Objective To investigate the relationship between nuclear factor(NF)-κB signaling pathway and gender differences in alcoholic liver fibrosis. Methods C57BL/6 N mice at 7-8 weeks of age were randomly divided into: male normal group, male model group, female normal group and female model group of 20 mice each. The normal group was fed with control liquid diet for 8 weeks, and the model group was fed with alcoholic liquid diet for 8 weeks combined with 31.5% ethanol gavage (5g/kg twice a week) to establish an alcoholic liver fibrosis model. The mice were executed at the end of 8 weekends, and the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, estradiol (E

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of children with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and to summarize the mid-term efficacy of China Net Childhood Lymphoma-mature B-cell lymphoma 2017 (CNCL-B-NHL-2017) regimen. Methods: Clinical features of 436 BL patients who were ≤18 years old and treated with the CNCL-B-NHL-2017 regimen from May 2017 to April 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical characteristics of patients at disease onset were analyzed and the therapeutic effects of patients with different clinical stages and risk groups were compared. Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression was used to identify the prognostic factors. Results: Among 436 patients, there were 368 (84.4%) males and 68 (15.6%) females, the age of disease onset was 6.0 (4.0, 9.0) years old. According to the St. Jude staging system, there were 4 patients (0.9%) with stage Ⅰ, 30 patients (6.9%) with stage Ⅱ, 217 patients (49.8%) with stage Ⅲ, and 185 patients (42.4%) with stage Ⅳ. All patients were stratified into following risk groups: group A (n=1, 0.2%), group B1 (n=46, 10.6%), group B2 (n=19, 4.4%), group C1 (n=285, 65.4%), group C2 (n=85, 19.5%). Sixty-three patients (14.4%) were treated with chemotherapy only and 373 patients (85.6%) were treated with chemotherapy combined with rituximab. Twenty-one patients (4.8%) suffered from progressive disease, 3 patients (0.7%) relapsed, and 13 patients (3.0%) died of treatment-related complications. The follow-up time of all patients was 24.0 (13.0, 35.0) months, the 2-year event free survival (EFS) rate of all patients was (90.9±1.4) %. The 2-year EFS rates of group A, B1, B2, C1 and C2 were 100.0%, 100.0%, (94.7±5.1) %, (90.7±1.7) % and (85.9±4.0) %, respectively. The 2-year EFS rates was higher in group A, B1, and B2 than those in group C1 (χ²=4.16, P=0.041) and group C2 (χ²=7.21, P=0.007). The 2-year EFS rates of the patients treated with chemotherapy alone and those treated with chemotherapy combined with rituximab were (79.3±5.1)% and (92.9±1.4)% (χ²=14.23, P<0.001) respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that stage Ⅳ (including leukemia stage), serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)>4-fold normal value, and with residual tumor in the mid-term evaluation were risk factors for poor prognosis (HR=1.38,1.23,8.52,95%CI 1.05-1.82,1.05-1.43,3.96-18.30). Conclusions: The CNCL-B-NHL-2017 regimen show significant effect in the treatment of pediatric BL. The combination of rituximab improve the efficacy further.
Adolescent ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Burkitt Lymphoma/drug therapy* ; Child ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Humans ; Lactate Dehydrogenases ; Lymphoma, B-Cell/drug therapy* ; Male ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Rituximab/therapeutic use* ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND: The mechanism and characteristics of early and late drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis (DES-ISR) have not been fully clarified. Whether there are different outcomes among those patients being irrespective of their repeated treatments remain a knowledge gap. METHODS: A total of 250 patients who underwent initial stent implantation in our hospital, and then were readmitted to receive treatment for the reason of recurrent significant DES-ISR in 2016 were involved. The patients were categorized as early ISR (<12 months; E-ISR; n = 32) and late ISR (≥12 months; L-ISR; n = 218). Associations between patient characteristics and clinical performance, as well as clinical outcomes after a repeated percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were evaluated. Primary composite endpoint of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) included cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), or target lesion revascularization (TLR). RESULTS: Most baseline characteristics are similar in both groups, except for the period of ISR, initial pre-procedure thrombolysis in myocardial infarction, and some serum biochemical indicators. The incidence of MACE (37.5% vs. 5.5%; P < 0.001) and TLR (37.5% vs. 5.0%; P < 0.001) is higher in the E-ISR group. After multivariate analysis, E-ISR (odds ratio [OR], 13.267; [95% CI 4.984-35.311]; P < 0.001) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (odds ratio [OR], 6.317; [95% CI 1.145-34.843]; P = 0.034) are the independent predictors for MACE among DES-ISR patients in the mid-term follow-up of 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Early ISR and left ventricular systolic dysfunction are associated with MACE during the mid-term follow-up period for DES-ISR patients. The results may benefit the risk stratification and secondary prevention for DES-ISR patients in clinical practice.
Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Restenosis ; Drug-Eluting Stents/adverse effects* ; Humans ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/adverse effects* ; Prognosis ; Treatment Outcome

Common bile duct (CBD) stones are a frequent problem in Chinese populations, and their incidence is particularly high in certain areas (Wang et al., 2013). In recent years, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have been the main surgical procedures for CBD stones, although each has different advantages and disadvantages in the treatment of choledocholithiasis (Loor et al., 2017; Zhou et al., 2017). For patients with large stones, a dilated CBD, especially concurrent gallstones, LCBDE is the preferred and most economical minimally invasive procedure (Koc et al., 2013). However, a T-tube is often placed during LCBDE to prevent postoperative bile leakage; this is associated with problems such as bile loss, electrolyte disturbance, and decreased gastric intake (Martin et al., 1998). In addition, the T-tube usually must remain in place for more than a month, during which time the patient's quality of life is seriously compromised. Many skilled surgeons currently perform primary closure of the CBD following LCBDE, which effectively speeds up rehabilitation (Hua et al., 2015). However, even in sophisticated medical centers, the incidence of postoperative bile leakage still reaches ≥10% (Liu et al., 2017). Especially for a beginner, bile leakage remains a key problem (Kemp Bohan et al., 2017). Therefore, a safe and effective minimally invasive surgical approach to preventing bile leakage during primary closure of the CBD after LCBDE is still urgently needed.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Choledocholithiasis ; Common Bile Duct Diseases ; Drainage/methods* ; Female ; Gallstones ; Gastroscopy ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Male ; Middle Aged

Objectives: To explore the clinical experience for a bridge therapy of percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty (PBAV) in treating the patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Methods: A total of 37 patients with severe AS who were not suitable for surgical valvular replacement received PBAV in our hospital from 2011-03 to 2017-03 were retrospectively studied. The patient's mean age was (74±12) years, their clinical and anatomical features, efficacy and safety of operation were observed and the outcomes were evaluated by follow-up study. Results: Patients presented the high surgical risk and worse cardiac function, 50% of them had bicuspid leaflet morphology with severe calcification [HU850=(856.0±658.2) mm3]. Balloon size was chosen by the intra-operative supra-annular diameters; at 7 days after operation, aortic valve orifice area (AVOA) was increased from (0.37±0.10) cm2to (0.87±1.10) cm2, the mean trans-aortic valve gradient pressure decreased form (55.1±22.9) mmHg to (44.8±17.8) mmHg, P<0.001 and LVEF elevated form(35.8±14.3)% to(41.0±12.2)%,P<0.001.There were 4 patients died in hospital,1 received permanent pacemaker and 1 developed severe aortic valve regurgitation. The patients were followed-up for (16.5±11.1)months after operation, 13/37 (35.1%) patients were in transition to surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Conclusions: PBAV may have good early clinical efficacy in severe AS patients who were not suitable for surgical valvular replacement and TAVR; PBAV could be expected to become a bridge therapy, smaller supra-annular diameter was safe and effective for patients having bicuspid leaflet with severe calcification.

BACKGROUNDLaparoscopic resection (LAP) for small bowel gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is not as common as for stomach. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LAP for small bowel GISTs with systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODSThe Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed databases before December 2016 were comprehensively searched to retrieve comparative trials of LAP and conventional open resection (OPEN) for GISTs of small bowel with a relevance of review object. These researches reported intraoperative and postoperative clinical course (operation time, blood loss, time to first flatus and oral intake, hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality), oncologic outcomes, and long-term survival status.

RESULTSSix studies involving 391 patients were identified. Compared to OPEN, LAP had associated with a shorter operation time (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -27.97 min, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -49.40--6.54, P < 0.01); less intraoperative blood loss (WMD = -0.72 ml; 95% CI: -1.30--0.13, P = 0.02); earlier time to flatus (WMD = -0.83 day; 95% CI: -1.44--0.22, P < 0.01); earlier time to restart oral intake (WMD = -1.95 days; 95% CI: -3.31--0.60, P < 0.01); shorter hospital stay (WMD = -3.00 days; 95% CI: -4.87--1.13, P < 0.01); and a decrease in overall complications (risk ratio = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.33-0.97, P = 0.04). In addition, the tumor recurrence and long-term survival rate showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups of patients.

CONCLUSIONSLAP for small bowel GISTs is a safe and feasible procedure with shorter operation time, less blood loss, less overall complications, and quicker recovery. Besides, tumor recurrence and the long-term survival rate are similar to open approach. Because of the limitations of this study, methodologically high-quality studies are needed for certain appraisal.

BACKGROUNDStatins are one of the most common agents prescribed for ischemic stroke patients, but their side effects on the liver are worrisome to both physicians and patients. This study aimed to analyze the features and related factors of the hepatic side effects of statins in patients with ischemic stroke.

METHODSFour hundred and eighty-one patients with ischemic stroke who had been treated with statins at our department from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 were investigated retrospectively. Liver function, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), within 6 months after they began to use statins and related factors were analyzed.

RESULTSThe incidence of mild ALT and AST elevation, less than three times the upper limit of normal, and the incidence of moderate elevation, ALT and AST levels 3-10 times the upper limit of normal, in ischemic stroke patients who had been treated with statins were 2.3% and 2.1%, respectively. These incidences were higher than in patients with common hyperlipidemia or coronary heart disease. The relatively high incidence was associated with older age (≥ 65 years) and chronic liver diseases, and was not related to the type of stroke, gender, and reduction of low-density lipoprotein. The levels of ALT and AST normalized after withdrawal of statins or lowering the dosage. None of the patients developed hepatic failure.

CONCLUSIONSAsymptomatic elevation of ALT and AST after administration of statins is more likely to occur in ischemic stroke patients than in others, and the elevation is related to age and chronic liver diseases. However, statins are still safe for ischemic stroke patients.

Age Distribution ; Aged ; Alanine Transaminase ; metabolism ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Stroke ; drug therapy

BACKGROUNDAvailable drug-eluting stents (DES) have achieved great success in reducing restenosis rates. Recently, investigators have demonstrated that the durable polymer carrier plays a significant role in DES-related hypersensitive reaction and delays vessel healing. TIVOLI stent is a novel sirolimus-eluting coronary stent with biodegradable coating containing sirolimus and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) polymer. The present study sought to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the TIVOLI biodegradable-polymer-based sirolimus-eluting stent in treating patients with coronary artery disease.

METHODSA prospective, multicenter clinical trial comparing TIVOLI biodegradable coated sirolimus-eluting stent with ENDEAVOR zotarolimus-eluting stent was conducted in 324 patients (TIVOLI group: 168 patients; ENDEAVOR group: 156 patients) at 12 centers in China to demonstrate the non-inferiority of in-stent late loss with TIVOLI stent compared to ENDEAVOR stent in subjects with a maximum of two de novo native coronary artery lesions (lesion length ≤ 40 mm, reference vessel diameter 2.25-4.00 mm). The primary end point was angiographic in-stent late loss at 8-month. The secondary end points were clinical outcomes at 2 years, including major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or target-lesion revascularization) and stent thrombosis.

RESULTSAngiographic late lumen loss at 8 months in the TIVOLI group was superior to the ENDEAVOR group (in-stent (0.25 ± 0.33) mm vs. (0.57 ± 0.55) mm, diff (95%CI) -0.23 (-0.32, -0.14), P < 0.0001; in-segment (0.25 ± 0.33) mm vs. (0.42 ± 0.55) mm, diff (95%CI) -0.13 (-0.23, -0.02), P = 0.0083). The rate of in-stent binary restenosis at 8 months was reduced from 8.6% in the ENDEAVOR group to 2.9% in the TIVOLI group (P = 0.0229). Compared to ENDEAVOR stent, TIVOLI stent resulted in a significant reduction in target-lesion revascularization (4.2% vs. 9.6%, P = 0.0495) at 2 years. The two-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rate was lower for the TIVOLI group, but not significantly different (6.6% vs. 10.9%, P = 0.1630).

CONCLUSIONSTIVOLI was superior to ENDEAVOR stent with respect to late lumen loss at 8 months, and it yielded both lower rates of angiographic binary restenosis at 8 months and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 2 years. The MACE rate at 2 years was comparable in both groups.

Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; methods ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Artery Disease ; drug therapy ; therapy ; Drug-Eluting Stents ; Female ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymers ; chemistry ; Sirolimus ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in elderly patients presents specific clinical characteristics. The study on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in elderly patients (>or=75 years) with STEMI, however, has less been performed.

METHODSIn the present study, 522 consecutive STEMI patients undergoing PCI within 12 hours from symptom onset were investigated, and clinical characteristics and in-hospital and 6-month outcomes of 66 elderly patients (>or=75 years, group A) were compared to those of 456 younger patients (<75 years, group B).

RESULTSCompared to younger patients, elderly ones had more females (42.4% vs. 17.8%, P<0.005), a history of cerebral vascular events (7.6% vs. 0.9%, P<0.05), higher serum creatinine level ((96.48+/-31.65) mmol/L vs. (84.87+/-19.81) mmol/L, P<0.005) and fewer smokers (28.8% vs. 45.4%, P<0.05). The elderly ones had worse Killip class (Killip I class: 69.7% vs. 85.7%, P<0.05), less drug-eluting stent implantation and lower rates of TIMI flow 3 following PCI (33.3% vs. 47.1%, and 84.8% vs. 94.7%, P<0.05 respectively). Additionally, both in-hospital mortality and myocardial infarction rate were found to be higher in elderly patients (16.7% vs. 1.5%, and 7.6% vs. 2.6%, P<0.05 respectively), which were also observed until 6-month follow-up (9.1% vs. 0, and 6.1% vs. 0, P<0.05 respectively). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, serum creatinine level, history of hypertension, left anterior descending coronary artery as infarct-related artery and Killip class were independent predictors of 6-month overall death in elderly patients.

CONCLUSIONSThe clinical characteristics of elderly patients with STEMI after PCI are different from those of younger patients. Although PCI in this population is with a low rate of PCI failure, it is still associated with a worse outcome.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; methods ; Coronary Angiography ; Female ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; mortality ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of one-stop hybrid coronary revascularization [simultaneous minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery (MIDCAB) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures performed in an enhanced (or called "hybrid") operative unit] for the treatment of unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease. Methods From June 2007 to April 2009, 14 patients [13 male, mean age: (60.4±15.4) years] underwent the one-stop hybrid approach in the "hybrid" operating room. Proximal lesions were evidenced in 5 patients and distal or bifurcation lesions in 11 patients. MIDCAB procedure for grafting of the left intramammary artery (LIMA) with the left anterior descending (LAD) artery was first performed via lower partial ministernotomy on the beating heart, followed by PCI on the LMCA disease and non-LAD coronary lesions. Results Operation was successful in all patients underwent the one-stop hybrid procedure. LIMA grafts were used in all 14 patients and confirmed to be patent by angiography. A total of 25 non-LAD coronary lesions were treated by PCI and 29 stents (27drug-elutiag stents and 2 bare-mental stents) were implanted to 23 lesions and coronary angioplasty was performed in the remaining lesions. There was no death, perioperative myocardial infarction, stroke or repeat revascularization during the procedure and the follow-up period. All the patients remained free from angina during the 7.9 months (range 1-15 months) follow-up period. LIMA grafts and stents were patent in 5 patients at 1-year follow-up. Conclusions Our initial experience demonstrates that one-stop hybrid coronary revascularization provides a reasonable, feasible and safe alternative for selected patients with LMCA diseases.