ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Modified Guomin Decoction （加味过敏煎， MGD） in patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis （AD） of the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） pattern of heart fire and spleen deficiency， and to explore its possible mechanisms. MethodsIn this randomized， double-blind， placebo-controlled study， 72 patients with mild to moderate AD and the TCM pattern of heart fire and spleen deficiency were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group， with 36 cases in each group. The treatment group received oral MGD granules combined with topical vitamin E emulsion， while the control group received oral placebo granules combined with topical vitamin E treatment. Both groups were treated twice daily for 4 weeks. Clinical efficacy， TCM syndrome scores， Visual Analogue Scale （VAS） for pruritus， Dermatology Life Quality Index （DLQI） scores， Scoring Atopic Dermatitis （SCORAD） and serum biomarkers， including interleukin-33 （IL-33）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， immunoglobulin E （IgE）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were compared before and after treatment. Safety indexes was also assessed. ResultsThe total clinical effective rates were 77.78% （28/36） in the treatment group and 38.89% （14/36） in the control group， with cure rates of 19.44% （7/36） and 2.78% （1/36）， respectively. The treatment group showed significantly better clinical outcomes compared to the control group （P＜0.05）. The treatment group exhibited significant reductions in total TCM syndrome scores， including erythema， edema， papules， scaling， lichenification， pruritus， irritability， insomnia， abdominal distension， and fatigue scores， as well as reductions in VAS， DLQI， SCORAD， and serum IgE and IL-33 levels （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the control group， the treatment group had significantly better improvements in all indicators except for insomnia （P＜0.05）. No adverse events occurred in either group. ConclusionMGD is effective and safe in treating mild to moderate AD patients with heart fire and spleen deficiency pattern. It significantly alleviates pruritus， improves TCM syndromes and quality of life， and enhances clinical efficacy， possibly through modulation of immune responses.

Objective To observe changes in genetic material in the peripheral blood of pediatric patients with vascular malformations after interventional procedures. Methods A total of 108 children with vascular malformations who underwent interventional procedures at Shandong University Affiliated Children’s Hospital between February 2021 and January 2024 were selected as the research subjects. Clinical data and peripheral venous blood samples before and after the interventional procedures were collected from the children. Two biological indicators, γ-H2AX and peripheral blood lymphocyte chromosomal aberration (CA), were used to determine the levels of genetic material damage in children with vascular malformations before and after interventional procedures. Results The median age of the children was 7 years and the median body weight was 27 kg. The median dose-area product (DAP) was 24.20 Gy·cm² and the median DAP/kg was 1.04 Gy·cm²/kg. The incidence rates of both γ-H2AX foci and CA in children with vascular malformations significantly increased after the interventional procedures (Z = 5.924, P < 0.001; Z = 8.515, P < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative CA in 7 children were significantly higher than that in others, approaching or exceeding 4%. The incidence rates of postoperative γ-H2AX foci and CA in children with DAP/kg ≥ 1 Gy·cm²/kg were significantly higher than those in children with DAP/kg < 1 Gy·cm²/kg (U = 7.586, P = 0.031; U = 6.835, P = 0.009). No significant differences were observed in the incidence rates of postoperative γ-H2AX foci and CA among subgroups based on age, body weight, or surgical site. A positive correlation was observed between the difference in the incidence rates of γ-H2AX foci before and after the procedure and DAP/kg (R = 0.493, P = 0.027). Conclusion Ionizing radiation exposure during interventional procedures can increase peripheral blood genetic material damage levels in children with vascular malformations, and the damage levels show a correlation with the radiation dose, with some children being abnormally sensitive. Further research is needed to explore the influencing factors for genetic material damage in children with vascular malformations after interventional procedures, which is of great significance for reducing long-term cancer risks and achieving personalized treatment strategies.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of leaflet augmentation technique to repair the recurrent mitral valve (MV) regurgitation after mitral repair in children. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of children who underwent redo MV repair for recurrent regurgitation after initial MV repair, using a leaflet augmentation technique combined with a standardized repair strategy at Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from 2018 to 2022. The pathological features of the MV, key intraoperative procedures, and short- to mid-term follow-up outcomes were analyzed. Results A total of 24 patients (12 male, 12 female) were included, with a median age of 37.6 (range, 16.5–120.0) months. The mean interval from the initial surgery was (24.9±17.0) months. All children had severe mitral regurgitation preoperatively. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was (150.1±49.5) min, and the aortic cross-clamp time was (94.0±24.2) min. There were no early postoperative deaths. During a mean follow-up of (20.3±9.1) months, 3 (12.5%) patients developed moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (2 severe, 1 moderate). One (4.2%) patient died during follow-up, and one (4.2%) patient underwent a second MV reoperation. The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was significantly reduced postoperatively compared to preoperatively [ (43.5±8.6) mm vs. (35.8±7.8)mm, P<0.001]. Conclusion The leaflet augmentation technique combined with a standardized repair strategy can achieve satisfactory short- to mid-term outcomes for the redo mitral repair after previous MV repair. It can be considered a safe and feasible technical option for cases with complex valvular lesions and severe pathological changes.

Microwave thermochemotherapy (MTC) has been applied to treat lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), but a deeper understanding of its therapeutic mechanisms and molecular biology is needed. To address this, we used single-cell transcriptomics (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST) to highlight the pivotal role of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) among tumor-infiltrating immune cells and their therapeutic response to MTC. MNDA⁺ TANs with anti-tumor activity (N1-phenotype) are found to be abundantly infiltrated by MTC with benefit of increased blood perfusion, and these TANs are characterized by enhanced cytotoxicity, ameliorated hypoxia, and upregulated IL1B, activating T&NK cells and fibroblasts via IL1B-IL1R. In this highly anti-tumor immunogenic and hypoxia-reversed microenvironment under MTC, fibroblasts accumulated in the tumor front (TF) can recruit N1-TANs via CXCL2-CXCR2 and clear N2-TANs (pro-tumor phenotype) via CXCL12-CXCR4, which results in the aggregation of N1-TANs and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. In addition, we construct an N1-TANs marker, MX2, which positively correlates with better prognosis in LSCC patients, and employ deep learning techniques to predict expression of MX2 from hematoxylin-eosin (H&E)-stained images so as to conveniently guide decision making in clinical practice. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that the N1-TANs/fibroblasts defense wall formed in response to MTC effectively combat LSCC.
Humans ; Neutrophils/metabolism* ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Lip Neoplasms/genetics* ; Hyperthermia, Induced/methods* ; Microwaves/therapeutic use* ; Transcriptome ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/immunology* ; Tumor Microenvironment

Objective To explore the feasibility and operability in identifying the therapeutic dominant stages of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)based on subdivision model of disease course.Methods The hierarchical Bayesian model was used to differentiate the disease course of 125 cases of premature ovarian failure(POF),and the disease course of POF were divided into the occult stage,diminished ovarian reserve(DOR)stage,premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)stage,and POF stage.An then the paired sample t-test,Pearson correlation analysis and expert in-depth interview were used for the analysis of the therapeutic effects of TCM for POF at various stages.Results(1)Compared with POF stage,DOR and POI stages were frequently intervened by Chinese patent medicine.(2)In DOR(complicated with POI)stage and POF stage,there was significant difference between the degree of TCM intervention and the therapeutic effect(t =-3.70,P＜0.001).(3)The degree of TCM intervention was positively correlated with treatment outcomes in the DOR stage(r = 0.679,P＜0.001),so did in the POF stage(r = 0.432,P＜0.001),but the correlation in the POF stage was slightly lower than that in the DOR stage.(4)The results of in-depth interviews with experts of TCM gynecology showed that in the concealed phase of POF,the prognosis would be most favorable if TCM regulation and intervention were performed.In the DOR stage and POI stage,treatment with Chinese medicine prescriptions usually brought about better curative effect and prognosis.For the patients at POF stage,the therapeutic effect of TCM depended on the patients'compliance and the treatment course,and the effect was relatively not as good as that of the previous stages.Conclusion In the DOR stage and POF stage,the higher the degree of TCM intervention,the better the prognosis will be achieved for the patients treated with western medicine.In the POF stage,the efficacy of TCM intervention is reduced to a certain extent compared with the DOR stage.The results indicated that it is feasible and operable to identify the TCM therapeutic dominant stages based on the subdivision model of disease course.

Objectives:This study aims to investigate optimal surgical management strategies for pediatric patients diagnosed with volume-overloaded mitral regurgitation. Methods:A comprehensive retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 110 pediatric patients who underwent primary mitral valve repair for volume-overloaded mitral regurgitation at Fuwai Hospital between April 2020 and March 2022.The cohort,with an average age of(14.5±15.1)months and 38.2%males,was divided into standardized group for patients receiving 3-step standardized mitral valvuloplasty(n=69)and annuloplasty group for patients undergoing annuloplasty only(n=41).After propensity score matching,a total of 38 pairs of patients were included,comparing the primary endpoint(functional mitral failure and postoperative heart failure)between the two groups. Results:Over a median follow-up of 26.3(19.8,32.9)months,and with a median echocardiographic follow-up of 11.9(7.5,14.8)months,no death was recorded.Among the cases,one patient(0.8%)necessitated unplanned reoperation;and seven patients(6.4%)experienced a recurrence of moderate-severe mitral regurgitation as observed through echocardiography beyond 6 months post-surgery.Additionally,nine patients developed heart failure at one month post-discharge.Above events were similar between the two groups.Following propensity score matching,patients in the standardized group demonstrated significantly longer cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times compared to the annuloplasty group(both P＜0.05),other outcomes were similar between the two groups.Subgroup analysis based on age indicated that infants(＜1 year old)in the standardized group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of major endpoint events compared to the annuloplasty group.Additionally,postoperative echocardiography in annuloplasty group indicated that Z score of left ventricular end diastolic diameter was still greater than 2 during the latest follow-up. Conclusions:Patients with volume-overloaded mitral regurgitation in the standardized group exhibited comparable perioperative recovery and postoperative outcomes as in the annuloplasty group.For pediatric patients suffering from volume-overloaded mitral regurgitation,particularly those under one year of age,the standardized surgical approach exhibited reduced rates of heart failure and major endpoint events,and this strategy is more suitable for this patient group.

Objective:To explore the cause of inconsistency between the results of trisomy 7 by expanded non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT-PLUS) and trisomy 18 by prenatal diagnosis.Methods:A pregnant woman who received genetic counseling at Jiaozuo Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital on July 5, 2020 was selected as the study subject. NIPT-PLUS, systematic ultrasound and interventional prenatal testing were carried out. The middle segment and root of umbilical cord, center and edge of the maternal and fatal surface of the placenta were sampled for the validation by copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq).Results:The result of NIPT-PLUS indicated that the fetus has trisomy 7. Systematic ultrasound has shown multiple malformations including atrioventricular septal defect, horseshoe kidney, and rocker-bottom feet. However, QF-PCR, chromosomal karyotyping analysis, and CNV-seq of amniotic fluid samples all showed that the fetus was trisomy 18. Validation using multiple placental samples confirmed that the middle segment of the umbilical cord contains trisomy 18, the center of the placenta contained trisomy 7, and other placental sites were mosaicism for trisomy 7 and trisomy 18. Notably, the ratio of trisomy 18 became lower further away from the umbilical cord.Conclusion:The false positive results of trisomy 7 and false negative trisomy 18 by NIPT-PLUS was probably due to the existence of placental mosaicism. Strict prenatal diagnosis is required needed aneuploidy is detected by NIPT-PLUS to exclude the influence of placental mosaicisms.

Two pediatric heart failure patients were treated with pulmonary artery banding(PAB)at Fuwai Hospital,from December 2021 to January 2022.In the first case,an 8-month-old patient presented with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy(LVNC),left ventricular systolic dysfunction,ventricular septal defect,and atrial septal defect.The second case was a 4-month-old patient with LVNC,left ventricular systolic dysfunction,and coarctation of the aorta.After PAB,the left ventricular function and shape of both patients were significantly improved,without serious surgery-related complications.In these individual cases of pediatric heart failure,pulmonary artery banding exhibited a more satisfactory efficacy and safety compared to pharmacological treatment,especially for those with unsatisfactory medication results.Future clinical data are needed to promote the rational and broader application of this therapeutic option for indicated patients.

Objectives:To explore the risk factors for death from ruptured acute aortic dissection during emergency treatment,construct and validate a risk prediction model for death from ruptured acute aortic dissection during emergency treatment. Methods:A total of 301 cases of acute aortic dissection patients who were admitted to Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Fuwai Hospital from January 2018 to August 2021 were included in this study.Patients were divided into survival subgroup(n=239)and death subgroup(n=62)according to whether dissection rupture occurred in the acute stage of the disease.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.Logistic regression analysis was used to establish the risk prediction model.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was conducted to assess the model's goodness of fit,and the receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC curve)was used to evaluate the model's predictive performance.A prospective validation was performed on 129 cases of acute aortic dissection patients admitted to our hospital's emergency department from September 2021 to September 2022. Results:Among the 301 cases of acute aortic dissection patients,there were 62 cases of rupture and death,with an incidence rate of 20.6%.The results of multivariate analysis showed that age(OR=1.066,95%CI:1.034-1.099),type A dissection(OR=0.045,95%CI:0.006-0.364),history of hypertension(OR=0.377,95%CI:0.167-0.850),and concomitant hypotension(OR=4.424,95%CI:1.467-13.340)were determinants of deaths.The model formula was Z=-5.624+0.064×age-0.976×history of hypertension(yes=1,no=0)-3.104×type(Type A=0,Type B=1)+1.487×concomitant hypotension(yes=1,no=0).The Hosmer-Lemeshow test result showed χ2=9.328,df=8,P=0.315,the area under the ROC curve was 0.874,sensitivity was 79.0%,specificity was 81.6%,and the maximum Youden index was 0.606.The model validation result showed that the area under the ROC curve was 0.722,sensitivity was 73.7%,specificity was 69.1%,and accuracy was 89.9%. Conclusions:Age,history of hypertension,dissection type,and combined hypotension are predictors of the risk prediction model for death from dissection rupture in patients with acute aortic dissection during emergency treatment.The model constructed in this study has good predictive performance,which can provide reference for medical staffto quickly identify high-risk patients for death from ruptured acute aortic dissection and timely predictive measures could be highlighted in indicated cases.

Objective:In order to improve medical undergraduates' ability to interpret medical images and clinical application competencies, this study aimed to explore the effects of case-based learning (CBL) combined with seminars for integrated medical imaging teaching as well as its application value.Methods:We assigned 40 medical undergraduates of grade 2016 of Chongqing Medical University to learn imaging of liver diseases using either a traditional teaching model (control group, n=20) or the combined teaching model (experimental group, n=20), in the form of classroom teaching in our hospital. The teaching effects were evaluated through a theoretical assessment, image reading assessment, and questionnaire survey. SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Continuous data were compared using the t test, and categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. Results:The total theoretical score and total image reading score of the experimental group were (76.35±8.63) and (79.80±10.60), respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the control group ( P<0.05). Specifically, for the experimental group, the scores of theoretical analysis and comprehensive application were (22.85±3.63) and (22.15±2.92), respectively; the scores of image interpretation and report writing were (48.55±6.81) and (31.25±4.15), respectively; the scores for medium questions and hard questions in the image reading test were (24.85±3.12) and (22.50±2.91), respectively; and the pass rate and excellence rate for image reading were 100.00% and 50.00%, respectively, all significantly higher than those of the control group ( P<0.05). The degree of satisfaction with teaching in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( P<0.05). In terms of improving learning desire, independent learning ability, innovation and expansion ability, literature search ability, communication and collaboration ability, and image interpretation ability, the experimental group showed significantly higher self-evaluated scores than the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The CBL+seminar model can effectively improve students' academic performance in theoretical and image reading assessments, strengthen their ability to analyze and solve difficult problems, increase their enthusiasm and initiative in learning, and improve their comprehensive quality and image interpretation competency, which is worth promotion and application.