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 screen prognostic genes as indicators for predicting immunoactive in tumor microenvironment(TME)of gastric cancer(GC).Methods:Paraffin tissue specimens and corresponding paracancer tissues were collected from 55 patients with GC.Total 976 GC transcriptome RNA-Seqs and clinical datasets were obtained from TCGA and GEO databases.Infiltra-tion status of immune cells and Immune/Stormal scores were calculated using the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithm.R package"limma"was performed to selected differentially expressed genes(DEGs).Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine prognostic factors of DEGs.qRT-PCR was demonstrated to detect mRNA expression of the hub genes.Potential biological functions of GREM1 were investigated by GSEA.Correlations of GREM1 with immune signature molecules and drug susceptibility were investigated by TISIDB and CellMiner database.Results:Immune Score was positively correlated with improved outcomes of GC patients.A total of 40 shared TME-related DEGs were selected in the high and low groups of Immune Score and Stromal Score.Four survival-related DEGs were obtained by Cox analysis,which were GREM1,SFRP2,CYP1B1 and MGP.By comparing the difference of gene expres-sion in tumor and adjacent tissues and the degree of affinity with immune microenvironment,it was found that GREM1 was most likely to play a role in immune remodeling in TME;expression of GREM1 was positively correlated with clinicopathological features(TNM),while negatively correlated with survival time of GC patients.GSEA results showed that GREM1 high-expression group were mainly enriched in immune-related active genomes.Besides,GREM1 expression was positively correlated to M2 macrophages,while negatively correlated to CD8+T cells.GREM1 was also positively associated with immunosuppressor TGF-β1,immunopotentiator ENT-PD1,chemokine CCL14 as well as receptor CCR2.Moreover,GC patients with high expression of GREM1 might more sensitive to drug Vismodegib therapy.Conclusion:GREM1 can regard as an immunosuppressive clinical indicator in TME of GC.

Objective:To explore the in vitro antibacterial effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) combined with 3.5 g/L povidone iodine solution on the biofilm of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods:Immature (cultured for 24 hours) and mature (cultured for 72 hours) MRSA biofilms were established on the surfaces of glass slides or confocal dishes. They were randomly divided into 4 groups ( n=9) according to different intervention methods. In the control group, glass slides or confocal dishes were placed in 500 mL of physiological saline for 3 minutes; in the PI group, glass slides or confocal dishes were placed in 500 mL of 3.5 g/L povidone iodine solution for 3 minutes; in the LIPUS group, glass slides or confocal dishes were placed in 500 mL of physiological saline and simultaneously intervened with LIPUS for 3 minutes; in the LIPUS & PI group, glass slides or confocal dishes were placed into 500 mL of 3.5 g/L povidone iodine solution and simultaneously intervened with LIPUS for 3 minutes. After intervention, confocal microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to observe and compare the structure, morphology, bacterial survival, and viable cell count of the MRSA biofilms among the 4 groups. Results:On the MRSA biofilms cultured for 24 and 72 hours, CLSM and SEM observed sparse biofilms in the LIPUS group and LIPUS & PI group, and also a large number of dead bacteria in the LIPUS & PI group. On the MRSA biofilms cultured for 24 hours, the bacterial colony counts in the control group, PI group, LIPUS group, and LIPUS & PI group were (1.21±0.45)×10 6 CFU/mL, (3.38±2.81)×10 3 CFU/mL, (1.82±0.37)×10 3 CFU/mL, and (69.67±27.93) CFU/mL, respectively. Except for the comparison between PI group and LIPUS group, which showed no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05), there were statistically significant differences between the other groups when compared pairwise ( P<0.05). On the MRSA biofilms cultured for 72 hours, the bacterial colony counts in the control group, PI group, LIPUS group, and LIPUS & PI group were (3.01±0.70)×10 6 CFU/mL, (1.80±1.52)×10 5 CFU/mL, (2.10±0.52)×10 3 CFU/mL, and (68.67±19.55) CFU/mL, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the 4 groups when compared pairwise ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Application of LIPUS or 3.5 g/L povidone iodine alone for 3 minutes on the immature or mature MRSA biofilms in vitro only leads to partial antibacterial activity. However, LIPUS can enhance the in vitro antibacterial effect of 3.5 g/L povidone iodine on the MRSA biofilms at different maturity levels.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of single-stage total hip arthroplasty (THA) combined with intra-articular antibiotic injection in managing postoperative infections following internal fixation of hip fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 25 patients who underwent single-stage THA for infection following internal fixation of hip fractures from January 2013 to January 2021 at the Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The cohort comprised 15 males and 10 females, with an average age of 61.52±13.06 years (range, 32-89 years) and an average body mass index of 24.04±3.84 kg/m 2 (range, 18-34 kg/m 2). The fractures included 13 femoral neck fractures, 6 intertrochanteric fractures, 4 acetabular fractures, 1 proximal femoral fracture, and 1 combined acetabular and intertrochanteric fracture. Preoperative joint cavity puncture or intraoperative joint fluid extraction, biochemical analysis, microbial culture, and drug sensitivity tests were performed. During surgery, infected internal fixation devices were removed, and hip prostheses were implanted following thorough debridement. Postoperatively, patients received intravenous and intra-articular sensitive antibiotics based on bacterial culture and drug sensitivity results. Joint stability was evaluated according to the Engh standard, and hip function was assessed using the Harris score. Results:Microbial cultures were positive in 12 cases, identifying Staphylococcus epidermidis (4 cases), Staphylococcus aureus (2 cases), Escherichia coli (2 cases), Enterobacter cloacae (1 case), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1 case), Corynebacterium striatum (1 case), and a mixed infection of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis (1 case). All 25 patients were followed for an average of 56.64±26.38 months (range, 24-123 months). Intravenous and intra-articular antibiotic treatment was administered to all patients. One case experienced sinus tract formation and pus discharge on the 20th postoperative day, diagnosed as periprosthetic infection, resulting in treatment failure, yielding an infection control rate of 96% (24/25). All patients demonstrated stable prosthesis fixation with no subsidence, loosening, or osteolysis. At the final follow-up, the Harris hip score improved significantly from a preoperative score of 26.69±13.47 to 92.30±5.60 ( t=22.882, P<0.001). Complications included 2 cases of hip dislocation, 2 cases of deep venous thrombosis in the lower extremities, 1 case of poor wound healing, and 1 case of periprosthetic fracture. Conclusion:Single-stage THA combined with intra-articular antibiotic injection is effective in controlling infections following internal fixation of hip fractures. This approach not only achieves a high infection control rate but also reconstructs hip joint function, resulting in satisfactory postoperative outcomes.

Objective:To investigate the effects of regular yoga practice on pulmonary function and mechanical parameters of diaphragm.Methods:Eighty regular yoga practitioners, including 40 practicing for≤5 year (yoga≤5 years group) and 40 for>5 year (yoga>5 years group) were recruited in Shanxi Norman Bethune Hospital from January 2024 to April 2024; and 40 sedentary subjects were also recruited as the control group. The diaphragmatic motion was evaluated by two-dimensional ultrasound and speckle tracking ultrasound in all subjects, the parameters, including displacement, fractional thickening, strain and strain rate of diaphragm were observed at rest and deep breathing. At the same time, the pulmonary function tests were performed, the indexes including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1) and one-second rate (FEV 1/FVC) were measured in all subjects. The mechanical parameters of diaphragm and the pulmonary function were compared among three groups. Results:There were no significant differences in gender ( χ2= 0.346), age ( F=1.16), height ( F=0.45), weight ( F=0.11) and body mass index (BMI) ( F=0.07) among the three groups (all P>0.05).At the rest status, there was no significant difference in diaphragm displacement, thickening rate and strain among three groups ( F=1.21, 2.10 and 0.23,all P>0.05); the strain rate of yoga>5 years group was lower than that of other two groups ( t=-4.23、-4.10, all P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference between yoga≤5 years group and control group ( t=-0.06, P>0.05). During deep breathing, the increment of displacement, thickening rate, strain and strain rate of diaphragm in yoga>5 years group was larger than that in other tow groups, while the increment of yoga≤5 years group was larger than that in control group ( F=25.82, 60.99, 17.29 and 52.46, all P<0.05); the increment of FVC, FEV 1 and FEV 1/FVC in yoga>5 years group was larger than other two groups, whilc the increment of yoga≤5 years group was larger than that of sedentary group (F=4.49, 7.32 and 39.71, all P<0.05). The diaphragmatic displacement was positively correlated with FVC ( r=0.290, P<0.05), and diaphragmatic displacement and thickening rate were positively correlated with FEV 1 and FEV 1/FVC (0.333 and 0.448, 0.231 and 0.599, all P<0.05), the strain and strain rate of diaphragm were negatively correlated with FEV 1 and FEV 1/FVC ( r=-0.399 and -0.719, -0.355 and -0.796, all P<0.05). Conclusion:The regular yoga practice can improve the movement capacity and efficiency of diaphragm, improve the pulmonary function, and there is a negative correlation between the strain rate and the mechanical parameters of diaphragm and FEV 1, FEV 1/FVC.

Objective To analyze the distribution characteristics and clinical significance of allergens in children with allergic diseases in Yangzhou area. Methods A total of 1, 025 children who were treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University from December 2022 to December 2023 and tested for allergens were selected as study objects. The detection results of allergens were collected and the distribution characteristics of allergens were analyzed. Results Among the 1, 025 children with allergy-related diseases, 83.41% (855 cases) tested positive for allergens, with a positive rate of 66.24% (679 cases) for inhalant allergens and 61.17% (627 cases) for food allergens. The most common allergens were milk (36.20%), molds (33.27%), and house dust mites (30.34%). There was no statistically significant difference in the positive rate of allergens among different age groups (P>0.05). The positive rate of allergen detection in boys was higher than that in girls, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The positive rate of inhalation allergens in children with respiratory symptoms was higher than that of food allergens, and the positive rate of food allergens in children with digestive tract symptoms was higher than that of inhalation allergens (P < 0.05). For children with immune system diseases such as skin symptoms and allergic purpura, there was no statistically significant difference in the positive rates of inhalant and food allergens (P>0.05). Conclusion The most common allergens in children with allergic diseases in Yangzhou area are milk, molds, and dust mites. Allergen testing can provide reference opinions for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic diseases in children in Yangzhou area.

【Objective】 To establish a management information system (referred to as the system) for plasma collection stations in Zhejiang province, so as to explore the current situation of plasma donors and implement effective supervision in Zhejiang. 【Methods】 The system was developed and connected to four plasma collection stations that were officially operating in Zhejiang in terms of plasma station setting and approval, as well as the publicity, recruitment and management of plasma donors, information management of the whole process of plasma collection, management of deferral plasma donors, plasma quality management and administrative supervision etc. Relevant plasma donor information was uploaded to the system by each plasma station, and information before (January 2016 to December 2020) and after (January 8, 2021 to June 2021) the system was collected. Information included the number of plasma donors/donations, demographic information of eligible plasma donors in the past 5 years, the type of plasma donors, and the deferral donors after the system was activated. The online approval of Plasma Donation Certificate and the intelligent supervision of key points of plasma apheresis stations in Zhejiang were also conducted. The frequency and composition ratio were described, and chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. 【Results】 The system (V1.0) was established and was officially launched on January 8, 2021, realizing the interconnection of blood donation and plasma donation information as well as the unified management of 24 quality indicators. Since the system was applied (January 8, 2021-June 2021), the proportion of donors both donated blood and plasma over the province was 3.56 (832/23 389), and 352 deferred donors were masked by the system. And 30.11% (106/352) , who intended to donate plasma, were deferred due to insufficient interval after blood donation; 11.65% (41/352) due to permanent masking in blood donations; 23.86% (23.86%) , who intended to donate blood, were deferred due to insufficient interval after plasma donation ( 84/352); 34.38% (121/352) due to permanent masking in plasma donations. The median approval rate of four plasma stations applying for Plasma Donation Certificate before the system (January 1, 2016 to January 7, 2021) and after the system (January 8 to June 2021) were 93.38% (10 609/11 361) vs 99.50% (2 602/2 615). Before the system was put into launch, the ratio of male to female donors and the proportion of regular donors showed an overall upward trend, while the age decreased slightly. The median proportion of women in the past 5 years was 61.52 %, significantly higher than that in last 6 months after the launch(58.86%). 【Conclusion】 The application of the system can realize information interconnection between blood centers and plasma collection stations in Zhejiang as well as the real-time supervision of plasma collection process, which is helpful to overcome the shortcomings in plasma donor management.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the expression of p-Stat3 and Survivin in gastric cancer and the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients, and to establish the prediction model of postoperative survival of patients combined with alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST). Methods: Data of 133 patients undergoing gastric tumor resection were collected and followed up. The expression of p-STAT3 and Survivin in gastric cancer and precancerous tissues were detected by immunohistochemical method. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve. Logistic regression model combined with receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC) curve was used to describe the predictive value of multi-index combined detection on postoperative survival status of patients. The prediction model of the histogram was established using Survival and RMS packages in R Studio software. Results: The expressions of p-Stat3 and Survivin in gastric cancer tissues were higher than those in precancerous tissues. The expression of p-Stat3 in gastric cancer tissues was positively correlated with the depth of invasion and TNM stage, while the expression of Survivin in gastric cancer tissues was positively correlated with the degree of differentiation and the depth of invasion. The higher the expression levels of p-Stat3 and Survivin, the worse the prognosis. The lower the ALT level, the worse the prognosis. Survivin, ALT and AST were the optimal combination for predicting postoperative survival in patients with gastric cancer. Conclusion The expression of p-Stat3 and Survivin plays an auxiliary role in the diagnosis of gastric cancer. P-Stat3, Survivin and ALT are correlated with the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer and have predictive value. Survivin, ALT and AST combined model has a big value to predict the postoperative survival prognosis of gastric cancer patients, which can provide a reference for clinical practice.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors for patients with chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) combined with sinus tract.Methods:The patients with PJI following hip and knee arthroplasty from July 2014 to January 2020 in our institution were retrospectively reviewed. There were 96 males and 101 females, aged from 26 to 86 years with mean age of 62.02±13.54 years. There were 95 hip PJI patients (48.2%, 95/197), 102 knee PJI patients (51.8%, 102/197), 68 patients (34.5%, 68/197) with sinus tract, 129 patients (65.5%, 129/197) without sinus tract, 162 patients (82.2%, 162/197) with positive culture results and 35 patients (17.8%, 35/197) with negative culture results. The patients were divided into two groups according to the sinus tract formation. The diagnosis of PJI was based on the 2011 Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria. All of the included patients underwent serological laboratory tests (white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte percentage, hemoglobin, platelet count, mean platelet volume, urea, creatinine, albumin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein) and pathogen isolation. The influence of sinus tract on the above test and the effects of complications on sinus tract formation were analyzed. We further investigated the relationship between sinus tract formation and the features of pathogen. In addition, the risk factors for sinus tract formation were analyzed.Results:The mean values of all serological tests were without statistical difference between the groups with and without sinus tract ( P>0.05). The presence of complications had no effect on the occurrence of sinus tract ( P>0.05). The incidence of sinus tract with highly virulent pathogen infection group (52.1%, 25/48) was significantly higher than that in low virulence pathogen group (27.5%, 19/69), in culture negative patients (40.0%, 14/35) and in other cases (22.2%, 10/45; χ 2=11.519, P=0.009). There was no statistical difference between groups based on the Gram staining, antibiotic resistance and polymicrobial infection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed positive associations of extra joint infections ( OR=4.426, 95% CI: 1.095, 17.884) and high virulent pathogen infections ( OR=2.633, 95% CI: 1.171, 5.918) and negative association of age ≥70 ( OR=0.436, 95% CI: 0.205, 0.927) with the risk of sinus tract formation. Conclusion:The presence of sinus tract has no effect on the routine serum tests in patients with chronic PJI. There is only virulence factor which might affect sinus tract formation. For patients with the extra joint infections and high virulence pathogen infections, the formation of sinus tract should be vigilant during treatment.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the prognosis of lobectomy and sub-lobectomy for the treatment of stage Ia small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is rarely reported. We retrospectively studied T1N0M0 (≤3 cm) SCLC patients aged ≥60 years, aiming to comparatively analyze the prognosis of lobectomy and sub-lobectomy in treating patients with Ia SCLC. METHODS: Patients with stage Ia SCLC diagnosed by pathologic between 1992 and 2010 were selected from the "Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database"(SEER). Outcome data were compared using Kaplan-Meier (Log-rank test) and Cox model multivariate analysis. RESULTS: We identified 515 patients. Median overall survival (OS) of the lobectomy (n=110), sublobar resection (n=57) and non-surgical (n=348) cohort were 45, 23 and 16 months, respectively. The corresponding 5-year OS of the three groups were 44%, 30%, and 14%, respectively. No significant difference in the prognosis of patients with or without lymph node examination/ dissection (P=0.107) and the 5-year OS of patients underwent lobectomy with chemoradiation was 50%. Cox multivariable analysis showed that operation treatment, including lobectomy and sublobectomy, was one of the independent factors associated with the prognosis of early SCLC patients, and patients undergo lobectomy shows a better OS compared with sublobar resection (Lob vs Sub, HR=0.645; 95%CI: 0.433-0.961, P=0.031). CONCLUSIONS For age ≥60 years T1N0M0 (≤3 cm) SCLC patients, we recommend anatomical lobectomy combined with adjuvant chemoradiation.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pneumonectomy ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma ; diagnosis ; surgery