Compared to traditional suturing, lung stapling using automatic staplers offers advantages such as smaller trauma, faster wound healing, ease of operation, and lower complication rates, making it widely used in clinical practice. However, there are significant differences in bronchial tissue thickness at different anatomical locations, and the market is flooded with various types of staplers. Currently, there is a lack of recommended stapling schemes for bronchial staplers at different anatomical locations. This article reviews the development and application of automatic staplers and summarizes some types of staplers that are currently used in clinical practice, with the aim of promoting the formation of individualized stapler selection protocols for minimally invasive thoracic surgery based on the Chinese population.

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is a widely utilized therapeutic approach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, the clinical implementation is constrained by the stringent preparation conditions of radioembolization agents. Herein, we incorporated the superstable homogeneous iodinated formulation technology (SHIFT), simultaneously utilizing an enhanced solvent form in a carbon dioxide supercritical fluid environment, to encapsulate radionuclides (such as ¹³¹I,¹⁷⁷Lu, or ¹⁸F) with lipiodol for the preparation of radiolipiodol. The resulting radiolipiodol exhibited exceptional stability and ultra-high labeling efficiency (≥99%) and displayed notable intratumoral radionuclide retention and in vivo stability more than 2 weeks following locoregional injection in subcutaneous tumors in mice and orthotopic liver tumors in rats and rabbits. Given these encouraging findings, ¹⁸F was authorized as a radiotracer in radiolipiodol for clinical trials in HCC patients, and showed a favorable tumor accumulation, with a tumor-to-liver uptake ratio of ≥50 and minimal radionuclide leakage, confirming the feasibility of SHIFT for TARE applications. In the context of transforming from preclinical to clinical screening, the preparation of radiolipiodol by SHIFT represents an innovative physical strategy for radionuclide encapsulation. Hence, this work offers a reliable and efficient approach for TARE in HCC, showing considerable promise for clinical application (ChiCTR2400087731).

Objective:The minimal ablative margin (MAM) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was evaluated based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image registration to analyze its effect on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:Clinical data of 120 patients with HCC undergoing RFA in the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from January 2017 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 88 males and 32 females, aged (58.4±8.5) years. The enhanced MRI images of patients before and after treatment were imported into a 3D Slicer software to show the ablative margin, and patients were divided into two groups according to whether MAM exceeded the peritumor safety boundary of 5 mm: MAM<5 mm group ( n=75) and MAM≥5 mm group ( n=45). Clinical data were recorded such as gender, age, tumor length and location. Patients were followed up by outpatient review to record whether local tumour progression occurred. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and log-rank test was used for survival comparison. Cox regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors of local tumour progression after RFA in patients with HCC. Results:There were significant differen-ces in tumor volume, whether the tumor is located around the vessels, and the mode of RFA guidance between the two groups (all P<0.05). The cumulative local tumour progression-free survival rates at 6, 12 and 24 months after RFA were 100%, 100% and 98% in MAM ≥5 mm group, superior to those in MAM<5 mm group (92%, 84% and 69%, respectively, χ2=47.22, P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that MAM<5 mm ( OR=9.992, 95% CI: 4.358-22.913), tumor diameter ≥2 cm ( OR=1.758, 95% CI: 1.025-3.015) and perivascular tumor ( OR=2.344, 95% CI: 1.379-3.985) were risk factors for local tumour progression after RFA in patients with HCC (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The MAM evaluated based on MRI image registration is an influential factor on prognosis of patients with HCC. Patients with MAM<5 mm suffer an increased risk of postoperative local tumour progression.

Objective:To construct a prediction model for local tumor progression (LTP) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) based on the radiomics features of enhanced MRI.Methods:Clinical data of 120 patients with HCC undergoing RFA in the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from June 2017 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 90 males and 30 females, aged (58.2±8.2) years. The patients were divided into training set ( n=84) and validation set ( n=36) in a ratio of 7∶3. According to whether LTP occurred within 2 years after RFA, the patients in training set were divided into LTP positive group ( n=32) and LTP negative group ( n=52). Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors for LTP after RFA in patients with HCC in training set. In the advanced arterial phase of preoperative enhanced MRI, the region of interest of tumor and peritumoral 5 mm area were mapped, and the radiomics features were extracted. The maximum correlation-minimum redundancy algorithm, the minimum absolute value shrinkage and selection operator algorithm were used to screen the radiomics features closely related to LTP, and the radiomics score was established. A nomogram model was constructed by combining the radiomics score with clinical tumor characteristics. The predictive performance and clinical practical value of different models were compared by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, clinical decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC). Results:Tumor located around the blood vessels ( OR=4.574, 95% CI: 1.454-14.393, P=0.009) and ablation margin <5 mm ( OR=5.724, 95% CI: 1.996-16.420, P=0.001) were independent risk factors for LTP in patients with HCC after RFA. Five higher-order radiomics features were extracted and screened, including three tumoral features (glrlm_ShortRunHighGrayLevelEmphasis, ngtdm_Complexity and glcm_Imc1) and two peritumoral features (firstorder_Mean and glszm_SmallAreaHighGrayLevelEmphasis). Delong test showed that the area under curve of the combined model was higher than that of the radiomics model ( Z=2.90, P=0.004) and the clinical tumor characteristic model ( Z=2.56, P=0.010). Calibration curves, DCA and CIC curves all show that the combined model had a better clinical net benefit. Conclusion:Combining the radiomics features extracted from enhanced MRI images with clinical tumor characteristics can effectively predict the risk of LTP in patients with HCC after RFA.

Objective:To explore the clinicopathological and molecular genetic characteristics of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged renal cell carcinoma (RCC), including a rare case with the TPM1-ALK gene subtype.Methods:Three cases of ALK-rearranged RCC diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China from January 2020 to December 2024 were collected. Their clinical pathological and next-generation sequencing (NGS) data were analyzed. Relevant literature was also reviewed, and follow-ups were carried out.Results:Among the three patients, there were 1 female (case 1) and 2 males (cases 2 and 3), with the ages of 29,41 and 44 years, respectively. All of them were presented with space-occupying renal lesions. Case 1 (KIAA1217-ALK RCC) showed mixed cystic and solid components under the microscope, with tubular, papillary, and cribriform arrangements. The tumor cells had clear boundaries, and were cubic or low columnar, arranged in a single layer, pseudostratified or in sheets. The cytoplasm was abundant and eosinophilic, and part of the cytoplasm was vacuolated, as if there was accumulation of mucoid substances. The tumor cell nuclei were oval with prominent nucleoli. A large amount of mucus and inflammatory cell infiltration were noted in the stroma. Case 2 (TPM1-ALK RCC) showed a papillary growth pattern, with small, slender papillae accompanied by branches. The cells were arranged in a single layer, and the cytoplasm was either eosinophilic or clear. Foamy cells were aggregated in the stroma, accompanied by psammoma body-like calcifications. Case 3 (EML4-ALK RCC) was characterized by papillary and tubulocystic structures. The cytoplasm was abundant and eosinophilic. The tumor cell nuclei were large, with prominent nucleoli. There was conspicuous infiltration of lymphocytes and neutrophils in the fibromuscular stroma. The tumor cells all expressed epithelial markers, PAX8, GATA3, P504s and FH. ALK (5A4) staining showed diffuse strong expression in the cytoplasm, while TFE-3 was positive (nuclear stain) only in case 1 and case 3. The fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that ALK gene rearrangement was present in all three cases, while TFE-3 gene rearrangement/mutation was not detectable in case 1 and case 3. NGS showed the KIAA1217::ALK fusion (the fusion site in the exon 11 of KIAA1217 and exon 18 of ALK) in case 1, the TPM1::ALK fusion (the exon 8 of TPM1 and exon 20 of ALK) in case 2, and the EML4::ALK fusion (the exon 2 region of EML4 and the exon 20 region of ALK) in case 3.Conclusions:ALK-rearranged RCC has unique molecular characteristics. Its histological morphology is easily confused with that of papillary RCC and TFE3-rearranged RCC. Both immunohistochemistry and gene rearrangement tests should be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Objective:To explore the effective active components of Qi Bi Anshen decoction(QAT)in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder(ASD)and its effects on ASD behaviors and related lipid metabolism abnormalities.Methods:24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:Control group,PPA group and PPA+QAT group.The ASD rat model was established by intracerebroventricular injection of propionic acid,and the QAT administration group was given intragastric administration for 7 days.Behavioral tests were conducted to detect the so-cial,repetitive stereotyped and anxiety-like behaviors of rats.UPLC-MS was used to analyze the differential metabolites and enriched pathways of rats.Network pharmacology was used to screen the effective active monomer components of QAT involved in regulating ASD.10 sexually mature C57BL/6J mice were randomly paired in male-female cages.The ASD mouse model was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of sodium valproate to pregnant mice.The preg-nant mice were randomly divided into 3 groups:Control group,VPA group and VPA+QUE group.The administration group was given QUE in the drinking water of pregnant mice until the end of the perinatal period.Behavioral tests were conducted to detect ASD-like behaviors in mice.Reagent kits were used to detect the contents of alkaline phosphatase(AKP),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),triglycerides(TG)and total cholesterol(TC)in the liver and serum of mice.Oil red O staining was used to observe the morphology of liver cells.Results:QAT administration could improve the ASD-like behaviors induced by PPA(P＜0.05).UPLC-MS analysis showed that the differential metabolites of each group of rats were mainly enriched in lipid metabolism pathways.Network pharmacol-ogy screening identified QUE as the effective active monomer component.QUE administration could improve the ASD-like behaviors induced by VPA(P＜0.05).QUE administration could reverse the abnormal changes in AKP,TC and TG in the liver induced by VPA(P＜0.05)and reduce lipid droplet deposition in the liver.Conclusion:The active monomer component QUE in QAT has therapeutic effects on ASD behaviors and related liver lipid metabolism abnormali-ties.

Objective:To explore the effective active components of Qi Bi Anshen decoction(QAT)in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder(ASD)and its effects on ASD behaviors and related lipid metabolism abnormalities.Methods:24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:Control group,PPA group and PPA+QAT group.The ASD rat model was established by intracerebroventricular injection of propionic acid,and the QAT administration group was given intragastric administration for 7 days.Behavioral tests were conducted to detect the so-cial,repetitive stereotyped and anxiety-like behaviors of rats.UPLC-MS was used to analyze the differential metabolites and enriched pathways of rats.Network pharmacology was used to screen the effective active monomer components of QAT involved in regulating ASD.10 sexually mature C57BL/6J mice were randomly paired in male-female cages.The ASD mouse model was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of sodium valproate to pregnant mice.The preg-nant mice were randomly divided into 3 groups:Control group,VPA group and VPA+QUE group.The administration group was given QUE in the drinking water of pregnant mice until the end of the perinatal period.Behavioral tests were conducted to detect ASD-like behaviors in mice.Reagent kits were used to detect the contents of alkaline phosphatase(AKP),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),triglycerides(TG)and total cholesterol(TC)in the liver and serum of mice.Oil red O staining was used to observe the morphology of liver cells.Results:QAT administration could improve the ASD-like behaviors induced by PPA(P＜0.05).UPLC-MS analysis showed that the differential metabolites of each group of rats were mainly enriched in lipid metabolism pathways.Network pharmacol-ogy screening identified QUE as the effective active monomer component.QUE administration could improve the ASD-like behaviors induced by VPA(P＜0.05).QUE administration could reverse the abnormal changes in AKP,TC and TG in the liver induced by VPA(P＜0.05)and reduce lipid droplet deposition in the liver.Conclusion:The active monomer component QUE in QAT has therapeutic effects on ASD behaviors and related liver lipid metabolism abnormali-ties.

Objective:The minimal ablative margin (MAM) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was evaluated based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image registration to analyze its effect on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:Clinical data of 120 patients with HCC undergoing RFA in the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from January 2017 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 88 males and 32 females, aged (58.4±8.5) years. The enhanced MRI images of patients before and after treatment were imported into a 3D Slicer software to show the ablative margin, and patients were divided into two groups according to whether MAM exceeded the peritumor safety boundary of 5 mm: MAM<5 mm group ( n=75) and MAM≥5 mm group ( n=45). Clinical data were recorded such as gender, age, tumor length and location. Patients were followed up by outpatient review to record whether local tumour progression occurred. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and log-rank test was used for survival comparison. Cox regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors of local tumour progression after RFA in patients with HCC. Results:There were significant differen-ces in tumor volume, whether the tumor is located around the vessels, and the mode of RFA guidance between the two groups (all P<0.05). The cumulative local tumour progression-free survival rates at 6, 12 and 24 months after RFA were 100%, 100% and 98% in MAM ≥5 mm group, superior to those in MAM<5 mm group (92%, 84% and 69%, respectively, χ2=47.22, P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that MAM<5 mm ( OR=9.992, 95% CI: 4.358-22.913), tumor diameter ≥2 cm ( OR=1.758, 95% CI: 1.025-3.015) and perivascular tumor ( OR=2.344, 95% CI: 1.379-3.985) were risk factors for local tumour progression after RFA in patients with HCC (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The MAM evaluated based on MRI image registration is an influential factor on prognosis of patients with HCC. Patients with MAM<5 mm suffer an increased risk of postoperative local tumour progression.

Objective:To construct a prediction model for local tumor progression (LTP) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) based on the radiomics features of enhanced MRI.Methods:Clinical data of 120 patients with HCC undergoing RFA in the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from June 2017 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 90 males and 30 females, aged (58.2±8.2) years. The patients were divided into training set ( n=84) and validation set ( n=36) in a ratio of 7∶3. According to whether LTP occurred within 2 years after RFA, the patients in training set were divided into LTP positive group ( n=32) and LTP negative group ( n=52). Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors for LTP after RFA in patients with HCC in training set. In the advanced arterial phase of preoperative enhanced MRI, the region of interest of tumor and peritumoral 5 mm area were mapped, and the radiomics features were extracted. The maximum correlation-minimum redundancy algorithm, the minimum absolute value shrinkage and selection operator algorithm were used to screen the radiomics features closely related to LTP, and the radiomics score was established. A nomogram model was constructed by combining the radiomics score with clinical tumor characteristics. The predictive performance and clinical practical value of different models were compared by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, clinical decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC). Results:Tumor located around the blood vessels ( OR=4.574, 95% CI: 1.454-14.393, P=0.009) and ablation margin <5 mm ( OR=5.724, 95% CI: 1.996-16.420, P=0.001) were independent risk factors for LTP in patients with HCC after RFA. Five higher-order radiomics features were extracted and screened, including three tumoral features (glrlm_ShortRunHighGrayLevelEmphasis, ngtdm_Complexity and glcm_Imc1) and two peritumoral features (firstorder_Mean and glszm_SmallAreaHighGrayLevelEmphasis). Delong test showed that the area under curve of the combined model was higher than that of the radiomics model ( Z=2.90, P=0.004) and the clinical tumor characteristic model ( Z=2.56, P=0.010). Calibration curves, DCA and CIC curves all show that the combined model had a better clinical net benefit. Conclusion:Combining the radiomics features extracted from enhanced MRI images with clinical tumor characteristics can effectively predict the risk of LTP in patients with HCC after RFA.

Objective:To explore the clinicopathological and molecular genetic characteristics of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged renal cell carcinoma (RCC), including a rare case with the TPM1-ALK gene subtype.Methods:Three cases of ALK-rearranged RCC diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China from January 2020 to December 2024 were collected. Their clinical pathological and next-generation sequencing (NGS) data were analyzed. Relevant literature was also reviewed, and follow-ups were carried out.Results:Among the three patients, there were 1 female (case 1) and 2 males (cases 2 and 3), with the ages of 29,41 and 44 years, respectively. All of them were presented with space-occupying renal lesions. Case 1 (KIAA1217-ALK RCC) showed mixed cystic and solid components under the microscope, with tubular, papillary, and cribriform arrangements. The tumor cells had clear boundaries, and were cubic or low columnar, arranged in a single layer, pseudostratified or in sheets. The cytoplasm was abundant and eosinophilic, and part of the cytoplasm was vacuolated, as if there was accumulation of mucoid substances. The tumor cell nuclei were oval with prominent nucleoli. A large amount of mucus and inflammatory cell infiltration were noted in the stroma. Case 2 (TPM1-ALK RCC) showed a papillary growth pattern, with small, slender papillae accompanied by branches. The cells were arranged in a single layer, and the cytoplasm was either eosinophilic or clear. Foamy cells were aggregated in the stroma, accompanied by psammoma body-like calcifications. Case 3 (EML4-ALK RCC) was characterized by papillary and tubulocystic structures. The cytoplasm was abundant and eosinophilic. The tumor cell nuclei were large, with prominent nucleoli. There was conspicuous infiltration of lymphocytes and neutrophils in the fibromuscular stroma. The tumor cells all expressed epithelial markers, PAX8, GATA3, P504s and FH. ALK (5A4) staining showed diffuse strong expression in the cytoplasm, while TFE-3 was positive (nuclear stain) only in case 1 and case 3. The fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that ALK gene rearrangement was present in all three cases, while TFE-3 gene rearrangement/mutation was not detectable in case 1 and case 3. NGS showed the KIAA1217::ALK fusion (the fusion site in the exon 11 of KIAA1217 and exon 18 of ALK) in case 1, the TPM1::ALK fusion (the exon 8 of TPM1 and exon 20 of ALK) in case 2, and the EML4::ALK fusion (the exon 2 region of EML4 and the exon 20 region of ALK) in case 3.Conclusions:ALK-rearranged RCC has unique molecular characteristics. Its histological morphology is easily confused with that of papillary RCC and TFE3-rearranged RCC. Both immunohistochemistry and gene rearrangement tests should be used to confirm the diagnosis.