzyme responsible for fast hydrolysis of released acetylcholine in cholinergic synapses. In spinal cord of frog Rana pipiens, this enzyme's activity was not significantly changed in the first days following ventral root transection, another model for studying neuropathic pain. An answerable question is whether SNT decreases AChE activity in spinal cord of frog Lithobates catesbeianus, a species that has been used as a model for studying SNT-induced neuropathic pain. Since each animal model has been created with a specific methodology, and the findings tend to vary widely with slight changes in the method used to induce pain, our study assessed AChE activity 3 and 10 days after complete SNT in lumbosacral spinal cord of adult male bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus. Because there are time scale differences of motor endplate maturation in rat skeletal muscles, our study also measured the AChE activity in bullfrog tibial posticus (a postural muscle) and gastrocnemius (a typical skeletal muscle that is frequently used to study the motor system) muscles. AChE activity did not show significant changes 3 and 10 days following SNT in spinal cord. Also, no significant change occurred in AChE activity in tibial posticus and gastrocnemius muscles at day 3. However, a significant decrease was found at day 10, with reductions of 18% and 20% in tibial posticus and gastrocnemius, respectively. At present we cannot explain this change in AChE activity. While temporally different, the direction of the change was similar to that described for rats. This similarity indicates that bullfrog is a valid model for investigating AChE activity following SNT.

Resumo A transecção do nervo isquiático (SNT), um modelo para estudar dor neuropática, simula os sintomas clínicos do "membro fantasma", uma condição dolorosa que ocorre nos humanos após amputação ou secção completa da medula espinal. Essa condição muda a atividade da acetilcolinesterase (AChE), a enzima responsável pela rápida hidrólise da acetilcolina liberada nas sinapses colinérgicas, em alguns tecidos de vertebrados. Em medula espinal de rã Rana pipiens, a atividade da AChE não foi significativamente alterada nos primeiros dias após a secção da raiz ventral, outro modelo para o estudo da dor neuropática. Uma questão ainda não respondida é se a SNT diminui a atividade da AChE na medula espinal de rã Lithobates catesbeianus, uma espécie que vem sendo usada como modelo em estudos da dor neuropática induzida por SNT. Como cada modelo animal é criado a partir de metodologia específica, e seus resultados tendem a variar com pequenas mudanças na metodologia de indução da dor, o presente estudo avaliou a atividade da AChE em medula espinal lombossacral de rã-touro Lithobates catesbeianus, adultos, machos, 3 e 10 dias após a completa SNT. Como há diferenças temporais na maturação de placas motoras em músculos esqueléticos de ratos, nosso estudo ainda demonstrou, na rã-touro, os efeitos da SNT sobre a atividade da AChE nos músculos esqueléticos tibial posticus, um músculo postural, e gastrocnêmio, um músculo frequentemente usado em estudos do sistema motor. A atividade da AChE não mudou significativamente na medula espinal aos 3 e 10 dias após a SNT. Nos músculos, a atividade não alterou significativamente aos 3 dias após a lesão, mas reduziu de forma significativa aos 10 dias após a SNT. Aos 10 dias, a diminuição foi 18% no músculo tibial posticus e 20% no gastrocnêmio. No momento, nós não temos explicação para essa mudança na atividade da AChE. Embora temporalmente diferente, o sentido da mudança é similar ao que é descrito em ratos. Esta similaridade torna a rã-touro um modelo válido para se estudar questões ainda não respondidas da SNT sobre a AChE.

Midterm follow-up results and postoperative aortic remodeling of blunt aortic injuries after endovascular treatment / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To summarize the mid-term follow-up results and postoperative aortic remodeling of treating blunt aortic injuries (BAI) with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Methods    A retrospective study was conducted on BAI patients treated with TEVAR, who were admitted into the Department of Vascular Surgery in Zhongshan Hospital, Affiliated to Fudan University between September 2003 and December 2015. There were 15 males and 9 females at an average age of 45.6±14.0 years. The mechanism of BAI was mainly auto car crash. Totally 25 entry tears were detected and most of them were located at the aortic isthmus. Results    Twenty-four BAI patients survived and eventually went through TEVAR. One patient died of pulmonary embolism 1 week post-TEVAR. Rate of technical success, clinical success and perioperative mortality was 100.0%, 95.8%, and 4.2%, respectively. Nineteen patients were followed up with a mean time of 35.1(13-87) months. All of them survived this period. Based on the follow-up imaging of CTA, 18 of them revealed no endoleak or stent migration, and 1 patient of transection still had perfusion of distal false lumen at the abdominal aorta. None of the aortic segments measured in this study showed expansion of ≥5 mm during follow-up. The aorta remodeled well in 94.7% of them. Conclusion    TEVAR for treating BAI appears feasible with high rates of technical and clinical success rates. The mid-term follow-up results seems satisfying, but the long-term results are yet to be assessed with further follow-up.

Inhibitory effects of right cervical sympathetic trunk transection on in-flammatory response after acute myocardial infarction in rats and its in-fluence on HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To observe the effects of transection of right cervical sympathetic trunk(TCST)on inflam-matory response and expression of high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the rats af-ter acute myocardial infarction(AMI).METHODS: AMI model was established by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery in SD rats,then the model rats were randomly divided into MI group and MI +TCST group.MI+TCST model was performed by transection of right cervical sympathetic trunk after left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. The rats in MI group and MI+TCST group were divided into 1,3,7,14 and 28 d subgroups,and another sham operation group threading without ligation, with 8 rats in above each group.After modeling for 4 weeks, the cardiac function was measured by echocardiography.All rats were killed to harvest the hearts for mesuring cardiac hypertrophy index.The myo-cardial tissue close to infarction was observed with HE staining.The relative mRNA expression levels of HMGB1, tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)and interleukin(IL)-6 at different time points were detected by real-time PCR.The protein ex-pression of HMGB1 and TLR4 at different time points after AMI was determined by Western blot.The effect of transection of right cervical sympathetic trunk on the expressions of HMGB 1 and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway was also analyzed. RESULTS:Compared with the MI group,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and left ventricular shorterning fraction (LVFS)were significantly higher(P<0.05),left ventricular end-diastole dimension(LVEDd),left ventricular end-sys-tole dimension(LVESd)and cardiac hypertrophy index were significantly lower(P<0.05), and the mRNA levels of HMGB1,TNF-αand IL-6 decreased significantly in MI +TCST group(P<0.05).Western blot results revealed that the protein expression level of HMGB1 increased in the infarct border zone at 3 d,and reached its peak at 7 d,then gradually decreased,and at 28 d after MI in MI group was still significantly higher than that in sham group(P<0.05).The protein expression of TLR4 was consistent with that of HMGB1.Transection of right cervical sympathetic trunk reduced protein ex-pression of HMGB1 and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Transection of right cervical sympathetic trunk improves ventricular remodeling and maintaining cardiac function.The mechanism may be related to inhibiting HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce inflammatory response.