Role of autophagy in methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity in rat primary astrocytes.

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process in which cytoplasmic proteins and organelles are degraded and recycled for reuse. There are numerous reports on the role of autophagy in cell growth and death; however, the role of autophagy in methylmercury (MeHg)-induced neurotoxicity has yet to be identified. We studied the role of autophagy in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity in astrocytes. MeHg reduced astrocytic viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, and induced apoptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy with 3-methyladenine or chloroquine, as well as the silencing of the autophagy-related protein 5, increased MeHg-induced cytotoxicity and the ratio of apoptotic astrocytes. Conversely, rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, along with as N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a precursor of reduced glutathione, decreased MeHg-induced toxicity and the ratio of apoptotic astrocytes. These results indicated that MeHg-induced neurotoxicity was reduced, at least in part, through the activation of autophagy. Accordingly, modulation of autophagy may offer a new avenue for attenuating MeHg-induced neurotoxicity.

A Case Report of Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment of a Patient with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and Multi-Organ Involvement / 罕见病研究

Tuberous sclerosis complex(TSC)is a rare genetic disease that can lead to benign dysplasia in multiple organs such as the skin, brain, eyes, oral cavity, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and bones. Its main symptoms include epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, skin depigmentation, and facial angiofibromas, whilst incidence is approximately 1 in 10 000 to 1 in 6000 newborns. This case presents a middle-aged woman who initially manifested with epilepsy and nodular depigmentation. Later, she developed a lower abdominal mass, elevated creatinine, and severe anemia. Based on clinical features and whole exome sequencing, the primary diagnosis was confirmed as TSC. Laboratory and imaging examinations revealed that the lower abdominal mass originated from the uterus. CT-guided biopsy pathology and surgical pathology suggested a combination of leiomyoma and abscess. With the involvement of multiple organs and various complications beyond the main diagnosis, the diagnostic and therapeutic process for this patient highlights the importance of rigorous clinical thinking and multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and treatment of rare and challenging diseases.

A Case Report of Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment of a Patient with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and Multi-Organ Involvement / 罕见病研究

Tuberous sclerosis complex(TSC)is a rare genetic disease that can lead to benign dysplasia in multiple organs such as the skin, brain, eyes, oral cavity, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and bones. Its main symptoms include epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, skin depigmentation, and facial angiofibromas, whilst incidence is approximately 1 in 10 000 to 1 in 6000 newborns. This case presents a middle-aged woman who initially manifested with epilepsy and nodular depigmentation. Later, she developed a lower abdominal mass, elevated creatinine, and severe anemia. Based on clinical features and whole exome sequencing, the primary diagnosis was confirmed as TSC. Laboratory and imaging examinations revealed that the lower abdominal mass originated from the uterus. CT-guided biopsy pathology and surgical pathology suggested a combination of leiomyoma and abscess. With the involvement of multiple organs and various complications beyond the main diagnosis, the diagnostic and therapeutic process for this patient highlights the importance of rigorous clinical thinking and multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and treatment of rare and challenging diseases.

Relationship between the prognosis of late-onset depression in the elderly and lncRNA expression levels in peripheral blood and coping styles / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the prognosis of late-onset depression(LOD)in the elderly and lncRNA expression levels and coping styles.Methods:Differential expression of lncRNAs in peripheral blood of LOD 92 patients was detected by a real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR)detection system, and the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)and the Trait Coping Style Questionnaire(TCSQ)were used for psychological assessment.Results:Compared with the control group, the expression levels of TCONS_00019174(7.55 vs.4.36), ENST00000566208(6.48 vs.3.26), ENST00000517573(8.33 vs.5.32)and NONHSAT142707(6.78 vs.3.26)in elderly patients of the LOD group were significantly down-regulated( Z=5.09, 5.87, 4.35, 6.44, P<0.05); Compared with the low-expression subgroup, scores of anxiety/somatization[(3.83±1.40) vs.(6.39±2.35)], diurnal variation[(0.22±0.42) vs.(0.83±0.94)], retardation[(5.74±0.96) vs.(6.48±1.28)], hopelessness[(2.78±0.67) vs.(4.52±1.56)]and HAMD[(20.39±1.75) vs.(26.83±4.88)]in the high-expression subgroup were significantly lower( t=-4.50, -2.84, -2.22, -4.90, -5.96, P<0.05). The ΔCT value of TCONS_00019174 was negatively correlated with the reduction rates of anxiety/somatization, diurnal variation, retardation, sleep disturbance, hopelessness and HAMD( r=-0.40-0.66, P<0.05). The ΔCT value of ENST00000566208 was negatively correlated with the reduction rates of anxiety/somatization, sleep disturbance, hopelessness and HAMD( r=-0.47-0.62, P<0.01). The ΔCT values of ENST00000517573, NONHSAT034045 and NONHSAT142707 were negatively correlated with the reduction rates of retardation, sleep disturbance, hopelessness and HAMD( r=-0.39-0.76, P<0.05). The positive coping style was positively correlated with the reduction rates of HAMD, anxiety/somatization, retardation, sleep disturbance and hopelessness( r=0.38-0.55), while the negative coping style was negatively correlated with the reduction rates of HAMD, anxiety/somatization, sleep disturbance and hopelessness( r=-0.39-0.67, P<0.05). When TCONS_00019174, ENST00000566208, NONHSAT034045, NONHSAT142707, positive coping and negative coping were taken into the regression equation as variables for HAMD reduction, it was found that they were able to explain 32.4% of the variance for the reduction rate of the total HAMD score( t=-8.713, -3.584, -3.864, -2.257, 5.675, -2.357, P<0.05). Conclusions:TCONS_00019174, ENST00000566208, NONHSAT034045, NONHSAT142707, positive coping style and negative coping style are predictors of the prognosis of LOD in the elderly.

Changes in default network topology properties of brain function in maintenance dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease with cognitive impairment / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the changes of default network topology properties of brain function and cognitive function in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).Methods:A total of 31 patients with ESRD were enrolled in the Department of Nephrology, Changzhou Second Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2019 to December 2020, and 18 healthy persons were included in the same period as the control group.The cognitive function was evaluated with the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and trail making tests, and then the subjects were examined by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). After preprocessing, the brain functional network was constructed and the topology properities of the network were calculated.The SPSS 20.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Independent sample t-test, chi square test and Pearson correlation analysis were used for data statistics. Results:(1) The score of MoCA in the ESRD group(23.37±1.77) was significantly lower than that in the healthy control group(27.94±1.13)( t=9.537, P<0.001). (2) The levels of Eglobal, Elocal, Cp and Sigma in ESRD group ((0.129±0.025), (0.148±0.040), (0.188±0.046), (1.593±0.650)) were significantly lower than those in healthy control group ((0.160±0.040), (0.212±0.024), (0.276±0.049), (2.004±0.864))( t=3.591, 7.474, 7.058, 2.034, all P<0.05). The Lp value of the ESRD group (8.131±1.905) was significantly higher than that of the control group (6.777±2.150)( t=2.583, P< 0.05). The node efficiency values of bilateral dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus, bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus, right hippocampus, left superior marginal gyrus, bilateral angular gyrus and bilateral cuneate anterior lobe in ESRD group ((0.133±0.071), (0.201±0.047), (0.211±0.106), (0.175±0.066), (0.276±0.113), (0.122±0.146), (0.042±0.075), (0.171±0.027), (0.154±0.078), (0.240±0.095), (0.161±0.056))were lower than those in the healthy control group((0.312±0.075), (0.289±0.091), (0.277±0.132), (0.284±0.053), (0.368±0.063), (0.231±0.227), (0.120±0.162), (0.296±0.064), (0.310±0.186), (0.318±0.066), (0.286±0.103))( t=2.107-9.436, all P<0.05). (3)Pearson correlation analysis showed that the node efficiency values of bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus and right hippocampus in ESRD group were positively correlated with the score of MoCA( r=0.36, 0.49, 0.53, all P<0.05). Conclusion:The topological structure of brain functional network is abnormal in ESRD patients, which can affect the cognitive function of patients.

Evaluation of cognitive impairment in patients with end-stage renal disease by intravoxel incoherent motion imaging / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the objective imaging markers of cognitive impairment in patients with end-stage renal disease by MRI intravoxel incoherent motion.Methods:A total of 40 patients with ESRD were enrolled in the Department of Nephrology, Changzhou Second Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2019 to August 2020, and 24 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled at the same time.All subjects performed with MRI scan were collected, and the slow apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC slow) of the corresponding brain regions were obtained .The cognitive function was evaluated by the Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA). Two-sample t test was used to analyze the difference of ADC slow and cognitive score between the two groups.Pearson correlation analysis was performed among the cognitive function score of end-stage renal disease and ADC slow value. Results:(1) The score of the intelligence test scale in the ESRD group (23.30±1.76) was significantly lower than that of the healthy control group (27.92±1.00) ( P<0.01). The ADC slow values of bilateral frontal lobe, hippocampus, and insula brain areas (respectively(0.648±0.035), (0.633±0.043), (0.762±0.043), (0.756±0.042), (0.792±0.048), (0.776±0.054))in the ESRD group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group ((0.600±0.039), 0.610±0.037, (0.725±0.059), (0.711±0.054), (0.740±0.063), (0.716±0.051)) ( P<0.01). (2) Pearson correlation analysis showed that the ADC slow values of bilateral insula and right hippocampus in the ESRD group were negatively correlated with MoCA scales ( r=-0.38, -0.38, -0.66, all P<0.05). Conclusion:ADC slow value in IVIM can better reflect the changes of cognitive function impairment in ESRD patients.

Three-dimensional imaging reconstruction of pancreatic head based on embryological fusion plane of the pancreas / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To construct a three-dimensional imaging model of the pancreatic head based on the embryological fusion plane, and to provide morphological parameters of the pancreatic head for future developments of basic and clinical researches on the pancreas.Methods:Histologic cross-sections of the pancreatic head with its adjacent structures were made from healthy cadavers. Immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic polypeptide antibody was then performed to verify the existence and location of the embryological fusion plane reported previously. The histologically positioning method of the embryological fusion plane was then applied to the corresponding sections on computed tomography (CT). Based on the results of the above work, volunteers from the Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were then used as research objects. A three-dimensional visualization reconstruction software was used to perform CT image-based structures to include the abdominal pancreas, dorsal pancreas head, and embryo fusion surface. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the pancreatic head, and morphological measurements of the relevant structures of the pancreatic head were then made.Results:Immunohistochemical analysis verified the existence and the position of the embryological fusion plane. The histologically positioning method was then successfully applied to the CT sections. The three-dimensional imaging model of the pancreatic head containing the embryological fusion plane, dorsal segment and ventral segment of head were built based on CT images. A total of 35 volunteers were included, including 19 males and 16 females, aged (48.26±8.26) years, and with a BMI of (22.29±1.78) kg/m 2. The morphological results showed that the volume of the pancreatic head, dorsal pancreas and abdominal pancreas were (32.80±8.15) cm 3, (22.21±6.94) cm 3, (10.59±3.87) cm 3, and the area of the embryo fusion surface was (12.46±3.20) cm 2. All volunteers were then grouped according to gender. Statistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences in the total pancreatic head volume, dorsal pancreatic head volume, abdominal pancreatic volume, and embryo fusion area among the groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:It was feasible and practical to build a three-dimensional imaging model of the pancreatic head based on the embryological fusion plane by using a 3D computer system. This model and its morphological parameters could provide a new tool for research on pancreas.

The occurrence and clinical significance of contrast agent spillover on immediate enhanced CT reexamination after radiofrequency ablation of liver cancer / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective@#To investigate the relationship between radiofrequency ablation immediately after enhanced CT scanning and the occurrence of contrast agent spillover and postoperative severe bleeding, and analyze the risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).@*Methods@#A retrospective analysis of 199 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent radiofrequency ablation of liver cancer in our hospital from January 2016 to January 2017 was reviewed. A total of 232 cases were treated with ablation. The agent spillovers were divided into two groups, one for the contrast agent spill group and the other for the non-contrast agent spill group. Its basic clinical data, laboratory data related to the risk of bleeding, and imaging data were analyzed to explore their clinical treatment effects and the risk factors for their occurrence. According to different data, t-test, χ2 test or logistic regression test was used for statistical analysis.@*Results@#In 199 patients, a total of 232 cases were treated with ablation, including 138 males and 61 females. The average age was (57.56 ± 12.09) years and the average diameter of lesions was (3.42 ± 2.30) cm. A total of 30 cases (12.93%) of contrast agent spillover occurred immediately after the ablation of CT scanning needle. There were no severe bleeding and no special clinical intervention after the operation. The other 202 cases were non- contrast agent spill group, but 2 cases had severe bleeding and had corresponding clinical interventions. Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in thoracentesis (P = 0.019), complications of cirrhosis (P < 0.001), and histological types of liver cancer (P = 0.013), and other clinical data [age, lesion size]. There were no significant differences in Child-Pugh classification, preoperative hemoglobin (HGB), platelet count, prothrombin time, APTT, international standardized ratio, number of puncture needles, and puncture length. There was also no significant difference in postoperative HGB (P = 0.160), preoperative-postoperative HGB change (P = 0.999), and length of hospital stay (P = 0.730) between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that with cirrhosis (OR = 5.59, P < 0.001), transthoracic puncture (OR = 2.67, P = 0.021) may be a risk factor for contrast agent spillover after CT-enhanced CT scan in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.@*Conclusion@#Contrast agent spillover is not uncommon in the evaluation of curative effect of CT immediately after ablation (12.93%). It is not predictive for the occurrence of postoperative severe bleeding and does not require excessive clinical intervention. Liver cirrhosis and transthoracic cavity puncture may be the risk factors for its occurrence. The risk of severe postoperative bleeding should not be ignored for patients who have no contrast agent spills after surgery.

Treatment of anastomotic tubular stricture after anterior resection of rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the treatment of colorectal anastomotic tubular stricture after anterior resection of rectal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective study on 23 cases of anastomotic tubular stricture after anterior resection of rectal cancer from 2008 to 2017 at the Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of General Surgery of Peking Union Medical College Hospital was performed. The general conditions of the patients, surgical procedures of rectal cancer, perioperative treatment, specific conditions of anastomotic stricture, treatment methods and outcomes were summarized and analyzed. Anastomotic tubular stricture was defined as follows: (1) The length of scar stenosis was >1 cm with thickening anastomotic intestinal wall and a 12 mm diameter colonoscopy could not pass through the anastomosis; (2) Patients were often accompanied by left abdominal pain when exhaust and defecation, increased frequency of defecation, fecal thinning and difficulty in defecation; (3) Anastomotic stricture was indicated by anal examination, colonoscopy, transanal proctography, and rectal MRI.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 2035 patients undergoing anterior resection of rectal cancer from 2008 to 2017, 23 patients (1.1%) had anastomotic tubular stricture after operation, including 20 males and 3 females with age of 36 to 78 (58.3±10.2) years old. The anastomotic distance from the anal verge was less than 6 cm in 7 cases, 6 to 10 cm in 12 cases, and more than 10 cm in 4 cases. Twelve patients received radiotherapy, among whom 6 patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiation before surgery, and 6 patients received postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The initial treatment after anastomotic stricture: 9 cases (39.1%) underwent balloon dilation; 1 case(4.3%) underwent stenting; 1 case (4.3%) underwent transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM); 7 cases (30.5%) underwent permanent stoma and 5 patients (21.7%) underwent digestive tract reconstruction. Of the 12 patients receiving radiotherapy, 4 cases initially failed to undergo balloon dilatation; 1 case initially received a bare stent to relieve obstruction due to intestinal obstruction, but had re-stricture 1 month after stent removal, then was followed by permanent stoma surgery; 7 cases underwent resection of stenosis and permanent stoma, because the remaining intestine was too short for anastomosis. Of the 11 patients without radiotherapy, 5 patients were treated with balloon dilatation to relieve stenosis; 1 patient was initially treated with TEM, while posterior urethra was injured intraoperatively, and the urinary fistula finally healed with indwelling catheter; 5 patients underwent resection of the anastomotic stenosis, and no stenosis occurred after reconstruction of digestive tract, but 1 patient suffered from intraoperative presacral bleeding.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Balloon dilatation is considered an effective treatment of anastomotic tubular stricture following anterior resection of rectal cancer, but with the risk of re-stenosis. Stricture resection and digestive tract reconstruction can be a radical way to improve stricture but with high risk of complications.</p>

Impact of antiplatelet therapy on risk of hemorrhage after percutaneous nephrostomy / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective To explore the impact of antiplatelet agents on the occurrence of hemorrhage after percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN).Methods Totally 197 patients (244 kidneys) underwent PCN were enrolled and divided into postoperative hemorrhage group and without postoperative hemorrhage group.The possible factors of the postoperative hemorrhage were analyzed.Results Post-operative hemorrhage occurred in 23 patients with 27 kidneys (27/244,11.07％).Univariate analysis showed that except for antiplatelet drugs,the other factors had no statistical difference between the two groups (P＞0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that taking dual-antiplatelet was the risk factor of hemorrhage after PCN (OR=12.381,P =0.002).Conclusion Single aspirin therapy can not increase the risk of hemorrhage after PCN,while taking dual-antiplatelet might increase the risk of hemorrhage.Normal clotting function is also a guarantee of preventing hemorrhage after PCN.

Application of remote monitoring systems for cardiac implantable electronic devices in elderly patients / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the application of remote monitoring systems for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) and its success rate of data transmission in elderly patients.Methods A total of 97 elderly patients who had previously undergone procedures for pacemaker implantation,implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with remote monitoring capabilities between January 2013 and October 2016 at our hospital were enrolled.We evaluated the effect of the remote monitoring systems for data transmission,compared the outpatient follow-up rates between the groups one year after implantation,and conducted a telephone survey of patients.Results A total of 97 elderly patients,including 70 with pacemakers,20 with ICD and 7 with CRT,were enrolled in this study.Participants had a mean age of (78.2-±-6.4) years and 64 were male (66.0％).The Home Monitoring system was used for 85 cases and the Merlin.net remote monitoring system was used for 12 cases.Overall,95 patients (97.9 ％) completed the remote monitoring procedure,68 patients (70.1％) completed the outpatient follow-up,and 90 patients (92.8％) completed the telephone survey during a one-year follow-up period.The satisfaction rate for the remote monitoring systems was 94.4％ (85 patients),and 80 patients (90.0％％) expressed a willingness to continue to use the remote monitoring system if a replacement was needed.Conclusions For elderly patients with CIED,the remote monitoring systems can improve the follow-up rate with a high degree of satisfaction.

Free anterolateral thigh perforator flap without carrying the source of blood vessels and fascia lata for the coverage of the hand defects / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To study the surgical method of repairing the defects of the hand with the free antero-lateral thigh perforator flap without carrying the source of blood vessels and the fascia. Methods From February, 2013 to October, 2016, 8 cases of hand defects with tendon and bone exposure.Looking for the thickest perforator in the anterolateral thigh region by using the Multidetector computed tomography angiography(MDCTA)and color Doppler Sonography(CDS). Find the perforator in the superficial fascia,cut a small part of the fascia lata and vastus lateralis,cut off the pedicle at the musculocutaneous perforator.Cover the defects with flap after debridement. Regular follow-up include:the healing of the wound,the texture,shape and sensation of the skin flap, the scar and complica-tions of the donor area. Results All flaps survived in 8 cases, in one case,there are 1.0 cm necrosis in the distal flap, after debridement, direct suture. All patients were followed up for 6-12 months. The flaps were soft and normal color, restore the protective touch. The donor site healed well, linear scar, no itching and dysfunction. Conclusion Free anterolateral thigh perforator flap without source blood vessels and fascia lata is a good method for the repair of hand defects.

Progresses of interventional treatment in biliary stenosis / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Interventional therapy is an important treatment for biliary stenosis.The treatment methods are different ac cording to the different causes.Conventional interventional therapy include biliary drainage,balloon dilatation and stent implantation.There are some new treatment methods such as radiofrequency catheter ablation and biliary stent loaded with 125I seeds.The applications of interventional therapy in biliary stenosis were reviewed in this article.

Efficacy and safety of MR guided focused ultrasound surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of the treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids with MR guided focused ultrasound surgery(MRgFUS)in China. Methods Twenty five selected patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids underwent MRgFUS treatment in our perspective clinical study. Immediately after treatment the patients accepted pelvic enhanced MRI scans, and recorded the non-perfused volume(NPV)and calculated the non-perfused volume ratio(NPV%). We recorded the symptom severity score(SSS) and standard SSS change(ΔSSS)of the patients before, during and 1 week after treatment together with 1, 3, 6, 12 months and several years follow-up. The patients accepted pelvic enhanced MRI scans in the follow-up of 12 months after treatment,and recorded the volume and the volume change(ΔV) of fibroids. We observed the adverse reactions during the treatment and the follow-ups. Wilcoxon test or t test and Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. Results Totally 31 fibroids of 25 patients were completed the treatment. Twenty two patients completed the 12 months follow-up and 15 patients completed the long-term follow-up which was during 34 to 66 months, median follow-up duration was(55 ± 11)months. The NPV was 4.5 to 295.0 cm3, median was 37.0 cm3. The NPV%was 6%to 94%, average was(64 ± 23)%. According to our follow up, the standard SSS continued to decline. Compared with screening standard SSS, all the follow-up standard SSS had significant difference(P0.05). The uterine fibroids volume decreased in the 12 months follow-up, which had a significant difference with the volume before treatment(P0.05). None serious adverse effects occurred in all cases. Conclusion MRgFUS is a safe and effective way to treat uterine fibroids.

Uterine Artery Embolization for Management of Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage Associated with Placenta Accreta / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in the management of primary postpartum hemorrhage associated with placenta accreta. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with placenta accreta between January 2010 and August 2014. Totally 18 women (mean age 30.8±4.2 years) of primary massive postpartum hemorrhage with diagnosis of placenta accrete received treatment of UAE after delivery. Images of DSA and medical records were reviewed. Technical success was defined as control of bleeding after embolization. The complications, control of hemorrhage and recurrent bleeding of the placenta left inside the uterus were retrospectively collected for assessment. Results All patients underwent transcatheter embolization of bilateral uterine arteries. The technical success rate of embolization was 100%. Bleeding was controlled in 17 of 18 patients (94%) during follow-up period (median 18 months, 3-31months) without further bleeding recurred. One patient with placenta percreta undertook an emergent hysterectomy along with surgical bladder repair after UAE because of persistent uterine bleeding. Eight patients had postembolization syndrome and no other complications occurred. Conclusion Uterine artery embolization is an effective and safe treatment for the management of primary postpartum massive hemorrhage associated with placenta accreta.

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of pelvic arterial embolization in women with primary postpartum hemorrhage / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pelvic arterial embolization (PAE) in women with intractable primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Methods Clinical data of 36 cases were analyzed retrospectively in which women underwent PAE for intractable primary PPH in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between Jan 2006 and Jan 2015. The success rate of PAE were measured and possible predictive risk factors associated with treatment failure were analyzed. The complications secondary to PAE were also recorded. Results (1)The etiology of PPH. Among the 36 cases, 21 patients delivered viginally (Group VD) and 15 received cesarean section (Group CS). The most frequent cause of PPH was uterine atony (72%, 26/36). The less common causes were placental problems (28%, 10/36), genital tract trauma (6%, 2/36) and coagulation defects (3%, 1/36) in turn. Three patients (8%, 3/36) had combined causes.(2)Interventions before PAE. Uterotonic medications were used in all patients. 31 patients received carboprost methylate suppositorites,27 received carbetocin and 31 received carboprost tromethamine. Besides, 20 patients received one or more surgical interventions before PAE. PAE was performed when these interventions failed. (3) Characteristics of PAE. Altogether 78 arteries were embolized in 36 cases. Embolization of bilateral uterine arteries was performed in 31 cases, right internal iliac artery and bilateral inferior epigastric arteries were embolized in one case. Right internal pudendal artery, bilateral uterine arteries and bilateral internal iliac arteries were embolized in one case. And bilateral uterine arteries, bilateral internal iliac arteries were embolized in one case. In the other 2 cases, bilateral internal iliac arteries were embolized.(4)Efficacy of PAE. The overall technical success rate of PAE was 100%(36/36), while the clinical success rate was 94%(34/36). All patients survived.(5)Complications of PAE. 15 patients were transferred to ICU after PAE for 1 to 7 days. Except self-limited fever, no puncture site hematoma, buttock necrosis or vessel rupture was observed. The effect on menstrual cycle and fertility were followed in 25 patients. 17 (68%, 17/25) reported resumption of normal menses and 8 (32%, 8/25) reported amenorrhea. Three pregnancies after PAE were observed. Conclusion PAE is a safe and effective treatment for intractable primary PPH which can prevent hysterectomy and preserve fertility of patients.

The value of X-ray guided desmopressin stimulated bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling in diagnosing the recurrence of ACTH dependent Cushing disease or ineffectiveness of surgery or radiotherapy / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the value of X-ray guided desmopressin (DDAVP) stimulated bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) in diagnosing the recurrence of ACTH dependent Cushing disease or ineffectiveness after surgery or radiotherapy. Methods Retrospective analyses of patients with recurrent ACTH dependent Cushing disease (31 cases) or ineffective (3 cases) treatment after surgery or radiotherapy from January 2013 to October 2014 in our hospital was conducted. Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus angiography showed the same side of the cavernous sinus to prove successful intubation. The cases with discontinuous of the inferior petrosal sinus and cavernous sinus were excluded by this study. Finally, there were 34 cases of the patients in this study. Diagnosis was based on the ratio of ACTH level in IPS to peripheral vein after desmopressin test.The gradient≥2 at baseline or gradient≥3 after desmopressin test suggested the sources were in the pituitary. Diagnosis was confirmed by gold standard to investigate the value of X-ray guided desmopressin (DDAVP) stimulated bilateral IPSS. Results The IPS gradient≥2 at baseline or gradient≥3 after desmopressin test suggested the sources were in the pituitary in 30 patients. A total of 22 (22/30) patients underwent surgery with a final diagnosis of ACTH adenoma. The symptoms were obviously relieved in 8 (8/30) cases after sellar area gamma knife treatment and lesions were confirmed in the pituitary. IPS gradient<2 at baseline or gradient<3 after desmopressin test was found in 4 cases. One case (1/4) was found to have for ACTH adenoma after pituitary surgery. The other 3 cases (3/4) were confirmed to have lung carcinoid and clinical symptom alleviated after surgery. The sensitivity of desmopressin stimulated IPSS was 96.8%, the specificity was 100%, and the accuracy was 97.1%. Conclusion Desmopressin stimulated IPSS is an effective diagnostic procedure in diagnosing ACTH dependent Cushing disease recurrence or ineffectiveness after surgery or radiotherapy.

Operation and Administration of Rehabilitation Institutions in China / 中国康复理论与实践

@#How to give full play to the advantages of rehabilitation institutions, and to improve service quality and administration efficiency are some of the complex issues faced by the high-level administrators of rehabilitation institutions. This paper studied a total of 67 institutions to investigate the operation and management model of rehabilitation institutions in China, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

Efficient Performance Management System of Medical Rehabilitation in China / 中国康复理论与实践

@#The establishment of an efficient performance management system is crucial for a rehabilitation institution. This article discussed the concept of performance, performance management and ways to establish an efficient performance management system.

Efficient Performance Management System of Medical Rehabilitation in China / 中国康复理论与实践

The establishment of an efficient performance management system is crucial for a rehabilitation institution. This article dis-cussed the concept of performance, performance management and ways to establish an efficient performance management system.