Medicine
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Comparative Study
Comparison of endoscopically determined gross tumor volume and metabolic tumor volume in esophageal cancer.
The purpose of this study is to compare the longitudinal location of endoscopically-defined gross tumor volume (GTV) and positron emission tomography-based metabolic tumor volume (MTV) of esophageal cancer. A retrospective review of medical records was performed of the nine patients who underwent endoscopic placement of fiducial markers for radiotherapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Endoscopic hemoclips were used as the fiducial markers, and GTV was newly delineated solely based on the locations of the fiducial markers. ⋯ The fixed absolute threshold method was suitable for determining the MTV threshold for esophageal lesions. A SUV of 2.5 was appropriate for esophageal tumors with a maximum SUV > 20. Endoscopic hemoclips were stable enough for using as the fiducial marker.
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The aim of this study was to compare outcomes for single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) in cerebral palsy (CP) performed by 1 or 2 attending surgeons. A retrospective review of patients with CP undergoing SEMLS was performed. Patients undergoing SEMLS performed by a single senior surgeon were compared with patients undergoing SEMLS by the same senior surgeon and a consistent second attending surgeon. ⋯ Employing 2 attending surgeons in SEMLS decreased operative time and OR utilization cost, particularly in patients with a high surgical burden. These findings support the practice of utilizing 2 attending surgeons for SEMLS in patients with CP. Level of Evidence: Level III.
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Observational Study
Determining the association between hypertension and bone metabolism markers in osteoporotic patients.
The aim of the case study is to examine the association between hypertension and the level of bone metabolism markers in newly diagnosed osteoporotic patients. A cross-sectional study of 518 subjects was done to see the association between hypertension and the level of osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP), Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP.5B), and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD). There were 243 (46.9%) osteoporosis patients with hypertension. ⋯ However, all the correlations had no statistical significance for the B-ALP and TRACP.5B. In conclusion, the hypertension was associated with low level of OC and 25-OHD. Hypertension probably led to low bone turnover, which may be one of the mechanisms of hypertension-related osteoporosis.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3 primer of untranslated region (3'UTR) of the Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) gene and the risk of essential hypertension (EHT). PTX3 genotypes, rs2614, rs111451363, and rs73158510 locus, were found in 260 patients with EHT and 260 healthy controls. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect plasma hsa-miR-4766-5p levels. ⋯ Plasma PTX3 levels were significantly negatively correlated with hsa-miR-4766-5p levels in patients with EHT and the control group (r = -0.87, -0.85, P < .01, P < .01). The PTX3 gene rs2614 locus C allele was the target gene of hsa-miR-4766-5p. The PTX3 rs2614 locus SNP is significantly associated with EHT risk.
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Reconstruction of breast defects of patients who underwent mastectomy can be challenging. This study was designed to review a series of 43 breast cancer patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) using the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap with/without implants. The demographic characteristics, clinical application feasibility, and the satisfaction rates of the patients were retrospectively collected and evaluated. ⋯ In the present study, the reconstructed breast has natural shape, good symmetry, and hidden postoperative scars. The aesthetic effect is relatively good, and the use of LDMF may represent an acceptable and valid option for IBR. The success of this procedure depends on the design of the incision, the skill and proficiency of the operation, as well as the correct treatment after surgery.