OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features and risk factors associated with cutaneous chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of children who underwent allo-HSCT in the Wuhan Children's Hospital from August 1, 2016, to December 31, 2023, and were regularly followed up for 1 year or more. The differences in clinical features between children with and without cutaneous cGVHD were compared, and the risk factors affecting the occurrence of cutaneous cGVHD were analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, 296 children received allo-HSCT. Until December 31, 2024, follow-up showed that 20 children (6.8%) developed cutaneous cGVHD, which manifested as cutaneous lichenification, hyperpigmentation, keratosis pilaris, sclerotic changes, and hair or nail involvement. According to their skin lesion area and degree of grading, 5 cases were mild, 10 cases were moderate, and 5 cases were severe. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female donors and previous acute GVHD were risk factors for the development of cutaneous cGVHD after allo-HSCT. All 20 children were treated with glucocorticoid ± calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus/cyclosporine) as first-line therapeutic agents. Only 1 child improved after first-line treatment. The remaining 19 children treated with a second-line regimen of combination interventions based on individualized status, including 10 children who could not tolerate hormonotherapy or first-line treatment, and showed no significant improvement after 3 months, as well as 9 children with multi-organ cGVHD. After comprehensive second-line treatment, 17 children showed improvement in cutaneous symptoms. There were 3 deaths, including 1 due to primary disease recurrence and 2 due to pulmonary infections. CONCLUSION The skin is the first manifestation and most common organ involved in cGVHD in children. Cutaneous cGVHD severely affects the daily activities of transplanted children and requires prolonged immunosuppressive therapy, but has a favorable prognosis. First-line treatments for adults are not applicable to children who usually require a combination treatment with multiple drugs.
Humans ; Graft vs Host Disease/etiology* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects* ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Female ; Child ; Skin Diseases/etiology* ; Chronic Disease ; Transplantation, Homologous ; Male ; Child, Preschool ; Adolescent

Objective:To explore the value of dual-layer detector spectral CT quantitative parameters in evaluating the treatment response of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).Methods:The study was a cross-sectional study. From May 2021 to March 2023, a total of 52 patients with LARC who received complete nCRT and were pathologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma at the Guangdong Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were retrospectively enrolled. Each patient underwent spectral CT examination before and after nCRT, including plain scan, arterial phase (AP), and venous phase (VP) scans. According to the tumor regression grade, the patients were divided into the good response ( n=20) and the poor response group ( n=32). Measurements of the primary tumor′s spectral CT parameters, including effective atomic number (Z eff) at plain scan, iodine concentration (IC), CT values of 40 keV and 100 keV virtual monochromatic image (VMI) at dual-enhanced phases, were taken before and after nCRT. Additionally, the normalized iodine concentration (NIC), spectral curve slope (λHU), and the change rate of the above parameters before and after nCRT were calculated. The independent sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the efficacy of various metrics in evaluating the tumor treatment response of nCRT. A binary logistic regression analysis of combined parameter results was performed for the parameters with the areas under curve (AUC)>0.75, and the AUC of the combined parameter was evaluated. Results:There were significant differences in NIC AP and λHU VP before nCRT, NIC VP and λHU VP after nCRT, and the change rates of Z eff, NIC AP, NIC VP and λHU AP between the good response group and the poor response group ( P<0.05). The remaining parameters showed no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05). The ROC curve results showed that the AUCs of the above 8 parameters for evaluating tumor treatment response of nCRT were 0.702, 0.655, 0.695, 0.769, 0.738, 0.807, 0.791, and 0.677, respectively. The AUC of the combined model of the three parameters with AUC>0.75 (λHU VP after nCRT, the change rate of NIC AP and NIC VP) was 0.869, with 80.0% sensitivity and 84.4% specificity. Conclusion:The quantitative parameters derived from spectral CT may provide new markers for evaluating the response to nCRT treatment in patients with LARC. The multi-parameter combined model can improve diagnostic efficacy.

ObjectiveTo analyse the clinical characteristics of different traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndromes in patients with heart failure based on information from electronic medical record. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to collect clinical data of all inpatients with heart failure in the Department of Cardiology， Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 1， 2019 to December 31， 2020. A database of clinical TCM data was established to explore the characteristics of clinical data of basic information， syndromes and syndrome element types， and biochemical indexes. The distribution of TCM syndromes and syndrome elements in heart failure patients were also analysed， and the basic information and biochemical indexes of the patients with top 7 different TCM syndrome types were compared. ResultsA total of 1676 inpatients with heart fai-lure were included. The top 7 TCM syndromes of heart failure were syndrome of phlegm turbidity and blood stasis （477 cases， 28.46%）， syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis （439 cases， 26.19%）， syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis with water retention （274 cases， 16.35%）， syndrome of yang deficiency with water retention （145 cases， 8.65%）， syndrome of qi and yin deficiency （104 cases， 6.21%）， syndrome of qi and yin deficiency with blood stasis （80 cases， 4.77%）， syndrome of heart yang deficiency （59 cases， 3.52%）. Among the 1676 patients， 6 syndrome elements accounted for more than 5%. Blood stasis accounted for the highest proportion of TCM syndrome element type （1292 cases， 77.09%）， followed by qi deficiency （919 cases， 54.83%）， phlegm （498 cases， 29.71%）， water retention （434 cases， 25.89%）， yang deficiency （215 cases， 12.82%） and yin deficiency （191 cases， 11.40%）. Among the 1676 patients， 1308 cases of acute heart failure mainly showed syndrome of phlegm turbidity and blood stasis （386 cases， 29.51%）， and 368 of chronic heart fai-lure mainly showed syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis （118 cases， 32.07%）. Patients with syndrome of phlegm turbidity and blood stasis had the shortest disease duration of 0.3 months， while those with syndrome of heart yang deficiency had the longest disease duration of 15 months. The proportion of syndrome of phlegm turbidity and blood stasis was the highest in patients with heart failure combined with coronary artery disease， the proportion of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis with water retention was the highest in patients with heart failure combined with atrial fibrillation， and the proportion of patients with syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis with water retention and syndrome of yang deficiency with water retention in those applying diuretics during the hospital stay was the highest with more than 86%. The different 7 TCM syndromes showed statistically difference in patients with complications including coronary artery disease， old myocardial infarction， atrial fibrillation， pre and post-admission medication usage including intravenous vasodilators， cardiac stimulants， diuretics， and level of blood chloride， blood urea， blood creatinine， blood bicarbonate， blood albumin， and blood total bilirubin （P＜0.05）. ConclusionThe most common TCM syndromes in patients with heart failure are syndrome of phlegm turbidity and blood stasis and syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis. Different TCM syndromes have different characteristics in gender， disease complications， medication before and after admission， and blood indexes.

Objective To construct a measurement tool for atrial fibrillation(AF)patients'experience of catheter ablation,in order to provide quantifiable basis for improving the patients'perioperative experience.Methods From Jun 2022 to Apr 2023,literature analysis,qualitative research,Delphi expert consultation,and analytic hierarchy process were used to determine the content and weight of various indicators of the measurement tool.Results The enthusiasm of experts in 3 rounds was 100%.The authority coefficient of experts was 0.946,0.961 and 0.976.The Kendal harmony coefficients of the 2 and 3 rounds of expert consultation was 0.130 and 0.370(P＜0.001).The final measurement tool included 46 items and 5 dimensions,including operational and technical quality experience,comfort management experience,information and communication experience,emotional support experience,service process and response experience.Conclusion The preliminary construction of measurement tool for AF patients'experience of catheter ablation,which were based on the features of specialty,could not only evaluate the patients'experience accurately,but also provide a basis for targeted improvement of medical and nursing service quality.

Objective:Based on the needs of advanced nursing practice development, to establish an indicator system of role function of position of oncology genetic nurses suitable for our national condition, and to provide a basis for position establishing of nocology genetic nurses.Methods:Initial indexes were generated through the literature review and semi-structured interviews. From September to December 2022, two rounds of expert consultations and analytic hierarchy process were conducted to establish the evaluation index for role function of position of oncology genetic nurses.Results:A total of 43 experts were included in the study, the response rates of 2 rounds were 93.62%(44/47) and 97.73%(43/44), and the authority coefficients of the experts were 0.821 and 0.853. The Kendall′s coefficients of concordance for the 2 rounds of consultations were 0.100-0.150 (all P<0.01) and 0.101-0.237 (all P<0.01). Finally, the role function system of position for oncology genetic nurses was formed, which consisted of 5 first-level indexes, 17 second-level indexes and 86 third-level indexes. Conclusions:The system of role function of position for oncology genetic nurses is reasonable, scientific and reliable, professional and specific, which can provide a theoretical reference for the development of advanced nursing practice on hereditary oncology in China.

Objective To rapidly evaluate the efficacy,safety,and economics of dexmedetomidine in patients on mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit(ICU),and to provide references for clinical and decision makers.Methods To search PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,CNKI,WanFang Data databases and official websites of domestic and foreign Health Technology assessment(HTA)institutions from the inception to June 14,2023.HTA reports,systematic reviews/Meta-analyses,and pharmacoeconomic studies of patients with mechanical ventilation in ICU compared with dexmedetomidine versus placebo or other traditional sedatives were included.Two reviewers independently identified studies,extracted data,assessed the quality of included studies,and descriptive analyzed and summarised the results.Results A total of 13 literatures were included,including 10 systematic reviews/Meta-analyses and 3 economic studies.The analysis results of effectiveness showed that compared with placebo or other traditional sedatives,the use of dexmedetomidine in the sedation of mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU was associated with a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and a shorter length of stay in the ICU.The analysis results of safety displayed treatment with dexmedetomidine could reduce the incidence of delirium,but may increase the incidence of bradycardia.The results of the economic analysis showed that the dexmedetomidine group had a higher cost of medication,but a lower overall ICU cost.Conclusion Dexmedetomidine has good efficacy,safety and economics in the sedation of patients on mechanical ventilation in ICU,but the economic studies included in the search were mainly foreign studies,and domestic economy studies needs to be further demonstrated.

Objective:To determine the optimal irradiation energy and frequency for the establishment of melasma mouse model using simple ultraviolet irradiation, and to provide guidance on animal strains and irradiation protocols for the successful establishment of melasma model.Methods:Animal models of melasma were established using BALB/c female mice and C57BL/6JNifdc female mice. BALB/c female mice were divided into 4 groups using a simple randomization method: A, B, C and G, with 5 mice in each group. C57BL/6JNifdc female mice were divided into 4 groups: D, E, F and H, with 5 mice in each group. All mice were irradiated with 8.428 mW/cm 2 of ultraviolet light. The irradiation time was 15 s (single irradiation energy of 0.13 J/cm 2) in groups A and D, 15 min (single irradiation energy of 7.59 J/cm 2) in groups B and E, and 30 min (single irradiation energy of 15.17 J/cm 2) in groups C and F. Each cycle consisted of 5 consecutive days of irradiation followed by 2 days of cessation, totaling 4 cycles of irradiation. Groups G and H were not irradiated. At the end of irradiation, all mice were kept under normal conditions. One week later, 3 mice from each group were selected for HE, Masson-Fontana, Masson, and immunohistochemical staining. Quantitative analysis was performed to measure the thickness of the acanthocyte layer, melanin granules, collagen percentage, and interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels. The remaining mice were kept for an additional week, depilated and photographed to observe the changes in coloration. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 software, measurement data that did not conform to normal distribution were represented by M( Q1, Q3) and comparisons between groups were made using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. Results:During the entire irradiation process, no visible discoloration was observed in the BALB/c female mice in all groups. In contrast, varying sizes of discoloration appeared in the C57BL/6JNifdc female mice in groups D, E, and F after irradiation in the second week. However, by the third week, the discoloration in group D gradually disappeared, while the discoloration in group E was more obvious than before. At the same time, group F exhibited significant discoloration, with some mice exhibited signs of skin peeling, burning and breakage on their backs. After the 4th week of irradiation, no new discoloration was formed in group D. The discoloration was more obvious in group E, and most mice in group F showed skin burn breakage. Two weeks after the completion of irradiation, there was no obvious discoloration on the dorsal skin of BALB/c female mice in all groups. In C57BL/6JNifdc female mice, group D showed no obvious discoloration, group E exhibited lighter discoloration compared to the 4th week post-irradiation, and group F had crusted skin at the burn sites with lighter discoloration than before. However, the discoloration in groups E and F was still obviously visible to the naked eye. HE staining showed that the difference in the thickness of the echinocyte layer was not statistically significant in groups A, B, C, and G ( H=1.08, P=0.782); whereas the difference was statistically significant in groups D, E, F and H ( H=12.85, P=0.005). The thickness of the echinocyte layer decreased gradually with the extension of the irradiation time. Additionally, there was a disruption in the arrangement of epidermal spindles in group F, and this situation was not observed in groups D and E. Masson-Fontana staining revealed no significant pigmentation in any of the BALB/c female mice. The difference in melanin granule counts between groups A, B, C, and G was not statistically significant ( H=7.77, P=0.051). In contrast, C57BL/6JNifdc female mice exhibited more noticeable pigmentation in the epidermis and dermis in groups E and F. The difference in melanin particle counts among groups D, E, F and H was statistically significant ( H=17.61, P<0.001), with melanin deposition increasing gradually with the duration of irradiation. Masson staining showed that the difference in collagen percentage between groups A, B, C, and G was not statistically significant ( H=7.26, P=0.064). However, significant disorganization of fibers and a loose structure were observed in groups E and F. The difference in collagen percentage between groups D, E, F, and H was statistically significant ( H=8.65, P=0.034). Immunohistochemical results showed that the difference in IL-1 expression levels between groups A, B, C, and G was statistically significant ( H=17.86, P<0.001); also between groups D, E, F, and H was statistically significant ( H=14.19, P=0.003), suggesting that ultraviolet irradiation stimulated an inflammatory response in the skin of mice. Conclusion:BALB/c female mice are not suitable for melasma models under the frequency and duration of irradiation in this experiment. C57BL/6JNifdc female mice are irradiated with a single irradiation energy dose of 7.59 J/cm 2 five days a week for 4 weeks, which can establish stable animal models of melasma with a specific level of pigmentation that persisted for at least 2 weeks.

Objective:To determine the optimal irradiation energy and frequency for the establishment of melasma mouse model using simple ultraviolet irradiation, and to provide guidance on animal strains and irradiation protocols for the successful establishment of melasma model.Methods:Animal models of melasma were established using BALB/c female mice and C57BL/6JNifdc female mice. BALB/c female mice were divided into 4 groups using a simple randomization method: A, B, C and G, with 5 mice in each group. C57BL/6JNifdc female mice were divided into 4 groups: D, E, F and H, with 5 mice in each group. All mice were irradiated with 8.428 mW/cm 2 of ultraviolet light. The irradiation time was 15 s (single irradiation energy of 0.13 J/cm 2) in groups A and D, 15 min (single irradiation energy of 7.59 J/cm 2) in groups B and E, and 30 min (single irradiation energy of 15.17 J/cm 2) in groups C and F. Each cycle consisted of 5 consecutive days of irradiation followed by 2 days of cessation, totaling 4 cycles of irradiation. Groups G and H were not irradiated. At the end of irradiation, all mice were kept under normal conditions. One week later, 3 mice from each group were selected for HE, Masson-Fontana, Masson, and immunohistochemical staining. Quantitative analysis was performed to measure the thickness of the acanthocyte layer, melanin granules, collagen percentage, and interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels. The remaining mice were kept for an additional week, depilated and photographed to observe the changes in coloration. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 software, measurement data that did not conform to normal distribution were represented by M( Q1, Q3) and comparisons between groups were made using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. Results:During the entire irradiation process, no visible discoloration was observed in the BALB/c female mice in all groups. In contrast, varying sizes of discoloration appeared in the C57BL/6JNifdc female mice in groups D, E, and F after irradiation in the second week. However, by the third week, the discoloration in group D gradually disappeared, while the discoloration in group E was more obvious than before. At the same time, group F exhibited significant discoloration, with some mice exhibited signs of skin peeling, burning and breakage on their backs. After the 4th week of irradiation, no new discoloration was formed in group D. The discoloration was more obvious in group E, and most mice in group F showed skin burn breakage. Two weeks after the completion of irradiation, there was no obvious discoloration on the dorsal skin of BALB/c female mice in all groups. In C57BL/6JNifdc female mice, group D showed no obvious discoloration, group E exhibited lighter discoloration compared to the 4th week post-irradiation, and group F had crusted skin at the burn sites with lighter discoloration than before. However, the discoloration in groups E and F was still obviously visible to the naked eye. HE staining showed that the difference in the thickness of the echinocyte layer was not statistically significant in groups A, B, C, and G ( H=1.08, P=0.782); whereas the difference was statistically significant in groups D, E, F and H ( H=12.85, P=0.005). The thickness of the echinocyte layer decreased gradually with the extension of the irradiation time. Additionally, there was a disruption in the arrangement of epidermal spindles in group F, and this situation was not observed in groups D and E. Masson-Fontana staining revealed no significant pigmentation in any of the BALB/c female mice. The difference in melanin granule counts between groups A, B, C, and G was not statistically significant ( H=7.77, P=0.051). In contrast, C57BL/6JNifdc female mice exhibited more noticeable pigmentation in the epidermis and dermis in groups E and F. The difference in melanin particle counts among groups D, E, F and H was statistically significant ( H=17.61, P<0.001), with melanin deposition increasing gradually with the duration of irradiation. Masson staining showed that the difference in collagen percentage between groups A, B, C, and G was not statistically significant ( H=7.26, P=0.064). However, significant disorganization of fibers and a loose structure were observed in groups E and F. The difference in collagen percentage between groups D, E, F, and H was statistically significant ( H=8.65, P=0.034). Immunohistochemical results showed that the difference in IL-1 expression levels between groups A, B, C, and G was statistically significant ( H=17.86, P<0.001); also between groups D, E, F, and H was statistically significant ( H=14.19, P=0.003), suggesting that ultraviolet irradiation stimulated an inflammatory response in the skin of mice. Conclusion:BALB/c female mice are not suitable for melasma models under the frequency and duration of irradiation in this experiment. C57BL/6JNifdc female mice are irradiated with a single irradiation energy dose of 7.59 J/cm 2 five days a week for 4 weeks, which can establish stable animal models of melasma with a specific level of pigmentation that persisted for at least 2 weeks.

Objective:To explore the clinical application of preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) in an unique case with Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2+ 0.Methods:A special SMA family presented at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University on October 19, 2020 was selected as the study subject. Multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and molecular tagging linkage analysis were carried out to identify the SMN1 genotype of the couple and their fetus. Subsequently, next-generation sequencing (NGS), molecular tagging linkage analysis, and chromosomal microarray analysis were employed to determine the haplotypes and validate the result of PGT-M on the 11 embryos derived for the couple. Results:The female partner was identified as a carrier of the rare SMN1[2+ 0] variant, and prenatal diagnosis confirmed the fetus to be affected by SMA. Ultimately, PGT-M has successfully selected four embryos free from the pathogenic SMN1 variants and X chromosome deletion. Conclusion:PGT-M can effectively prevent the transmission of rare genetic variants such as the SMA 2+ 0 subtype in the families. Above finding has provided guidance for genetic counseling and family planning for the couple.

Objective:To compare the analgesic effects of fascia iliaca compartment block with different concentrations of liposomal bupivacaine for total hip replacement in elderly patients.Methods:This was a prospective study. Sixty-four elderly patients of either sex with hip fracture, aged 65-85 yr, with body mass index of 20-30 kg/m 2 and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ, undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty from September to December 2023 in Zhangjiagang Hospital affiliated to Soochow University, were divided into LB1, LB2, LB3 and LB4 groups ( n=16 each) using the random number table method. The fascia iliaca compartment block was performed under ultrasound guidance before anesthesia induction. Liposomal bupivacaine 66.5, 133.0, 199.5 and 266.0 mg diluted to 30 ml in normal saline were given in LB1, LB2, LB3 and LB4 groups, respectively. The consumption of intraoperative sufentanil and remifentanil and tracheal extubation time were recorded. The pain numeric rating scale (NRS) scores at rest and during activity were recorded at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively. Parecoxib sodium was intravenously injected when the NRS score≥4, and the use of parecoxib sodium was recorded. The effect of motor nerve block in the affected lower extremity was evaluated using the modified Bromage scale score at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively. The first ambulation time and duration of hospitalization were recorded. The scores for patients′ satisfaction with analgesic effects at 48 h after operation and the occurrence of adverse reactions within 48 h after operation were recorded. Results:Compared with LB1 group, the consumption of intraoperative sufentanil and remifentanil was significantly reduced, the tracheal extubation time was shortened, NRS scores at rest at 12, 24 and 48 h after operation and NRS scores during activity at 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation were significantly decreased, and the scores for patients′ satisfaction with analgesic effects were increased in LB2, LB3 and LB4 groups, the modified Bromage scale scores were significantly increased at 4 and 8 h after operation, and the first ambulation time and duration of hospitalization were shortened in LB2 group, and the modified Bromage scale scores were significantly increased at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation in LB3 and LB4 groups ( P<0.05). Compared with LB2 group, the modified Bromage scale scores were significantly increased at 12, 24 and 48 h after operation, and the first ambulation time and duration of hospitalization were prolonged in LB3 and LB4 groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions among the four groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The optimal concentration of liposomal bupivacaine for fascia iliaca compartment block is 133 mg/30 ml when used for analgesia in elderly patients undergoing total hip replacement.