Background/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues. Results: We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts. Conclusion Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.

Objective To construct prostate cancer(PCa)prediction models based on machine learning algorithms, so as to improve the accuracy of early diagnosis of PCa. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 504 patients who underwent prostate biopsy at our hospital during Jan. 2020 and Nov. 2024. Patients' age, body mass index(BMI), history of hypertension, diabetes and smoking, total prostate-specific antigen(tPSA), free prostate-specific antigen(fPSA), f/tPSA, prostate volume(PV), neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System(PI-RADS)score, digital rectal examination(DRE)results, and pathological findings were collected. The patients were divided into the training and testing sets at a ratio of 7:3. Ten early diagnosis prediction models of PCa were constructed using 10 supervised machine learning algorithms. Model performance was evaluated and validated using metrics including area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis(DCA). SHAP analysis was used to interpret the models, and to clarify the importance of each feature and the basis for model decisions. Results All models showed good predictive value, with the gradient boosting machine(GBM)model performing the best(AUC=0.905, accuracy=84.1%, sensitivity=90.2%, specificity=80.0%). Calibration curves indicated good calibration and fitting of the GBM model, while DCA demonstrated favorable clinical net benefits. SHAP analysis identified the most significant features affecting PCa occurrence in descending order:tPSA, f/tPSA, PIRADS score, PV, age, and DRE. Conclusion The GBM model exhibits the optimal performance among the 10 models. The importance of features for predicting the occurrence of PCa, from the highest to the lowest, is as follows:tPSA, f/tPSA, PIRADS score, PV, age, and DRE.

Paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury is a serious neurological complication, for which surgery is currently the main treatment method. Due to different surgical approaches, patients are usually expected to maintain a passive prone position for a long time or switch between the supine and prone positions. Affected by multiple factors such as neurogenic sensory disorders, pathological changes in muscle tone and operative duration, the risk of intraoperative acquired pressure injury (IAPI) is significantly increased. Current clinical prevention strategies for IAPI in these patients predominantly focus on localized pressure relief during positioning, lacking systematic, standardized comprehensive prevention protocols or evidence-based guidelines. To address it, Department of Nursing, Orthopedics Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, Spinal Trauma Professional Committee, Orthopedics Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Nursing Group of Spine and Spinal Cord Professional Committee of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine organized experts in relevant fields to formulate Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medical evidence and latest research results and clinical practice at home and abroad. Eleven recommendations were put forward from the aspects of preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative prevention strategies, postoperative handover and monitoring, and supportive mechanisms for IAPI prevention, aiming to standardize the prevention measures and management strategies of IAPI in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury and accelerate the recovery of patients and improve the therapeutic effect.

For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of intelligent temperature-pressure-controlled flexible ureteroscopy combined with negative-pressure suction sheath lithotripsy in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones ≤2.5 cm. Methods: The clinical data of 225 patients with ≤2.5 cm upper urinary tract stones treated with this surgical method in our department during Aug. 2023 and Jul. 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the dual-control group (n=36) and conventional group (n=189) according to whether or not the intelligent temperature and pressure control device was used during operation. In the dual-control group，the intraoperative temperature and pressure in the renal pelvis were monitored and controlled in real time by the temperature and pressure sensors distributed at the end of the ureteral soft lens. The perioperative parameters，stone-removal rate，complication rate and renal function were compared between the two groups. Results: All operations were successfully completed in both groups. The postoperative procalcitonin (PCT) level [(22.75±5.85) ng/L vs. (29.08±6.60) ng/L，P=0.001]，difference in the white blood cell (WBC) level [(0.24±2.12)×10 cells/L vs. (1.19±2.17)×10 cells/L，P=0.016]，incidence of fever (2.8% vs. 16.9%，P=0.028) and overall complication rate (5.6% vs. 19.6%，P=0.042) were significantly lower in the dual-control group than in the conventional group，while the stone-clearance rate was slightly higher (88.9% vs. 82.5%，P=0.346)，with no significant difference. Conclusion: For upper urinary tract stones ≤2.5 cm，intelligent temperature-pressure-controlled ureteroscopy combined with negative-pressure suction sheath lithotripsy has a satisfactory stone-removal rate and a low rate of complications，which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective To explore the influencing factors of liver fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)complicated with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),and to find clinically convenient predictive parameters for assessing liver fibrosis risk.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 221 cases of MAFLD with CHB diagnosed and treated at the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University between January 2015 and August 2022.Patients were divided into low-risk(FIB-4<1.30,n=84),medium-risk(1.30≤FIB-4≤2.67,n=94)and high-risk(FIB-4>2.67,n=43)liver fibrosis groups based on the Fibrosis-4(FIB-4)index.General clinical data,laboratory indicators and composite indicators were compared among the three groups.Variables were screened using forward stepwise regression,and binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of liver fibrosis.A prediction model was constructed and evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Results Age,AST and Triglyceride-glucose index(TyG)were independent risk factors for liver fibrosis in patients with MAFLD combined with CHB,while platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)was an independent protective factor(all P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)for age,AST,TyG,PLR,age-AST and AST-TyG in predicting liver fibrosis were 0.668,0.764,0.680,0.738,0.856 and 0.805,respectively.At the optimal cut-off values,the sensitivities were 86.0%,67.4%,93.0%,62.8%,86.0%and 79.1%,and the specificities were 43.3%,82.0%,51.7%,86.0%,71.3%and 70.2%.Conclusion Age,AST,TyG and PLR are influencing factors of liver fibrosis in MAFLD combined with CHB patients.The parameters established based on these factors may predict the risk of liver fibrosis,and combined prediction can improve predictive efficacy.

BACKGROUND:Facet joint osteoarthritis is acknowledged as a significant contributor to lower back pain in the geriatric population.The advent of an innovative spinal facet joint fusion device presents a therapeutic option for intervening during the initial stages of facet joint osteoarthritis,and significantly reduces the incidence of a series of complications caused by poor early conservative treatment and late surgical treatment.However,its effect on the biomechanics of the lumbar spine is unknown.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical disparities between the novel lumbar zygapophyseal joint fusion device and traditional fusion devices.METHODS:A comprehensive three-dimensional finite element model of the L3-S1 lumbar spine was established and validated.Based on this intact model,three groups of surgical models were constructed:a bilateral pedicle screw fixation model,a bilateral novel facet joint fusion fixation model,and a bilateral facet screw fixation model,with the surgical segment designated as L4-5.Under a load of 500 N,a torque of 7.5 Nm was applied to all lumbar models to calculate the range of motion,displacement values,and intervertebral disc stress values at the L4-5 segment;stress values at the L3-4 and L5-S1 segments were also measured.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the intact model,the range of motion at the L4-5 segment was reduced in all surgical models.(2)The novel device exhibited the smallest range of motion at the L4-5 segment under left and right rotational conditions;the greatest range of motion at the L4-5 segment under extension conditions;and a greater range of motion under other conditions than the bilateral pedicle screw fixation model.(3)The novel device demonstrated the smallest displacement values at the L4-5 segment under left and right rotational conditions;under other conditions,the displacement values at the L4-5 segment were greater than those in the bilateral pedicle screw fixation model.(4)In terms of stress distribution at the L4-5 segment,the novel device consistently exhibited the smallest values across all conditions.(5)For the L3-4 segment,the novel device showed the greatest stress values under extension and left and right rotational conditions,while under other conditions,the values were lower than those in the bilateral pedicle screw fixation model.(6)Compared with pedicle screw fixation,the novel device produced smaller stress values at the L5-S1 segment.(7)This study indicates that,compared with pedicle screw fixation,the novel device impacts the biomechanics of the lumbar spine by fusing the facet joints.It provides stability while preserving the range of motion at the surgical segment and reduces stress on the intervertebral discs of the surgical and adjacent segments,thereby potentially delaying disc degeneration.This suggests that the novel device can achieve biomechanical effects similar to those of pedicle screw fixation in theory.

BACKGROUND:Facet joint osteoarthritis is acknowledged as a significant contributor to lower back pain in the geriatric population.The advent of an innovative spinal facet joint fusion device presents a therapeutic option for intervening during the initial stages of facet joint osteoarthritis,and significantly reduces the incidence of a series of complications caused by poor early conservative treatment and late surgical treatment.However,its effect on the biomechanics of the lumbar spine is unknown.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical disparities between the novel lumbar zygapophyseal joint fusion device and traditional fusion devices.METHODS:A comprehensive three-dimensional finite element model of the L3-S1 lumbar spine was established and validated.Based on this intact model,three groups of surgical models were constructed:a bilateral pedicle screw fixation model,a bilateral novel facet joint fusion fixation model,and a bilateral facet screw fixation model,with the surgical segment designated as L4-5.Under a load of 500 N,a torque of 7.5 Nm was applied to all lumbar models to calculate the range of motion,displacement values,and intervertebral disc stress values at the L4-5 segment;stress values at the L3-4 and L5-S1 segments were also measured.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the intact model,the range of motion at the L4-5 segment was reduced in all surgical models.(2)The novel device exhibited the smallest range of motion at the L4-5 segment under left and right rotational conditions;the greatest range of motion at the L4-5 segment under extension conditions;and a greater range of motion under other conditions than the bilateral pedicle screw fixation model.(3)The novel device demonstrated the smallest displacement values at the L4-5 segment under left and right rotational conditions;under other conditions,the displacement values at the L4-5 segment were greater than those in the bilateral pedicle screw fixation model.(4)In terms of stress distribution at the L4-5 segment,the novel device consistently exhibited the smallest values across all conditions.(5)For the L3-4 segment,the novel device showed the greatest stress values under extension and left and right rotational conditions,while under other conditions,the values were lower than those in the bilateral pedicle screw fixation model.(6)Compared with pedicle screw fixation,the novel device produced smaller stress values at the L5-S1 segment.(7)This study indicates that,compared with pedicle screw fixation,the novel device impacts the biomechanics of the lumbar spine by fusing the facet joints.It provides stability while preserving the range of motion at the surgical segment and reduces stress on the intervertebral discs of the surgical and adjacent segments,thereby potentially delaying disc degeneration.This suggests that the novel device can achieve biomechanical effects similar to those of pedicle screw fixation in theory.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have demonstrated that acupuncture at the governor meridian has precise efficacy in the treatment of ischemic stroke and can improve cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by attenuating pyroptosis,but the upstream regulatory mechanisms are not yet fully clarified.OBJECTIVE:To observe the neuroprotective effect of electroacupuncture in model rats of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.METHODS:Twenty-seven Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham surgery,model,and electroacupuncture groups,with nine rats in each group.Modified suture method was used to establish cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model rats in the model and electroacupuncture groups.The electroacupuncture group was subjected to electroacupuncture at"Baihui,""Fengfu,"and"Dazhui"acupoints,20 minutes each,once a day,for 7 consecutive days.After treatment,neurological deficit scoring and pole test were performed to assess behavioral changes.Tri-phenyl tetrazolium chloride staining was used to assess cerebral infarction size in rats.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe morphological changes in cerebral cortex tissue on the infarcted side of rats.Immunofluorescence analysis was used to determine Iba-1 and reactive oxygen species levels in cerebral cortex tissue on the infarcted side of rats,ELISA method was used for measuring interleukin-1β,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α levels in cerebral cortex tissue on the infarcted side of rats.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot were used to detect mRNA and protein expression levels of thioredoxin interaction protein,nod-like receptor associated protein 3(NLRP3),Caspase-1 and interleukin-1β in cerebral cortex tissue on the infarcted side of rats respectively,and the interaction between thioredoxin interaction protein and NLRP3 was analyzed by immunoprecipitation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the sham surgery group,rats in the model group showed an increase in neurological deficit score,pole test score,cerebral infarction volume(P<0.05),the immunofluorescence expression of Iba-1 and reactive oxygen species(P<0.05),the levels of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α(P<0.05),and the mRNA and protein expression of thioredoxin interaction protein,NLRP3,Caspase-1 and interleukin-1β in cerebral cortex tissue(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin staining in the model group showed neuronal degeneration and necrosis,with fragmented and dissolved nuclei and cellular vacuoles.(2)Compared with the model group,rats in the electroacupuncture group showed a reduction in neurological deficit score,pole climbing test score,cerebral infarction volume(P<0.05),the immunofluorescence expression of Iba-1 and reactive oxygen species(P<0.05),the levels of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α(P<0.05),and the mRNA and protein expression of thioredoxin interaction protein,NLRP3,Caspase-1 and interleukin-1β in cerebral cortex tissue(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the pathological damage of neurons in cerebral cortex tissue on the infarcted side of rats in the electroacupuncture group was significantly attenuated,with significantly reduced cell necrosis and vacuolation.(3)Immunoprecipitation assay showed an interaction between thioredoxin interaction proteins and NLRP3 in the cerebral cortical tissues on the infarcted side of rats in the model group.To conclude,electroacupuncture has a significant therapeutic effect against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury,possibly by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species/thioredoxin interaction protein/NLRP3 cell pyroptosis signaling pathway and activation of microglia to reduce the release of inflammatory factors.

To explore the diagnostic value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) combined with modified biopsy forceps for suspected malignant biliary obstruction, 72 patients with suspected malignant biliary obstruction who underwent ERCP using modified biopsy forceps from January 2017 to April 2023 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine were selected as the modified group, while 61 contemporaneous patients who underwent ERCP with traditional biopsy forceps were selected as the control group at the same time. The stenosis site was identified during the operation, and the effective pathological tissue was obtained by biopsy. Benign or malignant tumor was determined according to the medical history and clinical follow-up data. The sensitivity and specificity of the two groups were compared. The success rate of biopsy was 100.00% in the two groups. All patients had no serious complications and were diagnosed histologically. Sixty-seven cases were finally diagnosed as malignant and 5 cases were benign in the modified group. In the control group, 58 cases were malignant and 3 cases were benign. The sensitivity for diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture was 79.10% (54/67) in the modified group, and 60.34% (35/58) in the control group, with significant difference ( χ2=6.218, P= 0.013). The specificity of the two methods for the diagnosis of malignant stenosis was 100.00%. Therefore, it is safe and effective to apply ERCP combined with the modified biopsy forceps in the diagnosis of extrahepatic malignant bile duct stenosis.