Calcium-based biomaterials have been intensively studied in the field of drug delivery owing to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Calcium-based materials can also deliver contrast agents, which can enhance real-time imaging and exert a Ca²⁺-interfering therapeutic effect. Based on these characteristics, amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), as a brunch of calcium-based biomaterials, has the potential to become a widely used biomaterial. Highly functional ACC can be either discovered in natural organisms or obtained by chemical synthesis However, the standalone presence of ACC is unstable in vivo. Additives are required to be used as stabilizers or core-shell structures formed by permeable layers or lipids with modified molecules constructed to maintain the stability of ACC until the ACC carrier reaches its destination. ACC has high chemical instability and can produce biocompatible products when exposed to an acidic condition in vivo, such as Ca²⁺ with an immune-regulating ability and CO₂ with an imaging-enhancing ability. Owing to these characteristics, ACC has been studied for self-sacrificing templates of carrier construction, targeted delivery of oncology drugs, immunomodulation, tumor imaging, tissue engineering, and calcium supplementation. Emphasis in this paper has been placed on the origin, structural features, and multiple applications of ACC. Meanwhile, ACC faces many challenges in clinical translation, and long-term basic research is required to overcome these challenges. We hope that this study will contribute to future innovative research on ACC.

Objective:To analyze the value of the Padua prediction score and the bleeding risk score in the risk assessment of venous thromboembolism(VTE)and hemorrhage in elderly patients with choledocholithiasis during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).Methods:Clinical data of 171 elderly patients with choledocholithiasis treated with ERCP at the Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from September 2017 to September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.The Padua prediction score and bleeding risk score were used to evaluate the occurrence of VTE and hemorrhage risk stratification.Results:Of all patients treated with the procedure, 18 of them had complications after surgery, including postoperative pancreatitis(9 cases), biliary infections(4 cases), hemorrhage(3 cases)and VTE events(2 cases). In addition, complications occurred in elderly patients in different age groups, with no significant difference in incidence(all P>0.05). Evaluation models showed that 32.7%(56/171)were at high risk for VTE, and 15.2%(26/171)were at high risk for hemorrhage.Furthermore, 2 VTE events occurred in the high-risk group and, of 3 hemorrhage events, 2 were occurred in the low-risk group and 1 in the high-risk group.There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the high-risk group and the low-risk group( χ2=0.000, 2.867, P=1.000, 0.090). Logistic regression analysis results showed that scores of the two assessment models were not influencing factors for VTE/hemorrhage(Padua prediction score: OR=8.383, 95% CI: 0.926-75.869, P=0.059; bleeding risk score: OR=2.860, 95% CI: 0.250-32.740, P=0.398). Conclusions:For elderly choledocholithiasis patients treated with ERCP, the Padua prediction score and the bleeding risk score have limited ability for risk assessment.More attention needs to be paid to the two VTE risk factors, i.e., malignant tumors and previous VTE history, in addition to previous bleeding risk for antithrombotic therapy.

Lipid nanoemulsions are promising nanodrug delivery carriers that can improve the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel(PTX).However,no intravenous lipid emulsion of PTX has been approved for clinical treatment,and systemic safety profiles have not yet been reported.Here we outline the development of a PTX-loaded tumor-targeting intravenous lipid emulsion(PTX Emul)and describe its characteristics,colloidal stability,and systemic safety profiles in terms of acute toxicity,long-term toxicity,and tox-icokinetics.We also compare PTX Emul with conventional PTX injection.Results showed that PTX Emul exhibited an ideal average particle size(approximately 160 nm)with narrow size distribution and robust colloidal stability under different conditions.Hypersensitivity reaction and hemolysis tests revealed that PTX Emul did not induce hypersensitivity reactions and had no hemolytic potential.In addition,where the alleviated systemic toxicity of PTX Emul may be attributed to the altered toxicokinetic characteristics in beagle dogs,including the decreased AUC and increased plasma clearance and volume of distribution,PTX Emul alleviated acute and long-term toxicity as evidenced by the enhanced the median lethal dose and approximate lethal dose,moderate body weight change,decreased bone marrow suppression and organ toxicity compared with those under PTX injection at the same dose.A fundamental understanding of the systemic safety profiles,high tumor-targeting efficiency,and superior antitumor activity in vivo of PTX Emul can provide powerful evidence of its therapeutic potential as a future treatment for breast cancer.

Objective:To analyze the correlation of the short diameter of residual lymph nodes with the efficacy and prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and establish a Nomogram prediction model to predict the prognosis of ESCC patients.Methods:Clinical data of 143 ESCC patients who underwent CRT in Second People′s Hospital of Huai′an from August 2018 to September 2020 were collected. The survival analysis was conducted with Kaplan- Meier method, log-rank test and univariate prognostic analysis. Multivariate prognostic analysis was performed with Cox models. Finally, a Nomogram prediction model was established to predict the 1-year and 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) of patients, and the C-index, AUC, and calibration curve were used to evaluate the performance of the model. Results:Logistic regression analysis results showed that differentiation, TNM staging, PG-SGA scores before and after radiotherapy (RT) and short diameter of residual lymph nodes were the independent predictors of clinical efficacy of ESCC patients treated with CRT. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that differentiation, TNM staging, PG-SGA scores before and after RT and short diameter of residual lymph nodes were the independent prognostic predictors of ESCC patients undergoing CRT. Conclusions:The short diameter of residual lymph nodes is significantly correlated with the efficacy and prognosis of ESCC patients undergoing CRT. The Nomogram prediction model established after comprehensive clinical baseline characteristics is a practical and reliable tool for predicting clinical prognosis of ESCC patients.

Background: The prevalence rate of ulcerative colitis (UC) in China has increased significantly in recent years, and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4 and NOD2/CARD15 may be closely related to the development of UC. Aims: To explore the influence of TLR2, TLR4 and NOD2/CARD15 gene polymorphisms on the pathogenesis of UC. Methods: Studies on correlation of TLR2, TLR4 and NOD2/CARD15 gene polymorphisms with UC were retrieved from PubMed, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP databases. Literatures were enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the quality was evaluated and data were extracted. RevMan 5.3 software was used to conducted meta-analysis. Results: Fifteen eligible articles were included. Meta-analysis showed that TLR2 Arg753Gln gene polymorphism was not associated with risk of UC (P>0.05). Except the recessive model, TLR4 Asp299Gly gene polymorphism could increase the risk of UC (P<0.05). The overdominant model of TLR4 Thr399Ile gene could increase the risk of UC (P<0.05), but not the dominant model and recessive model (P>0.05). No significant association between NOD2/CARD15 (Arg702Trp, Gly908Arg and Leu1007fsinsC) gene polymorphism and UC was found (P>0.05). Conclusions: Existing evidence shows that TLR4 (Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile) gene polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of UC, however, NOD2/CARD15 (Arg702Trp, Gly908Arg and Leu1007fsinsC) and TLR2 (Arg753Gln) gene polymorphisms are not associated with UC.

Efficient mucosal delivery remains a major challenge for the reason of the respiratory tract mucus act as a formidable barrier to nanocarriers by trapping and clearing foreign particulates. The surface property of nanoparticles determines their retention and penetration ability within the respiratory tract mucus. However, the interaction between nanoparticles and mucus, and how these interactions impact distribution has not been extensively investigated. In this study, polymeric nanoparticles loaded with a baicalein-phospholipid complex were modified with two kinds of polymers, mucoadhesive and mucus-penetrative polymer. Systematic investigations on the physicochemical property, mucus penetration, transepithelial transport, and tissue distribution were performed to evaluate the interaction of nanoparticles with the respiratory tract. Both nanoparticles had a similar particle size and good biocompatibility, exhibited a sustained-release profile, but showed a considerable difference in zeta potential. Interestingly, mucus-penetrative nanoparticles exhibited a higher diffusion rate in mucus, deeper penetration across the mucus layer, enhanced cellular uptake, increased drug distribution in airways, and superior local distribution and bioavailability as compared to mucoadhesive nanoparticles. These results indicate the potential of mucus-penetrative nanoparticles in design of a rational delivery system to improve the efficiency of inhaled therapy by promoting mucus penetration and increasing local distribution and bioavailability.

Objective: To summarize the experience of diagnosis and treatment of superior mesenteric artery compression syndrome (SMACS) secondary to chronic constipation according to the concept of Lee′s triad syndrome. Methods: The concept of Lee′s triad syndrome: (1) clinical symptoms: triad of constipation, malnutrition, upper gastrointestinal obstruction (vomiting, difficulty in eating); (2) anatomical manifestations: with triple anatomy anomaly of transverse colon sagging, elevated spleen flexure, and mesentery arterial compression; (3) treatment: with triple treatment of enteral nutrition support, chest-knee posture and fecal microbiota transplantation. A descriptive cohort study was performed. According to Lee′s triad syndrome criteria, clinical data of 78 patients with superior mesenteric artery compression syndrome secondary to chronic constipation in the Tenth People′s Hospital of Tongji University and General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from June 2004 to November 2018 were prospectively collected, including basic information, symptoms and signs, imaging findings, nutritional indicators, gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) and Wexner defecation score. The above parameters based on Lee′s triad syndrome criteria were followed up and recorded at 1, 3, 6, 12 months after comprehensive treatment. Results: All the patients had Lee′s triple symptoms of constipation, malnutrition, upper gastrointestinal obstruction (vomiting, eating difficulties), and triple anatomy anomaly of transverse colon sagging, elevated spleen curvature, and mesentery arterial compression before treatment. After triple treatment of enteral nutrition support, chest-knee posture, and fecal microbiota transplantation, 69 (88.5%) patients had a significant improvement of symptoms, and 9 patients had no significant improvement of symptoms and then eventually received surgery. The 69 cases without operation received follow-up for 12 months. All the patients eventually returned to normal eating, and upper gastrointestinal angiography and superior mesenteric artery imaging showed duodenal compression disappeared. After 1 month, the constipation-related indexes were improved. After 12 months, the number of autonomous defecation per week increased from 1.0±0.8 to 5.0±1.6 (P<0.001). The GIQLI score increased from 52.7±8.5 to 93.2±7.5 (P<0.001), and the Wexner score decreased from 19.1±2.5 to 6.2±2.1 (P<0.001). After 1 month, nutritional indexes were improved gradually. After 12 months, the BMI increased from (17.9±1.8) kg/m² to (21.0±1.3) kg/m², total protein increased from (65.2±5.7) g/L to (68.3±4.2) g/L, albumin increased from (32.1±5.1) g/L to (40.4±3.0) g/L, prealbumin increased from (163.2±53.7) mg/L to (259.1±45.6) mg/L, fibrinogen increased from (1.9±0.5) g/L to (2.4±0.5) g/L, whose differences were statistically significant (all P<0.001). Upper gastrointestinal angiography and superior mesenteric artery imaging showed duodenal compression were relieved. The angle between superior mesenteric artery and abdominal aorta increased from (17.4±3.8)° to (37.8±5.8)° (t=-22.26, P<0.001). Conclusion When patients with SMACS secondary to chronic constipation have Lee′s triple symptoms and triple anatomy anomaly, the triple combination treatment of enteral nutrition support, chest-knee posture and fecal microbiota transplantation should be applied.

Background: The prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) in China increased significantly in recent years. Vitamin D3 might be closely correlated with the development and progress of UC. Aims: To investigate the role of vitamin D3 combined with mesalazine in reparation of oxidative stress injury of intestinal mucosa in patients with UC. Methods: A total of 120 patients with mild or moderate UC from January 2019 to January 2020 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were enrolled, and were randomly divided into treatment group (n=60) and control group (n=60). Patients in the treatment group were treated with vitamin D3 combined with mesalazine, and patients in the control group were treated with mesalazine alone. Eight weeks after treatment, the clinical manifestations were observed. Serum oxidative stress [oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and lipid peroxidase (LPO)], intestinal mucosal barrier injury [serum procalcitonin (PCT) and diamine oxidase (DAO)] and Mayo score in the two groups were compared. Results: After 8 weeks treatment, the total effective rate was significantly higher in treatment group than in control group (93.3% vs. 78.3%; χ

Objective:To examine the clinical efficiency of laparoscopic gastroduodenostomy with BillrothⅠanastomosis with manual suture.Methods:The clinic data of 36 patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic gastroduodenostomy with Billroth Ⅰ anastomosis from November 2017 to September 2019 in Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People′s Hospital were analyzed retrospectively.There were 22 males and 14 females, aged (64.3±9.3) years(range: 43 to 80 years), underwent complete laparoscopic gastroduodenostomy. The laparoscopic manual suture was used for Billroth Ⅰ anastomosis.Results:All the laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and manual suturing gastroduodenostomy were successfully performed. The operation time was (226.7±40.4) minutes (range: 180 to 320 minutes), including (24.8±7.1) minutes (range: 15 to 48 minutes) for gastroduodenostomy.There was (3.8±0.9) days (range: 2 to 6 days) for anal exhaust, (5.7±2.0) days (range: 3 to 13 days) for extubation of gastric tube, and (10.3±3.1) days (range: 7 to 19 days) for hospitalization. There was no death in perioperative period. Postoperative pathological report showed 3 cases of highly differentiated adenocarcinoma, 5 cases of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, 22 cases of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and 6 cases of signet ring cell carcinoma, including 27 cases in T1 stage and 9 cases in T2 stage. The number of lymph nodes harvested was 36.4±8.9 (range: 23 to 60). Lymph node metastasis was positive in 7 cases and negative in 29 cases. TNM stage included 24 cases in ⅠA stage, 8 cases in ⅠB stage and 4 cases in Ⅱ stage. After the operation, the upper digestive tract radiography showed that the anastomosis opening was unobstructed without complications such as anastomotic stenosis.Conclusion:Laparoscopic gastroduodenostomy with Billroth Ⅰ anastomosis with manual suture is safe and feasible, has a good short-term effect.

Objective:To examine the clinical efficiency of laparoscopic gastroduodenostomy with BillrothⅠanastomosis with manual suture.Methods:The clinic data of 36 patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic gastroduodenostomy with Billroth Ⅰ anastomosis from November 2017 to September 2019 in Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People′s Hospital were analyzed retrospectively.There were 22 males and 14 females, aged (64.3±9.3) years(range: 43 to 80 years), underwent complete laparoscopic gastroduodenostomy. The laparoscopic manual suture was used for Billroth Ⅰ anastomosis.Results:All the laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and manual suturing gastroduodenostomy were successfully performed. The operation time was (226.7±40.4) minutes (range: 180 to 320 minutes), including (24.8±7.1) minutes (range: 15 to 48 minutes) for gastroduodenostomy.There was (3.8±0.9) days (range: 2 to 6 days) for anal exhaust, (5.7±2.0) days (range: 3 to 13 days) for extubation of gastric tube, and (10.3±3.1) days (range: 7 to 19 days) for hospitalization. There was no death in perioperative period. Postoperative pathological report showed 3 cases of highly differentiated adenocarcinoma, 5 cases of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, 22 cases of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and 6 cases of signet ring cell carcinoma, including 27 cases in T1 stage and 9 cases in T2 stage. The number of lymph nodes harvested was 36.4±8.9 (range: 23 to 60). Lymph node metastasis was positive in 7 cases and negative in 29 cases. TNM stage included 24 cases in ⅠA stage, 8 cases in ⅠB stage and 4 cases in Ⅱ stage. After the operation, the upper digestive tract radiography showed that the anastomosis opening was unobstructed without complications such as anastomotic stenosis.Conclusion:Laparoscopic gastroduodenostomy with Billroth Ⅰ anastomosis with manual suture is safe and feasible, has a good short-term effect.