AIM: To investigate the influence of relevant inflammatory markers in peripheral blood on the progression of neovascular glaucoma(NVG)secondary to diabetic retinopathy(DR)patients.METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of NVG: those with proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)alone(PDR group, n=148)and those with NVG secondary to PDR(NVG secondary to PDR group, n=142). Peripheral blood inflammatory markers were evaluated, including white blood cell-related indices, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio(MLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index(SII). The distinctions in peripheral blood inflammatory markers between the two groups of patients and their relationships with NVG secondary to PDR were analyzed.RESULTS:No statistically significant differences were observed in basic characteristics between the two groups, confirming their comparability. However, significant differences were found in eosinophil percentage and MLR between the PDR group and the NVG secondary to PDR group(all P<0.05), with both values being significantly higher in the NVG secondary to PDR group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that the eosinophil percentage and the MLR were factors influencing the development of patients with NVG secondary to PDR.CONCLUSION: Eosinophil percentage and MLR may be associated with the progression of PDR to NVG, and could serve as potential predictive markers for NVG development in PDR patients.

With the continuous advancement and innovation in medical equipment technology, the transition between high-flow oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation, and invasive ventilation can be easily achieved by adjusting the ventilation mode of ventilators. During the weaning phase for tracheotomized patients, it is necessary to disconnect the ventilator circuit, change the ventilator mode, and gradually extend the weaning time to achieve complete ventilator liberation. During the weaning process, due to patients' excessive dependence on the ventilator, there may be situations where respiratory endpoints and Y-connectors of the ventilator are reconnected for invasive ventilation. However, during the weaning process, the Y-connector and expiratory end connectors are exposed to the air, which cannot ensure the tightness of the ventilator circuit, easily increasing the probability of ventilator circuit contamination and subsequently the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). To overcome these issues, the research team of department of critical care medicine of Zhongda Hospital Southeast University has designed a ventilator circuit interface protective device for weaning and has obtained a National Utility Model Patent of China (ZL 2023 2 1453385.8). The main body of the protective device is a Y-connector plug, consisting of multiple components, including a sealing piece, a protective cover, a sealing plug, an interface 1 (connects with the patient's tracheal tube), an interface 2 (connects with the respiratory branch of the ventilator), and an interface 3 (connects with the expiratory branch of the ventilator), featuring a unique design and easy operation. During the patient's weaning training process, the interface 1 and interface 2 is disconnected from the patient's tracheal tube and respiratory branch, respectively. The interface 1 is plugged with a stopper, and the interface 2 is covered with a protective cover to ensure the tightness of the expiratory branch and Y-connector of the ventilator. During the period when the patient is using the ventilator, the protective cover and plug are removed, and connecting them together ensures the tightness of the device itself, reducing the incidence of VAP caused by ventilator circuit contamination, avoiding nosocomial infections, and shortening the prolonged use of invasive ventilation, increased complication rate, extended hospital stay, and increased medical cost associated with weaning.
Humans ; Ventilator Weaning/methods* ; Equipment Design ; Ventilators, Mechanical ; Respiration, Artificial/instrumentation* ; Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated/prevention & control*

Background::Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the main types of malignant tumor of the digestive system, and patient prognosis is affected by difficulties in early diagnosis, poor treatment response, and a high postoperative recurrence rate. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) has been widely used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and postoperative follow-up of PDAC patients. Nevertheless, the production mechanism and potential role of CA19-9 in PDAC progression have not yet been elucidated.Methods::We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on six samples pathologically diagnosed as PDAC (three CA19-9-positive and three CA19-9-negative PDAC samples) and two paracarcinoma samples. We also downloaded and integrated PDAC samples (each from three CA19-9-positive and CA19-9-negative patients) from an online database. The dynamics of the proportion and potential function of each cell type were verified through immunofluorescence. Moreover, we built an in vitro coculture cellular model to confirm the potential function of CA19-9. Results::Three subtypes of cancer cells with a high ability to produce CA19-9 were identified by the markers TOP2A, AQP5, and MUC5AC. CA19-9 production bypass was discovered on antigen-presenting cancer-associated fibroblasts (apCAFs). Importantly, the proportion of immature ficolin-1 positive (FCN1+) macrophages was high in the CA19-9-negative group, and the proportion of mature M2-like macrophages was high in the CA19-9-positive group. High proportions of these two macrophage subtypes were associated with an unfavourable clinical prognosis. Further experiments indicated that CA19-9 could facilitate the transformation of M0 macrophages into M2 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Conclusions::Our study described CA19-9 production at single-cell resolution and the dynamics of the immune atlas in CA19-9-positive and CA19-9-negative PDAC. CA19-9 could promote M2 polarization of macrophage in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment.

Objective To understand and summarize the clinicopathological characteristics and differential diagnosis of lymphoepithelial sialadenitis(LESA)-like thymic hyperplasia.Methods The clinicopathological data of patients with LESA-like thymic hyperplasia diagnosed in our hospital from October 1,2019 to September 1,2023 were collected,and the related literatures on their epidemiological characteristics,clinicopathological features,treatments and prognosis were reviewed.Results There were 2 female patients with LESA-like thymic hyperplasia included,at an onset age of 51 and 52 years,respectively.Imaging examination revealed an anterior mediastinal mass in both patients,with the largest diameter of 7.5 and 12.0 cm,respectively.Microscopic morphology and immunophenotype analysis showed there were florid lymphoid follicles with germinal centers.Reticular or nested thymic epithelial,thymic corpuscles and lymphoepithelial lesions without dysplasia were seen in the interfollicular areas as well.Focal cystic changes,cholesterol crystals and the formation of cholesterol granuloma were observed.Our results were similar to the pathological morphology and immunohistochemical phenotype of 46 cases with LESA-like thymic hyperplasia reported in the literature.They had favorable prognosis,except 5 patients progressed to lymphoma.Conclusion LESA-like thymic hyperplasia is a benign disease with unique morphological characteristics and of favorable prognosis.But rare patients can progress to lymphoma,therefore regular and close follow-up is still required.

Objective To study the epidemiological characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Ma'anshan area and analyze the influencing factors of acute exacerbation. Methods The clinical data of 1 676 patients with COPD who visited the Department of Respiratory Medicine of Deyu Medical Ma'anshan General Hospital from 2020 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into acute exacerbation group and stable group according to whether they had acute exacerbation or not，and the general information, severity of COPD, previous pulmonary infection and combined hypoproteinemia were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of acute exacerbation. Results A total of 1 676 COPD patients were mainly male (58.17%) and ≥ 46 years old (82.58%), of which the incidence of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) was 78.82%. Logistic regression analysis showed that male sex , ≥46 years of age, smoking >400 cigarettes/year, occupational exposure to dust, severe and very severe COPD, recurrent new coronavirus infections, combined cardiovascular disease, or hypoproteinemia were risk factors for acute exacerbations in COPD patients. Conclusion Nearly 80% of COPD patients in Ma'anshan area have previously experienced acute exacerbations, and prevention and treatment cannot be ignored. Strengthening the education and prevention of key populations can effectively reduce the incidence of AECOPD and improve the overall prognosis of COPD patients.

Objective To analyze the pathogenic bacteria and drug resistance of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis(PDAP),and provide a clinical reference for the rational use of antibiotics.Methods The demographic data of PDAP patients admitted to the peritoneal dialysis(PD)Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from July 1,2015 to December 30,2021 were collected,and the pathogens,drug resistance and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed.Results A total of 150 episodes of PDAP occurred in 92 patients.The positive rate of PD fluid culture was 61.33％,including 65 cases(70.65％)of Gram-positive(G+)bacteria,mainly Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.Gram-negative(G-)bacteria were in 16 cases(17.39％),mainly Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae.There were 11 cases(11.96％)of multiple infections,including 5 cases of combined fungal infection.From 2016 to 2021,the incidence of G+bacteria-related PDAP decreased from 14 to 8 cases.G+strains were resistant to methicillin(35.00％),and were sensitive to linezolid(100.00％),teicoplanin(100.00％)and rifampicin(100.00％).The sensitivity rate to vancomycin was 98.59％.G-strains were sensitive to ceftazidime(86.36％),ceftizoxime(88.89％)and amikacin(100.00％).The MIC of vancomycin against Staphylococcus showed an upward trend in 2019-2021.The overall cure rate of PDAP was 81.33％in patients who responded to antibiotic treatment,and the cure rate of G+bacteria was higher than that of multiple infections(89.23％vs.36.36％,P＜0.01).The outcome of patients with multiple infections,especially those with concurrent fungal infection was poor.Conclusion The incidence of PDAP in the PD center has shown a decreasing trend in recent years.G+bacteria are still the main pathogenic bacteria causing PDAP,and they are highly resistant to methicillin,so vancomycin should be used as empirical therapy.For G-bacteria,cefotaxime and amikacin can be chosen as empirical therapy.There is a drift in the MIC values of vancomycin against Staphylococcus in the study period,so it is necessary to monitor the MIC of vancomycin against Staphylococcus and its changing trend.

OBJECTIVE To develop a whole-process intelligent model of pharmaceutical care for peritoneal dialysis （PD） patients， and to provide a reference for clinical pharmacists to provide standardized PD pharmaceutical care. METHODS The pharmaceutical care mode of PD patients at home and abroad was investigated and analyzed. Based on the actual situation of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University （hereinafter referred to as “our hospital”）， with “home→PD center outpatient→ inpatient department” as the main node， the recycling process of medication reconciliation was optimized. The whole-process intelligent pharmaceutical care model of PD was illustrated by improving the Chinese version of the drug-related problems （DRPs） classification tool， developing the corresponding pharmaceutical care process， and presenting specific cases. RESULTS Based on the medication therapy management （MTM） platform， our hospital had built a closed-loop PD whole-process intelligent pharmaceutical care model of “in-hospital pharmaceutical care （building document）-PD outpatient MTM-home pharmaceutical care （online App management）”. A “double cycle” workflow of “admission→discharge→outpatient” medication reconciliation cycle and “discovery-analysis-intervention-follow-up-record-evaluation” DRPs cycle was formed. CONCLUSIONS The establishment of the whole-process intelligent pharmaceutical care model for PD in our hospital provides experience for standardizing pharmaceutical care for PD patients， and can reduce DRPs.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the situation and causes of the shortage of drugs in centralized volume-based procurement， and to put forward countermeasures and suggestions for optimizing centralized procurement rules and improving the drug shortage supply guarantee system. METHODS The shortage data of the first five batches of centralized purchasing drugs during January 2019 and December 2021 were collected from the Shortage Database of Chinese medicine economic information； descriptive statistical analysis was performed for shortage frequency， varieties and reasons. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS After the first five batches of centralized volumetric procurement policy landed， the frequency of drug shortage reported for selected specifications and selected enterprises increased significantly， mainly drug shortage of selected enterprises. The shortage of some varieties from selected enterprises in the short term was obvious， and most of them were commonly used clinical drugs. The occurrence of drug shortages was affected by various links such as the production， circulation and use， and the main reasons were shortage or monopoly of raw materials. In order to ensure the drugs supply， the government should scientifically assess the risk of production interruption of enterprises， further optimize centralized procurement rules， improve the reporting system for drug shortages， and attach importance to the supply of key drugs； in addition， hospitals should take a variety of measures within the scopes of policies to flexibly respond to drug shortages so as to avoid delaying the treatment of patients.

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of modified arthroscopic Brostr?m procedure for the treatment of chronic ankle instability combined with multiple ligament laxity.Methods:A retrospective case series study was used to analyze the clinical data of 26 patients with chronic ankle instability combined with multiple ligament laxity treated at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2016 to December 2020, including 10 males and 16 females; aged 18-48 years [(27.5±7.1)years]. All patients underwent arthroscopic repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) by the modified Brostr?m procedure. Healing of surgical incisions was observed after operation. The change of talus tilt angle for ankle stability evaluation, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score for ankle function evaluation, and the visual analogue score (VAS) for pain evaluation were assessed before operation, at 3 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up. Complications were observed.Results:All patients were followed up for 18-47 months [(25.3±8.5)months]. All surgical incisions were healed at stage I. The talus tilt angle was decreased from preoperative (15.6±4.7)° to (4.1±1.3)° and (3.5±0.9)° at 3 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up (all P<0.01). The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was improved from preoperative (65.8±14.5)points to (86.5±5.6)points and (93.4±4.2)points at 3 months postoperatively and at the final follow-up (all P<0.01). The VAS was decreased from preoperative 3.0 (2.0, 4.0)points to 1.5 (0.0, 2.0)points and 1.0 (0.0, 1.2)points at 3 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up (all P<0.01). Significantly higher AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and lower VAS were found at the final follow-up when compared with the scores at 3 months postoperatively (all P<0.05). One patient developed superficial peroneal nerve injury, which was recovered spontaneously without special treatment. Conclusion:For chronic ankle instability combined with multiple ligament laxity, the modified arthroscopic Brostr?m procedure has advantages of improved ankle stability, good ankle function recovery, obvious pain relief and less postoperative complications.

Objective    To summarize the efficacy of robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the treatment of left upper lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer. Methods    The clinical data of patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent left upper lobectomy with RATS or VATS in our center from January 2019 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to surgical methods: a RATS group and a VATS group. The baseline clinical data and results were compared between the two groups. Results    A total of 145 patients were included. There were 78 males and 67 females with a mean age of 59.9 years. There were 63 patients in the RATS group and 82 patients in the VATS group. There was no death within 30 days after operation in both groups. In the RATS group, the drainage volume on the second postoperative day (233.49±83.94 mL vs. 284.88±120.21 mL, P=0.003), total operative time (126.94±29.50 min vs. 181.59±61.51 min, P=0.000), intraoperative resection time of the left upper lobe (76.48±27.52 min vs. 107.23±47.84 min, P=0.000), intraoperative blood loss (P=0.000), and conversion rate to thoracotomy (P=0.018) were significantly better than those in the VATS group. The group (5.41±0.94 groups vs. 4.83±1.31 groups, P=0.002) and number (18.27±7.39 vs. 12.76±6.54, P=0.000) of dissected lymph nodes in the RATS group were significantly more than those in the VATS group. The differences in the drainage volume on the first day after operation, postoperative intubation time, postoperative hospital stay or postoperative complications between the two groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion    The application of RATS in the left upper lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer is safe and feasible, and has obvious advantages over VATS.