Non-obstructive Group Research Articles

Clinical Significance of Preoperative Virtual Colonoscopy for Evaluation of the Proximal Colon in Patient With Obstructive Colorectal Cancer.

PurposeVirtual colonoscopy is the most recently developed tool for detecting colorectal cancers and polyps, but its effectiveness is limited. In our study, we compared the result of preoperative virtual colonoscopy to result of preoperative and postoperative colonoscopy. We evaluated also the accuracy of preoperative virtual colonoscopy in patients who had obstructive colorectal cancer that did not allow passage of a colonoscope.MethodsA total of 164 patients who had undergone preoperative virtual colonoscopy and curative surgery after the diagnosis of a colorectal adenocarcinoma between November 2008 and August 2013 were pooled. We compared the result of conventional colonoscopy with that of virtual colonoscopy in the nonobstructive group and the results of preoperative virtual colonoscopy with that of postoperative colonoscopy performed at 6 months after surgery in the obstructive group.ResultsOf the 164 patients, 108 were male and 56 were female patients. The mean age was 62.7 years. The average sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of virtual colonoscopy for all patients were 31.0%, 67.2%, and 43.8%, respectively. In the nonobstructive group, the average sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 36.6%, 66.2%, and 48.0%, respectively, whereas in the obstructive group, they were 2%, 72.4%, and 25.4%. Synchronous cancer was detected via virtual colonoscopy in 4 of the 164 patients.ConclusionVirtual colonoscopy may not be an effective method for the detection of proximal colon polyps, but it can be helpful in determining the therapeutic plan when its results are correlated with the results of other studies.

Pre- and post-bronchodilator airway obstruction are associated with similar clinical characteristics but different prognosis - report from a population-based study.

IntroductionAccording to guidelines, the diagnosis of COPD should be confirmed by post-bronchodilator (post-BD) airway obstruction on spirometry; however, in clinical practice, this is not always performed. The aim of this population-based study was to compare clinical characteristics and prognosis, assessed as mortality, between subjects with airway obstruction divided into pre- but not post-BD obstruction, post-BD airway obstruction (COPD), and subjects without airway obstruction.Materials and methodsIn 2002–2004, four adult population-based cohorts were reexamined with spirometry and structured interview. Subjects with airway obstruction, with a ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to (forced) vital capacity <0.70 (n=993), were identified together with sex- and age-matched referents (n=993). These subjects were further divided into subjects with pre- but not post-BD airway obstruction (pre- not post-BD obstruction) and subjects with post-BD airway obstruction (COPD). Mortality data were collected until December 31, 2014.ResultsOut of 993 subjects with airway obstruction, 736 (74%) had COPD and 257 (26%) pre- not post-BD obstruction. Any respiratory symptoms, allergic rhinitis, asthma, exacerbations, and comorbidities were equally common among subjects with COPD and pre- not post-BD obstruction, but less common among nonobstructive subjects. Mortality was highest among subjects with COPD and higher in men than in women. In both sexes, COPD, but not pre- not post-BD obstruction, was associated with an increased risk for death compared to those without airway obstruction. When COPD was divided into Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages, GOLD 2 and 3–4 had an increased risk for death when compared to the nonobstructive group, also when adjusted for common confounders and comorbidities such as heart disease, diabetes, and anxiety/depression.ConclusionEven though subjects with COPD and pre- not post-BD obstruction had fairly similar presentation of clinical characteristics, only those with COPD, specifically GOLD stage ≥2, had increased risk for death when compared with nonobstructive subjects.

Distribution and number of Cajal-like cells in testis tissue with azoospermia

We investigated the number and distribution of Cajal-like cells in patients with azoospermia. A total of 99 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia were divided into subgroups [19 patientsin hypospermatogenesis group (S1), 40 patients in maturation arrest group (S2), 20 patients in a Sertoli cell-only syndrome (S3), and 20 patients in a testicular atrophy and fibrosis group (S4)], and 20 patients with obstructive azoospermia group (S0). Sections stained with a c-kit antibody were studied by light microscopy to determine the number and distribution of Cajal-like cells in peritubular and perivascular areas of testis. The number of Cajal-like cells were higher in all the non-obstructive groups than in the obstructive group (S0: 2.43 cells/mm2, S1: 3.14 cells/mm2, S2: 4.00 cells/mm2, S3: 4.57 cells/mm2, S4: 3.86 cells/mm2) but statistically significantly different (p<0.05) in the S2 and S3 subgroups only. Distribution of Cajal-like cells were similar in all groups. The number and distribution of Cajal-like cells in non-obstructive groups suggest that these cells may affect spermatogenesis. This cellular type can be responsible for the regulation of cellular motility or spermatogenesis. Electrophysiological and electron microscopic studies are needed to better define morphology and function of Cajal-like cells in the testis, especially totally the normal testis tissue.

Safety profile and utility of treadmill exercise in patients with high-gradient hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Exercise echocardiography in the evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) provides valuable information for risk stratification, selection of optimal treatment, and prognostication. However, HCM patients with left ventricular outflow tract gradients ≥30mm Hg are often excluded from exercise testing because of safety considerations. We examined the safety and utility of exercise testing in patients with high-gradient HCM. We evaluated clinical characteristics, hemodynamics, and imaging variables in 499 consecutive patients with HCM who performed 959 exercise tests. Patients were divided based on peak left ventricular outflow tract gradients using a 30-mm Hg threshold into the following: obstructive (n=152), labile-obstructive (n=178), and nonobstructive (n=169) groups. There were no deaths during exercise testing. We noted 20 complications (2.1% of tests) including 3 serious ventricular arrhythmias (0.3% of tests). There was no difference in complication rate between groups. Patients with obstructive HCM had a higher frequency of abnormal blood pressure response (obstructive: 53% vs labile: obstructive: 41% and nonobstructive: 37%; P=.008). Obstructive patients also displayed a lower work capacity (obstructive: 8.4±3.4 vs labile obstructive: 10.9±4.2 and nonobstructive: 10.2±4.0, metabolic equivalent; P<.001). Exercise testing provided incremental information regarding sudden cardiac death risk in 19% of patients with high-gradient HCM, and we found a poor correlation between patient-reported functional class and work capacity. Our results suggest that exercise testing in HCM is safe, and serious adverse events are rare. Although numbers are limited, exercise testing in high-gradient HCM appears to confer no significant additional safety hazard in our selected cohort and could potentially provide valuable information.

Cut-off Value of Testosterone and FSH Level In Patient With Azoospermia

&lt;p&gt;Follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) and Testosterone are important for spermatogenesis. Increased serum FSH and decreased testosterone are related to abnormal spermatogenesis. Azoospermia can be classified as obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. This study aims to discover cut-off value of Testosterone and FSH in predicting obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. From 1064 patients, 120 fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 66.7% in obstructive with 33.3% in non-obstructive group. No difference in terms of age (36,83 vs 36,62 y.o). Testosterone were 405.54 &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;+&lt;/span&gt; 186.14 ng/dL vs 298.84 &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;+&lt;/span&gt; 161.45 ng/dL (p=0.002) while FSH was 8,53 &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;+&lt;/span&gt; 8,43 mIU/mL vs 20,12 &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;+&lt;/span&gt; 11,89 mIU/mL (p&amp;lt;0.001) for obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia respectively. Average testicular were 17.74 &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;+&lt;/span&gt; 4.03 cc and 17.50 &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;+&lt;/span&gt; 4.23 cc while in non-obstructive group are 12.97 &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;+&lt;/span&gt; 5.18 cc and 13.37 &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;+&lt;/span&gt; 5.31 cc for right and left testis respectively. FSH value above 10.36 mIU/mL has sensitivity 82.1% and specificity 79.5% for predicting non-obstructive azoospermia. Unfortunately, Testosterone could not be used in predicting azoospermia classification. Obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia could be predicted using FSH but not testosterone serum level. Higher testosterone population should be used for further study.&lt;/p&gt;

Tumor characteristics associated with malignant large bowel obstruction in stage IV colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Little is known about predictable clinical factors associated with the occurrence of malignant large bowel obstruction (MLBO) in incurable stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients undergoing medical treatment. This study investigates the clinical characteristics associated with MLBO that occurred while patients with stage IV CRC were receiving chemotherapy. A total of 216 patients who were diagnosed with stage IV CRC without bowel obstruction and who received chemotherapy between May 2005 and June 2012 were retrospectively included in this study. Patients were divided into an "obstruction group" and a "non-obstruction group" based on whether they did or did not develop MLBO during chemotherapy or follow-up, respectively. The initial endoscopic findings and clinical information were retrospectively reviewed and compared between the two groups. Forty-six patients (21.3%) developed MLBO during the treatment or follow-up periods. The mean duration between diagnosis and MLBO was 9.8±9.3months. After adjusting for clinically relevant factors, MLBO development was independently associated with the following factors: higher initial tumor-occupying circumference (HR 1.030 [95% CI, 1.012-1.049], P=0.001), longer initial horizontal tumor width (HR 1.035 [95% CI, 1.011-1.059], P=0.004), primary tumor location at a turning point in the colon (HR 2.404 [95% CI, 1.185-4.877], P=0.015), and the presence of primary tumor ulceration at presentation (HR 3.767 [95% CI, 1.882-7.538], P<0.001). MLBO development was not associated with tumor response to chemotherapy. In patients with stage IV CRC, MLBO development during chemotherapy treatment is associated with tumor ulceration, location, circumference, and width at diagnosis.

Longitudinal analysis of the lung microbiota of cynomolgous macaques during long-term SHIV infection.

BackgroundLongitudinal studies of the lung microbiome are challenging due to the invasive nature of sample collection. In addition, studies of the lung microbiome in human disease are usually performed after disease onset, limiting the ability to determine early events in the lung. We used a non-human primate model to assess lung microbiome alterations over time in response to an HIV-like immunosuppression and determined impact of the lung microbiome on development of obstructive lung disease. Cynomolgous macaques were infected with the SIV-HIV chimeric virus SHIV89.6P. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples were collected pre-infection and every 4 weeks for 53 weeks post-infection. The microbiota was characterized at each time point by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing.ResultsWe observed individual variation in the composition of the lung microbiota with a proportion of the macaques having Tropheryma whipplei as the dominant organism in their lungs. Bacterial communities varied over time both within and between animals, but there did not appear to be a systematic alteration due to SHIV infection. Development of obstructive lung disease in the SHIV-infected animals was characterized by a relative increase in abundance of oral anaerobes. Network analysis further identified a difference in community composition that accompanied the development of obstructive disease with negative correlations between members of the obstructed and non-obstructed groups. This emphasizes how species shifts can impact multiple other species, potentially resulting in disease.ConclusionsThis study is the first to investigate the dynamics of the lung microbiota over time and in response to immunosuppression in a non-human primate model. The persistence of oral bacteria in the lung and their association with obstruction suggest a potential role in pathogenesis. The lung microbiome in the non-human primate is a valuable tool for examining the impact of the lung microbiome in human health and disease.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40168-016-0183-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cohort study of perinatal outcomes of children born following surgical sperm recovery

There is a relative paucity of data on perinatal outcomes following Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection using surgically retrieved sperm. In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected on couples who conceived following Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection using surgically retrieved sperm from 1996 to 2014. Outcome measures included live birth, miscarriage, congenital abnormality, birthweight, gestation at delivery, stillbirth and neonatal death. Outcome measures were compared according to male diagnosis and sperm source. Live birth rates were similar between groups (obstructive azoospermia 90%, non-obstructive azoospermia 83%, p = 0.55). There was a trend towards higher miscarriage rates in the non-obstructive azoospermia group (17% versus 9%, p = 0.45). Other perinatal outcomes were similar between groups. In those with obstructive azoospermia, live birth rates were similar regardless of source of sperm (epididymal 89%, testicular 91%, p = 0.79). Median gestation at delivery was earlier in the epididymal sperm group (39 weeks versus 40 weeks, p = 0.02). Other perinatal outcomes were unaffected by sperm source. Overall these results are reassuring, suggesting high live birth rates regardless of diagnosis or sperm source, although there may be higher miscarriage rates in cases of non-obstructive azoospermia. Other perinatal outcomes were not affected by diagnosis or sperm source.

Urinary Emmprin, matrix metalloproteinase 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 as potential biomarkers in children with ureteropelvic junction narrowing on conservative treatment

Rapid diagnosis and initiation of the treatment on congenital obstructive nephropathy are important for young children to slow down renal injury. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of urinary extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (Emmprin), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) in the long-term follow-up of children with ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) narrowing on conservative treatment. The study included 40 children with non-obstructed hydronephrosis due to unilateral UPJ narrowing who were treated conservatively and followed up for 24 months. Voided urine samples were collected at diagnosis and at 3, 9, 15 and 24 months of follow-up, respectively. Three enzymes concentrations were measured in urine. During the follow-up, 25 children showed renal function stabilization (non-obstructed group) and 15 children renal function deterioration (obstructed group). In the non-obstructed group, a comparison between urine three enzymes levels at the last follow-up and at baseline showed no significant differences (all P > 0.05). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and split renal function (SRF) showed similar trends. In the obstructed group, a comparison between the three enzymes levels at diagnosis and at basal condition showed a significant increase (all P < 0.01). But GFR and SRF showed a marked reduction at diagnosis (all P < 0.001). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analyses revealed a better diagnostic profile for uEmmprin, uMMP-9 and uTIMP-1 in identifying children with abnormal SRF (<40%) at 24 months of follow-up [area under the curve (AUC) 0.877, 0.727 and 0.823, respectively]. Urinary Emmprin, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 may be noninvasive potential biomarkers that could be used for long-term follow-up of children with UPJ narrowing on conservative treatment to determine those who might develop obstruction.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea during Pregnancy and the Morbidity Outcome

Obstructive Sleep Apnea during Pregnancy and the Morbidity Outcome Background: There is an increasing concern that obstructive sleep apnea is a risk factor of a poor pregnancy outcome. Our research design used polysomnography, which gives an objective measurement in defining obstructive sleep apnea in non-high risk pregnancy. This study was carried out to measure the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in pregnancy and show whether obstructive sleep apnea is a risk factor of poor pregnancy outcome. Methods: A prospective cohort study had been carried out at Chiang Mai University Hospital. 50 pregnancy women who received antenatal care at Chiang-Mai University hospital were included in the study. All subjects were assessed by physical examination and polysomnography at GA 28th-32nd weeks and were followed until the end of the pregnancy to see the difference in poor pregnancy outcomes in the obstructive sleep apnea and non-obstructive sleep apnea group. Results: The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in pregnancy was 12%. Obstructive sleep apnea related to overall more poor pregnancy outcomes (RR=7.33(2.45-21.86), p=0.004), more preterm labor (RR=22.0(2.70-178.99), p-0.004), more preeclampsia (p=0.012). Conclusions: Obstructive sleep apnea was a high risk in pregnancy and should be screened for with multidisciplinary team cooperation, to establish the diagnosis and treatment to enhance maternal and child health

Genetic deletion of soluble epoxide hydrolase attenuates inflammation and fibrosis in experimental obstructive nephropathy.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is abundantly expressed in kidney and plays a potent role in regulating inflammatory response in inflammatory diseases. However, the role of sEH in progression of chronic kidney diseases such as obstructive nephropathy is still elusive. In current study, wild-type (WT) and sEH deficient (sEH −/−) mice were subjected to the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) surgery and the kidney injury was evaluated by histological examination, western blotting, and ELISA. The protein level of sEH in kidney was increased in UUO-treated mice group compared to nonobstructed group. Additionally, UUO-induced hydronephrosis, renal tubular injury, inflammation, and fibrosis were ameliorated in sEH −/− mice with the exception of glomerulosclerosis. Moreover, sEH −/− mice with UUO showed lower levels of inflammation-related and fibrosis-related protein such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, collagen 1A1, and α-actin. The levels of superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide as well as NADPH oxidase activity were also decreased in UUO kidneys of sEH −/− mice compared to that observed in WT mice. Collectively, our findings suggest that sEH plays an important role in the pathogenesis of experimental obstructive nephropathy and may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of obstructive nephropathy-related diseases.

Provocation of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction using nitrate inhalation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Relation to electromechanical delay.

Background: Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOT) is an independent predictor of adverse outcome in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). It is of major importance that the provocation modalities used are validated against each other. Aim: To define the magnitude of LVOT gradients provocation during both isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) inhalation and treadmill exercise in non-obstructive HCM and analyze the correlation to the electromechanical delay using speckle tracking. Methods: We studied 39 HCM pts (64% males, mean age 38 ± 13 years) regional LV longitudinal strain and electromechanical delay (TTP) was analyzed at rest using speckle tracking. LVOT gradient was measured at rest and after ISDN then patients underwent a treadmill exercise echocardiography (EE) and LVOT gradient was measured at peak exercise. Results: The maximum effect of ISDN on LVOT gradient was obtained at 5 minutes, it increased to a significant level in 12 (31%) patients, and in 14 (36%) patients using EE, with 85.6% sensitivity & 100% specificity. Patients with latent obstruction had larger left atrial volume and lower E/A ratio compared to the non-obstructive group (p < 0.01). LVOTG using ISDN was significantly correlated with that using EE (p < 0.0001), resting LVOTG (p < 0.0001), SAM (p < 0.0001), EF% (p < 0.02) and regional electromechanical delay but not related to global LV longitudinal strain. Using multivariate regression, resting LVOTG (p = 0.006) & TTP mid septum (p = 0.01) were found to be independent predictors of latent LVOT obstruction using ISDN. Conclusion: There is a comparable diagnostic value of nitrate inhalation to exercise testing in provocation of LVOT obstruction in HCM. Latent obstruction is predominantly dependent on regional electromechanical delay.

Non-Obstructive Müllerian Anomalies

BackgroundThe nonobstructive group of anatomic variants involving the reproductive tract includes vaginal agenesis as well as the congenital anomalies of the vagina and uterus, occurring without pain during the pubertal years. ObjectiveThe objective is to discuss the non-obstructive morphologic variations in anatomy of the uterus and vagina. DesignSystematic review using the GRADE system. ResultsThese congenital anomalies are not associated with abnormalities of the external genitalia and therefore may be missed on routine physical examination. When these anomalies do cause symptoms they may be as minor as difficulty with menstrual hygiene or more significant such as primary amenorrhea, dyspareunia, recurrent pregnancy loss, and reproductive complications. ConclusionsWomen with non-obstructive reproductive tract anomalies present at various ages due to the asymptomatic nature or late symptom onset of certain conditions. An MRI is the gold standard in evaluation of such conditions to aid in confirming the müllerian variant. Each condition requires careful counseling because obstetric and gynecologic risks and consequences may differ. Treatment is individualized in cases of uterovaginal agenesis with both nonsurgical and surgical options available for neovagina creation. In cases of uterine or vaginal septae, the treatment timing may vary depending on patient history. Finally, in cases of non-obstructive communicating uterine horns, the risk of ectopic pregnancy is high in the remnant horn. Should a pregnancy occur in this small underdeveloped horn, therefore, excision is recommended.

Effect of bowel obstruction on stage IV colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with a high mortality rate, particularly among patients with advanced-stage disease complicated by bowel obstruction. The present study aimed to investigate the value of different surgical procedures and potential predictors of survival for patients with stage IV CRC, with or without bowel obstruction. Between August, 1994 and December, 2005, a total of 2,950 CRC patients were diagnosed and treated at our hospital. Among these, 381 patients had stage IV disease and were divided into two groups according to the presence (n=295) or absence (n=86) of bowel obstruction. The clinical data of all the patients with stage IV CRC were retrospectively analyzed and all the patients were followed up. Our results demonstrated statistically significant differences in gender, radical resection, histological type, ascites, tumor location, peritoneal and liver metastases between the obstruction and non-obstruction groups. We also observed that hepatic metastases and radical resection were factors associated with prognosis according to the univariate and multivariate analyses. Furthermore, the mean/median survival time was 49.4/21.6 and 37.2/17.1 months in the non-obstruction and obstruction groups, respectively. In conclusion, obstruction was not found to be an independent indicator of survival for patients with stage IV CRC, with patients in the obstruction group exhibiting a worse overall survival compared to those in the non-obstruction group, whereas active radical surgery significantly improved the prognosis of patients with stage IV CRC.

Comparative study of postoperative complications in patients with and without an obstruction who had left-sided colorectal cancer and underwent a single-stage operation after mechanical bowel preparation.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to compare postoperative complications for single-stage surgery after mechanical bowel preparation in patients who experienced obstruction and those who did not.MethodsFrom 2000 to 2011, 1,224 patients underwent a single-stage operation for left colorectal cancer after bowel preparation. Nonobstruction (NOB) and obstruction (OB) colorectal cancer patients were 1,053 (86.0%) and 171 (14.0%), respectively. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were compared between groups.ResultsThe OB group had poor preoperative conditions (age, white blood cell, hemoglobin, albumin level, and advanced tumor stage) compared with the NOB group (P < 0.05). Mean on-table lavage time for the OB group was 17.5 minutes (range, 14-60 minutes). Mean operation time for the OB group was statistically longer than that of the NOB group (OB: 210 minutes; range, 120-480 minutes vs. NOB: 180 minutes; range, 60-420 minutes; P < 0.001). Overall morbidity was similar between groups (NOB: 19.7% vs. OB: 23.4%, P = 0.259). Major morbidity was more common in the OB group than in the NOB group, but the difference was without significance (OB: 11.7% vs. NOB: 7.6%, P = 0.070). Postoperative death occurred in 16 patients (1.3%), and death in the OB group (n = 7) was significantly higher than it was in the NOB group (n = 9) (4.1% vs. 0.9%, P = 0.001). Twelve patients had surgical complications, which were the leading cause of postoperative death: postoperative bleeding in five patients and leakage in seven patients.ConclusionPostoperative morbidity for a single-stage operation for obstructive left colorectal cancer is comparable to that for NOB, regardless of poor conditions of the patient.

Surgical treatment of obstructed left-sided colorectal cancer patients.

sibly associated with adverse oncologic outcomes compared with nonobstructed elective surgery [4]. Increasing amounts of data suggest that a primary anastomosis without a bowel preparation or with an on-table lavage, with or without a diverting ileostomy, may be equally safe. The postoperative morbidity for a single-stage operation with intraoperative lavage with a new intraoperative colonic irrigator (Dalim Co., Seoul, Korea) for obstructive left colorectal cancer was comparable to that for nonobstruction left colorectal cancer [5]. However, the postoperative mortality in the obstruction group was significantly higher than it was in the nonobstruction group [6]. A number of studies have demonstrated the safety and the efficacy of on-table colonic lavage for avoiding a colostomy without increasing the leakage rate (<5%) or the sepsis rate [7]. I usually do the primary anastomosis after irrigation of the proximal colon with a 24-Fr Foley catheter through the appendectomy stump in patients with a left-sided colon-cancer obstruction. However, I think if the bowel looks compromised or if the patient is unstable, malnourished, or immunosuppressed, a resection with diversion remains safe. If a suitable strategy for managing obstructed left-sided colorectal-cancer patients is to be established, further randomized controlled studies on the surgical morbidity and the oncologic outcome between the bridge to surgery using a stent and a singlestage operation with intraoperative lavage are needed.

Visual Assessment of CT Findings in Smokers With Nonobstructed Spirometric Abnormalities in the COPDGene® Study

Within the COPD Genetic Epidemiology (COPDGene®) study population of cigarette smokers, 9% were found to be unclassifiable by the Global Initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. This study was to identify the differences in computed tomography (CT) findings between this nonobstructed (GOLDU) group and a control group of smokers with normal lung function. This research was approved by the institutional review board of each institution. CT images of 400 participants in the COPDGene® study (200 GOLDU, 200 smokers with normal lung function) were retrospectively evaluated in a blinded fashion. Visual CT assessment included lobar analysis of emphysema (type, extent), presence of paraseptal emphysema, airway wall thickening, expiratory air trapping, centrilobular nodules, atelectasis, non-fibrotic and fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD), pleural thickening, diaphragmatic eventration, vertebral body changes and internal thoracic diameters (in mm). Univariate comparisons of groups for each CT parameter and multiple logistic regression were performed to determine the imaging features associated with GOLDU. When compared with the control group, GOLDU participants had a significantly higher prevalence of unilateral diaphragm eventration (30% vs. 16%), airway wall thickening, centrilobular nodules, reticular abnormality, paraseptal emphysema (33% vs. 17%), linear atelectasis (60% vs. 35.6%), kyphosis (12% vs. 4%), and a smaller internal transverse thoracic diameter (255 ± 22.5 [standard deviation] vs. 264.8 ± 22.4, mm) (all p<0.05). With multiple logistic regression, all of these CT parameters, except non-fibrotic ILD and kyphosis, remained significantly associated with GOLDU status (p<0.05). In cigarette smokers, chest wall abnormalities and parenchymal lung disease, which contribute to restrictive physiologic impairment, are associated with GOLD-nonobstructed status.

Visual Assessment of CT Findings in Smokers With Nonobstructed Spirometric Abnormalities in The COPDGene® Study.

Within the COPD Genetic Epidemiology (COPDGene®) study population of cigarette smokers, 9% were found to be unclassifiable by the Global Initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. This study was to identify the differences in computed tomography (CT) findings between this nonobstructed (GOLDU) group and a control group of smokers with normal lung function. This research was approved by the institutional review board of each institution. CT images of 400 participants in the COPDGene® study (200 GOLDU, 200 smokers with normal lung function) were retrospectively evaluated in a blinded fashion. Visual CT assessment included lobar analysis of emphysema (type, extent), presence of paraseptal emphysema, airway wall thickening, expiratory air trapping, centrilobular nodules, atelectasis, non-fibrotic and fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD), pleural thickening, diaphragmatic eventration, vertebral body changes and internal thoracic diameters (in mm). Univariate comparisons of groups for each CT parameter and multiple logistic regression were performed to determine the imaging features associated with GOLDU. When compared with the control group, GOLDU participants had a significantly higher prevalence of unilateral diaphragm eventration (30% vs. 16%), airway wall thickening, centrilobular nodules, reticular abnormality, paraseptal emphysema (33% vs. 17%), linear atelectasis (60% vs. 35.6%), kyphosis (12% vs. 4%), and a smaller internal transverse thoracic diameter (255 ± 22.5 [standard deviation] vs. 264.8 ± 22.4, mm) (all p<0.05). With multiple logistic regression, all of these CT parameters, except non-fibrotic ILD and kyphosis, remained significantly associated with GOLDU status (p<0.05). In cigarette smokers, chest wall abnormalities and parenchymal lung disease, which contribute to restrictive physiologic impairment, are associated with GOLD-nonobstructed status.

Clinical study of 67 cases of endometriosis coexisting with genital tract anomalies

To investigate the pathogenesis of endometriosis by studying endometriosis coexisting with variable genital tract anomalies and analysis the association between obstructive or non-obstructive anomalies with endometriosis. From January 2000 to April 2010, a total of 67 cases of endometriosis coexisting with genital tract anomalies undergoing treatment in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were studied retrospectively. According to subtypes of concurrent genital tract anomalies, 67 cases were divided into 19 cases in obstructive group and 48 cases in non-obstructive group.(1) Age and symptoms:the mean age were (22 ± 8) years in obstructive group and (32 ± 7) years in non-obstructive group, which reached statistical difference (P < 0.05). The major symptoms were dysmenorrheal or chronic pelvic pain (14/19) and amenorrhea (8/19) in obstructive group.However, in non-obstructive group, the major symptoms were dysmenorrheal or chronic pelvic pain (31%, 15/48) and infertility (35%, 17/48) and abortion (21%, 10/48).(2) Degree and incidence of endometriosis:the moderate or severe endometriosis was 11/19 in obstructive group and 40% (19/48) in non-obstructive group, which did not show statistical difference (P > 0.05). The incidence of peritoneal endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis, adenomyosis did not show significant difference between two groups (all P > 0.05). The rate of moderate or severe endometriosis coexisting with duplex uterus, uterus bicornis and uterus septus did not show significant difference in non-obstructive group (P > 0.05). The severity of endometriosis showed no association with obstructive anomalies. The results implied that there might be other factors involved in pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Diagnosis of Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Men Using a Near-infrared Spectroscopy Instrument as the Noninvasive Monitor for Bladder Function

To investigate the feasibility and accuracy of the diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in men using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a noninvasive monitor. The study included 94 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms owing to benign prostatic hyperplasia. All patients underwent uroflow rate and post-void residual (PVR) followed by NIRS assessment of BOO and pressure-flow study for diagnosis. The results of the NIRS were compared with that of the pressure-flow study. The data of 87 patients were finally enrolled in this study. According to the BOO judged by the NIRS, the 87 patients were divided into an obstruction group (52 cases) and a nonobstruction group (35 cases). The differences in the Abrams-Griffiths number, the linear passive urethral resistance relation value, and urethral resistance factor value between the 2 groups were significant (P ≤.001), indicating the practical significance of the NIRS method in the diagnosis of BOO. Further analysis showed the following: (1) the NIRS has a sensitivity of approximately 68.3%, specificity of 62.5%, and average diagnosis coincidence rate of 66.7% compared with the "gold standards"-Abrams-Griffiths number, and (2) the sensitivity (68.3%) and the coincidence rate (66.7%) of the NIRS diagnosis for BOO were significantly higher than the sensitivity (33.3%) and the coincidence rate (48.3%) of the examination method of free uroflow rate + PVR. Compared with the "maximum uroflow rate (Qmax) + PVR", NIRS can be more accurate and noninvasive for the diagnosis of BOO in men; this approach provides a new noninvasive method of high clinical value.