Association Between Constipation and a Reduction in Lower Limb Muscle Strength in Preoperative Patients with Thoracic Spinal Tumors.

Objective To investigate the clinical symptoms experienced by patients with thoracic spinal tumors and verify the associated symptoms that are predictive of a decline in muscle strength in the lower limbs. Methods A single-center, retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on in-patients diagnosed with epidural thoracic spinal tumors between January 2011 and May 2021. The study involved a review of electronic medical records and radiographs and the collection of clinical data. The differences in clinical manifestations between patients with constipation and those without constipation were analyzed. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with a decline in muscle strength in the lower limbs.Results A total of 227 patients were enrolled, including 131 patients with constipation and 96 without constipation. The constipation group had a significantly higher proportion of patients who experienced difficulty walking or paralysis compared to those without constipation prior to surgery (83.2% vs. 17.7%, χ2 = 99.035,P < 0.001). Constipation (OR = 9.522, 95%CI: 4.150-21.849, P < 0.001) and urinary retention (OR = 14.490, 95%CI: 4.543-46.213, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for muscle strength decline in the lower limbs. Conclusions The study observed that patients with thoracic spinal tumors who experienced constipation symptoms had a higher incidence of lower limb weakness. Moreover, the analysis revealed that constipation and urinary retention were independent risk factors associated with a preoperative decline in muscle strength of lower limbs.

A peptide rich in glycine-serine-alanine repeats ameliorates Alzheimer-type neurodegeneration.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Repeated amino acid sequences in proteins are widely found, and the glycine-serine-alanine repeat is an element with a general propensity to form ß-sheet aggregates as found in key pathological factors, in several neurodegenerative diseases. Such properties of this repeat may guide development of disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative disease. However, details of its role and underlying mechanism(s) remain largely unknown. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Actions of specific glycine-serine-alanine repeat peptides (SNPs), especially SNP-9, on Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like abnormalities were evaluated in transgenic mice and Caenorhabditis elegans, and in rat and cell models. Entry of SNPs into the brain, SNP activity in neuronal cells and peptide entry into cells were analysed in vivo and in vitro. Cell-free systems and the yeast two-hybrid system were also used to explore possible targets of SNP-9, and interactions of potential targets with SNP-9 were confirmed in cell-based systems. KEY RESULTS: We first identified SNP-9 as a potent neuroprotective peptide with the activity to decrease oligomeric amyloid ß (Aß) via co-assembling with the toxic Aß oligomer to form hetero-oligomers. Also, calcyclin-binding protein was found to act as a SNP-9-binding protein, by screening of a human brain cDNA library. Such binding showed that SNP-9 could regulate the abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau via calcyclin-binding protein. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Our study provides a foundation for development of SNPs, especially SNP-9, as potential therapeutic interventions for AD. We propose SNP-9 as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 ameliorates neurodegeneration in rat and cellular models of Alzheimer's disease.

Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying process in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is far from completion and new therapeutic targets are urgently needed. Recently, the link between dementia and diabetes mellitus (DM) prompted us to search for new therapeutic strategies from glucose metabolism regulators for neurodegeneration. Previous studies have indicated that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), an attractive and potential therapeutic treatment for DM, may exert diverse effects in the central nervous system. However, the specific biological function and mechanisms of FGF21 on AD is still largely unknown. We report here a study in vivo and in vitro of the neuroprotective effects of FGF21 on cell apoptosis, tau hyperphosphorylation and oxidative stress induced by amyloid ß-peptide 25-35. In the present study, the results also further provided evidence for molecular mechanisms by which FGF21 exerted its beneficial effects in neuron and suggested that the regulation of protein phosphatase 2A / mitogen-activated protein kinases / hypoxia-inducible factor-1α pathway may play a key role in mediating the neuroprotective effects of FGF21 against AD-like pathologies.

Outcomes of endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal surgery on non-functioning pituitary adenomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Both microscopic and endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery are effective approaches for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. The issue on the comparison of their efficacy and safety remains inconsistent. A thorough search of the literatures (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE) were performed up to March 2017. Studies reporting outcomes of microscopic or endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery on nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas were included. A meta-analysis was performed focusing on the early stage and long term outcomes. The final search yielded 19 eligible studies enrolling 3847 patients, 389 of them underwent microscopic approach and 3458 of them with endoscopic approach. As to the early stage outcomes, the rate of gross tumor resection was significantly higher in the endoscopic group than that in microscopic group (73% versus 60%, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, endoscopic approach showed priority over microscopy on postoperative hypopituitarism (63% versus 65%, P < 0.001) and CSF leakage (3% versus 7%, P < 0.001). For the long term outcomes, the rate of visual improvement was significant higher in the endoscopic group than that in microscopic group (77% versus 50%, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the groups regarding the rate of permanent diabetic insipidus and meningitis. The endoscopic approach may be associated with higher rate of gross tumor movement and lower risk of postoperatively complications for treating nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma, when compared with microscopic approach. However, the confidence was shorted due to limited high quality evidence (largely randomized and controlled studies).

Endovascular Stenting for Non-Traumatic Celiac Artery Stenosis Following Pancreatoduodenectomy.

Postoperative celiac artery stenosis (CAS) rarely occurs in the absence of vascular injury or pseudoaneurysm after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Because of its low incidence, the optimal treatment for non-traumatic postoperative CAS is unknown. Here, we show a case of CAS possibly due to exacerbated median arcuate ligament compression after PD. The purpose of this report is to describe this rare complication and its successful endovascular treatment with review of literatures.

Minimally invasive surgery for superior mesenteric artery syndrome: A case report.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is defined as a compression of the third portion of the duodenum by the abdominal aorta and the overlying SMA. SMA syndrome associated with anorexia nervosa has been recognized, mainly among young female patients. The excessive weight loss owing to the eating disorder sometimes results in a reduced aorto-mesenteric angle and causes duodenal obstruction. Conservative treatment, including psychiatric and nutritional management, is recommended as initial therapy. If conservative treatment fails, surgery is often required. Currently, traditional open bypass surgery has been replaced by laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy as a curative surgical approach. However, single incision laparoscopic approach is rarely performed. A 20-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and SMA syndrome was prepared for surgery after failed conservative management. As the patient had body image concerns, a single incision laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy was performed to achieve minimal scarring. As a result, good perioperative outcomes and cosmetic results were achieved. We show the first case of a young patient with SMA syndrome who was successfully treated by single incision laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy. This minimal invasive surgery would be beneficial for other patients with SMA syndrome associated with anorexia nervosa, in terms of both surgical and cosmetic outcomes.

Reduced port laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer in a patient with tuberculous kyphosis and dwarfism: a rare case and literature review.

With accumulated surgical experience, the contraindications to laparoscopic surgery have been decreasing. Reduced port laparoscopic surgery has been widely adopted for a variety of diseases. However, surgery in patients with anatomic deformities are still a challenge for surgeons, specifically abdominal surgery in patients with severe kyphosis. A 71-year-old man with a diagnosis of ascending colon cancer had severe kyphosis with extremely short stature, secondary to tuberculous spondylitis. Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was successfully performed with a single umbilical incision plus one port. This is the first reported case involving laparoscopic surgery in a patient with tuberculous kyphosis. The purpose of this report is to describe the surgical skills of reduced port laparoscopic surgery in a patient with altered habitus. With proper planning and a meticulous operation, minimally invasive surgery could be safely achieved.

An unusual case of duodenal perforation caused by a blister pack: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Ingestion of foreign bodies is a relatively common clinical problem. Blister packs have been known to be a causative agent of gastrointestinal perforation. We report a rare case of duodenal perforation caused by a blister pack, which was complicated by retroperitoneal abscess and having a poor outcome. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 72 year-old man with a history of dementia presented to the emergency department with a 2-day history of backache. Upon radiological findings, perforated peptic ulcer was suspected. However, emergency laparotomy revealed a blister pack protruding from the posterior wall of the third portion of the duodenum. It was complicated by a widespread retroperitoneal abscess. After removal of the foreign body, the perforation was treated with primary suture repair and an omental patch. However, the patient died two days after operation due to sepsis. DISCUSSION: According to a literature review, the ileum is the most common site of perforation caused by blister packs. To our knowledge, duodenal perforations have not been documented to date. Curative treatment often involves emergent surgery. However, duodenal perforation in the third portion may lead to retroperitoneal abscess, which can result in severe sepsis and have a poor outcome. As there is no consensus about an ideal surgical approach, retroperitoneal abscess is one of the clinical challenges for surgeons. Even with prompt management, duodenal perforation may become fatal. CONCLUSION: Unnoticed ingestion of blister packs can cause duodenal perforation. Although prompt management is necessary, duodenal perforation, especially in the third portion, may be potentially fatal.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis associated with toxic epidermal necrolysis: A case report.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a severe adverse drug reaction, which is characterized by erythema, blisters, and/or erosions of the mucous membranes and skin, but intestinal involvement is rare. In contrast, pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare condition associated with a wide variety of underlying diseases, but to date no patient has presented with PCI associated with TEN. A 55-year-old man was admitted to intensive care unit for treatment of TEN caused by phenobarbital. On day 8 after admission, he presented with progressive abdominal distention and hypotension. Computed tomography (CT) showed gas in the superior mesenteric vein and air filled cysts in the walls of the small intestine. He was suspected of having septic shock due to PCI. As there were no indications of bowel ischemia or necrosis, the patient was managed conservatively with antibiotics and oxygen therapy. On day 10 after admission, he was weaned off catecholamines, with CT on day 11 showing complete resolution of gas in the superior mesenteric vein and air filled cysts. To our knowledge, this article describes the first patient presenting with PCI associated with TEN.