[Risk factors for perioperative stroke in aged patients undergoing nonneurologic and noncardiovascular surgery].

Objective: To assess the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of perioperative stroke in aged patients undergoing nonneurologic and noncardiovascular surgery. Methods: A total of 21 419 in-patients who were older than 65 years undergoing nonneurologic and noncardiovascular surgery in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2010 to May 2016 were retrospectively recruited in this study.The patients were divided into two groups: patients with perioperative stroke were allocated in stroke group, and the other patients were in the non-stroke group.The following variables were compared between the 2 groups: demographics, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory tests, characteristics of operation and anesthesia and prognosis.A multivariate Logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk factors for perioperative stroke in aged patients undergoing nonneurologic and noncardiovascular surgery. Results: Stroke occurred in twenty-two patients (0.1%), and the risk factors were: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (P=0.031; OR=2.395; 95%CI: 1.082-5.301), previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (P<0.001; OR=61.305; 95%CI: 19.311-194.617), diabetes on insulin (P=0.015; OR=3.488; 95%CI: 1.275-9.540), carotid stenosis (P=0.001; OR=15.157; 95%CI: 3.068-74.885) and preoperative anemia (P=0.032; OR=3.272; 95%CI: 1.108-9.662). Perioperative stroke led to prolong the hospital stay from 10(6, 17) days to 30(23, 55) days (Z=3.302, P<0.001). The mortality was 18.2% in the stroke group and 0.1% in those without perioperative stroke (P<0.001). Conclusion: The independent predictors of stroke in this population are ASA classification, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack, diabetes on insulin, carotid stenosis and preoperative anemia.Patients with these characteristics deserve more carefully perioperative management.

Experimental study on synergistic effect of HIFU treatment of tumors using Bifidobacterium bound with cationic phase-change nanoparticles.

OBJECTIVE: Anaerobic bacteria can enter the solid tumor in the hypoxic region to colonize and proliferate. Aggregation of nanoparticles in the tumor area can enhance molecular imaging and therapy. It is hypothesized that the combination of the two could possibly achieve better imaging and tumor treatment. This study presents a biocompatible bacteria-based system that can deliver cationic phase-change nanoparticles (CPNs) into solid tumor to achieve enhanced imaging and treatment integration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cationic phase-change nanoparticles (CPNs) and Bifidobacterium longum (BF) were mixed to determine the best binding rate and were placed in an agar phantom for ultrasonography. BF-CPNs complex adhesion to breast cancer cells was observed by laser confocal microscopy. In vivo, BF-CPNs and control groups were injected into tumors in breast cancer nude mouse models. Nanoparticles distribution was observed by ultrasound and in vivo fluorescence imaging. HIFU ablation was performed after injection. Gross and histological changes were compared and synergy was evaluated. RESULTS: Bifidobacterium longum (BF) and CPNs were combined by electrostatic adsorption. The BF-CPNs particles could increase the deposition of energy after liquid-gas phase-change during High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) irradiation of tumor. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a valid method in diagnosis and therapy integration for providing stronger imaging, longer retention time, and more effective tumor treatment.

Use of ammoniacal nitrogen tolerant microalgae in landfill leachate treatment.

Two microalgae, Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Chlamydomonas snowiae, were isolated from a high ammonia leachate pond in Li Keng Landfill, Guangzhou, China. Their growth and nutrient removal rates were determined in a serial dilution of landfill leachate under laboratory conditions, and their growth rates were compared with that of a C. pyrenoidosa strain isolated from a clean river. The results indicated the growth of all three algae was inhibited by high leachate concentrations, and the inhibition appears linked to high ammonia (ammoniacal-N670mgL(-1)). Significant amounts of ammoniacal-N, ortho-P and COD in the leachate were removed by the algae, with a positive correlation between algal growth and nutrient consumption. Not enough data are available to conclude that one strain was less inhibited by ammoniacal nitrogen or more effective at treating it. Phytotoxicity of leachate was reduced after algal growth, as demonstrated by a seed germination experiment with Brassica chinensis. The germination rates in 10%, 30% and 50% concentrations of algal-treated leachate were significantly higher than those in the same concentration but algal-free leachate.

[Couch-netting operation for dislocation of adult lens].

Clinical data of 12 adult cases of dislocation of lens treated with couching-netting operating were analysed, including cases of traumatic cataracts with complications of glaucoma and cataract couching surgical complication of phacolysis. The result was rather satisfactory. Eye sight was corrected, most of the corrective vision was over 0.5 level, intraocular pressure was controlled and no serious complication was found. According to the authors experience, couching-netting was recommended as a simple and effective method for treating dislocation of adult lens.

A comparison of nonthreaded, enhanced threaded, and Ellis fixation pins used in type I external skeletal fixators in dogs.

Three different pin types (Ellis, enhanced threaded, and nonthreaded) were used in type 1 external skeletal fixation after transverse osteotomy of the radius and ulna in 12 skeletally mature dogs. Dogs were placed into three groups of four dogs based on the pin type used. Axial extraction forces were determined for each of the pin types after 8 weeks of weight bearing (chronic study). Nine contralateral radii were used to determine axial extraction forces for nine of each pin type not subjected to weight bearing forces (acute study). The force required for extraction of the enhanced threaded and Ellis pins in the chronic and acute studies was not significantly different. The force required to extract the nonthreaded pins was significantly less than that required for the other two pin types. Ground reaction forces had returned to levels measured before surgery by 2 weeks after surgery in the enhanced threaded and Ellis pin groups, however, dogs in the nonthreaded pin group required 4 weeks until normal ground reaction forces were measured. Radiographic evaluations 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after surgery showed no difference among groups in the number of pin tract radiolucencies, however, the enhanced threaded pins had caused more trans-cortical chip fractures than the other two pin types. None of the pins broke during the eight-week chronic study.