Objective To systematically analyze the characteristics of the disease burden of hypertensive heart disease (HHD) in the elderly (≥60 years) globally and in China from 1990 to 2021, and to predict its future trends from 2022 to 2040, with the aim of providing data support for optimizing comprehensive prevention and control strategies for HHD. Methods Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, the number of prevalent cases and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of HHD in the elderly were extracted for the world, China, and five regions categorized by sociodemographic index (SDI). Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the temporal trends of age-standardized prevalence rate and age-standardized DALYs rate of HHD in the elderly. A three-factor decomposition method was applied to evaluate the relative contributions of aging, population growth, and epidemiological changes to the variations in the elderly HHD burden. Additionally, a Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the elderly HHD burden from 2022 to 2040. Results In 2021, the number of prevalent elderly HHD cases reached 10 283 000 globally and 3 412 400 in China, representing increases of 179.20% and 159.20% respectively, compared with 1990. The DALYs of elderly HHD were 18 812 700 person-years globally and 4 731 400 person-years in China, rising by 76.08% and 29.45% respectively from 1990. Meanwhile, the growth rates of the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD varied across different SDI regions. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized prevalence rate of elderly HHD in China, as well as the age-standardized DALYs rate of elderly HHD both globally and in China, showed significant downward trends (all average annual percentage changes<0, all P<0.001). In 2021, the 70-74 years age group accounted for the highest proportion of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD, both globally and in China. Decomposition analysis revealed that population growth was the dominant factor driving the increase in the elderly HHD burden across all regions. The prediction model results indicated that the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD would continue to rise globally and in China from 2022 to 2040, with the growth rate of the elderly HHD burden in China between 2021 and 2040 expected to exceed the global average. Conclusion Over the past 32 years, although the age-standardized disease rates of elderly HHD have mainly shown a downward trend globally and in China, the absolute number of the disease burden has increased substantially. The projection model indicates a continued upward trajectory, with the growth rate in China higher than the global average. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement precise prevention and control strategies to effectively mitigate the disease burden of elderly HHD.

Objective    To study the relationship between preoperative heart rate variability (HRV) and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Methods    A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 290 patients who were admitted to the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from May to September 2020 and received OPCAB. There were 217 males and 73 females aged 36-80 years. According to the incidence of POAF, the patients were divided into two groups: a non-atrial fibrillation group (208 patients) and an atrial fibrillation group (82 patients). The time domain and frequency domain factors of mean HRV 7 days before operation were calculated: standard deviation of all normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences, percentage difference between adjacent normal-to-normal intervals that were greater than 50 ms, low frequency power (LF), high frequency power (HF), LF/HF. Results    The HRV value of patients without POAF was significantly lower than that of patients with POAF (P<0.05). The median SDNN of the two groups were 78.90 ms and 91.55 ms, respectively. Age (OR=3.630, 95%CI 2.015-6.542, P<0.001), left atrial diameter (OR=1.074, 95%CI 1.000-1.155, P=0.046), and SDNN (OR=1.017, 95%CI 1.002-1.032, P=0.024) were independently associated with the risk of POPAF after OPCAB. Conclusion     SDNN may be an independent predictor of POAF after OPCAB.

Objective:To evaluate the long-term results of bipolar radiofrequency(BRF) ablation in restoring sinus rhythm in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation(AF) undergoing surgery for cardiac surgery.Methods:This retrospective study sample consisted of 268 patients with LSP-AF underwent cardiac operations concomitant BRF maze Ⅳ procedure. Data were collected prospectively on perioperative outcomes, rhythm status, survival, and clinical events.Results:15 patients died in the early postoperative period, perioperative mortality rate was 5.5%. The rate of stable sinus rhythm(sSR)was 86.6%, 75.4%, 67.7%, 57.8% in 1, 2, 5, 8 years after operation. Multivariate analysis proved the size of the left atrium( HR=1.073, P<0.001) and duration of AF( HR=1.070, P=0.025) to be an independent predictor of the radiofrequency ablation outcome. Conclusion:Bipolar radiofrequency maze procedure can effectively eliminate AF, maintain long-term of sinus rhythm. Bipolar radiofrequency maze procedure is a safe, easy and effective surgical option for the treatment of AF, with satisfactory long-term results, is worthy of promotion.

Objective:To evaluate the long-term results of combined ganglion plexus ablation(GPA) during radiofrequency ablation(RF) with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation(LSP-AF).Methods:This retrospective study sample consisted of 268 patients with LSP-AF underwent valve operations concomitant RF maze Ⅳ procedure. Data were collected prospectively on perioperative outcomes, rhythm status, survival, and clinical events. Propensity score matching conducted by RF and RF+ GPA resulted in 102 patients per group.Results:Independent predictors for rhythm success at 1 year were combined GPA( OR=0.205, P=0.005), smaller left atrium size( OR=1.091, P=0.000); at 5-year and 8-year were a shorter history of AF( OR=1.069, P=0.023; OR=1.066, P=0.030), and smaller left atrium size( OR=1.091, P=0.000; OR=1.086, P=0.000). After matching, RF+ GPA group had significantly higher sinus rhythm(SR) without antiarrhythmic drugs(AADs) at 6 months(91.3% vs. 79.8%, P=0.026), 1-year(90.2% vs. 78.5%, P=0.028), but there were no difference between the two groups at 5-year(64.8% vs. 64.4%, P=0.956), and 8-year(53.3% vs. 50.6%, P=0.711). During the 6 postoperative months, fewer patients in the RF+ GPA group underwent follow-up cardioversions(2.0% vs. 8.8%, P=0.030). Actuarial survival curves did not differ significantly between the 2 groups( HR=1.327, 95% CI 0.4633-3.802, P=0.598). Conclusion:The combination of GPA can be effective at the early postoperative stage for SR restoration in Maze Ⅳ procedures for the treatment of LSP-AF in heart valve surgeries, particularly for lower AADs use and lower cardioversions. However, this effect will gradually diminish after one year.

Objective To investigate the mechanism via which artesunate regulates the invasion and metastasis of colon cancer cells and the expression of members of the TGF-β1/Smad4 signaling pathway. Methods The cell counting kit 8 (CCK8), nude mouse xenograft model, Transwell invasion assay, and flow cytometry were used to investigate the effect of artesunate on the invasion and metastasis of colon cancer cells. Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of TGF-β1 and Smad4 proteins and mRNA, respectively. Results Artesunate inhibited the growth of transplanted tumor, cell proliferation, and invasion and promoted apoptosis. It inhibited TGF-β1 expression and promoted Smad4 expression. TGF-β1 inhibitors reversed the inhibitory effect of artesunate. Conclusion Artesunate can inhibit the growth of xenograft tumor in nude mice and its mode of action may be related to the TGF-β1/Smad4 signaling pathway.

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) refer to tumor cells that survive from the primary or metastatic tumors through active or passive blood entry and escape immune killing. With the continuous development of modern detection technology, the studies on some new CTC detection and separation technology including Cell Search system, Adna Test system, high-throughput imaging platform and microfluidic chip technology in prostate cancer have gradually made in-depth progresses. This article reviews the latest application progress of these new detection techniques in prostate cancer.

Objective We probed how to predict left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of the ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) patients would be improved apparently after revascularization. Methods Between July 2010 and December 2015, 245 ICM patients (30%≤LVEF≤40%) with coronary bypass grafting (CABG) were retrospectively observed. Among them, 146 patients were accompanied by ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) (146/245, 59.6%), and 41 patients underwent mitral valvuloplasty or replacement because of more than moderate IMR. There were 13 patients early death, and other 232 patients who were followed up over 6 months were divided into two groups based on whether or not post-operative LVEF increased by 10%: a LVEF recovered group (group A, 124 patients) and a non-recovered group (group B, 108 patients). Results Preoperative NT-proBNP in the group A was significantly higher than that in the group B (P=0.036). There were less patients with myocardial infarction in the group A than that in the group B (P=0.047), and more with angina pectoris in the group A than that in the group B (P=0.024). There was no significant difference in the extent of mitral regurgitation or mitral surgery between the groups A and B (P>0.05). There were lower left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) in the group A than those in the group B (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative LVEDD dilated apparently and no angina pectoris existed before surgery were independent risk factors for LVEF with no recovery in the ICM patients (30%≤LVEF≤40%) after revascularization. The LVEDD of 245 patients (including 13 early deaths) was 41-71 mm. We found that the ICM patients with LVEDD ≥60 mm were more likely to signify the unfavourable prognosis (χ2=8.63, P=0.003, OR=2.21, 95% confidence interval 1.25 to 3.91). Conclusion Preoperative LVEDD dilated and no angina pectoris before surgery are independent risk factors for LVEF with no recovery in the ICM patients (30%≤LVEF≤40%) after revascularization. LVEDD≥60 mm can be regarded as the preoperative forecasting factors for the unfavourable prognosis in the ICM patients (30%≤LVEF≤40%) after revascularization.

OBJECTIVETo explore the efficacy of partial resection of puborectalis combined with mutilation of internal anal sphincter(IAS) in the treatment of puborectalis syndrome with high anal pressure.

METHODSTwenty-five cases of puborectalis syndrome with high anal resting pressure in the preoperative examination received the operation of partial resection of puborectalis combined with mutilation of IAS in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between January 2013 and May 2015. The position of puborectalis was confirmed by touching with the exposure under the transfixion device, and a transverse incision was made by electrotome between 3 and 5 o'clock direction of puborectalis, then partial puborectalis was lifted by vessel clamp at 5 o'clock direction, and about 0.5 cm of muscular tissue was resected. Between 8 to 10 o'clock direction of anal tube, about 1 cm length of transverse incision was made by electrotome, then partial IAS was lifted by vessel clamp and cut off. Preoperative and postoperative 3-month anorectal manometry and defecography were carried out. Wexner constipation score and Cleveland Clinic incontinence score were implemented before surgery and 3, 6, 12 months after operation. This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR-ORB-16007695).

RESULTSOf the 25 cases, 18 were male and 7 were female, the average age was 55 years old and the average course of disease was 9 years. Compared with pre-operation, the postoperative 3-month anal resting pressure and maximal squeeze pressure were significantly decreased [(53.56±9.05) mmHg vs. (92.44±7.06) mmHg, (142.80±20.35) mmHg vs. (210.88±20.56) mmHg, respectively, both P=0.000]; anorectal angulation at resting state and forced defecation state increased significantly [(102.32±4.96)degree vs. (95.88±4.01)degree, (117.88±5.95)degree vs. (89.52±3.25)degree, respectively, both P=0.000]. Wexner constipation score of postoperative 3-month, 6-month, 12-month (8.28±3.91, 7.40±3.64 and 8.04±4.74) was significantly lower than the preoperative score (16.00±3.69, all P<0.05), while the score was not significantly different among 3 time points after operation (P>0.05). Cleveland Clinic incontinence score was 0 at postoperative 6 and 12 months, and revealed 20 cases were effective among all the surgical patients(80%).

CONCLUSIONPartial resection of puborectalis combined with mutilation of internal anal sphincter can effectively reduce anal pressure and improve symptoms of outlet obstruction, which is an effective method in the treatment of puborectalis syndrome with high anal pressure.

Anal Canal ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Constipation ; surgery ; Defecation ; Defecography ; Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Manometry ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Hypertonia ; surgery ; Pelvic Floor ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Pressure ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical outcomes of ileal D-pouch anal anastomosis in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

METHODSClinical and follow-up data of 6 UC patients and 5 FAP patients undergoing proctocolectomy and D-ileum pouch anal anastomosis between October 2014 and March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. End-to-side anastomosis was firstly performed in ileal cutting end and ileum, then side-to-side anastomosis was operated in closing amphi-loop to construct the D-ileum pouch.

RESULTSThe mean age of the patients was 42 years (range 18 to 61 years), 5 patients were female. The duration of surgery was (225±23) min, the operation time to D-ileum pouch was (18±4) min, the volume of D-ileum pouch was (175±15) ml, the blood loss was (110±30) ml. There was no procedure-related death, however rectum perforation occurred in 1 male UC patient during operation. The postoperative hospital stay was 8 to 11 days (mean 8.5 days). The follow-up period was 2 to 7 months (median 3 months). One female FAP patient suffered from anal anastomosis vagina fistula 21 days after operation. No pouch-related fistula, anastomosis or input loop stricture fecal incontinence, and severe pouchitis were recorded. The defecation frequency was 4 to 6 times per day (UC) and 3 to 5 times per day (FAP) 6 months after operation. No night-time fecal leakage was complained in those patients. Wexner incontinence score was 3±2 and GQLI was 114±11 one month after operation. Clinical outcome in the first month was excellent in 10 patients and good in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONSAfter total colorectal resection for UC and FAP patients, application of D-ileum pouch can clear ileal stump of pouch and avoid the pouch-associated complications effectively.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; Colonic Pouches ; Fecal Incontinence ; Female ; Humans ; Ileum ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pouchitis ; Proctocolectomy, Restorative ; Rectal Fistula ; Retrospective Studies ; Vagina ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND:For patients with degenerative mitral annulus dilatation complicated by atrial fibrilation, atrial fibrilation is needed to be treated concomitant with artificial valve ring implantation. Although Cox maze III procedure is the gold standard for treatment of atrial fibrilation, its safety has been questioned. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the safety of artificial valve rings implantation and Cox Maze III procedure for treatment of degenerative mitral annulus dilatation complicated by atrial fibrilation. METHODS: A total of 43 patients with degenerative mitral annulus dilatation and atrial fibrilation were enroled and were randomly divided into test group (n=21) and control group (n=22). Patients in the test group were treated with mitral valvuloplasty and Cox Maze III procedure. Patients in the control group were only treated with mitral valvuloplasty. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Intraoperative safety indexes: the durations of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping. and the incidence of hemoglobinuria in the test group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the urine output between these two groups. (2) Postoperative safety indexes: the incidence of atrial dysrhythmia (i.e., any atrial dysrhythmia other than atrial fibrilation), proportion of patients requiring a temporary pacemaker and hospital stays in the test group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the secondary-thoracotomy bleeding rate and incidence of stroke between these two groups. (3) Postoperative outcomes: the rates of cardioversion to achieve sinus rhythm at the day of surgery and at discharge in the test group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.001). At discharge, patients in both groups were al at NYHA functional class Ior II. Echocardiography showed trace to mild mitral regurgitation and complete closure of the tricuspid valve. There were no significant differences in the left atrial diameter, left ventricular diameter, left ventricular volume, and ejection fraction between these two groups. However, the proportions of mitral and tricuspid valve peak A-waves were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.001). These results show that artificial valve ring implantation and Cox Maze III procedure is a safe and effective method for treating degenerative mitral annulus dilatation complicated by atrial fibrilation during operation.