Objective:To investigate the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors on reducing residual lymph node metastasis in patients with gastric cancer.Methods:The cohort of this retrospective study comprised patients from Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University who had undergone systemic treatment prior to gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy and had achieved Grade 1 primary tumor regression (TRG1) from January 2014 to December 2023. After exclusion of patients who had undergone preoperative radiotherapy, data of 58 patients (Nanfang Hospital: 46; First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University: 12) were analyzed. These patients were allocated to preoperative chemotherapy (Chemotherapy group, N=36 cases) and preoperative immunotherapy plus chemotherapy groups (Immunotherapy group, N=22 cases). There were no significant differences between these groups in sex, age, body mass index, diabetes, tumor location, pathological type, Lauren classification, tumor differentiation, pretreatment depth of invasion by primary tumor, pretreatment lymph node stage, pretreatment clinical stage, mismatch repair protein status, number of preoperative treatment cycles, or duration of preoperative treatment (all P>0.05). The primary outcome measure was postoperative lymph node downstaging. Secondary outcomes included postoperative depth of invasion by tumor, number of lymph nodes examined, and factors affecting residual lymph node metastasis status. Results:Lymph node downstaging was achieved significantly more often in the Immunotherapy group than the Chemotherapy group (pN0: 90.9% [20/22] vs. 61.1% [22/36]; pN1: 4.5% [1/22] vs. 36.1% [13/36]; pN2: 4.5% [1/22) vs. 0; pN3: 0 vs. 2.8% [1/36], Z=-2.315, P=0.021). There were no significant difference between the two groups in number of lymph nodes examined (40.5±16.3 vs. 40.8±17.5, t=0.076, P=0.940) or postoperative depth of invasion by primary tumor (pT1a: 50.0% [11/22] vs. 30.6% [11/36]; pT1b: 13.6% [3/22] vs. 19.4% [7/36]; pT2: 13.6% [3/22] vs. 13.9% [5/36]; pT3: 13.6% [3/22] vs. 25.0% [9/36]; pT4a: 9.1% [2/22] vs. 11.1% [4/36], Z=-1.331, P=0.183). Univariate analysis revealed that both preoperative treatment regimens were associated with residual lymph node metastasis status in patients whose primary tumor regression was TRG1 (χ 2=6.070, P=0.014). Multivariate analysis incorporated the following factors: pretreatment depth of invasion by primary tumor, pretreatment lymph node stage, pretreatment clinical stage, number of preoperative treatment cycles, and preoperative treatment duration. We found that a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy administered preoperatively was an independent protective factor for reducing residual lymph node metastases in study patients whose primary tumor regression was TRG1 (OR=0.147, 95%CI: 0.026–0.828, P=0.030). Conclusion:Compared with preoperative chemotherapy alone, a combination of preoperative immunotherapy and chemotherapy achieved greater reduction of residual lymph node metastases in the study patients who achieved TRG1 tumor regression in their primary lesions.

The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome(EDS)is a rare inherent connective tissue disorder.The prev-alence of EDS in the population is estimated at one out of ten thousand to one out of a hundred thousand.The vascular EDS(vEDS)are rare among the subtypes but are the worst in prognosis.The article reports a case of vEDS admitted to the hospital.The patient was a young man complaining of a sudden onset of aphasia in right hemiparalysis and severe left abdominal pain for unknown reasons.The diagnosis was made after the genetic testing.The patient suffered from vEDS.Then,the multi-disciplinary team(MDT)made a treatment plan tailored to this young patient.The complexity in classification and delusive presentations of the EDS make the correct diagnosis very challenging.This article hopes to report this case and to share the experiences to the bet-ter understanding of this disease.

Objective:To investigate the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors on reducing residual lymph node metastasis in patients with gastric cancer.Methods:The cohort of this retrospective study comprised patients from Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University who had undergone systemic treatment prior to gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy and had achieved Grade 1 primary tumor regression (TRG1) from January 2014 to December 2023. After exclusion of patients who had undergone preoperative radiotherapy, data of 58 patients (Nanfang Hospital: 46; First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University: 12) were analyzed. These patients were allocated to preoperative chemotherapy (Chemotherapy group, N=36 cases) and preoperative immunotherapy plus chemotherapy groups (Immunotherapy group, N=22 cases). There were no significant differences between these groups in sex, age, body mass index, diabetes, tumor location, pathological type, Lauren classification, tumor differentiation, pretreatment depth of invasion by primary tumor, pretreatment lymph node stage, pretreatment clinical stage, mismatch repair protein status, number of preoperative treatment cycles, or duration of preoperative treatment (all P>0.05). The primary outcome measure was postoperative lymph node downstaging. Secondary outcomes included postoperative depth of invasion by tumor, number of lymph nodes examined, and factors affecting residual lymph node metastasis status. Results:Lymph node downstaging was achieved significantly more often in the Immunotherapy group than the Chemotherapy group (pN0: 90.9% [20/22] vs. 61.1% [22/36]; pN1: 4.5% [1/22] vs. 36.1% [13/36]; pN2: 4.5% [1/22) vs. 0; pN3: 0 vs. 2.8% [1/36], Z=-2.315, P=0.021). There were no significant difference between the two groups in number of lymph nodes examined (40.5±16.3 vs. 40.8±17.5, t=0.076, P=0.940) or postoperative depth of invasion by primary tumor (pT1a: 50.0% [11/22] vs. 30.6% [11/36]; pT1b: 13.6% [3/22] vs. 19.4% [7/36]; pT2: 13.6% [3/22] vs. 13.9% [5/36]; pT3: 13.6% [3/22] vs. 25.0% [9/36]; pT4a: 9.1% [2/22] vs. 11.1% [4/36], Z=-1.331, P=0.183). Univariate analysis revealed that both preoperative treatment regimens were associated with residual lymph node metastasis status in patients whose primary tumor regression was TRG1 (χ 2=6.070, P=0.014). Multivariate analysis incorporated the following factors: pretreatment depth of invasion by primary tumor, pretreatment lymph node stage, pretreatment clinical stage, number of preoperative treatment cycles, and preoperative treatment duration. We found that a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy administered preoperatively was an independent protective factor for reducing residual lymph node metastases in study patients whose primary tumor regression was TRG1 (OR=0.147, 95%CI: 0.026–0.828, P=0.030). Conclusion:Compared with preoperative chemotherapy alone, a combination of preoperative immunotherapy and chemotherapy achieved greater reduction of residual lymph node metastases in the study patients who achieved TRG1 tumor regression in their primary lesions.

Objective To establish a gas chromatography for simultaneous determination of camphor residue and borneolum content in Qingchang Suppository. Methods Gas chromatograph method was used. The chromatographic column was Agilent capillary column(30 m×0.25 mm×0.25 µm). The column temperature was 140 ℃. The sample injection temperature was 250 ℃. The FID detector temperature was 250 ℃. Results Camphor，borneol and isoborneol content showed good linear in the extent of 0.0299~1.497(r=1.000), 0.0205~1.025(r=1.000), 0.0097~0.4830 µg (r=1.000). RSDs of precision，stability and repeatability test results were less than 2%. The recovery was 99.7%, 101.0%, 102.5%. Conclusion This method is simple and quick with accurate result, which could be used for the content determination of Borneol in Qingchang Suppository.

Objective:To evaluate the accuracy of airway ultrasonic parameters in predicting difficult mask ventilation (DMV) in obese patients.Methods:Ninety-six patients of both sexes, aged >18 yr, with body mass index of 28- <40 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, were selected. The airway was evaluated at 1 day before surgery to record the thyromental distance, modified Mallampati classification and upper lip bite test classification. Before anesthesia induction, the mandibular condylar motion, longitudinal cross-sectional area and transverse diameter of the tongue were measured by ultrasound, and the tongue volume was calculated. Mask ventilation was performed after anesthesia induction, DMV classification was recorded, DMV was defined as DMV classification Ⅲ and Ⅳ, and the patients were divided into non-DMV group (NDMV group) and DMV group. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between each parameter and DMV, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the accuracy of each parameter in predicting DMV, and the cut-off value was determined based on the principle of Jorden index at maximum. Results:Ninety-six patients were finally included in the study, with 64 patients in NDMV group and 32 patients in DMV group. Compared with NDMV group, the increase in age, modified Mallampati grade, upper lip biting test grade, longitudinal cross-sectional area of tongue, transverse diameter of tongue and volume of tongue were significantly increased, and the thyromental distance and mandibular condylar motion were decreased in DMV group ( P<0.05). Age ( r=0.283), modified Mallampati grade ( r=0.668), upper lip biting test classification ( r=0.826), tongue longitudinal cross-sectional area ( r=0.598), tongue transverse diameter ( r=0.578) and tongue volume ( r=0.707) were positively correlated with DMV ( P<0.01), and thyromental distance ( r=-0.623) and mandibular condylar motion ( r=-0.666 ) were negatively correlated with DMV ( P<0.05). The area under curve (95% confidence interval) of tongue longitudinal cross-sectional area, tongue transverse diameter, tongue volume, and mandibular condylar motion for DMV prediction were 0.870 (0.780-0.961), 0.858 (0.768-0.948), 0.937 (0.864-1.000), 0.912 (0.835-0.990), respectively ( P<0.01), and the predicted cut-off values were 22.61 cm 2, 4.29 cm, 100.60 cm 3 and 1.18 cm, respectively, the sensitivity was 90%, 83%, 90% and 90%, respectively, the specificity was 80%, 80%, 95% and 95%, respectively. Conclusions:Tongue volume and mandibular condylar motion measured by ultrasound are highly accurate in predicting DMV in obese patients. Tongue volume> 100.60 cm 3 or mandibular condylar motion< 1.18 cm suggests a high risk of DMV.

Objective To improve the quality of prescriptions and promote the rational drug application of Dingqing Tablets by investigating the outpatient prescriptions in a tertiary A hospital. Methods A total of 4 796 prescriptions of outpatient pharmacy patients from August 1, 2020 to August 1, 2021 were extracted from the hospital information system by the hospital information software, focusing on the analysis of indications, usage and dosage, drug interaction, etc. Results 10 departments including hematology department and geriatrics department were used Dingqing Tablets, and the irrationality was mainly manifested in the superposition of drug flavors and drug interactions. Conclusion Dingqing tablets were widely used in clinic and had remarkable curative effect. However, there are certain risks in the use of Dingqing tablets. It is necessary to add medication education and supervision to promote the safe and rational use of drugs in clinic.

Background::Previous studies have revealed that diabetes mellitus (DM) promotes disease progress of gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to further investigating whether DM advanced lymph nodes (LNs) metastasis in GC.Methods::The clinicopathologic data of GC patients with >15 examined LN (ELN) between October 2004 and December 2019 from a prospectively maintained database were included. The observational outcomes included the number (N3b status) and anatomical distribution (N3 stations) of metastatic LN (MLN).Results::A total of 2142 eligible patients were included in the study between October 2004 and December 2019. N3 stations metastasis (26.8% in DM vs. 19.3% in non-DM, P = 0.026) and N3b status (18.8% in DM vs. 12.8% in non-DM, P = 0.039) were more advanced in the DM group, and multivariate logistic regression analyses confirmed that DM was an independent factor of developing N3 stations metastasis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.771, P= 0.011) and N3b status (OR= 1.752, P= 0.028). Also, multivariate analyses determined DM was independently associated with more MLN (β = 1.424, P = 0.047). The preponderance of N3 stations metastasis (DM vs. non-DM, T1-2: 2.2% vs. 4.9%, T3: 29.0% vs. 20.3%, T4a: 38.9% vs. 25.8%, T4b: 50.0% vs. 36.6%; ELN16-29: 8.6% vs. 10.4%, ELN30-44: 27.9% vs. 20.5%, ELN ≥ 45: 37.7% vs. 25.3%), N3b status (DM vs. non-DM, T1-2: 0% vs. 1.7%, T3: 16.1% vs. 5.1%, T4a: 27.8% vs. 19.1%, T4b: 44.0% vs. 28.0%; ELN16-29: 8.6% vs. 7.9%, ELN30-44: 18.0% vs. 11.8%, ELN ≥ 45: 26.4% vs. 17.3%), and the number of MLN (DM vs. non-DM, T1-2: 0.4 vs. 1.1, T3: 8.6 vs. 5.2, T4a: 9.7 vs. 8.6, T4b: 17.0 vs. 12.8; ELN16-29: 3.6 vs. 4.6, ELN30-44: 5.8 vs. 5.5, ELN ≥ 45: 12.0 vs. 7.7) of DM group increased with the advancement of primary tumor depth stage and raising of ELN. Conclusions::DM was an independent risk factor for promoting LN metastasis. The preponderance of LN involvement in the DM group was aggravated with the advancement of tumor depth.

Objective To investigate the effects of microlecture-based flipped classroom in the health assessment course.Methods Nursing students in 2 classes were divided into the control (n=48) and experimental groups (n=48),receiving the traditional teaching mode and microlecture-based flipped classroom teaching mode,respectively.Self-Directed Learning ability,course examination scores,and teaching satisfaction were compared between two groups.Results No significant difference of self-directed learning ability was observed between the two groups before the course(P＞0.05),while the level of selfdirected learning ability in experimental group (73.15 ± 6.20) was significantly higher than that of the control group (55.88±7.17,t=-12.629,P=0.000) at the end of the course.The course examination scores of students in the study group (78 ± 11) were significantly higher than those in the control group (69 ± 13),(t=-3.751,P=0.000).Compared with students in the control group,students in the study group acquired significantly higher self-directed learning ability and satisfaction with teaching(P=0.000).Conclusions The application of microlecture-based flipped classroom in the health assessment course dramatically promotes the self-learning ability and teaching effects of nursing students.

Objective To explore whether the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway regulate the expression of high mobility group proteins1 (HMGB1) in intestinal mucosa of rats with sepsis through the cecum ligation puncture (CLP). Methods One hundred and twenty male SD rats were randomly(random number) divided into three groups: sham operation group (group S, n=40), CLP group(group C, n=40) and anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody group (group T, n=40). Rats in group S only received the simple laparotomy;Rats in group C and group T were established as a rat model of sepsis using CLP; rats in group T received the intraperitoneal injection of anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody at 1 h after CLP, while the same volume of sodium lactate ringer's solution was injected to rats in group S and group C. Ten rats in each group were sacrificed at 3, 12, 24 and 48 h, respectively, and intestinal mucosa specimens were collected for pathological examinations by HE staining. The protein expression of HMGB1 and IL-6 were detected by immunohistochemistry, STAT3-protein by Western blot.and the levels of diamine oxidase (DAO) and D lactic acid in plasma by spectrophotometric. Results Rats in group C and group T showed obvious intestinal damage to different degrees, significantly higher intestinal mucosa pathological scores and plasma levels of DAO and D-lactic acid compared with rats in group S (P<0.05). The protein expression of IL-6, HMGBl and p-STAT3 of intestinal mucosa in group C and group T also significantly increased compared with that in group S (P<0.05). The intestinal mucosa pathological score, plasma levels of DAO and D-lactic acid and protein expression of IL-6, HMGBl and STAT3 were decreased in group T compared with those in group C (P<0.05). The intestinal mucosa pathological scores were positively correlated with the protein expression of IL-6 and HMGB1 at 12, 24, and 48 h, respectively. Conclusions IL-6 and HMGBl were involved in the intestinal injury of septic rats. IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway could up-regulate the expression of HMGB1 in intestinal mucosa of septic rats.

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of the combined use of dexmedetomidine and propofol for anesthesia in the elderly patients with painless gastroscopy. Methods:Totally 70 elderly patients with painless gastroscopy were selected and randomly divided into the observation group (35 cases) and the control group (35 cases). The observation group was given dexmedetomidine and propofol for anesthesia, while the control group was given propofol for anesthesia. The anesthesia induction time, the vital signs and recovery time of the patients, intraoperative complications and postoperative adverse reactions were observed and compared between the two groups. Results:The anesthesia induction time of the observation group was shorter than that of the control group (P<0. 01). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) in T2, T3 and T4 stage in the two groups were significantly lower than that in T1 stage (P<0. 05, P<0. 01). The HR in T3 stage and RR in T2 stage in the control group were lower than those in T1 stage (P<0. 05). The RR in T2 stage in the observation group was significantly lower than that in T1 stage (P<0. 05). The MAP in T2 and T3 stage in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0. 01), while that in T4 stage in the observation group was significant-ly lower than that in the control group (P<0. 05). The HR in T3 stage in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0. 05). The incidence of intraoperative complications in the observation group was 5. 7%, while that in the con-trol group was 22. 9%, and there was significant difference between the two groups (P<0. 05). The recovery time in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group (P<0. 01). Conclusion:Dexmedetomidine combined with propofol has better anes-thesia effect and higher safety than propofol alone, which is worthy of clinical promotion.