BACKGROUND:Cervical disc herniation can cause pain in the neck and shoulder area,as well as radiating pain in the upper limbs.The incidence rate is increasing year by year and tends to affect younger individuals.Fully understanding the biomechanical characteristics of the cervical spine in adolescents is of great significance for preventing and delaying the onset of cervical disc herniation in this age group. OBJECTIVE:To reconstruct cervical spine models for both healthy adolescents and adolescent patients with cervical disc herniation utilizing finite element analysis techniques,to analyze the motion range of the C1-T1 cervical vertebrae as well as the biomechanical characteristics of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,endplates,and the cartilage of the small joints. METHODS:A normal adolescent's cervical spine and an adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation were selected in this study.The continuous scan cervical spine CT raw image data were imported into Mimics 21.0 in DICOM format.The C1-T1 vertebrae were reconstructed separately.Subsequently,the established models were imported into the 3-Matic software for disc reconstruction.The perfected models were then imported into Hypermesh software for meshing of the vertebrae,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,and ligaments,creating valid geometric models.After assigning material properties,the final models were imported into ABAQUS software to observe the joint motion range of the C1-C7 cervical vertebrae segments under different conditions,and to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,endplates,and small joint cartilage of each cervical spine segment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In six different conditions,the joint motion range of the C1 vertebra in the cervical spine models of both normal adolescent and adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation was higher than that of the other vertebrae.Additionally,the joint motion range of each cervical spine segment in normal adolescent was greater than that in adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation.(2)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress values in the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus were found on the left side during C2-3 flexion conditions(0.43 MPa and 0.17 MPa,respectively).In the cervical spine model of adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the maximum stress values were found on the left side during C7-T1 flexion conditions(0.54 MPa and 0.18 MPa,respectively).(3)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress value on the endplate was found on the left side of the upper endplate of C3 during flexion conditions(1.46 MPa).In the model of adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the maximum stress value on the endplate was found on the left side of the lower endplate of C7 during flexion conditions(1.32 MPa).(4)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress value in the small joint cartilage was found in the C2-3 left rotation conditions(0.98 MPa).In adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the stress in the small joint cartilage significantly increased under different conditions,especially in C1-2,with the maximum stress found during left flexion(3.50 MPa).(5)It is concluded that compared to normal adolescent,adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation exhibits altered cervical curvature and a decrease in overall joint motion range in the cervical spine.In adolescent with cervical disc herniation,there is a significant increase in stress on the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,and endplates in the C7-T1 segment.The stress on the left articular cartilage of the C1-2 is notable.Abnormal cervical curvature may be the primary factor causing these stress changes.

Evading host immunity killing is a critical step for virus survival. Inhibiting viral immune escape is crucial for the treatment of viral diseases. Serine/threonine kinase 39 (STK39) was reported to play an essential role in ion homeostasis. However, its potential role and mechanism in viral infection remain unknown. In this study, we found that viral infection promoted STK39 expression. Consequently, overexpressed STK39 inhibited the phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and the production of type I interferon, which led to viral replication and immune escape. Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of STK39 significantly protected mice from viral infection. Mechanistically, mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation assays identified that STK39 interacted with PPP2R1A (a scaffold subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)) in a kinase activity-dependent manner. This interaction inhibited DDB1 and CUL4 associated factor 1 (DCAF1)-mediated PPP2R1A degradation, maintained the stabilization and phosphatase activity of PP2A, which, in turn, suppressed the phosphorylation of IRF3, decreased the production of type I interferon, and then strengthened viral replication. Thus, our study provides a novel theoretical basis for viral immune escape, and STK39 may be a potential therapeutic target for viral infectious diseases.

BACKGROUND:Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with chronic rheumatic immunity.Soft tissue ossification and fusion and spinal stiffness can cause biomechanical changes. OBJECTIVE:To reconstruct the lumbar-sacral intervertebral disc in ankylosing spondylitis patients with lumbar kyphosis by finite element analysis,and to study the range of motion of each segment of T11-S1 and the biomechanical characteristics of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. METHODS:The imaging data were obtained from an ankylosing spondylitis patient with lumbar kyphosis.The original CT image data of continuously scanned spine were imported into Mimics 21.0 in DICOM format,and T11-S1 was reconstructed respectively.The established model was imported into 3-Matic software in the format of"Stl"to reconstruct the intervertebral disc,and the fibrous intervertebral disc model was obtained.The improved model was further imported into Hypermesh software,and the vertebra,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus and ligament were mesh-divided.After the material properties were given,the model was imported into ABAQUS software to observe the range of motion of each vertebral body in seven different working conditions of T11-S1,and analyze the biomechanical characteristics of each segment of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The range of motion of L1 vertebrae was higher than that of other vertebrae under six different working conditions:extension,forward flexion,rotation(left and right),and lateral flexion(left and right).The maximum range of motion was 2.18° during L1 vertebral flexion,and the minimum range of motion was 0.12° during L5 vertebral extension.(2)The annular fiber flexion at L2-L3 segments was greater than the extension(P<0.05),and the annular fiber flexion at L3-L4 and L4-L5 segments was less than the extension(P<0.05).The left rotation of L1-L2 annular fibers was greater than the right rotation(P<0.05).The left flexion of the annulus was greater than the right flexion in L1-L2,L2-L3,L3-L4,L4-L5 and L5-S1 segments(P<0.05).(3)The nucleus pulposus stresses of T11-L12,L1-L2,L2-L3,L3-L4 and L4-L5 segments in forward flexion were greater than in extension(P<0.05).The left rotation of T12-L1 and L3-L4 segments was smaller than the right rotation(P<0.05),and that of T11-T12,L1-L2,and L2-L3 segments was larger than the right rotation(P<0.05).The left flexion was larger than the right flexion in the T11-S1 segment.(4)It is concluded that in ankylosing spondylitis patients with lumbar kyphosis,the minimum range of motion of the vertebral body is located at the L5 vertebral body in extension.To prevent fractures,it is recommended to avoid exercise in the extension position.During the onset of lumbar kyphosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis,the maximum stress of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus is located in the L1-L2 segment,which is fixed and will not alter with the change of body position.The late surgical treatment and correction of deformity should focus on releasing the pressure of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus in this segment to avoid the rupture of the annulus fibrosus and the injury of the nucleus pulposus.

Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.

【Objective】 To analyze the predictive value of serum β-defensin-3 (HBD-3) and decoy receptor 3 (DCR3) for urinary tract infection after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients with complex kidney calculi. 【Methods】 A prospective study was conducted on 112 patients treated with PCNL at our hospital during Jan.2020 and Dec.2022.The patients were divided into the non-infection group (52 cases) and infection group (60 cases).The general data, HBD-3 and DCR3 levels of the two groups were compared.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of C reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), HBD-3 and DCR3 levels for postoperative urinary tract infection. 【Results】 Compared with the non-infection group, the infection group had higher levels of HBD-3 [(0.77±0.08) ng/mL vs. (1.36±0.25) ng/mL, P=0.001] and DCR3 [(4.68±0.53) ng/mL vs.(13.21±0.28) ng/mL, P=0.001].Multivariate logistic regression showed that a history of urinary tract surgery, preoperative urinary tract infection, operation time, catheterization time, stone load, type of antibiotics, concomitant renal dysfunction, intraoperative channel type, CRP, PCT, HBD-3 and DCR3 were risk factors of postoperative urinary tract infection (P<0.05).The ROC curve showed that the accuracy of CRP, PCT, and CRP plus PCT were 70.54%, 72.32%, and 78.57%, respectively; the accuracy of HBD-3, DCR3, and HBD-3 plus DCR3 were 69.64%, 75.89%, and 86.61%, respectively. 【Conclusion】 Postoperative urinary tract infection in patients with complex kidney calculi is associated with multiple factors, especially high expression levels of HBD-3 and DCR3.Combined detection has high predictive value.

Objective:To develop the Pregnancy Weight Gain Control Intention Scale and test its reliability and validity.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study. The item pool of the scale was constructed based on the theory of planned behavior, literature review and semi-structured interview, and the draft of the scale was formed through expert correspondence and pre-investigation. From February to April 2022, a total of 300 pregnant women from 2 ClassⅢ Grade A hospitals in Zhenjiang were selected as research objects by convenience sampling method, and the scale was further revised through item analysis and exploratory factor analysis. From May to July 2022, a formal investigation was conducted among 350 pregnant women from 2 Class Ⅲ Grade A hospitals in Zhenjiang, and confirmatory factor analysis and reliability test were used to evaluate the reliability and validity. Two weeks after the completion of the survey, 30 pregnant women were selected for retest reliability test.Results:In the first stage of the survey, a total of 300 questionnaires were distributed, and 282 valid questionnaires were effectively collected, with an effective recovery rate of 94.00% (282/300). A total of 350 questionnaires were distributed in the second phase of the survey, and 324 valid questionnaires were effectively collected, with an effective recovery rate of 92.57% (324/350). The formal scale includes 3 dimensions and 20 items, namely behavior attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavior control. Three common factors were extracted by exploratory factor analysis, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 80.198%. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the scale structure model fit was well. The scale-level content validity index was 0.980, the item-level content validity index was 0.830-1.000, the Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.917, the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.709, and the retest reliability coefficient was 0.860.Conclusions:The Pregnancy Weight Gain Control Intention Scale has good reliability and validity, and can be used as an evaluation tool to evaluate the weight gain control intention of pregnant women.

Objective:To evaluate the long-term efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) colectomy using Cai tube for treating left-sided colorectal cancer.Methods:This was a randomized controlled trial. Inclusion criteria were as follows: preoperative pathological diagnosis of left-sided colorectal adenocarcinoma (rectal, sigmoid colon, descending colon, or left transverse colon cancer with the caudad margin ≥8 cm from the anal margin); preoperative abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (or magnetic resonance imaging) showing maximum tumor diameter <4.5 cm; and BMI <30 kg/m 2. Patients with synchronous multiple primary cancers or recurrent cancers, a history of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, preoperative evidence of significant local infiltration, distant metastasis, or complications such as intestinal obstruction and intestinal perforation, or who were not otherwise considered suitable for laparoscopic surgery were excluded. A random number table was used to randomize sequential patients to NOSES surgery using Cai tube (non-assisted incision anal sleeve: patent number ZL201410168748.2) (NOSES group) or traditional laparoscopic-assisted surgery (CLS group). Relevant clinical data of the two groups of patients were analyzed, the main outcomes being disease-free survival, overall survival, overall recurrence rate, and local recurrence rate 5 years after surgery. Results:Patients in both study groups completed the surgery successfully with no requirement for additional surgery. After mean 70 (7–83) months postoperative follow-up, the 5-year overall postoperative survival in the NOSES and CLS groups was 90.0% and 83.3%, respectively ( P=0.455); disease free survival was 90.0% and 83.3%, respectively ( P=0.455); overall recurrence rate 6.6% and 10.0%, respectively ( P=0.625); and local recurrence rate both were 3.3% ( P=0.990), respectively. None of these differences was statistically significant. Conclusions:NOSES and CLS have similar long-term efficacy, and NOSES deserves to be used in clinical practice.

Objective:To evaluate the long-term efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) colectomy using Cai tube for treating left-sided colorectal cancer.Methods:This was a randomized controlled trial. Inclusion criteria were as follows: preoperative pathological diagnosis of left-sided colorectal adenocarcinoma (rectal, sigmoid colon, descending colon, or left transverse colon cancer with the caudad margin ≥8 cm from the anal margin); preoperative abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (or magnetic resonance imaging) showing maximum tumor diameter <4.5 cm; and BMI <30 kg/m 2. Patients with synchronous multiple primary cancers or recurrent cancers, a history of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, preoperative evidence of significant local infiltration, distant metastasis, or complications such as intestinal obstruction and intestinal perforation, or who were not otherwise considered suitable for laparoscopic surgery were excluded. A random number table was used to randomize sequential patients to NOSES surgery using Cai tube (non-assisted incision anal sleeve: patent number ZL201410168748.2) (NOSES group) or traditional laparoscopic-assisted surgery (CLS group). Relevant clinical data of the two groups of patients were analyzed, the main outcomes being disease-free survival, overall survival, overall recurrence rate, and local recurrence rate 5 years after surgery. Results:Patients in both study groups completed the surgery successfully with no requirement for additional surgery. After mean 70 (7–83) months postoperative follow-up, the 5-year overall postoperative survival in the NOSES and CLS groups was 90.0% and 83.3%, respectively ( P=0.455); disease free survival was 90.0% and 83.3%, respectively ( P=0.455); overall recurrence rate 6.6% and 10.0%, respectively ( P=0.625); and local recurrence rate both were 3.3% ( P=0.990), respectively. None of these differences was statistically significant. Conclusions:NOSES and CLS have similar long-term efficacy, and NOSES deserves to be used in clinical practice.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of early and late open reduction and internal fixation on multiple rib fractures.Methods:The related literatures of early and late open reduction and internal fixation of multiple rib fractures were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang database, VIP database and China Biology Medicine database. The retrieved literatures were screened according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. The quality of the literature was strictly evaluated and Meta analysis was carried out by using Stata 15.0 software. The open reduction and internal fixation within 72 hours after injury (early operation group) and more than 72 hours after injury (late operation group) were compared in the incidence of pulmonary complications, chest pain improvement rate, duration of postoperative ventilator-assisted ventilation, postoperative chest X-ray improvement time, postoperative bed rest time, duration of postoperative chest tube retention, length of hospitalization, operation time and mortality rate.Results:A total of 11 studies with 712 patients were included. There were 360 patients in early operation group and 352 patients in late operation group. The two groups showed significant differences in the incidence of pulmonary complications ( OR=0.25, 95% CI 0.16-0.37, P<0.01), chest pain improvement rate ( OR=6.15, 95% CI 1.63-23.27, P<0.01), duration of postoperative ventilator-assisted ventilation ( SMD=-0.97, 95% CI -1.70--0.24, P<0.01), postoperative chest X-ray improvement time ( SMD=-15.91, 95% CI -18.42--13.41, P<0.01), postoperative bed rest time ( SMD=-11.07, 95% CI -12.31--9.84, P<0.01), duration of post-operative chest tube retention ( SMD=-0.98, 95% CI -1.77--0.20, P<0.05) and length of hospitalization ( SMD=-0.96, 95% CI -1.26--0.66, P<0.01). The operation time ( SMD=-2.44, 95% CI -4.89-0.02, P>0.05) and mortality rate ( OR=0.24, 95% CI 0.04-1.51, P>0.05) were not statistically different between the two groups. Conclusion:Early open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of multiple rib fractures can reduce pulmonary complications and chest pain and shorten postoperative ventilator-assisted ventilation time, postoperative chest X-ray improvement time, postoperative bed rest time, duration of postoperative chest tube retention and hospital stay, but cannot shorten operation time or reduce mortality.