This essay is to make brief comments on the Nitinol vascular stents fatigue lifetime requirements, finite element analysis and fatigue lifetime tests etc.
Alloys ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis ; Finite Element Analysis ; Materials Testing ; Stents

Objectives To compare total laparoscopic gastrectomy with intracorporeal hand-sewn Gl reconstruction and laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Methods Between July 2009 and July 2010, 21 patients of gastric cancer underwent total laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy with intracorporeal hand-sewn reconstruction and 28 did laparoscopy-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy in Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases. All patients were operated on by an experienced surgeon. Patient demographics, TNM stage, location of tumor, the intraoperative and postoperative details of the two groups were compared. Results In the 21 patients undergoing total laparoscopic gastrectomy, there were 15 of distal gastrectomy and 6 of total gastrectomy, compared with 21 and 7 in laparoscopy-assisted group. In total laparoscopic group, intracorporeal hand-sewn technique was used for gastro-jejunal and jejuno-jejunal (J-J)anastomosis, and 25 mm circular stapler was used for esophago-jejunal anastomosis. The operation time was significant longer in total laparoscopic group than in laparoscopy-assisted group of (279 ± 65 ) min vs.(232 ±40) min (P ＜ 0.05 ). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in proximal margin [(5.7 ± 1.5 )cm vs. (5.1 ± 1.4) cm, P ＞ 0.05] and distal margin [( 3.1 ± 0.9 )cm vs. ( 2.9 ±0.9) cm,P ＞0.05]. The iv narcotic use in laparoscopy-assisted group was 1.8 d but it was not used in total laparoscopic group. The first passing flatus was on day 3 in total laparoscopic group compared with 4.8 d in laparoscopy-assisted group. Both groups had 2 postoperative early complications, one intra-abdominal infection and one lung infection in total laparoscopic group compared with one wound infection and one lung infection in laparoscopy-assisted group. There was no anastomosis-related complications after 4 months of follow-up. Conclusions The operation time and postoperative early complication was acceptable for selected patients treated by total laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy with intracorporeal hand-sewn GI tract reconstruction in hands of experienced laparoscopic surgeon.

Objective To investigate the direct and indirect MRI manifestations of anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)tears and discuss its mechanism and diagnostic value.Methods The study involved 40 patients with ACL tears including 37 males and three females at age range of 16-49 years(mean age of 33 years).Arthroscopy and operation confirmed 28 patients at acute phase of ACL tears,12 at chronic phase of ACL tears,35 with complete ACL tears and five with partial ACL tears.All patients were examined on 1.5T Siemens MRI scanner,with SE,TSE or Medic sequence in multiple directions.The direct and indirect MRI manifestations of ACL tears were retrospectively and statistically analyzed by employing three experienced doctors.Results Among 28 patients with acute tears,the direct MRI signs included signal interruption or non-consecutive(86%),uneven signal(64%)and swelling and thickening ligament(36%).While in 12 patients with chronic teats,the MRI signs manifested swelling ligament(92%),signal interruption or non-consecutive(75%)and uneven signal(58%).The sign of thickening ligament was mainly seen at chronic phase of ACL tears(P ＜0.01).Of 35 patients with complete ACL tears,80% occurred in the middle part of ACL,with low incidence of upper and lower parts.All five patients with partial ACL tears occurred in the anteriomedialis bundle.The indirect MRI signs of ACL tears included 7-shaped deformity of posterior cruciate ligament(PCL)(34 patients,85%),meniscus exposure(26 patients)including 16 with lateral meniscus exposure(62%),bone injury(15 patients)including segond fracture(8 patients,53%),widened joint space(9 patients)including 78% at chronic phase,and tibia antelocation(23 patients,57%).Among 40 patients,37 patients were diagnosed correctly preoperatively,with accuracy rate of 92%.While three patients with partial ACL tears were missed diagnosis preoperatively,with inaccuracy rate of 8%.Conclusion ACL tear is relatively easy to identify preoperatively according to direct and indirect MRI signs in combination with trauma history.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy with gamma-knife (γ-SBRT) combined with targeted drug sorafenib and hyperthermia for the treatment of recurrent and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods:A total of 71 patients with recurrent and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma were admitted from August 2007 to December 2009. Among these patients, 39 were treated with γ-SBRT and hyperthermia (group 1); 19 were treated with γ-SBRT combined with sorafenib and hyperthermia (group 2). Results: The total efficacy rate after a three-month treatment was 83.1% (59/71). In group 1, the following results were obtained:one-and three-year local control rates of 41.0%(16/39) and 18%(7/39), respectively;one-and three-year overall survival (OS) rates of 41.2% and 17.9%, respectively; and one- and three-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates of 38.4% and 15.4%, respectively. In group 2, the following results were obtained:one-and three-year local rates of 56.3%(18/32) and 28.1%(9/32), respectively;one-and three-year OS rates of 62.5%and 28.1%, respectively;and one-and three-year PFS rates of 59.4%and 25.0%, respectively. Significant differences in OS and PFS were observed between the two groups. Conclusion:The combination ofγ-SBRT with targeted drug sorafenib and hyperthermia can be used effectively to treat recurrent and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Adverse reactions are mild, and patients can tolerate this treatment.

Objective To investigate the effects ofWenyujinessential oil on tau protein phosphorylation in mice with Alzheimer Disease (AD); To discuss the relevant mechanism of action.MethodsSixty Kunming mice were divided into six groups randomly: sham-operation group, model group,Wenyujin essential oil low- and high-dose group, donepezil group andShenzhiling group.β-Amyloid protein (Aβ25-35) was infused into the hippocampal of mice. Mice in each group were given relevant medicine for gavage for 15 d. After the last administration, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of tau protein phosphorylation points (Ser 404 and Thr 231). Western blot was used to detect tau protein phosphorylation points and the expression of PI3K/Akt protein. Results Compared with sham-operation group, tau protein phosphorylation points in the model group increased (P<0.05), but the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, tau protein phosphorylation (Thr231 and Ser404) inWenyujin essential oil high-dose group decreased significantly (P<0.05), and the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt increased(P<0.01). ConclusionWenyujinessential oil can inhibit tau protein phosphorylation in mice. The possible mechanism may be related to the PI3K/Akt signal pathway.

OBJECTIVE To map a comprehensive metabolic pathway of herbacetin in rats, specifically, to elucidate the biotransformation of herbacetin in vivo and to simultaneously monitor the pharmacokinetic process of both parent drug and its major metabolites. METHODS liquid chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry (LC/MSn) and ultra-liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS) were combined in the current study for qualitative and quantitative determinations of herbacetin and its metabolites in bile, urine and feces after both oral and intravenous administration of herbacetin to rats. Enzyme kinetic studies on the intestinal and hepatic metabolism of herbacetin were further conducted to elucidate metabolic profiles of herbacetin in rat tissues and organs. Additionally, plasma concentration profiles of herbacetin and its metabolites in rats were obtained to characterize the overall pharmacokinetic behavior of herbacetin. RESULTS It was found that herbacetin was excreted primarily from rat urine in the form of glucuronide-conjugations. Subsequent in vitro enzyme kinetic studies and in vivo pharmacokinetic investigations suggested an extensive hepatic metabolism of herbacetin and the high exposure of herbacetin- glucuronides in systemic circulation. The clearance, half- life and bioavailability of herbacetin in rats were determined as (16.4±1.92)mL·kg-1·min-1, (11.9±2.7)min, and 1.32%, respectively. On basis of these findings, a comprehensive metabolic pathway of herbacetin in rats was composed. In addition, a physiology based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was successfully developed with the aid of the GastroPlus to simulate the pharmacokinetic process of herbacetin in rats. Application of the PBPK modeling can provide a useful starting point to understand and extrapolate pharmacokinetic parameters among different species, populations, and disease states. CONCLUSION After oral administration, herbacetin was subjected to colonic degradation and extensive first pass metabolism, with glucuronidation as its dominating in vivo metabolic pathway.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of hypoxia on the pharmacokinetic process of salidrosidein rats and to explore its underlying mechanisms. METHODS The Caco-2 cell monolayerwas exposed to 1% oxygen (O2) concentration for 24 h to build the hypoxiccell model. The transportation mode of salidroside was investigated with the aid of this hypoxia model by detecting the apparent permeability coefficient(Papp). Healthy Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to 9% O2 for 72 h for the construction of hypoxic rat model. Liver sample was subsequently collected from the hypoxic rats with an aim to identify enzymes responsible for salidroside metabolism. The expression levels of sali?droside-transporting and salidroside-metabolizing enzymes, including Sodium-dependent glucose cotrans?porters (SGLT1), β-glucosidase (GBA3)and sulfotransferase (SULT2A1), were thereafter detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. The metabolic activity of GBA3 and SULT2A1 was monitored by rat liver microsome incubation.In addition, the renal function of rats under hypoxia was assessed by detecting concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. RESULTS The AUC and t1/2 values of salidroside in hypoxic rats were more than doubled, while the in vivo clearance was significantly reduced. Mechanistic study demonstrated that the PappA- B/PappB- A eualsto 10.3, indicating the potential active transport of salidrosile. The expression of SGLT1 and GBA3 was significantly decreased, which indicated a reduced metabolism of salidroside under hypoxia. Moreover, rat under hypoxia was found to suffer from renal dysfunction, with an abnormal value of blood urea nitrogen. CONCLUSION Due to the reduced metabolism and the abnormal renal function under hypoxia, the systemic exposure of salidroside in rats was signifi?cantly enhanced.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of neoadjunctive chemotherapy(NAC)of docetaxel and epirubicin com-bined with cyclophosphamide on clinical efficacy and tumor markers of breast cancer patients with different molecular types. METH-ODS:A total of 88 female patients with locally advanced breast cancer collected from our hospital during Jan. 2014-Jan. 2016 were divided into Luminal A type(23 cases),Luminal B type(21 cases),basal-like type(11 cases),HER2-over expressing type(18 cases)and normal breast-like type(15 cases)according to molecular type. All patients were given Docetaxel injection+Epirubicin hydrochloride injection+Cyclophosphamide for injection for consecutive 6 cycles(21 d as a cycle). Total response rates and patho-logical complete remission(pCR)rates were compared among breast cancer patients with different molecular types. The expression of serum tumor markers [CEA,CA125,CA153] were compared before and after treatment,and the occurrence of ADR was record-ed. RESULTS:Total response rate of 88 patients was 63.64%,among which that of basal-like breast cancer patients was 72.73%, significantly higher than other molecular types,with statistical significance(P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in total response rates of pairwise molecular type comparison(P>0.05). The pCR rate of 88 patients was 27.27%,and that of basal-like breast cancer patients was the highest(45.45%). There was statistical significance in pCR rates of pairwise molecular type compari-son(P<0.05),except there was no significant difference in pCR rate between HER2-over expressing type and normal breast-like type(P>0.05). Before treatment,there was no statistical significance in the expression of CEA,CA125 and CA153 in breast can-cer patients with different molecular types(P>0.05). After treatment,the expression of CEA,CA125 and CA153 in different mo-lecular types were decreased significantly,with statistical significance(P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in the expres-sion of above markers among different molecular types(P>0.05). There was no statistical significance in the incidence of ADR among different molecular types(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS:NAC plan of docetaxel and epirubicin combined with cyclophospha-mide can reduce the expression of tumor markers and shows certain therapeutic efficacy for breast cancer patients with different mo-lecular types. Total response rate and pCR rate of basal-like type are better than those of other molecular types,so NAC plan is the preferred treatment for basal-like type breast cancer.

Objective To explore the effect of Ligustrazine on neurogenesis in cortex after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Methods Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by left middle cerebral arteryocclusion with asuture. Two hours later, injection of Ligustrazine (80 mg/kg, 1 time/d) was performed peritoneally. Four hours after the ischemia,5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) (50 mg/kg, 1 time/d) was injected peritoneally. At 7 d, 14 d and 21 d after ischemia,BrdU positive cells in the cortex were observed by immunohistochemical staining. Results In ischemic model group, at 7 day, sparsely-distributed BrdU positive cells were observed in the Ⅱ - Ⅵ layers of the ipsilateral cortex, with a band-like distribution in ischemic penumbra. With the prolongation of ischemia, the number of BrdU positive cells increased.In Ligustrazine group, BrdU positive cells were also observed in the Ⅱ - Ⅵ layers of the cortex, with an intense distribution in ischemic penumbra. The numbers of BrdU positive cells at 7 d, 14 d and 21 d were more than those in ischemic model group respectively. Conclusion Ligustrazine increases the proliferated cells in cortex after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. The results suggest that it may be useful for promoting self-repair after ischemia.

OBJECTIVETo explore clinical effect of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) combined with discontinuous windowing technique for repairing large area exposed wounds of Achilles tendon.

METHODSFrom July 2009 to May 2014, 11 patients with large exposed wounds of Achilles tendon were treated, including 5 males and 6 females with an average age of 43 years old (aged from 7 to 65 years old). Among them, 4 cases were skin necrosis caused by heavy objects abrasion and contusion; 3 cases were caused by distal tibiofibula fractures; 3 cases were caused by bicycle-spoke injuries; 1 case was caused by diabetes. Areas of exposed Achilles tendon were from 6 cmx3 cm to 14 cmx5 cm without tendon rupture or bone exposed. After debridement, discontinuous fenestration on Achilles tendon was made by knife blade parallel with longitudinal axis of Achilles tendon, combined with Vacuum Sealing Drainage (VSD) treatment.

RESULTSAfter drainage treatment with one VSD cycle (5 to 7 days), abundant fresh granulation tissues were growing on all wounds and survived well after the second phase dermatoplasty. All patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months, the color of skin flap was good, the texture was soft without burst. At 3 to 4 months after operation, subcutaneous fat was appeared under the flap, the skin was sliding, movement of ankle joints was good. No delayed Achilles tendon rupture were occurred.

CONCLUSIONVacuum sealing drainage (VSD) combined with discontinuous fenestration is a simple, safe and effective method for repairing large area exposed wounds of Achilles tendon,which could minimize the secondary damage caused by wounds of skin flap grafting.

Achilles Tendon ; injuries ; surgery ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Drainage ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Vacuum