Textual Research on Principle of Dose Conversion in Ancient Famous Classical Formulas / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Due to the difference between the system of weights and measures， and the dosage of clinical prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine in various historical periods， the dosage and conversion standard of prescriptions in past dynasties are different. Therefore， when discounting the dosage of famous classical formulas， the principles of inheriting the essence， making the past serve the present， linking the past and the present， and forming a consensus should be followed， firstly， the dosage of the prescription was converted according to the weights and measures system of the past dynasties. If the converted dosage significantly exceeds the provisions of the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia， then on the premise of ensuring that the proportion of the original prescription drug dosage remains unchanged， the conversion shall be based on expert consensus and drug safety evaluation. For drugs measured in non-standard units， a conversion range is provided based on comprehensive literature analysis and physical measurements. For the conversion of service volume， the original text was used as the basis for the conversion with reference to the measurement standards of different eras. If the original dosage is not clear， the converted dosage will be determined based on the historical evolution of the formula， referring to relevant ancient books， and combining modern applications. Eventually， the converting standard for famous classical formulas was determined as follows：during the Han and Tang dynasties， one Liang（两） was equivalent to 13.8 g and one Sheng（升） was equivalent to 200 mL， in the Tang dynasty， one Fen（分） was equivalent to 3.45 g， during the Song， Jin and Yuan dynasties， one Qian（钱） was equivalent to 4.13 g and one Zhan（盏） was equivalent to 300 mL， during the Ming and Qing dynasties， one Qian（钱） was equivalent to 3.73 g， and one Bei（杯） and one Zhong（盅） were equivalent to 200 mL. For drugs recorded in non-standard units of measurement， it is necessary to conduct actual measurements to determine their conversion standards based on comprehensive analysis to determine their origin. If necessary， different records of the dosage of drugs with the same or similar efficacy and indications in medical books of similar ages can be used to assist in determining the conversion standards. The analysis of the principle of dosage conversion for Chinese medicine is helpful for the clinical application and development of famous classical formulas.

Clinical follow-up study of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical course and explore the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 RNA negative conversion duration （NCD） in asymptomatic and mild-symptomatic patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. MethodsClinical data were collected from 244 confirmed cases of corona virus disease （COVID-19） with Omicron variant infection admitted to a temporal makeshift hospital in Shanghai from April 9， 2022 to May 20， 2022. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed， with a primary focus on the time of COVID-19 nucleic acid conversion. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to determine identify risk factors associated with NCD. ResultsThe median duration of negative RNA conversion was 9 days （ranged 7‒12 days）. The percentage of patients with positive nucleic acid results on the 5th， 7th， 10th， and 14th days after confirmed infection was 68.4%， 47.1%， 20.1%， and 5.7%， respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves indicated a median nucleic acid conversion time of 12 days （ranged 10‒14 days） for patients with hypertension， 9 days （ranged 7‒11 days） in patients without hypertension， and 11 days （ranged 9‒13 days） for patients aged ≥60 years， and 9 days （ranged 7‒11 days） for patients aged <60 years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that only hypertension was an independent risk factor of NCD （RR=1.60； 95% CI： 1.03‒2.49， P=0.036）. ConclusionIn asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients infected with the Omicron variant， 20.1% patients continue to exhibit positive viral nucleic acid on the 10th days of infection. The independent risk factor associated with the conversion of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid to negative is hypertension.

Effects of LED Lights on Bulk Fill Resin Polymerization

The present study analyzed the microhardness and degree of conversion of three Bulk Fill resins (M1 - Filtek Bulk Fill; M2 - Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill and M3 - Opus Bulk Fill) polymerized by single peak and polywave Light-emitting Diode Curing Lights. A total 90 test specimens (n=10) were obtained using a Teflon matrix for the purpose of testing microhardness; and for degree of conversion: 135 specimens (n=5) by using a 2 x 6 cm matrix. The specimens were light polymerized using 3 light sources (L1 - Optilight Max, L2 - Bluephase, L3 - VALO). They were kept in artificial saliva om an oven at 37±1°C during the experiment. The degree of conversion was measured by FTIR 24 h after obtaining each test specimen. The microhardness readouts were performed with a microdurometer at the time intervals of 48 hours (T0), 7 days (T1), 14 days (T2) and 21 days (T3). M1L3 was found to show the highest microhardness values in T2, and M1 showed the lowest degree of conversion in the deep third with L1. It was concluded that Filtek Bulk Fill resin showed the best results in comparison with the other resins.

El presente estudio analizó la microdureza y el grado de conversión de tres resinas Bulk Fill (M1 - Filtek Bulk Fill; M2 - Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill y M3 - Opus Bulk Fill) polimerizadas por lámparas de curado de diodo emisor de luz de pico único y polionda. Se obtuvieron un total de 90 especímenes de prueba (n=10) utilizando una matriz de teflón con el propósito de probar la microdureza; y para grado de conversión: 135 especímenes (n=5) utilizando una matriz de 2 x 6 cm. Las muestras se fotopolimerizaron utilizando 3 fuen- tes de luz (L1 - Optilight Max, L2 - Bluephase, L3 - VALO). Se mantuvieron en saliva artificial en estufa a 37 ±1°C durante el experimento. El grado de conversión se midió por FTIR 24 h después de obtener cada muestra de prueba. Las lecturas de microdureza se realizaron con un microdurómetro en los intervalos de tiempo de 48 horas (T0), 7 días (T1), 14 días (T2) y 21 días (T3). Se encontró que M1L3 mostraba los valores más altos de microdureza en T2, y M1 mostraba el grado más bajo de conversión en el tercio profundo con L1. Se concluyó que la resina Filtek Bulk Fill mostró los mejores resultados en comparación con las demás resinas.

Factores asociados con la conversión a técnica abierta en la colecistectomía laparoscópica / Factors associated with conversion to open technique in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Introducción. La colecistectomía laparoscópica es el estándar de oro para el manejo de la patología de la vesícula biliar con indicación quirúrgica. Durante su ejecución existe un grupo de pacientes que podrían requerir conversión a técnica abierta. Este estudio evaluó factores perioperatorios asociados a la conversión en la Clínica Central OHL en Montería, Colombia. Métodos. Estudio observacional analítico de casos y controles anidado a una cohorte retrospectiva entre 2018 y 2021, en una relación de 1:3 casos/controles, nivel de confianza 95 % y una potencia del 90 %. Se caracterizó la población de estudio y se evaluaron las asociaciones según la naturaleza de las variables, luego por análisis bivariado y multivariado se estimaron los OR, con sus IC95%, considerando significativo un valor de p<0,05, controlando variables de confusión. Resultados. El estudio incluyó 332 pacientes, 83 casos y 249 controles, mostrando en el modelo multivariado que las variables más fuertemente asociadas con la conversión fueron: la experiencia del cirujano (p=0,001), la obesidad (p=0,036), engrosamiento de la pared de la vesícula biliar en la ecografía (p=0,011) y un mayor puntaje en la clasificación de Parkland (p<0,001). Conclusión. La identificación temprana y análisis individual de los factores perioperatorios de riesgo a conversión en la planeación de la colecistectomía laparoscópica podría definir qué pacientes se encuentran expuestos y cuáles podrían beneficiarse de un abordaje mínimamente invasivo, en búsqueda de toma de decisiones adecuadas, seguras y costo-efectivas

Introduction. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for the management of gallbladder pathology with surgical indication. During its execution, there is a group of patients who may require conversion to the open technique. This study evaluated perioperative factors associated with conversion at the OHL Central Clinic in Montería, Colombia. Methods. Observational analytical case-control study nested in a retrospective cohort between 2018 and 2021, in a 1:3 case/control ratio, 95% confidence level and 90% power. The study population was characterized and the associations were evaluated according to the nature of the variables, then the OR were estimated by bivariate and multivariate analysis, with their 95% CI, considering a value of p<0.05 significant, controlling for confounding variables. Results. The study included 332 patients, 83 cases and 249 controls, showing in the multivariate model that the variables most strongly associated with conversion were: the surgeon's experience (p=0.001), obesity (p=0.036), gallbladder wall thickening on ultrasonography (p=0.011), and a higher score in the Parkland classification (p<0.001). Conclusions. Early identification and individual analysis of the perioperative risk factors for conversion in the planning of laparoscopic cholecystectomy could define which patients are exposed, and which could benefit from a minimally invasive approach, in search of making safe, cost-effective, and appropriate decisions

DIGITAL SEARCH ADVERTISING – THE ROLE OF POST-CLICK FACTORS IN GENERATING PURCHASE CONVERSIONS

A lot of research is available on the effectiveness of search as an advertising channel. Most of these studies tend to treat a click on a search ad as a binary event. All of them study the events leading to the click. This paper goes beyond this to study the post click actions taken by a user subsequent to clicking on a search ad, and refers to those actions as depth of interaction, and testing the variables that have an effect on the nal outcome. We use a prescriptive research design employing binary logistic regression analysis. Results indicate that the duration of time spent, device used, and recency of visit have a very high positive effect on the nal outcome.

Apendectomía Convencional vs. Laparoscópica en pasantes de cirugía general / Conventional Vs Laparoscopic Appendectomy in General Surgery Interns

La apendicitis aguda (AA) es una de las afecciones más frecuentes para la consulta por el servicio de guardia que requiere tratamiento quirúrgico, con una incidencia estimada de entre 6 y 8%. Métodos: Se crearon dos grupos compuestos por 25 pacientes seleccionados al azar: G1. Apendectomía laparoscópica (AL). G2. Apendectomía convencional (CA). Analizamos variables como sexo, edad, tiempo de operación, dolor postoperatorio, estadía en el hospital y complicaciones postoperatorias. Resultados: el 53.2% de los pacientes eran hombres y el 46.8% restante eran mujeres, con una edad media de 31 años. La serie arrojó una tasa de complicación general del 28% para G1 y 68% para G2. Conclusión: lo que marca la evolución no es solo la capacidad del residente interino, sino también la condición del órgano y los propios factores del paciente

Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most frequent conditions for consultation by the on-call service that requires surgical treatment, with an estimated incidence of between 6 and 8%. Methods: Two groups made up of 25 randomly selected patients were created: G1. Laparoscopic appendectomy (AL). G2. Conventional appendectomy (CA). We analyzed variables such as sex, age, operating time, postoperative pain, hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Results: 53.2% of the patients were male and the remaining 46.8% were female, with a mean age of 31 years. The series yielded a general complication rate of 28% for G1 and 68% for G2. Conclusión: What marks the evolution is not only the capacity of the acting resident, but also the condition of the organ and the patient's own factors

Depth of cure, mechanical properties and morphology of dual-cure bulk-Fill composites / Profundidad de curado, propiedades mecánicas y morfología de resinas compuestas duales

This study evaluated selected structural and physical properties, such as degree of conversion (DC), Vickers hardness (VHN), and compression strength (CS), of three new dual-cure bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs; ACTIVA, HyperFIL, and Fill-Up) and compared them to those of a conventional RBC (Filtek Z250) at three clinically relevant depths. Samples (n=180) were prepared in three depths (2,4, and 6mm). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and VHN and CS tests were performed. The DC value was calculated by considering the relative change in the aliphatic C=C peaks. The fractured surfaces of representative samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were statistically evaluated using two-way analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni tests (p<0.05). According to the VHN results, Filtek Z250 showed the highest bottom/top hardness ratio (97.94±1.01) at 2mm thickness and ACTIVA showed the lowest bottom/top hardness ratio (43.48±5.64) at 6mm thickness (p<0.001). According to the FTIR results, the DC decreased with increasing thickness in all materials (p<0.05). Filtek Z250 showed the highest (301±12.4 MPa) and ACTIVA exhibited the lowest (232±17.2 MPa) CS values at 2mm thickness (p<0.05). The lowest CS values were obtained for ACTIVA, and the highest values were obtained for Filtek Z250 for samples with thicknesses of 4 and 6mm, respectively (p<0.05). The structural features of restorative composites, such as the resin chemistry and filler type and content, and the operational parameters (i.e., material thickness and curing conditions) strongly affect crosslinking reactions and thus the DC, VHN, and CS values.

Este estudio evaluó propiedades físicas y estructurales, como el grado de conversión (DC), la dureza Vickers (VHN) y la resistencia a la compresión (CS), de tres nuevos compósitos a base de resina de curado dual tipo bulk (RBC; ACTIVA , HyperFIL y Fill-Up) y los comparó con los de una resina compuesta convencional (Filtek Z250) en tres profundidades clínicamente relevantes. Se prepararon muestras (n=180) en tres profundidades (2,4 y 6mm). Se realizaron análisis de espectroscopia infrarroja por transformada de Fourier (FTIR) y pruebas VHN y CS. El valor de DC se calculó considerando el cambio relativo en los picos alifáticos C=C. Las superficies fracturadas de muestras representativas se caracterizaron mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido (MEB). Los datos se evaluaron estadísticamente mediante análisis de varianza de dos vías y pruebas post hoc de Bonferroni (p<0,05). De acuerdo con los resultados de VHN, Filtek Z250 mostró la relación de dureza inferior/superior más alta (97,94±1,01) con un espesor de 2mm y ACTIVA mostró la relación de dureza inferior/superior más baja (43,48±5,64) con un espesor de 6mm (p<0,001). De acuerdo con los resultados de FTIR, la DC disminuyó al aumentar el espesor en todos los materiales (p<0,05). Filtek Z250 mostró los valores de CS más altos (301±12,4 MPa) y ACTIVA los más bajos (232±17,2 MPa) a 2mm de espesor (p<0,05). Los valores más bajos de CS se obtuvieron para ACTIVA y los valores más altos para Filtek Z250 para muestras con espesores de 4 y 6mm, respectivamente (p<0,05). Las características estructurales de las resinas compuestas de restauración, como la química; además del tipo y contenido del relleno, y los parámetros operativos (es decir, el espesor del material y las condiciones de curado) afectan en gran medida las reacciones de interacción química y, por lo tanto, los valores de DC, VHN y CS.

No seroconversion among healthcare workers exposed to SARS-CoV-2 during the early phase of the pandemic / Ausencia de seroconversión en trabajadores de la salud expuestos a SARS-CoV-2 durante la primera fase de la pandemia

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is associated with morbidity, hospitalizations, absenteeism, and mortality among healthcare workers (HCW). AIM: To evaluate the seroconversion rate in HCW exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in the early pandemic phase in 2020 at a regional reference hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred seventy-nine HCW working at a regional hospital were invited to a longitudinal study performed between April-July 2020. A serological analysis by ELISA IgG for viral nucleoprotein and protein S with a secondary analysis by ELISA IgG protein S1/S2 for samples with positive or doubtful result was carried out together with a complementary online survey to inquire about occupational or community exposures to SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: Two cases with baseline infection were detected (1.1%, one symptomatic and one asymptomatic) and no cases of seroconversion were detected. During the study period, there were 136 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, and regional weekly COVID-19 incidence ranged from 2.7 to 24.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. No SARS-CoV-2 cases were detected by PCR among 27 HCW who consulted for respiratory symptoms in the period. Online surveys confirmed direct care of COVID-19 patients and also detected a high degree of unprotected social interaction at work. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of seroconversion in this group of HCW exposed to the risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2 during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal protective equipment and other measures used by the HCW were extremely useful for their protection in the initial phase of the pandemic.

ANTECEDENTES: La pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 está asociada a morbilidad, hospitalizaciones, ausentismo y mortalidad entre el personal de salud (PS). OBJETIVO: Evaluar la tasa de seroconversión en el PS expuesto al SARS-CoV-2 en la fase pandémica inicial el 2020 en un hospital regional de referencia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Ciento setenta y nueve trabajadores de la salud fueron invitados a un estudio longitudinal realizado entre abril-julio de 2020. Se efectuó un análisis serológico por ELISA IgG para nucleoproteína viral y proteína S con un análisis secundario por ELISA IgG proteína S1 / S2 para muestras con resultado positivo o dudoso junto a encuestas complementarias en línea para preguntar sobre exposiciones ocupacionales o comunitarias al SARS-CoV-2. RESULTADOS: Se detectaron dos casos con infección basal (1,1%, uno sintomático y uno asintomático) sin casos de seroconversión. Durante el período de estudio, hubo 136 pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19, y la incidencia semanal regional de COVID-19 osciló entre 2,7 y 24,4 por 100.000 habitantes. No se detectaron casos de SARS-CoV-2 por PCR entre los 27 funcionarios que consultaron por síntomas respiratorios en este período. Las encuestas en línea confirmaron la atención directa de los pacientes con COVID-19 y también detectaron un alto grado de interacción social desprotegida en el trabajo. CONCLUSIONES: No hubo evidencia de seroconversión en un grupo de funcionarios expuestos al riesgo de infección por SARS-CoV-2 durante el inicio de la pandemia de COVID-19. Los equipos de protección personal y otras medidas utilizadas por el PS fueron de suma utilidad para su protección en la fase inicial de la pandemia.

Conversion to thoracotomy during minimally invasive esophagectomy: Retrospective analysis in a single center / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To explore the causes of conversion to thoracotomy in patients with minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in a surgical team, and to obtain a deeper understanding of the timing of conversion in MIE. Methods     The clinical data of patients who underwent MIE between September 9, 2011 and February 12, 2022 by a single surgical team in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. The main influencing factors and perioperative mortality of patients who converted to thoracotomy in this group were analyzed. Results     In the cohort of 791 consecutive patients with MIE, there were 520 males and 271 females, including 29 patients of multiple esophageal cancer, 156 patients of upper thoracic cancer, 524 patients of middle thoracic cancer, and 82 patients of lower thoracic cancer. And 46 patients were converted to thoracotomy for different causes. The main causes for thoracotomy were advanced stage tumor (26 patients), anesthesia-related factors (5 patients), extensive thoracic adhesions (6 patients), and accidental injury of important structures (8 patients). There was a statistical difference in the distribution of tumor locations between patients who converted to thoracotomy and the MIE patients (P<0.05). The proportion of multiple and upper thoracic cancer in patients who converted to thoracotomy was higher than that in the MIE patients, while the proportion of lower thoracic cancer was lower than that in the MIE patients. The perioperative mortality of the thoracotomy patients was not significantly different from that of the MIE patients (P=1.000). Conclusion     In MIE, advanced-stage tumor, anesthesia-related factors,extensive thoracic adhesions, and accidental injury of important structures are the main causes of conversion to thoracotomy. The rate varies at different tumor locations. Intraoperative conversion to thoracotomy does not affect the perioperative mortality of MIE.

Conversion managment of colorectal cancer with simultaneous unresectable hepatic metastasis / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of different conversion therapies for colorectal cancer with unresectable simultaneous liver metastasis.Methods:A total of 170 patients of colorectal cancer complicated with liver metastasis who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from Jan 2015 to Dec 2020 were included in the study. Patients were divided into an initial resectable group (42 cases) and an initial non-resectable group (128 cases).Results:There were no significant differences in OS and PFS between patients with CRLM (colorectal cancer with liver metastasis) who were resected initially and those successfully underwent transformation therapy ( P>0.05). The median OS was 36 months in the group with successful transformation, while it was 21 months in the group with simple primary tumor resection and no liver metastasis resection ( P=0.014), HR=0.48 (0.27-0.86). The median PFS was 28 months in the successful conversion group, while it was 10 months in the primary tumor resection only and no liver metastasis resection ( P=0.005), HR=0.43 (0.24-0.77). The OS difference between the group with simple primary tumor resection and no resected liver metastasis and the group with neither primary tumor nor liver metastasis resection was statistically significant: (21 months vs.13 months), HR=0.52 (0.32-0.86) ( P=0.01), while the PFS between the two groups was not statistically significant, ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy has the best effect among the conversion therapies, and can improve the resection rate and survival rate of patients undergoing R 0 surgery. Resection of the primary lesion alone can also prolong the patient's survival.

Propensity score matching analysis on the safety and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy after conversion therapy versus pure laparoscopic hepatectomy / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To compare the safety and short-term prognosis of laparoscopic hepatectomy after conversion therapy versus pure laparoscopic hepatectomy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:A total of 740 patients with HCC undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 2019 and December 2022 were screened for study eligibility, among which 433 patients were eligible, including 364 males and 69 females, aged (57.2±11.1) years. Patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy after conversion therapy (including interventional therapy combined with targeted therapy or targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy, etc.) were marked as conversion resection group ( n=36), and those who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy alone were marked as pure resection group ( n=397). After propensity score matching (PSM), 29 cases in the conversion resection group and pure resection group were finally enrolled. Preoperative (tumor number, maximum tumor diameter, etc.), intraoperative (operation time, intraoperative blood loss, etc.) and postoperative (hospital stay, drainage volume, complications, etc.) data and short-term prognosis were compared between the two groups. Survival curves and rates were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test. Results:The baseline characteristics including the occurrence of liver cirrhosis, the tumor number and maximum diameter showed no significant differences between the two groups after PSM (all P>0.05), indicating comparability. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative drainage volume etc. (all P>0.05). The incidences of postoperative complications and severe complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥Ⅲ) were 34.5% (10/29) and 6.9% (2/29) in pure resection group, and 41.4% (12/29) and 10.3% (3/29) in conversion resection group, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (χ 2=0.29, 0, P=0.588, 1.000). The recurrence-free survival rates at 6, 12 and 18 months after surgery were 79.2%, 70.7% and 70.7% in conversion resection group and 86.2%, 82.8% and 79.3% in pure resection group, the overall survival rates at 6, 12, and 18 months after surgery were 96.4%, 89.5%, 74.6% in conversion resection group, and 100.0%, 96.6% and 93.1% in pure resection group, with no significant difference (χ 2=1.90, 1.91, P=0.168, 0.167). Conclusion:Laparoscopic hepatectomy after conversion therapy for initially unresectable HCC has comparable safety and short-term prognosis with the pure laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Short-term efficacy and safety analysis of TACE combined with TKI and PD-1 inhibitors in the treatment of initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transhepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors in the treatment of patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods:The clinical data of 42 patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma who were admitted to the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to December 2022 were included. There were 31 males and 11 females, with a median age of 56 years old (range, 45-72 years old). All patients received TACE+ TKI+ PD-1 inhibitor combined treatment. The systemic treatment cycles were calculated by the regimen of immunotherapy. The timing of local treatment depends on tumor size, blood supply and treatment response. Patients were followed up through hospitalization, outpatient visits and telephone review. The Kaplan-Meier curves were obtained for survival analysis.Results:The dosing cycle to achieve optimal imaging response in the patients was 4 (3, 7) [ M( Q1, Q3)], with a systemic treatment time of 141 (65, 194) d [ M( Q1, Q3)] and 2 (1, 3) times [ M( Q1, Q3)] of local treatments. All patients were evaluated by modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria after treatment, including nine patients with complete response (CR), 21 with partial response, eight with stable disease, and four with progressive disease. Objective response rate and disease control rate were 71.4% (30/42) and 90.5% (38/42), respectively. Treatment-related adverse reactions occurred in 85.7% (36/42) of patients and grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ adverse reactions occurred in 16.7% (7/42). There was no level Ⅳ adverse reactions. All adverse reactions were controlled after dose reduction and symptomatic treatment. Thirteen patients (31.0%, 13/42) redeemed resectable after treatment and underwent radical surgery. Seven patients had pathological CR after surgery. In two patients, the pathological residual cancer tissue was less than 10%. The cumulative overall survival rates of the 42 patients at 6 months, 1 year, 1.5 years after treatment were 100%, 91.7%, and 65.0%, respectively. The postoperative 1-year survival rate of patients undergoing surgery after successful conversion was 83.3%. Conclusion:This study preliminarily showed the safety and efficacy of TACE, TKI, and PD-1 inhibitor combined therapy in patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Strategies of conversion therapy for liver carcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Surgery-led comprehensive treatment is an important consensus in the management of liver carcinoma. Hepatectomy and liver transplantation are the most important means for patients with liver carcinoma to achieve long-term survival. With the development of liver surgery techniques, liver surgery is no longer off-limits. Translational therapy offers the hope of surgical radical treatment for patients with initially unresectable liver carcinoma. This article discusses the conversion therapy for unresectable liver carcinoma with future liver remnant surgery, the downstaging conversion therapy of oncologically unresectable intermediate to advanced liver carcinoma, the timing of surgery after conversion, and safety and efficacy. Prospect for the formation of the standardization of translational therapy for liver carcinoma is made.

Clinical efficacy of sequential surgery after immune and targeted therapy in downstaging initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To assess the clinical efficacy of sequential radical surgery after immune and targeted therapy in downstaging patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods:Data were prospectively collected from December 2018 to July 2022 on patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma which were downstaged to undergo sequential surgery after treatment with immune and targeted therapy at the Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital. There were 79 patients, with 69 men and 10 women, aged (53.0±10.9) years, being enrolled into this study. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate, and the log-rank test was used for survival rate comparison. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to analyze factors influencing patient prognosis.Results:There were 7 patients (8.9%) with China Liver Cancer Staging (CNLC) Ⅰb, Ⅱa, Ⅱb who had insufficient residual liver volume or tumor rupture before the downstaging therapy, and 38 patients (48.1%) with CNLC Ⅲa and 34 patients (43.0%) with CNLC Ⅲb. These 79 patients underwent R 0 resection after 3-20 cycles (median 5 cycles) of immune and targeted therapy. Based on the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumor, the results of preoperative imaging assessment were: complete remission in 12 patients (15.2%), partial remission in 50 patients (63.3%), stable disease in 15 patients (19.0%), and disease progression in 2 patients (2.5%). The overall survival rates of patients at 1, 2, and 3 years after diagnosis were 96.1%, 83.5%, and 76.6%; and the recurrence-free survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery were 62.1%, 52.9%, and 34.7%, respectively. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, patients with a preoperative alpha-fetoprotein >20 μg/L ( HR=2.816, 95% CI: 1.232-6.432, P=0.014) and a high proportion of pathological residual tumors ( HR=1.015, 95% CI: 1.004-1.026, P=0.006) had a higher risk of postoperative recurrence; and patients with a high proportion of pathological residual tumors ( HR=1.028, 95% CI: 1.007-1.049, P=0.007) and preoperative alpha-fetoprotein >400 μg/L ( HR=4.099, 95% CI: 1.193-14.076, P=0.025) had a higher risk of death. Conclusion:Immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy and sequential surgery for patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma provided long-term survival benefits. Elevated preoperative alpha-fetoprotein and a high proportion of pathological residual tumor were independent risk factors for recurrence-free survival and overall survival in this group of patients.

Hot topics in perioperative immune combination therapy for liver cancer / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Most patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are already in advanced stage when they are diagnosed, with a short survival period and an extremely poor prognosis. HCC seriously threatens the life and health of Chinese people. In recent years, breakthroughs have been made in systemic treatment of HCC, especially in immunotherapy represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors, which has broken the single therapy situation of molecular targeted drugs. And the strategy of immunotherapy combined with anti-angiogenic therapy has shown superiority and profoundly changed the treatment strategy of HCC. This article focuses on several hotspots of immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with anti-angiogenic targeted drugs in the perioperative scenario of HCC, and takes stock of the latest research progress of immunotherapy combined with anti-angiogenic drugs regimens in the perioperative application of HCC.

Clinical efficacy of radical resection of pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant conversion therapy / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of radical resection of pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant conversion therapy.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 23 patients who underwent radical resection of pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant conversion therapy in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School from January 2019 to May 2022 were collected. There were 17 males and 6 females, aged 58(range, 33-73)years. After neoadjuvant conversion therapy, the three-dimensional (3D) visualization was used to evaluate and classify tumor vascular invasion, and surgical plan was planned and implemented. Observation indicators: (1) situations of neoadjuvant conversion therapy; (2) surgical situations; (3) postoperative histopathological examination; (4) postoperative recovery; (5) follow-up. Measurement data with normal distribution were represen-ted as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range) or M( Q1, Q3). Count data were described as absolute numbers. Results:(1) Situations of neoadjuvant conversion therapy. All 23 patients received the AG combination chemotherapy (albumin-paclitaxel+gemcitabine), including 14 patients combined with stereotactic body radiation therapy. Of the 23 patients, 22 cases achieved partial response, and 1 case showed stable disease. The CA19-9 of the 23 patients was 85.06(29.74,634.5)U/mL and 13.96(9.74,25.02)U/mL before and after neoadjuvant conversion therapy, respectively. (2) Surgical situations. According to the results of preoperative 3D visualization of tumor vascular invasion, 7 of the 23 patients were evaluated as arterial invasion, 8 cases were evaluated as venous invasion, 5 cases were evaluated as arterial and venous invasion, and there were 3 cases showing negative of vascular invasion. Of the 23 patients, 12 cases underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, 4 cases underwent radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy, 7 cases underwent total pancreaticoduodenectomy. For vascular reconstruction, there were 10 patients without vascular reconstruction, and there were 13 patients undergoing artificial vascular vein reconstruction. The operation time and volume of intraoperative blood loss of the 23 patients was (524±171)minutes and 1 000(400,1 600)mL, respectively. (3) Postoperative histopathological exami-nation. Results of postoperative histopathological examination in 23 patients showed that there were 2 cases with moderate-well differentiated tumor, 10 cases with moderate differentiated tumor, 7 cases with moderate-poorly differentiated tumor, 2 cases with poorly differentiated tumor, and 2 cases negative of tumor. The number of lymph node dissected in 23 patients was 16±7. There were 5 cases with lymph node metastasis and 18 cases without lymph node metastasis. There were 17 cases with nerve invasion and 6 cases without nerve invasion. All 23 patients were negative of vascular invasion. Of the 23 patients, there were 21 cases with R 0 resection and 2 cases with R 1 resection. For pathological TNM staging, there were 2 cases with 0 stage, 13 cases with Ⅰ stage, 7 cases with Ⅱ stage, and 1 case with Ⅳ stage. For postoperative pathological scoring, there were 2 cases achieved 0 point (complete pathological remission), 16 cases achieved 2 points (partial remission), and 5 cases achieved 3 points (no significant effect). (4) Postoperative recovery. The postoperative duration of hospital stay of 23 patients was 19(14,31)days. There were 17 of 23 patients underwent postoperative complications, including 11 cases with Clavien-Dindo Ⅱ stage complications, 3 cases with Clavien-Dindo Ⅲa stage complications, 1 case with Clavien-Dindo Ⅲb stage complication, 1 case with Clavien-Dindo Ⅳ stage complication, and 1 case with Clavien-Dindo Ⅴ stage complica-tion. (5) Follow-up. There were 22 patients underwent follow-up, with follow-up time as 12(9,23)months. There were 9 patients underwent postoperative recurrence and metastasis, with recurrence and metastasis time as 7.8(range, 6.0-12.0)months. During the follow-up, 15 of the 22 patients survived. Conclusion:Radical resection of pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant conversion therapy is feasible.

Consideration on hot issues of gastric cancer surgery / 中华消化外科杂志

In China, gastric cancer is the top three malignant tumors with high incidence and mortality, which seriously endangers the lives and health of people. The comprehensive treat-ment based on surgery is still the main treatment for gastric cancer. Through the unremitting efforts and hard works of gastric cancer experts, the treatment effect of gastric cancer in China has made great progress. However, gastric cancer surgery still faces some outstanding problems. How to further improve preoperative accurate diagnosis? How to further rationalize the treatment of early gastric cancer? Where is the future development of minimally invasive techniques for gastric cancer surgery? How to break through the bottleneck of conversion therapy? These are the challenges for gastric cancer surgery. Based on relevant literature and combined with own clinical practice, the author explores the hot issues of gastric cancer surgery.

Advances and challenges of conversion therapy and neoadjuvant therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华消化外科杂志

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a low resection rate and a high postoperative recurrence rate. Conversion therapy and neoadjuvant therapy are effective stra-tegies to improve the long-term prognosis of patients with HCC. With the clinical application of new technologies and methods and the continuous emergence of new anti-tumor drugs, the conversion therapy and neoadjuvant therapy of HCC have ushered in an unprecedented development. At the same time, they are also facing many new challenges. Based on our own clinical experience and the latest progress in conversion therapy and neoadjuvant therapy of HCC, the authors classify and summarize the selection of treatment strategies and the challenges faced in HCC conversion therapy and neoadjuvant therapy.

Current situation and prospect in the clinical treatment of gallbladder cancer / 中华消化外科杂志

Gallbladder carcinoma is a tumor with poor prognosis and lack of effective comprehensive treatment. At present, surgical resection is still the main treatment for gallbladder carcinoma. Precise evaluation and adequate preparation before surgery, and safe, effective, standar-dized resection are the key points to successful treatment of gallbladder carcinoma. In clinic, there has been a growing appreciation of the prevention and reasonable treatment of incidental gallbladder carcinoma. Neoadjuvant and conversion therapy give full play to the effects of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy agents on tumor cells, which can achieve the goal of downstage or conversion of tumors before surgery, increasing the radical resection rate, and improving the prognosis of patients.

Expression characteristics and risk analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene variants in colorectal cancer / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer and the risk of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Methods:Sixty-one patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2022 to March 2022 were tested by second-generation sequencing. Information such as age of onset, gender, histological grade and TNM stage were collected. According to whether the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene had systemic mutation, the patients were divided into BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene system mutation group and unmutated group. There were 8 cases in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene system mutant group and 53 cases in the non-mutant group. The main outcome measures were the relationship between pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline mutations in colorectal cancer and clinicopathological data of patients, including age of onset, gender, tumor location, TNM stage, histological differentiation, and family history. The secondary outcome was the relationship between BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene system mutations and clinicopathological data. Measurement data with normal distribution were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the t-test. Measurement data with non-normal distribution were represented as M ( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Measurement data were expressed as the number of cases or percentage (%), and Chi-square test was used for comparison between groups. Results:Among 61 colorectal adenocarcinoma patients, the frequency of pathogenic or potentially pathogenic germ line mutations in colorectal cancer was 13.1% (8/61), and the frequency of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations was 3.3% (2/61). The frequency of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations was 13.1% (8/61). Women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations (75.0% vs 37.7%, χ2=3.947, P=0.047) and right colon cancer (75.0% vs 26.4%, χ2=7.889, P=0.019) were significantly higher than those without mutation. Conclusions:The frequency of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation is higher in colorectal cancer patients. BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are recommended for colorectal cancer patients with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.