Objective:To investigate the efficacy of Shuotong ureteroscope combined with flexible ureteroscope in the treatment of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi, and analyze the influencing factors.Methods:A total of 102 patients with lower calyceal calculi were treated in the Second People′s Hospital of Yulin from February 2019 to December 2022, and they were divided into the observation group and the control group, with 51 cases in each group. The patients of the observation group were treated with Shuotong ureteroscope combined with flexible ureteroscope, while the patients of the control group were treated with flexible ureteroscope. According to whether the stones were completely removed after operation, all patients were divided into non-stone removal group ( n=13) and stone removal group ( n=89). The operation time, hospitalization time, lithotripsy time, intraoperative blood loss, complication rate and stone clearance rate were compared between the observation group and the control group. Generalized Estimation Equation was used to analyze and evaluate the effects of treatment time, treatment scheme and their interaction on visual analogue scale (VAS), white blood cell (WBC), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood creatinine (Cr), hemoglobin (HGB) and procalcitonin (PCT). Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of stone removal rate. Nomogram model was constructed based on risk factors and evaluate the model. Results:Compared with the control group, operation time [(118.72±9.61) min vs (136.65±11.27) min], hospitalization stay [(6.43±1.12) d vs (10.29±2.23) d] and the lithotripsy time [ (51.23±10.38) min vs (56.62±11.43) min] of the observation group were shorter, and the amount of intraoperative blood loss [(128.52±10.20) mL vs (157.53±15.31) mL] were significantly less than those of the control group ( P< 0.05). The results of Generalized Estimation Equation analysis showed that treatment time, treatment regimen and their interaction had significant effects on WBC, HGB, BUN, Cr, PCT and VAS ( P< 0.05). Compared with the control group, the incidence of complications (5.88% vs 19.61%) of the observation group was lower and the stone clearance rate ( 94.12% vs 80.39%) was significantly higher than those in the control group ( P< 0.05). The mode of operation, infundibulopelvic angle(IPA), caliceal pelvic height (CPH) and the maximum diameter of stones were all influencing factors of stone removal rate in patients with 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi. The nomogram model constructed in this study has good differentiation, calibration and clinical practicability, and can better identify high-risk patients with incomplete removal of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi. Conclusions:Shuotong ureteroscope combined with flexible ureteroscope is a safe, effective method for the treatment of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi. It has the advantages of simple operation, less intraoperative bleeding, less postoperative complications and high stone clearance rate. IPA, CPH, the maximum diameter of calculi and the mode of operation were all independent factors affecting the stone clearance rate of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi. The nomogram model constructed in this study can well identify the high-risk patients with incomplete clearance of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi.

Objective:To investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of methyltransferase (Mettl) 3 in the process of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced pericyte-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and renal fibrosis.Methods:C57BL/6J mice were used, in cell experiments, mouse renal pericytes were isolated and cultured using magnetic bead sorting. These pericytes were then induced to transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts with 1×10 6 mmol/L Ang Ⅱ, which was the Ang Ⅱ group, while pericytes cultured in normal conditions served as the control group. Successful transdifferentiation was verified by immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting, and real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). The levels of m6A modifications and related enzymes (Mettl3, Mettl14), Wilms tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP), fat mass and obesity protein (FTO), ALKBH5, YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDC1, YTHDC2, YTHDC3 were assessed by Dot blot, RT-qPCR and Western blot. Mettl3 expression was inhibited in cells using lentivirus-mediated Mettl3-shRNA transfection, creating sh-Mettl3 and Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3 groups, while lentivirus empty vector transfection served as the negative control (Ang Ⅱ+sh-NC group). The impact of Ang Ⅱ on pericyte transdifferentiation was observed, and the expression of downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway proteins, including PI3K, AKT, phosphorylated AKT at serine 473 (p-AKT (S473)), and phosphorylated AKT at threonine 308 (p-AKT (T308)), were examined. PI3K gene transcription was inhibited by co-culturing cells with actinomycin D, and the half-life of PI3K mRNA was calculated by measuring residual PI3K mRNA expression over different co-culture time. The reversibility of Mettl3 inhibition on Ang Ⅱ-induced pericyte-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation was assessed by adding the AKT activator SC79 to the Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3 group. In animal experiments, mice were divided into these groups: sham group (administered 0.9% sterile saline), Ang Ⅱ group (infused with Ang Ⅱ solution), sh-Mettl3 group (injected with Mettl3 shRNA lentivirus solution), Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3 group (infused with Ang Ⅱ solution and injected with Mettl3 shRNA lentivirus solution), and Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3+SC79 group (administered Ang Ⅱ solution and Mettl3 shRNA lentivirus, with an additional injection of SC79). Each group consisted of six subject mice. Blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method before and after surgery, and serum creatinine, urea, and urinary albumin levels were determined 4 weeks post-surgery. Kidney tissues were collected at 28 days and stained using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson′s trichrome to assess the extent of renal fibrosis. Results:Primary renal pericytes were successfully obtained by magnetic bead sorting, and intervened with 1×10 6 mmol/L Ang Ⅱ for 48 hours to induce pericyte-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Dot blot results indicated higher m6A modification levels in the Ang Ⅱ group compared to the control group ( P<0.05). RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed upregulation of Mettl3 mRNA and protein levels in the Ang Ⅱ group compared to the control group (both P<0.05). In the Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3 group, Mettl3 protein expression was lower than that in the Ang Ⅱ group, with reduced expression levels of α-SMA, vimentin, desmin, fibroblast agonist protein (FAPa) and type Ⅰ collagen (all P<0.05). Compared to the control group, PI3K mRNA expression level was elevated in the Ang Ⅱ group, along with increased p-AKT (S473) and p-AKT (T308) expressions. In the Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3 group, PI3K mRNA expression and p-AKT (S473) and p-AKT (T308) levels were decreased (all P<0.05). The half-life of PI3K mRNA was shorter in the Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3 group than that in the Ang Ⅱ+sh-NC group (2.34 h vs. 3.42 h). The ameliorative effect of Mettl3 inhibition on Ang Ⅱ-induced pericyte-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation was reversible by SC79. Animal experiments showed higher blood pressure, serum creatinine, urea, and 24-hour urinary protein levels, and a larger fibrosis area in the Ang Ⅱ group compared to the sham group (all P<0.05). The fibrosis area was smaller in the Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3 group than that in the Ang Ⅱ group ( P<0.05), but increased again upon addition of SC79. Conclusion:Mettl3-mediated RNA m6A epigenetic regulation is involved in Ang Ⅱ-induced pericyte-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and renal fibrosis, potentially by affecting PI3K stability and regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Objective:Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive primary malignant bone tumor commonly seen in children and adolescents,with a poor prognosis.Anchorage-dependent cell death(anoikis)has been proven to be indispensable in tumor metastasis,regulating the migration and adhesion of tumor cells at the primary site.However,as a type of programmed cell death,anoikis is rarely studied in osteosarcoma,especially in the tumor immune microenvironment.This study aims to clarify prognostic value of anoikis and tumor immune microenvironment-related gene in the treatment of osteosarcoma. Methods:Anoikis-related genes(ANRGs)were obtained from GeneCards.Clinical information and ANRGs expression profiles of osteosarcoma patients were sourced from the therapeutically applicable research to generate effective therapies and Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)databases.ANRGs highly associated with tumor immune microenvironment were identified by the estimate package and the weighted gene coexpression network analysis(WGCNA)algorithm.Machine learning algorithms were performed to construct long-term survival predictive strategy,each sample was divided into high-risk and low-risk subgroups,which was further verified in the GEO cohort.Finally,based on single-cell RNA-seq from the GEO database,analysis was done on the function of signature genes in the osteosarcoma tumor microenvironment. Results:A total of 51 hub ANRGs closely associated with the tumor microenvironment were identified,from which 3 genes(MERTK,BNIP3,S100A8)were selected to construct the prognostic model.Significant differences in immune cell activation and immune-related signaling pathways were observed between the high-risk and low-risk groups based on tumor microenvironment analysis(all P<0.05).Additionally,characteristic genes within the osteosarcoma microenvironment were identified in regulation of intercellular crosstalk through the GAS6-MERTK signaling pathway. Conclusion:The prognostic model based on ANRGs and tumor microenvironment demonstrate good predictive power and provide more personalized treatment options for patients with osteosarcoma.

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy of rotator cuff repair combined with transposition of the long head of the biceps tendon in the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears with or without subscapularis injury.Methods:A total of 73 patients with massive rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair combined with transposition of the long head of the biceps tendon in the Department of Upper Arm, Sichuan Orthopaedic Hospital from January 2019 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 35 males and 38 females, aged 58.8±7.6 years (range, 46-73 years). There were 11 cases on the left side and 62 cases on the right side. Causes of injuries: 6 cases of car accidents, 13 cases of fall injuries, 54 cases of no obvious cause of injury. The patients were divided into subscapularis injury group (37 cases) and no subscapularis injury group (36 cases) according to the subscapularis injury or not. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Constant - Murley score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score and range of motion were used to evaluate shoulder pain and functional improvement. MRI of the shoulder was taken at the final follow-up and the rotator cuff was assessed for retear using Sugaya grading.Results:All patients successfully completed the operation. The VAS score at 1 year postoperatively in the group without subscapularis injury was 0.58±0.87, which was less than 1.16±1.14 in the group with subscapularis injury ( t=-2.426, P=0.018). The Constant-Murley score and UCLA score at 1 year postoperatively in the group without subscapularis injury were 94.03±6.19 and 32.94±2.59, respectively, which were greater than those of the group with subscapularis injury, which were 86.51±11.96 and 30.38±3.33, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Anterior flexion and body external rotation at 1 year postoperatively in the group without subscapularis injury were 137.22°±26.79° and 54.72°±13.20°, which were greater than those in the group with subscapularis injury of 121.08°±22.83° and 38.65°±17.19°, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05), and the difference between the two groups in body internal rotation was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The subacromial spacing at 1 year postoperatively was 9.4±1.3 mm in the group without subscapularis injury and 9.0±1.5 mm in the group with subscapularis injury, and the difference was not statistically significant ( t=1.318, P=0.192). There were 2 cases of rotator cuff retear 1 year after surgery without subscapular muscle injury and 5 cases of subscapular muscle injury. Conclusion:The clinical efficacy of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair combined with transposition of the tendon of the long head of the biceps tendon in the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears with or without subscapularis muscle injury is satisfactory, and the improvement of pain and function is more obvious in patients without subscapularis muscle injury.

Objective:To investigate the imaging characteristics of uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection (uATBAD) and the short-term and mid-term outcomes treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).Methods:One hundred and forty uATBAD patients treated by TEVAR at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from Jan 2015 to Aug 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into non-high-risk characteristics group (uATBAD group, 22 cases) and high-risk characteristics group (high-risk uATBAD group, 118 cases) according to the presence or absence of high-risk characteristics. The clinical and follow-up data were analyzed, and the incidence of complications, re-intervention rate, and mortality in the perioperative period and 5-year follow-up were evaluated.Results:The aortic diameter, false lumen diameter and the proportion of laceration in lesser curvature in the high-risk group were higher than those in the non-high-risk group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of perioperative complications and 30 day mortality between two groups ( P>0.05). The follow-up time ranged from 6 to 83 months (mean 38.3 months). The 5-year mid-term follow-up showed that there was no significant difference in the incidence of aorta-related complications, re-intervention rate, and mortality between two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The imaging characteristics of different typing uATBAD were significantly different. The short- and mid-term clinical effects of TEVAR were similar between the two groups.

Objective: To investigate the clinical outcomes and radiological results of arthroscopic autologous scapular spine bone graft transplant to treat shoulder recurrent instability. Methods: Data of 27 patients diagnosed as shoulder recurrent instability with the bone defect of 10%-15% from July 2016 to August 2018 who were treated by arthroscopic autologous scapular spine bone graft transplant were retrospectively analyzed. There were 20 males and 7 females with an average age of 30.8 years old (range, 19-50). The bone loss of the glenoid was 10%-15%. The time between the first dislocation and the surgery was 24.1±15.8 months. The patients were treated with arthroscopic autologous scapular spine bone graft transplant. Postoperatively the affected shoulder was immobilized by the abduction brace for 6 weeks, after that the passive motion was applied. Strengthening exercise began at 10-12 weeks and sports was allowed after 6 months. Constant-Murley score and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were used to evaluate the shoulder function, and visual analogue score (VAS) score was used to evaluate the degree of pain. Computed tomography scans were obtained one week post-operation and at the latest follow-up, from which the length, width, height and volume of the bone graft were measured and the absorption rate of the bone graft was calculated. The subjective satisfaction degree of patients at the latest follow-up was also recorded. Results: All 27 patients were followed up for 19.8 months (range, 13-39 months). No infection or neurovascular injury was identified. At the latest follow-up, the Constant-Murley score was 85.15±5.62 (range, 76-94), the DASH score 13.39±5.51 (range, 3.19-21.95) and the VAS score 1.29±0.45 (range, 1-2), thus all of those were improved significantly compared to those of pre-operation. At the latest follow-up, the anterior flexion was 153°±24°, lateral rotation by side 38°±21°, internal rotation 70°±21°, and abduction was 139°±18°. At the latest follow-up, the absorption rate of the bone graft was 46.1%±20.6% (range, 24.0%-71.7%). Among all the 27 patients, 19 patients considered the outcome as very good, and 6 patients considered as good, 2 patients fair. Conclusion Arthroscopic autologous scapular spine bone graft transplant could successfully treat shoulder recurrent instability with glenoid bone loss at 10%-15%. This technique could achieve satisfactory clinical results, improve glenohumeral stability, decrease the re-dislocation rate.

Objective:To study the effects of different fluid balance strategies on severe pneumonia patients and explore the possible influence path in order to optimize fluid treatment for severe pneumonia patients.Methods:A total of 89 adult patients with severe pneumonia admitted to EICU and RICU of Jiangsu Provincial Hospital from January 2017 to August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed . The differences of clinical data between the death group ( n=35) and the survival group ( n=54) were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of 30-day mortality after entering ICU of severe pneumonia patients. Patients were divided into a positive fluid balance (PFB) group ( n=48) and a negative fluid balance (NFB) group ( n=41). Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyze the difference of 30-day survival rate between the PFB and NFB groups. Results:Age ( OR=1.060, 95% CI: 1.018-1.104, P=0.005), ventilator dependency ( OR=6.679, 95% CI: 1.218-36.620, P=0.029), vasoactive agents ( OR=21.068, 95% CI: 4.654-95.376, P<0.001), and new hyperchloremia occurred within 24 h after admission to the ICU ( OR=21.714, 95% CI: 1.059-445.008, P=0.046) were the risk factors for severe pneumonia patients' 30-day mortality after entering ICU. The concentrations of creatinine, urea nitrogen, sodium and chlorine of the NFB patients were lower than those of the PFB patients within 5 days after admission to ICU (day 1-day 5) ( P<0.05). The serum calcium concentrations of the NFB patients were higher than those of the PFB patients on day 3-5 ( P<0.05). The 30-day survival rate was significantly higher in the NFB patients than in the PFB patients ( P<0.001). Conclusions:The strategy of negative fluid balance can reduce serum chlorine concentration, improve renal function and reduce mortality in patients with severe pneumonia.

Objective: To evaluate the tolerability and short-term efficacy of chemo-radiotherapy in 125 patients with stage ⅡB-ⅣA esophageal carcinoma after radical resection. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the rate of completion, toxicity and survival of patients undergoing adjuvant concurrent chemo-radiotherapy after radical resection of esophageal carcinoma from January 2004 to December 2014 in our institution. The survival rate was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed using the log-rank test. Multivariate prognostic analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: 122 patients received more than 50 Gy dose (97.6%). A total of 52 patients received more than 5 weeks chemo-radiotherapy (41.6%), while 73 patients underwent only 1-4 weeks (58.4%). The median following up was 48.4 months. 8 patients lost follow up (6.4%). The 1-year and 3-year overall survival rate were 91.6% and 57.0%, respectively, with a median survival time of 64.4 months. The 1-year and 3-year disease free survival rate were 73.2% and 54.3%, respectively, with a median disease free survival time of 59.1 months. The most common acute complications associated with chemo-radiotherapy were myelosuppression, radiation esophagitis and radiation dermatitis, the majority of which were Grade 1-2. Of the 125 patients, there were 59 cases of recurrence, including 23 cases with local regional recurrence, 26 cases with hematogenous metastasis, and 8 cases with mixed recurrence. Univariate analysis showed that the numbers of concurrent chemotherapy was associated with the overall survival (P=0.006). But receiving more than 5 weeks was not the prognostic factor compared to 1 to 4 weeks chemotherapy (P=0.231). Multivariate analysis showed that only the numbers of concurrent chemotherapy was an independent prognostic factor (P=0.010). Conclusions Postoperative radiotherapy concurrent with weekly chemotherapy could improve the overall survival and decrease the recurrence for stage ⅡB-ⅣA esophageal carcinoma after radical resection. However, the completion rate of chemotherapy was low, so it was necessary to explore reasonable regimens to improve the completion rate and carry out prospective randomized controlled trial.

Objective To evaluate the tolerability and short?term efficacy of chemo?radiotherapy in 125 patients with stageⅡB?ⅣA esophageal carcinoma after radical resection. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the rate of completion, toxicity and survival of patients undergoing adjuvant concurrent chemo?radiotherapy after radical resection of esophageal carcinoma from January 2004 to December 2014 in our institution. The survival rate was determined by the Kaplan?Meier method and analyzed using the log?rank test. Multivariate prognostic analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results 122 patients received more than 50 Gy dose (97.6%). A total of 52 patients received more than 5 weeks chemo? radiotherapy (41.6%), while 73 patients underwent only 1?4 weeks (58.4%). The median following up was 48.4 months. 8 patients lost follow up ( 6.4%). The 1?year and 3?year overall survival rate were 91.6%and 57.0%, respectively, with a median survival time of 64.4 months. The 1?year and 3?year disease free survival rate were 73.2% and 54.3%, respectively, with a median disease free survival time of 59.1 months. The most common acute complications associated with chemo?radiotherapy were myelosuppression, radiation esophagitis and radiation dermatitis, the majority of which were Grade 1?2. Of the 125 patients, there were 59 cases of recurrence, including 23 cases with local regional recurrence, 26 cases with hematogenous metastasis, and 8 cases with mixed recurrence. Univariate analysis showed that the numbers of concurrent chemotherapy was associated with the overall survival (P＝0.006). But receiving more than 5 weeks was not the prognostic factor compared to 1 to 4 weeks chemotherapy (P＝0.231). Multivariate analysis showed that only the numbers of concurrent chemotherapy was an independent prognostic factor ( P ＝ 0.010 ). Conclusions Postoperative radiotherapy concurrent with weekly chemotherapy could improve the overall survival and decrease the recurrence for stage ⅡB?ⅣA esophageal carcinoma after radical resection. However, the completion rate of chemotherapy was low, so it was necessary to explore reasonable regimens to improve the completion rate and carry out prospective randomized controlled trial.

Objective To evaluate the tolerability and short?term efficacy of chemo?radiotherapy in 125 patients with stageⅡB?ⅣA esophageal carcinoma after radical resection. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the rate of completion, toxicity and survival of patients undergoing adjuvant concurrent chemo?radiotherapy after radical resection of esophageal carcinoma from January 2004 to December 2014 in our institution. The survival rate was determined by the Kaplan?Meier method and analyzed using the log?rank test. Multivariate prognostic analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results 122 patients received more than 50 Gy dose (97.6%). A total of 52 patients received more than 5 weeks chemo? radiotherapy (41.6%), while 73 patients underwent only 1?4 weeks (58.4%). The median following up was 48.4 months. 8 patients lost follow up ( 6.4%). The 1?year and 3?year overall survival rate were 91.6%and 57.0%, respectively, with a median survival time of 64.4 months. The 1?year and 3?year disease free survival rate were 73.2% and 54.3%, respectively, with a median disease free survival time of 59.1 months. The most common acute complications associated with chemo?radiotherapy were myelosuppression, radiation esophagitis and radiation dermatitis, the majority of which were Grade 1?2. Of the 125 patients, there were 59 cases of recurrence, including 23 cases with local regional recurrence, 26 cases with hematogenous metastasis, and 8 cases with mixed recurrence. Univariate analysis showed that the numbers of concurrent chemotherapy was associated with the overall survival (P＝0.006). But receiving more than 5 weeks was not the prognostic factor compared to 1 to 4 weeks chemotherapy (P＝0.231). Multivariate analysis showed that only the numbers of concurrent chemotherapy was an independent prognostic factor ( P ＝ 0.010 ). Conclusions Postoperative radiotherapy concurrent with weekly chemotherapy could improve the overall survival and decrease the recurrence for stage ⅡB?ⅣA esophageal carcinoma after radical resection. However, the completion rate of chemotherapy was low, so it was necessary to explore reasonable regimens to improve the completion rate and carry out prospective randomized controlled trial.