Electromagnetic fields can regulate the fundamental biological processes involved in bone remodeling. As a non-invasive physical therapy, electromagnetic fields with specific parameters have demonstrated therapeutic effects on bone remodeling diseases, such as fractures and osteoporosis. Electromagnetic fields can be generated by the movement of charged particles or induced by varying currents. Based on whether the strength and direction of the electric field change over time, electromagnetic fields can be classified into static and time-varying fields. The treatment of bone remodeling diseases with static magnetic fields primarily focuses on fractures, often using magnetic splints to immobilize the fracture site while studying the effects of static magnetic fields on bone healing. However, there has been relatively little research on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis using static magnetic fields. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, a type of time-varying field, have been widely used in clinical studies for treating fractures, osteoporosis, and non-union. However, current clinical applications are limited to low-frequency, and research on the relationship between frequency and biological effects remains insufficient. We believe that different types of electromagnetic fields acting on bone can induce various “secondary physical quantities”, such as magnetism, force, electricity, acoustics, and thermal energy, which can stimulate bone cells either individually or simultaneously. Bone cells possess specific electromagnetic properties, and in a static magnetic field, the presence of a magnetic field gradient can exert a certain magnetism on the bone tissue, leading to observable effects. In a time-varying magnetic field, the charged particles within the bone experience varying Lorentz forces, causing vibrations and generating acoustic effects. Additionally, as the frequency of the time-varying field increases, induced currents or potentials can be generated within the bone, leading to electrical effects. When the frequency and power exceed a certain threshold, electromagnetic energy can be converted into thermal energy, producing thermal effects. In summary, external electromagnetic fields with different characteristics can generate multiple physical quantities within biological tissues, such as magnetic, electric, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal effects. These physical quantities may also interact and couple with each other, stimulating the biological tissues in a combined or composite manner, thereby producing biological effects. This understanding is key to elucidating the electromagnetic mechanisms of how electromagnetic fields influence biological tissues. In the study of electromagnetic fields for bone remodeling diseases, attention should be paid to the biological effects of bone remodeling under different electromagnetic wave characteristics. This includes exploring innovative electromagnetic source technologies applicable to bone remodeling, identifying safe and effective electromagnetic field parameters, and combining basic research with technological invention to develop scientifically grounded, advanced key technologies for innovative electromagnetic treatment devices targeting bone remodeling diseases. In conclusion, electromagnetic fields and multiple physical factors have the potential to prevent and treat bone remodeling diseases, and have significant application prospects.

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of a modified Devine procedure with a subcutaneous sliding fixation method for the treatment of congenital concealed penis, we retrospectively selected 45 patients with congenital concealed penises who were admitted to General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University (Yinchuan, China) between September 2020 and November 2023. In all cases, the penis was observed to be short, and retracting the skin at the base revealed a normal penile body, which immediately returned to its original position upon release. All patients underwent the modified Devine procedure with subcutaneous sliding fixation and completed a 12-week postoperative follow-up. A statistically significant increase in penile length was observed postoperatively, with the median length increasing from 4.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.5-4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.9-4.4) cm to 8.0 (IQR: 7.8-8.0; 95% CI: 7.7-7.9) cm, with P < 0.001. The parents were satisfied with the outcomes, including increased penile length, improved hygiene, and enhanced esthetics. Except for mild foreskin edema in all cases, no complications (such as infections, skin necrosis, or penile retraction) were observed. The edema was resolved within 4 weeks after the operation. This study demonstrates that the modified Devine procedure utilizing the subcutaneous sliding fixation method yields excellent outcomes with minimal postoperative complications, reduced penile retraction, and high satisfaction rates among patients and their families.
Humans ; Male ; Penis/abnormalities* ; Retrospective Studies ; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Child ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical features of children with STAT gene mutations, and to explore corresponding immunotherapy strategies. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 10 children with STAT gene mutations who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, from October 2015 to October 2024. Exploratory immunotherapy was implemented in some refractory cases, and the changes in symptoms, imaging manifestations, and cytokine levels were assessed after treatment. RESULTS: For the 10 children, the main clinical manifestations were recurrent rash since birth (7/10), cough (8/10), wheezing (5/10), expectoration (4/10), and purulent nasal discharge (4/10). Genotyping results showed that there was one child with heterozygous loss-of-function (LOF) mutation in the STAT1 gene, four children with heterozygous LOF mutation in the STAT3 gene, and five children with heterozygous gain-of-function (GOF) mutation in the STAT3 gene. Two children with LOF mutation in the STAT3 gene showed decreased interleukin-6 levels and improved clinical symptoms and imaging findings after omalizumab treatment. Three children with GOF mutation in the STAT3 gene achieved effective disease control after treatment with methylprednisolone (0.5 mg/kg per day). Two children with GOF mutation in the STAT3 gene received treatment with JAK inhibitor and then showed some improvement in symptoms. CONCLUSIONS STAT gene mutation screening should be considered for children with recurrent rash and purulent respiratory tract infections. Targeted immunotherapy may improve prognosis in patients with no response to conventional treatment.
Humans ; Male ; Immunotherapy ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Gain of Function Mutation ; Retrospective Studies ; Infant ; Loss of Function Mutation ; STAT Transcription Factors/genetics*

Objective： The aim of this study is to explore the predictive value of biparametric magnetic resonance imaging(bpMRI)for pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer patients with PSA≤20 μg/L and establish a nomogram. Methods： The imaging data and clinical data of 363 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2018 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer, and a nomogram of the clinical prediction model was established. Calibration curves were drawn to evaluate the accuracy of the model. Results： Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed extrocapusular extension (OR=8.08,95%CI=2.62－24.97, P<0.01), enlargement of pelvic lymph nodes (OR=4.45,95%CI=1.16－17.11,P=0.030), and biopsy ISUP grade(OR=1.97,95%CI=1.12－3.46, P=0.018)were independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis. The C-index of the prediction model was 0.834, which indicated that the model had a good prediction ability. The actual value of the model calibration curve and the prediction probability of the model fitted well, indicating that the model had a good accuracy. Further analysis of DCA curve showed that the model had good clinical application value when the risk threshold ranged from 0.05 to 0.70.Conclusion： For prostate cancer patients with PSA≤20 μg/L, bpMRI has a good predictive value for the pelvic lymph node metastasis of prostate cancer with extrocapusular extension, enlargement of pelvic lymph nodes and ISUP grade≥4.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Retrospective Studies ; Nomograms ; Prostate-Specific Antigen/blood* ; Lymph Nodes/pathology* ; Pelvis ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prostatectomy ; Lymph Node Excision ; Risk Factors ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Logistic Models ; Middle Aged ; Aged

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors affecting women worldwide, with its incidence rate continuously increasing. As a result, treatment strategies for this disease have received considerable attention. Research has highlighted the crucial role of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in the initiation and progression of BC, particularly in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, molecular targets within this pathway represent promising opportunities for the development of novel BC therapies. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms by which natural compounds modulate the Hh signaling pathway in BC. By conducting a comprehensive review of various natural compounds, including polyphenols, terpenes, and alkaloids, we reveal both common and unique regulatory mechanisms that influence this pathway. This investigation represents the first comprehensive analysis of five distinct mechanisms through which natural compounds modulate key molecules within the Hh pathway and their impact on the aggressive behaviors of BC. Furthermore, by exploring the structure-activity relationships between these compounds and their molecular targets, we shed light on the specific structural features that enable natural compounds to interact with various components of the Hh pathway. These novel insights contribute to advancing the development and clinical application of natural compound-based therapeutics. Our thorough review not only lays the groundwork for exploring innovative BC treatments but also opens new avenues for leveraging natural compounds in cancer therapy.

BACKGROUND:Kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome are common traditional Chinese medicine syndromes observed in knee osteoarthritis,which serve as fundamental pathogenesis factors.There exists a significant connection between the two.Previous studies have demonstrated that kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome effectively contribute to knee joint cartilage degeneration and the progression of knee osteoarthritis.However,the mechanisms underlying the promotion of knee joint cartilage damage remain unclear and require further investigation. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the influence of kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome on the progression of knee osteoarthritis in Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS:Sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups:a model observation group and a control group,with eight rats in each group.Animal models of kidney deficiency were induced by ovary removal in the model observation group,while the control group was given a sham procedure for ovarian removal.Two months after modeling,both groups underwent modified HULTH surgery to induce knee osteoarthritis.One week after modified HULTH surgery,the model observation group was subcutaneously given adrenaline hydrochloride to make blood stasis models,while the control group was subcutaneously given normal saline.At the 5th week after modified HULTH surgery,blood rheology,coagulation parameters,triiodothyronine,tetraiodothyronine,and estradiol levels were measured.Knee joint X-ray images were taken,and knee joint sections were stained with safranin O-fast green,hematoxylin-eosin,and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,the model observation group exhibited significant increases in whole blood viscosity at low,medium,and high shear rates,as well as increased plasma viscosity.Fibronectin levels in the coagulation parameters were significantly increased,while prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were significantly decreased.Triiodothyronine,tetraiodothyronine,and estradiol levels were all significantly decreased.Radiographic results showed that the model observation group exhibited more severe degree of knee joint space narrowing and surface roughness,with the appearance of high-density shadows.Hematoxylin-eosin and safranin O-fast green staining demonstrated more severe cartilage damage in the model observation group,with significantly higher OARSI and Mankin scores compared with the control group.Compared with the control group,immunohistochemistry results showed a significant reduction in the expression of extracellular matrix type II collagen and aggrecan protein in the cartilage of the model observation group rats.Moreover,there was a significant increase in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 and aggrecanase 5,which are inflammatory factors.These results indicate that the Sprague-Dawley rat model of knee osteoarthritis with kidney deficiency and blood stasis was successfully established.Kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome further aggravate cartilage extracellular matrix degradation and cartilage degeneration by promoting the expression of inflammatory factors,thereby promoting the progression of knee osteoarthritis in rats.

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy between a direct aspiration first-pass technique(ADAPT)and stent-retriever thrombectomy(SRT)in the treatment for acute ischemic stroke(AIS)caused by intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis related large vessel occlusion(ICAS-LVO).Methods We retrospectively included patients with AIS caused by ICAS-LVO who received endovascular treatment in The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University or The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine between January 2020 and January 2023.They were divided into ADAPT group and SRT group according to the first-selected device for thrombectomy.We compared the baseline data,test and examination results,operation process,clinical prognosis and follow-up data of the two groups.Results A total of 117 patients were recruited,including 48 patients in the ADAPT group and 69 patients in the SRT group.There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups.The success rate of both the first-time thrombectomy(P=0.014)and the first-selected device of thrombectomy(P＜0.001)was significantly higher in the SRT group than in the ADAPT group.Meanwhile,the incidence of iatrogenic dissection(P＜0.001)and vasospasm(P=0.003)was significantly lower in the SRT group than in the ADAPT group.The proportion of patients for whom the device of thrombectomy was changed for remedial treatment in the ADAPT group was significantly higher than that in the SRT group(P＜0.001).However,the two groups did not differ significantly in the rate of successful vascular recanalization,incidence of symptomatic/asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage or the rate of 90-day favorable prognosis.Conclusion For patients with AIS caused by ICAS-LVO of MCA,SRT has a higher rate of immediate successful vascular recanalization with a lower rate of secondary vascular injury compared with ADAPT,but the two techniques have similar efficacy on the 90-day prognosis.

Objective To compare the effect of posterior cruciate ligament retaining(CR)and posterior cruciate substituting(PS)prosthesis in knee arthroplasty.Methods 64 patients with knee osteoarthritis were admitted to our department from June 2021 to June 2022 and whom met the selection criteria were randomly selected and divided into observation group and control group(n = 32).CR prosthesis was used in the observation group,and PS prosthesis was used in the control group.Operation time,postoperative drainage volume,difference of hemoglobin(HGB)before and after operation,postoperative hospital stay,postoperative range of motion at 7 d,14 d,45 d,3 months and 1 year were recorded.ROM,visual analog pain Scale(VAS),Hospital for special surgery(HSS)score,and maximum forward and backward displacement of knee joint and the regular radiographs were also recorded,too.Results The two groups were similar in terms of operation time,postoperative hospital stay,postoperative VAS score and maximum anterior and posterior displacement of knee joint,with P values greater than 0.05,which had no statistical significance.The postoperative drainage volume in the observation group was significantly less than that in the control group,with statistical significance(P＜0.05).The HGB difference of observation group was significantly lower than that of control group,with statistical significance(P＜0.05).There was no statistically significant differ-ence in ROM and HSS scores between the two groups before surgery;the ROM and HSS scores of the control group at 7,14 and 45 days after surgery was better than that of the observation group,with statistical significance(P＜0.05);the ROM and HSS scores of the two groups at 3 months after surgery was not statistically significant.The ROM and HSS scores in the observation group was better than that in the control group at 6 months and 1 year after operation,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusions CR prosthesis is superior to PS prosthesis in terms of intraoperative blood loss and post-operative drainage volume,which can reduce surgical risk.Both kinds of prosthesis can achieve good knee stability after surgery,while PS prosthesis has better early clinical effect,while CR prosthesis has better long-term clinical effect.

Objective:To investigate the effects of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) on ionizing radiation (IR)-induced liver toxicity based on a zebrafish model and provide a scientific basis for assessing microplastic-radiation exposure hazards to the survival and health of aquatic organisms and humans.Methods:Healthy adult zebrafish aged 4-6 months were grouped (20 fish each group, sex in half) by random number table method in three different ways. The TBBPA exposure concentration screening experiment was divided into 4 groups: control group and TBBPA (3, 30 and 300 μg/L) treatment groups. The experiment of effects of double exposure on liver function was divided into 5 groups: control group, IR (10, 20 or 30 Gy) groups and IR+ TBBPA (60, 300 and 1 500 μg/L) treatment groups. The experiment of effects of TBBPA on hepatic radiation toxicity was divided into 3 groups: control group, IR (20 Gy) group, and IR+ TBBPA (300 μg/L) group. The changes in liver function indexes, oxidative stress markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and liver cell apoptosis were monitored, differential metabolic pathways and metabolites were identified upon untargeted metabolomics assays, and inter-group data were compared by One-way ANOVA test.Results:The activities of ALT and AST in zebrafish liver increased in a dose-dependent manner after exposure to TBBPA, and the differences between 300 μg/L TBBPA group and control group were statistically significant ( t=-2.22, -3.20, P<0.05). IR at a dose of 20 Gy or above induced a significant decline of liver function, and at this radiation dose, combined exposure to 300 μg/L or above TBBPA intensified the liver toxicity (compared with the control group, t=-8.18 to -4.63, P<0.05, compared with IR group, t=-5.22 to -0.30, P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the activities of ALT and AST, levels of ROS, MDA and SOD, mRNA and protein expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, Cox-2, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9, and cell apoptosis in zebrafish livers of IR and IR+ TBBPA groups increased gradually (compared with the control group, t=-12.29 to -2.88, P<0.05, compared with IR group, t=-4.40 to -2.31, P<0.05). The differences in the content of D-gluconic acid, p-cresol and other metabolites in liver tissues were more and more significant among the three groups, involving multiple KEGG pathways such as biosynthesis, degradation and metabolism. Conclusions:Exposure to 300 μg/L TBBPA can aggravate IR-induced liver toxicity of zebrafish, which involves the mechanism that further elevates the levels of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, as well as radiation-induced liver metabolic disorders.