Background: and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking. Methods: This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance. Results: Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal. Conclusions The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.

Background: and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking. Methods: This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance. Results: Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal. Conclusions The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.

Background: and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking. Methods: This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance. Results: Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal. Conclusions The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the displacement and pressure distribution of American Chiropractic in a model of third lumbar syndrome based on finite element analysis. METHODS: On March 2021, CT and MRI images of a 23-year-old male patient with right third lumbar syndrome were selected. A 3D stl model was established using Mimics and CATIA, and the data was imported into Hypermesh, Abaqus & ANSYS. The elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of the affected side material were adjusted to establish its finite element model. Based on the comparison of the operating positions and routines of the American Chiropractic and the lumbar spine oblique pull method, but with differences in the focus and direction of force, the experimental group simulated the American Chiropractic with the healthy side (left side) lying position of the model. The upper endplate of L₃ and the lower part below L₃ twisted accordingly with the body position, we applied a vertical forward thrust of 246 N to the plane formed by the L₄, L₅ spinous processes and L₄ upper articular processes;The control group simulates the oblique pull method of the lumbar spine, requiring the model to lie on the healthy side (left side), fix the upper endplate of L₄, and perform a horizontal rotation along the longitudinal axis of L₃ vertebral body. At this time, the contact force in the upward direction is also set to 246 N. Compare the displacement and stress differences between the L₁-L₅ intervertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, articular processes, and transverse process muscles in two intervention models. RESULTS: ① Under safe load conditions, a test force of 246 N was applied to the model, and the maximum vertebral displacement occurred on the right side of the L₃ vertebral body (1.197 mm) after manual intervention in the control group. The vertebral displacement between L₁-L₅ induced by manual intervention in the experimental group was smaller than that of the control group's manual intervention (P<0.05). ② The maximum vertebral body stress occurred on the right side of the L₃ vertebral body after manual intervention in the control group (98.425 MPa). The stress on each vertebral body formed by the experimental group's manual intervention was lower than that of the control group's manual intervention (P<0.05). ③The maximum intervertebral disc stress occurred on the right side of the L_2,3 intervertebral disc (6.282 MPa) after manual intervention in the control group. ④ The maximum joint process stress occurred on the right side of the L₄ upper joint process after manual intervention in the experimental group (1.587 MPa). The joint process stress on the left side below L₁ and the left side above and below L₂ induced by manual intervention in the experimental group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). ⑤The maximum stress on the intertransverse process muscle was observed at the right lateral L₃ process end (31.960 MPa) of L_3,4 in the control group after manual intervention. The stress on the L_2,3 and L_4,5 segments of the intertransverse process muscle induced by manual intervention in the experimental group was lower than that of the control group's manual intervention (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The mechanical feedback of the L₁-L₅ vertebral body, the lower left side of the articular process L₁, the upper and lower left side of the articular process L₂, and the L_2,3 and L_4,5 segments of the transverse process muscle in the model indicates that performing American Chiropractic for the treatment of third lumbar transverse process syndrome can accurately hit the target pain point and allow the patient's tissue to form a low stress and low tension state after manual operation, thereby reducing the possibility of tissue damage caused by hypertonia after intervertebral joint movement, making it relatively safe. The application of American Chiropractic will be a new supplement to the traditional treatment plan for third lumbar transverse process syndrome.
Humans ; Finite Element Analysis ; Male ; Lumbar Vertebrae/physiopathology* ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Young Adult ; Manipulation, Chiropractic ; Adult ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the sequence of intermediate instrumentation and distraction-reduction of the injured vertebra on the surgical efficacy of short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar burst fractures with high rate of spinal canal encroachment. METHODS: From January 2016 to January 2022, 38 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures with high rate of spinal canal encroachment (spinal canal encroachment rate >40%, complete posterior longitudinal ligament, no flipping bone block in the posterior marginal of the vertebra) without spinal cord injury who were were treated with short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation were retrospectively analyzed. During the operation, 18 cases were used distraction-reduction first and then intermediate instrumentation on injured vertebral and sequential distraction-reduction again(the distraction-reduction first group) including 8 females and 10 males with a mean age of 46.5 (38.5, 50.0) years old, and the other 20 cases were used intermediate instrumentation on injured vertebral first and then direct distraction-reduction(the intermediate instrumentation first group) including 10 males and 10 females with a mean age of 46.0 (35.8, 50.8) years. The anterior height ratio of the injured vertebra, local Cobb's angle of the injured vertebrae, the spinal canal encroachment rate, and the improvement rate of spinal canal encroachment were compared and evaluated. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for more than 1 year, and no complications such as spinal cord and root injury, screw loosening and screw rod fracture were found. The anterior height ratio of the injured vertebra, local Cobb' angle of the injured vertebra in the two groups were significantly improved compared with preoperative data(P<0.05), and those at 3 months and 1 year after operation was lost compared with that at the previous time point(P<0.05). Although the spinal canal encroachment rate of the two groups 1 day and 1 year after operation was improved compared with that before operation(P<0.05), the improvement of spinal canal volume in the distraction-reduction first group was significantly better than that in the intermediate instrumentation first group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION In the treatment of patients with thoracolumbar fractures with high rate of spinal canal encroachment, short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation with distraction-reduction first and then intermediate instrumentation and sequential distraction-reduction again can more effectively reduce the bony encroachment in the spinal canal and achieve indirect decompression effect better.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Fractures/surgery* ; Thoracic Vertebrae/surgery* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Pedicle Screws ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Canal/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of laparoscopic high ligation of spermatic cord vein in patients with chronic prostatitis and varicocele prostatitis. METHODS: A total of 90 varicocele patients were selected from January 2016 to December 2020, including 33 patients with chronic prostatitis. Changes of white blood cell count, National Institutes of Health chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI) score and serum testosterone level in the expressed prostate secretion (EPS) were observed before and after the operation of laparoscopic high ligation of spermatic vein. RESULTS: All patients were followed up three months after the surgery. There was no significant difference in the white blood cell counts in EPS, NIH-CPSI score, and serum testosterone level in patients with varicocele-only who underwent high ligation surgery after the operation. However, the white blood cell count in the EPS of patients with chronic prostatitis was lower than that before 3 months of operation ( ［12.39±4.23］×109/L vs ［21.36±5.05］×109/L). The NIH-CPSI score was significantly lower than that before operation ( ［12.71±6.21］ vs ［26.76±8.43］). And the serum testosterone level was higher than that before operation (［4.34±1.77］ng/ml vs ［2.36±1.05］ng/ml). CONCLUSION Laparoscopic high ligation of the spermatic vein in patients with chronic prostatitis and varicocele could effectively reduce the number of white blood cells in the EPS, boost the level of serum testosterone and improves symptoms of chronic prostatitis.
Male ; Humans ; Varicocele/surgery* ; Prostatitis/blood* ; Ligation ; Spermatic Cord/blood supply* ; Testosterone/blood* ; Chronic Disease ; Prostate/metabolism* ; Veins/surgery* ; Leukocyte Count ; Leukocytes ; Laparoscopy ; Adult

OBJECTIVE: By analyzing the differential miRNA in seminal plasma between individuals with normal and abnormal sperm DNA fragmentation index（DFI）, we aim to identify miRNA that may impact sperm DNA integrity and target genes, and attempt to analyze their potential mechanisms of action. METHODS: A total of 161 study subjects were collected and divided into normal control group, DFI-medium group and DFI-abnormal group based on the DFI detection values. Differential miRNA were identified through miRNA chip analysis. Through bioinformatics analysis and target gene prediction, miRNA related to DFI and specific target genes were identified. The relative expression levels of differential miRNA and target genes in each group were compared to explore the impact of their differential expression on DFI. RESULTS: Through miRNA chip analysis, a total of 11 differential miRNA were detected. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that miR-26a-5p may be associated with reduced sperm DNA integrity. And gene prediction indicated that PTEN was a specific target gene of miR-26a-5p. Compared to the normal control group, the relative expression levels of miR-26a-5p in both the DFI-medium group and the DFI-abnormal group showed a decrease, while the relative expression levels of PTEN showed an increase. The relative expression levels of miR-26a-5p in all groups were negatively correlated with DFI values, while the relative expression levels of PTEN showed a positive correlation with DFI values in the DFI-medium group and the DFI-abnormal group. The AUC of miR-26a-5p in the DFI-medium group was 0.740 (P<0.05), with a sensitivity of 73.6% and a specificity of 71.5%; the AUC of PTEN was 0.797 (P<0.05), with a sensitivity of 76.5% and a specificity of 78.4%. In the DFI-abnormal group, the AUC of miR-26a-5p was 0.848 (P<0.05), with a sensitivity of 81.3% and a specificity of 78.1%. While the AUC of PTEN was 0.763 (P<0.05), with a sensitivity of 77.2% and a specificity of 80.2%. CONCLUSION miR-26a-5p affects the integrity of sperm DNA by regulating the expression of PTEN negatively. The relative expression levels of seminal plasma miR-26a-5p and PTEN have good diagnostic value for sperm DNA integrity damage, which can help in the etiological diagnosis and prognosis analysis of abnormal DFI. This provides a diagnostic and treatment approach for the study and diagnosis of DFI abnormalities without clear etiology.
Male ; Humans ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; PTEN Phosphohydrolase/genetics* ; Spermatozoa ; Semen/metabolism* ; DNA Fragmentation

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis(PM),and drug sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae(SP)isolates in Chinese children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical information,laboratory data,and microbiological data of 160 hospitalized children under 15 years old with PM from January 2019 to December 2020 in 33 tertiary hospitals across the country.Results Among the 160 children with PM,there were 103 males and 57 females.The age ranged from 15 days to 15 years,with 109 cases(68.1% )aged 3 months to under 3 years.SP strains were isolated from 95 cases(59.4% )in cerebrospinal fluid cultures and from 57 cases(35.6% )in blood cultures.The positive rates of SP detection by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing and cerebrospinal fluid SP antigen testing were 40% (35/87)and 27% (21/78),respectively.Fifty-five cases(34.4% )had one or more risk factors for purulent meningitis,113 cases(70.6% )had one or more extra-cranial infectious foci,and 18 cases(11.3% )had underlying diseases.The most common clinical symptoms were fever(147 cases,91.9% ),followed by lethargy(98 cases,61.3% )and vomiting(61 cases,38.1% ).Sixty-nine cases(43.1% )experienced intracranial complications during hospitalization,with subdural effusion and/or empyema being the most common complication[43 cases(26.9% )],followed by hydrocephalus in 24 cases(15.0% ),brain abscess in 23 cases(14.4% ),and cerebral hemorrhage in 8 cases(5.0% ).Subdural effusion and/or empyema and hydrocephalus mainly occurred in children under 1 year old,with rates of 91% (39/43)and 83% (20/24),respectively.SP strains exhibited complete sensitivity to vancomycin(100% ,75/75),linezolid(100% ,56/56),and meropenem(100% ,6/6).High sensitivity rates were also observed for levofloxacin(81% ,22/27),moxifloxacin(82% ,14/17),rifampicin(96% ,25/26),and chloramphenicol(91% ,21/23).However,low sensitivity rates were found for penicillin(16% ,11/68)and clindamycin(6% ,1/17),and SP strains were completely resistant to erythromycin(100% ,31/31).The rates of discharge with cure and improvement were 22.5% (36/160)and 66.2% (106/160),respectively,while 18 cases(11.3% )had adverse outcomes.Conclusions Pediatric PM is more common in children aged 3 months to under 3 years.Intracranial complications are more frequently observed in children under 1 year old.Fever is the most common clinical manifestation of PM,and subdural effusion/emphysema and hydrocephalus are the most frequent complications.Non-culture detection methods for cerebrospinal fluid can improve pathogen detection rates.Adverse outcomes can be noted in more than 10% of PM cases.SP strains are high sensitivity to vancomycin,linezolid,meropenem,levofloxacin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,and chloramphenicol.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):131-138]

Objective To investigate the distribution of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution types in the patients with nonspecific low back pain(NLBP)and to explore the correlation of the thickness of ligamentum flavum with the age,body mass index(BMI),gender,the presence of diabetes mellitus,and the grading of hypertension.Methods Sixty patients with NLBP admitted to Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2023 to June 2023 were selected as the study subjects.The TCM constitution types of the patients were identified,the thickness of the ligamentum flavum at lumbar vertebrae 4/5 segment(L4/5)disc level was measured by computerized tomography(CT)scanning,and the patients'age,genders,TCM constitution types,BMI,the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus,and hypertension grading were recorded.Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used for the exploration of the relevant influencing factors for the thickness of the ligamentum flavum of patients with NLBP.Results(1)The average thickness of ligamentum flavum in the 60 patients with NLBP was(2.60±0.72)mm.(2)The TCM constitutions of NLBP patients were classified into four types,of which blood stasis constitution was the most common,accounting for 21 cases(35.0%),followed by 19 cases(31.7%)of damp-heat constitution,12 cases(20.0%)of phlegm-damp constitution,and 8 cases(13.3%)of qi deficiency constitution.(3)The results of correlation analysis showed that BMI,gender,TCM constitution type and the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus had no influence on the thickness of ligamentum flavum in NLBP patients(P＞0.05),while the age and hypertension grading had an influence on the thickness of ligamentum flavum(P＜0.01).(4)The results of linear regression analysis showed that the age had an influence on the thickness of the ligamentum flavum(b = 0.034,t = 6.282,P＜0.01),while the influence of the hypertension grading had no influence on the thickness of the ligamentum flavum(P＞0.05).Conclusion The TCM constitution type of NLBP patients is predominated by blood stasis constitution,the thickness of ligamentum flavum is significantly affected by the age,and hypertension may be a potential factor affecting the thickness of ligamentum flavum.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with Tongluo Huoxue Formula for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS)with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Methods Sixty patients with LSS of qi deficiency and blood stasis type were randomly divided into trial group and control group,with 30 cases in each group.The trial group was treated with"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation(a chiropractic manipulation performed under the positive cooperation of the patients at three postures)combined with Tongluo Huoxue Formula,while the control group was treated with"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with conventional western medicine.The course of treatment for the two groups covered 4 weeks.Before and after treatment,the patients of the two groups were observed in the changes of pain visual analogue scale(VAS)score,Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA)score of lumbar function,Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)score,straight-leg raising test results and serum interleukin 6(IL-6)and C-reactive protein(CRP)levels.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the trial group was 96.67％(29/30)and that of the control group was 63.33％(19/30).The intergroup comparison(tested by Fisher's exact test)showed that the clinical efficacy of the trial group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the lumbar function indicators of pain VAS scores and ODI scores in the trial group were significantly lower(P＜0.05),and the JOA scores were significantly higher than those before treatment(P＜0.05),while in the control group,only the ODI scores were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the decrease of VAS and ODI scores and the increase of JOA scores in the trial group were significantly superior to those in the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the Laseque s sign of the trial group was significantly improved compared with that before treatment(P＜0.05),while no significant improvement was presented in the control group(P＞0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the improvement of Laseque's sign in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the levels of serum inflammatory factors of IL-6 and CRP in the two groups were lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of serum IL-6 level in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05),but CRP level in the two groups after treatment did not differ from that before treatment,no statistically significant difference was shown between the two groups after treatment,either(P＞0.05).(5)The incidence of adverse reactions in the trial group was 6.67％(2/30)and that in the control group was 13.33％(4/30),and the intergroup comparison(by Fisher's exact test)showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion The therapeutic effect of"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with Tongluo Huoxue Formula exert certain effect for the treatment of LSS patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome,and it has more obvious advantages in improving the lumbar function,promoting the rehabilitation of the patients,and lowering the level of serum inflammatory factors than"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with conventional western medication.