Objective To investigate the current distribution of radiotherapy resources in Gansu Province, evaluate the equity of resource allocation, and provide a scientific basis for optimizing regional resource allocation. Methods A questionnaire survey was carried out to assess radiotherapy resources in medical institutions across Gansu Province, China. The equity of radiotherapy resource distribution and associated disparities were assessed using the Gini coefficient, Lorenz curve, and Theil index. Results A total of 23 medical institutions in Gansu Province provided radiotherapy services, comprising 39 radiotherapy devices and 438 professionals, of whom medical physicists accounted for 16.9%. The radiotherapy frequency was 0.47 cases per thousand population. The Gini coefficients for radiotherapy resource distribution ranged from 0.38 to 0.56 by population and from 0.52 to 0.70 by geography. The Theil index for radiotherapy resources ranged from 1.36 to 3.67. Conclusion Radiotherapy resources in Gansu Province were insufficient, and the capacity of radiotherapy service was suboptimal. The equity of radiotherapy resource allocation by geography was worse than that by population. Therefore, it is imperative to address the shortage of radiotherapy resources, strengthen the professional workforce, enhance the capacity radiotherapy service and resource utilization, optimize resource allocation, and promote regional equity in radiotherapy provision in Gansu Province.

Objective·To investigate the regulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of mouse mandibular osteoblasts on B cell differentiation and development.Methods·Single-cell suspensions from mouse mandibular bone were prepared using an optimized enzymatic digestion method and induced to differentiate into osteoblasts in vitro.Osteogenic potential was validated by real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR),alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining,and alizarin red S(ARS)staining.The spatial localization relationship between osteoblasts and B cells in mandibular tissues was examined via immunofluorescence staining.High-purity hematopoietic progenitor cells were isolated using fluorescence-activated cell sorting.A Transwell co-culture system was established to assess the regulatory effects of different osteoblast concentrations(5×104,2.5×105,and 5×105 cells/well)on B cell differentiation(5×104 cells/well).Flow cytometry and RT-qPCR were employed to evaluate B cell viability and differentiation.Additionally,RT-qPCR was used to analyze the expression of osteoblast-secreted factors associated with B cell development during osteogenic differentiation.Results·Mandibular osteoblasts exhibited robust osteogenic potential,as confirmed by ALP/ARS staining and high expression of osteogenic markers(Runx2,Osx,Ocn,and Alp)via RT-qPCR.Immunofluorescence revealed close spatial proximity between osteoblasts and B cells in mandibular tissues.In the co-culture system,osteoblasts promoted B cell differentiation in a concentration-dependent manner.RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence demonstrated that osteoblasts significantly upregulated key genes involved in B cell development(Ebf1,Rag1,Il7r,and Pax5;all P<0.001).Furthermore,osteoblast-derived factors(Il7,Baff,and Flt3l)were markedly elevated during osteogenic differentiation(all P<0.05).Conclusion·Mandibular osteoblasts enhance B cell differentiation and development in a concentration-dependent manner,likely through secreting growth factors that upregulate critical B cell differentiation genes.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal deposition of lipid in hepatocytes.If not intervened in time,NAFLD may develop into liver fibrosis or liver cancer,and ultimately threatening life.NAFLD has complicated etiology and pathogenesis,and there are no effective therapeutic means and specific drugs.Currently,insulin sensitizers,lipid-lowering agents and hep-atoprotective agents are often used for clinical intervention,but these drugs have obvious side effects,and their effectiveness and safety need to be further confirmed.Adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)plays a central role in maintaining energy homeostasis.Activated AMPK can enhance lipid degradation,alleviate insulin resistance(IR),suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory response,and regulate autophagy,thereby alleviating NAFLD.Natural herbal medicines have received extensive attention recently because of their regulatory effects on AMPK and low side effects.In this article,we reviewed the biologically active natural herbal medicines(such as natural herbal medicine formulas,extracts,polysaccharides,and monomers)that reported in recent years to treat NAFLD via regulating AMPK,which can serve as a foundation for subsequent development of candidate drugs for NAFLD.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of virtual simulation-guided unilateral locking plate combined with Jail screw technique for double column tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral plateau.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 32 patients with double column tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral plateau admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital from March 2018 to March 2022, including 20 males and 12 females, aged 37-69 years [(47.5±6.9)years]. According to AO/OTA classification, the fractures were classified as type 41B in 17 patients and type 41C in 15. According to the three-column classification, the fractures were classified as lateral column+posterior column in 17 patients and medial column+posterior column in 15. Virtual simulation technique was used to simulate surgical operation before surgery. After reduction, the patients′ tibial plateau mirror models of the healthy side were used to simulate the implantation of internal fixators on the affected side. The position data of the placed internal fixators were obtained to guide the personalized treatment with unilateral locking plate combined with Jail screw technique. The total number of Jail screws, average number of Jail screws, distribution and accuracy of screw placement, operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, and fracture healing status were recorded. The posterior tibial plateau angle (PTSA), proximal medial tibial angle (MPTA) and Rasmussen anatomical score were compared before operation, at 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up. The Lysholm scores at 6, 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up were used to evaluate the knee function. At the last follow-up, the knee range of motion was measured. Postoperative complications were observed.Results:All the patients were followed up for 28-36 months [(30.7±2.3)months]. The total number of Jail screws inserted was 48, with an average of (1.5±0.5) screws. In the sagittal direction, 1-2 Jail screws were inserted in each patient, with an accuracy rate of 88% (42/48). The operative duration was 78-116 minutes [(98.7±10.5)minutes]. The intraoperative blood loss was 70-120 ml [(96.6±15.6)ml]. All the fractures had healing of stage I, with a healing time of 4-7 months [(5.4±0.9)months]. At 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation and at last follow-up, the PTSA, MPTA, and Rasmussen anatomical scores were significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference between those at various postoperative time points ( P>0.05). The Lysholm knee scores were (83.6±3.9)points, (88.5±3.6)points, and (93.7±2.6)points at 6, 12 months after operation, and at the last follow-up, respectively, which were gradually increased with the passage of the follow-up time ( P<0.05). The range of motion was (121.4±4.6)° in flexion and was 0.0(0.0, 3.0)° in extension at the last follow-up. Two patients had superficial wound infection and 1 had wound dehiscence after operation, which recovered with dressing change or debridement and suturing. No deep infection, vascular injury or nerve damage occurred. Conclusions:The virtual simulation-guided unilateral locking plate combined with Jail screw technique has the advantages of high accuracy of screw placement, shorter operative duration, less intraoperative blood loss, satisfactory fracture reduction, favorable recovery of knee function and range of motion, and fewer postoperative complications in the treatment of double column tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral plateau.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal deposition of lipid in hepatocytes. If not intervened in time, NAFLD may develop into liver fibrosis or liver cancer, and ultimately threatening life. NAFLD has complicated etiology and pathogenesis, and there are no effective therapeutic means and specific drugs. Currently, insulin sensitizers, lipid-lowering agents and hepatoprotective agents are often used for clinical intervention, but these drugs have obvious side effects, and their effectiveness and safety need to be further confirmed. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a central role in maintaining energy homeostasis. Activated AMPK can enhance lipid degradation, alleviate insulin resistance (IR), suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and regulate autophagy, thereby alleviating NAFLD. Natural herbal medicines have received extensive attention recently because of their regulatory effects on AMPK and low side effects. In this article, we reviewed the biologically active natural herbal medicines (such as natural herbal medicine formulas, extracts, polysaccharides, and monomers) that reported in recent years to treat NAFLD via regulating AMPK, which can serve as a foundation for subsequent development of candidate drugs for NAFLD.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of body posture combined with pharmacotherapy and pharmacotherapy alone in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma(CSDH).Methods:Firstly, retrospective case series study was conducted. Thirty cases of CSDH that had received body posture combined with pharmacotherapy at Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from December 2016 to October 2020 were studied retrospectively. Twenty-seven patients were male, and 3 patients were female. The age of patients ( M(IQR)) was 66(16) years (range:28 to 84). Nineteen patients had unilateral hematoma, and 11 patients had bilateral hematoma. All patients received pharmacotherapy and body posture therapy that was to raise their lower limbs 20 to 30 cm with leg lift pad and get abdominal compressed with customized abdominal belt in supine position. Patients were required to maintain the body posture as much as possible, with the maximum to 16 to 18 hours per day. Patients with unilateral hematoma should tilt the head to the affected side and avoid tilting it to the opposite side. For patients with bilateral hematoma, there was no need for head lateralization. Patient were treated with oral dexamethasone and atorvastatin simultaneously. The preliminary efficacy of body posture combined with pharmacotherapy was determined by hematoma improvement rate which was analyzed by Clopper-Pearson method. Then, the multi-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial had carried out in 9 medical centers from August 2020 to November 2021. The stratified block randomization method was adopted. Patients were randomized in a ratio of 1∶1 to either receive pharmacotherapy alone(the control group) or body posture combined with pharmacotherapy(the experiment group) for 3 months and followed up for 6 months. Effective treatment was defined as complete absorption of hematoma, or the hematoma volume decreased by more than 10 ml and Markwalder grading scale score had improved by more than 1 point compared to the baseline. The efficacy rate and surgery conversion rate at 3 months and recurrence at 6 months were observed. Comparison between groups was performed with paired sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, corrected χ2 test, or Fisher exact probability method. Logistic regression was used to compare the effective rate and operation rate between the two groups. Results:In the respective study, 30 patients completed follow-up 13 to 353 days after treatment. At the last follow-up, the incidence of almost complete absorption or significantly absorption of hematoma (hematoma volume was significantly reduced accompanied by symptom improvement) was 93.3%. The 95% CI for the incidence that analyzed by the Clopper-Pearson method was 77.9% to 99.2%. One hundred and six patients were enrolled in the multicenter study. Fifty-five patients underwent body posture combined with pharmacotherapy. The age was 74(17) years (range:26 to 92). Thirty-nine patients were males and 16 were females. Fifty-one patients underwent pharmacotherapy alone. The age was 69(12) years (range:48 to 84). Thirty-seven patients were males and 14 were females. The length of body posture recorded in diary card was (15.7±2.3) hours(range:7.6 to 19.3 hours). The efficacy rate in the body posture combined with pharmacotherapy group and pharmacotherapy alone group were 83.6% (46/55) and 56.9% (29/51), respectively at 3 months. The result of the logistic regression analysis showed that the efficacy of body posture combined with pharmacotherapy group was better than that of pharmacotherapy alone group ( OR=3.88,95% CI:1.57 to 9.58, P=0.003). Surgery rate in the body posture combined with pharmacotherapy group and pharmacotherapy alone group were 5.5% (3/55) and 21.6% (11/51) respectively. The result of Logistic regression showed that the pharmacotherapy alone group was more likely to be converted to surgery ( OR=0.21,95% CI:0.05 to 0.80, P=0.023). At the 6 months, no recurrence of cases was found in the body posture combined with pharmacotherapy group. However, the recurrence rate of pharmacotherapy alone group was 6.3% (3/48), there was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The effect of body posture combined with pharmacotherapy for chronic subdural hematoma is better than that of pharmacotherapy alone.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and clinical therapeutic effect of in-line mechanical in-exsufflation to assist sputum clearance in patients with invasive mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted at the department of critical care medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from April 2022 to May 2023. Patients who were invasively ventilated and treated with in-line mechanical in-exsufflation to assist sputum clearance were enrolled. Baseline data were collected. Sputum viscosity, oxygenation index, parameters of ventilatory function and respiratory mechanics, clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) and vital signs before and after day 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 of use of the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation were assessed and recorded. Statistical analyses were performed by using generalized estimating equation (GEE). RESULTS: A total of 13 invasively ventilated patients using in-line mechanical in-exsufflation were included, all of whom were male and had respiratory failure, with the main cause being cervical spinal cord injury/high-level paraplegia (38.46%). Before the use of the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation, the proportion of patients with sputum viscosity of grade III was 38.46% (5/13) and decreased to 22.22% (2/9) 7 days after treatment with in-line mechanical in-exsufflation. With the prolonged use of the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation, the patients' CPIS scores tended to decrease significantly, with a mean decrease of 0.5 points per day (P < 0.01). Oxygenation improved significantly, with the oxygenation index (PaO₂/FiO₂) increasing by a mean of 23.3 mmHg (1 mmHg ≈ 0.133 kPa) per day and the arterial partial pressure of oxygen increasing by a mean of 12.6 mmHg per day (both P < 0.01). Compared to baseline, the respiratory mechanics of the patients improved significantly 7 days after in-line mechanical in-exsufflation use, with a significant increase in the compliance of respiratory system (Cst) [mL/cmH₂O (1 cmH₂O ≈ 0.098 kPa): 55.6 (50.0, 58.0) vs. 40.9 (37.5, 50.0), P < 0.01], and both the airway resistance and driving pressure (DP) were significantly decreased [airway resistance (cmH₂O×L^-1×s^-1): 9.6 (6.9, 10.5) vs. 12.0 (10.0, 13.0), DP (cmH₂O): 9.0 (9.0, 12.0) vs. 11.0 (10.0, 15.0), both P < 0.01]. At the same time, no new lung collapse was observed during the treatment period. No significant discomfort was reported by patients, and there were no substantial changes in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure before and after the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation treatment. CONCLUSIONS The combined use of the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation to assist sputum clearance in patients on invasive mechanical ventilation can effectively improve sputum characteristics, oxygenation and respiratory mechanics. The in-line mechanical in-exsufflation was well tolerated by the patients, with no treatment-related adverse events, which demonstrated its effectiveness and safety.
Humans ; Prospective Studies ; Respiration, Artificial/methods* ; Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy* ; Sputum

Objective·To investigate the regulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of mouse mandibular osteoblasts on B cell differentiation and development.Methods·Single-cell suspensions from mouse mandibular bone were prepared using an optimized enzymatic digestion method and induced to differentiate into osteoblasts in vitro.Osteogenic potential was validated by real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR),alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining,and alizarin red S(ARS)staining.The spatial localization relationship between osteoblasts and B cells in mandibular tissues was examined via immunofluorescence staining.High-purity hematopoietic progenitor cells were isolated using fluorescence-activated cell sorting.A Transwell co-culture system was established to assess the regulatory effects of different osteoblast concentrations(5×104,2.5×105,and 5×105 cells/well)on B cell differentiation(5×104 cells/well).Flow cytometry and RT-qPCR were employed to evaluate B cell viability and differentiation.Additionally,RT-qPCR was used to analyze the expression of osteoblast-secreted factors associated with B cell development during osteogenic differentiation.Results·Mandibular osteoblasts exhibited robust osteogenic potential,as confirmed by ALP/ARS staining and high expression of osteogenic markers(Runx2,Osx,Ocn,and Alp)via RT-qPCR.Immunofluorescence revealed close spatial proximity between osteoblasts and B cells in mandibular tissues.In the co-culture system,osteoblasts promoted B cell differentiation in a concentration-dependent manner.RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence demonstrated that osteoblasts significantly upregulated key genes involved in B cell development(Ebf1,Rag1,Il7r,and Pax5;all P<0.001).Furthermore,osteoblast-derived factors(Il7,Baff,and Flt3l)were markedly elevated during osteogenic differentiation(all P<0.05).Conclusion·Mandibular osteoblasts enhance B cell differentiation and development in a concentration-dependent manner,likely through secreting growth factors that upregulate critical B cell differentiation genes.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of virtual simulation-guided unilateral locking plate combined with Jail screw technique for double column tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral plateau.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 32 patients with double column tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral plateau admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital from March 2018 to March 2022, including 20 males and 12 females, aged 37-69 years [(47.5±6.9)years]. According to AO/OTA classification, the fractures were classified as type 41B in 17 patients and type 41C in 15. According to the three-column classification, the fractures were classified as lateral column+posterior column in 17 patients and medial column+posterior column in 15. Virtual simulation technique was used to simulate surgical operation before surgery. After reduction, the patients′ tibial plateau mirror models of the healthy side were used to simulate the implantation of internal fixators on the affected side. The position data of the placed internal fixators were obtained to guide the personalized treatment with unilateral locking plate combined with Jail screw technique. The total number of Jail screws, average number of Jail screws, distribution and accuracy of screw placement, operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, and fracture healing status were recorded. The posterior tibial plateau angle (PTSA), proximal medial tibial angle (MPTA) and Rasmussen anatomical score were compared before operation, at 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up. The Lysholm scores at 6, 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up were used to evaluate the knee function. At the last follow-up, the knee range of motion was measured. Postoperative complications were observed.Results:All the patients were followed up for 28-36 months [(30.7±2.3)months]. The total number of Jail screws inserted was 48, with an average of (1.5±0.5) screws. In the sagittal direction, 1-2 Jail screws were inserted in each patient, with an accuracy rate of 88% (42/48). The operative duration was 78-116 minutes [(98.7±10.5)minutes]. The intraoperative blood loss was 70-120 ml [(96.6±15.6)ml]. All the fractures had healing of stage I, with a healing time of 4-7 months [(5.4±0.9)months]. At 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation and at last follow-up, the PTSA, MPTA, and Rasmussen anatomical scores were significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference between those at various postoperative time points ( P>0.05). The Lysholm knee scores were (83.6±3.9)points, (88.5±3.6)points, and (93.7±2.6)points at 6, 12 months after operation, and at the last follow-up, respectively, which were gradually increased with the passage of the follow-up time ( P<0.05). The range of motion was (121.4±4.6)° in flexion and was 0.0(0.0, 3.0)° in extension at the last follow-up. Two patients had superficial wound infection and 1 had wound dehiscence after operation, which recovered with dressing change or debridement and suturing. No deep infection, vascular injury or nerve damage occurred. Conclusions:The virtual simulation-guided unilateral locking plate combined with Jail screw technique has the advantages of high accuracy of screw placement, shorter operative duration, less intraoperative blood loss, satisfactory fracture reduction, favorable recovery of knee function and range of motion, and fewer postoperative complications in the treatment of double column tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral plateau.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of body posture combined with pharmacotherapy and pharmacotherapy alone in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma(CSDH).Methods:Firstly, retrospective case series study was conducted. Thirty cases of CSDH that had received body posture combined with pharmacotherapy at Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from December 2016 to October 2020 were studied retrospectively. Twenty-seven patients were male, and 3 patients were female. The age of patients ( M(IQR)) was 66(16) years (range:28 to 84). Nineteen patients had unilateral hematoma, and 11 patients had bilateral hematoma. All patients received pharmacotherapy and body posture therapy that was to raise their lower limbs 20 to 30 cm with leg lift pad and get abdominal compressed with customized abdominal belt in supine position. Patients were required to maintain the body posture as much as possible, with the maximum to 16 to 18 hours per day. Patients with unilateral hematoma should tilt the head to the affected side and avoid tilting it to the opposite side. For patients with bilateral hematoma, there was no need for head lateralization. Patient were treated with oral dexamethasone and atorvastatin simultaneously. The preliminary efficacy of body posture combined with pharmacotherapy was determined by hematoma improvement rate which was analyzed by Clopper-Pearson method. Then, the multi-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial had carried out in 9 medical centers from August 2020 to November 2021. The stratified block randomization method was adopted. Patients were randomized in a ratio of 1∶1 to either receive pharmacotherapy alone(the control group) or body posture combined with pharmacotherapy(the experiment group) for 3 months and followed up for 6 months. Effective treatment was defined as complete absorption of hematoma, or the hematoma volume decreased by more than 10 ml and Markwalder grading scale score had improved by more than 1 point compared to the baseline. The efficacy rate and surgery conversion rate at 3 months and recurrence at 6 months were observed. Comparison between groups was performed with paired sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, corrected χ2 test, or Fisher exact probability method. Logistic regression was used to compare the effective rate and operation rate between the two groups. Results:In the respective study, 30 patients completed follow-up 13 to 353 days after treatment. At the last follow-up, the incidence of almost complete absorption or significantly absorption of hematoma (hematoma volume was significantly reduced accompanied by symptom improvement) was 93.3%. The 95% CI for the incidence that analyzed by the Clopper-Pearson method was 77.9% to 99.2%. One hundred and six patients were enrolled in the multicenter study. Fifty-five patients underwent body posture combined with pharmacotherapy. The age was 74(17) years (range:26 to 92). Thirty-nine patients were males and 16 were females. Fifty-one patients underwent pharmacotherapy alone. The age was 69(12) years (range:48 to 84). Thirty-seven patients were males and 14 were females. The length of body posture recorded in diary card was (15.7±2.3) hours(range:7.6 to 19.3 hours). The efficacy rate in the body posture combined with pharmacotherapy group and pharmacotherapy alone group were 83.6% (46/55) and 56.9% (29/51), respectively at 3 months. The result of the logistic regression analysis showed that the efficacy of body posture combined with pharmacotherapy group was better than that of pharmacotherapy alone group ( OR=3.88,95% CI:1.57 to 9.58, P=0.003). Surgery rate in the body posture combined with pharmacotherapy group and pharmacotherapy alone group were 5.5% (3/55) and 21.6% (11/51) respectively. The result of Logistic regression showed that the pharmacotherapy alone group was more likely to be converted to surgery ( OR=0.21,95% CI:0.05 to 0.80, P=0.023). At the 6 months, no recurrence of cases was found in the body posture combined with pharmacotherapy group. However, the recurrence rate of pharmacotherapy alone group was 6.3% (3/48), there was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The effect of body posture combined with pharmacotherapy for chronic subdural hematoma is better than that of pharmacotherapy alone.