The Editor welcomes submissions for possible publication in the Letters to the Editor section that consist of commentary on an article published in the Journal or other relevant issues.
We thank the authors for their commentary on our paper. Pancreaticoduodenectomy can be performed safely in selected elderly patients. Advanced age alone should not be a contraindication to do pancreaticoduodenectomy. ...We thank the authors for their commentary on our paper. Pancreaticoduodenectomy can be performed safely in selected elderly patients. Advanced age alone should not be a contraindication to do pancreaticoduodenectomy. Careful patient selection is the cornerstone to improve the outcome of pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly.展开更多
We thank Dr.Uradomo et al for their interest in our recent publication on biliary interventions during pregnancy and value their views on one of the latest innovation for biliary interventions without radiation exposu...We thank Dr.Uradomo et al for their interest in our recent publication on biliary interventions during pregnancy and value their views on one of the latest innovation for biliary interventions without radiation exposure. [1] We fully agree with their comments that such technologies should be evaluated and adopted into clinical practice.However,in any interventions including those carried out during pregnancy,several principles should be adhered to.展开更多
This study starts fromŽižek Slavoj's question about the attribution of the joke text,by borrowing Roland Barthes's theory of“the Death of the Author”in the structuralist discussion,the author's absence a...This study starts fromŽižek Slavoj's question about the attribution of the joke text,by borrowing Roland Barthes's theory of“the Death of the Author”in the structuralist discussion,the author's absence and the origin of the“joke”as a literary genre are analyzed.At the same time,the discussion employed the“joke”as a special genre,explained Barthes’s way of dethroning the author,as well as the way in which the reader is crowed authority to interpret the text.And through the author,the reader and the function of language,Barthes’s theory of author was enlightened,with a new perspective to re-interpret the basic concept of the author in literary criticism.展开更多
Over the years immunotherapy has demonstrably improved the field of cancer treatment.However,achieving long-term survival for colorectal cancer(CRC)patients remains a significant unmet need.Combination immunotherapies...Over the years immunotherapy has demonstrably improved the field of cancer treatment.However,achieving long-term survival for colorectal cancer(CRC)patients remains a significant unmet need.Combination immunotherapies incor-porating targeted drugs like MEK or multi-kinase inhibitors have offered some palliative benefit.Nevertheless,substantial gaps remain in the current therapeutic armamentarium for CRC.In recent years,there has been a surge of interest in exploring novel treatment strategies,including the application of light-activated drugs in conjunction with optical devices.This approach holds promise for achie-ving localized and targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents,such as microtubule-targeting drugs,directly to cancerous cells within the colon.展开更多
Periprosthetic joint infection(PJI)following total knee arthroplasty is one of the most catastrophic and costly complications that carries significant patient wellness as well as economic burdens.The road to efficient...Periprosthetic joint infection(PJI)following total knee arthroplasty is one of the most catastrophic and costly complications that carries significant patient wellness as well as economic burdens.The road to efficiently diagnosing and treating PJI is challenging,as there is still no gold standard method to reach the diagnosis as early as desired.There are also international controversies with respect to the best approach to manage PJI cases.In this review,we highlight recent advances in managing PJI following knee arthroplasty surgery and discuss in depth the two-stage revision method.展开更多
BACKGROUND Inflammatory pseudotumor(IPT)is a rare and benign lesion that mimics malignancy and can develop in any part of the body.The pathophysiology and etiology of these quasineoplastic lesions remain unclear.CASE ...BACKGROUND Inflammatory pseudotumor(IPT)is a rare and benign lesion that mimics malignancy and can develop in any part of the body.The pathophysiology and etiology of these quasineoplastic lesions remain unclear.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 65-year-old male who presented with fevers,night sweats,and unintentional weight loss following an influenza infection and was found to have multiple hepatic IPT’s following an extensive work up.CONCLUSION Our case highlights the importance of considering hepatic IPT’s in the differential in a patient who presents with symptoms and imaging findings mimicking malignancy shortly following a viral infection.展开更多
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT)becomes a standard form of cellular therapy for patients with malignant diseases.HSCT is the first-choice of immunotherapy,although HSCT can be associated with many complic...Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT)becomes a standard form of cellular therapy for patients with malignant diseases.HSCT is the first-choice of immunotherapy,although HSCT can be associated with many complications such as graft-versus-host disease(GVHD)which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic HSCT.It has been shown that certain gut microbiota could exert protective and/or regenerative immunomodulatory effects by the production of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)such as butyrate in the experimental models of GVHD after allogeneic HSCT.Loss of gut commensal bacteria which can produce SCFAs may worsen dysbiosis,increasing the risk of GVHD.Expression of G-protein coupled receptors such as GPR41 seems to be upre-gulated in the presence of commensal bacteria,which might be associated with the biology of regulatory T cells(Tregs).Treg cells are a suppressive subset of CD4 positive T lymphocytes implicated in the prevention of GVHD after allogeneic HSCT.Here,we discuss the current findings of the relationship between the modification of gut microbiota and the GVHD-related immunity,which suggested that tactics with certain probiotics for the beneficial symbiosis in gut-immune axis might lead to the elevation of safety in the allogeneic HSCT.展开更多
BACKGROUND Heart failure(HF),a common cardiovascular condition,is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality.While traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is often used as a complementary approach in HF management,...BACKGROUND Heart failure(HF),a common cardiovascular condition,is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality.While traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is often used as a complementary approach in HF management,systematic evalua-tions of its impact on clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP)levels are lacking.This study fills this gap through a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)focusing on TCM for HF treatment.It encompasses an assessment of methodological quality,a meta-analysis,and an evaluation of evidence quality based on established standards.The results offer crucial insights into the potential advantages and constraints of TCM in HF management.RCTs on TCM for HF treatment published since the establishment of the database were searched in four Chinese and English databases,including China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang,VIP Information Chinese Science and Technology Journal,and PubMed.Methodological quality was assessed for the included studies with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool,and the meta-analysis and publication bias assessment was performed with the RevMan5.3 software.Finally,the quality of evidence was rated according to the GRADE criteria.RESULTS A total of 1098 RCTs were initially retrieved.After screening,16 RCTs were finally included in our study,which were published between 2020 and 2023.These RCTs involved 1660 HF patients,including 832 in the TCM group[TCM combined with conventional Western medicine(CMW)treatment]and 828 in the CWM group(CWM treatment).The course of treatments varied from 1 wk to 3 months.TCM syndrome differentiation was analyzed in 11 of the included RCTs.In all included RCTs,outcome indicators included comprehensive clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and BNP levels.The meta-analysis results showed significant differences between the TCM and CWM groups in terms of comprehensive clinical outcomes[risk ratio=-0.54;95%confidence interval(CI)=-0.61,-0.47;P<0.00001],TCM syndrome scores[weighted mean difference(WMD)=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001],and BNP levels(WMD=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001).According to the GRADE criteria,RCTs where"TCM improves clinical comprehensive outcomes"were rated as low-quality evidence,and RCTs where"TCM reduces TCM syndrome scores"or"TCM decreases BNP levels"were rated as medium-quality evidence.CONCLUSION TCM combined with CWM treatment effectively improves comprehensive clinical outcomes and diminishes TCM syndrome scores and BNP levels in HF patients.Given the low and medium quality of the included RCTs,the application of these results should be cautious.展开更多
In translating poems, it is very common that different people have quite different versions of the same poem. This paper therefore intends to expound upon the underlying factors from the perspective of Hermeneutics,by...In translating poems, it is very common that different people have quite different versions of the same poem. This paper therefore intends to expound upon the underlying factors from the perspective of Hermeneutics,by exploring the relationship between the textual meaning and the textual significance of a poem, as well as the relationship between the author's intention and the textual intention of a poem, aiming to explain the key element in translating poems—multi-interpretation.展开更多
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation(AF)is one of the most common arrhythmias,and radiofrequency catheter ablation is the most effective treatment strategy.The inferior vena cava(IVC)is a common approach for radiofrequency ...BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation(AF)is one of the most common arrhythmias,and radiofrequency catheter ablation is the most effective treatment strategy.The inferior vena cava(IVC)is a common approach for radiofrequency ablation of AF.However,this approach may not be applied to some cases such as chronic venous occlusions,surgical ligation of the IVC,and heterotaxy syndrome(HS).CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old man with HS suffered from severely symptomatic persistent AF for 9 years,and we successfully ablated by percutaneous transhepatic access.CONCLUSION In patients without femoral vein access,the use of the hepatic vein for pulmonary vein isolation is a viable alternative for invasive electrophysiology procedures.展开更多
alcohol as the leading cause of cirrhosis in the Western world.There remains to be a licensed pharmacological treatment for NAFLD.Weight loss is advised for all patients with NAFLD.Many patients however,struggle to lo...alcohol as the leading cause of cirrhosis in the Western world.There remains to be a licensed pharmacological treatment for NAFLD.Weight loss is advised for all patients with NAFLD.Many patients however,struggle to lose the recommended weight with lifestyle modification alone.Many drugs have either failed to show significant improvement of steatosis or are poorly tolerated.Bariatric surgery has been shown to reduce liver steatosis and regress liver fibrosis.The pathophysiology is not fully understood,however recent evidence has pointed towards changes in the gut microbiome following surgery.Novel endoscopic treatment options provide a minimally invasive alternative for weight loss.Randomised controlled trials are now required for further clarification.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hypertrophic scars(HSs)formation is a complication that occurs after wounds heal with secondary intention and sometimes after clean surgical incisions.Many treatments are in vogue now with varying successes...BACKGROUND Hypertrophic scars(HSs)formation is a complication that occurs after wounds heal with secondary intention and sometimes after clean surgical incisions.Many treatments are in vogue now with varying successes.Although the mechanism or mechanisms that cause a HS to form are not clearly understood,one thing that is clear is that once scar tissue matures,any intervention will not be successful.In this paper,we report on a case where a patient who was known to develop HS was treated with a new combination of ingredients(Phyto-chemicals+Silicone JUMI)to suppress HS formation.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old female of African descent presented a severe HS post total knee replacement(TKR),which the patient describes as itchy and painful.Due to complications caused by the scar,she was apprehensive about undergoing TKR on her other knee.However,after the TKR of the contralateral side post-removal of skin clips,JUMI anti-scar cream(JASC)was used to suppress excessive scar formation.CONCLUSION JASC appears potent and efficacious at suppressing excessive scar formation.We believe that this warrants further studies on larger patient groups and on different surgical sites.展开更多
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs)are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors of gastrointestinal tract.The most common sites of metastases are the liver and the peritoneum,whereas breast metastases from G...BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs)are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors of gastrointestinal tract.The most common sites of metastases are the liver and the peritoneum,whereas breast metastases from GIST are extremely rare.We present a second case of GIST breast metastasis.CASE SUMMARY We found a case of breast metastasis from rectum GIST.A 55-year-old female patient presented with rectum tumor with multiply liver lesions and metastasis in the right breast.Abdominal-perineal extirpation of rectum was performed,histology and immunohistochemistry study showed GIST,mixed type with CD117 and DOG-1 positive staining.The patient was taking imatinib 400 mg for 22 mo with stable disease.Because of growth of the breast metastasis the treatment was changed twice:The dose of imatinib was doubled with further progression in the breast lesion and then the patient was receiving sunitinib for 26 mo with partial response in the right breast and stable disease in the liver lesions.The breast lesion increased and right breast resection was done–surgery on local progression,the liver metastases were stable.Histology and immunohistochemistry studies revealed GIST metastasis,CD 117 and DOG 1 positive with KIT exon 11 mutation.After surgery the patient resumed imatinib.Until now the patient has been taking imatinib 400 mg for 19 mo without progression,last follow up was in November 2022.CONCLUSION GISTs breast metastases are extremely rare,we described the second case.At the same time second primary tumors have been reported frequently in patients diagnosed with GISTs and breast cancer is one of the most common second primary tumors in patients with GISTs.That is why it is very important to distinguish primary from metastatic breast lesions.Surgery on local progression made it possible to resume less toxic treatment.展开更多
BACKGROUND Congenital transverse deficiencies are horizontal deficiencies of the long bones that occur with a reported incidence as high 0.38%.They can occur alone or represent a manifestation of a various clinical sy...BACKGROUND Congenital transverse deficiencies are horizontal deficiencies of the long bones that occur with a reported incidence as high 0.38%.They can occur alone or represent a manifestation of a various clinical syndromes.Diagnosis has tradi-tionally comprised of conventional radiography and prenatal imaging studies.There has been much advancement regarding prenatal imaging modalities to allow for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.AIM To summarize the current state of knowledge on congenital transverse limb deficiencies and to provide an update regarding the radiographic evaluation of congenital transverse limb deficiencies.METHODS This IRB-exempt scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR checklist for scoping reviews strictly.Five search engines were searched for a total of 265 publications.Four authors reviewed these during the screening process.Of these,51 studies were included in our article.Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),3D Ultrasound,and multidetector Computed tomography(CT)exist are emerging modalities that have the potential to improve diagnosis.RESULTS Use of the appropriate classification system,three-dimensional ultrasonography with a maximum intensity projection,and appropriate use of prenatal MRI and prenatal CT can improve diagnosis and inter-provider communication.CONCLUSION Further scholarly efforts are required to develop improve standardized guidelines regarding the pre-natal radiographic evaluation of congenital limb deficiencies.展开更多
Melatonin is widely available as a supplement,usually for sleep disorders.The consumption of melatonin supplements has increased considerably in recent years.An overlooked aspect of melatonin’s administration is the ...Melatonin is widely available as a supplement,usually for sleep disorders.The consumption of melatonin supplements has increased considerably in recent years.An overlooked aspect of melatonin’s administration is the resulting increase in prolactin secretion,via its action on hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons.We believe that since the effect of melatonin on prolactin is tangible,the laboratory finding of hyperprolactinemia could be encountered more often,given the increase in melatonin’s use.This is an issue that merits further study.展开更多
BACKGROUND The IFIH1 gene codes the MDA5 protein and the DDX58 gene codes the RIG-I receptor.Both proteins are parts of the interferon(IFN)I signaling pathway and are responsible for antiviral defense and innate immun...BACKGROUND The IFIH1 gene codes the MDA5 protein and the DDX58 gene codes the RIG-I receptor.Both proteins are parts of the interferon(IFN)I signaling pathway and are responsible for antiviral defense and innate immune response.IFIH1 and DDX58 polymorphisms are associated with a spectrum of autoimmune diseases.Rare gain-of-function IFIH1 mutations have been found in Singleton-Merten and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome,while DDX58 mutation can cause atypical Singleton-Merten syndrome.AIM To characterize children with pediatric rheumatic diseases(PRD)carrying DDX58 or IFIH1 variants.METHODS Clinical exome sequencing was performed on 92 children with different PRD.IFIH1 and DDX58 variants have been detected in 14 children.IFN-I score has been analyzed and the clinical characteristics of patients have been studied.RESULTS A total of seven patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)(n=2),myelodysplastic syndrome with SLE features at the onset of the disease(n=1),mixed connective tissue disease(MCTD)(n=1),undifferentiated systemic autoinflammatory disease(uSAID)(n=3)have 5 different variants of the DDX58 gene.A common non-pathogenic variant p.D580E has been found in five children.A rare variant of uncertain significance(VUS)p.N354S was found in one patient with uSAID,a rare likely non-pathogenic variant p.E37K in one patient with uSAID,and a rare likely pathogenic variant p.Cys864fs in a patient with SLE.Elevated IFN-I score was detected in 6 of 7 patients with DDX58 variants.Seven patients had six different IFIH1 variants.They were presented with uSAID(n=2),juvenile dermatomyositis(JDM)(n=1),SLElike disease(n=1),Periodic fever with aphthous stomatitis,pharyngitis,and adenitis syndrome(n=1),and systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis(n=1).Three patients have VUS p.E627X,one patient has benign variant p.I923V.Rare VUS p.R595H was detected in the JDM patient.Another rare VUS p.L679Ifs*2 and previously not reported variant p.V599Ffs*5 were detected in the patient with uSAID.One patient with uSAID has rare VUS p.T520A.All patients had elevated IFN-I scores.CONCLUSION Rare compound-heterozygous IFIH1 variant(p.L679Ifs*2 and p.V599Ffs*5),heterozygous IFIH1 variant(p.T520A)and heterozygous DDX58 variant(p.Cys864fs)are probably disease causative for uSAID and SLE.The majority of patients with different DDX58 and IFI1 variants had hyperactivation of the IFN I signaling pathway.展开更多
文摘The Editor welcomes submissions for possible publication in the Letters to the Editor section that consist of commentary on an article published in the Journal or other relevant issues.
文摘We thank the authors for their commentary on our paper. Pancreaticoduodenectomy can be performed safely in selected elderly patients. Advanced age alone should not be a contraindication to do pancreaticoduodenectomy. Careful patient selection is the cornerstone to improve the outcome of pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly.
文摘We thank Dr.Uradomo et al for their interest in our recent publication on biliary interventions during pregnancy and value their views on one of the latest innovation for biliary interventions without radiation exposure. [1] We fully agree with their comments that such technologies should be evaluated and adopted into clinical practice.However,in any interventions including those carried out during pregnancy,several principles should be adhered to.
文摘This study starts fromŽižek Slavoj's question about the attribution of the joke text,by borrowing Roland Barthes's theory of“the Death of the Author”in the structuralist discussion,the author's absence and the origin of the“joke”as a literary genre are analyzed.At the same time,the discussion employed the“joke”as a special genre,explained Barthes’s way of dethroning the author,as well as the way in which the reader is crowed authority to interpret the text.And through the author,the reader and the function of language,Barthes’s theory of author was enlightened,with a new perspective to re-interpret the basic concept of the author in literary criticism.
文摘Over the years immunotherapy has demonstrably improved the field of cancer treatment.However,achieving long-term survival for colorectal cancer(CRC)patients remains a significant unmet need.Combination immunotherapies incor-porating targeted drugs like MEK or multi-kinase inhibitors have offered some palliative benefit.Nevertheless,substantial gaps remain in the current therapeutic armamentarium for CRC.In recent years,there has been a surge of interest in exploring novel treatment strategies,including the application of light-activated drugs in conjunction with optical devices.This approach holds promise for achie-ving localized and targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents,such as microtubule-targeting drugs,directly to cancerous cells within the colon.
文摘Periprosthetic joint infection(PJI)following total knee arthroplasty is one of the most catastrophic and costly complications that carries significant patient wellness as well as economic burdens.The road to efficiently diagnosing and treating PJI is challenging,as there is still no gold standard method to reach the diagnosis as early as desired.There are also international controversies with respect to the best approach to manage PJI cases.In this review,we highlight recent advances in managing PJI following knee arthroplasty surgery and discuss in depth the two-stage revision method.
文摘BACKGROUND Inflammatory pseudotumor(IPT)is a rare and benign lesion that mimics malignancy and can develop in any part of the body.The pathophysiology and etiology of these quasineoplastic lesions remain unclear.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 65-year-old male who presented with fevers,night sweats,and unintentional weight loss following an influenza infection and was found to have multiple hepatic IPT’s following an extensive work up.CONCLUSION Our case highlights the importance of considering hepatic IPT’s in the differential in a patient who presents with symptoms and imaging findings mimicking malignancy shortly following a viral infection.
文摘Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT)becomes a standard form of cellular therapy for patients with malignant diseases.HSCT is the first-choice of immunotherapy,although HSCT can be associated with many complications such as graft-versus-host disease(GVHD)which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic HSCT.It has been shown that certain gut microbiota could exert protective and/or regenerative immunomodulatory effects by the production of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)such as butyrate in the experimental models of GVHD after allogeneic HSCT.Loss of gut commensal bacteria which can produce SCFAs may worsen dysbiosis,increasing the risk of GVHD.Expression of G-protein coupled receptors such as GPR41 seems to be upre-gulated in the presence of commensal bacteria,which might be associated with the biology of regulatory T cells(Tregs).Treg cells are a suppressive subset of CD4 positive T lymphocytes implicated in the prevention of GVHD after allogeneic HSCT.Here,we discuss the current findings of the relationship between the modification of gut microbiota and the GVHD-related immunity,which suggested that tactics with certain probiotics for the beneficial symbiosis in gut-immune axis might lead to the elevation of safety in the allogeneic HSCT.
文摘BACKGROUND Heart failure(HF),a common cardiovascular condition,is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality.While traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is often used as a complementary approach in HF management,systematic evalua-tions of its impact on clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP)levels are lacking.This study fills this gap through a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)focusing on TCM for HF treatment.It encompasses an assessment of methodological quality,a meta-analysis,and an evaluation of evidence quality based on established standards.The results offer crucial insights into the potential advantages and constraints of TCM in HF management.RCTs on TCM for HF treatment published since the establishment of the database were searched in four Chinese and English databases,including China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang,VIP Information Chinese Science and Technology Journal,and PubMed.Methodological quality was assessed for the included studies with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool,and the meta-analysis and publication bias assessment was performed with the RevMan5.3 software.Finally,the quality of evidence was rated according to the GRADE criteria.RESULTS A total of 1098 RCTs were initially retrieved.After screening,16 RCTs were finally included in our study,which were published between 2020 and 2023.These RCTs involved 1660 HF patients,including 832 in the TCM group[TCM combined with conventional Western medicine(CMW)treatment]and 828 in the CWM group(CWM treatment).The course of treatments varied from 1 wk to 3 months.TCM syndrome differentiation was analyzed in 11 of the included RCTs.In all included RCTs,outcome indicators included comprehensive clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and BNP levels.The meta-analysis results showed significant differences between the TCM and CWM groups in terms of comprehensive clinical outcomes[risk ratio=-0.54;95%confidence interval(CI)=-0.61,-0.47;P<0.00001],TCM syndrome scores[weighted mean difference(WMD)=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001],and BNP levels(WMD=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001).According to the GRADE criteria,RCTs where"TCM improves clinical comprehensive outcomes"were rated as low-quality evidence,and RCTs where"TCM reduces TCM syndrome scores"or"TCM decreases BNP levels"were rated as medium-quality evidence.CONCLUSION TCM combined with CWM treatment effectively improves comprehensive clinical outcomes and diminishes TCM syndrome scores and BNP levels in HF patients.Given the low and medium quality of the included RCTs,the application of these results should be cautious.
文摘In translating poems, it is very common that different people have quite different versions of the same poem. This paper therefore intends to expound upon the underlying factors from the perspective of Hermeneutics,by exploring the relationship between the textual meaning and the textual significance of a poem, as well as the relationship between the author's intention and the textual intention of a poem, aiming to explain the key element in translating poems—multi-interpretation.
基金Supported by Shanxi Provincial Health Commission “Four batch” Science and Technology Innovation Project of Medical Development,No. 2021XM45 (to Dr. Wang HX)Academic promotion plan of Shanxi Cardiovascular Hospital,No. XYS20180102 (to Dr. Wang HX)+1 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province,No. 20210302123346 (to Dr. Wang HX)and Scientific Research Incentive Fund of Shanxi Cardiovascular Hospital,No. XYS20190206 (to Dr. Li N)
文摘BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation(AF)is one of the most common arrhythmias,and radiofrequency catheter ablation is the most effective treatment strategy.The inferior vena cava(IVC)is a common approach for radiofrequency ablation of AF.However,this approach may not be applied to some cases such as chronic venous occlusions,surgical ligation of the IVC,and heterotaxy syndrome(HS).CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old man with HS suffered from severely symptomatic persistent AF for 9 years,and we successfully ablated by percutaneous transhepatic access.CONCLUSION In patients without femoral vein access,the use of the hepatic vein for pulmonary vein isolation is a viable alternative for invasive electrophysiology procedures.
文摘alcohol as the leading cause of cirrhosis in the Western world.There remains to be a licensed pharmacological treatment for NAFLD.Weight loss is advised for all patients with NAFLD.Many patients however,struggle to lose the recommended weight with lifestyle modification alone.Many drugs have either failed to show significant improvement of steatosis or are poorly tolerated.Bariatric surgery has been shown to reduce liver steatosis and regress liver fibrosis.The pathophysiology is not fully understood,however recent evidence has pointed towards changes in the gut microbiome following surgery.Novel endoscopic treatment options provide a minimally invasive alternative for weight loss.Randomised controlled trials are now required for further clarification.
文摘BACKGROUND Hypertrophic scars(HSs)formation is a complication that occurs after wounds heal with secondary intention and sometimes after clean surgical incisions.Many treatments are in vogue now with varying successes.Although the mechanism or mechanisms that cause a HS to form are not clearly understood,one thing that is clear is that once scar tissue matures,any intervention will not be successful.In this paper,we report on a case where a patient who was known to develop HS was treated with a new combination of ingredients(Phyto-chemicals+Silicone JUMI)to suppress HS formation.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old female of African descent presented a severe HS post total knee replacement(TKR),which the patient describes as itchy and painful.Due to complications caused by the scar,she was apprehensive about undergoing TKR on her other knee.However,after the TKR of the contralateral side post-removal of skin clips,JUMI anti-scar cream(JASC)was used to suppress excessive scar formation.CONCLUSION JASC appears potent and efficacious at suppressing excessive scar formation.We believe that this warrants further studies on larger patient groups and on different surgical sites.
文摘BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs)are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors of gastrointestinal tract.The most common sites of metastases are the liver and the peritoneum,whereas breast metastases from GIST are extremely rare.We present a second case of GIST breast metastasis.CASE SUMMARY We found a case of breast metastasis from rectum GIST.A 55-year-old female patient presented with rectum tumor with multiply liver lesions and metastasis in the right breast.Abdominal-perineal extirpation of rectum was performed,histology and immunohistochemistry study showed GIST,mixed type with CD117 and DOG-1 positive staining.The patient was taking imatinib 400 mg for 22 mo with stable disease.Because of growth of the breast metastasis the treatment was changed twice:The dose of imatinib was doubled with further progression in the breast lesion and then the patient was receiving sunitinib for 26 mo with partial response in the right breast and stable disease in the liver lesions.The breast lesion increased and right breast resection was done–surgery on local progression,the liver metastases were stable.Histology and immunohistochemistry studies revealed GIST metastasis,CD 117 and DOG 1 positive with KIT exon 11 mutation.After surgery the patient resumed imatinib.Until now the patient has been taking imatinib 400 mg for 19 mo without progression,last follow up was in November 2022.CONCLUSION GISTs breast metastases are extremely rare,we described the second case.At the same time second primary tumors have been reported frequently in patients diagnosed with GISTs and breast cancer is one of the most common second primary tumors in patients with GISTs.That is why it is very important to distinguish primary from metastatic breast lesions.Surgery on local progression made it possible to resume less toxic treatment.
文摘BACKGROUND Congenital transverse deficiencies are horizontal deficiencies of the long bones that occur with a reported incidence as high 0.38%.They can occur alone or represent a manifestation of a various clinical syndromes.Diagnosis has tradi-tionally comprised of conventional radiography and prenatal imaging studies.There has been much advancement regarding prenatal imaging modalities to allow for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.AIM To summarize the current state of knowledge on congenital transverse limb deficiencies and to provide an update regarding the radiographic evaluation of congenital transverse limb deficiencies.METHODS This IRB-exempt scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR checklist for scoping reviews strictly.Five search engines were searched for a total of 265 publications.Four authors reviewed these during the screening process.Of these,51 studies were included in our article.Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),3D Ultrasound,and multidetector Computed tomography(CT)exist are emerging modalities that have the potential to improve diagnosis.RESULTS Use of the appropriate classification system,three-dimensional ultrasonography with a maximum intensity projection,and appropriate use of prenatal MRI and prenatal CT can improve diagnosis and inter-provider communication.CONCLUSION Further scholarly efforts are required to develop improve standardized guidelines regarding the pre-natal radiographic evaluation of congenital limb deficiencies.
文摘Melatonin is widely available as a supplement,usually for sleep disorders.The consumption of melatonin supplements has increased considerably in recent years.An overlooked aspect of melatonin’s administration is the resulting increase in prolactin secretion,via its action on hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons.We believe that since the effect of melatonin on prolactin is tangible,the laboratory finding of hyperprolactinemia could be encountered more often,given the increase in melatonin’s use.This is an issue that merits further study.
文摘BACKGROUND The IFIH1 gene codes the MDA5 protein and the DDX58 gene codes the RIG-I receptor.Both proteins are parts of the interferon(IFN)I signaling pathway and are responsible for antiviral defense and innate immune response.IFIH1 and DDX58 polymorphisms are associated with a spectrum of autoimmune diseases.Rare gain-of-function IFIH1 mutations have been found in Singleton-Merten and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome,while DDX58 mutation can cause atypical Singleton-Merten syndrome.AIM To characterize children with pediatric rheumatic diseases(PRD)carrying DDX58 or IFIH1 variants.METHODS Clinical exome sequencing was performed on 92 children with different PRD.IFIH1 and DDX58 variants have been detected in 14 children.IFN-I score has been analyzed and the clinical characteristics of patients have been studied.RESULTS A total of seven patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)(n=2),myelodysplastic syndrome with SLE features at the onset of the disease(n=1),mixed connective tissue disease(MCTD)(n=1),undifferentiated systemic autoinflammatory disease(uSAID)(n=3)have 5 different variants of the DDX58 gene.A common non-pathogenic variant p.D580E has been found in five children.A rare variant of uncertain significance(VUS)p.N354S was found in one patient with uSAID,a rare likely non-pathogenic variant p.E37K in one patient with uSAID,and a rare likely pathogenic variant p.Cys864fs in a patient with SLE.Elevated IFN-I score was detected in 6 of 7 patients with DDX58 variants.Seven patients had six different IFIH1 variants.They were presented with uSAID(n=2),juvenile dermatomyositis(JDM)(n=1),SLElike disease(n=1),Periodic fever with aphthous stomatitis,pharyngitis,and adenitis syndrome(n=1),and systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis(n=1).Three patients have VUS p.E627X,one patient has benign variant p.I923V.Rare VUS p.R595H was detected in the JDM patient.Another rare VUS p.L679Ifs*2 and previously not reported variant p.V599Ffs*5 were detected in the patient with uSAID.One patient with uSAID has rare VUS p.T520A.All patients had elevated IFN-I scores.CONCLUSION Rare compound-heterozygous IFIH1 variant(p.L679Ifs*2 and p.V599Ffs*5),heterozygous IFIH1 variant(p.T520A)and heterozygous DDX58 variant(p.Cys864fs)are probably disease causative for uSAID and SLE.The majority of patients with different DDX58 and IFI1 variants had hyperactivation of the IFN I signaling pathway.