Objective To verify the safety and effectiveness of a new percutaneous controllable curved plasma radiofrequency instrument for nucleus pulposus ablation. Methods A new percutaneous controllable curved plasma radiofrequency instrument were designed (controllable curved group), and its ablation effect was compared with the currently used straight head non-bendable plasma ablation instrument (non-bendable group) on gross specimens. The ablation instrument was placed through the right intervertebral foramen, and continuous ablation on the same intervertebral disc was conducted for three times. The ablation range and trajectory were recorded, and the temperature changes in the front, back, left, and right of the ablation center during and 15 seconds after ablation were monitored by the inserted temperature probe. Results There were no difference in temperature changes in the front, back, right regions of the ablation center during and 15 seconds after ablation between the two groups. The temperature changes in the left region of the ablation center both during and 15 seconds after 3rd ablation were larger than those in the non-bendable group (P＜0.01). Compared with the non-bendable group, the controllable curved group achieved angle control and larger single ablation area (2.282 5 mm² vs 1.135 8 mm², P＜0.000 1). Conclusions This new percutaneous controllable curved plasma ablation instrument can achieve angle control and ablation on the side opposite to the puncture site, increase ablation volume, and is safe.

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy and adverse events of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) combined with immunotherapy versus CRT alone in patients with locally recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after surgery.Methods:A total of 221 patients with postoperative locally recurrent ESCC who underwent CRT at the Affiliated Huai′an No. 1 People′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to treatment modality: the CRT group ( n=118) and the CRT plus immunotherapy group (combined group, n=103). Among the combined group, 39 patients received camrelizumab, 33 received sintilimab, and 31 received tislelizumab. Short-term efficacy, survival outcomes, and treatment-related adverse events were compared between the two groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). Results:No statistically significant differences were observed in baseline clinicopathological characteristics between the two groups. The objective response rate (ORR) in the combined group was 72.8%, significantly higher than 55.9% in the CRT group ( P=0.009). The 1- and 2-year OS rates in the CRT group were 68.6% and 41.5%, respectively, while the 1- and 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 56.8% and 30.5%, respectively. In the combined group, the 1- and 2-year OS rates were 84.5% and 55.3%, and the 1- and 2-year PFS rates were 67.0% and 42.7%, respectively. The differences in both OS and PFS between the two groups were statistically significant ( P=0.001 and 0.023, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that Karnofsky performance status score of 70, TNM stage III, and CRT alone were independent risk factors for OS ( P=0.035, 0.031, and 0.002, respectively). The incidence of grade ≥3 adverse events did not differ significantly between the two groups ( P=0.550). A total of 85 grade 1-2 immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and 7 grade ≥3 irAEs occurred in 65 patients in the combined group. Subgroup analysis suggested that tislelizumab combined with CRT showed the most favorable efficacy and safety profile. Conclusion:For patients with locally recurrent ESCC after surgery, concurrent chemoradiotherapy combined with immunotherapy demonstrates promising efficacy with tolerable safety, and may offer a potential therapeutic advantage.

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy and adverse events of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) combined with immunotherapy versus CRT alone in patients with locally recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after surgery.Methods:A total of 221 patients with postoperative locally recurrent ESCC who underwent CRT at the Affiliated Huai′an No. 1 People′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to treatment modality: the CRT group ( n=118) and the CRT plus immunotherapy group (combined group, n=103). Among the combined group, 39 patients received camrelizumab, 33 received sintilimab, and 31 received tislelizumab. Short-term efficacy, survival outcomes, and treatment-related adverse events were compared between the two groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). Results:No statistically significant differences were observed in baseline clinicopathological characteristics between the two groups. The objective response rate (ORR) in the combined group was 72.8%, significantly higher than 55.9% in the CRT group ( P=0.009). The 1- and 2-year OS rates in the CRT group were 68.6% and 41.5%, respectively, while the 1- and 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 56.8% and 30.5%, respectively. In the combined group, the 1- and 2-year OS rates were 84.5% and 55.3%, and the 1- and 2-year PFS rates were 67.0% and 42.7%, respectively. The differences in both OS and PFS between the two groups were statistically significant ( P=0.001 and 0.023, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that Karnofsky performance status score of 70, TNM stage III, and CRT alone were independent risk factors for OS ( P=0.035, 0.031, and 0.002, respectively). The incidence of grade ≥3 adverse events did not differ significantly between the two groups ( P=0.550). A total of 85 grade 1-2 immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and 7 grade ≥3 irAEs occurred in 65 patients in the combined group. Subgroup analysis suggested that tislelizumab combined with CRT showed the most favorable efficacy and safety profile. Conclusion:For patients with locally recurrent ESCC after surgery, concurrent chemoradiotherapy combined with immunotherapy demonstrates promising efficacy with tolerable safety, and may offer a potential therapeutic advantage.

OBJECTIVES: Root canal therapy is the most effective and common method for pulpitis and periapical periodontitis. During the root canal preparation, chemical irrigation plays a key role. However, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), the widely used irrigation fluid, may impact the bonding strength between dentin and restorative material meanwhile sterilization and dissolving. Therefore, it's important to explore the influence of NaOCl on the adhesion between dentin and restoration materials to ensure clinical efficacy. This study aims to explore the effect of NaOCl on dentine adhesion and evaluate the effect of dentine adhesion induced by sodium erythorbate (ERY), and to provide clinical guidance on dentin bonding after root canal therapy. METHODS: Seventy freshly complete extracted human third molars aged 18-33 years old, without caries and restorations were selected. A diamond saw was used under running water to achieve dentine fragments which were divided into 10 groups with 14 fragments in each group: 2 control [deionized water (DW)±10% ERY] and 8 experimental groups (0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, and 5.25% NaOCl±10% ERY). The dentine specimens in the control group (treated with DW) and the experimental groups (treated with 0.5% NaOCl, 1% NaOCl, 2.5% NaOCl, and 5.25% NaOCl) were immersed for 20 min using corresponding solutions which were renewed every 5 min. The other 5 groups were immersed in 10% ERY for 5 min after an initial washing with DW for 1 min. Then, we selected 4 dentine fragments from all 14 fragments in each group and the numbers and diameters of opening dentinal tubules were observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The other 10 dentine fragments from each group were used to make adhesive samples by using self-etch adhesive wand composite resin. All the above adhesive samples were sectioned perpendicular to the bonded interface into 20 slabs with a cross-sectional area of 1 mm×1 mm using a diamond saw under the cooling water, and then the morphology of 10 slabs in each group's bonding interface was observed from aspects of formation of resin tags, depth of tags in dentin, and formation of hybrid layer under SEM. The other 10 slabs of each group's microtensile bond strength and failure modes were also analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 0.5% NaOCl, 1% NaOCl, 2.5% NaOCl, and 5.25% NaOCl groups, the number and diameter of patent dentinal tubules gradually increased with the rise of concentration of NaOCl solution (all P<0.05). Among the DW, 0.5% NaOCl, 1% NaOCl, 2.5% NaOCl, and 5.25% NaOCl groups, the number and diameter of patent dentinal tubules increased after using ERY, but without significant difference (all P>0.05). Among the DW, 0.5% NaOCl, 1% NaOCl, and 2.5% NaOCl groups, the scores of formation of resin tags under SEM gradually increased with the increase of concentration of NaOCl solution, while the score in the 5.25% NaOCl group decreased significantly compared with the score of the 2.5% NaOCl group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between using 10% ERY groups and without using 10% ERY groups (all P>0.05). The scores of length of the tags under SEM in the 5.25% NaOCl group was significantly higher than the scores of DW, 0.5% NaOCl, and 1% NaOCl groups (all P<0.05), and it was also higher than the score of the 2.5% NaOCl group, but without significant difference (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between using 10% ERY groups and without using 10% ERY groups (P>0.05). The scores of formation of hybrid layer under SEM in the 2.5% NaOCl and 5.25% NaOCl groups significantly decreased compared with the score of the DW group (all P<0.05). There were significant differences between the 2.5% NaOCl±10% ERY groups and between the 5.25% NaOCl±10% ERY groups (all P<0.05). Microtensile bond strength was greater in the 0.5% NaOCl, 1% NaOCl, and 2.5% NaOCl groups, but lower in the 5.25% NaOCl group than that in the DW group (all P<0.05). There were significant differences between the 2.5% NaOCl±10% ERY groups and between the 5.25% NaOCl±10% ERY groups (all P<0.05). The incidence of type "Adhesive" of failure modes in the 5.25% NaOCl group was significantly higher than that in other groups (all P<0.05), while the incidence of type "Adhesive" in the 5.25% NaOCl+10% ERY group was lower than that in the 5.25% NaOCl group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The bonding strength to dentine increases with the increase of NaOCl concentration when the concentration lower than 2.5%; whereas it is decreased at a higher concentration (such as 5.25%). 10% ERY has a definite recovery effect on attenuated bonding strength to 5.25% NaOCl-treated dentine.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Ascorbic Acid ; Dental Bonding ; Dentin ; Dentin-Bonding Agents/pharmacology* ; Diamond/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Materials Testing ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Resin Cements/pharmacology* ; Sodium Hypochlorite/pharmacology* ; Tensile Strength ; Water/pharmacology* ; Young Adult

Objective:To evaluate the impact of sarcopenia on survival and treatment-related toxicity in postoperative recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with chemoradiotherapy.Methods:Clinical data of 147 patients with postoperative locoregional recurrent ESCC receiving chemoradiotherapy in Huai'an First People's Hospital from 2016 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Pectoralis muscle area (PMA) was determined using routine pre-radiotherapy CT simulation scan above the aortic arch level. Sarcopenia was defined as a cut-off value of pectoralis muscle index (PMI) (PMA/height 2) <11.55 cm 2/m 2 for males and <8.69 cm 2/m 2 for females. The incidence of toxicity, 1- and 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were statistically compared between patients with and without sarcopenia. Results:Sarcopenia was detected in 49 of 147 (33.3%) patients. The incidence of grade 3-4 toxicities in sarcopenic patients was significantly higher compared to that in their counterparts without sarcopenia (40.8% vs. 18.4%, P=0.005). In addition, patients with sarcopenia had significantly worse 1-year (61.2% vs. 82.7%) and 3-year OS rates (10.2% vs. 28.6%) than those without sarcopenia (both , P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that sarcopenia was an independent prognostic factor for poor OS ( P<0.001). Conclusion:PMI based on CT simulation scan has prognostic value in postoperative locoregional recurrent ESCC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy, which probably serves as a novel diagnostic tool for sarcopenia.

Objective:To investigate the changes of the expression levels of serum proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), tumor-specific growth factor (TSGF), soluble E-cadherin (SE-CAD) and the relationship with clinical prognosis of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy.Methods:Eighty-four patients (29 cases of Ⅲ A, 30 Ⅲ B and 25 Ⅳ) with advanced NSCLC treated in our hospital from January 2016 to January 2018 were selected, and all patients were given with intensity-modulated radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy. The expression levels of serum PCNA, TSGF, and SE-CAD were compared among different TNM stages and before and after treatment. The serum PCNA, TSGF, SE-CAD levels were compared among patients with different clinical efficacy. The relationship between serum PCNA, TSGF and SE-CAD levels and clinical efficacy was assessed by Logistic regression analysis. The survival analysis was performed with Kaplan- Meier method. Results:The expression levels of serum PCNA, TSGF and SE-CAD before treatment in stage Ⅳ patients were significantly higher than those in stage Ⅲ B and Ⅲ A patients (584.11±60.25 pg/ml vs. 531.06±51.37 pg/ml and 477.54±46.49 pg/ml, 96.13±7.54 U/ml vs. 8.52±5.91 U/ml and 82.41±5.0 U/ml, 3.02±0.26 ng/ml vs. 2.87±0.22 ng/ml and 2.71±0.15 ng/ml, all P<0.05), and the serum levels of three cytokines in Ⅲ B stage patients were significantly higher than those in their Ⅲ A stage counterparts (all P<0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of PCNA, TSGF and SE-CAD were significantly lower than those before treatment (396.11±50.23 pg/ml vs. 528.37±75.09 pg/ml, 74.81±4.72 U/ml vs. 88.68±6.13 U/ml, 1.92±0.24 ng/ml vs.2.86±0.31 ng/ml, all P<0.05). At 18 months after treatment, the serum levels of PCNA, TSGF and SE-CAD in surviving patients were significantly lower than those of dead patients (332.51±54.32 pg/ml vs. 444.92±60.07 pg/ml, 70.59±6.20 U/ml vs. 78.05±8.44 U/ml, 1.71±0.24 ng/ml vs. 2.08±0.27 ng/ml, all P<0.05). The serum levels of PCNA, TSGF and SE-CAD were significantly associated with clinical prognosis (all P<0.05). Among 84 NSCLC patients, the objective response rate after treatment was 29%(24/84). The survival curves in patients with high expression levels of serum PCNA, TSGF and SE-CAD were significantly lower than those in the low-expression group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Serum PCNA, TSGF and SE-CAD are highly expressed in patients with advanced NSCLC, which are closely correlated with clinical staging and prognosis and contribute to predicting survival status.

Objective:To evaluate the mid- and long-term outcomes of Dynesys hybrid surgery (in some segments act as a non-fusion device, in other segments act as an alternative of rigid fixation in combination with interbody fusion) in the treatment of multi-segmental lumbar degenerative disease (LDD).Methods:The data of 27 patients who received Dynesys hybrid surgery (hybrid group) for the treatment of LDD from May 2011 to September 2016 and completed the follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, there were 8 males and 19 females; their average age was 59.1±11.9 years (23-78 years). Main diagnosis: 13 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, 14 cases of lumbar disc herniation; 4 cases of combined lumbar dynamic position instability, 7 cases of combined lumbar spondylolisthesis. There were 15 cases of two-segment disease, 11 cases of three-segment disease, and 1 case of four-segment disease. Segments distribution: 9 cases of L 3-L 5, 6 cases of L 4-S 1, 7 cases of L 3-S 1, 4 cases of L 2-L 5, and 1 case of L 2-S 1. Midline incision was used to exposure, followed by bilateral pedicle screws implantation, and interbody fusion cage with bone grafting were performed at the fusion level. Twenty-seven patients who underwent TLIF+rigid internal fixation during the same period were included as the control group. Clinical outcomes were measured by visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain and leg pain, and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Radiological outcomes included fusion rate, intervertebral disc height (DH) of surgical segments and the proximal adjacent segment, range of motion (ROM) of non-fusion segments and the proximal adjacent segment. At the same time, the occurrence of complications was observed. Results:Patients of Hybrid group and control group were followed up for an average of 83.8±20.9 months (48-112 months) and 87.3±16.2 months (53-114 months), respectively. Baseline data of the two groups (average follow-up time, age, gender, surgical level, diagnosis) showed no significant difference. The operation time (183.0±27.8 min) and intraoperative blood loss (301.9±178.9 ml) in the hybrid group were significantly lower than those in the control group (operation time t=2.337, P=0.023; blood loss t=2.706, P=0.01). At the final follow-up, the VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain (low back pain t=12.164, P<0.001; leg pain t=20.603, P<0.001), as well as ODI were significantly improved ( t=22.827, P<0.001). A total of 32 segments received TLIF+Dynesys stabilization and 35 segments received Dynesys non-fusion stabilization in the hybrid group, with 28 segments (87.5%) achieved solid fusion at 1-year follow-up. There were 67 fusion segments in the control group, and the fusion rate at 1-year follow-up was 85.1%. DH of non-fusion segments were lower than that before surgery with statistical significance at final follow-up ( t=2.647, P=0.012), while DH of the fusion segments in the hybrid group and the surgical segments in the control group increased compared with that before surgery at the final follow-up. A certain degree of ROM (2.4°±1.5°) was retained of the non-fusion segments at the final follow-up; the ROM of proximal adjacent segments of non-fused segments was significantly smaller than that of proximal adjacent segments of fused segments ( t=2.126, P=0.044). In the hybrid group, screw loosening occurred in 4 patients (8 screws) and adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) occurred in 5 patients. In the control group, screw loosening occurred in 3 patients (6 screws), while ASD occurred in 8 patients. No screw fracture was observed during the follow-up period and no patients received reoperation. Conclusion:Hybrid surgery of Dynesys stabilization combined with interbody fusion is a safe and effective method for the treatment of multi-segmental LDD. Compared with multi-segmental fusion, this lumbar hybrid surgery has the advantages of less trauma and retaining partial segmental ROM.

Objective To investigate a therapeutic method which could provide sustained-release delivery and local longlasting anti-TB treatment after debridement of thoracic and lumbar spine tuberculosis.Methods Data of 18 patients (including 2 revised cases),who were diagnosed of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis and required surgery treatment from October 2008 to January 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 12 males and 6 females,with an average age of 48.7± 13.3 years (range,22 to 67 years).Affected spinal segments in these patients spanned from T8 to S1.fourteen patients were treated with posterior surgical procedure alone while the other 4 were treated with one-stage combined anterior-posterior surgery.Combined with autogenous bone,OSTEOSET RBK drug carrier-type artificial bone mixed with isoniazid and streptomycin was used after debridement.Chlinical parameters including clinical symptoms,laboratory results,and imaging data were evaluated during follow-up.Results Incisions of all patients achieved primary healing.The duration of patient follow-up ranged from 29 to 56 months (average,39.5months).No liver and kidney function abnormalities,ototoxicity,or local nerve irritations were found perioperatively.Improvements in clinical symptoms were observed in all patients.One patient with L2a tuberculosis recurred 18 months after the initial surgery.At 6-month follow-up,intervertebral body fusion was achieved without complications of internal fixation or significant angle loss of kyphosis correction.Conclusion OSTEOSET RBK dmg carrier-type artificial bone mixed with isoniazid,streptomycin for treatment of thoracic and lumbar spine tuberculosis is a safe and effective way to control local infection and recurrence.Combined with autologous bone could contribute to bone fusion.

Objective To evaluate clinical effect of accurate pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) using osteotomes in the treatment of thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK).Methods From June 2007 to October 2010,18 patients with TLK underwent accurate PSO using osteotomes under X-ray fluoroscopy,including 13 males and 5 females,with an average age of 48.6 years.The primary causes of TLK included old fracture (11cases),chronic tuberculosis (4 cases) and hemivertebra (3 cases).Deformity apex occurred at T12 (5 cases),L1 (9 cases),and L2 (4 cases).Radiological assessment for sagittal balance was performed by measuring Cobb angle.The Frankel grade,visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate pre-and post-operative neurological status,back pain and function.Results The mean operative time,mean blood loss and mean postoperative drainage volume were 247.0±29.3 minutes,708.5±34.5 ml and 337.3±74.6 ml,respectively.All patients were followed up for 1 to 4.5 years (average,2.8 years).Solid fusion was achieved in all patients.Cobb angle was corrected from preoperative 42.3°±5.7° to 2.2°±1.9° three months postoperatively and 2.7°±2.1 ° at final follow-up.VAS and ODI scores decreased from preoperative 8.5±1.0 and 72.8％±8.3％ to 2.1±0.7 and 21.6％±9.2％ three months postoperatively,and 1.9±0.6 and 19.3％±8.6％ at final follow-up,respectively.With regard to Frankel grade,a 1-grade and 2-grade improvement was observed in 7 cases and 2 cases 3 months postoperatively,respectively.At final follow-up,a 1-grade and 2-grade improvement was observed in 5 cases and 4 cases,respectively.Two patients had transient neurological symptoms postoperatively,which recovered after drug treatment for 2 weeks.No other complications occurred.Conclusion It is safe and effective to correct TLK through accurate PSO using osteotomes,which has some advantages,such as less blood loss,higher fusion rate and fewer complications.

Objective To investigate the feasibility,safety and therapeutic effects of minimally invasive percutaneous mono-segment pedicle instrumentation in treating thoracolumbar burst fractures ( AO classification:A 3.1 and A 3.2 ).Methods Twenty-four inpatients with thoracolumbar burst fractures (AO classification:A 3.1 and A 3.2) treated with percutaneous mono-segment pedicle instrumentation from March 2010 to December 2010 were retrospectively studied.The operation time,blood loss,pre-and post-operative visual analogue scale ( VAS),ratio of anterior height between compressed vertebral body and normal vertebral body and vertebral kyphotic Cobb' s angle were evaluated.Results The operation lasted for (90 ± 25) minutes,with intraoperative blood loss of (20 ± 10) ml.The rate of anterior body height rose from pre-operative (56.5 ± 10.1 ) to (92.3 ± 12.2) one week post-operatively and to (90.2 ± 11.l)at the follow-up one year later.The vertebral kyphotic Cobb' s angle was pre-operative ( 16.5 ± 5.2) °,which was reduced to ( 7.3 ± 2.4 )° at oneweek after surgery and ( 7.9 ± 3.5 )° at the follow-up one year later respectively.The VAS scored ( 7.0 ± 1.2) points before surgery,( 1.2 ±0.7) points at one week after surgery and ( 1.1 ± 6..5) points at the follow-up one year later.The ratio of anterior body height at one week after surgery and at the follow-up one year later were both obviously higher than that before surgery (P ＜ 0.05 ),but the ratio one week postoperatively showed no significant difference in comparison with that one year postoperatively (P ＞0.05).The kyphotic Cobb' s angle had significant decrease at one week after surgery and at the follow-up one year later,as compared with that before operation (P ＜0.0 5).Also,the VAS score showed marked improvement at one week after surgery and at the follow-up one year later.Conclusions Minimally invasive percutaneous mono-segmental pedicle instrumentation is effective and safe for thoracolumbar burst fractures (AO classification:A 3.1and A 3.2),but it is not suitable for thoracolumbar burst fracture with severely compressed vertebra.