Objective:To investigate the efficacy of self-prescribed Huoxue Shengjing Prescription as adjuvant therapy for varicocele-induced infertility and its impact on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ET/ICSI).Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 99 patients with varicocele-induced infertility in our hospital from January 2022 to July 2023 were selected as observation subjects and divided into three groups using a random number table method, with 33 patients in each group. The low ligation group received low ligation of varicocele under a microscope, the low ligation + conventional Western medicine treatment group received low ligation + conventional Western medicine therapy, and the combined group received low ligation + conventional Western medicine therapy + a self-prescribed Huoxue Shengjing Prescription. Among them, the low ligation of varicocele under a microscope was followed by IVF-ET/ICSI assisted reproductive technology 3 months after surgery; the conventional Western medicine therapy involved continuous administration of L-carnitine oral solution for 3 months; the self-prescribed Huoxue Shengjing Prescription was started on the first day after surgery and continued for 3 months. TCM syndrome scores were assessed before and after treatment, and semen routine analysis was performed using an automated semen quality analyzer. Mitochondrial activity of granulosa cells was measured using the Hrudka extraction method, and sperm nuclear DNA integrity was assessed using a modified alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis method. Follow-up was conducted for 1 year to observe and record the outcomes of IVF-ET/ICSI and evaluate the clinical efficacy.Results:The total effective rate was 93.9% (31/33) in the combined group, 69.7% (23/33) in the low ligation group, and 75.8% (25/33) in the low ligation + conventional Western medicine treatment group, with statistical significance ( χ 2=6.52, P=0.039). After treatment, the scores for mild abdominal pain, testicular heavy pain, impotence, mental fatigue, and the total score in the combined group were lower than those in the low ligation + conventional Western medicine treatment group and the low ligation group ( F values were 89.29, 97.51, 136.36, 155.06, and 311.13, respectively, P<0.001). The sperm survival rate, sperm concentration, normal morphology rate, and progressive motility rate in the combined group were higher than those in the low ligation + conventional Western medicine treatment group and the low ligation group ( F values were 19.23, 11.85, 35.97, and 52.21, respectively, P<0.001). Mitochondrial grade I cell activity of granulosa cells was higher than that of the low ligation + conventional treatment group and low ligation group ( F=23.23, P<0.001), and grade Ⅲ cell activity was lower than that of the low ligation + conventional treatment group and low ligation group ( F=20.28, P<0.001). After treatment, the detection of grade Ⅰ and Ⅱ sperm nuclear DNA integrity in the combined group were higher than those in the low ligation + conventional Western medicine treatment group and the low ligation group ( F values were 17.73 and 18.39, respectively, P<0.001), while grades Ⅲ and Ⅳ were lower than those in the low ligation + conventional Western medicine treatment group and the low ligation group ( F values were 29.07 and 10.36, respectively, P<0.001). During follow-up, the excellent embryo rate and the spouse's clinical pregnancy rate in the combined group were higher than those in the low ligation + conventional Western medicine treatment group and the low ligation group ( χ2 values were 14.92 and 8.38, respectively; P values were 0.001 and 0.015, respectively). Conclusion:The adjuvant treatment with a self-prescribed Huoxue Shengjing Prescription can enhance sperm quality in patients with varicocele-related infertility, maintain DNA integrity, regulate seminal plasma mitochondrial function, increase the rate of high-quality embryos, and improve the spouse's pregnancy outcomes.

The comparison between traditional Chinese medicine Jinzhen oral liquid (JZOL) and Western medicine in treating children with acute bronchitis (AB) showed encouraging outcomes. This trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of the JZOL for improving cough and expectoration in children with AB. 480 children were randomly assigned to take JZOL or ambroxol hydrochloride and clenbuterol hydrochloride oral solution for 7 days. The primary outcome was time-to-cough resolution. The median time-to-cough resolution in both groups was 5.0 days and the antitussive onset median time was only 1 day. This randomized controlled trial showed that JZOL was not inferior to cough suppressant and phlegm resolving western medicine in treating cough and sputum and could comprehensively treat respiratory and systemic discomfort symptoms. Combined with clinical trials, the mechanism of JZOL against AB was uncovered by network target analysis, it was found that the pathways in TRP channels like IL-1β/IL1R/TRPV1/TRPA1, NGF/TrkA/TRPV1/TRPA1, and PGE2/EP/PKA/TRPV1/TRPA1 might play important roles. Animal experiments further confirmed that inflammation and the immune regulatory effect of JZOL in the treatment of AB were of vital importance and TRP channels were the key mechanism of action.

Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is an autosomal dominant hereditary sensory and motor neuropathy characterized by recurrent numbness and limb weakness. In clinical practice, some patients may present with mild or atypical clinical symptoms, which tends to result in missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of HNPP. This article summarizes the pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, management, and prognosis of HNPP.

Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of prophylactic superdrainage using superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) in delayed single-pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction.Methods:The clinical data of all patients who underwent single-pedicle DIEP flap delayed breast reconstruction in Department of Comprehensive Breast Plasty Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from May 2018 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether SIEV-internal thoracic vein anastomosis was performed, they were divided into superdrainaged group and non-superdrainaged group. The diameter of SIEV and the time required for anastomosis were recorded. The total operation time, flap ischemia time, hospital stay, the rates of flap diffuse congestion, overall complications and second operation were compared between the two groups. The relative risks of flap diffuse congestion, complications and second operation were calculated. SPSS 24.0 software was used for data analysis. Measurement data was expressed as Mean±SD, independent sample t test was used for analysis. Counting data was expressed as %, and χ2 test was used for analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 45 patients were included, including 26 patients in the non-superdrainaged group and 19 patients in the superdrainaged group. The total operation time was (7.7±1.9) h and (8.4±1.5) h, the flap ischemia time was (89.5±10.4) min and (92.6±12.3) min, and the hospital stay was (6.6±1.8) d and (6.6±2.0) d, respectively. There were no significant differences ( P>0.05). In the superdrainaged group, the diameter of SIEV was (2.5±0.3) mm, and manual suture was used. The time required for anastomosis of one SIEV was (12.2±2.3) min. The rates of diffuse congestion, recipient site complications, donor site complications and second operation were 7.7%(2/26), 15.4%(4/26), 7.7%(2/26) and 15.4%(4/26) in the non-superdrainaged group, and 0(0/19), 5.3%(1/19), 10.5%(2/19) and 5.3%(1/19) in the superdrainaged group, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups ( P>0.05). The relative risks were 3.7, 2.9, 0.7 and 2.9, respectively. Conclusion:Prophylactic superdrainage using SIEV is safe and effective. It can minimize the potential rate of diffuse venous congestion and secondary surgery, and not at the expense of increased flap ischemia time and abdominal complications in the meanwhile.

Objective:This study aimed to explore the clinical application value of the indication selection criteria for bi-pedicled deep inferior epigastric arterial perforator flap(DIEP) versus pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap(TRAM) combined with DIEP for breast reconstruction.Methods:The clinical data of patients who underwent delayed bi-pedicled abdominal flap breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery in the Department of Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery and Department of Mammoplasty, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2008 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the indications for each procedure, corresponding blood supply source was selected. Subsequently, patients were divided into two groups: bi-pedicled DIEP group and pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group according to the type of blood supply source. The indication selection criteria for pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap was as follows: lack of two groups of recipient vessels; no dominant perforator in the abdominal donor site; previous abdominal liposuction or abdominal surgery with large dissection range and severe scar; patients were unable to tolerate prolonged surgery or had high risk factors for microsurgery. A comparison of breast reconstruction surgery characteristics was conducted between the two groups. Independent-samples t-test, rank sum test, Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact probability method were used to analyze various data including age, body mass index (BMI), time interval between breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction surgery, history of radiotherapy, history of chemotherapy, history of smoking, history of lower abdominal surgery, history of hypertension, original surgical incision type, length and width of flap, hospitalization length, preoperative and postoperative conditions, as well as postoperative complications. Statistical significance was defined at P<0.05. Results:A total of 54 patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction were included in this study with a mean age of 42.2 years (range, 30-59 years). The pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group consisted of 21 patients with a mean age of 42.7 years (range, 33-56 years) while the bi-pedicled DIEP group comprised 33 patients with a mean age of 41.8 years (30-59 years). Out of the 54 patients, a total of 38 were eventually followed up, comprising 14 in the pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group and 24 in the bi-pedicled DIEP group. The average follow-up duration for the pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group was 42 months (range, 6-69 months). Abdominal bulge occurred in one patient, while another patient experienced abdominal hernia. The average follow-up duration for the bi-pedicled DIEP group was 47 months (6-179 months), with no reported cases of abdominal bulge or abdominal hernia. There were no statistically significant differences observed between the two groups regarding age, BMI, time interval between breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction surgery, history of radiotherapy or chemotherapy, history of smoking, history of lower abdominal surgery, history of hypertension, original surgical incision type, length and width of flap, hospitalization length or time to ambulation (all P>0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference noted in duration of surgery between the pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group and bi-pedicled DIEP group [6.0(5.5-6.5) hours vs. 8.5(8.0-8.8) hours] ( P<0.01). Comparison analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in terms of partial flap necrosis (0/21 vs. 1/33), abdominal incision dehiscence (2/21 vs. 2/33), abdominal bulge (1/14 vs. 0 /24) or abdominal hernia (1/1 vs. 0/24) between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:For patients who needed bilateral vascular pedicled lower abdominal wall for breast reconstruction, utilizing a pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap did not increase surgical complication risks. The proposed indication selection criteria for using a pedicled TRAM + DIEP combined flap outlined in this study could serve as guidance when choosing methods for bi-pedicled abdominal flap breast reconstruction.

Objective:To preliminarily evaluate the outcome of fat grafting breast augmentation using filtration-adsorption technique.Methods:Patients undergoing autologous fat grafting (AFG) breast augmentation between July of 2020 and March of 2021 were retrospectively reviewed at Breast Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College. Patients with complete data who followed up for at least 3 months were included. The lipoaspirates were processed with filtration-adsorption technique and AFG breast augmentation were performed (filtration-adsorption group), and then sedimentation method which was commonly used clinically was set as the control group (sedimentation group). During the follow-up, breast palpation and ultrasound inspection were performed, and the breast volumetric change between preoperative and postoperative was quantitatively compared by three-dimensional scanning technique. Demographic and surgical details were statistically analyzed. Postoperative breast volume retention rates and complication rates were calculated and compared. Normally distributed continuous variables were described in the form Mean±SD, and t-test was used for analysis. Non-normal distributed continuous variables were described in the form of M ( Q1, Q3) and analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. The classified data were analyzed by Fisher exact probability test. Results:A total of 20 female patients (40 breasts) were included, including 10 patients (20 breasts) aged (31.4±2.5) years in sedimentation group and 10 patients (20 breasts) aged (28.5±4.4) years in the filtration-adsorption group. The fat injection volume in the filtration-adsorption group was 151.1 (125.0, 175.0) ml, and 165.0 (151.3, 196.3) ml in sedimentation group, respectively, with no statistical significance ( P>0.05). The breast volume retention rate in filtration-adsorption group was (62.93±14.06)%, which was significantly higher than that in sedimentation group (24.97±11.02)% ( P<0.01). During postoperative breast ultrasound examination, 2 breasts in sedimentation group had palpable nodules (< 6 mm), 1 breast had ultrasonically detectable but clinically inaccessible nodules (< 4 mm), while only 1 breast in the filtration-adsorption group had an oil cyst (4 mm×2 mm). The complication rate in the filtration-adsorption group was lower than that in sedimentation group[5.0%(1/20) vs. 15.0%(3/20), P>0.05]. Conclusion:The filtration-adsorption technique is an ideal method for fat grafting, which would multiply the volume retention rate in large-volume AFG breast augmentation and reduce the rate of complications.

Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of prophylactic superdrainage using superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) in delayed single-pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction.Methods:The clinical data of all patients who underwent single-pedicle DIEP flap delayed breast reconstruction in Department of Comprehensive Breast Plasty Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from May 2018 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether SIEV-internal thoracic vein anastomosis was performed, they were divided into superdrainaged group and non-superdrainaged group. The diameter of SIEV and the time required for anastomosis were recorded. The total operation time, flap ischemia time, hospital stay, the rates of flap diffuse congestion, overall complications and second operation were compared between the two groups. The relative risks of flap diffuse congestion, complications and second operation were calculated. SPSS 24.0 software was used for data analysis. Measurement data was expressed as Mean±SD, independent sample t test was used for analysis. Counting data was expressed as %, and χ2 test was used for analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 45 patients were included, including 26 patients in the non-superdrainaged group and 19 patients in the superdrainaged group. The total operation time was (7.7±1.9) h and (8.4±1.5) h, the flap ischemia time was (89.5±10.4) min and (92.6±12.3) min, and the hospital stay was (6.6±1.8) d and (6.6±2.0) d, respectively. There were no significant differences ( P>0.05). In the superdrainaged group, the diameter of SIEV was (2.5±0.3) mm, and manual suture was used. The time required for anastomosis of one SIEV was (12.2±2.3) min. The rates of diffuse congestion, recipient site complications, donor site complications and second operation were 7.7%(2/26), 15.4%(4/26), 7.7%(2/26) and 15.4%(4/26) in the non-superdrainaged group, and 0(0/19), 5.3%(1/19), 10.5%(2/19) and 5.3%(1/19) in the superdrainaged group, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups ( P>0.05). The relative risks were 3.7, 2.9, 0.7 and 2.9, respectively. Conclusion:Prophylactic superdrainage using SIEV is safe and effective. It can minimize the potential rate of diffuse venous congestion and secondary surgery, and not at the expense of increased flap ischemia time and abdominal complications in the meanwhile.

Objective:This study aimed to explore the clinical application value of the indication selection criteria for bi-pedicled deep inferior epigastric arterial perforator flap(DIEP) versus pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap(TRAM) combined with DIEP for breast reconstruction.Methods:The clinical data of patients who underwent delayed bi-pedicled abdominal flap breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery in the Department of Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery and Department of Mammoplasty, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2008 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the indications for each procedure, corresponding blood supply source was selected. Subsequently, patients were divided into two groups: bi-pedicled DIEP group and pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group according to the type of blood supply source. The indication selection criteria for pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap was as follows: lack of two groups of recipient vessels; no dominant perforator in the abdominal donor site; previous abdominal liposuction or abdominal surgery with large dissection range and severe scar; patients were unable to tolerate prolonged surgery or had high risk factors for microsurgery. A comparison of breast reconstruction surgery characteristics was conducted between the two groups. Independent-samples t-test, rank sum test, Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact probability method were used to analyze various data including age, body mass index (BMI), time interval between breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction surgery, history of radiotherapy, history of chemotherapy, history of smoking, history of lower abdominal surgery, history of hypertension, original surgical incision type, length and width of flap, hospitalization length, preoperative and postoperative conditions, as well as postoperative complications. Statistical significance was defined at P<0.05. Results:A total of 54 patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction were included in this study with a mean age of 42.2 years (range, 30-59 years). The pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group consisted of 21 patients with a mean age of 42.7 years (range, 33-56 years) while the bi-pedicled DIEP group comprised 33 patients with a mean age of 41.8 years (30-59 years). Out of the 54 patients, a total of 38 were eventually followed up, comprising 14 in the pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group and 24 in the bi-pedicled DIEP group. The average follow-up duration for the pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group was 42 months (range, 6-69 months). Abdominal bulge occurred in one patient, while another patient experienced abdominal hernia. The average follow-up duration for the bi-pedicled DIEP group was 47 months (6-179 months), with no reported cases of abdominal bulge or abdominal hernia. There were no statistically significant differences observed between the two groups regarding age, BMI, time interval between breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction surgery, history of radiotherapy or chemotherapy, history of smoking, history of lower abdominal surgery, history of hypertension, original surgical incision type, length and width of flap, hospitalization length or time to ambulation (all P>0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference noted in duration of surgery between the pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group and bi-pedicled DIEP group [6.0(5.5-6.5) hours vs. 8.5(8.0-8.8) hours] ( P<0.01). Comparison analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in terms of partial flap necrosis (0/21 vs. 1/33), abdominal incision dehiscence (2/21 vs. 2/33), abdominal bulge (1/14 vs. 0 /24) or abdominal hernia (1/1 vs. 0/24) between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:For patients who needed bilateral vascular pedicled lower abdominal wall for breast reconstruction, utilizing a pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap did not increase surgical complication risks. The proposed indication selection criteria for using a pedicled TRAM + DIEP combined flap outlined in this study could serve as guidance when choosing methods for bi-pedicled abdominal flap breast reconstruction.

Objective:To preliminarily evaluate the outcome of fat grafting breast augmentation using filtration-adsorption technique.Methods:Patients undergoing autologous fat grafting (AFG) breast augmentation between July of 2020 and March of 2021 were retrospectively reviewed at Breast Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College. Patients with complete data who followed up for at least 3 months were included. The lipoaspirates were processed with filtration-adsorption technique and AFG breast augmentation were performed (filtration-adsorption group), and then sedimentation method which was commonly used clinically was set as the control group (sedimentation group). During the follow-up, breast palpation and ultrasound inspection were performed, and the breast volumetric change between preoperative and postoperative was quantitatively compared by three-dimensional scanning technique. Demographic and surgical details were statistically analyzed. Postoperative breast volume retention rates and complication rates were calculated and compared. Normally distributed continuous variables were described in the form Mean±SD, and t-test was used for analysis. Non-normal distributed continuous variables were described in the form of M ( Q1, Q3) and analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. The classified data were analyzed by Fisher exact probability test. Results:A total of 20 female patients (40 breasts) were included, including 10 patients (20 breasts) aged (31.4±2.5) years in sedimentation group and 10 patients (20 breasts) aged (28.5±4.4) years in the filtration-adsorption group. The fat injection volume in the filtration-adsorption group was 151.1 (125.0, 175.0) ml, and 165.0 (151.3, 196.3) ml in sedimentation group, respectively, with no statistical significance ( P>0.05). The breast volume retention rate in filtration-adsorption group was (62.93±14.06)%, which was significantly higher than that in sedimentation group (24.97±11.02)% ( P<0.01). During postoperative breast ultrasound examination, 2 breasts in sedimentation group had palpable nodules (< 6 mm), 1 breast had ultrasonically detectable but clinically inaccessible nodules (< 4 mm), while only 1 breast in the filtration-adsorption group had an oil cyst (4 mm×2 mm). The complication rate in the filtration-adsorption group was lower than that in sedimentation group[5.0%(1/20) vs. 15.0%(3/20), P>0.05]. Conclusion:The filtration-adsorption technique is an ideal method for fat grafting, which would multiply the volume retention rate in large-volume AFG breast augmentation and reduce the rate of complications.

Objective:Introducing clinical application, planning strategy, and surgical tips of bipedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps in delayed breast reconstruction.Methods:A retrospective study of patients who underwent delayed breast reconstruction using bipedicled DIEP flaps from April 2015 to April 2019 at the facility of the authors was carried out. Preoperative CT angiograph was performed for evaluation of deep inferior epigastric perforators. Intraoperative indocyanine green angiography was performed for real-time flap perfusion assessment. Baseline data, information of mastectomy and adjuvant therapy, surgical details, and follow-up records were reviewed and collected for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 31 patients were enrolled, with years of 43.0 on average (range, 30 to 55). Among them 16 patients received radiotherapy (51.6%), 9 patients had lower abdominal scars due to previous surgery (29.0%), 2 patients had body mass index (BMI) lower than 20 kg/m 2(6.5%). Measurements of flaps ranged from 20 cm×8 cm to 20 cm×38 cm. The operative time was 593±94 minutes. Of the 31 flaps enrolled, 24 were DIEP/DIEP flaps, 6 were DIEP/SIEA flaps, one was SIEA/SIEA flap. Intraflap anastomoses were performed in 6 flaps. The other 25 flaps were anastomosed to separate recipients. There was no flap loss encountered. Marginal necrosis of the flap happened in one patient, fat liquefaction of the donor site occurred in four patients, which was treated with conservative debridement. Patients were followed up for 13 months on average (range, 10 to 60 months). No long-term complication was observed during the follow-up. All patients reported satisfying aesthetic outcomes. Conclusions:Bipedicled DIEP flaps provide sufficient tissue quantity and reliable blood supply. Patients with severe breast deficiency, lacking lower abdominal fat, or having abdominal midline scars were appropriate to perform this type of flaps for delayed breast reconstruction.