1.Pseudolaric Acid B-linked Double-network Hydrogel Alleviates Pruritus by Inhibiting The Growth of Staphylococcus aureus
Ye YOU ; Yan YANG ; Tong-Yu LI ; Cheng-Long CAI ; Ting WANG ; Chan ZHU ; Zong-Xiang TANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1734-1745
ObjectiveThis study aimed to elucidate the mechanistic role of Staphylococcus aureus in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritus and barrier dysfunction. A key focus was screening traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) active components with dual antibacterial and antipruritic efficacy, followed by systematic evaluation of their in vitro antibacterial activity. Additionally, a novel drug delivery system was constructed to enable localized efficient drug delivery, inhibiting S. aureus proliferation and alleviating its induced pruritus, thereby providing new strategies for targeted AD therapy. MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks (body weight 18-22 g) were used to establish an AD model via repeated oxazolone sensitization. On day 14, microbial samples were collected from the lesional area (1 cm²) using sterile cotton swabs, followed by vortex mixing, serial dilution, and plating on 5% sheep blood agar plates (incubated at 37°C for 24 h). Single colonies with complete transparent β-hemolytic zones were isolated and identified as vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) via 16S rRNA sequencing. An S. aureus mono-infection animal model was then established by applying gauze saturated with bacterial suspension (McFarland turbidity 0.1) to the nape and back skin of mice. The pruritic phenotype and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by S. aureus were evaluated using comprehensive approaches including behavioral assays (e.g., scratching frequency recording), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and toluidine blue staining. The in vitro antibacterial efficacy of the TCM monomer pseudolaric acid B (PAB) and double network hydrogel (DN) was separately assessed by disk diffusion assay, while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PAB was determined via broth dilution method. Further validation of the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the composite system (PAB@DN, composed of PAB and DN) was conducted through behavioral assays, HE staining, and dermatitis scoring, with its drug release profile evaluated by mass spectrometry analysis. Based on scratching behavioral analysis and dermatitis scoring, the optimal ratio and concentration of PAB@DN were optimized. ResultsThe S. aureus load in AD lesional tissues was significantly higher than in normal skin ((5.3±0.33)×10⁶ CFU vs. (3.6±0.26)×10⁷ CFU, P<0.001). In the S. aureus mono-infection group, mice exhibited a 6.7-fold increase in scratching frequency compared to the control group. HE staining revealed marked epidermal thickening ((10.4±2.39) μm vs. (85.6±1.95) μm, P<0.000 1), and toluidine blue staining showed a 23-fold increase in mast cell degranulation. Pseudolaric acid B exhibited a significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effect onS. aureus growth, with its in vitro antibacterial effect being 57% that of the antibiotic cefepime (inhibition zone diameter: PAB (1.885±0.036) cm vs. cefepime (3.636±0.005) cm, P<0.000 1) and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 g/L. The carrier double network hydrogel (DN) itself lacked direct antibacterial activity (no significant difference in inhibition zone diameter compared to the control) but effectively ameliorated the dry symptoms of AD-like lesions. The PAB@DN composite system demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to individual components, resulting in a 50% reduction in scratching behavior, an 86% decrease in dermatitis score, and a 60% reduction in epidermal thickening. It also reduced the S. aureus load in mouse skin by approximately 34%, with the optimal effective formulation being PAB at 1 g/L loaded onto DN. ConclusionS. aureus colonization plays a critical driving role in the onset and progression of AD. Using an S. aureus infection model, this study confirmed that the pseudolaric acidB-hydrogel composite delivery system (PAB@DN) can effectively alleviate S. aureus-induced pruritus and skin damage, providing experimental evidence for microbiota-targeted therapy of AD.
2.Different Exercise Modalities for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Complicated With Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease
Bo-Zong YI ; Lei LÜ ; Yu-Xiao GUO ; Bei-Bei QIE ; Fei-Long CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2053-2070
Both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) fall within the spectrum of metabolic diseases, and they exhibit a bi-directional causal relationship and robust reciprocal association. Their shared pathological cornerstone is insulin resistance (IR), which involves the interplay of mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic inflammation, forming a cascading pathological process of “IR-mitochondrial dysfunction-inflammation”. This largely explains the notable upward trend in T2DM-MAFLD co-occurrence observed over recent years. Exercise intervention, as a safe and effective non-pharmacological approach, can improve the pathological progression of these patients at multiple levels. Following the logical framework of “pathogenesis-efficacy comparison-molecular mechanisms-clinical translation”, this article systematically compares the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), resistance exercise, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and combined training. MICT reduces intrahepatic triglycerides by promoting lipolysis and improving cardiorespiratory fitness; resistance exercise increases muscle mass and basal metabolic rate, offering unique advantages in preserving muscle while reducing fat and improving insulin sensitivity; HIIT is a time-efficient exercise modality that enhances patients’ cardiorespiratory fitness and insulin sensitivity by alternating brief periods of vigorous exertion with recovery periods, with a prominent short-term triglyceride-lowering effect; combined training produces synergistic effects, comprehensively improving glucolipid metabolism and showing the best long-term adherence. Mechanistically, exercise exerts its beneficial effects through three common pathways: (1) AMPK-mediated lipid oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis; (2) IRS/PI3K/Akt-mediated insulin signaling sensitization; and (3) Nrf2/ARE anti-oxidation and TGF-β/Smads anti-fibrosis regulation. Different exercise modalities activate these pathways with distinct emphases: MICT most directly and persistently activates the AMPK pathway; resistance exercise uniquely improves IRS/PI3K/Akt signaling through muscle mass gain; HIIT induces the highest AMPK activation intensity and triggers unique lactate-mediated signaling regulation; combined training integrates the above multiple mechanistic advantages. For clinical translation, multidisciplinary team collaboration is essential to ensure safety and adherence. Individualized prescriptions should be formulated according to the FITT-VP principle and patient phenotypes—frequency of 3-5 sessions/week of aerobic exercise combined with 2-3 sessions/week of resistance exercise; intensity of moderate-intensity (40%-60% heart rate reserve (HRR))aerobic exercise and 60%-80% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) for resistance exercise; time of at least 150 min/week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, 30-60 min per session; type of combined training as the preferred modality; total volume of≥500-1 000 MET-min/week; and progression adjusted every 4-6 weeks—with real-time adjustments supported by wearable devices, ultimately forming a closed-loop management system from initial assessment to long-term follow-up. Notably, current studies have limitations such as small sample sizes and short intervention periods. Future research should focus on long-term follow-up, multi-omics biomarkers, and combined exercise-drug strategies. In conclusion, the systematic integration of structured, individualized, and sustainable exercise interventions into the multidisciplinary management pathway for patients with T2DM complicated by MAFLD is an urgent need in current clinical practice.
3.Mechanisms of Exercise Intervention in Cancer Bone Metastasis
Si-Tong YAN ; Feng-Zhi YU ; Bo-Yi ZONG ; Meng-Lu HE ; Dan-Dan JIA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2104-2122
Bone metastases are a common and serious complication of solid tumors such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and kidney cancer, and occur at a high rate in patients with advanced cancer. This pathological process not only frequently leads to skeletal-related events such as severe bone pain, pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia—conditions that severely impact patients’ quality of life—but may also significantly increase the risk of death. Cancer bone metastasis is a complex, multistage cascade involving key steps such as the detachment of tumor cells from the primary tumor, their invasion and entry into the bloodstream, and their colonization, dormancy, and reactivation within the bone microenvironment. In recent years, exercise—as a safe and easily implementable non-pharmacological intervention—has demonstrated significant potential in inhibiting bone metastasis, improving the bone microenvironment, and alleviating related clinical symptoms. Its mechanisms of action may involve multiple levels. First, at the mechanical load level, mechanical signals generated by exercise can directly act on bone cells, inhibiting tumor cell infiltration and colonization by regulating endothelial cell permeability and osteoclast activity. Second, at the endocrine and paracrine levels, exercise can alter the expression profiles of microRNAs (such as miR-486 and miR-34b) carried by extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) in the circulation, thereby inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and migration by targeting cell cycle-related genes. Furthermore, exercise can remodel the immune microenvironment, enhance the cytotoxic activity of antitumor immune cells, and improve oxygen supply to tumor tissues, thereby alleviating hypoxia-induced immunosuppression. Finally, at the metabolic intervention level, exercise can induce systemic metabolic reprogramming, increasing the nutritional demands of normal tissues, thereby competing with tumor cells for nutrients and forming a “metabolic barrier” in distal organs such as bones. This article reviews the pathogenesis and classification of bone metastases, including osteolytic, osteogenic, and mixed types, and elaborates in detail on the complex processes by which tumor cells undergo colonization, dormancy, and reactivation within the bone microenvironment. Furthermore, based on a comprehensive analysis of human and animal studies on exercise interventions for bone metastases, this paper highlights the mechanisms by which exercise inhibits tumor formation, growth, and spread through the regulation of mechanical loading, extracellular vesicles and granules, as well as via immune and metabolic pathways, thereby interfering with bone metastasis. However, the array of exercise modalities and intensities available for patients grappling with the challenges of cancer-related bone metastases remains markedly constrained, and the formulation of tailored exercise prescriptions continues to be devoid of robust, evidence-based medical backing. This review aims to explore the effects of exercise on bone health in patients with bone metastases, analyze the factors and considerations that should be taken into account in exercise prescriptions, and provide new theoretical support and insights for developing personalized exercise programs for these patients and further advancing relevant clinical research. Future research directions should include the development of evidence-based, personalized exercise prescriptions and further clarification of the safety boundaries and best practice standards for exercise interventions, thereby promoting the advancement of relevant clinical research and ultimately improving patients’ clinical outcomes and quality of life.
4.Effect of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction on knee osteoarthritis model rabbits through regulation of cell pyroptosis mediated by PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Lin-Qin HE ; Peng-Fei LI ; Xiao-Dong LI ; Qi-Peng CHEN ; Zong-Han TANG ; Yu-Xin SONG ; Han-Bing SONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):187-197
This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction(DJD) in the prevention and treatment of knee osteoarthritis(KOA). Forty SPF New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided using SPSS 26.0 software into five groups: blank group, model group, low-dose DJD group, high-dose DJD group, and high-dose DJD+phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) signaling pathway activator group(high-dose DJD+740Y-P group), with eight rabbits in each group. Except for the blank group, the KOA model was established in the other groups using papain injection into the knee joint cavity combined with forced flexion of the knee joint. The day after modeling, the blank group and model group were given normal saline at 10 mL·kg~(-1) by gavage, the low-dose DJD group received DJD at 8.8 g·kg~(-1) by gavage, the high-dose DJD group received DJD at 35.2 g·kg~(-1) by gavage, and the high-dose DJD+740Y-P group received DJD at 35.2 g·kg~(-1) by gavage along with 740Y-P at 0.15 μmoL·kg~(-1) injected via the auricular vein. All groups received treatment continuously for four weeks. After modeling and intervention, behavioral observations were performed for all groups, and after the intervention, imaging assessments of the knee joints were conducted. Cartilage from the knee joints was collected, and gross morphological changes were observed. Pathological changes in cartilage tissue were examined using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The results of these observations were quantitatively evaluated using the Lequesne MG score, Kellgren-Lawrence(K-L) grading, Pelletier score, and Mankin score. ELISA was used to measure the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-18(IL-18), and matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP13) in cartilage tissue. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), cysteine protease 1(caspase-1), and gasdermin D(GSDMD) in cartilage tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD. The results showed that compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significant knee joint degeneration, increased Lequesne MG score, K-L grading, Pelletier score, and Mankin score, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and MMP13 in cartilage tissue, activation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR phosphorylation along with increased mRNA expression levels, and elevated protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD. Compared with the model group, these indicators were reversed in both the low-dose and high-dose DJD groups, with the high-dose group showing greater decline degree than the low-dose DJD group. However, compared with the high-dose DJD group, the improvements in knee joint degeneration were less pronounced in the high-dose DJD+740Y-P group, with increased Lequesne MG score, K-L grading, Pelletier score, Mankin score, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and MMP13, activation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR phosphorylation along with increased mRNA expression, and increased protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD. In conclusion, DJD is effective and safe in the treatment of KOA, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway-mediated pyroptosis in cartilage tissue, thereby improving knee joint bone structure, reducing the inflammatory response, and preventing cartilage matrix degradation.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Rabbits
;
TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/genetics*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Pyroptosis/drug effects*
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Female
5.Modified Sini Powder in treating mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder in patients with syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire: a single-center, randomized, double-blind, dose-controlled trial.
Jia-Xin XU ; Hong-Jun YANG ; Hong-Wei WU ; Li-Jun MAO ; Jian-Xin WANG ; Zong-Liang YU ; Yang ZHAO ; Xiao-Nan HAO ; Rui GAO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):4063-4070
A single-center, randomized, double-blind, dose-controlled trial of modified Sini Powder in treating mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder(GAD) in the patients with syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire was conducted at Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. A total of 80 patients with mild to moderate GAD and the syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire were included. Patients were assigned by the central randomization system at a ratio of 3∶1 into an observation group(n=60, receiving a conventional-dose of granules of modified Sini Powder) and a control group(n=20, receiving low-dose granules with the active ingredients being 50% of that in observation group). Assessments were conducted before treatment(baseline), after 2 weeks of introduction, after 2/4/8 weeks of treatment, and after 4 weeks of follow-up. The results were summarized as follows. In terms of primary outcome indicators, the observation group(62.2%) showed higher total response rate than the control group(26.6%)(P<0.05), and greater Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA) score reduction after 8 weeks of treatment(P<0.05). In terms of secondary outcome indicators, the HAMA score(somatic anxiety score), traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome scores, Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI) scale, and clinical global impression(CGI) scale score in the observation group showed a significant compared to the control group at each visit points(P<0.05). Adverse events occurred in 10 cases, including 9(16.9%) cases in the observation group and 1(6.6%) case in the control group. No adverse reaction was observed. In conclusion, conventional-dose modified Sini Powder demonstrated superior efficacy and favorable safety for mild and moderate GAD in the patients with the syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire over low-dose treatment.
Humans
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Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Double-Blind Method
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Anxiety Disorders/drug therapy*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Young Adult
;
Powders
;
Aged
;
Liver/drug effects*
;
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
6.Vitamin D and bone metabolism characteristics in knee osteoarthritis with osteoporosis patients.
Xue-Zong WANG ; Yu LU ; Dao-Fang DING ; Yu-Xin ZHENG ; Yue-Long CAO
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(4):352-357
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the characteristics of Vitamin D (VitD) and bone metabolism in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) concurrent with osteoporosis (OP).
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was performed on 240 patients who were admitted to the orthopedics department between March 2019 and March 2024. Patients were stratified into four distinct groups according to their respective disease categories.There were 90 patients in the simple KOA group, comprising 13 males and 77 females, age ranged from 50 to 91 years old with an average of (68.48±8.96) years old. There were 90 patients in the simple OP group, comprising 7 males and 83 females, age ranged from 52 to 88 years old with an average of (69.60±8.94 )years old. There were 30 patients in the KOA with OP group, comprising 1 male and 29 females, age ranged from 51 to 91 years old with an average of(69.03±7.93) years old. There were 30 patients in the physical examination group, comprising 5 males and 25 females, age ranged from 53 to 79 years old with an average of(64.93±6.51) years old. The general data and the levels of osteocalcin (OC), β-CrossLaps, parathyroid hormone(PTH) and VitD in each group were observed.
RESULTS:
The level of VitD in KOA with OP group (19.62±10.38) ng·ml-1 and OP group (20.65±10.50) ng·ml-1 was lower than that in physical examination group (27.46±8.00) ng·ml-1 and KOA group (24.01±9.11) ng·ml-1 (P<0.05). There were significant differences in β- CrossLaps and PTH levels among the four groups (P<0.001, P=0.019, respectively), while there was no significant difference in OC levels (P=0.763). Compared with the two simple disease groups, the KOA with OP group had higher levels of β - CrossLaps(0.81±0.30) ng·ml-1 (P<0.001). There were significant differences in β-CrossLaps and PTH between the simple KOA group(0.54±0.22) ng·ml-1, (46.03±18.08) pg·ml-1 and the physical examination group (0.44±0.19) ng·ml-1, (36.65±9.63) pg·mL-1(P=0.038;P=0.006). There was a significant difference in PTH between the OP group(43.85±14.30) ng·ml-1, and the physical examination group, P=0.004. There was a significant difference in Kallgren-Lawrence grading between KOA with OP group and KOA group (P=0.006). Within KOA with OP group, the differences of β-CrossLaps and VitD levels among different K-L grades were statistically significant (P=0.016). The level of OC, β-CrossLaps and PTH within KOA with OP group was significantly different at different VitD levels (P=0.013, P=0.033, P=0.046).
CONCLUSION
Patients with KOA complicated by OP exhibit greater disturbances in bone metabolism and reduced VitD levels, particularly reflected by elevated β-CrossLaps. These findings underscore the importance of early monitoring of bone turnover and VitD supplementation in advanced-stage KOA with bone loss.
Humans
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Female
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Vitamin D/blood*
;
Osteoporosis/complications*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/complications*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Bone and Bones/metabolism*
;
Parathyroid Hormone/metabolism*
;
Osteocalcin/metabolism*
7.Correlation analysis of clinical features between wet and dry gangrene in diabetic foot.
Yu-Zhen WANG ; Cheng-Lin JIA ; Yong-Kang ZHANG ; Jun-Lin DENG ; Zong-Hao DAI ; Cheng ZHAO ; Ye-Min CAO
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(9):884-890
OBJECTIVE:
To explore clinical characteristics, lesion sites and correlation differences of different types of diabetic foot gangrene, and to provide evidence-based basis for clinical classification of diabetic foot gangrene.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 266 patients with newly diagnosed diabetic foot gangrene who were admitted from January 2018 to December 2018, including 183 males and 83 females, aged from 35 to 92 years old with an average of (69.55±10.84) years old, and they were divided into wet gangrene group and dry gangrene group according to the different natures of gangrene. There were 139 patients in wet gangrene group, including 98 males and 41 females, aged from 35 to 90 years old with an average of (68.95±10.93) years old. There were 127 patients in dry gangrene group, including 85 males and 42 females, aged from 38 to 92 years old with an average of (70.21±10.75) years old. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body temperature, skin temperature difference between the affected and healthy sides of the lower extremities, and Wagner grade between two groups were recorded to evaluate symptoms and signs. The white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil percentage (NEUT%), and C-reactive protein (C-reactive protein), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in peripheral blood between two groups were detected and compared to evaluate the infection status;the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was evaluated by using Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS);the degree of pain in patients with diabetic foot gangrene was evaluated by numerical rating scale (NRS); ankle-brachial index (ABI) and popliteal artery blood flow velocity were used to evaluate the degree of arterial lesions. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlations between gangrene TCSS, ABI and age, BMI, WHR, body temperature, calf skin temperature difference, WBC, NEUT%, CRP, ESR, PCT, IL-6, NRS, and Wagner classification indicators.
RESULTS:
The body temperature, skin temperature difference between the affected and healthy sides of the lower extremities, Wagner grade, WBC, NEUT%, CRP, ESR, PCT, IL-6, TCSS score, ABI, and popliteal artery blood flow velocity in wet gangrene group were higher than those in dry gangrene group (P<0.01), and BMI, WHR, and NRS score in dry gangrene group were higher than those in wet gangrene group;the differences were all statistically significant (P<0.01). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed TCSS score of gangrene patients was correlated with body temperature (r=0.214), calf skin temperature difference (r=0.364), WBC (r=0.240), NEUT% (r=0.291), CRP (r=0.347), ESR (r=0.167), PCT (r=0.241), IL-6 (r=0.316), and popliteal fossa arterial blood flow velocity (r=0.261) and Wagner grade (r=0.273) were positively correlated, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). ABI was negatively correlated with age (r=-0.183), BMI (r=-0.252), WHR (r=-0.288), and NRS score (r=-0.354), and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Diabetic foot gangrene is an extremely difficult and critical disease. Wet gangrene has a significant synergic effect with infection and neuropathy, while dry gangrene is closely related to vascular occlusion. The main contradiction of gangrene could be revealed through blood vessels, nerves and infection, providing evidence-based basis for the selection of debridement timing, anti-infection strategies and revascularization, with the aim of reducing the risk of amputation.
Humans
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Male
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Female
;
Aged
;
Middle Aged
;
Diabetic Foot/diagnosis*
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Aged, 80 and over
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Adult
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Gangrene/physiopathology*
;
C-Reactive Protein
8.Comparative analysis of isolated male epispadias: concealed versus nonconcealed cases in a Chinese tertiary hospital.
Jia-Yi LI ; Bo YU ; Meng-Cheng YANG ; Zong-Han LI ; Hong-Cheng SONG ; Wei-Ping ZHANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(4):502-507
Isolated male epispadias typically presents with preputial defects and dorsal urethral dehiscence. A less common subtype, known as concealed epispadias, is distinguished by an intact prepuce. Despite its clinical relevance, there is limited literature on this variant. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 86 pediatric patients with isolated male epispadias treated in Beijing Children's Hospital (Beijing, China) from May 2004 to July 2023, including 19 cases of concealed epispadias and 67 of nonconcealed epispadias. We compared clinical characteristics, preoperative diagnostics, surgical techniques, postoperative outcomes, and sexual function during follow-up between the concealed and nonconcealed groups. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding surgical methods, postoperative complications, or rates of urinary incontinence. However, notable distinctions were found in the age at initial diagnosis, timing of surgery, frequency of incontinence, location of the urethral meatus, and postoperative urinary incontinence scores (all P < 0.05). Given the absence of penopubic epispadias in concealed cases, we categorized glans and penile epispadias within nonconcealed epispadias as distal epispadias ( n = 40) and subsequently compared them with concealed epispadias cases. The postoperative urinary incontinence scores did not differ significantly between the concealed and distal epispadias groups. These findings suggest that concealed epispadias represents a relatively milder form of the condition, characterized by the absence of penopubic involvement, lower rates of urinary incontinence, and favorable surgical outcomes. However, the intact prepuce in concealed cases underscores the need for careful identification and early diagnosis.
Humans
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Male
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Epispadias/classification*
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China
;
Tertiary Care Centers
;
Child, Preschool
;
Child
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Postoperative Complications/epidemiology*
;
Urinary Incontinence/epidemiology*
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Urethra/surgery*
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Infant
;
Penis/surgery*
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Adolescent
;
Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male/methods*
;
East Asian People
9.A preclinical evaluation and first-in-man case for transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair using PulveClip® transcatheter repair device.
Gang-Jun ZONG ; Jie-Wen DENG ; Ke-Yu CHEN ; Hua WANG ; Fei-Fei DONG ; Xing-Hua SHAN ; Jia-Feng WANG ; Ni ZHU ; Fei LUO ; Peng-Fei DAI ; Zhi-Fu GUO ; Yong-Wen QIN ; Yuan BAI
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(2):265-269
10.Characteristics of the subtype of vestibular migraine with ear fullness: association with early onset age and low-frequency hearing loss.
Lizhu JIANG ; Shiqi YU ; Yan LEI ; Xiaofang ZONG ; Shixun ZHONG ; Wenqi ZUO
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(10):918-922
Objective:The clinical significance of aural fullness in patients with vestibular migraine(VM) remains unclear, and it is yet to be determined whether VM with aural fullness represents a distinct subtype of VM; this study aimed to compare differences in demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, audiological findings, and vestibular function tests between VM patients with and without aural fullness, and explore whether the former is a subtype of VM and whether it requires differentiated treatment. Methods:A total of 174 VM patients were enrolled, including 75 with aural fullness(aural fullness group) and 99 without aural fullness(non-aural fullness group); demographic data, vertigo characteristics, medical history, family history, pure-tone audiometry, and vestibular function tests were thoroughly recorded, and independent samples t-test and chi-square test were used for inter-group comparisons. Results:①Regarding demographic characteristics, the age of the aural fullness group was significantly lower than that of the non-aural fullness group[(44.08±13.97) years vs. (49.45±16.05) years, P=0.020), while the two groups showed consistent gender distribution(more females than males) with no statistically significant difference. ②For aural fullness characteristics, unilateral aural fullness accounted for 65.0% in the aural fullness group, significantly higher than bilateral aural fullness(35.0%, P<0.001). ③In terms of vertigo characteristics, there were no statistically significant inter-group differences in the nature of attacks(rotational vertigo: 36.0% vs. 41.4%, P=0.463; dizziness: 21.3% vs. 11.1%, P=0.064; rotational vertigo or dizziness: 29.3% vs. 25.3%, P=0.548; dizziness with unsteady gait: 9.3% vs. 11.1%, Fisher P=0.806; visual oscillation with unsteady gait: 4.0% vs. 11.1%, Fisher P=0.086), duration(several hours: 34.7% vs. 33.3%, P=0.841; several minutes: 22.7% vs. 21.2%, P=0.808; several seconds: 5.3% vs. 8.1%, Fisher P=0.557; several days: 9.3% vs. 9.1%, Fisher P=1.000; multiple combined patterns: 17.3% vs. 15.2%, P=0.686), or incidence of nausea and vomiting(84.0% vs. 72.7%, P=0.071, no statistical significance). ④No statistically significant inter-group differences were found in medical history and family history, including motion sickness history(8.0% vs. 4.0%, Fisher P=0.337), headache history(22.7% vs. 34.3%, P=0.084), and family history of dizziness(12.0% vs. 14.1%, P=0.666). ⑤For audiological characteristics, 21.3%(16/75) of patients in the aural fullness group had low-frequency hearing loss, significantly higher than 5.1% in the non-aural fullness group(χ²=10.66, P=0.001); among patients with unilateral aural fullness, 28.6%(14/49) had ipsilateral low-frequency hearing loss, significantly higher than 7.7%(2/26) of those with bilateral aural fullness(χ²=4.41, P=0.036); however, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of bilateral high-frequency hearing loss between the two groups(54.7%[41/75]vs. 50.5%[50/99], χ²=0.30, P=0.586). ⑥In vestibular function tests, no statistically significant inter-group differences were observed in smooth pursuit type Ⅲ/Ⅳ(12.5% vs. 13.1%, P=0.913), caloric test with CP>25%(31.2% vs. 37.4%, P=0.411), abnormal video head impulse test(vHIT) rate(30.8% vs. 32.6%, P=0.865), or abnormal vestibular evoked myogenic potential(VEMP) rate(53.8% vs. 38.9%, Fisher P=0.484). Conclusion:VM patients with aural fullness have an earlier age of onset, with nearly 1/4 accompanied by low-frequency hearing loss; VM patients with and without aural fullness are highly consistent in gender distribution, nature/duration of vertigo, vestibular function impairment, and presence of bilateral high-frequency hearing loss, suggesting that the core clinical phenotypes of the two groups are consistent, while the former has an earlier age of onset and a higher proportion of unilateral hearing loss, which may be related to the pathological mechanism of VM and inner ear microcirculation disorders.
Humans
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Female
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Migraine Disorders/classification*
;
Young Adult
;
Vertigo
;
Age of Onset
;
Aged
;
Hearing Loss

Result Analysis
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