A 71-year-old male presented with esophageal cancer and severe aortic valve regurgitation. Treatment strategies for such patients are controversial. Considering the risks of cardiopulmonary bypass and potential esophageal cancer metastasis, we successfully performed transcatheter aortic valve implantation and minimally invasive three-incision thoracolaparoscopy combined with radical resection of esophageal cancer (McKeown) simultaneously in the elderly patient who did not require neoadjuvant treatment. This dual minimally invasive procedure took 6 hours and the patient recovered smoothly without any surgical complications.

Objective To propose a whole-life cycle management model for valvular heart disease (VHD), systematically elucidate its underlying logic and implementation pathways, and concurrently review and analyze its preliminary application outcomes. Methods Since 2020, West China Hospital of Sichuan University has established a management system encompassing "assessment-decision-intervention-follow-up", including: (1) a risk-stratified, tiered management pathway; (2) six core functions ("promotion, screening, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation") coordinated by disease-specific managers; (3) an intelligent decision support information platform; and (4) a collaborative network of multidisciplinary teams and regional academic alliances. To evaluate the effectiveness of this management model, we retrospectively included three cohorts: (1) the population screened by echocardiography from 2020 to 2024, analyzing the detection rate of aortic valve disease and risk stratification; (2) patients enrolled in the whole-life cycle management from April 2021 to December 2024, assessing follow-up outcomes, hospital satisfaction, and changes in quality of life; (3) patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) from January 2022 to January 2024, evaluating the one-year all-cause mortality rate, perioperative complications, and improvements in New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. Results Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 583 874 individuals underwent echocardiographic screening. A total of 48 089 patients with aortic valve disease were identified, including 3 401 (7.1%) high-risk patients, 18 657 (38.8%) moderate-risk patients, and 26 031 (54.1%) low-risk patients. Among them, 2 417 patients were enrolled in whole-life cycle management. Patient satisfaction scores showed a yearly increase, rising from 73.89 points before 2020 to 93.74 points in 2024. The 1-year mortality rate in the TAVR cohort decreased to 5.3%, significantly lower than the 8.2% observed under early standard management between 2014 and 2019 (P<0.01). Conclusion Through process optimization and resource integration, the VHD whole-life cycle management model has demonstrated significant effectiveness in standardizing diagnostic and follow-up procedures, enhancing patient satisfaction and quality of life, and reducing mortality. These outcomes highlight its practical value for broader implementation in China.

Aromatherapy refers to the method of using the aromatic components of plants in appropriate forms to act on the entire body or a specific area to prevent and treat diseases. Essential oils used in aromatherapy are hydrophobic liquids containing volatile aromatic molecules， such as limonene， linalool， linalool acetate， geraniol， and citronellol. These chemicals have been extensively studied and shown to have a variety of functions， including reducing anxiety， relieving depression， promoting sleep， and providing pain relief. Terpenoids are a class of organic molecules with relatively low lipid solubility. After being inhaled， they can pass through the nasal mucosa for transfer or penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream upon local application. Some of these substances also have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier， thereby exerting effects on the central nervous system. Currently， the academic community generally agrees that products such as essential oils and aromatherapy from aromatic plants have certain health benefits. However， the process of extracting a single component from it and successfully developing it into a drug still faces many challenges. Its safety and efficacy still need to be further verified through more rigorous and systematic experiments. This article systematically elaborated on the efficacy of aromatic substances， including plant extracts and natural small molecule compounds， in antibacterial and antiviral fields and the regulation of nervous system activity. As a result， a deeper understanding of aromatherapy was achieved. At the same time， the potential of these aromatic substances for drug development was thoroughly explored， providing important references and insights for possible future drug research and application.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the one-year outcomes of valve-in-valve transcatheter mitral valve replacement (ViV-TMVR) using SAPIEN 3 valve for treating mitral bioprosthetic valve failure. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 26 patients with mitral bioprosthetic valve failure who underwent ViV-TMVR at West China Hospital, Sichuan University, between November 2022 and July 2024. The age of patients was 71.5 (64.5, 74.5) years, and 69.2% were female. Bioprosthetic valve failure occurred at (9.7±3.7) years after initial surgical implantation, with the most common failure mode being mixed stenosis and regurgitation (53.8%). The SAPIEN 3 valve was implanted via either a transseptal or transapical approach. Echocardiography was performed preoperatively, immediately post-procedure, and at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year post-procedure. Outcomes included all-cause mortality, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ)-12 score, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The procedure was performed via the transseptal approach in 21 patients (80.8%) and the transapical approach in 5 patients (19.2%). All procedures were technically successful. No paravalvular leakage was observed immediately post-procedure, and mitral valve hemodynamics improved significantly. At the 1-year follow-up, 2 patients had died. Two patients (8.3% of survivors) were of NYHA functional class Ⅲ, and KCCQ-12 score improved to (88.4±14.6) points (both P<0.01). Echocardio-graphy at 1 year postoperatively showed significant reductions in peak mitral valve velocity [to (2.29±0.32) m/s] and mean transvalvular pressure gradient [to (9.5±3.5) mmHg, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa] compared to baseline (both P<0.05). No moderate or severe mitral regurgitation or paravalvular leakage was observed. The proportion of patients with moderate-to-severe pulmonary hypertension decreased from 65.4% preoperatively to 13.0% at 1 year (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS ViV-TMVR with the SAPIEN 3 valve for mitral biopro-sthetic valve failure is associated with high procedural success, significantly improved valve hemodynamics of the mitral value, alleviation of pulmonary hypertension, enhanced quality of life, and a low rate of complications at 1 year after the operation.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Bioprosthesis ; Heart Valve Prosthesis ; Mitral Valve/surgery* ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Prosthesis Failure ; Treatment Outcome ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency/surgery*

Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation（CI） serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system（Favorable, Marginal, Poor）. The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss（such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1） and syndromic hereditary hearing loss（such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome）, which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation ; Prognosis ; Hearing Loss/surgery* ; Consensus ; Connexin 26 ; Mutation ; Sulfate Transporters ; Connexins/genetics*

Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) catalyzes the rate-limiting step of de novo lipogenesis and modulates lipid homeostasis. Although numerous SCD1 inhibitors were tested for treating metabolic disorders both in preclinical and clinic studies, the tissue-specific roles of SCD1 in modulating obesity-associated metabolic disorders and determining the pharmacological effect of chemical SCD1 inhibition remain unclear. Here a novel role for intestinal SCD1 in obesity-associated metabolic disorders was uncovered. Intestinal SCD1 was found to be induced during obesity progression both in humans and mice. Intestine-specific, but not liver-specific, SCD1 deficiency reduced obesity and hepatic steatosis. A939572, an SCD1-specific inhibitor, ameliorated obesity and hepatic steatosis dependent on intestinal, but not hepatic, SCD1. Mechanistically, intestinal SCD1 deficiency impeded obesity-induced oxidative stress through its novel function of inducing metallothionein 1 in intestinal epithelial cells. These results suggest that intestinal SCD1 could be a viable target that underlies the pharmacological effect of chemical SCD1 inhibition in the treatment of obesity-associated metabolic disorders.

The prevalence of Class III malocclusion varies among different countries and regions. The populations from Southeast Asian countries (Chinese and Malaysian) showed the highest prevalence rate of 15.8%, which can seriously affect oral function, facial appearance, and mental health. As anterior crossbite tends to worsen with growth, early orthodontic treatment can harness growth potential to normalize maxillofacial development or reduce skeletal malformation severity, thereby reducing the difficulty and shortening the treatment cycle of later-stage treatment. This is beneficial for the physical and mental growth of children. Therefore, early orthodontic treatment for Class III malocclusion is particularly important. Determining the optimal timing for early orthodontic treatment requires a comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations, dental age, and skeletal age, and can lead to better results with less effort. Currently, standardized treatment guidelines for early orthodontic treatment of Class III malocclusion are lacking. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the etiology, clinical manifestations, classification, and early orthodontic techniques for Class III malocclusion, along with systematic discussions on selecting early treatment plans. The purpose of this expert consensus is to standardize clinical practices and improve the treatment outcomes of Class III malocclusion through early orthodontic treatment.
Humans ; Malocclusion, Angle Class III/classification* ; Orthodontics, Corrective/methods* ; Consensus ; Child

This consensus was developed by the Orthodontic Society of the Chinese Stomatological Association to provide a systematic, scientific, and practical guideline for informed consent in orthodontic care. Orthodontic treatment is typically lengthy, highly individualized, and involves multiple factors such as growth and development, occlusal function, and facial esthetics. Rapid technological advances and diverse risk profiles make the traditional reliance on orthodontist experience or institutional templates insufficient to ensure patients′ full understanding and autonomous decision-making. To address this, the expert panel conducted extensive reviews of domestic and international guidelines, analyzed representative dispute cases, and performed multicenter patient-clinician surveys. Using a multi-round Delphi method, the group established a standardized informed consent framework covering the initial consultation, treatment, and retention phases. The consensus emphasizes that informed consent is not only a fundamental legal and ethical requirement but also a key step in building trust, improving patient compliance, and enhancing treatment satisfaction. Orthodontists should clearly and comprehensively explain treatment plans, potential risks, uncertainties, and associated costs, while respecting the autonomy of patients or guardians, and maintain continuous communication and dynamic evaluation throughout the treatment process. The release of this consensus provides unified and authoritative guidance for clinical orthodontics, helping to standardize informed consent, enhance its transparency, safeguard patient rights, reduce medical risks, and promote high-quality, sustainable development of orthodontic practice.

Objective To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides(PSP)on diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods Forty SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into Control,Model,PSP,and metformin groups.After 4 weeks of feeding a high-fat diet,streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally to establish a rat model of diabetes mellitus.The drug was administered by gavage for 12 weeks,and body mass and blood glucose were recorded every 2 weeks.Cardiac function was detected by non-invasive echocardiography at week 16.Myocardial histopathological changes and the degree of myocardial fibrosis were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining.Serum interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β,IL-18,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),triglycerides,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein,and high-density lipoprotein were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Expression levels of the fibrosis-related proteins transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1,Smad2,Collagen-Ⅰ,Collagen-Ⅲ,and the pyroptosis-related proteins NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3),apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),and Caspase-1 were detected in rat myocardial tissues by Western blot.Cellular experiments were performed by exposing H9c2 cells to high glucose(40 mmol/L)to mimic the in vitro DCM model,cell viability was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay,and the apoptotic cell ratio was detected by flow cytometry.Results Rats in the treatment group had significantly lower blood glucose,lipid,and serum inflammatory factor levels compared with the model group(P＜0.05),significantly higher ejection fraction and fractional shortening values(P＜0.05),and improved cardiac function.Myocardial fibers were better aligned and collagen fiber accumulation was reduced,and myocardial tissue levels of NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1,Collagen-Ⅰ,Collagen-Ⅲ,TGF-β1,and Smad2 were significantly reduced(P＜0.05).In the cellular assay,PSP increased the viability and decreased the proportion of apoptotic cells in high glucose-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes.Conclusions PSP can improve glucose-lipid metabolism,protect cardiac function,and delay the occurrence of myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats,and can also improve the viability of cardiomyocytes.Its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of cellular pyroptosis and delayed occurrence of ventricular remodeling.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with self-expandable bioprosthetic valves (Evolut PRO, Medtronic Inc.) in elderly patients with aortic stenosis.Methods:This single-center, single-arm, retrospective cohort study included all consecutive patients who underwent TAVR using Evolut PRO at West China Hospital of Sichuan University between May 2022 and July 2024, and collected all their data at baseline, postoperative, and 30 days. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, and secondary endpoints included cardiac mortality, stroke, permanent pacemaker implantation(PPI), bleeding events, vascular and peripheral access complications, acute kidney injury, and hemodynamic data.Results:70 patients were included in the study, including 25 of (35.7%) tricuspid aortic valve (TAV), 23 (32.9%) of Type 0 bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) 20 (28.6%) of Type 1 BAV, and 2 (2.9%) of Type 2 BAV. The mean age was (72.9±6.6) years, 37 (52.9%) were male, and 70 (100%) had a New York Heart Association (NYHA) grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ. Sixty-nine (98.6%) achieved successful surgery, and 1 patient (1.4%) was converted intraoperatively to open-chest surgery. At 30 days, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were 0, the incidence of stroke was 0, the rate of PPI was 8.7%, and no moderate or greater paravalvular leaks were observed. All patients improved to Class Ⅰ or Ⅱ after receiving TAVR. The mean aortic valve gradient (AVG) decreased from (54.1 ± 18.0 )mmHg(1mmHg=0.133kPa) at baseline to (10.5 ± 5.2)mmHg at 30 days. There were no significant differences in the results among the Type 0 BAV, Type 1/2 BAV, and TAV groups.Conclusion:Evolut PRO is safe and effective in early clinical treatment of elderly patients with aortic valve stenosis.