[Clinicopathological features of low-grade oncocytic renal tumor (CD117-negative, cytokeratin 7-positive): report of seven cases].

Objective: To explore clinicopathological features of low-grade oncocytic tumor (LOT) of the kidney and to analyze its relationship to hybrid oncocytic/chromophobe tumor (HOCT) of the kidney, renal oncocytoma (RO), and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC). Methods: Seven LOTs were identified from the pathologic archives of two hospitals, including Xiangya Hospital (5 cases) and the Second Xiangya Hospital (2 cases) of Central South University between 2012 and 2019. Clinical data of the LOTs were collected. The tumor morphology was analyzed and immunohistochemistry was performed. Results: All LOTs occurred in adults, aged from 49 to 72 years (median 56.0 years, mean 60.7 years). The tumor size ranged from 2.5 to 6.0 cm (median 4.3 cm, mean 4.3 cm). There were three male and four female patients. Three cases occurred in the left kidney and four in the right. All the tumors were solitary lesions without the clinicopathologic background of Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome or oncocytosis. Five patients had available follow-up data (follow-up period 23-95 months, median 69.0 months, mean 64.6 months) and all were alive without disease. Microscopically, all LOTs were well-circumscribed (7/7). Three LOTs were partly encapsulated. The tumors demonstrated a predominant growth pattern comprising prominently compact small nests surrounded by delicately branching thin-walled blood vessels, imparting an organoid architecture (7/7), but variable numbers of glandular or gland-like structures were often seen among the small nests (7/7). There were frequently areas with loose, edematous stroma, and the tumor cells exhibited reticular, trabecular, or single cell arrangements (6/7). Focal hemorrhage was also commonly present in both compact and loose areas (5/7). In addition, focally cystic formation and ossification occurred in the compact area of one case and in the loose area of another case. The tumor cells in LOT showed intermediate cytologic characteristics between RO and chRCC, including abundantly eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, ovoid to round nuclei with mostly smooth contours, discernable small nucleoli (RO features), frequently delicate perinuclear halos, and occasional binucleation (chRCC features). The tumors were typically CK7-positive and CD117-negative (7/7), and variable staining for PAX8 (5/7), P504s (2/7), and vimentin (1/7). They were negative for CK20, CD10 and FOXI1. All tumors retained SDHB immunostaining. Conclusions: LOT is a rare and indolent oncocytic renal tumor with homogeneously intermediate cytologic features between RO and chRCC. There are some clinicopathologic overlaps between LOT and sporadic HOCT. The distinctive morphology and immunophenotype of LOT suggest that it is potentially a distinct tumor entity.

[Impact of different admission ways on treatment efficiency in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction].

Objective: To analyze the impact of different admission ways on the timeliness of percutaneous coronary intervention and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: A total of 1 044 patients with STEMI, who received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in 9 hospitals in Chengdu from January 2017 to June 2019, were retrospectively enrolled. According to the admission ways, patients were divided into ambulance group (n=100), self-transport group (n=584) and transferred group (n=360). Timeliness and in-hospital mortality were compared among the groups. Indicators of timeliness included the time from symptoms onset to arrive at the hospital, the time from arrive at the hospital to balloon and the total myocardial ischemia time (the time from symptoms to balloon). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to verify whether the admission ways was the determinant for in-hospital death in STEMI patients receiving PPCI. Results: The median total myocardial ischemic time in the ambulance group was significantly shorter than that in the self-transport group (180.0 (135.0, 282.0) minutes vs. 278.0 (177.8, 478.5) minutes, P<0.05) and the transferred group (180.0 (135.0, 282.0) minutes vs. 301.0 (204.3, 520.8) minutes, P<0.05). The median time from symptoms to door was as follows: ambulance group0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that admission way was not significantly associated with in-hospital death (P>0.05). Conclusions: STEMI patients, who are admitted through the medical emergency system, are more likely to receive timely interventional therapy.Different admission ways have no impact on in-hospital mortality.

Metal-Organic Framework MIL-101-NH2-Supported Acetate-Based Butylimidazolium Ionic Liquid as a Highly Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Synthesis of 3-Aryl-2-oxazolidinones.

A novel heterogeneous catalyst, the ionic liquid (IL) of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (BmimOAc) immobilized on MIL-101-NH2, denoted as IL(OAc-)-MIL-101-NH2, was prepared by the "ship-in-a-bottle" strategy. The IL of BmimOAc was prepared in the MIL-101-NH2 nanocages primordially, in which the condensation product of MIL-101-NH2's amine group with 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) reacted with 1-bromo butane, and then the intermediate exchanged with potassium acetate. The structure and physicochemical properties of IL(OAc-)-MIL-101-NH2 were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, DRS UV-vis, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and elemental analysis. The results indicated that BmimOAc was anchored in the MIL-101-NH2 skeleton via the acylamino group and confined in the nanocages in the form of a single molecule. The composite material of IL(OAc-)-MIL-101-NH2 exhibited excellent catalytic activity and catalytically synthesized 3-aryl-2-oxazolone in an excellent yield of 92%. It can be reused up to six times without noteworthy loss of its activity and demonstrated distinct size-selective property for substrates. It was conjectured that the diffusion kinetics of reactants could be controlled by the aperture size of the metal-organic framework support.

Uses and abuses of paediatric electroencephalography.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether requests for standard paediatric electroencephalograms accord with guideline recommendations, subsequent changes in clinical management according to reported results, and extent to which the service meets waiting time targets. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Regional hospital, Hong Kong. PATIENTS: All patients aged less than 18 years who underwent electroencephalography between December 2009 and February 2010. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Appropriateness of the electroencephalogram request and the impact of its findings on clinical management. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients were recruited, but requests for standard electroencephalograms were considered 'inappropriate' with respect to guidelines in 44% of the patients, of which 50% were made to diagnose 'funny turns'. The standard electroencephalogram contributed to the diagnosis or management in only 28% of patients. In all of the latter, the request for an electroencephalogram had been appropriate. Nonspecialists made referrals for 86% of the patients. Inadequate information was provided in 66% of the requests. Standard electroencephalograms were performed within guideline targets, the wait being less than 4 weeks in 95% of requests. CONCLUSION: An effective electroencephalogram service was being provided, though abuses were common. These were mainly because of misconceptions regarding the role and limitations of standard electroencephalograms. Through an educative, non-confrontational approach, and with time to explain guideline recommendations to clinicians, sustainable change in practice could be achieved so as to benefit patients, clinicians, and service provision.

The Role of Acu-TENS in Hemodynamic Recovery after Open-Heart Surgery.

Increased heart rate (HR) and reduced blood pressure (BP) are common consequences of cardiac surgery. This study investigated the effect of transcutaneous electrical nervous stimulation applied over acupuncture points (Acu-TENS) on HR, BP, rate pressure product (RPP) and nausea and vomiting score after open-heart surgery. After open heart surgery, 40 patients were randomly allocated to either an Acu-TENS group, which received a 40-min session of TENS applied bilaterally over the acupuncture point PC6 on postoperative days 1-5, or a Placebo-TENS group, which received identical electrode placement but with no electrical output from the TENS unit, despite an output indicator light appearing activated. HR, systolic and diastolic BPs (SBP and DBP) were recorded and RPP computed. Nausea and vomiting symptoms were quantified using a 4-point Likert scale before and after TENS intervention. Daily HR, BP and antiemetic administration data were recorded from a further 20 consecutive subjects who received no intervention and formed the Control group. A trend of decreasing HR and increasing BP in the Acu-TENS group was observed over the five postoperative days, with all variables returning to preoperative values by Day 4 (P > .2). In the Placebo-TENS and Control groups the HR remained higher (P < .0001), BP lower (P < .05) and RPP higher (P = .01) than respective preoperative values at Day 4. The dose of Maxolon required was lowest in the Acu-TENS group (P = .038). We concluded that Acu-TENS facilitated an earlier return to preoperative BP, HR and RPP values in patients after acute heart surgery.

Hemangioma of the diaphragm presenting with cardiac tamponade.

We report a rare form of presentation of diaphragmatic hemangioma in a neonate. The patient presented with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade, requiring tapping of the pericardial effusion and subsequent en-bloc resection of the hemangioma with diaphragmatic reconstruction.

Giant myxoma causing right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.

Atrial cardiac myxoma is the most common benign cardiac tumour. Atrial myxoma most commonly arises from the left atrium and, less frequently, from the right atrium or both ventricles. Cardiac myxoma arising from the tricuspid valve is rare. These tumours can present with right heart failure as a result of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. A high index of suspicion and appropriate investigations are necessary for making the correct diagnosis. Fatal complications such as embolisation and obstruction of the outflow tract and other intracardiac structures make prompt surgical intervention necessary. We report on a patient with a rare type of giant myxoma arising from the tricuspid valve. He underwent successful operation with en-bloc removal of the tumour, while preserving the integrity of the tricuspid valve.

Pulmonary valve replacement after surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of pulmonary valve replacement in patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation after tetralogy of Fallot repair in Hong Kong. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: University teaching hospital, Hong Kong. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients undergoing pulmonary valve replacement after repair of tetralogy of Fallot between August 2002 and December 2008. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Magnetic resonance imaging of right ventricular volume and cardiopulmonary exercise test data before and after the operation were documented and compared. RESULTS: Over a 6-year period, 16 patients underwent pulmonary valve replacement for severe pulmonary regurgitation after prior complete repair for tetralogy of Fallot. There was no in-hospital mortality. The mean time interval between the initial repair and pulmonary valve replacement was 19 (standard deviation, 9) years. In three patients, the indication for pulmonary valve replacement was symptomatic severe pulmonary regurgitation, and asymptomatic progressive right ventricular dilatation in the remaining 13 patients. After pulmonary valve replacement, there was a significant decrease in the mean indexed right ventricular end-diastolic volume from 173 (standard deviation, 44) mL/m(2) to 103 (19) mL/m(2) (P=0.043). After the operation, there was also a tendency for improvement of the right ventricular ejection fraction and the maximum oxygen consumption: from 42% (standard deviation, 9%) to 47% (6%) [P=0.173], and 27 (4) mL/kg/min to 29 (4) mL/kg/min (P=0.208), respectively. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary valve replacement for severe pulmonary regurgitation after tetralogy of Fallot repair is a safe procedure. However, the indications for such an operation in asymptomatic patients remain controversial. Further studies are required to better delineate the timing of pulmonary valve replacement in this patient group.

Low-dose terlipressin plus banding ligation versus low-dose terlipressin alone in the prevention of very early rebleeding of oesophageal varices.

BACKGROUND: Very early rebleeding is frequently encountered in patients with acute oesophageal variceal bleeding. A trial was designed to assess the efficacy and safety in patients with no active bleeding at endoscopy, receiving banding ligation association with terlipressin to prevent very early rebleeding. METHODS: Patients with no active variceal bleeding at endoscopy were evaluated. Eligible patients were randomised to receive terlipressin infusion alone for 5 days (Terlipressin group) or banding ligation plus terlipressin infusion for 2 days (Combined group). Primary endpoints were treatment failure and very early rebleeding. RESULTS: The terlipressin group was composed of 46 patients and the Combined group was composed of 47 patients. Both groups were comparable in terms of baseline data. Forty-eight-hour haemostasis was achieved in 91% in the Terlipressin group and 98% in the Combined group (p = 0.20). Very early rebleeding within 48-120 h occurred in 7 patients (15%) in the Terlipressin group but not in any patients (0%) in the Combined group (p = 0.006). Treatment failure was 24% in the Terlipressin group and 2% in the Combined group (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that treatment (OR 0.081; 95% CI 0.010 to 0.627) was the only predictive factor of very early rebleeding. Blood requirement was significantly lower in the Combined group than in the Terlipressin group. Complications and 6-week survival were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of banding ligation and terlipressin infusion for 2 days was superior to only infusion of terlipressin for 5 days in the reduction of very early rebleeding and treatment failure in patients with inactive variceal bleeding at endoscopy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN28353453.

C. elegans CED-12 acts in the conserved crkII/DOCK180/Rac pathway to control cell migration and cell corpse engulfment.

We have identified and characterized a novel C. elegans gene, ced-12, that functions in the conserved GTPase signaling pathway mediated by CED-2/Crkll, CED-5/DOCK180, and CED-10/Rac to control cell migration and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. We provide evidence that ced-12 likely acts upstream of ced-10 during cell migration and phagocytosis and that CED-12 physically interacts with CED-5 and forms a ternary complex with CED-2 in vitro. We propose that the formation and localization of a CED-2-CED-5-CED-12 ternary complex to the plasma membrane activates CED-10, leading to the cytoskeletal reorganization that occurs in the polarized extension of cell surfaces in engulfing cells and migrating cells. We suggest that CED-12 counterparts in higher organisms regulate cytoskeleton dynamics, as CED-12 does in C. elegans.

Endobronchial ultrasound for diagnosis of synchronous primary lung cancers.

Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has recently been shown to be accurate in diagnosis and staging of mediastinal lymph node metastases. We report a case of squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed by endobronchial biopsy with concomitant contralateral hilar lymph node metastasis from small cell carcinoma being confirmed by EBUS-TBNA. The diagnosis of synchronous primary lung cancers in this case, which altered the treatment strategy, would not be made if pathological staging of intrathoracic lymph node was not pursued. The unique role of EBUS-TBNA in diagnosis of hilar lymphadenopathy was underscored. The potential pitfall of missing synchronous lung tumour if the diagnosis is based either on sampling from intrathoracic lymph node or from endobronchial lesion alone is discussed.

Cyclosporine A enhances apoptosis in gingival keratinocytes of rats and in OECM1 cells via the mitochondrial pathway.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We reported previously that cyclosporine A induces a high level of expression of p21 in rat gingival keratinocytes and in OECM1 cells. In this study, the apoptosis of gingival keratinocytes after treatment with cyclosporine A was evaluated using the same models. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats with right edentulous ridges were assigned into cyclosporine A (30 mg/kg) and control groups. Four weeks later, gingivae were screened for expression of apoptotic genes using microarray analyses and DNA fragmentation. The expression of bcl2-associated X protein (Bax), apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and Caspase 3 mRNAs, and the expression of Bax, AIF, Caspase 9 and Fas proteins, were analyzed using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Apoptosis in OECM1 cells (keratinocytes of a gingival carcinoma cell line), after treatment with cyclosporine A, was evaluated by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and flow cytometry, whereas the expression of Bax, AIF, Caspase 3 and 8, Bcl-2 and Fas proteins were examined using western blotting. RESULTS: According to microarray analyses, the expression of certain apoptotic genes was altered in the gingiva of rats who received cyclosporine A, and increased number of DNA fragments were detected. Expression of mRNA or protein for Bax, AIF and Caspase 3 and 9 in the gingivae of rats increased after treatment with cyclosporine A. An increased number of apoptotic bodies and of OECM1 cells in the sub-G1 phase was observed after treatment with cyclosporine A. Increased expression of AIF, Bax and Caspase 3 protein, but not of bcl-2, Caspase 8 or Fas protein, was observed in cells after treatment with cyclosporine A. CONCLUSION: Based on the above findings, we suggest that cyclosporine A might enhance the apoptosis of gingival keratinocytes, mainly via the mitochondrial pathway.

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma of left atrium.

Cardiac angiosarcoma usually arises from the right atrium. We report an extremely rare case of primary angiosarcoma originating from the left atrium in a 70-year-old woman. This represents the ninth reported case of left-sided cardiac angiosarcoma in the English literature. Analysis of all nine cases shows that this malignant neoplasm occurs more in female patients with a mean age of 60 years, unlike the right-sided one which typically affects male patients in their early 40s. The prognosis of this tumor is extremely poor with life expectancy lying between 3 to 34 months despite early diagnosis by imaging and multimodality treatment.

Impact of diabetes on early and mid-term survival after coronary artery bypass graft surgery in the Hong Kong Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of diabetes on early and mid-term survival in the Hong Kong Chinese population undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Regional hospital, Hong Kong. PATIENTS: A total of 904 consecutive patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery from November 1999 to December 2003 were prospectively analysed. Among them, 377 (42%) diabetic and 527 (58%) non-diabetic patients were evaluated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hospital mortality, mid-term mortality, and percutaneous coronary intervention-free survival. RESULTS: The diabetic group had a higher risk score than the non-diabetic group (mean+/-standard deviation: EuroSCORE 4.7+/-3.4 and 3.6+/-3.4, respectively; P<0.001). Hospital mortality was 3.4% in the diabetic group compared to 2.8% in the non-diabetic group (P=0.698). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 30% and preoperative intubation as independent risk factors for early hospital death. There were 81 late deaths and the actuarial survival at 48 months for the diabetic and non-diabetic patients were 86% and 90%, respectively (P=0.298). The angina-free survival and percutaneous coronary intervention-free survival at 48 months for the diabetic and non-diabetic patients yielded no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus was not a predictor of early and mid-term mortality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery in our Chinese population. Furthermore, diabetes did not affect angina recurrence or intervention free-survival up to 4 years.

Isolated left ventricular non-compaction: an unusual indication for heart transplantation.

We report a patient with isolated left ventricular non-compaction diagnosed by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. She developed refractory congestive heart failure and subsequently underwent successful heart transplantation. This type of cardiomyopathy is thought to be caused by the arrest of normal embryogenesis of the endocardium and myocardium. The spectrum of clinical, radiological, and pathological abnormalities is discussed.

Expression of p21 and p53 in rat gingival and human oral epithelial cells after cyclosporine A treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Expression of p21 and p53 were examined, at gene and protein levels, in edentulous gingival epithelial cells from rats and from a human oral epidermoid carcinoma cell line, OECM1, after cyclosporine A therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In vivo: 20 partially edentulous SD rats were assigned into cyclosporine A feeding and control groups. After the rats were killed, p21 and p53 in gingiva were evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. In vitro: after cyclosporine A treatment, p21 and p53 of OECM1 cells were evaluated by western blot and the luciferase assay. The distribution of OECM1 cells in each phase of the cell cycle was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of p21 was significantly higher in the cyclosporine A group than in the control group. A greater number of positive anti-p21-stained cells were observed in the gingival epithelium of the cyclosporine A group than in the control group. Significantly higher levels of p21 protein and activity were observed in OECM1 cells after cyclosporine A treatment than in cells without treatment. A relative increase of cells in G0/G1 phases, and a decrease of cells in G2/M phases, were observed in OECM1 cells after cyclosporine A treatment. CONCLUSION: In the present study, higher p21 mRNA and protein expressions were observed after cyclosporine A treatment. Thus, an up-regulation of p21 expression, via a p53-independent pathway, by cyclosporine A in gingival and oral epithelial cells was suggested.

Mortality prediction in adult cardiac surgery patients: comparison of two risk stratification models.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the two commonly applied models--EuroSCORE and Parsonnet--in our local adult cardiac surgery patients, according to risk factor quantification related to mortality using a risk stratification protocol to assess the quality of cardiac surgical care. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Cardiac surgery centre in a regional hospital in Hong Kong. PATIENTS: All adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft and heart valve surgery at the Grantham Hospital were evaluated prospectively from November 1999 to July 2005. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In-hospital mortality was the defined end-point. Statistical analyses consisted of observed against expected mortality, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test for calibration accuracy, and receiver operating characteristic curve for discrimination performance. RESULTS: During the study period, 1247 patients underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery and 1406 underwent heart valve surgery. Observed mortality rates in these two patient groups were 2.9% and 4.8% respectively. The expected mortality rates as predicted by the EuroSCORE were (mean+/-standard deviation) 4.0+/-3.3% and 5.2+/-3.0% respectively, and by the Parsonnet model were 5.9+/-4.2% and 7.3+/-4.4% respectively. EuroSCORE performed better than the Parsonnet model at predicting in-hospital mortality assessed by the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves in coronary artery bypass graft surgery were 0.76 for EuroSCORE and 0.74 for Parsonnet. The receiver operating characteristic curve areas in valve surgery were 0.77 for EuroSCORE and 0.79 for Parsonnet. CONCLUSION: Despite significant geographic and demographic differences between European and Asian patients, in our local adult cardiac surgery patients, the EuroSCORE performed well with good calibration and discrimination in predicting mortality. There was a tendency for both models to over predict. However, the EuroSCORE can serve as a baseline for the development of a local risk model.

Foreign body-induced aorto-oesophageal fistula: a review of five cases and their management.

Foreign body-induced aorto-oesophageal fistula is a rare cause of massive upper gastro-intestinal bleeding and, in the absence of a timely diagnosis and surgical intervention, can be fatal. During a period of 25 years, five patients with foreign body-induced aorto-oesophageal fistula underwent surgery in our department. Three patients survived. All survivors required more than one surgical intervention. The clinical course of these five patients and the management of this potentially fatal condition are reviewed.

Catechol, a structural requirement for (Na+ + K+)-ATPase stimulation in rat skeletal muscle membrane.

1. Catecholamines can nearly double (Na+ + K+)-ATPase acts effect is not mediated by cyclic AMP and is not beta-adrenergic. 3. Orthodihydroxybenzene compounds and their orthoquinone derivatives enhance (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity. 4. Enhancement of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity by catechols is not due to increased availability of ATP. 5. It is suggested that catechols and their orthoquinones somehow alter or protect the configuration of the enzyme so that it becomes more active or so protect the configuration of the enzyme so that it becomes more active or so that its activity is maintained under conditions in which its activity is otherwise diminished.