ObjectiveTo establish fingerprint profiles and a quantitative determination method for Lycii Cortex， providing a scientific basis for the formulation of quality standards for Lycii Cortex and its roasted products. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） was developed for the quantitative method for determining kukoamine B in Lycii Cortex and its roasted products on an Alphasil XD-C₁₈ CH column（4.6 mm×250 mm， 5 μm）. HPLC fingerprint profiles were established for 10 batches of Lycii Cortex and its roasted products， and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS） was used to identify the common peaks based on reference standards， literature and MS information. Quality evaluation indicators included yield of decoction pieces， appearance properties， content of kukoamine B， and fingerprint profiles. The temperature and time of the roasting process were investigated to select the optimal preparation process， which was then verified. Additionally， chemical pattern recognition was combined to assess the differences in the chemical composition of Lycii Cortex before and after roasting， as well as among samples from different origins. ResultsQuantitative analysis indicated that the contents of kukoamine B in Lycii Cortex and its roasted products were 0.35%-5.51% and 0.24%-4.15%， respectively. The transfer rate of kukoamine B was 58.6%-78.9% after roasting. The fingerprint profile analysis demonstrated that the method established in this study effectively separated kukoamine B from other components in the samples and distinctly differentiated it from its impurity peak， cis-N-caffeoylputrescine. The HPLC fingerprint profiles of Lycii Cortex and its roasted products showed high similarity（all above 0.95）， with 7 common peaks identified and five common components， including kukoamine B， cis-N-caffeoylputrescine， N-coumaroyl tyramine， feruloyltyramine， and glucosyringic acid， confirmed. Process optimization confirmed that baking at 110 ℃ for 20 min was a stable and feasible method for roasting Lycii Cortex. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed that there was little difference in the chemical composition between raw and roasted Lycii Cortex， but the quality of Lycii Cortex from different origins differed greatly. ConclusionThis study successfully established the fingerprint profiles and a quantitative method for the effective component kukoamine B in Lycii Cortex and roasted Lycii Cortex. The qualitative and quantitative analyses clarified that the impact of the roasting process on the chemical composition of Lycii Cortex was less significant than the variations due to its geographical origin. The findings of this study offer a reference for the development of quality evaluation methods and the establishment of quality standards for Lycii Cortex and its processed products.

Methods:From February 2018 to January 2022, the clinical data of 1 123 patients who underwent Starclose vascular closure device, Angio-Seal and Exoseal vascular occlusion devices and Perclose ProGlide vascular suture device at femoral artery puncture hemostasis after neuro-intervention, in the Department of Interventional Radiology (Eastern District), The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups based on the intervention method: the closure group (Starclose, n=271), the occlusion group (Angio-Seal, n=327 and Exoseal, n=352) and the suture group (ProGlide, n=173). Next, the hemostatic efficacy and complications associated with the three devices were analyzed and compared. Additionally, regression analysis was conducted to identify any relevant factors that may contribute to complications. Results:Three vascular hemostatic devices demonstrated effective hemostasis and the success rate were 92.6% in the closure group (Starclose), 93.4% in the occlusion group (Angio-Seal 93.0% and Exoseal 93.8%) and 89.6% in the suture group (ProGlide). There was no statistically significant difference( χ2=3.026, P=0.388). Single or multiple complications were observed in 102 patients (9.1%), including local oozing (16 cases in the closure group, 39 cases in the occlusion group, 13 cases in the suture group), local hematoma (14 cases in the closure group, 31 cases in the occlusion group, 11 cases in the suture group), pseudoaneurysm (13 cases in the closure group, 35 cases in the occlusion group, 10 cases in the suture group), local infection (2 cases in the closure group, 3 cases in the occlusion group, 1 case in the suture group). There were no statistically significant differences ( P>0.05). Moreover, serious complications such as femoral artery occlusion, embolus shedding and permanent nerve injury weren′t observed in the three groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that overweight ( OR=1.562,95% CI 1.023—2.385, P=0.039), femoral artery with calcified plaque ( OR=1.934,95% CI 1.172-3.189, P=0.010), combined use of multiple antiplatelet drugs ( OR=1.769,95% CI 1.103—2.839, P=0.018), use of an 8F sheath( OR=2.824,95% CI 1.406—5.671, P=0.004) and the operator′s proficiency ( OR=0.508,95% CI 0.328—0.788, P=0.002) were the independent factors influencing complications, of which the first four were identified as risk-promoting factors for complications while the operator′s rich experience and high proficiency were the protective factors. Conclusions:Three hemostatic devices demonstrate effective hemostasis and comparable rates of complications at femoral artery puncture hemostasis after neuro-intervention. Overweight, femoral artery with calcified plaque, combined use of multiple antiplatelet drugs, use of an 8 F sheath and the operator′s proficiency were independent factors influencing complications.Ojective:To investigate the efficacy and complications associated with vascular suture, closure and occlusion devices at femoral artery puncture hemostasis after neuro-intervention.

Objective:To analyze and compare the short-term efficacy and safety of sintilimab and tislelizumab in neoadjuvant therapy for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:The clinical data of 95 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (paclitaxel + nedaplatin) combined with immunotherapy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January 2021 to October 2022 were collected. According to the different use of immune drugs, they were divided into the sintilimab group ( n=58) and the tislelizumab group ( n=37). The objective remission rate (ORR), adverse reactions, R0 resection rate, pathological complete response (pCR) rate, etc. were analyzed and compared between the two groups after neoadjuvant therapy. Results:After 2 cycles of neoadjuvant therapy, the sintilimab group and the tislelizumab group had a similar ORR [72.4% (42/58) vs. 56.8% (21/37), χ2=2.48, P=0.115]. The main adverse reactions of the two groups of patients included gastrointestinal reactions (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), hematological toxicity, hypothyroidism, alopecia, liver and kidney dysfunction, pneumonia, etc. The incidence of grade 3 adverse reactions was less than 15%, with no grade 4 adverse reactions. The incidence of hypothyroidism in the sintilimab group was significantly higher than that in the tislelizumab group [56.9% (33/58) vs. 16.2% (6/37) ], with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=15.45, P<0.001) ; There was no statistically significant difference in surgical resection ( χ2=1.26, P=0.661) and pCR rate [31.0% (18/58) vs. 32.4% (12/37), χ2=0.02, P=0.886] between the two groups of patients. In terms of postoperative complications, both groups of patients experienced partial pulmonary infections and anastomotic fistulas, but the incidence was relatively low [19.0% (11/58) vs. 24.3% (9/37), 3.4% (2/58) vs. 2.7% (1/37) ], with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.39, P=0.532; χ2<0.01, P>0.999) . Conclusion:For preoperative neoadjuvant therapy of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the use of either sintilimab or tislelizumab in addition to chemotherapy has good short-term efficacy and safety. Thyroid function should be monitored carefully when using sintilimab.

Objective:To describe the clinical characteristics and diagnosis and treatment process of one patient with primary thyroid mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT)lymphoma,in order to broaden the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this disease. Methods:The clinical features,diagnosis and treatment of one patient with primary thyroid MALT lymphoma were reported,and the relevant literatures were reviewed. Results:The patient complained of"bilateral thyroid enlargement for over 3 months",and the preoperative thyroid B-ultrasound and neck CT examination showed significant enlargement of thyroid.The patient underwent thyroidectomy on the right lobe behind the sternum,and postoperative pathological diagnosis confirmed primary thyroid MALT lymphoma.After a definitive diagnosis,the radiotherapy was performed on the thyroid lesion and cervical lymph node drainage area at a dose of 30 Gy/15 sessions.There was no disease progression 7 months after radiotherapy. Conclusion:Primary thyroid MALT lymphoma is a subtype of primary thyroid lymphoma(PTL)that commonly occurs in elderly female patients(＞60 years)accompanied by Hashimotos's thyroiditis(HT),and presents progressive enlargement of neck masses or lymph nodes in a short period.The clinical diagnosis of PTL relies on pathological biopsy,and there are significant differences in the clinical manifestations,treatment approaches,and prognosis among different subtypes of PTL.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(auto-HSCT)for the treatment of multiple myeloma(MM)in elderly patients aged over 65 years.Methods:In this retrospective analysis, the efficacy and safety of auto-HSCT for the treatment of MM was examined in 28 patients aged >65 years diagnosed and treated at Soochow Hopes Hematology Hospital between March 1, 2020 and October 31, 2022.The functions of the major organs of these patients were evaluated before transplantation.Results:The 28 patients had a median age of 67(66-72)at the time of transplantation, a median number of 2.985 × 10 6/kg(2.036-9.5 × 10 6/kg)of collected CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells, and a median number of 2(1-3)days of collection.The median time to neutrophil implantation after hematopoietic stem cell transfusion was 10(9-14)days, and the median platelet implantation time was 11(10-29)days.The median follow-up time was 25 months, but the median progression-free survival time was not reached.The 1-year PFS rate was 89.3% and 2-year PFS rate was 76.3%, with 2 patients' starting point of PFS set at the time of pre-transplantation re-induction therapy because needed salvage auto-HSCT.The overall survival time was not reached, the 1-year overall survival rate was 100.0%, and the 2-year overall survival rate was 90.5%. Conclusions:Auto-HSCT is a safe and effective treatment for elderly MM patients aged over 65 years after screening and assessment.

Objective:To explore the stent apposition and safety of Neuroform EZ and Enterprise 2 stents in treatment of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS), and their influencing factors for in-stent restenosis.Methods:A total of 143 sICAS patients treated by Enterprise 2 stents (implanted 143 Enterprise 2 stents, E2 group) and 202 patients treated by Neuroform EZ stents (implanted 202 Neuroform EZ stents, EZ group) were selected from Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to January 2022. Stent apposition was evaluated based on reconstructive images of high-resolution flat detector CT. The complications 30 d after surgery and during 6-24 months of follow-up were recorded. Based on DSA or CTA 6 months after surgery, the patency of the two stents was evaluated. Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to determine the independent risk factors for in-stent restenosis.Results:(1) Forty-nine patients had incomplete stent apposition (ISA) after stent release: 24 patients with ISA in E2 group (16.8%, 24/143; 15 of type I and 9 of type II) and 25 with ISA in the EZ group (12.4%, 25/202, 11 of type I and 14 of type II) were found, without statistical difference ( χ 2=1.334, P=0.248); however, ISA incidence in the EZ group (19.0% and 10.3%) was significantly lower than that in the E2 group (41.4% and 25.6%) when the diameter ratio of anterior and posterior vessels of the stenosis lesions≥1.30 or the angle of stent≥75° ( χ 2=4.228, P=0.040; χ 2=4.531, P=0.033). (2) Within 30 d of stenting, 17 patients developed neurological dysfunction-related complications: 8 patients in EZ group and 9 in E2 group were noted, without significant difference ( P=0.324). Clinical follow-up was obtained in 317 patients, and 20 patients developed long-term stroke associated with responsible lesion vessels: 12 patients in EZ group and 8 in E2 group were noted, without significant difference ( P=0.995). (3) Totally, 298 patients received imaging follow-up 6 months after surgery, and 65 patients developed in-stent restenosis: 36 patients in EZ group and 29 in E2 group were noted, without significant difference ( χ 2=0.309, P=0.578). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes ( OR=2.714, 95% CI: 1.437-5.126, P=0.002), stent apposition ( OR=3.435, 95% CI: 1.223-9.652, P=0.019), lesion stenosis length ( OR=1.176, 95% CI: 1.065-1.300, P=0.001) and immediate postoperative residual stenosis ( OR=1.038, 95% CI: 1.004-1.074, P=0.029) were independent influencing factors for in-stent restenosis. Conclusions:Enterprise 2 and Neuroform EZ stents have high stent apposition and safety in sICAS treatment, but in cases with large diameter ratio of the anterior and posterior vessels of the stenosis lesions (diameter ratio≥1.30) or large angle of the stent (≥75°), Neuroform EZ stent has better stent apposition. Patients with diabetes, ISA, long lesion stenosis or high residual stenosis may trend to have in-stent restenosis.

Objective:To establish the carotid artery in-stent restenosis (ISR) models in Bama pigs after Neuroform EZ stent implantation, and observe and summarize their imaging and pathological characteristics.Methods:Thirteen healthy Bama pigs from Guangxi Province were chosen; carotid artery intima was injuried by balloon over-dilation; Neuroform EZ stents were implanted at the vascular injury sites to establish ISR models. Blood flow at areas accepted carotid artery stent implantation in Bama pigs was monitored by bedside color ultrasound every 2 weeks after surgery; once hemodynamic changes (acceleration or deceleration of the blood flow) in stents were detected, DSA, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and high-resolution MRI (HR-MRI) were performed immediately. Bama pigs were then sacrificed and tissues at the stents were taken; HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes.Results:Thirteen Neuroform EZ stents were implanted into 13 Bama pigs after balloon over-dilation of the unilateral carotid arteries with a technical success rate of 100%. Hemodynamic changes in stents were detected in these 13 pigs (10 with acceleration and 3 with deceleration) at (12.46±3.57) weeks after stenting (ranged from 6-18 weeks); ISR of different degrees was found in all these 13 pigs by DSA with an average stenosis rate of (44.23±9.39)%. IVUS and OCT found that the main body of stents was covered by hyperplastic intima, and thickened intima resulted in local lumen stenosis; and obvious vascular wall enhancement in these lumens was shown on HR-MRI. HE staining showed rupture of intravascular internal elastic lamina and severely arterial intimal hyperplasia;and the hyperplastic intima was mainly composed of smooth muscle cells.Conclusion:Carotid artery ISR models in Bama pigs can be accurately and reliably established at approximately 12 weeks by tearing endovascular intima with balloon over-dilation and implanting Neuroform EZ stents, and multiple imaging and pathology methods confirm that ISR is caused by hyperplastic intima.

Objective:To compare the efficacies of Enterprise 1 stent and Enterprise 2 stent in treating symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).Methods:From January 2018 to April 2021, 76 patients with symptomatic ICAS treated by Enterprise 2 stent (implanting Enterprise 2 stents, EP2 group) and 52 patients with symptomatic ICAS treated with Enterprise 1 stent (implanting Enterprise 1 stents, EP1 group) were chosen from Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. DSA was performed immediately after stent implantation and residual vascular stenosis rate was analyzed and compared between the 2 groups. Stent apposition of the 2 groups were evaluated according to reconstruction images of high-resolution flat detector CT; patients were divided into incomplete stent apposition (ISA) group and complete stent apposition group, accordingly; their clinical data were compared. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent influencing factors for ISA. Incidences of perioperative complications and short-term in-stent restenosis (6 months after implantation) in the EP2 group and EP1 group were observed.Results:Intracranial stent was successfully implanted in all patients, with technical success rate of 100%. Significant difference was noted in EP1 group between pre-implanted vascular stenosis rate (80.85±12.14)% and post-implanted residual vascular stenosis rate ([21.44±8.11]%, P<0.05); significant difference was noted in EP2 group between pre-implanted vascular stenosis rate (81.83±12.85)% and post-implanted residual vascular stenosis rate ([21.53±7.76]%, P<0.05); no significant difference was noted in pre-implanted vascular stenosis rate, post-implanted residual stenosis rate, or angles of stent between EP1 group and EP2 group ( P>0.05). According to high-resolution flat detector CT scan, the ISA incidence in EP2 group (10.5%) was significantly lower than that in EP1 group (25.0%, P<0.05); compared with the complete stent apposition group, the ISA group had significantly higher post-implanted residual stenosis rate, higher proportions of patients with calcification at the stenosis, larger angles of stent, higher diameter ratio of anterior and posterior vessels of the stenosis lesions, and lower proportion of patients with Enterprise 2 stent implantation ( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the angle of stents, diameter ratio of anterior and posterior vessels of the stenosis lesions and Enterprise 2 stent implantation were independent influencing factors for stent apposition; and Enterprise 2 stent implantation was an proactive factor for complete stent apposition. Perioperative complication rate showed significant difference between EP1 group and EP2 group (1.3% vs. 7.7%, P<0.05). Short-term in-stent restenosis between EP2 group and EP1 group was significantly different (26.1% vs. 7.0%, P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with Enterprise 1 stent, Enterprise 2 stent has better apposition, higher safety, and lower incidence of short-term in-stent restenosis, enjoying clinical application value in treating symptomatic ICAS.

Objective:To investigate clinical phenotypes of type Ⅳ hereditary hemochromatosis caused by c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation of SLC40A1 gene and the correlation between genotype and phenotype, exploring ferritin cutoff value for screening.Methods:One case of type Ⅳ hereditary hemochromatosis with c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation in the SLC40A1 gene and 5 generations of their family lineage with a total of 47 members who were seen at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in July 2020 were studied for systematic clinical investigation. Thirty-nine surviving individuals were tested for ferritin, liver function, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and sex hormones, and Sanger sequencing was performed to verify the mutation loci and to map the family tree. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between ferritin and other indicators, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to calculate the ferritin cutoff value for screening for this genotype of hemochromatosis.Results:Ten patients with c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation in the SLC40A1 gene were identified among 39 family members, and five of them were diagnosed with hemochromatosis, presenting incomplete penetrance. The differences in levels of ferritin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST; both P<0.01) and FPG, as well as incidences of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and arthritis (all P<0.05) between group of mutation positive and group negative were statistically significant, while the difference in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was not. Spearman correlation analysis showed that, ferritin levels were significantly associated with ALT ( r=0.903), AST ( r=0.879), FPG ( r=0.782), and the incidences of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism ( r=0.798) and arthritis ( r=0.798; all P<0.01) in those with the c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation in the SLC40A1 gene. The ferritin cutoff value for screening of hereditary hemochromatosis with c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation in the SLC40A1 gene was 1 036.7 μg/L, with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 94.3%, respectively. Conclusion:The SLC40A1 gene c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation is closely associated with elevated levels of AST and FPG, increased incidences of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and arthritis, and the ferritin cutoff value is a useful screening parameter.

Objective:To explore the degradation property of novel magnesium alloy stents in Bama mini-pig models of carotid artery stenosis, and evaluate the feasibility of observing their dynamic and continuous process by high-resolution C-arm CT.Methods:Twelve Bama mini-pigs were selected; carotid artery stenosis models were established by large balloon over-dilation and high-fat and high-salt diet in Bama pigs; 24 weeks after that, self-made braided degradable magnesium alloy stents were inserted into the carotid artery stenosis models (confirmed by DSA) by balloon dilation. Degrees of stent patency and in-stent restenosis were examined by DSA immediately after procedure and on the 30 th, 60 th and 90 th d of procedure. Four experimental pigs were sacrificed on the 30 th, 60 th and 90 th d of procedure, respectively; the degradation property of the novel magnesium alloy stents was observed according to results of high-resolution C-arm CT in the inserted-stent areas and staining results of specimens in the stenosis areas, and stent imaging features during degradation were summarized. Results:Twelve Bama mini-pig models of carotid artery stenosis were established and 12 magnesium alloy stents were successfully inserted with a technical success rate of 100%. Both immediate postoperative and follow-up angiography showed patency of the vascular lumens without obvious in-stent restenosis. High-resolution C-arm CT and pathological examination showed homogeneous stent lumens and clear delineation of the stent meshes, with slightly degraded stent on the 30 th d of procedure; the stent lumen was blurred and some magnesium alloy wires were fractured with developed degradation of the stent on the 60 th d of procedure; and the stent meshes and stent strut could not be visualized due to severe degradation of the stent on the 90 th d of procedure. Conclusion:Magnesium alloy degradable stent is almost completely degraded within 90 th d of procedure in Bama mini-pig models of carotid artery stenosis, and high-resolution C-arm CT can be used to dynamically monitor the degradation of the stent in vivo.