The real-time Delphi method represents a refinement of the classical Delphi technique, designed to overcome limitations such as prolonged study duration and delayed feedback during consensus development. This article, building upon the classical Delphi foundation, systematically elaborates on the application process, advantages, and limitations of the real-time Delphi method. It further presents currently available websites or software capable of facilitating real-time Delphi exercises and offers considerations and recommendations for its application in guideline development, aiming to serve as a reference for relevant researchers.

Houpo Qiwutang originated from the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber， and it consists of seven medicines： Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex， Rhei Radix et Rhizoma， Aurantii Fructus Immaturus， Cinnamomi Ramulus， Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens， Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， and Jujubae Fructus. It is a basic formula for the treatment of abdominal fullness. Through the bibliometric method， the historical history， drug base， preparation and dosage， decoction method， and ancient and modern applications of Houpu Qiwu Tang were analyzed by means of textual research. The research finds that Houpu Qiwu Tang has been passed down through the generations in an orderly manner with fewer changes. The drug base of this formula is basically clear， and the base of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex， Rhei Radix et Rhizoma， Cinnamomi Ramulus， Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens， and Jujubae Fructus is consistent with the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The mainstream base of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus is the dried young fruit of Citrus aurantium of Rutaceae family， and the historical mainstream base of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is the dried root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis of Leguminosae family. The modern dosage of this formula is 110.40 g of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex， 41.40 g of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma， 69 g of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus， 27.60 g of Cinnamomi Ramulus， 69 g of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens， 41.40 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， and 30 g of Jujubae Fructus. In addition， the decoction method is to add 2 000 mL of water with the above seven flavors of the medicine， boil it to 800 mL， and then take 160 mL in a warm state each time. The amount of the medicine taken for each time is 22.08 g of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex， 8.28 g of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma， 13.80 g of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus， 5.52 g of Cinnamomi Ramulus， 13.80 g of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens， 8.28 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， and 6 g of Jujubae Fructus. The modern application of this formula involves the digestive system， respiratory system， and urinary system. It is more advantageous in digestive system diseases such as early postoperative inflammatory bowel obstruction， functional dyspepsia， gastric pain， functional abdominal distension， and gastric reflux esophagitis. By comprehensively examining the key information of Houpu Qiwu Tang， this paper aims to provide literature support for the development and clinical application of this formula.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the first cohort of people in China treated with a responsive neurostimulation system (Epilcure TM , GenLight MedTech, Hangzhou, China) for focal drug-resistant epilepsy in this study. METHODS: This multicenter, before-and-after self-controlled study was conducted across 8 centers from March 2022 to June 2023, involving patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who were undergoing responsive neurostimulation (RNS). The study was based on an ongoing multi-center, single-blind, randomized controlled study. Efficacy was assessed through metrics including median seizure count, seizure frequency reduction (SFR), and response rate. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationships of basic clinical factors and intracranial electrophysiological characteristics with SFR. The postoperative quality of life, cognitive function, depression, and anxiety were evaluated as well. RESULTS: The follow-up period for the 19 participants was 10.7 ± 3.4 months. Seizure counts decreased significantly 6 months after device activation, with median SFR of 48% at the 6th month (M6) and 58% at M12 ( P  <0.05). The average response rate after 13 months of treatment was 42%, with 21% ( n  = 4) of the participants achieving seizure freedom. Patients who have previously undergone resective surgery appear to achieve better therapeutic outcomes at M11, M12 and M13 ( β  <0, P  <0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in patients' scores of quality of life, cognition, depression and anxiety following stimulation when compared to baseline measurements. No serious adverse events related to the devices were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary findings suggest that Epilcure TM exhibits promising therapeutic potential in reducing the frequency of epileptic seizures. However, to further validate its efficacy, larger-scale randomized controlled trials are required. REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2200055247).
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Drug Resistant Epilepsy/therapy* ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Middle Aged ; China ; Adolescent ; Treatment Outcome ; Quality of Life ; Single-Blind Method ; Seizures ; Electric Stimulation Therapy/methods*

Objective To introduce the concepts and principles of the win ratio method and to analyze it in the context of a case study of a clinical trial in cerebrovascular disease.Methods Based on the study of clopidogrel with aspirin in high risk patients with acute non disabling cerebrovascular events 2,and key prognostic factors,the outcome events were defined sequentially as ① time to death within 90 d,② time to recurrence of ischemic stroke within 90 d,③ time to moderate-to-severe hemorrhage within 90 d.Using clopidogrel combined with aspirin as the reference group,the winning ratio(Rw)of ticagrelor combined with aspirin was analyzed by the win ratio method,and the 95% confidence interval(CI)of Rw was estimated by the Bootstrap method and compared with the hazard ratio(HR)calculated by the competing risk model.Results When only fatal events were considered,the win ratio method suggested that the ticagrelor group was significantly better than the clopidogrel group,Rw=2.00(95% CI:1.52-2.47),and after stepwise inclusion of ischemic stroke and moderate-to-severe hemorrhage recurrence,the win ratio method yielded a value of 1.29(95% CI:1.25-1.57),and the HR value from Fine and Gray competing risk regression was 0.78(95% CI:0.65-0.95),both of which indicated that the efficacy of the ticagrelor group was superior to that of the clopidogrel group.Conclusion The win ratio method can be used to analyze clinical trials with composite endpoints after prioritizing multiple outcome variables,showing the advantages of win ratio and its promising application in cerebrovascular disease research.

Objective To introduce the concepts and principles of the win ratio method and to analyze it in the context of a case study of a clinical trial in cerebrovascular disease.Methods Based on the study of clopidogrel with aspirin in high risk patients with acute non disabling cerebrovascular events 2,and key prognostic factors,the outcome events were defined sequentially as ① time to death within 90 d,② time to recurrence of ischemic stroke within 90 d,③ time to moderate-to-severe hemorrhage within 90 d.Using clopidogrel combined with aspirin as the reference group,the winning ratio(Rw)of ticagrelor combined with aspirin was analyzed by the win ratio method,and the 95% confidence interval(CI)of Rw was estimated by the Bootstrap method and compared with the hazard ratio(HR)calculated by the competing risk model.Results When only fatal events were considered,the win ratio method suggested that the ticagrelor group was significantly better than the clopidogrel group,Rw=2.00(95% CI:1.52-2.47),and after stepwise inclusion of ischemic stroke and moderate-to-severe hemorrhage recurrence,the win ratio method yielded a value of 1.29(95% CI:1.25-1.57),and the HR value from Fine and Gray competing risk regression was 0.78(95% CI:0.65-0.95),both of which indicated that the efficacy of the ticagrelor group was superior to that of the clopidogrel group.Conclusion The win ratio method can be used to analyze clinical trials with composite endpoints after prioritizing multiple outcome variables,showing the advantages of win ratio and its promising application in cerebrovascular disease research.

The active components of Astragali Radix, its patent drugs and preparations can play a protective role on brain tissue through a variety of pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidative stress, inhibition of cell apoptosis, protection of blood-brain barrier, alleviation of inflammatory response, inhibition of ferroptosis, promotion of nerve cell regeneration and new angiogenesis. In the basic research of Astragali Radix in the treatment of ischemic stroke, the repetition rate of experimental indexes is high. The research on upstream levels such as signal pathway and cell type should be strengthened, and the basic research should be effectively connected with clinical research.

Objective:To explore the clinical effects of anterolateral femoral or anteromedial femoral perforator flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects after resection of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC).Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From July 2015 to July 2022, 21 patients with CSCC were treated in the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, including 15 males and 6 females, aged from 27 to 74 years. The area of skin and soft tissue defects after extended resection of CSCC was 7.5 cm×4.0 cm to 23.0 cm×8.5 cm. The wounds in 18 patients were repaired with anterolateral femoral perforator flaps; variations of perforating branch of the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery were observed in 3 patients during the operation, and the wounds were repaired with anteromedial femoral perforator flaps. The flap areas were 8.0 cm×5.0 cm to 25.0 cm×10.0 cm. The wounds in the donor areas were sutured directly in 19 patients, and the wounds in the donor areas were repaired with thin and medium-thickness skin grafts in the contralateral thigh in 2 patients. The postoperative survival of flaps and the occurrence of vascular crisis were observed. The length of operation and the hospitalization day were recorded. The recurrence of tumor, the appearances of the donor and recipient areas of flaps, the function of the flap donor area were followed up. At the last follow-up, the satisfaction degree of patients for the curative effects was evaluated.Results:The flaps survived in 20 patients, while the vascular crisis occurred in 1 patient within 48 hours after operation, and the flap survived after immediate emergency operation. The length of operation was 4 to 5 hours, and the hospitalization day was 15 to 38 days. The patients were followed up for 1 to 6 years after operation, there was no local tumor recurrence, the color and texture of the flaps were with no obvious differences to those of the surrounding tissue, and the elasticity and appearance were good. The skin grafts in the flap donor areas of 2 patients survived well with local pigmentation. There was only linear scar in the flap donor areas of all patients, and there were no significant effects on sensory and motor functions. At the last follow-up, fifteen patients were satisfied with the curative effect, and 6 patients were generally satisfied with the curative effect.Conclusions:For skin and soft tissue defects after CSCC resection, the anterolateral femoral perforator flaps can be used preferentially. In the case of variation of the perforating branch of descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, the anteromedial femoral perforator flap is selected. The areas of the two flaps are large and can be adjusted according to the amount of defect tissue, thus accurately and effectively repairing skin and soft tissue defects after CSCC resection. The postoperative appearance and function are good.

A pair of father-son Crohn′s disease (CD) patients with NOD-like receptors family pyrin domain containing 12 ( NLRP12) gene c.1382 mutation was reported. Through the relevant literature review, we summarize the other CD patients complicated with NLRP12 genetic variation at home and abroad and the mechanism of NLRP12 in inflammatory bowel disease. This study aims to provide reference for the subsequent exploration of individulized treatment.

Objective To analyze and compare the clinical efficacy of CalliSpheres drug-eluting micro-spheres and blank microspheres in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer by bronchial arterial chemoembolization.Methods Fifty patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who had failed or relapsed after radiotherapy,chemotherapy,targeting and immunotherapy were collected and treated with super-selective bronchial artery chemoembolization.A retrospective analysis was conducted to compare the tumor response rate and survival between CalliSpheres drug-eluting and blank microspheres.Results The PR,ORR and DCR in the drug-eluted microsphere group were higher than those in the blank microsphere group,and there was a statistical difference in DCR between the two groups 1 month after surgery(χ2 = 4.08,P = 0.04).PD in the drug-eluted microsphere group was lower than that in the blank microsphere group.The CEA,CYF and SCC in the drug-eluted microsphere group after surgery were lower than those in the blank microsphere group,and the CEA,CYF and SCC in the two groups after surgery were lower than those before surgery,and there were statistical differences in CEA and CYF 1 month after surgery between the two groups.The PFS and OS in drug-eluted microsphere group were higher than those in blank microsphere group.Conclusion CalliSpheres drug-eluting microspheres could improve the effective rate of tumor treatment and prolong the survival time more effectively than the blank micro-spheres via arterial chemoembolization,providing reliable clinical practice basis for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Objective To analyze the long-term outcome of modified Morrow surgery (interventricular septal cardiomyectomy) in the treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) in children. Methods The clinical data of the children with HOCM (aged≤14 years) who underwent modified Morrow surgery from January 2010 to August 2022 in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, including changes in hospitalization status, perioperative period, and long-term 15-lead electrocardiogram and echocardiography. Results A total of 29 patients were collected, including 22 males and 7 females, aged 10.00 (5.00, 12.00) years. Five (17.9%) patients had New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart function grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ. Ventricular septal cardiomyectomy was performed in all patients. All 29 patients survived and their cardiac function recovered after operation. Before discharge, right bundle branch block was observed in 2 patients and left bundle branch block in 6 patients. After surgery, in the left ventricular septal cardiomyectomy, the left atrial diameter decreased (P＜0.001), left ventricular end-systolic diameter increased (P=0.009), the peak pressure gradient of left ventricular outflow tract decreased (P＜0.001), and the thickness of ventricular septum decreased (P＜0.001). The systolic anterior motion of mitral valve disappeared and mitral regurgitent jet area decreased (P＜0.001). The flow velocity and peak pressure gradient of right ventricular outflow tract also decreased in the patients who underwent right ventricular septal cardiomyectomy. The average follow-up of the patients was 69.03±10.60 months. All the patients survived with their NYHA cardiac function grading Ⅰ or Ⅱ. No new-onset arrythmia event was found. Echocardiography indicated that the peak pressure gradient of the left ventricular outflow tract remained low (P<0.001). Moderate mitral regurgitation occurred in 2 patients, and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with moderate mitral regurgitation occurred in 1 patient after simple right ventricular septal cardiomyectomy. Conclusion Right ventricular or biventricular obstruction is frequent in the children with HOCM and they usually have more symptoms before surgery. Modified Morrow surgery can effectively relieve outflow tract obstruction and improve their cardiac function. The long-term outcome is satisfactory. However, the posterior wall of the left ventricle remains hypertrophic. Also, there is an increased risk of a conduction block.