Exploring the structure and hydrogen storage capacity of CeHn0/+ clusters.

The unique 4f orbitals and abundant electronic energy levels of rare earth elements enable effective doping and modification to enhance hydrogen storage performance, making it an increasingly prominent focus of research. The structures of neutral and cationic CeHn0/+ (n = 2-20) clusters have been determined using the Crystal Structure AnaLYsis by Particle Swarm Optimization (CALYPSO) method in conjunction with density functional theory (DFT). Interestingly, the CeH13 and CeH14+ exhibit remarkable stability in the doublet state with Cs and C2v symmetry, respectively. The adsorption energy of CeHn0/+ (n = 2-20) suggests a preference for H atoms to chemically adsorb on Ce atoms. The analysis of molecular orbital composition reveals that the stability of both CeH13 and CeH14+ is attributed to the significant hybridization between the H 1s and Ce 4f orbitals. Both CeH13 and CeH14+ demonstrate significant hydrogen storage capacities, with values reaching 8.5 wt% and 9.1 wt%, respectively.

[Clinical efficacy and safety analysis of 125I seed implantation in the treatment of mediastinal lymph node metastasis of lung cancer].

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of 125I seed implantation in the treatment of mediastinal lymph node metastasis of lung cancer. Methods: Clinical data of 36 patients who underwent CT-guided 125I seed implantation for mediastinal lymph node metastasis of lung cancer from August 2013 to April 2020 in three hospitals of the Northern radioactive particle implantation treatment collaboration group were retrospectively collected, including 24 males and 12 females, aged 46 to 84 years. Cox regression model was used to analyze the relationship between local control rate, survival rate and tumor stage, pathological type, postoperative D90, postoperative D100 and other variables, and to analyze the occurrence of complications. Results: The objective response rate of CT-guided 125I seed implantation in the treatment of mediastinal lymph node metastasis of lung cancer was 75% (27/36), the median control time was 12 months, the 1-year local control rate was 47.2% (17/36), and the median survival time was 17 months. The 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 61.1% (22/36) and 22.2% (8/36) respectively. Univariate analysis showed that in the treatment of mediastinal lymph node metastasis with CT-guided 125I implantation, factors related to local control included tumor stage (HR=5.246, 95%CI: 2.243-12.268, P<0.001), postoperative D90 (HR=0.191, 95%CI: 0.085-0.431, P<0.001), postoperative D100 (HR=0.240, 95%CI: 0.108-0.533, P<0.001); The factors affecting survival were tumor stage (HR=2.712, 95%CI: 1.356-5.425, P=0.005), postoperative D90 (HR=0.110, 95%CI: 0.041-0.294, P<0.001), postoperative D100 (HR=0.212, 95%CI: 0.092-0.489, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor stage (HR=5.305, 95%CI: 2.187-12.872, P<0.001) and postoperative D100 (HR=0.237, 95%CI: 0.099-0.568, P<0.001) were correlated with local control rate. Tumor stage (HR=2.347, 95%CI: 1.095-5.032, P=0.028) and postoperative D90 (HR=0.144, 95%CI: 0.051-0.410, P<0.001) were correlated with survival. In terms of complications, 9 of the 36 patients had pneumothorax, and 1 of them was cured by closed thoracic drainage for severe pneumothorax; 5 cases developed pulmonary hemorrhage and 5 cases developed hemoptysis, which recovered after hemostasis treatment. One case developed pulmonary infection and recovered after anti-inflammatory treatment. No radiation esophagitis and radiation pneumonia occurred; No grade 3 or higher complications occurred. Conclusion: 125I seed implantation in the treatment of lung cancer mediastinal lymph node metastasis has a high local control rate and controllable adverse effects.

Use of CT-based renal volumetry for the measurement of split renal function: a split glomerular filtration rate prediction model based on unilateral renal volume parameters.

AIM: To develop a split glomerular filtration rate (sGFR) prediction model based on unilateral renal volume parameters using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) volumetry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data (age, sex, height, weight, serum creatinine level [sCr], and sGFR measured by 99mTc-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid nuclear renal scintigraphy with the double plasma sample method) of 67 healthy renal donors and 111 patients with hydronephrosis admitted from April 2016 to September 2021 were analysed. The split renal parenchymal volume (sRPV) and split renal calyces and pelvis volume (sRCPV) of 67 unilateral donor left kidneys and 111 hydronephrotic kidneys were measured. Statistical analysis of these parameters was performed to develop and validate the sGFR prediction model. RESULTS: sRPV (p<0.001), sRCPV (p=0.012), age (p=0.015), serum creatinine level (p=0.004), and weight (p=0.006) were significantly associated with the measured sGFR and were included in the sGFR prediction formula, which was constructed as: 68.710 + 0.093 × sRPV-0.041 × sRCPV-0.228 × W-0.219 × A-14.432 × sCr (r2 = 0.416; where A is age, W is weight). The paired difference of internal validation between the measured sGFR (42.34 ± 13.71 ml/min/1.73 m2) and the sGFR estimated by the prediction model (41.46 ± 8.99 ml/min/1.73 m2) was 0.879 ± 11.475 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p=0.492) with a 95% confidence interval of the mean difference of ±2.54 ml/min/1.73 m2. CONCLUSION: The proposed model based on sRPV and sRCPV parameters could be used for estimating split renal function of healthy renal donors and patients with hydronephrosis to some extent. Further studies are required to evaluate and rectify the model.

[Ureteral stenosis following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A case report].

Ureteral stenosis is a comparatively rare complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The etiology is still unclear and most believe that this may be due to the reactivation of BK virus in a state of immunodeficiency. In the later stages of ureteral stenosis with scarring, invasive interventions must be taken to relieve the hydronephrosis. Common treatments, such as D-J stent placement and permanent nephrostomy may not only entail the risk of infection, but also seriously affect the quality of life. Few cases of surgical intervention have been reported. In this article, a 25-year-old female was admitted to Peking University First Hospital suffering from recurrent flank pain. Seven years before, she developed hemorrhagic cystitis and bilateral urethritis 40 days after allogeneic HSCT. After continuous bladder irrigation and antiviral therapy, the left-sided hydronephrosis gradually alleviated while the right-sided one did not improve. D-J stents were used for urine drainage for 7 years before percuta-neous nephrostomy. Preoperative antegrade pyelography revealed significant hydronephrosis in the right kidney with long stricture of proximal-middle ureter. After comprehensive decision, she underwent ileal ureter replacement. The operation was successful. The segmental lesion was dissected and the scar tissue was removed. A 25 cm intestinal tube was isolated to connect the pelvis and bladder. An anti-reflux nipple was created at the distal end of ileal ureter to prevent the potential infection. The blood loss was minimal. After surgery, the drainage tube was removed in 2 weeks, the nephrostomy tube and the D-J stent was removed in 3 months. Follow-up mainly included clinical assessment, serologic testing, renal ultrasonography, blood gas analysis and radiological examination. During the follow-up of 6 years, she was symptom-free and no postoperative complications occurred. The serum creatinine level was stable. No hydronephrosis was observed under ultrasonography. Obvious peristaltic waves and ureteral jets of the ileal ureter was confirmed on cine magnetic resonance urography. To sum up, ureteral stenosis after HSCT is relatively rare. Obstruction caused by scarring is usually irreversible and surgical intervention should be designed according to the location and length of the lesion. Ileal ureter replacement can be a safe, feasible and effective method to solve this kind of complex stricture.

[Correlation between daily fluid intake behavioral habits and pathological characteristics of upper tract urothelial carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between drinking habits and pathological characteristics of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHODS: A preoperative questionnaire survey was conducted to understand the drinking habits of UTUC patients who were admitted to the Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital for radical nephroureterectomy within one year from August 2020 to July 2021, and statistical analysis was performed in combination with their postoperative pathological characteristics. The statistical procedure was performed using SPSS 22.0 software, and firstly, the preliminary analysis was performed one by one using the columnar χ2 test on the pathological characteristics of UTUC tumors as the dependent variable and the factors related to patients' general information, past history and drinking habits as the independent variables, and the independent variables that met P < 0.2 between the case and control groups for each dependent variable were specified for screening. The screened variables were included in the binary Logistic regression analysis. A difference of P < 0.05 was used to indicate a statistically significant difference. RESULTS: A total of 239 patients, 134 males and 105 females, with a mean age of (68.1±9.98)years and a median disease duration of 4.8 months, were included in this study. Multifactorial Logistic regression results suggested that after adjusting for the effects of other variables, UTUC patients who had the habit of drinking at least once every hour during the daytime had a significantly increased risk of high grade (G3) tumors(OR=1.941, 95%CI: 0.352-1.029, P < 0.01); these patients also had a significantly decreased risk of multifocal UTUC tumors (OR=0.344, 95% CI: 1.18-5.582, P=0.004). The patients who had the habit of drinking over 100 mL water each time had a significantly decreased risk of mutifocal UTUC incidence (OR=0.477, 95%CI: 0.225-1.012, P=0.046). Patients who pay attention to daily water intakes had a significantly increased risk of renipelvic carcinoma (OR=2.530, 95%CI: 1.434-4.463, P=0.001) and a significantly decreased risk of ureteral carcinoma (OR=0.314, 95%CI: 0.172-0.573, P < 0.01). Other variables included in the regression model did not differ significantly in their effects on the occurrence of tumor pathological characteristics. CONCLUSION: Having the awareness of drinking water every 1 h during the day, drinking over 100 mL water each time, having the awareness of daily drinking habits correlated significantly with pathological characteristics of UTUC such as the presence of G3 tumor, multifocal tumors and location of the tumor. This conclusion still needs to be verified by subsequent trials with higher levels of evidence.

[Clinical features of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related myositis in patients with urological cancer].

OBJECTIVE: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have significantly improved the treatment efficacy of a variety of malignant tumors. However, patients may experience a series of special side effects during treatments with ICI. Immune-related myositis after ICI treatment is characterized by autoimmune rheumatic and musculoskeletal damage, which is relatively rare. To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of ICI-associated myositis in urological tumors, we summarized the clinical manifestations, electrophysiological and pathological characteristics, treatments and outcomes in 8 patients. METHODS: The clinical data of the 8 patients with immune-related myositis after ICI treatment for urological tumors treated in the Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital from March 2018 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed for demographic characteristics, drug regimen, clinical symptoms, laboratory indices, electromyography examination, pathological manifestations and outcomes. RESULTS: The eight patients included 2 females and 6 males with a median age of 68 years, all treated with ICI for urological neoplasms, including 2 upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), 3 renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and 3 bladder cancer (BCa). The median time between the first ICI treatment and the detection of immune-related myositis was 39.5 days, and the median duration of treatment was 2 sessions. The main symptoms were muscle pain and weakness, 5 cases with ptosis, 3 cases with secondary rhabdomyolysis, 5 cases with myocarditis, 1 case with myasthenia gravis, and 1 case with enterocolitis. Among them, patients with immune-related myocarditis had a shorter interval from the first anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) therapy to the onset of immune-related myositis (P=0.042) compared with patients without myocarditis. The 8 patients had significant elevation of transaminases and muscle enzyme profile indexes, and 5 patients showed positive auto-antibodies. 3 patients had perfected muscle biopsies and showed typical skeletal muscle inflammatory myopathy-like pathological changes with CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD20+ lymphocytes and CD68+ macrophage infiltration. After the diagnosis of immune-related myositis, all the 8 patients immediately discontinued ICI therapy and improved after intravenous administration of methylprednisolone alone or in combination with gamma-globulin. CONCLUSION: Immune-related myositis after ICI treatment is an immune-related adverse reactions (irAEs) with unique clinical and pathological features, commonly combined with cardiovascular adverse reactions. Immediate discontinuation of ICI and initiation of glucocorticoid therapy may improve the patient's condition in a timely manner.

[Trends in upper urinary tract reconstruction surgery over a decade based on a multi-center database].

OBJECTIVE: To study the trend of surgical type, surgical procedure and etiological distribution of upper urinary tract repair in recent 10 years. METHODS: The preoperative and perioperative variables and follow-up data of upper urinary tract reconstruction surgery in RECUTTER (Reconstruction of Urinary Tract: Technology, Epidemiology and Result) database from 2010 to 2021 were searched, collected and analyzed. The surgical type, surgical procedure, duration of hospitalization, time of operation, incidence of short-term complications, and proportion of the patients undergoing reoperations were compared between the two groups of 2010-2017 period and 2018-2021 period. RESULTS: A total of 1 072 patients were included in the RECUTTER database. Congenital factors and iatrogenic injuries were the main causes of upper urinary tract repair. Among them, 129 (12.0%) patients had open operation, 403 (37.6%) patients had laparoscopic surgery, 322 (30.0%) patients had robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery and 218 (20.3%) patients had endourological procedure. In the last decade, the total number of surgeries showed a noticeable increasing annual trend and the proportion of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in 2018-2021 was significantly higher than that in 2010-2017 (P < 0.001). The 1 072 patients included 124 (11.6%) cases of ileal ureter replacements, 440 (41.1%) cases of pyeloplasty, 229 (21.4%) cases of balloon dilation, 109 (10.2%) cases of ureteral reimplantation, 49 (4.6%) cases of boari flap-Psoas hitch surgery, 60 (5.6%) cases of uretero-ureteral anastomosis, 61 (5.7%) cases of lingual mucosal onlay graft ureteroplasty or appendiceal onlay flap ureteroplasty. Pyeloplasty and balloon dilatation had been the main types of surgery, while the proportion of lingual mucosal onlay graft ureteroplasty plus appendiceal onlay flap ureteroplasty had increased significantly in recent years (P < 0.05). In addition, the time of operation was significantly increased (P < 0.05) after 2018, which was considered to be related to the sharp increase in the proportion of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. We found that minimally invasive surgery (endourological procedure and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery) as an independent risk factor (P=0.050, OR=0.472) could reduce the incidence of short-term post-operative complications. CONCLUSION: We have justified the value of the RECUTTER database, created by the Institute of Urology, Peking University in data support for clinical research work, and provided valuable experience for the construction of other multi-center databases at home and abroad. In recent 10 years, we have observed that, in upper urinary tract reconstruction surgery, the surgery type tends to be minimally invasive and the surgery procedure tends to be complicated, suggesting the superiority of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery.

[The clinical value of classification of hilar cholangiocarcinoma based on actual anatomy].

Objective: To examine the significance and prognostic value of the classification of hilar cholangiocarcinoma based on actual anatomical location. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted including 120 patients of hilar cholangiocarcinoma treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2019 to December 2021. Patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were classified for seven types according to the site of tumor location. The clinicopathological and prognostic data of 120 patients were retrospectively analyzed(There were 57 males and 63 females,the age (M(IQR)) was 61(22)years(range:42 to 85 years)). All patients received radical resection without visible intraoperative tumor residue and negative bile duct resection margin according to intraoperative pathological biopsy. The classification variables were analyzed by Pearson χ2 test or Fisher's exact probability test,one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test.Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Cox proportional risk model was used for prognostic factors. Results: The coincidence rate of preoperative surgical planning and actual operational styles was verified in 33 cases. Twenty-six cases were consistent,and 7 cases were inconsistent,with a coincidence rate of 78.8%. According to the actual anatomical location,patients in type of secondary branch experienced a significantly longer operation duration,a higher portal vein resection rate,margin positive rate and more advanced T stage(all P<0.05). The median overall survival time of the unilateral main trunck group was 27.0 months,and the bilateral group was 17.0 months. Survival analysis based on the tumor classification of the actual anatomical location showed that the unilateral or main trunck group predicted less aggressive clinical features and favorable outcomes(HR=1.931,95%CI:1.066 to 3.499,P<0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the actual anatomical location of the tumor type(HR=2.269,95%CI:1.333 to 3.861,P=0.003),combined liver resection(HR=0.464,95%CI:0.253 to 0.848,P=0.013) and N stage(HR=6.317,95%CI:3.083 to 12.944,P<0.01) were independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients. Conclusion: The classification based on the actual anatomy can be used as a promising scheme in refining patient stratification and predicting survival in hilar cholangiocarcinoma,and it can guide the selection of surgical methods,and predict operative safety and radical resection rate.

Myocardial motion-corrected phase-sensitive inversion recovery late gadolinium enhancement in free breathing paediatric patients: a comparison with single-shot coherent gradient echo ("TrueFISP") phase-sensitive inversion recovery.

AIM: To investigate the value of motion-corrected (MOCO) phase-sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) compared with single-shot balanced steady-state gradient echo ("TrueFISP", Siemens) PSIR in free breathing paediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 238 paediatric patients underwent clinical contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). Both the single-shot TrueFISP PSIR and MOCO PSIR sequences were performed on each child. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. Two radiologists rated the quality of the images on a scale of 1-5 (1 = poor, 5 = very good). Bland-Altman, linear regression, and intraclass correlation coefficient were used to compared the extent of LGE of the single-shot TrueFISP PSIR and MOCO PSIR. Imaging artefacts were described and compared. RESULTS: Children ranged in age from 60 days to 17 years with an average age of 8.1 ± 3.8 years. MOCO PSIR had higher SNR and CNR than the single-shot TrueFISP PSIR (p<0.001). Mean quality ratings for short-axis imaging were 4 (interquartile range, 3-4) for single-shot TrueFISP PSIR and 4 (interquartile range, 4-5) for MOCO PSIR (p<0.001). The scan time was faster for single-shot TrueFISP PSIR than for MOCO PSIR. The myocardial LGE results were similar with high agreement between the single-shot TrueFISP PSIR and MOCO PSIR (ICC = 0.955-0.986). CONCLUSION: The MOCO PSIR sequence is feasible in children. MOCO PSIR is robust at high heart rates and can be performed without breath-holding with higher image-quality ratings than the single-shot TrueFISP PSIR.

[Clinicopathological features and prognosis of fumarate hydratase deficient renal cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinicopathological features and prognosis of fumarate hydratase deficient renal cell carcinoma (FH-RCC). METHODS: Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to detect the expression of fumarate hydratase (FH) in tumor tissues of 109 different types of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients aged 60 years and younger from the Department of Urology of Peking University First Hospital from January 2013 to December 2019. The clinicopathological data and prognosis of FH-RCC were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: There were eleven patients with FH-negative expression. Seven were males and four females. The age of onset ranged 16-53 years (mean age: 36.7 years), and four female patients all had a history of uterine leiomyoma. Only one first-degree relative of one patient had renal cancer, and none of the patients had a history or family history of cutaneous leiomyomas. The diameter of the tumor was 2.1-12.0 cm (mean: 8.83 cm). Renal sinus or perirenal fat invasion was seen in nine cases, tumor thrombus in renal vein or inferior vena cava in six cases, lymph node metastasis in seven cases, adrenal gland invasion in four cases and splenic capsule invasion in one case. The cases were initially diagnosed as type Ⅱ papillary RCC (7/49, 14.3%), collecting duct carcinoma (2/9, 22.2%) and unclassified RCC (2/51, 3.9%). Tumor histopathology mostly showed a mixture of different structures, such as papillary, tubular cystic, solid, and so on. The most common histological structures were papillary (9/11, 81.8%) and tubular (8/11, 72.7%). Three cases had sarcomatoid areas. At least focal eosinophilic nucleolus (WHO/grades Ⅲ-Ⅳ) and perinuclear halo could be seen in all cases. Immunohistochemical (IHC) stains of most tumors were negative for CA9, CD10 and CK7. The results of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed that there was no translocation or amplification of TFE3 gene in two cases with TFE3 IHC expression. All the patients were followed up for 11-82 months. Mean survival was 24 months. Five cases died of distant metastasis 9-31 months after operation (mean: 19 months), and five of the six patients alive had became metastatic. CONCLUSION: Morphologically, FH-RCC overlaps with many types cell RCC. A mixture of papillary and tubular cystic arrangement is the most common growth pattern of FH-RCC. At least focally large and obvious eosinophilic nucleoli are an important histological feature of this tumor. The negative expression of FH can help to confirm the diagnosis. Young female RCC patients with uterine leiomyomas should be suspected of FH-RCC. Some FH-RCC cases lack clinical evidence. The suspicion raised by pathologists based on histological characteristics is often the key step to further genetic testing and the final diagnosis of the tumor.

[Three dimensional nephrometry system for partial nephrectomy: Our initial exploration].

OBJECTIVE: To construct a preoperative evaluation system for partial nephrectomy using CT three-dimensional visualization technology and to explore its practical value. METHODS: The clinical data of the patients who underwent partial nephrectomy for renal tumors in Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital were collected retrospectively. At the same time, the homogenized standard data of patients who underwent partial nephrectomy for renal tumors were collected in 16 clinical centers in China. The CT three-dimensional visualization system was applied (IPS system, Yorktal) to evaluate tumor anatomy, blood supply, perirenal fat and other information. The parameters were summarized to build a three-dimensional nephrometry system, on the basis of which virtual surgery design and intraoperative navigation were completed. RESULTS: A three-dimensional visualization image was established based on the enhanced CT urography. The nephrometry system included the longest diameter and volume of the tumor, proportion volume of tumor invading the parenchyma, maximum depth of the tumor invading the parenchyma, contact surface area, flatness of the tumor surface, renal segment where the tumor was located, vascular variation, and perirenal fat. The average two-dimensional diameter of the tumor was (2.78±1.43) cm, the average three-dimensional maximum diameter was (3.09±1.35) cm, and the average postoperative pathological size was (3.01±1.38) cm. The maximum tumor diameter in the three-dimensional image was significantly related to the prolonged renal artery clamping time and intra-operative blood loss (r=0.502, P=0.020; r=0.403, P=0.046). The three-dimensional and pathological tumor volume were (25.7±48.4) cm3 and (33.0±36.4) cm3, respectively (P=0.229). The tumor volume was significantly related to the intraoperative blood loss (r=0.660, P < 0.001). The proportion volume of the tumor invading into renal parenchyma was significantly related to the prolongation of renal artery clamping and the occurrence of postoperative complications (r=0.410, P=0.041; r=0.587, P=0.005). The tumor contact surface area and the presence of vascular variation did not show correlation with the perioperative data and postoperative complications. While the preoperative evaluation was completed, the reconstructed three-dimensional image could be zoomed, rotated, combined display, color adjustment, transparency, and simulated cutting on the Touch Viewer system. The process generally consisted of showing or hiding the tissue, adjusting the transparency of the interested area, rotating and zooming the image to match the position of the surgical patient. Together, these functions met the requirements of preoperative virtual surgery plan and intraoperative auxiliary navigation. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional images can provide a more intuitive anatomical structure. The CT three-dimensional visua-lization system clearly displays tumor anatomical parameters, blood supply and perirenal fat. The three-dimensional nephrometry system for renal tumors can help predict the difficulty of partial nephrectomy and perioperative complications. Importing the reconstructed three-dimensional visualization image into the specified program or robot operating system can complete virtual surgery and intraoperative navigation, helping the surgeon to better grasp the surgical process. The indexes included in the nephrometry system and the score weights of each index need to be confirmed and perfected by multi-center study with large samples.

Cine magnetic resonance urography for postoperative evaluation of reconstructive urinary tract after ileal ureter substitution: initial experience.

AIM: To report the initial experiences with functional cine magnetic resonance urography (cine MRU) and assess its usefulness as a novel postoperative evaluation method of ileal ureter substitution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 17 patients from who underwent cine MRU during June 2010 to December 2019 during their follow-up after ileal ureter substitution were collected. The cine MRU videos of reconstructive urinary tract were observed, and the luminal diameter, contraction ratio, peristaltic waves, and ureteral jets were measured. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent cine MRU after ileal ureter substitution during their follow-up. Based on their cine MRU videos assessing the morphology and the peristaltic motility of the reconstructive urinary tract, there was resolution of preoperative hydronephrosis, which matched their ameliorative renal function. Clearly, peristaltic motility of the ileal graft was observed in 14 patients with obvious peristaltic waves and ureteral jets. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to assess the clinical utility of functional cine MRU during the patient follow-up after ileal ureter substitution. Cine MRU is a radiation-free, non-invasive imaging method that can clearly show the morphology and the peristaltic motility of the ileal graft. Therefore, cine MRU, as a novel technique, will be extremely useful in the postoperative evaluation of patients after ileal ureter substitution.

[The metabolism of blood glucose and lipid in breast cancer patients after the first chemotherapy].

Objective: To analyze the metabolism of blood glucose and lipid in breast cancer patients after the first chemotherapy. Methods: Breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy for the first time from December 2016 to January 2020 were collected in our hospital, and their blood glucose and lipid levels were monitored. Patients were grouped according to different treatment plans. Non-parametric rank sum test was used for statistical analysis on SPSS software. Results: There were 1 356 female breast cancer patients were enrolled, blood glucose and lipid levels were compared before and after chemotherapy. Our results showed that baseline medium blood glucose was 5.2 mmol/L, lower than 5.3 mmol/L after chemotherapy (P<0.05). The baseline triglyceride (TG) was 1.2 mmol/L, lower than 1.6 mmol/L after chemotherapy (P<0.05). The baseline small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) was 0.7 mmol/L, lower than 0.8 mmol/L after chemotherapy (P<0.05). The baseline high density lipoprotein (HDL) was 1.3 mmol/L, higher than 1.2 mmol/L after chemotherapy (P<0.05). Patients' menstrual status and body mass index were related with blood glucose, TG, LDL and sdLDL (all P< 0.05). Conclusions: Abnormal metabolism of blood glucose and lipid are observed in breast cancer patients after the first chemotherapy. More awareness of cardiovascular disease in breast cancer patients might ensure their overall clinical benefits.

[Advance in re-do pyeloplasty for the management of recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction after surgery].

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is characterized by decreased flow of urine down the ureter and increased fluid pressure inside the kidney. Open pyeloplasty had been regarded as the standard management of UPJO for a long time. Laparoscopic pyeloplasty reports high success rates, for both retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approaches, which are comparable to those of open pyeloplasty. However, open and laparoscopic pyeloplasty have yielded disappointing failure rates of 2.5%-10%. The main causes for recurrent UPJO are severe peripelvic and periureteric fibrosis due to urinary extravasation, ureteral ischemia, and inadequate hemostasis. In addition, failing to diagnose lower pole crossing vessels before or during the primary procedure is also responsible for recurrent UPJO. In addition, poor preoperative split renal function, hydronephrosis, presence of renal stones, patient age, diabetes, prior endopyelotomy history, and retrograde pyelography history were considered as predictors of pyeloplasty failure. The failure is usually defined by persistent pain, persistent radiographic obstruction (infection or stones), continued decline in split renal function, or a combination of the above. And the failure of pye-loplasty often occurs in the first 2 years after the surgery. The available options for managing recurrent UPJO with a salvageable renal unit include endopyelotomy, re-do pyeloplasty, stent implantation, percutaneous nephrostomy, ureterocalicostomy, and nephrectomy. Re-do pyeloplasty has such merits as high successful rates and rare complications, compared with endopyelotomy or ureterocalicostomy. And some investigators think that re-do pyeloplasty should be regarded as the gold standard for secondary therapy if feasible. Open pyeloplasty can enlarge the operating field, facilitate the exposure of the ureteropelvic junction, reduce the difficulty of operation, and thus reduce the occurrence of complications. There are no significant differences among the success rates of re-do pyeloplasty under open approach, traditional laparoscopy and robot-assisted laparoscopy, according to previous reports. However, traditional laparoscopic and robot-assisted pyeloplasty give advantages of cosmetology, small trauma, less postoperative pain, speedy recovery and shorter hospitalization, fewer complications and lower recurrent rates. If the primary pyeloplasty is an open operation in retroperitoneal approach, the traditional laparoscopic and robotic operation with retroperitoneal approach should be considered for secondary repair. The cause of recurrent UPJO should be evaluated before surgery and identified intraoperatively to minimize the possibility of recurrence.

[Application of indocyanine green in complex upper urinary tract repair surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical application of indocyanine green (ICG) visualization by near infrared fluorescence laparoscopy (NIFL) in complex upper urinary tract reconstructions surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 7 patients who underwent complex surgeries of ureteral reconstruction between May 2019 and October 2019. There were 6 males and 1 female with the age ranging from 24 to 57 years (median age was 47 years). There were 5 cases of right ureteral strictures, of which 3 were proximal ureteral strictures and 2 were multiple and long ureteral strictures caused by radiotherapy. There were 2 cases of left ureteral strictures, of which 1 was ureteropelvic junction stricture and 1 was proximal ureteral stricture. There were 4 cases of secondary repair operations and 3 cases of primary operations. All the patients underwent laparoscopic surgery via the abdominal approach. ICG was injected into the ureter via nephrostomy tube during the operations, and the diseased ureter was identified by NIFL. Among the patients, 2 cases underwent IUPU (Institute of Urology, Peking University) modified ileal ureter replacement, 2 cases underwent ureteroureterostomy, 2 cases underwent appendiceal onlay flap ureteroplasty, and 1 case underwent lingual mucosa onlay flap ureteroplasty. RESULTS: All the operations were successfully completed without open conversion. The localization and separation of ureteral lesions were completed under NIFL. The mean operative time was 187 (135-300) min. The duration of ureteral separation was 15-27 min, and the mean time was 18 min. The estimated blood loss was 15-200 mL, the mean estimated blood loss was 50 mL. There was one patient with ileal ureter replacement who had fever after surgery and responded well to antibiotics. The mean (range) length of postoperative hospital stay was 7 (6-10) days and no postoperative complications of a high grade (Clavien-Dindo Ⅲ and Ⅳ) occurred. Up to now, the mean follow-up duration was 9 (6-11) months, and no indocyanine green toxicity occurred. All D-J stents and nephrostomy were removed successfully 2 months after the operation. Ultrasound showed no obvious hydronephrosis, and CTU (computed tomography urography) showed that the urinary tract was unobstructed and the kidney function was normal. CONCLUSION: The application of ICG in the complex upper urinary tract reconstructive surgery is a safe and easy method to help surgeon to identify the ureter which may reduce the risk of iatrogenic damage and protect the ureteral blood supply.

[Application of preoperative three-dimensional image reconstruction in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of preoperative three-dimensional image reconstruction in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). METHODS: We reviewed data on 40 patients (22 male cases, and 18 female cases) diagnosed with UPJO in Peking University First Hospital from May 2017 to April 2019. The median age was 26.5 years (IQR 23.25-38.75) years. There were 11 patients complicated with ectopic vessels, 14 patients with kidney stones, 3 patients with horseshoe kidney, and 6 patients with obstruction after pyeloplasty. All the patients underwent preoperative enhanced CT scan, and the CT data were reconstructed into three-dimensional image models. The obstruction position of ureteropelvic junction and the relationship between ureteropelvic junction and blood vessels and organs were observed by three-dimensional models to assist planning surgery. Thirty-seven patients underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty (including 3 cases combined with pyelolithotomy with flexible cystoscope, 1 case combined with pyelolithotomy by sun-style cystoscope, 1 case with laparoscopic ureter resection and anastomosis, 3 cases of laparoscopic pyeloplasty of horseshoe kidney), 2 patients underwent laparoscopic ventral onlay lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty, and 1 patient underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty. RESULTS: Three-dimensional CT image clearly showed the relationship between the obstruction of ureteropelvic junction and blood vessels and organs after three-dimensional reconstruction. The type, diameter, position and direction of the ectopic vessels could be observed clearly before operation according to the three-dimensional reconstruction model, and the number, size, location and shape of renal calculi or other masses, the number of involved renal calyces and the anatomical distribution in the renal pelvis and calyces could be also evaluated preoperatively. After comprehensive analysis of the above information, individualized operation plans were performed on the patients, all the 40 cases were successfully completed with the surgery without any transfer to open surgery. The average operative time was (129.91±37.90) min (range: 75 to 273), the average blood loss was (48.1±78.0) mL (range: 10 to 400), the average hospitality was (5.04±1.99) d (range: 2 to 10), and the average postoperative drainage time was (3.8±1.4) d (range: 2 to 8). CONCLUSION: The preoperative three-dimensional image reconstruction has a high clinical value in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction, and it is of great help to assist surgery planning and is worthy of further clinical promotion and application.

[Robot-assisted laparoscopic upper urinary tract reconstruction surgery: A review of 108 cases by a single surgeon].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experiences and outcomes of 108 robot-assisted laparoscopic upper urinary tract reconstruction surgeries conducted by a single surgeon. METHODS: We consecutively and retrospectively reviewed 108 patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic upper urinary tract reconstruction surgeries by a single surgeon from November 2018 to January 2020. The patient demographics, perioperative variables, postoperative complications and follow-up data were recorded. Fifty-three modified dismembered pyeloplasties (MDP), 11 spiral flap pyeloplasties (SFP), 11 ure-teroureterostomies (UUT), 4 lingual mucosal onlay graft ureteroplasties (LMU), 5 appendiceal onlay flap ureteroplasties (AU), 11 ureteral reimplantations (UR), 6 Boari flap-Psoas hitch surgeries (BPS) and 7 ileal ureter replacements (IUR) were enrolled finally. The success was defined as the improvement in subjective pain levels, and the improvement in the degree of hydronephrosis at ultrasound. RESULTS: All the surgeries were successfully completed without open or laparoscopic conversion. The median operative time was 141 min (range: 74-368 min), median blood loss was 20 mL (range: 10-350 mL) and median hospital stay was 4 d (range: 3-19 d) in MDP group, with the success rate of 94.3%. The median operative time was 159 min (range: 110-222 min), median blood loss was 50 mL (range: 20-150 mL) and median hospital stay was 5 d (range: 3-8 d) in SFP group, with the success rate of 100%. The median operative time was 126 min (range: 76-160 d), median blood loss was 20 mL (range: 10-50 mL) and median hospital stay was 5 d (range: 4-9 d) in UUT group, with the success rate of 100%. The median operative time was 204 min (range: 154-250 min), median blood loss was 30 mL (range: 10-100 mL) and median hospital stay was 6 d (range: 4-7 d) in LMU group, with the success rate of 100%. The median operative time was 164 min (range: 135-211 min), median blood loss was 75 mL (range: 50-200 mL) and median hospital stay was 8.5 d (range: 6-12 d) in AU group, with the success rate of 100%. The median operative time was 149 min (range: 100-218 min), median blood loss was 20 mL (range: 10-50 mL) and median hospital stay was 7 d (range: 5-10 d) in UR group, with the success rate of 90.9%. The median operative time was 166 min (range: 137-205 min), median blood loss was 45 mL (range: 20-100 mL) and median hospital stay was 5 d (range: 4-41 d) in BPS group, with the success rate of 83.3%. The median operative time was 270 min (range: 227-335 min), median blood loss was 100 mL (range: 10-100 mL) and median hospital stay was 7 d (range: 5-26 d) in IUR group, with the success rate of 85.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The surgeon performed and modified numerous complicated upper urinary tract reconstruction surgeries by the robotic platform, which facilitated the development of the standardized upper urinary tract reconstruction surgical technique.

[Application of Endo-GIA stapler in laparoscopic radicalcystectomy].

Objective: To explore the application of Endo-GIA stapler in laparoscopic radical cystectomy, especially in the treatment of lateral bladder ligament, and to evaluate its clinical feasibility and practicability. Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical data about 38 cases of laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) treated in the Department of Urology, Chaoyang Hospital of Beijing and Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from July 2017 to June 2019 were conducted. The patients were divided into Endo-GIA stopler group(18 cases) and non-Endo-GIA stopler group (20 cases) according to whether Endo-GIA stapler were used. The basic clinical data, operation time of bladder lateral ligament, operation time of bladder lateral wall, operation time of bladder resection, amount of bleeding during operation, pathological data after operation and related indicators of recovery after operation were compared between the two groups. Results: All 38 patients underwent radical cystectomy (RC) successfully under 3-D laparoscopy without conversion to open surgery. The operation time of bladder lateral ligament in Endo-GIA stapler group was significantly shorter than that in non-Endo-GIA stapler group [(3.25±0.75) min vs (9.20±2.95) min, P=0.042]; the operation time of bladder lateral wall in Endo-GIA stapler group was significantly shorter than that in non-Endo-GIA stapler group [(8.06±1.66) min vs (14.30±3.37) min, P=0.016]. The operation time of cystectomy in the Endo-GIA stapler group was significantly shorter than that in the non-Endo-GIA stapler group [(47.06±4.70) min vs (61.60±14.91) min,P=0.003]. The amount of bleeding in the Endo-GIA stapler group was significantly shorter than that in the non-Endo-GIA stapler group [(37.77±21.30) ml vs (114.50±39.80) ml, P=0.015]. The time of drainage tube removal in Endo-GIA group was significantly shorter than that in the non-Endo-GIA group [(5.83±1.54) d vs (7.30±3.00) d, P=0.002]. The length of post-hospitalization in Endo-GIA group was significantly shorter than that in the non-Endo-GIA group [(7.67±1.78) d vs (9.60±3.25) d,P=0.036]. However, there was no significant difference in other basic clinical data, post-operative pathology and post-operative recovery related indicators. Conclusions: Laparoscopic radical cystectomy using Endo-GIA stapler device is safe and feasible. It is easy to operate, shorten the operation time significantly, and reduce the amount of bleeding. To a certain extent, it is conducive to the recovery of patients after operation to some extent, and worthy of clinical application.

[Correlative factors of sigmoid sinus diverticulum formation in individuals without pulsatile tinnitus based on CT angiography].

Objective: To analyze the correlative factors of sigmoid sinus diverticulum(SSD) formation in individuals without pulsatile tinnitus based on computed tomography angiography (CTA). Methods: A hospital-based 1∶2 matched case-control study was performed on 42 cases with unilateral SSD and 84 controls for age, gender, and side-matched in Beijing Friendship Hospital affiliated to the Capital Medical University from January 2018 to December 2018.The signs including sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence, venous outflow dominance, transverse sinus stenosis, high jugular bulb, large emissary veins, degree of mastoid pneumatization (grade Ⅰ-Ⅳ) and empty sella, were detected and analyzed. Results: In SSD group and control group, there were statistically significant differences in the incidence of the sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence (66.7%(28/42) vs 19.0%(16/84)), ipsilateral transverse sinus stenosis on the dominant side of venous outflow (26.2%(11/42) vs 4.8%(4/84)), and empty sellae (19.0%(8/42) vs 7.1%(6/84))(all P<0.05).The degree of mastoid pneumatization was worse in SSD group (P<0.05). After stepwise logistic regression analysis,the sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence (P<0.01,OR=6.794,95%CI 2.530-18.245), ipsilateral transverse sinus stenosis on the dominant side (P=0.001, OR=13.293, 95%CI 2.841-62.194), and degree of mastoid pneumatization (P<0.01, OR=0.289, 95%CI 0.156-0.536) were found independently correlated with SSD. Conclusion: Sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence, ipsilateral transverse sinus stenosis on the dominant side of venous outflow and mastoid pneumatization may be some of the independent correlative factors of SSD.

Knockdown of lncRNA ZFAS1 inhibits progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by sponging miR-135a.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one common head and neck malignancy with leading cause of cancer-related death. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play essential roles in progression, prognosis and treatment of NPC. However, the exact role of lncRNA zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1) in NPC progression and its potential mechanism remain largely unknown.The expressions of ZFAS1 and microRNA-135a (miR-135a) were measured in NPC tissues or cells by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The interaction between ZFAS1 and miR-135a was explored by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP). Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5 -diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry or trans-well assay, respectively. Our data showed the expression of ZFAS1 was up-regulated and miR-135a was down-regulated in NPC tissues and cells. miR-135a was bound to ZFAS1 in NPC cells. Moreover, knockdown of ZFAS1 or addition of miR-135a inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion but promoted apoptosis in NPC cells. Besides, down-regulation of miR-135a reversed abrogation of ZFAS1-mediated inhibition of proliferation, migration and invasion and increase of apoptosis in NPC cells. Our data suggested Inhibition of ZFAS1 protected against proliferation, migration and invasion but contributed to apoptosis by sponging miR-135a in NPC cells, providing a novel avenue for NPC treatment.