Objective:To analyse the clinical characteristics of 214 cases of paediatric high altitude pulmonary edema（HAPE）and the efficacy of dexamethasone in adjunctive therapy.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed 214 pediatric cases of HAPE admitted to the Department of Paediatrics of the General Hospital of Tibetan Military between June 2015 to June 2017 and June 2019 to June 2021.Patients were divided into dexamethasone-treated group and dexamethasone-untreated group.Baseline data，clinical characteristics were collected to evaluate the treatment efficacy and drug side effects.Results:There were 107 children in each of the two groups with a median age of 8（5，11）years. The median age of the dexamethasone-treated group was 9（6，12）years and the mean age of the dexamethasone-untreated group was 7（3，10）years. The proportion of male children was 69.60%（149/214）；the onset of illness was mostly concentrated within 72 hours，accounting for 97.20%（208/214）of the cases；83.18%（178/214）of the cases had symptoms of combined upper respiratory tract infection before entering the plateau. The most important clinical symptoms of the children were cough（86.92%，186/214），cyanosis（70.09%，150/214），and shortness of breath（66.36%，142/214）. The proportion of auscultatory rhonchi was 83.18%（178/214），and all cases showed positive findings on chest radiography. After the dexamethasone regimen，the overall cure rate of the children was 94.39%，the average disappearance time of the symptoms and signs was（40.52±7.85）h，and the average hospital stay was（3.60±1.90）d. After treatment with the dexamethasone-free regimen，the overall cure rate was 92.52%，the mean time to disappearance of symptoms and signs was（42.10±7.62）h，and the mean length of stay in the hospital was(3.84±2.08)d. There was no significant difference in the cure rate，the disappearance time of symptoms and signs，and the average hospitalisation days between the two groups（ P>0.05），but a total of 11 children in the dexamethasone-treated group experienced adverse drug reactions，and no children in the dexamethasone-untreated group experienced adverse drug reactions. Conclusion:Han Chinese male children，particularly those with upper respiratory infections，should be closely monitored for HAPE risk within three days of ascending to high altitudes. This study does not recommend the use of dexamethasone for pediatric HAPE due to the lack of therapeutic benefits and potential adverse effects.

AIM To observe the effects of Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Formula(YQJDTL)on renal microvascular endothelial function and prevention of renal injury in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a model group.The model group was administered with high-fat diet combined with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ to establish the T2DM model.The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group,the canagliflozin group(9 mg/kg),and the low-dose and high-dose YQJDTL groups(4.77,9.45 g/kg).The corresponding doses of the drug were administered by gavage for a total of 12 weeks,during which the rats underwent observation of their general condition and blood glucose changes.After the end of administration,the rats had their levels of renal index,24-hour UP,serum SCr,BUN,TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C,ET-1 and NOS measured;their changes in renal microvasculature and the degree of renal fibrosis observed using HE staining,Masson staining,PAS staining,and PASM staining;their ultrastructure of the glomeruli observed using transmission electron microscopy;their renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,Col-1,VEGFA and PKC detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot;and their renal mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β,SMAD2 determined by RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the high-dose YQJDTL group showed decreased levels of renal index,blood glucose,TG,TC,HDL,24 h UP,BUN,SCr and ET-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);increased LDL and NOS levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);reduced renal inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis degree,inhibited fusion of foot processes and thickening of basement membrane;decreased renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,VEGFA,PKC and Col-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β and SMAD2(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION In the rat models of T2DM,YQJDTL can reduce their levels of blood glucose and lipids by improving the renal indices levels and the renal microvascular endothelial functions to alleviate renal fibrosis and microangiopathy as well,and the mechanism may be associated with the down-regulated expressions of TGF-β/SMAD and VEGF pathway-related proteins.

Objectives:To explore the relationship between preoperative spinal-pelvic sagittal sequence and postoperative recurrence after unilateral biportal endoscopic(UBE)spinal surgery in patients with lumbar disc herniation of different ages.Methods:200 patients with lumbar disc herniation who underwent UBE surgery in our hospital from December 2018 to October 2022 were selected as the study subjects.They were divided into two groups according to ages:94 patients under 45 years old were included in the young and middle-aged group,and 106 patients at 45 years old and over were included in the middle-aged and elderly group.The spinal-pelvic sagittal sequence parameters,including thoracic kyphosis(TK),pelvic incidence(PI),pelvic tilt(PT),lumbar lordosis(LL),sacral slope(SS),were measured on preoperative lateral X-ray films of the entire spine.The relationship between spinal-pelvic sagittal parameters and age was studied using Pearson analysis.After discharge,the patients were followed up for 2 years and divided into a recurrent group(n=33)and a non-recurrent group(n=167)based on the recurrence condition during the follow-up period.Multivariate logis-tic regression analysis was conducted to identify the influencing factors of recurrence.The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was adopted to evaluate the predictive value of spinal-pelvic sagittal parameters for recurrence;And the area under the ROC curve(AUC)was determined,and the 95％confidence interval(CI)was calculated.Results:The LL,PI,PT,and SS of the middle-aged and elderly group were lower than those of the young and middle-aged group(t=5.960,2.163,2.245,2.296,P＜0.05).Pearson analysis showed that LL,PI,PT,and SS were negatively correlated with age(r=-0.67,-0.72,-0.65,-0.63,P＜0.001).The proportion of patients aged ≥45 years and with a annulus fibrosus rupture＞5mm in the recurrent group was higher than that in the non-recurrent group,while LL,PI,and SS were lower than those in the non-recurrent group(P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥45 years old was an independent risk factor for recurrence(OR=2.694,95％CI:2.231-2.945,P＜0.05),while elevated LL(OR=0.623,95％CI:0.435-0.895,P＜0.05)and elevated SS were protective factors for recurrence(OR=0.687,95％CI:0.412-0.738,P＜0.05).The ROC curve results showed that the AUC for predicting patient recurrence using LL and SS were 0.743(95％CI:0.670-0.856)and 0.754(95％CI:0.669-0.872),respectively.The AUC for predicting patient recurrence us-ing both methods was 0.852(95％CI:0.769-0.903).Conclusions:The parameters of the spinal-pelvic sagittal sequence are closely related to age and postoperative recurrence risk.Age ≥45 years is an independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence,while higher LL and SS are protective factors.Preoperative evaluation of spinal-pelvic sagittal sequence,especially LL and SS,can help identify high-risk populations for UBE postop-erative recurrence and provide important references for individualized surgical strategies.

Objectives:To explore the relationship between preoperative spinal-pelvic sagittal sequence and postoperative recurrence after unilateral biportal endoscopic(UBE)spinal surgery in patients with lumbar disc herniation of different ages.Methods:200 patients with lumbar disc herniation who underwent UBE surgery in our hospital from December 2018 to October 2022 were selected as the study subjects.They were divided into two groups according to ages:94 patients under 45 years old were included in the young and middle-aged group,and 106 patients at 45 years old and over were included in the middle-aged and elderly group.The spinal-pelvic sagittal sequence parameters,including thoracic kyphosis(TK),pelvic incidence(PI),pelvic tilt(PT),lumbar lordosis(LL),sacral slope(SS),were measured on preoperative lateral X-ray films of the entire spine.The relationship between spinal-pelvic sagittal parameters and age was studied using Pearson analysis.After discharge,the patients were followed up for 2 years and divided into a recurrent group(n=33)and a non-recurrent group(n=167)based on the recurrence condition during the follow-up period.Multivariate logis-tic regression analysis was conducted to identify the influencing factors of recurrence.The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was adopted to evaluate the predictive value of spinal-pelvic sagittal parameters for recurrence;And the area under the ROC curve(AUC)was determined,and the 95％confidence interval(CI)was calculated.Results:The LL,PI,PT,and SS of the middle-aged and elderly group were lower than those of the young and middle-aged group(t=5.960,2.163,2.245,2.296,P＜0.05).Pearson analysis showed that LL,PI,PT,and SS were negatively correlated with age(r=-0.67,-0.72,-0.65,-0.63,P＜0.001).The proportion of patients aged ≥45 years and with a annulus fibrosus rupture＞5mm in the recurrent group was higher than that in the non-recurrent group,while LL,PI,and SS were lower than those in the non-recurrent group(P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥45 years old was an independent risk factor for recurrence(OR=2.694,95％CI:2.231-2.945,P＜0.05),while elevated LL(OR=0.623,95％CI:0.435-0.895,P＜0.05)and elevated SS were protective factors for recurrence(OR=0.687,95％CI:0.412-0.738,P＜0.05).The ROC curve results showed that the AUC for predicting patient recurrence using LL and SS were 0.743(95％CI:0.670-0.856)and 0.754(95％CI:0.669-0.872),respectively.The AUC for predicting patient recurrence us-ing both methods was 0.852(95％CI:0.769-0.903).Conclusions:The parameters of the spinal-pelvic sagittal sequence are closely related to age and postoperative recurrence risk.Age ≥45 years is an independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence,while higher LL and SS are protective factors.Preoperative evaluation of spinal-pelvic sagittal sequence,especially LL and SS,can help identify high-risk populations for UBE postop-erative recurrence and provide important references for individualized surgical strategies.

Objective:To analyse the clinical characteristics of 214 cases of paediatric high altitude pulmonary edema（HAPE）and the efficacy of dexamethasone in adjunctive therapy.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed 214 pediatric cases of HAPE admitted to the Department of Paediatrics of the General Hospital of Tibetan Military between June 2015 to June 2017 and June 2019 to June 2021.Patients were divided into dexamethasone-treated group and dexamethasone-untreated group.Baseline data，clinical characteristics were collected to evaluate the treatment efficacy and drug side effects.Results:There were 107 children in each of the two groups with a median age of 8（5，11）years. The median age of the dexamethasone-treated group was 9（6，12）years and the mean age of the dexamethasone-untreated group was 7（3，10）years. The proportion of male children was 69.60%（149/214）；the onset of illness was mostly concentrated within 72 hours，accounting for 97.20%（208/214）of the cases；83.18%（178/214）of the cases had symptoms of combined upper respiratory tract infection before entering the plateau. The most important clinical symptoms of the children were cough（86.92%，186/214），cyanosis（70.09%，150/214），and shortness of breath（66.36%，142/214）. The proportion of auscultatory rhonchi was 83.18%（178/214），and all cases showed positive findings on chest radiography. After the dexamethasone regimen，the overall cure rate of the children was 94.39%，the average disappearance time of the symptoms and signs was（40.52±7.85）h，and the average hospital stay was（3.60±1.90）d. After treatment with the dexamethasone-free regimen，the overall cure rate was 92.52%，the mean time to disappearance of symptoms and signs was（42.10±7.62）h，and the mean length of stay in the hospital was(3.84±2.08)d. There was no significant difference in the cure rate，the disappearance time of symptoms and signs，and the average hospitalisation days between the two groups（ P>0.05），but a total of 11 children in the dexamethasone-treated group experienced adverse drug reactions，and no children in the dexamethasone-untreated group experienced adverse drug reactions. Conclusion:Han Chinese male children，particularly those with upper respiratory infections，should be closely monitored for HAPE risk within three days of ascending to high altitudes. This study does not recommend the use of dexamethasone for pediatric HAPE due to the lack of therapeutic benefits and potential adverse effects.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of shockwave therapy,acupuncture,hyperthermia,biofeedback therapy,elec-trical nerve stimulation,magnetotherapy and ultrasound therapy in the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome(CP/CPPS),and to provide evidence-based support for clinical decision-making.Methods:Two researchers independently searched PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,Cochrane Library,CNKI,Wanfang,VIP and Chinese Biomedical Literature databases for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on the effects of different interventions on CP/CPPS from the establishment of the databases to August 2024.We evaluated the quality of the included literature and extracted the relevant data according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions,followed by network meta-analysis using Revman 5.3,R 4.33 and Stata17 software.Results:A total of 25 RCTs involving 1 794 cases were included.The results of network meta-analysis showed that electrical nerve stimulation,shockwave therapy,biofeedback therapy,magnetotherapy,ultrasound therapy and acupuncture were significantly superior to conventional medication and placebo in the total NIH-CPSI scores(P＜0.05),and so were electrical nerve stimulation and shock-wave therapy to acupuncture and hyperthermia(P＜0.05),magnetic therapy to hyperthermia,and ultrasound therapy to placebo(P＜0.05).Shockwave therapy,biofeedback therapy,electrical nerve stimulation,magnetotherapy and ultrasound therapy achieved re-markably better clinical efficacy than conventional medication and placebo in the treatment of CP/CPPS,and so did shockwave therapy than electrical nerve stimulation,hyperthermia,ultrasonic therapy,magnetotherapy and acupuncture.Conclusion:For the treat-ment of CP/CPPS,electrical nerve stimulation is advantageous over the other interventions in improving total NIH-CPSI scores,and shockwave therapy is advantageous in relieving pain symptoms and clinical efficacy.This conclusion,however,needs to be further veri-fied by more high-quality clinical studies.

This study aims to analyze the screening results and epidemiological characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa) among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City, through the implementation of a preliminary prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening based on a community-linkage model, and to explore an effective screening approach. A retrospective observational study design was employed to collect data from residents who underwent PSA screening at Songjiang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, in collaboration with multiple community health service centers in Songjiang District, Shanghai City, between June 2022 and June 2024, through free clinics and annual health examinations. Prostate biopsy was recommended for individuals with total PSA (tPSA) levels >10 ng/ml and those with 4 ng/ml≤tPSA≤10 ng/ml and abnormal free-to-total PSA (f/tPSA) ratios. Clinical characteristics of detected PCa patients were analyzed. Follow-up was conducted through phone calls and home visits by family doctors, coupled with enhanced health education. The results indicated that a total of 17 198 residents participated in the screening, among which 2 234 (12.99%) had tPSA levels between 4 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml, and 257 (1.49%) had tPSA levels >10 ng/ml. Ultimately, 417 residents underwent prostate biopsy, with 171 being diagnosed with PCa, yielding a positive biopsy rate of 41.00% and a PCa detection rate of 0.99%. The predominant pathological subtype among PCa patients was adenocarcinoma (168 cases, 98.24%). Of the 146 PCa patients who received treatment, the majority were classified as intermediate or high-risk (124 cases, 84.93%). Furthermore, with the optimization of the screening model, there was a significant increase in the proportion of subsequent outpatient visits. In conclusion, the community-linkage-based PSA screening model demonstrated high effectiveness in screening for PCa among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City. Epidemiological findings revealed that PCa patients in this region are primarily composed of intermediate and high-risk groups, highlighting the need for intensified early screening and health education.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between sagittal position parameters and screw loosening after unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for single-segment lumbar spinal stenosis.Methods:A total of 180 patients with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis who received UBE combined with percutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation in our hospital from June 2020 to June 2023 were enrolled. According to the postoperative follow-up, they were divided into the non-loosening group (112 cases) and the loosening group (68 cases). The demographics, operative parameters and sagittal position [pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), sagittal vertical axis (SVA)] before and after operation were compared between the two groups. The indicators with significant differences between the two groups were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis to analyze the influencing factors of screw loosening. The dose-response relationship between sagittal position parameters and screw loosening was analyzed by restricted cubic spline model.Results:At 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, the fusion rates in the loosening group were 47.1% and 55.9%, respectively, which were significantly lower than the rates (85.7% and 100.0%) in the non-loosening group, respectively ( P<0.05). Postoperatively, the SS in the non-loosening group (36.16°±5.35°) and the loosening group (32.02°±5.54°) and the LL in the loosening group (51.26°±6.35°) were all significantly lower than preoperative values (40.51°±6.11°, 40.49°±6.08°, and 54.08°±6.21°) ( P<0.05). Meanwhile, the PT in the non-loosening group (15.24°±2.69°), TK in the non-loosening group (32.46°±7.29°), PI in the loosening group (56.82°±5.23°), PT in the loosening group (17.01°±3.64°), and TK in the loosening group (34.87°±7.21°) were all significantly higher than preoperative values (13.12°±3.19°, 30.25°±5.17°, 52.84°±5.12°, 13.15°±3.21°, and 30.26°±5.12°) ( P<0.05). Postoperatively, the loosening group had significantly lower SS (32.02°±5.54°), LL (51.26°±6.35°), and SVA (-0.87±1.06 cm) than the non-loosening group (36.16°±5.35°, 53.73°±6.27°, and -0.51±1.04 cm), respectively ( P<0.05). Conversely, the PI (56.82°±5.23°), PT (17.01°±3.64°), and TK (34.87°±7.21°) in the loosening group were significantly higher than those in the non-loosening group (53.48°±5.20°, 15.24°±2.69°, and 32.46°±7.29°), respectively ( P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that PT, SS, LL, and SVA were independent risk factors for screw loosening ( P<0.05). The restricted cubic spline model revealed a nonlinear dose-response relationship between sagittal parameters (PT, SS, LL, and SVA) and screw loosening ( P<0.05). With increasing PT, the odds ratio (OR) for screw loosening increased, whereas increasing SS, LL, and SVA reduced the OR for screw loosening. Conclusion:After UBE combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis patients, sagittal position parameters PT were positively correlated with screw loosening, while SS, LL and SVA were negatively correlated with screw loosening.

AIM To observe the effects of Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Formula(YQJDTL)on renal microvascular endothelial function and prevention of renal injury in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a model group.The model group was administered with high-fat diet combined with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ to establish the T2DM model.The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group,the canagliflozin group(9 mg/kg),and the low-dose and high-dose YQJDTL groups(4.77,9.45 g/kg).The corresponding doses of the drug were administered by gavage for a total of 12 weeks,during which the rats underwent observation of their general condition and blood glucose changes.After the end of administration,the rats had their levels of renal index,24-hour UP,serum SCr,BUN,TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C,ET-1 and NOS measured;their changes in renal microvasculature and the degree of renal fibrosis observed using HE staining,Masson staining,PAS staining,and PASM staining;their ultrastructure of the glomeruli observed using transmission electron microscopy;their renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,Col-1,VEGFA and PKC detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot;and their renal mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β,SMAD2 determined by RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the high-dose YQJDTL group showed decreased levels of renal index,blood glucose,TG,TC,HDL,24 h UP,BUN,SCr and ET-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);increased LDL and NOS levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);reduced renal inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis degree,inhibited fusion of foot processes and thickening of basement membrane;decreased renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,VEGFA,PKC and Col-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β and SMAD2(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION In the rat models of T2DM,YQJDTL can reduce their levels of blood glucose and lipids by improving the renal indices levels and the renal microvascular endothelial functions to alleviate renal fibrosis and microangiopathy as well,and the mechanism may be associated with the down-regulated expressions of TGF-β/SMAD and VEGF pathway-related proteins.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of free palmaris longus tendon graft reconstruction in the treatment of gouty tophus erosion lesions in flexor tendon of wrist and hand. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 8 patients with gouty tophus erosion lesions in flexor tendon of wrist and hand who underwent free palmaris longus tendon graft reconstruction between June 2017 and December 2023. All patients were male, aged 22-65 years, with an average of 45.9 years. The duration of gout history ranged from 2 to 18 years, with an average of 8.8 years. The duration from the discovery of gouty tophus to operation ranged from 12 to 26 months, with an average of 17.6 months. The gouty tophus eroded the flexor pollicis longus tendon in 4 cases, with Verdan flexor tendon zones being Ⅰ-Ⅱ in 1 case and Ⅳ-Ⅴ in 3 cases. The flexor digitorum profundus tendons were affected in 2 cases for the index finger, 1 for the middle finger, and 1 for the ring finger, all located in zone Ⅳ-Ⅴ. The long axis of the gouty tophus ranged from 2.3 to 4.5 cm, with an average of 3.4 cm. All 8 patients presented with limited finger flexion and extension. Among them, 4 cases were accompanied by median nerve compression symptoms, and 1 case had associated bone and joint destruction in the hand. The total active motion (TAM) of the affected finger was (81.3±30.2)° before operation according to the hand function evaluation criteria for tendon repair by the Chinese Society of Hand Surgery of the Chinese Medical Association, and the functional evaluation was poor. The harvested palmaris longus tendon intraoperatively was 7-9 cm in length. RESULTS: Surgical incisions in all 8 patients healed by first intention, with no infections, graft non-union, or significant adhesion complications. All patients were followed up 8-25 months, with an average of 14.8 months. Numbness symptoms resolved in all 4 patients who presented with median nerve compression symptoms. Patients did not experience wrist pain or other discomfort, and function was not compromised. At last follow-up, according to the hand function evaluation criteria for tendon repair by the Chinese Society of Hand Surgery of the Chinese Medical Association, the TAM of 8 patients was (197.5±55.8)°, which significantly improved when compared with that before operation ( t=11.638, P<0.001); the hand function of 1 patient with gouty tophus in zone Ⅰ-Ⅱ flexor pollicis longus tendon was good, and the other 7 patients were excellent. CONCLUSION Free palmaris longus tendon graft reconstruction demonstrates good effectiveness in treating gouty tophus erosion lesions in flexor tendon of wrist and hand.
Humans ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Adult ; Tendons/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Gout/complications* ; Wrist/surgery* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Hand/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult