[Association between ambient air pollution and biological aging among the middle-aged and older adults: a systematic review].

Objective: To summarize and elucidate the impact of ambient air pollution on biological aging among middle-aged and older adults. Methods: "Air pollution""Biological age""Epigenetic age""Biological aging"and"Epigenetic aging", as well as specific names of air pollutants and biological age were used as search keywords. This study searched the databases of PubMed and Web of Science for eligible English articles and CNKI, CQVIP, Wanfang, CBM, CSTP and other Chinese databases for eligible Chinese articles from inception until June 30, 2023. The language was limited to Chinese and English. Results: Among the 14 included articles, five studies investigated the impact of air pollution on DNA methylation age using different algorithms, while six studies explored the relationship between air pollutants and telomere length. Six studies focused on frailty as an outcome, and an additional study revealed the relationship between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its components with composite indicator age (KDM age). The results indicated that, although different forms of biological ages were susceptible to different ambient air pollutants at different degrees, previous studies had consistently found that the increased levels of PM2.5 and one of its major components, black carbon (BC), could significantly accelerate the biological aging of middle-aged and older adults. Similar trends were observed with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ozone (O3) but with relatively limited evidence. Conclusion: Major air pollutants could accelerate the biological aging of middle-aged and older adults.

[Clinical and pathological characteristics and prognosis analysis of gray zone lymphoma].

To explore the clinical and pathological characteristics as well as therapies and prognosis of gray zone lymphoma (GZL). The clinical data of 10 GZL patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from December 2016 to December 2022 were retrospectively collected. The clinical and pathological characteristics, therapies and prognosis were analyzed. The cut-off time for follow-up visits was December 31, 2022, and the median time for follow-up visits [M(Q1, Q3)] was 40.0 (28.3, 59.8) months. Treatment efficacy was divided into complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD).　There were 6 males and 4 females, with a median age [M(Q1, Q3)] of 33.5 (27.3-39.5) years. Among them, 8 patients had mediastinal (thymus) involvement and 7 patients were accompanied with extranodal involvement. According to Ann Arbor staging, 1 case was in the limited stage and 9 cases were in the progressive stage. The immunophenotypes of 4 patients were strong expression of CD20, expression of CD30, and no expression of CD15. The immunophenotypes of 6 patients were unequal expression of CD20 and strong expression of CD30 and CD15. One patient received classical hodgkin lymphoma(cHL)-like immunochemotherapy and only achieved PR, and then received enhanced diffuse large b-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)-like immunochemotherapy to achieve CR. Five patients received enhanced DLBCL-like immunochemotherapy for induction therapy and achieved CR. All 4 patients who did not achieve CR achieved CR after receiving second-line or third-line salvage therapy. All patients were given autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for consolidation therapy. One patient relapsed and died during the follow-up visit in the 33rd month, and the remaining patients currently maintained a state of sustained remission. It is found that GZL mostly occurs in young patients, mediastinal involvement is common, and diagnosis relies on pathological morphology and immunophenotype. GZL may be more sensitive to DLBCL-like intensive immune regimens. Sequential ASCT for consolidation can reduce the risk of relapse.

[A single-center study on the oncological outcomes of active surveillance of thyroid nodules measuring≤1 cm with highly suspicious ultrasound features].

Objective: To investigate the oncological outcomes of active surveillance (AS) in patients showing thyroid nodules measuring≤1 cm with highly suspicious ultrasound features. Methods: A prospective single-center cohort study. A total of 534 patients with highly suspicious thyroid nodules (2015 American Thyroid Association Nodule Sonographic Patterns and Risk of Malignancy: High Suspicion) were enrolled in this study, the patients received AS at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2017 and November 2022 to assess oncological outcomes (disease progression, recurrence/metastasis rate, etc). The patients were followed up every 6 months for physical examination and neck ultrasound examination. And the value of tumor volume changes in evaluating tumor enlargement was explored too. Results: There were 413 females and 121 males in this cohort, with a mean age of (42.6±11.8) years. During a median follow-up period of 45.6 months (ranged from 3.5 to 176.0 months), disease progression occurred in 26 patients (4.9%) with highly suspicious thyroid nodules, characterized by a minimum 3-mm increase in tumor diameter in 19 patients (3.6%) and lymph node metastases in 7 patients (1.3%). Forty-seven (8.8%) patients opted for delayed surgery, with 29 patients due to a change in preference. There was no significant differences in pathologic and follow-up outcomes between patients with disease progression and preference change. Patients aged≤40 years had a higher cumulative incidence of 5-year disease progression than those aged>40 years (4.9% vs 1.9%, P=0.060). No patients experienced distant metastases or deaths. Among the 595 high-risk thyroid nodules with continuous volume assessment results and an increase in nodule diameter of less than 3 mm (including all high-risk nodules in patients with single or multiple nodules), 184 (30.9%) and 79 (13.3%) nodules exhibited volume increases of more than 50% and 100%, respectively, in multiple measurements. Among the nodules with volume changes exceeding 50% and 100%, the proportion of nodules with a baseline tumor diameter of≤0.5 cm was significantly higher than those with a diameter of>0.5 cm, at 69.0% vs 31.0% (P<0.001) and 77.2% vs 22.8% (P<0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Active surveillance in patients with highly suspicious subcentimeter thyroid nodules has good short-term oncological outcomes and can be considered a safe alternative to surgery. Due to the large variability in the measurement results of tumor volume, it is not suitable as an indicator for evaluating tumor enlargement.

[Curative effects of the superficial peroneal artery perforator flap carrying multiple perforators in repairing hand and foot wounds].

Objective: To investigate the curative effects of the superficial peroneal artery perforator flap carrying two and more homologous perforators in repairing hand and foot wounds. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January to September 2021, 23 patients with hand and foot wounds combined with bone or tendon exposure who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital, including 16 males and 7 females, aged 23 to 68 years. After expansion of the wound, the wound area was 3.0 cm×2.0 cm to 11.0 cm×4.0 cm. All the wounds were repaired with the superficial peroneal artery perforator flap carrying two and more homologous perforators. The area of the resected flap was 4.0 cm×2.0 cm to 12.0 cm×5.0 cm. All the wounds in donor areas were sutured directly. During the operation, the resection of the flap, the number and caliber of carried perforators, the caliber of superficial peroneal artery, the length of vascular pedicle, and the number of accompanying veins of the superficial peroneal artery were recorded. The survival of the flap, the occurrence of complications, and the wound healing in the donor area were observed after operation. The recovery of the donor and recipient areas was followed up. At the last follow-up, the comprehensive evaluation scale was used to evaluate the curative effect of flap repair, and the sensory grading scale was used to evaluate the sensory function of the recipient area. Results: Totally 24 flaps were successfully resected in surgical operations, carrying 56 superficial peroneal artery perforators in total, with the caliber of perforators of 0.20-0.70 mm. The calibers of all perforators carried by 7 flaps were smaller than 0.40 mm. Nineteen flaps carried 2 perforators each, 3 flaps carried 3 perforators each, 1 flap carried 4 perforators, and 1 flap carried 5 perforators. During the operation, the superficial peroneal artery was resected with a caliber of 0.40-1.50 mm, the vascular pedicle was 2-6 cm in length, and each superficial peroneal artery had two accompanying veins. After operation, all the flaps survived smoothly, no vascular crisis or distal necrosis occurred, and the wounds healed well in the donor area. During the follow-up of 6 to 10 months after operation, the color, texture, and elasticity of the recipient area were good. Among them, 6 recipient areas were thinned and reshaped because of bloating. There was only linear scar and no obvious scar hyperplasia or pigmentation in the donor area, without significant change in sensory or motor function. At the last follow-up, the curative effect evaluation of flap repair was excellent in 22 flaps and good in 2 flaps, and the sensory function evaluation of the recipient area was grade S3 in 1 area and grade S2 in 23 areas. Conclusions: The superficial peroneal artery perforator flap with two and more homologous perforators has sufficient and reliable blood supply and is effective in repairing hand and foot wounds. It provides an ideal solution for the clinical problem in which the original operation scheme is abandoned due to the existence of only multiple slender perforators of caliber smaller than 0.40 mm, and only a single perforator in the operative field that cannot satisfy the needs of the flap blood supply and recipient area.

[Effects of free superficial peroneal artery perforator flap in repairing small and medium-sized thermal crush injury wounds in the hand].

Objective: To investigate the surgical methods and clinical effects of free superficial peroneal artery perforator flap in repairing small and medium-sized thermal crush injury wounds in the hand. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From August 2018 to December 2021, 12 patients (19 wounds) with small and medium-sized thermal crush injury in the hand who met the inclusion criteria were hospitalized in Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital, including 5 males and 7 females, aged from 30 to 54 years. The area of the wound was from 2.5 cm×2.0 cm to 14.0 cm×3.5 cm, and all the wounds were repaired by using free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps from lower leg on one side (including single flap, multiple flaps, and multiple flaps with one pedicle resected from the same donor site). The area of the flap was from 3.5 cm×3.0 cm to 16.0 cm×4.0 cm. The wound in the donor site was sutured directly. The vascular crisis and survival of the flap were observed after operation. The texture, appearance, color, hyperpigmentation, sensation, and two-point discrimination of the flap repaired area were followed up, as well as the hyperplasia of scar and pain condition in the donor and recipient sites. At the last follow-up, the curative effect of flap repair was evaluated by the comprehensive evaluation scale, and the extension and flexion functions of the reserved digital joint were evaluated by the total active movement systematic evaluation method recommended by American Academy for Surgery of Hand. Results: One flap developed arterial crisis on the first day after operation but survived after timely exploration. The other 18 flaps survived successfully after operation. Follow-up of 4 to 24 months after operation showed good texture and appearance in the flap repaired area; the color of the flap repaired area was similar to that of the normal skin around the recipient site, without pigmentation; the protective sensation was restored in all cases, but there was no two-point discrimination; there was no obvious hypertrophic scarring or pain in the donor or recipient site. At the last follow-up, the curative effect of flap repair was evaluated with 3 flaps being excellent and 16 flaps being good; the extension and flexion functions of the reserved digital joint were also assessed, being excellent in 8 fingers, good in 9 fingers, and fair in 2 fingers. Conclusions: The blood supply of superficial peroneal artery perforator flap is sufficient and reliable, and multiple flaps of this type or multiple flaps with one pedicle can be resected from one donor site. The use of this flap to repair small and medium-sized thermal crush injury wounds in the hand results in minimal damage to the donor area, and good postoperative appearance and texture of the flap.

[Clinical effects of anterolateral thigh flap with blood supply source of medial femoral perforator in repairing the wounds on extremities].

Objective: To investigate clinical effects of anterolateral thigh flap with blood supply source of medial femoral perforator in repairing the wounds on extremities. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From October 2018 to June 2021, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopedic Hospital admitted 12 patients (11 males and 1 female, aged 24-64 years) who met the inclusion criteria, and did not have the lateral circumflex femoral artery during anterolateral thigh flap resection, or changed to medial femoral perforator as a source of blood supply due to small perforator to repair the wound with flap transplantation. The wounds were on the upper limbs in 7 cases and on the lower limbs in 5 cases. The wound area after debridement was 8.0 cm×5.0 cm-24.0 cm×6.5 cm, and the applied flap area was 9 cm×6 cm-25 cm×7 cm. During transplantation, the perforating branch or source artery of the flap was anastomosed end to end with the vascular pedicle of the recipient area. Subcutaneous beauty suture was performed on all the donor wounds. After operation, the survival of the flap and vascular crisis were observed; and the wound healing at the donor site was observed. During follow-up, the texture of the flap and complications at the donor site were observed. At the last follow-up, the effect of flap repair was evaluated by using the modified self-made comprehensive efficacy rating table. Results: After operation, all the flaps of patients survived without vascular crisis; the wounds in the donor site healed smoothly. During follow-up of 6 to 26 months, the flaps had good texture; only linear scars remained in the donor area without scar contracture, pain or other discomfort. At the last follow-up, the total score of flap repair effect of 12 patients was 75-95, with an average of 87, of which 5 cases were rated as excellent, 6 cases as good, and 1 case as fair, and the proportion of excellent and good patients was 11/12. Conclusions: The application of anterolateral thigh flap with blood supply from the medial femoral perforator to repair wounds on extremities is an alternative method for the vascular variations such as no descending branch, oblique branch, or small perforator of the lateral circumflex femoral artery during the resection of the anterolateral thigh flap. This operation has the advantages of simple operation, small trauma, and others, which effectively ensures the smooth operation.

[Efficacy and prognostic analysis of orthopedic surgery in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and prognosis of orthopedic surgical resection surgery in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Methods: This retrospective cohort study collected clinical data of patients with NDMM who underwent surgery due to spinal cord compression or pathological long-bone fractures at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2021. Patients who received biopsy or vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty were excluded and patients with the same degree of bone disease and who did not undergo any surgical intervention were selected as controls. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and physical status (ECOG) scores, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared. Statistical analysis included the χ2-test, t-test, and Kaplan-Meier methods. Results: Baseline data were compared between the surgical group (n=40 with 43 interventions) and the non-surgical group (n=80), and included sex, age, paraprotein type, International Staging System (ISS), number of lytic lesions, cytogenetic abnormalities, first-line treatment, and the proportion of patients receiving autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) (all P>0.05). Serum M protein levels in the surgical group were significantly lower than those of the non-surgical group [(21.95±16.44) g/L vs. (36.18±20.85) g/L, P=0.005]. The surgical lesions involved the axial skeleton (79.1%, 34/43) or the extremities (20.9%, 9/43). VAS and ECOG scores improved significantly after surgery (VAS: 2.30±0.80 vs. 6.60±1.50, P<0.001; ECOG: 2.09±0.59 vs. 3.09±0.73, P<0.001). The median follow-up time was 51 months. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggested that the median PFS (25 vs. 29 months) and OS (46 vs. 60 months) were comparable between the surgical and non-surgical intervention groups (both P>0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that among patients with ISS Ⅰ or those who had received ASCT, PFS in the surgical group was similar to that of the non-surgical intervention group (both P>0.05), while OS was worse (P=0.005, 0.017). Patients with ISS Ⅱ/Ⅲ scores or without ASCT had similar PFS and OS between the surgical and non-surgical intervention groups (all P>0.05). Cox multivariate analysis suggested that ISS and ASCT were independent prognostic factors for OS (ISS: HR=0.42, 95%CI 0.19-0.93, P=0.031; ASCT: HR=0.41, 95%CI 0.18-0.97, P=0.041), while orthopedic surgery did not influence survival (P=0.233). Conclusion: For patients with NDMM, orthopedic surgical resection decreased bone-related complications and improved quality of life, but did not affect survival.

[Clinical effects of free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects of the hallux].

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects of the hallux. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2020 to January 2021, 13 patients with skin and soft tissue defects of the hallux who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery of Ruihua Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, including 12 males and 1 female, aged 26 to 53 years. Before operation, the perforating point of the superficial peroneal artery perforator was located by color Doppler ultrasound on the calf on the same side of the affected hallux and marked on the body surface. The operation was performed under spinal anesthesia combined with continuous epidural anesthesia. The area of skin and soft tissue defect after debridement was 4.5 cm×2.5 cm to 12.0 cm×3.0 cm. According to the size and shape of the wound, the superficial peroneal artery perforator flap was designed with the line between the fibular head and the lateral malleolus tip parallel shifting 2 cm to the tibial side as the flap axis line, and the perforating point of the perforator near the midpoint of the axis line as the center. The cut area of the flap was 5.0 cm×3.0 cm to 13.0 cm×4.0 cm, and part of the deep fascia was cut when the pedicle was freed. The donor site wound was sutured directly. During the operation, the number and type of the perforator and the cutting time of the flap were recorded, and the length of the perforator pedicle and diameter of the perforator were measured. The survival of the flap, the healing time and the healing condition of the donor and recipient areas were recorded after operation. The color, texture, elasticity of the flap, standing and walking functions of patients, the recovery of the donor area, and the patients' satisfaction with the recovery of the donor and recipient areas were recorded during the follow-up. At the last follow-up, the sensation of the flap was evaluated by the British Medical Association sensory function evaluation standard, the function of the affected limb was evaluated by the American Society of Foot and Ankle Surgery scoring system, and the excellent and good rate of the function of the affected limb was calculated. Results: A total of 13 perforators of the superficial peroneal artery were detected during the operation, all of which were septocutaneous perforators, and the perforator diameter was 0.3 to 0.5 mm. The vascular pedicle length was 2 to 5 cm. Flap cutting time was 11 to 26 minutes. The flaps of 13 patients all survived completely. The wounds at the donor and recipient sites healed well 9 to 18 days after operation. During follow-up of 6 to 14 months, the flaps had good color, texture, and elasticity; 11 patients had no obvious bloated appearance, and the other 2 patients underwent flap thinning and plastic surgery in the second stage because of their bloated appearance; all the patients returned to normal walking and standing functions. There was only one linear scar left in the donor site, with no obvious scar hyperplasia or hyperpigmentation. All the patients were satisfied with the recovery of the donor and recipient areas. At the last follow-up, the sensation of the flap was evaluated as grade S3 in 2 cases, grade S2 in 9 cases, and grade S1 in 2 cases; the function of the affected limb was evaluated as excellent in 7 cases and good in 6 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. Conclusions: The free superficial peroneal artery perforator flap has relatively constant vascular anatomy, which is thin and wear-resistant, with less damage to the donor site after flap excision, and can preserve the shape and function of the hallux to the greatest extent. It is an effective method for repairing skin and soft tissue defect of the hallux.

[Changing trend of incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer during 2010-2016 in Henan Province, China].

Objective: To estimate the incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer in 2016 and their changing trend during 2010-2016 according to the cancer registration data in Henan province. Methods: The data quality including completeness, validity, and reliability of local registries which submitted the cancer registration data of 2016 were assessed according to the criteria of Guideline on Cancer Registration in China and IARC/IACR. Esophageal cancer cases (ICD10: C15) were extracted from the database, and the incidence and mortality stratified by gender, age, and areas (urban/rural) were calculated, the incidence and mortality of provincial cancer were estimated combined with provincial population data. China's 2000 census population and Segi's population were used to calculate the age-standardized rate. Joinpoint model was used to estimate the changing trend of age standardized incidence and mortality along with the calendar year. Results: Approximately 40.10 thousand new esophageal cancer cases were diagnosed in Henan in 2016, accounting for 13.46% of all new cancer cases, and it ranked the third among cancer of all sites. The crude incidence of esophageal cancer was 37.21/100 000 with an age-standardized incidence rate by China standard population (ASIRC) of 26.74/100 000 and an age-standardized incidence rate by world standard population (ASIRW) of 27.12/100 000. The incidence of esophageal cancer in males was higher than that in females, with the ASIRC of 34.53/100 000 and 19.19/100 000, respectively. It was higher in rural areas than that in urban areas, with the ASIRC of 28.13/100 000 and 20.90/100 000, respectively. About 29.30 thousand deaths of esophageal cancer in Henan in 2016, accounting for 15.61% of all cancer deaths in Henan, which ranked the third among cancer of all sites. The crude mortality rate was 27.14/100 000 with an age-standardized mortality rate by China standard population (ASMRC) of 18.74/100 000 and an age-standardized mortality rate by world standard population (ASMRW) of 18.78/100 000. The mortality in males was higher than that in females, with the ASMRC of 24.78/100 000 and 13.12/100 000, respectively. It was also higher in rural areas than that in urban areas, with the ASMRC of 19.48/100 000 and 15.73/100 000, respectively. The ASIRC and ASMRC were declining with annual percent change (APC) of 3.12% (APC=-3.12%; 95%CI: -5.30%, -0.90%; P=0.015) and 2.47% (APC=-2.47%; 95%CI: -4.70%, -0.20%; P=0.039) during 2010-2016. However, the significant declining trend was only observed in rural areas in Henan, and the changing trend was same between males and females. Conclusions: The incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer are declining since 2010, however, the disease burden remains large in Henan. Therefore, comprehensive prevention and control efforts should be strengthened according to its epidemic characteristics and risk factors.

[Changing trend of incidence and mortality of stomach cancer during 2010-2016 in Henan Province, China].

Objective: To estimate stomach cancer incidence and mortality in Henan, 2016 and analyze the trend of stomach cancer incidence and mortality from 2010 to 2016. Methods: Stomach cancer related data in 2016 was extracted from Henan cancer registration and follow-up system. All data were qualified in validity, reliability and completeness according to the Guideline on Cancer Registration in China and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/IACR). The incidence and mortality of stomach cancer were estimated by areas, gender and age based on the quality data and the registered population data of Henan province in 2016. The epidemic trend of stomach cancer was also been evaluated based on the age-standardized incidence and mortality by Chinese population (ASR China) from 2010 to 2016. Results: In 2016, the estimated incident cases of stomach cancer were 44 311. The incidence was 41.07/100 000, ASR China was 30.17/100 000, ASR by world population (ASR world) was 30.36/100 000, and the cumulative incidence rate was 3.84%. The incidences of male and female were 55.65/100 000 and 25.35/100 000, respectively. Meanwhile, 32 927 people died of stomach cancer in Henan. The mortality was 30.52/100 000, ASR China was 21.45/100 000, ASR world was 21.54/100 000, and the cumulative mortality was 2.53%. From 2010 to 2016, both the ASR China for incidence and mortality of stomach cancer in Henan showed a steady downward trend. In rural, the ASR China for incidence and mortality decreased rapidly, while the stable trend was observed in urban. Nevertheless, the incidence and mortality of stomach cancer in rural were still higher than those in urban. Conclusions: The incidence and mortality of stomach cancer in Henan province showed steadily declining trend from 2010 to 2016, and the geographical distribution difference between rural and urban areas was gradually narrowing. However, the disease burden was still high in 2016.

[Anatomical characteristics and clinical application of anterolateral thigh perforator flap pedicled with oblique branch trunk of lateral circumflex femoral artery in the muscular septum].

Objective: To explore the anatomical characteristics of the anterolateral thigh perforator flap pedicled with oblique branch trunk of lateral circumflex femoral artery in the muscular septum and the clinical effect of this flap in repairing skin and soft tissue defects in the extremities. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From December 2020 to April 2021, 59 patients with skin and soft tissue defects in the extremities admitted to the Department of Hand Surgery of Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital met the inclusion criteria, including 46 males and 13 females, aged 20 to 81 years. The wound area after debridement ranged from 8 cm×5 cm to 38 cm×20 cm. According to the condition of the wound, the perforators in the anterolateral femoral region on the unaffected side were located by color Doppler ultrasound. The anterolateral thigh perforator flap with the oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery as the source artery was designed, and the wound was repaired by unilateral flap or series combination of bilateral flaps (with the area of unilateral flap ranging from 7 cm×5 cm to 37 cm×11 cm). The wound of the donor site was sutured directly. The following items were recorded, including the number of perforators in the anterolateral femoral region marked before operation, the course characteristics of oblique branch trunk of lateral circumflex femoral artery and its perforators, and the number, origin, and type of perforators observed during operation, the flap repair mode and the flap harvest time. After operation, the survival condition of the flap, the wound healing time in the recipient site, and the suture healing in the donor area were observed, and the recovery of the donor and recipient areas was followed up. At the last follow-up, the sensation function evaluated by sensory rating scale of British Medical Research Association and two-point discrimination of the area transplanted with flap were recorded, and the improved comprehensive curative effect evaluation scale of flap was used to evaluate the repair effect of the flap. Results: A total of 156 perforators were marked in the anterolateral femoral region before operation, and 144 perforators were observed during the operation, of which 98 came from the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, and the first perforator of the oblique branch was the intermuscular septal perforator. Once formed, most oblique branch trunk of lateral circumflex femoral artery in the muscular septum could be divided into the deep branch and the superficial branch at the middle and upper 1/3 junction of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral edge of the patella, the deep branch mainly ran in the muscle of vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis, and rarely developed the skin perforators, while the superficial branch mainly ran in the muscular septum between the rectus femoris and the vastus lateralis, and grew out the perforators to the proximal skin of the anterolateral femoral region. Fifty-six patients were repaired with unilateral flap and 3 patients with bilateral flap in series combination, with the harvesting time of the unilateral flap ranged from 9 to 99 min. Three patients developed arterial crisis within 48 hours after operation and survived after timely exploration; the flap of 1 patient developed necrosis 11 days after operation and was repaired by abdominal split-thickness skin graft; the other flaps survived smoothly. The wound healing time in the recipient area was 10 to 42 days after operation, and the sutures in the donor area healed well. During the follow-up of 6 to 10 months, 8 patients underwent thinning and plastic surgery 6 months after operation because of bloating in the flap transplantation area, while the other patients had a good shape of the flap transplantation area, with no deep tissue infection such as osteomyelitis, with soft texture, good elasticity, no pain, and good blood circulation; all the donor areas were left with linear scars, normal blood circulation in the distal extremities, no limitation of knee joint motion or quadriceps muscle strength. At the last follow-up, the sensation function was restored in the flap transplantation area of the affected limb, including 14 cases of S1 grade and 45 cases of S2 grade; there was only one point of two-point discrimination; the curative effect evaluation of flap repair included excellent in 24 cases, good in 35 cases, and general in 3 cases. Conclusions: The anterolateral thigh perforator flap pedicled with oblique branch trunk of lateral circumflex femoral artery in the muscular septum has the advantages of relatively concealed donor area, large cutting width, and simple operation during surgery. It protects the donor area to the greatest extent while repairing skin and soft tissue defects in the extremities, and is a useful supplement to the classic anterolateral thigh perforator flap.

[Analysis of the effects of esophageal cancer screening in Henan rural areas with cancer screening program, 2014-2018].

Objective: To analyze the effects of esophageal cancer screening in Henan rural areas with cancer screening program from 2014 to 2018. Methods: From July 2014 to June 2019, according to the National Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer in Rural Areas Project, cluster sampling method was adopted in 16 counties/county-level cities in rural areas with high incidence of esophageal cancer in Henan province. Endoscopic iodine staining and indicative biopsy were used to screen esophageal cancer. The patients with mild and moderate dysplasia confirmed in screening were followed up. The distribution of esophageal diseases in the screening population was calculated, and Chi-square test was used to compare the differences of detection rate and early diagnosis rate between the primary screening population and the follow-up population. Results: The age of 116 630 primary screening population was (54.29±7.70) years old, and the proportion of males was 41.2% (48 108). In the primary screening population, patients with normal esophagus, mild to moderate dysplasia, severe dysplasia and above accounted for 92.91% (108 363), 6.03% (7 035) and 1.06% (1 232), respectively. The detection rate of esophageal cancer was 1.06% (1 232/116 630), and the rate of early diagnosis was 85.80% (1 057). Among the follow-up population of 6 154 people, those with normal esophagus, mild to moderate dysplasia, severe dysplasia and above diseases accounted for 63.45% (3 905), 33.13% (1 519) and 3.41% (210), respectively. The detection rate of esophageal cancer was 3.41% (210/6 154), and the rate of early diagnosis was 91.90% (1 939). Compared with the primary screening population, the risk of esophageal cancer was higher in the overall follow-up population, people either with mild or with moderate dysplasia diagnosed in primary screening, with OR values (95%CI) of 3.23 (2.78, 3.75), 1.85 (1.49, 2.29) and 8.13 (6.69, 9.88), respectively. Conclusion: From 2014 to 2018, in the early diagnosis and early treatment of upper digestive tract cancer project in rural areas of Henan Province, the detection rate of the follow-up population is significantly higher than that of the primary screening population. Improving follow-up rate and paying more attention to the screening of people who need follow-up could further improve the screening effect.

[Clinical effects of anterolateral thigh perforator flap with sensory nerves in repairing the plantar skin and soft tissue defects].

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of anterolateral thigh perforator flap with sensory nerves in repairing the plantar skin and soft tissue defects. Methods: From January 2016 to March 2019, 13 male patients with plantar skin and soft tissue defects were admitted to the Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery of Ruihua Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, aged 27 to 73 years. The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The wounds of 4 patients underwent 2 times of debridement. The wounds of 9 patients underwent 1 time of debridement and 1 or 2 time(s) of vacuum sealing drainage. Then all the wounds of patients were repaired with flaps when the wounds were clean and dry with no purulent exudation and were negative in secretion culture. The wound areas of this group of patients after wound debridement were 13.0 cm×5.5 cm to 36.0 cm×10.5 cm, and the wounds were repaired with anterolateral thigh perforator flaps with sensory nerves with area of 14 cm×6 cm to 37 cm×11 cm. The wound of 1 patient was repaired with a bilobed flap. The oblique or descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and its accompanying vein in the flap were anastomosed with the posterior tibial artery and its accompanying vein or the medial plantar artery and its accompanying vein in recipient sites. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in the flap was anastomosed with the recipient saphenous nerve or medial plantar cutaneous nerve. The donor sites were directly sutured. The survival of flaps and the healing of wounds in the donor and recipient areas were recorded, and the ulcers of the plantar repaired flap were followed up for 3 months after operation. The sensory function of the flap was evaluated by the sensory evaluation standard of British Medical Research Council (BMRC), and the ankle and foot function score system of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) was used for comprehensive functional evaluation at the last follow-up. Results: All the 14 flaps in 13 cases survived, and venous crisis occurred in two cases and the flaps survived smoothly after the venous re-anastomosis. One patient developed deep tissue infection after being discharged and was healed after secondary debridement. The donor and recipient areas of the remaining patients healed well. The patients were followed up for 6 to 18 months, the shape of flaps was slightly bloated in 5 patients, and the shape and texture of flaps in the other 8 patients were good. Six patients had ulcers in flaps at 3 months of follow-up after operation, which were healed after stopping weight-bearing activities. At the last follow-up, little linear scar hyperplasia could be seen in the donor site of patients; the BMRC sensory function evaluation results were S1 grade in 4 cases, S2 grade in 7 cases, and S3 grade in 2 cases; the AOFAS scores were excellent in 3 cases, good in 7 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case. Conclusions: The anterolateral thigh perforator flaps with sensory nerves can repair the plantar skin and soft tissue defects with the donor sites directly sutured and good shape of flaps, which provide a good treatment method for the recovery of plantar proprioceptive sensation and weight-bearing function.

[Clinical effects of bilateral overlength anterolateral femoral perforator flaps connected in series or parallel in repairing large area of wounds in limbs].

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of bilateral overlength anterolateral femoral perforator flaps connected in series or parallel in repairing large area of wounds in limbs. Methods: From January 2017 to July 2019, 9 patients with large area of skin and soft tissue defects in limbs were admitted to the Departments of Hand Surgery and Foot and Ankle Surgery of Ruihua Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, including 8 males and 1 female, aged 36 to 63 years. The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The wound areas of patients after debridement were 20 cm×15 cm to 30 cm×25 cm, and the wounds were repaired with bilateral overlength anterolateral femoral perforator flaps. One main artery defect in the receiving area of 4 patients was repaired with bilateral flaps connected in series. Two main artery defects in the receiving area of 5 patients were repaired with bilateral flaps connected in parallel. A total of 18 flaps were excised, and the area of a single flap ranged from 20 cm×8 cm to 46 cm×9 cm. The donor sites of 17 flaps were sutured directly, and the donor site of 1 flap was repaired with free full-thickness skin graft from hypogastrium. Harvesting time of flaps, survival condition of flaps after surgery, and wound healing time, and flap observation, two-point discrimination distance of flaps, functional recovery of joint and appearance of recipient site, and recovery of donor site during follow-up were recorded. Results: In this group of 9 patients, the flap harvesting time was 1.0 to 4.5 hours, and all the 18 flaps survived. The wound healing time of recipient site was 18 to 72 days after flap transplantation. They were followed up for 6 to 34 months. The shape of the recipient site was satisfactory, with no deep tissue infection such as osteomyelitis. Four flaps in 2 patients were bloated and were thinned in 6 months after operation; 4 flaps in 2 patients had skin pigmentation on the edge of the flap; the flap of one patient was scalded but healed by dressing change, with patchy scar being observed during follow-up. The rest of the flaps were soft, elastic, and painless with good blood supply. All the flaps restored with protective sensation, with only one point in two-point discrimination. Only linear scars remained in the donor sites of 17 flaps. All the limbs had good blood supply in the distal end of donor sites, and no restriction occurred in range of motion of knee joint and quadriceps muscle strength. Conclusions: The bilateral overlength anterolateral femoral perforator flaps connected in series or parallel have constant anatomy, reliable blood supply, and flexible combination. It is an ideal surgical method for repairing large area of skin and soft tissue defects in limbs at one time.

[Analysis of detection rate and compliance of colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy in urban areas of Henan Province, 2013-2019].

Objective: To evaluate the compliance of colonoscopy screening and the detection rate of colorectal lesions with colonoscopy in urban areas of Henan province from 2013 to 2019. Methods: The study objects were derived from the Cancer Screening Program in Urban Henan Province, China. From October 2013 to October 2019, 282 377 residents, who had lived in the local area for more than three years, were recruited from Zhengzhou, Zhumadian, Anyang, Luoyang, Nanyang, Jiaozuo, Puyang and Xinxiang. The cancer risk assessment questionnaire was used to collect basic demographic characteristics, eating habits, living environment and habits, psychology and emotions, past disease history and family history of cancer, and women's physiological and reproductive history. The cancer risk assessment model was used for evaluating the risk of colorectal cancer. The data related to colonoscopy screening was obtained from the participating hospitals. Chi-square test was used to analyze the compliance rate among different groups. Results: The 282 377 subjects were (55.26±8.68) years old, of which 44.80% (126 505) were males, and 67.63% (190 694) had junior/senior/tertiary education background. A total of 39 834 (14.11%) subjects were assessed to be at high risk for colorectal cancer, of which 7 454 took the following colonoscopy screening, yielding a participation rate of 18.71%. The screening rate was higher in those aged 50 to 54 (20.42%) and 55 to 59 (20.43%) years, and lowest in those aged 70 years and older (12.30%) (P<0.001). A total of 17 colorectal cancer cases were detected, with a detection rate of 0.23% (17/7 454). Conclusion: Colonoscopy as a means of screening for colorectal cancer is helpful for early detection of colorectal lesions, but the participation rate is poor.

[Compliance rate and impact factor analysis of liver cancer screening in urban areas of Henan Province].

Objective: To evaluate the compliance rate and its impact factors of liver cancer screening for high-risk groups in urban areas of Henan Province from 2013 to 2019. Methods: Residents of 40-74 years old in 8 cities of Henan province were selected to investigate the risk factors and liver cancer risk assessment. Subjects with high risk of liver cancer received AFP combined ultrasonography for screening. Chi-square tests were used to compare the differences in liver cancer screening participation rates between groups. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to explore the potential factors correlating to the compliance of liver cancer screening. Results: Overall, 3 6781 participants who met the inclusion criteria were included in this analysis, and 17 241 of them took the following liver cancer screening, yielding a participation rate of 46.87%. The participation rate varied greatly across cities, ranging from 62.50% to 38.59%. Moreover, the participation rate varied greatly across periods, ranging from 52.77% in 2014-2015 to 38.14% in 2013-2014. The multivariate Logistic regression analyses showed that: female, older, high education degree, cigarette and alcohol intake, infrequent physical exercise, chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, fatty liver, gallstones and a family history of liver cancer were inclined to accept liver cancer screening (P<0.05). Conclusions: The overall participation rate of liver cancer screening among high-risk population is less than 50% in urban areas of Henan Province. Implement of effective interventions targeting the specific high-risk populations might improve the overall compliance rate of liver cancer screening in the future.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL106 protects mice against enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7-induced intestinal disease through improving immune response, intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota.

AIMS: This study evaluated the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL106, isolated from Tibetan pigs' faeces, on the growth performance, immune response, intestinal barrier function, morphology of jejunum, caecum and colon, and gut microbiota in the mice with enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC)-induced intestinal diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS: In all, 40 female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: mice fed a normal diet (Control), mice oral administration of TL106 daily (Ba), mice challenged with EHEC O157:H7 on day 15 (O157) and mice oral administration of TL106 daily and challenged with EHEC O157:H7 on day 15 (Ba+O157). The TL106 was administrated to mice for 14 days, and mice were infected with O157:H7 at day 15. We found that TL106 could prevent the weight loss caused by O157:H7 infection and alleviated the associated increase in pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-8) and decrease in anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10) in serum and intestinal tissues of mice caused by O157:H7 infection (P < 0·05). Additionally, TL106 could prevent disruption of gut morphology caused by O157:H7 infection, and alleviate the associated decrease in expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin and claudin-1) in jejunum and colon (P < 0·05). In caecum and colon, the alpha diversity for bacterial community analysis of Chao and ACE index in Ba+O157 group were higher than O157 group. The TL106 stabilized gut microbiota disturbed by O157:H7, including increasing Lachnospiraceae, Prevotellaceae, Muribaculaceae and Akkermansiaceae, and reducing Lactobacillaceae. CONCLUSIONS: We indicated the B. amyloliquefaciens TL106 can effectively protect mice against EHEC O157:H7 infection by relieving inflammation, improving intestinal barrier function, mitigating permeability disruption and stabilizing the gut microbiota. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL106 can prevent and treat intestinal disease induced by EHEC O157:H7 in mice, which may be a promising probiotic for disease prevention in animals.