Objective To compare the long-term survival of elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with surgical versus non-surgical treatment. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of elderly patients aged ≥70 years with ESCC who underwent esophagectomy or radiotherapy/chemotherapy at Sichuan Cancer Hospital from January 2009 to September 2017. Patients were divided into a surgical group (S group) and a non-surgical group (NS group) according to the treatment method. The propensity score matching method was used to match the two groups of patients at a ratio of 1∶1, and the survival of the two groups before and after matching was analyzed. Results A total of 726 elderly patients with ESCC were included, including 552 males and 174 females, with 651 patients aged ≥70-80 years and 75 patients aged ≥80-90 years. There were 515 patients in the S group and 211 patients in the NS group. The median follow-up time was 60.8 months, and the median overall survival of the S group was 41.9 months [95%CI (35.2, 48.5)], while that of the NS group was only 24.0 months [95%CI (19.8, 28.3)]. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of the S group were 84%, 54%, and 40%, respectively, while those of the NS group were 72%, 40%, and 30%, respectively [HR=0.689, 95%CI (0.559, 0.849), P<0.001]. After matching, 138 patients were included in each group, and there was no statistical difference in the overall survival between the two groups [HR=0.871, 95%CI (0.649, 1.167), P=0.352]. Conclusion Compared with conservative treatment, there is no significant difference in the long-term survival of elderly patients aged ≥70 years who undergo esophagectomy for ESCC. Neoadjuvant therapy combined with surgery is still an important choice to potentially improve the survival of elderly patients with ESCC.

Long-term hypertension causes excessive vascular remodeling and leads to adverse cardiovascular events. Balance of ubiquitination and deubiquitination has been linked to several chronic conditions, including pathological vascular remodeling. In this study, we discovered that the expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 25 (USP25) is significantly up-regulated in angiotensin II (Ang II)-challenged mouse aorta. Knockout of Usp25 augments Ang II-induced vascular injury such as fibrosis and endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Mechanistically, we found that USP25 interacts directly with Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) and removes the K63-linked ubiquitin chain on the K258 site of FOXO3. We also showed that this USP25-mediated deubiquitination of FOXO3 increases its binding to light chain 3 beta isoform and autophagosomic-lysosomal degradation of FOXO3. In addition, we further validated the biological function of USP25 by overexpressing USP25 in the mouse aorta with AAV9 vectors. Our studies identified FOXO3 as a new substrate of USP25 and showed that USP25 may be a potential therapeutic target for excessive vascular remodeling-associated diseases.

Objective:To investigate the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with esophageal cancer (EC).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 8 458 EC patients who were admitted to Sichuan Cancer Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were collected. There were 6 923 males and 1 535 females, aged (64±9)years. There were 3 187 patients undergoing surgical treatment, and 5 271 cases undergoing non-surgical treatment. Observation indicators: (1) incidence of VTE in EC patients; (2) treatment and outcomes of patients with VTE. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the nonparameter rank sum test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was analyzed using the nonparameter rank sum test. Results:(1) Incidence of VTE in EC patients. Of 8 458 EC patients, 175 cases developed VTE, with an incidence rate of 2.069%(175/8 458). Among 175 VTE patients, there were 164 cases of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), 4 cases of pulmonary embolism (PE), 7 cases of DVT and PE. There were 59 surgical patients and 116 non-surgical patients. There was no significant difference in thrombus type between surgical and non-surgical EC patients with VTE ( χ2=1.95, P>0.05). Of 3 187 surgical patients, the incidence of VTE was 1.851%(59/3 187), including an incidence of 0.157%(5/3 187) of PE. PE accounted for 8.475%(5/59) of surgical patients with VTE. Of 5 271 non-surgical patients, the incidence of VTE was 2.201%(116/5 271), including an incidence of 0.114%(6/5 271) of PE. PE accounted for 5.172%(6/116) of non-surgical patients with VTE. There was no significant difference in the incidence of VTE or PE between surgical patients and non-surgical patients ( χ2=1.20, 0.05, P>0.05). (2) Treatment and outcomes of patients with VTE. Among 175 EC patients with VTE, 163 cases underwent drug treatment, and 12 cases did not receive treatment. Among 163 cases with drug therapy, 158 cases underwent anticoagulant therapy, 5 cases were treated with thrombolysis. All the 163 patients were improved and discharged from hospital. Conclusions:The incidence of VTE in patients with EC is relatively low, as 2.069%. There is no significant difference in the incidence of VTE or thrombus type between surgical EC patients and non-surgical EC patients.

Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.

Objective To study the effect of nano-ceria on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxic injury and its effect on P53 gene expression,and to explore the mechanism of nano-ceria on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxic injury.Methods H9C2 myocardial cells were cultured and randomly divided into five groups:control group,model group(1μmol/L adriamycin),nano-cerium oxide group(10μg/ml nano-cerium oxide),experimental group(1μmol/L adriamycin +10μg/ml nano-cerium oxide),and positive control group(1μmol/L adriamycin+10μmol/L dexperimine).The adriamycin induced cardiotoxicity model was established,and the viability of myocardial cells was measured by CCK-8 method.The contents of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in myocardial cells were detected by biochemical method.The levels of reactive oxygen(ROS)and the apoptosis rate in myocardial cells were detected by flow cytometry.The expressions of Bax,Bcl-2 and P53 proteins in myocardial cells were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the control group,the cell viability was decreased in the model group,the cell LDH and MDA contents were increased,the intracellular ROS level and apoptosis rate were increased,the expressions of Bax and P53 proteins were increased,and the expression of Bcl-2 protein was decreased,and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was decreased(all P<0.001).Compared with the model group,the experimental group showed increased cell viability,decreased cell LDH and MDA contents,decreased cell ROS content and apoptosis rate,decreased Bax and P53 protein expressions,and increased Bcl-2 protein expression,and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was increased(all P<0.001).Conclusion Ceria nanoparticles can effectively prevent adriamycin-induced cardiotoxic injury,and its effect may be related to the down-regulation of P53 gene to inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Patients with severe trauma require an extremely timely treatment and transfusion plays an irreplaceable role in the emergency treatment of such patients. An increasing number of evidence-based medicinal evidences and clinical practices suggest that patients with severe traumatic bleeding benefit from early transfusion of low-titer group O whole blood or hemostatic resuscitation with red blood cells, plasma and platelet of a balanced ratio. However, the current domestic mode of blood supply cannot fully meet the requirements of timely and effective blood transfusion for emergency treatment of patients with severe trauma in clinical practice. In order to solve the key problems in blood supply and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma, Branch of Clinical Transfusion Medicine of Chinese Medical Association, Group for Trauma Emergency Care and Multiple Injuries of Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Young Scholar Group of Disaster Medicine Branch of Chinese Medical Association organized domestic experts of blood transfusion medicine and trauma treatment to jointly formulate Chinese expert consensus on blood support mode and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma patients ( version 2024). Based on the evidence-based medical evidence and Delphi method of expert consultation and voting, 10 recommendations were put forward from two aspects of blood support mode and transfusion strategies, aiming to provide a reference for transfusion resuscitation in the emergency treatment of severe trauma and further improve the success rate of treatment of patients with severe trauma.

Two male patients (75 years and 51 years, respectively) suffered infection of novel coronavirus after minimally invasive surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Sichuan Cancer Hospital since December 2022. Both patients developed severe hypoxemia after surgery, and were treated with advanced oxygen therapy, antiviral therapy, hormone shock therapy, antibiotic anti-infection and nutritional support. The two patients stayed in the intensive care unit for 6 days and 8 days respectively. They were transferred to the general ward for symptomatic treatment and were discharged successfully. Both patients required low-flow oxygen maintenance after discharge. On the 20th day of follow-up after discharge, patient 1 still needed low-flow oxygen, his oxygen saturation could be maintained above 97%, but intermittent deoxygenation could be performed for half an hour. Patient 2 was in good condition on 35 days after discharge.

Objective:To investigate the treatment and prognosis of patients of G3 non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) with proliferation index of Ki-67 <55%.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 15 G3 non-functional pNETs patients with proliferation index of Ki-67<55% who were admitted to Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University from April 2014 to April 2020 were collected. There were 11 males and 4 females, aged (58±10)years. All patients underwent radical resection of the primary lesion. Obser-vation indicators: (1) treatment; (2) postoperative pathological characteristics; (3) follow-up. Measure-ment data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3) or M(range). Count data were described as absolute numbers. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to verify the correlation between variables. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curve and calculate survival rate. Log-Rank test was used for survival analysis. Results:(1) Treatment. All 15 G3 nonfunctional pNETs patients underwent radical resection of the primary lesion of pancreas, including 5 cases receiving pancreati-coduodenectomy, 10 cases receiving distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. There were 5 patients with simultaneous liver oligometastasis who underwent combined segmental (lobectomy) hepatectomy. All 15 patients had negative tumor margin, and the operation time and volume of intraoperative blood loss of 15 patients was 120(90,210)minutes and 200(50,300)mL, respectively. None of patient had complications ≥Ⅲ grade of the Clavien-Dindo classification during the postoperative 30 days. Of the 15 patients, there were 5 cases receiving comprehensive treatment based on CAPTEM chemo-therapy (temozolomide combined with capecitabine), 2 cases receiving local interventional therapy, 2 cases receiving CAPTEM chemotherapy, 1 case receiving local interventional therapy combined with molecular targeted therapy, 1 case receiving local interventional therapy combined with long acting somatostatin therapy, 1 cases receiving long acting somatostatin therapy combined with molecular targeted therapy, and 3 cases without postoperative treatment. (2) Postoperative patholo-gical characteristics. The tumor diameter of 15 patients was 3.3(range, 0.5-6.0)cm. There were 2 cases with tumor diameter <2 cm, 13 cases with tumor diameter ≥2 cm. The number of lymph nodes dissected and number of lymph nodes metastatic was 6(4, 10) and 2(1,3) in 15 patients, respectively, including 12 cases with positive lymph node metastasis. Of the 15 patients, there were 5 cases with tumor invasion of adjacent organ, 5 cases with simultaneous liver metastasis, 8 cases with perineural invasion and 8 cases with vascular invasion. There were 3, 7, and 5 patients with stage Ⅱ, stage Ⅲ, and stage Ⅳ of pathological TNM staging, respectively. The proliferation index of Ki-67 and mitotic count was 32%±9% and (11±9)/10 high power field in the primary lesion of 15 patients, respectively, and there was no correlation between proliferation index of Ki-67 and mitotic count ( P>0.05). (3) Follow-up. All 15 patients were followed up after surgery for (55±24)months. The median survival time of 15 patients was 78(range, 43-113)months, with 1-, 3-, 5-year overall survival rate as 100%, 92%, 62%, respectively. During the follow up, 9 of the 15 patients underwent tumor recurrence, with the recurrence time as 20(14, 44)months. There were 8 patients died of tumor recurrence or metastasis. The median survival time was 86(range, 51-120)months in 5 patients receiving comprehensive treatment based on CAPTEM chemotherapy, versus 53(range, 45-60)months in 10 patients receiving other postoperative adjuvant therapy or without postoperative treatment, showing a significant difference between them ( χ2=4.21, P<0.05). Conclusion:The prognosis of patients of G3 nonfunctional pNETs with proliferation index of Ki-67<55% undergoing radical resection combined with postoperative comprehensive treatment based on CAPTEM chemotherapy in better than that of patients receiving other postoperative adjuvant therapy or without posto-perative treatment.

Objective:To observe any therapeutic effect of combining early pulmonary rehabilitation training with acupuncture at the back-shu and front-mu acupoints in treating stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP).Methods:Eighty SAP patients were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, each of 40. Both groups were given routine symptomatic treatment for pneumonia, nutritional support, lipid-lowering and anti-infection measures, as well as acupuncture at the back-shu and front-mu acupoints. The treatment group additionally received pulmonary rehabilitation training. Before and after 14 days of the treatment, both groups were evaluated in terms of their forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), peak flow rate (PEF), white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT). Chinese medicine (TCM) scores for expectoration of phlegm, shortness of breath, pulmonary rales, cough, fever and weakness were also assigned. The duration of antibiotic use and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were compared between the two groups.Results:Treatment efficacy was significantly higher in the treatment group (97.5%) than in the control group (85.0%). The treatment group′s average duration of antibiotic use and ICU stay were significantly shorter than in the control group. The treatment improved the average FVC, FEV1, PEF, WBC, CRP and PCT of both groups significantly leaving the average FVC and PEF of the treatment group significantly higher than the control group′s average, but its average WBC, CRP, PCT and the total TCM syndrome score significantly lower.Conclusions:Combining early pulmonary rehabilitation training with acupuncture at the back-shu and front-mu acupoints has a definite therapeutic effect on SAP patients. It can significantly shorten the use of antibiotics and ICU stay, promote the recovery of lung function, reduce inflammation and relieve clinical symptoms.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of microfat on neck wrinkles and its structure and viability.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted to review the clinical data of 23 patients with neck wrinkles corrected by microfat injection from June 2018 to June 2021 at the Body Contouring and Fat Grafting Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, aged (38.1±10.7) years old. A blunt cannula with multiple side holes of 0.8 mm was used to obtain fat particles under low negative pressure and to prepare the microfat by washing and soft centrifugation. A 26-gauge sharp needle was used to inject microfat with small amount and at multiple points into the intradermal and subdermal layer where the neck lines were linearly depressed. Regular follow-ups were carried out after the operation, and the efficacy of the operation was evaluated from routine neck examinations, third-party doctor′s grade scoring and patient′s scoring towards satisfaction. To clarify the structure and viability of microfat, scanning electron microscope was used to observe the structure of fat particles, Calcein-AM/propidium iodide (Calcein-AM/PI) staining to detect tissue viability and Musecell counting to count SVF cells.Results:All of the 23 patients successfully completed the operation without complications such as infection and fat liquefaction. After a follow-up of 3 to 30 months, the neck wrinkles were effectively improved. The postoperative grade scores of third-party doctor was significantly reduced ( P<0.05). And the satisfaction of patients was high, with 20 cases (87.0%) satisfied. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the fat granule cells were tightly arranged and the structure remained intact. Calcein-AM/PI staining showed that most cells in the granules survived. The number of viable SVF cells in fat particles was (9.34±2.68)×10 5/ml. Conclusions:Microfat is easy to obtain with high tissue activity, which is suitable for neck wrinkle filling. Good effects can be achieved with high patients′ satisfaction. It is worthy of clinical application.