BACKGROUND:Establishing a stable and reliable animal model of acute pancreatitis is of great significance for understanding its pathogenesis,pathophysiological characteristics,and clinical medication.Domestic and foreign studies have shown that cerulein,L-arginine,and sodium taurocholate can induce acute pancreatitis,but their pathophysiological characteristics and model characteristics are still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To establish an acute pancreatitis rat model using cerulein,L-arginine,and sodium taurocholate and to observe the changing patterns of model features at different time points. METHODS:Ninety-six healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group,cerulein group,L-arginine group,and sodium taurocholate group,with 24 rats in each group.Within each group,there were three subgroups(n=8 per group):12-,24-,and 48-hour subgroups.Cerulein was administered via intraperitoneal injection six times with a 1-hour interval.L-arginine was administered through two intraperitoneal injections with a 1-hour interval.Sodium taurocholate was injected for inducing acute pancreatitis models through retrograde injection into the bile-pancreatic duct.By examining the rat survival rate,gross morphology of the pancreas,calculating the pancreatic organ index,and measuring levels of amylase,lipase,alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,blood urea nitrogen,and creatinine,as well as observing pancreatic tissue pathological features through hematoxylin-eosin staining and conducting a pancreatic injury scoring,we evaluated the changing patterns of model features at different time points. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the normal group,the overall survival rate of rats was 100%in the cerulein group,88%in the L-arginine group,and 96%in the sodium taurocholate group.The pancreatic organ index was increased in all groups.Gross observation indicated that,In the cerulein group,pancreatic edema,blurred lobes,and looseness were visible.In the L-arginine group,the pancreatic glands were enlarged and thickened with patchy bleeding.In the sodium taurocholate group,pancreatic tissue showed varying degrees of congestion and edema accompanied by scattered flakes of hemorrhage and necrosis.The levels of serum alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,blood urea nitrogen,creatinine,amylase,and lipase in rats exhibited consistent changes.In the cerulein group,these parameters possibly peaked at 12 hours(P<0.05)and then showed a declining trend.In the L-arginine group,they reached the highest levels at 24 hours(P<0.05)and significantly decreased at 48 hours.In the sodium taurocholate group,serum amylase and lipase remained at higher levels at 12 hours with a slow decline trend(P<0.05).Compared with the normal group,microscopic examination revealed mild acinar edema and widened interlobular spaces in the cerulein group,with a higher presence of inflammatory cells.In the L-arginine group,there was widening of interlobular spaces,extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells,and patchy necrotic areas.In the sodium taurocholate group,significant pancreatic edema,structural disarray,extensive necrotic foci,and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed.Compared with the normal group,the pathological scores of induced acute pancreatitis in all three models were significantly different at each time point(P<0.05).Moreover,the pathological scores in each group increased over time,indicating a gradual worsening of pancreatic tissue damage.When comparing different models at the same time,there were differences in pathological scores,with the sodium taurocholate group having the highest scores,followed by the L-arginine group,and the cerulein group having the lowest scores.Analyzing the three models at the same time point,the most severe condition was in the sodium taurocholate group,which was characterized by pancreatic hemorrhage and necrosis,followed by the L-arginine group,which was characterized by necrosis,and the least severe condition was in the cerulein group,mainly characterized by edema.The serum biochemical index levels of the cerulein and L-arginine groups decreased at 48 hours,indicating that these two models may have a tendency to self-heal and belong to a self-limiting disease course.The serum biochemical index levels of the sodium taurocholate group decreased slowly after 12 hours.Therefore,pancreatic injury in the sodium taurocholate group might not be relieved after 48 hours or longer.

Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.

Background::Breast cancer is ranked among the most prevalent malignancies in the Chinese female population. However, comprehensive reports detailing the latest epidemiological data and attributable disease burden have not been extensively documented.Methods::In 2018, high-quality cancer surveillance data were recorded in 700 population-based cancer registries in China. We extracted data on female breast cancers (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision [ICD-10]: C50) and estimated the incidence and mortality in 2022 according to the baseline data and corresponding trends from 2010 to 2018. Pathological types were classified according to the ICD for Oncology, 3rd Edition codes. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated as the sum of the years of life lost (YLLs) and years lived with disability (YLDs).Results::In 2022, approximately 357,200 new female breast cancer cases and 75,000 deaths occurred in China, accounting for 15.59% and 7.94% of total new cancer cases and deaths, respectively. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) was 33.04 per 100,000. When analyzed by pathological type, the ASIRs for papillary neoplasms, invasive breast carcinoma, rare and salivary gland-type tumors, and other types were 1.13, 29.79, 0.24, and 1.88 per 100,000, respectively. The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) was 6.10 per 100,000. A total of 2,628,000 DALYs were found to be attributable to female breast cancer in China, comprising 2,278,300 YLLs and 349,700 YLDs. The ASIR, ASMR, and age-standardized rate (ASR) for DALYs in urban areas were consistently higher than those in rural areas. We observed a four-fold increase in the ASIR and ASR for DALYs and an eight-fold increase in the ASMR among females over 55 years compared with those aged under 55 years.Conclusion::These data provide invaluable insights into the latest epidemiology of female breast cancer in China and highlight the urgency for disease prevention and control strategy formulation.

Objective:To explore any effect of blood flow restriction during exercise on knee proprioception and motor coordination after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.Methods:Thirty patients recovering from ACL reconstruction were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, each of 15. Both groups were given routine rehabilitation training, while the experimental group was additionally provided with 45 minutes of training with blood flow restriction, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The blood flow restriction training involved constant pressure in the groin while the patient performed knee flexion and extension resistance training, squats, alternate knee flexion and extension and ergometer cycling. Before and after the intervention, both groups′ knee function, proprioception and lower limb motor coordination were evaluated using the Lysholm knee scale, the Humac isokinetic measurement system and surface electromyography.Results:Before the experiment there were no significant differences between the two groups in any of the measurements. After the intervention, both groups′ average Lysholm score had improved significantly, and errors in reproducing a knee angle had decreased significantly. Significantly better improvement was observed in the observation group than in the control group. That group′s average coordinated contraction rate on the affected side in extension and flexion was also significantly better than the control group′s ave-rage. Indeed, there were no significant differences in the contraction rates between the healthy and affected sides.Conclusions:Training with restricted blood flow can significantly improve knee function, proprioception and motor coordination after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Objective:To explore the effect of blood flow restriction training on the quadriceps femoris and on knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Methods:Forty patients recovering from anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, each of 20. In addition to routine rehabilitation training, the control group was given routine knee flexion and extension strength training, while the experimental group trained for an additional 20 minutes doing knee flexion and extension resistance training with the blood pressure in their groins at 70% of their individual arterial occlusive pressure. (The mean pressure was (123±11.23)mmHg). The training lasted 8 weeks, three times a week. Knee function and hamstring and quadriceps peak torque were assessed before and after the intervention using a Lysholm scale and Humac Norm isokinetic muscle strength tests.Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in any of the measurements before the training. After the intervention, all of the measurements had improved significantly in both groups, with the average Lysholm score, H/Q% and peak torque of the experimental group significantly better than the control group′s averages.Conclusions:Blood flow restriction training can improve the effectiveness of quadriceps femoris strength, knee stability and knee function training after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Objective:To investigate the safety and feasibility of the CHESS endoscpic ruler (CHESS ruler), and the consistency between the measured values and the interpretation values by endoscopic physician experience.Methods:From January 2021 to January 2022, a total of 105 liver cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension were prospectively enrolled from General Hospital, Xixia Branch Hospital, Ningnan Hospital of People′s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (29 cases), and the First People′s Hospital of Yinchuan (25 cases), General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University (18 cases), Wuzhong People′s Hospital (10 cases), the Fifth People′s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (10 cases), Shizuishan Second People′s Hospital (6 cases), Yinchuan Second People′s Hospital (5 cases), and Zhongwei People′s Hospital (2 cases) 8 hospitals. The clinical characteristics of all the patients, including gender, age, nationality, etiolog of liver cirrhosis, and Child-Pugh classification of liver function were recorded. A big gastroesophageal varices was defined as diameter of varices ≥5 mm. Endoscopist (associated chief physician) performed gastroscopy according to the routine gastroscopy procedures, and the diameter of the biggest esophageal varices was measured by experience and images were collected, and then objective measurement was with the CHESS ruler and images were collected. The diameter of esophageal varices of 10 randomly selected patients (random number table method) was determined by 6 endoscopists (attending physician or associated chief physician) with experience or measured by CHESS ruler. Kappa test was used to test the consistency in the diameter of esophageal varices between measured values by CHESS ruler and the interpretation values by endoscopic physician experience.Results:Among 105 liver cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension, male 65 cases and female 40 cases, aged (54.8±12.2) years old, Han nationality 82 cases, Hui nationality 21 cases and Mongolian nationality 2 cases. The etiology of liver cirrhosis included chronic hepatitis B (79 cases), alcoholic liver disease (7 cases), autoimmune hepatitis (7 cases), chronic hepatitis C (2 cases), and other etiology (10 cases). Liver function of 32 cases was Child-Pugh A, Child-Pugh B 57 cases, and Child-Pugh C 16 cases. All 105 liver cirrhosis patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension were successfully measured the diameter of gastroesophageal varices by CHESS ruler, and the success rate of application of CHESS ruler was 100.0% (105/105). The procedure time from the CHESS ruler into the body to the exit of the body after measurement was (3.50±2.55) min. No complications happened in all the patients during measurement. Among 105 liver cirrhosis patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension, 96 cases (91.4%) were recognized as big gastroesophageal varices by the endoscopists. Totally 93 cases (88.6%) were considered as big gastroesophageal varices by CHESS ruler. Eight cases were recognized as big gastroesophageal varices by the endoscopist, however not by the CHESS ruler; 5 cases were recognized as big gastroesophageal varices by the CHESS ruler, but not by the endoscopists; 4 cases were not recognized as big gastroesophageal varices both by the endoscopists and CHESS ruler; 88 cases were recognized as big gastroesophageal varices both by the endoscopists and CHESS ruler. The missed diagnostic rate of big gastroesophageal varices by the endoscopists experience was 5.4% (5/93), and the Kappa value of consistency coefficient between the measurement by the CHESS ruler and the interpretation by endoscopists experience was 0.31 (95% confidence interval 0.03 to 0.60). The overall Kappa value of consistency coefficient by 6 endoscopists measured by CHESS ruler in big gastroesophageal varices diagnosis was 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.61 to 0.93).Conclusion:As an objective measurement tool, CHESS ruler can make up for the deficiency of subjective judgment by endoscopists, accurately measure the diameter of gastroesophageal varices, and is highly feasible and safe.

Cardiovascular System/pathology* ; Constriction, Pathologic/genetics* ; Point Mutation ; Neurofibromin 1/genetics* ; Animals ; Mice

Objective:To investigate and analyze the basic occupational situation of Chinese radiotherapists and to provide references for the development and construction of the radiation therapist team in China.Methods:Between May 7, 2021 and June 15, 2021, this survey was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire, which was distributed and collected in the form of online survey to conduct a statistical analysis of the basic situation of radiotherapists in 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China.Results:A total of 2 928 valid questionnaires were collected from 30 provincial-level administrative regions. The ratio of male to female and average age of the participants were 69∶31 and 35 years (18-65), respectively. According to the survey result, 84.7% of the participants came from Tertiary A-level hospitals. In terms of educational background, the participants with doctoral, master, undergraduate, junior-college, and technical-secondary degrees accounted for 0.2%, 6.9%, 76.6%, 14.9%, and 1.4%, respectively. In terms of title, full senior technologists, associate senior technologist, technologist-in-charge, technologist, and technician in the participants accounted for 0.5%, 5.8%, 32.5%, 52.2%, and 8.2%, respectively. The participants with years of employment of 0-, 5-, 10-, 20-y accounted for 33.74%, 25.79%, 25.51%, and 14.96%, respectively. The majors of the participants included medical imaging/imaging technology (45.9%), clinical medicine (19.1%), and biomedical engineering (11.9%).Conclusions:Chinese radiotherapists tend to be younger and are rapidly increasing in number. Employers should attach importance to the career planningand continuing education of radiotherapists to improve their technical skills, in order to fully satisfy the demand for radiotherapists in the new era.

Organic carbonates (OCs) are a class of compounds featured by a carbonyl flanked by two alkoxy/aryloxy groups. They exist in either linear or cyclic forms, of which the majority encountered in nature adopt a pentacyclic structure. However, the enzymatic basis for pentacyclic carbonate ring formation remains elusive. Here, we reported that a four-protein metabolon (AlmUII-UV) assembled by a small peptide protein (AlmUV) appends a reactive

Objective:To investigate the risk factors of lymph node metastasis and the clinical significance of deep submucosal invasion in patients with T1 stage colorectal cancer.Methods:From January 30, 2010 to December 31, 2019, at Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, among patients with T1 stage colorectal cancer, 41 patients underwent radical surgery for colorectal cancer (surgery group) and 23 patients received endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) (ESD group) were enrolled. The tumor gross type, maximum diameter, histologically poorly differentiated components, degree of invasion (the type of mucosal muscle destruction, the width and depth of invasion), the budding grade of tumor, and whether with vascular tumor thrombus were recorded. The additional treatment and prognosis of patients were collected by telephone follow-up. The risk factors of lymph node metastasis in stage T1 colorectal cancer, the correlation between the complete muscularis mucosa destruction and the width and depth of invasion in the ESD group, and the effects of additional treatment after operation on the prognosis of patients were analyzed. Independent sample t test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results:The rate of lymph node metastasis in patients with poorly differentiated components or vascular tumor thrombus was higher than that in patients without poorly differentiated components or vascular tumor thrombus (3/6 vs. 12.1%, 7/58; 3/4 vs. 11.7%, 7/60), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=5.934 and 11.409, both P<0.05). All patients in the surgery group had complete muscularis mucosa destruction. In ESD group, the width of tumor invasion was ≥ 2 mm in 16 cases, including complete destruction of muscularis mucosa in 15 cases and partial destruction in one case; the width of tumor invasion was <2 mm in seven cases, including complete destruction of muscularis mucoa in two cases and partial destruction in five cases; the depth of infiltration was ≥ 2 000 μm in 14 cases, including complete destruction of muscularis mucosa in 13 cases and partial destruction in one case; the depth of infiltration was <2 000 μm in nine cases, including complete destruction of muscularis mucosa in four cases and partial destruction in five cases. The complete muscularis mucosa destruction was related with tumor of invasion width ≥ 2 mm and invasion depth ≥ 2 000 μm (15/16 vs.2/7, 13/14 vs. 4/7), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=10.729, 6.659, both P<0.05). Among the 64 patients with T1 stage colorectal cancer in this study, six cases (9.4%) had poor prognosis; five cases (7.8%) died, and three of them (4.7%) were tumor-related deaths. Adjuvant therapy was added in 10 cases in surgery group and 10 cases in ESD group, and there were no poor prognosis in those patients. There were no significant difference in the incidences of poor prognosis of patients without additional treatment and patients with additional treatment of the two groups (9.7% (3/31) vs. 0 (0/10) and 23.1% (3/13) vs. 0 (0/10)) (both P>0.05). Conclusion:When T1 stage colorectal cancer with tumor submucosal invasion, clinicians should comprehensively evaluate the prognostic risk based on various pathological characteristics such as the degree of tumor differentiation, vascular tumor thrombus and mucosal muscle destruction.