Strategies for ABO-incompatible liver transplantation / 器官移植

With rapid development of organ transplantation, the issue of global organ shortage has become increasingly prominent. At present, liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage liver disease. Nevertheless, the shortage of donors has been a key problem restricting the development of liver transplantation. China is a country with a larger number of hepatitis B, and the shortage of donor liver is particularly significant. Many critically ill patients often lose the best opportunity or even die because they cannot obtain a matched donor liver in time. As a strategy to expand the donor pool, ABO-incompatible (ABOi) liver transplantation offers new options for patients who are waiting for matched donors. However, ABOi liver transplantation is highly controversial due to higher risk of complications, such as severe infection, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), biliary complications, thrombotic microangiopathy, and acute kidney injury, etc. In this article, research progress in preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative strategies of ABOi liver transplantation was reviewed, aiming to provide reference for clinical application and research of ABOi liver transplantation.

Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with bilateral arm training on upper limb motor function of stroke patients / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with bilateral arm training (BAT) on upper limb motor function of hemiplegic stroke patients. MethodsFrom January, 2021 to January, 2022，105 stroke patients from Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were randomly divided into taVNS group (n = 35), BAT group (n = 35) and combined group (n = 35). All the patients received routine rehabilitation, while taVNS group received taVNS, BAT group received BAT, and the combined group received both taVNS and BAT, for eight weeks. The root mean square (RMS) of surface electromyography in deltoid, triceps brachii and extensor carpi was measured, and the scores of Box and Block Test (BBT), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) were obtained before and after treatment. ResultsThe RMS of all these muscles, and the scores of BBT and FMA-UE improved in all the three groups after treatment (|t| > 6.124, P < 0.001), and they were improved the most in the combined group (F > 18.162, P < 0.001). ConclusionBoth taVNS and BAT can enhance the muscle strength on the affected upper limb, increase the hand flexibility, and improve upper limb motor function of stroke patients, while the combination of both methods is more effective.

Effect of low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with bilateral isokinematic training on upper limb motor function of stroke patients / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with bilateral isokinematic training (BIT) on upper limb motor function and activities of daily living of stroke patients. MethodsFrom September, 2021 to September, 2022, 60 stroke inpatients in Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were randomly divided into rTMS group (n = 20), BIT group (n = 20) and combination group (n = 20). All the patients accepted routine rehabilitation, moreover, rTMS group accepted 1 Hz rTMS on healthy side, BIT group accepted BIT, and the combination group accepted the combination of 1 Hz rTMS on healthy side and BIT, for four weeks. They were evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Carroll Upper Extremities Function Test (UEFT) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after treatment. ResultsThe scores of FMA-UE, WMFT, UEFT and MBI significantly improved in all the groups after treatment (|t| > 5.052, P < 0.001), and improved the most in the combination group (F > 9.834, P < 0.001). ConclusionBoth low-frequency rTMS and BIT can effectively improve upper limb motor function and activities of daily living of stroke patients, and the combination of them is more effective.

High expression of death-associated protein 5 promotes glucose metabolism in gastric cancer cells and correlates with poor survival outcomes / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the prognostic value of death-associated protein 5 (DAP5) in gastric cancer (GC) and its regulatory effect on aerobic glycolysis in GC cells.@*METHODS@#We analyzed DAP5 expression levels in GC and adjacent tissues and its association with survival outcomes of GC patients using public databases. We collected paired samples of GC and adjacent tissues from 102 patients undergoing radical resection of GC in our hospital from June, 2012 to July, 2017, and analyzed the correlation of DAP5 expression level detected immunohistochemically with the clinicopathological parameters of the patients. Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and ROC curves were used to explore the independent risk factors and the predictive value of DAP5 expression for 5-year survival of the patients. In the cell experiments, we observed the changes in aerobic glycolysis in MGC-803 cells following lentivirus-mediated DAP5 knockdown or overexpression by measuring glucose uptake and cellular lactate level and using qRT-PCR and Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Analysis using the public databases showed that DAP5 was highly expressed in GC and correlated with tumor progression and poor survival outcomes of the patients (P < 0.05). In the clinical samples, DAP5 expression was significantly higher in GC than in the adjacent tissues (3.19±0.60 vs 1.00±0.12; t=36.863, P < 0.01), and a high expression of DAP5 was associated with a reduced 5-year survival rate of the patients (17.6% vs 72.5%; χ2=29.921, P < 0.05). A high DAP5 expression, T3-4, N2-3, and CEA≥5 ng/mL were identified as independent risk factors affecting 5-year survival outcomes of GC (P < 0.05), for which DAP5 expression showed a prediction sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 73.2%, 80.4% and 79.0%, respectively. In MGC-803 cells, DAP5 knockdown significantly reduced glucose uptake, lactate level and the expressions of GLUT1, HK2 and LDHA, and DAP5 overexpression produced the opposite effects (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#A high expression of DAP5 in GC, which enhances cellular aerobic glycolysis to promote cancer progression, is correlated with a poor survival outcome and may serve as a biomarker for evaluating long-term prognosis of GC patients.

Pachymic acid protects against Crohn's disease-like intestinal barrier injury and colitis in miceby suppressingintestinal epithelial cell apoptosis via inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of pachymic acid (PA) against TNBS-induced Crohn's disease (CD)-like colitis in mice and explore the possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#Twenty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomized equally into control group, TNBS-induced colitis model group and PA treatment group. PA treatment was administered via intraperitoneal injection at the daily dose of 5 mg/kg for 7 days, and the mice in the control and model groups were treated with saline. After the treatments, the mice were euthanized for examination of the disease activity index (DAI) of colitis, body weight changes, colon length, intestinal inflammation, intestinal barrier function and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, and the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the colonic mucosa were detected using ELISA. The possible treatment targets of PA in CD were predicted by network pharmacology. String platform and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software were used to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. David database was used to analyze the GO function and KEGG pathway; The phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT in the colonic mucosal was detected with Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#PA significantly alleviated colitis in TNBS-treated mice as shown by improvements in the DAI, body weight loss, colon length, and histological inflammation score and lowered levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. PA treatment also significantly improved FITC-dextran permeability, serum I-FABP level and colonic transepithelial electrical resistance, and inhibited apoptosis of the intestinal epithelial cells in TNBS-treated mice. A total of 248 intersection targets were identified between PA and CD, and the core targets included EGFR, HRAS, SRC, MMP9, STAT3, AKT1, CASP3, ALB, HSP90AA1 and HIF1A. GO and KEGG analysis showed that PA negatively regulated apoptosis in close relation with PI3K/AKT signaling. Molecular docking showed that PA had a strong binding ability with AKT1, ALB, EGFR, HSP90AA1, SRC and STAT3. In TNBS-treated mice, PA significantly decreased p-PI3K and p-AKT expressions in the colonic mucosa.@*CONCLUSION@#PA ameliorates TNBS-induced intestinal barrier injury in mice by antagonizing apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells possibly by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling.

Effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on premotor cortex on upper limb motor function in patients with severe stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) on premotor cortex (PMC) on upper limb motor function in patients with severe stroke. MethodsFrom June, 2021 to December, 2022, 60 patients with severe stroke in Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were randomly divided into control group (n = 20), primary motor cortex (M1) group (n = 20) and PMC group (n = 20). All the groups accepted routine rehabilitation treatment, while the control group accepted atDCS pseudo stimulation to the focus side PMC, M1 group accepted atDCS to the focus side M1, and PMC group accepted atDCS to the focus side PMC, for six weeks. Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), the surface electromyography root mean square (RMS) ratio of affected/unaffected side of triceps and extensor carpus were used to evaluate the efficacy before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of FMA-UE and WMFT, and RMS ratio of triceps and extensor carpus significantly increased in all the groups (|t| > 2.458, P < 0.05), and were better in PMC group than in the other two groups (F > 4.084, P < 0.05). ConclusionatDCS on PMC could improve the overall function of upper limb in patients with severe stroke.

Application of wireless analgesic system in pain management after thoracoscopic lung resection: A retrospective cohort study with large sample / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To investigate the effect of intravenous analgesia with a wireless or traditional analgesia pump system in thoracoscopic lung resection. Methods     Patients who used the patient-controlled intravenous analgesia after thoracoscopic lung resection between June 2016 and June 2021 were enrolled in the study. They were allocated into a wireless pump group (a ZigBee-based wireless analgesia pump system collecting data automatically) and a traditional analgesia pump group. Perioperative analgesia management followed the routine standard operation protocol of Shanghai Chest Hospital. The patients’ numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) scores were collected for analysis from the Anesthesia Information Record System. The incidence of postoperative analgesia insufficiency (defined as NRS≥4 points) within 48 h, the incidence of PONV within 24 h, and the 48 h completion rate of analgesia pump infusion were compared. Results    A total of 59 431 patients were collected, including 24 855 males and 34 576 females, 17 209 patients in the wireless pump group, and 42 222 patients in the traditional analgesia pump group. The incidence of analgesia insufficiency within 48 h after operation (3.75% vs. 4.98%, P=0.007), the incidence of PONV within 24 h after operation (13.60% vs. 16.70%, P=0.030) in the wireless pump group were lower than those in the traditional analgesia pump group. The 48 h completion rate of analgesia pump infusion in the wireless pump group was higher than that in the traditional analgesia pump group (83.40% vs. 71.90%, P<0.001). The wireless pump group could monitor the pressing times and use of the analgesia pump, while the traditional analgesia pump group could not record the relevant data. Conclusion    Compared with the traditional analgesia pump, the wireless analgesia management system may be convenient for timely, accurate and individualized management, and has good analgesic effect and low incidence of adverse reactions, and may be more suitable for perioperative analgesia management.

Pancreatic duct stent combined with indomethacin suppository for prevention of pancreatitis after difficult bile duct intubation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To explore the preventive effects of pancreatic duct stent combined with rectal administration of indomethacin suppository for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) after difficult bile duct intubation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).Methods:From January 2019 to December 2021, patients with biliary and pancreatic diseases undergoing ERCP in Hangzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University were given 100 mg indomethacin suppository to anal canal 30 minutes before the operation. And those with difficult bile duct intubation during the operation ( n=204) were included in this study. According to the random number table, they were divided into the combination group (implanted with pancreatic duct stent during the operation, n=104) and the indomethacin group (not implanted with stent, n=100). The incidences of hyperamylasemia and PEP were compared between the two groups. Results:The incidences of postoperative hyperamylasemia [21.2% (22/104) VS 34.0% (34/100), χ2=4.22, P=0.040] and PEP [14.4% (15/104) VS 32.0% (32/100), χ2=8.88, P=0.003] in the combination group were significantly lower than those in the indomethacin group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of severe PEP between the two groups [1.0% (1/104) VS 1.0% (1/100), χ2=0.001, P=0.978]. Conclusion:Compared with rectal administration of indomethacin suppository alone, the incidences of hyperamylasemia and PEP after difficult bile duct intubation during ERCP can be further reduced when it is combined with pancreatic duct stent placement.

Comparison of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography assisted with colonoscope and enteroscope in patients with history of Roux-en-Y anastomosis (with video) / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) assisted with colonoscope and enteroscope in patients with history of Roux-en-Y anastomosis.Methods:A retrospective study was performed on the data of 70 patients who underwent ERCP assisted with standard colonoscope or single balloon enteroscope after Roux-en-Y reconstruction in Hangzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2017 to December 2020. Patients were divided into the standard colonoscopy group ( n=43) and the single balloon enteroscopy group ( n=27) according to endoscopy. The success rates of insertion, intubation and ERCP, and incidence of complications were compared. Results:A total of 81 ERCP procedures were performed in 70 patients. The insertion success rates of the standard colonoscopy group and the single balloon enteroscopy group were 91.8% (45/49) and 78.1% (25/32), respectively, showing no significant difference ( χ2=2.04, P=0.153). The success rates of primitive papilla intubation in the two groups were 74.1% (20/27) and 1/6, showing significant difference ( P=0.016). The ERCP success rates of the standard colonoscopy group and the single balloon enteroscopy group were 75.5% (37/49) and 59.4% (19/32), showing no significant difference ( χ2=2.36, P=0.124). The post operative complication incidences of the standard colonoscopy group and the single balloon enteroscopy group were 4.1% (2/49) and 9.4% (3/32), showing no significant difference ( χ2=0.25, P=0.620). Conclusion:ERCP assisted with standard colonoscope and single balloon enteroscope is safe and effective in patients after Roux-en-Y anastomosis. Standard colonoscopic ERCP can become an endoscopy solution for patients with biliary tract disease after Roux-en-Y reconstruction.

The application of restricted kinematic alignment in total knee arthroplasty / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and therapeutic effect of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with cruciate-retaining (CR) prosthesis by using FEM-X1 femoral extramedullary positioning instrument based on the theory of restricted kinematic alignment (rKA).Methods:Thirty five cases who underwent total knee arthroplasty in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from November 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 7 males and 28 females with an average age of 71± 8 years (ranging from 55 to 85 years) Following the guidance of rKA alignment, the FEM-X1 femoral extramedullary positioning instrument was used for TKA with CR prosthesis. Before the operation, the full-length lower limb radiographs of both anteroposterior and lateral views were taken in a standing position for preoperative assessment of lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA). According to the principle of rKA alignment, the target LDFA, MPTA and HKA were calculated. The proximal end of tibia and distal end of femur were cut using extramedullary positioning instrument respectively. The posterior femoral condyle was cut according to the tibial plateau and mediolateral soft tissue tension. The prosthesis was installed after osteotomy. The release of collateral ligaments, PCL function, release of PCL, patellofemoral trajectory, release of patellofemoral support band, the amount of blood loss and time of operation were recorded. Postoperative LDFA, MPTA, HKA, and posterior slope angle of tibial prosthesis were measured on X-ray images. The Knee Society Score (KSS) was used for functional evaluation.Results:Thirty five cases of TKA with CR prosthesis following rKA alignment were successfully completed. The operation time was 100 (90, 110) min, and the blood loss was 100 (100, 200) ml. 30 of them were followed up for 12.5±0.7 months (ranging from 12 to 14 months). The pre-operative and post-operative LDFA were 1.0°(-2.0°, 4.0°), 0°(-2.0°, 2.0°), MPTA were -4.0°(-5.0°, -1.0°), -2.0°(-3.0°, -1.0°), HKA were -3.0°(-3.0°, -1.0°), -2.0°(-3.0°, -1.0°). There was no significant difference between the three angles before and after operation ( Z=-0.89, P=0.372; Z=1.87, P=0.061; Z=1.03, P=0.302). The average posterior tibial slope was 5°(3°, 7°). At the follow-up of one year, the KSS clinical score was 94(92, 97) and functional score was 80(70, 90) in 30 cases. During the operation, PCL was released in 1 case because of excessive tension; and lateral retinacular release was performed in 1 case because of poor patellofemoral track. Conclusion:ITKA with CR prosthesis by using the extramedullary positioning instrument on the theory of rKA alignment showed a good clinical outcome at a short follow up.

Evaluation of functional tricuspid regurgitant valves and right heart structural and functional changes by four-dimensional auto quantitative techniques / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To comprehensively evaluate the tricuspid valve, right heart anatomical characteristics and related dynamic parameters in patients with different degrees of functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) using four-dimensional auto tricuspid valve quantitative(4D Auto TVQ), four-dimensional auto right ventricle quantitative(4D Auto RVQ), and four-dimensional auto left atrium quantitative(4D Auto LAQ), and to investigate the structural and functional changes of the tricuspid valve and right heart in them.Methods:Sixty-three patients with FTR diagnosed by echocardiography at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from February to July 2022 were prospectively selected as the case group, including 30 patients with mild FTR and 33 patients with moderate or above FTR, and 30 healthy subjects were selected as the control group. Transthoracic echocardiography was used for two-dimensional and three-dimensional image acquisition of the heart. The tricuspid regurgitation volume, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), right ventricular global strain (RVGS) were measured by 2D images, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) were measured from the tricuspid regurgitation pressure difference. The 3D images were imported into EchoPAC 204 to obtain the tricuspid valve, right heart structure and related dynamic parameters. The annulus area (AA), annulus perimeter(AP), spherical index (SI), annulus area change fraction (AC), coaptation point height (CPH), and tenting volume (TV) were measured by 4D Auto TVQ. The right atrial maximum volume (RAVmax) and right atrial minimum volume (RAVmin) were measured by 4D Auto LAQ. Right ventricular end-diastolic volume (RVEDV), right ventricular end-systolic volume (RVESV), right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were measured by 4D Auto RVQ. After standardizing the dimension parameters with body surface area (BSA), the differences in the above parameters were compared between the three groups, the correlation between regurgitant volume and each parameter was compared by correlation analysis, and the independent factors of increased tricuspid regurgitant volume were investigated by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.Results:There were statistically significant differences in PASP, AA/BSA, AP/BSA, AC, TV, RAVmax/BSA, RAVmin/BSA, RVFAC, RVGS, and TAPSE between the three groups (all P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in LVEF, CPH, RVEDV/BSA, and RVESV/BSA in the moderate and above FTR group compared with the control and mild FTR groups (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that RAVmin was the most highly correlated with tricuspid regurgitant volume ( r=0.875, P<0.001) and TV and end-systolic annulus area(ESAA) were highly correlated with tricuspid regurgitant volume ( r=0.747, 0.683; both P<0.001) in patients with FTR. Multifactorial linear regression showed that RAVmin, TV and regurgitant volume were independently positively correlated (β=0.721, 0.205; both P<0.05). Conclusions:The four quantification technique can provide valid structural and functional information by quantifying the tricuspid valve as well as the right heart in patients with FTR, and RAVmin and TV are independent correlates of increased tricuspid regurgitant volume.

Effect of multimodal mirror therapy on upper limb and hand function for stroke patients / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of multimodal mirror therapy on upper limb and hand function in stroke patients. MethodsFrom April, 2021 to August, 2022, 60 stroke patients from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were randomly divided into group A (n = 20), group B (n = 20) and group C (n = 20). All the patients accepted routine rehabilitation, while group B accepted mirror therapy, and group C accepted multimodal mirror therapy, in addition, for six weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), Upper Extremity Function Test (UEFT) and modified Barthel Index (MBI), while the maximum grip strength and pinch strength of the affected hand were measured. ResultsThe FMA-UE score, UEFT score, maximum hand grip strength and pinch strength, and MBI scores improved in all groups after treatment (|t| > 7.878, P < 0.001), and it was the most in group C (F > 12.563, P < 0.001). ConclusionMultimodal mirror therapy may further improve the upper limb motor function and hand function of stroke patients, as well as the strength of the affected hand and the activities of daily living.

Clinical application of endoscopic ultrasound-guided new luminal metal stent placement for infected pancreatic necrosis (with video) / 中华消化内镜杂志

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Hot AXIOS, a novel luminal metal stent with a cautery system guided by endoscopic ultrasound, for the treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN), 5 cases of IPN treated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided Hot AXIOS placement in Hangzhou First People's Hospital from December 2021 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The results showed that all 5 cases successfully completed the treatment, with 8-21 minutes of the operation time. The symptoms of abdominal pain and bloating on the first day after operation were significantly relieved, and the abdominal CT showed that the walled-off necrosis was significantly reduced. After 2-9 times of direct endoscopic necrosectomy, supplemented by antibiotics, patient's temperature and blood inflammatory indexes returned to normal, the cavity was reduced and necrosis was removed. The Hot AXIOS stent was indwelled for 12-40 days and then removed. After 25-113 days of the follow-up, all patients survived without recurrence. Preliminary results suggest that endoscopic ultrasound-guided Hot AXIOS placement is safe and effective for the treatment of IPN.

Clinical application of disposable cholangiopancreatoscope to bile duct diseases (with video) / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To evaluate the safety, efficacy and performance of disposable cholangiopancreatoscope in the diagnosis and treatment of bile duct diseases.Methods:A total of 20 subjects were selected and 16 subjects were enrolled in the prospective and exploratory clinical study which were performed in the Digestive Endoscope Center of Hangzhou First People's Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine from July 2021 to August 2021. The disposable cholangiopancreatoscope was used to diagnose bile duct diseases in routine endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Biopsies were performed in cases where malignancy was considered. The use related indexes and performance indexes of the instruments were analyzed.Results:Among the 16 patients, there were 6 cases of biliary space-occupying lesions, 6 cases of biliary calculi, and 4 cases of benign biliary stricture before operation. The success rate of the disposable insertion was 100.00% (16/16), and the success rate of observation was 100.00% (16/16). Three biliary space-occupying lesions diagnosed as malignant tumor under cholangiopancreatoscope were confirmed by pathology after operation. Diagnosis of other patients was consistent with preoperative diagnose, so no biopsy was conducted. The rate of positive feedback from operators in directional control was 81.25% (13/16), the image failure rate was 18.75% (3/16), and the rate of positive feedback for image clarity was 93.75% (15/16). In terms of clinical performance, the imaging quality of excellence was 93.75% (15/16), the flexible degree of excellence was 81.25% (13/16), and other indexes were all 100.00% excellence. During the period, there were no instrument defects, pancreatitis, perforation, bleeding or other instrument-related adverse events.Conclusion:The effectiveness, safety and performance indexes of domestic disposable cholangiopancreatoscope have reached the standards of clinical application with high pixel, integration, and portability. It's worthy of clinical recommendation.

A comparative study of lumen-apposing metal stent and plastic stent for the treatment of pancreatic walled-off necrosis / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) for the treatment of pancreatic walled-off necrosis (WON).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was performed on data of 43 consecutive patients with pancreatic WON who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage by LAMS or plastic stents (PS) in Hangzhou First People's Hospital from December 2010 to June 2020. According to the type of stent used, the patients were divided into the LAMS group ( n=16) and the PS group ( n=27). The technical success rate, the clinical success rate, the operation time, the session of endoscopic necrosectomy, the stent insertion time and adverse events were compared between the two groups. Results:All 43 patients were successfully stented, indicating a technical success rate of 100% in both groups. For the LAMS group, the clinical success rate, the operation time, the session of endoscopic necrosectomy, the stent insertion time and overall incidence of adverse events were 75.0% (12/16), 26.0 (19.1, 39.8) min, 0.5 (0, 2.0) times, (41.3±28.4) days, and 43.7% (7/16), respectively, whereas these indices of the PS group were 37.0% (10/27) ( χ2=5.795, P=0.016), 31.0 (26.0, 48.0) min ( Z=1.221, P=0.222), 0 (0, 0) times ( Z=2.245, P=0.025), (176.1±99.1) days ( t=5.187, P<0.001) and 14.8% (4/27) ( χ2=8.893, P=0.064), respectively. Conclusion:LAMS placement is safe and effective for the treatment of pancreatic WON with a higher clinical success rate compared with PS. However, it requires more endoscopic intervention.

Value of endoscopic papillectomy combined with endobiliary radio frequency ablation for duodenal papilla tumor with intraductal biliary infiltration / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic papillectomy (EP) combined with endobiliary radio frequency ablation (RFA) for duodenal papilla tumor with intraductal biliary infiltration.Methods:Data of 12 patients with histologically confirmed duodenal papilla tumor combined with intraductal biliary infiltration treated by EP with RFA from February 2013 to February 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics,endoscopic features, treatment efficacy and postoperative complications of patients were reviewed and recurrence was followed up.Results:The median diameter of lesions measured by endoscopic ultrasound was 18.5 mm×15.5 mm, and the length of intrabiliary invasion was 14.1±5.8 mm. EP combined with RFA was successfully performed in all patients with a technical success rate of 100%. Postoperative pathology showed adenocarcinoma in 5 patients, adenoma with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia in 6 patients, and adenoma with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia in 1 patient. Patients received mean 4.1±1.6 times of ERCP with intraductal biopsy during a mean follow-up period of 28.5±10.4 months. Recurrence occurred in 2 patients at 14 and 20 months respectively, both were adenocarcinoma.Conclusion:EP combined with RFA is effective and safe for duodenal papilla tumor with intraductal biliary infiltration. However, given the risk of recurrence, close surveillance is recommended.

Influencing factors of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation complications for malignant biliary obstruction / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To study the influencing factors of postoperative complications in patients with malignant biliary obstruction treated by endoscopic radiofrequency ablation(RFA).Methods:Data of patients with malignant biliary obstruction who underwent endoscopic RFA at the Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2010 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 62 males and 48 females, with age (74.1±11.1) years. Based on occurrence of postoperative complications, these patients were divided into the complication group ( n=18) and the control group ( n=92). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analysis the influencing factors of complications. Results:RFA was successfully performed in 110 patients with malignant biliary obstruction, and the technical success rate was 100.0% (110/110). Postoperative complications occurred in 18 patients (16.4%), including 12 patients with of biliary tract infection (8 patients with acute cholangitis, 4 patients with acute cholecystitis) and 6 patients with acute pancreatitis. All these patients responded well to treatment. The proportion of patients who developed complications having associated diabetes, bile duct stenosis length >2.5 cm, fractional RFA for bile duct stenosis, and single stent drainage were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of complications after endoscopic RFA was significantly increased in patients with diabetes ( OR=6.967, 95% CI: 1.256-38.658) and fractional RFA of bile duct stenosis ( OR=8.297, 95% CI: 1.526-45.122), while the risk of complications after multiple stents drainage ( OR=0.037, 95% CI: 0.008-0.169) was significantly decreased (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Diabetes and fractional RFA of bile duct stenosis were risk factors for complications after endoscopic RFA of malignant biliary obstruction. Multiple stents drainage was a protective factor. Better clinical attention should be paid to the patients with high risk factors.

Preparation and physicochemical properties of PVA/HA composite microspheres for embolization / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To prepare polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) composite embolization microspheres and investigate their physicochemical properties.Methods:PVA/HA composite embolization microspheres were prepared by reverse suspension polymerization, using PVA and HA as dispersed phases, liquid paraffin containing sorbitan fatty acid ester as the continuous phase, and glutaraldehyde as the cross-linking agent. The morphology, particle size distribution, and microscopic morphology of PVA/HA composite embolization microspheres were observed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The chemical structure of PVA/HA composite embolization microspheres and the elasticity, drug loading, and drug release properties of PVA/HA composite bolus microspheres were characterized by Fourier infrared spectroscopy.Results:The PVA/HA composite embolization microspheres were internal, porous round spheres with a particle size distribution of 50-300 μm. The elastic properties of PVA/HA composite embolization microspheres were(13.6±0.145) kPa, which was 2.28 times that of PVA microspheres, and the drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency were (76.80±1.22) mg/g and (38.4±12.7)%, respectively. The maximum cumulative release rate of the microspheres within 7 days was (7.37±0.101)%, and the maximum cumulative release was (256.2±9.8) μg.Conclusions:PVA/HA composite embolization microspheres have good mechanical properties and drug-loading and drug-releasing properties, which provide an important reference for their use as medical devices.

Comparison of fully covered self-expanding metal stents and multiple plastic stents for benign biliary strictures / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To compare the fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) and multiple plastic stents (MPS) in the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness for benign bile duct strictures.Methods:A single-center retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 107 patients with benign biliary strictures who underwent FCSEMS or MPS implantation through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in Hangzhou First People's Hospital from January 2013 to June 2019.There were 54 cases in group FCSEMS and 53 cases in group MPS. Benign biliary stricture was confirmed by computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasonography. The primary index was the rate of stricture remission, and the secondary indices were the incidence of stricture recurrence, ERCP-related complications, the rate of stent migration, hospital stay and charges.Results:The median follow-up times were 10.0 (6.5, 18.0) months and 12.0 (9.0, 20.0) months in group FCSEMS and in group MPS respectively ( P>0.05). The rates of stricture remission in the two groups were 87.0% (47/54) and 83.0% (44/53), the incidences of stricture recurrence were 14.6% (6/41) and 23.5% (8/34), and the incidences of ERCP-related complications were 14.8% (8/54) and 11.9% (13/109), respectively. And the differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). But the stent migration rates of the two groups were 22.9% (11/54) and 2.8% (3/109) with significant difference ( P<0.001). Cost-effectiveness analysis showed that the median numbers of ERCP intervention in the two groups were 2 (2,2) times and 3 (2,4) times ( P<0.001), and the median hospital stays were 6.0 (4.0,11.0) days and 9.0 (6.5,16.0) days respectively ( P=0.009). The median hospitalization expenses of the two groups were 44 646 yuan and 51 355 yuan without significant difference ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The effectiveness, safety and cost of FCSEMS for benign bile duct stenosis are similar to those of MPS, but it reduces ERCP intervention and treatment cycles. Even with a certain migration rate, it can still be a first-line treatment approach.

Retrospective single center study of inactivating coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine in liver transplantation recipients / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To explore the safety of inactivating coronavirus disease 2019(covid-19)vaccine in liver transplantation(LT)recipients.Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed for clinical data of 151 LT recipients from March 2003 to October 2019.They had stable conditions and completed the course of covid-19 vaccine.Frequencies of pain at injection site, fatigue, headache and pruritus after vaccination were recorded.The safety profiles were compared between recipients with and without local and general adverse reactions after vaccination.At the same time, recipients completing two doses of covid-19 vaccines were grouped.According to vaccine companies, they were classified into Sinovac Biotech Ltd and Beijing Biological.Based upon more than or less than 60 years, they were grouped into <60 years and ≥60 years.The safety profiles of inactivating COVID-19 vaccine were compared in subgroups.Results:Among 151 eligible LT recipients, 98 of them were in group of age <60 years and 53 in group of age >60 years.The median period between vaccination and LT was 8.44(4.37, 12.39)years and the median concentration of tacrolimus 2.5(1.8, 3.9)ng/L.Eighty-three cases completed two doses of Sinovac Biotech Ltd(Sinovac Biotech Ltd group)and 40 cases Beijing Biological(Beijing Biological group); 14 cases had combined course of Sinovac Biotech Ltd and Beijing Biological, four recipients were vaccinated with inactivated vaccine from other companies and ten recipients did not know their inactivated vaccine' companies.After immunization, 24/151(15.9%)recipients had a local and general adverse reaction.The prevalence of pain at injection site, fatigue, headache and pruritus was 9.9%( n=15), 5.2%( n=8), 1.3%( n=2)and 0.7%( n=1)respectively.No significant differences existed in age( P=0.602), gender( P=0.752), period after LT( P=0.890), trough concentration of tacrolimus( P=0.377)or versions of covid-19 vaccine( P=0.582)between 24 cases with general adverse reaction and 127 without.Local and general reactions occurred in 16/83(19.3%)in Sinovac group and 5/40(12.5%)in Beijing Biological.There was no significant inter-group difference( P=0.769). There were 98 cases(64.9%)in <60 years group, 17 cases(17.3%)had local and general reaction, 53 cases(35.1%)in ≥60 years group and 7 cases(13.2%)had a local and systemic reaction.There was no significant inter-group difference( P=0.507). Conclusions:Covid-19 vaccine is safe for long-term survival LT recipients with normal liver function.Few participants present with mild fatigue and pain at injection site.