[Salivary carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation: clinicopathological analysis of 7 cases]

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathological features of salivary carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation(CASTLE). Methods: Cases diagnosed with salivary CASTLE from January 2020 to December 2023 were collected and selected from the Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. A total of 7 cases of salivary CASTLE were identified. All the cases originated from parotid. There were 3 males and 4 females. The patients' age range was 11-70 years.The clinical, microscopic, immunohistochemical and prognostic features of these cases were analyzed. Results: The duration of disease ranged from 1 month to 1 year, and 1 patient had facial numbness and 1 with swelling sensation occasionally. Radiographically, 4 cases showed malignant signs. Microscopically, 4 cases involved in parotid gland, and all the tumors had different degrees of lymphoid tissue background. The tumor cells arranged in nests, 5 cases with lymphoepithelial carcinoma-like and 2 cases with squamous cell carcinoma morphology. The tumor cells expressed CD5 and CD117 proteins diffusely in lymphoepithelial carcinoma-like cases. However, the tumor cells expressed CD5 diffusely and CD117 focally in cases with squamous cell carcinoma morphology. All the cases had no Epstein-Barr virus infection. Among the 6 patients with follow-up information, all of them underwent postoperative radiotherapy, and none of them had local recurrence and lymph node metastasis. Conclusions: Salivary CASTLE is a rare tumor, it should be distinguished from lymphoepithelial carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The patients often have better prognosis and CD5 protein expression has a valuable role in the differential diagnosis.

[Analysis of the application effect and safety of transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange technique in hysteroscopic diagnostic and therapeutic surgery]

Objective: To investigate the effect and safety of transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) technique in hysteroscopic diagnostic and therapeutic surgery. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 100 female patients undergoing hysteroscopy surgery at Beijing Tongren Hospital from September to December 2023 were selected and randomly divided into two groups by the random number table method: the THRIVE group and the mask oxygen group, with 50 patients in each group. Patients in both groups were given total intravenous anesthesia with propofol combined with remifentanil and preserved spontaneous respiration. The THRIVE group was given oxygen by the THRIVE device with an oxygen flow rate of 50 L/min, while the mask oxygen group was given oxygen by the mask with an oxygen flow rate of 5 L/min; the oxygen concentration of both groups was set at 100%. The general condition of the patients, vital signs during the operation, the amount of anesthesia drugs used and the operation time were recorded. The primary observation index was the incidence of hypoxic events in the two groups; the secondary observation indexes were the incidence and time of intraoperative apnea as well as the corresponding oxygenation interventions and the incidence of non-hypoxic adverse events. Results: The age of the THRIVE group was (42±14) years, and the age of the mask oxygen group was (43±15) years. The duration of surgery in the THRIVE group was (15.9±3.4) min, which was statistically lower than that of the mask oxygen group (16.3±4.5) min (P=0.041), and there were no differences observed in the duration of awakening time and anesthesia time (both P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the dosage of propofol, remifentanil, and intraoperative vasoactive drugs between the two groups (all P>0.05). The SpO2 of the patients in the THRIVE group at the end of the operation was (99.7±1.1) %, which was higher than that of the mask-oxygen group (99.1±1.1) % (P<0.05). There was no difference in SpO2 of the two groups at the other time points (all P>0.05). There were no differences in HR and MAP of two group patients at each time point (all P>0.05). The incidence of hypoxic events in the THRIVE group was 12.0% (6/50), which was lower than that of 28.0% (14/50) in the mask oxygen group (P=0.045). The difference in the incidence and duration of apnea between the two groups was not statistically significant (all P>0.05). There were no cases of temporary need for laryngeal mask or tracheal intubation during surgery in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of intraoperative body movement, dizziness, nausea and vomiting between the two groups (all P>0.05), and no cardiac, cerebral, renal or other important organ insufficiency occurred in the two weeks after surgery. Conclusion: THRIVE technology can provide effective oxygenation for patients undergoing hysteroscopic diagnosis and treatment, maintain patients' circulatory stability, and improve the safety and efficiency of surgery.

Comparison of genotypic and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella enterica isolates from poultry diagnostic specimens

The spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is a significant concern, as it can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in both humans and animals. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a powerful tool that can be used to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We compared the phenotypic and genotypic AMR profiles of 97 Salmonella isolates derived from chicken and turkey diagnostic samples. We focused AMR analysis on 5 antimicrobial classes: aminoglycoside, beta-lactam, phenicol, tetracycline, and trimethoprim. The overall sensitivity and specificity of WGS in predicting phenotypic antimicrobial resistance in the Salmonella isolates were 93.4% and 99.8%, respectively. There were 16 disagreement instances, including 15 that were phenotypically resistant but genotypically susceptible; the other instance involved phenotypic susceptibility but genotypic resistance. Of the isolates examined, 67 of 97 (69%) carried at least 1 resistance gene, with 1 isolate carrying as many as 12 resistance genes. Of the 31 AMR genes analyzed, 16 were identified as aminoglycoside-resistance genes, followed by 4 beta-lactam-resistance, 3 tetracycline-resistance, 2 sulfonamide-resistance, and 1 each of fosfomycin-, quinolone-, phenicol-, trimethoprim-, bleomycin-, and colistin-resistance genes. Most of the resistance genes found were located on plasmids.

[Surgical treatment and prognosis analysis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the surgical treatment effect and prognostic factors of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: This is an ambispective cohort study. From August 2005 to December 2022,data of 510 patients who diagnosed with hilar cholangiocarcinoma and underwent surgical resection at the Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were retrospectively collected. In the cohort,there were 324 males and 186 females,with an age of (M (IQR)) 63(13)years (range:25 to 85 years). The liver function at admission was Child-Pugh A (343 cases,67.3%) and Child-Pugh B (167 cases,32.7%). Three hundred and seventy-two(72.9%) patients had jaundice symptoms and the median total bilirubin was 126.3(197.6) μmol/L(range: 5.4 to 722.8 μmol/L) at admission. Two hundred and fourty-seven cases (48.4%) were treated with percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage or endoscopic nasobiliary drainage before operation. The median bilirubin level in the drainage group decreased from 186.4 μmol/L to 85.5 μmol/L before operation. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to identify the influencing factors for R0 resection,and Cox regression was used to construct multivariate prediction models for overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS). Results: Among 510 patients who underwent surgical resection,Bismuth-Corlett type Ⅲ-Ⅳ patients accounted for 71.8%,among which 86.1% (315/366) underwent hemi-hepatectomy,while 81.9% (118/144) underwent extrahepatic biliary duct resection alone in Bismuch-Corlett type Ⅰ-Ⅱ patients. The median OS time was 22.8 months, and the OS rates at 1-,3-,5-and 10-year were 72.2%,35.6%,24.8% and 11.0%,respectively. The median DFS time was 15.2 months,and the DFS rates was 66.0%,32.4%,20.9% and 11.0%,respectively. The R0 resection rate was 64.5% (329/510), and the OS rates of patients with R0 resection at 1-,3-,5-and 10-year were 82.5%, 48.6%, 34.4%, 15.2%,respectively. The morbidity of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅲ-Ⅴ complications was 26.1%(133/510) and the 30-day mortality was 4.3% (22/510). Multivariate Logistic regression indicated that Bismuth-Corlett type Ⅰ-Ⅲ (P=0.009), hemi-hepatectomy and extended resection (P=0.001),T1 and T2 patients without vascular invasion (T2 vs. T1:OR=1.43 (0.61-3.35),P=0.413;T3 vs. T1:OR=2.57 (1.03-6.41), P=0.010;T4 vs. T1, OR=3.77 (1.37-10.38), P<0.01) were more likely to obtain R0 resection. Preoperative bilirubin,Child-Pugh grade,tumor size,surgical margin,T stage,N stage,nerve infiltration and Edmondson grade were independent prognostic factors for OS and DFS of hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients without distant metastasis. Conclusions: Radical surgical resection is necessary to prolong the long-term survival of hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients. Hemi-hepatectomy and extended resection,regional lymph node dissection and combined vascular resection if necessary,can improve R0 resection rate.

[Preparation of a dual-specific antibody targeting human CD123 and exploration of its anti-acute myeloid leukemia effects]

Objective: To construct a novel dual-specific antibody targeting human CD123 (CD123 DuAb) and study its effects in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) . Methods: Based on the variable region of the CD123 monoclonal antibody independently developed at our institution, the CD123 DuAb expression plasmid was constructed by molecular cloning and transfected into ExpiCHO-S cells to prepare the antibody protein. Through a series of in vitro experiments, its activation and proliferation effect on T cells, as well as the effect of promoting T-cell killing of AML cells, were verified. Results: ① A novel CD123 DuAb plasmid targeting CD123 was successfully constructed and expressed in the Expi-CHO eukaryotic system. ②The CD123 DuAb could bind both CD3 on T cells and CD123 on CD123(+) tumor cells. ③When T cells were co-cultured with MV4-11 cells with addition of the CD123 DuAb at a concentration of 1 nmol/L, the positive expression rates of CD69 and CD25 on T cells were 68.0% and 44.3%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). ④Co-culture with CD123 DuAb at 1 nmol/L promoted T-cell proliferation, and the absolute T-cell count increased from 5×10(5)/ml to 3.2×10(6)/ml on day 9, and CFSE fluorescence intensity decreased significantly. ⑤ With the increase in CD123 DuAb concentration in the culture system, T-cell exhaustion and apoptosis increased. When the CD123 DuAb was added at a concentration of 1 nmol/L to the culture system, the proportion of CD8(+) PD-1(+) LAG-3(+) T cells was 10.90%, and the proportion of propidium iodide (PI) (-) Annexin Ⅴ(+) T cells and PI(+) Annexin Ⅴ(+) T cells was 18.27% and 11.43%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). ⑥ The CD123 DuAb significantly activated T cells, and the activation intensity was positively correlated with its concentration. The expression rate of CD107a on T cells reached 16.05% with 1 nmol/L CD123 DuAb, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). ⑦The CD123 DuAb promoted cytokine secretion by T cells at a concentration of 1 nmol/L, and the concentration of IFN-γ and TNF-α in the supernatant of the co-culture system reached 193.8 pg/ml and 169.8 pg/ml, respectively, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). ⑧When CD123 DuAb was added at a concentration of 1 nmol/L to the co-culture system of T cells and CD123(+) tumor cells, the killing intensity of T cells significantly increased, and the residual rates of CD123(+) MV4-11 cells, CD123(+) Molm13 cells, and CD123(+) THP-1 cells were 7.4%, 6.7%, and 14.6% on day 3, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: In this study, a novel CD123 DuAb was constructed and expressed. In vitro experiments verified that the DuAb binds to CD123(+) tumor cells and T cells simultaneously, promotes T-cell activation and proliferation, and facilitates their anti-leukemia effect, which provides a basis for further clinical research.

Association of blood heavy metal concentrations with hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the associations between blood heavy metal concentrations and hearing loss.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed using Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature, Wanfang and Weipu databases. Ten studies were included, and a random or fixed-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. Review Manager 5.4 software was used for data synthesis, and Stata 15.1 software was used for the publication bias and sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

Blood lead concentrations were significantly and substantially associated with hearing loss (mean difference (MD) = 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.03, 2.26; P = 0.04; I2 = 81%), and iron deficiency was significantly related to hearing loss (MD = -0.42; 95% CI = -0.66, -0.18; P = 0.12; I2 = 60%).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest an association between blood heavy metal concentrations and hearing loss. However, there were limitations: confounding factors, lack of description for the specific methods of blinding and independent verification of case definition, limited sample size, Chinese publications comprising half of the primary data and the lack of assessment of the relationship between different blood heavy metal concentrations and the severity of hearing loss. Therefore, larger and well-designed prospective cohort studies are required for further exploration.

[Analysis of the reported incidence and epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis among health-care workers in China,2011-2020]

Objective: To analyze the reported incidence and epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among healthcare workers (HCWs) nationwide from 2011 to 2020. Methods: The national surveillance data of PTB from 2011 to 2020 were used to analyze the reported incidence and epidemiological characteristics of PTB among HCWs, and the average annual change trends were calculated. Results: The reported incidence of PTB among HCWs in China first decreased and then increased, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of -1.1%, from 37.0/100 000 in 2011 to 30.0/100 000 in 2015, and then to 33.4/100 000 in 2020. From 2011 to 2019, the risk of PTB in males was 1.02-1.37 times higher than that in females, and in 2020, the risk of PTB in males was 0.86 times higher than that in females. The risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in males showed a rapid downward trend, and the AAPC was -3.8%. Taking the 45-<55 age group as a reference, the risk of PTB in the <25, 25-<35, 55-<60 and≥60 age groups was 4.64, 1.97, 1.28 and 1.47 times, respectively. There was no significant difference between the 35-<45 age group and the 44-<55 age group. The reported incidence rates in the eastern, central and western China were 25.0/100 000, 33.2/100 000 and 44.0/100 000, respectively. The incidence rates in the central and western China were 1.33 and 1.76 times higher than that in the eastern China, and the AAPCs were -1.2%, -0.2%, and -1.6% in the eastern, central, and western China, respectively. Conclusions: From 2011 to 2020, the reported incidence of PTB among HCWs in China was generally at a low level, but there was an upward trend since 2015. It is necessary to strengthen TB prevention and control among this group, especially focusing on key provinces in the central and western China. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the entry-level and routine training for young HCWs in TB infection control.

[Obstructive sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study]

Objective: This study aims to explore the causal relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) using bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: The genetic data related to OSA were obtained from the FinnGen Biobank (Ncase=16, 761, Ncontrol=201, 194) in the Genome-wide association study (GWAS). Three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were screened out as instrumental variable (IV) of OSA. The genetic data related to T2D were derived from a large Meta-analysis of GWAS (Ncase=62, 892, Ncontrol=596, 424), 114 SNP were selected as IV of T2D. Multiple MR methods were used for analysis and inverse variance weighted (IVW) was performed as main method. The sensitivity of MR analytic results was analyzed using MR-Egger and other methods, and the IV was evaluated using F-value statistics. Results: MR analysis showed that OSA was significantly associated with increased risk of T2D (OR=2.016, 95%CI: 1.185-3.429, P<0.05). There was no significant relationship between T2D and OSA risk (OR=1.030, 95%CI: 0.980-1.082, P=0.238). There was heterogeneity in both-way results (OSA➝T2D, P=1.808×10-11; T2D➝OSA, P=1.729×10-7), and no horizontal pleiotropy (OSA➝T2D, P=0.477; T2D➝OSA, P=0.349). IV of OSA and T2D-selected in the study were strong instrumental variables (F statistics of OSA=20.543; F statistics of T2D=30.117). Conclusion: Our results supported that OSA was a risk factor for T2D, but T2D had no significant impact on the incidence of OSA. Blood glucose monitoring and diabetes screening in OSA patients might be beneficial to the early detection and intervention of T2D.

Ru-Based Organometallic Agents Bearing Phenyl Hydroxide: Synthesis and Antibacterial Mechanism Study against Staphylococcus aureus

The development of antimicrobial agents with novel model of actions is a promising strategy to combat multiple resistant bacteria. Here, three ruthenium-based complexes, which acted as potential antimicrobial agents, were synthesized and characterized. Importantly, three complexes all showed strong bactericidal potency against Staphylococcus aureus. In particular, the most active one has a MIC of 6.25 μg/mL. Mechanistic studies indicated that ruthenium complex killed S. aureus by releasing ROS and damaging the integrity of bacterial cell membrane. In addition, the most active complex not only could inhibit the biofilm formation and hemolytic toxin secretion of S. aureus, but also serve as a potential antimicrobial adjuvant as well, which showed synergistic effects with eight traditional antibiotics. Finally, both G. mellonella larva infection model and mouse skin infection model all demonstrated that ruthenium complex also showed significant efficacy against S. aureus in vivo. In summary, our study suggested that ruthenium-based complexes bearing a phenyl hydroxide are promising antimicrobial agents for combating S. aureus.

Expression of EGFR-mutant proteins and genomic evolution in EGFR-mutant transformed small cell lung cancer

Background

The transformation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) into small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 3-14% of the resistance mechanism to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). At present, there is no relevant research to explore the dynamic expression of EGFR-mutant proteins and genomic evolution in EGFR-mutant transformed SCLC/neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC).

Methods

Genetic analysis and protein level analysis by next-generation sequencing (NGS), Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and immunohistochemistry were performed to explore expression of EGFR-mutant proteins and genomic evolution in EGFR-mutant transformed SCLC. The research used three patient-derived organoids (PDOs) to explore the efficacy of combo [chemotherapy (chemo) plus TKI or bevacizumab] treatment. According to the subsequent treatment regimens after SCLC/NEC transformation, 35 patients were divided into chemo (n=21) and combo (n=14) groups.

Results

EGFR L858R and EGFR E746-750 del protein expression by immunohistochemistry was 80.0% (4/5) and 100% (6/6), respectively (P=0.455) in initially-transformed tissues. Meanwhile, EGFR-mutant proteins were expressed in 85.7% (6/7) of dynamic rebiopsy tissues or effusion samples after the first transformation. Then, by the pathway enrichment analysis of tissue and plasma NGS, the EGFR-related pathways were still activated after SCLC/NEC transformation. Moreover, WES analysis revealed that transformed SCLC shared a common clonal origin from the baseline LUAD. The drug sensitivity of three PDOs demonstrated potent anti-cancer activity of EGFR-TKIs plus chemo, compared with chemo or TKI alone. There were significant differences in objective response rate (ORR) between the combo and chemo groups [42.9 % vs. 4.8%, P=0.010, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5-145.2]. Furthermore, the median post-transformation progression-free survival (pPFS) was significantly prolonged in the combo group, with 5.4 (95% CI: 3.4-7.4) versus 3.5 (95% CI: 2.7-4.3, P=0.012) months.

Conclusions

EGFR 19del or L858R-mutant proteins could be constantly expressed, and EGFR pathway still existed in EGFR-mutant transformed SCLC/NEC with a common clonal origin from the baseline LUAD. Taking together, these molecular characteristics potentially favored clinical efficacy in transformed SCLC/NEC treated with the combo regimen.

[Application of veno-arterio-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with critical respiratory failure combined with refractory shock]

Objective: To preliminarily analyze the application experience of veno-arterio-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VAV-ECMO).The VAV-ECMO is a rescue strategy for patients with extremely critical respiratory failure combined with refractory shock. Methods: From February 2016 to February 2022, the characteristics and outcomes of patients who were started on either veno-venous or veno-arterial ECMO due to respiratory or hemodynamic failure, and then converted to VAV-ECMO in respiratory intensive care unit (ICU) of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital were analyzed. Results: A total of 15 patients underwent VAV-ECMO, aged 53 (40, 65) years, and 11 of whom were male. Within the group, VV-ECMO was initially used in 12 patients due to respiratory failure, but then VAV-ECMO was used due to cardiogenic shock (7/12) and septic shock (4/12), while VAV-ECMO was established in two patients due to lung transplantation. One patient was diagnosed with pneumonia complicated by septic shock, which was initially determined to be VA-ECMO, but then switched to VAV-ECMO because it was difficult to maintain oxygenation. The time from the establishment of VV or VA-ECMO to the switch to VAV-ECMO was 3 (1, 5) days and the VAV-ECMO support time was 5 (2, 8) days. ECMO-related complications were bleeding, mostly in the digestive tract (n=4) and airway hemorrhage (n=4), without intracranial hemorrhage, and poor arterial perfusion of the lower limbs (n=2). Among these 15 patients, the overall ICU mortality was 53.3%. The mortality of patients who received VAV-ECMO due to septic shock and cardiogenic shock was 100% (4/4) and 42.8% (3/7), respectively. Two patients who received VAV-ECMO due to lung transplantation all survived. Conclusion: VAV-ECMO may be a safe and effective treatment for carefully selected patients with critical respiratory failure associated with cardiogenic shock or end-stage lung disease lung transplantation transition, however, patients with septic shock may benefit the least.

Pathological characteristics and tumour immune microenvironment of lung malignancies with RET rearrangement

BACKGROUND

For patients with lung malignancies with RET rearrangement, the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors is limited. The characteristics of the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) and molecular pathological features of these patients have not been well elucidated. We aimed to investigate their clinical outcomes and explore characteristics of TIME, using multiplex immunohistochemistry technology (mIHC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The pathology and TIME characteristics of 29 patients with lung malignancies with RET rearrangement were retrospectively analysed, and their relationships with clinical efficacy and prognosis were investigated. Gene detection relied on high-throughput sequencing, and TIME detection was based on mIHC.

RESULTS

Of 29 patients, 25(86%) had adenocarcinoma, and the acinar type accounted for the greatest percentage of patients, followed by the solid type, regardless of whether the disease was early or locally advanced and metastatic. In addition, we report a novel KIF5B-RET(k24:R8) rearrangement in pulmonary sarcoma. The density of CD8+ T cells in tumour stroma in early-stage patients was significantly higher than that in locally advanced and metastatic patients (P = 0.014). The proportion of M2 macrophages in tumour stroma was significantly higher than that in tumour parenchyma (P = 0.046). Although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.098), patients positive for M2 macrophage infiltration into the tumour parenchyma (≥5%) may have a better prognosis. Seven patients received immunotherapy and disease control rate was 85.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel KIF5B-RET rearrangement variant in pulmonary sarcoma shows similar TIME characteristics to lung cancer. amongst patients with lung malignancies with RET rearrangement, patients with M2 macrophage infiltration into the tumour parenchyma may have a better prognosis, but further studies with larger cohorts are needed.

Using patient-derived organoids to predict locally advanced or metastatic lung cancer tumor response: A real-world study

Predicting the clinical response to chemotherapeutic or targeted treatment in patients with locally advanced or metastatic lung cancer requires an accurate and affordable tool. Tumor organoids are a potential approach in precision medicine for predicting the clinical response to treatment. However, their clinical application in lung cancer has rarely been reported because of the difficulty in generating pure tumor organoids. In this study, we have generated 214 cancer organoids from 107 patients, of which 212 are lung cancer organoids (LCOs), primarily derived from malignant serous effusions. LCO-based drug sensitivity tests (LCO-DSTs) for chemotherapy and targeted therapy have been performed in a real-world study to predict the clinical response to the respective treatment. LCO-DSTs accurately predict the clinical response to treatment in this cohort of patients with advanced lung cancer. In conclusion, LCO-DST is a promising precision medicine tool in treating of advanced lung cancer.

A potential treatment option for transformed small-cell lung cancer on PD-L1 inhibitor-based combination therapy improved survival

OBJECTIVES

Transformed small-cell lung cancer (T-SCLC) has an extremely poor prognosis, and no remedies based on immunotherapy have been evaluated among T-SCLC patients. We retrospectively analysed the efficacy and safety of combining atezolizumab with chemotherapy for T-SCLC.

METHODS

Forty-seven patients harbouring EGFR mutations who developed T-SCLC were enrolled. Eleven patients who used immunotherapy were defined as the I/O group, and the remaining 36 were defined as the Non-I/O group. Clinical characteristics, pathological data, and survival outcomes were collected. RNA sequencing and whole-exome sequencing (WES) were performed for in-depth analysis.

RESULTS

All patients received at least one line of EGFR-TKI before rebiopsy to confirm T-SCLC. Nine patients received atezolizumab-bevacizumab-carboplatin-paclitaxel (albumin-bound) (ABCP), and the remaining 2 received atezolizumab-etoposide-carboplatin (ECT) in the I/O group. The objective response rate was 73 % (8/11). The median progression-free survival (mPFS) of T-SCLC on post-transformation therapy with I/O group and Non-I/O group was 5.1 m and 4.1 m, respectively. The median post-T-SCLC overall survival of the I/O group was significantly longer than that Non-I/O group (20.2 m vs 7.9 m, P ＜ 0.01). T-SCLC harbouring EGFR L858R tended to be longer than EGFR 19del (mPFS: not reached vs 3.7 m, P = 0.11). Positive PD-L1 status was also associated with PFS benefits (mPFS: 6.0 m vs 3.7 m, P = 0.20). Furthermore, RNA sequencing revealed that expression of SFTPA1 is significantly higher in the durable clinical benefit group. WES showed that STC2 mutation is more frequently observed at the time-point immunotherapy acquired resistance. Combination therapy based on a PD-L1 inhibitor was well tolerated, and the safety profile was consistent with previously reported studies.

CONCLUSION

Our study first demonstrated that a PD-L1 inhibitor combined with chemotherapy ± bevacizumab could be a potential safe option for specific SCLC-transformed patients. Subsequent studies with more patients are essential to verify the efficacy and potential biomarkers.

[Comparison of programmed death-ligand 1 protein expression between primary tumors and lymph node metastatic lesions in oral squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the difference of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression between primary lesions and lymph node metastatic lesions in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: Eighty-two patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma from December 2020 to July 2021 in Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine & College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, were enrolled in this study. All the patients underwent neck dissection concurrently and had lymph node metastasis. Among them, there were 28 females and 54 males. The age range was 24-79 years old [(58.6±11.7) years old]. The expression of PD-L1 protein in primary tumors and lymph node metastatic lesions was detected by immunohistochemistry. Combined positive score (CPS) was used to evaluate the PD-L1 expression. And the difference of PD-L1 expression between primary tumors and metastatic lesions was analyzed. Results: Among 82 primary tumors, 9 cases (11%) had PD-L1 CPS<1, 31 cases (38%)≥ 1 and <20, and 42 cases (51%)≥20. Cases with perineural invasion had lower CPS (χ²=6.35, P=0.042). Among 82 matched lymph node metastatic lesions, 9 cases (11%) had CPS<1, 38 cases (46%)≥1 and<20, and 35 cases (43%)≥20. The CPS of 27 pairs (33%) of primary and metastatic lesions were discordant. The statistical results showed that the Kappa value of consistency evaluation was 0.446, indicating that the consistency of PD-L1 CPS in primary and metastatic lesions of OSCC was medium. Conclusions: There are differences in PD-L1 expression between the primary lesion of OSCC and cervical lymph node metastatic lesions, and the consistency is medium. In the routine practice, lymph node metastatic lesions should be carefully used to replace the primary lesion for PD-L1 CPS evaluating.

[Establishment of patient-derived salivary gland basal cell adenoma organoids]

Objective: To establish an in vitro organoid model of human salivary gland basal cell adenoma (BCA). Methods: Fresh tumor sample from a 66-year-old female patient diagnosed with salivary gland BCA was collected from the Dpartment of Oral pathology, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in October 2021. And the organoid culture was performed in vitro in a culture medium based on solid droplets of matrix gel, and the growth of the organoid was observed by inverted microscopy. After 14 days, the organoid was fixed in 10% neutral formalin and made into paraffin blocks by agar pre-embedding paraffin embedding method, sectioned. HE staining, morphological observation and immunohistochemical staining of p63, Ki-67, cytokeratin14 (CK14), β-catenin, S-100 and calponin were used for organoids identification. Results: The established BCA organoids were lobulated nodular locally under light microscopy, with deposition of eosinophilic glass-like material around the nests of organoid cells, similar to the morphological architectures of the parental BCA. Immunohistochemistry showed that organoids expressed CK14, p63, and β-catenin in various degree, which was consistent with the immunophenotypic characteristics of the parental BCA tumor cells. Conclusions: An in vitro culture system of BCA organoids was preliminarily established which provides a new model for the study of the pathogenesis of salivary gland tumors.

[Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To study the surgical safety and efficacy of preoperative neoadjuvant therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with anti-angiogenic drugs in patients with China liver cancer staging(CNLC)-Ⅱb and Ⅲa resectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: The data of 129 patients with Ⅱb and Ⅲa hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2018 to December 2020 were analyzed. All patients were divided into two groups: the neoadjuvant therapy group(n=14,13 males and 1 female,aged (55.4±12.6)years(range:34 to 75 years)) received immune combined targeted therapy before surgery,immune checkpoint inhibitor camrelizumab was administered intravenously at a dose of 200 mg each time,every 2 weeks for 3 cycles,anti-angiogenesis drug apatinib was taken orally and continuously with a dose of 250 mg for 3 weeks and the conventional surgery group(n=115,103 males and 12 females,aged (55.8±12.0)years(range:21 to 83 years)) did not receive antitumor systemic therapy before surgery. There were 3 patients with CNLC-Ⅱb,11 with CNLC-Ⅲa in the neoadjuvant group;28 patients with CNLC-Ⅱb,87 with CNLC-Ⅲa in the conventional group. Student's t test or rank-sum test was used to compare the differences between two groups for quantitative data, Fisher's exact probability method was used to compare the differences of proportions between two groups, and Log-rank test was used to compare survival differences between two groups. Results: The 1-year recurrence rate in the neoadjuvant group was 42.9%,and the 1-year recurrence rate in the conventional group was 64.0%,with a statistically significant difference between the two groups(χ²=3.850,P=0.050);The 1-year survival rate in the neoadjuvant group was 100% and that in the conventional group was 74.2%,with a statistically significant difference between the two groups(χ²=5.170,P=0.023). According to the stratified analysis of the number of tumors,for single tumor,the 1-year recurrence rate in the neoadjuvant group was 25.0%,and that in the conventional surgery group was 71.0%,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(χ²=5.280, P=0.022). For multiple tumors, the 1-year recurrence rate in the neoadjuvant group was 66.7%,and the 1-year recurrence rate in the conventional surgery group was 58.9%,with no significant difference between the two groups(χ²=0.110,P=0.736). The operative time,intraoperative blood loss,and postoperative hospital stay in the neoadjuvant group were similar to those in the conventional group,and their differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with anti-angiogenic targeted drugs as a neoadjuvant therapy for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma can reduce the 1-year recurrence rate and improve the 1-year survival rate,especially for those with solitary tumor. Limited by the sample size of the neoadjuvant group,the safety of immune combined targeted therapy before surgery cannot be observed more comprehensively,and further studies will be explored.

Patient-derived organoids to predict the drug response in locally advanced or metastatic lung cancer: A real-world study

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Background: Lung cancer organoids (LCOs) were expected to be the potential precision medicine approach for clinical response prediction. However, the clinical applications of both tissue and malignant serous effusions (MSE) derived LCOs were rarely reported. Our previous work demonstrated that MSE-derived LCOs maintain the genomic signature of the original tumor. In this study, we aimed to create LCOs using tissue or MSE, then validate the reliability of the model by comparing LCOs and their origin from the pathological and molecular levels. Furthermore, drug sensitivity tests of LCOs were also performed to evaluate the feasibility of LCO drug test as an approach for personalized medicine. Methods: Primary or metastatic tumor tissues were obtained from advanced lung cancer patients through core biopsy or surgically resected biopsy at the Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital. MSEs were also collected. LCOs were generated from the obtained tissue and MSE, and the pathological features and genomic profiles were verified by analyzing the consistency with their origin. Then, the drug sensitivity scheme was formulated to follow the principles of clinical medication. In addition, proteomics analysis by 4D LC-MS/MS was also performed to analysis the molecular details of combinational therapy. Results: In our study, we generated 213 LCOs from 106 patients, mainly from MSE. The success rate to generate LCOs derived from MSE was 81.4% (131/161). The concordance rate of pathological phenotypes of LCOs samples verified by immunohistochemistry with clinical samples was 75% (63/84). In our cohort, LCO based drug sensitivity tests (LCO-DST) of targeted therapies were performed to predict the tumor response, and the AUC value of ROC analysis of osimertinib in EGFR-mutant adenocarcinoma reached 0.94(LCOs samples = 15, p= 0.0047). There were 2 patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma, one with de novo EGFR mutation /MET amplification and the other with EGFR mutation combined with acquired RET fusion. The results of LCO based drug tests of 2 patients showed that combined targeted therapy (osimertinib plus savolitinib/cabozantinib) showed high tumor inhibition rate validated in clinical treatment and made differences. Then, 4D label-free high through-put proteomic analysis was performed in the patient with EGFR mutation and acquired RET fusion, demonstrating caspase 3 increased dramatically in combination of osimertinib and BLU-667 and the downstream proteins of EGFR and RET were down-regulated. Conclusions: LCOs derived from MSE faithfully reflected the pathological and genomic features of their original patients. The LCOs based drug test results are remarkably consistent with the tumor response. These results suggested the important prospects of LCO as an in vitro model for lung cancer precision medicine.

[Comparative analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders catalogues]

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) refer to musculoskeletal disorders caused by work or work as the main cause, which are characterized by high prevalence and heavy burden of disease as a global problem. The classification and catalog of occupational diseases is of great significance for guiding the prevention and control of occupational diseases and safeguarding the rights and interests of workers. The types of WMSDs included in the list of occupational diseases vary greatly from country to country, and the regulations on specific pathogenic factors are also inconsistent. By sorting out and analyzing the lists and characteristics of WMSDs at home and abroad, and using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) in occupational health to standardize of WMSDs in various countries, which would lay the foundation for future multi-country WMSDs occupational health registration and disease burden research, and provide a reference for China to revise the WMSDs list.

[Evaluation of the efficacy of a new variable frequency stimulation sacral neuromodulation in the treatment of detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility]

A total of 16 detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility (DHIC) patients who received 12 weeks remote variable frequency stimulation (VFS) were enrolled at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2020 to February 2021. The voiding diary, symptom score scales and incidence of complications were completed and recorded at baseline, constant frequency stimulation (CFS) and VFS phases. Compared with the CFS phase, voiding times, urge incontinence times and daily catheterization volume were reduced; average voiding amount and functional bladder capacity increased; and the quality of life score and mental health questionnaire assessment were improved in the VFS phase(all P<0.05). In the end, among all 16 patients, there were 14 whose symptoms had improved, and there were no new complications such as pain or infection at the implantation site, electrode displacement, and electric shock sensation in the stimulation area. VFS-SNM can not only improve the DHIC patients' lower urinary tract symptoms during storage and urination period, but also improve the patients' quality of life and satisfaction of the therapy.

Effects of Hydrothermal Treatment on the Phase Transformation, Surface Roughness, and Mechanical Properties of Monolithic Translucent Zirconia

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydrothermal treatment on four types of monolithic, translucent, yttria-stabilized, tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZPs).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Two commercially available Y-TZP brands-SuperfectZir High Translucency (Aidite Technology Co, China) and Katana HT (Kuraray Noritake Dental, Japan) were assessed. For each brand of Y-TZP, materials of four coloring types, including noncolored (NC), colored by staining (CS), precolored (PC), and multilayered (ML) specimens were investigated after hydrothermal aging in an autoclave at 134°C/0.2 MPa for 0 (control group), 5, 10, and 20 hours. The tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation, surface roughness, flexural strength, and structural reliability (Weibull analysis) were measured and statistically analyzed (α=0.05). The subsurface microstructure was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The group ML exhibited the lowest flexural strength and Weibull characteristic strength among the four coloring types (p<0.05). Slight increases in the monoclinic phase volume, flexural strength, and Weibull characteristic strength were observed after hydrothermal aging (pall<0.05). Regardless of coloring type, no significant effects of aging on the Weibull modulus or surface roughness were found for the tested materials. Compared with the Katana HT cross-sections, the SuperfectZir High Translucency cross-sections exhibited a similar but thicker transformation zone.

CONCLUSIONS

The coloring procedure and material type were found to affect the mechanical properties and aging resistance of translucent monolithic Y-TZP ceramics. Regardless of the aging time, the surface roughness of the tested Y-TZP ceramics remained unchanged.

[Diagnosis and treatment of 21-hydroxylase deficiency with testicular adrenal rest tumors:a report of three cases and literature review]

Objective: To provide insight into the diagnosis for clinicians, the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment history of 3 patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) and testicular adrenal rest tumors (TART) were analyzed. Methods: The clinical, laboratory and imaging data of 3 male patients with 21-OHD and TART, confirmed with CYP21 gene sequencing, from May 2010 to May 2021 in the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The treatment strategy and clinical outcome were followed up. Results: All the 3 patients were first diagnosed with bilateral adrenal mass at the age of 27-42 years old. They were 145-162 cm tall. The levels of progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) of the 3 patients were relatively high, and that of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) of the 3 patients were low. Testosterone level of 1 patient was significantly elevated, and that of the other 2 patients was below the lower limit of normal range. Testicular ultrasound showed heterogeneous hyperechoic masses in both testes. CT of the adrenal glands showed bilateral adrenal enlargement with mass. All 3 patients were treated with dexamethasone. After 4-96 months of follow-up, 17-hydroxyprogesterone level was kept above the median normal level. One of the patients got married and had a baby after treatment. The sizes of adrenal hyperplasia and testicular masses reduced to various degrees with the change of the testicular masses being proportional to that of adrenal hyperplasia. Conclusions: Patients with 21-OHD are prone to have TART, leading to the impaired testicular function. Early glucocorticold therapy is beneficial to the reduction of TART and restoration of testicular function.

Response to Icotinib Plus Chemotherapy in Pulmonary Atypical Carcinoid Harboring the EGFR L858R Mutation: A Brief Report

Introduction

Pulmonary atypical carcinoid (PAC) is a rare subtype of pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasm. Although EML4-ALK fusion has been detected in PAC, EGFR mutations have not been reported before.

Methods

We performed hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and next-generation sequencing on tissues at baseline and after surgery.

Results

The patient was diagnosed with having advanced PAC harboring the EGFR L858R mutation and then received a combination of icotinib and irinotecan plus cisplatin chemotherapy, achieving a partial response before the operation. Postoperative histology results revealed SCLC harboring the EGFR L858R mutation. Surprisingly, both the KRAS amplification and the RB1 deletion disappeared.

Conclusions

EGFR tyrosine inhibitors plus irinotecan plus cisplatin chemotherapy might be a potential treatment option for advanced pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms harboring EGFR mutations.

[Programmed death ligand 1 expression and CD8+T lymphocyte infiltration in salivary gland lymphoepithelial carcinoma]

Objective: To study the expression of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in tumor cells and CD8⁺T lymphocytes in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, and to analyze the correlation of PD-L1 expression with infiltration of CD8⁺T lymphocytes and clinicopathologic features in salivary gland lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC). Methods: Forty-two cases of primary salivary LECs and 21 cases of secondary salivary LECs were enrolled at the Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University between 2015 and 2017. The expression of Epstein-Barr (EB) virus, PD-L1 and CD8 was examined using chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. The data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 software package. Results: EB virus was detected in 61 cases (61/63, 96.8%), including 42 (42/42, 100%) primary LECs and 19 (19/21, 90.5%) secondary LECs. The PD-L1 positive rate (score ≥1) was 97.6% (41/42), and its high-expression rate (score ≥20) was 78.6% (33/42) in primary LECs. The PD-L1 positive rate (score ≥1) was 71.4% (15/21), and its high-expression rate (≥20) was 38.1% (8/21) in secondary LECs. However, the PD-L1 positive rate (score ≥1, P=0.004) and high-expression rate (score ≥20, P=0.001) in primary LECs were higher than those in secondary LECs. There was no difference in the infiltration degree of CD8⁺T lymphocytes between primary and secondary LECs. There was a significant correlation between the expression of PD-L1 and CD8 in primary LECs (P=0.001) and in secondary LECs (P=0.048), respectively. Conclusions: There is PD-L1 expression in primary and secondary salivary LECs, while the expression rate is higher in primary LECs than secondary LECs. The combination of PD-L1 expression and CD8⁺T lymphocytes' presence suggest that most LEC patients might be responsive to immunotherapy, and primary LECs might be more significantly responsive than secondary LECs.

[Study on flow field characteristics of dust airflow in vibrating screen and optimization of dust removal system]

In order to solve the problem of dust hazard of vibrating screen machine and difficult treatment in catalyst production process, computational fluid dynamics software Fluent was used to carry out numerical simulation calculation of the local exhaust dust removal system for the main dust dispersing points of the vibrating screen machine, including fine/coarse particles outlet and product outlet blowing and cleaning the dust points. The optimal design scheme and key technical parameters of local ventilation and dust removal system of vibrating screen machine were proposed. The results showed that the dust diffusion could be prevented by setting up an upper suction hood without air blowing, but the exhaust air volume needed to be calculated accurately. On the premise of purge, it is necessary to control the air volume to form a wind speed band of 8 m/s with a height of 15 cm at the feed port, so as to effectively remove the dust on the surface of solid particles of catalyst products and ensure that the catalyst products will not be blown away when falling into the feed barrel. The simulated design was applied to the vibrating sieve powder machine of a catalyst company, and the maximum dust concentration in the workplace was reduced from 45.80 mg/m(3) to 5.46mg/m(3), which effectively improved the working environment in the workplace.

Accurate diagnosis of colorectal cancer based on histopathology images using artificial intelligence

BACKGROUND

Accurate and robust pathological image analysis for colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis is time-consuming and knowledge-intensive, but is essential for CRC patients' treatment. The current heavy workload of pathologists in clinics/hospitals may easily lead to unconscious misdiagnosis of CRC based on daily image analyses.

METHODS

Based on a state-of-the-art transfer-learned deep convolutional neural network in artificial intelligence (AI), we proposed a novel patch aggregation strategy for clinic CRC diagnosis using weakly labeled pathological whole-slide image (WSI) patches. This approach was trained and validated using an unprecedented and enormously large number of 170,099 patches, > 14,680 WSIs, from > 9631 subjects that covered diverse and representative clinical cases from multi-independent-sources across China, the USA, and Germany.

RESULTS

Our innovative AI tool consistently and nearly perfectly agreed with (average Kappa statistic 0.896) and even often better than most of the experienced expert pathologists when tested in diagnosing CRC WSIs from multicenters. The average area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of AI was greater than that of the pathologists (0.988 vs 0.970) and achieved the best performance among the application of other AI methods to CRC diagnosis. Our AI-generated heatmap highlights the image regions of cancer tissue/cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This first-ever generalizable AI system can handle large amounts of WSIs consistently and robustly without potential bias due to fatigue commonly experienced by clinical pathologists. It will drastically alleviate the heavy clinical burden of daily pathology diagnosis and improve the treatment for CRC patients. This tool is generalizable to other cancer diagnosis based on image recognition.

[Surgical treatment of primary liver cancer:a report of 10 966 cases]

Objective: To summarize the experience of surgical treatment of primary liver cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 10 966 surgically managed cases with primary liver cancer, from January 1986 to December 2019 at Hepatobiliary Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, were retrospectively analyzed. The life table method was used to calculate the survival rate and postoperative recurrence rate. Log-rank test was used to compare the survival process of different groups, and the Cox regression model was used for multivariate analysis. In addition, 2 884 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) with more detailed follow-up data from 2009 to 2019 were selected for survival analysis. Among 2 549 patients treated with hepatectomy, there were 2 107 males and 442 females, with an age of (56.6±11.1) years (range: 20 to 86 years). Among 335 patients treated with liver transplantation, there were 292 males and 43 females, with an age of (51.0±9.7) years (range: 21 to 73 years). The outcomes of hepatectomy versus liver transplantation, anatomic versus non-anatomic hepatectomy were compared, respectively. Results: Of the 10 966 patients with primary liver cancer, 10 331 patients underwent hepatectomy and 635 patients underwent liver transplantation. Patients with liver resection were categorized into three groups: 1986－1995(712 cases), 1996－2008(3 988 cases), 2009‒2019(5 631 cases). The 5-year overall survival rate was 32.9% in the first group(1986－1995). The 5-year overall survival rate of resected primary liver cancer was 51.7% in the third group(2009-2019), among which the 5-year overal survival rates of hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and mixed liver cancer were 57.4%, 26.6% and 50.6%, respectively. Further analysis was performed on 2 549 HCC patients with primary hepatectomy. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates were 88.1%, 71.9%, 60.0%, and 41.0%, respectively, and the perioperative mortality rate was 1.0%. Two hundred and forty-seven HCC patients underwent primary liver transplantation, with 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates of 84.0%, 64.8%, 61.9%, and 57.6%, respectively. Eighty-eight HCC patients underwent salvage liver transplantation, with the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates of 86.8%, 65.2%, 52.5%, and 52.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference in survival rates between the two groups with liver transplantation (P>0.05). Comparing the overall survival rates and recurrence rates of primary hepatectomy (2 549 cases) with primary liver transplantation (247 cases), the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates in patients within Milan criteria treated with hepatectomy and transplantation were 96.3%, 87.1%, 76.9%, 54.7%, and 95.4%, 79.4%, 77.4%, 71.7%, respectively (P=0.754). The 1-, 3-, 5-year recurrence rates were 16.3%, 35.9%, 47.6% and 8.1%, 11.7%, 13.9%, respectively(P<0.01). The 1-, 3-, 5-, 10-year overall survival rates in patients with no large vessels invasion beyond the Milan criteria treated with liver resection and transplantation were 87.2%, 65.9%, 53.0%, 33.0% and 87.6%, 71.8%, 71.8%, 69.3%, respectively(P=0.003); the 1-, 3-, 5-year recurrence rate were 39.2%, 57.8%, 69.7% and 29.7%, 36.7%, 36.7%, respectively (P<0.01). The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates in patients with large vessels invasion treated with liver resection and transplantation were 62.1%, 36.1%, 22.2%, 15.0% and 62.9%, 31.8%,19.9%, 0, respectively (P=0.387); the 1-, 3-, 5-year recurrence rates were 61.5%, 74.7%, 80.8% and 59.7%, 82.9%, 87.2%, respectively(P=0.909). Independent prognostic factors for both overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC patients treated with liver resection included gender, neoadjuvant therapy, symptoms, AST, intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusion, tumor number, tumor size, cirrhosis, macrovascular invasion, microvascular invasion, and pathological differentiation. Propensity score matching analysis of 443 pairs further showed that there was no significant difference in overall survival rate between anatomical liver resection and non-anatomical liver resection(P=0.895), but the recurrence rate of non-anatomical liver resection was higher than that of anatomical liver resection(P=0.035). Conclusions: In the past decade, the overall survival rate of HCC undergoing surgical treatment is significantly higher than before. For HCC patients with good liver function reservation, surgical resection can be performed first, and salvage liver transplantation can be performed after recurrence. The effect of salvage liver transplantation is comparable to that of primary liver transplantation. As for the choice of liver resection approaches, non-anatomical resection can reserve more liver tissue and can be selected as long as the negative margin is guaranteed.

[The diagnostic value of version 2.1 prostate imaging reporting and data system for prostate transitional zone lesions]

Objective: To compare and analyze the diagnostic value of prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) version 2.1 and version 2 for prostate transitional zone lesions. Methods: The imaging data of 159 patients with major prostate lesions located in the transitional zone collected by the Department of Radiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University from January to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Two radiologists used PI-RADS V2.1 and V2 scoring system respectively to perform diagnostic scores on the enrolled cases. The weighted Kappa test was used to evaluate the consistency of PI-RADS V2.1 and V2 scores between the two radiologists. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate and compare the diagnostic efficiency of two radiologists using two scoring systems for transitional zone prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant PCa (csPCa). Results: The weighted Kappa values between the scores of all lesions, benign lesions, PCa lesions, and csPCa lesions by the two radiologists using PI-RADS V2.1 and V2 scoring systems were 0.754, 0.643, 0.734, 0.782 and 0.808, 0.738, 0.775, 0.826, respectively. The PI-RADS V2.1 scoring system had a better consistency. There were no statistically significant differences in sensitivity, specificity, area under the ROC curve (AUC) between the PI-RADS V2.1 and V2 scoring system for PCa and csPCa (all P>0.05). However, in this set of data, the sensitivity and AUC value of PI-RADS V2.1 scoring system in diagnosing PCa and csPCa were higher than those of P-RADS V2. The diagnostic sensitivity of PI-RADS V2.1 and V2 for PCa were 86.7% and 80.0%, the diagnostic sensitivity for csPCa were 94.4% and 88.9%, the diagnostic AUC for PCa were 0.857 and 0.816, and the diagnostic AUC of csPCa were 0.917 and 0.886, respectively. Conclusion: The consistency of PI-RADS V2.1 in scoring prostate transitional zone lesions was better than PI-RADS V2. The diagnostic efficiency of PI-RADS V2.1 for transitional carcinoma was not lower than or slightly higher than PI-RADS V2.

[Clinical analysis of selective laryngeal reinnervation using upper root of phrenic nerve and hypoglossal nerve branch in the treatment of bilateral vocal fold paralysis]

Objective: To evaluate the airway and voice quality improvement in patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) who underwent selective laryngeal reinnervation surgery. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2016, a retrospective study was conducted in 39 patients with BVFP who underwent selective laryngeal reinnervation surgery in Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Navy Medical University. All patients were examined by videostroboscopy, vocal function assessment, laryngeal electromyography and pulmonary function test before and after the surgery, and followed up for at least 2 years to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the surgery.Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze the G score and VHI-10 score data. Paired t-test was used to analyze acoustic parameters, MPT values and pulmonary function parameters. Results: Postoperative infection and hemorrhage occurred in one patient separately.Videostroboscopic videos showed that at 4-8 months postoperatively, vocal folds in 35 patients achieved moderate or severe abduction during inspiration, 2 patients only achieved mild abduction, 2 patients showed no abduction,while all patients achieved adduction in bilateral vocal cords during phonation. The recovery rate of moderate-to-severe abduction was 89.7% (35/39), and these patients were decannulated successfully. At 12 months after operation, G score and VHI-10 score were significantly lower than those before operation (P<0.05), and the acoustic parameters jitter, shimmer, HNR and MPT were significantly improved (P<0.05). Most of the parameters of the pulmonary function test at 3 months postoperatively returned to the normal reference level, while the maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) at 12 months after operation was still slightly lower than the normal level, but it was significantly improved compared with preoperative value (P<0.05). The EMG data at 12 months postoperatively showed full interference potentials in 37 patients in bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscles during inspiration, and full interference potentials in bilateralthyroarytenoid muscles during phonation. Obvious misdirected regeneration electric activitieswere found in two of them. Potentials in posterior cricoarytenoid muscle were weak in 2 cases with poor abduction. During long-term follow-up, only one case showed decreased abduction, but did not affect respiratory function. Conclusions: The selective laryngeal reinnervation procedure applied in the present study can restore physiological motion of vocal cords. The success rate was high, the curative effect was stable, and the complications were rare. It is worth of promotion.

A shared neural substrate for action verbs and observed actions in human posterior parietal cortex

High-level sensory and motor cortical areas are activated when processing the meaning of language, but it is unknown whether, and how, words share a neural substrate with corresponding sensorimotor representations. We recorded from single neurons in human posterior parietal cortex (PPC) while participants viewed action verbs and corresponding action videos from multiple views. We find that PPC neurons exhibit a common neural substrate for action verbs and observed actions. Further, videos were encoded with mixtures of invariant and idiosyncratic responses across views. Action verbs elicited selective responses from a fraction of these invariant and idiosyncratic neurons, without preference, thus associating with a statistical sampling of the diverse sensory representations related to the corresponding action concept. Controls indicated that the results are not the product of visual imagery or arbitrary learned associations. Our results suggest that language may activate the consolidated visual experience of the reader.

[Clinical characteristics and outcomes of monochorionic monoamniotic twin pregnancy]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA) twin pregnancy. Methods: The clinical data of 60 MCMA twin pregnant women who were terminated in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2011 to December 2019 were collected, and the general clinical data, prenatal examination and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The age of 60 MCMA twin pregnant women was (31.0±4.1) years old, among which 44 cases were primiparas (73%, 44/60) and 16 cases were multiparas (27%, 16/60). Fifty-eight cases were diagnosed as MCMA twin pregnancy prenatally and were confirmed after delivery. Median ultrasonic diagnosis of gestational age was 12 weeks (range: 8-30 weeks). In the 60 MCMA twin pregnancies, 6 cases were conjoined twins, 5 cases were complicated with twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAPS), and 10 cases were diagnosed as other fetal malformation by prenatal ultrasound examination. Among the 60 MCMA twin pregnant women, 19 cases had spontaneous abortion or induced abortion due to fetal malformation, fetal death or other reasons within 28 weeks of pregnancy, 41 cases entered the perinatal period, a total of 70 newborns survived. The main cause of perinatal fetal or neonatal death was fetal dysplasia. Conclusions: There is a high incidence of fetal abnormality and perinatal mortality in MCMA twin pregnancy. Accurate early diagnosis, enhanced management and monitoring during pregnancy, and individualized treatment are the keys to improve MCMA twin pregnancy outcomes.

[Clinical study of exploring new axillary zone in sentinel lymph node biopsy of breast cancer]

Objective: To explore the application of axillary reverse mapping (ARM) in breast cancer sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and to collect and record patient's data during operation. Through the specific experimental data, the anatomical location and morphology of the intercostal brachial nerve (ICBN) and the anatomic relationship of the axillary lymph nodes were analyzed to accurately locate the anatomical division of the axillary fossa of sentinel lymph node (SLN) and ARM lymph nodes. Methods: The technique of methylene blue staining for SLN combined with indocyanine green fluorescent staining for axillary reverse mapping was used to analyze the patients of Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics from June 2017 to June 2018. The clinical data of 35 patients with T1-2N0M0 breast cancer were analyzed. Results: Of the 35 patients, two cases were excluded from metastatic carcinoma of the SLN. Thirty-three cases were included in the data analysis. Three cases of ICBN were located 0-2.0 cm (9.09%) from the lower edge of the iliac vein, 27 cases were located at 2.0-4.0 cm (81.82%), and 3 cases of ICBN were located greater than 4.0 cm (9.09%). In the region of 0-2.0 cm from the lower edge of the iliac vein, 1-2 ARM lymph nodes were found in 5 cases; in the 2.0-4.0 cm area, SLN was found in 33 cases, 4 of which found 1 coincident lymph node; at>4.0 cm ARM lymph nodes and overlapping lymph nodes were not found in the cm region, and 1-2 SLNs were found in 3 cases. Conclusions: Individual ICBNs vary greatly, with different shapes and distances from the lower edge of the axillary vein. The axillary region below the iliac vein can be divided into three regions: ARM region (0-2.0 cm); SLN region (2.0-4.0 cm); and sentinel gate region (>4.0 cm). The position 2.0 cm from the lower edge of the iliac vein can be used as the boundary between the ARM lymph node and the SLN. 4. There is a certain proportion of coincidence rate between SLN and ARM lymph nodes.

[Association between PON2 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between SNP and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) susceptibility in occupational noise exposure population in China. Methods: From 6297 for a certain steel works in contact with noise, contact length of 3 years or more and workplace noise exposure intensity of 80 dB (A) , ears or high frequency (3 000, 4 000, 6 000 Hz) average of hearing acuity 40 dB (HL) , or high frequency loss in both ears, on the basis of single whisper frequency (500, 1, 000, 2 000 Hz) average threshold of 26 dB (HL) or object as case group. A case-control study was designed with 1:1 matching. Subjects with the same gender, the same type of work, age ±5 years old, and working age ±2 years after noise exposure were selected as the control group. Subjects with any whisper frequency (500, 1, 000, 2, 000 Hz) whose hearing threshold in any frequency band was ≤25 dB (A) and whose average high-frequency hearing threshold in pure tone hearing test was <35 dB (A) were selected as the control group. Four sites of PON2 gene were genotyped by medium-and high-throughput SNP genotyping. Univariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between single SNP polymorphism and NIHL. Results: A total of 286 case-control pairs were included. Smoking was statistically significant difference between cases and controls (P<0.001) . Conclusion: No statistical difference has been found between single SNP polymorphism and NIHL. At the level of greater than 92 dB of high noise exposure, rs7785846 (CT+TT) genotype is a risk factor for occupational noise deafness, and its OR is 2.74 (95%CI: 1.09-6.89) compared with wild homozygous type (CC) . Conclusion. The rs7785846 (CT+TT) genotype carriers of PON2 gene are more susceptible to hearing impairment when exposed to high noise intensity.

[The phenotypes and genotypes in 314 patients with isolated methylmalonic acidemia]

Objectives: To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of the patients with isolated methylmalonic acidemia and investigate the strategies for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Methods: Three hundred and fourteen patients (180 males, 134 females) with isolated methylmalonic acidemia were ascertained from 26 provinces or cities across the mainland of China during January 1998 to March 2020. Genetic analysis was performed by Sanger sequencing, gene panel sequencing, whole exome sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification or quantitative PCR. According to the age of onset, the patients were divided to early-onset group (≤12 months of age) and the late-onset group (>12 months of age). They were treated by cobalamin, L-carnitine and (or) special diet and symptomatic treatment. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test. Results: Fifty-eight of 314 (18.5%) patients were detected by Newborn screening using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Five cases (1.6%) had a postmortem diagnosis. Two hundred and fifty-one patients (79.9%) were clinically diagnosed with an age of onset ranged from 3 hours after birth to 18 years. One hundred and fifty-nine patients (71.0%) belonged to early-onset groups, 65 patients (29.0%) belonged to the late-onset group. The most common symptoms were metabolic crises, psychomotor retardation, epilepsy, anemia and multiple organ damage. Metabolic acidosis and anemia were more common in early-onset patients than that in late-onset patients (20.8%(33/159) vs. 9.2% (6/65), 34.6% (55/159) vs. 16.9% (11/165), χ(2)=4.261, 6.930, P=0.039, 0.008). Genetic tests were performed for 236 patients (75.2%), 96.2%(227/236) had molecular confirmation. One hundred and twenty-seven variants were identified in seven genes (MMUT, MMAA, MMAB, MMADHC, SUCLG1, SUCLA2, and MCEE), of which 49 were novel. The mut type, caused by the deficiency of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, was the most common (n=211, 93%) cause of this condition. c.729_730insTT, c.1106G>A and c.914T>C were the three most frequent mutations in MMUT gene. The frequency of c.914T>C in early-onset patients was significantly higher than that in late-onset patients (8.3% (18/216) vs. 1.6% (1/64), χ(2)=3.859, P=0.037). Metabolic crisis was more frequent in mut type than the other types (72.6% (114/157) vs. 3/13, χ(2)=13.729, P=0.001),developmental delay and hypotonia were less frequent in mut type (38.2% (60/157) vs. 9/13, 25.5% (40/157) vs. 8/13, χ(2)=4.789, 7.705, P=0.030, 0.006). Of the 58 patients identified by newborn screening, 44 patients (75.9%) who were treated from asymptomatic phase developed normally whereas 14 patients (24.1%) who received treatment after developing symptoms exhibited varying degrees of psychomotor retardation. Conclusions: The characteristics of phenotypes and genotypes among Chinese patients with isolated methylmalonic acidemia were analyzed. Expanded the mutation spectrum of the associated genes. Because of the complex clinical manifestations and severe early onset of isolated methylmalonic acidemia, Newborn screening is crucial for early diagnosis and improvement of prognosis. MMUT gene is recommended for carrier screening as an effort to move the test earlier as a part of the primary prevention of birth defects.

[Spectomycin B1 induces VEGFR2 de-SUMO modification to inhibit angiogenesis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective:To explore the new mechanism of spectomycin B1 in inhibiting angiogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to provide a theoretical basis for targeted gene therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Method:Human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE1 cells were divided into two groups, the control group and spectomycin B1 group. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of small ubiquitin-related modified protein（SUMO） 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2（VEGFR2）. The angiogenesis assay was used to detect the angiogenic ability of CNE1 cells, and the apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The model of nasopharyngeal carcinoma-bearing mice was established, spectomycin B1 was administered, tumor volume and weight were measured, and protein expression of CD31 was detected by immunohistochemistry and microvessel density was compared. Result:Spectomycin B1 could reduce deSUMOylation of VEGFR2 protein by 4.05 times, significantly reduce the angiogenic ability of CNE1 cells, and increase the apoptosis rate by 20.68%. In the tumor-bearing mouse model, spectomycin B1 treatment could inhibit subcutaneous tumor growth rate and weight, and the blood vessel density decreased by 40.04%. Conclusion:Spectomycin B1 can inhibit neovascularization of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by inducing deSUMOylation of VEGFR2 protein.

[Clinical analysis of transnasal endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea]

Objective:To summarize the common clinical types of cerebrospinal fluid（CSF） rhinorrhea and key points of transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea. To evaluate clinical effects. Method:In 29 patients with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, 9 patients with traumatic CSF rhinorrhea, 10 patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea, 7 patients with CSF rhinorrhea after tumour excision, and 3 patients with iatrogenic CSF rhinorrhea. All the 29 patients were treated with transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea. Result:There were 25 patients were successfully repaired at one time. Three patients developed intracranial infection and 2 patient developed pneumocephalus after surgery, all of them were cured with conservative treatment. All the patients who were followed-up for more than half a year had no recurrence. Conclusion:Transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea is safe and effective, the success rate of operation is high, it is not easy to recur, and the complications are few. It can be used as the first choice for repairing of CSF rhinorrhea and effective prevention measures. Accurate location of leak, appropriate repair, effective reconstruction of the skull base, continuous drainage of the lumbar cistern when necessary and active prevention of intracranial infection are critical to the success of operation.

[Analysis of clinical features of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma in the nasal cavity]

Objective: To analyze the clinical features of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) in the nasal cavity. Methods: Clinical datas of 23 patients, who were hospitalized in Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, from February 2016 to February 2018 with histopathologically proved REAH in the nasal cavity were reviewed. There were 18 males and 5 females, with the age range from 16 to 71 years old. The most common area, main symptoms, surgical methods and follow-up results were analyzed. Results: The most common area was olfactory cleft (21 cases), and the mainly symptom was nasal congestion (18 cases). All the patients received transnasal endoscopic surgery and had no recurrence during following-up from three months to one year. Conclusions: The most common area of REAH in the nasal cavity is the olfactory cleft. Histopathological result is needed to make a definite diagnosis. Complete surgical resection is the main treatment.

[Hypoxia increases chemotherapy resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via inducing CDK6 deSUMOylation]

Objective: To understand the mechanism of chemotherapy resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma under hypoxic conditions through the perspective of protein SUMOylation modification. Methods: Cobalt chloride (CoCl(2)) was used to establish the hypoxic model of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE1 cells. Then, the cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry, and the expression level of small ubiquitin-related modifier(SUMO) and cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) proteins were detected by western blotting. MTT assay was used to determine the median lethal dose (IC(50)) of cancer cells against cisplatin, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level. Results: The cell cycle of CNE1 induced by hypoxia was arrested in G0/G1 phase.The results of Western blot showed that the protein expression level of CDK6 in CNE1 cells was lower than that in the control group (0.83±0.25 vs. 0.43±0.21, t=14.67, P=0.003). The protein level of conjugated SUMO1 was significantly lower than that in the control group (2.69±0.48 vs. 1.38±0.31, t=17.22, P=0.001), while the level of free SUMO1 protein was significantly higher than that in the control group (2.01±0.43 vs. 2.60±0.59, t=15.45, P=0.002).The LC50 of CNE1 cells in the control group was significantly lower than that in the hypoxic group (29.44 μg/ml vs. 97.72 μg/ml, t=12.79, P=0.001). After CNE1 cells received 50 μg/ml cisplatin for 48 h, the LDH content in the supernatant of the control group was significantly higher than that in the hypoxic group ((541.49±64.59) ng/ml vs. (234.67±41.03) ng/ml, t=11.94, P=0.007)). The apoptosis rate of CNE1 cells in the control group was significantly higher than that in the hypoxic group ((76.64±5.37)% vs. (32.84±4.77) ng/ml, t=8.49, P=0.003)). Conclusion: Hypoxia can dissociate the covalent modification of CDK6 and SUMO1, inhibit cell cycle and increase the chemotherapy resistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Soil microbial community structure in the rhizosphere of Robinia pseudoacacia L. seedlings exposed to elevated air temperature and cadmium-contaminated soils for 4 years

The co-occurrence of heavy metal contamination of soils and increasing air temperature can affect the microbial community in rhizosphere soils by altering the allocation of plant photosynthates to roots. Here, we investigated the community structure of bacteria, fungi, ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA) in the rhizosphere of Robinia pseudoacacia L. seedlings exposed to elevated air temperature (+1.99 °C) and cadmium (Cd) for 4 years. Elevated temperature increased the richness of bacterial and AOA communities by 15.1% to 43.8% and by 1.4% to 18.6%, respectively, and decreased fungal and AOB richness by 3.7% to 28.7% and by 2.1% to 30.6%, respectively, under Cd exposure. Elevated temperature combined with Cd exposure decreased fungal diversity by 1.5% to 14.0%. However, elevated temperature decreased the diversity of bacteria, AOB and AOA by 1.4%, 17.4% and 10.1%, respectively, under 1.0 mg Cd kg^-1 dry soil and increased the diversity of these taxa by 1.5%, 15.3% and 9.2%, respectively, under 5.0 mg Cd kg^-1 dry soil relative to Cd exposure alone. Elevated temperature led to increased abundance of genera such as Methylobacterium, Stenotrophomonas, and Archangium and decreased abundance of genera including Ramlibacter, Microascus and Nitrosospira under Cd exposure. Over all, 4 years of exposure to elevated temperature had a greater effect on the community structure of bacteria, fungi, AOB and AOA when combined with Cd pollution.

[Percutaneous catheterization for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective case series]

Objective: To review the experience of percutaneous catheterization for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) by respiratory intensivists at a single institution. Methods: A retrospective review of 87 patients undergoing percutaneous catheterization for ECMO in Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from November 2009 to January 2017. Subject demographics, type of support, cannulation configuration, types of cannulas, use of imaging modalities, and complications were recorded and summarized. Results: The 87 patients consisted of 61 males and 26 females. The average age was (47±16)years (range 15-82 years ). Fifty-six patients were given ECMO therapy because of acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS), and 16 were treated as a bridge for lung transplantation and 15 for other causes. Eighty-one cases were given VV-ECMO support, and 6 cases were given VA-ECMO support. The most commonly used cannulas were 15-17 F arterial cannulas and 21-23 F venous cannulas. Preinsertion ultrasound was performed in 62 patients (71%) . Bedside chest radiography was used to help adjust the position of the end of the cannula in 11 patients (13%). Percutaneous catheterization was successful in 85 cases (97%) , while it failed in 2 female patients due to thick subcutaneous fat layer, and open surgical approach was used. Percutaneous femoral artery collateral circulation was established by ourselves in 5 cases. One patient with femoral artery catheterization without collateral circulation had gangrene of limbs. The complications included 9 cases of catheter site hemorrhage, 4 catheter-related bloodstream infection and 1 pulmonary embolism during ECMO weaning. Conclusion: Percutaneous catheterization for ECMO can be performed with a high rate of success and a low rate of complications.

In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of a novel chlorin derivative for photodynamic therapy

In presented paper, a new chlorin derivative 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[(5-N-morpholino)pentyl] chlorin (TMC) was investigated as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, intracellular location, biodistribution and antitumor effects were studied using human esophageal cancer cells (Eca-109) and human cervical cancer cells (Hela) in vitro and an esophageal cancer model in BALB/c nude mice. Cellular uptake and biodistribution of TMC were measured by fluorescence spectrophotometer. Cytotoxicity of TMC against Eca-109 and Hela cells was determined by MTT assay. The intracellular location of TMC was detected with a confocal microscopy. It was showed that TMC could rapidly accumulate in tumor cells and localize in cytoplasm. TMC was found to be low-toxic in dark but extensively photosensitive in vitro. A fast clearance rate of TMC was observed in Eca-109-bearing mice. In particular, TMC could significantly inhibit the tumor growth and exhibit a notable antitumor efficacy for PDT in vivo.

Development of a five-gene signature as a novel prognostic marker in ovarian cancer

The prognosis of ovarian cancer (OC) remains poor. Thus, the present study aims to identify independently prognostic factor in patients with OC. OC gene expression study GSE26712 and TCGA-OV were included in the study. Prognosis associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal ovarian tissue and OC were identified. LASSO Cox proportional hazards regression model was conducted and a prognostic signature was constructed based on these DEGs. The predictive ability of the signature was analyzed in the training set and test set. The prognosis performance of the signature was compared with CA-125 and HE4. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to identify relevant mechanism. 332 DEGs were identified, of which 64 DEGs were significantly correlated with the overall survival (OS) of OC patients, and 5 DEGs (IGF2, PEG3, DCN, LYPD1 and RARRES1) were applied to build a 5-gene signature. Patients in the 5-gene signature low risk group had significantly better OS compared with those in the 5-gene high risk group (P=0.0004) in the training set. Similar results were found in the test set, and the signature was also an independent prognostic factor. The prognosis performance of the 5-gene signature was significantly better than that of CA-125 and HE4. GSEA suggested that OC samples in the 5-gene high risk group were significantly enriched in WNT/β-catenin signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We developed and validated a 5-gene signature that might be used as an independent prognostic factor in patients with OS.

[Clinical characteristics and treatment of congenital fibrovascular pupillary membranes]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, surgical approaches and postoperative effects associated with congenital fibrovascular pupillary membranes. Methods: A retrospective study design was used. Thirteen children (13 eyes) with congenital fibrovascular pupillary membranes, treated in Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2014 to December 2017 were included. The morphology of the membrane and the anterior chamber was evaluated using a digital wide-area fundus imaging system. The ophthalmic signs, examination results, operation methods, intraocular pressure and ocular position were analyzed. Results: There were 13 children (13 eyes) were enrolled, including 9 males and 4 females. The age at surgery ranged from 2.0 months to 34.5 months, with an median of 5.1 months. According to the degree of obstruction of the pupil and the intraocular pressure, the eyes were divided into three groups. In the 5 eyes of group A, the pupil membrane did not completely cover the pupil, and the depth of the anterior chamber was normal. Among them, 4 eyes had normal intraocular pressure (9-12 mmHg) (1 mmHg=0.133kPa), and 1 eye had elevated intraocular pressure (18 mmHg). In the 5 eyes of group B, the pupillary membrane completely covered the pupil into a pinhole, the anterior chamber was normal or slightly shallow, and the intraocular pressure was normal (6-16 mmHg). In the 3 eyes of group C, the pupillary membrane completely covered the pupil, the anterior chamber was shallow or disappeared, and the intraocular pressure was high (24-45 mmHg). Membranectomy and pupilloplasty were performed in group A, and trabeculectomy was combined when there was glaucoma; postoperative intraocular pressure was normal (4-10 mmHg). Membranectomy, pupilloplasty and iridectomy were performed in group B; postoperative intraocular pressure was normal (7-13 mmHg). Membranectomy, pupilloplasty, iridectomy and goniosychialysis were performed in group C; after surgery, intraocular pressure was normal in 2 eyes (10 mmHg and 13 mmHg) and 25 mmHg in 1 eye. All eyes were orthophoric before and after operation in group A. In group B, 1 eye was esotropic, 2 eyes were exotropic (worse after surgery in 1 eye), and 2 eyes were orthophoric before surgery. In group C, one eye was esotropic, one eye was exotropic, and one eye was orthophoric before surgery, and all eyes were exotropic after operation. Conclusions: Congenital fibrovascular pupillary membranes are unilaterally a continuation of the iris covering the pupil at different degrees, with or without glaucoma. Surgical treatment should be performed promptly when there is obscuring of the visual axis or incorporating of glaucoma. The main surgical procedures are membranectomy and pupilloplasty and iridectomy. Postoperative intraocular pressure can be well controlled, and strabismus has no improvement. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54:849-854).

[Advantages and disadvantages of preoperative artificial pneumothorax for medical thoracoscopy]

Objective: To expolre the indications, safety, advantages and disadvantages of performing artificial pneumothorax prior to medical thoracoscopy. Methods: Data of 152 patients undergoing medical thoracoscopy for pleural diseases in the Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from April 2007 to September 2014 were studied through retrospective analysis. According to the performance of artificial pneumothorax prior to medical thoracoscopy, the pleural space adhesions and the pleural effusions, patients were grouped into artificial pneumothorax group (107 cases) and non-artificial pneumothorax group (45 cases), adhesion group (102 cases) and non-adhesion group (50 cases), and few or no pleural effusion group (94 cases) and massive pleural effusion group (58 cases), respectively. The incidence of complications such as subcutaneous emphysema, pleural reaction, infection, aeroembolism and pulmonary injury/hemorrhage in different groups were compared, and the vital signs of patients were observed. Results were compared using the Chi square test. Results: After thoracoscopic examination, the definite diagnosis rates of artificial pneumothorax group and non- artificial pneumothorax group were 83.2% (89/107) and 93.3% (42/45) respectively, which showed no significant difference (χ(2)=2.744, P=0.098). Three cases of subcutaneous emphysema occurred in the artificial pneumothorax group, while all these 3 cases belonged to adhesion group, and one of them belonged to few or no pleural effusion group, and 2 of them belonged to massive pleural effusion group. No subcutaneous emphysema cases were observed in the non-adhesion group. In the non-artificial pneumothorax group, one case of lung trauma caused by trocar was observed, which belonged to adhesion group and few or no pleural effusion group; no lung puncture wound cases were observed in massive pleural effusion group and non-adhesion group. Other complications related to artificial pneumothorax and thoracoscopy, such as pleural reaction, infection, air embolism and pulmonary injury/hemorrhage, were not observed. No significant changes were found between the vital signs of patients before and after artificial pneumothorax. Conclusion: For pleural effusion or pleural disease patients with pleural space adhesion, the performance of artificial pneumothorax prior to operation was recommended. Artificial pneumothorax was not recommended for patients without pleural space adhesions.

[Maternal-infant outcome of patients with OSAHS and gestational hypertension treated by CPAP]

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) diagnosed during pregnancy.To explore the effect on maternal and infant after treated with CPAP.Method:Data of 117 patients with OSAHS diagnosed by nocturnal blood oxygen saturation (SaO₂) monitoring and PSG during pregnancy were analyzed retrospectively. All the 117 patients were voluntary and divided into intervention group [received continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment with good compliance under informed consent and conventional drug] 70 cases and control group(received conventional drug) 47 cases. Record the relevant data during the treatment about maternal and infant.Result:There was no statistical significance on the difference of cesarean delivery and postpartum hemorrhage in the pregnant women with mild OSAHS (P> 0.05), there was no statistical significance on the difference of cesarean delivery and postpartum hemorrhage in the pregnant women with moderate OSAHS (P> 0.05) and there were statistical significance on the difference of cesarean delivery and postpartum hemorrhage in the pregnant women with severe OSAHS (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). There was no statistical significance on the difference of asphyxia neonatorum, fetal growth restriction and fetal distress in the pregnant women with mild OSAHS (P> 0.05), there were statistical significance on the difference of fetal growth restriction and fetal distress in the pregnant women with moderate OSAHS (P< 0.05), and there were statistical significance on the difference of asphyxia neonatorum, fetal growth restriction and fetal distress in the pregnant women with severe OSAHS (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01).Conclusion:Pregnant women who have OSAHS risk factors should be paid attention to during the perinatal care and nocturnal SaO₂ monitoring or PSG should be performed in the suspected OSAHS patients. Strongly advise that those serious OSAHS patients should be treated by CPAP early before delivery. CPAP was a safe and effective treatment to OSAHS patients in pregnancy.