[Reappraisals of biological behaviors of PDGFRA mutant gastrointestinal stromal tumor].

Objective: To investigate the biological behavior spectrum of platelet-derived growth factor alpha receptor (PDGFRA)-mutant gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and to compare the clinical values of the Zhongshan method of benign and malignant evaluation with the modified National Institutes of Health (NIH) risk stratification. Methods: A total of 119 cases of GIST with PDGFRA mutation who underwent surgical resection at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from 2009 to 2020 were collected. The clinicopathological data, follow-up records, and subsequent treatment were reviewed and analyzed statistically. Results: There were 79 males and 40 females. The patients ranged in age from 25 to 80 years, with a median age of 60 years. Among them, 115 patients were followed up for 1-154 months, and 13 patients progressed to disease. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 90.1% and 94.1%, respectively. According to the modified NIH risk stratification, 8 cases, 32 cases, 38 cases, and 35 cases were very-low risk, low risk, intermediate risk, and high risk, and 5-year DFS were 100.0%, 95.6%, 94.3%, and 80.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference in prognosis among the non-high risk groups, only the difference between high risk and non-high risk groups was significant (P=0.029). However, the 5-year OS was 100.0%, 100.0%, 95.0% and 89.0%, and there was no difference (P=0.221). According to the benign and malignant evaluation Zhongshan method, 43 cases were non-malignant (37.4%), 56 cases were low-grade malignant (48.7%), 9 cases were moderately malignant (7.8%), and 7 cases were highly malignant (6.1%). The 5-year DFS were 100.0%, 91.7%, 77.8%, 38.1%, and the difference was significant (P<0.001). The 5-year OS were 100.0%, 97.5%, 77.8%, 66.7%, the difference was significant (P<0.001). Conclusions: GIST with PDGFRA gene mutation shows a broad range of biological behavior, ranging from benign to highly malignant. According to the Zhongshan method, non-malignant and low-grade malignant tumors are common, the prognosis after surgery is good, while the fewer medium-high malignant tumors showed poor prognosis after surgical resection. The overall biological behavior of this type of GIST is relatively inert, which is due to the low proportion of medium-high malignant GIST. The modified NIH risk stratification may not be effective in risk stratification for PDGFRA mutant GIST.

[Analysis of clinical characteristics and causes of death in 38 patients with pneumoconiosis].

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and causes of death of patients with pneumoconiosis, and to provide evidence for the prevention and management of pneumoconiosis. Methods: From June 2022 to July 2023, 38 dead patients with pneumoconiosis confirmed by Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine were selected as the research objects. The clinical data of patients were collected through hospital information system (HIS) and laboratory information management system (LIS) to analyze the basic situation of patients with pneumoconiosis who died, the distribution of industry types, the course of disease, the nature of work, the type of reimbursement, complications/comorbidities, and the direct causes of death. Univariate analysis of variance was used to compare the course of pneumoconiosis death in patients with different age of exposure to dust. Results: Among the 38 patients with pneumoconiosis, there were 37 males and 1 female. The age of exposure to dust was 5-37 (19.29±8.17) years, the duration of disease was 5-41 (20.26±8.53) years, and the age of death was 27-86 (70.42±12.26) years old. There were 10 cases of stage Ⅰ pneumoconiosis, 18 cases of stage Ⅱ, 10 cases of stage Ⅲ pneumoconiosis and 32 cases (84.21%) of silicosis. There were 30 (78.95%) people aged ≥65 years and 8 (21.05%) people aged <65 years. The industry was mainly metal products (18 workers, 47.37%), and the distribution of work was mainly excavation workers (11 workers, 28.95%). The death course of pneumoconiosis patients with 10-<30 years of exposure to dust accounted for 76.32% (29/38). The average course of pneumoconiosis patients with 20-<30 years of exposure to dust was the longest[ (24.00±9.39) years], and there was no statistically significant difference in the average course of disease among different age of exposure to dust groups (F=1.81, P=0.165). The working units of the deceased patients were private enterprises or factories, and the hospitalization expenses were borne by individuals for 21 people (55.26%). The working unit was a state-owned enterprise, and 17 people (44.74%) were reimbursed for hospitalization expenses and work-related injuries. The main comorbidities/complications of pneumoconiosis patients were respiratory infection in 18 cases (47.37%) and chronic pulmonary heart disease (47.37%). The top 3 direct causes of death were pneumoconiosis in 13 cases (34.21%), pulmonary infection in 10 cases (26.32%) and lung cancer in 7 cases (18.42%) . Conclusion: Most of 38 cases of pneumoconiosis patients death diseases such as multiple combination of respiratory system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system disease is a major cause of death in pneumoconiosis patients.

Control of the Bright-Dark Exciton Splitting Using the Lamb Shift in a Two-Dimensional Semiconductor.

We investigate the exciton fine structure in atomically thin WSe_{2}-based van der Waals heterostructures where the density of optical modes at the location of the semiconductor monolayer can be tuned. The energy splitting Δ between the bright and dark exciton is measured by photoluminescence spectroscopy. We demonstrate that Δ can be tuned by a few meV as a result of a significant Lamb shift of the optically active exciton that arises from emission and absorption of virtual photons triggered by the vacuum fluctuations of the electromagnetic field. We also measure strong variations of the bright exciton radiative linewidth as a result of the Purcell effect. All these experimental results illustrate the strong sensitivity of the excitons to local vacuum field fluctuations. We find a very good agreement with a model that demonstrates the equivalence, for our system, of a classical electrodynamical transfer matrix formalism and quantum-electrodynamical approach. The bright-dark splitting control we demonstrate here in the weak light-matter coupling regime should apply to any semiconductor structures.

[Effect of vitamin D3 on mild cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetic mice and its possible mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of vitamin D3 on mild cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetic mice and explore its possible mechanism. METHODS: Male db/db mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: the diabetes mellitus (DM) group, the low dose [250 IU/(kg·d)], medium dose [500 IU/ (kg·d)] and high dose [1 000 IU/(kg·d)] vitamin D3 intervention groups. The db/m mice were enrolled as the normal control group. The mice in vitamin D3 groups were gavaged with corresponding concentration of vitamin D3 in corn oil, and the mice in the normal control group and the DM group were gavaged with corn oil. After being fed for 16 weeks, fasting blood glucose of mice in each group was measured at the end of 0, 4, 8 and 16 weeks, and the new object recognition experiment was conducted at the end of 16 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the hippocampi and cortices of mice in each group were collected, and the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in the hippocampal tissues of mice in each group were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) in the hippocampal tissues of the mice. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the fasting blood glucose of mice in DM group was significantly increased (P < 0.01). The exploration and discrimination index (DI) in the new object recognition experiment were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The concentrations of 5-HT in the hippocampal tissues of mice were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). The concentrations of IL-18 in cortical tissues of mice were significantly increased (P < 0.01) and the positive expression of NLRP3 in the hippocampal tissues was higher. However, compared with the DM group, the fasting blood glucose of mice was significantly decreased in the medium and high dose vitamin D3 groups at the end of 8 and 16 weeks (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The exploration and DI of mice in the new object recognition experiment were significantly increased in high dose vitamin D3 group (P < 0.05). The concentrations of 5-HT in hippocampal tissues were significantly increased (P < 0.01) and the concentrations of IL-18 in cortical tissues were significantly decreased in the medium and high dose vitamin D3 groups (P < 0.01). The positive expression of NLRP3 in hippocampal tissues was reduced in all the vitamin D3 groups. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D3 might reduce the inflammatory response by inhibiting the activity of NLRP3, and thus ameliorating mild cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetic mice.

[Safety and efficacy of yellow zebra guide wire exchange system in the treatment of complete upper digestive stenosis].

To investigate the efficacy and safety of yellow zebra guide wire exchange system in the treatment of complete upper digestive stenosis. To analyze the success rate and adverse events, a retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with complete digestive stenosis in Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University from May 2019 to April 2023 and the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from August 2011 to March 2015. A total of 41 patients were included, including 25 males and 16 females, aged (65±12) years (28-94 years). Among them, 40 patients were successfully inserted with yellow zebra guide wire and underwent endoscopic treatment using the outer tube replacement with hard steel wire, with 97.6% (40/41) effective rate. Eleven patients (27.5%) were accompanied by varying degrees of retrosternal pain, without complications such as bleeding or perforation.

[Efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan in peritoneal dialysis patients with HFpEF and its effect on residual renal function].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and its effect on residual renal function. Methods: PD patients with HFpEF in Ningbo First Hospital from March 2018 to August 2021 were retrospectively enrolled and divided into study group with sacubitril/valsartan and control group with valsartan. The clinical baseline data before treatment and clinical indicators during follow-up (6 and 12 months after treatment) were collected and compared between the two groups, and the adverse reactions were also recorded. Results: A total of 99 patients were included in the study. There were 61 patients in the study group, including 44 males and 17 females, with a mean age of (52±13) years. Meanwhile, there were 38 patients in the control group, including 23 males and 15 females, with a mean age of (57±14) years. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical baseline data between the two groups (e.g., age, sex, body mass index, duration of dialysis) (all P>0.05). The N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVDs) were lower, but the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was higher in the study group than those in the control group at 6 and 12 months after treatment (all P<0.05). The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the two groups were lower than baseline values at 6 and 12 months after treatment respectively, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the decreases of SBP and DBP between the two groups at 6 and 12 months after treatment (all P>0.05). The decrease extents in residual estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) [0.52 (-0.05, 1.19) vs 1.72 (0.97, 2.39) ml·min-1·(1.73 m2)-1, P<0.001]and 24-h residual urine volume [200 (-100, 300) vs 300 (137, 400) ml, P=0.018] at 12 months after treatment were lower in the study group than those in the control group. During the follow-up period, hyperkalemia occurred in 16 cases (26.2%) and 13 cases (34.2%) in the study group and the control group, and hypotension occurred in 3 cases (4.9%) and 1 case (2.6%) in the study group and the control group, respectively. There were no adverse reactions such as cough and angioneurotic edema in the two groups. Conclusions: Sacubitril/valsartan can safely and effectively improve cardiac function and lower blood pressure in PD patients with HFpEF. Compared with valsartan, sacubitril/valsartan may be more beneficial to delay the loss of residual renal function in PD patients with HFpEF.

[Clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of gastric intermediate-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumor after surgical resection: a retrospective study].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, treatment and prognosis of gastric intermediate-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), so as to provide a reference for clinical management and further research. Methods: A retrospective observational study of patients with gastric intermediate-risk GIST, who underwent surgical resection between January 1996 and December 2019 at Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, was carried out. Results: Totally, 360 patients with a median age of 59 years were included. There were 190 males and 170 females with median tumor diameter of 5.9 cm. Routine genetic testing was performed in 247 cases (68.6%, 247/360), and 198 cases (80.2%) showed KIT mutation, 26 cases (10.5%) showed PDGFRA mutation, and 23 cases were wild-type GIST. According to "Zhongshan Method"(including 12 parameters), there were 121 malignant and 239 non-malignant cases. Complete follow-up data were available in 241 patients; 55 patients (22.8%) received imatinib therapy, 10 patients (4.1%) experienced tumor progression, and one patient (PDGFRA mutation, 0.4%) died. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival rate at 5 years was 96.0% and 99.6%, respectively. Among the intermediate-risk GIST, there was no difference in DFS between the overall population, KIT mutation, PDGFRA mutation, wild-type, non-malignant and malignant subgroups (all P>0.05). However, the non-malignancy/malignancy analysis showed that there were significant differences in DFS among the overall population (P<0.01), imatinib treatment group (P=0.044) and no imatinib treatment group (P<0.01). Adjuvant imatinib resulted in potential survival benefit for KIT mutated malignant and intermediate-risk GIST in DFS (P=0.241). Conclusions: Gastric intermediate-risk GIST shows a heterogeneous biologic behavior spectrum from benign to highly malignant. It can be further classified into benign and malignant, mainly nonmalignant and low-grade malignant. The overall disease progression rate after surgical resection is low, and real-world data show that there is no significant benefit from imatinib treatment after surgery. However, adjuvant imatinib potentially improves DFS of intermediate-risk patients with tumors harboring KIT mutation in the malignant group. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of gene mutations in benign/malignant GIST will facilitate improvements in therapeutic decision-making.

[Clinical significance of pathological diagnosis and genetic abnormalities detection in gastrointestinal stromal tumor using endoscopic biopsy].

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of pathological diagnosis and genetic abnormalities detection of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) using endoscopic biopsy. Methods: Patients with GIST diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy (from January 1st, 2016 to August 1st, 2018, at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University) were included in this study. This retrospective study evaluated the histopathologic and immunohistochemical (IHC) features, genetic abnormalities of the tumors and the treatment and clinical course of the patients. Results: Totally 4 095 cases of GIST were collected, among which 67 patients (67/4 095, 1.6%) underwent endoscopic biopsy. Forty-eight patients (71.6%) were male and 19 (28.4%) were female, with a mean age of 61 years (range 31-90 years). Fifty-nine lesions were located in stomach and eight in duodenum. Of all the 67 cases, 47 were spindle type, 14 were epithelioid type, and 6 mixed type. IHC staining showed the positive rates were 100.0% (64/64) for DOG1, 98.4% (62/63) for CD117, 87.5% (56/64) for CD34, 3.6% (2/56) for S-100 protein, 12.1% (7/58) for α-SMA, 12.3% (7/57) for desmin and 4.0% (2/50) for CKpan. Morphologically, 34 cases were malignant; three cases (all epithelioid type) were originally misdiagnosed as poorly differentiated carcinoma; missed-diagnosis were found in four cases (spindle type) due to the insufficient diagnostic tumor cells. The genetic abnormality detection rate in the biopsy tissue was 38.8% (26/67),among them two patients were lost to follow up after biopsy, 33 patients received surgical resection, 16 cases underwent operation after neoadjuvant therapy and 16 patients with advanced disease underwent continuous imatinib therapy, with the genetic testing rate of 6.1% (2/33), 10/16 and 14/16, respectively. Conclusions: Endoscopic biopsy is a useful but rare method for the preoperative diagnosis of GIST. For majority of biopsy, accurate pathological diagnosis and auxiliary examination can be completed to guide clinical treatment. A thorough history in combination with endoscopic finding is essential to avoid misdiagnosis (epithelioid type) and missed diagnosis (spindle type) in suspicious cases. Genetic testing should be recommended in patients who will undergo targeted therapy after endoscopic biopsy, and it can provide valuable information and guidance for clinical treatment.

[Preliminary progress in the study of the relationship between COVID-19 infection and partial arterial or venous diseases].

Vascular complications are commonly associated with COVID-19 infection. Increasing reports suggest a close relationship between COVID-19 and venous thromboembolic diseases, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Furthermore, COVID-19 has been linked to various aortic diseases such as aortic valve stenosis, aortic thrombosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and limb ischemia. Consequently, understanding the causes and treatment of these vascular complications has become a critical aspect of comprehensive COVID-19 management. This article provides a review of aortic diseases and venous thromboembolic diseases that may be associated with COVID-19, aiming to explore potential mechanisms underlying the development of these vascular conditions and discuss strategies for preventing thrombosis in COVID-19 patients.

Optical Detection of Long Electron Spin Transport Lengths in a Monolayer Semiconductor.

Using a spatially resolved optical pump-probe experiment, we measure the lateral transport of spin-valley polarized electrons over very long distances (tens of micrometers) in a single WSe_{2} monolayer. By locally pumping the Fermi sea of 2D electrons to a high degree of spin-valley polarization (up to 75%) using circularly polarized light, the lateral diffusion of the electron polarization can be mapped out via the photoluminescence induced by a spatially separated and linearly polarized probe laser. Up to 25% spin-valley polarization is observed at pump-probe separations up to 20 µm. Characteristic spin-valley diffusion lengths of 18±3 µm are revealed at low temperatures. The dependence on temperature, pump helicity, pump intensity, and electron density highlight the key roles played by spin relaxation time and pumping efficiency on polarized electron transport in monolayer semiconductors possessing spin-valley locking.

Sonographic findings of immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis and differences from Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ultrasonic features of the major salivary glands in patients with immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) and to explore the differences between IgG4-RS and Sjögren's syndrome (SS). METHOD: We conducted the study in 150 patients with IgG4-RS and 100 patients with SS. Ultrasonographic variables of the static images of major salivary glands were analysed. An experienced radiologist scored the confidence rating regarding the presence of the characteristic imaging findings using a five-grade rating system. Ultrasonography scores between IgG4-RS and SS were compared. RESULTS: The major salivary glands were significantly larger in patients with IgG4-RS than in the SS group. The main features of ultrasonography of the salivary glands in IgG4-RS were various hypoechoic lesions and increased colour Doppler signalling. In contrast, the major salivary glands in SS exhibited hyperechoic lines and/or spots and obscuration of the gland configuration. The scores of the summarized sonographic characteristics also showed statistically significant differences between the IgG4-RS and SS groups. CONCLUSION: This study revealed different ultrasonic features of the major salivary glands in patients with IgG4-RS and SS. The scored sonographic features were helpful in differentiating IgG4-RS from SS. Consequently, we suggest that ultrasonography of major salivary glands could be a useful imaging procedure in the evaluation of patients suspected of having IgG4-RS.

[The relationships between functional gastrointestinal diseases and psychological factors, diet and lifestyles: a network analysis].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between common functional gastrointestinal diseases symptoms with psychological factors, diet and lifestyles by using the network analysis method which has achieved great success in the field of psychology in recent years. Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted in two military units using the cluster sampling method during July 2020, and a total of 1 805 subjects were included. Functional gastrointestinal disease symptoms were evaluated with the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). The state, trait anxiety scale and stress response scale were used to evaluate the mental and psychological state by self-evaluation. R was used to build the network and calculate statistical parameters. Results: 1 486 of the 1 805 subjects (82.3%) had experienced functional gastrointestinal diseases symptoms within 2 weeks, but most of them were mild. Network analysis shows that there was a strong interaction between digestive system symptoms with different clinical manifestations (Spearman coefficient ranges 0.31-0.56). There was a clear relationship between functional gastrointestinal symptoms and mental and psychological factors (Spearman coefficient ranges 0.16-0.27), but there was no clear interaction with diet, age, education level, body mass index, etc. Functional gastrointestinal diseases symptoms were connected with mental and psychological factors through two nodes: stress and indigestion. The stability coefficient of node strength correlation was 0.75, indicating that the network was stable. Conclusions: The current study revealed the network structure and features of functional gastrointestinal diseases symptoms with mental and psychological factors. The key linking nodes provided potential interfering target for controlling functional gastrointestinal symptoms related to mental and psychological factors.

[Curative effect of complete transperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy in post kidney transplantation patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of complete transabdominal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy in treating primary upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) for post kidney transplantation patients. Methods: The clinical data of patients with primary renal pelvis and ureter tumors after kidney transplantation in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from May 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Seventeen patients (including 9 patients in ipsilateral transplanted kidney group and 8 patients in contralateral transplanted kidney group) underwent traditional retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (TRNU), and 24 patients (including 14 patients in ipsilateral transplanted kidney group and 10 patients in contralateral transplanted kidney group) underwent complete transperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (CTNU). The perioperative clinical indicators of all patients were recorded and analyzed, and the surgical indicators of two techniques were compared. Results: Forty-one patients [16 males and 25 females, with a median age of 57 (53, 70) years old] were finally included. The operation time in the contralateral transplanted kidney group [(95±44) min] from CTNU was significantly decreased compared with that in the ipsilateral group from CTNU [(159±49) min] and the contralateral [(196±20) min] or ipsilateral [(205±21) min] groups from TRNU (all P<0.01). The blood loss volume [(84±39) ml vs (106±44) ml vs (109±20) ml vs (112±21) ml, P=0.271] and postoperative hospital stay [(10.6±2.1) d vs (11.8±1.7) d vs (10.3±1.5) d vs (11.4±1.5) d, P=0.171] were not statistically different among these four groups. During the median follow-up of 24 months, 13 patients developed contralateral recurrence or metastasis, 8 patients developed intravesical recurrence, and 5 patients died of UTUC. Conclusions: Single-position complete transabdominal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for the treatment of primary renal ureteral tumors after kidney transplantation has the advantage of a short operation time, without increasing intraoperative blood loss or perioperative complications. It is suitable for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma after kidney transplantation, especially for the contralateral side of the transplanted kidney.

SIRT3 Promotes the Development of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Regulating Hexokinase 2 through the AKT Signaling Pathway.

In the present study, we explored whether sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) regulates the proliferation and migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and investigated the mechanisms underlying the oncogene role of SIRT3. siRNA was used to transfect Eca109 cells and downregulate SIRT3. The proliferation and migration of Eca109 cells were examined by the CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay, and scratch test. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect SIRT3, hexokinase 2, AKT, and p-AKT in Eca109 cells. Functional assays showed that downregulation of SIRT3 could inhibit the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells. Reduced SIRT3 expression downregulated hexokinase 2 expression and inhibited AKT activation in ESCC. These results indicated that SIRT3 promote ESCC development and progression by regulating hexokinase 2 through the AKT signaling pathway. SIRT3 promote ESCC proliferation and migration by regulating HK-2 through the AKT signaling pathway.

Conventional transarterial chemoembolization combined with systemic therapy versus systemic therapy alone as second-line treatment for unresectable colorectal liver metastases: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The combination of conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) and systemic therapy has the potential to treat chemotherapy-refractory unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). This study aimed to compare survival after this combined treatment versus systemic chemotherapy alone. METHODS: This single-centre RCT included patients with unresectable CRLMs that progressed after first-line treatment. Patients were randomized on a 1 : 1 basis to either systemic chemotherapy with or without cTACE, without further stratification. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary outcomes were overall response rate, disease control rate, conversion rate to liver resection, overall survival, and adverse events. RESULTS: Of 180 patients recruited, 168 were randomized. Eighty-five patients in arm A received systemic chemotherapy plus cTACE and 83 in arm B received systemic chemotherapy alone. Median PFS was longer in arm A than B (6.7 versus 3.8 months; hazard ratio (HR) 0.67, 95 per cent c.i. 0.49 to 0.91; P = 0.009), but did not translate into prolonged median overall survival (18.4 versus 14.8 months; HR = 0.92, 0.62 to 1.36; P = 0.669). Overall response rates (20 versus 22 per cent; P = 0.788) and conversion rate to liver resection (18 versus 16 per cent; P = 0.730) were no different between arms A and B. The disease control rate was higher in arm A than arm B (67 versus 51 per cent; P = 0.030). No adverse event higher than grade 3 according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events was observed during treatment. CONCLUSION: Systemic chemotherapy plus cTACE is a safe option as second-line treatment for unresectable colorectal liver metastases, with a modest effect on PFS. Registration number: NCT03783559 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Measurement of Conduction and Valence Bands g-Factors in a Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Monolayer.

The electron valley and spin degree of freedom in monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides can be manipulated in optical and transport measurements performed in magnetic fields. The key parameter for determining the Zeeman splitting, namely, the separate contribution of the electron and hole g factor, is inaccessible in most measurements. Here we present an original method that gives access to the respective contribution of the conduction and valence band to the measured Zeeman splitting. It exploits the optical selection rules of exciton complexes, in particular the ones involving intervalley phonons, avoiding strong renormalization effects that compromise single particle g-factor determination in transport experiments. These studies yield a direct determination of single band g factors. We measure g_{c1}=0.86±0.1, g_{c2}=3.84±0.1 for the bottom (top) conduction bands and g_{v}=6.1±0.1 for the valence band of monolayer WSe_{2}. These measurements are helpful for quantitative interpretation of optical and transport measurements performed in magnetic fields. In addition, the measured g factors are valuable input parameters for optimizing band structure calculations of these 2D materials.

[Observation of effective dosage of remimazolam tosilate used for moderate-to-deep sedation in fiberoptic bronchoscopy].

Objective: To estimate the safety and efficacy of remimazolam tosilate used for moderate-to-deep sedation in fiberoptic bronchoscopy with its 50% effective dosage (ED50) and 95% effective dosage (ED95) calculated. Methods: A total of 50 patients aged from 18 to 65 years and classified as Class Ⅰ or Ⅱ according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Classification who underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy in Hainan Cancer Hospital from April to August of 2020 were included in this study. For each patient, bronchoscopy was only started when the eyelash reflex disappeared and MOAA/S score was<1 after a trial dose of remimazolam tosilate combined with 0.1 µg/kg sufentanil was intravenously given. The dosage of remimazolam tosilate for the first patient was 0.18 mg/kg, based on which the dosages for the following patients were increased or decreased by 1∶1 times for one another, forming an equal ratio sequence. A maintenance dose of remimazolam tosilate was pumped intravenously in a rate of 1 mg/(kg·h) during the bronchoscopic examination and treatment. The result of the sequential trial, the time to achieve proper sedation, the analepsia time and the adverse effects were recorded. Results: All the 50 patients went through bronchoscopy completely. The regression function of the sequential trial was Y=12.589+16.593X, the ED50 and the ED95 of remimazolam tosilate were 0.174 (95%CI: 0.162-0.186) mg/kg and 0.219 (95%CI: 0.199-0.312) mg/kg, respectively. The time to achieve proper sedation was (50±11) s and the mean analepsia time after the use of flumazenil was (56±16) s. There was one patient with respiratory inhibition, one with headache and dizziness, one with fatigue among the 50 patients. Conclusions: The strategy of moderate-to-deep sedation based on remimazolam tosilate is safe and effective in bronchoscopic examination and treatment. When combined with 0.1 µg/kg sufentanil, the ED50 and the ED95 of remimazolam tosilate are 0.174 mg/kg and 0.219 mg/kg, respectively.

[Safety and short-term efficacy of domestic magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermotherapy in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy].

Objective: To investigate the safety and short-term efficacy of domestic magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermotherapy (MRgLITT) in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. Methods: Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy treated with a domestic MRgLITT system in the Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from October 2020 to April 2021 were prospectively enrolled. The damage volume ratio was assessed immediately after surgery, and perioperative complications were recorded and followed up. The clinical safety and short-term efficacy were evaluated using the Engel classification. Results: A total of 22 patients were included, including 12 males and 10 females, aged from 3 to 45 years old [(24±13) years]. There were 5 cases of medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), 3 cases of hypothalamic hamartoma (HH), 7 cases of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), and 7 cases of other types, respectively. The mean operation time and blood loss was (173±49) min and (3.7±1.6) ml. The postoperative length of hospital stay was (5.5±1.8) days, and the average damage volume ratio was 92.6%. Among them, only 2 patients (FCD of the parietal lobe) showed transient contralateral limb weakness, without any serious complications such as symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and cerebral infarction. The follow-up time was 14 to 168 days. There were 13 Engel class Ⅰ cases (59.1%), 2 Engel class Ⅱ cases (9.1%), 2 Engel class Ⅲ cases (9.1%) and 5 Engel class Ⅳ cases (22.7%), respectively. Short-term incident-free rates were MTLE 5/5and FCD4/7, respectively. Conclusion: Domestic MRgLITT system is stable, reliable and safe in the treatment of drug-refractory epilepsy, and has better short-term efficacy in MTLE and FCD patients.

[Observation of efficacy and safety of stereotactic-EEG-guided three-dimensional radiofrequency thermocoagulation for the treatment of drug-resistant insular epilepsy].

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of stereotactic-EEG (SEEG)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF-TC) with three-dimensional lesioning in the treatment of drug-resistant insular epilepsy. Methods: Seven patients with drug-resistant insular epilepsy who underwent SEEG-guided RF-TC with three-dimensional ablation at the Department of Neurosurgery of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from February 2017 to June 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. Presurgical evaluation including semiology, EEG and imaging results suggested that the epileptogenic zone was located in the insular lobe. All patients underwent SEEG recording and three-dimensional RF-TC. Postoperative follow-up was conducted by outpatient visits or telephone, the clinical efficacy was evaluated based on Engel classification and the relevant complications were documented. Results: Seven patients were followed up at 18 months after surgery. Among them, 4 were seizure free (Engel ⅠA), 2 had nondisabling simple partial seizures (Engel ⅠB) and 1 achieved 75% decrease (Engel ⅢA) in seizure frequency. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients which included decreased sensation in the right lower extremity, decreased strength in the right upper extremity, glossolalia, decline in memory and comprehension. No permanent neurological dysfunction was detected. Conclusion: SEEG-guided RF-TC with three-dimensional lesioning is minimally invasive, safe and effective in the treatment of drug-resistant insular epilepsy and can serve as a complementary method for resection surgery.

[The correlation study on human respiratory syncytial virus daily incidence and meteorological parameters in the main urban area of Chongqing from 2009 to 2019].

Objective: To explore the relationship between the daily incidence of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and meteorological parameters in the main urban area of Chongqing. Methods: This study took 3 107 children hospitalized with acute lower respiratory tract infections from June 2009 to June 2019 in department of Respiratory medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (CHCMU). Nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) was collected on the day of admission to detect HRSV and common respiratory virus; combined with the meteorological data of the main urban area of ​​Chongqing during the same period, the correlation and distribution lag nonlinear model analysis of the daily incidence of HRSV and meteorological parameters were carried out. Results: Among 3 107 children, HRSV positive accounted for 34.53% (1 073 cases), the age was 6 (3, 13) months, and males accounted for 64.31% (690 cases). The daily incidence of HRSV was negatively correlated with minimum temperature (r=-0.220, P<0.001), maximum temperature (r=-0.221, P<0.001), average temperature (r=-0.221, P<0.001) and precipitation (r=-0.052, P<0.001), and positively correlated with sunshine time (r=0.011, P<0.001) and average relative humidity (r=0.095, P<0.001). Compared with the reference temperature (20 ℃), when the lowest temperature of 6-10 ℃ lags for 4-8 d, the RR value of HRSV was 1.11-1.14, and when the lowest temperature of 5-19 ℃ lags for 5 d and 2-19 ℃ lags for 10 d, the RR values were 1.02-1.14 and 1.00-1.03. When the cumulative lag is 5, 10, 15 and 21 d, compared with the reference temperature (20 ℃), the RR (95%CI) values at the lowest temperature of 10.4 ℃ were 1.93 (1.08-3.46), 3.49 (1.64-7.45), 5.00 (2.01-12.46) and 6.69 (2.18-20.48); the RR (95%CI) values of the lowest temperature of 22.1 ℃ were 0.87 (0.77-0.98), 0.77 (0.66-0.90), 0.74 (0.62-0.89) and 0.68 (0.55-0.85). In the cumulative effect, compared with the reference temperature (20 ℃), the gender stratification showed that the maximum RR (95%CI) values of the lowest temperature for boys and girls under different lag days were 7.24 (1.84-28.51) and 2.19 (1.07-4.46), the age stratification showed that the maximum RR (95%CI) values of the lowest temperature for children<6 months old and children ≥6 months old under different lag days were 4.72 (1.05-21.23) and 11.98 (1.70-84.35). Conclusions: In the main urban area of Chongqing, the daily incidence of HRSV in children is correlated with climatic parameters. Among them, the lowest temperature has a delayed and cumulative effect on HRSV infection. 6-10 ℃ has a greater impact on the incidence of HRSV when the lag is 4-8 days. The effect has a more obvious impact on the incidence of HRSV in boys and children ≥ 6 months.