Objective To explore the indication, surgical technique, and clinical efficacy of the cross bar based on the Nuss procedure in pectus excavatum. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent cross bar based on the Nuss procedure from August 2023 to August 2024 in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results A total of 88 patients including 85 males and 3 females with a mean age of (17.56±5.20) years were enrolled. All operations were performed successfully without intraoperative cardiac injury, pericardial injury or diaphragmatic injury. The mean operation time was (147.65±47.75) min. The mean blood loss was (13.30±9.06) mL. The mean postoperative hospitalization stay was (4.81±1.55) days, without perioperative death. Six (6.82%) patients developed early postoperative complications, including 3 patients of pleural effusion, 1 patient of subcutaneous hematoma, 1 patient of suffocation and 1 patient of bar rotation. The postoperative outcomes were excellent in 71 (80.68%) patients, good in 16 (18.18%) patients and moderate in 1 (1.13%) patient. The excellent and good rate was 98.86%. Conclusion The cross bar technique is safe and convenient, with satisfactory results. It is worth promoting in clinical application.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the hemodynamic pattern of non-culprit vessel stenosis and long-term vessel-oriented composite outcome(VOCO) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods:From January 2019 to December 2021, 233 consecutive patients with STEMI and non-culprit vessel stenosis were prospectively enrolled at Shanghai East Hospital. The median follow-up duration was 3.9 years. The 367 non-culprit vessels of the 233 patients were divided into the VOCO group (33 vessels, 9.0%) and the non-VOCO group (334 vessels, 91.0%). Parameters pertaining to the hemodynamic pattern of non-culprit vessel stenosis between the two groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the correlation between hemodynamic pattern and VOCO, and Cox multivariate regression and logistic multivariate regression analyses were applied to identify independent predictors of VOCO.Results:The 233 enrolled patients were aged (62.5±12.9) years, with 193 males (82.8%). In the VOCO group, the maximum quantitative flow ratio (QFR) decreased within 20 mm of the QFR-assessed segment, the difference in QFR across the entire vessel, the length of functionally significant vessel, and the maximum gradient of QFR decrease (dQFR/dsmax) were significantly greater than those in the non-VOCO group. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal threshold for predicting VOCO using dQFR/dsmax was 0.009 6 (area under the curve: 0.691, 95% CI: 0.606-0.775, P<0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that dQFR/dsmax was an independent predictor of VOCO ( HR=1.199, 95% CI: 1.070-1.343, P=0.002). When anatomical and functional stenosis severities were included in the model, a high pullback pressure gradient (PPG) index ( HR=1.572, 95% CI: 1.052-2.351, P=0.027) emerged as an independent predictor of VOCO. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that a low PPG index( OR=2.851, 95% CI: 1.945-4.178, P<0.001) was an independent predictor of QFR≤0.80 without long-term VOCO. Conclusion:In patients with STEMI, localized hemodynamic patterns of coronary artery stenosis, characterized by high dQFR/dsmax and high PPG index, are associated with long-term VOCO.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the hemodynamic pattern of non-culprit vessel stenosis and long-term vessel-oriented composite outcome(VOCO) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods:From January 2019 to December 2021, 233 consecutive patients with STEMI and non-culprit vessel stenosis were prospectively enrolled at Shanghai East Hospital. The median follow-up duration was 3.9 years. The 367 non-culprit vessels of the 233 patients were divided into the VOCO group (33 vessels, 9.0%) and the non-VOCO group (334 vessels, 91.0%). Parameters pertaining to the hemodynamic pattern of non-culprit vessel stenosis between the two groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the correlation between hemodynamic pattern and VOCO, and Cox multivariate regression and logistic multivariate regression analyses were applied to identify independent predictors of VOCO.Results:The 233 enrolled patients were aged (62.5±12.9) years, with 193 males (82.8%). In the VOCO group, the maximum quantitative flow ratio (QFR) decreased within 20 mm of the QFR-assessed segment, the difference in QFR across the entire vessel, the length of functionally significant vessel, and the maximum gradient of QFR decrease (dQFR/dsmax) were significantly greater than those in the non-VOCO group. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal threshold for predicting VOCO using dQFR/dsmax was 0.009 6 (area under the curve: 0.691, 95% CI: 0.606-0.775, P<0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that dQFR/dsmax was an independent predictor of VOCO ( HR=1.199, 95% CI: 1.070-1.343, P=0.002). When anatomical and functional stenosis severities were included in the model, a high pullback pressure gradient (PPG) index ( HR=1.572, 95% CI: 1.052-2.351, P=0.027) emerged as an independent predictor of VOCO. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that a low PPG index( OR=2.851, 95% CI: 1.945-4.178, P<0.001) was an independent predictor of QFR≤0.80 without long-term VOCO. Conclusion:In patients with STEMI, localized hemodynamic patterns of coronary artery stenosis, characterized by high dQFR/dsmax and high PPG index, are associated with long-term VOCO.

Background/Aims: Four-week treatment of linvencorvir (RO7049389) was generally safe and well tolerated, and showed anti-viral activity in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of 48-week treatment with linvencorvir plus standard of care (SoC) in CHB patients. Methods: This was a multicentre, non-randomized, non-controlled, open-label phase 2 study enrolling three cohorts: nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC)-suppressed patients received linvencorvir plus NUC (Cohort A, n=32); treatment-naïve patients received linvencorvir plus NUC without (Cohort B, n=10) or with (Cohort C, n=30) pegylated interferon-α (Peg-IFN-α). Treatment duration was 48 weeks, followed by NUC alone for 24 weeks. Results: 68 patients completed the study. No patient achieved functional cure (sustained HBsAg loss and unquantifiable HBV DNA). By Week 48, 89% of treatment-naïve patients (10/10 Cohort B; 24/28 Cohort C) reached unquantifiable HBV DNA. Unquantifiable HBV RNA was achieved in 92% of patients with quantifiable baseline HBV RNA (14/15 Cohort A, 8/8 Cohort B, 22/25 Cohort C) at Week 48 along with partially sustained HBV RNA responses in treatment-naïve patients during follow-up period. Pronounced reductions in HBeAg and HBcrAg were observed in treatment-naïve patients, while HBsAg decline was only observed in Cohort C. Most adverse events were grade 1–2, and no linvencorvir-related serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions 48-week linvencorvir plus SoC was generally safe and well tolerated, and resulted in potent HBV DNA and RNA suppression. However, 48-week linvencorvir plus NUC with or without Peg-IFN did not result in the achievement of functional cure in any patient.

Osteosarcoma (OS) stood as the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor among children and adolescents, characterized by its aggressive nature and high propensity for metastasis, thus earning its classification as a highly malignant disease. The primary routes of metastasis in osteosarcoma encompassed hematogenous dissemination (the most common metastasis was lung metastasis) and lymph node involvement, with lymph node metastasis carrying a notably poorer prognosis when contrasted with lung metastasis. However, it was noteworthy that, at that time, clinical practice often overlooked the crucial aspect of conducting regional lymph node screening for newly diagnosed osteosarcoma patients, and there remained a dearth of standardized treatment protocols for osteosarcoma lymph node metastasis. The intricate mechanisms at the heart of osteosarcoma lymph node metastasis primarily revolved around the infiltration of lymphatic vessels by osteosarcoma cells possessing metastatic capabilities and the induction of lymphatic vessel formation by these cells. Nevertheless, it was imperative to underscore that our understanding of the comprehensive mechanisms underpinning the initiation and progression of these processes still remained incomplete. Moreover, following the adaptive proliferation of osteosarcoma cells within regional lymph nodes, there existed a complex biological process that involved a myriad of cytokines and signaling pathways. This process facilitated the metastasis of osteosarcoma cells to distant target organs, most notably the lungs, by virtue of the intimate anatomical relationships between the lymphatic and circulatory systems. Consequently, that comprehensive review sought to provide an all-encompassing exposition on various facets of osteosarcoma lymph node metastasis. These facets included the direct invasion of surrounding lymphatic vessels by osteosarcoma cells, the osteosarcoma cell-induced development of lymphatic vessels through the VEGFC/VEGFR-3 signaling axis, the remodeling of the lymph node microenvironment by osteosarcoma cells via Hsp5B and the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway to ensure their adaptation and survival, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of osteosarcoma cells promoting metastasis from lymph nodes to the lung, and the utilization of small-molecule compounds in the battle against osteosarcoma lymph node metastasis. The aim was to provide a comprehensive and systematic elucidation of the intricate mechanisms governing osteosarcoma lymph node metastasis and to furnish invaluable insights for the development of therapeutic strategies.

AIM: To observe the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on blood lipid levels and common inflammatory factors in patients with coronary heart disease. METHODS: The clinical data of 201 patients with coronary heart disease who were admitted to the Department of Cardiology of Shanghai East Hospital from April 2020 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into PCSK9 inhibitor treatment group (101 cases: statin + PCSK9 inhibitor) and control group (100 cases: statin treatment only) according to their medication status. Blood lipids, blood routine, CRP and FIB were re-examined after 1 month of treatment. The changes of blood lipids and inflammatory factors before and after treatment were compared. RESULTS: Before treatment, there was no significant difference in blood lipids, blood routine, CRP and FIB between the two groups (P> 0.05). The levels of sdLDL and Lp(a) were significantly decreased (P< 0.05); the levels of WBC, CRP, N and FIB were significantly decreased (P< 0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of TC, HDL, LDL-C, CRP and FIB in the PCSK9 inhibitor group were significantly changed (P< 0.05), and the results were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: PCSK9 inhibitors can not only reduce LDL-C levels, but also reduce Lp(a) levels. PCSK9 inhibitors can reduce CRP and FIB levels, suggesting that it can partially improve inflammation in peripheral blood in patients with coronary heart disease.

Objective To investigate the effect of Dexamethasone (Dex) on the proliferation and apoptosis of osteoblasts in vitro and to explore its underlying mechanism.Methods Osteoblasts were acquired by primary culturing from new born SD rats.The inverted microscope was used to observe the cellular appearance.The cells were identified by alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining.The third generation osteoblasts were divided into four groups.Cells were incubated with different concentrations (0,10-8 mol/L,10-7 mol/L,10-6 mol/L) of dexamethasone for 12 hours,24 and 48 hours.Cell Counting Kit-8 was performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect on cell proliferation.The apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry with Annexin Ⅴ-FITC/PI double staining.The fluorescence microscopy was used to test the nuclear alteration and the expression of caspase-3.Western blot assay was applied to detect the expression of Bcl-2,Bad,caspase-3 and phosphorylated Akt.One-Way analysis of variance was used to determine the difference between groups.LSD-t was used to compare the difference between any two groups.Results Com-pared with the control group,dexamethasone at dose of 10-8 mol/L,10-7 mol/L and 10-6 mol/L inhibited the proliferation of osteoblasts,most evidently in 48 hours (0.980±0.028 vs 1.143±0.017,t=5.454,P＜0.05;0.798±0.057 vs 1.143±0.017,t=1 1.555,P＜0.05;0.728±0.031 vs 1.143±0.017,t=13.908,P＜0.05).Dexamethasone at dose of 10-7 mol/L and 10-6 mol/L induced apoptosis of osteoblasts at 48 hours,showing significant difference compared with control group [(9.8± 2.6)％ vs (4.1±0.8)％,t=3.508,P＜0.05;(12.4±2.6)％ vs (4.1±0.8)％,t=5.140,P＜0.05].However,10-8 mol/L of dexamethasone had no apparent effect in inducing apoptosis of osteoblasts [(4.9±1.2)％ vs (4.1±0.8)％,t=0.470,P ＞0.05].The immunofluorescene staining result showed that the expression of caspase-3 protein was significantly increased in 10-7 mol/L and 10-6 mol/L dex group (t=4.320,8.475,P＜0.05).The Western blotting results showed that dexamethasoneat the concentration of 10-7 mol/L,10-6 mol/L could significantly increase the expression of Bad and caspase-3 and down-regulate the expression of Bcl-2 and p-Akt.The expression of Bcl-2 was markedly reduced by 53.8％,78.4％ (t=4.019,5.988;P＜0.05),The expression of p-Akt decreased by 37％,49.6％ (t=2.067,3.491;P＜0.05),the expression of Bad protein increased by 276.9％ and 334.8％ respectively (t=7.342,8.872;P＜0.05),the expression of caspase-3 protein were increased by 138.0％ and 193.9％ (t=5.510,7.750;P＜0.05).Conclusion Dexamethasone is capable of inhibiting the proliferation of osteoblast,as well as augmenting the apoptosis.The mechanism of this process is probably related to reduction of the level of Bcl-2 expressionand up-regulation the expression of Bad,caspase-3 with the effects of inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND:Osteoblasts with high purity and activity are essential for bone metabolism research. OBJECTIVE:To explore a simple and effective culturing method of primary osteoblasts. METHODS:Osteoblasts were isolated from the parietal and frontal bones of newborn Sprague-Dawley rats using trypsin and collagenase digestion and tissue explant method. The morphology of osteoblasts was observed by inverted phase contrast microscope and transmission electron microscope;the cells was counted to draw the growth curve;the osteoblasts were identified by alkaline phosphatase BCIP/NBT staining and alizarin red staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The cells showed spindle, triangle or polygon shapes, having two or three protrusions. There were abundant mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum under electron microscope, which presented the typical characteristics of osteoblasts. The cell growth was slow intially, accelerating at the 3rd day, and peaking at the 7th day. The cells were highly positive for alkaline phosphatase staining and were stained orangered through the alizarin red staining. To conclude, the cells isolated using enzymatic digestion combined with tissue explant method exhibit the typical characteristics and functions of osteoblasts, and this method is an ideal way to culture primary osteoblasts.

Objective To study the influence of the minimal invasive Nuss procedure on the pulmonary function of post-operative pectus excavatum patients. Methods Conduct retrospective analysis on the data from 676 pectus excavatum patients who were treated by the minimal invasive Nuss procedure from August 2006 to November 2014. Wherein 182 cases have com-plete preoperative and postoperative pulmonary-function data of one year, three years. These cases were divided into 3 groups according to the age, namely, children group( from 6 to 12 years old, 34 cases) , adolescents group( from 13 to 18 years old, 80 cases) , adults group( above 18 years old, 68 cases) , among which there were 71 cases with pulmonary function data of 1 year after removal of steel plate, they were divided into 3 groups in the same way,namely, children group(20 cases), adoles-cents group(22 cases), adults group(29 cases) . To compare and analyze the pulmonary function indicatrix of patients with dif-ferent ages in preoperative stage, 1 year, 3 years postoperative stages and 1 year after dismantling the steel plate stage, and to investigate the influence of the minimal invasive Nuss procedure on the postoperative lung function. Results The pulmonary function indicatrix in preoperative stage, 1 year, 3 years postoperative stages of the children group did not have significant difference(P>0. 05); the FVC, FEV1 indicatrix of adolescents and adults groups declined after operation in 1 year and 3 years compared with the preoperative stage(P<0. 05), FEF 25％ -75％, FEF 50％, FEF75％ were improved after operation in 1 year and 3 years compared with the preoperative stage(P<0. 05);the pulmonary function indicatrix of three age groups in the 1 year after dismantling the steel plate stage had all improved, in which the pulmonary function indicatrix of the children group improves most significantly(P<0. 05). Conclusion After the minimal invasive Nuss procedure before the plate dis-mantling process, the pulmonary function of children patients remains to be similar. Partial ventilatory function was damaged in the adolescents and adults patients. After the plate dismantling process, the pulmonary function indicatrix of each age group hasimproved in different degrees. Improvement effect is the most significant in patients below the age of 12.