Volume 123  ·  Issue 03  ·  2010

Abstract：Background Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD) and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) remains a challenging complex congenital heart disease nowadays. In the present study, we aimed to develop a two-stage surgical method and to evaluate outcomes of this method in managing PA-VSD and MAPCAs.Methods Between December 2003 and December 2008, 7 female and 4 male patients between the age of 5 and 10 years who were suffering from PA-VSD and MAPCAs were selected and recruited. The native pulmonary artery trunks were absent in all patients; the lungs were solely supplied by major aortopulmonary collaterals, and the numbers of supplied lung segments ranged from 15 to 20 (17.9±1.6). There were a total of 43 MAPCAs in all the patients (3-5 (3.9±0.7) MAPCAs per patient). The accumulated Nakata index was (222.9±29.9) mm~2/m~2 (ranged from 182 to 272). All the patients underwent two sequential operations. Stage one included left major aortopulmonary collateral unifocalization and modified Blalock-Taussig shunt from left posterior lateral thoracotomy; stage two comprised right unifocalization, ligation of the shunt, followed by ventricular septal defect closure and right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction assisted with cardiopulmonary bypass from midline stemotomy.Results All the patients survived the initial surgery, but one of them died of low cardiac output syndrome on the third day after the second operation. Postoperative complications included pneumonia in one case and capillary leak syndrome in another. Postoperative oxygen saturation maintained about 95%-100%, which was significantly higher than pre-operation (P <0.01). During the follow-up period of 3-51 (25.4±15.2) months, there were no late death and no need for re-intervention. All the patients enjoyed their lives with good conditions.Conclusions This two-stage complete repair strategy was well-tolerated and effective with good outcome, thus offering an alternative surgical approach in the treatment of PA-VSD and MAPCAs。

Abstract：Background Ⅲb-T_4 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is commonly considered a contraindication to surgery, although chemo-radiotherapy also achieves a poor survival rate. We reviewed our experience with T_4 NSCLC patients who underwent surgery to explore the indications and prognostic factors of surgical treatment of lung cancer invading the left atrium and great vessels.Methods We investigated a cohort of 105 patients, 79 men and 26 women, who underwent surgery from May 1996 to July 2008. Their pathological staging was T_4N_(0-2)M_0. The median age was 59 years, ranging from 36 to 75 years. Patients were grouped based on invading sites: tumors invading the left atrium (LA group), tumors invading the superior vena cava (SVC group), and tumors invading the intrapericardial pulmonary artery (PA group). Patients were further characterized based upon the type of operation, complete resection and incomplete resection groups, and on the lymph node pathological status, N_0, N_1 and N_2 groups. We calculated the overall five-year survival rate.Results All patients received resection of primary lesions, with partial resection of the left atrium in the LA group (n=25), angioplasty of superior vena cava in the SVC group (n=23) and intrapericardial ligation of the pulmonary artery in the PA group (n=57). Complete resection was possible in 77 patients (73.3%). The overall survival rate of the 105 patients was 41.0% at 5 years; 36.0% for the LA group, 34.8% for the SVC group and 45.6% for the PA group. Pathological N status significantly influenced the overall 5-year survival rate; 61.5% for No, 51.1% for the N_1 and 11.8% for the N_2 groups (N_2 group versus No group, P <0.0001, N_2 versus N_1 group, P <0.0001). Surgical resection also influenced survival; 49.4% for the complete resection group and 17.9% for the incomplete resection group (P <0.0001). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that pathological N status was a significant independent predictor of prognosis.Conclusions Pathological N status is a significant independent predictor for survival of patients with Ⅲb-T_4 lung cancer invading the left atrium and great vessels. The completeness of resection has a significant influence on the overall 5-year survival rate. Surgery for T_4 lung cancer may be effective in patients without mediastinal lymph node involvement。

Abstract：Background For patients with end-stage lung diseases, lung transplantation is the final therapeutic option. Sequential double-lung transplantation is recognized as an established procedure to avoid cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). But some of the sequential double-lung transplantations require CPB support during the surgical procedure for various reasons. However, conventional CPB may increase the risk of bleeding and early allograft dysfunction. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is more advantageous than conventional CPB during the perioperative period of transplantation. Replacing traditional CPB with ECMO is promising for those patients needing cardiopulmonary support during a sequential double-lung transplantation procedure. This study aimed to summarize the preliminary experience of ECMO practice in lung transplantation.Methods Between November 2002 and October 2008, twelve patients with end-stage lung diseases undergoing sequential double-lung transplantation were subjected to ECMO during the surgical procedure. Eleven patients were prepared were prepared for the procedure via transverse thoracostomy (clamshell) and cannulated through the ascending aorta and right atrium for ECMO. The first patient who underwent bilateral thoracotomy for bilateral sequential lung transplantation required emergency ECMO via the femoral artery and vein during the second lung implantation. The Medtronic centrifugal pump and ECMO package (CB1V97R1, Medtronic, Inc., USA) were used for all of the patients.Results During ECMO,the blood flow rate was set between 1.88-2.0 L·m~(-2)·min~(-1) to keep hemodynamic and oxyhgen saturation stable; colloid oncotic pressure was maintained at more than 18 mmHg with albumin and hematocrit (HCT) kept at 28% or more. Two patients died early in this series and the other 10 patients were weaned from ECMO successfully. The duration of ECMO was 1.38-67.00 hours, and postoperative intubation was 10.5-67.0 hours.Conclusions As an established technique of cardiopulmonary support, ECMO is helpful to keep hemodynamics stable, while reducing risk factors such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, anticoagulation requirement and systemic inflammatory response for sequential double-lung transplantation compared with conventional CPB。

Abstract：Background Vestibular schwannoma, the commonest form of intracranial schwannoma, arises from the Schwann cells investing the vestibular nerve. At present, the surgery for vestibular schwannoma remains one of the most complicated operations demanding for surgical skills in neurosurgery. And the trend of minimal invasion should also be the major influence on the management of patients with vestibular schwannomas. We summarized the microsurgical removal experience in a recent series of vestibular schwannomas and presented the operative technique and cranial nerve preservation in order to improve the rates of total tumor removal and facial nerve preservation.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 145 patients over a 7-year period who suffered from vestibular schwannomas that had been microsurgicaily removed by suboccipital retrosigmoid transmeatus approach with small craniotomy. CT thinner scans revealed the tumor size in the internal auditory meatus and the relationship of the posterior wall of the internal acoustic meatus to the bone labyrinths preoperatively. Brain stem evoked potential was monitored intraoperatively. The posterior wall of the internal acoustic meatus was designedly drilled off. Patient records and operative reports, including data from the electrophysiological monitoring, follow-up audiometric examinations, and neuroradiological findings were analyzed.Results Total tumor resection was achieved in 140 cases (96.6%) and subtotal resection in 5 cases. The anatomical integrity of the facial nerve was preserved in 91.0% (132/145) of the cases. Intracranial end-to-end anastomosis of the facial nerve was performed in 7 cases. Functional preservation of the facial nerve was achieved in 115 patients (Grade Ⅰ and Grade Ⅱ, 79.3%). No patient died in this series. Preservation of nerves and vessels were as important as tumor removal dudng the operation. CT thinner scan could show the relationship between the posterior wall of the internal acoustic meatus and bone labyrinths, that is helpful for a safe drilling of the posterior wall of the internal acoustic meatus.Conclusions The goal of every surgery should be the preservation of function of all cranial nerves. Using the retrosigmoid approach with small craniotomy is possible even for large schwannomas. Knowing the microanatomy of the cerebellopontine angle and internal auditory meatus, intraoperating neurophysiological monitoring of the facial nerve function, and the microsurgical techniques of the surgeons are all important factors for improving total tumor removal and preserving facial nerve function。

Abstract：Background Surgical management of skull base tumors is still challenging today due to its sophisticated operation procedure. Surgeons who specialize in skull base surgery are making endeavor to promote the outcome of patients with skull base tumor. A reliable skull base reconstruction after tumor resection is of paramount importance in avoiding life-threatening complications, such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection. This study aimed at investigating the indication, operation approach and operation technique of anterior and middle skull base reconstruction.Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out on 44 patients who underwent anterior and middle skull base reconstruction in the Department of Neurosurgery at Beijing Tiantan Hospital between March 2005 and March 2008. Different surgical approaches were selected according to the different regions involved by the tumor. Microsurgery was carried out for tumor resection and combined endoscopic surgery was performed in some cases. According to the different locations and sizes of various defects after tumor resection, an individualized skull base soft tissue reconstruction was carried out for each case with artificial materials, pedicled flaps, free autologous tissue, and free vascularized muscle flaps, separately. A skull base bone reconstruction was carried out in some cases simultaneously.Results Soft tissue reconstruction was performed in all 44 cases with a fascia lata repair in 9 cases, a free vascularized muscle flap in 1 case, a pedicled muscle flap in 14 cases, and a pedicled periosteal flap in 20 cases. Skull base bone reconstruction was performed on 10 cases simultaneously. The materials for bone reconstruction included titanium mesh, free autogenous bone, and a Medpor implant. The result of skull base reconstruction was satisfactory in all patients. Postoperative early-stage complications occurred in 10 cases with full recovery after conventional treatment.Conclusions The specific characteristics of skull base defects in various regions require different reconstruction materials and methods. The individualized reconstruction based on different skull base defects can achieve satisfactory results。

Abstract：Background Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) occur frequently in patients suspected of cerebrovascular disease and they are the principle radiographic findings in patients with sub-clinical neurological impairment. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, distribution, severity and associated clinical features of CMBs in a prospective hospital patient based cohort undergoing brain MRI for suspected cerebrovascular disease, excluding cases with known intracranial hemorrhage or prior large-area stroke.Methods The study population consisted of 447 patients who were evaluated with T2~*-gradient echo sequences to detect the CMBs lesion number, location, and their association with white matter hyperintensities and clinical parameters, including blood pressure.Results CMB lesions were presented in 95 of the 447 patients (21.3%). The distribution of CMBs was 43.95% cortical, 19.77% thalamic, 14.41% in the brainstem, 11.58% cerebellar, 6.21% periventricular white matter, 5.64% involving the basal ganglia regions, and 0.28% involving the hippocampus. There was a statistically significant association between the presence of CMBs and advancing age (adjusted OR 2.082, P <0.01), the severity of hypertension (adjusted OR 2.208, P <0.01). Also there was a statistically significant (P <0.01) correlation between the presence of CMBs and the severity of hypertension and white matter lesions.Conclusions CMBs occur frequently in patients with no prior large-area stroke who were referred for brain MRI for suspected cerebrovascular disease. The severity of CMBs correlates with the severity of hypertension and the presence of cerebral white matter changes detected by MRI。

Abstract：Background Surgical treatments for chronic suppurative and cholesteatoma otitis media have been discussed for several decades, but recurrences still occur because of the complex dissection required and hidden lesions associated with otomastoiditis. This study investigated the technology and strategy behind the use of otoendoscopic-assisted otosurgery.Methods We reported on hidden lesions in 32 ears of patients with otomastoiditis between November 2006 and January 2009. All the patients were treated with the aid of an otoendoscope. The advantages of otoendoscopy, including multi-angle light scattering, aperture illumination, and magnification of the local operative field, were utilized in otologic microsurgery, and otoendoscopic operative techniques were introduced for operative sites such as the epitympanum, aditus of the antrum, facial recess, sinus tympani and the mastoid tip.Results All patients were followed up from 3 months to 2 years after surgery. All patients recovered well within 3 months following surgery, except for one case of epithelialization of the mastoid cavity occurring 6 months after surgery for cholesteatoma on the cerebellar surface and another case with Bezold's abscess, hyperplastic granulation tissue developed at the antrum.Conclusions Otoendoscopy can overcome the technical deficiency of rectilinearity of the visual axis associated with otomicroscopic illumination, which presents a problem when dealing with otomastoiditis lesions in hidden areas. This technique allows such lesions within the complex three-dimensional structure to be visualized and cleaned. Otoendoscopy thus has significant potential for improving the quality of surgery and reducing the risk of postoperative recurrence。

Abstract：Background Compared with traditional arthrotomy procedures, arthroscopic treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus has some advantages. However, there has been considerable debate about the outcome predictors for this surgical technique. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of arthroscopic treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus, and analyze its outcome predictors.Methods Clinical data of 48 patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus who underwent ankle arthroscopy were studied. Arthroscopic debridement was performed on all patients, and microfracture was also performed in 36 cases. Scores on a subjective satisfaction questionnaire, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot scores were obtained before and after surgery.Results Five patients lost to follow up. The other forty-three patients, 8 of whom were athletes, were followed up for an average of 23.9 months. The average AOFAS post-operative score was 90.16±9.96, compared with 70.81±6.96 before surgery (t=9.353, P <0.001). The VAS pain score after the operation (2.51±9.45) was significantly lower than that before the operation (6.95±1.40) (t=8.647, P<0.001). Of the 43 patients, 35 (81.4%) had good or excellent results. There was no significant difference in outcome between the medial and lateral groups (z=0.205, P=0.838), while a better outcome was found with lesions smaller than 10 mm than those with larger lesions (z=2.199, P=0.028). Age, sex, athletic profession and location of the lesion did not significantly correlate with outcomes.Conclusions Arthroscopic treatment is effective and safe for osteochondral lesions of the talus. A strong correlation was found between the size of the lesion and successful outcome。

Abstract：Background The main risk factors for postoperative failure in tympanoplasties are large perforations that are difficult to repair, annular perforations, and a tympanic membrane (TM) with extensive granular myringitis that require middle ear exploration and mastoidectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate a novel technique of perichondrium/cartilage composite graft for repairing the large TM perforation in the patient of otitis media.Methods Retrospective chart reviews were conducted for 102 patients with large tympanic membrane perforations, who had undergone tympanoplasty from August 2005 to August 2008. Tympanoplasty or tympanomastoidectomy using a perichondrium/cartilage composite graft was analyzed. The tragal or conchal perichondrium/cartilage was used to replace the tympanic membrane in patients.Results Patients aged from 13 to 67 years were followed up in average for 24 months (10-36 months). Seventy-four ears (72.61%) were used the tragal perichondrium/cartilage as graft material and 27 ears (27.39%) were used the conchal perichondrium/cartilage. Graft take was successful in all patients. Postoperative complications such as wound infection, hematoma, or sensorineural hearing loss were not identified. Nine patients (8.82%) had the partial ossicular replacement prosthesis, 14 patients (13.72%) using the autologous curved incus and 79 patients (77.45%) without prosthesis. Successful closure occurred in 92% of the ears. A total of 85.8% patients achieved a postoperative hearing improvement.Conclusions The graft underlay tympanoplasty using perichonddum/cartilage composite is effective for the majority of patients with large perforation. The hearing was improved even if the mastoidectomy was required in the patients with otitis media with extensive granulation。

Abstract：Background Hemophilia A (HA) is an X-linked inherited bleeding disorder caused by decreased activity of factor Ⅷ (FⅧ) due to heterogenous mutations in the FⅧ coding gene (F8). The type of mutation plays an important role in the FⅧ inhibitor formation. To date, several studies on the spectra of F8 defects have been performed in Western populations, but similar studies in Asian races are scarce. Here, we reported the distribution of the F8 gene mutations in 18 unrelated Chinese patients with HA.Methods Intron 22 and intron 1 inversions in the F8 gene were screened in 158 unrelated patients with HA using a long-distance PCR and multiplex PCR method. Direct sequencing of the coding region of the F8 gene was used to identify the mutations responsible for HA in 18 unrelated Chinese HA patients who were negative for intron 22 and intron 1 inversions; sequences were compared with the HAMSTeRS database. A clotting method was used to assay the FⅧ activity level and the Bethesda assay was used to detect the FⅧ inhibitor.Results A total of 18 different HA F8 mutations were identified, seven of which were described for the first time. These novel mutations included five small deletions, one point mutation and one small insertion. One novel mutation (4382-3 AC deletion) was associated with inhibitor development.Conclusion These data extend our insight into the mechanisms by which novel amino acid mutations may lead to HA and how the HA patient genotypes influence the dsk of FⅧ inhibitor。

Abstract：Background Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is considered to be the most common pattern of cognitive impairment. We aimed to devise a diagnostic algorithm for VCI, and evaluate the reliability and validity of our proposed criteria.Methods We based our new algorithm on previous literature, a Delphi consensus method, and preliminary testing. First, successive 100 patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in hospital underwent a structured medical examination. Twenty-five case vignettes fulfilled the proposed criteria of diagnosis for probable or possible VCI were divided into three subtype categories: vascular cognitive impairment, no dementia (VCIND), vascular dementia (VaD) or mixed VCI/Alzheimer's disease (AD). Inter-raters reliability was assessed using a Fleiss kappa analysis. Convergent validity was also evaluated by correlation coefficients (r) between the proposed key points for each subtype and the currently accepted criteria. Forty-five patients with probable VCI were examined to determine the accuracy of identification for each subtype.Results The proposed criteria showed clinical diagnostic validity for VCI, and were able to define probable, possible and definite VCI, three VCI subtypes, and vascular causes. There was good consensus between experts (Cronbach's α=0.96 for both rounds). Significant moderate to good items-total correlations were found for two questionnaires (50-r range, 0.40-0.97 and 0.41-0.99, respectively). Significant slight and moderate inter-raters reliability were obtained for VCI (k=0.13) and three VCI subtypes (k=0.45). Furthermore, good convergent validity was observed in a comparison of significant correlations between criteria: good (4-r range, 0.75-0.92) to perfect (3-r=1.00) validity for the VCIND subtype, and moderate to good validity for the VaD subtype (1-r=0.46; 5-r range, 0.76-0.92) and for the mixed VCI/AD subtype (r=0.92 and 1.00; 4-r range, 0.47-0.70). Importantly, the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the subtypes of VCIND, VaD and mixed VCI/AD were 0.85, 0.67 and 0.93, respectively.Conclusion Our results suggest that the new VCI diagnostic algorithm might be a suitable clinical approach for assessing stroke patients。

Abstract：Background A patented remote controlled capsule (RCC) has recently been developed to provide noninvasive drug delivery to selected sites in the human gut that allows assessment of regional gastrointestinal (GI) drug absorption under a normal physiological environment. The objective of this study was to investigate the rate and extent of aminophylline absorption after site-specific delivery of the drug in the GI tract using RCC and a magnetic marker monitoring (MMM) technique.Methods This study was conducted in twelve healthy male subjects, in a three-treatment, randomized, crossover manner with a 7-day washout. Eligible subjects received a 150 mg aminophylline dose through an oral administration, or via a remote controlled capsule, delivered to the small bowel or ascending colon. MMM was employed to monitor the GI transit of the RCC, and the radio-frequency signal was used to activate capsules at target sites. Blood samples were obtained at regular intervals until 24 hours post dose/activation. Plasma theophylline concentrations were measured by a TDx System Analyzer. A comparison of the PK profile with the oral dosing route of aminophylline was performed after delivery to the small bowel and colon.Results The RCC was well tolerated in volunteers. The mean capsule activation time for the small bowel and ascending colon was 2.07 hours and 6.08 hours post dose. Aminophylline had similar absorption profiles from the small bowel compared with the stomach, with an area under the curve (AUC_t) ratio of 92% vs. The stomach, but a lower absorption profile from the ascending colon, with an AUC_t ratio of 47.2% vs. The stomach.Conclusions The proprietary of the RCC and MMM technique offer the opportunity to obtain data on the intestinal absorption of a drug in humans under noninvasive conditions. Aminophylline is rapidly and efficiently absorbed from the small bowel. While colonic absorption was limited by the poor water condition although effective absorption was observed from the ascending colon. This provides an opportunity for rational development of modified-release formulations as well as alternative dosage forms。

Abstract：Background Techniques for the fast and accurate detection of bacterial infection are critical for early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of bacterial translocation in clinical severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). In this study, the availability of a real-time PCR method in detection of bacterial colonization in SAP rat models was investigated.Methods Samples of blood, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), pancreas and liver from 24 specific pathogen-free rats (8 in a control group, 16 in a SAP group) were detected for bacterial infection rates both by agar plate culture and a real-time PCR method, and the results were made contrast.Results Bacterial infection rates of the blood, MLN, pancreas and liver in the SAP group and the control group by the two different methods were almost the same, which were 5/16, 12/16, 15/16, 12/16 in the SAP group compared with 0/8, 1/8, 0/8, 0/8 in the control group by agar plate culture, while 5/16, 10/16, 13/16, 12/16 and 0/8, 1/8, 0/8, 0/8 respectively by a real-time PCR method. Bacterial number was estimated by real-time PCR, which showed that in the same mass of tissues, the pancreas contained more bacteria than the other three kinds of organs in SAP rats (P <0.01), that may be due to the edema, necrosis and hemorrhage existing in the pancreas, making it easier for bacteria to invade and breed.Conclusion Fast and accurate detection of bacterial translocation in SAP rat models could be carried out by a real-time PCR procedure。

Abstract：Background It is essential to clarify the interactions of hormones during the progression of human breast cancer. This study examined the effects of exogenous human leptin on estrogen receptor (ER) α and β in human breast tumor tissue in a nude mouse xenograft model.Methods We created nude mice xenografts of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and randomly divided them into an experimental group and a control group. The mice in experimental group were injected subcutaneously around tumors with human leptin, while the control group were injected with the same dose of normal saline. A real-time RT-PCR assay was developed to quantify the mRNA of Erα,β in the tumor tissues. Western blotting analyses were used to assess the relative quantities of the Erα,β proteins.Results Leptin-treated xenografted nude mice were successfully established. The amount of Era mRNA was significantly higher in the leptin group than in the control group (P<0.01), while the amount of Erβ mRNA was significantly lower in the leptin group than in the control group (P<0.01). Western blotting analyses revealed that the Erα protein level was significantly higher in the leptin group than in the control group (P<0.01), while the Erβ protein level was significantly lower in the leptin group than in the control group (P <0.01).Conclusions Nude mouse xenograft model can be safely and serviceably treated with human leptin by subcutaneous injections around tumor. Erα,β were both targets of leptin in breast cancer. Leptin can up-regulate the expression of Erα and down-regulate the expression of the Erβ in human breast tumor。

Abstract：Background Recent studies have demonstrated that dexamethasone (DEX) interferes with immune responses by targeting key functions of dendritic cells (DCs) at the earliest stage. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms are still incompletely understood. This study aimed to explore the possible mechanisms by investigating the roles of DEX on differentiation, maturation & function of murine DCs and the effects of DEX on DCs via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor (NF)-κB mediated signal pathway.Methods Immature DCs (imDCs) were cultured from murine bone marrow (BM) cells. We added DEX into culture medium at different time. The expression of CD11c, CD86 and I-A~b (mouse MHC class Ⅱ molecule) was determined by flow cytometry. We determined the expression of NF-κB and its inhibitory protein I-κBα by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and Western blotting, respectively. The productions of interleukin (IL)-12p70 and IL-10 in cell culture supernatants were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results DEX impaired differentiation of DCs from murine bone marrow progenitors, and inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced maturation of DCs. DEX significantly inhibited NF-κB expression of normal DCs, the higher the DEX concentration or the longer the DEX treatment time, the more obvious the effect. However, DEX had little effect on LPS-induced NF-κB activation, and partially impaired LPS-induced I-κBα degradation. DEX significantly decreased LPS induced IL-12p70 production by DCs. Interestingly, our results showed a synergistic effect between DEX and LPS on the production of IL-10 by DCs.Conclusions DEX inhibits the differentiation and maturation of murine DCs involved in TLR4-I-κB-NF-κB pathway, and also indirectly impairs Th1 development and interferes with the Th1-Th2 balance through IL-12 and/or IL-10 secretion by DCs。

Abstract：Background Previous work has shown that optic nerve and sciatic nerve conditional medium had neurotrophic activity on neurons. In order to find if the optic nerve conditioned media (CM) had a similar activity to make PC12 cells differentiate as sciatic nerve CM did, we explored the neurotrophic activity in optic nerve CM in the same in vitro system and compared the neurotrophin expression levels in optic and sciatic nerves under both conditions.Methods PC12 cells were used to examine the effects of neurotrophins secreted by the sciatic nerve and optic nerve. RT-PCR and real-time QPCR showed that the sciatic nerve and optic nerve produced a range of neurotrophins including nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3).Results The effects of sciatic nerve and optic nerve CM on neurite outgrowth were tested against a range of neurotrophins, and they had different neuritogenic activities. Only NGF and sciatic nerve CM had obvious neuritogenic activities, although the concentration of NGF in the sciatic nerve CM was very low.Conclusions Our experiment showed that sciatic nerve CM had a higher neurotrophic activity on PC12 cells than optic nerve CM. These results suggested that peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) had different expression levels of neurotrophin, which may in part explain the lack of ability to regenerate the CNS。

Spondyloarthropathies (SpAs) include five categories: ankylosing spondylitis (AS),1 reactive arthritis (ReA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), enteropathic arthritis (EA) and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy (USpA).~2 ReA is an aseptic arthritis occurring after extra-articular infections, particularly genitourinary (GU) or gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. When arthritis is accompanied by conjunctivitis and urethritis, the diagnosis of Reiter syndrome will be suitable for this clinical triad; however, the term "ReA" has been proposed to substitute for Reiter syndrome。

Anterior urethral strictures, where the length is more than 2 cm, are best treated by substitution urethroplasy with either preputial/penile skin flaps or free grafts.~1 The use of dartos pedicled flaps has many advantages in terms of increased survival thanks to its own vascularization. Recently, buccal mucosa has become increasingly popular among urologists for urethral replacement when local penile skin is unavailable.~2 Both penile skin flaps and buccal mucosa grafts have emerged as reliable urethral substitutes with comparable long-term results.~(3,4) These urethral substitutes are traditionally placed on the ventral aspect of the stricture and have a success rate of about 85%.~5 Recently, dorsal placement of the free graft has been described, allowing the skin patch/buccal mucosa to be spread and fixed on the tunica albuginea of the corporal bodies overlying the strictured segment of the urethra.~6 This location offers a better outcome. We reviewed our experience with dorsal and ventral onlay substitution urethroplasty using free buccal mucosa and pedicled penile/preputial flaps to determine the outcome and particular problems associated with each technique。

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the most severe coronary artery disease, is one of the most frequent cardiac emergencies, and early diagnosis and treatment are very important to decrease the subsequent cardiac adverse events such as malignant arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. But in fact, lots of diseases are similar to AMI in clinical practice, of which the most common are myocarditis, pulmonary embolism in department of cardiology. Here we report a case of AMI-like squamous cell lung cancer with bone metastases。

Adenomatoid tumors are the most commonly located in male and female genital tracts, but they are rarely found in extragenital locations, especially in adrenal glands.~1 These tumors are considered as benign neoplasms of mesothelial derivation, and pathologically show glandular tubules lined by epitheloid cells with intervening trabeculae with a characteristic mixture of adenoidal, angiomatoid, cystic and solid patterns, in addition to focal calcifications and signet-ring like cells frequently.~2 Because of the lack of radiological specificity, there is usually a wide range of differential diagnoses. Radiologically adrenal adenomatoid tumors are commonly solid but rarely may be extensively cystic.~1 We present a case of a giant cystic adenomatoid tumor of the adrenal gland。

CD4~+CD56~+ hematodermic neoplasm (HN) is a rare, highly aggressive systemic neoplasm, which had been described under various names including lymphoblastic lymphoma of natural killer (NK) phenotype, blastic NK cell lymphoma (BNK), leukemic lymphoma of immature NK lineage and CD4~+CD56~+ HN. This malignancy is mainly involved in elderly people and usually a rapidly fatal disease, since consistently effective treatments have not yet been developed. It is relatively rare in children.~(1-6) Herein we report a boy with CD4~+CD56~+ HN。

Mastocytosis is a rare skin condition which typically manifests with or without accompanied systemic symptoms. Localized tissue mastocytosis is known as mastocytoma. A Mastocytoma localized to the vulva is an extremely rare condition only a few known cases of this condition have been reported so far. Due to the scarcity of this ailment no consensus about the diagnosis, management and treatment has been reached. In this case, we reported a 23-year-old female patient with a mastocytoma that had been growing for 18 years。