OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic discectomy with a lateral approach and dual-channel method in treating highly free lumbar disc herniation(LDH). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 54 patients with highly free LDH who were treated with spinal endoscopic techniques from January 2021 to December 2022. Twenty-seven patients were treated with lateral approach dual-channel(lateral approach dual-channel group), including 16 males and 11 females, with an average age of (54.6±10.5) years old. Twenty-seven patients were treated with unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE group), including 17 males and 10 females, with an average age of (52.9±12.3) years old. The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy, operation time and hospital stay, as well as visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry diability index (ODI) of low back and leg pain between two patients before operation, 1 day, 1, 3, and 12 months after operation, and the efficacy was evaluated by the modified MacNab criteria at 12 mohths after operation. RESULTS: All patients were successfully completed surgical and were followed up, the time raged from 12 to 22 months with an average of (13.57±4.12) months. There was no statistically significant difference in operation time between two groups (P>0.05). The hospital stay of lateral approach dual-channel group was (3.9±1.1) days, which was shorter than that of UBE group (6.5±1.4) days, the number of intraoperative fluoroscopy in lateral approach dual-channel group was (12.7±2.1) times, which was more than that in UBE group (6.6±1.3) times, the differences were statistically significant (t=5.197, -7.532;P<0.05). VAS and ODI for low back pain at 1 day and 1 month after operation, and VAS for leg pain at 1 day after operation of lateral approach dual-channel group were superior to those of UBE group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in VAS and ODI for low back and leg pain between two groups before operation and 3 and 12 months after operation (P>0.05). VAS and ODI of low back and leg pain were significantly improved at each time point before and after operation in both groups, and the difference were statistically significant (P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, according to the modified MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rates of therapeutic effects between lateral approach dual-channel group and UBE group were 92.6% (25/27) and 88.9% (24/27), respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (χ²=0.22, P>0.05). CONCLUSION For patients with highly free lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion, both of lateral approach dual-channel method and UBE endoscopic surgery are safe and effective. Endoscopic surgery with lateral approach and dual-channel method could be performed under local anesthesia, allowing for the removal of the nucleus pulposus under direct vision. It is simpler, more efficient.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Diskectomy, Percutaneous/methods* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged

OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between white matter injury (WMI) and cerebral perfusion in preterm infants using arterial spin labeling (ASL). METHODS: A total of 293 preterm infants (gestational age <34 weeks) hospitalized at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between June 2022 and June 2024 were included. After achieving clinical stability, the infants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ASL. Based on MRI findings, infants were classified into WMI (n=66) and non-WMI (n=227) groups. Cerebral perfusion parameters were compared between groups, and the association between WMI and perfusion alterations was evaluated. RESULTS: The WMI group showed a higher incidence of mild intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) than the non-WMI group (P<0.05). Significantly lower cerebral perfusion was observed in the WMI group across bilateral frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes, as well as the basal ganglia and thalamus (P<0.05). After adjusting for gestational age, corrected gestational age at ASL scan, and mild IVH, WMI remained significantly associated with reduced regional perfusion (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS WMI in preterm infants correlates with localized cerebral hypoperfusion. ASL-detected perfusion abnormalities may provide novel insights into WMI pathogenesis.
Humans ; White Matter/blood supply* ; Infant, Newborn ; Spin Labels ; Infant, Premature ; Female ; Male ; Cerebrovascular Circulation ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of zedoarondiol on neovascularization of atherosclerotic (AS) plaque by exosomes experiment. METHODS: ApoE^-/- mice were fed with high-fat diet to establish AS model and treated with high- and low-dose (10, 5 mg/kg daily) of zedoarondiol, respectively. After 14 weeks, the expressions of anti-angiogenic protein thrombospondin 1 (THBS-1) and its receptor CD36 in plaques, as well as platelet activation rate and exosome-derived miR-let-7a were detected. Then, zedoarondiol was used to intervene in platelets in vitro, and miR-let-7a was detected in platelet-derived exosomes (Pexo). Finally, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with miR-let-7a mimics and treated with Pexo to observe the effect of miR-let-7a in Pexo on tube formation. RESULTS: Animal experiments showed that after treating with zedoarondiol, the neovascularization density in plaques of AS mice was significantly reduced, THBS-1 and CD36 increased, the platelet activation rate was markedly reduced, and the miR-let-7a level in Pexo was reduced (P<0.01). In vitro experiments, the platelet activation rate and miR-let-7a levels in Pexo were significantly reduced after zedoarondiol's intervention. Cell experiments showed that after Pexo's intervention, the tube length increased, and the transfection of miR-let-7a minics further increased the tube length of cells, while reducing the expressions of THBS-1 and CD36. CONCLUSION Zedoarondiol has the effect of inhibiting neovascularization within plaque in AS mice, and its mechanism may be potentially related to inhibiting platelet activation and reducing the Pexo-derived miRNA-let-7a level.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Exosomes/drug effects* ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic/genetics* ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics* ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Humans ; Blood Platelets/drug effects* ; Apolipoproteins E/deficiency* ; Thrombospondin 1/metabolism* ; CD36 Antigens/metabolism* ; Platelet Activation/drug effects* ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Background and Aims:The occurrence of duodenal fistula following infected pancreatic necrosis(IPN)in the later stage of treatment for acute necrotizing pancreatitis presents a significant clinical challenge.It often leads to severe complications such as difficulty in administering enteral nutrition,electrolyte imbalances,abdominal bleeding,and worsening infections.This study was performed to explore the efficacy of enteral nutrition combined with step-up drainage in treating IPN complicated by duodenal fistula and to share single-center experience. Methods:The clinical data of 66 patients with IPN complicated by duodenal fistula who underwent enteral nutrition combined with step-up drainage in the Severe Pancreatitis Treatment Center of the Nanjing Eastern Theater General Hospital between January 2018 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Results:Among the 66 patients,the median time from disease onset to the development of duodenal fistula was 53(32-75)d.In 46 cases(69.7％),suspicious digestive fluid-like discharge was observed from drainage tube or double-lumen tube.The diagnosis and location of the duodenal fistula were confirmed in 49 patients(74.2％)through fistulography,while the remaining cases were confirmed via surgical exploration or endoscopy.The duodenal fistulas were mainly located in the horizontal part(33.3％)or descending part(50.0％)of the duodenum.Nutritional access was safely established through nasojejunal tube in 61 patients(92.4％),while 5 patients(7.6％)required surgery to establish the access.Twenty patients(30.3％)experienced secondary abdominal bleeding,and 14 patients(21.2％)died.Among the 52 patients who recovered,49(94.2％)healed through step-up drainage,while 3(5.8％)required surgery due to delayed healing.Of the 49 patients who underwent non-surgical treatment,10(20.4％)achieved fistula closure through drainage tube,and 39(79.6％)achieved closure through continuous lavage drainage via double-lumen tube.The median healing time for duodenal fistula in non-surgically treated patients was 41(29-80)d. Conclusion:Patients with IPN complicated by duodenal fistula are in a critical condition.Enteral nutrition combined with step-up drainage is an effective treatment for these patients.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) is a common disease in middle-aged and elderly men, with lower urinary tract symptoms as the main manifestation, severely affecting the quality of life of patients. The pathogenesis of BPH is not yet fully understood, and there are still some challenges and limitations in western medicine treatment for BPH. Therefore, finding new and more effective treatment strategies is urgent. In recent years, many basic and clinical studies have confirmed the important role of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of BPH. This article reviews the progress of basic and clinical research in the treatment of BPH with traditional Chinese medicine, and believes that basic research mainly focuses on the active ingredients of Chinese medicine [regulating pathways such as NF-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/antioxidant response element(ARE), nuclear factor κB(NF-κB), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38 MAPK)/forkhead box O subtype(FOXO3a), etc.], single Chinese herbs(regulating inflammatory factors, oxidative stress-related proteins, cell cycle-related proteins, and apoptotic factors, etc.), and Chinese herbal compounds and patent medicines [regulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK1/2), transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), PI3K/Akt, Nrf2, trefoil factor 2(TFF2)/Wnt, interleukin-6(IL-6)/Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/STAT3, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor(VEGFR), etc.], and then play a therapeutic role by inhibiting BPH cell proliferation, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, promoting apoptosis, and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Clinical studies mainly focus on internal treatment, external treatment, combined internal and external treatment, and integrated Chinese and western medicine treatment as the main methods, aiming to improve traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, prostate symptom scores, residual urine volume, effective bladder volume, sexual quality of life, increase average urine flow rate, maximum urine flow rate, and promote balance of sex hormone secretion. Through this research, it is hoped to provide some reference ideas for clinical research and drug development for BPH.
Prostatic Hyperplasia/metabolism* ; Male ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Animals ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics*

Objective: Retrospective analysis of the efficacy and influencing factors of bladder preservation integrated therapy for unresectable invasive bladder cancer confined to the pelvis was done, also including the bladder function preservation and adverse effects analysis. Methods: Sixty-nine patients with unresectable locally invasive bladder cancer who received radiotherapy-based combination therapy from March 1999 to December 2021 at our hospital were selected. Among them, 42 patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy, 32 underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapyand 43 with transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) prior to radiotherapy. The late adverse effect of radiotherapy, preservation of bladder function, replase and metastasis and survival were followed-up. Cox proportional hazards models were applied for the multifactorial analysis. Results: The median age was 69 years. There were 63 cases (91.3%) of uroepithelial carcinoma, 64 of stage Ⅲ and 4 of stage Ⅳ. The median duration of follow-up was 76 months. There were 7 grade 2 late genito urinary toxicities, 2 grade 2 gastrointestinal toxicities, no grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred. All patients maintained normal bladder function, except for 8 cases who lost bladder function due to uncontrolled tumor in the bladder. Seventeen cases recurred locally. There were 11 cases in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a local recurrence rate of 26.2% (11/42) and 6 cases in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a local recurrence rate of 22.2% (6/27), and the difference in local recurrence rate between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.709). There were 23 cases of distant metastasis (including 2 cases of local recurrence with distant metastasis), including 10 cases in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a distant metastasis rate of 23.8% (10/42) and 13 cases in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a distant metastasis rate of 48.1% (13/27), and the distant metastasis rate in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group was higher than that in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (P=0.036). The median 5-year overall survival (OS) time was 59 months and the OS rate was 47.8%. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) time was 20 months and the PFS rate was 34.4%. The 5-year OS rates of concurrent and non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group were 62.9% and 27.6% (P<0.001), and 5-year PFS rates were 45.4% and 20.0%, respectively (P=0.022). The 5-year OS rates of with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 78.4% and 30.1% (P=0.002), and the 5-year PFS rates were 49.1% and 25.1% (P=0.087), respectively. The 5-year OS rates with or without TURBT before radiotherapy were 45.5% and 51.9% (P=0.233) and the 5-year PFS rates were 30.8% and 39.9% (P=0.198), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that the clinical stage (HR=0.422, 95% CI: 0.205-0.869) was independent prognostic factor for PFS of invasive bladder cancer. The multivariate analysis showed that clinical stages (HR=0.278, 95% CI: 0.114-0.678), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (HR=0.391, 95% CI: 0.165-0.930), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR=0.188, 95% CI: 0.058-0.611), and recurrences (HR=10.855, 95% CI: 3.655-32.638) were independent prognostic factors for OS of invasive bladder cancer. Conclusion: Unresectable localized invasive bladder cancer can achieve satisfactory long-term outcomes with bladder-preserving combination therapy based on radiotherapy, most patients can retain normal bladder function with acceptable late adverse effects and improved survival particularly evident in patients with early, concurrent chemoradiotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Humans ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Retrospective Studies ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Chemoradiotherapy/methods* ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/radiotherapy* ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Neoplasm Staging

AIM: To quantitatively evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the asymmetric recession of bilateral lateral rectus in patients with unilateral type III Duane retraction syndrome.METHOD:Retrospective analysis of clinical data. The clinical data of 12 cases of type III Duane retraction syndrome with unilateral lateral rectus recession were analyzed. All subjects had restricted internal rotation, with narrowing of the palpebral fissure and vertical deviation, and restricted external rotation with widening of the palpebral fissure. All patients had abnormal head positions. The degree of strabismus was measured while maintaining the head in a neutral position. Asymmetric recession of bilateral lateral rectus was selected based on the degree of strabismus of affected eye or 1～3mm longer, with a smaller recession and Y-splitting in the affected eye and a larger recession in the healthy eye.RESULT:The difference in the degree of strabismus in the healthy eyes before and after surgery was statistically significant(Z=-4.158, P<0.01), as was the difference in the degree of restricted internal rotation(Z=-2.640, P=0.008). The difference in the degree of restricted external rotation was not statistically significant(Z=-1.732, P=0.083). The difference in abnormal head position was statistically significant(Z=-4.181, P<0.01), while the difference in eyeball recession was not statistically significant(Z=-1.414, P=0.157). The difference in vertical deviation was statistically significant(Z=-3.115, P=0.002). A total of 10 patients(83%)had stereoscopic vision before surgery, and 11 patients(92%)had recovered stereoscopic vision after surgery, with a further improvement in stereoacuity in 50% of patients.CONCLUSION:Asymmetric recession of bilateral lateral rectus combined with Y-splitting of the affected lateral rectus can effectively improve the degree of strabismus, abnormal head position, vertical deviation and stereoacuity without aggravating the degree of restriction of external rotation or eyeball recession.

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

Objective:To investigate clinical outcome and the risk factors for death in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients complicated with acute kidney injury (AKI).Methods:The clinical data of 232 AP patients complicated with AKI admitted to the Center of Severe Pancreatitis of Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University School of Medicine from January 2016 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into survival group ( n=162) and death group ( n=70) based on the survival status. The two groups' clinical characteristics, biochemical indexes, and renal function indexes were compared. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the independent risk factors for death in AP patients complicated with AKI. Results:Sixteen patients(6.9%) among the 232 had AKI Ⅰ, 15(6.5%) had AKI Ⅱ, and 201(86.6%) had AKI Ⅲ. Forty-one patients (17.7%) became AKI with a disease course <7 days, 184 patients (79.3%) gradually progressed to acute kidney disease with a disease course of 7-90 days, and 7 patients (3.0%) eventually progressed to chronic kidney disease with a disease course >90 days. Renal replacement treatment (RRT) was administered in 179 patients (77.2%), lasting an average of 14 (7-25) days. 138 patients (59.5%) had their renal function recovered while they were hospitalized, including 9 patients (6.5%) who did so within 7 days, 69 patients (50.0%) within 30 days, and 127 patients (92.0%) within 90 days. The average recovery time was 16 (7-28) days. Seventy patients (30.2%) died during hospitalization, including 8(3.5%) within 7 days, 42(18.1%) within 30 days, and 68(29.3%) within 90 days. Univariate analysis revealed that the proportions of biliary etiology, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), serum cystatin C, sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA) score, AKI Ⅲ proportion, number of patients undergoing RRT, and duration of AKI were significantly higher in the death group compared to the survival group. The number of patients complicated by infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) and having surgical intervention was also significantly greater than that in the survival group, while the proportion of patients whose renal function recovered was much lower than that in the survival group. The differences were all statistically significant (all P value <0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that SOFA( OR=1.182, 95% CI 1.000-1.396, P=0.049), and IPN( OR=8.403, 95% CI 3.748-18.838, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for death. Conclusions:SOFA score and IPN at admission were independent risk factors for death in AP patients with AKI. Vigilance should be given as soon as possible to improve the outcome of patients through clinical intervention.

The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought great challenges to the traditional medical model. During the outbreak of COVID-19 in Shanghai, China, from March to May, 2022, there was a significant increase in the number of pediatric cases due to high transmissibility, immune escape, and vaccine breakthrough capacity of Omicron variants. The designated hospitals for children with COVID-19 served as a connecting link between children's specialized hospitals and mobile cabin hospitals. From April 7 to June 2, 2022, a total of 871 children with COVID-19 were admitted to Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (South Branch), a designated hospital for children with COVID-19. Among these patients, 568 (65.2%) were children under 3 years old, 870 (99.9%) were mild or moderate, and 1 was severe. This article reports the experience in the management of pediatric cases in this designated hospital, which included the following aspects: establishing an optimal case-admission process; strengthening multidisciplinary standardized diagnosis and treatment; optimizing the management, warning, and rescue system for severe COVID-19; implementing family-centered nursing care; formulating an individualized traditional Chinese medicine treatment regimen; optimizing the discharge process and strengthening bed turnover; implementing strict whole-process control to reduce the risk of nosocomial infection; constructing a structured medical record system and using information platforms to adapt to the work mode of large-volume cases; conducting scientific research and sharing the experience in diagnosis and treatment.
COVID-19 ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Hospitals, Pediatric ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2