Objective:To determine the prevalence and risk factors of constipation in Hangzhou urban areas by analyzing data from a recent epidemiological survey.Methods:From August 2022 to June 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 43 communities on eight streets in suburbs of Hangzhou, including Wangjiang, Sijiqing, Puyan, Changhe, Ziyang, Xiaoshanchengxiang, Zhuantang, and Banshan. Written questionnaires were filled out face to face by community doctors. The prevalence of constipation was investigated using a combination of the Bristol stool typing method and the Rome IV criteria. The risk factors for constipation were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:The study cohort comprised 10,479 participants, 5551 of whom were male (53.0%) and 4928 female (47.0%). The overall prevalence of constipation was 10.6% (1107/10,479). The prevalence was 11.0% (613/5551) for male and 10.0% (494/4928) for female participants; this difference is not statistically significant ( P>0.05).There were no significant differences in the prevalence of constipation between different categories of body mass index ( P>0.05). The prevalence of constipation was highest in individuals aged 70 years and above, accounting for 15.4% (264/1717) of all cases. There were significant differences in the prevalence of constipation between different occupations, marital statuses, and educational levels ( P<0.001). Patients with hypertension or diabetes mellitus had a higher prevalence of constipation than those without these conditions, those who had been taking long-term medication had a higher prevalence of constipation than those who did not, parents of children with constipation had a higher prevalence of constipation than those with children who did not have constipation, and there were other significant differences in various variables ( P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of modifiable factors revealed that eating less fruit (OR=1.284, 95%CI: 1.061–1.553, P=0.010), liking spicy and salty food (OR=1.234, 95%CI: 1.039–1.466, P=0.016), sleeping for too long (OR=1.644, 95%CI: 1.260–2.144, P<0.001), irregular sleep patterns (OR=1.370, 95%CI: 1.127–1.665, P=0.002) and minimal exercise (OR=1.388, 95% CI: 1.168–1.649, P<0.001) were all risk factors for constipation; whereas mix diets (OR=0.709,95%CI:0.608–0.826, P<0.001), meat diets (OR=0.604,95%CI: 0.495–0.736, P<0.001), moderate alcohol consumption (OR=0.659, 95% CI: 0.534–0.812, P<0.001), less or no drinking (OR=0.523, 95% CI: 0.428–0.638, P<0.001), and non-smoking (OR=0.819, 95%CI:0.674–0.995, P<0.001) protected against constipation. We found no association between dietary preferences and the risk of constipation (refined grains: OR=1.147, 95%CI:0.944–1.393, P=0.167; no specific preference: OR=0.935, 95%CI:0.783–1.117, P=0.459). The rate of agreement between self-evaluation of constipation by the respondents and objective criteria was higher for negatives (95.8%) than for positives (38.0%). Conclusion:The prevalence of constipation is relatively high in the urban population of Hangzhou. A good lifestyle and diet can significantly reduce its incidence. There should be more emphasis on preventive education, promotion of prevention of constipation, and advocacy for a healthy lifestyle.

Objective:To determine the prevalence and risk factors of constipation in Hangzhou urban areas by analyzing data from a recent epidemiological survey.Methods:From August 2022 to June 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 43 communities on eight streets in suburbs of Hangzhou, including Wangjiang, Sijiqing, Puyan, Changhe, Ziyang, Xiaoshanchengxiang, Zhuantang, and Banshan. Written questionnaires were filled out face to face by community doctors. The prevalence of constipation was investigated using a combination of the Bristol stool typing method and the Rome IV criteria. The risk factors for constipation were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:The study cohort comprised 10,479 participants, 5551 of whom were male (53.0%) and 4928 female (47.0%). The overall prevalence of constipation was 10.6% (1107/10,479). The prevalence was 11.0% (613/5551) for male and 10.0% (494/4928) for female participants; this difference is not statistically significant ( P>0.05).There were no significant differences in the prevalence of constipation between different categories of body mass index ( P>0.05). The prevalence of constipation was highest in individuals aged 70 years and above, accounting for 15.4% (264/1717) of all cases. There were significant differences in the prevalence of constipation between different occupations, marital statuses, and educational levels ( P<0.001). Patients with hypertension or diabetes mellitus had a higher prevalence of constipation than those without these conditions, those who had been taking long-term medication had a higher prevalence of constipation than those who did not, parents of children with constipation had a higher prevalence of constipation than those with children who did not have constipation, and there were other significant differences in various variables ( P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of modifiable factors revealed that eating less fruit (OR=1.284, 95%CI: 1.061–1.553, P=0.010), liking spicy and salty food (OR=1.234, 95%CI: 1.039–1.466, P=0.016), sleeping for too long (OR=1.644, 95%CI: 1.260–2.144, P<0.001), irregular sleep patterns (OR=1.370, 95%CI: 1.127–1.665, P=0.002) and minimal exercise (OR=1.388, 95% CI: 1.168–1.649, P<0.001) were all risk factors for constipation; whereas mix diets (OR=0.709,95%CI:0.608–0.826, P<0.001), meat diets (OR=0.604,95%CI: 0.495–0.736, P<0.001), moderate alcohol consumption (OR=0.659, 95% CI: 0.534–0.812, P<0.001), less or no drinking (OR=0.523, 95% CI: 0.428–0.638, P<0.001), and non-smoking (OR=0.819, 95%CI:0.674–0.995, P<0.001) protected against constipation. We found no association between dietary preferences and the risk of constipation (refined grains: OR=1.147, 95%CI:0.944–1.393, P=0.167; no specific preference: OR=0.935, 95%CI:0.783–1.117, P=0.459). The rate of agreement between self-evaluation of constipation by the respondents and objective criteria was higher for negatives (95.8%) than for positives (38.0%). Conclusion:The prevalence of constipation is relatively high in the urban population of Hangzhou. A good lifestyle and diet can significantly reduce its incidence. There should be more emphasis on preventive education, promotion of prevention of constipation, and advocacy for a healthy lifestyle.

Objective:To study the anti-tumor efficacy of endostar microbubble combined with focused ultrasound radiation in colon cancer liver metastases.Method:29 mice with colon cancer liver metastasis were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1(8 mice), as the control group. Group 2(7 mice) were treated only with ultrasonic radiation. Group 3 (7 mice) treated with the ultrasonic radiation combined with SonoVue microbubbles without carrying any medicine. Group 4(7 mice), treated with the ultrasonic radiation combined with microbubbles carrying endostar. The mice were sacrificed and the tumor specimens were weighted on the 12 days after ultrasound radiation. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess CD34 expression within the metastatic tumor.Results:The tumor weight in group 4 (0.79±0.49)g was significantly lower than that in group 1 (2.67±0.61)g, group 2 (2.60±0.60)g and group 3 (1.74±0.33)g ( F=20.629, P<0.01). The liver metastatic tumor weight in group 4(0.55±0.16) g was much lower than that in group 1 (1.47±0.22)g, group 2(1.42±0.28) g and group 3 (0.95±0.27)g ( F=23.758, P<0.01). There was no obvious difference among the four groups in the number of nodules of metastatic tumor in liver ( F=0.167, P=0.918). The level of CD34 in group 4 were (8 037±1 708) , significantly lower than that in any other group, ( F=15.779, P<0.01). Conclusion:Endostar microbubble combined with focused ultrasound radiation decreases tumor angiogenesis in liver metastasis, and inhibits the growth of both primary and metastatic tumor.

Objective: To explore the safety and feasibility of colonoscopy - assisted transanal minimally invasive surgery via glove port (CA-TAMIS-GP) in the treatment of early rectal tumors. Methods: A total of 67 patients evaluated as early rectal tumors (adenoma limited within mucosal layer) with diameter ≤4.0 cm at Department of Anal-Colorectal Surgery, Hangzhou Third People′s Hospital from July 2013 to March 2017 were prospectively enrolled in the study. Benign tumors were diagnosed by preoperative imaging in all the patients with the distance to anal edge of 4 to 20 cm. Patients were randomly divided into treatment group and the control group according to the random number table. The treatment group (n=32) underwent CA-TAMIS-GP, including 19 males and 13 females with mean age of (55.6±11.2) years and mean tumor size of (3.3±0.4) cm, while the control group (n=35) underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD, control group), including 20 males and 15 females with mean age of (52.9±12.3) years and mean tumor size of (3.4±0.5) cm. Differences of baseline data between two groups were not significant (all P>0.05). The specific method of CA-TAMIS-GP was as follows: a surgical rubber glove sleeve (No.6) was passed through the anal device; the glove was fixed at the anvil device; after fully expanding the anus, the anal sac was placed into the anus with the fingers outside; then, the cuff and the anal sac were sutured and fixed to the perianal; a well-tight glove path was established; the ultrasonic scalpel, grasper and the colonoscopy lens connected to the host platform and the electric negative pressure suction were inserted into the three finger sleeves respectively and fixed by rubber band or silk thread; the laparoscopic instruments such as the grasper and the ultrasonic scalpel were used for pulling, grasping, cutting, electrocoagulation, suturing and other operations to complete the resection of rectal lesions. Efficacy, postoperative complication and operative cost, etc. between two groups were compared using the student′s t test, chi-square tests, and Fisher′s exact test. Results: Operations of two groups were completed successfully without conversion to laparotomy. Histopathologic examination showed all specimens had negative margins with the surgical resection of the layer to the submucosa, and showed no significant differences between two groups (P>0.05). Compared to the control group, the operation time was shorter [(49.5±14.6) minutes vs.(66.1±17.6) minutes, t=-4.235, P<0.001], and the intraoperative hemorrhage was less [(4.2±1.6) ml vs. (6.2±2.1) ml, t=-4.349, P<0.001] in the treatment group with significant differences. In the treatment group, 6 patients had mild anal pain or discomfort after operation, and 1 patient in the control group showed anal foreign body sensation. The difference was statistically significant [18.8% (6/32) vs. 2.9% (1/35), P=0.048]. The incidence of postoperative hematochezia in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group [9.4% (3/32) vs. 20.0% (7/35), P=0.310] without significant difference. The cost of consumables in the treatment group was (1586.9±204.4) yuan, which was lower than (7694.4±1123.2) yuan in control group, and the difference was statistically significant (t=-30.880, P<0.001). All the patients were followed up for 6 to 36 months after operation, and no recurrence or long-term complication occurred in the treatment group, while 1 case developed local recurrence in the control group. Conclusion CA-TAMIS-GP is a safe and effective method for early rectal tumors with simple and economical characteristics, which broadens the application of colonoscopy.

Objective To explore the safety and feasibility of colonoscopy?assisted transanal minimally invasive surgery via glove port (CA?TAMIS?GP) in the treatment of early rectal tumors. Methods A total of 67 patients evaluated as early rectal tumors (adenoma limited within mucosal layer) with diameter≤4.0 cm at Department of Anal?Colorectal Surgery, Hangzhou Third People′s Hospital from July 2013 to March 2017 were prospectively enrolled in the study. Benign tumors were diagnosed by preoperative imaging in all the patients with the distance to anal edge of 4 to 20 cm. Patients were randomly divided into treatment group and the control group according to the random number table. The treatment group (n=32) underwent CA?TAMIS?GP, including 19 males and 13 females with mean age of (55.6±11.2) years and mean tumor size of (3.3 ± 0.4) cm, while the control group (n=35) underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD, control group), including 20 males and 15 females with mean age of (52.9± 12.3) years and mean tumor size of (3.4±0.5) cm. Differences of baseline data between two groups were not significant (all P>0.05). The specific method of CA?TAMIS?GP was as follows: a surgical rubber glove sleeve (No. 6) was passed through the anal device; the glove was fixed at the anvil device; after fully expanding the anus, the anal sac was placed into the anus with the fingers outside; then, the cuff and the anal sac were sutured and fixed to the perianal; a well?tight glove path was established; the ultrasonic scalpel, grasper and the colonoscopy lens connected to the host platform and the electric negative pressure suction were inserted into the three finger sleeves respectively and fixed by rubber band or silk thread; the laparoscopic instruments such as the grasper and the ultrasonic scalpel were used for pulling, grasping, cutting, electrocoagulation, suturing and other operations to complete the resection of rectal lesions. Efficacy, postoperative complication and operative cost, etc. between two groups were compared using the student′s t test, chi?square tests, and Fisher′s exact test. Results Operations of two groups were completed successfully without conversion to laparotomy. Histopathologic examination showed all specimens had negative margins with the surgical resection of the layer to the submucosa, and showed no significant differences between two groups (P>0.05). Compared to the control group, the operation time was shorter [(49.5 ± 14.6) minutes vs. (66.1 ± 17.6) minutes, t=-4.235, P<0.001], and the intraoperative hemorrhage was less [(4.2 ± 1.6) ml vs. (6.2 ± 2.1) ml, t=-4.349, P<0.001] in the treatment group with significant differences. In the treatment group, 6 patients had mild anal pain or discomfort after operation, and 1 patient in the control group showed anal foreign body sensation. The difference was statistically significant [18.8% (6/32) vs. 2.9% (1/35), P=0.048]. The incidence of postoperative hematochezia in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group [9.4% (3/32) vs. 20.0% (7/35), P=0.310] without significant difference. The cost of consumables in the treatment group was (1586.9±204.4) yuan, which was lower than (7694.4±1123.2) yuan in control group, and the difference was statistically significant (t=-30.880, P<0.001). All the patients were followed up for 6 to 36 months after operation, and no recurrence or long?term complication occurred in the treatment group, while 1 case developed local recurrence in the control group. Conclusion CA?TAMIS?GP is a safe and effective method for early rectal tumors with simple and economical characteristics, which broadens the application of colonoscopy.

Objective To explore the safety and feasibility of colonoscopy?assisted transanal minimally invasive surgery via glove port (CA?TAMIS?GP) in the treatment of early rectal tumors. Methods A total of 67 patients evaluated as early rectal tumors (adenoma limited within mucosal layer) with diameter≤4.0 cm at Department of Anal?Colorectal Surgery, Hangzhou Third People′s Hospital from July 2013 to March 2017 were prospectively enrolled in the study. Benign tumors were diagnosed by preoperative imaging in all the patients with the distance to anal edge of 4 to 20 cm. Patients were randomly divided into treatment group and the control group according to the random number table. The treatment group (n=32) underwent CA?TAMIS?GP, including 19 males and 13 females with mean age of (55.6±11.2) years and mean tumor size of (3.3 ± 0.4) cm, while the control group (n=35) underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD, control group), including 20 males and 15 females with mean age of (52.9± 12.3) years and mean tumor size of (3.4±0.5) cm. Differences of baseline data between two groups were not significant (all P>0.05). The specific method of CA?TAMIS?GP was as follows: a surgical rubber glove sleeve (No. 6) was passed through the anal device; the glove was fixed at the anvil device; after fully expanding the anus, the anal sac was placed into the anus with the fingers outside; then, the cuff and the anal sac were sutured and fixed to the perianal; a well?tight glove path was established; the ultrasonic scalpel, grasper and the colonoscopy lens connected to the host platform and the electric negative pressure suction were inserted into the three finger sleeves respectively and fixed by rubber band or silk thread; the laparoscopic instruments such as the grasper and the ultrasonic scalpel were used for pulling, grasping, cutting, electrocoagulation, suturing and other operations to complete the resection of rectal lesions. Efficacy, postoperative complication and operative cost, etc. between two groups were compared using the student′s t test, chi?square tests, and Fisher′s exact test. Results Operations of two groups were completed successfully without conversion to laparotomy. Histopathologic examination showed all specimens had negative margins with the surgical resection of the layer to the submucosa, and showed no significant differences between two groups (P>0.05). Compared to the control group, the operation time was shorter [(49.5 ± 14.6) minutes vs. (66.1 ± 17.6) minutes, t=-4.235, P<0.001], and the intraoperative hemorrhage was less [(4.2 ± 1.6) ml vs. (6.2 ± 2.1) ml, t=-4.349, P<0.001] in the treatment group with significant differences. In the treatment group, 6 patients had mild anal pain or discomfort after operation, and 1 patient in the control group showed anal foreign body sensation. The difference was statistically significant [18.8% (6/32) vs. 2.9% (1/35), P=0.048]. The incidence of postoperative hematochezia in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group [9.4% (3/32) vs. 20.0% (7/35), P=0.310] without significant difference. The cost of consumables in the treatment group was (1586.9±204.4) yuan, which was lower than (7694.4±1123.2) yuan in control group, and the difference was statistically significant (t=-30.880, P<0.001). All the patients were followed up for 6 to 36 months after operation, and no recurrence or long?term complication occurred in the treatment group, while 1 case developed local recurrence in the control group. Conclusion CA?TAMIS?GP is a safe and effective method for early rectal tumors with simple and economical characteristics, which broadens the application of colonoscopy.

OBJECTIVETo explore the impact of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) knockdown by NGAL siRNA encapsulated with urocanic acid-modified chitosan nanoparticles (UAC) on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of human colon cancer cells.

METHODSNGAL siRNA was encapsulated by UAC and chitosan (CTS) respectively, and then was transfected into human colon cancer cell lines HT29. The NGAL mRNA was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-QPCR). Relationships of NGAL gene silencing with the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of HT29 cell were analyzed.

RESULTSUnder the fluorescence microscope, the transfection efficiency of siRNA in UAC group was (37.52±7.17)%, which was significantly higher than (11.32±3.39)% in CTS group (t=6.102, P=0.005). Forty-eight hours after transfection, RT-QPCR examination showed that the level of NGAL mRNA expression was 0.350 in UAC group and 0.529 in CTS group with significant difference (t=-3.743, P=0.02), meanwhile both levels were significantly lower as compared to control group(F=163.538, P<0.001). Proliferation analysis revealed that after silencing NGAL gene, proliferation rate of UAC group and CTS group was slightly lower than control group, and no significant differences were found (F=9.520, P=0.438). However, migration assay demonstrated that the 24-hour migration rate of UAC group and CTS group was significantly lower than that of control group (F=6.756, P=0.029), meanwhile the migration rate of UAC group was slightly lower than that of CTS group [(77.90±7.14)% vs. (87.67±3.98)%, t=-1.704, P=0.164]. Apoptosis detection revealed that the apoptosis rate in UAC group was significantly higher than that in CTS group and the control group 2 days after transfection [(15.800±1.054)% vs. (12.900±0.656)%, (11.933±1.914)%, F=7.004, P=0.027].

CONCLUSIONSThe encapsulated ability and transfection efficiency of chitosan modified by urocanic acid elevate significantly. Silencing NGAL gene by UAC carrier can down-regulate the expression of NGAL mRNA in HT29 colon cell line, inhibit their migration and facilitate their apoptosis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between serum miRNA-6086 expression level and anal fistula recurrence.

METHODSClinical data and serum samples of 60 patients with anal fistula and mix hemorrhoid identified by pathology undergoing resection in our department from August 2015 to August 2016 were collected. In addition, serum samples of 20 patients matching with fistula group in age, gender and body weight and receiving only hemorroidectomy were collected as control during the same period. Serum miRNA6086 expression level was detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR method, and the association of serum miRNA6086 expression level with clinicopathologic features was analyzed. Univariate ANOVA test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to analyze the association between serum miRNA6086 expression level and anal fistula recurrence.

RESULTSThe relative expression of serum miRNA6086 in fistula group was 65.85±15.57, which was significantly up-regulated for 4.87 folds of 13.52±7.32 in control group(P<0.05). In fistula group, 24 cases(40%) developed anal fistula recurrence, whose serum miRNA6086 expression was significantly higher compared to 36 cases without recurrence (74.06±12.92 vs. 60.38±14.90, P<0.05). No associations of serum miRNA6086 expression with age, gender, BMI, drug history, acute phase were observed (P>0.05), while association of serum miRNA6086 expression level with the type, number and position of anal fistula was significant (all P<0.05). Univariated analysis indicated that anal fistula type (χ=6.890, P=0.009), anal fistula number (χ=0.554, P<0.001) and serum miRNA6086 expression (χ=11.390, P=0.001) were significantly associated with anal fistula recurrence. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that complex anal fistula (OR=4.75, 95%CI: 1.84 to 12.01, P=0.001) and high expression of serum miRNA6086 (OR=3.22, 95%CI:1.31 to 8.22, P=0.011) were independent risk factors of anal fistula recurrence.

CONCLUSIONUp-regulated expression of serum miRNA6086 is associated to the anal fistula type and may be valuable in predicting the prognosis.

Objective To explore the effect of NGAL knockdown by NGAL siRNA encapsulated with urocanic acid-modified chitosan nanoparticles (UAC).MethodsNGAL siRNA encapsulated by UAC and chitosan (CTS) respectively, which were then used to transfect human colon cancer cell lines HT29.The expression level of NGAL protein were detected by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay(ELISA).ResultsThe ELISA study revealed that the expression level of NGAL protein in UAC group(average 0.583μg/L) was significantly lower than in CTS group (average 0.772μg/L) and control group(average 1.071μg/L) (P<0.05).ConclusionThe NGAL expression of mRNA and protein in HT29 cells could be down-regulated by siRNA encapsulated by UAC.

OBJECTIVETo detect and analyze the characteristic miRNAs profile of anal fistula and explore their possible target genes and potential clinical significance.

METHODSThe anal mucosa close to the hemorrhoids were collected from three patients undergoing fistulectomy and hemorrhoidectomy (fistula group) as well as three patients receiving only hemorroidectomy(hemorrhoids group), matching with fistula group in age, gender and body weight. miRNA microarray was used to compare the expression of 1 285 human miRNAs of the anal mucosa between two groups. Cluster analysis was adopted to analyze the accumulation of the differentially expressed miRNAs(P<0.05, fold≥2.0 or ≤0.5) and their target genes were predicted with 10 softwares such as DIANAmT, miRanda, miRDB, miRWalk etc. Comprehensive scoring was performed to identify genes with highest predictive score. Gene ontology (GO) concentration technique was used to analyze the target gene-associated biological process. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine protein expression of genes with the highest score.

RESULTSAmong 1285 miRNAs in fistula group, 13 miRNAs were differentially expressed with those in hemorrhoid group, including 2 of up-regulation and 11 of down-regulation. Paired t test showed that in fistula group, miRNA-3609 up-regulation was 5.98 folds(P=0.0231) and miR-181a-2-3p down-regulation was 0.13 folds(P=0.0067) compared to those in hemorrhoid group, which had the greatest differential expression. Cluster analysis suggested that up-regulated miR-3609 and miR-6086 had similar change trend in both groups. Among 11 down-regulated miRNAs, miR-125bp-1-3p and miR-548q had similar expression and other 9 miRNAs had similar expression as well, including miR-1185-1-3p, miR-532-3p, miR-1233-5p, miR-769-5p, miR-149-5p, miR-99b-3p, miR-141-3p, miR-138-5p, and miR-181a-2-3p. Target gene prediction analysis of above 13 genes showed that 7 miRNAs(53.8%) were eligible to predict their potential target genes, yielding totally 104 possible target genes. The rest of 6 miRNAs(46.2%) failed to predict any target gene. The highest score in prediction of target gene was chitinase 1(ChIT1) and its corresponding differential miRNA was miR-769-5p(r=-0.94286, P=0.0167). Gene ontology analysis showed that the most associated biological process related with these 104 target genes was keratinization, immune response and signal transduction. Immunohistochemistry revealed ChiT1 expression of anal mucosa in fistula group was significantly higher compared to hemorrhoid group(P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThere is a characteristic miRNAs profile in anal fistula patients, which may play a role in the occurrence and development of anal fistula.