Long-term Follow-up Observation Research Articles

Clinical analysis of 1,038 cases of odontogenic jawbone cysts.

This study aims to analyse the clinical characteristics of different types of odontogenic jawbone cysts (OJCs) and to provide a theoretical basis for prevention and clinical treatment. Data from 1,038 patients with OJCs were collected, and relevant information, such as sex, age, clinical symptoms and signs, imaging data, number of lesions, lesion location, pathological diagnosis, clinical treatment and prognosis, was statistically analysed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of OJCs in 2022, the highest incidence rate was observed for radicular cysts (RCs), accounting for 58.96% of the total number of cases, followed by dentigerous cysts (DCs), accounting for approximately 23.22% of cases. lateral periodontal cysts (LPCs) and calcifying odontogenic cysts (COCs) comprised the lowest number of cases. The age distribution of patients was between 4 and 89 years, and the high incidence age group was youth and middle age, accounting for 66.67% of the total number of cases. The male-to-female ratio of patients was 1.51:1, and there was a statistically significant difference between the sexes(p < 0.05).In terms of the site of incidence, odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) were prevalent in the mandibular molar region. In addition, mandibular ramus, inflammatory collateral cysts (ICCs) and dentigerous cysts (DCs) were more common in the mandibular third molar, and radicular cysts (RCs) and calcifying odontogenic cysts (COCs) were prevalent in the maxillary anterior region. On imaging, 955 (92.0%) lesions were solitary, and 83 (8.0%) were multiple. The treatment included four types of surgery, including simple curettage, marsupialization, marsupialization followed by secondary curettage, and partial resection of the jaw, and a total of 921 patients were followed up, with a recurrence rate of 2.82%. OJCs are more common in males than in females, and a statistically significant difference is observed in the most prevalent types of cysts occurring at different ages and in various regions of the jawbone (p < 0.05). Early diagnosis should be made with the help of X-rays, age, location, and clinical symptoms. In addition, appropriate treatment methods should be selected, and long-term follow-up observation is needed.

Return to activity and return to sports after total knee replacement

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common and successful operations in the field of orthopaedics, with asteadily increasing number of patients. However, as the patient population becomes younger, expectations regarding the outcome of the surgery are also changing. In addition to pain reduction and improved mobility, the longevity of the implant and the recovery of (everyday) activity in general (return-to-activity, RtA) and sporting activity in particular (return-to-sports, RtS) are becoming increasingly important. RtS with atendency towards low-impact sports seems generally possible but is highly dependent on the individual characteristics of the patient. Despite comprehensive studies on treatment with TKA, there are no systematic studies and reliable conclusions on the key factors that enable patients to return to sports after TKA. Any recommendation by the responsible surgeons remains dependent on their subjective experience due to the lack of standardized implementation of an RtA/RtS assessment and the necessary long-term follow-up observation under control of patient-related confounding factors.

Factors predicting recanalization following stent-assisted coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms with long-term follow-up.

Stents have been widely used for coil embolization for intracranial aneurysms. Few studies have analyzed the risk factors of recanalization through long-term follow-up observation of only stent-assisted coiling. We analyzed the risk factors for recanalization through long-term observations. A total number of 399 unruptured aneurysms treated by stent-assisted coil embolization between 2003 and 2016 in a single institution were analyzed for determining the factors associated with recanalization including the patient characteristics, aneurysms, and procedural variables. All patients underwent angiographic follow-up with digital subtraction angiography or magnetic resonance angiography at 24 months or more following the procedure. Recanalization occurred in 8%. The mean time for the recanalization was 21.1 ± 14.0 months (range, 5-51 months). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated areas under the curve for a maximum aneurysm size of 0.773 (cut-off, 6.415 mm). Multivariate analysis revealed that the maximum aneurysm size and parent artery curvature at which the aneurysm developed were significantly associated with recanalization. In parent artery curvature, the bifurcation group (OR, 9.02; 95% CI, 2.53-32.13; p = 0.001) and the convex group (OR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.17-11.50; p = 0.025) were independent predictors of recanalization compared with the straight group. The maximum aneurysm size and parent artery curvature are risk factors associated with recanalization in stent-assisted coil embolization.

Катамнестическое наблюдение и реабилитация пациентов с синдромом Костелло

Aim. To evaluate the results of rehabilitation of patients with Costello syndrome in a day hospital in the long-term period. Design. A retrospective, single-center, prolonged, non-randomized observational study. Materials and methods. The study included 6 patients with genetically verified Costello syndrome who were observed in a day hospital in the period from 2012 to 2024. The results of catamnestic observation and rehabilitation of patients are analyzed. Results. Catamnestic observation in a multidisciplinary hospital for 2–12 years made it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation in the patients. Comprehensive individual rehabilitation programs were developed for 6 patients with Costello syndrome (5 girls, 1 boy) aged 4 months to 12 years. All patients received rehabilitation on the background of medication prescribed by pediatrician and neurologist, within botulinum therapy (2 children). In addition to physical influence (physiotherapy, kinesiotherapy), there were classes with a speech therapist, speech pathologist and a family psychologist. The results were evaluated according to indicators of psychomotor and speech progress, cognitive abilities and social adaptation. Positive dynamics was demonstrated in 5 out of 6 observed patients. Six patients underwent a complex individualized rehabilitation therapy during periods of stabilization of their condition after pediatrician approval. In our research 3 оf 6 children with Costello syndrome underwent 3 rehabilitation courses at the age of 1–2 years. Other 3 patients continued to undergo rehabilitation treatment one time per year during long-term follow-up observation in a day hospital, their programs were developed individually in accordance with current tasks. An integrated approach allowed children to adapt to society and start visiting the secondary school. Conclusion. Comprehensive individual rehabilitation programs developed for each patient, based on the results of examination, made it possible to achieve an improvement in the patients' condition — neuro-orthopedic and somatic indicators, as well as cognitive development and social adaptation. Keywords: RASopathies, Costello syndrome, catamnestic observation, rehabilitation.

Analysis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with deep vein thrombosis in elderly gastric cancer patients by gastric cancer imaging

ABSTRACT Tumor imaging represents an ideal environment for collecting novel biomarkers from different technologies, as patients with tumors often undergo multiple imaging studies.With the aging of the Chinese population, the number of elderly patients with gastric cancer is also increasing. In the past, patients with gastric cancer in the elderly have been conservative in whether surgical treatment can be performed, and advanced age is regarded as a relative contraindication to the effect of surgical treatment on gastric cancer patients. To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage complicated by deep vein thrombosis in elderly patients with gastric cancer. One patient with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage complicated by deep venous thrombosis, and elderly gastric cancer patients admitted to our hospital on 11 October 2020, were selected. After anti-shock symptomatic support, filter placement, prevention and treatment of thrombosis, gastric cancer eradication, anticoagulation, immune regulation, etc. Treatment and long-term follow-up observation. Long-term follow-up showed that the patient’s condition was stable, there was no sign of metastasis or recurrence after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer, and there were no serious pre- and post-operative complications such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding and deep vein thrombosis, and the prognosis was satisfactory. How to choose the appropriate operation timing and method for elderly gastric cancer patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and deep vein thrombosis at the same time to maximize benefits, clinical experience in this area is particularly valuable.

BILATERAL CRYPTORCHIDISM IN PEDIATRIC SURGEON'S PRACTICE: CURRENT TACTICS OF PATIENT MANAGEMENT.

The aim: To provide best practices of disease management to improve treatment outcomes for this group of patients. Materials and methods: The paper is based on first-hand experience in observing and treating 117 children aged from 6 months to 13 years with bilateral congenital cryptorchidism during a ten-year follow-up period, who were referred for surgical treatment, and 3 newborn boys with undescended testicles and testicular torsion. A complex of clinical and laboratory, instrumental, endocrinological, and genetic research methods was used for the survey of all patients. Results: Recognizing the action of a common causative factor for bilateral cryptorchidism, which is a consequence of primary endocrine disorders, makes it possible to predict bilateral identity of the location of testicles in this pathology, which we observed in 81 patients: bilateral inguinal cryptorchidism was registered in 49 (41.88%) children, bilateral abdominal cryptorchidism - in 32 (27.35%) children, a combination of inguinal and abdominal cryptorchidism - in 24 (20.51%) children. The following types of treatment were used in the studied group of children: 1 - primary surgical intervention - 4 children, representing 3.42%. 2 - observation and non-surgical treatment by an endocrinologist - 113 (96.58%) children. 3 - comprehensive treatment (surgical correction after hormone treatment) - 67 (59.29%) children. According to the research, hormone therapy had a positive effect on descent of the testicles in 89 (78.76%) patients: the testicles descended into the scrotum - in 22 (24.72%) children; the testicles descended in the inguinal canal - in 32 (35.95%) children; the testicles descended to the level of the opening to the inguinal canal - in 35 (39.33%) children. Conclusions: 1. All doctors, starting from the maternity hospital, polyclinic, children's unit, should identify children with bilateral cryptorchidism. All children diagnosed with bilateral cryptorchidism are referred to a surgeon or endocrinologist. The parents of a child with bilateral cryptorchidism should immediately consult a doctor. The study of the reasons for late admission of children to the surgical hospital revealed that 76.92% of patients sought medical advice late, after 1 year of life. 2. At the stage of diagnosis and determination of treatment tactics, an examination by an endocrinologist and a geneticist is necessary; ignoring them is considered an error in diagnostic and therapeutic tactics, since the process of descent of the testicles into the scrotum is hormone-dependent. 3. The indications for primary surgical treatment of a child with bilateral cryptorchidism involve a combination of cryptorchidism with inguinal hernia and pain syndrome, which might be caused by testicular torsion. 4. Hormone therapy provides better results of surgical intervention in bilateral cryptorchidism. The ineffectiveness of two courses of hormone therapy necessitates surgical treatment. 5. Comprehensive treatment of children with bilateral cryptorchidism (non-surgical hormone therapy and surgical correction) has led to good postoperative results in 71.64% of patients, satisfactory results - in 22.39% of children, recurrences - in 5.97% of patients. 7. A long-term follow-up observation should be carried out by a surgeon and endocrinologist until patients reach their reproductive years.

Results of orthodontic treatment of permanent upper incisors intrusive luxation: a clinical case

Relevance. Dental trauma prevalence is high among children. Treatment of intrusive luxation, where the choice of treatment technique depends on the root formation stage, is of particular interest.Clinical case description. The article presents the treatment results of an 8-year-old patient with mixed dentition. The patient was diagnosed with an intrusive luxation of teeth 1.1, 2.1, soft tissue contusion, and fracture of the maxillary alveolar process.Thirteen days after the injury, we started the orthodontic treatment with a bracket system (ROTH 018 Micro-Sprint) placed on the upper teeth, controlled by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Arches and elastics were consecutively changed during the treatment. In nine and a half months, teeth 1.1 and 2.1 were extruded. Functional and aesthetic parameters were restored. We assessed stability of the obtained result 18 months after the start of orthodontic treatment.Conclusion. The intrusive luxation treatment planning calls for a thorough history and diagnosis data comparison. The choice of non-surgical treatment without tooth extraction requires informing the patient about possible complications, treatment difficulties and long-term follow-up observation. The successful treatment outcome needs comprehensive patient management by a multidisciplinary team of a maxillofacial surgeon, pediatric dentist, orthodontist and other related specialists, if necessary.

Retrospective observation and analysis of autoimmune-related indicators in 317 patients with acute Omicron variant infection

To compare the changes of clinical characteristics and immune-related indicators of patients with mild and moderate acute Omicron variant infection, and to evaluate the protective effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. The study retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of 317 adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 Omicron variant (B1.1.529) infection admitted to Tianjin First Central Hospital (Shuixi District) from January 22, 2022 to February 24, 2022. Demographic characteristics, vaccination status, underlying diseases, epidemiological characteristics, baseline data, and relevant laboratory test results on admission were collected, and the differences in clinical characteristics, especially the changes in immune-related indicators, between mild and moderate patients were compared and analyzed. Among the 317 adult patients with acute Omicron variant infection, the proportion of elderly, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases were significantly higher in moderate group (203 cases) than those of mild group (114 cases) [age ≥ 60 years old: 27.58% (56/203) vs. 9.65% (11/114), hypertension: 31.03% (63/203) vs. 19.30% (22/114), diabetes: 15.76% (32/203) vs. 7.89% (9/114), cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: 11.33% (23/203) vs 0.88% (1/114), all P < 0.05]. The route of transmission was mainly through gatherings and the first symptoms were fever, dry cough, fatigue, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose and other flu symptoms; 19.30% (22/114) and 24.63% (50/203) of patients in mild and moderate groups were positive for the new coronavirus nucleic acid test, respectively, but the difference was not significant difference (P > 0.05). Inflammatory indicators in most mild and moderate patients were within normal range, such as white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil ratio (NEU%), lymphocyte count (LYM), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), etc., suggesting that the acute phase of Omicron variant infection had not yet caused severe inflammatory storm, which might be related to the weakening of pathogenicity after vaccination and virus mutation. The proportion of patients with IL-6 > 7 ng/L in the mild group was significantly lower than that in the normal group [1.75% (2/114) vs. 6.40% (13/203), P < 0.05], suggesting that elevated IL-6 might be an important factor in evaluating indicators of disease severity. There was no significant difference in lymphocyte subsets between the two groups, but there were 12.90% (12/93) and 11.04% (17/154) of the patients in two groups, respectively, decreased in the proportion of helper T cells, and 18.28% (17/93) and 14.28% (22/154) of the patients had elevated CD4+/CD8+ ratio, suggesting that patients with Omicron variant infection had autoimmune system dysfunction, which might be related to disease progression and the occurrence of long-term autoimmune disease. Serum IL-6 level may be used as a predictor for evaluating the severity of disease in patients with Omicron variant infection; after vaccination, inflammatory indicators in patients with acute Omicron variant infection were significantly reduced, but the long-term effects still require long-term follow-up observation.

Different Phenotypes Represent Advancing Stages of ABCA4-Associated Retinopathy: A Longitudinal Study of 212 Chinese Families From a Tertiary Center.

PurposeTo evaluate the nature and association of different phenotypes associated with ABCA4 mutations in Chinese.MethodsAll patients were recruited from our pediatric and genetic eye clinic. Detailed ocular phenotypes were characterized. The disease course was evaluated by long-term follow-up observation, with a focus on fundus changes. Cox regression was used to identify the factors associated with disease progression.ResultsA systematic review of genetic and clinical data for 228 patients and follow-up data for 42 patients indicated specific features in patients with two ABCA4 variants. Of 185 patients with available fundus images, 107 (57.8%) showed focal lesions restricted to the central macula without flecks. Among these 107 patients, 30 patients (28.0%) initially presented with relatively preserved visual acuity and inconspicuous performance on routine fundus screening. A pigmentary change in the posterior pole was observed in 22 of 185 patients (11.9%), and this change mimicked retinitis pigmentosa in 10 cases (45.5%). Follow-up visits and sibling comparisons demonstrated disease progression from cone-rod dystrophy, Stargardt disease, to retinitis pigmentosa. An earlier age of onset was associated with a more rapid decrease in visual acuity (P = 0.03). Patients with two truncation variants had an earlier age of onset.ConclusionPhenotypic variation in ABCA4-associated retinopathy may represent sequential changes in a single disease: early-stage Stargardt disease may resemble cone-rod dystrophy, whereas the presence of diffuse pigmentation in the late stage may mimic retinitis pigmentosa. Recognizing the natural progression of fundus changes, especially those visualized by wide-field fundus autofluorescence, is valuable for diagnostics and therapeutic decision-making.

Childhood-Onset Myasthenia Gravis Patients Benefited from Thymectomy in a Long-Term Follow-up Observation.

The effect of thymectomy on the treatment of childhood-onset myasthenia gravis (CMG) remains debatable. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome and relevant prognostic factors of thymectomy for CMG patients. A total of 32 CMG patients who underwent thymectomy before 18 years of age were included in this retrospective study. Clinical state following thymectomy was assessed by quantified myasthenia gravis (QMG) scores, myasthenia gravis-related activities of daily living (MG-ADL) scores, and Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America postintervention status. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) examined the changes in postoperative scores during the 5-year follow-up. Univariate logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with short-term (1-year postoperation) and long-term (5-year postoperation) clinical outcomes. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed that QMG scores (F = 6.737, p < 0.001) and MG-ADL scores (F = 7.923, p < 0.001) decreased gradually with time. Preoperative duration (odds ratio [OR] = 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-1.00, p = 0.043), gender (OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04-0.94, p = 0.041), and MG subgroup (OR = 13.33, 95% CI: 1.43-123.99, p = 0.023) were predictors for 1-year postoperative prognosis. Shorter disease duration (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70-0.97, p = 0.018) and generalized CMG (OR = 6.11, 95% CI: 1.06-35.35, p = 0.043) were found to have more favorable long-term results. Our results suggest that thymectomy is effective in treating CMG. Thymectomy could be recommended for CMG patients, especially for patients in the early course of GMG.

Correlation between tumor markers and type 2 diabetes mellitus complications and their related influencing factors.

This study aims to investigate the correlation between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the tumor markers/biochemical parameters of patients, as well as the related factors leading to complications. A total of 150 T2DM patients in our hospital were included as the research group, and 80 healthy persons were matched in the normal control group. The levels of tumor markers (CA199, CEA, CA153, CA125, AFP) and body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure (BP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), urine microalbumin (M-ALB), and triglyceride (TG) in the two groups were determined. Based on the complications status of T2DM patients, the patients were further divided into a complication-free group (patients with simple diabetes) and complication group. Univariate analysis was performed between patients with and without complications. The levels of serum CA199, CEA, and CA125 in the study group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group (all P<0.0001), and the levels of BMI, WHR, systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), FPG, HbA1c, M-ALB, and TG in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Tumor markers CA199, CEA, and CA125 were positively correlated with BMI, WHR, BP, FPG, HbA1c, M-ALB, and TG. Smoking, family history of diabetes, combined hypertension, hyperlipemia, course of disease, CA199, CEA, CA153, CA125, AFP, SBP, DBP, FPG, HbA1c, M-ALB, and TG were the influencing factors of complications in T2DM patients. Relevant indicators of T2DM patients with complications should be fully evaluated clinically, and long-term follow-up observation should be conducted, so as to reduce the occurrence of complications.

Clinical analysis of 32 cases of facial nerve schwannomas

Objective:To elucidate the clinical characteristics, surgical strategy, facial nerve repair methods and outcomes of facial nerve schwannomas（FNS）. Methods:The clinical data of patients with FNS treated between January 2010 and December 2018 at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were retrospectively collected, including the sidedness of FNS, clinical manifestations, imaging data, the extent of tumor, clinical management, preoperative and postoperative facial nerve function. Results:The major clinical manifestations of the 32 patients with FNS were facial palsy（27, 84.4%）, hearing loss（27, 84.4%）, tinnitus（22, 68.8%）, ear mass（15, 46.9%）, and stuffy feeling in the ear（13, 40.6%） respectively. Thirty patients were preoperatively diagnosed with FNS and 2 patients were misdiagnosed. 31 patients underwent resection of FNS, except one patient who was selected for long-term follow-up observation. The choice of surgical approach was based on the location, extent and auditory function of the FNS involved as well as the patient's wishes. The surgical approach was decided based on the location and extent of the tumor: 9 patients were operated via the inferior temporal fossa type A（Fisch A） approach; 8 patients were operated via the mastoid approach; 7 patients were operated via the enlarged mastoid approach; 3 patients were operated via the combined mastoid-cranial middle fossa approach; 1 patient was operated via the cranial middle fossa approach; 3 patients were operated via the combined Fisch A-cranial middle fossa approach. 28 patients（87.5%） had FNS with multiple segments of facial nerve involved. The most involved segment was the vertical segment of the facial nerve（26, 81.3%）. 15 patients underwent facial nerve repair simultaneously, including 7 cases of auricular nerve-facial nerve graft and 8 cases of facial nerve-sublingual nerve anastomosis. 4 cases had improved facial nerve function after auricular nerve-facial nerve graft and 2 cases had improved function after facial nerve-sublingual nerve anastomosis. Among patients who underwent facial nerve repair,the best outcome was H-B Ⅲ. Conclusion:The patients with FNS mainly presented with facial palsy and hearing loss. Temporal bone CT and cranial MR plain & enhanced scan served well to confirm the diagnosis. The improvement rate of postoperative facial nerve function was significantly higher in patients who underwent nerve repair than in those who did not. Hence, facial nerve repair should be considered. Compared with facial nerve-sublingual nerve anastomosis, auricular major nerve-facial nerve graft might be a better choice for improving postoperative facial nerve function.

Using pulmonary artery acceleration time to evaluate pulmonary hemodynamic changes on preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

BackgroundPulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT) is a reliable and non-invasive method for assessing pulmonary hemodynamics. To date, few studies have used PAAT to assess preterm infants, especially those with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). This study aimed to assess changes in PAAT among preterm infants with RDS undergoing pulmonary surfactant (PS) therapy or not, and determine its potential effects on the pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) outcomes of preterm infants with RDS in the late postnatal period.MethodsThe risk of RDS was reviewed in 62 preterm infants with a gestational age of 26–31 weeks. The infants receiving PS therapy were allocated to the PS group, and the others were allocated to the control group. PAAT, right ventricular ejection time (RVET), and other ultrasonic parameters at 3 different time points after birth were studied and compared.ResultsInfants in the PS group had a significantly lower PAAT (52.7±5.9 vs. 59.6±8.7; P=0.001) and PAAT/RVET (0.30±0.03 vs. 0.33±0.03; P=0.001) than those in the control group at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). No significant increases in PAAT/RVET were detected at 3 different times for the PS group (P=0.117), but both PAAT and PAAT/RVET increased significantly with time after birth in the control group (P<0.001).ConclusionsPreterm infants with RDS might still have PVD in the late postnatal period and thus require long-term follow-up observation. PAAT appears to be a reliable non-invasive screening measure for evaluating pulmonary hemodynamics in preterm infants with RDS and late PVD.

New problems and countermeasures in the prevention and control of COVID-19

New problems and countermeasures in the prevention and control of COVID-19

Clinical tolerance and efficacy of anti-parasitic treatment with albendazole in patients with alveolar echinococcosis: long-term follow-up observation in 117 patients.

Alveolar echinococcosis is the most severe worm disease primarily detected in the liver. This study aimed to determine the clinical tolerance and efficacy of albendazole in patients with alveolar echinococcosis, depending on the volume of previous surgical treatment or its absence and the duration of anti-parasitic therapy. We retrospectively (over the last 15 years) analyzed the data of 117 patients, who were divided into 4 groups according to curability: R0 (radical resection), R1+2 (incomplete resection), Nr (unresectable), and Rr (recurrence). All of them received albendazole from 3 months to 11 years, depending on the volume of resection. We evaluated patients' tolerability of albendazole according to the level of hepatic transaminases and blood cell count. The effectiveness of anti-parasitic treatment was evaluated by imaging studies and the absence of serum antibodies. There was no direct relationship between the frequency of adverse reactions and the duration of taking albendazole (r - 0.20229). Adverse reactions were significantly more often observed in unresectable patients (p < 0.01), which is most likely associated with the general serious condition of the patients and with individual drug intolerance. The effectiveness of the anti-parasitic treatment was manifested in the inhibition of tumor development in 88% of patients in group R1+2 and 60% in group Nr. Follow-up of group R0 patients from 3 to 14 years did not reveal new lesions of the liver and other organs. The chance of a complete cure depends on the early detection of a parasitic tumor and can reach 50%.

Autotransplantation of a completely developed impacted maxillary canine: A 7-year follow-up case report

BackgroundImpacted maxillary canines are likely to be extracted in adult patients once orthodontic treatment is ruled out. The missing teeth are generally replaced with dental implants. Case DescriptionThe authors report the clinical case of a 45-year-old man who was missing the maxillary left canine for 30 years. Radiographic examination revealed that the maxillary permanent left canine was palatally impacted. The tooth was transplanted into the prepared socket on the missing tooth site and secured in the desired position with a flexible wire splint. During the 7-year follow-up, the tooth remained clinically sound with no radiographic manifestation of inflammatory or root resorption. Practical ImplicationsThe prognosis for the transplanted tooth was favorable after long-term follow-up observation. This result suggests that autotransplantation of impacted maxillary canines can be a viable treatment option for some adult patients who expect to retain their natural teeth.

Clinical observations of acute onset of myopic optic neuropathy in a real-world setting.

To describe the clinical features of acute myopic onset of optic neuropathy and observe the effects of retrobulbar and systemic glucocorticoid therapy in a real-world setting. A retrospective observational case series included 18 patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute onset of myopic optic neuropathy in a real-world setting. While the patients were using retrobulbar and systemic glucocorticoid therapy, various imaging examination data were analysed, and the clinical features of myopic optic neuropathy were summarized for 6mo to 2y. The included group of patients with acute onset of myopic optic neuropathy consisted mostly of females (n=11). The visual field (VF) showed abnormalities in bilateral eyes, including the spread of physiological blind spots, central and paracentral dark spots, and centripetal peripheral VF reduction; but central vision with no subjective changes. The visual evoked potential (VEP) was abnormal in all eyes with vision loss. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was improved from 1.04±0.63 to 0.47±0.57 (logMAR) after glucocorticoid treatment (P<0.05). In patients with a short course (within 1wk), recovery was fast and achieved the same BCVA as recorded before the onset within 6d. However, in patients with the long course (1 to 2wk), recovery was slow and did not achieve the BCVA recorded before the onset within 10d. The changes of intraocular pressure (IOP) were not obvious before and after treatment (18.68±5.30 vs 19.55±5.34 mm Hg, P>0.05). There was no recurrence during long-term follow-up observation. The acute onset of myopic optic neuropathy is characterized by BCVA and VF abnormalities in bilateral eyes. Retrobulbar and systemic glucocorticoid therapy is effective.

Evaluation of long-term sagittal lip changes using Burstone line: Pilot Study

Objective&#x0D; Lip position has become one of the most important soft tissue analyses as it influences the occlusion, tooth stability and facial aesthetic. Hence, the objective of this study was to compare the short-term and long-term sagittal lip positions/changes using the Burstone line (B-line).&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods&#x0D; The sample consisted of 18 Caucasoid females only (14 extractions, 4 non-extractions) who were successfully treated with edgewise appliances. All the patients were evaluated before treatment (T1),at the end of active treatment (T2), and at a long-term follow-up observation (T3). The mean age at commencement was 13.2 years with the range of 10.5-19 years.&#x0D; The linear distance between the tip of the lips and the B-line were measured.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results&#x0D; T1-T2 time intervals showed the upper lip underwent a mean change of 1.272 mm relative to the B-line (-32.8%) which was statistically significant. The lower lip showed a mean change of 1.549 mm (-22.2%), but these changes were not statistically significant.&#x0D; Lip protrusion relative to the B-line continued to reduce during the long term follow up period. The upper lip showed slight changes (-9.2%), whereas the lower lip demonstrated greater change (-53.8%).&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Using B-line, the sagittal soft tissue lip positions were more retrusive on the long-term follow-up records for both extraction and non-extraction cases, their values were not very different from the normal values of the untreated cases. Although the differences were not statistically significant, upper lips were retrusive post treatment from T1-T2, while were statistically significant the lower lips were retrusive from T1-T2.

Progress in the application of reflectance confocal microscopy in dermatology.

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is abbreviated as skin three-dimensional computed tomography, which can help clearly observe the structure of the epidermis and superficial dermis. It is a non-invasive skin disease examination method and provides fast access to real-time, dynamic skin micro-anatomical images. Therefore, RCM is widely used in the clinical diagnosis of skin diseases. For example, the RCM features of vitiligo are as follows: pigment loss or partial pigment loss in the lesion area, loss of the basal layer pigment ring. The RCM findings of Riehl melanosis are as follows: basal cell liquefaction and degeneration. The RCM results for verruca plana show: the Rose-like structure. The characteristics of psoriasis under RCM include: hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, thickening of the spinous layer, capillary dilatation and hyperaemia, peripheral inflammatory cell infiltration. Epidermal brain-like structure was observed under RCM of seborrheic keratosis. With RCM, image acquisition and preservation of the skin is convenient, and the technique is convenient for comparing the development of lesions during long-term follow-up observation. Therefore, it helps to understand disease development in real time and dynamically and can be used to evaluate the curative effect. In this article, we briefly review the technical principles, diagnostic criteria for RCM application and RCM-related research progress in the diagnosis of pigmentary diseases, inflammatory diseases, skin tumours, and other common skin diseases.

Optical Coherent Tomography Predicts Long-Term Visual Outcome of Pituitary Adenoma Surgery: New Perspectives From a 5-Year Follow-up Study.

Compressive optic neuropathy is the most common indication for transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a useful visual assessment tool for predicting postoperative visual field recovery. To analyze visual parameters and their association based on long-term follow-up. Only pituitary adenoma patients with abnormal visual field defects were selected. A total of 188 eyes from 113 patients assessed by visual field index (VFI) and 262 eyes from 155 patients assessed by mean deviation (MD) were enrolled in this study. Postoperative VFI, MD, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were evaluated and followed up. After classifying the patients into normal (>5%) and thin (<5%) RNFL groups, we investigated whether preoperative RNFL could predict visual field outcomes. We also observed how RNFL changes after surgery on a long-term basis. Both preoperative VFI and MD had a linear proportional relationship with preoperative RNFL thickness. Sustained improvement of the visual field was observed after surgery in both groups, and the degree of improvement over time in each group was similar. RNFL thickness continued to decrease until 36mo after surgery (80.2±13.3μm to 66.6±11.9μm) while visual field continued to improve (VFI, 61.8±24.5 to 84.3±15.4; MD, -12.9±7.3dB to -6.3±5.9dB). Patients with thin preoperative RNFL may experience visual recovery similar to those with normal preoperative RNFL; however, the probability of normalized visual fields was not comparable. RNFL thickness showed a strong correlation with preoperative visual field defect. Long-term follow-up observation revealed a discrepancy between anatomic and functional recovery.