Objective To analyze the influencing factors for postoperative anastomotic leak (AL) in carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction and construct a nomogram predictive model. Methods The patients who underwent radical esophagectomy at Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University School of Medicine from January 2018 to June 2020 were included in this study. Relevant variables were screened using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A nomogram was then developed to predict the risk factors associated with postoperative AL. The predictive performance of the nomogram was validated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results A total of 468 patients with carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction were included in the study, comprising 354 males and 114 females, with a mean age of (62.8±7.2) years. The tumors were predominantly located in the middle or lower esophagus, and 51 (10.90%) patients experienced postoperative AL. Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age, body mass index (BMI), tumor location, preoperative albumin levels, diabetes mellitus, anastomosis technique, anastomosis site, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were potentially associated with AL (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, BMI, tumor location, diabetes mellitus, anastomosis technique, and CRP levels as independent risk factors for AL (P<0.05). A nomogram was developed based on the findings from the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.803, indicating a strong concordance between the actual observations and the predicted outcomes. Furthermore, decision curve analysis demonstrated that the newly established nomogram holds significant value for clinical decision-making. Conclusion The predictive model for postoperative AL in patients with carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction demonstrates strong predictive validity and is essential for guiding clinical monitoring, early detection, and preventive strategies.

In recent years, robot-assisted esophagectomy has become increasingly widespread, but the esophagogastric anastomosis step remains relatively complex and cumbersome. Currently, commonly used gastrointestinal reconstruction anastomosis techniques include end-to-end anastomosis, end-to-side anastomosis, and side-to-side anastomosis. Depending on the anastomosis method, they can be further divided into manual anastomosis and mechanical anastomosis, with common instruments including circular staplers and linear staplers. In esophageal cancer surgery, the choice of esophagogastric anastomosis technique is typically based on the tumor’s location and size as well as the surgeon’s preference. Each anastomosis technique has its advantages and disadvantages. With continuous improvements in anastomosis techniques and updates in stapling instruments, the incidence of complications after esophagogastric anastomosis has been effectively reduced. However, safely and efficiently completing gastrointestinal reconstruction during surgery remains a significant challenge. Scholars have made extensive explorations in this field, actively proposing and achieving various reconstruction methods, leading to significant progress. This article reviews the research progress of robot-assisted esophagogastric anastomosis techniques from both the anastomosis techniques and methods perspectives.

Background The threshold limit values (TLVs) established and regularly updated by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) are widely adopted and referenced globally, serving as a crucial reference for China's occupational exposure limits (OELs). It is necessary to track it regularly and compare it with China's OELs. Objective To compare the OELs stipulated in Occupational exposure limits for hazardous agents in the workplace—Part 1: Chemical hazardous agents (GBZ 2.1—2019) and the ACGIH TLVs (2024) and to provide references for subsequent formulation and revision of OELs in China. Methods The OELs specified in GBZ 2.1—2019 and the TLVs issued by ACGIH were used to establish a database using Microsoft Excel 2019 software. Cross verification was conducted through matching Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS Rn) and both Chinese and English names to ensure accuracy. Then, comparisons and analyses were carried out based on the type of limit values, which were matched as follows: permissible concentration-time weighted average (PC-TWA) with threshold limit value-time weighted average (TLV-TWA), permissible concentration-short term exposure limit (PC-STEL) with threshold limit value-short term exposure limit (TLV-STEL), and maximum allowable concentration (MAC) with threshold limit value-ceiling (TLV-C). Comparisons included types, quantities, and sizes of limits. Results The GBZ 2.1—2019 OELs and the ACGIH TLVs (2024) were generally consistent in terms of types and definitions, but there were differences in the number and size of the limits. In terms of the number of limits, GBZ 2.1—2019 specified 365 OELs for 358 chemical hazardous agents, while ACGIH TLVs (2024) included 316 corresponding limits. Among these, 148 (46.9%) limits were consistent, 38 (12.0%) were basically consistent, and 130 (41.1%) were inconsistent. In terms of the size of the limits, out of the 130 inconsistent limits, 51 OELs were lower than the corresponding TLVs, 67 OELs were higher than the corresponding TLVs, and 12 were under different limit types. For some chemical hazardous agents, their OELs were significantly lower or higher than their TLVs. Conclusion Some of the OELs for chemical hazardous agents specified in GBZ 2.1—2019 are significantly lower or higher than the TLVs. For these chemical hazardous factors, it is recommended to prioritize their inclusion in research projects and to complete the revisions as soon as possible based on the latest scientific evidence.

AIM:To investigate the effect and mechanism of velvet antler polypeptide(VAP)on premature ovarian failure induced by cisplatin(DDP)in rats.METHODS:Female rats with normal estrous cycle were randomly di-vided into the control,model,and VAP groups,with 10 rats in each group.Premature ovarian failure was induced in the model and VAP groups by intraperitoneal injection of DDP(4 mg·kg-1·d-1)for 20 consecutive days,and the VAP group was treated with VAP(400 mg·kg-1·d-1)for 20 consecutive days.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining was used to ob-serve the morphological manifestations of the ovary,and the number of developing follicles at all levels was counted.En-zyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was performed to detect serum estradiol(E2),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),and anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)levels.The levels of glutathione(GSH)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in ovarian tissues were detected by biochemical methods.The level of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in ovarian tissue was detected by the probe labeling method.Prussian blue staining was performed to observe the iron accumulation in ovarian tissue,as well as the ferrous ion(Fe2+)level was detected by Fe2+content analysis kit.Immunohistochemistry and West-ern blot analysis were performed to detect the expressions of solute carrier family 7 member 11(SCL7A11),glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)in the ovarian tissue.The fertility of rats was monitored in each group.RESULTS:Compared with control group,the model group showed ovarian atrophy,iron accumulation(P<0.01),reduced development of follicles at all levels and total follicles(P<0.05),increased atretic follicles(P<0.01),reduced litter size(P<0.01),decreased serum E2 and AMH levels(P<0.01),increased FSH levels(P<0.01),decreased GSH level and SCL7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in the ovarian tissue(P<0.01),and increased levels of Fe2+,MDA,and ROS and expression levels of ACSL4(P<0.01).Compared with model group,the VAP group had improvement in these aforementioned changes caused by DDP(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Treatment with VAP can improve ovarian function,maintain normal follicle development,and improve fertility in cisplatin-induced premature ovarian failure rats,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis.

Objective To study the serum expression of interleukin-36α(IL-36α),C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 6(CTRP6)levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)and their diagnostic value.Methods A total of 98 PCOS patients diagnosed and treated in the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from April 2019 to April 2022 were taken as the PCOS group,and 70 healthy women were taken as the control group.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to detect serum IL-36 α and CTRP6 level expression.The correlation between the expression of serum IL-36 α,CTRP6 levels and clinical indicators was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze factors affecting the occurrence of PCOS.Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of serum IL-36α,CTRP6 and combination in PCOS.Results Serum CTRP6(18.25±3.67μg/L),FPG(5.71±0.49nmol/L),FINS(18.96±2.68mIU/L),HOMA-IR(4.72±0.46),LH(6.17±1.44IU/L),T(1.32±0.42nmol/L),ovarian number(17.86±5.20)and ovarian volume(9.29±2.14cm3)in the PCOS group were higher,while serum IL-36 α(0.67±0.13ng/L)and FSH((4.27±1.33IU/L)were lower compared with those in the control group(5.14±1.28μg/L,4.76±0.54mmol/L,8.63±1.65mIU/L,1.83±0.33,4.92±1.39IU/L,0.86±0.28nmol/L,6.76±1.94 个,5.26±1.31cm3,2.11±0.38ng/L,5.42±1.67IU/L),with significant differences(t/x2=4.962～44.934,all P<0.05).Serum IL-36α(0.87±0.15ng/L,0.70±0.12ng/L,0.51±0.11ng/L,0.42±0.10ng/L)levels in patients with type 1,type 2,type 3,and type 4 PCOS were decreased sequentially,while CTRP6(14.07±3.35 μg/L,17.66±3.97 μg/L,21.16±3.67 μg/L,24.08±3.53 μg/L)were increased sequentially,with significant differences(F=61.281,33.854,all P<0.05).There was a negative correlation between serum IL-36 α and ovarian number,ovarian volume,FINS and HOMA-IR(r=-0.661,-0.621,-0.554,-0.671,all P<0.05).Serum CTRP6 was positively correlated with ovarian number,ovarian volume,FINS and HOMA-IR(r=0.625,0.631,0.537,0.738,all P<0.05).CTRP6(OR=1.327,95%CI:1.104～1.596)was an independent risk factor affecting the occurrence of PCOS,while IL-36 α(OR=0.707,95%CI:0.547～0.914)was a protective factor.The area under the curve(95%CI)of combination of IL-36 α and CTRP6 for the diagnosis of PCOS was 0.933(0.872～0.969),which was greater than that of IL-36 α,CTRP6 alone[0.870(0.821～0.926),0.898(0.854～0.940)],with significant differences(Z=4.258,4.119,all P<0.05).Conclusion The decrease of serum IL-36α and the increase of CTRP6 in PCOS patients are related to the severity of PCOS,and the combined detection of the two may have high diagnostic value for PCOS.

AIM: To investigate the role and mechanism of methyltransferase-like 3(METTL3)-mediated N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation modification in regulating biological activity of vascular endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization.METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)cultured in vitro were divided into the following groups: control group(normal culture), low density lipoprotein(LDL)group, fluorescence-labelled LDL(Dil-LDL)group, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL oxidized LDL(ox-LDL)groups, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL fluorescence-labelled ox-LDL(Dil-ox-LDL)groups, DMSO group, STM2457(METTL3 inhibitor)group, DAPT group; and monkey retina-choroidal endothelial cells(RF/6A)cultured in vitro were divided into control group, DMSO group, 12.5 μg/mL ox-LDL group, and DAPT group. Endocytosed lipoprotein level was examined through fluorescence microscopy. RNA m6A methylation level was detected through a dot blot assay. Protein and RNA levels of METTL3 or angiogenesis-related markers were measured through Western blot assays and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR), respectively. METTL3 expression and localization were investigated through immunofluorescence. Cell migratory and tube formation capacities were assessed through transwell migration and tube formation assays, respectively.RESULTS: Endocytosed lipoprotein levels in HUVECs exposed to Dil-LDL, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL Dil-ox-LDL groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL ox-LDL groups significantly increased m6A methylation(all P<0.05), METTL3 protein expression(all P<0.01), and cell migration and angiogenesis capacities(all P<0.01). METTL3 mRNA level was significantly unregulated in the 12.5μg/mL ox-LDL group(P<0.05). In comparison to the DMSO group, the addition of STM2457 caused significant decrease in m6A methylation level(P<0.05), expression of VEGF and other angiogenesis-related markers(all P<0.05), cell migration and angiogenesis capacities(all P<0.01)and the expression of NICD(P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in METTL3 protein and mRNA levels(all P>0.05). The expression of VEGF and NICD(all P<0.05), as well as the ability of cell migration and angiogenesis of RF/6A, was all significantly decreased in the DAPT group compared to the DMSO group(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: METTL3-mediated m6A methylation modification promotes angiogenesis in vascular endothelial cells via the Notch signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization.

Objective:To establish a prediction model using the random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms to achieve the numerical and classification predictions of the gamma passing rate (GPR) for volumetric arc intensity modulation (VMAT) validation.Methods:A total of 258 patients who received VMAT radiotherapy in the 1 st Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from April 2019 to August 2020 were retrospectively selected for patient-specific QA measurements, including 38 patients who received VMAT radiotherapy for head and neck, and 220 patients who received VMAT radiotherapy for chest and abdomen. Thirteen complexity parameters were extracted from the patient′s VMAT plans and the GPRs for VMAT validation under the analysis criteria of 3%/3 mm and 2%/2 mm were collected. The patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (70%) and a validation cohort (30%) , and the complexity parameters for the numerical and classification predictions were screened using the RF and minimum redundancy maximum correlation (mRMR) method, respectively. Complexity models and mixed models were established using PTV volume, subfield width, and smoothness factors based on the RF and SVM algorithms individually. The prediction performance of the established models was analyzed and compared. Results:For the validation cohort, the GPR numerical prediction errors of the complexity models based on RF and SVM under the two analysis criteria are as follows. The root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) under the analysis criterion of 3%/3 mm were 1.788% and 1.753%, respectively; the RMSEs under the analysis criterion of 2%/2 mm were 5.895% and 5.444%, respectively; the mean absolute errors (MAEs) under the analysis criterion of 3%/3 mm were 1.415% and 1.334%, respectively, and the MAEs under the analysis criteria of 2%/2 mm were 4.644% and 4.255%, respectively. For the validation cohort, the GPR numerical prediction errors of the mixed models based on RF and SVM under the two analysis criteria were as follows. The RMSEs under the analysis criterion of 3%/3 mm were 1.760% and 1.815%, respectively; the RMSEs under the analysis criterion of 2%/2 mm were 5.693% and 5.590%, respectively; the MAEs under the analysis criterion of 3%/3 mm were 1.386% and 1.319%, respectively, and the MAEs under the analysis criteria of 2%/2 mm were 4.523% and 4.310, respectively. For the validation cohort, the AUC result of the GPR classification prediction of the complexity models based on RF and SVM were 0.790 and 0.793, respectively under the analysis criterion of 3%/3 mm and were 0.763 and 0.754, respectively under the analysis criterion of 2%/2 mm. For the validation cohort, the AUC result of the GPR classification prediction of the mixed models based on RF and SVM were 0.806 and 0.859, respectively under the analysis criterion of 3%/3 mm and were 0.796 and 0.796, respectively under the analysis criterion of 2%/2 mm cohort.Conclusions:Complexity models and mixed models were developed based on the RF and SVM method. Both types of models allow for the numerical and classification predictions of the GPRs of VMAT radiotherapy plans under analysis criteria of 3%/3 mm and 2%/2 mm. The mixed models have higher prediction accuracy than the complexity models.

Objective     To evaluate the effect of mediastinal drainage tube placed in the left thoracic cavity after partial resection of the mediastinum pleura in robot-assisted McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma, and to compare it with the traditional method of mediastinal drainage tube placed in mediastinum. Methods    We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 96 patients who underwent robot-assisted McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma by the surgeons in the same medical group in our department between July 2018 and March 2021. There were 78 males and 18 females, aged 52-79 years. Left mediastinum pleura around the carcinoma during operation was resected in all patients. Patients were divided into two groups according to the method of mediastinal drainage tube placement: a control group (placed in mediastinum) and an observation group (placed through the mediastinal pleura into the left thoracic cavity with several side ports distributed in the mediastinum). The incidence of left thoracentesis or catheterization after surgery, anastomotic fistula and anastomotic healing time, other complications such as pneumonia and postoperative pain score were also compared between the two groups. Results     There was no statistical difference in baseline data or surgical parameters between the two groups. The percentage of patients in the observation group who needed re-thoracentesis or re-catheterization postoperatively due to massive pleural effusion in the left thoracic cavity was significantly lower than that in the control group (5.6% vs. 21.4%, P=0.020). The incidence of anastomotic leakage (3.7%vs. 7.1%, P=0.651) and the healing time of anastomosis (18.56±4.27 d vs. 24.33±5.48 d, P=0.304) were not statistically different between the two groups, and there was no statistical difference in other complications such as pulmonary infection. Moreover, the postoperative pain score was also similar between the two groups. Conclusion     For patients whose mediastinal pleura is removed partially during robot-assisted McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma, placing the drainage tube through the mediastinal pleura into the left thoracic cavity can reduce the risk of left-side thoracentesis or catheterization, which may promote the postoperative recovery of patients.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted. Clinical data from ASD patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and who underwent FMT in the Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University or Jinling Hospital between May 2012 to May 2021 were retrospectively collected. Scores derived from the autism behavior checklist (ABC), the childhood autism rating scale (CARS), the Bristol stool form scale (BSFS), and the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) were analyzed at baseline and at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, 24th, 36th, 48th and 60th month after FMT. Records of any adverse reactions were collected. Generalized estimating equations were used for analysis of data on time points before and after FMT. Results: A total of 328 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. Their mean age was 6.1±3.4 years old. The cohort included 271 boys and 57 girls. The percentage of patients remaining in the study for post-treatment follow-up at the 1st, 3rd, 12th, 24th, 36th, 48th and 60th month were as follows: 303 (92.4%), 284 (86.7%), 213 (64.9%), 190 (57.9%), 143 (43.6%), 79 (24.1%), 46 (14.0%), 31 (9.5%). After FMT, the average ABC score was significantly improved in the first 36 months and remained improved at the 48th month. However, the average score was not significantly different from baseline by the 60th month (1st-36th month, P<0.001; 48th month, P=0.008; 60th month, P=0.108). The average CARS score improved significantly during the first 48 months and remained improved at the 60th month (1st-48th month, P<0.001; 60th month, P=0.010). The average BSFS score was also significantly improved in the first 36 months (with an accompanying stool morphology that resembled type 4). This improvement was maintained at the 48th month. However, the average score was similar to baseline at the 60th month (1st-36th month, P<0.001; 48th month, P=0.008; 60th month, P=0.109). The average GSRS score was significantly improved during the first 24 months, but not afterwards (1st-24th month, P<0.001; 36th month, P=0.209; 48th month, P=0.996; 60th month, P=0.668). The adverse events recorded during treatment included abdominal distension in 21 cases (6.4%), nausea in 14 cases (4.3%), vomiting in 9 cases (2.7%), abdominal pain in 15 cases (4.6%), diarrhea in 18 cases (5.5%), fever in 13 cases (4.0%), and excitement in 24 cases (7.3%). All adverse reactions were mild to moderate and improved immediately after suspension of FMT or on treatment of symptoms. No serious adverse reactions occurred. Conclusion: FMT has satisfactory long-term efficacy and safety for the treatment of ASD with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Autism Spectrum Disorder/therapy* ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation/adverse effects* ; Feces ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Retrospective Studies

Objective: This study aims to survey the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in China and to analyze its risk factors, so as to prevent and control SSI after colorectal surgery. Methods: An observative study was conducted. Based on a program of Chinese SSI Surveillance from 2018 to 2020, the clinical data of all adult patients undergoing colorectal surgery during this time period were extracted. These included demographic characteristics and perioperative clinical parameters. Minors, pregnant women, obstetric or gynecological surgery, urological system surgery, retroperitoneal surgery, resection of superficial soft tissue masses, and mesh or other implants were excluded. A total of 2122 patients undergoing colorectal surgery from 50 hospitals were included, including 1252 males and 870 females. The median age was 63 (16) years and the median BMI was 23 (4.58) kg/m². The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI within 30 days after colorectal surgery. The secondary outcomes were mortality within 30 days postoperatively, length of ICU stays and postoperative hospital stays, and cost of hospitalization. Patients were divided into the SSI group and non-SSI group based on the occurrence of SSI. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to analyze risk factors of SSI after colorectal surgery, and subgroup analysis was conducted for open and laparoscopic surgery. Results: The incidence of SSI after colorectal surgery was 5.6% (119/2122), including 47 cases (47/119, 39.5%) with superficial incisional infections, 24 cases (24/119, 20.2%) with deep incisional infections, and 48 cases (48/119, 40.3%) with organ/space infections. The occurrence of SSI significantly increased mortality [2.5% (3/119) vs. 0.1%(3/2003), χ²=22.400, P=0.003], the length of ICU stay [0 (1) day vs. 0(0) day, U=131 339, P<0.001], postoperative hospital stay [18.5 (12.8) days vs. 9.0 (6.0) days, U=167 902, P<0.001], and medical expenses [75 000 (49 000) yuan vs. 60 000 (31 000) yuan, U=126 189, P<0.001] (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that hypertension (OR=1.782, 95%CI: 1.173-2.709, P=0.007), preoperative albumin level (OR=1.680, 95%CI: 1.089-2.592, P=0.019), a contaminated or infected incision (OR= 1.993, 95%CI: 1.076-3.689, P=0.028), emergency surgery (OR=2.067, 95%CI: 1.076-3.972, P=0.029), open surgery (OR=2.132, 95%CI: 1.396-3.255, P<0.001), and surgical duration (OR=1.804, 95%CI: 1.188-2.740, P=0.006) were risk factors for SSI, while preoperative skin preparation (OR=0.478, 95%CI: 0.310-0.737, P=0.001) was a protective factor for SSI. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients undergoing open or laparoscopic surgery. The incidence of SSI in the open surgery group was 10.2%, which was significantly higher than that in the laparoscopic or robotic group (3.5%, χ²=39.816, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis identified that a contaminated or infected incision (OR=2.168, 95%CI: 1.042-4.510, P=0.038) and surgical duration (OR=2.072, 95%CI: 1.171-3.664, P=0.012) were risk factors for SSI after open surgery, while mechanical bowel preparation (OR=0.428, 95%CI: 0.227-0.807, P=0.009) and preoperative skin preparation (OR=0.356, 95%CI: 0.199-0.634, P<0.001) were protective factors for SSI after open surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, diabetes mellitus (OR= 2.292, 95%CI: 1.138-4.617, P=0.020) and hypertension (OR=2.265, 95%CI: 1.234-4.159, P=0.008) were risk factors for SSI. Conclusions: The incidence of SSI after colorectal surgery is 5.6%. Minimally invasive surgery should be selected to reduce the occurrence of postoperative SSI. To prevent the occurrence of SSI after open surgery, skin preparation and mechanical bowel preparation should be performed before the operation, and the duration of the operation should be shortened as much as possible. In the perioperative period, care of patients with hypertension, diabetes, and contaminated or infected incisions should be given particular attention.
Adult ; Albumins ; China/epidemiology* ; Colorectal Surgery/adverse effects* ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension/complications* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pregnancy ; Surgical Wound Infection/etiology*