Objective To systematically analyze the characteristics of the disease burden of hypertensive heart disease (HHD) in the elderly (≥60 years) globally and in China from 1990 to 2021, and to predict its future trends from 2022 to 2040, with the aim of providing data support for optimizing comprehensive prevention and control strategies for HHD. Methods Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, the number of prevalent cases and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of HHD in the elderly were extracted for the world, China, and five regions categorized by sociodemographic index (SDI). Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the temporal trends of age-standardized prevalence rate and age-standardized DALYs rate of HHD in the elderly. A three-factor decomposition method was applied to evaluate the relative contributions of aging, population growth, and epidemiological changes to the variations in the elderly HHD burden. Additionally, a Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the elderly HHD burden from 2022 to 2040. Results In 2021, the number of prevalent elderly HHD cases reached 10 283 000 globally and 3 412 400 in China, representing increases of 179.20% and 159.20% respectively, compared with 1990. The DALYs of elderly HHD were 18 812 700 person-years globally and 4 731 400 person-years in China, rising by 76.08% and 29.45% respectively from 1990. Meanwhile, the growth rates of the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD varied across different SDI regions. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized prevalence rate of elderly HHD in China, as well as the age-standardized DALYs rate of elderly HHD both globally and in China, showed significant downward trends (all average annual percentage changes<0, all P<0.001). In 2021, the 70-74 years age group accounted for the highest proportion of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD, both globally and in China. Decomposition analysis revealed that population growth was the dominant factor driving the increase in the elderly HHD burden across all regions. The prediction model results indicated that the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD would continue to rise globally and in China from 2022 to 2040, with the growth rate of the elderly HHD burden in China between 2021 and 2040 expected to exceed the global average. Conclusion Over the past 32 years, although the age-standardized disease rates of elderly HHD have mainly shown a downward trend globally and in China, the absolute number of the disease burden has increased substantially. The projection model indicates a continued upward trajectory, with the growth rate in China higher than the global average. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement precise prevention and control strategies to effectively mitigate the disease burden of elderly HHD.

Thyroid cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the world, accounting for the increased sensitivity of diagnostic assessments, the environment, and extensive imaging. While open thyroidectomy still forms the base surgical treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), its visible scarring and postoperative morbidity have mandatorily propelled a longitudinal shift to minimally invasive techniques. Robotic thyroidectomy using the bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) is an emerging transformative technique that combines robotic precision and visualization with oncologic efficacy and superior cosmetic outcomes to enhance recovery. Molecular diagnostics such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and microRNA classifiers have transformed preoperative planning. These tools aid in accurate risk stratification, enabling clinicians to determine the course of surgery and avoid overtreatment. Artificial intelligence (AI) enhances precision medicine by improving nodule classification, predicting surgical risks, providing intraoperative navigation guidance, and supporting postoperative histopathological evaluations. Despite these innovations, cost, accessibility, and ethical governance issues highlight persistent challenges. This review consolidates the current state of robotic-assisted surgery for thyroid cancer with molecular profiling and AI. It proposes future aims and strides toward precision surgery that is accessible worldwide.

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), one of the most severe types of male infertility, etiology often remains unclear in most cases. Therefore, this study aimed to detect four biallelic detrimental variants (0.5%) in the minichromosome maintenance domain containing 2 ( MCMDC2 ) genes in 768 NOA patients by whole-exome sequencing (WES). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) demonstrated that MCMDC2 deleterious variants caused meiotic arrest in three patients (c.1360G>T, c.1956G>T, and c.685C>T) and hypospermatogenesis in one patient (c.94G>T), as further confirmed through immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The single-cell RNA sequencing data indicated that MCMDC2 was substantially expressed during spermatogenesis. The variants were confirmed as deleterious and responsible for patient infertility through bioinformatics and in vitro experimental analyses. The results revealed four MCMDC2 variants related to NOA, which contributes to the current perception of the function of MCMDC2 in male fertility and presents new perspectives on the genetic etiology of NOA.
Humans ; Male ; Azoospermia/genetics* ; Meiosis/genetics* ; Spermatogenesis/genetics* ; Adult ; Exome Sequencing ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics* ; Alleles ; Infertility, Male/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill (STDP) in treating stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome by exercise duration and metabolic equivalents. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome from 22 hospitals. They were randomized 1:1 to STDP (35 mg/pill, 6 pills per day) or placebo for 56 days. The primary outcome was the exercise duration and metabolic equivalents (METs) assessed by the standard Bruce exercise treadmill test after 56 days of treatment. The secondary outcomes included the total angina symptom score, Chinese medicine (CM) symptom scores, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores, changes in ST-T on electrocardiogram and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: This trial enrolled 309 patients, including 155 and 154 in the STDP and placebo groups, respectively. STDP significantly prolonged exercise duration with an increase of 51.0 s, compared to a decrease of 12.0 s with placebo (change rate: -11.1% vs. 3.2%, P<0.01). The increase in METs was significantly greater in the STDP group than in the placebo group (change: -0.4 vs. 0.0, change rate: -5.0% vs. 0.0%, P<0.01). The improvement of total angina symptom scores (25.0% vs. 0.0%), CM symptom scores (38.7% vs. 11.8%), reduction of nitroglycerin consumption (100.0% vs. 11.3%), and all domains of SAQ, were significantly greater with STDP than placebo (all P<0.01). The changes in Q-T intervals at 28 and 56 days from baseline were similar between the two groups (both P>0.05). Twenty-five participants (16.3%) with STDP and 16 (10.5%) with placebo experienced AEs (P=0.131), with no serious AEs observed. CONCLUSION STDP could improve exercise tolerance in patients with stable angina and phlegm-heat and blood stasis syndrome, with a favorable safety profile. (Registration No. ChiCTR-IPR-15006020).
Humans ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Angina, Stable/physiopathology* ; Aged ; Syndrome ; Treatment Outcome ; Placebos ; Tablets

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.12.008.].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2018.08.009.].

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Gallstones/complications* ; Female ; Male ; Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data* ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Adult ; Neoplasms/etiology* ; Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*

Objective:To evaluate the effect of an electronic balance aid in balance rehabilitation training for patients with acute peripheral vestibular injury by comparing the outcomes of medication-only treatment and medication combined with vestibular rehabilitation using an electronic balance aid.Methods:This was a randomized controlled trial. The study subjects included 98 patients (40 males and 58 females, aged 25-69 years) diagnosed with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) with vertigo or vestibular neuritis, who were treated in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery of Tianjin First Central Hospital from November 2022 to November 2023. All patients were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group at a 1∶1 ratio using the sealed envelope method. Control group (conventional drug treatment): Patients received medication treatment for 2 weeks, including betahistine mesilate tablets, vitamin B1 tablets, methylcobalamin tablets, ginkgo biloba tablets, diphenhydramine hydrochloride injection (within 3 days of onset), metoclopramide hydrochloride injection, and glucocorticoids. Experimental group (conventional drug treatment+device training): On the basis of the same medication treatment as the control group, patients received vestibular rehabilitation training using an electronic balance aid (20 minutes per session, once a day,≥5 days per week, for a total of 2 weeks). SPSS software was used to compare the total scores of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), the total scores of the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), and sensory analysis indicators between the two groups before and after treatment.Results:After treatment, vertigo symptoms significantly improved in both groups. DHI: The total DHI score in the control group decreased from 77.9±1.8 before treatment to 20.2±2.3 after treatment ( P<0.001). In the experimental group, the total DHI score decreased from 73.5±2.1 before treatment to 8.6±0.9 after treatment ( P<0.001). The difference in total DHI scores between the two groups after treatment was statistically significant, with the experimental group showing a lower score ( t=-4.616, P<0.001). The improvement in DHI scores was also more pronounced in the experimental group compared to the control group ( t=2.004, P=0.048). SOT: The total SOT score in the control group increased from 52.90±0.95 before treatment to 73.3±1.1 after treatment ( P<0.001). In the experimental group, the total SOT score increased from 54.9±0.8 before treatment to 83.5±0.9 after treatment ( P<0.001). The difference in total SOT scores between the two groups after treatment was statistically significant, with the experimental group showing a higher score ( t=7.104, P<0.001). The improvement in SOT scores was also more pronounced in the experimental group compared to the control group ( t=6.532, P<0.001). Sensory Analysis Indicators Proprioception (SOM): In the experimental group, the proprioception score significantly increased after treatment compared with before treatment ( t=-2.338, P=0.029), while, there was no statistically significant difference in the proprioception score of the control group before and after treatment ( P=0.537). Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in visual, vestibular, or visual dependence scores between the two groups (all P>0.05). After treatment, the visual, vestibular, and visual dependence scores of both groups significantly increased compared with those before treatment (all P<0.05); moreover, the post-treatment visual, vestibular, and visual dependence scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with medication-only treatment, the combination of an electronic balance aid and medication for the treatment and rehabilitation training of patients with acute peripheral vestibular injury can significantly improve the therapeutic effect in the short term.

Osteoarthritis （OA） and stroke are common clinical diseases that reduce patients' quality of life and place a burden on families and society. Ruyi Zhenbaowan， a classic prescription in Tibetan medicine， have the functions of clearing heat， awakening the brain and opening orifices， relaxing tendons and promoting meridian circulation， and eliminating yellow water. Clinically， they are used to treat osteoarthritis， post-stroke sequelae， neuropathic pain， and other related conditions. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated their anti-inflammatory， analgesic， and nerve-repairing effects. However， current research remains insufficient regarding the appropriate indications， timing， and efficacy of this medicine in treating relevant diseases. To enhance clinicians' understanding of this medicine and promote its standardized and rational clinical use， a panel of national experts， including clinical specialists， Tibetan medicine practitioners， pharmacologists， and methodologists， formulated this consensus based on clinical experience and evidence-based practice. The Cochrane systematic review framework， the Grading of Recommendations Assessment， Development and Evaluation （GRADE） system， and the nominal group method were employed to generate seven graded recommendations and 19 consensus-based suggestions. These recommendations clearly define the key points in the clinical application of Ruyi Zhenbaowan， including therapeutic indications， dosage and administration， treatment duration， and medication safety. The consensus specifically addresses the clinical efficacy， appropriate timing of administration， dosage strategies， treatment cycles， and combination medication strategies for treating osteoarthritis and stroke and provides an overview of safety considerations. The aim is to provide standardized guidance for hospitals and healthcare institutions nationwide to ensure the rational application of Ruyi Zhenbaowan in the treatment of osteoarthritis and stroke， reduce medication-related risks， and further leverage its clinical advantages. This consensus has been approved and issued by the China Association of Chinese Medicine， with the standard number GS/CACM 369-2024.