ObjectiveTo report an improved classification system of Kümmell’s disease and its clinical application.MethodsBased on CT and MRI, an improved classification system of Kümmell’s disease was proposed in terms of the integrity of sagittal endplate, the integrity of posterior wall of vertebral body, and the degree of vertebral compression. Between January 2011 and March 2018, the improved classification system was used to evaluate and guide the treatment of 78 patients with Kümmell’s disease. There were 13 males and 65 females. The mean age was 69.1 years (range, 54-85 years). The mean disease duration was 4.0 months (range, 1-8 months). The mean T value of bone mineral density was −3.66 (range, −3.86- −3.34).The fractures located at thoracic vertebrae in 47 cases and lumbar vertebrae in 31 cases. According to the modified classification system of Kümmell’s disease, there were 11 cases of type A1, 13 cases of type A2, 2 cases of type A3, 10 cases of type B1, 18 cases of type B2, 4 cases of type B3, 4 cases of type C1, 5 cases of type C2, and 11 cases of type C3. According to the classification results, the patients of types A and B were treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP), while the patients of type C were treated with PKP or intra- vertebral fixation according to the degree of vertebral reduction. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to evaluate clinical efficacy. The heights of the anterior, middle, and posterior edges of the vertebrae and the Cobb angle were measured to evaluate the reduction of the injured vertebrae and the improvement of kyphosis deformity. The complications were recorded.ResultsThe statistical analysis showed that the improved classification system has good consistency. All patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 24.3 months). The heights of anterior, middle, and posterior edges of the vertebrae, Cobb angle, VAS score, and ODI of all types of patients at last follow-up showed significant differences when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). After operation, 4 patients of type A2 had different degree of vertebral height loss; 2 patients of type B2, 3 patients of type C1, and 2 patients of type C2 developed asymptomatic bone cement leakage during PKP; 2 patients of type B3 and 3 patients of type C2 underwent percutaneous internal fixation and vertebral augmentation due to bone cement loosening.ConclusionThe modified classification system of Kümmell’s disease can be used to guide treatment of Kümmell’s disease, but the number of clinical application cases is limited, and further application and observation are needed.
ObjectiveTo explore effect of preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on clinically related postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP) and analyze its influencing factors in order to provide a basis for clinical prediction of CR-POPF. MethodsThe clinicopathologic data of patients who successfully completed DP in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study from January 1, 2017 to January 31, 2021 were collected retrospectively. The preoperative PNI value was calculated and the optimal cut-off value was obtained according to the receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve. The patients were divided into low and high PNI based on the optimal cut-off value. The clinicopathologic characteristics were compared between the patients with low and high PNI and CR-POPF or not. At the same time, multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of CR-POPF. ResultsA total of 143 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study. The CR-POPF occurred in 33 cases (23.08%) after DP, and the average preoperative PNI was 52.26 (39.20–65.10), the optimal cut-off value of PNI was 50.55, with 49 cases in the low PNI group and 94 cases in the high PNI group. In patient with low PNI, the proportions of patients aged ≥65 years and with CR-POPF were higher than those with high PNI (P<0.05). In the patients with CR-POPF, the proportions of patients with soft pancreatic texture and with low preoperative PIN were higher than those without CR-POPF (P<0.05). Further, the multivariate logistic regression showed that the the preoperative low PNI (OR=5.417, P<0.001) and soft pancreatic texture (OR=4.126, P=0.002) increased the risk of CR-POPF. ConclusionLow preoperative PNI and soft pancreatic texture increase risk of CR-POPF after DP, and it is necessary to preoperatively evaluate PNI status of patients.
Objective To evaluate the anti-tussive effect of a total alkaloid agent extracted from Papaver Somniferum L. on simple chronic bronchitis of which the syndrome was counterflow ascent of lung qi according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Methods Randomised, double blind method, placebo control and add on design were applied. Forty-five patients with counterflow ascent of lung qi of simple chronic bronchitis were randomly divided into two groups: treatment group (n=21) with alkaloid agent and control group (n=24) with placebo. Results The incidences of obvious coughing in treatment and control groups were 66.67% and 70.83% (P=0.763 3) respectively. The cough alleviation time of patients was 14.64±16.30 h and 15.12±15.28 h (P=0.795 6) respectively. The loss of cough rates on the third day was 28.57%, 16.67% (P=0.337 7) respectively. The average scores decreased were 4.29 and 2.88 (P=0.054 8) respectively. Conclusions The study indicates that total alkaloid agent extracted from Papaver somniferum L. has no significant anti-tussive effect on patients with counterflow ascent of lung qi of simple chronic bronchitis treated with cefaclor sustained release capsules simultaneously. The trial was interrupted by the advice from experts who disagreed with the selection of drug indication.
ObjectiveTo detect expression of DTX2 molecule in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and investigate its clinical significances.MethodsOncomine and GEPIA databases were used to analyze the expression of DTX2 gene in CRC tissues and normal colorectal tissues, and online data of human protein atlas (HPA) was used to analyze the relationship between DTX2 protein expression and survival prognosis of patients with CRC. The expressions of DTX2 mRNA and protein were detected in the 55 cases of CRC tissues and corresponding paracancerous normal (PN) tissues by using qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry methods, respectively. The correlations between the expression of DTX2 and the clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed.Results① The data from Oncomine and GEPIA databases showed that the expression levels of DTX2 mRNA in the CRC tissues were significantly higher than those in the normal colorectal tissues (P<0.05); HPA online data analysis showed that the overall survival of CRC patients with low expression of DTX2 was better than that with high expression of DTX2 (P=0.009 8). ② The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot showed that the expression levels of DTX2 mRNA and protein in the CRC tissues were higher than those in the PN tissues (t=0.722, P<0.001; t=1.314, P<0.001); The results of immunohistochemical staining showed that the positive rate of DTX2 protein expression in the CRC tissues was higher than that in the PN tissues (χ2=0.899, P<0.001). The positive rate of DTX2 protein expression and the expression levels of DTX2 mRNA and protein were related to the depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage of CRC patients, that was, the deeper depth of tumor invasion, the more lymph node metastasis, and the later TNM stage, the higher positive rate of DTX2 protein expression, the higher expression levels of DTX2 mRNA and protein (P<0.05).ConclusionsDTX2 protein may be a novel biomarker for estimating progression of CRC. However, prognosis evaluation of DTX2 protein on CRC needs further clinical research.
Objective To summarize the current research progress on the concept, clinical presentation, diagnosis, biomechanical changes, and pathological mechanisms of the medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT), and its clinical correlations with tibial rotation. MethodsThe research literature on MMPRT and its relationship with tibial rotation at home and abroad in recent years was extensively consulted and summarized. Results MMPRT is a specific and common type of medial meniscus injury of the knee joint. The occurrence of posterior medial pumping pain events following low-energy trauma in patients provides important clues for the diagnosis of this injury, with MRI being the preferred imaging modality. The biomechanical effects generated by MMPRT are similar to those caused by total removal of the medial meniscus. And this injury is usually associated with tibial rotation. MMPRT induces pathological external rotation of the tibia, which can be restored by timely medial meniscus posterior root repair. Furthermore, changes in tibial rotation are related to the healing status after medial meniscus posterior root repair. ConclusionMMPRT is closely related to tibial rotation. Understanding the biomechanics, pathological mechanisms, and clinical correlations between the two is of great significance for improving the diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Objective To understand the current status of the preferences and opinions on the investigator-initiated trails (IIT) of the neurosurgeons participating in INTERACT3 in China, as well as the design preference for IIT projects, and to provide a basis for the design and organization of multi-center clinical studies in the future. Methods Neurosurgeons with different seniority and professional titles from 89 domestic research institutions participating in the INTERACT3 project were collected from September to October 2023. The questionnaires were collected by questionnaire star. Results A total of 56 valid questionnaires were collected from 29 units. Among the 56 respondents, 52 neurosurgeons (92.86%) were from teaching hospitals and 45 (80.36%) were from grade A tertiary hospitals. 30 neurosurgeons (53.57%) had experience in conducting various clinical studies, and 55 neurosurgeons (98.21%) had experience in participating in various clinical studies. The main purposes of presiding over or participating in clinical research focused on “accumulating relevant experience and preparing for future projects” and “standardizing clinical diagnosis and treatment”, which were 89.29% and 83.93%. Respectively, regarding the way the case report form completing, respondents preferred to use electronic data collection systems (83.93%). Conclusions The purpose of the neurosurgeons interviewed to host or participate in clinical research is mainly to assist clinical and scientific research. Economic reasons have little impact on whether to participate in clinical research. The rationality and ease of operation of the trail design are the keys to attracting respondents to participate in clinical researches, and the level of remuneration has little impact on the decision-making of the respondents. The safety of clinical studies and the difficulty of enrolling subjects are the key factors that hinder respondents’ participation in clinical studies.
Objective To investigate problems in applying clinical epidemiology and evidence-based medicine in the field of dentistry in China. Method In early April of 2001, about 200 copies of a questionnaire were sent to chief editors of dental journals, directors and famous experts of the university dental schools and/or dental departments of the provincial/metropolitan hospitals located in the mainland of China. The sent back questionnaires were summarized and analysized. Results At the end of June, 2001, 40 replies from the experts of 12 universities and one metropolitan dental hospital were received. The main points are summarized as following: EBM in China is at starting stage of "anti-illiteracy" campaign. There are 6 out of 12 universities having delivered clinical epidemiology courses to postgraduates (2 to undergraduates), only 3 added lectures on evidence-based medicine to dental students and/or professionals, only one university held intensive training courses on EBM to clinicians. In dental practice there are still scram dentists making decisions simply by experiences. In the research practice some dentists are eager for quick success, and instant benefits, ignoring, scientific design aid quality control of the studies. Randomized controlled clinical trials are seldom appeared in Chinese dental journals. To popularize EBM in all dental clinicians is important for them to use and produce the best evidences. Conclusions EBM in dental field of China is at starling stage. Collection and dissemination of best dental evidences in dental professionals is a key to raise the dental care levels in China.
Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of the Guang’an Omicron epidemic and summarize the management experiences and practices in pandemic prevention and control of major infectious diseases.Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on patients infected with coronavirus disease (COVID-19), afterwards treated and observed in the isolation ward of Guang’an People’s Hospital and the shelter of Guang’an City from May 9 to June 26, 2022. The characteristics of patients at different age stages and the related factors affecting the severity, re-positive and negative conversion was analyzed. Results Finally 1 278 patients were collected, including 508 males and 770 females, with an average age of 41.3±22.6 years. Among them, 1 054 patients were asymptomatic carriers. The overall severe rate was 0.86%, the severe rate of the high-risk group was 3.06%. The median negative conversion time was 10.0 days and re-positive rate was 7.36%. Patients aged＞60 years were 2.589 times more likely to have a longer negative conversion time than those aged≤60 years (95%CI 1.921-3.489, P＜0.001). Conclusion The clinical characteristics of Guang’an COVID-19 epidemic are mainly that the elderly with high risk factors are more likely to develop severe cases, have longer clearance time, and re-positve is more likely to occur.
Modern medical education faces multiple challenges, and there is a gap between the social needs and the methods of cultivating medical talents. The current undergraduate education in clinical medicine is subject centered, and the traditional model is difficult to cultivate students’ clinical abilities, practical skills, and research thinking effectively. Therefore, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine of Sichuan University has proposed a new education model of “Four-Early and Three-Entry”, aiming to cultivate students’ professional ethics, clinical abilities, and scientific research innovation abilities through early clinical practice, scientific research participation, and social integration. This article will introduce the practice and preliminary results of the “Four-Early and Three-Entry” model, aiming to provide effective ways to improve the quality of medical undergraduate education and cultivate more comprehensive medical professionals.
Objective To investigate the current situation of clinical studies on puerarin for ischemic stroke and the reliability of these evidence. Methods By electronic searching and handsearching, we collected all the published clinical study reports on puerarin for ischemic stroke and assessed all the included reports according to clinical epidemiologic standard. Results 35 RCTs, 22 non-randomized controlled trials and 17 case serials studies were included and analysed. Conclusions Current quality of clinical studies of puerarin for ischemic stroke is not good enough to provide reliable evidence.