[Minimally invasive enucleation for benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors: an analysis of 60 cases].

Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive pancreatic tumor enucleation. Methods: The clinicopathological data of 60 patients with minimally invasive pancreatic tumor enucleation admitted to the Department of Pancreatic Surgery of Fudan University Cancer Center from November 2019 to August 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 17 males and 43 females,with age of (50.0±13.2)years(range: 23 to 73 years). Tumors were located in the head of pancreas in 40 cases(66.7%),neck and tail of pancreas in 20 cases(33.3%). Patients were divided into robotic group(n=25) and laparoscopic group(n=35) according to surgical methods. The measurement data were compared by t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, and the categorical data were compared by χ2 test or Fisher exact probability method. The influencing factors of postoperative pancreatic fistula were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Logistic regression. Results: All patients successfully completed tumor enucleation without conversion to laparotomy. The operation time was (183.5±67.3)minutes(range:90 to 410 minutes). Twelve patients(20.0%) underwent stent placement and pancreatic duct repair during operation. The removal time of abdominal drainage tube after operation was (24.7±22.9)days(range:2 to 113 days). The tumor diameter in the robotic group was larger than that in the laparoscopic group((3.5±0.9)cm vs. (2.9±0.7)cm,t=-2.825,P=0.006). The incidences of postoperative biochemical fistula and grade B pancreatic fistula were 20.0%,22.9% and 36.0%,51.4%,respectively(χ²=2.289,P=0.318). There were no grade C pancreatic fistula,lymphatic fistula,biliary fistula,delayed gastric emptying,secondary operation and perioperative death in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on the occurrence of clinically related pancreatic fistula(above grade B). The results showed that the increase of body mass index(OR=1.285,95%CI:1.053 to 1.569,P=0.014),the larger diameter of the tumor(OR=3.703,95%CI:1.465 to 9.360,P=0.006) and intraoperative pancreatic duct repair(OR=7.889,95%CI:1.471 to 42.296,P=0.016) were independent risk factors,whereas robotic surgery(OR=0.168,95%CI:0.036 to 0.796,P=0.025) was a protective factor. No case of pancreatin dependent dyspepsia and new onset diabetes mellitus was observed. Conclusions: Minimally invasive tumor enucleation is feasible in the treatment of benign and low-grade pancreatic tumors. The incidence of pancreatic fistula is high in the short term after operation,but serious complications are rare. The robot assisted system can reduce the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula and has more advantages in dealing with larger diameter tumors because of clearer surgical vision and more accurate operation.

[Effect of laparoscopic surgery for pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy].

Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Methods: Clinical data of 8 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from September 2019 to June 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 5 males and 3 females,aged from 47 to 72 years old. All patients underwent abdominal enhanced CT and PET-CT before operation to accurately evaluate the tumor stage and exclude distant metastasis. Results: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with AG regimen(gemcitabine 1 000 mg/m2 and albumin bound paclitaxel 125 mg/m2) was received for 2 to 6 cycles before surgery. All 8 patients successfully completed the operation,including 5 cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy,2 cases of radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy(RAMPS),and 1 case of total pancreatectomy. No conversion to laparotomy or laparoscopic assisted surgery. The operation time was 240 to 450 minutes,the blood loss was 100 to 500 ml,the postoperative length of stay was 10 to 16 days. During the follow-up period up to December 31, 2020, there was 1 case suffered grade B pancreatic leakage and abdominal infection. The numbers of resected lymph nodes were 9 to 31. All patients received R0 resection. The follow-up times were 4.5 to 9.5 months. One patient underwent RAMPS was diagnosed as liver metastasis after 2 months of the operation,and the other 7 patients still survived without tumor recurrence. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery of pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is safe and feasible in experienced pancreatic minimally invasive centers.

Single-Cell Growth Rates in Photoautotrophic Populations Measured by Stable Isotope Probing and Resonance Raman Microspectrometry.

A new method to measure growth rates of individual photoautotrophic cells by combining stable isotope probing (SIP) and single-cell resonance Raman microspectrometry is introduced. This report explores optimal experimental design and the theoretical underpinnings for quantitative responses of Raman spectra to cellular isotopic composition. Resonance Raman spectra of isogenic cultures of the cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp., grown in 13C-bicarbonate revealed linear covariance between wavenumber (cm-1) shifts in dominant carotenoid Raman peaks and a broad range of cellular 13C fractional isotopic abundance. Single-cell growth rates were calculated from spectra-derived isotopic content and empirical relationships. Growth rates among any 25 cells in a sample varied considerably; mean coefficient of variation, CV, was 29 ± 3% (σ/[Formula: see text]), of which only ~2% was propagated analytical error. Instantaneous population growth rates measured independently by in vivo fluorescence also varied daily (CV ≈ 53%) and were statistically indistinguishable from single-cell growth rates at all but the lowest levels of cell labeling. SCRR censuses of mixtures prepared from Synechococcus sp. and T. pseudonana (a diatom) populations with varying 13C-content and growth rates closely approximated predicted spectral responses and fractional labeling of cells added to the sample. This approach enables direct microspectrometric interrogation of isotopically- and phylogenetically-labeled cells and detects as little as 3% changes in cellular fractional labeling. This is the first description of a non-destructive technique to measure single-cell photoautotrophic growth rates based on Raman spectroscopy and well-constrained assumptions, while requiring few ancillary measurements.

[Study of Basal metabolic rate of 81 young adults aged 20-29 years old in Changsha].

Objective: To determine the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of young adults aged between 20-29 years old in Changsha. Methods: We recruited volunteers to join in our research project from April to May, 2015. All recruited volunteers must meet the inclusion criteria: aged 20-29 years old, height between 164-180 centimeters in males and 154-167 centimeters in females, in good health condition, and with no habit of regular physical exercise in last year. Finally, 81 qualified volunteers were selected as research objects, including 43 males and 38 females. The BMR, resting lying metabolism rate and resting sitting metabolism rate of the subjects were detected, and the determined BMR was compared with the calculated results: from the adjusted Schofield equation. Results The BMR, resting lying metabolism rate and resting sitting metabolism rate among males were (166.10±22.09), (174.22±24.56), and (179.54±23.35) kJ·m(-2)·h(-1), respectively, which were all higher than those among females were (137.70±20.04), (149.79±19.25), and (167.78±26.02) kJ·m(-2)·h(-1), respectively, (P<0.001). The BMR of males and females calculated from the adjusted Schofield equation were (160.83±3.93), and (140.29±4.18) kJ·m(-2)·h(-1), respectively, and there was no significantly statistical difference found between the determined BMR and the calculated results from Schofield equation (adjusted) classified by sex, all P values >0.05. Conclusion: The BMR of young adults aged 20-29 years old in Changsha was in the national average level, and the adjusted Schofield equation displayed fine accuracy in predicting BMR of young adults aged 20-29 years old in Changsha.

A green approach to the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets under UV irradiation.

We present a totally green approach towards the synthesis and stabilization of aqueous graphene dispersions through UV-irradiated reduction of exfoliated graphene oxide (GO). Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) is used to enhance the dispersibility of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) by one-step functionalization. The proposed method is low cost and easy without using any photocatalysts or reducing agents, which can open up a new possibility for green preparation of stable RGO dispersions in large-scale production.

Vitamin A for preventing acute lower respiratory tract infections in children up to seven years of age.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A supplements are effective for preventing diarrhoea. There are theoretical reasons it might also be effective for acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), also very common in children, especially in low income countries. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of vitamin A for preventing acute LRTIs in children up to seven years of age. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2007, Issue 2); MEDLINE (1966 to July 2007); EMBASE (1974 to July 2007); and the Chinese Biomedicine Database (CBM) (1976 to July 2007). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effectiveness of vitamin A in the prevention of acute LRTI in children up to seven years of age. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The review authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Study authors were contacted for additional information. MAIN RESULTS: Most studies found no significant effect of vitamin A on the incidence of acute LRTI, or prevalence of symptoms of acute LRTI. Vitamin A caused an increased incidence of acute LRTI in one study; an increase in cough and fever; and increased symptoms of cough and rapid breathing in two others. Three reported no differences and no protective effect of vitamin A. Two studies reported that vitamin A significantly reduced the incidence of acute LRTI with children with poor nutritional status or weight, but increased it in normal children. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This unexpected result is outside our current understanding of the use of vitamin A for preventing acute LRTIs. Accordingly, vitamin A should not be given to all children to prevent acute LRTIs. There is evidence for vitamin A supplements to prevent acute LRTIs in children with low serum retinol or those with a poor nutritional status.

Bicyclol for chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: Bicyclol is a novel synthetic 'anti-hepatitis' drug, used in China for chronic hepatitis C. Until now, systematic reviews on bicyclol therapy have not been performed. OBJECTIVES: To study the benefits and harms of bicyclol for patients with chronic hepatitis C. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register (July 2005), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2005), MEDLINE (1994 to July 2005), EMBASE (1994 to July 2005), Science Citation Index Expanded (1994 to July 2005), The Chinese Biomedical Database (1994 to August 2005), Chinese Journals Full-article Database (1994 to August 2005), VIP Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database (1994 to August 2005), and China National Infrastructure (CNKI) (1994 to August 2005). We also contacted manufacturers and researchers in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised clinical trials on bicyclol versus no intervention, placebo, or other interventions in patients with chronic hepatitis C were included, irrespective of blinding, publication status, or language. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The primary outcome measures were total and liver-related mortality and liver-related morbidity (eg, cirrhosis and carcinoma). Secondary outcome measures were viral response and liver histology. MAIN RESULTS: The search identified one randomised clinical trial comparing bicyclol with placebo for 39 patients with chronic hepatitis C. The follow-up was three months. In the trial, there was no evidence that bicyclol was superior to placebo for clearance of HCV RNA (RR 3.80, 95% CI 0.47 to 31.0) and anti-HCV antibodies, but bicyclol was associated with statistically significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase activity at 12-th week after treatment (WMD -69 IU/L, 95% CI -115 to -24). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Only one randomised clinical trial has examined bicyclol for patients with chronic hepatitis C. This small, short-term trial found no evidence to support or refute its use. Large, randomised, double-blind clinical trials with long-term follow-up are needed to examine the possible benefits and harms associated with bicyclol. Bicyclol can only be recommended for use in randomised trials.

Modified SO(4)(2-)/Fe(2)O(3) solid superacid catalysts for electrochemical reaction of toluene with methanol.

A series of sulfate, different metal promoted SO(4)(2-)/Fe(2)O(3) catalysts were prepared and investigated by means of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). All catalysts exhibit good catalytic activity for the electrochemical reaction of toluene with methanol assisted with a pair of porous graphite plane electrodes and chemical conversion higher than 80% was observed. In particular, molybdate promoted catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic activity.

Non-invasive detection of endothelial dysfunction in patients with essential hypertension.

The endothelium regulates vascular tone through the release of vasoactive agents that act on the underlying vascular smooth muscle. This endothelial function is impaired in certain cardiovascular conditions including atherosclerosis, and hypercholesterolemia. However, in patients with essential hypertension it is unclear whether endothelium-dependent vasodilation is impaired. Using high-resolution ultrasound, we measured the diameter of the brachial arteries at rest, during reactive hyperaemia (with increase flow causing endothelium-dependent dilatation), and after sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (GTN; causing endothelium-independent dilatation) in 42 subjects, consisted of 21 controls with normal blood pressure [mean(SD) arterial blood pressure, 92+/-7 mmHg] and 21 patients with established essential hypertension (mean arterial blood pressure, 123+/-12 mmHg). The results showed that in patients with essential hypertension, flow-mediated dilatation in arteries was much reduced in comparison with the control group (4.6%+/-2.8% vs. 12.4%+/-2.9%, P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in response to GTN between the two groups (19.8%+/-6.0% vs. 24.5%+/-10.2%, P=0.186). This indicates that endothelium-dependent vasodilation is impaired in patients with essential hypertension.

The relationship between dietary factors and serum lipids in Chinese urban and rural populations of Beijing and Guangzhou. PRC-USA Cardiovascular and Cardiopulmonary Research Group.

BACKGROUND: Serum cholesterol (TC) levels and coronary heart disease (CHD) are lower in China than in western countries. This report examines the role of diet in determining TC. METHODS: Data were collected as part of a cross-sectional study of 10,000 men and women, 35-54 years old, conducted in 1983-1984 in four areas in China. A 10% subsample was surveyed for eating patterns and measurement of blood lipids. Six one-day dietary recalls were collected on each participant. RESULTS: Mean daily intake of energy from fat was less than 30%. Mean Keys scores ranged from 20.4 to 32.6. In multivariable regression analysis controlling for age, body mass index (BMI), and alcohol, Keys score was statistically associated with serum TC. A 10-unit greater Keys score was associated with 6.3 mg/dl higher TC and 4.0 mg/dl higher low density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in China the relation of dietary factors to serum lipids is similar to that in populations having high serum TC levels.

The relationship between dietary factors and serum lipids in southern Chinese population samples.

As part of the PRC-USA collaborative research project on the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease, baseline surveys were conducted in four random urban and rural samples in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province in southern China on 334 men and women aged 35-54 in the fall of 1983-84 with the aim of studying the correlation between dietary intakes and serum lipids. Methods standardized by the US Centers for Disease Control were used for measuring different parameters, and quality control was emphasized to assure comparability between workers and farmers. Three 24-hour recalls were collected from each participant in each survey. Mean values of daily intakes of nutrients per capita for the four groups were as follows: 59-69% kcal carbohydrate; 10-12% kcal protein; 22-26% kcal fat. Dietary total fat, saturated fatty acid (SFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and cholesterol were higher in the urban than the rural areas. Mean levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were 4.6 mmol/l, 1.1 mmol/l, 1.3 mmol/l and 2.8 mmol/l respectively. The TC, TG and LDL-C and HDL-C were significantly higher in the urban than the rural areas. Analyses of correlation showed that the Keys 'dietary lipid score' was positively associated with TC, LDL-C and HDL-C; specifically, dietary cholesterol was positively associated with serum TC. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were positively correlated with HDL-C. It seems that the traditional dietary pattern of Guangzhou favours serum lipids being at an optimal level.