Recurrent petroclival meningiomas: clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes.

This study seeks to elucidate the prognostic predictors and outcomes of recurrent/progressive petroclival meningiomas (PCMs). We reviewed our cohort of 39 recurrent/progressive PCMs (27 females, 69.2%) and analyzed the results from the literature. Twenty-three patients underwent reoperations, 2 received radiotherapy alone, and 14 declined any treatment. During a follow-up of 70.4 months, 7 patients experienced a 2nd recurrence/progression (R/P) and 18 patients died. In the 23 patients, gross total resection (GTR), subtotal resection (STR), and partial resection (PR) were achieved in 8, 8, and 7 patients, respectively. The percentage of the 2nd R/P-free survival of GTR, STR, and PR was 88%, 67%, and 40%, respectively. The overall survival following the 1st R/P of GTR, STR, and PR was 88%, 63%, and 33%, respectively. Patients rejecting treatment suffered from significantly poor overall survival (7%; p = 0.001) and short survival duration (42.0 months; p = 0.016) compared with that of the patients receiving treatment (67% and 86.9 months). The GTR was the only independent favorable predictor. In the 21 included studies with 98 recurrent/progressive PCM patients, 17 patients presented with a 2nd R/P and 10 died of a 2nd R/P; patients undergoing observation had a significantly poor tumor regrowth control rate compared with patients undergoing surgery (p = 0.004) or radiotherapy alone (p < 0.001). Proactive treatment should be performed for patients with recurrent/progressive PCMs. Observation can lead to relentless outcome. GTR as a preferential therapeutic strategy should be pursued as far as possible on the condition of minimal functional impairment.

Apnea as an uncommon preoperative manifestation of medulla cavernous malformation: surgical treatment and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Apnea is not a common preoperative manifestation of medulla cavernous malformations (CMs). The role of surgical resection in patients suffering from apnea secondary to hemorrhage from medulla CMs requires further definition. METHODS: Medical records and radiographs were reviewed retrospectively for four patients treated surgically for medulla CMs in our institution between 2008 and 2011. Recent outcomes for these patients were also evaluated. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to evaluate neurological function. RESULTS: All four patients (3 male, 1 female; mean age: 41.3 years) suffered two or three hemorrhages with a preoperative mRS of five and, due to the loss of autonomous respiration and consciousness, underwent a preoperative tracheotomy for mechanical ventilation, which lasted an average of 4.5 days. Prior to surgery, all patients had recovered to the point of maintaining spontaneous breath and normal blood gas values with oxygen supplementation. Lesions were totally resected in all patients via the posterior suboccipital approach. Postoperative ventilation was continued in one patient for 1 day. The mean postoperative mRS score at discharge was 3.5, and all patients had improved from their previous scores. The tracheostomy was closed in three patients at 15, 16, and 35 days after surgery. After a mean follow-up of 34.7 months, the most recent mRS scores were 3, 2, 2, and 2; no recurrent hemorrhage was noted, and three patients lived independently. CONCLUSION: In carefully selected patients with hemorrhage due to medulla CMs, favorable outcomes can be achieved even if apnea was a part of the preoperative clinical presentation. Surgery should be considered in these patients, particularly in those with repeated hemorrhages, and apnea should not be considered an absolute contraindication to surgery.

Probiotics for the management of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and three-level meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Previous systematic reviews demonstrated a potentially beneficial effect of probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, these studies are either affected by the inclusion of insufficient trials or by the problem of dependent data across multiple outcomes, and an overall effect size has not been provided. We aimed to determine the effect of probiotics on IBS through a three-level meta-analysis and clarify potential effect moderators. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science, screening for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examine the effect of probiotics on IBS. The primary outcome was the improvement in the severity of global IBS symptoms at the end of treatment. The secondary outcomes were the improvement in abdominal pain and the quality of life. The effect sizes of the probiotics were measured by using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and pooled by a three-level meta-analysis model. RESULTS: We included 72 RCTs in the analysis. The meta-analysis showed significantly better overall effect of probiotics than placebo on the global IBS symptoms (SMD -0.55, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.34, P <0.001), abdominal pain (SMD -0.89, 95% CI -1.29 to -0.5, P <0.001) and quality of life (SMD 0.99, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.54, P <0.001), respectively. Moderator analysis found that a treatment duration shorter than 4 weeks was associated with a larger effect size in all the outcomes, and Bacillus probiotics had better improvement on the abdominal pain. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics had a short-term effect and a medium effect size on the global IBS symptoms. Treatment duration and types of probiotics affected the effect size of probiotics, and shorter durations and Bacillus probiotics were associated with better treatment effects. REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework.

Efficacy of acupuncture for tension-type headache prophylaxis: systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce tension-type headache (TTH) frequency in previous studies. Nevertheless, repeated significance testing might inflate type I error. We aimed to verify the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in reducing TTH frequency by meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA). METHODS: Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched until September 29, 2022. Randomized controlled trials comparing acupuncture with sham acupuncture, no acupuncture, or other active therapies in adults with TTH were included. The primary outcome was TTH frequency. The secondary outcomes were responder rate and adverse event. RESULTS: Fourteen studies involving 2795 participants were included. Acupuncture had more reduction than sham acupuncture in TTH frequency, both after treatment (standardized mean difference [SMD] - 0.80, 95% CI - 1.36 to - 0.24, P = 0.005) and at the follow-up period (SMD - 1.33, 95% CI - 2.18 to - 0.49, P = 0.002), while TSA showed the included sample size did not exceed required information size (RIS). Acupuncture was superior over no acupuncture after treatment (SMD - 0.52, 95% CI - 0.63 to - 0.41, P < 0.001), and cumulative sample size reached RIS. In terms of responder rate, acupuncture had a higher responder rate compared with sham acupuncture both after treatment (relative ratio [RR] 1.28, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.46, P = 0.0003) and the follow-up period (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.58, P < 0.0001), but the sample size is inadequate. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture is an efficacious and safe treatment for TTH prevention, but this conclusion might be limited by the generally very low to low quality evidence. TSA suggested that high-quality trials are needed to verify the efficacy and safety of acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture.

[Acupuncture treatment programs for post-stroke motor rehabilitation in community hospitals: study protocol of a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial].

BACKGROUND: Stroke is responsible for increasingly high rates of mortality and disability worldwide. Approximately two million people suffer from stroke for the first time in China each year. The high incidence (50%) of post-stroke disability brings a heavy burden to patients and their caregivers. Acupuncture has been widely used in the communities for post-stroke rehabilitation in China. The objective of this trial is to apply our acupuncture research achievement to treatment and evaluation of post-stroke hemiplegic patients in community. METHODS AND DESIGN: A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial will be performed in Longhua Hospital and a number of community health service centers in Shanghai. A total of 124 patients (estimated sample size) with post-stroke hemiplegia will be randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a control group. The patients undergoing randomization should be stratified according to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at baseline. Within the acupuncture group, different acupuncture protocols are administered to patients with flaccid paralysis or spastic paralysis based on the Ashworth Scale. Patients in the acupuncture group will also be treated with comprehensive rehabilitation therapy. The control group will be treated with comprehensive rehabilitation therapy only. The primary outcome measures are the Simplified Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale, the Modified Barthel Index, and the Burden of Stroke Scale. Secondary outcome measures are the modified Rankin Scale, the modified Ashworth Scale and the Stroke Scale of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Outcome measures will be performed after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. The patients will be followed up after 6 months. DISCUSSION: The results of this study are expected to demonstrate that our standardized acupuncture protocol for treating and evaluating post-stroke hemiplegic patients will improve motor function and lessen the burden of post-stroke patients within the communities. This will provide the evidence to support successful translation of acupuncture therapy for post-stroke hemiplegic patients in community hospital use. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with the registration number ChiCTR-TRC-11001347.

Associations between COVID-19 related stigma and sleep quality among COVID-19 survivors six months after hospital discharge.

BACKGROUND: Many COVID-19 survivors reported stigmatization after recovery. This study investigated the association between stigma (discrimination experiences, self-stigma and perceived affiliate stigma) and sleep quality among COVID-19 survivors six months after hospital discharge. METHODS: Participants were recovered adult COVID-19 survivors discharged between February 1 and April 30, 2020. Medical staff of five participating hospitals approached all discharged COVID-19 period during this period. A total of 199 participants completed the telephone interview during July to September, 2020. Structural equation modeling was performed to test the hypothesize that resilience and social support would mediate the associations between stigma and sleep quality. RESULTS: The results showed that 10.1% of the participants reported terrible/poor sleep quality, 26.1% reported worse sleep quality in the past week when comparing their current status versus the time before COVID-19. After adjusting for significant background characteristics, participants who had higher number of discrimination experience, perceived stronger self-stigma and stronger perceived affiliate stigma reported poorer sleep quality. Resilience and social support were positively and significantly associated with sleep quality. The indirect effect of self-stigma on sleep quality through social support and resilience was significant and negative. Perceived affiliate stigma also had a significant and negative indirect effect on sleep quality through social support and resilience. CONCLUSIONS: Various types of stigma after recovery were associated with poor sleep quality among COVID-19 survivors, while social support and resilience were protective factors. Resilience and social support mediated the associations between self-stigma/perceived affiliate stigma and sleep quality.

Microbiota in Gut, Oral Cavity, and Mitral Valves Are Associated With Rheumatic Heart Disease.

Rheumatic heart disease refers to the long-term damage of heart valves and results from an autoimmune response to group A Streptococcus infection. This study aimed to analyze the microbiota composition of patients with rheumatic heart disease and explore potential function of microbiota in this disease. First, we revealed significant alterations of microbiota in feces, subgingival plaques, and saliva of the patients compared to control subjects using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Significantly different microbial diversity was observed in all three types of samples between the patients and control subjects. In the gut, the patients possessed higher levels of genera including Bifidobacterium and Eubacterium, and lower levels of genera including Lachnospira, Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium. Coprococcus was identified as a super-generalist in fecal samples of the patients. Significant alterations were also observed in microbiota of subgingival plaques and saliva of the patients compared to control subjects. Second, we analyzed microbiota in mitral valves of the patients and identified microbes that could potentially transmit from the gut or oral cavity to heart valves, including Streptococcus. Third, we further analyzed the data using random forest model and demonstrated that microbiota in the gut, subgingival plaque or saliva could distinguish the patients from control subjects. Finally, we identified gut/oral microbes that significantly correlated with clinical indices of rheumatic heart disease. In conclusion, patients with rheumatic heart disease manifested important alterations in microbiota that might distinguish the patients from control subjects and correlated with severity of this disease.

[Clinical observation on post-stroke oculomotor nerve palsy treated with the interaction of twelve meridian muscle regions and contralateral needling therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect on post-stroke oculomotor nerve palsy treated with the interaction of twelve meridian muscle regions and contralateral needling therapy. METHODS: A total of 46 patients with post-stroke oculomotor nerve palsy were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 23 cases in each one. In the control group, the intramusclar injection of mecobalamine at the buttock region was given, 1 mL each time, once every two days, 3 times weekly. Besides, citicoline sodium capsules were prescribed for oral administration, 0.2 g each time, 3 times daily. In the observation group, on the base of the treatment as the control group, the interaction of twelve meridian muscle regions and contralateral needling therapy was supplemented. Acupoints on the health sides included Juliao (ST 3) and Hanyan (GB 4), acupoints on the affected side included Jingming (BL 1), Sibai (ST 2), Yangbai (GB 14), Cuanzhu (BL 2), Shangming (Extra), Sizhukong (TE 23), Tongziliao (GB 1) and bilateral Fengchi (GB 20), Quchi (LI 11), Pianli (LI 6), Waiguan (TE 5), Hegu (LI 4) were selected. The needles were retained for 30 min in each acupuncture treatment, once a day, 5 times weekly. The treatment for 4 weeks was required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the score of cervical range of motion (CROM), pupil size, eye fissure width and eyeball mobility were observed in the patients of the two groups. The clinical effect was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, CROM scores and pupil size were reduced in the patients of the two groups (P<0.05), and the values in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). The eye fissure width and eyeball mobility were increased in the two groups (P<0.05), the eye fissure width and the mobility of the muscles of rectus internus, inferior rectus and inferior oblique in the observation group were larger than the control group (P<0.05). The effective rate was 82.6% (19/23) in the observation group, higher than 65.2% (15/23) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The interaction of twelve meridian muscle regions and contrallateral needling therapy effectively relieves diplopia, pupil dilation, narrow eye fissure and limited eyeball mobility in the patients with post-stroke oculomotor nerve palsy.

Coniform Gastric Tube for End-to-End Anastomosis During Minimally Invasive McKeown Esophagectomy.

For McKeown esophagectomy, gastric tube is widely used for constructing esophagogastrotomy. Traditionally, the gastric fundus is preserved for gastric tube formation in order to provide adequate length of the gastric conduit for neck anastomosis. Nevertheless, gastric stump necrosis, anastomotic leakage, and postoperative gastric tube dilatation are the common postoperative complications for McKeown esophagectomy using traditional gastric tube. Here, we report a novel coniform gastric tube shaping technique to maximally avoid conduit dilatation after the McKeown esophagectomy without nasogastric tube placement, while simultaneously maintaining a tension-free and well-perfused anastomosis.

Transcatheter arterial embolization for postoperative arterial complications after pelvic or hip surgery.

PURPOSE: We aimed to study the technical and clinical outcome of urgent transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for postoperative arterial complications after pelvic or hip surgery, and to accumulate additional experience about the role of embolization for these injuries. METHODS: Patients who received TAE procedure for arterial complications after pelvic or hip surgery between September 1st, 2002 and December 1st, 2014 were screened on medical records and included in the analysis. Angiographic findings included active contrast agent extravasation, pseudoaneurysm formation, arteriovenous fistula, and other suspicious signs such as sighting of coarse margin or distortion of vessels. Embolic agents consisted of coils, gelatin sponge, and polyvinyl alcohol. Technical success was defined as complete occlusion of targeted artery through angiography, and clinical success as sustained resolution of symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients (15 males, 19-76 years old) were enrolled. Prior to TAE, 12 patients developed hemorrhagic shock and the remaining 10 patients had hemorrhage-related pain, hematoma, or anemia. Contrast agent extravasation occurred in 12 cases, pseudoaneurysm formation in 5 cases, and other suspicious signs in 5 cases. Injury occurred in the internal iliac artery stem in 6 cases, inferior gluteal artery in 6 cases and superior gluteal artery in 6 cases. Multiple vascular lesions appeared in 5 cases. After TAE, technical success occurred in 22 patients and clinical success in 21 patients (95.5%). A 36-year-old woman died of irreversible multiple organ failure; no other severe procedure-related complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: TAE is safe and effective for postoperative arterial complications after pelvic or hip surgery.

Three-Dimensional Printing-Assisted Cervical Anterior Bilateral Pedicle Screw Fixation of Artificial Vertebral Body for Cervical Tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Cervical tuberculosis accounts for only 4.2%-12% of the total incidence of spinal tuberculosis cases. Although antituberculosis drugs have been the mainstay treatment of cervical tuberculosis, they have been ineffective against the symptoms of existing spinal deformities and spinal cord compression, which often require surgical intervention. The conventional surgical methods have been anterior debridement and titanium mesh, cage bone graft fusion and internal fixation. However, all have certain deficiencies regarding the stability of fixation. CASE DESCRIPTION: We have presented the case of a 41-year-old Chinese man who had been experiencing neck pain and stiffness for 1 month. The symptoms had been accompanied by low-grade fever and repeated night sweats. The purified protein derivative test result was positive and the antituberculosis test result was negative. Imaging examination showed destruction of the C5 and C6 vertebral bodies and C5 andC6 intervertebral discs, with an intensive abscess at the C5-C6 vertebral level. After 3-dimensional printing-assisted anterior debridement and artificial vertebral body replacement, his preoperative symptoms of neck pain and stiffness had been alleviated. Also, his symptoms of numbness in both upper limbs had disappeared completely. At the last follow-up examination, he had recovered well and the tuberculosis focus had been completely cured. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, we have reported the first clinical application of 3-dimensional printing-assisted cervical anterior bilateral pedicle screw fixation of an artificial vertebral body. We accomplished ultrashort segment fixation, with excellent clinical outcomes obtained, which were maintained at the recent 2-year follow-up examination.

[The strategy for the prevention of diabetic blindness].

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most important causes of blindness in China as well as in the world. Recent years, the screening of DR and the therapy based on the evidence-based medicine are emphasized for effectively controlling the increase of the prevalence of DR. Extensive screening of DR in the community and secondary hospitals, periodic follow-up and evaluation of the patients are the key measures for reducing the rate of the visual impairment. The new international classification of DR is helpful for improving the communication among primary eye care workers, endocrine physicians, and ophthalmologists. The outcomes of several multi-center prospective randomized clinical trials on the photocoagulation, vitrectomy and systematic therapy for DR are useful for the early prevention and management of DR. If the therapy is based on the evidence-based medicine, the visual impairment caused by DR may be controlled effectively.

Brainstem Cavernous Malformations: Surgical Indications Based on Natural History and Surgical Outcomes.

Cavernous malformations (CMs) are uncommon lesions occurring in the central nervous system, with an incidence of approximately 0.5% in the general population and constituting 5%-10% of all intracranial vascular malformations. Among CMs, prevalence within the brainstem as reported in the literature has ranged from 4% to 35%. With their precarious location and potentially devastating clinical events, brainstem CMs have attracted attention from neurosurgeons, and with these surgeons' unrelenting efforts, the microsurgical techniques to treat these lesions in the brainstem have greatly improved in recent decades. Although surgical outcomes reported in the literature have been satisfying, surgical intervention has become increasingly contraindicated because of the tendency for a benign clinical course in brainstem CMs, after weighing this fact against the high risk of surgical morbidity. Thus, it is advisable to operate on patients with symptomatic lesions abutting the pial or ependymal surface of the brainstem or where lesions are accessible to safe entry zones, which have caused more than 1 significantly symptomatic hemorrhage and can be defined as aggressive. However, treatment remains controversial for deep-seated lesions away from the surface of the brainstem or lesions that are inaccessible to safe entry zones. Other treatments, such as radiosurgery and medication, are still debatable, which might be as an alternative for lesions amenable to but at high risk with surgery.

[Clinical characterization and treatment of acute decompression sickness after group repeated dives].

OBJECTIVE: To clinically characterize the divers who suffer from decompression sickness in group after diving, optimize therapeutic treatment settings for grouped patients where the conventional individualized treatment cannot be implemented. METHODS: Clinical parameters of patients such as age, professional seniority in dive, labor intensity, diving depth and their symptoms were statistically categorized to identify the factors that correlate with treatment efficacy and recurrence rate. In accordance with the symptoms and the reactions to pressure, 4 treatment programs were applied: Program A, Program B, Program C, Program D. RESULTS: (1) age, professional seniority, diving depth, length of service, dive frequency were positively correlated with the treatment efficacy (P<0.05, P<0.01), and these parameters together with pain intensity were also positively correlated with recurrence risk (P<0.05, P<0.01), while long latency time of the disease often related with poor therapeutic outcome and high recurrence rate (P<0.01), (2) pain intensity were positively affected by age, diving depth and dive frequency (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas negatively affected by disease latency time (P<0.01), (3) Four elements in this clinic project, selection of treatment program, length of service, diving depth and disease latency time of patient, were responsible for (or: could account for) 48.0% change of treatment efficacy, (4) Among Programs using different therapeutic pressure, Program D, C and B had better outcomes than Program A (P<0.01, P<0.05). Also, less patients in Program D, C and B suffered from recurrence with relative to Program A (P<0.01, P<0.05), (5) Between Programs adopting same hyperbaric pressure and treatment duration time, Program D was more efficient and fewer recurrent cases were found in it if compared to Program B (P<0.05), (6) In programs with same pressure and duration time settings, Program D was remarkably superior to program C in regard of its treatment efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: In condition with only limited clinic supplies, Program D could be the first choice to provide the hyperbaric oxygen as an ideal group treatment, and it is not very necessary for the clinician to provide individualized therapy. An appropriate extension of stay in hyperbaric chamber may apply to some patients but depending on the clinical symptoms, however, no longer time than 120 min is recommended.

[The anatomical characteristics and its applied significance of laparoscopic rectal surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To realize the anatomical characteristics of laparoscopic rectum surgery and its clinical significance. METHODS: 117 cases with benign and malignant diseases of rectum were operated by laparoscopic methods. The anatomy closely related with operation was analyzed. RESULTS: The median operative time were 144 min. 4 cases were converted to open operations, so the converted rate was 1.7%. The blood loss in operation was rather little with an average of 126 ml. No instant or delayed injury of ureters, large bleeding in front of sacrum and other operation-related severe complications happened intra- and after operation. Dissecting only in one case disrupted the anterior-left wall of rectum. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic rectal surgery is clinically feasible. Mastering the anatomical characteristics of laparoscopic rectum surgery can make us reduce the operative mistakes and complications.

[Emphasizing the prevention and treatment for retinopathy of prematurity].

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (previously called retrolental fibroplasia), is a proliferative retinopathy of premature and low birth weight infants related with receiving oxygen therapy. ROP is the leading cause of children blindness in the developed countries. With the improvement of health level in our country, perinatal medicine has obtained much development. With the improvement of life support systems, the survival rate of premature in our country is becoming higher and the incidence of ROP is increasing accordingly. The children blindness caused by this illness is increasing, which should obtain the ophthalmologists highly attention. In this article, we discuss the data of ROP incidence in the world; the history of ROP prevention and treatment; the development of the retina, the histopathology of ROP; the international classification of ROP and the timing limit of treatment of ROP. ROP is the leading cause of children blindness in the developed countries. ROP incidence is related with the NICU's treatment and the application of relevant medical laws.

Two cases of exudative retina detachment and uveitis following H1N1 influenza vaccination.

Uveitis was a rare adverse event of vaccination. We met two cases of acute uveitis with exudative retinal detachment following vaccination of H1N1 influenza. Case 1 was a 10-year-old boy who was admitted for bilateral blurred vision at 10 days after vaccination of H1N1 influenza. Vitreous opacity was obvious in both eyes. Broad exudative retinal detachment was observed in the right eye. Case 2 was a 47-year-old female who suffered from an acute high fever at 2 days after the vaccination of H1N1 influenza. Later, she encountered bilateral headache and decreasing vision. In both eyes, mutton fat keratic precipitates, positive Tyndall phenomenon, congestion of optic disc and exudative retinal detachment were observed.