Objective:To compare the role of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and dual-energy CT enterography (DCTE) in evaluating the clinical characteristics of Crohn′s disease (CD).Methods:From July 1, 2016 to November 1, 2023, 72 patients with CD who underwent both DBE and DCTE (with an interval of less than 3 months) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were enrolled in this retropective study. Among them, 4 patients underwent both DBE and DCTE twice (a total of 76 cases). The data of DBE and DCTE in the diagnosis of 76 CD cases were analyzed, including the diagnostic rate of CD, the consistency of the 2 methods in detecting the lesion location (ileocecal, colonic, ileocolonic, and upper gastrointestinal tract involvement), and the detection rates of stenosis, ulcer and the location, long ulcer (long-diameter≥2 cm), and fistula. Kappa test was performed for the consistency analysis, and Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.Results:The diagnostic rate of CD by DBE was higher than that by DCTE (80.3% (61/76) vs. 65.8% (50/76)), and the diagnostic rate of combination of the 2 methods (89.5% (68/76)) was higher than that by DCTE alone, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=4.04 and 12.28, P=0.044 and <0.001). The result of Kappa consistency test showed that the consistency of CD lesion location detected by DBE and DCTE was poor (Kappa value=0.29, t=3.17, P=0.002). The detection rate of stenosis by DBE was higher than that by DCTE (46.1% (35/76) vs. 13.2% (10/76)), the detection rate of stenosis by combination of the 2 methods (52.6% (40/76)) was higher than that by DCTE alone, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=19.73 and 26.82, both P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the detection rates of fistula among DBE, DCTE, and the combination of the 2 methods (3.9%(3/76), 2.6% (2/76), 5.3% (4/76); all P>0.05). The detection rate of ulcer by DBE was higher than that by DCTE(73.7% (56/76) vs. 7.9% (6/76)), the detection rate of ulcer by combination of the 2 methods (76.3%(58/56)) was higher than that by DCTE alone, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=68.10 and 72.98, both P<0.001). The detection rates of long ulcer and non-terminal ileum ulcer by DBE were both 17.9% (10/56). All the 6 cases with ulcer detected by DCTE were located in the terminal ileum, and no long ulcers were observed. Conclusions:In the diagnosis of CD, as well as in the detection of stenosis and ulcer, DBE and the combination of DBE and DCTE have more advantages over DCTE alone. The consistency between DBE and DCTE in identifying the location of lesion is poor. DBE has advantages in detecting long ulcer and non-terminal ileum ulcer.

Objective:To compare the role of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and dual-energy CT enterography (DCTE) in evaluating the clinical characteristics of Crohn′s disease (CD).Methods:From July 1, 2016 to November 1, 2023, 72 patients with CD who underwent both DBE and DCTE (with an interval of less than 3 months) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were enrolled in this retropective study. Among them, 4 patients underwent both DBE and DCTE twice (a total of 76 cases). The data of DBE and DCTE in the diagnosis of 76 CD cases were analyzed, including the diagnostic rate of CD, the consistency of the 2 methods in detecting the lesion location (ileocecal, colonic, ileocolonic, and upper gastrointestinal tract involvement), and the detection rates of stenosis, ulcer and the location, long ulcer (long-diameter≥2 cm), and fistula. Kappa test was performed for the consistency analysis, and Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.Results:The diagnostic rate of CD by DBE was higher than that by DCTE (80.3% (61/76) vs. 65.8% (50/76)), and the diagnostic rate of combination of the 2 methods (89.5% (68/76)) was higher than that by DCTE alone, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=4.04 and 12.28, P=0.044 and <0.001). The result of Kappa consistency test showed that the consistency of CD lesion location detected by DBE and DCTE was poor (Kappa value=0.29, t=3.17, P=0.002). The detection rate of stenosis by DBE was higher than that by DCTE (46.1% (35/76) vs. 13.2% (10/76)), the detection rate of stenosis by combination of the 2 methods (52.6% (40/76)) was higher than that by DCTE alone, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=19.73 and 26.82, both P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the detection rates of fistula among DBE, DCTE, and the combination of the 2 methods (3.9%(3/76), 2.6% (2/76), 5.3% (4/76); all P>0.05). The detection rate of ulcer by DBE was higher than that by DCTE(73.7% (56/76) vs. 7.9% (6/76)), the detection rate of ulcer by combination of the 2 methods (76.3%(58/56)) was higher than that by DCTE alone, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=68.10 and 72.98, both P<0.001). The detection rates of long ulcer and non-terminal ileum ulcer by DBE were both 17.9% (10/56). All the 6 cases with ulcer detected by DCTE were located in the terminal ileum, and no long ulcers were observed. Conclusions:In the diagnosis of CD, as well as in the detection of stenosis and ulcer, DBE and the combination of DBE and DCTE have more advantages over DCTE alone. The consistency between DBE and DCTE in identifying the location of lesion is poor. DBE has advantages in detecting long ulcer and non-terminal ileum ulcer.

In recent years， adaptive design has gradually emerged in clinical trials， gaining widespread application and expansion. Compared with traditional randomized controlled trials， appropriate adaptive design can save time and resources to some extent， improve the validity of the trial results and strength of the evidence， align better with ethical requirements， and facilitate subsequent drug market research. However， due to the greater flexibility of adaptive design， controlling type Ⅰ error rates and truly enhancing research efficiency are challenging aspects of its application. Therefore， the normative application and optimization of adaptive design in research deserve early focus， including adhering to good adaptive design principles， conducting rigorous pre-design planning， scientifically applying various statistical methods such as Bayesian dynamic models and simulation methods， and utilizing monitoring tools like monitoring committees to ensure the scientific integrity of the research process. Moreover， the flexibility of adaptive design aligns well with the practical realities of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） clinical practice. The main characteristics of TCM， such as the holistic concept and treatment based on syndrome differentiation， determine that TCM provides a dynamic and personalized treatment plan. In contrast， the traditional fixed development approach of western medicine limits the application of "human experience" in TCM. To address this bottleneck in TCM research and development， the innovative use of adaptive design， a modern scientific theory and methodology with multiplicity and variability， offers a feasible new approach for TCM clinical research and the innovation of Chinese herbal medicine. By learning from successful cases such as the first Food and Drug Administration （FDA）-approved oral botanical drug， Crofelemer， researchers can explore optimal solutions for adaptive design in clinical research protocols and its role in the "three-combination" evaluation system for Chinese herbal medicines， further refine trial design， clarify key trial points， and develop innovative research and development applications that adapt to the clinical positioning of TCM and highlight the characteristics and advantages of TCM， paving the way for the clinical efficacy， pharmacological mechanism exploration， and post-market efficacy evaluation of Chinese herbal compounds.

Objective:To summarize the clinical features and genetic characteristics of Congenital bile acid synthetic disorder type 3 (BASD3) disorder caused by CYP7B1 gene variation.Methods:This was a case series study. Clinical data and genetic results of 2 cases of congenital bile acid synthetic disorder type 3 caused by CYP7B1 gene variations in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Children′s Hospital of Fudan University at Xiamen and Department of Pediatrics, Women and Children′s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University from January 2021 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Literature up to December 2023 was searched from electronic databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data and PubMed with the combined keywords of " Congenital bile acid synthetic disorder type 3""Oxysterol 7-alpha-hydroxylase""Oxysterol 7α-Hydroxylase Deficiency""BASD3" and "CYP7B1 liver" both in Chinese and English. The main clinical features and genetic characteristics of BASD3 disorder caused by CYP7B1 gene variations were summarized.Results:Two BASD3 patients, 1 male and 1 female, were admitted at the ages of 3 months and 18 days, and 2 months and 7 days, respectively. Both patients presented with neonatal cholestasis and hepatomegaly. Biochemical evidence indicated direct hyper-bilirubinemia with elevated aminotransferase levels, while gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and total bile acid levels were normal or nearly normal. Patient 1 was a compound heterozygotes of the CYP7B1 gene variants c.525-526insCAAGTTGG(p.Asp176GInfs*15) and c.334C>T(p.Arg112Ter). Patient 1 jaundice resolved and liver function tests normalized after oral administration of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). Patient 2 was homozygous for variant c.334C>T(p.Arg112Ter) in CYP7B1 gene. Patient 2 was in liver failure status already and not reactive to oral CDCA administration. Patient 2 received living-related liver transplantation for enhanced abdominal CT revealed a liver tumor likely vascular origin. Literature review revealed no cases of BASD3 reported in Chinese literature, including 2 patients in this study, while 12 patients (9 males and 3 females) were reported in 9 English literatures. All of the 12 manifested jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly in infancy, with cirrhosis, liver failure, kidney enlargement, hypoglycemia, and spontaneous bleeding in some cases, polycystic kidney disease was demonstrated in 5 cases of them. The c.334C>T (p.Arg112Ter) of the CYP7B1 gene was homozygous in 4 cases and compound heterozygous in 2 cases. Among the 12 children, 6 cases received CDCA treatment, while 6 cases not. Four survived with their native liver in the 6 cases who received CDCA therapy, while none in the 6 cases not received CDCA therapy.Conclusions:BASD3 is a rare hereditary cholestatic disorder. Markedly elevated levels of conjugated bilirubin and aminotransferases, with normal or nearly normal GGT and total bile acid levels can serve as diagnostic clue. c.334C>T is the most common pathogenic variant of the CYP7B1 gene. Timely administration of CDCA may save the liver.

Objective:To investigate the pathological characteristics of listeria monocytogenes infection in the placenta during mid-pregnancy. Methods:A retrospective review was conducted on the clinical and placental pathological examination data of a patient admitted to the Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in October 2022, who experienced intrauterine fetal death and maternal sepsis due to listeria monocytogenes infection. Results:(1) Clinical data: The 25-year-old patient had 22 weeks of amenorrhea and was admitted to the hospital for 2 days of fever and 1 day of intrauterine fetal death. The patient had a dietary habit of consuming raw seafood. Upon admission, a large amount of purulent vaginal discharge was observed, and obstetric ultrasound indicated the disappearance of fetal heart sounds. The following day, a cesarean section was performed. A female stillborn fetus weighing 470 g was delivered, which had a distended abdomen with no other malformations. Postoperatively, the patient continued anti-infective treatment for one week and was discharged after correction of infectious shock. She continued to take oral anti-infective drugs for one week after discharge. At 10 months postpartum outpatient follow-up and 18 months postpartum telephone follow-up, the patient recovered satisfactorily, reported no discomfort, and was preparing for pregnancy. (2) Placental examination: The placental surface was covered with grayish-white areas ranging from the size of a needle tip to about 2 cm in diameter. Edema of the umbilical cord was observed. Various-sized abscesses were seen in the placental parenchyma, involving several villi, with many neutrophil infiltrations. There were many acute inflammatory cell infiltrations in the chorionic villous space with abscess formation, acute chorioamnionitis, and infarcts visible in the surrounding chorionic villi. Acute inflammation of the local chorionic interstitial blood vessels with thickening of the blood vessel wall was observed. Many neutrophils were seen in the amniotic membrane-chorioamnionic membrane gap, with a stage 3, level 2 maternal inflammatory response. Cord umbilical venous inflammation was noted, with no inflammatory cell infiltration of arteries. Wharton jelly edema was seen, with neutrophil infiltration in the interstitium. (3) Microbiological examination: Blood, vaginal secretion, uterine secretion, abdominal secretion, and placental bacterial cultures all showed listeria monocytogenes. Mass spectrometer bacterial identification confirmed listeria monocytogenes infection. After silver staining of the placenta, microorganisms were seen in the center of the abscess and in the amniotic epithelial cells. (4) Pathologic diagnosis showed placental acute chorioamnionitis with maternal inflammatory response stage 3 grade 2, accompanied by umbilical cord phlebitis and fetal inflammatory response stage 1 grade 1, acute intervillositis with abscess formation, and acute villositis with abscess formation. Combined with clinical presentation, this is consistent with listeria monocytogenes infection. Conclusion:The pathological characteristics of listeria monocytogenes infection in the placenta include various-sized abscesses in the placenta involving multiple villi and chorionic interstitial spaces, thickening of the interstitial vascular wall of the chorionic villi, and chorioamnionitis with umbilical cord phlebitis.

Objective:To investigate the pathological characteristics of listeria monocytogenes infection in the placenta during mid-pregnancy. Methods:A retrospective review was conducted on the clinical and placental pathological examination data of a patient admitted to the Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in October 2022, who experienced intrauterine fetal death and maternal sepsis due to listeria monocytogenes infection. Results:(1) Clinical data: The 25-year-old patient had 22 weeks of amenorrhea and was admitted to the hospital for 2 days of fever and 1 day of intrauterine fetal death. The patient had a dietary habit of consuming raw seafood. Upon admission, a large amount of purulent vaginal discharge was observed, and obstetric ultrasound indicated the disappearance of fetal heart sounds. The following day, a cesarean section was performed. A female stillborn fetus weighing 470 g was delivered, which had a distended abdomen with no other malformations. Postoperatively, the patient continued anti-infective treatment for one week and was discharged after correction of infectious shock. She continued to take oral anti-infective drugs for one week after discharge. At 10 months postpartum outpatient follow-up and 18 months postpartum telephone follow-up, the patient recovered satisfactorily, reported no discomfort, and was preparing for pregnancy. (2) Placental examination: The placental surface was covered with grayish-white areas ranging from the size of a needle tip to about 2 cm in diameter. Edema of the umbilical cord was observed. Various-sized abscesses were seen in the placental parenchyma, involving several villi, with many neutrophil infiltrations. There were many acute inflammatory cell infiltrations in the chorionic villous space with abscess formation, acute chorioamnionitis, and infarcts visible in the surrounding chorionic villi. Acute inflammation of the local chorionic interstitial blood vessels with thickening of the blood vessel wall was observed. Many neutrophils were seen in the amniotic membrane-chorioamnionic membrane gap, with a stage 3, level 2 maternal inflammatory response. Cord umbilical venous inflammation was noted, with no inflammatory cell infiltration of arteries. Wharton jelly edema was seen, with neutrophil infiltration in the interstitium. (3) Microbiological examination: Blood, vaginal secretion, uterine secretion, abdominal secretion, and placental bacterial cultures all showed listeria monocytogenes. Mass spectrometer bacterial identification confirmed listeria monocytogenes infection. After silver staining of the placenta, microorganisms were seen in the center of the abscess and in the amniotic epithelial cells. (4) Pathologic diagnosis showed placental acute chorioamnionitis with maternal inflammatory response stage 3 grade 2, accompanied by umbilical cord phlebitis and fetal inflammatory response stage 1 grade 1, acute intervillositis with abscess formation, and acute villositis with abscess formation. Combined with clinical presentation, this is consistent with listeria monocytogenes infection. Conclusion:The pathological characteristics of listeria monocytogenes infection in the placenta include various-sized abscesses in the placenta involving multiple villi and chorionic interstitial spaces, thickening of the interstitial vascular wall of the chorionic villi, and chorioamnionitis with umbilical cord phlebitis.

Objective:To investigate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with paroxetine hydrochloride on executive function in depressed adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury.Methods:The clinical data of 120 depressed adolescents with depressive disorders who were admitted to The Second Hospital of Jinhua from August 2021 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. They were randomly assigned to undergo treatment either with paroxetine hydrochloride (control group, n = 60) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with paroxetine hydrochloride (observation group, n = 60). All patients were treated for 2 months. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 (HAMD-24) score, Non-suicidal Self-injury Behavior and Function Scale for Adolescents (ANSSIQ) score, executive function, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and clinical efficacy were determined in each group. Results:After treatment, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(15.85 ± 1.08) points) vs. (18.72±1.21) points, t = 13.71, P < 0.001). After treatment, the number of self-injury attacks, number of self-injury impulsions, and the intensity of self-injury thought within 2 weeks in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = 3.42, 3.03, 1.92, all P < 0.05). The scores of the Trail Making Test, Stroop Word test, Stroop Color test, and Stroop Color-Word Interference Test were significantly higher in the observation group than those in the control group ( t = 2.66, 3.33, 3.97, 4.64, all P < 0.01). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels in the observation group were (11.45 ± 1.79) μg/L and (136.68 ± 11.90) μg/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than (9.06±2.21) μg/L and (124.82 ± 10.34) μg/L in the control group ( t = 6.51, 5.83, both P < 0.001). The total response rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (91.7% vs. 78.3%, Z = 2.73, P = 0.006). Conclusion:Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with paroxetine hydrochloride is highly effective on depressive disorders in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury. The combined therapy can reduce symptoms, improve executive function and cognitive function, and optimize serological indicators, and thereby deserves the clinical promotion.

Objective:To study the clinical characteristics and prognosis of Brucella and other pathogens infections complicated with anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG associated disorders (MOGAD). Methods:The clinical data of a patient with brucellosis complicated with MOGAD diagnosed in the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in April 2022 were reported, and related case reports of infection coexisting with MOGAD were reviewed and summarized.Results:This case was a 44-year-old male, with recurrent fever and anorexia, followed by sudden weakness, numbness, pain in both lower limbs and dysuria, and then pain in the right neck. Magnetic resonance imaging showed lesions in the spine and spinal cord. Due to the positive myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid and serum, and the growth of Brucella in blood culture, he was diagnosed as brucellosis complicated with MOGAD. After anti-brucellosis and glucocorticoid therapy, his symptoms improved. The literature on infection coexisting with MOGAD was reviewed and 22 cases were included. The infection sources included COVID-19, Borrelia burgdorferi, etc. No case of Brucella infection complicated with MOGAD had been reported. The main clinical manifestations of the 22 cases included myelitis (63.6%, 14/22), optic neuritis (40.9%, 9/22), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (18.2%, 4/22), multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis (4.5%, 1/22) and meningoencephalitis (4.5%, 1/22). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 20 cases, showing spinal cord lesions in 12 cases (60.0%, 12/20), intracranial lesions in 10 cases (50.0%, 10/20) and optic nerve lesions in 6 cases (30.0%, 6/20). Cerebrospinal fluid examination was performed in 19 patients, of whom 13 (13/19) had increased cerebrospinal fluid cell count and 10 (10/18) had increased cerebrospinal fluid protein. Twenty-two patients received glucocorticoid therapy, of which 95.5% (21/22) responded well and 95.5% (21/22) had a good prognosis. Conclusions:Brucella and other pathogens infection may complicate with MOGAD, with similar clinical manifestations, and glucocorticoid therapy is effective.

Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1) is an important regulator of plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels, which are associated with insulin resistance in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To elucidate the role of hepatic DDAH1 in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, we used hepatocyte-specific Ddah1-knockout mice (Ddah1^HKO) to examine the progress of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD. Compared to diet-matched flox/flox littermates (Ddah1^f/f), Ddah1^HKO mice exhibited higher serum ADMA levels. After HFD feeding for 16 weeks, Ddah1^HKO mice developed more severe liver steatosis and worse insulin resistance than Ddah1^f/f mice. On the contrary, overexpression of DDAH1 attenuated the NAFLD-like phenotype in HFD-fed mice and ob/ob mice. RNA-seq analysis showed that DDAH1 affects NF-κB signaling, lipid metabolic processes, and immune system processes in fatty livers. Furthermore, DDAH1 reduces S100 calcium-binding protein A11 (S100A11) possibly via NF-κB, JNK and oxidative stress-dependent manner in fatty livers. Knockdown of hepatic S100a11 by an AAV8-shS100a11 vector alleviated hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in HFD-fed Ddah1^HKO mice. In summary, our results suggested that the liver DDAH1/S100A11 axis has a marked effect on liver lipid metabolism in obese mice. Strategies to increase liver DDAH1 activity or decrease S100A11 expression could be a valuable approach for NAFLD therapy.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of multi-point acupuncture and lavage on removing facial filling material.Methods:From May 2015 to May 2020, the Department of Plastic Surgery of Tianjin Time Plastic Aesthetic Clinic removed the filling materials from 38 patients (4 males, 34 females; 19-55 years, with average 28 years). During the operation, multi-point acupuncture were performed with an 18G needle to perforate different cavities of the fillers to press them out; with injection syringe flushing fluid was injected with a needle into the filling material area with repeated lavage through puncture points.Results:On average, 90% of the filling materials were recovered by this method, 5 cases were removed twice; follow-up for 6-12 months after operation showed that postoperative appearance was natural, and no scar and hyperpigmentation occurred; there were no cases of postoperative infection with ideal effects.Conclusions:Multi-point acupuncture and lavage treatment can remove more facial filling material; although there is also small amount of filling material left, it is not affect clinical efficacy. This method basically does not damage the surrounding normal tissue, and therefore it is worthy of clinical application.