Objective To review the status and controversy on skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) for breast cancer. Methods The pertinent literatures about SSM published recently to comprehend its relevant techniques and improvements in comparison with non-skin-sparing mastectomy (NSSM) were analyzed and also the safety of SSM by analyzing the relationships between SSM and ductal carcinoma in situ, restrict nipple-areola complex reservation, and postmastectomy radiotherapy were discussed. Results Skin-sparing mastectomy combined with immediate breast reconstruction is a safe operative modality for T1/T2 tumor without skin adhesion, multicentric tumors, and ductal carcinoma in situ. What is more, it does not defer adjuvant therapy. However, it may be prudent to reserve the nipple-areola complex only for peripherally located T1/T2 tumors and some other less serious invasion degree. Since the effect of SSM and immediate breast reconstruction on postmastectomy radiotherapy is confusing, there are still controversies on whether the patients who have already been operated should take radiotherapy. Conclusion SSM is a safe operative modality for selected patients with breast cancer, and delayed reconstruction may be a good choice for patients who would take postmastectomy radiotherapy.

Objective To investigate the feasibility of internal mammary sentinel node(SN) biopsy and internal mammary lymph chain excision under thoracoscope. Methods Six small pigs were used for the experiment.The small pigs were intubated using a double lumen endotracheal tube and kept anesthetized with ketamine.Methylene blue(4 ml) was injected subdermally into both of the first pair of breast.The sentinel node biopsy and internal mammary lymph chain dissection was performed thoracoscopically using a harmonic scalpel.Time of the appearance of the first blue-stained node and the dissection procedure were recorded respectively.Results Thoracoscopic internal mammary sentinel node dissection and internal mammary lymph chain excision was performed successfully in all the 6 pigs(12 sides).The time of the appearance of the first blue-stained sentinel node was 5~15 min(mean,8.9 min),the time of thoracoscopic biopsy was 15~50 min(mean,30.4 min),and the time of internal mammary lymph chain excision was 30~56 min on the left side and 22~48 min on the right side(mean,38.2 min),respectively.No bleeding,lung injuries,and other surgical complications occurred. Conclusions Thoracoscopic internal mammary sentinel node dissection and internal mammary lymph chain excision is feasible,easy to perform,and minimally invasive.

Objective To analyze the MRI data of misdiagnosed and missed diagnosed of breast lesions and their histopathological features.Methods Data from 241 breast lesions within 121 patients were recruited in this study.The data included MRI images,uhrasounds and X-ray images were retrospectively interpreted by two radiologist and each lesion was assessed according to the BI-RADS classification.The pathologic features of miss or error diagnosed lesions on MRI were analyzed.Results In 241 breast lesions (malignance 120,bcnign 121),4 lcsions were miss diagnosed on MRI.Thcy were 2 intraductal papillomatosis and 2 fibroadenoma.All was benign.Twenty three lesions were misdiagnosed on MRI.Sixteen were overestimation,including 3 chronic inflammations,3 sclerosing adenosis,2 fibroadenoma,4 fibrocystic changes with or without atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH),2 intraductal papilloma,1 infiltration of pectoralis major muscle and 1 axillary lymphnode metastasis.Meanwhile,there were 7 lesions were underestimation.These lesions included 2 invasive ductal carcinomas,1 mucinous adenocarcinoma,2 DCIS and 1 blunt duct adenosis with ADH and focal cancerous,1 inflammatory breast cancer underwent chemotherapy.The sensitivity and specificity and accuracy of breast MRI were 95.83 ％ (115/120),72.73 ％ (88/121),84.23 ％ (203/241),respectively.MRI findings had no difference with respect to mammogram or ultrasound was 75.10 ％ (181/241).Conclusion MRI misdiagnosis and missed often occurs in smaller breast lesions,morphologic and hemodynamic malignant manifestation atypical,especially intraductal lesions.MRI diagnosis should be combined with physical examination,X-ray mammogram and ultrasound to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce missed diagnosis.

Objective To study the factors affecting the prognosis of intracranial aneurysm operation for elderly patients. Methods Thirty elderly patients (≥60 years old) with intracranial aneurysm who were treated surgically were evaluated retrospectively. The factors that might affect the result of operation were analyzed by slng]e-factor and multi-factor. Result The factors that had significant correlation with the prognosis were Hunt-Hess grade,location of aneurysm,surgical timing (P =0.007,0.019,0.007).Conclusion The prognosis of intracranial aneurysm operation for elderly patients is affected by many factors,age is not a contraindication to aneurysm operation,early aneurysm operation treatment is suggested for elderly patients.

Objective To investigate the clinical features and treatments of pituitary abscess.Method The clinical data of 6 patients with pituitary abscess were examed along with a review of the literature.Results Of 6 patients,headache was presented in 5 patients,hypopituitarism in 4 patients,visual disturbance and/or bitemporal hemianopsia in 4 patients and fever in 1 patient.MRI and CT images showed a cystic sellar lesion with ring enhancement in 5 patients.Preoperative diagnosis of pituitary abscess was made in 2 patients,pituitary adenomas in 3 patients and craniopharyngiomas in 1 patient.All cases were treated surgically by transsphenoidal approach in 5 patients and transscranial in 1 patient.Followed with postoperative antibiotics therapy for 3 weeks,the symptoms were improved postoperatively in all cases.Followed up 8 months to 10 years,1 patient who underwent craniotomy recurred and wag cured by via transsphenoidal surgery.Conclusions The pituitary abscess is easily misdiagnosed.The cystic pituitary lesion should be considered the possibility of pituitary abscess.Transsphenoidal surgery and proper perioperative antibiotics therapy are the keys to the treatment of pituitary abscess.

Objective To evaluate the value of CT virtual endoscopy(CTVE)for microsurgery of pituitary microadenomas via transsphenoidal approach.Methods In 18 patients with pituitary micmadenomas underwent microsurgery via transsphenoidal approach,the presurgical CT data was transfered to work station,the anatomies of the sphenoid sinus were then reconstructed by CTVE.The CTVE images were used to make the preoperative planning and indentify sphenoid sinus, sellar floor,and the position of the tumor during surgery.The CTVE images and the views from intraoperative microscope were compared. Results CTVE could display the anotomoties of sphenoid sinus in a three-dimentional mode.The display rates of superfical antomies such as sphenoid septa,sellar floor,carotid prominence,optic prominence and opticocarotid recess were 344.4%,100%,41.7%,36.1%and 58.3%respectively and the visual fields of these anatomic landmarks were larger than the views from the intraoperative microscope. CTVE could depcit the anatomies of the enhanced carotid ateries and pituitary tissue and some optic canals underlying the sellae by transparent function or heighten the threshold.The sites of the tumor could be marked correctly on CTVE images.CTVE could simulate the operative approach and some operating procedures properatively. Conclusion CTVE can display the anatomies of sphenoid sinus in a three-dimensional mode. In transsphenoidal treatment of pituitary microadenoma,CTVE can help to make preoperative planning,locate the intraoperative structures and make a precise bone window during surgery.

Objective To explore surgical approach for internal mammary node biopsy in patients with breast cancer. Methods Modified radical mastectomy and incised intercostal muscles for internal mammary node biopsy was performed on 113 patients. The distance from the internal mammary artery to the lateral sternal border, and the intercostal distance between the two costal cartilage were measured. Anatomical location and maximal diameter of the excised nodes were recorded. Results The internal mammary artery runs through intercostal space along the lateral sternal border. The distance from the internal mammary artery to the lateral sternal border was (10. 9?4. 5) mm, (11.6?2.9) mm, (9.6?3.6) mm and (4.5?3.5) mm in the first, second, third and fourth intercostal space, respectively. The distance between the two costal cartilage was (14. 2?4. 1) mm, (16. 2?4. 2) mm, (13. 9?4. 3) mm and (9.9?3. 6) mm in the first,second, third and fourth intercostal space, respectively. Two hundred and seventy-nine internal mammary nodes were excised from 113 patients. The anatomical location of the internal mammary nodes which embedded in the fatty tissue surrounding internal mammary artery were 41. 2% at the medial side, 51. 6% at the lateral side and 7. 2% in an anterior plane to the internal mammary artery. Metastases in the internal mammary node were detected in 26 patients. The lymph nodes metastasis were detected only in the internal mammary nodes in 5 cases. Conclusion Internal mammary node biopsy via intercostal space is a feasible, minimally traumatic, low-risk procedure.

Objective To explore the influence factors on hepatitis B virus (HBV) relapse after nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) withdrawal in the chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who met NA cessation criteria. Methods Eighty-one consecutive CHB patients were treated with NA, 38 with lamivudine (LAM), 25 with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV), 12 with entecavir (ETV), 6 with LAM +ADV. Among recruited patients, 40 were hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg) positive, 41 were HBeAg negative, 67 of them were initial treatment, 14 were retreatment due to resistance to NA at baseline. The treatment was discontinued after meeting China therapeutic end-point criteria. HBV DNA, HBV serological markers, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured respectively at baseline, every month before virological response, every 3 months after virological response, every month within first 6 months and every 2 months over 6 months after drugs withdrawal. Twelve probable influence factors on relapse which were sex, age, HBV family history, baseline HBV DNA,baseline HBeAg status, baseline ALT, virological response time, total duration of treatment, duration of additional treatment, the level of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) at cessation therapy,initial treatment or retreatment, drug category were analyzed with univariate, multivariate Cox regression modle and stratified analysis. The cumulative relapse was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results A total of 36 patients (44. 4%) relapsed within 1 year. Initial treatment or retreatment, HBV family history, virological response time, the level of HBsAg at cessation therapy were independent risk factors. The relapse rate of retreatment was higher than that of initial treatment (78.6% vs 37. 3% , χ2 = 7. 983, P = 0. 005) , those of patients with HBV family history higher than without family history (64. 5% vs 15.0%, χ2 =12. 096,P = 0.002), those of patients obtained virological response within 3 months lower than after 3 months(34. 0% vs 64. 3% , χ2 =6. 823,P=0. 009) , those of patients with HBsAg≤150 μg/L at cessation therapy lower than >150 μg/L(27. 6% vs 53. 8%, χ2=5. 199,P=0. 023). Conclusions Retreatment, HBV family history, later virological response and higher HBsAg level at cessation therapy are risk factors of relapse after NA withdrawal. Such patients should be treated with prolonged duration after meeting end-point criteria to strengthen the efficacy.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and drug resistance profiles of nucleosides (NA) retreatment in NA experienced chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Methods Totally 104 NA experienced CHB subjects were enrolled in this study.All these subjects had received at least 3 months NA monotherapy and stopped the treatment,and then received NA retreatment for at least one year.The subjects were divided into three groups according to the following criteria:reached the therapy endpoint of China guideline when they stopped NA-naive treatment (group A,n =39); did not reach the therapy endpoint when they stopped NA-naive treatment but hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA＜1.0× 103 copy/mL (group B,n=33); and with HBV DNA＞1.0× 103 copy/mL (group C,n=32).The efficacy and drug resistance profiles of retreatment were compared among three groups. The effects of baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels,HBV DNA levels and HBeAg titers on the retreatment efficacies were analyzed. The mutations of HBV P gene were detected by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing.The data were analyzd by Wilcoxon test and x2 test.Results The time to ALT normalization in patients with baseline ALT＜ 1.3 × upper limit normal (ULN) was shorter than that in patients with ALT≥1.3×ULN (2 months vs 4 months; Z=2.281,P=0.023).The time to virological response in patients with baseline HBV DNA＜5 lg copy/mL was shorter than that in patients with HBV DNA≥5 lg copy/mL (1 month vs 2 months; Z=2.054,P =0.040). The time to virological response and ALT normalization in baseline HBeAg negative were both shorter than those in patients with baseline HBeAg positive patents ( 1 month vs 3 months and 2 months vs 4.5 months,respectively; Z=2.580 and 2.304,respectively; both P＜0.05). The subjects in group A achieved virological response and HBeAg seroconversion after retreatment earlier compared to previous NA-naive therapy ([1.61 ± 1.76] months vs [3.48±4.066]months and [3.38 ± 3.34] months vs [9.92-11.22] months,respectively; Z=-2.854 and-1.094,respectively; both P＜0.05).The cumulative HBeAg seroconversion rate in group A was higher compared to those in group B and group C (80.0％ vs 36.8％ and 37.5％,respectively; x2 =4.368 and 5.100,respectively; both P＜0.05).Thirteen patients developed clinical resistance and four of them developed genotypic resistance proved by PCR direct sequencing.Among the patients retreated with the same regimen as previous in the C group,the cumulative resistance rate was highest compared to group A and B (44％ vs 9％ and 0,respectively; x2 =5.019 and 6.588,respectively;both P＜0.05).No resistance was detected in the 14 patients retreated with combined NA treatment without cross resistance.Conclusions For NA experienced CHB patients who fulfill the indication of antiviral therapy,the retreatment should be started as earlier as possible. Retreatment with NA combination without cross resistance can prevent (reduce) the risk of developing drug resistance.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of matrine on the proliferation, tumor cell stemness, β-catenin transcriptional activity and AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 and Huh7 cells. METHODS: The proliferation and colony formation ability of HepG2 and Huh7 cells treated with 200, 400, and 800 μg/mL matrine were evaluated with MTT assay and colony formation assay, respectively. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expressions of CD90, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and CD133, and dual-luciferase assay was used to detect the transcriptional activity of β-catenin in the treated cells. The effects of matrine on the expressions of protein kinase B (AKT), P-AKT, GSK-3β, P-GSK-3β, P-β-catenin and β-catenin proteins in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were assessed using Western blotting. RESULTS: Matrine inhibited the proliferation of the two HCC cell lines in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The half-inhibitory concentrations of matrine were 2369, 1565 and 909.1 μg/mL at 24, 48 and 72 h in HepG2 cells, respectively, and were 1355, 781.8, and 612.8 μg/mL in Huh7 cells, respectively. Matrine concentrationdependently suppressed colony formation of the HCC cells, producing significant inhibitory effects at 400 μg/mL < 0.01) and 800 μg/mL < 0.001) in HepG2 cells and at 200 μg/mL < 0.05), 400 μg/mL < 0.01), and 800 μg/mL < 0.001) in Huh7 cells. Matrine at 400 and 800 μg/mL significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of CD90, EpCAM and CD133 and the transcriptional level of β-catenin in both HepG2 and Huh7 cells < 0.05 or 0.01). Matrine at 400 and 800 μg/mL also significantly decreased the protein levels of β-catenin, P-AKT and P-GSK-3β and increased the phosphorylation level of β-catenin in both of the cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Matrine inhibits the proliferation, colony formation, and the expressions of tumor stem cell markers CD90, EpCAM and CD133 in both HepG2 and Huh7 cells probably by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the transcriptional activity ofβ-catenin.