Objective:To investigate the safety and therapeutic effect of split liver transplantation (SLT) in clinical application.Methods:This is a retrospective case-series study. The clinical data of 203 consecutive SLT, 79 living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and 1 298 whole liver transplantation (WLT) performed at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from July 2014 to July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Two hundred and three SLT liver grafts were obtained from 109 donors. One hundred and twenty-seven grafts were generated by in vitro splitting and 76 grafts were generated by in vivo splitting. There were 90 adult recipients and 113 pediatric recipients. According to time, SLT patients were divided into two groups: the early SLT group (40 cases, from July 2014 to December 2017) and the mature SLT technology group (163 cases, from January 2018 to July 2023). The survival of each group was analyzed and the main factors affecting the survival rate of SLT were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were used for survival analysis.Results:The cumulative survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-year were 74.58%, 71.47%, and 71.47% in the early SLT group, and 88.03%, 87.23%, and 87.23% in the mature SLT group, respectively. Survival rates in the mature SLT group were significantly higher than those in the early SLT group ( χ2=5.560, P=0.018). The cumulative survival rates at 1-, 3- and 5-year were 93.41%, 93.41%, 89.95% in the LDLT group and 87.38%, 81.98%, 77.04% in the WLT group, respectively. There was no significant difference among the mature SLT group, the LDLT group and the WLT group ( χ2=4.016, P=0.134). Abdominal hemorrhage, infection, primary liver graft nonfunction,and portal vein thrombosis were the main causes of early postoperative death. Conclusion:SLT can achieve results comparable to those of WLT and LDLT in mature technology liver transplant centers, but it needs to go through a certain time learning curve.

Objective:Progressive bone resorption and destruction is one of the most critical clinical features of middle ear cholesteatoma,potentially leading to various intracranial and extracranial complications.However,the mechanisms underlying bone destruction in middle ear cholesteatoma remain unclear.This study aims to explore the role of parathyroid hormone-related protein(PTHrP)in bone destruction associated with middle ear cholesteatoma. Methods:A total of 25 cholesteatoma specimens and 13 normal external auditory canal skin specimens were collected from patients with acquired middle ear cholesteatoma.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expressions of PTHrP,receptor activator for nuclear factor-kappa B ligand(RANKL),and osteoprotegerin(OPG)in cholesteatoma and normal tissues.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP)staining was used to detect the presence of TRAP positive multi-nucleated macrophages in cholesteatoma and normal tissues.Mono-nuclear macrophage RAW264.7 cells were subjected to interventions,divided into a RANKL intervention group and a PTHrP+RANKL co-intervention group.TRAP staining was used to detect osteoclast formation in the 2 groups.The mRNA expression levels of osteoclast-related genes,including TRAP,cathepsin K(CTSK),and nuclear factor of activated T cell cytoplasmic 1(NFATc1),were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction(real-time PCR)after the interventions.Bone resorption function of osteoclasts was assessed using a bone resorption pit analysis. Results:Immunohistochemical staining showed significantly increased expression of PTHrP and RANKL and decreased expression of OPG in cholesteatoma tissues(all P<0.05).PTHrP expression was significantly positively correlated with RANKL,the RANKL/OPG ratio,and negatively correlated with OPG expression(r=0.385,r=0.417,r=-0.316,all P<0.05).Additionally,the expression levels of PTHrP and RANKL were significantly positively correlated with the degree of bone destruction in cholesteatoma(r=0.413,r=0.505,both P<0.05).TRAP staining revealed a large number of TRAP-positive cells,including multi-nucleated osteoclasts with three or more nuclei,in the stroma surrounding the cholesteatoma epithelium.After 5 days of RANKL or PTHrP+RANKL co-intervention,the number of osteoclasts was significantly greater in the PTHrP+RANKL co-intervention group than that in the RANKL group(P<0.05),with increased mRNA expression levels of TRAP,CTSK,and NFATc1(all P<0.05).Scanning electron microscopy of bone resorption pits showed that the number(P<0.05)and size of bone resorption pits on bone slices were significantly greater in the PTHrP+RANKL co-intervention group compared with the RANKL group. Conclusion:PTHrP may promote the differentiation of macrophages in the surrounding stroma of cholesteatoma into osteoclasts through RANKL induction,contributing to bone destruction in middle ear cholesteatoma.

Objective:Middle ear cholesteatoma is a non-tumorous condition that typically leads to hearing loss,bone destruction,and other severe complications.Despite surgery being the primary treatment,the recurrence rate remains high.Therefore,exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying cholesteatoma is crucial for discovering new therapeutic approaches.This study aims to explore the involvement of N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation in long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)in the biological functions and related pathways of middle ear cholesteatoma. Methods:The m6A modification patterns of lncRNA in middle ear cholesteatoma tissues(n=5)and normal post-auricular skin tissues(n=5)were analyzed using an lncRNA m6A transcriptome microarray.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analyses were conducted to identify potential biological functions and signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of middle ear cholesteatoma.Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation(MeRIP)-PCR was used to validate the m6A modifications in cholesteatoma and normal skin tissues. Results:Compared with normal skin tissues,1 525 lncRNAs were differentially methylated in middle ear cholesteatoma tissues,with 1 048 showing hypermethylation and 477 showing hypomethylation[fold change(FC)≥3 or<1/3,P<0.05].GO enrichment analysis indicated that hypermethylated lncRNAs were involved in protein phosphatase inhibitor activity,neuron-neuron synapse,and regulation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid(AMPA)receptor activity.Hypomethylated lncRNAs were associated with mRNA methyltransferase activity,secretory granule membrane,and mRNA methylation.KEGG analysis revealed that hypermethylated lncRNAs were mainly associated with 5 pathways:the Hedgehog signaling pathway,viral protein interaction with cytokines and cytokine receptors,mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway,cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction,and adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes.Hypomethylated lncRNAs were mainly involved in 4 pathways:Renal cell carcinoma,tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway,transcriptional misregulation in cancer,and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction.Additionally,MeRIP-PCR confirmed the changes in m6A methylation levels in NR_033339,NR_122111,NR_130744,and NR_026800,consistent with microarray analysis.Real-time PCR also confirmed the significant upregulation of MAPK1 and NF-κB,key genes in the MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion:This study reveals the m6A modification patterns of lncRNAs in middle ear cholesteatoma,suggests a direction for further research into the role of lncRNA m6A modification in the etiology of cholesteatoma.The findings provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of middle ear cholesteatoma.

Objective:To investigate the safety and therapeutic effect of split liver transplantation (SLT) in clinical application.Methods:This is a retrospective case-series study. The clinical data of 203 consecutive SLT, 79 living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and 1 298 whole liver transplantation (WLT) performed at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from July 2014 to July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Two hundred and three SLT liver grafts were obtained from 109 donors. One hundred and twenty-seven grafts were generated by in vitro splitting and 76 grafts were generated by in vivo splitting. There were 90 adult recipients and 113 pediatric recipients. According to time, SLT patients were divided into two groups: the early SLT group (40 cases, from July 2014 to December 2017) and the mature SLT technology group (163 cases, from January 2018 to July 2023). The survival of each group was analyzed and the main factors affecting the survival rate of SLT were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were used for survival analysis.Results:The cumulative survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-year were 74.58%, 71.47%, and 71.47% in the early SLT group, and 88.03%, 87.23%, and 87.23% in the mature SLT group, respectively. Survival rates in the mature SLT group were significantly higher than those in the early SLT group ( χ2=5.560, P=0.018). The cumulative survival rates at 1-, 3- and 5-year were 93.41%, 93.41%, 89.95% in the LDLT group and 87.38%, 81.98%, 77.04% in the WLT group, respectively. There was no significant difference among the mature SLT group, the LDLT group and the WLT group ( χ2=4.016, P=0.134). Abdominal hemorrhage, infection, primary liver graft nonfunction,and portal vein thrombosis were the main causes of early postoperative death. Conclusion:SLT can achieve results comparable to those of WLT and LDLT in mature technology liver transplant centers, but it needs to go through a certain time learning curve.

Patients with severe trauma require an extremely timely treatment and transfusion plays an irreplaceable role in the emergency treatment of such patients. An increasing number of evidence-based medicinal evidences and clinical practices suggest that patients with severe traumatic bleeding benefit from early transfusion of low-titer group O whole blood or hemostatic resuscitation with red blood cells, plasma and platelet of a balanced ratio. However, the current domestic mode of blood supply cannot fully meet the requirements of timely and effective blood transfusion for emergency treatment of patients with severe trauma in clinical practice. In order to solve the key problems in blood supply and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma, Branch of Clinical Transfusion Medicine of Chinese Medical Association, Group for Trauma Emergency Care and Multiple Injuries of Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Young Scholar Group of Disaster Medicine Branch of Chinese Medical Association organized domestic experts of blood transfusion medicine and trauma treatment to jointly formulate Chinese expert consensus on blood support mode and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma patients ( version 2024). Based on the evidence-based medical evidence and Delphi method of expert consultation and voting, 10 recommendations were put forward from two aspects of blood support mode and transfusion strategies, aiming to provide a reference for transfusion resuscitation in the emergency treatment of severe trauma and further improve the success rate of treatment of patients with severe trauma.

Objective:To explore the safety and effectiveness of the application of sevoflurane inhalation sedation and analgesia during dressing changes in children with extensive burns.Methods:A prospective randomized controlled research was conducted. From March 2020 to January 2023, 216 children with extensive burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of Kunming Children's Hospital. According to the random number table, the children were divided into sevoflurane group and ibuprofen group, with 103 cases left in sevoflurane group (67 males and 36 females, aged 1 (1, 2) years), and 98 cases left in ibuprofen group (67 males and 31 females, aged 1 (1, 2) years) after the exclusion of several dropped-out children. Children in sevoflurane group received sevoflurane inhalation for sedation and analgesia during dressing changes, while those in ibuprofen group took oral ibuprofen for analgesia before dressing changes. The heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SpO 2) of the children were monitored and recorded at 30 minutes before the start of dressing changes, immediately after debridement, and at 30 minutes after the completion of dressing changes. The face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability scale and Ramsay sedation scale were used to evaluate the pain intensity and degree of sedation, respectively, at 30 minutes before the start of dressing changes, immediately after debridement, and at 30 minutes after the completion of dressing changes. The duration of dressing changes and the total number of dressing changes during hospitalization were recorded. The Houston Pain Outcome Instrument questionnaire was used to assess the satisfaction of the dressing-changing surgeons and a family member of the child with the analgesic effects during the process of dressing change when the children were discharged from the hospital. The occurrence of adverse reactions such as respiratory depression and hypoxemia that occurred during the process of dressing change were monitored and recorded. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact probability test. Results:At 30 minutes before the start of dressing changes and 30 minutes after the completion of dressing changes, there were no statistically significant differences in heart rate, MAP, and SpO 2 between children in the two groups ( P>0.05). Immediately after debridement, compared with those in ibuprofen group, the heart rate and MAP of children in sevoflurane group were significantly decreased (with t values of 8.10 and 4.37, respectively, P<0.05), while the SpO 2 was significantly increased ( t=21.77, P<0.05). At 30 minutes before the start of dressing changes and 30 minutes after the completion of dressing changes, there were no statistically significant differences in the score of pain intensity and score of sedation degree between children in the two groups ( P>0.05). Immediately after debridement, compared with that in ibuprofen group, the score of pain intensity of children in sevoflurane group was significantly decreased, while the score of sedation degree was significantly increased (with t values of 42.87 and 72.45, respectively, P<0.05). The duration of dressing changes and the total number of dressing changes during hospitalization of patients in sevoflurane group were (18±3) min and (4.1±1.0) times, respectively, which were both significantly shorter than (26±7) min and less than (6.6±1.4) times in ibuprofen group, respectively (with t values of -4.44 and 14.17, respectively, P<0.05). Upon discharge, the satisfaction scores of dressing-changing surgeons and the family members of children with the analgesic effects during the process of dressing change in sevoflurane group were significantly higher than those in ibuprofen group (with t values of 44.23 and 36.55, respectively, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of respiratory depression, hypoxemia, hypotension, coughing, nausea, and vomiting during the process of dressing change between children in the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Application of sevoflurane inhalation during dressing changes in children with extensive burns can safely and effectively control pain and sedation, shorten the time for dressing change, with fewer adverse reactions. This method can be used for routine dressing change in pediatric burn wards.

Detailed knowledge on tissue-specific metabolic reprogramming in diabetic nephropathy (DN) is vital for more accurate understanding the molecular pathological signature and developing novel therapeutic strategies. In the present study, a spatial-resolved metabolomics approach based on air flow-assisted desorption electrospray ionization (AFADESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) integrated mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) was proposed to investigate tissue-specific metabolic alterations in the kidneys of high-fat diet-fed and streptozotocin (STZ)-treated DN rats and the therapeutic effect of astragaloside IV, a potential anti-diabetic drug, against DN. As a result, a wide range of functional metabolites including sugars, amino acids, nucleotides and their derivatives, fatty acids, phospholipids, sphingolipids, glycerides, carnitine and its derivatives, vitamins, peptides, and metal ions associated with DN were identified and their unique distribution patterns in the rat kidney were visualized with high chemical specificity and high spatial resolution. These region-specific metabolic disturbances were ameliorated by repeated oral administration of astragaloside IV (100 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. This study provided more comprehensive and detailed information about the tissue-specific metabolic reprogramming and molecular pathological signature in the kidney of diabetic rats. These findings highlighted the promising potential of AFADESI and MALDI integrated MSI based metabolomics approach for application in metabolic kidney diseases.

Understanding of the nephrotoxicity induced by drug candidates is vital to drug discovery and development. Herein, an metabolomics method based on air flow-assisted desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (AFADESI-MSI) was established for direct analysis of metabolites in renal tissue sections. This method was subsequently applied to investigate spatially resolved metabolic profile changes in rat kidney after the administration of aristolochic acid I, a known nephrotoxic drug, aimed to discover metabolites associated with nephrotoxicity. As a result, 38 metabolites related to the arginine-creatinine metabolic pathway, the urea cycle, the serine synthesis pathway, metabolism of lipids, choline, histamine, lysine, and adenosine triphosphate were significantly changed in the group treated with aristolochic acid I. These metabolites exhibited a unique distribution in rat kidney and a good spatial match with histopathological renal lesions. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying aristolochic acids nephrotoxicity and demonstrates that AFADESI-MSI-based metabolomics is a promising technique for investigation of the molecular mechanism of drug toxicity.

Objective:To investigate the clinical outcome of continuous expander implantation in the repair of large cicatricial alopecia in children.Methods:From February 2015 to October 2019, 5 cases of large cicatricial alopecia were treated, aged from 3 to 14, including two boys and two girls. The area of alopecia exceed 1/2 of scalp. One case is intradermal nevus excision. Four cases were scar after burn. All cases were used continuous expander implantation to expand scalp. In the first stage, the expander was implanted and the normal skin was expanded. In the second stage, the expander was removed. After the cicatrix was cut partly, the expanded skin flap was transferred to repair the wound and the expander was placed under the expanded skin flap in a relay way. Then the expansion was continued. In the third stage, the expander was removed, the residual cicatricial alopecia was cut and reconstructed by the expanded flap. Advanced flap and rotational flap were applied and the efficacy was observed.Results:Among the 5 children, 2 cases were left with 10 cm×4 cm alopecia and 6 cm×2 cm alopecia. The other 3 cases were completely restored. The incision scar was wider in one case. The follow-up period was from 3 months to 3 years. Hair grows well and the shape of the hair was close to normal. The results were satisfactory.Conclusions:Continuous expander implantation in the repairation of large cicatricial alopecia in children have many advantages, including good postoperative results, short course, low cost and highly feasible.

Objective:To investigate the clinical outcome of continuous expander implantation in the repair of large cicatricial alopecia in children.Methods:From February 2015 to October 2019, 5 cases of large cicatricial alopecia were treated, aged from 3 to 14, including two boys and two girls. The area of alopecia exceed 1/2 of scalp. One case is intradermal nevus excision. Four cases were scar after burn. All cases were used continuous expander implantation to expand scalp. In the first stage, the expander was implanted and the normal skin was expanded. In the second stage, the expander was removed. After the cicatrix was cut partly, the expanded skin flap was transferred to repair the wound and the expander was placed under the expanded skin flap in a relay way. Then the expansion was continued. In the third stage, the expander was removed, the residual cicatricial alopecia was cut and reconstructed by the expanded flap. Advanced flap and rotational flap were applied and the efficacy was observed.Results:Among the 5 children, 2 cases were left with 10 cm×4 cm alopecia and 6 cm×2 cm alopecia. The other 3 cases were completely restored. The incision scar was wider in one case. The follow-up period was from 3 months to 3 years. Hair grows well and the shape of the hair was close to normal. The results were satisfactory.Conclusions:Continuous expander implantation in the repairation of large cicatricial alopecia in children have many advantages, including good postoperative results, short course, low cost and highly feasible.