Not only baseline but cumulative exposure of remnant cholesterol predicts the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIM@#Remnant cholesterol (remnant-C) mediates the progression of major adverse cardiovascular events. It is unclear whether remnant-C, and particularly cumulative exposure to remnant-C, is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to explore whether remnant-C, not only baseline but cumulative exposure, can be used to independently evaluate the risk of NAFLD.@*METHODS@#This study included 1 cohort totaling 21,958 subjects without NAFLD at baseline who underwent at least 2 repeated health checkups and 1 sub-cohort totaling 2,649 subjects restricted to those individuals with at least 4 examinations and no history of NAFLD until Exam 3. Cumulative remnant-C was calculated as a timeweighted model for each examination multiplied by the time between the 2 examinations divided the whole duration. Cox regression models were performed to estimate the association between baseline and cumulative exposure to remnant-C and incident NAFLD.@*RESULTS@#After multivariable adjustment, compared with the quintile 1 of baseline remnant-C, individuals with higher quintiles demonstrated significantly higher risks for NAFLD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.48, 95%CI 1.31-1.67 for quintile 2; HR 2.07, 95%CI 1.85-2.33 for quintile 3; HR 2.55, 95%CI 2.27-2.88 for quintile 4). Similarly, high cumulative remnant-C quintiles were significantly associated with higher risks for NAFLD (HR 3.43, 95%CI 1.95-6.05 for quintile 2; HR 4.25, 95%CI 2.44-7.40 for quintile 3; HR 6.29, 95%CI 3.59-10.99 for quintile 4), compared with the quintile 1.@*CONCLUSION@#Elevated levels of baseline and cumulative remnant-C were independently associated with incident NAFLD. Monitoring immediate levels and longitudinal trends of remnant-C may need to be emphasized in adults as part of NAFLD prevention strategy.

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.

Prevalência de Blastocystis sp. em moradores de uma comunidade quilombola na região pantaneira do estado de Mato Grosso / Prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in inhabitants of a quilombola community in the pantanal region of Mato Grosso state / Prevalencia de Blastocystis sp. en habitantes de una comunidad quilombola de la región del pantanal del estado de Mato Grosso

Introdução: Blastocystis sp. é o parasito mais comum encontrado nos estudos de prevalência de parasitas intestinais em diferentes populações. Objetivo: determinar a prevalência do parasita intestinal Blastocystis sp. em moradores da comunidade quilombola Distrito Nossa Senhora Aparecida do Chumbo localizada em uma área rural do Município de Poconé-MT. Método: Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo e quantitativo que determinou a prevalência do parasita intestinal Blastocystis sp. que ocorreu nos meses de dezembro de 2021 a maio de 2022. A amostra final foi composta por 114 participantes. Na identificação das formas evolutivas dos parasitas intestinais nas amostras fecais foi empregado o método de Hoffman. As amostras foram analisadas com auxílio do microscópio óptico e as lâminas foram coradas com lugol, para identificação das formas evolutivas dos parasitos. Para análise descritiva foi realizado a frequência absoluta e percentual. Foram realizados cálculos para determinar a prevalência total de parasitos intestinais e a prevalência por tipo de parasitas. Resultados: A prevalência total foi de 75%, deste a maior ocorrência foi apresentada por Blastocystis sp. Conclusão: Sugerimos, que a alta prevalência deste parasito que tem por via de contaminação fecal- oral, esteja associada à falta de um saneamento adequado, bem como ao acesso da água de qualidade.

Introduction: Blastocystis sp. is the most common parasite found in studies of intestinal parasite prevalence in different populations. Objective: To determine the prevalence of the intestinal parasite Blastocystis sp. in residents of the quilombola community of Distrito Nossa Senhora Aparecida do Chumbo located in a rural area of the Municipality of Poconé-MT. Method: This is a descriptive and quantitative epidemiological study that determined the prevalence of the intestinal parasite Blastocystis sp. that occurred in the months from December 2021 to May 2022. The final sample consisted of 114 participants. The Hoffman method was used to identify the evolutionary forms of the intestinal parasites in the fecal samples. The samples were analyzed with the aid of an optical microscope and the slides were stained with lugol to identify the evolutive forms of the parasites. For descriptive analysis, absolute and percentage frequency was performed. Calculations were performed to determine the total prevalence of intestinal parasites and the prevalence by type of parasites. Results: The total prevalence was 75%, of this the highest occurrence was presented by Blastocystis sp. Conclusion: We suggest, that the high prevalence of this parasite that has a fecal-oral contamination route, is associated with the lack of proper sanitation, as well as access to quality water.

Introducción: Blastocystis sp. es el parásito más común encontrado en estudios de prevalencia de parásitos intestinales en diferentes poblaciones. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia del parásito intestinal Blastocystis sp. en residentes de la comunidad quilombola del Distrito Nossa Senhora Aparecida do Chumbo localizada en una zona rural del Municipio de Poconé-MT. Método: Se trata de un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo y cuantitativo que determinó la prevalencia del parásito intestinal Blastocystis sp. ocurrida en los meses de diciembre de 2021 a mayo de 2022. La muestra final estuvo compuesta por 114 participantes. Se utilizó el método Hoffman para identificar las formas evolutivas de los parásitos intestinales en las muestras fecales. Las muestras se analizaron con la ayuda de un microscopio óptico y los portaobjetos se tiñeron con lugol para identificar las formas evolutivas de los parásitos. Para el análisis descriptivo se calcularon las frecuencias absolutas y porcentuales. Se realizaron cálculos para determinar la prevalencia total de parásitos intestinales y la prevalencia por tipo de parásitos. Resultados: La prevalencia total fue de 75%, de esta la mayor ocurrencia la presentó Blastocystis sp. Conclusión: Sugerimos, que la alta prevalencia de este parásito que tiene por vía de contaminación fecal-oral, está asociada a la falta de saneamiento adecuado, así como al acceso a agua de calidad.

Research progress of accelerated liver regeneration induced by associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) can induce accelerated regeneration of future liver remnant (FLR) and provide the opportunity of radical resection for previously inoperable patients with liver cancer, which has been considered to be one of the most important breakthroughs in liver surgery during the 21st century. It is of great significance to fully understand the mechanism of accelerated liver regeneration induced by ALPPS. This article comprehensively reviews the research progress in this field during the past 10 years.

Effect of remnant cholesterol levels on carotid intima thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus evaluated by ultra-high frequency ultrasound / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To discuss the effect of remnant cholesterol (RC) levels on carotid intima thickness (CIT) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by ultra-high frequency ultrasound.Methods:A total of 60 patients with T2DM who received treatment in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from May 2021 to July 2022 were prospectively recruited, and they were divided into a higher RC group (31 cases) and a lower RC group (29 cases) according to the RC levels. Thirty-one age, sex and body mass index(BMI)-matched healthy volunteers were selected as control group. Carotid CIT, carotid media thickness(CMT) and intima-media thickness(CIMT) were measured by 24 MHz ultra-high frequency ultrasound probe. The difference of general clinical data, laboratory indicators and CIMT, CIT, CMT among the three groups were compared, and the influencing factors of CIT in T2DM patients were explored by multivariate regression analysis.Results:①There were no statistical significances in gender, age, BMI, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and CMT among the three groups (all P>0.05). There were no statistical significances in duration of diabetes, fasting blood-glucose and glycated haemoglobin between the two subgroups of T2DM (all P>0.05). ②Compared with the control group, CIMT and CIT were thicker in the T2DM group (both P<0.05). ③CIT was thicker in the higher RC group than in the lower RC group ( P<0.05), while the difference of CIMT was not statistically significant the two groups ( P>0.05). ④Multivariate regression analysis showed that RC was the influence factor of CIT in patients with T2DM(β=0.610, P=0.005). Conclusions:CIT is significantly thicker in T2DM patients with higher RC than in those with lower RC, and RC is the influence factor of CIT, which suggests that more attention should be paid to the detection of RC in T2DM patients.

Reservation versus sacrifice of remnants in the footprint area in arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy between reservation and sacrifice of remnants in the footprint area in arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 32 patients with rotator cuff tear plus remnants in the footprint area (2 cm < tear size <5 cm) who had been admitted to Department of Sports Medicine, The People's Hospital of Northern Jiangsu from May 2020 to July 2021. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to reservation or sacrifice of remnants in the footprint area in arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear. In the remnant-reservation group (16 cases): 5 males and 11 females with an age of (61.8±9.9) years, 9 left and 7 right shoulders affected, and (3.7±1.1) cm in size of rotator cuff tear; in the remnant-sacrifice group (16 cases): 4 males and 12 females with an age of (61.3±8.8) years, 8 left and 8 right shoulders affected, and (3.9±0.9) cm in size of rotator cuff tear. The 2 groups were compared in terms of visual analogue scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant-Murley shoulder function score (Constant score), and range of motion of the affected shoulder before surgery, 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up. The ratio of bilateral abductor muscle strengths (affected side/healthy side) was analyzed and compared between the 2 groups, and the healing of the rotator cuff was evaluated by MRI at the last follow-up.Results:The 2 groups were comparable because there were no significant differences in all their preoperative demographic data ( P>0.05). The 32 patients were followed up for (14.3±3.5) months after surgery. At 3 months after surgery, the VAS score in the remnant-reservation group [1.0 (0.0,1.0) point] was significantly lower than that in the remnant-sacrifice group [1.0 (1.0,1.0) point] ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in ASES score, Constant score or range of motion of the affected shoulder ( P>0.05). At the last follow-up, the ASES score, forward flexion, abduction and ratio of bilateral abductor muscle strengths (affected side/healthy side) in the remnant-reservation group [(96.1±4.8) points, 170.0 (170.0,170.0)°, 160.0 (160.0,170.0)°, and 85.5%±13.8%]were significantly better than those in the remnant-sacrifice group [(91.4±5.9) points, 160.0 (160.0,170.0)°, 150.0 (140.0,155.0)°, and 72.6%±16.9%] ( P < 0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in VAS score, Constant score, neutral external rotation angle, or body-side internal rotation ( P>0.05). The Sugaya grading for MRI rotator cuff healing was significantly different between the 2 groups at the last follow-up ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear, reservation of remnants in the footprint area can significantly relieve postoperative shoulder pain, and has obvious advantages in restoration of shoulder forward flexion, abduction and abductor muscle strength, leading to better healing of the rotator cuff and the large nodule than the remnant-sacrifice technique.

Expression change and role of myeloma cancer gene mRNA, microRNA-540-3p, circular RNA-04996 in the liver inflammatory reaction during the rat liver regeneration / 解剖学报

Objective To explore the role pathway and pattern of the transcription factor myeloma cancer gene (MYC) and its mRNA interaction with microRNA(miRNA, miR) and ciccular RNA(circRNAs) at 0 hour and 6 hour in the rat liver regeneration. Methods The rat 2/3 hepatectomy (partial hepatectomy，PH) model was prepared as described by Higgins, the expression changes of mRNA, miRNA and circRNA together named as competing endogenous RNAs(ceRNA) of remnant liver were detected by the large-scale quantitative detection technology, the interaction network of ceRNA was constructed by Cytoscape 3.2 software, and their correlation in expression and role were analyzed by ceRNA comprehensive analysis. Results It was found that at 0 hour and 6 hours after PH, the ratio value of MYC mRNA showed 0.15±0.03 and 2.36±0.20, miR-540-3p displays 3.00±0.43 and 0.79±0.01, circRNA_04996 showed 1.43±0.43 and 3.14±0.94. At the same time, the four kinds of inflammatory reaction-related genes plasminogen activator urokinase receptor (PLAUR), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 1 receptor type 2 (IL1R2), ect, which were prometed in expression by MYC, were down-regulated at 0 hour after PH, but the inflammatory reaction-related genes natriuretic peptide A (NPPA), nuclear receptor subfamily O group B member 2 (NROB2) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARA), which were inhibited in expression by MYC, were up-regulated at 0 hour after PH. On the other hand, the three kinds of inflammatory reaction-related genes PLAUR, TNF, IL1R2, ect, which are prometed in expression by MYC, were up-regulated at 6 hours after PH, but the inflammatory reaction-related genes NPPA, NROB2 and PPARA, which were inhibited in expression by MYC, were down-regulated at 6 hours after PH. Conclusion The correlation in expression and role of the miRNA, which are inhibited by circRNAs, MYC, its mRNA is inhibited by miRNAs, and the inflammatory reaction-related genes, which are regulated by MYC, and are helpful for the hepatocyte to be in non-inflammatory reaction state at 0 hour after PH and to be in inflammatory reaction state at 6 hours after PH.

Remnant cholesterol is associated with triglyceride and glucose index in young and middle-aged patients with ischemic stroke / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the association between remnant cholesterol (RC) and triglyceride and glucose (TyG) index in young and middle-aged patients with ischemic stroke. 【Methods】 A total of 268 patients were divided into two groups, namely low TyG index group (n=134) and high TyG index group (n=134). Characteristics of the study population and metabolism risk factors (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, UA) were collected from biochemical test results. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between metabolism risk factors and TyG index. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for RC and TyG index. 【Results】 Compared with the low TyG index group, significant differences were observed for BMI, history of diabetes, history of hypertension, SBP, DBP, FBG, TC, TG, LDL-C, RC, UA, and TyG index in high TyG index group. No significant differences were observed in age, gender, smoking status, or drinking status, HDL-C between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that significant linear associations were observed between BMI, SBP, DBP, FBG, TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, RC, UA and TyG index. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the RC, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, TC, LDL-C, and UA were significantly associated with the risk of increased level of TyG index. After adjusted analysis by RC, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, TC, LDL-C, and UA, only RC was significantly associated with an increased risk of increased level of TyG index. 【Conclusion】 Remnant cholesterol was associated with an increased risk of elevated TyG index level in young and middle-aged patients with ischemic stroke.

Lipoproteínas ricas en triglicéridos y riesgo cardiovascular residual / Triglyceride rich lipoproteins and residual cardiovascular risk / Lipoproteínas ricas em triglicerídeos e risco cardiovascular residual / Reconocimiento a la trayectoria del Prof. Dr. Juan Miguel Castagnino†

Resumen Una vasta evidencia científica de resultados de ensayos clínicos, preclínicos, epidemiológicos y genéticos, mostraron una asociación causal entre el aumento de triglicéridos (TG), lipoproteínas ricas en TG (LRT) y sus remanentes para la enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica (ECA). La acumulación de LRT circulantes puede explicar, en parte, el riesgo cardiovascular residual que se observa en pacientes eficazmente tratados para reducir sus niveles de LDL; sin embargo, persiste el riesgo de ECA. Es imprescindible que en el estudio del perfil lipídico se considere la determinación o estimación de estas lipoproteínas, sumada a la medida de TG plasmáticos. El objetivo de la presente revisión fue actualizar el conocimiento acerca de los niveles incrementados de TG, de LRT y sus remanentes, brindar alternativas para su determinación y comprender los mecanismos que involucran a las LRT en el desarrollo acelerado de la aterosclerosis. La actualización de los diferentes parámetros asociados al aumento de TG y sus valores de corte o límites de decisión clínica según la clasificación del riesgo de ECA para cada paciente, permitirá el rediseño de un informe de resultados que será de gran utilidad para el médico y el paciente con respecto a las conductas preventivas y terapéuticas de la ECA.

Abstract Vast scientific evidence from clinical, preclinical, epidemiological, and genetic trial results show a causal association between increased triglycerides (TG), TG-rich lipoproteins (TRL), and their remnants for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The accumulation of circulating LRT may explain, in part, the residual cardiovascular risk observed in patients successfully treated to reduce their LDL levels, however, the risk of ASCVD still persists. It is essential that in the assessment of the lipid profile, the determination or estimation of these lipoproteins be considered, added to the measurement of plasmatic TG. The objective of this review is to update the knowledge about the increased levels of TG, LRT and their remnants, proprovide alternatives for their determination and understand the mechanisms that involve LRT in the accelerated development of atherosclerosis. Updating the different parameters associated with increased TG and their cut-off values or clinical decision limits according to the ASCVD risk classification for each patient will allow for the redesign of a results report that will be very useful for the physician and the patient regarding the preventive and therapeutic behaviours of the ASCVD.

Resumo Vastas evidências científicas de resultados de ensaios clínicos, pré-clínicos, epidemiológicos e genéticos mostraram uma associação causal entre o aumento de triglicerídeos (TG), lipoproteínas ricas em TG (LRT) e seus remanescentes para doença cardiovascular aterosclerótica (DCA). O acúmulo de LRT circulante pode explicar, em parte, o risco cardiovascular residual observado em pacientes tratados de maneira eficaz para reduzir seus níveis de LDL, no entanto, o risco de DCA persiste. É fundamental que no estudo do perfil lipídico seja considerada a determinação ou estimativa dessas lipoproteínas, somada à dosagem de TG plasmáticos. O objetivo desta revisão foi atualizar o conhecimento sobre os níveis aumentados de TG, LRT e seus remanescentes, fornecer alternativas para sua determinação e compreender os mecanismos que envolvem as LRT no desenvolvimento acelerado da aterosclerose. A atualização dos diferentes parâmetros associados ao aumento de TG, e seus valores de corte ou limites de decisão clínica de acordo com a classificação do risco de DCE para cada paciente, permitirá o redesenho de um relatório de resultados que será muito útil para o médico e o paciente quanto às condutas preventivas e terapêuticas da DCE.

Assistência social e as comunidades quilombolas do Brasil / Social assistance and quilombolas communities in Brazil

Este artigo analisa o processo de operacionalização da Política de Assistência Social a partir da perspectiva do Sistema Único de Assistência Social (SUAS). A pesquisa que originou estas reflexões utilizou como procedimento metodológico a entrevista semiestruturada, aplicada junto aos implementadores e gestores da política de assistência social. A amostragem foi restrita a municípios onde se localizam comunidades quilombolas certificados pela Fundação Cultural Palmares, no território do Vale do Mucuri, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Dessa forma, nossa investigação deteve-se nos municípios de: Carlos Chagas, Ouro Verde de Minas, Pescador, Teófilo Otoni e Ataléia. Com a sistematização dos dados, concluímos que o acesso à política de assistência social é mínimo e desconsidera a identidade coletiva desta população tradicional. Mesmo sendo a política de assistência social reconhecida como direito, ainda é ofertada apenas para aqueles que são atestados como extremamente miseráveis e não para os que dela necessitam

This article analyzes the operationalization process of the Social Assistance Policy from the perspective of SUAS. The research that gave rise to these reflections used the semi-structured interview as a methodological procedure, applied to the implementers and managers of the social assistance policy. The sampling was restricted to municipalities where quilombola communities certified by Fundação Cultural Palmares are located, in the territory of Vale do Mucuri, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Thus, our investigation was conducted in the municipalities of: Carlos Chagas, Ouro Verde de Minas, Pescador, Teófilo Otoni and Ataléia. With the systematization of the data, we conclude that access to the social assistance policy is minimal and disregards the collective identity of this traditional population. Even though the social assistance policy is recognized as a right, it is still offered only to those who are considered extremely miserable and not to those who need it, reproducing the stigma of "poor to poor policy"

Application of radiofrequency ablation assisted ALPPS in liver cancer patients with insufficient future liver remnant / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the apply effect of radiofrequency ablation assisted associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (RALPPS) in liver cancer patients with insufficient future liver remnant (FLR).Methods:The data of 29 patients who underwent RALPPS in the First Affiliated Hospital of the Army Military Medical University from June 2014 to July 2020 were analyzed, including 25 males and 4 females, aged (46.6±9.9) years. The patients were divided into the second stage group (completed the second stage operation, n=18) and the first stage group (completed only the first stage operation, n=11) according to whether they had successfully completed the second stage operation. FLR, percentage of FLR in standard liver volume (percentage of FLR), growth rate of FLR, liver function after operation, operation time and radiofrequency ablation time of first stage operation, surgical complications were compared between the two groups. Results:The percentage of FLR before the first stage operation was (30.0±7.0)% in 29 patients, and the second stage operation was completed in 18 patients (62.1%). After the first stage operation, the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in the second stage group were 519.0 (362.9, 696.0) U/L and 391.8 (297.2, 591.1) U/L, which were better than those of the first stage group 931.0 (711.7, 1131.9) U/L and 851.3 (426.6, 888.0) U/L (both P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in FLR and percentage of FLR before the first stage operation, duration time, amount of bleeding and time of radiofrequency ablation of the first stage operation (all P>0.05). In the second stage group, the interval between two operations was (21.6±6.7) days, the FLR before the second stage operation was (623.2±101.8) cm 3, the FLR percentage was (49.0±7.0)%, and the FLR growth rate was (19.0±5.0)%. In the first stage group, there were 11 patients (100.0%) who developed complication after first stage operation, induding 7 patients (63.6%) with complication above Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅲb. In the second stage group, 18 patients (100.0%) developed complication after the first stage operation. There were no complication above grade Ⅲb. The causes of 11 patients who did not completed secondary surgery included poor liver function and insufficient FLR in 4 patients, tumor progression in 6 patients, and death in 1 patient. Conclusion:RALPPS is a therapeutic option for liver cancer patients with insufficient FLR, and the therapeutic effect is reasonable.

The fourth branchial cleft deformity on the left anterior chest wall: a case report and literature review / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To explore the main points of clinical treatment of fourth branchial cleft deformity in special positions and to provide a reference for clinical practice. @*Methods@#The clinical data of one case of a fourth branchial cleft deformity that occurred in the left anterior chest wall with a fistula below the clavicle are summarized and combined with a literature review.@*Results@# The patient complained of repeated swelling and pain under the left anterior chest wall for 2 months. A 10 mm×10 mm fistula with yellow clear liquid exudate from the fistula was observed on the left side below the clavicle. A 20 mm×20 mm×10 mm swelling was immediately adjacent at the superficial cervicothoracic junction of the upper sternoclavicular joint, with no fluctuation and poor activity; this swelling produced slight pain upon pressing. Imaging examinations pointed to cystic lesions. The primary diagnosis was a fourth branchial deformity. A small amount of methylene blue was injected into the patient's subclavian fistula, and a supraclavicular T-shaped incision was made where the cyst contacted the fistula. By turning the flap, all the methylene blue-stained areas and adjacent submucosal tissues were exposed. During the operation, a mass was found on the sternum. The platysma was found deep in the notch, which was incised before excising the surrounding area. The pathological result is the fourth branchial cleft deformity. After 1 week and 3 months of follow-up, the patients had no discomfort and no recurrence. A review of the relevant literature shows that the fourth branchial cleft deformity is a congenital developmental abnormality that occurs in 1% of all branchial cleft deformity. It often presents as a fistula, cyst, or sinus tract and is anatomically located at the neck root and supravicular region. The fistula is close to the medial lower boundary of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The diagnosis is often made based on its anatomical location, imaging examinations and, ultimately, pathology. The differential diagnoses include other cervical swellings, such as hemangioma and a thyroglossal duct cyst. Surgical resection is a commonly used treatment method. In recent years, endoscopic positioning and internal fistula burning have had good curative effects for recurrent fourth branchial cleft deformity, with a small chance of recurrence or cancer.@* Conclusion @#Given its unique position, clinicians should make full use of imaging methods to determine the size, anatomical location and course of the lesion when treating the fourth branchial cleft deformity to ensure the complete and safe surgical resection of the lesion and prevent recurrence.

Dynamic risk allows us to adequately select patients with differentiated thyroid cancer who do not require radioiodine treatment

ABSTRACT Objective: The treatment of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) was modified in the last decade towards a more individualized approach according to the risk of recurrence (RR). We compared the outcomes of patients with low and intermediate RR (LRR and IRR) who received or did not receive radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) after assessing the dynamic risk. Materials and methods: We included 307 DTC patients with LRR and IRR submitted to total thyroidectomy. All patients were reclassified according to the dynamic risk stratification (low or high). Patients with high dynamic risk received RRA (141 patients). Results: LRR patients who received RRA presented a frequency of structural incomplete response (SIR) of 5% at the end of the follow-up, compared to 2% in those who did not receive it (p=0.353). IRR patients treated with RRA had a frequency of SIR of 22%, compared to 5% in patients without RRA (p=0.008). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the usefulness of dynamic risk assessment to decide RRA in a cohort with a long-term follow-up. The lower prevalence of SIR at the end of the follow-up in patients who did not receive RRA highlights the adequate selection of those who would not benefit from RRA, even with an intermediate risk of recurrence.

Tradição e identidade: o Ticumbi de Itaúnas em cena / Tradition and identity: the Ticumbi of Itaúnas on stage / Tradición y identidad: el Ticumbi de Itaúnas en escena

O objetivo do estudo é apresentar uma narrativa interpretativa do Ticumbi de Itaúnas, evidenciando a sua estrutura e seus significados. Para tal, realizamos um trabalho de campo tendo como método de coleta de dados a observação direta combinada com entrevistas semi-estruturadas em ocasiões da Festa de São Benedito e São Sebastião na Vila de Itaúnas/ES, nos meses de janeiro dos anos de 2018 a 2020. Compreendemos que o Ticumbi de Itaúnas é uma tradição que tem sido vivenciada e materializada dentro de um contexto comunitário e festivo que confere identidade a comunidades remanescentes quilombolas, apresentando movimentos que levam a continuidades e descontinuidades dentro da própria tradição.

The aim of the study is to present an interpretive narrative of the Ticumbi of Itaúnas, showing its structure and meanings. To this end, we carried out fieldwork using direct observation as a method of data collection combined with semi-structured interviews during the Festa de São Benedito and São Sebastião in Vila de Itaúnas/ES, from January 2018 to 2020. We understand that the Ticumbi of Itaúnas is a tradition that has been experienced and materialized within a community and festive context that gives identity to remnant quilombola communities, presenting movements that lead to continuities and discontinuities within the tradition itself.

El objetivo de la investigación es presentar una narrativa interpretativa del Ticumbi de Itaúnas, mostrando su estructura y significados. Para ello, realizamos un trabajo de campo utilizando la observación directa como método de recolección de datos combinada con entrevistas semiestructuradas durante la Festa de São Benedito y São Sebastião en Vila de Itaúnas / ES, de enero de 2018 a 2020. Entendemos que el Ticumbi de Itaúnas es una tradición que se ha vivido y materializado dentro de un contexto comunitario y festivo que da identidad a las comunidades quilombolas remanentes, presentando movimientos que conducen a continuidades y discontinuidades dentro de la propia tradición.

Correlation between estimated plasma remnant-like particle cholesterol and vegetable fat intake in Uku town, Japan

BACKGROUND@#Remnant-like particle cholesterol (RLP-C) is highly atherogenic, which is associated with atherosclerosis. However, RLP-C has not been routinely measured in the clinical practice. We estimated RLP-C levels using conventional lipid profiles and examined the association between estimated RLP-C and related factors including nutrient intake.@*METHODS@#This study was performed in Uku town, Nagasaki prefecture, Japan in 2019. A total of 225 subjects were enrolled and directly measured RLP-C levels. Estimated RLP-C levels were defined as the following formula [total cholesterol - (LDL-cholesterol) - (HDL-cholesterol)]. Multivariate analyses were used to assess the relationship between estimated RLP-C and atherogenic factors. We calculated cut-off values on dichotomized RLP-C (< 7.5 mg/dL vs. ≥ 7.5 mg/dL) by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.@*RESULTS@#The mean values of directly measured RLP-C levels and estimated RLP-C were 4.0 mg/dL and 16.4 mg/dL, respectively. In the multiple stepwise linear regression analysis, directly measured and estimated RLP-C levels were independently and commonly associated with apolipoprotein E, triglycerides, and vegetable fat intake (inversely). Using ROC curves, we found the cut-off value of estimated RLP-C was 22.0 mg/dL.@*CONCLUSION@#We demonstrated that the estimated RLP-C levels using conventional lipid profiles may substitute for directly measured RLP-C and these levels were independently and inversely associated with vegetable fat intake in the community-dwelling Japanese population.

Tendon-bone healing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with and without remnant preservation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Whether remnant preservation can improve tendon-bone healing remains a controversy. Experiments were designed to evaluate whether remnant preservation has the biological advantage of promoting tendon-bone healing by histology and imaging. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of preservation of ligament stump on tendon-bone healing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: Forty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction group without remnant preservation (group A) and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction group with remnant preservation (group B), with 20 rabbits in each group. Achilles tendon was selected as the graft, and the bilateral anterior cruciate ligaments of all the rabbits were cut off. In group A, the anterior cruciate ligament stump was completely removed. In group B, the tibia stump was cut off from the femoral stop, and the tibia stump was retained. According to the position of the anterior cruciate ligament of the normal rabbits, the tibia and the femoral canal were selected for reconstruction. At 6 and 12 weeks after surgery, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia inducible factor-1α was detected by immunohistochemistry. Graft microvessel density was detected by CD34 immunohistochemical staining. The signal intensity of tendon and the width of bone tunnel were observed by MRI and CT. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The percentage of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor positive cells in group B was significantly higher than that in group A at 6 weeks after operation (P 0.05). (2) At 6 weeks after operation, the expansion of bone tunnel in group B was significantly lower than that in group A, and the signal intensity of tendon graft was lower in group B than that in group A (P 0.05). (3) In this experiment, in the early stage of ligament reconstruction, the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with remnant preservation is superior to the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction without remnant preservation in terms of graft revascularization and reduction of bone tunnel expansion, showing some biological advantages.

Stump appendicitis single centre experience: a retrospective study

Background: Appendicectomy is the most common surgical procedure done for acute appendicitis worldwide. However, one among 50000 appendicectomy patients may present with recurrent abdominal pain, requiring hospitalization as stump appendicitis and may need completion appendicectomy. There are a few reports addressing management of stump appendicitis in the literature. Here we present our experience of laparoscopic completion appendicectomy over ten-year duration.Methods: A retrospective evaluation of records of appendicectomy from January 2008 to December 2018. All patients who had stump appendicitis as diagnosis and those who underwent completion appendicectomy were included. There were no exclusions. Details pertaining to presentation, duration of symptoms, records of previous surgery, perioperative and postoperative data was recorded, including follow-up of at least six months.Results: All 15 patients were managed by laparoscopic completion appendicectomy. Patients age range from 12 to 58 years, 12 were males and 3 female, duration of symptoms was from two to ten days, previous appendicectomy was done 4 to 84 months before, nine were diagnosed by ultrasonography of abdomen and six by CT scan, stump size ranged from 1 to 3.6 cm, mean operating time was 86.4 mins (range, 60-120 minutes). Duration of hospital stay was 3 to 5 days. There were no perioperative morbidity or mortality.Conclusions: Laparoscopic approach of completion appendicectomy is safe for management of stump appendicitis.

Perforated duodenal ulcer after gastric bypass: a challenging diagnosis

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most commonly performed surgeries for morbid obesity. Perforated duodenal ulcers are very rare in these patients (with a 0.25% incidence reported) and the diagnosis can be challenging. We report a case of a 43-year-old woman who presented with severe acute abdominal pain to the emergency department. She had undergone a laparoscopic RYGB 5 years previously. Exploratory laparoscopy revealed a duodenal perforation, which was repaired by primary closure. As Helicobacter pylori has been implicated in the formation of ulcers in this population, eradication therapy should be started.

Separate thyrothymic thyroid remnant; clinically crucial anatomic variation

PURPOSE: The anatomical variations of the thyroid gland including separate thyroidal remnant at the thyrothymic area are of significance during thyroid surgery for “total” thyroidectomy, and for recurrent goitre. In the present study, we aimed to detect the separate rests of thyroidal tissue in the thyrothymic region.METHODS: The thyrothymic region was explored for identification, dissection, and excision of separate thyroidal remnants in 134 patients who underwent primary thyroid surgery. In this series, we studied the incidence and anatomical features of the thyrothymic remnant and its relation with other embryologic remnants.RESULTS: Overall, 222 sides of the thyroid were explored in this study. An entirely separate thyrothymic remnant of the thyroid was identified and excised in 8 of 134 patients (6%). Mean size of removed remnants was 36.4 mm (range, 29–45 mm) in diameter. The incidences of pyramidal lobe (PL) and Zuckerkandl's tubercle (ZT) were 71.6% and 59.7%, respectively. The thyrothymic remnant coexisted with PLs in 4 patients. Four patients had all 3 embryologic remnants: thyrothymic remnant, PLs, and ZTs.CONCLUSION: An entirely separate thyroidal remnant at the thyrothymic area is not a rare variation. The considerably large size of a remnant may threaten the completeness of thyroidectomy and may result in recurrence if it is left behind after thyroid surgery. Awareness, identification, and excision of the separate remnant at the thyrothymic area and the other embryologic remnants are critical for ensuring completeness of thyroidectomy and preventing recurrences.

Comparison of knee degeneration after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with or without remnant preservation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:At present, it is still unclear whether remnant-preserving anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can achieve better joint stability and reduce the degeneration of the articular cartilage compared with the traditional operation. OBJECTIVE: To compare knee joint degeneration after ACL reconstruction with and without remnant preservation. METHODS: A total of 60 New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned in equal numbers to a sham group (group A), a conventional ACL reconstruction group (group B), a remnant-preserving and tensioning ACL reconstruction group (group C), and a remnant-preserving and graft through sleeve ACL reconstruction group (group D). In the group A, the joint capsule was cut open without dissection of the ACL, and corresponding rabbit models were established in the other three groups. Healing conditions of the remnant and tendon graft between groups C and D were observed at 12 weeks post-surgery, and the biomechanical properties of the tendon graft were determined by the pull-off test. Cartilage degeneration was assessed by Mankin score, following hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining of the medial tibial plateau, and chondrocyte apoptosis examined using TUNEL assay. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13, proteoglycan and Bax proteins was measured using western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Healing of remnant to the tendon grafts was not observed in groups C and D at 12 weeks post-surgery. In addition to the presence of articular cartilage degeneration, the Mankin score, cartilage apoptotic index, and expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 and Bax proteins in groups B, C and D were all significantly higher than those of group A (P 0.05). To conclude, there are no significant differences in articular cartilage degeneration following remnant-preserving and conventional ACL construction, and this may be associated with the absence of increased knee stability by remnant preservation.