Objective To observe the effects of stereotactic implanting depth electrode into the hippocampus on monitoring mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Methods Thirteen patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy were included in the present study.The epilcptogenic zone might be located in the hippocampus based on the symptoms and MRI data.Eight-contact depth electrode was implanted into the patients' hippocampus by stereotactic procedures to record the electroencephalogram(EEG).The duration of monitoring lasted for 24-72 hours or more,so as to be sure if the epileptogenic zone was located in the hippocampus,and to provide evidences for surgical resection of epileptic focus.Results Thirteen patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy underwent video electroencephalogram monitoring for 72 hours.Twentynine epileptic seizures in 7 patients were detected.Ictal EEG changes manifested as paroxysmal slow wave or spike and slow waves on the background.The epileptiform discharges started from some electrode points,and then propagated to others or the contralateral electrode. After 1-2 seconds of delay,high amplitude slow waves with the frequency of 3-4 Hz were observed on the ipsilateral scalp EEG. Clinical epileptic seizures were not detected in 6 patients during monitoring,depth electrode showed paroxysmal focal high amplitude slow wave or spike and sharp waves,scalp EEG did not find abnormality.Six of thirteen patients received surgical resection of epileptic foci,the outcome during follow-up of 3-8 months was satisfactory.Conclusions To record hippocampal EEG in patients with intractable epilepsy by stereotactic implanting depth electrode into the hippocampus might be a safe and reliable method.It might provide strong evidences for the diagnosis of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy,and for the location of epilcptogenic zone.

Objective:To observe the outcome of posterior staphyloma (PS) marginal retinal photocoagulation in pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for high myopia macular hole retinal detachment eyes accompanied with PS.Methods:From January 2017 to June 2019, 49 patients (49 eyes) with high myopia macular hole retinal detachment accompanied with PS who were undergone PPV operation from Tianjin Eye Hospital were included in this study. There were 13 males (13 eyes) and 36 females (36 eyes). All patients underwent best corrected visual acuities (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography examinations. The standard logarithmic visual acuity chart was used for BCVA examination, and the visual acuity was converted to minimum resolution angle in logarithmic (logMAR) when recorded. The patients were randomly divided into two groups according to surgical options: conventional PPV with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling (group A, 24 eyes), PS marginal retinal photocoagulation in PPV with ILM peeling (group A, 25 eyes). The mean preoperative logMAR BCVA of group A and B were 1.87±0.28 and 1.80±0.37, the difference was not statistically significant ( t=0.604, P=0.551). The patients in the group A received 23G PPV, triamcinolone acetonide staining during the operation, the epiretinal membrane was peeled off, indocyanine green assisted staining, the posterior macular ILM was peeled off, and the peripheral retina was examined in detail during the operation. Areas with retinal degeneration were reinforced by laser photocoagulation, and the subretinal fluid was drained through the macular hole and filled with silicone oil. The eyes of the group B were subjected to retinal photocoagulation for 2 to 3 rows at the edge of the PS in addition to the usual surgical procedures. The average follow-up time was 8.34±3.21 months. Surgical outcome were estimated by the average number of operation, retinal reattachment rate, macular hole closure rate and BCVA. The χ2 test or Fisher exact probability was used to compare the count data. Independent sample t test was used to compare the measurement data. Results:Retinal reattachment was obtained in 17 eyes (70.8%, 17/24) and 24 eyes (96.0%, 24/25) in group A and B after first surgery respectively, the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=3.984, P=0.046). Final retinal reattachment was obtained in all 49 eyes. Final macular hole closure was in 15 eyes (62.5%, 15/24) and 19 eyes (76.0%, 19/25) in group A and B, respectively, the difference was not statistically significant ( χ2=1.051, P=0.305). The mean postoperative logMAR BCVA of group A (1.20±0.47) and B (1.08±0.39) were all improved than preoperative BCVA, the differences were all statistically significant ( t=2.899, 5.327; P=0.001, 0.000), the differences of mean postoperative logMAR BCVA between two groups was not statistically significant ( t=0.675, P=0.506). The mean number of operation of group A (2.63±0.88) was more than group B (2.08±0.28), the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.003, P=0.006). Conclusion:In comparison with conventional PPV, combined PS marginal retinal photocoagulation can improve retinal reattachment rate after first surgery, and reduce the number of reoperations.

Objective Inflammation plays a critical role in the presence , development and maintenance of atrial fibrillation ( AF) , but it remains unclear what factors induce inflammation in AF patients , especially in those with valvular heart disease ( VHD) . The aim of this paper was to investigate the role of the shedding of Syndecan -4 in left atrial inflammation in patients with valvular atrial fibrillation. Methods Sixty VHD patients scheduled for valvuloplasty or valve replacement surgery were divided into three groups of equal number:sinus rhythm (SR), paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PaAF), and persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF).Another 10 pa-tients with congenital heart disease but no valve damage and atrial fibrillation were included in a control group .Baseline clinical data were recorded and tissues were obtained from the left atrial appendage during operation .The expressions of iNOS , HMGB1, and Syn-decan-4 in the left atrium were detected by Western blot , and the pathological changes of the left atrial tissue observed by HE staining . Results Western blot analysis was performed to detect expression levels of proteins .The iNOS level was significantly higher in pa-tients from the paroxysmal AF group (1.61 ±0.10) and persistent AF group (1.67 ±0.08) than those from sinus group (1.06 ± 0.11) and control group (1.02 ±0.12), as was the protein level of HMGB1 (0.63 ±0.05, 0.95 ±0.10, 0.45 ±0.07 and 0.46 ± 0.06 in paroxysmal AF group, persistent AF group, sinus group and controlgroup respectively ).Inflammatory cell infiltration in-creased, while syndecan 4 was down-regulated in AF groups.All these comparisons were significant (P<0.05). Conclusion The decreased expression of Syndecan-4 and enhanced inflammatory response in the left atrial tissue indicate that the shedding of Synde-can-4 may play a role in the presence and development of inflamma-tion in the left atrium .

Objective:To observe the changes of macular microvessels in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and macular edema (ME) after intravitreal injection of aflibercept (IVA), and analyze its correlation with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).Methods:A retrospective case study. Thirty patients (30 eyes) with monocular RVO with ME (RVO-ME) who were diagnosed in the clinical examination of Tianjin Eye Hospital from April 2019 to February 2020 were included in the study. Among them, there were 12 males (12 eyes) and 18 females(18 eyes); the average age was 54.30±13.17 years. The average course of disease was3.43±1.97 months. Both eyes were examined by BCVA and optical coherence tomography (OCTA). The on-demand injection was adopted after the first injection in IVA treatment regimen. The macular area 6 mm×6 mm in both eyes was scanned with an OCTA instrument, and the area of the foveal avascular area (FAZ), FAZ circumference (PERIM), and out-of-roundness were measured at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Index (AI), blood flow density within 300 μm width of FAZ (FD-300), foveal retinal thickness (CMT), superficial retinal capillary plexus (SCP), deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP) blood flow density. The paired t test was used to compare the quantitative parameters of the affected eye and the contralateral healthy eye at baseline; the changes of the quantitative parameters at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between BCVA, retinal perfusion, and macular blood supply parameters at 6 months after IVA treatment. Results:At baseline, compared with the contralateral healthy eye, the FAZ area ( t=-4.091), PERIM ( t=-5.098) and AI ( t=-9.093) of the RVO-ME eye were enlarged, and FD-300 ( t=7.237) and overall SCP and DCP blood flow density ( t=8.735, 9.897) decreased, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). Six months after treatment, the BCVA of RVO-ME eyes was significantly increased, CMT decreased, FAZ area expanded, and AI decreased ( t=8.566, 16.739, -6.469, 9.719; P<0.001), the difference was statistically significant. There was no significant change in the blood flow density of FD-300 and overall SCP and DCP, and the difference was not statistically significant ( t=1.017, 1.197, 0.987; P>0.05). Compared with baseline, the FAZ area of RVO-ME eyes gradually expanded at 3 and 6 months after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=21.979, P<0.001). Correlation analysis results showed that BCVA at 6 months after treatment was positively correlated with the overall SCP and DCP blood flow density at baseline and 6 months after treatment ( r=-0.538, -0.484, -0.879, -0.854; P<0.05). There was a negative correlation with the area of FAZ 6 months after treatment ( r=0.544, P=0.001). The number of ME recurrences was negatively correlated with BCVA and overall SCP and DCP blood flow density 6 months after treatment ( r=0.604, -0.462, -0.528; P<0.05), it was positively correlated with FAZ area ( r=0.379, P=0.043). Conclusion:Within 6 months of IVA treatment in RVO-ME eyes, ME is significantly reduced and visual acuity is improved; SCP blood flow density decreases, and FAZ area expands.

Objective To observe the degree of joint flexion and extension of elbow and knee joints of moderate skeletal fluorosis patients before and after treatment and to assess the effects of Gun's MaQian decoction in treating moderate skeletal fluorosis. Methods 54 moderate skeletal fluorosis patients were randomly recruited into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group was treated with Gun's MaQian decoction initially, and changed to be treated with GuKangNing capsule after 8 weeks' treatment. The control group was treated with placebo at first, and also changed to be treated with GuKangNing capsule after 8 weeks. Results Joint flexion and extension of elbow was improved greatly in both groups after the treatment, while the treatment group showing better effects than the control group (P<0.05). The improvement of joint flexion and extension of knee had not showed a statistical significance after the treatment. A 24 weeks follow-up to the joint flexion and extension of both elbow and knee revealed obvious improvement and the difference between the two groups were significance (P<0.05). Conclusion Gun's MaQian decoction can improve the flexion and extension of elbow and knee in moderate skeletal fluorosis patients.

Objective: To explore the cardiac function and outcomes in patients of aortic stenosis (AS) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) within 6 months in order to provide the guidance for clinical treatment. Methods: A total of 49 consecutive severe AS patients with surgical contradiction or STS high risk score and received successful TAVR in our hospital from 2013-12 to 2015-12 were studied. Echocardiography and blood levels of NT-proBNP were examined at pre- and 1 month, 6 months after TAVR. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), aortic valve mean gradient (MG), peak gradient (PG) and peak velocity (PV) were recorded. Based on pre-operative LVEF, the patients were divided into 2 groups: Cardiac dysfunction group, LVEF<50%,n=15 (30.6%) and Normal cardiac function group, LVEF≥50%, n=34 (69.4%). Post-operative cardiac function and blood levels of NT-proBNP were compared between 2 groups. Results: In all 49 patients, the following parameters were significantly improved within 7 days after TAVR: LVEF (56.0±14.6) % vs (52.5±13.8)%, MG (11±5) mmHg vs (58±18) mmHg, PG (21.7±9.5) mmHg vs (93.0±28.6) mmHg, PV (2.3±0.5) m/s vs (4.8±0.7) m/s, blood NT-proBNP level [1831 (1098-3363)] pg/ml vs [3842 (1763-8664)] pg/ml and aortic valve area (1.57±0.43) cm2 vs (0.58±0.23) cm2 allP<0.05. Within 6 months after TAVR, LVEF was continuously increasing especially in Cardiac dysfunction group; MG, PV and NT-proBNP level were continuously decreasing, NYHA grade was continuously improving, allP<0.05. Conclusion: TAVR was an effective treatment in AS patients with surgical contradiction or STS high risk score; it may continuously improve cardiac function, especially in patients with left heart dysfunction.

To explore the safety and efficacy of levosimendan in treating the patients with severe aortic stenosis and to analyze the cardial function before and after medication in order to guide clinical treatment. Methods: A total of 20 patients admitted in our hospital from 2014-01 to 2015-12 were enrolled with the standard of echocardiography confirmed severe aortic stenosis, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)≤45%, NYHA III-IV and inefficacy for conventional anti-heart failure drug therapy. The patients received intravenous infusion of levosimendan at 0.1μg/(kg·min) by persistent pumping for 24 hours. Echocardiography, LVEF, dyspnea condition, NYHA grading and plasma levels of NT-proBNP were recorded pre- and post-medication to compare the cardiac function and symptoms of levosimendan therapy. Results: After levosimendan treatment, NYHA grade was improved, P=0.025 and NT-proBNP was reduced (9101.6±7368.0) pg/mLvs (13776.5±9503.7) pg/mL, P=0.018. The following parameters were similar before and after levosimendan therapy: LVEF (31.1±7.5)% vs (33.1±8.5)%, P=0.078, the average heart rate (79.6±13.8) bmp vs (82.8±9.5)bmp, P=0.200 and systolic blood pressure (99.6±11.7) mmHg vs (97.2±12.1) mmHg, P=0.071. There were 40% (8/20) patients with obviously improved and 50% (10/20) with improved dyspnea symptoms after levosimendan treatment. Conclusion: Our preliminary study presented that levosimendan could improve NYHA grading, remit dyspnea symptom and reduce blood NT-proBNP level in patients with severe aortic stenosis and heart failure; it had safety and tolerability at certain degree in clinical practice.

This study was aimed to explore the renoprotective effects of Tang-Shen-Ping (TSP) on RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in KKAy mice with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).A total of 60 female 10-week SPF degree KKAy mice,which were fed with KK special food for 10 weeks,were made into DKD model.Mice were randomly divided in the model group,irbesartan group,low-,medium-and high-dose TSP group (0.525 g· kg-1,1.05 g· kg-1,and 2.1 g· kg-1).Ten female C57BL/6J mice were used as the normal control group.Mice of each group were intragastrically administered with corresponding medicine,respectively,while mice of the control group and the model group were given deionized water of the equal volume.The body weight was measured and the 24-hour urine protein quantification was detected every 4 weeks.At the end of the 26th week,all mice were sacrificed and the biochemical indicators,such as fasting blood glucose (FBG),serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN),serum creatinine (Scr),and triglyceride (TG) were measured.HE staining,Mallory staining and PAS staining were used to observe the pathological morphology of kidney tissues.Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) were used in the detection of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1),Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA),Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1),α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),E-Cadherin (E-Cad) mRNA and protein expression.The results showed that compared with the model group,there were significant differences on body weight,the ratio of kidney weight to body weight,and urinary protein in the middle-and high-dose TSP group (P ＜ 0.01);the renal pathological damage was obviously decreased;contents of FBG,BUN,Scr and TG decreased (P ＜ 0.01);mRNA and protein expression of E-Cadherin increased;mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1,RhoA,ROCK1 and α-SMA decreased with significant difference in the middle-and high-dosc TSP group (P ＜ 0.01).It was concluded that the renoprotective effects and epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells of TSP on DKD KKAy mice may be related to the regulation of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the accuracy and clinical significance of clinical complete response (cCR) after neoadjuvant themoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer.

METHODSLocally advanced rectal cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy following radical resection were retrospectively assessed for tumor response during 2005 to 2014 from the database of colorectal cancer. The concomitant preoperative chemoradiation consisted of 50 Gy radiation, fractionated within 5 weeks and 5-FU combined with oxaliplatin. Endorectal ultrasound and MRI were applied to preoperative staging, and postoperative gross pathologic inspection was retrospectively employed to evaluate the status of clinical complete response(cCR).

RESULTSA total of 227 patients undergoing radical surgery were enrolled in the study. Complete pathological response (ypT0N0, pCR) was found in 40 patients(17.6%) by postoperative pathologic examination while the rate of node involved in ypT0 patients was 11.1%. The preoperative rectal MRI was more sensitive to correlate ypT0 than endorectal ultrasound and gross pathologic inspection(60.0% vs 19.4% and 17.8%), but the accuracy and specificity showed no significant differences among these three tests. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed preoperative MRI evaluation of cT0 might predict ypT0 independently(OR=4.975, 95% CI: 1.073 to 23.067, P=0.040).

CONCLUSIONIt is difficult to diagnose the primary tumor to be a cCR status based on preoperative MRI, EUS, or ulceration of rectal mucosa, and further to predict pCR. Preoperative MRI is more sensitive. The strategy of "wait and see" for cCR patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiation should be seriously considered in the decision-making before surgery.

Chemoradiotherapy ; Fluorouracil ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Postoperative Period ; Preoperative Period ; Rectal Neoplasms ; Remission Induction ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To demonstrate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in respiratory intensive care unit (ICU), for early diagnosis and treatment. Methods The clinical features, treatment and outcome of 17 patients diagnosed as IPA in RICU from May 2015 to April 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Results The basic diseases of 17 patients were mostly chronic respiratory diseases (14 cases, while 11 cases were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). One case was proven by IPA criteria, 13 cases were probable and 3 cases were possible. All patients were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics during hospitalization, and 6 patients were treated with glucocorticoids (oral/intravenous) within 3 weeks of admission and during hospitalization. The main clinical symptoms included cough sputum, dyspnea and fever, among which 4 cases had hemoptysis. Infiltrates were seen in 8 cases, multiple nodules with cavitary lesions in 4 cases, multiple small nodules along the bronchi in 2 cases, and left upper lobe consolidation in the proven case. Sixteen patients were treated with voriconazole alone or in combination with caspofungin. Fourteen patients were tested for voriconazole serum concentration, while 4 were in normal range, 10 were elevated (2 cases were significantly elevated, ＞10 μg/L). Serum concentration of bilirubin did not increase significantly in all paitents after treatment. Serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were elevated in 4 cases with elevated serum concentration of voriconazole and 2 cases with normal serum concentration of voriconazole. Patients with elevated voriconazole concentration did not show significant difference in prognosis compared with those with normal concentration. Eight cases were improved and discharged and 9 gave up and died due to the worsening of the disease. Eight patients received mechanical ventilation (6 cases were invasive and 2 cases were non-invasive), 7 of them eventually gave up treatment and died. Conclusions The clinical features of chronic respiratory diseases with IPA are atypical, however, the patient is critically ill with high mortality. Elevated serum concentration of voriconazole might be more common in severe patients. For those who have a history of systemic application of glucocorticoids, clinical symptoms with hemoptysis, short of breath, radiology with infiltrates, nodular and/or with cavity, and with no response to antibiotics, clinicians should actively seeking evidence of IPA, for early diagnosis, standardized treatment, and improve the prognosis of patients with chronic respiratory diseases complicated with IPA.