Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of internal decompression based on white matter tract preservation in the treatment of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction(MMCAI).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 54 patients with MMCAI.Patients were divided into a study group(n=26)and a control group(n=28)according to the surgical approach.Patients in the study group underwent preoperative fusion of CT,CTP,DWI,and DTI imaging data within a neuronavigation system.This fusion visualized the spatial relationships between the infarct core(IC),ischemic penumbra,and the corticospinal tract(CST).Subsequently,IC resection combined with decompressive craniectomy(DC)was performed while protecting the CST.Patients in the control group underwent DC alone.Key outcome measures included:changes in fractional anisotropy(FA)within the affected CST projection area at 1 month postoperatively;and 6-month postoperative mRS score,mortality,and surgical complications at 6 months postoperatively.Results At 1 month postoperatively,FA in the affected CST projection area were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group(0.092±0.013 vs.0.082±0.008,P<0.05).At the 6-month follow-up,the postoperative mRS score in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group[2.3(1.3,4.5)vs.3.9(2.4,5.5),P<0.05]and a lower mortality rate(11.5%vs.39.3%,P<0.05)compared to the control group.However,there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of postoperative intracranial hemorrhage,intracranial infection,or epilepsy(P>0.05).Conclusion Internal decompression based on white matter tract protection combined with DC can reduce mortality and contribute to improving function outcomes in patients with MMCAI.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of infarct core resection combined with decompressive craniectomy(DC)based on corticospinal tract(CST)protection in the treatment of massive cerebral infarction(MCI)with malignant brain edema.Methods This study retrospectively enrolled MCI patients with malignant brain edema who underwent internal decompression combined with DC at Xingtai Central Hospital from January 2021 to June 2024.The enrolled patients were divided into a control group and an experimental group base on the intracranial internal decompression method used.All patients underwent CT perfusion(CTP),CT angiography(CTA),diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI),and diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)within 24 h of admission.Preoperative imaging data was automatically processed using an artificial intelligence diagnostic system.For the experimental group,the imaging data was fused within a neuro-navigation system preoperatively to visualize the spatial relationships between the infarct core,ischemic penumbra,and CST and infarct core resection combined with DC was performed while protecting the CST through neuro-navigation.The control group underwent anterior temporal lobectomy combined with DC.Baseline and clinical data were collected from both groups,including gender,age,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,diabetes,hypertension,hyperlipidemia,hyperhomocysteinemia,atrial fibrillation history,responsible occluded vessel(internal carotid artery,middle cerebral artery),preoperative infarct volume on DWI,preoperative ischemic penumbra volume,preoperative the National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score,time from onset to surgery,intraoperative procedure duration,intraoperative blood loss,preoperative and 1-month postoperative fraction anisotropy(FA)values of the CST on the affected side,modified Rankin scale(mRS)score at 6 months postoperatively,and surgery-related complications within 1 month postoperatively(intracranial hemorrhage[operative site oozing,hemorrhagic transformation]and intracranial infection[surgical incision site infection,empyema,brain abscess,meningitis]).6-month follow-up after surgery were conducted through outpatient visit or telephone calls and prognosis of patients was evaluated using the mRS(with mRS of 0-3 defined as good prognosis,4-6 as poor prognosis,and 6 indicating death).The effectiveness indicators included FA value of the affected CST at 1 month postoperatively,good prognosis rate after surgery at 6 months,and 6-month mortality rate after surgery.The safety indicators included the incidence rates of surgical complications(intracranial hemorrhage and infection)within 1 month postoperatively.Based on preoperative DTI images,all patients were further divided into a CST-intact(infarct core did not invade CST,CST morphology intact or deformed/shifted)and a CST-damaged(infarct core invaded CST,CST disrupted or interrupted)subgroup for analysis.Results A total of 62patients(37 males,25 females,age 49-60 years,mean[55±4]years)were enrolled in this study.With 28 patients in the experimental group and 34 in the control group.(1)No significant differences were found in baseline or clinical data between the experimental and control groups(all P＞0.05),and the reoperative FA values of the affected CST were showed no significant differences(P=0.588).(2)The efficacy and safety metrics were evaluated.For the efficacy indices,at 1 month after the surgery,FA values of the affected CST increased significantly compared to preoperative values in both groups(0.409±0.051 vs.0.312±0.052 in the experimental group,and,0.381±0.048 vs.0.319±0.049 in control group;both P＜0.05),and the FA value was significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group(0.409±0.051 vs.0.381±0.048,P=0.030).At the 6-month follow-ups,the good prognosis rate was significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group(39.3％[11/28]vs.14.7％[5/34],P=0.028).No significant difference in the 6-month mortality rate were observed between the two groups(P=0.787).For the safety indices,no significant differences were found in the incidence rates of intracranial hemorrhage or intracranial infection within 1 month postoperatively between the two groups(both P＞0.05).(3)For further subgroup analysis,no significant differences were found in baseline or clinical data between the CST-damaged subgroup and the CST-intact subgroup in both the experimental and control groups(all P＞0.05).In CST-intact subgroup,FA values of the affected CST increased significantly at 1 month postoperatively compared to preoperatively in the study group(0.428±0.047 vs.0.342±0.045,P＜0.05)and the control group(0.401±0.051 vs.0.347±0.048,P＜0.05).While in the CST-damaged subgroup,no significant differences were found in FA value of the affected CST 1 month postoperatively compared with that preoperatively in both the experimental and control groups(bothP＞0.05).A significantly higher FA values 1 month postoperatively(0.428±0.047 vs.0.401±0.051,P=0.036)and good prognosis rate(9/12 vs.4/16,P=0.020)were observed in the CST-intact subgroup of the experimental group comparing with that of the control group,while there was no statistically significant difference in the 6-month mortality rate between the groups within the CST-intact subgroup(P=1.000).There were no statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in both efficacy and safety indices within the CST-damaged subgroup(all P＞0.05).Conclusions Infarct core resection combining DC with CST protection demonstrates superior neurological functional improvement in comparison with anterior temporal lobectomy combining DC in treating MCI with malignant brain edema,particularly for patients with an intact CST before surgery(as indicated in patients'preoperative imaging results).This(infarct core resection combining DC with CST protection)approach does not increase the incidence of surgical complications.Prospective large sample controlled studies are required for further validation.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of infarct core resection combined with decompressive craniectomy(DC)based on corticospinal tract(CST)protection in the treatment of massive cerebral infarction(MCI)with malignant brain edema.Methods This study retrospectively enrolled MCI patients with malignant brain edema who underwent internal decompression combined with DC at Xingtai Central Hospital from January 2021 to June 2024.The enrolled patients were divided into a control group and an experimental group base on the intracranial internal decompression method used.All patients underwent CT perfusion(CTP),CT angiography(CTA),diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI),and diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)within 24 h of admission.Preoperative imaging data was automatically processed using an artificial intelligence diagnostic system.For the experimental group,the imaging data was fused within a neuro-navigation system preoperatively to visualize the spatial relationships between the infarct core,ischemic penumbra,and CST and infarct core resection combined with DC was performed while protecting the CST through neuro-navigation.The control group underwent anterior temporal lobectomy combined with DC.Baseline and clinical data were collected from both groups,including gender,age,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,diabetes,hypertension,hyperlipidemia,hyperhomocysteinemia,atrial fibrillation history,responsible occluded vessel(internal carotid artery,middle cerebral artery),preoperative infarct volume on DWI,preoperative ischemic penumbra volume,preoperative the National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score,time from onset to surgery,intraoperative procedure duration,intraoperative blood loss,preoperative and 1-month postoperative fraction anisotropy(FA)values of the CST on the affected side,modified Rankin scale(mRS)score at 6 months postoperatively,and surgery-related complications within 1 month postoperatively(intracranial hemorrhage[operative site oozing,hemorrhagic transformation]and intracranial infection[surgical incision site infection,empyema,brain abscess,meningitis]).6-month follow-up after surgery were conducted through outpatient visit or telephone calls and prognosis of patients was evaluated using the mRS(with mRS of 0-3 defined as good prognosis,4-6 as poor prognosis,and 6 indicating death).The effectiveness indicators included FA value of the affected CST at 1 month postoperatively,good prognosis rate after surgery at 6 months,and 6-month mortality rate after surgery.The safety indicators included the incidence rates of surgical complications(intracranial hemorrhage and infection)within 1 month postoperatively.Based on preoperative DTI images,all patients were further divided into a CST-intact(infarct core did not invade CST,CST morphology intact or deformed/shifted)and a CST-damaged(infarct core invaded CST,CST disrupted or interrupted)subgroup for analysis.Results A total of 62patients(37 males,25 females,age 49-60 years,mean[55±4]years)were enrolled in this study.With 28 patients in the experimental group and 34 in the control group.(1)No significant differences were found in baseline or clinical data between the experimental and control groups(all P＞0.05),and the reoperative FA values of the affected CST were showed no significant differences(P=0.588).(2)The efficacy and safety metrics were evaluated.For the efficacy indices,at 1 month after the surgery,FA values of the affected CST increased significantly compared to preoperative values in both groups(0.409±0.051 vs.0.312±0.052 in the experimental group,and,0.381±0.048 vs.0.319±0.049 in control group;both P＜0.05),and the FA value was significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group(0.409±0.051 vs.0.381±0.048,P=0.030).At the 6-month follow-ups,the good prognosis rate was significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group(39.3％[11/28]vs.14.7％[5/34],P=0.028).No significant difference in the 6-month mortality rate were observed between the two groups(P=0.787).For the safety indices,no significant differences were found in the incidence rates of intracranial hemorrhage or intracranial infection within 1 month postoperatively between the two groups(both P＞0.05).(3)For further subgroup analysis,no significant differences were found in baseline or clinical data between the CST-damaged subgroup and the CST-intact subgroup in both the experimental and control groups(all P＞0.05).In CST-intact subgroup,FA values of the affected CST increased significantly at 1 month postoperatively compared to preoperatively in the study group(0.428±0.047 vs.0.342±0.045,P＜0.05)and the control group(0.401±0.051 vs.0.347±0.048,P＜0.05).While in the CST-damaged subgroup,no significant differences were found in FA value of the affected CST 1 month postoperatively compared with that preoperatively in both the experimental and control groups(bothP＞0.05).A significantly higher FA values 1 month postoperatively(0.428±0.047 vs.0.401±0.051,P=0.036)and good prognosis rate(9/12 vs.4/16,P=0.020)were observed in the CST-intact subgroup of the experimental group comparing with that of the control group,while there was no statistically significant difference in the 6-month mortality rate between the groups within the CST-intact subgroup(P=1.000).There were no statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in both efficacy and safety indices within the CST-damaged subgroup(all P＞0.05).Conclusions Infarct core resection combining DC with CST protection demonstrates superior neurological functional improvement in comparison with anterior temporal lobectomy combining DC in treating MCI with malignant brain edema,particularly for patients with an intact CST before surgery(as indicated in patients'preoperative imaging results).This(infarct core resection combining DC with CST protection)approach does not increase the incidence of surgical complications.Prospective large sample controlled studies are required for further validation.

Objective To investigatethe relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and clinicopathological characteristics, p53 expression, and survival of Chinese patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods A total of 3882 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, 970 matched patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and 970 matched patients with gastric cardia adenocarcinoma were included to compare the incidence of GERD symptoms. Patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma were divided into two groups according to the presence and absence of GERD symptoms. The differences in clinicopathological characteristics and p53 expression between the two groups were compared by chi-square test, and the differences in survival between the two groups were compared by landmark analysis. Results The incidence of GERD symptoms increased successively in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma. In patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, the proportions of male, less than 65 years old, lower thoracic tumors, tumors without squamous cell carcinoma, poorly differentiation, early tumors (stage 0-I), and p53-positive tumors in the group with GERD symptoms were higher than those in the group without GERD symptoms; moreover, the long-term survival (≥15 years) was better. Conclusion GERD symptom is an important clinical sign of esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is closely related to specific clinicopathological characteristics, p53 overexpression, and good long-term prognosis.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of internal decompression based on white matter tract preservation in the treatment of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction(MMCAI).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 54 patients with MMCAI.Patients were divided into a study group(n=26)and a control group(n=28)according to the surgical approach.Patients in the study group underwent preoperative fusion of CT,CTP,DWI,and DTI imaging data within a neuronavigation system.This fusion visualized the spatial relationships between the infarct core(IC),ischemic penumbra,and the corticospinal tract(CST).Subsequently,IC resection combined with decompressive craniectomy(DC)was performed while protecting the CST.Patients in the control group underwent DC alone.Key outcome measures included:changes in fractional anisotropy(FA)within the affected CST projection area at 1 month postoperatively;and 6-month postoperative mRS score,mortality,and surgical complications at 6 months postoperatively.Results At 1 month postoperatively,FA in the affected CST projection area were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group(0.092±0.013 vs.0.082±0.008,P<0.05).At the 6-month follow-up,the postoperative mRS score in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group[2.3(1.3,4.5)vs.3.9(2.4,5.5),P<0.05]and a lower mortality rate(11.5%vs.39.3%,P<0.05)compared to the control group.However,there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of postoperative intracranial hemorrhage,intracranial infection,or epilepsy(P>0.05).Conclusion Internal decompression based on white matter tract protection combined with DC can reduce mortality and contribute to improving function outcomes in patients with MMCAI.

Objective This study aimed to efficiently reduce the release of radon from water bodies to protect the environment. Methods Based on the sizes of the experimental setup and modular float,computational fluid dynamics(CFD)was used to assess the impact of the area coverage rate,immersion depth,diffusion coefficient,and radon transfer velocity at the gas-liquid interface on radon migration and exhalation of radon-containing water.Based on the numerical simulation results,an estimation model for the radon retardation rate was constructed.The effectiveness of the CFD simulation was evaluated by comparing the experimental and simulated variation values of the radon retardation rate with the coverage area rates. Results The effect of radon transfer velocity on radon retardation in water bodies was minor and insignificant according to the appropriate value;therefore,an estimation model of the radon retardation rate of the coverage of a radon-containing water body was constructed using the synergistic impacts of three factors:area coverage rate,immersion depth,and diffusion coefficient.The deviation between the experimental and simulated results was<4.3%. Conclusion Based on the numerical simulation conditions,an estimation model of the radon retardation rate of covering floats in water bodies under the synergistic effect of multiple factors was obtained,which provides a reference for designing covering floats for radon retardation in radon-containing water.

Objective:To explore the association between cognitive function and the level of gamma-amino-butyric acid(GABA)in anterior cingulate cortex(ACC)before and after treatment in patients with major depres-sion disorder.Methods:Totally 31 medication-naive patients with major depression disorder meeting the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition(DSM-5)and 33 normal controls were col-lected.Each eligible patient received treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor agents for 8 weeks.The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery(MCCB)was used to evaluate the cognitive function.By means of 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy,anterior cingulate cortex GABA concentrations were measured.Results:At base-line,the concentration of ACC GABA relative to water(GABA+/W)was lower in the patient group than in the control group(P＜0.05)and increased after treatment(P＜0.05).ACC GABA+/W was negatively associated with verbal learning and visual memory score in patient group at baseline(correlation coefficient and P value were r=-0.40,P＜0.05;r=-0.42,P＜0.05,respectively).The ACC GABA+/W difference resulted of treatment in patient group was positively associated with the difference of working memory score and the difference of reasoning and problem-solving score(correlation coefficient and P value were r=0.58,P＜0.05;r=0.66,P＜0.05,respec-tively).Conclusion:The cognitive dysfunction of patients with major depression disorder may not be related to the degree of depression and anxiety.And improvement of cognitive function may be associated with increase of ACC GABA concentrations.

OBJECTIVES: Information regarding the underlying causes of death (UCODs) and standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of dementia is instrumental in formulating medical strategies to prolong life in persons with dementia (PWD). We examined the leading UCODs among PWD and estimated the overall and cause-specific SMRs in relation to dementia in Taiwan. METHODS: Data were retrieved from 2 national datasets: the Taiwan Death Registry and the medical claim datasets of the National Health Insurance program. The observed person-years for each study participant were counted from the date of cohort enrollment to either the date of death or the final day of 2016. Sex-specific and age-specific SMRs were then calculated. RESULTS: The leading UCOD was circulatory disease, accounting for 26.0% of total deaths (n=3,505), followed by respiratory disease at 21.3% (n=2,875). PWD were at significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (SMR, 2.01), with SMR decreasing with advancing age. A cause-specific analysis revealed that the highest SMRs were associated with nervous system diseases (SMR, 7.58) and mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders (SMR, 4.80). Age appeared to modify SMR, suggesting that younger age at cohort enrollment was linked to higher SMRs for nearly all causes of mortality. CONCLUSIONS Circulatory and respiratory diseases were the leading UCODs among PWD. The particularly elevated mortality due to nervous system diseases and mental disorders suggests that allocating more resources to neurological and psychiatric services is warranted. The elevated SMRs of various UCODs among younger PWD underscore the need for clinicians to pay particular attention to the medical care provided to these patients.

Following on our recently developed biphenyl-ATDP non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor ZLM-66 (SI = 2019.80, S = 1.9 μg/mL), a series of novel heterocycle-substituted ATDP derivatives with significantly improved selectivity and solubility were identified by replacement of the biphenyl moiety of ZLM-66 with heterocyclic group with lower lipophilicity. Evidently, the representative analog 7w in this series exhibited dramatically enhanced selectivity and solubility (SI = 12,497.73, S = 4472 μg/mL) in comparison with ZLM-66 (SI = 2019.80, S = 1.9 μg/mL). This new NNRTI conferred low nanomolar inhibition of wild-type HIV-1 strain and tested mutant strains (K103N, L100I, Y181C, E138K, and K103N + Y181C). The analog also demonstrated favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles, as evidenced by its insensitivity to CYP and hERG, lack of mortality and pathological damage, and good oral bioavailability in rats (F = 27.1%). Further development of 7w for HIV therapy will be facilitated by this valuable information.