Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy as conversion therapy for initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:This retrospective case series study analyzed clinical and pathological data of 32 patients with initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, from June 2020 to December 2024. The cohort included 27 males and 5 females, with an age ( M(IQR)) of 61(9)years (range:46 to 73 years). Five patients were diagnosed with stage Ⅲ, 27 with stage ⅣA. All patients received PD-1 inhibitor sintilimab combined with nedaplatin and albumin-bound paclitaxel. Radiological evaluations were performed every two cycles, the multidisciplinary team evaluation was conducted to determine conversion to resectable status, and patients with successful conversion underwent radical esophagectomy. Follow-up was conducted via telephone or outpatient visits every 3 to 6 months after the last treatment. The primary endpoint was R0 resection rate, secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), pathological complete response (pCR) rate, major pathological response (MPR) rate, event-free survival (EFS), disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with R0 resection, overall survival (OS) and safety. Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves and estimate median EFS, DFS, OS rates and their 95% CI. The 95% CI for ORR, pCR rate, MPR rate, and downstaging rate were calculated using the Clopper-Pearson method. Results:The median treatment cycle of 2(1) (range:2 to 8). As of June 2025, the median follow-up was 32.5(13.5)months (range:6.4 to 59.1 months). Among the 32 patients, 9 experienced progression or recurrence, including 2 with liver and lymph node metastases, 2 with lung metastases, 2 with thoracic vertebral metastases, and 3 with mediastinal lymph node metastases. After conversion therapy, 29 patients underwent surgery, achieving an R0 resection rate of 84.4% (95% CI:67.2% to 94.7%), a pCR rate of 27.6% (95% CI:12.7% to 47.2%), and an MPR rate of 55.2% (95% CI:35.7% to 73.6%). Grade 3 or higher surgical complications occurred in 6.9%(2/29) of patients, and grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events were observed in 15.6%(5/29). Among the 32 patients, the ORR was 56.3% (95% CI:37.7% to 73.6%),the 3-year EFS rate and OS rate was 59.4% (95% CI:40.8% to 86.4%) and 59.7% (95% CI:40.0% to 89.0%) respectively. Conclusion:Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy demonstrates high conversion rates and favorable safety in the conversion therapy of initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, representing a promising treatment strategy.

Background and Purpose:Previous studies have investigated the prognostic significance of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue composition and distribution in colorectal cancer patients,yet most have not differentiated between rectal and colon cancer patient cohorts.This study aimed to explore the relationship between body composition and long-term prognosis,and to develop a postoperative predictive model.Methods:Clinical data of rectal cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment at Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected.Inclusion criteria:①Age＞18 years;② Preoperative colonoscopy and pathological diagnosis of colorectal cancer;③ Complete surgical resection;④Abdominal computed tomography(CT)scan 1 month before surgery.Exclusion criteria:① Clinical data is missing;② Multiple metastases of tumors;③ Tumor T stage 0 or carcinoma in situ;④ Severe artifacts lead to poor quality CT imaging,making it difficult to distinguish between fat and muscle;⑤ Inability to obtain follow-up results.This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University(approval number:QYFYWZLL30313),and informed consent has been waived in the ethical approval process.The skeletal muscle index(SMI)and subcutaneous adipose tissue index(SATI)were calculated by dividing the areas of skeletal muscle and subcutaneous fat observed on CT scans by the square of the patient's height.Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors influencing recurrence-free survival(RFS)and overall survival(OS)in rectal cancer patients.Based on the results of the multivariate analysis,a nomogram prediction model was developed,its predictive power and accuracy were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,calibration plots and decision curve analysis(DCA),and internal validation was conducted.Results:A total of 696 patients were included in this study,with 96(13.8%)patients experiencing postoperative recurrence and 89(12.8%)patients dying.Multivariate COX regression analysis showed that SMI,SATI,tumor T stage and N stage were independent factors affecting the postoperative RFS and OS of patients.Nomogram prediction models for RFS and OS in rectal cancer patients were constructed based on the above independent predictors.The area under ROC curve(AUC)for 3-,4-and 5-year RFS was 0.862,0.846 and 0.824,respectively;the AUC for 3-,4-and 5-year OS was 0.886,0.898 and 0.875,respectively.The models were evaluated using calibration curves and decision curves,and internal validation was performed,which showed that the prediction accuracy of the models was good.Conclusion:CT body composition is an independent predictor of RFS and OS in rectal cancer patients,and the nomogram model developed based on these factors demonstrates good predictive value for patient prognosis.

Background and Purpose:Previous studies have investigated the prognostic significance of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue composition and distribution in colorectal cancer patients,yet most have not differentiated between rectal and colon cancer patient cohorts.This study aimed to explore the relationship between body composition and long-term prognosis,and to develop a postoperative predictive model.Methods:Clinical data of rectal cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment at Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected.Inclusion criteria:①Age＞18 years;② Preoperative colonoscopy and pathological diagnosis of colorectal cancer;③ Complete surgical resection;④Abdominal computed tomography(CT)scan 1 month before surgery.Exclusion criteria:① Clinical data is missing;② Multiple metastases of tumors;③ Tumor T stage 0 or carcinoma in situ;④ Severe artifacts lead to poor quality CT imaging,making it difficult to distinguish between fat and muscle;⑤ Inability to obtain follow-up results.This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University(approval number:QYFYWZLL30313),and informed consent has been waived in the ethical approval process.The skeletal muscle index(SMI)and subcutaneous adipose tissue index(SATI)were calculated by dividing the areas of skeletal muscle and subcutaneous fat observed on CT scans by the square of the patient's height.Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors influencing recurrence-free survival(RFS)and overall survival(OS)in rectal cancer patients.Based on the results of the multivariate analysis,a nomogram prediction model was developed,its predictive power and accuracy were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,calibration plots and decision curve analysis(DCA),and internal validation was conducted.Results:A total of 696 patients were included in this study,with 96(13.8%)patients experiencing postoperative recurrence and 89(12.8%)patients dying.Multivariate COX regression analysis showed that SMI,SATI,tumor T stage and N stage were independent factors affecting the postoperative RFS and OS of patients.Nomogram prediction models for RFS and OS in rectal cancer patients were constructed based on the above independent predictors.The area under ROC curve(AUC)for 3-,4-and 5-year RFS was 0.862,0.846 and 0.824,respectively;the AUC for 3-,4-and 5-year OS was 0.886,0.898 and 0.875,respectively.The models were evaluated using calibration curves and decision curves,and internal validation was performed,which showed that the prediction accuracy of the models was good.Conclusion:CT body composition is an independent predictor of RFS and OS in rectal cancer patients,and the nomogram model developed based on these factors demonstrates good predictive value for patient prognosis.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy as conversion therapy for initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:This retrospective case series study analyzed clinical and pathological data of 32 patients with initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, from June 2020 to December 2024. The cohort included 27 males and 5 females, with an age ( M(IQR)) of 61(9)years (range:46 to 73 years). Five patients were diagnosed with stage Ⅲ, 27 with stage ⅣA. All patients received PD-1 inhibitor sintilimab combined with nedaplatin and albumin-bound paclitaxel. Radiological evaluations were performed every two cycles, the multidisciplinary team evaluation was conducted to determine conversion to resectable status, and patients with successful conversion underwent radical esophagectomy. Follow-up was conducted via telephone or outpatient visits every 3 to 6 months after the last treatment. The primary endpoint was R0 resection rate, secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), pathological complete response (pCR) rate, major pathological response (MPR) rate, event-free survival (EFS), disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with R0 resection, overall survival (OS) and safety. Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves and estimate median EFS, DFS, OS rates and their 95% CI. The 95% CI for ORR, pCR rate, MPR rate, and downstaging rate were calculated using the Clopper-Pearson method. Results:The median treatment cycle of 2(1) (range:2 to 8). As of June 2025, the median follow-up was 32.5(13.5)months (range:6.4 to 59.1 months). Among the 32 patients, 9 experienced progression or recurrence, including 2 with liver and lymph node metastases, 2 with lung metastases, 2 with thoracic vertebral metastases, and 3 with mediastinal lymph node metastases. After conversion therapy, 29 patients underwent surgery, achieving an R0 resection rate of 84.4% (95% CI:67.2% to 94.7%), a pCR rate of 27.6% (95% CI:12.7% to 47.2%), and an MPR rate of 55.2% (95% CI:35.7% to 73.6%). Grade 3 or higher surgical complications occurred in 6.9%(2/29) of patients, and grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events were observed in 15.6%(5/29). Among the 32 patients, the ORR was 56.3% (95% CI:37.7% to 73.6%),the 3-year EFS rate and OS rate was 59.4% (95% CI:40.8% to 86.4%) and 59.7% (95% CI:40.0% to 89.0%) respectively. Conclusion:Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy demonstrates high conversion rates and favorable safety in the conversion therapy of initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, representing a promising treatment strategy.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of soybean isoflavones （SI） on the reproductive development of young mice. METHODS C57BL/6 young mice were randomly divided into control group， SI low-dose and high-dose groups （10， 100 mg/kg）， with 10 mice in each group （half male and half female）. The young mice in each group were given corresponding liquid intragastrically， once a day， for 2 consecutive weeks. After the last administration， the percentage of body weight increase was calculated； serum estradiol and testosterone levels， malondialdehyde （MDA） content， total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC）， superoxide dismutase （SOD） and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） activities in the reproductive organs of the young mice were determined. The histopathological changes in the reproductive organs were observed. The cell apoptosis of reproductive organs was detected. RESULTS Compared with the control group， the percentage of body weight increase in female mice was increased significantly in the SI high-dose group， while that of male mice was decreased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Cystic follicles could be seen in the ovarian tissue in SI groups， a loose arrangement of spermatocytes could be seen in the testicular tissue， and partial epithelial cell shedding could be seen in epididymal tissue. The serum level of testosterone in female young mice and the serum levels of testosterone and estradiol in male young mice in SI groups， GSH-Px activity in the ovarian tissue of female young mice in the SI low-dose group， T-AOC activities in the ovarian tissue of female young mice in SI groups as well as the apoptotic rates of cells in testicular and epididymal tissue of male young mice in SI groups were increased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜ 0.01）； the serum level of estradiol in female young mice in SI groups， SOD activity in the ovarian tissue of female young mice in the SI high-dose group， and MDA contents in the ovarian tissue of female young mice in SI groups as well as the apoptotic rates of cells in ovarian tissue of female mice in SI groups were decreased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS SI can enhance the antioxidant stress capacity of ovarian tissue in female young mice and reduce their oxidative stress damage， but it has certain toxicity to reproductive organs in male mice.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease involving multiple organ system. Renal angiomyolipoma (RAML) is a leading cause of death for adult TSC patients. Our study aims at investigating the clinical manifestations of TSC-RAML to enable clinicians to have a better understanding of the disease in Chinese patients.

Objective To optimize conditions for the preparation of amidoximated polyacrylonitrile (PAO) membrane for U (VI) adsorption that can be easily recycled and reused. Methods Using polyacrylonitrile powder as a raw material, the PAO membrane was prepared using the nonsolvent-induced phase separation method under different conditions. The effects of the polyacrylonitrile concentration and temperature and duration of amidoximation in the preparation of casting solution as well as alkali treatment before adsorption on the U (VI) adsorption performance of PAO membrane were investigated. Results Alkali treatment significantly improved the U (VI) adsorption performance of PAO membrane, and the temperature and duration of alkali treatment affected the U (VI) adsorption capacity. The optimal alkali treatment conditions were 0.1 mol/L NaOH, 80 min, and 60℃. The polyacrylonitrile concentration and temperature and duration of amidoximation in the preparation of casting solution influenced the adsorption performance of PAO membrane. The optimal preparation conditions were 10wt% polyacrylonitrile and amidoximation at 65℃ for 18 h. Under the optimal preparation and alkali treatment conditions, the U (VI) adsorption capacity of PAO membrane reached 255 mg/g. Conclusion The PAO membrane has the advantages of simple preparation, high adsorption capacity, and easy recycling and reuse, which can be used as an ideal material for adsorbing U (VI) in wastewater.

Objective:Analysis of the clinical characteristics and genetic mutations of ten tuberous sclerosis complex(TSC) families to provide support for clinical diagnosis of TSC.Methods:Retrospective analysis of ten TSC family probands and their members were performed with detailed medical history collection and physical examination. The study consisted of 26 patients in 10 TSC families, including 12 males and 14 females, with male to female ratio of 1∶1.17, and aged 7-65 years. In terms of skin lesions, there were 24 cases of facial angiofibromas, 20 cases of hypomelanotic macules, 16 cases of ungual fibromas, and 9 cases of shagreen patch. There were 12 cases of renal angiomyolipoma, 4 cases of subependymal nodules based on craniocerebral CT, and 1 case of lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Four cases had a history of seizures. Peripheral blood was extracted for next generation DNA sequencing.Results:A total of 23 TSC patients were genetically tested, and a total of 14 patients in 6 families were TSC2 mutations(5 frameshift mutations, 5 heterozygous deletions, and 4 nonsense mutations), a total of 4 patients in 2 families were TSC1 nonsense mutations, and no mutations were seen in the 2 families.Conclusions:A total of 10 TSC families were summarized, and the patients mainly had skin manifestations and kidney lesions.There were 18/23 patients having TSC1/2 mutations, of which TSC2 mutations accounting for 14/18. In the two non-mutant families, patients mainly had facial angiofibroma and/or hypomelanotic macules.

Objective:To comprehensively analyze the expression profile of circular RNA (circRNA) and construct competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks in tuberous sclerosis complex related renal angiomyolipoma (TSC-RAML).Methods:According to the diagnostic criteria of TSC determined by the international consensus group on tuberous sclerosis in 2012, tumor tissues and paired normal renal tissues of 3 patients with TSC-RAML who were diagnosed in our hospital from January 2017 to January 2019 were collected. The circRNA, miRNA and mRNA of 3 paired samples were detected by circRNA, miRNA chip technology and next generation sequencing respectively, and the differential molecules were determined. Gene Ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed based on differential mRNA molecules and host genes of circRNA. Based on differential circRNA, miRNA and mRNA, up-regulated and down-regulated ceRNA regulatory networks were established.Results:A total of 330 up-regulated and 336 down-regulated differential circRNA, 8 up-regulated and 7 down-regulated miRNA, 800 up-regulated and 1130 down-regulated mRNA were screened. Through GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, many pathways including lipid metabolism, focal adhesion and mineral absorption were abnormally altered. Finally, the up-regualted ceRNA network led by hsa_circ_0092022, hsa_circ_0076859 and hsa_circ_0033388 and down-regulated network led by hsa_circ_0000374, hsa_circ_0000141, hsa_circ_0072665, hsa_circ_0009503 and hsa_circ_0000009 were constructed.Conclusions:There were many differentially expressed circRNA between TSC-RAML and paired normal renal tissues. ceRNA regulatory networks may be involved in the occurrence and development of TSC-RAML.

Objective To analyze the application of virtual reality technology and mixed reality techniques in our hospital before and during intraoperative evaluation of complicated congenital heart diseases .Methods Methods Retrospectively ana-lyze the clinical treatment, surgical decision-making, intraoperative and early prognosis of 11 children with complicated congen-ital heart disease assessed by virtual reality technology and mixed reality techniques.The time of operation was 34-121 min, CPB time was 26-101 min, the clamping time of aorta was 18-56 min.There was no operative death.Results All 11cases were assessed by virtual reality technology and mixed reality technology before surgery .Personalized surgical strategies were made based on the evaluation results.All patients had undergone operations successfully.Compared with traditional surgical methods, fewer surgical incisions and shorter operation time were required.And it improved the surgical results.Conclusion Virtual reality technology and mixed reality technology have a great advantage in preoperative and intraoperative evaluation of complex congenital heart diseases.They can optimize surgical strategies, shorten operation time, and reduce surgical trauma. They are worthy of further promotion and application in clinical practice.