Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
-
Cochlear implantation is a major treatment option for severe-to-profound hearing loss. By insertion into the cochlea and stimulation of the cochlear nerve, cochlear implantation can improve the performance of hearing and speech performance of the implantees. The microenvironment of the cochlea is innate and gets disturbed in response to the insertion of a foreign body. ⋯ This review discusses the scenario of electrophysiological variation after early switch-on in <1 day postimplantation. Evidence has shown that fluctuations in impedance after implantation depend on the interplay between cell cover formation, fibrosis, electrode design, and electrical stimulation. Further studies addressing the correlation between impedance and clinical parameters are required to develop reliable biomarkers for better performance of cochlear implantation.
-
This study aims to compare the biological properties of infant adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (infant ADSCs) from excised polydactyly fat tissue and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCSCs) in terms of proliferation and differentiation capabilities. The proliferation of infant ADSCs and UCSCs was analyzed by determining the fold changes of cell numbers and doubling time periods. ⋯ Infant ADSCs exhibit higher proliferation rates, reduced cellular senescence and replicative stress, better antioxidative activity, and higher differentiation potential toward chondrogenic, osteogenic, adipogenic and hepatogenic lineages than UCSCs.
-
Gastric conduit is most widely used method for esophageal reconstruction. Despite its popularity, certain complications, such as anastomotic leakage and strictures, remain to be resolved. In the present study, we reviewed the outcomes of narrow gastric conduit compared to wide gastric conduit reconstruction. ⋯ The narrow gastric conduit is not inferior to the wide gastric conduit and can be considered an alternative option for gastric conduit preparation.
-
Observational Study
Clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of patients with polymicrobial Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections.
Previous studies on polymicrobial Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections (Pa-BSIs) are dated, and it is necessary to reanalyze polymicrobial Pa-BSIs. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical characteristics and risk factors for polymicrobial Pa-BSI in comparison with monomicrobial Pa-BSI. ⋯ Patients with Pa-BSI and the presence of CVA need to be alert to the possibility of polymicrobial BSI occurrence. Prolonged ICU stay and pneumonia as a source of BSI warrant clinician attention for polymicrobial Pa-BSI, and primary BSIs are likely associated with monomicrobial BSIs.
-
Women usually have higher risk after receiving percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) than men with coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of sex differences with future outcomes in CAD patients undergoing PCI, to assess the role of age, and to extend observed endpoints to stroke and congestive heart failure. ⋯ Women with CAD after successful PCI had poorer cardiovascular outcomes than men. Additionally, younger women (aged <60 years) were especially associated with a higher risk of developing future adverse cardiovascular outcomes.