Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of the da Vinci robot and thoracoscopic subxiphoid approach for the treatment of anterior mediastinal tumors. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent anterior mediastinal tumor resection through the subxiphoid approach admitted to the same medical group in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University between June 2020 and April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the surgery approach, the patients were divided into a robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) group and a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) group. The perioperative data and the incidence of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 79 patients were enrolled. There were 41 patients in the RATS group, including 13 males and 28 females, with an average age of 45.61±14.99 years. There were 38 patients in the VATS group, including 14 males and 24 females, with an average age of 47.84±15.05 years. All patients completed the surgery successfully. Hospitalization cost and operative time were higher or longer in the RATS group than those in the VATS group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative water and food intake time, postoperative off-bed activity time, white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage and visual analogue scale (VAS) score on the first postoperative day, white blood cell count and neutrophil percentage on the third postoperative day, duration of analgesic pump use, the number of voluntary compressions of the analgesic pump, and mediastinal drainage volume were all superior to those in the VATS group (P<0.05). The differences in VAS scores on the third postoperative day, duration of drainage tube retention and postoperative complication rates were not statistically different between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion RATS subxiphoid anterior mediastinum tumor resection is a safe and feasible surgical method with less injury and higher safety, which is conducive to rapid postoperative recovery and has wide clinical application prospects.

Aim To explore the effects of Lycium berry seed oil on Nrf2/ARE pathway and oxidative damage in testis of subacute aging rats. Methods Fifty out of 60 male SD rats, aged 8 weeks, were subcutaneously injected with 125 mg • kg"D-galactosidase in the neck for 8 weeks to establish a subacute senescent rat model. The presence of senescent cells was observed using P-galactosidase ((3-gal), while testicular morphology was examined using HE staining. Serum levels of testosterone (testosterone, T), follicle-stimulating hormone ( follicle stimulating hormone, FSH ) , luteinizing hormone ( luteinizing hormone, LH ) , superoxide dis-mutase ( superoxide dismutase, SOD ) , glutathione ( glutathione, GSH) and malondialdehyde ( malondial-dehyde, MDA) were measured through ELISA, and the expressions of factors related to aging, oxidative damage, and the Nrf2/ARE pathway were assessed via immunohistochemical analysis and Western blotting. Results After successfully identifying the model, the morphology of the testis was improved and the intervention of Lycium seed oil led to a down-regulation in the expression of [3-gal and -yH2AX. The serum levels of SOD, GSH, T, and FSH increased while MDA and LH decreased (P 0. 05) . Additionally, there was an up-regulated expression of Nrf2, GCLC, NQOl, and SOD2 proteins in testicular tissue ( P 0. 05 ) and nuclear expression of Nrf2 in sertoli cells. Conclusion Lycium barbarum seed oil may reduce oxidative damage in testes of subacute senescent rats by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND:There is no consensus on the optimal bone tunnel position in the lateral clavicle,which guides coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction.Postoperative complications such as enlargement of the lateral clavicle bone tunnel,bone osteolysis,clavicle fracture,and failure of internal fixation are likely to occur.Bone mass density plays an important role in the strength and stability of endophytic fixation.Regional differences in the bone mass density of the distal clavicle should not be overlooked in the repair and reconstruction of acromioclavicular dislocation.Currently,there are no quantitative clinical studies in humans regarding the bone mass density of the distal clavicle. OBJECTIVE:To measure the magnitude of bone mass density in different regions of the distal clavicle by quantitative CT to provide a reference for surgeons to repair and reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligament. METHODS:101 patients undergoing quantitative CT checking in Fuyang People's Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from October to December 2022 were enrolled,from which 1 616 samples of subdivisional bone mass density of the distal clavicle were measured.For each of the quantitative CT samples,firstly,the distal clavicle was divided medially to laterally into the following four regions:conical nodal region(region A),inter-nodal region(region B),oblique crest region(region C)and distal clavicular region(region D).Secondly,each region was divided into the first half and the second half to determine eight subdivisions,then setting semiautomatic region of interest(ROI)in each subdivision:(ROI A1,A2,B1,B2,C1,C2,D1,and D2).Thirdly,each quantitative CT scan was transferred to the quantitative CT pro analysis workstation,and cancellous bone mass density was measured in the distal clavicle ROI.Finally,the clavicular cortex was avoided when measuring. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was no statistically significant difference in bone mineral density on the different sides of the shoulder(P＞0.05).(2)The analysis of bone mineral density in eight sub-areas of the distal clavicle A1,A2,B1,B2,C1,C2,D1,and D2 showed statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).It could be considered that there were differences in bone mineral density in different areas of the distal clavicle.After pairwise comparison,there was no statistically significant difference in bone mineral density between A1 and A2,D1 and D2,A2 and B1(P＞0.05),and there was a statistically significant difference in bone mineral density between the other sub-areas(P＜0.05).(3)The bone mineral density in the region A2 of the anatomical insertion of the conical ligament was significantly higher than that in the inter-nodular area(region B)(P＜0.05).The bone mineral density in the region A1 was higher than that in the region A2,but the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The bone mineral density in the region C1 of the anatomical insertion of the trapezium ligament was higher than that in regions C2,D1 and D2,and the bone mineral density in the inter-nodular area(region B)was significantly higher than that in regions C and D(P＜0.05).(4)These results have suggested that there are differences in bone mass density in different regions of the distal clavicle;regional differences in bone mass density in the distal clavicle during repair and reconstruction of acromioclavicular dislocation cannot be ignored.Consideration should be given not only to biomechanical factors but also to the placement of implants or bone tunnels in regions of higher bone mass density,which could improve the strength and stability of implant fixation and reduce the risk of complications such as bone tunnel enlargement,osteolysis,fracture and implant failure.

Osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture (OPHF) is one of the common osteoporotic fractures in the aged, with an incidence only lower than vertebral compression fracture, hip fracture, and distal radius fracture. OPHF, secondary to osteoporosis and characterized by poor bone quality, comminuted fracture pattern, slow healing, and severely impaired shoulder joint function, poses a big challenge to the current clinical diagnosis and treatment. In the field of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of OPHF, traditional Chinese and Western medicine have accumulated rich experience and evidence from evidence-based medicine and achieved favorable outcomes. However, there is still a lack of guidance from a relevant consensus as to how to integrate the advantages of the two medical systems and achieve the integrated diagnosis and treatment. To promote the diagnosis and treatment of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, relevant experts from Orthopedic Expert Committee of Geriatric Branch of Chinese Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Youth Osteoporosis Group of Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Osteoporosis Group of Orthopedic Surgeon Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Osteoporosis Committee of Shanghai Association of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine have been organized to formulate Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine ( version 2024) by searching related literatures and based on the evidences from evidence-based medicine. This consensus consists of 13 recommendations about the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, aimed at standardizing, systematizing, and personalizing the diagnosis and treatment of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinse and Western medicine to improve the patients ′ function.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction using composite autologous patch graft combined with tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon in the treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (IMRCT).Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on 11 IMRCT patients who were admitted to Affiliated Fuyang Hospital of Bengbu Medical University (Fuyang People′s Hospital) from May 2020 to June 2022, including 7 males and 4 females, aged 54-74 years [(62.6±7.3)years]. All the patients were treated with arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction using composite patch graft combined with tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Acromiohumeral Distance (AHD), Constant-Murley score and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score and active range of motion of the shoulder joint before, at 6 months after surgery and at the last follow-up were compared. At the last follow-up, the integrity of reconstructed superior capsule and the long head of the biceps tendon was evaluated using MRI of the shoulder joint. Postoperative complications were observed.Results:All the patients were followed up for 13-39 months [16(13, 36)months]. The VAS score, AHD, Constant-Murley score, and UCLA score were 2(2, 3)points, (9.1±1.1)mm, (56.1±5.4)points, and (19.7±2.8)points respectively at 6 months after surgery, which were all significantly improved from those before surgery [6(5, 7)points, (5.1±1.2)mm, (37.9±2.2)points, and (11.8±1.2)points] ( P<0.05). The VAS score, AHD, Constant-Murley score, and UCLA score were 0(0, 1)points, (8.4±0.9)mm, (83.6±3.8)points, and (28.2±2.3)points respectively at the last follow-up, which were all significantly improved from those before surgery ( P<0.05). At the last follow-up, the VAS score or AHD were not significantly improved from those at 6 months after surgery ( P>0.05); Constant-Murley score and UCLA score were both significantly improved from those at 6 months after surgery ( P<0.05). At 6 months after surgery, shoulder active ranges of motion in forward flexion, abduction and external rotation were (134.6±13.5)°, (124.6±18.6)° and 45(40, 50)° respectively, which were all significantly improved compared with those before surgery [(63.2±36.1)°, (65.0±23.1)°, and [30(20, 40)°] ( P<0.05). At the last follow-up, shoulder active ranges of motion in forward flexion, abduction and external rotation were (144.1±12.6)°, (139.6±15.4)° and 60(45, 65)° respectively, which were all significantly improved compared with those before surgery ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in active range of motion of the shoulder in forward flexion, abduction and external rotation between 6 months after surgery and the last follow-up ( P>0.05). At the last follow-up, MRI revealed integrity of the reconstructed superior joint capsule and the long head of the biceps tendon in 10 patients. One patient developed resorption of the greater tuberosity and 1 showed a partial tear of the supraspinatus tendon at 1 year after surgery. Conclusion:Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction using composite autologous patch graft combined with tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon can relieve shoulder pain, decrease upward displacement of the humerus head, improve the function and range of motion of the shoulder joint, and reduce complications in the treatment of IMRCT.

Adequate inflammation can effectively eliminate harmful substances and prevent disease as a self-protective measure to prevent further damage to the body,while abnormally activated inflammation is detrimental to the body.Nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome that participates in inflammatory responses are closely related to many physiological and pathological processes and play an important role in the occurrence and development of pulmonary diseases.This article mainly reviewed the activation mechanism and hypothesis of NLRP3 inflammasome,as well as the research on treating respiratory diseases by interfering with NLRP3 inflammasome.

Objective To explore the application value of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in the postoperative complications of McKeown surgery for da Vinci robotic esophageal cancer. Methods The clinical data of the patients who underwent da Vinci robotic McKeown surgery for esophageal cancer in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from January 2019 to June 2022 were retrospectively collected. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the optimal cut-off value of PNI for predicting postoperative complications was explored. The patients were divided into a high PNI group and a low PNI group according to the cut-off value, and the differences in basic characteristics, surgery-related indexes and postoperative complications between the two groups were analyzed. According to the occurrence of postoperative complications, the patients were divided into a non-complication group and a complication group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore the influence of relevant indicators on the occurrence of postoperative complications in da Vinci robotic McKeown surgery for esophageal cancer. Results Finally 120 patients were collected, including 95 males and 25 females, with an average age of 62.82 years. The preoperative hemoglobin content, preoperative blood lymphocyte count, preoperative serum albumin and preoperative blood total cholesterol in the high PNI group were higher than those in the low PNI group (P<0.05). There were statistical differences between the two groups in the incidences of postoperative overall complications, pulmonary infection, pleural effusion and poor incision healing (P<0.05). The relevant indicators that may cause postoperative complications were included in univariate analysis, and the results showed that age, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, preoperative blood lymphocyte count, preoperative hemoglobin content, preoperative blood mononuclear cell count, preoperative blood monocyte count, serum albumin level and PNI were possible influencing factors of postoperative complications after da Vinci robotic McKeown surgery for esophageal cancer. Incorporating these influencing factors into multivariate analysis, the results showed that age, PNI, operation time and intraoperative blood loss were independent influencing factors of postoperative complications. Conclusion PNI has certain predictive value in the postoperative complications of da Vinci robotic McKeown surgery for esophageal cancer. PNI is an independent factor affecting postoperative complications. Improving the level of PNI in esophageal cancer patient before surgery may help reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications.

Objective To investigate the effect of multi-sided foramen ultrafine drainage tube with metal support on the formation of thoracic residual cavity after uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) upper lobectomy. Methods The clinical data of the patients who underwent uniportal VATS upper lobectomy for lung cancer in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from January 2021 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the type of ultrafine drainage tube used in the surgery, the patients were divided into a test group (using metal-supported multi-sided foramen ultrafine drainage tube) and a control group (using ordinary 12F ultrafine drainage tube). The incidence of postoperative thoracic residual cavity and operation-related data were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 200 patients were enrolled, including 126 males and 74 females, with a mean age of 57.52 years. There were 90 patients in the test group, and 110 patients in the control group. The incidence of postoperative thoracic residual cavity in the test group was lower than that in the control group (P=0.045). The differences in the postoperative bedtime, postoperative visual analogue scale, postoperative analgesic pump using time, postoperative hospitalization time, times of postoperative thoracentration and drainage, postoperative drainage time and hospitalization cost between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). The incidences of postoperative lung infection, pleural effusion and atelectasis complications were lower in the test group than those in the control group (P<0.05). The differences in the preoperative anesthesia time, operation time, intraoperative bleeding and postoperative lung leakage were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion The use of multi-sided foramen ultrafine drainage tube with metal support can reduce the incidence of thoracic residual cavity after uniportal VATS upper lobectomy, and can reduce pain and economical burdens and the incidence of operation-related complications, accelerating the recovery of patients after surgery. The application of multi-sided foramen ultrafine drainage tube with metal support in uniportal VATS upper lobectomy can be widely used in the clinic.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common types of cancer in the world and is an important cause for cancer death. Although the application of immunotherapy in recent years has greatly improved the prognosis of NSCLC, there are still huge challenges in the treatment of NSCLC. The immune microenvironment plays an important role in the process of NSCLC development, infiltration and metastasis, and they can interact and influence each other, forming a vicious circle. Notably, single-cell RNA sequencing enables high-resolution analysis of individual cells and is of great value in revealing cell types, cell evolution trajectories, molecular mechanisms of cell differentiation, and intercellular regulation within the immune microenvironment. Single-cell RNA sequencing is expected to uncover more promising immunotherapies. This article reviews the important researches and latest achievements of single-cell RNA sequencing in the immune microenvironment of NSCLC, and aims to explore the significance of applying single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the immune microenvironment of NSCLC.

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of metal supported multi-sided versus ordinary ultra-fine drainage tube in the uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lower pulmonary lobectomy. Methods From January 2021 to June 2022, the clinical data of patients who underwent uniportal VATS lower lobectomy in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different types of ultra-fine drainage tubes used in the surgery, the patients were divided into an experimental group (using multi-sided hole 10F ultra-fine drainage tubes with metal support) and a control group (using ordinary 12F ultra-fine drainage tubes). The clinical data of the two groups were compared. Results A total of 190 patients were enrolled, including 108 males and 82 females. There were 90 patients in the experimental group aged 56.60±10.14 years; and 100 patients in the control group aged 57.07±11.04 years. The incidences of postoperative lung infection and pleural effusion in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The postoperative visual analogue scale score, the need to adjust the chest drainage tube after the surgery, the need for chest puncture after the surgery, the time of postoperative chest tube removal, and the hospitalization cost were statistically different (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the length of postoperative hospital stay or the incidences of postoperative lung leakage, arrhythmia, and atelectasis complications (P>0.05). Conclusion Compared with the ordinary ultra-fine drainage tubes, multi-sided hole ultra-fine drainage tubes with metal support can reduce the incidences of lung infection and pleural effusion complications after the uniportal VATS lower lobectomy, reduce the pain and economic burden, which can be applied in the uniportal VATS lower lobectomy.