Signaling Pathways Related to Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Treated by Chinese Medicine： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy （DPN） is one of the common complications of diabetes. The disease has a long course with nerve pain and other symptoms， seriously affecting the quality of life of patients. DPN is related to high glucose in vivo， inflammation， oxidative stress， apoptosis， and autophagy， involving phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt）， Janus kinase （JAK）/signal transducer and activator of transcription （STAT）， nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）， mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）， and other signaling pathways. At present， the treatment of DPN mainly focuses on symptomatic treatments such as blood glucose control and neurotrophic therapy， but the effect is not ideal. Therefore， it is particularly important to select a reasonable and effective drug to prevent and treat DPN. In recent years， Chinese medicine has played an important role in the treatment of DPN. Many studies have explored the mechanism of Chinese medicine in the treatment of DPN， and it has been found that some Chinese medicine monomers and compounds can regulate signaling pathways to prevent and treat DPN. This paper reviewed the research results of signaling pathways involved in DPN and the regulation of related pathways by Chinese medicine， aiming to provide references for the clinical treatment of DPN.

Predictive Value of Depth of Invasion of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma for Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis and Prognosis / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the predictive value of depth of invasion (DOI) of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) for cervical lymph node metastasis and prognosis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and pathological data of 73 patients with T1/2 TSCC. ROC curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of DOI for predicting cervical lymph node metastasis, and logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the related factors affecting cervical lymph node metastasis of TSCC. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used for survival analysis. Results Among 73 patients, 18 patients were with lymph node metastasis and 55 patients were without lymph node metastasis. The median DOI with and without lymph node metastasis were 8.00 and 5.00 mm, respectively (P=0.003). The optimal cut-off value for DOI was 6.15 mm, with AUC 0.75 (95%CI: 64.1%~87.1%, P=0.001), sensitivity 77.8% and specificity 63.6%. DOI and pathological differentiation were independent prognostic factors for cervical lymph node metastasis in multivariate analysis. DOI, nerve invasion and pathological differentiation were independent prognostic factors of survival in Cox regression analysis. Conclusion DOI of TSCC patients has important predictive value for both cervical lymph node metastasis and prognosis. Neck lymph node dissection is recommended for patients with DOI > 6.15 mm to improve survival rate and reduce recurrence rate.

Efficacy and safety of vandetanib on advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma: single center result from a phase Ⅲ study / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective@#There is no effective therapy for patients with advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Vandetanib,a novel multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has previously shown antitumor activity in phase Ⅱ studies of patients with advanced MTC. This study was to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of vandetanib on advanced MTC.@*Methods@#This study was an open, international multi-center phase Ⅲ clinical trial and the study number was NCT01298323. The single-center study was a sub-group analysis of the international study, which was conducted on 9 pathologically confirmed advanced MTC patients by Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between March 2012 and October 2017. Vandetanib (300 mg) was orally administered daily till death or withdrawal. The efficacy was evaluated according to RECIST criteria and the adverse events were evaluated according to NCI criteria.@*Results@#The objective response rate was 3/9,and the disease control rate was 4/9. The median progression-free survival was 44 months. All patients who had the elevated levels of calcitonin (CTN) and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) before treatment began to show the decreases in the level of CTN and CEA after 3 months and later showed again the increases in the levels of both tumor markers with tumor progression. By ROC curve analysis, CTN was of statistically significance(P<0.05, 95%CI 0.558-0.834), but CEA was not(P>0.05). Adverse events were generally mild (grade 1 or 2),including hypertension (9 cases),skin rash (9 cases), and diarrhea (6 cases). Two patients developed grade 3 elevation of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase and one patient developed grade 3 elevation of drug-related bowel disease. No grade 4 drug-related adverse event occurred.@*Conclusions@#Vandetanib is effective and well tolerated for patients with locally advanced or metastatic MTC who have no chance for surgery. This indicates the increase of CTN is clinically relevant to disease progression, but the number of patients are extremely low, and, therefore further research is needed. Long-term use of vandetanib may cause resistance.

Dye-tattooing under ultrasound guidance in preoperative localization of neck recurrences from thyroid cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the application of dye-tattooing under ultrasound guidance in preoperative localization of neck recurrences from thyroid cancer.@*Methods@#Between October 2014 to September 2016, 25 patients with 34 lesions were enrolled. There were 22 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma and three cases of medullary thyroid carcinoma, all of which could not be detected by computed tomography. Surgeons located the recurrent lesions using dye-tattooing under ultrasound guidance along with radiologist three days before the operation.@*Results@#All lesions were successfully located (100%), 32 of which were located directly and two of which were located indirectly. Postoperative pathological examination confirmed 25 metastases of papillary thyroid carcinoma, two metastases of medullary thyroid carcinoma, and seven cases of false positives. The accuracy of ultrasound diagnosis was 79.4%. After 15 months of follow-up, neither tumor residual nor recurrences was detected according to imaging tests.@*Conclusions@#Dye-tattooing under ultrasound guidance represents a reliable and safe method for localization of neck recurrences from thyroid cancer. The cooperation between experienced surgeons and radiologists will be crucial to successful location.

Central compartment reoperation for recurrent/persistent differentiated thyroid cancer / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective@#To analyze the incidences of complications after central compartment reoperation for recurrent/persistent differentiated thyroid cancer, and to investigate the safety and feasiblity of central compartment reoperation.@*Methord@#A total of 109 patients who underwent central compartment reoperation for recurrent/persistent differentiated thyroid cancer from January 1, 2011 to March 31, 2016 in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences was analysed retrospectively, and the incidences of reoperation-related complications were evaluated.@*Results@#Among 109 patients, only 10 (9.2%) patients were treated initially in our hospital and remaining patients (90.8%) treated initially in the other hospitals. Surgical approaches for thyroid beds: 61 patients (56.0%) underwent supplemented total thyroidectomy, 3 patients (2.8%) for removal of recurrent thyroid cancer, 2 patients (1.8%) with supplemented total thyroidectomy and removal of recurrent thyroid cancer, and 12 cases (11.0%) had bilateral thyroid lobectomy. Central compartment lymph node dissection: 66 patients (60.6%) underwent bilateral central neck dissection, 40 patients (36.7%) with unilateral central neck dissection. A total of 16 patients (14.7%) had complications. Transient and permanent vocal fold paralysis developed in 9(8.3%) and 2(1.8 %) patients, respectively. Transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 2(1.8%) patients and 11 patients (10.1%), respectively. Postoperative bleeding happened in 1 patient (0.9%). with follow-up from 7 to 61 month, median follow-up was 17.2 months. All patients survived, with recurrence in 3 (2.8%) patients.@*Conclusions@#It seems the incidences of complications for thyroid carcinoma reoperation in central compartment is low for the experienced surgeon. The reoperation was safe and feasible.

Comparative research of the Harmonic Focus? and Ligasure Small Jaw? in open thyroid surgery / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:In recent years, energy-based instruments have been widely used in today’s open surgeries. Harmonic Focus? (HF) and Ligasure Small Jaw? (LSJ) are both custom-made for thyroid open surgery. This study aimed to explore the effcacy and safety of HF and LSJ in open thyroidectomy.Methods:The data from patients who undertook total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection by the same surgeon during last year in this hospital were reviewed. HF was used in 100 patients, and LSJ was used in 104 patients. The effectiveness was appraised by comparing operation time and postoperative volume of drainage on the ifrst postoperative day. The safety was appraised by comparing the incidence of postoperative complications.Results:The results of the effectiveness:the average duration of operation was (95.8±18.0) min for HF group, and (97.8±19.1) min for LSJ group, there was no statistical signiifcance (P=0.363). Postoperative volume of drainage on the ifrst postoperative day was (35.2±20.3) mL for HF group, and (36.3±23.8) mL for LSJ group, there was no statistical signiifcance (P=0.977). One patient (1.0%) had temporary vocal cord paralysis in HF and one had postoperative hematoma (1.0%) in LSJ group. Temporary hypo-parathyroidism was detected in 18 patients (18.0%) of HF group, and 16 patients (15.4%) of LSJ group. The decline of parathyroid hormone during the ifrst postoperative day was (12.3±12.8) pg/mL in HF group, and (13.9±13.4) pg/mL in LSJ group. The decline of serum calcium was (0.20±0.13) mg/dL in HF group, and (0.20±0.16) mg/dL in LSJ group. There were all no statistical signiifcances (P>0.05).Conclusion:Both HF and LSJ are safe and effective in open thy-roidectomy without similar operative complications.

Clinical experience with the supraclavicular flap to reconstruct head and neck defects / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy of pedicled supraclavicular artery island flaps for head and neck reconstruction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Reconstructive surgeries for head and neck oncologic defects were performed with the pedicled supraclavicular artery island flaps in 10 patients from May 2013 to December 2014 and the cases were review. Among them, 6 were performed for hypopharyngeal cancer, 2 for oral tongue cancer, 1 for oral base cancer and 1 for cervical esophageal cancer. The size of the flaps was measured in (5-8) cm × (6-12) cm.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seven flaps survived, one flap failured and two flaps had partial necrosis. Donor sites were closed primarily without morbidity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The pedicled supraclavicular artery island flap is an easy harvesting and reliable for head and neck reconstruction, especially suitable for otolaryngo-head and neck surgeon and maxillofacial surgeon in the local hospital.</p>

Clinical features of familial non-medullary thyroid cancer patients / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the clinical features of familial non-medullary thyroid cancers, and to discuss their management.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty thyroid cancer patients with familial non-medullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC) history during Sep. 2003 to Sep. 2012 were collected as study group, and another 60 sporadic thyroid cancer patients were randomly chosen as control. We compared the differences of their clinical features.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were diagnosed as thyroid papillary carcinoma. The study group included 40 female and 20 male patients. There were 16 cases in stage T1, 37 in stage T3, and 7 in stage T4. The patients were 21-66-year old ( median age 42-years). The control group included 49 female and 11 male patients. The patients were 24- to 78-year old, and the median age was 45.5 years. 43.3% of the patients in the study group and 18.3% of the patients in the control group had bilateral carcinomas (P = 0.003). There were multifocal lesions in 53.3% of the patients in the study group and 35.0% of the control group, local invasion in 73.3% of the patients in the study group and 55.0% of the control group, and coexisting benign thyroid diseases in 81.7% of the patients of the study group and 50.0% of the control group (P < 0.05 for all). There were cervical lymph node metastases in 60.0% of the patients in the study group and 38.3% in the control group (P = 0.018). In the study group, 32 cases were of parent-offspring type and 28 cases of sibling type. Among the parent-offspring type patients, the median onset age of the first generation offsprings was 58 years, and that of the second generation offsprings was 32 years (P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer, especially in parent-offspring type patients, is more aggressive than sporadic nonmedullary thyroid cancer, and often involves bilateral lobes, has multifocality, and combines with benign thyroid diseases. We recommend a total thyroidectomy for treatment, and to screen all the family members >20 years old, with ultrasonography for early diagnosis and treatment.</p>

Influence on Angiogenesis Factor and Expression of Its Receptor Protein of Estrogen-induced Uterine Fibroids Rat Model with Yi-Qi Xiao-Zheng Method / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study was aimed to observe the influence on angiogenesis factor and expression of its receptor protein on estrogen-induced uterine fibroids rat models with Y i-Qi Xiao-Zheng (YQXZ) method, in order to explore the mechanism of this method in the inhibition of angiogenesis in the treatment of uterine fibroids. Castration and estro-gen-induced method were used in the establishment of guinea pig uterine fibroids rat model. And then, different doses of Chinese medicine of YQXZ method were given. The immunohistochemical method was used in the detection of microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression of the uterine tissues. The RT-PCR method was used to detect the expression of VEGFR1 mRNA and VEGFR2 mRNA. Then, statistical analysis was given on indexes mentioned above. The results showed that compared with the normal control group, ex-pression of MVD, VEGF and VEGFR of uterine muscle tissues in the model group was significantly higher (P <0.01). Compared with the model group, Chinese medicine group of different doses showed different reducing. Among them, the high-dose group was the most obvious one. It showed that the high-dose Chinese medicine of YQXZ group was able to significantly inhibit the expression of MVD, VEGF and theirs receptors. It was concluded that YQXZ method can antagonize proliferation of the leiomyoma cell by inhibiting angiogenesis. Therefore, it may be one of the mechanisms of this method in the treatment of uterine fibroids.

Endovascular repair of symptomatic penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer of the thoracic aorta / 中华普通外科杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate endovascular repair(EVAR) of penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU) of the thoracic aorta.MethodsThere were 12 cases of PAU treated at our department. All the cases had severe acute thoracic pain. Computer tomography angiography (CTA) showed well outlined ulcer in 12 cases, intramural hematoma in 8 cases. EVARs were done under general anaesthesia and 12 stent grafts were used. Two cases received by-pass procedure ahead of EVARs because of main branches involved.Patients were followed up with CTA from 12 months to 4 years( median 36 months).ResultsA total of 12 stent grafts were implanted to 12 patients.The average diameter of stent graft was ( 35.7 ± 2. 5 ) mm(32-40 mm) , length was ( 163 ± 19) mm ( 152-202 mm). There was a very small internal leakage in one case with large size ulcer after implantation of stent graft, other ulcers were excluded completely. Primary technical success rate was 100％. There were no perioperative death and severe complications. All cases were free from symptoms after operation and alive during follow-up. CTA showed satisfactory results without internal leakage.The small leakage in the case disappeared within 3 months.ConclusionsBeing miniinvasive and effective, EVAR is the choice of therapy for symptomatic PAU.

Preliminary observation of pemetrexed combined with cisplatin in the treatment after the treatment failure of anthracycline and taxane in advanced metastatic breast cancer / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:At present,the treatment of metastatic breast cancer has remained diff icult for patients who have failed after the use of anthracycline and taxane,so the treatment options for those with advanced metastatic breast cancer are very limited.Therefore,pemetrexed combined with cisplatin in the treatment of anthracycline and taxane failed advanced metastatic breast cancer patients,its effi cacy and adverse reactions were studied.Methods:10 patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer patients received pemetrexed and cisplatin chemotherapy,pemetrexed 500mg/m2 intravenous infusion,cisplatin 75mg/m2 intravenous drip,repeated every 3 weeks.Evaluation of response and adverse reactions were practiced every 2 cycles.Results:10 patients were evaluable,CR 1 patient,PR 4 patients,SD 2 patients,PD 3 patients.With a median follow-up of 6 months(4-18 months),8 patients survived and 2 patients died.The median time to progression was 4 months(3-14 months),the median survival time was 8 months(4-18 months).The most common adverse reaction was fatigue,white blood cells decrease and the digestive tract reactions,followed by oral ulcers.Conclusion:Pemetrexed combined with cisplatin in the treatment of anthracycline and taxane treatment failed patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer could improve survival,adverse reactions could be tolerated.

Carotid endarterectomy for patients with atherosclerotic occlusive diseases / 中国普通外科杂志

Objective To evaluate carotid endarterectomy for patients with atherosclerotic occlusive diseases. Method Surgical experience of endarterectomy in 32 patients with atherosclerotic occlusive diseases was retrospectively analyzed. Internal carotid artery stem pressure was measured during operation. Shunting was used routinely. Patching was used electively. Anti-platelet agents and agents reducing plasma fibrinogen were given perioperatively. Result There was no perioperative mortality, nor ischemic cerebral stroke. Patients were followed-up from 5 months to 20 months with no occurrence of ischemic cerebral stroke during the follow-up. One case presented dysfunction of hypoglossal nerve. Two cases presented dilation of carotid artery on ultrasound scan. There were no restenosis (≥50%) and thrombosis. Conclusion Carotid endarterectomy for patients with atherosclerotic occlusive diseases of carotid artery is effective and safe. Careful performance, shunting, patching and the correct order of clamps removing are the keys of preventing complications.

Effects of endovascular radiation on the levels of plasma nitric oxide and endothelin-1 in rabbits following carotid endarterectomy / 中国现代普通外科进展

Objective:To find the possible mechanisms of endovascular radiation in the prevention of restenosis in rabbits following carotid endarterectomy and to observe the dose effect relationship.Methods:Twenty four rabbits were randomly divided into three groups following carotid endarterectomy (each n=8) and were allocated to receive a radiation dose of 0,10,20Gy( 32 P)respectively.Changes in the levels of plasma nitric oxide(NO) and endothelin 1(ET 1)were measured 3 day before operation and 3,7,14,28 day after operation.Results:The plasma NO was markedly increased and ET 1 was markedly decreased in endovascular radiation groups compared to control groups.The results were similar in the two groups(10Gy versus 20Gy).Conclusion:The endovascular radiation may inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration,and thus prevent restenosis by increasing NO and decreasing the level of ET 1.Changes of the levels of plasma NO and ET 1 is a practicable methods to detect the effect of therapy.

Clinical observation of temozolomide combined with radiotherapy for 18 cases of newly diagnosed high grade gliomas / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:The prognosis of high grade gliomas remains poor, and multidisciplinary treatment strategy has been much investigated recently. This study was to explore the efficacy of Temozolomide as first-line treatment combined with radiotherapy and followed by adjuvant chemotherapy for the treatment of newly diagnosed high grade gliomas. Methods:18 patients who had been pathologically proven to be high grade gliomas were enrolled into the study. The patients received 40 Gy/20fractions for the whole brain and followed by 20Gy/10fractions as a boost to tumor bed. All of the patients were given daily oral temozolomide 75mg/ m2 during radiotherapy. 4 weeks after radiotherapy, all of the patients received 6 cycles of Temozolomide, each cycle lasted 5 days with 28 days interval between each cycles. 150 mg/m2 of temozolomide was given for the first cycle for five days,followd by 200 mg/m2 of drug for the rest of the cycles if no significant drug related toxicities were observed. Results:Median follow-up was 12.5 months, 11 cases had either recurrence or progression, 5 of them died from the disease. The median time for disease progression-free survival was 9.8 months (95% CI, 6.1~9.8months), the median time for overall survival was 14 months (95% CI, 8.5 ~ 19.5months), 1-year overall survival rate was 55.6% ,6-month progression-free survival rate was 81.8%. there were no severe temozolomide related toxicities. Conclusion: Concurrent temozolomide with radiotherapy and followed by 6 cycles of temozolomide in the treatment of high grade gliomas had better clinical efficacy, the patients tolerated the strategy well and no severe toxicities were observed.

Construction and identification of rat vascular endothelial growth factor recombinant adenovirus-mediated gene transfer system / 中国普通外科杂志

Objective To construct the recombinant adenovirus vector carrying rat vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) as preparation for later use for genetic transfection.Methods Rat VEGF was obtained by using RT-PCR amplification and then cloned into the shutter plasmid pDC316.Subsequently,this newly constructed plasmid pDC316-VEGF,after identification by nuclease digestion analysis and sequencing analysis,was transfected into human embryonic kidney cells HEK293 by lipofectamine 2000 mediation,together with adenovirus-packaging plasmid pBHGE3.Based on the homologous recombination of the two plasmids within HEK293 cells,the recombinant adenovirus vector carrying VEGF,VDC316-VEGF,was created.VDC316-VEGF was subsequently identified using PCR,purified using repeated plaque passages,proliferated using freezing and melting within HEK293 cells,and titrated using 50% Tissue Culture Infective Dose(TCID50) assay.Results The newly constructed recombinant adenovirus was confirmed carrying rat VEGF by PCR,and its titration value determined based on TCID50 assay was 3?109pfu/ml.Conclusions The recombinant adenovirus carrying rat VEGF was successfully constructed.The newly constructed adenovirus can produce a sufficiently high titration value within HEK293 cells,providing a reliable tool for genetic transfection in further gene therapy researches.

Surgical management for ruptured abdomnial aortic aneurysm:a report of twelve cases / 中国普通外科杂志

Objective To explore the diagnosis and management of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm(RAAA).Methods Twelve patients with RAAA treated in past 7 years were revienled retrospectively.The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain and / or back pain,low blood pressure or shock,and pulsating abdominal mass.All cases were accurately diagnosed with CT and 7 were treated by conventional operation,one by EVAR,and the other 4 did not receive surgical treatment.Results Perioperative death occurred in 5 cases(mortality rate was 62.5%) in 8 surgical treated patients,including circulatory failure in 2 cases,renal failure in 1 case,and multiple organ failure in 2 cases.All the 4 patients treated with nonoperative method were dead.Conclusions Surgical operation in RAAA cases still carried a high mortality.Early dignosis,appropriate resuscitation,urgent surgical repair,reduction of operative time,and infrarenal clamping are measures conducive to lowering the mortality rate of RAAA.EVAR has the potential to reduce the mortality rate from RAAA.