Stent with radioactive seeds strand insertion for malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess clinical efficacy and long-term patient outcomes in individuals with malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) that had been treated via insertion of a stent with a radioactive seed strand (RSS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 84 MHBO patients were treated via either normal stent insertion (n = 48) or stent with RSS insertion (n = 36) from January 2015 to December 2018. RESULTS: The technical success rates of normal stent insertion and stent with RSS insertion were 93.8% (45/48) and 97.2% (35/36), respectively (p = .632), with clinical success rates of 93.3% (42/45) and 100% (35/35), respectively (p = .252). In these two patient groups, 11 and seven patients, respectively, suffered from stent dysfunction (p = .637). In the normal and RSS groups, median stent patency was 165 and 225 days, respectively (p < .001). All patients in the present study died due to tumor progression, with median survival times of 188 and 250 days in the normal and RSS stent groups, respectively (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Relative to normal stent insertion, combined stent with RSS insertion can effectively prolong both stent patency and patient survival in patients with MHBO.

MMP-3-1612 polymorphism - a risk factor for deep venous thrombosis formation.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the association of the 5A/6A polymorphism in the promoter region at -1612 of the matrix metalloproteinase-3 gene (MMP-3-1612) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT). PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: The distribution of the MMP-3 (-1612 5A/6A) polymorphism in the case and control groups was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Serum MMP-3 level of two groups was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HepG2 cells containing MMP-3-1612 recombinant plasmid were cultured in vitro and the MMP-3 level was defined by luminescence intensity of luciferase. A DVT rat model was built. Serum MMP-3 level in the rats' wounded vein at different time points was detected by ELISA and recorded for investigation of the association between MMP-3 and DVT. Statistical data analysis was conducted with SPSS18.0. RESULTS: On the basis of the observation of MMP-3-1612 genotype frequency and allele frequency in the case and control groups, we identified significantly higher MMP-3-1612 5A allele frequency and higher serum MMP-3 level in the case group than in the control group (both P < 0.05). According to in vitro luciferase measurements, the 5A allele had higher transcriptional activity than the 6A allele. As observed in the rat model, serum MMP-3 level increased with time passing and thrombosis formation after modelling. CONCLUSIONS: The MMP-3-1612 5A/6A polymorphism may effect serum MMP-3 level and over-expression of serum MMP-3 level may be a risk factor for DVT formation.

Male circumcision performed with 8-figure non-absorbable suture technique.

INTRODUCTION: We analyze the outcome of circumcisions performed with 8-figure non-absorbable suture (8FNS) and assess the feasibility of using the technique in male circumcision. METHODS: We randomly divided 317 patients who would undergo circumcision between February 2009 and January 2012 into 2 groups. Each group was subdivided into children (age range: 7 to 15 years) and adult (range: 16 to 85 years). In the experiment group (n =166), we used 8FNS and in control group (n = 151), commonly absorbable suture (CAS) were used for the circumcised wound closure. The results of 2 groups were compared. We also performed a cost analysis and a mean 6-month follow-up (range: 1-12). Chi-square and Student's t-test were used in statistical analysis. Differences were considered significant (p < 0.05). RESULTS: No patients were required to remove their sutures postoperatively. Among them, the sutures of the 8FNS for circumcision fell off spontaneously within 9 days (6.2 ± 1.57). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in surgical duration (16.2 ± 1.73 vs. 15.8 ± 2.01) and follow-up time (6.4 ± 3.82 vs. 6.2 ± 2.39). The overall complication rate of the 2 groups was 6.63% and 10.53% (p = 0.15), respectively. In addition, the complication rate among the adults was significantly lower in the 8FNS group compared to children (2.53% vs. 10.34%, p = 0.04). Also, the average cost (in US dollars) of 8FNS for circumcision was $20.7 ± $3.83 less than $35.8 ± $5.02 of CAS, which is a very significant difference (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: 8FNS for circumcision is feasible, easy, safe and cost-effective, especially for adult males.

Efficacy of Lugua polypeptide injection on active rheumatoid arthritis / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the therapeutic effect of Lugua polypeptide on active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty patients with active RA were selected for the study and were randomly divided into study group and control group. Patients in study group were treated with Lugua polypeptide intravenously at a dose of 16 mg per day and those in control group were given Celecoxib 200 mg twice a day for successive 2 weeks. Two groups were given the same basic treatment. Tenderness and swelling of joints, morning stiffness, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein,rheumatoid factor and so on were recorded before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The above index on joints in study group was significantly improved compared with that in control group and the level before treament. No apparent side effects were observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Lugua polypeptide is effective and safe on active RA. It is a promising agent in the treatment of RA.</p>