Objective To investigate the effect of norcantharidin on growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis of human rectal cancer Colo 320 cells. Methods Norcantharidin (NCTD) in different concentrations were added to rectal cancer Colo 320 cells. Morphological characteristics of apoptosis were observed using the light microscope and transmission electron microscope. The expressions of Bag-1 and Bcl-2 proteins were tested by Western blotting. The growth inhibition of Colo 320 cells on the cell cycle was observed by flow cytometry. Results The apoptosis morphological changes of Colo 320 cells were observed by the light microscope and transmission electron microscopy. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the cell count of G2/M phase in experimental group was higher than that in control group ( <0.05) but the cell counts of G0/G1 and S phases have decreased in experimental group after treatment with NCTD at the concentrations of 5μg/mL, 10μg/mL and 20 μg/mL, and presented dosage dependence relations. The expressions of Bag-1 and Bcl-2 proteins have decreased. Conclusion Norcantharidin has inhibitory effect on rectal cancer Colo 320 cells, and the effect may be related to the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Objective:To investigate the influencing factors for celiac lymph node metastasis in thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TE-SCC), construct a prediction model of celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC, and stratify the probability of celiac lymph node metastasis.Methods:The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 443 patients with TE-SCC who underwent thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy with systematic lymph node dissection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between March 2015 and April 2019 were collected. There were 259 males and 184 females, aged from 41 to 81 years, with a median age of 64 years. The nomogram prediction model was constructed based on the results of multivariate analysis of influencing factors for celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC, of which calibration curve and decision curve were drawed. The predictive performance was evaluated using the concordance index. The score for celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC predicted by nomogram model was used for further recursive partitioning analysis, and patients were stratified into risk subgroups using the decision-making tree model. Observation indicators: (1) celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC; (2) analysis of influencing factors for celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC; (3) construction of nomogram prediction model of celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC; (4) construction of decision-making tree model of celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC and risk subgroup analysis of celiac lymph node metastasis probability. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M (range). Count data were represented as absolute numbers and percentages, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test. Comparison of ordinal data between groups was analyzed using the nonparametric rank sum test. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Logistic regression model. Based on Logistic regression model multivariate analysis, a new nomogram model was constructed using the RStudio 3.4 software. Results:(1) Celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC: celiac lymph node metastasis was found in 89 of the 443 patients, with a celiac lymph node metastasis rate of 20.09%(89/443). (2) Analysis of influencing factors for celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC. Results of univariate analysis showed that tumor location, tumor length, tumor differentiation degree, pathological T staging, nerve invasion, vessel invasion, and thoracic lymph node metastasis were related factors for celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC ( χ2=12.177, Z=-2.754, -4.218, -4.254, χ2=3.908, 33.025, 30.387, P<0.05). Results of multivariate analysis showed that tumor location, vessel invasion, and thoracic lymph node metastasis were independent influencing factors for celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC ( odds ratio=2.165, 3.442, 2.876, 95% confidence interval: 1.380-3.396, 1.787-6.633, 1.631-5.071, P<0.05). (3) Construction of nomogram prediction model of celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC: based on the factors screened by multivariate analysis, including tumor location, vessel invasion, and thoracic lymph node metastasis, the nomogram prediction model of celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC was established, with the concordance index of 0.846. The calibration curve showed a high consistency between the celiac lymph node metastasis probability estimated by the prediction model and the actual rate of celiac lymph node metastasis. The decision curve showed that the nomogram prediction model of celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC had a good prediction value when the probability threshold was 0.001-0.819.(4) Construction of decision-making tree model of celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC and risk subgroup analysis of celiac lymph node metastasis probability: patients were stratified into six risk subgroups using the decision-making tree model based on the celiac lymph node metastasis probability. The group A included patients with no vessel invasion+negative thoracic lymph node, group B included patients with no vessel invasion+the number of positive thoracic lymph nodes of 1-3, group C included patients with no vessel invasion+the number of positive thoracic lymph nodes of ≥4, group D included patients with vessel invasion+the number of positive thoracic lymph nodes of 0-2+upper or middle thoracic esophageal carcinoma, group E included patients with vessel invasion+the number of positive thoracic lymph nodes of 0-2+lower thoracic esophageal carcinoma, group F included patients with vessel invasion+the number of positive thoracic lymph nodes of ≥3. The group A was low-risk group with the celiac lymph node metastasis probability of 11%, group B and D were intermediate low-risk groups with the celiac lymph node metastasis probability of 27% and 21%, group C and E were the intermediate high-risk groups with the celiac lymph node metastasis probability of 56% and 55%, and group F was high-risk group with the celiac lymph node metastasis probability of 80%. Conclusions:The tumor location, vessel invasion, and thoracic lymph node metastasis are independent influencing factors for celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC. Vessel invasion has the dominant influence on celiac lymph node metastasis, followed by the number of positive thoracic lymph nodes, and then the tumor location. Patients can be stratified into six risk subgroups based on the nomogram prediction model and decision-making tree model of celiac lymph node metastasis in TE-SCC.

Objective:To study the single purse-string parachute suturing technique for pancreaticojejunostomy in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy, and to determine its feasibility and safety.Methods:The clinical data of 71 patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy using the single purse-string parachute suturing technique for pancreaticojejunostomy from October 2018 to October 2021 at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. There were 41 males and 30 females, with age (59.1±9.7) years old. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, complication rate and other data were analyzed.Results:All 71 patients successfully underwent total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy, with 5 patients who underwent 2D laparoscopic surgery and 66 patients 3D laparoscopic surgery. There were additional vascular resection and reconstruction in 2 patients. The operative time was (388.9±92.9) min, the intraoperative blood loss was (411.3±176.9) ml, and the postoperative hospital stay was (14.1±5.8) d. The operation time of 71 patients who underwent the single purse-string parachute technique of pancreaticojejunostomy was (26.9±6.8) min. Postoperative complications occurred in 18 patients (25.4%). Grade B pancreatic fistula occurred in 2 patients (2.8%), and the longest time for removal of abdominal drain was 17 days after operation. Among the 71 patients, complications including biliary fistula occurred in 6 patients (8.5%), delayed gastric emptying in 5 patients (7.0%), pulmonary infection in 4 patients (5.6%), non-pancreatic fistula-related abdominal infection in 4 patients (5.6%), non-pancreatic fistula-related abdominal bleeding in 1 patient (1.4%), biliary tract bleeding in 1 patient (1.4%), and chylous leakage in 2 patients (2.8%).Conclusion:The single purse-string parachute technique of pancreaticojejunostomy in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy had the advantages of being safe and reliable. The procedure is worthy of furthers promotion.

Objective:To summarize the technical points of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) carried out in a single center.Methods:The clinical data of 102 patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy in 2018 at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University were retrospectively analyzed, and the general conditions, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and surgical operation were analyzed. Post-operative complications, hospital stay and other indicators were studied.Results:Of the 102 patients who were included, there were 57 males and 45 females, aged 15.0 to 79.0 (59.9±11.8) years old, with a body mass index (23.6±3.6) kg/m 2. For the 102 patients who underwent LPD, 6 were total pancreatic resection. Three were combined with vascular resection in the form of portal vein-superior mesentery vein segmental resection. The operation time was (376.6±87.2) min, the intraoperative blood loss was 350 (100, 800) ml, and the postoperative hospital stay was (17.0±5.9) days. Postoperative complications occurred in 26 of the 102 patients (25.5%), and more than two complications occurred in 17 patients. B/C grade pancreatic fistula occurred in 9 patients (9.4%), abdominal bleeding in 8 patients (7.8%), gastrointestinal bleeding in 2 patients (2.0%), biliary fistula in 4 patients (3.9%), and gastric emptying disorder in 5 patients (4.9%), 8 patients had pulmonary infection (7.8%). Five patients (4.9%) died during the perioperative period. Conclusion:The main technical points of LPD included en bloc resection, pancreaticojejunostomy, and vascular reconstruction. The basis of LPD is en bloc resection. Combined resection and reconstruction of vascular segments is a sign of maturity of LPD technology and a prerequisite for further development as a routine procedure.

Objective:To discuss the synergistic inhibitory effect of apatinib mesylate(apatinib)combined with radiotherapy(RT)on the hepatocellular carcinoma(HepG2)cells in vitro,and to clarify its related antitumor mechanism.Methods:The HepG2 cells were cultured in vitro and treated with different concentrations of apatinib and/or varying doses of X-rays.MTT method was used to detect the survival rates of the cells in various groups;the inhibitory rates of cell proliferation and the 20％inhibitory concentration(IC20)of apatinib were calculated;the X-ray irradiation dose for subsequent experiments was detected.The HepG2 cells were divided into apatinib group,RT group,and apatinib+RT group(combined group).Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptotic rates of the cells in various groups;wound healing assay was used to detect the migration rates of the cells in various groups;ELISA method was used to detect the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the cell culture supernatant in various groups.Results:The MTT results showed that the IC20 of apatinib was 1.32 μmol·L-1,and this concentration was used for subsequent experiments,and the X-ray irradiation dose for the follow-up experiments was 2 Gy.Compared with control group,the apoptotic rates of the cells in apatinib group and RT group had no significant differences(P＞0.05),while the apoptotic rate of the cells in combined group was increased(P＜0.05).Compared with control group,the migration rates of the cells in apatinib group,RT group,and combined group were decreased(P＜0.05);compared with apatinib group and RT group,the migration rate of the cells in combined group was decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with control group,the levels of VEGF in the cell culture supernatant in apatinib group and combined group were decreased(P＜0.05);compared with apatinib and RT group,the level of VEGF in the cell culture supernatant in combined group was decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Apatinib combined with radiotherapy significantly inhibits the proliferation and migration of the HepG2 cells in vitro and induces the apoptosis;its effect may be related to the inhibition of VEGF secretion by cells.

BACKGROUND:A large number of articles have reported the effect and mechanism of platelet-rich plasma and hydrogel in the treatment of spinal cord injury,but few articles have summarized their treatment strategies for spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the pathological process of spinal cord injury and the strategies of repairing spinal cord injury with platelet-rich plasma and hydrogel alone and in combination. METHODS:PubMed and CNKI databases were searched for articles published from inception to March 2024 by computer.The Chinese search terms were"spinal cord injury,platelet-rich plasma,hydrogel."The English search terms were"spinal cord injury,spinal cord,platelet-rich plasma,hydrogel,angiogenesis,neuralgia,combination therapy."Articles were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria,and 128 articles were finally included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The classification of platelet-rich plasma is complex and diverse,and the effects of platelet-rich plasma in the repair treatment of spinal cord injury are various,but they all show certain positive effects,that is,they can promote axon regeneration,stimulate angiogenesis,and treat neuropathic pain and so on.(2)The effect of platelet-rich plasma is mainly due to the growth factors contained in platelet-rich plasma.(3)There are many types of hydrogels,which mainly play the role of filling,simulating extracellular matrix,carrying drugs and biological products,and carrying cells as scaffolds in the repair treatment of spinal cord injury.(4)Compared with single therapy,combination therapy of platelet-rich plasma and hydrogel can promote nerve regeneration and spinal cord function recovery more effectively.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of monopolar electric scissors and harmonic scalpel in Da Vinci robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy.Methods:A total of 31 patients undergoing Da Vinci robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from July 2020 to December 2023 were included. There were 9 males and 22 females, aged (54.4±15.7) years. Thirty-one patients who underwent Da Vinci robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy by monopolar electric scissors were included in the monopolar electric scissors group ( n=12), with a multi-joint flexible rotating mechanical arm to complete the dissection and separation and the other were inducled in harmonic scalpel group ( n=19). Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, spleen preservation, postoperative exhaust time, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications and total hospitalization cost were compared between the two groups. Results:Postoperative pathology confirmed that among the 31 patients, there were 6 cases (19.4%) serous cystadenomas, 5 cases (16.1%) mucinous cystadenomas, 3 cases (9.7%) pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, 6 cases (19.4%) solid pseudopapilloma, 5 cases (16.1%) pancreatic cysts, and 3 (9.7%) benign cystic lesions, 3 cases (9.7%) were not easily classified. All the operations were successfully completed without conversion to laparotomy or death. There were no significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, splenic preservation rate, postoperative hospital stay and total hospitalization cost between the two groups (all P>0.05). The exhaust time in the monopolar electric scissors group was (2.8±0.7) d, which was shorter than that in the harmonic scalpel group (3.6±0.7) d, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-2.88, P=0.007). There was no postoperative bleeding in both groups. In the monopolar electric scissors group, there were 4 cases of postoperative complications, all of which were pancreatic fistula, including 2 cases of biochemical leakage and 2 cases of B-grade pancreatic fistula. In the harmonic scalpel group, 8 cases had postoperative complications, 7 cases of pancreatic fistula, including 3 cases of biochemical leakage, 4 cases of B-grade pancreatic fistula, and 3 cases of abdominal infection, which were cured after treatment. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups ( P=0.717). Conclusion:The application of monopolar electric scissors in Da Vinci robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy could be safe and feasible in experienced hands, which could also utilize the advantages of robot system.

Objective:To analyze the time cost in the start-up stages of clinical trials and to investigate the influencing factors of the initiation efficiency.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed time-cost of the review and approval of drug clinical trials initiated in Beijing Hospital from January 2020 to June 2021.The contract signing time and trial starting time of drug clinical trials in different situations were compared.Results:The mean time to sign the contract in our hospital was 19(11~26) days, and the mean time to start experiment was 235(175~317) days. There was no significant difference in the contract signature time between clinical trials with different stages, different sponsors, different types of drugs and whether to be the leading site ( P>0.05). Compared with other phases, phase Ⅲ drug trials took the longest time to start, and the mean initiation time of clinical trials initiated by foreign pharmaceutical companies was 136 days longer than that initiated by domestic pharmaceutical companies ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Clinical trial institutions should optimize the project management process, better organize the contract review and ethics review, encourage the sponsor to use our template document. Every department may set up a GCP contact to be responsible for clinical trials; The sponsor should improve the efficiency of internal circulation and communication, submit the review materials as soon as possible according to the requirements of the institution, and establish a good communication and feedback mechanism between both sides, may shorten the start-up time of clinical trials and improve the initiation efficiency.

Objective    To evaluate the feasibility and safety of modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty in the patients with aortic root aneurysm and dilatation of aortic annular base. Methods    We performed a retrospective review of 6 patients with aortic root aneurysm undergoing modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty from November 2017 to January 2019. There were 5 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 54.1±12.3 years. The preoperative cardiac function of 3 patients was in New York Heart Association (NYHA) classⅡand the other 3 patients were in class Ⅲ. There were two patients with bicuspid aortic valve, and no Marfan syndrome. There was aortic regurgitation in the patients measured by the echocardiogram, 1 in mild aortic regurgitation, 1 in moderate aortic regurgitation, and 4 in severe aortic regurgitation. The diameter of aortic annular base was 27.8±1.9 mm, and the largest diameter of aortic root was 49.8±3.7 mm. Six patients underwent modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty, including 5 patients who underwent aortic cusp repair at the same time. Results    All 6 identified patients survived. There was no severe complication (bleeding, stroke, or acute renal failure). The cardiopulmonary bypass time was 204.6±13.5 min, aortic cross-clamping time 168.0±17.1 min, mechanical ventilation time 21.3±19.5 h, ICU stay time 67.8±62.2 h. The follow-up time ranged from 4 to 18 months with an average time of 12.8±4.7 months. Patients' cardiac function improved postoperatively with four patients in NYHA classⅠand two patients with classⅡ. Two patients had no aortic valve regurgitation, four patients had mild regurgitation. Left ventricular end diastolic volume decreased significantly (118.6±20.4 mL vs. 169.1±58.4 mL, P<0.05). Conclusion    The modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty is effective and safe for the patients with aortic root aneurysm and dilatation of aortic annular base, and the early- and mid-term outcomes are satisfactory.

Objective To investigate the pathogenesis of type-B aortic dissection by using morphological analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, so as to provide evidence for the effective prediction of type-B aortic dissection. Methods Six primary type-B dissection cases scanned by CT (dissection group) and six normal cases applied to black-blood MRI (control group) were included in this study and patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) models of aorta were established through image segmentation and 3D reconstruction. The pre-type-B dissection aortas were constructed by applying the scaling algorithm to shrink the dissection and then compared with subjects in control group. The differences between morphological parameters and hemodynamic parameters of the two groups were compared. Results Compared with the normal cases, the area of the descending aorta increased dramatically in dissection group ［(892.03±263.78) mm2 vs (523.67±64.10) mm2, P=0.036］. A significant decrease in angle of the left subclavian artery occurred (66.62°±20.11° vs 100.40°±15.35°, P=0.036). The tortuosity of the aorta also had an obvious increase (0.37°±0.07° vs 0.21°±0.51°, P=0.011). The time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) in dissection group was obviously higher than that in control group; the flow in the dissection region was vortex flow at low speed and the oscillating shear index (OSI) was higher. Conclusions The results of this study can be used to provide guidance for the early diagnosis and treatment of type-B aortic dissection.