OBJECTIVE:To observe clinical efficacy and safety of Bushen sanhan tongluo decoction combined with moxi-bustion and celecoxib in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS:A total of 70 KOA patients were selected from Chongqing Kanghua Hospital during May 2014-Dec. 2015,and then divided into observation group and control group ac-cording to odd and even number,with 35 cases in each group. Control group was given Celecoxib capsule 0.2 g,qd;observa-tion group was additionally given Bushen sanhan tongluo decoction(one dose a day,300 mL,decocted with water,taking it 3 times in the morning,noon and night)and moxibustion. A treatment course lasted for 4 weeks,and both received 2 courses of treatment. Clinical efficacies as well as TCM syndrome score,VAS score,WOMAC score,lab indexes,joint condition be-fore and after treatment,the occurrence of ADR were compared between 2 groups. RESULTS:Total response rate of observa-tion group (85.71％) was significantly higher than control group (68.57％),with statistical significance (P<0.05). Before treatment,there was no statistical significance in above indexes between 2 groups (P>0.05). After treatment,TCM syn-drome score,VAS score,WOMAC score,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,CRP level and knee swelling score of 2 groups were decreased significantly,compared to before treatment;those indexes of observation group were significantly lower than those of control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in the number of bone fric-ative joint between 2 groups before and after treatment (P>0.05). There was no statistical significance in the incidence of ADR (5.71％ vs. 2.86％) between 2 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Bushen sanhan tongluo decoction combined with moxibustion and celecoxib can improve clinical symptoms,relieve joint pain,joint inflammation and swelling of KOA pa-tients with good safety.

BACKGROUNDPatients with melanoma metastasized to the central nervous system have a poor prognosis. Because the incidence of malignant melanoma in the Oriental is lower than that in the Caucasian population, brain metastases of malignant melanoma are rarely reported in Asia. Here we present our experience of brain metastasis of melanoma in an Asian perspective.

METHODSFrom 1990 to 2003, 369 patients with melanoma were treated in our hospital, 26 of them were diagnosed as having central nervous system involvement. Of the 26 cases, the clinical history, image, and pathologic findings of 23 patients were analyzed; the other 3 were excluded because of incomplete clinical data.

RESULTSAmong the 369 patients with melanoma, 45% (167/369) developed lower extremity melanoma, and 27.1% (100/369) had acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM); while in the 23 patients with brain metastases, 34.7% (8/23) had lower extremity melanoma, and 34.7% (8/23) had ALM. Among the 23 patients, 17 had acute hemorrhage into the tumor, 8 initially presented with a single cerebral metastatic lesion, and 15 had multiple brain lesions. Ten of them received surgery, 3 underwent stereotactic radiosurgery, and 16 received whole brain radiation. During follow-up, only 2 patients survived for more than 1 year, the median survival period was 5 months. The longest follow-up period was 11 years.

CONCLUSIONSCompared with the Caucasian, Chinese patients with melanoma have a different proportion of melanoma subtype and higher incidence rates of lower extremities melanoma and ALM. However, their clinical presentation and prognosis are similar. The patients, who have excisable single or multiple brain lesions or limited extracranial disease and who are actively treated, may survive longer.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Brain Neoplasms ; secondary ; Cranial Irradiation ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Melanoma ; pathology ; therapy ; Middle Aged ; Skin Neoplasms ; pathology ; therapy

Objective To examine the expression of human ?-defensin 2 (hBD_ 2 ) recombinant adenovirus expression vector in rat dermal multipotent stem cells (dMSCs) and to observe the antiseptic activity of recombinant hBD_ 2 . Methods The expression of hBD_ 2 in dMSCs was examined by RT-PR, fluorescent immunochemistry and Western blotting, and the concentration of recombinant hBD_ 2 in supernate was measured by ELISA. The antiseptic activity of recombinant hBD_ 2 was assessed by K-B disc agar diffusion test. Results hBD_ 2 could be effectively expressed in dMSCs, and the concentration of recombinant hBD_ 2 in supernate was about 743.6 ng/ml . Recombinant hBD_ 2 in supernate showed antiseptic activity. Conclusion Recombinant adenovirus expression vector of hBD_ 2 could be effectively expressed in dMSCs, and the recombinant hBD_ 2 in supernate showed obvious antiseptic effects toward some standard bacteria lines.

Objective To observe the repair effect of human ?-defensin 2 (hBD 2)-modified rat dermal multipotent stem cells (dMSCs) transplantation on infected wound. Methods Thirty Wistar rats were excised a piece of whole-layer back skin, 3 mm in diameter, then infected the wound with 1?10 8/ml pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 ml, then the rats were injected on the wounded back respectively with dMSCs modified by hBD 2 (n=10), or pure dMSCs (n=10) or none as control (n=10). The repair effect was evaluated by observing the amount of bacteria under the scar, wound healing time and the percentage of remaining wound area. Results The amount of bacteria under the scar in rats that were transplanted with dMSCs modified by hBD 2 was less than that in rats transplanted with dMSCs or controls (P

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify clinical, lesional, and procedural predictors for adverse outcomes of coronary angioplasty and stenting in coronary bypass candidates. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cohort study included 107 consecutive candidates for coronary artery bypass surgery who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with multiple coronary stents between Jan 2004 and Dec 2011. The study endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) including all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and stent thrombosis. Follow up was from the date of index percutaneous coronary intervention to the date of the first MACE, date of death, or December 31, 2015, whichever came first. RESULTS: In this study (age 62.3±11.2 years, 86% male), 38 patients (36%) had MACE. Among baseline, angiographic, and procedural parameters, there were significant differences in lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and worse renal function. In a Cox regression model, LVEF and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were significant predictors for MACE. After a multivariate adjustment, CKD remained a significant predictor of MACEs (hazard ratio: 2.97, 95% confidence interval: 1.50-5.90). CONCLUSIONS: For coronary bypass candidates who were treated with coronary angioplasty and stenting, CKD seems to be the strongest predictor for adverse outcomes compared with other traditional factors.
Angioplasty ; Cohort Studies ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Mortality ; Myocardial Infarction ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention* ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* ; Stents ; Stroke Volume ; Thrombosis

BACKGROUNDNeoadjuvant chemotherapy is one of the hot points of lung cancer therapy,which has been proven to be able to improve resection rate and 5-year survival of patients.But its effect on operation safety is not clear yet.The aim of this study is to confirm the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on pulmonary arterial wall so as to assess its safety for operation in patients with lung cancer.

METHODSThirty-two patients underwent lobectomy or pneumonectomy with mediastinal lymphadenectomy after a neoadjuvant chemotherapy,compared with 36 patients surgically treated only.During the operation,the changes of thoracic structure were observed.After the operation,the pulmonary artery specimens were detected pathologically.

RESULTSThe incidence of pleural fibrosis and thickening of pulmonary arterial tunica adventitia in neoadjuvant chemotherapy group was significantly higher than those of control group(59.38% vs 22.22%,P < 0.01;68.75% vs 19.44%,P < 0.01).The incidence of tunica intima,internal elastic membrane and tunica media damage in neoadjuvant chemotherapy group was also markedly higher than those of control group(65.62% vs 33.33%,P < 0.01;59.38% vs 19.44%,P < 0.01;71.88% vs 22.22%,P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSNeoadjuvant chemotherapy may lead to pleural fibrosis and thickening of pulmonary arterial tunica adventitia and increase crispness of pulmonary arterial wall,which may increase difficulty and risk of operation.

Acute cholecystitis and several gallbladder stone-related conditions, such as impacted common bile duct stones, cholangitis, and biliary pancreatitis, are common medical conditions in daily practice. An early cholecystectomy or drainage procedure with delayed cholecystectomy is the current standard of treatment based on published clinical guidelines. Cirrhosis is not only a condition of chronically impaired hepatic function but also has systemic effects in patients. In cirrhotic individuals, several predisposing factors, including changes in the bile acid composition, increased nucleation of bile, and decreased motility of the gallbladder, contribute to the formation of biliary stones and the possibility of symptomatic cholelithiasis, which is an indication for surgical treatment. In addition to these predisposing factors for cholelithiasis, systemic effects and local anatomic consequences related to cirrhosis lead to anesthesiologic risks and perioperative complications in cirrhotic patients. Therefore, the treatment of the aforementioned biliary conditions in cirrhotic patients has become a challenging issue. In this review, we focus on cholecystectomy for cirrhotic patients and summarize the surgical indications, risk stratification, surgical procedures, and surgical outcomes specific to cirrhotic patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis.

Acute cholecystitis and several gallbladder stone-related conditions, such as impacted common bile duct stones, cholangitis, and biliary pancreatitis, are common medical conditions in daily practice. An early cholecystectomy or drainage procedure with delayed cholecystectomy is the current standard of treatment based on published clinical guidelines. Cirrhosis is not only a condition of chronically impaired hepatic function but also has systemic effects in patients. In cirrhotic individuals, several predisposing factors, including changes in the bile acid composition, increased nucleation of bile, and decreased motility of the gallbladder, contribute to the formation of biliary stones and the possibility of symptomatic cholelithiasis, which is an indication for surgical treatment. In addition to these predisposing factors for cholelithiasis, systemic effects and local anatomic consequences related to cirrhosis lead to anesthesiologic risks and perioperative complications in cirrhotic patients. Therefore, the treatment of the aforementioned biliary conditions in cirrhotic patients has become a challenging issue. In this review, we focus on cholecystectomy for cirrhotic patients and summarize the surgical indications, risk stratification, surgical procedures, and surgical outcomes specific to cirrhotic patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the ancillary CT findings between superior mesenteric artery thromboembolism (SMAT) and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (SMVT), and to determine the independent CT findings of life-threatening mesenteric occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was approved by the institution review board. We included 43 patients (21 SMAT and 22 SMVT between 1999 and 2008) of their median age of 60.0 years, and retrospectively analyzed their CT scans. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, management, surgical pathology diagnosis, and outcome. We compared CT findings between SMAT and SMVT groups. Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the independent CT findings of life-threatening mesenteric occlusion. RESULTS: Of 43 patients, 24 had life-threatening mesenteric occlusion. Death related to mesenteric occlusion was 32.6%. A thick bowel wall (p < 0.001), mesenteric edema (p < 0.001), and ascites (p = 0.009) were more frequently associated with SMVT, whereas diminished bowel enhancement (p = 0.003) and paralytic ileus (p = 0.039) were more frequent in SMAT. Diminished bowel enhancement (OR = 20; p = 0.007) and paralytic ileus (OR = 16; p = 0.033) were independent findings suggesting life-threatening mesenteric occlusion. CONCLUSION: The ancillary CT findings occur with different frequencies in SMAT and SMVT. However, the independent findings indicating life-threatening mesenteric occlusion are diminished bowel wall enhancement and paralytic ileus.
Arteries ; Contrast Media/diagnostic use ; Female ; Humans ; Iohexol/diagnostic use ; Male ; Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion/mortality/pathology/*radiography ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods ; Veins

AIMTo compare the results of bladder tumor associated antigen (BTA TRAK), nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP 22) and voided urine cytology (VUC) in detecting bladder cancer.

METHODSA total of 135 elderly male and 50 healthy volunteers enrolled in this study were classified into three groups: (i) 93 patients with bladder cancer; (ii) 42 patients with urinary benign conditions; and (iii) 50 healthy volunteers. BTA TRAK and NMP 22 kits were used to detect bladder cancer. Voided urine cytology was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the screening tests.

RESULTSThe sensitivity and specificity of cytology, BTA TRAK and NMP 22 were 24% and 97%, 51% and 73%, 78% and 73%, respectively. The level of NMP 22 increased with tumor grading. The BTA TRAK kit has the lowest sensitivity among the screening tests. The NMP 22 with the best sensitivity can be an adjunct to cytology for evaluating bladder cancer.

CONCLUSIONThe NMP 22 test has a better correlation with the grading of the bladder cancer than BTA TRAK. As cytology units are typically not available in hospitals or in outpatient clinics, NMP 22 might be a promising tool for screening bladder cancer.

Aged ; Humans ; Male ; Nuclear Proteins ; urine ; Taiwan ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; urine ; Urine ; cytology