1.Anatomical study of the APR triangle based on 3D visualization technology
Xinyu SUN ; Yongbo YU ; Xianhe ZHANG ; Ziqiang GE ; Qinyi LI ; Guokai TAI ; Zhidong WANG
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(1):54-58
Objective:To analyze the APR triangle formed when the right hepatic vein (RHV) passed through the right anterior hepatic pedicle (RAHP) and the right posterior hepatic pedicle (RPHP) by 3D visualization technique.Methods:Clinical data of 100 subjects undergoing liver contrast-enhanced CT scan in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from September 2019 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 57 males and 43 females, aged (53.2±13.0) years. The CT data were imported into a system for 3D image reconstruction of the liver. The intrahepatic vascular structure was observed, including the portal vein, APR triangle, the angle between the RAHP and RPHP, the distance between RHV and the vertex of angle when it crosses the angle plane of the RAHP and RPHP, the structure and branches of the right posterior branch of portal vein, and the number of branches into the APR triangle from the main trunk of the right anterior and right posterior portal vein.Results:The main type of portal vein was type A (the main portal vein was divided into left and right branches, and the right branch was further divided into right anterior branch and right posterior branch), in 86 cases (86.0%). The APR triangle was observed in 81 cases (81.0%), and the distance between the right hepatic vein and the vertex of the right anterior and right posterior hepatic pedicle was (1.70±0.36) cm, 1.00-2.00 cm was 82.7%(61/81). The angle between right anterior and right posterior hepatic pedicle was 45°-90° in 77 cases (77.0%, 77/100). In 100 subjects, the main branch of the right posterior portal vein accounted for 42.0% (42/100) of typeⅠ (bifurcation type) and 53.0% (arch type) of type Ⅱ (53/100). In 16 cases (19.8%, 16/81), the main right anterior portal vein branched into the APR triangle, with a total of 22 branches. In 9 cases (11.1%, 9/81), the main branch of the right posterior portal vein (branching type) branched into the triangle, with a total of 11 branches. There were 33 cases (40.7%, 33/81) of right posterior portal vein (arch type) main branch branching into the triangle, a total of 41 branches.Conclusion:The APR triangle, composed of the RAHP, RPHP and RHV, has an objective anatomical basis and is affected by the variants of portal vein and RHV. It is more common for the RHV to be within 1.00-2.00 cm of the vertex of the angle between the RAHP and RPHP, and the main trunk of the right anterior and right posterior branches of portal vein are less divided into the triangle, so it is relatively safe to dissect within this area.
2.Analysis of risk factors of diaphragmatic hernia after thoraco-laparoscopic minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy
Zhenhua LI ; Weilu DING ; Huilai LYU ; Bokang SUN ; Keqin DONG ; Mingbo WANG ; Peng SU ; Ziqiang TIAN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(2):130-135
Objective:To explore the related risk factors of diaphragmatic hernia after thoraco-laparoscopic minimally invasive Mckeown esophagectomy (MIME).Methods:This is a retrospective controlled study. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent MIME at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, from January 2016 to December 2023. A total of 619 patients were included. There were 423 males and 196 females, aged (63.7±7.6) years (range: 37 to 87 years). The diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia after MIME was made based on clinical symptoms and CT scans. Patients were divided into two groups: the diaphragmatic hernia group ( n=16) and the non-diaphragmatic hernia group ( n=603). Clinical data, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, tumor location (upper, middle, and lower thoracic esophagus), preoperative neoadjuvant therapy history, and tumor staging, were collected and analyzed. A BMI of 25 kg/m2 and age of 65 years were used as cutoff values. The χ2 test and Fisher′s exact test were used to compare the data between the two groups, and Logistic regression was employed for risk factor analysis. The diaphragmatic hernia group and non-diaphragmatic hernia group were matched in a 1∶3 ratio with a caliper value of 0.02 by propensity score matching. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis and compared using the log-rank test for between-group differences. Results:The proportion of patients with diaphragmatic hernia after MIME who underwent surgical treatment was 6/16. Statistically significant differences were observed between the diaphragmatic hernia group and the non-diaphragmatic hernia group in terms of age ( χ2=16.057, P<0.01), BMI ( χ2=16.057, P<0.01), and tumor location ( χ2=12.048, P=0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age ≥65 years ( OR=1.236, P=0.023) and BMI<25 kg/m2 ( OR=0.810, P<0.01) were independent risk factors for the development of diaphragmatic hernia after MIME. Survival analysis showed no significant difference in long-term survival between patients with and without diaphragmatic hernia after MIME ( P=0.187), and whether patients with diaphragmatic hernia underwent surgery was not associated with long-term prognosis ( P=0.560). Conclusion:Patients with BMI<25 kg/m 2 and age ≥65 years are independent risk factors for diaphragmatic hernia after MIME. The occurrence of diaphragmatic hernia is not associated with prognosis, and whether patients with diaphragmatic hernia undergo surgery does not affect the prognosis.
3.Efficacy and safety of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy as conversion therapy for initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Huilai LYU ; Mingbo WANG ; Chunyue GAI ; Fan ZHANG ; Yonggang ZHU ; Yu LIU ; Jiachen LI ; Weilu DING ; Shi XU ; Zhenhua LI ; Bokang SUN ; Wenda GAO ; Ziqiang TIAN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(11):1023-1030
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.
4.Efficacy and safety of proximal gastrectomy versus total gastrectomy for Siewert type Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Yingjie LU ; Ziqiang HONG ; Hongchao LI ; Gang JIN ; Wenhao WANG ; Yi YANG ; Bin LIU ; Zijiang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(05):693-699
Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of proximal gastrectomy (PG) versus total gastrectomy (TG) for the treatment of Siewert type Ⅱ/Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). Methods PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMbase, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched for literature comparing the efficacy and safety of PG and TG for the treatment of Siewert type Ⅱ/Ⅲ AEG. The search period was from database inception to March 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results A total of 23 articles were included, including 16 retrospective cohort studies, 5 prospective cohort studies, and 2 randomized controlled trials. The total sample size was 2 826 patients, with 1 389 patients undergoing PG and 1 437 patients undergoing TG. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with TG, PG had less intraoperative blood loss [MD=−19.85, 95%CI (−37.20, −2.51), P=0.02] and shorter postoperative hospital stay [MD=−1.23, 95%CI (−2.38, −0.08), P=0.04]. TG had a greater number of lymph nodes dissected [MD=−6.20, 95%CI (−7.68, −4.71), P<0.001] and a lower incidence of reflux esophagitis [MD=3.02, 95%CI (1.24, 7.34), P=0.01]. There were no statistically significant differences between the two surgical approaches in terms of operative time, postoperative survival rate (1-year, 3-year, 5-year), and postoperative overall complications (P>0.05). Conclusion PG has advantages in terms of intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay, while TG has advantages in terms of the number of lymph nodes dissected and the incidence of reflux esophagitis. There is no significant difference in long-term survival between the two surgical approaches.
5.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine monomers acting on myelosuppression after chemotherapy based on the four properties theory
Sihan ZHANG ; Tingting WANG ; Zhifen ZHAO ; Hanyu KANG ; Jiaqi JI ; Ziqiang GUO ; Tong LIU ; Shiqing JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2341-2347
Chemotherapy is an important treatment for tumors, but most patients experience varying degrees of chemotherapy- induced myelosuppression. Four properties theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in improving chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression. The monomers from TCM with different properties and flavors, such as cold-natured (e.g. Scutellaria baicalensis, Rhus chinensis), cool-natured (e.g. Ligustrum lucidum, Ophiopogon japonicus), warm-natured (e.g. Panax ginseng, Epimedium brevicornu, Curcuma longa, Angelica sinensis), hot-natured (e.g. Cinnamomum cassia, Aconitum carmichaeli), and neutral-natured (e. g. donkey-hide gelatin, Lycium barbarum, Rhodiola rosea, fungi), can exert anti- myelosuppressive effects by reducing damage to hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, improving the bone marrow hematopoietic microenvironment, inhibiting the oxidative stress response, regulating signaling pathways, so as to ultimately repaire inflammatory damage and improve hematopoietic function, thereby playing an anti-myelosuppressive role.
6.Intestinal metabolites in colitis-associated carcinogenesis: Building a bridge between host and microbiome.
Yating FAN ; Yang LI ; Xiangshuai GU ; Na CHEN ; Ye CHEN ; Chao FANG ; Ziqiang WANG ; Yuan YIN ; Hongxin DENG ; Lei DAI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(16):1961-1972
Microbial-derived metabolites are important mediators of host-microbial interactions. In recent years, the role of intestinal microbial metabolites in colorectal cancer has attracted considerable attention. These metabolites, which can be derived from bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules such as bile acids, or directly from bacteria, strongly influence the progression of colitis-associated cancer (CAC) by regulating inflammation and immune response. Here, we review how microbiome metabolites short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), secondary bile acids, polyamines, microbial tryptophan metabolites, and polyphenols are involved in the tumorigenesis and development of CAC through inflammation and immunity. Given the heated debate on the metabolites of microbiota in maintaining gut homeostasis, serving as tumor molecular markers, and affecting the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in recent years, strategies for the prevention and treatment of CAC by targeting intestinal microbial metabolites are also discussed in this review.
Humans
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology*
;
Animals
;
Carcinogenesis/metabolism*
;
Colitis-Associated Neoplasms/microbiology*
;
Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism*
;
Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism*
;
Colitis/microbiology*
7.Quantification of viral particles in adenovirus vector-based vaccines by nano-flow cytometry.
Zhuowei SHI ; Ying ZHANG ; Qingya TIAN ; Ziqiang WANG ; Hong SHAO
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(8):3155-3164
This study aims to establish a method for counting the viral particles in adenovirus vector-based vaccines. Nano-flow cytometry was employed to analyze the viral particles in adenovirus-based vector vaccines at the single-particle level. Monodisperse silica nanoparticles with a refractive index close to that of the virus were selected as the particle size standard to calculate the viral particle size, which was then compared with the results obtained from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine the gating strategy. Subsequently, a particle count standard was employed to calculate the viral particle concentration. The established method demonstrated good linearity, accuracy, precision, and specificity. The results of determined viral particle concentration showed a good correlation with the infectious titer. Compared with the conventional OD260 method, nano-flow cytometry can directly measure the viral particle concentration and indicate whether the sample has been disassembled according to changes in viral particle concentration and size, thus more accurately reflecting the actual infectious potency of the sample. The novel quantification method established in this study is capable of indicating the efficacy of adenovirus vector-based vaccines and provides effective technical support for the quality control of such products.
Adenoviridae/genetics*
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Genetic Vectors
;
Flow Cytometry/methods*
;
Virion/isolation & purification*
;
Particle Size
;
Nanoparticles
;
Viral Vaccines
8.A multi-enzyme cascade process for the preparation of L-phosphinothricin.
Manman WANG ; Yu YANG ; Xianbing SONG ; Xiaolian LI ; Binchun LI ; Ziqiang WANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(9):3589-3603
L-phosphinothricin (L-PPT) is an efficient broad-spectrum herbicide. To realize the multi-enzyme catalytic preparation of L-PPT, we constructed an engineered strain Escherichia coli YM-1 for efficient expression of D-amino acid transaminase, which could catalyze the generation of the intermediate 2-oxo-4-[(hydroxymethylphosphonyl)] butyric acid (PPO) from D-phosphinothricin (D-PPT). In addition, E. coli pLS was constructed to co-express glutamate dehydrogenase and glucose dehydrogenase, which not only catalyzed the generation of L-PPT from PPO but also regenerated the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). A fed-batch fermentation process was then established for E. coli YM-1 and pLS, and the apparent activities of D-amino acid transaminase and glutamate dehydrogenase were increased by 22.68% and 100.82%, respectively, compared with those in shake flasks. The process parameters were optimized for the catalytic preparation of L-PPT by whole-cell cascade of E. coli YM-1 and pLS with D, L-PPT as the substrate. After reaction for 8 h, 91.36% conversion of D-PPT was achieved, and the enantiomeric excess of L-PPT reached 90.22%. The findings underpin the industrial production of L-PPT.
Escherichia coli/enzymology*
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Aminobutyrates/metabolism*
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Glutamate Dehydrogenase/biosynthesis*
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Glucose 1-Dehydrogenase/biosynthesis*
;
Herbicides/metabolism*
;
Multienzyme Complexes/metabolism*
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Transaminases/metabolism*
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Phosphinic Acids/metabolism*
9.Impact of prophylactic intra-aortic balloon pump in elderly high-risk coronary heart disease patients on postoperative newly developed atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Wenbo WU ; Ziqiang ZHOU ; Yanjun WANG ; Hongwei QI ; Jiangang ZHAO ; Biao YUAN ; Mingying WU
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(12):1660-1666
Objective:To investigate the impact and clinical value of preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump(IABP)placement on the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation(POAF)in elderly high-risk patients with coronary artery disease undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted, selecting 128 elderly(age≥60 years)patients with coronary artery disease who underwent isolated off-pump CABG and met high-risk criteria(≥2 high-risk factors)at Beijing Tongren Hospital.According to the occurrence of POAF, patients were divided into the POAF group(38 cases)and the non-POAF group(90 cases). Preoperative baseline data, preoperative IABP usage, intraoperative and postoperative indicators were collected and compared between the two groups.Univariate analysis was used to screen for differential variables, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for POAF, focusing on the role and impact of preoperative IABP placement on POAF occurrence.Results:Among the 128 patients included, the incidence of POAF in patients with preoperative IABP placement was lower than that in patients without preoperative IABP placement[12.12%(4/33) vs.35.79%(34/95), χ2=6.512, P=0.011]; the preoperative IABP usage rate in the POAF group was significantly lower than that in the non-POAF group[10.53%(4/38) vs.32.22%(29/90), χ2=5.488, P=0.019]; the proportion of patients with preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)<40% in the POAF group was significantly higher than that in the non-POAF group[23.68%(9/38) vs.10.00%(9/90), χ2=4.140, P=0.042]; and the preoperative creatinine level in the POAF group was also significantly higher than that in the non-POAF group[(90.62±29.45)μmol/L vs.(81.31±20.18)μmol/L, t=2.066, P=0.041]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative LVEF<40% was an independent risk factor for POAF occurrence( OR=11.862, 95% CI: 1.083-129.875, P=0.043), while preoperative IABP placement was an independent protective factor for POAF occurrence( OR=0.095, 95% CI: 0.016~0.583, P=0.011). The comparison of intraoperative and postoperative indicators between the two groups showed that multiple indicators in the POAF group were significantly worse than those in the non-POAF group.In terms of intraoperative indicators, the mean graft blood flow(mGF)of the graft vessels in the POAF group was lower[(18.25±8.84)ml/min vs.(21.24±7.13)ml/min, t=2.015, P=0.046], while the pulsatility index(PI)was higher(2.64±1.36 vs.2.18±1.07, t=2.045, P=0.043). In terms of postoperative laboratory indicators, the level of cardiac troponin I(cTnI)on the first postoperative day in the POAF group[(15.69±11.32)μg/L vs.(11.46±10.07)μg/L, t=2.092, P=0.038], the highest postoperative creatinine level[(128.23±74.29)μmol/L vs.(96.18±48.32)μmol/L, t=2.897, P=0.004], and the highest blood lactic acid level within 24 hours[(1.78±0.53)mmol/L vs.(1.54±0.62)mmol/L, t=2.085, P=0.039]were all significantly higher.In terms of postoperative recovery indicators, the duration of vasoactive drug use[(46.41±32.08)h vs.(36.21±22.39)h, t=2.058, P=0.042], mechanical ventilation time[(16.72±11.64)h vs.(12.19±9.68)h, t=2.275, P=0.025], and intensive care unit(ICU)stay time[(73.48±60.20)h vs.(54.89±39.29)h, t=2.070, P=0.040]in the POAF group were all significantly longer.The LVEF before discharge in the POAF group was also significantly lower than that in the non-POAF group[(43.08±16.24)% vs.(48.49±13.08)%, t=1.986, P=0.049]. Conclusions:Preoperative LVEF<40% is an independent risk factor for POAF occurrence after off-pump CABG in elderly high-risk patients with coronary artery disease, and preoperative prophylactic IABP placement can significantly reduce the occurrence of POAF in this population.
10.Recent advances on the role of ferroptosis in diabetic retinopathy
Xiaoyu HOU ; Ziqiang LIU ; Xuqi BI ; Yinde TIAN ; Jingying WANG ; Chuanhong JIE
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(12):991-996
Iron,a vital trace element and redox-active metal in the human body,is pivotal in cellular processes and en-gages in a multitude of biological reactions.Ferroptosis,an emerging form of regulated cell death,is predominantly instiga-ted by the excessive free iron that catalyzes reactive oxygen species(ROS)production via the Fenton reaction.This process results in the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids within the cellular lipid membrane,compromising the membrane's integrity and thereby inducing ferroptosis.In the context of diabetic retinopathy(DR),ferroptosis plays a sig-nificant role.The disruption of iron metabolism,the excessive accumulation of ROS,and the imbalance of the antioxidant system are key mechanisms contributing to ferroptosis in retinal tissues and the exacerbation of DR's pathological progres-sion.This review provides a systematic summary and in-depth discussion of the advancements in understanding the role of ferroptosis in DR pathogenesis,intending to offer valuable insights for future research endeavors in this field.

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