BACKGROUND:The plantarflexor weakness is a common muscle defect in patients with spastic cerebral palsy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth,which clinically manifests abnormal gaits,and the relationship between plantarflexor weakness and abnormal gaits is unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the biomechanical behavior of the lower limb under the action of a single factor of plantarflexor weakness to reveal the mechanism of abnormal gait induced by plantarflexor weakness and to provide guidance for the rehabilitation training of patients with plantarflexor weakness. METHODS:A predictive framework of musculoskeletal multibody dynamics in the sagittal plane was established based on OpenSim Moco to predict lower limb joint angles and muscle activation changes during walking in normal subjects.The validity of the framework was verified by combining the inverse kinematics and electromyogram activation time of the experimental data.Reduced isometric muscle forces were used to model plantarflexor weakness and to compare predicted lower extremity joint angles,joint moments,and muscle energy expenditure with normal subjects to analyze the effects of plantarflexor weakness on lower extremity biomechanics. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The Moco-based prediction framework realistically predicted the biomechanical changes of the lower limbs during walking in normal subjects(joint angles:normalized correlation coefficient≥0.73,root mean square error≤7.10°).(2)The musculoskeletal model used a small stride support phase to increase the"heel-walking"gait during plantarflexor weakness.When the plantarflexor weakness reached 80%,the muscle energy expenditure was 5.691 4 J/kg/m,and the maximum activation levels of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were 0.72 and 0.53,which might cause the plantarflexor weakness patients to be more prone to fatigue when walking.(3)Muscle energy expenditure was significantly higher when the weakness of plantarflexors exceeded 40%,and the joint angles and moments of the lower limbs deteriorated significantly when the weakness of plantarflexors exceeded 60%,suggesting that there may be a"threshold"for the effect of plantarflexor weakness on gait,which may correspond to the point at which health care professionals should intervene in the clinical setting.

Polygonati Rhizoma demonstrates significant potential for addressing both chronic and hidden hunger. The supply of high-quality seedlings is a primary factor influencing the development of the Polygonati Rhizoma industry. Warm water soaking is often used in agriculture to promote the rapid germination of seeds, while its application and molecular mechanism in Polygonati Rhizoma have not been reported. To rapidly obtain high-quality seedlings, this study treated Polygonatum kingianum var. grandifolium seeds with sand storage at low temperatures, warm water soaking, and cultivation temperature gradients. The results showed that the culture at 25 ℃ or sand storage at 4 ℃ for 2 months rapidly broke the seed dormancy of P. kingianum var. grandifolium, while the culture at 20 ℃ or sand storage at 4 ℃ for 1 month failed to break the seed dormancy. Soaking seeds in 60 ℃ warm water further increased the germination rate, germination potential, and germination index. Specifically, the seeds soaked at 60 ℃ and cultured at 25 ℃ without sand storage treatment(Aa25) achieved a germination rate of 78. 67%±1. 53% on day 42 and 83. 40%±4. 63% on day 77. The seeds pretreated with sand storage at 4 ℃ for 2 months, soaked in 60 ℃ water, and then cultured at 25 ℃ achieved a germination rate comparable to that of Aa25 on day 77. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that warm water soaking might promote germination by triggering reactive oxygen species( ROS), inducing the expression of heat shock factors( HSFs) and heat shock proteins( HSPs), which accelerated DNA replication, transcript maturation, translation, and processing, thereby facilitating the accumulation and turnover of genetic materials. According to the results of indoor controlled experiments and field practices, maintaining a germination and seedling cultivation environment at approximately 25 ℃ was crucial for the one-year seedling cultivation of P. kingianum var. grandifolium.
Germination ; Seedlings/genetics* ; Water/metabolism* ; Seeds/metabolism* ; Polygonatum/genetics* ; Temperature ; Plant Proteins/genetics* ; Plant Dormancy

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of a modified Devine procedure with a subcutaneous sliding fixation method for the treatment of congenital concealed penis, we retrospectively selected 45 patients with congenital concealed penises who were admitted to General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University (Yinchuan, China) between September 2020 and November 2023. In all cases, the penis was observed to be short, and retracting the skin at the base revealed a normal penile body, which immediately returned to its original position upon release. All patients underwent the modified Devine procedure with subcutaneous sliding fixation and completed a 12-week postoperative follow-up. A statistically significant increase in penile length was observed postoperatively, with the median length increasing from 4.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.5-4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.9-4.4) cm to 8.0 (IQR: 7.8-8.0; 95% CI: 7.7-7.9) cm, with P < 0.001. The parents were satisfied with the outcomes, including increased penile length, improved hygiene, and enhanced esthetics. Except for mild foreskin edema in all cases, no complications (such as infections, skin necrosis, or penile retraction) were observed. The edema was resolved within 4 weeks after the operation. This study demonstrates that the modified Devine procedure utilizing the subcutaneous sliding fixation method yields excellent outcomes with minimal postoperative complications, reduced penile retraction, and high satisfaction rates among patients and their families.
Humans ; Male ; Penis/abnormalities* ; Retrospective Studies ; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Child ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods*

3D printing technology, with a layer-by-layer construction method, enables the fabrication of intricately shaped and customizable bolus. In contrast to traditional preparation methods, 3D printing technology addresses challenges such as poor bolus fit and cumbersome production processes, offering a novel approach to efficient and personalized bolus fabrication. This article discusses the research progress of 3D printing technology in radiotherapy bolus from aspects such as the preparation process, clinical application, and research advancements, combined with the actual printing experience of Department of Radiation Oncology in Chongqing University Cancer Hospital.
Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Humans ; Radiotherapy/methods*

italic>Anoectochilus roxburghii liquid (spray, a hospital preparation of Wu Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University) has shown a good clinical treatment effect during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its material basis and mechanism of action are still unclear. In this study, network pharmacology and molecular docking methods were used to predict the molecular mechanism of A. roxburghii liquid against COVID-19, and pharmacodynamic experiments in vitro were conducted to study the interaction between the current targets with clear preventive and therapeutic effects and the key components of A. roxburghii liquid. UPLC-MS and database were used to compare and analyze the active ingredients in the liquid, and 17 potential active ingredients with good drug-like properties were screened by in vivo pharmacokinetics process in SwissADME database. SwissTargetPrediction and GeneCards were searched to find 93 common targets. Cytoscape 3.8.2 software was used to construct the "component-target" network map, and the Metascape platform was used for gene function annotation and pathway enrichment analysis. It was found that the extract could regulate the positive response to external stimuli, inflammatory response, cytokine production and other biological processes by binding the active ingredients such as isorhamnetin, kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin and apigenin to the common targets (NOS3, MPO, MMP3, etc.), and play an anti-COVID-19 role. In the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity inhibition assay, it was found that the stock solution of A. roxburghii liquid (for spray), and the supernatant after removing polysaccharides (mainly containing flavonoids) could to some extent inhibit the activity of ACE2. Crucially, in the experiment of 2019-nCOV-S pseudovirus infecting HEK-293T-ACE2 cells, we found that A. roxburghii liquid may exert anti-COVID-19 effects by blocking the binding of SARS-CoV-S protein to ACE2.

Objective To explore the effects of image registration using various regions of interest(ROI)on the setup error for nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)patients who were immobilized individually.Methods Forty-three NPC patients who required radiotherapy were enrolled.The patients were immobilized with customized plastic foam and thermoplastic mask,and CBCT verification was performed once a week.In CBCT images,ROI was divided into the whole ROI(ROIPTV)and 7 local ROI containing different cervical structures(ROIsphenoid sinus,ROIatlantoaxial,ROIneck3,ROIneck4,ROIneck5,ROIneck6,and ROIneck7),which were then used for registrations with localized CT image.The setup errors in superior-inferior(SI),left-right(LR),anterior-posterior(AP),Pitch,Roll,and Yaw directions were recorded.Results In SI direction,the setup errors within 0.3 cm accounted for 89.74%for ROIneck7,and more than 90%for the other ROI.The proportion of setup errors within 0.3 cm gradually increased with the neck upward in LR direction,and they were 76.78%,81.70%,85.26%,and above 90%for ROIneck7,ROIneck6,ROIneck5,and the other ROI,respectively.In AP direction,the proportions of setup errors within 0.3 cm were less than 90%,except for ROIatlantoaxial and ROIneck3.The setup errors of ROIsphenoid sinus,ROIatlantoaxial,ROIneck3,and ROIneck4 were significantly positively correlated with ROIPTV in SI direction,and the correlation coefficients(R)were 0.94,0.95,0.90,and 0.83,respectively.In LR direction,there were positive correlations between the setup errors of ROIatlantoaxial and ROIsphenoid sinus(R=0.95),ROIneck3 and ROIsphenoid sinus(R=0.91),ROIPTV and ROIneck3(R=0.91).The setup errors of ROIPTV in AP direction were positively correlated with ROIatlantoaxial vertebrae and ROIneck3(R=0.88,0.90).The margins of all ROIs ranged from 0.38 cm to 1.01 cm.The extension of ROIneck6 and ROIneck7 in AP direction exceeded 0.9 cm,and the extension of ROIneck7 reached 0.95 cm in SI direction.Conclusion ROIPTV and ROIsphenoid sinus,ROIatlantoaxial,ROIneck3 are significantly correlated in SI,LR,and AP directions.The setup error of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients gradually increases with the neck down.The nasopharyngeal and cervical regions need to be expanded in segments when patients are immobilized individually.

Objective To quantitatively assess the influence of various factors on the pharmacokinetic parameters of propofol and to develop a propofol population pharmacokinetic model tailored for Chinese patients.Methods Thirty patients scheduled for selective abdominal surgeries received an anesthesia dose of propofol at 2.0 mg·kg-1.The concentration of propofol in collected venous blood samples was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.Polymorphisms in metabolizing enzyme genes were detected through Sanger sequencing technology.Pharmacokinetic parameters were computed,and models were constructed and evaluated using Phoenix Winnonlin software.Results Through software analysis,the drug's in vivo process was best described by a three-compartment model.The population mean values for the central compartment clearance rate(CL),shallow peripheral compartment clearance rate(Q2),deep peripheral compartment clearance rate(Q3),central compartment volume of distribution(V),shallow peripheral compartment volume of distribution(V2),and deep peripheral compartment volume of distribution(V3)were 1.71 L·min-1,1.31 L·min-1,1.51 L·min-1,5.92 L,19.86 L and 99.06 L,respectively.Body weight was identified as a significant covariate affecting CL and V,and was incorporated into the model.Conclusion The evaluation of the final model demonstrates its substantial predictive capability,offering directional guidance for the clinical administration of propofol.

[Objective] To investigate the value of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (THR), monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), and neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHR) in predicting patients’ coronary artery stenosis severity and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). [Methods] A total of 6 281 patients who underwent coronary angiography at our hospital between June 2021 and June 2023 were retrospectively included in this study. These patients were divided into two groups: PCI group and non-PCI group. The clinical data, laboratory findings, and interventional treatment data of all patients were collected and analyzed. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to evaluate the correlation of THR, MHR and NHR with the degree of coronary artery stenosis. Binary Logistic stepwise regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were utilized to assess the influencing factors and predictive value of THR, MHR and NHR single and combined indexes for coronary artery disease patients undergoing PCI. [Results] The PCI group was observed to be older, with a higher proportion of males, individuals with diabetes mellitus, and those who had undergone THR, MHR, NHR, and a Gensini score than the non-PCI group. Conversely, the proportion of previous stent implantation was less than that of the non-PCI group (P<0.05). The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant and positive correlation of the Gensini score with THR (r=0.351, P<0.001), MHR (r=0.192, P<0.001), and NHR (r=0.236, P<0.001) levels, indicating that these variables had a significantly positive correlation with the degree of coronary artery stenosis. The results of multifactorial Logistic regression demonstrated that age >50 years, male sex, diabetes mellitus, THR, MHR, and NHR were independent risk factors for PCI in patients with coronary artery disease. Conversely, a history of previous stent implantation was identified as a protective factor for PCI in patients with coronary artery disease. Furthermore, the results of ROC curves indicated that the combined area under the curve (AUC) was the largest for THR, MHR, and NHR (AUC=0.809, 95%CI: 0.798-0.820). [Conclusion] THR, MHR and NHR correlate with the degree of coronary stenosis and have strong clinical applications in the assessment of coronary artery disease for PCI.

Objective To explore the value of transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)for surgical therapy of pediatric atrioventricular valve diseases.Methods Data of 273 children with atrioventricular valve diseases who underwent surgical operation under extracorporeal circulation were retrospectively analyzed.Transthoracic echocardiography(TTE)was performed within 1 week before,while TEE was performed before and after surgical operation.Whether TTE diagnosis should be adjusted were evaluated according to findings of TEE,so were the effects of surgical treatments,and the ultrasonic diagnostic coincidence rate before operation were compared taken surgical findings as standards.Results TEE was successfully completed in all 273 children.The diagnostic coincidence rate of preoperative TTE was 83.88％(229/273).After adjustment or supplement according to TEE in 44 cases(44/273,16.12％),the ultrasonic diagnostic coincidence rate reached 100％(273/273),higher than that of preoperative TTE alone(P＜0.001).Residual shunt was found in 5 cases,while no obvious improvement of valvular regurgitation was noticed in 3 cases with post operative TEE,and after corresponding treatments,re-examination of TEE showed satisfactory efficacy in all the above cases.Conclusion TEE could be used to accurately diagnose pediatric atrioventricular valve diseases before and evaluate the efficacy after surgical treatments,having important clinical application value.

Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of contrast agent extravasation in coronary CT angiography(CTA)examination,and to formulate intervention measures.Methods:A retrospective selection of data from 583 patients who underwent coronary CTA at Peking University People's Hospital from January to December 2023 was conducted.Logistic regression was used to analyze the patients'general information and injection protocols,and the risk factors of contrast agent extravasation were determined.Results:Among the 583 patients included,11 patients had contrast agent extravasation during CTA examination,with an extravasation rate of 1.887%.The contrast agent was all extravasated into the subcutaneous tissue,and the CT value did not reach the trigger criteria.Gender,education level,diabetes mellitus,history of intravenous chemotherapy,age,weight,body mass index(BMI),injection rate and injection dose were all associated with the occurrence of contrast agent extravasation,the difference was statistically significant(x2=18.911,7.563,16.567,4.279,t=3.576,3.244,1.865,4.297,6.532,P<0.05).Age,education level,history of intravenous chemotherapy,diabetes mellitus,injection rate and injection dose were risk factors for contrast agent extravasation in coronary CTA(OR=1.008,1.372,1.029,5.092,0.975,1.421,P<0.05).Conclusion:Factors such as low education level,advanced age,history of intravenous chemotherapy,high injection rate and large injection dose can increase the risk of contrast agent extravasation in coronary CTA examination.Radiology staff should closely monitor high-risk patients,strengthen monitoring of intravenous injection of contrast agents for coronary CTA examination,and reduce the occurrence of contrast agent extravasation.