Objective To evaluate the value of modified percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy(PEG)for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)and dysphagia.Methods From January 2018 to December 2023,47 patients with ALS were treated with modified PEG in our hospital.The surgery was performed under local anesthesia.The patients were placed in a semi-seated position,and the surgeon performed surgery with an ultra-fine endoscope through oral entrance to the stomach.Results The modified PEG were successfully completed in all the 47 cases.The operation time was5-20 min[mean,(10.3±1.7)min].The postoperative hospitalization lasted for2-8 d(mean,2.8 d).Postoperative complications occurred in6 cases(12.8%),including aspiration pneumonia in4 cases(8.5%)and incision infection in2 cases(4.3%).The body mass index was17.06±0.89 before PEG and 18.15±0.81 at 3 months after PEG,with significant difference(t=-10.373,P=0.000).Conclusion For ALS patients with dysphagia,modified PEG is feasible,which significantly improves nutritional status of patients.

Objective:A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the safety of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy(PEG)in elderly patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS)and to identify the factors influencing major complications.The aim is to establish a more robust foundation for optimizing both the procedure and its timing, thereby enhancing the evidence base for refining the surgical approach.Methods:We retrospectively collected clinical data from elderly ALS patients(≥60 years old)who underwent PEG at Peking University Third Hospital between January 2006 and January 2024.This dataset includes information on general health conditions, the progression of ALS, comorbidities, surgical details, and related complications.Additionally, we analyzed the postoperative complications experienced by the included patients, focusing specifically on the risk factors associated with aspiration pneumonia.Results:A total of 140 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 68.2±5.9 years.Among these, 69 were male(49.3%)with a mean age of 68.4±6.5 years, and 71 were female(50.7%)with a mean age of 67.7±6.0 years.Successful outcomes were observed in 139 cases(99.3%).One case was not completed due to respiratory arrest caused by intraoperative aspiration.Postoperative complications occurred in 36 cases(25.7%), which included 9 cases of wound infection(6.4%), 1 case of abdominal infection(0.7%), 21 cases of aspiration pneumonia(15.0%), 1 case of local fistula leakage(0.7%), 2 cases of transient fever(1.4%), and 2 cases of death during hospitalization(1.4%).Both univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that an onset duration of ≤1 year( P=0.020)and a half-sitting position( P=0.022)significantly influenced the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia, acting as protective factors( β<0, OR<1). Conclusions:PEG is a safe method for providing enteral nutrition to elderly patients with ALS.While most complications associated with the procedure are mild and can be managed, Aspiration pneumonia remains a common and serious complication.However, early surgical intervention and the use of a semi-seated position during the procedure can help reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is widely used to treat common bile duct stones (CBDS); however, long-term studies have revealed the increasing incidence of recurrent CBDS after EST. Loss of sphincter of Oddi function after EST was the main cause of recurrent CBDS. Reparation of the sphincter of Oddi is therefore crucial. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and safety of endoclip papilloplasty (ECPP) for repairing the sphincter of Oddi and elucidate its mechanism. METHODS: Eight healthy Bama minipigs were randomly divided into the EST group and the ECPP group at a 1:1 ratio, and bile samples were collected before endoscopy and 6 months later. All minipigs underwent transabdominal biliary ultrasonography for the diagnosis of cholelithiasis 6 months after endoscopy. The biliary microbiota composition and alpha and beta diversity were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Differential metabolites were analyzed by bile acid metabolomics to explore the predictive indicators of cholelithiasis. RESULTS: Three minipigs were diagnosed with cholelithiasis in the EST group, while none in the ECPP group showed cholelithiasis. The biliary Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio was increased after EST and decreased after ECPP. The Chao1 and observed species index significantly decreased 6 months after EST ( P  = 0.017 and 0.018, respectively); however, the biliary α-diversity was similar before and 6 months after ECPP. The β-diversity significantly differed in the EST group before and 6 months after EST, as well as in the ECPP group before and 6 months after ECPP (analysis of similarities [ANOSIM]: R  = 0.917, P  = 0.040; R  = 0.740, P  = 0.035; respectively). Glycolithocholic acid (GLCA) and taurolithocholic acid (TLCA) accumulated in bile 6 months after EST. CONCLUSIONS ECPP has less impact on the biliary microenvironment than EST and prevents duodenobiliary reflux by repairing the sphincter of Oddi. The bile levels of GLCA and TLCA may be used to predict the risk of cholelithiasis.
Animals ; Swine, Miniature ; Swine ; Cholelithiasis/prevention & control* ; Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic/methods* ; Sphincter of Oddi/surgery* ; Female ; Male

Objective To explore the relationship between the expression levels of serum long chain non coding RNA Kinectin 1 antisense RNA 1(LncRNA KTN1-AS1)and retinoblastoma binding protein 4(RBBP4)with postoperative recurrence and metastasis in esophageal cancer patients.Methods From May 2018 to May 2021,119 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital were included as the study group.They were separated into an occurrence group(n=51)and a non occurrence group(n=68)based on whether there was recurrence or metastasis during a 3-year follow-up.Additionally,100 patients with benign esophageal tumors treated at the same stage were selected as the control group.ELISA method was applied to detect the expression levels of serum LncRNA KTN1-AS1 and RBBP4.Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the influencing factors of postoperative recurrence and metastasis in esophageal cancer patients.ROC curve was applied to analyze the predictive value of serum LncRNA KTN1-AS1 and RBBP4 for postoperative recurrence and metastasis in esophageal cancer patients.Results The expression levels of serum LncRNA KTN1-AS1 and RBBP4 in the study group were obviously higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05).The expression levels of serum LncRNA KTN1-AS1 and RBBP4,and the proportions of mucosal/submucosal infiltration depth,and low differentiation degree and proportion of lymph node metastasis in the occurrence group were obviously higher than those in the non occurrence group(P＜0.05).Serum LncRNA KTN1-AS1,RBBP4,proportion of lymph node metastasis,degree of differentiation,and depth of infiltration were influencing factors for postoperative recurrence and metastasis in esophageal cancer patients(P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of the combined prediction of serum LncRNA KTN1 AS1 and RBBP4 for postoperative recurrence and metastasis in esophageal cancer patients was 0.912,which was better than their individual predictions(Zcombination LncRNA KTN1 AS1=2.470,Zcombination-RBBp4=1.994,P=0.014,P=0.046),the sensitivity and specificity of the combined prediction were 90.20％and 85.29％,respectively.Conclusion The expression levels of serum LncRNA KTN1-AS1 and RBBP4 in esophageal cancer patients are obviously increased,which is closely related to postoperative recurrence and metastasis.The combined detection of the two has good predictive value for postoperative recurrence and metastasis in patients.

Objective To explore the relationship between the expression levels of serum long chain non coding RNA Kinectin 1 antisense RNA 1(LncRNA KTN1-AS1)and retinoblastoma binding protein 4(RBBP4)with postoperative recurrence and metastasis in esophageal cancer patients.Methods From May 2018 to May 2021,119 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital were included as the study group.They were separated into an occurrence group(n=51)and a non occurrence group(n=68)based on whether there was recurrence or metastasis during a 3-year follow-up.Additionally,100 patients with benign esophageal tumors treated at the same stage were selected as the control group.ELISA method was applied to detect the expression levels of serum LncRNA KTN1-AS1 and RBBP4.Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the influencing factors of postoperative recurrence and metastasis in esophageal cancer patients.ROC curve was applied to analyze the predictive value of serum LncRNA KTN1-AS1 and RBBP4 for postoperative recurrence and metastasis in esophageal cancer patients.Results The expression levels of serum LncRNA KTN1-AS1 and RBBP4 in the study group were obviously higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05).The expression levels of serum LncRNA KTN1-AS1 and RBBP4,and the proportions of mucosal/submucosal infiltration depth,and low differentiation degree and proportion of lymph node metastasis in the occurrence group were obviously higher than those in the non occurrence group(P＜0.05).Serum LncRNA KTN1-AS1,RBBP4,proportion of lymph node metastasis,degree of differentiation,and depth of infiltration were influencing factors for postoperative recurrence and metastasis in esophageal cancer patients(P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of the combined prediction of serum LncRNA KTN1 AS1 and RBBP4 for postoperative recurrence and metastasis in esophageal cancer patients was 0.912,which was better than their individual predictions(Zcombination LncRNA KTN1 AS1=2.470,Zcombination-RBBp4=1.994,P=0.014,P=0.046),the sensitivity and specificity of the combined prediction were 90.20％and 85.29％,respectively.Conclusion The expression levels of serum LncRNA KTN1-AS1 and RBBP4 in esophageal cancer patients are obviously increased,which is closely related to postoperative recurrence and metastasis.The combined detection of the two has good predictive value for postoperative recurrence and metastasis in patients.

Objective To evaluate the value of modified percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy(PEG)for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)and dysphagia.Methods From January 2018 to December 2023,47 patients with ALS were treated with modified PEG in our hospital.The surgery was performed under local anesthesia.The patients were placed in a semi-seated position,and the surgeon performed surgery with an ultra-fine endoscope through oral entrance to the stomach.Results The modified PEG were successfully completed in all the 47 cases.The operation time was5-20 min[mean,(10.3±1.7)min].The postoperative hospitalization lasted for2-8 d(mean,2.8 d).Postoperative complications occurred in6 cases(12.8%),including aspiration pneumonia in4 cases(8.5%)and incision infection in2 cases(4.3%).The body mass index was17.06±0.89 before PEG and 18.15±0.81 at 3 months after PEG,with significant difference(t=-10.373,P=0.000).Conclusion For ALS patients with dysphagia,modified PEG is feasible,which significantly improves nutritional status of patients.

Objective:A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the safety of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy(PEG)in elderly patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS)and to identify the factors influencing major complications.The aim is to establish a more robust foundation for optimizing both the procedure and its timing, thereby enhancing the evidence base for refining the surgical approach.Methods:We retrospectively collected clinical data from elderly ALS patients(≥60 years old)who underwent PEG at Peking University Third Hospital between January 2006 and January 2024.This dataset includes information on general health conditions, the progression of ALS, comorbidities, surgical details, and related complications.Additionally, we analyzed the postoperative complications experienced by the included patients, focusing specifically on the risk factors associated with aspiration pneumonia.Results:A total of 140 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 68.2±5.9 years.Among these, 69 were male(49.3%)with a mean age of 68.4±6.5 years, and 71 were female(50.7%)with a mean age of 67.7±6.0 years.Successful outcomes were observed in 139 cases(99.3%).One case was not completed due to respiratory arrest caused by intraoperative aspiration.Postoperative complications occurred in 36 cases(25.7%), which included 9 cases of wound infection(6.4%), 1 case of abdominal infection(0.7%), 21 cases of aspiration pneumonia(15.0%), 1 case of local fistula leakage(0.7%), 2 cases of transient fever(1.4%), and 2 cases of death during hospitalization(1.4%).Both univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that an onset duration of ≤1 year( P=0.020)and a half-sitting position( P=0.022)significantly influenced the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia, acting as protective factors( β<0, OR<1). Conclusions:PEG is a safe method for providing enteral nutrition to elderly patients with ALS.While most complications associated with the procedure are mild and can be managed, Aspiration pneumonia remains a common and serious complication.However, early surgical intervention and the use of a semi-seated position during the procedure can help reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia.

Objective:To fabricate the composite scaffolds for bone regeneration with silk fibroin (SF), bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNR) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) and evaluate their osteogenic activity.Methods:HAp particles, BCNR and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) were added into SF aqueous solution in turn, poured into molds of different sizes after being mixed evenly and processed at -25 ℃ for 24 hours to obtain frozen molds, and the composite scaffolds were frozen-dried by freezing-drying machine. The composite scaffolds with different mass ratios of SF and BCNR were divided into groups A (2∶1), B (4∶1) and C (6∶1), and the inactive composite scaffolds without BMP2 fell into group D. The surface morphology and pore structure of the scaffolds were detected by scanning electron microscopy. The porosity of the scaffolds was measured by mercury intrusion porosimeter. The stress-strain curve was obtained by using the universal material testing machine to compress the scaffolds, with which their compressive strength and Young′s modulus were analyzed. Immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (iMEF) were inoculated on the composite scaffolds of group A, B, C and D. At 4 and 8 days after cell inoculation, the proportion of alive and dead cells in each group was detected by cell survival/death staining; the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect cell proliferation activity in each group; the positive staining cells were detected in each group by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining; the ALP activity was observed in each group with ALP activity detection. A total of 15 female SD rats were selected to establish osteogenesis models with ectopic muscle bag. The composite scaffolds implanted with different SF/BCNR mass ratios and the inactive composite scaffolds without BMP2 fell into group A′ (2∶1), B′ (4∶1), C′ (6∶1) and D′ respectively, and a sham operation group was set at the same time, with 3 rats in each groups. In the sham operation group, the muscle bag and skin were sutured without scaffold implantation after the incision of skin, the blunt separation of the quadriceps muscle, and the formation of muscle bag in the muscle. In the other four groups, the corresponding scaffolds were implanted in the muscle bag and the muscle bag and skin were sutured. X-ray examination was performed at 2 and 4 weeks after operation to observe the osteogenesis in each group. At 4 weeks after operation, the implanted scaffolds and tissue complexes were collected by pathological tissue sectioning, HE staining and Masson staining, and for observing the osteogenesis by in each group. Immunohistochemical staining was also performed on the tissue sections to observe the expression of osteogenic markers type I collagen (COL1) and osteopontin (OPN) in each group.Results:Scanning electron microscopy showed that the lamellar and micropore structures of group B were more regular and uniform than those of groups A and C. The porosity rate analysis showed that the porosity rates of groups B and C were (89.752±1.866)% and (84.257±1.013)% respectively, higher than that of group A [(81.171±1.268)%] ( P<0.05 or 0.01), with the porosity rate of group C lower than that of group B ( P<0.01). The mechanical property test showed that the compressive strengths of groups B and C were (0.373±0.009)MPa and (0.403±0.017)MPa respectively, higher than that of group A [(0.044±0.003)MPa] ( P<0.01), and the Young′s moduli of groups B and C were (7.413±0.094)MPa and (9.515±0.615)MPa respectively, higher than that of group A [(1.881±0.036)MPa] ( P<0.01), with the compressive strength and Young′s modulus of group C higher than those of group B ( P<0.05 or 0.01). The cell survival/death staining showed that the number of dead cells of group B was significantly smaller than that of groups A, C and D at 4 days after cell inoculation, and that group B had the most living cells and the fewest dead cells at 8 days after cell inoculation. The results of CCK-8 experiment showed that at 4 days after cell inoculation, the cell proliferation activity of groups A and B was 0.474±0.009 and 0.545±0.018 respectively, higher than 0.394±0.016 of group D ( P<0.01); the cell proliferation activity of group C was 0.419±0.005, with no significant difference from that of group D ( P>0.05), while the cell proliferation activity of groups A and C were both lower than that of group B ( P<0.01). At 8 days after cell inoculation, the cell proliferation activity of group B was 1.290±0.021, higher than 1.047±0.011 of group D ( P<0.01); the cell proliferation activity of group C was 0.794±0.032, lower than that of group D ( P<0.01); the cell proliferation activity of group A was 1.086±0.020, with no significant difference from that of group D ( P>0.05); the cell proliferation activity of groups A and C was lower than that of group B ( P<0.01). At 4 and 8 days after cell inoculation, ALP staining showed that more positive cells were found in groups A, B and C when compared with group D, and more positive cells were found in group B than in groups A and C. At 4 days after cell inoculation, the ALP activity detection showed that the ALP activity of groups A, B and C was 1.399±0.071, 1.934±0.011 and 1.565±0.034 respectively, higher than 0.082±0.003 of group D ( P<0.01), while the ALP activity of groups A and C was lower than that of group B ( P<0.01). At 8 days after cell inoculation, the cell activity of groups A, B and C was 2.602±0.055, 3.216±0.092 and 2.145±0.170 respectively, higher than 0.101±0.001 of group D ( P<0.01), while the ALP activity of groups A and C was lower than that of group B ( P<0.01). X-ray examination results showed that at 2 weeks after operation, no obvious osteogenesis was observed in the sham operation group, group D′, A′ and C′, while it was observed in group B′. At 4 weeks after operation, obvious osteogenesis was observed in group A′, B′ and C′, with significantly more osteogenesis in group B′ than in the other two groups, while there was no obvious osteogenesis in the sham operation group and group D′. At 4 weeks after operation, the HE staining and Masson staining showed that a large number of uniformly distributed new bone tissue was formed in group B′, while only a small amount of new bone tissue was found locally in groups A′ and C′, and only part of new tissue was found to grow in group D′ with no obvious new bone tissue observed. The maturity of new bone tissue formed in group B′ was higher than that in group A′ and C′. Immunohistochemical staining showed more COL1 and OPN positive staining in group B′ when compared with groups A′ and C′. The expression intensity analysis of COL1 and OPN showed that in groups A′, B′ and C′, the expression intensity of COL1 was 2.822±0.384, 22.810±2.435 and 12.480±0.912 respectively and the expression intensity of OPN was 1.545±0.081, 5.374±0.121 and 2.246±0.116 respectively, with higher expression intensity of COL1 and OPN in groups B′ and C′ than that in group A′ ( P<0.01) and lower expression intensity of COL1 and OPN in group C′ than that in B′ group ( P<0.01). Conclusions:The composite scaffold for bone regeneration is successfully fabricated with SF, BCNR and HAp. The composite scaffold with a mass ratio of SF to BCNR of 4∶1 has uniform pore structure, high porosity, good mechanical properties and biocompatibility, excellent pro-osteogenic properties in vitro, as well as excellent osteo-inductivity and osteo-conductivity.

Objective:To explore the surgical techniques and effects of transfer of the free chimeric functional thoracodorsal artery perforator flap (TDAPF) with latissimus dorsi in reconstruction of dynamic muscle and soft tissue defects in forearm.Methods:From January 2014 to December 2020, a total of 13 transfer surgery of free chimeric functional TDAPF with vascularised latissimus dorsi were performed in the Department of Hand Surgery, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Ningbo Sixth Hospital, to reconstruct forearm composite defects. The patients were 12 males and 1 female with an average age of 33.2 years old. They all had open forearm injuries, with 5 in the left and 8 in the right. Removal of inactivated muscles, exploration and repair of blood vessels and nerves were performed in emergency surgery, and VSD were applied after the surgery. Phase II reconstructive surgery were completed within 4 to 12 days, with 7.5 days in average. The wounds and flaps sized were 9.0 cm×8.0 cm - 21.0 cm×11.0 cm and were 10.0 cm×9.0 cm - 22.0 cm×12.0 cm, respectively. The volume of transferred muscles ranged were 9.0 cm × 2.0 cm × 1.5 cm - 19.0 cm × 9.0 cm × 1.5 cm. Free chimeric functional muscular flaps were transferred to reconstruct the musculus flexor digitorum profundus in 4 patients, the musculus extensor digitorum communis in 8 patients, the musculus flexor carpi radialis in 3 patients, and the musculus flexor pollicis longus in 1 patient. Reconstruction of both of musculus flexor carpi radialis and musculus extensor digitorum communis with 2 functional sub-blocks of latissimus dorsi were performed in 3 patients. All donor sites were closed primarily. All patients were included in the postoperative follow-up to evaluate the appearance of flaps, range of motion of the digits, recovery of muscle strength and gripping power, at the outpatient clinics or through the telephone interview.Results:A total of 12 flaps survived uneventfully after reconstructive surgery. One flap developed a vascular crisis and it was rectified after surgical exploration. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 17 to 52 months, with a mean of 34.1 months. Appearances of limbs and flaps were good without obvious bulky, hyperpigmentation or scar contracture. Four patients with reconstructed musculus flexor digitorum profundus showed muscle strength recovery of M 4, with the fingertips measured lower than 2.0 cm from the centre of palm when clenching a fist, and the average gripping strength of the hand reached 27.5% (20%-35%) to the healthy side. Five patients with reconstructed musculus extensor digitorum communis showed muscle strength recovery of M 4, and there was no obvious limitation in fingers flexion and extension, with the average gripping strength of the hand reached 75.4% (65%-80%) to the healthy side. Of the 3 patients with reconstruction of both power muscles, the recovery of muscle strength of musculus flexor carpi radialis was at M 4 in all the 3 patients, and the musculus extensor digitorum communis was at M 4 in 1 and M 3 in 2 patients. However, the patient who received reconstruction of musculus flexor pollicis had no significant recovery in muscle strength. Conclusion:Transfer of free chimeric functional TDAPF combines the benefits of a perforator flap and a functional muscle transfer together. This surgical technique can effectively reconstruct damaged muscle groups in forearm and resulting in good hand movement. Additionally, it can also restore the aesthetic appearance of forearm, hence makes it an excellent option for complex wound coverage.

Objective:To investigate the effects of thinned anterolateral thigh perforator flaps combined with finger splitting and webplasty in sequential treatment of degloving destructive wound of total hand.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2012 to January 2023, a total of 15 cases who met the inclusion criteria with degloving destructive wound of total hand were admitted to Ningbo No.6 Hospital, including 10 males and 5 females, aged 17-75 years. The wounds were all combined with exposed bones or tendon. Emergency debridement and vacuum sealing drainage were performed in all cases before flap transplantation in stage Ⅰ. After thorough debridement, the wound area was 11.0 cm×3.0 cm-23.0 cm×13.5 cm. One or both anterolateral thigh perforator flaps with size of 12.5 cm×5.0 cm-25.0 cm×15.5 cm were designed, cut, and thinned to repair the skin and soft tissue defects of the hand. The donor site was sutured directly or repaired with medium-thickness skin graft from the opposite thigh. As needed, the flap was reconstructed by finger splitting and webplasty once or more times every 3 months after stage Ⅰoperation. The survival and complications of flap and wound healing at the donor site were observed after stage Ⅰoperation. The appearance of flap, two-point discrimination distance, and hand function were observed during the follow-up. At the final follow-up, the function of the affected hand was evaluated by the trial standards for evaluation of partial function of upper extremity by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association.Results:After the operation of stage Ⅰ, all the flaps of 15 cases of patients survived completely, including 1 case that had arterial crisis of flap but survived completely after exploration and re-anastomosis of blood vessels; all the wounds at the donor site healed. During the follow-up period of 6 to 18 months after stage Ⅰ, the flap was slightly swollen, with a little pigmentation, and the two-point discrimination distance in the finger flap was 8-11 mm. The fingers could complete the basic life actions such as flexion, extension, pinch, and grip. At the final follow-up, 3 cases were excellent, 9 cases were good, and 3 cases were acceptable in function evaluation of the affected hand.Conclusions:For degloving destructive wound of total hand, free transplantation of one or both thinned anterolateral thigh perforator flaps is used for repair in stage Ⅰ, and finger splitting and webplasty are used to reconstruct the flaps in the later stage, which can basically restore the pinch and grip function of the affected hand that is required for daily life, and is worthy of clinical promotion.