Humans ; Asthma/drug therapy* ; Biological Therapy

To evaluate outcomes between extraperitoneal robotic single-port radical prostatectomy (epR-spRP) and extraperitoneal robotic multiport radical prostatectomy (epR-mpRP) performed with the da Vinci Si Surgical System, comparison was performed between 30 single-port (SP group) and 26 multiport (MP group) cases. Comparisons included operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), hospital stay, peritoneal violation, pain scores, scar satisfaction, continence, and erectile function. The median operation time and EBL were not different between the two groups. In the SP group, the median operation time of the first 10 patients was obviously longer than that of the latter 20 patients (P < 0.001). The median postoperative hospital stay in the SP group was shorter than that in the MP group (P < 0.001). The rate of peritoneal damage in the SP group was less than that in the MP group (P = 0.017). The pain score and overall need for pain medications in the SP group were lower than those in the MP group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively). Patients in the SP group were more satisfied with their scars than those in the MP group 3 months postoperatively (P = 0.007). At 3 months, the cancer control, recovery of erectile function, and urinary continence rates were similar between the two groups. It is safe and feasible to perform epR-spRP using the da Vinci Si surgical system. Therefore, epR-spRP can be a treatment option for localized prostate cancer. Although epR-spRP still has a learning curve, it has advantages for postoperative pain and self-assessed cosmesis. In the absence of the single-port robotic surgery platform, we can still provide minimally invasive surgery for patients.
Aged ; Blood Loss, Surgical/statistics & numerical data* ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Outcome Assessment, Health Care/statistics & numerical data* ; Perioperative Medicine/statistics & numerical data* ; Prostatectomy/methods* ; Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery* ; Quality Assurance, Health Care/statistics & numerical data* ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/statistics & numerical data*

PURPOSE: Details of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in mainland China are lacking. To improve disease control and reduce economic burden, a large sample survey among this patient population is indispensable. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of such patients.METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in 29 hospitals of 29 regions in mainland China during the period 2013 to 2014. Demographic features, pre-admission conditions, exacerbation details, and outcomes were summarized. Risk factors for exacerbation severity were analyzed.RESULTS: There were 3,240 asthmatic patients included in this study (57.7% females, 42.3% males). Only 28.0% used daily controller medications; 1,287 (39.7%) patients were not currently on inhaled corticosteroids. Acute upper airway infection was the most common trigger of exacerbation (42.3%). Patients with severe to life-threatening exacerbation tended to have a longer disease course, a smoking history, and had comorbidities such as hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and food allergy. The multivariate analysis showed that smoking history, comorbidities of hypertension, COPD, and food allergy were independent risk factors for more severe exacerbation. The number of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation varied with seasons, peaking in March and September. Eight patients died during the study period (mortality 0.25%).CONCLUSIONS: Despite enhanced education on asthma self-management in China during recent years, few patients were using daily controller medications before the onset of their exacerbation, indicating that more educational efforts and considerations are needed. The findings of this study may improve our understanding of hospital admission for asthma exacerbation in mainland China and provide evidence for decision-making.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Asthma ; China ; Comorbidity ; Disease Progression ; Education ; Female ; Food Hypersensitivity ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Inpatients ; Medication Adherence ; Mortality ; Multivariate Analysis ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Seasons ; Self Care ; Smoke ; Smoking

Da Vinci robotic surgical system has many unique advantages, including 3D high-definition vision system, simulation wrist with high degree of freedom, automatically removing the physiologic hand tremor and allowing sitting position for the operators. It was introduced into Chinese mainland in 2006, and has been widely applied in many fields, especially in urology (accounting for 46% of all clinical fields). In this paper, we analyzed the latest 15 years' application data of robot-assisted laparoscopic technique in urology in China and discussed the application characteristics and existing problems.

Unraveling the genetic basis of medicinal plant metabolism and developmental traits is a long-standing goal for pharmacologists and plant biologists. This paper discusses the definition of molecular genetics of medicinal plants, which is an integrative discipline with medicinal plants as the research object. This discipline focuses on the heredity and variation of medicinal plants, and elucidates the relationship between the key traits of medicinal plants(active compounds, yield, resistance, etc.) and genotype, studies the structure and function, heredity and variation of medicinal plant genes mainly at molecular level, so as to reveal the molecular mechanisms of transmission, expression and regulation of genetic information of medicinal plants. Specifically, we emphasize on three major aspects of this discipline.(1)Individual and population genetics of medicinal plants, this part mainly highlights the genetic mechanism of the domestication, the individual genomics at the species level, and the formation of genetic diversity of medicinal plants.(2)Elucidation of biosynthetic pathways of active compounds and their evolutionary significance. This part summarizes the biosynthesis, diversity and molecular evolution of active compounds in medicinal plants.(3) Molecular mechanisms that shaping the key agronomic traits by internal and external factors. This part focuses on the accumulation and distribution of active compounds within plants and the regulation of metabolic network by environmental factors. Finally, we prospect the future direction of molecular genetics of medicinal plants based on the rapid development of multi-omics technology, as well as the application of molecular genetics in the future strategies to achieve conservation and breeding of medicinal plants and efficient biosynthesis of active compounds.
Biosynthetic Pathways ; Genomics ; Molecular Biology ; Plant Breeding ; Plants, Medicinal

Background: Carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4) is generally recognized as a tumor marker of digestive system. However, elevated serum CA72-4 level is also evident in many benign diseases and healthy subjects, and its sensitivity in diagnosing malignant tumor is quite poor. Aims: To reassess the value of CA72-4 in tumor screening and diagnosis. Methods: Three cohorts were established in this study. Inpatients who underwent a serum CA72-4 measurement and had a definite final diagnosis were included into Cohort 1 (retrospective study). Inpatients with elevated serum CA72-4 level who had not been diagnosed as malignant tumor before admission were included into Cohort 2 (retrospective study). Individuals who underwent a serum CA72-4 measurement and willing to take a follow-up for at least 2 years were included into Cohort 3 (prospective study). Malignancies had been preliminarily excluded in all individuals in Cohort 3 before enrollment. Results: Among the 2 173 patients recruited in Cohort 1, the prevalence of positive serum CA72-4 was significantly higher in patients with malignancies than those without (16.4% vs. 7.4%, P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of CA72-4 for diagnosis of malignant tumor were 36.5% and 76.2%, respectively, at the cut-off value (2.955 U/mL) identified by ROC curve analysis. Among the 1 807 patients recruited in Cohort 2, most of the participants (76.5%) did not have malignancies. Serum CA72-4 level was associated with the histological classification, tumor differentiation and TNM staging of malignancies (P<0.05). Among the 376 individuals who underwent a follow-up for no less than 2 years in Cohort 3, elevated serum CA72-4 level did not increase the risk of malignant tumor (OR=1.268, 95% CI: 0.283-5.687). Conclusions: CA72-4 is not a sensitive marker for tumor screening, its value as an item in physical examination should be re-evaluated. In patients who had positive serum CA72-4 and malignant tumor was ruled out in initial examination, the necessity of long-term follow-up of serum CA72-4 needs to be discussed.

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of dorsal perforator fascia pedicle flap of the deep palmar arch in the repair of skin and soft tissue defects of finger web area. Methods: Eleven patients (7 males and 4 females, aged from 18 to 73 years) with soft tissue defects of finger web area in distal dorsal side were admitted to Xinhua Hospital (Chongming) of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from October 2010 to September 2018. The sizes of skin and soft tissue defects ranged from 2.5 cm×1.5 cm to 6.0 cm×2.5 cm. According to the origin, course, branches, and distribution of the dorsal perforator of deep palmar arch, and the anatomical characteristics with vascular network of dorsal carpal and dorsal metacarpal, dorsal perforator fascia pedicle flaps of the deep palmar arch from the back of the injured hands were designed and transferred to repair the wounds of finger web area in distal dorsal side. The sizes of the flaps of patients ranged from 3.5 cm×2.0 cm to 6.5 cm×3.0 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly or covered with free forearm full-thickness skin graft. The clinical effects and swelling degree of flaps in early and late stages were evaluated during the follow-up of 3 to 36 months post surgery. Results: All the flaps survived in 11 patients, the incisions in donor and recipient sites were healed. During the follow-up of 3 to 36 months post surgery, the survival of flaps was good, and the appearance, color, and elasticity were close to normal skin, with two-point discrimination distance of 7 to 10 mm and sensory function recovery of grade S₃. The wounds in donor site had small scar without infection. The efficacy was evaluated as satisfactory in 8 patients, general in 3 patients, and dissatisfactory in no patient. Flap swelling rating in early stage was 1st degree in 7 patients, 2nd degree in 2 patients, and 3rd degree in 2 patients. Flap swelling rating in late stage was 1st degree in 8 patients, 2nd degree in 2 patients, and 3rd degree in 1 patient. The extension and flexion of the metacarpal and interphalangeal joints were basically normal and the patients were satisfied with the outcomes. Conclusions Based on the dorsal perforator of deep palmar arch, dorsal perforator fascia pedicle flap of the deep palmar arch is reliable to transfer to repair skin and soft tissue defects of finger web area in distal dorsal side, which is worthy of promotion in clinic.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of bilateral atlantoaxial lamina hook and atlantoaxial joint space screw combined with autologous iliac bone graft on atlantoaxial dislocation caused by acute type I transverse ligament injury in school-age children. METHODS: From February 2006 to February 2019, 8 school-age children with atlantoaxial dislocation caused by acute type I transverse ligament injury were systematically reviewed, including 6 males and 2 females; aged 9 to 12 years old; 8 acute injuries included 4 high-level falls, 2 car accidents and 2 sports injuries; the atlantoaxial interval(ADI) was 5 to 8 mm. Eight cases presented with pain, stiffness, numbness and cervical spine dysfunction in different degrees. Two of them were accompanied by nerve compression and ASIA grade D. The preoperative C₁,₂ angle averaged 20.7° to 23.4°. All patients received cranial traction and surgical treatment after complete reduction or atlantoaxial reduction. The changes of Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA) score, space available for the cord(SAC), neck disability index(NDI), ADI, ASIA classification(ASIA) injury classification(1992) and C₁,₂ angle before and after treatment were observed. RESULTS: The average follow-up time was 8 to 156 months. Clinical and radiological follow-up showed that the atlantoaxial joint was completely relieved, the reduction was satisfactory and the arthrodesis was stable. Nerve and vascular injuries associated with this technique were not observed. JOA score, SAC, NDI, C₁,₂ angle of the last follow-up of the children were significantly improved. Two children of ASIA grade D recovered to grade E. CONCLUSIONS Bilateral atlantoaxial lamina hook and atlantoaxial joint space screw combined with autologous iliac bone graft is simple, less bleeding, strong stability and high fusion rate. It is an ideal surgical procedure for acute type I transverse ligament injury with atlantoaxial dislocation in school-age children.
Atlanto-Axial Joint ; surgery ; Bone Screws ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; Ligaments ; Male ; Spinal Fusion ; Treatment Outcome

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Institution Urology of Peking University modified technique for transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty combined with deflectable tip rigid ureteroscope(the Sun's ureteroscope) in ureteropelvic junction obstruction(UPJO) complicated with renal calculi. Methods: From January 2018 to September 2018, eight patients, including five males and three females, were diagnosed as UPJO with coexistent ipsilateral renal calculi in Peking University First Hospital and Changzheng Hospital of Second Military Medical University. The age ranged from 14 to 50 years(mean 28 years). Four patients had flank pain and one patient had flank pain with hematuria, while the other three patients came without clinical symptom.The BMI ranged from 16.8 to 26.2 kg/m²(mean 22.0 kg/m²). The lesion located on the left side in 4 cases and on the right side in 4 cases. One patient suffered with multiple pelvis stones. Four patients suffered with multiple lower calyceal stones, and 3 patients had solitary lower calyceal stone. The stone size ranged from 2 mm to 10 mm (mean 6.4 mm). 3 cases had slight hydronephrosis and 5 cases had moderate hydronephrosis. Two patients combined with crossing vessels. All patients underwent modified transperotoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty with pyelolithotomy. In cases with left lesion, an incision was made for the veress needle 5mm inferior to the costal margin in the left midclavicular line to establish pneumoperitoneum . A 12-mm camera port was placed 30 mm inferior to the umbilicus and 10 mm lateral to the border of left rectus muscle. Then, a 5 mm operative trocars was inserted at 30mm superior to the umbilicus 10 mm lateral to the border of left rectus muscle. Another 12 mm operative trocar was inserted at the opposite McBurney point. The last 5 mm operative trocar was placed at the veress needle point. After visualizing the pelvis and the proximal ureter at the lower pole of the kidney, a 1.0 cm transverse incision on the lower pole of the pelvis above the obstruction site was made. The Sun’s ureteroscope was introduced into the renal pelvis through the 1.0 cm transverse incision via the 12-mm trocar below the umbilicus. Stones in the renal pelvis and calyces were extracted with basket catheters and removed via the port. After the pyelo-nephroscopy, a modified transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty was made. A F6 double-J stent was inserted into the ureter during the surgery. Result: All surgeries were finished successfully without conversion. The surgical duration ranged from 111 to 185 min(mean 135 min). The estimated blood ranged from 10 to 50 ml(mean 38.8 ml). The hospital stay ranged from 3 to 7 days(mean 4 days). The intraoperative stone free rate was 100%(8/8). No perioperative complications occured. With the follow-up from 6 to 14.4 months(mean 8.9 months), there was no evidence of obstruction in all patients, as confirmed by symptoms or radiological improvement of hydronephrosis, and two patients found recurrence of renal calculi. Conclusions Our modified technique for transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty combined with deflectable tip rigid ureteroscope(the Sun′s ureteroscope) is a safe, effective method to manage ureteropelvic junction obstruction with renal calculi.