Objective To evaluate the short-term efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using Venus A-Plus valve delivery system in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Methods The clinical data of patients undergoing TAVR in our hospital from August 2018 to March 2022 were collected and they were divided into a Venus A-Plus and a Venus A group according to the type of valve delivery system used. The perioperative data of the two groups were compared. Results A total of 121 patients were included, including 70 patients in the Venus A-Plus group [45 males and 25 females with a mean age of (67.81±6.62) years], and 51 patients in the Venus A group [33 males and 18 females with a mean age of (68.25±7.01) years]. All patients underwent TAVR, and the postoperative hemodynamic features (left ventricular ejection fraction, mean cross-valve pressure difference, peak flow rate) were significantly improved (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in surgical success rate, all-cause mortality, conversion to thorax opening, valve-in-valve placement, moderate or above perivalvular regurgitation, new left bundle branch block or new right bundle branch block between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion TAVR with Venus A-Plus valve delivery system in patients with severe aortic stenosis shows comparable efficacy to the first-generation Venus A system and is satisfactory, safe and reliable.

Objective: To investigate the associations between childhood obesity and performance of six minute walk test (6MWT), providing evidence for exercise tolerance assessment and exercise intervention strategies for children and adolescents. Methods: From March 2021 to December 2023, a cohort study was conducted among students recruited from a primary and secondary school in Chongqing, a total of 709 valid samples were included. The 6MWT was used to assess exercise tolerance, with vital signs measured before and after the test. Anthropometric indicators, including height, weight, and waist circumference, were measured using standardized procedures. Generalized additive models (GAM) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were employed to analyze the nonlinear relationships between obesity related indicators and six minute walk distance (6MWD). Results: The mean 6MWD of participants was (602.59±70.73)m. GAM showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, body mass index (BMI) and weight had non linear relationships with 6MWD [effective degrees of freedom were 1.55 and 7.13 respectively], and overweight/obesity was associated with a decrease in 6MWD ( β =-18.65) (all P <0.01). Further RCS regression analysis showed that both BMI and weight showed an "inverted U shaped" non linear relationship with 6MWD in the overall population and sex stratified subgroups; the 6MWD of females was lower than that of males, and it showed a significant downward trend with the increase of BMI or weight (all P <0.05). Conclusion Body weight and BMI in children and adolescents have an important impact on 6MWD, and obesity in children and adolescents is markedly associated with decline in exercise tolerance.

Objective:To reveal the coupling mechanism of beam temporal profile and tissue oxygen content on radical kinetics, further explain the potential biological basis of the FLASH effect, and provide a reference for beam optimization and treatment planning design of FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT).Methods:TOPAS-nBio v3.0 was used to simulate the physical and chemical processes of electron beams in water, and a full-scale kinetic model was established covering the generation, diffusion, reaction, and quenching of free radicals such as hydroxyl radical (·OH) and hydrated electrons (e aq-). Under different beam temporal profiles (single pulse, multi-pulses, continuous wave irradiation) and different oxygen concentration conditions, the evolution dynamics of free radicals were systematically simulated. At the same time, the data on e aq- content were obtained by experimental measurement of laser absorption spectroscopy to verify the accuracy of the model prediction. Results:The changing trend of e aq- concentration measured in the experiment was highly consistent with the simulation result, verifying the reliability of the constructed model. The beam time structure had a significant impact on the peak value and duration of free radical concentration. The single-pulse structure can cause the free radicals to rapidly increase and then quickly quench in a short time, while the continuous or long-pulse structure can cause the radical concentration to remain at a high level for a long time. The evolution of ·OH was not sensitive to the oxygen environment, while e aq- are greatly affected by the oxygen environment. The scavenging efficiency of free radicals in a hypoxic environment was significantly decreased, leading to an enhanced accumulation of oxidative damage to biological macromolecules. The lifespan of e aq- in an oxygen-rich environment decreased rapidly. Conclusions:Radical kinetics are regulated by both the beam temporal profile and oxygen content. FLASH-RT can utilize single-pulse or multi-pulses intervals to form periodic windows, reducing normal tissue damage by efficiently scavenging free radicals through antioxidants, while free radicals in tumor tissues continuously accumulate and amplify damage, thus generating a selective protective effect.

Objective:To investigate the effect and clinical efficacy of assisted negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressing on reduction of the size of free anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTPF) in reconstruction of soft tissue defects of limbs, and to observe the clinical efficacy of NPWT in free ALTPF surgery.Methods:From June 2022 to January 2024, 19 patient (13 males and 6 females) with soft tissue defects in limbs received surgical treatment using NPWT assisted transfer of free ALTPF in the Department of Repair and Reconstruction Surgery, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Eighth School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Of the 19 defects, 8 were in calf, 7 in foot and around ankle, 3 in forearm and 1 around elbow. The soft tissue defects ranged from 11.2 cm×9.5 cm to 24.5 cm×10.5 cm, and with comminuted fracture in different degrees as well as the exposure of bone, tendon or nerve. During surgery, the ALTPFs were harvested with a reduced width from the donor sites at 10.5 cm×7.0 cm to 24.0 cm×7.5 cm in size. After an ALTPF had been transferred to the recipient site, the remaining defect that was not covered by the ALTPF was then covered by a NPWT dressing. After the flap was stabilised, NPWT dressing was removed and the defect was closed by directly suture. Surgical data were taken and recorded during surgery. The healing of wound and survival of flaps were observed after surgery. Scheduled postoperative follow-ups were conducted through outpatient clinic or via WeChat reviews to monitor the overall appearance of recipient and donor sites, colour of flap, complications and functional recovery, and other relevant information. Functional recovery of upper limb was evaluated according to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, and the functional recovery of lower extremity was evaluated according to the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS).Results:The flaps were all fully viable, with soft texture and good appearance, the width of the flaps was designed 2.0-3.5 cm smaller than that of the defect, and the size of the flaps was 32.9-77.3 cm 2 smaller than that of the defects. All donor sites were closed by suture in the primary surgery, and left with linear scars. Postoperative follow-up lasted for 4 to 18 months. Of the 4 patients with upper limb injuries, 3 achieved the limb function in excellent and 1 in good; While of the 15 patients with lower limb injuries, 12 achieved the limb function in excellent, 2 in good and 1 in fair. Conclusion:Combination of NPWT dressing and free ALTPF is in accordance with the theory of flap economics and the concept of minimal damage to donor site. It avoids the waste of soft tissues, and provides a new idea for traumatic surgery.

Objective To establish an expert consensus on the management of mini-midline catheters(hereinafter referred to as the'consensus')to guide nurses in standardizing the insertion and maintenance of mini-midline catheters.Methods Evidence was systematically retrieved,scientifically evaluated,and synthesized using evidence-based methods to draft the initial version of the consensus.From December 2023 to July 2024,totally 2 rounds of expert correspondence and 2 rounds of expert panel discussions were conducted to revise the content,resulting in the final version.Results There were 17 experts from tertiary A general hospitals in Beijing,Shanghai,Hunan,Hubei,Sichuan,Jiangsu,Hainan,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,and Shandong participating in the consultation,with a 100％response rate.In the 2 rounds of expert correspondence,the authority coefficients were 0.947 and 0.962,respectively.The mean importance scores of all items exceeded 4.00 points.The coefficients of variation(CV)were 0-0.32(first round)and 0-0.15(second round).Kendall's concordance coefficients were 0.097 and 0.101(both P＜0.001).The consensus covers 11 sections,including definition,indications,contraindications,qualification training,pre-insertion preparation,catheter insertion,catheter use,catheter maintenance,catheter removal,prevention and management of common complications,and health education.Conclusion The Consensus demonstrates scientific rigor and comprehensively addresses key procedures before,during,and after the insertion of mini-midline catheters,providing actionable guidance for nurses in catheter insertion and maintenance.

Objective To observe the clinical effect of Lingshu acupuncture combined with acupoint injection in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis and its effect on lumbar function.Methods A total of 186 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who were admitted to the People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from January 2021 to January 2024 were selected as the study subjects.According to different treatment methods,the patients were divided into control group A(given chiropractic massage combined with acupoint injection),control group B(given ordinary acupuncture combined with acupoint injection)and observation group(given Lingshu acupuncture combined with acupoint injection),with 62 cases in each group.Before treatment,1 week and 2 weeks after treatment,the lumbar pain,lumbar function,lumbar dysfunction and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptom scores of the three groups were observed,as well as the changes of clinical efficacy and recurrence rate before and after treatment.Results The total clinical effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group B and the control group A[91.94%(57/62)vs.79.03%(48/62),56.45%(35/62)],and the 12-month recurrence rate was significantly lower than that of the control group B and the control group A[14.52%(9/62)vs.29.03%(18/62),37.10%(23/62)],the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).With the extension of random treatment time,the visual analogue scale(VAS),lumbar Oswestry dysfunction index(ODI)score and TCM symptom score of the three groups gradually decreased,and the low back pain score gradually increased,reaching the lowest and highest levels after two weeks of treatment.The changes in the observation group were more significant than those in the control group B and the control group A[VAS score:2(1,2)vs.3(2,4),4(3,5),ODI score:37.05±3.18 vs.39.26±2.75,41.30±2.98,TCM symptom score:5.97±1.74 vs.7.03±2.22,8.45±2.27,low back pain score:16.39±2.98 vs.14.23±2.84,13.02±2.51],and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion Lingshu acupuncture combined with acupoint injection can relieve pain,restore lumbar function and accelerate the rehabilitation process in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Lumbar disc (LD) herniation and aging are prevalent conditions that can result in substantial morbidity. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms connecting the LD aging and herniation, particularly focusing on cellular senescence and molecular alterations in the nucleus pulposus (NP). We performed a detailed analysis of NP samples from a diverse cohort, including individuals of varying ages and those with diagnosed LD herniation. Our methodology combined histological assessments with single-nucleus RNA sequencing to identify phenotypic and molecular changes related to NP aging and herniation. We discovered that cellular senescence and a decrease in nucleus pulposus progenitor cells (NPPCs) are central to both processes. Additionally, we found an age-related increase in NFAT1 expression that promotes NPPC senescence and contributes to both aging and herniation of LD. This research offers fresh insights into LD aging and its associated pathologies, potentially guiding the development of new therapeutic strategies to target the root causes of LD herniation and aging.
Intervertebral Disc Displacement/metabolism* ; Humans ; Aging/pathology* ; Nucleus Pulposus/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Transcriptome ; Middle Aged ; Lumbar Vertebrae/pathology* ; Adult ; Cellular Senescence ; Stem Cells/pathology* ; Aged ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic characteristics of a fetus affected with Structural heart defects and renal anomalies syndrome (SHDRA). METHODS: A pedigree with SHDRA (fetus and the parents) who had visited the Affiliated Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University in April 2023 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the family were collected. A total of 10 mL of amniotic fluid cells from the fetus and 5 mL of peripheral blood samples from the parents were collected for genomic DNA extraction. Trio whole-exome sequencing (Trio-WES) was performed, and Sanger sequencing was used to validate candidate variants in the family. The identified variants were classified according to the Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation of Sequence Variants established by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) (hereinafter referred to as the "ACMG Guidelines). Relevant research literature on SHDRA in domestic and international databases were searched for literature review. This study was approved by the Affiliated Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University (Ethics No. EC2023-094). RESULTS: In this family, prenatal ultrasound at 18 weeks of gestation revealed left renal multicystic dysplasia in the fetus. After birth, the infant exhibited an ostium secundum atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, and left renal multicystic dysplasia. Trio-WES revealed that the fetus had carried c.344dup (p.L116Afs*32) and c.90_104dup (p.Ala31_Ala35dup) compound heterozygous variants in the TMEM260 gene, which were respectively inherited from its father and mother. According to the ACMG guidelines, the c.344dup (p.L116Afs*32) and c.90_104dup (p.Ala31_Ala35dup) variants were classified as pathogenic (PM2_Supporting+PVS1+PP4) and likely pathogenic (PM2_Supporting+PM4+PM3+PP4), respectively. According to the literature search strategy set for this study, a total of 6 literature was retrieved, involving 25 SHDRA patients from 20 families. Together with the patients in this study, there were 14 TMEM260 gene variants, most of which were frameshift variants (7 types) and had located in exons 3, 11 and 13. The main clinical features of SHDRA were congenital heart malformation, renal abnormality and neurodevelopmental abnormality, and there was a lack of genotype-phenotype correlation. CONCLUSION The c.344dup (p.L116Afs*32) and c.90_104dup (p.Ala31_Ala35dup) variants of the TMEM260 gene probably underlay the SHDRA in this family. Above finding has provided a basis for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling for the family.
Humans ; Female ; Pedigree ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Male ; Heart Defects, Congenital/genetics* ; Kidney/abnormalities* ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Kidney Diseases/congenital* ; Exome Sequencing ; Mutation ; Genetic Testing