Objective To investigate the clinical features , diagnosis and treatment of ectopic thyroid in order to avoid misdiagnosis and mismanagement .Methods Six cases of ectopic thyroid admitted to Fuzhou Gen-eral Hospital from Jan .2000 to Oct.2011 were retrospectively analyzed and the literatures were reviewed .Re-sults Three cases of ectopic thyroid were located in the anterior cervical area , 2 cases were at the base of the tongue and 1 case in the gall bladder .Two cases of aberrant thyroid were confirmed preoperatively in patients whose gland wasn't discovered by imaging examinations at the normal position of the thyroid gland .A symptomless individual of aberrant thyroid did not need other treatment but follow-up.One case with foreign body sensation in pharynx had a good response to thyroxine therapy .Four cases with accessory thyroid were operated because of misdiagnosis .Three cases were ectopic thyroid tissue and one was nodular goiter confirmed by pathology .None of these patients developed hypothyroidism after surgery .Conclusions Ectopic thyroid gland is a rare disease fre-quently misdiagnosed and mistreated .Goiters in the commonly location of ectopic thyroid gland such as the anteri-or cervical area and the base of the tongue should be paid special attention .Hormonal therapy or surgical inter-vention should be chosen according to clinical features , type of the goiter , thyroid function and whether it is be-nign or malignant .Long term follow-up and thyroid function tests are absolutely necessary .

To investigate the effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) on the plasma concentrations of valproic acid (VPA) and its toxic metabolite 2-propyl-4-pentenoic acid (4-ene VPA) in epileptic patients, the plasma concentrations of VPA and 4-ene VPA were determined, and the effect of CBZ on pharmacokinetics of VPA was evaluated. All patients had been divided into two groups (VPA group, n = 87; and VPA+CBZ group, n = 19). As compared to VPA group, the combination of CBZ significantly (P < 0.01) decreased the trough concentration of VPA [VPA group, (69.5 +/- 28.8) microg x mL(-1); VPA+CBZ group, (46.3 +/- 25.6) microg x mL(-1)] and does-adjusted VPA trough concentration [VPA group, (4.89 +/- 2.21) microg x mL(-1) x mg(-1) x kg(-1); VPA+CBZ group, (3.14 +/- 1.74) microg x mL(-1) x mg(-1) x kg(-1)]. However, the addition of CBZ did not influence the concentration of 4-ene VPA. The present study revealed that coadministration of CBZ can reduce VPA plasma concentration and may impact VPA clinical effect, therefore therapeutic drug mornitoring of VPA should be used when combined use of CBZ and VPA.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Anticonvulsants ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; therapeutic use ; Carbamazepine ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; therapeutic use ; Drug Interactions ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Epilepsy ; blood ; drug therapy ; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Valproic Acid ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; therapeutic use ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy between continuous negative pressure-flush through extraperitoneal dual tube and conventional drainage in the treatment and prevention for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer.

METHODSClinical data of 627 rectal cancer patients undergoing low anterior resection by the same surgical team from January 2007 to March 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Of 627 patients, 370 received self-made easy extraperitoneal dual tube which was placed in the dorsal site of an anastomosis for drainage (dual tube group), and the other 257 received conventional drainage tube from abdominal cavity (convention group) prophylactically. The incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage, reoperation rate, drainage tube indwelling duration, hospitalization duration, hospitalization expense, quality of life score, incidence of anastomotic stricture within 6 months after operation were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSAnastomotic leakage after low Dixon operation was found in 25 cases (4.0%, 25/627), including 14 cases (3.8%, 14/370) in dual tube group, and 11 cases (4.3%, 11/257) in convention group, and the difference was not statistically significant. After anastomotic leakage occurrence, all the patients in dual tube group were managed by continuous negative pressure (50 mmHg)-flush through another self-made easy intra-rectal dual tube without reoperation, while 5 patients in conventional group underwent operation again because of treatment failure with continuous negative pressure-flush through intra-rectal dual tube for half a month. Drainage tube indwelling duration was (9.7±2.7) d and (16.4±3.6) d, hospitalization duration was (15.7±4.3) d and (21.5±6.4) d, hospitalization expenses was (42 470±3190) Yuan and (53 480±5630) Yuan in dual tube group and conventional group respectively, the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Quality of life on the 15th day of anastomotic leakage treatment was significantly better in dual tube group as compared to conventional group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThough continuous negative pressure-flush through extraperitoneal dual tube can not decrease the incidence of anastomotic leakage in rectal cancer patients after low anterior resection, it may increase the successful rate of conservative therapy, decrease the reoperation rate, and improve the quality of life when combined with the use of an intra-rectal dual tube.

Aged ; Anastomotic Leak ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Rectal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Therapeutic Irrigation ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Previous studies have revealed that mast cells (MCs) may activate the protease-activated receptors and release of neuropeptides involved in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The levels of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) and tryptase can contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of IBS. METHODS: Colonoscopic biopsies were performed of 38 subjects (20 with IBS-diarrhea [IBS-D], eight with IBS-constipation [IBS-C], and 10 healthy volunteers). The mRNA and protein levels of tryptase and PAR-2 were assessed by real-time PCR and Western blot. The levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were measured by immunohistochemistry, and MCs were counted by toluidine blue staining. RESULTS: Significant increases in the mRNA expression of tryptase (p<0.05, IBS-D, IBS-C vs control) and PAR-2 (p<0.05, IBS-D, IBS-C vs control) and in the tryptase protein level (p<0.05, IBS-D, IBS-C vs control) were detected in IBS. Elevations of MCs, CGRP, VIP and SP (p<0.05, IBS-D vs control) were observed for IBS-D only. CONCLUSIONS: Tryptase levels may upregulate the function of PAR-2, resulting in the release of neuropeptide and they were correlated with clinical symptoms associated with IBS.
Biopsy ; Blotting, Western ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; Immunohistochemistry ; Inflammation ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome* ; Mast Cells ; Neuropeptides ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Receptor, PAR-2* ; Receptors, Proteinase-Activated ; RNA, Messenger ; Substance P ; Tolonium Chloride ; Tryptases* ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

OBJECTIVETo investigate biosynthetic and apoptotic mechanisms in repair of full thickness skin defect with collagen-chitosan porous scaffold transplantation, and to determinate differences between wound repair with the scaffold transplantation and scar healing without the scaffold transplantation.

METHODSThe full thickness skin defects were made on 10 Bama miniature pigs and the bilayer dermal equivalent (BDE) composed of collagen-chitosan porous scaffold and silicone membrane was transplanted on wounds. Surfaces of wounds were observed at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after the BDE transplantation, and so were done the wound repairs after epidermis had been grafted for 2 weeks on surface of the scaffold which had been transplanted on skin defect wounds for 2 weeks. At the same time, TGF-beta1 expressions, apoptosis and self collagen replacement of scaffolds in wounds were detected in situ by immunohistochemical staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) and picrosirius red polarized light. Wounds without scaffold transplantation were studied as control.

RESULTS1) Wounds with the scaffold transplantation were different from granulation tissue. 2) The peak of TGF-beta1 expression in the scaffold wounds was from 1 to 2 weeks after BDE transplantation, and TGF-beta1 expressions decreased continuously from 3 to 4 weeks. TGF-beta1 expressions increased continuously in the control wounds from 1 to 3 weeks and decreased on 4 weeks. TGF-beta1 expressions in the scaffold wounds on 1st and 2nd week were significantly higher than those in the corresponding control wounds, whereas, TGF-beta1 expressions in the scaffold wounds on 3rd and 4th week were significantly lower than those in the corresponding control wounds. 3) Apoptosis increased continuously in the scaffold wounds from 2 to 4 weeks after BDE transplantation, and so did in the control wounds from 3 to 4 weeks. However, apoptosis signals in the scaffold wounds on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th week after BDE transplantation were significantly more than those in the corresponding control wounds, and there was no difference between apoptosis signals in the scaffold wounds on 1st week after BDE transplantation and those in the corresponding control wounds. 4) Observation by picrosirius red polarized light method: self collagen began to synthesize in the scaffold wounds on 1st week after BDE transplantation, and scaffolds had been replaced by self collagen from 2 to 3 weeks after BDE transplantation.

CONCLUSIONSCollagen-chitosan porous scaffold plays a very important role in wound healing of full thickness skin defect. The mechanisms of wound repair by dermal scaffold are different from those by granulation and scar healing. It has a good future in repairing skin defect.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Chitosan ; metabolism ; Collagen ; biosynthesis ; metabolism ; Dermis ; Extracellular Matrix ; Female ; Skin Irritancy Tests ; Skin, Artificial ; Stents ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature ; Tissue Engineering ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; Wound Healing

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of nimotuzumab combined with palitaxel liposome and carboplatin (LP) regimen for treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to observe the changes of tumor markers and toxicities in the treatment. METHODS Forty-one patients with advanced NSCLC were randomly divided into 2 groups: 21 patients in the observation group were treated with nimotuzumab (200 mg per week for 6 weeks), palitaxel liposome 160 mg/m2 and carboplatin (AUC = 6). 20 patients in the control group were given LP regimen. Each group completed two cycles of chemotherapy. The level of tumor markers (CEA, CYFR21-1 and NSE) and toxicities were checked at one week before and after the treatment. Thoracic CT examinations were taken before treatment and at the fourth week and eighth week after treatment.

RESULTSIn the observation group, there were 2 cases of CR, 7 cases of PR, 9 cases of SD and 3 cases of PD. The objective response rate (RR) was 42. 9% in the observation group. In the control group, there were 1 case of CR, 6 cases of PR, 8 cases of SD and 5 cases of PD, with a RR of 35.0% in this group. There was no significant difference in the RR between the two groups (P = 0.751). The time to progression (TIP) was 6. 9 months in the observation group and 5. 7 months in the control group, with a significant difference (P = 0.027). The levels of NSE decreased significantly in both groups and showed a significant difference (P = 0.039). The levels of CEA and CYFRA21 in both groups were decreased after treatment, but did not show a significant difference before and after treatment, respectively. Except 3 cases had I-II skin toxicities on the faces in the observation group, there was no significant difference in toxicities between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONNimotuzmab combined with LP regimen shows a synergistic effect, can increase the efficacy and prolong TFP in advanced NSCLC patients. The toxicities are mild and tolerable.

Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Antigens, Neoplasm ; metabolism ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Carboplatin ; administration & dosage ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Exanthema ; chemically induced ; Female ; Humans ; Keratin-19 ; metabolism ; Liposomes ; administration & dosage ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Paclitaxel ; administration & dosage ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase ; metabolism ; Remission Induction

OBJECTIVETo assess the effect of Shenmai Injection (SMI) on left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).

METHODSSixty-four CHF patients were randomly assigned to two groups, the observation group and the control group. Basic treatment including polarized liquid therapy was given to all the patients. In addition, SMI was given to patients of the observation group. The treatment duration was 14 days. TDI was performed in all the patients 3 days prior to the initiation of the treatment and one week after the medication to measure the average movement velocity of the mitral ring of the left ventricle at the early systolic stage and late diastolic stage (Ea and Aa); the outcomes were compared with the corresponding parameters obtained from blood flow Doppler echocardiography, namely, the velocity of the E-wave (E) and A-wave (A).

RESULTSAfter treatment, Ea and Ea/Aa increased and Aa decreased significantly in the observation group (P<0.05). In the control group, although some improvement was seen, there was no statistically significant change (P>0.05). No statistical significance was shown between groups in these parameters after treatment.

CONCLUSIONTDI assessment shows that SMI could effectively improve the LVDF in CHF patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Cardiovascular Agents ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; pharmacology ; Chronic Disease ; Diastole ; drug effects ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; pharmacology ; Echocardiography, Doppler ; Female ; Heart Failure, Diastolic ; diagnostic imaging ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Injections ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left ; drug therapy ; Ventricular Function ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the types of lipid disorder and its relationship with macrovascular diseases and insulin resistance in Chinese diabetic patients.

METHODS2,430 diabetic patients finished the diabetes complications assessment and were surveyed on their blood lipids, insulin level and macrovascular diseases. The insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated based on HOMA model.

RESULTSPrevalence of lipids disorder was as high as 63.8% in this group, including 23.9% with both hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia (HY-C-T), 16.1% with hypercholesterolemia only (HY-C), 15.0% with hypertriglyceridemia only (HY-T), 5.5% with lower HDL level (L-HDL), 3.3% with hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and lower HDL level together. Compared with the patients with normal lipid level (control group), no duration differences existed among these groups. There were more female patients in HY-C and HY-C-T groups. BMI and WHR were higher in all groups with lipid disorder except in HY-C group. Macrovascular diseases were more common in HY-C-T patients than in control group (33.6% vs 24.0%, P < 0.001). Average blood pressure and the prevalence of hypertension were significantly higher in HY-C-T, HY-C, HY-T groups than in control group (139/79, 138/76, 134/77 vs. 132/75 mmHg; 53.2%, 50.1%, 46.2% vs. 39.2%). Fasting insulin level was significantly higher in HY-C-T and HY-C-T-L-LDL groups than in controls. Insulin resistance was more severe in all patients with lipid disorder except in L-HDL group, particularly in the HY-C-T-L-HDL group.

CONCLUSIONS(1) BMI, WHR increased significantly with the severity of lipid disorder. (2) Nearly two thirds of Chinese diabetic patients have lipid disorder, which is the strong risk factor of macrovascular diseases and aggravates insulin resistance. (3) There was severe insulin resistance in patients with hypertriglyceridemia or with hypertriglyceridemia plus other lipid disorder.

Adult ; Aged ; China ; epidemiology ; Diabetes Complications ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; etiology ; Diabetic Retinopathy ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Hypertension ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Insulin Resistance ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence

Objective To compare the efficacy between continuous negative pressure-flush through extraperitoneal dual tube and conventional drainage in the treatment and prevention for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer. Methods Clinical data of 627 rectal cancer patients undergoing low anterior resection by the same surgical team from January 2007 to March 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Of 627 patients, 370 received self-made easy extraperitoneal dual tube which was placed in the dorsal site of an anastomosis for drainage (dual tube group), and the other 257 received conventional drainage tube from abdominal cavity (convention group) prophylactically. The incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage, reoperation rate, drainage tube indwelling duration, hospitalization duration, hospitalization expense, quality of life score, incidence of anastomotic stricture within 6 months after operation were compared between the two groups. Results Anastomotic leakage after low Dixon operation was found in 25 cases (4.0%, 25/627), including 14 cases (3.8%, 14/370) in dual tube group, and 11 cases (4.3%,11/257) in convention group, and the difference was not statistically significant. After anastomotic leakage occurrence, all the patients in dual tube group were managed by continuous negative pressure (50 mmHg)-flush through another self-made easy intra-rectal dual tube without reoperation , while 5 patients in conventional group underwent operation again because of treatment failure with continuous negative pressure-flush through intra-rectal dual tube for half a month. Drainage tube indwelling duration was (9.7 ±2.7) d and (16.4±3.6) d, hospitalization duration was (15.7±4.3) d and(21.5±6.4) d, hospitalization expenses was (42 470±3190) Yuan and (53 480±5630) Yuan in dual tube group and conventional group respectively , the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Quality of life on the 15th day of anasmototic leakage treatment was significantly better in dual tube group as compared to conventional group (P<0.05). Conclusion Though continuous negative pressure-flush through extraperitoneal dual tube can not decrease the incidence of anastomotic leakage in rectal cancer patients after low anterior resection, it may increase the successful rate of conservative therapy, decrease the reoperation rate, and improve the quality of life when combined with the use of an intra-rectal dual tube.

Objective To compare the efficacy between continuous negative pressure-flush through extraperitoneal dual tube and conventional drainage in the treatment and prevention for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer. Methods Clinical data of 627 rectal cancer patients undergoing low anterior resection by the same surgical team from January 2007 to March 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Of 627 patients, 370 received self-made easy extraperitoneal dual tube which was placed in the dorsal site of an anastomosis for drainage (dual tube group), and the other 257 received conventional drainage tube from abdominal cavity (convention group) prophylactically. The incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage, reoperation rate, drainage tube indwelling duration, hospitalization duration, hospitalization expense, quality of life score, incidence of anastomotic stricture within 6 months after operation were compared between the two groups. Results Anastomotic leakage after low Dixon operation was found in 25 cases (4.0%, 25/627), including 14 cases (3.8%, 14/370) in dual tube group, and 11 cases (4.3%,11/257) in convention group, and the difference was not statistically significant. After anastomotic leakage occurrence, all the patients in dual tube group were managed by continuous negative pressure (50 mmHg)-flush through another self-made easy intra-rectal dual tube without reoperation , while 5 patients in conventional group underwent operation again because of treatment failure with continuous negative pressure-flush through intra-rectal dual tube for half a month. Drainage tube indwelling duration was (9.7 ±2.7) d and (16.4±3.6) d, hospitalization duration was (15.7±4.3) d and(21.5±6.4) d, hospitalization expenses was (42 470±3190) Yuan and (53 480±5630) Yuan in dual tube group and conventional group respectively , the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Quality of life on the 15th day of anasmototic leakage treatment was significantly better in dual tube group as compared to conventional group (P<0.05). Conclusion Though continuous negative pressure-flush through extraperitoneal dual tube can not decrease the incidence of anastomotic leakage in rectal cancer patients after low anterior resection, it may increase the successful rate of conservative therapy, decrease the reoperation rate, and improve the quality of life when combined with the use of an intra-rectal dual tube.