OBJECTIVE: To observe clinical efficacy of Bifid tripie viable enteric-coated capsules in the treatment of children diarrhea after pneumonia. METHODS: 360 cases of children pneumonia were randomly divided into two groups. Treatment group were treated with antibiotics and Bifid triple viable enteric-coated capsules in duration of hospital stay(n=180). Control group were treated with antibiotics only (n=180). The incidence and severity of diarrhea in two groups were observed at the 3rd, 5th, 7th of therapy. RESULTS: The incidence of diarrhea at the 3rd, 5th, 7th of therapy in treatment group were 10.00%,16.67% and 13.33%, in control group 36.67%, 43.33% and 50.00%, with statistically significance(P

Objective To investigate the clinical results of minimal invasion spinal surgery (MISS) in treating tibial plateau fractures to provide best procedure for such treatment.Methods The study involved 36 cases with tibial plateau fractures resulted from traffic injury,fall-from-height injury and strain injury including 24 males and 12 females at age of 19-65 years (average 42.6 years).According to Schatzker classification,there were seven cases of typeⅠ,five typeⅡ,five typeⅢ,five type IV,sev- en typeⅤand seven typeⅥ.All cases were treated by different methods of MISS.Results Follow up for 8-24 months in 35 cases showed fracture healing within 3-4 months,without severe complications such as poor wound healing,infection or osteofascial compartment syndrome.Meanwhile,no traumatic knee osteoarthritis,inversion or eversion of the knee were found.The mean range of knee motion was 94?,with fine knee function in 32 cases (91.4%) according to Merchant score.Conclusions Treatment of tibi- al plateau fractures should adopt limit incision,indirect reduction and biofixation to take place widespread exposure and rigid plate fixation.MISS is safe and effective for tibial plateau fractures.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of caregivers in long-term care facilities as they implement palliative care. Although palliative care has been available in Taiwan for more than 30 years, it is often provided in hospitals, few models in the long-term care facilities. Methods: Semi-structured interviews using grounded theory methodology and purposive sampling. Two small long-term care facilities that had performed well in palliative care were selected from eastern Taiwan. A total of 12 caregivers participated in in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Results: Four major stages in the implementation of palliative care were identified: (1) feeling insecure, (2) clarifying challenges, (3) adapting to and overcoming the challenges, and (4) comprehending the meaning of palliative care. The core category of these caregivers as “the guardians at the end of life” reflects the spirit of palliative care. Conclusion This study demonstrates that successful palliative care implementation would benefit from three conditions. First, the institution requires a manager who is enthusiastic about nursing care and who sincerely promotes a palliative care model. Second, the institution should own caregivers who possess personality traits reflective of enthusiasm for excellence, unusual ambition, and a true sense of mission. Third, early in the implementation phase of the hospice program, the institution must have the consistent support of a high-quality hospice team.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of caregivers in long-term care facilities as they implement palliative care. Although palliative care has been available in Taiwan for more than 30 years, it is often provided in hospitals, few models in the long-term care facilities. Methods: Semi-structured interviews using grounded theory methodology and purposive sampling. Two small long-term care facilities that had performed well in palliative care were selected from eastern Taiwan. A total of 12 caregivers participated in in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Results: Four major stages in the implementation of palliative care were identified: (1) feeling insecure, (2) clarifying challenges, (3) adapting to and overcoming the challenges, and (4) comprehending the meaning of palliative care. The core category of these caregivers as “the guardians at the end of life” reflects the spirit of palliative care. Conclusion This study demonstrates that successful palliative care implementation would benefit from three conditions. First, the institution requires a manager who is enthusiastic about nursing care and who sincerely promotes a palliative care model. Second, the institution should own caregivers who possess personality traits reflective of enthusiasm for excellence, unusual ambition, and a true sense of mission. Third, early in the implementation phase of the hospice program, the institution must have the consistent support of a high-quality hospice team.

OBJECTIVETo explore the features of DNA damage in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients of normal constitution and abnormal constitution and in high-risk population of NPC.

METHODSUsing single cell gel electrophoresis technique, the DNA damage of peripheral blood lymphocytes was detected in 28 healthy subjects, 27 in high-risk population of NPC, and 13 NPC patients at their first visits. The DNA damage was detected in the populations of normal constitution and of abnormal constitution. The tail length, the tail moment, and the tail DNA% were taken as the indices of DNA damage.

RESULTSThe tail length was (35.77 +/- 4.22) microm, the tail moment was (8.10 +/- 1.63) microm, and the tail DNA% was 57.48% +/- 4.63% in NPC patients. They were (15.25 +/- 4.15) microm, (5.01 +/- 1.92) microm, and 31.99% +/- 4. 11% in high-risk population of NPC. They were (14.31 +/- 3.64) microm, (4. 37 +/- 1.80) microm, and 29. 89% +/- 3. 15% in healthy subjects. There was statistical difference in the three indices among the three populations (P <0.05). In all the three populations, more DNA damage existed in those of abnormal constitution than in those of normal constitution (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONSObvious instability of genetic materials exists in NPC patients, manifested as severe DNA damage of lymphocytes. In all the three populations, more DNA damage existed in those of abnormal constitution than in those of normal constitution.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Body Constitution ; Carcinoma ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; epidemiology ; DNA Damage ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Young Adult

Objective:To investigate the methods and complications of ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) for treat-ing cancer-related hydronephrosis. Methods:From June 2003 to December 2015, 289 patients (342 kidneys) with cancer-related hy-dronephrosis were treated by ultrasound-guided PCN in Fujian Provincial Hospital. Among the 97 cases of renal insufficiency, 4 pa-tients were treated with hemodialysis before PCN. Except for the anterior mid calyx of nine kidneys in nine patients, the posterior mid or lower pole calyx of all other kidneys was punctured with ultrasound guidance. With the one-step PCN technique, 8F pigtail nephros-tomy tubes were placed into six kidneys in six patients;with the Seldinger PCN technique, 14F balloon and Malecot catheters were placed into 25 kidneys in 25 patients and 311 kidneys in 258 patients, respectively. Results:No severe bleeding and injury in the intes-tine, liver, spleen, pleura, or lung occurred. Two pigtail tubes were blocked one week after PCN. Seven balloon catheters failed to drain well because of the tip and balloon of the catheters located in the proximal part of the dilated ureters. Four balloons slipped out of the collection system of the kidney because of the auto-deflation of three balloons and one case of meager renal parenchyma failing to hold the balloon after a severe hydronephrosis was emptied. All, except 1, Malecot catheter drained well, and 8/9 PCNs through anteri-or mid calyx were successful. Serum creatinine levels were significantly decreased in all the 97 patients with renal insufficiency, of which 81 cases returned to normal, and no one needed persistent hemodialysis. Conclusion:Ultrasound-guided PCN is safe and effec-tive for treating cancer-related hydronephrosis. For appropriately selected patients, puncturing the anterior mid calyx may be an op-tion without additional complications. One-step pigtail nephrostomy tubes are recommended for patients with poor systemic condi-tions. For patients with long life expectancy or suspected complicated urinary infection, large sized Malecot catheters should be consid-ered.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ureteral stenting after transurethral resection ( TUR) of bladder tumors involving the ureteral orifice.Methods From March 2009 to November 2015,34 cases of non-muscle invasive bladder tumor including 28 male and 6 female aged from 26 to 79 years( mean 51 years) were treated by TUR.14 cases had single tumor and 20 had multiple tumors,and 29 were primary and 5 were recurrent.All the patients had tumors involving the ureteral orifice without preoperative hydronephrosis revealed by IVU or CTU examination.The tumors were resected into the deep muscle layer and the involved ureteral orifices were resected during the procedure,and after that a double-J ureteral stent was placed in 18 cases.All patients received one immediate intravesical instillation of 50mg epirubicin after TUR, and further scheme of adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy instillations were made according to the pathological diagnosis.Ureteral stents were removed 10-12 weeks after TUR,and cystoscopy and urinary tract ultrasound examinations were performed every 3 months for 1-2 years postoperatively. Results The operations were successful without complications.No serious adverse reaction occurred in immediate and further adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy.During the follow-up period of 3-71 months, no ureteral stricture, hydronephrosis or tumor recurrence in the upper urinary tract occurred in all the 18 patients with ureteral stent, and the resected ureteral orifices recovered well with normal appearance and ejecting urine.Hydronephrosis was observed in 3 of 16 patients without ureteral stent including 2 cases of nontumoral stenosis at the ureterovesical junction requiring ureteral reimplantation and 1 case of lower ureteral tumor on the involved side requiring nephroureterectomy and bladder cuff excision.No patient complained of symptoms secondary to vesicoureteral reflux or continuous unrelievable lower urinary tract symptoms.2 cases of bladder tumor recurred out of the resected area.Conclusions Ureteral stenting after TUR of bladder tumors involving the ureteral orifice can prevent stricture at the ureterovesical junction without increasing the risk of tumor cell seeding along the upper urinary tract.The existence of a double-J ureteral stent does not increase complications of adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy, and also won't cause intolerable lower urinary tract symptoms.

Objective To investigate the dynamic changes and prognosis of thyroid function in the patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC)after antiviral treatment,and to clarify the influence of baseline factors in the changes of thyroid function.Methods 243 CHC patients with normal baseline thyroid function were enrolled. All patients were treated with IFN-alpha-2b(IFN-α2b)combined with ribavirin for 48 weeks.The thyroid function and serum HCV RNA level were assessed at 12,24,36,48,60 and 72 weeks.According to the changes in thyroid function after treatment,the patients were divided into continued normal,subclinical hypothyroidism,hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism groups.The regularity of the changes of thyroid function of the patients in various groups were observed.Results Among 243 CHC patients,82(33.7%)patients had thyroid dysfunction.The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism,hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were 20.9%(51/243),5.3%(13/243)and 7.4%(18/243),respectively. At the end of 72 weeks,there were 32 (39.0%)patients suffering from subclinical hypothyroidism,12 (14.6%) patients with hypothyroidism and 7 (8.5%) patients with hyperthyroidism rehabilitated.6(7.3%)patients suffering from hypothyroidism turned to subclinical hypothyroidism,and 3(3.7%) patients suffering from hyperthyroidism turned to subclinical hypothyroidism.19(23.2%)patients had no significant change,they performed for continued subclinical hypothyroidism (1,1.2%),hypothyroidism (13,15.9%)and hyperthyroidism (5 , 6.1%).In addition, 3 (3.7%)patients with hyperthyroidism turned to hypothyroidism.An increased risk for hypothyroidism was found in female patients compared with males (P<0.05);the average age of the patients with hyperthyroidism was lower than those of the patients with hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism and continued normal (P<0.05);the baseline levels of GGT in the patients with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism were lower than those of the patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and continued normal(P<0.05).The ratio of the patients with HCV 2a to the patients with hypertyroidism was higher than those of the patients with hypothyroidism,subclinical hypothyroidism and continued normal(P<0.05).Conclusion Thyroid function in the CHC patients can be affected by antiviral treatment. Gender, age, liver function, genotype of HCV are influencing factors for the changes of thyroid function.

Discoveries of somatic mutations permit the recognition of subtypes of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) with distinct clinical presentations and pathological features. Catenin β1 (CTNNB1) mutation in APAs has been recently described and discussed in the literature. However, significant knowledge gaps still remain regarding the prevalence, clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and outcomes in APA patients harboring CTNNB1 mutations. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway will further modulate tumorigenesis. We also discuss the recent knowledge of CTNNB1 mutation in adrenal adenomas.
Adenoma* ; Aldosterone* ; Carcinogenesis ; Humans ; Prevalence

OBJECTIVETo access the efficacy of posterior short-segment fixation for single level thoracolumbar burst fractures without spinal injury using CYL-pedicle screw.

METHODSFrom September 2007 to December 2009, 74 cases who underwent posterior short-segment fixation for single level thoracolumbar burst fractures (Denis burst fracture type A, B, C) without spinal injury were analyzed retrospectively. There were 53 male and 21 female, mean age was (39 ± 15) years. Neither of them treated with direct decompression, grafting or fusion. Changes in the anterior vertebral height ratio, vertebral wedge angle, Cobb angle, regional angle were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, before implant removal, and at final follow-up to find the statistic difference. Pain status and work status were evaluated using Denis criterion. The incidence of incision infection, screw breakage, iatrogenic spinal injury were recorded as well.

RESULTSThe time of follow-up was (20 ± 11) months, no significant change was noted in anterior vertebral height ratio and vertebral wedge angle (P > 0.05). A significant loss was noted in Cobb angle and regional angle, which were 9.8° ± 5.1° and 9.1° ± 4.8° respectively (t = 2.48 and 3.41, P < 0.05). Comparing with the patients with Cobb angle > 20°, the patients with Cobb angle ≤ 20° had better pain scale rate (&chi;(2) = 4.16, P = 0.04) and work scale rate (&chi;(2) = 24.34, P < 0.01). There were incision infection in 1 case, screw breakage in 1, screw loose in 1, and no iatrogenic spinal injury.

CONCLUSIONSCYL-pedicle screw could be successfully used in posterior short-segment fixation for single level thoracolumbar burst fractures without spinal injury based on radiographic and clinic outcomes.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; methods ; Humans ; Internal Fixators ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; injuries ; Young Adult