Objectives: . The prognostic value of the pretreatment albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in head and neck cancer (HNC) remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the predictive role of AAPR for survival outcomes in patients with HNC. Methods: . A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to July 30, 2024. We included studies on AAPR and survival outcomes in HNC patients. Results: . Eight studies comprising 1,737 HNC patients were analyzed using random-effects models. Lower AAPR values were significantly correlated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.08), progression-free survival (HR, 2.00), and disease-free survival (HR, 2.18). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results, with no significant publication bias detected. Conclusion . Our findings suggest that pretreatment AAPR could serve as a valuable and cost-effective prognostic indicator in HNC, potentially aiding clinicians in risk stratification and treatment decision-making. However, additional validation studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability.

Objective To observe the effects of the traditional Chinese medicine Qingfeihuayutongfu prescription on oxygenation index,respiratory mechanics,inflammatory markers,and immune function in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted.Sixty-eight patients with sepsis-associated ARDS,who met the TCM syndrome pattern of lung-heat transferring to intestines syndrome,admitted to the department of intensive care unit(ICU)of the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine between January 2023 and January 2024,were enrolled as study subjects.Patients were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group using a random number table,with 34 patients in each group.Four patients dropped out from each group,resulting in 30 patients being analyzed in each group.Both groups received conventional Western medical treatment after admission.The experimental group additionally received Qingfeihuayutongfu prescription[composition:Scutellaria baicalensis 10 g,Mori Cortex 10 g,Descurainiae Semen 15 g,Trichosanthis Fructus 10 g,Lumbricus 10 g,Persicae Semen 10 g,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix 10 g,Curcumae Rhizoma 6 g,Rheum palmatum 3 g(decocted later),Aurantii Fructus Immaturus 10 g,Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex 10 g,Glycyrrhizae Radix praeparata 3 g].The decoction was concentrated to 100 mL per bag.One dose was administered daily,divided into 2 nasogastric feedings.The control group received an equivalent volume of warm water twice daily via nasogastric tube in addition to conventional Western treatment.Treatment continued for 7 days in both groups.Differences in oxygenation index,respiratory mechanics parameters,inflammatory cytokines,and immune cell levels before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.Results Prior to treatment,no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in oxygenation index,respiratory mechanics parameters,levels of inflammatory cytokines or immune cell counts.Following treatment,both groups exhibited a significant increase in oxygenation index and natural killer cell(NK cell),alongside significant decreases in plateau pressure(Pplat),driving pressure(ΔP),hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),procalcitonin(PCT),interleukins(IL-6,IL-8,IL-1β),tumour necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and CD4+/CD8+ratio compared to baseline.Post-treatment comparison between groups revealed that the experimental group had a significantly higher oxygenation index and NK cell than the control group[oxygenation index(mmHg,1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa):331.32±90.89 vs.238.64±83.26,NK cell:0.20(0.12,0.25)vs.0.10(0.08,0.19),both P<0.05].Conversely,the experimental group demonstrated significantly lower values than the control group for Pplat,ΔP,hs-CRP,PCT,IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α,CD4+/CD8+[Pplat(cmH2O,1 cmH2O≈0.098 kPa):16(15,19)vs.22(19,24),ΔP(cmH2O):11±2 vs.14±3,hs-CRP(mg/L):21.32(11.63,31.84)vs.41.36(17.41,89.02),PCT(μg/L):0.13(0.08,0.21)vs.0.45(0.14,1.35),IL-6(ng/L):16.25(10.72,49.96)vs.66.70(25.82,195.64),IL-8(ng/L):5.48(0.84,12.60)vs.26.23(23.10,50.16),TNF-α(ng/L):0.77(0.72,1.20)vs.1.10(0.92,1.48),CD4+/CD8+:1.76(1.43,2.00)vs.2.12(1.77,4.03),all P<0.05].Conclusion The Qingfeihuayutongfu prescription can effectively improves the oxygenation index,reduces Pplat and ΔP,mitigates inflammation,and modulates immune function in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis-associated ARDS.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Sangma Zhike Formula(SMZKF)for relieving cough sensitivity and airway inflammation in rats with postinfectious cough(PIC).Methods Male SD rat models were established by cigarette smoke exposure with intranasal LPS instillation and capsaicin aerosol inhalation.From day 19 following the start of PIC modeling,the rats received daily treatment with saline(model group),low-,medium-,and high-dose SMZKF,and compound methoxyphenamine(ASM)via gavage for 10 consecutive days(n=8).The assessments included behavioral changes,cough sensitivity(latency and frequency),lung histopathology,inflammatory cell counts and cytokine/mediator levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),oxidative stress markers in the lung tissue,and expressions of proteins related with cough hypersensitivity and pyroptosis.Results The rat models of PIC exhibited reduced mental alertness,accelerated respiration,and pronounced symptoms such as coughing,sneezing,and facial scratching with significantly shortened cough latency and increased 5-min cough frequency.Histopathological analysis revealed collapsed alveolar structures,thickened alveolar septa,and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the bronchi and peribronchial regions,accompanied by elevated bronchial and alveolar inflammation scores of the rat models.In the BALF,inflammatory cell counts and the levels of IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6,COX-2,PGE-2,and TXA-2 were all markedly elevated,and the pulmonary oxidative stress markers(ROS and MDA)and myeloperoxidase(MPO)activity were also significantly increased.The pulmonary expressions of cough hypersensitivity-related proteins(TRPV1,SP,CGRP,and NK1R)and pyroptosis-associated markers(P-NF-κB,NLRP3,ACS,cleaved caspase-1,cleaved IL-1β,and GSDMD-N)were significantly upregulated in the model group.SMZKF interventions significantly ameliorated these pathological changes in the rat models,and high-dose SMZKF produced a similar therapeutic efficacy to that of ASM.Conclusion SMZKF alleviates cough sensitivity and airway inflammation in PIC rats possibly by inhibiting TRPV1-mediated SP/NK1R signaling and the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical phenotypes and genetic characteristics of a child with Acid-labile subunit deficiency (ALS). METHODS: A male child diagnosed with ALS at Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital in March 2021 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of his family was collected. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the child and his parents. Following extraction of genomic DNA, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was carried out, and Sanger sequencing was used for family verification of candidate variants. Based on guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the pathogenicity of the candidate variant was classified. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the hospital (Ethics No.: 2020-6). RESULTS: The patient, a 5-year-and-7-month-old boy, presented with short stature and delayed bone age. Endocrine examinations showed decreased serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP3). WES revealed that he has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the IGFALS gene, namely c.741_742del, p.Y248Pfs83 and c.272del, p.P91Rfs31. Sanger sequencing verified that the variants were inherited from his father and mother, respectively. According to the ACMG guidelines, c.741_742del, p.Y248Pfs83 and c.272del, p.P91Rfs31 variants were classified as likely pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_supporting). Based on the pre-set literature search strategy, 11 research literature on ALS were retrieved, which involved a total of 33 families and 62 patients. Combined with the patient in this study, 31 IGFALS gene variants were identified among the 63 patients, which mainly consisted of missense variants (20 types), with variant sites concentrated in exon 2. The main clinical features were short stature in conjunct with delayed puberty, with a significant genotype-phenotype correlation. CONCLUSION The IGFALS gene variants NM_004970.2: c.741_742del, p.Y248Pfs83 and c.272del, p.P91Rfs31 may be the genetic etiology in this family. This study has expanded the variant spectrum of the IGFALS gene and provided valuable information for the diagnosis, genetic counseling and clinical treatment of the disease.
Humans ; Male ; Phenotype ; Child, Preschool ; Carrier Proteins/genetics* ; Glycoproteins/deficiency* ; Exome Sequencing ; Female ; Mutation ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/metabolism* ; Growth Disorders/genetics*

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective To understand the current situation of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in China,pro-vide data support and decision-making basis for formulating scientific and effective strategies for HAI prevention and control.Methods A nationwide cross-sectional survey on HAI was conducted among various types and levels of medical institutions in China according to a unified protocol of bedside surveys and case investigations.Results In 2024,a total of 5 736 medical institutions and 2 751 765 patients were surveyed.Among them,34 889 HAI cases were identified,with a prevalence rate of 1.27％.The number of HAI episodes was 38 032,and case prevalence rate was 1.38％.The prevalence rate of HAI in medical institutions in different regions of China ranged from 0.66％to 2.35％.Among medical institutions of different scales,those with a bed capacity of ≥900 had the high-est incidence of HAI,reaching 1.65％.The most common infection site was the lower respiratory tract(44.66％),followed by the urinary tract(12.94％),surgical site(9.32％),upper respiratory tract(7.02％),and bloodstream infection(5.78％).The top 3 departments with the highest HAI rates were the general intensive care unit(10.02％),department of neurosurgery(5.51％),and department(group)of hematology(5.34％).A total of 23 238 strains of HAI pathogens were detected,with 10 714 strains(46.10％)from lower respiratory tract speci-mens.The top 5 detected strains were Klebsiella pneumoniae(14.76％),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(13.33％),Escherichia coli(12.79％),Acinetobacter baumannii(9.23％),and Staphylococcus aureus(7.88％).231 944 pa-tients underwent class Ⅰ incision surgery were monitored,with 1 647 cases experienced surgical site infection,and the prevalence rate of surgical site infection was 0.71％.The number of patients who should undergo pathogen de-tection(patients receiving therapeutic and therapeutic combined prophylactic antimicrobial agents)was 715 179,while the actual number was 480 492,with a pathogen detection rate of 67.18％.425 225 patients received patho-genic detection before treatment,with a detection rate of 59.46％.Conclusion The overall HAI prevalence in Chi-na is lower,showing disparities among medical institutions of different regions and scales.Therefore,precise imple-mentation of measures is necessary for HAI prevention and control,with a focus on high-risk institutions and high-risk departments,key areas,and critical procedures.All levels of medical institutions should continuously reduce the incidence of HAI by strengthening monitoring,standardizing the use of antimicrobial agents,and reinforcing basic HAI prevention and control measures.

Objective:To analyze the association between standardized management of clinical research, initiated by investigators and guided by clinical research management policies in healthcare institutions, and changes in the research behavior of graduate students.Methods:Theses related to cardiovascular health published by graduate students in the Sichuan-Chongqing region of China between January 2019 and June 2024 were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database. Multilevel models were used to analyze changes in ethical compliance awareness, research methodology standardization, and academic collaboration of graduate students before and after policy implementation. Using Shapiro Wilk test and percentage representation.Results:Among the 712 theses included in this study, the proportion of studies with ethical review reports increased from 44.50% to 55.32% following the implementation of standardized management [odds ratio ( OR)=1.80, P=0.017]. Standardized management significantly improved the quality scores of cross-sectional studies and randomized controlled trials ( P<0.001), as well as significantly increased the frequencies of multi-center collaboration ( OR=2.84, P=0.001) and intra-provincial collaboration ( OR=2.80, P=0.001). Conclusions:Standardized clinical research management shows significant association with positive changes in the research behavior of graduate students. Further optimization of management measures is recommended to comprehensively enhance the clinical research capabilities of graduate students.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-and medium-term efficacy of posterior medial branch block in the treatment of persistent pain after percutaneous vertebral augmentation. METHODS: From January 2018 to January 2023, a total of 1, 062 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures underwent percutaneous vertebral augmentation. Among them, 32 elderly patients who experienced persistent low back pain after surgery and subsequently received posterior medial branch block and cryoablation were included. Six patients died during follow-up, leaving 26 patients for final analysis (1 male, 25 females). The mean age was (82.96±5.66) years (ranged, 76 to 94 years). The mean body mass index was (23.76±3.08) kg·m^-2(ranged 18.1 to 27.2 kg·m^-2). The bone mineral density T-value ranged from -2.5 to -4.3 with a mean of (-3.09±0.56). The mean volume of bone cement injected was 6.00 (5.38, 7.00) ml. Fracture locations were T₁₁ (2 cases), T₁₂ (7 cases), L₁ (10 cases), L₂ (6 cases), and L₃ (1 case). The mean interval from vertebral augmentation to block treatment was (7.12±2.22) months (rangd 6 to 12 months). The vertebral augmentation procedures were percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP) in 12 cases and percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in 14 cases. At the 2nd week, 3rd month, and 6th month after the block, the numerical rating scale(NRS), Oswestry disability index(ODI), patient satisfaction, and pain relief rate at the 6th month were evaluated. Relationships between pain relief rate at the 6th month after the last treatment and possible influencing factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with X-ray films after percutaneous vertebral augmentation, the X-ray films before block showed an increase in kyphotic angle and vertebral compression rate, with statistically significant differences(P<0.05). At the 2nd week, 3rd month, and 6th month after posterior medial branch block and cryoablation, NRS and ODI scores were significantly lower than before the block(P<0.05). Among the 26 patients, 5 received additional cryoablation. At the 6th month after the last treatment, 19 patients reported excellent or good satisfaction. Univariate binary Logistic analysis showed all P>0.05, and no independent factor affecting final satisfaction or pain relief at 6 months after the last treatment was identified. CONCLUSION Posterior medial branch block(with cryoablation) can effectively improve short-and medium-term symptoms and function in patients with persistent axial low back pain after percutaneous vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral fractures.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Spinal Fractures/surgery* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Osteoporotic Fractures/surgery* ; Vertebroplasty/adverse effects* ; Nerve Block/methods*

Surgical methods for varicocele remain controversial. This study intends to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different surgical approaches for treating varicocele through a network meta-analysis (NMA). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were thoroughly searched. In total, 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 24 cohort studies were included, covering 9 different surgical methods. Pairwise meta-analysis and NMA were performed by means of random-effects models, and interventions were ranked based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). According to the SUCRA, microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy (MSV; 91.6%), microsurgical retroperitoneal varicocelectomy (MRV; 78.2%), and microsurgical inguinal varicocelectomy (MIV; 76.7%) demonstrated the highest effectiveness in reducing postoperative recurrence rates. In this study, sclerotherapy embolization (SE; 87.2%), MSV (77.9%), and MIV (67.7%) showed the best results in lowering the risk of hydrocele occurrence. MIV (82.9%), MSV (75.9%), and coil embolization (CE; 58.7%) were notably effective in increasing sperm motility. Moreover, CE (76.7%), subinguinal approach varicocelectomy (SV; 69.2%), and SE (55.7%) were the most effective in increasing sperm count. SE (82.5%), transabdominal laparoscopic varicocelectomy (TLV; 76.5%), and MRV (52.7%) were superior in shortening the length of hospital stay. The incidence rates of adverse events for MRV (0), SE (3.3%), and MIV (4.1%) were notably low. Cluster analyses indicated that MSV was the most effective in the treatment of varicocele. Based on the existing evidence, MSV may represent the optimal choice for varicocele surgery. However, selecting clinical surgical strategies requires consideration of various factors, including patient needs, surgeon experience, and the learning curve.
Humans ; Male ; Embolization, Therapeutic/methods* ; Microsurgery/methods* ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Sclerotherapy/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male/methods* ; Varicocele/surgery*

AIM To optimize the cellulase-assisted ultrasound extraction process for total flavonoids from Plumbago zeylanica L.,and to evaluate their anti-oxidant activity.METHODS With extraction time,liquid-solid ratio,cellulase addition amount,extraction temperature and ultrasonic power as influencing factors,extraction rate of total flavonoids as an evaluation index,the extraction process was optimized by response surface method on the basis of single factor test.Subsequently,The scavenging rates of extract on DPPH,ABTS and OH free radicals were determined.RESULTS The optimal conditions were determined to be 34∶1 for liquid-solid ratio,3％for cellulase addition amount,51 ℃ for extraction temperature,38 min for extraction time,and 400 W for ultrasonic power,the extraction rate of total flavonoids was(33.411±0.97)％.The IC50 values of three free radicals were 0.13,0.042,3.29 mg/mL,respectively.CONCLUSION This reasonable and reliable method can be used for the cellulase-assisted ultrasound extraction of total flavonoids from P.zeylanica with strong anti-oxidant activity.