The comorbidity rate of gastroesophageal reflux disease （GERD） and sleep disorders is high， and the two form a vicious circle through the “brain-gut axis”， which seriously impacts the patients’ quality of life. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， guided by the core principles of “holistic concept” and “syndrome differentiation and treatment”， features multi-targeted therapeutic effects with minimal side effects， offering diverse intervention options for clinical practice. From the perspective of the “brain-gut axis”， this article reviews the relationship between the comorbidity of GERD and sleep disorders and systematically examines relevant research findings on how TCM regulates the “brain-gut axis” to intervene in this comorbid condition. The study reveals that the “brain-gut axis” may participate in the pathological progress of GERD accompanied by sleep disorders through pathways such as abnormalities in the secretion of brain-gut peptides （including gastrointestinal secretin）， as well as intestinal dysbiosis. By closely focusing on core pathogenic mechanisms such as “disharmony between the liver and stomach” and “insomnia due to stomach disharmony”， various approaches can be employed， including TCM formulas （e.g.， modified Sini powder combined with Zuojin pills）， external TCM therapies （e.g.， back-shu point digital acupressure）， and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatments （e.g.， modified Chaihu guizhi ganjiang decoction combined with proton pump inhibitors）. These methods can regulate the levels of neurotransmitters， gastrointestinal hormones， inflammatory factors， and the composition of intestinal microbiota associated with the “brain-gut axis”， thereby achieving simultaneous improvement in both GERD and sleep disorders.

Objective To explore the action mechanism of dehydrocostus lactone(DHL)on renal interstitial fibrosis(RIF)in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO).Methods Forty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups:the sham surgery group(Sham group),the pure drug intervention group(Sham+DHL group),the experimental group(UUO+Vehicle group)and the DHL treatment group(UUO+DHL group),with 11 rats in each group.The rats underwent sham surgery,sham surgery+DHL[10 mg/(kg·d)],UUO modeling+the same volume of solvent and UUO modeling+DHL[10 mg/(kg·d)],respectively.After surgery,DHL or the same volume of solvent was administered by gavage for 14 days starting from day 2 post-surgery.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in renal tissue.Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression levels of collagen I,collagen III and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA).Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of the transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1/Smad2/3 pathway.Results Compared with the UUO+Vehicle group,DHL treatment alleviated renal interstitial pathological damage,reduced collagen fiber deposition,and decreased the expression of collagen I,collagen III and α-SMA.It also inhibited the expression of TGF-β1 and Smad2/3 proteins.Conclusions DHL mitigates RIF in rats by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway,providing a new strategy for the treatment of chronic kidney disease.

Objective:To explore the independent risk factors for uremic encephalopathy(UE)in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients and provide evidence for early clinical warning and intervention.Methods:A case-control study was conducted,enrolling 67 MHD patients diagnosed with UE(UE group)at Laibin People's Hospital from January 2010 to December 2024,and 67 non-UE patients during the same period(control group).Demographic characteristics,dialysis parameters,laboratory indicators,and infection events were collected.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for UE.Results:The UE group had significantly higher rates of infection(58.2％vs.29.9％),serum creatinine(789 vs.702 μmol/L),and iPTH levels(568 vs.385 pg/mL)compared to the control group(P＜0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed that concurrent infection(OR=3.022,95％CI:1.312-6.958),elevated serum creatinine(OR=1.004,95％CI:1.000-1.008),and elevated iPTH(OR=1.002,95％CI:1.001-1.003)were independent risk factors for UE(P＜0.05).The combined prediction model achieved an AUC of 0.878(95％CI:0.822-0.934),with 82.1％sensitivity and 80.6％specificity.Conclusion:Infection,elevated serum creatinine,and elevated iPTH significantly increase the risk of UE in MHD patients.Clinical management should emphasize infection prevention,toxin clearance optimization,and parathyroid function regulation to reduce UE incidence.

Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of cardiac color Doppler ultrasonography for left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH)complicated left heart failure(LHF).Methods:A total of 117 LVH patients complicated LHF admitted in Ningde City Hospital Affiliated to Ningde Normal College between January 2019 and January 2023(heart failure group)and 100 healthy people(control group)who underwent general physical examination in our hospital simultaneously were selected for the study.Left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left atrial diameter(LAD),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDd),early diastolic peak flow velocity/late diastolic peak flow velocity(E/A)were measured by cardiac color Doppler ultrasound in two groups.Receiver operating charac-teristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of cardiac color Doppler ultrasound indexes for LVH complicated LHF.In addition,the 117 patients with LVH and LHF were divided into mild group(n=54)and moderate to severe group(n=63)according to cardiac function class.Spearman correlation analysis was used to an-alyze the associationof cardiac color ultrasound parameters with cardiac function class.Results:Compared with par-ticipants in control group,those in heart failure group had significant lower LVEF[(47.88±4.75)％ vs.(69.81±5.64)％],and significant higher LAD[(44.03±4.88)mm vs.(27.56±2.76)mm vs.],LVEDd[(55.68±5.04)mm vs.(42.19±1.38)mm],E/A[(13.04±3.58)vs.(6.60±1.67)](P＜0.001 all).ROC analysis indicated that the area under the curve(AUC)of the combination of various parameters of cardiac ultrasound for diagnosing LVH with LHF was significantly higher than those of the single tests(Combined detection:AUC=0.901,95％CI 0.853～0.937 vs LVEF:AUC=0.644,95％CI 0.577～0.708,LAD:AUC=0.703,95％CI 0.637～0.763,LVEDd:AUC=0.633,95％CI 0.565～0.697,E/A:AUC=0.748,95％CI 0.685～0.804,Z=7.062,5.764,7.292,4.864,P＜0.001 all).Compared with patients in mild group,those in moderate to severe group had signifi-cant lower LVEF[(45.67±3.37)％ vs.(50.47±4.86)％],and significant higher LAD[(46.31±4.42)mm vs.(41.36±3.98)mm],LVEDd[(60.09±1.75)mm vs.(50.53±1.41)mm]and E/A[(13.99±2.96)vs.(11.93±3.92)](P＜0.01 all).Spearman correlation analysis indicated that LVEF was negatively correlated with cardiac function class(r=-0.474),while LAD(r=0.511),LVEDd(r=0.863),E/A(r=0.269)were positively corre-lated with cardiac function class(P＜0.01 all).Conclusion:Cardiac color Doppler ultrasound could better diagnose LVH complicated LHF,and also could effectively predict the cardiac function of patients with LVH and LHF.

Objective To explore the predictive value of growth differentiation factor 15(GDF-15)for atrial fibrillation(AF)in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods A prospective observation cohort of 1261 elderly CHD patients was randomly sampled from the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2012 to December 2015.ELISA was used to detect GDF-15 level in all the subjects,and their baseline data were collected.Until March 2023,93 patients were lost during the follow-up period,and finally 1168 patients completed the follow-up,with a median time of 9.4 years.According to AF occurred or not during the period,the eligible patients were divided into an AF group(197 cases)and a non-AF group(971 cases),and based on their medical history,also assigned into a stable angina pectoris(SAP,n=304)and an acute coronary syndrome group(ACS,n=864).Logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether GDF-15 is a risk factor for AF in elderly CHD patients.ROC curve was plotted to assess the predictive value of GDF-15,guideline recommended CHARGE-AF scoring model,and their combination for AF events in the patients.Results The AF group had significantly advanced age,larger proportions of smoking history,type 2 diabetes,hypertension,old myocardial infarction,stroke,ACS and administration of statins,higher ratio of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibi-tor/angiotensin receptor blocker,and elevated levels of GDF-15 and N-terminal pro-B-type natri-uretic peptide,and lower left ventricular ejection fraction,SAP incidence,and low-density lipopro-tein cholesterol,total cholesterol and triglycerides levels when compared with the non-AF group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that GDF-15 was not a risk factor for AF in elderly CHD patients(OR=0.92,95％CI:0.74-1.16,P=0.489),but was a risk factor for AF in SAP patients(OR=1.38,95％CI:1.07-2.79,P=0.015),and in ACS patients,still not a risk factor for AF(OR=0.81,95％CI:0.63-1.05,P=0.814).ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC value of GDF-15 combined with the CHARGE-AF scoring model in predic-ting AF was 0.682 in the elderly CHD patients,0.746 in the SAP patients,and 0.680 in the ACS patients.Conclusion Elevated GDF-15 level is an independent risk factor and predictor of AF in elderly SAP patients.In SAP patients,the combination of GDF-15 and CHARGE-AF scoring model further improves the predictive performance of AF occurrence.

Objective:This study aims to explore the predictive value of the ratio of caliceal pelvic height to infundibular length（CPH/IL）for the stone-free rate（SFR）in the treatment of lower calyx stones using flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy（FURL）combined with a distally bendable negative pressure suction sheath.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and anatomical parameters of 312 patients with lower calyx stones or combined lower calyx stones admitted to the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from September 2022 to December 2023，all of whom were treated with FURL combined with a distally bendable negative pressure suction sheath. Stone clearance was defined as no residual stones or residual stones with a diameter of ≤3 mm without any symptoms. Patients were divided into the clearance group（265 cases，84.90%）and the non-clearance group（47 cases，15.10%）. There were no significant differences in gender（male/female：173/92 cases vs. 29/18 cases），age［（44.69 ± 13.14）years vs.（42.60 ± 10.93）years］，degree of hydronephrosis（no hydronephrosis/mild hydronephrosis/moderate to severe hydronephrosis：122/85/58 cases vs. 21/12/14 cases），side of lower calyx stones（left/right：157/108 cases vs. 31/16 cases），maximum diameter of stones（MDS）［（19.23 ± 6.41）mm vs.（17.77 ± 6.18）mm］，and CT value of stones［（993.46 ± 249.12）Hu vs.（1013.43 ± 300.90）Hu］between the two groups（ P > 0.05），indicating comparability between groups. There was no significant difference in the distance from the midpoint of the lower lip of the renal pelvis to the ureter at the lowest plane of the lower calyx（K-A line）between the clearance and non-clearance groups［（26.16 ± 5.18）mm vs.（25.70 ± 8.66）mm， P > 0.05］. However，significant differences were observed in the infundibulopelvic angle（IPA）［（53.97 ± 15.72）° vs.（37.43 ± 15.39）°］，infundibular length（IL）［（27.26 ± 5.11）mm vs.（33.04 ± 7.38）mm］，infundibular width（IW）［（8.27 ± 2.82）mm vs.（7.09 ± 3.20）mm］，caliceal pelvic height（CPH）［（19.96 ± 4.63）mm vs.（30.32 ± 7.56）mm］，ureter-lower calyx distance（ULD）［（23.00 ± 5.59）mm vs.（18.78 ± 6.31）mm］，CPH/IL ratio［（0.73 ± 0.11）vs.（0.92 ± 0.09）］，and curvature of the lower calyx of the renal pelvis［（0.06 ± 0.01）mm -1 vs.（0.08 ± 0.03）mm -1］between the two groups（ P <0.05）. Univariate and logistic multivariate regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors affecting the postoperative SFR of FURL-treated lower calyx stones and to assess the value of CPH/IL for SFR in the treatment of lower calyx stones using FURL combined with a distally bendable negative pressure suction sheath. A logistic multivariate regression model and a corresponding nomogram were constructed，and the predictive ability of the model for SFR was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic（ROC）curve. The calibration curve and the Hosmer -Lemeshow test were used to assess the consistency and accuracy of the model. The clinical utility of the model was evaluated using decision curve analysis（DCA）. Results:Univariate analysis revealed that seven anatomical parameters differed significantly between the clearance and non-clearance groups（all P < 0.05）：infundibulopelvic angle（IPA， OR = 0.27，95% CI 0.17-0.42， P < 0.01），infundibular length（IL， OR = 2.52，95% CI 1.83-3.47， P < 0.01），infundibular width（IW， OR = 0.64，95% CI 0.45-0.90， P = 0.011），caliceal pelvic height（CPH， OR = 5.78，95% CI 3.67-9.10， P < 0.01），ureter-lower calyx distance（ULD， OR = 0.43，95% CI 0.30-0.63， P < 0.01），CPH/IL ratio（ OR = 13.62，95% CI 6.86-27.03， P < 0.01），and curvature of the lower calyx of the renal pelvis（ O = 3.15，95% CI 2.08-4.78， P < 0.01）. Multivariate logistic regression further identified CPH/IL（ OR = 9.87，95% CI 4.92-19.79， P < 0.01），IPA（ OR = 0.41，95% CI 0.23-0.71， P = 0.001），and ULD（ OR = 0.50，95% CI 0.29-0.87， P = 0.014）as independent risk factors influencing the stone-free rate after flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy combined with a distally bendable negative-pressure suction sheath. The area under the ROC curve（AUC）of the univariate regression model showed that for IPA，the AUC was 0.788（95% CI 0.711-0.864）；for IL，it was 0.731（95% CI 0.643-0.819）；for ULD，it was 0.677（95% CI 0.586-0.767）；for CPH，it was 0.867（95% CI 0.804-0.929）；for IW，it was 0.628（95% CI 0.535-0.721）；for CPH/IL，it was 0.906（95% CI 0.850-0.961）with an optimal cutoff value of 0.882，corresponding to a sensitivity of 83.02% and a specificity of 92.08%；and for curvature of the lower calyx of the renal pelvis，it was 0.744（95% CI 0.662-0.827）. The AUC of the multivariate regression model was 0.929（95% CI 0.884-0.974）with an optimal cutoff value of 0.364，corresponding to a sensitivity of 82.98% and a specificity of 95.09%. Calibration curves demonstrated close agreement between the predicted and actual stone-free rates after FURL（C-index = 0.921）. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test indicated no significant discrepancy between predicted and observed probabilities（ P = 0.135，>0.05）. Decision-curve analysis further revealed that basing clinical decisions on the model ，s predicted probability yields a higher net clinical benefit than either withholding FURL for all patients or treating all patients regardless of risk，and it also outperforms strategies guided by any single independent predictor alone. Conclusions:IPA，IL，IW，CPH，ULD，CPH/IL ratio，and curvature of the lower calyx of the renal pelvis can all predict the postoperative SFR of FURL combined with a distally bendable negative pressure suction sheath for the treatment of lower calyx stones to varying degrees. Among them，CPH/IL has the highest predictive value. When CPH/IL >0.88，it may be difficult to use FURL to treat lower calyx stones.

Objective To investigate the status of feeding intolerance in patients with enteral nutrition after lung transplantation and analyze its influencing factors,to provide a reference for formulating a reasonable enteral nutrition plan and improving patients'nutritional status.Methods Convenient sampling method was used to retrospectively collect the clinical data of 115 patients who received enteral nutrition support after lung transplantation and were hospitalized in the ICU of a tertiary hospital in Guangdong Province from August 2022 to November 2023.According to the occurrence of feeding intolerance during ICU hospitalization,the patients were divided into a feeding tolerance group and a feeding intolerance group.Univariate and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors of feeding intolerance patients with enteral nutrition after lung transplantation.Results Within 7 days of initiating enteral nutrition,a total of 63 patients developed feeding intolerance,with an incidence of 54.78％.Among them,the incidence of feeding intolerance was relatively high within 1 to 3 days after initiating enteral feeding.The clinical manifestations of feeding intolerance were diarrhea,bloating,gastric retention,vomiting/regurgitation,among which the diarrhea was the highest incidence(87.30％).Logi-stic regression analysis showed that intraoperative net balance volume(OR=0.999),intraoperative blood transfusion(OR=1.001)volume and diabetes history(OR=0.170)were independent influencing factors for feeding intolerance in patients with enteral nutrition after lung transplantation(P＜0.05).Conclusion There was a high incidence of feed-ing intolerance in patients with enteral nutrition after lung transplantation.Patients undergoing lung transplantation who have a high net intraoperative fluid balance,receive a low volume of intraoperative blood transfusions,and have a history of diabetes are at a lower risk of developing feeding intolerance when receiving postoperative enteral nutrition.When starting enteral nutrition,medical staff should dynamically evaluate the risk factors of feeding intolerance,screen high-risk patients as early as possible,and formulate reasonable enteral nutrition programs to improve the nutritional status of patients and promote their rehabilitation.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD) poses a high risk of intraoperative bleeding due to the complex anatomy and rich blood supply in the pancreatic head region. This paper innovatively proposes a blood flow control technique system for LPD, adopting a strategy of “priority devascularization and pre-blocking”.By first addressing the peripheral collateral blood supply and the gastroduodenal artery, and then performing dual-system pre-blocking, the dorsal pancreatic artery and the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery are treated in situ through a combined middle and left posterior approach. This progressive blood flow control method enhances surgical safety and oncological radicality, offering a new paradigm for the development of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)among military personnel in plateau regions and to explore its risk factors.Methods From July 2023 to July 2024,a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to survey the prevalence of KOA and related risk factors among military personnel in the northwest plateau regions of China,covering different altitudes(1500-4500 m)and geographical areas(Gansu,Qinghai,Tibet,and Xinjiang).All study subjects were divided into KOA and non-KOA groups based on the presence or absence of KOA.Variables including age,gender,body mass index(BMI),education level,smoking status,military rank,military branch,service duration,regional altitude,annual average temperature,training duration,perceived training intensity,and history of knee injury were selected for univariate analyses between groups.Variables with P<0.05 in the univariate analyses were included in the binary multifactor logistic regression to identify risk factors for KOA.Results A total of 3000 questionnaires were distributed,and 2854 valid questionnaires were collected,with a response rate of 95.13%.The sample included 2584 males and 270 females,with 510 cases of KOA,resulting in a prevalence rate of 17.9%.Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between KOA and non-KOA groups in terms of age,BMI,smoking status,military rank,military branch,service duration,regional altitude,annual average temperature,training duration,perceived training intensity,and history of knee injury(P<0.05).However,no significant differences were found in gender and education level(P>0.05).Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age(OR=1.382,P=0.017),higher BMI(P<0.01),smoking(OR=1.929,P<0.01),higher military rank(OR=1.485,P=0.007),being a member of the Armed Police(P<0.01),longer service duration(P<0.01),higher regional altitude(OR=1.459,P<0.01),lower annual average temperature(OR=1.188,P=0.001),longer training duration(P<0.01),higher perceived training intensity(OR=2.450,P<0.01),and history of knee injury(OR=2.768,P=0.002)were independent risk factors for KOA.Conclusions Older age,overweight/obesity,smoking,higher military rank,being a member of the Armed Police,longer service duration,higher altitude,cold climate,longer training duration,higher training intensity,and history of knee injury are independent risk factors for KOA among military personnel in the northwest plateau regions of China.

Peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation refers to surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of PIKM. Consensus reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining a minimum width of PIKM to ensure long-term peri-implant health. Currently, several surgical techniques have been validated for their effectiveness in increasing PIKM. However, the selection and application of PIKM augmentation methods may present challenges for dental practitioners due to heterogeneity in surgical techniques, variations in clinical scenarios, and anatomical differences. Therefore, clear guidelines and considerations for PIKM augmentation are needed. This expert consensus focuses on the commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and the factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery. It aims to establish a standardized framework for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation procedures, with the goal of offering evidence-based guidance to enhance the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation.
Humans ; Consensus ; Dental Implants ; Mouth Mucosa/surgery* ; Keratins