Objective To analyze the main causes and risk factors of unplanned reoperation after liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 242 liver transplant recipients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2015 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether unplanned reoperation was performed during the same hospitalization after surgery, the recipients were divided into the reoperation group (n=36) and the non-reoperation group (n=206). The preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data of the two groups, as well as donor and graft-related data, were compared to analyze the risk factors of unplanned reoperation after liver transplantation and the survival status of the two groups. Results Among the 242 liver transplant recipients, 36 underwent unplanned reoperations, with a total of 54 procedures including various laparotomies, endoscopic and interventional surgeries, among which there were 20 laparotomies, 18 endoscopic surgeries and 16 interventional surgeries. The most common cause of unplanned reoperation was biliary complications (20 times), followed by vascular complications (17 times). Compared with the non-reoperation group, the reoperation group had longer graft cold ischemia time, higher postoperative fatality rate of recipients, longer length of stay in the intensive care unit and postoperative hospital stay, and higher total hospitalization costs (all P<0.05). The incidence of unplanned reoperation was higher in recipients who underwent split liver transplantation (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that intraoperative blood loss ≥1 000 mL, positive culture of graft perfusate and split liver transplantation were independent risk factors for unplanned reoperation (all P<0.05). The postoperative 7-day, 1-month, 3-month and 6-month survival rates of recipients in the reoperation group and the non-reoperation group were 100% vs. 98.1%, 88.9% vs. 94.2%, 69.4% vs. 90.8% and 66.7% vs. 90.8%, respectively, and the postoperative survival rate of recipients in the reoperation group was lower than that in the non-reoperation group (P<0.05). Conclusions The main causes of unplanned reoperation after liver transplantation are biliary complications, vascular complications, abdominal incision infection and intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Intraoperative massive blood loss, positive culture of graft perfusate and split liver transplantation are the risk factors associated with unplanned reoperation after liver transplantation.

ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.

ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.

Background: and Purpose Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VBFAs) carry substantial morbidity and mortality, but optimal management for unruptured VBFAs remains unclear. We compared the safety and efficacy of conservative management (CM), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diverters (FDs) in patients with unruptured VBFAs, focusing on long-term prognosis. Methods: This study included data from a nationwide Chinese cohort of patients with vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced confounders across groups. The primary outcome was poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score >2). Secondary outcomes included aneurysm rupture, ischemic stroke, compression symptoms, and VBFA-related deaths. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: Among 1,115 patients with unruptured VBFAs, 838 (median age, 54 years; 655 men) were included. After IPTW, baseline characteristics were balanced. Median follow-up was 54 months. FD was associated with a lower risk of poor prognosis than CM (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.77]; p=0.002), with no difference between CM and SAC. FD also reduced aneurysm rupture (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.60]; p=0.004) and compression symptoms (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.68]; p=0.004) versus CM. Time-to-event analyses further revealed significant differences in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, whereas no significant differences were observed in basilar or vertebrobasilar junction lesions or in Type III–IV VBFAs. Conclusions Compared with CM, FD was associated with improved long-term outcomes in unruptured VBFAs, particularly in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.

Background and purpose:Accurately locating pulmonary nodules is the key to the success of thoracoscopic surgery.This study aimed to investigate the strategy and evaluate the feasibility,safety,and clinical value of thoracoscopic surgical treatment for pulmonary nodules located beneath the interlobar pleura and close to the pulmonary hilum.Methods:The patients who underwent pulmonary nodule surgery at Liaocheng Tumor Hospital from May 2023 to November 2024 were enrolled,and the patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Liaocheng Tumor Hospital(EC-20240112-1020)and informed consent was obtained from the patients.The research was designed as a prospective single-arm study.The patients were treated with wedge resection,which was performed following CT-guided localization,where the location needle was inserted through the interlobar pleura.The feasibility of the procedure was evaluated by analyzing the success rate of preoperative localization and perioperative complications.Results:A total of 28 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study.There were 5 male and 23 female patients with an average age of(56.0±8.5)years(range 38-69 years).In all,28 patients with 28 nodules underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection,and the preoperative CT-guided localization was successfully performed in all patients,without urgent complications.The mean operation time of thoracoscopic surgery was(15.6±4.0)min,intraoperative bleeding was(20.9±14.3)mL,and postoperative drainage was(214.3±62.2)mL.No cases of postoperative air leaks or conversion to thoracotomy were observed.The average length of hospital stay was(5.4±0.9)days.The postoperative histological diagnosis revealed 3 benign lesions(pulmonary fibrosis in 2 cases,atypical adenomatous hyperplasia in 1 case)and 25 malignant lesions(adenocarcinoma in situ in 5 cases,minimally invasive adenocarcinoma in 16 cases,and invasive adenocarcinoma in 4 cases).Conclusion:Thoracoscopic wedge resection following CT-guided nodule localization through the interlobar pleura is a feasible approach for nodules located beneath the interlobar pleura and close to the pulmonary hilum.The method ensures precise tumor localization,adequate margin,and minimal loss of normal lung tissue,with a low incidence of postoperative complication,which has important guiding significance for the surgical treatment of pulmonary nodules in such special locations.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a chronic liver disease caused by excessive lipid accumulation in the liver.Its incidence rate is increasing year by year and has become an increasingly serious public healthy problem.The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and has not been fully clarified at present.It is mainly related to multiple factors such as genetics,metabolism,intestinal flora and immune response.In order to explore the medication rules and mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in the treatment of NAFLD,and to provide references for the treatment of NAFLD with TCM and the research and development of new drugs,this article summarizes the TCM pathogenesis of NAFLD(such as"phlegm and blood stasis interlacing","liver depression and spleen deficiency",etc.)and modern etiology and pathogenesis(such as insulin resistance,lipid disorder,mitochondrial dysfunction,oxidative stress,etc.).The clinical research and experimental data at home and abroad in recent years were integrated to analyze the pathological process of NAFLD intervention by TCM through multiple targets,including improving insulin resistance and lipid metabolism disorders,inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction,etc.TCM has shown unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.However,the depth of its mechanism analysis and the level of clinical research still need to be improved.In the future,it is necessary to deepen the mechanism research by combining multi-omics technology to accelerate the modernization development of TCM.

Objective To investigate the effects of emergency endovascular treatment on the short-term and long-term prognosis of patients with minor stroke(National Institutes of Health stroke scale[NIHSS]score≤5)caused by posterior circulation large vessel occlusion(LVO).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on consecutive patients with minor stroke caused by posterior circulation LVO admitted to the Department of Neurology,the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from July 2019 to March 2024.The patients were divided into the emergency endovascular treatment group and the standard medical treatment group according to the treatment method.Baseline and clinical data were collected from all patients enrolled,including age,sex,smoking history,history of alcohol consumption,medical history(hypertension,diabetes,hyperlipidemia,atrial fibrillation,transient ischemic attack[TIA],blood pressure on admission,stroke history,coronary heart disease),intravenous thrombolysis,tandem lesions,posterior circulation Alberta stroke program early CT score(pc-ASPECTS)on admission,NIHSS score on admission and discharge,time from onset to admission,responsible occluded vessel(basilar artery,left vertebral artery,right vertebral artery),vertebral artery development(left vertebral artery dominant,right vertebral artery dominant,bilateral vertebral artery dominant),non-lesion side vertebral artery development(poor,good,not applicable),basilar artery on CT angiography(BATMAN)score,leptomeningeal branch compensation(open,not open),surgery-related indicators(number of thrombectomy passes[≤2 times,＞2 times],rescue interventions[stent placement,balloon dilation,arterial thrombolysis,intra-arterial tirofiban infusion],immediate postoperative modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction[mTICI]grade≥2b[successful recanalization],anesthesia method[general,local],endotracheal intubation status[yes,no],duration of mechanical ventilation[not using a ventilator or successfully intubation for≤24 hours and＞24 hours]),in-hospital systematic complications(deep-vein thrombosis,urinary tract infection,lung infection).The primary outcome for short-term prognosis was an excellent outcome(modified Rankin scale[mRS]score of 0-1)within 90 days after onset.Secondary outcomes included a good outcome(mRS score of 0-2)within 90days after onset,recurrent ischemic stroke within 90 days after onset,all-cause mortality within 90 days after onset.Safety outcomes were symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage(sICH)within 24 hours of treatment(NIHSS score increased by≥4 points or increased level of consciousness score by≥1 point compared with admission,with visible hemorrhagic lesions on follow-up CT scan)and early neurological deterioration(END,NIHSS score increased by≥2 points or motor score increased by≥1 point compared with admission,within 24 hours after treatment).Long-term outcome was defined as recurrent ischemic stroke within 1 year after onset.Short-term and safety outcomes were compared between the emergency endovascular treatment group and the standard medical treatment group.Kaplan-Meier survival curves was used to evaluate the effect of emergency endovascular treatment on the long-term prognosis.Based on the mRS score at 90 days from onset,all patients were divided into an excellent outcome(mRS score 0-1)group and a non-excellent outcome(mRS score 2-6)group.Baseline and clinical data were compared across the two groups.Variables with statistically significant differences were included in the multivariate Logistic regression analysis to investigate the influencing factor of 90-day excellent outcomes in patients with minor stroke caused by posterior circulation LVO.Results A total of 56 patients with minor stroke caused by posterior circulation LVO were enrolled,including 18 patients in the emergency endovascular treatment group and 38 patients in the standard medical treatment group.45 patients achieved excellent outcomes and 11 patients achieved non-excellent outcomes.(1)The emergency endovascular treatment group had lower pc-ASPECTS on admission(8.0[7.0,9.0]points vs.9.0[8.0,10.0]points,P=0.043)and There were no statistically significant differences in the excellent outcome rate,good outcome rate,and ischemic stroke recurrence rate within 90 days after onset between the two groups(all P＞0.05).No all-cause mortality occurred within 90 days after onset in either group.In the emergency endovascular treatment group,one patient developed sICH and one developed END within 24 hours after treatment.(3)No recurrent ischemic stroke in the emergency endovascular treatment group within 1 year after onset,while 3cases(7.89%)of recurrence were observed within 1year after onset in the standard medical treatment group.The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of ischemic stroke within one year after onset between the two groups(P=0.341).(4)There were statistically significant differences between patients with excellent outcome and patients with non excellent outcome in drinking history,diabetes history,NIHSS score after discharge,distribution of responsible occlusive vessels,and distribution of vertebral artery development(all P＜0.05).The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the NIHSS score at discharge was an independent influencing factor for excellent outcome at 90 days after onset in patients with minor stroke caused by posterior circulation LVO(OR,0.448,95%CI 0.275-0.728,P=0.001).Conclusions This study shows potential safety and effectiveness of emergency endovascular treatment on patients with minor stroke caused by posterior circulation LVO,but it is not superior to standard medical treatment in terms of short-term and long-term outcomes.Further large-sample randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate the findings of this study.

BACKGROUND:Osteosarcoma has a complex pathogenesis and a poor prognosis.While advancements in medical technology have led to some improvements in the 5-year survival rate,substantial progress in its treatment has not yet been achieved. OBJECTIVE:To screen key molecular markers in osteosarcoma,analyze their relationship with osteosarcoma treatment drugs,and explore the potential disease mechanisms of osteosarcoma at the molecular level. METHODS:GSE99671 and GSE284259(miRNA)datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.Differential gene expression analysis and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis(WGCNA)on GSE99671 were performed.Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes separately for the differentially expressed genes and the module genes with the highest positive correlation to the disease.The intersection of these module genes and differentially expressed genes was taken as key genes.A Protein-Protein Interaction network was constructed,and correlation analysis on the key genes was performed using CytoScape software,and hub genes were identified.Hub genes were externally validated using the GSE28425 dataset and text validation was conducted.The drug sensitivity of hub genes was analyzed using the CellMiner database,with a threshold of absolute value of correlation coefficient|R|>0.3 and P<0.05. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Differential gene expression analysis identified 529 differentially expressed genes,comprising 177 upregulated and 352 downregulated genes.WGCNA analysis yielded a total of 592 genes with the highest correlation to osteosarcoma.(2)Gene Ontology enrichment results indicated that the development of osteosarcoma may be associated with extracellular matrix,bone cell differentiation and development,human immune regulation,and collagen synthesis and degradation.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment results showed the involvement of pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,focal adhesion signaling pathway,and immune response in the onset of osteosarcoma.(3)The intersection analysis revealed a total of 59 key genes.Through Protein-Protein Interaction network analysis,8 hub genes were selected,which were LUM,PLOD1,PLOD2,MMP14,COL11A1,THBS2,LEPRE1,and TGFB1,all of which were upregulated.(4)External validation revealed significantly downregulated miRNAs that regulate the hub genes,with hsa-miR-144-3p and hsa-miR-150-5p showing the most significant downregulation.Text validation results demonstrated that the expression of hub genes was consistent with previous research.(5)Drug sensitivity analysis indicated a negative correlation between the activity of methotrexate,6-mercaptopurine,and pazopanib with the mRNA expression of PLOD1,PLOD2,and MMP14.Moreover,zoledronic acid and lapatinib showed a positive correlation with the mRNA expression of PLOD1,LUM,MMP14,PLOD2,and TGFB1.This suggests that zoledronic acid and lapatinib may be potential therapeutic drugs for osteosarcoma,but further validation is required through additional basic experiments and clinical studies.

Objective:To develop a 3D-printed extraocular muscle teaching model and evaluate its teaching effect and learning experience among residents in standardized training.Methods:A total of 24 residents in standardized training who entered the Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2022 to 2024 were included, with 10, 7, and 7 residents in the first, second, and third grades, respectively. A simulated orbit and movable eyeball were constructed based on 3D printing technology. Tractionable elastic silicone bands were arranged on it to simulate healthy extraocular muscles, and non-elastic ropes were used to simulate diseased extraocular muscles. The model was applied in teaching rounds. Before and after the rounds, the residents were tested on basic knowledge (including diagnosis and judgment of surgical indications, with a full score of 40) and core knowledge (including judgment of mainly involved extraocular muscles and surgical design, with a full score of 60). Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between the residents′ grades and their scores before the rounds, scores after the rounds, and score increments. A questionnaire survey (full score of 100) was conducted to assess their learning experience.Results:Before the teaching rounds, the average basic knowledge score of all residents was (21.0±7.5) and the core knowledge score was (11.3±7.7). These scores were positively correlated with the residents′ grades ( r=0.74, 0.69, all P<0.001) but generally low. After the teaching rounds, the basic knowledge score increased to (31.7±4.6), and the core knowledge score increased significantly to (48.5±3.8). There were no statistically significant differences in these scores among different grades ( P=0.22, P=0.83). The increments of basic knowledge and core knowledge scores decreased with the increase of residents′ grades, with statistically significant correlations ( r=-0.60, -0.65; P=0.002, P=0.001). The average scores of all residents in appearance, convenience, effectiveness, and total score were (18.2±1.1), (26.6±2.2), (40.0±4.0), and (84.8±5.0), respectively. There was no statistically significant correlation between these scores and the residents′ grades ( P=0.24, P=0.84, P=0.25, P=0.58). Suggestions for improving the current teaching model included: increasing the model size for long-distance viewing; enhancing the adhesion between silicone bands (simulating eye muscles) and the simulated eyeball; reducing the friction between the inner sphere and outer shell of the simulated eyeball to improve the model′s maneuverability and flexibility. Conclusions:The 3D-printed extraocular muscle teaching model can help residents of all grades quickly master the key and difficult points in learning restrictive strabismus caused by thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. In clinical teaching of complex ocular diseases related to systemic diseases, constructing physical teaching models can effectively improve teaching effects and students′ learning experience.

Objective:To investigate the occurrence of malignancy in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients, and further explore the factors related to malignancy.Methods:Based on the PsA prospective follow-up cohort (PKUPsA-PC) in our center, we collected the demographics and clinical characteristics of patients who visited from January 2016 to January 2024, especially those regarding the malignant tumor. The clinical characteristics of patients with and without malignant tumor were compared through the method of non-parametric tests and chi-square tests. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to analyze the factors related to malignant tumors.Results:Three hundred and eighty two patients with PsA were enrolled. The median follow-up duration was 6.0 (2.8,12.8) years. Twenty two (5.8%) patients were complicated with malignant tumors. The median age of confirmed tumors was 56.4 (45.8, 67.3) years. Among them, 14 (63.6%) patients were female, and 16 (72.7%) patients had malignant tumors after the diagnosis of PsA. As for the tumor types, solid tumors were great majority (21 cases, 95.5%), including breast cancer (7 cases), urinary system tumors (5 cases), skin cancer (3 cases), colorectal/rectal cancer (2 cases), and thyroid cancer, liver cancer, endometrial carcinoma in situ, retroperitoneal malignant tumor (1 case respectively). There was only 1 (4.5%) patient with hematological tumor (chronic lymphocytic leukemia). Compared with patients without malignant tumors, PsA patients with malignancy had a higher proportion of women (63.6% vs. 40.8%, χ2=4.42, P=0.035), older age [56.4 (45.8, 67.3)years vs. 47.0 (36.0, 56.6) years, Z=-2.94, P=0.003], had a longer duration of psoriasis [20.0 (11.2, 33.5)years vs. 14.0 (6.0, 23.0) years, Z=-2.02, P=0.043], a longer duration of arthritis [8.0 (4.0, 17.0)years vs. 3.0 (1.0, 7.0) years, Z=-2.65, P=0.008], and a higher proportion of HLA-B27 positivity (25.0% vs. 4.4%, χ2=3.98, P=0.046). Age[ OR(95% CI)=1.056(1.008, 1.107), P=0.023], duration of PsA [ OR(95% CI)=1.051( 1.068, 1.106), P=0.010], and HLA-B27 positivity [ OR(95% CI)=5.086(1.278, 20.238), P=0.021] were the factors related to the occurrence of malignancy in PsA patients. Conclusion:Malignancy is not rare in PsA patients. Breast cancer, urinary system tumors and skin cancer are relatively common. PsA patients with older age, longer duration of PsA and positive HLA-B27 are more likely to have malignancy, which arouses more alert.