Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy of endoscopic posterior transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-PTLIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) in the treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative diseases.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 56 patients with single-segment lumbar degenerative diseases treated at Xiuzhou District People's Hospital between September 2020 and March 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: the Endo-PTLIF group (24 cases, 11 males and 13 females; mean age: 56.5±8.4 years, range: 43-72 years) and the MIS-TLIF group (32 cases, 10 males and 22 females; mean age: 54.5±10.4 years, range: 37-73 years). Perioperative parameters, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), lumbar lordosis (LL), disc height (DH), and dural sac cross-sectional area (DSCA) were compared between the two groups.Results:No significant differences were observed between the two groups in baseline characteristics, preoperative VAS, ODI, LL, DH, or DSCA ( P>0.05). However, the operative time in the Endo-PTLIF group (173.9±12.3 minutes) was significantly longer than in the MIS-TLIF group (136.5±19.5 minutes, P<0.05). Similarly, the Endo-PTLIF group required more fluoroscopy exposures (15.9±1.8) than the MIS-TLIF group (13.0±1.6, P<0.05). In contrast, intraoperative blood loss in the Endo-PTLIF group (68.9± 12.9 ml) was significantly lower than in the MIS-TLIF group (126.7±35.4 ml, P<0.05). Additionally, the Endo-PTLIF group had a shorter hospital stay [7.00 (6.25, 7.75) days] compared to the MIS-TLIF group [10.00 (9.25, 11.00) days, P<0.05]. At one week and one month postoperatively, the Endo-PTLIF group had significantly lower back pain VAS scores [2.00 (2.00, 3.00) and 2.00 (2.00, 2.00), respectively] and a lower ODI (25.83%±3.83%) compared to the MIS-TLIF group [3.00 (2.25, 4.00), 2.50 (2.00, 3.00), and 30.09%±4.02%, respectively; P<0.05]. Beyond one month postoperatively, there were no significant differences in leg pain VAS scores between the groups, and back pain VAS and ODI showed no significant differences after six months ( P>0.05). At the final follow-up, the excellent and good rates, according to MacNab criteria, were 95.8% in the Endo-PTLIF group and 93.8% in the MIS-TLIF group, with no significant difference ( P>0.05). At 12 months postoperatively, both groups showed significant improvements in LL, DH, and DSCA compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05), but there were no significant differences between the two groups ( P>0.05). The fusion rates were 96% in the Endo-PTLIF group and 94% in the MIS-TLIF group, with no significant difference ( P>0.05). Complications included one case of dural tear in the Endo-PTLIF group, and one case of dural tear and one case of incision infection in the MIS-TLIF group. Conclusion:Endo-PTLIF achieves comparable clinical efficacy to MIS-TLIF in the treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative diseases, with the added advantages of reduced intraoperative blood loss and faster postoperative recovery.

Objective:To investigate the number of medical institutions and staff involved in 131I diagnosis and therapy in China, and to ascertain the level of 131I activity incorporated in thyroid of medical staff performing the 131I treatment. Methods:Questionnaires were used to investigate the basic information on nuclear medicine practices in all the non-military hospitals in China. Portable gamma spectrometers were used to determine and analyze the 131I activity in thyroid of the medical staff in some radioiodine treatment workplaces. The result were reported through National Radiological Health Information Platform. Results:Until December 2022, there had been 959 hospitals performing clinical nuclear medicine practices in China, with a total of 10 820 medical staff. In China, there have been 623 hospitals performing 131I therapeutical procedures, accounting for 65.0% of all nuclear medicine hospitals, and 333 hospitals performing 131I treatment of thyroid cancer, accounting for 34.7%. The hospitals equipped with automated radiopharmaceutical dispenser accounted for 61.3% of the 623 hospitals. A total of 2 210 nuclear medicine staff were monitored for internal exposure in 20 provinces in 2022, with 249 (11.3%) having activities above 100 Bq and the maximum value of 2.9 × 10 4 Bq. A total of 426 nuclear medicine staff in four provinces were detected using HPGe detectors, with 101 (23.7%) detected to have 131I in their thyroid glands. A total of 1 748 in 17 provinces were detected using NaI or LaBr detectors, with 379 (21.2%) detected to have 131I in their thyroid glands. The detection rate of 131I in the staff was found to increase with the increased amount of 131I purchased by hospitals. The detection rate of 131I in the hosptitals having purchased the amount of 131I≥3.70 × 10 6 MBq in 2021 was 32.1%. This value was notably higher than in the other three groups whose purchased amount <3.70 × 10 6 MBq, with a statistically significant difference( χ2=15.46, P < 0.001). Conclusions:There were great differences in the number of both hospitals and staff performing 131I treatment between different provinces in China. About one fifth of the staff in the 131I treatment workplaces could be detected to have incorporated 131I in their thyroid glands.

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy of endoscopic posterior transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-PTLIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) in the treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative diseases.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 56 patients with single-segment lumbar degenerative diseases treated at Xiuzhou District People's Hospital between September 2020 and March 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: the Endo-PTLIF group (24 cases, 11 males and 13 females; mean age: 56.5±8.4 years, range: 43-72 years) and the MIS-TLIF group (32 cases, 10 males and 22 females; mean age: 54.5±10.4 years, range: 37-73 years). Perioperative parameters, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), lumbar lordosis (LL), disc height (DH), and dural sac cross-sectional area (DSCA) were compared between the two groups.Results:No significant differences were observed between the two groups in baseline characteristics, preoperative VAS, ODI, LL, DH, or DSCA ( P>0.05). However, the operative time in the Endo-PTLIF group (173.9±12.3 minutes) was significantly longer than in the MIS-TLIF group (136.5±19.5 minutes, P<0.05). Similarly, the Endo-PTLIF group required more fluoroscopy exposures (15.9±1.8) than the MIS-TLIF group (13.0±1.6, P<0.05). In contrast, intraoperative blood loss in the Endo-PTLIF group (68.9± 12.9 ml) was significantly lower than in the MIS-TLIF group (126.7±35.4 ml, P<0.05). Additionally, the Endo-PTLIF group had a shorter hospital stay [7.00 (6.25, 7.75) days] compared to the MIS-TLIF group [10.00 (9.25, 11.00) days, P<0.05]. At one week and one month postoperatively, the Endo-PTLIF group had significantly lower back pain VAS scores [2.00 (2.00, 3.00) and 2.00 (2.00, 2.00), respectively] and a lower ODI (25.83%±3.83%) compared to the MIS-TLIF group [3.00 (2.25, 4.00), 2.50 (2.00, 3.00), and 30.09%±4.02%, respectively; P<0.05]. Beyond one month postoperatively, there were no significant differences in leg pain VAS scores between the groups, and back pain VAS and ODI showed no significant differences after six months ( P>0.05). At the final follow-up, the excellent and good rates, according to MacNab criteria, were 95.8% in the Endo-PTLIF group and 93.8% in the MIS-TLIF group, with no significant difference ( P>0.05). At 12 months postoperatively, both groups showed significant improvements in LL, DH, and DSCA compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05), but there were no significant differences between the two groups ( P>0.05). The fusion rates were 96% in the Endo-PTLIF group and 94% in the MIS-TLIF group, with no significant difference ( P>0.05). Complications included one case of dural tear in the Endo-PTLIF group, and one case of dural tear and one case of incision infection in the MIS-TLIF group. Conclusion:Endo-PTLIF achieves comparable clinical efficacy to MIS-TLIF in the treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative diseases, with the added advantages of reduced intraoperative blood loss and faster postoperative recovery.

Objective:To investigate the number of medical institutions and staff involved in 131I diagnosis and therapy in China, and to ascertain the level of 131I activity incorporated in thyroid of medical staff performing the 131I treatment. Methods:Questionnaires were used to investigate the basic information on nuclear medicine practices in all the non-military hospitals in China. Portable gamma spectrometers were used to determine and analyze the 131I activity in thyroid of the medical staff in some radioiodine treatment workplaces. The result were reported through National Radiological Health Information Platform. Results:Until December 2022, there had been 959 hospitals performing clinical nuclear medicine practices in China, with a total of 10 820 medical staff. In China, there have been 623 hospitals performing 131I therapeutical procedures, accounting for 65.0% of all nuclear medicine hospitals, and 333 hospitals performing 131I treatment of thyroid cancer, accounting for 34.7%. The hospitals equipped with automated radiopharmaceutical dispenser accounted for 61.3% of the 623 hospitals. A total of 2 210 nuclear medicine staff were monitored for internal exposure in 20 provinces in 2022, with 249 (11.3%) having activities above 100 Bq and the maximum value of 2.9 × 10 4 Bq. A total of 426 nuclear medicine staff in four provinces were detected using HPGe detectors, with 101 (23.7%) detected to have 131I in their thyroid glands. A total of 1 748 in 17 provinces were detected using NaI or LaBr detectors, with 379 (21.2%) detected to have 131I in their thyroid glands. The detection rate of 131I in the staff was found to increase with the increased amount of 131I purchased by hospitals. The detection rate of 131I in the hosptitals having purchased the amount of 131I≥3.70 × 10 6 MBq in 2021 was 32.1%. This value was notably higher than in the other three groups whose purchased amount <3.70 × 10 6 MBq, with a statistically significant difference( χ2=15.46, P < 0.001). Conclusions:There were great differences in the number of both hospitals and staff performing 131I treatment between different provinces in China. About one fifth of the staff in the 131I treatment workplaces could be detected to have incorporated 131I in their thyroid glands.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of machine learning model based on 18F-FDG PET/CT for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Methods:From November 2014 to December 2022, 177 patients (119 males, 58 females; age: 67.0 ( 61.0, 72.0) years) admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First People′s Hospital of Changzhou, with suspected PMR and undergoing 18F-FDG PET/CT examination were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were randomly divided into training set and validation set at the ratio of 7∶3. Three machine learning models, including classification and regression tree (CART), the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm, and logistic regression, were established based on the PET/CT imaging features to aid in the diagnosis of PMR. The diagnostic efficacy of each model was evaluated by ROC curve analysis and differences among AUCs were analyzed by Delong test. Results:There were 78(44.1%, 78/177) PMR patients and 99(55.9%, 99/177) non-PMR patients, and 124 patients in the training set and 53 patients in the validation set. The logistic regression model (training set: AUC=0.961; validation set: AUC=0.930) was superior to the CART (training set: AUC=0.902, z=2.96, P=0.003; validation set: AUC=0.844, z=2.46, P=0.014) in diagnosing PMR, and was similar to LASSO algorithm (training set: AUC=0.957, z=0.95, P=0.340; validation set: AUC=0.930, z=0.00, P=1.000), but with fewer sites evaluated. The simplified PMR-Logit score had the AUC of 0.951 in the overall population, with the sensitivity of 89.74%(70/78) and the specificity of 90.91%(90/99). Conclusion:Machine learning models based on 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging features are expected to be an effective diagnostic tool for PMR.

Dystrophinopathies caused by variants of DMD gene are a group of muscular diseases including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, and DMD-associated dilated cardiomyopathy. With the advancement of genetic testing techniques and wider implementation of genetic screening, especially the expanded carrier screening, more and more individuals carrying DMD gene variants have been identified, whereas the genetic counseling capacity is relatively insufficient. Currently there is still a lack of professional norms for genetic counseling on dystrophinopathies. In this consensus, the main points to be covered in the pre- and post-test consultation have been discussed, with an aim to provide genetic counseling guidance for the disease diagnosis, treatment, and family reproduction.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between intramuscular adipose tissue index (IATI) calculated from computed tomography images at transverse process of the first lumbar and all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients, and to provide a reference for improving the prognosis in these patients.Methods:It was a multicenter retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of patients who received maintenance hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis treatment from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 in 4 grade Ⅲ hospitals including Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, Taizhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were retrospectively collected. IATI was calculated by low attenuation muscle (LAM) density/skeletal muscle density. The receiver-operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of IATI, and the patients were divided into high IATI group and low IATI group according to the optimal cut-off value. The differences of baseline clinical data and measurement parameters of the first lumbar level between the two groups were compared. The follow-up ended on December 23, 2022. The endpoint event was defined as all-cause mortality within 3 years. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank test were used to analyze the survival rates and the differences between the two groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis models were used to analyze the association between IATI and the risk of all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis model was used to analyze the influencing factors of high IATI.Results:A total of 478 patients were eligibly recruited in this study, with age of (53.55±13.19) years old and 319 (66.7%) males, including 365 (76.4%) hemodialysis patients and 113 (23.6%) peritoneal dialysis patients. There were 376 (78.7%) patients in low IATI (<0.42) group and 102 (21.3%) patients in high IATI (≥0.42) group. The proportion of age ≥ 60 years old ( χ2=24.746, P<0.001), proportion of diabetes mellitus ( χ2=5.570, P=0.018), fasting blood glucose ( t=-2.145, P=0.032), LAM density ( t=-3.735, P<0.001), LAM index ( t=-7.072, P<0.001), and LAM area/skeletal muscle area ratio ( Z=-9.630, P<0.001) in high IATI group were all higher than those in low IATI group, while proportion of males ( χ2=11.116, P<0.001), serum albumin ( Z=2.708, P=0.007) and skeletal muscle density ( t=12.380, P<0.001) were lower than those in low IATI group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the 3-years overall survival rate of low IATI group was significantly higher than that in high IATI group (Log-rank χ2=19.188, P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that IATI<0.42 [<0.42/≥0.42, HR(95% CI): 0.50 (0.31-0.83), P=0.007] was an independent protective factor of all-cause mortality, and age ≥60 years old [ HR (95% CI): 2.61 (1.60-4.23), P<0.001], diabetes mellitus [ HR (95% CI): 1.71 (1.06-2.78), P=0.029] and high blood neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio [ HR (95% CI): 1.04 (1.00-1.07), P=0.049] were the independent risk factors of all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients. Stepwise Cox regression analysis showed that IATI<0.42 was still an independent protective factor of all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients [<0.42/≥0.42, HR (95% CI): 0.45 (0.27-0.76), P=0.003]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low skeletal muscle density [ OR (95% CI): 0.84 (0.81-0.88), P<0.001] and high serum triglyceride [ OR (95% CI): 1.39 (1.07-1.82), P=0.015] were the independent influencing factors of IATI≥0.42. Conclusion:IATI<0.42 of the first lumbar level is an independent protective factor of all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients. Localized myosteatosis within high-quality skeletal muscle may reduce the risk of all-cause mortality in these patients.

The pursuit of cosmetic effects in post-surgical wounds has led to the development of ultra-minimally invasive techniques in surgery. Minimal invasive surgery has replaced open surgery and has become the new gold-standard for treating diseases. One such technique is the single incision triangulated umbilicus surgery (SITUS), which offers several advantages over traditional laparoscopic and other scarless surgeries, including reduced trauma, faster recovery, and better cosmetic outcomes. SITUS also has a short learning curve, aligns with conventional instrumentation operating habits, and can be used for whole abdominal surgeries. Chinese scholars have made further improvements to the SITUS technology, including expanding its applicability in intra-abdominal surgery and refining its incision closure methods to achieve superior cosmetic results. Currently, SITUS technology is experiencing rapid development in urology applications and has demonstrated satisfactory results in both domestic and international reports. This review aims to discuss the effectiveness and development of the SITUS technique in urology.

Objective:To analyze the predictive value of combined detection of color ultrasound parameters,coagulation indicators and soluble leukocyte antigen G (sHLA-G) on pregnancy outcomes of patients with threatened abortion after tocolysis. Methods:A total of 100 patients,who met the diagnostic condition of threatened abortion and admitted to Dongguan People's Hospital Xiegang Branch between January 2019 and January 2021,were selected. They were divided into success group and failure group according to pregnancy outcomes after tocolysis,with 50 cases in each group. The color ultrasound parameters,coagulation indicators and sHLA-G levels were measured,and logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyze predictive value of the above indicators on the pregnancy outcomes of patients with threatened abortion after tocolysis. Results:The inner diameter of the yolk sac (5.37±1.02) ml and sHLA-G level (65.37±12.38)U/ml in success group were significantly higher than yolk sac and sHLA-G level in failure group,and the differences were statistically significant (t=12.566,19.989,P<0.05),respectively. The resistance index (RI) and D-dimer (D-D) levels of success group were significantly lower than those of failure group,and the differences were statistically significant (t=20.344,17.603,P<0.05),respectively. The inner diameter of the yolk sac,RI,D-D and sHLA-G were risk factors that affected the pregnancy outcome of patients with threatened abortion after tocolysis (OR=2.349,2.115,2.266,2.21,P<0.05),respectively. The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy and area under curve (AUC) of the combined detection of inner diameter of yolk sac,RI,D-D and sHLA-G in predicting pregnancy outcomes of patients with threatened abortion after tocolysis were 96.00％,98.00％,97.00％ and 0.991,respectively,which were significantly higher than those of the singly each indicator (t=2.514,3.628,4.258,6.134,P<0.05). Conclusion:The combined detection of inner diameter of yolk sac,coagulation indicators and sHLA-G has predictive value for the pregnancy outcomes of patients with threatened abortion after tocolysis. Moreover,the combined detection of inner diameter of yolk sac,RI,D-D and sHLA-G levels can significantly improve the sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of prediction.

Objective:To analyze the predictive value of combined detection of color ultrasound parameters,coagulation indicators and soluble leukocyte antigen G (sHLA-G) on pregnancy outcomes of patients with threatened abortion after tocolysis. Methods:A total of 100 patients,who met the diagnostic condition of threatened abortion and admitted to Dongguan People's Hospital Xiegang Branch between January 2019 and January 2021,were selected. They were divided into success group and failure group according to pregnancy outcomes after tocolysis,with 50 cases in each group. The color ultrasound parameters,coagulation indicators and sHLA-G levels were measured,and logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyze predictive value of the above indicators on the pregnancy outcomes of patients with threatened abortion after tocolysis. Results:The inner diameter of the yolk sac (5.37±1.02) ml and sHLA-G level (65.37±12.38)U/ml in success group were significantly higher than yolk sac and sHLA-G level in failure group,and the differences were statistically significant (t=12.566,19.989,P<0.05),respectively. The resistance index (RI) and D-dimer (D-D) levels of success group were significantly lower than those of failure group,and the differences were statistically significant (t=20.344,17.603,P<0.05),respectively. The inner diameter of the yolk sac,RI,D-D and sHLA-G were risk factors that affected the pregnancy outcome of patients with threatened abortion after tocolysis (OR=2.349,2.115,2.266,2.21,P<0.05),respectively. The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy and area under curve (AUC) of the combined detection of inner diameter of yolk sac,RI,D-D and sHLA-G in predicting pregnancy outcomes of patients with threatened abortion after tocolysis were 96.00％,98.00％,97.00％ and 0.991,respectively,which were significantly higher than those of the singly each indicator (t=2.514,3.628,4.258,6.134,P<0.05). Conclusion:The combined detection of inner diameter of yolk sac,coagulation indicators and sHLA-G has predictive value for the pregnancy outcomes of patients with threatened abortion after tocolysis. Moreover,the combined detection of inner diameter of yolk sac,RI,D-D and sHLA-G levels can significantly improve the sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of prediction.