1.A learning curve analysis of domestic robot-assisted thyroid surgery via BABA approach
Jing XU ; Peng ZHOU ; Yongxiang LIU ; Jian ZHU ; Meng WANG ; Gang WANG ; Dayong ZHUANG ; Qingqing HE
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(4):503-508
Objective:To summarise the main points of operation during thyroid surgery using bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) with a domestic robot and to analyse the learning curve.Methods:From May. 2023 to Oct. 2023, we retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 38 patients who underwent thyroid surgery with domestically manufactured robot via BABA attending the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery of the 960th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, proposed and constructed learning curves using cumulative and analytical methods to study the minimum number of learning cases required for the loading time of assistants and surgeon-in-charge with da Vinci surgical experience to transition from the initial learning stage to the proficiency stage. The age, BMI, surgical time (loading time, operating time), postoperative drainage time, and number of lymph nodes dissected were compared among patients at different stages of the learning curve.Results:A total of 38 thyroidectomy patients successfully underwent surgery, with an average surgical time of (176.61 ± 47.98) minutes. After 18 cases, the assistant's loading time shortened and stabilized at (42.20 ± 3.44) minutes. The operator reached peak proficiency at the 18th case (loading time, operating time), which was considered the dividing point between the learning phase and the proficiency phase. During the learning phase, the average surgical time was (209.72 ± 49.28) minutes, operation time: (165.44 ± 49.93) minutes, while in the proficiency phase, the average surgical time decreased to 146.80 ± 18.34 minutes, operation time: (104.60 ± 19.01) minutes. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics such as age, BMI, postoperative drainage time, or the number of central compartment lymph nodes dissected between the two phases ( P > 0.05) . Conclusion:Over the results of this study, it was shown that for robosurgeons with experience in da Vinci robotic surgery, the transition from the learning stage to the proficiency stage could be considered after crossing the learning curve for 18 cases, and that assistants could become proficient in loading techniques after 18 procedures.
2.From stretching to signal:the sensory roles of YAP1 and PIEZO2 in bladder urothelial cells
Yongxiang SHAO ; Meng CHENG ; Mengyuan LIU ; Liangliang XING ; Zudu FAN ; Conglei HU ; Liping YAO ; Qian ZHANG ; Fei LIU
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(7):615-620
Objective To explore the roles of the mechanoreceptor Yes-associated protein 1(YAP1)and piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2(PIEZO2)in mechanotransduction in mouse bladder urothelial cells.Methods Mouse bladder urothelial cells were subjected to mechanical stretching using the FX-6000T cell stretching system and treated with the YAP1-specific inhibitor verteporfin(VP).The expressions of PIEZO2,YAP1 and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)at the mRNA and protein levels,as well as changes in cellular adenosine triphosphatase(ATP)concentration,were detected using reverse transcription quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and Western blotting(WB).Results After stretching stimulation,under the fluorescence microscope,it was observed that the diameter length of the stretched cells were longer than that before stretching,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The expressions of YAP1,PIEZO2 and CTGF at the mRNA and protein levels were increased in the stretched group compared to those of the non-stretched group(P<0.05).VP effectively reduced the expressions of YAP1,PIEZO2 and CTGF at the mRNA and protein levels after stretching stimulation(P<0.05).Stretching stimulation significantly increased the intracellular ATP concentration,while VP was able to inhibit the increase in ATP concentration,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.000 1).Conclusion Stretching stimulation increased the expressions of YAP1 and PIEZO2 in bladder urothelial cells and promoted the release of ATP;verteporfin inhibited the increase in YAP1 activity and the overexpression of PIEZO2 caused by stretching,thereby reducing the release of ATP.It is suggested that mouse bladder urothelial cells may primarily sense mechanical signals through the YAP1-PIEZO2-ATP pathway.
3.A learning curve analysis of domestic robot-assisted thyroid surgery via BABA approach
Jing XU ; Peng ZHOU ; Yongxiang LIU ; Jian ZHU ; Meng WANG ; Gang WANG ; Dayong ZHUANG ; Qingqing HE
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(4):503-508
Objective:To summarise the main points of operation during thyroid surgery using bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) with a domestic robot and to analyse the learning curve.Methods:From May. 2023 to Oct. 2023, we retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 38 patients who underwent thyroid surgery with domestically manufactured robot via BABA attending the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery of the 960th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, proposed and constructed learning curves using cumulative and analytical methods to study the minimum number of learning cases required for the loading time of assistants and surgeon-in-charge with da Vinci surgical experience to transition from the initial learning stage to the proficiency stage. The age, BMI, surgical time (loading time, operating time), postoperative drainage time, and number of lymph nodes dissected were compared among patients at different stages of the learning curve.Results:A total of 38 thyroidectomy patients successfully underwent surgery, with an average surgical time of (176.61 ± 47.98) minutes. After 18 cases, the assistant's loading time shortened and stabilized at (42.20 ± 3.44) minutes. The operator reached peak proficiency at the 18th case (loading time, operating time), which was considered the dividing point between the learning phase and the proficiency phase. During the learning phase, the average surgical time was (209.72 ± 49.28) minutes, operation time: (165.44 ± 49.93) minutes, while in the proficiency phase, the average surgical time decreased to 146.80 ± 18.34 minutes, operation time: (104.60 ± 19.01) minutes. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics such as age, BMI, postoperative drainage time, or the number of central compartment lymph nodes dissected between the two phases ( P > 0.05) . Conclusion:Over the results of this study, it was shown that for robosurgeons with experience in da Vinci robotic surgery, the transition from the learning stage to the proficiency stage could be considered after crossing the learning curve for 18 cases, and that assistants could become proficient in loading techniques after 18 procedures.
4.Correlation between gut microbiota and blood ammonia changes before and after TIPS in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Dong ZHANG ; Meng HU ; Yongxiang ZHOU ; Dan LI ; Yuanjun DENG ; Guangjun TIAN
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(6):590-596
Objective To explore the effect of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)on gut microbiota and blood ammonia level in patients with decompensated cirrhosis,and to analyze the correlation between the gut microbiota and blood ammonia level.Methods From July 2021 to December 2023,the patients with decompensated cirrhosis and portal hypertension complicated by esophagogastric variceal bleeding and/or refractory ascites,who received TIPS at Zhuhai Hospital of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine,were collected.The blood and stool samples were collected before and after TIPS.The changes in blood routine,prothrombin time,liver function,and blood ammonia level were determined.The change of gut microbiota was detected using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing,and Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between the gut microbiota and blood ammonia level.Results In 20 patients,the post-TIPS one-month levels of AST,TBil,DBiL,PT,and blood ammonia were higher than their pre-TIPS values(P<0.05),and the albumin(Alb)level was lower than the pre-TIPS value(P<0.05).The post-TIPS 3-month levels of TBil,DBil,PT,and blood ammonia were higher than their pre-TIPS values(P<0.05).One month after TIPS,the beta diversity of the gut microbiota became significantly different from the pre-TIPS pattern(P<0.05).After TIPS,the harmful bacteria such as Veillonella,Streptococcus and Haemophilus were significantly reduced,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The correlation analysis of gut microbiota and blood ammonia level showed that in T0 group Colidextribacter was positively correlated with blood ammonia level,while Roxobella was negatively correlated with blood ammonia level;and in T1 group,Colidextribacter and Streptococcus were positively correlated with blood ammonia level,while Coprococcus,Bifidobacterium and Parasutterella were negatively correlated with blood ammonia level,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion In patients with decompensated cirrhosis after receiving TIPS,significant changes in the pattern of gut microbiota occur.Certain correlations exist between the changes of some microbiota and blood ammonia levels.Regulating the intestinal microecology may contribute to reducing blood ammonia level after TIPS.
5.The role of YAP1 in regulating mitochondrial function and ATP release in bladder dysfunction induced by partial bladder outlet obstruction
Yongxiang SHAO ; Meng CHENG ; Mengyuan LIU ; Lingchen KONG ; Conglei HU ; Zilong LIANG ; Haofeng PANG ; Haiyang DU ; Zudu FAN ; Liping YAO ; Qian ZHANG ; Fei LIU
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(2):134-140
Objective:To investigate the role of mechanosensor Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in urothelial cells in inducing bladder dysfunction in a partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) model.Methods:Ten female C57BL/6 mice were included in this study and randomly divided into pBOO and sham groups based on body weight using a stratified pairing method, with 5 mice in each group. The pBOO group underwent proximal urethral ligation surgery, while the sham group underwent a sham operation. Two weeks after surgery, the urinary pattern was analyzed using the urine spot test. The significant increase in urine spot numbers indicated the successful establishment of the pBOO model. The mice were then sacrificed, and bladder tissues were weighed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to observe morphological changes. The bladder urothelial layer was further isolated, and total cell proteins were extracted to detect the expression levels of YAP1 protein using Western blotting. Mouse immortalized bladder urothelial cells were divided into three experimental groups: the negative control (NC) group, which was treated with YAP1-NC lentivirus; the overexpression (OE) group, which was treated with YAP1-OE lentivirus to induce YAP1 protein overexpression; and the verteporfin treatment (VP) group, which was treated with verteporfin on the basis of the OE group. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to verify the transcription and expression levels of YAP1 protein, the co-transcriptional activator TEAD4 protein, and the phosphorylated protein DRP1-616 (at serine 616) of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1). An ATP detection kit was used to measure the ATP release concentration in the NC, OE, and VP groups. The interaction between YAP1 and TEAD4 was investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, and the expression of the mitochondrial marker translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (Tom20) was observed using immunofluorescence staining.Results:The results of the urine spot test showed that the number of urine spots on the filter paper in the pBOO group was higher than that in the sham group within 6 hours [(283.0±9.1) spots vs. (3.7±0.3) spots, P<0.01], and the urine spots were scattered. The bladder wet weight in the pBOO group was significantly higher than that in the sham group [(105.70±6.84) mg vs. (22.33±1.20) mg, P<0.01]. Histological observations revealed reduced bladder mucosal folds and increased detrusor muscle thickness in the pBOO group. The expression of YAP1 protein in the bladder urothelial cells of the pBOO group was significantly upregulated compared to the sham group [(1.26±0.08) vs. (0.50±0.04), P<0.01]. In vitro experiments showed that compared to the NC group, the OE group had significantly increased expression of DRP1-616 [(0.94±0.05) vs. (0.33±0.01), P<0.01] and higher ATP release concentration [(24.45±0.16) μmol/mg vs. (19.67±0.42) μmol/mg, P<0.01]. In contrast, the VP group had significantly decreased expression of DRP1-616 [(0.29±0.04) vs. (0.94±0.05), P<0.01] and lower ATP release concentration [(10.55±0.01) μmol/mg vs. (24.45±0.16) μmol/mg, P<0.01] compared to the OE group. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments using YAP1 and TEAD4 antibodies showed that YAP1 and TEAD4 proteins could interact and form a transcriptional complex to regulate ATP release. Immunofluorescence staining revealed increased expression of Tom20 in the OE group compared to the NC group [(104.20±3.28) vs. (74.51±3.87), P<0.01]. Conclusions:In the pBOO-induced bladder dysfunction model, YAP1 is highly expressed in urothelial cells. YAP1 forms a transcriptional complex with TEAD4 to regulate ATP release by promoting mitochondrial fission via DRP1-616 expression, which is a key mechanism underlying pBOO-induced bladder dysfunction.
6.From stretching to signal:the sensory roles of YAP1 and PIEZO2 in bladder urothelial cells
Yongxiang SHAO ; Meng CHENG ; Mengyuan LIU ; Liangliang XING ; Zudu FAN ; Conglei HU ; Liping YAO ; Qian ZHANG ; Fei LIU
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(7):615-620
Objective To explore the roles of the mechanoreceptor Yes-associated protein 1(YAP1)and piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2(PIEZO2)in mechanotransduction in mouse bladder urothelial cells.Methods Mouse bladder urothelial cells were subjected to mechanical stretching using the FX-6000T cell stretching system and treated with the YAP1-specific inhibitor verteporfin(VP).The expressions of PIEZO2,YAP1 and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)at the mRNA and protein levels,as well as changes in cellular adenosine triphosphatase(ATP)concentration,were detected using reverse transcription quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and Western blotting(WB).Results After stretching stimulation,under the fluorescence microscope,it was observed that the diameter length of the stretched cells were longer than that before stretching,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The expressions of YAP1,PIEZO2 and CTGF at the mRNA and protein levels were increased in the stretched group compared to those of the non-stretched group(P<0.05).VP effectively reduced the expressions of YAP1,PIEZO2 and CTGF at the mRNA and protein levels after stretching stimulation(P<0.05).Stretching stimulation significantly increased the intracellular ATP concentration,while VP was able to inhibit the increase in ATP concentration,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.000 1).Conclusion Stretching stimulation increased the expressions of YAP1 and PIEZO2 in bladder urothelial cells and promoted the release of ATP;verteporfin inhibited the increase in YAP1 activity and the overexpression of PIEZO2 caused by stretching,thereby reducing the release of ATP.It is suggested that mouse bladder urothelial cells may primarily sense mechanical signals through the YAP1-PIEZO2-ATP pathway.
7.The role of YAP1 in regulating mitochondrial function and ATP release in bladder dysfunction induced by partial bladder outlet obstruction
Yongxiang SHAO ; Meng CHENG ; Mengyuan LIU ; Lingchen KONG ; Conglei HU ; Zilong LIANG ; Haofeng PANG ; Haiyang DU ; Zudu FAN ; Liping YAO ; Qian ZHANG ; Fei LIU
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(2):134-140
Objective:To investigate the role of mechanosensor Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in urothelial cells in inducing bladder dysfunction in a partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) model.Methods:Ten female C57BL/6 mice were included in this study and randomly divided into pBOO and sham groups based on body weight using a stratified pairing method, with 5 mice in each group. The pBOO group underwent proximal urethral ligation surgery, while the sham group underwent a sham operation. Two weeks after surgery, the urinary pattern was analyzed using the urine spot test. The significant increase in urine spot numbers indicated the successful establishment of the pBOO model. The mice were then sacrificed, and bladder tissues were weighed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to observe morphological changes. The bladder urothelial layer was further isolated, and total cell proteins were extracted to detect the expression levels of YAP1 protein using Western blotting. Mouse immortalized bladder urothelial cells were divided into three experimental groups: the negative control (NC) group, which was treated with YAP1-NC lentivirus; the overexpression (OE) group, which was treated with YAP1-OE lentivirus to induce YAP1 protein overexpression; and the verteporfin treatment (VP) group, which was treated with verteporfin on the basis of the OE group. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to verify the transcription and expression levels of YAP1 protein, the co-transcriptional activator TEAD4 protein, and the phosphorylated protein DRP1-616 (at serine 616) of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1). An ATP detection kit was used to measure the ATP release concentration in the NC, OE, and VP groups. The interaction between YAP1 and TEAD4 was investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, and the expression of the mitochondrial marker translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (Tom20) was observed using immunofluorescence staining.Results:The results of the urine spot test showed that the number of urine spots on the filter paper in the pBOO group was higher than that in the sham group within 6 hours [(283.0±9.1) spots vs. (3.7±0.3) spots, P<0.01], and the urine spots were scattered. The bladder wet weight in the pBOO group was significantly higher than that in the sham group [(105.70±6.84) mg vs. (22.33±1.20) mg, P<0.01]. Histological observations revealed reduced bladder mucosal folds and increased detrusor muscle thickness in the pBOO group. The expression of YAP1 protein in the bladder urothelial cells of the pBOO group was significantly upregulated compared to the sham group [(1.26±0.08) vs. (0.50±0.04), P<0.01]. In vitro experiments showed that compared to the NC group, the OE group had significantly increased expression of DRP1-616 [(0.94±0.05) vs. (0.33±0.01), P<0.01] and higher ATP release concentration [(24.45±0.16) μmol/mg vs. (19.67±0.42) μmol/mg, P<0.01]. In contrast, the VP group had significantly decreased expression of DRP1-616 [(0.29±0.04) vs. (0.94±0.05), P<0.01] and lower ATP release concentration [(10.55±0.01) μmol/mg vs. (24.45±0.16) μmol/mg, P<0.01] compared to the OE group. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments using YAP1 and TEAD4 antibodies showed that YAP1 and TEAD4 proteins could interact and form a transcriptional complex to regulate ATP release. Immunofluorescence staining revealed increased expression of Tom20 in the OE group compared to the NC group [(104.20±3.28) vs. (74.51±3.87), P<0.01]. Conclusions:In the pBOO-induced bladder dysfunction model, YAP1 is highly expressed in urothelial cells. YAP1 forms a transcriptional complex with TEAD4 to regulate ATP release by promoting mitochondrial fission via DRP1-616 expression, which is a key mechanism underlying pBOO-induced bladder dysfunction.
8.Research status on the role of heat shock protein in organ transplantation
Xuechao CHENG ; Yongxiang SONG ; Hui MENG
Organ Transplantation 2023;14(3):455-
Organ transplantation is an effective treatment for multiple end-stage diseases. In recent years, rapid progress has been made in the field of organ transplantation, which has been widely accepted and applied in clinical practice. However, low utilization rate of donors and high postoperative complications remain to be urgently resolved. Heat shock protein (HSP) is a category of protein family induced by heat shock or other stressors. Upon stress stimulation, HSP plays an anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and anti-apoptosis role in mitigating the stress-induced damage. HSP is also involved in the processes of promoting immune response and anti-rejection,
9.The posture decoding technique can improve the pelvis carriage and lumbar motion of patients with lower crossed syndrome, relieving back pain and relaxing the back muscles
Xiaowen ZHANG ; Qiang WANG ; Lin LI ; Pingping MENG ; Yuyang WANG ; Yongxiang ZHANG ; Yiyang XIAO ; Wenxing FAN
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2023;45(6):533-537
Objective:To observe the clinical effectiveness of manual therapy based on posture decoding for patients with lower crossed syndrome (LCS).Methods:Thirty-six LCS patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 18. The observation group received manual therapy based on posture decoding, while the control group was treated with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), both in 20min sessions, once a week for 4 weeks. Before the experiment, after one, two and four weeks of treatment and followed-up 4 and 8 weeks later, both groups were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and finger-floor distance (FFD). Anterior pelvic tilt angles (ASIS-PSISs), sacral slopes (SS), lumbar curve index (LCI) and surface EMG flexion-relaxation ratios (FRRs) were also recorded from both groups before and after the treatment.Results:After one and four weeks of the treatment, the average VAS, ODI, and FFD had decreased significantly in both groups, with all significantly lower in the observation group, on average. At the final follow-up, the average VAS and ODI scores of both groups were significantly lower than before the treatment, with those of the observation group significantly lower than the control group′s averages. After 4 weeks of treatment significant differences were observed also in the group′s average ASIS-PSISs, SSs and LCIs compared with before the treatment. And right after the treatment the left and right surface electromyography FRRs of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group.Conclusion:Manual therapy based on posture decoding can significantly improve the pelvis forward angle and lumbar motion of LCS patients, relieving back pain and relaxing back muscles.
10.Effects of enteral nutrition beginning at different time on aspiration rate and immune function in patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Yan CHEN ; Yongxiang WANG ; Yijuan GU ; Xiaoqin LIU ; Qianqian ZHUANG ; Xiaoli MENG ; Xiaozhu SHEN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2022;28(4):461-466
Objective To investigate the effect of enteral nutritional support beginning at different time on aspiration events and immune function in the early post-traumatic (within 14 days) period in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.Methods From June, 2018, to February, 2021, 75 patients with acute traumatic brain injury admitted in the Department of Neurosurgery of the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang were randomly divided into early feeding group (24 to 48 hours, n=35) and delayed feeding group (48 to 120 hours, n=40). The 14-day reflux rate, aspiration rate, incidence of aspiration pneumonia, immune indexes and complications were compared between two groups.Results There was no significant difference in the reflux rate, aspiration rate and the incidence of aspiration pneumonia between the two groups (P > 0.05). The levels of IgG, IgA, and complements C3 and C4 were significantly higher in the early feeding group than in the delayed feeding group (|t| > 1.720, P<0.001). The incidence of non-aspiratory lung infections was significantly lower in the early feeding group than in the delayed feeding group (χ2=4.728, P<0.05).Conclusion Initiating enteral nutrition within 24 to 48 hours after injury may preserve immune function and reduce the incidence of non-aspiratory lung infections in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

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