Objective To investigate the predictive value of the combined tumor burden score (TBS) and platelet-albumin-bilirubin (PALBI) score model for postoperative tumor recurrence in liver transplant recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The general information of 158 recipients diagnosed with HCC and underwent liver transplantation at the 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army from 2008 to 2021 was collected. Lasso regression analysis combined with multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to identify independent risk factors for postoperative tumor recurrence after liver transplantation with HCC. A nomogram prediction model was constructed based on variables selected by Lasso regression analysis, and the predictive performance of the model was verified by calibration curve and clinical decision curve. The optimal cut-off values for postoperative tumor recurrence in liver transplant recipients with HCC were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare survival differences among different groups. Results Among the 158 liver transplant recipients with HCC, 82 experienced tumor recurrence, with a recurrence rate of 51.9% and a median tumor-free survival time of 10 (4, 25) months. Results of Lasso regression analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥400 ng/mL, TBS and PALBI score were all independent risk factors for postoperative tumor recurrence in liver transplant recipients with HCC (all P<0.05). The combined high TBS-high PALBI score showed the highest predictive value (hazard ratio 6.909, 95% confidence interval 3.067-15.563, P<0.001). A nomogram prediction model was constructed based on six variables selected by Lasso regression analysis. Calibration curve showed good consistency between the model's predicted results and the ideal curve. Decision curve analysis indicated that the nomogram prediction model provided the highest clinical benefit for predicting 1-year tumor-free survival after liver transplantation with HCC. Time-dependent ROC curves at 1, 3 and 5 years after surgery showed that TBS-PALBI model had good predictive performance, with no significant difference in area under the curve (AUC) compared with TBS-PALBI-AFP model. The optimal cut-off values for predicting postoperative tumor recurrence were determined by ROC curve, with a PALBI score cut-off of −2.334 and a TBS cut-off of 5.305. Recipients were divided into a low TBS-low PALBI score group (n=47) and a low/high TBS-low/high PALBI score group (at least one score was high) (n=111). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the low TBS-low PALBI score group had a higher tumor-free survival rate than the low/high TBS-low/high PALBI score group, with a significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusions TBS-PALBI model provides a novel, simple and effective tool for assessing the prognosis of liver transplant recipients with HCC. The nomogram model constructed based on this has significant advantages in predictive performance and may serve as a reference for guiding individualized treatment plans and improving clinical outcomes.

The extracellular matrix provides a unique tissue-specific microenvironment for resident cells, supporting the essential functions required for tissue architecture and biochemical signaling. Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) is designed to eliminate cells that mediate immunological rejection while preserving the native tissue structure and matrix functionality. dECM has attracted significant attention in tissue engineering applications and has evolved into a novel and increasingly sophisticated biomaterial. This article summarizes representative protocols for decellularization methods, explores the latest applications of decellularized tissue-derived materials and bioinks in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, analyzes the current challenges and issues confronting dECM, and discusses future perspectives for its development.

In cases where a tracheal injury exceeds half the length of the adult trachea or one-third of the length of the child trachea, it becomes difficult to perform end-to-end anastomosis after tracheal resection due to excessive tension at the anastomosis site. In such cases, tracheal replacement therapy is required. Advances in tissue engineering technology have led to the development of tissue engineering tracheal substitutes, which have promising applications. Hydrogels, which are highly hydrated and possess a good three-dimensional network structure, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, biodegradability, and modifiability, have had wide applications in the field of tissue engineering. This article provides a review of the characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and effects of various hydrogels commonly used in tissue engineering trachea in recent years. Additionally, the article discusses and offers prospects for the future application of hydrogels in the field of tissue engineering trachea.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of antagonistic needling therapy on lower limb spasticity and the muscle morphology of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius in patients with stroke. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with post-stroke lower limb spasticity were randomly divided into an antagonistic needling group (50 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a routine acupuncture group (50 cases, 1 case dropped out). Both groups received basic treatment and rehabilitation training. The routine acupuncture group was treated with scalp acupuncture at anterior oblique line of vertex-temporal and vertex lateral line 1, combined with body acupuncture at Jianyu (LI15), Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36), Taichong (LR3), etc. on the affected side, with Quchi (LI11) and Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36) and Fenglong (ST40), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Taichong (LR3) connected to an electroacupuncture device, using disperse wave at 2 Hz of frequency. The antagonistic needling group used the same scalp and upper limb acupoints as the routine acupuncture group, with additional antagonistic needling on the lower limb at Yanglingquan (GB34), Qiuxu (GB40), Jiexi (ST41), and Xuanzhong (GB39) on the affected side, with Quchi (LI11) and Hegu (LI4), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Qiuxu (GB40), Jiexi (ST41), and Xuanzhong (GB39) connected to an electroacupuncture device, using disperse wave at 2 Hz of frequency. Both groups received treatment once daily for 6 consecutive days per course, with a total of 4 courses. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS), Holden functional ambulation classification (FAC), lower limb Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), composite spasticity scale (CSS), and musculoskeletal ultrasound parameters (thickness and fiber length of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius, and pennation angle of the gastrocnemius on both sides) were evaluated before and after treatment. Clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the MAS grades and CSS scores were decreased in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), with greater reductions in the antagonistic needling group (P<0.05, P<0.01). FAC grades and FMA scores were increased in both groups after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05), with greater improvements in the antagonistic needling group (P<0.05). The muscle thickness, fiber length of the tibialis anterior, the muscle thickness, fiber length and pennation angle of the gastrocnemius on the affected side were improved in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), with greater improvements in the antagonistic needling group (P<0.01, P<0.05). On the unaffected side, these parameters were also increased after treatment in both groups (P<0.01, P<0.05), but the antagonistic needling group showed smaller increases than the routine acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The total effective rate in the antagonistic needling group was 91.8% (45/49), higher than 81.6% (40/49) in the routine acupuncture group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Antagonistic needling could effectively reduce spasticity, improve motor function, and enhance muscle structure in patients with post-stroke lower limb spasticity.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Spasticity/pathology* ; Aged ; Stroke/physiopathology* ; Lower Extremity/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Muscle, Skeletal/pathology* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of supraspinatus muscle outlet X-ray film, oblique sagittal multislice helical CT (MSCT), and oblique sagittal MRI in the diagnosis of subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging data of 106 patients diagnosed with SIS between January 2023 and December 2024. The cohort consisted of 32 males and 74 females, with ages ranging from 43 to 70 years (mean, 60.19 years). All patients underwent supraspinatus muscle outlet X-ray film, MSCT, and MRI scans, with MSCT further subjected to three-dimensional reconstruction. Two experienced radiologists independently evaluated the acromion morphology in each imaging modality using the Bigliani classification system. Inter-observer reliability was assessed via Kappa statistics. The CT three-dimensional reconstructions were used as the "gold standard". The overall consistency, Kappa values, sensitivity, and specificity of the three imaging modalities were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was computed. RESULTS: The inter-observer reliability for supraspinatus muscle outlet X-ray film, oblique sagittal MSCT, and oblique sagittal MRI was moderate, with Kappa values of 0.62, 0.63, and 0.55, respectively. When compared to the CT three-dimensional reconstructions as the "gold standard", the overall consistency was 88.7% (94/106), 62.3% (66/106), and 58.5% (62/106), respectively. The supraspinatus muscle outlet X-ray film showed excellent consistency (Kappa=0.77), whereas the consistency of MSCT and MRI was lower (Kappa=0.34 and 0.29, respectively). In terms of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, the supraspinatus muscle outlet X-ray film outperformed oblique sagittal MSCT and oblique sagittal MRI in distinguishing various acromion types. ROC analysis demonstrated that the AUC for the supraspinatus muscle outlet X-ray film was consistently higher than for oblique sagittal MSCT and oblique sagittal MRI, with the highest diagnostic performance observed for type Ⅲ hooked acromion (AUC=0.939). CONCLUSION Supraspinatus muscle outlet X-ray film provides the highest diagnostic accuracy for acromion classification in SIS patients, particularly in identifying type Ⅲ hooked acromion, which is strongly associated with SIS. Given its superior sensitivity and consistency, it should be considered the primary screening tool. MSCT and MRI serve as valuable supplementary modalities for complex cases and preoperative evaluation.
Humans ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome/diagnostic imaging* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Adult ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tomography, Spiral Computed/methods* ; Multidetector Computed Tomography/methods* ; Reproducibility of Results

Objective To investigate the role of pharmacists in smoking cessation abroad and foster the dissemination and initiation of smoking cessation services led by pharmacist. Methods A search and compiles information on the value of pharmacists in offering smoking cessation services were carried out through the PubMed and Scopus electronic databases and the evolution of supportive policies were analyzed. The feasibility and barriers to pharmacists providing these services were examined. Results The involvement of pharmacists in smoking cessation positively impacted public health and the economy. Endowing pharmacists with the authority to prescribe smoking cessation medications, providing training in this service, and bolstering their potential through interprofessional collaboration can effectively address the barriers to their role in smoking cessation. Conclusion It is advisable to consider integrating smoking cessation services led by pharmacist into healthcare and public health policy guidelines ,which could enhance the efficacy and sustainability of smoking cessation initiatives.

To evaluate the effects of abdominal belts in colonoscopy for patients with low body mass index (BMI) (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) or a history of abdominal surgery, a prospective, randomized, single-blind study was conducted on colonoscopy outpatients. Patients with low BMI or a history of abdominal surgery who underwent colonoscopy at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2018 to January 2022 were enrolled. The patients were divided into the abdominal belts group and non-abdominal belts group according to whether they used abdominal belts. Differences between the two groups were compared in terms of cecal intubation time, length of colonoscope intubation into the cecum, patient repositioning, abdominal pressure, and degree of abdominal distension. A total of 296 patients (98 low BMI patients and 198 patients with a history of abdominal surgery) were enrolled, 148 in each group. The results showed that cecal intubation time (4.35±1.85 min VS 7.99±3.86 min, t=35.624, P<0.001) and length of colonoscope intubation into the cecum (72.03±10.35 cm VS 86.42±17.71 cm, t=38.442, P<0.001) were lower in the abdominal belts group, compared with those of the non-abdominal belts group. The percentage of patients requiring repositioning [18.9% (28/148) VS 71.6% (106/148), χ2=82.959, P<0.001] and abdominal pressure [6.1% (9/148) VS 52.7% (78/148), χ2=77.504, P<0.001] in the abdominal belts group were significantly lower than those in the non-abdominal belts group. There were significant differences in the degree of abdominal distension during and after colonoscopy ( P<0.001). In conclusion, the use of abdominal belts significantly improves the efficiency and effects of colonoscope intubation in difficult colonoscopy patients with low BMI and a history of abdominal surgery.

Objective To rationally allocate pharmaceutical and healthcare human resources,and to explore the feasibility of implementing the system of licensed assistant pharmacists in retail pharmacies.Methods Through literature review,questionnaire surveys,and statistical analysis of exam scores,the training status of pharmacy technicians with secondary vocational education,the employment situation in retail pharmacies,and the results of the licensed pharmacist qualification examination were deeply understood.Results Every year,a certain number of graduates with a secondary vocational education in pharmacy entered society,and retail pharmacies were willing to recruit pharmacy technicians with this educational background,their professional competence were recognized.Pharmacy technicians with secondary vocational education can obtain the professional qualification of practicing pharmacists through hard work,and demonstrated the basic competency for working as licensed assistant pharmacists.Conclusion The implementation of the licensed assistant pharmacist system among pharmacy technicians with secondary vocational education in retail pharmacies is feasible.This system can fully leverage the role of pharmacy technicians with secondary vocational education,make up for the shortage of professional personnel in certain regions,promote the construction of the pharmaceutical care system in retail pharmacies,and ensure drug quality and medication safety.

Objective To assess the influences of self-and interviewer-administered methods on the scores of anxiety and depression questionnaires among the patients with sports injuries.Methods A total of 532 participants with sports injuries treated in the Sports Medicine Center of West China Hospital,Sichuan University from November 2022 to May 2023 were included.They were randomly assigned to either the interviewer-administered group(n=270)or the self-administered group(n=262)to complete the generalized anxiety disorder(GAD-7)and the patient health questionnaire(PHQ-9)scales.The total scores and prevalence rates of anxiety and depres-sion were compared between the two groups.Results There was no statistically significant difference in gender,occupation,or surgical site between the two groups(all P＞0.05).The self-administered group had higher scores of GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales than the interviewer-administered group(P＜0.001,P＜0.001).A greater proportion of participants in the self-administered group than in the interview-administered group met the criteria for mild to moderate anxiety and depression(P＜0.001,P=0.002).The prevalence rates of moderate to se-vere anxiety(GAD-7 ≥10)and depression(PHQ-9 ≥10)showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P=0.761,P=0.086).Conclusion This study demonstrates that the participants in the self-administered group are more likely to report mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression than those in the interviewer-administered group.