In recent years, with the clinical application of minimally invasive surgical techniques and comprehensive preoperative treatment, the survival rate of locally advanced esophageal cancer has significantly improved. However, the treatment of metastatic esophagogastric cancer still relies mainly on systemic therapy, and immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has become a first-line treatment option, prolonging the survival of patients with metastatic esophageal cancer. Oligometastatic esophageal cancer is expected to bring survival benefits through systemic therapy combined with local treatment. The 2024 European clinical practice guidelines for oligometastatic esophagogastric cancer have been officially released, which standardize the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of oligometastatic esophageal cancer for further prospective studies. The authors interpret this guideline, especially by reviewing the clinical evidence of oligometastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic esophageal cancer in China.

AIM:Given the uncertain impact of osmotic pressure on embryoid body(EB)differentiation,this study aimed to investigate the effects of increased osmotic pressure on EB differentiation and explore the potential relation-ship between this process and cadherin.METHODS:Polhethylene glycol 300(PEG 300)was used to increase the os-motic pressure of the culture medium used for cultivating EBs under both high osmotic pressure and standard culture condi-tions.The experimental design included a control group,an experimental group(hypertonic group),groups treated with varying concentrations of PEG 300,and an experimental group treated with an inhibitor.Western blot,RT-qPCR,AM/PI staining,CCK-8,and immunocytochemical staining was used to analyze the cell viability and the expression of CDH1 and CDH2 markers of the three germ layers,and pluripotency markers within the EBs.RESULTS:Hypertonicity did not af-fect cell viability.Significant differences were observed in the expression of the cadherin proteins CDH1 and CDH2 in EBs between the experimental and control groups;however,no cleartrend towards an EMT shift was observed.Specifically,CDH2 expression was significantly down-regulated in experimental group,showing a clear correlation with variations in os-motic pressure.Moreover,compared with control group,pluripotency markers in the EBs from experimental group exhibited significantly higher expression levels from the 2nd day to the 5th day.A substantial increase in the expression of mesoder-mal markers was also observed;however,a downward trend was observed for ectodermal markers in experimental group.Intervention using SB431542,which up-regulates CDH2 expression by affecting TGF-β signaling,reversed the expression trend of mesodermal and ectodermal markers in experimental group.CONCLUSION:Elevated osmotic pressure appears to enhance the mesodermal differentiation efficiency in EBs,possibly correlating with CDH1 and CDH2 changes induced by osmotic pressure.Therefore,this study emphasizes the significant role of osmotic pressure in stem cell applications.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of Da Vinci robot-assisted superior mediastinum lymph node dissection around recurrent laryngeal nerve.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 404 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent Da Vinci robot-assisted esophagectomy in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital and Institute from June 2017 to June 2022 were collected. There were 349 males and 55 females, aged (62±8)years. Observation indicators: (1) intraoperative conditions; (2) postoperative conditions; (3) comparison of clinical features in patients who were admitted in different time periods. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the one way ANOVA. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(IQR), and comparison among multiple groups was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Count data were described as absolute numbers or percentages, and com-parison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Results:(1) Intraoperative conditions. The operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, the total number of lymph node dissected, the number of thoracic lymph node dissected, left recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection rate, the number of left recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissected, left recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node metastasis rate, right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection rate, the number of right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissected, right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node metastasis rate were (306±56)minutes,200(100)mL, 29.9±13.1, 18.5±9.7, 78.47%(317/404), 4.0(3.0), 17.35%(55/317), 94.55%(382/404), 3.0(2.0), 21.20%(81/382). (2) Postoperative conditions. The tumor histopathological type (squamous cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, carcinosarcoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, malignant melanoma), incidence rate of overall complications, cases with recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, cases with pulmonary complications, cases with anastomotic fistula, cases with incision infection, cases with chylothorax, cases with arrhythmia, cases with deep vein thrombosis, cases with other complications, incidence of re-admission to the intensive care unit, duration of postoperative hospital stay, 90-day mortality were 377, 11, 7, 5, 3, 1, 27.48%(111/404), 8.91%(36/404), 10.64%(43/404), 6.93%(28/404), 0.99%(4/404), 2.48%(10/404), 1.73%(7/404), 0.50%(2/404), 1.98%(8/404), 6.93%(28/404), 16(11)days, 0.50%(2/404). (3) Comparison of clinical features in patients who were admi-tted in different time periods. The number of patients who were admitted from June 2017 to May 2018, from June 2018 to May 2019, from June 2019 to May 2020, from June 2020 to May 2021, from June 2021 to June 2022 was 40, 56, 57, 116, 135, respectively. There were significant differences in age, tumor histopathological type, pT staging, neoadjuvant therapy, operation time, volume of intra-operative blood loss, the total number of lymph node dissected, the number of thoracic lymph node dissected, left recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection rate, the number of left recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissected, the number of right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissected, incidence rate of overall complications among patients who were admitted in different time periods ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The Da Vinci robot-assisted superior mediastinum lymph node dissection around recurrent laryngeal nerve is safe and feasible, which can achieve good short-term efficacy.

Objective:To compare physical activity and its influencing factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) between China and the United Kingdom.Methods:We analyzed baseline data from China Kadoorie Biobank and the United Kingdom Biobank among COPD patients who were diagnosed with a one-second rate (FEV 1/FVC) less than 70%. Physical activity level was calculated as metabolic equivalent (MET) and divided into three levels: low, medium, and high, according to tertiles stratified by gender and age. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs for COPD and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grade about physical activity level, and subgroup analysis was conducted. Results:A total of 506 073 Chinese adults and 231 884 British adults were included. After adjusting for potential confounders, COPD was associated with lower physical activity levels in both Chinese and British COPD patients, with OR (95% CI) of 1.07(1.03-1.10) and 1.03(1.01-1.06) compared with non COPD patients, respectively. The GOLD grade was inversely correlated with physical activity level, particularly in a dose-response manner in the CKB population (trend test P<0.001). The negative relationship was stronger among the elderly, people with less education and lower economic status, and those with a smoking or chronic disease history. Chinese rural COPD patients were at high risk of decline of physical activity. Conclusions:Physical activity is inversely related to COPD, with a dose-response connection to GOLD grade. Therefore, physical activity maintenance and improvement should be encouraged and promoted in COPD patients, especially in high-risk groups.

Objective:To observe the efficacy of drug combined with red-blue light irradiation, chemical peeling by glycolic acid and intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris.Methods:A total of 187 patients with moderate acne vulgaris were divided into five groups. There were 59 males and 128 females, aged from 16 to 29 years (21.79±2.52). In group A, patients were treated with oral medicines; the patients were treated with oral medicines combined with red-blue light irradiation, chemical peeling by glycolic acid and IPL respectively in group B, group C and group D. In group E, patients were treated with oral medicines combined with chemical peeling by glycolic acid and IPL. The number of different types of skin lesions (comedoes, papules, pustules) were compared between before and after treatment in five groups. The clinical effect of five treatment groups was evaluated by comparing regression rates of different types of skin lesions and total skin lesions and treatment efficiency.Results:All the patients with moderate acne vulgaris were brought into this study. The regression rates of comedoes, papules and total skin lesions were (86.37±9.64)%, (94.25±9.79)% and (88.80±9.40)% respectively in group E, and significantly higher than that of other four groups ( P<0.05). The treatment efficiency of group E also were significantly higher than that of other four groups ( P<0.05). Then, the regression rates of comedoes (70.91±18.52) in group C was significantly higher than that of group A and group B ( P<0.05). The regression rates of papules (91.42±13.86) in group D was significantly higher than that of group A and group B ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Oral medicines combined with chemical peeling by glycolic acid and IPL has obvious clinical efficacy in treatment of patients with moderate acne vulgaris. Oral medicines combined with chemical peeling by glycolic acid can obviously improve comedoes, and oral medicines combined with IPL can obviously improve papules.

【Objective】 To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among voluntary blood donors, and the viability and practicability of nucleic acid testing (NAT) in Jinhua area. 【Methods】 Blood samples from 1 017 voluntary blood donors at Jinhua Blood Center from April to May 2021 were collected, and HEV RNA was detected by CHURAS BSS1200 blood nucleic acid detection system. The reactive samples were re-tested for IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA, and HEV genotyping by gene sequencing. 【Results】 The yield rate of HEV RNA out of voluntary blood donors in Jinhua was 0.98 ‰ (1 / 017). The individual was negative for IgM and IgG antibodies, but was confirmed to be HEV RNA genotype 4 by sequencing. 【Conclusion】 HEV RNA positive donors have been found in this study. HEV RNA blood screening can effectively enhance the safety of blood transfusion.

Esophagectomy and lymph node dissection are the cornerstones for the treatment of esophageal cancer. Upper mediastinal lymph node dissection is of great value for accurate staging and improving the prognosis of patients. Lymph node dissection along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve is the most challenging procedures in esophageal surgery, and there has been no relevant consensus on the scope and boundary of lymph node dissection. In recent years, with the application of endoscopic technology, especially robotic surgery system in esophagectomy, and the introduction of the concept of superior mediastinal microdissection, the authors have proposed the border of lymph node dissection along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, so as to achieve precise, radical and standardized dissection. Combined with their own experiences, the authors elaborate on the anatomic boundary, extent and technique of lymph node dissection along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic super-hemorrhoidal banding (SHB) in the treatment of internal hemorrhoids with prolapse.Methods:From June 2019 to June 2020, a total of 112 patients with grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids underwent endoscopic SHB at People′s Hospital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture. The efficacy of SHB, intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with the operation and patients′ satisfaction were prospectively studied. The follow-up time was over six months.Results:A total of 112 patients received SHB for internal hemorrhoids, 74 patients (66.1%) with grade Ⅱ hemorrhoids and 38 patients (33.9%) with grade Ⅲ hemorrhoids. The operations were successfully performed in all patients. No anal pain or bleeding was reported during the operation. All patients experienced various degrees of anal bulge after the operation, which lasted for 2-24 hours before spontaneous disappearance. Five patients with grade Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids showed dysuria, which was relieved with local heat on the bladder. One patient with grade Ⅲ internal hemorrhoid had bloody stool on day 14. The bleeding was stopped with another banding at the site of bleeding ulcer. All patients completed the follow-up. No complications such as bleeding, pain, infection or stenosis occurred in one month after operation. Eighteen patients with grade Ⅲ had partial prolapse after operation without bleeding or other symptoms. Six of them received additional SHB treatment and prolapse disappeared. No postoperative complications occurred in the six months of follow-up in all patients. The satisfaction rate was 100.0% according to the survey.Conclusion:Endoscopic SHB is an effective, safe and simple technique for internal hemorrhoids with prolapse.

Background: Despite strengthened efforts on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and control, new HIV infections continue to increase among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly effective HIV-prevention tool, has recently been included in China's Action Plan of HIV Prevention and Control. To promote future PrEP implementation, this study aims to identify the barriers and facilitators in PrEP use intention among MSM in China.Methods: In 2018, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 MSM in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. Questions on demographics, sexual behavior (including a seven-item high-risk behavior index), PrEP use intention, PrEP-related awareness and accessibility, and a seven-item public HIV stigma scale were included in the questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with PrEP use intention. Results: Overall, 44.67％ of the participants had more than two male sexual partners and 5.56％ had HIV-positive sexual partners. Only 57.00％ had heard of PrEP and only four (1.33％) participants had used PrEP. However, 75.34％ expressed the willingness to use oral PrEP if its efficacy was assured. The beliefs that "PrEP can prevent HIV if taken as prescribed" (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.84, P < 0.001) and "PrEP can be scaled up in the community" (AOR = 3.24, P < 0.001) were positively associated with oral PrEP use intention. Concerns of side effects were negatively associated with oral PrEP use intention (AOR = 0.32, P = 0.006). Further, 77.00％ of the participants would choose injectable or implanted PrEP instead of oral PrEP. One of the PrEP stigma items, "Not certain if doctors can prescribe PrEP if I go to the clinic" was positively associated with the intention to use injectable or implanted PrEP (AOR = 3.03). The items "Heard of PrEP" (AOR = 2.74) and "PrEP can prevent HIV if taken as prescribed" (AOR = 2.65) were also positively related to the intention to use injectable or implanted PrEP. The most common concerns regarding PrEP use were efficacy (44.67％) and side effects (38.67％). The most common reasons for using injectable and implanted PrEP were adherence (81.94％ and 77.86％, respectively) and privacy concerns (56.48％ and 55.00％, respectively). Affordable price and coverage by health insurance were the driving factors for PrEP use. Conclusion: Given the low level of awareness of PrEP-related information in China, it's necessary to provide interventions for high-risk individuals and communities, in order to increase their awareness and knowledge of PrEP. Furthermore, additional alternatives to HIV prevention, such as long-acting injectable or implanted PrEP, should be investigated to reduce the risk of HIV infection in at-risk MSM. Even if this programme could be approved by the National Medical Products Administration of China and implemented, a supportive social environment for MSM is essential during its implementing.

Objective The surgical approaches and extent of lymph node dissection for Siewert type Ⅱ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction(AEG) are controversial.The present study was aimed to investigate the application of right thansthoracic Ivor-Lewis(IL),left transthoracic(LTT),and left thoracoabdominal(LTA) approach in Siewert type Ⅱ AEG.Methods The data of 196 patients with Siewert type Ⅱ AEG received surgical resection in our cancer center between January 2014 and April 2016 was retrospectively analyzed.Finally,136 patients met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study and divided into the IL(47 cases),LTT(51 cases),and LTA group(38 cases).Clinical and short-term treatment effects were compared among the three groups.Results The patients with weight loss,diabetes,and heart disease increased in the LTT group (P =0.054,P =0.075,and P =0.063,respectively).Operation time was significantly longest in the IL group (P =0.000),but the amount of bleeding and tumor size did not significantly differ among the three groups (P =0.176 and P =0.228,respectively).The IL group had the significantly longest proximal surgical margin (P =0.000) and most number of total (P =0.000) and thoracic lymph nodes(P =0.000) dissected.Both the IL and LTA groups had more abdominal lymph nodes dissected than the LTT group(P =0.000).In general,the IL and LTT group had the highest dissection rates of every station of thoracic (P ＜ 0.05) and lower mediastinal lymph nodes (P ＜ 0.05),respectively.The dissection rate of the paracardial,left gastric artery,and gastric lesser curvature lymph nodes did not differ significantly among the three groups(P ＞ 0.05),but the dissection rate of the hepatic artery,splenic artery,and celiac trunk lymph nodes was significantly highest in the IL group (P ＜0.05).Postoperative hospital stay,perioperative complications,and mortality did not differ significantly among the three groups(P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Compared with the traditional left transthoracic approach,the Ivor-Lewis approach did not increase the perioperative mortality and complication rates in Siewert type Ⅱ AEG,but obtained satisfactory length of the proximal surgical margin,and was better than left transthoracic approach in thoracic and abdominal lymph node dissection.However,the advantages of Ivor-Lewis procedure requires further follow-up and validation through prospective randomized controlled trials.