ObjectiveTo construct a standardized diagnostic scale for Qi-Yin deficiency with blood stasis syndrome in diabetic macrovascular disease. MethodsLiterature related to Qi-Yin deficiency with blood stasis syndrome in diabetic macrovascular disease was retrieved from CNKI， VIP， and Wanfang databases. Diagnostic information from four diagnostic methods was extracted and standardized， with items having a frequency of ≥15 included in the item pool. A three-round Delphi expert consultation was conducted， screening items using support degree， mean score， rank sum， and coefficient of variation. Item weights were determined using analytic hierarchy process （AHP）， gactor analysis （FA）， and combined weighting method （CWM）. The optimal weighting method was selected by comparing the area under the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve （AUC）. The Youden index was calculated to establish the diagnostic cutoff value， which was proportionally scaled. ResultsA total of 102 studies were included. Thirty-five items were incorporated into the item pool. The authority coefficients for the three Delphi rounds were 0.82， 0.85， and 0.86， with coordination coefficients of 0.648， 0.538， and 0.506， respectively. Fifteen items were retained after screening. ROC curve analysis showed the AUC ranking as FA > CWM > AHP. The maximum Youden index was 0.814， corresponding to a diagnostic cutoff of 8.361 （scaled to 40 points）. The final scale adopted a structured diagnostic framework： the symptom dimension requires at least 2 items， and the tongue or pulse dimension requires at least 1 category. ConclusionThis study developed a standardized diagnostic scale for Qi-Yin deficiency with blood stasis syndrome in diabetic macrovascular disease. Core items were screened via the Delphi method， with factor analysis identified as the optimal weighting method through AUC comparison. The diagnostic threshold （40 points） and structured diagnostic framework provide a quantitatively clear， clinically practical tool.

Objective To investigate the influence of high copper load on neurobehavior in rats and its possible mechanism of action based on the deacetylase sirtuin 3 （SIRT3）/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α （PGC-1α） signaling pathway. Methods A total of 50 adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into model group and blank group， with 25 rats in each group. The rats in the model group were fed with 1 g/kg high-copper diet and 0.185% copper sulfate solution （prepared using deionized water） to establish a rat model of high copper load， and after 12 weeks， the shuttle box test and the pole-climbing test were used to observe neurobehavioral changes， while Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining were used to measure the protein expression levels of SIRT3 and PGC-1α in hippocampal tissue. Results The shuttle box test showed that compared with the blank group， the model group had a significant reduction in the number of times of active avoidance reaction after stimulation （P<0.01） and significant increases in the times of active avoidance reaction and passive avoidance reaction （P<0.01）；the pole-climbing test showed that compared with the blank group， the model group had a significant increase in pole-climbing time（P<0.01）. Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining showed that compared with the blank group， the model group had significant reductions in the protein expression levels of SIRT3 and PGC-1α in hippocampal tissue （P<0.05）. Conclusion High copper load has a marked influence on the neurobehavior of rats， possibly by regulating the expression of the SIRT3/PGC-1α signal pathway in hippocampal neurons.

ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of compound Xishu granules （CXG） in inhibiting the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating ferroptosis. MethodsThe transplanted tumor model of human Huh7 was established with nude mice and the successfully modeled mice were randomized into model， Fufang Banmao （0.21 g·kg^-1）， low-dose （1.87 g·kg^-1） CXG， medium-dose （3.74 g·kg^-1） CXG， and high-dose （7.49 g·kg^-1） CXG groups. Mice were administrated with drinking water or CXG for 28 days， and the body weight and tumor volume were measured every 4 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes of tumors. The cell-counting kit-8 （CCK-8） was used to examine the survival rate of Huh7 cells treated with different concentrations （0， 31.25， 62.5， 125， 250， 500， 1 000 mg·L^-1） of CXG for 24 h and 48 h. CA-AM， DCFH-DA， and C11-BODIPY^581/591 fluorescent probes were used to determine the intracellular levels of ferrous ion （Fe²⁺）， reactive oxygen species （ROS）， and lipid peroxide （LPO）， respectively. The colorimetric method was employed to measure the levels of glutathione （GSH） and superoxide dismutase （SOD）. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， transferrin receptor 1 （TFR1）， and ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）， respectively. ResultsIn the animal experiment， compared with the model group， the drug treatment groups showed reductions in the tumor volume from day 12 （P<0.01）. After treatment， the Fufang Banmao and low-， medium-， and high-dose CXG groups had lower tumor volume， relative tumor volume， and tumor weight than the model group （P<0.05）， with tumor inhibition rates of 48.99%， 79.93%， 91.38%， and 97.36%， respectively. Moreover， the CXG groups had lower tumor volume and relative tumor volume （P<0.05 in all the three dose groups） and lower tumor weight （P<0.05 in medium-dose and high-dose groups） than the Fufang Banmao group. Compared with the model group， the drug treatment groups showed reduced number of tumor cells， necrotic foci with karyopyknosis， nuclear fragmentation， and nucleolysis， and the high-dose CXG group showed an increase in the proportion of interstitial fibroblasts. In the cell experiment， compared with the blank group， CXG reduced the survival rate of Huh7 cells in a dose-dependent manner after incubation for 24 h and 48 h （P<0.05）. Compared with the blank group， the RSL3 group and the low-， medium-， and high-dose CXG groups showed a decrease in the relative fluorescence intensity of CA-AM and increases in the fluorescence intensity of DCFH-DA and fluorescence ratio of C11-BODIPY^581/591， which indicated elevations in the levels of Fe²⁺ （P<0.01）， ROS （P<0.05）， and LPO （P<0.01）， respectively. Compared with the blank group， the RSL3 and low-， medium-， and high-dose CXG groups showed lowered levels of GSH and SOD （P<0.05）. In addition， the RSL3 group and the medium- and high-dose CXG groups showed down-regulated expression of GPX4 and FTH1 （P<0.05）， and the low- and high-dose CXG groups presented up-regulated expression of TFR1 （P<0.05）. ConclusionCXG suppresses the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inducing ferroptosis via downregulating the GSH-GPX4 signaling axis and increasing intracellular Fe²⁺and LPO levels.

BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that patients with premature ovarian failure have changes in the structure of intestinal flora and that imbalance of intestinal microbiota may be one of the important mechanisms in the development of premature ovarian failure. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Liuwei Dihuang Wan on oxidative stress and intestinal microbiota in premature ovarian failure mice induced by cyclophosphamide. METHODS:Forty-five female ICR mice were randomized into three groups:blank group(normal mice),model group(premature ovarian failure mice),and Liuwei Dihuang Wan group.A mouse model of premature ovarian failure was prepared by one-time intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide(120 mg/kg)in the latter two groups.After successful modeling,the Liuwei Dihuang Wan group was intragastrically administered for 28 continuous days,and the other two groups were intragastrically administered with the same amount of normal saline for 28 days.Mouse body mass was recorded weekly and ovarian index was calculated.The development of mouse follicles was observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining.ELISA method was used to detect serum levels of anti-Mullerian hormone,estradiol,follicle stimulating hormone,superoxide dismutase,glutathione peroxidase,and malondialdehyde.Meanwhile,the gut microbiome of all mice was detected through 16S rDNA sequencing. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The mice in the model group had loose hair,decreased vigor and grip strength,almost no increase in body mass,and decreased ovarian index.Whereas,the mouse body mass and ovarian index were increased after treatment with Liuwei Dihuang Wan(P<0.05).The estrous cycle of mice in the model group was disorganized;Liuwei Dihuang Wan could restore the estrous cycle and reduce the number of atretic follicles in mice with premature ovarian failure.The serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone and malondialdehyde in the model group significantly increased(P<0.01),while the levels of estradiol,anti-Mullerian hormone,superoxide dismutase,and glutathione peroxidase significantly decreased(P<0.01).Liuwei Dihuang Wan could significantly decrease the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone and malondialdehyde(P<0.01),and increase the levels of estradiol,anti-Mullerian hormone,superoxide dismutase,and glutathione peroxidase.According to the 16S rDNA sequencing results,Liuwei Dihuang Wan could regulate the abundance and diversity of intestinal microbiota,and increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria.KEGG pathway analysis showed that the intestinal microbiota and metabolic pathways,biosynthesis of secondary metabolites,microbial metabolism in different environments,and biosynthesis of amino acids were regulated by Liuwei Dihuang Wan.To conclude,the changes in the structure of intestinal microbiome may be one of the potential mechanisms of Liuwei Dihuang Wan in treating premature ovarian failure.Liuwei Dihuang Wan can regulate the structure of intestinal microbiome,increase the number of beneficial bacteria,reduce the number of harmful bacteria,and thus improve the balance of intestinal microbiota.This regulatory effect helps to reduce oxidative stress levels and further inhibit ovarian oxidative stress in mice with premature ovarian failure.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) is a treatment option for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN), with a relatively low risk of stenosis; however, the long-term outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with widespread superficial ESCN who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or ERFA. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with superficial ESCN who underwent ESD or ERFA between January 2015 and December 2021. The primary outcome measure was recurrence-free survival. Results: Ninety-two and 33 patients with superficial ESCN underwent ESD and ERFA, respectively. The en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates for ESD were 100.0%, 90.2%, and 76.1%, respectively. At 12 months, the complete response rate was comparable between the two groups (94.6% vs 90.9%, p=0.748). During a median follow-up of 66 months, recurrence-free survival was significantly longer in the ESD group than in the ERFA group (p=0.004), while no significant differences in overall survival (p=0.845) and disease-specific survival (p=0.494) were observed.Preoperative diagnosis of intramucosal cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.55; vs high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia) was an independent predictor of recurrence. Significantly fewer patients in the ERFA group experienced stenosis compare to ESD group (15.2% vs 38.0%, p=0.016). Conclusions The risk of recurrence was higher for ERFA than ESD for ESCN but overall survival was not affected. The risk of esophageal stenosis was significantly lower for patients who underwent ERFA.

Objective To evaluate the effect of donor gender on short-term survival rate of lung transplant recipients. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 1 066 lung transplant recipients. The log-rank test was used to evaluate the differences in short-term fatality among different donor gender groups and donor-recipient gender combination groups. Multivariate Cox regression, propensity score (PS) regression, and propensity score matching (PSM) were employed to control for confounding factors and further assess the differences in fatality. Subgroup analyses were also performed based on donor gender. Results Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed no statistically significant differences in fatality at 30 days, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years postoperatively between male and female donor groups (all P>0.05). After PS regression and PSM, univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that recipients from female donors had a higher fatality at 2 years postoperatively compared to those from male donors, with hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 1.29 (1.01-1.65) and 1.36 (1.03-1.80) respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis also revealed no statistically significant differences in fatality at various follow-up time points among different donor-recipient gender combination groups (all P>0.05). Subgroup analyses based on donor sex showed no statistically significant differences in fatality among recipients of different gender within either male or female donor groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions Female donors may reduce the short-term postoperative survival rate of lung transplant recipients, but this negative impact is not sustainable in the long term. At present, there is no evidence to support the inclusion of sex as a factor in lung allocation rules.

Objective: To explore relationship of sleep quality with overweight and obesity among middle school students, so as to provide a reference basis for improving adolescent sleep health. Methods: From September to December 2023, 5 713 middle school students aged 13 to 18 were selected by stratified cluster random sampling method in six regions, including Shanghai, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Wuyuan, Xingyi and Urumqi. Sleep quality survey was conducted on middle school students by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Height and weight were measured, and World Health Organization s standards for growth and development of children and adolescents was used to evaluate their nutritional status. Both χ 2 test and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the association between sleep quality and nutritional status of middle school students. Results: The non compliance detection rate of sleep quality was 38.4% among girls, but 29.2% among boys, and the difference was of statistical significance( χ 2=54.08, P < 0.01 ). The detection rate of substandard sleep quality was 34.2% in the group with normal nutritional status, 38.3% in the group with overweight, 43.7% in the group with obesity and 26.0% in the group with emaciation, and the difference in the rates of substandard sleep quality among middle school students of different nutritional status was statistically significant ( χ 2=68.15, P <0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that, after controlling for mental health and physical activity, the detection rate of substandard sleep quality in the obese groups was 1.30 times higher than that in the normal group, respectively( OR =1.30, 95% CI =1.06- 1.59 , P <0.01). Conclusions Sleep quality is correlated with overweight and obesity among middle school students, and there are gender differences. Intervention policies should be formulated according to the characteristics of different genders.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of bilateral targeted puncture in percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP) based on the vertebral osteodense zone. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 76 patients with fresh symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, characterized by the presence of a dense zone, who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) between January 2021 and December 2021. All patients involved single-level vertebral fractures. There were 19 males and 57 females, aged from 62 to 88 years old, with an average of (68.5±12.5) years old. All patients underwent bilateral transpedicular puncture procedures. Preoperative CT or MRI was utilized to ascertain the relative position of the bone osteodense zone within the vertebral body (specifically, whether this zone is situated in the upper one-third or one-quarter of the left or right sagittal plane). Considering the head and tail regions of the dense zone as puncture targets, the puncture points and paths were meticulously planned, and the working channel was subsequently established. Under continuous monitoring by a C-arm X-ray machine, bone cement was carefully and gradually injected. The operation time, bone cement injection volume, and bone cement leakage were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disablity index (ODI) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the operation. ODI and anterior height (AH) of the vertebral body were used to evaluate the efficacy. RESULTS: All patients successfully completed the surgery and were followed up for (8.0±1.0) months. The operation time was (36.57±11.25) min, the volume of bone cement injection was(6.07±1.19) ml, and 21 patients of bone cement leakage. There were 3 patients with the VAS exceeded 4 points two days postoperatively, indicating suboptimal pain management. At the three time points of pre-operation, 2 days post-operation and 6 months post-operation, the VAS scores were(7.82±1.29), (2.11±0.44), and (2.04±0.67) respectively;the ODI percentages were(75.65±7.23)%, (29.45±4.16)%, and(28.68±5.62)%;and the AH values were (11.02±1.30), (12.87±3.91), and (12.91±3.86) cm. The differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05). The aforementioned three indices demonstrated significant improvement at both 2 days and 6 months post-operation (all P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in these indices between the 2-day and 6-month post-operative periods(P>0.05). The postoperative outcome was satisfactory and durable, with no evidence of vertebral height reduction. CONCLUSION Bilateral targeted puncture based on the osteodense dense zone within the vertebral body can achieve bilateral symmetrical and upright full vertebral bone cement reinforcement without increasing bone cement leakage, achieving good early efficacy and preventing late vertebral collapse. This has positive significance for further improving the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Vertebroplasty/methods* ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures/surgery* ; Fractures, Compression/surgery* ; Punctures ; Bone Cements ; Osteoporotic Fractures/surgery*

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify the prevalence and risk factors of military training-related abdominal injuries and help plan and conduct training properly. METHODS: This questionnaire survey study was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022 among military personnel from 6 military units and 8 military medical centers and participants' medical records were consulted to identify the training-related abdominal injuries. All the military personnel who ever participated in military training were included. Those who refused to participate in this study or provided an incomplete questionnaire were excluded. The questionnaire collected demographic information, type of abdominal injury, frequency, training subjects, triggers, treatment, and training disturbance. Chi-square test and t-test were used to compare baseline information. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to explore the risk factors associated with military training-related abdominal injuries. RESULTS: A total of 3058 participants were involved in this study, among which 1797 (58.8%) had suffered training-related abdominal injuries (the mean age was 24.3 years and the service time was 5.6 years), while 1261 (41.2%) had no training-related abdominal injuries (the mean age was 23.1 years and the service time was 4.3 years). There were 546 injured patients (30.4%) suspended the training and 84 (4.6%) needed to be referred to higher-level hospitals. The most common triggers included inadequate warm-up, fatigue, and intense training. The training subjects with the most abdominal injuries were long-distance running (589, 32.8%). Civil servants had the highest rate of abdominal trauma (17.1%). Age ≥ 25 years, military service ≥ 3 years, poor sleep status, and previous abdominal history were independent risk factors for training-related abdominal injury. CONCLUSION More than half of the military personnel have suffered military training-related abdominal injuries. Inadequate warm-up, fatigue, and high training intensity are the most common inducing factors. Scientific and proper training should be conducted according to the factors causing abdominal injuries.
Humans ; Military Personnel ; Risk Factors ; Prevalence ; Male ; Abdominal Injuries/etiology* ; Female ; Adult ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: Lateral patellar compression syndrome (LPCS) is characterized by a persistent abnormally high stress exerted on the lateral articular surface of the patella due to lateral patellar tilt without dislocation and lateral retinaculum contracture, leading to anterior knee pain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and prognosis of lateral retinaculum release (LRR) combined with chondroplasty in the treatment of LPCS. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 40 patients who underwent LRR combined with chondroplasty for LPCS between 2020 and 2021. The assessment included improvement in postoperative tenderness and knee joint function. Patients were evaluated using the Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 scoring systems, as well as the visual analog scale, both preoperatively and postoperatively, with the paired comparisons analyzed using a t-test. Additionally, intraoperative observations were made regarding knee joint lesions, including cartilage damage and osteophyte formation, with analysis by the Chi-square test. RESULTS: The visual analog scale score for tenderness showed a significant decrease after surgery (p < 0.001). Evaluation of knee joint function also indicated significant improvements, as demonstrated by increased Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 scores postoperatively (p < 0.001, p = 0.011, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, all LPCS patients included in the study presented with cartilage injuries and osteophyte formation. Significant differences were noted in the incidence of cartilage damage and osteophyte formation at different locations within the knee among patients with LPCS. CONCLUSION LRR combined with chondroplasty is an effective surgical approach for treating patients with LPCS, with satisfactory recovery observed at the 1-year follow-up. Additionally, the incidence of cartilage damage and osteophyte formation in LPCS patients varies significantly depending on the specific location within the knee joint.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Patella/surgery* ; Knee Joint/physiopathology* ; Recovery of Function ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Cartilage, Articular/surgery* ; Adolescent