[Role of neoadjuvant rectal score in prognosis and adjuvant chemotherapy decision-making in locally advanced rectal cancer following neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy].

Objectives: To assess the prognostic impact of the neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score following neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), as well as its value in guiding decisions for adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: Between August 2015 and August 2018, patients were eligible from the STELLAR phase III trial (NCT02533271) who received short-course radiotherapy plus consolidation chemotherapy and for whom the NAR score could be calculated. Based on the NAR score, patients were categorized into low (＜8), intermediate (8-16), and high (＞16) groups. The Kaplan-Meier method, log rank tests, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the impact of the NAR score on disease-free survival (DFS). Results: Out of the 232 patients, 24.1%, 48.7%, and 27.2% had low (56 cases), intermediate (113 cases), and high NAR scores (63 cases), respectively. The median follow-up period was 37 months, with 3-year DFS rates of 87.3%, 68.3%, and 53.4% (P＜0.001) for the low, intermediate, and high NAR score groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the NAR score (intermediate NAR score: HR, 3.10, 95% CI, 1.30-7.37, P=0.011; high NAR scores: HR=5.44, 95% CI, 2.26-13.09, P＜0.001), resection status (HR, 3.00, 95% CI, 1.64-5.52, P＜0.001), and adjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 3.25, 95% CI, 2.01-5.27, P＜0.001) were independent prognostic factors for DFS. In patients with R0 resection, the 3-year DFS rates were 97.8% and 78.0% for those with low and intermediate NAR scores who received adjuvant chemotherapy, significantly higher than the 43.2% and 50.6% for those who did not (P＜0.001, P=0.002). There was no significant difference in the 3-year DFS rate (54.2% vs 53.3%, P=0.214) among high NAR score patients, regardless of adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusions: The NAR score is a robust prognostic indicator in LARC following neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy, with potential implications for subsequent decisions regarding adjuvant chemotherapy. These findings warrant further validation in studies with larger sample sizes.

[Study on the index system for field epidemiological investigations of viral respiratory infectious diseases].

The study used the Delphi method to conduct two rounds of expert consultations involving 23 experts nationwide, aiming to establish the comprehensive index system for field epidemiological investigations of viral respiratory infectious diseases and determine the weights assigned to each index through the hierarchical analysis. Both rounds of consultation witnessed a 100% participation rate among all experts, with a coefficient of authority (Cr) reaching 0.89. The Kendall's W coefficients for assessing the importance and feasibility in both rounds were 0.108, 0.234, 0.439 and 0.427, respectively. Finally, an index system consisting of seven first-level indicators, 18 second-level indicators, and 36 third-level indicators was constructed for the technical guidelines governing field epidemiological investigations into viral respiratory infectious diseases, and the weight of each indicator was established. The index system constructed in this study has a high degree of scientificity, reliability and operability, but it still needs to be further adjusted and improved in combination with the epidemiological characteristics of viral respiratory infectious diseases.

[Analysis of compliance with lung protective mechanical ventilation strategy in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome].

Objective: To assess the compliance with a lung protective ventilation strategy and to evaluate the relationship with prognosis in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: In the prospective multicenter cohort study (CHARDS), patients with ARDS undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation were enrolled to collect essential information, mechanical ventilation data, and prognostic data. Compliance was operationally defined as tidal volume ≤7 ml/kg predicted body weight (PBW) or plateau pressure ≤30 cmH2O or driving pressure≤15 cmH2O. Tidal volume data collected 7 days prior to ventilation after ARDS diagnosis were categorized into four groups: standard group (Group A, 100% compliance), non-standard group (Group B, 50%-99% compliance, Group C,1%-49% compliance,and Group D,totally non-compliant). Plateau pressure and drive pressure measurements were recorded on the first day. Stepwise regression, specifically Logistics regression, was used to identify the factors influencing ICU survival. Results: A total of 449 ARDS patients with invasive mechanical ventilation were included; the proportion of mild, moderate, and severe patients was 71 (15.8%), 198 (44.1%) and 180 (40.1%), respectively. During the first 7 days, a total of 2880 tidal volume measurements were recorded with an average tidal volume of (6.89±1.93) ml/kg PBW. Of these measurements, 53.2% were found to be≤7 ml/kg PBW. The rates of compliance with lung protective mechanical ventilation were 29.8% (134/449), 24.5% (110/449), 23.6% (106/449), and 22% (99/449) in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. In the standard group, the tidal volume for mild ARDS patients was 18.3%(13/71), while it was 81.7%(58/71)in the non-standard group. Similarly, in patients with moderate ARDS, the tidal volume was 25.8% (51/198) in the standard group, while it was 74.2% (147/198) in the non-standard group. Finally, in patients with severe ARDS, the tidal volume was 38.9% (70/180) in the standard group, while it was 61.1% (110/180) in the non-standard group. Notably, the compliance rate was higher in patients with moderate and severe ARDS in group A compared to patients with mild and moderate ARDS (18.3% vs. 25.8% vs. 38.9%, χ2=13.124, P=0.001). Plateau pressure was recorded in 221 patients, 95.9% (212/221) patients with plateau pressure≤30 cmH2O, and driving pressure was recorded in 207 patients, 77.8% (161/207) patients with a driving pressure ≤15 cmH2O.During the first 7 days, the mortality rate in the intensive care unit (ICU) was lower in the tidal volume standard group compared to the non-standard group (34.6% vs. 51.3%, χ2=10.464, P=0.001). In addition, the in-hospital mortality rate was lower in the standard group compared to the non-standard group (39.8% vs. 57%, χ2=11.016, P=0.001).The results of the subgroup analysis showed that the mortality rates of moderate and severe ARDS patients in the standard group were significantly lower than those in the non-standard group, both in the ICU and in the hospital (all P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in mortality among mild ARDS patients (all P>0.05). Conclusions: There was high compliance with recommended lung protective mechanical ventilation strategies in ARDS patients, with slightly lower compliance in patients with mild ARDS, and high compliance rates for plateau and drive pressures. The tidal volume full compliance group had a lower mortality than the non-compliance group, and showed a similar trend in the moderate-to-severe ARDS subgroup, but there was no significant correlation between compliance and prognosis in patients with mild ARDS subgroup.

Strategies for patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma involved internal carotid artery who are intolerant to embolization.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC) involving the internal carotid artery (ICA) is challenging, as the massive bleeding caused by intraoperative rupture of the ICA is life-threatening. We reported that ICA embolization is an effective pretreatment to avoid fatal bleeding, but some patients cannot tolerate the procedure. We used endovascular vascular protection (ICA stents), vascular sacrifice (bypass grafting) and extravascular vascular protection (transcervical external stent placement) of the ICA to provide alternative options for these patients. METHODOLOGYy: This study enrolled patients with rNPC adjacent to or invading the ICA who were unsuitable for ICA embolization from January 2015 to June 2020. ICA pretreatment combined with endoscopic nasopharyngectomy (ENPG) was performed for the 30 patients. We report the survival outcome and incidence of complications after ICA pretreatment. RESULTS: ICA pretreatment was performed for the 30 enrolled patients, among whom 8 underwent endoscopic-assisted transcervical protection of the parapharyngeal ICA combined with ENPG, 6 underwent bypass grafting, and 16 underwent ICA stent implantation followed by ENPG. After pretreatment, at a median follow-up of 43 months (range, 2-80 months), the 3-year locoregional overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were 62.9%, 61.3%, 70.2%, and 71.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ICA pretreatment combined with salvage ENPG enables the feasible and effective resection of rNPC lesions involving the ICA in patients who cannot tolerate ICA embolization. Therefore, this treatment may be an effective method for improving outcomes. Multidisciplinary therapy is needed to reduce operation-related complications.

[The efficacy of radiotherapy based combined therapy for unresectable locally invasive bladder cancer and its associated factors analysis].

Objective: Retrospective analysis of the efficacy and influencing factors of bladder preservation integrated therapy for unresectable invasive bladder cancer confined to the pelvis was done, also including the bladder function preservation and adverse effects analysis. Methods: Sixty-nine patients with unresectable locally invasive bladder cancer who received radiotherapy-based combination therapy from March 1999 to December 2021 at our hospital were selected. Among them, 42 patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy, 32 underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapyand 43 with transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) prior to radiotherapy. The late adverse effect of radiotherapy, preservation of bladder function, replase and metastasis and survival were followed-up. Cox proportional hazards models were applied for the multifactorial analysis. Results: The median age was 69 years. There were 63 cases (91.3%) of uroepithelial carcinoma, 64 of stage Ⅲ and 4 of stage Ⅳ. The median duration of follow-up was 76 months. There were 7 grade 2 late genito urinary toxicities, 2 grade 2 gastrointestinal toxicities, no grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred. All patients maintained normal bladder function, except for 8 cases who lost bladder function due to uncontrolled tumor in the bladder. Seventeen cases recurred locally. There were 11 cases in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a local recurrence rate of 26.2% (11/42) and 6 cases in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a local recurrence rate of 22.2% (6/27), and the difference in local recurrence rate between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.709). There were 23 cases of distant metastasis (including 2 cases of local recurrence with distant metastasis), including 10 cases in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a distant metastasis rate of 23.8% (10/42) and 13 cases in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a distant metastasis rate of 48.1% (13/27), and the distant metastasis rate in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group was higher than that in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (P=0.036). The median 5-year overall survival (OS) time was 59 months and the OS rate was 47.8%. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) time was 20 months and the PFS rate was 34.4%. The 5-year OS rates of concurrent and non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group were 62.9% and 27.6% (P<0.001), and 5-year PFS rates were 45.4% and 20.0%, respectively (P=0.022). The 5-year OS rates of with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 78.4% and 30.1% (P=0.002), and the 5-year PFS rates were 49.1% and 25.1% (P=0.087), respectively. The 5-year OS rates with or without TURBT before radiotherapy were 45.5% and 51.9% (P=0.233) and the 5-year PFS rates were 30.8% and 39.9% (P=0.198), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that the clinical stage (HR=0.422, 95% CI: 0.205-0.869) was independent prognostic factor for PFS of invasive bladder cancer. The multivariate analysis showed that clinical stages (HR=0.278, 95% CI: 0.114-0.678), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (HR=0.391, 95% CI: 0.165-0.930), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR=0.188, 95% CI: 0.058-0.611), and recurrences (HR=10.855, 95% CI: 3.655-32.638) were independent prognostic factors for OS of invasive bladder cancer. Conclusion: Unresectable localized invasive bladder cancer can achieve satisfactory long-term outcomes with bladder-preserving combination therapy based on radiotherapy, most patients can retain normal bladder function with acceptable late adverse effects and improved survival particularly evident in patients with early, concurrent chemoradiotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

[Pulmonary crystal-storing histiocytosis: a case report].

A 45-year-old female patient was found to have a nodule in the right lower lobe on physical examination. Chest CT showed the nodule was lobulated measuring 24 mm×23 mm, with obvious enhancement and adjacent pleural traction. As the PET-CT showed increased 18F-FDG uptake suggesting malignancy, the wedge resection of the right lower lobe was performed. Grossly, the mass was adjacent to the pleural area with indistinct boundary. On cut sections, the lesion was solid and tough, with a greyish-pink colour. Microscopically, the lesion had an ill-defined margin, and was composed of spindle and polygonoid histiocytes with rich eosinophilic cytoplasm similar to rhabdoid muscle cells. The cytoplasm of histiocytes was filled with diamond-shaped or club-shaped crystals. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed the histiocytes were positive for CD68, κ, λ, IgG, IgM and IgA. The patient had been followed up for 41 months and had shown neither recurrences nor new diseases. CSH is a rare non-neoplastic histiocytic proliferative disease. Pulmonary CSH should be differentiated from multiple diseases. Accurate pathological diagnosis depends on its morphology and immunophenotype. This disease is often related to potential lymphoproliferative or plasma cell disorder. After diagnosis, a systemic examination is required and long-term follow-up is recommended.

Prenatal exposure to nickel and atopic dermatitis at age 3 years: a birth cohort study with cytokine profiles.

BACKGROUND: Nickel, the fifth most common element on Earth, is the leading inducer of contact allergies in humans, with potent immunological effects. Nickel-induced contact allergies predominantly affect females. Maternal exposure to nickel has been associated with several developmental abnormalities. However, how a maternal nickel exposure affects the development of atopic diathesis and immune abnormalities in children has never been addressed. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine whether maternal nickel exposure affects the development of atopic dermatitis and immune abnormalities in their children. METHODS: Using a birth cohort study, we analysed 140 mother-child pairs recruited in 2012-2015 from central Taiwan. Maternal exposure to nickel was estimated using urinary nickel levels measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The serum levels of 65 analytes and IgE in 3-year-old children were profiled with a multiplex ELISA. The correlation between the maternal urinary nickel concentration and serum analyte levels was assessed using Spearmen's correlation. Multivariant regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between maternal urinary nickel levels and serum analyte concentrations in their children. RESULTS: The geometric means of the maternal urinary nickel and the children's serum IgE levels were 2.27 µg/L and 69.71 IU/mL, respectively. The maternal nickel exposure was associated with increased serum levels of IL-1ß, IL-2, TNF-α, and leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) but with decreased serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), IL-2R, and eotaxin-1 in the children. In addition, the development of childhood atopic dermatitis at 3 years old was significantly associated with the child's serum levels of IgE and IL-2R, but it was negatively associated with the maternal nickel exposure. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study showing the potential immunological effects of maternal nickel exposure in their children at an early developmental stage.

[Expression comparison and clinical significance of PD-L1 (22C3) and PD-L1 (SP142) in triple negative breast cancer].

Objective: To investigate the expression of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1, SP142) and PD-L1 (22C3) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and analyze their correlation with the clinicopathological factors and prognosis. Methods: The clinicopathologic data of 259 patients with TNBC treated in Cancer Hospital from August 2010 to December 2013 were collected. Whole section of surgical tissue samples were collected to conduct PD-L1 (SP142) and PD-L1 (22C3) immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and tumor infiltrating immune cells were visually assessed respectively, the relationship between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathologic characterizes were analyzed. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to test the correlations between PD-L1 expression and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: The positive rates of SP142 (immune cell score, ICs≥1%) and 22C3 (combined positive score, CPS≥1) were 42.1%(109/259) and 41.3%(107/259) in TNBC tissues, respectively, with a total coincidence rate of 82.3%. The Kappa value of positive expression cases was 0.571 and the distribution difference of SP142 and 22C3 positive expression cases was statistically significant (P<0.001). The PD-L1 positive patients were less likely to have vascular invasion (P<0.05), but with higher histological grade and Ki-67 proliferation index (P<0.05). The recurrence/metastasis cases(8) of the patients with positive PD-L1 (SP142) was significantly lower than that of patients with negative PD-L1(SP142, 27, P=0.016). The positive expression of PD-L1 (SP142) patients were longer DFS (P=0.019). The OS of patients with positive PD-L1 (SP142) were longer than those with negative PD-L1 (SP142), but without significance (P=0.116). The positive expression of PD-L1 (22C3) was marginally associated with DFS and OS of patients (P>0.05). Conclusions: The expression of PD-L1 (22C3) is different from that of PD-L1 (SP142) in TNBC, and the two antibodies can't be interchangeable for each other in clinical tests. PD-L1 (SP142) status is an independent prognostic factor of DFS in TNBC. The DFS is significantly prolonged in patients with positive expression of PD-L1 (SP142).

[Stereotactic body radiation therapy for patients with lung and liver oligometastases from colorectal cancer: a phase â ¡ trial].

Objective: To explore the safety and effectiveness of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for oligometastases from colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: This is a prospective, single-arm phase Ⅱ trial. Patients who had histologically proven CRC, 1 to 5 detectable liver or lung metastatic lesions with maximum diameter of any metastases ≤5 cm were eligible. SBRT was delivered to all lesions. The primary endpoint was 3-year local control (LC). The secondary endpoints were treatment-related acute toxicities of grade 3 and above, 1-year and 3-year overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test. Results: Petients from 2016 to 2019 who were treated in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College. Forty-eight patients with 60 lesions were enrolled, including 37 liver lesions and 23 lung lesions. Forty-six patients had 1 or 2 lesions, with median diameter of 1.3 cm, the median biologically effective dose (BED(10)) was 100.0 Gy. The median follow-up was 19.5 months for all lesions. Twenty-five lesions developed local failure, the median local progression free survival was 15 months. The 1-year LC, OS and PFS was 70.2% (95% CI, 63.7%~76.7%), 89.0% (95% CI, 84.3%~93.7%) and 40.4% (95%CI, 33.0%~47.8%). The univariate analysis revealed that planning target volume (PTV) and total dose were independent prognostic factors of LC (P<0.05). For liver and lung lesions, the 1-year LC, OS and PFS was 58.7% and 89.4% (P=0.015), 89.3% and 86.5% (P=0.732), 30.5% and 65.6% (P=0.024), respectively. No patients developed acute toxicity of grade 3 and above. Conclusion: SBRT is safe and effective treatment method for oligometastases from CRC under precise respiratory motion management and robust quality assurance.

[Surgical complications of totally implantable venous access port in children with malignant tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the surgical experience of totally implantable venous access port in children with malignant tumors, and to explore the coping methods of surgical complications. METHODS: The clinical data of 165 children with malignant tumors implanted in totally implantable venous access port in Department of Pediatric Surgery, Peking University First Hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The operation process, complications and treatment of complications were observed and counted. RESULTS: The children in this group were divided into external ju-gular vein incision group (n=27) and internal jugular vein puncture group (n=138) according to different surgical methods, and the latter was divided into ultrasound guided puncture group (n=95) and blind puncture group (n=43). No puncture complications occurred in the external jugular vein incision group, and the average time for successful catheterization and the number of times for catheter to enter the superior vena cava were more than those in the internal jugular vein puncture group [(9.26±1.85) min vs. (5.76±1.56) min, (1.93±0.87) times vs. 1 time], with statistical significance. The average time of successful catheterization, the success rate of one puncture, the average number of punctures and the incidence of puncture complications in the ultrasound guided right internal jugular vein puncture group were better than those in the blind puncture group [(5.36±1.12) min vs. (6.67±1.99) min, 93.68% (89/95) vs. 74.42% (32/43), (1.06±0.24) times vs. (1.29±0.55) times, 2.11% (2/95) vs. 11.63% (5/43)], with statistically significant differences. The total incidence of complications in this study was 12.12% (20/165). Pneumothorax occurred in 1 case, artery puncture by mistake in 1 case, local hematoma in 5 cases, venous access port related infection in 4 cases (venous access port local infection in 2 cases, catheter related blood flow infection in 2 cases), subcutaneous tissue thinning on the surface of port seat in 2 cases, port seat overturning in 1 case, poor transfusion in 4 cases (catheter discount in 1 case, catheter blockage in 3 cases), and foreign bodies gathered around the subcutaneous pipeline in 2 cases. There were no complications, such as catheter rupture, detachment and catheter clamping syndrome. CONCLUSION: Totally implantable venous access port can provide safe and effective infusion channels for children with malignant tumors. Right external jugular vein incision and ultrasound-guided right internal jugular vein puncture are reliable surgical methods for children's totally implantable venous access port implantation. Surgeons should fully understand the complications of the venous access port, take measures to reduce the occurrence of complications, and properly handle the complications that have occurred.

[Clinical analysis of 30 cases of basal ganglia germinoma in children].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics of children with basal ganglia germinoma and to improve the level of early clinical diagnosis. METHODS: The clinical data of children diagnosed with basal ganglia germinoma admitted to the Pediatric Surgery Ward of Peking University First Hospital from January 2013 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the clinical characteristics of children with basal ganglia germinoma. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were included in the study, 28 were male, 2 were female, the mean age at onset was (9.7±2.2) years, the median disease duration was 7 months, 27 had unilateral disease, and 3 had bilateral disease. The clinical manifestations were decreased limb muscle strength, cognitive function disorders, polydipsia, precocious puberty, intracranial hypertension, dysphonia and swallowing dysfunction. The serum and cerebrospinal fluid tumor marker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were normal in the 30 patients, and the serum and cerebrospinal fluid tumor marker ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG) were normal in 8 patients.The serum ß-HCG was normal in 11 patients but the cerebrospinal fluid ß-HCG was slightly elevated, and the serum and cerebrospinal fluid ß-HCG were slightly elevated in 11 patients. A total of 33 lesions with irregular shapes were found by imaging examination, including 15 (45.5%) patchy lesions, 10 (30.3%) patchy lesions, and 8 (24.2%) round-like high-density lesions. Tumors showed obvious high-density shadows on computed tomography (CT) scan. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the tumors showed low or isointensity on T1WI and isointensity on T2WI, accompanied by mild peritumoral edema, hemispheric atrophy, cerebral peduncle atrophy, calcification, cystic degeneration, ventricular dilatation and wallerian degeneration. On contrast-enhanced scans, the tumor showed no enhancement or heterogeneous enhancement. CONCLUSION: The main age of onset of germ cell tumors in the basal ganglia in children is about 10 years old, and males are absolutely dominant. The clinical features and imaging manifestations have certain characteristics. With both combined, the early diagnosis of germ cell tumors in the basal ganglia can be improved.

[Postoperative outcomes and influencing factors of diffuse low-grade glioma-related epilepsy].

The clinical and pathological features and postoperative outcomes of 49 patients with diffuse low-grade glioma -related epilepsy who were admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2015 to December 2018 were analyzed. After 1-year follow-up, 33 patients (67.3%) in the good prognosis group and 16 patients (32.7%) in the poor prognosis group were enrolled. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicatedthat subtotal tumor resection (OR=5.56, 95%CI:1.21-25.44,P=0.027) and no postoperative radiotherapy (OR=9.24, 95%CI:2.05-41.75, P=0.004) were the risk factors for poor prognosis of postoperative epilepsy. Therefore, for patients with diffuse low-grade glioma-related epilepsy, total tumor resection and postoperative radiotherapy are beneficial to the control of epilepsy.

[Efficacy comparison of minimally invasive atlantoaxial mass fusion and open atlantoaxial fusion in the treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation].

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of minimally invasive intermuscular atlantoaxial lateral mass fusion (Mis-PALF) and open atlantoaxial fusion in patients with atlantoaxial dislocation. Methods: The clinical data of patients with atlantoaxial dislocation who received Mis-PALF operation (17 cases) or open atlantoaxial fusion (88 cases, as control) in the Third Hospital of Peking University from September 2015 to September 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. In Mis-PALF group, there were 9 males and 8 females, aged (45.8±19.8) years; and there were 48 males and 40 females in the control group, aged (50.0±13.9) years. The operation time, perioperative blood loss, postoperative body temperature, postoperative pain [assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS)], postoperative additional analgesic drugs, postoperative hospitalization time, the improvement rate of Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores of spinal cord function in three-months follow-up and complications were compared between the two groups. Results: Mis-PALF group had less perioperative blood loss than control group [(111.8±35.9)ml vs (362.9±18.6)ml, P<0.01], shorter hospitalization time [(3.06±0.63) days vs (4.24±0.14) days, P<0.01] and fewer additional analgesic drugs (3/17 vs 56/88, P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the Mis-PALF and control group in operation time [(125±7)min vs (113±8)min, P=0.525], patients with fever(11/17 vs 37/88, P=0.086) or postoperative pain (1/17 vs 13/88, P=0.357), the improvement rate of JOA score (66.9%±28.8% vs 74.2%±28.6%, P=0.409) and complications rate (1/17 vs 3/88, P=1.000). Conclusion: Mis-PALF can significantly reduce the perioperative blood loss, shorten the postoperative hospitalization time and the additionally use of analgesic drugs without increasing complications.

Menthol in Combination with Iontophoresis Promotes Natamycin Penetration through the Cornea: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

We studied whether menthol can promote penetration of natamycin, a representative antifungal macrolide agent, through the cornea. Natamycin penetration was examined using an in vitro iontophoresis system that simulates clinical scenario; menthol (0.1-0.3%, w/v) was added to the donor reservoir of a standard Franz diffusion chambers. In vivo effects of menthol on natamycin penetration were examined in a set of bioassays using rabbits inoculated with Aspergillus fumigatus in the right eye. Potential irritation to the rabbit eye was examined using a standard test. Menthol significantly (p<0.05) potentiated the effects of iontophoresis on natamycin penetration. The optimal combination seemed to be 0.2% menthol in combination with 3 mA/cm2 iontophoresis.

[Comparison of preoperative chemotherapy with concurrent chemoradiotherapy combined with TME for 305 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer].

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the long-term efficacy and prognostic factors of preoperative chemotherapy (PCT) or chemoradiotherapy (PCRT) combined with total mesorectal excision in locally advanced rectal cancer. Methods: Clinical pathology data of 305 patients with localized advanced rectal cancer admitted to the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2006 to 2018 were collected, of whom 246 patients received PCRT (PCRT group), 59 patients received PCT (PCT group). Kaplan-Meier and Log rank test were used for the survival analysis, Cox regression model was used for multivariate analysis, and the prognosis of two groups of patients were compared by the propensity score matching (PSM). Results: In the whole group of 305 patients, 20 cases of tumors located in the upper part of the rectum and at the junction of rectum and colon, 96 cases in the middle of the rectum and 189 cases in the lower part of the rectum. PCRT group included 38 cases of cT2-3 phase, 11 cases of cT4a stage, 10 cases of cT4b stage, while the cases in PCT group were 184, 0 and 62 cases, respectively, the difference is statistically significant (P<0.05). The R0 excision rates of PCRT group and PCT group were 100% (246/246) and 96.6% (57/59), respectively, and the total pathological remission rates were 13.4% and 3.3%, respectively (P<0.05). After PSM, the 3-year survival rates of PCRT group and the PCT group were 86.6% and 89.9% (P>0.05), respectively, and the progression-free survival rates were 74.6% and 77.2% (P>0.05), local recurring free survival rates were 100% and 92.3% (P>0.05), distant metastasis free survival rate were 75.6% and 77.3% (P>0.05). Pre-treatment N-positive, N-degeneration and MRF-positive were all associated with total survival (P<0.05). Conclusion: In the PCRT group, with a higher proportion of patients with stage T4b and lower rectal cancer, the long-term efficacy of PCRT was similar to that of PCT, and higher R0 excision rate and pathological complete response rate could be obtained.

[Treatment and prognostic analysis of isolated chest wall recurrence of breast cancer after mastectomy].

Objective: To analyze the prognostic factors of breast cancer patients with isolated chest wall recurrence (ICWR) after mastectomy, and investigate the optimal treatment. Methods: A total of 201 breast cancer patients with ICWR after mastectomy who were treated in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and the Fifth Medical Center Chinese PLA General Hospital from October 1998 to April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The median follow-up was 92.8 months and survival data were obtained. Results: Among 201 patients with ICWR, 103 patients developed subsequent locoregional recurrence (sLRR) and 5-year cumulative sLRR rate was 49.1%; 134 patients developed distant metastasis (DM) and 5-year DM rate was 64.4%; 103 patients died, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 17.4 months and the 5-year PFS rate was 23.2%; the median overall survival (OS) was 62.5 months and the 5-year OS rate was 52.1%. Multivariate analysis showed that the recurrence interval (HR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.26-3.73) and the locoregional treatment (HR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.05-2.40) were the independent prognostic factors for sLRR. The initial HER2 status (HR=1.60, 95% CI: 1.03-2.48) was the independent prognostic factor for DM. The recurrence interval (HR=1.99, 95% CI: 1.30-3.04), the locoregional treatment (HR=1.99, 95% CI: 1.43-2.76) and the treatment modalities after recurrence (HR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.18-2.46) were the independent prognostic factors for PFS. The initial HER2 status (HR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.02-2.81), the recurrence interval (HR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.15-2.98) and the treatment modalities after recurrence (HR=2.48, 95% CI: 1.56-3.96) were the independent prognostic factors for OS. Conclusions: Breast cancer patients after ICWR have an optimistic OS until now, but the risk of sLRR and DM is high. Comprehensive treatment modalities including surgery, radiotherapy and systemic therapy improve the outcome of breast cancer patients with ICWR after mastectomy.

[Chronic exposure of biomass ambient particulate matter induces signal-regulatory protein α (SIRPα) and surfactant protein D expression in rat alveolar macrophages].

Objective: To observe the expression of signal-regulatory protein α (SIRPα), surfactant protein (SP) A, and SPD by, and the phagocytic function of alveolar macrophages (AMs) in the rats exposed to biomass ambient particulate matter (BMF). Methods: Seventy-two male SD rats were randomly divided into BMF group and clean air group. Protein levels of SIRPα, SPA, and SPD in AMs were determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescent assay after 4 days, 1 month, and 6 months of BMF exposure. Fluorescent labeled Glucose aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used to detect the phagocytic ability of AMs in rats at three time points. Results: After 4 days of BMF exposure, there was no significant difference in the protein levels of SIRPα and SPD compared with the clean air group (P>0.05). The relative levels of SIRPα and SPD were (1.73±0.64) and (2.01±0.78) at 1 month of BMF exposure, and those at 6 months of BMF exposure were (1.49±0.28) and (1.48±0.34), both of which were higher than those in the clean air group (P<0.05). The relative level of Staphylococcus aureus median fluorescence intensity (MFI) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MFI at 1 month BMF group were (0.56±0.16) and (0.80±0.09), and those at 6 months BMF group were (0.67±0.11) and (0.76±0.16), both of which were lower than those in clean air group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: BMF induces upregulation of SIRPα and SPD in AMs and inhibits the phagocytosis of AMs.

[Prognosis and related risk factors of acute respiratory distress syndrome in elder patients].

Objective: To study the risk factors associated with the hospital survival rate of elder patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Medical/Respiratory Intensive Care Units (MICUs/RICUs) by evaluating the prognosis, and therefore to provide insight into patient treatment strategy. Methods: Twenty MICUs/RICUs of 19 general hospitals in mainland China participated in the multicenter prospective cohort study carried out from Mar 1st, 2016 to Feb 28th, 2018. Patients who met the criteria of Berlin ARDS and older than 65 years were recruited. Baseline data, risk factors of ARDS, ventilator setup and prognosis data were collected from all patients. Univariant and multivariant regression analysis were conducted to analyze the factors associated with the prognosis. Results: 170 elder ARDS patients (age≥65 years) met the Berlin ARDS criteria, among whom 8.8% (15/170), 42.9% (73/170) and 48.2% (82/170) patients had mild, moderate and severe ARDS, respectively. The most common predisposing factor for elder ARDS was pneumonia, which was present in 134 patients (78.8%). 37.6% (64/170) patients were treated with noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV), but 43.8% (28/64) cases experienced treatment failure. 76.5% (130/170) patients were treated with invasive mechanical ventilation. All patients 80 years or older were given invasive mechanical ventilation. 51.8% (88/170) cases had complications of non-pulmonary organ failure. 61.8% (105/170) patients deceased during hospital stay. Multivariant logistic analysis showed that the independent risk factors for hospital survival rate in elder patients with ARDS were SOFA score (P=0.030, RR=0.725, 95% CI 0.543-0.969), oxygen index after 24 hours of ARDS diagnosis (P=0.030, RR=0.196, 95% CI 0.045-0.853), accumulated fluid balance within 7 days after diagnosis of ARDS (P=0.026, RR=1.000, 95% CI 1.000-1.000) and shock (P=0.034, RR=0.140, 95% CI 0.023-0.863). Conclusion: Among 20 ICUs, the high mortality rate of elder patients with ARDS was correlated with higher 24 hour SOFA score, lower 24 hour oxygen index after ARDS diagnosis, more positive fluid balance within 7 days and concomitant shock. The conservative fluid strategy within 7 days of ARDS diagnosis may benefit the elder ARDS patients.

[The relationship between genotype of familial hypercholesterolemia and the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors].

Objective: This study intends to explore the difference in the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors in patients with different FH phenotypes by analyzing the level of blood lipids before and after treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) with different allele grades. Methods: Patients with FH phenotype, who admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2019 to October 2020, were enrolled. Age, sex and other clinical information were collected from enrolled, and the pathogenic genes were detected by the second generation sequencing technique. The patients were divided into five groups according to the number of alleles involved and the degree of gene damage: single allele-null mutation group, single allele-defect mutation group, multi-allele-null mutation group, multi-allele-defect mutation group and no major pathogenic gene mutation group. The results of blood lipids were collected before medication, 4-6 weeks of intensive statin treatment and one month after combined treatment with PCSK9 inhibitor (PCSK9i). The LDL-C level were compared among groups. ASCVD risk stratification was performed in all patients, and the proportion of LDL-C level reaching the corresponding risk stratification target value of each genotype group after treatment was analyzed. Results: A total of 66 patients with FH phenotype were included, including 47 males (71.2%) and 19 females (28.8%),the mean age was(43.1±13.4 years). There were 7 cases in single allele-null mutation group (10.6%), 25 cases in single allele-defect mutation group (37.9%), 8 cases in multi-allele-null mutation group (12.1%), 18 cases in multi-allele-defect mutation group (27.3%) and 8 cases in no major pathogenic mutation group (12.1%). The degree of LDL-C reduction post combined PCSK9 inhibitor therapy was as follows: single allele mutation group>no major pathogenic mutation group>multi-allele mutation group, general distribution was in the range of 0-90.0%. Two groups of single allele mutation and no major pathogenic mutation group>50.0%>multi-allele mutation group. Under the combined treatment of PCSK9 inhibitors, the further decrease of LDL-C was in the order of single allele mutation group>non-major pathogenic mutant group>multi-allele mutation group. The efficacy of combined therapy on reducing LDL-C at 1 month after treatment decreased with the increase of baseline LDL-C level (r = 0.46, P<0.001) in patients with FH phenotype. In addition, the further decrease of LDL-C level post high-intensity statin therapy combined with PCSK9 inhibitors decreased with the increase of baseline LDL-C levels (r = 0.40, P<0.001). The degree of LDL-C decrease was high and stable by statin combined with PCSK9 inhibitor therapy in single allele mutation group. In the single allele-defect mutant group, the decrease of LDL-C increased with the increase of baseline LDL-C level post intensive statin treatment and combined PCSK9 inhibitor treatment ((r=0.54, P=0.009); r=0.45,P=0.030), and the further decrease of LDL-C level decreased with the increase of baseline LDL-C level in single allele-defect mutant group post combined therapy with PCSK9 inhibitor (r=0.43, P=0.040). The decrease of LDL-C in patients with the multi-allele mutation group varied with different pathogenic gene loci and combinations post combined therapy with PCSK9 inhibitor. There was no significant difference in the level of blood lipids between the group without major pathogenic gene mutation and the group with single allele mutation before and after treatment. The percentage of patients achieving LDL-C goals with different genotypes of phenotypic FH were as follows: single allele mutation group (86.7%), non-major pathogenic mutant group (75.0%) and multi-allele mutation grou (<5.0%). Conclusions: All patients with different FH phenotypes could benefit from the intensive lipid-lowering therapy with statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, however, there are significant differences in the efficacy of lowering LDL-C in Chinese patients with FH phenotype with different molecular etiologies. Therefore, the pathogenic gene analysis may suggest the lipid-lowering effect of PCSK9 inhibitors in patients with FH.

[Investigation of abnormal menstruation of female workers in petrochemical industry].

Objective: To explore the influencing factors of abnormal menstruation of female workers in a petrochemical enterprise. Methods: A total of 5186 female employees in a petrochemical enterprise were selected as the research objects from July 2018 to December 2019. A questionnaire survey was conducted from four aspects: basic information, occupational status, psychological status at work, reproductive and reproductive health, and a multivariate logistic regression model was used for analysis. Results: Among 5132 female workers, 676 were postmenopausal and 1117 (25.1%) among 4456 non-postmenopausal women had abnormal menstruation in the last 6 months. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (<30、30~35 years) and length of service (≤20 years) were protective factors (OR=0.573, 0.590, 0.798, P<0.05) . Age (40~45、45~50 years old) , sleep duration (<6 h) , premature OR late menopause of maternal relatives, occupational exposure to dust, occupational exposure to chemicals, not wearing earplugs, leave due to health reasons in the last 6 months, reproductive tract infection OR symptoms in the last 6 months, spontaneous abortion, induced abortion, physical fatigue and mental fatigue were risk factors for menstrual abnormalities in female workers (OR=2.318, 5.544, 1.231, 1.199, 1.336, 1.403, 1.351, 1.538, 1.613, 1.584, 1.199, 1.601, 1.936, P<0.05) . Conclusion: The abnormal menstruation of female workers is affected by many factors in the occupational process, and specific measures should be taken to improve the reproductive health of female workers.