Background/Aims: The pathophysiology of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (RGERD), which differs from proton pump inhibitor dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (DGERD), remains incompletely elucidated. This study aims to compare esophageal motility patterns, transdiaphragmatic pressure gradients (TPG), and reflux profiles between RGERD and DGERD patients, and to delineate dynamic pressure gradient-esophagogastric junction (EGJ) interactions in these patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, 274 patients who underwent 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring and high-resolution manometry, along with an assessment of proton pump inhibitor responsiveness, were classified as RGERD (32.5%), DGERD (54.4%), or non-GERD (13.1%). Clinical characteristics, TPG, esophageal motility, and reflux metrics were compared between RGERD and DGERD patients. Subgroup analysis excluding hiatal hernia (HH) was conducted to investigate the pathophysiology of RGERD. Results: The RGERD group exhibited a significantly higher proportion of chest pain compared to the DGERD group. Regarding reflux profiles, RGERD patients without HH (RGERDHH- group) experienced increased weakly acidic reflux (P < 0.001) and prolonged bolus exposure (P = 0.006) compared to their counterparts (DGERDHH- group). Mechanistically, the RGERDHH- group showed reduced lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure (P = 0.010) and EGJ contractile integral (P = 0.005). Notably, following a wet-swallow, the RGERDHH- group experienced the significant elevation in gastric pressure and TPG. Correlation analyses revealed weakly acidic reflux and bolus exposure were positively correlated with gastric pressure variation, and inversely correlated with lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure. Conclusions Transient gastric pressure elevation and compromised EGJ barrier function drive weakly acidic reflux and esophageal bolus exposure. This pressure gradient-barrier mismatch underpins the refractoriness of RGERD.

Objective:To evaluate the short-term safety and efficacy of total laparoscopic, laparoscopy-assisted, and open total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer who have undergone neoadjuvant therapy.Methods:In this retrospective cohort study, relevant clinical data on 243 patients who had undergone radical total gastrectomy after receiving neoadjuvant therapy were collected. These patients had been admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Yuncheng Central Hospital of Shanxi Province, and Heji Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College between January 2020 and April 2024. Among them, 202 were male (83.1%) and 41 were female (16.9%), and their average age was 61.3±8.1 years. The patients were allocated to three groups according to surgical procedure: total laparoscopic (68 cases), laparoscopic- assisted (79 cases), and open surgery (96 cases). We compared relevant baseline characteristics, neoadjuvant treatment, intraoperative and postoperative conditions, postoperative histopathological findings, and related complications between these three groups.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics or neoadjuvant treatment between the three groups (all P>0.05). The operative time was longer in the total laparoscopic group than in the laparoscopic-assisted and open surgery groups (267.7±37.9 minutes vs. 243.9±38.3 minutes vs. 219.7±41.2 minutes, respectively; F=7,112.278; P<0.001). However, more lymph nodes were harvested in the total laparoscopic group than in the laparoscopic-assisted and open surgery groups (27.8±4.8 vs. 27.4±6.3 vs. 27.2±5.1, respectively; F=6.042; P=0.002). Additionally, the total laparoscopic group had shorter times to first postoperative flatus (2.3±0.7 days vs. 2.4±0.7 days vs. 2.6±0.6 days, respectively; F=5.094; P=0.006] and first postoperative bowel movement (2.9±0.5 days vs. 3.0±0.6 days vs. 3.0±0.6 days, respectively; F=3.929; P=0.020). There were no statistically significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative transfusion rates, postoperative intensive care unit admission rates, maximum tumor diameter, number of positive lymph nodes dissected, TNM stage, time to first postoperative oral intake, time to drain removal, or length of hospital stay between the three groups (all P>0.05). Among the 243 patients, 22 developed postoperative complications, making the overall complication rate 9.1%. Six patients (8.8%) in the total laparoscopic group developed complications, comprising two (2.9%) Grade IIIa Clavien-Dindo complications. One of these patients (1.5%) was readmitted within 30 days due to complications. Seven patients (8.9%) in the laparoscopic-assisted group developed complications, comprising two (2.5%) Grade IIIa Clavien-Dindo complications. One of these patients was readmitted within 30 days and another was within 90 days due to complications. Nine patients (9.4%) in the open surgery group developed complications, comprising four (4.2%) Grade IIIa Clavien-Dindo complications. Two patients (2.1%) were readmitted within 30 days and another (1.0%) within 90 days due to complications. There were no statistically significant differences among the three surgical approaches in overall postoperative complication rates, Clavien-Dindo grades, or readmission rates 30 and 90 days postoperatively (all P>0.05). Conclusions:In patients with gastric cancer who have undergone neoadjuvant therapy, there are no significant differences in the overall safety and short-term effectiveness of the three surgical procedures. Although the operative time is longer for total laparoscopic total gastrectomy, this procedure offers the advantages of faster postoperative recovery and earlier resumption of feeding.

To investigate the awareness of cognitive impairment disorders among residents of the Xizang Autonomous Region and its influencing factors, thereby providing a basis for targeted prevention and treatment efforts.

Objective:To explore the predictive value of systemic immune inflammation index combined with stress response index for postoperative urinary tract infection in patients with complicated kidney stones.Methods:From June 2021 to June 2023,97 patients who underwent treatment for urinary tract infection after complex kidney stone operation in Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine were selected as infected group,and 87 patients who did not develop urinary tract infection after complex kidney stone operation were selected as uninfected group.Systemic immunoinflammatory index(SII),neutrophils,lympho-cyte,platelet,malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT)levels were detected.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze risk factors of postoperative urinary tract infection,and ROC curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of SII,MDA,SOD and CAT alone and combined detection for postoperative urinary tract infection in patients with complex kidney stones.Results:Compared with uninfected group,levels of SII,neutrophils and MDA were increased in infected group,while levels of SOD and CAT were decreased(P<0.05).Levels of lymphocytes and platelets were decreased,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that presence of urinary tract history,opera-tion time≥100 min,urinary catheter retention time≥7 d,presence of preoperative urinary tract infection,stone load≥1 000 mm2,combined renal dysfunction,and preoperative blood glucose≥6.15 mmol/L were main risk factors for postoperative urinary tract infection in patients with complex kidney stones.ROC curve showed that combined detection was significantly more effective than single detec-tion of SII,MDA,SOD and CAT in the diagnosis of postoperative urinary tract infection in patients with precomplex kidney stones.Conclusion:Patients with urinary tract infection after complicated kidney stones have increased SII and MDA,decreased SOD and CAT levels,and the abnormal increased or decreased expression level are the predictors of risk of urinary tract infection after compli-cated kidney stones,which may be related with the diagnosis,development and prognosis of the disease.

Objective:To explore the predictive value of systemic immune inflammation index combined with stress response index for postoperative urinary tract infection in patients with complicated kidney stones.Methods:From June 2021 to June 2023,97 patients who underwent treatment for urinary tract infection after complex kidney stone operation in Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine were selected as infected group,and 87 patients who did not develop urinary tract infection after complex kidney stone operation were selected as uninfected group.Systemic immunoinflammatory index(SII),neutrophils,lympho-cyte,platelet,malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT)levels were detected.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze risk factors of postoperative urinary tract infection,and ROC curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of SII,MDA,SOD and CAT alone and combined detection for postoperative urinary tract infection in patients with complex kidney stones.Results:Compared with uninfected group,levels of SII,neutrophils and MDA were increased in infected group,while levels of SOD and CAT were decreased(P<0.05).Levels of lymphocytes and platelets were decreased,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that presence of urinary tract history,opera-tion time≥100 min,urinary catheter retention time≥7 d,presence of preoperative urinary tract infection,stone load≥1 000 mm2,combined renal dysfunction,and preoperative blood glucose≥6.15 mmol/L were main risk factors for postoperative urinary tract infection in patients with complex kidney stones.ROC curve showed that combined detection was significantly more effective than single detec-tion of SII,MDA,SOD and CAT in the diagnosis of postoperative urinary tract infection in patients with precomplex kidney stones.Conclusion:Patients with urinary tract infection after complicated kidney stones have increased SII and MDA,decreased SOD and CAT levels,and the abnormal increased or decreased expression level are the predictors of risk of urinary tract infection after compli-cated kidney stones,which may be related with the diagnosis,development and prognosis of the disease.

Objective:To evaluate the short-term safety and efficacy of total laparoscopic, laparoscopy-assisted, and open total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer who have undergone neoadjuvant therapy.Methods:In this retrospective cohort study, relevant clinical data on 243 patients who had undergone radical total gastrectomy after receiving neoadjuvant therapy were collected. These patients had been admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Yuncheng Central Hospital of Shanxi Province, and Heji Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College between January 2020 and April 2024. Among them, 202 were male (83.1%) and 41 were female (16.9%), and their average age was 61.3±8.1 years. The patients were allocated to three groups according to surgical procedure: total laparoscopic (68 cases), laparoscopic- assisted (79 cases), and open surgery (96 cases). We compared relevant baseline characteristics, neoadjuvant treatment, intraoperative and postoperative conditions, postoperative histopathological findings, and related complications between these three groups.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics or neoadjuvant treatment between the three groups (all P>0.05). The operative time was longer in the total laparoscopic group than in the laparoscopic-assisted and open surgery groups (267.7±37.9 minutes vs. 243.9±38.3 minutes vs. 219.7±41.2 minutes, respectively; F=7,112.278; P<0.001). However, more lymph nodes were harvested in the total laparoscopic group than in the laparoscopic-assisted and open surgery groups (27.8±4.8 vs. 27.4±6.3 vs. 27.2±5.1, respectively; F=6.042; P=0.002). Additionally, the total laparoscopic group had shorter times to first postoperative flatus (2.3±0.7 days vs. 2.4±0.7 days vs. 2.6±0.6 days, respectively; F=5.094; P=0.006] and first postoperative bowel movement (2.9±0.5 days vs. 3.0±0.6 days vs. 3.0±0.6 days, respectively; F=3.929; P=0.020). There were no statistically significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative transfusion rates, postoperative intensive care unit admission rates, maximum tumor diameter, number of positive lymph nodes dissected, TNM stage, time to first postoperative oral intake, time to drain removal, or length of hospital stay between the three groups (all P>0.05). Among the 243 patients, 22 developed postoperative complications, making the overall complication rate 9.1%. Six patients (8.8%) in the total laparoscopic group developed complications, comprising two (2.9%) Grade IIIa Clavien-Dindo complications. One of these patients (1.5%) was readmitted within 30 days due to complications. Seven patients (8.9%) in the laparoscopic-assisted group developed complications, comprising two (2.5%) Grade IIIa Clavien-Dindo complications. One of these patients was readmitted within 30 days and another was within 90 days due to complications. Nine patients (9.4%) in the open surgery group developed complications, comprising four (4.2%) Grade IIIa Clavien-Dindo complications. Two patients (2.1%) were readmitted within 30 days and another (1.0%) within 90 days due to complications. There were no statistically significant differences among the three surgical approaches in overall postoperative complication rates, Clavien-Dindo grades, or readmission rates 30 and 90 days postoperatively (all P>0.05). Conclusions:In patients with gastric cancer who have undergone neoadjuvant therapy, there are no significant differences in the overall safety and short-term effectiveness of the three surgical procedures. Although the operative time is longer for total laparoscopic total gastrectomy, this procedure offers the advantages of faster postoperative recovery and earlier resumption of feeding.

Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.

【Objective】 To analyze the predictive value of serum β-defensin-3 (HBD-3) and decoy receptor 3 (DCR3) for urinary tract infection after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients with complex kidney calculi. 【Methods】 A prospective study was conducted on 112 patients treated with PCNL at our hospital during Jan.2020 and Dec.2022.The patients were divided into the non-infection group (52 cases) and infection group (60 cases).The general data, HBD-3 and DCR3 levels of the two groups were compared.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of C reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), HBD-3 and DCR3 levels for postoperative urinary tract infection. 【Results】 Compared with the non-infection group, the infection group had higher levels of HBD-3 [(0.77±0.08) ng/mL vs. (1.36±0.25) ng/mL, P=0.001] and DCR3 [(4.68±0.53) ng/mL vs.(13.21±0.28) ng/mL, P=0.001].Multivariate logistic regression showed that a history of urinary tract surgery, preoperative urinary tract infection, operation time, catheterization time, stone load, type of antibiotics, concomitant renal dysfunction, intraoperative channel type, CRP, PCT, HBD-3 and DCR3 were risk factors of postoperative urinary tract infection (P<0.05).The ROC curve showed that the accuracy of CRP, PCT, and CRP plus PCT were 70.54%, 72.32%, and 78.57%, respectively; the accuracy of HBD-3, DCR3, and HBD-3 plus DCR3 were 69.64%, 75.89%, and 86.61%, respectively. 【Conclusion】 Postoperative urinary tract infection in patients with complex kidney calculi is associated with multiple factors, especially high expression levels of HBD-3 and DCR3.Combined detection has high predictive value.

Objective:To explore the risk factors associated with the clinical progression of COVID-19 infection in kidney transplant(KT)recipients during the spread of Omicron variant and evaluate the effectiveness of anti-RNA virus agents in blocking the clinical progression of COVID-19 in these recipients.Methods:Retrospective analysis was conducted for the clinical data on COVID-19 infection in 232 KT recipients followed up from December 4, 2022 to January 31, 2023 at Department of Renal Transplantation, Organ Transplantation Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital.Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years and stable kidney function without renal replacement therapy.The follow-up time was 30 days after COVID-19 infection.Based upon whether or not there was an infection of COVID-19, KT recipients were divided into two groups of infection(181 cases)and non-infection(51 cases). In infection group, recipients were further assigned into two sub-groups of disease progression(n=23)and stable(158 cases)according to whether or not there was a progression to severe disease.Various factors such as gender, age, body mass index(BMI), time after transplantation, underlying diseases(history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease & chronic lung disease), smoking history and dosing of anti-RNA virus agents were collected.Pearson χ2 test or Fisher's exact probability method was utilized for examining enumeration data while Mann-Whitney U test for measurement data.Univariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted and variables with P<0.05 were included into multifactorial Logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for clinical progression of COVID-19 infection in KT recipients. Results:Among 232 KT recipients, infection rate of COVID-19 was 78.0%(181/232). The clinical classification was mild(112 cases), moderate(46 cases), severe(21 cases)and critical(n=2 cases). The severe rate was 12.7%(23/181). After infection with COVID-19, the proportion of KT recipients aged ≥65 years progressing from mild/moderate to severe was higher than those aged<65 years[38.5%(5/13)vs 10.7%(18/168)]. The difference was statistically significant( P=0.014); The proportion of diabetic KT recipients progressing from mild/moderate to severe was higher than those without diabetes[19.1%(13/68)vs 8.8%(10/113)]. The difference was statistically significant( P=0.045). Univariate Logistic analysis showed similar results.Age≥65 years( OR=5.21, 95% CI: 1.54-17.64, P=0.008)or diabetes mellitus( OR=2.44, 95% CI: 1.003-5.911, P=0.049)were the risk factors for COVID-19 infection recipients progressing from mild/moderate to severe disease.Multivariate Logistic analysis revealed that age ≥65 years( OR=4.03, 95% CI: 1.14-14.34, P=0.031)was an independent risk factor for COVID-19 infection recipients progressing from mild/moderate to severe.Among 181 cases of COVID-19 mild/medium infected patients, 18 cases received nimativir/ritonavir and 10 cases had azvudine for anti-RNA virus treatment.However, none of them progressed to severe; 153 cases did not use anti-RNA virus drugs and 23 cases(15.0%)progressed to severe disease and the difference was statistically significant( P=0.028). Among 23 severe cases, 14 cases received nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and 2 cases had azivudine for anti-RNA virus treatment.The former did not progress to critical disease while 1 case in the latter progressed to critical illness and death; 1/7 recipients not using anti-RNA virus agents progressed to critical illness and died while another 6 cases did not progress to critical illness. Conclusions:KT recipients aged ≥65 years or diabetes mellitus have a greater risk of progression from mild/moderate to severe disease after COVID-19 infection.Among them, age ≥65 years is an independent risk factor for patients with COVID-19 infection to progress from mild/moderate to severe.Antiviral treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or azivudine in KT recipients during mild/moderate stage of COVID-19 infection can significantly reduce the rate of severe disease.Treatment with Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir is still effective in the severe stage.

Objective:To evaluate the development and application of gastrointestinal endoscopy technology in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region from 2016 to 2020, and the impact of the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic on gastrointestinal endoscopy screening and lesion detection rate of medical institutions.Methods:Data of gastroscopy and colonoscopy cases from 26 cooperative institutions in BTH Region Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Medical Association from January 2016 to December 2020 were collected by questionnaire. The number of gastrointestinal endoscopy, the detection of main lesions (including upper gastrointestinal malignant tumors, early gastric cancer and colon cancer), and the number of endoscopic treatment were retrospectively analyzed by year.Results:From 2016 to 2019, the number of gastroscopy and colonoscopy showed a yearly increasing trend with an annual growth rate of over 10%. Compared with 2019, the number of gastroscopy and colonoscopy decreased by 10.86% and 8.29%, respectively, in 2020 due to the impact of the epidemic. The annual detection rates of upper gastrointestinal malignant tumors, early gastric cancer and colon cancer were on a rise, from 7.22%, 1.49% and 8.98% in 2016 to 9.87%, 2.71% and 12.04% in 2020, respectively. The number of gastroscopic mucosal resection, submucosal dissection and colonoscopic endoscopic submucosal dissection increased yearly, from 2 132, 300 and 217 cases in 2016 to 5 466, 872 and 560 cases in 2020, respectively.Conclusion:The Medical Association has promoted the expansion of endoscopic screening and the application of endoscopic treatment techniques, resulting in a continuous increase in the endoscopy detection rate and early cancer diagnosis rate in the BTH region. The sharp decrease of gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures and the increase in the lesion detection rate in 2020 reflect the impact of epidemic COVID-19 on detection of gastrointestinal cancers.