Objective:To improve the understanding of primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (PPLELC).Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. The clinical data of 31 patients with PPLELC who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2012 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, and their clinical features were summarized. The correlations of organ metastasis, tumor stage, serum tumor markers, lactate dehydrogenase, and albumin with survival time were analyzed.Results:Among the 31 patients, 13 (41.9%) were male and 18 (58.1%) were female, aged (50±9) years old, with no smoking history in 24 cases (77.4%). The common clinical manifestations were cough(24 cases, 77.4%) and sputum (19 cases, 61.3%), and 7 patients (22.6%) were detected by physical examination; 24 cases (77.4%) had elevated levels of serum tumor markers, and the rest of the 7 cases (22.6%) had normal levels of various tumor markers. All of the patients had a single lesion, with a predominance of the right middle lung (8 cases, 25.8%), and 23 cases (74.2%) had lymph node metastasis. Immunohistochemical detection showed that the positive rate of CK was 67.7% (21/31), and the positive rates of squamous cell carcinoma markers CK5/6, p63 and p40 were 90.3% (28/31), 80.6% (25/31) and 77.4% (24/31), respectively. The positive rate of EBER in situ hybridization detection was 85.2% (23/27). Genetic testing showed 6 cases had epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. The median survival time [ M ( Q1, Q3)] of the groups without lymph node metastasis and with lymph node metastasis was 33.0 months (7.3 months, 9.3 months) and 19.0 months (7.0 months, 27.0 months), and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.001). The median survival time of patients with stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ and with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ was 20.0 months (12.5 months, 42.0 months) and 18.5 months (6.5 months, 38.5 months), and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.002). One stage Ⅰ A patient was treated with surgery alone and survived at 92 months of follow-up. Ten cases were treated with immunotherapy and had a good outcome. Conclusions:PPLELC is prevalent in non-smokers, the lesions are mostly in the right middle lung, and it is easily misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. The positive EBER in situ hybridization detection can help the diagnosis; lymph node metastasis is common. Tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and CYFRA21-1 level may be correlated with the survival of patients. The patients can benefit from immunotherapy, and anti-angiogenic therapy combined with chemotherapy is an optional treatment regimen.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics and changes of serum tumor markers in lung cancer patients with different smoking status in Hanzhong area. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 642 hospitalized lung cancer patients in Hanzhong area from March 2017 to March 2019. According to their smoking status, they were divided into observation group (smoking history, n=404) and control group (no smoking history, n=238). Age, sex, place of residence, basic information of the disease including pathological stage, pathological type, short-term efficacy, survival and serum tumor marker level were analyzed retrospectively. Results The proportion of male in observation group (67.08%) was significantly higher(57.56%) (χ²=5.855,P<0.05). Observed a group of 50 or more patients (80.94%) were significantly higher (73.53%) (χ²=4.824 , P<0.05); There was no significant difference between the two groups (χ²=2.110 , P<0.05). The proportion of adenocarcinoma in the control group (49.16%) was the highest, and that of small cell lung cancer in the observation group (41.34%) was the highest (χ²=15.291, P <0.05). Comparison of pathological stages between the two groups showed that stage IIIB (32.77%) was the highest in the control group, followed by stage IV (23.53%), Stage IIIA (20.59%), Stage II (13.03%) and stage I (10.08%). The observation group had the highest proportion in stage IIIA (35.40%), followed by Stage IIIB (25.00%), stage IV (16.09%), Stage IIIA (16.09%), stage II (15.10%) and stage I (8.42%). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ²=10.817,P<0.05). Before treatment, serum CEA, CA125 and CA199 levels in observation group were significantly higher (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of serum tumor markers in both groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05); The serum CEA, CA125 and CA199 levels in observation group were significantly higher (P<0.05). After treatment, THE ORR of the observation group (48.76%) was lower than that of the control group (53.78%), but the difference was not statistically significant (χ²=2.051, P>0.05). The 1-year survival rate of the observation group (64.85%) was significantly lower than that of the control group (73.95%) (χ²=5.255, P<0.05). Conclusion Middle-aged and elderly male smokers in Hanzhong area have a high incidence of lung cancer, multiple stage Ⅲ squamous cell carcinoma, and the level of tumor markers in serum is higher than that of non-smokers. The prognosis is not good, so we should encourage patients to quit smoking, which can improve the survival rate of patients.

The continuing discoveries of novel classes of RNA modifications in various organisms have raised the need for improving sensitive, convenient, and reliable methods for quantifying RNA modifications. In particular, a subset of small RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), are modified at their 3'-terminal nucleotides via 2'-O-methylation. However, quantifying the levels of these small RNAs is difficult because 2'-O-methylation at the RNA 3'-terminus inhibits the activity of polyadenylate polymerase and T4 RNA ligase. These two enzymes are indispensable for RNA labeling or ligation in conventional miRNA quantification assays. In this study, we profiled 3'-terminal 2'-O-methyl plant miRNAs in the livers of rice-fed mice by oxidative deep sequencing and detected increasing amounts of plant miRNAs with prolonged oxidation treatment. We further compared the efficiency of stem-loop and poly(A)-tailed RT-qPCR in quantifying plant miRNAs in animal tissues and identified stem-loop RT-qPCR as the only suitable approach. Likewise, stem-loop RT-qPCR was superior to poly(A)-tailed RT-qPCR in quantifying 3'-terminal 2'-O-methyl piRNAs in human seminal plasma. In summary, this study established a standard procedure for quantifying the levels of 3'-terminal 2'-O-methyl miRNAs in plants and piRNAs. Accurate measurement of the 3'-terminal 2'-O-methylation of small RNAs has profound implications for understanding their pathophysiologic roles in biological systems.
Animals ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Humans ; Methylation ; Mice ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Oxidative Stress ; RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism* ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Objective:To investigate the effect of continuous Z-flaps combined with scar debulking in correcting hyperplastic scar contracture deformity of children′s hand.Methods:From January 2016 to December 2018, 27 cases of children with scar contracture deformity after hand burn or scald were admitted to the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery of Children′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, involving a total of 36 joint parts. 12 male patients and 15 female patients aged 10 months to 12.5 years were divided into mild, moderate and severe types according to the contracture angle of metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints, so as to make the treatment plan. The transposition of flaps for wound closure was designed for both mild and moderate cases after continuous Z-flaps to release contracture deformity with scar debulking. For severe deformity, the transposition of flaps should be conducted to cover the wound after the complete release by continuous Z-flaps and scar debulking, and the residual wound was covered by free skin grafts. The hand function and appearance were followed up after operation.Results:In this study, 12 of the 36 joints were mildly deformed, 15 were moderately deformed, and 9 were severely deformed. No skin grafting was performed for mild and moderate deformities, and the amount of skin grafting was selectively reduced for severe deformities. All contracture joint deformities were completely corrected, with the follow-up period of 0.8-2.0 years, and no contracture deformities were found again. The hand joint function, skin flap color, texture of mild and moderate types were close to the surrounding normal skin. Severe type had only a small degree of pigmentation at the skin graft site. One 12.5-year-old child received second procedure 2 years later because of the poor elasticity of the skin graft and the tensions. The tension resolved after operation, with satisfactory results.Conclusions:Continuous Z-flaps combined with scar debulking could maximize the retention of skin of the scar surface and reduce the amount of skin grafts, providing an excellent method for the treatment of hand contracture deformities in children, with stable long-term postoperative effects.

Objective:To investigate the effect of continuous Z-flaps combined with scar debulking in correcting hyperplastic scar contracture deformity of children′s hand.Methods:From January 2016 to December 2018, 27 cases of children with scar contracture deformity after hand burn or scald were admitted to the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery of Children′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, involving a total of 36 joint parts. 12 male patients and 15 female patients aged 10 months to 12.5 years were divided into mild, moderate and severe types according to the contracture angle of metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints, so as to make the treatment plan. The transposition of flaps for wound closure was designed for both mild and moderate cases after continuous Z-flaps to release contracture deformity with scar debulking. For severe deformity, the transposition of flaps should be conducted to cover the wound after the complete release by continuous Z-flaps and scar debulking, and the residual wound was covered by free skin grafts. The hand function and appearance were followed up after operation.Results:In this study, 12 of the 36 joints were mildly deformed, 15 were moderately deformed, and 9 were severely deformed. No skin grafting was performed for mild and moderate deformities, and the amount of skin grafting was selectively reduced for severe deformities. All contracture joint deformities were completely corrected, with the follow-up period of 0.8-2.0 years, and no contracture deformities were found again. The hand joint function, skin flap color, texture of mild and moderate types were close to the surrounding normal skin. Severe type had only a small degree of pigmentation at the skin graft site. One 12.5-year-old child received second procedure 2 years later because of the poor elasticity of the skin graft and the tensions. The tension resolved after operation, with satisfactory results.Conclusions:Continuous Z-flaps combined with scar debulking could maximize the retention of skin of the scar surface and reduce the amount of skin grafts, providing an excellent method for the treatment of hand contracture deformities in children, with stable long-term postoperative effects.

Objective:To summarize the clinical experience in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via sublingual and vestibular approach (TOETSLVA).Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the medical record of patients who underwent TOETSLVA in our department from November 2011 to May 2020, including 3 males and 95 females, aged from 18 to 57 years old. Initial 81 cases were categorized in "Period A (November 2011-November 2015)" and subsequent 17 cases in "Period B (August 2019-May 2020)" . Data about demographics, operation time and complications were collected. SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results:In Period A, the average age of patients was (34.2±9.4) years old; the mean tumor diameter was (2.33±0.80) cm; postoperative pathology showed benign nodules in 76 cases and malignant carcinoma in 5 cases; there were 65 cases of unilateral subtotal thyroid lobectomy, 6 cases of isthmus lobectomy, and 5 cases of bilateral subtotal thyroid lobectomy, with the mean operation time of (132.70±47.22) min; in 5 cases of unilateral thyroid lobectomy with central lymph node dissection, the mean operation time was (185.4±31.40) min; postoperative neck infections occurred in 6 cases; temporary vocal cord paralysis occurred in 1 case, which it recovered within two months; and CO 2 gas embolism occurred in 2 cases. In Period B, the average age of patients was (35.1±8.5) years old; mean tumor diameter was (1.32±0.67) cm; postoperative pathology indicated malignant nodules in 15 cases and benign nodules in 2 cases; in 2 cases of unilateral thyroid lobectomy, the mean operation time was (153.5±34.64) min; in 15 cases of unilateral thyroid lobectomy with central lymph node dissection, the mean operation time was (123.73±14.26) min; and none of patients developed postoperative neck infections or CO 2 gas embolism. All patients had different degree of cutaneous numbness in the submandibular region after surgery, which recovered within 1-2 weeks. There were no complications such as postoperative secondary hemorrhage, permanent vocal cord paralysis, hypoparathyroidism in both the periods. The median follow-up time was 86 months (57-105 months) in Peroid A and 5 months (3-12 months) in Peroid B. During the follow-up periods, there were no obvious abnormalities in swallowing, chewing, oral sensory function and neck activity, and also no tumor recurrence or metastasis. Conclusions:TOETSLVA is a safe and feasible surgery method, with a good cosmetic result. This approach will not lead to a postoperative cutaneous numbness of the submandibular region for a long time.

Objective: To investigate the treatment of nasal deformity in patients with unicoronal craniosynostosis. Methods: In patients over 6 months old, the nasal bones were wedge-removed without fixation. The management of all patients with unicoronal craniosynostosis was distraction osteogenesis of pedicled unilateral frontal bone flap. Results: Postoperative extended distance of the frontal bone was 28—41 mm (mean, 35.4 mm). After extension, three-dimensional reconstruction of cranial CT was carried out, which showed that CVAI was 0.8—1.2 (mean, 0.98), tending to normal. After discharge, dynamic cranial braces were put on for 1 year. Postoperatively, the children were followed up for 8—36 months (mean, 28 months). The shape and nasal deformity of all children were improved compared with those before surgery. Conclusions Nasal wedge resection should be used to correct nasal deformity in children over 6 months with unicoronal craniosynostosis.

Objective To investigate the role of Notch signaling pathway to maintain the stem cell-like characteristics of osteosarcoma and its underlying mechanism.Methods Lentiviral NICD1 or Numb-shRNA was transduced into MG63 osteosarcoma cells to activate Notch activity in vitro.The impact of Notch on osteosarcoma stem cells were assessed by the tumor sphere formation assay and flow cytometry analysis of cell surface markers STRO-1/CD117.The expression of stem cell related genes (Sox2,Oct4) were evaluated by Western blot and qPCR.The nude mice were randomly divided into 3 groups:the NICD1 overexpression (NICD-OE) group,the DAPT group and the control (CON) group.The tumor growth was monitored for 8 weeks and the tumor volume and weight were recorded weekly.To investigate whether Notch regulates Eph pathway,Eph pathway related protein EphB,pEphB was measured by Western blot.The impact of ephrinB 1 on NICD overexpression cell were assessed by tumor sphere formation assay.The expression of Sox2 and Oct4 was evaluated by Western blot.Results NICD1 overexpression or Numb-shRNA increased the activity of Notch pathway.The Notch-activated osteosarcoma showed enhanced in vitro tumor spheroid formation capacity,increased Stro-1/CD117double positive ratio,and upregulated expression of Sox2 and Oct4 in vitro.In animal experiments,it was found that activation of Notch pathway promoted tumor formation in vivo and Notch inhibition decreased it.The primary osteosarcoma cells were obtained from mice xenograft treated with DAPT and its tumor sphere formation capacity was significantly reduced.Finally,The Notch pathway inhibits the phosphorylation of EphB,as well as the downstream signal pathway of EphB,but there is no significant change in total EphB.The activation of Eph pathway inhibited Notch induced up-regulation of tumor sphere formation and Sox2 and Oct4 expression.Conclusion Notch signaling pathway maintains the stem cell-like characteristics of osteosarcoma probably by inhibiting the Eph pathway.

Objective To establish the reference range of thyroid function from the normal pregnant women in different pregnant period in Hanzhong region.Methods According to the NACB inclusion criteria,collected local resident pregnant women 4 031 cases,from July 2012 to December 2015.With the combination of random sampling,stratified sampling and cluster sampling,thyroid hormone levels were measured by a fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer and its accompanying reagents.All patients were divided into three groups:998 cases in early pregnancy (T1),1 543 cases in mid-pregnancy (T2),1 490 cases in late pregnancy (T3),and 105 cases of non-pregnant women in childbearing age (T0) were selected as control group.Results The levels of thyroid hormones were different among three periods of pregnant women.TSH were 0.25～5.32,0.42～6.26 and 0.61～7.68 mIU/L respectively in the early,middle and late stages.FT3 were 3.54～6.04,3.57～5.94 and 2.93～5.40 pmol/L,respectively.FT4 was 7.11～16.88,6.78～16.94 and 6.03～16.87 pmol/L.Thyroid hormone levels in pregnant women compared with non-pregnant women,there were significant differences (TSH:x2=233.183,P＜0.05,FT4:x2 =388.12,P＜0.05 and FT3:x2 =558.795,P＜0.05).TSH were lower in early pregnant women comparing to non-pregnancy women,and higher in middle-late pregnant women.The change of FT3 and FT4 were consistent,and reduced with the extension of pregnancy comparing to non-pregnancy women.Conclusion The level of thyroid function in pregnant women were different from non-pregnant women.and the normal reference range of local pregnant specific thyroid hormone should be established.

Objective:To analyze the clinical prognostic factors of liposarcoma on the extremities and trunk, as well as to retrospectively analyze the effect of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy on liposarcoma of the extremities. Methods:Patients with liposarcoma of the extremities treated in our hospital from July 1, 2007 to December 31, 2012 were followed up. The relationship of clinical prognostic factors with gender, age, location, depth, and size of the tumors, as well as the histological grade and admission status, were statistically analyzed. The effects of adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy on overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) were evaluated. Results:A total of 82 patients with extremity liposarcoma received surgery-based comprehensive treatment in our hospital. Of the total patients, 73 received a 24-month to 88-month satisfied follow-up;the median follow-up time was 47 months. The OS rate was 83.6%(61/73), and the DFS rate was 68.5%(50/73). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the tumor location, histological grade, and admission status were the independent correlative factors influencing DFS, and the age and pathologic grading were the independent correlative factors influencing the OS. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that radiation therapy can significantly improve the DFS and OS of the G2 and G3-grade liposarcoma (DFS:59.1 months vs. 28.4 months, P<0.01;OS:70.8 months vs. 55.1 months, P<0.05). Significant difference was not found in the effect of chemotherapy on OS and DFS. Conclusion:The prognosis of liposarcoma was significantly associated with the pathologic grades and subtypes. Auxiliary radiotherapy could improve the survival and prognosis of G2 and G3 liposarcoma of the extremities, but the role of chemotherapy in treating liposarcoma remained unclear.