Effect of Blumgart anastomosis in reducing the incidence rate of pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic fistula is one of the most serious complications after pancreatoduodenectomy for treating any lesions at the pancreatic head. For years, surgeons have tried various methods to reduce its incidence. AIM: To investigate and emphasize the clinical outcomes of Blumgart anastomosis compared with traditional anastomosis in reducing postoperative pancreatic fistula. METHODS: In this observational study, a retrospective analysis of 291 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy, including Blumgart anastomosis (201 patients) and traditional embedded pancreaticojejunostomy (90 patients), was performed in our hospital. The preoperative and perioperative courses and long-term follow-up status were analyzed to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods. Moreover, 291 patients were then separated by the severity of postoperative pancreatic fistula, and two methods of pancreaticojejunostomy were compared to detect the features of different anastomosis. Six experienced surgeons were involved and all of them were proficient in both surgical techniques. RESULTS: The characteristics of the patients in the two groups showed no significant differences, nor the preoperative information and pathological diagnoses. The operative time was significantly shorter in the Blumgart group (343.5 ± 23.0 vs 450.0 ± 40.1 min, P = 0.028), as well as the duration of pancreaticojejunostomy drainage tube placement and postoperative hospital stay (12.7 ± 0.9 d vs 17.4 ± 1.8 d, P = 0.031; and 21.9 ± 1.3 d vs 28.9 ± 1.3 d, P = 0.020, respectively). The overall complications after surgery were much less in the Blumgart group than in the embedded group (11.9% vs 26.7%, P = 0.002). Patients who underwent Blumgart anastomosis would suffer less from severe pancreatic fistula (71.9% vs 50.0%, P = 0.006), and this pancreaticojejunostomy procedure did not have worse influences on long-term complications and life quality. Thus, Blumgart anastomosis is a feasible pancreaticojejunostomy procedure in pancreatoduodenectomy surgery. It is safe in causing less postoperative complications, especially pancreatic fistula, and thus shortens the hospitalization duration. CONCLUSION: Surgical method should be a key factor in reducing pancreatic fistula, and Blumgart anastomosis needs further promotion.

[Effect of ceramic on ceramic total hip arthroplasty in Crowe IV developmental dysplasia of the hip].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of ceramic on ceramic total hip arthroplasty(THA)in Crowe IV developmental dysplasia of the hip(DDH). METHODS: From April 2008 to December 2015, 137 hips of 111 Crowe IV DDH patients received THA using Forte or Delta ceramic on ceramic by one senior surgeon, which consists of 85 unilateral hips and 26 bilateral hips. The average age of the patients was(38.88±10.83) years old ranging from 18 to 68 years old. The mean follow-up was(41.16±21.50) months ranging from 12 to 96 months. All the patients were evaluated by Harris Hip Score. Radiographic evaluations were made preoperatively and during follow-up. Harris scores, the incidence of complications such as ceramic fracture, squeaking, dislocation were observed. RESULTS: The mean preoperative Harris score was 56.54±15.67, the mean postoperative Harris score was 88.30±6.86(P=0.017). Periprosthetic osteolysis was not deteced around any cup. No ceramic fracture occurred. There were 3 cases of revision surgery due to infection, losening of the stem and limb length discrepancy, respectively; 3 cases of dislocation occurred. Seventy-seven patients were recorded the gait and the hip mobility, the hip flexion of 69 patients were above 120 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Ceramic on ceramic bearing showed an encouraging result in Crowe IV DDH total hip arthroplasty.

[Clinical observation on the treatment of periprosthetic infection of coagulase-negative staphylococci by two-stage revision].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for the failure in treating periprosthetic infection of coagulase-negative staphylococci by two-stage revision. METHODS: From January 2005 to June 2015, 57 patients with periprosthetic hip and knee joint infection of coagulase-negative staphylococcus by two-stage revision were retrospectively reviewed with an average age of (61.3±11.9) years old. According to the drug resistance of methicillin, the patients were divided into methicillin sensitive group(MSCoN) and methicillin resistance(MRCoN) group, 25 cases in MSCoN group(9 knees and 16 hips) included 12 males and 13 females, 32 cases in MRCoN group(11 knees and 21 hips) included 14 males and 18 females. Follow-up for at least 2 years, the inflammatory markers, incidence rate of sinus and the duration of the symptoms, reinfection or persistent infection rate after two-stage revision were compared between two groups. RESULTS: MSCoN group and MRCoN group were followed up(81.7±38.3) months and(65.9±33.8) months, respectively;23 cases and 27 cases were successfully treated;there was no significant difference between two groups(P=0.643). The patients who had surgery history were 4.04 times higher of failure than the patients without a history of surgery[OR=4.04, 95%CI(0.62, 26.5)]. Patients who had sinus were 4.26 times higher of failure than the patients without sinus[OR=4.26, 95%CI(0.7, 25.9)]. CONCLUSIONS: Two-stage revision is an effective procedure in treating patients infected by MSCoN and MRCoN. There is no significant difference of treatment failure rate between MSCoN and MRCoN group by two-stage revision. Surgery history and sinus maybe the risk factors of treatment failure, while methicillin-resistance is not.

Sporadic insulinomas on volume perfusion CT: dynamic enhancement patterns and timing of optimal tumour-parenchyma contrast.

OBJECTIVES: To assess enhancement patterns of sporadic insulinomas on volume perfusion CT (VPCT), and to identify timing of optimal tumour-parenchyma contrast. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent VPCT for clinically suspected insulinomas were retrospectively identified. Patients with insulinomas confirmed by surgery were included, and patients with familial syndromes were excluded. Two radiologists evaluated VPCT images in consensus. Tumour-parenchyma contrast at each time point was measured, and timing of optimal contrast was determined. Time duration of hyperenhancement (tumour-parenchyma contrast >20 Hounsfield units, HU) was recorded. Perfusion parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Three dynamic enhancement patterns were observed in 63 tumours: persistent hyperenhancement (hyperenhancement time window ≥10 s) in 39 (61.9%), transient hyperenhancement (hyperenhancement <10 s) in 19 (30.2%) and non-hyperenhancement in 5 (7.9%). Timing of optimal contrast was 9 s after abdominal aorta threshold (AAT) of 200 HU, with tumour-parenchyma contrast of 77.6 ± 57.2 HU. At 9 s after AAT, 14 (22.2%) tumours were non-hyperenhancing, nine of which had missed transient hyperenhancement. Insulinomas with transient and persistent hyperenhancement patterns had significantly increased perfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Insulinomas have variable enhancement patterns. Tumour-parenchyma contrast is time-dependent. Optimal timing of enhancement is 9 s after AAT. VPCT enables tumour detection even if the hyperenhancement is transient. KEY POINTS: • Enhancement patterns of insulinomas are variable and tumour-parenchyma contrast is time-dependent. • An optimized single-phase scan found 77.8% tumours to be hyperenhancing. • Hyperenhancing tumours increase to 84.1% and 87.3% with biphasic/triphasic scan. • Volume perfusion CT enables detection of insulinomas with missed transient hyperenhancement.

[Mechanical complications with self-made, antibiotic-loaded cement articulating spacers in the treatment of the infected hip replacement].

OBJECTIVE: To study the complications and efficacy of self-made, antibiotic-loaded cement articulating spacers in the treatment of the infected hip replacement. METHODS: Between January 2006 and July 2016, 265 patients (266 hips) received a self-made, antibiotic-loaded cement articulating spacer as part of a two-stage protocol. Among those patients, there were 143 males(144 hips) and 122 females(122 hips). The cement articulating spacers with vancomycin and two Steinman pins were made by a self-made mold system. Meanwhile, another antibiotic was added to the spacers according to the drug sensitivity test. Record if the infected prosthesis was removed, related complication with spacer(breakage and dislocation), Harris score, and control rate of infection. RESULTS: The mean age of two-stage revision operation was(57.4±14.2) years. Thirty-nine patients(14.7%) used extended trochanteric osteotomy(ETO) to remove the infected prosthesis. And 38 patients occurred mentioned complications(14.3%). Spacer breakage occurred in 28 cases(10.5%) and dislocation occurred in 10 cases(3.8%). The mean follow-up time was(83.4±14.6) months. The Harris hip score was from 47.56±14.23 preoperatively to 86.43±12.84 at final follow-up(P<0.05). The infection of 256 cases(96.6%) got control after revision operation. However, during postoperative follow-up, 4 cases occurred re-infection, and they were reoperated, and the infections obtained effective control after the operation. Thus total infection control rate was 95.1%(252/265). CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic-loaded cement articulating spacer made by a self-made mold system is effective in controling infection caused by hip replacement. Related complication is less with spacer by a mould enclosing two Steinman pins. Using metallic internal fixation or allograft bone combined with spacer does not affect infection control.

[Clinical results in early and mid term of using the S-ROM femoral stem in revision].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and the clinical effect of S-ROM modular stem in femur reconstruction in hip revision arthroplasty. METHODS: From January 2008 to January 2016, 21 patients received revision hip arthroplasties using S-ROM stems. There were 5 males and 16 females with an average of 48.33 years old(range, 29 to 73 years old). There were 13 cases caused by aseptic loosening, 4 cases by infection, 2 cases by nonunion of sub-tuberosity osteotomy, 1 case for repeated dislocation, 1 case for traumatic great trochanter fracture. Primary THA reasons:12 cases for DDH(9 cases for Crowe IV), 5 cases for femoral neck fracture, 2 cases for necrosis of femoral head, 2 cases for proximal femoral deformity caused by early infection. The femur bone defects included Paprosky II in 11 cases, IIIa in 9, and IIIb in 1. Harris hip score , pain score and hip flexion were recorded before and after operation. The subjective satisfaction was recorded at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The operation time and blood loss were 189 min(125 to 290 min) and 867 ml (200 to 2 000 ml). At the final followup, the pain score improved from (17.14±9.56) points preoperatively to (41.71±2.03) points (t=11.42, P=0.00). The function score improved from (24.01±11.02) points preoperatively to (49.95±5.38) points (t=9.73, P=0.00). Harris hip score improved from (41.15±14.81) points preoperatively to(91.67±5.83) points(t=15.33, P=0.00). The degree of hip flexion increased from (93.10±27.27) points preoperatively to (121.90±16.62) points at the last follow-up (t=4.59, P=0.00). The mean subjective satisfaction was 9.48(10 points system), 14 of which were completely satisfactory. The last follow-up hip X-ray showed 21 cases of bone ingrowth, and other femoral stem without loosening or sinking sign significantly. There were 5 cases with bone anchor syndrome around proximal femoral cuff. There were 5 cases of proximal femur fracture, 3 cases of lesser trochanter fracture, 2 cases of greater trochanter fracture intra-operatively. Due to femoral canal stenosis, there were 4 cases of pre-tied wire at lesser trochanter to prevent fractures. There was 1 case of traumatic femoral fracture around stems with a distal oblique fracture, open reduction and locking plate fixation was performed. Other patients had no nerve stretch injury, dislocation, infection and lower limb deep vein thrombosis and other complications at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: S-ROM prosthesis has satisfactory results in hip revision arthroplasty with Paprosky II and III femoral defects. Especially for patients with Crowe IV DDH and other proximal femoral deformities, it is possible to adapt to the medullary cavity morphology. Excellent initial stability, less complications and long-term biological fixation can be achieved with S-ROM in femur revision.

Triterpenoids and lignans from the fruit of Schisandra sphenanthera.

Three new (1-3) and seven known (4-10) triterpenoids, together with one new (11) and fifteen known (12-26) dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, were isolated from the fruit of Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils. Their structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic methods, including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra and CD experiments. All of the isolated triterpenoids (1-10) were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicities against HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, and compounds 1, 3-7 and 10 exhibited moderate antiproliferative effects against HepG2 cell line with IC50 ranging from 18.12 to 49.52µM. The lignans (11-26) were tested for their neuroprotective activities against CoCl2, H2O2 and Aß25-35-induced SH-SY5Y cell injuries and showed considerable neuroprotective effects of different degrees. And at the low concentration of 3.2nM, compounds 14, 17-19, 23 in CoCl2-induced, compounds 11, 13-15, 17, 19-20, 22-24 in H2O2-induced, and compounds 12-14, 19, 25-26 in Aß25-35-induced SH-SY5Y cell injury models, showed statistically significant neuroprotective activities compared with the negative control group, respectively.

[Relationship between screw numbers and severity of tibial bone defect in primary total knee arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize experience of using screws and cement to rebuild tibial bone defect in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to discuss the relationship between the number of required screws and the severity of tibial bone defects. METHODS: From July 2009 to May 2015, 34 patients (40 knees) with varus knees underwent TKA, and the screw and cement technique was used to rebuild medial tibia plateau during operation. There were 8 males (8 knees) and 26 females (32 knees), and the average age was (65.00 +/- 7.25) years old (ranged,55 to 82 years old). One to 6 screws were used in each case. Extension stems were used in 2 cases (4 and 5 screws was used respectively). The area percentages of the bone defects measured as defect area/tibia plateau area, depth of each defect, the number of screws needed in each case, were all used to determine the relationship between the number of screws and the area percentage in certain depth of bone defect by statistic methods, as well as the relationship between screw number and defect depth. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up and the average duration was 24 months (ranged, 1 to 72 months). The average preoperative HSS score was 43.33 +/- 6.11 (ranged, 32 to 51 scores). Whereas the average postoperative HSS score was 92.15 +/- 4.64 (ranged,83 to 96 scores). The preoperative individual scores including pain, function, activity, nuscle strength, flexion deformity and stability were all improved compared with preoperation,and the differences were statistically significant. All the patients received normal alignment postoperatively, femoraltibial angle was improved from (167.00 +/- 6.39) degrees preoperatively to (175.00 +/- 2.69) degrees postoperatively, the tibial angle was improved from (78.09 +/- 4.51) degrees preoperatively to (88.75 +/- 1.24) degrees postoperatively. Both area percentage and depth of bone defect in a fitting Ologistic model had a significant statistical relationship with the screw number, and a rectangular coordinate system could be formed according to the relationship. CONCLUSION: Screws and cement technique is a simple, safe and convenient method to rebuild tibial bone defects in primary TKA and its short-term and midterm effect are both reliable. During opera- tion, according to the rectangular coordinate system, the screw number needed in the operation can be inferred form th area and depth of tibia defect, which could have a guiding function in surgery.

Advances in understanding the molecular mechanism of pancreatic cancer metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is usually diagnosed at the late-stage and therefore, has widespread metastasis and a very high mortality rate. The mechanisms underlying PC metastasis are not well understood. Recent advances in genomic sequencing have identified groups of gene mutations that affect PC metastasis, but studies elucidating their roles are lacking. The present review was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of PC metastasis. DATA SOURCES: Relevant articles on PC metastasis were searched in MEDLINE via PubMed prior to April 2015. The search was limited in English publications. RESULTS: PC metastatic cascades are multi-factorial events including both intrinsic and extrinsic elements. This review highlights the most important genetic alterations and other mechanisms that account for PC invasion and metastasis, with particular regard to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, inflammation, stress response, and circulating tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS: Analyses of relevant gene functions and signaling pathways are needed to establish the gene regulatory network and to define the pivotal modulators. Another promising area of study is the genotyping and phenotyping of circulating tumor cells, which could lead to a new era of personalized therapy by identifying specific markers and targets.

Triterpenoids from the fruit of Schisandra glaucescens.

Five new triterpenoids, named schiglausins P-T (1-5), together with twelve known analogues (6-17), were isolated from the fruit of Schisandra glaucescens Diels. Their structures were determined by various spectroscopic methods, including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra and CD experiment. Additionally, all these compounds were tested for their cytotoxicities against B16 mouse melanoma cell line. Compounds 8, 11, 14, and 15 exhibited moderate anti-proliferative effects against B16 cells with IC50 values ranging from 3.64 to 27.00µM.

[New classification of Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip].

OBJECTIVE: To compare differences between Crowe IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) with secondary acetabulum and Crowe IV DDH without secondary acetabulum,and determine whether it is necessary to divide Crowe IV DDH into two subtypes. METHODS: From June 2007 to May 2015,145 hips of 112 Crowe N patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using S-ROM stem were divided into two groups: secondary acetabulum formaton group (group A) and no secondary acetabulum formaton group (group B). In group A,there were 12 females, 96 males,with an average age of (39.38 ± 11.19) years old. In group B, there were 2 females, 35 males, with an average age of (38.19 ± 10.92) years old. All the patients were evaluated by using Harris Hip Score. Radiographic evaluations were made preoperatively and during follow up. The differences between two groups were compared on dislocation height, canal flare index (CFI), subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy (SSTO) usage, pre- and post-operation Harris scores, complications. RESULTS: The dislocation height for group A was (4.74 ± 1.57) cm, while the dislocation height for group B was (3.12 ± 1.15) cm. Significantly difference was detected between two groups. The CFI for group A was 2.69 ± 0.68, while the CFI for group B was 3.42 ± 0.79, and the significantly difference was detected between two groups. Harris scores were totally improved from 58.18 ± 15.67 preoperatively to 91.20 ± 3.79 post-operatively and the difference was significant. Pre-operative Harris scores was 58.1 ± 15.3 in group A, 58.3 ± 16.9 in group B. Post-operative Harris scores was 91.0 ± 4.1 in group A, 91.0 ± 5.1 in group B. No significant difference was found on Harris scores between A and B preoperatively and post-operatively. Complications of 4 cases peri-prosthesis fracture, 4 cases dislocation and 4 cases nerve injury occur in group A; While only one case dislocation and one case nerve injury occur in group B. No statistical significance was detected. CONCLUSION: Crowe IV DDH with secondary acetabulum is significantly different from Crowe IV DDH without secondary acetabulum on dislocation height and femoral morphology, which causes the different selections of surgical techniques (SSTO usage or not). These important differences in fundamental parameters indicate the necessity to further divide Crowe IV DDH into IVA and IVB two subtypes.

Diterpenoids from the branch and leaf of Abies fargesii.

Five new abietane diterpenoids, named abifadines A-E (1-5), and nine known ones (6-14), together with two known podocarpenes (15 and 16), were isolated from the branch and leaf of Abies fargesii. Their structures including the relative configurations were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined through single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis with Cu Kα irradiation. All the isolates were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicities. Only compounds 5 and 12 exhibited weak anti-proliferative effects against three cancer cell lines (B16, MCF7, and HepG2) with IC50 values range from 14.8 to 42.8 µM. The antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Monilia albicans of all compounds were also tested, but none of them showed significant activities.

Bisabolane-Type Sesquiterpenoids from the Whole Plant of Parasenecio rubescens.

Twenty-two new highly oxygenated bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids, pararubin A-V (1-22), were isolated from the whole plant of Parasenecio rubescens. The structure determination of 1-22, including the assignment of their relative configurations, was accomplished by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The absolute configuration of pararubin A (1) was established by single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects against three cancer cell lines (B16 mouse melanoma cells, HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and MCF7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells) and for their antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Monilia albicans.

Prognostic significance of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 in pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown the clinical significance of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 (EGFL7) in a variety of cancers. However, the relationship between EGFL7 and the prognosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) remains unclear. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of EGFL7 in the prognosis of PC. METHODS: The expression of EGFL7 in nine PC cell lines was first determined by Western blotting analysis. Tissue microarray-based immunohistochemical staining was performed in paired formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor and non-tumor samples from 83 patients with PC. Finally, correlations between EGFL7 expression and clinicopathological variables as well as overall survival were evaluated. RESULTS: EGFL7 was widely expressed in all PC cell lines tested. EGFL7 expression in tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in non-tumor tissues (P=0.040). In addition, univariate analysis revealed that high EGFL7 expression in tumor tissues was significantly associated with poor overall survival, accompanied by several conventional clinicopathological variables, such as gender, histological grade and lymph node metastasis. In a multivariate Cox regression test, EGFL7 expression was identified as an independent marker for long-term outcome of PC. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that EGFL7 is extensively expressed in PC and that EGFL7 is associated with poor prognosis.

Adult asymptomatic hamartoma in the distal esophagus: a rare case.

An esophageal hamartoma is a rare, benign germ-cell condition. Most hamartomas are intraluminal tumors located in the upper third of the esophagus. We herein report an unusual case of a pedunculated hamartoma that involved the lower third of the esophagus that was diagnosed incidentally during investigations for epigastric pain. The features noted on endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound/Doppler endoscopic ultrasound and computed tomography of the chest are also presented.

The prognostic value of Cyclin B1 in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer (PC), a malignancy with very poor prognosis, presents many molecular alterations, including overexpression of Cyclin B1. However, the prognostic value of the protein in PC remains to be elucidated. In the present study, Cyclin B1 expression was detected immunohistochemically in specimens from 241 patients with PC and was correlated with clinicopathological features and patient survival. It was found that Cyclin B1 expression, located in nucleus and/or cytoplasm, was not statistically associated with clinicopathologic variables. However, overall survival of patients with high Cyclin B1 expression was significantly poorer than that of those with low Cyclin B1 expression (P = 0.010). Moreover, Cyclin B1 was identified as an independent prognostic factor by multivariate Cox regression test (P = 0.003). Finally, its independent implication for prognosis was proven in five subgroups of PC, i.e., males, patients aged ≤ 65 years, G1-2 and N0 tumors as well as those with perineural invasion (all P < 0.05). These data indicate that high expression of Cyclin B1 is a valuable molecular marker of unfavorable prognosis in PC.