Esophagogastric variceal bleeding is a common complication and the leading cause of death in advanced liver cirrhosis， and endoscopic variceal ligation （EVL） and endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection （ECI） are commonly used treatment strategies. Thrombocytopenia is one of the most common hematological complications in liver cirrhosis， and patients with severe thrombocytopenia have the potential risk of bleeding， which may affect treatment decision-making by clinicians and endoscopists. This article reviews the evolution of guidelines and clinical research advances regarding EVL/ECI in China and globally， in order to provide a basis for decision making among clinicians.

Objective To quantitatively assess the association of short-term exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with residents mortality. Methods A time-stratified case-crossover study was conducted from 2020 to 2022 among 10606 non-accidental residents by using the Guangzhou Cause of Death Surveillance System in Conghua District, Guangzhou. Exposure levels of PAHs in PM_2.5 and meteorological data during the study period were obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Conghua District and the China Meteorological Administration Land Data Assimilation System (CLDAS-V2.0), respectively. Conditional Poisson regression model was used to estimate the exposure-response association between PAHs and the mortality risk. Results Fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene were significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality. For every one interquartile range increase in exposure levels, the non-accidental mortality risks increased by 8.33% (95% CI: 1.80%, 15.27%), 4.67% (95% CI: 1.86%, 7.57%), 6.07% (95% CI: 2.08%, 10.21%), 4.62% (95% CI: 1.85%, 7.47%), and 4.70% (95% CI: 0.53%, 9.03%), respectively. The estimated non accidental deaths attributable to exposure to fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[k]fluorine, benzo[a]pyrene and indine[1,2,3-cd]pyrene were 5.91%, 6.08%, 6.51%, 6.46%, and 4.21%, respectively. Conclusions Short-term exposure to PAHs in PM_2.5, including fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene and indine[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality among residents.

Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation（CI） serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system（Favorable, Marginal, Poor）. The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss（such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1） and syndromic hereditary hearing loss（such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome）, which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation ; Prognosis ; Hearing Loss/surgery* ; Consensus ; Connexin 26 ; Mutation ; Sulfate Transporters ; Connexins/genetics*

Background Exposure to air pollutants increases the risk of diseases in multiple systems, including respiratory and cardiovascular systems, yet its association with neurological diseases remains unclear. Objective To quantitatively evaluate the association between short-term exposure to air pollutants and outpatient and emergency visits for neurological diseases, identify potential susceptible populations, and quantify associated disease burden. Methods Daily 24-hour average concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO), daily maximum 8-hour average concentration of ozone (O₃), daily meteorological data (24-hour average temperature, 24-hour average relative humidity), and data on daily outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases from two hospitals in Conghua District, Guangzhou, China, were collected from 2015 to 2022. A time-stratified case-crossover design was adopted, and a conditional Poisson regression model was constructed to analyze the association between air pollution exposure and neurological disease visits. Two-pollutant models and sensitivity analysis were used to validate model stability. Stratified analyses by season (cold season: from November to March; warm season: from April to October), sex (male, female), and age (≤45 years, 46–60 years, ≥61 years) were performed to identify vulnerable group. Additionally, the number and proportion of neurological disease visits attributable to short-term air pollutant exposure were calculated. Results A total of 72 673 outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases were included during the study period. Most of the patients were middle-aged and elderly individuals (69.89% were over 45 years old) and females (60.25%). The results of single-pollutant models showed that for each interquartile range (IQR) increase in exposure to PM_2.5, PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂, CO, and O₃, the risk of outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases increased by 7.54% (95%CI: 4.69%, 10.46%), 6.66% (95%CI: 3.92%, 9.46%), 16.72% (95%CI: 10.58%, 23.19%), 8.12% (95%CI: 4.82%, 11.53%), 5.60% (95%CI: 2.34%, 8.97%), and 6.11% (95%CI: 2.91%, 9.40%), respectively. The results of the two-pollutant model showed that the association between PM_2.5 and SO₂ exposure and outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases were relatively stable. The stratified analyses showed that the effect of SO₂ was stronger in the cold season. It was estimated that 8.32% (95%CI: 5.55%, 10.96%) and 6.65% (95%CI: 4.27%, 8.96%) of the outpatient and emergency department visits were attributable to short-term exposure to SO₂ and PM_2.5, respectively. Conclusion Exposure to PM_2.5 and SO₂ is associated with increased risks of outpatient and emergency visits for neurological diseases. SO₂ shows stronger effects during the cold season, and exposure to air pollution contributes to up to 8.32% of neurological disease visits.

Objective To establish a method for determining hydrogen sulfide(H2S)in blood and apply it to practical cases.Methods A delute solution was achieved by adding 0.8 mL saturated borax solution into 0.2 mL blood sample was diluted with.1 mL acetonitrile solution containing 0.1％formic acid was then taken in a test tube,followed by adding 0.1 mL dilute solution and 0.1 mL thiozine aqueous solution(1％).After thorough mixing,the mixture was left to stand for 30 minutes.Subsequently,the sample was subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)analysis after centrifugation and membrane filtration.Results The results showed that H2S exhibited good linearity within the concentration range of 10～2 000 ng/mL,with the R2 value of 0.998 5.The detection limit was 5 ng/mL,and the quantification limit was 10 ng/mL.In three cases of H2S poisoning,sulfur ions were detected in the blood of the deceased individuals,with concentrations ranging from 0.17 to 0.56 μg/mL.Conclusion For the first time,this study established a LC-MS/MS method for determining H2S in blood,which can meet the detection needs of H2S poisoning cases.

Objective:To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of adult carotid body tumors (CBTs) in Northwest China to provide references for early diagnosis and treatment of CBTs.Methods:A multicenter, retrospective, non-intervention epidemiological investigation was conducted on adult CBTs patients who were hospitalized from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2023 in 7 Class A tertiary hospitals in Northwest China (Departments of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Second Affiliated Hospital of Lanzhou University, People's Hospital of Gansu Province, 940 th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, People's Hospital of Qinghai Province, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region). Medical records were collected in these patients, and they were divided into 2 groups according to their average altitude residence: high altitude group (≥1 500 m) and low altitude group (<1 500 m); meanwhile, these patients were divided into Shamblin type I, type II and type III groups according to Shamblin classification criteria; differences in general data and clinical features among patients from different altitude groups or Shamblin subgroups were compared. Independent influencing factors for Shamblin type III CBTs were analyzed by multivariate ordered Logistic regression. Results:(1) A total of 359 patients were enrolled in the study, including 276 females and 83 males, aged (48.80±12.07) years; 211 patients were into the high altitude group and 148 into the low altitude group; 165 patients were into Shamblin type I group, 146 into Shamblin type II group, and 48 into Shamblin type III group. (2) Compared with those in the low altitude group, patients in the high altitude group had higher proportion of females, older age, lower proportion of Han nationality, higher proportion of Shamblin type I, smaller tumor volume, lower platelet count, higher red blood cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin level, platelet distribution width and mean platelet volume, and higher large platelet percentage, with significant differences ( P<0.05). (3) Compared with those in the Shamblin type I group, patients in the Shamblin type III group had younger age, lower resident altitude, larger tumor volume, longer time interval from onset to diagnosis, higher proportion of unintentional tumor discovery, larger volume of intraoperative blood loss, lower hemoglobin level, hematocrit, mean erythrocyte volume, and mean hemoglobin concentration, decreased erythrocyte distribution width variable coefficient, and increased platelet count, with significant differences ( P<0.05). Compared with those in the Shamblin type II group, patients in Shamblin type III group had younger age, larger tumor volume, longer time interval from onset to diagnosis, larger volume of intraoperative blood loss, lower hemoglobin, hematocrit and mean erythrocyte volume, higher erythrocyte distribution width variable coefficient and platelet count, with significant differences ( P<0.05). (4) Age ( OR=0.960, 95% CI: 0.942-0.977, P<0.001), residence altitude ( OR=0.992, 95% CI: 0.990-0.999, P=0.020) and time interval from onset to diagnosis ( OR=1.009, 95% CI: 1.005-1.014, P<0.001) were independent influencing factors for Shamblin type III CBTs. Conclusions:More females than males are noted in patients with adult CBTs in Northwest China, and more CBTs patients live at high altitude, with Shamblin type I enjoying the highest proportion. More female and old patients lived at high altitude is noted than those lived at low altitude; patients with Shamblin type III have the youngest age, lowest altitude, and longest time interval from onset to diagnosis. CBTs patients with young age, low residence altitude, and long time interval from onset to diagnosis are more likely to develop Shamblin type III.

Background The mental health problems of employees in administrative organs and public institutions are highly valued.However,there is a lack of understanding regarding the mental health status of employees in provincial and municipal administrative organs and public institutions in Qinghai region.Objective To analyze the anxiety and depression of employees in provincial and municipal administrative organs and public institutions in Qinghai region,so as to provide references for promoting their mental health and intervening in psychological problems.Methods From October 23 to 28,2022,a total of 3 096 employees in provincial and municipal administrative organs and public institutions in Qinghai region were enrolled using stratified cluster sampling technique,and were assessed using Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS).Results A total of 1797(58.04％)employees in municipal and above administrative organs and public institutions in Qinghai region completed a valid questionnaire survey.Depressive symptoms were noted in 579(32.22％).SDS scores yielded statistical difference among the selected employees of different ethnicities,types of job positions and educational levels(F=9.074,101.488,4.477,P<0.01),and the severity of depressive symptoms also demonstrated statistical difference among the selected employees with different ethnicities,educational levels and types of job positions(H=49.196,17.028,160.848,P<0.01).Anxiety symptoms were detected in 711(39.57％)employees.SAS scores exhibited statistical difference among the employees with different genders,ages,ethnicities,educational levels,marital status and types of job positions(t=-4.571,F=6.648,3.950,5.243,12.008,22.253,P<0.01).Statistical differences were also illustrated in the severity of anxiety symptoms among the selected employees with different ages,genders,ethnicities,educational levels,marital status and types of job positions(H=24.361,-3.788,28.365,24.268,25.976,56.204,P<0.01).Conclusion About one-third of employees in municipal and above administrative organs and public institutions in Qinghai region may have symptoms of depression and anxiety.The depression symptoms are more severe among Tibetan people,those with low education levels and ordinary civil servants.The anxiety symptoms are more severe among employees aged 30 and below,those with low education levels,unmarried and those in technical positions.

Objective:To explore the genetic etiology and clinical phenotype of Feingold syndrome due to chromosome 2p24.3p24.2 microdeletion.Methods:The clinical data of a child admitted to Henan Provincial People′s Hospital in November 2021 and diagnosed as Feingold syndrome type 1 (FGLDS1) associated with chromosome 2p24.3p24.2 microdeletion were collected. The clinical and genetic variation characteristics of the patient were summarized, and 10 patients with chromosome 2p microdeletion reported until November 2022 were reviewed.Results:The boy was 12 years and 5 months old. He presented with backward physical development, motor development retardation, low intelligence, special body and facial appearance, finger developmental deformity and other manifestations, accompanied by hyperactivity and aggressive behavior, impulsive irritability, self-injury and other behavior problems. The proband showed normal chromosome karyotype; the genome-wide copy number variant sequencing and trio-whole exome sequencing revealed a 2.61 Mb deletion at chromosome 2p24.3p24.2 region, and 10 genes including MYCN gene (exons 1 to 3) in the deleted region.The same deletion was not found in either of his parents. The genetic features of 11 cases (including this case) with chromosome 2p microdeletion were summarized, all of whom had insufficient haploid dosage of the MYCN gene due to chromosome 2p microdeletion, and the clinical manifestations of these 11 patients matched the clinical diagnosis of FGLDS1. Conclusion:The proband is consistent with the clinical presentation of the typical Feingold syndrome, and the haploinsufficiency of the MYCN gene due to the microdeletion of chromosome 2 is the genetic etiology of the proband.

Objective To study the effects of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Prescription(Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis,Gastrodiae Rhizoma,Pheretima,Puerariae Lobatae Radix,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,etc.)on learning and memory ability,hippocampal inflammatory response and autophagy-related protein expression in rats with hypertension complicated with depression(HD).Methods Thirty spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR)were randomly divided into model group,positive control group(Levamlodipine Besylate 0.45 mg·kg-1+Fluoxetine Hydrochloride 1.80 mg·kg-1)and Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Prescription high-,medium-and low-dose groups(25.38,12.69,6.34 g·kg-1).Another 6 SD rats were used as blank control group.The SHR rats were intervened by chronic mild unpredictable stress combined with solitary rearing to replicate the HD rat model.At the same time,intragastric administration was given once a day for 6 weeks.The systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure of rat tail artery were measured by non-invasive sphygmomanometer.The learning and memory ability of rats was detected by Morris water maze test.The ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was observed by transmission electron microscope.The contents of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-18 and IL-10 in hippocampus were detected by ELISA.The expression of autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and Bcl-2 in hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry.The expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3Ⅰ and LC3Ⅱ in hippocampus was detected by Western Blot.Results Compared with the blank control group,the SBP and DBP of the rats in the model group were significantly increased from week 1-6(P＜0.01).The escape latency was significantly prolonged on the third and fourth day(P＜0.01).The first time of crossing the platform was significantly prolonged(P＜0.01),the times of crossing the platform area was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),and the retention time of the platform area was significantly shortened(P＜0.01).The neuronal cell body was obviously swollen,the ridge was destroyed,the nucleus was shrunk,and a large number of autophagosomes appeared;the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in hippocampus were significantly increased(P＜0.01).The ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ protein expression and the expression of Beclin1 protein in hippocampus were significantly up-regulated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and the expression of Bcl-2 protein was significantly down-regulated(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the SBP of rats in the low-dose group of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Prescription was significantly decreased at the weeks 1,3,4,5,6(P＜0.01),and the DBP was significantly decreased at weeks 1,3,4,5(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The SBP of the rats in the medium-dose group of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Prescription was significantly decreased at weeks 1,5,6(P＜0.01),and the DBP was significantly decreased at week 4(P＜0.05).The SBP of rats in the high-dose group of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Prescription was significantly decreased in the first week(P＜0.01).The escape latency of rats in the high-and medium-dose groups of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Prescription was significantly shortened on the third day(P＜0.05),and the escape latency of rats in the high-and low-dose groups of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Prescription was significantly shortened on the fourth day(P＜0.05).The first crossing platform time of rats in the high-,medium-and low-dose groups of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Prescription was significantly shortened(P＜0.01).The times of rats crossing the platform area in the medium-and low-dose groups of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Prescription were significantly increased(P＜0.05),and the retention time in the platform area was significantly prolonged(P＜0.05).In the administration group,the degree of hippocampal neuron damage was reduced,the nuclear shrinkage was significantly improved,and the autophagosomes were reduced.The contents of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18 in the hippocampus of rats in the high-and medium-dose groups of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Prescription were significantly decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The content of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 in the hippocampus of rats in the high-dose group of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Prescription was significantly increased(P＜0.01).The protein expression ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ in hippocampus of high-,medium-and low-dose groups of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Prescription was significantly down-regulated(P＜0.01),and the expression of Bcl-2 protein was significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01).The expression of Beclin1 protein in the hippocampus of the high-and medium-dose groups of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Prescription was significantly down-regulated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Prescription can reduce the tail arterial pressure of HD rats,improve their learning and memory ability,and alleviate hippocampal neuronal damage.The mechanism may be related to reducing the release of inflammatory factors,increasing the level of anti-inflammatory factors,and regulating the expression of hippocampal autophagy-related proteins LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,Beclin1 and Bcl-2.

Objective To evaluate the application value of percutaneous angle positioning system based on augmented reality in improving the accuracy of liver puncture.Methods A canine liver with an embedded marking ring was used as the target for puncture.A skilled physician with over 5 years of experience in liver puncture and a novice physician with limited experience in liver puncture separately performed liver puncture using either the augmented reality-based percutaneous angle localization system(navigation)or CT-guided technique alone(non-navigation).The corresponding puncturing data of non-navigation skilled group(Group A),non-navigation non-skilled group(Group B),navigation skilled group(Group C),and navigation non-skilled group(Group D)were obtained.The differences in the evaluation indicators,including the number of CT scans,number of needle adjustment,time spent for operation,and distance of error,between Group A and Group B,between Group C and Group D,between Group A and Group C,and between Group B and Group D,were analyzed.Results Statistically significant differences in the number of CT scans,number of needle adjustment,time spent for operation,and distance of error existed between Group A and Group B,between Group A and Group C,and between Group B and Group D(all P＜0.0 5),while the differences in the number of CT scans,number of needle adjustment,time spent for operation,and distance of error between Group C and Group D were not statistically significant(all P＞0.05)Conclusion In performing liver puncture,the use of percutaneous angle localization system can reduce the number of CT scans,number of needle adjustment,time spent for operation and distance of error,and improve the puncture accuracy as well,which provides a basis for the clinical utilization of this system and the employment of this system-guided puncture technology in primary hospitals.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:507-511)