Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of proper management of inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical and pathological data of 70 patients who received LPD due to pancreatic head tumors, periampullary tumors, or distal common bile duct tumors in the Pancreatic Center of the Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January to December 2022 were retrospectively collected. There were 47 males(67.1%) and 23 females(32.9%),aged (59.9±12.8)years(range:13 to 87 years).The procedure of IPDA exposure was as follows:a middle approach was utilized to expose the right half of superior mesenteric artery(SMA) and its right branches between the SMA and superior mesenteric vein(SMV) in superior colonic region. In the subcolonic region,SMA trunk exposure via dissection along the jejunal artery from feet to head and identification the association between IPDA and jejunal artery were prior to IPDA root ligation and dissection. The safety and efficacy of intraoperative IPDA handling were assessed based on surgical videos. Follow-up was carried out in outpatient clinic or by telephone, and outpatient follow-up was conducted once every 1 to 3 months after surgery.Results:The percentage of total LPD was 98.6%(69/70),with all patients achieving R0 resection. Nine cases(12.9%) were involved in combined vascular resection and reconstruction,with 1 case (1.4%) requiring additional upper abdominal incision for vascular and gastrointestinal reconstruction,while the remaining eight cases (11.4%) were completed laparoscopically. The operative time was (432.7±115.4)minutes(range:282 to 727 minutes), and the blood loss was (140.0±125.7)ml(range:20 to 800 ml). Only two patients(2.9%) received fresh frozen plasma transfusion,with an average volume of 650 ml. Reliable ligation and safe handling of the IPDA were achieved in 91.4%(64/70) of cases, with 8.6%(6/70) suffering from IPDA injury-related bleeding. No one was converted to opened surgery. Pathologically,the mean tumor size was (3.3±1.6)cm (range:1 to 7 cm),and the mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 17.0±7.3(range:0 to 46). Lymph node metastasis was observed in 13 cases (18.6%). Five cases (13.2%) developed grade B pancreatic fistula,while no grade C pancreatic fistula occurred. Other complications included bile leakage in one case(1.4%),delayed gastric emptying in two cases(2.9%), lymphatic leakage in 2 cases(2.9%),intra-abdominal infection in 9 cases(12.9%),and fat liquefaction of surgical incision in 1 case(1.4%). Two cases(2.9%) experienced postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding,one due to mesangial bleeding of lesser curvature of the stomach and the other due to oozing from the hepatic arterial sheath. These bleeding events were not concerned with IPDA. The average length of postoperative hospital stay was (15.2±4.6)days(range:9 to 28 days).Conclusion:Proper intraoperative management of IPDA in LPD might reduce IPDA-related bleeding during and after surgery and improve the safety of LPD.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of proper management of inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical and pathological data of 70 patients who received LPD due to pancreatic head tumors, periampullary tumors, or distal common bile duct tumors in the Pancreatic Center of the Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January to December 2022 were retrospectively collected. There were 47 males(67.1%) and 23 females(32.9%),aged (59.9±12.8)years(range:13 to 87 years).The procedure of IPDA exposure was as follows:a middle approach was utilized to expose the right half of superior mesenteric artery(SMA) and its right branches between the SMA and superior mesenteric vein(SMV) in superior colonic region. In the subcolonic region,SMA trunk exposure via dissection along the jejunal artery from feet to head and identification the association between IPDA and jejunal artery were prior to IPDA root ligation and dissection. The safety and efficacy of intraoperative IPDA handling were assessed based on surgical videos. Follow-up was carried out in outpatient clinic or by telephone, and outpatient follow-up was conducted once every 1 to 3 months after surgery.Results:The percentage of total LPD was 98.6%(69/70),with all patients achieving R0 resection. Nine cases(12.9%) were involved in combined vascular resection and reconstruction,with 1 case (1.4%) requiring additional upper abdominal incision for vascular and gastrointestinal reconstruction,while the remaining eight cases (11.4%) were completed laparoscopically. The operative time was (432.7±115.4)minutes(range:282 to 727 minutes), and the blood loss was (140.0±125.7)ml(range:20 to 800 ml). Only two patients(2.9%) received fresh frozen plasma transfusion,with an average volume of 650 ml. Reliable ligation and safe handling of the IPDA were achieved in 91.4%(64/70) of cases, with 8.6%(6/70) suffering from IPDA injury-related bleeding. No one was converted to opened surgery. Pathologically,the mean tumor size was (3.3±1.6)cm (range:1 to 7 cm),and the mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 17.0±7.3(range:0 to 46). Lymph node metastasis was observed in 13 cases (18.6%). Five cases (13.2%) developed grade B pancreatic fistula,while no grade C pancreatic fistula occurred. Other complications included bile leakage in one case(1.4%),delayed gastric emptying in two cases(2.9%), lymphatic leakage in 2 cases(2.9%),intra-abdominal infection in 9 cases(12.9%),and fat liquefaction of surgical incision in 1 case(1.4%). Two cases(2.9%) experienced postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding,one due to mesangial bleeding of lesser curvature of the stomach and the other due to oozing from the hepatic arterial sheath. These bleeding events were not concerned with IPDA. The average length of postoperative hospital stay was (15.2±4.6)days(range:9 to 28 days).Conclusion:Proper intraoperative management of IPDA in LPD might reduce IPDA-related bleeding during and after surgery and improve the safety of LPD.

Objective:To evaluate left ventricular structural and functional abnormalities and vascular calcification in kidney transplant (KT) recipients, explore their influencing factors and examine the effects of mineral and bone disorders.Methods:From January 2017 to December 2019, retrospective analysis was performed for 292 KT recipients. Biochemical markers of bone metabolism, bone mineral density (BMD), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular diastolic function, coronary artery calcification (CAC) score and thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) score were assessed. Linear regression and binary Logistic regression analyses were employed for evaluating the influencing factors of cardiovascular parameters and the influence of abnormal mineral and bone metabolism.Results:Postoperative abnormalities in mineral and bone disorders were manifested mostly as hypercalcemia (8.9%, 26/292), hypophosphatemia (27.1%, 79/292), low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)vitD) (67.0%, 196/292), hyperparathyroidismhigh parathyroid hormone (PTH) (50.6%, 148/292), elevated bone turnover markers and bone loss rate of 25%-30%. The prevalence of LVH, LVEF<50%, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, high CAC score and high TAC score were 39.9%(116/292), 0%, 13.1%(38/292), 17.3%(50/292) and 39.9%(116/292) respectively. The results of multivariate analysis indicated that LVH was correlated positively with hypertension and serum calcium (Ca) (95% CI: 1.242-28.080, P=0.026; 95% CI: 1.714-277.584, P=0.018); LVEF was correlated positively with lumbar vertebrae BMD (95% CI: 0.000 1-0.005 5, P=0.041); Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was correlated positively with age, diabetes and parathyroid hyperplasia/nodules (95% CI: 1.050-1.176, P<0.001; 95% CI: 2.118-43.813, P=0.003 and 95% CI: 1.419-9.103, P=0.007); High CAC score was correlated positively with recipient age and dialysis time (95% CI: 1.036-1.160, P=0.001; 95% CI: 1.009-1.041, P=0.002); High TAC score was correlated positively with age (95% CI: 1.095-1.215, P<0.001). Correlation analysis indicated that TAC was correlated positively with serum Ca ( r=0.233, P=0.003), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP)( r=0.325, P<0.001) and type Ⅰ collagen cross-linked N-terminal peptide (NTX)( r=0.204, P=0.011) and negatively with femoral neck BMD ( r=0.194, P=0.017). Conclusions:There is a high prevalence of left ventricular structural and functional abnormalities and vascular calcification. It is closely correlated with mineral and bone disorders.

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of the novel approach,radical resection of the retroperitoneal lipo-lymphatic layer (RRRLLL),in the surgical treatment of resectable pancreatic head cancer.Methods:Between June 2020 and June 2022,a total of 221 patients with pancreatic head cancer underwent surgical treatment using the RRRLLL approach(RRRLLL group),while 107 patients received traditional surgical treatment(traditional group) in five high-volume pancreatic centers in China. Data from surgical technique and clinical perioperative outcomes,including lymph node harvested,surgical time,and complications,were analyzed. The RRRLLL group consisted of 144 males and 77 females with an age of (67.5±9.0) years(range:41.3 to 81.1 years). The traditional group included 71 males and 36 females,with an age of (66.3±8.1) years(range:45.1 to 79.2 years). Statistical analysis was performed using the K-S test, Z test,or χ 2 test, respectively. Results:Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed successfully in all patients,achieving R0 resection. RRRLLL group surgery required mobilization of retroperitoneal adipose and lymphatic tissues starting from the right edge of the inferior vena cava and extending to the left side,up to the superior mesenteric artery,down to the inferior mesenteric artery,and left to the left side of the aorta,including the perineural and lymphatic tissues around the superior mesenteric artery and the sheath of the mesenteric artery. However,the traditional group did not include the areas mentioned above in the scope of clearance. There were no statistically significant differences between the RRRLLL group and the traditional group in terms of age,sex,tumor size,T stage,and vascular invasion (all P>0.05). However,the number of lymph nodes harvested in the RRRLLL group was significantly higher at 28.7±9.0 (range: 18 to 39) compared to 18.2±8.0 (range: 12 to 21) in the traditional group ( Z=-10.691, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the number of positive lymph nodes,N staging,and postoperative complications between the two groups. Conclusion:The RRRLLL approach improved lymph node dissection compared to the traditional approach,potentially leading to reduced recurrence rates.

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of the novel approach,radical resection of the retroperitoneal lipo-lymphatic layer (RRRLLL),in the surgical treatment of resectable pancreatic head cancer.Methods:Between June 2020 and June 2022,a total of 221 patients with pancreatic head cancer underwent surgical treatment using the RRRLLL approach(RRRLLL group),while 107 patients received traditional surgical treatment(traditional group) in five high-volume pancreatic centers in China. Data from surgical technique and clinical perioperative outcomes,including lymph node harvested,surgical time,and complications,were analyzed. The RRRLLL group consisted of 144 males and 77 females with an age of (67.5±9.0) years(range:41.3 to 81.1 years). The traditional group included 71 males and 36 females,with an age of (66.3±8.1) years(range:45.1 to 79.2 years). Statistical analysis was performed using the K-S test, Z test,or χ 2 test, respectively. Results:Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed successfully in all patients,achieving R0 resection. RRRLLL group surgery required mobilization of retroperitoneal adipose and lymphatic tissues starting from the right edge of the inferior vena cava and extending to the left side,up to the superior mesenteric artery,down to the inferior mesenteric artery,and left to the left side of the aorta,including the perineural and lymphatic tissues around the superior mesenteric artery and the sheath of the mesenteric artery. However,the traditional group did not include the areas mentioned above in the scope of clearance. There were no statistically significant differences between the RRRLLL group and the traditional group in terms of age,sex,tumor size,T stage,and vascular invasion (all P>0.05). However,the number of lymph nodes harvested in the RRRLLL group was significantly higher at 28.7±9.0 (range: 18 to 39) compared to 18.2±8.0 (range: 12 to 21) in the traditional group ( Z=-10.691, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the number of positive lymph nodes,N staging,and postoperative complications between the two groups. Conclusion:The RRRLLL approach improved lymph node dissection compared to the traditional approach,potentially leading to reduced recurrence rates.

Objective:To explore the role of macrophage polarization on pericyte-to-myofibroblast transition and renal allograft fibrosis after kidney transplantation(KT).Methods:Allograft tissues were harvestedfrom recipients with chronic allograft dysfunction(CGD)and normal kidney tissues.The expression and distribution of M1/M2 macrophages in kidney tissues were detected by routine and immunofluorescent staining; mRNA of CD68, CD206 and iNOS detected by polymerase chain reaction(PCR); Murine vascular pericytes subjected to TGF-β1 in vitro and the expressions of α-SMA and PDGFR-β in perivascular cells detected by immunoblotting and cellular fluorescence; The co-culturing models of vascular pericytes and M1/M2 macrophages were constructed.The expressions of α-SMA and PDGFR-β in pericytes were detected by immunoblotting, cellular fluorescence and PCR.Results:A marked infiltration of CD68+ iNOS+ M1 macrophages was present in allograft tissues of recipients with CGD while no obvious infiltration of CD68 + CD206 + was observed.The mRNA levels of CD68, iNOS and CD206 were significantly higher in CGD group than those in control group( P<0.05); In CGD allograft tissues, protein expressions of α-SMA and PDGFR-β spiked markedly( P<0.05)while cells with double staining of α-SMA and PDGFR-β were markedly infiltrated in interstitial area of CGD allograft.TGF-β1 could induce a marked elevation of PMT-related markers in a time-dependent manner( P<0.05); Immunoblotting and cellukar fluorescence indicated that M1 macrophages could promote the elevations of α-SMA and PDGFR-β in pericytes in vitro while M2 macrophages showed no effect on pericyte-to-myofibroblast transition in pericytes. Conclusions:M1 macrophage polarization may promote the formation of renal allograft interstitial fibrosis through promoting PMT.

Objective:To study the preliminary clinical results of the No-touch technique in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer.Methods:A retrospective analysis was consulted on 11 patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer at the Pancreas Center of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April 2019 to April 2020. There were 5 males and 6 females, with a Mean±SD age of (63.6±12.2) years. Preoperative evaluation showed all patients were diagnosed to have resectable pancreatic head carcinoma with no local invasion into adjacent arteries and veins, and without metastasis. The surgical strategy consisted of no initial Kocher manoeuvre with no flipping or pulling of the pancreaticoduodenal area. Through unwinding of the pancreatic uncinate process, the pancreatic blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic vessels were completely detached to isolate the tumor. Finally, the pancreaticoduodenal area was totally resected and the digestive tract was reconstructed using the Child’s method. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, postoperative pathology and follow-up data of the patients were evaluated.Results:All patients completed the laparoscopic operation without any need for conversion to laparotomy. The operation time of the 11 patients was (422.2±102.2) min, and the bleeding volume was (102.7±65.4) ml. There were 2 patients who developed pancreatic fistula, with 1 patient having a biochemical fistula and 1 patient a grade B fistula. There was no grade C fistula. Other complications included 1 patient with delayed gastric emptying. There were no biliary fistula, no postoperative abdominal bleeding, and no perioperative death. Postoperative pathology showed 6 patients had lymph node metastases, with a positive lymph nodes rate of (4.8±4.4)%. All patients had R 0 resection. The follow-up survival data of the 11 patients showed one patient to develop intrahepatic metastasis 1 month after operation and he died 9 months after operation. Another patient developed liver metastases 2 months after operation. The remaining patients were tumor-free. Conclusion:Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy using the No-touch isolation and resection technique could achieve complete resection of tumors, and it can safely and effectively be applied to patients with pancreatic head cancer.

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of Iguratimod in reducing the level of panel reactive antibodies in renal transplant recipients.Methods:The clinical data of 35 patients with PRA-positive renal transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. All recipients were treated with Iguratimod for PRA-positive. The changes in PRA levels before and after treatment and the adverse events were observed.Results:Of the 35 recipients, 4 of them were discontinued due to pulmonary infection, and 2 patients were discontinued during the observation period. 3 patients were lost to follow-up. A total of 26 recipients were included. When Iguratimod was taken to 9 months, the PRA was reviewed. 71.5 % of the 207 sites showed a downward trend, 69.9 % of the 107 class I sites and 75.9 % of the 41 class II site showed a downward trend, and there was no difference in renal function before and after treatment. There were no significant changes in blood routine, liver function, blood lipids, and blood glucose. There were no other adverse events.Conclusions:Iguratimod can effectively reduce the level of PRA in renal transplant recipients with less adverse events.

Objective:To evaluate the values of bone mineral density(BMD)of renal transplant recipients and analyze the influencing factors so as to provide rationales for preventing and treating osteoporosis after renal transplantation.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted for clinical data of 254 renal transplant recipients hospitalized from January 2017 to May 2019. The values of BMD of right femoral neck and lumbar vertebrae were detected by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DEXA)and their relationships with other clinical parameters analyzed.Results:The average age was(40.5±9.8)years. Males accounted for 66.1 %, and menopausal women 5.9 %. The prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis of right femoral neck bone mass and lumbar vertebrae was 20.1 %, 2.8 % and 26.1 %, 3.6 % respectively. Chi-square test showed that recipients with lower BMD of femoral neck and lumbar spine were elders, menopausal women and those with longer postoperative time( P<0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that BMD of right femoral neck was positively correlated with BMI and negatively correlated with acute rejection( P<0.05). The BMD of lumbar vertebrae was positively correlated with BMI and negatively correlated with PTH level ( P<0.05). Conclusions:There is a high prevalence of bone loss in kidney transplant recipients. Regular monitoring of BMD, active control of hyperparathyroidism, maintaining an excellent nutritional status, tapering of glucocorticoid dose and using immunosuppressants with less effect on bone metabolism may prevent osteoporosis.

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of quadruple low-dose immunosuppressant maintenance therapy of sirolimus(SRL), calcineurin inhibitors(CNIs), mycophenolate mofetil(MMF)and glucocorticoid in recipients switched within three months after renal transplantation.Methods:This retrospective study recruited 61 recipients on quadruple immunosuppressive therapy within three months after renal transplantation from 2013 to 2018. The changes of serum creatinine(SCr), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), hemoglobin(HGB), white blood cell(WBC), platelet(PLT), liver function, fasting blood-glucose(FBG), serum lipid, electrolyte and urine protein before and after using this protocol were recorded.Results:No significant difference existed between before and after protocol switching in WBC or serum sodium. But after protocol switching, significant differences could be observed in SCr, BUN, serum calcium, serum potassium, aspartate transaminase(AST), PLT, alanine transaminase(ALT), HGB, FBG, triglycerides(TG)and cholesterol(TC, P<0.05). Urine protein negative rate was 44.26 % before switching. However, it was 81.97 % after protocol switching. After switching during a 1-year follow-up period, the incidence of pulmonary infection rate was 24.59 %, the incidence of BKV infection rate 4.92 %, the incidence of transplant renal artery stenosis 3.28 % and the incidence of acute rejection 6.56 %. Conclusions:Quadruple low-dose immunosuppression maintenance therapy of SRL, CNIs, MMF and glucocorticoid switched within 3 months after renal transplantation may be an effective and safe protocol of improving renal allograft function and enhancing recipient prognosis.