Objective To explore the efficacy of transthoracic endoscopic T2～3 sympathectomy in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis with chilblain. Methods A total of 16 patients underwent bilateral transthoracic endoscopic T_2～3 sympathectomy. The sympathetic chain was cut off on the third posterior rib. Palmar skin temperature was monitored simultaneously during the operation. Results The procedure was successfully completed without complications in all the 16 patients. The palmar temperature on the side of prior thoracotomy was significantly higher at 15 min after sympathectomy (33.8?1.3 ℃) than before operation (29.8?0.8 ℃; q=12.513, P

Objective To investigate the relationship between-160C/A single nucleotide poly-morphism(SNP) in the CDH1 gene promoter and protein expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods Samples were taken from 34 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and -160 C/A SNP of CDH1 gene promoter was detected by blood specimens adopting direct DNA sequencing. The expres-sion of E-cadherin which encoded by CDH1 gene was determined by paraffin-embedded tissue using immunohistochemistry and the association between -160 C/A SNP and protein expression was ana-lyzed. Results The high and low expression of E-cadherin was observed in 18 cases(52.9%) and 16 cases(47.1%). In these two groups, the difference of the incidence between CC genotype and CA, AA genotype was statistically significant(P<0.05) whereas there was no marked difference between CA and AA genotype. The difference of both A and C allele frequency was significant(P<0.05). Conclusion The -160 C/A SNP of the CDH1 gene promoter may play an important role in regulating the expression of E-cadherin in hepatocellular carcinoma and the incidence of A allele is associated with down-regulation of E-cadherin expression.

Objective: This study was to develop an experimental rat model of subcutaneous fistula induced by bacteria infection and treat it with thread-dragging therapy. Methods: A spring-gauze was surgically implanted into 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats' dorsal muscles, respectively, then mixed Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were injected into the spring-gauze. After 45 d, all the spring-gauzes were removed from the rats under anesthesia. X-ray and ultrasound were performed to assess the fistula tract. Each rat was examined by a fistula probe and four rats were randomly selected for histological assessment. The residual rats were randomly divided into two groups. Group A was treated with thread-dragging therapy, and group B was treated with fistulotomy. The healing time and body weight of the two groups were compared. Results: On the 45th day of the spring-gauze implantation, imaging assessment proved a tract with two openings in all rats and histological results proved that lumen and surrounding granulation tissue with epithelium were similar to the features of fistula in human beings. The mean healing time of rats in group A was shorter than that of the rats in group B (P<0.01). The body weight of rats in group A was heavier than that of the rats in group B on the 7th and 14th day after surgery, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: A rat model of subcutaneous fistula induced by mixed Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli infection was successfully established. Traditional Chinese medicine thread-dragging therapy is less invasive and safer than fistulotomy.

We designed a locator for puncture under CT examination.Thirty-three patients of both sexesaged 16-76 yr weighing 46-80 kg undergoing bilateral thoracic or lumber sympathetic nerve block under CT examination were enrolled in this study.One side was punctured under the guidance of the locator,while the other side was punctured by conventional technique.The time consumed during puncture,CT scan adjusting time,the deviation of the needle from the targets and the incidence of puncture complications were recorded.The results showed that compared with the conventional technique,with the locator the time consumed during puncture was significantly shorter,the number of attempts and the deviation of the needle from the target were significantly reduced.The procedure was successfully performed on both side in all patients without serious complications such as hemothorax and pneumothorax.