Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of dengue fever inpatients in Guangzhou area, so that to provide references for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:The demographic data, laboratory findings, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of 116 dengue fever cases admitted to Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University and the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University from August 1st to December 21st, 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 116 patients, 99 cases (85.34%) were classified as non-severe dengue, while 17(14.66%) progressed to severe dengue (SD). The cohort was comprised of 62(53.45%) males and 54(46.55%) females, with an age of 63.5(22.0) years, and the hospitalization duration was 6(4) days, with the fever duration of 6(2) days. Sixty-two patients (53.45%) were complicated with comorbidities, among which hypertension (66.13%(41/62)), diabetes mellitus (25.81%(16/62)) and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (22.58%(14/62)) accounted for the highest proportion. Primary clinical manifestations included fever (113 cases, 97.41%), with 86.21%(100/116) experiencing fever ≥five days, followed by fatigue (92 cases, 79.31%), myalgia (65 cases, 56.03%), anorexia (56 cases, 48.28%), cough/sputum (55 cases, 47.41%), and headache (54 cases, 46.55%). Early laboratory findings revealed leukopenia (2.22(1.75)×10 9/L], lymphopenia (0.63(0.50)×10 9/L), and thrombocytopenia (77.00(57.00)×10 9/L). Among 17 SD cases, 17 cases experienced severe organ damage, two cases had severe gastrointestinal bleeding, and two cases had septic shock. Among the patients with severe organ damage, there were eight cases of severe cardiac injury, followed by six cases of severe respiratory system injury, four cases of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, three cases of acute kidney injury, three cases of neurological injury, and three cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Severe cardiac injury was manifested with acute heart failure in five cases, malignant arrhythmia in three cases, stress cardiomyopathy in one case, and acute myocardial infarction in one case. Severe respiratory system injuries were manifested with acute respiratory distress syndrome in five cases, severe pneumonia in three cases, and acute pulmonary embolism in one case. Neurological damage was manifested with viral meningitis in one case, acute cerebral infarction in one case, and sensorineural hearing loss in one case. All patients were cured or discharged after symptomatic supportive treatment and active prevention and treatment of complications. Conclusions:In 2024, dengue fever inpatients in Guangzhou area predominantly consist of elderly patients, who are complicated with comorbidities and present a high proportion of severe cases. Severe patients are primarily characterized by organ damage, with cardiovascular system injury being the most common severe manifestation. Dengue patients have a good prognosis.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of dengue fever inpatients in Guangzhou area, so that to provide references for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:The demographic data, laboratory findings, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of 116 dengue fever cases admitted to Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University and the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University from August 1st to December 21st, 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 116 patients, 99 cases (85.34%) were classified as non-severe dengue, while 17(14.66%) progressed to severe dengue (SD). The cohort was comprised of 62(53.45%) males and 54(46.55%) females, with an age of 63.5(22.0) years, and the hospitalization duration was 6(4) days, with the fever duration of 6(2) days. Sixty-two patients (53.45%) were complicated with comorbidities, among which hypertension (66.13%(41/62)), diabetes mellitus (25.81%(16/62)) and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (22.58%(14/62)) accounted for the highest proportion. Primary clinical manifestations included fever (113 cases, 97.41%), with 86.21%(100/116) experiencing fever ≥five days, followed by fatigue (92 cases, 79.31%), myalgia (65 cases, 56.03%), anorexia (56 cases, 48.28%), cough/sputum (55 cases, 47.41%), and headache (54 cases, 46.55%). Early laboratory findings revealed leukopenia (2.22(1.75)×10 9/L], lymphopenia (0.63(0.50)×10 9/L), and thrombocytopenia (77.00(57.00)×10 9/L). Among 17 SD cases, 17 cases experienced severe organ damage, two cases had severe gastrointestinal bleeding, and two cases had septic shock. Among the patients with severe organ damage, there were eight cases of severe cardiac injury, followed by six cases of severe respiratory system injury, four cases of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, three cases of acute kidney injury, three cases of neurological injury, and three cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Severe cardiac injury was manifested with acute heart failure in five cases, malignant arrhythmia in three cases, stress cardiomyopathy in one case, and acute myocardial infarction in one case. Severe respiratory system injuries were manifested with acute respiratory distress syndrome in five cases, severe pneumonia in three cases, and acute pulmonary embolism in one case. Neurological damage was manifested with viral meningitis in one case, acute cerebral infarction in one case, and sensorineural hearing loss in one case. All patients were cured or discharged after symptomatic supportive treatment and active prevention and treatment of complications. Conclusions:In 2024, dengue fever inpatients in Guangzhou area predominantly consist of elderly patients, who are complicated with comorbidities and present a high proportion of severe cases. Severe patients are primarily characterized by organ damage, with cardiovascular system injury being the most common severe manifestation. Dengue patients have a good prognosis.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted healthcare and worsened quality of life (QOL). Advanced esophageal cancer is often accompanied by malnutrition and poor QOL; chemoradiotherapy (CRT) remains the mainstay of treatment.We evaluated nutrition and QOL pre- and post-CRT immediately before and during the pandemic. Methods: Patients with esophageal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant or definitive CRT between April 2019 and December 2020 were enrolled. Disease severity, treatment timing, and outcomes were compared for cohorts treated pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19. Nutritional status was measured with the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). QOL was measured with the Mandarin Chinese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the esophageal site-specific module (QLQ-OES18). In the pandemic cohort, pre-/post-CRT paired analyses were performed. Results: Eighty-four patients were enrolled. The median diagnosis to treatment interval lengthened during COVID-19 (17.8 days vs. 24.2 days, p=0.04). Among the patients treated during the COVID-19 pandemic, nutritional status improved significantly following CRT (p=0.003). In the EORTC QLQ-C30, post-CRT scores for global health status (p<0.01) and emotional functioning (p<0.01) showed significant improvement. Additionally, symptom scores, including fatigue (p=0.02) and nausea and vomiting (p=0.02), decreased. However, financial difficulties worsened after CRT (p=0.02). In the EORTC QLQ-OES18, post-CRT symptom scores for eating (p<0.01), reflux (p=0.03), and pain (p<0.01) showed significant improvement. Conclusion Despite COVID-19-related delays, CRT enhanced nutrition, global health, and symptom control in esophageal cancer, although financial burdens increased. Integrating socioeconomic support with oncologic care is vital during health crises.

Thyroid radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation are widely adopted minimally invasive treatments for diverse thyroid conditions worldwide. Fundamental skills such as the trans-isthmic approach and the moving shot technique are crucial for performing thyroid ablation, and advanced techniques, including hydrodissection and vascular ablation, improve safety and efficacy and reduce complications. Given the learning curve associated with ultrasound-guided therapeutic procedures, operators need training and experience. While training models exist, limited attention has been given to ultrasound maneuvers in ablation needle manipulation. This article introduces two essential maneuvers, the zigzag moving technique and the alienate maneuver, while also reviewing the latest ultrasound techniques in thyroid ablation, contributing valuable insights into this evolving field.

Objective: Anxious depression is a prevalent characteristic observed in Asian psychiatric patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aims to investigate the prevalence and clinical presentation of anxious depression in Taiwanese individuals diagnosed with MDD. Methods: We recruited psychiatric outpatients aged over 18 who had been diagnosed with MDD through clinical interviews. This recruitment took place at five hospitals located in northern Taiwan. We gathered baseline clinical and demographic information from the participants. Anxious depression was identified using a threshold of an anxiety/somatization factor score ≥7 on the 21-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). Results: In our study of 399 patients (84.21% female), 64.16% met the criteria for anxious depression. They tended to be older, married, less educated, with more children, and an older age of onset. Anxious depression patients had higher HAM-D and Clinical Global Impression–Severity scale score, more panic disorder (without agoraphobia), and exhibited symptoms like agitation, irritability, concentration difficulties, psychological and somatic anxiety, somatic complaints, hypochondriasis, weight loss, and increased insight. Surprisingly, their suicide rates did not significantly differ from non-anxious depression patients. This highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these unique characteristics. Conclusion Our study findings unveiled that the prevalence of anxious depression among Taiwanese outpatients diagnosed with MDD was lower compared to inpatients but substantially higher than the reported rates in European countries and the United States. Furthermore, patients with anxious depression exhibited a greater occurrence of somatic symptoms.

Objectives: . A novel J-shaped anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap reconstruction technique was developed to simultaneously restore swallowing and speech functions in patients following total laryngopharyngectomy. This study aimed to assess the outcomes and surgical complications in patients who underwent J-flap reconstruction over time. Methods: . Patients who underwent J-shaped ALT flap phonatory tube reconstruction were enrolled. Surgical morbidities and outcomes were evaluated every 3 months post-surgery for a period of 12 months or until death. Results: . Of the 36 patients, 13 underwent circumferential pharyngeal wall resection (circumferential defect [CD] group), and 23 underwent partial resection (partial defect [PD] group). After 12 months, 97% of the patients were able to resume oral intake without the need for a nasogastric tube, and 50% achieved fluent speech using the reconstructed phonatory tube. The CD group experienced a higher rate of delayed healing than the PD group (30.8% vs. 0%, p=0.012). Additionally, the PD group showed significantly higher percentages of individuals consuming solid food at both the 3- and 12-month intervals than the CD group (81.0% vs. 23.1% and 78.9% vs. 40%, respectively). Conclusions . This study investigated the progression of speech and swallowing functions over time after reconstruction of the voice tube with a J-flap. Using a J-shaped ALT flap phonatory tube effectively restored both speech and swallowing functions, providing long-term benefits, regardless of whether the defect was circumferential or partial.

Objectives: . A novel J-shaped anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap reconstruction technique was developed to simultaneously restore swallowing and speech functions in patients following total laryngopharyngectomy. This study aimed to assess the outcomes and surgical complications in patients who underwent J-flap reconstruction over time. Methods: . Patients who underwent J-shaped ALT flap phonatory tube reconstruction were enrolled. Surgical morbidities and outcomes were evaluated every 3 months post-surgery for a period of 12 months or until death. Results: . Of the 36 patients, 13 underwent circumferential pharyngeal wall resection (circumferential defect [CD] group), and 23 underwent partial resection (partial defect [PD] group). After 12 months, 97% of the patients were able to resume oral intake without the need for a nasogastric tube, and 50% achieved fluent speech using the reconstructed phonatory tube. The CD group experienced a higher rate of delayed healing than the PD group (30.8% vs. 0%, p=0.012). Additionally, the PD group showed significantly higher percentages of individuals consuming solid food at both the 3- and 12-month intervals than the CD group (81.0% vs. 23.1% and 78.9% vs. 40%, respectively). Conclusions . This study investigated the progression of speech and swallowing functions over time after reconstruction of the voice tube with a J-flap. Using a J-shaped ALT flap phonatory tube effectively restored both speech and swallowing functions, providing long-term benefits, regardless of whether the defect was circumferential or partial.

Objectives: . A novel J-shaped anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap reconstruction technique was developed to simultaneously restore swallowing and speech functions in patients following total laryngopharyngectomy. This study aimed to assess the outcomes and surgical complications in patients who underwent J-flap reconstruction over time. Methods: . Patients who underwent J-shaped ALT flap phonatory tube reconstruction were enrolled. Surgical morbidities and outcomes were evaluated every 3 months post-surgery for a period of 12 months or until death. Results: . Of the 36 patients, 13 underwent circumferential pharyngeal wall resection (circumferential defect [CD] group), and 23 underwent partial resection (partial defect [PD] group). After 12 months, 97% of the patients were able to resume oral intake without the need for a nasogastric tube, and 50% achieved fluent speech using the reconstructed phonatory tube. The CD group experienced a higher rate of delayed healing than the PD group (30.8% vs. 0%, p=0.012). Additionally, the PD group showed significantly higher percentages of individuals consuming solid food at both the 3- and 12-month intervals than the CD group (81.0% vs. 23.1% and 78.9% vs. 40%, respectively). Conclusions . This study investigated the progression of speech and swallowing functions over time after reconstruction of the voice tube with a J-flap. Using a J-shaped ALT flap phonatory tube effectively restored both speech and swallowing functions, providing long-term benefits, regardless of whether the defect was circumferential or partial.

A large number of non-specific immune cells, such as macrophages, neutrophils and natural killer cells, as well as specific immune cells, such as B cells and T cells, are presented in the atherosclerotic plaques and arterial blood. In addition, immune-related regulatory molecules such as interferon-γ, interleukin-17, and interleukin-1β highly express in atherosclerotic lesion tissues, which is similar to the tumor immune microenvironment and influence the atherosclerosis progression. In this paper, the research progress of immune cells and related factors involved in the immune microenvironment around cerebral atherosclerotic lesions is reviewed to provide idea and basis for its clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Objective To investigate ecological isolation between Oncomelania hupensis snail populations in hilly regions and marshland and lake regions in Yuanjiang valley, Changde City, Hunan Province, and to unravel its underlying mechanisms. Methods Taoyuan County, Shimen County, Linli County and Lixian County in Changde City were selected as snail sampling sites in hilly regions, and Lixian County, Jinshi City, West Lake Administration District, Hanshou County and Dingcheng District were selected as snail sampling sites in marshland and lake areas. Cytochrome C oxidase 1 (cox 1) gene was amplified in snail samples and sequenced. The genetic sequences of O. hupensis snails were aligned using the software MEGA 11, and the haplotypes of O. hupensis snails were determined using the software DNASP 5.10.01. The phylogenetic tree was generated using Bayesian inference with the software MrBayes 3.2, and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was performed to analyze the source of genetic divergence and estimate the genetic divergence index (F_ST) among snail populations with the software Arlequin 3.5.2.2. The genetic barrier among 11 O. hupensis snail populations was estimated using the Monmonier algorithm of adegenet toolkit in R package. The settings with “land in winter and water in summer” in the Yuanjian River section were divided into two categories according to the upstream and downstream, and the areas with “land in winter and water in summer” in the upstream and downstream were transformed into raster data, and then loaded into the software Fragstats 4 for analysis of landscape indicators. The trends in changes of digital elevation were extracted from the Yuanjiang River section based on the digital elevation model, and made three-dimensional visualization using the R package. Results The mitochondrial cox 1 gene were amplified in 165 O. hupensis snais from 11 sampling sites and sequenced, and a total of 152 valid gene sequences were obtained, with 46 haplotypes or 9 populations determined. No haplotype was shared in snails between Taoyuan County and Dingcheng District and Hanshou County along the downstream of the Yuanjiang River. The total area of settings with “land in winter and water in summer” was 617.66 hm² in the upsteram of the Yuanjiang River, which consisted of 473 patches, with each patch measuring 1.31 hm², the largest area index of 0.735 2, the landscape division index of 0.999 9, and the landscape shape index of 45.293 7. The total area of settings with “land in winter and water in summer” was 9 956.92 hm² in the downstream of the Yuanjiang River, which consisted of 771 patches, with each patch measuring 12.91 hm², the largest area index of 97.839 9, the landscape division index of 0.042 7, and the landscape shape index of 7.249 6. The area of settings with “land in winter and water in summer” was much larger in the downstream than that in the upstream of the Yuanjiang River, and the stronger landscape connectivity and non-remarkable alteration of riverbed elevation provided suitable habitats for snail breeding. Conclusion The hydrological and environmental characteristics of the upstream of the Yuanjiang River restrain the breeding and spread of O. hupensis, resulting in ecological isolation between Oncomelania hupensis in Taoyuan County and those in the downstream of Yuanjiang River.