mA demethylase ALKBH5 suppression contributes to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly malignant gastrointestinal cancer with a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Although N-methyladenosine (mA), the most abundant epitranscriptomic modification of mRNAs, has been implicated in several cancers, little is known about its participation in ESCC progression. We found reduced expression of ALKBH5, an mA demethylase, in ESCC tissue specimens with a more pronounced effect in T3-T4, N1-N3, clinical stages III-IV, and histological grade III tumors, suggesting its involvement in advanced stages of ESCC.

Survival Benefit and Genetic Profile of Pemetrexed as Initial Chemotherapy in Selected Chinese Patients With Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma.

This study investigated survival in selected Chinese patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma who received initial chemotherapy with pemetrexed. We also explored the relationship between genetic biomarkers and pemetrexed efficacy. We retrospectively collected patients ( = 1,047) enrolled in the Chinese Patient Assistance Program from multiple centers who received pemetrexed alone or combined with platinum as initial chemotherapy and continued pemetrexed maintenance therapy for advanced lung adenocarcinoma from November 2014 to June 2017.

[Brachiocephalic artery-sparing aortic arch repair combined with stent-graft elephant trunk technique for Stanford type A aortic dissection: analysis of 23 cases].

Objective: To assess the clinical outcomes of brachiocephalic artery-sparing aortic arch repair combined with stent-graft elephant trunk technique for treatment of Stanford type A aortic dissection.

Methods: Twenty-three patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection requiring arch replacement underwent brachiocephalic artery-sparing aortic arch repair combined with stent-graft elephant trunk technique. The operations were performed within 72 h (20 cases) or 3-14 days (3 cases) after the onset of aortic dissection.

[Effect of one lung ventilation preconditioning on oxygenation during pediatric video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery].

Objective: To observe the effect of one lung ventilation (OLV) preconditioning on perioperative oxygenation during pediatric video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries (VATS).

Methods: A total of 171 children aged 5 days to 11 years underwent VATS for empyema dissection and abscess excisions (n=55), mediastinal tumor resection (n=34), repair of the diaphragmatic hernia or diaphragmatic plication (n=21), pulmonary lobectomy or biopsy (n=43), or esophageal disease (n=18). Of these patients, 127 were younger than 3 years of age.

[Effects of selective left lower lobar blockade by Coopdech endobronchial blocker tube on intrapulmonary shunt and arterial oxygenation: a comparison with double-lumen endobronchial tube].

Objective: To compare the differences in intrapulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt) and arterial oxygenation between selective left lower lobar blockade by Coopdech endobronchial blocker tubes (BB) and one lung ventilation (OLV) by left-sided double-lumen endobronchial tubes (DLT) in patients with normal pulmonary function.

Methods: Thirty-six patients (aged 32-64 years) scheduled for lower esophageal surgery were allocated randomly into BB and DLT groups (n=18). Anesthesia was induced and maintained with Propofol by target controlled infusion with intravenous administration of sufentanil and cisatracurium if needed.

[Design and experimental application of a device for direct vision intracardiac operation without cardiopulmonary bypass].

Objective: To design a device for direct vision intracardiac operation without cardiopulmonary bypass, and assess its applicability preliminarily.

Methods: The device was designed according to the clinical needs of intracardiac operation and used in operations for repairing atrial septal defect in 5 ex vivo porcine heart models. The practical applicability of this device was thoroughly tested and the results of the operations were evaluated.

[Evaluation of ultramicroporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mitral valve under pulsatile flow condition in vitro].

Objective: To test 25# and 27# ultramicroporous expanded polytetrafluo-roethylene mitral valve (UPMV) under pulsatile flow condition in vitro.

Methods: Six 25# and six 27#UPMV were tested using TH-1200 HV Prosthesis Pulsatile Flow Tester in vitro at the cycling rate of 70 cycle/min, with the systolic pressure maintained at about 16 kPa (120 mmHg), diastolic pressure at 10.7 kPa (80 mmHg), and the percentage of mean forward flow at 35%.

[Accelerated fatigue test in vitro of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene artificial heart valve].

Objective: To study the durability of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene artificial heart valve (ePTFE AHV).

Methods: Six ePTFE AHVs were tested for 400 million times against accelerated fatigue using TH-2200 artificial heart valve exosomatic accelerated fatigue instrument. Hydromechanical parameters of fore-and-aft accelerated fatigue test of the 6 AHVs were obtained by TH-1200 artificial heart valve exosomatic pulsatile stream instrument.

[Calcification and biomechanics in vivo of ultra-microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in rabbits].

Objective: To study in vivo calcification and biomechanics of the ultra-microporous expanded polytetrafluo- roethylene (UePTFE) in rabbits in comparison with glutaral-treated bovine pericardium (BP), so as to assess the potential of UePTFE as a material for cardiac valve prosthesis.

Methods: Factorial analysis was adopted in the experiment. UePTFE and glutaral-treated BP of appropriate sizes were embedded beneath skin of young New Zealand rabbits, and at 0, 1, 3 and 6 months following the implantation, the materials were measured for the content of calcium and biomechanics properties.

Experience in using three different minimally invasive approaches in cardiac operations.

Background: In order to reach a clear understanding of minimally invasive approaches in cardiac operations, the authors review clinical experience in using three such approaches: inferior partial median sternotomy, right anterolateral minor thoracotomy, and the right parasternal approach.

Material/methods: Sternotomy and the three different minimally invasive approaches were applied in and 2431 and 323 patients respectively. The approaches were selected according to the circumstances of the individual case.

Combined valve operations with transection of ascending aorta.

To facilitate combined aortic and mitral valve operations, a new approach was developed. It was employed in 50 patients with both aortic and mitral valve disease. The ascending aorta was transected 1.

[Surgical treatment of ascending aortic aneurysm by Bentall's procedure: report of 14 cases].

Objective: To review our experience in surgical treatment of ascending aortic aneurysm (AAA) with aortic insufficiency in 14 cases of by Bentall's procedure.

Methods And Results: All the patients underwent replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve with composite valved vascular prosthesis and received direct implantation of the aortic graft of the coronary orifices (Bentall's procedure) with satisfactory results. Five patients had ascending aortic dissection and 4 had typical Marfan's syndrome.

[Coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass: report of 6 cases].

Objective: To explore the approach for coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass and assess the feasibility and safety of this procedure.

Methods: The clinical data of 6 patients receiving coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass were reviewed.

Results: No death occurred in these patients during the operation and the follow-up visit for 3 to 12 months found no incidence of angina pectoris, and the life quality of the patient was obviously improved.

[Evaluation of left parasternal approach for cardiac surgery].

Objective: To provide a systemic evaluation of left parasternal approach (LPSA) for its clinical application.

Methods: LPSA was performed in 6 randomly-chosen formalin-preserved adult cadavers and the excisions were evaluated in external light of the external appearance, extent of traumatic injury and exposure of the structures in the thoracic cavity.

Results: LPSA left only short and less obvious skin incisions, thus causing minimal exterior appearance impairment.

[Diagnosis and management of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus].

Objective: To explore guidelines of the diagnosis and management for spontaneous rupture of the esophagus.

Methods: Of the 15 patients suffering spontaneous rupture of the esophagus, 11 received surgical treatment while the other 4 received non-operative treatment.

Results: Eleven patients recovered smoothly and death occurred in 4 cases, with the total cure rate of 73%.

Coronary artery bypass grafting with simultaneous mitral valve replacement: report of one case.

Coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve replacement was performed simultaneously under cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient suffering from both coronary artery disease and severe mitral incompetence. The operation was completed smoothly with uneventful postoperative recovery of the patient. The author called for due attention to the importance of precise preoperative diagnosis and addressed the issues of the operation procedure and protection of myocardium.

Hydrodyamical assessment of valve prosthesis made of expanded ultra-microporous Teflon in vitro.

Objective: To assess the hydrodynamical performance of the valve prosthesis made of expanded ultra-microporous Teflon in vitro.

Method: Sheets of the expanded ultra-microporous Teflon were sewn onto flexible bracket to prepare artificial valve prosthesis. The leakage and steady flow of the valve prosthesis was tested in vitro with Baxter valve prosthesis as control.