Objective To investigate the effect of different lymph node dissection methods on the prognosis of patients with stage ⅠA spread through air spaces (STAS)-positive lung adenocarcinoma measuring ≤2 cm. Methods The clinical data of 3 148 patients with lung adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from 2016 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with stage ⅠA STAS-positive lung adenocarcinoma measuring ≤2 cm were included and divided into two groups based on the extent of lymph node dissection: a systematic lymph node dissection (SLND) group and a limited lymph node dissection (LLND) group. Clinicopathological data between the two groups were compared, and a Cox proportional hazards regression model was used for multivariate survival analysis. Results A total of 209 patients (98 males and 111 females) were included. The mean age was (60.42±10.15) years (ranging from 28 to 83 years). All patients successfully completed the surgery. Univariate analysis revealed that the extent of lymph node dissection, past medical history, and micropapillary histological subtype were influencing factors for prognosis. Multivariate analysis indicated that the extent of lymph node dissection, age, and the micropapillary histological subtype were independent influencing factors for prognosis. Furthermore, among STAS-positive patients, those in the SLND group exhibited a better prognosis compared to those in the LLND group. Conclusion The extent of lymph node dissection is an independent prognostic factor for patients with stage ⅠA STAS-positive lung adenocarcinoma measuring ≤2 cm.Performing SLND may be more beneficial for their long-term prognosis.

Objective:To analyze the carriage status, subtype distribution and flanking gene sequence characteristics of oxacillinases (OXA enzyme) in 241 clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and assess their roles in the drug resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and ability to horizontally transfer across species. Methods:Clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from four hospitals in Sanya, Tangshan, Zhangjiakou, and Beijing. The prevalence of oxacillinases and their flanking gene sequences was analyzed by whole-genome sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatic approaches. Results:A total of 241 isolates of P. aeruginosa were gathered, and 35 blaOXA subtypes were identified through screening of 252 blaOXA genes. These genes were classified into three subfamilies: blaOXA-50-like (241, 95.6%), blaOXA-1-like (9, 3.6%) and blaOXA-10-like (2, 0.8%). Among these, 11 subtypes (11, 31.4%) were novel blaOXA subtypes. Nine of these belonged to the blaOXA-50-like subfamily and were designated as blaOXA-1244, blaOXA-1245, blaOXA-1246, blaOXA-1250, blaOXA-1252, blaOXA-1253, blaOXA-1254, blaOXA-1255, and blaOXA-1256. The remaining two belonged to the blaOXA-10-like subfamily and were named blaOXA-1247 and blaOXA-1248. Compared to the amino acid sequence of OXA-10, the newly identified subtype OXA-1247 exhibited a mutation at position 117, where a valine was replaced by a leucine. This change was thought to improve the enzyme′s ability to hydrolyze carbapenems. In the analysis of the flanking sequences of the blaOXA genes, Class I integrons were identified in four bacterial strains. The variable regions of these integrons carried three distinct patterns of resistance gene cassettes: aac( 6′) -Ib-blaOXA-1247-ant( 3′′) -Ia, aac( 6′) -Ib-blaOXA-1248 and aac( 6′) -Ib- blaIMP-45-blaOXA-1-catB3. Among these, the strain BJ2326 carried a class I integron that was connected to the downstream IS CR1 element to form a composite class I integron structure, additionally carrying the resistance gene blaPER-1. Out of the 223 non-wild-type P. aeruginosa strains, 127 strains exhibited non-wild-type profiles to the four beta-lactam antibiotics MEM, CAZ, FEP, and TZP, with the combination of MEM+CAZ+FEP being the most prevalent, representing 57.0% of the total. Conclusions:The blaOXA genes in 241 clinical P. aeruginosa strains showed diversity. Some blaOXA genes had a co-transfer risk with the metallo-β-lactamase resistance gene blaIMP-45. Among the 11 newly discovered blaOXA subtypes, the new subtype OXA-1247 may have carbapenemase activity and potential for horizontal transfer.

Objective:To analyze the carriage status, subtype distribution and flanking gene sequence characteristics of oxacillinases (OXA enzyme) in 241 clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and assess their roles in the drug resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and ability to horizontally transfer across species. Methods:Clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from four hospitals in Sanya, Tangshan, Zhangjiakou, and Beijing. The prevalence of oxacillinases and their flanking gene sequences was analyzed by whole-genome sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatic approaches. Results:A total of 241 isolates of P. aeruginosa were gathered, and 35 blaOXA subtypes were identified through screening of 252 blaOXA genes. These genes were classified into three subfamilies: blaOXA-50-like (241, 95.6%), blaOXA-1-like (9, 3.6%) and blaOXA-10-like (2, 0.8%). Among these, 11 subtypes (11, 31.4%) were novel blaOXA subtypes. Nine of these belonged to the blaOXA-50-like subfamily and were designated as blaOXA-1244, blaOXA-1245, blaOXA-1246, blaOXA-1250, blaOXA-1252, blaOXA-1253, blaOXA-1254, blaOXA-1255, and blaOXA-1256. The remaining two belonged to the blaOXA-10-like subfamily and were named blaOXA-1247 and blaOXA-1248. Compared to the amino acid sequence of OXA-10, the newly identified subtype OXA-1247 exhibited a mutation at position 117, where a valine was replaced by a leucine. This change was thought to improve the enzyme′s ability to hydrolyze carbapenems. In the analysis of the flanking sequences of the blaOXA genes, Class I integrons were identified in four bacterial strains. The variable regions of these integrons carried three distinct patterns of resistance gene cassettes: aac( 6′) -Ib-blaOXA-1247-ant( 3′′) -Ia, aac( 6′) -Ib-blaOXA-1248 and aac( 6′) -Ib- blaIMP-45-blaOXA-1-catB3. Among these, the strain BJ2326 carried a class I integron that was connected to the downstream IS CR1 element to form a composite class I integron structure, additionally carrying the resistance gene blaPER-1. Out of the 223 non-wild-type P. aeruginosa strains, 127 strains exhibited non-wild-type profiles to the four beta-lactam antibiotics MEM, CAZ, FEP, and TZP, with the combination of MEM+CAZ+FEP being the most prevalent, representing 57.0% of the total. Conclusions:The blaOXA genes in 241 clinical P. aeruginosa strains showed diversity. Some blaOXA genes had a co-transfer risk with the metallo-β-lactamase resistance gene blaIMP-45. Among the 11 newly discovered blaOXA subtypes, the new subtype OXA-1247 may have carbapenemase activity and potential for horizontal transfer.

Background and objective With further understanding and research into non-small cell lung cancer with tumours ≤2 cm in maximum diameter,segmental lung resection is able to achieve the same long-term prognosis as lobec-tomy.However,there are few studies on the prognostic effect of wedge resection on small volume invasive lung adenocarci-noma with an invasion depth of 0.5 to 1.0 cm.Therefore,this study focuses on the clinical efficacy and prognosis of wedge re-section in patients with small-volume invasive lung adenocarcinoma.Methods A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 208 patients who underwent surgery in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University from February 2016 to December 2017 was made,and the postoperative pathological results confirmed small volume invasive lung adenocarcinoma.According to their surgical methods,they were divided into lobectomy group(n=115),segmentectomy group(n=48)and wedge resection group(n=45).Kaplan-Meier survival curve estimation and Cox proportional risk regression model were used to explore the influence of different surgical methods on the prognosis of patients with small volume invasive lung adenocarcinoma.Results The wedge resection group had better perioperative outcomes compared with the segmentectomy group and lobectomy group,with statistically significant differences in intraoperative bleed-ing(P=0.036),postoperative drainage(P＜0.001),operative time(P=0.018),postoperative time with tubes(P=0.001),and postoperative complication rate(P=0.006).There were no significant differences when comparing the three groups in terms of survival rate(lobectomy group vs segmentectomy group,P=0.303;lobectomy group vs wedge resection group,P=0.742;and segmentectomy group vs wedge resection group,P=0.278)and recurrence-free survival rate(lobectomy group vs segmentec-tomy group,P=0.495;lobectomy group vs wedge resection group,P=0.362;segmentectomy group vs wedge resection group,P=0.775).Univariate and multivariate survival analyses showed that consolidation tumor ratio(CTR)was the prognostic factor of overall survival and revurrence-free survival for patients with small-volume invasive lung adenocarcinoma(P＜0.05).Conclusion Wedge resection in patients with small volume invasive lung adenocarcinoma can achieve long-term outcomes similar to segmentectomy and lobectomy.When the CTR≤0.5,wedge resection is preferred in such patients.

Objective To explore the clinical curative effect of theTaohong-Siwu decoction combined with manipulation in the treatment of the acute phase of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and its effect on serum inflammatory factors.Methods According to the random number table method, 102 patients with the acute phase of LDH were divided into control group and research group from May 2014 to September 2016, 51 cases in each group. Patients in control group were treated by traction and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for a month, while patients in research group were treated by manipulation combined withTaohong-Siwu decoction for a month. After treatment, the overall efficacy was observed. The Visual analogous scale (VAS) and JOA scores were recorded before and after the treatment. The IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels of inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results The total effective rate of patients in research roup was significantly higher than that of the control group [90.20％ (46/51)vs. 43.14％ (22/51),χ2=19.329, P=0.006]. After treatment, the VAS scores of patients in both groups were significantly decreased, and JOA score increased markedly, which the differences were statistically significant (Ps<0.05). After treatment, the VAS score of research group was significantly lower than the control group (4.26 ± 0.56vs. 5.13 ± 0.87;t=4.843, P=0.027), and JOA score was significantly higher than the control group (18.42 ± 3.92vs.17.33 ± 4.21;t=5.127, P=0.022). After treatment, the IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels of of patients in the research group were significantly lower than those of the control group (0.57 ± 0.11μg/Lvs. 0.90 ± 0.13μg/L, 112.26 ± 15.17μg/Lvs. 130.38 ± 18.29μg/L, 2.01 ± 0.34μg/Lvs. 2.37 ± 0.51μg/L;t=5.429, 6.317, 5.011,P<0.05). ConclusionsThe Taohong-Siwu decoction combined with manipulation on treatment of the acute phase of LDH was effective. The combined therapy can improve the VAS score and JOA score, and reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines.

Objective To investigate the value of CEUS in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant renal focal hyperechoic lesions.Methods Data of conventional ultrasound (US) and CEUS of 56 patients with single renal focal hyperechoic lesion were retrospectively analyzed,and differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions was performed with US and CEUS,respectively.Taking pathological diagnosis as golden standard,the diagnostic efficacy of US and CEUS were calculated and compared.Results The sensibility,specificity,positive predictive value (PPV),negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of US was 70.00％ (14/20),75.00％ (27/36),60.87％ (14/23),81.82％ (27/33) and 73.21％ (41/56),while of CEUS was 80.00％ (16/20),94.44％ (34/36),88.89％ (16/18),89.47％ (34/38) and 89.29 ％ (50/56),respectively.The accuracy,specificity and PPV of CEUS were higher than those of US (all P＜0.05).The consistency of CEUS and pathology was good (Kappa=0.761),while of US and pathology was ordinary (Kappa=0.435).Conclusion CEUS can improve differential diagnostic efficacy of renal focal hyperechoic lesions.

Objective To compare the biomechanical characteristics of new assembly of locking compression plate (NALCP) and locking compression plate (LCP) in internal fixation of femoral shaft comminuted fractures.Methods The preparation of a femoral shaft wedge fracture model (AO type 32-C2.1),six pairs of (12) femoral specimens were collected and divided into two groups randomly,with six in each group.The Group A was made up of the new assembly of locking compression plate fixation model (NALCP),and Group B the locking compression plate fixation model (LCP).The biomechanical properties of steel plates in two groups were tested by axial loading and torsional loading tests.The relative maximum displacement of fracture blocks in two groups on the X,Y and Z axes (the coronal axis was set as X axis,through the medial and lateral femur;the transverse axis was set as Z axis,through the femoral intercondylar fossa,perpendicular to the X axis;the sagittal axis was set as Y axis,perpendicular to the X and Z axis),the maximum strain,and the average strain of the steel plate were recorded.Strain distribution nephogram was produced,and the axial loading fatigue test results of Group A were recorded.Results Axial loading test:the relative maximum displacement of fracture in Group A on X,Y and Z axis were smaller than those in Group B (P ＜0.05 or 0.01);the main strain of Group A was greater than that of Group B (P ＜0.01);there was no significant difference in the average strain between Group A and Group B (P ＞ 0.05).Torsional loading test:The relative maximum displacement of fracture in Group A on X and Z axis was smaller than that of Group B (P ＜ 0.01);there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups on the Y axis (P ＞ 0.05);the main strain of plate in Group A was greater than that in Group B (P ＜ 0.01);there was no statistically significant difference in the average strain between Group A and Group B (P ＞ 0.05).There was no obvious difference in strain distribution between the two groups.In Group A,the fatigue test of axial cyclic loading was performed for 1 million times,and the NALCP was intact without deformation,loosening,or rupture.Conclusion NALCP can provide strong mechanical stability for comminuted femoral fracture.The design of bridge steel plate is reasonable,which can effectively avoid stress concentration,reduce the stress shielding of steel plate,and facilitate bone healing.

Objective To compare the stress and its distribution between our self-designed new assembly of locking compression plate (NALCP) of low elastic modulus versus conventional locking compression plate (LCP) in fixation of femoral comminuted fractures.Methods Six pairs of cadaveric femur were used to create models of middle femoral comminuted fracture.The femoral fracture models were fixated respectively by NALCP of Ti2448 with low elastic modulus (E =30 Gpa) (NALCP group) and conventional LCP of Ti-6Al-4V with high elastic modulus (E =110 Gpa) (LCP group).Axial and torsion loads were applied on the models in the 2 groups to simulate those on one leg when a person slowly walks.The relative maximum displacements on the X,Y and Z axes of fracture fragments,and the maximum and average strains of the plate were recorded in the 2 groups.Nephograms of strain distribution were made for the 2 groups.The results of fatigue test under axial loads were recorded for NALCP group.Results Both the axial and torsion loading tests showed significantly larger principal and average strains in NACLP group than in LCP group (P ＜ 0.05).However,there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the relative maximum displacements of fracture fragments on X,Y or Z axis (P ＞ 0.05).The plate strain nephograms for the 2 groups showed consistent strain distributions.The plates in NALCP group survived 1,000,000 fatigue tests under axial loads,without any deformation,loosening or breakage.Conclusion As our NALCP of low elastic modulus may be better in stress transmission and distribution,it can effectively reduce the effect of stress-shielding and promote bone healing.

Background Conjunctivochalasis (CCh) is a common age-related ocular surface diseases.Researches showed that the inflammatory factors are upregulated in conjunctiva and tear of CCh patients,inferring inflammation participates in the pathogenesis of CCh,however,its mechanism is unclear now.Studies also showed that the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in CCh conjunctiva is elevated.However,the association between inflammatory factors and MMPs is unknown.Objective This research was to observe the effects of tumor necrosisfactor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β) on the expression of MMP-1,MMP-3,tumor necrosis factor-stimulatedgene-6(TSG-6) and pentraxin-3 (PTX3) in cultured CCh fibroblasts.Methods Conjunctival fibroblasts wereisolated and cultured from CCh-derived and cataract-derived human conjunctiva explants.The cells were treated using20 ng/ml PBS,TNF-α or IL-1β for 4 hours,respectively.The expression levels of MMP-1,MMP-3,TSG-6 and PTX3genes and proteins were detected by quantitative real time PCR and Western blot assay,respectively.Results Thesecond-generation cells showed a long and fusiform shape with ovoid nucleus and radial agreement,and the cellprocessors connected each other.The differences of the relative expression levels of MMP-1,MMP-3,TSG-6 and PTX3mRNA in the cells were significantly different between CCh group and cataract group after being treated by PBS,TNF-αand IL-1 β (MMP-1 mRNA:Fgroup =2.611,P =0.116;Fi =161.564,P =0.000;MMP-3 mRNA:Fgroup =5.201,P =0.029;Fintervene =211.021,P =0.000;TSG-6 mRNA:Fgroup =47.209,P =0.000;Fintervene =119.340,P =0.000;PTX3 mRNA:Fgroup =40.512,P =0.000;Fintervene =93.935,P =0.000).Compared with the cataract group with PBS treatment,the expression levels of MMP-1,MMP-3,TSG-6 and PTX3 mRNA were significantly elevated in the CCh group with PBS treatment or the cataract group with TNF-α and IL-1 β treatment (all at P＜0.05).Compared with the CCh group with PBS treatment,the expression levels of MMP-1,MMP-3,TSG-6 and PTX3 mRNA were significantly elevated in the CCh group with TNF-α and IL-1β treatment (all at P ＜ 0.05).The differences of the relative expression levels of MMP-1,MMP-3,TSG-6 and PTX3 proteins in the cells were significantly different between CCh group and cataract group after being treated by PBS,TNF-α and IL-1 β (MMP-1:Fgroup =84.702,P =0.000;Fint =48.900,P =0.000;MMP-3:Fgroup =112.818,P =0.000;Fint =194.980,P =0.000;TSG-6:Fgroup =56.867,P =0.000;Fint =70.356,P =0.000;PTX3:Fgroup =1.488,P =0.231;Fint =89.872,P =0.000),and the expression changes of MMP-1,MMP-3,TSG-6 and PTX3 proteins were coincident with the genes among the groups with various treatments.Conclusions The expressions of MMP-1,MMP-3,TSG-6 and PTX3 in conjunctival fibroblasts are upregulated in CCh eyes.The interaction of TNF-α and IL-1 β with MMPs is probably involved with the pathogenesis and development MMPs probably.

Objective To evaluate the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on advanced gastric cancer before laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.Methods 46 advanced gastric cancer cases in our hospital from January 2010 to January 2013 were included in experimental group who were given two courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFOX regimen prior to surgery,the responsives (38 cases) received two more courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery,and those in whom the chemotherapy was judged as ineffective (8 cases),received radical gastrectomy 21 days later.As a control,36 diseasematched cases went on upfront surgery without neoadjuvant chemotherapy.All these 82 cases underwent successful laparoscopic gastrectomy.Results The overall effective rate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 59％.Before the operation,the differences of pathological staging between the two groups were significantly different; The difference in operation time,the intraoperative blood loss and harvested lymph node number between the experimental group and control group was not statistically different (P ＞ 0.05).The R0 resection rate in experimental group (63％) was higher than in the control group (36％),P ＜0.05.The recurrence rate and mortality rate in experimental group was lower than that in the control group,P ＜ 0.05.Conclusions In advanced gastric carcinoma preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved the resection rate and reduced postoperative recurrence and mortality rate.