Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

ObjectiveThe full name of vertebroplasty is percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). It is a clinical technique that injects bone cement into the diseased vertebral body to achieve strengthening of the vertebra. The research on the safety and efficacy of bone cement is the basis for clinical application. In this study, vertebroplasty is used to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of Tecres and radiopaque bone cement in experimental pigs, and to determine the puncture method suitable for pigs and the pre-clinical evaluation method for the safety and efficacy of bone cement. MethodsTwenty-four experimental pigs (with a body weight of 60-80 kg) were randomly divided into an experimental group (Group A) and a control group (Group B). Group A was the Tecres bone cement group, and Group B was the radiopaque bone cement group, with 12 pigs in each group. Under the monitoring of a C-arm X-ray machine, the materials were implanted into the 1st lumbar vertebra (L1) and 4th lumbar vertebra (L4) of the pigs via percutaneous puncture using the unilateral pedicle approach. The animals were euthanized at 4 weeks and 26 weeks after the operation, respectively. The L4 vertebrae were taken for compressive strength testing, and the L1 vertebrae were taken for hard tissue pathological examination to observe the inflammatory response, bone necrosis, and degree of osseointegration at the implantation site. ResultsThe test results of compressive strength between groups A and B showed no significant difference at 4 weeks and 26 weeks after bone cement implantation (P > 0.05). Observation under an optical microscope (×100) revealed that at 4 weeks postoperatively, both groups A and B showed that the bone cement was surrounded by proliferative fibrous tissue, with lymphocyte infiltration around it. The bone cement was combined with bone tissue, the trabecular arrangement was disordered, and osteoblasts and a small amount of osteoid were formed. At 26 weeks postoperatively, bone cement was visible in both groups A and B. The new bone tissue was mineralized, the trabeculae were fused, the trabecular structure was regular and dense with good continuity, and no obvious inflammatory reaction was observed. ConclusionIn experimental pig vertebrae, there were no significant differences observed in the compressive strength, inflammation response, bone destruction, and integration with the bone between Tecres and non-radiopaque bone cement. Both exhibited good biocompatibility and osteogenic properties. It indicates that using vertebroplasty to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bone cement in pigs is scientifically sound.

Esophageal cancer is an aggressive malignancy with high morbidity and poor prognosis. Symptoms of early esophageal cancer are insidious and difficult to detect, while advanced esophageal obstruction, lesion infiltration and metastasis seriously affect patients’ quality of life. Early detection and treatment can help to increase the survival chance of patients. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has shown remarkable success in diagnosis of esophageal cancer, highlighting the great potential of new AI-assisted diagnostic modalities. This paper aims to review recent progress of AI in the diagnosis of esophageal cancer and to prospect its clinical application.

Objective To evaluate the diffusion distribution of bone cement in the vertebral body by quadrant method,and to analyze and evaluate the correlation between the diffusion distribution type of bone cement and new vertebral fractures after vertebral augmentation.Methods A total of 170 subjects who met the conditions from January 2020 to December 2021 were collected.According to the anteroposterior and lateral view of the spine,the injured vertebra was divided into four quadrants,and divided into homogeneous diffusion group and uneven diffusion group according to the postoperative diffusion distribution of bone cement in the injured vertebra.The incidence and types of refracture were followed up,and the VAS score and Cobb angle were compared between the two groups.Results 170 patients were followed up for at least 12 months,including 90 patients in homogeneous diffusion group and 80 patients in heterogeneous diffusion group.There were 33 cases of refracture(19.41％),12 cases of refracture(13.33％)in the diffuse homogeneous group,and 21 cases of refracture(26.25％)in the diffuse heterogeneous group,and the difference between the groups was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The site of refracture in the diffuse homogeneous group was mainly the clinical vertebral fracture,while the probability of refracture in the diffuse heterogeneous clinical vertebra and the operated vertebra was similar.The incidence of postoperative bone cement leakage in the diffuse homogeneous group was significantly lower than that in diffuse heterogeneous group(P＜0.05).The VAS score and Cobb angle were significantly improved in both groups after surgery and at the last follow-up compared with those before surgery,but there was no significant difference between groups.Conclusion The incidence of new vertebral fractures after vertebroplasty is closely related to the type of cement diffusion,and the risk of refracture defined as uneven cement diffusion by quadrant method is high.

With the increasing proportion of human papilloma virus(HPV)infection in the pathogenic factors of oro-pharyngeal cancer,a series of changes have occurred in the surgical treatment.While the treatment mode has been im-proved,there are still many problems,including the inconsistency between diagnosis and treatment modes,the lack of popularization of reconstruction technology,the imperfect post-treatment rehabilitation system,and the lack of effective preventive measures.Especially in terms of treatment mode for early oropharyngeal cancer,there is no unified conclu-sion whether it is surgery alone or radiotherapy alone,and whether robotic minimally invasive surgery has better func-tional protection than radiotherapy.For advanced oropharyngeal cancer,there is greater controversy over the treatment mode.It is still unclear whether to adopt a non-surgical treatment mode of synchronous chemoradiotherapy or induction chemotherapy combined with synchronous chemoradiotherapy,or a treatment mode of surgery combined with postopera-tive chemoradiotherapy.In order to standardize the surgical treatment of oropharyngeal cancer in China and clarify the indications for surgical treatment of oropharyngeal cancer,this expert consensus,based on the characteristics and treat-ment status of oropharyngeal cancer in China and combined with the international latest theories and practices,forms consensus opinions in multiple aspects of preoperative evaluation,surgical indication determination,primary tumor re-section,neck lymph node dissection,postoperative defect repair,postoperative complication management prognosis and follow-up of oropharyngeal cancer patients.The key points include:① Before the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer,the expression of P16 protein should be detected to clarify HPV status;② Perform enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the maxillofacial region before surgery to evaluate the invasion of oropharyngeal cancer and guide precise surgical resec-tion of oropharyngeal cancer.Evaluating mouth opening and airway status is crucial for surgical approach decisions and postoperative risk prediction;③ For oropharyngeal cancer patients who have to undergo major surgery and cannot eat for one to two months,it is recommended to undergo percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy before surgery to effectively improve their nutritional intake during treatment;④ Early-stage oropharyngeal cancer patients may opt for either sur-gery alone or radiation therapy alone.For intermediate and advanced stages,HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer general-ly prioritizes radiation therapy,with concurrent chemotherapy considered based on tumor staging.Surgical treatment is recommended as the first choice for HPV unrelated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(including primary and re-current)and recurrent HPV related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy and chemotherapy;⑤ For primary exogenous T1-2 oropharyngeal cancer,direct surgery through the oral approach or da Vinci robotic sur-gery is preferred.For T3-4 patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer,it is recommended to use temporary mandibu-lectomy approach and lateral pharyngotomy approach for surgery as appropriate;⑥ For cT1-2N0 oropharyngeal cancer patients with tumor invasion depth＞3 mm and cT3-4N0 HPV unrelated oropharyngeal cancer patients,selective neck dissection of levels ⅠB to Ⅳ is recommended.For cN+HPV unrelated oropharyngeal cancer patients,therapeutic neck dissection in regions Ⅰ-Ⅴ is advised;⑦ If PET-CT scan at 12 or more weeks after completion of radiation shows intense FDG uptake in any node,or imaging suggests continuous enlargement of lymph nodes,the patient should undergo neck dissection;⑧ For patients with suspected extracapsular invasion preoperatively,lymph node dissection should include removal of surrounding muscle and adipose connective tissue;⑨ The reconstruction of oropharyngeal cancer defects should follow the principle of reconstruction steps,with priority given to adjacent flaps,followed by distal pedicled flaps,and finally free flaps.The anterolateral thigh flap with abundant tissue can be used as the preferred flap for large-scale postoperative defects.

Objective:To investigate the prognostic significance of tumor architecture in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) after radical nephroureterectomy.Methods:A retrospective study was performed on 958 patients who underwent nephroureterectomy in Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang university (156) and Renji Hospital (802) between January 1998 and June 2019. There were 630 males and 328 females with median age 67 years old, ranging 30-89 years old. Among them, 499 patients suffered with preoperative hydronephrosis, 370 patients suffered with hypertension, 120 patients suffered with diabetes, 252 patients had history of smoking and 119 patients had history of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) or with NMIBC. 489 patients had tumor in renal pelvic, 394 patients had tumor in ureter and 75 patients had tumor in both sites. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 543 patients while open surgery was performed in 415 patients. The χ 2 test was used to detect the association between tumor architecture and several clinicopathological features. Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test was used to assess survival analysis. Multivariate analyses were conducted using Cox proportional-hazards regression model. Results:516 cases (53.9%) showed papillary architecture(Group A) and 442 cases (46.1%) showed sessile architecture(Group B). 543 patients had a tumor ≤3 cm and 415 had a tumor >3 cm. Low pathological grade and high grade was diagnosed in 275 and 683 patients, respectively. The distribution of pathological stage was pT a-1 in 441 cases, pT 2 in 180 cases, pT 3 in 308 cases and pT 4 in 29 cases. Lymphadenectomy was performed in 227 patients and 62 patients were pathologically confirmed lymph node metastasis. 48 patients were found squamous or glandular differentiation. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) was observed in 150 patients. 134 patients were multifocality. Positive surgical margin was found in 43 patients. Median follow-up was 39 (ranging, 2-206) months. During follow-up, a total of 304 patients died and 236 died of UTUC. 5-year OS and CSS were 76.6% and 81.8%, respectively, in patients with papillary architecture (group A), which were significantly higher than 54.4% and 60.5% in patients with sessile architecture (group B, all P<0.001). Patients in group B had more female patients (38.9% vs.30.3%, P=0.005), ureteral location (47.1% vs. 36.1, P=0.002), hydronephrosis (55.9% vs.48.8%, P=0.030) and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (27.1% vs. 14.7%, P<0.001), higher pathological grade (89.6% vs.55.6%, P<0.001) and stage (79.4% vs.32.4%, P<0.001), lymph node metastasis rate (12.0% vs.1.7%, P<0.001), squamous or glandular differentiation (9.5% vs.1.2%, P<0.001) and LVI (24.4% vs.8.1%, P<0.001) than patients in group A. Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that sessile architecture ( P=0.022, 0.028), age ≥65 years ( P<0.001, <0.001), history of diabetes ( P=0.008, 0.043), history of NMIBC or with NMIBC ( P<0.001, <0.001), higher grade ( P=0.002, <0.001), advanced tumor stage ( P=0.003, 0.005), lymph node metastasis ( P=0.003, 0.044), squamous or glandular differentiation ( P=0.008, 0.027) and positive surgical margin ( P=0.003, 0.010) were independent risk factors for OS and CSS. However, tumor >3 cm ( P=0.013, 0.131) and positive LVI ( P=0.045, 0.174) were independent risk factors for CSS rather than OS. Conclusions:UTUC is high malignancy. Tumor architecture was one of an independent risk factor for OS and CSS in UTUC patients and sessile tumors were more malignant, more aggressive and have worse prognosis.

A systematic characterization of the similarities and differences among different methods for detecting structural brain abnormalities in schizophrenia, such as voxel-based morphometry (VBM), tensor-based morphometry (TBM), and projection-based thickness (PBT), is important for understanding the brain pathology in schizophrenia and for developing effective biomarkers for a diagnosis of schizophrenia. However, such studies are still lacking. Here, we performed VBM, TBM, and PBT analyses on T1-weighted brain MR images acquired from 116 patients with schizophrenia and 116 healthy controls. We found that, although all methods detected wide-spread structural changes, different methods captured different information - only 10.35% of the grey matter changes in cortex were detected by all three methods, and VBM only detected 11.36% of the white matter changes detected by TBM. Further, pattern classification between patients and controls revealed that combining different measures improved the classification accuracy (81.9%), indicating that fusion of different structural measures serves as a better neuroimaging marker for the objective diagnosis of schizophrenia.

A single infusion of ketamine has sustained antidepressant effects and significantly de-creases the risk of suicide,and the effects can last up for 7-10 days,but the underlying mechanism is un-clear. The mechanism was reviewed underlying the antidepressant effects of ketamine,and found that ket-amine may exert its antidepressant effect by regulating sleep/wake cycle,synaptic pruning,molecular path-ways,and neural circuits for treatment-refractory depression. Further studies are needed to investigate the ge-netic,molecular mechanisms underlying the sustained antidepressant effect of ketamine,and the associated imaging findings through in vivo imaging of animals and imaging genetics techniques,explore the optimal time for administration of ketamine,and then provide accurate scientific basis for enhancing its anti-depressant effect.