Objective To compare the effects of expectoration by high frequency back tapping with both hands and traditional expectoration by tapping back with a single hand on pulmonary complications in esophageal cancer patients having undergone radical resection with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Methods Sixty patients after radical resection for esophageal cancer with VATS from May 2013 to January 2014 were set as the control group, in which expectoration by tapping the back with a single hand. Another 60 patients after radical resection for esophageal cancer with VATS from February 2014 to July 2014 were set as the observation group, in which the expectoration by high frequency tapping the back with both hands. The two groups were compared in terms of pulmonary complications. Result The incidence of atelectasis and pulmonary infection in the observation group were lower than those with a single hand in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion For the patients having undergone radical resection of esophageal carcinoma with VATS, the expectoration with high frequency back tapping with both hands is more effective in lowering atelectasis rate than that with a single hand.

BACKGROUND:Intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate or dexamethasone can relieve pain and increase range of motion after traumatic arthritis. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of dexamethasone combined with sodium hyaluronate on traumatic arthritis of rat knees. METHODS:Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. The anterior ligament of the left knee was resected and the medial meniscus was removed to establish models of traumatic arthritis in al the rats. After 3 weeks, the four groups were respectively injected dexamethasone+sodium hyaluronate (combined group), dexamethasone, sodium hyaluronate, and nothing (control group). After 4, 8, 12 weeks of injection, the samples were obtained for gross observation, anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films and hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:At 12 weeks after injection, X-ray films showed that there was no stenosis in the combined group, mild stenosis in the dexamethasone and sodium hyaluronate groups, and obvious stenosis in the control group (indicating severe osteoarthritis);hematoxylin-eosin staining exhibited the fibrous cartilage-like tissue grew wel in the combined group, varying degrees of proliferation of fibrous cartilage-like cells were visible in the dexamethasone and sodium hyaluronate groups, and there was a smal amount of fibrosis in the control group. These findings suggest that the combination of dexamethasone and sodium hyaluronate can improve the cartilage repair and restore the joint function.

BACKGROUND:Mechanical, inflammatory, and biochemical factors, particularly matrix metaloproteinases and reactive oxygen lead to chondrocyte degeneration in osteoarthritis. Curcumin has been shown to be a potent antioxidant; however, its protective effects against chondrocyte degeneration in osteoarthritis remain unclear.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of curcumin on articular cartilage of osteoarthritis in rats.
METHODS:A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were used and randomly divided into model group (positive control,n=15) and normal group (negative control,n=15). Rat models of traumatic osteoarthritis were established, and then cartilage cels were isolated from articular cartilage and culturedin vitro. Chondrocytes were treated with curcumin (curcumin group) or PDTC (an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B) for 24 hours. The expression level of nuclear factor-kappa B P65 in nucleus and cytoplasm in chondrocytes were determined by western blot assay and immunofluorescence. Moreover, mRNA expressions of type II colagen, matrix metaloproteinase-1 and -13 were analyzed using RT-qPCR.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Nuclear factor-kappa B P65 protein was mainly expressed in nucleus, but few in cytoplasm in positive control group; the reversed results were found in the curcumin group. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B P65 was observed mainly in nucleus in the positive control group; however, that was observed mainly in cytoplasm in the negative control, curcumin, and PDTC groups. Matrix metaloproteinase-1 and -13 mRNA expressions were significantly decreased, while type II colagen mRNA expression was significantly increased in the curcumin group compared with the positive control group. These findings indicated that curcumin protect chondrocytes against degeneration through inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway, suppressing nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B P65 and inhibiting the expressions of matrix metaloproteinase-1 and -13, which are responsible for upregulation of type II colagen expression.

BACKGROUND: Fish oil is one of mainly natural resources of n-3 fatty acids, which can inhibit cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and prolong the survival of cardiac allograft. But, the mechanism is unclear. Recent in vitro data suggested that n-3 fatty acids could inhibit the release of inflammatory transmitter by the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-y (PPARy). OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that n-3 fatty acids from fish oil ameliorates CAV development via activating PPARy. METHODS: A total of 6 Lewis rats and 18 Fisher344 rats were randomly selected as heart donors. An additional 24 Lewis rats were randomly and equally divided into 4 groups. In isograft group, heart transplantation was performed among Lewis rats, without any drug. In low-dose fish oil-treated group, F344→Lewis transplantation was performed. At 1 day following surgery, 0.03 mL/kg fish oil was treated by gavage for 8 weeks. In high-dose fish oil-treated group, F344→Lewis transplantation was conducted. At 1 day following surgery, 0.06 mL/kg fish oil was treated by gavage for 8 weeks. In control group, F344→Lawis transplantation was conducted. Cyclosporine A was administrated by gavage for 8 weeks. In the low-dose and high-dose fish oil-treated groups, cyclosporine A (1.5 mg/kg) was given daily by intramuscular injection for 2 weeks following surgery. CAV was evaluated by histological examination. Activity of nuclear factor (NF) k-B and PPARy was assessed in homogenate. Contents of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interferon-inducible protein 10 were measured by enzyme-labeled immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Chemokine receptor CCR2 and CXCR3 expression was determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All 24 receptor Lewis rats were survived following surgery. The donor heart could regularly beat at 8 weeks following transplantation. Compared with the isograft group, severe CAV was detected in the control group al 8 weeks. Compared with the control group, CAV was significantly relieved, the activity of PPARy was significantly elevated, the activity of NF k-B was significantly decreased, levels of intragraft monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interferon-inducible protein-10 were significantly reduced in the low-dose and high-dose fish oil-treated groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.05), especially in the high-dose fish oil-treated group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in expression of chemokine receptors CXCR3 in the low-dose and high-dose fish oil-treated groups and control group. Our results demonstrated that n-3 fatty acids from fish oil can attenuate CAV development, possibly through activating PPARy and subsequently inhibiting the NF-kB activation, the chemokines secretion and its receptor expression in a dose-dependent fashion in rat models.

Objective To investigate the degradation of dicalcium phosphate dehydrate-coated Mg-Zn alloy in vivo and bone formation. Methods Left femoral condyles were drilled in 72 New Zealand rabbits, and were randomly divided into experiment group (n＝24, implanted with dicalcium phosphate dehydrate-coated Mg-Zn alloy rods), Mg-Zn alloy control group (n＝24, implanted with Mg-Zn alloy rods) and poly-L-lactide acid rod group (n＝24, implanted with poly-L-lactide acid rods). Serum concentrations of Mg~(2+) were examined 1 d pre-operation, and 1 d, 1 week, 2 weeks, 5 weeks and 10 weeks post-operation in experiment group and Mg-Zn alloy control group. Operation sites were examined by X-rays at 3, 6, 12 and 18 weeks post-operation. After X-ray examination at each time point, 6 rabbits in each group were sacrificed, and subjected to histopathological observation of live and kidney tissues by HE staining. Tissues from condyles of femur were observed by HE staining and 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol rosein staining, and mineral apposition rate of bone was calculated. Results There was no significant difference in the concentrations of serum Mg~(2+) at each time point between Mg-Zn alloy control group and experiment group (P>0.05). X-ray examination revealed gas emerged near the implants 3 weeks after surgery in Mg-Zn alloy control group. However, there was no obvious histological abnormality in liver and kidney tissues. The mineral apposition rate was higher and the degradation of material was lower in experiment group than those in the other two groups. Conclusion Dicalcium phosphate dehydrate-coated Mg-Zn alloy has a favourable biocompatibility, and degrades more slowly in vivo.

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical efficacy of robotic and laparoscopic radical surgery in the treatment of middle-low rectal cancers.

METHODSFrom January 2015 to March 2016, intra-operative and postoperative follow-up data of 30 patients with middle-low rectal cancers who underwent robotic radical resection(robot group) and 32 patients with middle-low rectal cancers who underwent laparoscopic radical resection (laparoscopy group)n in our department were retrospectively collected. The distance from cancer to anal margin was less than 10 cm in both two groups and advanced rectal cancers were confirmed by preoperative colonoscopy biopsy. Associated data were compared between two groups.

RESULTSThere were 13 males and 17 females in robot group with age of 27 to 85 (mean 59.7) years, disease course of 3 to 12 (mean 6.2) months and clinical stage T2-3N0-1. There were 16 males and 16 females in laparoscopic group with age of 32 to 79 (mean 60.3) years, disease course of 2 to 10(mean 5.9) months and clinical stage T2-3N0-1. The baseline data of two groups were not significantly different (all P>0.05). All the patients in two groups completed operations successfully without conversion to open operation. Compared with laparoscopic group, the blood loss was less [(100.3±43.7) ml vs. (150.3±68.2) ml, t=3.413, P=0.001], the first flatus time [(49.3±12.4) h vs. (58.6±12.5) h, t=2.838, P=0.006] and urinary catheter removal time [(3.0±0.7) d vs. (4.8±0.9) d, t=5.491, P=0.000] were shorter, while the operation time [(217.3±57.8) min vs. (187.9±23.1) min, t=2.772, P=0.009] was longer in robot group. No cancer tissue was observed in resection margin of two groups. Number of harvested lymph node per case (15.2±7.4 vs. 13.9±4.9, t=-0.764, P=0.448), distance from anal margin to tumor distal edge [(7±3) cm vs. (6.5±3) cm, t=-1.952, P=0.056] and postoperative hospital stay [(13.6±1.3) d vs. (13.8±1.8) d, t=0.925, P=0.359] were not significantly different between two groups. No serious complications occurred in two groups during intra-operative and postoperative period. During following up of 3 to 12 (average 8.7) months, 1 case of anastomotic fistula occurred in each group and was cured by conservative treatment without significant difference [3.3%(1/30) vs. 3.1%(1/32), P=1.000]. No sexual dysfunction was found in either groups. Two cases in laparoscopic group presented relapse and metastasis, but no recurrence and metastasis was observed in robot group. There was no death in two groups.

CONCLUSIONRobotic radical surgery in the treatment of middle-low rectal cancers is safe and effective with the advantages of less trauma, less bleeding, rapid recovery of intestinal function and urinary function.

Adult ; Aged ; Blood Loss, Surgical ; Comparative Effectiveness Research ; Defecation ; Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; methods ; Female ; Fistula ; etiology ; surgery ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; adverse effects ; Length of Stay ; Lymph Node Excision ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Operative Time ; Postoperative Period ; Recovery of Function ; Rectal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Robotic Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Urination

OBJECTIVETo investigate the characteristics of gastrointestinal transit in chronic constipation patients depending on a small amount barium(SAB) gastrointestinal transit test.

METHODSImaging data of 1890 cases with chronic constipation diagnosed with Rome III( criteria undergoing the SAB gastrointestinal transit test at Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2009 to March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients took 20 g medical barium sulfate diluted in porridge and erect position abdominal X-ray photographs were then taken at 4, 8, 12, 24 hours after meal and once in every 24 hour sequentially. Transit characteristics of whole gut and various segments, including stomach, small intestine, right hemicolon, left hemicolon and rectum were assessed according to the predetermined criteria.

RESULTSAll the 1890 patients showed good compliance with the complete test. Among these patients, 794 cases(42%) were diagnosed as normal transit and 1096 cases(58%) as gastrointestinal slow transit. Classified by the site of slow transit, 151 cases(8%) were abnormal gastric transit, 175(9%) cases were abnormal small intestinal transit, 986(52%) cases were slow right hemicolon transit, 1039 cases(55%) were slow left hemicolon transit, 139 cases(7%) were outlet obstruction. Among the 1096 patients with slow gut transit, 907 cases(83%) were multiple segments slow transit and 189 cases(17%) were single segment slow transit. Among 907 patients with multiple segmental slow transit, 668 cases(74%) were total colon slow transit, 61 cases(7%) were colonic slow transit combined with outlet obstruction, 138 cases(15%) were small intestine slow transit coincided with colon slow transit, 40 cases(4%) were total segments slow transit in the whole gut. Of 189 cases of single segment slow transit, 17 cases(9%) were unique gastric delayed empting, 37 cases(20%) were unitary small intestine transit dysfunction, 19 cases(10%) were right hemicolon transit defect, 78 cases(41%) were left hemicolon transit deterioration, 38 cases(20%) were outlet obstruction.

CONCLUSIONSThe characteristics of gastrointestinal transit test in patients with chronic constipation varied from each other. Majority presents multi-segment slow transit combined with colon slow transit. SAB gastrointestinal transit test is helpful for surveying the transit characteristics of each segment of gut and worth clinical generalization and application.

Colon ; Constipation ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Gastrointestinal Transit ; Humans ; Rectum ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach

Objective To analyze the relationship between plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2,lipoprotein(a)and atherosclerotic cerebral infraction(ACI).Methods The carotid plaque stability of 60 cerebral infraction patients were determined by cervical vascular color Doppler ultrasound.Plasma Lp-PLA2 and Lp(a)levels were detected by enzyme linked immunosor-bent assay(ELISL).Scores of neurological impairment were assessed by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).Results 44 patients with ACI showed unstable carotid plaques, while 16 patients with ACI showed stable carotid plaques.Compared with control group,the levels of plasma Lp-PLA2 and Lp(a)were higher in ACI group (P <0.05).The levels of plasma Lp-PLA2 and Lp (a )in unstable plaque group were higher than those in stable plaque group (P <0.05).The plasma level of Lp-PLA2 was negatively correlated with neurological impairment (P >0.05).Conclusion Increasing of Lp-PLA2 and Lp(a)are closely related with atherosclerotic cere-bral infarction.In clinic,the risk of cerebral infarction can be predicted by detecting the levels of Lp-PLA2 and LP(a),and it can play an important role in preventing and reducing the recurrence of cerebral infarction.

Objective To analyze the relationship between plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2,lipoprotein(a)and atherosclerotic cerebral infraction(ACI).Methods The carotid plaque stability of 60 cerebral infraction patients were determined by cervical vascular color Doppler ultrasound.Plasma Lp-PLA2 and Lp(a)levels were detected by enzyme linked immunosor-bent assay(ELISL).Scores of neurological impairment were assessed by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).Results 44 patients with ACI showed unstable carotid plaques, while 16 patients with ACI showed stable carotid plaques.Compared with control group,the levels of plasma Lp-PLA2 and Lp(a)were higher in ACI group (P <0.05).The levels of plasma Lp-PLA2 and Lp (a )in unstable plaque group were higher than those in stable plaque group (P <0.05).The plasma level of Lp-PLA2 was negatively correlated with neurological impairment (P >0.05).Conclusion Increasing of Lp-PLA2 and Lp(a)are closely related with atherosclerotic cere-bral infarction.In clinic,the risk of cerebral infarction can be predicted by detecting the levels of Lp-PLA2 and LP(a),and it can play an important role in preventing and reducing the recurrence of cerebral infarction.

Objective To investigate the value of color Doppler ultrasonography in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant testicular tumors in children. Methods The sonographic findings of 63 children pathologically confirmed testicular tumors were retrospectively analyzed.All children were divided into benign group and malignant group according to pathologic diagnosis. The tumor size,shape,border, echo texture,calcification and color blood flow were compared between two groups. Logistic regression analysis was employed to predict sonographic features of benign and malignant testicular tumors.Receiver operating curve (ROC) was employed to assess the diagnostic performance of sonographic features. Results Among the 63 cases of pediatric testicular tumors,42 cases were histologically confirmed as benign testicular tumors (66.7% ),and the rest 21 cases were malignant testicular tumors (33.3% ). The maximum diameter of tumor in benign tumors was significantly smaller than that in malignant tumors[(1.75 ± 0.75) cm vs (2.90 ± 1.22)cm,P =0.000].In the sonographic features,malignant testicular tumors were more likely to present with solid masses,and benign testicular tumors were more likely to be cystic or cystic-solid ( P =0.024).Calcification was more common in benign tumors than that in malignant tumors ( P =0.000).Compared with benign tumors,malignant tumors had increased blood flow on color Doppler images ( P =0.000).Logistic regression analysis indicated that flow grade was the independent prognostic factors for malignant tumor. By using Alder grade of 2 or above as threshold,the sensitivity,specificity and accuracy were 95.2%,78.6% and 84.1%,respectively. Conclusions The sonographic features vary between benign and malignant testicular tumors. Blood flow is the independent factors for predicting malignant tumor. Color Doppler ultrasonography is an important method for differential diagnosis of testicular tumors in children.