Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs is the main treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME), however, 30% of patients still respond poorly to its treatment. At present, imaging markers that can indicate the prognosis of anti-VEGF drug treatment include ischemic index, deep retinal capillary plexus foveal avascular zone area, number of microaneurysms, blood flow density, disorder of the inner retinal layer, outer membrane and/or the degree of damage to the ellipsoid zone, strong reflex foci, intraretinal cysts, subretinal fluid. Biomarkers include high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, anti-fumarase antibody, intraocular aqueous humor cell adhesion molecule-1, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, etc. Understanding these clinical markers that may predict and evaluate the prognosis of anti-VEGF drug therapy can be beneficial to adjust the treatment plan, and more effectively monitor, treat, and manage DME patients.

Objective To explore the extent of lymphadenectomy by comparing the single left thoracotomy and cervico-right thoracic-abdominal triple incision during esophageal carcinoma radial surgery.Methods The clinical data of 95 patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma underwent esophagectomy plus lymphadenectomy were studied.They were divided into two groups,left thoracotomy group(62 cases)and triple incision group(33 cases).The rates of lymph node metastasis and postoperative complications were analyzed statistically.Results A total of 1322 lymph nodes were dissected with an average of 13.9 lymph nodes in each case.The rates of lymph node metastasis were 45.3 ％(43/95)of all patients,40.3 ％ of left thoracotomy and 54.5 ％ of triple incision.The rates of lymph node metastasis in the neck for patients with upper or middle thoracic esophageal carcinoma were 25.0 ％(2/8)and 40.0 ％(4/10).The rate of abdominal lymph node metastasis was 53.8 ％(7/13)in lower thoracic carcinoma.The depth of tumor invasion (r =0.315,P =0.007)and tumor differentiation(r =0.239,P =0.017)were correlated to lymph node metastasis.Patients with tumor length ＞2 cm had higher rates of lymph node metastasis(x2 =34.2,P ＜ 0.001).The postoperative complication rates of left thoracotomy and triple incision were 25.8 ％(16/62)and 4.2 ％ (8/33).The mortalities rates of left thoracotomy and triple incision were 1.6 ％(1/62)and 3.0 ％(1/33).There was no significant difference in postoperative complication rates(x2 =0.017,P =0.869)and mortalities rates(x2 =0.047,P =0.651)between the two groups.Conclusion Tumor invasion,differentiation and length should be incorporated in the evaluation of lymph node status.Patients with upper and middle thoracic esophageal carcinoma should receive cervico-right thoracic-abdominal triple incision.Particular attention should be given to the resection of abdominal lymph nodes in patients with lower thoracic esophageal carcinoma.

Objective To probe the diagnostic value of MRI in wounded feet which were negative on X-ray film.Methods 77 cases with wounded feet displayed normally on X-ray film underwent MRI,using SE/T1WI,TSE/SPIR/T2WI and 3D-water sel.-FFE.Results The abnormalities on MRI were found in 54 cases,of them,47 cases were within 30 days including bone contusion in 20 cases,muscle injury in 12 cases,bone contusion and muscle injury in 6 cases,bone contusion and soft tissue space injury in 2 cases,simple soft tissue space injury in 3 cases,tiny bone fracture in 3 cases and bone fracture in combination with contusion 1 case.7 cases were 30 days after trauma including cancellous bone sclerosis and little ossature deformity.Conclusion MRI is of important value in the wounded feet which are negative on X-ray film and have obvious symptom.

Objective To establish a stable model of rat orthotopic left lung transplantation using direct suture of vessels and bronchi. Methods Ten Sprague Dawley (SD) rats weighted 250 to 350 g were used as lung donors and recipients respectively. Airway and pulmonary vessels were reconstructed microsurgically using continuous running suture technique. Survival time were recorded and donor lungs were checked by autopsy. Results All 10 rats received left lung transplantation were weaned from ventilator successfully. Both of cold ischemia time and warm ischemia time were about 40 minutes. The total procedure took about 130 minutes. Autopsy was used to check the patency of anastomotic sites. No thrombosis or air leak was found. Conclusions Direct microsurgical surture can be used to establish an experimental model of orthotopic left allograft lung transplantation in rats. This method is proved to be stable, reliable and similar to clinical practices.

Objective To prepare rabbit antibody against mouse AD-004 by AD-004 expressed in the prokaryotic expression system and to identify its distribution in the testis and adrenal. Methods The full-length cDNA of mouse AD-004 was cloned into PET28 plasmid, and the protein was induced in E. coli BL21 bacteria by adding IPTC and then purified by Ni2+ -NTA column. The purified protein was used as an immunogen to prepare polyclonal antibody ( pAb) of AD-004. The specificity of the antibody was detected by Western blotting. Immunohistochemical staining was performed in the mouse adrenal and testis via pAb of AD-004. Results Hisfused AD-004 was expressed efficiently in the prokaryotic system. Western blot analysis showed that the polyclonal antibody was duly bound to purified AD-004 with high specificity and sensitivity. AD-004 could be abundantly identified in the adrenal medulla and mainly expressed in the Leydig cells of testis. Conclusion The mouse protein of AD-004 is obtained from the prokaryotic expression system. The rabbit anti-AD-004 antibody has been prepared successfully. AD-004 protein is mainly localized in the interstitium of testis, suggesting that AD-004 may play a role in the synthesis of sex-steroid hormone.

Objective To establish a method of quick three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of pubic symphysis based on magnetic resonance imaging. Methods The pelvis images of adult male were generated on a 3.0 T scanner using a T1 Gradient Echo FLASH-3D (T1- FL3D) sequence and imported the images into medical image control system. Segmentation of binaryzation threshold was conducted and pelvic soft tissue image was extracted by regional growth, 3D structure model of pubic symphysis was obtained by Boolean operation. The 3D structure model of pubic symphysis was established by the noise reduction of reverse engineering software. And compared with the 3D reconstruction model pubic bone CT scan. Results The morphological characters of the MRI pubic symphysis 3D model, such as the ridges and furrows on the symphysial surface, lower extremity, dorsal margin (beveling), margin (beveling) and pubic tubercle, were highly consistent with the morphological characters of the 3D model established by CT scan. Conclusion MRI scan can be used to reconstruct the 3D structure of pubic symphysis quickly and effectively, and it can provide a safe radiation-free 3D visualization imaging technique for forensic age estimation for the living.

Objective To explore cognitive change in schizophrenic patients with concomitant metabolism syndrome,and to provide theory basis for early intervention and treatment.Methods According to inclusion standard,56 schizophrenic inpatients with metabolism syndrome and 56 schizophrenic inpatients without metabolism syndrome were included.The matrics consensus cognitive battery(MCCB),stroop test,digit span,UPSA-B were used to assess the cognitive function.Results There were significant differences for test scores of symbol coding subtest,verbal memory subtest,digit sequence subtest,Maze subtest,continue performance among MCCB between schizophrenic patients with and without metabolism syndrome(27.07±10.46 vs 32.18±12.12,16.04±5.07 vs18.71±6.02,13.39±5.18 vs 15.79±5.48,1.38±0.66 vs 1.7±0.68,all P＜0.05),as well as stroop test and digit span test(31.14±11.68 vs 36.57±13.32,13.77±3.64 vs 15.82±4.38,P＜0.05 for both).Conclusion The schizophrenic patients with metabolism syndrome have severer cognitive impairment than those without metabolism syndrome.

Objective To investigate the anti-inflammatory action of Celastrol in the ocular tissues of mice with ex-perimental autoimmune uveitis(EAU)and its effect on microglia polarization.Methods A total of 36 healthy B10.RⅢmice at 6-8 weeks of age were selected and randomly divided into the normal control group,EAU solvent control group and Celastrol intervention group,with 12 mice in each group.The interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein(IRBP)161-180 and Freund's complete adjuvant were mixed by thorough emulsification and injected subcutaneously into the bilateral thighs and tails of mice in the EAU solvent control group and the Celastrol intervention group with a total volume of 200 μL and 50 μg IRBP 161-180 in each mouse.On 7-14 days after immunization,mice in the Celastrol intervention group received a daily intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 mg·kg-1 Celastrol,and mice in the EAU solvent control group were injected with an equivalent dose of sterile Phosphate Buffered Saline solution.On the 14th day after immunization,the anterior segment of mice in each group was observed by slit-lamp microscope and Hematoxylin and Eosin(HE)staining of tissue sections was performed;the clinical and histopathological scores of mice in each group were obtained by reference to the Caspi grading standards;immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the activation of microglia in the eyes of mice;Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and arginase-1(Argl)in the reti-na;quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the relative mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in the retina,such as tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6.GraphPad Prism 9.0 was used for data analysis.Results On the 14th day after immunization,it was observed by the slit-lamp microscope that the anterior segment of mice in the EAU solvent control group was markedly congested with dilated iris blood vessels,corneal edema,and anterior chamber exudation;the inflammation in the anterior segment of mice in the Celastrol intervention group was markedly at-tenuated,and the iris blood vessels were seen to be mildly congested.Compared with the normal control group,the clini-cal scores of mice in the EAU solvent control group and the Celastrol intervention group were significantly elevated(both P＜0.05);the clinical scores of mice in the Celastrol intervention group were lower than those in the EAU solvent control group(P＜0.05).HE staining results showed that on the 14th day after immunization,mice in the EAU solvent control group showed severe retinal folds and detachment with diffuse infiltration of inflammatory cells,while mice in the Celastrol intervention group showed slight structural damage to the retina and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration.Com-pared with the normal control group,the histopathological scores of mice in the EAU solvent control group and the Celas-trol intervention group were significantly elevated(both P＜0.05);the histopathological scores of mice in the Celastrol in-tervention group were lower than those in the EAU solvent control group(P＜0.05).The intraocular Iba1+cell densities of mice in the normal control,EAU solvent control and Celastrol intervention groups were(1.00±0.12)％,(36.07± 4.57)％,and(1.83±0.36)％,respectively.Compared with the normal control group,the number of Iba1+cells in the eyes of mice in the EAU solvent control group and the Celastrol intervention group significantly increased(both P＜0.05);compared with the EAU solvent control group,the number of Iba1+cells in the eyes of mice in the Celastrol intervention group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05).Compared with the normal control group,the expression levels of iNOS and Arg1 proteins in the retinas of mice in the EAU solvent control group were significantly elevated(both P＜0.01);compared with the EAU solvent control group,the expression of iNOS protein in the retinas of mice in the Celastrol intervention group was significantly reduced(P＜0.01).Compared with the normal control group,the relative mRNA expressions of TNF-α.IL-1β,and IL-6 in the retinas of mice in the EAU solvent control group was significantly elevated(all P＜0.05);compared with the EAU solvent control group,the relative mRNA expressions of TNF-α,IL-1 β,and IL-6 in the retinas of mice in the Celastrol intervention group significantly decreased(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Celastrol inhibits Ml microglia activation and reduces the production of retinal inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 in EAU mice,thereby attenuating the in-flammatory reaction.

Objective To investigate the relationship between multi‐dimensional myocardial strain and global cardiac function in different stages of cardiac dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats ( SHR ) by two‐dimensional strain echocardiography . MethodsAccording to cardiac function measurements ,SHR of 28 to 102 weeks were divided into 3 groups :Normal group[ Group A , normal left ventricular ejection fraction( LVEF) and left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure( LVEDP) , n ＝13] ,diastolic dysfunction group ( Group B , normal LVEF but increased LVEDP , n ＝24) ,and systolic dysfunction group ( Group C ,decreased LVEF and increased LVEDP , n ＝ 17 ) ,with WKY rats at similar weeks of age as controls ( group a , n ＝ 7 ;group b , n ＝ 12 ; and group c , n ＝ 16 ) . Morphological parameters of left ventricular were measured by echocardiography . Using EchoPac workstation ,systolic peak longitudinal strain ,circumferential and radial strain were calculated at the left ventricular middle levels . Extracellular collagen content was observed histologically . Results Left atrial dimension increased in group B and larger in group C ,and dilated left ventricular and thickened wall were only found in group C .Systolic peak longitudinal strain of group B was significantly lower than group A and group a ( all P ＜ 0 .05 ) ,and deteriorated in group C( P ＜ 0 .05 ) ,while systolic peak circumferential and radial strain and LVEF were only significantly decreased in group C ( all P＜ 0 .05 ) ,w hile there was no significant difference between Group A and Group B( all P ＞0 .05) . Collagen content in endocardial and mid‐layer myocardium increased in group B and C , and increased epicardial collagen occurred in group C . Systolic peak longitudinal strain , circumferential and radial strain were correlated positively with LVEF( r ＝0 .65 ,0 .80 ,0 .80 ,all P ＜0 .01) . Conclusions In SHR ,systolic peak longitudinal strain obtained by echocardiography is decreased in the period of diastolic dysfunction ,w hile the damage of systolic peak circumferential and radial strain leads to the systolic dysfunction .

Background:Following the short-term outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in December 2022 in China,clinical data on kidney transplant recipients(KTRs)with COVID-19 are lacking.Methods:We conducted a single-center retrospective study to describe the clinical features,complications,and mortality rates of hospitalized KTRs infected with COVID-19 between Dec.16,2022 and Jan.31,2023.The patients were followed up until Mar.31,2023.Results:A total of 324 KTRs with COVID-19 were included.The median age was 49 years.The median time between the onset of symptoms and admission was 13 d.Molnupiravir,azvudine,and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir were administered to 67(20.7%),11(3.4%),and 148(45.7%)patients,respectively.Twenty-nine(9.0%)patients were treated with more than one antiviral agent.Forty-eight(14.8%)patients were treated with tocilizumab and 53(16.4%)patients received baricitinib therapy.The acute kidney injury(AKI)occurred in 81(25.0%)patients and 39(12.0%)patients were admitted to intensive care units.Fungal infections were observed in 55(17.0%)patients.Fifty(15.4%)patients lost their graft.The 28-d mortality rate of patients was 9.0%and 42(13.0%)patients died by the end of follow-up.Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified that cerebrovascular disease,AKI incidence,interleukin(IL)-6 level of>6.8 pg/mL,daily dose of corticosteroids of>50 mg,and fungal infection were all associated with an increased risk of death for hospitalized patients.Conclusions:Our findings demonstrate that hospitalized KTRs with COVID-19 are at high risk of mortality.The administration of immunomodulators or the late application of antiviral drugs does not improve patient survival,while higher doses of corticosteroids may increase the death risk.