[Comparison of the latest cancer statistics, cancer epidemic trends and determinants between China and the United States].

Objective: To provide supports for the cancer prevention and control strategies in China by comparing the disease burden, epidemic trends, 5-year relative survival rate and major determinants of common cancers between China and the United States. Methods: A descriptive secondary analysis was conducted using data extracted from the GLOBOCAN database, the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, Global Burden of disease 2019 database, and previous studies. The main indicators included the cases of malignant tumors in different sites, the cases of deaths, the age-standardized incidence (world standard incidence) and mortality (world standard mortality), the 5-year relative survival rate, and population attributable fraction (PAF). Results: In 2022, an estimated 4.825 million new cases and 2.574 million deaths of malignant neoplasms in China. The world standard incidence rate (201.6/100 000) in China was lower than that in the United States (367.0/100 000), and the world standard mortality rate (96.5/100 000) was higher than that in the United States (82.3/100 000). Lung cancer ranked first in the disease burden of malignant tumors in China, the new cases and deaths accounted for 22.0% and 28.5% of all malignant tumors, respectively. The top three malignant tumors in China were breast cancer (11.5%), prostate cancer (9.7%) and lung cancer (9.5%), which were also among the top five causes of death. However, the second to fifth leading causes of death from malignant tumors in China were digestive system tumors (liver cancer 12.3%, stomach cancer 10.1%, colorectal cancer 9.3%, and esophageal cancer 7.3%). From 2000 to 2018, the world standard incidence of malignant tumors showed an increasing trend and the world standard mortality of malignant tumors showed a decreasing trend in China, while the world standard incidence and mortality of malignant tumors in the United States showed a significant decreasing trend after 2000. The incidence of breast cancer, colorectal cancer and thyroid cancer increased rapidly in China, while the incidence and mortality of stomach cancer, liver cancer and esophageal cancer decreased, but they still had a heavy disease burden. From 2003 to 2015, the overall 5-year relative survival rate of malignant tumors increased from 30.9% to 40.5% in China. However, with the exception of esophageal cancer, the 5-year relative survival rates of other major malignant tumors were lower than those in the United States. In 2019, the PAF of malignant tumors death attributable to potential modifiable risk factors was 48.3% in China, which was similar to the United States (49.8%). Of these, smoking was the most important attributable risk factor, and the PAF was more than 30% both in China and the United States. In addition, about 18.8% of malignant tumors were caused by preventable chronic infections, such as hepatitis B virus and Helicobacter pylori, while less than 4% of malignant tumors in the United States were caused by infection. Conclusions: China has made great progress in the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors, but it still faces a serious disease burden. The cancer spectrum is changing from developing countries to developed countries. We should pay attention to modifiable factors, take comprehensive measures, and prevent cancer scientifically.

[Exploration and validation of optimal cut-off values for tPSA and fPSA/tPSA screening of prostate cancer at different ages].

Objective: To determine the total and age-specific cut-off values of total prostate specific antigen (tPSA) and the ratio of free PSA divided total PSA (fPSA/tPSA) for screening prostate cancer in China. Methods: Based on the Chinese Colorectal, Breast, Lung, Liver, and Stomach cancer Screening Trial (C-BLAST) and the Tianjin Common Cancer Case Cohort (TJ4C), males who were not diagnosed with any cancers at baseline since 2017 and received both tPSA and fPSA testes were selected. Based on Cox regression, the overall and age-specific (＜60, 60-＜70, and ≥70 years) accuracy and optimal cut-off values of tPSA and fPSA/tPSA ratio for screening prostate cancer were evaluated with time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (tdROC) and area under curve (AUC). Bootstrap resampling was used to internally validate the stability of the optimal cut-off value, and the PLCO study was used to externally validate the accuracy under different cut-off values. Results: A total of 5 180 participants were included in the study, and after a median follow-up of 1.48 years, a total of 332 prostate cancer patients were included. In the total population, the tdAUC of tPSA and fPSA/tPSA screening for prostate cancer were 0.852 and 0.748, respectively, with the optimal cut-off values of 5.08 ng/ml and 0.173, respectively. After age stratification, the age specific cut-off values of tPSA in the <60, 60-<70, and ≥70 age groups were 3.13, 4.82, and 11.54 ng/ml, respectively, while the age-specific cut-off values of fPSA/tPSA were 0.153, 0.135, and 0.130, respectively. Under the age-specific cut-off values, the sensitivities of tPSA screening for prostate cancer in males <60, 60-70, and ≥70 years old were 92.3%, 82.0%, and 77.6%, respectively, while the specificities were 84.7%, 81.3%, and 75.4%, respectively. The age-specific sensitivities of fPSA/tPSA for screening prostate cancer were 74.4%, 53.3%, and 55.9%, respectively, while the specificities were 83.8%, 83.7%, and 83.7%, respectively. Both bootstrap's internal validation and PLCO external validation provided similar results. The combination of tPSA and fPSA/tPSA could further improve the accuracy of screening. Conclusion: To improve the screening effects, it is recommended that age-specific cut-off values of tPSA and fPSA/tPSA should be used to screen for prostate cancer in the general risk population.

[Analysis of the correlation between fatty liver index and myocardial remodeling].

Objective: To analyze the correlation between fatty liver index (FLI) and myocardial remodeling. Methods: For cross-sectional study, cluster sampling was used to conduct a follow-up study of "Risk evaluation of cancers in Chinese diabetic individuals: A longitudinal (REACTION) study" among communities of Gucheng and Pingguoyuan of Beijing from April 2015 to September 2015. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 848 participants were selected. Biochemical indicators such as body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase were detected to calculate the FLI. The correlation between FLI and myocardial remodeling was analyzed. Interventricular septal thickness (IVS), left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and the presence of diastolic dysfunction were measured by color doppler ultrasound. The participants were divided into Q1 group (FLI<30, 4 529 cases), Q2 group (30≤FLI<60, 2 762 cases), and Q3 group (FLI≥60, 1 557 cases) based on FLI levels. Single factor analysis of variance was used for inter-group comparison, logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between FLI and myocardial remodeling. Results: A total of 8 848 subjects were selected for the study (3 110 male and 5 738 female, mean age: 59.96 years). The IVS of Q1, Q2, and Q3 groups were (9.35±1.08), (9.73±1.22), and (10.07±1.31) mm, respectively. The LAD were (30.94±3.90), (33.37±4.12), and (34.98±4.47) mm, respectively. The LVEDD were (42.51±5.05), (44.43±5.10), and (46.06±5.52) mm, respectively. All increased with the increase of FLI (all P<0.001). FLI was an independent risk factor for IVS thickening, LAD increase, LVEDD increase, and diastolic function decrease. The respective risks for IVS thickening, LAD increase, LVEDD increase, and diastolic function decrease in a population with intermediate and higher FLI levels was 1.62 times (95%CI 1.39-1.89) and 2.53 times (95%CI 2.13-3.00); 2.71 times (95%CI 2.39-3.06) and 5.00 times (95%CI 4.12-6.08); 2.36 times (95%CI 1.85-3.00) and 4.33 times (95%CI 3.33-5.62); and 1.90 times (95%CI 1.63-2.19) and 1.95 times (95%CI 1.60-2.37) than those with lower FLI levels. Conclusion: There is a certain relevance between FLI and myocardial remodeling.

[Study on the relationship between hemoglobin glycosylation index and arteriosclerosis- related blood lipids].

Objective: To study the relationship between hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) and blood lipid indices such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and plasma atherogenic index (AIP). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 16 049 participants from the Beijing Apple Garden community between December 2011 and August 2012. The subjects were divided into three groups based on the HGI quartile: low (n=5 388), medium (n=5 249), and high (n=5 412). The differences in blood lipid indicators between different HGI groups were compared and multivariate logistic regression model was established to analyze the association between HGI and dyslipidemia. And multivariate logistic regression model was established to analyze the relationship between HGI and blood lipid indicators in different glucose metabolism populations. Results: There were 16 049 participants in all (mean age: 56 years), including 10 452 women (65.1%). They were classified into normal glucose tolerance (9 093 cases), prediabetes (4 524 cases), and diabetes (2 432 cases) based on glucose tolerance status. In the general population, with the increase of HGI, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and AIP gradually increased (all P values for trends were <0.05), and the proportion of abnormalities increased significantly (χ2=101.40, 42.91, 39.80; all P<0.001). A multivariate logistic regression model was established, which suggested a significant correlation between HGI and LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and AIP (all P<0.05), after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, fasting blood glucose, hypertension, body mass index, smoking, and alcohol consumption. In the overall population, normal glucose tolerance group, and diabetes group, HGI had the highest correlation with non-HDL-C (OR values of 1.325, 1.678, and 1.274, respectively); in the prediabetes group, HGI had a higher correlation with LDL-C (OR value: 1.510); and in different glucose metabolism groups, AIP and HGI were both correlated (OR: 1.208-1.250), but not superior to non-HDL-C and LDL-C. Conclusion: HGI was closely related to LDL-C, non HDL-C, and AIP in the entire population and people with different glucose metabolism, suggesting that HGI may be a predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

[The value of midnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test combined with ACTH stimulation test in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism subtypes].

Objective: To explore the value of the midnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test combined with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (PA) subtypes. Methods: A cross-sectional study. Clinical data of patients diagnosed with PA at the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2020 to September 2022, who completed the midnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test combined with ACTH stimulation test, were analysed retrospectively. The clinical characteristics and trial results of patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and idiopathic hyper aldosteronism (IHA)were compared. The efficacy of the midnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test combined with ACTH stimulation test in distinguishing APA and IHA was evaluated by drawing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the cut-off value of the diagnostic indicator was determined with the maximum Youden index. Results: A total of 82 patients with PA were included, including 43 males and 39 females, aged (50.8±11.4) years old. They were divided into APA group (n=49) and IHA group (n=33) based on PA subtype. There was no statistically significant difference in body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the two groups (all P>0.05). The blood potassium and orthostatic renin levels in the APA group were lower than those in the IHA group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.001). The orthostatic plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), orthostatic aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR), PAC before and after captopril challenge test(CCT), ARR after CCT, PAC before and after saline infusion test (SIT), and the proportion of unilateral lesions in the APA group were all higher than those in the IHA group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.001). After the midnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test combined with ACTH stimulation test (30, 60, 90, 120 min), the PAC and PAC/cortisol levels in the APA group were significantly higher than those in the IHA group (all P<0.05). The PAC at 90 min showed the highest diagnostic capability according to the area under the ROC(AUC) (0.930,95%CI:0.874-0.986), and the Youden index was the highest at a PAC cut-off value of 39.05 ng/dl(0.766). The sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing APA from IHA were 91.8% and 84.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The midnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test with ACTH stimulation test could be useful for differentiating the subtypes of PA. Among them, the PAC and PAC/cortisol at 90 min showed best diagnostic efficacy.

[Analysis of the effect of all-inside endoscopic procedure through two portals combined with double-hemisection Achilles tendon lengthening for Achilles tendon contracture].

Objective: To examine the feasibility and clinical effect of all-inside endoscopic procedure through two portals combined with double-hemisection Achilles tendon lengthening for Achilles tendon contracture. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. From February 2021 to February 2023, the clinical data of 24 patients (30 feet) with Achilles tendon contracture treated with all-inside endoscopic procedure through two portals combined with double-hemisection Achilles tendon lengthening were analyzed retrospectively. There were 10 males and 14 females, aged (32.8±16.1) years (range: 9 to 62 years). There were 8 cases of left side only, 10 cases of right side only and 6 cases of bilateral. There were 14 cases (16 feet) of foot varus, 4 cases (6 feet) of foot valgus, and 6 cases (8 feet) without deformity. All patients underwent all-inside endoscopic procedure through two portals combined with double-hemisection Achilles tendon lengthening. The surgical effects were evaluated using the maximum dorsal extension angle of ankle joint in knee extension position, the visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score(AOFAS-AH). Paired sample t test was used to compare the scores before and after operation. Results: All patients successfully completed the operation, and the operation time of Achilles tendon lengthening was (22.0±5.7)minutes (range: 15 to 35 minutes) and the intraoperative blood loss was (6.5±2.7)ml (range: 2 to 15 ml). All patients primarily healing without any complications such as sural nerve injury, Achilles tendon rupture, important blood vessel injury, and obvious decrease of lift heel strength of achilles tendon. All 24 patients were followed up for (17.2±4.5) months (range: 12 to 28 months). One patient suffered from lift heel's weakness in one foot after operation, and recovered after repeated lift heel functional exercises. The ankle dorsiflexion function of two patients with calf triceps spasm were not improved after operation, and it was obviously improved after botulinum toxin injection. At the last follow-up, the maximum dorsal extension angle of ankle joint in knee extension position increased from -9.2°±7.6°(range:-25° to 5°) preoperatively to 14.5°±7.0°(range:0° to 28°)(t=24.83, P<0.01); the VAS score was reduced from (4.5±1.7) points (range:1 to 8 points) preoperatively to (1.5±0.9) points (range:0 to 3 points) (t=9.53, P<0.01), the AOFAS-AH was increased from (60.5±11.4)points (range:38 to 85 points) to (90.8±5.4) points (range:80-100 points)(t=14.21, P<0.01). Conclusions: All-inside endoscopic procedure through two portals combined with double-hemisection Achilles tendon lengthening for Achilles tendon contracture not only provides Achilles tendon lengthening, but also avoids complications such as Achilles tendon rupture and sural nerve injury. It is an effective method for the treatment of Achilles tendon contracture.

[Clinical analysis of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma].

Objective: To analyze the incidence and the related risk factors of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, evaluate the accuracy of preoperative enhanced CT in judging retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis, and investigate the impact of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis on the prognosis. Methods: Retrospective analyses were made on 398 patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent surgery as the primary therapy and accepted retropharyngeal lymph node exploration and clearance during surgery in Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital from January 2014 to December 2019. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to clarify the related risk factors of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the impact of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis on prognosis. The retropharyngeal lymph nodes of 218 cases with available preoperative enhanced CT images were evaluated by two experienced radiologists and compared with postoperative pathological results. Results: Retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis were confirmed in 54 of 398 (13.6%) cases according to postoperative pathology. The sensitivity and specificity of preoperative enhanced CT in the diagnosis of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis were 34.6% and 91.1%, respectively, and the overall accuracy was 84.4%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the site of the primary lesion and pathological N stage were independent risk factors for retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Patients with primary lesion located in the posterior wall of hypopharynx (OR=4.83, 95% CI: 1.27-18.40), N2 stage (OR=6.30, 95% CI: 2.25-17.67), and N3 stage (OR=26.89, 95% CI: 5.76-125.58) were prone to retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. The 5-year overall survival rate of the 398 patients was 50.4%, and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 48.3%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that T stage, N stage, retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis, and radiotherapy were independent influencing factors for overall survival (T stage: HR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.06-1.54; N stage: HR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.14-1.40; retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis: HR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.47-3.08; radiotherapy: HR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.38-0.76) and disease-free survival of patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (T stage: HR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.06-1.51; N stage: HR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.13-1.37; retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis: HR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.56-3.21; radiotherapy: HR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.40-0.77). Conclusions: Metastasis of retropharyngeal lymph nodes in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is not rare. Enhanced CT is of low accuracy and limited value in diagnosing retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. Primary lesions located in the posterior wall of the hypopharyngx, N2 stage, and N3 stage are independent high-risk factors for retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. The prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer patients with retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis is worse, and active surgical exploration and clearance can effectively reduce the mortality caused by retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis.

[Study on nomograph predicting the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Beijing community adults].

Objective: Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting the 4-year incidence of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a Chinese population was attempted. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in Shijingshan District Pingguoyuan Community (Beijing, China) from December 2011 to April 2012 among adults aged≥40 years not suffering from T2DM. Finally, 8 058 adults free of T2DM were included with a median duration of follow-up of 4 years. Participants were divided into a modeling group and verification group using simple random sampling at a ratio of 7∶3. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk models were applied to identify the independent risk predictors in the modeling group. A nomogram was constructed to predict the 4-year incidence of T2DM based on the results of multivariate analysis. The Concordance Index and calibration plots were used to evaluate the differentiation and calibration of the nomogram in both groups. Results: A total of 5 641 individuals were in the modeling group and 2 417 people were in the validation group, of which 265 and 106 had T2DM, respectively, at 4-year follow-up. In the modeling group, age (HR=1.349, 95%CI 1.011-1.800), body mass index (HR=1.347, 95%CI 1.038-1.746), hyperlipidemia (HR=1.504, 95%CI 1.133-1.996), fasting blood glucose (HR=4.189, 95%CI 3.010-5.830), 2-h blood glucose level according to the oral glucose tolerance test (HR=3.005, 95%CI 2.129-4.241), level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HR=3.162, 95%CI 2.283-4.380), and level of γ-glutamyl transferase (HR=1.920, 95%CI 1.385-2.661) were independent risk factors for T2DM. Validation of the nomogram revealed the Concordance Index of the modeling group and validation group to be 0.906 (95%CI 0.888-0.925) and 0.844 (95%CI 0.796-0.892), respectively. Calibration plots showed good calibration in both groups. Conclusion: These data suggest that our nomogram could be a simple and reliable tool for predicting the 4-year risk of developing T2DM in a high-risk Chinese population.

[The triglyceride glucose index predicts the risk of nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease in the Beijing community: a prospective cohort study].

Objective: To explore the characteristics of the association between the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease risk in a community population. Method: This was a prospective cohort study. From December 2011 to April 2012, the first investigation was conducted among subjects with more than 40-year old who were from Shijingshan district and Pingguoyuan community in Beijing. The second investigation was conducted from April to October 2015. All the subjects were divided into three groups according to the tertile of the TyG index at baseline. The multivariate Cox proportional risk regression model was established to explore the correlation between the TyG index and nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease risk and the Kaplan-Meier survival curve of the TyG index group was drawn. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age, gender, body mass index, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, and hyperlipidemia to determine the correlation characteristics between the TyG index and nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease among subgroups. Results: A total of 9 577 subjects were finally included to analyze. The mean follow-up time of this study was (34.14±3.84) months. During the follow-up, 363 subjects (3.8%) occurred nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease. The multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that the hazard ratio (HR) of nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease in the high TyG index group was 1.54 (95%CI 1.19-1.98), 1.60 (95%CI 1.23-2.10), and 1.57 (95%CI 1.20-2.05) in the three models, compared with the low TyG index group. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the risk of nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease increased from the low-TyG index group to the high-TyG index group (P=0.015). In the six subgroups analysis, only gender was shown to have a significant interaction effect with the TyG index and nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease risk. In the female population, the risk of nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease is significantly increased with the increase in the TyG index level (P<0.001). Conclusions: A high TyG index is independently related to the increased risk of nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease in the Beijing community population. Gender has a significant interaction with the TyG index and nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease risk. Therefore, the TyG index may be a useful marker to predict the nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular disease risk of a community population.

[Correlation analysis of anterior pituitary hormone and tumor size in patients with pituitary adenomas].

Objective: To summarize the correlation between anterior pituitary function and tumor size in patients with different hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas. Methods: This was a retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 1 946 patients with pituitary adenoma hospitalized in the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2020, were collected. The correlation between tumor size and anterior pituitary hormone levels was analyzed using Spearman rank correlation analysis in different types of pituitary adenomas. Results: The median age of the 1 946 patients was 45.1 years, of which 857 (44.0%) were men. The maximum tumor diameter of the patients [M (Q1, Q3)] was 22 (14, 30) mm. Tumor size in nonfunctioning adenomas (n=1 191) was negatively correlated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (r=-0.11, P<0.001), growth hormone (r=-0.13, P<0.001), and luteinizing hormone (men: r=-0.26, P<0.001, women: r=-0.31, all P<0.001). The tumor size of somatotropic adenomas (n=297) was positively correlated with growth hormone (r=0.46, P<0.001), but negatively correlated with male testosterone (r=-0.41, P<0.001). The tumor size of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas (n=155) was positively correlated with the ACTH level at 8∶00 AM (r=0.25, P<0.001); however, no correlation was found with cortisol at 8∶00 AM (P>0.05). The tumor size of prolactinomas (n=303) was positively correlated with the prolactin level (men: r=0.34, P=0.001; women: r=0.13, P=0.070). Conclusions: The correlation between the function of the anterior pituitary and size of the tumor depends on the cellular origin of the pituitary adenoma and specific type of hormone secretion. In somatotroph adenomas, ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas, and prolactinomas, there is a positive correlation between tumor size and level of hormones secreted by the corresponding tumors. In patients with nonfunctioning adenomas, the tumor size was negatively correlated with the hormone levels of the pituitary-adrenal and pituitary-growth hormone axes.

[Research progress of FAPI PET/CT in the diagnosis of malignant liver tumors].

Malignant liver tumors have a high incidence and mortality rate. Therefore, it is of great significance to promptly learn about tumor advancement status through relevant examinations for patients' follow-up, diagnosis, and therapy as well as the improvement of the five-year survival rate. The primary lesions and intrahepatic metastases of malignant liver tumors have been better demonstrated in the clinical study with the use of various isotope-labeled fibroblast activating protein inhibitors because of their low uptake in liver tissues and high tumor/background ratio, which provides a new method for early diagnosis, precise staging, and radionuclide therapy. In light of this context, a review of the research progress of fibroblast-activating protein inhibitors for the diagnosis of liver malignant tumors is presented.

[Posterior arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis for symptomatic adult talocalcaneal coalition].

Objective: To investigate the functional outcomes of posterior arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis (PASTA) for adult patients presenting with symptomatic talocalcaneal coalition. Methods: The study was a retrospective case-series research.The data of 17 adult patients (17 feet) with symptomatic talocalcaneal coalitions,treated with PASTA from March 2018 to February 2022 in Xuzhou Central Hospital were collected.This procedure involved 10 males and 7 females,aged (42.4±7.5) years(range:31 to 58 years).There were 9 cases on the right side and 7 cases on the left side.According to the Rozansky classification,there were 4 cases of type Ⅰ,7 cases of type Ⅱ, 3 cases of type Ⅲ,3 cases of type Ⅳ.The following items such as wound healing and bony union of the subtalar joint were observed.Clinical assessment was performed using pain visual analogue scale (VAS),American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores and 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) scores.The paired t test was used for data comparison. Results: The follow-up time was (24.8±6.9) months(range:12 to 40 months).There were no complications such as wound infection,deep vein thrombosis,nonunion,or screw breakage.One patient with preoperative spasm,relieved after the second surgical procedure (peroneal brevis tendon lengthening).The union time of the subtalar joint was (8.8±2.2) weeks(range:6 to 12 weeks).At the final follow-up,the VAS decreased from (6.4±1.3) to (1.3±0.9)(t=14.114,P<0.01), the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score increased from (49.0±8.1) to (90.0±5.1)(t=38.782,P<0.01),and the SF-36 score increased from (50.8±9.5) to (91.0±4.9)(t=20.468,P<0.01). Conclusion: PASTA for adult patients presenting with symptomatic talocalcaneal coalition offers advantages of minimal trauma,fast recovery,and few complications,which is an effective method.

Effects of probiotic/prebiotic/synbiotic supplementation on blood glucose profiles: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have evaluated the effects of probiotic/prebiotic/synbiotic supplementation on blood glucose profiles among diabetic patients. However, the results were inconsistent. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic searching from PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Central was conducted to identify high-quality clinical trials investigating the effect of probiotic/prebiotic/synbiotic supplementation on blood glucose profiles [including fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)] up to December 2020. Subgroup analyses by types or durations of probiotic/prebiotic/synbiotic supplementation were conducted to investigate the different effects among different populations. RESULTS: A total of 39 trials with 3517 participants were included in the final analyses. Among patients with type II diabetes (T2DM), the summarized standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidential intervals (95% CIs) of FBG, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR were -0.30 (95% CI: -0.65 to 0.05), -0.59 (95% CI: -0.88 to -0.30), and -0.68 (95% CI: -1.13 to -0.23), respectively. Among patients with gestational diabetes (GDM), the summary SMDs of FBG, HbA1c and HOMA-IR were -0.67 (95% CI: -1.23 to -0.11), -0.24 (95% CI: -0.57 to 0.08), and -1.06 (95% CI: -1.72 to -0.40), respectively. Similar improvements in blood glucose profiles were also found among persons with prediabetes or gestational woman with normal glucose, but not among patients with type I diabetes. Subgroup analyses showed similar results of probiotic supplementation for patients with T2DM and probiotic/synbiotic supplementation for patients with GDM. CONCLUSION: Probiotic/prebiotic/synbiotic supplementation might improve the blood glucose profiles among patients with T2DM/GDM, persons with prediabetes, or gestational woman with normal glucose. Trials with more sophisticated design are needed to validate the results in the future. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020161975.

[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.

[Potential pleiotropism of cancer-related single nucleotide polymorphisms among Chinese population].

Objective: To investigate the potential pleiotropism of cancer-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among Chinese population. Methods: Based on the catalogue of GWAS jointly constructed by the National Human Genome Research Institute and the European Institute of Bioinformatics, according to population origin (Chinese population and non-Chinese population) and disease traits (cancer and non-cancer traits). All SNPs found by GWAS before August 2020 were divided into four categories: cancer in Chinese population, non-cancer in Chinese population, cancer in non-Chinese population and non-cancer in non-Chinese population. The number, correlation and linkage of the four categories of SNPs were described. Results: By August 2020, a total of 196 813 SNPs from 4 096 GWAS were included in the GWAS directory. The information that SNPs refer to unknown or were not related to the disease was excluded, and 117 441 independent SNPs were finally included. There were 619 SNPs related to cancer and 9 569 SNPs related to non-cancer disease in Chinese population, respectively. There were 4 624 SNPs related to cancer and 106 448 SNPs related to non-cancer disease (trait) in non-Chinese population, respectively. Three SNPs, rs2736100, rs6983267 and rs401681, were associated with two or more types of cancer in both Chinese and non-Chinese populations. Seven SNPs, rs7705526, rs2736100, rs10993994, rs2735839, rs4430796, rs174537 and rs9271588, were associated with cancer and non-cancer diseases in both Chinese and non-Chinese populations, respectively. Conclusion: There is a potential pleiotropism of cancer-related SNPs in Chinese population.

[Metabolic syndrome components and breast cancer risk in Chinese females: a population based prospective study].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and the risk of breast cancer in Chinese females. Methods: From May 2006 to December 2015, based on the Kailuan Women's Dynamic Cohort,a total of 25 618 female employees and retirees of the Kailuan Group were included and followed. Questionnaire surveys, physical measurements and laboratory tests were used to collect baseline sociodemographic characteristics, height, weight, blood glucose, blood lipids, blood pressure, tumor incidence and outcome information. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze the relationship between MS and its components (body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipid) and the risk of breast cancer in females. Results: The age of 25 618 women was (47.65±12.02) years old and median follow-up time was 8.78 years; 235 new cases of breast cancer were detected, and the incidence density was 113.19/100 000 person-years. After adjusting for age, education, income, smoking status, drinking status and other factors, people who were overweight or obese had a higher risk of breast cancer, with HR (95%CI) about 1.47 (1.12-1.93), than those with normal body mass index. Compared with those without MS abnormal components, women with two MS abnormal components had an increased risk of breast cancer (HR=1.70, 95%CI: 1.16-2.50). With the increase of the number of MS abnormal components, the risk of breast cancer increased gradually (Ptrend value<0.05). Conclusion: Overweight/obesity and the number of abnormal components of MS can increase the risk of breast cancer in women.

[Bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy attenuates cardiac remodeling and improves cardiac function in pressure-overloaded heart failure mice].

Objective: To investigate the effect of bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy on cardiac remodeling and function in pressure-overloaded heart failure (HF) mice. Methods: Pressure-overloaded HF mouse model was produced by severe thoracic aorta banding (sTAB). Bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCGx) was performed 2 weeks after sTAB. Twenty four 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomized divided into 4 groups (n=6 each): control group: sham sTAB+sham SCGx; denervated group: sham sTAB+SCGx; HF group: sTAB+sham SCGx; denervated HF group: sTAB+SCGx. Cardiac function was measured by echocardiography at week 0, 1, 2, and 4 after sTAB, respectively. All mice were sacrificed at the end of week 4 and heart tissues were harvested. HE and Masson staining were performed. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), adrenergic receptor ß1 (AR-ß1) and CD68 was performed. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression level of TH, B type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and AR-ß1. Results: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) declined continuously in HF group. LVEF was similar between denervated HF group and control group at various time points (P>0.05). LVEF was significantly higher in denervated HF group than in HF group at the end of week 4 (P<0.05). HE staining showed that cross sectional cardiomyocyte area was significantly larger in HF group than in control group and denervated HF group (P<0.05), which was similar between denervated HF group and control group (P>0.05). Masson staining showed that fibrosis level was significantly lower in denervated HF group than in HF group (P<0.05). IHC showed that TH+nerves and CD68+ macrophages were significantly increased in HF mice as compared to control mice (P<0.05), whereas this change was abolished in denervated HF group. AR-ß1 was significantly down-regulated in HF group compared with control group (P<0.05), which was not affected by denervation (P>0.05). Western blot demonstrated that the expression level of TH and BNP was significantly higher in HF group compared with the control group (P<0.05), whereas this difference was diminished in denervated HF group (P>0.05). Conclusion: Bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy can reduce sympathetic innervation and macrophage infiltration in pressure overloaded failure heart, thus attenuate cardiac remodeling and improve cardiac function.

[Quality assessment of guidelines and consensus in lung cancer chemotherapy].

Objective: To understand the current status of clinical guidelines and consensus for lung cancer chemotherapy, evaluate and analyze the quality of lung cancer chemotherapy treatment guidelines, and provide references for the revision and improvement of lung cancer chemotherapy clinical decision-making and guidelines. Methods: Search Pubmed, EMbase, Cochrane Library (Cochrane Library), China Knowledge Network, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database and other related databases and clinical practice guidelines related to lung cancer chemotherapy, and screen the literatures according to the established inclusion exclusion criteria. Use the appraisal of guidelines for research and evaluation Ⅱ (AGREE Ⅱ) and reporting items for practice guidelines in healthcare (RIGHT) tools to compare and evaluate the quality of the included guides and the level of reporting specifications. Results: A total of 14 guidelines were included. The assessment results of AGREE Ⅱ showed that the average score of scope and purpose was 94 points, the average score of stakeholder involvement was 60 points, the average score of rigour of development was 43 points, the average score of clarity of presentation was 88 points, the average score of applicability was 50 points, the average score of editorial independence was 61 points. Seven guidelines were evaluated as A level, 6 guidelines were evaluated as B level, 1 guideline was evaluated as C level. The assessment results of RIGHT showed that, in addition to the basic information, the included guidelines have many deficiencies in 6 areas including background, evidence, recommendation, review and quality assurance, funding, declaration and management of interests and other information, and the normative gap between domestic and foreign guides was large. Conclusions: The overall quality of clinical guidelines for lung cancer chemotherapy is high, but the standardization needs to be strengthened. There is a big gap between the quality and standardization of domestic and foreign guides. Further developments of high-quality clinical practice guidelines and guidelines consistent with our country's actual situation are needed.

[Clinical aspects of pregnancy-related lymphocytic hypophysitis].

Objective: To analyze clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of pregnancy-related lymphocytic hypophysitis (LyH). Methods: The clinical data of 16 cases diagnosed as pregnancy-related LyH at Chinese PLA General Hospital between October 2010 and November 2019 were reviewed. Results: Sixteen patients were included (aged 20-40 years). All patients' symptoms occurred from the last 2 months of pregnancy to 12 months postpartum, with 6 cases in the third trimester and 10 cases during postpartum, and all the patients were diagnosed after delivery. Six patients had lymphocytic adenohypophysitis (LAH), 4 patients had lymphocytic infundibuloneurohypophysitis (LINH), 4 patients had lymphocytic panhypophysitis (LPH), and 2 had lymphocytic hypothalamitis. Eight patients presented with symptoms of intracranial space-occupying lesions, 14 patients had symptoms of anteriorpituitary hormone deficiencies, 9 patients had central diabetes insipidus (CDI), and 2 had hyperprolactinemia. Pituitary MRI showed that the pituitary presented with diffuse enlargement, pituitary stalk thickening, disappearing of high-intensity signals in posterior pituitary and space-occupying lesions in the infundibulum of hypothalamus. Nine patients were treated with immunosuppressive agent, 3 patients alleviated the space-occupying effects after surgery, and 4 patients recovered spontaneously. Fourteen patients were followed up with a period of 3-98 months. Four patients had a relapse, 2 patients had a complete remission, and 12 patients needed long-term hormone replacement therapy. Conclusions: Clinical manifestations of pregnancy-related LyH are diverse. LyH should be suspected in pregnant or postpartum women with a sellar mass to avoid missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. Immunosuppressant therapy is effective. Overall, LyH patients have a favorable prognosis.

[Metabolic syndrome components and renal cell cancer risk in Chinese males: a population-based prospective study].

Objective: To investigate the association between metabolic syndrome (MS) components and renal cell cancer in Chinese males. Methods: All male employees and retirees of the Kailuan Group were recruited in the Chinese Kailuan Male Cohort Study. They had been experienced routine physical examinations ever two years since May 2006. A total of 104 274 males were prospectively observed by 31 December 2015. Information on demographics, height, weight, blood glucose, blood lipid, blood pressure, as well as the information of incident renal cell cancer cases were collected at the baseline investigation by questionnaire, physical measurement and laboratory test. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association between baseline MS and MS components (body mass index, blood glucose, blood lipid, blood pressure) and the risk of renal cell cancer in males. Results: A total of 104 274 males were recruited in our study with a age of (51.21±13.46) years, with 823 892.96 person-years follow-up and the median follow-up time was 8.88 years. A total of 131 new renal cell cancer cases were identified in the Kailuan male cohort study, and the crude incidence density was 15.90 per 100,000 person-years. Compared with no MS, the hazard ratios (HR) (95% CI) of MS was 1.97 (1.32-2.94).When compared with normal level, the HR (95%CI) of obesity or overweight, hypertension, and dyslipidemia was 1.49 (1.04-2.14), 1.56 (1.06-2.29), and 1.77(1.23-2.54), after adjusting for potential confounding factors (i.e., age, education, income, smoke, and alcohol drink), respectively. In addition, a statistically significant trend (P for trend<0.001) of increased renal cell cancer risk with an increasing number of abnormal MS components was observed. Conclusion: Obesity or overweight, hypertension, dyslipidemia and MS may increase the risk of renal cell cancer for Chinese males.