Light-Chain Cardiac Amyloidosis: Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for Assessing Response to Chemotherapy

Objective@#Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a diagnostic tool that provides precise and reproducible information about cardiac structure, function, and tissue characterization, aiding in the monitoring of chemotherapy response in patients with lightchain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of CMR in monitoring responses to chemotherapy in patients with AL-CA. @*Materials and Methods@#In this prospective study, we enrolled 111 patients with AL-CA (50.5% male; median age, 54 [interquartile range, 49–63] years). Patients underwent longitudinal monitoring using biomarkers and CMR imaging. At followup after chemotherapy, patients were categorized into superior and inferior response groups based on their hematological and cardiac laboratory responses to chemotherapy. Changes in CMR findings across therapies and differences between response groups were analyzed. @*Results@#Following chemotherapy (before vs. after), there were significant increases in myocardial T2 (43.6 ± 3.5 ms vs. 44.6 ± 4.1 ms; P = 0.008), recovery in right ventricular (RV) longitudinal strain (median of -9.6% vs. -11.7%; P = 0.031), and decrease in RV extracellular volume fraction (ECV) (median of 53.9% vs. 51.6%; P = 0.048). These changes were more pronounced in the superior-response group. Patients with superior cardiac laboratory response showed significantly greater reductions in RV ECV (-2.9% [interquartile range, -8.7%–1.1%] vs. 1.7% [-5.5%–7.1%]; P = 0.017) and left ventricular ECV (-2.0% [-6.0%–1.3%] vs. 2.0% [-3.0%–5.0%]; P = 0.01) compared with those with inferior response. @*Conclusion@#Cardiac amyloid deposition can regress following chemotherapy in patients with AL-CA, particularly showing more prominent regression, possibly earlier, in the RV. CMR emerges as an effective tool for monitoring associated tissue characteristics and ventricular functional recovery in patients with AL-CA undergoing chemotherapy, thereby supporting its utility in treatment response assessment.

Network Pharmacology and in vitro Experimental Verification on Intervention of Quercetin, Present in Chinese Medicine Yishen Qutong Granules, on Esophageal Cancer / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the potential mechanism of Yishen Qutong Granules (YSQTG) for the treatment of esophageal cancer using network pharmacology and experimental research.@*METHODS@#The effective components and molecular mechanism of YSQTG in treating esophageal cancer were expounded based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The key compound was identified by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) to verify the malignant phenotype of the key compounds in the treatment of esophageal cancer. Then, the interaction proteins of key compounds were screened by pull-down assay combined with mass spectrometry. RNA-seq was used to screen the differential genes in the treatment of esophageal cancer by key compounds, and the potential mechanism of key compounds on the main therapeutic targets was verified.@*RESULTS@#Totally 76 effective compounds of YSQTG were found, as well as 309 related targets, and 102 drug and disease interaction targets. The drug-compound-target network of YSQTG was constructed, suggesting that quercetin, luteolin, wogonin, kaempferol and baicalein may be the most important compounds, while quercetin had higher degree value and degree centrality, which might be the key compound in YSQTG. The HPLC-MS results also showed the stable presence of quercetin in YSQTG. By establishing a protein interaction network, the main therapeutic targets of YSQTG in treating esophageal cancer were Jun proto-oncogene, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor, and RELA proto-oncogene. The results of cell function experiments in vitro showed that quercetin could inhibit proliferation, invasion, and clonal formation of esophageal carcinoma cells. Quercetin mainly affected the biological processes of esophageal cancer cells, such as proliferation, cell cycle, and cell metastasis. A total of 357 quercetin interacting proteins were screened, and 531 genes were significantly changed. Further pathway enrichment analysis showed that quercetin mainly affects the metabolic pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF- κ B) signaling pathway, etc. Quercetin, the key compound of YSQTG, had stronger binding activity by molecular docking. Pull-down assay confirmed that NF- κ B was a quercetin-specific interaction protein, and quercetin could significantly reduce the protein level of NF- κ B, the main therapeutic target.@*CONCLUSION@#YSQTG can be multi-component, multi-target, multi-channel treatment of esophageal cancer, it is a potential drug for the treatment of esophageal cancer.

Mechanism of programmed cell death in follicular atresia / 生理学报

Apoptosis and autophagy of follicular granulosa cells play an important regulatory role in the process of ovarian follicular atresia in animals. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis and pyroptosis are also involved in the process of ovarian follicular atresia. Ferroptosis is a form of cell death caused by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Studies have confirmed that autophagy- and apoptosis-mediated follicular atresia also have typical characteristics of ferroptosis. Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory cell death dependent on Gasdermin protein, which can regulate ovarian reproductive performance by regulating follicular granulosa cells. This article reviews the roles and mechanisms of several types of programmed cell death independently or interactively regulating follicular atresia, in order to expand the theoretical research on follicular atresia mechanism and provide the theoretical reference for the mechanism of programmed cell death-induced follicular atresia.

Interpretation of Chinese experts consensus on artificial intelligence assisted management for pulmonary nodule (2022 version) / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#The increasing number of pulmonary nodules being detected by computed tomography scans significantly increase the workload of the radiologists for scan interpretation. Limitations of traditional methods for differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules have been increasingly prominent. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to increase the efficiency of discrimination and invasiveness classification for pulmonary nodules and lead to effective nodule management. Chinese Experts Consensus on Artificial Intelligence Assisted Management for Pulmonary Nodule (2022 Version) has been officially released recently. This article closely follows the context, significance, core implications, and the impact of future AI-assisted management on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules. It is hoped that through our joint efforts, we can promote the standardization of management for pulmonary nodules and strive to improve the long-term survival and postoperative life quality of patients with lung cancer.

Mechanisms of Euphorbia fischeriana steud. alcohol extracts intreatment of HCC based on network pharmacology and experiment verification / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the molecular mechanisms of alcohol extracts of Euphorbia fischeriana steud. against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through a combination of network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation. Methods The active ingredients and targets of alcohol extracts of Euphorbia fischeriana steud. were determined through TCMSP, Swiss ADME, Swiss Target Prediction database and references. The databases DisGeNET and GeneCards were employed to screen potential HCC-related genes. Venny platform, STRING platform and Cytoscape software were applied to construct active ingredient-target-disease and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network maps. Gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID database. To assess the effects of Euphorbia fischeriana steud. alcohol extracts on BEL-7402 cells, the proliferation and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8, EdU and flow cytometry assays, and the related protein levels of JAK2/STAT3 pathway were analyzed by Western blot. Additionally, H22 hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model was used to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of Euphorbia fischeriana steud. alcohol extracts. Results A total of 916 HCC targeted genes, 30 active ingredients containing the related 567 potential targeted genes, and 115 intersection targets of disease and compounds were obtained. KEGG enrichment analysis identified JAK2/STAT3 signaling as a critical pathway. In vitro experiments showed the alcohol extracts of Euphorbia fischeriana steud. could inhibit proliferation, promote apoptosis and suppress JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner in BEL-7402 cells. In addition, the alcohol extracts of Euphorbia fischeriana steud., either alone or in combination with sorafenib, dramatically blocked tumor growth in in vivo tests. Conclusions Euphorbia fischeriana steud. alcohol extracts have anti-cancer effects in HCC, and the molecular mechanisms may be connected to the regulation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Animal experimental study of 5G remote robot-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To explore the feasibility of 5G remote robot-assisted pulmonary lobectomy through animal experiments. Methods     In this research, the Toumai® surgical robot was manipulated remotely by the surgeon in the Control Center of the MedBot Company through the 5G network established by China Telecom, and the experimental pig underwent lobectomy in simulated operating room. Results     The animal experiment surgery was successfully completed. The surgeon remotely manipulated the surgical robot to complete the lobectomy of right apical lobe and mediastinal lymph node dissection. The entire animal experiment took about 60 minutes, with an average round-trip network delay of 125 (110-155) ms, and no network interruption or robot malfunction occurred. Conclusion     This animal experiment is the first attempt of 5G remote thoracic surgery, which preliminarily proves the feasibility of completing remote lobectomy through the Toumai® surgical robot 5G wireless network connection. The systematic surgical procedure is summarized, which lays a foundation for the subsequent experiments and clinical applications of 5G remote robot-assisted thoracic surgery.

Effect of admission mode of septic patients in intensive care unit on acute kidney injury and prognosis / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate the effect of intensive care unit (ICU) admission model on acute kidney injury (AKI) development and the prognosis in patients with sepsis.Methods:Patients with sepsis admitted to the ICU of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Hospital from January 2019 to July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the ICU admission model, the patients were divided into emergency group (first admission or emergency transfer from relevant surgical departments) and delayed group (transferred from the general ward due to disease evolution). Patients were divided into AKI group and non-AKI group according to whether AKI was accompanied. The gender, age, underlying diseases, surgical history, heart rate, laboratory test indicators, acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ(APACHEⅡ), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), organ failure and acute complications were collected. The incidence of AKI, 28-day mortality and length of ICU stay were recorded. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of AKI in patients with sepsis.Results:A total of 185 patients with sepsis were enrolled, including 96 cases in the emergency group and 89 cases in the delayed group. 119 cases of AKI occurred while 66 cases without AKI development. The incidence of AKI within 7 days and the 28-day mortality of patients in the delayed group were significantly higher than those in the emergency group [AKI incidence rate: 77.53% (69/89) vs. 52.08% (50/96), 28-day mortality: 24.72% (22/89) vs. 10.42% (10/96), both P < 0.05], and the length of ICU stay was significantly longer than that of the emergency group (days: 18.70±7.29 vs. 14.56±4.75, P < 0.05). Univariate Logistic analysis showed that there were significant differences in age, diabetes, hypertension, organ failure, heart failure, APACHEⅡscore, SOFA score, white blood cell count (WBC), absolute neutrophil value, platelet count (PLT), blood lactate, total bilirubin, and ICU transferred from general wards between AKI group and non-AKI group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that transfer from general ward to ICU due to disease evolution was an independent risk factor for AKI in ICU sepsis patients [odds ratio ( OR) = 5.165, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 3.911-6.823, P < 0.001]. Conclusion:Septic patients transferred from general ward to ICU due to disease evolution are more likely to develop AKI, and also had a higher mortality and longer ICU stay. It may be an independent risk factor for AKI complicated by patients with sepsis in ICU.

Patient factors influencing preoperative expectations of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expectations of patients for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to analyze its influencing factors.@*METHODS@#Experimental design: Single center, retrospective, multiple regression analysis. The data including the age, height, and weight of 108 patients undergoing unilateral TKA due to end-stage osteoarthritis were obtained. The patients' preoperative Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee arthroplasty expectation score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) score, Knee Society score (KSS), the MOS 36-item short-from health survey (SF-36) score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) were evaluated, and the 30-second chair-stand test (30-CST), 40-meter fast-paced walk test (40-FPWT), 12-level stair-climb test (12-SCT), 3-meter timed up-and-go test (TUG), 6-minute walk test (6-MWT), and recorded daily steps for 7 consecutive days were performed. The SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis. The observed values of various data were described. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between various parameters, and the multi-factor linear regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors of the patients preoperative expectation scores.@*RESULTS@#The average expectation score of this group of patients was 58.98±5.44. In the Pearson correlation analysis, the patient's preoperative expectation had a weak correlation to the result of the patient's 12-SCT, TUG, 6-MWT, KSS function score, and SF-36 mental component score (correlation coefficient 0.1-0.3). The patient's preoperative expectation had a moderate correlation to the patient's daily average steps, 30-CST, 40-FPWT, KSS, WOMAC and its pain, stiffness, function scores, SF-36 physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, vitality, and physical component score (correlation coefficient 0.3-0.6). In the multivariate linear regression analysis, only the results of 30-CST and the role-physical, bodily pain and vitality in the SF-36 scale were related to the patient's expectation score (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The estimated expectation score of patients before TKA is not high. Patients with more severe preoperative pain, worse physical function, and lower overall health are more eager to improve after surgery. Thus surgeons must communicate fully with patients with unrealistic expectations before surgery in order to obtain more satisfactory results postoperatively.

First report of invasive Pomacea snails in Shandong Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To characterize the species of invasive Pomacea snails that were discovered for the first time in Shandong Province. Methods Pomacea snails samples were collected in the field of Jining City, Shandong Province on October 2021 for morphological identification. Pomacea snails were randomly sampled and genomic DNA was extracted from foot muscle tissues of Pomacea snails for multiplex PCR amplification. The PCR amplification product was sequenced. Then, the sequence was aligned and a phylogenetic tree was created using the software MegAlign 7.1.0. In addition, Angiostongylus cantonensis infection was detected in Pomacea snails with the lung microscopy. Results A total of 104 living Pomacea snails were collected, and all were characterized as Pomacea spp. based on morphological features. Of 12 randomly selected adult Pomacea snails, multiplex PCR assay and sequencing identified eleven snails as P. canaliculata and one as P. maculata. No A. cantonensis infection was detected in 104 Pomacea snails. Conclusion This is the first report of invasive Pomacea snails in Shandong Province, where P. canaliculata and P. maculata are found.

Right upper lobe resection assisted by Toumai® endoscopic surgery robot in two patients / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To analyze the efficacy and safety of Toumai® endoscopic surgery robot in right upper lobe resection. Methods    The clinical data of 2 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who received right upper lobe resection with Toumai® endoscopic surgery robot in Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University in November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Both patients were male, aged 66 years and 44 years, respectively. Results    The operation was successful in both patients with no conversion to thoracotomy, surgical complication or death. The operation time was 65 min and 48 min, and the amount of intraoperative bleeding was 80 mL and 50 mL, respectively. The postoperative hospital stay was 3 days. There was no blood transfusion during the perioperative period. Conclusion    The application of Toumai® endoscopic surgery robot in lobectomy is preliminarily proved to be safe and effective. Compared with Da Vinci robotic surgery system, it has similar clear 3D vision and flexible and stable operation, which can become one of the important choices for the new generation of minimally invasive chest surgery.

Clinical Efficacy of Modified Zengyetang Against Slow Transit Constipation Due to Qi-Yin Deficiency and Its Effect on Gastrointestinal Function / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of modified Zengyetang in treating slow transit constipation （STC） due to Qi-Yin deficiency and its effect on gastrointestinal function. Method:One hundred and thirty eligible patients were randomly divided into a control group （<italic>n</italic>=65， 6 cases dropped out or were lost to follow-up and 59 completed the trial） and a treatment group （<italic>n</italic>=65， 3 cases dropped out or were lost to follow-up and 62 completed the trial）. Patients in the control group received oral mosapride citrate dispersible tablets， 5 mg per time， three times per day， while those in the treatment group were treated with modified Zengye Tang， one bag per day， for four successive weeks. The main symptom constipation， the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms （PAC-SYM）， and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores， colonic transit， as well as motilin （MTL）， vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP）， and substance P （SP） levels before and after treatment were recorded， together with the frequency of spontaneous complete bowel movements （SCBMs） per week and STC recurrence during treatment. Result:The clinical efficacy （95.16%） of the treatment group was higher than that （81.36%） of the control group （<italic>χ</italic>²=5.631 4， <italic>P</italic><0.05）， whereas the recurrence rate （30.65%） of the treatment group was significantly lower than that （57.63%） of the control group （<italic>χ</italic>²=8.941 1， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. After treatment， the main symptom constipation， three sub-scale and total PAC-SYM， and TCM syndrome scores in the treatment group were obviously decreased as compared with those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The proportions of residual markers at 24， 48， and 72 h in the treatment group declined in contrast to those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The frequency of SCBMs per week in the 2^nd， 3^rd， and 4^th weeks of the treatment group was higher than that in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the treatment group exhibited significantly elevated MTL and SP but lowered VIP （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:Modified Zengyetang relieves the clinical symptoms， regulates gastrointestinal hormone secretion， increases the frequency of SCBMs， enhances colonic transit， and decreases the recurrence of patients with STC due to Qi-Yin deficiency.

Surveillance of Enterobius vermicularis infections among children in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the prevalence and changing trend of Enterobius vermicularis infections among children in Shandong Province, so as to provide the scientific evidence for the adjustment and development of the enterobiasis control strategy. Methods Soil-borne nematodiasis surveillance sites were assigned in 51 counties (districts, cities) in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020, and the E. vermicularis infections were detected using a modified Kato-Katz technique and the cellophane tape method among children at ages of 3 to 9 years living in these surveillance sites. The epidemiological profiles of E. vermicularis-infected children were descriptively analyzed. Results A total of 5 060 children at ages of 3 to 9 years were detected in 51 soil-borne nematodiasis surveillance sites in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020, and the overall prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 2.23%. The annual prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 3.99% (26/651), 1.70% (14/824), 0.96% (8/837), 2.90% (45/1 552) and 1.67% (20/1 196) from 2016 to 2020, respectively, with a significant difference detected among years ( χ2 = 21.455, P < 0.01). The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 1.25% (15/1 198), 1.85% (14/755), 3.18% (84/2 640) and 0 (0/467) among children from central, eastern, southern and northern Shandong Province (χ2 = 27.326, P < 0.01). In addition, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of E. vermicularis infections between male (1.98%, 56/2 831) and female children (2.56%, 57/2 229) (χ2 = 1.916, P > 0.05); however, there was age-specific prevalence of E. vermicularis infections among children (χ2 = 16.448, P < 0.05), with the greatest prevalence detected among children at ages of 6 years (3.18%, 25/786), and the lowest prevalence seen among children at ages of 3 years (0.75%, 6/800). Conclusions The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections remained at a medium level among children at ages of 3 to 9 years in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020, with region-specific prevalence found across the province. An integrated strategy is required for enterobiasis control.

Advances on mechanism and treatment of salivary gland in radiation injury / 华西口腔医学杂志

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent tumour in head and neck malignant. The current treatment is mainly based on surgery therapy, radiation therapy and chemical therapy. Meanwhile, there are many a defect in the treatment. For example, there are many defects in radiotherapy. Radioactive salivatitis is the most common. In addition, there are a series of changes such as dry mouth, oral mucositis, rampant dental caries, and radioactive osteomyelitis of jaw, which cause swallowing, chewing problems, and taste dysfunction. Currently, the research on radioactive salivatitis is progressing rapidly, but its mechanism is more complication. This paper review aims to summarize the research progress in this field.

Progress on photodynamic therapy in oral diseases / 华西口腔医学杂志

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has developed rapidly in basic and clinical research, and its therapeutic prospects have received increasing attention. PDT has the advantages of minimally invasive, low toxicity, high selectivity, good reproducibility, protection of appearance and vital organ function, and has become a treatment. With the development of medicine, the field of application of PDT becomes more wildly, and brings a new direction for the treatment of oral diseases. This article reviews the basic principles, treatment elements and research results of PDT in the treatment of oral diseases.

Advances in molecular mechanisms of bone invasion by oral cancer / 华西口腔医学杂志

Bone invasion by oral cancer is a common clinical problem, which affects the choice of treatment and predicts a poor prognosis. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanism of this phenomenon has not been fully elucidated. Current studies have revealed that oral cancer cells modulate the formation and function of osteoclasts through the expression of a series of signal molecules. Many signal pathways are involved in this process, of which receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB/osteoprotegerin signaling pathway attracted much attention. In this review, we introduce recent progress in molecular mechanisms of bone invasion by oral cancer.

Effects of Valeriana amurensis Roots and Rhizomes Extract and Its Active Constituents on Activities of Drug Metabolism Enzymes in Liver / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To evaluate the effects of Valeriana amurensis roots and rhizomes extract and its active constituents on the activities of six major cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes in human liver microsomes. Method::Coumarin, bupropion, tolbutamide, omeprazole, dextromethorphan and testosterone were used as probe substrates for CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, respectively. Taking their specific metabolites of hydroxylation or demethylation (7-hydroxycoumarin, hydroxybupropion, 4-hydroxytolbutamide, 5-hydroxyomeprazole, dextromethorphan, 6β-hydroxytestosterone) as indicators of enzyme activities. The analytical indexes were used to establish an in vitro model of human liver microsomes of Cocktail probe substrates. This method was applied to evaluate the effects of V. amurensis roots and rhizomes extract and its active constituents on human liver microsomal enzymes. Result::The V. amurensis roots and rhizomes extract had different inhibitory effects on CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, their half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were 87.49, 1.73, 68.29, 2.80 mg·L-1, respectively. Among the 9 lignans, (-)-massoniresinol-3α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside had a moderate inhibitory effect on CYP2A6 with an IC50 value of 8.51 μmol·L-1, 8, 8′-dihydroxypinoresinol-4, 4′-di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside had a moderate inhibitory effect on CYP2D6 with an IC50 value of 8.73 μmol·L-1, (+)-medioresinol-4, 4′-O-di-β-D-glucopyranoside had a moderate inhibitory effect on CYP2B6 and CYP2C9 with IC50 values of 5.41 μmol·L-1 and 8.20 μmol·L-1. Conclusion::The V. amurensis roots and rhizomes extract and its active constituents have inhibitory effects on liver CYP450 enzymes. Therefore, in the clinical study of new drugs, it is necessary to fully evaluate the risk of drug interactions caused by combination therapy.

Progress of residual inflammatory cardiovascular risk / 医学研究生学报

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Although the comprehensive control of cardiovascular disease risk factors has achieved remarkable progress in recent years, the incidence of cardiovascular events is still high after the control of traditional risk factors such as low density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose, collectively referred to as cardiovascular residual risk. Inflammation is a central driver of atherosclerosis and the ultimate rupture of plaque, as well as an important cause of residual cardiovascular risk. Therefore, this article reviews the formation, assessment and treatment of residual inflammatory cardiovascular risk.

Perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted versus video-assisted right upper lobectomy in non-small cell lung cancer: A retrospective cohort study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To summarize the perioperative outcome of patients undergoing robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) or four-port single-direction video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) right upper lobectomy (RUL), and to discuss the safety and the essentials of the surgery. Methods    The clinical data of 579 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing minimally invasive RUL in Dr. Luo Qingquan’s team of our center from 2015 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 246 males and 333 females aged 33-78 years. The 579 patients were divided into a RATS group (n=283) and a VATS group (n=296) according to surgical methods. Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes including dissected lymph nodes, postoperative duration of drainage, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications and surgery cost were compared between the two groups. Results    There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05), and no postoperative 30 d mortality or intraoperative blood transfusion was observed. Compared with VATS, RATS had shorter operation time (90.22±12.16 min vs. 92.68±12.26 min, P=0.016), postoperative hospital stay (4.67±1.43 d vs. 5.31±1.59 d, P<0.001) and time of drainage (3.55±1.38 d vs. 4.16±1.58 d, P<0.001). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in the lymph nodes dissection, blood loss volume, conversion rate or complications. The cost of RATS was much higher than that of VATS (93 275.46±13 276.69 yuan vs. 67 082.58±12 978.17 yuan, P<0.001). Conclusion    The safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted and video-assisted RUL are satisfactory, and they have similar perioperative outcomes. However, RATS costs relatively shorter operation time and postoperative hospital stay.

Tube Voltage, DNA Double-Strand Breaks, and Image Quality in Coronary CT Angiography

Objective@#To evaluate the effects of tube voltage on image quality in coronary CT angiography (CCTA), the estimated radiationdose, and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in peripheral blood lymphocytes to optimize the use of CCTA in the era of lowradiation doses. @*Materials and Methods@#This study included 240 patients who were divided into 2 groups according to the DNA DSB analysismethods, i.e., immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Each group was subdivided into 4 subgroups: thosereceiving CCTA only with different tube voltages of 120, 100, 80, or 70 kVp. Objective and subjective image quality wasevaluated by analysis of variance. Radiation dosages were also recorded and compared. @*Results@#There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics between the 2 groups and 4 subgroups in eachgroup (all p > 0.05). As tube voltage decreased, both image quality and radiation dose decreased gradually and significantly.After CCTA, γ-H2AX foci and mean fluorescence intensity in the 120-, 100-, 80-, and 70-kVp groups increased by 0.14, 0.09,0.07, and 0.06 foci per cell and 21.26, 9.13, 8.10, and 7.13 (all p 0.05). @*Conclusion@#The 100-kVp tube voltage may be optimal for CCTA when weighing DNA DSBs against the estimated radiationdose and image quality, with further reductions in tube voltage being unnecessary for CCTA.

Infection Control and Management Strategy for COVID-19 in the Radiology Department: Focusing on Experiences from China

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new infectious disease rapidly spreading around the world, raising global public health concerns. Radiological examinations play a crucial role in the early diagnosis and follow-up of COVID-19. Cross infection among patients and radiographers can occur in radiology departments due to the close and frequent contact of radiographers with confirmed or potentially infected patients in a relatively confined room during radiological workflow. This article outlines our experience in the emergency management procedure and infection control of the radiology department during the COVID-19 outbreak.