Safety and efficacy of the early administration of levosimendan in patients with acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and elevated NT-proBNP levels: An Early Management Strategy of Acute Heart Failure (EMS-AHF) / 中华内科杂志

Objectives: To investigated the safety and efficacy of treating patients with acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and elevated levels of N-terminal pro-hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) with levosimendan within 24 hours of first medical contact (FMC). Methods: This multicenter, open-label, block-randomized controlled trial (NCT03189901) investigated the safety and efficacy of levosimendan as an early management strategy of acute heart failure (EMS-AHF) for patients with NSTEMI and high NT-proBNP levels. This study included 255 patients with NSTEMI and elevated NT-proBNP levels, including 142 males and 113 females with a median age of 65 (58-70) years, and were admitted in the emergency or outpatient departments at 14 medical centers in China between October 2017 and October 2021. The patients were randomly divided into a levosimendan group (n=129) and a control group (n=126). The primary outcome measure was NT-proBNP levels on day 3 of treatment and changes in the NT-proBNP levels from baseline on day 5 after randomization. The secondary outcome measures included the proportion of patients with more than 30% reduction in NT-proBNP levels from baseline, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during hospitalization and at 6 months after hospitalization, safety during the treatment, and health economics indices. The measurement data parameters between groups were compared using the t-test or the non-parametric test. The count data parameters were compared between groups using the χ² test. Results: On day 3, the NT-proBNP levels in the levosimendan group were lower than the control group but were statistically insignificant [866 (455, 1 960) vs. 1 118 (459, 2 417) ng/L, Z=-1.25,P=0.21]. However, on day 5, changes in the NT-proBNP levels from baseline in the levosimendan group were significantly higher than the control group [67.6% (33.8%,82.5%)vs.54.8% (7.3%,77.9%), Z=-2.14, P=0.03]. There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients with more than 30% reduction in the NT-proBNP levels on day 5 between the levosimendan and the control groups [77.5% (100/129) vs. 69.0% (87/126), χ²=2.34, P=0.13]. Furthermore, incidences of MACE did not show any significant differences between the two groups during hospitalization [4.7% (6/129) vs. 7.1% (9/126), χ²=0.72, P=0.40] and at 6 months [14.7% (19/129) vs. 12.7% (16/126), χ²=0.22, P=0.64]. Four cardiac deaths were reported in the control group during hospitalization [0 (0/129) vs. 3.2% (4/126), P=0.06]. However, 6-month survival rates were comparable between the two groups (log-rank test, P=0.18). Moreover, adverse events or serious adverse events such as shock, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia were not reported in both the groups during levosimendan treatment (days 0-1). The total cost of hospitalization [34 591.00(15 527.46,59 324.80) vs. 37 144.65(16 066.90,63 919.00)yuan, Z=-0.26, P=0.80] and the total length of hospitalization [9 (8, 12) vs. 10 (7, 13) days, Z=0.72, P=0.72] were lower for patients in the levosimendan group compared to those in the control group, but did not show statistically significant differences. Conclusions: Early administration of levosimendan reduced NT-proBNP levels in NSTEMI patients with elevated NT-proBNP and did not increase the total cost and length of hospitalization, but did not significantly improve MACE during hospitalization or at 6 months.

Analysis of the impact of health management measures for entry personnel on imported Dengue fever in Guangdong Province, 2020-2022 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To explore the impact of health management measures for entry personnel (entry management measures) against COVID-19 on the epidemiological characteristics of imported Dengue fever in Guangdong Province from 2020 to 2022. Methods: Data of imported Dengue fever from January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2022, mosquito density surveillance from 2016 to 2021, and international airline passengers and Dengue fever annual reported cases from 2011 to 2021 in Guangdong were collected. Comparative analysis was conducted to explore changes in the epidemic characteristics of imported Dengue fever before the implementation of entry management measures (from January 1, 2016 to March 20, 2020) and after the implementation (from March 21, 2020 to August 31, 2022). Results: From March 21, 2020, to August 31, 2022, a total of 52 cases of imported Dengue fever cases were reported, with an imported risk intensity of 0.12, which were lower than those before implementation of entry management measures (1 828, 5.29). No significant differences were found in the characteristics of imported cases before and after implementation of entry management measures, including seasonality, sex, age, career, and imported countries (all P>0.05). 59.62% (31/52) of cases were found at the centralized isolation sites and 38.46% (20/52) at the entry ports. However, before implementation of entry management measures, 95.08% (1 738/1 828) of cases were found in hospitals. Among 51 cases who had provided entry dates, 82.35% (42/51) and 98.04% (50/51) of cases were found within seven days and fourteen days after entry, slightly higher than before implementation [(72.69%(362/498) and 97.59% (486/498)]. There was significant difference between the monthly mean values of Aedes mosquito larval density (Bretto index) from 2020 to 2021 and those from 2016 to 2019 (Z=2.83, P=0.005). There is a strong positive correlation between the annual international airline passengers volume in Guangdong from 2011 to 2021 and the annual imported Dengue fever cases (r=0.94, P<0.001), and a positive correlation also existed between the international passenger volume and the annual indigenous Dengue fever cases (r=0.72, P=0.013). Conclusions: In Guangdong, the entry management measures of centralized isolation for fourteen days after entry from abroad had been implemented, and most imported Dengue fever cases were found within fourteen days after entry. The risk of local transmission caused by imported cases has reduced significantly.

Analysis of risk factors of radiation-induced toxicity in limited-stage small cell lung cancer treated with hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To compare the incidence of radiation-related toxicities between conventional and hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and to explore the risk factors of hypofractionated radiotherapy-induced toxicities. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from consecutive limited-stage SCLC patients treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from March 2016 to April 2022. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups according to radiation fractionated regimens. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE, version 5.0) was used to evaluate the grade of radiation esophagus injuries and lung injuries. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with radiation-related toxicities in the hypofractionated radiotherapy group. Results: Among 211 enrolled patients, 108 cases underwent conventional IMRT and 103 patients received hypofractionated IMRT. The cumulative incidences of acute esophagitis grade ≥2 [38.9% (42/108) vs 35.0% (36/103), P=0.895] and grade ≥ 3 [1.9% (2/108) vs 5.8% (6/103), P=0.132] were similar between conventional and hypofractionated IMRT group. Late esophagus injuries grade ≥2 occurred in one patient in either group. No differences in the cumulative incidence of acute pneumonitis grade ≥2[12.0% (13/108) vs 5.8% (6/103), P=0.172] and late lung injuries grade ≥2[5.6% (6/108) vs 10.7% (11/103), P=0.277] were observed. There was no grade ≥3 lung injuries occurred in either group. Using multiple regression analysis, mean esophageal dose ≥13 Gy (OR=3.33, 95% CI: 1.23-9.01, P=0.018) and the overlapping volume between planning target volume (PTV) and esophageal ≥8 cm(3)(OR=3.99, 95% CI: 1.24-12.79, P=0.020) were identified as the independent risk factors associated with acute esophagitis grade ≥2 in the hypofractionated radiotherapy group. Acute pneumonitis grade ≥2 was correlated with presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, P=0.025). Late lung injuries grade ≥2 was correlated with tumor location(P=0.036). Conclusions: Hypofractionated IMRT are tolerated with manageable toxicities for limited-stage SCLC patients treated with IMRT. Mean esophageal dose and the overlapping volume between PTV and esophageal are independently predictive factors of acute esophagitis grade ≥2, and COPD and tumor location are valuable factors of lung injuries for limited-stage SCLC patients receiving hyofractionated radiotherapy. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

Prognostic value of perioperative change of neutrophil elastase and myeloperoxidase in coronary circulation on perioperative myocardial injury and clinical outcome of patients underwent surgical valve replacement / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of observing perioperative changes of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE) in coronary artery circulation in patients underwent valve replacement surgery. Methods: This perspective cohort study was performed in patients who underwent valvular surgery in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital and Fuwai Hospital from June 2021 to June 2022. Patients were divided into perioperative myocardial injury group and age-, sex- and type of cardiac procedure-matched non-perioperative myocardial injury control group in the ratio of 1∶1. Perioperative myocardial injury was defined as cardiac troponin T (cTnT)>0.8 μg/L on the first postoperative day (POD), and the cTnT level on the second POD increased by more than 10% compared with the cTnT level on the first POD. During the operation, blood samples were collected from the coronary sinus before clamping ascending aorta, and within 5 minutes after de-clamping ascending aorta. Then, the levels of MPO and NE on coronary sinus were continuously measured. The death, severe ventricular arrhythmia, pneumonia, re-intubation, repeat cardiac surgery, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), mechanical ventilation time and the duration of intensive care unit (ICU) were recorded. The levels of MPO and NE and the incidence of clinical outcomes were compared between the myocardial injury group and the control group. The independent risk factors of myocardial injury were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 130 patients were enrolled, aged (60.6±7.6) years old, with 59 males (45.4%). There were 65 patients in the myocardial injury group and 65 patients in the control group. During hospitalization, there was no death, ECMO, IABP and CRRT cases in both groups. Compared with the control group, the incidence of severe ventricular arrhythmia (13.8%(9/65) vs. 3.1%(2/65), P=0.03), pneumonia (20.0%(13/65) vs. 3.1%(2/65), P=0.03), re-intubation (6.2%(4/65) vs. 0, P=0.04) was significantly higher in myocardial injury group. The mechanical ventilation time (16.8(10.7, 101.7) h vs. 7.5(4.7, 15.1) h, P<0.01), and the duration of ICU (3.7(2.7, 18.9) vs. 2.7(1.8, 6.9)d, P<0.01) were significantly longer in myocardial injury group compared with the control group. There was no significant difference in the levels of MPO and NE in coronary sinus blood between the two groups before aortic clamping (all P>0.05). However, MPO ((551.3±124.2) μg/L vs. (447.2±135.9) μg/L, P<0.01) and NE ((417.0±83.1)μg/L vs. (341.0±68.3)μg/L, P<0.01) after 5 min aortic de-clamping were significantly higher in myocardial injury group than in the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of NE (OR=1.02, 95%CI: 1.01-1.02, P<0.01), MPO (OR=1.00, 95%CI: 1.00-1.01, P=0.02) and mechanical ventilation time (OR=1.03, 95%CI: 1.01-1.06, P=0.02) were independent risk factors of myocardial injury in patients after surgical valvular replacement. Conclusion: Perioperative myocardial injury is related poor clinical outcomes, perioperative NE and MPO in coronary artery circulation are independent risk factors of perioperative myocardial injury in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery.

Achilles tendon thickening does not affect elasticity and functional outcome after surgical repair of Achilles rupture: A retrospective study / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Previous studies have confirmed that Achilles tendon occurs Achilles thickening after repair surgery of the rupture. Although this mechanism has been elucidated in the laboratory, there are few reports on its impact on clinical function. We designed a retrospective study to investigate the Achilles thickening after Achilles tendon rupture repair and its correlation between the elasticity and postoperative function.@*METHODS@#In this retrospective analysis, patients who underwent surgical treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture from April 2016 to April 2020 were included. All the patients were regularly followed up at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. American Orthopaedic Foot Ankle Surgeon (AOFAS) scale and Leppilahti score were used to evaluate functional outcomes. Achilles elasticity was measured by ultrasound shear wave of elasticity. Achilles thickening was calculated as maximal transverse and longitudinal diameter in cross-sectional plane of magnetic resonance scan. Sample t-tests was used for different follow-up periods. Correlation between Achilles thickening and other factors were analyzed using Pearson's method. p < 0.05 indicates a statistically significant difference.@*RESULTS@#AOFAS scale and Leppilahti score at 1 year were significantly higher than at 3 months postoperatively (both p < 0.001). These functional scales were also improved at 2-year follow-up significantly (both p < 0.001). The dorsiflexion difference showed gradually recovery in each follow-up period (t = -17.907, p < 0.001). The elasticity of the Achilles appeared to continuously decreases during the postoperative follow-up period in all position sets (p < 0.001). In thickening evaluation, the cross-sectional area of the thickest plane of Achilles was significantly higher at 1 year postoperatively (310.5 ± 25.2) mm2 than that at 3 months postoperatively ((278.0 ± 26.2) mm2, t = -8.219, p < 0.001) and became thinner in 2-year magnetic resonance scan ((256.1 ± 15.1) mm2, t = 16.769, p < 0.001). The correlations between Achilles thickening, elasticity, and functional outcome did not show statistical significance (p > 0.05) in every follow-up period.@*CONCLUSION@#Achilles tendon thickens after surgery in the 1st year, but begins to gradually return to thinning about 2 years after surgery. There was no significant correlation between the increase and decrease of thickening and the patients' clinical function scores, Achilles elasticity, and bilateral ankle dorsiflexion difference.

Prenatal diagnosis and genetic analysis of a special case with complex structural rearrangements of chromosome 8 / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To present on a prenatally diagnosed case with complex structural rearrangements of chromosome 8.@*METHODS@#Chromosome karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were carried out for a fetus with increased nuchal thickness.@*RESULTS@#The karyotype of the amniotic fluid sample showed extra materials on 8p. FISH revealed a centromeric signal at the terminal of 8p with absence of telomeric signal. CMA revealed partial deletion of 8p23.3 [(208049_2256732)×1], partial duplication of 8p23.3p23.2 [(2259519_3016818)×3], and partial duplication of 8q [8q11.1q12.2(45951900_60989083)×3].@*CONCLUSION@#The complex structural rearrangements of chromosome 8 in this case has differed from the commonly seen inv dup del(8p).

Efficacy and safety of stereotactic body radiation therapy in treatment of patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the survival and adverse reactions of patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma after stereotactic body radiation therapy （SBRT）. MethodsA total of 27 patients with unresectable solitary cholangiocarcinoma without metastasis who underwent SBRT in The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from February 2012 to July 2020 were enrolled. The prescribed dose to planning target volume was 42-60 Gy in 5-8 fractions， with 5-11 Gy/fraction. Among these patients， five patients were also treated with chemotherapy and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. The 6-， 12-， 18-， and 24-month overall survival （OS） rates， progression-free survival （PFS） rates， and local control （LC） rates were used as the assessment indices for treatment outcome； Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v.4.03 was used to evaluate adverse reactions； the Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate OS， PFS， and LC rates. ResultsThe median follow-up time was 17 months. For all 27 patients， the 6-， 12-， 18-， and 24-month OS rates were 100%， 88%， 57.5%， and 47.9%， respectively； the 6-， 12-， 18-， and 24-month PFS rates were 74.1%， 58.6%， 47.9%， and 35.9%， respectively； the 6-， 12-， 18-， and 24-month LC rates were 96.3%， 91.9%， 84.8%， and 76.4%， respectively. No grade 3 or above toxic reactions were observed. Five patients were diagnosed with radiation-induced liver injury， but there was no death due to radiation-induced liver injury. ConclusionSBRT is safe and effective in the treatment of unresectable cholangiocarcinoma， with relatively high survival rate， PFS rate， and LC rate and low toxicity， and therefore， SBRT can be used as an alternative treatment method for patients with cholangiocarcinoma who are not candidates for surgery.

Virus aerosol transmission, dispersion, and infection probability simulation: A case study in subway carriages / 环境与职业医学

Background Subways are typical congregate settings and may facilitate aerosol transmission of viruses. However, quantified transmission probability estimates are lacking. Purpose To model spread and diffusion of respiratory aerosols in subways by simulation and calculation of infection probabilities. Methods The internal environment of carriages of Shanghai Metro Line 10 was used to establish a study scene. The movement of tiny particles was simulated using the turbulent model. Trend analysis of infection probabilities and viral quantum doses was conducted in a closed subway carriage scene by a quantum emission-infection probability model. Results Under a typical twelve-vent air conditioning configuration, respiratory droplet aerosols within a subway carriage dispersed rapidly throughout various regions due to airflow, with limited short-term diffusion to other carriages. Concurrently, owing to the uncertainty of airflow patterns, the airflow might circulate and converge within carriages, causing delayed outward dispersion or hindered dispersion of droplet aerosols upon entry into these zones. Passengers boarding the carriage could exacerbate the formation of these zones. When the air conditioning system functioned adequately (air exchange rate=23.21 h−1), the probability of a virus carrier transmitting the virus to other passengers within the same carriage via aerosol transmission was approximately 3.8%. However, in the event of air conditioning system failure (air exchange rate=0.5 h−1), this probability escalated dramatically to 30%. Furthermore, a super-spreader (with virus spreading exceeding 90% of the average) elevated the infection probability to 14.9%. Additionally, due to the complexity of turbulence within the carriage, if local diffusion occurred in 1/2 zones of a carriage, the anticipated infection probability would increase to 8.9%, or during the morning or evening rush hours leading to elevated aerosol concentrations, the infection probability would rise to 4.7%. The subway transmission probability for common coronaviruses diminished to as low as 0.9%. Conclusion Combined computational fluid dynamics and infection probability analysis reveals that in the prevalent twelve-vent air conditioning configurations, despite being a major transportation hub with substantial spatial-temporal overlap, the internal space of subway carriages exhibits a certain level of resistance to virus aerosol transmission owing to built-in ventilation capabilities. However, turbulence and passenger positioning may lead to localized hovering of droplet aerosols, thereby increase the risk of virus transmission. Furthermore, super-spreaders, poor operational status of built-in air conditioning system, and high passenger volume at morning or evening peak hours exert profound effects on virus transmission and infection probability.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the management of imported malaria in China / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To examine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemic status of imported malaria and national malaria control program in China, so as to provide insights into post-elimination malaria surveillance. Methods All data pertaining to imported malaria cases were collected from Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during the period from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2021. The number of malaria cases, species of malaria parasites, country where malaria parasite were infected, diagnosis and treatment after returning to China, and response were compared before (from January 1, 2018 to January 22, 2020) and after the COVID-19 pandemic (from January 23, 2020 to December 31, 2021). Results A total of 2 054 imported malaria cases were reported in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021, and there were 1 722 cases and 332 cases reported before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. All cases were reported within one day after definitive diagnosis. The annual mean number of reported malaria cases reduced by 79.30% in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region after the COVID-19 pandemic (171 cases) than before the pandemic (826 cases), and the number of monthly reported malaria cases significantly reduced in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region since February 2020. There was a significant difference in the constituent ratio of species of malaria parasites among the imported malaria cases in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region before and after the COVID-19 pandemic (χ2 = 146.70, P < 0.05), and P. falciparum malaria was predominant before the COVID-19 pandemic (72.30%), while P. ovale malaria (44.28%) was predominant after the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by P. falciparum malaria (37.65%). There was a significant difference in the constituent ratio of country where malaria parasites were infected among imported malaria cases in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region before and after the COVID-19 pandemic (χ2 = 13.83, P < 0.05), and the proportion of malaria cases that acquired Plasmodium infections in western Africa reduced after the COVID-19 pandemic that before the pandemic (44.13% vs. 37.95%; χ2 = 4.34, P < 0.05), while the proportion of malaria cases that acquired Plasmodium infections in eastern Africa increased after the COVID-19 pandemic that before the pandemic (9.58% vs. 15.36%; χ2 = 9.88, P = 0.02). The proportion of completing case investigation within 3 days was significantly lower after the COVID-19 pandemic than before the pandemic (96.69% vs. 98.32%; χ2= 3.87, P < 0.05), while the proportion of finishing foci investigation and response within 7 days was significantly higher after the COVID-19 pandemic than before the pandemic (100.00% vs. 98.43%; χ2 = 3.95, P < 0.05). Conclusions The number of imported malaria cases remarkably reduced in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a decreased proportion of completing case investigations within 3 days. The sensitivity of the malaria surveillance-response system requires to be improved to prevent the risk of secondary transmission of malaria due to the sharp increase in the number of imported malaria cases following the change of the COVID-19 containment policy.

Mechanism study of Qingre huashi decoction in the treatment of gastric cancer by up-regulating miRNA-155 and inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of Qingre huashi decoction in the treatment of gastric cancer by intervening in miRNA-155 and inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. METHODS Thirty nude mice were randomly divided into model group， control group （0.004 g/kg cisplatin+0.02 g/kg fluorouracil）， overexpression group， Qingre huashi prescription low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （2.71， 5.43， 10.86 g/kg）， with 5 mice in each group. The overexpression group was inoculated with miRNA-155 AGS cell line， and the other groups were inoculated with AGS cells to induce tumor-bearing gastric cancer model. The control group was given relevant medicine intraperitoneally， and other groups were given relevant medicine or normal saline intragastrically， once a day， for 3 consecutive weeks. The weight of tumor tissue in nude mice was determined； the pathological morphology of tumor tissue was observed； the miRNA-155 expression， mRNA and protein expressions of Wnt7， β-catenin and T- cell factor-4（TCF-4） in tumor tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with the model group， the tumor weights of nude mice in the control group， the overexpression group and Qingre huashi decoction high-dose group were significantly reduced （P＜0.05）； mRNA and protein expressions of Wnt7， β -catenin and TCF-4 were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）， while miRNA-155 expression was increased significantly （P＜0.05）. Tumor cells exhibited varying degrees of loose arrangement， shallow nuclear staining， and necrotic foci. CONCLUSIONS Qingre huashi decoction can inhibit the protein and mRNA expressions of Wnt7， β-catenin and TCF-4 in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by up-regulating miRNA-155， thus inhibiting the tumor growth of tumor-bearing nude mice.

Efficacy and safety of image-guided hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy combined with contralateral esophageal protection in treatment of unresectable stage Ⅲ non-small cell lung cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To explore the efficacy and adverse reactions of image-guided hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (Ig-HypoRT) conbined with contralateral esophageal protection in treatment of patients with unresectable stage Ⅲ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods:The clinical data of 45 patients with unresectable stage Ⅲ NSCLC who were admitted to Xuzhou Cancer Hospital from January 2016 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients received induction chemotherapy with a platinum-based dual-drug combination regimen, followed by Ig-HypoRT with a total dose of tumor of 60-63 Gy/12- 18 times at 3.5-5.0 Gy/time. Contralateral esophagus was delineated as an organ at risk during radiotherapy, limiting V 45 Gy≤1.8 cc and V 55 Gy ≤0.4 cc. Patients' efficacy, survival and the occurrence of adverse reactions were observed. Results:Among 45 patients, there were 9 cases of complete remission, 31 cases of partial remission, 4 cases of stable disease and 1 case of disease progression, and the effective rate was 88.8% (40/45). The median follow-up time was 34 months, 45 patients had a median overall survival (OS) time of 25.0 months (95% CI 21.7-28.8 months), with 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates of 78.9%, 56.8% and 47.7%, respectively; the median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 18.5 months (95% CI 15.0-22.0 months), with 1-, 2- and 3-year PFS rates of 59.8%, 32.6% and 18.6%, respectively. The 3-year local recurrence rate was 9% (4/45). The incidence of grade 1-2 radioactive esophagitis was 80% (36/45); the incidence of grade 1-2 chest pain was 20% (9/45). The incidence of grade 3-4 adverse reactions were 13% (6/45), including 7% (3/45) of grade 3 pulmonary atelectasis, 4% (2/45) of grade 3 radioactive pneumonia, and 2% (1/45) of grade 4 hemoptysis. Conclusions:Ig-HypoRT combined with contralateral esophageal protection for unresectable stage Ⅲ NSCLC can improve survival rate and reduce esophageal adverse reactions of patients.

Construction and validation of a prognostic model for colon cancer based on inflammatory response-related genes / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To screen the differentially expressed genes (DEG) related to inflammatory response associated with the prognosis of colon cancer based on the bioinformatics approach, and to construct and validate a prognostic model for colon cancer.Methods:RNA sequencing and clinical data of 472 colon cancer patients and normal colon tissues of 41 healthy people were retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Gene expression related to prognosis of colon cancer and clinical data were retrieved from the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. The retrieval time was all from the establishment of library to November 2022. A total of 200 genes associated with inflammatory response obtained from the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) database were compared with the RNA sequencing gene dataset of colon cancer and normal colon tissues obtained from the TCGA database, and then DEG associated with inflammatory response were obtained. The prognosis-related DEG in the TCGA database were analyzed by using Cox proportional risk model, and the inflammatory response-related DEG were intersected with the prognosis-related DEG to obtain the prognosis-related inflammatory response-related DEG. The prognostic model of colon cancer was constructed by using LASSO Cox regression. Risk scores were calculated, and colon cancer patients in the TCGA database were divided into two groups of low risk (< the median value) and high risk (≥the median value) according to the median value of risk scores. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on patients in both groups, and survival analysis was performed by using Kaplan-Meier method. The efficacy of risk score in predicting the overall survival (OS) of colon cancer patients in the TCGA database was analyzed based on the R software timeROC program package. Clinical data from the ICGC database were applied to externally validate the constructed prognostic model, and patients with colon cancer in the ICGC database were classified into high and low risk groups based on the median risk score of patients with colon cancer in the TCGA database. By using R software, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGESA), immunophenotyping difference analysis, immune microenvironment correlation analysis, and immune checkpoint gene difference analysis of immune cells and immune function were performed for prognosis-related inflammation response-related DEG in the TCGA database.Results:A total of 60 inflammatory response-related DEG and 12 prognosis-related DEG were obtained; and 6 prognosis-related inflammatory response-related DEG (CCL24, GP1BA, SLC4A4, SRI, SPHK1, TIMP1) were obtained by taking the intersection set. LASSO Cox regression analysis showed that a prognostic model for colon cancer was constructed based on 6 prognosis-related inflammatory response-related DEG, and the risk score was calculated as = -0.113×CCL24+0.568×GP1BA+ (-0.375)×SLC4A4+(-0.051)×SRI+0.287×SPHK1+0.345×TIMP1. PCA results showed that patients with colon cancer could be better classified into 2 clusters. The OS in the high-risk group was worse than that in the low-risk group in the TCGA database ( P < 0.001); the area of the curve (AUC) of the prognostic risk score for predicting the OS rates of 1-year, 3-year, 5-year was 0.701, 0.685, and 0.675, respectively. The OS of the low-risk group was better than that of the high-risk group in the ICGC database; AUC of the prognostic risk score for predicting the OS rates of 1-year, 2-year, 3-year was 0.760, 0.788, and 0.743, respectively. ssGSEA analysis showed that the level of immune cell infiltration in the high-risk group in the TCGA database was high, especially the scores of activated dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, T helper cells, and follicular helper T cells in the high-risk group were higher than those in the low-risk group, while the score of helper T cells 2 (Th2) in the high-risk group was lower compared with that in the low-risk group (all P < 0.05); in terms of immune function, the high-risk group had higher scores of antigen-presenting cell (APC) co-inhibition, APC co-stimulation, immune checkpoint, human leukocyte antigen (HLA), promotion of inflammation, parainflammation, T-cell stimulation, type Ⅰ interferon (IFN) response, and type ⅡIFN response scores compared with those in the low-risk group (all P < 0.05). The results of immunophenotyping analysis showed that IFN-γ-dominant type (C2) had the highest inflammatory response score, and the differences were statistically significant when compared with trauma healing type (C1) and inflammatory response type (C3), respectively (all P < 0.05). Immune microenvironment stromal cells and immune cells were all positively correlated with prognostic risk scores ( r values were 0.35 and 0.21, respectively, both P < 0.01). The results of immune checkpoint difference analysis showed there was a statistically significant difference in programmed-death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression level between high-risk group and low-risk group ( P = 0.002), and PD-L1 expression level was positively correlated with prognostic risk score ( r = 0.23, P < 0.01). Conclusions:Inflammatory response-related genes may play an important role in tumor immunity of colon cancer and can be used in the prognostic analysis and immunotherapy of colon cancer patients.

Application of "ABC" three line perforator locating method for free anterolateral perforator flap of calf / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility of an "ABC" three line perforator locating method in design and harvest of free anterolateral perforator flap of calf.Methods:Between March 2021 and November 2021, 42 patients with 62 wounds on hand and foot were treated in the Department of Hand Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital. The "ABC" three line perforator locating method was applied to determine the location and source of perforating branch before operation and to guide the design and harvest of flap during operation in wound reconstruction. Among the 42 patients, 24 had the injury of single digit, 7 had the injuries with 2 digits, 4 with 3 digits, 1 with 4 digits, 1 of the first web, 1 in the wrist, 2 of the great toe, 1 of second toe and 1 in dorsal foot. The sizes of soft tissue defect were 1.5 cm×2.0 cm-3.0 cm×14.0 cm. The sizes of the flaps were 2.0 cm×2.5 cm-3.5 cm×15.0 cm. All donor sites were sutured directly. In the follow-up, sensations of flaps were evaluated following the sensory function evaluation standard of British Medical Research Council(BMRC), and the recovery of the donor and recipient sites was evaluated by the flap comprehensive evaluation scale. Regular follow-up were scheduled at outpatient clinic.Results:A total of 162 perforators were located before operation. There were 95 perforating branches being explored in the operation, of which 5 patients had 1 extra perforating branch than that located before surgery. Seventy-six perforating branches were found consistent with preoperative localisation, with a coincidence rate of 84.4%(76/90). Sixty-four perforating branches were found consistent with the preoperative source with an accuracy rate of 84.2%(64/76). All the 62 flaps survived without a vascular compromise. Follow-up lasted for 6-10(mean 7.1) months. The colour and texture of the flaps were excellent. The flaps were thin and wear-resistant. The sensory function of the flaps was evaluated at S 1-S 3 by BMRC. Comprehensive evaluation scale of flap was excellent in 38 patients and good in 4 patients. Conclusion:"ABC" three line perforator locating method in design of free anterolateral calf flap is a feasible and an ideal auxiliary method in surgical practice. It combines anatomical knowledge, clinical experience and Doppler ultrasound localisation as well as accurately guides the location and source prediction of perforator before surgery.

Aortic banding for refractory endoleaks after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To summarize the safety and efficacy of aortic banding in the treatment of refractory endoleaks after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR).Methods:The clinical and follow-up data of 10 patients with refractory endoleaks EVAR undergoing aortic banding at Peking University People's Hospital from Jun 2019 to Aprl 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The aortic banding was indicated for type Ⅰ endoleak in 6 patients, type Ⅱ endoleak in 3 patients and internal tension in 1 patient with persistent aneurysm enlargement or rupture. The surgical procedure was based on laparotomy. The proximal aortic neck was exposed and re-fixation with artificial strip to prevent bleeding. The surgical procedures was successful in all the 10 cases without residual endoleak or re-bleeding. The post-operative contrast-enhanced ultrasonography revealed neither new-onset endoleak nor occlusion of stent-grafts. Perioperative complications included one case of delayed wound healing and one case of incomplete ileus. No perioperative deaths occurred. Midterm follow-up was achieved in 10 patients with a mean follow-up time of 13 months. No recurrence of endoleak was found. One patient underwent endovascular repair for independent thoracic aortic aneurysm 6 months after surgery. There were no other aorta-related secondary surgeries or aortic-related deaths.Conclusion:Aortic banding for refractory endoleaks after EVAR is minimally invasive and reliable. It can effectively eliminate the refractory endoleaks, and reduce the risks of aortic-related secondary surgery or death.

Predictive value of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin for acute kidney injury in high-risk elderly patients / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the predictive value of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL)in high-risk elderly patients with acute kidney injury(AKI).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to collect 183 patients over 65 years old in the Department of Geriatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2018 to October 2019.The patients were combined with at least one risk factor.The diagnostic effect of NGAL for AKI prediction in high-risk patients was evaluated.According to the initial serum creatinine(SCr)and basic glomerular filtration rate(eGFR), the patients were divided into chronic kidney disease(CKD)group and non-CKD group.The optimal diagnostic threshold for A-on-C is determined by determining the area under the subject curve(AuROC). Univariate and independent predictors multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the risk of AKI.Results:The serum NGAL(NGAL)level in AKI group was higher than that in non-AKI group[702.5 μg/L(499.2, 813.2) vs.233.9 μg/L(147.2, 315.7), Z=8.002, P<0.001]. In CKD patients, serum NGAL in AKI group was higher than that in non-AKI group[1033 μg/L(845.5, 1447) vs.288.2 μg/L(221.4, 423.3), Z=4.867, P<0.001]. In all patients, model 3 with four variables showed better AKI prediction ability than model 0, 1 and 2( R2=0.743, P<0.001). In the CKD group, the AuROC of serum NGAL for AKI prediction was larger than that of CYS-C group, whereas in the non-CKD group, the AuROC of serum NGAL for AKI prediction was smaller than that of CYS-C group. Conclusions:Serum NGAL may serve as a useful biomarker for AKI prediction in AKI high-risk elderly patients.Especially in patients with CKD, Serum NGAL has a better predictive value for AKI than traditional indicators.

Efficacy of chemoradiotherapy versus surgery in cervical esophageal cancer: a population-based competing risk analysis / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the value of chemoradiotherapy and surgery in cervical esophageal cancer (CEC).Methods:Data of 459 patients with CEC from 2004 to 2017 were collected and retrospectively analyzed from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database of National Cancer Institute (US). All patients were divided into the chemoradiotherapy group ( n=379) and surgery group ( n=80) according to the treatment methods. Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method and survival curve was drawn. Multivariate survival analysis was conducted by Cox proportional hazards regression model. The death rate of different causes between two groups was calculated by cumulative incidence function (CIF). The differences of death rate between two groups were evaluated by Fine-Gray competing risk model. By analyzing the clinical characteristics and survival of CEC patients, the overall survival (OS) was compared between the surgery and chemoradiotherapy groups. Results:The 2- and 5-year survival rates in the chemoradiotherapy group were 43.1% and 22.4%, while those of the surgical group were 46.8% and 26.0%, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the OS between the chemoradiotherapy and surgery groups ( P=0.750). Cox multivariate analysis showed that treatment (surgery group vs. chemoradiotherapy group) was not an independent prognostic factor for OS. Based on the results of competing risk analysis, the risk of esophageal cancer-specific death in the chemoradiotherapy group was higher than that in the surgery group, and the difference was statistically significant between two groups ( P<0.001). The risk of other cause-specific death in the chemoradiotherapy group was lower than that in the surgery group ( P<0.001). The proportion of patients who died of oral, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal and laryngeal diseases in the surgery group was significantly higher than that in the chemoradiotherapy group(all P<0.001). Conclusions:No significant difference is observed in the OS of CEC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy or surgery. In the surgery group, the risk of esophageal cancer-specific death is lower, whereas the risk of other cause-specific death is higher compared with those in the chemoradiotherapy group.

Phase II trial of hippocampal avoidance whole-brain irradiation with simultaneous integrated boost for treatment of brain metastases of lung cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hippocampal avoidance whole-brain irradiation with simultaneous integrated boost in the treatment of brain metastases of lung cancer.Methods:Forty lung cancer patients with brain metastases who received whole-brain radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost and hippocampal avoidance in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2014 to 2020 were enrolled in this study. Brain MRI, survival follow-up and evaluation of side effects were performed before radiotherapy and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after radiotherapy, respectively. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and changes in cognitive function were analyzed. Continuous data were described as Mean ± SD. Categorical data were described by frequency and composition ratio or percentage. Survival analysis was conducted by Kaplan-Meier method. Influencing factors of survival were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox's regression analyses.Results:A total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study. The median follow-up time was 14.2 months and the median OS, PFS and intracranial PFS of all patients were 14.8 months, 6.7 months and 14.8 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that male gender and newly diagnosed stage Ⅳ disease were associated with worse OS and PFS, respectively. The Hopkins verbal learning test-revised (HVLT-R) scores at baseline and 1, 3 and 6 months after radiotherapy were 21.94±2.99, 20.88±3.12, 20.03±3.14, and 19.78±2.98, respectively. The HVLT-R score at 6 months after radiotherapy was decreased by approximately 9.8% compared with the baseline. No grade 3 or above toxic and side effect occurred in the entire cohort.Conclusion:Hippocampal avoidance whole-brain irradiation with simultaneous integrated boost is a safe and effective treatment for brain metastases of lung cancer, which is expected to reduce the impact of radiotherapy on cognitive function.

Research progress on image standard database of artificial intelligence-assisted radiotherapy for lung cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Lung cancer is the malignant tumor with the highest mortality rate in the world. Radiotherapy plays an important role in the comprehensive treatment of lung cancer. With the continuous advancement of radiotherapy technology and equipment, it has become one of the effective therapeutic options for lung cancer. In recent years, artificial intelligence technology has developed rapidly and has been widely applied in clinical practice, especially in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer imaging. The image database can be obtained by sorting and summarizing the images, which can be used in clinical work and scientific research. In this article, the application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer radiotherapy imaging and lung cancer imaging database was reviewed, aiming to provide reference for the construction of artificial intelligence radiotherapy imaging database for lung cancer.

Antibacterial copper sulfide/graphene oxide nanosheets composite film promotes angiogenic and osteogenic differentiation in vitro / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate whether the antibacterial copper sulfide (CuS)/graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets composite film can promote angiogenesis and osteogenesis in vitro. Methods:GO and CuS/GO nanosheets were synthesized and mixed into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogel films. The study was conducted in 4 groups: PVA/CMC/GO, PVA/CMC/CuS/GO, PVA/CMC (only PVA/CMC-based film) and blank control (no material). The PVA/CMC, PVA/CMC/GO and PVA/CMC/CuS/GO films were characterized by electron scanning microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer. The biocompatibility of different films (PVA/CMC/CuS/GO films with concentrations of CuS/GO nanotablets of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 μ g/mL) was evaluated by CCK-8, live/dead cell staining, and hemolysis test. The angiogenesis was evaluated by cell migration and tube forming test in vitro. Alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining were used to evaluate osteogenesis in vitro, and the expression of osteogenic genes was measured by immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR. In addition, the bacterial plate counting method and bacteriostatic circle method were used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of films. Results:In the PVA/CMC/GO and PVA/CMC/CuS/GO groups, the surface of the PVA/CMC-based film was smooth and flat whereas the nanosheets composite films were irregularly flaky and convex. The biosafety experiments showed that the PVA/CMC-based film composited with GO or CuS/GO nanosheets at the concentration of 100 μg/mL had good biocompatibility. The results of angiogenesis in vitro showed that the migration ratio of HUVEC cells in the PVA/CMC/CuS/GO group was significantly better than those in the PVA/CMC/GO, PVA/CMC and control groups ( P<0.001). In the experiment of tube forming area and length, the PVA/CMC/CuS/GO group was significantly better than the PVA/CMC/GO, PVA/CMC and control groups ( P<0.001). The osteogenic differentiation in vitro displayed that the alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining of MC3T3-E1 cells in the PVA/CMC/CuS/GO group were significantly better than those in the PVA/CMC/GO, PVA/CMC and control groups ( P<0.001). In addition, the fluorescence intensity of immunofluorescence staining in alkaline phosphatase and type Ⅰcollagen on MC3T3-E1 cells, and the mRNA expression levels of osteogenic related genes including alkaline phosphatase, bone morphogenetic protein 2, osteocalcin and osteopontin in the PVA/CMC/CuS/GO group were significantly higher than those in the PVA/CMC/GO, PVA/CMC and control groups ( P<0.001). The antibacterial assay showed that the PVA/CMC/CuS/GO group had a significantly greater antibacterial activity and a significantly larger inhibition zone against Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria than the PVA/CMC/GO, PVA/CMC and control groups ( P< 0.001). Conclusions:PVA/CMC films composited with GO or CuS/GO nanosheets demonstrate ideal biocompatibility and antibacterial properties which promote angiogenesis and osteogenic differentiation in vitro. In particular, antibacterial PVA/CMC/CuS/GO composite films with the coupling function of angiogenesis and osteogenesis are expected to provide a new strategy for infectious bone defects.

Mechanism of Bielong Ruangan decoction in treatment of liver cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the key targets and mechanism of Bielong Ruangan decoction in the treatment of liver cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.Methods:Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database, PubChem database and PharmMapper database were used to search and screen the chemical components and related targets of Bielong Ruangan decoction and the targets of liver cancer diseases. The network diagram of " Bielong Ruangan decoction-traditional Chinese medicine-active ingredient-predicted target-disease" was constructed; Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were analyzed through String database; gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed through WebGestalt database; Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was carried out through KEGG Orthology Based Annotation System (KOBAS) database; Molecular docking of the active components and core target proteins of Bielong Ruangan decoction was carried out by using PyMOL, Auto DockVina and other software.Results:Bielong Ruangan decoction had 67 active components, 154 liver cancer targets and 244 pathways. According to the analysis of network pharmacology, Bielong Ruangan decoction may play an anti-cancer role through key targets such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), MAPK8, serine threonine protein kinase 1 (AKT1), MAPK14, cysteine protease 3 (CASP3), cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), aldose reductase (AKR1B1) and other key targets. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the treatment of liver cancer by Bielong Ruangan decoction involved the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, thyroid hormone signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway and other pathways. The results of molecular docking showed that the binding energy of all compounds to protein was less than -5.6 kcal/mol, indicating that each compound and each protein could bind well.Conclusions:Bielong Ruangan decoction participates in the treatment of liver cancer through " multi-component, multi-target and multi-channel" ways, and plays an anti-cancer role mainly by regulating the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells and tumor inflammatory microenvironment.