Liver transplantation for end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis / 器官移植

Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is a common zoonotic endemic parasitic disease in western China. It lacks of typical clinical manifestations in the early stage, and symptoms become prominent during the end stage, with an alarmingly high mortality rate. Among the treatment of end-stage HAE (es-HAE), orthotopic liver transplantation is almost the only radical treatment due to insufficient remnant liver volume, uncontrollable bleeding and difficulty in vascular reconstruction in vivo. However, the shortage of donor liver and long-term postoperative use of immunosuppressants limit its application. The introduction of ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ELRA) resolves this dilemma and significantly broadens the indications of es-HAE. In addition, multiple centers in China have optimized and modified ELRA to further improve the treatment system of es-HAE. At present, liver transplantation (including ELRA) of es-HAE remains a hot topic for clinicians. In this article, orthotopic liver transplantation, ELRA, auxiliary ELRA and other surgical treatment of es-HAE were reviewed, aiming to further enhance the diagnosis and treatment of es-HAE and improve clinical prognosis of the patients.

Descripción angiográfica de los aspectos anatómicos y clínicos de la arteria interventricular anterior en un grupo de personas colombianas / Angiographic description of the anatomy and clinical aspects of the anterior interventricular artery in a group of Colombians individuals

Introducción. La arteria interventricular anterior se origina en la coronaria izquierda, irriga la cara anterior de los ventrículos, el ápex y el tabique interventricular; es la segunda arteria más relevante del corazón. Objetivo. Describir las características anatómicas y clínicas de la arteria interventricular anterior mediante angiografía. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con 200 reportes angiográficos de personas colombianas; se valoraron el origen, el trayecto y la permeabilidad de la arteria interventricular anterior, así como la dominancia coronaria. Se incluyeron datos relacionados con dolor precordial, infarto agudo de miocardio, dislipidemia y alteración electrocardiográfica. No fue posible hacer pruebas estadísticas, debido a la escasa prevalencia de variaciones anatómicas de dicha arteria. Resultados. Se encontró una arteria interventricular anterior con su origen en el seno aórtico izquierdo, sin puente miocárdico, sin alteración de la permeabilidad y con dominancia izquierda. La frecuencia de los puentes fue del 2 % y la dominancia más frecuente fue la derecha en el 86 %. Se presentaron alteraciones de permeabilidad en el 43 % de los casos, las cuales afectaron principalmente al S13. El 25 % de los pacientes presentó dolor precordial; el 40 %, alteraciones ecocardiográficas; el 5 %, cardiopatía isquémica, y el 59 %, alguna alteración electrocardiográfica. Conclusiones. Las variaciones en el origen de la arteria interventricular anterior son poco prevalentes, según reportes de Chile, Colombia y España. Los puentes miocárdicos de esta arteria fueron escasos respecto a otros estudios, lo cual sugiere mejor especificidad de los hallazgos de la angiotomografía o de la disección directa. La permeabilidad coronaria se valora con la escala TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction); puntajes de 0 y 1 indican una lesión oclusiva asociada con cardiopatía isquémica. La dominancia coronaria más frecuente, según diversas técnicas, es la derecha, seguida de la izquierda en hombres y de una circulación balanceada en mujeres.

Introduction. The anterior interventricular artery originates from the left coronary artery and irrigates the anterior surface of the ventricles, apex, and interventricular septum, making it the second most relevant artery of the heart. Objective. To describe the anatomical and clinical aspects of the anterior interventricular artery through angiography. Materials and methods. A descriptive study was conducted using 200 angiographic reports of Colombian individuals. The anterior interventricular artery's origin, course, patency, and coronary dominance were evaluated. Data related to chest pain, acute myocardial infarction, dyslipidemia, and electrocardiographic abnormalities were included. Statistical tests could not be performed due to this artery's low prevalence of anatomical variations. Results. One anterior interventricular artery was found to have originated from the left coronary sinus without a myocardial bridge, with no alteration in permeability, and with left dominance. The frequency of bridges was 2%, and the most frequent dominance was right in 86; permeability alterations occurred in 43% mainly affecting S13. Twenty-five per cent presented chest pain; 40%, echocardiographic alterations; 5%, ischemic heart disease, and 59%, electrocardiographic alterations. Conclusions. Variations of origin of the anterior interventricular artery have a low prevalence according to reports from Chile, Colombia, and Spain. anterior interventricular artery myocardial bridges were scarce compared to other studies, suggesting better specificity of computed tomography angiography or direct dissection for these findings. The assessment of coronary permeability is graded with the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction scale; values 0 and 1 indicate occlusive lesion associated with ischemic heart disease. According to various techniques, the most frequent coronary dominance the right, followed by the left in men and balanced circulation in women.

Advances in synergistic treatment of radiotherapy and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy for refractory / relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy is one of the most significant advances in cancer treatment in the last few decades, revolutionizing the treatment paradigm for patients with refractory / recurrent diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) and effectively improving the survival rate of these patients. However, due to the high incidence of grade III-IV side effects of CAR-T cell therapy and the fact that some patients did not obtain remission after CAR-T cell therapy or developed rapid disease progression within a short period of time, researchers are attempting to explore combined therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, to reduce the incidence of side effects and prolong the duration of persistent remission in patients. Among these options, radiotherapy in combination with CAR-T cell therapy have been proven to improve clinical prognosis. In this article, the theoretical basis of synergistic treatment of radiotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy in patients with R/R DLBCL, the safety and efficacy of radiotherapy, the sequence of radiotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy, and the dose of the target area of radiotherapy were reviewed, aiming to provide more evidence for the application and optimization of radiotherapy combined with CAR-T cell therapy for R/R DLBCL.

Discussion on hot issues in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华消化外科杂志

Liver diseases are common in China and the incidence and mortality of primary liver cancer are among the top in the world. As one of the therapeutic methods for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver transplantation has become an important technique in hepatic surgery. Most of patients with HCC have progressed to stage B or C of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging when diagnosed. How to reduce the dropout rate of HCC patients due to the progression of tumor when waiting for liver transplantation, develop individualized immunosuppressant plans for HCC patients after liver transplantation, and accurately manage patients with HCC recurrence after liver transplan-tation are the current hotspots of research. The authors review the relevant literature, summarize the treatment experience, and discuss the hot issues in liver transplantation for HCC, in order to provide reference for related treatment.

Efficacy and safety analysis of the zanubrutinib-based bridging regimen in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To further elucidate the clinical efficacy and safety of a combination regimen based on the BTK inhibitor zebutanil bridging CD19 Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) in the treatment of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (r/r DLBCL) . Methods: Twenty-one patients with high-risk r/r DLBCL were treated with a zanubrutinib-based regimen bridging CAR-T between June 2020 and June 2023 at the Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, and the efficacy and safety were retrospectively analyzed. Results: All 21 patients were enrolled, and the median age was 57 years (range: 38-76). Fourteen patients (66.7%) had an eastern cooperative oncology group performance status score (ECOG score) of ≥2. Eighteen patients (85.7%) had an international prognostic index (IPI) score of ≥3. Three patients (14.3%) had an IPI score of 2 but had extranodal infiltration. Fourteen patients (66.7%) had double-expression of DLBCL and seven (33.3%) had TP53 mutations. With a median follow-up of 24.8 (95% CI 17.0-31.6) months, the objective response rate was 81.0%, and 11 patients (52.4%) achieved complete remission. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12.8 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was not reached. The 1-year PFS rate was 52.4% (95% CI 29.8% -74.3%), and the 1-year OS rate was 80.1% (95% CI 58.1% -94.6%). Moreover, 18 patients (85.7%) had grade 1-2 cytokine-release syndrome, and two patients (9.5%) had grade 1 immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. Conclusion: Zanubrutinib-based combination bridging regimen of CAR-T therapy for r/r DLBCL has high efficacy and demonstrated a good safety profile.

Incidência e Estudo Morfológico de Pontes Miocárdicas no Estado do Ceará: Um Estudo Cadavérico / Incidence and Morphological Study of Myocardial Bridge in the State of Ceará: A Cadaveric Study

Resumo Fundamento As pontes miocárdicas (PM) são anomalias anatômicas com possíveis repercussões clínicas, e, portanto, seu entendimento merece atenção. Objetivo Para determinar a prevalência e caracterizar a PM em corações humanos do estado do Ceará. Métodos: Foram usados cinquenta corações de cadáveres humanos adultos da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil. Os corações foram dissecados para identificar PMs que passam sobre parte da artéria coronária. O segmento da artéria (proximal, médio e distal) com a ponte foi identificado. O diâmetro externo da artéria nos pontos proximal e distal da PM foi medido. O comprimento e a espessura da PM também foram medidos com um calibre eletrônico. O índice de massa muscular (IMM) da PM foi calculado como o produto do comprimento pela espessura expresso em milímetros. O nível de significância adotado para a análise estatística foi 5%. Resultados A PM foi confirmada em 40% da amostra. Aproximadamente um terço da amostra tinha apenas 1 PM. A PM foi encontrada mais frequentemente sobre o ramo interventricular anterior da artéria coronária esquerda (59,25%, p = 0,02), e sua prevalência em outros ramos foi muito mais baixa (22,23%). Os segmentos das artérias mais afetados foram o superior (44,44%) e o médio (40,74%). O diâmetro médio das artérias proximais em relação à PM foi de 2,38 ± 0,97 mm (intervalo = 0,78 - 5,15 mm), e o diâmetro distal da PM foi de 1,71 ± 0,75 mm (intervalo = 0,42 - 3,58 mm). O comprimento foi medido como média = 8,55 ± 5,27 mm, e a espessura média foi de 0,89 ± 0,33 mm. Conclusão A alta prevalência de PM tem mais probabilidade de afetar o sistema da artéria coronária esquerda com IMM maior do que outros ramos afetados.

Abstract Background Myocardial bridges (MB) are anatomical anomalies with possible clinical repercussions; hence, their understanding deserves attention. Objective To determinate the prevalence and characterize MB in human hearts from the state of Ceará. Methods: Fifty hearts of adult human cadavers from the Medicine School of Federal University of Ceará, Brazil. The hearts were dissected to identify MBs that pass over part of the coronary artery. The segment of the artery (proximal, middle, and distal) with a bridge was identified. The external diameter of the artery at the proximal and distal points of the MB was measured. The length and thickness of the MB were also measured with an electronic caliper. The muscle index (MMI) of the MB was calculated as the product of length and thickness expressed in millimeters. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was 5%. Results MB was confirmed in 40% of sample. Approximately one third of the sample had only 1 MB. MB was most frequently found over the anterior interventricular branch of the left coronary artery (59.25%, p=0.02), and its prevalence in other branches was much lower (22.23%). The most affected segments of arteries were the superior (44.44%) and medium (40.74%). The mean diameter of arteries proximal to the MB was 2.38±0.97mm (range=0.78-5.15mm), and the diameter distal to the MB was 1.71±0.75mm (range=0.42-3.58mm). The length was measured as mean=8.55±5.27mm, while the mean thickness was 0.89±0.33mm. Conclusion A high prevalence of MB is more likely to affect the left coronary artery system with larger MMI than other affected branches.

Current status and progress on the application of ventricular assist device / 器官移植

At present, heart transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage heart failure. Nevertheless, the shortage of donors is becoming an increasingly severe challenge. In recent years, rapid development of mechanical circulatory support technologies has provided multiple therapeutic options for patients with end-stage heart failure. As an important mechanical circulatory support device, ventricular assist device (VAD) are divided into durable VAD (dVAD) and temporary VAD (tVAD) according to the duration of assistance. dVAD shows application potential in bridging heart transplantation, destination therapy and bridge to decision. With technological progress and experience accumulation in clinical application, VAD is evolving towards the direction of more biocompatible, lighter, more bionic and intelligent. In this article, the development of VAD, application status at home and abroad and the overall application of VAD in our hospital were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for promoting the clinical application of VAD in China.

Application of ECMO in pediatric heart transplantation / 器官移植

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) could pump the blood from human veins to the outside of the body, oxygenate the red blood cells in an artificial environment and then return them back into the body. ECMO could replace the heart and lungs to complete gas exchange and systemic blood perfusion in patients with severe cardiopulmonary insufficiency, which also plays an important role in the field of heart transplantation. Besides circulatory support treatment after heart transplantation, ECMO may also be used to prolong the waiting time for heart transplantation in patients with respiratory and circulatory failure before operation, as a bridging therapy for heart transplantation. However, at present, the application of ECMO in pediatric heart transplantation still exist challenges, such as high perioperative mortality and difficulty in determining the timing of treatment, etc. In this article, the development history of ECMO application in pediatric heart transplantation, use of ECMO before and after pediatric heart transplantation, ECMO-related complications in children, and application of ventricular assist device (VAD) in pediatric heart transplantation were briefly reviewed, aiming to provide reference for promoting the application of ECMO in pediatric heart transplantation.

Redes de gobernanza intermunicipal: aplicación de modelos de grafos aleatorios exponenciales en la región de Los Lagos, Chile / Redes de governança intermunicipal: aplicação de modelos de gráficos aleatórios exponenciais em Los Lagos, Chile / Inter-municipal governance networks: application of exponential random graph models in Los Lagos, Chile

Resumen Desde los noventa, la idea de gobernanza ha permeado los debates acerca de la transformación del Estado a escala regional, sin embargo, las dificultades de su operacionalización han limitado nuestro conocimiento. Este artículo busca contribuir con esta brecha, examinando la dimensión interjurisdiccional de la gobernanza regional. Aplicando la perspectiva de análisis de redes, se estudia la formación de las redes intermunicipales que se configuran a partir de diferentes mecanismos de colaboración. Con base en el marco de acción colectiva institucional, el artículo analiza la prevalencia de estructuras de relacionamiento asociadas a diferentes tipos de capital social (bonding - capital social vínculo ‒ y bridging - capital social puente ‒) en tres redes intermunicipales de la región de Los Lagos, en Chile. Por medio de la aplicación de modelos de grafos aleatorios exponenciales (ERGM), se obtiene evidencia para sustentar la consistente prevalencia de bonding en las tres redes estudiadas y su coexistencia con estructuras descentralizadas en las redes de mayor complejidad regional.

Resumo Desde a década de noventa, a ideia de governança permeou os debates sobre a transformação do Estado no âmbito regional, não obstante, as dificuldades de sua operacionalização têm limitado nosso conhecimento. Este artigo busca contribuir para essa lacuna, examinando a dimensão interjurisdicional da governança regional. Aplicando a perspectiva da análise de redes, estuda-se a formação de redes intermunicipais que se configuram a partir de diferentes mecanismos de colaboração. Com base no marco institucional da ação coletiva, o artigo analisa a prevalência de estruturas de relacionamento associadas a diferentes tipos de capital social (bonding/bridging) em três redes intermunicipais da região de Los Lagos, no Chile. Através da aplicação de modelos de gráficos aleatórios exponenciais (ERGM), obtêm-se evidências que suportam a prevalência consistente de bonding nas três redes estudadas e sua coexistência com estruturas descentralizadas em redes de maior complexidade regional.

Abstract The idea of governance has permeated the debates on the state's transformation at the regional level since the 1990s. However, operationalization difficulties have limited our knowledge of the phenomenon. This article contributes to filling this gap by examining the inter-jurisdictional dimension of regional governance. From a network perspective, the article studies the emergence of inter-municipal networks from different local collaborative mechanisms. Based on the institutional collective action framework, the study analyzes the prevalence of network structures associated with different types of social capital (bonding/bridging) in three inter-municipal networks in the Los Lagos Region in Chile. The application of exponential random graph models (ERGM) revealed evidence supporting the consistent prevalence of bonding in the three networks studied. The findings also showed the networks' coexistence with structures decentralized in more complex regional networks.

CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma: a practical toolkit for treatment in Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy is an emerging treatment option for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) that is a multi-step process involving various stakeholders. Appropriate education on the practical logistics is therefore paramount to ensure treatment success. Methods A group of key opinion leaders met to explore the key elements of setting up and running a CAR-T center in Brazil. For each step in the CAR-T cell therapy process, the experts agreed on basic requirements, gave their key recommendations from practical experience, and considered any remaining unanswered questions. Results This paper presents best-practice recommendations and advice on how to overcome common challenges for each step in the CAR-T cell therapy process, with a focus on the current situation in Brazil. Key themes throughout the process are collaboration within the multidisciplinary team and with the referring physician, along with communication and education for patients and their caregivers. Conclusion We believe that the expert insights presented in this paper, in particular on optimal patient selection and timing of CAR-T cell therapy, will deepen understanding of the CAR-T process and aid implementation of this novel therapy for patients with RRMM in Brazil.

Perioperative Management of Patients with Prosthetic Heart Valves?A Narrative Review

Worldwide, about 13% of the 200,000 annual recipients of prosthetic heart valves (PHV) present for various surgical procedures. Also, more and more females are opting for pregnancies after having PHV. All patients with PHV present unique challenges for the anesthesiologists, surgeons and obstetricians (in case of deliveries). They have to deal with the perioperative management of anticoagulation and a host of other issues involved. We reviewed the English language medical literature relevant to the different aspects of perioperative management of patients with PHV, particularly the guidelines of reputed societies that appeared in the last 20 years. Regression of cardiac pathophysiology following valve replacement is variable both in extent and timeline. The extent to which reverse remodeling occurs depends on the perioperative status of the heart. We discussed the perioperative assessment of patients with PHV, including focused history and relevant investigations with the inferences drawn. We examined the need for prophylaxis against infective endocarditis and management of anticoagulation in such patients in the perioperative period and the guidelines of reputed societies. We also reviewed the conduct of anesthesia, including general and regional anesthesia (neuraxial and peripheral nerve/plexus blocks) in such patients. Finally, we discussed the management of delivery in this group of high?risk patients. From the discussion of different aspects of perioperative management of patients with PHV, we hope to guide in formulating the comprehensive plan of management of safe anesthesia in such patients.

Myocardial bridging – Sudden unexpected death of a young girl: A case report

Myocardial bridging (MB) is a relatively uncommon congenital anomaly where a segment of the coronary artery dips inside the myocardium and takes a tunneled course under a bridge of the myocardium. This leads to the compression of the coronary artery during systole resulting in hemodynamic changes and their clinical manifestations. However, it is an incidental finding but can present with multiple complications like myocardial ischemia, infarction, and sudden death, primarily when associated with other risk factors like left ventricular hypertrophy of the heart. Therefore, a careful examination of the heart is essential for evaluating the clinical significance of the MB. Here, we presented a case of a 30-year-old young female who had a sudden death, and her histological examination of the heart showed MB of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD).

Management of Comminuited Intra/Juxta Articular Fracture of Distal Radius Using Bridging External Fixator

Background: Distal radius fractures are the third most common osteoporotic fractures and are frequently treated in emergency department. They have a trimodal peak of occurrence and there has been a significant increase in incidence of involvement in elderly females and young males. Management of these fractures comes with lots of treatment options and challenges to provide good functional outcome. This prospective study was done for the management of communited intra/juxta articular fractures of distal end radius using a bridging external fixator on 25 patients. The principle of ligamentotaxis was used for alignment of fracture fragments and wrist spanning external fixator was used to maintain the fracture reduction.Methods:25 patients of either sex with age group 16 to 80 years were taken from the orthopedic department. After proper primary care, cases were classified using Fernandez classification, and posted for surgery as soon as investigations and fitness were taken.Results:Patients involved in the study were in range of 16 to 78 years with 16 patients having dominant side with road traffic accident as leading cause.Radiological union was seen at an average of 7.3 weeks, 4 patients had superficial pin tract infection, 3 patients had stiffnes and a single case had malunion. Conclusions:Modified clinical scoring system of Green and O払rien was used to evaluate the overall functional results which showed excellent to good results in 84% of cases. Hence, properly planned and executed bridging external fixator is an easy, cost-effective and reliable treatment modality through the 揚rinciple of Ligamentotaxis�.

Effect of Systemic Administration of Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor on Rate of Fracture Healing of Bone Defect in Goats as Animal Model

@#Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) serves as an important cytokine in haematopoiesis; released at both physiological and pathological conditions by a range of cells. We hypothesized that the systemic administration of G-CSF would produce an accelerated fracture-healing rate in non-union bone defects; thus, potentially leading to useful clinical applications. Ten male adult Katjang goats, weighing about 15-26 kilograms were randomly chosen and a tibial bone defect was induced in each animal. The defect was maintained by internal fixation with a titanium plate and reinforced by an external fiberglass cast. Post-operative radiographs were performed twice weekly and radiographic assessments were performed by evaluating the bridging and union measurements through a validated method. In the treatment group, the time for bridging and union exhibited statistically significant differences when compared with a control group. The outcomes of the present study establishing a notion that administration of G-CSF besides inducing haematopoiesis, promotes healing of fractures and non-union bone defects as well.

Clinical study of Yiqi-Tongmai Decoction on qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome of isolated coronary artery muscle bridge angina pectoris / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Yiqi-Tongmai Decoction on isolated coronary muscle bridge angina patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Methods:A total of 64 patients with isolated coronary artery muscular bridge angina pectoris with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University from April 2016 to January 2020 who met the inclusion criteria were divided into 2 groups by random number table method, with 32 patients in each group. The control group took diltiazem hydrochloride tablets orally, and the treatment group took Yiqi-Tongmai Decoction on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. The TCM syndrome scores were observed before and after treatment, and Seattle Angina Questionnaire was assessed for patient's quality of life and functional status. The exercise ECG test was observed before and after treatment, and the cause of angina pectoris need to be recorded, including the movement time and plate movement caused by time of ST segment in electrocardiogram (ecg) and dynamic evolution. Results:The total effective rate of angina pectoris was 84.38% (27/32) in the treatment group, and 53.13% (17/32) in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=8.09, P<0.05). After treatment, the degree of physical activity limitation (69.24 ± 14.21 vs. 59.42 ± 11.71, Z=-2.61), stable state of angina (82.25 ± 21.24 vs. 69.11 ± 19.52, Z=2.64), angina (80.24 ± 18.31 vs. 69.11 ± 15.54, Z=2.63), treatment satisfaction (86.16 ± 19.23 vs. 61.19 ± 17.35, Z=2.22), degree of disease cognition (74.41 ± 21.13 vs. 60.43 ± 19.42, Z=2.40) scores in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). In the treatment group, the time of exercise-induced angina pectoris [(476.15 ± 62.15)s vs. (399.38 ± 78.42)s, Z=-2.08], the time of ST segment descending 1 mm after exercise [(394.54 ± 75.61)s vs. (309.64 ± 81.62)s, Z=-2.40] in the treatment group were significantly longer than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The total effective rate of TCM syndrome was 93.8% (30/32) in the treatment group and 65.6% (21/32) in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=7.96, P<0.05). The TCM syndrome scores of the treatment group (25.15 ± 6.15 vs. 36.38 ± 10.42, Z=-2.56) in the treatment group were significantly lower than that of the control group ( P<0.05). There were no obvious adverse reactions in both groups during treatment. Conclusion:Yiqi-Tongmai Decoction can improve the clinical symptoms of isolated coronary artery muscle bridge angina pectoris with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, reduce the onset of angina pectoris, delay the time of exercise induced angina pectoris, and improve the clinical efficacy.

Considerations on Clinical Development and Regulatory of the Oversea License-in Anti-tumor Drugs / 中国肺癌杂志

With the boom of China's innovative pharmaceutical industry, licensing-in model has gradually become an important research and development model for innovative pharmaceutical companies. The in-licensed drugs at different stages need different research and development (R&D) strategy in China. The pharmaceutical companies take the responsibility to comprehensively collate the oversea clinical data and conduct a detailed analysis of clinical pharmacology, safety, efficacy and ethnic sensitivity. Clinical R&D strategy should be made based on the results of the above data and analysis. We encourage high-quality drugs which fill unmet clinical needs licensed in, and as early as possible, so as to conduct multi-regional clinical trials (MRCTs). The clinical R&D strategy in China is particularly important for the drug's approval. Guidelines published by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and clinical associations should be followed. Communications about clinical R&D strategy with Center of Drug Evaluation (CDE) are encouraged.
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The Outcome of Fixing Distal Femur Periprosthetic Fracture around Total Knee Replacement using a Locking Plate Non-Contact Bridging (NCB)

@#Introduction: Surgical fixation of peri-prosthetic distal femur fractures around knee replacements poses a challenge, especially in frail patients, with variable outcomes reported in the literature. This study looks at the outcomes of a consecutive series of patients presenting with such fractures and treated by using a locking plate fixation. Materials and methods: A total of 21 consecutive patients who were admitted to our trauma unit over 31 months and underwent fixation with the Non-Contact Polyaxial Locking plate system were retrospectively identified and their acute treatment with follow-up outcomes were analysed. Results: The mean age was 81 years and 71% were in ASA grades 3 and 4. Fracture morphologies were classified as per the Su classification, yielding 8 (38%) classified as Su one, 4 (19%) as Su two, and 9 (43%) as Su type three. Postoperatively, 2 patients (9.5%) died due to hospital-acquired pneumonia, and another 2 patients (9.5%) developed wound infections necessitating further return to theatre. Additionally, 2 (9.5%) patients had distal femoral replacements due to non-union. Mean discharge time was 28 days with 12 patients (55% of patients) starting protected weight-bearing six weeks after surgery. Conclusion: The incidence of morbidity, mortality was significant and re-operation was required in patients treated as described, and these were partly attributed to the patient’s average age and the pre-existing comorbidities. Significant variations were noted in the time to discharge, rehabilitation, and time to achieve fracture union. However, the majority of fractures did eventually unite. Patients with comminuted fractures and insufficient bone stock are more likely to progress to non-union and end up requiring revision knee arthroplasty.

Clinical study of pre-transplant immunotherapy effects on the prognosis of recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of pre-transplant immunotherapy on the prognosis of transplant recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods:From June 2018 to September 2021, retrospective analysis was conducted for clinical data of 19 HCC-liver transplant recipients receiving pre-transplant immunotherapy in affiliated Huashan Hospital of Fudan University. Pre-transplant immunotherapy regimen, adverse reactions, post-transplant acute rejection, tumor recurrence and metastasis and other complications were recorded. According to the preoperative tumor imaging and the changes of alpha-fetoprotein level, tumor change during recipient waiting period was judged by the mRECIST standard. According to whether or not there was partial tumor remission, they were divided into two groups of non-remission( n=13)and remission( n=6). Postoperative conditions of two groups were compared. Kaplan-Meier method was used for calculating the survival rate of recipients after transplantation and survival curve and Log-rank test utilized for comparing the recurrence-free and overall survival rates of recipients at 1 and 2 years post-operation. Results:A total of 19 liver transplant recipients received immunotherapy plus targeted and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) before transplant. In non-remission group, tumor was stable( n=9)and progressive( n=4); 6 cases in remission group had tumor partial remission. Two recipients in non-remission group were pathologically confirmed by liver biopsy to have acute rejection(2/19, 10.5%)and both recovered after glucocorticoid + rATG and glucocorticoid therapy. In non-remission group, 2 patients died from septic shock post-operation. Among 3 patients of tumor recurrence and metastasis post-operation, 2 cases survived with tumor and 1 died after tumor recurrence and metastasis. In remission group( n=6), none had postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis. The recurrence-free survival rates of non-remission group recipients at 1 and 2 years post-operation were 76.9% and 76.9% and recurrence-free survival rates in remission group were 100% and 100% respectively and inter-group difference in RFS was not statistically significant( χ2=1.468, P=0.226). The overall survival rates of recipients in non-remission group at 1 and 2 years post-operation were 76.9% and 76.9% respectively. And recipients in remission group were 100% and 100% respectively and no statistically significant inter-group difference existed in OS( χ2=1.292, P=0.256). Conclusions:Without a significantly higher risk of acute rejection after transplant, immunotherapy may be an effective option for bridging treatment before liver transplantation for HCC. And it remains necessary to expand the sample size for verifications and supports.

Safety and feasibility of bridging with low molecular weight heparin in patients scheduled for percutaneous nephrolithotomy undergoing long-term antithrombotic therapy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) bridging program in the perioperative period of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) for long-term antithrombotic patients.Methods:The clinical data of 50 patients who received long-term antithrombotic therapy with mPCNL in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from January 2013 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Perioperative anticoagulation plans were drawn up after discussion with an internist. Patients with high thrombosis risk were bridged with LMWH during the perioperative period. Resumed LMWH anticoagulation within 48 hours after surgery. Patients with low or medium thrombosis risk directly discontinued anticoagulation one week before surgery. Preoperative anticoagulation was resumed within 48 hours after removing the nephrostomy tube in all patients. We analyzed the general information before surgery, data during surgery, postoperative hemoglobin changes and stone-free rate (SRF) of all cases. 21 patients were treated with LMWH bridging (bridging group), and 29 patients were directly discontinued with anticoagulant drugs (non-bridging group). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in age [(59.7±7.1) vs. (52.4±10.4)years] , gender [(male/female), 14/7 vs. 19/10], BMI [ (24.3±3.9) kg/m 2 vs. (24.7±5.1) kg/m 2], S. T.O.N.E. score (7.4±1.1 vs. 6.9±1.0), stone surface area [ 314.0(31.4-1 130.4) mm 2 vs. 282.5(64.7-866.0) mm 2], the number of calculi involved in calyces (6/15 vs. 13/16) and stone-related surgical history [ 34% (7/21) vs. 24% (7/29) ]. Results:In the bridging group, 18 patients (86%) performed single-channel mPCNL, 3 patients (14%) underwent dual-channel mPCNL, and the operation time was 80 (35-180) min. In the non-bridging group, 27 patients (93%) underwent single-channel mPCNL, 2 patients (7%) performed dual-channel mPCNL, and the operation time was 80 (30-60) min. The mean changes in hemoglobin in the bridging group and the non-bridging group was 18 (-2 -66) g/L and 14 (-25-64) g/L, respectively ( P = 0.073). The average postoperative hospital stay in the bridging group was (8.6 ± 3.5) days, and the non-bridging group was (7.1 ± 2.3) days ( P= 0.057). Two patients in each group received blood transfusion, and no patients received interventional embolization. The SRF of bridging group and non-bridging group was 81.0% (17/21) vs. 75.9% (22/29) ( P = 0.67) 1 month after the operation. During the perioperative period, no patients had thrombotic complications. Conclusions:When mPCNL was required for long-term antithrombotic treatment patients, the use of LWMH alternatives during the perioperative period did not increase bleeding related complications.