Hook Research Articles

Getting Hooked on Health: A Clinical Conversation with Frank Lipman, MD, and Robert Rountree, MD

Getting Hooked on Health: A Clinical Conversation with Frank Lipman, MD, and Robert Rountree, MD

Proximally based conjoined tendon transfer for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction in treatment of Rockwood grades III-IVacromioclavicular joint dislocation

Objective To evaluate the curative effect of conjoined tendon transfer for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction in the treatment of Rockwood grades Ⅲ-Ⅳ acromioclavicular joint dislocation. c Methods A retrospective case control study was performed for 64 cases of acromioclavicular joint dislocation admitted from October 2007 to August 2014. There were 53 males and 11 females, with age of (43.8±10.5)years (range, 23 to 65 years). Rockwood grade Ⅲ was seen in 27 cases and grade -Ⅳ in 37. According to the treatments, 26 cases underwent proximally based conjoined tendon transfer for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction combined with clavicular hook plate (ligament reconstruction group) and 38 cases only treated with clavicular hook plate (internal fixation group). Visual analogue scale (VAS), Constant shoulder score and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups before and after operation. Results All patients were available for a mean follow-up of 3.7 months (range, 2 to 4 months). VAS was (7.58±1.03)points in ligament reconstruction group and (7.15±1.03)points in internal fixation group before surgery (P>0.05), and was (2.38±0.94)points in ligament reconstruction group and (2.08±0.99)points in internal fixation group 3 months after operation (P>0.05). Constant shoulder score was (86.46±6.59)points in ligament reconstruction group and (87.68±6.59)points in internal fixation group after operation (P>0.05). Six cases (16%) had recurrent joint dislocation in internal fixation group, while none of the patients in ligament reconstruction group had recurrence (P<0.05). Conclusion Improved procedure of proximally based conjoined tendon transfer for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction can effectively reduce the recurrence rate of acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Key words: Acromioclavicular joint; Dislocations; Fracture fixation, internal

Implications of Mistaken Identities in Conservation of Wild Mangoes

When names get established on wrong subjects, the concerns related to the species on which these names are truly to be assigned get misplaced. This communication relates to mistaken/doubtful identities of four species of two closely allied genera of the family Anacardiaceae, three of them of Mangifera L. (M. andamanica King, M. griffithii Hook. f., M. nicobarica Kosterm.) and one of Bouea Meisn. (B. oppositifolia (Roxb.) Adelb).

Value of endoscopy application in the management of complications after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Endoscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of postoperative complications of gastric cancer. Endoscopic intervention can avoid the second operation and has attracted wide attention. Early gastric anastomotic bleeding after gastrectomy is the most common. With the development of technology, emergency endoscopy and endoscopic hemostasis provide a new treatment approach. According to the specific circumstances, endoscopists can choose metal clamp to stop bleeding, electrocoagulation hemostasis, local injection of epinephrine or sclerotherapy agents, and spraying specific hemostatic agents. Anastomotic fistula is a serious postoperative complication. In addition to endoscopically placing the small intestine nutrition tube for early enteral nutrition support treatment, endoscopic treatment, including stent, metal clip, OTSC, and Over-stitch suture system, can be chosen to close fistula. For anastomotic obstruction or stricture, endoscopic balloon or probe expansion and stent placement can be chosen. For esophageal anastomotic intractable obstruction after gastroesophageal surgery, radial incision of obstruction by the hook knife or IT knife, a new method named ERI, is a good choice. Bile leakage caused by bile duct injury can be treated by placing the stent or nasal bile duct. In addition, endoscopic methods are widely used as follows: abdominal abscess can be treated by the direct intervention under endoscopy; adhesive ileus can be treated by placing the catheter under the guidance of endoscopy to attract pressure; alkaline reflux gastritis can be rapidly diagnosed by endoscopy; gastric outlet obstruction mainly caused by cancer recurrence can be relieved by metal stent placement and the combination of endoscopy and X-ray can increase success rate; pyloric dysfunction and spasm caused by the vagus nerve injury during proximal gastrectomy can be treated by endoscopic pyloromyotomy, a new method named G-POEM, and the short-term outcomes are significant. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allows complete resection of residual gastric precancerous lesions, however it should be performed by the experienced endoscopists.

Seismic Evaluation of Exposed Column-base Plate Weak-axis Connections Using L-shaped Hooked Anchor Bolts

Seismic Evaluation of Exposed Column-base Plate Weak-axis Connections Using L-shaped Hooked Anchor Bolts

Bioactivity of selected essential oils from medicinal plants found in Fiji against the Spiralling whiteflies ( Aleurodicus dispersus Russell)

The concentration of essential oil solutions [0.25%, 0.5% and 5% (v/v)] of five medicinal plants found in the South Pacific (Fiji) were subjected to the whitefly (Aleurodicus dispersus Russell) in order to assess eventual control activities, by both fumigant and repellent tests. The essential oil of Ocimum tenuiflorum L. exhibited the strongest fumigant activity against the Spiralling whiteflies with an LC50 value of 0.003% followed by the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. (LC50 = 0.004%), Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook F. and Thoms (LC50 = 0.050%), Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (LC50 = 0.113%), and Euodia hortensis forma hortensis (LC50 = 0.114%). The essential oil of M. koenigii (RI=52%) and C. citratus (RI=52%) at 5% (v/v) concentration were found to have a higher repellent toxicity against the Spiralling whiteflies. The chemical composition of the selected essential oils was also determined using GC-MS. The trend in the chemical constituent of essential oils revealed that the phenolic and alcoholic compounds were the major groups of contributors to the tested activities. Thus, these data suggested that essential oils from the selected medicinal plants found in the South Pacific (Fiji) have the potential to be employed in the pesticidal activities.

New data, new analyses – getting hooked into a MinION

New data, new analyses – getting hooked into a MinION

Emergency surgical treatment of tibiofibular syndesmosis diastasis with elastic syndesmosis hook plate

Emergency surgical treatment of tibiofibular syndesmosis diastasis with elastic syndesmosis hook plate

Right at home

Use the beautifully illustrated book, Home, by Carson Ellis, as a hook for exploring different types of home, and talking about what makes them safe and special for the families who live in them.

The effect of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook. F. and Tripterygium Hypoglaucum(Lévl.)Hutch on macrophage inflammatory factor

Objective To observe the effect of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook. F. and Tripterygium Hypoglaucum(Levl.)Hutch on macrophage inflammatory factor, and to provide the oretical basis and experimental basis for the clinical application of these drugs. Methods Two batches of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook. F. and Tripterygium Hypoglaucum(Levl.)Hutch were collected, and then the samples turned into alcohol extract by extraction and isolation. The IC50 values of alcohol extracts were measured by MTT in BMDM cell. BMDM cell induced by the 4 batches of samples with IC50, then IL-6, IL-10, iNOS were detected by Elisa. Results The content of IL-6(5.08 ± 0.96 pg/ml, 6.24 ± 0.20 pg/ml vs. 7.92 ± 0.84 pg/ml)and iNOS(0.14 ± 0.04 ng/ml, 0.36 ± 0.11 ng/ml vs. 0.86 ± 0.13 ng/ml)in Anhui and Guizhou groups were significantly lower than sulfasalazine(P<0.05), and the content of IL-10(21.20 ± 4.24 pg/ml, 26.49 ± 4.44 pg/ml vs. 9.06 ± 0.40 pg/ml)in Anhui and Guizhou groups were significantly higher than sulfasalazine(P<0.05). The content of IL-6(4.22 ± 0.38 pg/ml, 4.55 ± 0.44 pg/ml vs. 7.92 ± 0.84 pg/ml)and iNOS(0.07 ± 0.04 ng/ml, 0.28 ± 0.10 ng/ml vs. 0.86 ± 0.13 ng/ml)in Hunan and Zhejiang groups were significantly lower than sulfasalazine(P<0.05). Conclusion The anti-inflammatory effect of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook. F. treat rheumatoid arthritis is better than sulfasalazine and Tripterygium Hypoglaucum(Levl.)Hutch. Key words: Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook. F.; Macrophages; Arthritis, rheumatoid; Inflammation

Resveratrol protects against triptolide-induced cardiotoxicity through SIRT3 signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro.

Clinical application of triptolide (TP), a main active ingredient of the traditional Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f. (TWHF), is limited by a series of severe toxicities, including cardiotoxicity. In previous studies, we found the activation of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) attenuated TP-induced toxicity in cardiomyocytes. Resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenol from the skins of grapes and red wine, is an activator of SIRT3. The current study aimed to investigate the protective effect of RSV against TP-induced cardiotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms. Mice were treated with a single dose of TP (2.5 mg/kg) via the intragastric (i.g.) route. After 24 h, TP induced abnormal changes of serum biochemistry, activity decrease of antioxidant enzymes and damage of heart tissue such as myocardial fiber rupture, cell swelling and interstitial congestion. In contrast, administration with RSV (50 mg/kg i.g. 12 h before and 2 h after the administration of TP) attenuated the detrimental effects induced by TP in BALB/c mice. Moreover, the cardiomyocyte protective effects of RSV on TP-induced heart injury were associated with the activation of SIRT3 and its downstream targets. In vitro study also indicated that RSV counteracted TP-induced cardiotoxicity through SIRT3-FOXO3 signaling pathway in H9c2 cells. Collectively, these findings suggest the potential of RSV as a promising agent in protecting heart from TP-induced damage.

Isolations &amp; Characterization of Compounds from Cordia macleodii Hook Bark &amp; Leaves

Isolations &amp; Characterization of Compounds from Cordia macleodii Hook Bark &amp; Leaves

Clinical effects of laparoscopic electrocoagulating hook′ method in treatment of rectal cancer

Objective To explore the clinical effect of laparoscopic electrocoagulating hook′ method in treatment of rectal cancer. Methods The retrospective cohort study was adopted. The clinical data of 237 patients with rectal cancer who were admitted to the Second People′s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from June 2004 to June 2009 were collected. Among 237 patients undergoing radical resection of rectal cancer, 120 using laparoscopic electrocoagulating hook′ method were allocated into the laparoscopic electrocoagulating hook′ group and 117 using laparoscopic ultrasound knife′s method were allocated into the laparoscopic ultrasound knife′s group. Observation indicators included: (1) treatment situations: operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, number of lymph node dissected, time to anal exsufflation, time for out-of-bed activity, duration of hospital stay, treatment expenses and occurrence of complications (anastomotic leakage, intestinal obstruction, post-operative dysuresia and sexual dysfunction), (2) follow-up situations. Follow-up using outpatient examination and telephone interview was performed to detect tumor recurrence and metastasis up to December 18, 2014. The colonoscopy, chest X-ray and abdominal computed tomography (CT) were applied to suspected patients with local or distal tumor recurrence. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as ±s and comparison between groups was analyzed using t test. Count data were analyzed using chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. The survival curve was drawn by Kaplan-Meier method, and the survival rate was analyzed using the Log-rank test. Results (1) Treatment situations: all the patients underwent successful laparoscopic surgery, without conversion to open surgery. Operation time, number of lymph node dissected, time to anal exsufflation, time for out-of-bed activity and duration of hospital stay were respectively (156±33)minutes, 18±2, (1.5±0.6)days, (1.5±0.5)days, (7.5±2.5)days in the laparoscopic electrocoagulating hook′ group and (175±21)minutes, 16±4, (1.6±0.5)days, (1.4±0.5)days, (8.0±1.8)days in the laparoscopic ultrasound knife′s group, with no statistically significant difference in the above indexes between the 2 groups (t=25.324, 20.117, 21.477, 1.617, 1.770, P>0.05). Volume of intraoperative blood loss and treatment expenses were respectively (116±12 )mL, (2.4±0.3)×104 yuan in the laparoscopic electrocoagulating hook′ group and (149±25) mL, (2.8±0.2)×104 yuan in the laparoscopic ultrasound knife′s group, with statistically significant differences in the above indexes between the 2 groups (t=212.740, 211.071, P 0.05) and with a statistically significant difference in the dysuresia or sexual dysfunction between the 2 groups (P 0.05). Conclusion The laparoscopic electrocoagulating hook′ method in treatment of rectal cancer is safe and effective compared with traditional laparoscopic surgery, and it could also reduce the incidence of autonomic nerve-related complications and treatment expenses. Key words: Rectal neoplasms; Electrocoagulating hook′ method; Laparoscopy

Treatment of hamate hook fractures with rotating compression tension band fixation

Objective To report the experience of treating type Ⅱ and Ⅲ hamate hook fractures with rotating compression tension band fixation. Methods Five patients with type Ⅱ and Ⅲ hamate hook fractures were treated with open reduction and rotating compression tension band fixation from May 2010 to June 2014. Results All 5 patients were follow-up for 14 to 18 months, with an average of 15.6 months. All the patients were satisfied with the treatment outcomes. They recovered near normal range of motion and grip strength, and returned to their original job. According to the wrist function evaluation criteria issued by the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association, the average values of active wrist joint motion of the 5 cases were 51° for extension, 55° for flexion, 15° for radial deviation, and 28° for ulnar deviation. Conclusion For patients with type Ⅱ and Ⅲ hamate hook fractures, open reduction and rotating compression tension band fixation is effective and recommended for wide clinical application. Key words: Hamate bone; Fracture fixation, internal; Rotating pressurized; Tension band

Monopolar hook electrode assisted laparoscopic resection of descending colon cancer

Colorectal cancer accounts for about 25% of all malignant tumors in China. Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic assisted descending colon cancer radical resection have been recognized, and that complete mesocolic excision (CME) plays an important role. For this surgery, most surgeons choose scalpel as the primary instrument, and monopolar hook electrode minimal. A 72-year-old female patient with an adenocarcinoma of the left colon, with pre-operative clinical stage CT3N1M0, was chosen for the study. We use the monopolar hook electrode to finish the laparoscopic assisted descending colon cancer radical resection. The tumor with the surrounding tissue and 4/15 lymph nodes was resected by laparoscopy and colon side to side anastomosis performed. The procedure lasted about 120 minutes with minimal bleeding. Postoperative tumor biopsy revealed a tumor staging of T3N2M0 (IIIB). The patient recovered well following the procedure and was discharged after 4 days. The use of monopolar hook electrode in laparoscopy assisted descending colon cancer radical removal is safe, feasible and effective. The procedure is accurate, safe, provides ease of operating in a narrow space and is relatively inexpensive.

Palmaris longus tendon versus iliotibial tract fascia graft for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction combined with hook plate fixation in treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation

Objective To compare the clinical outcomes of palmaris longus tendon(PLT)and iliotibial tract fascia graft(ITFG)for coracoclavicular ligament(CCL)reconstruction combined with hook plate fixation in the treatment of acromioclavicular joint(AGJ)dislocation. Methods A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of 68 patients with ACJ dislocation of Rockwood type Ⅲ and above who had been treated in our department with CCL reconstruction using PLT or ITFG in addition to hook plate fixation from January 2008 to January 2014. They were 57 males and 11 females, with an average age of 36. 1 years(range, from 19 to 55 years). The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their grafts used in CCL reconstruction: 36 cases in PLT group and 32 in ITFG group. They were firstly treated with CCL reconstruction followed by hook plate fixation. The hook plates were removed at 6 months after operation. The acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular distances were measured on the postoperative anteroposterior radiographs of the injured shoulders. The outcomes were assessed at the final follow-ups according to Constant-Murley shoulder score and Karlsson criteria. The 2 groups were compatible without significant differences in preoperative general data(P> 0. 05). Results The 68 patients were followed up for an average of 18 months(range, from 16 to 22 months). The acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular distances measured in PLT group at 12 months after operation were significantly larger than those measured in ITFG group(P 0. 05). Conclusion In the treatment of ACJ dislocation of Rookwood type Ⅲ and above, CCL reconstruction using ITFG may lead to better radiographic outcomes than that using PLT, though the 2 grafts lead to similar functional recovery of the injured shoulders. Key words: Acromioclavicular joint; Dislocations; Ligament; Reconstructive surgical procedures

The Hook for Recruiting Nutrition Series Based Programming: One-Time Encounters

The Hook for Recruiting Nutrition Series Based Programming: One-Time Encounters

Transfer of phalangeal flap from the big toe for treatment of hook nail deformity

Objective To introduce the methods of using phalangeal flap from the big toe to repair hook nail deformity of the finger. Methods Scar tissue of the stump along with the nail was removed first. The distal phalangeal flap from the big toe was transferred to the stump. The bone flap was used to repair the missing distal phalanx, while the hook-shaped nail bed was lifted and tiled over the bone flap. The skin and subcutaneous tissue of the tissue flap covered the soft tissue defects of the finger. Results The transplanted tissues survived uneventfully in all 3 cases. Follow-up evaluations after more than two years showed significant improvement in the shape of the distal finger. There was no need for secondary plastic surgery. The nail was 1.0, 2.5 and 3.0 mm shorter than normal, respectively, in these three cases. Two-point discrimination of the pulp was 8 to 12 mm. Conclusion Phalangeal flap transfer from the big toe is an effective method to treat hook nail deformity of the finger. Key words: Nails; Surgical flaps; Hook nail deformity

On the Enigmatic Hook of the Metaradiophryids (Alveolata, Ciliophora)

The astomatous metaradiophryids are ciliates which live endosymbiotically in earthworms (Annelida, Lumbricidae). Their prominent hook apparatus is demonstrated in detail in light micrographs of living organisms as well as in scanning electron micrographs of Parducz-fixed cells. Since it was first observed, this structure has been interpreted as a ‘holdfast’ organelle preventing ciliates from being expelled prematurely from the intestine of the worm along with its excrements. No active movement of the hook has been reported in earlier papers or in our recent studies. Nevertheless, a detailed description of different parts of the hook apparatus exists in older literature, including a hypothesis on how these elements interact with each other to function as a holdfast device – without any experimental evidence. The suspected mode of function of this structure is questioned and critically discussed.

If not getting hooked, why make one? Response to Landmanet al.

If not getting hooked, why make one? Response to Landman<i>et al</i>.