Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraoperative pleural irrigation with Nocardia rubra cell-wall skeleton (N-CWS) for reducing pleural effusion drainage after radical surgery for lung cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of lung cancer patients who underwent lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University between December 2024 and May 2025. Patients were divided into a control group and an irrigation group based on the intraoperative use of N-CWS. Patients in the irrigation group received pleural irrigation with 800 μg of N-CWS diluted in 10 mL of normal saline. The following outcomes were compared between the two groups: pleural effusion drainage volume at 0-24 h, 24-48 h, and 48-72 h postoperatively, degree of air leak, chest tube duration, postoperative length of stay, and the incidence of adverse events (fever, chest pain, and nausea and vomiting). Results A total of 245 patients were included (97 males, 148 females) with a mean age of (61.28±6.26) years, with 205 in the control group and 40 in the irrigation group. Compared to the control group, the irrigation group showed significantly lower pleural effusion drainage volumes at 0-24 h, 24-48 h, and 48-72 h, as well as shorter chest tube duration and postoperative length of stay (all P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the degree of postoperative air leak (P=0.661). No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the highest body temperature within 72 h post-surgery (P=0.130), fever grade (P=0.196), severity of chest pain (P=0.105), or the incidence of nausea and vomiting (P=0.376). Conclusion Intraoperative pleural irrigation with N-CWS in patients undergoing lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection for lung cancer can significantly reduce postoperative pleural effusion drainage volume, shorten chest tube duration and length of hospital stay. The procedure is safe and feasible.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Tangbikang granules improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy based on ferroptosis mediated by the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （AMPK/Nrf2） signaling pathway. MethodsA diabetes model was established using spontaneous male Zucker diabetic fatty （ZDF） rats. After successful modeling， the rats were divided into a normal group， a model group， high-， medium-， and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups， and a metformin hydrochloride group. The high-， medium-， and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups were administered by gavage at doses of 2.5， 1.25， 0.625 g·kg^-1， respectively. The metformin hydrochloride group received 0.135 g·kg^-1 by gavage， while the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water. Administration continued for 12 weeks. Blood glucose levels were measured after administration， and at 4， 8， 12 weeks. Following the 12-week intervention， the thermal pain threshold and the sciatic nerve conduction velocity （SNCV） were measured. The levels of malondialdehyde （MDA）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and adenosine triphosphate （ATP） in the sciatic nerve were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Morphological changes in the sciatic nerve were observed using hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining， and the ultrastructural changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy. The levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPx4） were detected using immunofluorescence （IF） assay. The protein expression levels of p-AMPK， Nrf2， GPx4， and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 （ACSL4） were detected using Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group had significantly higher blood glucose levels after administration and at weeks 4， 8 and 12 （P<0.01）. The thermal pain threshold was significantly prolonged （P<0.01）， and the SNCV was significantly slowed down （P<0.01）. The SOD and ATP levels significantly decreased （P<0.01）， while the MDA levels significantly increased （P<0.01）. Pathologically， the sciatic nerve fibers in the model group showed a dispersed structure， disordered and sparse arrangement， axonal atrophy， irregular myelin sheath halo， increased and swollen Schwann cell nuclei， obvious endoneurial fibrosis， and collagen hyperplasia. Immunofluorescence assay revealed fragmented red fluorescence and significantly reduced expression of GPx4 （P<0.01）. Western blot analysis showed significantly decreased protein expression levels of p-AMPK， Nrf2， and GPx4 （P<0.01）， and significantly increased expression of ACSL4 （P<0.01） in the model group. Compared with the model group， fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group at weeks 4 and 12 （P<0.05）. The thermal pain threshold was significantly shortened in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups （P<0.01）. The SNCV was significantly accelerated in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups （P<0.01）. The SOD levels were significantly elevated in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group （P<0.01）. The MDA levels significantly decreased in all Tangbikang granules groups （P<0.01）. Both the metformin hydrochloride group and the high-dose Tangbikang granules group exhibited relatively orderly and densely arranged sciatic nerve fibers with more regular myelin sheath halos. The GPx4 expression significantly increased in both the metformin hydrochloride group and all Tangbikang granules groups （P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of p-AMPK， Nrf2， and GPx4 were significantly increased （P<0.01）， while ACSL4 protein expression significantly decreased （P<0.01）. ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve peripheral neuropathy by suppressing ferroptosis through the regulation of the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of 150 patients with spinal cord injury complicated with spasticity. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on 150 patients with spinal cord injury accompanied by spasticity from September, 2019 to December, 2024. Their age, gender, cause of injury, injury site, severity of injury, spasticity severity and other indicators were recorded. The relationships between different characteristics were analyzed, and a correlation analysis of disease duration, spasticity grade, injury level, injury severity and age were conducted. ResultsThere was no significant difference in age distribution between patients with tetraplegia and paraplegia (Z = 0.806, P = 0.420). The proportions of trauma (χ² = 3.982, P = 0.046) and tetraplegia (χ² = 10.559, P = 0.010) were higher in males than in females. Trauma was the main cause of injury in both tetraplegia and paraplegia patients; the proportion of tetraplegia was higher than paraplegia in trauma patients, while paraplegia was higher than tetraplegia in non-trauma patients (χ² = 11.885, P < 0.001). Patients with tetraplegia was dominated by incomplete injury, whereas patients with paraplegia was dominated by complete injury (χ² = 10.885, P = 0.012). Grade A injury was predominant in trauma patients (P = 0.003). Spasticity grade showed a very weak positive correlation with disease duration (r = 0.175, P = 0.032) and age (r = 0.168, P = 0.040). Injury severity showed a very weak positive correlation with age (r = 0.183, P = 0.025). ConclusionCharacteristics of patients with spinal cord injury complicated with spasticity is different with gender, cause of injury, injury level, injury severity.

Retinal microcirculatory disorder is a key factor in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy （DR）， and also an important link in the prevention and treatment of DR. The theory of "Gaozhuo" holds that the microcirculatory disorder in DR is based on the deficiency of spleen Qi and is characterized by the obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis. The deficiency of spleen Qi is an essential precondition for the endogenous formation and accumulation of Gaozhuo， while Gaozhuo invasion is the direct cause of microcirculatory disorders in DR. The deficiency of spleen Qi and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo mean the process in which glucose metabolism dysfunction induces an excessive production of inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites. The obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis is the direct pathogenesis of microcirculatory disorders in DR， encompassing two stages： Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation. Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation represent the process in which inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites damage the retinal microcirculation and induce thrombosis， thus mediating microcirculatory disorders. Turbidity and stasis stagnation and blood extravasation outside the vessels reveal the progression to microvascular rupture and hemorrhage resulting from the microcirculatory disorders. According to the pathogenesis evolution of the theory of "Gaozhuo"， microcirculatory disorders in DR can be divided into deficiency of spleen Qi with Gaozhuo obstruction， deficiency of spleen Qi with turbidity and stasis stagnation， and turbidity and stasis stagnation with blood extravasation outside the vessels. Clinically， treatment principles should focus on strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi， resolving turbidity， and dispersing stasis. Different syndrome patterns should be addressed with tailored therapies， such as enhancing the spleen and benefiting Qi while regulating Qi and reducing turbidity， strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi while resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis， and strengthening the spleen and resolving turbidity while removing stasis and stopping bleeding. Representative prescriptions include modified Wendantang， modified Buyang Huanwutang， modified Danggui Buxuetang， Zhuixue Mingmu decoction， Tangmuqing， Shengqing Jiangzhuo Tongluo Mingmu prescription， Danhong Huayu decoction， and Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Lishui formula.

The mechanistic target of rapamycin （mTOR） is an important signaling functions as a central regulator of cell growth, proliferation and metabolism. Dysregulated mTOR signaling has been implicated in various inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin conditions. Emerging data suggest that mTOR signaling is tightly associated with acne pathogenesis. The regulatory mechanisms of the mTOR signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of acne were summarized and the current progress of therapeutic targeting mTOR pathway for acne were discussed in this paper.

Objective:To analyze the research progress and hotspots of clinical pathway informatization at home and abroad, and provide references and guidance for the construction of clinical pathway informatization in China.Methods:The relevant literature on clinical pathway informatization research were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Web of Science databases, which were published from January 1, 2000 to July 20, 2023. Bibliometric and thematic analysis methods were used to analyze the commonalities and differences in annual publication volume, high-frequency author collaboration networks, high-frequency keywords, and research hotspots of domestic and foreign literature.Results:This study included a total of 257 domestic literature and 174 foreign literature. The number of domestic publications had gradually increased since 2005, with the highest number in 2012 and a significant downward trend after 2015; The overall number of foreign publications was on the rise. Domestic high-frequency authors mostly came from medical institutions, while foreign high-frequency authors were mainly concentrated in universities and research institutes, and both had formed author collaboration networks. However, the research continuity of foreign authors were better than that of domestic authors. There were commonalities in the electronicization and semantics of clinical pathways, process design and management, disease management, and clinical decision support in relevant research hotspots at home and abroad, but there were significant differences in system integration, process design, pathway analysis, and disease management. Foreign related researches had the advantages of leading technology.Conclusions:There were certain similarities and differences in the research topics of clinical pathway informatization at home and abroad, and relevant studies abroad had shown certain frontiers in the application of new technologies. In the future, China should learn from international advanced experience, utilize emerging technologies such as machine learning and big language models, strengthen patient-centered, promote the precise and intelligent development of clinical pathway management, and improve the quality of medical services.

BACKGROUND:Existing studies have compared patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with healthy populations,but comparative studies focusing on differences in this aspect of the parameter between these different lumbar spondylolisthesis are lacking.OBJECTIVE:To explore the differences in paraspinal muscle degeneration between isthmic spondylolisthesis and degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis,and their correlation with low back pain symptoms.METHODS:A total of 107 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis treated in Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between February 2019 and August 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.They were divided into the isthmic spondylolisthesis group(39 patients)and the degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis group(68 patients)according to the type of spondylolisthesis.Paravertebral muscle tissue parameters were compared and analyzed as well as functional scores(visual analog scale for low back pain)in both groups.According to the visual analog scale score,the two groups of patients were divided into two subgroups:those with a visual analog scale score＜45 mm and those with a visual analog scale score＞45 mm,and the relationship between the difference in visual analog scale score and the parameters of paraspinal muscle tissue degeneration was analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The percentage of fat infiltration in the multifidus muscle was higher in the degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis group than in the isthmic spondylolisthesis group(P=0.003).(2)The percentage of fat infiltration in the multifidus muscle was significantly lower in patients with a visual analog scale score of＜45 mm than in patients with a visual analog scale score of＞45 mm in both groups(P=0.021,P＜0.001).(3)Patients in the isthmic spondylolisthesis group also showed a significantly lower percentage of fat infiltration in patients with visual analog scale score＜45 mm compared with those with visual analog scale score＞45 mm(P=0.002).(4)These results showed that there was a significant difference in paraspinal muscle tissue degeneration between isthmic spondylolisthesis patients and degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients,and that degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients demonstrated more severe paraspinal muscle degeneration compared to isthmic spondylolisthesis patients.In addition,the percentage of fatty infiltration of the multifidus muscle was relatively greater in those with higher pain scores in both groups of lumbar spondylolisthesis patients.

Objective To analyze the efficacy of the"sandwich"technique for treating varicocele(VC).Methods A total of 310 patients with VC(365 affected veins)were selected and divided into interventional treatment group and non-interventional treatment group.The baseline data,hospitalization data,and 6-month follow-up data of the two groups were analyzed.Results The age of patients in the interventional treatment group was significantly lower than that in the non-interventional treatment group(P＜0.05).The surgical time and hospital stay in the interventional treatment group were significantly lower than those in the non-interventional treatment group(P＜0.05).In the non-interventional treatment group,two patients experienced surgical site infections,and one patient opted for interventional treatment due to recurrence after non-interventional treatment.After surgery,the diameter of the spermatic vein significantly decreased in both the interventional and non-interventional treatment(P＜0.05).Conclusion The"sandwich"technique(embolization coil combined with foam sclerotherapy)is an effective treatment for VC.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of ustekinumab (UST) and vedolizumab (VDZ) in achieving transmural healing in active Crohn′s disease (CD).Methods:From March 1, 2020 to November 30, 2024, 112 patients with active CD treated with UST or VDZ at the Department of Gastroenterology, Tenth People′s Hospital of Tongji University were retrospectively enrolled. According to the medication regimen, the 112 patients were divided into UST group (61 cases) and VDZ group (51 cases). Collected the data at baseline, such as the disease phenotype, other medication history, and clinical indicators including C-creative protein (CRP), etc. Clinical disease activity and endoscopic disease activity were assessed by Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBI) and simplified endoscopic score for Crohn′s disease (SES-CD), respectively. Transmural healing was evaluated according to the intestinal wall thickness measured by intestinal imaging examination of the affected intestinal segment. Transmural healing was defined as bowel wall thickness <0.3 cm and 110 obvious signs of inflammation, clinical remission was defined as HBI≤4, and endoscopic remission was defined as a reduction in SES-CD ≥50% or a score of ≤2. The primary endpoint was transmural healing rate within one year after treatment. The secondary endpoints were endoscopic healing rate and clinical remission rate at 13 to 24th week and 30 to 52nd week after treatment. Chi-square test or Fisher′s exact test was used to compare the efficacy of the 2 medications.Results:There was no significant difference in transmural healing rate between UST group and VDZ group within 1 year after treatment (16.4% (10/61) vs. 23.5% (12/51), χ2=0.90, P=0.344). There were no significant differences in the healing rate between UST group and VDZ group in patients with specific baseline characteristics before treatment, including CD with stenosis, with perianal disease, no history of glucocorticoid use, secondary loss of response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, SES-CD 7 to 15, decreased body mass index, and increased CRP (18.2%(6/33) vs. 19.4%(7/36), 17.9%(7/39) vs. 19.4%(6/31), 17.1%(6/35) vs. 24.2%(8/33), 20.0%(8/40) vs. 3/18, 14.3%(5/35) vs. 19.2%(5/26), 15.0%(3/20) vs. 3/10, 21.4%(6/28) vs. 5/16), all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the clinical remission rate or endoscopic remission rate between the UST group and the VDZ group from 13 to 24th week (7/14 vs. 9/18, 3/14 vs. 7/18, RR=1.000 and 0.551, 95% confidence interval: 0.497to 2.011, 0.173to 1.755, χ2=<0.01, Fisher′s exact test, both P>0.05). There was no significant difference in clinical remission rate or endoscopic remission rate between UST group and VDZ group from week 30 to week 52 after treatment (68.5% (37/54) vs. 74.4% (32/43), 27.8% (15/54) vs. 32.6% (14/43), RR=0.921 and 0.853, 95% confidence interval: 0.716 to 1.184, 0.464 to 1.568, χ2=0.41 and 0.26, both P>0.05). In UST group, the proportion of patients with normal hemoglobin after transmural healing was higher than that of patients without transmural healing (9/10 vs. 45.1% (23/51), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=5.08, P=0.024). However, there were no significant differences in the proportion of patients with normal body mass index, CRP, platelet count, prealbumin, albumin, interleukin-6 or TNF-α levels after treatment between those who achieved transmural healing and those who did not in either UST group or VDZ group (all P>0.05). And in VDZ group there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with normal hemoglobin between those who achieved transmural healing and who did not (all P>0.05). Conclusion:UST and VDZ exhibit similar efficacy in transmural healing within one year of treatment in patients with active CD.

Objective:Using ecological niche width and situation model,the operation and management of public Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)hospitals in 16 cities in Shandong Province were evaluated to put forward countermeasures.Methods:The relevant index data of public TCM hospitals in 16 cities in Shandong Province from 2019 to 2022 were collected to analyze the development status.The ecological niche width model and niche situation model were applied to evaluate the operation and management of public TCM hospitals in 16 cities in Shandong.Results:The top three public TCM hospitals in terms of average ecological niche width were City G,City P and City F.The ecological niche situation value of public TCM hospitals in City K,City A and City J ranked the top three.Conclusion:The dimensions of operation management structure of public TCM hospitals in Shandong need to be enhanced and the development of operation management space needs to be balanced.It is feasible to evaluate operation management by using ecological niche width and situation model.It is suggested to improve the allocation efficiency of health personnel,facilities,funds and other resources;promote the spatial balanced development of operation management;promote the application of ecological niche width and situation model in the field of medicine and health management.