Linxian County in Henan Province, Northern China is known as the region with the highest incidence and mortality rate of esophageal cancer worldwide. Since 1959, the Henan medical team has conducted field work on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian. Through three generations of effort exerted by oncologists over 65 years of research on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian, the incidence rate of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in this area has dropped by nearly 50%, and the 5-year survival rate has increased to 40%, reaching the international leading level. This article aims to summarize the history, present opportunities and new challenges, and explore the experience of esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian (referred to as the “Linxian experience”), providing reference and guidance to cancer prevention and treatment research in China.

Objective To investigate the screening results and factors affecting abnormal detection rates among high-risk groups of esophageal cancer and to explore effective intervention measures. Methods We investigated and collected the information on gender, education level, age, marital status, symptoms of reflux esophagitis (heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccup, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing), consumption of pickled vegetables, salt use, and esophageal cancer incidence of villagers in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Changes in reflux esophagitis symptoms in the high-incidence area of esophageal cancer before and after 16 years were observed, and the relationship of such changes with esophageal cancer was analyzed. Results In 2008, 711 cases were epidemiologically investigated, including 213 cases with one of the symptoms of reflux esophagitis such as heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccups, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing (sorted in accordance with the abovementioned symptoms; if there are multiple symptoms, then the former is taken); 55 cases with at least two related symptoms, among which the most symptom was heartburn in 108 cases (15.1%); followed by acid reflux, belching, etc. In 2024, the same group of people was investigated, and eight people were missing because of relocation. A total of 703 people were successfully investigated, of which 189 cases (26.8%) had one of the symptoms of reflux esophagitis, such as heartburn (sorted in accordance with relevant symptoms, if there are multiple symptoms, then the former will be selected); 167 cases (23.7%) had at least two related symptoms, among which the most symptom was heartburn in 139 cases (19.7%); followed by acid reflux. Over 16 years, among the 703 people investigated, 45 cases had esophageal cancer and they had one or more of the abovementioned symptoms. No significant differences in the reflux esophagitis-like symptoms were found between 2008 and 2024 (P=0.26); no significant differences in the composition of reflux esophagitis-like symptoms were found between 2008 and 2024 (P=0.299). Conclusion The detection rate of reflux esophagitis-related symptoms in the population in a high-risk area of esophageal cancer has not decreased in the past 16 years, and the high-risk factors still exist. Esophageal cancer is closely related to reflux esophagitis, and clinical practice can provide early diagnosis and treatment for high-risk population.

Objective To investigate the relationship between tooth loss and the occurrence of esophageal cancer in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted to observe the occurrence of tooth loss and esophageal cancer among the asymptomatic residents of the natural village for 16 years from January 2008 to July 2024. Data were analyzed by chi-square test, binary logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline. Results Among the total population of 711 cases, 136 cases were lost to follow-up and 575 cases were included in the final statistics, including 45 cases with esophageal cancer. Significant statistical difference was found between esophageal cancer patients with and without tooth loss (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that tooth loss was associated with the occurrence of esophageal cancer (OR=3.977, 95%CI: 1.543-10.255). After the adjustment for confounders, tooth loss remained significantly associated with the occurrence of esophageal cancer (OR=3.038, 95%CI: 1.035-8.914). A nonlinear dose-response relationship was observed between the number of teeth lost and the incidence of esophageal cancer. When the number of teeth lost was less than 12, the risk of esophageal cancer increased with the number of teeth lost. When more than 12 teeth were lost, the risk of esophageal cancer decreased as the number of teeth lost increased. Conclusion Tooth loss is a risk factor for the occurrence of esophageal cancer in this natural village. When the number of teeth lost is less than 12, the risk of esophageal cancer increases with the number of teeth lost.

Objective To understand the disease spectrum of a natural village in an area with high incidence of esophageal cancer to provide a reference for precise prevention and control. Methods From 2008 to 2024, 711 asymptomatic people over the age of 35 years in a natural village with high incidence of esophageal cancer in China were surveyed, and 171 of them were subjected to gastroscopy, biopsy, and pathological examination. All participants were followed up for a long time, and their disease history was recorded. Results A total of 16 years of follow-up were performed, and 703 people were effectively followed up. In 2008, 171 people underwent gastroscopy, and 160 people had biopsy and pathological results in endoscopic screening. By 2024, 76 people had been diagnosed with malignant tumors of 12 different types, and among these people, 45 had esophageal cancer. Conclusion Esophageal cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality from malignant tumors in this region. Biopsy and pathological examination should be strengthened during gastroscopy, and follow-ups and regular check-ups should be given high importance to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer.

This paper reports a case of a patient with sleep-related painful erections treated by acupuncture combined with abdominal vibration therapy. The main symptom was repeated painful penile erections during nighttime sleep. The syndrome was differentiated as "water failing to nourish wood" and "liver qi stagnation". Acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Guanyuan (CV4), and bilateral Neiguan (PC6), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3), Taixi (KI3), Guilai (ST29), Yongquan (KI1), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Sanyinjiao (SP6). The treatment was combined with abdominal vibration therapy. Treatment was given once daily, five times per week. After the first treatment, the severity and duration of nocturnal erection pain were reduced, and sleep quality was improved. After two weeks of treatment, nocturnal erection pain persisted but became tolerable, with significantly shortened duration.
Humans ; Male ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology* ; Penile Erection ; Sleep

Eucommiae Cortex, the dried bark of Eucommia ulmoides( Eucommiaceae), has both medicinal and edible values.Modern research has shown that Eucommiae Cortex contains various components such as flavonoids, lignans, iridoids, phenolic acids,terpenoids, and steroids, which have anti-osteoporosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood glucose-lowering, and gastrointestinal tract-protecting effects. Eucommiae Cortex has applications in multiple fields such as healthcare, industry, and animal husbandry,demonstrating broad development prospects. This article reviews the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and quality control status of Eucommiae Cortex. Furthermore, according to the concept of quality marker(Q-marker), this article predicts the Q-markers of Eucommiae Cortex from traditional medicinal properties, traditional medicinal effects, new medicinal effects, measurability of chemical components, compatibility, harvesting periods, and geographical origins. The components such as pinoresinol diglucoside,chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, baicalein, baicalin, olivil, coniferyl ferulate, and kaempferol can be used as Q-markers for Eucommiae Cortex, which provide reference for establishing a systematic quality control system for Eucommiae Cortex.
Eucommiaceae/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Quality Control ; Humans ; Animals

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of ^99mTc-MDP three-phase bone scintigraphy (TPBS) combined with C-reactive protein (CRP) for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). METHODS: The clinical data of 198 patients who underwent revision surgery of artificial joint between January 2017 and January 2024 and received TPBS examination before surgery were retrospectively analyzed. There were 77 males and 121 females with an average age of 63.74 years ranging from 24 to 92 years. There were 90 cases of hip arthroplasty and 108 cases of knee arthroplasty. PJI was diagnosed according to the 2013 American Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) standard diagnostic criteria. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predict value (PPV) were calculated. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the diagnostic performance of the three methods, and the area under curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance. RESULTS: According to the 2013 MSIS criteria, 116 cases were diagnosed as PJI, and the remaining 82 cases were aseptic loosening. The cases of PJI diagnosed by TPBS, CRP, and TPBS-CRP were 125, 109, and 137 respectively, and the cases of aseptic loosening were 73, 89, and 61 respectively. The sensitivity, accuracy, NPV, and PPV of TPBS-CRP combination in the diagnosis of PJI were higher than those of TPBS and CRP, but the specificity was lower than that of TPBS and CRP. ROC curve analysis further showed that the AUC value of TPBS-CRP combination was better than that of TPBS and CRP. The severity of bone defect and the duration of symptoms in patients with false positive TPBS diagnosis were worse than those in patients with true negative TPBS diagnosis (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the survival time of prosthesis between the two groups (P>0.05). Among the patients diagnosed with PJI by TPBS, CRP, and TPBS-CRP, 49, 35, and 54 patients had received antibiotic treatment 2 weeks before diagnosis, respectively. There was no significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy of TPBS and TPBS-CRP before diagnosis between patients treated with and without antibiotics and those not treated (P>0.05). The diagnostic accuracy of antibiotic therapy before CRP diagnosis was significantly lower than that of untreated patients (P<0.05). CONCLUSION TPBS and CRP have limited specificity in differentiating PJI from aseptic loosening. The TPBS-CRP combination diagnostic method can synergize the local bone metabolic characteristics and systemic inflammatory response to achieve higher diagnostic accuracy, but caution should be exercised in patients with severe bone defects and longer symptom duration.
Humans ; Prosthesis-Related Infections/blood* ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Radionuclide Imaging/methods* ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/adverse effects* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Technetium Tc 99m Medronate ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/adverse effects* ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Knee Prosthesis/adverse effects* ; ROC Curve ; Reoperation ; Radiopharmaceuticals ; Young Adult

AIM:To investigate the regulatory effect of oxidative stress-AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)-connexin 43(Cx43)-nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)pathway on extracellular matrix(ECM)remodeling of gastric smooth muscle cells under high glucose(HG)condition.METHODS:Primary rat smooth muscle cells cultured in vitro were divided into normal glucose group,HG group,HG+NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950(15 nmol/L)group,HG+Cx43 hemichannel blocker GAP19(100 μmol/L)group,HG+AMPK inhibitor Compound C(CC;10 μmol/L)group,and high glucose+antioxidant α-lipoic acid(α-LA;100 μmol/L)group,which were all cultured for 48 h for detection.The protein levels of caspase-1,matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2),NLRP3,Cx43,transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),TGF-β3,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1),purinergic P2X7 receptor(P2X7R)and phosphorylated AMPK(p-AMPK)in the cells were detected by Western blot.The levels of adenosine tri-phosphate,interleukin-1β,collagen type Ⅰ(Col I)and collagen type Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ)in the cell culture medium were deter-mined by ELISA.RESULTS:Compared with HG group,the levels of MMP-2 and TGF-β3 in HG+MCC950 group were decreased(P<0.01),while the levels of TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 were increased(P<0.01).The levels of NLRP3 and cas-pase-1 in HG+GAP19 group were decreased(P<0.01),while the expression of P2X7R was not changed.The levels of NLRP3,caspase-1,P2X7R,total Cx43 and membrane Cx43,and the ratio of membrane Cx43 to cytoplasmic Cx43 were decreased in HG+CC group(P<0.01).The levels of p-AMPK,caspase-1,NLRP3,P2X7R,total Cx43 and membrane Cx43,and the ratio of membrane Cx43 to cytoplasmic Cx43 were decreased in HG+α-LA group(P<0.05).CONCLU-SION:High glucose regulates the content of Col I and Col Ⅲ through the oxidative stress-AMPK-Cx43-NLRP3 pathway,thereby participating in the extracellular matrix remodeling of gastric smooth muscle cells.

Objective To evaluate the long-term efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)with bare stents and Fluency covered stents in the treatment of portal hypertension,and to discuss its clinical value.Methods The clinical data of 29 patients with intractable ascites or esophagogastric fundus varices rupture and hemorrhage caused by cirrhotic portal hypertension,who received TIPS with bare stents and covered stents at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University of China(25 patients)and the Lishui Municipal Central Hospital of China(4 patients)between August 2012 and December 2017,were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were regularly followed up to check the survival status.The postoperative cumulative shunt patency rate and cumulative survival rate of the patients were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method.Results The technical success rate of TIPS was 100％.The mean portal vein pressure was decreased from preoperative(40.21±3.24)cmH2O to postoperative(24.55±3.55)cmH2O(P＜0.05).The patients were followed up for 5.1-10.5 years.The postoperative 1-,3-,5-,7-year primary cumulative patency rates of the shunt were 89.7％,75.9％,75.9％ and 52.5％,respectively.The postoperative 5-,7-,9-and 10-year cumulative survival rates were 100％,66.9％,66.9％ and 33.4％,respectively.The incidence of hepatic encephalopathy was 13.8％(4/29).Conclusion Using bare stents combined with Fluency covered stents for TIPS is clinically safe and effective in the treatment of portal hypertension.This technique carries higher long-term shunt patency rate and low incidence of hepatic encephalopathy.Therefore,it can be used as a substitute for Viatorr stent when necessary.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:295-299)

Objective Polymorphic microsatellite markers developed for Apodemus peninsulae can enrich its genetic data and lay a foundation for genetic quality control and gene mapping.Methods Microsatellite loci were screened based on the genome sequence of Apodemus peninsulae,and microsatellite primers were identified.The genetic diversity of the population was analyzed by multiplex PCR.Results Thirty microsatellite markers were successfully developed and evaluated using 60 samples of Apodemus peninsulae.A total of 152 alleles were detected,with an average of 5.067 alleles per locus.The average observed heterozygosity was 0.592.The average Shannon index was 1.265.The average polymorphism information content was 0.598.Conclusions Based on the microsatellite loci developed in this study,the genetic diversity of Apodemus peninsulae can be effectively analyzed,laying a foundation for establishing genetic quality standards and detection method.