Objective To establish an individualized nomogram model and evaluate its efficacy to provide a possible evaluation basis for the prognosis of lower third and abdominal part of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Methods Lower third and abdominal part of EAC patients from 2010 to 2015 were chosen from the SEER Research Plus Database (17 Regs, 2022nov sub). The patients were randomly allocated to the training cohort and the internal validation cohort with a ratio of 7∶3 using bootstrap resampling. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to determine significant contributors to overall survival (OS) in EAC patients, which would be elected to construct the nomogram prediction model. C-index, calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were performed to evaluate its efficacy. Finally, the efficacy to evaluate the OS of EAC patients was compared between the nomogram prediction model and TNM staging system. Results In total, 3945 patients with lower third and abdominal part of EAC were enrolled, including 3475 males and 470 females with a median age of 65 (57-72) years. The 2761 patients were allocated to the training cohort and the remaining 1184 patients to the internal validation cohort. In the training and the internal validation cohorts, the C-index of the nomogram model was 0.705 and 0.713, respectively. Meanwhile, the calibration curve also suggested that the nomogram model had a strong capability of predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of EAC patients. The nomogram also had a higher efficacy than the TNM staging system in predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of EAC patients. Conclusion This nomogram prediction model has a high efficiency for predicting OS in the patients with lower third and abdominal part of EAC, which is higher than that of the current TNM staging system.

Objective To evaluate the value of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in patients with stage ⅢA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer who received complete resection and chemotherapy. Methods Patients with stage ⅢA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer who received complete resection and chemotherapy were chosen from the SEER Research Plus Database [17 Registries, November 2012 Submission (2000-2019)]. The patients were divided into a PORT group and a non-PORT group according to whether the PORT was used. To balance baseline characteristics between non-PORT and PORT groups, R software was used to conduct a propensity score matching (PSM) with a ratio of 1 : 1 and a matching tolerance of 0.01. Both the Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were conducted to evaluate the value of PORT in terms of overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Results In total, 2468 patients with stage ⅢA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer were enrolled, including 1078 males and 1390 females with a median age of 65 (58-71) years. There were 1336 patients in the PORT group, and 1132 patients in the non-PORT group. Cox regression analysis showed that PORT was not significantly associated with OS (multivariate analysis: HR=1.051, 95%CI 0.949-1.164, P=0.338) and DSS (multivariate analysis: HR=1.094, 95%CI 0.976-1.225, P=0.123). No statistical difference was found in the OS or DSS between non-PORT group and PORT group after PSM analysis (P＞0.05). Conclusion PORT does not have a survival benefit for patients with stage ⅢA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer who received complete resection and chemotherapy.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Guizhi Fulingwan on oxidative stress and renal fibrosis in diabetic mice based on the nuclear factor E₂-associated factor 2/antioxidant response element （Nrf2/ARE） pathway， and to explore its mechanism of action. MethodA diabetic mouse model was established by feeding high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The diabetic mice were divided into a model group， a metformin group （250 mg·kg^-1）， and Guizhi Fulingwan low， medium， and high dose groups （400.4， 800.8， 1 601.6 mg·kg^-1）， with 10 mice in each group. Another 10 mice were included in a normal group. The treatment was conducted continuously for 8 weeks. Body mass and blood glucose were recorded， and the renal index was calculated. Triglyceride （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， urea nitrogen （BUN）， serum creatinine （SCr）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and malondialdehyde （MDA） levels were measured. Pathological changes in renal tissues were observed using Hematoxylin-eosin， periodate-Schiff， and Masson staining. The protein levels of α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）， fibronectin （FN）， and transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁） were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein levels of Nrf2， Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 （Keap1）， SOD1， NAD（P）H single-nucleotide oxidase 1 （NQO1）， and heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） were detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group showed elevated glucose， renal index， TG， TC， BUN， and SCr levels， thickened glomerular basement membrane， increased collagen fibers in renal tissues， decreased SOD activity， elevated MDA content， increased protein levels of FN， TGF-β₁， α-SMA， and Keap1， and decreased protein levels of Nrf2， SOD1， NQO1， and HO-1 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Guizhi Fulingwan and metformin groups showed reduced blood glucose， renal index， TG， TC， BUN， and SCr levels， improved renal histopathological injury， significantly increased SOD activity， significantly reduced MDA content， reduced protein levels of FN， TGF-β₁， α-SMA， and Keap1， and increased protein levels of Nrf2， SOD1， NQO1， and HO-1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionGuizhi Fulingwan can improve oxidative stress and inhibit renal fibrosis， and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of pulse oximetry among pediatric healthcare providers in China and analyze the factor influencing the KAP.Methods:A self-developed questionnaire was used for an online research on the KAP of 11 849 pediatric healthcare providers from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities of China from March 11 to 14, 2022.The factors influencing the KAP of pulse oximetry among pediatric healthcare providers were examined by Logistic regression. Results:The scores of KAP, of pulse oximetry were 5.57±0.96, 11.24±1.25 and 11.19±4.54, respectively.The corresponding scoring rates were 69.61%, 74.95%, and 55.99%, respectively. Logistic regression results showed that the gender and working years of pediatric healthcare providers, the region they were located, and whether their medical institution was equipped with pulse oximeters were the main factors affecting the knowledge score (all P<0.05). Main factors influencing the attitude score of pediatric healthcare providers included their knowledge score, gender, educational background, working years, region, medical institution level, and whether the medical institution was equipped with pulse oximeters (all P<0.05). For the practice score, the main influencing factors were the knowledge score, gender, age, and whether the medi-cal institution was equipped with pulse oximeters (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Chinese pediatric healthcare providers need to further improve their knowledge about and attitudes towards pulse oximetry.Pulse oximeters are evidently under-used.It is urgent to formulate policies or guidelines, strengthen education and training, improve knowledge and attitudes, equip more institutions with pulse oximeters, and popularize their application in medical institutions.

Objective:To seek any correlation of the ratio of knee flexor to knee extensor peak torque (H/Q) with the balance and walking ability of hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Thirty stroke survivors with hemiplegia had the H/Q value of their knees measured at angular velocities of 60°/sec and 120°/sec using an isokinetic muscle strength test. Their motor control ability was assessed using the Pro-Kin balance test system, while their balance and walking were assessed using the Berg balance scale (BBS), the stand-to-walk timing test (TUGT) and the 10m walk test (10MWT). Any correlation was sought between the H/Q value of the affected knee, the test results, stability limits and offset index.Results:The average H/Q values of the affected knee joint at 60°/sec and 120°/sec were significantly lower than those of healthy joints. They were positively correlated with BBS scores and stability limits, and negatively correlated with TUGT and 10MWT times and with the offset indices.Conclusion:The H/Q value of the affected knee of a stroke survivor with hemiplegia predicts balance and walking ability. It may be a useful clinical indicator for evaluating their motor functioning.

Objective:To investigate the immediate curative effect of adjustable knee orthosis in knee hyperextension patients after stroke.Methods:Thirty patients with knee hyperextension patients after stroke admitted to our hospital from June 2019 to December 2019 were selected. The balance and walking function in these patients were evaluated using Bipedal stability and stability limits were evaluated by Pro-Kin 254 beam walking test system, equilibrium function was evaluated by Berg balance scale (BBS), and walking function was evaluated by timed up and go test (TUGT) and ten-meter walking test (10MWT) before and after wearing the adjustable knee orthosis.Results:Patients after wearing the adjustable knee orthosis had significantly decreased movement length, movement area, standard deviation of the movement trajectory front and rear direction, and standard deviation of the movement trajectory left and right direction, and significantly increased limits of stability as compared with those before wearing the adjustable knee orthosis ( P<0.05). Patients after wearing the adjustable knee orthosis had significantly increased BBS scores, and statistically shortened time of TUGT and 10MWT as compared with those before wearing the adjustable knee orthosis ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The adjustable knee orthosis can improve the bipedal stability and stability limits, and balance and walking functions of knee hyperextension patients after stroke, which is worth of clinical application.

Objective: To investigate the association of both maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) with childhood overweight and adiposity in preschool children. Methods: A total of 4 303 preschool children aged 3-5 years were enrolled in our study during June and November 2016 in Guangzhou. Children defined as overweight and obesity were according to the criteria of WHO while weight status during maternal pre-pregnancy was using the China Adult Reference. Gestational weight gain was defined according to the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Results: After adjusting the possible confounding factors, results from the logistic regression analysis showed that both maternal pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity would increase the risk for both childhood overweight and obesity (OR=1.820, 95%CI: 1.368-2.422). The analysis of covariance results also showed that both maternal overweight and obesity before pregnancy and excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy increased the BMI Z-score in children. Maternal GWG over the recommended level were associated with both the childhood overweight and obesity (OR=1.296, 95%CI: 1.007-1.667). Joint associations of pre-pregnancy BMI and inappropriate GWG were also noticed in the study. Stratified analysis was conducted in three groups according to the pre-pregnancy BMI of the mothers. Result showed that there was no statistical difference in the risks of either overweight or obesity in children (P>0.05). However, when compared to mothers with adequate pre-pregnancy higher BMI and adequate GWG, under the combination of high pre-pregnancy BMI and excessive GWG, their adverse effects on childhood overweight and obesity were much higher (OR=1.574, 95%CI: 1.029-2.409). Conclusions Both high pre-pregnancy BMI and inappropriate GWG were associated with greater BMI of their offspring. Pregnant women should follow the appropriate weight gain program and help their children to prevent from becoming obese.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the feasibility of contouring target volume according to residual tumor and decreasing the dose to the tumor regression field after induction chemotherapy (IC) in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2009 to August 2013, patients with stage III–IVB NPC were treated with IC and concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Gross tumor volume of nasopharynx (GTVnx)–residual and gross tumor volume of cervical lymph node (GTVnd)–residual were contoured according to post-IC residual primary tumor and any N+ disease, respectively. The tumor regression field was included in CTVnx1/CTVnd1 and prescribed a dose of 60 Gy. Outcomes and toxicities of all patients were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients were enrolled. At a median follow-up of 68 months, three cases displayed locoregional recurrence and one case showed both distant metastasis and locoregional recurrence. All locoregional recurrences were in the GTVnx-residual/GTVnd-residual and in-field. The 5-year overall, locoregional relapse-free, distant metastasis-free, and progression-free survival rates were 82.2%, 87.7%, 85.8% and 80.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: After IC, contouring of GTVnx-residual/GTVnd-residual as residual tumor volume and distribution 60 Gy ofradiation dose to the tumorregression field may be feasible and need further investigation.
Chemoradiotherapy ; Disease-Free Survival ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Induction Chemotherapy ; Lymph Nodes ; Nasopharynx ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm, Residual ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated ; Recurrence ; Tumor Burden

Objective To investigated the protective ways of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)for submandibular gland function in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods From March 2010 to November 2012,101 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were enrolled into study.They were treated with IMRT and evaluated by face to face dry mouth questionnaire during the follow-up of 3,6,12,18,24 and more than 24 months,meanwhile,their dose volume histogram of submandibular gland were taken into consideration.Results The average contralateral median dose and that of ipsilateral submandibular gland were (45.69±7.22) Gy and (51.64±8.20) Gy,respectively,and the V35,V40,V45,V50 were 95.82 ％,69.99 ％,46.90 ％,25.50 ％,and 100 ％,96.50 ％,82.24 ％,60.98 ％,respectively.There were positive relationship between the xerostomia grading of 3,6,and 12 months after radiotherapy and the average dose of submandibular gland or the V35,V40,V45,V50.After 6 month,the xerostomia in 77.2 ％ (78/101) was significantly improved,and after 12 months,less than 5 ％ of patient complained about G3 or more grade of xerostomia.Conclusions When using IMRT in nasopharyngeal carcinoma,it' s necessary to reduce the irradiated volume and the dose of submandibular gland.It is confined that the median dose of contralateral submandibular gland should be less than 40-45 Gy,and V40 or V45 ≤66.7 ％ or ≤50 ％,which can effectively protect the function of salivary gland.

BACKGROUNDAneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign lesion with the potential to be locally aggressive. The optimal treatment of cervical spine lesions remains controversial. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the different treatments for primary ABCs of the cervical spine.

METHODSThis series included eight men and six women diagnosed between 2002 and 2012. A retrospective review of the hospital charts, operating room reports, office charts, and radiographs was performed. The data collected included patient age, sex, radiological features, pathology, treatment methods, outcomes, and complications from biopsies and treatments. The mean age at diagnosis was 17.5 years old with a range of 6-35 years. All patients had experienced local pain for a mean of 7.3 months (range, 0.5-18.0 months), and three patients had neurological deficits (one with radiculopathy and two with myelopathy). The Frankel classification before treatment was E in 12 cases, D in one case, and C in one case.

RESULTSFour patients received radiotherapy alone. Ten patients underwent surgery, including five total spondylectomies, two local resections, and three curettages. Three patients received preoperative selective arterial embolization, and four received adjuvant radiotherapy. The mean follow-up time was 44.5 months (range 12-96 months), and no recurrence was identified. Three patients with neurological deficits achieved complete recovery, as noted at the final follow-up examination. One patient received radiotherapy without appropriate immobilization as prescribed and developed C1-C2 subluxation with severe spinal cord compression but without myelopathy. He refused further treatment.

CONCLUSIONSThe results can be achieved by different treatments (surgical resection/curettage, selective arterial embolization, and radiotherapy) for ABC of the cervical spine. Reconstruction of stability is also important for the treatment of cervical ABC.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Cysts, Aneurysmal ; therapy ; Cervical Vertebrae ; pathology ; Child ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Diseases ; therapy ; Young Adult