Background and aims:Noninvasive assessments play a crucial role in ruling out high-risk esophageal varices(HREV)in cirrhotic patients.However,the value of sound touch elastography(STE)in predicting HREV has not been comprehensively investigated.Therefore,this study aimed to establish prediction models based on liver and spleen stiffness measurements obtained by STE and provide assessment strategies and cutoff values tailored for different clinical situations.Methods:This prospective study included cirrhotic patients who underwent esophagogastroduodeno-scopy(EGD).Liver and spleen stiffness measurements by STE were performed within six months of EGD examination.Various prediction models and their corresponding cutoff values were established for different clinical situations,incorporating spleen diameter and laboratory parameters.Results:A total of 154 cirrhotic patients were included in the study and stratified into training(n=119)and validation(n=35)sets.Multivariable analysis revealed platelet,spleen diameter and spleen stiffness measurement as independent predictors of HREV.The model incorporating spleen stiffness measurement,platelet,and spleen diameter demonstrated superior performance in predicting HREV,yielding an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of 0.878 and 0.853 in the training set and validation set,respectively.Application of this model for screening cirrhotic patients could avoid EGDs in 39.7％(27/68)and 35.3％(6/17)of patients in the training and validation sets,respectively.Conclusions:Liver and spleen stiffness measurements obtained through STE are valuable for predicting HREV in cirrhotic patients.The developed prediction models and their corresponding cutoff values provide tailored solutions for various clinical situations,thereby effectively reducing the need for un-necessary endoscopies.

Objective To explore the impact of the TINCR-MAF:MAFB transcription factor network on the expression of proliferation and differentiation-related genes in keratinocytes,to verify the role of this network in the occurrence and development of psoriasis and its potential mechanisms.Methods Employed RNA interference technology to knock down TINCR gene expression,and the proliferation ability of keratinocytes was assessed using the CCK-8 method.Additionally,qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses were conducted to evaluate the RNA and protein expression levels of TINCR,MAFB,and KLF4 genes.Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expression of KLF4 protein in psoriasis tissues.Results After TINCR gene siRNA interference,the proliferation ability of keratinocytes significantly decreased at 24,48,and 72 hours(P<0.001),indicating that the TINCR gene plays a critical role in cell proliferation.The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses showed that the RNA and protein expression levels of TINCR,MAFB,and KLF4 genes were significantly reduced(P<0.001),suggesting that TINCR may influence the differentiation of keratinocytes by regulating the expression of MAFB transcription factor and KLF4 differentiation-related genes.Furthermore,immunohistochemical results indicated that the expression of KLF4 protein was significantly elevated in psoriasis tissues compared to normal skin tissues,suggesting that KLF4 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.Conclusions The TINCR-MAF:MAFB transcription factor network may participate in the occurrence and development of psoriasis by affecting the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes.This finding provides a new perspective on the pathogenesis of psoriasis and potential targets for future therapeutic strategies.

Objective To explore the impact of the TINCR-MAF:MAFB transcription factor network on the expression of proliferation and differentiation-related genes in keratinocytes,to verify the role of this network in the occurrence and development of psoriasis and its potential mechanisms.Methods Employed RNA interference technology to knock down TINCR gene expression,and the proliferation ability of keratinocytes was assessed using the CCK-8 method.Additionally,qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses were conducted to evaluate the RNA and protein expression levels of TINCR,MAFB,and KLF4 genes.Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expression of KLF4 protein in psoriasis tissues.Results After TINCR gene siRNA interference,the proliferation ability of keratinocytes significantly decreased at 24,48,and 72 hours(P<0.001),indicating that the TINCR gene plays a critical role in cell proliferation.The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses showed that the RNA and protein expression levels of TINCR,MAFB,and KLF4 genes were significantly reduced(P<0.001),suggesting that TINCR may influence the differentiation of keratinocytes by regulating the expression of MAFB transcription factor and KLF4 differentiation-related genes.Furthermore,immunohistochemical results indicated that the expression of KLF4 protein was significantly elevated in psoriasis tissues compared to normal skin tissues,suggesting that KLF4 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.Conclusions The TINCR-MAF:MAFB transcription factor network may participate in the occurrence and development of psoriasis by affecting the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes.This finding provides a new perspective on the pathogenesis of psoriasis and potential targets for future therapeutic strategies.

Purpose: This study compared the efficacy of heat insulation between 5% dextrose and 0.9% saline in radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Accordingly, temperature variations and maximum temperatures were assessed at identical distances and heat field distributions. Methods: Cubes of porcine liver tissue, measuring 10 mm across, were selected to precisely align the ablation boundary with the tissue boundary. An 18-gauge electrode with a 7-mm tip was inserted into each cube (10 per group) in a stainless-steel cup containing 40 mL of 5% dextrose or 0.9% saline. Fixed ablation was performed for 3 minutes using continuous mode at 30 W, simulating the typical thermal environment during thyroid RFA. Real-time temperature measurements were recorded by sensors positioned 0, 1, 3, and 5 mm from the cube’s edge. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the maximum temperature, temperature variation, and duration of temperatures exceeding 42℃. Results: In both groups, the temperature curve declined with increasing distance from the edge of the ablated tissue. However, 0.9% saline exhibited higher maximum temperatures at 1, 3, and 5 mm compared to 5% dextrose (1 mm: 44.55°C±5.25°C vs. 34.68°C±3.07°C; 3 mm: 39.64°C±2.53°C vs. 29.22°C±2.21°C; 5 mm: 38.86°C±2.14°C vs. 28.74°C±2.51°C; all P<0.001). Considering a nerve injury threshold of 42°C, the 0.9% saline also displayed a greater proportion of samples reaching this temperature and a longer duration of temperatures exceeding it (P<0.05). Conclusion The heat insulation efficacy of 5% dextrose at 1-5 mm exceeds that of 0.9% saline at identical distances and in a common thermal environment during thyroid RFA.

Purpose: This study compared the efficacy of heat insulation between 5% dextrose and 0.9% saline in radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Accordingly, temperature variations and maximum temperatures were assessed at identical distances and heat field distributions. Methods: Cubes of porcine liver tissue, measuring 10 mm across, were selected to precisely align the ablation boundary with the tissue boundary. An 18-gauge electrode with a 7-mm tip was inserted into each cube (10 per group) in a stainless-steel cup containing 40 mL of 5% dextrose or 0.9% saline. Fixed ablation was performed for 3 minutes using continuous mode at 30 W, simulating the typical thermal environment during thyroid RFA. Real-time temperature measurements were recorded by sensors positioned 0, 1, 3, and 5 mm from the cube’s edge. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the maximum temperature, temperature variation, and duration of temperatures exceeding 42℃. Results: In both groups, the temperature curve declined with increasing distance from the edge of the ablated tissue. However, 0.9% saline exhibited higher maximum temperatures at 1, 3, and 5 mm compared to 5% dextrose (1 mm: 44.55°C±5.25°C vs. 34.68°C±3.07°C; 3 mm: 39.64°C±2.53°C vs. 29.22°C±2.21°C; 5 mm: 38.86°C±2.14°C vs. 28.74°C±2.51°C; all P<0.001). Considering a nerve injury threshold of 42°C, the 0.9% saline also displayed a greater proportion of samples reaching this temperature and a longer duration of temperatures exceeding it (P<0.05). Conclusion The heat insulation efficacy of 5% dextrose at 1-5 mm exceeds that of 0.9% saline at identical distances and in a common thermal environment during thyroid RFA.

Purpose: This study compared the efficacy of heat insulation between 5% dextrose and 0.9% saline in radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Accordingly, temperature variations and maximum temperatures were assessed at identical distances and heat field distributions. Methods: Cubes of porcine liver tissue, measuring 10 mm across, were selected to precisely align the ablation boundary with the tissue boundary. An 18-gauge electrode with a 7-mm tip was inserted into each cube (10 per group) in a stainless-steel cup containing 40 mL of 5% dextrose or 0.9% saline. Fixed ablation was performed for 3 minutes using continuous mode at 30 W, simulating the typical thermal environment during thyroid RFA. Real-time temperature measurements were recorded by sensors positioned 0, 1, 3, and 5 mm from the cube’s edge. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the maximum temperature, temperature variation, and duration of temperatures exceeding 42℃. Results: In both groups, the temperature curve declined with increasing distance from the edge of the ablated tissue. However, 0.9% saline exhibited higher maximum temperatures at 1, 3, and 5 mm compared to 5% dextrose (1 mm: 44.55°C±5.25°C vs. 34.68°C±3.07°C; 3 mm: 39.64°C±2.53°C vs. 29.22°C±2.21°C; 5 mm: 38.86°C±2.14°C vs. 28.74°C±2.51°C; all P<0.001). Considering a nerve injury threshold of 42°C, the 0.9% saline also displayed a greater proportion of samples reaching this temperature and a longer duration of temperatures exceeding it (P<0.05). Conclusion The heat insulation efficacy of 5% dextrose at 1-5 mm exceeds that of 0.9% saline at identical distances and in a common thermal environment during thyroid RFA.

Purpose: This study compared the efficacy of heat insulation between 5% dextrose and 0.9% saline in radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Accordingly, temperature variations and maximum temperatures were assessed at identical distances and heat field distributions. Methods: Cubes of porcine liver tissue, measuring 10 mm across, were selected to precisely align the ablation boundary with the tissue boundary. An 18-gauge electrode with a 7-mm tip was inserted into each cube (10 per group) in a stainless-steel cup containing 40 mL of 5% dextrose or 0.9% saline. Fixed ablation was performed for 3 minutes using continuous mode at 30 W, simulating the typical thermal environment during thyroid RFA. Real-time temperature measurements were recorded by sensors positioned 0, 1, 3, and 5 mm from the cube’s edge. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the maximum temperature, temperature variation, and duration of temperatures exceeding 42℃. Results: In both groups, the temperature curve declined with increasing distance from the edge of the ablated tissue. However, 0.9% saline exhibited higher maximum temperatures at 1, 3, and 5 mm compared to 5% dextrose (1 mm: 44.55°C±5.25°C vs. 34.68°C±3.07°C; 3 mm: 39.64°C±2.53°C vs. 29.22°C±2.21°C; 5 mm: 38.86°C±2.14°C vs. 28.74°C±2.51°C; all P<0.001). Considering a nerve injury threshold of 42°C, the 0.9% saline also displayed a greater proportion of samples reaching this temperature and a longer duration of temperatures exceeding it (P<0.05). Conclusion The heat insulation efficacy of 5% dextrose at 1-5 mm exceeds that of 0.9% saline at identical distances and in a common thermal environment during thyroid RFA.

Purpose: This study compared the efficacy of heat insulation between 5% dextrose and 0.9% saline in radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Accordingly, temperature variations and maximum temperatures were assessed at identical distances and heat field distributions. Methods: Cubes of porcine liver tissue, measuring 10 mm across, were selected to precisely align the ablation boundary with the tissue boundary. An 18-gauge electrode with a 7-mm tip was inserted into each cube (10 per group) in a stainless-steel cup containing 40 mL of 5% dextrose or 0.9% saline. Fixed ablation was performed for 3 minutes using continuous mode at 30 W, simulating the typical thermal environment during thyroid RFA. Real-time temperature measurements were recorded by sensors positioned 0, 1, 3, and 5 mm from the cube’s edge. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the maximum temperature, temperature variation, and duration of temperatures exceeding 42℃. Results: In both groups, the temperature curve declined with increasing distance from the edge of the ablated tissue. However, 0.9% saline exhibited higher maximum temperatures at 1, 3, and 5 mm compared to 5% dextrose (1 mm: 44.55°C±5.25°C vs. 34.68°C±3.07°C; 3 mm: 39.64°C±2.53°C vs. 29.22°C±2.21°C; 5 mm: 38.86°C±2.14°C vs. 28.74°C±2.51°C; all P<0.001). Considering a nerve injury threshold of 42°C, the 0.9% saline also displayed a greater proportion of samples reaching this temperature and a longer duration of temperatures exceeding it (P<0.05). Conclusion The heat insulation efficacy of 5% dextrose at 1-5 mm exceeds that of 0.9% saline at identical distances and in a common thermal environment during thyroid RFA.

Objective    To compare and investigate the efficacy and differences of modified B-T shunt, central shunt and right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) connection in the treatment of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD). Methods    A total of 124 children with PA/VSD underwent initial palliative repair in Shanghai Children's Medical Center from September 2014 to August 2019, including 63 males and 61 females, aged 7 days to 15 years. They were divided into in a modified B-T shunt group (55 patients), a central shunt group (22 patients) and a RV-PA connection group (47 patients). The clinical data of these children were retrospectively analyzed. Results    There were 9 early deaths after palliation, with an early mortality rate of 7.3%. The mean follow-up time was 26.5±20.3 months, with 5 patients lost to follow-up, 5 deaths during the follow-up period, and 105 survivors. The 1-year and 5-year survival rates were both 89.7%. The monthly increased Nakata index was 5.2 (–0.2, 12.3) mm2/m2, 9.2 (0.1, 23.6) mm2/m2, 6.3 (1.8, 23.3) mm2/m2 in the modified B-T shunt group, the central shunt group, and the RV-PA connection group, respectively, with no statistical difference among the three groups. The 1-year survival rate was 85.3%, 78.4%, 95.2%, and the 5-year (4-year in the central shunt group) survival rate was 85.3%, 58.8%, 95.2% in the three groups, respectively, with a statistical difference among them (P<0.05). The complete repair rate was 36.5%, 19.0% and 67.4% in the three groups, respectively, with a statistical difference among the three groups (P<0.001). Conclusion    All these three palliative surgical approaches can effectively promote pulmonary vascular development. But compared with systemic-pulmonary shunt, RV-PA connection has a lower perioperative mortality rate and can achieve a higher complete repair rate at a later stage, which is beneficial for long-term prognosis.

Objective:To optimize the strategy of Nuss procedure with open approach via median sternotomy for pectus excavatum(PE) with congenital heart disease(CHD).Methods:25 PE patients with CHD treated in our center from January 2017 to November 2021 were reviewed and divided into two groups. The CHD surgery and open Nuss procedure with median sternotomy were performed concomitantly in 9 cases(group A), whose height of(121.7±28.0)cm, weight of(22.2±14.0)kg, age of(7.65±4.08) years old, and Haller index of 3.99±1.37. 16 cases underwent open Nuss procedure via median re-sternotomy after congenital heart surgery(group B), whose height of(130.9±27.2)cm, weight of(26.5±14.3)kg, age of(8.82±4.09) years old, and Haller index of 4.18 ± 0.97. The cardiac anatomy, cardiac function and the severity of PE of all patients were evaluated by echocardiography and computed tomography preoperatively. The preoperative gender, appearance of PE, types of associated CHD, retrosternal adhesion and the interval between open Nuss procedure and CHD surgery were collected. The details of operation, hospital stay, intraoperative adverse events, postoperative complications and follow-up were collected.Results:All the operations were accomplished successfully in 25 children. No intraoperative complications occurred. One had a postoperative wound infection in group A. The operation time of group A was significantly longer than that of group B[(3.78±1.54) h vs.(2.19±0.94) h, P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in the mechanical ventilation time between the two groups[(22.50±45.64) h vs.(4.18±1.41) h, P=0.263]. The ICU stay of group A was significantly longer than that of group B[(4.00±6.42) days vs.(1.13±0.34) days, P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups[(16.00±15.18) days vs.(9.19±2.31) days, P=0.419]. The Nuss bar was removed in 14 cases of the two groups, with a interval of(27.9±11.25) months after open Nuss procedure, the postoperative Haller Index was 2.48±0.49. There was no difference of LVEF in postoperative and preoperative echocardiography(0.663±0.028 vs. 0.659±0.038, P=0.533). The FVC and FEV1 were significantly improved compared with before operation[(87.2±3.9)% vs.(84.1±8.2)%]. The outcome was good. Conclusion:For PE patients with CHD, one-stage or staged individualized Nuss procedure with open approach via median sternotomy can be performed after careful preoperative evaluation. A skillful median re-sternotomy and widely dissecting retrosternal adhesion between sternum and anterior wall of heart are necessary to avoid serious intraoperative complications such as massive heart bleeding and ensure good sternal elevation.